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Record for Walter Blauvelt Gordnier 20190131HAv (52) facts
Powell Family Tree cyberpiglet
Walter Blauvelt Gordnier 1826–1892
BIRTH 24 JUL 1826 • Covert, Seneca, New York
DEATH 16 JUL 1892 • Coudersport, Potter, Pennsylvania
Record for Walter Blauvelt Gordnier 20190131HAv (52) facts
Powell Family Tree cyberpiglet
Walter Blauvelt Gordnier 1826-1892
BIRTH 24 JUL 1826 • Covert, Seneca, New York
DEATH 16 JUL 1892 • Coudersport, Potter, Pennsylvania
- [S36] ancestry.com, Gordnier Family bible, 1800's.
20190131HAv-
Family Bible
Posted 24 Aug 2012 by PeggyBonnington
From the Potter County Historical Society website:
Family Bible, 1800's
Potter County, Pennsylvania
From the Gordnier Family Bible as transcribed on the Potter County Historical Society website: http://history.pottercountypa.net/bibles1.htm#Gordnier_Bible_Record
Gordnier Bible Record
Walter B. Gordnier, born July 24, 1826
Lydia R. Armstrong, born November 18, 1835
Children:
Flora Gordnier, born April 15,1856
Mary Gordnier, May 14, 1858
Charles L. Gordnier, born October 3, 1861
Frank E. Gordnier, born January 8, 1864
Harry M. Gordnier, October 8, 1866
Lettie Gordnier, born August 28, 1872
John Gordnier, born May 4, 1874
Marriages:
Walter B. Gordnier and Lydia R. Armstrong, October 29, 1854
Frank E. Gordnier and Caroline S. Presho, November 8, 1888
Births:
Walter Lyman Gordnier, born December 24, 1889
Ruth Adaline Gordnier, born August 10, 1892
Raymond Dennis Gordnier, born May 22, 1895
Harry Leslie Gordnier, born March 3, 1898
Lawrence Winfield Gordnier, born December 1, 1900
Lois Evelyn Gordnier, born April 28, 1903
Margaret Elizabeth Gordnier, born January 15, 1907
Rachel Eunice Gordnier, born October 29, 1910
Deaths:
Mary Gordnier, died October 27, 1865
Charles Gordnier, died April 27, 1885
Walter B. Gordnier, died June 16, 1892
John Gordnier, died August 25, 1894
Harry M. Gordnier, died July 10, 1898
Lydia R. Gordnier, died June 26, 1915
Flora Gordnier, died October 18, 1916
Frank Gordnier, died October 30, 1930
Walter L. Gordnier, died January 25, 1949
Lettie Gordnier and Milton J. Potter married April 2, 1891
Mary J. Gordnier and George W. Colwell married September 8, 1875 in Angelica, New York.
Andrew Gordnier, brother of W. B. and John Gordnier died December, 1905 at Greenville, PA, age 74 Years.
1870 United States Federal Census
1880 United States Federal Census
Family Bible, 1800's
Potter County, Pennsylvania
From the Gordnier Family Bible as transcribed on the Potter County Historical Society website: http://history.pottercountypa.net/bibles1.htm#Gordnier_Bible_Record
PeggyBonnington
PeggyBonnington originally shared this on 24 Aug 2012
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Lydia R Armstrong
Walter Blauvelt Gordnier
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Comments
20190131HAv-
Family Bible
Posted 24 Aug 2012 by PeggyBonnington
From the Potter County Historical Society website:
Family Bible, 1800's
Potter County, Pennsylvania
From the Gordnier Family Bible as transcribed on the Potter County Historical Society website: http://history.pottercountypa.net/bibles1.htm#Gordnier_Bible_Record
Gordnier Bible Record
Walter B. Gordnier, born July 24, 1826
Lydia R. Armstrong, born November 18, 1835
Children:
Flora Gordnier, born April 15,1856
Mary Gordnier, May 14, 1858
Charles L. Gordnier, born October 3, 1861
Frank E. Gordnier, born January 8, 1864
Harry M. Gordnier, October 8, 1866
Lettie Gordnier, born August 28, 1872
John Gordnier, born May 4, 1874
Marriages:
Walter B. Gordnier and Lydia R. Armstrong, October 29, 1854
Frank E. Gordnier and Caroline S. Presho, November 8, 1888
Births:
Walter Lyman Gordnier, born December 24, 1889
Ruth Adaline Gordnier, born August 10, 1892
Raymond Dennis Gordnier, born May 22, 1895
Harry Leslie Gordnier, born March 3, 1898
Lawrence Winfield Gordnier, born December 1, 1900
Lois Evelyn Gordnier, born April 28, 1903
Margaret Elizabeth Gordnier, born January 15, 1907
Rachel Eunice Gordnier, born October 29, 1910
Deaths:
Mary Gordnier, died October 27, 1865
Charles Gordnier, died April 27, 1885
Walter B. Gordnier, died June 16, 1892
John Gordnier, died August 25, 1894
Harry M. Gordnier, died July 10, 1898
Lydia R. Gordnier, died June 26, 1915
Flora Gordnier, died October 18, 1916
Frank Gordnier, died October 30, 1930
Walter L. Gordnier, died January 25, 1949
Lettie Gordnier and Milton J. Potter married April 2, 1891
Mary J. Gordnier and George W. Colwell married September 8, 1875 in Angelica, New York.
