Revonah Park Residence of A. J. D. Wedemeyer, Liberty, N.Y.
This vintage postcard was published by renowned photographer Otto Hillig of Liberty, New York. It was manufactured in Germany. It was never mailed.
“ARNOLD J. D. WEDEMEYER HAD MANY INTERESTS IN LIBERTY. One of Organizers of Sullivan County National Bank – Had Interesting Career.
Arnold J. D. Wedemeyer, M. A., died on Tuesday afternoon, at his home on Revonah hill, from stomach trouble, aged 75 years and nine days.
He was born the 17th of February, 1841, in Drangstedt, Hanover, Germany. The family seat however, was located in the ancient city of Hildsheim, which claims to have been founded by Charlemagne. Mr. Wedemeyer’s ancestors were for generations in the military service of the House of Hanover (Guelphs) and during the reign of the Georges in England, his great-grandfather was colonel of a regiment of Scotch Highlanders. Some of the Wedemeyer family were prominent clergymen and were among the first who adopted the Evangelical (Lutheran) form of worship in the churches of Hanover after the Reformation. When he was five years old his father died. When 14 years of age he was induced by relatives, who lived in Augusta, GA., to emigrate to this country. His first employment was as a clerk in a store. While so engaged he also studied the English language. When the war of the Rebellion broke out in 1861 Mr. Wedemeyer belonged to an Augusta fire company which enlisted as soldiers, but which did not go to the front until 1863, when his company became part of the 13th Georgia Regt. with Gen. Lee’s army in Virginia. Before reaching Gettysburg, he was wounded and did not take part in that battle.
After the war Mr. Wedemeyer returned to Germany and studied for a time. In 1866 he came back to this country, and engaged in the wholesale mercantile business, in New York City.
In 1870 he married Miss Mathilde Dietrich, of French parentage. A son and daughter were born to them, Edward and Adelaide. In 1888 his wife died, after which he gave up business in the city, and came to this village. In 1890 he married Mrs. Anna Stegman who survives him.
Mr. Wedemeyer has been an enterprising citizen, and has done much to benefit this village. He was the principal mover in organizing the Sullivan County National Bank, also in organizing and establishing the Lutheran church. Hew has always been a large real estate owner, and erected Music Hall, destroyed in 1913, and many other buildings in this village. Wedemeyer Terrace was his creation. Of late years he has been interested in developing the Revonah Lake property, until he had a village of his own, including a chapel built by him. He has always been interested in introducing better farming methods. He was instrumental in organizing the Farm and Garden Club, of which he was president for many years.
He was president of the Luther Statue Association of Washington, D.C.; life member of the New York Historical Society; Fellow of the American Geographical Society of New York, and of the National Geographical Society of Washington; life member of the Evangelical Alliance; trustee of the Wartburg Orphan’s School of Mt. Vernon, N.Y., and sundry other organizations.
In recognition of his literary other work Wittenberg College of Springfield, Ohio, one of the largest institutions of learning in the state, conferred the degree of Master of Arts upon him.
He was an independent Democrat, but persistently declined office. In the death of Mr. Wedemeyer Liberty has lost one of its most progressive residents.
The funeral services were held at Revonah at two o’clock, Thursday afternoon.”
Source: “Arnold J. D. Wedemeyer Had Many Interests in Liberty.” Middletown Times-Press. February 26, 1916.
