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I.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
VOLUME XXXIII "3
CONTAINING LIFE SKETCHES OF LEADING CITIZENS OF
SCHENECTADY, SCHOHARIE
AND GREENE COUNTIES
NEW YORK
Who among men art thou, and thy years how many, good friend ? — XenuI'HANES
BOSTON
Biographical Review Publishing Company
1899
ATLANTIC STATES SERIES OF BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEWS.
The volumes issued in this series up to date are the following : —
I. Otsego Countv, New York.
II. Madison County, New York.
III. ISkoome County, New York.
IV. CoLU.Miii.\ CouNiv, Nkw York.
V. C".AYUG,\ County, New York.
VI. Delaware County, New York.
VII. Livingston and Wyoming Coi'nites,
New York.
Vlll. Clinton and Essex Couniies, New
York.
IX. Hami'den County, Massachusetts.
X. Franklin County, Massachusetts.
XI. Hampshire County, Ma.ssachuseits.
XII. Lnciii'TELD County, Connecticut.
XIII. York County, Maine.
XIV. Cumberland County, Maine.
XV. Oxford and Franklin Counties,
Maine.
XVI. Cumberland County, New Jersey.
XVII. Rockingham County, New Hampshire.
XVIII. Plymouth County, Massachusetts.
XIX. Camden and Burlington Counties,
New Jersey.
XX. Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, and
Waldo Counties, Maine.
XXI. Strafford and Belknap Counties,
New Hampshire.
XXII. Sullivan and Merrimai.k ("ounties,
New Hampshire.
XXI II. Hillsboro and Cheshire Counties,
New Hampshire.
XXIV. Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
XXV. Norfolk County, Ma.ssachuseits.
XXVI. New London County, Connecticut.
X.WII. MiiiDLEsEX County, Massachusetts.
.XXVIII. Essex County, Massachusetts.
XXIX. Somerset, Piscataquis, Hancock,
Washington, and Aroostook
Counties, Maine.
XXX. Worcester County, Massachusetts.
XXXI. Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
XXXII. Somerset and Bedford Counties,
Pe.nnsylvania.
X.X.XIIl. Sciienectady,Schoharie AND Greene
Counties, New York.
Note. — All the biographical sketches published in this volume were submitted to their respective subjects or to the sub-
scribers, from whom the facts were primarily obtained, for their approval or correction before going to press, and a reasonable
time was allowed in each case for the return of the typewritten copies. Most of them were returned to us within the time allotted,
or before the work was printed, after being corrected or revised ; and these may therefore be regarded as reasonably accurate.
A few, however, were not returned to us ; and, as we have no means of knowing whether they contain errors or not, we
cannot vouch for their accuracy. In justice to our readers, and to render this work more valuable for referenae purposes, we have
indicated all uncorrected sketches by a small asterisk (*), placed immediately after the name of the subject. They will be found
printed on the last pages of the book.
5-1^ 5 ts l; j^ j.^iH. CO.
. ^5.
J.
[i
PREFACE.
"0
NE generation passeth away, and another generation cometh "—an ancient
writer thus summarizes the unending story of the life of man on the earth.
Multitudes who came and went long, long ago left but scanty memorials of themselves
and of their work, and these exceedingly hard to get at, necessitating in our day on
the part of the heir of all the ages a new profession, requiring detective ardor and
I: skill — that of the archreologist. With the advance of the art of living has kept
pace both the study of the past and the writing of contemporary records, the present
generation being especially mindful of its obligations in this respect to posterity.
For one hundred and twenty-three years has the American republic kept with
open door the best and best-attended training school in the world for the develop-
ment of individuals, the result being an unrivalled body of intelligent, loyal, serviceable
citizens, builders and, if need be, defenders of their country.
The Biographical Review, of which the present issue, devoted to Schenectady,
Schoharie, and Greene Counties, New York, is the thirty-third in our Atlantic Series,
has for its object to preserve the life stories, with ancestral notes, of numerous repre-
sentatives of the American people of to-day, well known in their respective localities
men and women of action and of integrity, helpers in the world's work — to the end
that future generations may keep their memory green, may emulate their virtues,
profit by their experience, and haply, with increased advantages of learning and
resources, better their example.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW PUBLISHING COMPANY.
October, 1899.
AUSTIN A. VATES.
BIOSRAPHIGAL.
ON.' AUSTIN ANDREW
YATES, one of the lead-
ing attorneys of Schenectady,
served with the rank of Cap-
tain in the Civil War, and as
Major of the Second Battalion,
New York Infantry, was on
duty with his command in va-
rious camps during- the Spanish War, biit is
better known by the title of Judge, having
been elected to that office in 1873.
He was born in Schenectady on March
24, 1836, son of the Rev. John Austin and
Henrietta Maria (Cobb) Yates. The original
ancestor in America was Joseph Yates, an Eng-
lishman, who emigrated in 1664 and settled
in Albany. Christopher Yates, son of Joseph,
and the next in this line, had a son Joseph,
who was born in Albany, and settled in Glen-
ville, N.Y. , where he carried on a large plan-
tation bordering upon the river, and owned a
number of slaves.
Christopher Yates, second, son of Joseph,
second, and great-grandfather of the subject of
this sketch, was one of the well-to-do residents
of Schenectady in his day. While serving as
a Lieutenant in the Provincial army, he was
wounded at the siege of Ticonderoga in the
French War. He served as a Captain under
Sir William Johnson in the engagement at
Fort Niagara, and received from King George
III. a land grant of nine thousand acres. His
term of service as member of the first Provin-
cial Congress expired just six days prior to the
signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Entering the Continental army as a C(jloneI,
he served as Assistant Department Quarter-
master under General Philip Schuyler, and
participated in the battle of Saratoga. He
reared five sons, each of whom performed some
notable achievement. Joseph C. Yates, the
eldest son, was one of the founders of Union
College and Governor of New York, 1823-25;
John B. served as Colonel of a cavalry regi-
ment in the War of 181 2, was member of Con-
gress from Madison County, and built the
Welland Canal ; Henry was a State Senator
from Albany; Christopher was the founder of
St. George's Lodge, F. & A. M., Schenec-
tady; and Andrew, Judge Yates's grandfather,
known as the Rev. Andrew Yates, D. D., was
one of the first professors at Union College.
Dr. Yates was a man of superior intellectual
endowments, and was well versed in ancient
and modern languages, including Holland
Dutch. His professorship at L^ninn College
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
was productive of much benefit to that institu-
tion wliile in its infancy. His whole life was
one of useful activity. Laboring diligently to
increase the facilities for religious worship, lie
built thirteen churches, mostly missions of the
Reformed denomination, all of which are still
standing antl are in a flourishing condition.
He inherited considerable wealth from his
father's estate. l-'or his first wife he married
Mary Austin, who was of Knglish Puritan
stock, and was a relative of the founder of
Austin, Te.\'. Of this union there were two
sons — John Austin and Andrew i\ His sec-
ond wife, who was formerly a Miss Hooker, of
Hartford, Conn., became the mother of three
children — ^ Mary Austin, James, and Anna E.
Andrew Yates also reared John Uominis, who
became the consort of the Queen of the Sand-
wiih Islands. Dr. Yates died in 1844, and
his widow survived him some ten years.
The Rev. John Austin Yates, his eldest son,
was born within the precincts of Union Col-
lege, Schenectady, in 1801. After graduating
from that institution he spent some time in
Europe studying the modern languages, and
spoke French and German fluently. He was
afterward a tutor at Union College for some
years, or imtil called to the pastorate of a Re-
formed church in Jersey City. As a jjulpit
orator he acquired a wide reputation. The
memorable cholera epidemic of 1S49 numbered
him among its many victims; and his death,
which occurred in Schenectady on August 26
of that year, when he was but forty-eight years
old, was sincerely lamenteil in other localities
as well as the vicinity (jf Union College.
In 1829 he married Henrietta Maria Cobb,
an adopted daughter (jf his uncle. Colonel
John B. Yates. He was the father of five
children, namely: Henrietta Cobb, who died
in infancy; Mary Austin, who married John
Watkins, and died in Columbia, S. C. , in
1853, leaving a family, of whom John D.
and Grace .S. Watkins are now living; John
B. , second, who served as Colonel of the
First Michigan Engineers under General
Sherman tluring the Civil War, was later a
division engineer on the Erie Canal, and is
now in the government service at Grosse Point,
Mich. ; Austin A., the subject of this sketch;
and the late Captain Arthur Reed Yates,
United States Navy. Captain Yates was
graduated from the Naval Academy, Annapo-
lis, in 1857, and was thus senior to Schley and
Sampson. He was for .some time a naval at-
tache in Japan. He served upon Admiral
Farragut's staff during the Civil War, and re-
ceived that officer's hearty commendation in
recognition of his gallant conduct at fhe battle
of Mobile liay. He dietl at Portsmouth,
N. H., November 4, 1892, on the eve of ]Dro-
motion to the rank of Commodore. The
mother died in Alarch, 1842, aged thirty-one.
Austin Andrew Yates's birth took jilace
while his father was an instructor at Union
College, and he was the second representative
of the famil}' Ijorn within its limits. He at-
tended the public schools until entering the
Schenectady Lyceum for his preparatory
course, which was completed when he was but
thirteen years old; and in Sejitember, 1849, he
began his classical studies at Union. Leav-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
ing college in 1850, he spent two years in
Western Massachusetts, where he continued
his studies under the tutorship of David M.
Kimball, and, passing a successful examina-
tion for the Junior class, he completed the
course antl was graduated from Union College
in 1854. He read law in the ofifice of the late
Judge Potter, and was admitted to the bar in
1857, when twenty-one years old. During the
first few years of his practice he devoted a part
of his time to newspaper work, first as editor
of the Schenectady Daily Times and later of
the Evening Star.
Enlisting in Company H, One Hundred and
Thirty-fourth Regiment, New York Volun-
teers, during the Civil War, he was promoted
from the rank of Lieutenant to that of Cap-
tain. He was in the reserve force during the
battle of Fredericksburg, and at Chancellors-
ville he received such severe injury to his eyes
as to necessitate his discharge for disability.
Re-enlisting as Captain of Company F,
Fourteenth Regiment, United States Veteran
Reserve Corps, he participated in some en-
gagements near Washington, and on the occa-
sion of a sudden attack made by the enemy
under General Jubal A. Early, he assisted Pres-
ident Lincoln, who happened to be present,
from the field. In November, 1863, he was
sent with three companies to supi)ress a riot
among the miners in Carbon County, Pennsyl-
vania. Among the various official duties of
his command after the close of hostilities was
that of the execution of Mrs. Surratt and the
other conspirators, which is one of the most
unpleasant recollections of his military ser-
vice. He was brevetted Major in 1865, and
appointed Judge Advocate under Joseph Holt,
Judge Advocate General, and after his dis-
charge from the army in 1866 he resumed his
law practice in Schenectady.
Politically, Judge Yates is a Republican.
In 1867 he was unsuccessful as a candidate for
the Assembly, owing to a factional discord in
the party. He was elected District Attorney
in 1868, re-elected in 1871, and in 1873 was
elected Judge by a large majority. He was a
candidate for the State Senate in 1885, but
lacked ten votes of being elected. In 1887 he
was successful in his candidacy for the Assem-
bly, and was re-elected in 1S88. Upon the
expiration of his term as Judge he once more
returned to bis practice, and is now conducting
a profitable general law business.
On December 18, 1865, Judge Yates was
joined in marriage with Josephine de Vendell,
daughter of John I. Yates. They have one
daughter, Henrietta C.
In September, 1880, Judge Yates was com-
missioned Captain of the Thirty-sixth Separate
Company, National Guard, State of New York,
and later he was commander of the Fifteenth
Eattalion. In May, 1898, as Major of the
Second Battalion, New York Infantry, he led
his command to the field in the Spanish War,
and served in camps on this side of the water
at Hempstead, Lytic, Chickamauga, Tampa,
Fernandina, and Camp Harden. He retired
in October, having served through all the
camps and service which have been the cause
of such caustic criticism ; and, thou"h his regi-
ment lost thirty-one by death, he brought
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
lidme every one of liis four huiulied ami thirty-
six men al i\e.
Judge Yates was president of the National
Guard's Association in 1S90, and for a number
of years Commander of the local post of the
Grand Army of the Republic. He is a Master
Mason, as were many of his ancestors, includ-
ing his father, grandfather, and great-grand-
father.
NDRi:W J. (iUFFIN, M.D., a suc-
cessful jihysician of Carlisle, was born
in Grcenbush, Rensselaer County,
N.Y., June 6, 1846, son of John and Hannah
(Dings) Guffin. The Guffin family is of
Scotch-Irish antecedents, and was founded in
America b}' the Doctor's grandfather, Andrew
Gufifin, who was born in Newry, County Di)wn,
Ireland, in 1756.
Andicw Guffin emigrated to America when
a young man, settling first in Dutchess
County, New York. Later he moved to Scho-
dack, near Nassau, Rensselaer County, where
he resided luitil his death, whicli occurred in
1842. He was e.\lensivel\' engaged in farm-
ing, hi ])olitics he was a Whig, and his
religious affiliations were with the Dutch Re-
formed church. In 1 78 1 he married Hannah
Ostrom, who was born in Dutchess County,
New York, of German ancestry. .She died in
1835, '^^ the age of seventy-three. They were
the parents of fourteen chiltlren ; namely, ICliz-
abeth, Rebecca, Andrew (i., .Sarah, James,
John, Thomas, George, I\huy, Josiah, Henr\-,
Hannah, Elijah, and Jonas. Elijah became a
teacher in an asylum for deaf-mutes. All the
other sons were farmers.
John Guffin, the Doctor's father, followed
agriculture in Albany and Rensselaer Counties
successively until the last fifteen years of his
life, which he spent in retirement as a resident
of the city of All)any- He was very success-
ful financialh', owning a number of farms and
other real estate. In politics he was a Repub-
lican and in his religious belief Presbyterian.
He died in 1879, aged eighty years. His
wife li\ed to the age of about eighty-two.
She was the mother of four children, namely:
Emma, who is no longer living; Andrew [.,
the subject of this sketch; Charles W. , a clerk
in the American Express Office in New York
City; and John C. , who was formerly secretary
of the American Sewing Machine Company of
New York.
Andrew J. Guffin, having conii)leted his gen-
eral education at the Albany Classical Insti-
tute, enlisted for service in the Civil War; and
subsequent to his discharge he began the study
of medicine under the direction of Dr. J. R.
Iniulware, a leading physician of Alban\'. He
then took the regular course at the Albany Med-
ical College, where he was graduatetl in 1868.
After a year's experience as jjhysician at the
almshouse, he settled for practice in Nassau,
N.Y. , whence he went to Canaan Four Cor-
ners, and still later to New Canaan, Conn.,
from which place he lemoved to Clifton Lark,
Saratoga Count}-, N.Y. In 1897 lie came
to Carlisle, where he has already built up a
good practice.
Dr. Guffin is a member of the Schoharie
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
'3
County Medical Society. Politically, he is a
Republican, and is now serving as Health
Officer. A member of the Presbyterian
church, he was formerly president of the local
branch of Christian Endeavor Societ}', and is
now its treasurer.
Dr. Guffin married October 21, iS6g, Vira
Phillips, of Nassau, Rensselaer County,
N.Y. , daughter of John and Mary Phillips.
Of this union was born one child, a son, John
C. Mrs. Guffin departed this life in i8go.
John C. Guffin was graduated from the Cobles-
kill High School, and is now book-keeper at
William V. Downer's Life Insiu'ance Agency.
l^jKNWICK DIBPELL, general mer-
chant, Tannersville, Greene Count)*,
was born at Piatt Clove, in this
town, July 5, 1861. His parents were Har-
mon B. and PJeborah M. (Hummel 1) Dibbell,
his father a native of Colchester, Delaware
County, and his mother a native of Piatt Clove,
His grandfather, Amos Dibbell, who was a
native of Holland, settled in Delaware County,
New York, as a pioneer, and resided there
until 1834, when he went to Piatt Clove. He
was a millwright by trade, following that occu-
pation, a number of years, and his death oc-
curred at the age of eighty-four. His wife,
formerly Charlotte Williams, of Colchester,
died at eigbty-nine )'ears of age. They had
a family of ten children.
Harmon B. L^ii)bell learned the trade of
a millwright, which he followed at Piatt
Clove for a time, later moving to Kingston,
where he engaged in manufacturing. After-
ward he went to Elka Park, erecting there a
mill, which he conducted for the rest of his life.
In 1863 he raised Company E of the Fifteenth
Regiment, New York Volunteers, engineer
corps, and this company he commanded imtil
mustered out at the close of the war. He was
a Democrat in politics, acted as a Justice of
the Peace for some time, and was a prominent
man in the community. He died at the age of
seventy-one. His wife, Deborah, was a daugh-
ter of Jeremiah Hummell. Her father was a
farmer and an early settler of Piatt Clove,
where he resideil until his death, which oc-
curred when he was ninety years old. Har-
mon B. and Deborah M. Dibbell were the
parents of six children, three of whom arc liv-
ing— Egbert, Renwick, and George W. Dib-
bell. Egbert is now residing in South Dakota.
The mother still survives, and resides with her
son in Tannersville.
Renwick Dibbell came to Elka Park with his
parents when six years of age. He attended
the common schools, and assisted his father in
the lumber business until his father's death.
Forming a partnership with a<i Mr. Goslen, he
entered the contracting and building business
at I'^lka Park, erecting a number of cottages
there, also the Poggenberg Hotel, the Scho-
harie Mansion, and the Catherine Tower.
This structure is built of stone and is fifty feet
high. It is fourteen feet at the base, and has
stone steps on the inside leading to the top.
In 1888 Mr. Dibbell took up the profession of
a civil engineer, and did considerable survey-
ing in different parks, also laying out roads
14
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
and running farm lines. In 1895 the firm
purchased the store of C. F. Gray, one of the
largest mercantile establishments in town, in
which they carried a full stock of groceries,
boots, shoes, notions, and other merchandise.
This store was conducted in connection with
their contracting business until October 14,
1898, when the partnership was dissolved.
Since that time Mr. Dibbell has carried it on
alone. Mr. Dibbell has resided here since his
early boyhood, and takes an active interest in
local public affairs. Through his efforts a
jiost-office was established at Elka Park, and
he has been Postmaster there for the jiast five
years. He also succeeded in causing the ex-
tension of the telegraph and tele])hone lines to
Elka Park and Schoharie Mansion, he being
the owner of the telephone line. He has
control of the switch office for the Catskill
Mountain Telephone Company, and is local
agent of the Western Union Telegraph Com-
pany. Having a long distance telephone, they
can converse with New York, Boston, and
other cities. At the present time he devotes
his entire attention to his mercantile enter-
])rise, the telegrai^h and telephone agencies,
employing five assistants.
On October 17, 1883, Mr. Dibbell was
joined in marriage with Miss Alice Bishop, of
Hunter, daughter of Asa and Ann (Brown)
]?ishop. Her father spent most of his life as a
farmer in Ulster County. He died in West
Saugcrties. Mr. and Mrs. Dibbell liave four
children— P'lavius, Estella, Agnes, and Kl-
mira.
Mr. Dibi)ell is a Democrat in jiolitics. He
has served on town, county, and State commit-
tees, has been a delegate to a number of
comity ant! State conventions, and was Ta.\
Collector two terms. He is a member of the
Knights of Pythias, in which he has held a
number of the offices, and belongs to the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He and Mrs.
Dibbell are members of the Methodist Episco-
pal church.
(5 1 HOMAS R. POTTER, a prosperous
q)\ farmer of Glen\ille, .Schenectady
County, N. Y. , was born in this town, Decem-
ber 2, 1837, son of Johnson and Susan M.
(Romeyn) Potter. His parents were born in
.Saratoga County, the father in Galway, June
25, 1803, and the mother in Clifton Park,
July I, 1807. The paternal grandfather was
Simeon Potter, who came to Glenville about
tiie year 1S09, and settled upim a farm in tiie
north-west part of the township, where he re-
sided for the rest of his life. His funeral
w-as the first one held in the Glenville Re-
formed church. The maiden name of his wife
was Phcebe A. Beach.
Johnson Potter, the father, came with his
parents to Glenville when si.x )-ears old, and
was reared to agricultural pursuits. He became
one of the stirring men of his day, and owned
a farm of one hundred and forty- eight acres,
which is now occupied by his son, .Spencer .S.
Potter. He served as a Trustee of the town
and as Commissioner of Highways. In ]ioli-
tics he supported the Democratic party. John-
son and .Susan M. Potter were the parents of
G. i\. FKISBIE.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
17
seven children, all of whom grew to maturity,
and four are living, namely: Jedcdiah D., a
resident of Chicago; Thomas R., the subject
of this sketch; Spencer S. , who resides at the
homestead, as above mentioned; and J. Antoi-
nette, wife of William H. Hollinbeck, of
Hoffman's Ferry. The others were: Phcebe
Ann, Harriet N., and Fannie E. The father
died July 5, 1891, surviving the mother, who
died January 20, 1885.
Thomas R. Potter acquired a district-school
education. Like his ancestors he has followed
agriculture with success, for many years culti-
vating a farm of one hundred and twenty-six
acres.
Mr. Potter contracted the first of his two
marriages January 6, 1S61, with Jane Ann Van
Wormer, who died Jime 9, 1893, leaving two
children — Frank and Eliza J. Frank, who is
in the insurance business, married Nellie 1".
Bennett, of Lansingburg, Rensselaer Count}',
and has four children — Lelia B., Jennie E.,
Thomas R., and Henry ]?. Eliza J. is the
wife of Elmer W. Kelderhouse, of Hoffmans,
and has one daughter, Hazel L. On January
26, 1898, Mr. Potter married for his second
wife Mrs. Effie C. Van Wormer, daughter of
Abram S. and Bernetta M. (Dunham) Eode-
wick and widow of Oscar V^an Wormer. Her
father was a native of Schodack, Rensselaer
County, and her mother of Lexington, N.Y.
Mrs. Potter had four children by her first
marriage, namely: Nancy B., Bessie R. , and
l?lanche L. Van Wormer, who are living; and
Jennie Inez, deceased.
Politically, Mr. Potter is a Democrat, and
served with ability as Supervisor five years.
He belongs io Touareuna Lodge, No. 35,
I. O. O. F. , and he and Mrs. Potter are mem-
bers of Gold Medal Lodge, No. 554, Patrons
of Industry.
/^TrANDISON N. FRISHIE, of Mid-
V|^J_ dleburg, N.Y., president of the
Middleburg & Schoharie Railroad and an ex-
tensive dealer in real estate, is a native of
Roxbury, Delaware County, this State, born
on May 24, 1831, son of William and Marilia
(Norton) Frisbie. He received a common-
school education, and at seventeen years of
age was apprenticed to learn the harness-
maker's trade of his brother at J''ultunham.
Three years later he became equal partner.
Subsequently he bought out the business and
conducted it alone for some time. In 1854 he
began the manufacture of harnesses in Middle-
burg, and, being . the only person engaged
here in that line of industry, met with great
success, and did a most profitable business.
In 1S67 he purchased a half-interest in the
general store of Charles Earles ; and some
years later he bought a half-interest in the
firm of W. G. Lounsbury & Co., in the hard-
ware trade. Subsequently his two sons,
Daniel D. ami George D., were taken into
partnership; and in time the entire manage-
ment of the business passed into their hands,
Mr. Frisbie himself giving his attention to
real estate and insurance, which have since
been his princi])al lines of activity. He has
managed large real estate transactions, and has
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
built a !uimber of fine iioiiscs. liis present
residence, which is one of the finest in town,
is one which he has remodelled.
Since March 25, 1878, Mr. I'risbie has been
]ircsident and general manager of the Middle-
bnrg & Schoharie Railroad, nuich of whose
success is due to him. This roail, which was
constructeil under the authority of a legislati\e
enactment of May 8, 1867, is six miles in
length, and connects Middleburg and Scho-
harie villages. The road and trains are con-
tinued five miles farther north to a junction
with the Delaware & Mutlson, but the Scho-
harie valley roail has greatl)' handicapped the
Middleburg Compan\-, since the latter de-
pends uijon the northern stretch as an outlet.
At one time it w^ould have been possible to
purchase the Schoharie road, and Mr. Frisbie
strenuousl)' urged that this might be done,
offering to make a subscri])tion of five thousand
dollars for the [lurjiosc. Since then it has
been impossible to buy it. It may be inter-
esting to review here in brief the history of
the inception and growth of the Middleburg
branch. When the Delaware & Hudson had
been built as far as Oneonta, and the people of
Schoharie had determined to connect with it
there, a few prominent men of this town met
at a hotel, and, after carefully considering the
matter, decided that the)' would also make a
junction at Schoharie by raisirig one hundred
tlmusand dnllars, half of which wouUl be sub-
scribed by the town and the other half b)' pri-
vate individuals. As a matter of fact, the
total capitalization, full)- [laid in, was but
ninety-two thousand dcdlars. The tcjwn was
bonded but comparatively little to raise the
lull amount of its subscrijit ion. The bonds of
the comjiany, which were placed at par (sc\'en
per cent, interest), were retired in 1893, prin-
cipal and interest, by James Borst, railroad
commissioner. The individual subscribers to
the stock numbered abt)ut seventy-five, and in-
cluded many small h(dders in and about ^lid-
dleburg, about seventeen thousand dollars
being in Albany holdings and the balance in
New York. No indebtedness was incurred
in the construction and equipment of the road,
as one of the first resolutions passetl by the di-
rectors had been that work was to stop as soon
as ftmds were wanting. The road is now in
paying condition, and shows clearly that it has
been most efficiently managed. Mr. Frisbie
is one of the first and largest local subscribers
to the stock of the First National 15ank, and
from the time of its organi2ation has been its
\icepresident.
In 1858 Mr. Frisbie was united in marriage
with Kate Dodge, daughter of Daniel D.
Dodge, late of this town. Mr. Dodge was a
prominent merchant antl for one year member
of tlie State Assembly. Mrs. Frisbie departed
this life in June, 1898. She was the mother
of four children, namely; Daniel D. and
George D., the sons above mentioned; and
two daughters, Laura and lunma. Laura is
now the wife of Dow Heekman, whose biog-
raph\' may be tound on another ]iage of the
Re\iI'.w. All these children are graduates of
Ilartwick Seminary in Otsego Count)', an in-
stitution of which Mr. Frisbie has for many
years been treasurer anil trustee. Mr. Frisbie
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
'9
and his family are members of the Lutheran
church, and Mr. Frisl)ie is an Elder in the
church. He was for several years superin-
tendent of the Sunday-school.
fp)TENRY T. BOTSFORD, a leading
farmer of Greenville, Greene County,
N. Y., was born in this town on De-
cember 18, 1845, son of Dr. Gideon and Maria
L. (Tallmadge) Botsford. Dr. Botsford's
grandfather, Gideon Botsford, Sr. , resided in
Newtown, Conn. He was possessed of liberal
means, had large influence in his community,
and represented his town in the councils of his
State. Amos, one of his thirteen children
and the grandfather of Henry T. Botsford,
was born in Newtown on F"cbruary 13, 1780.
Having obtained an academic education,
Amos Botsford entered upon the study of
medicine at the age of eighteen years, received
his diploma at twenty-one years, and im-
mediately afterward came to the new town of
Greenville and settled for the practice of his
profession. Dr. Amos Botsford was married
on September 20, 1801, to Elizabeth Clark,
daughter of Joseph Clark, of Connecticut; and
his house-keeping began in what has since been
known as the Ell. Knowles place. A few
years after he purchased a lot and built the
house in which Pierce Stevens now resides.
Later he jmrchased of Jonathan Sherrill the
lot and dwelling now occupied by his son-in-
law, Dr. B. S. McCabe, and there resided
until his death.
" For many years Dr. Amos Botsford was
the only physician of standing or professional
ability in this section of the country, conse-
quently his services were much sought and his
labors were arduous. His custom when visit-
ing his patients was to ride on horseback.
Few men possessed a finer physique than the
Doctor. Of dignified appearance, he com-
manded the respect of all, even at first sight.
He was a faithful, intelligent, and successful
practitioner for over fifty years. He repre-
sented his town in the Board of Supervisors in
the years 1826, 1827, 1831, 1834, and 1849.
He was one of the incorporators of Greenville
Academy. He was a faithful member of the
Presbyterian church in Greenville, and for
many years an acting Elder in it. He died
on August 16, 1864. His wife died Decem-
ber 3, 1855.
" There were born to them two sons and two
daughters. Eliza, the eldest, born June 5,
1807, was married to Charles Callender, and
died April 4, 1871, leaving three children —
John, Charles, and David. Of these John is
engaged in the manufacture of brick in l^oston.
Charles (deceased) was a manufacturer of paint
in Newark, N.J. David is now deceased.
Clark Botsford, the second child of Dr. Amos,
was born September 15, 1808. He was grad-
uated from Union College at the age of nine-
teen. He then studied law, and subsequently
practised his pjrofession in the western part of
the State. Mary L., the youngest child, mar-
ried Dr. B. S. McCabe, and has continued to
reside in the house where she was born and in
which her parents died."
Gideon Botsford, third child of Dr. Amos,
BIOGRAPHICAL RKVIFAV
and father of Henry T. Botsford, was born on
June 5, 181 I. He obtainctl a .n'ood education
at (ircenville Academy, and subsequently, in
1832, was graduated from the Fairfield Medical
College. He began the practice of medicine
with his father, and for fifty years continued to
devote his entire energies to the work of the
profession he so much loved. Like his father
he was a man of commanding appearance and
agreeable address, and like him he won and
enjoyed the respect and confidence of the com-
nnuiity. Kver active, and ha\ing in view the
improvement of his native \'illage, he never
lost an opportunity to promote the iiublic wel-
fare. He was for many years an Elder of the
Presbyterian church, of which from early life he
was a faithful member. He served as a promi-
nent member of the Board of Trustees of Green-
ville Academy. The Doctor's wife, Maria
L. , was the daughter of Dr. Henry Talimadge,
and a sister of Mrs. John G. Hart. (See
sketch of John G. Hart.) Of the four chil-
dren born to her, two are living — Henry T.
and Anna M. Dr. l^otsford was a Democrat
in politics, and ser\'ed the town as Supervisor
for two terms.
Henry T. Botsford resided with his father
u]) to the time of the lattcr's death. In 1878
he purchased of Robert Hawley a farm that he
owned for ele\en years, antl in 1890 he bought
the farm which is now his home. His house,
which is the finest in the village, was begun
in 1 89 1 and completed in 1892. Mr. Botsford
is one of the largest land-owners in the town.
He now carries on the homestead farm of
twenty acres o])posite his own, the Gideon
Hickock farm of one hundi"etl acres, and the
George Conklin farm of two hundred and
twenty acres. He is a man of wide reading,
and especially well informed on topics of pub-
lic interest.
Mr. Botsford married in 1882 Mary, daugh-
ter of Thomas and luiiily Robbins, and a
native of Greenville. Her father was a car-
penter by trade, and he also carried on a farm.
He died at the age of seventy-one, having
been twice married. His wife, ICmily, wdio
was born in Greenxille, died in i8gi. Of her
two children Mrs. Botsford is the only one
living. Mr. and Mrs. ]?otsford have one
child, Frances Helena by name. In politics
Mr. Botsford is a Democrat. He has dealt to
cpiite an e.xtent in real estate. He and his
wife are members of the Presbyterian church,
anil he has been one of its trustees for many
years.
ARMON BECKl'.R, who.sc death oc-
curred January 18, 1897, at the home-
stead in Cobleskill, N. V. , now
occupied by Mrs. ]-5eckcr antl her daughters,
was during his long life an esteemed citizen of
this town and one of its successful farmers.
He was born June 19, 18 13, at Duancsburg,
Schenectady Count)', antl was a son of Nicho-
las Becker. He came from jiatriotic stock,
both his jiaternal graiullathcr, Ca]itain Jf)hn
]5ecker, antl his maternal grandfather, John
Ferguson, ha\ing fought as brave .soldiers in
the Revolutionary War, the former command-
ing a company of minute-men.
Nichtjlas Becker li\ctl in Duanesburg some
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
years after his marriage to Jean Ferguson of
Edinburgh, Scotland; but in 1823 he came
with his family to Cobleskill, and, taking up
a tract of forest -covered land, began the
laborious task of clearing a farm and establish-
ing a home.
Harmon Becker was a lad of ten years when
he came here with his parents. He assisted in
the pioneer labor of reclaiming a farm from the
forest, and, having subsequently succeeded to
its ownership, was here industriously and pros-
perously engaged iii general farming and saw-
milling to the close of his life of eighty-three
years. He was a stanch Democrat in his po-
litical affiliations for the greater part of his
life, and served as Supervisor two terms and as
School Inspector a number of years. In his
last years he voted with the Prohibition [larty,
believing strongly in the equal suffrage plank
of its platform. A valued member of the Lu-
theran church, he held nearly all the offices
connected with that organization, and for
thirty-si.x consecutive years was superintendent
of its Sunday-school.
On January 17, 1849, ^^- Becker married
Miss Julia A. Myer, who was born in Barner-
ville, N. Y, Her father, Stephen Myer, was
of Dutch extraction. The emigrant ancestor of
the Myer family came to America from Hol-
land in old Colonal times, and was one of the
original settlers of Ulster Count}', in this
State. Mrs. Becker's paternal grandfather,
Peter L. Myer, was born and brought up in
Saugertics, Ulster County. Removing thence
to Schcjharie County, he devoted his energies to
tilling the soil. His death occurred at the
venerable age of ninety-one years. He, too,
served with honor in the Revolutionary War.
Stephen Myer continued during his life in
the occupation to which he was trained, and in
addition to general farming carried on a sub-
stantial business as a miller, owning and op-
erating both a saw-mill and a grist-mill. He
lived to be eighty-one years of age. His wife,
whose maiden name was Elizabeth Mowers,
was born in Ulster County, a daughter of Jacob
Mowers. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Myer had
four children, two of whom are still living,
namely: Mrs. Becker; and her sister, Sally
C. , who is the wife of Charles Ryder. Mrs.
Myer died at the age of eighty-one years.
Both she and her husband were active mem-
bers of the Lutheran church, in which he filled
all the offices. He was also prominent in
local affairs, and for a number of years served
as Highway Commissioner.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Becker — Elizabeth Jean and Mary Isadore.
Mrs. Becker anil her daughters live on the
home farm, which they have managed with
success since Mr. Becker's death. They carry
on general farming, using judgment in all mat-
ters pertaining to the care of their one hundred
and seventy-five acres. A part of the land is
devoted to grazing, and a part to the raising of
wheat, corn, and hay. They also continue
the saw-mill business. Mrs. Becker and the
Misses Becker are faithful members of the
Lutheran church, and also of the Woman's
Christian Temperance Union.
The history of the Harmon Becker home-
stead is unique in that for fifty-six years no
BlOGKAl'lllCAL RE\'IE\V
death occurred on the place, either of its
owners or family, or of the men or niaitis
em|)lo)ecl by them during that time. The
careful l)-kept records show that more than
ninety souls lived, either permanently or tem-
porarily, on the farm during those years.
STEPHEN A. CURTIS, an account-
ant in the Schenectady freight office
of the Delaware & Hudson Canal
Company Railway, was born on January 8,
1S50, in ]51enheim, Schoharie County, N. Y.
That town was the native place of his parents,
Stephen L. and Eliza (Maham) Curtis. His
grandfather, Benjamin P. Curtis, who did gar-
rison duty at Sackett's Harbor, N.Y. , chu'ing
the War of 18 12, went to Blenheim from
Duanesburg, Schenectady County, N.Y. Jo-
seph Curtis, the father of ]5enjamin P., came
from Litchfield, Conn., to New York State
soon after the close of the Revolutionary War,
and, clearing a farm in the wilderness, suc-
ceeded through his energy and perseverance in
establishing a comfortable home. Of the chil-
dren of Stephen L. and Eliza Curtis there are
but two survi\-ors : Stephen A., the subject of
this sketch; and Stanley D., who is now sta-
tion agent for the ndaware & Pludson River
Railway at Plattsburg, N.Y. He married
Harriet Gardner, and has three sons, namely :
Stanley, born in i8cS6; Charles, born in 1889;
and George T. , born in 1892.
Stephen A. Curtis acquired his preliminary
education in the jjublic schoolsof Blenheim and
Jefferson, and comjdeted his studies at the semi-
nar)' in -Stamford, N. V., where he was fitted for
educational work. l'"or a number of )ears he was
a successful teacher in Schoharie ami Broome
Counties. Coming to Schenectady in 1881, he
entered the freight office of the Delaware &
Hudson Canal Company Railway as book-
keeper, and here after eighteen years of faith-
ful service he remains at this day, a valuable
member of their clerical force.
Mr. Curtis married l^lla M. Danforth,
daughter of Elijah Danforth, of Jefferson, N.\'.
They have one daughter, Adeline. She is the
wife of Ira Brownell, of Schenectady, and has
one child, I'lleanor, born in 1897.
Mr. Ciutis has been (piite active in ]niblic
affairs, having served as E.xcise Commissioner
and upon the board of United States Supervi-
sors. Politically, he acts with the Democratic
party. He is Past Dictator of Lodge No. 3715,
Knights of Honor; is a charier member antl
liy ilispensation I'irst Prophet of Saugh-Naugh-
ta-da Tribe, No. 123, Improved Order of Red
Men. He attends the Congregational church,
and is now serving as a trustee.
^"fON. SIMON J. schermi:kiiokn,
an ex-member of Congress, one of
the most prominent men of Rotter-
dam, N.\'. , was born in this town, Se]3tember
26, 1827, son of Jacob I. and Maria (\'eddcr)
-Schermeilioin. His father was born in Rot-
terdam in 1789, and his mothei' was born here
in 1788. Mr. .Sclieinierhorn is a descendant
in the eighth generation of Jacob Janse Scher-
merhorn, who arrived from Holland about the
J"^
JUSKl'H MALCOLM.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
ZS
year 1650, and founded the family which since
that date has been prominently identified with
Rotterdam and vicinity. The majority of its
representatives have been extensive farmers.
Jacob I. Schermerhorn, the father above named,
was a leading sjiirit in local public affairs, and
served with ability as Supervisor.
Simon J. Schermerhorn acquired the usual
district-school education provided for the chil-
ilren of his day, and he certainly made good
use of his meagre opportunities. Reared a
farmer, like most of his neighbors, he has fol-
lowed farming with unusual success, and he
still has large agricultural interests. He has
also dealt extensively in broom corn, and for
thirty years he was engaged in the manufacture
of brooms. He has business interests in other
directions, and is vice-president of the Mohawk
National Bank of Schenectady.
On February 4, 1857, Mr. Schermerhorn was
joined in marriage with Helen Veeder, who
was born in Woe.stina, March 29, 1837, daugh-
ter of Harman and Eleanor (Truax) Veeder.
Her father was born in Rotterdam, and her
mother was a native of Schenectady. Mr. and
M"s. Schermerhorn have five children living;
namely, Mary V., Sarah, Alice A., Andrew T.,
and Simon.
Mr. Schermerhorn 's public record, which is
familiar to the readers of the I'iEViEW, deserves
more space than can consistently be allotted
to a brief sketch. His efforts in behalf of
improvements during his several terms as Super-
visor, as well as the advance made in educa-
tional facilities while he was Commissioner of
that department for this county, fully merited
the hearty commendation which they received.
He ably represented this district in the Assem-
bly during the session of 1862, was a Presiden-
tial Elector on the Cleveland ticket in 18S8,
and as a member of the Fifty-third Congress
he supported such measures as were in his es-
timation calculated to bestow the most benefit
on the nation as a whole. Mr. and Mrs. Scher-
merhorn are members of the Dutch Reformed
church.
OSEPH MALCOLM, of Catskill, N.Y.,
head of the firm of Malcolm & Co., and
one of the oldest woollen manufacturers
in the State, was born in Middlebury, Vt. , on
August 24, 1838, son of Joseph and Harriet
(Hrundage) Malcolm. His paternal grand-
father, James Malcolm, was a silk weaver,
who lived and died in Paisley, Scotland.
Joseph Malcolm was born in Scotland, and
lived there until si.xteen years of age, when he
came to America and found employment as a
mill operative in Middlebury, Vt., where in
time he worked his way to the superintendency
of a large mill. Later he had a mill of his
own in Matteawan, N. Y. , and subsequently
one in Pittsfield, Mass. He retired from busi-
ness in Pittsfield, and died there at fifty-two
years of age. In religious faith he and his
wife were Presbyterians. Mrs. Harriet B.
Malcolm was born in Cornwall, Orange
County, this State. She died at the age of
seventy, having been the mother of eight chil-
dren. Of these, two died in infancy. Will-
iam and Abraham are now deceased, and
James, Joseph, Samuel, and George are living.
26
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Samuel Malcolm resides in New York City,
and James and George are in Pittsfield.
Joseph Malcolm bej^an his working life at
twelve years of age, going into a woollen-mill
at Pittsfield, Mass., as a wool sorter. He had
worked his way up to being in charge of the
card and spinning room, when he enlisted, in
1857, in Company D of the Eighth United
States Infantry, which during his connection
with it was on duty at Castle Williams and at
Fort Columbus, New York Harbor. Dis-
charged in 1859, Mr. Malcolm returned to his
position in the Pittsfield mill, and he subse-
quently remained there until some time after
the breaking out of the Civil War. For one
hundred days in the early part of the struggle
for the Union, he was in the Allen Guard, sta-
tioned at Worcester and in l^oston. On Sep-
tember 18, 1862, he enlisted in Company A,
Forty-ninth Regiment, Massachusetts Volun-
teers, which left the State in November under
command of Colonel William F. Bartlett,
sailed for New Orleans in January, 1863, and
a few months later took part in the memorable
siege of Port Hud.son, where occurred some of
the most desperate fighting of the war. Pri-
vate Malcolm, always showing his sturdy
Scotch determination when duty was most per-
ilous, was the first man to volunteer for the
storming party. He doubtless inherited mar-
tial ardor, as his mother's father was a soldier
in the War of 18 12, and her grandfather in the
Revolution. Ilis five brothers also enlisted,
and w-erc in ser\ice from two to four years.
One lost his life in the war, and one was
wounded.
After being mustered out at Pittsfield,
Mass., September i, 1863, Mr. Malcolm went
to Little Falls, N. Y., and was there for two
years as superintendent of the Mohawk Wool-
len Mills. Following that he was succes-
sively superintendent in the knitting-mill at
Amsterdam, N. Y. , in Troy, again at Amster-
dam, then in Cooperstown, N.Y. , where he
was both superintendent and a partner in
Groat Van Brocklin's Mill. Going back once
more to Amsterdam, he started a woollen in-
dustry in company with one of his present
partners, Mr. Pettingill. In 1886 he came to
Catskill, where he has since been most success-
ful in the management of his woollen-mill.
In this plant one hundred and seventy hands
are employed, and all kinds of men'.s,
women's, and children's underwear are manu-
factured. The mill is the second largest in
this section.
Mr. Malcolm's first wife was before her
marriage Julia Marsh. She died leaving one
daughter, Hattie L. , now the wife of Hamil-
ton Jones, a plumber of Catskill, of the firm
of H. T. Jones & Sons. Mr. and Mrs. Jones
have one child, Dorothy. Mr. Malcolm's sec-
ond wife, whose maiden name was Jennie
Lewis, is the mother of one child, James L.
In politics Mr. Malcolm is a Republican.
He has been a member of the Catskill Hoard of
Education, and he takes a lively interest in all
matters pertaining to the general welfare. He
is a director in the Catskill National Pank,
and was formerly a director in the Young
Men's Christian Association. He is a Mason,
havinfr membershii) in the Plue Lodge of
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
27
North Iloosick and in the Royal Arch Chapter
of Catskill. Of the last-named body he is a
charter member, and he has served it as scribe.
He is a member of the Knights of Pythias of
this town; of J. W. Watson Post, G. A. R. ;
of the A. O. U. W. ; and of the Rip Van
Winkle Club. He has been delegate from the
post to the State commandery, but in general
has refused offices in the \arious fraternal or-
ganizations to which he belongs, as the de-
mands of his business leave him little leisure.
Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm are members of the
Reformed church.
/^^TeORGE HANER, M.D., an able
\_f^J_ jjhysician and prominent citizen of
Tannersville, Greene County, N.Y. , was born
in Prattsville, Greene County, on the 6th of
August, 1847. His sole heritage was that of
an unsullied name and a constitution which
had been developed through generations of in-
dustrious sons of the soil. For three genera-
tions the Haners and their wives have been
hard-working, persevering, and in some degree
successful citizens of Greene County.
Martinus Haner, the Doctor's great-grand-
father, was one of the pioneers who came to
Prattsville from the more settled regions of
Columbia County. He inmiediately engaged
in peeling bark for the tanneries, which at that
time formed the chief industry of the neigh-
borhood. This pursuit he followed as long as
his health permitted him to work. His son
Martin continued the gathering and sale of
bark, but besides this he cleared a large farm
and won by his diligent application a degree of
prosperity and comfort.
Martin Haner married Miss Shoemaker, a
native of Columbia County, by whom he had
seven children, namely: Isaac; Henry; Will-
iam M. , the Doctor's father; Patty M. ; PZliza-
beth ; Lavinia; and Mima Ann. Patty M.
married Samuel Chamberlain, who is no longer
living; Lavinia became Mrs. Spencer; Mima
Ann was married to Henry Palmer; and
P^lizabeth became the wife of P^dward Cronk.
Martin Haner brought up his children in such
a way as to fit them for the battle of life; and,
if he did not leave them a fortune, he at least
taught them to win their own way to respect
and independence. His wife died at the age
of fifty, but for a few years more he remained
with his family, closing an honorable life, with
the love and respect of all who knew him, at
the age of si.xty-si.x.
William M. Haner, like his brothers and
sisters, obtained his education in the common
schools of the town. In the course of time he
took possession of a part of the old homestead
property, which he farmed with some success
until 1866, when he removed to Jevvett.
There he purchased a farm, but he only occu-
pied it one year; and then selling it he re-
moved to the town of Ro.xbury, near Grand
Gorge, Delaware County. Here he purchased a
large dairy farm, which he continued to occupy
until 1895. He is now (July, 1899) seventy-
six years of age, and is living with his children
at Tannersville. He is a Democrat in poli-
tics, and has held office as Road Commissioner
and Overseer of the Poor.
28
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
His wife, Cornelia, was a daughter of Jacob
and Jennie (Stanley) Maginncs, who also were
among the first settlers in Prattsville. She be-
came the mother of eight children, four of
whom are still living, namely: George, the
subject of this sketch ; Jennie K. ; Homer H. ;
and Clark K. Jennie E. is the wife of
Charles Voss, the genial Postmaster of Tan-
nersville, a sketch of whom will be found
elsewhere in the Review. Homer has been
for twenty years general agent for the Davis
Sewing Machine Company, and for upward of
three years he re]jresented their interests in
Australia. Clark is a book-keeper and clerk,
and resides at Tannersville. ]\Irs. Cornelia
M. Haner died on May 15, 1899, at the age
of seventy-three. She was for many years a
useful anil honored member of the Methodist
Episcopal church.
Thus it will be seen that George Haner
started in life with no great advantages, but
such as he had he turned to the very best ac-
count. All that the common schools of Pratts-
ville had to give he devoured with avidity,
and si)eedily made his way at eighteen years of
age from the ini])ils' bench to the teacher's
desk. Quiet and reserved though he was, his
efficient work soon called the attention of trus-
tees and school commissioners, and he suc-
cessively and successfully taught in the schocds
of Red Falls, Jewett Centre, Windham, and
Prattsville in Greene County, and Gilboa, Gal-
lupville, and Middleburg in the neighboring
county of Schoharie. With the power to
teach came the love of and craving for more
knowledge and he very soon proceeded to Fort
lulward Institute, where he took an advanced
course of study. A period was, however, put
to his attendance at this school through lack
of funds, but, nothing daunted, he turned to
manual labor to supply his needs in this direc-
tion. He obtained work as a carpenter, and
it was while thus engaged that a direction was
given to his mind which determined his choice
of a lifework. He was assisting to build a
house for Dr. D. M. Leonard at -Broome
Centre, Schoharie County, and in discussing
his future with that gentleman he was advised
by him to adopt the prcjfession of medicine.
Taking this advice, he at once began his studies
with Dr. Leonard, with whom he remained
until he entered the Medical College of the
New York University, from w^hich he was
graduated in the class of 1877. Thus equip])ed.
Dr. Haner took up his residence in the town of
Conesville, where he practised with success
until 1.S80, when he came to Tannersville.
In 1S80 Tannersville was only a small vil-
lage, and the arrival of a young doctor with a
university di])loma and some experience was
indeed an acquisition. He very speedily im-
pressed the inhabitants with his ])rofessional
knowledge and ability, and as the years have
rolled along his practice has increased and his
reputation as a skilful physician has continued
to grow. P"or ten years he practised without
opposition. Besides his ortlinar)' practice he
has a large clientele among the many city
boarders who visit Tannersville during the
summer months, and among whom he is de-
servedly pojuilar, both from a i)rofessional and
social point of view. His jjresent residence
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
29
was erected in 1881, but it has been recently
enlarged and beautified and made conij^lete by
a most con\eiiient suite of offices.
In politics the Doctor is a Democrat. He
has twice represented his town as Supervisor,
and durint,' the latter term was chairman of the
board. The esteem of his fellow-citizens has
also been manifested in his election to the
office of Coroner for three terms of three years
each.
His public spirit has led him to take an
active interest in all that concerned the pros-
perity and development of the villa,i;e in which
he resides. He was one of the incorporators
and its first president. He took measures for
the layini,'^ out of its sidewalks, and was a
member of the building committee which
erected the first ])ublic school -building.
In 1S77 Dr. Haner was united in marriage
to Miss Agnes More, of Ro.xbury, Delaware
County, a daughter of Andrew and Ann E.
(Hardenburgh) More and a thirtl cousin of the
late Jay Gould. She had two sisters, Cornelia
and Kate, and she has one brother, Samuel P.
Kate was married to Mr. M. L. Benham.
Samuel P. More is a juiblisher in Great Bend,
Pa. Dr. and Mrs. Haner have one daughter,
Helen.
The Doctor is a charter member of the
Mount Tabor Lodge, F. & A. M., and be-
longed formerly to the Gilboa Lodge. He is
a member of the C(ninty Medical Society, of
which he has been secretary for three years,
and also of the New York Physicians' Mutual
Aid Association.
Dr. Haner is also a prominent and entiiusias-
tic member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and actively and generously participated in the
movement which resulted in the erection of tlie
present beautiful edifice in Tannersville be-
longing to that body. He worked indefatiga-
bly in the erection of the Methodist Episcopal
parsonage, and to these objects combined has
contributed upward of five hundred dollars.
His interest in Sunday-school work dates
back to his Conesville days, when he was su-
perintendent of the school ; and ever since he
came to Tannersville he has been ready with
hand and brain, .sympathy and purse, to advance
the work of God in the church of his choice.
He has held almost every office that a layman
can hold, representing his brethren at iioth the
district and annual conferences, and is at the
present time a trustee.
Dr. Haner is yet in the prime of life, and if
spared will be of inestimable service to the
communitv amid which he resides.
IMEON LAPE, a thriving general
//^ merchant of Charlotteville, N. Y. ,
was born in the town of .Summit,
Schoharie County, N.Y. , October 19, 1827,
son of Samuel and Lana Lape. His [xiternal
grandfathei', .Samuel Lape, who was the grand-
son of a German immigrant and the father of
several children that grew to maturity, was
formerly a thriving farmer of Sand Lake, N.Y.
Somewhat late in life he accompanied his son
-Samuel to .Summit, and his last days were
spent in this town. He was a member of the
Lutheran chLirch.
3°
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Samuel \a\])c, the younger,- Simoon I.ape's
father, served in the War <if 1S12. lie came
to Summit when a \-ouni;' man, and, settlinj,'
here upon a farm of one hundred and fifty acres,
which he afterward enlarged, he became one of
the most extensive farmers in this section.
Though not a seeker after place, lie consented
to hold some of the minor town offices. Origi-
nally a Democrat in politics, he afterward be-
came a Reiniblican. As one of the most active
and infiuential members of the Lutheran
cluuch, it was generally his lot to entertain
the preachers, and his family was taught to
believe that religious devotion was just as
necessar)- at home as in a place of public wor-
ship. He died at the age of seventy-three, his
wife surviving him several years. They were
the ])arents of si.xteen children, of whom ten
(lied in infanc)' and six lived to maturity, the
latter being: Luther, Simeon, John, (ieorge,
Josiah, and Elizabeth. Luthei' and Josiah
occupy the homestead. John is a resident of
East Worcester, N.^^ ; and Elizabeth, who
is the eldest, married Abraham Harrington, of
Worcester, where she resides. (jeorge, who is
living in Brooklyn, N.^'., was for a time en-
traged as teacher in the New \'ork Conference
Seminary and in civil engineering.
Simeon Lape was educated in the common
schools of Summit. Beginning industrial life
as a farmer, he followed that occupation vmtil
.thirty-eight years old, when, in partnership
with a Mr. Decker, he purchased the general
stock of goods of the store of La Monte & Co.,
of Charlotteville, N.\'. This copartnership
lasted but about five months, at the end of
which time Mr. Decker withdrew, leaving his
associate sole projirietor of the establishment,
which for the past thirty-one years Mr. Lape
has carried on alone. As his trade developed,
he enlarged his facilities and increased his
stock, and for a number oi years he has
transacted an extensive general mercantile
business. Like his father he adheres to Re-
publican ]irinciples; and, while he in\'ariably
has refused to become a candidate for local
offices, he accepted the ai)])ointment of Post-
master, which he held in all for about twenty
years.
In 184S Mr. Lajie was united in marriage
with Miss Lucy La Monte, of Charlotteville,
daughter of Thomas \\'. and l-Hizabeth Maria
(Payne) La Monte. Mrs. Lape was a descend-
ant of John La Monte, of Coleraine, County
.\ntrim, Ireland. Her first -American ancestor
was Robert La Monte, who came to this coun-
try with his mother, the widow of John, and
settled in Columbia County, this State.
Her great-grandfather, William La Monte,
son of Robert, served in the Revolutionary
War, and was present at the surrender of Gen-
eral ]kngoyne. He married for his first wife
Mrs. Phcebe Perkins, born Goss, and settled
upon a farm in Noith Hinsdale, N.A'. After
her death he mined into the then wilderness
of Schoharie Count)-, locating in what is now
the town of Eulton, where he lixed to an ad-
vanced age. Mrs. Lape's grandfather, also
named William, was born in Hinsdale, Janu-
ary iT), 1784. When a }'oung man he settled
in b'ulton, but about the year 1806 removed to
Charlotteville, where he acquired possession of
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
31
some seven luindred acres of land. An enter-
prising business man, he kept a country store,
and operated saw and grist mills. Being
familiar with common law, he acted as legal
adviser to his neighbors, pleaded their cases in
the lower courts, and was several times elected
a Justice of the Peace. In his religious belief
he was a Methodist. He died September 5,
1847. His wife, Jane, a daughter of Thomas
Stillwell, died August 25, 1863, aged eighty
years. They were the parents of six sons and
five daughters, all of whom married and be-
came the heads of families.
Thomas W. La Monte, Mrs. Lape's father,
was born in Fulton, August 29, 1 803. He
was a prominent business man of Charlotte-
\-ille in his day, and proprietor of the store
which is now owned by Mr. Lape. He was
also active in political and religious affairs, and
was one of the founders of the New York Con-
ference Seminary. He died June 3, 1853.
His wife died April 7, 1898, aged eighty-
seven years. She was the mother of thirteen
children: Jacob, I^ucy, Elizabeth, William
and David (twins), Thomas, Jennie, George,
Kate, Austin, Hannah, Maria, and Julia. All
the children received a good education.
Thomas was for a time engaged in teaching at
the Conference Seminary, but later became a
Methodist minister. Get)rge, who taught
school for some time in the South, became a
successful paper manufacturer and the owner
of a valuable patent.
In 1S50 Mr. Lape joined the Methodist
church, which he has since served as steward,
trustee, and su]jerintendent of the .Sunday-
school, also contributing liberally to its sup-
port. Mrs. Lape died October iS, 1896, leav-
ing no children. She was a member of the
Woman's Christian Temperance Union and of
the Independent Order of Good Templars.
NDREW J. McMillan, who in the
fall of 1898 was elected Assemblyman
from Schenectady, is a thriving
farmer of Rotterdam, N. Y. He was born
upon the McMillan farm, a part of which he
occupies, on February 9, 1856, being the only^
son of Andrew and Ellen (Darrow) McMillan.
His father was born here on January 12, 1832,
and his mother was born in Schenectady in
1832. This farm was the property of his pa-
ternal grandfather, James McMillan, a native
of New Scotland, who settled here about
seventy years ago, and who lived to be ninety-
one years old. The maiden name of James
McMillan's wife was Margaret VVingate. She
died at sixty-five.
Andrew McMillan, the father, succeeded to
the homestead, and is still actively engaged in
its cultivation. He has made various improve-
ments in the property, and is widely known as
a practical and successful agriculturist. In
politics he acts with the Republican party,
ami in his religious belief he is a Presbyterian.
Ellen, his wife, whom he married in 1844, has
had but one son, Andrew J., the subject of this
sketch.
Andrew J. McMillan was educated in the
district schixds. As a youth he assisted his
father, from whom he obtained a good knowl-
32
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
edge (if farming, aiul .since reaching manhood
he has tilled the soil ujjon his own account.
He has at his disposal one hundred and seventy-
seven acres, which he devotes to general farm-
ing, and raises excellent crops.
In November, 18.S2, Mr. .McMillan was
uniteil in marriage with Anna L. Litklle, who
was born in Duanesburg, daughter of Alexan-
der Liddle. A sketch of her family will be
found on another page of the Rk\ii.w. Mr.
and Mrs. McMillan ha\e one son — Everett,
who was born December J5, 1S1S4.
Mr. McMillan is now in his third year as
-Supervisor, and is rendering efficient service in
that capacil)-. I'oliticall}-, he is a Republican.
lie belongs to the Independent Order of Odd
l-"ellows, being a member of Lodge No, 171,
of Mount Pleasant.
ILMER E. GOODSELL, of Hunter, sta-
tion agent, telegraph operator, and
agent ni the American I'lxprcss Compan)' on
the Stony Chn-e iv Catskill Mountain Rail-
road, was born in Jewett on April 17, 1865, to
Amos and Harriet (Egbertson) Goodsell. His
great-grandfather Goodsell was one of the pio-
neer settlers of Jewett, coming to that ])lacc
from the .State of Connecticut. His grand-
father, John (Goodsell, who finished clearing
tiie tract of land taken up liy the great-grand-
father and spent his life engaged in farming,
died at the age of fifty-seven. John Goodscll's
wife, whose maiden name was Samantha Peck,
married for her first husband a Mr. Hogardus.
5he died at the age of fifty-foiu'. Hy her sec-
ond marriage she had ten children, as fidlows:
Amos, Amelia. ]\Iansfiehl, .Amanda, J. Iunor\',
Lois, Adela, Anna, Elbert, and -Sarah.
Amos (joodsell was reared on a farm, and
during boyhood he attended the common
schools of Jewett, his natiw: town. For over
twenty years he carried on his farm in Jewett
Centre. He then sold out, and since that time
he has been working where he jdeascd. He is
a Republican, and has held a number of town
offices. His wife, Harriet, who died in 1S84,
at the age of forty-eight, was a native of Jew-
ett, and the daughter of Jacob Egbertson, an
early settler and a farmer of that place. Mr.
Egbertson and his wife both died at the age of
eighty-two. Ihey had nine children ; namely,
John, Ju.stus, Eliza, Sally, Tully, Caroline,
Harriet, Jane, and Maria. .Amos and Harriet
Goodsell reared a faniih" of three children;
namely, Ella, George, and b'.lmer E. The
daughter, Ella, is the wife of D. Clarence
Gibbony, attorney-at-law, of Philadelphia; and
her brother George is employed by the Mis-
souri, Kansas & Texas Railroad at .St. Louis.
The parents were active members in the Meth-
odist b'.piscopal Church of Jewett.
Elmer E. Goodsell recei\ed a common-school
education. He then served some time as a
teacher, and he sub.sequently attended Green-
ville .Academy and Eastman's Husiness Col-
lege. He was graduated at the last-named in-
stitution in June, I 888, and shortly after came
to the Hunter station as assistant to Mr. Pur-
hans, who was the agent until 1894. When
Mr. Burhans left tlie place, Mr. (ioodsell was
appointed to succeed him, and in the few years
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
33
he has held the position he has made himself
exceedingly popular with both officials and
patrons of the road. He is furnished one as-
sistant the year through, and sometimes in the
summer three. Most of the telegraphing he
does himself. The Hunter station is the lar-
gest on the line, being moreover the terminal
station; and Mr. Goodsell is the oldest station
agent on the line as to time of service for this
compan}-.
In iSgi Mr. Goodsell was united in mar-
riage with Anna Bell Anderson, daughter of
George W. Anderson, coal and lumber dealer,
whose biographical sketch appears on another
page of this work. Mrs. Goodsell, who has
one sister, Mabel Anderson, is the mother of
two children — Marguerite and Anderson.
Mr. Goodsell is an ardent Keinil^lican, but
lie has refused all public offices. He is a
member of Mount Tabor Lodge, No. S04,
F. & A. M., of Hunter, and both he and Mrs.
Goodsell are members of the Methodist church
and workers in the Sunday-.school. Mr. Good-
sell was formerly secretary and librarian of the
Sunday-school.
^^./^ICVMOUR BOUGHTON, a promi-
/ — ^ nent resident of Charlotteville, was
born in Summit, November 17,
1S34, .son of Seymour and Phoebe (Mix)
Boughton. The father came here from Con-
necticut, settling first in Charlotteville, and
later moving to Summit \illage, where he
kept a hotel. He afterward engaged in the
cooper business, and also ran a distillery.
.Studying law, he was admitted to the bar in
1840, and thenceforward carried on a jirofitable
general law business.
Actively interested in public affairs, .Sam-
uel Boughton, the elder, was elected to the
Assembl}' on the Anti-rent ticket in 1S45,
was twice elected Supervisor as a Democrat,
was for some years a member of the county
committee, served with ability as Excise
Commissioner, and was Postmaster for eight
years. He was very popular with all classes
irrespective of part}', and Iiis personal charac-
ter was such as to fully merit the high esti-
mation in which he was held. He was an
active member of the l^nptist church. He re-
turned to Charlottex'ille in 1866, anil died here
in 1871, aged eighty-one years. Nine chil-
dren were born to him and his wife, Ph(fbe,
namel}' : Lucius, who died December 11,
1826; Harvey; Mary; .Squire, who died De-
cember g, i8]g; Phoebe; Polly; Louisa; Har-
mon K., who died in 185 i, aged twenty-four
years; and Seymour, the subject of this sketch,
he and his sister Mary being the onl)- sur-
vivors.
Seymour Boughton after finishing his educa-
tion learned the carriage painter's trade in
Cobleskill, mastering it without much diffi-
culty, as he had a natural genius for handling
the brush. Engaging in business for himself,
his first contract, which amountetl to two thou-
sand three hundretl dollars, was tendered him
by parties in Gallupville; and he subsequently
enlarged his business. I-^or many years he
conducted the largest carriage-making estab-
lishment in the county. He also did most of
34
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
the rci)aiiing and painting in this and the ad-
jacent towns, and at one time he carried on
two shops. Of late he has been graekially
withdiawing from inisiness, liiit still continues
to fnlldw his trade to some extent. Mr.
Boughton's connection with public affairs
began as a boy in the Assembly at Albany,
and he was elected Town Clerk the year he be-
came a VDter. He afterward served as Con-
stable two years, helil some minor town nfficcs,
was elected Supervisor in 1878, reelected in
1879, was County Clerk from 1881 (o 1S88,
was Postmaster under Andrew Johnson and the
second Cleveland administration, and has been
a mcinhcr of the Democratic Town Committee
for many years. His political record is a most
honorable one, and it is worth}' of note that
while some of the offices to which he was
elected were iiotly contested, his candidacy for
a second term as Supervisor was without op]x)-
sition, a fact which demonstrates the confi-
dence of his fellow-townsmen in his abilit\ and
integrity.
Mr. Boughton contracted his first marriage
with Maggie I-'erguson, daughter of Thomas
Ferguson. .She bore him four children,
namely: Arthur J., l''rank, and Thomas G.,
none of whom are living; and Charles F. , who
is a painter b)' trade and a musician of local
repute. l'"or his second wife he married
I'jnnia Nadlex', daughter of Christo]5her Nad-
ley, and bv this union he has two children —
l-'.dilh and Horatio .S. Boughton.
Mr. Houghton belongs to Jefferson Lodge,
No. 554, F. & A. M., and John L. Lewis
Chapter, No. 229, R. A. M.
r^^l 1:NRY C. van ZANDT, M.D., a
prominent plnsician of .Schenectady,
is a native of this city. He was
born on January 11, 1844, son of Gilbert and
Myra (H alii day) \'an Zandt. The family
of which he is a representative was founded in
America by Johannes \'an Zandt, who came
from Anhcim, Holland, in 1660, and whose
gra\'e is still visible in Trinit)' Churchyard,
New York City.
Peter P. \'an Zandt, a grandson of Johan-
nes, settled in Schenectady, and several of his
descendants have won distinction in this local-
ity. He was elected a member of the Assem-
bly, anil while in Alban\' he married a Miss
Munson, of Schoharie. Dr. \'an Zandt's
grantlfathcr was Garret't Van Zandt, who
served as a soldier in the War of 181 2, and
was stationed at Sackett's Harbor. The Doc-
tor's mother was a daughter of Judge Halliday,
of Rochester, N.Y.
Henry C. \'an Zandt jirepared for liis col-
legiate course at the Schenectady High
School, and was graduated from Union College
with the class of 1865. His preliminary med-
ical studies were pursued under the tlircction
of Dr. Vcdder, of Schenectaily ; and after grad-
uation from tlie /Mban)' Medical .School he
began the jiractice of his profession in this
cit\', where he has gained a high reputation.
He is also engaged in the drug business, and
has one of the best equipped apothecary estab-
lishments in this \'icinity.
Dr. \'an Zandt is a membci' of the sur-
geons' staff of I'^llis Hos|)ital, of Schenectady,
also a member of the Sclicnectad)' County
H. C. VAN ZAXDT.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Medical Society and of the State Medical
Association. He belongs to St. George Lodge,
No. 6, F. & A. M. ; is a Trustee of Schau-
Naiigh-ta-da Tribe, No. 123, Improved Order
of Red Men; and is a member of the Holland
Society.
He married Hattie Hilderbrand, daughter of
Henry Hilderbrand, of Schenectady, N.Y. In
his religions belief the Doctor is an Episco-
palian, and is a warden of Christ's Church.
C*)!! IlOMAS DORMADY, a retired locomo-
q) I tive engineer and a member of the
Schenectady Board of Aldermen, was born in
the town and county of Carlow, Ireland, Sep
tember 10, 1S27, son of Andrew and Bridget
(Rice) Dormady. Coming to Schenectady
with his parents when two years old, Thomas
Dormady passed through the common schools
of this city, and was graduated from the high
school. After learning the machinist's trade
in the railway shops at Albanj', he followed it
as a journeyman for a year, and then became a
locomotive engineer on the Mohawk & Hudson
River Railroad, which is now a part of the
New York Central system. His first engine,
which was imported from England in 1831, was
originally called the "John Bull," but on being
enlarged was renamed the ' Tiochester. " P'or
over forty years he ran a regular day train be-
tween Schenectad}', Albany, Utica, and Syra-
cuse, and in 1894 he practically retired. In
1 87 1 he was electeil to the Board of Aldermen
for three years, and he was afterward re-
elected for the two succeeding terms. As the
Democratic candidate for Mayor in 1879, he
lacked but three votes of lieing elected. In
1890 he was again a member of the upper
branch of the city government, and in 1897 he
began his fifth term in that bod}'. The ward
he represents is considered a Republican
stronghold, a fact which amjjly attests his
ability and populaiity.
Mr. Dormady married Mary Sheean, a native
of Troy, N.Y. , a daughter of Philip Sheean
(deceased). His children are: Thomas, horn
in 1858, a graduate of the high school and
now a telegraph operator in .Schenectady;
Annie, a graduate of St. John's Convent
School ; Libbie, now the widow of J. J. Mur-
phy ; and Bliilip, also a graduate of the high
school and at present in the employ of the
city.
Mr. Dormady belongs to the Brotherhood of
Locomotive Engineers, and has served as local
chief of Division 83, now Di\'ision 172.
OHN T. BENHAM, M.D., of Cones-
/TN I ville, N.Y., one of the best known phy-
sicians in this jiait of the country, was
born in Hudson, N.Y., October 19, 1823, son
of Dr. John P. and Elizabeth (.Smith) Benham.
He is a descenilant in the ninth generation of
his emigrant ancestor, who was an Englishman,
and is the fourth representative of the family
in a direct line to practise meilicine. Tbe
great-grandfather was Dr. Cornevius Benham,
wdio ]5ractiscd in Catskill, N. Y. , for many
years; and his widow, who was of Dutch de-
scent, married foi her second husband Dr.
38
];ioc;rai'hkal kf.view
Van lUncn, a rclati\c of President Martin \'an
liuren. Dr. Thomas IV'nliam, the grandfather,
practised in Ashhuid, N.V., where he died at
the afje of eif^chty-nine \'ears ; and two nt his
SODS, naniel\', John 1'. and Jacob, heeanie suc-
cessful pii\sicians.
J)r. lohn r. JV'uhain, the father, resided in
Hudson for many years, and then, moving
from that town to ("onesville, practised there
for the rest of liis life. He was favorably
known over a wide circuit as a cajmble jihysi-
cian, whose powers of endurance were unusually
vij^'orous ; and at the time of his death, which
occurred at the age of se\enty-three years, he
was the oldest active medical practitioner in
this county. He reared two children : JohnT. ,
the subject of this sketch; and Margaret E.,
who married lulwin H. Marshall and resides in
Troy, N.Y.
John r. Henham began his education in the
district schools, and advanced in learning by
attending the .Schoharie Academy. After
working at the car])enter's trade some twelve
years, he took up the stud)' of medicine with
his father, who careful 1_\' directed his prepara-
tions, lie also attended lectures at Woodstock
and Castleton, Vt., and at the Berkshire Medi-
cal College, Pittsfield, Mass. He subse-
quently spent a year at the Broadway Hospital,
New York C"it)', where he obtained much valu-
able experience, and returning to Conesville
he entered ujion the practice of his profession
in company with his father. For over fifty
years he has labored diligcnth' and success-
fully in his calling, visiting the sick in all
kinds of weather, a])|)arcnt 1)' oblivious of his
own health or comfort; anil he is still remark-
ably vigorous ami active.
Dr. Bcnham married for his first wife Ro-
sanna lloogland and for his second Anna M.
Ladcr. He has two daughters b\- his first
union, nameh' : Donna 1., who married Oscar
Mervin ; and Margaret ]•'.., wife of Julian
Myers.
The Doctor has always been a great reader
and an independent thinker, accustomed to rea-
son out things, as he says, for himself, even
the deep cpiestions of life. His religious o]iin-
ions are liberal. Many kiiully acts in the way
of charity can be traced directly to him, and
he is highly respected by the entire community.
EDWARD YOUNG, one of Middle-
biu'g's literary men and the editor of
the Middleburg Garjcl/c, is a natix'e of
Prattsville, Greene County. He w'as born on
January 6, 1S4S. His elementary education
w-as obtained in tlie ]uiblic schools, and subse-
quently he attentled Ro.xbury .Seminar)', froni
which he was graduated. As editor of the
Gazette he exercises a strong influence in
moulding public opinion and in placing before
the townspeople information which keeps them
in touch with the most progressive thought of
the day. The editorial columns of his paper
are niarked by vigorous and ])ositive expression
of opinion on all ([uestions of natinnal or local
moment, as well as by cool and conservative
criticism and lexel-headed judgment. He docs
considerable writing for other publications.
I'horoughly interested in the welfare ol the
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
39
town and believing that she needs the services
of her best citizens in public life, he has freely
given time and effort to serve her in many
ways. For two years he was Town Clerk, and
for twelve consecutive years, beginning in
I1S81, he was village Clerk. In 1889 he rep-
resented Schoharie County in the Assembly.
He was one of the most ardent workers in se-
curing the incorporation of the village, and
also of the water company. Of the last named
he is now one of the directors. He is a stock-
holder in the First National Bank, and since
1892 has been treasurer of Middleburg Acad-
emy. He is also a member of the Board of
Education.. In ])olitics Mr. Young is a most
loyal Democrat, and his party has chosen him
as delegate to State and county conventions,
and as a member of the county committee.
On November 15, 1893, Mr. V'oung was
united in marriage with Inez Bouck, of Cones-
ville, a daughter of James A. Bouck. He is
a prominent Odd Fellow, and is at the present
time District Deputy Grand Patriarch for the
Schoharie district. Canton Young, of .Scho-
harie, (if which he is a member, is named for
him.
YRUS SHOWERS, civil engineer,
I contractor, and buiUler, of Tanners-
ville, N. Y. , was born in this town,
November 9, 1859, son of Isaac and Merilla
A. (Loomis) .Showers. He is of the si.xth
generation of his family in America, the line
being traced back through Isaac, Japhet, Mi-
chael, John, to the emigrant [progenitor, who
came from Holland and settled in New Jersey,
there spending the rest of his life. A more
extended account of his ancestors will be found
in a sketch of Isaac Showers, which appears
elsewhere in the Review.
Isaac .Showers, Cyrus Showers's father, was
born in Hunter in 1827, and spent his youth
on farms in this locality. He later engaged in
civil engineering, which he followed quite e.\-
tensivel)', and became one of the largest resi-
dent land-owners in this section. He is now
living in retirement. His wife, Merilla, was
a daughter of Alvin J. and Harriet (Palmer)
Loomis, of Windham. .She became the mother
of eight children, four of whom are living;
namely, Cyrus, Emma, Henry W. , and George
Harding Showers. Emma married Edward
Osborn, and resides in California. Henry
W. is attending the Albany Law .School.
George Harding Showers is studying civil
engineering ac the Troy Polytechnic Institute.
The others were : Jennie, who married .Stephen
Vining, of Windham, and died at the age of
forty-one; Elmer, who died at thirteen; Isaac,
who died young; and Irving, who died at the
age of four years. The parents are members
of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Cyrus Showers was educated in the common
schools of Tannersville, and resided on the
home farm of three Inmdred acres, of which he
took entire charge at the age of eighteen. He
kept fifty cows, made butter for the local mar-
ket, and supplied Hotel Kaaterskill with milk
for .some years. At the age of twenty-five he
went to Onteora Park to assist in building the
cottages, and was made its superintendent.
He later Injilt a large number of houses, com-
4°
mOGRAPHICAI, RF.VIEW
])lctiii.Lj contracts aniouiitinj,' to one hundred
thousand dollars in four years. He also built
his ])rescnt dweliiuij, and continues to follow
the business of a civil engineer, displaying a
marked abilit)' for that profession. He at one
time engaged in mercantile business for a short
period. Politicalh', he is a Re]Hiblican. Aj)-
pointed Deput)" .Sheriff in 1.S88, he served
until i8gi and again from 1894 to 1898. He
was an Assessor two terms and a member of
the county committee for several years. lie
has been secretar)- of the village Board of
Trustees ever since its establishment, and is
also a member of the I?oard of Health.
In 1883 Mr. Showers was joined in mar-
riage with Lillie E. Ford, who was born in
Lexington in 1863, daughter of Charles L. and
Harriet (Humphrey) Ford. Her father and
grandfather were both natives of Jewett ; and
Charles L. l'"ord, who at one time carried on a
farm and kept a boarding-house in Lexington,
moved to Tannersville, where he was similarly
engaged, and still spends liis summers in that
village. Mrs. .Showers's mother was a native
of Lexington, daughter of the Rev. I';ii li. and
Fniily (Cline) Humphrey, the former of whom
was a well-known J^aptist minister, and died at
the age of eighty. Her grandparents had a
family of twehe children, nine of whom aie
living, among them Hiram, Horace, .Sabrina,
I.ucina, .Su.san, Harriet, Ophelia, luidocia.
The otlieis were: Aniasa, Mar\-, anil l''.liza-
beth. Charles L. and Harriet Ford are the
jiarents of two children: Lillie, who is now
Mrs. .Showers; and Jennie ]•;., who nianieil
Dr. Robert L. Graham, of lirooklyn, N. Y.
.Mr. .Showers is an active member of the
Methodist Episcojial church, of which he is a
steward and trustee, and he served upon the
building committee which erected the new-
church edifice. Mrs. Showers united with the
chiu'ch at the age of fifteen. .She is a mem-
ber of the choir, and was organist for eight
}'ears.
ICHTMVER 1IUHH]-;LL, MA)., an
able ]jhysician and prominent citizen
of Jefferson, N.Y., was born in Gil-
boa, Schoharie County, N. Y. , h'ehruary j,
1843, son of Jacob Riclitmyer and Harriet
(Pierce) Hubbell. The name Hubbell, which
originated in Wales, is said to ha\-e been de-
rived from Hubba, a Danish chief who camped
u]K)n a hill. It passed through several changes,
incluiling Hubbashill and HubhiU, iiefore the
]iresent form of spelling was adopted.
Richard Hubbell, the immigrant ancestor,
of whom the Doctor is a descendant in the
eighth generation, was born in Wales in 1627.
He arrived in New England in 1645, and in
I ('147 he took the oath of allegiance to the New
Haven Colonial government. In 1664 he
moved to Fairfield County, Connecticut, and
in 1685 became one of the original jjroprietors
of Fairfield townshi[i. He died October 23,
1699, and his remains were intened in .Strat-
ford hur\ing-groiuKl, now included within tin-
limits of the city of Rridgeport. Ricliaid
Hubbell was three times married, and was the
father of fifteen children. I'"rom him the line
of descent is traced directl)-, through Samuel,
RICHTMYER HUBBELL.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIFAV
43
Nathan, Peter (first), Peter (second), Matthias,
and Jacob R., to Dr. Richtmycr Hubbcll, the
subject of this sketch.
Peter Hubbell, second, the Doctor's great-
grandfather, who married Sally Ilurlburt, re-
moved with his family from Connecticut to
Schoharie County early in the present century.
His brother-in-law, Joseph Hurlburt, built the
first store in the village of Gilboa, and resided
on what is known as the Dr. Fanning farm.
Matthias Hubbcll, Dr. Hubhell's grand-
father, accompanied his parents from Connect-
icut when a boy, and during his active years
he was Justice of the Peace and followed gen-
eral farming in the towns of Gilboa and l^len-
heim. He married for his first wife Sophia
Richtmyer, who was of German ancestry.
The grandparents were buried in the old cem-
etery in Gilboa village.
Jacob I'vichtmyer Hubbell, Dr. Hubbell's
father, was a lifelong resident of this county.
He died in Sharon Springs, N.Y. , November
II, 1896, aged just seventy-six years, and was
buried in Jefferson. His wife, Harriet, was a
daughter of Benona and Betsey (Davis) Pierce,
of North Blenheim. Her father was a de-
scendant of Captain Michael Pierce, who came
over from England about 1645, settled at Scit-
uate, Mass., in 1647, and was killeil in a fight
with Indians in King Philip's War in March,
1676, while commanding his company. This
is the line of ancestr)' : Captain Michael,'
Ephraim,- Ephraim,^ Mial,^ Job,' Job,'' and
Benona,' father of Mrs. Hubbell. Benona
Pierce was born in 17S1, a son of Job Pierce,
Jr., of Rehoboth, Mass., and died in 1S55.
His wife, Mrs. Betsey D. Pierce, born in
May, 1789, died in September, 1S81.
Jacob R. and Harriet (Pierce) Hubbell were
the jiarents of six children, namely : Richt-
myer, the subject of this sketch; Charles B.,
a furniture dealer and undertaker in Jefferson;
Hiram P., a physician of Stamford, Delaware
County; Elizabeth, wife of J. Perry Champlin,
of Ruth, Schoharie County ; Sophia, who mar-
ried J. E. Preston, of Sharon Springs; and
P'red E. Hubbell, who died September 23,
1892, aged about thirty years.
Richtmyer Hubbell acquired his early edu-
cation in the district schools and at the acad-
emy in Roxbur)', Delaware County, which he
attended one term. At the age of sixteen he
Ijegan teaching during the winter season, his
summers being devoted to agriculture; and,
having taught schools in Gilboa, ]?lenheim,
and Eminence, he in 1S63 began the study of
medicine under the direction of the late Dr.
A. A. Wood. In the fall of that year he ac-
companied his precejjtor to Wisconsin, where
he resumed teaching for a time at Almond,
Wis., and also continued his studies with Dr.
Wood and Dr. Guernse)', of Almond, Wis. In
1864 he enlisted as a Corporal in Comjjany M,
First Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, of which he
was shortly afterward appointed clerk, and he
served until the close of the Civil War. Re-
turning to Schoharie County after his dis-
charge, he subsequently entered the Philadel-
phia University of Medicine and Surgery,
from which he was graduated P'ebruary 21,
1866. Borrowing the money to purchase a
team and medical OLitfit, he began the
44
BIOGRAPHICAL RKVIKW
practice of his profession in Harpcrsfield,
Delaware County, N. Y. I'or tiic succeeding
eleven years his practice, which covered a
wide circuit, extending into two adjoining
counties, kept him constantly driving from
place to place through all kinds of weather.
While residing in riar]Tersfield he serxed four
terms as Town Clerk and three terms as Su-
pervisor. On December 25, 1876, Dr. Hub-
bell sold his practice, together with his real
estate in Harpcrsfield, to his brother, Hiram
P., and removetl to Jefferson, where he almost
immediately accpiired [jromincnce as a skilful
jiiiNsician and surgeon. Although his practice
is large and his time exceedingly valuable, he
has never been known to neglect the worthy
jioor, believing, as he does, that life and
health are as dear to them as to those who are
more fortunate ; and, as he himself declares, if
tiiey are unable to pay him in dollars and
cents, the\- ha\e more than liquidated his
claim ui)on them by their genuine gratitutle.
He has frequently held the offices of presi-
tient and secretary of the Eclectic Medical So-
ciet)' of the Susquehannah District, comprising
the counties of Schoharie, Delaware, and Ot-
sego, and (hiring his professional career he has
directed tiie preparatory studies of five stu-
dents, four of them becoming skilful medical
])ract it loners and one a successful druggist.
Two of the five are now deceased. In 1880 he
established the Jefferson Hanking House, which
he carried on for two years; and, when the
present bank at Stamford, N. Y. , was founded,
he was requested to become its president, but
his professiouLil duties jireviMited iiim from ac-
cepting the office. His hearty co-operation is
ahvays to be depended upon in forwarding all
measures calculated to be of benefit to the
town. He was acti\-e in securing the ]iresent
water-works s\stem, together with a public
foimtain, the Jefferson Co-operative Creamery,
and so forth; and he is using his influence for
the establishment of a union free school, with
academic advantages. He is actively en-
gaged in general farming, raises Jersey cattle,
and owns about two thousand acres of agri-
cultural property.
On April 29, 1866, Dr. Hubbell married
for his first wife Amelia S. Decker, of Gilboa,
daughter of Jacob Decker and a sister of
William H. Decker, Supervisor of that town.
She died January ig, 1889, leaving four ciiil-
dren — P'rank J., Hattie A., Benona R., and
Grace Greenwood. P'rank J. is a iirosjierous
farmer of Jefferson, and Hattie A. is the wife
of Charles 1{. Nichols, an attorney of this
town. The other children reside at home.
On August 27, 1890, the Doctor married for
his second wife Miss Rose E. Decker, his first
wife's sister. Of this union there is one son,
P'red D. , born July 3, 1893.
I'olitically, Dr. Hubbell is a Republican, a
protectionist, and a firm believer in gold as a
monetary standard. He belongs to the Meth-
odist I^piscopal church, and has been a mem-
ber since he was sixteen \ears old.
4^»^»
/ 3) p:ORt;E LAS11P:R, a prosperous
\M_I_ farmer of Duanesburg, N. Y., and an
ex-member (jf the .State Assembly, was born in
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
45
this town, September 20, 1834, son nf James
M. and Marion (Kennedy) Lasher. The
father's birth took place July 4, 181 i, in a
log house on the Lasher farm. This farm was
cleared from the wilderness by the paternal
grandfather, George Lasher, who was a native
of Dutchess Count}', and came here in the year
1800. A sturdy, persevering man, he suc-
ceeded in overcoming the many difficulties of
a pioneer's life; and he resided here until his
death, which occurred August 15, 1846. He
married Helen McMillan, a native of Glasgow,
Scotland. In politics he voted with the 'Whig
party. He was an active member of the Dutch
Reformed church.
James M. Lasher, the father, succeeded to
the ownership of the farm, which he still holds ;
and for many years he cultivated it energeti-
ally. Moving to Mariaville in 1862, he was
engaged in mercantile business and the manu-
facture of lumber here in company with his
son George until his retirement in 1880, since
which time the store and saw-mill have been
leased. Politically, he acts with the Republi-
can party. For many years he has been an
Elder of the Presbyterian church. Marion, his
wife, who was born in Milton, Saratoga
County, July 5, 1812, died on July 20, 1888.
She was the mother of five children, namely:
Anna A., who married the Rev. James 'VV.
Johnston, and died in North Carolina in 1886;
Mary Helen; George, the subject of this
sketch; John Kennedy, of Yonkers ; and Will-
iam M. Lasher, of New York City.
George Lasher began his education in the
common schools, and completed his studies
with a commercial course at Eastman's Busi-
ness College, Poughkecpsie. At the age of
twenty-one he became associated in business
with his father, under the firm name of Lasher
& Son, and since the retirement of the elder
Lasher he has had full charge of the ]n'operty,
including the management of the farm, which
contains two hundred acres. Mr. Georse
Lasher is unmarried.
Since becoming a voter he has manifested a
keen interest in local public affairs, and his
ability displayed in various official caixicities
has proved beneficial to the community. He
served as Justice of the Peace for several years,
was .Supervisor three years, and was a member
of the Assemlaly in 1881. He is particularly
interested in educational matters. In politics
he is a Republican. He and his father occupy
a handsome residence located upon the shores
of a beautiful lake. They are highly respected
members of the community. Mr. Lasher is an
Polder of the Presbyterian church.
^ClLHERT OSPORN BRUCE, M.D., a
J well-known practising physician of
the town of Seward, N. Y. , has been located in
the village of Hyndsville for nearly twoscore
years, and with one exception is the oldest-
established practitioner in Schoharie County.
He was born in the neighboring town of Sum-
mit, December 6, 1839, a son of the Rev.
Samuel and Theodosia (Harrington) Bruce.
Samuel Bruce, Sr., father of the Rev. Sam-
uel, was born and reared in Scotland, and he
46
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
lived there until alter his marriage. Cnmiiii;-
then to America with his bride, formerly a
Miss Armstrong, he became a ])ioneer settler
of Oneida County, New York, where he took
up a tract of wild land, cleared a s])ace, and
erected the Io.l;" house in which he made his
home during his remaining days. VVitli untir-
ing energy and true heroism he labored to re-
claim a farm from the primeval forest, and his
efforts were well rewarded. He passed to the
life beyond at the age of sixty-five years ; but
his wife survived him many years, attaining
the age of ninety-five.
The Rev. -Samuel Bruce was one of a family
of three ihildren. He was brouglit up at the
old homestead, and received his early education
in the pioneer schools of his district. Pos-
sessing great mental ability, he continued to
add to his store of knowledge by judicious
reading and studying, and for several years was
employed as a teacher. He afterward settled
on a farm in Summit, where he carried on
general farming for some time. He also
preached at Schoharie and elsewhere in this
county. He was ordained as a minister of the
Lutheran church, and subsequently followed
his vocation in Otsego County, settling at
South Worcester, where he died at the age of
seventy-two years. His wife, whose maiden
name was Theodosia Harrington, was a daugh-
ter of William Harrington. Shesurvi\'ed him,
passing away at the venerable age of fourscore
and ten years. Of their eight children seven
are now living, namely: Samuel W. ; James;
Elbert O. ; Richard; P'-li, who occupies the
old homestead ; Lavinia, wife of Oliver Mow-
bran}-; and Martha, wife of -Sylvester Smith,
of Onet)nta. Lucy Jane is deceased.
Elbert O. Ikuce left home wlien a lad of ten
years to become a pujjil in the New \'ork Con-
ference Seminary, which he attended until it
was burned, four years later. He subsecjuently
read medicine with Dr. George H. Leonard,
and in 1859 was graduated from the Castlelon
Medical College at Castleton, \'t. Returning
then to East Worcester, Otsego County, Hr.
Hruce assisted his former instructor, Dr. I^eon-
ard, a few months, and then came to Hynds-
ville, where he has since remained, a trusted
physician and an esteemeil citizen. During
this time he has seen Hyndsville de\eloped
from a small hamlet of three or four houses to
a flourishing village, and in its advancement
and welfare lie has been an imjjortant factor.
He has built u]) an extensive practice, his ride
extending twenty miles in either direction from
the village; and from his first day of ])ractice
until the present date he has ke])t abreast with
the times in regard to the progress made in the
science of medicine. Through the leading
medical journals he kee[)s informed of the new
diseases anil their treatments, and of the newer
methods emjiloyed in curing oUI-time diseases
of all kinds.
Dr. Bruce is a charter member of the -Scho-
harie County Medical .Society, of which he
has been |)i-esident three years and secretary
five year.s, also having held all tlie other offices.
Beforet his body of his professional brethren
the Doctor is frequently called upon to read
jxipers ; and he has likewise contributed arti-
cles on different topics, including diphtheria
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
47
and typhoid fever, to the Medical World. He
is also a member of the New York State Med-
ical Society, and has been a delegate three years.
In politics he is a sound Democrat. He has
served as Town Clerk six years; was Super-
visor in 1869 and 1S70; has been a member of
the School Committee several years; and from
1885 until 1889, under President Cleveland's
administration, he served as Postmaster. Dur-
ing that time he was nominated as candidate
for member of Assembly, but being Postmaster
he was obliged to withdraw his name. He is
a prominent Mason, belonging to Cobleskill
Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 394, and to Cobleskill
Chapter, R. A. M. , No. 229. He is a member
of the Methodist church, of which he is a trus-
tee, and for many years has been connected
with its Sunday-school.
Dr. Bruce was married Jutie 21, 1857, to
Miss Cynthia Brown, the only child of Perley
Brown, who was for many years a prominent
man and the leading merchant of Summit.
Dr. and Mrs. Brown have an adopted son,
]3crtie, now a pupil in the Cobleskill High
School.
^
|OBERT SELDEN, M.D., a leading
physician of Catskill, N.Y., residing
at 271 Main .Street, was born in
Shanesville, Ohio, on August 21, 1847, his
parents being Dr. Orrin G. and Catherine
(Hall) Selden. His grandfather, Robert Sel-
dcn, was a Scotchman, by occupation a miller.
He came to this country when his son Orrin was
seven years of age, and, settling in Massachu-
setts, worked at fanning there during the re-
mainder of his life. The maiden name of his
wife was Balfour.
Orrin Selden was brought up on a farm, and
followed agricultural pursuits until he became
of age. His education was received in the
common schools and in the academy at Haver-
hill. While still a young man he went to
Ohio, where he taught school for some time.
He subsequently studied medicine, and prac-
tised in Ohio and Wisconsin. He settled in
Catskill in 1877, and here he resided until his
death in 1894, one of the leading practitioners
of this vicinity. His wife, Catherine, was
born in Winsted, Conn. She was the daugh-
ter of Reuben Hall, a shoemaker by trade, who
espoused the cause of the black man and early
allied himself with the anti-slavery party. He
went South, and started a school and Sunday-
school for negroes at Fayetteville, but was
burned out, losing all his property. Pic then
removed to Pennsylvania and later to Ohio,
where he died at the age of eighty. Orrin
G. Selden and his wife were the parents of
three children, of whom there are living Rob-
ert and Mary. Mrs. Selden died at the age of
fifty-two. She was brought up a Methodist,
but after her marriage she joined the Presbyte-
rian church, of which her husband was a mem-
ber.
Robert Selden spent his early life in Ohio.
He read medicine with his father, and then
took a course at the Charity Hospital Medical
College, of Cleveland, from which he was grad-
uated in 1870. He began practice at Shanes-
ville with his father, and continued there after
the latter removed to Wisconsin. Subse-
-|8
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
(|uently tlic f;ithcr and s(in were associated in
practice here until tiic death of the father.
Dr. Robert Seldcn has been here since 1882.
He lias a very large jjractice and one that is
constantly increasing. His patients are to be
found not only in the village, but in all the
outlying districts.
Dr. Selden was married in iScSo to Charlotte
K. (lardiner, ilaughter of William H. (iardiner.
She was born in W'hitesboro, N. Y. , where her
father was a physician. Dater he went to
Ohio. While there he received an api)oint-
ment as iiost surgeon for the ami)- at Nash-
ville, and while engaged in the discharge of
the duties of that position he was attacked
with cholera, which jjroved fatal. His wife,
Emily Hull, bore him si.x children, of whom
the living are : Mrs. Buss, of Cleveland; Mrs.
Selden; and Emily II. Dr. and Mrs. Selden
have two daughters — Catherine !•-. and Fan-
nie, both of whom are attending school.
The Doctor is a member of the New \'iirk
Medical Association, and has been its vice-
president ; also a member of the Greene County
Medical Society, of which he has been presi-
dent. He has read numerous \-aluable papers
on medical subjects before both organizations.
He has been a Mason since 1S70. He holds
membership in Catskill Lodge, No. 468, F. &
A. M., of which he is a trustee and a Past
Master; in Catskill Royal Arch Chapter, No.
285, of wliich he is a charter member and
present High Priest; in Lafayette Comman-
dery, K. T., of Hudson, of which he is
Past Commander; in Mvstic .Shrine, Cyjiress
Temple, of Albany; in the Fraternal Union of
Anointed High Priests, which includes the high-
est officers from the various Royal Arch Chap-
ters of the .State; and in the Association of
Tem])lar Knights Commanders. He is medi-
cal examiner for a number of the largest insur-
ance companies and for the A. 0. U. W., of
which he is a member and has been for several
)ears financier. In politics the Doctor is a
Democrat. He was Town .Suiiervisor for one
year. His ]ibrar\-, of which he is justly
proud, is the largest and finest private library
in the county. Dr. and Mrs. Selden are mem-
bers of St. Luke Episcopal Church, and he has
been for a number of years a vestryman.
's^OHN A. NEWELL, of the well-known
mercantile firm of Potter & Newell,
Main Street, Windham, Greene County,
N.\'., was born in Durham, N.Y.. on Sep-
tember 21, 1829, son of Andrus and Julia
(Hushnell) Newell. His paternal grandfather,
John Newell, was a native of Southington,
Conn., and came to Durham among the early
pioneers of that town.
Caiitain John Newell, as he was widely
known from his rank in the .State militia in
the earlv trainiuL;" daws, built first a lo;/ cabin
and then a frame house, which he kept as a
tavern for many years. He was of sturdy
stock that could endure hardshi])s without
flinching, and his common sense equalled his
stalwait frame. He was a militia man in the
War of 1812. He lived to be over seventy
years of age, and his wife also lived to be old.
They reared a family of eight children.
JOHN A. NEWKLL.
J
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Andnis Newell, who was born in IJurham,
became a jirosperous farmer on his one hundred
and sixty acres. He tore down the building
tiiat his father had used as a tavern, and
erected in its place the large and handsome
house which is now the home of his son
Charles. Like his father he was a man of
sound judgment and of sjilendid physical
strength, being hearty and hale up tt) the time
of his death, at the age of eighty-six. He was
originally a Whig in politics and later a Re-
publican, and he held numerous offices tluring
his long and active life. His wife, Julia, died
at the age of fifty years. She was a native of
Westbrook, Conn. Both were de\'0ted mem-
bers of the Congregational church. Of their
ten children Louisa died at the age of twenty-
seven, Zina died at the age of seventy-one, and
Edwin at the age of five years. The living
are: John A., Sylvia, Abby, Adelbert, Eliza-
beth, Charles, and Eliezur D. Sylvia is the
wife of the Rev. S. H. Fellows, of VVauregan,
Conn. Abby is the wife of Professor Gilbert,
teacher of mathematics in the high school
at Albany, N. Y. Adelbert is a prosperous
farmer of Cox.sackie, N. Y. Elizabeth is Mrs.
Borland A. Peck. Charles is a farmer on
the old homestead, and Eliezur resides with
him.
John Newell lived with his parents until he
was about sixteen and a half years of age, when
he came to Windham. He had received a
common-school education, and upon coming
here he began learning the cabinet-maker's
trade with Mr. Potter, his present partner.
At the age of twenty-one, having finished his
apprenticeship, he went to New Vork City,
where he worked for two years. During this
time he saved a small amount of money, and at
the close of his second year he received an
offer from Mr. Potter to return to Windham
and enter into partnership with him. This
offer he accepted, and in 1(852 was formed the
partnership that is now the oldest in existence
in this county. Since that time Messrs. Pot-
ter & Newell have built up a very large trade
in Windham and the surrounding region.
Both gentlemen are skilled workmen in every
branch of furniture manufacturing, having
made all kinds of furniture by hand. They
have in past years done considerable manufact-
uring on their own premises, and still continue
to manufacture cofifins and caskets. Their
trade in furniture is extensive, and as they are
the only undertakers within a radius of ten
miles they practically do all the business in
that line hereabouts. No firm is better known
in all the surrounding country than that of
Potter & Newell.
In 1856 Mr. Newell married luniice Hunt,
who was born in the house in which Mr. New-
ell now resides. Her parents were Daniel
and Mary (Rowley) Hunt, both of whom were
members of the Presbyterian church. Of their
family of four boys and five girls three are
living and reside in Windham. Mr. Hunt
was a leading man in the town and |)rominent
in all i)ublic affairs. I^y occupation he was a
miller, and he built the mill now standing
here and the mill-race. Mrs. Hunt, who was
horn in Lexington, died at the age of sixty-
three. Mrs. Newell dietl on October 10,
52
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
1898, dropping suddenly from heart disease, at
the age of sixty-seven. Mr. Newell has lost
his two children — Highland and Mary E.
Ilighlaml Newell, who was a youni; man of
unusual promise, died at the ai;e of twenty-
three. He was a member of the Hampden
Watch Company, of Springfield, Mass., having
learned the watchmaker's trade in his native
jilace. He had been in business three years
when cut down by a fatal illness. Mary E.
died at five years of age.
I'dliticallv, Mr. Newell is a Republican.
He has served his townspeojile in the office of
Collector of Ta.xcs and as Auditor of the town
accounts, and has been a candidate for Siiper-
\'isor. He is a mendier of Momitain Lodge of
Masons, No. 529, having joined shortly after
the lodge was organized. His interest in
Masonic affairs has been active and unremit-
ting, and he has held nearly every office in the
lodge. He was Master at the lime the Ma-
sonic Teni|)le in New \'ork was dedicateil.
l''or nearly fifty years Mr. Newell has been an
active worker in the Presbyterian church in
this |)lace, and for the last thirty years has
been the leading tenor in the church choir,
which is the best in an\- town in the county
outside of Catskill. lie comes of a musicgl
famih', all of them being singers. l'"or more
than a (piarter of a century he has been an
b-lder in the chiu'ch, and for nine years he
served the Sunday-school as its superintend-
ent. He can scarcely remember the time
when he was not connected with the .Sunday-
school, either as pu|)il, teacher, or suiierin-
tendent.
OHN D. CAM THE LL, who owns and
occu])ies the old Camjjbell homestead in
Kiitterdam, N.V., was born in Alban\-
this State, Mav 14, 1S44, son of Daniel 1).
anil Julia A. (Sitterly) Campbell. Mr. Camp-
bell's father, who was adopted by an aimt, was
a son of Jacob and Angelica (Bradt) .Schermer-
horn. Jacob was a son of Simon and Sarah
(\'rooman) Schermerhorn. .Simon was a son of
Jacob and Margaret (Teller) Schermerhorn.