Andrew Gordnier, brother of W. B. and John Gordnier died December, 1905 at Greenville, PA, age 74 Years.
1870 United States Federal Census
1880 United States Federal Census
Family Bible, 1800's
Potter County, Pennsylvania
From the Gordnier Family Bible as transcribed on the Potter County Historical Society website: http://history.pottercountypa.net/bibles1.htm#Gordnier_Bible_Record
PeggyBonnington
PeggyBonnington originally shared this on 24 Aug 2012
Linked To
Lydia R Armstrong
Walter Blauvelt Gordnier
Saved by vshuttleworth
Saved by CMWeatherby
Saved by jpbrewing2000
Saved by kydney55
Saved by PeggyBonnington
Saved by beaslekd
Saved by dbalch464
Saved by vangolf21
Saved by suereese999
Comments
- [S526] census 1870 USA PA Potter, (Name: ancestry.com;), Year: 1870; Census Place: Coudersport, Potter, Pennsylvania; Roll: M593_1446; Page: 497B; Family History Library Film: 552945Hamilton Cole Griesel Gordnier Thompson.
Record for Ignatz Griesel; Walter B. Gordnier; Lewis B. Cole; John M. Hamilton; Z.J. Thompson (31) facts
revisited 20181201HAv
20180103 RVA-
Ignatz Griesel in the 1870 United States Federal Census
date: 10 Jun 1870
enumerator: Z.J. Thompson
Name: Ignatz Griesel
Age in 1870: 44
Birth Year: abt 1826
Birthplace: Bohemia
Dwelling Number: 93
Home in 1870: Coudersport, Potter, Pennsylvania
Race: White
Gender: Male
Occupation: Harness Maker
Father of Foreign Birth: Y
Mother of Foreign Birth: Y
Male Citizen Over 21: Y
Personal Estate Value: 600
Real Estate Value: 1000
Household Members:
Name Age
John M Hamilton 56 PA Clerk in Land Office
Elisabetha Hamilton 52 PA keeping house
Clara Hamilton 23 PA at home
Ella Hamilton 25 PA teacher
Lucy Hamilton 21 PA at school
Walter Hamilton 19 PA clerk in store
Martin Joerg 17 IL at school
Herman Joerg 11 PA at school
Charles Westerman 29 Hamburg, Gry Lumberman
Lewis B. Cole 63 NY Clerk in 'Com__' Office
'Burnie?' Cole 27 PA Wagon Maker
Sarah Cole 35 PA house keeper
Delilah Cole 23 PA house keeper
Blanch Cole 1 PA at home
Arthur Earl 18 PA at school
Walter B Gordnier 43 NY Machinist
Lydia Gerdnier 34 PA keeping house
Flora Gerdmie 14 PA at school
Charles Gerdmie 8 PA at school
Frank Gerdmie 6 PA at school
Harry Gerdmie 3 PA at home
John Dubel 75 Saxon, Gry Laborer
Zenus Thompson 50 NY wagon maker
Julia A Thompson 49 NJ keeping house
William W Thompson 20 PA printer
Ella Thompson 17 PA teacher
Ignatz Griesel 44 Bohemia (Germany) Harness Maker
Anna Griesel 16 NY at home
Edward Griesel 13 NJ at home
Source Citation
Year: 1870; Census Place: Coudersport, Potter, Pennsylvania;
Roll: M593_1446;
Page: 497B;
Family History Library Film: 552945
Source Information
Ancestry.com. 1870 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.
Original data:
•1870 U.S. census, population schedules. NARA microfilm publication M593, 1,761 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.
•Minnesota census schedules for 1870. NARA microfilm publication T132, 13 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.
