Generation Ten: Lena Jane Teed

Lena J. Teed
Born: December 24, 1887, at Trout Creek, N.Y.
Died: January 21, 1976
Married: Frank J. Niles in Sidney N.Y.

Children of Lena J. Teed and Frank J. Niles¹

Eva Frances
Harold Chester
John T.

A personal account by Lena J. Niles:

Lena had been a teacher in the public schools for 5 1/2 years prior to her marriage. After their marriage, Frank was a herdsman on the Kellogg Estate, Angola, N.Y. for a time, then on an estate near Cleveland, N.Y.; later went to the Rutherford Farms at Allamuchy, N.J. One year as herdsman, and 3 1/2 years operating the farm. In 1925 they purchased a farm near Trout Creek, where they lived for 14 years. In 1939, they removed to Smyrna, N.Y. onto a large farm, which they paid for in 5 years. After their son John, who was then a partner, was married (1948) they felt the need of a farm with larger buildings where a larger herd could be kept and a larger house for the two families, so they bought the Sherburne farm, one of the best in Chenango Co. Frank passed away in 1960.

My personal testimony of a dear lady, my Grandma Niles:

My² grandmother was a hard working individal. Her house was always clean and organized. There was always a homemade molasses cookie or bread with peanut butter and honey, and a fresh cold glass of milk waiting for a well-behaved grandchild (or a sharp word and a chair in the corner for an occasional mischievous one).

After her husbands death she gradually turned the entire farm over to her son John, who maintained the Sherburne farm until the town purchased it for a new high school in 1967. When John purchased two adjoining farms in West Edmeston, Otsego Co. N.Y., Lena occupied one of the houses on the farm where she remained until shortly before her death.

One of my grandmothers special hobbies, with which she occupied much of her time after her husbands death, was genealogy. For well over 25-30 years Lena collected data on the various family lines. The majority of the material that is presented on this and my related family internet sites have been gleamed from her vast collection of family notes, letters and photographs.

My only regret is that she did not live long enough for one of us to pick up on her hobby. I am sure she would rejoice if she new that some of the family has picked up where she left off. God bless you grandma!

¹ Source: Lena J. Teed.

²Source: Stanley J. Niles - my personal recollections.

Last Updated: January 14, 2015