John Reff

Cal 1845 - 1900  (~ 55 years)

• Name	John Reff  [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
  Born	Cal 1845	New York   [6, 7]
  Gender	Male
  Census	1850	Cape Vincent, Jefferson County, New York   [8]
  Military	28 Jul 1863 to 31 Jul 1865	Jefferson County, New York, USA   [9]
  	as a private, Company B, 20th New York Infantry
  Occupation	6 Mar 1900	Three Rivers, St Joseph, Michigan   [10]
  	cheese maker
  _UID	463AEEBDEAFC47949D0294C6E154878E2F91
  Died	6 Mar 1900	Three Rivers, St. Joseph, Michigan   [11]
  Person ID	I727	Paul's Genealogy Tree
  Last Modified	24 Nov 2016

  
  

  Father	Pierre Reff,   b. 10 Sep 1819, Berthelming, Moselle, Lorraine, France ,   d. 1852, Cape Vincent, Jefferson County, New York  (Age 32 years)
  Mother	Delia Wiley,   b. 1822, Germany ,   d. Yes, date unknown
  Married	Y  [12]
  Children	11 children
  1. Christopher Reff,   d. Yes, date unknown   2. Julia Reff,   d. Yes, date unknown   3. Margaret Reff,   d. Yes, date unknown   4. Mary Reff,   b. 1842, New York ,   d. Yes, date unknown   5. Peter H. Reff,   b. 1843, New York ,   d. 15 Jul 1908, Cape Vincent, Jefferson County, New York  (Age 65 years)   6. John Reff,   b. Cal 1845, New York ,   d. 6 Mar 1900, Three Rivers, St. Joseph, Michigan  (Age ~ 55 years)   7. Michael Reff,   b. 1846, New York ,   d. 1907  (Age 61 years)   8. Delia Reff,   b. 1847, New York ,   d. Yes, date unknown   9. Mary Ann Reff,   b. 1848, New York ,   d. Yes, date unknown   10. Enos Reff,   b. 1849, New York ,   d. Yes, date unknown   11. Ignatius Reff,   b. 30 Jun 1853, Cape Vincent, Jefferson County, New York ,   d. 31 Mar 1922, Redwood, Jefferson County, New York  (Age 68 years)
  Family ID	F259	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	Kate Delmarsh,   d. Yes, date unknown
  Last Modified	1 Feb 2015
  Family ID	F10645	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Event Map

  Born - Cal 1845 - New York Census - 1850 - Cape Vincent, Jefferson County, New York Military - as a private, Company B, 20th New York Infantry - 28 Jul 1863 to 31 Jul 1865 - Jefferson County, New York, USA Occupation - cheese maker - 6 Mar 1900 - Three Rivers, St Joseph, Michigan Died - 6 Mar 1900 - Three Rivers, St. Joseph, Michigan  = Link to Google Earth

  
  

• Notes

  See attached sources. [13] (Research):A local rumor had spread in April-May, 1891 that Kate Reff (John Reff's wife) left with another man, William Bearup. The man she ran off with was then later identified as Clinton Bearup. The story continues... http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn85054450/1891-05-06/ed-1/seq-2/ http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn83031769/1891-05-13/ed-1/seq-2/ http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn83031423/1891-05-14/ed-1/seq-1/ http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn84035540/1891-05-20/ed-1/seq-8/ http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn85054447/1891-05-23/ed-1/seq-1/ http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn85054450/1891-05-27/ed-1/seq-8/ Clinton Bearup, 1900 census https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MS2R-46Y Clinton Bearup, 1910 census https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M5ZJ-XWS Clinton Bearup, 1915 census https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K9L5-F1Q Clinton Bearup, 1920 census https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MV97-M2G Clinton Bearup, 1925 census https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KSWG-8N7 ---- Was divorced at the time of his death. ---- [14, 15]

  
  

• Sources

