Aleck Hollister, born April 9, 1884, and Harriet B. Merriman, born June 1, 1882, lived in adjoining counties, Genesee and Orleans, in western New York state, about fifty miles east of Buffalo. Their families were friends for years. They were married on June 14, 1907

When Aleck was attending High School in Albion, N.Y. he roomed in a Veterinarian's home and became interested in becoming a Veterinarian. His whole family was fond of animals so it seemed that it would be a good occupation for him. After finishing H.S. he also graduated from McKillips Veterinary College in Chicago. Upon graduation he learned of an opening in Durand, Il. and made arrangements to start a practice but was called home because his parent's farm home was destroyed by fire.

When things settled down in 1907 he learned of a need for a veterinarian in Clinton. He brought his young wife to Clinton to establish a practice. Having meager funds they found living quarters above the Glen Crabtree livery stable. It was here that in 1908 Dr. Thomas delivered a bouncing baby girl to the couple, who was named Frances Angeline, by her father. The family lived in the apartment until they moved to the house on the northwest corner of Cross and Durand Streets. and lived there for four years. There was a barn to house his white horse (Fancy) which had been shipped from N.Y. state and then he bought a gray horse (Nellie) to make up a team.

Being the only veterinarian, he was on call 24 hours a day, driving many miles at a time. Often he would have a friend ride with him so he could have help with the driving as he became so tired on a long trip.

In 1912 the family moved to the southeast corner of Cross and Durand Streets. An office was converted from a parlor and an entrance porch was constructed to the east. The barn (now standing) held four horses, a buggy, a cutter, and later a Ford car was purchased for use in the summer time only. This was the family home for 10 years when they moved to 311 Durand St.

Aleck was a civic minded man and was a member of the fire department from 1908 until his death. He was also a member of the village board when the streets were being improved. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. Being a very caring man he was always ready to help needy families and was in a position to know where these people were.

Dr. James Welch came to town in the late 40's and Aleck's work was relieved somewhat. Aleck died "with his boots on” in 1953.

Harriet, as a young girl, was a seamstress in Rochester, N.Y. in a lady's tailoring shop where she learned the fine art of tailoring. That training was soon interrupted when she was called home by the illness of two of her brothers who died of Typhoid fever.

After she married Alex on June 14, 1907, and moved to Clinton she became involved in her husband's practice and was a right-hand helper, taking telephone calls and keeping the books. She was kept busy so could not become involved in anything but her church work which she was very dedicated to. She was treasurer of the Ladies Aid of the Presbyterian Church for several years and served one term on the Session. She died in 1969 after leading a full and useful life.

Frances was educated in the Clinton School system. The night she graduated from High School in 1926, she was offered a job as a secretary in the High School office. She worked there for four years, also working during the summer months in the old State Bank, with Andrew Tillotson, Jay Greene, and Margaret Harrison. She was offered a full-time job at the bank and worked there until March 1933, after which the Citizens and State banks merged.

In 1934 she went into the post office as Edwin Foley's assistant. During his tenure, the post office was moved from the Ford garage building to the SW corner of Front and Allen Streets. in the Citizens Bank building.

Frances was appointed postmaster in 1943 and held that position until she retired in 1956. Wanting to keep busy she returned to the bank and worked there until her retirement in 1973. She made her home at 312A Allen St. and remained active in the Presbyterian Church. She had the distinction of having sung in the choir for over 60 years.