Gazlay Family History
 

Family HistoryFamily History - Milford Burdett Blair


Key:1.“+” before a child’s name indicates the child has their own entry in the next generation.
 2.“born xxxx” indicates the child is under 18 years of age so the birth date is not shown.
This family history features Milford Burdett Blair and 10 of his descendants down to the fifth generation.


First Generation
1. Milford Burdett Blair,1 born ____ (parents not determined). Milford married Flora Munger Gruman1 (born ____, parents not determined).

Child of Milford Burdett Blair and Flora Munger Gruman:

+2i. Edith Blair, born 29 July 1890 in Clinton, Oneida County, New York; died 1966. Married Silas Howard Gazlay.

  1. Gazlay History, compiled by Margaret Howe in 1955-1956 (copy available at Gazlay Family History - Sources). Margaret Howe indicated that the document is “based on material my mother Inez L. Gazlay collected, but never lived to edit. Her material has just been copied and explains the more extensive material on generation V and VI. Other information has been added which I found from numerous sources.” Unpublished, 29 pages. Several differences in dates have been found between this document and others, especially A Genealogy of the Leavenworth Family; the latter is considered the more accurate source.
Second Generation
2. Edith Blair2 (Milford1), born 29 July 1890 in Clinton, Oneida County, New York;1, 2 died 1966.1 Edith married, 17 August 1916 in Clinton, Oneida County, New York, Silas Howard Gazlay2 (born 16 September 1893 in Hamilton, Madison County, New York, the son of Judah Hart Gazlay and Maria Elizabeth Gustin;2, 3, 4 Silas died 9 March 1962 in Hamilton, Madison County, New York4, 5). Edith and Silas are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Hamilton, Madison County, New York.1, 4

Silas Howard Gazlay, the youngest child of Judah and Marie Gazlay, was born in Hamilton Sept. 16, 1893. He was named for Silas and Howard Matterson.

His average weight was 155 lbs., height 5 ft. 11 1/2 in., hazel eyes, black hair. He was educated in Hamilton, and most of his life was a clerk. He was baptized by Rev. D. H. Clare, May 24, 1908, and joined the Hamilton Baptist Church where he has been active all his life.

At Clinton, N. Y., August 17, 1916, he married Edith Blair. Her parents were Milford Burdett Blair and Flora Munger Gruman Blair. Edith Blair was born July 29, 1890, in Clinton, N. Y. Howard was 23 and Edith 26 at the time of their marriage. The following is a description of their wedding:

Surrounded by the immediate relatives of the contracting parties Miss Edith Blair, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Milford Blair of Clinton, N. Y. became the bride of Silas Howard Gazlay in one of the season’s prettiest weddings, at the home of the bride’s parents at high noon last Thursday. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Frank N. Churchill, pastor of the Methodist Church, the Methodist ring service being used.

The bride is a charming young woman who was born in Clinton and has always resided there. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Milford B. Blair and has a host of friends in the social and business circles, having served efficiently as chief operator at the local telephone exchange, and as a clerk in the Utica office. She received a large and choice collection of beautiful and useful gifts in a number of prenuptial showers which were given her during the past few weeks. The groom is a popular young man, and the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Gazlay of Hamilton. He holds a responsible position in Syracuse. After a brief wedding trip they will make their home at 823 Westcott St., Syracuse.

They lived one year in Syracuse and then moved to Hamilton. They have three children. Howard is very active in the Masonic Order, and an ardent stamp collector.2


Children of Edith Blair and Silas Howard Gazlay:

+3i. Gertrude Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Gazlay, born 23 April 1919 in Hamilton, Madison County, New York; died 28 May 2006. Married (1) Joseph Anthony Brancaccio Married (2) Charles Burton Sperry.
+4ii. Robert Blair Gazlay, born 17 April 1921 in Hamilton, Madison County, New York; died 1986. Married Jane E. Hyatt.
+5iii. Darold Keith Gazlay, born 2 October 1922 in Hamilton, Madison County, New York; died 4 October 2003. Married (1) Carol Mary Belloise Married (2) Eleanor Ruth Hay.