  [S255] US Census 1850 - Jefferson County, New York - Roll 514, National Archives and Records Administration, (The National Archives, The National Archives And Records Service, General Services Administration, Washington: 1963), M432, Roll 514., M432, Roll 514, Page 401 (Reliability: 4), 6 Nov 2005. Name: Peter Reff, Jr. Age: 31 Sex: male Occupation: farmer Value of property: 800 Place of birth: France Name: Delia " Age: 28 Sex: female Place of birth: Germany Name: Mary " Age: 8 Sex: female Place of birth: NY Name: Peter " Age: 7 Sex: male Place of birth: NY Name: John " Age: 5 Sex: male Place of birth: NY Name: Michael " Age: 4 Sex: male Place of birth: NY Name: Delia " Age: 3 Sex: female Place of birth: NY Name: Mary Ann " Age: 2 Sex: female Place of birth: NY Name: Enos " Age: 1 Sex: male Place of birth: NY Chris Adams Fred Sixbury and 3 children, Elma, Howard County, Iowa, 1920 Fred Sixbury and 3 children, Elma, Howard County, Iowa, 1920 Source: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M81Q-YRH 401A.tiff Page 401, 1850 Census, Cape Vincent, Jefferson County, NY [S843] 1855 New York State Census Abstracts, The Genealogy Group, ((http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~aliecor/1855_NYS_census/1855_new_york_state_census_index.htm : 2003 - 2005)), accessed Nov 16, 2012), Adelia Reff; Citing page 19, line 21, FHL 0895241. (Reliability: 3), 7 Nov 2012. 21 30 159 Frame 100 171 Reff Adelia 33 F Germany X 17 R 30 21 31 Mary 12 F Daughter 31 21 32 Peter 11 M Son 32 21 33 John 9 M Son 33 21 34 Michael 8 M Son 34 21 35 Adelia 7 F Daughter 35 21 36 MaryAnn 6 F Daughter 36 21 37 Ignus 5 M Son 37 Enos in 1850 - Enus in 1860 Chris Adams Fred Sixbury and 3 children, Elma, Howard County, Iowa, 1920 Fred Sixbury and 3 children, Elma, Howard County, Iowa, 1920 Source: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M81Q-YRH Peter Reff, Navy enlistment, Buffalo, New York, June 4, 1861 Peter Reff, Navy enlistment, Buffalo, New York, June 4, 1861 Image source: https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-14736-14491-25?cc=1825347 [S213] Child's Gazetteer, Town of Cape Vincent, Hamilton Child, (1890, N.Y. Source: http://www.rootsweb.com/~nyjeffer/childcap.htm) (Reliability: 3), 3 Dec 2004. Peter Reff, was a native of France and served under Napoleon. He came to America at the age of 40 years and died in Cape Vincent aged 86 years. His wife, Mary, a native of Germany, bore him four children, viz.: Peter, John, Michael, and Barbara. Peter, who was born in France, came to America with his father and located in this town, where he died in 1852 aged 35 yrs. He married Delia, daughter of Joseph Wiley, of Cape Vincent who was a native of Germany, and their children were Peter, John, Michael, Mary, Delia, Mary A., Eugens, Christopher, Julia, and Margaret. John Reff married Kate, daughter of Peter and Mary (Turney) Delmarsh, of Clayton, and their children are May L., Frances H., Carrie E., Lettie L, and Winfred E. He served in Co. B, 20th N.Y. Cav. three years and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. He is now a resident of St. Lawrence village. Fred Sixbury and 3 children, Elma, Howard County, Iowa, 1920 Fred Sixbury and 3 children, Elma, Howard County, Iowa, 1920 Source: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M81Q-YRH [S1222] Watertown Daily Times, New York. Watertown., "ONLY A PLEASURE TRIP. John Reff's Wife and Friend Have Only Gone Away to Spend Some of His Pansion Money.," Friday, May 1 1891, p. 8, col. 3. (Reliability: 3), 1 Feb 2015. Watertown Times, Friday, May 1, 1891 Page: 8 Column: 3 ONLY A PLEASURE TRIP. John Reff's Wife and Friend Have Only Gone Away to Spend Some of His Pansion Money. As circulated at Cape Vincent, the story of John Reff's adverse fortunes differs from the account in some minor particulars from the account published in yesterday's Times. It is claimed that the name of the man who has gone is Will Bearup, instead of being his brother George. Will Bearup in unmarried, is aged about 30 years, and lived in part of the Reff mansion at Millens Bay. The seances in that neighborhood, from all accounts, have been of a highly interesting, though perhaps of not an elevating character, and have allowed the gossipers a vast amount of time-consuming food for reflection and comment. John Reff is a man of about 60 years, about six feet in height and he walks slightly lame. He has a brother, Ignatuis Reff, who resides on the corner of Binsse and Morrison street, this city. The home relations