William James Smirl was born on Nov 26, 1909 at Boise, Ada County, Idaho. William married Margaret Nina Swapp, daughter of James William Swapp and Harriet Capes Johnson, on Sep 9, 1933 at Ogden, Weber County, Utah. William James Smirl died on Jan 31, 1970 at Page, Coconino County, Arizona, at age 60. William was buried at Kanab City Cemetery, Kanab, Kane County, Utah.

      Lt. Robert Nelson Bulloch was born in 1919. Robert married Corris Swapp, daughter of James William Swapp and Harriet Capes Johnson, on Sep 25, 1943 at Houston, Harris County, Texas. Lt. Robert Nelson Bulloch died on Feb 12, 1944. Robert was buried at Cedar City Cemetery, Cedar City, Iron County, Utah.
     He began military service on Aug 7, 1942 at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah; Private U. S. Army, 4 years high school, single without dependents, 71 inches tall, 137 lbs.

     Arthur married Corris Swapp, daughter of James William Swapp and Harriet Capes Johnson, in 1950.

     Edwin married Helen D. Denison.

     Helen married Edwin Warner.

     Charles married Mary L. (Unknown).

     Mary married Charles Cole.

     (Unknown) married Beulah E. Cole, daughter of Charles Cole and Mary L. (Unknown).

      John M. Kiarniski was born in 1924 at Fulton, Utah. John married Ella J. Conover, daughter of Leander Edwin Conover Jr. and Beulah E. Cole. John M. Kiarniski died on Nov 4, 1956 at Fairport, Monroe County, New York.
     He began military service on Oct 28, 1942 at Rochester, Monroe County, New York; Private U. S. Army Air Corps; Grammar School; single without dependents;65 inches tall, 138 lbs.

     (Unknown) married Ella J. Conover, daughter of Leander Edwin Conover Jr. and Beulah E. Cole.

      Almond P. Fisher was born on Aug 8, 1884 at Fishers, Monroe County, New York. He was the son of William F. Fisher. Almond married Bessie Ella Conover, daughter of Leander A. Conover and Ella E. Warner, on Nov 6, 1906 at Fishers Station, Ontario County, New York. Almond P. Fisher died on Jul 2, 1918 at Fishers Station, Ontario County, New York, at age 33.
     

Fairport Herald, Fairport, New York Wed. July 10, 1918
Albert P. Fisher, of Fishers, who . was fatally injured in" the Symintgon works in Rochester Tuesday, and died later in a hospital, was the husband of Bessie Conover Fisher, a daughter of the late Leander Conover, of Egypt, and a sister of L. A. Conover, also of Egypt. Besides his wife he leaves six children.

      John Sheldon Fisher was born on Aug 12, 1907 at Victor Twp., Monroe County, New York. He was the son of Almond P. Fisher and Bessie Ella Conover. John Sheldon Fisher died on Dec 21, 2002 his last known address was at Fishers, Ontario County, New York, according to the Social Security Death Index.

      Ella Charow Fisher was born circa 1909 at New York. She was the daughter of Almond P. Fisher and Bessie Ella Conover.

      Helen Amelia Fisher was born on Oct 18, 1910 at New York. She was the daughter of Almond P. Fisher and Bessie Ella Conover. Helen married James F. Bush on Oct 5, 1946 at Victor Twp., Ontario County, New York. Helen Amelia Fisher died on Jul 18, 2006 at Victor Twp., Ontario County, New York, at age 95.
     In the census in 1920 Helen Amelia Fisher was named Helen Emelia Fisher.

      Francis Hunley Fisher was born circa 1913 at New York. He was the son of Almond P. Fisher and Bessie Ella Conover.

      William Preston Fisher was born on Nov 11, 1915 at Fishers, Ontario County, New York. He was the son of Almond P. Fisher and Bessie Ella Conover. William married Margare Grace Phillips, daughter of Charles Allen Phillips and Cora Esther Boughton. William Preston Fisher died on Jul 24, 2002 at Fishers, Ontario County, New York, at age 86.

      Mary Elizabeth Fisher was born circa 1918 at New York. She was the daughter of Almond P. Fisher and Bessie Ella Conover.

      Almon Preston Fisher was born circa 1919 at New York. He was the son of Almond P. Fisher and Bessie Ella Conover.

