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Village Residents Find Wills Of Original Falconer Family

Pictured, from left, are Betty Palmer, Falconer Public Library clerk; Joe Dispenza, Falconer resident; Sue Seamans, Falconer Public Library director; and Brenda Cavallaro, Falconer historian. Photo submitted by Laurie Becker

FALCONER — Imagine finding a significant piece of history right in your own home — one that dates back well over 100 years.

That was the experience of Joe and DeEtte Dispenza, a Falconer couple who recently stumbled across the wills and testaments of the original Falconer family; specifically, Patrick Falconer, along with his son, William T., and granddaughter, Ethel.

“My dad, who used to own our house (on West Everett Street) had passed away, and I knew he had a little strongbox upstairs,” said Joe Dispenza. “Inside, there was a title search for the home, and only recently did I read through it and discover the last wills and testaments of the Falconers. It was really quite surprising.”

Indeed, Patrick’s father, Robert, is believed to have purchased the land — now known as the village of Falconer — from Edward Work, back in 1836.

The documents found in the Dispenza’s home date back to 1881.

“I don’t know how in the world (these documents) ever got in with the title searches for this property,” Dispenza said. “They don’t even pertain to the house, they pertain to the whole village of Falconer.”

Brenda Cavallaro, Falconer historian, said it’s unclear whether joining property documents with wills used to be a common practice back in the day. Researching this, she said, is part of the thrill.

“To a historian, it’s really quite fascinating,” she said. “Anything like this that involves our founding families is really significant. It’s like adding another piece to the whole puzzle of what things were like back then.”

Dispenza said he immediately brought the documents to the attention of Sue Seamans, Falconer Public Library director, who in turn, informed Cavallaro. Both agreed the documents were never before seen and an incredible find.

Initially kept in the village safe, the documents are now being examined by Cavallaro. She said copies will be prepared and made public at the Historian’s Office above the Falconer Public Library.

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