Jan 27

Story of Masonic Apron – Found at the Battle of Gettysburg on Culp’s Hill – Harrisburg Lodge Thirty-Six Years Later Discovers Owner and Returns Apron

Gettysburg Compiler, Wednesday, May 5, 1909

Battle of Little Round Top – the site of an unsuccessful assault by Confederate troops against the Union left flank on July 2, 1863, the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Lost by one Federal soldier in the sudden shifting of an army corps at Chancellorsville, Va.: found two months later by another at Gettysburg, Pa.: presented to Perseverance Lodge of Masons, Harrisburg, and finally after a lapse of almost forty-six years returned to the original owner. That is the history of a Masonic apron belonging to E. L. Fonda, of Averill Park, New York, which has recently come to light.  

The history of the apron unfolds a leaf from the past and brings back again stirring memories of the Civil War. The story of the apron, as far as Perseverance Lodge is concerned, opened at Gettysburg, on July 3, 1863.  It was found lying among the rocks on Culp’s Hill, at the conclusion of the second day’s struggle oy John Kunkle of Harrisburg. Mr. Kunkle presented it to Perseverance Lodge on October 12, 1863.

For some years the apron was hung on the lodge room walls, but finally it was taken down and stored with many other relics in a drawer in a cabinet. In March, 1908, Dr. John M.  J. Raunick, at that time worshipful master of Perseverance Lodge, in rummaging through the cabinet, came across the old apron. He examined it closely and discovered on the back the stenciled name, E. L. Fonda, and also the name of the Massachusetts manufacturer of such emblems.

Hoping to find the original owner, if he yet lived, Dr. Raunick wrote to Boston, asking if a man of that name lived there or whether any record of the sale of the apron had ever been kept. He received a negative answer.  This occurred in March of last year.  His next move was to write to the adjutant general of the war department. There also nothing could be learned.

Two letters were next written to the secretary of the war department.  In answer to the second he received word that a man answering to that name of E. L. Fonda had enlisted on August 11, 1862, in the 14th New York Infantry, which was a part of the Army of the Potomac.

Then Dr. Raunick wrote to the adjutant general of New York and the Grand Lodge of Masons in that State.  They could impart no further information. A third letter to the war department brought an answer referring him to the pension department.

It was at this point that the doctor received the most encouragement.  From the pension department he learned that E. L. Fonda lived in Waterbleit, New York. Four letters Dr. Raunick dispatched to Waterbleit. Not one was returned and no answer was received.  The fifth letter the doctor made very strong and insisted upon a reply.

A short time afterwards, namely, March 17, 1909, a letter was received from Averill Park, N. Y. It was written by Edward L. Fonda himself.  He said that he had received a package of several letters, written by Dr.  Raunick and was now answering the first. He also stated that he intended looking at once into the cause of delay.

The Craftsman believes that a Masonic Apron is the most essential physical representation of a man’s commitment to the Craft.

“I moved from Waterbleit to Aver hill Park a short time ago,” wrote Mr.  Fonda. “I was born in West Troy, now Waterbleit, Albany county, New York, on March 11, 1831. I bought the apron in 1853, after I had joined the Pawtucket Lodge, Lowell, Massachusetts, and remember distinctly wearing it for the first time at Bunker Hill, when the statue was unveiled there to General Joseph Warren.

“I enlisted in the 14th New York Infantry in 1862 and we were assigned to the Army of the Potomac. The apron I had with me, stored in my knapsack. On May 1 our regiment was transferred across the Rappahannock river to join the rest of the army.  This was the opening day of battle of Chancellorsville, and in the hurry of forming I lost my knapsack. I did not miss it until in the midst of the fighting, hours later, and I never expected to recover it.

“I took part in the battle of Gettysburg, where you say it was found. Our regiment was stationed at Little Round Top. My full name is Edward Learned Fonda, and I now reside on a farm a few miles from Averill Park.”

Through this letter and several sub sequent ones Dr. Raunick had no trouble in identifying the owner and finally the matter was placed before Perseverance Lodge. It voted unanimously to present the apron to the original owner. The apron was sent to Mr.  Fonda on April 15, 1909, and two days later a letter of fervent thanks was received from the happy veteran.

“The apron,” he wrote, “is nearly as good as new and I must thank Perseverance Lodge for taking such excel lent care of it.  My wife had pressed it and fixed the frayed ends and we have it hanging in the parlor.

In his letter Mr. Fonda enclosed a photograph of himself and this was hung with a photograph of the apron in Perseverance Lodge room, nicely framed.

It is the hope of Dr. Raunick that even after the lapse of years he can find somebody who can bridge the gap between May 1, 1863 and July 3, 1863.  Was it a Confederate or a Federal soldier who dropped the apron at Gettysburg? Will the answer ever be given?

The apron is of white satin with an area of about 24 inches by 18 inches.  It is embroidered with blue and upon it is painted a square and compass, the symbol of Masonry.

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Aug 30

The gravestone of E. Raymond Fonda at Albany Rural Cemetery, who gave his life in battle during the Civil War, has been restored.
The work was performed by Grave Stone Matters on August 24, 2010. (click on images to enlarge)

The work scope was more extensive than planned because of the discovery of marble side rails in addition to the three-piece headstone and the footstone. Great care and expertise was taken by Joe Ferrannini of GSM, assisted by Civil War Historian Mark Bodnar (credits for photos).  Thanks also to Colonie Historian Kevin Franklin for his interest and coordination efforts.


