2 historic markers unveiled at pioneer cemetery in Murray
Pierce-Smith Pioneer Cemetery on Hulberton Road includes burials of Revolutionary War soldier, Civil War vets and many early residents
Photos by Tom Rivers
MURRAY – About 75 people attended a program today at the Pierce-Smith Pioneer Cemetery at 3960 Hulberton Rd. in Murray. Two historical markers were unveiled at the cemetery.
The markers were part of an effort by Albion middle school students and their teacher Tim Archer, who researched Orleans County’s Revolutionary War soldiers.
The “Early Cemetery” marker recognizes the approximately 135 early citizens of the Pierce-Smith Pioneer Cemetery, with burials dating back to 1818.
Sutton Sanders, an eighth-grader who has been working on project since last summer with classmate Luci Borello, thanked local officials for their assistance researching and recognizing the Revolutionary War soldiers.
There are 65 proven burials, but Sanders said there are likely more, but cannot be proven. There are 30 cemeteries with a Revolutionary War veteran.
The Daughter of the American Revolution purchased 13 bronze Revolutionary War flag markers for those who had none, she said.
The students also secured a new headstone from the Veterans Administration in Washington, DC for Revolutionary War veteran Lott Smith at the East Barre Cemetery. It replaces a broken headstone. Another headstone for the Revolutionary War veteran will be replaced in Medina this fall.
Besides the two historical markers at the cemetery on Hulberton Road, the students secured markers that have been placed in Albion at Annis Cemetery on Riches Corners Road and Tanner Road on Route 31 across from Mount Albion.
Luci Borello shared about the historical marker for Robinson Smith, who died on Aug. 27, 1828 at the age of 66.
Smith is buried at the cemetery with his wife Mariam. He enlisted as a private in August 1782 in New Hampshire and served several months in General Washington’s Commander-in-Chief’s Life Guard.
Known to many as Elder Robinson Smith, he was one of a group forming the “Christian Society,” which started in Murray in 1815. Smith had seven children and at least 16 grandchildren.
The other namesake of the cemetery originates with Aretas Pierce. Upon his arrival to the natural wilderness of Western New York, the family lived in a log schoolhouse where they would later construct a simple log cabin.
Aretas was their school teacher. Nine Pierce family members are buried at the cemetery. Prior to their arrival to New York from Vermont, Aretas served as a captain in the Vermont state militia.
Another Pierce family member, Darwin, was a Civil War solider in a New York cavalry. He died at the Andersonville Prison in George on Oct. 30, 1864. Andersonville was a notorious Confederate prison at Camp Sumter where over 45,000 Union soldiers were held captive, and 13,000 died from disease, malnutrition and exposure. The cemetery on Hulberton Road includes headstones for four Civil War soldiers.
Tim Archer welcomes the group. He worked with students on the project. It is among many service-learning projects he has been a part of in the past two decades, connecting students with community services efforts. In the back are regiment flags from the Revolutionary War. They were brought by the Rochester chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Caleb Wolfe, standing next to Tim Archer, provided some details about the two new historical markers. He read a letter from the Pomeroy Foundation, which paid for the markers. The two markers represent over two centuries of history in Albion and Murray, and memorialize Revolutionary War and Civil War veterans and also early residents who are interred at the cemetery.
The foundation praised the Albion School District and the students for worked with teacher Tim Archer on the project. The foundation congratulated them for identifying one of General George Washington’s special unit “Life Guards” who protected the Commander-in-Chief during battle.
Sutton Sanders, left, and Luci Borello, right, presented folders of their research to Elizabeth Haibach, assistant director at Hoag Library; Catherine Cooper, Orleans County historian; Patrice Birner of the Orleans County chapter of the DAR; and Sue Starkweather Miller, Village of Albion historian.
The folders include information about the 65 Revolutionary War soldiers in the county. The document lists the soldiers by town and cemetery. There’s a master list with the service record of each of the soldiers, when they served, where they served, wife’s name, birth and death date. The folder includes some of the records that were used to prove they were Revolutionary War soldiers – enlistment papers, pension records that showed their wives were trying to get a pension after their husband’s death, and census records. The students collected the data since last summer.
Albion student Lucas Palone read an excerpt from the Declaration of Independence.
Civil War re-enactors, including retired Albion teacher Doug Mergler, do a military volley during today’s program.
These Sons of the American Revolution members from Rochester and Buffalo were part of the service. They said they have a busy schedule this year as part of the country’s 250th anniversary. They plan to attend other marker unveilings, parades and special events throughout the year.