Jacob was a son of R_\'er and Aiiantje (Bradt)
Schermerhorn; and Ryer wis a son of Jacob
Janse Schermerhorn, the emigrant ancestor,
who was born in Waterland, Holland, in 1622,
and who marrietl Jamiettie Segers \'an \'oor-
houdt.
John D. Campbell was reared in Albany,
and acquired his etlucation in the schools of
that city. Since early manhood he has been
extensively engaged in agiicultural puisuits,
and is now the owner ot the Cam])l)ell home-
stead of three hundred acres and tlie X'edder
farm. His place, with its Colonial brick
mansion, is one of the most pretentious and
attractive country seats in this section, the
spacious grounds being shaded by graiul cdil
trees, thus adding to the condcirt as well as the
beauty of the surroundings.
On August 23, 1871, Mr. Campbell was
joined in marriage with l^lizabeth Clute, who
was born in Schenectaily, N.\'., October 30,
1848. She is now the mother of four children,
namel)- : l)a\ id, born December 3, 1873;
Julia A., born June 22, 1S76; John D., Jr.,
born March 25, 1878; and Bessie B. , born Au-
gust 7, 18S0.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
S3
Mr. Campbell is one of the most noted agri-
eulturists of Rotterdam, anil he makes a spe-
cialty of raising thoroughbred cattle and
horses. Politically, he is a Democrat, and
was a member of the Assembly in 1882.
C^TX^DREW G. BALDWIN, proprietor of
one of the best dairy farms in Gilboa,
N.Y., was born in Greenville,
Greene County, this State, December 11, 1827,
son of Harvey and Eliza (Boyd) Baldwin. His
father was born in Woodbury, Conn., Septem-
ber 7, 1799, and his mother was born in
Greenville, March 17, 1800. His paternal
grandfather, Andrew Baldwin, who was a
native of Connecticut, and lived there a num-
ber of years after marrying, removed with his
family to Greenville, and later from there to
Mount Morris, N. Y. , where he died. He was
an industrious farmer. He had six children,
namely: Deborah, who never married; Nancy,
who was the wife of Judge Reuben Hine, of
New York City; Harvey ; Andrew, who died
while young; Hannah, who married James
Conkey, of Mount Morris; and Harriet, who
married William Barnes, of Monmouth, III.
Harvey Baldwin, father of Andrew G., was
fourteen years old when his parents settled in
Greenville. He remained there until 1S37,
when he removed to a farm in Conesville,
Schoharie County, where his death occurred on
December 14, 1849. He was the father of
five children, two of whom are living, namely :
Andrew G., the subject of this sketch; and
William L. Baldwin, a lawyer of ]5reakabeen
and e.\-district attorney. The others were:
Ann Jane, wife of the late Dr. E. R. Mackey,
of Cat.skill, N.Y. ; John H., M.D., who died
in Olive City, Ulster County, N.Y., in 1889;
and James Harvey, who died at the age of ten
years. The mother died September 7, 1857.
Andrew G. Baldwin acquired his education
in the schools of Greenville and Cones\'ille.
He aided in carrying on the home farm until
his father's death, and continued to reside in
Conesville for five or si.\ years afterward.
Coming to (lilboa in 1855, he was engaged in
mercantile pursuits until 1861, when he pur-
chased a farm, on which he lived about three
years. Eor the past thirty-four years he has
occupied a residence in the village, but still
manages his agricultural property, which con-
sists of two farms, one containing one hundred
and ninety-seven acres and the other one hun-
dred and twenty-three acres. With the aid of
hired assistants he carries on general farming
and dairying. He has dealt somewhat exten-
sively in cattle, and at one time handled Ca-
nadian horses.
Eor more than thirty years Mr. Baldwin has
served as a Justice of the Peace, and in that
capacity he transacts most of the minor legal
business in this vicinity. During his four
years upon the Board of Supervisors he was
chairman of the legislation and printing com-
mittees, and was a member of the committee
on accounts of County Treasurer. He has
also held other offices. He was always
strongly opposed to slavery. His first Presi-
dential vote was cast for the Whig candidate in
54
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
1852. His allegiance to the Reiniblican party
dates from its foimatimi, when he assisted in
perfecting the local organization. He has
served upon various committees, and has
missed but one town election since liecoming
a voter.
Mr. Baldwin married Charlotte V.. Stryker,
daughter of Peter B. .Str)ker, who came with
his paients fiom New Jersex- in I7<S5, the
Stryker family being the very first to settle
in this section. Mr.s. Baldwin's grandfather
came from Holland. Her father was quite
active in public affairs, and prominently
iilentified with the Dutch Reformed church.
Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have had five children,
namely: Carrie E. , who marrietl William lla-
garton, M.D. , for twenty-four years a well-
known ]ihysician of Gilboa; Minnie K., who
married Henry Carpenter, and is no longer
living; George S., i\I.D., who is now ]iractis-
ing in New York City; Lewis C, a dentist,
who als(j practises in the metropolis; and
Grace A., who is studying music.
Mr. Baldwin joined the Dutch Reformed
chuicli in 1S65, and during his period of mem-
bership lias served as Llder, Deacon, treasurer,
and superintendent of the Sunda\-school.
< • > > >
'OilN II. (;i\.\\', pro]5rietor of a general
store in 'lannersville, Greene Coimtv,
N.V. , was born in Olive, Tlster
County, this .State, January 13, 1853, son of
Morgan ami Rachel ({■"reileigh) Gray. His
grandfather, Martin Gray, was a lifelong resi-
dent of Columbia County and a prosjjcrous
farmer.
Morgan Gray, father of John II., was born
in Saratoga, and he there followed farming
some years. He later came to Greene County,
and remained a short time, then went to Olive
in Ulster County, and iu 1 868 settled u])on a
farm in Saugerties, where he is still residing.
He is now seventy-five years old, but |)ossesses
the activity of a much younger man. He is
a member of the Dtitch Reformed church.
His wife, Rachel, was born in Saugerties,
daughter of Samuel Freileigh, a prosperous
farmer of that locality. .She died at the age
of fifty-si.\, having been the mother of seven
children, of whom si.\ are living; namely,
Samuel M., John H., Carrie, Mary, Abbie,
and Charles. Carrie married Daniel York,
Mary married Orville Smith, and Abbie is the
wife of Frank .Smith.
John II. Gray was educated in the common
schools. He assisted his father on the farm
until he was thirty-one years old, when he pur-
chasetl the general store conducted up to that
time by his brother Samuel !\L, and, adding
other goods, carried on the business for four
years. .Selling out to his brother-in-law, he
came in i8go to Tannersville, and |Hirchasing
land in the centre of the town, on the west side
of Hunter Turnpike, erected his present store,
in which he has carried on a profitable business
ever since. The store is si.xty by one Inuulred
feet, and two stories high, the upper floor
being used for storage purposes. He carries
a large and varied stock, including drv and
fancy goods, boots and shoes, ha}' and grain.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
55
paints and oils, groceries, hardware, house-
furnishing goods, carpets, crockery, harnesses,
robes, all kinds of patent medicines, wines,
liquors, cigars, and tobaccn. He also has a
niillinerv department. Reopens in April and
closes Januar)- i. With the aid of twenty-one
employees, he transacts a large business, sup-
plying all of the hotels and park resorts in this
locality. He buys by the carload, and the
character of his trade demands the handling
of the finest qualit}' of foreign and domestic
goods. In connection with his store he carries
on a well-equipped li\'er\' stable, keeping an
average of thirty horses.
In 1882 Mr. Gray married Jennie Carnright,
a native of Ouarr}ville, Ulster County, daugh-
ter of Wynkoop and Abbie (Freileigh) Carn-
right. Her father was born in West Hadlcy,
Ulster County. He moved from there to
Ouarryville and later to Malden-on-the-Hud-
son, where he has resided for the past twenty-
five years and is general overseer on the stone
cJDck. Her mother also was born in Ouarry-
ville. .She was a daughter of .Samuel P. Frei-
leigh, a farmer of that town, who was of Dutch
descent. Mrs. Carnright, who is no longer liv-
ing, was the mother of two children : Jennie,
who is now Mrs. Gray ; and Carrie, who married
James Hommul. Having a good common-
school education antl [lossessing excellent busi-
ness ability, Mrs. Gray is a valuable assistant
to her husband, and has a general supervision
of the store. She attends to most of the buy-
ing, and gives her particular attention to the
niilliner)- department, which is well stocked
with seasonable goods. Mr. and Mrs. Gray
have one daughter, Maud S. , aged fourteen.
She is attending the academy in Kingston, and
makes a siiecialty of music.
Mr. Gray is a Democrat in pf)litics. He is
a great lover of horses, and keeps a number of
speedy animals, and Mrs. Gray is als(j fond of
driving.
RCHir.ALD TINNING, one of the
leading farmers of I'rincetown, N.Y.,
was born in Glen, Montgomery
County, this State, August 6, 1824, son of
James and Hannah (Bradt) Tinning. The
father was born in Scotland in 1785, and in
early life he followed the useful calling of a
school teacher. He later kept a store on the
Iirie Canal, and in 1840 he settled in I'atter-
sonville, where he ran a general store in con-
nection with farming for eleven years. He
then moved to Florida, N.Y. , where he spent
the rest of his life, and died in 1868.
I'oliticall)', he acted in his later years with
the Republican part)-, and in his religious
belief he was a Presbyterian. Mrs. Hannah
Bradt Tinning, his wife, who was born
in Glen in 1795, and died in 1838, was the
mother of six children, three of whom are
living, namely: Archibald, the subject of
this sketch; Susan, who is now Mrs. Dougal,
of Glenville; and Jane, who resides in Monte-
rey, Cal. The others were: Catharine, who
became Mrs. Dorman ; Margaret, who became
Mrs. I5rownell; and Joseph Tinning. The
mother died in I 838.
Archibald Tinning was reared and educated
56
BIOGRAPH ICAL REVIEW
in Mi)ntg()mcrv County. He beg:in life as a
clfik in his fatlicr's stoic, and later engaged
in mercantile business on liis dwn account.
He became a property holder in Sclienectad\'
Count)- in 1840, purchased his present farm in
I'rincetown in 1849, and has resided here since
I.S50. He now owns ahnut three hundred
acres, which he nses for general farming and
pasturage. He raises large and superior crops,
and realizes good financial results. He keeps
from twenty to thirt)' head of fine cattle, also
raises shee|), and his stable contains some ex-
cellent horses.
In iS4cS Mr. Tinning married Sarah Mc-
Gec, who was born in New York City, ilaugh-
ter of William and Maria (W'east) McGee,
who came to reside in I'rincetown several
years ])riiir to licr nuirriage. .She is the
mother of five children ; namel)', James, Will-
iam, l-'rances, Maria, anil Martha. Mr. and
Mrs. Tinning have eight grandchildren.
Having acquired a comijctenc}', Mr. Tin-
ning has practically retired from active labor,
and will heiicefiirward eiijo)' a well-earned rest
at his comfortable hiimc. In politics he acts
with the Republican jjarty. He and Mrs.
Tinning are members of the Dutch Reformed
clnnch.
Of late years Mr. Tinning has found the
winters too severe, and he and Mrs. Tinning
have made several journeys to Califnrnia to
enjoy that delightful climate, and visit friends
and relatives, making his headquarters with his
son William, who is a successful lawyer. He
has visited the \'osemite and other natiual
wonders of the .State, al.so taking great interest
in the sugar beet factories and other great in-
dustries and im])rovements that are being car-
ried on.
RANK X. STRATH, the founder and
s manager of the telegraph line ;ind bus-
iness in Middleburg, N.Y. , is of German birth
and parentage. He was born in Altheim
Oberamt Horb, W'urtemberg, on June 1, 1847,
son of Michael and Wallpurga Noll (\'on lliirr-
linger) Straub. His father, who was born in
W'urtemberg, of an ancient and honored famil)',
came to this country in 1851.
In the Fatherland Michael Stranb had been
a farmer and the nwner of a large \ineyard,
where he manufactureil wine on ijuitean exten-
sive scale. He was a man of nute in his na-
tive ])lace, and esteemed by all whd knew him.
After coming here, he settled in Williamsbui'g,
on tlie outskirts of Brooklyn, where he ke|)t a
hotel until 186;
His wife, who was one of
twins, was born in 1816, and died un June 28,
1852, not long after her arrixal in America.
Both parents were members of the Geinian
Catholic church. Of their fi\e children one,
Rosa, is deceasetl. Those living are: John;
Carl A., who has been for thirty-two years in
the regular army; Marie S. ; antl I-'rank X., of
Middleburg, whose personal histor)- is given
below.
Frank Straub received his education in a
German school in Hrooklyn, N. \'. He
learned the machinist's trade in that cit}'.
Later he joined the I'nion army and was
stationed at b'ort Schuyler untler (ieneral
FRANK X. STKAL'B anu (.kaxd-haiciukk, MILDRED WELLS.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
59
Schoficld. At the close of the war he learned
the Ixirber's trade in New York City, ami
there worked at it for some years. Comin"' to
Middicbiirg in 1868, he opened a barber shop
here, and has since been in active business in
this town. He has been interested in every
important movement which has touched closely
the welfare or progress of the town tluring
the last tliirt)- years.
The fire department, which is considered
one of the best volunteer organizations in the
State, owes him a s|U'cial debt of gratitude.
It was started on Decemlier 31, 1887, by a vote
of the village trustees. A commodious brick
engine-house was built at a cost of two thou-
sand dollars, and a steamer and a hook and
ladder company formed. Mr. Straub raised
fifteen hundred dollars for the hook and ladder
company, and made a personal contribution of
one hundred dollars toward the steamer. He
was foreman of the old Eagle engine, and was
foreman of the hook and ladder comiiany under
the new organization. He has always since
been connected with the tire department, and
takes an active interest in all matters connected
with it. He was also a jiioneer mover in be-
half of the water company, and together with
Mr. James C. Borst laid the first line of pipe
on October 26, 1894. He assisted in survey-
ing and in making maps at the time the vil-
lage was incorporated. I<"or tweh'e years he
had control of the teleiihone and of the local
office of the United States Signal Ser\-ice.
The telegraph line, which he manages and op-
erates, was built in June, 1889. This is pat-
ronized b}' all the leading business men in
Mitldlebnrg, and is now regarded as an indis-
pensable element in the transaction of daily
business.
Mr. .Straub was married in 1870 to Emma-
rette K. Gernse\-, daughter of Montreville
Gernsey, of this place. She was born in Mid-
dleburg. Her father is a native of this
count}', and her mother, whose maiden name
was Alida Hecker, was a native of Breakabeen.
Mrs. Gernsey died at the age of thirty-six,
having been the mother of nine children. Of
these the following-named six are living: Mrs.
Straub, Julia, Edith, Rosa, Roxy, and Lett.
Mr. and Mrs. Straub are the parents of three
children — Inez, Charles A., and Arthur E.
The first of these is the wife of Erank Wells,
a well-known druggist of Middlebuig, and is
the mother of one child, Mildred. Charles
A., who is a graduate of the LTnion College of
I^harmacy, is a druggist in Troy. Arthur is a
baker in Albany.
Mr. Straub is a communicant of the Episco-
pal church and a vestryman. He was con-
firmed in St. Luke's (.'hurch, Middlehurg, in
1869, by the Right Rev. William C. Doane.
All the members of his family were baptized
in the Episcopal faith. In 1 88(1 Mr. Straub
made a trip to liurope and visited his birth-
place, where he was accorded a most generous
reception.
Mr. .Straub is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, and
a member of the Columbian Literar)' Society
and of other fraternal organizations. The fol-
lowing record is of interest in this connection :
He was elected Quartermaster Sergeant of
Steuben Zouaves, Twenty-fifth Regiment, Com-
6o
lUOCRArHKAL REVIEW
pany I, in 1865; joined Good Tcmiilnrs,
Albany, in 1S67; raised to tiie sublime degree
of Master Mason at Middlebiirg Lodge, No.
662, F. & A. M., ill 1877; secretary of same
lodge from 1S81 to 1S86; trustee of lodge from
1896 to 1901 ; elected to membersbip of La
Bastille Lodge in 1882, and elected secrctar\-
of La Bastille Lodge in 1885; reorganized
Eagle Engine Company and elected foreman
of same in 1884; organized Scribner Hook
and Ladder Compan\- in 18S8, and elected
foreman of Scribner lluoU and Ladder Com-
pany for two years; elected assistant chief
of Middleburg Fire Department, and elected
member of Oncongena Tribe, No. 242, Im-
proved Order of Red Men, i8g8; elected mem-
ber of Middleburg luicampment, No. 129,
1894; a]i|iointed under Governor Morton No-
tary Public, 1895 to 1901; elected Trustee
and Collet'tor of \-illageof Middleluug, 1897.
ll.AKLH.S K. NICHOLS, a prominent
j; law\er and c.\-.Su|)ervisor of Jefferson,
.Schoharie C_"ount)', was born in this
town. May 2, 1862, son of Hiram O. and Eliz-
abeth (Totten) Nichols. PI is great-grand-
father, ]'>.ra Nichols, who was a pioneer in
Delaware County, went there from Danijury,
Conn., when the grandfathei', Daniel Nichols,
was eight years old. The latter became a
prosjjcrous farmer in Harpersfield. He had a
family of nine children, namely: Laura;
Fann\-; .Sally; Daniel .S. ; Ezra; Betse\', who
became Mrs. 15ecker Clernen ; Whitman;
Hannah; and Hiram O., above named.
Hiram O. Nichols, father of Charles I-'.,
formerly carried on mercantile business in con-
nection with farming. He is now retired.
His wife, Elizabeth, is a daughter of John and
. Amanda (Davis) Totten, of Harpersfield.
The\' have had three children: Charles E., the
subject of this sketch; Orson, who died at the
age of twenty-six years ; and Rollo, who is a
prosperous dairy farmer in Harpersfield, is an
influential member of the Republica.i part)-,
and served as a Justice of the Peace.
, Charles K. Nichols was graduated from the
Delaware Literary Institute, I'ranklin, in
1882, and for a time attended Hamilton Col-
lege. His law studies were completed in
Schoharie, and, having been admitted to the
bar in 1885, he in August of the following
year ojiened an office in Jefferson. The skil-
ful and energetic handling of some of his first
important cases was the means of gaining a
numerous and profitable clientage, and he has
become a w'ell-known practitioner before the
courts of Otsego, Delaware, Greene, Lister,
Albaii\', and .Scholiarie Counties. He has
figured prominently in several liotlv contested
suits, one of which, an action brought by
certain parties for the reeoverv of ta.xes, neces-
sarily aroused the interest of the general pub-
lic; and his able management of another
notable case, which hati its origin in a politi-
cal dispute, resulted in a \ictory for the local
Republican organization. .As one of the most
able and active supporters of that party he has
rendered valuable committee service, has been
a delegate to various conventions, including
the one which nominated ( iovernor Black, and
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
was a candidate for District Attorney in 1888.
While holding the office of Supervisor in 1892-
93, he was chosen chairman of the equaliza-
tion committee and a member of the com-
mittee that erected the new almshouse, was
instrumental in securing an appropriation for the
repair of the fort, and rooms of the Historical
Society at Schoharie. He has held other posi-
tions of trust.
Mr. Nichols married Hattie A. Hubbell,
daughter of Dr. Richtmeyer Hubbell, of Jeffer-
son. They have two children — Grace A. and
Charles E., Jr.
Mr. Nicliols is a member of the Delta Kappa
Epsilon Fraternity of Hamilton College, and
has reached an advanced degree in the Masonic
order, being a Past Master of the lilue Eodge,
and the only resident of this town who belongs
to the Commandery and the Mystic Shrine.
His lucrative practice has enabled him to
amass a competenc)' ; and besides holding con-
siderable stock in the water compan}', of
which he is a director, he owns some valuable
real estate, including agricultural property and
village lots. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols are mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal church.
WILLIAM A. VVASSON, M.D., a
leading ph\'sician of Greenville,
N.\'., was born in 1852 in Hamburg, Erie
County, this State. He is the only son of
Horace and .Susan E. (Oberholser) Wasson.
His grandfather, John Wasson, was one of the
pioneers of Hamburg, coming to that place,
which lay in the uUl Holland patent, in 1800,
at the age of nineteen. There he worked at
farming during the remainder of his life, and
on the homestead the succeeding generations
of the family have been born. He serveil dur-
ing the War of 1S12 as a Captain in the mili-
tia. He (.lied at the age of seventy-four. His
wife, who died in middle life, was before her
marriage a Miss Griffin. Of the five ciiildren
born to her, two are living — Horace and
Thomas, both of whom reside in Buffalo.
Horace Wasson was born on the Wasson
farm in Hamburg in 1S23, and was reared to
farm life. In enrly manhood he showed
marked administrati\-e ability, and this secured
his appointment to the responsible position of
superintendent of the Erie County Insane Asy-
lum in Buffalo, the duties of which he dis-
charged in a faithful and efficient manner for a
quarter of a century. The institution was a
large one, having about a hundred and fifty
inmates. Mr. Wasson is one of the well-
known citizens of Buffalo. He gave uji his
position in the asylum in 1S73, and has since
given his attention to his personal business
interests in that city. His wife, who is of
German stock, was born in Otsego County.
Her father, John Oberholser, who reached tiie
advanced age of ninety-four years, was a car-
penter, and worked at his trade in Lancaster
County when a young man. Later he re-
moved to Otsego Count)-, and finall}- to Am-
herst, Erie County, where he resided until his
death. He bad a family of nine children.
Mrs. Wasson is a memljer of the Church of the
Disciples. She has two children : Dr. Will-
62
BIOGRArillCAI. RF.VIEW
iam A. ; and Carrie, who is the wife (if VV. S.
Turbett, of Buffalo.
Dr. Wasson began earninLi; hi.s own living
in his thirteenth year, when he went to work in
a broker'.s office in Buffalo. He was there for
a year, and then became an employee in the
Erie County Savings Bank for another year.
Following this he attended .St. Luke's School
for a year, and then went to Rochester as gen-
eral agent for the Knickerbocker Life Insur-
ace Comjiany, this being in 1867 and 1868.
Subsequently he was for a \-ear in college at
Alliance, Ohio, and he then returned to
Buffalo and became an assistant house physi-
cian in the ICrie County Hospital. This
position he held until 1872, when he was
appointed house physician. While there he
attended lectures at the Universit)- of Buffalo,
and in 1S72 received his degree from that in-
stitution. In 1873 he gave up his place at
the hosjjital, antl opened an office in l^uffalo for
the practice of medicine. There he remained
until 1S80, when he came to Greenville. He
has here a large general i)ractice, and is one of
the most popular physicians of tlie town. His
present residence, built fur him in 18S5, is one
of the finest in the \illage lukI, indeed, one of
the finest to be found in any of the villages in
the county.
'J'he Doctor was married in 1S75 to Carrie
H. Woo.ster, a native of We.sterlo, daughter of
Charles E. antl Melissa (Hitchcock) Wooster.
Her parents had a family of four children.
I""or many years they resided here, her father
being one of the well-known fanners of the
town. Dr. and Mrs. W'asson have an only
daughter, Alice ^L, who is the wife of John
H. .Sandford, a druggist in this town, and has
a little daughter, Ruth.
Dr. W'asson is a Democrat. IK' is warmly
interested in all jnildic matters, but the de-
mands of his profession [irexent him from tak-
ing a \ery active part in political affairs. He
is a member of the (Ireene County Medical
Society, and while in Buffalo was a member of
the Erie County Medical Society, and also of
the Buffalo Medical Club, which has since
developed into the Buffalo Academy of Medi-
cine. The Doctor occasionally takes a rest
from his professional labors b\' indulging his
tastes as a sportsman. He is an excellent
shot, and is the owner of several guns and of
hunting dogs. He has been actively associ-
ated with the Masonic organizatinn since 1877,
when he joined the (Jueen City Lodge in
Buffalo. Upon coniing here he received mem-
bership in the James M. Austin Lodge, and of
this he has been five years Master, and was
two years District Deput\- in the old Lle\enth
District under Crand .Master Will iam .She\er
and Crand Master Burnham. He has tilled all
the chairs in the lodge. It was at his instiga-
tion that the Green\ille Royal Arch Chapter
was organized, and he has been its High Priest
from the start. He was a charter member of
Jefferson Lodge, A. O. U. W., of l^uffalo, and
while in that cit\' was examining physician of
the lodge. He has hekl the office of trustee of
the academ\-, and is at the jirescnt time a
member of the l^oard of lulucation. He is
also one of tiie three lire commissioners of the
town and chief of the fue department.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
63
I L LI AM T. WADDELL, Super-
visor of the town of Duanesburg,
N.Y. , was born where he now resides, son of
William and Jane (McMillan) Waddell. His
father, who is still li\ing, was born near Edin-
burgh, Scotland, May 5, 1815, and his mother
was born in Rotterdam, N.Y. , about the
year 1 820.
William Watldell emigrated when nineteen
years old, first locating in Rotterdam, and for
a time he followed the tailor's trade. Turning
his attention to agriculture, he came to Duanes-
burg over fifty years ago, and, purchasing the
farm which his son is now cultivating, he
tilled the soil successfully for the rest of his
active period. Jane, his wife, became the
mother of two sons, namely: James McMillan
Waddell, a Civil War veteran, who is now a
lumberman in the West; antl William T. , the
subject of this sketch. Mrs. Jane M. Wad
dell died in June, 1891. William Waddell
has been a Republican in politics since the
formation of the party, and in his religious be-
lief he is a Presbyterian.
William T. Waddell was educated in the
common schools. From his youth upward he
has made general farming his chief occupation,
having assisted his father until taking the
entire management of the property. Besides
the original home farm of one hundred and six
acres he owns ninety-five acres of adjoining
land. He raises large and superior crops, and
makes a specialty of breeding full-blooded
Guernsey cattle and Shropshire sheep. His
industry and progressive tendencies are dis-
played to excellent advantage, and his farm.
which is desirably located, contains good, sub-
stantial buildings.
In 1 87 1 Mr. Waddell married for his first
wife Jennie W^ilkins. She died in 1S73, leav-
ing one son, Samuel W. , who married Eliza-
beth Mead, resides in this town, and has one
son. In 1875 Mr. Waddell married for his
second wife Louisa Schrade, a native of
Duanesburg. By this union there is one son,
Harry.
Mr. Waddell has long been prominently
identified with local public affairs, having
served as Inspector of Elections several years.
Overseer of the Poor two years, Justice of the
Peace si.x years, while he is now serving his
si.xth teim as Supervisor, being indorsed by
both parties. In politics he is a Republican.
He belongs to St. George Lodge, No. 6, F. &
A. M., of Schenectady. He has held all of
the important chairs of Bethany Lodge, No.
524, I. O. O. F. , and is a Past Master and
now secretary of F2mpire Grange, No. 784,
Patrons of Husbandry. He attends the Epis-
copal church.
KEWIS SHELMANDINE, formerly a
prosperous farmer and cattle dealer of
^^^ Jefferson, was born in this town, July
16, 181 I. He was a son of John and Lizzie
(Washburn) Shelmandine and grandson of
Richard Shelmandine an Englishman, who
was one of the first settlers in Jefferson.
Richard .Shelmandine married a Miss Kniskem,
of Blenheim, and resided upon a faiin in this
town for the rest of his life. He and his wife
BIOGRAPHICAL RFA'IEW
reared four sons and one dauj^hter; namely,
Henry, Borant, ]?cnjamin, John, and Mary.
Henry was a lifelong resident of Jefferson,
liorant, who was in his younger days a hutiter,
later went to Oil Creek, I'a. I?enjamin
settled in Tcnnsylvania. Mary married Oba-
diah Ruland.
Jiihn .Shelmandine, father of Lewis, was
born in Jefferson, and here .spent the active
period of his life in tilling the soil. In iSoi
he married Lizzie Washburn, of Danhury,
Conn. She became the mother of nine chil-
dren, namely: Kate, who is no longer living;
Joseph, who died in Jefferson in iScSS; Re-
becca, who died in Farmington, Pa. ; Rhcda,
who died in Illinois; Lewis, the subject of
this sketch; Daniel, who tlied in lilenheim ;
Reuben, who died in Jefferson in 1X94; Sally,
who died in New "N'ork ; and Charles, who died
in Ohio. John Shelmandine died at the age
of forty-seven years, leaving his wife with a
large and dependent family. .She, however,
was an e.\ceedingl\' capable woman, and suc-
ceeded in bringing up her chihhen. She was
a member of the Methodist Kpiscopal chnrch
and a devout Christian.
Lewis Shelmandine was but fourteen years
old when his father's death maile it necessary
for him to become self-supjiorting, and he
began industrial life as a farm assistant.
While still a young man he engaged in farm-
ing on his own account, and shortly after his
marriage he returned to the homestead farm.
1 1 is energy and thrift soon ])laced him among
the leailing dairy farmers and cattle dealers of
the coimty, his farm in the nieaiiwhilc luu'ing
been increased from about one hundred to four
hundred acres. He raised, bought, and sold
live stock, took many jirizes at fairs, jnuxhased
premium cattle, which he scdd at a ])rofit, and
became widely known as an excellent authority
in all matters relating to the li\'e-stock busi-
ness. He was a progressive as well as an
industrious man, and quick to apjireciate every
improvement in agricultural machinery, being
the first farmer in Schoharie Count)' to pur-
chase a mowing machine. In 1856 he built a
new farm residence, and in 1S71 he erected a
handsome house in the village, where his last
days were sj^ent.
On March 6, 1834, Mr. Shelmandine was
joined in marriage with Harriet Pitcher, who
was born in the town of .Summit, I'"ebruar\- 5,
I Si 3, a daughter of Horace Pitcher. Plight
children were the fruit of their union ; nameh',
Charles, lilizabeth, Phoebe A., Catharine,
Sarah M., Mary, Lmeline, and Rominda.
Charles married Lydia Prockway, and resides
in Lminence, N. Y. Elizabeth is the wife of
P'rank Hannay, of PIminence. Sarah M., who
married David (]. Proper, of -Summit, died
I-"ebruary 28, 1870. Mary first married Will-
iam L. Proper, who died lea\ing one son,
Lewis. -She afterward marrietl David S.
Palmer, a resident of Jefferson. P-meline nr.ir-
ried T. O. lUirnett, and resides in .Summit;
and Rominda married P\ron pLuiiett, and
resides in Cobleskill. Charles and Llizabcth
were formerh- schotd teachers. .Ml the chil-
dren united with the Methodist P^dscopal
chinch.
Jn ])olitics Mr. .Shelmandine wen! from the
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
6S
Whig party to the Democratic party, became
a Republican at the breaking out of the Civil
War, and in his last days joined the party of
Prohibition. He assisted in building the
Methodist church at East Jefferson, of which
he was for some years a steward and trustee.
Benevolence was one of his leading traits, and
he relieved the suffering of the poor with a
willingness free from ostentation. He died
March 5, 1889, surviving his wife some nine-
teen years, her death having occurred February
23, 1870. Mrs. Shelmandine, like her hus-
band, was an earnest member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, and both were mourned as a
severe loss to the community.
'ENRY F. OEMSTEAD, Catskill
agent of the Greene County Bible
Depository and a retired agent of
the American Express Company, was born in
Ridgefield, Fairfield County, Conn., Novem-
ber 22, 181 3, son of Nathan and Martha
(Watrous) Olmstead. His parents were both
natives of that town, and his paternal grand-
father, Jared Olmstead, followed farming there
as long as he lived. Nathan Olmstead was a
carpenter by trade, and besides following this
mechanical calling he taught school many
years. His death occurred in Ridgefield at the
age of fifty-seven. He was a member of the
Congregational church. His wife, Martha,
who was a daughter of John Watrous, a farmer,
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church. She died at thiit}'-four years of age,
havinir been the mother of seven children.
Henry 1". Olmstead is now the only survivor
of his father's family. In his boyhood he at-
tended the common schools of Ridgefield, and
subsequently, both jirior to and after comjjlet-
ing a course at Hilton Academy, he taught
school in Norwalk. Relinquishing educational
work, he went to Hudson, N.Y. , to learn the
trade of a hatter, and worked as a journeyman
there two years. In 1842 he came to Catskill,
where he continued his trade on his own ac-
count for two years, and opening a retail hat
store continued it for a period of nearly
twenty-five years, during the latter ]iart of the
time occupying the building in which he ncjvv
has an office. For fifteen years, beginning in
185 I, he conducted in addition to the other the
business of the local agency for the American
Express Company. In 1 886 the express busi-
ness had become so developed in importance
that he disposed of his hat business. He con-
tinued to represent the company until Decem-
ber, 1880, when failing health compelled him
to relinquish the arduous duties of his posi-
tion. As a reward for his long and faithful
service the company placed him on their emer-
itus list, retiring him upon half-pay. Since
1 88 1 he has transacted a real estate business,
has been the local agent for foreign steamship
lines, has looked after the Clark estate, and
for the past five years has been the Catskill
agent for the Greene County Bible Depository.
In politics he was originally a Whig, and, fa-
voring the principles of the Republican move-
ment, he was instrumental in organizing that
party in this locality. He was Civil Justice
for sixteen years, and three years Police Justice,
66
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
and was noted for the impartial manner in
vviiich he dis])osed cjf all cases coming inuler
his jiH'isdiction.
In 1844 Mr. Olpistead was united in mar-
riage with Lydia H. Utley, daughter of Ralph
and Sarah (Huntington) Utley. He has had
two children, namely: a daughter, Mary How-
ard Olmsteacl, who is organist of the Presbyte-
rian cluH'ch, and who teaches music; and a
son, Henry F. , who died aged four }ears.
Mr. Olmstead was formerly a member of
the Sons of Temperance. For many years he
has been an Elder of the Presbyterian church.
He is a ])crnianent Deacon, and was superin-
tendent of the Sunda\--school for nearly twenty
years. He has outlived the majority of his
business contemporaries, having particijjated
in the development of Catskill from a small
hamlet to its ])re.sent size. He still has in his
possession the old hand sled, built by him forty-
ti\e years ago, upon which he transported the
Aiuerican Express packages during the early
days of that company's existence.
I<:TER V. VAN EPS, a well-to-do
farmer of Glenville, N.Y., was born
in this town, No\ember 13, 1825, son
of Albert and Anna (Swart) Van Eps. The
family is of Dutch origin, as the name im-
plies. Its immigrant progenitor was Dirk
V^an Iqis, who settled in Schenectady County
as early as 1662 or 1663. Johannes Dirksie
Van liips, son of Dirk, and the next in line,
was killed in the Indian massacre of 1690.
He had four sons and four daughters; and
Invert \'an I'^js, one of his scnis, great-grand-
father of the subject of this sketch, was twice
married, and bad fi\'e s(uis and five daughters.
Johannes J5aphst \'an Ejjs, the grandfather,
was born in Glenville, May 13, 1731. When
a young man he located upon a tract of w'ild
land, which he cleared into a good farm, and
the rest of his active years were devoted to
its cultivation. He luarried Anna X'edder on
May 2, 1761, antl had a family of thirteen
children. He died January 11, 1813.
Albert Van V.ps, the father, was born in
Glenville, May 16, 1785. .\ sturdy and a
thrifty farmer, he made excellent use of the
resources at his command; and he resided here
until his death, which occurred March 17,
1831. Politically, he acted with the Whig
party. He was a member of the Keformed
church. Mrs. Anna Swart Van I'"ps, his wife,
was born in this town, Januar\' 16, 1790, and
died July 22, 1841. They had nine children,
four of whom aie li\-ing, namely: .Ann I'^liza,
born September 16, 1819; Sarah, born Sep-
tember 12, 1S23; Peter \'., the subject of this
sketch; and Josiah, born February 11, 182S.
The others were: John A., born December 14,
181 3; Jacobus S., born December 24, 1815;
Ilarmanus S., born August 13, 1817; Josias,
born December 11, 1821, died in infancy; and
Susanna, born June 18, 1830.
Peter \'. Van Eps was educ:ited in the
schools of iiis native town. While still a
youth he began to assist in the work of the
farm ; and, having succeeiled to the ownership
of a portion ol the homestead property on com-
inu of age, he has tilletl the soil with cner-
I'ETER \-. \A.\ EPS.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
69
getic diligence and resulting prosperity for the
past fifty years. His farm is situated in the
fertile valley of the Mohawk, not far from
Hoffman's I'Y'rry, and in the immediate vicin-
ity of the spot where his ancestrn- erected a
primitive abode in the pioneer days. The
region abounds in charming natural scenery,
including Wolf Hollow; and the traveller who
goes out of his way to ride through this pictur-
esque ravine is amply paid for his pains. The
cries of the wild beasts heard by the early set-
tlers have given way to the more welcome
sounds of implements of industry, and the
valley is now dotted on either side witli well-
kept farm-houses.
On June 3, 1851, Mr. Van Eps was united
in marriage with Mary Ann Davenport, who
was born in Troy, N.Y. , March 23, 1828,
daughter of David Davenport. Mrs. Van Eps
is the mother of three sons, of whom the fol-
lowing is a brief record: Jewett Edwin, born
December 25, 1853, married Mary Conda, and
is now cashier of the First National Ixmk,
Schenectady; Da\'id Augustus, a prosperous
farmer of Glenville, born September 15, 1854,
married Annie R. Van Loan, and has two
children — Jewett E. and Helen M. ; and
Frank Stanley Van Eps, born July 4, 1859,
married Marion Hosworth, and is now a Chris-
tian Science healer in Chicago.
Owning one of the oldest farms in Glen-
ville, Mr. Van Eps keeps up with the times in
the way of improvements, and occupies a hand-
some modern residence. In politics he is a
Republican. He is esteemed both for his
manly characteristics and as a representative
of one of the most highly reputable families
in this section of the county. Mr. and Mrs.
Van Eps are members of the Reformed church,
and are socially prominent.
^ICHOLAS BRADT, a prominent resi-
dent and representative of one of the
oldest families of VVoestina (Rotter-
dam Junction), N.Y., was born in this town,
September 14, 1824, son of Abram N. and
Maria (Vedder) Bradt. He is a descendant of
Arent Andriese Bratt, or Brat, the first of the
family to settle in Schenectady County, who
died soon after his arrival here in 1662.
He married Catajyntie De Vos, daughter of
Andries De Vos, who was Deputy Director of
Rensselaerwych. The first ancestor to locate
in Rotterdam was Abram A. Bradt, who was
an industrious farmer, and who died at Woes-
tina. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah
Van Patten. Nicholas A. Bradt, the grand-
father of the subject of this biography, was
born in Rotterdam, N. Y., August 15, 1773.
He was in his younger days a blacksmith, but
later turned his attention to farming, which
he followed energetically for the rest of his
active years. He was at one time Alderman
from the Third Ward of Schenectady, Albany
County, and also held minor offices. In poli-
tics he was a Jeft'ersonian Democrat. He died
July 9, 1850. He married Margaret Mabee,
who was born in Rotterdam in 1776, and died
December 13, 1S50. They were members of
the Dutch Reformed church, and the grand-
father was an Elder for more than twenty years.
7°
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Abram N. Bradt, the father above named,
was born in W'oestiiia, August 22, 1/93- He
was an able farmer and a leading citizen, serv-
ing as Supervisor in 1846 and filling other
town offices. In politics he voted with the
Democratic party. He was an active member
and an Klder of the Reformed church. Maria,
his wife, whom he married May 2, i8i<S, was
born December 5, 1801. .She became the
mother of seven children, three of whom are
living, namely: Jemima, who married John \'.
Van Patten, of Glenville; Nicholas, the sub-
ject of this sketch; and Harman Bradt, who
resides in Petersburg, \'a. The others were :
Margaret, Simon, Sarah, and a child that died
in infancy. The mother died May 12, 1833;
and the father, who survived her many years,
died November 5, 1878.
Nicholas Bradt was educated in the district
schools of W'oestina, and working with his
father acquired a good knowledge of general
farming. He has made agriculture a profitable
emjjloyment, and since i860 has resided on the
farm of one hundred acres which he is still
carrying on witli energy. He also owns the
homestead farm, which contains the same
number of acres, and he ranks among the well-
to-do residents of this section.
On September 29, 1857, Mr. Bradt was
united in marriage with Hester Bradt, who was
ixirn in ivntlerdam, No\-cmber 13, 1834. Mrs.
]?ra(lt became the mother of seven children,
namely: Helen E., born I'^ebruary 15, 1862;
Aaron I'rank, born June 29, 1865; Margaret,
born October 13, 1869; P'lizabeth, born June
17, 1872, now the wife of Martin 11. .Schcr-
merhorn ; Simon \'. , l^orn January 29, 1875;
Maria, who married Simon \'. \'eeder, and
died at the age of twenty-one years; aiul
Abram, who died at the age of twenty-four.
Mrs. Bradt died May i, 1889.
Mr. Bradt has been a Trustee of the town,
was an Assessor for some time, and has ren-
dered efficient services in other town offices.
Politically, he is a Democrat. lie attends the
Reformed church, and his children are mem-
bers.
^I'l.SON O. GRKKN, contractor and
builder, of Taiiners\'ille, Greene
County, N.Y., and a Civil War
veteran, was born in Hunter, this county. May
25, 1S44, son of Giles an<l .Sarah (W'arner)
Green. His father was born in Hunter, May
23, 1800, and his mother, who was of Dutch
descent, was a native of Conesville, Schoharie
County. His paternal grandfather, .Seth
Green, who came from Connecticut, fountl his
way here by the aid of marked trees, and was
the third to settle where the \-illage (jf Hunter
is now located. Taking up a ti;ict of land, he
erected a log house and followed farming. He
was quite prominent here in Iiis day, and served
as Justice of the Peace. He died at the age
of eighty-seven. He had a large family of
children, si.\ of whom li\ed to be o\er eighty
years old.
Giles Green, father of Nelson O., obtained
his education in tiie common schools, and in
bis youth worked ui)on the home farm. Later
he had one liundred and twenty-five acres of
the homestead propert}', ujjon wliicii he erected
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
71
a ilwelling and engaged in farming, becoming
well-to do. Besides this [Mopeity he owned a
number of houses in Hunter. In jiolitics he
was a Democrat. He died at eighty-nine years
of age. His wife, Sarah, died at the age of
eighty-four. She was the mother of four
children, three of whom are living; namely.
Nelson O., Emma E. , and Gilbert. Emma
E. Green is the widow of George Pollock, and
Gilbert is a resident of this town. The ]3ar-
ents were members of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
NeLson O. Green began his education in the
common schools of Hunter. He resided at the
parental home until he was thirteen years old,
when he went to Romeo, Mich., twenty-eight
miles from Detroit, where he remained two
years, attending school and following various
kinds of employment. Returning East, he en-
listed in 1862 in the One Hundred and Twen-
tieth New York Regiment, with which he
served three years in the Civil War. He saw
a great deal of active service, and was slightly-
wounded. He participated in the battles of
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettys-
burg— at the last-named place the regiment
losing one thousand out of fifteen hundred men
in a short time — the battles of Mine Run,
Spottsylvania, Tolapotamie, Chickahominy,
Cold Harbor, and the siege of Petersburg,
where on March 25, 1863, he was taken
prisoner. He was confined in Libby Prison
until paroled, when he rejnined his regiment
in Washington. He was made Second Ser-
geant, hut declined further promotion, and
was mustered out at the close of the war.
Upon his return he went to Saugerties,
N. Y. , where he was engaged in farming for
two years. Later he worked in the chair
factory at Susquehanna, and followed this
occupation for twelve years in different towns.
Coming to Hunter in 1874, he was employed in
the chair factory for four years, and then turned
his attention to carjientering, doing a consider-
able business in this line in towns along the
Hudson for six years. When Onteora, Elka,
and Twilight Parks were opened, he engaged in
contracting for the building of cottages; and he
has erected a number at each place, employing
a large force of men.
In 1874 Mr. Green was joined in marriage
with Alice M. Lester, of Hunter. They have
had four children — Jeanette, William, Robert,
and Jasper. Jeanette, who is a graduate of the
State Normal .School, is now engaged in teach-
ing. Jasper died at the age of nineteen.
Mr. Green is a Republican in politics, but
has declined j^ublic office. Pie is a comrade of
A. N. Baldwin Post, No. 263, G. A. R., of
Hunter, and has ser\ed as color-bearer for seven
years.
f^^JKORGE LINTNER DANEORTH,
\mJ_ one of the leading lawyers of Scho-
harie County and a resident of Middleburg,
was born here on July 19, 1844, son of Judge
Peter and Aurelia (Lintner) Danforth. All
the traditions of his family and the surround-
ings of his youth lent their influence in
preparing him for the legal profession. His
grandfather, George Danforth, who dietl in the
South, was a lawyer of pre-eminent abilit}'.
^2
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
and his father was jicrhaps the most eminent
[jiactitioner of law tliat the county has pro-
duced. His grandmother, whose maiden name
was Cornelia Swart, was horn in Schoharie
County of Dutch parentage. One of his
uncles, General George E. Danforth, acquired
a high reputation in puhlic affairs, and distin-
guished himself as a brigade commander in the
Civil War.
IMr. Danforth 's father, Judge Peter S. Dan-
forth, lived to the age of more than threescore
antl tilteen years, and in his long and honor-
able career filled many public positions. In
1S72 he was m;ide Justice of the .Sujireme
Court. He was a member of the Dutch Re-
formed church. His wife was a member of
the Lutheran church until her man iage, when
she united with the Reformed church. Mrs.
Danforth died at the age of seventy-one. .She
was a daughter of the Rev. George A. Liiitner,
D. D., who was for many \ears jiresident of the
Lutheran .S\ni)d and for twent\--five years jias-
tor of .St. Paul's Lutheran Chvuxh at Schoharie,
N. Y. fie died at the age of seventy-five, leav-
ing two children — Mrs. Danforth and Joseph
Albert Lintner. The latter has been for many
years entomologist for the .State of New York.
Judge and Mrs. Dniforth had three children;
namely, (ieorgc L. , Cornelia, and the Wnn.
IClliot Danforth. Cornelia married Isaac \V.
J'"erris, a son of Chancellor Isaac Ferris, of
New \'ork University.
Cjeorge L. Danforth, the subject of the
present sketch, in his bo)'hootl attended the
connnon scho(ds of Middleburg, a select
school, and .Schoharie Academ\'; and later,
after continuing his studies for a while under
a jjrivate tutor, he entered Rutgers College,
from which he was gradated in 1863. From
his early years he had spent much time in his
father's otlfice, and in realit\- he was in practice
at the age of nineteen. At the age of twenty-
one he was admitted to the bar, and since that
time he has been in active practice. His
clients C(jme from all jiarts of the .State, and
he has practised in all the .Slate courts, in-
cluding the United .States Circuit Court of this
district. He is at the present time, with few
exceptions, the oldest member of the bar in the
county. He has been referee in many im])oi--
tant cases, and counsel in a large number of
cases involving intricate points of law anil title
to real estate, and trustee of estates in this and
adjoining counties. For some time past he has
been counsel in the celebrated case in the First
Department known as the Coal Oil Johnny
.Soa]) Case, a suit iiiv(d\'ing hundretls of thou-
sands of dollars. Whether as counsel for
prosecution or defence, he has met with remark-
able success in winning legal contests for his
clients.
On December 15, i S69, Mr. Danforth was
united in marriage with .\nita Wliitaker, a
native of New York and daughter of George
and Hannah (Daggett) Whitaker. Her pater-
nal grandfather, the Re\'. Jonathan Whitaker,
was a Unitarian clerg\'man, and preachetl
mainl}' in Massachusetts, where he ilied at the
age of si.xty. Among his sons were several
clergymen, a judge who lesidetl in New Or-
leans, and a well-known government official.
Mrs. Danfoith's father was eiiLraiicd in mercan-
""^i
F. V. ISEARD.
BIOGRAl^HICAL REVIEW
75
tile business, shipping and importing South
American i^roducts. He sjient the greater part
of his life in New York, but died in Massachu-
setts at the age of fifty-four, at the home of a
brother. His wife was the daughter of a
wealthy ship captain and philanthropist of
Edgartown, Mass. She died at the age of
seventy-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Danforth
have lost two children. They have one son
living — Pierre W. Danforth, who is now
studying law with his father, and has for some
time been engaged in newspaper work. He is
the youngest editor in the county, and now
edits and publishes the Middleburg Puss, a
six-column quarto, which is an enterprising
weekly paper.
Mr. Danforth and his family are members of
the Dutch Reformed church, and Mr. Dan-
forth has been an Elder in the church for some
thirty years. He is warmly interested in
Sunday-school work, and teaches the I^ible
class; while his wife has a class of boys. For
many years he has been sent as a delegate to
the General Synod. He devotes much time to
literary work, frequently delivering addresses
and lectures and contributing articles to news-
papers and periodicals. Of fine executi\'e
ability, he readily manages the many interests
which press upon his personal attention, and
which would puzzle the average man to manage
at all. He is a trustee of Rutgers College,
and president of its alumni association, and is
also president of the Schoharie County Histoii-
cal Society, trustee of the Union Free School
and Academy of Middleburg, director of the
First National Bank, and treasurer of the
Middleburg & Schoharie Railroad Company.
Since the organization of the fire department,
ten years ago, he has been its chief. He has
given considerable attention to fraternal soci-
eties, and is an active worker in both the
Masonic and Odd P^ellows fraternities.
Mr. Danforth's home is the spacious man-
sion in the prettiest portion of the valley,
where the Danforth family has lived and exer-
cised hospitality for many years.
RANKLIN PIERCE BEARD, M.D.,
s of Cobleskill, Schoharie County, well
known as a skilful physician and surgeon and
a large real estate owner, was born November
29, 1S52, in Jefferson, N.V. , a son of [acob
L. and Polly (Wilsey) Beard. He comes of
pioneer ancestry, his great-grandfather Beard
having been an original settler of that part of
Schoharie County that was named, in his
hoi]or, Beard's Hollow. There the Doctor's
paternal grandfather, John Beard, a prosjierous
farmer, spent his long life.
Jacob L. Beard was born and educated at
Beard's Hollow ; but when eighteen years old
he left the ancestral farm and came to Warner-
ville, this county, where he served an appren-
ticeship at the wagon-maker's trade. After
following this calling as a journeyman and
also in business for himself for several years
in that town, he remo\ed to Jefferson, and in
1863 transferred his business and his residence
to the neighboring x'illage of Summit, where
he was engaged in farming for a quarter of a
century. In iS8y he came to Cobleskill; and
76
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
from thnt time until his cle:ith, in 1893, he
resitled with his son, Dr. Heard He was a
steadfast Democrat, and for a score of years
served as Justice of the Peace. His wife,
Polly W'ilscy, who was born in W'arnerville,
W'as a (laughter of Colonel Wilsc)', an officer in
the Revcjjutionar)' army. She bore her hus-
b;uul seven children; namely, Da\id, Samuel,
Rose, l-"ranklin Pierce, Marion, Adelle, and
John. The mother died at the ai;c of sixty-
ciji;ht years, in 18S1;. Poth parents were
members of the Methodist M])iscoi)al church.
Franklin P. Heard received a practical com-
mon-school education, and in his early man-
hood taught in a district school five terms.
Leaving home then, he turned his attention to
the study of medicine, having for his instruc-
tors successively Dr. Cornell, of Richmond-
ville; Dr. Spaulding, of Summit; and Dr.
Wood, of Jefferson. He subsequently entered
the Albany Medical College, from which he
was graduated as a member of the class of
1875. Heginning the practice of his profes-
sion in Pmineiice, he continued there about
two years. He then located in Summit, and
for ten years ranked as the leading practitioner
of that vicinity. Dr. l?eard came to Cobles-
kill in 1886; anil here, also, his eminent skill
an<l his close attention to his professional
duties lias rankeil him the leading physician of
the county, his opinions being largely sought
after in consultaticms extending to adjoining
counties.
He is a mendier of the .Schohaiie Count)'
Medical Society and of the Cobleskill Lodge,
V. & A. M. He was a .Super\isor in Sunnnit
in 1882, a Coroner in .Schoharie County nine
years; and from October, 1895, imtil October,
1897, he was examining surgeon of the Pen-
sion Department.
Dr. Beard is the proprietor of two fine farms
in Richmondville, this count\', one in I^leu-
heim, and one in .Sunnnit of ttvo hundred
acres, and ninet\' acres of land in Cobleskill.
The latter has been ])latted and divided into
building lots, a street being laid out through
one portion. He has likewise valuable building
property in the village, incluiling lots on Llm
Street, west of the Catholic church; and he
owns a fine business block in Smnmit.
In April, 1873, Dr. ]?eard married Miss .Alice
D., daughter of John Chickering, of Summit,
a well-known mechanic. Dr. and I\[rs. Heard
ha\x' five children; nameh', G. Claude, John
J., Leona, Mildred, and David. G. Claude,
who married Lulie Kilts, is a successful agri-
cultinist in Richmondville. John J., who w^as
graduated from the Albany Medical School in
1897, is a physician in Sharon Springs, N. Y.
IRHY \\TLHER, an enterprising mer-
lGi\ _ chant of Quaker Street, Duanes-
burg, Schenectady County, N.Y., was born
in this town, September 25, 1820, scm of
Kirby and Mercy (Allen) Wilber. He at-
tended school until fourteen years old, when
he entered the employ of Job Cleveland as a
store clerk, and remained with him two years.
After a short time spent in a store at Sche-
nectady he returned, and for the next three
years worked for James K. O'Neil. In 1840
BIOGRArHrCAL REVIEW
77
he went to Brainard Bridge, Rensselaer
County, where he clerked in a general store
conducted by Hastings & Smith, cloth manu-
facturers, for eight years, at the end of which
time he purchased the stock, and for the suc-
ceeding five years carried on business in com-
pany with his brother, E. G. Wilber. Selling
out his interest in 1853, he returned once more
to Duanesburg; and, associating himself with
his brothers in a shoe manufactory in the lo-
cality known as Quaker Street, he was for the
next few years engaged in selling their prod-
ucts on the road. This business was started
in 184S by R. P. U. Wilber, who began mak-
ing shoes for the retail trade; but five years
later he established a manufactory to supply
the wholesale dealers only, and continued in
business until his death, which occurred in
1854. The present store of Wilber & Co.
was opened in i860, and carried on in connec-
tion with the factory until 1S67, when the
firm was dissolved. The business was con-
ducted by Kirby, E. G., and Charles C. Wilber
until 1S74, since which time Kirby and his son
Charles C. have been sole proprietors of the
m.ercantile establishment, consisting of a
well-stocked general store having a large pat-
ronage. The senior partner is one of the old-
est business men of this section in point of
exijerience, and through his ability, integrit)',
and other commendable characteristics he has
accpiired success. Aside from his mercantile
business he deals quite extensively in real
estate. His own residence is one of the hand-
somest in town.
Mr. Wilber contracted the first of his two
marriages in 1843, with Lucy Ann Crego, of
Chatham, Columbia County. She died in
1877, and in 1880 he married Mrs. Phcebe J.
Auchampaugh, horn Stevens, a nati\-e of
Wright, Schoharie County. He is the father
of five children, all by his first wife, namely:
Ellen M., who married the Rev. Milton Tator,
and died at the age of fifty-one years: ICmily
W., wife of Arthur D. Mead, of Schoharie;
Augusta A., wife of Charles E. Hoag, of
Quaker Street; Adeline C, wife of Walter
Briggs, of Schenectady; and Charles C. Wil-
ber, who is in business with his father. Mr.
Wilber has ten grandchildren. In politics he
is a Democrat. He is a member of the Chris-
tian church.
Charles C. Wilber was born at Brainard's
Bridge, May 30, 1847, and was educated in
the schools of Duanesburg. Eike his father
he entered mercantile pursuits when fourteen
years old, and is an excellent business man.
He acts with the Democratic party in politics,
and served with ability as Postmaster for three
years. On December 21, 1870, he married
limily Moon, who was born in this town in
Sejjtember, 1847, daughter of John and Emily
Moon. She is the mother of one son, Aichie
M. Wilber, who was born March 13, 1880.
ALTON VAN LOAN, of Catskill,
N. Y., publisher of the Catskill
Mountain Guide, was born in New York City
on January 8, 1834, son of Matthew D. and
Julia A. (Thompson) Van Loan. His grand-
father, Isaac Van Loan, a resident of Catskill,
78
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
was a mason by trade, but was engaged for a
long period as cai)tain of a jiassenger sloop
plying between Catskill and New York. Cap-
tain Van Loan died at the age of seventy-two.
His wife, Jane Dies, who was born in Gilboa,
died at the age of seventy-four.
Mattiicw D. Van Loan was one of a family
of four ehildren. He was reared in this town
and ediieated in the common schools. in 1.S41
he went to New Vork City and opened a da-
guerreotype studio, being the first man in the
United States to make a business of producing
portraits iiy the new process. He continued
taking pictures for ten years in New York, and
from there went to I'biladtjlphia and later to
Washington, engaging in the same business.
Subse(|uently and up to the time of his death,
in 1856, he was employed in the custom-
liouse in San Francisco. Widely known as
a dagucrreot}'pe artist both in this country and
abroad, he took n".any prizes in American
cities and was given special iionors in I'-ng-
land. While in New York he had a revolving
gallery in the Delmonico Building, the only
one ever known. His wife, Julia, who died
at the age of seventy-seven, bore him three
ciiildren, two of whom are living. These are
Walton and Spencer. The latter, who was a
soldier in the Civil War, resides in this vil-
lage. Hoth parents were communicants of the
Episco]ial chureii, the father being one of the
vestrymen.
Walton Van Loan resided in Catskill until
he was twelve years of age, and then went
with his father to different cities. l'"or a time
he attended llie public schools in IMiiladcl-
phia. When about thirteen years of age he se-
cured an appointment as page in the national
House of Representatives. This position lie
held from 1846 to 1850, receiving in payment
sixty dollars per month in gold. In 1852 he
went to Californa via Nicaragua to join his
father, and paid bis own fare. He carried a
letter of introduction from Daniel Webster to
the custom-house officials in San h'rancisco,
and shortly after his arrival was given a jjosi-
tion in the custom-house. But be remained
in it only a short time, leaving to go as clerk
in a large book store. After four years in
that business he returned to Catskill and
bought out a store, which he conducted for the
ne.xt twenty years, up to 1878. In that year
he started his present business, which has
proved to be most successful. He has issued
about thirty-six thousand guide books and
about fifty thousand maps of the Catskills,
taking in the entire chain. He is conceded
to be the most reliable authority on points
concerning the geography and topography of
the Catskills, and no man in the country can
a]iproach him in extent of information con-
cerning this beautiful region. He has been
to the top of nearly every peak in the entire
range.
Mr. Van Loan was married in 1874 to Lucy
Beach, a native oi Michigan. He has now
lived in Catskill for forty-three years, and in
his ])resent residence ever since 1862, when it
was built. He is a member of St. Luke's
Church, and has the unparalleled record of
having been its treasurer for thirty years.
His wife is also a member of the same church,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
79
and both are active religious workers. Tlie
society has just completed a stone edifice,
which was opened on June 6, 1S99. This is
said to be one of the most beautiful buiUlings
to be found on the banks of the Hudson.
'R1':DERICK LEROSS FRAZEE, the
is editor and proprietor of the Jefferson
Courier, Jefferson, N.Y., was born in the town
of Gilboa, N.Y., June 24, 1872. His father,
Charles Osborn P>azee, is a much respected
and well-to-do farmer.
Mr. Frazee traces his paternal ancestry back
to Benoni Frazee, his great -great-grandfather,
who was of Scotch descent, and who during
the Revolutionary War was a resident of New
Jersey and aided the patriot cause by hauling
supplies for the American arm\'. ]3enoni
Frazee lost his little property through the
worthlessness of Continental money. With
his wife and eight children, he migrated, about
the year 1783. to Schoharie County, then
almost an unbroken wilderness, and settled on
a farm one mile from the present village of
Gilboa. Very soon thereafter he died, leaving
his widow and children to take care of them-
selves.
I5enjamin, the second son, who was born
March 8, 1774, remained on the farm with his
mother until he became a man. About the
year 1797 he married Margaret Monfort, of
Dutch lineage. Two years later he settled on
the farm now known as the Frazee home-
stead, at South Gilboa. He had five chil-
dren, two sons and three daughters. He died
August II, 1862, aged eighty-eight years.
Hiram, the second son of Benjamin Frazee,
was born November 19, 1804, and until his
death, which occurred April 2, 1S50, he lived
on the farm with his father. On l-'ebruary
13) ^'^il^ Hiram Frazee married I'htebe H.
Osborn, by whom he had five children, onl}'
two of whom survived him.
Charles Osboin, the father of the subject of
this sketch and the eldest son of Hiram Fra-
zee, was born on the ancestral farm, Ai^ril 27,
1836. After the death of his grandfather he
bought the place which is still his home.
January 28, 1864, he married Phoebe A.
Clark, a descendant of the Clark family of
Blenheim. Five chiltiren were born of this
union, but only two are now living, namely:
Harriet Estelle, who is now the wife of John
T. Shew, and lives at Harpersfield, where Mr.
Shew is engaged in the mercantile business;
and Frederick Leross, who is now, as above
noted, in the newspaper business at Jefferson.
Frederick Leross I-Vazee in his early years
received a good common-school education, and,
entering Stamford Seminary in the fall of
1888, finished a college preparatory course of
study there in 1891, receiving a regent's cer-
tificate and a diploma, which graduated him
from that school. In the fall of the same
year he entered Lin ion College at Schcnectad)'
N.Y. Here he pursued his studies for two
years.
In college Mr. Frazee was popular both in
society and athletics, and stood high in his
class. He was a member of his class foot-ball
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
team, and he belongs to the Greek letter soci-
ety, which is one of the largest and most pros-
perous college fraternities in tlie world. On
leaving college he returned to his home at
South Gilboa and soon after went to the State
of Illinois. In 1893 he returned to his former
home, where lie remained until February,
1894, wiien he came to Jefferson and embarked
in the neu'spa|ier business.
Tiie place then supi)orted two newspajiers,
the Conrur and the Schoharie County Clirou-
itlc. The former, which was an old estab-
lished journal, was then edited by George M.
Proper, and the latter, fnuntled in 1891 by
Albert C. Mayham and Charles H. Shutts,
was the property of Mr. .Shutts, who has pur-
chased Mr. Mayham's interest in the estab-
lishment. Mr. Frazee purchased both of these
newspaper plants, and, merging the Chronicle
into the Conriii; enlarged the same. His ca-
reer as a newspaper editor has been a success-
ful one. He receives the hearty support of
the business men of Jefferson, and a good pat-
ronage from the people at large. He is
not only a jileasing writer, but a practical
printer as well, having learned the mechani-
cal as well as tJie editorial part of newspaper
work, so that he is familiar with all the de-
tails of tiie business. He owns one of the
best equipped country offices in the State.
On July 16, 1895, Mr. P'razee assumed
matrimonial responsibilities, being united in
marriage with Miss Nellie Hubbell, a highly
esteemed young lady of Ji-ffcrson, dau:;htcr of
C. H. ilubi)cll.
Mr. P'razee is a m.ember and an officer of
Working Lodge, No. 554, P~. & A. M., and
also a church member, belonging to the Dutch
Reformed church at his former home. South
Gilboa. In the sjiring of 1899 Mr. P" razee
was elected Town Clerk of Jefferson for two
years by a handsome majority. He is much
interested in the welfare and development of
his town, is a lo\'al Republican in politics,
and an artlent worker for his party. He pos-
sesses a genial disposition, is wide-awak<-' and
enterprising, and never can do too much for a
friend.
'J^ACOJi L. KILTS, an energetic farmer
of Carlisle, N.Y., was born in this
town, September 2, 1846, son of Will-
iam and Julia A. (Empie) Kilts. He repre-
sents the fourth generation of his family in
America, being a great-grandson of Peter
Kilts, who came from Germany, and settled
on a farm in Stone Arabia, now the town of
Palatine, Montgomery County, N.Y.
P'our of the sons of Peter Kilts located in
Sharon, one of the number being John, the
grandfather of the subject of this sketch.
John Kilts s]K'nt the active period ot his life
in Sharon, and died at the age of eighty-seven
years. He marrieil a Miss Smith, and his
children were: William; Penjamin; Conrad;
George; Kate, who rviarried Solomon PImpie;
Margaret, who married David P2mpie; Susan,
who married (lideon ]Cni[)ie; Sophia, who
married P)anicl .Siiafer; and Magdalene, who
married lui Pointer. Of tiiese the survivors
are: Margaret, Susan, and .Sophia. All of
CHARLES DICKINSON.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
83
the grandfather's sons reared families. They
were members of the Lutheran church.
William Kilts, the father above named,
was reared and educated in Sharon, his native
town. He assisted in carrying on the home
farm until after his marriage, when he moved
to Carlisle and settled upon a farm of one
hundred acres, known as the Hilsinger place,
which is now owned by his son, Jacob L. He
engaged in general farming and stocli-raising,
made a specialty of hay and grain, and realized
good financial returns as the result of his in-
dustry. Politically, he acted with the Demo-
cratic party. P"or years he was one of the
main pillars of the Lutheran church, serving
as Deacon and Elder, and frequently as a del-
egate to the Synod. He was well informed,
especially upon subjects relating to religion.
William Kilts died November 20, 1S90, aged
seventy-five years. Julia A. Empie Kilts, his
wife, was a daughter of Adam Empie. They
were the parents of ten children, three of
whom are living, namely: Jacob L., the sub-
ject of this sketch ; Wesley H.; and Cynthia
A., wife of Charles J. Warner. The mother
died in i88j.
Jacob L. Kilts passed his boyhood and
youth in attending the district school and
assisting upon the home farm. When a
young man he managed the property jointly
with his brother Wesley, but later succeeded
to its ownership. He has seventy acres under
cultivation. Aside from producing hay and
grain, he raises cattle and sheep, and has ac-
quired a wide reputation as a stock dealer.
He also deals largely in clover seeds, produc-
ing an original variety which is cleansed by
machinery, and whose superiority makes it
eagerly sought for by the neighboring farmers.
Mr. Kilts married Melvina Shafer, daugh-
ter of Sylvester Shafer, and has four children ;
namely, Beardsley W. , Bertha E., Avis M.,
and Aurie J.
In politics Mr. Kilts is an earnest sup-
porter of the Democratic party. He has fre-
quently been solicited to accept nominations
to town offices and to serve upon committees,
but has always declined. He is a Deacon of
the Lutheran church, is also a class leader,
and prominenty identified with the Sunday-
school.
HARLES DICKINSON, M.D., who
was for man)- years the leading
physician in Seward valley, Scho-
harie County, was born in Henrietta, Monroe
County, N. Y., on May 31, 1833, son of
Lyman and Harriet A. (Webster) Dickinson.
He is a descendant of early colonists of New
England.
The first ancestor of this branch of the
Dickinson family in America came from
England, about 1640, and settled in the
Connecticut valley. Dr. Dickinson's grand-
father, James Dickinson, was born in Connect-
icut. He came to this State shortly after the
Revolution and settled in Canaan, Columbia
County. Several years later he remmcd to a
farm in Roseboom, Otsego County, and there
remained until his death, at the age of
seventy-seven.
84
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Lyman Dickinson, son of James, was born
in Canaan and one of a family of seven chil-
dren. He li\ed with his |)arents until he was
twenty-one years of age, when he went to
Henrietta, where he engaged in mechanical
work for a number of years, at the same
time doing some farming. He then removed
to Northern Indiana, but ten }ear.s later re-
turned to Roseboom. Some years afterward
he moved to Tioga valley, and, purchasing a
farm, continued to reside there until his death,
at the age of eighty-eight. He attended the
Presbyterian church. His wife was the daugh-
ter of Aaron Webster, and was born in Canaan,
N. Y. She was of the seventh generation from
the first representative of this branch of the
Webster family in America. One of her an-
cestors, John Webster, who settled in Hart-
ford about 1636, was the fifth Governor of
Connecticut, holding the office one year,
1656-57. He afterward remo\ed to Hadley,
Mass. Ik-r grandfather was one of the fa-
vorite scouts of General Putnam during tlie
war of the Revolution. Her father, who was
born in Connecticut, removed to Canaan and
later to Roseboom. His first wife died at the
age of twenty-six, leaving only one child,
Charles, now Dr. Dickinson. She was a
birthright Quaker. His second wife, whose
maiden name was Sarah Sutphen, had five
children, two of whom arc li\ing, b)' name
Orville and L)nian 1). She lived to the age
of eighty.
Charles Dickinson in his early years at-
tended the common schools and later the
academy at Cherry Valley. He began the
stud)' of medicine with Dr. James H. Sutphen,
of Seward, and subsequently took three courses
of lectures at the Albany Medical College,
from which he was graduated in i860. Return-
ing then to Seward, he began the practice of
his profession, arid remained until 1869, when
he removed to Binghamton. At the end of a
year and a half he came back to Seward, and has
since made this the scene of his prf)fessional
labors. He has now been longer in practice
than any other physician in this section of the
county. Dr. Dickinson is energetic and ]ier-
sevcring in whatever he undertakes, and is
able as a business man as well as skilful in
his profession. During earh' and mitldlc life
he had a large practice, and covered a wide
circle in his ministrations; but in later years
he has retired to a more limited field. An un-
tiring student through all his careei', he has
given attention, not sim])ly to medical subjects,
but to science and liteiature in general. He
has now and then lectured on some scientific
or literary subject; and during the summer of
1896, while he was making the tour of Kurope
for pleasure and study, he wrote, by recpiest, a
number of letters on his travels for the Cobles-
kill Index.
The Doctor has lived for twenty-.se\en years
in his present house. He was married in
1859 to Celia M. France, daughter of Gilbert
G. France and one of a household group of
seven children. Her father was a well-known
farmer of this region, where the family has
been settled ever since the Rex'olution. Mrs.
Dickinson was a member of the Methodist
church. She died at the age of thirty-eight,
^^^MiGG^nKTH^
AL REVIEW
8S
leaviiii^- three childiteii ; namely, Everett M. ,
Mehille U., and Hame A. All of these are
graduates of Cobleskill\Academy. Both sons
are Knights Templar. Eyerett M. Dickinson
has been for the last seven years a jeweller in
North Adams, Mass., where he conducts a large
business. He married Laura Mann, who died
in 1894, and by whom he had two children —
Angle and K\erett. In 1895 he married
Louise Tower Wallace. She had one child —
Gertrude Wallace. Melville D. Dickinson
studied medicine with his father, and was
graduated at Alban\' in 1890. He was also
for two years a student at Cornell Univer-
sity. He is now assistant surgeon of the Troy
Hospital, and is physician to St. Vincent
Orphan Asylum. He married Emma Cole,
and has one child, Celia. Hattie Dickinson
is the wife of Clarence H. Shafer, of Cobles-
kill. Mr. Shafer is engaged in the jewelry
business.
Dr. Dickinson is a memljer of the Schoharie
County Medical Society, has been its presi-
dent, and has served as delegate to the State
society. He has written and read before the
society papers on a variety of medical subjects.
Politically, the Doctor is a Democrat, and he
has held a number of important offices in the
town. As Justice of the Peace he has
done a large amount of imjiortant business,
and as railroad commissioner he has rendered
valuable service. He was formerly a Free
Mason at Cobleskill. For many years he has
been a leading member of the Methodist
church and for over thirty-five years a Sunday-
school teacher.
JSAAC SHOWERS, a retired civil engi-
neer, was born in Hunter, August 27,
1827, son of Japhet and Sylvia (Putts)
Showers. His first American ancestor was
an emigrant from Hollanil, who settled in New
Jersey, where he spent the rest of his life, and
was a farmer. The ne.xt in line, John
Showers, probably came to America with his
father. After residing in New Jersey for a
time he settled on a farm in Albany, N.Y. ,
where he died at an advanced age. Michael
Showers, son of John and grandfather of Isaac,
was a native of Albany. He worked on a farm
there until reaching his majority, when he
came to Great Flats (now Lexington) and
built a grist-mill, which he conducted a few-
years. He then took up a large tract of moun-
tain land in what is now Jewett, and resided
there with his famil)'. He died in 1819, aged
forty-nine years, lea\-ing a widow ant! ten chil-
dren. His widow, who again married, dietl at
the age of fifty-three years.
Japhet Showers, above named, was hnrn in
a log house on the home farm in Jewett, seven
miles below where his son Isaac now lives, and
always resided in that locality. He was a
farmer, and fairly successful. In jjolitics he
was a Democrat, and held some of the town
offices. He died at the age of sevent)-. His
wife, Syh'ia, was a daughter of Isaac Putts, a
well-to-do farmer of I^e.xington. Her father
was twice married. Pv his first wife he had
fourteen children; and by his second wife, for-
merly Mrs. Ruby Bellows, of Dover, N.J.,
widow with four children, he was the father of
seven children. Isaac Putts and his second
86
lUOCRAPIIUAI. RF.VIEW
wife both lived to be about ninety-two years
old. Japhet and S\dvia (Butts) Showers had
a family of eleven children, of whom four are
living — Michael, Isaac, Louisa, and Caroline.
Michael is married, and resides on an adjoin-
ing farm, Louisa married ]5easley Teasler,
and Caroline is the wife of George Renn. The
mother dietl at the age of sevent)--onc. .She
w-as a Methotlist in her religious belief.
Isaac Showers at the age of eight years went
to live at the home of a neighbor, with whom
he remained five years, and he spent another
year upon a farm in the vicinity. At the age
of si.Nteen he went to Jewctt, and secured em-
plovment for si.\ niontlis at seven dollars per
month. He next worked in a saw-mill, where
he received one hundred and twenty dollars a
year for ten years, and saved seven hundred
dollars of his earnings. After his marriage he
located nil a farm adjuining his present home,
whii'h is abciut one anil a half miles from the
village of Tannersville, on the road to Jewett,
first purchasing one hundred and twelve acres
and later buying more lantl. He remained
there until iSiji, and from 1846 to 1879 held
the agency for the Hardingburgh Land Grant,
Lot 25, consisting of twentj'-eight thousand
acres, surveying and selling about twenty-one
thousand acres during that time. In 1879 he
purchased seven thousand acres lying in Ulster
and Greene Counties, which he sur\-e\ed and
laid out in faims. It was in a [loor contlition
at the time he took i)ossession, but he imjiroved
it to such an extent as to make it more desir-
able, and now besides a large number of
farms the district contains four parks — Santa
Cruz, Tw'ilight, Sunset, and l{lka — compris-
ing in all twelve hundred acres. In 1S57 he
adoptetl the profession of civil engineering,
and for the past forty years he has surveyed
not only all the Hardingburgh patent, but a
great many farms throughout this region. He
has surveyed also land near the Hudson River
in LUster Comity, and has completed much
work for the great (piarries in that localit}'.
He has also been called upon in many law-
suits as an expert; and, although in 1895 he
was compelled on account of ill health to relin-
quish active work of this kind, his advice is
still sought uiion man)' im[ioitant matters. In
1890 he sold the farm of two lunuhecl and
sixty-six acres adjoining his home jjroperty.
He erected a new dwelling-house and other
buildings upon his present farm, which con-
tains seventy acres, usetl principal 1\- for dairy
purposes. lie also owns three other farms and
outhing land, amounting in all to one thou-
sand acres, and is one of the largest resiiK'nt
land-owners in the town.
In 1854 Mr Showers was united in marriage
with Merilla Loomis, daughter of Alvin J.
and Harriet (Palmer) Loomis, of Windham.
Her father, who was a butcher in that town,
died at an advanced age; and her mother, who
was a native of Ashland, died at the age of
forty-nine. Mr. and Mrs. Loomis had eight
children, of whom fi\e are living; namely,
Addison, Merilla, Chloe, Lovisa, and Julia.
Merilla is now Mrs. Showers, Chloe married
Jonathan Traphagen, Lovisa is the wife of
William Young, and Julia married George
Goodrich. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Showers have
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
87
had eight children. The four now living are:
Cyrus, Emma, Henry W., and George H.
Shyvvers. Cyrus is a civil engineer. A
sketch of him appears elsewhere in the Re-
view. I-imma married lulward Osborn, a
blacksmith in California, and has five chil-
dren. Henry \V. is attending the Albany
Law Scht)ol, and George Harding Showers is
a student at the Polytechnic Institute, Troy.
The others were: Jennie, who married Ste-
phen Viiiing, and died in California, leaving
two daughters — Bertha and Mingie; Itlmer,
who died at fourteen; Isaac, Jr., who died
young; and Irving, who died at the age of four
years.
Mr. Showers is a Republican in politics, but
has declined to serve in office. He was in
1848 a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows. He has been a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church for fifty-five years,
a class leader forty-three years, and has also
been connected with the Sunday-school as
teacher and superintendent. He assisted in
building the churches at Tannersville and Jew-
ett, and contributes liberally toward the sup-
port of both.
ILLIAM KOHRING, of Glenville,
e.\-chairman of the Board of Super-
visors, was born upon the farm where he now
resides, September 3, 1862, son of August and
Elizabeth (Martin) Kohring. The parents,
who were natives of Germany, came to Glen-
ville about the year 1858, and settled upon a
farm. August Kohring was a sturd)' and in-
dustrious man, jjossessing the keen intelli-
gence and ambition to advance which is charac-
teristic of his race; and he was respected as
a worthy, upright, and progressive citizen.
When naturalized he embraced the principles
of the Democratic party, but withdrew his
allegiance on account of the slavery question,
and thenceforward acted with the Republicans.
In his religious belief he was a Methodist.
August Kohring died July 7, 1897. His wife
is still living. They reared two sons, namely:
William, the subject of this .sketch; and
George, who died in P^bruary, 1889, aged
twenty-seven years.
William Kohring began his education in the
common schools and completed his studies with
a two years' course at a commercial college in
Schenectady. He has made agriculture his
chief occupation, and is now the owner of the
home farm of about fifty acres. He carries on
general farming in an able and progressive
manner, keeps some fine Jersey cattle, and is
regarded as one of the leading farmers in this
locality. In politics he is a Republican, and
since reaching his majority he has taken a
lively interest in local public affairs. He has
served as a Justice of the Peace four years, and
was Sujjervisor for the years 1896-97, being
chairman of the board the last year.
On March 18, 1891, Mr. Kohring was
united in marriage with Lillie Muller, who
was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., daughter of Ded-
rich and Sophia Muller. Mrs. Kohring is
the mother of one daughter, Lillie E., who
was born December 5, 1S92.
Mr. Kohring is well informed upon all the
88
BIOGRAI'lllCAL REVIEW
important topics of the- day, and his jniblic
services were characterized by an intelligent
appreciation of the people's needs. He is a
Master Mason, and belongs to St. George
Lodge, No. 6, F. & A. M., of Schenectady.
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
M
URYEA BEEKMAN, president of
the First National Bank of Middle-
burg, Schoharie County, N.Y., was
born at Seward, this county, August 9, 1840,
son of Nicholas and Alida (Becker) Beekman.
Of Dutch ancestry on the paternal side and
German on his mother's, he is a representative
of one of the oldest and most notable families
in the county.
The first progenitor of the l?eekman family
in this country was John lieekman, an early
settler in Albany, N.\'. , who later removed to
a farm in the Mohawk valley. William, the
next in line of descent, born in 1767, was the
first Judge of Schoharie County, which ])osition
he held for thirty years. When a boy he was
clerk to Colonel Marius Willet. He was ap-
pointed County Judge by Governor George
Clinton, and held that office until 1833. In
the yeans 1798, 1800, 1801, and 1802 he repre-
sented his district in the State Senate. He
was married July 18, 1788, to Joanna Low,
daughter of Nicholas Low, and he afterward re-
moved to Sharon, this county. His death took
]ilace at Sharon on N'ovember 26, 1845, in the
house which he liail built in 1802-4, ant!
which is still standing.
Nicholas Beekman, son of Judge Beekman
and father of the subject of this sketch, was
born at .Sharon, N. V., November 27, 1790.
He became a prominent citizen of the town of
Middeburg, where for a long |)erio(l he was
engaged in farming and hop-growing, being
one of the first hop-growers in the .Schoharie
valley. He served as Supersisor antl in other
offices, and represented the county in the State
legislature of 1841. His marriage, which oc-
curred June 16, 181 I, united him with Alida,
daughter of Ua\id Ikcker, antl their wedded
life extended through a ])eriod of <iver si.xty
years. He survivetl his wife b\- two years and
four days, dying January 13, 1874. Of tlieir
twelve children, si.x survived them.
Duryea Beekman came to Middleburg with
his jiarents when a boy. His education was
obtained in the schools of this town. .Since
early manliood his cai)acity has been tlemon-
strated in various business enterprises, and he
now holds a high position in the business com-
munity. Elected president of the First Na-
tional Bank of Middleburg at the time of its
organization in iSSo, he still remains in office.
The hank is regarded as one of the best in this
part of the State, and its reputation is due in
chief measure to its excellent management.
Mr. Beekman was for man\ years secretary and
is now \ice-president of the Middleburg &
Schoharie Railroad. He is a director of the
Davenport, i\Iiddleburg & Durham Railroad
Company and a director of the Merchants' and
F'armers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company. In
politics a Democrat, he served in the legisla-
ture of 1879, having been elected by a majority
of one thousand li\e lumdred and si.x \otes;
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
89
and he has frequently represented his party in
State and other conventions. He is a member
of Middleburg Lodge, No. 663, F. & A. M.
On October ig, 1859, Mr. Beekman married
Elizabeth Richtniyer, a daughter of Peter and
Elizabeth Richtmyer. Mrs. Beekman's pater-
nal grandfather, Captain George Richtmyer, a
native of Germany, came to America in 1745,
antl settled at Hartman's Dorf, in the town of
Middleburg. Captain Richtmyer was subse-
quently an officer in the American army during
the Revolutionary War. He fought at Bemis
Heights, and served with distinction in every
engagement that occurred in the Schoharie
valley. I\h". and Mrs. Beekman have been the
parents of three children, namely: Charles,
who died in infancy; Dow, of whom a separate
sketch appears in this volume ; and William G.
M
OW BEEKMAN, of Middleburg,
^ m one of the leading lawyers and busi-
ness men of Schoharie County, was
born in this town, February 8, 1862, son of
Duryea and Elizabeth (Richtmyer) Beekman.
He comes of an old Schoharie County family,
and a fuller account of his ancestors may be
found in connection with the sketch of his
father, Duryea Beekman, on the preceding
page of this volume.
After the usual common -school course Dow
Beekman prepared for college at Hartwick
Seminary, Otsego County. He then entered
Union College, at which he was graduated in
1884, having taken four of the most important
prizes in the course. From September, 18S4,
until June, 1886, he was professor of mathe-
matics at Union Classical Institute, Schenec-
tady, N.Y. , and during the same period he de-
voted his spare time to the study of law in the
office of Judge Samuel W. Jackson, of that city.
In September, 1886, he was admitted to the
bar at Saratoga, and immediately began the
practice of his profession in Middleburg.
Since then he has built up what is probably
the largest law business in this part of the
county. In 1889 he was elected District At-
torney of Schoharie County, receiving a major-
ity of one thousand eight hundred votes, and
during his term of office he never presented an
indictment that was set aside or quashed. He
has been attorney and counsel in many impor-
tant cases, is attorney for the Middleburg &
Schoharie Railroad Company, for the Daven-
port, Middleburg & Durham Railroad, and
also for the corporation of the \'illage of
Middleburg. He is the possessor of an un-
usually extensive library.
Mr. Beekman is also a man of practical busi-
ness ability. He is a director of the Middle-
burg & Schoharie Railroad Company, attorney
and treasurer of the Merchants' and Farmers'
Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and a director
and secretary of the Middleburg Telephone
Exchange ComiDany. A Democrat in politics,
he is secretary of the Democratic County Com-
mittee, and has delivered many addresses in
different parts of the State in every Presiden-
tial campaign since he became a voter, ha\'ing
on several occasions been sent out by the
Democratic State Committee. He has also
delivered addresses on subjects foreign to poll-
9°
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
tics, and liis ability as a speaker has been fre-
quently recognized by the press.
Mr. Bcekman has been Master of Middle-
burg Lodge, No. 663, F. & A. I\L, for four
years. In 1896 he served as District Dejjuty
Grand Master of the Kleventh IMasonic Dis-
trict, which comprises Delaware, Schoharie,
and Greene Counties. He is now District Dep-
uty Grand Master of the Eighteenth District,
comprising Schoharie and Otsego Counties.
He is a member of John L. Lewis Chapter,
R. A. M. He has also been District Deputy
Grand Sachem of the Improved Order of Red
Men, and belongs to the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows.
On June 9, 1S91, Mr. Heekman married
Miss Laura Frisbie, daughter of Grandison N.
Frisbie, of Middleburg. Tw(j children ha\c
blessed their union — Marjorie Elizabeth and
Douw Frisbie.
IIOMAS W. JERALDS, a retired busi-
Qj I ness man and wealth)- resident of Ash-
land, was born in Waterbury, Conn., August
28, 1839, son of Thomas and Mary (Brown)
Jeralds. Both his father and his paternal
grandfather, whose given name was Ransom,
were natives of Bethany, Conn. Ransom
Jeralds, hnwever, removetl from that town to
Wallingford, same .State, where he carried on
a farm for the rest of his active period, his
death (jccurring at the age of seventy-nine
years.
When a young man Thcimas Jeralds became
a Methoilist minister, and was attached to the
New York East Conference for about twenty
years. He was subsequently engaged in tiie
silverware business at Meriden, Conn., until
his retirement. He died at the age of forty-
seven years. His first wife, Mary, who was
a native of Burlington, Conn., died in early
womanhood, leaving two children, namely:
Ellen M., who married Henry Wooding, and is
no longer living; and Thomas W. , the subject
of this sketch. h'or his second wife he mar-
ried Betse}' Parker, a sister of Charles Parker,
a ])rominent manufacturer of Meriden and
the first Mayor of that cit}'. Of this union
there were three children, two of whom
are living, namely: Sarah R.. who married
John Ten Eyck ; and Mar\- ,\., who married a
Mr. Morgan, of Meriden, Ci n. Mrs. Betsey
P. Jeralds is still living, and is now ninety-two
years olil.
Thomas W. Jeralds went from the Walling-
ford High School to the academy in Meriden,
and his studies were completed at the Ashland
Collegiate Institute. P.ntering mercantile
business in this town, he continiicil it in Chesh-
ire and still later in Wallingford, where he
kept a general store for some time. From
Wallingford he removed to Ashland, N.Y.,
where he engaged in active business until his
retirement in 1H90, and where he still makes
his home. He has business interests in \-ari-
ous places, and his time is now devoted to the
care of his investments and to the management
of his fine estate in this town. This \aluable
property, which is known as Crescent Lawn,
consists of one hundred and fift\-five acres of
desirably located laud, used chieHy for dairy
T. \V. JKRALIJ5.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
93
purposes and the cultivation of small fruits,
anil containing two substantial residences ad-
joining each other.
In i860 Mr. Jeralds was joined in marriage
with Frances A. Tuttle, a native of Ashland,
daughter of Albert and Aurelia Tuttle. Al-
bert Tuttle was a well-to-tlo merchant and
speculator. He figured consj)icu()usly in the
public affairs of this town, and held all uf the
important local offices. He also served as
Postmaster, and while a member of the Assem-
bl_\- he introduced the act incorporating the
town of Ashland. He was the father of five
children by his first union, and by a second
marriage he had two children, one of whom
became Mrs. Jeralds. Mi's. Jeralds died Jan-
uary 9, 1898, aged fifty-eight years. She was
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church
and a lovely Christian lady. She left three
children; namely, Carolines., Hattie A.,
and John T. Caroline married Lorenzo R.
Cook, of the White Sewing Machine Com-
pany, and proprietor of a large diy-goods store
at Wallingfoi-d, Conn. Hattie A. married
Charles C. Carroll, a jeweller of Wallingford,
and her children are: ]-!arbaraJ., Frances W.,
and Doris J. John T. , who is residing in
East Haven, Conn., married ]5erta L. W'hit-
lesey, of East Haven.
In politics Mr. Jeralds is a Republican.
He held the appointment of Postmaster both in
Cheshire and Yalesville, and .scr\ed with abil-
ity as Supervisor in Ashland for the years
1891-92. Plis interest in the welfare of Ash-
land began some forty years ago, when he first
engaged in business; and during the period of
his residence elsewhere his attachment to the
place WMS unabatcil. He is a member of and
a trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church,
but has contributed liberally to the different
churches. He takes a lively interest in Sun-
day-school work, and rendered valuable aid in
securing and furnishing the rooms of the Young
Men's Christian Association. Mr. Jeralds is
an Odd F"ellow, and formerly belonged to the
Meriden Centre Lodge, Mcriden, Conn.
s,Wfi> lISS JANE VAN LOAN, one of
the most prominent and highl_\- le-
spccted ladies of Catskill, was
born in this place, her parents being William
W. and Sally (Du Bois) Van Loan.
Her gi-andfather. Captain Isaac Van Loan,
was in his time the leading man of the town,
and widely known throughout all this section of
the county. He had lai'ge shipping intei'ests,
and was the owner of several sloops which ran
on the river. When young he had learned the
mason's trade, and always as long as he'lived
he took a deep interest in the welfare of me-
chanics, and aided them in every possible way.
Nor was his helpfulness extended to this class
alone. Every person deserving of sympathy
was sure to find in Captain Van Loan's warm
heart, which overflowed with kindness to all
mankind, a fountain of considation, and every
worthy cause found in him an imfailing cham-
pion. A man of fervid religious aspirations,
in the churcii he was a pillar of strength. He
was a member of .St. Luke's Episcopal Church,
and many years one of its vestrymen. He
!>»
-^^.RAFHICAL KEVIEW
UfiK a pr
iij I>jCir.
ad.
"xr fd the
He i«a<( '/j»c ol those :
'jf gooJ chlzc
the t/zM-rs a» K'jad >la5i^t£r, and tor a *
ty- His death occarr.;
H^rmaiden - \yr^.\.
r <(f ytat^me L
I'^i^ the ae Die*
live*?
of the fanK/us Xcw V y of tfci
Captain Isaac and Jane i\i%e%) Van I>jar.
A
:« I^'jan
village, '- until i -
when be S'jltJ New York City.
There he ofMmed a general merchandise store
Ferry Station now st^
the ^rfvl 'rf th^ rj'v, M•^•= V-?*? T.'w?* r^-mem-
the cholera epidemic m Nev'
we Mr.
ly.
♦***Y ; Mr, Van
came back to his natire place and
':;nt into mercanr in the store
Mr. Fox ntrib i>. Jie &«aa] consider-
-' ■ ' - - t- - --.^'s
... . .. . . .; for
"ii's, having the jj .-re Mr.
-Kcnr \ttaXtd. I : t the age of
He and bis vife were members
m: j> Chorcbu Mrs. Van Loan was
- --- - - ^ - . ' •' . rjpe
r>f
* Da Bois, , vng
'. with the exception of the
; time he serred in the Cor. during
. Of ♦ ^u o(^a to Will-
i(Du li'. -, ;-. Ijaa, f/aly two
, ,.-.: years. Thau: were Jane and
kache], who died in 5*95, at the
venty-two, was the f John
i^reasted, who was prominently identified with
-J Works and with the Morgan
f Peter
- - -g resi-
town. John Breasted had an
• office in Xew Vork f'jr Vime years, but later
I retomed to Catskill, and ir. .y with
•'Tcrs boilt the VtftsptcX Park Hoie., He was
. .... -^, ... died in
' 1884. He gave a bell for ik. Lake's Church.
The Van Lojn family has been identified
I with St. Luke's Church longer than any other
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
05
family now living, and Miss Van L'*an has re-
cently shown her appreciation of the signifi-
cance of this fact, as well as her affectionate
veneration for her grandfather and sister, by
the gift of a beautiful spire and a costly altar
rail for the new church. This building is said
to be the handsomest on the Hudson, and the
spire, which has been erected at a cost of fif-
teen hundred dollars, is a masterpiece of design
and construction, and greatly admired. It can
be seen twenty miles down the Hudsson,
towering up into the blue. In it is hung the
bell given by Mr. Breasted. The altar rail,
which is of s(A\d brass, is e.vquisitely en-
graved, and will Ije inscribed through its en-
tire length on the front and back. On one
side the inscription will be in memory of Mrs.
Breasted, and on the other in memory of Cap-
tain Isaac Van Loan. It is to be made and put
in at ;• f'-» ' f '^•'-•'- hundred and fifty dollars.
H.LIAM .S. HAMLIN, Postmaster,
and general merchant, Glcnville,'
.Schenectady County, N. Y., was bom in this
town, February 28, 1855, son of Anson B. and
Abigail (Cstrom) Hamlin. The father was
bom in Connecticut, September 7, 1807, and
the m<rther was bom in Glcnville, April i,
1811.
Ansftn B. Hamlin followed the ..rj.-. .-,
trade in his early days; and, coming to Glcn-
ville when still a young min, he kept a hot:.
here for some time. He subsequently carried*
on a farm for a number of years, and, returning^
here in 1S67, he was engaged in mercantilc
business until selling out to his .son in 1882.
His la-st years were spent in retirement, and he
died May ig, 1895. He was a man of good
business ability and upright character, and he
gained the good will of all with whom he had
dealings. In politics he was a Republican.
His wife, whose maiden name was Abigail Os-
trom, became the mother of ten children, five
of whom are living, namely: David H. ; Jew-
ett C. ; Chri.stopher ; William .S., the subject
of this sketch; and Clarissa. The others
were: Lyman G., Oliver, Heman, Rachel A.,
and Betsey. M- /^ '•'"::' O Hamlin died in
1889.
William S. Hamlin after attending the com-
mon schools of Glcnville completed his studies
with a commercial course at a business college
in Troy. Beginning when twelve years old to
make himself useful as an a.ssistant to his
father, he later gave his whole time to the
business in the capacity of a clerk, and con-
tinued as such until becoming its proprietor.
He conducts the oldest-establi.shed general
store in this part of the town, keeps a large
and varied stock, including agricultural imple-
ments, feed, fertilizers, and so forth, and has a
numerous patronage.
On November 23, 1882, Mr. Hamlin was
united in marriage with Anna Bell, a native of
West Charlton, Saratoga County, daughter of
George Bell.
Politically, Mr. Hamlin is a Republican.
1 fc served with ability as Town Clerk one year,
and is giving excellent .satisfaction as Po.st-
master. He has a wide circle of friends and
96
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
acquaintances who a])]ircciatc his many sterling
qualities, and he is a member of Touareuna
Lodge; No. 35,- I. O. O. L.
^yi':XRV VAX DR1-:S1':R, a prominent
ilairymnn and poultr\' raiser of Coble-
skill, N.Y., pro]irietor of Eureka
Stock ami Ponltry Farm, was born September
4, 1839, in SL-hoharie, Schoharie County, a
son of John I. and Anna (Warner) Van
Dreser. On the ])atern;il side he comes of
substantial iJuteh ancestr\-. His grandfnther,
the Rev. Henry \'an Dreser, a Presb)terian
minister, emigrated from Holland to New-
York, and for se\-enteen _\ears thereafter
preached in Schenectad}'. He married Anna
Fergueson, a fair Scotch maiden, who b(ii"e
him thirteen chililren.
John I. \'an Dreser spent a large part of his
early life in .Schohaiie, where for seven years
he kept a li\er_\' stable. In 1846 he removed
to Cobleskill, and, bu3ing a large farm, was
here engaged in agricultural ]iursuits for a
nnmlu'r of years. When well ad\'anced in age
and unable longer to care for his propert}', he
scdd his estate, and from that time until his
death, at the venerable age uf eighty-seven
yeais, made his home with his sons, J. W. and
Henry. He was very successful as a farmer,
and (|uite acti\'e in jjidilic life. He was a reg-
ular attendant at the Lutheran church, which
his wife joined when a gill of si.xteen. Her
maiden name was Anna Warner. She was
horn in Warners\il le, a daughter of Jacf)b
Warner, a well known farmei' and the first
dair\'man in Schoharie County. The first
summer that Mi' Warner made a specialt)' of
this particular branch of industry his herd of
twenty cows produced a ton of butter, which
he sold in the city of New York, whither he
drove with a team. This transaction attracted
such attention that for many years after he was
known far and wide as "Putter Jake." Of
the seven children born to John I. and Anna
(Warner) Van Dreser, si.\ grew to maturity,
namely : Sarah, the widow of the late Peter
Shaffer; Cathering, deceased; Jacob W. ;
Henry, the s])ecial subject of this sketch;
Mar)' J., wife of Clinton Tillepaugh; I'anma,
wife of John V. I'ace ; and Almira, wife of
Adam V. Karkar. The nuither died at the ad-
vanced age of fourscore and four )'ears.
Hem}- \'an Dreser was reared on the home
farm, and educated in the district schools.
I'^arl)- becoming interested in the art and sci-
ence of agriculture, he decided to make farm-
ing his life occupation. In early manhood he
bought in partnership with his brotlier Jacob
the farm on which he now resides, an 1 for sev-
eral years they worked it together. In 1S95
Mr. \'an Dreser ])urehased his brother's in-
terest in the estate, which he has since man-
aged alone. 1 le has added substantial improve-
ments, including the erection of the jjresent
conveniently arranged hendiouse, it being the
largest in Schoharie County, and in e\'ery de-
partment has met with eminent success in his
undertakings.
He served as jHesident of the Cheviot Sheep
breeders' Association of the L'niled States and
Canada for three years. He is authority (jn
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
97
breeds and breeding of thoroughbred cattle,
and has served in the capacity of judge at the
different fairs in this and other States for
many years. He lias been employed for the
hist four years by the New York State Farmers'
Institute as instructor in his special lines of
agriculture. He carries on general farming,
but makes somewhat of a specialty of the rais-
ing of stock and poultry, and dairy products.
He has served ably as president of the New
York State ]5reeders' Association, which is
devoted to the improvement of the breeding of
cattle, sheep, swine, and poultry, and is a
charter member of the Barnerville Grange, be-
fore which he often lectures or reads papers of
interest.
Mr. Van Dreser was married October i6,
1873, to Miss funma J. Becker, daughter of
the late James Becker, who died on his farm
in Cobleskill, February 16, 1895, leaving a
widow and four children. Mrs. Van Dreser is
a graduate of the Normal College, a woman of
culture and refinement. She holds a State
certificate, and prior to her marriage she
taught most successfully both in Cobleskill
and Albany.
(shames STEVENS, of Greenville, N.Y.,
a leading insurance agent of this sec-
tion of (jreene County, was born on the
farm where he now lives, in a house near his
present dwelling-place. His family is an old
one in the town, having been first represented
here by his great-grandfather, Reuben Stevens,
vvh(j came from Stamford, Conn., took up a
tract of land, and became one of the pioneer
settlers of this region.
Reuben's son Samuel, grandfather of James
Stevens, was born in Stamford. After coming
here he engaged in farming. He died of typhus
fever when only thirty-two years of age, this
being in 1813. His wife, whose maiden name
was Sally Jones, was a native of Stamford.
She bore him three children, all of whom are
deceased. Left a widow while yet a young
woman, she married a second time, and lived
to be eighty-four years of age. In religion
she was a zealous Baptist.
Mr. Stevens's parents were Orrin C. and
Mary A. (Smith) Stevens, the father a native
of Greenville. Orrin C. Stevens worked at
carpentering while a young man, but subse-
cpiently he carried on the farm where his son
now lives. He owned a hundred and sixty
acres, and vas a successful fariuer. He was
warmly interested in all public affairs, and
held various town ofifices, including among
others that of Supervisor. For some time he
was a Justice of the Peace. In politics he was
an old-time Democrat. For years he was a
trustee in the Presbyterian church, and one of
its most active and influential members. Val-
uable service was rendered by him as one of
the Sons of Temperance. He lived to the age
of eighty-three years. His wife, Mrs. Mary
A. Stevens, who died in 1884, after a useful
life covering three-quarters of a century, was
born on a farm in West Springfield, being one
of a family of si.x children. Her |)arents were
Daniel and Sarah (Day) .Smith. Of her .seven
children, three ai'c deceased. One of them,
98
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
a son Samuel, was Captain of Company A of
the Thirty-seveiitli Wisconsin Volunteers in
the Civil War, antl lost his life in 1S64, dur-
ing the attack on Petersburg. The living
chiklren are: James, the subject of this
sketch; Daniel, who is a jihysician and drug-
gist in Nebraska; Anna, who is the wife of
D. II. .Smith, a dentist of llidyoke, Mass.;
and Orrin C, second, who is retired from
business and resides in !\1 iddleburg.