E. Raymond Fonda can be found on rootsweb and findagrave listings, and the New York State Military Museum.
E. Raymond Fonda Sgt-Maj

E. Raymond Fonda Sgt-Maj, Co.H, 115th NY Infantry Regiment

Eldert Raymond Fonda; b. 1837 in Watertown, MA; 1850 & 1860 Census, Edinburgh, Saratoga Co., NY; 1860 Census, Vergennes, Addison, VT; d. 7/22/1864 in New York City from wounds sustained in battle; bur. John Fonda Lot, Albany Rural Cemetery, Menands, Albany Co., NY; DAR Library, GRC National Index: Fonda, E Raymond, State IL, Series/Vol s1 v10, Page 175

Civil War Service: 1). E Raymond Fonda; Vergennes, Vermont; enlisted as a Private on 02-May-1861; enlisted in Co.G, 1st Infantry Regiment Vermont on 09-May-1861; mustered out Co.G, 1st Infantry Regiment Vermont on 15-Aug-1861 in Bradtleboro, VT; 2). E Raymond Fonda; enlisted as a Private on 21-Jul-1862 at the age of 24; enlisted in Co.H, 115th Infantry Regiment New York on 01-Aug-1862; POW on 15-Sep-1862 at Harper’s Ferry, VA; paroled on 16-Sep-1862 at Harper’s Ferry, VA; promoted to Full Sergeant MAJ on 16-Oct-1862; wounded on 07-May-1864 at Chester Station, VA; died of wounds Co.H, 115th Infantry Regiment New York on 22-Jul-1864 in New York, NY

Battle of Chesterfield Heights, Virginia July 1864

Battle of Chesterfield Heights, Virginia - May 1864

Sgt.-Maj. Civil War; mortally wounded at Chesterfield Heights, VA on May 7th, 1864; born in Watertown, Mass., but resided in Cohoes, Albany county, when he enlisted in Co. H. He was a mechanic by trade, and twenty-four years of age. Besides the hard service seen in the 115th NY Infantry, he served his country three months in the 1st VT Infantry, early in the war. His father had been in the employ of the government for nearly forty years; a younger brother held the position of sergeant in the regular army, and Raymond himself had been familiar with military operations from his youth up, so that he was a finished and well drilled soldier. Possessed of a brave and resolute will, he was a good soldier. Blest with a kind and loving heart, he won many friends. Pleasant and amiable to both officers and men, he was highly respected. His military career was without a single blot, and he died a true patriot and esteemed by all who knew him.

The battle of Chesterfield Heights, Va., was his last battle with the rebels. The regiment was lying behind a bank of earth, firing at the rebels, and Raymond refused to lie down with the rest, but kept walking along the lines while the bloody conflict was progressing, making his person a mark for the enemy’s bullets. Suddenly he sang out to the commanding officer, “Major, we are flanked right and left!” And sure enough we were flanked, and many brave men shed their blood before we cut our way out. Among the first to fall was E. Raymond Fonda, and two frightful wounds sent out streams of blood. The soldiers carried his bleeding form from the field, and in due time he reached the city of NY. After many weeks of suffering he died in the arms of his friends.

...was treated in a field hospital until the 10th, when he was admitted into Hampton Hospital, Fort Monroe; thence transferred to New York, and admitted to Ladies' Home Hospital on the 23d of May.

I did some more searching and found this (rather gruesome) account of Sgt-Major Fonda’s hospital treatment:
http://www.braceface.com/medical/Medical_Authors_Faculty/Mott_Alexander_B.htm
CASE 973 –Sergeant-Major E. Raymond Fonda, 45th New York, aged 28 years, was wounded at Drury’s Bluff. May 7, 1864, by a minié ball, which entered one inch to the right of the coccyx, passed upward and out to within half an inch of the surface, just above the trochanter major of the right side. The ball was cut down upon and removed on the same day; it did not injure the bone. The wounded man was treated in a field hospital until the 10th, when he was admitted into Hampton Hospital, Fort Monroe; thence transferred to New York, and admitted to Ladies’ Home Hospital on the 23d of May. Surgeon A. B. Mott, U. S. V., reported: “When admitted, the patient was very much emaciated; the wound healed unhealthy and inflamed, the discharges thin and offensive, and there was a disposition to slough. The sloughing increased on the 26th; the discharge was sanious and thin, the patient weak and restless. On the 28th, the wounds were still unhealthy in condition and showing evidence of gangrene. June 1st: The discharge was slightly increased and the wound painful. Five ounces of sherry wine daily, with extra diet. was ordered. On the 8th, the wounds were still painful, and the discharge continued to look unhealthy. Hemorrhage occurred on the 13th, coming probably from the sciatic artery; persulphate of iron was applied and the wound plugged. On the 14th. there was a very profuse hemorrhage, which was arrested by persulphate of iron with pressure. Hemorrhage recurred on the 15th, and was checked by the application of Lambert’s tourniquet with compresses. The patient was much reduced in strength; pulse 130. Beef-tea and five ounces of sherry wine were given and frequently repeated during the day. There was no hemorrhage the next day; beef-tea and wine continued. The patient was much better on the 17th; his pulse 160. After consultation, it was decided that the only chance for the patient’s recovery would be to ligate the right internal iliac artery. He was put under the influence of a mixture of chloroform and ether, and the operation was performed by Surgeon A. B. Mott, U. S. V.

... and the brave young soldier who saved the regiment was E. Raymond Fonda...

And more on the battle where he was wounded:
http://dmna.state.ny.us/historic/reghist/civil/infantry/115thInf/115thInfCWN.htm
Sergeant-Major E. Raymond Fonda, of Cohoes, who, during the fight, bravely and almost recklessly exposed himself to the storm of bullets, but escaped unhurt, until we were falling back, after the accomplishment of our object, when he was struck in the leg and arm. Our flag-staff was cut in two, the same ball glancing and severely wounding the bearer, Serg’t Keck.
E. RAYMOND FONDA, Sergeant-Major of the 115th regiment, died at the Ladies Home U. S. Hospital, in New York, July 22d, of wounds received in one of the actions near Petersburg. The 115th regiment has returned from Florida, and was at Gloucester Point, opposite Yorktown, on the York river, at last advices. Other troops came on at the same time.

