Pearl Eleanor HOFF (HAFF)


(pearl10a.jpg) This is one of the few pictures of Pearl when she was young.
Written on the back in her own hand: "Pearle Ellenor Hoff Bigelow"

Pearl Eleanor HOFF (HAFF)  born 22 Oct 1885 Ellenburgh Center the daughter of Orson and Addie (HALL) HAFF; She died 30 June 1969 Plattsburgh, Clinton, NY. I was lucky to know her well during her long life. In fact, I remember when I was in grade school in Dannemora, when I used to show up at her front door to see what she had for lunch. Pancakes and French Toast were my favorites, and she had them often. She also stayed at Uncle Ben HOBBS' camp during the summer with me and my great aunt and uncle. We went to all the fairs in NY and VT because they were originally from farms and Uncle Ben was fair director in Plattsburgh for many years, plus we all loved them. We also used to go over to Valcour Island in his boat to watch the sunset. She also traveled quite a bit with Aunt Ruth and Uncle Bud WARREN. They had an Airstream and traveled all over the country. I have a home movie of my grandmother Pearl visiting Grand Canyon, and giving this oh-my-gosh expression as she approached the rim. It is priceless, just like all the memories I have of her. I don't have any memories of John Helmer, except the description I was given of his death. It must have been a wrenching moment for everyone, as he appears to have died from an embullism. He was just returning from milking the cows and collapsed in the kitchen before anybody else was up in the morning. My grandmother awoke and saw him on the floor with blood and milk mixing together. Quite a picture!! My father was only 13 yrs old and had to quit school to help support the family. I heard that part many times. There are pictures of him with the kids below, with the homestead on Smith Street in the background. The house still stands but in horrible disrepair. She married 13 Nov 1904 John Helmer 10 BIGELOW, son of John 9, ( John 8, Jared 7,Ezra 6,Ezra 5,David 4,Lt. John 3,Joshua 2,John 1) BIGELOW and Susie T. KENT, born 1886 Ellenburgh Center, Clinton, NY; died 1930 Dannemora, Clinton, NY; They were married in Ellenburgh Center, Clinton, NY.

Wedding announcement: copy from Arlene Reynolds of Brainardsville:"A very pretty wedding was solemnized on Wednesday, Nov. 13th, at the residence of the bride's father Orson Haff, at Ellenburgh Center, the contracting parties being Mr. John Bigelow and Miss Pearl Haff, both of Ellenburgh Center.Bridesmaid, Miss Flossie Haff, sister of bride. Wm. Baker was best man, ushers Bennie Hobbs and Millard Delong. Bride's father in poor health, bride given away by uncle M.L. Reed. Double ring ceremony performed by Rev. C.W.S.Becker . Presents were costly and beautiful, $130. Cash, silver, and Japanese ware,bed spreads and linens. Mr.&Mrs. Bigelow went to different parts of the East on their wedding trip."??( That's the way it was written, which implied they went their separate ways)

Children of John Helmer and Pearl Eleanor (HOFF) BIGELOW:

16314.13521.1       Claude Alton 11; born 27 July 1910 Dannemora, Clinton, NY; died 22 Dec 2001 Yucaipa,, CA; m (1) Mary Louise White ; m (2) 30 Dec 1947 Ardith Louise "Lee" BAILEY; she born 03 Dec 1927 at Lehi, Utah co, Utah; 2 children: Claudia Lee, (b 24 Feb 1949 in San Pedro, Los Angeles co, CA); and John Claude, (b 05 Aug 1950 at Oceanport, Monmouth co, NJ.

16314.13521.2       John Arthur 11, born 28 Apr 1912 Dannemora, Clinton, NY; died 1986 Saranac,Clinton,NY, ; married to Loretta (LYNCH) CHURCHILL; 2 children: John Arthur (Sonny), born 11 1940; died 12 Jan 1996; and Joan who still lives in Plattsburg (1998).

16314.13521.3       Ruth Florence 11, born 22 Aug 1915 Dannemora, Clinton, NY; died 13 March 2004 Fountain Valley, CA; married Arthur Cecil (Bud) WARREN on 30 Nov 1935 in Dannemora; Bud died of cancer 22 Aug 1966 Plattsburgh, Clinton co, NY.; m (2) 28 nov 1968 Delbert (Del) BANKS ( he born 18 Oct 1926 and died 16 Aug 1981); No children- although she was expecting a son  in ?? but lost him after 7 months of pregnancy. Ruth lived in California (Nov 2000) with Everett E. Fitzpatrick.

16314.13521.4       Roger Lynn 11 BIGELOW, born 02 July 1917 Dannemora, Clinton, NY; died 26 Nov 2003 Bristol, CT; married 27 Apr 1942 Dannemora, Clinton,NY to Ruth Loretta MCGEE, born 21 Feb 1922 Keeseville, Clinton,NY (actually born after midnight on 22 Feb 1922, "all 2's"); parents: Ernest MCGEE and Marie Beatrice (GAGY) LESPERANCE ; 4 children including me: Roger Jon (Rod), Sherry Lynn (Sheri), Candace Marie (Kandi), Kelly Jean (Kelli) My parents and 3 sisters now live in CT (2002).

16314.13521.5       Russell Everett 11, born 5 Feb 1919 Dannemora, Clinton co, NY. Married Helen DONAHUE  on 08 May 1946; (she born 23 Oct 1921 and died 14 Jan 1982); Russell died 10 May 1998; 4 Children : Brenda, Russell Everett (Rusty), Darlene, and Debra.

Sources:
Family records and photos.
Latter Day Saints microfiche records
Census records;
Cemetery inscriptions.


(pearl10b.jpg) Tintype of Pearl as a child. Taken by her grandfather Cyrus L. Hall.

This is Pearl (Granny Bigelow) and me on the lawn in Dannemora in front of the old Homestead. ca 1945.

These are the plaques of John Helmer 10 BIGELOW and wife Pearl,
    just to the left of John 9 and Susie T.(Kent) BIGELOW.
More pictures of Pearl

Rod Bigelow (Roger Jon12 BIGELOW)
P.O. Box 13
Dannemora, NY  12929
rodbigelow@netzero.net

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