Colby Clan Communications 1

COLBY CLAN COMMUNICATIONS Descendants of Anthony and Susannah Colby

Editor: Barbara J. Zdravesky 123 Mulberry Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860 401-724-2827 Bzdravesky@Lifespan.org Treasurer: Adeline Stack 26 Coolidge Avenue, South Portland, ME 04106 207-799-1648

September 2007

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1 From the Editor, Colby Reunion, Secretary’s Report

2 News from the Members, Treasurer’s Report

3 In Memoriam

5 Interesting Colby Facts

54th Annual Colby Clan Reunion

The 54th Colby Reunion was a superb success! The weather was beautiful, spirits were high, and the company was cheerful and pleasant. Paula Belyea and Pauline DeGusto, with the help of their fantastic family, were all very hospitable and warm, making the entire experience very enjoyable. We are all grateful to the entire committee who worked hard and planned a fantastic time!

Secretary’s Report The Colby Clan Association meeting was held on Saturday, August 18, 2007 at the Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Wakefield, MA with President Jim F. Colby presiding and approximately 45 in attendance. Pauline DeGusto said grace before a delicious hot buffet meal. Gifts were presented to the youngest in attendance (Nick DeGusto, age 4, of Wakefield, MA) the oldest in attendance (Jean Ruiter of Concord, NH) and the person who traveled the farthest (Grace Thompson from Colorado). The secretary’s report was given by Barbara Zdravesky who asked for a motion to accept the minutes of the 2006 meeting as published in the September 2006 Colby Clan Communications. A motion was made by Paula Belyea and seconded by Susan Saltmarsh. There were none opposed and the motion carried. In the absence of our treasurer Adeline Stack, the treasurer’s report was given by Nancy Poland. A motion to accept the report (see below) was made by Arnold Sears and seconded by Bruce MacWilliams. There were none opposed and the motion carried. The memorial tribute was read by Barbara Zdravesky followed by a moment of silence to honor the Colby members that have passed since the 2006 reunion. A welcome was extended to the new members in attendance. David and Kathleen Caflisch from Wisconsin introduced themselves. A motion was made by Bill Whidden to donate the amount of $400 to the Macy-Colby House in Amesbury, MA. The motion was seconded by Arnold Sears. There were none opposed and the motion carried. The 2008 reunion will be hosted by Barbara Zdravesky in the Providence area of Rhode Island. The meeting was adjourned.

From the Editor Our 54th Reunion was outstanding! It is good to see the dedicated Colby relatives at the reunion each year. It is also exciting to meet new relatives! The reunion committee in Wakefield did a stellar job at providing everything we needed and more, such as goodie bags filled with fun bits of Massachusetts history, table centerpieces with the names and dates of four Colby generations (from all 7 of Anthony’s children!), and an unprecedented fashion show of handmade historic outfits with an informative narration. The Friday evening gathering was a delightful time of conversation and laughter with a beautiful summer breeze and yummy treats. It was a great time. Please continue to share your news with us. I’m happy to get articles, birth notices, photos, and anything else that can be published. Remember that many of our members do not use the internet or a computer and rely on this newsletter for Colby family news. Keep it coming!

Colby Clan Communications 2

Treasurer’s Report

A note from Adeline

News from the Colby Members This young lady, Marie Danielle Prevot, is the granddaughter of Arnold and Ruth Sears. Her mother is Kathleen Liautaud who has been to many reunions in the past.

Hello All my Supporters! With the race complete, some asking for photos, and others wondering if I actually have done it yet, I thought I would take a moment, although two weeks past the day, to thank all of you for contributing in one way or another to my success at crossing the finish line in San Diego. The day on the course was awesome too, bands playing, and people running for someone important in their lives. I cried a few times along the way, but I think the most poignant shirt was "I'd run 100,000 miles for one more day with my mom." I can be honest, as I was trying to visualize the finish line the night before, I didn't know which one to look for. I am happy to say, with the thought of seeing people I knew at the very end, I was able to push to 26.2. Team and Training for this particular race raised about 12 million dollars for Cancer Research, and it felt great to be contributing to such a well-run organization. This was a great experience, as the culmination of preparation and determination is all manifest quickly in a few (or maybe several), hours. The sense of accomplishment is huge. Thanks Again, and I hope this finds you happy, healthy and pursuing your own new goals, and ambitions. Love, Danielle Rae Johnson writes: “My great grandmother was Roxanna Colby. Her parents were John Colby (b. April 18, 1760) and Eunice Dane of Andover, MA (b. April 7, 1773), married on June 23, 1796. Did Roxanna have siblings? Roxanna married Thomas Poor September 16, 1830. They had a son Melvin in 1832 who married Elsie French. Were there other children? Does anyone have more information on this family? Any help will be appreciated.