      James F. Bush was born on Jul 14, 1914 at Victor Twp., Ontario County, New York. James married Helen Amelia Fisher, daughter of Almond P. Fisher and Bessie Ella Conover, on Oct 5, 1946 at Victor Twp., Ontario County, New York. James F. Bush died on Sep 2, 2005 at Victor Twp., Ontario County, New York, at age 91.

      Margare Grace Phillips was born on Dec 9, 1916 at Victor Twp., Ontario County, New York. She was the daughter of Charles Allen Phillips and Cora Esther Boughton. Margare married William Preston Fisher, son of Almond P. Fisher and Bessie Ella Conover. Margare Grace Phillips died in Oct, 1980 at Fishers, Ontario County, New York, at age 63.

     Charles married Cora Esther Boughton.

     Cora married Charles Allen Phillips.

      John Aloys Thurn Levering was born on Nov 2, 1941 at Grand Canyon, Coconino County, Arizona. He was the son of Richard Peter Levering and Viola Swapp. John Aloys Thurn Levering died on Nov 9, 1957 at Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona, at age 16.

     Richard married Viola Swapp, daughter of James William Swapp and Harriet Capes Johnson, on Sep 25, 1950.

     Elwin married Gretta Brown.

     Gretta married Elwin Pratt.

     Nileen Swapp was the daughter of Cloyd William Swapp and Shirley Pratt.

     Paul Robertson Swapp died on Dec 14, 1964 at Knab, Kane County, Utah. He was born on Dec 14, 1964 at Knab, Kane County, Utah. He was the son of Leon Johnson Swapp and Elsie Robertson. Paul was buried at Knab City Cemetery, Knab, Kane County, Utah.

      William Conover Duryee was born on Dec 3, 1818. He was the son of William C. Duryee and Maria Voorhees. William Conover Duryee was baptized at Dutch Reformed Church, Harlingen, Somerset County, New Jersey. He died on Jan 21, 1846 at age 27.

      Coert Voorhees Duryee was born on Feb 1, 1822 at New Jersey. He was the son of William C. Duryee and Maria Voorhees. Coert Voorhees Duryee was baptized at Dutch Reformed Church, Harlingen, Somerset County, New Jersey.
     In the census on Nov 27, 1850 Coert Voorhees Duryee was named Court V. Duryee.

      Theodore Duryee was born on Apr 18, 1826 at New Jersey. He was the son of William C. Duryee and Maria Voorhees. Theodore Duryee was baptized at Dutch Reformed Church, Harlingen, Somerset County, New Jersey. Theodore married Lucy (Unknown).
     In the census on Jun 23, 1870 Theodore Duryee was named Theodore Duryea.

      Christopher Voorhees Duryee was born on Aug 3, 1828 at New Jersey. He was the son of William C. Duryee and Maria Voorhees. Christopher was buried at Dutch Reformed Church, Harlingen, Somerset County, New Jersey.

      Anna Maria Duryee was born on Aug 3, 1828 at New Jersey. She was the daughter of William C. Duryee and Maria Voorhees.

      Sarah Jane Duryee was born on Aug 29, 1831. She was the daughter of William C. Duryee and Maria Voorhees. Sarah Jane Duryee died on Sep 22, 1840 at age 9. Sarah was buried at Duryea Farm, Montgomery Twp., Somerset County, New Jersey.

      Lucy (Unknown) was born circa 1834 at New Jersey. Lucy married Theodore Duryee, son of William C. Duryee and Maria Voorhees.

      Livingston Duryea was born circa 1860 at New Jersey. He was the son of Theodore Duryee and Lucy (Unknown).

      Jacob Duryea was born circa 1858 at New Jersey. He was the son of Theodore Duryee and Lucy (Unknown).

      Annie M. Duryea was born circa 1862 at New Jersey. She was the daughter of Theodore Duryee and Lucy (Unknown).

      Charles C. Duryea was born circa 1864 at New Jersey. He was the son of Theodore Duryee and Lucy (Unknown).

      Carrie Duryea was born circa 1866 at New Jersey. She was the daughter of Theodore Duryee and Lucy (Unknown).

      William C. Duryea was born circa 1869 at New Jersey. He was the son of Theodore Duryee and Lucy (Unknown).

      Lizzie Duryea was born circa 1871 at New Jersey. She was the daughter of Theodore Duryee and Lucy (Unknown).

      Oliver Duryea was born circa 1875 at New Jersey. He was the son of Theodore Duryee and Lucy (Unknown).

     Nicholas married Jane Ellison.