History of Cohoes:
http://www.archive.org/stream/historyofcohoesn00mast/historyofcohoesn00mast_djvu.txt
July 22, Sergeant Major E. Raymond Fonda, aged 27. Was a member of the 115th Reg’t N. Y. Vols. He was severely wounded May 7th, in one of the battles near Petersburg, Va., from the effects of which he died in the Lady’s Home Hospital, New York.

History of Saratoga County:
http://saratoganygenweb.com/Sylvester/chap36.html
E. Raymond Fonda, enl. July 21, 1862, 115th Regt., Co. H; pro. to sergt.-major; mortally wounded at Chesterfield Heights, Va., May 7, 1864; died in hospital, New York city.

True Stories of the War For the Union – Personal Experiences and Observations of Union Soldiers in the Several Campaigns:
http://libsysdigi.library.uiuc.edu/oca/Books2008-05/truestoriesofwar00gris/truestoriesofwar00gris_djvu.txt
All at once the men in gray started down the hill ; then the men in blue gave a wild cheer and charged down the other hillside, reaching the railroad trick first, when they instantly dropped behind an embankment and poured a withering fire into the hosts in gray, stopping their advance. In the mist he dimly saw a fight which chilled his blood – a large body of men in gray stealing around the flank of a regiment in blue, which seemed to be his own brothers, and he felt that they were lost, when suddenly a, fine-looking young soldier from the midst of the regiment in blue rose up from the ground, and at a glance saw their peril, and in the face of a thousand bullets, gave the alarm: the men in blue cut their way through the hosts of gray and escaped, but many scores had fallen in the conflict, among the number being the fine-looking young soldier, who had saved his brothers. This proved to be a description of the battle of Chesterfield Heights and of our regiment, and the brave young soldier who saved the regiment was E. Raymond Fonda, of our company.

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Dec 27

The intent of this posting is simply to document the facts about slave ownership from a genealogical standpoint.  No moral or ethical judgments are implied. Prior to the Civil War, it was common practice for certain businesses to own slaves in both the South and the North.  Hopefully, this may assist some decendants in discovering their roots.

Historical records indicate the following Fonda slave ownerships: (For simplicity, the term Black is used herein to designate what may have originally been listed as Colored, Negro or Mulatto, today referred to as African-American)

Log Cabin, Virginia, 1870

Log Cabin, Virginia, 1870

Afro-Louisiana History and Genealogy, 1718-1820:
Joseph Fonda – New Orleans, LA – seller of 1 slave – 3/18/1816 – Notary: Pierre Pedasclaux, Depository: housed in parish courthouses. Location: Orleans (including Chapitoulas). Language of this record: French, Seller: Joseph Fonda, Buyer: Jean Davis, Name: Eveille, Name Type: Partilly coded, overwhelmingly European, Gender: male, Race: black, Age: 50, sold or inventoried as an individual Value of Sale: 235, Sale Common Price: 235.

1850 US Census Slave Schedule:
Abraham Fonda
– Louisville, KY – owner of 1 slave, 15 Male Black
Claressa Fonda – Montgomery Co., MD – owner of 10 slaves – 5 Male / 5 Female, Black, ages 48/38/36/27/12/11/7/5/3/1
Sarah Fonda – Monroe, AL – owner of 1 slave, 60 Female Black

1860 US Census Slave Schedule:
Abraham Fonda – Louisville, KY – owner of 1 slave, 40 Male Black
Frederick Fondy – Bullitt, KY – owner of 1 slave, 25 Male Black
Sara Fonda – Monroe, AL – owner of 6 slaves – 2 Male / 4 Female, Black, ages 50/40/35/30/20/2

We also know that a few slaves were kept by several other Fonda’s in the North since there are references to slave quarters on certain properties.  These all appear to be prior to 1820, before detailed record-keeping.

After the Civil War, and all slaves were set free, some apparently took the name of their former owners.  We have records of some Black families with the Fonda surname.  Here are 12 heads-of-household with Fonda (sic.) surnames found in US Federal Census records (for privacy, those born after 1930 are not disclosed):

Emancipated Slaves, North Carolina, 1863

Emancipated Slaves, North Carolina, 1863

London (Lun) Fonda – b. abt 1790 – 1830 US Federal Census, Broadalbin, Montgomery Co., NY (40, Free Black, Wife Kate, 2 children) – probably slave of Abraham A. Fonda, Merchant of Edinburg, NY.

Doe Fundy – b. abt 1795 – 1870 US Federal Census, 12-Wd 15-Sub Divn, St. Louis Co., MO (75, Black, b. LA, Roustabout) – probably slave of Christopher Yates Fonda (and wife Sara, listed above in 1850 and 1860 Slave Schedules, since Christopher had died in 1845), Merchant of Monroe, LA.

Primis Fonda – b. abt 1796 – 1840 US Federal Census, Salina, Onondaga Co., NY (Free Black, b. NY); 1860 US Federal Census, 4-Wd Syracuse, Onondaga Co., NY (Free Black, Day Laborer); 1870 US Federal Census, 8-Wd Syracuse, Onondaga Co., NY (Black, Cook, Wife Rachel) – probably slave of Nathan Carey Fonda, Blacksmith of Syracuse, NY.