John M Hamilton in the 1870 United States Federal Census
Name: John M Hamilton
Age in 1870: 56
Birth Year: abt 1814
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Dwelling Number: 89
Home in 1870: Coudersport, Potter, Pennsylvania
Race: White
Gender: Male
Occupation: Clerk In Land Office
Male Citizen Over 21: Y
Personal Estate Value: 1000
Household Members:
Name Age
John M Hamilton 56 PA Clerk in Land Office
Elisabetha Hamilton 52 PA keeping house
Clara Hamilton 23 PA at home
Ella Hamilton 25 PA teacher
Lucy Hamilton 21 PA at school
Walter Hamilton 19 PA clerk in store
Martin Joerg 17 IL at school
Herman Joerg 11 PA at school
Charles Westerman 29 Hamburg, Gry Lumberman
Lewis B. Cole 63 NY Clerk in 'Com__' Office
'Burnie?' Cole 27 PA Wagon Maker
Sarah Cole 35 PA house keeper
Delilah Cole 23 PA house keeper
Blanch Cole 1 PA at home
Arthur Earl 18 PA at school
Walter B Gordnier 43 NY Machinist
Lydia Gerdnier 34 PA keeping house
Flora Gerdmie 14 PA at school
Charles Gerdmie 8 PA at school
Frank Gerdmie 6 PA at school
Harry Gerdmie 3 PA at home
John Dubel 75 Saxon, Gry Laborer
Zenus Thompson 50 NY wagon maker
Julia A Thompson 49 NJ keeping house
William W Thompson 20 PA printer
Ella Thompson 17 PA teacher
Ignatz Griesel 44 Bohemia (Germany) Harness Maker
Anna Griesel 16 NY
Edward Griesel 13 NJ
Walter B Gerdmier in the 1870 United States Federal Census
Name: Walter B. Gordnier
Age in 1870: 43
Birth Year: abt 1827
Birthplace: New York
Dwelling Number: 91
Home in 1870: Coudersport, Potter, Pennsylvania
Gender: Male
Occupation: Machinist
Male Citizen Over 21:Y
Personal Estate Value:5000
Real Estate Value: 13000
Household Members:
Name Age
John M Hamilton 56 PA Clerk in Land Office
Elisabetha Hamilton 52 PA keeping house
Clara Hamilton 23 PA at home
Ella Hamilton 25 PA teacher
Lucy Hamilton 21 PA at school
Walter Hamilton 19 PA clerk in store
Martin Joerg 17 IL at school
Herman Joerg 11 PA at school
Charles Westerman 29 Hamburg, Gry Lumberman
Lewis B. Cole 63 NY Clerk in 'Com__' Office
'Burnie?' Cole 27 PA Wagon Maker
Sarah Cole 35 PA house keeper
Delilah Cole 23 PA house keeper
Blanch Cole 1 PA at home
Arthur Earl 18 PA at school
Walter B Gordnier 43 NY Machinist
Lydia Gerdnier 34 PA keeping house
Flora Gerdmie 14 PA at school
Charles Gerdmie 8 PA at school
Frank Gerdmie 6 PA at school
Harry Gerdmie 3 PA at home
John Dubel 75 Saxon, Gry Laborer
Zenus Thompson 50 NY wagon maker
Julia A Thompson 49 NJ keeping house
William W Thompson 20 PA printer
Ella Thompson 17 PA teacher
Ignatz Griesel 44 Bohemia (Germany) Harness Maker
Anna Griesel 16 NY at home
Edward Griesel 13 NJ at home
Zenus Thompson
in the 1870 United States Federal Census
Name: Zenus Thompson
Age in 1870: 50
Birth Year: abt 1820
Birthplace: New York
Dwelling Number: 92
Home in 1870: Coudersport, Potter, Pennsylvania
Race: White
Gender: Male
Occupation: Wagon Maker
Male Citizen Over 21:Y
Personal Estate Value:1760
Real Estate Value:3000
Inferred Spouse: Julia A Thompson
Inferred Children: William W Thompson
Ella Thompson
Household Members:
Name Age
John M Hamilton 56 PA Clerk in Land Office
Elisabetha Hamilton 52 PA keeping house
Clara Hamilton 23 PA at home
Ella Hamilton 25 PA teacher
Lucy Hamilton 21 PA at school
Walter Hamilton 19 PA clerk in store
Martin Joerg 17 IL at school
Herman Joerg 11 PA at school
Charles Westerman 29 Hamburg, Gry Lumberman
Lewis B. Cole 63 NY Clerk in 'Com__' Office
'Burnie?' Cole 27 PA Wagon Maker
Sarah Cole 35 PA house keeper
Delilah Cole 23 PA house keeper
Blanch Cole 1 PA at home
Arthur Earl 18 PA at school
Walter B Gordnier 43 NY Machinist
Lydia Gerdnier 34 PA keeping house
Flora Gerdmie 14 PA at school
Charles Gerdmie 8 PA at school
Frank Gerdmie 6 PA at school
Harry Gerdmie 3 PA at home
John Dubel 75 Saxon, Gry Laborer
Zenus Thompson 50 NY wagon maker
Julia A Thompson 49 NJ keeping house
William W Thompson 20 PA printer
Ella Thompson 17 PA teacher
Ignatz Griesel 44 Bohemia (Germany) Harness Maker
Anna Griesel 16 NY at home
Edward Griesel 13 NJ at home
Source Citation
Year: 1870; Census Place: Coudersport, Potter, Pennsylvania; Roll: M593_1446; Page: 497B; Family History Library Film: 552945
Source Information
Ancestry.com. 1870 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.
