THE MUDDLE FAMILIES

 

THE KENT MUDDLE FAMILIES THE HARRIETSHAM MUDDLES

 

Chart of William & Ann/Sarah/Jane Muddle's Family

 

William and Ann’s eldest child, one of twins, was John B Muddle who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State on 8 November 1847. In the census of 1 June 1850, enumerated on 11 September, John, at the age of nearly 3, was living with his parents in Albany. Then in the census of 1 June 1860, enumerated on 26 January 1861, John, now aged 12, was living with his father and stepmother in Albany and he was going to school. In the census of 1 June 1870, enumerated on 11 July, John, at the age of 22, was working as a machinist and living with his widowed stepmother in Albany.

John became a member of the Mountaineer Lodge, No. 321, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows on 27 January 1873, only 8 months after the founding of this lodge in Albany on 16 May 1872. The 29 June and 28 December 1875 and 28 June 1888 issues of the Albany Evening Journal all reported John B Muddle being elected one of the officers of Mountaineer Lodge. The 1878 and 1880 editions of the Albany City Directory both listed John B Muddle as one of the members of the Board of Relief of the Odd Fellows Funeral Aid Association of the County of Albany. The 16 May 1910 issue of the Albany Evening Journal in a report on members of the Odd Fellows being presented with jewels for 25 years membership on the 38th anniversary of the founding of the lodge noted that John B Muddle was one of those members who had previously been presented with this jewel for 25 years membership.

From at least 1876 John was an active member of the local Republican Party; in the Albany Evening Journal of the 10 April 1876 it was reported that John B Muddle was to be one of the Republican witnesses in Ward 10 of Albany during the coming elections for city officers. Over the following 18 years there were several reports in the Albany Evening Journal about John being a Republican delegate, inspector, etc. in Ward 10; the last report being the issue of 9 January 1894. Then from a report in the Albany Evening Journal of 14 December 1897 John was recorded as holding local Republican positions, such as executive committee member, delegate, secretary, etc. in Ward 19 of Albany, and there were other reports of positions in Ward 19 until the last one in the Albany Evening Journal of 14 September 1909 when John was secretary.

In about 1875 John married Ella, who had been born in New York State in about 1855. They had six children, three of whom died young. Their first child, a son, was born in New York State on 7 September 1878. In the census of 1 June 1880, enumerated on 9 June, John and Ella and their young son were lodging with James and Elizabeth Cary at 25 West Street in Gloversville, Fulton County, New York State, and John was a machinist who had been out of work for 12 months.

Their other two known children, both sons, were born in New York State on 29 August 1880 and 14 January 1888. Though they were in Gloversville in the 1880 census it seems likey that they lived most of the time in Albany. The Albany City Directory for the three years 1889 to 1891 listed John Muddle as a machinist living at 304 Sherman Street in Albany, and his brother Albert was living next-door at 306 Sherman Street at this time. Then the Albany City Directory for the years 1896 and 1899 both listed John as a machinist living at 445 Central Avenue in Albany

They would have been living at 467 Central Avenue in Albany in May 1900 as that is where their son John was then recorded as living in a newspaper report. In the census of 15 April 1910, enumerated on 27 April, John and Ella and their youngest son were living at 608 Central Avenue in Albany, which they rented; John was a machinist at an electric works who had been out of work during the whole of 1909 but was now in employment, and they had three lodgers. This census recorded that Ella had given birth to 6 children and 3 were still alive. The three that had died had probably been born between about 1882 and 1886.

John died on 14 August 1912, at the age of 64. His death was reported in the Albany Evening Journal of 15 August 1912:

JOHN B. MUDDLE DEAD.

John B. Muddle, twin brother of William Muddle of Gloversville, died yesterday at his home 608 Central avenue, this city, aged 64. He was overcome by the heat early in July, and this was followed by a stroke … apoplexy which … caused his death.

The Albany Evening Journal of 23 April 1915 reported that Ella Muddle had died on 6 April 1915 leaving a personal estate of $1,000 and that letters of administration had been granted to her son John B Muddle, who shares the estate with his two brothers, Allen J Muddle and William J Muddle. Ella was then about 60 years old.

 

Their children were:

John Brasure 1878-?  Allen Jay 1880-?  William Jay 1888-?

 

John and Ella’s eldest child was John Brasure Muddle who had been born in New York State, probably in Albany, Albany County, on 7 September 1878. In the census of 1 June 1880, enumerated on 9 June, John, at the age of 1, was living with his parents at 25 West Street in Gloversville, Fulton County, New York State. Then the Albany Evening Journal of 27 November 1894 reported on Albany court proceedings that day:

John Muddle’s name was called. He stood up, a blond-haired boy, dressed in blue, as his mother tapped him on the elbow. He was charged with stealing a newspaper, and a Democratic newspaper at that, from the stoop of a house. He was immediately discharged.

The comment that it was a Democratic newspaper was a reference to John’s father being an active member of the local Republican Party. A few years later John, like his father, was to become an active member of the local Republican Party; the Albany Evening Journal of 29 October 1900 reporting that John B Muddle jr. was to be one of the secretaries at the coming Republican mass meeting in Harmanus Bleecker Hall. Then the Albany Evening Journal of 15 September 1903 reported that John Muddle jr. was a member of the executive committee of the Republican Election District Association for the Third District of Ward 19 of Albany.

The Albany City Directory of 1899 listed John B Muddle jr. as a cigarmaker living with his parents at 445 Central Avenue in Albany. The Albany Evening Journal of 15 May 1900 reported that John Muddell of 467 Central Avenue in Albany was one of five people arrested on the Schenectady Cycle Path for riding without having a badge of the year attached to their wheel in the proper place.

John, like his father, became a member of the Mountaineer Lodge, No. 321, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows The Albany Evening Journal of 7 January 1902 reported that John Muddle jr. had been made an officer of the Mountaineer Lodge and the Albany Evening Journal of 15 February 1902 reported that at a meeting of the Mountaineer Lodge John Muddle jr. was appointed as one of the committee that was to arrange a ball and social for the ladies’ auxiliary.

In about 1903 John married Hattie, who had been born in New York State in about 1881. They had one child, a daughter, who was born in 1905.

The Albany Evening Journal of 28 May 1909 reported that John B Muddle jr. of 110 Ontario Street in Albany was one of forty-five men that the night before took the examination to be a call hoseman with the bureau of fire (this is a part-time fireman that would be known as a retained fireman in the UK). Then the Albany Evening Journal of 30 October 1909 reported that John B Muddle had been appointed a call hoseman the day before and assigned to Steamer Three. Three years later the Albany Evening Journal of 24 July 1912 reported that John B Muddle jr. was one of 105 applicants who took the civil service examination for call hoseman in the common council chamber the night before.

In the New York State census of 1915 John, Hattie and their daughter were living in Albany. When his mother died in 1915 John was granted administration of her estate of $1,000 that he shared with his two brothers.

The Albany Evening Journal of 19 June 1917 reported that the United Traction motormen and conductors of the Quail Street Division had given a send-off to four of their fellow employees, who had enlisted the Marines to fight in the First World War, with a parade to the railway station that had been arranged by John O’Neil, foreman at the Quail Street Barn, and John Muddle, one of his assistants. The Albany Evening Journal of 25 May 1918 published a long list of those on Roster No. 4 of the War Chest Campaign Fund which included John B Muddle of 318 Central Avenue. When John registered for the First World War draft on 12 September 1918 he was described as being of medium height and stout build with blue eyes and light hair; to be a motorman working for the United Traction Co at Quail Street in Albany, and living with his wife at 318 Central Avenue in Albany.

In the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 9 January, John, Hattie and their daughter were living at 318 Central Avenue in Albany; which they rented; John was motorman on a trolley car and they had three lodgers. The Albany Evening Journal of 17 November 1923 reported that at 2.30 that afternoon on Grand Street near Madison Avenue the police, as part of their crackdown on bootlegging, had seized a truck driven by John Muddle of 469 Orange Street that was partly loaded with beer. The Albany Directory of 1927 listed John B Muddle as a truckman living at 469 Orange Street. In the census of 1 April 1930, enumerated on 14 April, John, Hattie and their daughter were living at 469 Orange Street in Albany; John was a truckman working for himself and they owned their home, which was valued at $4500. John placed a number of small adverts for his trucking business in the classified adverts section of the Albany Evening Journal between 1924 and 1931, for expert local and long distance moving, giving his address as 469 Orange Street.

 

John and Hattie’s only child was Helen M Muddle who was born in New York State, probably in Albany, Albany County, on 29 May 1905. When she was 7 years old Helen was one of the pupils of School No. 4 that were reported by the Albany Evening Journal of 22 June 1912 to be taking part in a dance in Washington Park as part of the 4th July celebrations. In the New York State census of 1915 Helen was living with her parents in Albany. The Albany Evening Journal of 17 September 1918 reported that a swimming party was to be given that evening in Bath No. 3 by Misses Margaret Zeilman and Helen Muddle; Helen was then 13 years old. In the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 9 January, Helen, at the age of 14, was living with her parents at 318 Central Avenue in Albany. When she was 16 years old the Albany Evening Journal of 20 June 1921 reported that Helen M Muddle was one of the pupils graduating from School No.21.

Helen was a member of the Alpha Chapter of the Delta Phi Sigma Sorority of Albany and she was reported as attending sorority dances in the 14 April 1923, Feb 1924 and 7 December 1926 issues of the Albany Evening Journal. In the 17 August 1927 issue of the Albany Evening Journal it was reported that Miss Helen Muddle and Miss Irene McLaughlin had returned from Lake George and Canada, and then in the issue of 12 September 1929 it was reported that Miss Ann Leonard of Lark Street and Miss Helen Muddle of Orange Street had recently returned from three weeks at Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, and New York City. In the census of 1 April 1930, enumerated on 14 April, Helen, now aged 24, was working as a clerk for the State Government and she was living with her parents at 469 Orange Street in Albany.

When she was 30 years old Helen married 31-year-old William N Ashman in Manhattan on 8 June 1935. William was the son of George and Catherine Ashman; he had been born in Pennsylvania on 21 November 1903 and in the censuses of 1920 and 1930 he was living with his parents in Schenectady, Schenectady County, New York State. William died at Schenectady during December 1985.[1] Then three months later Helen died at Schenectady during March 1986.[2]

 

John and Ella’s second child was Allen Jay Muddle who had been born in New York State, probably in Albany, Albany County, on 29 August 1880. In about 1907 Allen married Frances, who had been born in New York State in about 1881 to Irish born parents. Allen and Frances had two children, both daughters; the first was born in Albany in about 1909. In the census of 15 April 1910, enumerated on 27 April, Allen, Frances and their young daughter were living in part of 463 Central Avenue in Albany, which they rented, and John was working as a machinist. Their second child was born in about 1913. In the New York State census of 1915 Allen, Frances and their two daughters were living in Albany.

When his mother died in 1915 Allen inherited a third share of her estate of $1,000. The Albany Evening Journal of 3 December 1915 reported that A J Muddle was one of those who had parts in the novelty minstrel show put on by the Men’s Bowling Club of the Third Reform Church at the Delaware Avenue Theatre.

When Allen registered for the First World War draft on 12 September 1918 he was described as being of medium height and build with blue eyes and light hair, and to be living with his wife at 152 Bradford Street in Albany.

In the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 5 January, all four of them were living in part of 152 Bradford Street in Albany, which they rented, and Allen was a machinist in a railroad shop. The Albany Directory of 1927 listed Allen J Muddle as living at 783 Livingston Avenue. In the census of 1 April 1930, enumerated on 7 April, Allen and Frances were living at 783 Livingston Avenue in Albany, which they rented at $21 per month, and Allen was now working as an ashman.

 

Allen and Frances’ eldest child was Anna E Muddle who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State in about 1909. In the census of 15 April 1910, enumerated on 27 April, Anna, at the age of 1, was living with her parents in part of 463 Central Avenue in Albany. Then in the New York State census of 1915 Anna was living with her parents in Albany. In the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 5 January, Anna, now aged 10, was living with her parents in part of 152 Bradford Street in Albany, and she was attending school.

 

Allen and Frances’ second child was Ella M Muddle who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State in about 1913. In the New York State census of 1915 Anna was living with her parents in Albany. Then in the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 5 January, Ella, at the age of 6, was living with her parents in part of 152 Bradford Street in Albany, and she was attending school. It was reported in a 1922 issue of the Albany Evening Journal that Allen J Muddle had initiated an action against John Jackowski for injuries sustained by his daughter Ella, aged 9, when she was knocked down by an automobile owned by Jackowski on 24 September 1922 while she was on the crosswalk at Central and Lake Avenues.

