The Doctors of Delta
We will turn the clock back to the first doctors who lvied and practiced in Delta when it was known as Portage. They were ichabod Davis ant T H Hamilton, then followed Dr. Charles E. Frazer, Sr. wo held the field until he sold out to Dr. Johnson Pillmore, early in the 1870s. These were the principal doctors throughout the history of the village.....
Dr. Johnson Pillmore, MD., was the son of William and Catherine [McAlpine] Pillmore of Western. He was educated in Rome Academy. As was quite customary, up to the 1860s or 70s, the future Dr. Pillmore read medicine and became well grounded in his chosen profession under Dr. M.C. West.
He then went on to atend the university of Michigan and Columbia College of Phylicians and Surgeons, from which he was graduated in 1872., and the College of Medicine and Surgery, Cincinnati, Ohio, Class of 1871-72. He began his practice of medicine in hospitals in New York City. Today this would be called his internship.
Following these years of training, he returned to his home area that he knew and loved. He purchased the home of Dr. Fraser and also his practice.
For the rest of his life,Dr. Pillmore lived the plain hard life of a country doctor. He drove the roads winter and summer. He saw most of the area population into the world and sat by the bedside of many who went out.
One story that has been told about the good doctor is concerning a family by the name of Wolfe, who lived on �Mullen Hill� many years ago. Mrs. Wolfe was expecting and it happened during a three-day snow storm. The only means of travel was by horseback, they wanted the doctor, so a neighbor, Gifff Williams, saddled a horse and rode to the village.
Dr. J.P. put on his high boots and back they started for the hillm, a distance fo four or five miles. They took turns riding, the other one holding onto the hosre�s tail to help himself along. When the doctor returned to the village, he said he had �caught a young Wolfe� while he was gone.
Dr. Pillmore was twice married. His first wife was Sarah Reese of Westernville and they had two daughters , Mrs. Catherine Hooper, who married Charles Hooper and who lived for many years in the big brick house across the Mohawk River at Ridge Mills, on Pennystreet Road. [This house is still standing in 2002.] The other daughter was Mrs. Susan Edwards.
Dr. Pillmore�s second wife was Mary Jane Utley of Westernville. They had one daughter, Mrs. Charles (Frona0 Hammann, who lives in Rome, and one son, George Utley Pillmore, M.D., who served in the Navy for many years and retired as a Captain. He authored two volumes on his specialty, which was Roentonology. He died in August 1961. A grandaughter, Jane Turney MacLaughlin, lives at Williston Park, Lake Delta.
Dr. Johnson Pillmore died in May of 1910 at the time the village of Delta was being demolished. The doctor�s widow, Mary J. Pillmore, will be remembered for her articles, some years ago, on birds, which whe wrote under the name of �Uncle Ben.� In more recent years, beginning in February 1954, she wrote many articles for the Rome Sentinel, entitled �Recollections of Old Delta.� These are available today at the Jervis Library.
Mrs. Pillmore lived for many years on North Madison Street in Rome. In 1933 she bought a cottage at the top of Elmer Hill, where she could look at the lake and her beloved hills for the rest of her life. She also often visited the present location of New Delta Terrace, where she had her own bird sanctuary and animal refuge and where more than a thousand pines and spruce trees had been set out under her direction and with the help fo her son and husband many years ago.
there is a bronze plaque a the end of Pillmore Drive which was erected by the Lee Town Board in honor of Dr. Johnson Pillmore and Mary Jane Pillmore in 1960, for their interest in the sanctuary and game refuge and for their preservation of the site for over fifty years as a recreational site for the town.
Mrs. Pillmore died on Thanksgiving Day, 1961......
Rome Sentinel Obituary
Dr. Johnson Pillmore
Death Removed Highly Respected Physician of Delta
Rome, May 27 [1910]--Dr. Johnson Pillmore, a well-known physician and surgeon and highly respected resident of Delta, died at his home there last Friday night. He had been ill since December, when he was operated on for a bladder trouble, and a week befor ehis death he underwent a second operation as the last hope.
