Few men are better known in Nelliston than Albert Sitterly, the former cashier of the Fort Plain National Bank, now retired. Born in Mohawk, Montgomery county, in October of 1863, he is the son of John Jacob and Catherine Ann (Wick) Sitterly, natives of Stone Arabia. After farming for a number of years the father retired from active life because of his failing health and made his home in Nelliston until his death in November, 1867. He was survived by his wife and two children, the former passing away in November of 1901. Albert Sitterly was the youngest of a family of three children. The oldest, Nancy C., died at the age of twelve in 1863, the year her brother Albert was born. Alice, who married S. H. Gage, is still living. Mr. Gage passed away October 8, 1916. Their only child, Emma, died July 3, 1880, at the age of two.
Albert Sitterly has spent the greater part of his life in Nelliston and the neighboring village, Fort Plain, where he was educated, attending the Nelliston public schools and the Clinton Liberal Institute in the latter place. His first business experience was acquired in a local grocery store, where he worked for two years after leaving school and following that he spent seven years as assistant postmaster in Fort Plain. Not satisfied with the opportunities for advancement offered him in this civil service position, the young man determined to enter the financial field, where he saw more possibilities of ultimate advancement. On the 15th of May, 1893, he entered the employ of the Fort Plain National Bank as a discount clerk and from that time until his retirement thirty years later he progressed steadily in the banking world. In 1903 he became cashier of the bank, the position that he was holding in December of 1923, when he presented his resignation to the board of directors and retired to enjoy the fruits of his labors. Three decades of work in the Fort Plain Bank have served to make Mr. Sitterly a well known figure in the banking circles of the Mohawk valley, while his promotions leading to the responsible position of cashier are in themselves an eloquent testimony of his ability and the satisfaction he has given the management of the institution he has so long served. He is greatly missed by the patrons of the bank, who were accustomed to consult him regarding financial matters, and needless to say, many of his friends and business acquaintances still seek his advice before taking any important step along such lines.
Mr. Sitterly is not married. He makes his home on East Main street, Nelliston, and participates in the social and organization life of both Nelliston and Fort Plain. As a Mason he is identified with Fort Plain Lodge, No. 433, F. & A. M., and Canajoharie Chapter, R. A. M., and he also belongs to the Fort Plain Club. His political affiliations are with the democratic party and he has always loyally upheld the principles of democracy at the polls.