Walter D. Ormiston

Walter D. Ormiston, one of Cuba's best known residents and the oldest Justice of the Peace in point of service in New york State, passed away last night at his home on Spring Street. He had been in ill health for the last three years but had been confined to his bed for a week.

Mr. Ormiston was born May 21, 1855, at Oswegatehle, St. Lawrence County. He came to Cuba in 1876 where he attended High School.  He also studied at Wesleyan Seminary, Gouverneur, N.Y.

In 1879 he entered the law firm of Loveridge and Swift, Cuba, and was admitted to the bar in 1882.  In that year he was elected Justice of the Peace, an office he held until June 1, 1936.

In June, 1882, he entered into an insurance partnership with F. C. Swift, which continued for ten years.  He then bought out Mr. Swift's interests and took as a partner Edson Keller.  This firm continued in business until 1920.  Earl V. Pettit, a step-son, then became a partner.

Mr. Ormiston was an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church for many years and a member of Cuba Lodge, No. 306, F and AM.

He is survived by his wife; a daughter, Mrs. Mabel Doty of Silver Creek; a granddaughter, Mrs. William J. Lavey; two brothers, George Ormiston of Hammond, N.Y., and James Ormiston of Cuba, and four great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be conducted at two o'clock Friday afternoon at the home, the Rev. Robert Puraley, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, officiating.  Burial will be in Cuba Cemetery.

Friends are asked to omit flowers.

The Olean Times Herald, May 3, 1939, p. 5