James Stevens grew u|) on the farm where
he now resides. His education was received
in the common schoids, and at Greenville
Acadeni}'. Throughout his active life he has
devoted more or less time to agricultural pur-
suits, and for forty years he also did a large
amount of land surveying. He has lived in
the house which is now his home since 1883,
when he removed here and took charge of his
present farm of one hutnlred and thirteen
acres. He carries on general farming. In
1880 he began the insurance business, being
elected that year secretary and treasurer of the
village fire insurance comi^iny. This office he
has since heUl, and in the inter\ening years he
has had the satisfaction of seeing the company
constantly increase until now it carries over
two million dollars insurance. In the same
year Mr. Stevens received his appointment as
general agent of four other fire insin-ance com-
panies, and in 1893 he organized the Greene
County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of
which he has since been secretary, treasurer,
and general agent. This comixmy, which
does a general insurance business at si.\t\' per
cent, of stock rates, now has out over two
thousand, one hundred and fifty policies in
fire, representing two million, two huiulred
and ninety-two thousand, si.\' hundred and
seventy dollars. Its total recciiits for the \ear
i8g8 were twelve thousand, five hundreil dol-
lars, and the amount of money in the treasm-y
on December 11, 189S, was thirteen thousand,
four bumlred and forty-two dcdlars, and twenty-
si.\ cents. The agents of the company operate
in Greene, Albany, Columbia, Delaware, and
Schoharie Counties.
Mr. Stevens was married in 1866 to I*21iza-
beth Sherrill, wiio was horn in Green\'ille,
daughter of Ezra .Sheiiill, a well-known farmer
of this place. She is the mother of two chil-
dren— Lucena and Orrin C, third. Lucena
marrietl Theodore Coonley, a farmer of this
place. Orrin C, third, who is engaged in
insurance in Greenville, married Arcia Cook,
and has one child, James C.
I'olitically, Mr. Stevens is a Democrat.
He has held the office of Supervisor, and from
January, 1889, to April, 1893, he was Deputy
County Clerk. I'^ir five years he was clerk of
the Hoard of Supervisors. Shortly after being
first elected to the office of Town Clerk, he
was chosen Second Lieutenant in Company A
of the Twentieth Regiment of .State militia,
and went South, serving for a time in the l^nion
army. For many years he was a member of
John W. Watson Post, G. A. R. , of Catskill,
and heltl the office of Adjutant in the jiost ;
but he subsequently joined the C. Swainc
Evans Post, No. 580, of South Westerlo.
Mr. Stevens is a Mason, having joined the
organization in Alarch, 1858, in Cascatle
SOLOMON SIAS.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
lOI
Lodge, V. & A. M., of Oak Hill. In i S64
he w:is a charter member of James M. Austin
Lodge, No. 557, of Greenville. Of this he
was first Senior Deacon, for five years he was
Junior Warden and Secretary, and for two
years Master. He was formerly connected
with the Co.xsackie Royal Arch Chapter, No.
85 ; and upon the organization of the Green-
ville Chapter, No. 283, he became a charter
member of that body. He has held the offices
of Scribe and King. He is also a charter
member of Zeus Lodge, No. 360, of the
Greenville Knights of Pythias, was formerl)-
Chancellor, and is at the present time Master
of Exchecjuer. Mr. Stevens is a liberal sup-
porter of the Presbyterian church, of wliich
his famil\- are members.
^OLOMON SIAS, principal of the
^/^ public schools of Schoharie, N.Y.,
and one of the leading educators in
the count)', is a native of Danville, Caledonia
County, Vt. He was born June 13, 1829.
His father, the Rev. Solomon Sias, son of
Benjamin and Abigail Sias, was born in Lon-
don, Meirimack County, N. H. Grandfather
Sias removed with his family from London to
Danville, being among the pioneer farmers in
that town, where he and his wife lived to a
good old age. They had eight children.
Solomon Sias, Sr. , grew to manhood on the
paternal farm, attending school as opportunit\'
offered. Feeling himself called to preach the
gospel, and giving such proof of his calling
that people heard him gladly, he became a cir-
cuit rider and later a presiding Elder, his cir-
cuit taking in at different periods Western
Maine, New Hampshire, and Eastern Vermont.
By himself he acquired a knowledge of Latin,
Greek, and Hebrew. He was a fluent and
forcible speaker, thoroughly familiar with the
Holy Scriptures, a man of great resource of
thought and expression. He was accustomed
to ride on horseback from place to place to
preach every day and evening, wherever he
could get an audience. In L3'nn, Mass.,
where he was pastor of the Union Street Meth-
odist Church, 1S15-16, he started the first
Methodist Sunday-school in New England.
He was sent several times as a delegate to the
General Conference of the Methodist L4.iiscopal
Church, to which he belonged. He died at tlie
age of seventy-two, a well-].ireserved man to
the last, after thirty years of service in his
Master's vineyard. He married a widow, Mrs.
Amelia Rogers Hewes, the ninth lineal de-
scendant of John Rogers, the Smithfield
martyr. Mrs. Sias died at the age of sixty-
seven, having reared five children, three by
her first husband, Mr. Hewes, and two by her
second, namely: Solomon, the subject of this
sketch; and Amelia, who married Azro
Mathewson.
Mr. Sias, of Schoharie, was educated at
Newbury Seminary, Newbury, Vt. ; at Middle-
bury College in that State and at Wesleyan
University, Middletnwn, Conn., where he be-
longed to the class of 1852. He was an assist-
ant teacher at Newbury Seminary as early as
1850. He received the degree A.M. from
Middleburv College, \'t., and of Doctor of
102
BIOGRAl'llICAL REVIEW
AK-(licinc from the I'nivcrsily of Vermont at
]5urlington. I'rom 1854 to i 859 he taught at
I'ort ]'"(l\varil Iiiistitute, New York, holding
tlie eliair of professor of natural science under
Josei)h 1-'.. King president of the Institute.
Leaving l-'ort luhvard, he accepted a call to
take ciiarge of a college for women at Bonhani,
Tex., where he remained conducting the affairs
of the college fm- eight years. lie then came
to New York State and accepted a call to take
charge of the seminary at Charlotte\'ille. In
1874 he came to Scliohaiie and took tlie posi-
tion he now holds, which, with the exception
of a hrief period — 1877 to 187S — spent in
Texas as president of the Soule Uni\ersity at
Chapel Hill, he has held continuously from
that date.
The Schoharie school has greatl\- improved
under his management, and is now a first-class
high school in every respect and very flourish-
ing. Ahout two hundred students are enrolled
and five subordinate teachers are employed.
Mr. Sias is the oldest principal in active ser-
vice in the county, and is among the oldest in
the State as princi|ial and teacher. lie has
arranged for the Schoharie school the most ad-
vanced course of any school in the county, and
he always keeps up to the times in means and
methods of educational work, using the latest
ajjproved text-books and reference books. His
efforts are imiformly inilorsed by the State
regents, at whose request he has s])oken
upon numerous educational topics in the
conventions held at the State capital. lie
has attended all of the meetings since 1866 and
every county institute lor thirty years, speak-
ing at many of them. He has been secretary
of the county institute for nearly fifteen \eais,
has been assistant conductor one year, besides
often serving briefly as assistant conductor of
other institutes.
He was married July 2, 1857, to Lina
Baker, daughter of Daniel Baker, of Youngs-
town, New York. One child was born of this
union, a son named Frederick. He w-as edu-
cated in the Schoharie schools, then learned
telegraphy at Brooklyn, N.Y. , and became
manager of a telegraph office. Taken suddenly
ill with t)phnitl pneumonia, he died at the age
of nineteen.
Professor Sias is a fellow of the American
Association for the Advancemerit of Science,
to which he has belonged since 1 866, and for
several years he was an observer for the Smith-
sonian Institution. He has had charge of an
educational department in the Schoharie A'l-
publican, to which he has contributed articles
that have been copied by the leading educational
papers of the State, and he has been a frequent
correspondent of several other journals. He is
an acti\-e member of the Schoharie County
Historical Society, of which he was one of the
three original organizers. He was instrumen-
tal in securing the "Old Stone Fort " for the
purposes of the society. He is likewise con-
nected with the meilical society of this county,
having served as brigade surgeon during the
Civil War. Mr. Sias was made a Mason in
Connecticut, was afterward connected with the
order in X'erniont and later in Texas, where he
was Mastei' of a lodge. He is now a twenty-
scwntli degree Mason, a member of Schoharie
JJIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Lodge, No. 491, and of the chapter and coun-
cil. As an Odd Fellow he belongs to To-
wos-scho-ho Lodge i)f Schoharie, has twice
been Noble Grand, is now a member of Mid-
dleburg luicampment, and Past Captain of
Canton Young, No. 45, of Schoharie. In jioli-
tics he is a Democrat.
Mrs. Sias is a graduate of the collegiate
department of Fort Edward Institute, and has
taught school. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sias are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
and he has preached a great number of sermons
in pulpits of Schoharie and the neighboring
towns.
NDREW G. LIDDLE, a stirring farmer
01 Princetown, was born in this town,
February 23, 1859. Son of Alex-
ander and liarbara (Gregg) Liddle, he C(}mes
of highly re]uitable Scotch ancestry, being of
the fourth generation in descent from Alexan-
der Liddle, a native of Scotland, who emi-
grated with his parents when a young man, and
was an early settler in Duanesburg. This is
the line: Alexander, Robert, Alexander, sec-
ond, Andrew G,
Alexander Liddle, first, became a large land
owner. The farm now owned by his grandson,
Alexander, second, was a part of his estate,
and he resided here until his death, which oc-
curred in his ninety-third year. He was a
member of the Reformed Presbyterian church,
and a strong Abolitionist. The maiden name
of his wife was Mary Gifford.
Robert Liddle, the grandfather, was born in
Duanesburg, January 12, 1803. He was a
prosperous farmer during his active years, and
he died in Duanesburg at the age of eighty-
eight. Politically, he was originally a Whig,
and later a Republican. In his younger days
he took an active part in military affairs, and
was Captain of a local rifle company. He was
an Inkier of the Presbyterian church. Robert
Liddle was three times married; and his first
wife, Sarah Smith, a native of Princetown, be-
came the mother of eight children, namely:
Alexander; Abigail, born October 6, 1828;
Mary, born August 31, 1830; Ann E., born
March 3, 1834; Charles, born March 7, 1836;
Thomas G., born July 18, 1838; Abram S.,
born June 9, 1840; and Robert W. , born
April 30, 1842. By his union with Sarah
Robinson, his second wife, there were five
children: Angus M., born January 29, 1846;
Duncan N., born March 26, 1848; Jenette,
born August 12, 1850; and Sarah C. and John
K., twins, who are no longer living.
Alexander Liddle, second, the father, was
born April 17, 1827, upon a farm adjoining
the one which he now occupies. He was
reared to farm life, and at the age of twenty-
nine years he bought a farm in Princetown of
one hundred and twenty-nine acres, upon
which he resided for sixteen years, and which
he still owns. He has occupied his present
farm of one hundred acres in Duanesburg since
1885, and this property is provided with good
buildings and is otherwise well improved.
His energy and industry continue unabated,
and he is highly esteemed by his fellow-towns-
men. He supports the- Republican party at
104
IMOGRAl'IIICAL RF.VIEW
natiimal elections, but lias ne\'er cared t(i Imld
office. Like his ancestors he is a Reformed
l'resl)\-lerian in religion, and acts as an Elder
of that church. Mrs. Barbara Grei^^g Liddle,
his first wife, who was a native of Rotterdam,
N. V\, died Ajiril 14, 1874, leaving; two sons
— Robert A. and Andrew G. Robert A.
Liddle, born December 4, 1^56, married Re-
becca Wemple, resides in Duanesburg, and has
three children — James, Barbara, and Anna.
On February g, 1876, Alexander Liddle mar-
ried for his second wife Margaret Cowell, who
was born in England, January 30, 1839. B)-
this union he has one daughter, Jeannettc S.,
who was born March 17, 1S78.
.\ndiew C. Liddle, the special subject of
this sketch, was educated in the district
schools of Princetown. He has always resided
upon the fai'ni he now cultivates, which was
purchasetl b\- his father in 1856, and since
reaching manhood he has successfullv managed
the property. He raises oats, rye, corn, and
hay, keeps about ten head of stock, and ranks
among the leading farmers of this section of
Schenectady County.
Mr. Liddle married Lillie \l DeFore.st, of
Alban\', and has three children, name])- :
Alexander, born July 7, 1883; Edith, born
January 26, 1886; and I^aura M., born ALiy 6,
I 890.
In politics Mr. Liddle is a Reijublican, and
has served with ability as Supervisor for three
years. He belongs to Farmers' (irange. No.
709, Patrons of Husbandry, antl has served as
Master for three years. He is a member of
the South Reformed Presbyterian church.
%
H.XRl.ES \"OSS, merchant and Post-
master at Tannersville, Greene
Count\', N.Y. , was born in Ilol-
stein, German\', F\-brnary 14, 1849, son of
Frederick and Maria (Retting) Voss. LI is
great-grandfather, Hans Van Voss, who was a
native of Holland, removed to Holstein, and
after living there a short time had the name
changed to Voss. Lie was a farmer and
dr(j\-er, and followed these occuijations until
his death, which occurred when he was sixty
\^ears old.
John \'oss, grandfather of Charles, was born
in Holland. He also followed farming, and
was one of the largest drovers in his vicinity.
He had a large family of chiklren, among
them being P'rcderick, Henry, Horace, An-
drew, and Louisa. He died at about sixty
years of age. P'rederick \'oss, father of
Charles, was also a farmer and cattle dealer.
He shijiped cattle fi'om Denmark to ]{ngland,
doing an extensive business in that line; and
he tilled the soil (jf a large farm successfully
until he was about sixty years old, when he re-
tired. He then removed to Altona, near the
city of Hamburg, where he died at sex'cnty-
eight. Lie made three visits to his son
Charles in .America. His wife, Maria, was a
native of Holstein, where her father, Adolph
Retting, followed farming, and where he died
at over seventy years of age. She was the
mother of eleven chikhen, nine of whom —
namely, William, P^dward, Charles, Mary, kla,
/\ndrew, Otto, Phaiest, and 'Pheodore — are
still lix'ing, four residing in America. IVLu'y
the eldest bister, married P'red Koch; lila
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
nianied a Lieutenant in the German army ;
Otto resides in Florida; and Ernest is in
Piiiladel]3hia. Theodore is a carpenter and
builder in Phcenicia, N. Y. The others were
Frederick and Dora. Tiie mother died in
1896, being over eighty years old. The par-
ents were members of the Lutheran church.
Charles Vos.s spent his early years in his
native town, and acquired his education in pri-
vate schools. After finishing his studies he
learned the trade of a miller and a cabinet-
maker. He began his three years' apprentice-
ship at the latter at the age of sixteen, and
worked as a journeyman one year. In i86g he
came to America, sailing from Hamburg and
landing in New York, where he at once se-
cured employment in a bakery. He next went
to Phoenicia, N.Y. , and he was employed in
the Chichester Chair Factory for one year.
At the expiration of that time he went to Sul-
livan County, Pennsylvania, and was engaged
for two seasons in peeling hemlock bark. Re-
turning to Phoenicia, he spent another year in
the chair factory, and passed the next in Ger-
many. Upon his return to the United .States
in 1876, he attended the Centennial Exhibi-
tion in Philatlelphia, and, remaining in that
city the entire summer, he was employed as
conductor on the Chestnut Street line of cars.
Going to Delaware County, Pennsylvania, in
tlie fall of that year, he worked on a farm, and
also ran a milk route to Philadelphia, follow-
ing this occupation for two years, when he
sold out and returned to Phoenicia. He later
became manager of the store owned by the
Chichester Chair Company, which position he
occupied for nine years. Removing to Hun-
ter, he erected the hotel known as "The Bel-
videre, " which has accommodations for one
hundred and twenty-five guests. After con-
ducting this hotel for eight years, he sold the
property. Later he repurchased it, and still
owns and rents it. He owns two dwellin^-
houses, one of which adjoins the hotel, and is
used by him as a residence. In 1892 he
rented the store formerly occupied by Jacob
Fromer. This he conducted for five years,
when he was obliged to make an assignment;
but he soon settled with his creditors, and
again started in business. The building he
now occupies he erected in 1894 as an anne.x
to his large establishment, and it was used for
the hardware and plumbing departments.
L'pon the expiration of his lease of Mr. Fro-
mer's property, he removed the annex to its
present location, where he now carries grocer-
ies and notions. The post-office is located in
his store; and on July i, 1898, he received the
appointment of Postmaster for four years.
In 1880 Mr. Voss was united in marriage
with Jennie E. Haner, daughter of William
M. Haner, of Prattsville. Her great-grand-
father, Martin Haner, who was a native of
Dutchess County, moved from there to Pratts-
ville, and was a pioneer farmer. Her grand-
father, also named Martin, went from Dutch-
ess County to Prattsville, and settled upon a
farm two miles from the village on the road to
West Kill. He died at the age of seventy-
five. He married for his first wife Elizabeth
Shumaker. They had seven children, three of
whom are living, namel)' : Lawrence, who
io6
EIOGRAl'IIICAL REVIEW
manicd Judith Spencer; William M. llancr,
Mrs. Voss's father; and Jemima A., who mar-
ried Henry Palmer, of Gilboa. Mrs. Kliza-
beth S. Ilaner died at the age of fifty.
William M. Haner, after cultivating a farm
in I'rattsville some time, nicnx'd to the town
of Roxbury, where he continued to till the soil
until his retirement. He is still living, and
is now seventy-six years old. His wife, Cor-
nelia Maginnis, a native of Prattsville, is a
daughter of Jacob and Jennie (Stanley) Ma-
ginnis. His familv consisted of eight chil-
dren, four of whom are living, namely:
George Haner, M.D., who resides in Tanners-
ville; Jennie E. , who is now Mrs. Charles
Voss ; Homer, who resides in Omaha; and
Clark R., a book-keeper in Tannersville.
The mother attends the Methodist Episcopal
church. Mrs. Voss v^'as educated in the com-
mon schools of Prattsville and at Jewett Acad-
emy. She is the mother of three children —
Ralph, Ethel Ann, and Mollie M. Ralph is
attending the high school in Hunter, and
lithel Ann has attained the highest rank in her
class at school the jjresent year. Mollie M.
Voss, now a student in the Hunter High
School, is considered the champion girl trick
bicycle rider in the State.
Mr. Voss is a Republican in jjolitics, and
has taken an active part in public affairs. He
was Supervisor in 1892 and 1893. He was
greatly interested in the incojjoration of the
village, and was Trustee in 1S97 and Presi-
dent in i8g8. He has been a member of
Kingston Lodge, E. & A. M., for over twent\-
five years; is a charter member of Catskill
Chajiter, Royal .Arch Masons, and also belongs
to the Royal Arcanum. The family attend
the Congregational church as well as the Sun-
day-school, in which Mrs. Voss is a teacher.
IRA M. TERPENING, a skilful and pro-
gressive agriculturist of P'ulton, N.Y.,
was born Jul\- 31, 1857, in the town of
Kno.x, Albany Coimty, a son of Henry H. Ter-
pening. His paternal grandfather, Moses Ter-
pen ing, was born ami brought up in Esopus,
Ulster County, N.\'., wlience he renioxed to
Albany County, where he settled on a farm in
Kno.x, being one of its earlier pioneers. Sub-
sequently, coming to Summit in Schoharie
Coimty, Moses Terpening was there engaged
in general farming until his decease, at the
advanced age of eighty-eight years. He mar-
ried a Miss Snytler, and they reared ten
children.
Henry H. Terpening was educated in the
district schools, and, becoming a farmer from
choice, he purchased land, when a young man,
in Cortland County, where he [lursued his in-
dependent calling a few years. Not being
verv well satisfied with his prospects thcrcS he
sold out and removed to Knox, in Albany
County. Several years later he purcha.sed
the farm in Fulton that is now owned and
occujMed by his son, Ira M., and here passed
his remaining da)-s, <lying August 10, 1897,
at the venerable age of ninety-one years. A
man of integrity, he was highly respected by
all. In politics he was an adherent of the Re-
publican party. He married Cornelia L. ,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
107
daughter of Jeremiah Havens, a lifelong
farmer of Jefferson, N.Y. They reared four
children, namely: Ira M., of Fulton; Eunice,,
wife of John Fecck ; Bertha, the wife of
Charles Mann, of whom a brief sketch appears
elsewhere in this volume; and Henry J. Both
parents were members of the Reformed church,
in which the father was an holder.
Ira M. Terpening obtained a practical edu-
cation in the public schools of his native town,
and from his earliest youth, when not in
school, assisted in the labors of the home
farm. On the death of his father he succeeded
to the ownership of the homestead estate of
one hundred and fifty acres, and he has since
managed it with signal success. He carries
on general farming, including stock-raising to
some extent and dairying. In politics he is
a sound ReiHiblican. He is a member of the
Dutch Reformed church of Aliddleburg, and
he and his family attend also the Sunday-
school connected with that church.
On January 14, 1876, Mr. Terpening mar-
ried Angeline Murphy, daughter of Peter Mur-
phy, of Fulton, and grand-daughter of Timothy
Murphy, the renowned Indian scout. Tim-
othy Murphy, born in America, of Irish par-
ents, was one of the pioneer settlers of this
section of Schoharie County, and one (jf the
largest landholders of Fulton, owning also
large tracts of real estate in South Worcester
and in other places along the Susquehanna.
During the Revolutionary War he rendered in-
estimable assistance as one of the most brave
and daring scouts. His exploits, wliich are
well-known to all students of history, won fur
him the name of "Muriiliy, the Indian
Killer." At Bemis Heights his gallant con-
duct turned the tide of affairs and gave to
General Gates the victory. At the "Middle
Fort," by his cool and decisive actions, and
more especially by his refusal to obey the
orders of a superior officer, he saved the Scho-
harie garrison from falling a prey to the Retl-
skins. After the war he resumed the jnu-suit
of agriculture, and remained on his farm until
his death, at the age of si.xty-seven years.
His first wife, Margaret Feeck, was born in
Fulton, on Mr. Terpening's farm, and died in
this town at the early age of forty years. She
left five children, of whom Peter was the
youngest.
Peter Murphy inherited the ancestral home-
stead in Fulton and two other farms in this
vicinity. These three he carried on simulta-
neously, and for years was one of the largest
and best-known agriculturists of Fulton, where
he spent his long and useful life of fourscore
and four )'ears. He was deeply interested in
the welfare of his native town, which he
served as Supervisor two terms, and as Collec-
tor a number of years. His wife, Catherine
Jiorst, was born on the old Borst farm in Scho-
harie, one of the nine children of Peter Borst,
a jjrosperous farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy
reared seven children, as follows: Marian, de-
ceased; Helen, wife of John Follick; Mar-
garet, who married William Wearman ; Bet-
sey, wife of Thomas I'ollick; Ann; Kate;
and Angeline, now Mrs. Terpening.
Mr. and Mrs. Terpening have one son, C.
P'rederick Terpening, M. D. He completed
loS
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
his early education in the graded schools of
Middleburg, studied medicine for a year with
Dr. Kifenberg, and then entered the Univer-
sity Medical College, New York City, class of
1898. After receiving his diploma, he en-
tered the Hlackvvcll's Isle Hospital, where he
will graduate in 1900.
l^-NAKKh: C. LI-:MMAN, of the firm of
Lehman lirotiiers, dealers in general
merchandise and farming implements
at Argusvillc, in the town of Carlisle (for-
merly a part of Sharon), Schoharie County,
N.Y. , was born in tliis iilace on April 3,
1869, son of S\l\-ester and Mary Ann (Lane)
Lehman.
His great-grandfather Lehman came to
America with Burgoyne's army, having crossed
the F.nglish channel with other Germans, and
joined the British soldiery before leaving luig-
land. After arriving in this counti)' he de-
serted from the army, and settled in Sharon,
where he was one of the first white inhabi-
tants. It is related that he wore a metal
breastplate which he brought over with him,
antl that this at one time saved his life by pro-
tecting him from a bullet. He remained in
.Sharon as long as he lived, engaged in farm-
ing. He spoke only the Cerman tongue.
His son Benjamin,^ grandfather of Parke C.
Lehman, was born here, ami always resided
here until his death at the age of eighty years.
Like his fatlier he was chxsel)- iilentified with
the Lutheran church. He worked at his tiade
of carpenter, and he alscj farmed to s(ime ex-
tent. He settled at what is now known as the
Lehman homestead, on which his grandson
Charles now resides. This pro|)erty contained
originally three hundred antl fifteen acres.
Benjamin Lehman built most of the barns and
houses in this vicinity. He untlerwent many
hardshi])S. While working at Stone Arabia,
some thirteen miles distant, he would rise
early in the morning on Mondax', travel the
whole distance on for)t, and lie on liLind in time
for his day's work. On Saturday night he
walked home again. During his absences the
farm was cared for by his sons, of whom there
were four. Each of these upon being married
was gi\'en a plot of land and a fair start in
life. Benjamin Lehman had four wives. His
sons were: Stephen, who is tlie only one now
living, Charles, Peter, and -Silvester. Both
Charles and Peter were married, and the latter
had a famil\- of children. Peter tiled in
Brooklyn, N.Y. Benjamin Lehman spnke the
German language and Intiken I*>nglish.
Sylvester Lehman, father of Parke C, was
a lifelong farmer on his hundred and seventy-
five acres, raising mi.xed crt)ps. He w-as also
engaged to a considerable extent in stock-
raising, breeding short-bornetl cattle, which
farmers from all the neighboring towns came
to [lurchase. He was an ardent worker in the
church, anil held at one time antl another
nearlv all the church offices. Of liis famil\- of
nine chiltlren, the eldest, Ja}', tlied in infancy.
The others were as follows: Mai'}', who is the
wife of W'illicun Crosby, M.D., of Rochester,
Intl. ; Charles, abo\e nametl, who resitles on
the Lehman htimestead ; Jessie, who died at
THOMAS E. FKRKIKK.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
the age of twenty-six; Romaine, who is a
farmer of Sharon, N. Y. ; Sylvester, Jr., who
is a member of the firm of I.ehman I^rothers;
Parke, the subject of this article; P'orcl, who
is a student in the classical course at Penn
College, Gettysburg; and Bessie G. Sylves-
ter Lehman, Jr., married Kate Allen, daugh-
ter of James Allen, of Root, N. Y. Bessie G.
Lehman was married in December, 1897, to
Lewis C. Berger, of Seward, N. Y.
Parke C. Lehman in his boyhood attended
the district schools in company with his
brothers and sisters, and subsequently worked
out at farming. After saving a small amount
of money he went to Albany, where he took
a course in the business college. Subsequent
to that he was clerk for four years for J. P.
Milligan; and at the expiration of that time,
or in September, 1893, he formed a partner-
shij) with his brother Sylvester, and bought
out the business of Mr. Milligan. This firm
has done a most prosperous business. Their' s
being the only general merchandise store in
Argusville, they have a large trade, and, as
their business methods are prompt and thor-
oughly hnniirable, they are popular, and have
the fullest confidence of their patrons. Many
changes have been made in the store since
Lehman Brothers took possession of it.
Parke C. Lehman was appointed Postmaster
on May 6, 1898. He had previously served as
Deputy Postmaster. In politics he is a Ke-
|iublican. ]?oth brothers are Masons and
members of Sharon Springs Lodge, No. 624.
Botli are active in politics, and prominent in
church work. Parke C. Lehman is secretary
of the Su.iday school and of the church
council.
Parke C. Lehman married on June 16, 1898,
Miss Lilah Wemple, of P^juda, N.Y. , she
being a daughter of one of the first families (jf
Montgomery County.
&
MOMAS E. FP:KRIKR, one of the rep-
resentative business men of Catskill,
was born in the town of Warwick, Orange
County, N.Y. , on April 15, 1821, son of Jo-
seph and PLinnah W. (P^d.sall) P^rrier. Ac-
cording to the best information obtainable his
first progenitors in this CDuntry were P^rcnch
Huguenots, who during revolutionary (.r relig-
ious disturbances in' F'rance emigrated to Ire-
land and thence to America.
His great-grandfather was Thomas P^'erricr,
who was born in 1705, and died in 1792.
This Thomas removed frt)m Connecticut to
Orange County, New York, settling near
Amity. His wife, whose name in maidenhood
was Hester Lucky, died in 1796. Their fam-
ily consisted of three daughters and one son —
Sarah, Hester, Jane, and Robert. Sarah mar-
ried David Perkins, Hester married Benja-
min Carpenter, and Jane became the wife of
William Owens.
Robert P\>rrier, who was the grandfather of
Thomas E., and who succeeded to the posses-
sion of the homestead farm, was born in 1762,
and died in 1822. He married Mary Wilcox,
saiil to have been of German ancestry, who was
born in 1764, and died in 1836. Tbe\' iiad a
family of ten children, namely: William, born
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
in 17S6, who died in 1873; Anna, Ijorn in
1788, who died in 1858; Joseph (father of the
subject of tiiis sketch), l)orn in 1791, who died
in 1871; Thomas, born in 1793, who died in
1839; David, who was born in 1795; Hester,
liorn in 179S, wlio died in 1889; Klizabeth,
who was born in 1800; Robert, born in 1802,
wliodied in 1872; Michael J., who was born in
1805; and Sarah M., l)orn in 1807, wlio died
in 1821, at the ai;e of fourteen years. WMll-
iam niairied Hannah Samons, and settled at
Ypsilanti, Mich. Anna married Daniel
Nanny, and settletl in the town of Warwick,
N.Y. Joseph married Hannah W. Edsall, and
.settled in the town of Warwick, N.Y. Thomas
marrietl Sarah Dennison, and settled on the
I<"erricr homestead. David married Eliza Cain,
and settled first in Yates County, New York,
whence he removed subsequently to Sunbury,
Delaware County, Ohio. Hester became the
wife of .Samuel Conklin, and settled in ^'ates
CountN', New York. Elizabeth married David
Carr, and settled at Wantage, Sussex County,
N.J. Robert m.irricd Emily Tobey, and set-
tled at Dundee, Yates County, N.Y. Michael
J. married Mar)- Ann Neighbor, and went to
leside at Swartswood, Sussex County, N.J.
Jose|)h Ferrier, who was brought up to
a'.jricultural life, settled on a farm adjoining the
homestead. His wife, in maidenhood Hannah
W. Edsall, was of 1-jiglish ancestry. They
reared the following children : John M., born
in 1816, married !■" ranees Coleman in 1841,
and died in 1843 as the result of an ac-
cident. Sarah M., born in 181S, who married
Matthew Hailey in 1840, after his death be-
came the wife of James Thompson in 1862, died
August 10, 1899. Thomas E. , born in 1821,
is the subject of this sketch. Louisa, born
in 1S24, married Cornelius J. Jones in 1845,
and after . his death married for her sec-
ond husband William Walling. She died in
1858. Almira, born in 1827, married Cor-
nelius J. Laziar in 1844, and is still living.
Edsall, Ijorn in 1831, married Anna M. Hum-
mel in 1859, and is now one of the faculty
of Lafayette College at Easton, Pa. Robert,
born in 1835, married Cecelia D. Jones, and
died in 1877.
Thomas E. Ferrier when in his fifleenlh
year left home and went to P^clenville, where
he remained two and a half years, working in a
country store. He then attended the district
school for a year, after which he taught school
for a year at Hellvale in the town of Warwick.
Then, returning home, he was emjdoyed dur-
ing the summer of 1S40 on his fatlu-r's farm.
In the fall of thai year he left home for a trip
through the West with the view of gaining a
knowledge of the country anil of possibly find-
ing a desirable place in which to settle. Rail-
roads were few in those days ; and much or
most of his journey was made by steamboat,
cmal, or stage. Going to Newliurg, he trav-
elled by steamboat to .Albany, and thence to
Buffalo by way of the Eric Canal. After
spending a da_\- or two at IJuffalo and Niagara
P'alls, he went by steamboat on Lake Iirie to
Cleveland, Ohio, and thence by canal to Colum-
bus, Ohio. Then, after sta}ing a few days w'ith
an uncle at Sunbury, he took the stage from
Columbus to Dj}toii, and from tliere travelled
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
113
by canal to Cincinnati. From that place he
went by steamboat on the Ohio River to Louis-
ville, Ky. , where he stopped for a few days,
and then went by boat down the Ohio to the
Mississippi and up that river to St. Louis,
Mo., in whicli city he remained for two weeks.
From St. Louis he went on up the river to
Quincy, 111., and after looking about in that
neighborhood for a week or two he took a
school in Pike County, which he taught until
the following spring. He then returned home
by way of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers to
Pittsburg, and through Pennsylvania and New
Jersey, partly by canal and partly by rail, to
New York City, and thence to Nevvburg by
boat, arriving home in April, 1S41. He then
resumed work on his father's farm, following
that occupation during the summer and teach-
ing school in the winter in the neighboring
school districts. In 1845, when in his twenty-
fifth year, he was married to Pllizabeth, daugh-
ter of John W. and Dorothy Wheeler (Rogers)
Vandererf, and settled on a farm of ninety
acres, adjoining his father's, which had for-
merly formed a part of his grandfather's home-
stead. Here he followed an agricultural life
for twenty years. Then, selling out, he re-
moved to Catskill, N.Y., where, in company
with his brother Robert, who had preceded
him to that place by about five years, he en-
gaged in the maiuifacture of brick. Shortly
afterward they enlarged their sphere of opera-
tions by engaging in building in Brooklyn,
N.Y., Robert removing to New York to look
after their interests there, while Thomas re-
mained at Catskill to superintend the manu-
facture and shipping of the bricks. After the
great financial panic of 1873, which proved
very disastrous to tlieir building operations,
Robert returned to Catskill in very poor
health, and soon afterward died. Thomas, hav-
ing jjreviously [lurchased his brother's interest
in the brickyard and other property, continued
to carry on business alone until 1882, when he
took his son-in-law, Percival Golden, into part-
nership; and the firm has since been conducted
under the name of Ferrier & Golden. Mr.
Ferrier has been a director of the Catskill
National Rank for the last twenty years or more,
and is now vice-president of that institution.
He is president of the Catskill Building and
Loan Association and treasurer of the Catskill
Rural Cemetery Association. He is also
largely interested in the Catskill Knitting
Mill, owning a three-eighths interest, which
concern, one of the largest and most important
in the town, gives employment to from one
hundred and fifty to one hundred and si.xty
hands.
Mr. Ferrier is a Republican in politics. In
1885 he was elected Supervisor of the town,
and, being subsequently re-elected to the same
office, served therein for five years. He also
was elected County Treasurer, in which office
he served three years, declining a renomination
on account of advancing age, he being then in
his seventy-fifth year. In religion a Presl^yte-
rian, he has been for a number of years a trus-
tee and Elder of the church of that denomina-
tion in Catskill. His reputatitm is that of a
business man of more than average ability and
of the strictest integrit)', and also that of a eit-
114
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
i/A'i) who lias rendered useful service to the
town and whose aid and influence can always
be counted upon in favor of any practical meas-
ures for the moral or ])hysical betterment of the
conimunitN'.
Mr. and Mrs. Ferrier have been the parents
of three children, namely: Hannah Elizabeth,
born in May, 1S49, who married in 1872
Hiram W. Lane, and has one child, Herbert
A. Lane, born in 1870; Willis Wentworth,
born in October, 1 850, who died in 1871, as
the result of an accident; and IMary Wheeler,
born in 1854, who married Percival Golden in
1875, and has had four children — Lizzie F.
Golden, born in 1S76, who died in 1885, Wil-
lis P. Golden, born in 1S82, May Marshall and
Mabel French Golden, twins, born in 1887.
Is
[^OAH DIBBLE WEST, a well-known
apiarist of Middleburg, N.Y., is one
of the largest honey producers of
Schoharie County antl with but two excep-
tions the largest in the entire State, if not in
the Union. He was born March 5, 1845, in
the neighboring town of Gilboa, the birth-
place ol his father, David West, Jr. His
great-grandfather West, who came, it is be-
lie\-ed from l''ngkuul, was one of the original
settlers of (iilboa, whither he removed from
Connecticut in Colonial times, coming here
when the country was a wooded wilderness and
rearing the small log cabin in which he and
his family first found shelter.
David West, Sr. , the grandf.Uher of Noah
D., spent the larger part of his threescore and
ten years in (jilboa, where he was one of the
leading farmers and a citizen of influence.
Pos.sessing considerable legal knowledge, he
transacted law business to some extent for his
neighbors, bv whom he was highly esteemeil.
At his death he left his widow, whose maiden
name was Rachel Ward, with four children —
Orman West, Julia .Ann, David, and William.
She subsequently married again, and by her
second husband, George Hugh.son, had four
sons — John C, George, Cephas, and Robert.
John C. Hughson left home at the earl)- age of
sixteen \-ears, and after working out for a few-
years he became interested in the lumber busi-
ness. He died a millionaire.
David West, Jr., was born September 27,
1813, and died June I2, 1883. He was reared
on a farm, and was engaged in agricultural
jiursuits to a greater or less extent during his
entire life. Having a natural ajDtitude for
mechanics, he also worked at the carpenter's
trade in his early manhood. Purchasing a
tract of woodland, he cleared a s]iace, 011 which
he built his first dwelling, and in a few years
he erected a fine set of other frame buildings.
Thereafter he attended to the cultivation of his
land imtil his death, at the age of sixty-nine.
Lie married March 20, 1840, Celinda Dib-
ble, daughter of Noah and .Abigail (Crippen)
Dibble. Her ])aternal grandparents were Dan-
iel anti Lois (Pomeroy) Dibble, the grand-
mother the daughter of Daniel Pomeroy, a
Revolutionary soldier. The parents of Ce-
linda Dibble had ten chiklren, three of w-honi
survive, namel)' : Jane, born in 1820; .Abi-
gail, born in 1822; antl .\manda, born in
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
"S
1826. Noah Dibble, who served as a soldier
of the War of 1812, was a carpenter in Mid-
dlebiirg, and well known throughout this sec-
tion as a builder of saw-mills, which he made
a specialty. He died at the age of seventy-six
years. Mrs. Abigail Dibble died on Septem-
ber 12, 1S69, aged seventy-nine years, six
months, and nine days. In religion she was
a Baptist. David West, Jr., and his wife,
Celinda, were also members of the Baptist
church. Of their union but one child was
born, Noah D., the special subject of this
biography. The mother was born on February
23, 1 817, anil died May 17, 1893, at the age
of seventy-si.x years.
As mentioned above, Daniel Pomeroy, her
grandmother Dibble's father, great-great-
grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was
a soldier of the American Revolution. He
was under Washington, and it is related that
the General on parting ga\e him his cane as
a keepsake. This cane Daniel Pomeroy gave
to his daughter Lois (Mrs. Daniel Dibble),
with the request that she should hand it down
to her eldest son, Noah Dibble, to be always
kept in the Dibble family, held by the eldest
son of each succeeding generation. P'rom
Noah Dibble the Washington cane passed to his
eldest son, Ichabod Dibble, brother of Ce-
linda; from Ichabod to his eldest son, Sylves-
ter; and at the death of Sylvester, leaving no
son, it came into the possession of his brother,
Jesse Dibble, its present owner, who is a cou-
sin of Noah Dibble West, the sjiecial subject
of the present biography.
Noah D. West grew to manhood on the
home farm in Gilboa. At the age of twenty
he commenced teaching school, and he was
thus employed in his native town for ten
terms. He also assisted in the management of
the home farm until attaining his majority,
when he took possession of a few of its acres,
and turned his attention to the culture of bees,
an industry in which he had been interested
from boyhood. Ten years later he bought his
present farm of ten acres, located two miles
from the village of ^liddleburg, on the road to
Catskill. Here he has continued his chosen
work, from year to year enlarging his opera-
tions.
After his parents' death he came into full
possession of the old farm of one hundred
twenty acres, formerly owned by himself and
father together; and since the death of his
father he has bought and now owns three ad-
joining farms, including in all four hundred
acres. All this land, then covered by a dense
forest, was once the property of his grand-
father, David West.
In his five bee yards Mr. West has five hun-
dred swarms of bees, which produce annually
from eight to ten tons of honey. This he sells
in the Jeading cities of New York and New
PZngland at the highest market price. He has
made a special study throughout his life of bees
and their habits, and in his efforts to obtain the
best results from bee-keeping at the least possi-
ble cost he has invented and patented a spiral
wire cjueen-cell protector and a spiral wire
queen-cage, which have proved of great value.
Although these inventions have been before the
public but 3 little more than seven years, they
ii6
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
are in dcmaiul throughout the United States, in
Canada, in luigland — in fact, in all parts of
the world ; and he is carrying on a very substan-
tial business as the sole manufacturer of these
articles. For three successive years he was
chosen, and paid, to act as judge on the differ-
ent races of bees and of honey, bee appliances
and bee literature, at the New England fairs
held at Albany, on which occasions a large va-
riety of apiarian goods was displayed and large
jjremiunis awarded. On Jul)- i i, 1899, he
received the appointment of bee inspector for
the State of New York.
He is a Republican and a Prohibitionist in
politics and an active member of the Method-
ist Episcopal church, in which he has been
class leader, a teacher, and the superintendent
of its Sunday-school.
Mr. West married June 23, 1867, Sarah A.
llaskin. She is a daughter of Joshua Haskin
and a grand-daughter of Moses and Hanah
(Ilait) Haskin, natives of Dutchess County.
Her grandparents were pioneer settlers of
Broome, N.Y. They reared fifteen children,
one of whom is yet living, Joshua. The
grandmother was a Ouaker in her religious be-
lief. Joshua Haskin was engaged in farming
in Hroome until 1871, when he removed to the
town of .Maine, Broome County, where he has
a fine farm of one himdred acres. Formerly
a Democrat in [jolitics, he has been identified
with the Republican party since the Rebell-
ion. He has served as Assessor and as Over-
seer of the Poor. He married Deborah A.
Hughson, daughter of Nicholas and Charlotte
(Duncan) Hughson, formerly of Broome, but
later of Norwich, Chenango County. Mr. and
Mrs. Hughson had ten children, of whom four
are living, namely: Deborah A., now Mrs.
Haskin; Hiram Hughson; Jane, wife of John
DeMoney ; and Charlotte, wife of Charles M.
Markcl. Of the seven children born to Joshua
Haskin and his wife these five are living:
Sarah A., now INIrs. West; Edwin S. ; Gros-
venor ; Alice I{. , wife of Dr. Dudley; and
Hiram A. All except Mrs. West reside in
Broome County, and all, with their parents,
are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
j\Ir. and Mrs. West have eight children;
namely, Orman, Ruth A., ICdwin H., 1-Ilma
A., David J., Alice C, Charles D., and Hat-
tie D. The four younger are still in school.
Orman M., a graduate of Middleburgh .Acad-
emy and Union College, was formerly a school
teacher, was graduated at the Drew Theologi-
cal Seminary, and is now preaching in Port
Colden, N.J. He married Dora Dornian, and
they have one son, Dorman. Ruth married
Delos H. Gridley, formerly a teacher, farmer,
and bee-keeper, later a student at Drew Theo-
logical Seminary, now preaching at Speeds-
ville, N.Y. They have one son, Vernon
J. Mrs. Gridley was vice-president of the
Women's Christian Temperance Union at
Madison. N.J. Edwin H. West married
Sophia M. Shafer. He was in his earlier
years a farmer, interested in bee culture, also
a teacher; and after his graduation from the
Middleburg High School he was for a time a
clerk in Schenectady, a position which he
resigned to become a member of the police
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
117
force in New York City. Klma A., formerly
a teacher in the public schools, is the wife of
Elmer II Wood, of Broome, and has one son,
Howard C. Mrs. West is a member of the
W. C. T. U. ; and she and all of her children
are active members of the Methodist Episcojial
church and of the Sunday-school, in which all
the elder children have been teachers.
OHN M. CONOVER, a descendant of
an old Dutch family of repute and a
representative farmer of Duanesburg,
Schenectady County, N.Y. , was born in Glen,
Montgomery County, this State, December 26,
1839, son of George W. and Sarah M. (Rad-
ley) Conover. The father was born in Elor-
ida, N. Y. , in 181 2, and the mother was born
in the same town in iSiS. The name was
originally Van Couwenhoven, and was short-
ened to its present form prior to the birth of
the great-grandfather of the subject of this
sketch. Its bearers were prominent among the
early Dutch families, and contemporaneous
with the \'an Rcnsselaers, Van Beekmans, and
other Knickerbockers. The immigrant pro-
genitor was one Wolfret Garretson Van Cou-
wenhoven, who came from Amersfoort, in the
province of Utrecht, in 1630, and settled in
Rensselaerwyck. He was employed by the
Van Rensselaers as superintendent of farms for
si.\ years; and in June, 1636, he with others
purchased a large tract of land at the western
end of Long Island. His sons were: Gerrit,
Jacob, Derrick, Peter, and John.
Cornelius V. Couwenhoven, the great-great-
grandfather of Mr. Conover of Duanesburg,
was born in 17 10, and died in 1S04. He
had seven children; namel)', Jnhn, William,
Peter, Jacob, Jane, Abraham, and Isaac, the
great-grandfather. Isaac Conover was born
I'ebruary 1 i, 1759. He served as a soldier in
the Continental army during the Rex'olution-
ary War, and died September 21, 1845, leav-
ing several children, among others Marcus, the
grandfather, who was born in New Jersey, Oc-
tober II, 1786. Marcus Conover was an early
settler in P'lorida, N. Y. , where he engaged in
farming, and was a leading resident of that
town. His last days were spent in Illinois,
and he died in June, 1844. He married Sarah
L. Schuyler, who was born February 19, 1794,
and died in June, 1845.
George W. Conover, son of Marcus, was
reared in LTorida, N.Y,, and received his
business training as clerk for his uncle, John
J. Schulyer. Later he was admitted to part-
nershij), and for several years the firm carried
on a general store in Amsterdam, N.Y. Re-
lincjuishing business on account of failing
health, he took a protracted journey by team
with Funis I. Van Derveer, through Penns)l-
vania, C)hio, Indiana, and Illinois, passing
through Chicago when it was but a village,
and driving as far West as the Mississippi
River. He returned to his native State in the
same manner, much benefitted in health, and,
resuming mercantile business in Auriesville,
Montgomery County, he remained there until
1850. Selling his store, he invested in real
estate both in this State and the West, ami,
l)urchasing in 1859 '^''"-' t-'im i'l Duanesburg,
Hi
BIOGRAPHICAL RFA^IEW
which his son now owjis, lie devoted tlic rest
of his active jjcriod to agricultural pursuits.
In jiolitics he originally acttxl with the Whigs,
and with the majority of that element he went
into the rnnks of the Republican |)arty at its
formation. George \V. Conovcr died in 1894.
( )ii March 13, 1839, he married Sarah I\I.
Radley, daughter of J hn I', and Anna (Clay-
ton) Radley, of Florida, N.V. Her grand-
father, Philip Radley, was an early settler in
that town, and he lived to reach a good old
age. The Radley farm was inherited by John
P. Radley, who occupied it until his death,
which occurred November 27, 1S62, his wife
having died March 22, 1855. Mrs. Sarah
Conover is still living, and resides at the
homestead near the Scotch church. She
reared but one son, John M., the subject of
this sketch.
John M. Conover was reared antl educated
in Glen. .At the age of twenty-one he became
associated with his father in carrying on the
liome farm, and after his father's death the
farm fell to his jiossession. It is one of the
best pieces of agricuUui-al property in the
neighborhood. Me grows all kinds of grain,
cuts a large quantity of hay annually, raises
some excellent cattle and horses, and displays
good judgment in all his undertakings. His
residence and outbuildings are exceedingly
desirable.
On October 5, 1S64, Mr. Conover married
for his first wife Anna I?. Van Vechten, who
was born in T'loricla, N.V., December 6,
1845. She died March 12, 1884, leaving
three children, namel}- : Archie R., born Sep-
tember 23, 1866; Mabel, born May 13, 1874;
and lulna, born May 20, 1877. .Archie R.
Conover, who was graduated from Union Col-
lege in 1889, is now a lawyer in Amsterdam.
He married Jessie Dougall, and has one daugh-
ter, Marion. Mabel is the wife of the Rev.
I'". W. McKee, pastor uf the historic Scotch (or
Uniteel Presbyterian) Church, Florida, N.Y. ;
and Fdna is unmarried. On March 25, 1890,
Mr. Conover married for his second wife Mary
E. Smeallie, who was born in Princetown,
N.Y. , F"ebruary ig, 1846, daughter of John
and Jane (Milmine) Smeallie, the former of
whom was a native of that place. Poth par-
ents were born in 1816.
Politically, Mr. Conover is a Republican.
He has inherited many of the sterling charac-
teristics of hi.s race, whose thrifty and indus-
trious habits made possible the development of
the vast resources and wealth for which the
Empire State has long been noted, and he has
every reason to be proud of his origin. He is
a member of the United Pre.sbyterian Church
of Florida, N.Y.
(^Ij HOMAS J. KILMER, M.D., the well-
ej| known physician of Schoharie, N.\'.,
was born in Cobleskill, this county, November
22, 1833, son of Daniel and Maria (Shaffer)
Kilmer. He is of German extraction, and a
representat i\'e of the third generation of his
family in this country, being the grandson of
John I. Kilmer, a native of Germany, who
settled in Cobleskill as a pioneer.
John 1. Kilmer acquired a tract of lanil con-
T. J. KILMKK.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
taining live hundred acres, a considerable por-
tion of which he cleared for agricultural pur-
poses. Commencing his farm life in a log-
house, he later built a frame dwelling near the
village of Barnerville; and through energy
and perseverance he became one of the most
prosperous farmers of Schoharie County in his
day. Possessing intellectual powers of a high
order, which had been developed by a good
education, he became the owner of a large
library, and fostered his desire for knowledge
by continued reading. J-Seing of a religious
turn of mind, he unitetl with the Lutheran
church, and for years was one of its most ac-
tive members. He lived to be ninety years
old. He had a family of si.x children.
Daniel Kilmer, the Doctor's father, was a
lifelong resident of Cobleskill ; and, succeed-
ing to the ownership of some three hundred
acres of the homestead property, he became
successful as a general farmer. He was pro-
gressive as well as energetic, and not only kept
up with the times in the way of agricultural
improvements, but aitled in developing his
neighborhood by the erection of buildings.
His ability and sound judgment necessarily
made him an influential factor in public
affairs, and he rendered eflficient service to the
town as Supervisor for some time. He died
at the age of fifty years. His wife, Maria,
was a daughter of John I. Shaffer, who at one
time owned the land which is now occupied b}'
the village of Cobleskill. She became the
mother of thirteen children, of whom eleven
are living, namely: Augustus; Josiah ; Mar-
garet, wife of Elijah Griffin; Daniel A.;
Thomas J., the subject of this .sketch; An-
drew G. ; Sylvester A. ; Chauncey C. ; Jonas
M. ; Aurelia, who married Napoleon Pal-
matier; and Delia, wife of David I. Boock —
all of whom reside in this State. Mrs. Maria
S. Kilmer li\ed to be eighty-three years old.
The parents were members of the Lutheran
church.
Thomas J. Kilmer acquiied a common-school
education in his native town, and subsecpiently
taught two terms of school in Cobleskill. He
assisted in carrying on the home farm for a
time prior to entering upon his medical
studies, wdiicb were begun at Port Crane under
his brother's direction. He was graduated
from the Plclectic Medical College, New York
Cit\', in 1874, and was afterward associated
with his brother stjmc seven years, at the expi-
ration of wdiich he came to Schoharie, where
he practised successfully until 18S8. Estab-
lishing the Kilmer Sanitarium, he continued
in charge of that institution until failing
health caused him to withdraw fiom its man-
agement in 1893. His success at the sanita-
rium, where patients are received from every
part of the State, has given him a witle repu-
tation as a skilful physician. Besides attend-
ing to his jjrivate practice, which is the larg-
est in town, he prejjares several effective
remedies which have a large sale.
In 1854 Dr. Kilmer was united in marriage
with Elmina Pnlmitier, a nati\-e of this town,
daughter of John II. Palmitier. Dr. and Mrs.
Kilmer have had four children — Josiah, Ira
P., Julia S , and Herbert. The last-named is
no longer living. Josiah and Julia S. reside
122
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
at home witli their parents. Ira V. mariied
Joan Nethavvay, and has two cliilihen — Strat-
ton and Mina. Herbert, who was a railroad
man, left a widow and four ehildren — Ardaii,
Noah, Josiah, and Herbert.
Dr. Kilmer is a member of the Schoharie
and Delaware Count}' Eclectic Medical So-
ciety, of wliich for three )ears he has been a
censor. He likewise belongs to the Masonic
order. He was formerly a Deacon and a class
leader of the Methodist I-'piscojial church at
Port Crane, and the family are members of the
same religious denomination in Schoharie.
ff?)TAMAN P. PETTINGILL, of the firm
of Malcolm & Co., woollen manufac-
turers, Catskill, N.Y. , was born in
P'liirida, Montgomery Count)-, this .State, on
September 25, 1.S47, 'i'-'^ parents being David
and Jeannette (McNee) Pettingill. His
father's family is of English descent.
David Pettingill, who was born and reared
in the Mohawk \'alle)', was one of the original
liromoters of the I'jie Canal, and rode on the
first boat that passed over the waters of the
canal after its completion. He carried on
farming to some extent, and also was engaged
in mercantile business in Amsterdam. He
spent his last years in Amsterdam, his death
occurring there at the age of sevenl\-three.
His wife, Jeannette, w-as one of a family of
ten children. .She was born in Schenectady
County, this State. Her father, James Mc-
Nee, was a native of Glasgow, Scotland. Im-
migrating to this country, he lived lor a time
in .Schenectadv County, and later in Montgom-
ery County. He died in Montgomery Countv
at eighty-eight years of age. His wife, whose
maiden name was Maxwell, was of Scottish
descent. David and Jeannette (McNee) Pet-
tingill had eight children, namely: Agnes;
Mary A., who is now Mrs. Millmine; Will-
iam; Peter; lilla, who is now Mrs. Hager-
man ; Harnan ; Louisa, now Mrs. Millmine;
and Anna. The mother of these children died
at the age of sixty-three. I^oth she and her
husband were members of the Presbyterian
church.
llaman Pettingill attended the public
schools until he was eighteen years of -age,
when he began learning the machinist's trade,
lie subsequently worked at his trade as a jour-
neyman in Amsterdam, and later in West Al-
bany at the locomotive works, and after that
was seven years a knitter in the knitting-mill
at Amsterdam. In 1882 he became a partner
of Joseph Malcolm, a sketch of whom may be
found in this work. The two men carried on
a woollen-mill in Amsterdam for a time, and
then removed to Catskill, the present compau)-
being formed. Mr. Pettingill has charge of
the machinery, which has all the latest im-
provements. The firm manufacture men's,
women's, antl childien's underwear, e\'ery
piece jn'oduced bearing their special trade-
mark. This maik is known to all experienced
buyers as belonging onl\' to a good class of
garments. About a lumdred and sevent)'
hands are employed.
Mr. Pettingill has been twice mairied.
The maiden name of his first wife, who was
STEl'lIEX L. MAllA.M.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
125
bom in New York, was Margaret Morehead.
They were married in 1877, and she died at
the age of thirty-one. His present wife,
whose maiden name was Isabel Lusk, was born
in Coxsackie, being the daughter of Gilbert
and Elizabeth Lusk. Mr. Lusk was for many
years one of the well-known merchants of Cox-
sackie, and later of Catskill. Of the second
union one child has been born, Charlotte.
Mr. Pettingill is a member of Catskill
Lodge of Masons, No. 468. In politics he is
a Republican. He is a member and trustee of
the Presbyterian church, and Mrs. Pettingill
is a communicant of the Episcopal church.
7?)T0N. STEPHEN L. MAYHAM, of.
Schoharie, former Presiding Justice
fA the Supreme Court, General
Term, Third Department, and an ex-member
of Congress, was born in Blenheim, N.Y. , Oc-
tober 8, 1826, son of John and Betsey (P'ergu-
son) Mayham. He represents the third gener-
ation of the family founded by his grandfather,
Henry Mayham, who emigrated from Ireland
in 1790.
Acquiring a tract of four hundred acres of
wiUl land, which embraced the site now occu_
pied by West Troy, N.Y. , and the Watervliet
Arsenal, Henry Mayham cleared a portion for
agricultural purposes and sold the remainder.
He died at the age of ninety-three. His
wife's family name was Welch.
John Mayham, son of Henry, was a native
of West Troy. Locating in Blenheim when a
young man, he spent the rest of his life as a
prosperous farmer, his death occurring at the
age of sixty-five years. He took an active in-
terest in political and religious matters, with-
out aspiring to office, although he consented to
serve as Supervisor, and faithfully performed
the duties of that ofifice for several terms. He
was highly respected by the entire community.
His intellectual attainments enabled him as a
public speaker forcibly to discuss the impor-
tant issues of the day. He married Betsey
Ferguson, daughter of John P'crguson. Her
father was a native of Scotland. Coming to
this countr}-, he settled at Pine Plains and
later removed to Delaware County, where he
died at an advanced age. John Mayham and
his wife were the parents of twelve children,
eleven of whom, seven sons and four daugh-
ters, grew to maturit)-. Five sons became
professional men. Thomas Mayham, M. D., is
now Mayor of Fond du Lac, Wis. ; another son,
who was a physician, died in that .State; a
third was County Judge of Fond du Lac, and is
no longer living; Stephen L. is the subject
of this sketch; and the youngest son. Banks,
who became a noted lawyer in Southern Illi-
nois, died suddenly at Murphysboro, 111. The
mother lived to be sixty years old.
Stephen L. Mayham grew to manhood in
Blenheim. As a youth he assisted in cultivat-
ing tlie home farm when not pursuing his
studies, and a local biographer has fittingly
said that his education was accjuireti with a
book in one hand and a plough-handle in the
other. At the age of eighteen he started in
life as a district school teacher. Two years
later he entered the law office of Samuel Jack-
126
B I OG R A I^ H R " A L R FA' I FA\'
son, who ;it that time was ](jcatcd in (lilboa,
and afterward became Justice of the Supreme
Court for the Fourth Judicial District. His
legal preparations were completed in the ofifice
of Love & Freer, Ithaca, N.Y. ; and after his
admission to the bar, in 1S48, he l^egan the
practice of his [irofession in l^lenheini. His
ability as counsellor and attorney raiiidly as-
serted itself, with the result that he soon found
himself in control of a large general law busi-
ness. His many qualifications, not the least
among which was liis personal ]io|ndarity,
made him espccialh' eligible to public office;
and he was not long jiermittcd b)- his fellow-
townsmen to devote his whole time to his pri-
vate affairs.
He .served as Superintendent of Schools two
years and as Supervisor three years; was
elected District Attorney in 1859 by a large
majority, and held office two years. In the
fall of 1862 he was elected to the Assembly.
In 1866 he accepted as a forlorn hope the
Democratic nomination for State .Senator from
the l-'ifteenth District, comjirising the counties
of Schenectady, Schoharie, and Delaware;
and, although realizing his expected defeat, he
had the satisfaction of reducing the Republican
majority. In 186S he was elected to the
Forty-first Congress in the Congressional dis-
trict comprising Albany and Schoharie
Counties, and in 1878 was elected Representa-
tive to the I-'ort)-fifth Congress from the
Thirteenth District, including the counties of
Schoharie, (}reene, and Ulster. During his
first term he served upon the Committees on
Private Land Claims and the L.xiienditures of
the State and Post-office Departments. In the
Forty-fifth Congress he was assigned to the
Committees on the District of Columbia and
State Department Expenditures, and was chair-
man of the Subcommittee on Ways and
Means. His committee work in Ijotii sessions
was laborious and efficient, and his record in
the national House of Representatives was
irreproachable. In 1883 he was elected
County Judge and Surrogate of Schoharie
County, a position which he held until aji-
pointed bv Governor Hill to a seat upon the
Supreme Pench ; and in X"\eniber, 1887, the
peo]jle ratified the (iovernor's choice by elect-
ing him for a full term. His decisions, which
are carefully conceived, have been in perfect
accord with legal requirements and generally
sustained by the Court of Apjieals.
Since 1862 the Judge has resideil in
Schoharie. He was president of the Poard of
Public Education for eight years, and was the
first president of the Schoharie Valley Rail-
road Company. Judge Mayham's scholarly
attainments and aljility as a public siieaker
have added mucli to his [xipularit}-, which ex-
tends far beyond the limits of his own county.
Since his retirement from the bench he ha.s
been associated with his son Claude at Scho-
harie in the active jiractice of his profession,
and is often called upon to act as referee in
important cases, his judicial experience having
eminenlh' qualified him for such position.
Judge Mayham married Julia Martin, a
grand-daughter of Ceneral Frcegift Patch in,
who served in the Continental Army during
the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Mayham died
RIOGRArHK'AL REVIEW
n
in 1895, aged sixty-four yenrs. She was the
mother of three sons, F. Matt, Don S.,
Claude ]1, and one daughter, Ida L. , who is
now the wife of George Manschaffer, of this
town. F. Matt Mayham was a prominent
lawyer. He died in Schoharie in 1889, aged
thirty-nine years. Don S. Mayham studied
law with his father; and, after serving for a
time as clerk of the Surrogate Court, he en-
tered the Albany Law School, from which he
was graduated in 1888. He was admitted to
the bar the same year, and practised with his
elder brother until the latter's decease, when
he entered into partnership with his younger
brother. He was a Democrat in politics, and
served as clerk of the State Senate in 1892.
He married Mary V>. l^orst, daughter of
Thomas Borst and grand-daughter of Ralph
Brewster, a prominent la\\\er of this locality
in his day. Dying in June, 1896, at the age
of thirty-three years, Don S. Mayham left one
son, Stephen L. Mayham, second. Claude B.
Mayham was born in Schoharie in 1868. His
early education was completed at the Schoharie
Academy, where he taught for two years, and
began the study of law with his brother. He
was graduated from Columbia College in the
class of 1 89 1, with the degrees of Bachelor
of Laws and Bachelor of Philosophy, and
was associated with Don S. ALayham until
1896. For a short time he was in partner-
.ship with Lyman S. Holmes, of Cobleskill,
in Schoharie. While in college he was an
all-round athlete and captain of the base-
ball team. He was also president of the lead-
ing literary society and a member of the Delta
L^psilon fraternity, and he sang in the Glee
Club. He takes a leading part in the literary
and musical matters in Schoharie, and is one
of the most popular young men in town.
ISRAEL P. UTTP:R, a leading farmer
and representative citizen of Oak Hill,
Greene County, was born in this town,
on a farm near his present residence, on the
second day of December, 1829. He is a son
of Bani Utter, and grandson of James, the an-
cestor of the Utter famil)- of this county.
James Litter was born in the State of Con-
necticut. He came among the earl)' settlers
to this section of New York, took up land, and
built a log cabin, in which he lived for a num-
ber of years. Shortly before his removal from
Connecticut, he had served in the Continental
army in the Revolution. His wife, whose
name was Hannah, was born in Spencer, Conn.
She came on horseback through the wilds, he
walking beside her. Of the eight children
born to her, none are living. She died at the
advanced age of ninety-five, and her husband
died at the age of ninety-three. Both were
lifelong Presbyterians.
Bani Utter, above named, was born in Oak
Hill, not far from where his son now lives,
and sjient his whole life here. He helped his
father build a saw-mill. This mill was car-
ried away by rising waters, and he subse-
quently built another, which he operated for
many years. He engaged in farming on the
farm where he was born, and he helped to
build the old Utter house, which, jjrevious to
r28
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIKW
its destruction 1)\- fire in 1S94, was one of the
landmarks of the place. Bani Utter died in
the old house at the age of seventy-four. His
wife, whose maiden name was Cynthia Stan-
nard, was the daugiiter of Eliakim Stannard,
who was a pioneer settler in Durham, N. Y. ,
cominj,' from Connecticut. She died at
seventy-eight years of age. Of her ten chil-
dren, Alfred, Ruth, and L)man are deceased.
Alfred was a soldier in the Ci\il War, and
lost his life while in service. The living
children are: Julia, now Mrs. W'hitmorc; Is-
rael; Louisa, now Mrs. Taylor; Almeran ;
Eliakim; Adelaide; and Addison. Both par-
ents were Methodists.
Israel Utter in his hoyhood attended the
common schools of his nati\e town, and when
not occujiied with his lessons helped his father
on the farm. Later he woiked on the farm on
shares for a time, but eventually he purchased
the farm adjoining the one where he now lives.
After ha\ing operated that successfully for a
nundier of years, he bought his present place
anti built his handsome residence and the other
buildings. All these are thoroughly well
built, and the barns and outbuildings are
thoroughly equii)|)ed for carrying on farming
in accordance with the latest and most ap-
]"iroved methods. Mr. Utter now owns the two
farms, embracing about two hundred and si.xty
acres. lie devotes his time chiefly to dairy-
ing, making butter for the New York markets.
Mr. Utter's marriage took place in 1855,
his wife being Caroline, the daughter of Jacob
and Hannah (Niles) Tompkins. M|-. Tomp-
kins spent his life on a farm in this town, and
died here at the age of si.Nt\'-four. He and his
wife were prominent members of the Meth-
odist church, and he held numerous official
i:)ositions in the church. Mrs. Tompkins, who
was born in Coeymans, N. Y., lived to be
ninety-three )ears of age. Of the children
born to her, the following-named are living:
Mary, who married Rufus Gifford; Ann, who
married James Gifford; William, who is in
California; Sarah, who married Alexander
Lounsbur\' ; Mrs. Utter, who was born on
June 12, 1834; Libbv, the wife of I'hilo
Wicks; and Niles Tompkins, who resides on
the Tompkins farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Utter have had two children,
one of whom died in inf:incy. Their daughter
Alice married Elwin Haskins, onl)' son of
farmer Henry Haskins of this town. She has
five children — Dora, Utter, Henr\', Edison,
and I'aul — all of them being now in school.
In politics Mr. Utter is a Republican, as
was his father before him. He takes not onl_\-
a warm interest, but an active part in all mat-
ters pertaining to the welfare of the town.
For nine yeais he was an Assessor, being three
times re-elected, and for one year he was
chairman of tlie Board. In iS.Si and 18S2 he
was Supervisor of the town. l"or thirty-five
years he has Ijeen a member of the Methodist
church, and for the past thirty \e;us he has
been (Hie of its trustees, a steward, and class
leader. The .Sunday-school has always had
his warm and earnest support, and lie has been
both teacher and superintendent. His wife
;md daughter have a'so been workeis in both
church and .Sunday-school, and the latter lias
BIOGRAPHICAL RKVIEW
129
sung in the choir and played the organ. Mr.
Utter is one of the most esteemed citizens of
his town.
AMI'^S S. STALEY, a prosperous farmer
of Sharon Springs, was born in Flor-
ida, N. v., March 20, 1825, son of
Henry I. and Sarah B. (McDonald) Staley.
His maternal ancestors were Irish Protestants,
and his mother came to America when she was
four years old. The Staleys are of Dutch
origin, and the name was originally spelled
Stael. The first Stael, or Staley, in America,
settled in P'lorida, when that section of the
State was mostly a wilderness, and he resided
there for the rest of his life. His wife's peo-
ple, who came from Germany to New Jersey,
sold her for a sum sufficient to pay for their
passage over, and he worked to purchase her
freedom.
Jacob Staley, James S. Staley's grandfather,
was a lifelong resident of Florida, and fol-
lowed general farming during his acti\e years.
He had a family of si.x children, including
tienry, Valentine, Oliver, Betsey, and two
other daughters. Betsey became .Mrs. Blood.
Valentine and Henry succeeded to the owner-
ship of the homestead, which contained about
two hundred acres. Valentine afterward moved
to Genesee, N. Y. Both the grandparents and
great-grandparents were members of the Dutch
Reformed church.
Henry I. Staley, James S. Staley's father,
was reared at the homestead in Florida. Pur-
chasing his brother's interest, he cultivated
the property for a number of years. Selling
to his brother-in-law, Mr. Blood, and cominc:
to Sharon Springs in 1833, he bought the J.
Cady farm of one hundred and fifty acres,
which he occupied until his death. He was a
well-known stock-raiser, owned good horses,
and was noted as an excellent judge of these
animals. In politics he was a Democrat.
Henry I. Staley died in 1S70. He was the
father of ten children; namely, Jacob, Valen-
tine, Fanny, Ann Eliza, William H., John,
James S., Robert, Sarah, and Ale.xander.
Fanny, William H., John, Robert, and Sarah
are no longer living. Valentine resides at
Sharon Springs; Alexander occupies the home-
stead; Ann Eliza is the widow of William
Othman, late of Cobleskill, N. Y. ; and Sarah
was the wife of Peter Spraker.
James S. Staley was fitted for college at the
Ames Academy, but was prevented from jnn--
suing a classical course by an accident which
seriously affected his eyesight. He was how-
ever, enabled to turn his attention to educa-
tional pursuits, and after teaching in the dis-
trict schools of this locality for twelve years
he went to New York City, where for four
years he liad full charge of Leake and Watts
Orphans' School, having the aid of three assis-
tants. That position he was forced to resign
in order to undergo treatment for his eyes.
Having spent nine months under the care of
a skilful specialist, he returned to Sharon
Springs. He continued to teach school until
1858, when he purchased the Hunt farm,
which contains about ninety acres and was for-
merly a part of his brother \'alentine's prop-
erty. He was at one time quite extensively
13°
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
engaged in raising hops, but now devotes his
attention to general and dairy farming and
fruit-growing. Me acquired considerable
prominence in public affairs during his
younger days, serving as Sui)erintendent of
Schools three years. Commissioner of High-
ways two terms. Railroad Commissioner three
years, and Supervisor one year.
Mr. Staley married Ann E. Hodge, of the
town of Canajoharie, daughter of Isaac G.
Hodge. Her father was formerly a well-
known figure in public affairs, and a leatiing
member (jf the Methodist church, which he
helped to organize. His family consisted of
four sons and seven daughters. The daughters
were all graduated from the Ames Academy
and ciualitietl to teach. Mrs. Staley taught
school for some years before marriage. Mr.
and Mrs. Staley have one son, George E. He
married Alinnie .Snyder, daughter of Nathan
Snyder, and has two children — Earl and May.
Mr. Staley belonged to a lodge of Odd Fel-
lows that disbanded many years ago, and he
has never joined another. He is a member of
the Methodist Episcojial church, in which he
has served as steward, class leader, and in
other capacities. He is now a trustee, and
superintendent of the Sunday-school, and a
well-known worker in the cause of religion,
temiierance, and morality.
VcA;MI'I'1-'\M SALSHI'KGH, a prosper-
V?V^ ""^ agriculturist of Il)'n(ls\ille, in
the town of .Seward, .Schoharie Count\-, was
born in Wright, N.Y., October 22, 1^35, in
the same house in which his father, the late
I'hili]i Salsbergh, first opened his eyes to the
light of this world. He is of German ances-
try, being a great-grandson of Jacob Sals-
bergh, who emigrated from Germany to this
country when a xoung man.
Jacob .Salsbergh located in the town of
Wright as one of its original settlers, ami took
u]) a homestead of three hundred acres. At
the time he reared his log cabin in the little
opening which he first made in the forest,
there were no paths excepting the Indian
trails, and the redskins and the wild beasts
were his onl\' companions. His wife, Win-
ney, who lived to the remarkable age of one
hundred and one years, was born in Germany,
where she spent the first si.xteen years of her
life. She came to ^America then, jxior in
pocket, and for six years after her arrival in
Fishkill, X. v., worked to jjay for her p.assage
across the ocean.
John .Salsbergh, the grandfather of William,
was born in the little log house in the town of
Wright in which his parents made their home,
and on attaining his majority was given pos-
session of a jjortion of the original farm. He
there carried on agricultural iiursuits until
well advanced in years, when he came to
Seward, where he died at the ripe old age of
eighty-four. His wite, Margaret .Sternbergh,
died at the age of fourscore years. Both were
members of the Reformed church.
Their son, l'hili|) .Salsbergh, was one of a
faniiU' of eleven children, all of whom w-ere
brought up on the home farm, and educated in
the disliict school. He inherited a portion of
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
131
the estate, and was engaged in tilling the soil
until 1840, when he removed to Seward, and,
buying a farm, continued his chosen vocation
until his death, at the age of eighty-five years.
He was held in high respect as a man and a
citizen, and was particularly active in manage-
ment of the affairs of the Reformed church, in
which he held all the offices. He married
Catherine Woolford. Uf the ten children
born into their household, eight are now liv-
ing, as follows: Margaret, widow of Gilbert
Shank; Rebecca W. , wife of Ira Frazier;
John T. ; Catherine M., widow of Christian
Markley; William, the subject of this brief
sketch; Allen; Jemima, wife of Harlem
Southworth ; and Amanda, wife of John Mark-
ley. The mother passed to the life immortal
at the age of seventy-eight years.
William Salsbergh received a common-
school education, and until his marriage
worked on his father's farm. He then bought
his present farm of eighty-seven acres. By
dint of persevering labor and the exercise of
good judgment he has made of it one of the
finest-improved estates in this locality. The
farm buildings are substantial and well
adapted to the [nnposes for which they were
erected. He carries on general farming with
profitable results, each season raising good
crops of hay and hops. At the Schoharie
County Fair he has taken premiums for his ex-
hibits. In politics he is a steadfast Re[nibli-
can. He is interested in all enterprises tend-
ing to benefit the town or county, but has
never been an aspirant for public office. He
is a liberal supporter of the Methodist Episco-
pal church, of which he has been an active
member for years, and has served faithfully as'
trustee and class leader. He has also been
identified with its Sunday-school, of which he
has been superintendent a nimiber of terms.
On July 2, 1856, Mr. Salsbergh married
Kmeline Van Tyle, who was born in Seward,
one of the five children of Daniel R. and Han-
nah (Guernsey) Van Tyle, her father a promi-
nent farmer, one of the most highly esteemed
citizens of Richmondville. Mr. and Mrs.
.Salsbergh have one child, a daughter Elva.
She is married to Luther Brumaguem, and has
four children — Stewart, Arthur, Ernest, and
Floyd. By a former marriage to Lawyer O.
Strander, Mrs. FAva Brumaguem has a son
William. He has been adopted by his grand-
father Salsbergh, and is now known as Will-
iam Salsbergh, Jr.
'rslICHAEL O'HARA, farmer and
boarding-house keeper at Tanners-
ville, N.Y., was born at Croton
Landing, town of White Plains, Westchester
County, N.Y. , February 7, 1850. His par-
ents were John and Julia (Travers) O'Hara,
his father a native of West Meath County, Ire-
land, and his mother of Queen's County. His
grandfather, Henry O'Hara, who was a farmer,
spent his entire life in Ireland.
John O'Hara came to America when about
twenty years of age, arriving here during the
construction of the Hudson River Railroad.
He located at Croton Landing, and followed
the trade of a brick-maker, which he had
lUOGRAl'HlCAL REVIEW
learned in ]-"nglancl. At the end of twenty-
five years he removed from Croton Landing to
Haines Falls, settling on a farm of one hun-
dred and fifty acres. During his latter years
he conducted a boarding-house. Politically, he
was a Democrat. He died at the age of si.xty-
nine. His wife, Julia, and four of their six
children; namely, Henry, Michael, William,
and Rosa, are still living, all residents of this
town. The other two children were Julia and
Mary.
Michael O'Hara came to Haines Falls with
his parents when si.x years of age, and was
educateil in the common schools. At the age
of sixteen he went to work on a farm, continu-
ing there until his marriage in 1878, when he
purchased a small farm of two acres, on w-hich
he now lives. He erected all of the buildings
here, and soon began to take summer boarders.
The house is located one mile from Tanners-
ville, on the road to Haines Falls, and is
about the same distance from the latter place.
It is called Tannersville Cottage, is situated
on an elevation twenty-two hundred feet above
sea level, and commands a view of the sur-
rounding country. There are accommodations
for thirty people, the rooms being usual!}- oc-
cupied during the entire season.
In 187S Mr. O'Hara married Mi.ss Flla T.
Haskins, a native of Hunter, daugher of John
and Mary (]\IcGinley) Haskins. Her father,
who was a native of Ireland, came to America
when a young man, and locating at Jewett en-
gaged in farming in connection with the tan-
ner's trade. He died there at the age of
eighty-two. Mr. and Mrs. Haskins had a
family of twelve children, six of whom are liv-
ing; namely, Rosa, Mary, Elizabeth, Cather-
ine, Jane, and Ella T. (Mrs. O'Hara). The
mother died at fifty years of age. Mr. and
Mrs. O'Hara have three children — Herbert,
Mary Amelia, and John.
]\rr. O'Hara is a Democrat in i)olitics. He
has been on the Town Committee several
years, serving as chairman part of the time,
was a member of the County Committee a
number of years, and a delegate to the Con-
gressional Convention in 1S9S. He was Com-
missioner of Highways six years, being first
elected in 1893, re-elected in 1894 for two
years, again in 1896, and serving until 1898.
The family attend the Catholic church, in
which they are actively interested. Mr.
O'Hara has served as a trustee, was a member
of the building committee, and contributes
liberally toward its support. He believes that
one of the best methods of educating his chil-
dren is by providing them with good books,
and his home contains a well-selected library.
Mr. O'Hara at one time owned the Hunter
Turnpike, which w^as later .sold to the town of
Hunter and is now^ a free road.
OHX A. GORDON, a prominent farmer
anil business man residing in Carlisle,
Schoharie County, was born in Root,
N. Y. , February 20, 1840, son of Charles and
Mary (Lyker) Gordon. The family is of
Scotch origin.
Mr. Gordon's grandfather, William Gordon,
came to New York from New Jerse\' in 1802.
JOHN A. CORDON.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
135
Settling upon a tract of wild land in the town
of Root, containing ninety-six acres, he cleared
a good farm, upon which he resided for the rest
of his life. He served as a soldier in the War
of 1812, and for many years afterward he took
an active part in military affairs. His chil-
dren were: David; James; Peter; John;
Charles; Gilbert; William, who died young;
Lydia; Margaret. Six of his sons became
prosperous farmers in this State and reared
families. Gilbert Gordon was a physician,
and for a number of years practised his profes-
sion in Newark.
Charles Gordon, the father of John A., was
a native of New Jersey. Removing to Root
with his father and the other members of the
family at about the age of thirteen j'ears, he
assisted in improving the homestead, which
eventually came into his possession. He dealt
quite extensively in cattle and sheep, sent
large quantities of wheat to the Albany
market, and was known as one of the most en-
terprising and successful farmers of his day.
At the time of his death, which occurretl June
22, 1880, at the age of ninety-one years, he
was one of the largest land-owners in town,
his estate comprising six hundred acres. In
politics he was a Democrat, but took no part
in [lublic affairs beyond casting his vote. He
was an active member of the Dutch Reformed
church. His wife, Mary, became the mother
of nine children, seven of whom lived to ma-
turity, namely: Margaret; Gertrude; James
H. ; Louisa; Elizabeth; John A., the subject
of this sketch ; and Jane. Margaret married
Charles Grantier, and is no longer living;
Gertrude is the widow of Benjamin Albautrh,
and resides in Carlisle; Louisa married Will-
iam Colyer, and lives in Root; and Jane is the
wife of Lorenzo Gardinier, of Root. Mrs.
Mary L. Gordon died September 16, 1868.
John A. Gordon was educated in the dis-
trict schools of his native town. He resided
at the parental home until his marriage, when
he settled upon a farm of one hundred and ten
acres in Carlisle given him by his father. He
has since occupied a prominent place among
the leading agriculturists of this town. He
has increased his estate by purchasing more
land from time to time, being now the owner
of about three hundred acres, which he devotes
to general farming. Although hop culture is
largely carried on by the farmers of this local-
ity, he has never engaged in it, as he considers
the dairy business far more stable; and he
realizes excellent results in that branch of
agriculture. He owns a blacksmith shop and
hardware store, was originally one of the prin-
cipal stockholders in the cheese factory, and is
now the sole owner. He also owns some valu-
able real estate in Argusville. As a public-
spirited citizen, he takes a lively interest in
all movements calculated to promote the gen-,
eral prosperity of the town.
Mr. Gordon married for his first wife Annah
E., daughter of Martin Gardinier. She bore
him three children, namely: Minnie, a gradu-
ate of the Clinton Liberal Institute, now
organist at the Methodist Episcopal church;
Ostrom, who died at the age of five years; and
another child, who died in infancy. Minnie
Gordon was married on October 26, 1898, to
^3'o
I'.IOCRAI'IIICAI, REVIF.W
Henry Iv Tcrbusb, a wagon- maker of Carlisle
village. l'"or his second wife Mr. Gordon
married Sarah ]■]. Hill, daughter of Bradford
Hill, a ])r(iniinent man of this section of the
count)-. I'Miiyd !!., the only child born of
this union, was drowned at the age of nine
years.
A Democrat, but not an active politician,
Mr. Gordon has rendered good .service to the
toivn ill a jnihlic cajiacit)', ha\ing filled the
offices of Assessor and Trustee of the School
District, and having acted as a Justice of the
Peace for the past ten years. He is president
of the Cemetery Association, was the first
Master and is now a Trustee of Argusville
Grange, No. 297, Patrons of Husbandry. He
is officially connected with the Methodist
l-Ipiscopal clunch, of which his wife and
daufrhter arc members.
"ClTnVlN 1.. b"()Rl), M.D. , a prominent
J ph\'sician of Lexington, N.Y'., and
a veteran of the Civil War, was born on the
farm where he now resides October 13, 1842,
son of David and Abigail (Faulkner) Ford.
His paternal graudfalher, Joel b'uid, who was
a nati\'e of Connecticut, came to Le.\ington
with LUi ox-team, biinging his wife and three
children, and making his way by the aid of
marked trees. He began life here in a log
cabin, and after clearing a tract of land built
a frame house. He was the father of thirteen
children, none of whom are living.
Da\id I'ord, the Doctor's father, was a
musician. He was the organizer and for fifty
years the leader of Ford's String Hand, and
was familiarly known as "Uncle Dave." In
l)olitics he was a Democrat, and served as Ta.x
Collector and Constable. He resided on the
farm now occupied by his son, ami died at the
age of eighty. His wife, Abigail, was a
daughter of William I-'aulkner, an English-
man. Her father was a shoemaker and farmer,
and was prominenth' identified with political
affairs, having been elected to Congress.
Mrs. Abigail Ford died at the age of thirty-
seven. She was the mother of three children,
two of whom are li\ing, namely: Fdvvin L. ,
the subject of this sketch; and Jeanette, who
married John P. Millci', of Jewett. The par-
ents were members of the Pajnist church.
Edwin L. Ford siient his bo)hood and xouth
in assisting his father, and also in working by
the month on farms near his home. In 1S62
he enli.sted as a jjrivate in Com])any F, One
Hundred and Twentieth Regiment, New York
Volunteers, for service in the Civil War.
Among the engagements in whicli he took part
were the battles of Chancellorsville, P'reder-
icksburg, Gettysburg, and Culpejjpcr. Pie
was severely wounded at Gettsyburg, and was
in the hosjiital three months. When convales-
cent he was detailed as hospital nurse, and
upon his recovery lie rejoined his regiment.
He was taken prisoner at Mine Rim, and dur-
ing his captivity was confined in l.ihbx- Prison,
Pelle Isle, Ander.sonville, Savannah, and Mil-
ler, (ki. , where he was exchanged. Resuming
active duty, he participated in the battle of
Platcher's Run and the siege of Petersburg, was
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
'37
present at Lee's .surrender, and was mustered
out in fune, 1865. Decidiii};' to enter profes-
sional life, he began the study of medicine
with Dr. S. L. Ford, of West Kill, and later
attended lectures at the Albany Medical Col-
lege, from which he was graduated in 1868.
Locating in Lexington, where he had already
])ractised to some extent, he acquired a large
and lucrative practice, and has faithfully dis-
charged his duties as a ph)'sician for the past
thirty years. IJeing the onl\' physician in
town, he has a large local field of opera-
tion, and his outside [iractice covers a wide
circuit.
In 1872 Dr. l-'ord married for his first wife
Frances A. Cox, of Cambridgeport, Mass.,
daughter of the Rev. Leonard Cox, who was
a graduate of Harvard University and a Baptist
minister. Mr. Cox at one time preached in
Lexington, but is now a resident of \'irginia.
Of this union there were two children, neither
of whom is living. Dr. F\)rd's first wife died
at the age of forty, and in 1887 he married for
his second wife Annie L. Dunham, of Lexing-
ton, daughter of the late Aaron B. and Mary
(15onestell) Dunham. Of this union there are
two children — Fdwin and Flhel.
Dr. Ford is a member of the Greene County
Medical Society, and is Medical Examiner for
the Phceni.x, Mutual, Equitable, and other in-
surance companies. Lie belongs to the Grand
Army of the Republic and the Knights of
Pythias. Politically, he is a Democrat. He
was Town Physician and a member of the
Board of Health several years. He and his
family attend the Baptist church.
\C4^/ILLIAM GRANBY, a carpenter and
builder of Blenheim, and at the
present time a membjr of the Board of Sujier-
visors from this town, was born here on No-
vember I, 1868, son of Alexander and Julia
(Kellogg) Granby.
Richard (iranby, his great-grandfather, who
was a native of Ireland, came to this country
during the war of the Revolution, and joined
the Colonial army, in which he subsequently
rendered valiant .service. After peace was de-
clared, he came to Blenheim and settled on the
farm about a mile from the present village,
which is now owned by William Granby, liis
mother, brother, anti his sister. Here he died
in old age.
Richard's son William, first, grandfather of
the [jresent William Granb)', was a nati\e of
Blenheim. He engaged in farming and in tlie
lumber business, and also worked as a cooper.
He was a very prominent citizen in the town,
and served as School Overseer and in other
public capacities. He was one of the leaders
in the movement to build the Methodist
church, and held the offices of class leader and
steward in that body. Hisde.ith occurred at
the age of eighty-eight. His wife, whose
maiden name was Susan Badgely, was a native
of Coeymans. Their children were: Alexan-
der, William, George, Jane, Ellen, and three
others that died young. The mother died at
the age of eighty-eight, after sixty-five years
of happ_\- marrieil life.
Alexander Granby, father of the third Will-
iam, engaged in mercantile business in early
life, but later learned the cooper's business,
138
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
ami worked at that witli farming during tiie
remainder of his life. He was well l<miwn
and highly respected in these parts, and was
very successful in all his business ventures.
Politically, he was a Keiniblican, and was
Town Clerk antl Assessor for some years. He
ilied at the age of si.\t)--five. He is survived
by his wife, Julia, and their three children,
namely: Arthur, who resides on the Granby
homestead; Susie, who married John R. Berg,
of New York; and William. Mrs. Granby is
li\-ing in New Ynvk with her daughter. .She
was born in Carthage, Jefferson C'ounty,
daughter of John Kellogg, a shoemaker and
dealer of that place. Her parents had a large
family of children.
William Granbx', the subject of this sketch,
grandson of the first Williani, attended the
public schools of the town until about thirteen
years of age, and during the ne.xt ten years
gave his attention to farming. Then for some
five years he worked at carpentering, though
he still resided on the homestead farm. The
estate originally comprised a hundred aiul forty
acres, and of this he inherited a third. He
was especially interested in dairying, finding
his markets in Albany and in New York.
Mr. Granby has shown his interest in the
welfare of the coinnninity b\' his attendance on
the countv con\-eiit ions every year, e.xcei-iting
one, since he became a voter. In 1893, ha\ing
been elected Town Clerk, he moved into the
village, where he has since resided. He de-
clined the nomination for the clerk's office for
a second term, but became candidate for
Sheriff in the county on the Republican ticket.
Although defeated, he ran far ahead of the
ticket, and had the satisfaction of carrying his
own town, usually Democratic, by eighty-si.K
votes. He made the greatest run ever made
ft)r the office by a Republican candidate. He
has twice declined the nomination for the
oflfice of Supervisor, but in iS9tS was elected to
that office for a term of two years. No better
representative could have been sent, and he
has the hearty support of his townspeople.
Mr. Granby is a member of the Odd Fellows
Order, and at present Noble Grand. Shortly
after he joined the organization, two years ago,
he was chosen permanent secretary. As a
musician, Mr. Granby has acquired considera-
ble local reputation. For many years he has
been leader of the choir at the Methotlist
church, and for the last five years he has been
the church organist.
r;)l[ ENRY VAN B1':RGFN, the well-
known miller of Co.\sackie, N.Y.,
was born in Athens, Greene County,
on December 30, 1850, son of Peter and Mary
(De Griff) Van Bergen. The founder of the
Van Bergen family in this country came from
Holland to Albany, N. Y., in early Colonial
times, and later, in 1678, with his three
sturdy sons, settled in Leeds, now the town of
Catskill. One of the inunigrant's sons, Peter
by name, was born in Albany. From him the
line is through his son Henry, followed by
three in successive generations bearing the
name Peter, the fourth Peter being the father
of the subject of this sketch. Henry, first.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
139
and his descendants above named, were all
born in dixsackie. The family is among the
ver}- oldest in Coxsackie, and all tlie land em-
braced within the town limits was at one time
owned by the Van Bergens. The first Re-
formed church, which was built in 1740, stood
on land which was the gift of one of the mem-
bers of this family.
Peter Van ]5ergcn, the great-grandfather,
resided about a half mile from the present vil-
lage. He died in 1854, at the age of ninety.
His wife's maiden name was Woodbeck.
They had a large family of children. Grand-
father Peter had a brickyard near the j^resent
town of West Coxsackie, or at Lower Landing,
which he carried on with great success. Pie
was one of the leading men in the town, and a
member of the Assembly in 1846. He was
a stanch supporter of the Democratic party.
His first wife, the grandmother of Henry Van
Bergen, was an Egbertson. She bore him two
children. His second wife was before mar-
riage Christina Van Wormer. She was born in
Glenville, Montgomery County. Of her six
children, two are living, namely: Isaac, who
resides in New York; and Christina, who is
the wife of \V. R. Adams, at I-'our Mile Point.
Peter Van Bergen, father of the subject of
this sketch, purchased a farm of his own in
early manhood, and later had a part of his
father's farm. He lived just across the line in
New Baltimore, and died there at the age of
sixty-six. Like his ancestors he was an active
member of the Dutch Reformed church, and
one of its leading officials. His wife, Mary,
who survives him, was born in Amsterdam,
N. Y. , a daughter of Diedrich De Graff, a
farmer, who married a Miss Van Wormer, and
had a large family. She is the only survivor of
her fatlier's family. Her father died at the age
of sixty, and her mother at the age of seventy-
five. Three children were born to Peter and
Mary Van Bergen ; and two. Nelson and
Henry, are living, botli millers in this town.
Henry Van Bergen, the special suljject of
this sketch, obtained his education in the com-
mon schools, and subsequently assisted his
father on the home farm until the latter's
death. He then came to the village and built
the grist-mill, which he has since so success-
fully operated. It is a steam-mill, and has
three runs of stone and a set of rollers. A
very large custom business is here done in
grinding grain, and from this mill large quan-
tities of buckwheat flour are jjut into the
market.
Mr. \"an Bergen's marriage occurred in
1886, his wife being Phrebe J., only child of
the late Captain James Delamater, for many
years one of the best-known pilots on the Hud-
son River. She has borne l]im two ciiildren
— Mamie and Lawrence.
Mr. \'an Bergen upholds the time-honored
principles of his family in his adherence to the
Democratic party ; but he believes in putting
in office the best man, regardless of party affil-
iations. In 18S7 and 1S88 he was Supervisor
in the town of New Baltimore. In 1888 he
was a candidate for County Clerk, and was
elected by one hundred and fifty-one votes,
all the other members of the ticket being de-
feated by three hundred votes. After serving
I40
UKJC. RA I'H ICAL RFAI lAV
three years he was again nominated in 1891,
and was re-elected by a thousand majority,
running six hunched aliead of liis tic]<et.
Three years later, in 1.S94, he was again nomi-
nated, l)ut failed of election, going down in
the Democratic "land slide." In 1.S96 he
was Presidential Elector from this district.
He was on the County Committee, being its
chairman in iS'<j2, and was re-elected in the
follow ing year, but resigned. lie has at dif-
ferent limes refused the nomination i)olh to
tiie State legislature and to Congress. He is
one of the Town Water Commissioners, and
has served on the Hoard of luiucation for the
last three years, having under his charge the
school at West Co.xsackie. He is a member
of the Knigiits of rythias, and he and his fam
ily are atlherents of the Dutch l-ieformetl
cluuch.
T^HARLES S. BURNETT, M.l)., of
I Ji .Summit, .Sciioharie County, ^'.^^,
^ ^ was born in Eminence, N.^'. , .Sep-
temi)er 1^, 1S50, son of Francis and IMelissa
(Cermond) Hurnett. Hoth ihe fatlier's family
and the nioihcr's are of luiglish origin. Tiie
I'lUiiutts came here fi'nm Connecticut. Mat-
thi.is liurnett. Dr. lUunctt's grandfather, who
was i)orn March S, IJ/S, and died April
19, 184S, was an early settler in Jefferson.
After locating here he was married to .Susan
(iueiin. .She was born Maich 25, i/.So, and
she died I'ebruary 27, 1844. They were the
parents of nine sons and four daughters. All
of the sons became prosperous farmers.
l-"rancis Hurnett, Dr. Hurnett's father, was
born in Jefferson, September 25, 1821.
Early in life he engaged in general farming in
Eminence, where he tilled the soil energeti-
cally for the rest of his active period, and he
died July 7, 1890. He was the father of four
children, namely: Lucetta b'., who man ied
Charles Huhhell, of Jefferson; James, who is
engaged in mercantile business in .Summit;
H\i-on, a resident of Cobleskill ; and Chailes
S., M.D., the subject of this sketch.
Charles S. Burnett acquired his earlv educa-
tion in the schools of Eminence, N.V. On
leaving school he was employed for a time as
a clerk in his biother's store, and then going
to Newark, N.J., he worked at the carpenter's
trade. His medical studies were begun under
the direction of Dr. F. 15. J^eard, were contin-
ued with Dr. Bigelow, of Albany, and later at
the Albany Medical School, which he entered
in 1876. His expenses there he ilefra\ed with
funds saved from his earnings. He displayed
such marked jjroficiency in his studies that
when he was graduated, in 1879, he was
chosen orator of his class, the majorit)' of
whose members had |Hirsued a classical course
jjrior to entering a professional school. I're-
feriing a coimlry practice, he first settled at
North Blenheim, where he resided seven years,
at the expiration of which lime he came to
.Summit, succeeding to the practice of Dr.
Beard. He has gained a high standing among
the leading physicians in this section.
In politics he is a Democrat. In i S97 he
was elected Coroner for a term of three years.
He belongs to the County Medical Society,
JAMES \V. WAUDELL.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
143
takes a lively interest in tlie advancement of
science, and as a progressive, public-spirited
citizen he is actively concerned in all matters
relative to the improvement of this town. The
residence he now occupies was erected by him
in 1893.
Dr. IkuMiett married Nannie l^uckint;"ham,
daughter of Merritt BuckinL;hani, of Gilboa.
Mrs. Burnett is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church.
AMES W. VVADDELL, former Super-
visor of Duanesburg, N. Y. , was born
where he now resides, June i, 1826,
being the only son of David and Mary (Coie)
Waddell. His father was born in the north of
Ireland, August 14, 1794; and his mother was
born there, February 15, 1792.
Shortly after their marriage, which took
place May 23, 1S16, David Waddell and his
wife came to the Uniteil States, settling in
Duanesburg; and about the year 1825 he
bought the farm which is now owned by his
son. A sturd}', industrious, and jirogressive
farmer, he labored diligently to maintain a
comfortable home for his family; and, being a
worthy, upright man, he gained the sincere
esteem of his fellow-townspeople. In politics
he supported the Democratic party, and in his
religious belief he was a Presbyterian. David
Waddell died May 7, 1862, and his wife died
May 7, 1 87 1. They were the parents of eight
ciiildren, namely: Ruth, born November 22,
1817; Rose Anna, born May 24, 1S20; Fi-
delia, born July 11, 1822; Mary Jane, born
February 28, 1824; James W. , born, as above
mentioned, June i, 1S26; Margaret, born
April 3, 1829; Hannah, born March 25, 183 i ;
and Sarah M., born September i, 1833. Of
these, four are now living, namely: l'"idclia,
who resides at the old homestead; Mary Jane,
the wife of Thomas H. Turnbull, of Rotterdam
Junction, N.Y. ; James W., the subject of this
sketch ; and Margaret, now the widow of S.
Putnam, and living in South Schenectady,
N.Y. Ruth, the eldest, was the wife of
Elijah Rockwell ; and Hannah, the seventh
child, was the wife of Dr. D. S. Kellogg.
James W. Waddell sjjcnt his early boyhood
years in attending the district school and as-
sisting his father upon the farm, and later
during the wintei' months attended school at
Charlotteville and Fort Plain Seminaries.
Succeeding to the ownership of the prop-
erty, which contains two hundred and thirt}'
acres, he has improved it by erecting new
buildings, carries on general farming ener-
getically, and keeps from twenty to twenty-
five head of stock.
On September 3, 1873, Mr. Waddell was
united in marriage with S. Electa Howard,
who was born in Duanesburg, January 27,
184:
P"our children were born of this union,
and two of them are living, namely: George
W. H., born August 8, 1879; and William
D., born May 13, 18S1, both of whom are at-
tending a business college. The others were:
Mary; and another tlaughter, who dieil in in-
fancy. Mrs. Waddell died January 26, 1899.
Politically, Mr. Waddell acts with the
Democratic party at national elections. He
144
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
has been Supervisor and Road Commissioner,
holding each of these offices three terms and
rendering capable service to the town. He
takes a lively interest in the public institu-
tions of the town, and is ever ready to aid in
improving the general welfare of the commu-
nity. Mr. Waddell attends the Presbyterian
church.
I'URGE L. l''()X, editor of the Mid-
lleburg A^cu's, is a native of Middle-
burg, N.'S'. He was born on April 3, 1871,
son of Lewis and Elizabeth (Wilbur) Fox.
His father, who is now living retired, was for-
merly engaged in the paper manufacturing
business in Pen Yan, and later in Baldwins-
ville and Middleburg. His mother was born
in .Schoharie. His jiarents had a family of
five children.
Mr. Fo.x received his education in the com-
mon and high schools of Middleburg; and in
1888, shortlv after leaving the high school, he
began the iniblication of 77(T Ai/urhui/ Yoiitli,
a monthly story paper. This was issued from
Middleburg, and had a circulation in every
State in the Union. The following year it was
sold to a publishing house in Boston, and sub-
sequently Mr. Fo.x purchased the .South
Orange, '^.]., Jouiual, and moved it to Mid-
dleburg. Associating himself with Welling-
ton v.. Passler, a prominent business man and
a Rei)ublican, he began the publication of the
Middleburg Ken's, a weekly paper. At first
the venture seemed most un])romising, and the
field was a limited one, Init the energy and
perseverance with which the jiroprietors have
worked, the fortunate methods employed by
the business management, and the enterprise
shown in the news columns have together
united to push the paper into the front rank
of Republican weeklies. It is now one of the
leading news organs of the county, and has a
large circulation. While its columns give
ample space to events of national importance,
it does not forget to em])hasize matters of local
interest, and is always foremost in agitating
local improvements. At various times it has
been designated by the Republican leaders as
the organ in which the .State laws should be
printed.
Mr. I""o.x was married on October 28, 1897,
to Mabel Almy. She was born in Franklin-
ton, and is a daughter of E. C. Alm\', who w^as
formerly a farmer of that town, and is now re-
tired antl living in Middleburg. Mr. P'ox is a
member of Middleburg Lodge, No. 661, F. &
A. M. , and has held the office of Junior Dea-
con of the lodge. He is a member of La Bas-
tile Lodge, No. 494, I. O. O. F. , and has
filled nearly all the offices in the lodge, being
now Past Noble Grand. He is also a member
of Oucongena Tribe of Red Men. Profession-
all}-, he is a member of the New York Edito-
rial Association and the New York Press Asso-
ciation. He and his wife attend the Methodist
church.