     Jane married Nicholas Rynearson.

      Jane Voorhees was born on Jun 25, 1821 at Ohio. She was the daughter of John K. Voorhees and Mary Rynearson. Jane married Noah Cory, son of Noah Cory and Hannah Leonard, on Aug 11, 1841 at Warren County, Ohio. Jane Voorhees died in 1879 at Vincent, Indaina.

      Noah Cory was born on Nov 6, 1820 at Mason, Warren, Ohio. He was the son of Noah Cory and Hannah Leonard. Noah married Jane Voorhees, daughter of John K. Voorhees and Mary Rynearson, on Aug 11, 1841 at Warren County, Ohio. Noah married Elizabeth (Unknown). Noah Cory died on Feb 13, 1905 at Vincennes, Knox County, Indiana, at age 84.

      Eliza Voorhees was born on Oct 29, 1822 at Ohio. She was the daughter of John K. Voorhees and Mary Rynearson. Eliza married Anthony L. Ammons on Nov 15, 1848.

      Anthony L. Ammons was born circa 1826 at Ohio. Anthony married Eliza Voorhees, daughter of John K. Voorhees and Mary Rynearson, on Nov 15, 1848.

      George Hoagland Voorhees was born on Aug 14, 1824 at Ohio. He was the son of John K. Voorhees and Mary Rynearson. George Hoagland Voorhees died on Aug 31, 1834 at age 10.

      Mary Ann Voorhees was born on Mar 24, 1826 at Ohio. She was the daughter of John K. Voorhees and Mary Rynearson. Mary Ann Voorhees died on Jul 29, 1828 at age 2.

      John Voorhees was born on Oct 2, 1829 at Warren County, Ohio. He was the son of John K. Voorhees and Mary Rynearson. John married Margaret Canine, daughter of Peter Van Nice Canine and Charity Ann Smith, on Mar 16, 1854 at three hours east of, Pella, Marion County, Iowa. John Voorhees died on Nov 26, 1896 at Mahaska County, Iowa, at age 67.
     He removed to at Mahaska County, Iowa, in 1853.

      Dr. Sylvanus Voorhees M.D. was born on Oct 31, 1831 at Macon County, Ohio. He was the son of John K. Voorhees and Mary Rynearson. Sylvanus married Jane Eliza Robinson on Jun 28, 1855; no issue. Sylvanus married Eliza E. McKehan in 1868; no issue. Dr. Sylvanus Voorhees M.D. died in 1887.

     Jane married Dr. Sylvanus Voorhees M.D., son of John K. Voorhees and Mary Rynearson, on Jun 28, 1855; no issue.

     Eliza married Dr. Sylvanus Voorhees M.D., son of John K. Voorhees and Mary Rynearson, in 1868; no issue.

      Sylvester Voorhees was born on Oct 31, 1831 at Ohio. He was the son of John K. Voorhees and Mary Rynearson. Sylvester Voorhees died on Aug 27, 1832.

      Parthenia Maria Voorhees was born on Aug 20, 1833 at Ohio. She was the daughter of John K. Voorhees and Mary Rynearson. Parthenia Maria Voorhees died on Aug 27, 1839 at age 6.

      Ellison Hoagland Voorhees was born on Apr 17, 1836 at Warren County, Ohio. He was the son of John K. Voorhees and Mary Rynearson. Ellison married Eugenia Boyd, daughter of Andrew Boyd and Temperance Figate Pocock, on Sep 4, 1860 at Monroe, Butler County, Ohio. Ellison Hoagland Voorhees died on Jun 12, 1920 at Garnett, Anderson County, Kansas, at age 84. Ellison was buried at Garnett Cemetery, Garnett, Anderson County, Kansas.
      He was a farmer, teacher and hardware merchant. They lived in Butler County, Ohio, Pella, Marion County, Iowa, and Garnett, Kansas.

      Eugenia Boyd was born on Feb 14, 1841 at Monroe, Butler County, Ohio. She was the daughter of Andrew Boyd and Temperance Figate Pocock. Eugenia married Ellison Hoagland Voorhees, son of John K. Voorhees and Mary Rynearson, on Sep 4, 1860 at Monroe, Butler County, Ohio. Eugenia Boyd died on Jun 12, 1920 at Garnett, Anderson County, Kansas, at age 79.

