Hart, Milton J. Sr.

Birth

Milton J. Hart, Sr. was born in Berne 61 years ago, about 1893, the son of Mrs. Lillian Hochstrasser Hart and the late Frank Hart.

Military

Milton Hart served in World War 1

Occupation

After his discharge, Milton J. Hart, Sr. went in the milling business with his father (Frank Hart) in Berne village which has been a decided success. Mr. Hart was a member of the first Board of Education of Berne-Knox Central school when it was organized in 1931 and served with distinction until business affairs forced him to resign.

Marriage & Children

Milton J. Hart, Sr. married Genie Willsey. Their child was:

• Milton J. Hart, Jr. who married Ruth Bridger

Death

The community was greatly shocked last Friday (December 17, 1954) to hear of the sudden death of a highly esteemed resident of Berne.

Milton J. Hart was working at the mill when he became ill. He was taken home by his son Milton, Jr. where he passed away before a doctor could be summoned.

Obituary

Milton J. Hart, Sr. Obituary - Altamont Enterprise — Friday, December 24, 1954

MILTON J. HART The community was greatly shocked last Friday (December 17, 1954) to hear of the sudden death of a highly esteemed resident of Berne.

Milton J. Hart was working at the mill when he became ill. He was taken home by his son Milton, Jr. where he passed away before a doctor could be summoned.

Mr. Hart was born in Berne 61 years ago, the son of Mrs. Lillian Hochstrasser Hart and the late Frank Hart. He served in World War 1 and after his discharge went in the milling business with his father in Berne village which has been a decided success. Mr. Hart was a member of the first Board of Education of Berne-Knox Central school when it was organized in 1931 and served with distinction until business affairs forced him to resign.

He was a Staunch member of the Reformed church, and had several years of service on the consistory. Mr. Hart was also a member of the American Legion, Berne Lodge F. & A M No. 684, Berne Tent K. O. T. M. No 770, Foxentall Grange No. 1579, and was a person always interested in things for the progress of the community.

Funeral services were held from Brunk's Funeral Home on Monday, Rev. Walter Kline, pastor of the Reformed church, officiating. Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery, of which association Mr Hart was a director.

He is survived by his wife, Genie Willsey, mother, Mrs Lillie Hart, son, Milton Hart Jr, and two granddaughters, Susan and Connie Hart.

Altamont Enterprise - Friday, December 24, 1954

Additional Media

Frank Hart & Son

Frank Hart & Son was founded in 1920 when Frank Hart and his son, Milton, purchased the water-powered mill in Berne. They were principally engaged in the milling of buckwheat flour (for pancakes) and grinding feed. That same year they affiliated with a new cooperative called GLF — handling their feed, fertilizer and later farm supplies. The operation remained virtually unchanged until World War II, when the flour milling ceased.

After being discharged from the Army, Milton, Jr., joined his father and grandfather. At that time the business was expanded with a larger office, showroom and loading dock. Also installed were feed mixing machinery and gas pumps.

In the '60s GLF merged with other cooperatives and became known as Agway, and the Harts became Agway representatives. Later in the '60s, to make room for their expanding line of farm supplies and hardware, the outdated machinery was removed. Much of the machinery was donated to the Rensselaerville mill restoration project, where today it powers a grist mill.

The business today is jointly owned and operated by Milton, Jr., and his wife, Ruth. His father, Archie, was employed for many years prior to that. The old mill building remains largely intact, and the customer is individually served in much the same manner as when it was founded.

Altamont Enterprise - July 26, 1984

Sources

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