  1. Find a Grave (website). Woodlawn Cemetery, Hamilton, Madison County, New York, Edith B. Gazlay, born: 1889; died: 1966 [from record, which indicates: Wf of S. Howard].
  2. Gazlay History, compiled by Margaret Howe in 1955-1956 (copy available at Gazlay Family History - Sources). Margaret Howe indicated that the document is “based on material my mother Inez L. Gazlay collected, but never lived to edit. Her material has just been copied and explains the more extensive material on generation V and VI. Other information has been added which I found from numerous sources.” Unpublished, 29 pages. Several differences in dates have been found between this document and others, especially A Genealogy of the Leavenworth Family; the latter is considered the more accurate source.
  3. Draft Registration Card, World War I, Silas Howard Gazlay, No. 19; born: 16 September 1893 in Hamilton, N.Y.
  4. Find a Grave (website). Woodlawn Cemetery, Hamilton, Madison County, New York, S. Howard Gazlay, born: 1893; died: 1962 [from record, which indicates: Husb of Edith].
  5. New York, State Health Department, Genealogical Research Death Index, 1957-1963; Silas H. Gazlay, died: 9 March 1962 in Hamilton, Madison [County], New York, age 68.
Third Generation
3. Gertrude Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Gazlay3 (Edith,2 Milford1), born 23 April 1919 in Hamilton, Madison County, New York;1, 2 died 28 May 2006.1 Betty married, first, 2 September 1944 in New York, New York, Joseph Anthony Brancaccio2, 4 (born 12 April 1902 in Irvington, Westchester County, New York, parents not determined;1, 3, 4 Joseph died 24 March 1986 in Pinellas County, Florida1, 3, 4, 5). Betty married, second, 22 December 1989 in Pinellas County, Florida, Charles Burton Sperry9 (born 26 June 1908, parents not determined;6, 7, 8 Charles died 21 June 1992 in Pinellas County, Florida6, 7, 8). Betty is buried in Dearborn Cemetery, Dearborn, Oneida County, New York.1 Joseph is buried in Dearborn Cemetery, Dearborn, Oneida County, New York.1 Charles is buried in Grandview Cemetery, Whitesboro, Oneida County, New York.6

Gertrude E. was born in Hamilton, N. Y., April 23, 1919. She was named by her mother for her two sisters Gertrude and Elizabeth Blair. At ten months she weighed 17 1/2 lbs., has brown hair and blue eyes, and was rather quiet like her father. She worked for several years in a Nursery School and at present [1950s] is a nurse at Grasslands Hospital, East View, N. Y., and lives in Ossining, N. Y.2


Children of Gertrude Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Gazlay and Joseph Anthony Brancaccio:

 6i. Keith Joseph Brancaccio, born 28 May 1945.2
 7ii. Vincent Howard Brancaccio, born 12 July 1946.2
 8iii. Jo Ann Brancaccio, born 12 September 1955.2
 9iv. Jane Brancaccio, born 18 April 1957.2

4. Robert Blair Gazlay3 (Edith,2 Milford1), born 17 April 1921 in Hamilton, Madison County, New York;2, 10 died 1986.10 Robert married, 20 April 1946, Jane E. Hyatt2 (born 31 December 1920 in Cazenovia, Madison County, New York, the daughter of Hobbie E. Hyatt and Grayce H. Smith;11 Jane died 20 December 199612). Robert is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Hamilton, Madison County, New York.10

Robert B. was born April 17, 1921, at 8 John St., Hamilton, N. Y. He weighed 9 1/2 lbs., named by his mother, has brown hair, blue eyes and is described as an affectionate child with good disposition. He served in World War II for three years, most of the time overseas. He is at present [1950s] traveling for Morrell Meat Packing Company and lives in North Syracuse, New York.2


Child of Robert Blair Gazlay and Jane E. Hyatt:

+10i. Alan Robert Gazlay, born 24 January 1955. Married Peggy Smith.

5. Darold Keith Gazlay3 (Edith,2 Milford1), born 2 October 1922 in Hamilton, Madison County, New York;2, 13, 14 died 4 October 2003.13, 14 Darold married, first, 16 May 1953 in Tarrytown, Westchester County, New York, Carol Mary Belloise2, 17 (born 24 December 1932 in Dobbs Ferry, Westchester County, New York, the daughter of Dominic Belloise and Frances Rutiglan;15, 16 Carol died 11 March 199915). Darold married, second, 1964, Eleanor Ruth Hay2 (born 13 December 1922 in New Jersey, the daughter of George Hay and Ruth Larrabee;18, 19, 20, 21 Eleanor died 9 April 199418, 19). Darold is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Hamilton, Madison County, New York.13 Eleanor is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Hamilton, Madison County, New York.18

Darold K. was born 18 Bluff St., Hamilton, N. Y., Oct. 2, 1922, weighed 9 lbs., has very dark blue eyes, and brown hair, named for his mother’s Uncle Buster. At six months he was a very happy disposition, and weighed 16 1/2 lbs. He looks more like the Gazlays and has worked most of the time in a grocery store. At present [1950s] he is living in Ossining, N. Y.2