 

John and Ella’s third known child was William Jay Muddle who had been born in Albany, Albany County, New York State on 14 January 1888. In the census of 15 April 1910, enumerated on 27 April, William, at the age of 22, was working as a machinist in an electric works and living with his parents at 608 Central Avenue in Albany. When he was 24 years old William married 21-year-old Leah Zoellner at the West End Presbyterian Church on 27 May 1912. Leah was the daughter of James and Katherine Zoellner; she had been born in New York State, either on 19 July 1890 as recorded on the Social Security Death Index or May 1891 as recorded on the 1900 census. This marriage was reported in the Albany Evening Journal of 28 May 1912:

MUDDLE – ZOELLNER

Miss Leah Zoellner, daughter of Mrs. James C. Zoellner of 670 Central avenue, and William J. Muddle were married yesterday noon by the Rev. J. Wallace Young of the West End Presbyterian church. The bride wore a travelling gown of tan whipcord with a hemp hat trimmed with blue. The attendants were Miss Jane Zoellner, sister of the bride; Miss Florence Peters, Edward Zoellner, brother of the bride, and Peter Le Point. Miss Peters wore a brown suit with hat and Miss Zoellner a tan suit with hat to match. A wedding dinner followed at the home of the bride’s mother, and later Mr. and Mrs. Muddle left for New York. On their return they will live in Schenectady.

William and Leah’s first child, a daughter, was born in Albany in early 1913. In the New York State census of 1915 William and Leah were living in Albany. When his mother died in 1915 William inherited a third share of her estate of $1,000.

When William registered for the First World War draft on 5 June 1917 he was described as being tall in height and slender in build with blue eyes and light hair; to be an inspector working for the General Electric Co in Schenectady, New York State, and to be living at 33 Lincoln Avenue in Albany. He claimed exemption from the draft as he had two dependents and was working on government contracts.

Leah was a member of the West End Sowing Circle/Club of Albany. The Albany Evening Journal of 5 December 1917 reported that the Sowing Circle met last night at the home of Mrs William Muddle of Lincoln Avenue. Then the issues of the Albany Evening Journal of 15 January 1918 and 23 April 1918 reported that Mrs William Muddle attended meetings of the Sowing Club the previous evenings. The issues of the Albany Evening Journal of 9 April 1918 and 4 May 1918 reported that Mrs William Muddle was a guest at two different social events arranged in honour of Miss Marion Ross, who was soon to marry. The i>Albany Evening Journal of 23 April 1918 also reported that Mr and Mrs William Muddle of Lincoln Avenue were preparing to take up their residence in Schenectady.

In the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 20 January, William, Leah and their daughter were living at 121 Wallace Street in Scotia Village, Glenville Township, Schenectady County, New York State, and William was a foreman at an electric works. Their other two children were born at Scotia, on 25 October 1920 and 24 September 1924. In the census of 1 April 1930, enumerated on 4 April, William and Leah and their three children were living at 251 Ballston Avenue in Scotia, which they owned and was valued at $6200, and William was a machinist for a radio transmission company. Leah was living at Scotia when the death of her father on 5 May 1933 was reported in the Albany Evening Journal.

The 30 March 1950 issue of The Lyons Republican & Clyde Times reported that Mrs Leah Muddle was visiting her daughter, Mrs Oliff Noxon, and family at Schenectady. Then the issue of 12 October 1950 reported that Mrs Leah Muddle of Newark had been the weekend guest of Rev. and Mrs James Muddle at Marion, and the issue of 22 March 1951 reported that Mrs Leah Muddle had spent the weekend with her son, Rev. Muddle, and Mrs Muddle at Marion. The issue of 17 May 1951 reported that Mrs Leah Muddle was spending two weeks vacation with relatives in Schenectady; followed by the issue of 12 February reporting Leah spending two weeks in Schenectady and the issue of 25 March 1954 reporting that Leah had spent the weekend with relatives in Schenectady. The 3 June 1954 issue of The Lyons Republican & Clyde Times reported that Leah was spending a vacation with relatives at Schenectady and the Thousand Islands. Leah was living at Schenectady in Schenectady County, New York State when she died during October 1968, at the age of 78.[3]

 

William and Leah’s eldest child was Eleanor Mae Muddle who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State on 30 March 1913. The Albany Evening Journal of 7 June 1917 in a report on a recital that was to be given by pupils reported:

The youngest pupil this year is Eleanor May Muddle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Muddle of this city, who has just passed her fourth birthday. She will play in the juvenile class at the first recital.

In about April 1918 Eleanor moved with her parents to 121 Wallace Street in Scotia Village, Glenville Township, Schenectady County, New York State, and this was where Eleanor, at the age of 6, was living with her parents in the census of 1 January 1920, that was enumerated on 20 January. Then in the census of 1 April 1930, enumerated on 4 April, Eleanor, now aged 17, was living with her parents at 251 Ballston Avenue in Scotia.

When she was 19 years old Eleanor married 20-year-old Oliff D Noxon on 6 August 1932. Oliff was the son of Harry and Martha Noxon and he had been born in New York State on 4 July 1912. In the 1930 census he was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents in Fulton, Schoharie County, New York State. Oliff and Eleanor had three children born between 1933 and 1946. On 14 April 1949 Eleanor became a member of the Bellevue Reform Church. The Lyons Republican & Clyde Times of 30 March 1950 reported that Mrs Leah Muddle was visiting her daughter, Mrs Oliff Noxon, and family at Schenectady. It was in 1950 that Oliff and Eleanor divorced. Oliff married again and had nine more children; he died on 13 February 1991, at the age of 78.[4]

Eleanor's eldest son joined the U S Air Force in 1951 and her daughter married in 1955. This left just her youngest son still at home and in the late 1950s Eleanor started working as a Law Librarian for the Schenectady County Court, a position she remained in for over 20 years. Eleanor married J Howard Smith on 14 April 1963, but Howard was ill at the time of the marriage and died just 7 months later, on 17 November 1963. Eleanor had her youngest son at home until his marriage in 1966 and also her mother, whom she took care of until her death in 1968.

In the late 1970s Eleanor retired from her job as a Law Librarian and moved from her home on Evergreen Boulevard in Scotia to a small apartment in Scotia. Eleanor met Alois Raag, known as Al, in 1978 and wanted someone to spend time with, to travel and enjoy retirement. Alois, whose wife had passed away around 1975, was alone and wanted many of the same things Eleanor was looking for in her retirement, so they married on 16 August 1980. For the next three years they enjoyed life together living in Scotia until Alois died on 8 January 1984, at the age of 79, he had been born on 19 July 1904.[5]

In 1985 Eleanor moved from Scotia to Pleasanton, California, to be near her daughter and her granddaughter; this resulted in Eleanor and her granddaughter living together for the next twenty odd years, with Eleanor being the chief cook and bottle washer and her granddaughter being Eleanor's head nurse and sole mate, and the one who kept Eleanor going until her death. Eleanor was living at 510 Onslow Court in Boiling Springs near Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, South Carolina when she died at home on 11 March 2009, at the age of 95.[6] Eleanor, whose obituary was published in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal of 13 March 2009, had five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren at the time of her death.

 

William and Leah’s second child was James Muddle who was born in Scotia, Schenectady County, New York State on 25 October 1920. In the census of 1 April 1930, enumerated on 4 April, James, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at 251 Ballston Avenue in Scotia Village, Glenville Township, Schenectady County, New York State. When he was 28 years old James married 26-year-old Edith June Kuezicek at Berwyn, Cook County, Illinois on 11 June 1949. Edith was the daughter of Otto Kuezicek and she had been born on 21 June 1922. The Lyons Republican & Clyde Times of 30 June 1949 reported:

MARION

Mr. and Mrs. James Muddell arrived Saturday and are getting settled in the First Reformed Church parsonage. He will be ordained and installed as pastor of the church, July 7.

Then The Lyons Republican & Clyde Times of 7 July 1949 reported:

MARION

Rev. James Muddle will preach his first sermon as pastor of Marion First Reformed Church on July 10. Rev. Muddle was born in Scotia, N. Y., in 1920. He graduated from Scotia High School in 1939 and attended Hope College from 1940 to 1942. After which he spent two years in the armed service, following which he completed his college course in 1946. While in college he was vice president of the senior class and athletic manager for two years. He graduated from Western Seminary in 1949, was examined by the Schenectady Classis on May 31 and will be ordained for the ministry on July 7, and installed as pastor of the First Reformed Church at that time. He married Miss Edith Kuezicek, June 11, 1949, at Benwyne, Ill.

The Lyons Republican & Clyde Times of 11 May 1950 and 1 February 1951 both reported that Mrs James Muddle was then visiting her parents, Mr and Mrs Otto Kenezicek/Knezicek at Berwyn, Illinois. (This shows that there is some confusion over the exact spelling of Edith’s maiden name.) The Lyons Republican & Clyde Times of 12 October 1950 reported that James’ mother with grandchildren Carol and William Noxon, and Miss Jane Zoellner all visited James and Edith for the weekend, and then the issue of 22 March 1951 reported that James’ mother had spent the weekend with them.

The Lyons Republican & Clyde Times of 26 January 1950 reported that the Rev. James Muddle had been named chairman in Marion of a county-wide Heart Fund Campaign. Then the issue of 25 May 1950 reported that the Rev. James Muddle of Marion was elected as one of the board members of the Wayne County Tuberculosis and Public Health Association for a term of three years. Followed by the issue of 28 May 1953 reporting that James had been re-elected for another three years.

By 1957 James was no longer pastor at the First Reformed Church in Marion because the Palmyra Courier Journal of 11 July 1957 reported that two couples had just returned from a visit to the former pastor of the First Reformed Church in Marion, Rev James Muddle, and his wife at Berwyn, Illinois, and that the Muddles had just adopted a four-weeks-old infant. James was living at Hickman in Lancaster County, Nebraska when he died during September 1978, at the age of 57.[7] Thirty years later Edith was living at Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska when she died on 7 November 2008, at the age of 86.[8]

 

William and Leah’s third child was Katherine Jane Muddle who was born in Scotia, Schenectady County, New York State on 24 September 1924. In the census of 1 April 1930, enumerated on 4 April, Katherine, at the age of 5, was living with her parents at 251 Ballston Avenue in Scotia Village, Glenville Township, Schenectady County, New York State. Katherine married a McKay and she was living at Lancaster, Los Angeles, California when she died on 4 September 1996, at the age of 71.[9]

 

William and Ann’s second child, one of twins, was William James Muddle, known as James by his family, who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State on 8 November 1847. In the census of 1 June 1850, enumerated on 11 September, William, at the age of nearly 3, was living with his parents in Albany. Then in the census of 1 June 1860, enumerated on 26 January 1861, William, now aged 12, was living with his father and stepmother in Albany and he was going to school. In the census of 1 June 1870, enumerated on 11 July, William, at the age of 22, was working as a bookbinder and living with his widowed stepmother in Albany.

In about 1872 William married Celinda Lord, who was the daughter of Henry Lord and Phoebe Paul, and had been born at Barkerville, Saratoga County, New York State on 2 March 1848. William and Celinda’s first two children, both sons, were born in Albany in 1873 and 1875, they then moved to Gloversville, Fulton County, New York State where their next two children, again both sons, were born in 1877 and 1879. In the census of 1 June 1880, enumerated on 11 June, they were living in Gloversville with their four sons, and William was a bookbinder. Their fifth child, a daughter, was born in Gloversville in mid-1882. The 10 February 1883 issue of the Morning Herald of Utica reported that the Johnstown republicans had made a number of nominations for town officers that were to be voted for next Tuesday, including William Muddle for town clerk. Gloversville was than a part of the township of Johnstown.

All five editions of the Gloversville, Johnstown and Kingsboro Directory from 1882-3 to 1887 listed William Muddle as a bookbinder living at 12 Judson Street in Gloversville, with his business at 132 Main Street.

The Albany Evening Journal of 18 July 1887 reported that the Ladies’ Society of the Fremont Street Methodist Episcopal Church had elected Mrs William Muddle as one of their board of managers. And the Albany Evening Journal of 7 August 1888 reported that the Republicans of the Gloversville second election district had organized a Harrison and Morton campaign club, and that one of the enrolment committee was William Muddle.

The 1888 Business Directory of Gloversville listed William Muddle as a bookbinder of 20 North Main Street, and the Gloversville, Johnstown and Kingsboro Directory of 1888 & 1889 listed William Muddle as a bookbinder living at 11 Judson Street, with his business at 20 North Main Street.

The Directory of the Fremont Methodist Episcopal Church of Gloversville, N.Y. of 1890 lists William and Celinda and their three eldest sons, William, Charles and Frank, as all being members of the church living at 11 Judson Street, presumably their two youngest children were too young to be church members. Also listed as church members living at 11 Judson Street were William’s cousin John Muddle and his wife Carrie, and their two young sons, Cecil and Griffith, would presumably have also been living there. This directory also recorded that William was one of the church stewards, clerk of the Official Board of the church, and a teacher and member of the committee of the Sunday school.

The Gloversville & Johnstown Directory for the years 1890 to 1893 lists William Muddle as a bookbinder living at 11 Judson Street, with his business at 20 North Main Street.

Six local newspapers, the Brookfield Courier, the Daily Times of Watertown, the Jefferson County Journal, the Oswego Daily Palladium, the Oswego Daily Times, and the Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle, in numerous issues from March to May 1894 carried a recommendation from Mrs William Muddle of 11 Judson Street, Gloversville for Hood’s Pills:

Better in Every Way

“My mother, who is 76 years old, has taken Hood’s Sarsaparilla for dyspepsia. Before taking it she had not eaten solid food for several years. Now she has commenced on the fifth bottle of Hood’s Sarsaparilla and can eat anything she wants and is better in every way than she has been for years.” Mrs. WILLIAM MUDDLE, 11 Judson street, Gloversville, N.Y.