in Millens Bay have not always been the most pleasant in the world, for it was claimed that Mrs. Reff was fond of male society, although for all social purposes her six children might have afforded her sufficient company. The old soldier was well-to-do, and owned the house where they lived. When William Bearup moved into the house and began a neighborly intercourse with the husband, wife and children, the frailty of human nature found many critics in that immediate locality. Some even alluded to what was considered too friendly relations between the prnicipal parties in the alleged elopement. William Bearup was not very attractive in feature or upright in character, so far as the speech of people is concerned. He is well connected, however, being a sort of scapegrace in the family, it is alleged. When they drove away with the horse and buggy andfailed to turn up in due time, suspicions were naturally centered upon him. Mrs. Reff's maiden name was Kate Delmore, and she is a great friend of Mary Bearup, sister of William. The claim is made that Kate and Mary left this part of the country together for the west, they having purchased tickets for St. Louis, Missouri. It has been ascertained to the satisfaction of John Reff that the women started west alone. A young man answering Bearup's position was in the city yesterday morning and left for the south via the railroad. What had become of the horse and buggy had not been learned, no complaint having been made to the police. SIGNED AWAY HIS PROPERTY. The mistake that John Reff made was to deed his real property to his wife and to give his personal belongings over into her keeping. The total amount of pension money received by Reff is now said to be $5,000 allowed at two different times. Of this amount $1,500 had been loaned by Mrs. Reff on a note. It is asserted that the woman transferred the note and obtained the cash before leaving for unknown parts, and that she took her money with her. There is no evidence, however, that there has been a recent change in the title of the house and lot. REFF'S AMPLE ALLOWANCE. Bearup is thought to have joined his sister and Mrs. Reff at Syracuse yesterday. Though the wealth of the old soldier, Reff, has been taken and his horse and wogon is missing, he will be able to meet his physical wants by reason of $24 a month, which is his allowance from the government for valiant service and severe injuries in the war of the rebellion. In truth, if Mrs. Reff had not taken his money the husband would be inclined to regard his wife's latest excursion with even more philosophy than he does. But few appear to believe that Mrs. Reff has gone for good. After a quiet journey and an enjoyable sight-seeing tour, she may return to Millens Bay to be received once more into the bosom of her family. The True Republican, obituary of Fred Sixbury The True Republican, obituary of Fred Sixbury Source: http://idnc.library.illinois.edu/cgi-bin/illinois?a=d&d=STR19300219.2.43&srpos=1&e=-------en-20-STR-1--txt-txIN-sixbury------- Chris Adams Watertown Daily Times, May 1, 1891 Watertown Daily Times, May 1, 1891 Image source: http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn84035540/1891-05-01/ed-1/seq-8/ [S782] Watertown Daily Times, New York. Watertown., "REFF BEREFT. Of HIs Wife, His Fortune, and His Horse and Buggy - A Veteran's Sad Experience," April 30, 1891, p. 8, col. 3; digital images, \i NYS Historic Newspapers\i0 (Reliability: 3), 1 Feb 2015. Watertown Daily Times Thursday, April 30, 1891 page: 8 Col: 3 REFF BEREFT. Of His Wife, His Fortune and His Horse and Buggy - A Veteran's Sad Experience. John Reff, of Millens Bay, was in the city Tuesday in search of a runaway wife, a missing horse and buggy, $2,000 in cash and a man named George [William] Bearup. from all appearances, there was an elopement in Millens Bay recently, the facts of which have not been fully divulged, and the gossips in that little settlement , it is said, have been discussing the whole story around the bar of the only hotel, day after day, without learning many new