Henry Fandy – b. 1835 – 1880 US Federal Census, Pembroke, Christian Co., KY (Black, b. KY, parents b. VA, Laborer, wife Malvina and 7 children)
John B. Fondy – b. abt 1840 – Civil War Service: John B. Fondy; Co.E, 81st US Colored Infantry, Private
B. Fonday – b. 1847 – 1880 US Federal Census, Van Zandt Co., TX (Black; b. GA, Tends Bar)
John Fonda – b. 1858 – 1880 US Federal Census, 3rd Ward, Washington Co., LA  (Mulatto, b. MS, parents b. MS, House Servant)
Benjamin Fondey
– b. 1869 – 1900 US Federal Census, Perdido, Baldwin Co., AL (Black; b. AL; parents b. AL, Road Superintendent, Wife Mary, 1 child)
Sam Fundy – b. 1870 – 1900 US Federal Census, Brickville Pct, Colbert Co., AL (Black; b. AL, Farmer, Wife Darria, 2 children)
James Fonda – b. 1877 – 1900 US Federal Census, Texarkansas, Bowie Co., TX (Black, b. AR, Hotel Waiter, Wife Emelie, 2 children)
Jim Fonda – b. 1879 – 1910 US Federal Census, 4-Bt, Tallahatchie Co., MS (Black; b. MS, Wife Mary, 2 children)
Edgar Fonda – 1881-1956 – Black, b. LA; res. Hughes, AR; res. MS; Wife Pearlie, 2 children

School for Emancipated Slave Children, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1866

School for Emancipated Slave Children, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1866

With the exception of the first three, the origins of these men are unknown.  Those first three did not leave any progeny that are recorded.  One had a son and grandson, but the line stopped there.  It is not certain that their names were taken from their slave masters, although in sheer numbers, it is possible.  The locations are generally consistent with the known locations of slave ownership: LA, KY, AL, NY and MD, so you could draw some conclusions.

One interesting story unfolded regarding a slave who was set free long before the Civil War:

The Town of Galway records show that in 1812, Abraham Fonda sold a certain slave, called “Lun,” to John Pettit and that Pettit entered into an agreement “to free ‘Lun’ in nine years and at that time give ‘Lun’ two cows and 10 sheep of full middling quality.”  The document was witnessed by Lenton Hicks and Ebenezer Fitch and Eli Smith recorded it April 6, 1813.  Nine years later, in 1822, it is recorded that Abijah Comstock and Asa Cornell, overseers of the poor, were called upon to examine the said “Lun” and “Kate,” his wife, “to see if they were of sufficient ability to provide for and maintain themselves?”  They issued a certificate of freedom in issuing which they took pains to state that it was their pleasure “to encourage acts of humanity” and an entire willingness that “all should enjoy the inalienable right of liberty.”  Chronicles of Saratoga: a series of articles., Chronicle VIII. Harriet Beecher Stowe visited Saratoga in 1850’s–“Cabin” staged in hall p. 29. McGregor, Jean. Saratoga Springs, N.Y.: Reprinted from The Saratogian, 1945-47.

This is noteworthy since The United States was fifty years away from emancipation although “by the time of the 1790 census, 94 percent of the 698,000 U.S. slaves lived below the Mason-Dixon Line.”  The British Empire was still twenty years away from the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833.

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Jan 01
Henry Adam Fonda (1820-1896); John Giles Fonda (1822-1910); David Bartholomew Fonda (1834-1903); William Henry Fonda (1834-1910); Ten Eyck Hilton Fonda (1838-1923)
Henry Adam Fonda (1820-1896) Sources: History of Montgomery Co.

Born in Fonda, Montgomery Co., NY; bp. Reformed Dutch Church of Caughnawaga, NY; 1860 Census, Williamsport, Lycoming Co., PA; 1870 Census Milton, Northumberland Co., PA; 1880 Census, Chillisquaque, Northumberland Co., PA; d. Milton, PA; o. Railroad Superintendent/Engineer, Civil War Colonel, Farmer, Banker

Fonda, Henry A., of Milton, Pa., president of the First National Bank of that place and an enterprising and public spirited citizen, was born in the town of Fonda, Montgomery County, NY, which town derived its name from one of his ancestors. After graduating from the district schools of his native place, he entered the Homer, N. Y., Academy, where he devoted two years to the study of the higher branches of English. The science of engineering possessed an attraction for him and at the age of seventeen he adopted it as his life work, entering upon his labors as an assistant in an engineering corps on the Utica and Syracuse railroad. From this road he passed in a short time to the Erie, on which he held at first the position of rod-man, but later on that of superintendent of construction on the section between Corning and Hornellsville. In different capacities, some of them involving great responsibilities, he remained with the Erie road about six years.

Railroad Superintendent & Engineer

Upon leaving it he engaged with the Canandaigua and Niagara Falls road, as superintendent of construction and repairs. After filling this post two years he removed to Pennsylvania and accepted the position of superintendent of construction on the Catawissa railroad, then thirty-five miles in extent. After being promoted to the position of assistant superintendent, and being advanced from that office to the responsible post of general superintendent of the road, he closed his connection with it (then of five years’ duration), to accept the office of general superintendent of the Elmira and Williamsport railroad, to the duties of which he devoted the ensuing three years. In 1864 he became general superintendent of the Lackawanna and Bloomsburg railroad, then under control of the Delaware and Western Railroad Company.

After serving this corporation five years he took a contract to build a railroad from Carbondale to Susquehanna. This contract being completed he took service with the Delaware and Hudson railroad, as general superintendent, and was placed in charge of all the lines of this large corporation from Carbondale, Pa., to Whitehall and Rutland, Vt. At the expiration of four years’ steady service under this company, he retired from active duty and took up his residence in Philadelphia, where he spent several years. In 1887 he removed to Milton, where he established a permanent residence. Having definitely relinquished engineering pursuits, he turned his attention to farming and stock-raising. He is now the owner of a large stock farm and residence on Cayuga lake, near Aurora, and also of five extensive stock farms in the vicinity of Milton. His barn on the largest farm on Cayuga Lake is the finest in the state.