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HOOD’S PILLS cure indigestion, headache.

The Gloversville & Johnstown Directory for the eight years from 1894 to 1901 listed William Muddle as a bookbinder living at 18 North Judson Street, with his business at 20 North Main Street. The 1896 & 1989 editions also listed William as one of the Stewards of the Fremont Street Methodist Episcopal Church and the 1896 edition listed Mrs W Muddle as the C.S. of Cayadutta Council, No 195.

In the census of 1 June 1900, enumerated on 4 June, William and Celinda were living at 18 North Judson Street in Gloversville, which they owned free of mortgage, and William was continuing to work as a bookbinder. Living with them were their five children; their son Frank was now married and his wife and young daughter were also there, and to complete the household they had 25-year-old Walter Dees as a boarder. Their eldest son, who had become a minister, died in 1902, aged 28. The Broadalbin Herald of 27 February 1908 reported that at a meeting of the city supervisors a bill of $112.13 from William Muddle of Gloversville for bookbinding for the county clerk’s office was ordered to be paid.

Then in the census of 15 April 1910, enumerated on 15 April, William and Celinda were continuing to live at 18 North Judson Street, and William was now working as a bookbinder on his own account. They still had their son Frank, with his wife and daughter, and their daughter Nellie living with them. William, described as a bookbinder, and his son Frank were recorded as sailing on 27 June 1911 from Bermuda on the SS Oceana and arriving at New York on 29 June on their way home to Gloversville. In the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 10 January, William and Celinda were still living at 18 North Judson Street and William was still a bookbinder working on his own account. They now had just their daughter Nellie and their granddaughter Edna, daughter of their son Frank, living with them, and a lodger, 33-year-old William Richtmyre, who was probably a relative of the wife of their son Charles.

They were still living at 18 North Judson Street when William died at 11.45pm on Tuesday 20 April 1920, at the age of 72 (not 71 as given on his death certificate), from a cerebral haemorrhage. He was buried in Section 0 of Prospect Hill Cemetery in Gloversville on Friday 23 April 1920. William’s death was reported in the Albany Evening Journal of 22 April 1920:

William Muddle. for nearly half a century a bookbinder in Gloversville, and one of the city’s best known residents, died at his home, 18 North Judson street, Tuesday evening after an illness of nearly a year. Mr. Muddle was 71 years old and was born in Albany. He went to Gloversville 49 years ago and opened a book bindery, in the Edwards building at 20 North Main street. Since that time he had maintained the business and had been successful. The survivors include his widow; three sons, Charles W, Frank L, and Arthur P. Muddle, and one daughter, Nellie K. Muddle. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon. The Rev. F.L. Lecker will officiate and burial will be in Prospect Hill.

In the census of 1 April 1930 Celinda and her spinster daughter Nellie were living in part of 7 North Judson Street, which they rented at $20 per month. Celinda was still living at 7 North Judson Street when she died there at 4.45am on Sunday 19 March 1933, at the age of 85, from chronic myocarditis (inflammation and degeneration of the heart muscle). She was buried with her husband in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Gloversville on Tuesday 21 March 1933. Their grave is marked by an inscribed headstone. Celinda's death was reported in the Monday 20 March 1933 edition of The Morning Herald of Gloversville and Johnstown:

Mrs Celinda Lord Muddle, 85, a charter member of the Fremont Street Methodist church, passed away at 4:45 yesterday afternoon at her home, 7 North Judson street after a lingering illness. Mrs Muddle, widow of William Muddle, had been an invalid several years.

She was born in Saratoga county, but had been a resident of Gloversville for the past 65 years during which time she has been an active worker in her church and community. Mrs Muddle devoted the greater part of her life to her home and family and her church.

Mrs Muddle was actively interested in the formation of the Fremont Street Methodist church and was one of the most active supporters of the church as long as her health permitted. She was also active in Sunday school work and taught the Muddle class for more than 40 years. She was a member of the Home and Foreign Missionary society of the church and was also identified with the Ladies' Aid society and the Home department.

Although she had been an invalid for years, Mrs Muddle bore her suffering with real Christian fortitude that won the highest respect from her many friends. Her upright, earnest Christian character made friendships that have lasted through a lifetime. She has a particularly large circle of friends who will regret to learn of her passing.

The survivors are one daughter, Miss Nellie K Muddle; three sons, Charles W Muddle, Frank L Muddle and Arthur P Muddle, and one brother, W H Lord, of Gloversville; five grandchildren, Mrs Edward Cassedy, of Washington, DC, Mrs Harold Meyers, of Saranac Lake; William C Muddle, of Hortford, Conn; Arthur P Muddle Jr and Frank L Muddle Jr, of Gloversville, also four great-grandchildren and several nieces.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 at the home and at 2:30 at the Fremont Street Methodist church. Rev Leon B Randall, pastor of the Fremont Street Methodist church, Rev Fred L Decker, D D, pastor of the First Methodist church, of Gloversville, and Rev David W Reid, of Northampton, Mass, former pastor of the Fremont Street Methodist church, will officiate. Interment will be made in the Prospect Hill cemetery.

 

Their children were:

William H 1873-1902  Charles Wesley 1875-1944  Frank Lord 1877-1938

Arthur Paul 1879-1953  Nellie Katherine 1882-1962

 

William and Celinda’s eldest child was William Healy Muddle who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State during November 1873, and moved with his parents to Gloversville, Fulton County, New York State in about 1876. In the census of 1 June 1880, enumerated on 11 June, William, at the age of 6, was living with his parents in Gloversville.

The Directory of the Fremont Methodist Episcopal Church of Gloversville, N.Y. of 1890 lists William as a member of the church living at with his parents at 11 Judson Street. The Gloversville & Johnstown Directory for the years 1890 to 1893 lists William H Muddle as a student living at 11 Judson Street, the home of his parents, then the seven editions from 1894 to 1900 listed him as a student living at 18 North Judson Street, which was then his parents’ home. William was a member of the Albany District of the Epworth League, which was an organization for the young people of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Albany Evening Journal of 25 May 1896 reported that William H Muddle had given the scripture lesson at a service for graduation into the Epworth League.

William attended Syracuse University to study so that he could become a minister in the Episcopal Church. The Baldwinsville Gazette & Farmers Journal of 4 February 1897 reported that W H Muddle was one of the members of the Utopian Society of Syracuse University that enjoyed a sleigh ride to the home of Jesse Jones where they had a pleasant evening of music, songs, and games. Then the Syracuse Evening Telegram of 4 November 1899 reported that William H Muddle of 713 Crouse Avenue in Syracuse was one of several university students that had been illegally registered to vote in city elections as their permanent residence was not in Syracuse. The Boyd’s Duplex Directory of Syracuse for 1899-1900 listed William H Muddle as living at 713 South Crouse Avenue.

In the census of 1 June 1900, enumerated on 4 June, William, now aged 26, was living with his parents at 18 North Judson Street in Gloversville and his occupation was given as ‘at school’ and that he had attended school for 9 months during the last year; this would have been his attendance at Syracuse University. William had graduated from Syracuse University as the Syracuse Post Standard of 10 June 1900 in its report on the positions that graduates leaving the university that week would be taking up listed W H Muddle as entering the ministry and taking charge at Rock Lake. Then the Albany Evening Journal of 12 April 1901 in its report on the Troy Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church listed William H Muddle as one of those who had advanced to second year studies.

William never married. He died at his parents’ home, 18 North Judson Street, on 28 March 1902, at the age of 28, from pulmonary tuberculosis. He was buried in Section 0 of Prospect Hill Cemetery in Gloversville on 30 March 1902, where his headstone records that he had been President of his Gloversville High School Class and then studied at Syracuse University before becoming a Minister in the Troy Conference of the United Methodist Church, which consisted of 300 congregations in Vermont and north-eastern New York State. His death certificate stated that he was a minister in Gloversville when he died.

 

William and Celinda’s second child was Charles Wesley Muddle who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State on 17 September 1875, and moved with his parents to Gloversville, Fulton County, New York State in about 1876. In the census of 1 June 1880, enumerated on 11 June, Charles, at the age of 4, was living with his parents in Gloversville. After completing school Charles was employed for a time at the Bogart Shoe Store and then for nine years, from about 1892, he worked for the Joseph E Wood Insurance Agency.

The Directory of the Fremont Methodist Episcopal Church of Gloversville, N.Y. of 1890 lists Charles as a member of the church living at with his parents at 11 Judson Street. The Gloversville & Johnstown Directory for the years 1892 and 1893 lists Charles W Muddle as a clerk living at 11 Judson Street, the home of his parents, then the eight editions from 1894 to 1901 list him as a clerk living at 18 North Judson Street, which was now his parents’ home. In the census of 1 June 1900, enumerated on 4 June, Charles, now aged 24, was working as a clerk and living with his parents at 18 North Judson Street in Gloversville.

In 1902 Charles formed a partnership with his brother Frank and they bought out the insurance and real estate business of David H Tarr at 9 South Main Street in Gloversville. This business was described in a 1907 listing of Gloversville businesses as:

MUDDLE & MUDDLE – Dealers in all kinds of insurance and real estate. (Successors to David H. Tarr.) No. 9 South Main street. Telephone call No. 2181. The general insurance and real estate business conducted by Messrs. Charles W. and Frank L. Muddle is one of the leading reliable offices of the city. It was established here fourteen years ago by D. H. Tarr, from whom the present firm purchased the business 4½ years ago. These gentlemen represent twenty of the best fire insurance companies of the world, and also write life, sickness, accident, liability and plate glass policies. Besides insurance they also deal in the real estate, performing all the functions appertaining to the sale, purchase, exchange or rental of the same. They are excellent business men and hold an enviable high standing for sterling integrity and close attention to business.

The Annual Catalogue of the Gloversville Business School for the school year 1906-7 listed one of their ex-pupils as Jane Tarr, who was a clerk with Muddle & Muddle, insurance and real estate, Gloversville. Jane was the daughter of the former owner of the business.

In about 1906 Charles married Adelaide Richtmyre, who was the daughter of William and Jennie Richtmyre and had been born at Greenfield, Franklin County, Massachusetts on 17 February 1879. Charles and Adelaide had one child, a son, born at Gloversville on 18 May 1907.

The Broadalbin Herald of 2 January 1908 in its report on the annual convention of the Johnstown chapter of the Masons recorded that they were entertained by a quartet from Gloversville Lodge No. 429, and that one member of the quartet was Charles W Muddle. It seems that Charles and his two brothers, Frank and Arthur, were all members of the Gloversville High School Glee Club as the Broadalbin Herald of the 15 October 1908 reported all three of them as members of the Glee Club when it sung at a Republican meeting at the Taft-Hughes Club in Gloversville.

In 1908 Charles and Frank's business was doing extremely well and they expanded by buying the Bell Insurance Agency.

The Broadalbin Herald of 22 October and 3 December 1908 reported on the case before the Supreme Court in the Littauer Building in Gloversville in which Charles W Muddle and Frank L Muddle were the plaintiffs in an action against Thomas W Van Slyke to recover premiums of insurance from a mortgage. It seems that Muddle and Muddle had advanced premiums to insurance companies for fire insurance on a mill on which Van Slyke held a mortgage but that he had not paid Muddle and Muddle many of these premiums, and the mill had since burnt down.

In the census 15 April 1910, enumerated on 20 April, Charles, Adelaide and their young son were living at 54 Oak Avenue in Gloversville, which they owned but had a mortgage on; Charles was an insurance agent and they had 29-year-old high school teacher Maude Burt as a boarder. Charles was listed in the 1917 Gloversville Phone Book as living at 54 Oak Avenue, and his business partnership with his brother Frank as Muddle & Muddle at 9 South Main Street was also listed in the 1917 phone book.

When Charles registered for the First World War draft on 12 September 1918 he was described as having blue eyes and light hair; to be in real estate for Muddle & Muddle at 9 South Main Street in Gloversville, and living with his wife at 54 Oak Avenue.

In the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 6 January, Charles, Adelaide and their son were continuing to live at 54 Oak Avenue on which they still had mortgage, and Charles was continuing to work on his own account as an insurance agent. Then in the census of 1 April 1930, enumerated on 6 April, Charles and Adelaide were living at 54 Oakland Avenue (it’s assumed that Oak Avenue had become Oakland Avenue), which they owned and was valued at $8,000, and Charles was still working on his own account as an insurance agent. Charles was still in partnership with his brother Frank in Muddle & Muddle, with Frank handling the real estate side of the business. On 21 February 1931 Charles and Adelaide sailed from New York on the TMS Kungsholm and arrived back at New York on the Kungsholm on 12 March 1931, so this was presumably a cruise.[10] The Utica Daily Press of 10 September 1932 reported that the Village Board of St Johnsville had approved the payment of a bill of $589.40 from real estate appraiser Charles W Muddle in relation to claims from property owners along Dempster Creek. Charles was still living at 54 Oakland Avenue when he registered his mother’s death in 1933.

Charles' brother and business partner Frank died in 1938 and Charles' son William then returned to Gloversville to join his father in his business.

