IN MEMORIAM:  Niles Eggleston, 99;

Milford Benefactor, Historian, Author

MILFORD CENTER – Niles Ward Eggleston 99, a community benefactor, local history enthusiast and author of “Eva Coo Murderess,” passed away Tuesday Nov. 3, 2015, at his residence in Milford Center.

He was born at home on Eggleston Hill in the Town of Middlefield on May 27, 1916, the first of eight children born to J. Ward and Maria (Osborn) Eggleston. He graduated from Milford High School in 1935. On June 9, 1943, he married his wife of 52 years, “the prettiest girl in the school,” Georgia Anna Pelton.

In 1937, he established a mail order business, Eggleston Enterprize, in Milford to supply contest information, supplies and newsletters to contestants. At first, it was a part-time venture while he continued to work on the family farm and sell farm produce to area stores. By the early 1950s it was a full-time business with several employees.

He retired in 1982 to enjoy traveling and to devote more time to gardening, photography, writing and his favorite hobby of all, fishing.

We was an active member of the Milford community, proud of his heritage and the rural community he loved. One of his passions was his interest in preserving the history of the Milford area. He was instrumental in the establishment and support of the current Greater Milford Historical Association organized in 1971. He and his seven siblings donated the former residence of their grandmother to the community, which would become Milford’s first historical museum, the David Sayre Store & House. 

During his lifetime, he received numerous awards for his many contributions to the community. He was a lifelong and active member of the Milford United Methodist Church where he served many years as a trustee and yreasurer.

He was a founding member and a past president of the International Rotary Club in Milford, where he was active for over 50 years. Along with Delores Petersen and Harold Edson, he helped found the Milford Little League. He was also a past secretary of the Milford Free Library and a treasurer of the Milford Boy Scouts.

After retirement, he wrote his memoirs of growing up during the Great Depression with the help of diaries he had kept from 1932 to 1949. This book, “It’s So Peaceful in the Country,” was written for the members of his family but, because of its historical value, copies are also available at the Milford Central School library, Milford Historical Association library and the NYSHA library.

Niles had over 15O articles published in The Conservationist, Fur-Fish-Game, Rodale’s Organic Gardening, Executive Detective magazine and Reminisce magazine.

In 1997, his book, “Eva Coo Murderess,” was published, and on June 12, 2009, performed as a play written by local Milford graduate and New York City playwright Isaac Rathbone. Six performances of the play were performed at Milford’s Susquehanna Cultural Center and the final three performances at the Otsego County Courthouse in Cooperstown where the actual trial had taken place in 1934. The book is now in its second printing.

Niles was predeceased by his parents, his wife Georgia, a sister Genevieve, brothers Groff, Osbom,and Gordon, and his son-in-law Richard Young.

He is survived by his brothers Seymour of Webster and James of Harpursville, and sister Marian Brennan of Tucson, Ariz. He leaves his daughters, Joan Young of Milford Center and Marjorie (Larry) Preston of Milford, sons Stanley (Marjorie) of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Gary (Barbara) of Milford. He also leaves seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and special friend Gary Woodrow.

His family extends their heartfelt gratitude to his caregivers who have devoted their skills and affection to extending his last several years with us.

Funeral services will be at 12 noon Monday, Nov. 9, Milford United Methodist Church, with Stephen D. Fournier pastor of the Milford Center Community Bible Church, and Rev. Sylvia Barrett, pastor of the Milford United Methodist Church, co-officiating. The family will be present until the time of the service to receive friends. Burial will follow in the Milford Cemetery.

Donations in Niles’ memory may be made to The Greater Milford Historical Association, Box 142, Milford, NY 13807or The Milford United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, Box 127, Milford, NY 13807.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Tillapaugh Funeral Service Cooperstown.