Henry Adam Fonda

Mr. Fonda has paid particular attention to the breeding of Hambletonian stock and has raised many notable specimens of this strain. His success in this later departure in farming and stock-raising is extremely gratifying to him. In them he finds agreeable and interesting relaxation, which is both welcome and beneficial after so many years of active and absorbing railroad life. Since 1885 Mr. Fonda has been president of the First National Bank of Milton, and he divides his time between his duties as a financier and the agreeable occupation of a “gentleman farmer.” His habits are those of a thorough business man, everything confided to his charge being attended to thoroughly and with the strictest regard for the interest of others, as well as respect for their rights.

At a time when real estate in Chicago was low in value and on the rise, he invested largely in property in that city, and has reaped a rich reward as a result of his enterprise and sagacity in this field. After the disastrous conflagration which in 1880 destroyed so large an amount of property in Milton, Mr. Fonda promptly loaned quite an amount of money to rebuild the place, and through this wise and timely action on his part it has rapidly recovered from the damaging blow it sustained, and is making rapid strides to a more prosperous and advanced condition. His public spirited action in this and other matters has had a weighty influence upon the business interests of Milton, and has earned for him a reward in the general prosperity which gratifies him far more than any pecuniary advantage he may eventually reap in consequence. Mr. Fonda started in life without means and has reached his present financial independence and leading position as a citizen, solely through his own unaided enterprise and ability. So far from this fact operating to close his heart to the claims of his less fortunate fellowmen, it seems to exert just the contrary effect, for it is well known that many who were struggling have been helped by his generosity, extended willingly and from a sense of duty as a steward of wealth,

Gentleman Farmer & Banker

rather than through any desire for notoriety or subsequent reward. Men gifted with such admirable qualities raise the standard of life and living, both for themselves and all who dwell within reach of their influence, and may justly be styled the pillars of the community – the strong supports of the higher ideas of duty and citizenship prevailing in a free and enlightened country. Every dollar of Mr. Fonda’s wealth has been amassed by straightforward business operations. Disdaining sharp practices and resolutely declining them, he nevertheless acquired means far in excess of many who descended to petty if not more culpable methods.

He lives in a manner commensurate with his ample fortune and social position, and not the least of his satisfaction is the consciousness that his success with all that it brings, is the outcome of an upright business life. His farms adjoining the town of Milton, containing in all 700 acres, are models, and upon them is to be found some of the finest stock in the state. In addition to his connection with the First National Bank, he is a director in several other banks, and also of the Elmira and Williamsport railroad company. He has never accepted any political office nor had any aspirations in that direction, but held a commission as colonel on Governor Pollock’s staff during his term as governor of the state of Pennsylvania. Modest and retiring in disposition, he avoids rather than courts notoriety, although never withholding his name or influence from any enterprise having for its object the benefit of mankind. His charities are bestowed quietly, and to many he has been a true friend in times of panic and distress.

Mr. Fonda married, on January 1, 1862, Miss Caroline Louisa Brown, daughter of Isaac Brown, a prominent merchant of Milton. His only child, a son, Lawrence B. Fonda, who was educated at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, has recently joined the Sons of the Revolution through that patriotic record which has been so faithfully won by his ancestors. Mr. Fonda’s grandfather (Henry Fonda) served as a captain in the War of 1812, and his great-grandfather (Adam Fonda) was lieutenant-colonel under General Herkimer at the Oriskany battle. Adam Fonda was a son of Douw Fonda, who was slain by the Tories during Sir John Johnson’s raid in 1780. What a debt our country owes to this ancient patriotism!

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John Giles Fonda (1822-1910) Sources: Illinois in the 19th Century

Born along the Mohawk River in Sand Flats, Montgomery County, New York, John came to Hancock County, Illinois with his parents in 1835. The greater portion of his life was spent as a surveyor and civil engineer. Appointed by the County Court as one of three commissioners to lay off and divide Hancock County into townships in 1850, he was paid an additional $2.50 for making a plat of the county.

Illinois Cavalry - Mexican & Civil War

In 1847 he enlisted as a private in Capt. Stapp’s company of Illinois Mounted Volunteers and went to Mexico. At the close of the war, the following year, he was discharged as a Lieutenant. In 1849, he was married to Mary McConnell, and the same year was elected County Surveyor and settled in Carthage; lived there until 1854, when he moved to Warsaw and was appointed an assistant engineer on the Warsaw & Rockford Railroad.

Surveyor and Engineer

In July 1861, he entered the United States Volunteer Service as a Lieutenant in Capt. B. F. Marsh’s Company of 2d Illinois Cavalry. In January, 1862, he was appointed Major of the 12th Illinois Cavalry, and soon after placed in command of Camp Butler, near Springfield. In October he was made Colonel of the 118th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and in December went with his regiment to Louisiana, where he served most of the time in command of a brigade until the close of the war. With his regiment he participated in all the battles about Vicksburg. After the fall of Vicksburg he had command of a cavalry brigade, and was brevetted Brigadier-General.

After the close of the war, in 1866, General Fonda settled on a farm near Fountain Green in Hancock County, Illinois. In July, 1877, he was appointed a Commissioner of the Southern Illinois Penitentiary. In September 1879, he was appointed Chief Engineer to construct levees between Warsaw and Quincy, to protect the low lands from overflow. The early pages of Fonda’s diary tell briefly how he was reassigned to various positions, until he finally became a Colonel of the 118th Regiment. In the rest of the diary he tells of his entire military experience in that capacity.

