Elmer Duprey Obituary

Elmer Duprey

Old Resident of Black Brook Dead

Elmer Duprey, one of the oldest residents of Black Brook, died at his home in that community last Saturday afternoon about 5 o'clock, after a lingering illness of nearly a year.  Mr. Duprey, who was born in Canada was 73 years of age, and had spent 69 years of his life in the town of Black Brook.  He was widely known throughout Clinton and Essex counties, and had a host of friends who will regret to learn of his passing.  He is survived by five sons, Wilfred, who resides in California, Orrel of Lake Placid, Wilbur of Albany, Edward of Black Brook and Chester of Black Brook; three daughters, Mrs. Addie Frange of California, Mrs. Florence Douglass of Black Brook and another daughter residing in Detroit.  One brother Eugene of this village, and a sister, Mrs. Ellen Stebbin of Brooklyn also survive him.  The funeral was held from St. Matthew's church, Black Brook, on Monday at 9 o'clock, and was largely attended.  Interment was in St. Matthew's cemetery.

THE RECORD-POST, Au Sable Forks, NY, May 24, 1934, Page 4

(Elmer is my maternal great-great uncle)

Happy Birthday Grandma Coughlin!

Today is my paternal step-grandmother's birthday.  Helen (Torrance) Coughlin (1910-1995) was born May 10, 1910 to Walter Torrance and Elizabeth (Madden) Torrance in Upper Jay, Essex County, New York.  "Grandma C" was an English teacher for many years.  I use to hate seeing my letters returned from Grandma with corrections to my elementary school grammar (of course in red ink!!!).

I have many fond memories of my grandmother.  She would write long letters, which my family called "the Book", where she would update my parents on the gossip of the area.  My parents would look at each and ask "Who is she talking about?" as neither knew the person.  But we looked forward to getting them as that was the way we were updated on our family before the age of internet and cheap calls.

One of the best things my grandmother did was write on the back of photos or as my father would say "there's a story on the back again!".  I'm not sure who got all of her photos after her death but who ever has them as a treasure chest of information at their fingers!

Here's a photo of Grandma, my mother and me in front of a golf and country club in Goose Creek, Berkeley County, South Carolina in 1970.  I'm sure they were probably visiting us on their way to Florida from New York so my grandfather could play golf in the winter!!

And her "story":

So Happy Birthday Grandma!!