Notes:

From "Descendants of John Casse":

Josiah fought at Lundy's Lane in War of 1812. His father Aaron was killed in the War of 1812 while taking Josiah's place when Josiah was on leave. Josiah is said to have built a tavern in Caroline, Tompkins Co., NY in 1815.

The first Tavern in the Town, "Bush's Stand", was built by Richard Bush in 1801. He died during the War of 1812 and his widow continued to conduct the Tavern. The Tavern stood on the south side of the Catskill Turnpike, 2502 Slaterville Road.

Cass or Bull Tavern was built after the closing of Bush's Tavern in 1815 across the street from Bush's 2490 Slaterville Road. Josiah Cass conducted the Tavern for three years, then Aaron Bull (his uncle). He closed the Inn about 1848.

Family/Spouse: Eunice French. Eunice (daughter of Judge John French and Desire Bull) and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Lucinda. was born about 1818 in Steuben, NY; died on 8 Jan 1896. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Orlando Hurd. Orlando (son of Milo Hurd and Sally Case) was born on 12 May 1820 in New York, USA; died on 19 Feb 1896; was buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Jefferson (Watkins Glen), Chemung Co., NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Amanda Mott in 1836 in Tompkins, NY. Amanda was born in 1820 in Tompkins, NY; was buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Jefferson (Watkins Glen), Chemung Co., NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She made a will in Jefferson, Chemung, NY, 29 Sep 1852. The following is an extract of the genealogical information found in Cynthia's will. The complete will itself was found in the 1990s in an old book at the Schuyler Co. courthouse and was transcribed and put on a web page at http://www.rootsweb.com/~nyschuyl/oldwills.htm (as of March 2000).

"FREER Cynthia Ann - will dated 29 Sep 1852 - 13 Oct 1853 Jefferson, Chemung co. - Codicil 21 Sep 1853 - nieces Frances Cass, Jane M Cass, Caroline May Hurd, nephew Samuel Watkins Cass, husband George G to have my portrait painted by Wm E McMaster, - to Daniel Tuttle son of Daniel the gold watch I received from late husband Samuel Watkins, watch with the family coat of arms - Adrian Tuttle son of Samuel Watkins Tuttle - to John Maurel Bradhurst N Y C a portrait ? - cousin Orlando Hurd, his mother Sally Hurd - aunt Anna Cass wife of Aaron, brother Marcus Marcellus Cass - Lucinda Cass widow of my brother Moses Cass - cousin Ruth Whitney, cousin Mary Mandana Hungerford, - friend Dr Wm B Slawson - cousin Wm Hurd son of Sally - cousin Julia Ann Graham - friend Ephraim Schill - to Benjamin Farrell & Hannah his wf - uncle Moses Cass & wife Betsy - uncle Solomon Campbell." Cynthia married Dr. Samuel Watkins about 1840 and named the village of Watkins after him when he died. She employed her cousin Judge George G. Freer to settle Dr. Watkins' estate and married him on 11 Feb 1852, shortly before her death.

Cynthia married Dr. Samuel Watkins about 1840 in Jefferson, Chemung Co., NY. Samuel was born about 1772 in Queens, Long Island, NY; died on 10 May 1851 in Jefferson(Watkins Glen), Schuyler Co., NY; was buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Jefferson (Watkins Glen), Chemung Co., NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Cynthia married Hon. George Gross Freer on 11 Feb 1852 in Chemung, NY. George (son of Solomon Freer and Polly Case) was born on 29 Jan 1809 in Marbletown, Ulster Co., NY; was christened on 2 Mar 1809; died on 7 Jan 1878. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Sarah A. Lull. Sarah (daughter of Albert Lull and Electa Harriet) was born about 1819 in Otsego, NY; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obituary from Watkins Democrat:

Death of M. M. Cass, Sr.

One of Watkins Pioneer Residents Passes the Great Divide.

Many Other Deaths Cast Shadow Over Stricken Families.

Marcus Marcellus Cass, Sr. M. M. Cass, Sr., died Saturday, August 3, 1907, at about one o'clock p.m. The end came peacefully. Mr. Cass arose in his usual health, but early in the morning complained of pains about his stomach and heart. He gradually weakened and passed into unconsciousness. The news of his death passed over the town like a shock, he having been in wonderfully good health for a man of his age.