Original data:
•1870 U.S. census, population schedules. NARA microfilm publication M593, 1,761 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.
•Minnesota census schedules for 1870. NARA microfilm publication T132, 13 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.
 |
census 1870 USA PA Potter Coudersport 497B- Griesel, Ignatz.jpg
20180103 RVA-
Ignatz Griesel in the 1870 United States Federal Census
date: 10 Jun 1870
enumerator: Z.J. Thompson
Name: Ignatz Griesel
Age in 1870: 44
Birth Year: abt 1826
Birthplace: Bohemia
Dwelling Number: 93
Home in 1870: Coudersport, Potter, Pennsylvania
Race: White
Gender: Male
Occupation: Harness Maker
Father of Foreign Birth: Y
Mother… |
- [S2537] Grandpa Was a Horse Thief, et al, (Name: paintedhills.org;), and other tales from the Potter Enterprise. Submitted and Transcribed By Frankie Stonemetz and Tim Chase.
W. B. Gordnier (1) fact
20210316HAv-
20210316HAv-
https://www.paintedhills.org/POTTER/Granpawashorsethief.htm
Grandpa was a Horse Thief -
and other tales from the Potter Enterprise
Submitted and Transcribed By Frankie Stonemetz and Tim Chase
Much has been written about the upstanding men and women who settled in Potter County during its infancy - businessmen, doctors, lawyers, their spouses and descendants who brought prosperity and a semblance of respectability to the area during a rough-and-tumble time.
But what about the scoundrels and rascals who lurked in the hills? Potter County histories contain few words about the blackguards, horse thieves, counterfeiters,and murderers whose deeds often remained unknown and unpunished in a county populated largely by itinerant lumberjacks.
Early historians’ apparent reluctance to pass along the deeds of unsavory characters which were nonetheless chronicled by the newspapers, the disappearance of the logging camps where much of the disorder occurred, and the accompanying exodus of their inhabitants have all combined to leave us with limited knowledge about the darker side of Potter County life in the 1800s. Other than Joshua Jones of Genesee, who shot his wife, was captured, escaped from jail, was recaptured and became the first person hanged in Potter County, and Charles Brewster, condemned to death, for killing his stepfather in the early 1900s, early criminals and their deeds are not widely remembered. There can be little doubt that crime was abundant - the young County’s heavily forested hills and valleys and its lumber camps populated by rough characters with whom unsavory element mixed provided ideal hideaways for anyone eluding the region’s few lawmen.
One man who arrived in Coudersport in 1841 described it as one of the worst places of its size he ever seen. One of his first actions was to assist in the arrest of a local fighter who had drank too much and was only apprehended by throwing a rope around his shoulders and hauling him through the mud to jail.
Tales of Thievery
One of the most famous local outlaws of the mid-1800s was Abram or "Brom" Rohrabacher, who lived in various places around eastern Potter County and whose name was a household word. A brawny, broad-shouldered fellow, he was said to be a strong as an ox and unbeaten in his frequent fights and wrestling matches.
Rohrabacher came to this area from the Finger Lakes region of New York, reportedly fleeing to elude authorities after for knocking a man off a wharf into Cayuga Lake.
A famous log driver and raftsman, he also belonged to a gang of horse thieves operating in the Coudersport and Galeton areas.
Rohrabacher was once suspected stealing a heifer from a prominent Coudersport resident, but the crime was never proven. Twenty-five years later, he confessed, saying he had always been ashamed of it. But that theft appears to have been only one of many in which he and his cronies were involved.
Civil War era newspapers often chronicled the dastardly deeds at a time when Potter County was known "Horse-Thief Heaven" The only road, which bisected the county from southeast to northwest, was considered to be a "horse thief highway" and’ it was said that all roads traveled by horse thieves in southern New York and the neighboring regions of Pennsylvania led to Potter County. Once into that county, the thief and horse generally disappeared completely,
The mid-1850s, a gang of horse theirs had a hideout in a hollow which emptied into the Genesee Fork of Pine Creek, above West Pike. They reached the spot by riding their horses up the bed of a creek, leaving the main road at a barnyard by the stream. The barn was owned by a man who was one of the gang.
"In this woodland retreat, a skillful operative colored the horses so that they would not be recognized", stated Victor Beebe in his "History of Potter County." The horses were then sold in Jersey Shore or Williamsport.