      William Duryea Voorhees was born on Apr 9, 1838 at Warren County, Ohio. He was the son of John K. Voorhees and Mary Rynearson. William married Sarah E. Bundy, daughter of Franklin T. Bunday and Jane Swanger, on Aug 15, 1861 at Mason, Warren County, Ohio. William Duryea Voorhees died on Jul 10, 1916 at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, at age 78.
     He and Sarah E. Bundy removed to at Thorntown, Boone County, Indiana. William Duryea Voorhees removed to at Mahaska County, Iowa, in 1867.

      Sarah E. Bundy was born circa 1841 at Warren County, Ohio. She was the daughter of Franklin T. Bunday and Jane Swanger. Sarah married William Duryea Voorhees, son of John K. Voorhees and Mary Rynearson, on Aug 15, 1861 at Mason, Warren County, Ohio.
     Sarah E. Bundy and William Duryea Voorhees removed to at Thorntown, Boone County, Indiana.

      Leandros Voorhees was born on May 10, 1842. He was the son of John K. Voorhees and Mary Rynearson. Leandros Voorhees died in Sep, 1842.

     Dian married Samuel Dumont, son of Elbert Stoothoff Dumont and Jane Voorhees.

      Dr. Alonzo H. Fowler was born circa Jan, 1826 at New York. Alonzo married Jane Ann Dumont, daughter of Elbert Stoothoff Dumont and Jane Voorhees, on May 12, 1847. Dr. Alonzo H. Fowler died in 1903.
     In the census on Jul 6, 1860 Dr. Alonzo H. Fowler was named Dr. Fowler.


Alonzo H. Fowler:

Forgotten Pioneer of the Bamboo Fly Rod

By Dr. Todd E.A. Larson

Copyright 2007, all rights reserved.

Dr. Alonzo H. Fowler, if he is remembered at all today, is usually associated with the fascinating hard rubber reel he patented in 1872 known as The Gem. Indeed, early Fowler reels are some of the most coveted items of nineteenth century fishing tackle, bringing in excess of four figures for an example in decent condition (one once sold at auction for $14,000). However, although Fowler was important in the history of reel design, he was also a critical link in the history of the bamboo fly rod in America, being one of the earliest manufacturers of six-strip split bamboo rods. While this study does not pretend in any way to be definitive, it should serve as a start.

Although we know that Fowler was born in 1825, much of his early life is a mystery. Several articles refer to him as Colonel Fowler, implying a stint of military service, but where and when is not yet known. Although the first impulse is to place Fowler in the Civil War, he would have been 23 when the Mexican-American War broke out, and of course it is possible he fought in both conflicts.

What is known is that he became a dentist who practiced his craft in Ithaca, New York. Indeed, he was almost always referred to as Dr. A.H. Fowler. He set up a thriving practice in the pre-Civil War era, and was a dentist of national note; a testimonial from Dr. Fowler was run with an ad by the makers of Johnson & Lund Improved Artificial Teeth in the Dental Times Quarterly (1864) that read: “Gentleman, I take pleasure in adding my certificate in favor of your teeth. They are without fault. Dr. A.H. Fowler, Ithica, [sp] New York.” For reasons that remain unknown, Dr. Fowler sold his dental practice to Dr. George W. Melotte in 1866.

In addition to being a popular dentist, we also know that Fowler was a sportsman of great renown, and that he used his fame to build up a fishing tackle firm beginning in 1870, and perhaps a bit earlier. While his contributions to reel making have been covered by such authorities as Steven K. Vernon and Jim Schottenham, his place in fly fishing history has been virtually ignored, reduced to a few paragraphs of information in Martin Keane’s Classic Rods and Rodmakers, some of it misleading. What follows is an attempt to set the record straight on Alonzo H. Fowler, dentist and tackle maker.

Fowler was clearly one of the earliest and most talented American rodsmiths. No less an authority on the subject as Dr. James Alexander Henshall, pioneer American fishing historian and father of bass fishing in America, declared in Book of the Black Bass (1881) that Fowler was the second American to make a six-strip bamboo rod: “About 1870, Mr. H.L. Leonard, of Bangor, Maine, began making the six-strip bamboo rod, and Dr. A.H. Fowler soon followed him.” Certainly Henshall’s American-slanted bamboo fly rod history has come in for criticism by such modern scholars as Mary Kefover Kelly and others, but no matter how it is reckoned, Fowler was truly one of the earliest pioneers of the American split bamboo fly rod.

