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HomeMy WebLinkAboutErvay Family Connecticut Hill 6r THIRD DISTRICT U, W pO H O �C G O pp4 P i rat cd .ry4�1 rh.l r STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTIES - - SN 3RD DISTRICT --- DEPARTMEN'I' OF PUBLIC WORKS -_ - CAYUGA -. FRED'K STUARTTGFtEENE CORTI.ANDONONDAGA SUPERINTENDENT - - - OSWEGO' -.SENECA - GUY W. PINCK. 'bIST. ENG. TOMPKINS WAYNE - W06H LOCK BUILDING. SYRACUSE. N. Y. SYRACUSE, N. Y., W_; W 0 z r. Ic 0 0 ®,4 W aA TO TIMM, ISTAT 1111TORLO, Albany, N. Y. Dear Sir i To, the underai gned,, rosidents of Tompkins County, New York, do hereby respectfully request that t~ne State 1.11storical Depart- ment erect at the birth la of the R.Quadruplets" on Conneeticut 1.4111- whioh In near the Connecticut- fill Stagy. Park, a permanent historical marker to commemorate the birth of these quadruplets, the children of Mr. and 'Yrs. 'outer -°rvay, who were born at the Poster ►sy home on July 22., 1355„ there being three girls and one boy. These quadruplets traveled on exhibition for two years with the P. T. Barnum- Zhow and eommivised one of his main attractions* 31atentists say that quadruplets occur only once in about ?^00,0"0'0 (seven hundred thousand) births,, there being today in j the :united states not oar three or four such group of children and this bein- the only lnitance that we are mare of that has ever occurred in Central Nev `fork State and the territory aom _ rised within the so-called Finger Lakes Region. Attorney at Law, Ithaca, N. Y. Corney at Law, Ithaca, N. Y. attorney nt 1.1 W,, ithl aon, in. Y. Attorney' at Law, Ithaca, N. Y. ;attorney at Law, Itha- cat N Y. Attorney at Law , Ithaca, L. -ttorvey at Lgvv, Ithaca, N. Y. June 27th, 1935• Curator City museum and Historical Society P. T. Barnum ??ivision Bridgeport, Corin. Gentlemen t I have recently made application to the State for erection of a marker commemorating the birth of quadruplets in this county, known as the "rrvay Quadruplets". The application has been accepted, and I expect that the_,mark�r will be placed some ? time this summer. These quadruplets were barn ITS July, 1855. ;then only a few months old, they were taken with the P. T. Barnum show where they remained on ex- hibition for some months, until one of the babies was taken sick and died. I an wondering if you will be so kind as to z go through your record of P. T. Barnum at that ti•e and see if there is.some record of the quadruplets. Z am particularly interested to learn whether there are any lithogrspho in connection with them from which a photograph could be made to use in connection �4 • with the erection of the marker. 'Anvthing you may be able to tell me with regard to the auadrupleta will be greatly appreciated. ;fiery truly yours, M J°_„:GG JULIAN A. SOHON LIBRARIAN M 00 CD W 0 0 0 Cd P a) 1W co ca off 4 Fi BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY AND READING ROOM BURROUGHS LIBRARY BUILDING BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT August a, 1938 Our collection of Barnum material is not ver} extensive. There are no lithographs at this Library, but I got in touch With one person in New Haven, Connecticut, and received no reply, likewise a gentleman in Bethel, Connecticut, and he did not answer my communication. lienee, the delay for which I apologize. I do not recall reading about these "Quadruplets", in- formation concerning the early Circus People is exceedingly --- meager. If I should happen upon this item I will be glad to inform you. I find your county newspaper "Ithaca Journal" can be found at Cornell University, and they have a file from 1821-1872. You may find something pertaining to the Babies in the local paper at that time. Very truly yours, BRIDOPOFS PUBLIC LIBRAFY , Head, Henry A. Bishzp Historical Room Saturday June 18, 1983 Enfield Town Historian M.Clyde Hubbell RJ - P5 Hubbell Dr. Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 Richard L. Ervay 212 Devonshore Dr. Elfaira Hts. 14903 Dear Richard, For the past year I have been researching the Ervay quadruplets born on July 22, 1855. Two of the quadruplets lived to be over 70 years old. They were Ida Adel -i -a Ervay Lock-erby and Irvan Adelbert Ervay. Perhaps you have 'Knowledge of these persons or can direct me to some member of e Ervay family that is doing the Ervay genealogy??? Tuesday June 28, 1983 Enfield Town Historian M.Clyde Hubbell R#5 Hubbell Dr. Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 State Archivist Cultural Education Center Empire Plaza Albany, N.Y. 12230 Dear Archivist, I have undertaken the task of researching the facts surrounding the birth of quadruplets in the local area back in 1855. An application for a historic marker was made prior to Dec. 13, 1937. A letter dated June 30, 1938 indicates that the appication was granted. The a-arker was placed and reads as follows, Connecticut Hill Born here, July 22, 1855, to Foster Ervay and wife, four Children, 11known as Ervay Quadruplets: on exhibition For several years. I am interested in obtaining a copy of the original application. Would it be available? Sincerely THEUNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF. NEW YORK THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT - - ALBANY, NEW YORK 12230 Wednesday July 20, 1983 Enfield Town Historian M.Clyde Hubbell R#5 Hubbell Dr. Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 Joseph V. Noble ® Director Museum of the City of New York 5th Ave. at 103rd St. New York, N.Y. 10029 Dear Joseph, I have been researching the birth of quadruplets on July 22, 1855 in the local area to Foster Ervay and Lucinda Wilkins. it is said that they were placed on exhibition by P.T. Barnum for A period of time soon thereafter. Enclosed a copy of a letter from. Robert Parkinson of Circus World Museum . The indication is that they, may have been in P.T. Barnum's museum in New York City. Thus my question to you. Who or what organization in-Nev-Yor-k City would most likely have information on these children in relati-on to P.T. Barnuri-i's museum ?? Would such an exhibition have been advertised in local newspapers 49- If so ® which one or ones Dear Mr. Hubbell: Please excuse the long delay:in answering your letter, we have been rehousing a major portion of our collection in recent months, P.T. Barnum's American Museum was located ,at Broadway and Alin Street(s-outheast corner) from 1842 to 1865. .I seem to recall.reading of -a -large fire there in 1865. Unfortunately, the records. and contents of the museum. -seem to:have disappeared. My suggestion would be to look for advertisements in local newspapers, such as The.News York'Sun, The"World or The Herald. Yn.checking.our'files we do not have any records of the exhibit on the quadruplets. We appreciate your interest in,our museum and regret that we are not able to help you with this matter. Please contact us if we,_.may be -of. _ any further assistance.. - Sincerely, Nancy Kessler -Post Associate'Curator_. Paintings, Prints & Photographs Wednesday Aug. 10, 19$3 Enfield Town Historian M.Clyde Hubbell 05 Hubbell Dr. Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 New York Pu�,lic Library Director Research David H. Stam Astor Lenox & Tilden Foundation 5th Ave. & 42nd St. N.Y. , .y. 1011 Dear David, I have been researching the birth of quadruplets on July 22, 1855 in the local area to Foster`Ervay and Lucinda Wilkins. It is said - they were placed on exhibition'by P.T. Barnum for a period of time soon° thereafter. One died within two and a half months. A letter from. Robert Parkinson, of Circus World Museum indicates that in all probability it would have been with Barnum` s -museum in your City. A letter sent to Joseph V. Moble ( Director ) Museum of the City-'- of ity-'- of New York, `ffith .Ave. at 103rd St.has been unanswered..: Thus - perhaps you may inform me as to the best place to continue my kesearch in '.the, area of arnum's museum and possible newspaper adds concerning the exhibition, of the children; Any help you may be able .to -give me would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely r 64, Wednesday Aug. 104 1983 -. } t Enfield Town Historian M.Clyde Hubbell R#5 Hubbell Dr. Ithaca., N.Y. 14850 New York Public Library Director Research David H. Stam Astor Lenox & Tilden Foundation 5th Ave. & 42nd St N.Y®, N.Y. 10018 Dear David., I have been researching the birth of quadruplets on July 22, 