Colby Clan Communications 3

IN MEMORIAM

Grace Colby of Quebec, Canada died on November 27, 2006. She died peacefully and is survived by her husband John H.E. Colby, and her children Glenn Cranker (Maria), Judith MacPherson and Nancy Cranker, and a large extended family. C. Colby Bent of Lyme, NH 03768 died on May 9, 2007 after a long and wonderful life (85 years old). Emma Colby Miller passed away on Saturday July 1, 2007 at Providence Nursing Center in Trenton, NJ after various medical problems. She was 80 yrs old. She is survived by two daughters one son, three grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Also three older brothers, including Fred Colby of Port Orange, Fl. and George W. Colby of Manorville, NY.

Colby Clan Communications 4

Betty Colby Scott with her grandson Michael, and great granddaugters Peyton and Casey McCarthy.

Richard and Geraldine Stadler at the 50th wedding anniversary on

March 14, 2005.

Sent from Beverly Slocum of Burlington, VT:

Colby Damon is the grandson of Wendell Colby of Lancaster, NH.

Colby Clan Communications 5

Interesting Colby Facts Transcription and Translation of Biographical Sketch From McHenry County, Illinois, 1832-1968 McHenry County Board of Supervisors Woodstock, Illinois Rogers Printing Company Dixon, Illinois (Ed. note: Information has been parenthetically coded and abbreviated to save space. The following is a translation of the codes and abbreviations, shown in parenthesis where indicated in the original) COLBY, Gideon (original settler), b.1797 – d.1842, arrival in county 1837, Crystal Lake from Danville, VT, purchased Colby Point farm from government at $1.25 per acre; member Whig party and Universalist Church. Colby Point on Fox River named after family, married Olive Marsh, Danville, VT, children - 4: WEBSTER (second generation), ALLEN (second generation), MARY (second generation), ALBERT (second generation), ALBERT (second generation) b.1830 – d.1907, farmer and business administrator, Republican, supported John C. Fremont and Abraham Lincoln, married 1855 his widowed sister-in-law, Abigail Smith, her husband Webster died sailing around Cape Horn on way to California gold rush. Children - 3: MINNIE INEZ (third generation), b.1856, LILLIAN (third generation), b. 1858, Fred Leon (third generation), b.1862 – d.1925, founder of Colby Motor sales, claims to be founder of oldest automobile agency in U.S., vice president United States Bank of Crystal Lake, member of Modern Woodmen and Methodist Church, married 1881 Lydia Mann Willard, 1 child: CLAUDE VICTOR (fourth generation), b.1886 – d.1951, automobile dealer, very prominent among pioneer automobile men, member Methodist Church, married 1909 Della Scott Lund, prominent in the beginning years of Crystal Lake Woman's Club and Garden club, children - 3: ETHEL MILDRED (fifth generation), b.1910, FRED WILLARD (fifth generation), b.1911, CLAUDE SCOTT (fifth generation), b.1919. Ethel Mildred, active in Wilmette Parish Methodist, North Shore Art League, New Trier P.T.A., married 1936 Edward Tyrus Larkin, children - 3: NANCY LYNN PRICE (sixth generation), b.1938, JULIE GAY, (sixth generation), b.1942, EDWARD COLBY (sixth generation), b.1951. Fred Willard, president Colby Motor sales, Inc., U. S. Navy, 1942-46, member Methodist Church, numerous civic and fraternal organizations. Claude Scott, vice president Colby Motor Sales, Inc., Vice President 1st National Bank of Crystal Lake, US Navy, 1942-46, chairman Chrysler Dealer Council, president Chrysler Advertising Council, member Methodist Church, Legion and Elks, married 1964 Olive Bynum Mueller, 1 child: CRAIG SCOTT, (sixth generation), b.1959, (Correspondent, Fred Colby, 61 N. Main St., Crystal Lake, Ill.) From The Nunda Herald Crystal Lake, Illinois (McHenry County) Thursday, November 5, 1903 McHenry Plaindealer: Newell S. Colby died at his home west of McHenry, Sunday morning, Oct. 25, at 9:30 o'clock, after a two weeks' illness. He was taken with a chill on Tuesday, Oct. 13, (his birthday) and despite the best efforts of medical skill and careful nursing, pneumonia resulted. Mr. Colby was born in Danville, Caledonia County, VT Oct. 13, 1826, the eldest of seven children of Ira and Mary Colby. He remained in Vermont until fourteen

years of age and in 1840 came with his parents to McHenry, McHenry County. He remained with them until 1856, and then moved to the farm where he died, a half-mile west of this village. He owned 144 acres of fine land, which is well improved. He made a specialty of stock raising and had the best grade of horses, sheep, cattle and hogs. He shipped his stock to all parts of the United States, receiving for them the highest market prices.