Ron Boyd of Holley is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Rochester chapter.
Bloomfield stickmen down Medina
Jumping out to a 14-0 half-time lead, Bloomfield went on to down visiting Medina 16-3 in a non league lacrosse game this afternoon.
Brennan Allen, Adler Class and Sawyer Lilleby each scored a goal for Medina.
The Mustangs will close out the regular season with an inter divisional game at Starpoint Monday evening at 7:30.
Lady Rams down Akron in N-O softball finale
A five run second inning keyed Roy-Hart to an 8-4 victory over Akron this morning to close out the Niagara-Orleans League softball season.
Hayley Hillburn had a single and a double and 3 RBIs, winning pitcher Abby Fox a single and double, Alayna Kowalski a double, Grace Pearl 2 singles and Madelyn Totah a single to lead the offense for Roy-Hart.
Fox registered 9 strikeouts in the circle.
Addison Massaro had 3 hits for Akron as Kylie Mangione and Kenadee Jonathan both had 2.
Making it three wins in a row, Roy-Hart finishes the N-O season in the runner-up spot at 9-3 and Akron at 6-6.
Final N-O Standings
Barker 10-2, Wilson 10-2, Roy-Hart 9-3, Akron 6-6, Albion 4-8, Newfane 2-10, Medina 1-11.
Lockport 5, Barker 3
A four run first inning sparked Lockport to a 5-3 win over Barker in a non league game.
Madyson Flint and Peyton Bradley both had a pair of hits for Barker.
Mustangs down rival Purple Eagles to cap off a 12-0 N-O championship diamond season
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina first baseman Cam Fike puts the tag on Albion’s Nate Gibson during the Mustangs win over the host Purple Eagles this morning.
Medina capped off an undefeated (12-0) Niagara-Orleans League championship baseball season by posting a 10-1 victory over rival Albion this morning at Albion.
Medina moved on top to stay by scoring 3 quick runs in the first inning on a two-run single by Jimmy Dieter and an RBI single by Preston Woodworth as a pair of leadoff walks set up the threat.
The Mustangs also tallied 3 times in the fourth to make it 6-1 highlighted by a two-run single by Hadrian Batista.
Medina put a lock on the win by scoring 4 times in the sixth inning as Woodworth had a two-run double.
Albion’s run came in the first inning as Eliott Trapiss and Nate Gibson had singles.
Aidan Papaj went the distance on the mound for the Mustangs allowing 2 hits and striking out 9.
Now at 15-1 overall, Medina will next visit Nichols in a non league game on Monday.
Albion, which had a seven league game win streak snapped, finishes the N-O campaign at 8-4.
Final N-O Standings
Medina 12-0, Roy-Hart 10-2, Albion 8-4, Akron 6-6, Barker 4-8, Newfane 1-11, Wilson 1-11.
Williamsville East 7, Roy-Hart 3
A 5 run third inning keyed Williamsville East to a rain shortened 7-3 non league win over visiting Roy-Hart.
Roy-Hart’s 3 runs came in the top of the third on a two-run single by Evan Poeller and an RBI single by Hank Snyder.
Albion’s Gavin Boyce is safe at second base as Medina’s Carlos Doval goes high to try and snag the ball.
Lyndonville Lions will honor Revolutionary War soldier during July 4 celebration
Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club
Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club: The Lyndonville Lions Club will have a wreath-laying ceremony on July 4 at the grave of Nehemiah Spaulding, a Revolutionary War soldier buried at LynHaven Cemetery. His descendants will be in the parade on July 4.
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club have been busy preparing for their 52nd Annual July 4th Celebration in Lyndonville.
This year’s event will be especially meaningful as it also commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Americans and patriots alike will join together in celebrating “America 250” across this great nation.
Parade organizers have planned for all the traditional favorites to be part of this daylong community celebration. The Lyndonville High School band, the Mark Time Marchers, and the Gates Police Pipe Band are all scheduled to perform in this year’s parade lineup.
Local businesses and community organizations are encouraged to participate by entering floats, displays, trucks, tractors, and other equipment to showcase their organizations while adding a unique and exciting twist to the parade experience.
Of course, no Lyndonville July 4th parade would be complete without the strong presence of the many local fire companies whose participation has long been a proud tradition.
The parade is once again expected to begin with a military flyover to salute the brave men and women who have served — and continue to serve — to keep the “free” in our freedom.