1855 in the local area to Foster-Ervay and Lucinda Wilkins. It is said that they were placed on exhibition by P.T. Barnum for a period of time soon thereafter. One died within two and a half months. A letter from Robert Parkinson of Circus World Museum indicates that in all probability it would have been with Barnum's museum in your City. A letter sent to Joseph V. Noble ( Director ) Museum of the City of New York, 5th Ave. at .103rd St.has been unanswered. Thus - perhaps you may inform me as to the best place to continue my research in the area of Barnum's museum and possible newspaper adds concerning the exhibition of the children. Any help you may be able to ;give me would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely Ef August 15, 19b3 In reply to inquiry received ---------- ___r ------------------------- — From: r L Mr. M. Clyde Hubbell Enfield Town Historian R. 5 Hubbell Drive Ithaca, N.Y. 1+850 W A check of Morris Werner's Barnum., Irving Wallace's The fabulous showman, P. T. Barnum's Struggles .and triumphs, Walk's Personal name index to,The New York 'limes 1851-197+, and An .illustrated catalogue and guide book to Barnum's American Museum (1861?) uncovered nothing with respect to-Ervay, Wilkins and the quadruplets. A further search in the United States History, Local History & Genealogy Division proved of no avail. As they have historical material on multiple births, you might direct your query to: The New York Academy of Medicine Reference Dept. 2 East 103rd Street New York, N.Y_ 10029, Friday Sept. 29 1983 Enfield Town Historian M.'Clyde Hubbell PJA5 Hubhell Dr. Ithaca,',N.Y. 14850 Elwood Lockerby 411 Birdsl Endicott, N.Y. 13760 Dear Elwooe, I have been --esearching the Ervay quadruplets foithei.past year and a Yhrs. Francis Hulslander indicates you may be able to help. I am interested in any information on thew that people wish to share with me. Items from newspapers, diaries, birthday books and family metubera are welcome. Of particular interest at this time is determining when and where Irvan Adelbert Ervay died. His death certificate should show pla4_4 of,, birth. Did he have any children? If so- are they living?- If living where might they be reached? Any help you may see fit :to give will be greatly a ppreciated!! Sincerely, CO 0 CU C a U O 4J V <rtL/ iw G 1VrW/aia x i ..fid �ed amum., By BARBARA BELL Mrs. Moley's mother was ' Ida France when about 14 years old. ` saes cooled too thuch. Journal Staff Writer ' Adelia Ervay Lockerby, one of in w all; she. and Foster Ervay, -.: `.`Grandmother tilled Mason s When the quadruplets of the babies" born on Jul 2`1, 1855, who had ars- -with warm water.' and July .. grown.. np, in.: the. j ._ Connecticut Hill were born; they . to Foster and Lucinda Wilkins Connecticut Bill' region, had 13 alwags had their .replacements weighed from one and a quarter. Ervay. children. At least one was born on the�hearth too."- to one and three-quarters Ida A. weighed only one and "a after the quadruplets: This. last, fact was so :much pounds. Carryou. imagine their quarter pounds at birth. She The quadruplets were named: appreciated by the lt�ason daz chances of survival-, the children grew to be a buxom. husky Ida Adelia, Irvan Adelbert, Iva -Co', when --it wasprinw-.hi a of poor farm Parents, born in woman and. died in- South Amelia and Ina Aurelia. Irva i publication: issued'. by Barnum 1855? Waverly at the age of 74. was the "heavy weight" at birth that theysent the family 300 new, But they ;thrived -and- all lived 'It was reported in. ` the at one and. .three-quarters )� This must have been a real , long enough to be exhibited to newspaper account of her death pounds..i% lived- to be 76 ears boon to the farm home in those the public as part of what P. T. that, she was born in Schuyler old; -Iva and Ina each wed a difYs• .Two "hundred of the jars Barhum called his "Museum" — County. The birthplace has been pound and. a half ` at birth and were two -quart size, most not the showman's'circus which :.a matter: of confusion and Town both died in after having sensible for a family with 13 is more widely remembered. of`; .Newfield ' has sometimes completed the', tour with children. - �, report dressed