Dr. Pillmore was born in Western, January 23, 1848, and was educated at the Rome Academy. Later he attendded the university of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Columbia college of Physicians and Surgeons and College of Medicine at Cincinnati, Ohio. He located in Delta in 1873, where he had since practiced his profession. Dr. Pillmore was a member of the State and County Medical Societies. He was twice maried, his first wife, Sarah Reese Pillmore, passing away in 1886. His second wife, who survives, was Miss Matie Utley, daughter of Alfred Utley, who died suddenly monday of last week, and whose funeral was held on the day Dr. Pillmore died.
Besides his wife Dr. Pillmore leaves two children by his first marriage, Mrs. Charles Hooper and Mrs. Susan Edwards, both of Rome, and by his second marriage a son and a daughter, George and Frona Pillmore, students at the Rome Free Academy. He also leaves four brothers and one sister, william, David, Robert, Frank and Mrs. S S P Owens.
Dr. Pillmore was a Democrat inpolitics and for several terms represented his town in the Board of Supervisors. He was a member of the Masonic Order and passed through all the charis of Baron Steuben Lodge, of Delta, of which he was a past master. He was an earnest member of the M.E. Church of Delta and a trustee of that church at the time of his death. The funeral was held Tuesday under the auspices fo Barom Stueben Lodge, inernment taking palce at Westernville.
Millard Franklin Pillmore
Millard's BIRTH: 1870 Census, Monticello Twp, Lafayette, Wis
MARR: Lafayette Co Wis rec V 5 pg 6
DEATH: Haffele Family History, copy of obituary.
NOTES:PICK AND GAD Newspaper, 1 June 1885
Obituary-Millard F Pillmore, who had been failing in health for the
past two years and a half, died at his home in the town of
Monticello on Sunday, May 31, 1885, aged 32 years, 1 month, 18 days.
His disease was lung trouble caused by repeated abscesses, which
resulted at last in pus poisoning. The funeral took place from his
late residence on Tuesday, June 2, 1885, and was attended by an
unusually large concourse of people. The morning came in cloudy
and just as the funeral was ready to leave the house at 12 o'clock
for the Mt Hope church, the indications were unmistakable for rain.
During the services in the church rain fell in large quantities. The
services were conducted by Rev Cook of this village. The deceased
leaves a wife, three small children and a large circle of relatives
and friends to mourn his loss. Millard Pillmore was a son of Mr
and Mrs Robert Pillmore of the town of Gratiot and son-in-law
to Jacob Haffele, of Monticello, whose daughter Clara he
married in March 1879. The deceased was a young man of good habits,
had many acquaintances in this village and was extensively known
throughout a large section of country. The deepest sympathy is
felt for the bereaved family and relatives by a large circle of
neighbors and friends.
Clare Elizabeth Haffele
Clare's BIRTH: 1870 Census, Monticello Twp, Lafayette, Wis
DEATH: Copy of Elmwood Cem Rec copied by Fran and Glen Matle
Shullsburg, Wis.
(1)MARR: Lafayette Co Wi Rec V 5 Pg 6
(2)MARR: Haffele family history.
NOTES: 1900 Census, Monticello Twp, Lafayette, Wis
# 42 Clara E Pillmore B Feb 1854 46 yrs Widow 3 Chi 3 Liv
F Ger M NY
Roy F " Dec 1880 son B Wis
Joseph L " Jan 1882 " B "
Harry J " Aug 1883 " B Wis
NOTES: Obituary in poss. of Barbara Harding
Warren,Ill Mar 25-Mrs Clara Walton, widow of the late
John Walton, died this morning at her home in Warren
following an extended illness. She was born February
11, 1854, near Monticello, Wis, daughter of Mr and
Mrs Jacob Haffele and was united in marriage to Millard
Pillmore, who died May, 1885. Three sons born to this
union survive, Roy, Lee, and Henry. In 1908 she was
united in marriage to John Walton, the couple then
moved to Warren. Mrs Walton was a member of the
Presbyterian church at Monticello.
Funeral services are to be held at 1 o'clock Wednesday
afternoon from the funeral home with Rev A E
Ul--officiating. Burial will be made in Elmwood
Cemtery
FREEMAN - In Rome, New York, October 18, 1884, W.R. FREEMAN, (obit follows)
Roman Citizen Newspaper Oct 24, 1886
W.R. Freeman's Death.