UGH B. GARA, proprietor of the
West End Hotel, Hunter, N. Y.,
was born in Mauch Chunk, Pa!,
Ajiril 15, 1855, son of John and Mary (Mc-
Intire) Gara. His father was born in Ire-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
I4S
land, and here he learned the trade of a shoe-
maker, which he followed as long as he lived.
Emigrating to America in 1848, John Gara
settled in Mauch Chunk, and in 1855 he re-
moved to Hunter, where his death occurred in
1859, at the age of thirty-nine years. In pol-
itics he was a Democrat. His wife, Mary,
also a native of Ireland, is now seventy years
old. Her father, Hugh Mclntire, was a shoe-
maker and tavern-keeper. He came to Amer-
ica on a visit, and after his return to Ireland
he continued in business until his retirement,
when he was succeeded by his brother. Hugh
Mclntire had a family of seven childen. Of
these the four now living are: Mrs. Gara;
Joseph, who is in a post-office in Ireland;
Katy, widow of Thomas Kaggerty, who died
in Mauch Chunk, Pa. ; and Patrick, who is a
hotel proprietor in Ireland. John and Mary
(Mclntire) Gara were the parents of eight
children, of whom two are living; namely,
Mary and her brother, Hugh B., the subject
of this sketch, with whom she resides. The
others were: Patrick, who died March 7,
1889, aged thirty -nine; John F., who died
November 4, 1888, at the age of twenty-nine;
Hugh, first, who died in Ireland, at seven
years of age; and three children who died
young.
Hugh B. Gara was brought by his parents
to Hunter when six months old. He was ed-
ucated in the common schools, and at the age
of twelve entered the chair factory, where he
was employed until eighteen. He continued
to follow his trade as a journeyman one year
in a chair factory in Newburg, from which
place he went to New York City, and a year
later became a travelling salesman in the dry-
goods business. Prior to this his brother,
John F., had erected the present West End
Hotel in Hunter, which was opened in 1887;
and Mr. Gara left the road to assist him in
this enterprise, in a general way. Upon the
death of his brother, Hugh took control of the
house, and has since conducted it.
The West End is pleasantly located near
the terminus of the Stony Clove and Catskill
Mountain Railroad. It is sixty by thirty
feet, with a wing twenty-eight by seventy,
four stories high, and has accommodations for
one hundred and thirty guests. The rooms
are large, well ventilated, well furnished, and
lighted with gas. The bath accommodations
are ample, and the sanitary arrangements are
unexcelled. The house is within easy reach
of Hotel Kaaterskill and Laurel House, and
of Onteora, Elka, and Twilight Parks.
There is a good livery stable in connection.
On October 12, 1898, Mr. Gara was united
in marriage with Mary E. O'CarroU, daugh-
ter of David and Kate (O'Neil) O'Carroll, of
Dungarvan, County Waterford, Ireland. Her
paternal grandfather, Michael O'Carroll, a sea
captain, was also a native of that town. Her
father, who was reared to sea life, became
master of a vessel plying between Ireland and
France, and was also engaged in trade be-
tween Cork and Liverpool. Abandoning the
sea, he opened a ship-broker's office in Cardiff,
Wales, and conducted that business until his
death, which occurred in 1884, at the age of
fifty-seven. His wife, Kate, was a sister of
146
BIOG RA ri 1 1 CAL REVI E\V
the Rev. Hugh O'Ncil, a sketch of whom ap-
pears elsewhere in the Review. She died in
1877, at the age of forty-one. She was the
mother of tlirec children. The only survivor
of tlie.se is Mary K., who was educated in the
Mercy Convent, Dungarvan, and is now I\Ir.«.
Ilngli 15. Gara. She is a fine piani.st, and
also received special instruction in painting
and the French language. She kept house for
her father until his death, and with the aid of
two assistants continued his business until
coming to the United States in 1886. Fre-
vious to her marriage she resided with iicr
uncle, the Rev. Father O'Neil. Mrs. Gara
is a valualjle assistant to her husband, l)eing
a woman of much e.vecutive ability.
is
^TJ''1^15FRT L. ODELL, M.D., an able
physician and specialist of .Sharon
Springs, N.Y. , was born in Sum-
mit, this county, July 18, 1S59, son of Isaac
I., and Harriet L. (]5aldwin) Odell. The
family was foundt-d in America, late in the
se\enteenth or earl)- in the eighteenth centur)-,
by the great-great-great-granilfathcr, who emi-
grated from ICngland and settled on Long
Island.
Isaac L. Odell, the lather, who was born in
■Jefferson, N.\'. , in 1815, nKJved to .Sunnnit
when a yomig man, and cairied on cpiite an ex-
tensive business as a cooper. He took consid-
erable interest in public affairs, serving as
Town Clerk and in olher offices. In politics
he supported the DeuKierat ic paity, and in his
reliiiious belief he was a Methodist. Ilis wife,
whose maiden name was Harriet L. ISaldwin,
was born in 181S. They were the parents of
five children, namely: Daniel; George W. ;
Peter L. ; Julia 1^., who married H. A.
Wright, of Worcester, \. Y. ; and Herbert L. ,
the subject of this sketch. The father died in
1893, the mother's death having occurreil a few
months previous. Uanicl, George W. , and
Peter L. Odell reside in Summit.
Herbert L. Odell acquired hi.s eaily educa-
tion in the public and select schools. His
medical studies wei'C begun under the direction
of Ur. I". P. Heard, then of .Summit and now
of Coblcskill, with whom lie remained four
years. He was graduated from the Albany
Medical College in 1883; and, while ]inrsuing
his course in that cit\', lie studied with Dr.
Jacob S. Mo.shcr. Locating for practice in
Hobart, N.Y. , he remained tliere until March,
1S92, when he came to Sharon Springs. Dur-
ing the last six years of the time sjient at Ho-
bart he was associated in piaetice with Dr.
J. S. McNaughl. While ])ie[)aring foi- his
profession. Dr. Odell made a special study of
dermatology; and, since entering into prac-
tice, he has given much attention to the treat-
ment of rheumatism, in which he is remarka-
bly successful. L)uring the summer a large
number of jiatients come to .Sharon S]irings, in
Older to avail thenisehes of his treatment and
at the same time to receive the benefits of the
sul]iliur baths. Dr. Odell attends, al.so, to
most of the obstetric practice in this localit)'.
He was formerly ]ircsident of the Delawaie
Count)- Medical Sociel)-, is ])resident of the
Schoharie and a member of the Albaii) ComUy
GARRKT W. iMATTICK.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
149
Medical Societies. Progressive as well as
energx'tic, he keeps in touch with advanced
ideas by malving frec|vient visits to the hosjiitals
of the metropolis.
Dr. Odell and Eva L. Hoose, only daughter
of Robert J. Hoose, of Ilobart, N.Y. , were
united in marriage on May 13, 1S85. They
have three daughters — Grace, Kloise, and
l^eatrice.
Politically, Dr. Odell acts with the Demo-
cratic party. He is a Master Mason, belong-
ing to the Blue Lodge in Sharon Springs, and
is also an Odd Fellow. He is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he
is now servinfr as steward.
/^^^TeORGE 1L FAULKNER, Supervisor
\|£J_ and Justice of the Peace, Lexington,
Greene County, N.Y., was born in this town
September 6, 1S42, son of Alfred and Sarah
(Cross) Faulkner. His paternal grandfather,
William Faulkner, was a native of Liverpool,
England. He came to Lexington before mar-
riage, ant], settling on a farm, engaged in its
cultivation, and also followed the trade of a
shoemaker. A man of considerable natural
ability, in politics he was a Democrat, and
represented his district in the Assembly. He
married Abigail Drake. They lived to an ad-
vanced age, and had a large family of children.
Allred L'aulkner grew to manhood upon the
home farm. Later he cultivated a farm of his
own in Halcott, where he resided for the rest
of his life, and was quite actix'C in pul^lic
affairs. His first wife, Sarah, died about the
year 1845. She was a daughter of George
Cross, a farmer and lifelong resident of Lex-
ington. She had three children: Mary, who
married F^rank Moore, of this town; Victor,
who is in F'leischmann.s, Delaware County;
and George H., the subject of this sketch.
For his second wife he married Ann Faulkner,
who at her death left two children — James and
Sarah. Alfred Faulkner died at seventy-three
years of age.
George H. F'aulkner spent his early years
with an uncle on a farm about a mile below the
village, and was educated in the common
schools. He followed agriculture until 1SS6,
when he came to the village, and engaged in
selling farming implements. He also trans-
acts a great deal of legal business and has con-
siderable iiractice in the minor courts.
Li 1S90 Mr. Faulkner married Miss Mary
M. Banks, daughter of Joseph Banks, a farmer
of Hardenburg, N. Y. One son, Leon, has
been, born of this union.
Politically, Mr. P\au]kner is a Democrat.
Lie has been Justice of the Peace since 1882.
He was Justice of Special Sessions one term,
is now serving as Supervisor, and has been
Tax Collector two years. He is a trustee of
the Baptist and Methodist churches, and Mrs.
Faulkner attends the Baptist church of Lexing-
ton.
fm>^
.ARRET VV. MATTICE, a well-
\[^J_ known and highly respected agricult-
urist of Schoharie County, owns and occupies
a farm on the Middleburg road in the town of
Fulton, about two miles from Fultonham. Lie
'5°
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
was born June 2, 1S30, a son of Adam L.
Matticc, and is a direct descendant of Nicholas
Matt ice, wiio emigrated from Germany in the
early jiart of the eighteenth century and took
up a tract of wild land in the vicinity of the
Upper Fort, Schoharie County.
Conrad Matt ice, son of Nicholas and the
next in line of descent, was a lifelong resi-
dent of this part of the State. In his early
manhoiid he located on land in Middleburg,
where his son Lawrence, the grandfather of
(jarret W. , was l:>(irn.
At the time of the Revolution, Lawrence
Mattice, though but a boy of sixteen, was em-
ployed at the Middle Fort, and with Murphy
and other brave soldiers marched out to meet
the enemy. On one of his hasty expeditions
he and a companion succeeded in taking pris-
oner a man by the name of Adam Chrysler,
whom they carried to the fort. He continued
in service until the close of the war, when he
settled on a farm, and from that time until his
death, at the venerable age of eighty-six years,
was engaged in cultivating the land. lie was
quite ])rom incut in the management of town
matters, and at one time was nominated to the
State Assembly. His wife, Maria Brown, a
native of this part of the county, bore him
seven children, none of whom sur\-ive. She
lived to be ujnvard of eighty years of age, and
diet! at the old homestead. Buth she antl her
husband were members of the Lutheran
church.
, Adam L. Mattice was born September 15,
1S03, in Middleburg. Following in the
footsteps of his ancestors, he became a tiller of
the soil. On coming of age he purchased a
farm not far from the old home, and in the
log house that stood in the clearing began
life for himself, poor in pocket, but rich in
energy, courage, and ambition. By dint of
industr)- ami economv he succeeded in pay-
ing for his land, besides which he laid up a
small sum. On Ajiril 5, 1S49, having sold
his first estate, he look possession of the
farm now occupied by his son. Garret W. ,
and here resided until his death, July 5,
1888. A man of sound judgment and good
financial ability, he became prominent in the
town, and served as Highway Commissioner
and Assessor for a number of j-enrs. Both
he and his wife were active members of the
Baptist church. He married Dinah Mattice,
who was born in the town of lilenheim, a
daughter of Da\id Mattice, a prosperous
farmer. They had a family of five children,
three of whom survive, nameh' : Garret \V. ;
Dinah, wife of Josiah Mann; and Llizabeth,
wife of I'eter Shaffer.
Garret W. Mattice was born in the log cabin
in which his parents settled soon after mar-
riage, and during his earlier years he assisted
in the pioneer labor of redeeming a farm from
the wilderness. In 1849 he came with them
to his ])iesent farm, which he and a brother
who dieil in 1877 helped to improve. l'"rom
that time until the death of his father, in
1 888, Mr. Mattice had the general oversight
of the jiroperty, which is now in his posses-
sion. This farm contains one hundred and
seventy acres of land, and he also owns a farm
of one huntlred acres on the road to Cohleskill.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
151
Skilful and progressive, he h:is met with
success as a general farmer. He raises hay,
grain, and hops, is an extensive dealer in
cattle, and from his small herd of cows makes
a choice grade of butter, which he shijis to Al-
bany. He has made many of the most impor-
tant improvements on the place, including the
erection of the present commodious dwelling-
house and the substantial barns and farm
buildings.
In i)olitics Mr. Mattice afifiliates with the
Democratic party, and besides serving as Com-
missioner of Highways he was Supervisor from
iSg6 until i8g8. He is a regular attendant of
the Baptist church, and in the building of the
new edifice of that denomination gave material
financial assistance.
On March 24, 1S66, Mr. Mattice married
Rachel Cowan, a daughter of James Cowan,
well known in Fulton as an able farmer and
lawyer. Mr. Cowan married Emeline Cary,
of Schoharie, who passed to the life immortal
at the age of sixty-eight years, while he at-
tained the age of fourscore years. Mr. and
Mrs. Mattice have one child living, a son,
Paul IV, and they have been bereft of two,
namely: Eli G. , who died aged three years,
six months; and Ira C, who died aged four
years and seven months. Paul B. Mattice
after his graduation at the Middleburg High
School entered Cornell University, class of
1901, intending there to fit himself for the
bar. During the Spanish War he enlisted,
July 17, 1898, in Company K, Two Hundred
and Third New York Volunteers, and served
until March 25, 1899, when he was mustered
out as Corporal. On his return he again took
up his studies at Cornell.
HARLES E. NICHOLS, coun.selIor-
at-law, and District Attorney of Greene
County, and one of the best-known
and most respected residents of Catskill, was
born in Athens, Greene County, March 20,
1S54. His father is General George Sylvester
Nichols, and his mother in maidenhood was
Ann Netterville Foster.
His paternal grandfather was Judge Sylves-
ter Nichols, a native and prominent citizen of
Athens. Besides carrying on a farm, the
grandfather was a manufacturer of brick and
lime, was also engaged in freighting on a large
scale, being the owner of several vessels. He
was also County Judge of Greene County for
several years. He married Lucy E. Hamilton,
who also was a native of Athens. She died in
1 89 1, at the age of ninety. Seven of their
children grew to maturity; namely, George
Sylvester, Samuel Hamilton, William T., E\-
bridge, Charles P., Henry O. , and Sarah.
George Sylvester Nichols, the first-named
son, was born in Athens, N. Y., January 12,
1820. He attended private schools in Athens
until twelve years old; and in 1832 he entered
Lenox Academy, Mass., where he remained
one year. In 1S34 he went to Fairfield Acad-
emy, Herkimer County, N.Y., for a year ; and
during the year 1837 he .studied at the acad-
emy in Kinderhook, N. Y., which was estab-
lished by his grandfather. l*"rom 1838 to
1846 he was captain of the sloop "Science, "
152
mOGRAl'HICAL REVIEW
owned by his father, carrying brick, lime,
hay, and jjrodiice froni Athens to New York.
He was appointed Brigade Quartermaster of
the Thirty-seventh Brigade of New York State
Militia, and commissioned by (lovernor Will-
iam C. Bouck on Sejjtembcr 14, 1S43; and he
was api)ointed Brigadier-general of the Thirty-
seventh Brigade by Governor Silas Wright
on March 3, 1S45. In 1.S47 and 1848 he was
employed in Troy, N.Y., as superintendent of
Colonel J. Hooker's docks, barges and canal
boats, and general mnndger of his transporta-
tion line to New York. lie started for Cali-
fornia in 1849, sailing from New York on
February 5 in the steamer "Crescent City " for
San Francisco. After staying a month on the
isthmus, in Gorgona and Panama, he left the
last-named place on the steamer "Oregon" on
her first trij) up the coast, and, arriving at San
Francisco on the first day of Ajjril, 1849, went
directly to Sutter's Mill, Coloma, where he
was engaged nearly two years in packing and
trading. He left San l'"rancisco for home
about December i, 1850, by steamer, going to
Panama, from there crossing the isthmus to
Chagres by mule and bungo, as on the trip
out, and thence reaching New York by steamer
about the first of January, 185 i. In the
sjjring of 1 85 1 he was elected Supervisor of
the town of Athens, and two years later was
nominated by the Democratic party for State
Senator for the Tenth District, which includes
Greene and. Ulster Counties, but was defeated
by the Prohibition candidate. In 1S55 he was
again nominated for State Senator, this time
by the Amcriian part)', was elected, and
served one term. On June 8, i860, he was
appointed one of the Board of Commissioners
of Ivxcisc for Greene County for three years.
When hostilities began between the South
anil the North, he felt that his former military
training would be of value to hit. country, and
decided to offer himself as a vidimtecr. On
November 23, 1861, having received an ap-
pointment as Major in the Ninth New \'ork
Cavalry, and having been given his commis-
sion by G(nernor Morgan, be left Albany on
the same day for the national caiutal. Ujjon
going into active service, liis biavery and abil-
itv at once became conspicuous, antl his ])io-
motion was rapid. On May 30, 1863, he was
made Lieutenant Colonel of his regiment, and
on June 14, 1864, was commissioned Colonel
by Governor Se}anour. He was musteretl out
with the regiment at Buffalo, X.\'., on July
17, 1865. On March 13, 1S65, "for gallant
and meritorious services in all the cavalry en-
gagements under General Slierichui," he was
brevetted Brigadier-general of United States
Volunteers.
On June 25, 1867, he was appointed by
Collector H. A. Smythe Inspector of Customs
in the New York Custom House, and on No-
vember 8, 1875, he was apixiinted, b\- Collec-
tor Chester A. .Arthui', Deputy Collector of
Customs. In 1879 he was nominated for
member of Congress by the Re|5ublican party
in the Fifteenth Congressional District (Ul-
ster, Greene, and Schoharie Counties), but
was defeated. In 1882 he was a])pointe(l b\-
Secretary of the Interior, the lion. II. M.
Teller, S[)ecial I'^\:uniiu'i- in the piaision office;
BIOGRArHICAI, REVIEW
and in this capacity he served three years.
For three years also subsequent to 1885 he held
the office of County Cleriv of Greene County,
having been elected by the Republican party.
Since i8Sg General Nich(5ls has retired from
active life.
On October 7, 1845, he married Ann Net-
terville Foster, daughter of Captain James G.
and Ann E. Foster. Mrs. Nichols was born
in Athens, N.Y. , and died there at the age of
eighty. Her father was a sea caj^tain, and
commanded a ship that ran from New V'ork
to Liverpool, England. During the embargo
placed upon American vessels by the French,
he anchored his vessel in the river, a few miles
below Athens, to get it in fresh water, and
while there met Ann Colson, witii whom he
fell in love at sight. He made only one more
voyage, and then married and settled in Athens,
where he went into the brick-making business.
This he gave up after a time, and subsequently
carried on a store until his death, at the age of
seventy-si.\. He owned a fine farm. His
wife died at the age of seventy-eight, having
been the mother of si.x children. Five chil-
dren were born to General George S. and Ann
N. Nichols, and four of them are living;
namely, Mar)-, Foster, Charles E., and Ar-
thur. Mary married Frank N. Howland, who
is a member of the firm of Smith & Candee,
the oldest and leading firm of dealers in lime,
brick, and builders' supplies in New York
City. Foster Nichols is purchasing agent for
M. Guggenheim's Sons, who are among the
largest smelters and refiners in the United
States. Arthur Nichols is a mining operator
in I^eadville, Col. Mrs. Nichols was a devout
Episcopalian, as is also the general; and he
was formerly a member of a Masonic organiza-
tion. He resides in "The Old Nest" in
Athens, which has been his home for half a
century.
Charles E. Nichols spent his early years in
his native town of Athens, and received his
early education in the district schools. Sub-
sequently he attended the high school at
Englewood, N.J., the I^^iirfield Seminary at
Fairfield, N. Y. , and the Fort Edward Collegi-
ate Institute. Then, following the memorable
advice of Horace Greeley, he went West, and
was employed in the general office of the Colo-
rado Central Railroad at Golden, Col., for
about four years. Having decided to enter the
legal profession, he gave his mind with ardor
to the necessary studies, and was admitted to
the bar in Colorado in 1880. He practised
his profession in that State for about two
years, during which time he also engaged to
some extent in mining. Then, returning East,
he was admitted to the bar in the State of New
York in 1882, after which he practised law in
Athens for some three years. In 1885 he was
appointed Deputy County Clerk under his
father, which position he held until 1889.
He was then appointed Clerk to the Surro-
gate's Court by the present surrogate, and
served until December, 1898, a period of ten
years in all, when he resigned, having been
elected District Attorney in the fall of that
year. He still has three years to serve in this
ofifice.
Mr. Nichols was married in 1890 to Mrs.
'54
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Mary B. Willis, who was born in Connecticut,
the daughter of the Rev. II. II. Bates, an
Episcopalian clergyman. I ler mother's maiden
name was E. Samanthe Bascom. Both parents
were natives of Vermont. They had three
children. Mr. Bates was rector of a church in
Glens Falls, N.Y., at the breaking out of the
Civil War; and, when one of his wardens had
enlisted as a Colonel and another as a Major,
he resigned his charge at their request, and
went to the fnmt as chajdain of their regiment.
He remained with his regiment throughout the
war, and sub.sequently, his health being im-
paired, took a small charge in Oak Hill, this
county. There he died in icS68. He was an
active Mason, and was bLuied with Masonic
rites. The lodge of which he was a member
erected a monument to his memory at Oak
Hill, N.Y. , where he was buried.
Mr. Nichols is Vice-Chancellor in the
Knights of Pythias Lodge in Catskill, and
Junior Sagamore of the Red Men. in 1SS2
he was a member of the Lodge of Knights of
Pythias in Athens. He has resided in Catskill
since 1890, when he removed here from Athens.
He and his wife are members of the Episcopal
church, which has recently erected a beautiful
new church edifice. While in Athens Mr.
Nichols was a lay-reader in the church there,
and for three years superintendent of the Sun-
day-school.
ICIIARU WINEGARD, a well-known
luiller of Hyndsville, Schoharie
County, was Ijoi'ii near this x'illage
Seplendjer 19, 1845, a son of George and
Eliza A. (Isham) Winegard. He is of Ger-
man ancestry, and a grandson of one of the
earliest settlers of this section of .Schoharie
County — Richard Winegard, first, who came
here from Schodack, Rensselaer County.
There being no roads across the country in
those early days. Grandfather Winegard made
the journey hither through the unbroken woods
on horseback ; and, ]ia\ing secured a tract of
land in the heart of the forest, he felled trees,
and thus made an opening in which he luit u])
a small log cabin of rude construction, with n(j
windows, and only a blanket for a door. lie
was a tailor; and, in connection with clearing
a farm, he worked at his trade wlienever he had
an opportunit)'. He succeeded finely at both
occupations, and in the course of a few years
had cleared and jdaced under cultivation a
number of acres of land. Prudent, thriftful,
and a good manager, he at length found that he
was warranted in replacing the log-cabin with a
substantial frame house, and in building a com-
fortable barn and a shed for his new wagon and
farming implements. A man of intelligence
and sound judgment, he became influential
in the community and a leader in religious
circles. He was a devout Methodist, and a
regular attendant at the prayer-meetings held
seven miles away, a journey that he tnuk on
horseback. He far outlived tlie allotted span
of human life, his pilgrimage on earth extend-
ing over a period of one hundred and two
years. His wife, Charity Kickart, was also of
(lerman descent. She proved herself a true
heliJmeet, assisting him in theii" early days of
labor while li\ing in the log-cabin, and train-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
^S5
ing their seven ehildren to habits of industry
and usefulness. She preceded him to the
better world, passing away at the age of eighty-
five years.
George Winegard assisted his father in his
pioneer labors, and after reaching man's estate
purchascil the old Peter Marklc farm near by,
in the town of .Seward, and spent many years
in improving it. He built a new dwelling, a
barn, and other farm buildings, and was there
engaged in agricultural pursuits several years.
Subsequently coming to Hyndsville, he bought
land, rebuilt the saw-mill and built a grist-
mill, and during the remainder of his life was
prominently identified with the highest and
best interests of this little village, and was
largely instrumental in its development. In
politics he was, in early manhood, a stanch
Whig, and later a Republican. A man of
eminent piety, deeply interested in advancing
the cause of religion, he was very active in the
Methodist church, with which he united when
young, and was for many years a class leader
and one of the trustees. When its present
house of worshiiJ was erected he was one of the
foremost in hastening the work, and contrib-
uted fourteen hundred dollars toward the
building fund. He died at the age of seventy-
two years, leaving a host of friends who sym-
pathized with the family in their great loss.
His wife, whose maiden name was Eliza A.
Isham, was born in this town. Her father,
Benjamin Isham, was a prominent citizen and
a pioneer merchant of Hyndsville. .She was a
woman of culture, ha\ing been educated at a
New York City boarding-school. .She was a
distant relation of John Ouincy Adams. Mrs.
Winegard survived her husband, dying at the
age of eighty-two years. They reared five
children, namely: Emily, wife of Rector Fos-
ter; Phebe, deceased; George, deceased; Rich-
ard ; and Albert.
Richard Winegard was educated in the dis-
trict schools, and until he was thirty-five years
old he worked with his father on the farm and
in the mill. Since the death nf the father
he and his brother Albert have devoted their
attention to the grist-mill, and, in addition to
dealing somewhat in grain and feed, have car-
ried on a very extensive business in custom
grinding of corn, flour, and feed. The nine
acres of land included in the original property
they utilize by raising on it hay, grain, and
potatoes.
Politically, Mr. Winegard is a steadfast Re-
publican, and takes an active interest in local
and county affairs. P^raternally, he is an Odd
Fellow, belonging to Richmondville Eodge.
True to the religious faith in which he was
reared, he is a faithful member of the Meth-
odist I'^piscopal church, which he has served
for many years as trustee, steward, class
leader, and church recorder, having taken up
the work laid down by his father and success-
fully carried it on.
On December 23, 1S74, Mr. Winegard was
united in marriage to Miss Maggie J. Weid-
man, daughter of Nicholas and Ann (.Starkins)
Weidman, of Schoharie County. Mr. and
Mrs. Winegard have one child, a daughter,
Lottie E. , wife of Benjamin I''. Empie, a mer-
chant of Hyndsville and Town Clerk of
•36
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Seward. Mr. and Mrs. Enipie are the jiroud
parents of a bright baby girl, Bernice L. , born
on February 2, 1899.
i.ARTHOLOMF.W 11. CLUTE, one
of the representative dairymen of
Glenville, N.Y. , was born in Sche-
nectady, June 21, I S3 1, son of Henry and
Cathaline T. (Haverley) Clute. His grand-
father, liartholomew Clute, served as a soldier
in the Revolutionary War. He was for some
time a boatman on the Mohawk River; and on
one occasion he had for a passenger the British
commander. Sir Henry Clinton. The maiden
name of Grandfather Clute's wife was Margaret
Peters.
Their son, Henry Clute, ahove named, was
a native of Schenectady. When a young man,
he engaged in the grocery business, which he
followed for the rest of his life. He died
about 1S35. His wife, Cathaline, was a na-
tive of (Bienville. Her paternal grandfather
was John Haverley, a large land-owner of this
town in his day. His death occurred the same
night that the subject of this sketch was born.
John 1 laverley married Anna Adams, a repre-
sentative, it is thought, of the noted Massachu-
setts family which has given two Presidents —
John and John Ouincy Adams — to the United
States. Henry and Cathaline T. Clute reared
four children; namely, Susan II., Christian
H., Harlholomew H., and John II. B. Clute,
all of whom, exxept Bartholomew H., are re-
sidiuii; in Rotterdam. The mother died Mav,
1882. The parents were members of the Re-
formed church.
Bartholomew H. Clute passed his boyhood
and youth in Schenectady and Glenville, and
attended school in these places. His father's
death threw him upon his own resources at an
early age, and he began life as a workman in
the broom factories of Schenectady at eleven
dollars per month. In 1850 he went to Illi-
nois, where he engaged in raising broom-corn
on leased land. He also established a factory,
and maniifactured the first lot of Western-made
brooms ever sold in Chicago. Although this
enterprise proved quite successful, the gold
fever soon caused him to sell out, in order to
try his fortune in California. Going there by
the overland route, he followed various occupa-
tions on the Pacific Coast for four years. Re-
turning then to Schenectady County, he leased
land in Glenville until 1863, since which year
he has resided upon his present farm of one
hundred and ten acres. He has a valuable
piece of agricultural property, with good build-
ings and modern improvements. He keeps
from twenty to twenty-five cows, and derives
considerable profit from the sale of milk.
On October 20, 1858, Mr. Clute was joined
in marriage with Agnes Swart, who was born
in Glenville, April 13, 1832, daughter of
J(jsias and Catharine (Vedder) Swart. Her
parents belonged to highly reputable families
of this county. Mrs. Clute is the mother of
three children, namely: KitteV., who is now
Mrs. McCulluni; h^lma, who is now Mrs.
Uick ; and Clarence Clute.
In politics Mr. Clute is a Democrat. To
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
IS7
the energy and perseverance which served him
so well in his boyhood days is due in a great
measure the prosperity he now enjoys, his
activity continuing unabated. Mr. and Mrs.
Clute are members of the Reformed church.
^^yOHN S. GARY, a well-known resident
of Braman, in the town of Cobleskill,
and proprietor of one of the oldest
mills in this section of the county, was born
in Schoharie, in a house on the road to
Howes Cave, on July 19, 1827, son of Sam-
uel and Mercy (Swan) Gary.
His father, who was born in Stonington,
Conn., was brought up in Sprakers Basin,
Montgomery County, N.Y. , on a farm. He
also worked somewhat during boyhood at raft-
ing on the Mohawk River, but eventually
came to the farm of George Lawyer in
Schoharie Court House, and during the re-
mainder of his life was engaged in farm labor,
either there or on other farms in this county,
working on shares. His wife, Mercy, was the
daughter of a pioneer of Kno.x, Albany
County, who built the first mill in that
region. He was a stanch patriot in Revolu-
tionary times, and was in active service in the
army throughout the war, being eleven times
wounded. His wife lived to the surprising-
age of one hundred and three years. On her
one hundred and third birthday she rode
twenty miles on horseback, but the exertion
was too much for her, and she died from its
effects. Mrs. Mercy Gary was the youngest
of quite a large family of children. Of her
own children, seven in number, John S. was
the youngest, and is now the only one living.
Mr. John S. Gary spent his early years at
Barnerville, where he attended the public
schools. After leaving school he was en-
gaged for a time in selling dry goods and
small wares along the canal, but later settled
in Orleans County, where he worked for si.x
months in a wagon-building shop. At the
end of that time he came to Barneiville, and
opened a wagon-maker's shop in company
with Henderson Pollock. After working
there for some time he hired a shop near by,
and carried on wagon-making and painting
and some cabinet work. Going then to
Schoharie, he worked at carriage-building in
the winter and at painting in the summer for
a few years, and then began working as a
millwright along Cobleskill Creek and the
Schoharie River Valley. He built a large
number of grist and saw mills, and invented a
water-wheel of which he afterward constructed
and put in place about two hundred in this
and adjoining counties. In 1S75 he came to
his present mill. This he had repaired dur-
ing his early millwright work, it having been
built by his wife's grandfather, Peter Low-
meyers in 1790. A part of the original
structure is in use yet, and is in well-pre-
served condition. The mill has two stories
and a half. The lower floor is devoted to cus-
tom and merchant work, principally to the
manufacture of rye and buckwheat flour, which
is marketed in New York and in other States.
There arc three mill-runs, besides a "pony
stone." The second floor is devoted to puri-
'58
l!I<)(;RArHKAL REVIEW
fyiiiL? and storing the grain, while the top floor
is used for scouring and cleaning grain and
for storage. This is one of the oldest mil's
in the section, as well as one of the largest
run by water power. Mr. Gary has now been
connected with milling interests for nearly
half a century, probably longer than any other
man now living in this region.
On the last day of January, 1849, Mr. Gary
was united in marriage with I'hoebe Gordon,
a native of Garlisle and daughter of John Gor-
don, a farmer of that town, who died at the
age of sixty years. Mrs. Gary was one of a
family of ten children, and has herself been
the mother of eight, of whom five are living.
•These are: Alice, Andrew, Laura, Rosalie,
and Walter. The three deceaseil are: Har-
riet, who dietl at the age of nine years of
diphtheria; Retta, who died at the age of
eighteen months; and Lyman H., who died
at the age of si.K months. Alice, who married
Henry Holmes McDonald, a carpenter and
contractor of bridges, has three children —
h'rank, John ]'., and Khoda. Andrew mar-
ried Gynderilla Severson, and has four chil-
dren— Hattie, Foster, Daisy, and Florence.
The son, Foster, is a i)ainter and decorator
in Cobleskill. Laura married Thomas Ghick-
ering, a merchant of Lawyersville. Rosalie,
who married Judd Bassett, ,1 farmer, has one
child, Ralph G. Walter Gary, an engineer,
married Jennie Merchant, and fas two sons
— Olin and Emery P.
Mr. Gary is Rc[)ublican in p(ditics. He
takes a warm interest in all ]uihlic matters,
but has never caretl to hold public office. He
is a member of the Masonic lodge at Goble-
skill, of De Witt Gouncil at Albany, and of
John L. Lewis Ghapter at Gobleskill. He
built the house in which he now resides, and
two others near by which are rented to ten-
ants; also one with a store adjoining, and
owns more houses than any other man in
town. In religious views Mr. Gary is a
Methodist. He is connected with the Meth-
odist church here, has been steward in the so-
ciety for many years, and an active worker in
the .Sunday-schocl. Mrs. Gary likewise has
been a member of the church since her early
girlhood. l\Tr. Gary is a progressive man.
He has been keenly alive to every plan pro-
mulgated for the improvement of the town, and
has kept his own ])roperty in unexcelled con-
dition. Down at the niiU he has built a large
wall eleven feet high, containing boulders
weighing a ton, to keep the water from over-
flowing. His other real estate jiroperty also
shows that it is constantly looked out for and
ne\'er allowed to lack rejiairs.
PL
ff?)OUI.S A. BOKN.S, proprietor of La
Tduraine, Tannersx'ille, was born in
the north of France, February 8,
1855, .son of Augustus and Josephine (de
Sainte Roch) lioeiis. His jiarents were na-
tives of Belgium, and his father, who was a
farmer, died at the age of thirty-eight. His
mother was twice married, and had si.x chil-
dren, Louis being the eldest by her second
husband. Mrs. ]?oens came to America with
five of hei" children. She spent her last days
HE.\KV S. UK FORK ST.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
i6i
witli her son Louis, dying at the age of fifty-
eight.
Louis A. Boens accompanied the family to
the United States, first settling in ISelport,
Long Island, and a year later removing to
Hunter. His training in the business of hotel-
keeping was begun at the Laurel House, with
which he was connected in different capacities
for several years. In 1S89 be completed and
opened La Touraine, which was built and fur-
nished under his personal supervision, and has
accommodations for fifty guests. It is a favor-
ite resort for New York people, and has a large
patronage. The table is a special feature, and
is provided with poultry raised upon the
premises.
In 1886 Mr. Boens was united in marriage
with Kate Askin. Her parents, John and
Mary Askin, who are no longer living, had a
family of si.xteen children. Mr. Askin was a
native of Ireland. He died at the age of
eighty years. The Boens family attend the
Roman Catholic church. In politics Mr.
Boens acts with the Democratic party.
■?)JON. HENRY S. DE FOREST, e.x-
Mayor of Schenectady and an exten-
sive real estate dealer, was born in
this city, February 16, 1S47, son of O. L.
and Sarah (Vedder) De Forest.
His great-grandfather Ue Forest and his
grandfather De Forest, both of whom were
named Jacob, were lifelong residents of Sche-
nectady County. Jacob De Forest, second,
was a well-to-do farmer and the father of a
large family of children, one of them a son
Jacob, who became a prosperous farmer, and
another Martin, who accpiired wealth in mer-
cantile pursuits, and was a man of prominence
in this section of the State.
O. L. De F'orest, born in this county in
1806, son of the second Jacob, was a cooper
by trade, and followed that business in this
city successfully for a number of years, or until
his death, which occurred in 1859. He served
as Sheriff of Schenectad}' County and also as a
Deputy.
His wife, Sarah, was a daughter of Nicholas
Vedder, of Schenectady County, whose ances-
tors were among the early Dutch settlers in
the Mohawk valley. Seven children were
born of their union, namely: Anna, who died
young; Rebecca, wife of Stephen D. Gates, of
this city; Jacob, a furniture dealer, who
served as Sheriff one term, and died in 1894,
aged about sixty-two years, leaving a widow and
five children; Ella, wdio married Christopher
Van Slyck, and died in 1894, leaving two
children; Frank V., Assistant Chief of Police;
Henry S., the subject of this sketch; and
Lansing, a farmer in the town of Glenville,
this count)-. The mother, Mrs. Sarah Vedder
De Forest, died in 1867, aged fifty-nine years.
Henry S. De Forest attended the Union
School, and completed his studies with a com-
mercial course at Eastman's Business College,
I'oughkeei)sie. Entering the emjiloy of his
brother-in-law, Christopher Van Sl\'ck, a
broom manufacturer, as clerk and book-keeper,
he was later admitted to partnership; and
l62
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
after the dissolution of tliat firm, in 1878, he
became extensively engaged in tlie cultivation
of broom corn, which he carried on success-
fully for eight years. When a young man he
displayed a decided preference for the real es-
tate business, and his first land ])urchase con-
sisted of two lots for which he paid one hun-
dred dollars each. About the year 1886 he
turned his attention exclusively to city prop-
erty, his transactions in which during the last
twelve years have amounted to two million
dollars. He organized the syndicates which
erected the Edison Hotel, at a cost of one hun-
dred and eighty-five thousand dollars, and the
\'an Curler Opera House, com|ileted in 1893
at a cost of (jne hundred antl two thousand
dollars, of which he is the largest individual
owner. I're\ious to the business depression
of 1893, and since 1897, he lias erected man)-
hundreds of buildings for residence and business
purposes. He has laid out several thorough-
fares, including Foster A\enue, nam jil in honor
of Professor John Foster, of Union College;
Summit and East .Avenues; and Terrace Place.
These localities have been protected against
the encroachments of tlie litjunr traffic largely
through his instrumentality, and his excellent
judgment in regard to the real estate interests
of the city has jiroved exceedingly beneficial
to projjerty holders. He is one of the largest
owners of the Metropolitan Asiihalt Pavement
Company, which was organized in 1895, and
which has paved the princi|ial streets of this
city in a most satisfactory uKuiner. He is con-
sidered to-day the most extensive real estate
dealer and owner in Schenectadw He is also
the largest owner in the Sclienectady Daily
Gazette, the leading newspaper in the city.
Politically, he is a Democrat. He served
as City Recorder four years and as Mayor for
the same length of time, and deserves much
credit for giving the city a sound and progres-
sive administration. He was active in secur-
ing the erection of the new brick railway sta-
tion, and an entirely new sewer system was
among the number of pidjlic improvements
completed iluring his term of office.
On Sejitember 6, 1876, Mr. De Poorest mar-
ried Lucy E. Wan lipps, of this cit\-, daugiiter
of the late Harmon \'an lipps. They have
two daughters, namely : Ik'ulah, a recent grad-
uate of Lasell Seminar}-; and Pearl, aged
ele\'en years.
I\h'. iJe P'orest is a ilirector of the Schenec-
tady State Hank. He is a Master Mason and
a trustee of the Young Men's Christian Asso-
ciation. His business office is located at
420 antl his residence at 436 State .Street.
As noted above, his influence and judgment
have long been prominent factois in shaping
the course of [niblic improvements in this city.
The fact that he began business without capi-
tal will enable those readers of the Rr;\ii'.\v
who ha\e hitherto been unfamiliar with his
early business life to better appreciate his un-
tiring eneig}' and perseverance.
I1.\UNCP:V smith, of WVst Cat-
skill, N. \'., dcLdei- in coal, bay,
straw, and grain, was boiii in Rox-
bur\', Helaware Coinit)', this State, on July
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
163
25, 1847. His parents were Jonas M. and
Deborah (Kater) Smith, both natives of Rox-
bury. His paternal grandfather was David
Smith, a native of Scotland. Immigrating to
this country, Da\id Smith settled in Roxbury,
and there made his home many years, his
death occurring at the advanced age of ninety-
one. His wife, Jane More, also born in Scot-
land, died at the age of eighty-nine. She was
the mother of a large family of children, of
whom the only survivor is R. B. Smith, of
Cortland, N.Y.
Jonas M. Smith was reared on a farm in
Ro.xbury. He was educated in the public
schools, and he subsequently taught school for
a while. Going west as far as Illinois, he
lived for a time in that State, and then re-
turned to his native town and started a variety
store, which he carried on until 1863. Re-
moving in that year to Ashland, Greene
County, he engaged in farming, also devoting
his energies to some extent to mercantile
affairs. Subsequently he came to Catskill,
where he died at the age of seventy-five. He
was a man of influence, and served as Town
Supervisor for four terms, as well as in other
positions of trust. His wife died at the age
of fifty-nine. All her four children are living.
They are: Chauncey, Mary, Nettie, and
Addie. Mary married William H. Tompkins,
of Ashland. Nettie is now Mrs. Lewis, and
Addie is Mrs. VViers.
Chauncey Smith remained in his native
town imtil he was seventeen years of age.
Going then to Ashland, he remained there
thirteen years, and at the end of that time he
came to Catskill. In 1877 he was engaged in
the steamboat business at the Point, and fiom
1S78 until 1892 he was in the flour and grain
business. For a part of this time, some nine
years, he also carried on a mill. He met with
excellent success, but finally gave up all other
business interests, and has since devoted him-
self to his coal and grain business, which is
one of the most prosperous enterprises in the
town. In 189S he erected the building whicii
he now uses. He has both wholesale and re-
tail trade, and is known as a man thoroughly
estimable and upright.
In 1870 Mr. Smith was united in marriage
with Aravesta Lewis, who was born in Dur-
ham. Eight children have blessed this union;
namely, Vernon M., Howard C, Rayniontl E.,
William H., Lizzie, Robert C. , Arthur, and
Clifford H. Vernon M. Smith is in the real
estate and insurance business in Iowa and
Minnesota. He married Maud Jennings, and
has one son, Chauncey Joseph. Howard C. is
a dealer in h(5rses, and resides in this town.
He married Carrie Crawford. Raymnntl and
William are in school.
Mr. Smith is a Republican. He is a mem-
ber of the Water Board and of the School
Board, and a trustee in the Savings Bank.
He was one of the organizers of the Catskill
Rural Cemetery, and is one of its trustees.
He and his wife and three of their sons are
members of the Methodist church. Mr. Smith
is a trustee of the church, and Mrs. Smith has
been a teacher in the Sunday-school. Both are
earnestl)' interested in all efforts to promote
the moral and spiritual growth of mankind.
.64
BIOGRAriilCAL REVIEW
(sTr^^'J^ If- STERNBKRG, vice-president
and director of the Sliaron, Seward, and
Carlisle Insurance Company, and a
leatling ho|i-gro\ver of Seward, resides on the
Lniicnburg turnpike about thiee miles from
Seward village. He was born on the Sternberg
homestead in this town on April 17, 1S32, son
of Abraham and Anna M. (Wornnith) Stern-
berg, and is a representative of one of the old-
est families in Schoharie County. His great-
grandfather, Nicholas Sternberg, who was
born ill Schoharie, was a lineal descendant of
Lambert Sternberg, who came to America from
Germany.
Nicholas Sternberg was one of the pioneer
settlers of the town of .Sharon, now Seward.
He cleared land and bulk a log cabin near the
site where John H. Sternberg now lives. He
became x'ery [irosperous, and a ])romincnt man
in this section, and owned a tluur-mill and
some thiee hundred acres of land.
John .Sternberg, son of Nicholas, and grand-
father of John II. .Sternberg, w^as born on the
homestead and reared there. The property
eventually reverted to him, and he spent his
life in improving it. He built the present
house. A man of intelligence and .sound judg-
ment, he was highly respected by all with
whom he came in contact, and he was an espe-
cially valued member of the Lutheran church,
in which he held at different times all the
offices. His wife, whose maiden name was
Anna Shafer, was a native of this region.
She died at the advanced age of eighty years.
All of the eleven children born to this worth)'
pair grew to maturity. One of tlie sons.
named Le\i, was educated for the ministry in
the Lutheran church. John Sternberg served
for a time as Coroner.
Abraham Sternberg was born in the house
built by his father, and w-as educated in the
public schools of this district. He assisted
his father on the farm for some time, and
eventually assimied full management, carrying
on general farming. He cultivated about two
hundred acres of land. ^As a citizen he was
active and well-informed, and for many years
served as Supervisor, holding the office during
the trying days of the Civil War. He was
also Town Clerk for some years. For many
years he was a trustee of the Lutiieran church,
and was jjarticularly active at the time the new
building was erected. He also held other
offices of public trust, and was one of the
first to introduce hop-growing into Schoharie
County. He was also one of the original in-
corporators of the I'irst National l^ank of
Cohleskill. His wife, Anna, who is still liv-
ing at the age of eighty-one, was one of a large
family of children born to Henry VVormuth, of
Sharon, an early settler here, and by occupa-
tion a tanner and currier. As was her hus-
band, she has been a lifelong member of the
Lutheran church. .She has been the mother of
eight children, of whom there are still li\"-
ing — John H. ; James H., who is a physi-
cian at Waterloo, N. \'. ; hving, a physician
of Gouverneur, N.Y. ; Henrietta, who married
l^arnahas I-lldred; and Jertmie, who is a banker
in l'"rie, Pa. Jerome Sternberg has two sons,
who are in the same bank with him.
John H. Sternberg obtained a good ]iractical
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
165
education in tlie [uiblic schools near his home
and at Martwick Seminary. After completing
his studies he was for some years engaged in
farming on different farms away from Seward;
but in 1892 became back to his native place
and settled on his present farm, where he has
since been largely engaged in hop culture.
He has about fifty-two acres devoted to raising
this important crop. Mr. Sternberg was one
of the incorporators of the Sharon, Seward,
and Carlisle Insurance Company, of which he
has ever since been a director and agent, and
for the last si.x years vice-president. The
company is in a very prosperous condition, and
has a capital of a million and a quarter of
dollars.
In politics Mr. Sternberg is a Democrat.
He has been Collector of the town for some
time, and for a period of eight years, begin-
ning in iSgo, he filled the ofifice of Suijervisor.
He is the only man in the town who has held
this important oflice for so long a time. Mr.
Sternberg has been a lifelong member of the
Lutheran church, and has officiated in all the
different church offices. He is at the present
time serving as a trustee of the society. He
has also been warmly interested in the work of
the Sunday-school, and was formerly a teacher
therein. His wife is connected with the
church, and has also been a worker in the Sun-
day school. A number of their children are
church members.
Mr. Sternberg was united in marriage on
January 30, icS65, with M. Ellen Eldredge.
She was born in Sharon, near Sharon Springs,
daughter of Robert Eldredge, a native of
Sharon Springs. Her grandfather, Iiarnabas
Eldredge, was among the first settlers of that
place, and owned nearly all of the land where
the present village now stands. He kept a
tavern, and was interested in the manufacture
of saleratus. His seven sons, to each of whom
he gave a fine farm, became prominent men in
their section of the State, and some of them
were well-known hotel-keepers. They were
acti\-e in public affairs, and creditably perpet-
uated the memory of their father. Barnabas
Eldredge died at the age of seventy-two. He
was widely acquainted, and commanded the re-
spect of all who knew him.
Robert Eldredge was reared in his native
town. He sold the farm given him by his
father, and bought another near the church in
-Sharon, comprising about two hundred acres,
and located thereon a house and store. For
twelve years he was in business there, a well-
known merchant and a successful one. He
was at one time judge of the county, and
usually went by the name of Judge Eldredge.
He was also a Justice of the Peace, and his
opinion and advice were eagerly sought on im-
portant occasions. He died at the age of fifty-
three. Although not connected officially with
any church organization, he was a man of
straightforward Christian principle, and a be-
liever in the doctrines of the Universalist
church. His wife, whose maiden name was
Margaret Adams, is still living at Cobleskill,
in the full possession of all her faculties at
the ath'anced age of ninety-one years. She
was born in the town of .Sharon. .Six of her
seven children grew to maturity, and four of
i66
BI0GRA1>H1C.\[, REVIEW
them are living, namely: Jdhn A. ; .M. Ellen;
Spencer, who resides at Dwiglit, 111. ; and
James, who is a merchant and Postmaster in
California. Horatio Olcott and I^lizabcth are
deceased.
Mrs. Sternberg resided with her |)arents
until her marriage. She was educated in the
common schools and in Ciierry Valley Acad-
eni)-. She has three children ; namel)-, How-
ard J., Charles A., and Robert K. The first
of these, who married Anna Vorhees, is jjro-
prietor of a hotel at Seward. Five children
have been boi'n to him, of whom four are liv-
ing, namely: Grace A., who is with Mrs.
Sternberg, and is attending school; Julia A. ;
George V. ; and Le Kay. Charles A. Stern-
berg married for his first wife Lizzie Clark,
who died at the age of twenty-two. He mar-
ried for his second wife Mamie Clark. He is
a graduate of Bellevue Hospital Medical Col-
lege in New York City, and is now in practice
at Gloversville, having gone to that place from
Howes Cave. Robert Sternberg married
Louise Sneclecor. They have one child, I'Tor-
ence Louise, born June 17, 189S. Robert
Sternberg was born in Seward and worked
on the farm until he was sixteen years old.
He then attended Hartwick Seminary for
three years, and subsequently took a four
years' course at Cornell University, gradu-
ating in i8go with the degree of Bachelor
of Laws. He then taught school in Blue
Point, Long Island, for a time, and has since
been appointed School Commissioner of the
second district of Schoharie County, succeed-
ing Thomas K. P'inegan. He has held the
office since January i, 1893, and is regarded
as one of the most efficient officers in educa-
tional work in this section of the State. He
has fillet! in his leisure moments studying law,
and was admitted to the bar in March, 1899.
's^OSKl'H PUTMAN, who cultivates a
productive farm in Rotterdam, .Sche-
nectady County, N.\'. , was born in this
town May 3, 1833, son of Aaron and Nancy
(Hagerman) Putman. His father was born
here in 1805, and his grandfather, John Put-
man, was among the early residents. His
great-grandfather, Aaron Putman, first, who
came from Holland, settled in Rotterdam as a
pioneer. All of the above-named ancestors
were industrious farmers.
Aaron Putman, second, son of John, im-
[jroved the farm which his son Joseph now
owns, and was one of the able farmers of his
day. In politics he acted with the Republican
party, and was a Justice of the Peace for sev-
eral years. He was a member of the Dutch
Reformed church, and an earnest advocate of
temperance. He died at the age of seventy-
si.x )'ears. Nancy Hagerman Putman, his
wife, was a native of Amsterdam, N. Y, and
the locality in that town known as Hagerman's
Mills was named for her father. Of her chil-
dren two are living, namel\' : John A. Putman,
a real estate dealer in Brookhn; and Joseph,
the subject of this sketch. 'Phe others were :
Dr. P'rancis D. Putman, who died at the age
of twenty-three; Maggie V. Hagerman, who
dieil November 19, 1875; Klizabeth, who be-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
167
came Mrs. Sauter, and died in 1897; Ernes-
tus H., who died at tiie age of ten years; and
two children who died in infancy. The
mother lived to be eighty- two years old.
Joseph Putman acquired his education in the
schools of Rotterdam and Syracuse. When
thirteen years old he made himself useful
about the farm, and after completing his stud-
ies he gave his entire attention to farming at
the homestead. At the time of his marriage
he began to work the farm on shares, and he
continued to do so until his father's death,
when he purchased the interest of the other
heirs. He owns one hundred and twenty-five
acres of desirably located land, which afford
excellent opportunities for both tillage and
pasturage, and, aside from raising the usual
crops, he disposes of the milk of from fifteen
to twenty cows.
On September 10, 1862, Mr. Putman was
joined in marriage with Martha E. Shufelt,
who was born in Rotterdam, September 6,
1840. Her parents, George and Pauline
(Britton) Shufelt, are not living. Her father
was a prosperous farmer. Mrs. Putman is the
mother of two daughters — Purlie and Minnie,
both of whom reside with their parents. Pur-
lie married Van D. Sager, a building contrac-
tor, and has one son, Clinton Sager, who was
born June 22, 1892. Minnie is the wife of
George H. Putman, an employee at the Edison
Electric Works, Schenectady, and has one son,
Joseph W. , who was born January 9, 189S.
Although taking a lively interest in town
affairs, and supporting at the polls the candi-
dates for local positions whom he considers
most desirable, Mr. Putman has never cared to
hold i)ublic office himself. In national elec-
tions he acts with the Republican party. He
is sincerely respected for his sterling integrity
and high moral chai"acter. He is a member of
the Reformed church.
^OHN B. KNIFFEN, late a leading hop-
gr-ower of Middleburg, N. Y. , and, at
the time of his death, on January 25,
1899, the only hop-buyer with an office in the
town, was born at New Baltimore, Greene
County, on Jidy 5, 1S35. H<2 "^^'^s ^ ■''"" of
John and Sophia (Ci'ook) Kniffen, and de-
scended from a line of agriculturists sprung
from English stock. His first ancestor in this
country came from England to a farm in New
Jersey. His grandfather Kniffen removed
from New Jersey to this State in early man-
hood, and spent the remainder of his life in
New Baltimoi-c, where he died in extreme old
age, lacking only three years of having reached
a full century.
John Kniffen, father of John B., was born
in New Baltimore, and was there educated in
the public schools. He was reared to a
farmer's life, but also did some work at the
stone cutter's trade. Although strong and
healthy, with every prospect of a long life, he
was stricken dcjwn in the fulness of manhood,
and died at the age of fifty-three from ty[)hoid
fever. He was a zealous member of the Meth-
odist F^piscopal church, one of the trustees of
the society, and for many years a class leader.
He was a noted exhorter and a powerful man
1 68
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
in prayer. His wife, So])hia, who died at the
age of seventy-six, was also a lifelon<; and ac-
tive Methodist. She was the motiier of four
sons and live dauglUers, and of these nine cliil-
dren the subject of this sl<etch was the latest
survivor.
Jolm B. Kiiiffen received a practical educa-
tion in tlie pidjlic schools, and durinj;- vacation
time worked on his father's farm, where he
learned the art of successful farming. At
eighteen years of age he came to Middleburg,
where until he reached his majority he worked
by the month on farms, and at the same time
made arrangements so that he was enabled to
attend school iluring the winter. At the age
of twenty-one he purchased a farm of some
forty acres, which formed the nucleus of his
later splendid property of over three hundred
acres. As a farmer he was very successful ;
and he and his son, who was in business with
liim for a number of years, were looked upon
as two of the most progressive agriculturists in
this legion. The Kniffen estate embraces
jjractically two farms, both of which arc in a
high state of cultivation. All the buildings
on the farm upon which he lived, and also the
house wdiere his son lives, were built by Mr.
Kniffen. In iS6o he began the culture of
lops in a small wa}', being among
the first
here to engage in that enterprise. He con-
stantly increased the scale of his o])erati()ns,
and in his later years had some fifty acres de-
voted to hop-growing, producing annually some
one hundred and twenty-five bales of hops. In
1880 he began Iniying hojis, and fiom that
time on he was interested with Cliarlcs S.
May, wlio is proprietor of one of tlie largest
hop markets in Albany. Mr. Kniffen was the
first man in Middleburg to become a buyer,
and he was latterly, as before mentioned, the
only one in town who had an office. He
raised grain of different kinds on his farm.
Mr. Kniffen was married in 1S55 to Tabitha
Wormer, a native of Middleburg, and daughter
of John Wormer, a successful and ]irominent
farmer of this jjlace. Of the four sons and
four daughters born of this union, seven chil-
dren are living, namely: I']mer\- \\'., who was
in business with his father; luskine; Mstella;
Amoretta; Kvchn ; Frank; and lilliot. I''r-
skine, who married Molly ]5owman, is in the
insurance business connected with the Mutual
Reserve Friend Association. Estella is the
wife of Luther Jackson, overseer of the North
Shore Road at .South Schenectady, and is tlie
mother of seven children — John, h'lora,
I""rank, Harry, Claude, Clarence, and I^'ord,
who is deceaseil. Aniorctta married Charles
D. Mitchell, who is in a shoe factory at I5ing-
hamton. They have a family of three chil-
dren— by name, lielle, Clifford, and I'^orrest.
Evelyn is the wife of Clarence McHain, a
member of the firm of Bassler & Co., of Mid-
dleburg, and she is the mother of four children
— Nellie, John, Louisa, and Alice Leona.
Frank, who also is a farmer and was interested
in business with his father, married Dora
Crosby, and has one daughter, Delia. Flliot
Kniffen resides near the old home, and is in-
terested in bee culture, in poultry raising, and
in general farming. He married lilla \'an
Voras.
CEORGE \V. IJKI.LIXCKR.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
169
In politics Mr. Kniffen was a stanch Demo-
crat. He was a member of Middleburg
Lodge, No. 66t,, V. & A. M., with which he
had l3een connected for twenty years, and he
was buried with Masonic honors. He fol-
lowed the religious faith of which his father
was so devoted a disciple, and was one of the
strong men in the Methodist church at Middle-
burg. He was a member of it for forty years,
and his wife and nearly all of his children are
members. At the time the new church edifice
was erected, Mr. Kniffen contributed a thou-
sand dollars toward its construction.
/3)eORGE W. BELLINGER, editor and
V|^J_ publisher of the Cobleskill Iitdcx at
Cobleskill, N.Y., was born in this town, De-
cember 18, 1843. His father, George Bel-
linger, was born, bred, and educated in
Seward, Schoharie County, where he worked
at farming until sixteen years old, and then
learned the blacksmith's trade. When ready
to establish himself permanently, George Bel-
linger came to Cobleskill, and was here indus-
triously employed at his trade until his death,
June 26, 1867. He married Miss Caroline
Shafer, a daughter of Jacob Shafer, a prosper-
ous farmer of this town, and a descendant of
one of its earlier pioneers. Two children
were born of their union; namely, George W.,
and a child that died when young. The
mother is still living in Cobleskill.
George \V. Bellinger received a practical
education in the public schools of his district.
Having become interested in the subject of
photography when a young man, he had an
opportunity to learn the art in 1865, when Mr.
Oswald Burnett opened the first regular studio
in the town on the third floor of the building
now occupied by Charles H. Schaffer. Mr.
Bellinger proved an apt pupil, and in a short
time bought out his employer. Being a man
of enterprise and good business ability, well
endowed with artistic talent, he met with e.\-
'cellent success, and, having gained a wide
reputation for superior skill, he won an exten-
sive and lucrative patronage in this and sur-
rounding town.s. Removing to the present
site of the dental parlors of Dr. L. T. Browne,
he there carried on his work until the fire of
1873, which destroyed all of his equipments.
The following month Mr. Bellinger em-
barked in a new career. He bought the
Cobleskill Index, which was established in
1865 by William H. Week and the Hon.
Henry E. Abel, and during the twenty-six
years that this paper has since been under his
management be has kept it in a leading posi-
tion among the local journals of Schoharie
County. It has been greatly enlarged, its cir-
culation increased fourfold, and its subscrip-
tion rate reduced from a dollar and a half to
one dollar per year. Through its columns he
has been a strong advocate of all movements
tending to benefit the community, and has ren-
dered valuable aid to the Democratic party by
his sound and stirring editorials. He has also
been influential in establishing different organ-
izations in the locality, among them being the
Cobleskill Agricultural Society, ft)rnied in
1876, largely by his personal efforts and his
lyo
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
"talks" on the subject in the Index. Mr.
Bellinger was a member of this association's
board of management from its inception to the
year 1S9S, and during a like period he served
without salary as its secretary.
He has also been secretary and treasurer of
the Cobleskill Rural Cemetery Association six
years, and has served two terms as one of the
village trustees. He is i)rominently connected
with the I'arniers' and Merchants' Bank, of
which he was one of the ])rojectors, as a mem-
ber of the finance committee, and is president
of the Schoharie and Otsego Mutual l'"ire In-
surance Company. In politics he has always
been a loyal Democrat.
In the year 1871 Mr. Bellinger niairied
Miss Minnie Moulton, the only daughter of
the Hon. F. P. Moulton, an able and influen-
tial citizen of Montgomery County. Mr. and
Mrs. Bellinger have two children, namely:
Vernon M., teller in the Farmers' and Mer-
chants' Bank ; and Maud S.
"1:RBI:RT KIPP, general merchant and
proprietor of the Kipp House, Le.\-
ington, Greene County, N. Y. , was
b(jrn in this town March 6, 1852, son of Isaac
antl Nancy (Van Heusen) Kipji. He is of
Dutch descent. Isaac Kipp, first, his great-
grandfather, was a pioneer settler of Dutchess
County, New York. Benjamin Kipp, son of
Isaac, first, resided in Dutchess County until
twenty-one years old, when he came to Greene
County. The trades of a carjicnter and mill-
wright, which he had previously learned, he
followed in this locality for twenty years, or
until 1802, when he purchased a farm in Lex-
ington. Here he resided until his death,
which occurred in 1837, at the age of si.\ty
years. He married Sally Noyes, a native of
New Jersey, and became the father of eleven
children. The survivors of this family are:
Isaac, second; and Harriet, who married a Mr.
Jones, of Hartford, Conn. Mrs. Sally N.
Kipp died at the age of seventy-one years.
Isaac Kipp, second, father of Herbert, was
born in this town, Ajiril 12, 1818. He fol-
lowed farming on the homestead until 1S50,
when he went to California, and was fairly
successful in the gokl mines on the middle
fork of the American River. After spending
a \-ear there, he returned to Lexington, and re-
mained on the home farm until 1858, when he
made a trip to Pike's Peak. In 1877 he opened
the general store now carried on by his .son,
and under the firm name of 1. Kijip & Son
conducted a profitable enteriirise until 1887,
when he disposed of his interest and went to
Nebraska. The next five years he spent ujion
a farm in that State, and then he once more
returned to his native town, where he is now
residing with liis son. In politics he is a
Democrat. He was .Sujiervisor two terms, and
he acted as a Justice of the Peace forty years.
He is a member and a trustee of the Baptist
church. His wife, Nancy, was a native of
Lexington, daughter of Cornelius Van Heu-
sen, a farmer. She died at the age of sixty
years, having been the mother of six children.
The five now living are: Mary, who married
William II. Mosher, of South Dakota; C. L.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Kipp, who is Postmaster at Lexington; Her-
bert, the subject of this sketch ; Jennie, who
married R. L. Hogaboom ; and Edwin L.
Kipp.
Herbert Kipp was educated in the schools
of Lexington and at Eastman's Business Col-
lege, Poughkeepsie. He worked on the home
farm and also had charge of a stage route until
1876, when he went to Illinois and spent one
year. In 1S77 he, in company with his
father, engaged in general mercantile business
in Lexington, and the partnership continued
until 18S7, when he bought the elder Kipp's
interest. For the next two years he was asso-
ciated with his brother, C. L. Kipp, and since
1889 he has conducted the establishment
alone. He occupies two floors, the main store
being thirty by fort}' feet, with an annex forty
by twelve feet, and carries a full line of gro-
ceries, boots, shoes, hats, caps, hardware, flour,
grain, drugs, carpets, oil cloths, dry goods,
notions, and other articles of general merchan-
dise. In connection with his mercantile busi-
ness he conducts the Kipp House, a favorite
summer resort, accommodating fifty guests.
In 1 88 1 Mr. Kipp was united in marriage
with Miss Mary F. Jones, of Jewett, daughter
of Benjamin Jones, a farmer, who resides with
a son, and is now ninety years old. Mr. and
Mrs. Kipp arc the parents of three children —
Pearl, Clara May, and Ralph.
Politically, Mr. Kipp acts with the Demo-
cratic party. He was Postmaster under Cleve-
land's first administration four years, held the
same office three years during President Harri-
son's, administration, and was Supervisor one
term. He is a member of the Knights of
Pythias. Mr. and Mrs. Kipp attend the Bap-
tist church.
OHN H. FRANCE, the representative
of a pioneer family of Seward, Scho-
harie County, has a well-improved farm
located on the road to the Seward Depot, about
six miles from Cobleskill and two miles from
the village of Hyndsville. He was born in
Seward, March 30, 1S34, and this town was
also the birthplace of his father, Peter France
— or Uncle Peter, as he was familiarly known.
Tracing the line back to the great-grand-
father, we find a Revolutionary patriot, of
whom and his family this story is told:
While he was off at Schoharie defending the
fort, his sons, Henry and John, who had re-
mained at home, were taken prisoners. John
was killed; but Henry, the grandfather of the
subject of this sketch, fortunately escaped from
his captors, and after lying in the woods for a
day or two made his way home.
Henry France came to Seward in Colonial
days, while yet a young man, and took up a
tract of unbroken land in the depths of the for-
est. A few years later he removed to an ad-
joining farm, and was there engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits until his death, at the age of
fourscore and eight years. He united with
the Lutheran church in early manhood, but
was afterward an active member of the Meth-
odist church. He was interested in the cause
of temperance, and through his influence the
use of liquor in the harvest field was abolished.
>7 =
BIOGRArillCAL REVIEW
II is wife bore him fourteen children, one of
whom is now living — Gilbert, a farmer in
Seward.
Peter France spent his life of seventy-four
years in Seward, receiving his education in the
district school, and on the home farm acquir-
ing a practical knowledge of agriculture. On
leaving the parental roof he purchased land at
Sewartl Vallc\-, then known as Neeley Hollow,
where he spent some years. Selling that he
bought the estate on which his son, John U.,
now resides, and from that time until his death
was prominently identified with the agricult-
ural interests of this part of the town. Pos-
sessing a good fund of general information,
and being a man f)f s(jund judgment, he was
often called upon for counsel and advice, and
his opinions were always respected. In poli-
tics he affiliated with the Democrats prior to
the Rebellion, but after that time was a stanch
Republican. Iniluential in local affairs, he
served as Overseer of the Poor and as High-
way Commissioner for several years. His
wife, Elizabeth Diefendorf, was born at Frey's
15ush, Montgomery County, N. Y. , one of the
twelve children of a jiioneer farmer, John Die-
fendorf. Both parents united with the Meth-
odist church when young, and as true Chris-
tians exemplified its teachings in their tlaily
lives, l^oth were active in church work, the
father being class leader of the Seward Valley
church society for many years, and their hosiji-
lable home was ever open to the ministers of
the circuit. They reared three children, as
follows: John H., the subject of this sketch;
Fmeline, wife of Sylvester Rewland, of Mnr-
risville, N.Y. ; and Louisa. The latter, who
died October 17, 1S92, after many years of
illness, was wife of the late Norman Ottman,
a graduate of the Normal School. Mr. Ott-
man was for some years a teacher in Seward,
and afterward was here engaged as a merchant
until the breaking out of the Civil War. En-
listing then as a private in Colonel Plllsworth's
regiment, the One Hundred and Forty-fourth
New York Volunteer Infantr\', he went bravely
forth to serve his country, and was killed in
battle.
John H. France receivetl a gootl common
school education, and till he was twenty-five
years of age assisted his father in farming.
Then taking the farm on shares, he carried it
on successfully until the death of his father,
when the whole estate of one hundred and
twenty acres came into his possession. He
has since continued in his chosen vocation,
and besides harvesting excellent crojis of hay
and grain each season he has raised large quan-
tities of hops, a staple product of this region.
He keeps about fifteen Jersey and Durham
cows, and makes a fine quality of butter, with
which he supplies private customers in Troy
and -Albany. His farm is well equi|iped with
modern machinery and implements for carrving
on his work; and the buildings, wbich were
nearly all erected by his father, are kc|)t in
fine repair.
Mr. P^rance is a Repul)lican in ixilitics, and
has served as Inspector of hllections in his
town. lie is a charter member of the local
organization of fiood Templars, and also of
the Seward Grange, P. of H., in which he has
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
17^
held all the offices up to Master. In the
former society he was for several years the
Chaplain. One of the most active and influ-
ential members of the Methodist church, he
materially assisted in building the new house
of worship of this denomination, and in remod-
elling the old one at Seward Valley. He was
the first child christened in the first frame
church edifice erected in this jjart of the coun-
tr)-, and having joined the church at the age of
sixteen, he is now, with but few e.vceptions,
the oldest member of this locality. He has
been trustee and class leader, and was for a
number of years chorister of the Methodist
Episcopal choir, in which he and his children
sang. Since a boy of fourteen he has been
connected with the Sunday-school as pupil,
teacher, or superintendent, having held the
latter position three terms, and during the
past five years has had charge of the ladies'
Bible class.
Mr. France has been twice married. On
June 12, 1855, was solemnized his union with
Orpha Diefendorf. She was born in Seward,
a daughter of George Diefendorf, and was one
of fourteen children ; namely, Susan, Sylvester,
Jacob, Henrietta, Salina, Jane, Judson, (.)rpha,
Sophronia, Peter, Abraham, Wealthy, Rensse-
laer, and Nancy. She died at the age of
thirty-four years, leaving five children, of
whom the following is a brief record : Clarence
I.., a skilful farmer and able business man of
Cobleskill, married Allie I'v.ose, and has three
children — Anson, Grace, and Harry; luriory
died at the age of four years; Welton, a farmer
in Seward, married Clara Hevener, and has
four children — Ezra, Sadie, Norman, and
Hattie; Allie May, wife of Charles Sutpheii,
a farmer near Richmondville, has three chil-
dren— John, Emma, and Orpha; Lizzie mar-
ried Jacob Van Woert, a son of the Rev. Jacob
Van Woert, formerly pastor of the Dutch Re-
formed church. Her husband, who for several
years was an instructor in the Cobleskill High
Schonl, died at the age of twenty-five years,
leaving her with two children — Dora D. and
Jacob H. She now lives with her father.
On June 27, 1869, Mr. France married Mrs.
Sarah Wigley, who was born at Fonda, Mont-
gomery County, N. Y. , a daughter of Frederick
Dockstaden, a farmer. By her first husband,
Gilbert Wigley, she has one child, William
Wigley, who is a fireman on the New York
Central Railway. He married Ella Card, and
has had three children — Willie, Bernice, and
Byron, the last two being deceased.
LEXANDER MacMILLEN, one of the
most influential citizens of Carlisle,
Schoharie County, was born in
Bethlehem, Albany County, N.Y., on October
4, 1842, son of James and Ellen N. (Waldron)
MacMilJen. His great-grandfather MacMillen
was a Scotch emigrant who settled in Alban_\'.
His grandfather, who i^esided in New Scot-
land, N. Y. , died there at eighty-si.x years of
age. He was a farmer and a leading politi-
cian among the old time Whigs. He occupied
prominent civil offices, such as those of Super-
visor and Ccdlector, and was one of the active
and influential members of the Presbyterian
'74
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
cluiich. He had a family of ele\cn children,
seven sons and four daughters, all of whom are
now deceased. They were: John, Andrew,
James, Henry, Alexander, William, Aaron,
Mary, Nancy, Catherine, and one whose name
is not remembered. Of these, James, father
of Alexander MacMillen, was the onh' one that
settled in this county. Most of these brothers
were Republicans politically, and were asso-
ciated with the Presbyterian church. James,
however, was a Methodist. He was a quiet,
conservative man, thoroughly well-informed on
the topics of the day. He left his childhood's
home at about fourteen years of age, and a
number of years after his marriage he came to
Carlisle and bought the farm where his son
Alexander, then eight years old, now lives.
It was then known as the Henr)' Best farm.
It contained, originally, a hundred acres, but
since it came into possession of its present
owner it has been enlarged by the addition of
twenty acres. James MacMillen was married
three times, and had two children — Alexander
antl William. The latter enlisted in the
northern army when under the age of the draft-
mark, saw gallant service at Fairfax Court-
house, and subsequently died of typhoid fever.
He had i)reviously worked with his father on
the farm; and his death, while a severe shock
to all his family, was especially affecting to
his father.
Alexander MacMillen is the leading Repub-
lican in Carlisle, and one of the most ])romi-
ncnt in the county. Somewhat singular is the
fact that he has attended only two caucuses in
his whole life. Three times he has been Su-
pervisor of Carlisle, being the secoml Repub-
lican in this strongly Democratic town to hold
that office, the other Republican holding
it for only one term. Though a member of
the minority party, he met with defeat only
once or twice, and then by no larger majority
than twenty. He has served for many years
on the Republican county committee. Mr.
MacMillen is the largest land-owner in town,
and the wealthiest citizen of Carlisle. For
the last twenty-eight years he has been a suc-
cessful hop-grower, probably making a greater
success of that industr\- than any other farmer
in the locality. About a hundred acres of his
farm are cleared land, and in addition to his
hop crops he has raised general produce. He
formerly owned three other farms, which had
come to him through the foreclosures of mort-
gages, but these he has now dis])osed of. He
is the largest tax-pa\er in Carlisle. Mr. Mac-
Millen was a stockholder in the old bank at
Cobleskill, and is a charter member, stock-
holder, and director in the new bank. He
owns fifty shares, the largest number owned by
one man. Mr. MacMillen and his wife are
among the strongest sujiporters of the Meth-
odist church in this ])lace, and both sing in
the clioir. Mrs. MacMillen is a member of
the church, and an active worker in the Sun-
day-school, in which she has been a teacher
for man}- years. When the Christian En-
deavor .Society was starleil here, she became
its president.
The maiden name of Mrs. MacIMillen, who
was married in 1S64, was P>cline Hraclt, and
she is a daughter of William Bratit, deceased.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
'75
formerly a farmer of Cobleskill. Her paternal
grandfather, who came hither from Albany
County, cleared the farm and built the house
now standing on it. Her grandfather, James
Boughton, who lived to the advanced age of
ninety years, was the leading man in the Pres-
byterian church at Carlisle, and in his last
years he sat in one of the chairs inside the
altar rail. Mrs. MacMillen's father was a
member of the Dutch Reformed church. He
had a family of four children. Mr. and Mrs.
MacMillen have one child, William A., who
since attending the Albany Business College
has been in business with his father. He
married Ada Dockstader, and has one son,
Irvin A.
'RANK AKELEY, dealer in general
merchandise at West Fulton, was born
here on October 20, 185 1, his parents being
James and Sally J. (Shutts) Akeley.
James Akeley, who was born in January,
1 812, came to this town in 1840, and settled
on a fine farm of about two hundred acres, near
what is now his son's store, and here he re-
mained engaged in agriculture until his death
in 1861, at about the age of fifty. His wife,
Sally, survived him many years, and died in
February, 1898. She was the daughter of
John Shutts, of Greenville, Greene County,
a lifelong and prominent farmer, and also a
veterinary surgeon. Iler mother was of Con-
necticut birth. Mr. and Mrs. Shutts had a
family of four children. Of these the only
survivor is Mrs. Salome Hart, who resides
near Greenville. Seven children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. James Akeley, and all are liv-
ing. They are : Edgar, w-ho resides at Coble-
skill; Emily, who is the wife of William
Richards; Dr. John S., who is a physician in
Ravena, Albany County; Martin A., who is
County Clerk of Schoharie County; Lorenzo,
farmer and Supervisor (1899) ; Frank, the sub-
ject of this sketch; and Mary J., who married
John Hinds, of Greenville. Both parents at-
tended the Methodist church.
Mr. Frank Akeley, after obtaining his educa-
tion in the common .schools of his native vil-
lage and at the Normal School at Albany,
taught school for a while. In 1871 he went to
work in the store of M. B. Fellows, situated
opposite his present place of business, and
there remained until 1875, when he went to
New York for a short time. Later in the
same year he returned, and began teaching the
school at West F'ulton. During the farming
season of that year, 1876, he worked for si.x
months on a farm, but in the fall- taught school
at Fulton. Not long after he bought his pres-
ent building, and since that time he has had
a prosperous career as a merchant. He carries
a large stock of goods, including groceries,
boots and shoes, dry goods, ready-made cloth-
ing, underwear, glassware and hardware, patent
medicines, and, to some extent, farming im-
plements. A gradual increase of stock has
made it necessary for him to have enlarged
quarters; and, since starting, he has opened a
second floor, so that he has now an exceedingly
well-equi|5ped business.
In politics Mr. Akeley is a Republican.
176
BIOGRAPHICAL RFA'IEW
For a time he served as Assistant Postmaster.
He was married in iSSi to Klniina Zeli, a na-
ti\e of Hreakabeen, and daughter of Adam and
Nancy (Shafer) Zeh. Mr. Zeh was a lifelong
farmer. He had four children. After his
death his widow married a second time. Mr.
and Mrs. Akeley have one child, Hazel, who
is at school. Mr. Akeley has .served on the
county committee. He is liberal in religious
views, and believes in dealing with unques-
tionable honesty in all his business transac-
tions.
i:\'. CHARLES WADSWORTH
I'lTCHER, pastor of the Reformed
Dutch church at Middleburg,
Schoharie County, is one of the most able,
progressive, and popular clergymen of his de-
nomination and a highly esteemed citizen.
He was born March 2, 1S49, near Cohoes,
Albany County, a son of the Rev. William
Pitcher, whose birthplace was Red Hook,
Dutchess County, N.Y. His paternal grand-
father, who was an officer in the War of 1S12,
was a prosperous farmer and an extensive land-
holder at L'piier Red Llook, where he died at
the advanced age of fourscore years. His
wife, Catherine Kipp, also attained a ripe old
age. Both were members of the Dutch Re-
formed Church of Upper Red Hook. They
had five children, none of whom are now^
living.
The Rev. William Pitcher was reared on the
home farm, and obtained his elementary educa-
tion in the district school.s. He .subsequently
studied at Williams College and Princeton
Seminary. He began his professional life as
pastor of a Dutch Reformed church at Jackson,
N.Y. ; and three years later he assumed charge
of the " ]5oght " church at Watervliet, three
miles from the village of Cohoes. After a
faithful service of thirteen years in that place
he accepted a call to South Branch, Somerset
County, N.J., where a church, .sniLilI in num-
bers, had been but a short time organized. He
labored there twenty-seven years, a long and
successful pastorate, in which he built up a
flourishing society. Going then to Greenwich,
W'ashington County, N.Y. , he there lived in
retirement until his demise, at the age of
seventy-three years. He was a gifted speaker,
a sermonizer of especial note; and many of his
pulpit discourses, published in book form,
were forcible exponents of his theological be-
lief. A man of strong personality and unusual
sweetness of character, he led a pure. Chris-
tian life, and in a rare degree won the love
and esteem of all with w^hom he came in con-
tact. He was three times married. JHs first
wife, Mary Ann Wadsworth, died in young
womanhood, leaving one son, De Wilt Pitcher,
now a book-keeper in Hudson, N. \'. His
second wife, Jane I".. Wadsworth, sister to his
first wife, was born at Bantam Falls, Litch-
field County, Conn., a daughter of Henry
Wadsworth, a prosperous merchant. She was
a sister of the Rev. Charles Wadsworth, D. D. ,
of Philadelphia, and James L. Wadsworth,
who is now living retired from active [uirsuits
in Darien, Conn. Of the children born of
this union two are now living, namely:
Charles W. , the special subject of this sketch;
CHARLES \V. ITICHKR
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
179
and Jane E., wife of \V. B. Warner, a photog-
rapher at Northport, Long Island. The mother
died at the age of thirty-six years, and the
father subsequently married Mary Ann McLean.
The Rev. Charles W. Pitcher received his
elementary education in the public schools of
South Branch, N.J., which be left at the age
of si.xteen years to go to New York City,
where he was clerk in a jewelry store and in a
dry-goods store for four }ears. He then con-
tinued his studies at a select school in Ne-
.shanic, N.J. , and at Rutgers Grammar School
in New Bnmswick, which he attended two
years, and after that at Rutgers College four
years and at the theological seminary two
years. On January 26, 1S76, having pre-
viously been licensed to preach by the Newark
Congregational Association, he was ordained
to the ministry at Randolph, N. Y. , and at
once took charge of the weak and struggling
society, which in 1883 he left in a most flour-
ishing condition, it ha\-ing doubled numeri-
cally and financially under his efificient labors.
The ensuing four years he was pastor of the
church at Stanton, N.J., which under his
guidance was wonderfully re\'ived, large num-
bers being added to the organization, which
increased in usefulness each year, and, accord-
ing to the stated clerk of the classis to which
it belongs, reached the highest degree of pros-
perity in its history. From 1887 until 1891
Mr. Pitcher had charge of the Kirkpatrick Me-
morial Church at Ringoes, N.J., where his
efforts were again blessed with success. Under
his fervent and eloquent preaching of the
gospel, great interest was awakened ; and, dur-
ing a great revi\-al that followed, sixty mem-
bers w-ere added to the church in one Sunda}',
forty of the converts being baptized that da)'.
Coming from there to Middleburg, he has
here been exceedingly prospered in his relig-
ious work, the church having grown as regards
both its membership and its influence. A
faithful and conscientious worker in the Mas-
ter's \'ine)ard, he has not only endeared him-
self to his immediate parishioners, but has won
the respect of the entire community.
On July 14, 1875, Mr. Pitcher was married
to Anna M., daughter of Abraham and Ann E.
(Naylor) Amerman. Her parents were natives
and lifelong residents of Somerset County,
New Jersey, where the mother died when
sixty years old, and the father, who was a
prominent citizen of South Branch, a miller
and merchant, died at the age of threescore
and ten years. Mrs. Pitcher is one of a fam-
ily of four children, all of whom are li\'ing,
the other three being: Theodore; Elizabeth,
wife of Abraham S. Beekman ; and Louisa,
wife of H. V. D. \'an Liew. Mr. and Mrs.
Pitcher have had two children, namely: Le
Roy, wlio li\-ed but nine months; and Anna
Lee. Mrs. Pitcher, a woman of culture, is a
thorough musician, being a talented singer and
a fine pianist. While at Ringoes she was
leader of the church choir, the organist in the
Sunday-school, and one of its corps of teachers.
She is a very acti\-e member of the church and
of its \-arious societies, belonging to the Chris-
tian Endeavor, the Ladies' Missionary Society,
the Ladies' Aid Society, and the Woman's
Christian Temperance Union. .She is presi-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
(lent of the Woman's CLissical Union of Scho-
harie County.
The Dutcli Reformed Church of Middlc-
burg is, with possibly an exception in Al-
bany and Schenectady, the oldest society and
worshipping in the oldest building in this part
of the State. This house of worship was
built in i/cSf), and has since been kept in ex-
cellent repair. The funds for its erection were
collected by committees sent through the colo-
nies for the purpose, the struggling little so-
ciety here, organized about 1730, being too
poor to give much toward it. The meetings
were probabl)- held in |)ri\Mte houses or barns
until a small frame builtling was put up for its
accommodation in 1732. That building, ac-
cording to Roscoe, was dedicated in 1737. It
was burned with the village on October 17,
1780, and six years latei' replaced by the pres-
ent edifice, in which the first sermon was
preached November 18, 1787, the Rev. George
W. Schneider being the minister. From the
time of the first regularly ordained minister of
the church, Ilendrick Hager, who was settled
in 1713, the following have held pastorates:
I'"red Hager, 1720; John Jacob Ehle, 1730;
Reinhardt Krickson, 1732; Michael Weiss,
U5^< Johannes Schuyler, 1736-55; John
Mauiitius Goetschius, 1757-60; Abram Rosc-
knintz, 1760-65; Johannes Schuyler, 1766-79;
Rynicr Van Nest, 1780-85; George W.
Schneider, 1785-88; J. C. Hoeffei, 1788-97;
Rynier \'an Nest, 1797-1S04; David Devoe,
1S12-15; John T. Schcrmeihorn, 1S16-27;
John Garrctsnn, 1827-33; J- I^- Steele, 1834-
38; Joshua l'ii)\(l, 1840-42; L. Messereau,
1842-45; Jacob West, 1846-52; I. M. See,
1852-54; E. Vedder, 1855-63; W. V..
I^ogardus; J. S. Scott, D. ])., 1865-70;
S. W. Roe, ]). U., 1871-76; J. D. Gardner,
1876-80; E. N. Sebring, 1880-S5; D. K.
Van Doren, 1885-90; and the Rev. Charles
W. Pitcher, 1891.
;J^()1IN A, El'RGUSON, one of the best-
known farmers in Duanesburg, N.V.,
was born in Princetown, in the same
county, Schenectad)', January 24, 1822, son of
Duncan and Hannah Ferguson. The parents
were natives of Princetown, and the paternal
grandparents, John and Janet Ferguson, were
natives of Scotland. John Ferguson emi-
grated |3rior to the Revolution, and he ser\-e(l
as a soldier in that struggle. He was an
early settler in Princetown, where he tilled the
soil industriously for the rest of his active
period, being one of the ]irogressi\c farmers
of his tla)-. He and his wife lived to a good
old age.
Duncan Ferguson, the father, was a lifelong
resident of Princetown, and for man\- years he
carried on general farming with prosperous
results. In politics he was at one time a
Whig, and later a Republican. His family
consisted of eight cliildren, two of wliom are
lix'ing, naniel}-: John A., the suliject of this
sketch ; and Duncan Ferguson, wlio resides at
the homestead in Princetown. The others
were: Thomas, Robert, Daniel, Jeanette, Ann,
and Mary. The father lived to be eighty-two
)ears old, and the mother died at about
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
iSi
seventy-eight years old. They were members
of the Presbyterian church.
John A. Ferguson was educated in the dis-
trict schools of Princetown. In 1S43, when
twenty-one years old, he bought his first real
estate, consisting of a farm of one hundred
and fifty-five acres in Duanesburg, where he
has since resided, and he is now the owner of
other valuable lands. For a few years he was
engaged in mercantile business at Esperance,
Schoharie County; but general farming has
been his chief occupation, and aside from
growing the usual field and garden products of
this locality, he raises cattle and sheep.
Jn 1844 Mr. Ferguson was joined in mar-
riage with Elizabeth Humphrey, who was born
in Charlestown, Montgomery County, in 1823,
daughter of William Humphrey. Two daugh-
ters, Almira and Delia A., were born of this
union, which lasted a little more than fifty
years. Mrs. Ferguson died February i, 1895.
Mr. Ferguson's farm contains substantial
buildings. He is still cultivating it, and
under his careful treatment it is made to yield
large crops. His easy circumstances are the
result of patient industry, and he possesses
other excellent qualities which command the
respect of all who know him. Politicalh', he
acts with the Republican party. In his relig-
ious belief he is a Presbyterian.
AVID ENDERS, a prominent and
well-to-do resident of Esperance
township, N.Y. , was born at Scho-
harie Junction, September 10, 1833, son "f
JB
Jacob P. and Eva (Kniskern) luiders. He is
of the fifth generation in descent from Bar-
drum Panders, who emigrated from Holland,
and, settling as a pioneer in this county, became
a large land-owner. A deed for twelve hundred
and seventy acres, now in the possession of Mr.
David Enders, was originally conveyed from
King George in 1729 to Augustus Van Cort-
land, who in turn transferred it to a person by
the name of Holland. The latter transferred
it to Mr. Dow, from whom it went to Bardrum
Enders and his descendants. John Enders,
son of Bardrum, reared a family of four chil-
dren, one being a son Peter, who served as a
soldier in the Revolutionary War. Peter len-
ders became the owner of all but one-seventh
of his grandfather Eardrum's property, and was
an extensive farmer. lie hatl a famil_\- of two
sons and si.x daughters, and among the latter
were: Maria, who married John Enders;
Christina, who married Joseph I. Borst ;
Nancy, who married Philip Deitz; and an-
other, who married Harmon Beecher. The
sons were: Peter I., and Jacob P., the father
of David.
Jacob P. Enders followed general farming
throughout the active ]5eriod of his life, and
like his predecessors was noted for his energ)-
and ability. He was a member of the Dutch
Reformed church, was kind-hearted and cliar-
itable, and his high character gave him consid-
erable influence with his fellow-townsmen. In
jiolitics he was a Democrat. He was the
father of nine children; namely, Peter, John,
David, the subject of this sketch, Maria,
Elizabeth, Christina, Eva, Katharine, and Ma-
l82
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
til(l:i. Of tlie (laughters four married. Peter
resides in Esperance; John, who lived on the
old homestead, was aceidentally killed by a
runawa\' Jiorse.
l)a\iil luiders received his education in the
district schools, at the Richmondville Acad-
emy, which was destroyed by fire some nine
weeks after its opening, and at the Schoharie
Acadeni)-, where his studies were comjjleted
under Professor l^riggs. He resided at home
until after his marriage, when he purchased a
piece of pro])erty known as Slingerland farm,
upon which he remaineil nine years, and then
removed to the farm where he now resides.
His homestead is considered one of the hand-
somest in Sloansville. He takes a keen inter-
est in the ach'ancement of the town, and as one
of its wealthiest and most public-spirited resi-
ilents his aid and influence are visible in all
measures instigated therefor. He served as
Railroad Commissioner for fifteen consecutive
years, or until the board was abolished. He
was elected to the Assembl\- in 1896, on the
Democratic ticket, and serwtl with abilit\'
upon the Committees on Interior Affairs, Vil-
lages, and Agriculture. His interest in pub-
lic affairs has in various ways proved beneficial
to the communit}', and his well-known persis-
tency is a sufficient guarantee that whatever he
undertakes will be successfull}' accomjilished.
This was recently demonstrated by the comple-
tion of a fine new bridge over the Schoharie
River at Sloansville, an improvement which
was strenuous])' opposed by many, but through
his instrumentality was finalh' built.
Mr. I'-nders married for his first wife Mary
E. Lark in, daughter of Daniel I.arkin. Two
children were the fruit of this marriage,
namely; Jacob, who died at the age of four
years; and Nancy. For his second wife he
married Emma Williams, daughter of Olaff
H. Williams.
Mr. Enders is a Master Mason, and belongs
to Schoharie Lodge, No. 492. In his relig-
ious belief he favors the Baptists, but contrib-
utes toward the support of other churches.
Mrs. Enders is a Lutheran.
iClLME]
:.MER E. KREIGER, proprietor of a
Jl well-known restaurant in Prattsville,
and a citizen prominently idcntifietl with the
public affairs of this town, was born in Ash-
land, X. v., March 7, 1861, son of lulward and
Mahala (Benjamin) Kreiger.
His father, who is a native of Germany, was
engaged in a revolutionary movement there
which resulted in his being obliged in 1S47 to
seek refuge in the United States. Locating
in Prattsville, he was in the employ of Smitli
& Ofler for five years, at the end of which time
he moved to Ashland, where for the succeeding
nine years he was engaged in farming. Next
corning to HuntersHeld, he continued to carry
on general fanning until uS'SS, when he re-
tired from active labor. He is now sevent)'-
five years old, and is residing in the village of
Prattsville. Mis first wife, Mahala, who was
a daughter of Josejih Benjamin, of Prattsville,
became the mother of four children, all of
whom grew to maturity. One son was acci-
dentally killed while gunning in 1893, at the
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
'83
age of thirty-four years. The living are:
Frank, who is residing on the farm in Hun-
tersfield; Kate, who married Merritt Alberti ;
aiid Elmer E., the special subject of this
sketch. Mrs. Mahala Kreiger died in 1863,
aged thirty-six years. Edward Kreiger mar-
ried for his second wife Mary Ham, by whom
he has one child, a son, who is residing in this
town.
Elmer E. Kreiger was educated in the ]nib-
lic schools. He remained at home until
twenty-two years old, when he became an as-
sistant on the Stanley Hall farm, and at the
end of one year was given the entire charge of
that property, which contains five hundred
acres. During his fourteen years as manager
of this establishment he met with good
financial results. After leaving Stanley Hall
he bought a farm of two hundred acres in the
town of Gilboa, which he sold to good ad\-an-
tage a year later, and, coming to Prattsville in
1894, he engaged in the restaurant business.
He was also quite an extensive speculator in
cattle prior to relinquishing agricultural pur-
suits, and in that business he became widely
known throughout this section of the State.
As a prominent Democrat he takes a lively in-
terest in political affairs, and is very popular
with his fellow-townsmen. He was elected to
the Board of Supervisors for the years 1893,
1S94, 1895, 1896, and 1S97 by a large major-
ity, and during those years he frequently acted
as temporary chairman of that body.
Mr. Kreiger is unmarried. He was made a
Mason at the age of twenty-two, and is now
Junior Warden and a trustee of the Blue
Lodge in this town. He is a director, and
superintendent of grounds, of the Prattsville
Agricultural and Horticultural Association,
and is always ready to assist in forwarding
public improvements. While not a church
member, he contributes toward the support of
the various denominations, and is in close
sympathy with the different moral and relig-
ious societies of the village.
OLONEL ALONZO FERGUSON,
1^ of Coblcskill, N.Y. , secretary of the
Schoharie and Otsego Mutual Fire
Insurance Company, and a veteran of the Civil
War, was born in the town of Nassau, Rensse-
laer County, this State, on March 19, 1820,
son of German and Pllizabeth (.SI iter) Fergu-
son. His parents were both natives of Nas-
sau. One of his great-grandfathers, a German
of the name of Sornberger, was a pioneer set-
tler of Dutchess County. His paternal grand-
father was Jeremiah Ferguson, and his mater-
nal grandfather, John SI iter, both of Nassau,
and the latter a Revolutionary soldier and
pensioner.
In 1826, about three years after the death
of his wife Elizabeth, which occurred when
their son Alonzo was only three and a half
years old, he came to Coblcskill. Here he
spent the rest of his life, and died at the age
of seventy-six. In religion he was a Meth-
odist.
Colonel Ferguson was only six years old
when his father came to Cobleskill. Here, up
to his fifteenth year, he received what little
iS4
lUOCJKArillCAI,
KVIKW
education the common schools of that day
afforded in winter, and in summer lie was em-
ployed on farm work. At the age of seventeen
he was ajiprcnticed to learn wagon-making, and
for the succeeding nine years he worked at that
trade. ;\t twenty-si.\ he entered a village
store at Carlisle as clerk, and there remained
for a year. In the spring of 1847 he became
a partner of the late Charles Courter at Coble-
skill, continuing the connection until 1851,
when he engaged in the hardware business at
Cobleskill on his own account. This he car-
ried on for foui' years, and at the end of that
time sold out to the late Charles H. Shaver.
In 1850 and 1851 he was Clerk of the town of
Cobleskill. In 1855 he removed to the city
of Buffalo, and in 1862 entered the government
service in the commissary department of the
army.
He was ordered to duty in Kentucky, and
followed the army to Pittsburg Landing.
Having contracted a fever, he was obliged to
reluin noilh about the first of June, but shortl}'
after was commissioned Adjutant by Governor
Morgan to organize the cjuota of the Twentieth
Senatorial District of New York under the call
of President Lincoln for three hundred thou-
sand \-olunteers, and he immediately reported
to Colonel Richard Franchot at Mohawk,
Herkimer County, where camp was estab-
lished. This was earl)- in July, 1862, and
on the twenty thiid of the following month the
One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment
went to the trout with one thousand and ten
men. A second regiment being needed to
com[iletc the quota, at the earnest request ol
the war committee, he was again assigned by
the governor to the task, and on October 15,
1862, the One Hundred and Fifty-second Reg-
iment was mustered into service, thus complet-
ing the enlistment of more than two thousand
men within the space of three months. Gov-
ernor Morgan commissioned him Lieutenant
Colonel of the One Hundred anil Fifty-second
Regiment, and on October 21 he left with his
command for the front. In January of the fol-
lowing year he was i>idnioted to the rank of
Colonel. He was with his regiment at the
siege of Suffolk, \'a., untler General Peck, in
April and May, iSfi^, and from there was or-
dered to the Peninsula, thence to Wa.shington,
and thence, in Jul)-, on to New York to sup-
press the draft j-iots. His was the fii-st volun-
teer regiment to arrive in that city. Order
being restored, he was directed by General
Canby, who was in command at New York, to
proceed to Schenectady and be present there
during the enforcement of the draft. He was
then ordered back to New York, where his
con-m-iaiid remained on tletachcd diU)' until Oc-
tobt-r, when he was ordered to join the second
corps of the Army of the Potomac. About the
first of December the Colonel was obliged to
resign on account of impaired health, not being
willing to renniiu in the service unless he
could i)erfoini active duty.
Returning North he engaged in business in
the city of New York, and subseqently in the
State of Florida. In 1876 he served as a
member of the .State Senate of Florida, being-
sent fi-oni tlie first disti-icl of that State. He
was at the capital when the arguments on the
A.XDKI'W J. XAXULKl'UKL.
BIOGRArHICAL REVIEW
1S7
Tilden and Hayes returns were made, knew the
officials who canvassed the returns, and learned
from the lips of the secretary of State all that
related to the question. Returning in 1S79 to
his old home, he here engaged in the hardware
business, but later sold out and started an in-
surance business. In this line he has been
very successful, having been agent for most of
the standard companies. In October, 1S95,
he organized the fire insurance company of
which he is now secretary. During his recent
residence here he has been chairman of the
Republican county committee for four years,
and for two years he was a member of the state
committee.
Colonel Ferguson was married in March,
1847, to Mary Courter, of this town. She was
burn in Schoharie, and died in 1859, at the
age of thirty-two, leaving two children:
Charles, who is now a ti'avelling agent in the
West ; and Sarah, who died at the age of
thirty-three. The latter was the wife of
Frank M. Goodrich, and the mother of two
children, one of whom is living. The Colonel
was married in April, 1S65, to Libbie M.
Pegg, a native of Springfield, Otsego County,
and daughter of George A. Pegg, a well-known
hotel-keeper of that town. Py this marriage
there is one .son, Howard P., who is now in
business with his father. He was for si.v
years in New York as a hotel clerk.
The Colonel is a member of Cobleskill
Lodge, No. 394, F. & A. M., having joined
in 1865. He takes an active interest in town
affairs. Colonel and Mrs. I'erguson are mem-
bers of the Lutheran church, of which he has |
been an Elder for a number of years, being
also treasurer of the society.
APTAIN ANDREW J. VANDER^
r POEL, dealer in ice, a highly re-
spected citizen of New Baltimore,
N. Y. , was born in this town on May 7, 1838,
his parents being Andrew and Jane {Van
Slyke) Vanderpoel. His grandfather, also
named Andrew, was a native of Columbia
County. He spent his life there engaged in
farming, and died there at the age of fifty-
eight. His wife, whose maiden name was
Elizabeth Smith, was born in Connecticut.
None of their seven children are living. Her
death occurred at the age of seventy-eight.
She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and had a brother who was an Elder in
that church.
Andrew Vanderpoel, the second, father of
the subject of this sketch, came to New Balti-
more when a young man, purchased a farm
here, and subsequently engaged in farming
until about the age of si.vty years when he
retired and moved to New Baltimore vil-
lage, and at the age of seventy-nine he died.
He was a Deacon in the Dutch Reformed
church and for many years an Elder. In pol-
itics he was first a Whig and later a Republi-
can. He was a man of sound judgment, and
his advice and counsel were sought by many.
His wife, Jane, was born in this place; and
was a daughter of Tunis Van Slyke, a farmer
and large land-owner. She was one of a fam-
ily of eight children. Of the si.v born to her,
1 88
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
four are living, namely: Tunis, who resides in
New Baltimore; Andrew J. ; Peter, who is
in Massachusetts ; and Mrs. Alida Mead of
this town. The mother died at the age of
ninety years.
