Silver Cliff Rustler
March 1, 1893On Friday night a telegram from A. H. Truex brought the sad news that Will S. Knowlton had just died at Telluride. Deceased had been at work at Sheridan Tunnel and had contracted a severe cold and though the best of medical and nursing care did all that was possible the dreaded pneumonia could not be broken. Will was well known to everybody here, and was exceedingly popular. He was a little more than 21 years of age and looked to be exceptionally strong and healthy. His death came as a terrible blow to his mother, father and brother, all of whom are at present in poor health. Mr. Truex brought the remains home and the funeral took place from the Presbyterian church on Monday at 2 o'clock, Rev. Schillinger officiating. It was one of the largest funerals seen here for a number of years. Our warmest sympathies are extended to the bereaved family.
Find-a-Grave
John J. Craft, one of the oldest business men in this village, died at his home on Brown street on Tuesday after a brief illness in his 76th year.
John Jarvls Craft was born in the town of Carmel, Putnam County, about one mile south of Carmel village, Dec. 9,1838.
He was the son of John Craft and Hannah Ganung, long residents of that section. His grandfather, Stephen Craft, was a soldier In the War of 1812. While his regiment was stationed at Washington Heights, New York, doing guard duty, for exercise and amusement they gathered all the small stones near them and built a wall on one side of Trinity Church burying ground. The old wall is standing today, and is considered sacred and kept In perfect repair by Trinity corporation.
Mr. Craft's education was obtained at the country district school, a boys select school in Carmel village, and Raymond Collegiate Institute, Carmel (since known as Drew Ladles' Seminary).
In 1862, in company with his brother, the late George A. Craft, he came to Peekskill and engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, on South Street, where the Peekskill Savlugo now stands. Later he removed to Fishkill, engaging
in the same business. Three years later (his brother's health having failed) he returned and entered the employ of his brother and W. H. Croft. One year later he bought the interest of his brother and the firm was known as Croft & Craft.In 1877 his own health having failed, he sold his interest to Mr. Croft's father and retired for rest and recuperation. Two years later, having regained his health, he removed to Brewster and remained in and near there for eighteen years. In July, 1897, he did what many others have done, returned to Peekskill. After spending one year with E. K. Roake, he opened a shop for repairing and upholstering furniture, giving especial attention to antique work, having long been a student and admirer of fine wood. He was regarded as an authority on antique, as well as an expert in refinishing same. His business place was at No. 103 South Division street.
There are few men In business today who were here when he came to Peekskill. Mr. Craft became a member of Cortlandt Hook and Ladder Company In May, 1862, and still retained his certificate of membership, signed by Uriah Hill, Jr., who was president of the village at that time. When he left town, however, he ceased to be a member of the company.
In politics he has always been a Republican, though of democratic parents. His father was a life-long Democrat and his maternal grandfather a prominent Democratic politician for many years. His first vote was cast at a town meeting at Lake Mahopac, he and his father riding together from their home and each casting their ballots one Democratic, the other Republican. His first presidential ballot was cast for Abraham Lincoln In 1860, and he voted for every Republican since then. He had long been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, first uniting with the church at Lake Mahopac in 1853. In 1862, when he came to Peekskill, he transferred his membership to the South street church. He has held every office In the gift of his church, and, after serving the church for forty years officially, voluntarily retired, choosing to spend the remainder of his life as a private member.
On Nov. 1, 1864, he married Sarah L. Ames, of this village, who died two years later.
On Oct. 6, 1869, he married Lidie L., daughter of Rev. S. I. Furguson, the pastor of South street Church, who, with one daughter, survives him. He also leaves one sister and two half sisters.
Highland Democrat
April 28,1917Martin Moses, a well known realestate and insurance agent, died at his 130 Wells Street Saturday night last He had been stricken with apoplexy Friday night, and did not regain consciousness. Mr. Moses had been in bad health for a number of weeks but his condition was not considered serious. He was attending to his business as usual on the day he was stricken he was in his 71st year.
Mr Moses was born in Peekskill September 11, 1840, the son of Martin Moses and Maria Fischer. He attended school for a time then worked for Henry Abbott and PDSmith In 1877 he became an employee of Southard and Robinson Foundry and suceeded to many positions became superintendent and retired in 1917. Since that time he sold insurance in the Lincoln Building.
Mr. Moses was a singer of much ability, and had led many large choruses as well as his Sunday School. His ability was recognized, and whenever he was present at a gathering where singers were needed he was an acknowledged leader.
September 6, 1871, Mr Moses married Mary A Porter. She died May 31 1913. Mr Moses is ^survived by one son. Martin, Jr., and three daughters.