The 31 May 1944 edition of The Leader-Republican of Gloversville and Johnstown reported that Charles W Muddle died at his home, 54 Oakland Avenue in Gloversville, at 5am on Tuesday 30 May 1944, at the age of 68, having been confined to his home for about a year and seriously ill for the last few weeks. His funeral service was at 7pm on 1 June 1944 at the Walrath & Bushouer Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, and burial was in Prospect Hill Cemetery. Twenty-three years later Adelaide died at Gloversville on 16 November 1967, at the age of 88.[11]

 

Charles and Adelaide’s only child was William Charles Muddle who was born at Gloversville, Fulton County, New York State on 18 May 1907. In the census 15 April 1910, enumerated on 20 April, William, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at 54 Oak Avenue in Gloversville. Then in the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 6 January, William, now aged 12, was continuing to live with his parents at 54 Oak Avenue. In the census of 1 April 1930, enumerated on 16 April, William, using the name Charles, at the age of 22, was one of the many lodgers in the Young Men’s Christian Association in Pearl Street, Hartford, Hartford County, Connecticut, and he was working as an insurance clerk in an insurance office. The Hartford Directory of 1930 listed William C Muddle as a clerk at Connecticut General Life Insurance Co and living at 315 Pearl Street.

William had gone to school in Gloversville and then graduated from the University of Wisconsin. He received his Masters Degree from the Wharton School of Business and Finance of the University of Pennsylvania.

The Albany Evening News of 1 April 1931 reported the announcement by Mr and Mrs Harold Buckus of West Hartford, Connecticut, of the engagement of their daughter Miss Ann Backus to William C Muddle son of Mr and Mrs Charles W Muddle of Gloversville. Miss Backus had graduated from Emma Willard School in Troy and was then attending Smith College. The Hartford Courant of 6 September 1931 reported that the application for a marriage license for William C Muddle, special agent, of 15 Pearl Street and Ann H Backus of West Hartford had been filed at the Bureau of Vital Statistics on Saturday 5 September 1931. Ann was the daughter of Harold and Lillian Backus, and she had bee born in Connecticut on 22 September 1910.

The Hartford Directory of 1935 listed William C Muddle as a rep at New York Life Insurance Co and living with his wife Ann at 62 Whitman Avenue in West Hartford. Then William's uncle Frank Muddle, who was the business partner of William's father, died in mid-1938 and William and family moved to Gloversville where William joined his father as a partner ib his father's business. The Hartford Directory of 1939 listed Wlliam C Muddle and his wife Ann as having moved to Gloversville.

William's father died in mid-1944 and William and Ann opened a travel agency called Muddle & Muddle Travel as part of the Muddle & Muddle insurance and estate agency at 17 Fulton Street that William had inherited from his father. On 6 March 1948 William and Ann were living at 54 Oakland Avenue in Gloversville when they flew on Pan American flight 131/06 from Kindley Airfield, Hamilton, Bermuda to La Guardia Airport, New York.[12] Then on 24 March 1948 William flew on American Overseas Airlines flight 157/24 from London to New York.[13] In 1956 William and Ann were living at 15 Ridge Road in Gloversville when they sailed 1st class on the French owned SS Liberte from Le Havre, France on 18 April 1956 and arrived at New York on 24 April 1956.[14] Then on 23 September 1956 William and Ann flew on Eastern Air Lines flight 1 from Kindley Airfield, Hamilton, Bermuda to La Guardia Airport, New York.[15] In 1967 William and Ann's business was located at 17 West Fulton Street and they were living at 15 Ridge Road, Gloversville.

In early 1967 William and Ann visited East Africa as part of a group of American travel agents who were the guests of Lufthansa Airlines, and on their way home they toured England and Scotland. Soon after getting home William had a heart attack and died at his home, 15 Ridge Road in Gloversville at 6.30am on 18 May 1967, his 60th birthday.[16] His death was reported in the 18 May 1967 edition of The Leader-Herald of Gloversville and Johnstown which record that in addition to his business interests William served as a member of the Gloversville Water Board of Commissioners for three terms from 1 January 1950 to 31 December 1961; was a member of the First Methodist Church and a member of the Official Board of the church. He had been a president of the Fulton County Insurance Agents Association and a member of the board of Directors of the Mayfield Yacht Club. He was a member of the Eccentric Club, the Northville Fish and Game Club, US Power Squadron, Elks Lodge, and Asta travel group.

William and Ann had two children, a son and daughter, and after William's death the son, in partnership with his mother, took over the Muddle & Muddle Insurance & Travel Agency in Gloversville. The 17 July 1967 edition of The Leader-Herald of Gloversville and Johnstown reported that Ann and her son Wesley had been granted the continued use of the partnership name Muddle & Muddle and that Ann was then living at 15 Ridge Road in Gloversville Twenty-one years after William's death Ann died at Gloversville on 18 November 1988, at the age of 78.[17]

 

William and Celinda’s third child was Frank Lord Muddle who was born in Gloversville, Fulton County, New York State on 30 January 1877. In the census of 1 June 1880, enumerated on 11 June, Frank, at the age of 3, was living with his parents in Gloversville. The Directory of the Fremont Methodist Episcopal Church of Gloversville, N.Y. of 1890 lists Frank as a member of the church living at with his parents at 11 Judson Street. The Gloversville & Johnstown Directory for the three years 1895 to 1897 listed Frank L Muddle as a clerk living at 18 North Judson Street, which was then his parents’ home.

In about 1898 Frank married Alice W Bessee, who had been born in New York State on 4 June 1877, and they had one child, a daughter, born in Gloversville during October 1899. The three editions of the Gloversville & Johnstown Directory for 1898 to 1900 listed Frank as a tanner living at 18 North Judson Street. In the census of 1 June 1900, enumerated on 4 June, Frank, Alice and their young daughter were living with Frank’s parents at 18 North Judson Street in Gloversville; Frank was working as a glove cutter and Alice as a machine operator. The 1901 edition of the Gloversville & Johnstown Directory listed Frank as an insurance agent living at 18 North Judson Street The Rome Citizen of 29 October 1901 reported that Mrs Alice Muddle was one of the relatives accompanying the body of Mrs Melissa Bessee on its way from Johnstown via Rome for burial at Bartlett.

In 1902 Frank formed a partnership with his brother Charles and they bought out the insurance and real estate business of David H Tarr at 9 South Main Street in Gloversville. This business was described in a 1907 listing of Gloversville businesses as:

MUDDLE & MUDDLE – Dealers in all kinds of insurance and real estate. (Successors to David H. Tarr.) No. 9 South Main street. Telephone call No. 2181. The general insurance and real estate business conducted by Messrs. Charles W. and Frank L. Muddle is one of the leading reliable offices of the city. It was established here fourteen years ago by D. H. Tarr, from whom the present firm purchased the business 4½ years ago. These gentlemen represent twenty of the best fire insurance companies of the world, and also write life, sickness, accident, liability and plate glass policies. Besides insurance they also deal in the real estate, performing all the functions appertaining to the sale, purchase, exchange or rental of the same. They are excellent business men and hold an enviable high standing for sterling integrity and close attention to business.

In 1908 Frank and Charles' business was doing extremely well and they expanded by buying the Bell Insurance Agency.

The Broadalbin Herald of 22 October and 3 December 1908 reported on the case before the Supreme Court in the Littauer Building in Gloversville in which Charles W Muddle and Frank L Muddle were the plaintiffs in an action against Thomas W Van Slyke to recover premiums of insurance from a mortgage. It seems that Muddle and Muddle had advanced premiums to insurance companies for fire insurance on a mill on which Van Slyke held a mortgage but that he had not paid Muddle and Muddle many of these premiums, and the mill had since burnt down.

It seems that Frank and his two brothers, Charles and Arthur, were all members of the Gloversville High School Glee Club as the Broadalbin Herald of the 15 October 1908 reported all three of them as members of the Glee Club when it sung at a Republican meeting at the Taft-Hughes Club in Gloversville.

In the census of 15 April 1910, enumerated on 15 April, Frank, Alice and their daughter were still living with Frank’s parents at 18 North Judson Street; Frank was an agent for real estate and insurance, and an employer, and Alice no longer had an occupation. The following year Alice died at Gloversville on 22 February 1911, at the age of 33. Frank, described as being in insurance, and his father William were recorded as sailing on 27 June 1911 from Bermuda on the SS Oceana and arriving at New York on 29 June on their way home to Gloversville. Frank was listed in the 1917 Gloversville Phone Book as living at 18 North Judson Street, his parents’ home, and his business partnership with his brother Charles as Muddle & Muddle at 9 South Main Street was also listed in the 1917 phone book.

Six years after the death of his first wife Frank, at the age of 40, married Hattie Purdell, who was about 33, at Glens Falls in New York State on Tuesday 3 July 1917; the service was performed by Rev. John Canghey of Glens Falls Congregational Church and the marriage was reported in the 5 July 1917 edition of The Morning Herald of Gloversville. When Frank registered for the First World War draft on 9 September 1918 he was described as being of medium height and slender build with blue eyes and brown hair; to be self employed in real estate and general insurance at 9 South Main Street in Gloversville, and living with his wife at 88 Second Avenue in Gloversville. He gave his next of kin as his wife Hattie.

In the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 8 January, Frank and Hattie were living in part of 88 Second Avenue in Gloversville, which they rented from the owners, John and Emma Dutcher, who lived in the rest of the house. Frank was continuing to work as a real estate agent and was an employer, and Hattie was working in a glove factory. Frank was a member of the Gloversville City Lodge, No. 320, of the Order of Knights of Pythias, a fraternal order, and the Utica Herald Dispatch of 31 January 1921 reported that F L Muddle was one of the committee of that lodge appointed for the reception of the supreme chancellor of the Knights of Pythias.

Frank and Hattie are not thought to have had any children and they must have divorced, because on Saturday 17 January 1925 Frank, at the age of 47, was married to 32-year-old Florence M Groff at the parsonage of the Fremont Street Methodist Episcopal Church of Gloversville by the Rev. David W Reid. The marriage was reported in the 19 January 1925 edition of The Morning Herald of Gloversville which stated that they were to live at 25 Gold Street in Gloversville. Florence, who was living at 51 Prospect Street when she married, was the daughter of John Peter and Caroline Carrie Groff, and she had been born in Cranberry Creek, Fulton County, New York State on 15 May 1892.

The 4 November 1929 edition of The Morning Herald of Gloversville and Johnstown reported that Mrs Hattie Muddle had died during the evening of Friday 1 November 1929, at the age of 45, at the Rosary Hill Home in Hawthorne, Winchester County, operated by the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne for those suffering from incurable cancer, where she had been a patient for some time. Her funeral by the pastor of the First Baptist Church was to be at the home of her niece Mrs Donald Van Evera, 47 North Street, Gloversville, at 2pm on Tuesday 5 November 1929 and she will be buried in Fern Dale Cemetery. It also reported that for a number of years Hattie had been employed in the Louis Meyers & Sons factory.

Frank and Florence had one child, a son, born in Gloversville in late 1929. In the census of 1 April 1930, enumerated on 5 April, Frank, Florence and their young son were living at 8 Oxford Terrace in Gloversville, which they owned and was valued at $13,000, and Frank was still working on his own account as a real estate agent. Frank was still in partnership with his brother Charles in Muddle & Muddle, with Charles handling the insurance side of the business.

Frank died at Speculator in Hamilton County, New York State on 3 June 1938, at the age of 61. He was with a men's group that had a hunting and fishing cabin at Speculator, who were there for the trout fishing, and Frank died suddingly from a heart condition while sitting at the dinner table.

Twenty-nine years later the 17 July 1967 edition of The Leader-Herald of Gloversville and Johnstown reported that Florence Muddle of 46 First Avenue, Gloversville had died at 9.20am on 16 July 1967, at the age of 75, at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, Erie County, New York State where she had been a patient since Memorial Day, and that she had been in ill health for the past three months.[18] Florence had last worked as a bookkeeper at George J Dorfman and Company until retiring in 1957, having gone back to work as a bookkeeper after her husband's death. She was a member of the Fremont Street Methodist Church and the Gloversville Chapter of Eastern Star.

 

Frank and Alice’s only child was Edna M Muddle who was born in Gloversville, Fulton County, New York State 13 November 1898. In the census of 1 June 1900, enumerated on 4 June, Edna, at the age of 1, was living with her parents in the home of her paternal grandparent at 18 North Judson Street in Gloversville. Then in the census of 15 April 1910, enumerated on 15 April, Edna, now aged 11, was still living with her parents in the home of her paternal grandparent at 18 North Judson Street. In the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 10 January, Edna, at the age of 21, was living with her paternal grandparents, William and Celinda Muddle, at 18 North Judson Street, and she was attending school.

In about 1922 Edna married Edward S Cassedy, who was the son of William and May Cassedy and had been born at Gloversville on 28 October 1897. Edward and Edna had two children, both sons, born in Washington DC in 1923 and 1928. In the census of 1 April 1930, enumerated on 8 April, they were living at 6222 Seventh Street in Washington DC, which they owned and was valued at $7150, with their two sons and Edward was working as an electrical engineer at General Electric. When her grandmother died in 1933 Edna was living in Washington DC.