Captain Vanderpoel in his hr)yhood attended
the district school, and at tlie age of twenty
studied for a time in Claverick Institute. He
began his working life on his father's farm,
and subsequently went into liusiness, forming
a partnership with a Mr. Smith under the firm
name of Smith & \'anderpocl, and for six years
carrx'ing on a general merchandise store. At
the end of that time he disposed of his inter-
est iri tiie business to Mr. Holmes. A little
later he started a coal yard in New l?altimore,
also entered the ice business, also ran boats to
New "\'()rk. lie then bought back his interest
in the store from Mr. Holmes, retaining it until
1880, when he sold it to Mr. Nelson. During
the ne.xt six years he was cajitain of the " City
of Hudson," the day boat which ran fiom
Catskill to Albany. While occupying this
position lie removed his family to Catskill,
where he continued to reside until 1S87, when
he returned to tiiis town. After he left off
running the "City of Hudson," he was en-
gaged in the transpniiation of freight to New
York, but ill 1897 his dock buildings burned,
and he discontinued the freight trade. Since
tlien he has carried on an ice business, housina;
twenty-six thousand tons of ice a year and dis-
bursing it in large quantities in New York at
wholesale. In 1S90 the Captain bouglit his
present beautiful estate, which is a fine farm
devoted princiiiall)' to fiuit orchards. ll is
known as the Dr. Cornell homesteatl, and over-
looks the gliding Hudson.
Captain Vander|)oel has been twice married,
the first time, in i86g, to Elizabeth Randall,
and the second time in 1882 to I'.lla Jennings.
The first Mrs. X'anderpoel was a Nova Scotian
by birth. She died at the age nf thirty-nine,
having been the mother of five chilihen, namely :
Weston K. and Frank, who are in California;
Martha and Margaret who are in New Jersey,
and Andrew, also in California. The second
Mrs. \'anderpoel was born near Duriiam. Her
father, Daniel D. Jennings, was a well-known
hotel-keeper in liis native town of Cairo. He
died when liis daughter Ella w-as a young girl.
His second wife, Eleanor Souser, a descendant
of the noted .Salisbury famil\- which came from
England, was born in Jefferson in the town of
Catskill. She bore him four children, of
whom there are living: Peter, of New York;
Irving, a Catskill lawyer and bank president;
and Mrs. \'anderpoel. Ca])taiii and Mrs.
Vanderpoel ha\e one chikl, I'etei' Ji^'iiiiings,
now eleven years of age. They lost two little
sons — John IJenham, at two years of age; and
Worthington, who died an infant.
Tile Captain is a Republican; l)ut he refuses
to accept nomination for public office, though
frequently asked to do so. He is a Mason,
being formerl)- associated witii Ark Lodge of
Coxsackie and at present a member of Social
F'ricndship Lodge of New Baltimore. Of the
latter he is a charter member, one of three,
and since its organization has been treasurer of
the lodge. Mrs. \'anderpoel is a member of
tiie Dutch Relormed Church of Catskill.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
189
W:
[LLIAM HENRY DECKER, Su-
pervisor of the town of Gilboa,
Schoharie County, N.Y. , and by occupation a
dairyman and fruit-grower, was born in Gilboa
on November 12, 1S46. His parents were
Jacob and Betsy Ann (Shew) Decker, and his
paternal grandfather was Tunis Decker, whose
immigrant progenitor was one of a colony of
Dutch emigrants who settled in Deckertown,
N.J., and Columbia County, New York.
Tunis Decker was born in 1765 in Columbia
County, and lived there for some time. He
came eventually to Gilboa, and purchased a
tract of three hundred acres, part of which es-
tate is where his grandson William now re-
sides. Although ostensibly a farmer, he was
a man of varied talents, and could turn his
hand to almost any kind of work. He came
here in 1833, and died some twenty years
later, in his eighty-ninth year. His remains
were the first to be carried into the Shew Hol-
low Methodist church for funeral services.
No other place seemed so fitting as the church
for which he had worked and sacrificed, and to
whose interests he was so thoroughly devoted.
His wife, whom he had married shortly after
the Re\'olution, survived him some years, dy-
ing at the age of eighty-eight. Of their fam-
ily of twelve children three died in infancy.
The nine that continued life's journey were :
Cornelia, Jacob and Sophia (twins,) Polly,
Catherine, Susan, Eliza, Cornelius, and
George. Eliza Decker died on Long Island of
yellow fever. Tall stature was a family char-
acteristic. The three sons became farmers,
and each upon settling in life for himself was
given a hundred acres of land from the paternal
estate. Cornelius died in New London, Wis.
He had three sons, only one of whom is living.
This one and William Henry Decker are the
only living male descendants of Tunis Decker
bearing his name. George had two sons, but
both are deceased.
Jacob Decker, who was born June 30, 181 1,
at Conesville, Schoharie County, N. Y. , and
died in Gilboa, N. Y. , on Christmas Day,
1S79, was a carpenter, and followed his trade
for twenty-two years, being considered one of
the most skilled workmen in these parts. He
lived with his parents until his marriage, and
then settled on the lot his father gave him,
living first in the log house on the premises
which became the birthplace of the subject of
this sketch and most of his brothers and sis-
ters. Later Jacob Decker built a large house.
He was a Republican from the formation of
the party, and a leader in all local affairs.
He was deeply interested in the progress of the
church, and was one of those who helped build
the Methodist church edifice at Shew Hollow.
He was class leader for fourteen years. In-
deed, this family has been and still is noted
for its liberal support of all religious organ-
izations both in a moral and a financial way.
Jacob Decker's w'ife, Betsy Ann, was a grand-
daughter, on her mother's side, of Captain
Hagar, who won renown during the days of the
Revolution by his valiant service in behalf of
the colonists. His brother Joseph was shot
during the war, and his father was carried a
prisoner to Canada, and detained there until
the end of the struggle. One of three pewter
igo
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
plates, the histor)' nf which is connected with
the Revolution, is still preserved in Mr.
Decker's family. They were thrown into a well
by the wife of Captain Hagar just before the
house was burned by Brant's Indians and Tor-
ies, and they were taken from the well at the
close of the war. Mrs. l^ets)' Ann Decker
died at eighty years of age, on March 12,
1894. She was the mother of the following-
named children: Marietta; S. Amelia; Martha
A.; Francelia; Rozella; Almira, who died at
the age of si.\ years; Helen, who died young;
William II. ; and two elder sons, who died
young. Marietta married David Simonson,
and resides in Hobart, N. Y. Amelia married
Dr. R. Hubbell, of Jeffenson, N.Y., and died
in 1889. I'^rancelia is the wife of William R.
Ladd, of Bangor, Me. Rozella is the second
wife of Dr. R. Hubbell, of Jefferson, N. Y.
William llciir)' Decker is a man of fine jihy-
sique, and in his prime was known as the
strongest and most active man in this section.
He has been known to lift twelve hundred
pounds dead weight. He early engaged in
blacksmith ing, for which he seemed so well
adapted by nature, and in wood working and
repairing. His motto was, "Do it right and
you won't have to do it over again"; and, as
this sentiment found constant expression in all
work thai he did, he had no difficulty in secur-
ing the best trade in his line in this vicinity.
But after twenty )'ears of mechanical labor he
was attacked by rheumatism, and it became
necessary for him to make a change in this
business. He therefore confined himself to
farming on his two hundred and thirty-eight
acres, devoting his attention chiefly to dairying
and fruit-growing. His dairy of si.xty milch
cows is one of the largest in town, and is com-
posed of e.xcellent stock. He has about six
hundred apple-trees. He is one of the fi\e
directors in the creamery company at South
Gilboa, and previous to its incorporation was
one of the committee that built the creamery
and carried on the business. This creamery,
which is one of the most expensive in this
vicinity, cost, with buildings and ecpiipment,
seven thousand dollars.
Politically, Mr. Decker is a strong Repub-
lican. He has attended man\' conventions,
and every year since he became a voter has
taken an active part in election and nomina-
tion of officials. W'ith the exception of one
year, when he was sick, he has always been
present at town elections. He has held the
offices of Collector, Road Commissioner, Poor-
master, Assessor, Constable, and, indeed,
every office in the town except those of Town
Clerk and Justice of the Peace. If he lives
till the end of his present term he will have
been Supervisor of his town five \ears. Every-
nomination has come to him unsolicited.
While he was serving as Road Conunissioner
thirty bridges were repaired in one season, but
expenses were kept at a minimum. In 1896
he was elected Supervisor for tw^o years; in
189S he was re-elected, foi- one year, as the
unanimous choice of i)oth irarties; and in the
early part of the present year, 1899, he was re-
elected for two years. His opponent at his
first election was Stephen Wildsey, who had
been on the board twice before.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
191
-Mr. Decker has been twice married, his
wives being sisters, daughters of Hiram
Brown, of Dutch descent. Mr. Ijmwn is liv-
ing, but his wife died in April, 1S96. They
were the parents of two sons and three daugh-
ters, namely: Eliza; Reuben; Jacob, who re-
sides in Gilboa; Addie; and Angle. Addle
l^rown, Co whom Mr. Decker was married first,
died in her thirty-fourth year, on November
21, 1889. She was the mother of five chil-
dren, and is survived by three; namely, Lizzie
E., Zanah, and Arthur B. Willie J. died at
two years of age, on November 2, 1880; and
Inza died at four years of age, on October 22,
1884. Mr. Decker's present wife was before
marriage Angle Brown. Mr. Decker is a
member of the Shew Hollow Methodist Epis-
copal Church. He has always been a temper-
ate man in every way, using neither tobacco
nor into.xicants of any kind. His genial tem-
per and hearty good humor make him a gen-
eral favorite, and his jovial laugh is a pleasant
sound to hear.
ILLIAM D. SHAEER, M.D., a
rising young physician of Oak Hill,
town of Durham, N.Y. , was born in Coble-
skill, Schoharie County, March 16, 1870, son
of Daniel G. and Mary J. (Van Volkenberg)
Shafer. His paternal grandfather, Daniel
Shafer, was a lifelong resident of C(jbleskill,
where he cultivated a farm during his active
period, and died at the age of eighty years.
Daniel G. Shafer, Dr. Shafer's father, ac-
quired a good education in the common schools
and at Charlotte Academy. Eor many years
he was associated with his brother-in-law. He
finally purchased a jMece of agricultural prop-
erty of one hundred and thirty acres, situated
near Mineral Springs, upon which he spent his
last years, and where his widow, Mrs. Mary J.
Shafer, still resides. In politics he was a
Democrat. Mrs. Shafer's father, Hiram Van
Volkenberg, was a farmer of Schoharie County.
She is the mother of two children: William
D., the subject of this sketch; and Mary, wife
of Jesse Shafer of Mineral Springs.
After attending the common schools and the
high school of Cobleskill, William D. Shafer
began the study of medicine with Dr. Allen of
that town, and latei attended the New York
Eclectic College, from which he was graduated
in 1892. He began the practice of his profes-
sion in New York City, and went from there
to Livingstonville. Since July, 1896, he has
been the only physician at Oak Hill, and his
practice, which has already assumed large
proportions, extends into Schoharie and Al-
bany Counties, necessitating long tedious rides
in all kinds of weather.
In 1892 Dr. Shafer was united in marriage
with Jessie Dillenbeck, daughter of Jonas Dil-
lenbeck, a druggist of Cobleskill. They have
one son, Rudolph.
Politically, Dr. Shafer acts with the Demo-
cratic party. He served as Coroner in .Scho-
harie County, resigning that office when he re-
moved from Livingstonville. He is treasurer
of the Lyman Tremaine Lodge, No. 265,
I. O. O. E., Oak Hill, and a member of tlrc
Middleburg Encampment. He is medical ex-
192
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
amiiiLT tor the New \'i)rk Life and Prudential
Insurance Companies; also for the Masonic
Life Association of Western New York, and
formerly belonged to the New York Eclectic
Society. He attends the Episcopal church, of
which Mrs. Siiafer is a member.
il<:V. IIL'C.11 ()'NP:IL, pastor of St.
Mary's Churcli, Hunter, N.Y., and of
St. P'rancis de Sales Chnrch, Plater-
kill, was born in Dim<4arvan, Count)- Water-
ford, Ireland, May 18, 1838, son of Patrick
and P:ilen (McSweeney) O'Neil.
The first of the family to settle in Waterford
was his great-grandfather, Hugh O'Neil, who
went there from Shaw's Castle, County Ty-
rone, lid ward O'Neil, his grandfather, was
born in Kilkenny, and was a farmer. Patrick
O'Neil, his father, who was born in Water-
ford and was a farmer in early life, later
engaged in the bakery business in Dungar-
van. He was also a spirits merchant, and
before the advent of railroads he ran a line
of carriages known as post coaches. He was
a great admirer of Daniel O'Connell, and
while taking an active part in electing a mem-
ber of parliament he contracted an illness
which caused his death at the age of fift)-two
years.
Patrick O'Neil was a highly respected citi-
zen and an able supporter of the church. His
wife, Ellen, was born in Tipperary in 1796,
daughter of Tiiomas IMcSweeney. During the
Rebellion of 1798 her parents took refuge in
a town in the county of Waterford. She was
the mother of eight children, of wliom the sub-
ject of this sketch and his sister Margaret are
the only survivors. Margaret, now Mrs.
O'Callahan, resides with her brother in Hun-
ter She has a daughter who is the Assistant
Reverend Mother in the convent at West Troy.
One of Father O' Neil's brothers, Edward, was
educated in St. Jojm's College, Waterford,
from which he was graduated in 1852. He
was ordained co the priesthood, and sent to
Manchester, England, where he became a
Canon, and served in that capacity until his
deatli, which occurred in 1 S92, at the age of
sixty-seven.
Hugh O'Neil began his education in a
classical school, i:)repared for college under
private tutor.s, and in 1858 went to Allhallows
College, where he was graduated in i860.
His theological stutlies were [jursued at Water-
ford anil at St. Mary's College, Oscott, Eng-
land, where he was a fellow-student with the
late King Alphonso of Spain and witli the
father of the late General Garcia, the Culjan
leader. He was ordained a priest of the
Roman Catholic Church, P'ebruary g, 1867,
and iiis first appuinlment was to St. lianiabas
Catheilral, Nottingham, ICngland, where he re-
mained nine months. His ne.xt charge was at
the village of Ilkeston, now a city, where his
duties required him to cover a circuit of forty-
five miles; anil during his labors there, whicji
extended through a period of eleven years, he
erected a church and a school building and de-
velo]ied the parish into a highly prosperous
condition. The routine work which he accom-
plished unaided is now performed by eight
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
193
priests. At his own request he wns trans-
ferred to the village of Hathersage, Peak of
Derbyshire, famous as the home of Robin Hood,
and with the assistance of the Duke of Norfolk
he repaired and opened an ancient church built
previous to the Reformation.
At the expiration of four and one-half years
he came to the United States on a leave of ab-
sence, arriving in New York in 1882, and,
subsequently deciding to remain this country,
he severed his connection with his English
parish and accepted an assignment to a mission
church in Philadelphia. At the request of the
bishop of Indianapolis he went to .St. Patrick's
Church in that city. After that he was again
stationed in Philadelphia for a short time, and
then became attached to the diocese of Albany,
and was assigned to St. Mary's Church in
Troy. In 1887 he came to Hunter as pastor
of St. Mary's Church.
The arduous duties of a widel}' distributed
district, which included villages and settle-
ments within a radius of fifty miles, were zeal-
ously and energetically performed by him for
five years, or until his circuit was divided,
since which time the concentration of his
labors has enabled him to accomplish results
far more visible in their effects. Beside effect-
ing the enlargement and improvement of St.
Mary's Church, he erected St. Francis de
Sales Church in Platerkill in 1891. At both
of these churches he officiates the year round,
celebrating two masses each Sunday during the
summer season, besides holding week-day ser-
vices whenever occasion demands. He for-
merly conducted service regularly at the hotel
Kaaterskill during the season, but these he
was obliged to relinquish on account of his in-
creasing labors elsewhere. He has earnestly
endeavored to promote the spiritual welfare of
his widely-scattered flock, and the zeal he dis-
plays in conducting the affairs of his pastorate
has gained for him the good will of the entire
community. He organized the Sacred Heart
and Rosary societies, and he takes a lively in-
terest in the work of the town improvement so-
ciety, of which he is a member. At the ear-
nest request of the people of Lexington he
aided in securing the erection of a church in
that village; and he has also repaired St.
Henry's Church, located between Ashlantl and
Prattsville.
Father O'Neil began to interest himself
in political affairs shortly after his arrival in
this country, and in 1884 he headed a commit-
tee who, at the P^ifth Avenue Hotel, New
York City, presented the late Hon. James G.
l^laine with a gold-headed cane. He is a nat-
uralized citizen of the United States, and sup-
ports the Democratic party.
^OHN G. EMPIE, who has been actively
identified with the agricultural interests
of the town of Seward, Schoharie
County, for more than thirty years, is the
owner of a well-improved farm lying about one
mile from the village of Hyndsville. He was
born in Sharon, N.Y. , January 5, 1836, a son
of Peter Empie, Jr. He is of French and
German ancestry, and the descendant of one of
the earliest settlers of Schoharie County — his
194
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
great-grandfather, John lunpie, having rc-
iiiDvcd in carl)' manhood tVoni Stone Arabia,
Montgomery County, to the town of Sliaron.
A hard-working pioneer, Jcjhn Empie cleared
a farm from the wilderness, and there passed
the remainder of his life.
I'eter ICnipie, Sr. , graiulfalher of John G.,
sjient his sevent\'-seven years of life on the old
homestead in Sharon, Schoharie Coiuit\-, work-
ing as a farmer through boyhood, early man-
hood, and old age. He cleared off wood, cul-
tivated the soil, and in course of time erected
substantial frame buildings in place of the
original log house and barn. His wife, Katie
Lehman, was born in Sharon. She was a
daughter of John Lehman, whose father was
one of the original settlers of that place. Of
their eight children, none survive.
I'eter Knipie, Jr., son of I'eter, Sr. , was
born and brought up on llie old farm in
Sharon, and received his education in the pio-
neer schools of his day and generation. Vo\-
lovving in the footste[5S of his ancestors, he
chose farming as his life occupation, and on
reaching manhood pinchascd land near the
parental estate, and was there successfully en-
gaged in his independent calling until his de-
cease, at the venerable age of eighty-three
years. He was a Democrat in jiolitics, greatly
interested in public affairs, and served his fel-
low-townsmen as Assessor for a number of
years. Both lu' and his wife were members of
the Reformed church. He married Maria
Kmpie, who was born in .Sharon, a daughter of
a later John Empie than the iiioneer. Peter
and Maria Empie had seven children; namely,
Norman D., Jane E., John G. , Peter H.,
Anna S., Harvey L. , and Hewitt C.
John G. Empie acipiired a practical educa-
tion in the common schools of Sharon and at
the Carlisle Seminary. He subsequently
taught school several terms, both in Sharon
and Seward, but in 1867 gave up his position
at the teacher's desk to take possession of his
present fine estate of one hundred acres, which
was formerly known as the Ealk farm. P'rom
year to year he has made marked improvements
on the place, having erected within the last
cpiarter of a century all the buildings that are
now on it and cleared off much of the wood.
He has a large part of the land under cultiva-
tion. He carries on general farming in all its
branches, and in past times he raised vast
cpiantities of hops, which pro\ed a valuable
crop.
In politics Mr. lunpie affiliates with the
Democratic party. He has served acceptably
in various local offices, including those of Su-
pervisor, Commissioner of Highways, and
trustee of his school district. He has also
been secretary and trustee of the People's
Cemetery Association of .Sharon ever since its
organization in i S67.
On June 30, 1858, Mr. pjiipie married Miss
Nancy C. Borst, who was also born in Sharon,
as was her father, Peter G. Borst, a lifelong
farmer of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Empie
have two children— the Rev. Alfied R. and
Edward J. The Rev. Alfred R. I{mpie was
graduated from Hartwick .Seminary, and is now
preaching in Maryhuul, Otsego County, N. Y.
He married Miss Anna Skinner, and they have
ALUNZO W'AKKAIAN.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
197
one child, Lillian. Edward J. Knipic married
Miss Anna Nellis, and is the father of two
children — Everett and Nancy Ella. Mr. and
Mrs. John G. iMiipie are members f)f the Lu-
theran church, in which he has been Deacon,
Elder, and secretary.
—♦-♦••-•—
tLONZO WAKEMAN, for many years
one of the leading farmers of Lawyers-
<■ — ' ville, Schoharie County, was born
October 2^,, 1810, in this town, and here spent
his entire life of nearly seventy-eight years,
his death occurring on August 31, 1888. He
was of patriotic Revolutionary stock, his j3a-
ternal grandfather, Gershom Wakeman, a na-
tive of Fairfield, Conn., having served as an
officer in the war for American independence.
Gershom Wakeman was a farmer by occupa-
tion. He was among the very first to enlist in
the Colonial forces, and was killed in one of
the early battles of the war. His wife, Eliza-
beth Downs, was born in l''airfield County,
Connecticut, daughter of David Downs and the
descendant of one of the earliest settled families
of that county. She died not very long after
her husband's death, leaving seven children;
namely, Abigail, Abel, Gershom, Dolly,
Amelia, Isaac, and Seth B. , the latter of
whom was the father of Alonzo Wakeman.
Seth B. Wakeman was brought up on a
farm. In early manhood he learned the car-
penter's trade, which he subsequently followed
many years in Lawyersville, where he was one
of the first settlers. He erected the house now
occupied by his son Alonzo's widow, the resi-
dence of Stanton Courter, of Cobleskill, and
several business houses of this locality. He
bought a farm of two hundred acres near the
village and also other land in town; and f(jr
some years prior to his death, at the age of
eighty -two years, was successfully engaged in
general farming. He likewise carried on an
extensive business as a manufacturer of lum-
ber, being the owner of a saw-mill. His first
wife, Clara Nichols, a native of Fairfield
County, Connecticut, died in early womanhood,
leaving him five children, namely: Horace;
Alonzo, the special subject of tliis sketch ;
Horatio; Maria; and Charles. In religion,
both parents were of the Universal ist faith.
After the death of his fir.st wife Seth B.
Wakeman married Sarah Wheeler, also of
Fairfield County, Connecticut.
Alonzo Wakeman in 1878 bought the \-alu-
able farm of two hundred acres, on which his
daughter Emma now resides, and until his
death, as above mentioned, was recognized in
the community as one of its foremost agricult-
urists. Strictly honest and upright, he was
influential in the neighborhood, and, as a
Notary Public, for many years transacted a
good deal of business. In [jolitics, he was an
ai'ilent supporter of the pi'inciples of the Re-
publican party, but persistently refused to ac-
cept all offices, even that of president of the
National Bank, of which he was one of the
founders and for many years a director.
Mr. Alonzo Wakeman's first wife was Miss
Catharine Stall, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Peter Stall, of .Sharon, Schoharie County,
N. Y. ; she lived ten months after their mar-
198
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
riage, her death occurring in 1834 at the
age of nineteen years and ele\'en months.
In June, E.S38, Mr. Wakenian married Mary
O'Dcll, who was Ijorn Sejjtember 26, 181 5, in
Redding, Conn., daughter of Ur. Joseph
O'Dell. Mrs. Wakcman is of French ances-
try, her great-grandfather O'Dcll, one of the
first settlers of Norwalk, Conn., having emi-
grated to that town from h'rance in Colonial
days. Nathan O'Dell, her grandfather, was a
prosperous farmer and a lifelong resident of
Norwalk, Conn. His wife, Mary Hurritt,
bore him fourteen children, all of whcjm grew
to maturity and married. Josejih O'Dell,
ha\ing received his early education in the
common schools, pursued the study of medi-
cine, at first with one of the local physicians.
Dr. Jesse Shepard, and afterward in New
York City. On graduating, he located first as
a practitioner in Dover, Conn., whence he re-
moved to Redding, Conn., where he continued
actively engaged in the practice of his profes-
sion. At the age of thirty-one years he died
in Charleston, S. C, while there for the bene-
fit of his health. His wife, Lucy Wakenian,
was burn in l-'airfield. Conn., a daughter of
Gershom Wakenian, second, who was an uncle
of Alonzo W'akeman. Gershom Wakenian,
second, married Sibbell Bradley, of Fairfield,
Conn., and Lucy was their only daughter.
They were \'ery prominent members of the
Congregational church.
Mr. Alonzo Wakenian is survi\ed by his
wife and four children ; namely, Emma, C'lara
A., ICUa, and Sarah \\\ I'.mnia J. married
Solomon Larkin, a farmer, who died in 1897,
leaving her with one child, Charles W.
Larkin; Clara A. is the wife of Ronieyn
l^rown, a hardware merchant of Oneonta, and
the mother of three children — Wakeman,
Floyd, and an infant (deceased) ; Ella is the
wife of George Story, a carpenter; and Sarah
W. is the wife of Daniel J. Gannon, who is
her third husband. Mrs. Wakeman ami all
her family e.\cept one are valued members of
the Lutheran church.
(^>r NDREW J. KLIXK, proprietor of a
^4 well-stocked general store in I'atter-
>w.' sonville, Schenectady County, N. Y.,
was born in this place, November i, 1850, son
of Joseph and Janet (Staley) Kline. His
father was born in Aiken, Montgomery
County, in 1818, and his mother was born in
Princetown, this county, in 1S23. Grand-
father Kline was an early settler in Montgom-
ery County, and there carried on general farm-
ing for the rest of his active period.
Joseph Kline was reared on his father's
farm. At the age of eighteen he came to Pat-
tersonville, then called Hoffman's Ferry, and
for a number of years he kejit a grocery store.
Removing to Swartztown, N.\'. , he carried on
the same business in connection with a hotel,
and also cultivated a farm. His activity con-
tinued until a few \ears prior to his death,
which occurred at the age of sevent}'-five
years. His wife died at seventy. She was
the mother of si.\ children, namely: Geroe G.,
who died at the age of forty-si.x years; Andrew
J., the subject of this sketch; Oliver S. ; Jen-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
199
nie RL, who is now Mrs. Herrick ; Harriet
A. ; and E]la, wlio is now Mrs. Gregg. Mrs.
Janet Kline was a member of the Reformed
chureb.
Andrew J. Kline was reared and educated in
Swartztown. When a young man he began
business as a dealer in farm produce along the
Erie Canal, and was thus engaged for twelve
years. Since 18S6 he has been located at his
present place of business in Pattersonville.
His store, which is one of the leading sources
of supply in this section, is well stocked with
agricultural implements, fertilizers, and gen-
eral merchandise.
In 1877 Mr. Kline was united in marriage
with Henrietta Sterling, of Florida, N. Y.,
daughter of VVinslow Sterling. Mrs. Kline is
the mother of three children; namely, Jessie
R., Bertha H., and I3oyd J,
Politically, Mr. Kline is a Democrat.
Able, energetic, and conscientious, he has se-
cured a firm foothold in business through his
own exertions, and he fully merits the high
esteem accorded him by his fellow-townsmen.
^jTrOHN ROE, senior partner in the firm of
J. & E. Roe, general merchants of
Greenville, N.Y. , was born in Wiscon-
sin on October 16, 1S49, son of William P.
and Marietta (Newman) Roe. His paternal
grandfather, William Roe, was a farmer by
occupation. He liked to go from place to
place, and lived successively in Athens,
Greenville, and Cairo, owning farms at differ-
ent times in each of these places in Greene
County. He died at Cairo at the age of
eighty-four. His wife Jane, who was before
her marriage a Barker, was born in Greenville,
and belonged to one of the old pioneer families.
William P. Roe, son of William and Jane,
was born in Athens, N.Y. , and reared to farm
life. He lived for a time in Wisconsin,
where he was interested in speculating and in
farming, and held the office of Town Supervi-
sor. Later he returned to New York State,
settled in Greenville, and died here at the age
of seventy-eight. He was County Superinten-
dent of the Poor for three years. In politics
he was a Democrat. His wife, Marietta, was
a native of this place, and died here at the age
of fifty-two. She was the daughter of Alva
Newman, and one of a family of six children.
Her father was a Greenville farmer, but he re-
moved from Greenville to VVisconsin, and died
there at the age of seventy. Mrs. Marietta N.
Roe was the mother of six children. Of these
five are living, namely: John, the subject of
this sketch; Jasper, a farmer; Annis, wiio
married Charles Roe; Ella, who married
Charles Coonley ; and Edgar, who is a member
of the firm of Roe Brothers. Both parents
were Baptists.
John Roe came with his father and mother
to this town wlicn eight years old, and worked
with his father until twenty-six years of age.
In the winters of 1871, 1872, and 1873 he
taught school in Greenville, and one winter he
attended the Poughkeepsic lousiness College.
Then, at the age of twenty-six, he formed a
partnership with M. P. Blenis, which con-
tinued for twelve 3ears, or until the time of
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Mr. ]ilcnis's death. For the first year they
operated a general store located opposite Mr.
Roe's present stand, mov in<;' across the street
at the end of that time. V\)r.n tlie death of
Mr. menis, Mr. lulgar Roe bought out his in-
terests, antl the firm assumed its present name.
There is only one store in town larger than
this. A full liiie of general merchandise is
carried, including dry goods, groceries, boots
and shoes, crocker}' and glass ware, carpets
and oil-cli)ths, hats and caps. One clerk is
employeil. Mr. l\uc has now been in business
over twenty-three years, and is one of the old-
est merchants here. He is known through all
the country side, and cnjn\-s the esteem of
every one.
In 1878 Mr. Roe married Arvillia Deyo, a
native of Durham, and daughter of Milo Deyo,
now the popular blacksmith of (Jreenville.
Of this union four children have been born, by
name Milo H. , b'ord, Mary, and Jnhn.
In politics Mr. Rue is a Democrat. He has
given valuable service to the town in numerous
juiblic positions. In 1890, and the four suc-
ceeding years, he was Supervisor, and in 1894
and 1895 he was chairman of the board. lie
has been a member of the jinard of Education
ever sini'e it was organized. While chairman
of their boaixl in his last teini the .Supervisors
presented him with a vcr)' fine easy chair, this
being an expression of their appreciation of his
services while a member of the body. In
1897 he was elected Superintendent of the
Poor, to serve until I goo. Mr. Roe makes a
most efficient manager .for the almshouse.
Under his care the ]dace is kept in the best of
repair, and everything about it is neat and or-
derly, while the health and comfort of the
seventy inmates is carefully looked after.
Mr. Roe is a jiromincnt Mason, being con-
nected with James M. Austin Lodge, V. &
A. M., and Greenville Royal Arch Chapter,
No. 283. He has held all the offices in the
lodge, having been warden, deacon, master
for two )'ears, and secretary si.x years. His
membership in the lodge dates back twenty-
five years. He is a charter member of the
chapter, and has always been its treasurer.
He is frecpiently sent by his fellow-townsmen
as delegate to county conventions, and is a
member of the Town and Countv Committee.
No worth)' object fails to receive his warm and
active support, and be is often the originator
of plans, the carrying out cjf which proves to
be a benefit to the town and the community.
RANK L. CASPKR, manufacturer of
s extension tables and the patentee of
table sup])orts for drop-leaf tables, in the
town of Cf)l)leskill, Schoharie County, has a
large and finely ecpiipped plant at Howe's
Ca\'c, not far from the railway station of that
village. He was born October 10, 1857, in
the town of Cobleskill, and is the only sur-
viving son of George Casper, a well-known
business man of this section of the county.
He is of German and Scotch descent, and the
representative of a ]Moneer family of Scho-
harie County, his paternal grandfather, whose
name was Peter, having been an early settler
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
of this town. Peter Casper was a farmer and
the owner of a good homestead, which he
managed successfully until his death, at the
age of threescore years, lie and his wife,
whose maiden name was Margaret Hcrron,
were among the leading members of the Re-
formed church. They reared a large family
of children.
George Casper left the home farm on be-
coming of age, engaged in business for him-
self as a miller, purchasing a clover-mill and
a saw-mill, and afterward a planing-mill and
a cider-mill, all of which, with the exception
of the first named, he is still operating with
success. With true German thrift he saved
each year a portion of his earnings, and soon
erected the house in which he is now living.
He has also accumulated some other property.
A strong Democrat in politics, he takes an
intelligent interest in local matters, and has
served his fellow-townsmen in various ways.
He has held different offices in the I^eformed
cluirch, of which he antl his wife are active
members, and for a number of years has been
Elder of the church. He married Emeline
Berner, who was born in Barnerville, this
county, a daughter of John J. Berner. Of
their five children three are now living, as
follows: Ella, wife of Sylvester Mann, of
Howes Cave; Alice, wife of Harvey Boorn ;
and P'rank L. John P. Casper, who was pre-
paring for the ministry at Rutgers College,
died at the age of twenty-three years, and a
daughter, Ida, wife of Ira Rickard, died on
March 13, 1899.
I'^rank L. Casper in his boyhood and youth
acquired a practical common-school education,
and until attaining his majority assisted his
father in the care of his different mills. De-
sirous, then, of turning his natural mechani-
cal ability to some good account, he began
the manufacture of furniture on a small scale,
and succeeded so well that in the course of a
few years he was forced to build an addition
to the shop in which he had started his opera-
tions. He subsequently leased the main
building of the old Braman woollen factory,
and, erecting near by a drying kiln, a finish-
ing-room, and a wareroom, has here since
1882 devoted his entire time to the making of
extension tables. His plant is furnished with
the latest improved and approved machinery,
much of which he designed and made in his
own factory, this being, with a single excep-
tion, the only one of the kind between Bingham-
ton and Albany. Pie employs a large force of
men all the time in order to meet the demands
of his customers in the six New PLnglantl
States, New York, and Pennsylvania, his
tables being sold on their merits His trade,
already large, is constantly increasing, orders
being daily received from firms in different
parts of the Union. His factory and resi-
dence are both warmed by steam heat and
lighted throughout by electricity.
Mr. Casper is a steadfast Prohibitionist in
politics, and labors hard to advance the tem-
perance cause. He is an active member of
the Reformed church, in which he has served
as Elder and treasurer, and has also held
other offices. He has been connected with
the Sun'lay-school for many years, much of
BIOGRArillCAL REVIEW
the time being its siipcrintciulent or the
teacher of the Hible class.
On March 5, 1879, Mr. Casper married
Miss Belle Becker, daughter of Francis
Becker, a prominent manufacturer of Scho-
harie County, owning and operating mills at
Central Bridge, Galupville, and Berne. Mr.
and Mrs. Casper have two children— Le Roy
and Lc (iiand, the eldest a ini|5il in the Coble-
skill High School, class of 1899. The
younger son will enter Cobleskill High
School the cominc fall.
I. LI AM H. STKWART, proprietor
'-'^V of the Stewart house in Athens,
N. \'., and a representative citizen of this
place, was born in Jacksonville, now Earlton,
ill the town of Coxsackie, Greene Count)', on
December <S, i S49, son of William C. anil
Margaret (Hardick) Stewart. William C.
Stewart, who was bmn in Coxsackie, was a
lawyer by profession, and practised in his na-
tive town for over a quarter of a century. He
was a leading man there, and for a number of
years was justice. In his later life he made
his home with his son William. His death
occurred in i8cS4, at the age of sixty-eight.
He was a Republican in politics. His wife
was born in the town of Athens, and died in
Earlton at the age of sixty-three. -She was
the daughter of Jacob Hardick, who carried on
farming on wliat was known as the Hardick
farm. .She boie her husband six children,
only two of whom are living; namely, William
H. and his sister, Lucy J. The latter, who
now resides in McHenr)', 111., is the wife of
Isaac Wentworth, formerly of Athens, Greene
Count)-, X.Y.
William II. Stewart's early years were spent
in Jacksonville in the town of Coxsackie, and
he attended the public schools there until he
was fifteen years of age. He then went to
work as errand boy in the store of Daniel
Whiting, who dealt in general merchandise,
and also carried on a brick manufacti)ry and
a wood yard. YoLMig Stewart rose from the
bumble position of errand boy to that of clerk,
and in this capacity worked for Mr. Whiting
some ten or twelve years. Subsequentl)' to that
he was clerk for a year in the Wormer House,
now the Arlington House, of Athens, and at
the end of that time, in 1S75, he purchased his
present property. The small house then stand-
ing on the lot was torn down, and the finely
ajipointed -Stewart house of to-day erected in
its place. The building is three stories high,
and is fittetl with all miulern improvements,
such as steam-heating apparatus, electricity for
call bells and for lighting, hot and cold water
and sanitary bath tubs. Besides the main
house, Mr. Stewart owns the three adjoining
houses and the dock where the ferry boat from
Hudson lands. He has accommodations for
about fifty guests, and as a landlord is deserv-
edly popular. He has always taken an active
part in [)olitics, and has been trustee of the
\illage a number of years and also school
trustee.
Mr. -Stewart was married in 1877 to Ida
Hollenbcck, who was born at (iuilderland
Centre, in Albany Count)-, ilaughter of Garret
GEORGE W. ANDERSON.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
2°S
and Harriet (Van Valkenberg) Hollenbeck.
Her father, who was a farmer, died when only
forty years of age. Her mother, who was born
in Albany, is still living, being now sixty-
nine years of age. Of Mrs. Hollenbeck's
three children, Mrs. Stewart is the only one
living. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have one child,
Hattie W. , who lives with them. They lost
a son, Wilfred D., at the age of ten years.
Mr. Stewart is a member of Custer Lodge of
Odd Fellows, No. 508, and of the Knights of
I'ythias, No. 129, of Athens. He has served
several years as a member of Mackawack Hand
Engine Company, but is now exempt from
duty with that company, though he is an active
member of the Hook and Ladder Company,
which is said to be one of the finest in the
State. He is also a member of the Horse
Thief Detective Association, and one of its
riders. He is the oldest hotel man in this
town, and with one exception the oldest in the
county. His wife and daughter attend the Re-
formed church. In connection with his hotel
Mr. Stewart carries on a livery, which is one
of the best in the town.
(W^o
KORGE W. ANDERSON, the Icad-
\mJ__ ing business man of Hunter, Greene
County, N.Y., dealer in wood and coal and
building supplies, and proprietor of the Cen-
tral House, was born in New Sharon, Mon-
mouth County, N.J., May 12, 1850, his
[tarents being Jacob and Matilda (Brown) An-
derson. His grandfather Anderson resided in
I'errineville, N.J., in which town Jacob was
born in 1814. His grandmother, whose
maiden name was Mary Baldwin, was the
daughter of Thomas Baldwin. Her father
lived to the advanced age of ninety-three.
She died at the age of fifty, having been the
mother of five children.
Jacob Anderson was a carpenter and builder
by trade, and for thirty-five years carried on
business in Hightstown, Mercer County, N.J.,
where he was a prominent citizen. The last
years of his life were spent on a farm. In
politics he was a Republican. He was an ac-
tive member of an Odd Fellows organization.
His death occurred in 1890, at the age of
seventy-six. His wife, Matilda, who was born
in Hightstown in 1824, and died in 1896, was
the daughter of Captain George W. Brown,
who commanded a company of militia stationed
at Sandy Hook in the War of 18 12. Both
Jacob Anderson and his wife were members of
the Methodist church. Of their family of five
sons and two daughters, only one, a son Jacob,
is deceased. The living are: Abijab A.,
William W. , George W. , Carrie M., Thomas
B., and Lilly B. Carrie married John W.
Brown, and Lilly is the w^fe of Bills Flock.
George W. Anderson lived with his parents
and attended the common schools until he was
about sixteen years old, when he began life for
himself. At first he worked on a farm, and
then he learned the carpenter's trade. His
brothers, it may be mentioned, are also en-
gaged as carpenters and builders. He worked
at his trade in Hightstown, Freehold, New-
Brunswick, and Newark, N.J., and at College
Point, Lone: Island. Com in;/ to 1 1 miter in
206
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
1876, Mr. Andcrsiiii worked for four years as a
wheelwright, but at the end of that time en-
gaged in the IniiUliug business. His success
has lieen remari<able. He has seen the town
double in size since he came here, and has him-
self put up the more important of the new
buildings. He built the Methodist church and
the Kaatsberg Hotel, remodelled the Hunter
House, built the church and the chair factor)-
at Kdgcwood, and many houses in Hunter,
Edgewood, and Tannersville. During busy
seasons he employed thirty hands, carrying
on the largest contracting business anywhere
in this section. During a number of years
he has sujiplied large quantities of lumber to
other builders, and for some time he was the
onl\- linuber dealer in five towns of this sec-
tion. He is consequently widely known.
Ml'. Anderson's house, which is one of the tin-
est in the village, was built by him, as was
also the building in which his office is now
located, and which was from iHSo to 1887 used
as a sash and iiliiul shop. Since 1884 Mr.
Anderson has done little oi- no building, Init
has gi\'en his time and attention to the man-
agement of his large lundier \ard and carriage
repository. In connection with this he does
a large business in coal, wood, and grain, and
carries a line of paints, oils, and hardware sup-
])lies, and all kinds of building material used
by both carpenters and masons. He is the
only coal dealer in Hunter, Windham, Ash-
land, or Jewett.
Mr. Anderson was married in 1S72 to Julia
1".. Lake, daughter of Hiram and Iialhsheba
(Lounsben\) Lake. .She was born in l-'ree-
hold, N. \'. Her father, who was a farmer,
died at the age of si.xty, and her mother died
at the age of fift\-three. Of their two chil-
dien, Hiiam and Julia E., Mrs. Anderson is
the only one living. Mr. Lake was twice
marrictl. I!)' his fii'st wife, formerly Julia
Rockwell, of East Durham, N.V. , he had
two sons — James M. and Charles E., the
latter now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. .'Vnclerson
ha\'e two daughters, namely : Mabel, who is
yet in school ; and Anna Bell, who is the
wife of Elmer K. Goodsell, telegraph operator
and agent on the Stony Clove & Catskill
Mountain Railroad. (See biography on an-
other page.) There are three grandchildren —
Marguerite, Anderson, and \'era.
Mr. Anderson has always shown a vital in-
terest in all pnlilic affairs since first he came
to Hunter. He has served tiie town in the
office of Assessor for three years, as Commis-
sioner of Streets, as trustee and clerk of the
School ]3oard, as one of the Trustees of the vil-
lage, and is at the i)resent time a member of
the Town Committee. His political affilia-
tions are with the Republican partN'. He and
his family are members of the liajitist church,
but the}- attend the Methodist church in
Hunter, Mr. Anderson being a trustee of the
church and treasurer of the board. He can
alwa}s be depended upon to work for any good
cause in the church as well as outside. He
was one of the projectors of the Majilewood
Cemeter)' Association, and for many )-cars has
been its president. I-'i-aternall)-, he is a mem-
ber and treasurer of Mount Tabor Lodge, No.
807, V. & A. M., and of Mountain Chajiter,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
207
R. A. M. He was one of the charter members
of Catskill Chapter at Catskill.
(chared van VVAGENEN, a wcll-
kiiDwii and prosperous agricultLiri.st of
Lawyersville, Schoharie County, own-
ing and occupying the valuable estate known
as Hillside farm, was born January 13, 1835,
near Sharon Hill, in the neighboring town of
Seward. Son of Rynear Van Wagenen, he is
of Dutch ancestry, being a lineal descendant of
Aart Jacobsen Van Wagenen, who emigrated
from Wageningen, Holland, a town not far
from the Rhine, to Bergen, N.J., in 1650, and
whose name, with that of his wife, Annctji
Gerrits, was recorded as a member of the
Dutch church of Kingston, Bergen County,
June 24, 1 66 1.
Conrad Van Wagenen, grandfather of Jared,
was born January 15, 1752, in Somerset
County, New Jersey, whence in early manhood
he removed to Charleston, Montgomery
County, N.Y. , as one of its earliest settlers.
He took up unimproved land, and, having
cleared a portion of it, devoted himself to gen-
eral farming, in conjunction with which he
operated a small tannery. He subsequently
came to Schoharie County, and, buying a farm
near Sharon Hill, resided there until his
death, at the venerable age of ninety years.
Tradition says that he was present as a guard
at the execution of Major Andre on October 2,
1780, at Tappan.
Rynear Van Wagenen with liis numerous
bi'(jlhers and sisters was brought up on a farm.
spending his earliest years in Charleston,
N. Y. , and completing his education in the dis-
trict schools of Sharon, whither he accompa-
nied his parents when a boy. On reaching
man's estate he bought land in Cobleskill,
where for a number of years he was engaged in
farming. His death occurred at the home of
his son Jared, in the seventieth )'ear of his
age. He was quite active in local matters,
serving his fellow-townsmen in various offices
besides that of Justice of the Peace, which he
hekl several terms. In [lolitics he was a
strong adherent of the Democratic party. His
wife, Emily Goodyear, was born on Hillside
farm, then owned by her father, Jared Good-
year, who was born and reared in Hampden,
Conn. Mr. Goodyear on removing to New
York became a pioneer settler in a small town
near Ithaca, which was named Goodyears.
On account of malaria he left that place, and
coming to Schoharie County bought two hun-
dred acres of woodland in Coble.skill, and here
spent the remainder of his life. He erected
a log house for his first dwelling, and then
began the improvement of his projicrty. He
cleared a considerable tract of his land, and,
being an energetic, progressive man, he was
very successful not only as a farmer, but as one
of the most popular tavern-keepers of this
vicinity. Eour sons were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Rynear Van Wagenen, and three of them
survive, as follows: Jared, of Lawyersville;
Albert, of Boston, Mass. ; and Jame.s, who re-
sides with his brother Jared. Both parents
were mcml)ers of the Reformed church.
Jared Van Wagenen lived at hnme until
30,S
l!U>c;RArilKAl, RKVIKW
nino \o.us old, wIk'ii ho booaiiio an iiiuiato uf
tlu' lunisoluilil of liis uiulcs, Willis and George
Goiulyou, wliii lirought him up, their home
being the farm where he now resides. He
attended the distriet school and assisted in the
farm labors until the ileath of his uncles, ami
since that time has had entire charge of this
magnificent farm of two Inunlreil and fifty
acres, one of the finest in its improvements of
anv in this section of Schoharie Ctnintv. He
makes a specialty of dairying, keeping a herd
of thirty or fort\' cows, and manufactures a fine
grade of butter, which he sells to special cus-
tomers in this \ icinity. A few years ago Mr.
Van W'agenon built his large barn, three
stories in height, one hundred and thirty by
eighty - seven feet, with all nnnlern equip-
ments, including an engine ami two siUts of
two hundred tons capacity.
lie h.is been an active member of the Coble-
skill Agricultural Society; also of the New
York State Agricidtunil Association; and is
vice-president of the Farmers' and Merchants'
Hank. In politics he is a loyal Democrat, and
has been Supervisor of the town two vears.
He contributes liberally toward the m.iinte-
nance of the Dutch Reformed church, of which
he and his family are members, and in which
he has held many of the offices.
On November iS, 1858, Mr. \'an Wagenen
married l.oraine McNeill, the onlv child of
Mr. and Mrs. lirazillia McNeill. Her mother
is still living, a capable woman of eighty-si.\
years. Mr. and Mrs. Van Wagenen have one
.son living; namely, Jared, Jr.. born May 14,
1871; and have been bereft of one, Albert,
who ilieil at the age of fifteen years, jared
\'an Wagenen, jr., obtained his elementary
education in I.awyersville, and after his grad-
uation at the Cobleskill High School took the
Hachelor's degree in 1891, and the Master's de-
gree in 1896 at Cornell Universitx', where he
has since taught in the Dairv Dei)artnient.
He is now assisting his father on the home
farm. He mariied Magdalena l.amont, the
only child of K. W. Lamont, a prominent
farmer of this town. Two children have been
born of this union; namely, Sarah Lamont and
Loraine McNeill.
'jY^rDOLni BESTLE, M.D., a leading
ihysician and surgeon of Hunter,
N.Y. , was born in Troy, this State,
on August 20, 1866, his jiarents being John
and Wilhelmina (Shutheis) Bestle. His
father, who was of German birth, came to
Troy, N.Y. , before marriage, and engaged in
the restaurant business. He died when only
thirty-four years of age. He and his wife were
members of the Presbyterian church. Mrs.
Bestle also was born in Germany, being one of
a family of several children. She is still liv-
ing at Kingston, this State. Her father, who
was a druggist and nieilical practitioner, lived
to the advanced age of ninety-eight years. Of
her eight children, four are living, namely:
George, who resides in New York; Henrietta,
who married William \\"eston, of Rondout ;
August ; and Rudolph, the special subject of
this biography.
Rudolph Bestle received his elementary edu-
BIOGRAPHICAL RKVIEVV
209
cation ill the coniiiioii sciiools, and at the age
of eighteen began the study of medicine with
Dr. McLane, a leading physician of Troy, and
Dr. O' Conner of the Troy Hospital. He sub-
sequently entered the Albany Medical College,
and was graduated at that institution in 1888,
at twenty-one years of age, standing high in
his class. He innnediately began the practice
of his profession in Troy, but eighteen months
later removed to lUu'ke, in iManklyn County,
N. Y., where he remaineil foi' the next six
years. He then came to Hunter, where he has
since been in |)ractice. He is a general piac-
titioner, and also a surgeon of unusual skill,
having performed many difficult operations.
During his two years in the Troy Hosjiital, and
for several months while he was in the New
York I'olyclinic, he had a large amount of val-
uable experience in attending cases of appendi-
citi.s, and in his subsequent practice he has had
r«markable success with the many cases of that
nature brought to him for treatment.
Dr. Bestle is a member both of the Greene
County Medical Society and of the Medical
Society of Northern New York. He is also a
member of the .Sixth .Separate Company of
militia of Tro), anil of the Arba Reed Steamer
Company of that city. Fraternally, he holds
mend)ership in l''rontier Lodge, V. & A. M., of
Chateaugay. In politics the Doctor is a Re-
]iublican, antl in religious faith an ICpiscopa-
lian, being connected with .Sf. Paul's Episco-
pal Church of Troy. Although he has been in
Hunter a comparatively sht)rt lime, he has al-
read}' built up a large pi'actice, and is very
popular both socially and professionally.
\C/^;/ I'LLINGTON E. HASSLER, one of
the leading business men of Middle-
burg, N.Y. , was born on August ig, 1S4S, .son
of David and Augusta (Tibbit.s) Bassler. His
IKiternal grandfather was Henry Hassler. He
was born in Knox, Albany County, and s[)ent
his early years in that ))lace. After his mar-
riage he came to Huntersland, this town, and
settled on what is now known as the IJassler
homestead, where he spent the remainder of
his life, anil where he died at the age of forty-
four. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary
Saddlemyer, was also a native of Albany
County. She lived to reach the age of eighty-
nine. Of the ten children born to her, five
are living, namely: Amanda, who married Re-
solved Macombcr; Amaziah ; Eliza Ann, who
married lY-leg Cook; Sylvester, who occupies
the old homestead; and Eucy, who married
Salem Smith, and resides near Rensselaerville,
Albany County.
David ]5assler, who was born in Hunters-
land, March 22, 1S22, and died Sejitember 13,
1893, was reared on tbe home farm, and up to
1859, with the exception of one year, was en-
gaged exclusively in agricultural work. In
1S60 he went into mercantile life in Ihmters-
land; and in 1869 lie bought the I.uther
Vroman store in Middleburg, at the corner of
Main Street and Railroad Avenue, and thus
became the pioprietor of what to-day, under the
efficient management of his successors, is one
of the leading stores in town. David 15assler's
wife, to whom he was married in October,
1S47, was the daughter of Harry and 15etsy
(Styles) Tibbits, of Huntersland, early resi-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
dents of the town. Mr. Tibbits lived to be
eighty-five years of age, and Mrs. Tibbits lived
to be sixty. Mrs. Augusta T. Bassler, who
died on September 7, 1S80, at the age of fifty-
two, was one of four daughters born to her
parents. She was a member of the Christian
church at lluntersland. llcr children were.
Wellington K. ]5assler; Ida, who married Peter
Wormer; and VAVa. who married George H.
Hyde, of Middleburg.
Wellington E. l^assler was educated in the
public schools, and at .Starkey Seminary, from
which he was graduated in June, iS6g. Fol-
lowing this he was clerk in his father's store
for two years, and then in 1S71 he was admitted
to a half-interest in the business, which as-
sumed the name of D. Bassler & Son. In
April, 1875, John H. Cornell bought the elder
Mr. Bassler's interest, and the firm name was
changed to Hassler & Cornell. On January i,
1880, Mr. Cornell retired. In 1887 Mr. Bass-
ler took into partnership two of his clerks,
C. L. McBain and George B. Wheeler, and
the firm name has since been W. E. Bas.sler
& Co.
Mr. ]5assler is a wide-awake man, and is in-
terested in varied enterprises of a progressive
character. He is a warm-hearted Republican,
and has been connected with the Republican
County Committee for some time, six years as
its chairman, and a number of years as secre-
tary of the committee. On AjmII i, 1889, he
assumed the duties of Postma.ster of Middle-
burg. lie held this position five years, and in
that time he greatly improved the postal ser-
vice of this town, had the satisfaction of seeing
the office raised from the fourth class to the
third class list, and the position of Postmaster
made a salaried one. Since then the salary
has been increased by five hundred dollars.
Mr. Bassler was nominated for the Assembly
in 1894, and again in 1S96, and in both in-
stances ran ahead of his ticket by huiuh'etls of
votes. Since 1894 he has been president of the
Mutual Fire InsLuance Association, which was
formed that year by the business men of Mid-
dleburg, to embrace Schoharie, Otsego, and
Albany Counties, Chenango and Montgomery
Counties having been added since. This as-
sociation has met with remarkable success, and
does a very large amount of business. Mr.
Bassler is also a director in the (^ak Hill and
MidJleburg Local Exchange Telephone Com-
panies; a director ()f the First National Bank
of Middlebiu'g; directcjr of the Middleburg and
Schoharie Railroad; and president of tlie hoaid
of trustees of Starkey .Seminary, which position
he has held since 1881. He was a trustee of
Middleburg Academy for six years, and for
four years of the time president of the board.
Ten years ago he founded the .Starkey Semi-
nary Monthly, of which he was the editcir until
1897. Mr. l^assler is an active worker in the
Reformed chui'ch, and since 18S4 has been
superintendent of its Sunday-school. From
1882 to 1 888 he was secretary of the County
Association of Suntlay-schools, and subse-
cpiently for five years he was president (if the
association. .Since 1893 he has been jiresident
of the Schoharie County liible Society.
Mr. Bassler's store is in a most prosi)erous
condition. Four assistants are employed in its
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
management; and since it is one of the old-
established business enterprises in this region,
and has always maintained its early rejjutation
for honest dealing and high grade goods, it has
the confidence and the patronage of the public.
Mr. Bassler has seen many and important
changes in Middleburg since he first began
business here. The handsome school-house
has been built, many of the big business blocks
have been erected, and a water supply system
has been introduced into the town. He him-
.self has aided in many of the more noteworthy
improvements. On January i, 1890, he asso-
ciated himself with Mr. G. L. Fox in founding
the Middleburg Nczvs, a paper advanced in rank
and one now growing steadily in favor, as well
as one which bears the distinction of being the
first Republican paper in this end of the
county.
In 1874 Mr. Bassler was united in marriage
with Alida, only child of Hezekiah Manning,
and a native of this place. Mr. Manning was
born here, and spent his entire life engaged in
farming. He died in 1889. Mis wife, whose
maiden name was Maria Beekman, was born in
Sharon. She resides with Mr. and Mrs. Bass-
ler. Since his marriage Mr. Bassler has made
his home at the old Manning homestead, which
is a very attractive place just outside the vil-
lage, the house being sheltered by tall elms
and stately pines, surrounded by extensive
grounds, and guarded by the dark-browed, lofty
cliffs which stand as venerable sentinels at the
eastern portals of the .Schoharie Valley. Mr.
liassler is a great fancier of poultry, and has
model poultry yards, where he raises many
fancy breeds, such as Leghorns, Plymouth
Rocks, and Light Bramahs. He makes a
feature of egg-producing poultry, and ships
eggs West as far as Colorado, and South as far
as Maryland. He is also a fancier of Holstein
cattle.
§OIIN A. MYER.S, a veteran agricult-
urist of Seward, N. Y. , living about two
miles from the village of Hyndsville,
was born in this town, March 27, 18 19, a son
of Philip P. and Catherine (Strobeck) Myens.
His paternal grandfather, Peter Myers, came
from Dutchess County to Schoharie County at
an early period of its hist(jry, and for a short
time lived in Seward. He removed from here
to Otsego County, and, purchasing land near
the town of South Valley, improved a farm, on
which he resided many years. He finally re-
turned to Seward, and died at the home of
his son, Philip P. He was twice married, and
by his second wife, who was the grandmother
of John A., had five children.
Philip P. Myers, son of Peter, was reared to
farming pursuits, and soon after his marriage
settled on the Myers homestead, now owned
and occupied by his son, John A. Here he
toiled with persistent energy to clear anil im-
prove a farm, and was numbered among the re-
spected and successful farmers of the neighbor-
hood. His death occurred at the age of three-
score years and ten. He was a strong sup-
porter of the 'principles of the Democratic
party, but never aspired to political office.
LI is wife, Catherine, was born in Sewartl,
being one of the si.x children of John A.
IJIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Strobeck, a prominent pioneer farmer of the
town, and one of its most esteemed citizens.
Mr. Strobeck as a young man served in the war
of tlie Revolution, and in one of its battles was
severely wounded. He attained the advanced
age of eighty years. Philip P. and Catherine S.
Myers reared six children, two of whom are
living, namely: John A., the first-born; and
Catherine, resitling in l'2ast Worcester, being
tiie wife of Abraham Smith, who is her second
husband.
John A. M\ers was educated in the district
school. VoY three and one-half years after his
marriage he li\cd on the old home farm with
his parents, subsequently lived for a year with
his father-in-law, and then rented a farm on
shares for four years. Having accumulated
some money, he next bought a farm of one
hundred and nine acres on Winegard Hill,
where lie lived for eighteen years, when he
sold that antl jnirchased a larger farm, of one
hundred and forty acres, which he carried on
two years. Returning then to the old home-
stead, he took charge of it until the death of
his father, and after that event he bought out
the other heirs, and has since been its sole
l^ossessor. This i>lace contains one hunilred
and twenty-five acres of land, most of which is
under cultivation; and he has also another es-
tate near by of one hundred and twenty-two
acres, which he rents by the year. He has
practically given up the management of his
property to his son Peter, who lives with him,
and they are carrying on general farming and
dairying with signal success, and arc also en-
gaged to some extent in manufacturing lumber.
In politics I\Ir. M\ers is identified with the
Democratic ])arty, but has persistently refused
to accept all offices excepting those of High-
way Commissioner and Collector of Taxes,
both of which he filled a short time. He is
an active member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, of wliich he has been trustee and
steward, and has been connected with the
Sunday-school.
On May 28, 1839, Mr. Myers married Emily
15. \'oungs, who was born in Seward, a daugh-
ter of Adam Youngs, formerly a well-to-do
farmer and lumber manufacturer, he having
been owner of the saw-mill now operated by
Mr. Myers and his son. Mr. and Mrs. Myers
have had nine children, six of whom grew to
mature years, namely : Adam, a jihysician in
Buskirk, Rensselaer County, who married Mary
Diefendorf, and has two children — Victor and
Ralph; Millard, deceased, who married Han-
nah Shear, and had one child, Emily; P'lmira,
the wife of Harvey Oliver, a farmer; Peter,
who lives on the home farm, married Mary
Marks, and has three children — John D.,
Howard C, and Dewey Willard; Lorenzo, the
oldest child, who died leaving a widow, whose
maiden name was Lottie M. .Simmonds, and
one child, Lewis; and Julia, who died at the
age of eighteen years.
'Rh:Di:RICK EISENMENGER, I'olice
Justice, Schenectady, N.Y., was born
in this city, March 21, 1849, son of ?'erdinand
and Wilhelmina (Laman) Eisenmenger. 'I'he
FREDERICK EISENMENGER.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
l)arents were born in Germany, the father
about the year 1827.
In 1846, having acquired a good education
and mastered the machinist's trade, he came
to tiie United States, intending to engage in
business. Instead of adhering to his original
jdan, he entered the employ of the Schenec-
tady & Utica Railway Company, with whom
he remained about sixteen years. In 1862
he enlisted as a private in Company K,
One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Regiment,
New York Volunteers, with which he served
in the Civil War until fatally vv(junded in
May, 1864, his death occurring on June 16 of
the same year. Mrs. Wilhelmina Eisen-
menger, his wife, was left with two children:
Pauline, who died in 1865, aged five years;
and Frederick, the subject of this sketch.
The mother died in 1886, at the age of sixty-
eight.
On August II, 1862, Frederick Fisen-
menger, when but thirteen years old, joined
the same regiment in which his father en-
listed, and was enrolled in the ranks of Com-
[lany 15, being one of the youngest vohmteers
to enter the service. He was detailed to serve
at division headquarters under Major-general
John VV. Geary, commander of the Second
Division, Twentieth Army Corps, and after-
ward Governor of Pennsylvania. While in front
of Atlanta he received a severe woiinil in
the jaw, and he was mustered out with his
regiment in June, 1865. In 1868 he began a
four years' apprenticeship at the machinist's
trade in the Schenectady Locomotive Works,
and he completed the term. Feeling the need
of a better education, he studied nights, and
while still employed at the works he began to
read law under the direction of Judge Yates.
He practised his profession until May 2, 1882,
when he was appointed Police Justice. The
duties of this position he has performed with
marked ability for over sixteen years. His
present term will expire in 1900.
In September, 1874, Judge Fisenmenger
married Louisa, daughter of the late Louis
Pepper, of this city. They have two children,
namely : P^rederick, who was graduated from
the high school in 1895, and is now in the ex-
perimental department of the General Electri-
cal Works; and Clara, now a student at the
high school.
Judge Fisenmenger belongs to St. George
Lodge, No. 6, F. & A. M. ; is Past Com-
mander of Horsfall Post, No. go, G. A. R. ;
and president of the One Hundred and Thirty-
fourth Regimental Association. He is a
member and has been an official of the Meth-
odist I{piscopal church. His residence at 105
Union Avenue was built by him in 1887, and
he purchased for his mother the house in which
she spent lier last yeans.
<^*^»
ILLIAM W. PURGFTT, M.D., of
'-^V the village of Fultonham, one of
tlie foremost physicians and surgeons of Scho-
harie County, was born in P'ultonham, May 14,
i860. He is the son of Charles S. and Julia
A. (Teller) Purgett, and is a lineal descendant
in the sixth generation of one of two brothers
who came from Holland to America in the
2l6
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
early part of the eighteenth century and set-
tled on Manhattan Island. They bought land,
and afterward leased one hundred acres near
the present site of Trinity Church in New
■S'ork City, for a term of ninety-nine years,
l^oth married, and both had sons in the Re\o-
lutionary arm)-. "Hurghardt," the original
spelling of their surname, was retained until
within a comparatively few years.
I\Iillbur\- 15urghardt, or Hurgelt, the next in
line of descent, was a jjioneer of .Schoharie
County, and the founder of the family in Ful-
ton, where he reared his eight children, one of
whom, Millbury, was the succeeding ancestor.
Storm Burgett, son of Conrad Burgett, was the
Doctor's grandfather. lie was born in I'ul-
ton, and there he liveil and died. He owned
the farm now in the jiossession of Mr. C. E.
Markham, of whom a brief sketch may be
found on another jJage of this volume. He
was a wagon-maker and carpenter b\' trade, oc-
cu[)ations at which he worked in conjunction
with farming, and was well known as one of
the most industrious and thrifty men of the
community. To Storm Burgett and his wife,
whose maiden name was Sally lianner, si.\
children were born, three of whom are li\ing;
namely, Charles .S., Lydia, wife of Timothy
Becker, and Peter.
Charles S. Burgett was born in P^dton, .'\u-
gust 30, I S3 1, and spent his earlier years on
the home farm. He subsequently learned the
blacksmith's trade, at which he continued to
Work until 1866, when he bought the hotel
which he has since managed successfidly. He
is a stanch Democrat in jxditics, but has never
been an aspirant for official honors. Botli he
and his wife are members of the Lutheran
church. In 185 i he married Julia ^\. Teller,
who was born August 4, 1S32, in Indton.
Her father, Cornelius Teller, spent the en-
tire si.\ty-one years of his life in this town,
being engaged during his active period in
agricultural pursuits on a small farm that he
had bought near his boyhootl's home. He was
one of the leading Democrats of this vicjnity,
and served as a Tax Cidlector two terms in the
earlier j^art of this century, when the entire
receipts for the year were but one thousand
one hundred dollars, against the eight thou-
sand dollars collected in i.SgS. His wife,
Lavinia \'r()man, was a daughter of Martin
Woman, a lifelong farmer of what is now the
town of Middleburg; and Lavinia V^roman's
mother, the grandmother of Mrs. Charles S.
Burgett, was before marriage a Miss Zeie,
who was born in Mitldleburg in Colonial days,
and from the age of seven to fourteen years,
during the entire jieriod of the Revolution,
lived in the L'pper P'ort. Corneliii-s Teller's
father, William Teller, was born in Schenec-
tady, N.V., whence he came when a young
man to this county, and in 1800 settled in the
town of Miildleburg, where he lived until his
death, at the age of forty-two years. He was
a shoemaker by trade. After coming here he
married Maggie Feeck, the descendant of one
of the original settlers of this ]iart of the
county. .She survived him, living to the age
of fifty-six years. Both were acti\e members
of the Reformed church. They reared eight
children.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
217
Of the five chiklrLMi born of the union of
Charles S. and Julia A. (Teller) Burgett, three
are still living; namely, Marion, the Doctor,
and Laura. Marion, after the death of her first
husband, Frank P. Haynes, married Warren
P. Hollenbeck, a prominent farmer in the town
of Broome, N.Y. Laura married first liarland
Haynes, of Fulton, who died leaving her with
one child, Marion Harland. She is now the
wife of F. J. Graham, a shoe dealer of New
York City, and has one child by this marriage,
Mildred. Both parents are members of the
Lutheran church.
William W. Burgett obtained the rudiments
of his education in the public schools of Ful-
tonham, and was further advanced in learning
by a course of study at the high school under
Professor Sias, of whom a biographical sketch
appears elsewhere in this Review. A short
time he spent as a clerk in the store of H. T.
Kingsley, and he taught school one term in
Fulton. Going then to Schoharie, he read
medicine two years with Dr. Layman, after
which he entered the medical department of
the University of New York City, from which
he received his degree of Doctor of Medicine
in March, 1S82, at the age of twenty-one
years. In addition to the regular curriculum
of the university, he took special clinical e.\-
aminations at Bellevue Hospital under Profes-
sor William 11. Thompson, while at the same
hospital he received jirivate instruction in
physical diagnosis from Professor Alfred L.
I.oomis, in operative surgery from Professor J.
W. Wright, and in urinary analyses under Pro-
fessor John C. Draper. Returning to P"ulton-
ham immediately after his gradu.ttion, Dr.
Burgett here began the duties of his profession,
and has since built up a large and successful
patronage as a general medical practitioner.
In 1884 he erected his present residence in the
village, and also a substantial barn on the same
lot. He has served a number of terms on the
local Board of Health, and for si.\ years has been
County Coroner. Politically, he is a sound
Democrat. He is a member of the Schoharie
County Medical Society, of which he has been
vice-president and president. He is also a
member of Middleburg Lodge, No. 663, V. &
A. M. , and is at present Master of FuJtonham
Grange, No. 809.
On September 25, 1883, Dr. Burgett mar-
ried Miss Maggie PI Schaeffer, who was boin
in P^ulton, daughter of Hendrick Schaeffer, a
retired farmer (jf P'ulton. Among the pioneer
settlers of the town of Schoharie was Christian
Schaeffer, one of the largest landholders of that
locality, whose son, Jacob Henry, born in
Schoharie in 1808, was the grandfather of Mrs.
Burgett. Grandfather Schaeffer was a lifelong
agriculturist of Schoharie, where he spent his
eighty-eight years of earthly existence, and
was one of its most esteemed citizens. He
was a Republican in politics, and served as an
Overseer of the Poor. He contributed liber-
ally toward the support of the Lutheran church,
of which he was one of the oldest and most in-
fluential members. His wife, Ann Alida
Groesbeck, who died at the age of eighty-four
years, bore liim ten children. Hendrick
Schaeffer marrietl Helen Borst, a native of
Middleburg, and a daugiiter of Peter H. Borst,
!l8
BIOGRAPHICAL RPA'IEW
the representative of an early family of Scho-
harie County, and himself one of the most
wealthy and prominent of its farmers. He
was a member of the Lutheran church, and his
death, at the age of sixty-five years, removed
from that ori;anization one of its substantial
sujjporters. His wife, Nancy I-lffner, a lite-
lony resident of Middleburg, died in 1861.
Mr. and Mrs. Hendrick Schaeffer reared four
children, of whom three are living, as follows:
Charles, a farmer in Schoharie; Alida, wife of
Seneca Maynes ; and Maggie E. , now Mrs.
Burgett. Peter, a carpenter, died at the age
of thirty-five years.
Dr. and Mrs. Burgett have two children,
namely: William Layman, who was named for
one of the Doctor's early preceptors; and
Ch;nies Leland. Dr. Burgett is an elder and
one of the trustees of the Lutheran church,
and Mrs. Burgett also is an active church
member, and for many years has been a teacher
in the Sunday-school.
,\CAY ll-'-'-^'^' !'■ '^"■:AD, M.l)., the vet-
eran physician and surgeon of Wind-
ham, Greene County, N.Y. , was born in
Jevvett, this county, on April 6, 1833, to
Stephen and Caroline (Hosford) Mead. His
great-grandfather Hosford, whose Christian
name was Gideon, was a prominent farmer and
land-owner in Farmington, Conn., and Dr.
Mead has in his possession some of the ances-
tral deeds bearing the .seal of King George.
Philip Mead, the Doctor's paternal grand-
father, was born in Dutchess County, New
York, and grew up on a farm. He removed to
Jewctt when his son Stephen was five years
old, finding his way hither by following
marked trees. He lived first in most primi-
tive fashion in a log hut, but in time cleared
a goodly tract of land and erected a commodi-
ous frame house. He was a lifelong farmer.
After spending some years in Jevvett, he went
to Cayuga, near Weedsport, where he resided
until his death, at sixty years of age. The
maiden name of his wife was Hannah Town-
send. The)- had a large family of children.
The Doctor's father, Stephen Mead, was
born in Dutchess County, and reared to farm
life. When he became of age he purchased
a farm in Jewctt, where he spent the remainder
of his life, anil where he died at the age of
eighty-six. Lie followed agriculture and lum-
bering, and did a large business in selling
bark to tanners. He and his wife, Caroline,
were members of the Methodist Episcopal
church. Mrs. Mead died at the age of sixty-
nine. She was the daughter of Joel and Maria
Hosfortl, farmer folk of Jewett. Her father
died at the age of eighty-four, and her mother,
who was of Dutch descent, died while quite a
young woman, although .she lived to bear four
children. Stephen and Caroline Mead were
also the parents of foui" children, three of whom
are living, namely: Dr. William 11., of Wind-
ham; Dr. J. H. Mead, of Hunter, a sketch of
whose life is to be found on another page; and
Adeline, who married Alanson Woodworth, of
LIuntcr, whose biography also appears in this
volume.
William II. Mead's early life was spent on
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
219
his father's farm in Jewett. He attended the
common schools of the town, and later became
a teacher in them and in the schools of Hunter.
After teaching for several years he took up the
stuily of medicine with his brother Joel, then
settled in Hunter, and he subsequentl}- attended
the Albany Medical College. After his grad-
uation in 1868 he began practice in Ashland,
where he remained until 1879, when he came
to Windham. He has now been in continuous
practice here for thirty years, and, barring one
or two exceptions, is the oldest medical practi-
tioner in service in the county. He has given
much attention to surgery, and has performed
some remarkable operations, his skill being
known throughout the county. His career as
a general practitioner has also been a distin-
guished one.
In 1856 Dr. William H. Mead was united
in marriage with Matilda Winter, daughter,
and one of a number of children, of Moses
Winter, a farmer of Jewett. Mrs. Mead died
November 26, 1896. Of the three childien
born to her, one died at the age of ten months,
and another at the age of five years. A daugh-
ter, Eugenie, is living. She is the wife of
Emery A. Hill, a well-known Windham
farmer, and has two children — Blanche and
William Henry.
Dr. Mead is a stanch Republican. His first
Presidential vote was cast in 1856, and he has
voted every election since with the exception
of one. He has held a few minor ofifices in
the village, but in the main has refused public
office. He is a member of the Masonic fra-
ternity in this town, and was elected Junior
Warden within two weeks after joining the
organization. He has been a member of the
Greene County Medical Society ever since it
was started, twenty-five years ago. His church
connections are with the Methodist society of
this place, of wdiich also his wife was a mem-
ber. For many years he w^as steward in the
church, but within a short time he has tendered
his resignation of that office. For many years,
too, he was a teacher in the .Sunday-school and
chorister of the church. During their resi-
dence in Ashland Mrs. Mead also was a
teacher. Throughout his long and useful life
the Doctor has been a promoter of e\'er)' good
and philanthropic cause, and has been actively
interested in every effort to promote the well-
be in"; of his fellows.
OHN ROSSMAN, M.D., a prominent
physician of Schoharie Count}' and a
resident of Middleburg, was born in
the town of Fulton on March 8, 1S47, his
parents being George and Marietta (Beard)
Rossman. His first ancestors in this country
came from Germany, and were among the early
settlers of Columbia County, Yew York. His
grandfather, whose name was Christopher, was
born in that county, and li\'ed there iluring
early life. ]5efore the birth of his son George,
Christopher Rossman removed to Schoharie
County and settled in Summit, where he
passed the remainder of his life. In politics
he was a Republican, and both he and his wife
were members of the Methodist church. Mrs.
Rossman, whose maiden name was Lana
r.IOr. liAPII ICAI, RK\- 1 E\V
Mickel, wns born in Schoharie of an old fam-
ily. She was the mother of fourteen children,
all of whom grew to maturity. They were
named as follows: George, Mary, John, l^etsy,
William, Christina, Nathaniel, Phoebe, David,
Lucy, ("harles, Huldah, Jane, and Cassie.
Dr. Rossman's father was born in Summit,
received his education in the common scliools
there, and subsequentl\' remoNcd to h'ultDn,
where he bought a farm and resitted until his
death, at the age of forty-seven. Politically,
George Kossman was at first a Republican and
later a Democrat. For twenty-two years he
served as a Justice of the Peace. He was
twice married. His first wife. Marietta, who
died when their sun John was four years of age,
was born in Riclmidndville. She was a daugh-
ter of Jacob Heard, and one of a family nf four
cliildren. Her father was a farmer of that
town, and subsequently of Fulton. Late in
life he removed to Geneseo County, where he
died at the advanced age of ninety. Mrs.
Marietta H. Rossman was the muther of two
children. Her daughter, Louise, is deceased.
The second wife of George Kossman was before
her marriage Marcia Holmes. She also was
boiii in P'ulton, of one of the old families.
She died at the age of forty.
John Kossman in his bo\hood and youth se-
cured a good common-school education in the
public schools, which he attendeil both sununer
and winter. In 1865 he began to read medi-
cine with Dr. J. D. Wheeler, of Middlebnrg,
and in I S6S he was graduated at the Philadel-
|)hia University of Medicine and .Surgerw He
began practising with Dr. Wheeler, but at the
end of a )ear went to West Fulton and started
an independent practice. Three years later he
returned and again engaged with his former
partner, but after a year of joint work tlie two
doctors severed their connection, and since
then Dr. Rossman has workeil alone. He has
built up a large general practice, and is now
the oldest physician in town in jioiiit of
service.
The Doctor married his first wife, Mary,
the daughter of Cornelius IJouck, in 1869.
.She died at the age of twenty eight, lea\ing
three children — Marietta, Anna A., and
Charles H. Marietta married M. J. V'roman,
antl is the mother of three children — Cecil,
Lena, and Marguerite. Anna is the wife of
Di". .Simpkins of this town. Charles married
Agnes McLean, anil has one child, Marion, by
name. The Doctor's second wife, whose
maiden name was Lizzie ]5. Smith, is a native
of Middleburg, and the daughter of Silas
Smith. She is a member of the Fpiscojial
church, but an attendant of the Reformed
churcli.
I'or the past fifteen years Dr. Rossman has
been Health Officer of the town, holding his
office by annual le-elections. He is an acti\e
and influential member of the Schoharie Medi-
cal .Society, and was .secretary of the ]5oard of
Pension L.xaminers for the county. He is a
Democrat, but never an office-seeker; in fact,
he has never been willing to accept luiblic
office, except in cases where it has seemed
])lainl\- his duty to do .so. He is a member of
Middleburg Lodge, No. 663, V. & A. M. ; of
John L. Lewis Chapter, No. 229; of .St.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
George's Commandery, No. ^y ; La Bastile
Lodge, No. 494, I. O. O. F. ; and Middlebiirg
lilncampment, No. 129. In the Blue Lodge he
has held all the offices, hax'ing been Master for
two years, and secretary and Junior Warden for
the same length of time each. He is Past
Noble Grand of the Subordinate Lodge of this
district, and Past Chief Patriarch of the En-
campment, and was District Deput}' for two
years. For seven years he has been president
of the Middlcburg Cemetery Organization.
r^YLVESTER B. SAGE, of Cat.skill,
^/^ dealer in carriages and harnesses,
and present member of the New
York Assembly from Greene County, was
born in Prattsville on September 8, 1S36, son
of Hart C. and Clarissa H. (Van Luven) Sage.
The founder of the Sage family in America
is said to have been David Sage, who came to
New England in 1652, and .settled at Middle-
town, Conn., where he died in 1703, aged
sixty-four years.
David Sage of a later generation, grand-
father of Mr. Sage, of Catskill, was one of the
early settlers of Broome, Schoharie County,
N.Y., and resided on a farm there throughout
the greater part of his life.
Hart C. Sage, son of the second David here
mentioned, was brought up on the farm in
I'roome, but after his marriage came to Cat-
skill. Here he remained two years engaged
in mercantile business, and at the end of that
time went to Prattsville, where he carried on
a store. He died at the age of thirty-si.v. In
early life he taught school for several terms.
He w-as prominent among the Odd Fellows,
and after he went to Prattsville he built a hall
there for the organization. He was a member
of the Presbyterian church, and conformed his
daily life and walk to his professed beliefs.
His wife, Clarissa, who shared his religious
faith, was ])orn in Broome. She w-as a de-
scendant of one of the early settlers there, and
one of a large family of children. She died at
seventy, having been the motlier of five chil-
dren, namely: Osmar C, who is now deceased;
Omar V.; Sylvester B. ; H. Clarence; and
Hart C. , Jr., al.so deceased. Omar V. Sage
is a well-known public man. He was Clerk
of Greene County for two terms, and member
of the New York Assembly two terms, and for
the past five years he has held the imp(.)rtant
position of Warden of Sing Sing Prison. H.
Clarence Sage is a professor of music, residing
in New York City.
Sylvester B. Sage when a lad of ele\'en years
lost his father, and at a very early age he w^as
obliged to shift for himself. After working in
Prattsville for a time as clerk in a store, he
was in business there down to 1869. He then
sold out his trade and stock and came to Cat-
skill, and for eleven years, from 1869 to 1880,
conducted a grocery here. In 1880 he received
an appointment as under sheriff, and this office
he filled in an entirely acceptable manner for
three years. At the end of that time he
opened his present business, which has since
proved to be such a success. In his extensive
warerooms on Main Street are to be found
vehicles of all kinds, harnesses, whijis, and
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
general horse and carriage furnishings. He
docs a larger business in this line than any
other firm between .\li)any and \'e\v Yori<.
He makes niaii}- of tlie harnesses he carries in
stock, and sells many at wholesale, keeping
five harness-makers employed the entire year.
All wagons and carriages to he found in his
repository are built by the best manufacturers.
He employ's fourteen men in the store, and
sells at both wholesale anil retail. He is
among the oldest business men mi the street,
and, with two or three exceptions, the oldest
in the to\\>n.
In politics Mr. Sage is a Democrat. He
held the office of Town Collector for a year,
and that of Police Justice for si.\ years, antl
was then apjjointed Under Sheriff. He has
also been on the 15<iard of lulucation se\eral
years, and was clerk of the board during the
greater part of his jieriod of membership. In
1897 he was elected to the Assembly, receiv-
ing three thousand, eight hundred and si.vteen
votes, against three thousand, four bundled and
fift)-three for Jdhn B. Logendyke. During
that year he was a member of the Committees
on Internal Affairs and Villages. In 1898 he
was again elected to the Assembly, against
D. G. Green, of Co.xsackie, and is now serving
on the Connnittees on (ieneral Laws and Re-
\ision, the two best in the House.
Mr. Sage marrietl, in 18C1, Alice, daughter
of Darius W. Smith, proprietor of a sale stable
in 24th .Street, New York. Of this imion two
children have been born — P'rancis \'. and
Clarence B. The latter is in business with
bis father. Mr. Safe's business is located in
one of the handsomest blocks in Catskill, and
his residence, purchased in 1872, occupies one
of the most sightly spots in the town.
Mr. Sage is a member of Catskill Lodge,
No. 468, having joined man)- \ears ago. He
held the office of Clerk for a long time, but has
declined all other offices. He is at the present
time vice-president of the Catskill Driving
Park Association, and president of the Moun-
tain Dew Krewery, and a director in both or-
ganizations; also a member of the li.xecutive
Committee of the Retail Carriage Dealers'
Protective Association, which is a national or-
ganization. In 1895 he was ]iresident of the
association. Mr. .Sage and his family are all
members of the Presbyterian chinch. He is
one of Catskill's most ]irogressi\e and most
highly respected citizens.
HARLES !•:. WEI DM AN, M.D.,
the well-known medical practitioner of
Galluinille, in the town (il Wright,
his native jdace, was born on November 8,
1870, his parents being Daniel and Louisa
(\'roman) Weidman. His grandfather, Peter
I. Weidman, who was l)orn in Middleburg,
was a farmer by occu[)ation, and there spent
the early part of liis active life. Later he
li\'ed in the town of New Scotland for ten
years, and at the end of that time came to
Wright, where he died at the age of seventy-
five. Peter I. Weiihnan's wife, the Doctor's
giandnidther, Etlith Houghtaling, a native of
New Scotland, Albany Count)', is still living
on the old farm. All her life she has been
CHARLES E. WEIOTNTAN.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
225
a devoted member of the Lutheran church. Of
the five children born to her, only one is living.
Daniel Weidman, son of Peter I., was reared
on a farm, and received his education in the
common schools. He spent the later years of
his life on the old homestead, his death occur-
ring at the age of fifty-two. In politics he
was a stanch Republican, as his father before
him had been. He was a leading agriculturist
of his town and an acti\e member of the
Lutheran church.
Dr. Weidman 's mother, who was the daugh-
ter of Albert Vroman and one of a family of
eleven children, was born in 1846, in the town
of Guilderland, in Albany Count}', this State.
Her father was a speculator in farm produce.
Ller mother, whose maiden name was Van
Aurnuni, is still li\ing. Besides the Doctor,
Mrs. Weidman had two children, namely: Aus-
tin J. ; and Edith, who is the wife of Charles
S. Young. Mrs. Weidman died in 1889 at
the age of forty-three. Both parents were
memlxM's of the Lutheran church, and the
father had held the office of Deacon as well
as others of less importance.
The boyhood of Dr. Weidman was spent on
the home farm. He attended the common
schools and Hartwick Seminary, graduating
from the last-named institution in i8gi.
Subsequent to this he taught school in Gal-
lupville for two years. He pursued the stud)-
of medicine in the Albany Medical College,
was graduated in 1S95, and since that time
has been located here. He has demonstrated
his fitness for the profession in which he has
engaged, and has iniilt up a flnurishing prac-
tice, his ability being recognized by all who
have had occasion to call upon him. Al-
though he has been here but a comparatively
short time, he has won many friends profes-
sionally; and his services are in recpiisition,
not only in the village, but also in the outly-
ing districts.
Dr. Weidman was married in the fall of
1896 to Minnetta C. Barringer, who was born
in Germantown, Columbia County. She is the
daughter of John I. Barringer, a druggist of
Hudson, formerly of Germantown, and one
of a family of three children. In jjolitics, the
Doctor is a Republican. He has served on
the town Republican committee, and has been
candidate for Coroner. He has held a number
of offices on the election board, among tliese
being that of ballot clerk. In 1 89S he was
elected Supervisor of the town of Wright, and
in 1899 ^'^'^s re-elected for two \ears. Profes-
sionally, he is a member of the Schoharie
County Medical Society. He is a member of
Orion Lodge, No. 624, Independent Order of
Odd P'ellows; is Past Gi'and, and has been
through all the other chairs. Mrs. Weidman
is a member of the Presbyterian Church of
Waterford.
,0B1{RT ELLIOTT, whose death oc-
curred on January 6, 1899, was for
many years a representative citizen
of Hunter, N. Y., being well known in the
third quarter of the century as a general mer-
chant, and later as the builder and proprietoi'
of the Kaatsberg. He was of Scotch-Irish
[larentagc, and was born on June 24, 1S22, in
226
BIOGRAI'IIICAI, RKVIF.W
Irelant], where his fathei', whose name was
Thomas, spent his entire lite engaged in agri-
culture.
Thomas Elliott and his family were stanch
niemliers of the Presbyterian church, and he
was an l^lder for many years. lie lived to be
eighty )ears old. His vvife, Jane McLane
Elliott, was of Scotch liescent, and one of a
large family. She was the mother of the fol-
lowing-named children: Robert; John, who
lives in Kansas; Thomas, Jr., also in Kansas;
Samuel, Harriet, and James, all three de-
ceased; Helena and Jane, who are li\'ing in
Ireland; and Adam, who went to Australia.
James Elliott was educated f(jr the Presbyte-
rian ministry at Belfast. He subsequently
taught in Canada.
Robert I'^lliott inherited from his parents
those sterling c[ualities which e\'er character-
ized his dealings, and which were such potent
factors in shaping his successful business
career. He was educated in the national
schools of Ireland. At the early age of eight-
teen years he took the place of a professor in
one of those schools, and performed the duties
of the position for six montlis in a high!)- cred-
itable manner. At the cnil of that time he set
sail for America. He soon obtained a posi-
tion in a tannery, and after a short time he
entered the employ of Mr. lulwards, wlio he-
longed to the ]irominent llnnter famil}' of llial
name, and who was descended from the Jona-
than Edwards family of Massachusetts. Mr.
Elliott ke])t books for Mr. Edwards until that
gentleman died, and he then entered the em-
plo}' of his brother, Colonel William W.
Edwards, with whom he came to this town in
1848. Colonel Edwards carried on a large
tannery here, and Mr. Elliott had charge of
the accounts of the concern until his enijjloyer
went out of business.
In 1853 Mr. I'^lliott opened a general store,
and foi- the next t\vent)-five years he conducted
a large antl successful business. At the end of
that time he sold out, and later bought the lot
upon which he erected the beautiful Kaatsberg.
This fine house he built in 1883 — the finest
house in Iluntei- village. He ran this as a
summer boardingdiouse up to 1897, when he
gave up the management to his son, Robert G.
Elliott. All built under Mr. Elliott's super-
vision, it is a monument to his thoroughness
and is admired by every one.
Ill 1855 Mr. Elliott married Mary A. Cald-
well, a lady of Canadian birth. Of the six
cliildren born of this union, four are living-;
namely, Helena, Elmore V.., Clara, and Ro-
bert G. Elmore E. , who is a piominent ph\-
sician in Catskill, married l\Iabel .Sanderson,
a daughter of Judge Sanderson, of Catskill,
and has two sons — John .Sanderson and Robert
Caldwell. Clara resides with her mother.
Helena is the wife of Dr. C. P. McCabe, of
Greenville. Of her tliree children one is liv-
ing, a daughter Dorothy.
I'RI'.MEMl DUXCKh:!., who resides on
/^l his farm in the town of .Seward, about
a mile from the \-illage of Ilyndsville
in .Schoharie County, is living retired from
acti\e pursuits, enjo}ing the fruits of his ear-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
227
lier years of toil. He was born April 7,
1 82 1, in Canajoharie, N. Y. , a son of George
G. Dunckel, and -the descendant of a pioneer
settler of that town.
His <;reat-grandfather, Dunckel, whose name
was Peter, emigrated from Germany in Colo-
nial times. Peter Dunckel ttiok up a large
tract of unbroken land in Canajoharie, and,
erecting a small log cabin in the woods, settled
there with his wife and children. He was an
industrious, hard-working man, and while
clearing a farm for himself he assisted in the
upbuilding of the town. His son George, who
was the grandfather of Jeremiah Dunckel, the
subject of this brief sketch, enlisted as a sol-
dier in the Revolutionary army, and at the
battle of Cedar Swamp was unfortunate enough
to lose an eye.
George Dunckel was born in Germany, and
spent the first ten years of his life in the
Fatherland. Coming then to New York with
his parents, he performed his full .share of the
pioneer labor of redeeming a homestead from
the forest. When, on the death of his father,
the farm came into his possession, he continued
the improvements already begun; and prior to
his death, which occurred at the age of eigbty-
four years, he had a fine set of frame buildings
on the place, which was one of the best in its
appointments of any in the neighborhood.
Six children were born to him and his wife,
Elizabeth Countryman. She, too, lived to an
advanced age. Both were active members of
the Lutheran church.
George G. Dunckel, son of George, grew to
manhood on the ancestral farm in Canajoharie,
where from his youth up he was familiar with
its daily labors. He subseciuently became sole
owner of the homestead property, and was there
prosperously engaged in agricultural pursuits
until 184S. Selling out at that time, he came
to Seward, and, having purchased the farm now
owned and occupied by his son Jeremiah, he
carried it on until his decease, at the ase of
seventy-seven years. A man of energy and in-
telligence, he was a valued member of the
Democratic party, and for a number of terms
served wisely as Assessor and Highway Com-
missioner. He was a Methodist in his relis-
ions belief, and an active member of the
church of that denomination. He married
Maria Cook, daughter of John R. Cook, a
farmer and blacksmith of Canajoharie. They
had a family of eleven children, three of whom
are now living, namely: Jeremiah, the fifth-
born; Levi, who lives at Central Bridge; and
Sophronia, widow of Austin Lory, late of
Hyndsville.
Jeremiah Dunckel obtained his early educa-
tion in the common schools, and under the in-
struction of his father became well versed in
farming pursuits. When the family came to
Seward he accompanied them, and, remaining
an inmate of the household, assisted in the
management of the new farm. This valuable
estate of two hundred acres he now holds in
his own name, having purchased the interest
of the remaining heirs. In its care he has
shown excellent judgment and skill. He has
carried on general farming to advantage, devot-
ing a part of the land to raising hops, a profita-
ble crop in this section of the State, and has
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
also met with success as a dairymnii. lie has
sometimes had as many as forty cows in his
herd, and his butter has always met with a
ready sale. Of recent years he has relegated
the management of the estate to his eldest son,
Lucius Dunckel.
On October 5, 1843, Mr. Dunckel married
Lana A., daughter of Sylvanus Nestle, a well-
known tailor of Sprout Brook, N. Y. She died
at the age of sixty-one years, having borne him
four children. Of these two are dead, nameh' :
Esther, who married Anson Ifynds; and Helen
M., who married Irving Schoolcraft. The two
now li\ing. are Lucius and George. Lucius,
born April 6, 1846, has spent his life on the
home farm, of which he has had full charge
since 1S82. He is a Democrat in [lolitics
and has served as school trustee. In iSfjghe
marricfl Adelaide Lory, daughter of John
Lory, of Seward. They have one child, Lottie
Ann, who married Clark Bouton, Postmaster
and merchant at Hyndsville, and has two chil-
dren— Edna Belle and J. I.eroy. George, a
resident of Cobleskill, married Angerilla I-'alk.
They had five children: Jerry; Ann; Una and
Ula, twins; and Oscar, who ilied at the age of
nineteen years. After the death of his first
wife, Mr. Dunckel married Henrietta Young,
who was born in Seward township, where her
father, Jeremiah Young, a farmer of Seward
township, but a native of Onondaga County,
died aged seventy years. Her mother, whose
maiden name was Caroline E. Weatherwa.x,
was born in Rensselaer County. She died in
1892, aged eighty-one years, leaving seven
children out of a family of ten born to her and
her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Young were
members of the Lutheran church.
Mr. Dunckel is a stanch Jcffcrsonian Demo-
crat, dyed in the wool. He has taken an ac-
tive interest in advancing the welfare of the
town and county, but has invariably refused
]iublic office, although he has served as trustee
of the School Board. He was one of the orig-
inators of the Cobleskill Agricultural Society,
and has been among its most active and valued
members. Mrs. Dunckel is a member oi the
Methodist clunxli.
"s^YAMES B. DALEY, of Prattsville, at-
torney-at- law and a Civil War vet-
eran, was born in Ohio, townshi|i of
Richfield, March 7, 1845, son of Daniel and
Mary Ann (Champlin) Daley. His paternal
grandfather, Joseph Daley, and his great-
grandfather, Obadiah Daley, were lifelong
residents of Columbia County, New York,
and the latter was the son of Joseph Daley,
first, who came from New England to Chat-
ham, N. Y., where he cleared a farm. Josejih
Daley, second, Mr. Daley's grandfather, was
a prosperous farmer, and noted for his physi-
cal strength and power of endurance. He
married Hannah Son. Her father was an
early settler in Columbia County, and she in-
herited a part of the Son farm. The grand-
parents died at the age of eighty years. They
reared a large family of children, and none
are now living
Daniel Daley, James B. Daley's father, fol-
lowed the blacksmith's trade in Chatham for
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
229
a time, and moving from there to Lebanon
Springs, N. Y., iie carried on the wagon-mak-
ing business for some years, finally retiring
to a farm in Chatham, where he died at the
age of seventy-seven. He was widely known
among Odd Fellows, having been a member of
that order for many years; and he also had a
large number of friends and acquaintances
outside of that fraternity. His wife, Mary
Ann, was born in Chatham, daughter of Will-
iam and Mary (Kenyon) Champlin. Her
father, who came to this State from Rhode
Island, taught school in New York City prior
to settling upon a farm in the town of Chat-
ham. He had a family of six children.
Daniel and Mary Ann Daley were the parents
of ten children, si.\ of whom are living;
namely, William C. , George, James B.,
Henry, Sarah, and Charles. William C. and
George Daley are practising law in Chatham,
and a sketch of each will be found in the Bio-
GR.\PHic.\L Review of Columbia County.
James B. is the subject of this sketch; Henry
is a lawyer residing in Coxsackie, N.Y. ;
Sarah is the widow of Nathan C. Hagerborn,
late of Stillbrook, N.Y. ; and Charles is
residing at the homestead in Chatham.
The mother died at the age of seventy-
two years. The parents were ]5aptists.
They, were highly esteemed for their m.any
excellent qualities, and obituary notices
of each were published in the county news-
papers.
Having supplemented his common-school
studies with a course at the Lebanon Springs
Academy, James B. Daley turned his atten-
tion to educational pursuits, teaching schools
in Columbia and Rensselaer Counties, New
York, and in Berkshire County, Massachu-
setts. His law studies were pursued in the
office of his brother George, and after his ad-
mission to the bar in 1872, he began the prac-
tice of his profession in Prattsville. In the
spring of 1873 he returned to Chatham, where
he was in business one year, at the end of
which time he removed to Windham, Greene
County, and for the succeeding eight years
was a member of the firm of Daley & Tal-
madge, who transacted an extensive general
law and real estate business. After the dis-
solution of that partnership he once more re-
turned to Prattsville, where he has practised
continuously to the present time. His Civil
War services were performed in Company B,
Ninety-first Regiment, New York Volunteers,
with which he participated in a number of en-
gagements, including the battle of Five
Forks; and he witnessed the surrender of
General Lee at Appomattox Court House.
In June, 1S78, Mr. Daley was united in
marriage with Lucy Tyler, who was born in
Roxbury, Delaware County, daughter of Henry
and Deborah (Hull) Tyler. Her father was
a wealthy farmer. He eventually removed
from Roxbury, his native town, to Pratts-
ville, where he spent the rest of his life.
Henry Tyler died at seventy-three, and his
wife died at seventy. They reared three chil-
dren: Lorinda, who married John Erkson, a
leading merchant of Prattsville; Lucy, who
married Mr. Daley; and Annie, who married
Homer B. Van Cott, of Norwich, N.Y. Mrs.
23°
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Daley was a graduate of the I'ort Edwards
Institute, and prior to her marriage she taught
music at the institute in EUenville. She
died in 1S96, aged forty-six years. As a
member of the Methodist liipiscopul church
she took an active interest in religious work,
and was sincerely respected for her estimable
character and rare intellectual qualities. She
left four children; namely, Mamie, lunma,
Ethel, and James, aged respectively si.xteen,
fourteen, twelve, and ten years.
Politically, Mr. Daley is a Republican.
He has served with ability as a trustee of the
village and of the Cemetery Association for a
number of years, and acts as a notary public.
His literary talents are highly appreciated in
I'rattsville and vicinity, and his frequent con-
triiiutions to the various county papers upon
different subjects are widely read. His more
notable writings are: a series of articles de-
scribing his war experience, published in the
Catskill Exaviincr ; another series devoted to
Western life, printed in the Hunter Pliamix,
and a number of articles upon legal sid^jects,
which have been bountl with the law journal
for preservation. Mr. Daley attends the
Methodist Episcopal church.
"ON. JOHN A. (iRISWOLD, of Cats-
kill, N. Y., e.x-Congressman and
former Judge and Surrogate of
Greene County, was born in Cairo, tiiis
county, November iS, 1822, son of Stephen
II. and I'hcebe (Ashley) Criswold. He is a
representative of the GriswuUI family ot Con-
necticut, an account of whom ajipeared in tlie
]\[agazinc of American History in 1S84. His
father was born in Greene County, New
York, February 26, 1793; and his grandfather,
Jeremiah Griswold, came to Catskill from
Connecticut about the _\ ear 1800, accompanied
by his family.
Jeremiah (iriswold, who was a prosperous
farmer, lived to an advanced age. He married
Mary Hill, whose birth took jilace either in
Massachusetts or Connecticut in December,
1753. She served the patricjt cause during the
Re\iilut iimary War b\' making cartridges for
her brothers. She dieil December 8, 1841.
Stephen II. (iriswold, Judge Griswold's
father, studied law, but did not enter into
practice, preferring instead to engage in agri-
cultural ]>ursuits. He owned a good farm in
Cairo, where he resided until his death, whicli
occurred June 14, 1844. As a stanch sujiporter
of the Democratic party he took an active in-
terest in the political affairs of his day, and
was universall)' esteemed for his upright char-
acter. He was a Free Mason, and in his
younger days ■ was identified with the local
Hlue I-odge. He and his wife, Phcx^be, were
members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mrs. Griswold was a native of Cat.skill, where
her father, John .Asiiley, was an industrious
farmer. She became the mother of ten chil-
ilren, five of whom are living, namely: John
A., the subject of this sketch; Miles, who re-
sides in one of the Western States; Addison,
a well-known law)-er of Catskill ; Alonzo, who
is residing <jn a farm in Jesuji, la. ; and Mar-
ion, who is a banker in Ohio. The others
JOHN A. GRISWOLD.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
233
were: Mary, Stephen, luiiily, Jerome, and
Mahala. Stephen, who entered the Union
army as a surgeon early in the Civil War, was
captured by the enemy at the first battle of
Bull Riu), and died in prison. Jerome, who
was a druggist in Kansas, was i<illed by Con-
federate raiders under Ouantrell. Judge Gris-
wold's mother died June 13, 1^77, aged
seventy-two years.
Having pursued his preliminary studies in
the public schools, John A. Griswold became
a pupil at the academies in Prattsville and
Catskill, concluding his attendance at the lat-
ter at the age of sixteen. After teaching for
a time, he applied himself to the study of law
with his uncle, Addison C. Griswold, and
Richard Corning, the latter a brother of Eras-
tus Corning, of Albany. Subsequently he
continued his prejiarations in Syracuse, N.Y. ,
and was admitted to the bar as an attorney and
counsellor of the State in 1848. Commencing
the practice of his profession alone, he was
later associated with Addison Griswold until
elected District Attorney in 1857, and afterward
he was for some time in company with Rufus
W. Watson. He ably performed the duties of
District Attorney for three years, winning in
that capacity a high reputation; and his able
handling of several important cases, both as a
public and private practitioner, caused his ele-
vation in 1864 to the position of Judge and
Surrogate of Greene County. His four years'
service upon the bench was extremely credita-
ble to himself as well as beneficial to the com-
niunit}-; and in 1868 he was elected to a seat
in Congress by the Democratic party, defeat-
ing Thomas Cornell, of Rondout, by a major-
ity of five hundred votes. His work in the
national House of Representatives was charac-
terized by a thorough understanding of the
principles of federal government and a clear
conception of the many important questions
submitted for legislation; and, when a conven-
tion was decided upon for the purpose of revis-
ing the Constitution of the State of New York,
he was again called into service as a delegate
from his district. In 1876 he was a delegate
to the National Con\-ention which nominated
Samuel J. Tilden for President. He has also
rendered his share of service in town affairs,
serving as a Supervisor in 1872; and his inter-
est in the welfare of the community in which
he lives was not eclipsed by the higher
public duties to which he has been called.