It is likely that he began his foray into the fishing tackle field around 1870, for on 18 June 1872, Fowler received Patent #128,137 for an improved fishing reel made from hard rubber. As the patent papers noted, “The reel is simple in construction, light and durable, and finished in appearance. The hard rubber is non-corrosive and peculiarly adapted for this purpose.” Jim Schottenham’s wonderful web site has a full reckoning of these reels (with photos) in their various permutations, so other than as a part of his overall tackle history, this article will concentrate on Fowler’s rodmaking and leave the nuances to these wonderful reels to the experts.

Still, the reel patent offers some interesting insight into Fowler’s work. Since patents at the time could take over a year to be granted, certainly Fowler was working on the rubber reel in mid-1871 (and perhaps earlier). From what Dr. Henshall noted, and from the patent information, we can be fairly certain that Fowler was also tinkering with fishing rods during this time. Interestingly, the 20 February 1873 Syracuse Daily Courier reported that “Dr. A.H. Fowler of [Batavia] is preparing a very handsome fly reel as a premium for fly throwing. It is composed of vulcanized India rubber, superbly mounted, and will be a beautiful specimen of the rubber reels patented and being manufactured for Dr. Fowler.” Note the wording says that Dr. Fowler had the reels made for him, but who made these reels per Fowler’s specifications has not been ascertained to date.

The first notice the author has found concerning Fowler rods comes from The Batavia Times of 14 April 1873 and reads:

Dr. A.H. Fowler has just finished the fly rod made to order of the Batavia Sportsmen Club, to be offered as a prize for fly throwing at the State shoot next month. It is a model of beauty and workmanship, and is the handsomest rod we have ever handled or seen. It is three jointed, composed of six-strip bamboo, silver-mounted, about eleven feet in length, and weighs only nine ounces, with one of the Doctor’s patent vulcanized rubber silver-mounted reels.

Additionally, as the Auburn Courier & Republic reported on 09 June 1873, Fowler donated several other reels as prizes at the New York State Sportsmen’s Association held at Batavia.

By this time, Fowler’s reputation in upstate New York had been cemented, and as he began to advertise nationally, his fame spread. The first national advertisement the author could find is dated 05 February 1873 in Forest & Stream, and several key pieces of information are contained in it. First, Fowler declared the reel was “the latest contribution to the angler’s outfit [and] has now been before the public for one year.” It is obvious Fowler was selling Gem Reels before his patent was issued in June 1872. The second point of interest is that Andrew Clerk Co., which would become Abbey & Imbrie in 1875, were sole agents for Fowler’s reel at this time. Finally, Fowler used testimonials from Seth Green, father of fish culture in America, and Robert B. Roosevelt, noted sportsman and uncle of Teddy Roosevelt, in his ad.

Initial reactions to the Fowler hard rubber reel were mixed. Forest & Stream opined in the same issue as the inaugural advertisement:

Dr. Fowler, of Syracuse, has placed anglers under obligations by giving them a newly invented reel, made of hard rubber, which for the simple quality of lightness makes it a great desideratum. It has been difficult to combine this requisite with the strength necessary to support the sometimes complicated machinery of the reel, and all anglers who use the finest tackle will appreciate Fowler’s improvement. There are other new features in his patent which are worthy of attention. Andrew Clerk, of Maiden Lane, is the sole agent for their sale.

Yet a few months later, editor Charles Hallock wrote in answer to the query of whether Fowler’s reels were suitable for bass, and whether he recommended them, that “We prefer a nickel reel ourselves, but we never fish with less than a two ounce reel, and Fowler’s weighs only an ounce. Different angler’s have different opinions.”

Perhaps the favorable notices from his friend Seth Green caused him to have a change of heart, for Hallock wrote on 16 July 1874, “Last week we tested for the first time the qualities of Fowler’s rubber reel, and found it worked to our complete satisfaction. Its lightness is charming. We noticed two of these reels in use by experts at the Fly Casting Trial at Oswego.” He later responded to another writer’s query by noting that the “Price of Fowler’s Hard Rubber Reel is $3.50 [40 yard] to $4.50 [100 yard], according to size, [and his] rods from $3.50 upwards, according to quality. Can get a good one for $15.00.” It might comes as a bit of a surprise to some reel collectors to find The Gem was apparently made in four sizes (40-60-80-100 yard).