The Looters Are Always with Us
On May 18, 1880, the entire downtown of Coudersport was destroyed by fire. Without time or means to save the buildings, men, women, and children worked feverishly to move contents out of the buildings ahead of the flames. Goods of all kinds were piled in the street and on the courthouse square. There were piles of merchandise, furniture, ledgers, books, even safes. Some items burned because the flames could not be fought back and some were stolen by looters. According an article in the May 19th Potter Enterprise, "to their disgrace, may it be written that some people seemed bent upon plunder, quietly picking up any article which might possibly be of value to them and making off with it." An emergency meeting of the town council held that night hired special police to guard the exposed piles of goods and protect them from looters.
When a showcase was removed from a store to the street, looters kicked it in and stole 3000 cigars. Likewise dry goods, hardware and other items just disappeared. Some merchants complained that more goods were stolen than were burned.
One Man’s Crusade
Few thieves and even fewer horses were arrested or recovered here, despite the efforts of respected local lawman Orange A. Lewis, who spent years gathering evidence in an attempt to apprehend one notorious band, probably the group that operated out of the West Pike area. Lewis spent a lot of time ostensibly fishing in the Nine Mile area, and would track the stolen horses.
A Lewis descendant later maintained that in 1856, a year that brought increased horse stealing and a political campaign in which Lewis was up for reelection as associate judge of the county, Lewis received an anonymous letter that threatened him with arrest and exposure for his part in the underground railroad, which helped fugitives slaves travel to freedom.
But Lewis continued his efforts over the next few years and by 1861 had accumulated sufficient evidence to arrest the band.
Then Civil War broke out, and several of the suspected thieves enlisted in the Union Army. Lewis and prominent local attorneys John S. Mann and Isaac Benson decided that no legal action would be taken until after the conflict, and that those accused who were honorably discharged would not face prosecution for their earlier actions. Fate intervened again and the 58-year-old Lewis, who had also enlisted, died in 1862 during a Union retreat.
During Lewis’ lengthy investigation, it was suspected that certain prominent individuals whose names have not been recorded by historians were collaborating with the horse thieves.
An Inside Job?
In September 1857, a team of oxen was stolen from H. L. Bird of Sweden Valley. He followed the thieves to Williamsport and found that his oxen had already been sold to an unsuspecting butcher. One of the animals had already been slaughtered. Bird recovered $75 from the butcher. Eventually, James H. C. Coe was arrested, confined to jail in Coudersport, and convicted of the crime. At his sentence, he deliberately walked out of the courtroom, unhindered by the sheriff or anyone else - perhaps a sign of that suspected collusion on the part of some highly-placed official??
It's believed that some of the area outlaws in the post-Civil War era were members of a notorious group called Widger Gang, led by Captain Willam D. Widger, who was dishonorably uncharged from the Union army after serving briefly during the war,
Beer's and Beebe's histories report that upon returning to Potter County, Widger and a brother organized a gang with a man named Paul Howard and Howard's brother. The group stole honey, then sheep and cattle. The meat was sold in lumber camps or shipped out of the area salted down in barrels. Freshly-washed clothes hanging on lines in people's yards, dry goods, hardware, cutlery - nothing was immune to the thievery.
Suspicions led to the Widger/Howard Gang, and when McDougall's store at Oswayo was burglarized, a search revealed the stolen goods in a box sunk into the ground at Sheldon Hollow, about three miles from Coudersport.
Beebe related, "Ephriam Bishop discovered a quarter of the mutton stolen by one of the gang, by moving a chair in which the thief's wife sat, much against her will, the mutton dropping from beneath her skirt." Beef was also found buried in the garden of another gang member. A grindstone stole from John S. Mann was also found. One of them turned state's evidence, sending the rest to the penitentiary.
Unsavory Characters
One of the Widger/Howard gang was also accused of murdering an army chaplain during the war. The chaplain had returned from the front with a considerable amount of money to be given to soldiers' families and was last seen leaving an Olean hotel with a stranger. He was believed to have been murdered near the Five Corners in Hebron Township, and buried in the woods. A young woman reportedly found the grave but was so frightened that she did not report it until long afterwards.
The horse thieves were also thought to be in collusion with counterfeiters operating in the area. In April 1868, counterfeit money was found by workmen tearing down a wall at D. F. Glassmire's store in Coudersport. The bills had been secreted in the wall, and appeared to have been there for quite some time. Counterfeit money was also found in a house owned by W. B. Gordnier, located east of town. These bills also appeared to have been there for a long time, placed there by John Crittenden, who had once been convicted of counterfeiting several years earlier.
Justice Not Done?
Mrs. H. D. Graves of Millport became one of the most notorious females of the late 1800s, when she was accused of being an accomplice of her husband. George Haynes was convicted of the crime and sentenced to 'life in prison', but Mrs. Graves was acquitted by the court. Many people felt that she was truly the guilty one, plotting the crime, coercing Haynes to carry it out. Few details of the case have been passed down. Beebe's history states, The trial attracted much attention and was filled with 'nauseous details which do not propose to relate here. The historian attributed her acquittal to the reluctance of the judge and jury to sentence a woman to death.