In 1857 Judge Griswold married Miss Eliza-
beth M. Roberts, a daughter of the late Will-
iam Roberts, who was a prosperous farmer of
Cliftondale, Ulster County, this State. Mrs.
Grisw^old died No\-ember 8, 1896, aged sixty-
six years. Judge Griswold resides in what is
known as the Cornwall house, situated on an
estate commanding a view for twenty miles
around of the varied and picturesque scenery
for which the Catskill region is noted. He
has survived all of his former legal contempo-
raries in this section, but is still upon the
acti\-c list; and, if not as young in years as his
personal appearance would indicate, his mental
capacity retains its accustomed vigor, and his
strong, manly character is as much appreciated
to-day as it was during the period of his public
services. He is a Master Mason, and was for-
234
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
merly a member of the Catskill Lodge, No.
46S. In his religious belief he is an Epis-
copalian.
ILLARD T. RIVENBURG, M.D.,
a well-known medical practitioner
of Midilleburg, N.Y., was born in the village
of Chatham in Ghent, Columbia County, this
State, on November 25, 1S63, son of J. Mor-
gan and Charlotte (Tipple) Rivenburg. As
his name indicates, he is of Dutch ancestry,
although his family has Ijcen settled in New
York for many years.
His grandfather, Henry Rivenburg, was
born in Columbia County, and there spent his
entire life. He helped in clearing a part of
the farm which he occupied and carried on.
The Doctor's father was an agriculturist, and
was a man highly respected in his town. He
was killed by the cars at the age of thirty-
seven. His wife, who was born in Otsego
Comity, was descendeil from Revolutionary
stock. She was also related to Walter Gunn,
who with his wife was in the mission field in
huiia, under the auspices of the Lutheran
church. 15oth parents were members of the
Reformed church at Ghent. Of tlieir three
children, two grew to maturity. These are
the Doctor and John Rivenburg, Superintend-
ent of Poor for Columbia County and a coal
dealer at Ghent.
Dr. Rivenburg was educated at the Hoys'
Academy, Troy, the South Berkshire Insti-
tute, Mass., and the University of Buffalo,
from the last named of which he received the
degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1S85.
While in college he was president of the
Alpha Omega Delta Society, and his society
sheepskin bears his own official signature as
such. He was the founder of the college so-
ciety known as the "Secret Seven." Dr.
Rivenburg first settled for practice at Blen-
heim, but after a short stay there he came, in
18S7, to Middleburg, where he has won a po-
sition of influence. He covers a wide area in
his professional visits, and receives calls for
consultation from physicians residing twenty-
five miles distant.
The Doctor was married on October 14,
icSgi, to Belle Stanton, a graduate of the Al-
bany Female Academy and a daughter of John
Stanton, who was a merchant, and later rail-
road station agent of this town. She was
born on the homstead of her grandmother, not
far from here, and is descended from one of
the oldest and most honored families in this
region. Among her ancestors was brave Gen-
eral James Dana, who was immortalized by
Washington in his first general order immedi-
ately following the battle of Banker Hill,
where Dana, then Captain, commanded a
company of the Connecticut line of Conti-
nental troops.
Dr. Riveni)urg is a jihysician of the county
almshouse. He has served as president and
vice-president of the Medical Society of Scho-
harie County, and is now medical examiner
for several well-known insurance companies,
chief of which are the Mutual Life of New
York, the North-western, the Penn, llie Brook-
lyn, the Nederland, the Manhattan, the
Bankers', and tiie United States Accident.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
235
In 1886 he took a post-graduate course at
the College of Physicians and Surgeons in
New York. He is a charter member of the
John M. Scribner Hook and Ladder Company,
and for five years was in active service, since
which time he has been on the reserve list.
Fraternally, he is Master of Middleburg Lodge,
No. 663, F. & A. M. ; and Past Sachem of
Oucongena Tribe, No. 240, I. O. R. M. He is
treasurer of the Village Corporation; also a
trustee of St. Mark's Plvangelical Lutheran
church, and assistant superintendent of the
Sunday-school.
M
ANIEL W. JP:NKINS, agent of the
D. & H. Railroad at Central
Bridge, Schoharie County, N. Y.,
was born in Glen, Montgomery County, on
September 27, 1846, son of Nathaniel and
Eleanor (Shannon) Jenkins. His great-
grandfather Jenkins, who was a Welshman by
birth, came to this country and settled on
Long Island, where he died. At the time the
British invaded the island he was made a pris-
oner of war. After the close of the Revolu-
tion the family removed to Duanesburg, Sche-
nectady County, this State. William, one of
the sons and grandfather of Daniel W. Jen-
kins, was born on Long Island, but spent the
last years of his life in Montgomery County,
where he died in old age.
Nathaniel Jenkins, son of William by his
second wife, was born in Montgomery. He
was reared on a farm, and received his educa-
tion in the public schools. He was one of a
large family of children, only two of whom
are now living, both physicians and promi-
nent in their professions — namely, Thomas,
residing at Vandalia, and George, at Kilbourn
City, Wis. Nathaniel was very successful in
his farming, and was highly respected by all
who knew him. He died at the age of eighty-
two. His wife, Eleanor, who died at the age
of eighty, was born in Prattsville. Both were
members of the Society of Friends.
Daniel W. Jenkins received a practical
common-school education, and on September
I 5, 1863, at the age of seventeen years, entered
the employ of the Albany & Susquehanna
Railroad Company. This road has since be-
come a part of the D. & H. C. Company sys-
tem. Mr. Jenkins's father was agent at
Quaker Street (now Delanson), and at that
time the equipments of the ticket office were
carried in a tin box, and the way bills were
made out on a board that was set up in
the embankment. The road then ended at the
Schoharie Creek, near the present Schoharie
Junction. Mr. Jenkins has since seen it ad-
vanced all the distance to Binghamton. There
was only one train per day, as against fifty
per day at the present time, and most of the
modern improvements have been added since
then. Mr. Jenkins succeeded his father as
agent at Quaker Street, and in 1868 became
the agent at Central Bridge, where he has
since remained. He has now two assistants.
He is the youngest of seven children, the
others being: De Witt C, at Syracuse; Zerah
and William A., at Delanson; Mrs. Lottie
Christman, of Iowa; Mrs. Colonel Coryell,
236
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
whose husband is an cx-paymastcr of the
D. & H. Road; and Mrs. M. S. Hoag, of Al-
bany. In addition to his duties as station
agent, Mr. Jenkins does a large business in
hamlling coal, lumber, hay, and straw.
As a business man Mr. Jenkins is known as
a "hustler." Whatever he finds to do he
does witli all his might, and, as a rule, suc-
cessfully. Recognizing iiis su|)erior business
tpialifications, the ]5oard of Trustees of the
Schoharie County Agricultural Society elected
him president of the society, which position
he has held for the past eight or ten years.
As a representative of this organization he
has been one of the leading spirits in the
State organization of county societies, serving
on the E.xecutive Committee; and for the past
few years he has been vice-president of the so-
ciety, frequently visiting Albany during the
legislative sessions in the interests of agri-
cultural societies generally.
In politics Mr. Jenkins is a stanch Demo-
crat, and has frequently attended county and
State conventions as a representative of his
party. In the winter of 1889 he accepted the
nomination for Supervisor of the town of
Schoharie. At the succeeding town meeting
he was elected, and he has served tlie town
continuously since then as Supervisor, having
been elected three times without opposition.
He was chairman of the board for the years
1893, 1896, and 1897, and at the spring meet-
ing held May 2, 1899, was again honored by
being unanimously elected chairman for the
ensuing two years. As Supervisor he has
exerted a powerful influence. He was largely
instrumental in effecting a settlement of the
suits brought against the county by several
towns of the county (including the town of
Schoharie), when the law went into effect re-
quiring the amount raised by ta.xation of the
railroads in towns having a bonded railroad
debt to be deposited with the county treas-
urer as a sinking fund with which to meet the
bonds when due. In this settlement the town
of Schoharie received its full share — in fact,
more than she had reason to e.xpect. As a
member of the county board he has looked
carefully after the interests of the county, be-
lieving liberality without extravagance in the
care of county pro[)erty to be a benefit in the
long run, and firmly advocating the policy of
the county paying its debts instead of paying
interest on old claims. He is always fore-
most in any movement which contemplates
the interests of his town, and more than once
has contributed of his means for such a pur-
pose.
On September 9, 1869, Mr.' Jenkins was
united in marriage with Harriet L. Rosekrans,
daughter of Charles Rosekrans, of Jonesville,
Saratoga County.
Mr. Jenkins is identified with tlie order of
Masonry, being a thirty-second degree Mason;
and he has many social ties in Schoharie
County. He belongs to Schoharie Valley
Lodge, No. 491 ; John L. Lewis Chapter of
Cobleskill; Temple Commandery of Albany,
a noted commandery in the State; to De Witt
Clinton Council of Albany; and to Cypress
Temple of the Mystic Shrine, of the same
city. He is also a member of Wellington
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
237
Lodge, No. 731, L O. O. F., of Central
Bridge. He is an attendant and liberal sup-
porter of the Lutheran church.
T^HARLES FOWLER, proprietor of
I Jl the Fowler House, Prattsville, was
^*- ' born in Lexington, Greene County,
N.Y., September 15, 1845, son of David S.
and Agnes (Muir) Fowler.
The Fowler family is of English origin.
There were several immigrants of this name
in New England in early Colonial times. It
is said that William Fowler, who arrived in
Boston in June, 1637, and the next year went
to New Haven, was the ancestor of most, if
not all, of the Fowlers, of Connecticut.
Silas Fowler, great-grandfather of Charles
Fowler, was a native of Connecticut. After
his marriage he came to New York .State, and
settling in I^exington, now Jewett, resided
there until his death, which occurred at the
age of eighty-four years. He was a Revolu-
tionary soldier from this State, and a memento
of his services in the shape of a flint-lock gun
taken by him at the battle of Bunker Hill is
now owned by his grandson, Addison Fowier,
of Lexington, N. Y. He reared a family of
eiglit children.
Silas Fowler, second, Charles Fowler's
grandfather, was three years old when his par-
ents moved to Lexington. He remained at the
homestead until after his marriage, when he
purchased a farm near by, and tilled the soil
industriously for the rest of his life. His
wife, whose maiden name was Hannah Mc-
Lane, is a native of Livingston, N.Y., a
daughter of George McLane. Her father fol-
lowed the shoemaker's trade in connection
with farming. She became the mother of
nine children; namely, Charles, Rachel,
David S., Louise, Elizabeth, Minerva, Silas,
Addison, and Julia. Charles, Rachel, and
Silas are no longer living. Elizabeth mar-
ried Addison De Yoe. Minerva married
Henry Moore, of Milford, Michigan. Silas
Fowler, second, died at the age of seventy-
four years, and his wife lived to be ninety-six
years old. They were both members of the
Dutch Reformed church.
David S. Fowler, Charles Fowler's father,
was born in Lexington, February 24, 181 8.
Beginning life for himself upon a leased farm,
which he afterward purchased, he resided in
his native town until 1875. He then removed
to Prattsville, where he bought a farm and
carried it on for two years, at the end of
which time he retired and purchased a resi-
dence in the village where he is still living.
Mr. Fowler, who is unusually active, both
physically and mentally, for one of his years,
remembers when deer roamed fearlessly over
the town of Lexington. He has witnessed
the growth of Prattsville from a struggling
little settlement, and saw its founder, Colo-
nel Pratt, set out many of the shade trees that
now adorn its main thoroughfare. He was in
his younger days interested in military affairs,
serving as an officer in a local artillery com-
pany. He has a distinct recollection of the
days when slavery was permitted in tliis sec-
tion. Later he belonged to the famous
238
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Know-Nothing party. He has voted the
straight Domocratic ticket for sixty years.
David S. Fowler contracted the first of his
two marriages in 1841 with Agnes Miiir, a
native of Scotland, who died in 1873; and for
his second wife he married Laura Goodsell,
whose ancestors came from Connecticut. He
is the father of three cliildren, all by his first
union; namely, Mary, Charles, and Agnes.
Mary married A. Bockwith, a prosperous
farmer of Lexington. They have one daugh-
ter, Ada, who is the wife of George Raeder,
antl has one son, Charles. Agnes married
Alonzo Johnson, of Lexington, and her chil-
dren are: Charles, May, and Willie.
Charles Fowler acquired a common-school
education in his native town. He was reared
to agricultural pursuits, and assisted his
father in carrying on the homestead farm until
the latter's removal to Prattsville, when he
took charge of the i)roperty which he managed
for five years, or until it was sold. Coming
to Prattsville in 1880, he in March of that
year bought a half-interest in the Prattsville
House, in the management of which he was
associated until July, i88j, when he sold out.
He immediately purchased his present prop-
erty, which, after repairing and refurnisliing,
he opened as the P'owler House. Here he has
ever since entertained the travelling public in
a most hospitable manner. The Prowler
House jjrovides ample accommotlations for
fifty guests. It occupies a sightly location
on the banks of Schoharie Creek, in a region
noted for its beautiful and varied scenery.
Its sanitary and other conveniences for the
health aiul comfort of its patrons are unsur-
passed, and a first-class livery stable con-
nected with the house affords excellent facili-
ties tor driving over the surrounding country.
In 1 87 1 Mr. Fowler was joined in marriage
with Mary Coggshall, of this town. She was
born in Rensselaerville, daughter of Asa and
Mary (Joyce) Coggshall, tlie former of whom
was a native of Gildcrlaml and a schoolmaster
by occupation. Asa antl Mary Coggshall had
a family of ten children, nine of whom are
living; namely, Harvey, George, Origen,
Sarah, Samuel, Asa, Mary, Julia, and Aletta.
Sarah married E. P. Churciiill, of Prattsville,
and Aletta married U wight Miller. Mr. and
Mrs. Prowler have one daughter, Edith, who
completed her education at the Stamford
Seminary.
In politics Mr. ]<"owler is a Democrat.
Though freqLiently solicited to become a can-
didate for public office, he invariably de-
clines. Mrs. P'owler and her daughter are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
^RS. JULIA A. WILSON, one of
the best known temperance workers
^ in Jefferson, Schoharie County,
N.V., was born in this town in January,
1828, daughter of John and Laura (Hamilton)
Nichols. She is of New P2ngland ancestry on
both sides. Her great-grandfather Nichols,
whose name was Daniel, was a resident of
Western Massachusetts. Her grandfather,
Ezra Nichols, came to New York from Will-
iamstown, Mass., settled as a jjioneerat North
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
239
Harpersnekl, Delaware County, N. Y., and
through energy and perseverance became the
owner of a good farm containing about two
hundred acres. He resided in that town for
the rest of his life. Ezra Nichols married
Elizabeth Knapp, of Dan bury, Conn., and his
children were: Daniel, John, Clemon, Eli,
Sarah, and Chloe. Daniel died in Harpers-
field; Clemon died in Jefferson, at the age of
ninety-four years ; Eli died in Madison, Ohio;
Sarah became Mrs. Knapp; and Chloe became
Mrs. Di.xon.
John Nichols, Mrs. Wilson's father, was
born on April i8, 1787, and was five years old
when his parents removed to Delaware
County. During his early years he resided
for a while in Dutchess County. He settled
in Jefferson in 1818, having resided with his
father for some time previous to coming here.
When his farm was ready for permanent occu-
pancy he went to Connecticut for his bride,
with whom he began life in a new house and
on a new farm. His industry and thrift
enabled him to accumulate a large amount of
property, and this he divided among his chil-
dren, his real estate alone amounting to twelve
hundred acres. John Nichols lived to be
ninety-five years old. He was fontl of read-
ing, and was a good mathematician. He also
possessed considerable musical ability, and
taught a singing-school in his neighborhood
for a number of years. Charitable and affec-
tionate in his disposition, he was considerate
of the feelings of others. His firm belief in
the immortality of the soul was the result of
long anil patient study of the Bible. In poli-
tics he was a Republican. His wife, Laura,
who was a native of Danbury, Conn., became
the mother of seven children, namely: Susan,
born in 1822; Franklin, born in 1824;
Wesley, born in 1S26; Julia A., the subject
of this sketch, born in January, 1828; Clara
E., born in T832; Cynthia L., born in 1834;
and George H., born in 1S36. Susan, who
died in 1845, was the wife of Joseph Hallen-
beck, a farmer. Franklin, who settled as a
farmer in Altona, Knox County, 111., married
Margaret Multer. Their children are: Wal-
ter, now residing at the old homestead in
Altona, 111.; George, a farmer of Summit,
N.Y. ; Nathan and Irving, who live in Illi-
nois. Wesley died in 1834. Clara E., who
is a graduate of Musicdale Seminary, Salem,
Conn., and was for some time engaged as a
teacher of music at Level Green Institute,
near -Suffolk, Va., and at Goldsboro College,
N.C., was married in 1857 to the Rev. John
O. Evans, of Harpersfield, N.Y. Mrs. I-Lvans
has two children, Thomas D. anrl l'"lorine,
both of whom possess remarkable musical
talent. Mr. Evans died in 1895 at Earned,
Kan. Cynthia L. Nichols, who is unmarried,
resides in Jefferson. George H. married
Maria Titus, and has three children — John,
Clara E., and Fred, all of whom are married.
Julia A., now Mrs. Wilson, was graduated
from the New York Conference Seminary,
Charlotteville, in 1852. She studied paint-
ing in Cobleskill, N. Y., and, having com-
pletetl her preparations for educational work,
she went to .Suffolk, Va., where she taught
painting at a young ladies' seminary, and was
2^0
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
at one time its principal. Slie afterward
taught French and mathematics at the Golds-
boro (N.C.) College, remaining,' there until
compelled by failing health to return North,
when she relinquished her work with reluc-
tance. She married Henry Wilson in 1855,
and has resided in Jefferson continuously to
the present time. She has had two children,
neither of whom is living. Mrs. Wilson is
one of the most active members of the
Woman's Christian Temperance Union in Jef-
ferson, having served as recording secretary
and as corresponding secretary, also as a dele-
gate to several State and county conventions.
She is a charter member of the local lodge.
Independent Order of Good Templars, in
which she is a Past Vice-Templar, and is its
treasurer at the present time. She belongs
to the Patrons of Husbandry, and is Chaplain
of the local grange. Mrs. Wilson is an active
member of the Presbyterian church, and for
years has devoted a great deal of her time to
Sunday-school and other religious work.
ILLly\M LAUDER CAMPBICLL,
Chief of Police, Schenectady, N.Y.,
was born near (-atehouse, Kirkcudlirightshire,
Scotland, February 2, 1S44, son of William
and Susan (Lauder) Campbell. The family for
many preceding generations consisted of indus-
trious farming people, and some of its repre-
sentatives were overseers on large estates. The
grandfather, also named William Campbell,
was a native of Pertiishire, and sijent tlie
^'.greater part of his life as a farm overseer in
Kirkcudbrightshire, in the south of Scotland.
He married a Miss Campbell, who, though not
a near relative, belonged to Clan Campbell,
and in all proliability was a descendant of the
same stock. The grandparents reared four
sons and four daughters. Two of the latter
married well-to-do husbands, and were left
widows with means. Coming to America with
their children in 1855, they purchased fine
farms in Prcscott, Canada, ojiposite Ogdens-
burg, N.Y. , and became ailliicnt. One was
the widow of William Plack, and the other of
David McKinnon.
In 1857 William Campbell, the father of
William Lauder, sailed from Wigton with his
wife and six of his chihh'en, for Liverpool,
where he embarked for the United -States on
board the ship "William Tapscott, " Captain
William Bell. Arriving at New York, August
17, 1858, after an eight weeks" passage, they
were met at Castle Garden by two other mem-
bers of their family, James and Mary, who had
preceded them a year before. The parents set-
tled first at Hay Side, Long Island. They had
ten children, two of wdinm died in Scotland;
and Charles, aged nine, and Robert, aged one
year and si.x months, died of scarlet fever while
on the passage over, and were buried at sea.
The li\ing are: James, a farmer and landscajie
gardener, who married a Miss Palmer, and re-
sides at Hartford, Conn. ; Mary, who married
John Dillen, a farmer, and resides at Choji-
tauk, Caroline County, Md. ; William L. , the
subject of this sketci) ; Susan, who niairied
Robert llemmens, an Englishman, and a
moulder by trade, residing in .Schenectad}' ;
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
241
Jessie, wife of James Myers, a contractor
and builder at Schenectady, N. Y. ; and Mar-
garet, who is the widow of James Mac-
gregor, late Paymaster's Clerk in the United
States navy, is now living in Baltimore, Md. ,
and has one daughter. James Campbell, who
is now residing at Hartford, Conn., was super-
vising agent and landscape gardener for the
Morgans of New Vork for seventeen years, and
was employed in the same capacity by the
Garrctts of Baltimore, Md. , having charge of
their entire estate, amounting to three thou-
sand acres, with several assistant superintend-
ents under him. The father died in 1894,
aged nearly eighty-three years, surviving the
mother, who died in 1S90, aged seventy-seven.
William L. Campbell obtained his elemen-
tary education in Scotland, where (as well as
in the United States, after his arrival here) he
attended both the day and night schools. Hav-
ing acquired a good knowledge of landscape
gardening from his father, and receiving from
the latter his full liberty some years previous to
his majority, he entered the employ of Andrew
Boardman, of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where he re-
mained seven years, supervising the laying out
of that gentleman's gardens, roads, lawns, and
pleasui"c-grounds, having previously attended
school and worked with his father, at P'lushing,
Long Island. lie followed landscape garden-
ing until joining the Schenectady police force
in 1869, and during his residence in Poughkeep-
sie he drove the first stake in laying out the
grounds of Vassar College. From his boy-
hood he has taken a lively inteicst in out-door
games, and he was known in his youth as a
good all-around athlete. Coming to Schenec-
tady in 1868 solely for the purpose of attend-
ing a supper given by the St. Andrew's Soci-
ety, he was induced to locate here, and on Au-
gust 3, 1869, was appointed a patrolman on
the capitol police force in this city. That
body was disbanded eleven months afterward,
and going to Saratoga he was for the succeed-
ing three months in charge of a force whose
duty it was to [latrol the streets and watch
pi'ivate propert)', he having been the first uni-
formed police officer to do duty in that village.
Returning to this city after spending the sum-
mer months in Saratoga, he again in Septem-
ber, 1870, joined the regular Schenectady
police force as a patrolman ; was advanced on
June I, 1872, to the position of assistant to
Charles H. Willard, whom he succeeded as
chief on July 6 of the same year. He has
held that office ever since, a period of twenty-
seven years, having acted chief from Jul}- 6
to December 3, 1872, when he received reg-
ular appointment — longer than that of any
other chief or superintendent of police in the
State of New York, and, as far as known, in
the United States.
On January 10, 1872, Mr. Campbell was
joined in marriage with Harriet S. Orr, of
Saratoga, N. Y. They have had two sons, one
of them, Bertie, died at the age of one year.
William Alexander Campbell, who was grad-
uated from Union University in 1897, and after
studying law at the law school of the same
university, where he graduated June 26, 1899,
and was admitted to the bar July 13, 1S99,
is, lii<e his father and grandfather, unusually
243
BIOflRAPMICAT, RF.VIF.W
well-developed physically. He is ])roficieiit
in athletic sports, and a champion bicycle rider
anil lawn tennis player.
Mr. Campbell belongs to the Masonic Order,
the I^lks, the Knights of I'ythias, and the ]'"or-
esters.
In his report as chief of police of the city of
Schenectady for the year ending November 30,
1898 — an interesting and valuable document,
betokening a clear head and an earnest pur-
pose— Mr. Campbell recommends that the
[jciial ordinances, so far as they relate to peace
and good order, together with the sanitary rules
and regulations of the city, be printed in
pamphlet form the size of a pocket diary and
placed in the hands of the newsdealers for
sale; that police officers and city officials be
pro\ided with copies; and that ])upils in the
schools should be instructed as to their duties
in observing ordinances. lie would have even
the smallest child thus led to see that a
policeman is his servant and not his master.
h'ollnwiiiL; the adoption of this plan, he sagcl\'
thinks that "another genei'ation would see the
number of policemen in cities reduced to one-
half the ratio ]icr thousand inhabitant now
employed, and in this way our citizens woultl
become more nearly self-governing."
\CA;/ II.LLAM II. AL15RO, of Middle-
j-*^»' burg, Schoharie County, N.\'., is
of iMiglish, Welsh, and Holland ancestr)'. On
the ])atenral side he is a descendant of John
Albro, who was horn in .'Mdhoro, I'^ngland, in
1617, and who married in 1C47 Doratha Potter,
widow of Nathaniel Potter.
In 1634, at the age of seventeen years, John
.■\lbro embarked in the ship "Francis" from
Ipswich, England, for Boston. In 1638 he
went with William I'reeborn to Portsmouth,
R.I. In 1639 certain lands at Portsmouth,
R. I., were granted to said John Albro and
others, by the king of iMigland, on centlition
that they build upon those lands within
one year — which they did. And upon the
lands thus acquired John Albro and his
descendants lived for nearly two hundred
years. In 1644 this John Albro was a Cor-
poral in the Colonial militia, rising succes-
sively in after \ears to be Lieutenant, Cap-
tain, and Major. In 1649 he was chosen to
view cattle, to he clerk of weights and meas-
ures, and member of Town Council. In 1660
and 1661 he was a commissioner, and member
of a committee to receive contributions for
agents in ICngland. In 1666 he was aijpointed
with two other persons to take areas of high-
ways and driftways not set off. In 1670, with
three other persons, he loaned the colony of
Rhode Island seven pounds on account of the
town of Portsmouth. I'Vom 1671 to 1686,
with the exception of a few years in the seven-
ties, he was an Assistant, a town officer. In
1676 he with three other persons was ap-
pointed a committee for the care and disposal
of i)Owdcr for the supply of Portsmouth. He
was also a commissioner to order watch and
ward of the island. This was during King
Philip's War. He was also a member of the
coLUt-marlial at Newjjort to try certain Ind-
WILLIAM HENRY ALBRU.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIFAV
245
ians. In 1677 he was a member of a commit-
tee in the matter of injurious and illegal acts
of Connecticut. In 1679 he was one of the
members of a committee to draw up a letter to
the king of England, giving an account of the
territory of Mount Hope and of their late war
with the Indians. He was also appointed with
one other person a committee to lay out the
western boundary line of the colony. In 16S5
he, Major John Albro, Assistant and Coroner,
summoned a jury in the case of an Indian
found dead on clay-])it lands. The verdict of
the jury was "That the said Indian being
much distempered with drink, was bewildered,
and by the extremity of the cold he lost his
life." In 1686 he was a member of Sir Ed-
mund Andros's Council, and was present at
their first meeting at Boston, December 30,
1686. In 1697 he was allowed twenty shill-
ings for his expenses for going to Boston. He
died December 14, 17 12. His will, dated
December 28, 1710, was proved in 1713. By
it he divided a considerable amount of real and
personal property among his sons and daugh-
ters and their children. He was buried in his
own orchard. His children were: Samuel,
Elizabeth, Mary, John, and Susannah.
John Albro, second, who is in the direct
line of descent to the subject of this sketch,
marrieil Mary Stokes, April 27, 1693. In
1677 he and others granted five thousand
acres of land to be called East Greenwich,
upon which land so granted stands the present
town of PZast Greenwich, R.I. He died De-
cember 4, 1724. His son, John Albro, third,
whi) was bnrn August 23, 1694, married Ruth
Lawton, November 25, 1725. He had a son
John, fourth, sometimes called Jonathan, who
was born January 2, 1734, and married Sarah
Taber, October 21, 1759. This fourth John
y\lbro was a private in Captain Benjamin
West's company. Colonel John Topham's regi-
ment of Rhode Island troops, during the Revo-
lutionary War, from March 16, 1778, to Feb-
ruary 20, 1779. John, fourth (or, as he was
more commonly called, Jonathan) Albro, had a
son Isaac, who was born at Portsmouth, R. I.,
September 3, 1765. Isaac Albro married
Sarah Bliss, whose ancestors were English and
Welsh. She was a daughter of William Bliss,
whose father, Josiah Bliss, was the son of
John and Damaris (Arnold) Bliss, the latter
a daughter of Benedict Arnold, who was one of
Rhode Island's earliest and best governors.
John Bliss was an Ensign in the Continental
Army in 1667, also a Deputy. In 1696 he was
a Major for Rhode Island. Governor Arnold,
his wife's father, built as a wind-mill for
grinding grain, it is now said, the Old Stone
Tower, which for a great many years has been
one of Newport's greatest curiosities to visi-
tors, and which for a long time was supposed
to have been built by the Northmen, or Norse-
men, who landed on the coast of New England
before the discovery of America by Columbus.
About the year 1800 Isaac Albro and family
moved from Portsmouth, R. I. , where for
nearly two centuries his ancestors had lived, to
the town of Berne, Albany County, N. V.
Aiiout the year 1785 John Bliss, who was a
brother of Sarah Bliss, wife of Isaac Albro,
removed from Portsmoutii to Greenfield, Sara-
246
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
toga Coiint\', N. V. , seven miles from Saratoga
Sprin,i;s. In the month of February, 1801,
John 151iss walketl all the way from his home
in firecniiekl, Saratoga County, N. Y. , to
Ne\v|)(]rt, R. I., to sulnnil to the ordinance of
baptism. John Bliss had twelve sons and four
daughters. One of the sons, Isaac Bliss, was
the father of P. P. Bliss, the author of the
Gospel Hymns, and a singer and musical com-
poser of world-wide reputation, who met a \mo-
lent death December 29, 1876, by a railroad
accident at Ashtabula, Ohio. Isaac Albro was
a prosperous farmer. He died November 12,
1838, having survix'cd his wife Sarah about
thiit\-thrce years.
Their son, Benjamin Albi'o, who was born
December 25, 1802, married Mary E. Bassler,
of Middleburg, Schoharie County, N.Y. ,
January 17, 1S38. She was born July 25,
1818, and died February 7, 1884. Her ances-
tors originally came from Holland, and pre\i-
ous to the Revolutionary War settled in the
towns of Beinc and Knox, Albany County,
N.y. Ill early life Benjamin Albro taught
school in Alban_\- and Schoharie Counties, and
afterwards in \Va\ne and Cayuga Counties,
New \'oik. He was engaged in mercantile
business for some )-ears, was Town .Superin-
tendent of conmion schools of the town of Mid-
dleburg, and for the last forty-five years of his
life he lived upon a farm near the village of
Middleburg. He was an honored member of
the Middleburg Methodist Episcopal church
for sevent_\'-three }'ears, and was noted for his
integrity and character. He died February
10, 1895, aged ninet)-two years.
Benjamin Albro and Mary E. Albro, his
wife, had a son, William Hcnr)' Albro, the
subject of this sketch, who was born in the
town of Middleburg, Schoharie County, N.Y.,
on September 8, 1840. He obtained his ele-
mentary education in the district and select
schools of the town, was fitted for college at
Charlotteville Seminary and F"ort lulward In-
stitute, and he attended and was graduated
from Union College at Schenectady, N. V.
He taught several terms in the district schools
of the town. Afterward he read law in the
ofifice of W. H. Engle, Esq., of MitUUeburg,
during the years 1864 and 1865, and was ad-
mitted to practice as an attorney and counsel-
lor-at-law of this State at a general term of the
Sujireme Court held at the capitol in tlie city
of Albany, N.Y. , on Decembers, 1865. (^n
January i, 1866, he formed a partnership for
the jjracticc of law with the said W. II.
Engle, which continued until h'ebruary, 1874,
when it was dissolved b_\' mutual consent. He
then o]iencd an office in the village of Middle-
burg, where he has been engaged in the prac-
tice of law up to tlie i^rescnt time.
On October 31, 1S67, William Henry Albro
married IClizabeth Dodge, daughter of the late
Daniel 1). Dodge, of Middleburg, N.Y., now
deceased. Three childien were the fruit of
this union, namely: Willie D. Albro, who
was born January 29, 1870, and who died of
scarlet fever April 14, 1872; Arthur D.
Alhii), who was born October 29, 1871, and
who died November 28, 1893; and Grace D.
Albro, wlio was born Ma\' 5, 1874.
Mrs. Elizabeth DoiIltc Albro was born in the
BIOGRArHICAL REVIEW
247
town of Middleburg, Schoharie County, N.Y. ,
on September 7, 1S37, and died February 8,
1892. She was a most excellent wife and
mother, and was held in high esteem by all
who knew her. Her death caused as nnich
genuine sorrow as that of any other person ever
did in the community in which she was known
and had lived. In every true sense of the term
she was of the noblest and best type of women.
Her husband, the subject of this sketch, and
their daughter, Grace D. , are all of the family
who now survive her. The son, Arthur Dodge
Albi'o, a bright and promising young man,
who had just entered upon business life, sur-
vived his mother only about two years. Since
the death of mother and son, the father and
daughter li\e together in the old home and
constitute the remnant of what was once a
jDrosperous and happy family.
Upon Arthur's death his business came into
the hands of his father; and since then, in ad-
dition to his general law practice, the subject
of this sketch has been conducting a large and
successful mercantile business. His store is
one of the largest in the county, carrying a
large stock of drugs, groceries, and miscellane-
ous goods. His law office contains one of the
largest and best-selected law libraries in the
county. He has been faiily successful as a
lawyer, and also as a business man. He has
held some official positions, among them that
of School Commissioner of First Commissioner
District of Schoharie County, during the years
1879, 1880, and 1 881. He was elected to
tint office by a majority of two hundred and
eighteen votes at a time when there was a natu-
ral political majority of about five hunch-ed
against him. He points with pride to the
record which he made while holding that office.
No paper sent by him to the office of the State
Superintendent of Public Instruction was re-
jected or sent back to him for correction, and
no request was ever made by him to the super-
intendent that was not cheerfully and promptly
granted.
The subject of this sketch is a member of
the Masonic fraternity ; also of the Methodist
Episcopal church, of which he has been a trus-
tee for many years, and in which he has held
other positions of trust. He was virtually the
founder of the Union Free School and Acad-
emy at Middleburg, N.Y., and was the first
president of the Board of Education of that in-
stitution. His daughter Grace was one of the
first graduates of this institution.
The Albro family, of Aldboro, England," of
which the original John Albro was a member,
had a coat-of-arms, a record of which may be
found in the public offices of London at the
present day. From the facts aforesaid, it
clearly appears that Mr. Albro is a lineal de-
scendant in the seventh degree of John Albro,
of Aldboro, England, born 1617; that he is
also a lineal descendant in the si.xth degree of
Benedict Arnold, Governor of Rhode Island for
three terms, beginning in 1663, 'Tid "'ho built
Newport's Old Stone Tower; and that he is re-
lated in the sixth degree to I'. P. Bliss, author
of Gospel Hymns and a celebrated musical
composer. He takes pride in tracing his an-
cestry back through the centuries and to and
through families in whose veins flowed some nf
248
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
the purest and best of Knglisli, Welsh, and
H(jlland blood.
-HinVIN I). IIAGER, a general merchant
il Blenheim, Schoharie County, is
prominently identified with the leading inter-
ests of this section of the State. He vva.s born
May 31, 1H47, in Middleburg, N.Y., a son of
Daniel J. Ilager, and the lineal descendant,
we are told, of one of four brothers who came
from Holland to America in the seventeenth
century, and assisted the settlement of eastern
New York.
His paternal grandfather, Jacob Hager, was
for many years an extensive farmer in b'ulton,
whence he and his wife, Cathern Feeh, re-
moved with their tweh'c children to Oeland,
Orleans County, N.Y. , where both died when
well advanced in years. The grandfather was
acti\e in local affairs in both counties in which
he resiileil, and in both he owned and cleared
large tracts of land. Si.x of his children sub-
sequently returned to Schoharie County, and
for a time li\cd in Breakabeen. They were:
Tunis, Jacob, John, Daniel J., Jane, and Mar-
garet, none of whom are now living.
Tunis Hager marrietl Rebecca Becker, and
settled in .Sharon .Springs. Jacob married,
and removed to Albany, and in 1849 he went
with the gold-seekers to California. Return-
ing from the Pacific Coast to Schoharie, he
ke|)t the ])ul)lic house known as the Wood
House a few years, after which he Cdndinted a
hotel that occupied the site of the [nesent capi-
tol building in Albany, and then coming back to
this county he farmed it in the town of Espcr-
ancc until his decease. John went with his
brothei' Jacob to California, came back with
him to SclKjharie, and after his marriage made
a second trip to the Golden Gate. Returning
East, he went into the livery business with
Jesse Mills in New York City. In a short
time he sold out to his partner, and opened a
livery on his own account at CS96 ]5roadway,
and at the St. Nicholas Hotel, wheie he car-
ried on a thriving business some years. Re-
tiring then from the livery, he bought a beau-
tiful farm in l-ihinebeck, whither he removed
with his wife and three sons, and there lived
until his death, at the age of threescore and
ten years.
Daniel J. Hager was born in I'ulton, Sep-
tember 5, 181 I. He learned the shoemaker's
trade in his native place, and after his mar-
riage, at the age of twenty-one, he continued
to work at it first at Middleburg, then at
Breakabeen, and finally in ]?lcnheim, where he
passed his last years, d\'ing Seiitember 18,
1871. He was a loyal Republican in politics,
and as a soldier in the Union army he partici-
pated in several of the battles of the Civil
War. He married h^liza C. Zelie, who was
a native t>f I'ulton, being the eldest of a fam-
ily of nine childien — l^Iiza C. , Lias, Chris-
tina, David, Jane, ]']phraim, Harriet, Andrew,
and Margaret — born to Peter Zelie, whose
wife was before marriage a Miss Vroman.
(h'nrthei' ancestral history may be fdund on an-
other jiage of this work, in connectinn with the
sketch of Luther Zelie. ) Mrs. Eliza C. Zelie
Hager was born November 10, 1816, and died
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
249
October 10, 1S74. She had five children,
namely: Mary C, wife of George Becker, the
representative of an old family of Schoharie
County; William S., a farmer in Blen-
heim; Peter Z., a farmer in Oswego County;
Edwin D. ; and Harriet A., wife of Peter
Burgett, of Schoharie County. Both parents
were members of the Methodist Episcopal
church of Middleburg, in which the father
held various offices.
Edwin D. Hager attended the district
schools in his youthful days, and until he was
sixteen years old he remained at home with his
parents. He subsequently worked out by the
day, sometimes as a farm laborer, for two
years, after which he was em|jloyed by his
brother-in-law as a clerk in Breakabeen for
three years. The ensuing year he was en-
gaged in the mercantile business for himself
in Blenheim. He then sold out, and for two
years was employed as a clerk or a teacher.
In 1868 he went to Catskill, where he re-
mained a year, when he returned to Blenheim,
and for a year was here a clerk in a general
store. Going then to Middleburg, Mr. Hager
was with J. Nevill three years, and then, in
partnership with the late Silas Sweet, he
bought out the store of John Hager, in ]51en-
heim, and carried on a successful business
until the death of Mr. Sweet, three years
later. The following sjiring he sold out the
business, and the next year purchased a half-
interest with Seneca West, and later formed
a copartnership with Ira Haverly, to whom, at
the end of four years, he sold out. Two years
later Mr. Hager purchased the building which
he is now occupying, and put in a new and
complete stock of merchandise. He has now
one of the largest stores in this section of the
county, and carries the finest stock of gooils in
his line. Being one of the oldest merchants
in this locality, and with two exceptions the
oldest in the county, he is well known, and it
is safe to say no man has a better reputation,
or is more highly esteemed in business and
social circles.
Mr. Hager is a strong silver man in poli-
tics, and takes a prominent part in local
affairs. For eighteen consecutive years he
was a member of the county committee, and
was a regular attendant at all conventions. In
1882 he served as a delegate to the State con-
vention held in Syracuse, and in 18S3 as a
delegate to the Congressional convention. He
has served as Supervisor of the town four
terms, in 1878, 1879, 1882, and 1883; and in
1884 he was appointed Postmaster by Pres-
ident Cleveland, a position to which he was
again appointed in 1892. He is one of the
trustees of the school district, and a stock-
holder in the Blenheim Creamery Company, of
which he has been president since its incorpo-
ration. Fraternally, he united with the Mid-
dleburg Lodge, F. & A. M., in 1870, and is
also a member of the Middleburg Lodge,
I. O. O. F.
On November 16, 1876, Mr. Hager married
Nellie E. Beckwith, of Springfield, Mass.,
daughter of Calvin and Lucy B. Balton Beck-
with. Mr. and Mr.s. Hager are the parents of
three children, namely: Clyde L. , who died at
the age of twenty-two months; Eugene B.,
25°
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
born August 28, 1877; aiul Florence A., born
July 20, 1882. Eugene 15. Ilager, who was
educated in the graded schools, was formerly
em[)lc)yed as clerk in ]5rooklyn and New York
City, but is now in business with his father,
lie niairieil, December 15, 1897, Margie Dib-
ble, who was born March 8, 1S78, in Middle-
burg, a daughter of and Eliza-
beth (Dexter) Dibble. Mr. Ilager anil all his
family attend the Methotlist Episcojial church.
MBROSE R. HUiNTING, a promi-
nent citizen of Schoharie, N. Y., re-
siding on the Hunting homestead,
was born in this town on September 14, 1833,
son of Joseph and Mary A. (Chesebro)
Hunting.
The first of his family in this country was
John Hunting, who came from England in
August, 1638, and settled in Dedham, Mass.
He was one of the founders of that town, and
an Elder in the church there for many years.
He had a son named John, of whom little is
known, and a grandson, Nathaniel, who was
graduated at Harvard College, and subse-
quently preached to the church in Ivist Hamji-
ton, N.Y., for fifty-seven years.
The fourth in line, Nathaniel Hunting, sec-
ond, was educated for the ministry, but poor
health compelled him to give up his beloved
profession, and devote himself to agriculture.
His son, Joseph Hunting, was a sea captain.
After this Joseph came two others of the same
name. The first of these, who was the grand-
father of Ambrose R. Hunting, was the first
Hunting to come to .Schoharie. He came
hither from Eong Island in 1791, accomjianied
by his mother, and settled on the farm which
has since been in the possession of his de-
scendants. He was a shoemaker by trade,
but was engaged more or less in farming and
in mercantile affairs.
The third Joseph Hunting, father of Am-
brose R., was born in Schoharie in 1805, and
resided in the town throughout his life. He
was known as a man who attended strictly to
his own affairs and caused no annoyance to
other persons by interference. He never
brought suit against any one, was never sued,
ami never called upon to serve as a witness.
In politics he was a Democrat. He was a
leading member of the Methodist church, and
for more than forty years a class leader. His
wife, Mary, was born in Knox, Albany
County, the daughter of Peleg Chesebro, a
cooper and farmer. Her grandfather, Chris-
topher Chesebro, who was a carpenter by
trade, fought in the Revolution. He lived
originally in Stonington, Conn., but removed
thence to Kno.x in 1791.
Ambrose R. Hunting was reared on the pa-
ternal homestead, and attentled the public
schools until he was seventeen years of age.
He then was sent to Schoharie Academy for
two terms, and afterward to the New York
Conference Seminary at Charlotteville. After
studying there for two years, he was prepared
to enter the Junior class at L'nion College,
Schenectady; but, his family being opposed to
the profession he hafl chosen, he yielded to
their wishe.^ and withdrew from school. After
IIIKAM Kll'KNIlARK.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
253
teaching for several terms he returned to the
farm and began devoting himself to agri-
culture.
Mr. Hunting has been a loyal member of
the Methodist church for fifty years, and has
held every position in the church to which a
layman is entitled, except that of lay delegate
to the general conference. In politics he is a
Democrat. He has held the office of Super-
visor for four years, that of School Commis-
sioner for two terms, and for a year he was a
member of the Assembly. Fraternally, he is
connected with Schoharie Valley Lodge, No.
491, F. & A. M.; and John L. Lewis Chap-
ter, No. 229, R. A. M.
Mr. Hunting was first married on April 14,
1859, to Amanda Severson. Two sons were
born of this union: William J., who died in
1S75; and Edwin F., who is a graduate of the
Albany College of Pharmacy, and is now a
successful druggist in that city. On June 5,
1869, Mr. Hunting was married to Mary M.
Northrop, who was born in Berne, Albany
County, the daughter of Asa T. and Ann E.
Northrop. By this second marriage there is
one child, Florence A. She has received a
musical education at Claverack Institute.
2)TIRAM RIFENBARK, a represcnta-
— • I tive citizen of the town of .Summit,
residing in the village of Charlotte-
ville, was born in Summit on April 30, 1839,
his parents being Aaron and Mary (Banks)
Rifenbark.
The family is of German origin, and Mr.
Rifenbark's great-grandfather spelled his name
Rifenbarek. The grandfather, Henry Rifen-
bark, came from Columbia County in 1802 or
near that date, and settled about two miles east
of Summit village. There he owned a whiskey
still, a store, and an inn or tavern. He was a
man of influence and of considerable property,
and his tavern was often the gathering place
of iinportant assemblies. Town meetings were
sometimes held there. His brother Peter was
a clergyman of the Dutch Reformed church.
Henry Rifenbark's wife was a daughter of
Caleb Clark, who was captured by the British
and Indians during the Revolution, and carried
to Canada. There Mr. Clark was kept at Fort
Niagara under guard, but was sent out every
day with other captives under a guard of
Indians U> chop wood in the forest. The Ind-
ians, believing that it was impossible for
them to escape, often left them alone during
the day, returning for them at night. Mr.
Clark and his fellow-prisoners, however, with
sturdy pioneer determination, resolved to make
an effort to regain their freedom. Accord-
ingly, one morning after their captors had left
them, they started on snow-shoes for the Mo-
hawk River, carrying the food that had been
measured out to them for their mid-day meal.
For many days this was all the food they had.
At length, at the end of a week, he and his
companions came to a deserted and tumble-
down hut in the Mohawk Valley, where they
found some mice. These they were forced to
eat to keep themselves from starving. They
finally reached home in safety, but Mr. Clark
always felt exceedingly bitter toward the Brit-
254
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
ish. Ilcniy Kifcnbark and his wife had seven
children, three sons — Marry C, Aaron, and
Ebenezer — and lour daui;hters — Julia Ann,
llattic, Marriet, and Caroline. All of the
boys became farmers.
Aaron Rifenbark, who was born in Summit
in 1804, and died in 1883, was a leading citi-
zen here and a [irominent man in the Demo-
cratic party. He was twice married, the first
time to Mary ]5anks and the second time to
her sister Catharine. The first wife died in
1848 and the second in 1895. The six chil-
dren— William H., John, who is deceased,
Hiram, Ebenezer, Permelia, and Hettie — were
the fruit of the first marriage. The first-
named of these, who resides in Hobart, Ind.,
is a leading Republican there, and in 1897 and
1899 was a member of the Indiana legislature.
He is prominent in business circles and as a
Grand Army man. In the year iSgS he was
engaged in building county roads. In 1893 he
exhibited at the World's Fair steel neck yokes
ami whiffletrees manufactured by the company
of which he was president. Ebenezer Rifen-
bark resides at Summit. He fought for the
Union in the Civil War, and was wounded at
Gettysburg. Permelia is the wife of Winthrcjp
D. Gallu|). Hettie married I'. P. Gordon,
M.D., of Hobart, Ind., and died in 1892.
Hiram Rifenbark received his education in
the public schools of Summit and at Char-
lottcville Seminary. At the age of seven-
teen he engaged to work on a farm seven
months for sixty-five dollars. Mr. II. Master.s,
his employer, who was away from h(jme much
of the time, told him one day to sow a piece
of land to buckwheat, ])utting in two bushels
of seed. This was new^ work to Rifenbark.
He began sowing broadcast, and soon found
that he had put half the seed on a quarter
of the land. He then sowed the remainder
of the seed more sparingly, making it co\'er
the other three-fourths of the kuul. He
watched the growth with interest, but before
harvest time the cows got into the field and
ate up the grain, thick and thin. He lost not
a day in that seven months. In the winter he
attended school, and the next seven months
he workeil for a farmer in P^ulton, his only
holiday being the Fourth of July, which he
insisted on keeping. The next winter lie
taught school four months at ten dollars a
month. April i of his nineteenth year found
him engaged to a farmer in Summit seven
months at eleven dollars a month. This sum-
mer there was not a day of lost time, the man
for whom he worked gi\ing him the Fourth of
July. The following winter he again taught
in the same district where he taught the first
term, but with an increase of two dollars a
month in his wages. He continued to teach
schixil winters after this until he was married
and settled on the farm, teaching one term in
the winter, while 011 the farm, at two dollars a
day. When twenty years old he worked seven
months at Richmondville, ilri\ing team for the
iron foundry at tweUe dollars a month. The
next spring he began working at carpentry,
continuing for three summers under a boss,
and after that time he took jobs for himself
till he purchased his father's farm of ninety-six
acres in 1868. I'"our years later he sold the
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
255
farm, and bought the property, including the
store now belonging to Levi J. Lincoln in
Charlotteville, N. \'. After conducting a gen-
eral merchandise business there for ten years,
he sold the property, and, buying a \acant lot,
built the residence he now occupies and the
store across the street, where he conducted
business for twelve years. He then sold the
goods to Kingsley & Griffin, to whom he rented
the store. Since that time he has been selling
agricultural implements and fertilizers, and
looking after business for himself and others.
Mr. Rifenbark is a strong Democrat. He has
shown a warm interest in political matters
ever since he became a voter. He has been
on the Town Committee a number of times,
on the School Board several terms, in 1865
Town Clerk, and much of tlu; time since
1870 Notary Public. He has also served two
terms as a Justice of the Peace, and has done
a large amount of business settling estates
and drawing contracts. He has served as e.\-
ecutor of a number of the wills filed in this
town, as he is kn(nvn to have an excellent
knowledge of technical law points. P^rom
188S to 1S90, inclusive, he was Supervisor of
Summit. His record as Supervisor is marked
primarily by a strong effort to secure an honest
and economical expenditure of the public
funds. P'earless and daring in his personal
expression and effort when he believed himself
laboring in a worthy cause, he met with .some
opposition, but in the main won a loyal recog-
nition from his constituents. He broke up
abuses in the county relating to the housing
and feeding oi vagrants, secured action by the
governing board that caused the removal of all
luxuries from the county prison, and worked
hard for a reduction cjf expenses in every way.
He served on the Committee on Sheriffs' Ac-
counts, on public and other buildings, and on
the Committee on Legislation.
Mr. Rifenbark married Amelia Burnett,
daughter of Colonel George O. Burnett, who
was prominent in the militia. Mrs. Rifen-
bark attended Charlotteville .Seminary, and
subsequently taught school for ten terms be-
fore her marriage. She is active in church
work, and when the Good Templars and the
Woman's Christian Temperance Union were in
existence here was one of their earnest sup-
porters. Mr. Rifenbark was also connected
with the Good Templars, being Chief Tem-
plar. He has been clerk of the Baptist church
at Summit, a member of tlie ministerial com-
mittee, trustee, and for years superintendent
of the Sunday-school. He is the teacher of
the Bible class. He is strictly temperate in
all things. His early life taught him the
value of money, and he then acquired the hab-
its of industry and economy which are still
characteristic of him. He is a liberal con-
tributor to every good cause, but never up-
holds extravagance or waste.
ICHAEL LACKEY, Jk., real es-
tate and insurance broker, a well-
known business man of Greene
County, is a resident of Tannersville, where
he was born on November 24, i860, son of
Michael and Catherine (Burke) Lackey, His
256
UlOGRArmCAL REVIEW
jjarents are still living, and make their home
with him.
I lis paternal grandfather, Thomas Lackey,
who was born in Ireland, went to England in
1 82 1, and resided there until 1S29, when he
emigrated to America, and, settling in New
York City, followed the trade of a cabinet-
maker. In 1835 Tiiomas Lackey retired from
active business pursuits and came to Tanners-
ville, where he resided with his son, the elder
Michael, until his death, which occurred in
1853-
Michael Lackey, Sr. , father of the subject
of this sketch, was born in Ireland, May 18,
1H15. Me came to America with his parents
when fourteen years old, and was educated in
the night schools of New York City. He
learned the trade of a house painter, which he
followed there for a time and then removed to
Tannersville, where he continued in the same
occupation. He also kept a country tavern in
the old stage times when Tannersville was a
hamlet called Greenland. He is a Democrat
in politics, and has held offices. His wife,
whose maiden name was Catherine Burke, is
a native of Ireland. They have had four chil-
dren, two of whom are now living; namely,
Michael, Jr., and his sister, Lizzie P. The
latter is the wife of Michael B. Dolan.
Michael Lackey, Jr., acquired his educa-
tion in the common schools of Tannersville.
At the age of fifteen he went to New York
City, and entered Lhrich's dry-goods store on
Eighth Avenue, where he kept the country
order books for one year. He then engaged
in the ice cream and confectionery business at
the corner of ICighth Avenue and P^ifty-ninth
Street. Returning to Tannersville later, he
taught school until 1883, at the same time
studying law and becoming a practitioner.
In 1S75 he purchased a farm of one hundred
acres in Hunter known as Onteora Glen,
which he conducted with his other business
until 1892. I'Vom May 10, 1S91, to October
20 of that year, he was proprietor of a laun.dry,
having an exclusive contract for Onteora Park,
including thirty cottages and a large inn; and
he was ably assisted in this work by his wife.
He moved from his farm in 1892, renting it
until 1896 when he exchanged that property
for the half-way house on the road to Hunter,
anil removed to the \'illage of Tannersville.
Soon after his return he erected a dwelling-
house, oflRce, and store, the latter of which is
well stocked with stationery, school supplies,
sporting goods, and other merchandise, and is
carried on by his wife. He does quite a busi-
ness in the buying of Christmas-trees for the
New York market, shipping from six to ten
carloads annually. In 1893 he engaged in
the real estate business. He erected a large
buikling which he rents. He makes collections
for many concerns through the county, and
was appointed assignee for Willsey & Fromer,
one of the largest firms in this vicinity. As
local representative of several large insurance
companies, he has secured some of the prin-
cipal risks in the town. He has a great deal
of law practice in the n-iinor courts.
In 1883 Mr. Lackey was united in marriage
with Julia Weller, daughter of Thomas
Weller, formerly an inn-keeper in Birming-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
257
ham, England. They have five children —
Robert E., Charles H., Edward W., Mary L.,
and Clara E.
Politically, Mr. Lackey is a Democrat. In
i8Sg he was appointed Deputy Sheriff, hold-
ing that office three years; and he was a can-
didate for Supervisor in i8gi. He was ap-
pointed Postmaster in 1893, and held that
position until 1898, giving general satisfac-
tion. He has been Counsel for the village
corporation ever since its organization, has
acted as notary public for the past fourteen
years, and is frequently called upon to address
political meetings. He is a member of the
Knights of Pythias, and Past Chancellor of
the local lodge.
^TEPHEN LOUDON, a retired
^/^ farmer of Fulton, Schoharie County,
was born in the town of Blenheim,
N.Y., February 16, 1821, son of John and
Sarah (Tinkelpaugh) Loudon.
John Loudon was born in Delaware, where
he grew to man's estate on the parental home-
stead. Choosing farming as his life occupa-
tion, he moved to Schoharie County, which
was then in its primitive wildness. He took
up a tract of land in Blenheim, at a time
when there were very few clearings in that
locality or in the county, and there partly im-
proved a farm. Disposing, however, of his
newly acquired land in Blenheim, he bought
land in the neighboring town of Gilboa, and
was there engaged in his independent calling
until his death, at the venerable age of eighty-
three years. His wife, whose maiden name
was Sarah Tinkelpaugh, died at the age of
fifty-nine years, having borne him ten chil-
dren. Four of the nine are still living,
namely: Mary, wife of John Mattice;
Stephen; Libby, wife of Jacob I. Coons; and
Nancy. Both parents were members of the
Baptist church.
Stephen Loudon, by persevering industry
and wise economy, accumulated considerable
property, and while yet a young man pur-
chased a farm in Breakabeen, which he after-
ward sold, and bought a large farm on Bouck's
Island, adjoining the Governor Bouck home-
stead. Upon that farm he resided until 1894,
when he bought his present home property,
which is managed by his son-in-law, C. li.
Markham, in connection with his own farm.
Mr. Loudon has always been deeply interested
in the welfare and advancement of the town of
his adoption. In politics he is a firm sup-
porter of the principles of the Democratic
party.
On August 31, 1846, Mr. Loudon married
Lavinia VVhaley, who is a native of Dutchess
County, New York, and is the only living
child born to the late Daniel and Sarah (Car-
penter) Whaley.
Mr. and Mrs. Loudon have three daughters,
namely: Caroline, wife of Prof. C. E. Mark-
ham, teacher and farmer of P"ulton; Emma,
wife of George Coykendall; and Mary, wife of
Peter E. Schoonmaker, both of whom are suc-
cessful business men in Kingston, N. V.
These daughters are all graduates of the State
Normal School, and were all of them teachers
258
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
in their younger clays. ^Ir. Loudon is a
niemlier of the Baptist chureh, and Mrs.
Loudon belongs to the Refornietl church.
-ACOB FROMER, one of the most suc-
cessful business men in Tannersville,
N. Y., was born in Wittenberg, Ger-
many, October 14, 1849, son of Daniel and
Mary (Liepold) Fromer. His father, who
also was a native of Wittenberg, emigrated to
the United States in 1853. After his arrival
in this country Daniel Fromer followed the
trade of a chair-maker for a time, and then
turned his attention to farming, first in Jewett
and later in Tannersville, where he died at
seventy-two. His wife, Mary, who was a
native of Germany, was the mother of si.x chil-
dren, namely: Mary; Rosa; John, first (de-
ceased); Daniel, Jr.; Jacob; and John. Mary
married Leonard L. Woodard. Rosa became
the wife of Clarence Willsey. John keeps a
boarding-house. Daniel, Jr., is proprietor of
a hotel. Mrs. Mary L. Fromer died at the
age of seventy-one. The parents were mem-
bers of the I'resbyterian church.
Jacob Fromer acquired his education in the
schools of Jewett, and worked on the home
farm until he was nineteen years old, when he
went to the oil regions of Pennsylvania, going
thence to West Virginia, and later entering
mercantile business in Parkersburg, Va.
Disposing of his establishment there at the
end of eighteen months, he came to Hunter,
where he engaged in the express business and
also ran a stage to the Catskill. He aban-
doned this enterprise at the expiration of a
year and a half, and again entered mercantile
business, carrying on a general store under
the Cascade House for the same length of
time. He next erected a building si.xty by
sixty feet, and three stories high, adjoining
his present office, and, putting in a stock of
general merchandise, carried on business until
1892, when he sold out. He started in a
small way, but as his trade increased he was
forced to enlarge both his stock and floor
space in order to meet the demands of his pa-
trons. He transacted a business amounting
to over one hundred and twenty-five thousand
dollars annually, and employed twelve assist-
ants. In 1893 he made a trip to Florida,
and upon his return in 1894 opened a sale and
livery stable here and another at I'^lka Park,
Hunter, both of which he has since conducted
successfully, also doing quite an extensive
business in the selling of carriages, sleighs,
robes, and harnesses. He keeps twenty
horses, antl at times has as many as thirty for
livery purposes. In connection with this he
is engaged in the real estate and insurance
business, and besides his stable and office he
has erected several dwelling-houses.
In 187s Mr. Fromer was united in marriage
with Susan Showers, a native of Hunter,
daughter of Michael Showers, a farmer of that
town. Her parents had a family of six
children, four daughters and two sons. Mrs.
Fromer's sisters are all married.
Mr. Fromer is a Republican in politics.
He was Supervisor continuously from 1893 to
1899, having with a few exceptions served
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
259
longer than any other member of the board;
and during his term of office he succeeded in
reducing tiie taxes. He was largely instru-
mental in securing the incorporation of the
village, and was trustee a number of years.
He and Mrs. Fromer are attendants of the
Methodist Episcopal church, and contribute
to the support of other denominations.
JOLOMON KELLEY was born Feb-
ruary 14, 1823, on the farm in
Princetown, N.Y., on which he now
resides, he being the owner thereof and de-
voting his energies to its improvement and
cultivation. Mis parents were Solomon and
Grace (Wingate) Kelley. His father was
born in Rotterdam, N.Y., and his mother in
Princetown. His paternal grandfather was
William Kelley, a Scotchman, whose occupa-
tion was that of a miller and a farmer. He
was an early settler in Rotterdam, but after-
ward resided in Princetown and in Duanes-
burg, and died in Mariaville.
Solomon Kelley, the elder, learned the car-
penter's trade, which he followed for several
years. Settling upon new land in Princetown
when a young man, he cleared the farm which
is now owned by his son, and erected the
buildings. An industrious farmer and a citi-
zen of worth, he gained the good will of his
neighbors by his many sterling qualities. In
politics he voted with the Whig party, and in
his religious belief he was a Presbyterian.
He was the father of ten children, five of
whom are living, namely: Solomon, the sub-
ject of this sketch; Robert; John; Samuel;
and Grace. The others were: William, An-
drew, Sally, Jane, and Mary A.
Solomon Kelley was reared at the home-
stead and educated in the district schools.
He has always resided at his birthplace, and
succeeding to its ownership he has made gen-
eral farming a profitable employment up to
the present time. He is still smart and ac-
tive, with the ability to perform a day's work
which would tire many younger men, his early
vigor giving no sign of decay. In politics he
is a Republican. He attends the Presbyterian
church.
When twenty-seven years old Mr. Kelley
married for his first wife Evelyn Love. His
present wife was before marriage Nancy
Gregg. By his first marriage he has one son,
William, who is living at home.
^AMES H. FLANAGAN, a prosperous
farmer of Tannersville, N.Y., ant! a
veteran of the Civil War, was born in
New York City, February 14, 1842, son of
Matthew and Margaret (Olwell) Flanagan.
He is a descendant of the O' Flanagans of Ire-
land. His great-grandfather Flanagan was
named Thomas, and his grandfather was Pat-
rick O'l'^lanagan.
Matthe\y Flanagan, son of Patrick, emi-
grated to America when a young man, first
settling in New York City. After his mar-
riage he came to this locality, where he
worked in a tannery for some time, and then
purchased a farm. Politically, he was a
26o
]!IO(]RAl'HICAL REVIEW
Democrat. He died at the age of sixty-eight.
His wife, Margaret, was a native of Irehmd.
She was a (iaiighter of John Olwell, a farmer,
who emigrated to the United States, and spent
his last years cm a farm in tlie vicinity of
Tannersville. Matthew ant! Margaret Mana-
gan were the parents of ten children, seven of
whom grew to maturity, and tive are now liv-
ing; namely, James H., Patrick, Alice, Kate,
and Rose. Patrick lives in Newark, N.J.
Alice married John Hoolahan, and resides in
Brooklyn. Rose married Patrick Gillooly,
and is also residing in Brooklyn. The
mother died at the age of fifty-si.x years.
James H. I'lanagan came to Tannersville
with his [jarents when very yonng, and at-
tended the common schools. At the age of
twenty, in 1862, he enlisted in Company G,
Fourteenth United States Infantry. In the
second battle of Bull Run he was severely
wounded in the leg, and he lay upon the field
for ten days unattended. He was then taken
to Washington, and after being in various
hospitals was discharged in 1863. Ujion re-
covering from the effects of his wound he re-
enlisted in the Cavalry, Independent Corps,
and was stationed on the frontier, where he
served three years. He was mustered out as
a Corporal. Returning to Tannersville, he
worked on his father's farm for two years, at
the end of which time he went to Wisconsin,
anil from there to .St. Clair County, Illinois,
where he remained one and a half years. He
then returned East, and, again settling in
Tannersville, has followed farming with good
results ever since. His property originally
consisted of one hundred and fifty acres, but
he disposed of one hundred acres to good ad-
vantage. In politics he is a Republican, and
served as Excise Commissioner some time.
In 1876 Mr. Flanagan married Miss Mary
I'^ Smith, ot Brooklyn, daughter of Patrick
Smith, a member of the police force of that
city. They have four chiklren — Eileen,
Fairie, Utja l",ideen Desmond, and Oscar,
luleen and l'"airie are now prejiaring them-
selves for educational work.
Mr. Flanagan is a comrade of A. N. Bald-
win Post, G. A. R. He is an earnest advo-
cate of temperance, and has rendered valuable
service to the community in that direction.
The family attend the Roman Catholic
church. Mr. P'lanagan from childhooil has
shown a marked liking for literature, and he
has a fine librar}' containing books by some of
the very best authors. He is also very fonil
of music, and has a choice collection of in-
strumental and classical musical works.
'S^OHN BRADT, a retired farmer of Rot-
terdam, was born in this town, Octo-
ber f), 1839, son of Aaron I. antl I<;iiza
C. (\'edder) Hradt. The ])arents were natives
of Schenectady ; and the father was a pros[ier-
ous farmer of Rotterdam, where he s]x'nt the
greater part of his life. He died at the age of
fift\'-eight years, and his wife lix'cd to be
ninety-one. They were the parents of five
children, two of whom are living, namely:
John, the subject of this sketch; and Aar(jn
JOHN liRADT.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
263
]5. , who resides in Schenectady. The others
were: Francis, Hester, and Helen.
John liradt ac(|iiired liis education in the
common schools of his native town. After the
completion of his studies he assisted his father
in carrying on the home farm, thereby obtain-
ing a good knowledge of agriculture; and in
early manhood he and his brothers, Aaron ]?.
and Francis, jiurchased their sister's interest
in tlie old homestead farm, which contained
about one hundred and si.xty acres, located
along the banks of the Mohawk Ri\-er. This
they carried on successfully together till
Aaron sold his interest. After that the farm
was managed by John and I'rancis until 1SS9.
In that year Mr. John Bradt retired, and built
a handsome residence in the village, which he
has since occupied, the industry displayed dur-
ing his long period of activity having placed
him in easy circumstances. It is interesting
here to note that the ancestral farm has been
handed down from his grandfather to the fourth
generation, being now owned by Mr. ]5radt's
nephew, Aaron J. Bradt, son of Francis above
named.
On December 28, 1871, Mr. Bi'adt was
united in marriage with Fleanor Dorn, who
was born in Princetown, August 3, 1847,
daughter of Alexander and Harriet Dorn.
tier father, who was a stirring farmer of
Duanesburg, died at the age of sixty-one
years. He was an active member of the
Dutch Reformed church and for more than
forty years an Elder. Mrs. Dorn is still liv-
ing, and resides in Duanesburg.
In politics Mr. Bradt is a Republican, but
takes ]io part in public affairs beyond casting
his vote. He has been a Deacon of the Re-
formed church for the past eight years, and
Mrs. 15radt is a member of the church.
ENJAMIN I. TAEEMADGE, the
well-kniiwn attorney and comisellor-
at-law of Windham, N.Y. , is a na-
tive of New lialtimore, (ireene County, and
was born on November i, 1869, his parents
being Thomas D. and Helen (Raymond) Tall-
madge. Thomas D. Tallmadge's paternal
grandfather, who was a leading farmer of
Greene County, died before Benjamin I. was
born.
Thomas D. Tallmadge spent his life on a
farm until he was a middle-aged man, when he
opened a general merchandise store. After
carrying that on for several years, he removed
with his family to Albaii}', his son Benjamin
being then about fourteen years old. Later
Thomas D. Tallmadge removed to Oneonta,
where he for a time conducted an ice business
and afterward a market. He retired from busi-
ness in (Jneonta, and subsecjuently resided
there until his death, in June, 1893, at the
age of sixty-three. He was stanchly a Demo-
crat, but never took an active interest in local
politics. His wife, Helen, was the daughter of
John G. and I'llizabeth Hinman Raymond, of
Coxsackie. Mr. Raymond, who had resided in
New Baltimore jirevious to coming to Cox-
sackie, was a large real estate owner. He
died at Coxsackie in his seventy-ninth year.
Of his seven children one son, Wallace W.,
264
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
wild is a merchant, resides at Coxsackic.
lioth he and his wife were Presbyterians.
Thomas I), and Helen Tallm;uii;e were the
parents of eleven children, all of whom are
living. They are as follows: Raymond, who is
book-keeper and general manager for V'an Slyke
& Horton, of Albany; Alice A. ; Josiah C, an
attorney at Catskill ; Elizabeth; Edward C,
who is in the enipinx- of the John G. Myers
firm in Albany; Matilda, who is the wife of
the Rev. -Samuel W. ICaton, pastor of the
Methodist l^piscopal church at Patter, Pa. ;
Thomas D., an artist residing in New York
City; Caroline; Penjamin I.; Mae; and R.
DeW'itt, who was a member of the P'irst New
York \'(il iiiiteers in the late war. The mother
of these children is still living in Oneonta, and
her four daughters reside with her. She and
her two youngest daughters are members of the
Baptist church, while Alice and Elizabeth are
connected with the Methodist church. The
family is remarkable for its musical ability,
and all four of the daughters have sung in
church choirs. Edward C. Tallmadge also, who
is a member of the First Reformed Church,
has sung in the choir. He is likewise a mem-
ber of the Consistory.
Benjamin 1. Tallmadge resided with his
]:arents until he was about si.xteen years of
age. After attending the public schools of
New Baltimore, he began a special course in
Windham prejwratory to studying law, which
enabled him to secure what is known as a law
student's ceitificatc from the Board of Regents
in Albany. He entered the office of his
brother, the lion. J. C. Tallmadge, who was
then practising in Windham, and there he re-
mained until his admission to the bar in 1893.
Immediatel)' upon his admission to the bar he
formed a partnership with his brother, under
the firm name of J. C. & ]5. \. Tallmadge, and
this continued until I'cbruary, 1897, since
which time he has been in business alone.
'Phe Hon. Josiah C. Tallmadge, who is now
a leading attorney in Catskill, began his prac-
tice in Windham in 1875, having previously
studied here with his uncle, luigene Raymond,
who started in practice here over forty years
ago. From 1890 to 1893 the Hon. J. C.
Tallmadge was District Attorney of Greene
County, and during that time was engaged in
some notable criminal trials. He was one of
the attorneys in the Poring Robertson case,
which is one of the most celebrated, not only
in the county, but in the State. His success
in winning this for his client won for him
great praise. Tallmadge brothers were for
several years the only attorneys in Windham.
Mr. Tallmadge was married in 1894 to Rose
B. (iraham, who was born in this town, the
daughter of Lucius S. and Phcebe (Bump)
Graham, the father a well-known shoe dealer.
Both I\lr. and Mrs. Graham are deceased, the
former at the age of si.\ty-nine and the latter
at the age of fifty-five. They were active
members of the P-piscopal church. Their four
children are: Mrs. Tallmadge, who is the
eldest; I'-lla, who married L. H. Townsend ;
Margaret R. ; and Edwin. Mr. and Mrs. Tall-
madge have one child, a daughter Dorothy,
aged two \'ears.
Mr. Tallmadge is, as was his father, a
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
265
Democrat, but lie does not engage actively in
politics. He is a Mason and member of
Mountain Lodge, No. 529. Roth he and his
wife are members of the Presbyterian church,
and he is treasurer of the Board of Trustees,
leader of the choir, and an active worker in the
Sunday-school. Mrs. Tallmadge is the church
organist. Mr. Tallmadge was one of the or-
ganizers of the Windham Water Company, and
he is now secretary and treasurer of the organ-
ization and one of its directors.
— ♦-*••-♦—
LBKRT CHASE, a well-known
farmer of Hensonville, was born in
Lexington, January 4, 18 19, son of
Benjamin and Lydia (Skiff) Chase. Tlie
family is of English descent. Thomas and
Aquila Chase, brothers, emigrated from Eng-
land, and were living at Hampton, N. H., as
early as 1640. A few years later Aquila re-
moved to Newbury, Mass. "A large majority
of the Chases of the L^nited States," some one
has said, "arc his descendants." Thomas
Chase married Elizabeth Pliilbrick, and had
five sons. The fourth son, Isaac, removed to
Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, Mass. He was
twice married, and had a number of children.
" Benjamin Chase, the father abo\-e men-
tioned, was a son of Zephaniah Chase, and
both were natives of RLartha's Vineyard.
Zephaniah Chase, the grandfather of the sub-
ject of this sketch, came to Lexington as a pio-
neer. He cleared a large tract of land, and
spent the rest of his life there, dying at the
age of eighty.
Benjamin Chase resided on the home farm
for some years. Later he purchased a farm
near l)y, where he spent the rest of his life.
His death also occurred at eighty years. When
a young man he was an officer of the militia.
His wife, Lydia, who, like himself, was a
native of Martha's Vineyard, became the
mother of ten children, nine of whom grew to
maturity, and two are now living, namely: Al-
bert, of Hensonville; and Ira, who resides in
Jewett. The others were; Benjamin, who
lived in Lexington, and died aged ninety-
three; Elizabeth, who resided on the old home-
stead, and died at eighty years of age; Lydia,
who married Orin Burgess, of Hunter, and died
at the age of si.xty; William, who died in
Ohio at eighty; Lucinda, who married Mathias
Chittenden, and resided in Callicoon, Sullivan
County, where her death occurred when she
was sixty years old; Mary, who became the
wife of Samuel Cook, of Sidney, Delaware
County, and died at the age of sixty; and
Sarah, who became Mrs. I'eleg Cliamberlain,
resided in Michigan, and died at the .same aa-e.
The mother died in 1827, at the age of fifty.
Albert Chase in his early childhood attended
the common schools of Lexington. He resided
at home until the death of his mother, when,
a lad of eight years, he went to live with an
uncle in Jewett, about two miles l)eIow Hunter
village. At the age of twenty he returned to
Lexington and learned the carpenter's trade,
which he followed for about twenty-five year.s,
becoming one of the largest contractors in this
.section of the county. He erected many pri-
vate residences, business blocks, mills, bridges.
266
BIOGRArmCAL REVIF.W
and other structures, cnipl(ning a number of
men. lie came to Ilensonville in 1S45,
when this village was in its infancy, and did
an extensive business here, erecting many of
the present buildings. I'urchasing a saw-
mill in 1863, he carried on a large lumber
business for some years. He removed to his
present farm, consisting of three hundred acres,
in 1S58, erected his dwelling-house and other
buildings, and, relinquishing his contracting
business a few years later, gave his principal
attention to farming. Since 1880 his son, De
Mont, has had charge of the cultivation of the
home acres. Mr. Chase and his sou have pur-
chased two additional farms, one being devoted
to dairy purposes, and they keeji twenty-seven
cows, mostlv Jerse\s.
In 1844 Mr. Chase was united in marriage
with Miss Laura O. Woodworth, of Windham,
daughter of .\bner and ]5etse\' (Judson) Wood-
worth, ller father, who was a native of
Cherry Valley, and followed farming during
his active jK-riod, spent his last days in Hast
Jewett, dying at the age of eighty-two years.
Her mother, who was born in Windham, died
at the age of forty-eight. Mr. and Mrs.
VVoodworth reared a famih' of si.\ children,
(^f these the three living are: Laura, who is
now Mrs. Chase; Lucius, who resides in
LIunter; and Lucinda, who is the wife of Dr.
Mead. Mr. and Mrs. Chase ha\e had tue chil-
dren— Sophronia, Lydia, Abner, lunery, and
De .Mont L. Chase. .Sophronia died of diph-
theria at the age of seventeen. Lydia, who is
no longer living, married Cyrus Kloodgood,
clerk of Catskill County. Abner died at the
age of two years. Emory, formerly a member
of the law firm of Hallock, Jennings & Chase,
later Jennings & Chase, was elected Judge of
the Supreme Court in 1896. He married
Mary Churchill, daughter of the proprietor of
St. Charles Hotel, of New York, and has two
children — Jessie C. and Albert W. Chase.
De Mont L. Chase is now associated with his
father in carr\ing on the farm. lie h;is served
as Supervisor and Tax Collector. He married
Josephine Osborn, daughter of h'.lbert Osborn,
of Brooklyn, and has two children — Leona L.
and Elbert O. Chase.
Mr. Chase is a Republican in politics. He
has been Overseer of the Poor, and has acted
as Justice of the Peace for four years. He is
connected with the Order of Good Templars,
al.so with the .Suns of Temperance, and has
filled some of the im])ortant chairs in these so-
cieties. He is a member of the .Methodist
Episcopal church, of which lie has been trus-
tee, steward, and class leader for many years.
He has also been district steward, was a mem-
ber of the building committee which erected
the new church, ami served as trustee of the
parsonage. He was formerly superintendent of
the Sunday-school, and Mrs. Chase was a
teacher.
l.l.l.X.M S. VAX1)I:RP1LT, a rep-
resentative citizen of the village of
Greenville, was born in New York City on
February 10, 1845, his parents being William
S. and Susan A. (Wright) X'anderhilt. He
belongs to a famih- '.hat has for many years
been prominent in Rockland County. His
>.£
wmf
b>'
■\
WILLIAM S. VANDEKBILT.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
269
great-grandfather .settled in Clarkstown, in
that county, when a young man, and resided
there on a farm during the remainder of his
life. His grandfather, Isaac Vanderbilt, was
born in Clarkstown, and spent his life there
engaged in agricultural pursuits.
William S. Vanderjjilt, Sr. , son of Isaac
and father of the subject of this sketch, was
also born on the homestead, but at the age of
fifteen he left the parental roof and learned the
merchant tailor's trade. At twenty-one he
began business for himself in New York City,
and subsequently for twenty-seven years con-
ducted it most successfully. His store was at
416 and later at 408 Broadway, and his was
one of the best-known tailoring establishments
in the city. He died on February 13, 1864,
being only forty-eight years of age. His wife,
Susan, who died in 1893, at the age of si.xty-
nine, was born in Greenwich village, now a
part of New York City, and spent the whole of
her life in the great metropolis. She was the
daughter of Charles S. Wright, who was for
many years one of the most influential mem-
bers of the School Board of Trustees of the
Ninth Ward in the city of New York, and for
a long time its chairman. At one time Mr.
Wright was waited upon by a committee to see
if he would accept the nomination to the legis-
lature. Mr. Wright declined the honor. He
lived, about 1824, in the house in Greenwich
village which his father had built. It was then
out in the country, and the canal wound its
sluggish way through what is now Canal Street.
William S. , Sr. , and Susan Vanderbilt, had
eight children, of whom four are now living;
namely, William S., Oliver DeGray, Jolm,
and Mrs. George W. \'anderhoef. Mrs. Van-
derbilt, after the death of her first husband,
married Andrew Hoogland, a prominent and
well-to-do citizen of New York, and one of the
best-known members of the New York Produce
Exchange. Mr. Hoogland was born on May
20, 1815, and died in 1879. Me was a direc-
tor in the Corn Exchange Bank, and of the
New Amsterdam Insurance Company, and for
many years a member of St. Andrew's Curling
Club, its president in 1873 and 1874, and at
one time president of the National Curling
Club. He also represented the St. Andrew's
of New York City at the national convention
at Toronto in 1873. To the last-named club he
gave a fine flag. He held membership in the
Dutch church, and was one of its active and
liberal supporters. At one time he was a mem-
ber of the Seventh Regiment of militia, and
later a member of the Victorian Association.
William S. Vanderbilt, the subject of this
sketch, lived in New York City until 1871,
when he took up his residence in Greenville.
He boarded in different families for a number
of years, but in 1S88 began buying land, and
the following year built his present handsome
residence. He owns a number of fine farms,
including what are known as the Eewis Sher-
rill and Prevost farms. Mr. Vanderbilt is
one of Greenville's most public-spirited citi-
zens, and has shown this in man}- ways. He
built in the village a beautiful opera house,
and gave a great stimulus to the introduction
of water in the town by ]ilacing it in all of his
buildings.
270
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Mr. Vandcibilt married in 1876 Miss Mary
J. Ilickok, of this town, a descendant of one
of the old and leading families. .She died at
the age of thirt\-three, leaving one daughter,
Lizzie II. Vandcrbilt. On November 14,
1888, Mr. Vandcrbilt married Mary Reed,
daughter of John K. and Ann (.Shcrrill) Cha])-
man. Iter father was born at Salisbury,
Conn. While yet a mere lad his father, Rob-
ert I-., moved to the vicinity of Greenville,
where he died in 1857, eighty-two years old.
Mrs. Vanderbilt's father was an early gold
hunter on the Pacific Coast, going to Cali-
fornia by the way of the Isthmus of Panama in
1849. After acquiring considerable money for
those days, he returned to Greenville, was
married, and shortly after went to Jane.sville,
Wis., where with a brother, he engaged in
the dry-goods business. Here his daughter
Mary was born. He returned to Greenville in
1865, residing there until his death in 1888,
at the age of seventy years. His wife, Mrs.
Vanderbilt's mother, was the daughter of
Lewis Shcrrill, a descendant of one of the pio-
neer families of the town. Her grandfather,
Jonathan Shcrrill, had extensive tanneries.
One of them was located on the corner where
Coonleys Hotel now stands. Jonathan Shcr-
rill built and occupied the house that is now
the residence of Dr. 15. S. McCabe. His
home at the time of his death was the house on
North Street owned by Charles R. Knowlcs,
of Albany (a grandson), and used as a summer
residence. He died in 1S51, in his eighty-
.second year.
Lewis Shcrrill, for many years president of
the old Greenville Academy, was a broad-
gauge public-spirited man. He was a success-
ful farmer and stock-raiser, a life-member of
the New York State Agricultural Society, and
the first president of the Greene County Agri-
cultural Society. The stone walks about the
village, among other things, are largely the
result of his energy and push. He died in
March, 1889, at the age of eight}'-eight. His
wife, Plsther I'ord, died in 1873, at the age of
si.xty years. Mr. and Mrs. Vandcrbilt have
two children living, the elder being William
Stephen, and the younger George Vanderhoef
Vandcrliilt.
In politics Mr. X'anderbilt is a Ke]niblican,
and some years ago he was very active in all
political matters. He is a member of James
M. Austin Lodge, I'. & A. M., of which he
has been treasurer for a number of years, and
he holds membershi]) in the Royal Arch ("haiv
tcr, of Greenville. He is also a charter mem-
ber of the Knights <if Pythias organization
here. He is warden and treasurer of the Epis-
copal church, and treasurer of Greenville Lire
District.
\^
AGh: T. HOAGLAND, editor and
^'^ proprietor of the Kicorci, Oak Hill,
was born in Malugin's Grove, near
Di.xon, Lee County, 111-, March 23, 1856, .son
of Abram .Mien and luuiice L. (Hloodgood)
Hoagland. He is of the eighth generation in
descent from Chiistophal Hoageland, who was
born in Ildllaiul in i''i34, emigrated to Amer-
ica about the )-ear 1654, and settled in New
Amsterdam.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
271
From Christiiphal the ancestral line is traced
tlirough his eldest son, Christopher,- who was
born in the vicinity of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; John,'
who was born in Flatlands, N.J., in 1701, and
died in 1767; Jacob Hoageland,-* born in Har
binger, N.J., in 1735; Abraham Hoogland,'
who was born in Sowerland, New Harbinger,
Somerset County, N.J., about the year 1773;
Benoni Hoogland,'' who was born in Gilboa,
N. Y. , February 25, 1796; and Abram Allen
Hoagland,'' who was born in Gilboa in 1S31;
to Page T. Hoagland,'^ the subject of this
sketch.
Jacob Hoageland resided in New Jersey
until after tlie settlement of his father's estate,
when he came to New York, and, after sojourn-
ing for a time in Schoharie County, went from
there to Albany Count}', where he passed the
rest of his life. Abraham Hoogland, of the
fifth generation, accompanied his parents to
Gilboa in 1785. Remarried Polly M. Fraser,
daughter of Benoni Fraser, who was one of the
earliest settlers in Schoharie County and a
Revolutionary soldier. On September 11,
18 1 7, Benoni Hoogland, the grandfather, mai-
ried Katy Shoemaker, who was born August
29. I79i> daughter of Jacob Shoemaker.
Grandfather Hoogland died May 25, 1867, and
the grandmother died May 27, 1868. They
were the parents of nine children, two sons
and seven daughters, and five of their family
are now living.
About the year 1854 Abram Allen Hoag-
land, Mr. Page T. Hoagland's father, removed
from New York to Illinois, where he followed
his occupation of carpenter and joiner for a
short time. Then going from there to Eau
Claire, Wis., he purchased a farm of one hun-
dred and sixty acres adjoining the town site.
Two years later he returned to New York, and
fnjm 1859 to 1866 resided in Ashland and
Jewett, Greene County. After the close of
the Civil War he again went to Illinois. He
located in Rockford, and resuming his trade
remained there until shortly after the death of
his father, in 1S68, when he came to Gilboa to
care for his mother, who died suddenly within
the following year. The ne.\t two years he
spent upon a farm in Johnson Hollow, town of
Roxbury, , N. Y., and in 1870 removed to
Oneonta, this State, where he was employed
in the car-shops of the Albany & Susquehanna
Railroad Company. He next settled in Bing-
hamton on a leased farm, which he carried on
until 1876 ; and the year after he cultivated the
G. H. Bloodgood farm in Conesville. He
then came to Oak Hill, followed his trade here
for two years; and in 1879 he returned to
Conesville, occupying the Hawvcr farm for
about one year. Removing to Superior, Neb.,
in 1880, he resided there some years. He is
now living upon a large farm in Oak Hill.
His first wife, Eunice E. , whom he married in
1854, was a daughter of Abraham Bloodgood.
Her father, who was a tanner, spent most of
his life in Jewett, and her mother was a repre-
sentative of the Tower family of New P'ngland.
It is said that some of her ancestors came over
in the "Mayflower." Abram Allen Hoag-
land's first wife died in 1894, at fifty-nine
years of age. The maiden name of his second
wife was Eugenia Brand Lynam. He is the
272
BIOGRAPHICAL KEVIKW
father of two children, both by his first wife:
Page T. , the subject of this sketch; and Edith
G., who married William J. Winn, of Bridge-
port, Conn.
Page T. Iloagland came from Wisconsin to
Greene Count)' with his ])arents when about
three yeai's old. His cihicatioiial opjiortuni-
ties were confined to the schools of the various
localities in which he lived U]) to 1S70, when
he became a jitipil in the Onconta graded
school, under the supervision of Professor
N. N. ]5iill. lie was graduated in 1S72, and
immediately entered the store of ]^. (loldsmith
as a clerk. Afterward he worked for Joseph
and Morris Price in the same caj^acity, and
later for Miller & Pojie, dealers in flour and
provisions. He taught school in Sullivan
County (hu'ing the ensuing winter, and then,
joining his lather on the farm at Binghamton,
he remained there the following season. In
the fall of i<S79, having previously taught
schools in Conesville and Rensselaerville, he
entered the store of Hagadorn Brothers, Gil-
boa. A year later he went to -Superior, Neb.,
antl, after being employed as a clerk during the
fall and winter of 1880 and iXSi, he in the
spring became a caw-boy, and remained on
the ranch until July of that year, when he went
to Plattsmouth, Neb., twenty miles below
Omaha. Failing to find employment in the
city stores, he worked in a brick-vard until,
through the influence of a friend, he obtained
a subordinate position upon the clerical force
of the Burlington & Mis.souri River Railroad.
In 1883 lie was ajipointed assistant station
agent on the Chicago, Burlington & (Jninc)'
Railroad at Pacific lunction, la., resigning in
January, 1884, in order to take the position of
manager of the loss and damage department of
the Burlington & Missouri Railroad at their
headquarters in Omaha. He continued to serve
in that cajjacity until the ensuing fall, when
he was forced b)- ill health to return to (iilboa.
In March, 1885, he purchased of II. V.
Jones the Jefferson (N.Y. ) Courier, which he
conducted for over three years, selling in Au-
gust, 1 888, to George M. Proper, of Eminence,
N. \'. He next jiurchased the Monitor, a paper
published in (iilboa, which he carried on until
1893, when he ilisposed of it to Berton G.
Griffin, and coming to Oak Hill in the spring
of 1894 establi.shed the Rfcor,/, which he has
conducted successfull\- ever since. He has a
well-equi])petl plant w^ith amiile facilities for
handling the constantly increasing circulation
of his paiier, anil his advertising de])artmcnt is
both popular and profitable.
In June, 1882, Mr. Hoagland was united in
marriage with l-'rances Stryker, daughter of
Abraham .Str\ker, of Gilboa. She died in
1894, at the age of thirt}'- seven, ha\'iiig been
the mother of seven children. Of these, five
are living — Scott R., Hazel C, (Juy W.,
Cecil A., and Ellen F. On September 4,
1895, he married for his second wife Ella
Cherritree, daughter of Walter S. Cherritree,
a native of Durham and prominently identified
with the foundry interests of Oak Hill.
In politics Mr. Hoagland is a Reiniblican,
and during his residence in Jefferson he served
as Town Clerk and as School Trustee. He
serveil in the same cajjacity in (iilboa, where
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
=73
he was candidate for Supervisor in 1893, and
was again his party's candidate for Town Clerk
in 1 898. He has been a member of the Repub-
lican County Committee since 1896. He was
made a Mason at Jefferson in Working Lodge,
No. 554, F. & A. M., of which he was Junior
Warden for two years. In 1889 he was de-
mitted to (lilboa Lodge, No. 630, of which he
served as secretary four years. He is now a
member of Cascade Lodge, No. 427, Oak Hill.
In 1S92 he joined l^lenheim Lodge, No. 651,
I. O. O. F. , from which he withdrew to be-
come a charter member of Lyman Treniaine
Lodge, No. 265, Oak Hill, of which he was
treasurer for the years 1896 and 1897, and was
chosen Vice-Grand in 1898. He was made
Noble Grand January i, 1899, serving until
July I of the same year. During this year he
was recommended to the Grand Lodge as sec-
retary to the Grand Committee, District of
Greene. He is also a member of Middleburg
Fncampment, No. 129, and Valley Chapter,
No. 38, Order of the Eastern Star. At the
age of fourteen he was confirmed by Bishop
Doane, of Albany, and has served as vestry-
man of the ICpiscopal church. lulucational
and literary matters have absorbed his leisure
time, and he has a well-selected library of
standard works.
[LDA B. CHAPMAN, wife of J. P. Chap-
man, of Plast Cobleskill, Schoharie
County, N. Y. , and a prominent worker in the
Woman's Christian Temperance Union, was
born at Bramanville, in the town of Cobleskill,
on April 9, 1852, her parents being Nelson
and Catherine M. (Braman) Bice. Her family
is of Dutch origin, a representative of it com-
ing from Holland in 1657, and .settling in New
York when it was called New Amsterdam.
The name was originally spelled Buys, as it
still is in Holland.
Mrs. Chapman's paternal grandfather, Joshua
Bice, who was a farmer and later a merchant,
settled on land in East Cobleskill. He was a
man of strong Christian character, and for
si.xty-two years was an earnest and devoted
member of the Methodist church. He was the
fir.st member of the church here. At the age
of seventy-four years he handed in the class-
book that he had used in the many years when
he had held the position of class leader, .saying
he was too old to attend to it any longer.
Mrs. Chapman's father. Nelson Bice, was
born at East Cobleskill, where his daughter
now resides. He lived in this county nearly
all his life, and for the nine years preceding
his death he lived on this place. He was a
farmer by occupation. F"or six years, while
residing in Middleburg, he served as Assessor
of the town, being nominated to the office by
acclamation. In politics iie was a Democrat.
At the age of twenty-three he joined the Meth-
odist Episcopal church, and from that time
until his death, in 1S80, he was one of its
faithful members. F'or many years he held
the office of superintendent of the Sunday-
school, for eight years that of class leader, and
for many years he was one of the church trus-
tees. He served his townspeople as school
trustee for a number of years. His wife,.
274
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Catherine, was born in ]?ramanvillc, daughter
of John W. Braman. Ilcr grandfather, Will-
iam iJraman, was an I^nglishman; and his
wife, whose maiden name was De Lamater,
was half l'"rencli and part Dutcli, being a de-
scendant of the Rev. Everardus Bogardns and
his wife, Anneke Jans. John W. ]5raman
built a woollen-mill in Bramanvilie. The
place was named in his honor, and he was one
of its most highly valueil citizens. He was a
strong achocate of temperance. When at the
advanced age of seventy he taught the village
school in Bramanville. For twelve years he
was a Justice of the Peace. He married Eliz-
abeth VVetsell, daughter of Christopher Wet-
sell, a German who owned about a thousand
acres of land and a number of slaves. When
the State gave them freedom, some of Mr.
Wetsell's negroes remained with him, and
some of them accompanied Elizabeth Wetsell
when slie married and left home.
Mrs. Chapman's father was an ownei' in the
Wdiillen-niill built b\- her grandfather Biaman,
but when she was three years of age he re-
mcjved to East Worcester. There the family
lived for the next five years, at the end (if
which time they went to I'last Cobleskill.
Six years later they removed to Fultonham,
and after staying in that ])lace four j-ears they
returned to East Cobleskill, where Mrs. Chap-
man has since made her home. She attended
the district schools until she w'as si.xteen years
old, and was then sent to Schoharie Academy,
where she remaineil for some time, studying
academic branches and music. .She subse-
quently studied music with Miss Rankin, of
Middleburg. Her marriage occurred on Octo-
ber 25, iiS/i, and since that time she has
shown her ability not only in the administra-
tion of her domestic duties, but in various re-
sponsible pid)lic positions. In connection
with her efforts in behalf of the cause of tem-
perance she has been county superintendent
of the Sunday-school work of the Woman's
Christian Temperance Union. For twenty-one
years she was a teacher in the Sunday-school
of the Methodist church, of which she is a
member.
Mr. Chapman was born in Fulton, his [Kir-
ents being Jacob and Huldah (Winans) Chap-
man. His mother was the daughter of the
Rev. Mr. Winans, a Eajjtist minister. Mr.
Chapman is an enterprising farmer and a man
who commands universal esteem. He has
been twice elected Supervisor of the town of
Middleburg.
Mrs. Chajiman takes an active interest in the
advancement of agriculture, and has written
several valuable essays, which were read be-
fore the State Agricultural Society anil before
the State Dairymen's Association. .She has
also read papers before the county Sunday-
school conventions, and has been one of the
judges of awarti at two silver medal contests.
Mrs. Chajiman is the mother of three daugh-
ters— Lena May, Mildred IL, and Agnes E.
The first named is a graduate of the Cobleskill
High School antl of Syracuse University.
Mildred II. is a graduate of the Cobleskill
High School, and is now preparing to take a
course of study in S\-racuse University.
Agnes K. is ten vears of age.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
2/5
AUGUSTUS SNYDER, superintend-
ent of the Foltz summer home at
Cobleskill, N. Y. , near Warnersville,
was born in this town, October 6, 1844, son of
William and Rebecca (Bouck) Snyder. He is
of thrifty (jcrman ancestry, and a lineal de-
scendant of one of the original settlers of this
section of Schoharie County.
William Snyder, first, his great -great -grand-
father, emigrated from Germany in Colonial
times, and located on Helderberg Mountain,
near Albany, N.Y., but prior to the Revolu-
tion he came to Cobleskill, where he took up
a tract of wild land and began the improve-
ment of a homestead. In the ensuing struggle
for independence William Snyder took an ac-
tive part, serving as a soldier in the army until
the close of the war. The Uutheran church,
which was built by him, contained a tablet
bearing his name.
Peter W. Snyder, the grandfather of J. Au-
gustus, was born on the old Snyder homestead,
which later passed into his possession. He
was an industrious, energetic worker, and
added materially to the improvements on the
estate, erecting the jDresent comfortable set of
buildings. He married Catherine Warner, a
daughter of Nicholas Warner, who also was
one of the earliest Settlers of this part of Scho-
harie Count}', and formerly the owner of al-
most the whole of the present site of the
village of Warnersville. A man of good
understanding, interested in the cause of edu-
cation, Peter W. Snyder had the distinction of
being the first English school-teacher in this
valley. For many years he served as Justice
of the Peace; in 1826 and 1827 he was a mem-
ber of the Assembly; and was also one of the
first railway commissioners in this locality.
He died at a ripe old age in 1S50. Peter W.
Snyder and his wife were members of the
Lutheran church. Of their union seven chil-
dren were born. Mrs. Catherine W. Snyder
survived her husband a score or more of years,
attaining the venerable age of ninety-three.
Their son, William Snyder, second, was
born and reared on the old home farm, and
eventually succeeded to its ownership. He
carried it on successfully for many years, but
later sold it, and, buying a farm near by, there
spent his remaining days, dying at the age of
seventy-six years. In addition to general
farming he was extensively engaged in mill-
ing, and built the plant now known as Sny-
der's mills, a large mill having four runs of
stone, which is now operated by one of his
sons. He manufactured large quantities of
flour and made a specialty of custom grinding,
for years carrying on a lucrative business.
He was an uncompromising Democrat, influen-
tial in local affairs, and held many public
offices, being Supervisor five years, Excise
Commissioner eighteen years, and Justice of
the Peace a number of terms. He attended
the Lutheran church, and gave generously
toward its support. He was three times mar-
ried. His first wife, whose maiden name was
Diana Bouck, died at an early age, leaving two
children — George W. ami Margaret. George
W. attended Franklin and Schoharie Acade-
mies and Union College, after which he entered
West Point, where he was graduated at the
fjd
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
head of his class in the L-ngiiiecr's department.
In 1858 he was appointed Second Lieutenant,
and he was afterward stationed at liitferent
points along the coast, including Boston, I'en-
sacola, Key West, Charleston (S. C. ), and Fort
Moultrie. In 1X61 he was ordered to Fort
Sumter, and while there was twice promoted,
first to the rani< of iMrst Lieutenant and then
Captain. He was suhsecpiently ])aroled for a
time, and on return inj;- to Washington was ap-
])ointed as Aide de-camp to General Heintzel-
man, and was with him at the battle of Hull
Run. Taken sick with typhoid fever just
after the battle, he died November 17, 1861.
He had been brevetted Lieutenant Colonel.
As a soldier he was brave and courageous,
laithful in the performance of every duty.
The father's second wife, Lavina 15ouck, lived
but a few years. He subsequently married for
his third wife Rebecca l^ouck, who was born
in Cobleskill, a dau-hter of David J^ouck, and
a lineal descendant of Covernor Houck. She
l)ore him seven children, of whom three arc
now living; namely, J. Augustus, David B. ,
and William. The mother died at the age of
fifty-eight years.
J. Augustus Snyder lived with his inirents
until si.xtcen years old, when he began life for
himself. While working with his father he
had learned the miller's trade, and he subse-
quently operated for five years a grist-mill that
his father bought in Hyndsville. He then
went West, and at Saginaw, Mich., he en-
gagetl in lailroad construction and lundiering
si.\ years. Returning hcjnie in 1S75, he en-
tered the mill now owneii by his brother.
David B. , and this he operated a few years.
After that he carried on a farm seven years,
selling out at the end of this period and remov-
ing to Richmondville, where he was engaged
as a retail grocer and niarketman for five years.
During the next si.\ years Mr. Snyder kept a
hotel, and shortly after .selling that property he
assumetl his ]iresent res|)onsible position as su-
perintendent of the I-"oltz place. Under his effi-
cient management marked improvements have
been made on the estate. The grounds have
been finely laiti out and beautified, and the
new house has been built, the homestead being
now one of the most attractive in the vicinity.
On Innc 26, 1882, Mi'. .Snytier married Miss
Mary O. Baker, who was born in Worcester,
Otsego Covmtv, N. \'., one of the six children
of Sherman S. ]5aker, a well-known cattle
dealer of that town. Politically, Mr. Snyder
is a straightforward Republican, interested in
jniblic matters, and while in ALchigan served
as Justice of the Peace. Fraternally, he is a
thirty-second degree Mason, prominent in the
order, and a member of Cobleskill Lodge,
F. & A. M. ; the John L. Lewis Chapter,
Cobleskill; St. (Jeorge's Conmiander)-, K. T.,
of Schenectady ; and Teni]ile Consistory, No.