By February 1875, Fowler was advertising an improved version of his reel called “The Gem—Improved,” and declaring in his ads that “IT HAS BEEN IMPROVED and all Reels made this year will pass through the hands of the inventor, and none allowed to go out, except those that are perfect.” Apparently, quality control was such a problem that Dr. Fowler felt the need to tell the world he would personally inspect every reel. Other changes include an Ithaca address, one that would be associated with him for the rest of his life, and the fact that Andrew Clerk no longer had exclusive distribution rights to his reel.




As the press surrounding the Gem reel began to wane, interest in Fowler rods began to pick up. In part this is because Dr. Fowler seemed to be an extremely gifted self-promoter, as evidenced by the letter he sent to Forest & Stream dated 24 June 1875. This letter was excerpted as follows:

Colonel A.H. Fowler, of Ithaca, the inventor of “Fowler’s Rubber Reel,” and the maker of excellent split bamboo rods, writes us a naturally exuberant letter, calling our attention to the fact that one of his rods, in the hands of Reuben Wood, of Syracuse, took the first prize at the Watertown contest last month, and says:

“For four years my rods have taken first prizes. At Rochester first and second, at Batavia first, at Oswego first, and at Watertown first. There were several rod makers present at the last convention. All acknowledged my rod to be the finest and best that they had ever seen. I make nothing but six-strip rods for trout, bass, and salmon, and warrant them as good as can be produced in the world.”

There are four or five makers of fine split bamboo rods whose respective qualities are so excellent that it is difficult to determine which is the better of them all, if, indeed, there be any essential difference. We have tested quite thoroughly the Fowler rod to our complete satisfaction, and while fully convinced that it would not have taken first prize in our hands at the trial mentioned, when that indomitable expert, Reuben Wood, was a contestant, we would not debar it from an equal place with any competing split bamboo rod.

This is an exceptionally informative blurb, helping us better understand the quality and style of fly rods Fowler was making. It also bordered on braggadocio, as evidenced by the terse note sent in a few weeks later by one of Fowler’s competitors, John B. McHarg of Rome, New York.

McHarg, a talented rodsmith in his own right mostly remembered today for his spinner baits, took exception to both the tone and content of Dr. Fowler’s letter and blasted him in a letter published in the 15 July 1875 Forest & Stream. The full text of his letter is reported as follows:

Rome, N.Y., July 1st, 1875

Editor, Forest & Stream:

In your issue of the 24th of June we notice an extract from Dr. Fowler’s “exuberant” letter in reference to his make of fly rods. Our modesty would naturally prevent us from appearing in print, but the Doctor’s letter as printed being in the nature of an advertisement, and containing statements which, if not questioned, might have a tendency to mislead those who “cast the fly,” we venture a few words in reply. The Doctor doubtless makes a good bamboo rod, but that it was acknowledged “by all the rod makers present” at Watertown to be “the finest and best they had ever seen” is quite a mistake. There are a number of rod manufacturers in different sections of the country that make, (if not better), equally as fine and good rods as his, which fact can be easily demonstrated by any test the Doctor may choose to name.

He says, “For four years my (his) rods have taken first prizes—at Rochester, Batavia, Oswego, and Watertown.” What his rods did at Rochester we are not aware, but have lately received from Mr. Wood of Syracuse, a rod for repairs which he (Wood) says took the first prize at Batavia. That is an ash rod. It is well known that at Oswego Mr. Wood, using the Doctor’s make of bamboo rod, did not cast the longest distance, but by some process of figures known only to the committee, was declared winner of the first prize, he casting sixty-one feet in fact, but allowed sixty-eight feet by the committee. At Watertown Mr. Wood used a light rod for style (as he termed it), and a 12-foot rod for distance, casting seventy-five feet, one foot further than the winner of the second prize, who used an ordinary ash rod, and some nine inches shorter in length, and who might have claimed the difference in length of rod, and been entitled to first prize, as was done by Mr. Wood at Oswego. The Doctor should give some better evidence of the superiority of his rods over all others than that named in his letter, or those “who were present” at Oswego and Watertown will rightfully question his claim.

J.B. McHarg & Co.

What to make of McHarg’s letter? Was it simply sour grapes—after all, technically Dr. Fowler’s assertions were true, as his rods did win first (if disputed) prize in the past four New York State meets. But Fowler’s letter most certainly chafed the other rod makers who attended the meet—including H.L. Leonard, M.L. Marshall, and others—and they must have silently applauded McHarg’s not so subtle slap at Fowler. It is worth noting, however, that McHarg finished 8th in the fly casting competition won by Wood in 1875, while second place in the disputed contest went to a McHarg employee.