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David Bartholomew Fonda (1834-1903) Sources: Early Chicago and The Northwest

Proprietor of Dr. Fonda’s Medicines, and a gifted speaker and writer; D. B. Fonda, M.D., physician and surgeon, took a full classical course at the Lisha’s Kill Academy, and after graduating removed to central New York, where he engaged in teaching some four years, at the same time pursuing advanced studies in mental and moral philosophy under Professor F. D. Pierce.

Civil War Surgeon 89th Illinois Infantry

In 1885, he removed to Cook County, Ill., where he engaged in railroading for a time, his health necessitating outdoor employment. He subsequently took the agency in Chicago of the West Elgin Flour Company, a position he retained until the stoppage of the mills in the spring of 1858. He then engaged in teaching at Rose Hill until 1862, when he enlisted in Company C, 89th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. After the battle of Perryville he was placed in charge of an ambulance train and shortly afterward appointed to one of the hospitals at Bardstown, Kentucky.

In July, 1863, he was honorably discharged and, returning to Rose Hill, shortly afterward entered Rush Medical College, attending lectures in 1863-64-65 and 1866. The breaking out of the cholera epidemic and consequent death of Dr. Brainard and other members of the faculty caused him to quit the college. In 1867 he engaged in practice, at the same time being appointed county physician, a position he retained until 1871. During this time he attended one course of lectures at the Bennett Medical College, from which he graduated. He was elected a member of the Board of Trustees for Jefferson Township in 1874 a position he retained until 1877, being president of the board during the entire period. He then graduated from the Eclectic College of Medicine & Surgery, Chicago, 1878. He was elected health officer when tire ordinance passed in 1880, and elected a member of the school board in the spring of 1883, still filling both of these latter offices.

Safecracker Nabbed

“A Mysterious Impulse”, Chicago Tribune, Aug 3, 1887

Lawyer M. H. Reynolds, of Jefferson, went to his friend Dr. D. B. Fonda’s house, in that town, early Sunday afternoon, to help in making out some business papers. And together they worked for several hours. Suddenly Dr. Fonda looked up and exclaimed: “Mark, I’ve got an idea somebody’s about the store – something’s wrong with the safe. Just put on your hat and come along. I’m going to see about this.” They started together, Dr. Fonda leading the way until his drug store, in the centre of the village, was reached. They unlocked the door, and on the moment of their entrance they heard a rustle. The druggist walked around the prescription counter, and there caught a six-foot thief bent down so that the top of his head just showed over some vases. Fonda ran to grapple him, but the thief dashed around the prescription counter again and into the front of the store with his hands fall of five-dollar and ten-dollar bills. Here the lawyer clinched him, the two rolling with the money on the floor. Their cries brought help, and the thief was overpowered and $200 in bills taken from him. Before Justice Heustis the prisoner told how be had climbed in through a side window in the afternoon, almost under the noses of the people on the street, and opened the safe, and how he had the money in the store all in his possession and was ready to go when the key rattled in the door and his captors entered.

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William Henry Fonda (1834-1910) Sources: History of Calhoun County

Civil War Soldier, Farmer, Innkeeper, Deputy Postmaster, Railroad Agent, Personal Secretary; born in Poughkeepsie, New York. William was reared to the occupation of farming and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturalist. He was educated in the public schools and after putting aside his text books assumed the management of his father’s farm which he operated while the father and brother worked in the shops of Nichols Shepard in the city.

Steam Railroad Ticket Agent - 1870's

He continued to occupy the homestead until 1861 when his father purchased what is now the Clifton Hotel and then Mr. Fonda, senior, in connection with his son William Henry, conducted the business for a year and a half. It was purchased at the price of twenty-seven hundred dollars.. and eighteen months later was sold for seventy-five hundred dollars.

After leaving the hotel business, William H. Fonda became deputy postmaster and filled that position in a most creditable manner for nine years under five different postmasters. In 1873 he became private secretary to President Dibble of the old Peninsular Railway Company, now the Grand Trunk, and continued with him for five years. Since that time Mr. Fonda had served as ticket agent for the Grand Trunk Railroad, and was also cashier of the freight department and ticket agent for the Michigan Central Railroad.

In 1865, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Fonda and Miss Mary E. Caldwell of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and unto them had been born one child, Helen M., who is now the wife of Edson D. Clarage, manager of the Crucible Steel Company of America at Cleveland, Ohio. They also have a daughter, Eleanor. Mr. Fonda gives his political support to the Republican party and his wife is identified with the Presbyterian Church. They are both people of sterling worth and the hospitality of many of the best homes of the county is graciously and freely accorded them.

Battle Creek, Michigan - 1890

Mr. Fonda served as city assessor of Battle Creek for three years, but had never been active in search for office, preferring to devote his time and energies to business affairs. He is now a stockholder of the Agricultural Company and gives considerable attention to the supervision of his realty interests. In 1892 he platted the Fonda addition, which is one of the most desirable additions to the city.

With the growth of Battle Creek there came a demand for further property within its border and the old family homestead was subdivided and is now upon the market. Already much of this had been sold, but Mr. Fonda still retained valuable property holdings, both in the city and country.

No history of the pioneer families of Calhoun county would be complete without mention of our subject who for sixty-five years had been a witness of the growth and development of this locality. He had seen the forests cut down and the wild lands transformed into beautiful homes and farms, while in their midst, cities and villages have sprung up, having all the advantages of the older east. In the work of progress and improvement he had taken a just pride in what had been accomplished and by reason of his success in Business and his unblemished character he may well be called one of the leading citizens of Battle Creek.

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Ten Eyck Hilton Fonda (1838-1923) Sources: Pearce Civil War Collection

Ten Eyck was born in Fonda, New York, and served as a United States Army telegrapher during the Civil War. He moved his family to Illinois and then Nebraska in 1878 for railroad work and he died in Omaha, Douglas, Nebraska.