2, of Albany. He also belongs to Cobleskill
Lodge, No. 500, I. O. C). F. In religious
matters he is broad and liberal.
rsll"ON. LMORY ALBERT CHASK, of
Catskill, Justice of the Su])reme
Court for the Thinl Judicial Dis-
trict of New York, was born on August 31,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
2Ti
1854, at Hensonville, Greene County, N.Y. ,
where his parents, Alhert and Laura (Wood-
worth) Chase, are still living. On the pater-
nal side he is of English descent, and on the
maternal of Scotch.
The ancestral home of the Chase family was
at Chesham, England. Thomas Chase, a
jjromincnt resident of Chesham, had a son
Richard, who married Joan 1-iishop at Chesham,
April 16, 1564. This couple had a son
Thomas, born at Chesham, \vho emigrated to
America about the year 1639, and settled at
Hampton, N. H. He married Elizabeth, a
daughter of Thomas Philbrick, and remained
in Hampton until his death in 1652. He had
a son Isaac, born April i, 1647, ^^ho 's com-
monly referred to as Lieutenant Isaac. This
son married for his second wife Mary Tilton,
and lived at Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vine-
yard. He died there. May ig, 1727, and is
buried on the hill overlooking the head of
Vineyard Haven.
Isaac Chase and his wife had a son Joseph,
born February 26, 16S9, who married Lydia
Coffin. Their first child, Abel, was born
October g, 1719. He married February 14,
1744, on Martha's Vineyard Island, Mercy
Mayhew. They had a son Zephaniah, born
March 14, 1748. He married for his first wife
Abigail Skiff. Zephaniah Chase was a mem-
ber of Captain Smith's seaport company during
the Revolutionary War. After the close of the
war and in the year 1787 he sold his proj^erty
in Vineyard Haven and migrated to the pres-
ent town of Lexington, Greene County, N. Y. ,
then County of Albany. His son Benjamin,
born January 21, 1774, married Lydia Skiff,
and had a son Albert, born January 4, 18 19.
Albert Chase and Laura O. VVoodworth were
married on September i, 1844. They have
two sons, namely: Demont L., of Hensonville,
N.Y. ; and Emory A., of Catskill, the special
subject of this biography. Albert Chase was
engaged for many years in contracting, build-
ing, and lumbering. Since retiring he has
lived on a farm.
Most of the early life of Judge Chase was
spent on his father's farm. He attended the
public school at Hensonville, and continued
his studies at the Foit luhvard Collegiate In-
stitute, but did not graduate. He was fitted
for the legal profession in the office of King &
Hallock (Rufus H. King and Joseph Hallock)
at Catskill. In April, 1S80, he became inter-
ested in the firm of Hallock & Jennings; and
in 1882 he became one of its members, the
firm name being changed to Hallock, Jennings
& Chase. After Mr. Hallock's retirement,
September 22, i8go, the business was con-
tinued under the style of Jennings & Chase
until December, 1896, when it was dissolved
in consequence of Mr. Chase's election as
Justice of the Supreme Court for the Third
Judicial District. In a district usually Dem-
ocratic he was elected on the Republican
ticket by a majority of about thirteen thou-
sand. Since the ist of Januar)', 1897, he has
devoted himself to the duties of that office.
The jurisdiction of a Supreme Court |udge
e.xtends throughout the State, but the judges
are elected by districts. The Third District
is composed of seven counties — Rensselaer,.
278
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Albany, Schoharie, Columbia, Greene, Ulster,
and Sullivan. Judge Chase has always been
a Republican in politics, and up to the time
of his election as a Suijrcme Court Uulge he
attended as a delegate nearly e\ery town,
county, district, and State convention of the
Republican party. During his career at the
bar he was constantly connected with impor-
tant litigations in the Third Judicial District
and other jKirts of the State. lie has been
admitted to practice in the Ignited States Dis-
trict and Circuit Courts and in the United
States Supreme Court.
Judge Chase has long been prominent in the
local affairs of Catskill. He was a member of
the Board of I{ducation for foiuteen years pre-
vious to December, 1896, and for five years
was its president. He served for a long period
as corporation counsel of the village of Cats-
kill, retiring from that office in 1895, and was
Supervisor of the town of Catskill in 1890.
He has also been conspicuously ideritified with
several of the most representative local inter-
ests. He is now first vice-president of the
Catskill Savings 15aiik, a director in the Tan-
ners' National Bank and in many other local
enterprises. lie is a member of the Presby-
terian church.
Emory A. Chase married Mary E. Churchill
on the thirtieth day of June, 1885. They
have two children — Jessie Churchill Chase
and Albert Woodworth Chase — and have a
pleasant home at 25 Prospect Avenue.
Allhciugh Judge Chase is one of the youngest
men elected to the Su[ireme Court in this
State, he has met with a very favorable recep-
tion, as shown by the following resolutions
and newspaper comments.
At a meeting of the Schoharie County bar,
held at the Surrogate's office in the village of
Schoharie, the twenty-fifth day of January,
1897, the following resolutions were nnani-
■ mously adopted : —
"Resolved, thai the bar of Schoharie County
have watched with pleasure and approbation
the holding of Judge Emory A. Chase's first
trial term following his recent election, and
they congratulate themselves that Schoharie
County has had the privilege and honor, as
well, of seeing him .start out in their midst of
what we trust and e.\pect will be a long and
distinguished judicial career.
"Resolved, that, while hitherto he has been
a stranger to many of us, yet we desire to
testify to his jiatience and kindness; to his
fairness, skill, and judicial abilit)-, as mani-
fested in conducting the trial of causes; to the
ease and facilil\' witli wiiich he has put off the
lawyer and assumed the dignity of the judge;
to his evident desire to be right and impartial
in his rulings; and we congratulate the bar and
the people of this State, and assure them that
they have matle no mistake in elevating to the
bench Judge Emory A. Chase. We e.xtend to
him the pledge of our loyalty and friendship,
and express the desire that he shall long con-
tinue to wear the judicial ermine."
From the Albany Daily Press Knicker-
bocker : —
"Judge Chase has won a \ery emiable repu-
tation during his sitting for ability and in ex-
pediting the administration of justice."
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
279
From the Albany Times Union : — •
■"It was the first term of Justice Chase in
this city, and he has made a favorable impres-
sion on the members of the bar in this county,
not only as an honorable gentleman, but a fair
and impartial lawyer, possessing extensive
legal knowledge.
From the Albany Alorning Express : —
■'Justice Chase convened the March trial
term of the Supreme Court on the first day of
March. He came to Albany for the first time
as a presiding justice, and was unknown to
many members of the bar. He adjourned the
term yesterday, and left the city, having won a
reputation for judicial ability, fairness, and
courtesy that is well deserved.
■■Justice Chase has been a model presiding
justice. He was confronted with a calendar of
three hundred and forty-four cases, and during
the three weeks of the term he disposed of
sixty-six cases. Of this number twenty-six
were settled, twenty-eight tried, eleven re-
ferred, and a change of venue was made in one.
This is a somewhat remarkable record; and, if
other justices were as anxious to expedite busi-
ness as is Justice Chase, many cases would not
drag along in the courts for an extended period
of time. "
From the Albany Evening Journal : —
"The Judge has proved himself to be one of
the most popular men who ever have sat upon
the bench in the court room in the City Hall."
From the Albany Evening Journal : —
"During the term just concluded Justice
Chase has shown himself to be a model presid-
ing officer. His first circuit has demonstrated
him to be practically all that a judge should
be."
From the Troy Times : —
"The Hon. Fmory A. Chase, of Catskill,
Justice of the Supreme Court, has just finished
his first trial term in Schoharie County. The
term was highly successful, and Justice Chase
was congratulated by the bar on the impartial-
ity of the rulings and the fairness of his
charges. Justice Chase has a fine command of
language and a thorough knowledge of the
rules of evidence. The opening of his judicial
career fulfils the prophecy of his nomination. "
From the Hudson Republican : —
"The Hon. Emory A. Chase, of Catskill,
Justice of the Supreme Court, Third Judicial
Department, has accepted the invitation of tiie
Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in
the First Department to hold a special term in
New York City beginning May 17 and contin-
uing until June 5. Justice Chase was chosen
to the bench at the last election of a Supreme
Court Justice in this judicial district, and he
has already so thoroughly proved his efficiency
as to warrant the high compliment which is
contained in this invitation from the judiciary
of New York City. Justice Chase has just
finished holding a term of court at Hudson,
where, as usual, his impartiality and judicial
ability were praised by everybody. He is
remarkably well fitted for the office which he
fills, and it has not taken the courts, the liar,
and the people long to find it out. "
From the Troy Times : —
"The term of the Supreme Court just clos-
ing in this city has given the lawyers and the
2So
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIFAV
people an oppditunity to become acquainted
witli tlie judicial qualities of the presiding
justice, the Hon. Emory A. Chase, of Cats-
kill. Acquaintance has meant admiration.
In sitting as judge at civil and criminal trials
of unusual magnitude Justice Chase has shown
])nimptness, fairness, and mastery of tlie law
and its |)rinciples that have assured tn iiini the
place of a favorite in the esteem of the people
hereabout. His future visits to this city in
either a judicial or a social capacit)- will be
cordially welcomed. "
The Albany Express, s])eaking of the Octo-
ber trial term of the Supreme Court, presided
over by Judge Chase, says, " The term has
been one of the longest and most satisfactory
ever held in this county."
^RTHR I. STANLEY, M.D.,anable
jjhysician and a highly esteemed citi-
zen of Windham, Greene County,
r^.'. v., was born in Harpersfield, Delaware
County, this State, on August ii, 1S25, son
of Nathan antl Pamelia (Hogaboom) Stanley.
His grandfather, l^ichard Stanley, came to
New York State from New Jersey during the
Revolutionary War, being among the farming
pf)pulatinn of that colony who were so harassed
by the Hessian troops brought over to re-en-
force the British arm\' that they abandoned
their homes.
Richard Stanley, settling in the wilderness,
cleared a farm in what is now the town of Gil-
l)oa, Schoharie Count}-, where he resided for
a number of years. His last days were sjient
in Harpersfield. He was the father of three
children. Information at hand does not locate
for a certainty the birthplace of his son
Nathan, the Doctor's father, but he was prob-
ably reared in Schoharie County. He served
as a soldier in the War of 1S12.
Nathan Stanley accompanied his father to
Harpersfield, and, succeeding to the ownership
of the homestead, he resided there for the rest
of his life. His wife, Pamelia Hogaboom,
was a native of Prattsville, Greene County.
She became the mother of fourteen chikhen,
only three of whom are living, namely: John
L., who is residing in Kansas; Peter I., the
subject of this sketch ; and Jane, who married
William Sampson. The parents both lived to
be seventy-eight years old. They were origi-
nally Presbyterians, but in their later years at-
tentled the Methodist Episcopal church.
Peter I. Stanley acquired his early education
in the district schools and at the Stamford
Acatlemy. He remained upon the home' farm
until lie was twenty-one, when he went to
work in a woollen factory, and continuetl in
that employment (uie year. Deciding to enter
professional life, he began the study of medi-
cine at the age of twenty-two witli Dr. Cove),
of Stamford, and completed his preparations at
the Albany Medical College, from which he
was graduated in 1S53. Locating in Ashland,
he resided there for si.xteen years; and, as he
was the onl_\- [jhysician in the town, he was
kept constantly busy in attending to a large
and lucrative practice, which extended over a
wide circuit. At the earnest solicitation of
the peojile ol Windham he in 1869 removed
i'KTEK I. STANLEY.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
283
to this town, where he has ever since found an
ample field in which to demonstrate his ability
and usefulness; and it may be truthfully said
that the entire community has profited by his
fidelity, promptitude, and skill. He has re-
ported many interesting cases to the County
Medical Society, of which he has been a mem-
ber ever since its organization, some forty
years ago; and he has several times been called
upon to serve as its president. As his physi-
cal powers remain unimpaired, he still con-
tinues to take long rides; and the inhabitants
of all this locality consider themselves fortu-
nate in being able to reap the benefits arisiijg
from his long experience as a practitioner.
In 1853 Dr. Stanley was united in mar-
riage with Sarah l^assett, a native of Harpers-
field and a daughter of Joshua Bassett, a pros-
perous farmer of that town. Dr. and Mrs.
Stanley have had ten children, fi\'e of whom
are living; namely, Ella M., Ada E., Joseph-
ine A., Nathan Wilmcit, and Sarah Kathleen.
Ella M. married J. C. Talmadge, a lawyer of
Catskill, and has two children — Leone S. and
N. Edna. Ada E. married Edgar C. Moon,
a printer in New York City, and has two chil-
dren— Vernon S. and Lena A. Josephine A.
is the wife of Lawyer Mellon, a boot and shoe
dealer in Windham, and has three children —
Stanley H., Edith A., and Sheridan Wilmot.
Nathan Wilmot Stanley is a ci\il engineer
employed in the department of public works
in New York City. Sarah Kathleen Stan-
ley is an artist of local repute, her talent,
which is of a high order, having been
cultivated under comiietent instructors in
New York. Of the other children one
died in infancy; Belle and Charles died
while 3-oung; Vernon C. died at the age
of twenty-two years, while pursuing his medi-
cal studies; and William Slieridan, who was
a hardware merchant in Cairo, N. Y., died at
the age of thirty-one years. The latter was
also an artist of ability boih with the brush
and needle. Among the dearly-prized prod-
ucts of this genius is a piece of work five feet
long and three feet wide, executed from an
original design, and representing a deer in the
forest on its way to drink. Another, which is
a painting representing two admirably drawn
dogs of different sizes, called "David and Go-
liah," has received favorable comment from
artists of note.
Politically, Dr. Stanley is a Republican.
He was a member of the Ashland Board of
Supervisors in i860, has served as Town Clerk
in Ashland for two years and as Coroner for
the same length of time. He is a Chapter
Mason, and formerly belonged to the Indepen-
dent Order of Odd Fellows. For the past
twenty-five years he has been a Pension Ex-
aminer.
fsi*|ACOB M. SNYDER, the genial, ac-
commodating, and popular proprietor
of the Snyder House at Gallupville, in
the town of Wright, Schoharie County, was
born in Berne, N.Y., May 6, 1837, a son of
Peter I. Snyder. He is the worthy represent-
ative of one of the early settled Dutch fami-
lies of this section of the State. His grand-
father, John Snyiler, and his great-grandfather,
284
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Liidwig Snyder, natives of Holland, emigrated
to America in Colonial days, and both served
as soldiers in the Revolutionary army.
John Snyder came with his jiarents to
Schoharie when a young man, and with them
settled in the unbroken woods. At the be-
ginning of the Revolution he entered the
Continental army, and on July 26, 1782, was
carried as a prisoner to Canada. He there en-
listed in the ]?ritish army, from which he very
soon after made his escape, and returned to
Schoharie. Here he was afterward engaged in
agricultural pursuits until his decease, in
1850. He married a Miss Dorstein. She
died at an advanced age, after bringing up a
large family of children.
Peter I. Snyder was born on the homestead
in Schoharie in 1802. Learning the trade of
a shoemaker in his youth, he followed it for a
time in Berne, Albany County. Returning
to Schoharie, he lived there a while, and after
that he was localetl in Gallupville as a shoe-
maker a few years, and then he removed to
Knox, Albany County, where he died at the
age of sixty-seven years. He was a Democrat
in his political affiliations, and served a.s an
Overseer of the Poor. While a resident of
Berne he united with the local lodge of Odd
F'ellows, an organization in which he took
great interest all his life. Both he ami his
wife were active members of the Lutheran
church. Her maiden name was Eva Dietz.
She was born in the town of Berne of German
parentage, being one of the fourteen children
of John 15. Dietz. Eleven of these children
grew to mature life, and the average age ot
nine of them was seventy-nine years, a record
for longevity seldom equalled. Of the seven
children born to Peter I. and l-'va (Dietz)
i Snyder four grew to years of maturity and two
are now living, namely: Jacob M. ; and Eliza-
beth, wife of Sidney Shufildt. The mother
died December 12, 1885, aged eighty-two
years.
Jacob M. Snyder received his eaily educa-
tion in the district schools of Berne, and after
finishing his studies learned the shoemaker's
trade, which he followed in Knox until 1863.
Coming then to Gallupville, he opened a cus-
tom shop, in which for twenty-two years he
made shoes to order, being the pioneer of that
line of industry in this region. In 1885 he
purchased from the former owners, Twitchell
& Collins, the old Collins House, to which he
has since built an addition. It is now known
as the Snyder House, has been entirely refur-
nished, and is one of the best country hotels
in this section of the State. Mr. Snyder also
owns a livery stable, which lie carries on suc-
cessfully in connection with his hotel.
He is prominently identified with the Demo-
cratic party of this locality, which he has rep-
resented at various county conventions as a
delegate. In 1891 and 1892 he was one of
the Board of Supervisors, and for six years he
has served as Town Clerk.
On November 27, 1862, Mr. .Snyder mar-
ried Julia Allen. She is a daughter of Syl-
vester Allen, who was formerly a carpenter of
Knox, Albany County, but is now successfully
engaged in farming in that town. Seven
children have been born of this union, and
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
285
four of them are now living; namely, Jeffer-
son, Edna, J. IVIiner, and Ursula. Jefferson,
who married Nellie Becker, was for seven
years connected with the Albany tlay line of
steamboats, and for four years was connected
with the management of Stanwix Hall in Al-
bany, but is now proprietor of Hotel Berne in
Berne, N.Y.
Edna is the wife of Sanford D. Schell, a
farmer in Gallupville, and has six children —
Eva, Libbie, Hazel, Martin, Jefferson, and
Howard. J. Miner, for four years connected
with the Albany day line of steamers and
now manager of the Snyder House, married
Carrie Zimmer. Ursula is the wife of
Charles E. Spateholts, a farmer of Wright.
Mrs. Snyder is a Methodist in her religious
belief and a regular attendant of the church
of that denomination.
'OSI'PH W. VAN SCHAICK, for many
years a prominent farmer of Sharon,
Schoharie County, was born in this
town, June 5, 1S04, son of Koert and Margaret
(Wilson) Van Schaick. He was a descendant
in the fourth generation of Francis Van
Schaick, one of three brothers who emigrated
from Holland and settled in New Jersey.
Francis Van Schaick died in New Jersey; and
his son William, grandfather of the subject of
this sketch, settled in Glen, N. Y. , where he
probably spent his last days. William Van
Schaick married Patience Schenck, who also
was of Dutch descent.
Koert Van Schaick, father of Joseph W. ,
served in the Continental army during the
Revolutionary War, several others of that name,
who were relatives, being enrolled among the
patriots. He came from Glen to Sharon some
time between the years 1790 and 1796; and
the title to the homestead, upon which his
grand-daughter now resides, was issued in the
latter year. He cleared a large farm, built
the present residence, which is now about one
hundred years old, and was favorably known
throughout this locality. He lived to be over
seventy years old. His wife, Margaret, who
came from New Jersey, was of English and
Scotch descent. She became the mother of
nine children ; namely, Mary, Patience, Mar-
garet, Josejih W., the subject of this sketch,
Leffert G., Rachel, Sarah, James, and another
.son who died in infancy. James, who served
as an officer in an artillery company connected
with the State militia, was accidentally killed
by the premature discharge of a cannon at an
election celebration in 1S44. He was unmar-
ried. The other seven married, and had fam-
ilies.
Joseph W. Van Schaick succeeded to the
homestead, which he occupied his entire life,
and was one of the stirring farmers of his day.
Though not an aspirant for public office, he
was honored with election to various local
positions of trust, serving acceptably as Super-
visor of the town in 1849, and was highly es-
teemeil for his many excellent qualities. He
was a firm, stanch, and lifelong Democrat.
He was a prominent member of the True Re-
formed church of Sharon, anil by his liberality
and lalior was instrumental in a great measure
286
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
in llie Iniildinj;' of the cliuich edifice. He
clieil on /\pril 23, i<S8o, honored and esteemed
by all who knew him.
Jcseph W. Van Schaick married Elizabeth
Slingerland, daii<(hter of Captain Jacob Sling-
erland, of Hethlehem, Albany County, who died
in 1890. Her father dieil when she was young,
and she was reared in Sharon by an aunt.
Mr. and Mrs. Van Schaick were the parents
of eight children; namely, Koert, ]£lizabeth,
Mary, Catharine, John, Slingerland, Sarah,
and I'Juil)-. The eldest, who was a well-
known singer and teacher, died at the age of
thirty-three years, leaving one son, William,
who is now residing in Rochester, N.Y.
Slingerland died in California. Elizabeth,
Mary, and Sarah are no longer living. lunily
is the wife of Mr. \'an Schaick, of Mont-
gomery County. John is an attorne}' in
Cobleskill, and an e.\-Slate Senator.
Miss Catharine Van Schaick is a graduate
of the State Normal School at Albany. She
was for several years a .successful teaclier, but
gave up educational work in 1K83 in order to
care for her mother. After the death of her
mother in 1890, Miss Van Schaick took charge
of the homestead; and, being a woman of good
executive ability, she has managed the prop-
erty energetically ever since. She ])ossesses
literary tastes and attainments of a high order;
and these, together with her excellent social
qualities, endear her to a large number of
friends and acquaintances. She is a strict ad-
herent of the Dutch Reformed chinch. The
house she occupies has long been consjiicuous
as a landmark. it contains many relics in
shape of family utensils used by her grandpar-
ents; also the Revolutionary musket, with its
highly prized date of 1776 engraved thereon,
and the old sword hanging idly in its scabbard
high up on the wall.
The Van Schaick family are sturdy-going
Americans, and in e\ery generation men of
this name have gone forth to serve their coun-
try upon the battlefield anil in the council
chambers of the government. The family
cherish the traditions of Alkmaar, Leyden,
Brill, and the Heggars of the Sea. They rev-
erence the memory of William of Orange and
I'rince Maurice, under whom their ancestors
fought the Spanish tyrant. Ihii they have
transplanted these memories anti traditions to
American soil, and are thorough j)atriots.
Down to the latest generation the strong qual-
ities of the race have descended. The recent
appointment of Ix)uis J. Wan Schaick, son of
ex-Senator Van Schaick, to a .Second Lieuten-
ancy in the United States regular army,
marks the beginning of another career which
bids fair to be an honored antl a useful one.
TEriH'N P. HALLOCK, of Cox-
sackie, N.Y. , dealer in provisions,
grain, hay, and straw, was born in
New lialtimorc, N.Y., on March 5, 1838, his
parents being Joseph '/.. and I'JKebe ^Herrick)
Hallock. His paternal grandfather, Zebulon
Hallock, was either born in New Baltimore
or came there as a child in the early days of
its settlement. He was a tanner and shoe-
maker, and worked at those trades all his life.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
=87
He died at the age of seventy-two. His wife
was before lier marriage Sally S. Kidmore.
They had a large family of children.
Joseph Z. Hallock was a farmer. He spent
all his life in New Baltimore, and died there
on January 28, 1899, at the age of eighty-four
years. He was a prominent citizen in his
town and a farmer on a large scale. He was
a member for sixty-four years of the Christian
church, and held leading offices in the church.
His wife, Fhcebe, was born in New Baltimore,
daughter of John Herrick, a well-known
farmer of that town. She is still living at the
age of eighty-two. Of the five children that
have been born to her, four are living,
namely : Stephen P. ; Andrew, who resides at
the Upper Village; Leander; and Charles,
Stephen P. Hallock received a practical ed-
ucation in the public schools of his native
town. The first twenty-four years oi his life
were spent on his father's farm, and at the
end of that time he came to Coxsackie, and
entered the dry-goods store of Collier & Van
Vliet as clerk. Three years later he pur-
chased Mr. Van Vliet's interest in the busi-
ness, and the firm became Collier & Hallock.
This partnership continued until 1880, when
Mr. Hallock sold out to Mr. Wolf, and bought
out the grocery business of David Hallock.
He was then located on the opposite side of
the street, but a few years after he bought out
Piatt Coonley's business, with his entire stock
of groceries and- provisions, and then removed
to his present stand. In 1896 his son Roscoe
was admitted to partnership in the business.
This is the largest grocery in Greene County,
carrying on besides its immense retail trade a
large wholesale department. Mr. Hallock is
the oldest grocer in the town, and in course
of his long Inisiness career he has seen many
changes in the village and a great increase in
population.
Mr. Hallock was married in 1864 to Carrie
Webber, who was born in this town, daughter
of William Webber. She is of Holland de-
scent on her grandfather's side, her grand-
mother having been a native of Connecticut.
Her father spent his life on a farm in this
town, and was not only a farmer but the lead-
ing auctioneer of Coxsackie. He was a promi-
nent Democrat, and held a nrunber of town
and county offices, among them being that of
county superintendent of the almshouse at
Cairo. His death occurred at the age of
seventy. He and his family attended the
Dutch Reformed church. His wife, whose
maiden name was Elizabeth Vermillia, was
born in Coxsackie. She died at the age of
seventy-five, having been tiie mother of seven
children — Christina, Millisson, Robert,
Carrie, John W., Addie, and Sallie. Of these
two are deceased, namely: Millisson, who
married J. H. Brandow ; and Robert. Chris-
tina, who is a widow, married for her first hus-
band Richard Halstead and for her second
husband Richard Cornwall. Addie is the
wife of O. T. Schermerhorn, of Cairo, and
Sallie married J. O. Cornwall. Mrs. Hal-
lock's paternal grandmother lived to be nintty-
two years of age, dying on the farm where her
son William was born and where he livetl and
died. Mr. and Mrs. Hallock have an only
288
BIOGRAPHICAT, REVIEW
child, Roscoe, who has always been in his
father's store except tluring the four years
when he was Assistant Postmaster. He
bought an interest in liie business in the
spring of 1896.
Mr. Hal lock is a Rciniblican and a strong
advocate of the principle of ]irotection. He
has serveil many years on the Hoaril of Educa-
tion, for several terms as Trustee and Treas-
urer of the village, and has always taken an
active part in all public matters. He was one
of the most earnest promoters of the beautiful
new school-house, which was erected at a cost
of thirty thousand dollars. I'^or more than
thirty years he has been a member of the Sec-
ond Reformetl Church, of which also his wife
and son are members. Mr. Roscoe Hallock
is a member of Ark Lodge, F. & A. M., of
Coxsackie. Although Mr. llallock's best ener-
gies have been given to his store, he haS found
time to devote to other business interests.
For a number of years he o|)erated the Hallock
steam-mill and the foundry connectetl with
it. This was started by his brother Havid,
who erected the buildings, but the plant was
burnetl in 1S92. It was an imjiortant indus-
try in Coxsackie for many years. y\t one time
Mr. Hallock carried on a feed, grain, and salt
business at West Coxsackie. During early
life, lor a number of years, he taught school
in the winter time.
HUGlCNh: ]■:. IRJVVT-:, a rising young
lawyer of (jilboa, was born in South
Londonderry, V't., May 22, 1867, son of
I'"hvin A. and Jennie (Walker) Howe. He
is a descendant on both sides of early arrivals
at Plymouth, Mass., and his paternal grand-
father was prominently identified with the
public affairs of Vermont in his day. Elwin
A. Howe enlisted as a private at the breaking
out of the Civil War, and was later commis-
sioned Captain of a company belonging to the
One Hundred and Eighth United States In-
fantry, a colored regiment. After the war he
engaged in the wooden-ware business in Lud-
low, Vt., becoming one of the princijial stock-
holders in a large enterprise known as the
Ludlow Toy Manufacturing Company, of
which he was superintendent. lie is widely
and favorably known throughout the Green
Mountain State as a leading Re]iublican, hav-
ing served four years in the lower house and
two years in the State Senate. He was for-
merly Postmaster of Ludlow and superintend-
ent of the water-works. He married Jennie
Walker, a representative of a highly reputable
Vermont family and a sister of the Hon. Will-
iam H. Walker, a prominent lawyer, who
served in both branches of the legislature antl
as a Justice of the Su|jreme Court. Mr. and
Mrs. Elwin A. Howe have had six sons and
three daughters, all of whom are studiously
inclined, and are making good use of the lib-
eral education which it has been their good
fortune to receive.
Eugene K. Howe pursued his preparatory
course at the Hlack River Academy, Ludlow,
and was graduated at Middlebury College
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in i.SSS.
lie was one of the honor men of his class, and
I). 1!. llllLllCOCK.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
291
belongs to the various college fraternities.
In 1887 he was appointed official reporter for
the Vermont legislature, holding that office
for four years in the House and two years in
the Senate. His law studies were begun in
the office of Batchelder & Barber, of Vermont ;
and, while pursuing the regular course at the
Albany Law School, his spare time was spent
in the office of the Hon. Alden Chester, of
that city. He was admitted to the bar in
1891, and, beginning the practice of his pro-
fession in company with J. S. Frost, he re-
mained in Albany some four years, during
which time he figured in several important
cases. In 1895, at the advice of friends, he
came to Gilboa, where he has already estab-
lished a large general law business, and has
become a familiar figure in the courts of
Schoharie, Greene, and Delaware Counties.
He is a forcible advocate and a fluent speaker,
is familiar with court procedure; and these
essential qualities, together with the ability he
displays in preparing his cases, give ample
evidence of the brilliant future which has
been predicted for him. In politics he is a
Republican.
Mr. Howe married Florence Eaton, daugh-
ter of William Eaton, a successful business
man and highly respected citizen of West Ar-
lington, Vt. Her father's people were na-
tives of Vermont, and her mother's family
were from the South. She is a graduate of
the State Normal School at Albany, attended
the Emerson School of Oratory, Boston, and
was a successful teacher previous to her mar-
riage. Of this union there are sons, Eugene
S. and Carroll E. , and a daughter Marion.
Mr. and Mrs. Howe are members of the Dutch
Reformed church.
M
WIGHT B. HITCHCOCK, a retired
1^ ■ business man of Windham, was born
in this town on February 3, 1830,
being the son of Lucius and Eveline (Hayes)
Hitchcock. He is a grandson of Lemuel
Hitchcock, a native of Connecticut, who was
one of the pioneer settlers of Greene County,
coming first to Durham.
Later Lemuel Hitchcock removed to that
part of Windham known as Big Hollow, where
he settled, and subsequently remained until his
death, at the age of seventy-five. He had ten
children. His first home here was a log
cabin; but later, as increasing prosperity at-
tended him, he erected a large frame house.
He was one of the prominent men in this part
of Greene County, and during the Revolution
served the country as a military officer, hold-
ing the rank of Lieutenant.
Lucius Hitchcock was born in Durham.
He was brought up on a farm, and all his life
was devoted to agricultural pursuits. He
built a house in Big Hollow near that of his
father, and there made his home to the end of
his days. In politics he was a Republican,
and in religious faith he followed the teach-
ings of his father and was a member of the
Presbyterian church. His wife, Eveline, who
died at the age of forty-si.x, was born in
Granby, Mass., and was one of a family of ten
children. Her father, Luther Hayes, who was
292
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
a saddler of that town, settled eventually in
Durham, where he died at the age of eighty
years. Mr. and Mrs. Lucius Hitchcock were
the parents of five children. Four of these are
living, namely: Dwight B. ; Piatt O. ; Har-
riet, who married the late George P. Townsend,
of Windham; and William.
Dwight B. Hitchcock livcil with his parents
in Pig Hollow, and helped on the home farm
until he was twenty-one years of age, when he
began working out by the month. His habits
were frugal. He saved his wages, and event-
ually bought a farm near his father's. There
he remained ten years. He then removed to
Ashland, and, in company with Mr. R. L.
Parsons, bought nut a store, where he carried
on business for five years. Selling out at the
end of that time, he came to Windham and
went into partnership with John Patterson.
After twelve years of successful enterprise he
retired from business. Mr. Hitchcock's place
is one of the finest in Windham. It is known
as the Colonel Robertson homestead.
Mr. Hitchcock has been twice married.
His first wife, whose maiden name was Julia
Atwatcr, died in her thirtieth year. She was
born in ]5ig Hollow. Her father, .\lfred At-
water, farmed for some time in Big Hollow,
later for twenty years in Windham, and finally
removed to Colorado, where he died. Mrs.
Julia A. Hitchcock was the mother of two
children, neither of whom is living. She was
a devoted member of the Presbyterian cliLuxh.
Mr. Hitchcock's second wife, also a native
of Windham, was before her marriage .Sarah
R. Barney. Her parents were Ahira and
Lydia (Robertson) Barney, and her grandpar-
ents were Aaron and Rebecca (Saxton) Barney.
Her grandfather, Aaron, was a native of New
Hampshire, but came to Windham in early
manhood and began work as a journeyman car-
penter, settling near the \illage. He lived to
a good old age. He is well remembered as
the builder of the tanneries in this section.
Rebecca, his wife, dieil at the age of thirty-
four years, having been the mother of three
children. She was a n.iti\e of Rensselaer-
ville, of which place her ]xirents were early
settlers.
Ahira Barnev, who diet! in his sexenticth
year, carried on a farm where the cemetery
now lies. He was a lifelong resident of this
locality, having been boin in the town and
reared in the village. His wife, Lydia, was a
daughter of Colonel James Robertson, who was
one of the first to take up and clear land in the
town of Windham. He was a prominent man
in these parts, very active in all public affairs.
He died at the age of seventy-eight. Of his
eight children two are living: James, of Os-
wego County, New York ; and Elbert, who re-
sides in Washington, D. C. Mrs. Lydia R.
Barney died at the age of eighty-one. Of her
four children one son, I-^lbert, died in 1 8g6,
and the other, .Samuel, died at the age of
twelve years. The living are: Mrs. Hitch-
cock and Mrs. L. V. Bri.sack. Mrs. Hitch-
cock's ])arents and grandparents were members
of the Presbyteiian chui'ch.
Politically, Mi'. Hitchcock is a Republican.
He has always taken an active share in local
matters and in all questions of public interest.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
293
He and Mrs. Hitchcock are members of the
Presbyterian church and active workers in that
body. Mr. Hitchcock is an Elder of the
church.
TANTON COURTER, a well-
// "^ known nianutacturer and builder of
Cobleskill, N.Y. , was born in this
town, Eebruary 23, 1839. His father, the
late Charles Courter, was for many years an
influential resident of Cobleskill. His pater-
nal grandfather, Ralph Courter, who was born
and bred in Germany, came to America, and,
after livinsj a short time in New Jersey, re-
moved to Schoharie, where he engaged in the
manufacture of shoes.
Charles Courter, one of a family of seven
children, spent his early life in Schoharie,
but when a young man began work on his own
account in Middleburg as clerk in a store.
Going thence to Lawyersville, he there en-
gaged in business until his removal to Cobles-
kill, in 1837. He subsequently assisted in
building the Albany & Susquehanna railway,
of which he was for many years a director.
He also built many fine brick blocks in Cobles-
kill; but after the disastrous fire of 1873, in
which he lost heavily, he practically retired
from active pursuits, although he retained real
estate interests until his death, which occurred
in 1879, at the age of threescore and ten
years. He was a stanch Democrat in politics,
and served as one of the village trustees a
number of years. His wife, whose maiden
name was Helen Lawyer, was born in Law-
yersville, and was a daughter of Thomas
Lawyer, a lifelong resident of that town.
She died at the age of si.xty-eight years.
Both parents were attendants of the Lutheran
church. Five of their children survive;
namely, Josephine, Stanton, Henrietta, Cor-
delia, and Helen C.
Stanton Courter in his youth attended acad-
emies at .Schoharie and Fort Plain, and was
afterward graduated from the Buffalo Commer-
cial College. ]5efore attaining his majority
he went to Chicago, where his father had been
instrumental in establishing the extensive
lumber firm of C. Courter & Co., which dealt
in lumber manufactured in its own mills in
the timber districts of Michigan. He was
there for a time in the employ of that com-
pany, and going thence to Milwaukee, Wis.,
he was connected with the extensive railway
operators, Rogers, Courter & Co., until they
sold the Milwaukee & Western Railroad to
the St. Paul Railway Company, when he be-
came confidential secretary of Sherburne S.
Merrill, manager of the road under the new
officials. In 1864 Mr. Courter returned to
Cobleskill, and for eleven years was first
cashier of the First National Bank, which he
and his father had established. The follow-
ing three years he spent in Pensacola, Fla.,
looking after the lumber interests of his father
in that State. The Florida property being
then sold to an Plnglish syndicate, Mr. Courter
again returned to his native town, and on the
death of his father succeeded him in business,
becoming owner of the manufacturing plant of
Courter & Overpaugh. With characteristic
enterprise he has almost entirely rebuilt the
294
BlOGRAPJllCAL REVIEW
original works, and now has a large factory
finely equipped witli modern machinery and
appliances. In addition to turning out vast
amounts of dressed lumber and Ini i id ing ma-
terials of all kinds each year, he manufactures
furniture of all descriptions, and as a con-
tractor for buildings has erected some of the
finest residences in this part of the county.
His own dwelling, on the corner of Main and
Grand Streets, is a spacious Colonial man-
sion, with large rooms and halls and high
ceilings.
Mr. Courter also built the Cobleskill elec-
tric light plant, which has proved of inesti-
mable value as a means of lighting the
village, the corporation, and the residences of
the town. Fraternally, he is a Mason, be-
longing to Cobleskill Lodge, F. & A. M. ;
and to John L. Lewis Chapter, R. A. M.
)UCIUS A. WOODWORTH, proprie-
tor of the Ripley House in Hunter,
was born in Jewett on January i8,
1833, his parents being Abner and Sophronia
(Judson) Woodworth. The family, wliich is
of Scotch descent, was a pioneer one of
Jewett, living there first in a log cabin and
clearing the wild forest land. Mr. Wood-
worth's grandfather, Lemuel Woodworth, was
born in Jewett, and lived there to a good old
age. His wife, whose maiden name was
Lydia Winters, lived to be seventy-five years
old. Their children were as follows: David;
Alanson ; Hiram; Lemuel; Reuben, who died
young; Lydia, who married a ■'"uUer; Nancy,
who married a I'"airchild; ajid Sally, who mar-
ried a Slater.
Abner Woodworth was born in Jewett. He
was reared on a farm, and was interested in
agricultural labors as long as he lived. When
about eighteen years of age he became the
owner of a farm, and this he carried on until
his death, a period of neai ly sixty years. He
was a very earnest Christian man and an ac-
tive worker in the Methodist church, of which
he and iiis wife were members. Mrs. So-
phronia Woodworth, who died at the age of
forty-seven, was born in Jewett. She was the
daughter of Dr. Judson, an old-time [)hysician
of Windham, who is believed to have come
from Hartford, Conn. Abner anil Sophronia
Woodworth were the parents of six children.
Lucius Woodworth lived with his parents
until he was twenty-one years old. He was
educated in the common schools and at I""er-
gusonville Collegiate Institute. He taught
school one winter in Hunter, and worked in
this vicinity at carpentering with his brother-
in-law during the summer. At twenty-one
years of age he went out to Wisconsin, where
he stayed for three years, working at his trade
in the summers. One winter he taught school
at I'",lkhorn, in that State; one winter he at-
tended school; and the third he worked in a
sho|-). In 1861, in company with two other
men, he started for Colorado, journeying in
his own conveyance, which was a large covered
emigrant wagon. The distance was eleven
hundreil miles. Indians were often seen, but
they were not hostile, and the tri]) was made
in safety. Arriving in Denver, Mr. Wood-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
29s
wortli remained tliere a short time, and then
went lip to ]?lack Hawl<, forty miles fartlier,
into the mining region. There for a year he
was engageil in building quartz-mills, and at
the end of that time he became himself pro-
prietor of a mill, which he operated for the
next three years. The country was then al-
most a wilderness, ami this mill was one of
the first started in that locality. At the end
of three years he sold out his mill and re-
turned East, but only to remain for a short
time. The Western fever was on him strong,
and he returned to Wisconsin and purchased
a farm. Not long after he had an opportunity
to go to Nashville, Tenn., to do carpentering
for the Northern army; and, when some time
later he returned to Wisconsin, he sold out
his farm and decided to push on farther west
to Montana. Going down to Chicago, he
bought twenty mules, loaded a wagon train
with freight, and started westward. The
freight was to be delivered in Denver. This
was in the dead of winter, and the undertaking
was most perilous. For two months Mr.
Woodworth travelled without seeing a spark
of fire, except for cooking purposes. But he
reached Denver safely, delivered his load, and
then returned to Council Bluffs, where he
hired his mules kept until spring opened.
Then securing a load in Omaha for Denver, he
carried it out there, a distance of six hundred
miles, and upon delivering it reloaded in
Denver for Salt Lake City. After covering
the eleven hundred miles, he camped for about
ten days, and then sold out his mule train,
and went to work for another man to drive a
freight team to Helena, Mont. With a
wagon drawn by four mules he traversed the
five hundred miles in twenty-five days. Ar-
tisans were scarce in Montana, and Mr. Wood-
worth went to work at his old trade, building
a mill, and receiving in payment his board
and ten dollars a day in gold. After a time
he formed a partnership with a Mr. Hen-
dricks, bought a quartz mine and put up a
quartz-mill, which he operated for three years.
Upon selling out his own business he took
charge of a quartz-mill for Daler & Larkey at
Iron Rod, on Jefferson River, and was super-
intendent there for si.x years. In 1883, after
a varied and hazardous experience in journey-
ing through the Far West, he returned East,
and the following year began business at his
present occupation. The hotel of which he
is now proprietor was built in 18S6. It has
accommodations for fifty guests, and during
the summer months he has a large number
of boarders. Since 1883 he has conducted a
livery stable, having been the first man in
town to open one.
Mr. Woodworth has been twice married.
The first Mrs. Woodworth was born in Big
Hollow, and her maiden name was Adele
Hitchcock. She was the daughter of Anson
Hitchcock, a leading farmer of Big Hollow.
Her death occurred at the age of thirty. The
second Mrs. Woodworth was born in New
York City, her maiden name being Mary Ran-
son. She was one of a family of four chil-
dren, the others being: Gussie, whomariied
John Coreja; Addle, who lives in Brooklyn;
and Georgiana, who married Bert Allen.
296
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Mrs. Mary Woodworth died at the age of
thirty -five. She was a member of the Metho-
dist church. Mr. Woodworth has one daugh-
ter, Ada C.
Politically, Mr. Woodworth is a Republi-
can. I-'or two years he was a member of the
Board of Education, and in 1 <S94 he was As-
sessor. He is one of the most jiopular men in
Hunter and one of the most popular landlords
in this section of the State. He is a man of
remarkable intrepidity, as shown by his dar-
ing journeyings in the West.
'rank a. chapman, proprietor of
Hotel Chapman at Blenheim, Schoharie
County, N.Y. , may be spoken of as an ideal
landlord, being active, enterprising, and at
all times obliging and pleasant. He was born
in the nearby town of Fulton, June 25, 1871,
a son of Moses L. Chapman, a lifelong resi-
dent of that place.
His paternal grandfather, Jacob Chapman,
was born in Rensselaerville, Albany County,
and lived there after marriage. Removing
then to Fulton, he bought a large tract of
timbered land at Bouck's Falls, where he
cleared and improved a homestead, and passed
his remaining days, dying at the advanced age
of eighty-eight years. He was prominently
connected with tiie Methodist church of that
place, in which he served in various oiificial
positions. His wife, Huldah Wynans, a na-
tive of Cooksburg, N.V., bore him eleven
children, of whom seven are living, being,
with one exception, residents of Schoharie
County. They are: Spencer, a farmer at
Bouck's Falls; Nancy C, wife of Chauncey
.Shattuck, of Michigan; Maria Mann, of
Breakabeen ; Moses L. ; James 1'., ex-Super-
visor of Middleburg; Elizabeth L. , wife of
Dr. Holmes: and William W., of IJouck's
Falls, ex-Supervisor of I'ulton. 'I'he de-
ceased are: Adam, late of Bouck's Falls;
Harriett E. ; Isabella, deceased, who married
Hiram Ackerson ; and Dr. Peter L.
Moses L. Chapman remained at the paren-
tal homestead until he was of age, and then
engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own
account. He bought a large farm in P'ulton,
on which he made substantial improvements,
including the erection of a new set- of build-
ings, and was there successfully employed as
a general farmer until his death, at the com-
paratively early age of forty-two years. He
was a Democrat in politics and an active
member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to
which his wife also belonged; and both were
interested in its Sunday-school. He married
Huldah A. Beartl, tlaughter of Jacob and Ade-
line (Phillips) Beard. Her parents were
wealthy members of the farming community
of Richmondvillc. They reared three chil-
dren, namely: Sarah, who married Judge
Holmes, for twelve years Judge of Schoharie
County; Huldah A.: and John. Mrs. lieard
dietl at the age of forty-five years, and Mr.
Beard afterward removed to Genesee County,
where he attained the venerable age of ninety
years. Of the nine children born to the par-
ents, six are still living, as follows: William
DAMi-.L D. FKISIUE.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
299
H.; the Hon. Charles Chapman, a member of
the Assembly; Ida, wife of J. S. Hunt, of
Boston ; Frank A. ; Flora, of Boston ; and
Dora. Hattie is deceased. The mother
passed to the life beyond when fifty-five years
of age.
Frank A. Chapman was but eight years old
when his father died. He remained at home
until after completing his education in the
schools of West Fulton and Blenheim, and
then came to his present hotel as a clerk for
his brother, a capacity in which he remained
two years. Going then to Worcester, Mass.,
he was an attendant at the as)'lum for the in-
sane three years. In 1893 Mr. Chapman re-
turned to Blenheim and purchased the hotel,
which he has since conducted with eminent
success. He has enlarged the building,
partly refurnished it, made substantial im-
provements in and around it, and has now a
model public house, the leading one in this
section of the State. It is well adapted for
the entertainment of guests from the city.
Connected with it is a first-class livery, with
a number of horses of good qualities, one pair
especially being the finest of any in the vicin-
ity. Mr. Chapman has hatl charge for some
time of the stage line between Middlebnrg
and Gilboa, and also of the line from the
latter place to Grand Gorge, si.\ miles be-
yond, and has the contract for carrying the
mails between these places.
On December 28, 1893, Mr. Chapman mar-
ried Elizabeth M. Ross, who was born in
Littleton, Me., a daughter of Joseph and
Hester (Weeks) Ross. Her mother was born
in St. John, N. B. Mrs. Chapman was edu-
cated at the Ricker Classical Institute in
Houlton, Aroostook County, Me., and pre-
vious to her marriage she taught school in
that town. Mr. Chapman is a Democrat in
politics, and a member of the Middleburg
Tribe of Red Men and of Gilboa Lodge, F. &
A. M. Mr. antl Mrs. Chapman are both
members of the Eastern Star Lodge, F. &
A. M., of Gilboa.
.»
ANIEL D. FRISBIE, editor and
l5) I proprietor of the Schoharie Rcpnbli-
can, was born in Middleburg, his
present home, on November 30, 1859. Son
of Grandison Norton and Kate (Dodge) Fris-
bie, he is the representative of a family that
has done much to promote the industrial, edu-
cational, and political advancement of this
county. The family traces its line back to
New England ancestry, and two of its early
members in this country bore officers' commis-
sions and served with distinction in the Con-
tinental army during the Revolution. A bio-
graphical sketch of Grandison Norton Frisbie
appears on another page of this volume.
The Dodge family were among the early
settlers of the county, coming from New Eng-
land and becoming allied by marriage with
the good old L)utch stock, of which Colonel
Zelie, of Revolutionary fame, was the best
early representative, and the Hon. Daniel
Danforth Dodge, grandfather of the subject of
this sketch, was later the most prominent,
having represented this county in the State
300
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
legislature and attained the greatest success
as a merchant and financier.
Daniel D. I'risbic was educated in the
schools of his native town and at Hartwick
Seminary, one of the oldest seats of learning
in the State. At the latter institution he
laid the foundation of a thorough, broad, and
liberal education, developing marked literary
tastes, wiiich in after years found opportunity
in journalism for employment. In the Philo-
phronean Society, of whicli he became presi-
dent, were brought out an aptitude for debate
and the qualities which have since made him
an easy, graceful, and forceful public speaker.
On the completion of his course at the sem-
inary, he entered actively upon a business
career which has proved singularly successful.
He accepted a clerkship in the store of his
father in the spring of 1876, and continued in
that capacity until 188 1, when lie was ad-
mitted to partnership. Later the firm became
G. N. Frisbie & Sons by the admission of his
brother. In 1892 the senior retired, and the
firm became D. D. & G. D. Frisbie, continu-
ing thus until April i, 1899, when a multi-
plicity of business cares lead the subject of
this sketch to retire in favor of his brother-in-
law, Nathaniel IMaiining, Jr. During the
twenty-three years of his connection with
the business he had the satisfaction of seeing
the modest country store develop into a modern
department store, the largest, perhaps, in the
county in ])oiiit of sales and stock carried, and
widely known for its exact and honorable
methods.
Believing that it is the duty of every citizen
to take an intelligent interest in public
affairs, Mr. Frisbie, within a year after at-
taining his majority, was made president of
the local Democratic Club in the fall of 1882,
and again in 1884, when Mr. Cleveland car-
ried New York and won the Presidency for his
party. It is worthy of remark that the town
of Middleburg in those years rolletl up the
largest Democratic majorities in a decade.
In 18S6-87 he was a member and treasurer of
the Democratic County Committee, rendering
valuable service. P'or several years he has
served as chairman of the Town Committee of
his party. Mr. Frisbie has never held a po-
litical office, but his services in behalf of the
Democratic party have been so conspicuous for
so many years tliat he has been i)rominently
mentioned for member of Assembly; and, if
merit meets with due reward in old Schoharie,
he will soon be thus honored.
Seeking a wider opportunity for the advo-
cacy of his political principles and for the
exercise of literary tastes, he purchased, Au-
gust, 1887, the Schoharie Republican, of the
estate of A. A. Hunt. The paper was estab-
lished in 18 19 by Derrick Van Vechten, and
is probably the second oldest in the State.
In January, 1896, its size was enlarged, and
its circulation has increased threefold under
the present management. Its columns are
rich with the best reading of the day, and its
hop reports are regarded as thoroughly reli-
able and com[)rehensive. As an advertising
medium it unc|uestionably takes the lead, as
its circulation is [iriiicipally among the large
purchasing classes of tlie .Schoharie valley.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
301
Politically, the Republican is soundly and un-
equivocally Democratic. It was established as
a Democratic organ, and has always been true
to its first principles. Its editorials are often
quoted in the leading papers of the State, and
it is regarded as in every way the equal of the
best coimty-seat papers to be found in the
Commonwealth. In 1894 the seventy-fifth
anniversary of its founding was celebrated;
and upon that occasion Mr. Frisbie purchased
the three-story block in the central part of
Schoharie, and made it the permanent home of
the paper. The editorial ofifices are on the
first floor, as are also the mechanical and job
printing departments. The composing-rooms
are on the second floor.
The esteem in which Mr. Frisbie is held
by his brethren of the press is shown by his
election in 1898 as second vice-president of
the Democratic State Editorial Association.
He is also a member of the State Editorial
Association, a non-partisan organization.
In recognition of his interest in the cause
of education, Mr. Frisliie was in 1893 ap-
pointed treasurer of Middleburg High School,
and was reappointed for a second term. In
1895 he was elected a member of the Board of
lulucation, and re-elected in 1898. Since
September, 1897, he has been president of the
board. In concert with his associates, the
school has been advanced to a proud position
among the educational institutions of the
State, its finances strengthened, and the num-
ber of its students increased.
In 1894, when the business men and farmers
of the interior counties felt severely the exac-
tions of the stock fire insurance companies,
Mr. Frisbie assisted, with others interested,
in the formation of the Mutual Fire Insurance
Company, became one of its directors and a
member of its Executive Committee. In
1897 the necessity arose for another company
in this county, and the Merchants' and
F'armers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company was
organized, with Daniel D. h'risbie as presi-
dent. The company during its two years'
existence has saved thousands of dollars to its
policy holders, and has accumulated a sub-
stantial surplus. In time it promises to be-
come one of the strongest institutions of the
county.
Mr. I'risbie is a director of the Midtlleburg
& Schoharie Railroad Company, and since
1894 has been its secretary and a member of
its Finance Committee. He is identified
with St. Mark's Lutheran Church, was for five
years superintendent of its Sunday-school,
and is at present its financial secretary. Of
fraternal orders he is a member of Middleburg
Lodge, No. 663, F". & A. M. ; and is also a
Past .Sachem of Oucongena Tribe, I. O. R. M.,
No. 242. He is also president of the Colum-
bian Literary Union Association, which was
an inspiration to young men in Middleburg
for many years, and holds its reunion, Janu-
ary I, 1900. He is a hop-grower, and has
done much, through his paper and otherwise,
to advance the interests of the growers of the
county.
The latest enterprise to engage the atten-
tion of the subject of this sketch, and one that
he hopes to utilize largely for the public good,
3°2
BIOGRAl'H ICAL REVIEW
is tlic mills and water privik't;e located mid-
way between Middlelnir;;- and Schoharie,
which he acquired April I, 1899. The mills
are being improved by the addition of modern
machinery, and their capacity greatly in-
creased. Under the l^'risbic Milling Com-
pany the business will be extended, and a
good market afforded farmers for their grain.
Mr. l'"risl)ie also has in mind the establish-
ment of an electric plant, to be ojierated by
water power, whereby the people of Middleburg
and Schoharie may have the benefit in their
business places, streets, and homes of that
great modern convenience, electric lights.
Should this be accomplished, a great public
service will be placetl to the credit of the
subject of this sketch.
Mr. Frisbie was married in 1882 to Eleanor
Manning, third daughter of Nathaniel Man-
ning, ICsq., a leading citizen of Middleburg,
who traces his ancestry back to Governor
Bradford, first Plymouth colony, who came
over in the "Mayflower." The family was
among the earliest in the county, and has held
an honorable place in its annals. Mr. and
Mrs. I'"rishie are the parents of three children
— G. Norton, Cornelia M., and Daniel
Manninyf.
M
A\U) CllAMHKRS, a thriving agri-
culturist of Cobleskill, N.Y. , own-
ing and occupying a wcll-ini|)roved
farm of one hunthc'd and sixteen acres on the
Carlisle road, about ihice miles from the vil-
lage of Cobleskill, is one of the town's most
respected citizens. He was born Januar\- 11,
1837, in Carlisle, being a son of William
Chambers, who was born in the same town,
[une 2, 1 8 10. His paternal graiidfather,
David Chambers, first, was born and rearetl in
Charltcjn, Saratoga County, whence he removed
in 1800 to Carlisle, Schoharie Count\'. I'ur-
chasing three hundred acres of heavily tim-
bered land, Grandfather Chandlers began the
imiirovement of a homestead, on which he sub-
sequently resided until his death.
William Chambers was one of a familvof
ten children born in the old log house which
his father reared in the forest, and in common
with his bidtheis and sisters was etlucated in
the pioneer school of the district. .Soon alter
attaining his majority he ])inchased land near
the old homestead in Carlisle, and was there
successfully engaged in tilling the soil initil
1848. In that year he sold his projierty in
Carlisle, and, going to Cherry Vallc)- in
Otsego Comity, bought a farm that he owni-d
till his death, which occurred on April 22,
1899. He carried on general farming until
1890. l-'rom that time on he li\'ed retired
from active piu'suits, at the home of one of his
sons ill Decatur, not far from Cherry Valley.
He was a strong Republican in politics anil
a member of the Christian clnnch, to which
his gonil wife also belonged. Her maiden
name was ]5etsey Salisbury. She was born in
Carlisle, and was a daughter of James Salis-
burv, formerly of Alban\- Comity. .She died
at the age of seventy-five years. Of her eight
children these six ai'e still living: Maiy,
Da\id, James, Norman, Stewart, and l'",liza-
beth.
WILLIAM H. BALDWIN.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
30s
Ua\icl Chambers completed his education at
the Cherry Valley High School, and after-
ward, until he was twenty-three years old, as-
sisted his father in the labors of the home
farm. He then married, February 15, i860,
Catherine M. Richtmyer, daughter of Christian
Kichtmyer, a farmer of Cobleskill. Mr.
Richtmyer was born, and he li\'ed and died, on
the farm which Mr. Chambers now occupies,
and which he has managed to good purpose
ever since his marriage, now thirty-nine years
ago. He carries on general farming, raising
principally hops and hay, although he has
other crops, and pays some attention to raising
sheep of the Shropshire breed. He has on his
])lace a fine grove of maple-trees, from which
he makes considerable sugar each season. The
original owner of this homestead was Conrad
Richtmyer, Mrs. Chambers's grandfather, who
was one of the first settlers of the town, coming
here with his family when his son Christian
was about three years old. This son succeeded
to the ownership of the paternal acres, and here
reared his two children — one son, Elias, and
one daughter — Mrs. Chambers being the only
sur\'i\'or. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers have one
child, Florence. She is the wife of Adam J.
Karker, and has four children — Orrin C,
Blanche M., Lloyd D., and Myra A. Mr.
Karker and his family reside with Mr. and
Mrs. Chambers, and he assists in the manage-
ment of the homestead property, although he
has a fine farm of his own near by.
In politics Mr. Chambers has always affili-
ated with the Republican party, which is in
the minority in this section of the State, and
he has the distinction of being the only Super-
visor elected on that ticket in Schoharie
County for thirty years. He held the office
in the years 1894 and 1895, being elected by
a majority of forty-three votes in a town whose
Democratic majority was usually three hun-
dred. He attends and liberally supports the
Dutch I'lefnrmed church, of which Mrs. Cham-
bers is a member.
W/ILLIAM H. BALDWIN, New Bal-
timore, N.Y. — The Baldwins are of
English descent. Their ancestors held the
manor of Osterarsfee in Aylesbury, Bucking-
hamshire, in the time of Henry II. The
owner of the manor in 1 igo was Sylvester
Baldwin, known as Aylesbury. In 1546 the
manor of Dundridge, Aston-Clinton, four miles
from Aylesbury, was added to the estate. In
1638 Silvester Baldwin embarked for America
in the ship "Martin," accompanied by his
wife, two sons, Richard and John, and four
daughters. He died during the passage, and
his will was admittetl to probate in Boston the
same year. He left a large estate. His fam-
ily settled in New Haven, Conn. His son
John, after losing his wife and child, settled
in New London in 1664. In 1672 John mar-
ried again, and removed to Stonington. His
son Theophilus married Priscilla Mason,
grand-daughter of the famous Captain John
Mason, who led the settlers against the Pequod
Indians in 1637, and destroyed the tribe.
John Baldwin, son of Theophilus and Pris-
cilla (Mason) Baldwin, married lumice Spald-
3o6
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
ing. Their son Ziba, born in 1752, was the
great-grandfather of William H. Baldwin.
W'illiam H. Baldwin was married in 1874
to Kittie Van Bergen, daughter of John Van
Bergen, of Coxsackie, N.Y. She died in
1876, the infant daughter Lizzie surviving her
a few months.
In 1880 William II. Baldwin married Lillie
Summers Jones, of I'liiladelphia. Mrs. Bald-
win is a member of the Chester County Chap-
ter of the D. A. R. Her ancestors were
among the earliest settlers of Pennsjhania.
Her great-grandfather, Colonel Jonathan Jfmes,
served his country in the capacity of Captain,
Major, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Colonel of the
Continental army, being promoted after active
service in the campaign in C"ana<la in 1776.
C^.VRSHALL I). BICK, of Schoharie,
dealer in gentlemen's furnishing
goods, hats, caps, boots and shoes,
in business on Main Street, was born in this
town on June I, 1837, son of Joshua and
Jemima (Beadle) I^ice. His grandfather,
Aaron Bice, was a native of Holland. He
came to New York in early manhood, lived for
a time in Dutchess County, and subsequently
remo\ed to Schoharie, where he sjient the last
years of his life.
Joshua Bice, abo\e named, who was born in
Dutchess County, was brought up on a farm,
and was early accustomed to farm work. He
also learned the shoemaker's trade. He came
to this town shortly alter his marriage, and
settled 1)11 a small farm which he carried (jn.
engaging in shoemaking during his spare time.
A man of great industry and very frugal, by
degrees he added to his property till he was
the owner of one hundred and twenty acres.
He resided here si.\ty-two years in all, and
died at the age of eighty-one. He was an old-
fashioned, zealous Methodist, always active in
church work, and was one of those who took a
leading part in building the Methodist church
edifice at East Cobleskill. He also took a
warm interest in the Sunday-school. It is
said that in e\ery-day life he applied the prin-
ciples he professed to belie\e. His wife,
Jemima, who also was an active church worker,
was born in Dutchess County. They reared a
family of thirteen children, only three of whom
are living. These are : Levi M., Marshall D.,
and Asher.
Marshall D. Bice received a practical educa-
tion in the public schools of Schoharie, and
subsec|uently, at the age of si.xteen, began his
working life as clerk in the store of O. 15.
Throop in this village. Three jears later he
went to I'.ast Cobleskill, where for three years
he was in partnershi[) with his father. At the
end of that time he removed to Cobleskill and
started in business for himself,- which he con -^
tinned for two )'ears. Cjoing then to New
York Cit)', he was employed for two years in
a wholesale hat store. This brought him up
to the close of 1S63, and in December of that
year he enlisted in Company H of the Third
New York Regiment of Cavalry. Lor a \ear
he remained in New York Harbor at draft ren-
dezvous; but at the end of that time he was ap-
i:)ointetl Lieutenant of a company of ca\alry.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
307
and went to the front, joining his regiment at
Petersburg. Later his company went to Nor-
folk to do general duty, and thence to North
Carolina, where Mr. Bice was appointed a
provost-marshal. Subsequently he was assist-
ant provost-marshal at Norfolk, Va. , and then
Aide-de-camp on General Mann's staff. After
being mustered out of the ser\'ice in 1865, he
remained at Norfolk, Va., for a year and a half,
and was engaged in bu^-ing uj) government
horses and mules at auction and selling them
at private sale. In addition to this he carried
on some mercantile business. Pie then re-
ceived an appointment as United States In-
spector of Spirits at Chicago, and went to that
city. Returning to his native town at the end
of nine months, he engaged in the general gro-
cery and house furnishing business, which he
continued for ten years, or up tu 1894, when he
purchased the block where he is now carrying
on business. He put in a large stock of goods,
and has met with all the success he could have
hoped for.
Mr. Bice was married in 1879 to Melissa M.
Jones, who was born in Duanesburg, N. Y. In
politics he is a Democrat. He has been Con-
stable for some years, also Overseer of the
Poor, but has refused all other public offices.
Forty years ago he joined Schoharie Valley
Lodge, No. 491, F. & A. M., and he is at the
present time the oldest member of this lodge.
He has been Master for several years, and has
filled all the other offices. In 1861 he joined
the Chapter of Canajoharie, antl in 1863 he
joined the Masonic chaj^ter at Cobleskill,
being one of its charter members. He is a
member of the Schoharie Lodge of Odd Fel-
lows, and has for many years been connected
with the fire department. Mr. Bice attends
the Methodist church, and is a trustee of the
society.
M
AVIL) M. HINMAN, the popular
IC) J merchant of New Baltimore, Greene
Comity, N.Y., was born in this town
on the last day of January, 1S63. He is the
only surviving son of the late William C.
Hinman, who established the Hinman store,
and who for many years was one of the leading
citizens of New Baltimore. Mr. David M.
Hinman's grandfather was a native of Connect-
icut, and came from that State to Albany
County, New York, when it was being cleared
and settled. He was a school teacher by pro-
fession, and followed that calling through a
long life. He taught music as well as the
common branches of learning. He died at the
age of eighty.
William C. Hinman was born in Albany
County, and reared on a farm near Ravena.
He pursued his studies in the district school,
and in addition was privately instructed by his
father. In early life he learned the carpenter's
trade. Later he became a tradesman on a
small scale near Utica, and subsequent to that
he came to New Baltimore. Here he was
clerk for John G. Raymond for a time, and he
subsequently established the business, which
has since become the largest of its kind in the
town. The buildings now in use were built
by him some time after the business was
started. At first he was in partnership with
3o8
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIFAV
his brother, Herman II. Hinman, later with
William I-'ullcr clown to 1876. Then for
eleven years, or up to the time of his death in
1887, he carried on the business alone. He
died aged si\ty-nine years. His wife, whose
maiden name was Jane Terry, was born in
Coeymans, N. Y. She was one of the ten chil-
dren of John Terry, a lifelong farmer of that
place. She is now seventy-five years of age.
Of her seven children three are living — Kliz-
abeth, Annie, and David .M. JJoth Mr. and
Mrs. William C. Hinman were active in the
affairs of the Methodist church, and both
worked earnestly to secure the building of the
church edifice, Mr. Hinman being on the com-
mittee ha\ing the matter in charge. He was
for years the strong man in the church, and to
him all looked for counsel. He was a Re|)ub-
lican in politics. At the time of his death he
was the oldest merchant in the town.
David M. Hinman attended the public
schools of New Baltimore, and subsequently
received ])ri\ate instruction for some time.
He went to work in the store at an carlv age,
and .soon became his father's most trusted and
efficient clerk. I'pon the death of his father
he succeeded to the business, which he has
since successfully managed. He carries a
large stock of general merchandise, including
groceries and ])rovisions, dry goods, hardware,
paints, oils, glass, oil-cloths, and ladies' and
gentlemen's furnishing goods. The store has
been the largest in the town since it was
started fifty years ago. Mr. Ilinman's sister
now acts as book-keeper, and she is also the
operator on the Western Union Telegraph
line here. Tiiere is a long distance tele-
phone in tile store. .Mr. Hinman has in a
measure stepped into the place his father for-
merly occupied in the church. He is a mem-
ber of the Hoard of Stewards, for si.\ )ears has
been superintendent of the Sunday-school, and
he is vice-president of the l^pworth League, of
which he has been a member ever since the
branch here was organized. His politics are
Republican. He has held the office of Town
Clerk for a year.
^UDSON BURHANS, junior member of
the enterprising firm of Borst & Bur-
hans, Cobleskill, N.Y., millers, maiiu-
factmers of buckwheat, wheat, r)'e, and graham
flours, and custom grinders of general feed, is
a well-known business man of this town. He
was born the first day of January, 1849, ''i
Carlisle, Schoharie County, which was also
the birthplace of his father, John Burhans.
The emigrant ancestor of the Ihuhans familv
emigrated fiom Holland to the .State of New
"\'ork ill the se\enteentli centvn\-. Mr. (ndson
Burhans's grandfather, Peter Burhans, spent
the early part of his life in Greene County,
New York, whence he removed to Carlisle with
his parents. He married Annie Hummel,
the descendant of a Dutch family of (hx-ene
County, and was the father of eight children,
of whom two are yet li\ing. His wife died in
Carlisle at the age of threescore and ten years.
John Burhans, son of Peter and father of
Judson, recei\ed his education in the tlistrict
schools of Carlisle, anil on the i)arental farm
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
3"
was well drilled in the \ariiius branches of
agriculture. Deciding to make farming his
life occupation, he purchased the old home-
stead when he became of age, and from that
time until his death, at the age of seventy-six
years, carried on general farming most success-
fully. He married Lavinia Loucks, who was
born in Carlisle, the daughter of Peter Loucks,
a well-to-do farmer, and descendant of an early
settler of the town. Si.\ children were the
fruit of their union, namely: Judson, the sub-
ject of this brief sketch; Andrew; Melvin ;
Peter; Romeyn ; and Walton. Mrs. Burhans
is still li\'ing, an acti\-e woman of sex'enty
years. She is a member of the Lutheran
church, to which her husband also belonged.
Judson Burhans attended the district school
until fifteen years old, when he began working
out as a farm laborer and carpenter's appren-
tice. After learning the trade he worked at
carj)entering in the summer season and taught
school winters for ten years, finding time also
to fit himself for a book-keeper at the Pough-
keejisie lousiness College. After that he was
employed as a book-keeper at Cobleskill for a
while, and then went to Albany, where he was
engaged as a commission merchant from 1882
until 18S6, when he disposed of his business
in that city and returned to Cobleskill. ]^uy-
ing an interest in the Cobleskill mills, he has
since, with the co-operation of his partner, Mr.
Borst, materially increased the capacity of the
jjlant, which now produces on an average one
lunitbed barrels of buckwheat flour, fifty barrels
of rye flour, and forty tons of feed every
twenty-four hours. These gentlemen make a
specialty of buckwheat flour, which they manu-
facture from a number one grain, bought di-
rectly from the producer; and for the past few
years they ha\'e sold to wholesale and retail
dealers in all parts of the Union large amounts
of their "Sure Rising Buckwheat," which is
jjronounced by the trade to be one of the most
popular on the market, ri\alling Hecker's, the
Martha Washington, and the I. X. L. brands.
On July 24, 1S78, Mr. Burhans married
Miss Mary K. Becker, one of the si.\ children
of Francis Becker, formerly a miller in this
part of Schoharie County, but later a resident
of Berne, Albany County. She was born and
educated in Gallupville, a village not far from
Colbeskill. Mr. and Mrs. I^urhans have two
children — Frank J. and Flla Ploy, both of
whom are in school.
P'raternally, Mr. Burhans belongs to the
Albany Lodge of Odd Fellows. He also
joined the Improved Order of Red Men while
li\ing in that city. He was one of the incor-
porators of the I'armers' and Mechanics' Bank
of Cobleskill, and is one of its directorate. In
politics he is independent, voting with the
courage of his convictions for the best men and
best measures, regardless of party ties. He
attends the Methodist lipiscopal church, of
which Mrs. Burhans is an active member.
^>KTFR MAGEE, a well-kn..wn ship-
builder of Athens, N.Y., was born
on November 23, 1838, in Baltimore,
Md., where his parents, John and Anna (Ca-
hill) Magee, settled when they emigrated to
3' =
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
this country from Ireland. He is the only one
now living of a family of eight children. Hoth
father and mother were members of the Catho-
lic church. The mother died at the age of
seventy -one.
Mr. Magee was reared in ]3altiniore, and in
his childhood attended a parochial school in
that city. When he was onU' thirteen years
oUl, his father died and he hatl to begin to as-
sist his widowed mother. He learned the
shii)-builder's trade, serving a four years' ap-
prenticeship with John J. Abraham, who was
reckoned one of the best ship-builders in that
region. When he had completed his period
of apprenticeship, he began working for Mr.
Abraham as a journeyman, and in a short
time was recei\'ing higher wages than anv
other man in the _\ard. After this he spent
one year in Mound City, III. ; and, when he
returned, he again engaged with Mr. Abraham.
Leaving Baltimore a second time and going
to New York Cit\-, he worked a while for
Theodore Roosevelt, now Governor of the
State, several niimths lor William 11. Webb,
and then put up a vessel for \'an IJuzen
Brothers. He next entered the service of the
United States as a mechanic at Port Ro\al,
and there remained two years and one month.
Upon leasing Port Royal he came to New
^'o|■k and todk a contract foi' work at the foot
of Si.xteenth Street, being then only twenty-
three years of age. After executing this to
the satisfaction of all concerned, he went to
work for Simonson, the ship-builder, this
being during the eight-hour strike.
Sul)se(|ucntl\' he was employed in Mr.
J. R. lialdwin's yard at New Baltimore, and
from that place he came to Athens and started
business for himself. He was first in com-
pany with Mr. Matthias \'an Loan in 1S71,
and this partnershij) continued for twenty
years, the firm being known as \'an Loan &
Magee. Since i,S,S8 Mr. Magee has been
without a partnei-. During the time he has
been in the yard here he has built over two
hundred vessels, and has rebuilt many more.
He is one of the best known and most repu-
table ship-buiklers in this region. His son
Joseph acts as his foreman.
Mr. Magee was mairied in 1S71 to Mary J.
McCabe, who was born in (ii-eene Counts'.
She has borne him three chiklren: Jose[)h,
above mentioned; Mary; and Hannah. All
the children have received a public-school edu-
cation. The daughters reside with their i>ar-
ents. Joseph mai-ried Mary Brennan.
Mr. Magee is a Democrat in politics, and
for many \ears has been member (jf trnvii and
county committees. He has attended man)-
conventions as delegate. In 1S.S5 he was
elected .Sheriff ot the county, ami tor the three
succeeding years he efficiently filled that
office. He has been a member of the .School
Board foi- thirt)- years, and for the sanie length
of time a Trustee of the \ illage.
Mr. Magee's house is one u( the finest in
Athens. He jnits a large amount of money in
circidation in the town es'ery week when lie
pays off his hirce of workmen. He and his
family attenil the Catholic chuich. I'hvy aie
actively interested in all efforts to promote the
welfare of the communitv.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
3^3
lUTHER ZELIE, a wide-awake, enter-
prising business man of Fulton, Scho-
harie County, prosperously engaged
as a general merchant in the \'illage of Break-
abeen, was born in this town on July 7, 1874.
The son of h^phraim and Helen (Becker) Zelie,
he is the representative of one of the earlier
families of this jiart of the county, and comes
of patriotic stock, his great-grandfather, Colo-
nel Zelie, of the Revolutionary armv, having
had command oi the U])per Fort in Fulton
during the Colonial struggle for independence.
Peter Zelie, son of Colonel Zelie and
grandfather of Luther, sj^ent his entire life of
seventy-five years in Fulton, and here married
Eliza Vroman. He was a carpenter, and fol-
lowed his trade until well advanced in years,
when he retired from work, and spent his re-
maining days with his son Ephraim. His
wife survi\ed him, attaining the age of four-
score years. Both were devout members of
the Reformed church. They had eleven chil-
dren.
Ephraim Zelie, the father above named, was
born in 1839 '•'' I'ulton, and obtained his edu-
cation in the district schools. At the age of
ten years he began working out, and from that
time fought the battle of life for himself.
When old enough to labor at the anvil, he
learned the blacksmith's trade, at which he
subsequently worked as a journeyman in differ-
ent parts of Schoharie County. Going then to
Cleveland, Ohio, he remained there three
years, but preferring to establish himself per-
manently in New York he returned home, and
in 1 861 located in Breakabeen, where he con-
tinued at his trade for twenty years. From
that time until his death, May 20, 1S97, he
lived on a farm in Fulton. He was a firm
supjrorter of the principles of the Democratic
party, and served for a while as Collector of
Taxes. He married Helen Becker, one of the
two children of Henry and Rebecca (Berg)
Becker. Her father, who was a farmer, died
at the age of fifty years, and her mother died
at the age of forty-eight. Five children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Ephraim Zelie, and of
these two are living; namely, Luther and
Laura, twins. Laura is the wife of Floyd
Mattice, of North Blenheim. ]?oth parents
were active members of the Lutheran church,
in which the father served as an Elder, besides
holding other offices, being for a number of
years a teacher in the Sunday-school.
Luther Zelie in boyhood and youth attended
successively the village schools of Fulton and
the Middleburg High School, and afterward
completed the course of study at the Albany
Business College. Returning to Fulton, he
taught school a year in this town, and then
began his mercantile career as a clerk in the
store of Cottrell & Leonard, hatters and fur-
riers in Albany, where he remained three
years. Coming to Breakabeen in 1895, Mr.
Zelie bought out the long-established business
of Mr. E. Patterson, a well-known merchant,
and has since conducted the store with emi-
nent success. Lie has considerably increased
the original stock, carrying now a complete
assortment of groceries, provisions, boots,
shoes, hats, gentlemen's clothing and furnish-
ing goods, and also a full line of hardware,
314
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
in all of which he has built uj) a substantial
trade.
On January 26, 1898, Mr. Luther Zelie was
united in marriage with Miss Kcziah Shafer,
danj,diter of Joseph A. Shafer, of Breakabeen.
Mr. Zelie i.sanOdd l'"ellow, being a mem-
ber of Ulenlieim Lodge, L O. (1 ]•". In poli-
tics he affiliates with the Democratic party,
and is now serving as I'own Clerk. He and
liis wife are faithful membeis of the Lutheran
church and of the Sunday-school connected
with it, Mr. Zelie being the superintendent of
the school.
"C|GBI':Rr J^. D(^DGI<:, of Ashland, was
JL! born in Cireenville, Greene County,
N.\'., ( )ctober 24, 1S22, son of Andrew and
Ruth (lilackniar) D(]dge. He is a grandson of
Moses Dodge, who mo\ed his family from
Massachusetts to Frceh(jld, (jreene County, in
1804, and followed the blacksmith's trade in
connection with other mechanical occupations
for the rest of his life. Moses Dodge is said
to have been a descendant of William Dodge,
one of the early settlers of .Salem, Mass.
Andrew Dodge, father of JCgbert H. , was
born in Ahissaehusetts. When a young man
he engaged in farming in I''reehold. From
181 5 to 1847 he carried on a general store,
and he also manufactuied potash. I lis last
days were spent in letirement upon his farm,
and he died at the age of eight)- one years.
He served as Postmaster for thirty years. In
politics he was originally a Whig and later a
Republican. Dniiiig the somewhat violent
agitation against the Masonic traternit)- which
took place in his day, he sided with the op[)o-
nents, and was known as an anti- Mason. An-
drew Dodge married Ruth Klackmar, a native
of Great Harrington, Mass., daughter of Abel
Hlackmar, a prosperous farmer and cattle
dealer. She became the mother of ten chil-
dren, three of whom are living; namely, Eg-
bert ]1, Augusta, and Louisa. Augu.sta is the
widow of the Rev. John N. Spoor; anil Louisa
married Daniel G. Searles, of Greenville.
]\Irs. Ruth Dodge died at the age of fifty-five
years. The parents of Ruth Dodge were mem-
bers of the Christian church, of which she was
also a member.
Egbert 1^. Dodge obtained his knowledge of
the primary branches of learning in the com-
mon schools of Freehold, ami completed his
studies at the academy in (ireenville. He
taught several terms of school in Greene and
Dutchess Counties previous to 1847. In that
year he engaged in trade at Freehold, where he
continued in business some thirteen years, and
in i860 he removed to Ashland. Securing a
site adjoining the hotel, he opened a general
store, which for the succeeding two years was
the only source of suppl\' in this \'icinity. He
was therefore called upon to carry a varied
stock, which was transported from New \'ork
City by river boats to CatskiU. ,\fter being
out of business two years he (in 1869) built
a new store; and, putting in a large stock of
general menhandise, he continued in trade
until 18S0, when he was succeeded by his son.
.■\fter being relieved of the cares of business
he could not remain idle, preferring instead to
continue in the store; and as Assistant Post-
EGBERT B. DODGE.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
317
master he has handled the mails here for the
past thirty years. He was Postmaster under
President Fillmore and during a part of the
Pierce administration. He has witnessed
many changes and improvements in the postal
service, and has a distinct remendjrancc of
the days when stages were the only means of
conveyance. He has voted at every Presiden-
tial election since 1844, when he supported
the candidacy of Henry Clay, and is now a
Republican. He served as a Supervisor in
1 868, as Town Clerk in 1870, was a Justice of
the Peace for fourteen years, and has settled
many estates.
In 1853 Mr. Dodge was united in marriage
with Eliza C. Sax, who was born in Cairo,
Greene County, daughter of Jacob Sax, the
descendant of an early Dutch settler and a
prosperous farmer of that town. Mr. and Mrs.
Dodge reared three children ; namely, Francis,
Edgar S. , and Ella M. Dodge. P^rancis suc-
ceeded his father in business, and is now the
leading merchant in this section, also Post-
master at the present time. He married Mary
Clark, and has two children — Frederick C.
and F'lorence. lulgar S. , who is a horse
dealer, married Sarah Frances Martin. Pllla
M. married Edward Snow, a carpenter of
Kingston, and has three children — Herbert,
Harold, and Laura. Mrs. IHiza C. Dodge
died August 28, 1897, aged sixty-six years.
As an intelligent, progressive, and public-
spirited citizen, who can be depended upon for
assistance in forwarding any movement calcu-
lated to be of benefit to the community, Mr.
Dodge is highly esteemed by his fellow-towns-
men, among whom he has for years been a
prominent and infiuential figure. He pos-
sesses an extensive knowledge of the town's
history for the past thirty-eight years, has been
a careful reader of instructive books, and his
judgment in matters of public importance is
still sought for and relied upon. He was for-
merly a member of the Independent Order of
Odd P^ellows. In his religious belief he is a
Presbyterian, and his son Francis is promi-
nently identified with the Presbyterian church.
T^HARLES P. McCABE, M.D., of
I J| Greenville, one of the foremost prac-
^ — ^ tising physicians of Greene County,
was born on August 11, 1856, in the house
where his father, Bradley Selleck McCabe,
M. D. , now resides. His family is an old one
in the count)', having been prominent here
since 1783, when Stephen McCabe, his great-
grandfather, settled in New Baltimore.
Stephen McCabe was born in New Jersey in
1755. During the Revolution he enlisted and
served for a time in the Continental army.
At the close of the war he came to New Balti-
more with his wife, Mary P'arrar, and their
family, his son Benjamin being then three
years of age. There he settled on the estate
now owned by Hiram Miller.
Benjamin McCabe, the third son, was mar-
ried in 181 2 to Sarah Gedney, of New Balti-
more, and continued to reside on his father's
place till 1825, when he purcha.sed and re-
moved to the farm now occupied by Mrs. Cath-
3>8
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
cart. In 1834 he bought and rcniovcd to the
farm now owned by Adam Lorcnz. Benja-
min's wife, Sarah, was tiie daughter of Joshua
Gedney, who was one of the ])ioiicer settlers of
New Baltimore, where he became the owner of
a fine farm. He was born in W'estchester
Count}', of which his father was an early set-
tlei", and it was on his father's land in that
county that the battle of White Plains took
place. Joshua Gedney and his wife, whose
maiden name was ]?ennett, were zealous Meth-
odists, and their descendants to the present
generation ha\e continued in the faith of that
church. Mrs. Gedney died at sevent\. She
was born in Westchester County. Her chil-
dren were: Peter, Bartholomew, Joshua, Sam-
uel, Absalom, Sarah, Hannah, and Patience.
Of Benjamin McCabe it has been written, "He
was possessed of a discriminating mind and a
sound judgment, and was never known to shed
a tear nor to laugh audibly, so perfectly were
his passions under his control." He died on
November 6, 1855, sur\iving his wife only
nine da)s. He was the father of the follow-
ing-named children : Caroline, Jane, Hamil-
ton, Bartholomew G. , Bradley S., Philip E. ,
and Mary. Of these, Hamilton J., the eldest
son, has f(jr many years been engaged in the
tin and hardware business in Greenville vil-
lage; and Bartholomew (}., the second son,
who was graduated in medicine, died at De-
posit, Delaware County, N. Y.
Bradley Selleck McCabe, M.D., lather of
the subject of this sketch, received his medical
diploma from the Albany Medical College in
1850, and shortly entered on the duties of his
profession in partnership with Dr. Gideon
Botsford, with whom he had begun the study
of medicine some years before, after attending
Greenville Academy. The late Di-. Botsforil
was a notable man of his time in Greenville,
and had a very large jiractice. Dr. ]\IcCabe,
who has been his worth}- successor, is known
throughout the county for his skill both in
medicine and in surgery. He has been for a
number of years a member of the Board of
Trustees of Greenville Academy. lie rep-
resented his town in the Board of .Supervisors
six years, was twice chairman of the Board.
He Jias also represented the county in the
State legislature.
lie was married on June 26, 1850, to Mary
L., youngest daughter of the late Dr. Amos
Botsford. Three children have been born to
him — Amos B., Charles P., and George G.
Amos B. McCabe, who has been in the sub-
treasury in New York City since 1890, was
born on September 17, 1852, and during early
manhood engaged in agricultural pursuits. He
married Helen Kyle, of Albanv, arid has two
children — John C. and Mary B. , the son
being now in the employ of the New York
Life Insurance Company. George G. McCabe
was born on June 26, i860. He was formerl\-
in the employ of P. W'inne & Co., of this
place, but is now carrying on a drug business
for himself. He was Postmaster for eight
}ears under Cleveland, and he is the present
Supervisor of the town. He married Emme-
line .Stevens, the ceremony taking place on
January 8, 1895. Dr. Bradley S. McCabe
was Postmaster for tour years untler I'ranklin
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
319
Pierce, and also under James ]?uchanan. He
was formerly connected with the Odd Fellows,
and was for some years an active worker in
that organization.
Charles P. McCabe after attending the
Greenville Academy went to Boston, Mass.,
and entered the Conservatory under the famous
teacher, Petersilea, where he remained for two
years. Returning to his native place, he
taught music for some years, but in 1880
began the study of medicine with his father.
Subsequently he entered the Medical College
at Albany, and in March, 1883, took his de-
gree from that institution. After some time
spent in the Boston hospitals and attendance
on the clinics there, he came back to Green-
ville and settled to practise with his father,
continuing in partnership with him till 1890.
He has since practised alone. He has patients
in all the surrounding towns over a radius of
fifteen miles, and besides his extensive medi-
cal practice has many difficult surgical cases.
He built his present residence in 1889.
Dr. Charles P. McCabe was married on Sep-
tember 10, 1884, to Helena F. , eldest daughter
of the late Robert Elliott, of Hunter, a sketch
of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Of
this union three children have been born, of
whom Clara, the eldest, died at the age of four-
teen months, and Millicent at the age of five
and a half years. One daughter is living,
Dorothy K. In religious faith Dr. Charles P.
McCabe is a Methodist. Both he and his wife
are prominent workers in the church, and he
has been superintendent of the Sunday-school
and for many years one of the stewards. For
many years he sang in the choir, and formerly
he held the position of organist. He orga-
nized the Greenville Musical Union, a chorus
of seventy voices, and so great was its reputa-
tion that at one time the largest hall in the
town was filled on six successive evenings to
listen to it. Mrs. McCabe was a teacher in
the Sunday-school for many years, and also
sang and acted as organist. She is a graduate
of Kingston Academy and of Chamberlaine
College in Randolph, N.Y. She was born in
Hunter.
Dr. Charles P. McCabe is a member of the
New York State Medical Society, and is now
president of the Greene County Medical Soci-
ety. In politics he is a Democrat. In 1S93
he was elected and served as Supervisor, but
he refused to accept the nomination a second
time, and has uniformly declined to run for
other offices, feeling that his practice needs
his undivided attention. He is, however, con-
nected with various fraternal societies, namely :
with James M. Austin Lodge of Masons, of
which he was Master for three terms; with
Zeus Lodge of the Knights of Pythias, of
which he was Chancellor for two years, and of
which he is a charter member and was the first
commanding officer. He has unusual business
aptitude. He is president of the Greene
County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and
was formerly president of the Village Fire As-
sociation, which operates in Greene, Albany,
Delaware, and Schoharie Counties, and he is
a director in both companies. Ever since the
Greenville Board of Education was organized
he has been one of its most active members.
320
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
ilIRISTIAN RECTOR, who owns a
good farm in Glenvillc, N. Y., on the
banks of the Mohawk River, was
born wlierc he now resides on October i6,
1S36, son of William and Susan (Haverley)
Rector.
William Rector was a native of this State.
Settling when a young man upon the farm his
son now owns, he successfully followed agri-
cultural pursuits for the rest of his active
period. He took a leading part in public
affairs, holding various town offices, and in
politics he was a Democrat. He was a Dea-
con and Elder of the Reformed church. His
wife, Susan, was born in the house which her
son Christian now occupies. She was the
daughter of Christian Haverley, who built the
house with brick made upon the farm. She
became the mother of three children, namely:
Anna M., wife of James T. Wyatt, of Glen-
villc; Christian, the subject of this sketch;
and Susan Rosa, who is no longer living.
William Rector lived to be nearly eighty-five
years old, and his wife died at eighty-three.
Christian Rector was reared and educated in
Glenville. From his youth upward he has
been engaged in tilling the soil, and, succeed-
ing to the ownership of the homestead property
of two hundred and seventy acres, he has real-
ized excellent returns as a general farmer.
His success is the result of jiractical knowl-
edge, diligent effort, and sound judgment.
On October 10, 1866, Mr. Rector married
Emma Veddcr, who was born in Schenectady,
June 4, 1845, daughter of Peter and Prudence
(Gates) Vedder. Her father was born in Nis-
kayuna, N. Y. , and her mother was a native of
Schenectady. Peter Vedder was a carpenter
and lumber dealer in Schenectady for many
years, and the business is now carried on by
his sons. He served as Supervisor and Alder-
man, to which offices he was elected by the
Republican jiarty ; and as a generous, public-
spirited citizen he was accorded the esteem
and good will of his fellow-townsmen. In his
religious belief he was a Baptist. Peter Ved-
der lived to be sevcnty-si.x years old. His
wife died at thirty-nine. He w-as the father of
eight children, namely: Mary C, who is now
Mrs. Van Dyke; Emma, who is now Mrs.
Rector; Theresa, who is now Mrs. Gilbert;
Daniel G. , Sharratt G. , Albert, William, of
Pasadena, Cal. ; and Prudence G., who is now
Mrs. Betts. Mr. and Mrs. Rector have three
children, namely: William, a druggist in
Schenectady; Susan R. , who married George
Koonz, of Glenville, and has two daughters —
Mabel and Berdena ; and Prudence, who re-
sides at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Rector are members of the
Reformed church. Politically, Mr. Rector
acts with the Democratic party.
EARENCE M. BOORN, station agent,
I telegraph operator, freight agent, and
passenger agent at Seward station,
Schoharie County, is a capable, pleasant, ac-
commodating official, well adapted for the
responsible position that he holds. He was
born September 6, 1863, in Decatur, Otsego
County, N.Y., the town in which both his
CHRISTIAN RECTOR.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
323
father, Nathan Boorn, and his grandfather,
whose name was Amos, first drew the breath
of life. Amos Boorn was the son of one of
the earliest settlers of Decatur, and was born
and reared in a log cabin. A man of industri-
ous habits, energetic and ambitious, he cleared
the timber from a large tract of land, and thus
reclaimed from the wilderness a fine farm.
He lived to the age of seventy years.
Nathan Boorn was born in the log house in
which his parents began housekeeping. In the
days of his boyhood and youth he greatly as-
sisted his father in felling the giant trees of
the forest and in tilling the soil. He after-
ward learned the blacksmith's trade, and for
many years followed it in his native town.
Subsequently removing to the near-by town of
East Worcester, he there set up his smithy,
and now, though he is seventy years of age, he
is still active.
" Week in, week out, from morn till night.
You can hear his bellows blow."
He married Catherine Brazie, one of the
thirteen children of Francis Brazie, of Coopers-
town, N.Y. Four children were born of their
union, and three are living, as follows: Clar-
ence M. ; Ortentia, wife of Alfred R. Robbins;
and Friend. Both parents are consistent mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal church. In
politics the father is an uncompromising Re-
publican, and, though never an office-seeker,
has served two terms as Town Clerk.
Clarence M. Boorn was educated in the pub-
lic schools, and at the age of seventeen he left
home in order to study telegraphy. As soon
as he had acquired a sufficient knowledge of
the art, he was appointed night operator at one
of the stations on the Delaware & Hudson
River Railroad, and he has since, for a period
of seventeen years, been in the employ of the
same company. For some time he had
charge of the telegraph office at Unadilla,
whence he was transferred as agent to Schen-
evus, also in Otsego County, and in 1896 came
to Seward. Here he has faithfully and satis-
factorily performed the duties pertaining to his
office, and in every way has proved himself
worthy of the confidence reposed in him. Po-
litically, he is a supporter of the principles of
the Republican party.
On March 19, 1890, Mr. Boorn married
Miss Edna M. Winegard, who was born in
Seward, one of the two children of Mr. and
Mrs. Abram Winegard, well-to-do and promi-
nent members of the farming community of
this town, and pillars of the Methodist Episco-
pal church. Mr. and Mrs. Boorn have one
child, Carl W. Mr. Boorn attends the Meth-
odist Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Boorn
is an active member.
ILLIAM B. KNISKERN, an ener-
getic farmer and one of the most
popular young men of Blenheim, N. Y. , was
born in Fulton, this State, September 6, 186S.
He is the son of Rufus and Helen M. (Best)
Kniskern, and is of the fifth generation in
descent from Johannis Kniskern, his pioneer
ancestor, who was the original owner (as early
as 1775) of the farm on which he resides with
324
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
his father and mother. This is the line:
Johannis, ' Joseph,' Christopher,' Rufus, ■*
William B.s
The grandfather, Christopher Kniskcrn, son
of Josejih, succeeded to the ownershii) of the
homestead, and was an industrious farmer. He
married Olive Dornburgh. Their children
were: Hamilton, who resides in Blenheim, and
is a cooper by trade; Angeline, wife of Joseph
F'ink; Adeline, who married S. L. Perry;
Mary, who married William S. Hager; Eliza-
beth, who is unmarried; Rufus, the father of
William ]?. ; Caroline, who married Jeremiah
Zeh ; and Martha, who married a Mr. Shaffer.
Rufus Kniskern was reared on the ancestral
farm, which he inherited in turn, and here he
continues to make his home. Devoting him-
self to its cultivation during the active period
of his life, he gave particular attention to
carrying on a dairy and raising hops, making
the most of his opportunities for success. He
married Helen M. Best, daughter of William
and Nancy (Hagadorn) Best, of Fulton.
Rufus Kniskern is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, and his wife is a Lutheran.
William B. Kniskern acquired a public-school
education. From his youth he has worked
upon the homestead farm, which for some time
he cultivated jointly with his father. He now
crops about twenty-five acres, has fifty acres of
excellent pasture land, and keeps from twelve
to fifteen cows. He has relinquished the
growing of hops, preferring to devote his en-
ergy to general farming and dairying.
Mr. Kniskern married Mary C. Hanes,
daughter of John Hanes, of l''ult()n. They
have one .son, Harold. Politically, he is a
Democrat. Although frequently solicited to
accejDt nominations to town offices, he has
generally declined, but has rendered valuable
service to the party as a member of the town
and county committees, and was a candidate
for Supervisor in 1898. He attends the Meth-
odist Episcopal church.
OREN P. COLP:, attorney-at-law and
farmer of Conesville, N. V., was born
in this town, May 31, 1852, son of
Elder Loren P. and Charlotte (Weed) Cole.
He is a grandson of Avery Cole, who moved
with his family from Vermont to that part of
Blenheim which is now Gilboa, Schoharie
County, and was engaged in farming for the
rest of his life, his death occurring at the age
of seventy years.
Avery Cole was an active member of the
Baptist church. He was a Whig in politics,
and held some of the town offices. The
maiden name of his wife was Polly l^lair, and
their children were : Suel, Ambrose, Loren P.,
Anson, Barnard, Ahaz, Rosetta, Mary, and
Esther. Of these Ambrose, who resided in
Indiana, and Rosetta, who married Patrick Van
Dyke, are the only survivors. Mary married
Warren W. Parsons; Esther married Daniel C.
Leonard; Suel and Barnard died in Gilboa;
Anson died in Western New York ; and Ahaz
died in Windham, this State. All e.xcept
Suel lived to be si.xty-three years old.
Elder Loren P. Cole, father of the subject
of this .sketch, was born in Vermont in 180S,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
327
and came to Schoharie County when he was
four years old. He resided in Gilboa until
1845, when he came to Conesville and became
an extensive farmer, owning some three hun-
dred acres of land. He was an ordained min-
ister of the Baptist denomination. He sup-
plied pulpits in this section for many years,
and also taught school. He served as Super-
visor for the years 1853-59, 1864, and 1879,
being in the latter year the oldest man on the
board. He also served as Highway Commis-
sioner, Superintendent of Schools, and Gen-
eral Inspector. Elder Cole died in 1 886. He
was twice married. His first wife, Phcebe M.
Pierce, died two years after marriage, leaving
one daughter, Phoebe Ann, who married E. G.
Case. For his second wife he married Char-
lotte Weed, whose ancestors came from Con-
necticut. Seven children were born of this
union, namely : Alzina, who married W. H.
Braman ; Pluma, who married Bartholomew
Becker; Julia E., wife of James A. Bouck ;
lanthe, wife of George W. Gurnsey ; Char-
lotte, who married Giles P. Guernsey; Eean-
der, a farmer of Conesville; and Loreii P., the
subject of this sketch. The mother's death
occurred a few weeks prior to that of her hus-
band.
Loren P. Cole was given the advantages of
a good education, and after the completion of
his studies he taught seven terms of school in
winter, and worked summers on a farm of his
father's. Purchasing the home farm in 1S76,
he carried it on until i88g, when he sold the
property to his brother Leander, and bought a
residence in the village. His law studies
were pursued in the office of Le Grand Van
Tyle, now District Attorney; and since estab-
lishing him.self in practice he has built up a
large business both in Conesville and Gilboa.
In public affairs he has rendered able services
to the town and county as Supervisor for eight
years, acting as chairman of some of the most
important committees. In politics he is a
Democrat.
Mr. Cole married in 1873 Martha Leonard,
daughter of Peter H. Leonard, formerly of
Prattsville, and now of Bainbridge, N. Y. Mr.
and Mrs. Cole have no children. They attend
the Methodist Episcopal church.
<^« »»
M
AVID T. SLATER, general mer-
chant of Hensonville, in the town of
Windham, Greene County, N.Y. ,
was born in Jewett, July 24, 1839, son
of Hugh and Sally (Woodworth) Slater.
His parents were natives of Greene County,
his father having been born in Cairo, and his
mother in Hunter.
His paternal grandfather, Elihu Slater, who
was born in Connecticut, came to Cairo as a
pioneer, built a log cabin, cleared a farm, and
tilled the soil during his active period.
Grandfather Slater died at the age of seventy-
three; and his wife, Sally Beach Slater, who
was the mother of a large family, died at
seventy-two years of age. They were mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Hugh Slater, father of David T. , was reared
on a farm in Cairo, and resided there until
twenty-one years old. He then went to Jew-
328
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
ctt, where he followed the occupation of a
farmer until his death, which occurred at
seventy-two years of age. In politics he was
a Democrat until 1856, when he became a Re-
publican, his views having changed on the
slavery cjuestion. He held several town
ofifices. His wife, Sally, was a daughter of
Lemuel Woodworth, a jjrosperous farmer of
this section. Four of the five children born to
them are living, namely: David T. , the sub-
ject of this sketch; Mary, who married Henry
Whitcomb; Lydia, who became the wife of
Anson R. Mott ; and Dayton, who is a drug-
gist in Hunter. The mother, Mrs. Sally
Woodworth Slater, died at seventy-one.
David T. Slater began his education in Jew-
ett, and completed his studies at Ashland
Seminary. At the age of twenty-six he went
to Cairo, where he followed farming and ran
a saw-mill for si.\ years, at the end of which
time he sold his property and came to Henson-
ville. Purchasing an interest in a general
store, he was a partner in the concern for
twenty-two years, then becoming sole proprie-
tor of the establishment. He conducts a
thriving business here, carrying a large stock
of dry goods, groceries, clothing, boots and
shoes, patent medicine, hats, caps, and other
wares.
In 1864 Mr. Slater was united in marriage
with Miss Elizabeth Winter, daughter of Har-
rison Winter, of Jewett. They have had eight
children, four of whom survive — Jonathan,
Lilian, Dayton, and Eva. Jonathan married
Laura Shercr. He is a minister of the gospel
in Brooklyn, N.Y. Lilian is a pupil at a
seminary in New York City, and tlie others
are also attending school.
Since 1884 Mr. Slater has acted with the
Prohibition party, and has been Inspector of
Elections. He is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, has been class leader, and
also superintendent of the Sunday-school.
M
UNCAN M. LEONARD, M.D., of
l(D J I^ioome Centre, Schoharie County,
was born in Roxbury, Delaware
County, N. v., Augu.st 27, 1837, son of Henry
and Iluldah (Hull) Leonard. His grand-
father, John Leonard, was a native of Ger-
many, being the son of an P^nglishman who
settled in that country and married there.
John Leonard, on coming to America, first set-
tled at Black River, Vt., but later removed to
Delaware County, New York, and was one of
the first to make a clearing in Ro.xbury. He
died in that town, August 23, 1826. He was
an active member of the Baptist church. His
wife, whose maiden name was Ruth Olmstead,
died March ig, 1S42. They had but one son,
Henry, Dr. Leonard's father.
Henry Leonard was born in Roxbury, July
4, 1789. Succeeding to the ownership of the
homestead, he gave his principal attention to
dairy farming and stock raising, and through
energy and thrift he realized good financial
results. In politics he was a Whig. Henry
Leonard died December 20, 1871. His wife,
Huldah, who was born June 20, 1799, was a
daughter of Seth Hull, of Hartford, Conn.