      Cornelia Dumont was born on Sep 18, 1830. She was the daughter of Elbert Stoothoff Dumont and Jane Voorhees. Cornelia Dumont died on Oct 9, 1831 at age 1.

     George married Mary Dumont, daughter of Elbert Stoothoff Dumont and Jane Voorhees, on Jun 29, 1853.

     Richmond married Mary Dumont, daughter of Elbert Stoothoff Dumont and Jane Voorhees, on May 26, 1858.

      Alexander Bonnell was born on May 6, 1825 at Union, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. He was the son of Charles Foster Bonnell. Alexander married Emily Van Syckle. Alexander married Sarah R. Dumont, daughter of Elbert Stoothoff Dumont and Jane Voorhees, on Oct 11, 1865. Alexander Bonnell died on Sep 30, 1886 at Middletown, New Jersey, at age 61.

      Louisa Dickenson was born circa 1839 at New York. Louisa married Benjamin B. Dumont, son of Elbert Stoothoff Dumont and Jane Voorhees, on Dec 3, 1862.

      Stephen S. Dumont was born circa 1855 at Seneca County, New York. He was the son of Elbert Stoothoff Dumont and Jane Voorhees.

     Elbert married Cornelia Hoagland.

     Cornelia married Elbert Dumont.

      Eugine D. Fowler was born circa Feb, 1850 at New York. He was the son of Dr. Alonzo H. Fowler and Jane Ann Dumont.

      Frederick Fowler was born circa 1856 at New York. He was the son of Dr. Alonzo H. Fowler and Jane Ann Dumont. Frederick Fowler died in 1915.
     In the census on Jun 25, 1880 Frederick Fowler was named Fred C. Fowler.

      Alida May Fowler was born circa 1863 at New York. She was the daughter of Dr. Alonzo H. Fowler and Jane Ann Dumont.
     In the census on Jun 25, 1880 Alida May Fowler was named Lida M. Fowler.

      Emily Van Syckle was born on Apr 5, 1832. Emily married Alexander Bonnell, son of Charles Foster Bonnell. Emily Van Syckle died on Nov 4, 1864 at age 32.

      Elizabeth Dumont was born circa 1864 at New York. She was the daughter of Benjamin B. Dumont and Louisa Dickenson.

      Charles Dumont was born circa 1866 at New York. He was the son of Benjamin B. Dumont and Louisa Dickenson.

      Benjamin C. Dumont was born circa 1875 at New York. He was the son of Benjamin B. Dumont and Louisa Dickenson.

      Rev. Harlan Page Cory was born on Jun 7, 1849 at Thorntown, Boone County, Indiana. He was the son of Noah Cory and Jane Voorhees. Harlan married Alice Margaret Buck on Jun 27, 1878 at Vincennes, Knox County, Indiana.

      Ellison Leonard Cory was born on Jan 20, 1860 at Thorntown, Boone County, Indiana. He was the son of Noah Cory and Jane Voorhees. Ellison married Grace Munson Garretson, daughter of John M. Garretson and Caroline Cory, on Jul 13, 1892 at Patterson, New Jersey.
     In the census on Jan 5, 1920 Ellison Leonard Cory was named Leonard E. Cory.

      Grace Munson Garretson was born on Jul 13, 1863 at Patterson, New Jersey. She was the daughter of John M. Garretson and Caroline Cory. Grace married Ellison Leonard Cory, son of Noah Cory and Jane Voorhees, on Jul 13, 1892 at Patterson, New Jersey.

      Rhoda Lena Cory was born on Jul 31, 1857 at Thorntown, Boone County, Indiana. She was the daughter of Noah Cory and Jane Voorhees. Rhoda married Charles H. Smith on Jun 17, 1880 at New Carlisle, Clark County, Ohio.
     Rhoda Lena Cory was also known as Helen Cory. In the census on Jun 2, 1870 Rhoda Lena Cory was named Lena Cory.

      Charles H. Smith was born circa 1855. Charles married Rhoda Lena Cory, daughter of Noah Cory and Jane Voorhees, on Jun 17, 1880 at New Carlisle, Clark County, Ohio.

      Elizabeth (Unknown) was born circa 1827 at Indiana. Elizabeth married (Unknown) Corthune. Elizabeth married Noah Cory, son of Noah Cory and Hannah Leonard.

     (Unknown) married Elizabeth (Unknown).