Cummings, John Jr.
Birth
John Cummings Jr. was the son of John Cummings (B. 1833, D. 1905) and Ellen Shay (B. 1831, D. 1919). He was the second son in a family of five children, two of which died as young adults. John's parents were both born in Ireland.
Marriage & Children
1. John married Mary C. Ecker who was the daughter of Allen Ecker and Elizabeth Haverly Settle. [1] John and Mary had the following children:
- Edward J. Cummings who was a Reverend in Rutland, Vt[1]
- a daughter who was the wife of Millard A. Whipple of Altamont[1]
- Dora Cummings of Albany[1]
Life
After his childhood in Berne, John spent most of his adulthood as a resident of Voorheesville and only moved to the city of Albany in about 1927. [1]
Additional Media
Landmarks of Albany County, NY, Edited by Amasa J. Parker, Albany, NY, page 125 John married Mary C. Ecker of the town of Knox, a daughter of Allen Ecker, by whom three children were born: Thomas, who died when ten years of age; Edward and Mary. James and John were reared to farm life and attended the common schools and remained at home until they were twenty-four years of age, when they embarked in business for themselves, their first enterprise being farming and quarrying, which they followed for seven years. They dissolved partnership, James remaining at the quarry and John repaired to Albany and engaged in the stone business from 1891 to 1895. They then moved to Voorheesville and established themselves in the feed, grain and produce business, and in connection with this they carried on an extensive stone business. John is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of Chancellors Lodge of Albany. The brother are both stockholders in the Clarksville Telephone line. John is a stockholder in the Altamont Driving Park and Fair Association ; the brothers are also stockholders in the Voorheesville Canning and Preserving Co.
Death
John's wife, Mary, died on October 29, 1932 at 549 Washington Ave, Albany, NY and was buried at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in New Salem.[1] John died on February 11, 1945 at Altamont, NY and is buried in the Mont Pleasant Cemetery, New Salem, Albany Co., NY Sources
Curless, Eugene Jerome Jr.
Birth
Eugene was born on July 13, 1947, in Cooperstown to Mr. and Mrs. Eugene J. Curless, Sr. [1]
Education
He attended Berne-Knox Central High school, Berne, and graduated from there after entering the service. [1]
Military Service
Served as a 2nd Lieutenant[1]in the 23rd Infantry Division of the Army Reserve. His tour-of-duty began January 14, 1968 and he died of wounds due to small arms fire in South Vietnam on March 25, 1968. His name can be found on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on panel 46E, Line 15[2]
Other media
Deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved grandparents and family of the late Eugene Curless, who was killed in action in Vietnam. Gene spent most of his life in Westerlo. He had advanced to the rank of second lieutenant and was only 20 years old. Published in the Altamont (NY) Enterprise-Albany Co. Post, Section 2, Page 2, 5 Apr 1968 Isasue.
1st Lt. Eugene J. Curless Awarded The Silver Star. First Lieutenant Eugene J. Curless, Jr. 23rd Infantry Division, was awarded the Silver Star posthumously October 20 for gallantry in action while serving in Vietnam. A ceremony took place at Sgt. Horace D. Bradt U.S. Army Reserve Center in Schenectady. Lt. Curless entered the Army on July 13, 1964, and arrived in Vietnam on January 16, 1968. He was killed on March 25, 1968 and subsequently was awarded the Silver Star, third highest medal given for valor. The medal was presented to Lt. Curless' wife, Mrs. Marilyn R. Curless of Camden, New York, by Colonel Ferris P. Coppe, First Brigade Commander. Lt. Curless was also awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service, and the Purple Heart. Curless was born on July 13, 1947, in Cooperstown. His parents are Mr. and Mrs. Eugene J. Curless, Sr. Curless came to live with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry O. Curless of Medusa, when he was six weeks old, and was raised in Medusa. He attended Berne-Knox Central High school, Berne, and graduated from there after entering the service. The citation he received gives the following account: "He (Lt. Curless) distinguished himself by heroic action on March 25, 1968, while serving as Platoon Leader, Company C, 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry on a combat mission. The company came under intense enemy fire. He dismounted his command vehicle and directed his men's fire on the enemy positions. Realizing that the enemy fire was so intense that the wounded men could not be evacuated, he organized a rifle squad and personally led the element against the enemy. The assault caused the enemy force to withdraw and allowed the extraction of all wounded personnel. As Lt. Curless was covering the withdrawal of the remaining friendly troops he was mortally wounded by the intense enemy fire. Lt. Curless personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest tradition of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army." Other awards Lt. Curless had earned prior to his death include the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnamese Campaign Ribbon, the Combat Infantry Badget, the Expert Badge with Rifle Bar, and the National Defense Service Medal. Published in the Altamont (NY) Enterprise - Albany Co. Post, Page 7, 29 Nov 1968 Issue.
Sources
[[Category:Rensselaerville Biographies