Haynes was pardoned in 1888, suffering from tuberculosis. Mrs. Graves left the county but was suspected in a similar case some years later.
Lonely highways which were little more than foot paths were ideal spots for crime. Frank Welton, driver of the Sinnemahoning stage, was shot by a thief who he was taking to jail. The man escaped but was later apprehended on charges of larceny and burglary in Emporium. Welton recovered but lived the rest of his life with a bullet in his neck.
Hotbeds of Crime
Pig's ears - illegal drinking establishments that abounded throughout the county during the period when prohibition laws were in effect - were also hot spots for all kinds of illegal activities, fueled by the patrons' consumption of the beverages offered.
June 1894, Fot Spicer shot Officer James Higgins of Austin when the lawman attempted to arrest him in a pig's ear in Galeton. Spicer was a character who had already served prison terms for larceny and counterfeiting. When Higgins entered the establishment, Spicer recognized him and spoke, but received no response from the officer. He then blurted, "You are Jim Higgins; give me that warrant or I'll blow your brains out."
Higgins answered, "I guess not". Spicer shot him through the neck; Higgins shot Spicer through the heart.
In January 1896, Julius Zimmerman killed Andrew Stroup in a quarrel over a game of cards in the Crowell House in Coudersport, with only very light consequence.
Arthur Gordnier shot and killed C. Don Banfield in the barroom of John Kelly's hotel in Austin in July 1901. Banfield was drunk, and evidence indicated that Gordnier shot him in self-defense. The only crime Gordnier was convicted of was selling Banfield the liquor that made him drunk.
Blowville, at the forks of Bailey Run, was a short-lived hamlet surrounded by lumber camps. The town consisted of two restaurants, two hotels, two boarding houses, two drug stores, two pigs' ears, one barber shop, a blacksmith shop, two stores, 13 dwellings and a multitude of camps in the surrounding woods. It vanished without a trace, but in the late 1890s, it was known as a famous resort for ruffians. William Ayers, an old man living alone, was murdered in the vicinity in 1898, with robbery as the suspected motive. Several suspects were arrested, but nothing was proven.
Such incidents led to the widely-held and often expressed belief that in Potter County, no case, regardless of the strength of evidence, would result in the penalty of a murderer losing his life. The execution of Charles Brewster, who murdered his stepfather, finally dispelled the myth.
With the advent of the 20th century and the decline of lumbering and tanning, the camps disappeared and the once-thriving hamlets became ghost towns. Prohibition was repealed and liquor flowed flowed freely in most areas of the county, but held less charm to the established residents than it had to the itinerant lumbermen. Horse thieves disappeared as horseless carriages became the transportation of choice. It was an end of a colorful era in the history of Potter County.
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- [S1259] FaceBook- Coudersport, GORDNIER FOUNDRY & MACHINE SHOP, built by D.B. Neefe / built by Walter B. Gordnier, his Son Frank Gordnier worked here all his life 1864-1930 Lanny Nunn Remember When... · 29 Sept 2020.
Frank E. Gordnier (1) fact
20200930HAv-
20200930HAv-
Lanny Nunn Coudersport, Remember When...
1d · 29 Sept 2020
Coudersport:
Gordnier Foundry, built by D.B. Neefe
Comments
John C Wetzel
Daniel B. Neefe. Also Post Master in Brookland, Ulysses twp. 1868 & 1871.
· Reply · 2m · Edited
· Reply · 45m · Edited
John C Wetzel
OTOH, maybe it was built by Walter Blauvelt Gordnier, Frank's father, as in this photo. Or maybe Walter had it made, by Daniel B. Neefe. Or maybe it was built and re-built...
Image may contain: text that says 'SYASONSHLP GORDNIER FOUNDRY & MCHINE SHOP Built by Walter B. Gordnier Son Frank Gordnier worked here all his. life 1864-1930 1930 First automobiles in Coudersport were repaired here'
· Reply · 1m
___________
20171030 RVA-
Lanny Nunn?Coudersport Remember When
56 mins · 30 October 2017
They have this picture.Want a copy stop up.
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GORDNIER FOUNDRY & MACHINE SHOP
built by Walter B. Gordnier
Son Frank Gordnier worked here all his life
1864-1930
The first automobiles in Coudersport were repaired here.
20190727HAv- for FB, article posted by Gerry Hamilton about Gordnier Flats:
Mrs. M.J. Potter (Lettie Gordnier b. 28 Aug 1872, married Milton J. Potter in 1891) and Frank E. Gordnier were children of Walter Blauvelt and Lytia Ruth Armstrong Gordnier. This is her portrait, posted late last year by Lanny.