particulars. Misplaced and indiscriminate love has caused the difficulty. Many years ago John Reff was a good soldier in the war of the rebellion. When he returned home he felt that Uncle Sam owed him a pension, and he asked for it. The application was rejected several times and finally was allowed. It was only recently that the authorities caused the proper check to be forwarded, and the amount of it is understodd to have been about $2,000. On the strength of that pension Reff thought he would take a trip. He did and went to Philadelphia, N.Y. for a few weeks. Before he left home, he said George Bearup asked the loan of his horse and buggy, and out of the fullness of his heart, he let the fellow have it to go, as he explained, "to Adams Center". For safe keeping Mrs. Reff was to take the money that had been received on the pension. To outsiders, it is the real strange chapter in the recital that Reff let Mrs. Reff have the cash, and has it yet. When Reff got back home, he found that his babies, from 3 years old to 10 years old, were for the time being, motherless. Mr. Bearup was unaccountably absent and the horse and buggy were missing. The children said thier mother had left them on pretty short notice. Reff decided at once to play detective in the case and find out what he could about the supposed runaways. He came to Watertown, sent out telegrams to several cities where he believed they might be and kept a lookout around the city. All was in vain, however. Unconsoled and inconsolable, he went to his desolate hearthstone in Millens Bay Tuesday night, having neglected to take any action relative to placing the case in the hands of the police. Half the residents of Millens Bay, according to a representative from there, who claims to voice the true sentiment, seem to regard the elopement as a matter of general expectation by the ruralists thereabouts for several weeks previous. Furthermore, they assert that if Reff will leave her alone the wife will come home. But they are not so sure that she will have the cash in her pocket. Watertown Daily Times, April 30, 1891 Watertown Daily Times, April 30, 1891 John Reff's wife, [Kate Delmore] takes off with William Bearup and her husband's pension. Image source: http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn84035540/1891-04-30/ed-1/seq-8/ Fred Sixbury, WWI Draft Registration Card, Sep. 12, 1918 Fred Sixbury, WWI Draft Registration Card, Sep. 12, 1918 Source: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZ28-B8J 401A.tiff Page 401, 1850 Census, Cape Vincent, Jefferson County, NY [S255] US Census 1850 - Jefferson County, New York - Roll 514, National Archives and Records Administration, (The National Archives, The National Archives And Records Service, General Services Administration, Washington: 1963), M432, Roll 514., M432, Roll 514, Page 401 (Reliability: 4), 6 Nov 2005. Name: Peter Reff, Jr. Age: 31 Sex: male Occupation: farmer Value of property: 800 Place of birth: France Name: Delia " Age: 28 Sex: female Place of birth: Germany Name: Mary " Age: 8 Sex: female Place of birth: NY Name: Peter " Age: 7 Sex: male Place of birth: NY Name: John " Age: 5 Sex: male Place of birth: NY Name: Michael " Age: 4 Sex: male Place of birth: NY Name: Delia " Age: 3 Sex: female Place of birth: NY Name: Mary Ann " Age: 2 Sex: female Place of birth: NY Name: Enos " Age: 1 Sex: male Place of birth: NY Chris Adams 401A.tiff Page 401, 1850 Census, Cape Vincent, Jefferson County, NY [S843] 1855 New York State Census Abstracts, The Genealogy Group, ((http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~aliecor/1855_NYS_census/1855_new_york_state_census_index.htm : 2003 - 2005)), accessed Nov 16, 2012), Adelia Reff; Citing page 19, line 21, FHL 0895241. (Reliability: 3), 7 Nov 2012. 