The popular lawn arts and crafts show, along with a variety of food truck vendors, will return this year, although some adjustments are anticipated due to ongoing construction at Lyndonville Central School District facilities. Current plans may place vendors and food trucks along the north side of the school and in the area behind the school on the west side to accommodate limited space on the front lawn.
Closing out the evening festivities, an encore performance by The Bleeding Hearts will once again headline the popular Firecracker Concert Series beginning at 7 p.m. and continuing until the firework’s spectacular lights up the sky around 10 p.m.
Revolutionary War Veteran Selected as Honorary Grand Marshal
After an extensive search the Lions have decided to posthumously honor Mr. Nehemiah Spaulding. Mr. Spaulding is the only Revolutionary War Veteran buried in Lynhaven Cemetery which is located in the Town of Yates and the Village of Lyndonville.
Extensive research through the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sons of the American Revolution, along with family and government military records, confirms Nehemiah Spaulding’s dedicated service to our fledgling nation from early 1776 through 1783. His contributions during the American Revolution are well documented and preserved through historical records.
Nehemiah Spaulding was born on August 9, 1757, in Cornwall, Litchfield County, Connecticut, to Isaac and Mrs. Spaulding, whose family had immigrated from England to the American Colonies around 1745. Cornwall is also recognized as the birthplace of Ethan Allen, famed leader of the Green Mountain Boys.
As a young boy, Spaulding’s family gradually moved westward and eventually settled in the Albany region of New York — an area that would become one of the most fiercely contested regions during the Revolutionary War. The Saratoga, Albany, and Mohawk Valley regions were the sites of numerous battles and skirmishes as British and American forces fought for control.
Among the most significant campaigns was the British Army’s failed “three-pronged attack,” a major strategy intended to divide and defeat the colonies during the Revolution.
Historic engagements stretching from Lake Champlain to Fort Ticonderoga became pivotal moments in America’s struggle for independence and helped shape the foundation of the nation’s eventual victory over British colonial rule.
Mr. Spaulding’s military service is further documented through his enlistment in the 9th Regiment of the Albany County Militia. During this period, he served under Colonel Peter Van Ness from approximately October 1776 through November 1776.
His service continued under the command of Robert Van Rensselaer, who rose through the ranks during the Revolutionary War to become a brigadier general.
Mr. Spaulding’s military record eventually culminated in service with the 3rd New York Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Marinus Willett. This unit was commonly associated with “Willett’s Levies,” a term referring to soldiers conscripted or recruited for a fixed duration of service in support of the Continental Army.
Units in which Mr. Spaulding served saw action across several key engagements of the Revolutionary War, including the Saratoga Campaign, the Battle of Klock’s Field, and the Battle of Johnstown, along with multiple skirmishes throughout the lower Mohawk Valley and upper Hudson Valley regions.
During the American Revolution, local militia units played a critical role in supporting the Continental forces. These part-time citizen-soldiers provided flexible manpower that allowed General George Washington and other commanders to respond to British movements, maintain pressure on smaller enemy detachments, and preserve Continental Army strength for major coordinated campaigns.
The units associated with Mr. Spaulding were also noted for providing important surge support during several pivotal conflicts, including the Battle of Oriskany, the Battle of Bennington, and other regional engagements that helped shape the broader Saratoga Campaign. These battles were instrumental leading into the decisive confrontations of September and October 1777.
The American victory at the Battle of Saratoga, led in opposition to British General John Burgoyne, is widely regarded as the turning point of the Revolutionary War.
After his military service, and following a short period of residence in southern central New York, Mr. Spaulding eventually relocated to the Town of Yates, where he lived out the remainder of his life until his passing on August 19, 1789.
His sons and numerous descendants remained connected to the broader Lyndonville region for generations, with family ties continuing locally until the early 1980s, when the last known living relatives relocated to South Carolina. Mr. Spaulding was laid to rest at Lynhaven Cemetery in the Village of Lyndonville.
In recognition of his Revolutionary War service, the Lyndonville Lions Club will conduct a wreath-laying ceremony at his gravesite following the July 4th parade to honor his legacy and sacrifice.
Representing the family lineage, Mr. Peter Byron, great-great-great-great-grandson from York, New York, along with his sister Nancy Gerhardt, great-great-great-great-granddaughter from Tonawanda, New York, will serve as honorary grand marshals during the July 4th parade, carrying forward the remembrance of Mr. Spaulding’s service and the family’s historic connection to the community.