time, the babies The story has -never been' claimed the honor m neighborlyBarnum smuseum_ g written in detail, as far as this contention with Town of The fakey. concerns a They were just writer can determine -And. it has Catharine.iO cotton wool that when the fourth baby had wrapped'" usually been written in.a manner The ; Ervay -farm was on been delivered :and Mr. Ervay according to the descendant. perpetuating a fallacy which was Cayata Rd.: which changed its was apprised that it was the last, ``Mr. Barnum .heard about the probably - born.. in' the fertile name -to "Saxon, Hill Rd. at the he breathed "Ok Joy!" and that quadruplets and came to the imagination of..sfome ' . early county line. There is little doubt subsequently that baby .was house to W for himself. Then he newspaper reporter- or. maybe but that the:: farmencompassed named Joy. As .,May be seenwith, dickered, -grandfather " one of P. T. Barnum.'s publicity lands on both sides of the road from the four names given 0, An agreement was, reached agents ` - `_ and , therefore in both counties, Mrs.. Morley, not one of the and the showman advanced $500 Thanks to Mrs: Gladys Morley but the home was on - the. quads was christened Joy. to, the -father to be used in getting of Elmira, we are able to right Schuyler side, to . judge from , ``Grandfather made abed together what would be needed that one incorrect, bit of Mrs. Lockerby's death notice -from lumber. he, got right there . to take the babies` to New York information and supply more of which her :daughter says - is • 6,the farm," Mrs: Morleysays�Citywhere, the public could view the details about the babies than correct, . them "It -was_ padded with cotton_bat Mrs Morley isn't sure how the ever known before; at least in No buildings are standing at ting and sheepskin with the woll ' Schuyler_ Tompkins' , historical.- the; former home site now and infants were fed during those circles where the closest kinship two historical markers Have s'They. brought infield -critical first 'weeks nor is she is felt to the incident. This birth been taken by vandals, ;one of and: scrubbed .them an4; lieateii< about how .much attention was -the only one of its kind in them only -last year after a "tiiem'on the hearth, using"the hot �y may have received from a recorded local history:. painstaking restoration by men stones to line the bed and provide doctor or nurse. When they came Mrs. Morley is the daughter of of the local office of the State extra -heat. There: were always under the care of P. T. Barnum, one of the quadruplets, the Transportation De artment. - there was a registered nurse and q P other stones warming as a doctor. inconstant.attendance surviving child of any of the #our. Lucinda Wilkins came from replacements; ready whenever There.were:also two wet nurses to ugment 'their mother's ' feeding. t They -were shown in a single bed and At a distance intended to ' ..aeep them` free from contact k withpossible, disease -bearing w. members of the audience. The Ervaysreceived $5,000 for s x whatever was -the period of time w " the babies -were" exhibited. P.T. } a wrote the parents later, that the most profitable year his museum had ever known to that time was i+ the year during which the Ervay quadruplets had been on exhibit. rt i• i+ _ Mrs., Morley is not sure how long the babies were shown. Obvi- t New York (ansly d apparentlyothwere not taken er places) until they gained size and - fi t strength for endurance of the ► r= ,'- rigors of the trip and theatrical appearances. she is certain the: stage stint' and the babies back - �` home on, Connecticut hill when ba - Aurelia - contraeted Supplied by the New York State -Historical Assn. but now missing, this from which she died_"at; sign is ample evidence .of ,confusion about the lives of the area's only. the age of six months.,-- Ina f quadruplets. Two of theta actually died -before their first birthday. The Aurelia died sometime between sign was broken from its post at the family home site years ago, restored ` the age of nine and 12 months, by the State Department of Transportation.'s county office, and erected Mrs. Morley sheds some light last year on Black Oak Corners Rd,— only to be stolen. on the Ervay family life ,with other anecdotes. The. younger Area's Only. Quadruplets • y Y ..... .. ..... .. ... 