They were living at Silver Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland, just to the north of Washington DC, when the 29 February 1972 edition of The Leader-Herald of Gloversville and Johnstown reported that Edward S Cassedy of Silver Spring had died at 1.30am on Monday 28 February 1972 at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, at the age of 74, after an illness of several months. Edward was a member of St Luke's Lutheran Church in Silver Spring where there was a memorial service for him at 8pm on 29 February 1972, and he was buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery at Gloversville. Edward was a graduate of Gloversville High School and a 1919 graduate of Union College, Schenectady. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity of the college and a member of the Columbia Country Club of Washington DC. Edward had worked for the General Electric Company for 36 years until his retirement in 1955.

Four years later the 12 October 1976 edition of The Leader-Herald of Gloversville and Johnstown reported that Mrs Edna M Cassedy of Silver Spring had died on 4 October 1976, at the age of 77, in the Washington Adventist Hospital, Tacoma Park, Montgomery County, Maryland, a suburb of Washington DC, where she had been a patient for four weeks. Edna had a grave site funeral service at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Gloversville at 10am on Saturday 16 October 1976. Edna was a graduate of Gloversville High School and Simmons College, Boston, Massachusetts, and had been a resident of Silver Spring for much of her life.

 

William and Celinda’s fourth child was Arthur Paul Muddle who was born in Gloversville, Fulton County, New York State on 5 October 1879. In the census of 1 June 1880, enumerated on 11 June, Arthur, at the age of 8 months, was living with his parents in Gloversville.

The 10 November 1896 edition of the Gloversville Daily Leader reported that Arthur Muddle, at the age of 17, was married to 17-year-old Celia M Warner at Cranberry Creek on 8 November 1896 by Rev C S Senard of the Methodist Church, and that they would reside on Judson Street in Gloversville. Celia was the daughter of Warren and Alma Warner and she had been born at Northampton in Fulton County during January 1879. The five editions of the Gloversville & Johnstown Directory for the years 1897 to 1901 all listed Arthur Muddle as a glover living at 18 North Judson Street, which was his parents' home. The 14 June 1899 edition of the Johnstown Daily Republican reported that the day before Justice Stover had held a special session of the Supreme Court in his chambers at Amsterdam in which he considered the case of matrimonial infelicity brought by Celia Muddle against Arthur Muddle, in an action to annul a marriage. Testimony was taken and a decision reserved. Then three days later the 17 June 1899 edition of the Johnstown Daily Republican reported that Judge Stover had granted a decree annulling the marriage of Celia Muddle and Arthur Muddle of Gloversville. It seems unlikely there were any children from this marriage.

In the census of 1 June 1900, enumerated on 4 June, Arthur, now aged 20 and stating he was a widower, was working as a glove finisher and living with his parents at 18 North Judson Street in Gloversville. Celia, at the age of 21, using her maiden name and stating that she was single, was working as a machine operator and living with her widowed mother at 13 North Judson Street in Gloversville.

When he was 21 years old Arthur was married to 21-year-old Bessie Elizabeth Flattery by the Rev. John J Dominic in Gloversville on 2 May 1901. The marriage record states that this was Arthur's second marriage and Bessie's first. Bessie was the daughter of Thomas and Katherine Flattery, and she had been born at Cobleskill, Schoharie County, New York State, which is about 25 miles south of Gloversville, on 26 October 1879. Arthur and Bessie had two children born in Gloversville in 1902 and 1908, and they were living at 91 Fremont Street in Gloversville when the first was born on 22 March 1902. In the census of 15 April 1910, enumerated on 19 April, they were living at 46 Fifth Avenue in Gloversville, which they owned but had a mortgage on, with their two children, and Arthur was working as a collector for a gas company. Also living with them was Bessie's widowed mother, who had married Horatio Claus in about 1889 to become Katherine Claus, presumably after the death of Bessie's father, Thomas Flattery, and had then been widowed again.

It seems that Arthur and his two brothers, Charles and Frank, were all members of the Gloversville High School Glee Club as the Broadalbin Herald of the 15 October 1908 reported all three of them as members of the Glee Club when it sung at a Republican meeting at the Taft-Hughes Club in Gloversville. Then the 1 April 1911 issue of the Utica Saturday Globe announced that Arthur Muddle, baritone, would be singing with the Gloversville High School Glee Club in a concert to be held in the High School Auditorium on 6 April 1911.

Arthur was listed in the 1917 Gloversville Phone Book as living at 6 Van Wyck Street in Gloversville. When Arthur registered for the First World War draft on 10 September 1918 he was described as being of medium height and build with brown eyes and brown hair; to be a clerk working for Charles W Aleivuet at 10 South Main Street in Gloversville, and living with his wife at 6 Van Wyck Street in Gloversville.

In the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 7 January, Arthur and Bessie were living at 6 Van Wyck Street, which they owned but had a mortgage on, with their son and Bessie’s widowed mother. Arthur was working as a stock clerk in a silk office and Bessie was a glove maker working at home on her own account. Then in the census of 1 April 1930, enumerated on 9 April, Arthur and Bessie were still living at 6 Van Wyck Street, which they owned and was valued at $4,700, with Bessie’s widowed mother. Arthur was a stock clerk in a leather mill and Bessie was a glove worker in a leather mill. Their son was listed as part of the family but was now away from home, having enlisted in the US Marines.

Bessie died at her home, 6 Van Wyck Street, at 8.30pm on Wednesday 9 October 1946, at the age of 66. Her death was reported in the 10 October 1946 edition of The Morning Herald of Gloversville and Johnstown where it was stated that Bessie had been an active member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist of Gloversville and also of the Mother Church of Boston, Massachusetts. Her funeral service conducted by a reader of the First Church of Christ, Scientist was held at the Eugene Hollenbeck Jr Funeral Home, 4 Second Avenue, Gloversville at 2pm on Saturday 12 October 1946 followed by burial in Prospect Hill Cemetery.

Seven years later Arthur died at the home of his son, 25 Second Avenue, Gloversville, on 11 December 1953, at the age of 74. His death was reported in the 12 December 1953 edition of The Morning Herald of Gloversville and Johnstown where it was stated that Arthur had been a glove worker and a layer-off by trade. He had retired about two years ago and had been in ill health for these last two years. He had attended the First Church of Christ Scientist of Gloversville. His funeral service conducted by Howard D Putman, reader of the First Church of Christ Scientist, was held at the Bledsoe Funeral Home, 23 Prospect Avenue, Gloversville at 2.30pm followed by burial in Prospect Hill Cemetery.

 

Arthur and Bessie’s eldest child was Margaret M Muddle who was born in Gloversville, Fulton County, New York State on 22 March 1902. Her birth was announced in the 24 March 1902 edition of The Gloversville Daily Leader. In the census of 15 April 1910, enumerated on 19 April, Margaret, at the age of 8, was living with her parents at 46 Fifth Avenue in Gloversville, Fulton County, New York State.

When she was 17 years old Margaret married 21-yeat-old Harold J Meyers on 13 May 1919. Harold was the son of Fred and Mary Meyers and he had been born at Gloversville on 4 January 1898. In the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 9 January, Harold and Margaret were living at 92 North Street in Gloversville, which they rented, and Harold was working as a silker in a glove shop. Then a few days after the census their son was born. In the census of 1 April 1930, enumerated on 10 April, Harold, Margaret and their son were living at 24 Alexander Street in Gloversville, which they rented at $36 per month, and Harold was now working as an insurance salesman. When her grandmother died in 1933 Margaret was living at Saranac Lake. Harold and Margaret's daughter was born during the 1930s, and when this daughter married in 1955 they were living at 26 Almond Street in Gloversville.

The 18 October 1950 edition of The Leader-Republican of Gloversville and Johnstown reported that Margaret Meyers died at her home, 67 Second Avenue, Gloversville, at 10pm on Tuesday 17 October 1950, at the age of 48, following a heart attack. She had been a member of the First Church of Christ Scientist, a member of the church board and music committee, and local advertising agent for the Christian Science Monitor. She was also a member of the YWCA Fulton County Women's Republican Club Gloversville Red Cross Chapter and the PTA Student Association. Margaret's funeral service was a Christian Science service held at 2pm on Friday 20 October 1950 at the Bledsoe Funeral Home, 23 Prospect Avenue, Gloversville, followed by burial in Prospect Hill Cemetery.

The 21 March 1964 edition of The Leader-Herald of Gloversville and Johnstown reported that Harold J Meyers of 7 West Eighth Avenue, Gloversville had died at 3.10pm on Friday 20 March 1964, at the age of 66, in Albany Veterans Hospital, where he had been a patient since January. During the First World War he had served in the US Army and for many years he had worked for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and then the John Hancock Life Insurance Company, retiring a year before his death. He was a member of the Gloversville American Legion post, the Gloversville Elks Lodge, and Phi Delta Sigma alumni chapter of Gloversville High School. Harold's funeral service was held at 9am on Monday 23 March 1964 at the Eugene Hollenbeck Jr Funeral Home, 4 Second Avenue, Gloversville, followed by Requiem High Mass at 9.30am at St Mary's Church and burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery.

 

Arthur and Bessie’s second child was Arthur P Muddle who was born in Gloversville, Fulton County, New York State on 10 February 1908. In the census of 15 April 1910, enumerated on 19 April, Arthur, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at 46 Fifth Avenue in Gloversville, Fulton County, New York State. Then in the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 7 January, Arthur, now aged 11 was living with his parents 6 Van Wyck Street in Gloversville, and he was attending school. Arthur attended Gloversville High School and then after spending a year in Syracuse he enlisted in the US Marines, being stationed at Quantico, Virginia where he took a cause in radio. In the census of 1 April 1930, enumerated on 28 April, Arthur, at the age of 22, was a soldier in the US Marines and attending the Radio School at the Quantico Marine Barracks, Prince William County, Virginia. On 26 May 1932 Arthur sailed on the SS Ancon from Port Au Prince, Haiti, where he had been an operator at the Radio Naval Station, and arrived at New York on 31 May 1932. On the passenger list Arthur gave his address as 6 Van Wyck Street in Gloversville, which was the home of his parents.[19]

When he was 24 years old Arthur married 22-year-old Margaret Van Buren on 11 June 1932 at the home of the bride's parents, 4 Second Avenue, Mayfield, Fulton County.. Margaret was the daughter of Hirman Gates and Lizzie Van Buren and she had been born at Mayfield, Fulton County on 10 November 1909. Soon after his marriage Arthur assumed his new duties as an instructor at the Quantico Radio School.

Arthur and Margaret had five children born at Gloversville in 1933, 1935, 1936, 1941 and about 1945. When their fourth child was born in 1941 they were living at 14 Cedar Street in Gloversville and this child is thought to have died soon after birth. When their eldest daughter married in 1952 they were living at 29 West Eight Avenue in Gloversville, and when Arthur's father died in late 1953 they were living at 25 Second Avenue in Gloversville. When their son Jan married in 1963 they were living at 7 West Eighth Avenue in Gloversville and when their daughter Pamela married in 1973 they were living at 10 Sixth Avenue in Gloversville.

Arthur died on 22 May 1988, at the age of 80.[20] Then nine years later Margaret was living at Gloversville when she died on 15 October 1997, at the age of 87.[21]

 

William and Celinda’s fifth child was Nellie Katherine Muddle, known as Kitty, who was born in Gloversville, Fulton County, New York State on 7 June 1882. In the census of 1 June 1900, enumerated on 4 June, Nellie, at the age of 17, was living with her parents at 18 North Judson Street in Gloversville. Then in the census of 15 April 1910, enumerated on 15 April, Nellie, now aged 27, was working as a lining paster in a glove factory and continuing to live with her parents at 18 North Judson Street. In the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 10 January, Nellie, at the age of 37, was working as a paster in a glove shop and still living with her parents at 18 North Judson Street. Nellie’s father died in April 1920 and in the census of 1 April 1930, enumerated on 4 April, Nellie, at the age of 47, had no occupation and she was living with her widowed mother in part of 7 North Judson Street. Nellie never married. She died at Gloversville on 21 February 1962, at the age of 79.

 

William and Ann’s third child was Arthur T Muddle who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State in about 1849. In the census of 1 June 1850, enumerated on 11 September, Arthur, at the age of 1, was living with his parents in Albany. It seems that Arthur was probably what is normally called a ‘bad lot’ as he seems to have been in trouble with the law for most of his relatively sort life that was also blighted by a drink problem. The Albany Evening Journal of the 20 September 1859 carried this report:

MUTILATING A SCHOOL-HOUSE – On Saturday and Sunday last some mischievous boys entered the new school-house opposite the Orphan Asylum and committed sundry depredations. They throw ink upon the floor, marred the walls, stole and destroyed books, and committed other acts of a highly offensive character. Capt. Heseltine yesterday afternoon arrested one of them by the name of Arthur Muddle. He admitted his guilt to the Magistrate and was committed to jail. His companions will doubtless be speedily arrested and punished.

