Veterans – Fair Haven History

Antoine Francois Lebreton

A stark graphic of four world war one soldiers walking in a line with their shadows forming the shape of 1914.

Contributed by Dan Roberts

Antoine LeBreton was born in Paris, France on May 20, 1898 and died September 11, 1974 in Sterling.

“My grandfather ‘Pepere’ was a true Patriot. He fought in not one but two world wars along side of American Soldiers in France. Captured twice by the Germans and escaped twice. A very active member of the French Underground helping citizens find safety from being oppressed.

He was a toolmaker by trade. He had his own construction company after the war. Moved to Fair Haven, bought the Trapman farm across from Ross Hill and opened the first miniature golf coarse in Fair Haven/Sterling.

A true patriot and hard working provider and protector of the family.”

Arrived in the United States on April 28, 1947.

Pierre Dumas

Also known as Peter Demass.

Pierre Dumas was the first permanent settler in Sterling, arriving in 1805. Born in France, he immigrated to New York Colony prior to the Revolutionary War. On June 11, 1786 he married Mary Huntley in Stillwater, Saratoga County, New York. Mary was born to Ezra and Phebe Robbins Huntely in Dutchess County February 20, 1763.

During the Revolution, Pierre served as a gunner with John Lamb’s 2nd Artillery Regiment.

The bounty land he received after the war was located in Romulus. He sold that land in 1805 and purchased acreage on Lot 19 in on the south rim of Sterling Valley from James Bynder and Thomas Macdonough.

E. R. Robinson

Elisha Randolph “Dott” Robinson moved to Fair Haven about 1873 with Mendel Family relatives. Robinson and Mendel formed a business together. Later, E. R. went into business with H. S. MacArthur and then with Fayette Phillips to form the Robinson & Phillips store, the largest general store in the northern end of Cayuga County (circa 1881).

E. R. was a member of Hudson Post 159 of the G.A.R. and its first commander. He attended many reunions and reenactments of Civil War battles, including the Gettysburg Reunion in 1913.

He was a Town Supervisor for about eight years and Chairman of the Cayuga County Board of Supervisors for a time. E. R. was a member of the Old Dutch Reformed Church and when that burned, became a charter member of the Fair Haven Presbyterian Church afterward. He died in Warsaw, New York at age 82, in September, 1924.

born 1841 July 27 in LaGrange, Town of Covington, Wyoming County, New York
to Nathaniel C. Robinson and Roxa Mendel Robinson

enlisted Spring of 1862 – Company D, 130^th Regiment of New York State Volunteers
Transferred to New York 1^st Dragoons, cavalry

1864 As a member of the army, he voted for Abraham Lincoln in 1864.

mustered out 1865 mid year – rank Sergeant

married Cornelia “Nellie” Lane about 1876

died 1924 September, Warsaw, New York, age 82

William L. Blaisdell

William L. Blaisdell
1846 Oct 17 – 1941 Feb 13

William L. Blaisdell of Martville, the lone surviving veteran of the Civil War from Cayuga County died at his home on February 13, 1941 after a five week illness. Comrade Blaisdell was 94 years of age.

His birthday was annually celebrated in lively fashion by members of the Sons of Union Veterans of Auburn and members of other patriotic and civic organizations of Auburn participating. He was in the finest of health and spirits on the occasion of his 94th birthday and he looked forward to many more, hoping to reach the century mark. He had often been feted by Auburn Rotary Club. Continue reading “William L. Blaisdell”