Walter built the Gordnier Foundry & Machine Shop, where the first automobiles in Coudersport were repaired and where Frank worked his entire life, according to the photo posted in 2017 by Lanny.
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CLIPPED FROM
The Potter Enterprise
Coudersport, Pennsylvania
27 Jan 1949, Thu • Page 1
BY wetzupdoc1 · 11 Sept 2019
Walter L. Gordnier
Death Comes After Long Period of ill Health.
Walter L. Gordnier died Tuesday night (Jan. 25, 1949) shortly after being taken to the Potter County Memorial Hospital. He had suffered from illness at times during several years.
Walter Lyman Gordnier was a son of the late Frank Gordnier and Mrs. Gordnier. He was born in Coudersport, Dec. 24, 1889, and his whole life was spent here. He married Fay Susan Dann at Mansfield, Aug. 1, 1911. She survives with the following children:
- Geraldine, at home;
- Walter, of Westfield, Pa.;
- Frank, Buffalo, N. Y.;
- John, Coudersport;
- Mrs. Shirley Dodd, Newark, NJ
His mother also survives with the following brothers and sisters:
- Mrs. Ruth Tobin, Caldwell, NJ;
- Raymond Gordnier, Rochester, NY;
- Mrs. Lois Brown, Maumee, O;
- Mrs. Elizabeth Miller, Lewisburg, Pa.;
- Lawrence Gordnier, Coudersport, but in Florida at present time;
- Rachel Gordnier, Wellfleet, Mass.
There are three grandchildren.
Mr. Gordnier was a member of the Methodist Church, the I. O. O. F. Lodge and the fire department. He was active for years politically. He had been a highway employee for over 25 years. Funeral service will be held from the family home on South East Street, Saturday afternoon at 2:30, with the Rev. Gordon W. Loomis officiating.
- Interment will be in Eulalia Cemetery.
Pallbearers are to be
- Arch Andrews, Emporium;
- John Deck, - Jay Gooch.
- Bert Sebolt, - David Yardlay &
- William Wichert.
Clipping location on The Potter Enterprise page 1
wetzupdoc1 Member Photo
CLIPPED BY
wetzupdoc1 · 11 Sept 2019
CLIPPED FROM
The Potter Enterprise
Coudersport, Pennsylvania
27 Jan 1949, Thu • Page 1
BY wetzupdoc1 · 11 Sept 2019
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At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.
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Gordnier Foundry Coudy FB171030LN
20171030 RVA-
Lanny Nunn?Coudersport Remember When
56 mins · 30 October 2017
They have this picture.Want a copy stop up.
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GORDNIER FOUNDRY & MACHINE SHOP
built by Walter B. Gordnier
Son Frank Gordnier worked here all his life
1864-1930
The first automobiles in Coudersport were repaired here.
20190727HAv-… |
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Gordnier Foundry Coudy FB171030LNcp
20171030 RVA-
Lanny Nunn?Coudersport Remember When
56 mins · 30 October 2017
They have this picture.Want a copy stop up.
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2 You and 1 other
GORDNIER FOUNDRY & MACHINE SHOP
built by Walter B. Gordnier
Son Frank Gordnier worked here all his life
1864-1930
The first automobiles in Coudersport were repaired here. |
 |
Coudy Gordnier Foundry, built DBNeefe FB200929LNCou
20200930HAv-
Lanny Nunn Coudersport, Remember When...
1d · 29 Sept 2020
Coudersport:
Gordnier Foundry, built by D.B. Neefe
Comments
John C Wetzel
Daniel B. Neefe. Also Post Master in Brookland, Ulysses twp. 1868 & 1871.
· Reply · 2m · Edited
· Reply · 45m · Edited
John C Wetzel
OTOH, maybe it was built by Walter Blauvelt Gordnier,… |
- [S1993] Newspapers.com: Potter Journal Leader Enterprise-, 1889-12-04. Ads- Gordnier Gillon & Olmsted 04 Dec 1889, Wed • Page 4.
W.B. Gordnier (1) fact
20210316HAv-
20210316HAv-
Potter Enterprise Ads- Gordnier Gillon & Ohlmsted
CLIPPED FROM
The Potter Enterprise
Coudersport, Pennsylvania
04 Dec 1889, Wed • Page 4
BYwetzupdoc · 16 March 2021
W. B. GORDNIER, Is offering a Six foot cut Ereka Mower for
$75.00
A five foot cut for $65, four foot eight Inch side cut, from $2o to $45. Five foot EUREKA -:- MOWER, will be kept. Parties desiring that size must order at ouce.
W. B. GORDNIER,
COUDERSPORT, PA.
If you want a
Fall Suit
CALL ON
gillon MARK
The Coudersport
Merchant Tailor
Fit Guaranteed.