���� Our community was shocked last Saturday (October 18, 1884) afternoon by receiving news of the sudden death of W.R. Freeman, for many years a respected resident of Rome, NY.� Last winter he suffered a severe stroke of paralysis, and it was several months before he recovered sufficiently to be about the streets and attend to business.� He retired Friday night in his usual health, but had been in bed only a short time when he suffered another stroke, which was followed by others at intervals till he died.� Deceased was aged 54 years.� He was born in Western and removed to this city some thirty years ago, when he engaged in the grocery and confectionery business.�� For the past few years however, he had been engaged in the sewing machine trade.� Mr. Freeman was a consistent member of the Liberty Street M.E. Church, where his funeral was held Tuesday (October 21, 1884) afternoon.� Rev. Robert Flint, of Masion, officiating.� Besides a wife and an adopted daughter, Mrs. John Pillmore, several brothers and a sister are left.
Boonville Herald Newspaper
26 Feb 1880
David W Pillmore married Lizzie A Grower, all of Westernville
married at Westernville at the bride�s parents home on 17 Feb 1880 by Rev. Robert Rowbotham
27 Jun 1900, Western, Oneida Co., NY page 170
David W Pillmore b. Mar 1860 age 40 m. 20 years NY ENG NY Painter
Elizabeth wife b. Sep 1863 age 36 m. 20 yrs 4 children, all living NY GER NY
Edith dtr b. May 1881 age 19 m. no years mentioned has 1 child NY NY NY
Mabel dtr b. Sep 1884 age 15 NY NY NY
Marjorie dtr b. Jun 1892 age 7 NY NY NY
Edward L grandson March 1900 age 4 months NY NY NY
3 May 1910 Western, Oneida Co., NY page 164
David W Pillmore head age 50 m. 30 years
Elizabeth S wife age 47 had 5 children, all survive
Margaret G dtr age 16
Floyd E son age 10
Evelyn P son age 8
Nancy Grower motehr in law age 88 widowed
Some dates from the records of Delight Bowers of Westernville, NY (1986)
20 Sep 1850 Western, Oneida Co., NY page 311
George Philamore age 33 farmer b. England
Sarah age 17 b. NY
Robert age 23 Farmer b. England
Sarah Philamore age 55 b. England
Jane Floyd age 31 (male) b. England
Anna Floyd age 5 b. NY
David Floyd age 3 b. NY
Sarah Phlamore age 18 b. England
Ezra Winchell age 14 laborer b. NY
Sinther Shaver (female) age 19 b. NY
2 Aug 1860 Western, Oneida Co., NY page 541
Geo Pillmore age 43 b. ENG farmer
Sarah age 27 b. NY
Sarah J age 9 b. NY
John age 7 b. NY
Thomas Dalton age 13 b. IRE
census don�t make sense.
26 Aug 1870 Westernville, Western, Oneida Co., NY page 556
George Pillmore age 52 Farmer b. England parents of foreign birth
Sarah age 37 keeping house b. Pennsylvania
John age 17 at home b. NY attended school
Thomas age 7 at school b. NY
1880 3rd Ward, Rome, Oneida Co., Ny page 71
George Pillmore age 60 ENG ENG ENG
Sarah wife age 40 IRE PA PA
1880 1st Ward Rome, Oneida Co., NY page 22A
Evan Thomas age 36 Works in Iron Mill NY WALES WALES
Sarah J Thomas age 29 keepimg house NY ENG PA
Cora M Thomas dau age 9 school
Ida J Thomas dau age 7
George R thomas son age 3
1900 5th Ward Rome, Oneida Co., NY page 256
Evan Thomas b. Aug 1843 NY age 56 m. 1 time for 3 1years cartman both parents born Wales
Sara J wife b. Jun 1850 NY age 49 m. 1 time for 3 1yrs had 1 child
George son b. July 1876 age 23 single b. NY trap drummer
George Pillmore father in law b. May 1817 age 83 m. 50 yrs, b. ENG came to USA in 1836
Sara Pillmore mother in law ab. Sep 1833 NY age 66 m. 1 time for 50 yrs had 5 children, 3 survive
16 apr 1910 7th Ward Rome, Oneida Co., NY page 274
Phidela Pillmore age 49 widowed VT VT VT laundress at home
Leon E son age 16 NY NY VT tester at tea kettle wks
Frederick D son age 11 NY NY VT
Luella dtr age 9 NY NY VT
14 Jan 1920 6th Wd Rome, Oneida Co., NY page 239
Ella Pillmore head age 59 widowed NY VT VT laundress at home
Frederick D sn age 22 single NY ENG VT wire drawer at wire mill
Luella dtr age 20 single NY ENG VT weaver at wire mill
Rome Sentinel Obituary
Jan 1, 1909
Thomas M. Pillmore, son of the late George and Sarah Pillmore died Tuesday morning at his home 613 Parry St. He had been ill the past six months. Mr. Pillmore was born in Westmoreland 47 years ago, came to Rome when he was 4 years old and has since lived here. For a number of years he was employed in the plant of the Rome Brass and Copper Company. Two years ago he went to Meriden, Conn where he was employed as a foreman in a brass mill under Jerald C. Marcy who was formerly the superintendent of the brass mill here. Mr. Pillmore returned here about two months ago having been obliged to give up work on account of his poor health. On April 8, 1888 MR. Pillmore married Miss Ella Chapman, who with three children survives, Leon, Fred and Llewellyn, who live at home; also one brother John Pillmore of this city, and one sister Mrs Evan Thomas, of Albion. He attended the Liberty St. M.E. Church and was a member of the old Armstrong Legion, Select Knights. Mr. Pillmore had a great many friends here, who regretted to learn of his death.