Then just 9 days later the Albany Evening Journal of the 29 September 1859 carried this report:

BAD BOYS – Two boys, aged respectively ten and twelve years, known as George Gardener and Arthur Muddle, were arrested on the complaint of Mr. Bradford M. Wood. They stretched a string across Washington Avenue, to trip up horses – by which means Mr. W. was nearly thrown from his horse. The boy Muddle was discharged from jail within a week for outrageous conduct in a school-house. He is evidently a promising lad. Both boys were held to bail.

In the census of 1 June 1860, enumerated on 26 January 1861, Arthur, now aged about 11, was living with his father and stepmother in Albany and he was going to school. Then 7 years later the Albany Evening Journal of the 18 August 1867 carried this report of Arthur being arrested:

Thomas Hennessey, John Flanagan, Patrick Flynn, John Fitzgerald, John Norris, of Hancock Mass.; Richard Riley, Richard Callahan, and Arthur Muddle were severally arrested for being so drunk that they came in conflict with the statute. Callahan indeed denied his guilt, but he was confronted with so many witnesses that he finally acknowledged it; a remarkable confession for a drunken man to make. Muddle claimed that as he sat upon the stoop of a licensed saloon he was [exempt] from prosecution, but he failed to muddle the Court with his argument.

This was followed 20 months later by the Albany Evening Journal of the 26 April 1869 reporting Arthur being arrested again:

Arthur Muddle, arrested last week for uttering obscene language in the street, was guilty of the like offence last evening in Washington avenue. Muddle evidently deserves, if he be not seeking, to reach the Penitentiary.

Arthur’s life came to an end sometime between the 11 and 15 May 1874, when he was about 25 years old, and was probably a result of his drink problem. The incident at Amsterdam, which is about 30 miles north-west of Albany, that resulted in his death, was reported in the Utica Daily Observer of 14 May 1874:

“Gibbons” writes the Albany Argus: “Early Monday morning a brick mason named Arthur Muddle, alias Dutch Frank, was found at Guy Park, about one mile west of Amsterdam, in an insensible condition, lying near the railroad track. It was found that one of his arms was broken in two places, and his shoulder and chest badly bruised. He was seen in Amsterdam Sunday evening, and was then in possession of over $20 in money. It is a question whether he had been beaten and robbed by some of his comrades, for no money was found on his person, or whether his bruises were caused by being accidentally struck by a passing train.”

Then the next day the Utica Daily Observer of 14 May 1874 reported that Arthur had died of his injuries:

The man Arthur Muddle, who was found near Amsterdam Monday morning, in an injured condition, is dead.

 

William and Ann’s fourth child was George Henry Muddle who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State in 1851 and is thought to have died soon after birth. He was buried with his mother, who died on 7 May 1851, in St Peter’s Episcopal Church Cemetery that lay between State and Hudson Streets in Albany. Their grave was marked by an inscribed headstone that was transcribed when all the graves in this cemetery were removed in 1866 for reburial in other cemeteries.

 

William and Sarah’s only child (William’s fifth) was Albert E Muddle who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State in about 1853. In the census of 1 June 1860, enumerated on 26 January 1861, Albert, at the age of 7, was living with his father and stepmother in Albany and he was going to school. Then in the census of 1 June 1870, enumerated on 11 July, Albert, now aged 16, was working as carpenter’s apprentice and living with his widowed stepmother in Albany.

In about 1874 Albert married Elizabeth, who had been born in England and migrated to the USA in 1868. Albert and Elizabeth had six children; their first three children, all sons, were born in Albany between 1875 and 1879. In the census of 1 June 1880, enumerated on 3 June, Albert and Elizabeth were living at 371 Sherman Street in Albany with their three sons, and Albert was working as a mason. Their third child, son Albert, died sometime between 1880 and 1900. Their other three children were born in Albany, a daughter in 1881 and sons in 1883 and 1885. The Albany City Directory for the years 1889 to 1891 lists Albert Muddle as a mason living at 306 Sherman Street, and his brother John was living next-door at 304 Sherman Street at this time.

The Rome Semi-Weekly Citizen of 5 December 1891 reported that Albert had been arrested not paying a hotel bill at Rome, Oneida County, New York State:

Albert Muddle was arrested in Albany Thursday, on a warrant sworn out by Landlord Crownhart of the Arlington hotel in this city, charging him with defrauding him out of a board bill of $15. Muddle was brought to this city and arraigned before Justice Schwarz. The case was adjourned till December 19, and Muddle gave bonds for his appearance.

Then the Rome Semi-Weekly Citizen of 23 December 1891 reported on the trial:

On Saturday, before Justice Schwarz, as acting recorder, came up for trial the case of the People vs. Albert Muddle of Albany, who was formerly employed in the stock exchange in the Arlington hotel. The amount involved is $15 for board. As there was no appearance on the part of the defendant, judgment was ordered for the plaintiff in the amount claimed, and his bond was forfeited.

The Albany City Directory for the years 1896 and 1899 both listed Albert Muddle as a mason living at 306 Sherman Street in Albany, and his two eldest sons were also listed as living there.. The Albany Evening Journal of 3 December 1896 reported that Albert E Muddle, a mason living at 306 Sherman Street, was accepted as one of the jury in the bribery trial of Assemblyman Eugene F Vacheron at the County Court. In 1898 Albert joined his brother John as an active member of the local Republican Party in Ward 19 of Albany. The first report of his Republican Party activities was in the Albany Evening Journal of 21 September 1898 when Albert was one of the executive committee of the Second District of Ward 19. This was followed by several other reports in the Albany Evening Journal from 1898 to 1900 in which Albert was in positions such as one of the vice presidents at large Republican meetings, a delegate at conventions, or a member of the executive committee. The last mention of Albert’s Republican activities was in the Albany Evening Journal of 29 October 1900 as a vice president at a large Republican meeting that night, just two weeks before his death.

In the census of 1 June 1900, enumerated on 1 June, Albert and Elizabeth were living at 306 Sherman Street in Albany, which they owned free of mortgage, with four of their children, and Albert was still working as a mason. Just over 4 months later Albert died on 12 November 1900, at the age of 47, and the Albany Evening Journal of 13 November 1900 reported his death:

MUDDLE – November 12, 1900, Albert E. Muddle, in his 47th year.

Relatives and friends, also Brick Masons’ and Plasterers’ Union No. 6, are respectfully invited to attend his funeral Wednesday afternoon at 1.30 from his late residence, 306 Sherman street, thence to the Grace Episcopal church.

The Albany Evening Journal of 27 November 1900 reported that Albert’s will had been admitted to probate. He left real estate of $1,300 and personal estate of $600, which was to go to his widow Elizabeth during her life, and he made his son William E Muddle his executor. Then the Albany Evening Journal of 24 March 1905 reported that the Grace Church home cookery sale was to be held at the church hall on Robin Street the following afternoon, and of those ladies on the committee two were Mrs Elizabeth Muddle and Miss Muddle. Presumably Miss Muddle was Elizabeth’s daughter Anna.

The Albany Evening Journal of 27 May 1907 reported that on Saturday evening, 25 May 1907, Mrs Elizabeth Muddle was married to Hiram F Giffin of Rensselaer at her home, 313 Livingstone Avenue in Albany, by the Rev. Dr. Joseph F Wilson, Dean of the Reformed Episcopal Seminary of Philadelphia. Hiram had been born in New York State on 30 January 1852, and had been married twice before. In the census of 15 April 1910, enumerated on 15 April, Hiram and Elizabeth were at 519 Crane Street in Schenectady, Schenectady County, New York State, which they owned free of mortgage. They only occupied part of this house; they were renting out part of it to the Hughes family. Hiram was working as a machinist in an electric works. Then in the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 8 January, they were living at 627 Crane Street in Schenectady, which they owned free of mortgage. This was probably the same house as 519 Crane Street in 1910, but had been renumbered. They were now renting out part of this house to the Ferris family, and Hiram was still a machinist at an electric company. In the census of 1 April 1930, enumerated on 2 April, they were still living at 627 Crane Street, which they owned and was valued at $12,000. They were now renting out part of the house to the Bailey family at $36 per month. Hiram had now presumably retired as he had no occupation, and they had Elizabeth’s youngest son, Arthur, living with them.

Elizabeth's orphaned granddaughter, Grace Eleanor Muddle, had died in 1922 but it was not until fifteen years later that the Schenectady Gazette of 15 November 1937 reported that letters of administration for Grace's estate, which consisted of a personal estate of $60, was granted to Elizabeth Muddle Giffin on 13 November 1937.

The Schenectady Gazette of 15 March 1944 reported that Hiram Giffin had died in Ellis Hospital on Monday 13 March 1944, aged 92, after an eight week illness. His funeral service was at 2.30pm on 17 March 1944 at the Jennings Funeral Home followed by burial in Vale Cemetery. Hiram had been born in a log cabin at Ross Sea in northern New York State and had lived in Schenectady for over 50 years. He had been a long term employee of the General Electric Co and belonged to the GE Quarter Century Club. He also belonged to the Knights of Pythias and was at one time affiliated with the Masonic Lodge. Elizabeth was his third wife.

Six years later Elizabeth died on 9 February 1950, at the age of 92, and the Schenectady Gazette of 1 March 1950 reported that probate of Elizabeth's will had been granted to Nina Mae Stoops as executor.

 

Their children were:

William Edward 1875-1907  Franklin C 1877-1911  Albert 1879-?

Anna E 1881-?  John Howard 1883-?  Arthur Thomas 1885-?

 

Albert and Elizabeth’s eldest child was William Edward Muddle who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State during August 1875. In the census of 1 June 1880, enumerated on 3 June, William, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at 371 Sherman Street in Albany. The Albany City Directory for 1896 listed William E Muddle as a clerk living with his parents at 306 Sherman Street in Albany, and the 1899 edition of the directory listed him as a decorator still living with his parents at 306 Sherman Street.

The Albany Evening Journal of the 22 April 1898 reported the full roster of men enlisted in the Tenth Battalion of the New York National Guard and one of those in the Hospital Corps was W Muddle. William, like his father, was an active member of the local Republican Party in Ward 19 of Albany; the Albany Evening Journal of 20 September 1899 reporting that he had been elected secretary of the Second District of Ward 19. In the census of 1 June 1900, enumerated on 1 June, William, now aged 24, was working as a glazier and living with his parents at 306 Sherman Street in Albany.

William married Luella, who was from Little Falls, and was living at 306 Sherman Street when he died on 17 August 1907, at the age of 32, and was buried in the Rural Cemetery on 20 August 1907. His death was reported in the 19 August issue of the Albany Evening Journal and then the issue of 22 August 1907 reported on his funeral:

Funeral of William E. Muddle.

The funeral of William E Muddle, brother of Police Sergeant Frank Muddle was held Tuesday from his home on Sherman street, the Rev. F. Roudlnot Stockton of St Alban’s chapel, Grace parish, officiating. Mr. Muddle had been ill for some time and bore his sufferings with true Christian fortitude. He was a designer and engaged for several years in the stained glass business. He was a former member of the hospital corps. Tenth Battalion, N.G., N.Y., and was highly esteemed by all. He is survived by his widow, his mother, Mrs. Hiram Giffin, his sister, Mrs Frederick Rice, and three brothers, Franklin, John and Arthur Muddle. Interment was in the Rural cemetery.

The Utica Herald Dispatch of 30 September 1911 reported that Mrs Luella Muddle was the owner of a house in Little Falls, which is about 60 miles north-west of Albany, in which a fire had broken out in the early hours of that morning while occupied by Mr and Mrs John Lockwood. Then the Utica Herald Dispatch of 13 March 1912 reported that Luella B Muddle was one of four nurses that were to graduate from the training school of Little Falls Hospital on 21 March.

 

 

Albert and Elizabeth’s second child was Franklin C Muddle, known as Frank, who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State during June 1877. In the census of 1 June 1880, enumerated on 3 June, Frank, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at 371 Sherman Street in Albany. The Albany City Directory for 1896 listed Frank Muddle as a porter living with his parents at 306 Sherman Street in Albany, and the 1899 edition of the directory listed him as a mason still living with his parents at 306 Sherman Street.

The Albany Evening Journal of 12 September 1896 reported on the annual outing of the choir and Young Men’s Club of Grace Church held at Pleasure Island the previous day. There was a program of sports and Frank C Muddle was listed as winning the hop, step and jump; the 440 yard race; the 100 yard race; and the 50 yard race. Then the Albany Evening Journal of 6 October 1896 reported on a drill the previous evening by members of the McKinley Corps, when uniforms were distributed, and gave details of a parade by the Corps on the coming Thursday listing those taking part, which included Private F C Muddle. The Albany Evening Journal of 20 January 1897 reported that Frank Muddle had been installed as second vice-president of the Young Men’s Guild of Grace Church. Then the Albany Evening Journal of 17 February 1899 reported that Franklin C Muddle had been made president of the Young Men’s Guild of Grace Church when they elected officers the previous evening.

