All I did was start explaining a couple of details about the Manor - and the history started pouring out. As you may know, I've been researching the house, the community, the residents, and a myriad of other details about this place, preparing to write volume 2. Volume 1 is the legend of Appleton Hall, Volume 2 will be the real history of Appleton Hall.
Let me give you an example. Hannah Denelia Ripley Farwell Ring lived in the Manor between 1895 and 1907. It was on Sunday June 16, 1907 that she died here. Her father was Rev. Allen Plumb Ripley. Rev. Ripley, according to his tombstone, "built many churches." While he was on the Niagara Circuit he was assigned for a year or two to many places. A partial list includes Kempville (Olcott), Ridgeway, Medina, Knowlsville, and a number of locations in Buffalo. For a period of time, he ran the Buffalo Christian Advocate, a weekly newspaper.
It was on this date in 1901, that one of Rev. Ripley's Memorial services was held. So, Hannah's ties to this area started when she moved around with her parents from church to church. One big circle. If you visit Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, you can see the family tombstone with the quote that started my research.
I'm always learning new details - so who knows what I can share next time you visit?
Cheers!
I'm starting to get hooked on these blogs, I love history and you have a friendly, homespun way of writing. -A
Posted by: Amy Wilson | 01/12/2010 at 10:05 AM