“Light Up Lyndonville” in red, white and blue
Lions Club members John Belson, right, and Larry Wolfe inspect the long stem roses for the Lions Mother’s Day Rose Sale.
The Lyndonville Lions are proud to announce our “Light Up Lyndonville”! Beginning July 1st through July 5th, the Lions will decorate Main Street in the Village of Lyndonville with red, white, and blue lights and festive banners to honor our nation’s independence and the spirit of “America 250.”
We invite residents of both the Town of Yates and the Village of Lyndonville to join in the celebration by decorating homes, businesses, and properties with lights, flags, banners, and inflatables that showcase your patriotic pride.
The Lions will be judging displays throughout the holiday weekend, with cash prizes awarded to winning decorations following the celebration!
Stay connected for updates and details by following: The Orleans Hub and Lyndonville Lions Facebook.
Busy Month in May
The Lyndonville Lions wrapped up May with their annual Mother’s Day Rose Sale and distributed approximately 100 new glasses to people who attended the Lions Pop-Up Eyeglass Clinic.
Members of the Sawyer family receive their new glasses after attending the Lyndonville Lions Eye Glass Clinic.
Entrance to Veterans Drive in Holley may be closed long-term due to damaged culvert
Photo by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – The entrance to Veterans Drive off South Main Street in Holley is barricaded over a culvert.
The entrance is blocked off to traffic after a powerful storm on April 1 caused flooding that damaged a culvert near the entrance. The road is crumbling near the culvert.
It would be too expensive for the village to take on the cost of replacing the culvert, Holley Mayor Mark Bower said at Tuesday’s Village Board meeting.
Early estimates put a replacement at $300,000 to $500,000, he said.
The VFW and businesses in the Holley Business Park are accessible from Maziarz Drive off Route 31 by Crosby’s and Mitchell Family Cremations & Funerals.
The Veterans Drive entrance has long been considered a dangerous intersection, especially making a left turn onto South Main Street due to limited sight lines, village officials said.
There is a chance the culvert and road could be fixed if federal funding is approved by FEMA. Holley and other municipalities that suffered damages from the flooding may be eligible for FEMA funding. The state is currently going through the process to see if there will be FEMA aid for the affected counties.
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Tigers post diamond win over Mt. Morris
Lyndonville scored in all six innings to post a 15-5 victory over host Mt. Morris in a non league baseball game.
Colton Smith and Devin Babcock each had 3 hits and Shawn Robertson 2 to lead the Tigers at the plate.
Quincey McClinsey earned the win on the mound allowing 3 hits and striking out 14 in 5 innings of work.
Singles by Smith and Babock ignited a three-run first inning for Lyndonville.
McClinsey then had a two-run single in the second inning following a double by Smith and a single by Babcock.
Keeping their momentum, Smith and Babcock then both had RBI singles to ignite a 5 run third inning.
Robertson and Attius Mank later both had triples during two-run fifth frame. Robertson then capped off the Tigers win with a two-run single in the sixth.
The Tigers improve to 7-10.
Kendall tops Alexander to improve to 16-2
Scoring in five different innings, Kendall posted a 10-3 victory over Alexander in a Genesee Region League baseball game this afternoon.
Vinnie D’Agostino had a big day both on the mound and at the plate for the Eagles. On the mound he scattered 5 hits and struck out 9 in five innings of work. At the plate he had a pair of hits and drove in 4 runs.
CJ D’Agostino got Kendall off and rolling with a two-run homer in the first inning.
Vinnie D’Agostino then had a two-run triple to highlight a three-run third inning and a two-run single to key a four-run fifth frame.
Jonny Conte tacked on an RBI double in the sixth.
Kendall is now 11-1 in the league and 16-2 overall.
Lady Rams win improving N-O record to 8-3
Improving to 8-3, Roy-Hart blanked Newfane 14-0 in a Niagara-Orleans League softball game this afternoon.
Abby Fox hurled the shutout registering 10 strikeouts. She also drove in 5 runs.
A big 6 run fourth inning broke the game open as Brooke Corser had a three-run single, Fox a two-run single, and Grace Pearl an RBI triple. Hayley Hillburn and Peyton May both added singles to the uprising.
Pembroke 6, Kendall 3
Pembroke bested Kendall 6-3 in a Genesee Region League game as Adalyn Ball had a pair of doubles and Diem Laney one.
Izzy D’Agostino had a triple and Alea Barrett a double for Kendall.