In about September 1899 Frank married Elizabeth Campbell Beggs, who had been born at Greenock in Renfrewshire, Scotland during September 1876, and migrated to the USA on the Anchoria, sailing from Glasgow and arriving at New York on 23 August 1881 with her mother, Jane, and her siblings, Martha, Sam, Agnes, Mary and Hamilton. Frank and Elizabeth had known each other for at least 3 years as the Albany Evening Journal of 12 November 1896 had reported that among those present at a reception given by Miss Oliver Moorhead the evening before were F Muddle and Lizzie Beggs, and that Mr Muddle had song a solo. In the census of 1 June 1900, enumerated on 4 June, Frank and Elizabeth were living in part of 68 Perry Street in Albany, which they rented from the owner Catherine Rapp, who lived in the rest of the house with her two daughters, and Frank was working as a mason.

The Albany Evening Journal of 16 June and 25 June 1900 reported that Franklin C Muddle, supernumerary patrolman, was appointed a patrolman of the third grade on 16 June and assigned to the second precinct. Then a few days later the Albany Evening Journal of 30 June 1900 reported that from 1 July Patrolman Franklin C Muddle would be transferred from the second to the fifth precinct. The Albany Evening Journal of 7 May 1902 report that Franklin C Muddle of 311 Livingston Avenue was one of those who the previous evening had taken the civil service examination for police sergeant. Then the following month the Albany Evening Journal of 5 June 1902 reported that F C Muddle had become a member of the Royal Oak Camp of Modern Woodmen. The Albany Evening Journal of 19 November 1902 reported that the next day Patrolman Franklin C Muddle would transfer from the fifth to the second precinct.

The Syracuse Daily Journal of 1 April 1905 and the Utica Herald Dispatch of 3 April 1905 reported on the formation of the New York State Patrolmen’s Association on 31 March 1905 that was to represent about two thousand policemen, and noted that one of the directors from the Albany force was Franklin C Muddle. The Albany Evening Journal of 12 October 1905 reported on a meeting of dissatisfied members of the Grace and St Andrew’s Episcopal Churches where it was agreed to form a new Reformed Episcopal Church to be known as the Church of Atonement and wardens and vestrymen were chosen; Franklin C Muddle being one of the vestrymen.

The Albany Evening Journal of 25 January 1905 reported on Frank’s arrest of a prostitute:

POLICEMAN’S WARM CHASE

-----------

Officer Muddle Pursues Lena Anderson, Colored,

and Lands Her Behind the Bars

-----------

Policeman Frank Muddle of the second precinct station last night had an interesting experience in going after Lena Anderson, colored, whom he had seen soliciting on the street. The officer saw her on Hamilton street near Dallius and immediately went after her. Lena however didn’t care to fall into his hands and away she went on a double quick when the officer hove in sight. She ducked in an alley and went over the fence like a greyhound, Muddle followed her, and when Lena went over a woodshed, Muddle did the same. It was a great race for awhile, but Muddle’s wind was better than Lena’s and she was caught. When arraigned before Judge Brady this morning she had the nerve to plead not guilty and went to jail for examination.

Kate Griffin, a white girl, whom Policemen Keith and Muddle found soliciting on the street, was fined $10.

Frank and Elizabeth’s only child, a daughter, was born in Albany in early 1906. The Albany Evening Journal of 21 & 28 February 1906 in its reports on the civil service examination for promotion to police sergeant taken by Albany patrolmen on 27 February listed Franklin C Muddle of 313 Livingston Avenue as one of those taking the exam. Then the Albany Evening Journal of 7 March 1906 reported that of all those that had passed the examination Frank had the highest marks. On 16 April 1906 Frank became a Sergeant in the fifth precinct. News of his promotion from patrolman first grade to sergeant was reported in the Albany Evening Journal of 9, 14 & 30 April 1906 with the comment that:

He has made an excellent record since he donned the blue uniform, making a number of clever arrests. He is a leading member of the Police Association and a past president of the organisation, and has worked hard to promote the welfare of the policemen.

The Albany Evening Journal of 10 November 1906 reported on a meeting at the home of F C Muddle at 313 Livingston Avenue of men of the congregation of the Church of the Atonement at which steps were taken to organize a Men’s Guild and officers were elected. Then the Albany Evening Journal of 2 April 1907 reported that the previous evening wardens and vestrymen were elected for the coming year for the Church of the Atonement and that Franklin C Muddle was chosen as one of the vestrymen.

The Albany Evening Journal of 15 December 1909 reported that Sergeant Franklin C Muddle of the fifth precinct had been transferred to the second precinct. Several issues of the Albany Evening Journal between 1906 and 1911 carried reports on police actions in which Sergeant Muddle was mentioned.

In the census of 15 April 1910, enumerated on 26 April, Frank and Elizabeth were living at 313 Livingston Avenue in Albany, which they owned but had a mortgage on. They were renting part of their house to the Hellsker family, and Frank was recorded a Police Sergeant in the Albany Police. Their young daughter was living with them and also a niece, 12-year-old Mary M Muddle, who is a bit of a mystery and it seems likely that her surname was not Muddle. The Albany Evening Journal of 7 October 1910 reported that Sergeant Franklin Muddle of the second precinct, who had been on sick leave for several weeks as a result of an injured knee, had resumed his duties the day before.

The Albany Evening Journal of 5 May 1911 reported that Elizabeth’s uncle, cobbler James Beggs, had been found dead in bed that morning. Then the Albany Evening Journal of 22 April 1911 reported that of those sergeants that had passed the recent civil service examination for police captain that Franklin C Muddle had received the second highest marks. This was followed just a month later by the Albany Evening Journal of 22 May 1911 reporting that Sergeant Franklin C Muddle was seriously ill at home with pneumonia. To be followed two days later by the news in the Albany Evening Journal of 24 May 1911 that Frank was to be promoted to Captain.

But Frank was never to become a police captain because he died on 26 May 1911, at the age of 33, and his death was reported in the Albany Evening Journal of 26 May 1911:

SERGEANT MUDDLE DEAD AT HOME

Sergeant Franklin C Muddle, who on Wednesday was promoted to be captain of police by Commissioner Cantine, to take effect June 15, died at 8 o’clock this morning at his home, 313 Livingston avenue, after a 10 days illness with pneumonia.

The entire police bureau is mourning the death of Sergeant Muddle, who was regarded as one of the most gentlemanly and efficient officers in the service. The announcement of his death has cast a gloom over headquarters, and his loss is felt most keenly.

A week ago yesterday Sergeant Muddle complained of a cold and went home. Dr. E.G. Cox, the police surgeon, was called, as was Dr. Tedford, his family physician, and they startled Commissioner Cantine and Chief Hyatt by informing then that the sergeant was suffering from pneumonia and was in a serious condition.

He made a gallant fight and held his own up to yesterday, when the crisis came, when he weakened some, but during the early part of the evening he rallied and spent a comfortable night, according to his brother, Arthur T. Muddle, who sat at his bedside. When dawn began to break it looked as though he had passed through the critical stage and was about to start on the road to recovery; but about 7:30 o’clock a change for the worse set in and he passed peacefully away a half hour later.

Frank’s funeral took place on the 28 May 1911 and details of the arrangements for this were published in the Albany Evening Journal of 27 May 1911:

SERGEANT MUDDLE’S FUNERAL

The funeral of Police Sergeant Franklin C Muddle will be held tomorrow afternoon from his home on Livingston avenue and later from the Church of the Atonement, the Rev. Ralph G. Finley officiating.

Mayor McEwan, Commissioner Cantine, Deputy Itice and other city officials will attend the funeral, and Chief Hyatt will head the police bureau detail, consisting of the captains and 70 men. The bearers will be Sergeants Dugan, Keith, Patton, Walsh, Ludlow and Patzig.

Royal Oak camp, Modern Woodmen, of which Sergeant Muddle was a member, will also attend in a body. The services at the house will be at 2 o’clock and at the church at 3 o’clock. Friends may view the body at the church at the conclusion of the service.

The officers and members of the second precinct held a meeting last night and took action on Sergeant Muddle’s death and directed the purchase of a suitable floral piece.

An evidence of how well Sergeant Muddle was liked was shown last night when a Chinaman who conducts a laundry on Broadway entered the station house and handed Sergeant Dugan a ten-dollar bill to buy a floral offering for his dead friend.

Two days later the Albany Evening Journal of 29 May 1911 published a report on the funeral:

SERGEANT MUDDLE’S FUNERAL

Mayor McEwan and Police Bureau Were in Attendance

Fitting tribute was paid yesterday afternoon to the memory of Police Sergeant Franklin C. Muddle, who was to have donned the gold star of a captain on June 15. His funeral occurred at 2 o’clock from his home on Livingston avenue and an hour later from the Church of the Atonement on Quail street, where the Rev. Ralph G. Finley officiated and spoke feelingly.

Mayor James B. McEwan and Commissioner Edward B. Cantain headed the funeral procession and in their rear marched Chief Hyatt, the five captains and a detail of 75 men from the police bureau, every man who could be spared.

The bearers were Sergeants Keith, Dugan, Roche, Patzig, Walsh, Ludlow, Monohan, and Patton. The members of Royal Oak camp, Modern Woodmen of America, followed the police and behind them came hundreds of citizens. Two carriages were required to carry the floral pieces. Interment was in the Rural cemetery.

Two weeks after Frank’s burial the Albany Evening Journal of 14 June 1911 reported on the possibility of a bronze tablet being erected in his memory:

A memorial tablet to the late Sergeant Franklin C. Muddle of the bureau of police, who had he lived would have become a captain to-morrow, will be erected on the fence to be erected about the Church of the Atonement on Quail street, if the plans of the vestry of that church carry out.

At a meeting held, with the Rev. Ralph G. Finley presiding, a committee consisting of William Schade, B. W. Burdick and P. S. Long, was appointed to raise popular subscriptions for the erection of the tablet.

It seems that Elizabeth had been ill at the time of Frank’s death, or became ill shortly afterwards, because an issue of the Albany Evening Journal during August 1911 reported that:

Mrs. Franklin C. Muddle, who has been seriously ill for the past three months, will leave shortly for the Adirondacks.

It was only 2½ years after Frank’s death that the Albany Evening Journal of 29 January 1914 reported that Elizabeth had died at Schenectady, where she had been living on McClellen Street, on 28 January 1914, at the age of 37. Her funeral was held from her home on Sunday 1 February and her body taken to Albany for burial in the Rural Cemetery. The Schenectady Gazette of 14 February 1914 reported that probate of Elizabeth will had been granted the previous day to Morris Kelleher and another, and that the value of her real estate was less than $2000 and her personal estate less than $1000.

The Albany Evening Journal of the 1, 5, 8 & 12 October 1917 carried a notice by the City Treasurer of a sale of a large number of unpaid assessments, and under Lark Street Sewer one of those listed was Franklin J Muddle and Wife, Lot No. 313 Livingston Avenue; presumably this had been unpaid because both Frank and his wife had died.

A postscript to Frank’s career in the police was printed in the Albany Evening Journal of 12 December 1918 when an article by A Sayter on the human side of the Albany police during Christmas recalled a Christmas incident involving Frank:

CHRISTMAS BRINGS OUT THE HUMAN SIDE OF POLICE

It often has been said that the real human side of a policeman is brought to the surface around Christmas. I cannot vouch for this fact, but I can relate a little tale of a few years ago. The leading character in this story is the late Sergeant Muddle, one of the best officers ever to don the blue in Albany. It was about 2 o’clock Christmas morning. I was on my way home when I saw Sergeant Muddle walking up Steuben street, by his side was a man who was apparently so intoxicated that he could hardly walk. The sergeant’s right arm was occupied in trying to keep the man on his feet, but his other arm was filled with bundles. Rather an undignified appearance for a sergeant of police, I thought to myself.

Knowing the sergeant very well, I approached him.

“On your way to the second precinct?” I asked him.

“No” answered the sergeant. “It would not do to have it generally known but I am taking John home. He took just a little too much merry Christmas and he was creating a little trouble just as I came along. He is a peaceful fellow when sober, but drink has caused him a lot of trouble of late years.”

The sergeant went on his way with his intoxicated friend.

No Time for Arrests

The next afternoon I went to the second precinct and had a talk with Sergeant Muddle.

“I did not know there was so much human nature in a policeman.” I said, referring to the incident of the night before.

“It’s a strange thing about Christmas,” he said, “you just feel as though you couldn’t place a man under arrest. Not that I wouldn’t have taken John home as I did last night, no matter when I found in that condition, but it is seldom that you will find a policeman making arrests on Christmas eve or Christmas day.”

One word brought on another, and at last Sergeant Muddle told a very interesting story of the incident of the previous night.

“You see,” he said, “I have known John for a number of years. He is a good scout, but he cannot leave drink alone. If I did my full duty last night I would have locked him up, but I just couldn’t. In those bundles he had toys for his children. If I had locked him up, Santa Claus would not have visited that house and there would have been three disappointed children in an Albany home. I would rather take a chance and make three children happy than wear the sergeant’s chevrons. That was the reason I went out of my way to take that man home.

 

Frank and Elizabeth’s only child was Grace Eleanor Muddle who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State in early 1906. In the census of 15 April 1910, enumerated on 26 April, Grace, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at 313 Livingston Avenue in Albany. Grace’s father died in 1911 and then her mother in 1914, leaving her an orphan when only about 8 years old. In the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 24 January, Grace, now aged 13, was living with her mother’s spinster sister, Martha Beggs, at No 374, 135th Street, Bronx, New York City, and she was attending school. Then 2½ years later Grace died in Bronx County on 30 October 1922, at the age of 16.[22] Fifteen years later the Schenectady Gazette of 15 November 1937 reported that on 13 November 1937 letters of administration for Grace's estate, which consisted of a personal estate of £60, were granted to her grandmother Elizabeth Muddle Giffin.

