Winfield Scott Oberdorf

1861 - 1948  (87 years)

• Name	Winfield Scott Oberdorf
  Birth	12 Jan 1861	Dansville, North Dansville, Livingston Co., New York, USA
  Gender	Male
  Death	11 Jun 1948	Dansville, North Dansville, Livingston Co., New York, USA
  Burial	Greenmount Cemetery, North Dansville, Livingston Co., New York, USA
  Notes	Dansville Breeze Tuesday, June 15, 1948 Winfield Scott Oberdorf The death, of Winfield Scott Oberdorf, 87, on Friday afternoon, June 11, brought to a close a colorful and varied career. Funeral services were held at the residence on Seward Street Monday at 2:00 p.m. the Rev. Robert McKee officiating. Burial was made in Greenmount Cemetery. A native of Dansville son, Mr. Oberdorf was the son of the late Peter John Oberdorf and Susannah B. Hamsher Oberdorf. His maternal grandfather, Bernard Hamsher, was an early settler of Sparta. Peter Oberdorf was an honored veteran of the Civil War and was prominent in musical circles here and in Rochester. At an early age Mr. Oberdorf gained wide recognition as an influential civic and social leader and as a political speaker, starting his campaign speaking in 1888 in the interests of Benjamin Harrison. He was a gifted orator, and one year (1893) he declined 15 invitations to deliver Memorial Day addresses, having accepted an invitation to speak in Utica. Many Dansvillians will remember the force and fire of his after-dinner speeches in this area. Becomes a Printer Mr. Oberdorf's career included a wide range of pursuits and occupations. When 14, he entered the office of the Dansville Advertiser where he learned the printer's trade. He then entered Geneseo State Normal School and after graduation became editor of the Livingston Republican newspaper in Geneseo, a sheet which then had the largest circulation in the county. Two years later, co-partnership interest in the Dansville Advertiser was tendered him by Editor A.O. Bunnell. From this time until a few years before his death, Mr. Oberdorf was prominent in the business, civic, political, fraternal and patriotic affairs of this community. In 1897, his connection with the Advertiser terminated because of poor health. Following a return of health, he was appointed agent of the Estate of John Hyland, E.T. Scovill (residuary legatee under the Will of Mr. Hyland). Much of the successful defense in connection with the celebrated $10,000 Hyland-Clark note case was due to his efforts. After the death of Mr. Scovill, Mr. Oberdorf became executor of his Will and at completion of these duties again became Agent of the Estate holding the position until 1943. Mr. Oberdorf served as Stamp Clerk for Livingston County and for many years was a Director of the Dansville Board of Trade. In 1927, he was appointed a member of the Village Planning Commission when it was instituted and was instrumental in the adoption of zoning for Dansville. As a member of the Union Hose Company, he served as secretary, foreman, and finally as Chief Engineer of the entire Fire Department. Active in Masonry Oldest Dansville Mason in point of service, Mr. Oberdorf was also a Past Grand of the IOOF. He was raised a Mason in Pheonix Lodge No. 115, May 4, 1889 and in Royal Arch Masonry in 1920. He served as Master of the Lodge for five years and as Trustee for nine years --1925 to 1933. He arranged and directed a services of 14 annual George Washington community observances for the Masons (1921-1934). These programs attracted state-wide attention. Masonic offices held by Mr. Oberdorf include: assistant Grand Lecturer, 1926-27; District Deputy Grand Master 1927-28; member of Grand Lodge Committee on Charters for five years. As member of the Sons of Veterans, he was one of five delegates representing New York State at the National Encampment in Minnesota in 1891. The following June he was elected without opposition to the post of Commander of all Camps in New York State. During his term of office, the State organization reached a membership never before attained and at the National Encampment of 1893, the Gold Cross of the Order was conferred upon him for mertiorious service. Uniting with the Presbyterian Church of Dansville February 4, 1877 his membership continued for 71 years until his death, one of the longest periods of any living member. For a time he was active as a teacher in the Church Sunday School, and in April, 1929, he was installed an Elder. In September, 1899, he was united in marriage to Katherine Angell Hall, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Francis G. Hall of Dansville, who passed away November 6, 1946. Mr. Oberdorf is now survived by their two daughters, Susannah Hall Oberdorf, who is now Mrs. Hobart R. Avery of Batavia, and Nancy Angell Oberdorf, who is now Mrs. Raymond F. Beckwith of Rutherford, New Jersey, Other survivors are three grandchildren, Rodney and Peter Beckwith, and Katherine Linda Avery. A conscientious and industrious worker, Mr. Oberdorf carved for himself a worthy place among the prominent citizens of this village.
  Person ID	I13418	OurNorthernRoots
  Last Modified	14 Nov 2020

  
  

  Father	Peter John Oberdorf,   b. 1828   d. 1906, Monroe Co., New York, USA (Age 78 years)
  Mother	Susannah B. Hamsher,   b. 27 Oct 1828, Sparta, Livingston Co., New York, USA d. 16 Jan 1907, Dansville, North Dansville, Livingston Co., New York, USA (Age 78 years)
  Family ID	F3698	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	Katherine Hall
  Family ID	F3749	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Event Map		Birth - 12 Jan 1861 - Dansville, North Dansville, Livingston Co., New York, USA Death - 11 Jun 1948 - Dansville, North Dansville, Livingston Co., New York, USA Burial - - Greenmount Cemetery, North Dansville, Livingston Co., New York, USA  = Link to Google Earth
  Pin Legend	: Address       : Location       : City/Town       : County/Shire       : State/Province       : Country       : Not Set