Notre Dame 14, Holley 2
Amelia Sorochty hurled a 2 hitter with 9 strikeouts for Notre Dame in the 14-2 G-R win over Holley.
Riley Hare, Olivia Gillard and Olivia Bezon each had 2 hits for Notre Dame. Hare and Gillard both had doubles.
Akron downs Medina in D Division lacrosse
Building up a commanding 14-0 half-time advantage, Akron went on to down visiting Medina 16-1 in a make-up D Division lacrosse game this afternoon.
The Tigers improve to 8-1 in the division and 12-2 overall.
Jobi Wheeler scored the Medina goal off an assist from Gavin Dahlhaus.
Tennis
Akron 4, Medina 1
Akron topped Medina 4-1 in a Niagara-Orleans League tennis match as Whitley Koopman won at first singles.
Talia Rupp won at second singles for Medina.
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DOT physicals now available at Medina Healthcare Center at hospital
MEDINA – Medina Healthcare Center has announced a new occupational health service for the community, with the addition of Department of Transportation physicals and compliance testing now available on-site through Michelle Smith FNP, a National Registry certified provider.
DOT physicals are available for $145 per exam and are designed to help commercial drivers and employers meet federal safety requirements quickly and conveniently close to home.
With Orleans County and surrounding communities serving a strong agricultural, transportation, logistics and commercial driving workforce, this new service fills an important local need, according to Scott Robinson, director of marketing at Medina Memorial Hospital.
Seasonal farm operations, trucking companies, school transportation providers, construction firms, municipalities and independent drivers often rely on CDL-certified drivers to keep operations moving safely and efficiently, Robinson said.
“Access to certified DOT examinations locally is an important service for both workers and employers,” said Michelle Smith, FNP. “Our goal is to make the process convenient while helping drivers stay healthy, compliant and on the road.”
DOT physicals are required for many individuals who operate commercial motor vehicles, including:
- Commercial truck derivers
- CDL license holders
- Bus and motorcoach drivers
- Municipal and highway department vehicle operators
- Delivery and freight derivers
- Municipal and highway department vehicle operators
- Construction and heavy equipment transport drivers
- Emergency response and specialty vehicle operators.
In addition to DOT physical examinations, Medina Healthcare Center now offers
- DOT drug testing
- DOT alcohol testing
- Randomized drug testing services for employers.
These services support businesses and organizations that must maintain compliance with federal workplace safety and transportation regulations.
“We’re hoping this announcement is helpful to many in the community,” Robinson said.
Appointments and additional information are available by called Medina Healthcare Center at (585) 798-2550. The center is located on the first floor of the Medina Memorial Hospital.
Erie Canal opens today for 202nd navigational season
Photos by Tom Rivers: Canal Corp. employees raise the flags on Thursday at the Ingersoll Street lift bridge in Albion. The flags include the American flag, New York State flag and the Canal Corp. flag.
The Erie Canal officially opened today for its 202nd consecutive navigational season.
The canal is coming off the bicentennial celebration for when the historic waterway was completed in 1825, linking Buffalo on Lake Erie to Albany on the Hudson River.
This season the canal will be open to boaters from May 15 to Oct. 14. There will again be no tolls or fees for recreational use of the canal system.
The standard operating hours will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
There are extended hours until 9 p.m. from May 16 through September 10 at select locks and lift bridges, including the lift bridges in Spencerport, Adams Basin, Brockport, Holley, Hulberton, Albion, Eagle Harbor, Knowlesville, Medina, Middleport, Gasport and Lockport.
Here is the scene last week looking east from the Main Street lift bridge towards the Ingersoll Street lift bridge.
Green misses the cut at Queen City tourney
Golf Channel Photo – Melanie Green
For the second day in a row bogey problems proved troublesome as Medina’s Melanie Green has failed to make the cut at the LPGA Tour’s Kroger Queen City Championship being played in Cincinnati.
Green, who opened the tournament with a 3 over par round of 73 on Thursday, had a 1 over par round of 71 today for a 4 over par total of 144 which was two shots over the cutline of 2 over par.
Starting on the front 9, Green jumped to 5 over early after bogies on 4 and 6.
She rebounded strongly though with an eagle on 7 and a birdie on 8 to go back to 2 over and stay in the hunt to play on the weekend.
However, bogies on 10 and 17, which put her back to 4 over par, dashed those comeback hopes.
It was just the second time in 8 LPGA starts on this her rookie season on the tour that she has not made the cut.
Green’s next start will be at the ShopRite LPGA Classic in New Jersey, May 29-31.