 

Albert and Elizabeth’s third child was Albert Muddle who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State in 1879. In the census of 1 June 1880, enumerated on 3 June, Albert, at the age of 8 months, was living with his parents at 371 Sherman Street in Albany. Albert died sometime between the censuses of 1880 and 1900.

 

Albert and Elizabeth’s fourth child was Anna E Muddle who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State during September 1881. The Albany Evening Journal of 8 June 1898 report that Anna E Muddle was one of the pupils of School No 21 who had passed the examination to go on to the High School. In the census of 1 June 1900, enumerated on 1 June, Anna, at the age of 18, was living with her parents at 306 Sherman Street in Albany. In about 1905 Anna married Frederick C Rice, who had been born in New York State on 22 April 1880.

When Frederick registered for the First World War draft on 12 September 1918 he was described as being tall and of medium build with blue eyes and brown hair; to be a real estate agent working on his own account at 255 North Pearl Street in Albany, and living with his wife at 258 Ontario Street in Albany.

 Frederick and Anna had two children; the first born in late 1918. In the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 6 January, they were living at 258 Ontario Street, which they rented, with their 14 month old daughter, and Frederick was a real estate broker working on his own account. Their second child was born in about 1924. Then in the census of 1 April 1930 they were living at 15 Winthrop Street in Albany, which they owned and was valued at $18,000, with their two children, and Frederick was still a real estate agent.

 

Frederick and Anna’s eldest child was Mary E Rice who was born in New York State in late 1918. In the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 6 January, Mary, at the age of 14 months, was living with her parents at 258 Ontario Street in Albany, Albany County, New York State. Then in the census of 1 April 1930 Mary, now aged 11, was living with her parents at 15 Winthrop Street in Albany.

 

Frederick and Anna’s second child was Fred A Rice who was born in New York State in about 1924. In the census of 1 April 1930 Fred, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at 15 Winthrop Street in Albany, New York State.

 

Albert and Elizabeth’s fifth child was John Howard Muddle who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State on 4 September 1883. In the census of 1 June 1900, enumerated on 1 June, John, at the age of 16, was living with his parents at 306 Sherman Street in Albany. Then in the census of 15 April 1910, enumerated on 21 April, John, at the age of 26, and his brother Arthur were boarding with George and Catherine Wahrman at 306 Sherman Street in Albany, which had been their parents’ home, and John was working as a machinist in a machine shop. In the New York State census of 1915 John was living in Albany.

In about 1918 John married Anna F Cain, who had been born in New York State during March 1887 to Irish born parents, Martin and Mary Cain. When John registered for the First World War draft on 12 September 1918 he was described as being tall in height and of slender build with blue eyes and brown hair; to be a machinist working for the New York Rail Road Co in Albany, and living with his wife at 393 Elk Street in Albany. In the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 12 January, John and Anna were living at 380 First Street in Albany, which they rent, and John was a machinist in a railroad shop. Their only child, a daughter, was born in about 1922. The Albany Directory of 1927 listed John H Muddle as living at 380 First Street. In the census of 1 April 1930, enumerated on 14 April, John, Anna and their daughter were living at 380 First Street, which they rented at $26 per month, and John was continuing to work as a machinist at the railroad. The Albany Evening Journal of 8 December 1930 in its death notice for Martin A Cain stated that one of his sisters was Mrs John H Muddle.

It seems that in 1935 John went missing as the following was reported in the Utica Daily Press of 25 December 1936:

Man Goes Out to Get Cigarets, Disappears

Albany – Mrs. John Muddle will spend Christmas hoping for the return of her husband, 52, who stepped out to buy a package of cigerets over a year ago and never was seen again.

Despite failure of police to locate the missing man, his wife believes he still is alive somewhere, a victim of amnesia.

“Some day he’ll be given his memory again and he’ll return” she said. And this year, as last, a Christmas candle lighted a window in the Muddle home for the vanished man.

A similar report was also published in the Rochester Democrat Chronicle of 25 December 1936 with the headline: Wife Awaits Hubby: On Errand for Year. John must have ended up returning to Anna because the Polk’s Albany Directory of 1953 listed John H Muddle as a machinist living with Anna at 380 First Street. But John must have died sometime during the next four years because Polk’s Albany City Directory of 1957 listed Anna Muddle, widow of John, as living at 5 King Avenue in Albany.

 

John and Anna’s only child was Ann N Muddle who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State in about 1922. In the census of 1 April 1930, enumerated on 14 April, Ann, at the age of 8, was living with her parents at 380 First Street in Albany. Ann married Louis George Wittig who had been born on 11 August 1921 and died during August 1970, at the age of 49.[23]

 

Albert and Elizabeth’s sixth child was Arthur Thomas Muddle who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State on 19 November 1885. In the census of 1 June 1900, enumerated on 1 June, Arthur, at the age of 14, was living with his parents at 306 Sherman Street in Albany. Then in the census of 15 April 1910, enumerated on 21 April, Arthur, at the age of 24, and his brother John were boarding with George and Catherine Wahrman at 306 Sherman Street in Albany, which had been their parents’ home, and Arthur was recorded as not having an occupation.

The Albany Evening Journal of 17 October 1910 reporting on the small arms practice that the new members of Company C of the Tenth Battalion of the New York National Guard had taken part in on Saturday stated that all qualified and listed one of them as Private Arthur T Muddle. The Albany Evening Journal of 15 December 1910 reported that Company C was to have Christmas party on the 22nd and listed Private Arthur T Muddle as one of the committee in charge of the affair. Then the Albany Evening Journal of 10 January 1911 reported on another small arms practice by the first section of Company C the night before in which Private Arthur T Muddle again took part.

The Albany Evening Journal of 5 July 1913 reported that Arthur T Muddle, aged 27, was married to 21-year-old Edna M Warner by the minister of the First Reformed Church in Albany on Wednesday 2 July 1913. Edna was the daughter of Harmon and Elizabeth Warner, and she had been born in New York State during November 1891. In the New York State census of 1915 Arthur and Edna were living in Albany, and their only child, a son, was born there in about 1917.

Edna was an alumnae member of the Alpha Chapter of the Theta Sigma Sorority of Albany High School, and as such was mentioned in numerous editions the Albany Evening Journal between 1914 and 1923 as attending or helping to organise sorority activities such as dances, plays, luncheons etc. Edna was also a member of the Albany Mother’s Club and the Albany Evening Journal of 20 December 1915 reported that she was one of the members who would be collecting for their playgrounds fund at Albany theatres on Christmas Day. Edna was involved in other social and political activities in Albany; the Albany Evening Journal of 5 March 1914 reporting that with two other ladies she was arranging a dance at St Andrew’s Hall and the Albany Evening Journal of 29 August 1918 reporting that she was one of the women voters in the First Ward of the city that were supporting Mr Hinman for justice of the Supreme Court. The Albany Evening Journal of 21 September 1922 reported that Edna was a member of the Third Reformed Church Women’s Bowling League; her husband was a member of the Men’s Bowling League.

Arthur was a member of the Third Reformed Church Men’s Club; the Albany Evening Journal of 6 & 31 January 1917 reporting that he was one of the committee members that had arranged the club’s annual dinner. Arthur was also a member of the Third Reformed Church Bowling League; the Albany Evening Journal of 19 May 1917 reported that Arthur was at the league’s prize giving the night before. Then in reports the Albany Evening Journal of 4 & 29 October and 1, 3, 7, 17 & 20 November 1917 on the arrangements for the Third Reformed Church Bowling Club to put on a minstrel show at the Centennial Hall on 19 & 20 November it was reported that Arthur T Muddle would be singing Old Bill Baker, Kentucky Babe and Roll Dem Bones. Then in a report the Albany Evening Journal of 13 December 1917 on the bowling schedules for that night it was noted that Arthur Muddle with his funny female impersonations will see to it that there will not be too much care taken by his team. Arthur was also a member of the Third Reformed Church choir; the Albany Evening Journal of 17 December 1918 reporting that he song bass. In a report the Albany Evening Journal of 1 December 1924 it was reported that Arthur Muddle was to be in charge of the dolls booth at the Third Reformed Church bazaar and circus.

Reports in the Albany Evening Journal of 21 & 22 December 1917 and 22 January 1918 on the activities of troop 20 of the Boy Scouts of the First Reformed Church it was recorded that Arthur Muddle was their Scoutmaster. And in the Albany Evening Journal of 1 November 1921 it was reported that Arthur Muddle was sub-committee chairman of the Ten Eyck Park Improvement Association committee that collected $229 from residents for the scouts.

The Albany Evening Journal carried reports of Arthur and Edna visiting New York; the issue of 15 September 1917 reported that: Mrs. H. W. Warner and daughters, Mrs. Arthur Muddle and Miss Helen Warner, of Ten Eyck avenue, are in New York and then the issue of 19 January 1921 reported that: Among the Albany folk registered at the Hotel McAlpin, New York, during the last week are … A. T. Muddle and Mrs. H. W. Warner and daughter.

The Albany Evening Journal of 31 October 1918 published the names of those Albany men whose names had been drawn to report for the draft in the Washington War Lottery and included Arthur T Muddle of 9 Ten Eyck Avenue. When Arthur registered for the First World War draft on 9 December 1918 he was described as being tall in height and of medium build with blue eyes and brown hair; to be a superintendent working for The Ewen Coal Co at 955 Broadway in Albany, and living with his wife at 9 Ten Eyck Avenue in Albany.

In the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 2 January, Arthur, Edna and their young son were living at 9 Ten Eyck Avenue in Albany, and Arthur was working as a book keeper in an office. Next-door at No. 11 was Edna’s widowed mother and her siblings, Arthur and Helen Warner. The Albany Directory of 1928 lited Edna Warner Muddle as the company sectretary of H W Drug Co Inc, which was a Warner family business. Then in the census of 1 April 1930, enumerated on 2 April, Arthur was working as a candy salesman and living with his mother and stepfather at 627 Crane Street in Schenectady, Schenectady County, New York State. He described himself as single, so had he possibly divorced Edna?

 

Arthur and Edna’s only child was Robert H Muddle who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State in about 1917. In the census of 1 January 1920, enumerated on 2 January, Arthur, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at 9 Ten Eyck Avenue in Albany.

 

William and Jane’s only child (William’s sixth) was Sarah Jane Muddle who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State on 1 August 1859. In the census of 1 June 1860, enumerated on 26 January 1861, Sarah, at the age of 2, was living with her parents in Albany. Then in the census of 1 June 1870, enumerated on 11 July, Sarah, now aged 12, was living with her widowed mother in Albany, and she was described as ‘being at home’, presumably helping her mother.

In about 1876 Sarah married John V Stein, who had been born in New York State on 12 October 1852 to Dutch born parents, Carl and Catherine Stein. John and Sarah had at least four children; the first two were daughters born in about 1877 and December 1878. In the census of 1 June 1880, enumerated on 2 June, John, Sarah and their two daughters were living at 74 Fourth Avenue in Albany; John was working in a lumberyard and they had Sarah’s widowed mother boarding with them. Their other two known children, both sons, were born in 1885 and 1887. The Albany City Directory for the year 1889 lists John V Stein as a teamster living at 276 First Street, then in 1890 he was listed as a teamster living at 347 First Street.

Sarah died on 15 April 1891, at the age of 31, and she was buried in the Stein family plot at Eagle Hill Cemetery in Albany. John died on 28 June 1929, at the age of 76, and he was buried with his wife in Eagle Hill Cemetery. This was a German Lutheran Cemetery, and the Stein family plot was also used for John and Sarah’s son Charles, who died in 1907, and John parents, Carl and Catherine, who died in 1891 and 1905.

 

John and Sarah’s eldest child was Carolina Stein who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State in about 1877. In the census of 1 June 1880, enumerated on 2 June, Carolina, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at 74 Fourth Avenue in Albany.

 

John and Sarah’s second child was Catherine Stein who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State during December 1878. In the census of 1 June 1880, enumerated on 2 June, Catherine, at the age of 1, was living with her parents at 74 Fourth Avenue in Albany. Then in the census of 1 June 1900, enumerated on 4 June, Catherine, now aged 21, was a live-in domestic servant to the Vischer family at 325 Hamilton Street in Albany.

 

John and Sarah’s third known child was Charles V Stein who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State during January 1885. In the census of 1 June 1900, enumerated on 5 June, Charles, at the age of 15, was, together with his brother William, in the Albany Orphan Asylum, and he was attending school. Charles died in 1907, at the age of 22, and was buried in the Stein family plot at Eagle Hill Cemetery in Albany.

 

John and Sarah’s fourth known child was William H Stein who was born in Albany, Albany County, New York State during June 1887. In the census of 1 June 1900, enumerated on 5 June, William, at the age of 12, was, together with his brother Charles, in the Albany Orphan Asylum, and he was attending school.

Copyright © Derek Miller 2009-2012

Last updated 15 October 2012