Marcus Marcellus Cass, Sr., was born in March, 1824, in the town of Hector, the youngest son of Josiah and Eunice French Cass. The family was of noted antecedents, Aaron Cass, the father of Josiah, came from Connecticut, the son of Jonathan Cass [note: this is NOT correct]. Aaron Cass was a soldier of the Revolution and the war of 1812, being killed in the latter war. The mother of the subject of this sketch was Eunice, the daughter of John French, a noted lawyer of Otsego county, and bore children as follows: Cynthia Ann, Moses, Caroline, Abraham, John B., and Marcus Marcellus.

Cynthia Ann, the eldest child, about 1840 became the wife of Dr. Samuel Watkins, the founder and namesake of the village of Watkins. At the doctor's death in 1851, he left his large estate to his widow, who used a large portion of it in endowing the village, whose name she changed from Jefferson to Watkins, in honor of her husband, with parks, the academy and other improvements. She later married Judge George G. Freer, but died shortly childless. The estate was willed to her relatives and M. M. Cass, Sr., received a goodly portion.

Mr. Cass was given unusual advantages in travel and education. After a college course he began the study of law at Rochester with Selah Matthews. Later he engaged in legal practice with Norton A. Halbert, of New York city. In 1856 he removed to Watkins and since has enjoyed a life suited to his scholarly tastes.

He married Sarah A., daughter of Stephen Hurd, a woman of noted lineage and fine attainments. To this union seven children were born: M. M. Jr., the present editor of the Watkins Express, who inherits his father's fine abilities; Cynthia, Mrs. George L. Meddick; Jessie, Mrs. John M. Roe; John, of Montour Falls; Schuyler, of Watkins; Sarah Grace, Mrs. A. H. Olmstead, of Rochester; and W. H. Seward, of Rochester.

Mr. Cass was a life long Republican in politics and although he never held office, he was recognized as one of the most faithful of his party's adherents. He served on the Republican state committee and was a delegate to the national convention which placed President Lincoln in nomination for the second time.

He was a man of fine literary tastes and insight and contributed many polished articles and sketches to both local and national publications. He was a keen student of economies and nature and to the day of his dissolution never lost his comprehensive grip on public affairs.

The funeral services were held from the house Tuesday at two p.m., Rev. F. W. Sessions officiating. The bearers were E. B. Russell, George D. Norman, A. F. Chapman, G. P. Hurd, A. S. Abbey and W. H. Baldwin. Interment in Glenwood. His body was interred 6 Aug 1907 in Watkins, Schuyler, NY, Glenwood Cemetery.(2160) I have not been able yet to find his tombstone at Glenwood.

He married Sarah A. Hurd in Watkins, Schuyler, NY, about 1856. Sarah was born in Rock Stream, Yates, NY about 1837. Mr. Linder, in his letter, lists Sarah's birth year as 1828. Sarah(2161) was the daughter of Stephen Hurd and Laura Bodman.

Sarah died about 1918. Her body was interred 1918 in Watkins, Schuyler, NY, Glenwood Cemetery.(2162) Tombstone inscription reads:

"Sarah A. Hurd Cass 1837-1918"

He made a will in Watkins, Schuyler, NY, 21 Mar 1894. " Watkins, March 21st, 1894

I Marcus M. Cass being of sound mind declare this to be my last will and testament. I leave and give all my property to my wife Sarah A. Cass for and during her natural life and after her death to the heirs of my body equally, and I will that she and my son Marcus M. Cass Jr. be my executors.

My object in this leaving my estate is to enable my wife to keep up the house where we now live as a home for herself and to enable her to provide assistance for such of my children as may be most unfortunate and in need of help.

Should my wife die before my son Seward is of the age of twenty one, I will that he shall receive the income of the Havana Glen until he is of the age of twenty one to assist him in obtaining an education. Said Glen to be kept in repair out of the income thereof. I recommend my heirs to an amicable division of the estate left them by their Aunt Cynthia Ann Freer without recourse to a partition suit or legal proceedings.