21 30 159 Frame 100 171 Reff Adelia 33 F Germany X 17 R 30 21 31 Mary 12 F Daughter 31 21 32 Peter 11 M Son 32 21 33 John 9 M Son 33 21 34 Michael 8 M Son 34 21 35 Adelia 7 F Daughter 35 21 36 MaryAnn 6 F Daughter 36 21 37 Ignus 5 M Son 37 Enos in 1850 - Enus in 1860 Peter Reff Chris Adams Fred Sixbury, WWI Draft Registration Card, Sep. 12, 1918 Fred Sixbury, WWI Draft Registration Card, Sep. 12, 1918 Source: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZ28-B8J [S255] US Census 1850 - Jefferson County, New York - Roll 514, National Archives and Records Administration, (The National Archives, The National Archives And Records Service, General Services Administration, Washington: 1963), M432, Roll 514., M432, Roll 514, Page 401 (Reliability: 4), 6 Nov 2005. Name: Peter Reff, Jr. Age: 31 Sex: male Occupation: farmer Value of property: 800 Place of birth: France Name: Delia " Age: 28 Sex: female Place of birth: Germany Name: Mary " Age: 8 Sex: female Place of birth: NY Name: Peter " Age: 7 Sex: male Place of birth: NY Name: John " Age: 5 Sex: male Place of birth: NY Name: Michael " Age: 4 Sex: male Place of birth: NY Name: Delia " Age: 3 Sex: female Place of birth: NY Name: Mary Ann " Age: 2 Sex: female Place of birth: NY Name: Enos " Age: 1 Sex: male Place of birth: NY Fred Sixbury and family, North Hero Township, Redwood County, Minnesota, 1910 Fred Sixbury and family, North Hero Township, Redwood County, Minnesota, 1910 Source: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2GB-BLM 401A.tiff Page 401, 1850 Census, Cape Vincent, Jefferson County, NY [S1269] 1890 Census - Union Veterans, Cape Vincent, New York, New York. Jefferson., (Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints. \i FamilySearch\i0 . http://familysearch.org : 2014), Rosiere, enumeration district (ED) 99, John Reff; digital images, Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints, \i FamilySearch \i0 (http://familysearch.org : accessed Jan 31, 2015); citing NARA microfilm publication M123, roll 52 (Reliability: 3), 31 Jan 2015. Name: Fred Sixbury and family, North Hero Township, Redwood County, Minnesota, 1910 Fred Sixbury and family, North Hero Township, Redwood County, Minnesota, 1910 Source: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2GB-BLM John Reff, Union Veterans, Jefferson County, New York, 1890 John Reff, Union Veterans, Jefferson County, New York, 1890 Company B, 20th New York Infantry, July 28, 1863 to July 31, 1865 Image source: https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-16942-14348-37?cc=1877095 [S739] Michigan Deaths and Burials, 1800-1995, Michigan., 2, 83, John Reff; 1,295,526. (Reliability: 3), 31 Jan 2015. Name: Fred Sixbury and family, North Hero Township, Redwood County, Minnesota, 1910 Fred Sixbury and family, North Hero Township, Redwood County, Minnesota, 1910 Source: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2GB-BLM 401A.tiff Page 401, 1850 Census, Cape Vincent, Jefferson County, NY [S739] Michigan Deaths and Burials, 1800-1995, Michigan., 2, 83, John Reff; 1,295,526. (Reliability: 3), 31 Jan 2015. Name: The True Republican, obituary of Fred Sixbury The True Republican, obituary of Fred Sixbury Source: http://idnc.library.illinois.edu/cgi-bin/illinois?a=d&d=STR19300219.2.43&srpos=1&e=-------en-20-STR-1--txt-txIN-sixbury------- Peter Reff [S213] Child's Gazetteer, Town of Cape Vincent, Hamilton Child, (1890, N.Y. Source: http://www.rootsweb.com/~nyjeffer/childcap.htm) (Reliability: 3), 3 Dec 2004. Peter Reff, was a native of France and served under Napoleon. He came to America at the age of 40 years and died in Cape Vincent aged 86 years. His wife, Mary, a native of Germany, bore him four children, viz.: Peter, John, Michael, and Barbara. Peter, who was born in France, came to America with his father and located in this town, where he died in 1852 aged 35 yrs. He married Delia, daughter of Joseph Wiley, of Cape Vincent who was a native of Germany, and their children were Peter, John, Michael, Mary, Delia, Mary A., Eugens, Christopher, Julia, and Margaret. John Reff married Kate, daughter of Peter and Mary (Turney) Delmarsh, of Clayton, and their children are May L., Frances H., Carrie E., Lettie L, and Winfred E. He served in Co. B, 20th N.Y. Cav. three years and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. He is now a resident of St. Lawrence