Telegraphers served under the quartermaster and were mostly civilians. Although they were integral parts of the army and vitally important to the country, they were unfortunately not given the same status as soldiers. The job was perilous, and in the course of the war over three hundred telegraphers lost their lives in the line of duty. Ten Eyck Hilton Fonda, called “Nike” by family and friends, was one of the young men responsible for the Union’s telegraphic lifeline. In the days just before the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, as the Union and Confederate armies groped toward one another, Fonda was the telegrapher who received an urgent message from Washington; he recounted his experience to a local newspaper in Omaha, Nebraska, 50 years later (1913). The newspaper printed the text of the telegram:

Civil War Telegrapher "the agent that began the conflict"

To Major General Meade, Commanding Army of the Potomac: On March: The advance guard of the confederate army under General Early have entirely evacuated Wrightsville and other points on the Susquehanna river, and are making a forced march to join General Lee’s main army at a point between Hanover and Gettysburg – part of their forces now at Hanover – and they confidently expect to be able to form a junction with General Lee’s main army not later than tomorrow evening. Circumstances and conditions permitting, I would urge you to assume the offensive is quickly as possible on Lee’s divided forces. – E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War.

At midnight June 30, 1863, Fonda personally delivered the telegram transcription from Secretary of War Edwin Stanton to General George Meade of the Union Army warning him of the advancing Confederate Army under Robert E. Lee toward Gettysburg and commanding Meade to assume the offensive. Fonda is credited with delivering this important warning, which allowed the Union armies to prepare for the approaching Confederates. An Omaha, Nebraska newspaper, during the fifty-year reunion of the battle of Gettysburg, named Fonda “the agent that began the conflict.”

Fonda described his “every effort” in this letter to his brother (Douw Henry Fonda), written on telegraph message blanks: My Dear Brother, I suppose you have had plenty of war news of late as I have sent many pages by telegraph within the last two days. The report of today’s Herald from Carpenter (I suppose it’s published I sent it to Washington to censor) was I think sublime. He wrote it here in office flanked on the right by a bottle of bourbon whiskey (to keep his ideas bright) and on the other side by seven or eight noisy operators. From some cause our line has not been built from here to the front. This being the nearest telegraph office to the army our business is immense. When the army moved forward from this place there were no troops left here not even an orderly to carry dispatches to the front.

Dispatch for General Meade - Battle of Gettysburg - 1863

On the 30th Washington War dept. received an important dispatch from Gen. Couch at Harrisburg [Pennsylvania] informing Secy. Stanton that the enemy were falling back from Harrisburg and were concentrating at Gettysburg and to inform Gen. Meade in any way possible. I was the individual selected to carry it to Gen. Meade. Having rode from Leesburg the day before I felt rather unlimbered but consented to go without any excuses – I left here at one o’clock a.m. – full moon making the night almost day. I had little or no thought of reaching Meade’s Headquarters as the country was full of the Rebel scouting parties and we did not know exactly where Headquarters were but supposed somewhere in the neighborhood of Middleburg 25 miles from here.

I had orders to spare nothing, horseflesh and money was of no account if I would only deliver the message. I tell you I made the old horse get. To Woodburg 12 miles I made in less than an hour as I heard a clock strike 2 as I was watering my horse.

Thus far I had not met a single person. I saw one straggler asleep along the road, four miles from this place I heard some one coming towards me at last. I saw him coming on a walk one of our men I suppose he was dressed in our uniform – saber carbine & revolver. I was going 240 and halted within twenty feet of him and halted him, he said friend – I saw his heart was way up in his mouth and too scared to do much damage. I rode up to him and asked him the way to Headquarters, which he said was Middleburg. The horse was exhausting heavy now. His feet & mouth made noise enough for a whole cavalry regiment. I soon came into Middleburg but my spirits were soon dampened by finding the last of the army had passed through there that day at four o’clock some towards Tullytown, others to the left & right. I thought Headquarters would keep the centre and made for Tullytown, seven miles away. Three miles this side of that place I came to a train of wagons parked – many pickets had they out on this road. I learned Gen. Meade’s Headquarters were one mile beyond Tarrytown – which place I reached delivering the message to him in person taking a receipt timed at 5.15. He gave me a fresh horse and an escort of fifty cavalry and I came back same day.

Secy. Stanton sent me a message thanking me kindly for energy &c. but I suppose he has forgot it by this time. When you read this destroy it for if you send it home every man Father comes across he will show it to. It is quite natural – but I don’t want to become notorious. I shall probably be home in a month or two to remain for a short time, Love to all. Ever Your Bro., Nike. Frederick Md., July 4th 1863.

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Jan 01

This is a duplicate of the listing on the fonda.org website.