  1. BillionGraves (website). Dearborn Cemetery, Dearborn, Oneida County, New York, Joseph A. Brancaccio / Apr. 12, 1902 - Mar. 24, 1986 / G. Elizabeth Brancaccio / Apr. 23, 1919 - May 28, 2006 [from gravestone].
  2. Gazlay History, compiled by Margaret Howe in 1955-1956 (copy available at Gazlay Family History - Sources). Margaret Howe indicated that the document is “based on material my mother Inez L. Gazlay collected, but never lived to edit. Her material has just been copied and explains the more extensive material on generation V and VI. Other information has been added which I found from numerous sources.” Unpublished, 29 pages. Several differences in dates have been found between this document and others, especially A Genealogy of the Leavenworth Family; the latter is considered the more accurate source.
  3. Social Security Death Index (SSDI), Rootsweb (website). Joseph Brancaccio, no. 080-10-3366; died: March 1986; born: 12 April 1902; last place of residence: Pinellas [County], Florida.
  4. Obituary, The Observer-Dispatch, Utica, New York; 26 March 1986, Joseph A. Brancaccio, born in Irvington, New York; died 24 March 1986 in Florida. The article provides vital and biographical details and the name of his wife, children, and their spouses.
  5. Florida Death Index 1877-1998; available at Ancestry.com and familysearch.org, Brancaccio, Joseph B., died: 24 March 1986 in Pinellas [County], Florida, age 83.
  6. Find a Grave (website). Grandview Cemetery, Whitesboro, Oneida County, New York, Charles B. Sperry: Charles B. Sperry / 1908-1992 [from grave marker].
  7. Social Security Death Index (SSDI), Rootsweb (website). Sperry, Charles B., no. 118-10-5165; died: 21 June 1992; born: 26 June 1908; last place of residence: Oneida [County], New York.
  8. Florida Death Index 1877-1998; available at Ancestry.com and familysearch.org, Sperry, Charles B., died: 21 June 1992 in Pinellas [County], Florida, age 83.
  9. Florida Marriage Collection, 1822-1875 and 1927-2001, Charles B. Sperry and G. Elizabeth Brancaccio, married on 22 December 1989 in Pinellas [County], Florida, Cert# 136342.
  10. Find a Grave (website). Woodlawn Cemetery, Hamilton, Madison County, New York, Robert B. Gazlay, born: 1921; died: 1986 [from record, which indicates: Son of S. Howard & Edith, WW II Vet].
  11. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), Social Security Applications, Jane Hyatt Gazlay, born: 31 December 1920 in Cazenovia, New York; father: Hobbie E. Hyatt; mother: Grayce H. Smith.
  12. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), Death Files, Jane H. Gazlay, died: 20 December 1996; born: 31 December 1920; residence zip code: 13212 [Syracuse, New York].
  13. Find a Grave (website). Woodlawn Cemetery, Hamilton, Madison County, New York, Darold K. Gazlay, born: 1922; died: 2003 [from record, which indicates: son of S. Howard & Edith, husb of Eleanor].
  14. Social Security Death Index (SSDI), Rootsweb (website). Gazlay, Darold K., no. 067-18-5384; died: 4 October 2003; born: 2 October 1922; last place of residence: Cochise [County], Arizona.
  15. Social Security Death Index (SSDI), Family Search (website), Carol Belloise, died: 11 March 1999; born: 24 December 1932; last place of residence: Westchester County, New York.
  16. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), Social Security Applications, Carol Mary Gazlay, born: 24 December 1932 in Dobbs Ferry, New York; other name: Carol Mary Belloise; father: Dominic Belloise; mother: Frances Rutiglan.
  17. Marriage Announcement, The Daily News, Tarrytown, New York, 22 May 1953, marriage of Carol Belloise and Darold Gazlay on 16 May 1953 in Tarrytown, New York. The article provides the names of their parents, members of the wedding party, and other attendees.
  18. Find a Grave (website). Woodlawn Cemetery, Hamilton, Madison County, New York, Eleanor H. Gazlay, born: 1922; died: 1994 [from record, which indicates: Wf of Darold].
  19. Social Security Death Index (SSDI), Rootsweb (website). Gazlay, Eleanor H., no. 067-18-8935; died: 9 April 1994; born: 13 December 1922; last place of residence: Cochise [County], Arizona.
  20. U.S. Federal Census, 1930, New York, Madison County, Cazenovia, Enumeration District 27-5, Sheet No. 4A, family of Geo. W. Hay (30, New York, mechanic, auto, first married age 21); wife Ruth Hay (28, New York, first married age 19); daughter Eleanor Hay (7, New Jersey); daughter Jeanette Hay (1 2/12, New York).
  21. U.S. Federal Census, 1940, New York, Madison County, Cazenovia, Enumeration District 27-6, Sheet No. 2B, family of George Hay (40, New York, oil burner salesman); wife Ruth Hay (38, New York, baker, own home); daughter Eleanor Hay (17, New Jersey); daughter Janette Hay (11, New York).
Fourth and Fifth Generations
10. Alan Robert Gazlay4 (Robert,3 Edith,2 Milford1), born 24 January 1955.1 Alan married Peggy Smith1 (born ____, parents not determined).

Child of Alan Robert Gazlay and Peggy Smith:

 11i. Robert Paul Gazlay, born 16 January 1979.2

  1. Gazlay History, compiled by Margaret Howe in 1955-1956 (copy available at Gazlay Family History - Sources). Margaret Howe indicated that the document is “based on material my mother Inez L. Gazlay collected, but never lived to edit. Her material has just been copied and explains the more extensive material on generation V and VI. Other information has been added which I found from numerous sources.” Unpublished, 29 pages. Several differences in dates have been found between this document and others, especially A Genealogy of the Leavenworth Family; the latter is considered the more accurate source.
  2. This is publicly viewable information found in various public information repositories, people finding websites, and/or social media.