1880 4th Ward Rome, Oneida Co., NY page 100
John Pillmore age 27 NY ENG NY Clerk in Store
Louisa age 20 wife keeping house NY NY NY
5 Jun 1900 4th Ward Rome, Oneida Co., NY page 218
John Pillmore head b. Sep 1852 age 47 m. 21 yrs NY US US Grocery
Ella B wife b. Aug 1860 age 39 m. 21 yrs had 2 children, both living NY NY NY
Lewis son b. apr 1883 age 17 single NY NY NY Errand Boy
Mildred dtr b. Feb 1887 age 13 NY NY NY
1880 Western, Oneida Co., NY page 397
Wm Pillmore age 26 NY ENG NY Farming
Louisa wife age 21 NY GER GER keeping house
Chesler son age 2 NY NY NY
David Pillmore brother age 20 Farm laborer NY ENG NY
Elizabeth Pillmore Sister in law age 19 Boarder NY NY NY
Jennie Monnan other age 20 NY GER GER
6 Jun 1900 Western, Oneida Co., NY page 176
William F Pillmore head b. Sep 1853 age 46 m. 23 years NY ENG NY Farmer
Louisa wife b. May 1859 age 41 m. 23 yrs had 7 children, all surviving
Chester C son b. Apr 1878 age 22 single NY NY NY Farm Labor
Leonard P son b. Aug 1881 19 NY NY NY Farm Labor
Ina E dtr b. Sep 1884 age 15 NY NY NY
Tina L dtr b. Feb 1888 age 12 NY NY NY
William Roy son b. apr 1891 age 9 NY NY NY
Bertha M dtr b. Sep 1893 age 6 NY NY NY
Ruth C dtr b. Aug 1895 age 4 NY NY NY
25 Apr 1910, Western, Oneida Co., NY page 161A
William F Pillmore head age 56 m. 1 time for 33 years NY ENG NY Dairy Farmer
Louisa wife age 50 had 8 children, 7 survive
Leonard R son age 20 NY NY NY
W Roy son age 18
Bertha M dtr age 16
Ruth C dtr age 14
Jones, Roy A son in law age 30 married 1 time for 6 yrs
Tina L Jones dtr age 22 3 children, all survive
william L Jones grandson age 5
Louisa E grandtr age 3
Velma grandtr age 1
14 Jan 1920 Western, Oneida Co., NY page 296
William F Pillmore head age 66 NY ENG NY
Louisa wife age 60 NY GER GER
Bertha M dtr age 26 single NY NY NY
26 Apr 1910 Western, Oneida Co., NY page 161
Cheslar C Pillmore age 32 m. 1 time for 3 years NY NY NY Farmer
May M wife age 24 had 2 children, 1 survives NY ENG IRE
Margaret dtr age 2 NY NY NY
Margaret Smith mother in law age 71 widowed IRE IRE IRE
1930 Western, Oneida Co., NY page
Cheslar C Pillmore head age 51 m. 25 yrs painter of buildings
Mae M wife age 47
Wm T son age 19
Anna M dtr age 15
Delight E son age 13
Gertrude dtr age 11
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