  1. Albert Dow Fonda; Dairy Farmer; Cornell University Agriculture College graduate 1917; born 9-Mar-1893 in Fonda, N.Y., died 19-Jan-1962 in Fonda, N.Y.; enlisted in U.S. Marines right after college graduation, assigned to Key West flight training school, WWI ended prior to completion; worked in New Jersey Creamery until logging accident partially disabled his father, thereupon returned home to help on the farm; continued with successful farming career, taking after his father who had farm machinery dealership and owned one of the first steam tractors in the area; believed strongly in education, sending his children to (better) neighboring Johnstown schools and supporting them all in college educations; later helped foster the Fonda-Fultonville Centralized School, crusading against local rivalries; see Stories for more…
  2. Charles Henry Fonda; Cotton Planter; born Aug-16-1904, died Feb-9-1979 at 74 years of age; b. Memphis, Shelby Co., TN; 1930 Census, Tennessee, Shelby, Memphis, District 53; d. San Antonio, Bexar Co., Texas; bur. Tunica, Mississippi; res. Deerlake Plantation, in both Tennessee and Arkansas; graduate of Washington & Lee University.
  3. Clinton Jesse Fonda; Dairy Farmer; born 14-Oct-1861; b. Watervliet, Albany, New York; 1870 United States Census, Watervliet, Albany, New York; 1880 United States Census, Watervliet, Albany, New York; 1930 Census, New York, Albany, Colonie, District 126; lived on old family homestead near Crescent, New York.
  4. Douw Henry Fonda; Dairy Farmer; born 21-Jul-1809, died 11-Nov-1895 at 86 years of age; b. Caughnawaga (now Fonda), Montgomery, New York; Douw Henry and Henry Douw were twins; 1850 U.S. Census, New York, Montgomery, Mohawk; 1880 United States Census, Mohawk, Montgomery, New York; Douw Henry Fonda (1809-95) owned 233 acres; he m. Ann Veeder, (1810-90) d. of Albert, son of Col. Abraham Veeder.
  5. Douw Jellis Fonda; Dairy Farmer; see www.rootsweb.com; born 22-Aug-1700, died 22-May-1780 at 79 years of age; b. Schenectady, New York; bur. Old Caughnawaga Cemetery, Fonda, New York; moved from Schenectady, New York to Caughnawaga (now Fonda) in 1751. Douw was killed by Sir Wm. Johnson’s Indians on 22 May 1780. His house was plundered & burned, sons John & Adam were made prisoners and taken to Canada. His will was dated 16-Dec-1779, proved 13-Dec-1791. the Village of Fonda, New York was named for him; DAR Patriot Index Centennial Edition; see Stories for more…
  6. Evert Yates Fonda; Farmer; born 1824, died 1-Mar-1870 at 46 years of age; b. Fulton, Montgomery Co., New York; d. Shopiere, Rock Co., WI; migrated from New York to Wisconsin in the late 1850’s. Evert was a prosperous farmer in the Shopiere, Wisconsin area. The road south from Hodson’s mill was called “the Evert Y. Fonda road” (from “the Centennial History of the Town of Turtle, 1836-1936” by Annie McLenegan). Evert died young due to diabetes.
  7. Jesse Abraham Fonda; Farmer, School Trustee, Overseer of Highways; born 14-Jan-1834, died 16-Dec-1891 at 57 years of age; b. and d. Watervliet, New York; bp. Boght-Becker Dutch Reformed Church, Colonie, Albany, New York; 1870 United States Census, Watervliet, Albany, New York; 1880 United States Census, Watervliet, Albany, New York; 1870 United States Census, Watervliet, Albany, New York.
  8. Johannes Peter Fonda; Farmer, Landowner; Captain in Revolutionary War Militia; born 12-Oct-1735; b. Albany, New York; the Fondas lived on what was called the “Flatts,” a district along the Poestenkill Creek on the east border of Troy, near the bridge crossing the creek and leading to Albany. they owned a large estate in this vicinity, over 500 acres, it is said. Where the present pond is formed by a mill dam connecting with a collar shop, was an orchard, and the house was near the present bridge. this family was one of the first settlers of Hoosick Falls, Albany Co., New York; DAR Patriot Index Centennial Edition
  9. Martin Jacob Fonda; Farmer, Civil War Soldier; born 1819, died Mar-1864 at 45 years of age; b. New York; 1850 U.S. Census, New York, Rensselaer, Troy Ward 5; Military Record: Residence: New Chester, Wisconsin; Enlisted as a Private on 06 February 1864; Company E, 7th Infantry Regiment Wisconsin; Died of disease Company E, 7th Infantry Regiment Wisconsin on 26 March 1864 in Baltimore, Maryland.
  10. Peter John Fonda; Farmer, Boatman; born 3-Jan-1778, died 14-Nov-1848 at 70 years of age; b. Caughnawaga (now Fonda), Montgomery, New York; d. Fultonville, New York; bur. Old Cemetery, Fultonville; In 1783, the Consistory met at the parsonage with Dominie Romeyn to listen to the petition of those who resided on the south side of the river to establish a free ferry to the church (DRC of Fonda). It was agreed that wood be delivered by the congregation on both sides of the river at the home of John Wemple, who consented to keep and run for the congregation, Sundays and other church days, a ferry, for those who attended church. John Fonda agreed to allow a road over his lands to the ferry. this ferry was in operation as late as 1825, when it was conducted by Peter Fonda.
  11. Robert Mitchell Fonda; Dairy Farmer; born 15-Aug-1824, died Aug-10-1913 at 88 years of age; b. Montgomery, Fulton County, N.Y.; 1860 Census in Clayton Co., Iowa; 1880 Census, Monona, Clayton, Iowa; d. Monona, Clayton, Iowa; R. Mitchell Fonda, farmer and dairyman, Monona Township, and one of the enterprising citizens of Clayton County, Iowa was born in Montgomery, now Fulton County, New York In 1855 Mr. Fonda left his home in New York with his family and emigrated to Clayton County, locating in Giard Township, one mile east of Monona, where he remained until 1864, when he purchased his present farm of 256 acres. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, Monona Township, p. 1040-1041.
  12. Stephen Sammons Fonda; Farmer, Oil Dealer, Town Sheriff, Lumberman, Civil War Soldier; Hop Grower and Farmer on leases of Douw A. Fonda, Sheriff of Fonda, New York; born 23-Apr-1832, died Jan-15-1917 at 84 years of age; b. Reformed Protestant Dutch Church Of Caughnawaga, Fonda, Montgomery, New York; 1850 U.S. Census, New York, Montgomery, Mohawk; Co. A, 99 N. Y. Infantry, Private, 132 N. Y. V., Union; 1880 United States Census, District 2, Mohawk, Montgomery, New York; 1900 United States Census, Fort Plain, Montgomery Co. , New York; d. Fort Plain, New York.

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