In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand in the presence of my oldest son Marcus M. Cass Jr. and my youngest daughter Sarah Grace Cass and requested that they sign this instrument as witnesses of my signature. Marcus Marcellus Cass

Witnesses: Marcus M. Cass Sarah Grace Cass Emmett B. Russell James W. Hennessy"

His funeral was held in Watkins, Schuyler, NY, 6 Aug 1907.(2163) Rev. F. W. Sessions, officiating.

Marcus's will was probated in Watkins, Schuyler, NY, 11 Nov 1907.(2164) Marcus was a definite spiritualist, participating in seances several times per week and writing thousands of pages of notes on these events, which are stored in a collection at Cornell University. He owned the area called Havana Glen and apparently made improvements to it for tourists. He served on the Board of Trustees of Watkins Union School District from 1865-1880(?) and the Board of Education.

Marcus married Sarah A. Hurd about 1856 in Watkins, Schuyler Co., NY. Sarah (daughter of Stephen Hurd and Laura Bodman) was born about 1837 in Rock Stream, Yates Co., NY; died about 1918; was buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Jefferson (Watkins Glen), Chemung Co., NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Frances died a few months after her marriage.

Family/Spouse: Moses C. Freer. Moses (son of Solomon Freer and Polly Case) was born about 1830 in Ulster Co., NY; died before 1885. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Samuel married Frances I. Foote on 21 Nov 1865 in Watkins, Schuyler Co., NY. Frances was born in 1846; died on 12 Feb 1900 in Watkins, Schuyler Co., NY; was buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Jefferson (Watkins Glen), Chemung Co., NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: George F. Freer. George was born about 1842 in Ulster Co., NY; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

"EDITOR DIES IN HOSPITAL; BURIAL MONDAY

Marcus M. Cass, Trained at West Point and Columbia, Was Lawyer But Never Practiced.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon for Marcus M. Cass, widely known Rochester newspaperman, and one time librarian of the United States Senate, who died last night in St. Mary's Hospital. He had been ill for a month.

The hour of the service at the home,126 Plymouth Avenue South has not yet been announced. Burial will be at Watkins Glen Monday afternoon.

Mr. Cass retired from active newspaper work in 1928. His last position was that of editorial writer on the Democrat and Chronicle. He went to the Democrat soon after the Post Express, on which he served for 12 years, was sold to the Rochester Journal.

Mr. Cass entered the newspaper field after receiving his arts and law degree from Columbia University. For many years he was the publisher of the Watkins Express. Friendship with Theodore Roosevelt led to the appointment to the Senate position which he held four years.

He was born in Watkins and attended the elementary schools there. He entered the United States Military Academy at West Point and after three years resigned to complete his education at Columbia. Although a member of the bar for many years, he never practiced.

He is survived by two brothers, W.H.S. Cass of Rochester and John Cass of Watkins and a sister." His body was interred 4 May 1931 in Watkins, Schuyler, NY, Glenwood Cemetery.

He married Antoinette Gano in Canandaigua, Ontario, NY, 1 Aug 1895.) The marriage record states the bride's surname as Brigham.

Antoinette was born in Dix, Schuyler, NY 27 Dec 1855. Antoinette was the daughter of Levi M. Gano and Miranda L.. Antoinette died 9 Sep 1922 in Rochester, Monroe, NY, at 66 years of age. Her body was interred 11 Sep 1922 in Watkins, Schuyler, NY, Glenwood Cemetery.

His funeral was held in Rochester, Monroe, NY, 3 May 1931. Marcus went to West Point Military Academy in 1878. He afterwards attended Columbia University. For years he was the publisher of the Watkins Express, and was appointed librarian of the U.S. Senate. In 1911 he became affiliated with the old Post Express and remained on staff until it was merged with the Rochester Journal, when he joined the Rochester Democrat and Chronical newspaper staff, in which he wrote a Sunday column called "Thoughts on Things."