Mr. Colby was married Oct. 9, 1856, to Laura E. Parker, daughter of J. J. and Mary Parker, natives of Ontario county, NY. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Colby, only three of whom are now living: Mrs. Mary E. Sayler, born June 12, 1860; Belle C. Sayler, born July 26, 1865, and Newell S., born Aug. 9, 1877. The latter is also married and for several years past has been carrying on the work at the old homestead. Below is a list of the brothers and sisters of Mr. Colby, some of whom died many years ago and others now living: Mrs. Jacob Story (Mary Ann) died about 65 years ago; Abbie S. Smith died in Woodstock in 1853; Mrs. Robt. Sherburne (Sarah M.) who resides in this village; Frank S. died 34 years ago; O. C. Colby, a successful merchant of Nunda, Ill.; Flora Cravens, Spirit Lake, Iowa; John B., of Clifton, Ill.; Gideon, who died at Hartley, Iowa; Henry, a resident of Plainville, KS, and Willie M., died 25 years ago in MO. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at the M. E. church, Rev. J. M. Cormack officiating. A large number of relatives and friends were in attendance. Bob Colby’s family page: http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/c/o/l/Robert-C-Colby-jr/index.html?Welcome=1082496700 From Marriages Registered in the Town of Laconia,NH for the years 1887-1904. COLBY: "Sadie M. aged 17 yrs m 22 Aug 1898 by Rev. F. L. WILEY of Laconia to Chas. Ferdinand Jos. JOYAL aged 18 yrs. She was a mill operator born in Bristol to Edwin A COLBY, a painter, born in Bridgewater, and Emily W. LITTLEFIELD, a housewife, born in Randolph, MA. He was a knitter born in St Francois du Lac, PQ to Ferdinand JOYAL, a carpenter, and Odile DURAND. Both his parents were born in St Francois du Lac, PQ ". " Albert COLBY, aged 48 yrs, m 11 Nov 1889 by Rev. L. MALVERN of Laconia to Viola A BANFILLE, aged 34 yrs. He was a conductor born in Warren. She was born in Campton. He was the s/o David COLBY and Sally PICKERING b. in Merideth. She was the d/o James A SANBORN who was a machinist born in Campton and Elizabeth WITHERAL". " Maude Frances COLBY aged 18 yrs m 14 Dec 1898 in Laconia by Rev F. X. LYONS to Patrick Henry EAGEN aged 22 yrs .he was a clerk born in Laconia. She was a domestic born in Hillsboro Bridge. He was the s/o John M EAGEN who was a laborer born in Cork, Ireland and Mary BREEN, a housewife, born in Leeds, England. She was the d/o Clarence P. COLBY a carpenter and Mary L. SCRIBNER, a housewife born in Henniker". " Lena Rivers COLBY aged 24 yrs m 28 June 1904 by F.M. BECKFORD, JP of Laconia to Harry Gilman CLOUGH aged 37 yrs. She was a waitress born in Bristol. He was a clerk born in Dover. She was the d/o Edwin Albion COLBY, a painter, born in Alexandria and Emily LITTLEFIELD, a housekeeper born in Stoughton, MA. He was the s/o David Edwin CLOUGH, a carpenter, born in Lowell, MA and Rosetta Bean MILLER, a housewife, born in Acton".

Cont. on page 6

Colby Clan Communications 6

Cont. from page 5

" Leroy D COLBY, aged 24 yrs, m 15 Apr 1903 in Merideth by Rev. Justus ERSKINE to Mildred E ALLEN age 23 yrs He was a trainman born in Laconia. She was a school teacher born in Lowell, MA. He was the s/o Enoch COLBY, a farmer, born in Sanbornton and Mary E. FILGATE, a housewife, born in Laconia. She was the d/o Joseph L. ALLEN, a farmer, born in Enfield, ME and Ella L. LORD, a housewife, born in Lowell, MA".

Photos from the 2007 Colby Reunion

Nick DeGusto, youngest in attendance, with his parents Paul and

Alicia DeGusto

Pauline DeGusto and family, our fantastic Reunion Committee

Joan DeGusto (the seamstress who made these outfits) and Paul

Belyea

Christine Corbett and Paul DeGusto

Colby Clan Communications 7

Paula Belyea

Kelsey Corbett and Allen DeGusto

Esther Fiske

Ashley Corbett and Mark Corbett

Pauline DeGusto, Mike DeGusto, Katherine DeGusto

Grace Thompson of Colorado, traveled the farthest distance

Jim and Dan

Kathleen and David Caflisch of Wisconsin

Anna DaFoe and Arnold Sears

Colby Clan Communications 8

Barbara J. Zdravesky

123 Mulberry Street

Pawtucket, RI 02860

Abby Cirioni, Susan Saltmarsh, Arnold Sears

Grace Thompson, Peggy Reynolds, Nancy Poland

Beatrice and Robert Wadland

Jean Ruiter, oldest in attendance