MAIN-STREET. COUDERSPORT, PA.
January 12, 1887.
STEAM & GAS FITTING !
Goal & Wood Stoves
AT OLMSTED & We are uow offering BARGAINS in that.liue. We are aluo displaying flue line of General Hardware, Now is the t!me to secure bargains in Tin-Ware. H. J. Olmsted & Sons, Coudersport, Pa.
Clipping location on The Potter Enterprise page 4
wetzupdoc Member Photo
CLIPPED BY
wetzupdoc · 16 March 2021
CLIPPED FROM
The Potter Enterprise
Coudersport, Pennsylvania
04 Dec 1889, Wed • Page 4
BYwetzupdoc · 16 March 2021
 |
Ads- Gordnier, Gillon, Ohlmsted 18891204 news_PottEnt
20210316HAv-
Potter Enterprise Ads- Gordnier Gillon & Ohlmsted
CLIPPED FROM
The Potter Enterprise
Coudersport, Pennsylvania
04 Dec 1889, Wed • Page 4
BYwetzupdoc · 16 March 2021
W. B. GORDNIER, Is offering a Six foot cut Ereka Mower for
$75.00
A five foot cut for $65, four foot eight Inch side cut, from $2o to $45. Five foot EUREKA -:-… |
- [S2123] paintedhills.org- Old Potter County Obituaries, Gordnier.
20190131HAv- http://www.paintedhills.org/POTTER/OldpottercoObits.html
OLD POTTER CO. OBITUARIES
Contributed & Transcribed by PHGS Member: Sheri D. Graves
- MARY GORDNIER, JENNIE H. CROSBY, LIZZIE HATFIELD
Mary Gordnier died Oct. 27, 1865 of scarletina, Mary, youngest daughter of W.B. and E.R. Gordnier, of Coudersport.
Jennie H. Crosby -Same place, Nov 5, 1865, Jennie H. daughter of Orson and Chloe Crosby, 3 yr. 5 mo. 2 day.
Lizzie Hatfield - Same place, Nov. 4th, 1865, Lizzie, daughter of Theodore and Aurelia Hatfield, age 1 yr. 9 mo. 26 days. The children above were cousins and grandchildren of A.S. Armstrong.
- WALTER B. GORDNIER died at his home June 16, 1892, age 65-9-22 days. Born in Covert, Seneca County, NY, son of Thomas Gordnier.
Brought up on farm; educated in common schools. At 21 engaged in peddling jewelry for some years. Took up joiners trade at Trumansburg, NY, Tompkins County. In 1851 came to Coudersport and engaged as Eli Rees as foreman of the joiners’ work on the court house. Continued with Mr. Rees for five years.
In 1854 married Lydia R. Armstrong. 1864 moved to Titusville, PA and embarked in oil business; was first to build up Pit Hole City. When this city collapsed, came back to Coudersport and commenced business, starting a machine shop, foundry, steam saw mill, etc.
Active in having wells drilled near Coudersport testing for oil and gas. Was outspoken and independent. Original in thought; unyielding in opinion.
20190131HAv- http://www.paintedhills.org/POTTER/OldpottercoObits.html
OLD POTTER CO. OBITUARIES
Contributed & Transcribed by PHGS Member: Sheri D. Graves
- MARY GORDNIER, JENNIE H. CROSBY, LIZZIE HATFIELD
Mary Gordnier died Oct. 27, 1865 of scarletina, Mary, youngest daughter of W.B. and E.R. Gordnier, of Coudersport.
Jennie H. Crosby -Same place, Nov 5, 1865, Jennie H. daughter of Orson and Chloe Crosby, 3 yr. 5 mo. 2 day.
Lizzie Hatfield - Same place, Nov. 4th, 1865, Lizzie, daughter of Theodore and Aurelia Hatfield, age 1 yr. 9 mo. 26 days. The children above were cousins and grandchildren of A.S. Armstrong.
- WALTER B. GORDNIER died at his home June 16, 1892, age 65-9-22 days. Born in Covert, Seneca County, NY, son of Thomas Gordnier.
Brought up on farm; educated in common schools. At 21 engaged in peddling jewelry for some years. Took up joiners trade at Trumansburg, NY, Tompkins County. In 1851 came to Coudersport and engaged as Eli Rees as foreman of the joiners’ work on the court house. Continued with Mr. Rees for five years.
In 1854 married Lydia R. Armstrong. 1864 moved to Titusville, PA and embarked in oil business; was first to build up Pit Hole City. When this city collapsed, came back to Coudersport and commenced business, starting a machine shop, foundry, steam saw mill, etc.
Active in having wells drilled near Coudersport testing for oil and gas. Was outspoken and independent. Original in thought; unyielding in opinion.
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1826 - 1892 (65 years)
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