Alfred Sun January 18, 1933
The recent removal of the remains from the Thatcher Cemetery has brought to light many interesting facts about some of the early settlers of Alfred. Samuel Thatcher, for whom the cemetery was named, was the great-grandfather of Mrs. Geo. Smith and grandfather of the late James Burdick. He was born October 3, 1791, at Brookfield, Vt. He came into Allegany County in June, 1812, for a short time. In 1816 he married Ruth Green at Alfred. He was a farmer and like most of the early settlers, lived an industrious and sober life. At one time he held office of town clerk and was also justice of the town of Alfred. A contest was held at one time to see who was the oldest resident of this vicinity. Samuel Thatcher, then 97 years of age, received the medal given to the oldest contestant. He was able though nearly 100 years old to sign his own pension papers, and to read his newspaper and Bible. He was a small man never weighing over 127 pounds in his life, but like so many of the pioneers seemed to have the constitution to survive all the hardships of those early days.
Libeus Cottrell, who wife, Sarah, was buried in the old cemetery, came to Alfred with William C. Kenyon. It is reported that as boys, both were “bound out” to a mill right in Ashaway, R.I. Apprenticing young boys was a custom prevalent in those days. Both had a great desire for learning and came to Alfred together to be educated.
Transcribed by Joanne LaForge, volunteer