village. [S739] Michigan Deaths and Burials, 1800-1995, Michigan., 2, 83, John Reff; 1,295,526. (Reliability: 3), 31 Jan 2015. Name: Fred Sixbury, creamery in Revere, Redwood County, Minnesota Fred Sixbury, creamery in Revere, Redwood County, Minnesota Source: Minnesota Creameries, Cheese Factories and Canning Factories, p. 47, 1914. [S1222] Watertown Daily Times, New York. Watertown., "ONLY A PLEASURE TRIP. John Reff's Wife and Friend Have Only Gone Away to Spend Some of His Pansion Money.," Friday, May 1 1891, p. 8, col. 3. (Reliability: 3), 1 Feb 2015. Watertown Times, Friday, May 1, 1891 Page: 8 Column: 3 ONLY A PLEASURE TRIP. John Reff's Wife and Friend Have Only Gone Away to Spend Some of His Pansion Money. As circulated at Cape Vincent, the story of John Reff's adverse fortunes differs from the account in some minor particulars from the account published in yesterday's Times. It is claimed that the name of the man who has gone is Will Bearup, instead of being his brother George. Will Bearup in unmarried, is aged about 30 years, and lived in part of the Reff mansion at Millens Bay. The seances in that neighborhood, from all accounts, have been of a highly interesting, though perhaps of not an elevating character, and have allowed the gossipers a vast amount of time-consuming food for reflection and comment. John Reff is a man of about 60 years, about six feet in height and he walks slightly lame. He has a brother, Ignatuis Reff, who resides on the corner of Binsse and Morrison street, this city. The home relations in Millens Bay have not always been the most pleasant in the world, for it was claimed that Mrs. Reff was fond of male society, although for all social purposes her six children might have afforded her sufficient company. The old soldier was well-to-do, and owned the house where they lived. When William Bearup moved into the house and began a neighborly intercourse with the husband, wife and children, the frailty of human nature found many critics in that immediate locality. Some even alluded to what was considered too friendly relations between the prnicipal parties in the alleged elopement. William Bearup was not very attractive in feature or upright in character, so far as the speech of people is concerned. He is well connected, however, being a sort of scapegrace in the family, it is alleged. When they drove away with the horse and buggy andfailed to turn up in due time, suspicions were naturally centered upon him. Mrs. Reff's maiden name was Kate Delmore, and she is a great friend of Mary Bearup, sister of William. The claim is made that Kate and Mary left this part of the country together for the west, they having purchased tickets for St. Louis, Missouri. It has been ascertained to the satisfaction of John Reff that the women started west alone. A young man answering Bearup's position was in the city yesterday morning and left for the south via the railroad. What had become of the horse and buggy had not been learned, no complaint having been made to the police. SIGNED AWAY HIS PROPERTY. The mistake that John Reff made was to deed his real property to his wife and to give his personal belongings over into her keeping. The total amount of pension money received by Reff is now said to be $5,000 allowed at two different times. Of this amount $1,500 had been loaned by Mrs. Reff on a note. It is asserted that the woman transferred the note and obtained the cash before leaving for unknown parts, and that she took her money with her. There is no evidence, however, that there has been a recent change in the title of the house and lot. REFF'S AMPLE ALLOWANCE. Bearup is thought to have joined his sister and Mrs. Reff at Syracuse yesterday. Though the wealth of the old soldier, Reff, has been taken and his horse and wogon is missing, he will be able to meet his physical wants by reason of $24 a month, which is his allowance from the government for valiant service and severe injuries in the war of the rebellion. In truth, if Mrs. Reff had not taken his money the husband would be inclined to regard