6­1 type'of Mr. an d Mrs. Forest Ervay and their quadruplets . is owned by their A tin descendant, Mrs. Gladys Morley of Elmira:'The prink, made at the direction of P.- T. Barnum, -could not be reproduced by photography; even in the.original,'the infants' likenesses were retouched by the artist: This copy is by Cheryl Marshall df the Ithaca ` Journal staff. been waiting. sister of the babies, Carrie Belle, married and, he Iost an Arm in. After the quadruplets' mother• ,11 remember. grandfather,". - married one Andrew Webber,,' 1863 while serving in the died, their father married` agu no.children and lived to the • northern Army in the Civil. War bAml ere were no more children.` ' ll�orley says.. Op. wasn't. age of 84, according to family . Sylvester and. Veteron -never There had been .rumors that very ;large man, ,not very. tall, records from which Mrs. Morley married; Joesnn, the oldestgirl, Lucinda was heir to' money'in and neverheavy." draws information. married Augustus Hill and lived France. After her. death, the Mrs. Morley had.: a sister and a Of the other children, she -tells out.her life around Al pine. Olive - family brother and,, needless to say, , p y sent a lawyer there are any number of other this: Amos married a Susan died in childbirth while very authorized to collect. He never-- descendants,of the Ervay clan. Westbrook; Frank married _ young, and Mary Jane married returned and the family never•; Not .all have kept close contact ariah .Archibald; Julius never Elisha Church. heard if a fortune had, perhaps with others, however, i - Friday Sept. 2, 1983 Enfield Town Historian M.Clyde Hubbell R#5 Hubbell Dr. Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 Rev. Bertram Croop 1621 TL Rd. Rush, N.Y. 14543 Dear Rev. Croop, I have been researching the Ervay quadruplets for the past year and came across your name in a newspaper article concerning the VII.Lnistry of your alother-in-law. According to an iter ; in the Oct. 24th, 1929 Ithaca Journal Mrs. George Xockerby ( one of the quadruplets ) was an aunt to Mrs. Edward Moot. At this time I'm most interested in finding out:hen 1-Adelber,-t rVan Ervay died and where ?? one of the quadruplets His death certificate should give me his place of birth Needless to say I am interested in any information on the quadruplet*-;,:; that people wish to share with me. Items from newspapers, diaries, birthday books and family members. Any information you may be able to give me would be greatly appreciated!!! Sincerely, 41-f" —:e 14R. & MRS. Francis 2 M- 11 Rd rt CL VestalP N.Y'. Dear Mr. & "'rs. Hulslander, As I stated over fl -he telephone last Thursday I have been researchl*ng, the Ervay quadruplets for the past year or so. It is my goal to determine the birth Place as near as possible. Of the four names you gave me I was able to find addresses for Elwood Lockerby and Bertram Croop thus if you might,; the addresses for Hulbert Root and Mae , rvin ThallII would appreciathaving them. A news item in the Ithaca Journal on Oct. 24, 1929 states that Ivirs. George Lockerby was an aunt to Mrs. Edward Mooti. Would this be on her mothers or fathers side of the family? Any information on the Ervay family from newspapers, diaries, birthday books and family members is of interest to me at this time. If I can find where and when Iroan AdelTbert Ervay died - may learn from the death certificate where his place of birth was. Any MORE help you may be able to give is more than welcome :! Thursday Sept. 29, 1983 Enfield Town Historian M.,Clyde Hubbell R#5 Hubbell Dr. ithada, N.Y. 143050 Clerk of Steuben County Surrogate Court E. Pulteney Sq. Bath, N.Y. 14810 Dear Clerk, I have been researching the Ervay quadruplets in;an effort to determine their birth: place. Does Irvan Adelbert Ervay appear in yor records ?? Information leads me to believe that he may have died in or near Erwin int the early 1930¢s . His place and date of death urould enable me to locate his death certificate which in turn would record place of birth. please advise to procedure and fees to obtain such. information: S incere 1y,.' d