Marcus married Antoinette Gano on 1 Aug 1895 in Canandaigua, Ontario, NY. Antoinette (daughter of Levi M. Gano and Miranda L. Antoinette) was born on 27 Dec 1855 in Dix, Chemung Co., NY; died on 9 Sep 1922 in Rochester, Monroe Co., NY; was buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Jefferson (Watkins Glen), Chemung Co., NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Esq. George Lorraine Meddick. George was born about 1849; died about 1925. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Jessie married Esq. John Mckinster Roe on 21 Dec 1892 in Watkins, Schuyler Co., NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Edith May Henderson on 27 Feb 1899. Edith (daughter of C.G. Henderson) was born on 24 Sep 1872; died on 7 May 1955 in Watkins, Schuyler Co., NY; was buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Jefferson (Watkins Glen), Chemung Co., NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sarah married Albert Henry Olmstead on 26 Dec 1894 in Watkins, Schuyler Co., NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Mary Adelia. Mary was born on 15 Mar 1887; died on 5 May 1965 in New York, USA; was buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Jefferson (Watkins Glen), Chemung Co., NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obituary, from the Times Union, 17 Oct 1934, a copy given to me by Gerald Linger (Bryan Cass):

"W.H.S. CASS DEAD AT HIS RESIDENCE

William H. Seward Cass, 56, deputy city assessor for the last seven years, died yesterday, Oct. 16, 1984, in his home at 3824 Lake Avenue, after an illness of 10 months. He was the great grandson of the first governor of the State of Michigan. [note: this is NOT correct]

Born in Watkins, N.Y., now Watkins Glen, Mr. Cass came to Rochester at the age of 18. At various times he was a justice of the peace in Greece, connected with the Crown Ribbon & Carbon Company and a member of the firm of Holt-Cass Coal & Supply Company in Dewey Avenue. He married Abbie May Riley, daughter of William S. Riley, former park commissioner. His brother Marcus Cass, who died in 1931, was an editorial writer for the old Post Express and for the Democrat and Chronicle.

Besides his widow, he is survived by four sons, Lewis S. of New York, W. Pomeroy, William H. Jr., and Albert R. of Rochester; two daughters, Henrietta May and Helen Marjorie Cass; two brothers, John L. of Montour Falls and Schuyler of Newfield, N.J. and one sister, Mrs. Cynthia E. Meddick of Watkins Glen.

Funeral services will be conducted tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 in the home. Burial will be Friday morning at 11 'clock at Watkins Glen." His body was interred 19 Oct 1934 in Watkins, Schuyler, NY, Glenwood Cemetery.(3478) Tombstone inscription reads:

"Wm. H. Seward Cass 1879-1934"

He married Abbie May Riley. Mary was born 1883.(3479) (Additional notes for Abbie May Riley(3480)) Mary died 5 Jan 1966 in Greensboro, Guilford, NC, at 82 years of age.(3481) Her body was interred 1966 in Watkins, Schuyler, NY, Glenwood Cemetery.(3482) Tombstone inscription reads:

"Abbie May Riley Cass 1883-1966"

His funeral was held in Rochester, Monroe, NY, 18 Oct 1934. William and family lived at 3824 Lake Ave., Rochester, NY. He was deputy city assessor in Rochester from 1927 to 1934.

Family/Spouse: Abbie May Riley. Abbie (daughter of William S. Riley) was born in 1883; died on 5 Jan 1966 in Greensboro, Guilford, NC; was buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Jefferson (Watkins Glen), Chemung Co., NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Elaine Brigham Tardiff is a great-granddaughter. She states that Anna was a Brigham, not Cass.

Family/Spouse: Charles Pinckney Hartley. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Marcus M. Cass(3466) was born 30 Jan 1900.(3467) Marcus died 3 Aug 1955 in Bath, Steuben, NY, at 55 years of age.(3468) His body was interred Aug 1955 in Watkins, Schuyler, NY, Glenwood Cemetery.(3469) Tombstone inscription reads:

"Marcus M. Cass and his wife Lolita R. Sackett 1900-1955 1899-1966" He married Lolita R. Sackett 1926.(3470)

Lolita was born 14 May 1898.(3471) (Additional notes for Lolita R. Sackett(3472)) Lolita died 5 Nov 1966 at 68 years of age.(3473) Her body was interred Nov 1966 in Watkins, Schuyler, NY, Glenwood Cemetery.(3474) Tombstone inscription reads:

"Marcus M. Cass and his wife Lolita R. Sackett 1900-1955 1899-1966" From 1957-1959 served as Mayor of Watkins Glen for one term.