his wife's latest excursion with even more philosophy than he does. But few appear to believe that Mrs. Reff has gone for good. After a quiet journey and an enjoyable sight-seeing tour, she may return to Millens Bay to be received once more into the bosom of her family. Peter Reff Watertown Daily Times, May 1, 1891 Watertown Daily Times, May 1, 1891 Image source: http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn84035540/1891-05-01/ed-1/seq-8/ Fred Sixbury, WWI Draft Registration Card, Sep. 12, 1918 Fred Sixbury, WWI Draft Registration Card, Sep. 12, 1918 Source: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZ28-B8J [S782] Watertown Daily Times, New York. Watertown., "REFF BEREFT. Of HIs Wife, His Fortune, and His Horse and Buggy - A Veteran's Sad Experience," April 30, 1891, p. 8, col. 3; digital images, \i NYS Historic Newspapers\i0 (Reliability: 3), 1 Feb 2015. Watertown Daily Times Thursday, April 30, 1891 page: 8 Col: 3 REFF BEREFT. Of His Wife, His Fortune and His Horse and Buggy - A Veteran's Sad Experience. John Reff, of Millens Bay, was in the city Tuesday in search of a runaway wife, a missing horse and buggy, $2,000 in cash and a man named George [William] Bearup. from all appearances, there was an elopement in Millens Bay recently, the facts of which have not been fully divulged, and the gossips in that little settlement , it is said, have been discussing the whole story around the bar of the only hotel, day after day, without learning many new particulars. Misplaced and indiscriminate love has caused the difficulty. Many years ago John Reff was a good soldier in the war of the rebellion. When he returned home he felt that Uncle Sam owed him a pension, and he asked for it. The application was rejected several times and finally was allowed. It was only recently that the authorities caused the proper check to be forwarded, and the amount of it is understodd to have been about $2,000. On the strength of that pension Reff thought he would take a trip. He did and went to Philadelphia, N.Y. for a few weeks. Before he left home, he said George Bearup asked the loan of his horse and buggy, and out of the fullness of his heart, he let the fellow have it to go, as he explained, "to Adams Center". For safe keeping Mrs. Reff was to take the money that had been received on the pension. To outsiders, it is the real strange chapter in the recital that Reff let Mrs. Reff have the cash, and has it yet. When Reff got back home, he found that his babies, from 3 years old to 10 years old, were for the time being, motherless. Mr. Bearup was unaccountably absent and the horse and buggy were missing. The children said thier mother had left them on pretty short notice. Reff decided at once to play detective in the case and find out what he could about the supposed runaways. He came to Watertown, sent out telegrams to several cities where he believed they might be and kept a lookout around the city. All was in vain, however. Unconsoled and inconsolable, he went to his desolate hearthstone in Millens Bay Tuesday night, having neglected to take any action relative to placing the case in the hands of the police. Half the residents of Millens Bay, according to a representative from there, who claims to voice the true sentiment, seem to regard the elopement as a matter of general expectation by the ruralists thereabouts for several weeks previous. Furthermore, they assert that if Reff will leave her alone the wife will come home. But they are not so sure that she will have the cash in her pocket. Watertown Daily Times, April 30, 1891 Watertown Daily Times, April 30, 1891 John Reff's wife, [Kate Delmore] takes off with William Bearup and her husband's pension. Image source: http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn84035540/1891-04-30/ed-1/seq-8/ Fred Sixbury and 3 children, Elma, Howard County, Iowa, 1920 Fred Sixbury and 3 children, Elma, Howard County, Iowa, 1920 Source: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M81Q-YRH 401A.tiff Page 401, 1850 Census, Cape Vincent, Jefferson County, NY