She died September 10, 1S64. They were the
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
329
])arents of twelve children, namely: SalinaJ.,
born October 5, 1820; John, born June 6,
1S22; Peter H., born May 21, 1824; George
H., born January 11, 1826; Daniel C, born
September 16, 1827, died in July, 1897; Asa
D., born September 4, 1S29; Lucy, born
March 13, 1832, who married John VVeckle;
Samuel W., born December 8, 1833; William
H., born June 27, 1835; Duncan M., the sub-
ject of this sketch; Mary E., born April 25,
1839; and Charles K., born May 20, 1842.
George H., who practised medicine, served in
the Civil War, and died in Brooklyn, N.Y. ;
John, who became a surgeon of repute, served
three years in the army, and owing to ill-
health he subsequently engaged in farming;
Peter H., Daniel C, and Asa D. were
farmers; Samuel W. remained upon the home-
stead ; and Mary E. married Christian Ender-
lin, of Roxbury. Charles K., while pursuing
his medical studies, received injuries which
later resulted in his death. Several of the
sons taught school in their younger days.
The father was a Baptist and a prominent
church member.
Duncan M. Leonard completed his early ed-
ucation at the Ro.xbury Academy, and having
begun his medical studies under the direction
of his brother George, he attended the Univer-
sity Medical College, Castleton, Vt. , from
which he was graduated in 1857. Locating at
Broome Centre on January i of the following
year, he has resided here ever since, and al-
though he has practised his profession steadily
for a pericxl of over forty years he still retains
nnich of the vigor and activitv which charac-
terized his youth, and attends regularly to his
every-day duties. As a physician he stands
high in the community, his professional skill
and reputation for promptitude enabling him
to maintain among the well-to-do residents of
this vicinity a practice sufificient to keep him
constantly busy; yet he has never been known
to refuse when called to attend the poor, from
whom he could e.xpect little or no compensa-
tion, and he has never instigated a law suit for
the collection of fees. Prompted b}' the be-
lief that good physicians are an urgent neces-
sity to the welfare of mankind, he has not only
directed the preparation of several students
and provided for their personal wants during
their preliminary studies, but has also assisted
them in securing an adequate college training.
On January i, i860. Dr. Leonard married
for his first wife Vashtie McHench, who died
June 4, 1877; and on January i, 1879, he
wedded her sister, Emma J. Their father was
William McHench, the son of John, who came
from the north of Ireland, and was a pioneer
farmer in this section. The family is of
Scotch origin.
John McHench had a family of four chil-
dren; namely, Submit, William, Catherine,
and John. Submit married Benjamin Thorn-
ington. Catherine married John Goodfellow.
William remained on the homestead, unci
John settled in another part of the town.
William McHench, who was a prosperous
farmer, took an active part in j)ublic affairs,
and held some of the important offices in
this town. In early life he was interested
in military affairs, and acquired the title of
33°
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Captain. He was one of the Icadini;- meml)ers
of the Christian church. He died at the age
of seventy-.seven years. William McHench
married Ann Ferguson, and was the father of
nine children, namely: Willard, deceased;
James R. , deceased, who settled in Minnesota,
and became wealthy ; Nancy, deceased, who
married Elder Brown, and had four children;
Va.shtie, Dr. Leonard's first wife; William and
Wilson, twins; Andrew and Francis, also
twins; and Emma J., Dr. Leonard's second
wife. Of these, William, .Andrew, and Emma J.
are still living. William McHench, second,
was graduated from the medical department of
the University of Michigan, and is now prac-
tising his profession in Brighton, that State.
Dr. Leonard is the father of four children,
all by his first marriage, namely: Emma R.,
born October ig, i860; Frances A., born .Sep-
tember 12, 1863; Ursula J., born April 16,
1866; and Kutson R., born June 3, 1868.
Emma R., who is a graduate of the State
Normal School, Albany, is a successful school
teacher. Frances is the wife of F. B.
Mackey. Ursula J. married C. S. Best,
M.D. , who is practising in Middleburg,
N.Y. Rutson R. Leonard, M. D. , who is now
located in Bloomville, Delaware County, New
York, began his preparation under his father's
direction, and pursued his advanced studies in
the vmivcrsities of Vermont, New York City,
and Michigan.
Dr. Duncan M. Leonard cultivates a good
farm, and is quite an extensive real estate
holder, owning about seven hundred acres in
all. He formerly acted with the Republican
jiarty in politics, but now votes independently.
He belongs to the County Medical Society,
and was at one time its president. For years
he has devoted his leisure to reading, and has
studied the natural sciences, including astron-
omy. In his religious belief he is a Baptist,
and for many years has been prominently iden-
tified with tiiat church.
Lh LI ROSE, former superintendent of the
J! Howe's Cave Lime and Cement
Company and proprietor of a general mer-
chandise store, is now retired from business
and residing at Central Bridge, N. Y. He was
born in Maryland, Otsego County, N. Y. , on
February 20, 1840, son of Nathan and Deborah
(Morehouse) Rose. He comes of English
stock.
His paternal grandfather, Nathaniel Rose,
probably a native of Massachusetts, said to have
been the descendant of one of the early settlers
of that State (whether of Thomas Rose, who
was an inhabitant of Scituate, Plymouth
County, before 1660, or of another emigrant,
the present writer is unable to say), came to
Columbia County, New York, in young man-
hood. From Columbia County Nathaniel
Rose removed to Warren, Herkimer County,
N. Y., and finally to Maryland, N.Y., where
he spent the last years of his life. He started
as a poor boy, but before he died he accumu-
lated a large property, chiefly comprised in
land. He was able to give to each of his si.\
sons a fine farm, and then had some three hun-
dred acres left for himself. Each son also re-
ICI.I ROSE.
MRS. ELI ROSE.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
335
ceived a pair of horses, farm stock, and grain
for jilanting. Nathaniel Rose was a Captain
in the State militia. He died at the age of
seventy-six years. His wife, who died at the
age of seventy-five, was before her marriage
Lovina Spencer. Her family were people of
importance in Columbia County. She was the
mother of eight children, all of whom married
and had families. Both she and her husband
were members of the Baptist church, and were
active and liberal in their support of all church
matters. So interested were they that they
were instrumental in building a house of wor-
ship almost without assistance from others.
Nathan Rose, son of Nathaniel and father of
Eli Rose, was born in Columbia County, New
York, and was educated in the common
schools there. Shortly after his marriage he
settled upon the farm given him by his father,
and there engaged in farming with great suc-
cess. In time he developed dairying to some
extent and also lumbering, carrying on in the
last-named industry a very large business. He
was active in town affairs and a liberal sup-
porter of the Baptist church. He died at the
age of sixty-nine. His wife, Deborah, who
died at the age of eighty-one, was a daughter
of James Morehouse, a farmer on an extensive
scale, residing at Maryland, N. Y. Her grand-
father, who lived to be eighty-five years of
age, was one of the early pioneers of that
place. Her father was killed when only thirty-
four years old by being tlirown from a horse.
Her mother, whose maiden name was Jane Burn-
side, was born in Maryland and died at the age
of sixty. She was twice married, and had five
children by her first marriage and three by the
second. All of them grew to maturit)', but all
are now deceased save one. Nathan and Deb-
orah Rose were the parents of five children,
namely: John J., of Maryland, N.Y. ; Betsey,
who is the wife of Harvey Baker, of Oneonta ;
Mary, who married Amos Graves, of Glens
Falls, now deceased; Lovina, who is the
widow of Nelson Goodrich, of Oneonta; and
Eli, the sjoecial subject of this sketch.
Eli Rose received a public-school education,
and subsequently assisted his father on the
farm until about twenty-seven years of age.
He also taught school for two terms. In 1867
he entered the employ of the Howe's Cave
Lime and Cement Company, which had just
been formed, as book-keeper. The following
year he purchased an interest in the business,
and he was afterward promoted through the po-
sition of foreman to general manager and treas-
urer. He had sometimes as many as eighty
men under his charge; and, besides managing
the lime and cement business, he operated a
general merchandise store, which he started in
1868 and which is now one of the oldest in the
county. In February, 1898, Mr. Rose sold
all his interests at Howe's Cave to a wealthy
syndicate, and removed to Central Bridge,
N. Y. , where he is now living.
A word in regard to the cement company
with which he was so long connected may be
interesting to the reader. This company was
incorporated under the laws of the State of
New York in 1867 by Hon. John Westover, of
Richmondville, N. Y. , Jared Goodyear, of
Colliers, N.Y. , and E. R. Ford and Harvey
336
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Barker, of Oneonta, N.Y. , as charter members
and owners. The seventy or more acres of
land owned by the company were rude and
rugged in the extreme, and no appliances were
at hand. But generous ledges of limestone
gave promise of rich reward to those who
should quarry it. Houses for the employees,
barns for the work horses, shops, kilns, and
mills were erected; and derricks, engines, and
other appliances were brought here. Fortu-
nately for the company, the line of the Albany
& Susquehanna, now a part of the D. & H. C.
Company, ran near — so near, in fact, that
often in blasting large pieces of rock were
thrown on the track. The ledge nearest the
railroad, which is of dark blue limestone, is
forty-four feet thick, and is composed, of
course, of comparatively thin and light rock.
Next above this is a ridge of gray limestone in
massive blocks and of excellent quality and
soundness, such as are eminently suitable for
the construction of piers, abutments, canal
lock.s, retaining walls, and all kinds of massive
masonry. The lime produced in the kilns is
very strong, adhesive, and of great durability.
Its lasting virtue is well shown in the stone
fort at Schoharie Court House, which was built
more than a hundred years ago, and as yet
presents no imperfection of either stone or
mortar. Among the im])ortant structures in
which this cement has been employed are the
following: the new capitol at Albany; Hol-
land House, New York City; the Scranton
Steel Works ; Troy Steel and Iron Works ; and
the reservoir at Fair Haven, Vt. As all the
process of manufacture and the disposal of the
output was under Mr. Rose's supervision until
his recent retirement, no further commentary
upon his ability both as an executive officer
and as a financier is needed.
Mr. Rose was married in 1S70 to Mary C.
Warner, who was born in Richmondville,
daughter of Henry Warner. Her father, a
farmer, who was a descendant of an old and
honored family, died at the age of seventy
years. Her grandfather and great-grandfather
Warner were both carried captives to Canada
by the Indians and held there as prisoners for
a year. Mr. and Mrs. Rose have one daugh-
ter, Sophina, who assists her father in the
store. In politics Mr. Rose is a Republican.
He is a member of the Lutheran church, and
is a trustee of the society. His wife and
daughter are also members of the church.
UGAR HARTT, Greenville's veteran
merchant, member of the firm of
J. G. & E. Hartt, was born on Norton Hill in
this town on January 2, 182S, his parents being
John and Salome (Miller) Hartt. His paternal
grandfather, Joseph Hartt, was a native of
Dutchess County, New York. The maiden
name of his grandmother was Polly Green.
John Hartt, the father, was born in Harts-
ville, Dutchess County, and was a shoemaker
by trade. He came to Norton Hill in 1S20,
previous to his marriage, and carried on a suc-
cessful business here during the remainder of
his working life. He hired a number of
hands, and did considerable custom work.
His death occurred at the age of seventy-four.
BIOGRAPHICAL KEVIEW
337
He and his wife were members of the Chris-
tian church ; and he was a Deacon and active
worker in the church. The house of worship
was four miles from tlieir home. In politics
he was a Republican. Mrs. Salome Miller
Hartt was born in Dutchess County. She
lived to be eighty-seven years old. Of her
seven children, five are living, namely: Mary
Ann, who resides in Greenville; Edgar, the
direct subject of this biography; John G. , a
sketch of whose life appears below ; William
B. ; and George A., who is in the employ of
John G. Myers, of Albany.
Mr. Edgar Hartt received a practical educa-
tion in the public schools of Norton Hill.
His first business experience was in shoemak-
ing, which he learned by working with his
father. He followed his trade about nine
years. The partnership with his brother was
formed in 1856, at the old stand; and three
years later the store where they are now doing
business was built. It is doubtful if there is
a single partnership in the State that has ex-
isted longer than this. Messrs. Hartt still
buy goods in some instances of the firms from
whom they bought when they began business.
They carry a very complete stock of general
merchandise, including dry goods, groceries,
boots and shoes, ready-made clothing, hats and
caps, crockery and glassware, oil cloth, hard-
ware, grain, drugs and patent medicines, wall
paper and stationery. The business has grown
from year to year with the growth of the vil-
lage, which has nearly doubled in size since
they began.
In i860 Mr. Hartt married Augusta Chap-
man, a native of Westerlo and daughter of
Robert and Eliza Chapman, her father a black-
smith. ]5oth her parents died at the age of
eighty. They had three children, two of
whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Hartt have
three children — Gertrude, Clara, and Henry
G. Gertrude is the wife of G. W. Palen, a
tanner residing in Western Pennsylvania, near
DuBois. Clara resides with her parents.
Henry G. Hartt is a partner in the firm of
Colier & Co., dry-goods merchants at Cox-
sackie, where they carry on a most successful
business. He married Grace Vanderburjc.
f^OHN G. HARTT, brother of Edgar and
his partner, was born at Norton Hill on
October 3, 1829. Upon leaving home
and starting life for himself, he entered the
employ of Thomas Saxon in South Westerlo.
From that place he came to Greenville and
began working for Mr. Bentley, with whom he
remained for the next nine years, during the
first three of which he worked for fifty dollars
a year and found his own clothes. His hours
were from six o'clock in the morning to nine
o'clock in the evening, and he often had to
work until midnight. His motto always was
that, no matter how small an amount he earned,
he must save a little; and he always kept to
it. He left Mr. Bentley to join his brother in
business, starting, as has been said, in the old
corner store.
Mr. Hartt married in 1859 Jane A. Tall-
madge, a native of Greenville, N. Y. Her
father, Henry Tallmadge, a native of Poult-
338
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
ney, Vt. , was a physician by profession ; but
he came to Coxsackie, and engaged in mercan-
tile business there. He died at the age of
sixty -three. His wife, whose name before
marriage was Jane A. Reed, was born in Cox-
sackie, and died in Greenville at the age of
seventy-five. She bore him eight children.
Mr. and Mrs. Hartt have only one chiUl, Ar-
thur, who is a merchant at Ravena, Albany
County, this State, and Postmaster in that
place. He was in the Greenville Local print-
ing-office for nine years, and has taken an ac-
tive part in politics. He married Rose W'il-
sey, and has one son, Harold.
Both John and Kdgar Hartt are prominent
members of the Republican party in this sec-
tion. The former has been Town Clerk and
Assistant Postmaster. Neither has cared for
public office. ]5oth arc attendants of the Pres-
byterian church, and their wives and the three
children of Mr. lulgar Hartt are members of
the church. The brothers are among the best-
known men in the county, and command uni-
versal esteem.
(S>r I.BF.RT G. ROSEKRAUS, Esq., a
^^ geneial merchant in Fulton, Schoharie
V — County, was born May 5, 1837, in
Berne, Albany C(junty, a son of Holmes Rose-
kraus, M. D. His paternal grandfather, Henr)-
Rosekraus, removed from Westerlo, N.Y. , to
Wright, Schoharie County, when in the prime
of a vigorous manhood, and from that time
until his death, at the age of fourscore years,
was engaged as a tiller of the soil. His wife,
whose maiden name was Holmes, also lived to
be eighty years old, and dying left five chil-
dren ; namely. Holmes, P"rederick, Henry,
Phebe P'lansburgh, and Mrs. Hungerford.
Holmes Rosekraus received his elementary
education in the common schools of Albany
County, and after reading medicine for a time
with competent instructors, entered the Al-
bany Medical College, from which he was
graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medi-
cine. Locating at once in Berne, Albany
County, he built up a very large practice in
that town and vicinity, and became one of its
most successful and favorably known physi-
cians. After an active practice of thirty
years, he passed to the higher life, at the age
of fifty-four. He was deeply interested in
local affairs, and served a number of years as
Town Superintendent. He was a regular at-
tendant of the Baptist church, of which his
wife was a consistent member. He married
Melinda Weidman, one of the three children
of Jacob Weidman, a prominent farmer of
Berne. Twelve children were born of this
luiion, and six of them survive, namely :
Jacob; Albert, the sj^ecial subject of this
sketch ; James, a professor of music, and a
minister; Thomas; Washington; and Eliza-
beth. All of the children are gifted with ex-
ceptional musical talent, and all but two are
quite noted throughout Schoharie County.
The mother died at the age of seventy-five
years.
Albert Rosekraus attended the public schools
of Berne until ten years old, and then came to
Middleburg, in this county, where he contin-
A. L. KERK.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
341
iicd his studies at the high school and acad-
emy, and also woiked for a while as a clerk.
Going then to Albany, he served an appren-
ticeship of two years and a half at the printer's
trade; but, not liking it well enough to con-
tinue it, he returned to Middleburg, where he
was subsequently employed as a clerk ten
years. Coming in 1864 to Fulton, he bought
an interest in his present store, and in partner-
ship with Charles Watson carried on an exten-
sive business for three years. The partnership
being then dissolved, he returned to Middle-
burg, where for the ensuing three years he
was engaged in mercantile pursuits in the
store occupying the present site of Wellington
Bassler's establishment. Disposing of his
property there, Mr. Rosekraus then bought his
present store in Fulton, and has since carried
on a very large and successful business as a
general merchant.
In politics he is prominently identified with
the Democratic party, which he has served
three years as one of the Democratic County
Committee. He has been Justice of the Peace
si.xteen years, an ofTfice which he still holds,
his present term not expiring until igoo. He
has been Town Clerk two terms, and on three
occasions has received the nomination for
County Clerk. He was one of the promoters
of the Fulton Valley Telephone Company, of
which he has been a stockholder and a director
several years. F'raternally, he is a member of
Middleburg Lodge, No. 663, F. & A. M.,
which he assisted in organizing, and he was
for some years the chorister. He belongs to
the Reformed church. He has served a num-
ber of years as a Deacon of the church, and he
was for a long time the organist and chorister.
He has also been actively identified with its
Sunday-school as a teacher and superintendent
and as the leader of singing.
In October, 1858, Mr. Rosekraus married
Margaret Zeh, daughter of Joseph Zeh, a well-
known farmer and an old and respected resi-
dent of Seward. She died at the age of three-
score years, leaving three children, namely:
Pauline, a teacher in Fulton; Dora, who was
also a teacher for some years, and now is the
wife of J. Brewster, a farmer in Seward; and
Ida, who is the wife of Edwin Lawyer, and has
one child, Albert. After the death of his first
wife, Mr. Rosekraus married Mary Follett,
daughter of John Follett, a cooper, of Fulton,
their union being solemnized in October, 1S97.
LBERT L. KERR, general merchant
and Postmaster at Haines Falls, N.Y.,
was born in this village, September
18, 1862. He is the son of Robert and Mar-
garet A. (Haines) Kerr. His father was born
at Tannensville, and his mother was born at
Haines Falls. His paternal grandfather,
George Kerr, who was a native of Ireland,
came to America at the age of fourteen, and
later settled in Tannersville, where he followed
farming. George Kerr died at the age of sixty.
Robert Kerr, father of Albert L., engaged
in agricultural pursuits in this section when a
young man, and before the advent of railroads
ran a stage-coach to Catskill. Since 1891 he
has resided here summers, and spent his win-
342
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
ters in New York City. He is now engaged in
selling Christmas trees, cutting and shipping
them to the metropolis, where they find a ready
market. In politics he is a Republican. His
wife, Margaret A., daughter of Peter B.
Haines, formerly of this village, is a descend-
ant of John Haines, who went from Staten
Island to Putnam County, New York, where
he died in 1771. Elijah Haines, son of John,
moved from Putnam County to Greene County
about the year 1779, as a pioneer, and spent
the rest of his life here; and her grandfather,
Edward, who was born in Greene County, New
York, became a prosperous farmer in this
county. Peter B. Haines, father of Mrs. Kerr,
erected the first dwelling on the site of the
Catskill Mountain House. He followed farm-
ing. He also carried on a saw-mill, and was
a useful citizen. He had a family of ten chil-
dren. Robert and Margaret A. Kerr have two
children: Gertrude, who married Cornelius H.
Legg, of Haines Corners ; and Albert L. , the
subject of this sketch. The parents were
members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Albert L. Kerr attended the common schools.
At the age of twenty he took a clerkship in
the post-office in this place, and later went to
Tannersville, where he occupied the same posi-
tion in the post-office under Mr. Mulford for
three months (the fall season). In 1888 he
engaged in general mercantile business on his
own account at Haines Falls; and, the post-
office having been removed to his store, he
acted as Postmaster thirteen month.s. He then
purchased the building in which he is now
located. In 1S98 he was appointed Post-
master, and in order to more conveniently
handle the business, which is largely increased
during the summer, he erected a special post-
office building adjoining his store. This office
transacts a large money order business, has
eight mails per day, averaging five sacks of
first-class matter and three of papers; and
there are two regular mails on Sunday.
In 1888 Mr. Kerr married Belle B. Brewer,
daughter of Nathan and Mary (Williams)
Brewer, of this town. Her grandfather, Sam-
uel Brewer, was born in Connecticut. Her
father was a prosperous farmer here, dying at
the age of seventy ; and her mother, who was
born in Colchester, N.Y., daughter of Thomas
Williams, died at the age of forty-three. Na-
than and Mary Brewer had four children —
Charlotte, Belle B., Scott, and Mott. Char-
lotte married Norman Kerr. Mr. and Mrs.
Albert L. Kerr have had four children, two of
whom are living: Louis A. ; and Harold
Maine, who was born February 15, 1898, a
day made memorable by the blowing up of the
battleship "Maine" in Havana Harbor.
Mr. Kerr is a Republican in politics. He
attends the Methodist Episcopal church.
ACOB VAN VALKENBURGH, M.D.,
of .Sharon, .Schoharie County, N. Y. ,
was born in this town, June 13, 1S39,
son of Henry and Olive L. (Roth) Van Valk-
enburgh. His ancestors were Germans from
the Lower Palatinate of the Rhine, or Pfalz,
Germany. They came in the great Palatinate
c.\odus about 1709. The original surname was
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
343
Falkenburg. Some members of the family
wrote it Valkenburg, and about the beginning
of the present century it assumed its present
form, Van Valkenburgh.
Dr. Van Valkenburgh is a lineal descendant
in the sixth generation of Arnold Van Valken-
burgh, who came to America accompanied by
his wife and one son, the latter being then
eight years old. Arnold Van Valkenburgh re-
sided in Ulster County, New York, from 1709
to 1 71 3, when he came to Schoharie County,
and acquired from the Indians a tract of land.
His son, John Joseph Van Valkenburgh, also
resided in this county. The latter, who was
the great-great-grandfather of the subject of
this sketch, served in the French and Indian
War as an Ensign. He was also a private in
Colonel Kilian Van Rensselaer's regiment
in the Revolutionary War, and acted as a
scout. Pie had three sons — Adam, Joachim,
and Joseph. The second son, Joachim, was
shot by an Indian at Jefferson Lake in this
county.
The third Joseph, who was Dr. Van Valk-
enburgh's great-grandfather, was born in 1744.
He and his two brothers served in the Revo-
lutionary War as privates in a regiment com-
manded by Colonel Peter Vrooman. Joseph
Van Valkenburgh was the first of the family to
locate in Sharon. The farm he cleared is now
owned by John J. Van Valkenburgh, a distant
relative of Dr. Jacob Van Valkenburgh. The
log house of the pioneer stood about one mile
from his great-grandson's residence. Joseph
Van Valkenburgh married Magdaline Brown,
who was born in 1742. Their children were :
Lana, Merie, Eve, Adam, John Joseph, Eliza-
beth, Nancy, Peter, Merie (second), Margaret,
Jacob, Joachim, and Henry. Joseph, the
father, died March 28, 181 5.
John Joseph Van Valkenburgh, second, the
Doctor's grandfather, was born in Schoharie,
July 23, 1771. The greater 'part of his life
was spent in Sharon, where he owned a well-
cultivated farm of one hundred and forty-four
acres. He was one of the founders of the Bel-
linger sect, being a Calvinist in religious be-
lief. Of reserved disposition, he held aloof
from public affairs. During the War of 18 12
he was drafted ; but, being unable to go to the
front, he furnished a substitute. He died on
his birthday, July 23, 1855. His wife, whose
maiden name was Mary Bender, was born in
Bethlehem, Albany County, N.Y., October
13, 1776, and died June 4, i860. Their
children were: Henry, Lana, Christian, Will-
iam, Maria, John, Joseph, Stephen, and Eliza-
beth. Joseph served in the Mexican War,
was wounded at the battle of Chepultepec, and
subsequently drew a pension.
Henry Van Valkenburgh, Dr. Van Valken-
burgh's father, was born in Sharon, May 14,
1798. He belonged to the Bellinger church,
of which he was Elder for many years. Study-
ing theology, he became an evangelist, in
which capacity he was widely known through-
out New York and New Jersey. He left the
homestead after his first marriage, but contin-
ued to make general farming his chief occupa-
tion. He died in this town, April 18, 1866.
For his first wife he married Rachael Bloom-
ingdale, who was born June 19, 1803, and who
344
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
died April 26, 1835, leaving one son, Henry
H. The latter, when fifteen years old, went
to reside with a bachelor uncle in the town of
North Greenbush, Rensselaer County, N.Y. ,
whose property he afterward inherited ; and he
became a prosperous fanner and dairyman.
He married, and at his death left five children.
For his second wife Henry Van Valkenburgh
married Olive L. Roth, who was born in Mas-
sachusetts, July 31, 1 8 10, daughter of Joseph
Roth. She was a descendant of John Roth,
an Englishman, who was the progenitor of a
long line of piiysicians and surgeons of Ux-
bridge, England. Some of her brothers were
well known as bridge-builders and mechanics.
She was given a good education, and was par-
ticularly proficient in vocal music. She was
reared a Calvinist in religion. She died Au-
gust 23, 1874, having been the mother of four
children — Jacob, Albert A., Joseph, and Em-
ily. Albert A., who was a farmer, enlisted
in Company E, Forty-third Regiment, New
York Volunteers, with which he ser\-ed in the
Civil War for two years, at the end of that
time being assigned to the invalid corps. He
died soon after his return from the army.
Joseph, who is a merchant in Canby, Minn.,
is married, and has a family of five children.
Emily became the wife of David Ottman, of
Cobleskill.
Jacob Van Valkenburgh began his education
in the district schools, and at a later date stud-
ied the classics and high mathematics under
the direction of a private tutor. He afterward
attended the Troy Academy, then presided
over by Professor Wilson; and his classical
studies were completed at the Hartwick Semi-
nary. He taught school for a time, and also
studied theology and medicine, with the view
of becoming a missionary, but finally gave his
whole attention to medicine. Beginning the
study of that profession with Dr. William H.
Parsons, an eclectic physician of Sharon,
N.Y. , he later received instruction from Dr.
Robert lildredge, and acquired a knowledge
of botanic medicine under Dr. John Praymer.
He also studied two years with Dr. J. S. Her-
rick, an allopathic physician of Argusville,
N.Y. ; and he received his degree from the
Eclectic Medical College of Philadelphia,
Pa., known as the Paine School, January 22,
1862. Locating in Charleston, N. Y. , in
April of that year, during the first five years
of his practice he was obliged to contend
against the animosity then existing between
the eclectic and regular schools of medicine;
but the skill he displayed in his profession at
length gained for him the recognition of his
opponents, and he has since received honorary
degrees from two medical colleges. In 1867
he moved from Charleston to Sharon, where he
has a lucrative practice.
Dr. Van Valkenburgh was one of the organ-
izers of the Eclectic Medical Society of the
State of New York, being one of the charter
members named in the article of incorporation
by the legislature of the State. He was corre-
sponding secretary of the society, and served
on various committees. He was also one of
the organizers of the Twenty-third Senatorial
District Medical Society, now known as the
Susquehanna District Medical Society, and
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
345
was one of its censors. He has been health
officer many years, acts as a Notary Public,
and was a trustee of Slate Hill Cemetery.
He was a trustee of the public school in his
village for many years. He delivers extem-
poraneous address on public occasions, on
patriotic, educational, or religious subjects;
frequently lectures to various societies, and
writes for the medical and secular press. A
book-lover and a close student from his boy-
hood, he has gathered a large library, to which
he makes additions every year. Never idle,
he employs each moment in some useful occu-
pation. He owns a farm, and is out of debt.
In politics he was formerly a Republican, but
supported the candidacy of William J. Bryan
in 1896. While now a rojDulist, he loyally
supports President McKinley and Go\-ernor
Roosevelt.
Dr. Van Valkenburgh married Harriet
Moulton, daughter of Gurdon Moulton, of
Lykers, Montgomery County, N. Y. , and of
English ancestry. Mrs. Van Valkenburgh,
who was a teacher in the public schools, died
May 31, 1892. She was the mother of four
children, namely: Emma, widow of Irving A.
Parsons; Minnie, who married Charles Van
Home; Moulton, who died at the age of
twenty months; and Flora, who resides at
home with her father. The daughters are all
graduates of the Cobleskill High School, and
the first and second were teachers prior to their
marriage.
Dr. Van Valkenburgh assisted in building
the Methodist Episcopal church, which stands
on land given by him for that purpose. He
has served as steward and trustee and as super-
intendent of the Sunday-school. He is also a
class leader, and acts as janitor without fee or
reward. He is a Master Mason, having been
a member for thirty years, or since 1869, of
Cobleskill Lodge, No. 394, F. & A. M.
DWARD A. GIFFORD, the well-known
lawyer of Athens, N. Y., for si.x
years District Attorney, was born in this town
on December 22, 1856. He is a son of Al-
fred and Christina (Hollenbeck) Gifford, and
grandson of Joseph Gifford, late a farmer in
Rensselaerville, N.Y. His grandfather died
at the age of seventy-four, and his grand-
mother died at the age of eighty. Their chil-
dren were: John, Rufus, Abraham, Warren,
Alfred, Margaret, Sophia, James, and Jere-
miah.
Alfred Gifford was born in Rensselaerville,
Albany County, and was reared on a farm
there. Coming to Greene County in 1868, he
settled in New Baltimore, where he remained
ten years. After that he was in Coxsackie for
ten years, and he then went on the road as
agent for the Capitol City Iron Works Com-
pany of Albany. He has travelled all over
the country in the interests of their business.
His political principles are Republican. He
and his wife are members of the Christian
church, and reside in Philadelphia, Pa. Mrs.
Gifford 's parents were Abraham and Jane (Van
Horsen) Hollenbeck, both of Dutch ancestry;
and her paternal grandparents were Casper and
Christina Hollenbeck. Her father was for
346
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
iiKiny years one of the pniminent men of
Athens. He had several ihilchen. Alfred
and Christina Gifford are the parents of five
sons — Lawrence F. , Kdward A., Frederick
W., George B., and William L. George B.
and Lawrence V. Gifford are in Philadelphia.
William L. and l<"redciick W. Giff<ird reside
in Boston, Mass.
l^dvvarcl A. Gifford was reared on a farm,
and received his elementary education in the
common schools, subsequently continuing his
studies at home. Farly in life he formed the
resolve to achieve a prosi^erous career. He
obtained a legal clerkshiji in the office of J.
Washington Hiseerd, of Coxsackie, and during
his three years' stay there gained much valua-
ble knowledge and experience. He then en-
tered the Law Department of Union Univer-
sity at Albany, N.Y. ; and on January 25,
1884, four months before his graduation there-
from, he was admitted to the bar in Albany,
passing a brilliant examination. Three years
later, after successful practice of his profession
in New York City, he abandoned it in order to
accept a position as superintendent and general
passenger agent and excursion agent of the
Seneca F'alls & Cayuga Lake Railroad Com-
pany, and of the Cayuga Lake Park Company
at Seneca Falls, this .State. These offices he
held until October, 1889; and the folhnving
month he again took up the practice of law,
settling in Athens.
In November, 1892, he was elected District
Attorney, being the second Republican to hold
that office in Greene County. Re-elected in
1895, he served until 1898, a period of six
years in all. As District Att<irney, Mr. Gif-
ford won a high re|iutation for ability and con-
scientious devotion to official duty. He con-
ducted without assistance the prosecution of
George W. Hess, indicted for murder in the
second degree for the killing of Hezekiah
Bedell (a colored man) ; also of Pasquale Ca-
scrta, who was tried for murder in the second
degree for the killing of his cousin, Joseph
Caserta. In the first case he had against him
the Hon. Jacob H. Chute and the Hon. Eu-
gene liurlingame, of Albany, but secured the
conviction of Hess. In the second case the
accused was defended liy I\gbert Palmer, Esq.,
of Catskill ; but again Mr. Gifford won his case,
and convicted Caserta of murder in the second
degree, as charged in the indictment. Both
cases excited great public interest, and rank
among the most celebrated criminal cases ever
tried in Greene County. Mr. Gifford is at the
present time attorney for the Union Commer-
cial Co-operati\'e Bank of Albnnv, for the town
of Athens.
Mr. Gifford was marrietl on June 22, 1881,
to ]'",lla J. Porter, of Athens, eldest ilaughter of
Clark and Charlotte C. (Mead) Porter. Her
paternal grandfather was Israel R. Porter, who
died in 1874; and her maternal grandfather was
Daniel Mead. Clark Porter was born in Scho-
harie County, but in childhood mo\'ed with his
parents to a farm in the town of Athens, where
he still resides. He is a prominent towns-
man, having been .Superxisor, Insjiector of
Elections, and for fifteen or twenty years As-
sessor. They had a family of seven children;
namely, l^la J. (Mrs. Clifford), Clark I.,
AM)K1.W K.W.MOXD.
I
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
349
Oliver G., Lottie C, Addison W., William,
and J. Melvin. All are living except
William.
Mr. Gilford i.s a member of the Knights of
Pythias Lodge, No. 129, of Athens, and Grand
Master of the E.xchequer of the Grand Lodge
of the Knights of Pythias of the State of New
York. He is also a member of the Catskill
Tribe of Red Men, and of the Board of Trade
of Athens, and is vice-president of the Elec-
tric Light Company of his town.
tKV. ANDREW VAN VRANKEN
RAYMOND, D.D., LL.D, president
— ^ of Lhiion University, Schenectady,
was born at Vischer's Ferr)-, Saratoga County,
N.Y., August 8, 1854, son of the Rev. Henry
Augustus and Catharine M. Raymond. On
the paternal side he is descended from a long
line of American ancestors of English origin,
the first of whom crossed the Atlantic in 1629.
The grandfather was Clapp Raymond, a native
of Norvvalk, Conn.
The Rev. Henry Augustus Raymond, the
father, was born in Patterson, Putnam County,
N.Y. , May 30, 1804. He was graduated at
Yale University with the class of 1825; and,
entering the ministry, he labored in tlic Dutch
Reformed churches in New York State during
the greater part of his active period.
Andrew Van Vranken Raymond completed
the regular course of study at the Troy High
School in 1871, was graduated from Union
College in 1775, and from the New Bruns-
wick Theological Seminary in 1878. His
initial call was to the First Reformed
Church in Paterson, N.J., where he remained
from 1878 to 1 88 1. He occupied the pul-
pit of Trinity Reformed Church, Plainfield,
N.J., for the succeeding si.\ years; and, ac-
cepting a call to the pastorate of the Fourth
Presbyterian Church, Albany, he labored in
tiiat city for seven years, or until 1894. He
was the ninth pastor of that church, and the
fifth occupant of its pulpit to be selected for
college work, having been chosen president
of Union University in 1894. He was hon-
ored by his Alma Mater with the degree of
Doctor of Divinity in 1S87 and by Williams
College with that of Doctor of Laws in 1894.
He was elected moderator of the Presbyterian
Synod of New York in 1891 ; was a commis-
sioner to the General Assembly of the Presby-
terian church for the years 1888, 1891, and
1893. He belongs to the Phi Beta Kappa and
the Alpha Delta Phi Societies.
LMER E. PELHAM, proprietor of "The
Kenwood," at Haines Falls, town
of Hunter, Greene County, N. Y., was born
near Palenville, this county, August 30, 1863,
son of Snyder and Christina (Sa.xe) Pelham.
His parents are natives of the same town,
and his grandfather, Peter Pelham, was a
lifelong resident of the vicinity of Palen-
ville. His father learned the trade of a black-
smith, which he followed near Palenville many
years, and he is still living at his former place
of business. He is a Republican in politics.
His wife, Christina, was a daughter of Jere-
3S«
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
miah Saxe, a farmer near Palenville. She
is the mother of four sons, all of whom are
living; namely, Jeremiah P., Harvey C. ,
Elmer E., and Adam A. The jiarents attend
the Reformed church.
Elmer E. Pelham was educated in the com-
mon schools of his native town, and remained
at home until sixteen years of age. He then
came to the Haines Falls House, where he was
employed for twelve years, and at the expira-
tion of that time he erected the present house,
known as "The Kenwood," situated near the
Haines Corners railroad station. It is located
on high ground, is equipped with all modern
improvements, and has accommodations for
fifty jaeople. Mr. Pelham has been in the
boarding business nearly ten years, has been
successful, and is well known throughout the
county.
In 1888 Mr. Pelham was united in marriage
with Elida F. Fatum, daughter of Henry
l-'atum, of Saugerties, N.Y. Mr. and Mrs.
Pelham have one son, Fred E.
DWARD ADAMS, wholesale and retail
.dealer in meat at Haines Falls, N. Y. ,
was born in Durham, Greene County, I'ebruary
I, 1838, son of Seymour and Maria (Chidister)
Adams. His grandfather, Joseph Adams, who
was a native of Connecticut and of English
descent, carried on a farm in the vicinity of
Hartford when a young man, later moving to
Durham, near Cornwallville, where he spent
some years, and then settled on a farm in
Cairo, where he died at the advanced age of
ninety-seven years. Grandfather's wife, with
whom he lived for over seventy years, died at
the age of ninety-nine years and six months.
She was the mother of five children.
Seymour Adams, father of Edward, was born
in Hartford, Conn., and was educated in the
common schools. He began to support him-
self by conducting a farm on shares, later
coming to Cairo, where he purchased a piece
of property and rented it to the agricultural
society. He was engaged in business in the
village of Cairo for a time, and on relinquish-
ing that he gave his whole attention to his
farm, which was devoted to dairy purposes.
F'or forty-four years he supplied the Catskill
Mountain House with poultry, butter, and
eggs. In politics he usually votetl the Repub-
lican ticket, and was well known throughout
the county. He was a charter member of the
Masonic lodge in Cairo. His wife, Maria,
was a daughter of William Chidister, of Kiska-
tom. Her father was a farmer, and in early
life owned the proiK'rt}' which was later pur-
chased by her husband. The last years of his
life were spent in retirement at Cairo, where he
died at the age of eighty-two. Seymour and
Maria C. Adams were the parents of five chil-
dren; namely, Edward, Emily, William, liliz-
abeth, and Eliza. lunily married William
Lewis, of Cairo, N.Y. ; William resides in
Rensselaer County, New York; and Eliza died
at the age of thirty-five.
Edward Adams was educated in the common
schools. He worked on a farm in Acra until
his marriage, when he jnuxhased a farm in
Cairo, on which he followed farming until
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
3SI-
1870. In that year he came to his present lo-
cation, three and one-half miles from Tanners-
ville, on the Little Delaware Turnpike, and
started in the meat business, having as a sole
customer the Catskill Mountain House, which
he has supplied for the past twenty-eight years.
As the hotels increased in number, he added
to his list of patrons the Laurel House, the
Hotel Kaaterskill, and others, his business
becoming extensive. He supplied in 1898
two hundred and thirty-two hotels and board-
ing-houses, selling in five Saturdays, from
July 30 to August 27, forty-four thousand
eight hundred and ninety-seven pounds of meat.
He runs three two-horse and two one-horse
wagons, and employs seventeen men. He
buys the choicest cuts of beef, slaughtered for
him in New York, and uses about two carloads
per week. He kills all the lamb and veal on
his own premises, employing a buyer of live
stock on the road, and keeps from ten to twelve
tons of beef on hand at all times during the
summer, his two refrigerators holding five hun-
dred tons of ice. By adhering to the prin-
ciple of fair dealing he has built up this large
trade unaided. His residence, barn, ice-house,
slaughter-house, and refrigerators were built
under his personal supervision. Pie keeps ten
horses and five wagons for delivering his meat.
He also owns a farm of one hundred acres.
In 1859 Mr. Adams married Adelia A.
Crary, a native of Delaware County, adopted
daughter of Jacob Craft. They have three
children: Jennie and Jessie, twins; and Ida
May. Jennie married George White, a hotel-
keeper near East Durham, N.Y. , son of Will-
iam White; and she has one son, Edward.
Jessie married Sherwood H. Camp, a carpen-
ter in Catskill, N.Y. , son of Harmon Camp,
formerly of Windham, N.Y. , and has one
daughter, Edna. Ida May married Joseph
Hand, of New York City, formerly manager of
Marlboro Hotel and now clerk for a broker in
Wall Street. They have three children — Eva,
Florence, and Joseph.
Mr. Adams is a Democrat in politics, and
takes an active interest in political matters.
He was Supervisor one term in Cairo, but re-
fused a renomination. He is a charter mem-
ber of Kademak Lodge, No. 693, F. & A. M.,
was Junior Warden when the lodge was first
established, and is one of the few now living
who organized the lodge. He is also a mem-
ber of the Royal Arch Masons. He is liberal
in his religious belief and a strict observer of
Sunday as a day of rest.
TTAHARLES H. RAMSEY, president of
I J| the Howe's Cave Association, was
^ ' born in Lawyersville, N. Y. , on Jan-
uary 3, 1853, son of the Hon. Joseph Henry
and Sarah (Boyce) Ramsey. He comes from
a line of able and honest men and stanch Re-
publicans. His great-great-grandfather was
one of the pioneer settlers of Schoharie
County. Frederick Ramsey, his grandfather,
was born in Guilderland, and worked there for
a time at his trade, which was that of black-
smith. He subsequently settled on a farm in
Cobleskill, where he spent the rest of his life,
attaining the age of seventy-eight years. He
352
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
died at the liome of one of his daughters. His
wife, whose maiden name was Sarah \'an
Schaick, lived to the advanced age of ninety-
four. She was a native of this county, and a
devoted member of the Methodist church. Of
their ten ciiil(hvn, seven daughters and one
son are living, the latter being Robert Ram-
sey, of Argusville.
The Hon. Joseph Henry Ramsey, for man)-
years a leading citizen of .Schoharie County,
was burn in tlie town of .Sharon <in January
29, 1816, and (lied in May, 1X94. He studied
law with Jedediah Miller, and was admitted to
practise in all the courts of the State in 1 .S40.
.Subsequent to this, he continued for some time
in Mr. Miller's office, and eventually suc-
ceeded to his i^racticc; but he afterward re-
moved his office to I.awyersville, where he
remained until his removal to Albany in 1863.
In 185s he rejiresented the Northern Assembly
Di.strict, having as his colleague from the
Southern District, Wilkinson Wilsey. This
was the last time the county was represented
by two members. In the fall of that year he
was sent as a delegate to the Whig State Con-
vention, and was made a member also of the
Joint Convention, composed of the members of
the Whig Convention and a .State convention
of Free .Soil Democrats, which foinied the Re-
publican party in this State. This was fol-
lowed by his election to the State Senate the
same year, as a Republican from the .Seven-
teenth Senatorial District, which comprised
Schoharie and Delaware Counties. In 1866
he was nominated as a candidate for Congress,
but failed of election. In 1S71, 1872, and
1873 he was a delegate from Albany to the
Republican State Convention, and also a mem-
ber of the Republican State Committee. He
took an active part against Judge Barnard, who
made the order in favor of Gould and Tisk,
and secured his impeachment by the Senate,
and the pas.sage of a decree forbidding the
judge to hold further office under the civil
government.
Joseph H. Ramsey was a well-known rail-
road man, having been officiall\- connected
with a nuniher of important roads. Trior to
1858 he was active in securing subscription
for the building of the Albany & Susque-
hanna Raili'oad, and showed himself so efficient
that in 185S he was chosen director and vice-
president of the company. This company was
organized in 1852; stock had been subscribed
along the line and at Albany to the amount of
a million dollars; and the city of Albany had
been authorized to loan the company, on cer-
tain conditions, another million dollars of its
bonds. Work had already begun at iliffeient
]ioints in Albaii)', Schoharie, Otsego, and
Broome Counties, but an unexpected revulsion
occurred in railroad affairs, which rendered it
difficult to secure further funds. This created
an uneasy feeling among the stockholders, and
they were glad to accept a jiroposal m:u\c by
the Delaware & Hudson Canal Comjiany, by
which the Canal C^ompany assumed the pay-
ment of the princi]ial and interest of the
bonded debt of the road, and the original
stockholders were to receive semi-annual divi-
dends of seven i)er cent, per annum. As this
was a virtual sale of the road and its franchises
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
353
to the Canal Company, Mr. Ramsey and others
of the directors were opposed to it. They
would have preferred to keep it independent of
any coal or other company, to have liberal
rates for transportation in order to have con-
tracted upon the line the largest amount of
business possible, and to have the original
stockholders reap the full benefits accruing.
As few roads in the State have been better
paying property, it is seen to-day that his
judgment was correct. After the execution of
the lease, Mr. Coe F. Young, the general
manager of the Canal Comisany, was elected
president of the road in place of Mr. Ramsey.
The latter was also president of the New York
& Albany Railroad Company, and, subsequent
to the death of the Hon. Erastus Corning,
president of the Albany Iron Manufacturing-
Company. The furnances of the last-named
company in Albany were built during his in-
cumbency. Mr. Joseph H. Ramsey was also
president of the Howe's Cave Cement Com-
pany. His wife, who was born in Sharon and
died in 1892, at the age of seventy-si.x, was
one of seven children born to Daniel Boyce,
farmer and miller of Shirley, and the grand-
daughter on her mother's side of Colonel Rice
of Revolutionary fame. Of Mrs. Ramsey's
seven children, three are living, namely : Har-
riet, who is the wife of the Rev. Pascal nar-
rower, pastor of the Episcopal church at West
New Brighton, Long Island; Frances, who
married Dr. H. A. Crary ; and Charles H.
Ramsey.
Charles H. Ramsey fitted for college at
VVilliamstown, Mass. He was graduated at
Cornell University in 1874, and from the Al-
bany Law School in 1875, and the following
year was admitted to the bar. Shortly after
he came to Howe's Cave as secretary of the
company, which had then just started. Upon
the death of his father he was made president.
He has watched the growth of the plant, and
has been closely identified with its develop-
ment. It is now one of the leading industries
of the county, and when running full time
employs one hundred and fifty men. Large
quantities of lime, cement, and plaster are
manufactured ; also building stone.
Mr. Ramsey was married in May, 1879, to
Annie E. Stevens, who was born in Sloanes-
ville, daughter of Mark W. and Lucy (Phelps)
Stevens. Her father, who died at the age of
sixty-eight, was the president of Schoharie
County Bank, and a very prominent man in
his section. Her mother dietl when Mrs.
Ramsey was twelve years old. Mr. and Mrs.
Ramsey have four children — Margaret, Joseph
H., Mark W., and Charles H.
Mr. Ramsey is a man of very varied busi-
ness interests. He is director in the Scho-
harie and Otsego Insurance Company, of
Cobleskill; president of the New York &
Canadian Pacific Railroad, which runs from
Ogdensburg to New York ; trustee of the
Cobleskill Cemetery, and member of the
Schoharie County Historical Society. He is
an attendant of the Reformed church, while
his wife is a member of the Presbyterian
church. P'raternally, he is a member of the
Masonic Lodge of Cobleskill, and of John L.
Lewis Chapter; also of the Kappa Alpha,
35-4
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
which is the oldest college society in exist-
ence. As might be expected, his political
principles arc Republican.
J@
R. A. W. CLARK, a skilful dental
^ m practitioner and graduate optician,
of Jefferson, Schoharie County, the
founder and for some years editor and pub-
lisher of the Ji-ffersoiiicDi, now known as the
Jefferson Courier, was born in Blenheim,
N. Y. , August 20, 1843, son of John A. and
Catherine (Van der Vort) Clark.
His paternal grandfather, Randall Clark,
came to this country from Rhode Island and
settled in Blenheim, where he became quite
an extensive farmer and land-owner. Randall
Clark married Phoebe Dorcas Tucker, and his
children were: Benjamin, Eliza, Alfred, John
A., Stephen, Lucinda, Charles, Mary J., Will-
iam, and Hilmer. Of these the only survivor
is Eliza, who is residing in Rhode Island.
Hilmer died while still young, and the other
sons all engaged in farming.
John A. Clark, Dr. Clark's father, came to
this county when a boy, and was reared at the
homestead which he occupied in part until his
death. He was prosperous as a general
farmer, and at one time owned al)out three
luindred and fifty acres of land. Politically,
he was in his later years a Republican. He
attended the Methodist Episcopal church, and
was an earnest advocate of temperance. He
lived to be sixty-six years old, and his wife
survived him ten years. They were the par-
ents of nine children, namely: A. \V. Clark,
the subject of this sketch; Alzada, wife of
C. B. Atwood, a lawyer of Watertown, Conn. ;
Lindon, a resident of Blenheim; Le Grantl
and La Grange, twins, both of whom live at
the homestead; Fremont, who resides in
Delhi, N. Y. ; John J., also a resident of that
town; Ida, who married VV. L. Cranch, and
resides at Thompson, Conn. ; and Ida Ursula,
who died when about six years old.
A. W. Clark pursued his elementary studies
in the common schools of Blenheim, and ad-
vanced in learning by attending the Stamford
Seminary. After leaving school he went to
Auburn, N.Y., with a view of engaging in
business, but at the solicitation of Dr. A. A.
Wood, who was then practising in Jefferson,
he began the study of medicine in that doc-
tor's office, and continued it for eighteen
months. P'ailing health caused him to relin-
quish his studies, and while resting he deter-
mined to abandon medicine for dentistry. He
accordingly became a student in the office of
Dr. H. S. Wood, of Stamford, with whom he
made rapid progress, and in 1866 he began
the practice of his profession in Jefferson,
where he has since resided. An experience
of over thirty years has given opportunities
for acquiring a varied knowledge of dentistry,
and his business is both large and profitable.
He has availed himself of all modern improve-
ments in the way of appliances. He is a
graduate of the National College of Electro-
therapeutics, Lima, Ohio, which college con-
ferred upon him the degree of Master of
Electro-theraiieutics (M.E.). He deals in
dentists' sup|)lies, and has travelled consider-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
3SS
ably in the interests of this branch of his
business.
In 1 87 1 Dr. Clark purchased a small job
printing-office for the purpose of devoting his
leisure moments to some useful employment,
and engaged in the printing of small hand-
bills, letter-heads, etc. He was shortly after-
ward requested by his fellow-townsmen to es-
tablish a newspaper, which he agreed to do
provided a sufficient sum was raised to pur-
chase a press. Although but half the neces-
sary amount was subscribed, he determined to
seethe scheme through; and, making up the
deficiency from his own pocket, he bought the
desired machinery. Without knowledge or
experience, he entered upon his new enter-
prise, to which he gave every moment of
time that could possibly be spared from
his professional duties; and as a result of
his indefatigable labors the initial number of
the Jeffersoiiiaii, the first newspaper ever
issued in Jefferson, was delivered to the
people on March 6, 1S72. The paper was a
success from the start, and its subsequent en-
largement was made necessary to meet the de-
mands of local advertisers. For about nine
years its founder continued to edit and pub-
lish the Jcjfcrsouian, which, under his man-
agement, performed its mission in an able
manner. He contributed much valuable mat-
ter in connection with the publication of the
Roscoe History of Schoharie County, and has
since written for publication in the Jefferson
Courier considerable historic matter, col-
lected as far back as 1730, pertaining to the
history of Schoharie County and the border
wars of New York, giving a detailed narrative
of many tragic scenes enacted on the frontiers
of New York. He is now engaged in collect-
ing dates and writing the history of the Clark
family.
Dr. Clark married Sarah A. Phincle,
daughter of William and Anna (Toles)
Phincle. They have had two children : Sarah,
who died in infancy; and La Mancha, who
was graduated at the Pennsylvania College of
Dental Surgery at Philadelphia in 1898, that
college conferring upon him the degree of
Doctor of Dental Surgery. He stood high in
his class of one hundred and eight, of which
he was the youngest. He married Florence
Lilian Lee, of Glen Castle, N.Y., on Febru-
ary 8, 1899. He is a fine operator, gold fil-
lings and crown and bridge work being his
specialty. The young Doctor is now asso-
ciated with his father in a large and successful
practice.
As a progressive, public-spirited citizen the
Doctor takes an active interest in public im-
provements, and is a stockholder in the water-
works. He belongs to the Masonic order and
other organizations, and frequently attends
the meetings of the State Dental Society.
The family are all members of the Methodist
Episcopal church.
ILLARD LARKIN, a practical and
progressive farmer of Schoharie,
N. Y. , was born at Central Bridge, Schoharie
County, October 3, i860, son of John W. and
Nancy M. (Enders) Larkin. His paternal
3S6
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
grandfather, Daniel Larkin, a native of Rhode
Island, was one of the jMoneer settlers of
Central Bridge, where he settled in early life,
and prior to his death, at the age of seventy
years, had redeemed a good farm from the
forest. He was a strong Re|niblican in poli-
tics, very influential in ]iuhlic affairs, and
served several years as County Sheriff, being
the only Republican in the county ever elected
to that office. His second wife, Nancy Boyd,
bori' him three children, one of whom was
Ji)lin W'., the father above named. Both
Daniel Larkin and his wife Nancy were mem-
bers of the Reformed church, in which he held
most of the offices.
John W. Larkin completed his education at
the CharlotteviUe Academy, and subsequently
assisted in the care of the old homestead,
which came into his possession after the death
of his parents. He was a very energetic and
thrifty farmer, successful in his unilertakings,
and he added to the improvements of the es-
tate the hue set of buildings now standing.
He died in the ])rime of life, at the age of
fifty-six years. An unswerving Republican in
politics, he served as Supervisor during four
terms of one year each, at one time being
chairman of the boanl, the only Republican
in the county to hold a similar office. I'or
several years he was one of the trustees of the
Lutheran church, to whicli he and his wife be-
longed, and he was also a valued worker in
the Sunday-school. He married Nancy M.
Enders, daughter of Peter I. Enders, an ex-
tensive farmer and land-owner of Central
IJridtre. Of the six children l)orn of their
union four are now living, as follows: Will-
ard, the subject of this sketch; Daniel; Mary
K., wife of Frederick R. Earquher; and
Delia B., wife of Robert -S. Arcularius, of
Brooklyn, N.Y. The mother died at the age
of forty-six years.
Willard Larkin received his education in
the common schools and at the Schoharie and
the Claverack Academies. Returning to the
parental home, he assisted in the farm work
for several years, and hel|Ted to erect the pres-
ent farm buildings. When ready to establish
a home of his own, he bought his present farm
of one hundred and five or more acres, which
by judicious toil and superior management he
has made one of the most valuable and attrac-
tive estates in this section of the county. A
few years ago he rebuilt the house, barn, and
out-buildings, which are commodious and well
equipped. Since the death of his mother I\lr.
Larkin has managed the homestead property
in connection with his own farm, having now
the charge of two hundred and twenty-five
acres of land, which he devotes to general
farming, stock-raising, and dairying. In pol-
itics he is a strong Republican, and in 1896
was elected Commissioner of Highways for a
term of two years.
On November 29, iS(Si, Mr. Larkin mar-
ried Ruth H. Hoag, who was born in Sloans-
ville, Schoharie County, daughter of John I.
and Mary (Carr) Hoag. Her grandfather,
David Hoag, was one of the earliest pioneers
of that village, where he was long engaged in
clearing and cultivating the land. He at-
tained the age of eighty-nine years. John I.
CI.AKENCIC E. lil.ooIXUJOl).
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
359
Hoag carried on farming on the old home
farm until his death, March 20, 1898. His
wife, Mary, was born in Carlisle, and was one
of the fourteen children of John and Eliza
(Sweetman) Carr, seven of whom are still liv-
ing. Ten children were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Hoag. The two now living are: Mrs.
Larkin; and her brother, George W. Hoag, a
merchant in Sloansville. Their mother died
at the age of fifty-six years.
Mr. and Mrs. Larkin's only child, John H.,
died wlien eleven years old. Mr. Larkin and
his wife are prominent members of the
Lutheran church at Central Bridge, of which
he is treasurer, and both are teachers in the
Sunday-school, in which Mr. Larkin has been
superintendent for six years. Mrs. Larkin is
president of the Home and Foreign Mission-
ary Society of Hartwick Synod; and Mr.
Larkin has been president of the County
Union of the Christian Endeavor Society for
five years, attending four meetings each year
in different parts of the county. In 1895 he
went as a delegate to the convention in
Cleveland. Mrs. Larkin is a member of the
local VV. C. T. U.
iL.'\RENCE E. BLOODGOOD, of the
Ji firm of Bloodgood & Tallmadge, Cats-
kill's well-known attorneys, was
born in Jewett on February 3, 1849, •'^"''' "^f
Jason and Lucinda (Coe) Bloodgood. His
father, who is now, at the age of eighty-four,
living retired in the village of Hensonville,
is tlie grandson of William Bloodgood, one of
tlie pioneer settlers of Conesville, Schoharie
County, coming to that place from New Jer-
sey and originally from Long Island.
William Bloodgood fought for American in-
dependence in the Revolutionary War. His
wife, whose maiden name was Mary Dingle,
was from New England. She died in 1833,
surviving her husband si.xteen years, his death
having occurred in 1817. Their son, Lewis,
the ne.Nt in line of descent, was born in Sclio-
harie County, and spent his life there in the
town of Conesville, engaged in farming. He
married Catherine Califf. He died about
1 82 1, when his son Jason was a lad of si.x
years.
Jason Bloodgood began his working life
when very young. He was engaged for a
number of years at farming and lumbering in
his native town, and then he removed to a farm
in Jewett, where he remained until 1887.
Since that time he has resided in Hensonville.
He is a Democrat in politics. His wife, Mrs.
Lucinda C. Bloodgood, died in 1893. She
was born in Jewett on October i, 1809, being
the daughter of Justus and Ruth (Bailey) Coe
and one of a family of six children. Her
father was born in Goshen, Conn., and came to
Jewett in the early days of its settlement, find-
ing his way thither by means of marked trees.
There he spent the remainder of his days,
making his home at first in a tiny log cabin
and having but the barest necessities of life.
He was a Deacon in the Presbyterian church,
which he helped to build, and one of its active
supporters throughout his life. He died at
the age of eighty-four, and his wife died at the
360
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
age of sixty-five. None of their seven chil-
dren are living.
Ja.son and Lucinda C. liloodgood were the
parents of seven children, of whom six arc liv-
ing. These are as follows: Levi; Cyrus E. ;
Clarence E. ; Tremain S., of Jewett ; Mary,
who is the wife of IVIr. Van Valkenberg, of
Catskill; and Isaac L. All the men of this
family are prominent citizens in the towns
where they reside. Three of the brothers ha\'e
been Town Supervisors. Levi and Isaac are
in partnership, and conduct the large general
merchandise business at Hensonville. Levi
and his brother Cyrus E. bought the business
in 1868 of Messrs. Brown & Loughran, and
were in i)artnership for seventeen years, when
Cyrus sold his interest to the youngest
brother. Levi Bloodgood married Kate Bed-
ford, of Delaware County, and has two daugh-
ters : Lena, who was educated at Stamford
Seminary, and is now a teacher of vocal and
instrumental music; and Lettie, who is in
school. He is one of the leading Democrats
of his county, was Town Supervisor in 1890
and 1 89 1, has been chairman of the Town
Committee and many times a delegate to both
town and county conventions. He is a mem-
ber of the Methodist church and prominent in
Sunday-school work. Cyrus E. Bloodgood is
at the present time Clerk of Greene County.
He was chairman of the Board of Supervisors
of the county in 1882. Tremain is a farmer.
For two years he represented his town, Jewett,
in the Greene County Board of Supervisors.
Clarence E. Bloodgood in his early years at-
tended the common schools, and subsequently
a school at Jewett Heights. He then taught
two terms in Jewett, and in 1S69 entered
Stamford Seminary. There he continued his
studies until July, 1871, with the exception of
one winter, during which he was teaching. In
July, 1 87 1, he took the examinations for Yale,
passing through New York on the twelfth of
the month, while the Orangemen's riot was in
progress. In the fall of that year he entered
the Freshman class, and in 1875 was graduated
in the classical department, receiving honors.
Among his classmates were the following-
named men, who have since been distinguished
in national life: John Patton, United States
Senator from Michigan; Albert S. Jenks, re-
cently elected Judge of the Supreme Court of
the Second District of New York State; John
S. Seymour, formerly of Connecticut, now of
New York City, who was Commissioner of Pat-
ents under Cleveland's last administration;
Edward S. Jones, Fir.st Assistant Postmaster-
General under the same administration; lul-
ward S. Atwater, of Poughkeepsie, candidate
for Comptroller on the Democratic ticket in
1898; and Edward C. .Smith, at present Gov-
ernor of Vermont.
In the fall of iS'75 Mr. Bloodgood was
elected School Commissioner of the First Dis-
trict of Greene County ; and this position he
held for nine years. In 1879 he began the
study of law in the office of J. B. Olney, of
Catskill, and in January, 1885, was admitted
to the bar. He immediately began the prac-
tice of law, and twelve years later formed the
partnership with Mr. Tallmadge. The firm
has one of the largest law libraries in the
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
361
county, and its practice is very extensive.
Both partners have a wide circle of acquaint-
ance throughout this section of the State, and
command universal confidence.
In 1 89 1 and 1S92 Mr. Bloodgood served as
State Senator from the Fourteenth District,
which then included Greene, Ulster, and
Schoharie Counties. He was a memher of the
Judiciary Committee, of the Committee on
Finance, and of the Committee on Canals,
Roads, Bridges, and Poor Laws, and was
chairman of the last two. He introduced some
hills of importance, among others one that had
been many times before presented and as often
failed to pass. Against the opposition of
members from large cities he secured the
passage of the law, enlarging the scope of in-
vestments for savings-banks. Mr. Bloodgood
believes in "sound money." He has been
continuously active in all duties of good
citizenship since he graduated from college.
In 1S95 he was chairman of the Democratic
County Committee. He is at the present time
a member of the State Committee for the
Twenty-fifth Senatorial District. He has
been a member of the State Bar Association
since 1S92. In 1S97 he was elected vice-
president of the association for the Third Judi-
cial District of the State of New York, and
last January was re-elected to the same posi-
tion for the current year. In i8g6 also he was
appointed by the Secretary of the Interior spe-
cial commissioner to investigate certain mat-
ters connected with the Osage Indians; but, as
the acceptance of the position would require
him to spend an indefinite time in the Indian
Territory, he felt obliged to decline the honor.
Mr. Bloodgood was married in 1892 to Joseph-
ine L. Case, of Catskill, daughter of Hiram
Case. Mrs. Bloodgood was born in what is
known as Potter's Hollow, Albany County.
Mr. Bloodgood during the two years, 1895 and
1896, was president of the Rip Van Winkle
Club, which is the leading social club of Cats-
kill. He is secretary and treasurer of the Com-
mercial Mutual Fire Insurance Association of
Catskill.
M
OW FONDA VROMAN, a leading
i(^ . citizen of Middleburg and represen-
tative of one of the oldest families
in the county, was born in this town on a farm
adjoining his present dwelling-place on No-
vember 14, 1 83 1, his parents being Henry and
Catharine (Hagadorne) Vroman.
The first title to Schoharie lands known to
have been recorded was obtained by his ances-
tor, Adam Vroman, from the Indians, and has
since been known as Vroman's land. It is
located two miles south-west of Middleburer.
The conveyance is dated Schenectady, August
20, 171 1. Adam Vroman obtained a royal
patent to these lands from King George on
August 26, 1 7 14. On March 30, 1726, he
obtained a new grant from the Indians.
Twenty families of Hollanders settled here,
and there was considerable friction between
them and the Palatinates before friendly rela-
tions were established. Adam Vroman was
born in Holland in 1649, and came to this
country with his father, Hendrick Meese Vro-
man, in 1670, settling first in Schenectady.
362
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
The father was killed in the massacre there in
1690. Adam's two brothers were named Jan
and Bartholomew. He lived in Schenectady
diirinfj the i^reater part of his life, and is bur-
ied there; but his death occurred in Middle-
bur.L; in 1730, at the home of iiis son. He was
three times married, successively to Engeltie
Ryckman, Grietje Van .Slyck, and Grietje
Takelse Hemstreet. His first wife and her
infant child were killed in the massacre.
.Adam's son Peter was born in Schenectady
on IMay 4, 1684. He came fmrn that place,
and settled in Middleburg, in the part now-
called F'ulton, on the banks of the -Schoharie
River, where he cleared a large tract of land.
His relations with the Indians were most
friendly. He died in 1777. His wife,
(irietje Van Alstyne, who was born in Albany
of Dutch parentage, was the mother of twehe
children, seven sons and five daughters.
Adam Vroman, second, son of the above
named Peter, and great-grandfather of Dow F.
Vroman, was born at P^ulton on September 21,
1707. and died of consumption in 1754. De-
spite his feeble health, he was a man of much
energy, and one of the most progressive
farmers of this region.
Jonas Vroman, grandfather of the sLibjcct of
this sketch, was born in Middleburg, now P'ul-
ton, on Ai)ril i, 1735, and died on April 16,
1804. U|ion reaching his majority, he moved
to the farm which adjoins Dow ¥. Vroman's
])roperty, and there built in 1792-93 the
hou.se, the main [lart of which is .still stand-
ing. He was a lifelong fainier. His wife,
whose maiden name was Deliah Hager, died
in 1S30, at the age of ninety-one. They were
the parents of two sons.
Of these Henry, above named, was born on
the farm his father had settled, and there he
continued to reside thoughout his life. Ujjon
the death of his father he came into ]iossession
of the propety. He was a man of considera-
ble prominence hereabouts, and was at differ-
ent times Lieutenant and Captain in the
militia. Both he and his wife Catherine were
members of the Dutch Reformed church. The
latter was a native of Middleburg, now Ful-
ton, and daughter of John Hagadorne. She
died at the age of seventy-nine ; and her hus-
banil died on March 2, 1859, at the age of
eighty-two. Of their family of ten children,
three are living; namely, Dow Fonda, Adam,
and Susan, who is the wife of Lsaac Borst.
Dow F. Vroman received good mental train-
ing in the public schools, and resided at home
with his parents until he was twenty years of
age, at the end of which time he left home and
travelled for about four years. Returning
then to Middleburg, he purchased the farm of
forty acres adjoining his father's estate, which
has since been his home. In 1854 he married
Margaret Smith, one of a family of ten chil-
dren born to Martin Smith, a farmer of Albany
County, New York. Of this union nine chil-
dren have been born, namely: Eugene, who
resides in Middleburg; Charles, who married
Mary Best, and is engaged in business here;
Henry, who is a farmer in California; Kate,
who resides with her ])arents ; Dow, a lawyer
of Tonawanda, Niagara County, a graduate of
Union College antl Albany Law School;
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
363
Smith, an engineer in California; Margaret,
who resides with lier parents; Guy, who is
a civil engineer, a graduate of Union College,
Schenectady, in the class of 1898'; and Roy,
who is attending the high school. Mr. Vro-
man is a man of superior intelligence, and pos-
sesses a wide and thorough knowledge of men
and affairs. He has made a careful study of
the family history, and is an authority on all
points connected with it. In politics he is a
Democrat ; but, although he is one of the lead-
ing men in his party, he has never cared to
hold public office. In 1890, iSgi, and 1892
he served as Supervisor of Middleburg. His
wife and two daughters are members of the Re-
formed church.
T^HAUNCEY W. HINMAN, attorney-
l J[ at-law and Justice of the Peace, resid-
^ ^ ing at Schoharie, N. Y. , was born
in Middleburg on June 4, 1835, son of John
S. and Margaret (Pausley) Hinman. His
grandfather, Justus Hinman, by occupation a
mechanic, was a native of the State of Con-
necticut. He removed to Kinderhook, Co-
lumbia County, in this State, among the early
settlers, and he lived there during the re-
mainder of his life. He died at the age of
eighty-one. His wife, who was before her
marriage Alice Spencer, was also born in
Connecticut. She lived to be eighty years of
age, and reared a family of eight children.
Of these only one son, Franklin by name, is
living. Both parents were members of the
Baptist church.
John S. Hinman was born in Kinderhook,
and was brought up in that town. When a
mere boy he left home, and for some years
subsequently he Journeyed from one place to
another, until at length he settled in Middle-
burg and carried on wagon-making, later en-
gaging in the practice of law. He became an
attorney of some note, and continued practice
for a quarter of a century. He was also Jus-
tice of the Peace for many years. In politics
he was a Democrat. His death occurred at
the age of fifty-si.\. His first wife, Margaret,
the mother of Chauncey W. Hinman, was the
daughter of Frederick and Christiana Pausley,
the father a lifelong farmer and during his
last years a resident of Middleburg. She was
bcrn in Schoharie, and died at the age of
thirty-three. Of the si.\ children born to
her, four are living, the record being as
follows: Chauncey; Charles; Helen, who is
the widow of William Bouck; and Mary
Jane, who is the wife of Jacob L. Zimmer, of
Wright. Mrs. Margaret Hinman was a de-
voted member of the Methodist church. The
second wife was a sister of the first, and she
was the mother of John, Justice, Albert,
Alice, and Catharine, of whom John and Jus-
tice are living. She died at the age of fifty-
eight.
Chauncey W. Hinman attended the public
schools until sixteen years of age, when he
left home and went to work in Franklinton
and Livingstonville, where he remained for
a short time. He subsequently worked in
Utica and elsewhere in Oneida County, in Al-
bany, and in Ohio, as a clerk, and then re-
3^4
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
turned to Middleburg, where he learned the
harness-maker's trade, and subsequently car-
ried on business until 1862, when he enlisted
in Company D of the One Hundred and
Thirty-fourth Regiment as a private. He was
in active service, and through successive pro-
motions rose to the rank of Second Lieuten-
ant and finally to that of First Lieutenant.
He was at Chancellorsville and at Gettys-
burg, and at Tilton, in the fall of 1864, was
taken prisoner by the rebel forces. He was
carried to Andersonville, and there for six
months endured horrors worse than those of
open warfare. From being a solid, well-built
man weighing one hundred anil sixty-eight
pounds, he became reduced to a mere skele-
ton, and escaped death only by the fortunate
circumstance of his release. He saw thou-
sands of men breathe their last in the prison,
victims of starvation and disease. The daily
rations, whicli were never varied, were one-
half pint of corn meal, the same quantity of
beans, and one spoonful of molasses or two
ounces of meat. To this was added, once in
three days, a small tahlespoonful of salt.
Thirty men of Mr. Hinman's company shared
the horrors of prison life with him.
With peace came his release and subsequent
discharge from the army. Returning then to
Middleburg, Mr. Hinman began the business
of harness-making, but in 1867 he came to
Schoharie and began the study of law. Two
years later he was admitted to the bar, and at
once formed a partnership with his brother,
which continued until 1871. Since that time
Mr. Hinman has been alone. He is the sec-
ond oldest lawyer in practice in the town.
I'or eight years he has been a Justice of the
Peace and for many years a trustee of the
Union School.
Mr. Hinman was married in 1872 to Alice
ver Plank, who was born in Wright, a daugh-
ter of Alanson ver Plank and one of a family
group of five children. Of this union six
children were born^ as follows: Nellie M.,
Douglas A., Herbert W., Mabel, Alice, and
C. Ford. Nellie M. , who is a graduate of
Vassar College, is the assistant principal of
the Union School. Douglas is a graduate of
the Albany Law School and a practising
lawyer in Berne, Albany County. Herbert
W. is in business with a florist in Saratoga
Springs. Mabel, who was educated at the
Young Ladies' Seminary at Binghamton, is
now in Europe. Alice is a student in the
Union School, Schoharie. C. Ford Hinman
is studying law in his father's office.
Mr. Hinman is an Odd Fellow of To-wos-
scholer Lodge, No. 546. He is a member
and trustee of the Stock Growers' Associa-
tion. He has a general law practice, and also
acts as pension attorney. In politics he is a
Democrat. Mr. Hinman and his family are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
and he is a trustee of the society. Both he
and his wife have been teachers in the Sun-
day-school.
Y^A GRAND I. TREADWELL, a pro-
IJ grcssive farmer and prominent citizen
^"^ ^ of Jefferson, Schoharie County,
N.Y., was born in Harpersfield, 13elavvare
JAMES T. WVATl'.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
367
County, this State, October 7, 1845, son of
James T. and Eliza A. (Buckingham) Tread-
well.
His father, James T. Treadwell, was a na-
tive of Harpersfield, N.Y., born August 6,
181 2. He was one of the leading men of his
town, where he held the office of Supervisor.
He was also a Colonel in the militia. A
stanch Republican in politics, he was a great
admirer of Lincoln, Grant, Seward, and other
great men of his party who liad jirovcd their
fitness for high place by the magnitude of
their services to their country. In religion
he was a Methodist and a prominent ofificer of
that church. His wife, Eliza, who was born
in Jefferson, Schoharie County, July 14,
181 1, was a daughter of Isaac and Sally Buck-
ingham, her father being a prosperous farmer.
She died in her native town, February 27,
1896, having survived her husband nearly
twenty-five years, he having passed away
April 26, 1871. Their children were: Orrin,
Sarah, Cassius, La Grand, and Addie.
La Grand I. Treadwell received a good dis-
trict-school education. He began early to ac-
quire a practical knowledge of agriculture,
and since his youth has been engaged in farm-
ing. His present farm of one hundred and
ten acres is well located, and, kept by him in
a high state of cultivation, it produces satis-
factory financial results. Mr. Treadwell is a
man of good business capacity, progressive in
his methods, an untiring worker, and thor-
oughly wide-awake to every opportunity for
the improvement t>f liis property. That he
stands high among his fellow-townsmen may
be inferred from the fact that he has been
called upon to serve them as Commissioner of
Highways and as Supervisor. He attends the
Methodist church. He belongs to the Ma-
sonic order, being a member of Lodge No.
554, F. & A. M., of Jefferson.
He married September 22, 1885, Miss Jean-
ette C. Grant, a native of Stamford, Delaware
County, N.Y., and a daughter of Alfred B.
and Maria A. (Davenport) Grant. Mr. and
Mrs. Treadwell are the parents of one child,
J. Logan Treadwell, who was born August 12,
1887.
's^JYAMES T. WYATT, ex-Supervisor of
Glenville and a veteran of the Civil
War, was born in Halifax, N. S., Octo-
ber 22, 1834, son of John F. and Charlotte
(Stewart) Wyatt. His father was a native of
New Jersey, and his mother of Nova Scotia.
John Wyatt, his grandfather, who was born
in Charleston, S. C, served in the Revolution-
ary War, and for some years was a planter in
his native State. Coming Nortii, John Wyatt
resided in New York State for a time, but his
last days were spent in Nova Scotia. The
tamily is of iMiglish origin. Probably its first
representative in this country was Sir I-'rancis
Wyatt, one of the early Colonial governors of
Virginia, the first term of his wise and pacific
administration beginning in October, 1621.
John I". Wyatt, the father of the subject of
this sketch, was a carjienter, and followed liis
trade during his active years. Moving from
Nova .Scotia to New York State, he resided in
Albany until going to Cattaraugus Comity;
368
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
and he died in Jamestown, Chautauqua County,
at the age of eighty-three years. In politics
he was a Republican. His wife, Charlotte,
was the mother of seven chilthen, four of whom
are living, namel)' : John A. and James T. ,
both residents of (llcnville; ICleanor, wife of
,M. (1. Maitvii, of Jamestown; and William
II. W'yatt, of Akron, ()hio. The others were :
liliza C, Harriet, and .Xdilaidc. Mrs. Char-
lotte S. Wyatt died in Akron, Ohio, at the age
of .seven ty-si.\ years. In religious faith the
]iarents were Episcopalians.
James T. Wyatt was reared in Albany and
educated in the schools of that city. When a
young man he entered the grocery business as
a clerk, and remained in that emplo\ment for
four years. In October, 1861, he enlisted as
a pri\ate in an independent organization known
as the Havelock Battery, which was raised in
Albany, and became attached to the Army of
the Potomac. He participated in some of the
most stubbornly contested engagements of the
Civil War, including the battle of Chancellors-
\ille, where he was wounded, and rose to the
rank i}f l''irst Lieutenant, being discharged as
such, Januarv 24, 1S65. The .State of New
\'ork gave him the rank ol Hrexet Major. Re-
turning to Albany, he in 1866 became travel-
ling salesman for Biu'ton & Co., dealers in
mouldings, jjicture frames, and similar wares,
and remained with that concern for eight years.
In 1877 lie bought his jiresent farm in Glen-
ville, containing one hunilred and forty-two
acres of desirable land situated in the beautiful
and fertile Mohawk \alU-y, one of the finest
agricultural regions in the State. lie displays
unusual practical ability and good judgment in
managing his jiroperty, which yields a good
income, the energy of its owner being visible
on every hand.
In |une, 1867, Mr. W\'att was united in
marriage with Aiuia M. Rectoi', who was born
in Glenvillc, May 25, 1835, daughter of Will-
iam Rector and a representative of an old fam-
ily of this town.
Politically, Mi'. \\'yatt is a Republican.
He served with ability as Supervisor during
the years 1882, 1883, 1884, and 1886. He is
a comrade of Horsfall Post, No. 90, (i. A. R.,
of Schenectady. Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt have
no children. They attend the Episcojjal
church.
RNEST E. BILLINGS, M.D., the lead-
ing physician of Gilboa, Schoharie
County, N. Y., is a native of Broome, this
State. He was born on September 29, 1859,
to Peter L. and Amelia (Brayman) Billings.
His great-grandfather Billings came to this
place from Connecticut. He was of luiglish
ancestry.
The Doctor's paternal grandfather, JcjIui
Billings, lived and died in this count)', and
was a lifelong farmer. His children were as
follows: Thaddeus; Peter; Charles; William;
Emma, who is the wife of Lewis Brazee;
Ellen, who is the widow of Emerson Camp-
bell; and Luther, who died at the age of
twenty-one years. Charles and William Bill-
ings both reside in this county.
Peter Billings during the greater part of his
active life was engaged in farming at Broome,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
369
but he lived for a time in Greene County.
Politically, he was a stanch Republican. For
a number of years he was Poormaster. He
was a member of the oUl school Baptist
church and one of its most zealous upholders.
His four children were: Ernest E. and Erwin
B., twins; Anna, who married Albert Palmer;
and Burton, who died at the age of twenty-
three years.
Ernest E. Billings during his boyhood at-
tended school at Broome and subsequently at
Rensselaerville Academy. In his early years
he had access to a well-selected library, wliich
probably in a measure determined the course
of his later life. This library consisted
largely of works of science and history. It
had been accumulated by his maternal grand-
father, Benjamin Brayman, who resided in
Broome. Mr. Brayman was a genuine lover
of books. Not a volume on his shelves but
was one of value and standing, and not one
that he had not read and digested. His mem-
ory for facts was wonderful, and no one here-
abouts could equal him in extent of knowl-
edge. He was extremely logical, and could
floor any one in an argument. Withal, he was
a successful man of affairs. At that time,
when gootl books, or indeed books of any sort,
were difficult to get, his library unquestion-
ably exerted a great influence in moulding the
future of his grandson.
After leaving school Ernest E. Billings
taught for four or five terms, as also his twin
brother, who subsequently obtained a State
certificate. P'rom boyhood it had been his
ambition to be a physician, and accordingly,
as soon as the opportunity presented itself, he
began the study of medicine with his uncle,
Dr. E. Brayman, of Livingstonville. After
a year spent there he entered the medical de-
partment of the University of the City of New
York in 1881, and in 1884 he was graduated
at that institution with the coveted degree of
Doctor of Medicine. While there he showed
especial proficiency in mathematics and in
microscopy. He was one of two to receive a
certificate in the latter study. He immedi-
ately began the practice of his profession in
Conesville, where he remained until October
5, 1887. Since that time he has been settled
in Gilboa. The Doctor still has more or less
practice in Conesville, and, in fact, in the
four counties of Delaware, Greene, Schoharie,
and Albany. His calmness at all times and
his sympathy in the sick-room fortify him for
attendance on the most serious or critical
cases, and his warm heart and generous ex-
pression of feeling win for him the lasting
gratitude of his patients and their friends.
He has made a special study of the diseases of
women and children.
Politically, the Doctor is a Republican.
He was Town Clerk in Broome in 1883, and
is at the present time Health Officer of Gil-
boa. Since iSgo he has been a member of
the Dutch Reformed church. P^ir two years
he was a Deacon in the church, and for the
last three years has been Elder. He is a
Mason of Gilboa Lodge, No. 630, and at the
present time secretary of the lodge. Profes-
sionally, he is a member of the Schoharie
County Medical Society. He is one of the
37°
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
stockholders in the weekly paper jniblished at
Gilboa.
Dr. Joinings married Carrie Richtmyer,
daughter of I'cter Richtmyer and descendant
of one of the old and honored families of this
vicinity. They have one child, Ernestine.
ACA''/ ll.I-IAM W. CHAPMAN, a prac-
tical and pmspi.-rous agriculturist of
JMiUcn, Schoharie County, was born on the
farm where he now resides, known as the
Chajiman homestead, November 14, 1846, a
son of Jacob Chapman. His great-grand-
father Chapman was one of the very early set-
tlers of Columbia County, New York, where
he owned an extensive tract of land and
about sixty slaves.
William Chapman, the grandfather of Will-
iam W., was born and educated in Columbia
County, but afterward became a pioneer of
Albany County, whither he removed with his
family at an early day. He also was a slave-
holder, and before his death, which occurred
when he was but forty-seven years old, he had
cleared a large farm, and had come to hold an
important position among the influential men
of the town of Rensselaerville, iti which he
had settled. His wife, whose maiden name
was Eva .Solpaugh, dietl at the age of seventy-
five years, after rearing a number of children.
In religion they were both of the Hajitist per-
suasion.
Jacob Cha])maii was born in Rensselaer-
ville, Albany County, where he resided until
twenty-seven years old. Coming then to
Schoharie County, he purchased one hundred
acres of woodland, on which almost the only
improvement visible was a small log house
that occupied the site of the present substan-
tial dwelling on the Chapman homestead, the
house subsequently erected by him. He
cleared a large part of the land he first pur-
chased, and, having bought another lot of forty
acres, carried on general farming and stock-
raising with great success until his death, at
the venerable age of eighty-seven years. In
politics he was a Jacksonian Democrat, and
served one or more terms as Overseer of the
Poor. His wife, Huldah Winans, was the
daughter of Klder John Winans, for many
years a Baptist minister at Preston Hollow,
Albany County, where she was born anil bred.
They had eleven children, eight of whom are
living, as follows: Spenci.'r, a farmer residing
near the old homestead; Nancy C, wife of
Chauncey Shattuck; Adam M., a farmer at
Bouck's Falls; Maria, widow of the late
Almon Mann; Isabella, wife of Hiram P'cker-
son; Klizaheth, widow of the late Dr. George
Holmes; James P., former .Supervisor of Mid-
dleburg; and William W., the special subject
of this sketch. The mother also attained a
good old age, passing away at the age of four-
score and four years. Both parents were
members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
in which the father served long and faithfully
as steward and class leader. Their son Peter,
who was graduated from the Normal School,
and afterward attended private lectures and
the Philadelphia Meilica! College, went West
when a young man, and, settling in Iowa, was
liAKNARL) olIARA.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
373
there engaged first as a teacher and later as a
physician. He subsequently lived in Ne-
braska, and for six years was School Commis-
sioner in Lincoln. Returning to Schoharie
County, he practised medicine in Richmond-
ville for si.x years, going from there to New
Me.xico, where he had a lucrative position in
a government land office until his death, at the
age of forty-nine years.
William \V. Chapman succeeded to the
ownership of the home farm of one iiundred
and fort}' acres, on which he has spent his
entire life, being known throughout the com-
munity as one of its most skilful and thrifty
farmers. Enei'getic and inihistrious, and well
versed in the science of agriculture, he is
meeting with well-merited success in his
chosen vocation. In addition to raising the
crops common to this region, he carries on to
some extent dairying and the raising of
draught horses, in which he has been some-
wiiat interested. A firm supporter of the
principles of the Democratic party, he takes
an active interest in local affairs. He has
served on both the Town and the County Com-
mittee and in 1891, 1892, 1S93, and 1894 he
was .Supervisor, having been elected and sub-
sequently re-elected three consecutive years
by a large majority.
On November 21, 1877, Mr. Chapman mar-
ried Emma Zeh, who was born in Middleburg,
a daughter of Philip Zeh, a farmer. She died
at the age of thirty-one years. .She was a de-
voted member of the Reformed church. On
December 29, 1886, Mr. Chapman married for
his second wife Miss Keziah Hilts, who was
born in Fulton, a daughter of Gideon D. and
Elizabeth (Zeh) Hilts. Her father, a native
of Wright, removed to Fulton when but six-
teen years of age, and from that time until his
decease, at the age of sixty-three years, was
engaged as a tiller of the soil. He affiliated
with the Democrats, and was active in public
life, serving as School Commissioner in his
district and as Supervisor of the town a num-
ber of years. His wife, Elizabeth, who was
born in Middleburg, died in Fulton in i8gi.
I5oth were active members of the Reformed
church. Of their eleven children five are
still living, namely: George, who was gradu-
ated from Claverack College, and now resides
in New York City: Jennie, who married Mar-
cus Zeh; Jay; Keziah, now Mrs. Cliapman ;
and Elizabeth. Mrs. Chapman is a graduate
of the Albany Normal School, and has had
considerable experience as a teacher, having
taught in her native j^lace and for two years in
the Ulster Academy. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman
have two children — Leo H. and Alice Irene.
ARNARD O'HARA, proprietor of
the O'Hara House, Lexington,
Greene County, N.Y. , was born in
Fishkill, Dutchess County, this State, June i,
1816, son of Peter and Lucretia (Darbee)
O'Hara. His father emigrated from Ireland
in 1801, first locating in New York City and
later in P"ishkill, where he worked by the
month on a farm. Peter O'Hara was subse-
quently engaged in farming in Westfield Flats,
Sullivan County, and in Greenville village.
374
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
His first purchase was a small ])iece of land,
which he later sold. He finally bought a
tract of forty acres situated on the Durham
line, where lie resided for the rest of his active
pei'iod. By his industry and thrift he was
enabled to increase his jjroperty by Ihc ]iur-
chase of adjoinint,' land, owning at the time of
his death, which occurred at the age of eighty
years, a farm of two hundred acres. He was a
capable farmer, ]iossessing excellent judgment
in all agricultural matters, which enabled him
to make good use of his resources and oppor-
tunities. Besides the raising and selling of
farm produce, he distilleil apple brandy, an
agreeable and somewhat seductive beverage,
known to residents of the present day under
the more familiar name of ajiple-jack. He
was also a weaver of great renown. Beter
O'Hara was a Democrat in imlitics, and took a
lively interest in local public affairs, serving
frequently as a grand juror at Catskill and
holding minor town offices. In his religious
belief he was a Roman Catholic and so true a
followiM' of the prece|)ts of the church that tm
one occasion he carried a child from l-"ishkill
to Troy and thence to Lansingburg in order
to have it baptized by a Catholic priest. His
wife, whose maiden name was Lucretia Dar-
bee, was a native of Goshen, Orange County,
to whiiii tnwn her parents had removed from
Goshen, Conn., settling as pioneers. Her
father was a farmer and a cloth dresser for
some years. Later he kept a ta\ern in West-
field Flats. He was killed by the overturning
of a Iliad of hay. I'eter and Lucretia (Darbee)
O'Hara had fifteen children, of whom si.\ sons
and seven daughters lived to have families;
and si.\ of the daughters were school teachers
]5revious to their marriage. The only sur-
vivors are : Barnard, the subject of this sketch ;
and I.e\i, who still resides ujion a ])ortion of
the iild homestead, which, after the father's
death, was divided into four farms. The
mother died at the age of si.xty-four. .She at-
tended the Methodist Episcojial church.
Barnard O'Hara in his boyhood and \outh,
from the time he was able to be of use, worked
on the home farm during the farming seasons,
and attended school winters.
Leaving home at the age of twenty-one, he
went to Alban)', N.V. , where he obtained em-
ployment in a tlry and fancy goods store. His
em])loyer failed a short time later, antl he
made an arrangement with the assignee to
].iecklle the stock upon the road. After driving
through Central New York with a horse and
wagon in the employ of others for some time,
he invested what money he had saved in a team
of his own; and, borrowing the sum of three
hundred dollars of his fathei', he engaged in
peddling for himself, soon establishing his
credit in New York City by punctually meet-
ing his obligations. After continuing upon
the road some years, or until 1S45, he settled
in Lexington, where in the following year he
completed the building of a store, which he
stocked with general merchandise, and carried
it on successfully for over thirty years. For a
long period he was also engaged in the under-
taking business.
.After visiting some of the Western .States
he returned, feeling certain tliat his future
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
375
prospects were just as promising in Lexington
as elsewhere. The succeeding ten years were
devoted to the management of his store and
to the cultivation of his farm, which he pur-
chased in 1865, and which he still owns.
In 1880, having admitted his son as a part-
ner, he severed his active connection vvith the
mercantile business. The son continued in
charge of the establishment until 18S8, since
which time the store building has been leased
to others.
The O'Hara House stands upon a site for-
merly occupied by a Baptist church. It was
completed and opened in 1877, and is one of
the largest hotels in Lexington, having accom-
modations for one hundred and twenty-five
guests. Situated at an altitude of sixteen
hundred feet above sea level, and provided
vvith ample facilities for comfort and recrea-
tion, it offers special inducements as a health
resort.
In 1845 Mr. O'Hara was united in marriage
with Miss Charlotte IJriggs, daughter of Da-
rius Briggs, a well-known farmer of Lexington
in his day. She became the mother of seven
children; namely, Mary A., Edgar B. ,
George P., Arthur, Arrietta, Ida, and Belle.
Mary A. is the wife of James M. Van X'alken-
burgh, a hotel proprietor of Lexington, and has
one son, George B. Van Valkenburgh, who is
a college graduate. Edgar and George assist
their father in carrying on the O'Hara House.
Edgar also carries on a thriving business in
the manufacture of cider. George O'Hara
married Mary Smith, antl has two children —
Charlotte and Edgar L. Arthur O'Hara died
at the age of two years. Arrietta died in 1876
at the age of twenty-one \ears. Ida married
I'eter J. Kelley, who is now a resident of New
York City. Belle is residing at home. Edgar
is a graduate of Manhattan College, New York,
and of Eastman's Business College, Pough-
keepsie ; and George took a commercial course
at P'olsom's Business College. The daughters
attended "Kenwood," a Catholic school in Al-
bany. In politics Mr. O'Hara is a Democrat.
He served as Supervisor in i S69 and 1870, re-
ceiving at his re-election the unanimous sup-
port of both the Republican and Democratic
parties. He has been Clerk of the town and of
the school district, and has frequent 1}- served
as a grand and petit juror. Mrs. O'Hara died
in December, 1880, aged fifty-four years.
The family attend the Roman Catholic
church.
(sTrOEL H. MEAD, M.D., Hunter's vet-
eran physician and surgeon, residing on
Main Street in that town, was born in
Jewett on June 15, 1S38, his parents being-
Stephen and Caroline (Hosford) Mead. The
family is of English descent, and early settled
in Columbia County, New York, among the
pioneers of that region.
Philip Mead, the Doctor's grandfather, was
one of the first settlers in Jewett, coming to
that town by a route marked with trees, and in
company with two or three other )'oung men
settling in the heart of the forest to make a
home for himself. His first dwelling was a
rude log hut, but after he had made a clearing-
he erected a handsome frame house. The near-
376
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
est town, Cairo, was ten miles distant, anil al
supplies hail to be brought frnni that jilace.
Bears and dtlier wikl animals were abundant,
and fearlessly prowled near the little eabiii.
After eighteen years spent in Jewett, during
which he had cleared a large tract of land, he
removed to Cayuga County, then JList being
opened U]). There he remained until his
death, at the age of seventy-eight. His wife,
Hannah, died at the age of eighty. ]5(ith were
members of the Hajitist church. Mrs. Hannah
Mead was born in Columbia County, of parents
who were pioneer settlers there. .She had
twelve children, all of whnm are now deceased.
Ste[jhen Mead was burn in Columbia
County, but the greater part of his life was
spent in Jewett, where he i)urchased a farm in
early manhooil. In national politics he was a
Republican. He took a warm interest in local
public affaiis, and held several minor fiffices in
the town. His death occiu'red at the agent
eighty-si.x. His wife was born in jewett,
being a daughter of Joel Hosfcird, who married
a Miss Mann. Her father was one <if three
brothers who came from the town of W'al ling-
ford, Conn., to settle the town of Jewett. One
of the brothers was named Reuben. They
were pioneers of Jewett Heights. The Mann
famil)- was (ine o{ the first to settle on Man-
hattan Island, coming over from Holland.
Mrs. Caroline Hosfnrd Mead died at the age of
sixty-seven. Hoth she and her husband were
members of the Methodist church. One of
their four children, a son, Alanson, is de-
ceased. The living are: Dr. William 11.,
who is practising" in Windham (see sketch on
another page) ; iJr. Joel II. ; and .\deline,
who is the wife of Alanson Woodworth.
After leaving the common schools Joel H.
Mead studied medicine for a time with Dr.
F. H. Holcomb, of Windham, antl then took a
course in medicine in the Albany Medical Col-
lege, from which he was graduated in 1863.
He at once began ])ractice in Hunter, and in a
short time hail as many jiatientsas he could
care for. l^esides his general medical practice
Dr. Mead has gi\-en considerable attention to
surgery, and has performed some remarkable
operations. l-'or twenty years he was the only
physician in this and several of the adjoining
towns. He is to-day one of the oldest ])racti-
tioncrs in tlie count)', there being onl\' four
physicians whose professional career antedates
his. He is the Nestor of the medical frater-
nity hereabouts.
In 1866 Dr. Mead married I.ucinda Wood-
worth, daughter of Abner and Sojihronia (Juil-
son) Woodwoith. Her father, who was a
farmei' and one of the earl\- settlers of Jewett,
died at the age of seventy-eight. Her mother
died at forty-si.x. Their si.x children were;
Laura, who married Albert Chase, a son of
Judge Chase of the Supreme Court; lUiel ;
Lucius, a sketch of whom ap[5ears elsewhere in
this hook; Lemuel, who died at the age of
twenty; Loren, who is deceased; and Mrs.
Mead. The Doctor and his wife luu'e been
blessed with two childrjn — Ldith and Hertha,
the last named of whom resiiles with her par-
ents, lulith married R. A. Austin, a drug-
gist of Cairo, and has one child, Joel b}- name.
The daughters received their finisliinij- eiliica-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
377
tion in a private school. Both are fine per-
formers on the organ and piano.
Tiie Doctor takes a warm interest in all [nib-
lic matters, and gives the weight of his politi-
cal influence to the Republican party. In 1887
he filled the office of Supervisor. He is a
Master Mason and member of Mount Tailor
Lodge of Hunter. He was a promoter, ftom
the start, of the Maplevvoocl Cemetery organi-
zation, and has always been one of its active
supporters. In connection with Ur. Stanley
he is pension examiner for Greene Count}',
holding the position under government ap-
pointment. He is now president of the Board
of Examiners. He has also been examiner for
several years for various life insurance com-
panies, among which may be named the
Phceni.x, the New York Life, the New York
Mutual, the Equitable, and the Washington.
The Doctor's famil\- are members of the Meth-
odist church.
TAyALLACE W. CRAPSER, a well-
'^*' known business man of the town of
Summit, .Schoharie County, residing at Char-
lotteville, was laorn in Jefferson, this State,
on April 12, 1843, his parents being Robert
and Rosetta (Gardner) Crapser. Hisjiaternal
grandfather, Albertus Crapser, who was of
Dutch lineage, died in Claverack at the age
of seventy. He was by occupation a farmer,
and in politics at first a Whig and later a Re-
publican. He had a family of five sons and
four daughters.
Robert Crapser, stni of Albertus antl father
of the subject of this biograph)', was born and
reared in Greenville, N. Y. , but moved to
Claverack in early manhood. He was first a
Whig in politics and later a Republican, and
was very active and influential in pulilic
affairs. When about sixty years of age he
was drowned while sailing on the Hudson as
a passenger aboard the Berkshire boat. In
early life he taught school for some time dur-
ing the winters, and worked at boating dur-
ing the summer.s. Later he gave all his time
to farming. At the age of thirty lie married
Rosetta, daughter of Andrew Gardner. She
is still living at the age of seventy-eiglit, and
makes her home with her son Wallace. The
father had at one time two hundred acix-s of
land under cultivation. He was a Justice of
the Peace for many years. His religious pref-
erences were Lutheran. He had only one
other child beside his son Wallace — namely,
Jesse, who was taken prisoner by the rebels at
the battle of (lettysburg, and who subse-
cjuently died from the hardships of his pri.son
life, being still under his majority at the time
of his death.
Wallace \V. Crapser received a good com-
mon-school training in Summit. He early
began farming, and engaged in that occujiation
until 1894, being located about a mile above
the village of Charlotteville on a farm of a
hundred acres, and giving special attention to
dairying. On the ist of April, 1897, he
practically retired from business. Mr. Crap-
ser is one of the valued workers of the Meth-
odist church, with which he has been connected
for the last twenty years. He is a trustee and
378
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
steward of the church, also class leader;
and for throe years he was sii]5erintendcnt of
the Sunday-school. In politics he is a Repub-
lican, but he has never sought office, though
warmly interested in the success of liis [jarty.
Mr. Crapser was first married to Mary J.
W'hortnn. She died in 1.S91, having been the
nidthei- of two cliildren, namely: Albert, who
died at two \ears of iigc ; anti Charles, who re-
sides with his father. Mr. Cra]3ser married
for his second wife Mis. Mar\- IMulter Dorwin,
the widow of Philip Dorwin. Her former
husband was a lawyer and a leading citizen of
South Worcester, also a prominent Demo-
cratic worker. She is a daughter of J. D.
Multer, a very successful chiiry farmei" of this
region ant! a strong Republican and active
Methodist. Mrs. Crapser has four sisters,
namely: Martha, who is the wife of James
I"o.\ ; Alice, who is the wife of Thomas Spang-
ler; I'di/.abeth, who is Mrs. Bulson ; and
Rose, who is Mrs. Cahin liutts. Mrs. Crap-
ser taught school for snrne time before her mar-
riage. She is a member of the W. C. T. U.
and one of the acti\e workers in the church.
Mr. Crapser h;is alwa\s been (ipposetl to the
li(|Ui>i' traffic, and is exceedingly temperate in
al I his habits.
(S
^yuwARi) h:Ar()N lomax, m.d.,
the leading i)h\sici;ui of New Halti-
-' more, (ireene Count\', \'.\'., is a
native of the city of Albany, and was born on
April 30, 1S68, son nf Jnbn and Martha
(Iviton) Lomax. On the ])aternal side he is
descended from French Protestants, or Hugue-
nots, who, after the revocation of the Kdict of
Nantes in 16S5, fled from persecution in their
native country to iMigland.
The Doctor's paternal gr;uidfather emigrated
from haigland some time after his marriage,
and, settling in Boston, Mass., there engaged
in the manufacture of soap and tallow candles.
His sou John was born in England, but was
brought up in Boston, and learned the harness-
maker's trade in that city. Nearl\- forty _\-ears
ago John Lomax, the Doctor's father, took a
position with Holland Terrell, the well-known
harness manufacturer of Albany, anil is now
foreman of the establishment, which is said to
be the largest of its kiiul in tlie world. He is
an active Republican, and he takes a warm
interest in all M:isonic affairs. Among the
Masonic offices he has held may be named the
following: Master of Mount \'ernon Lodge,
F. & A. M., in 1.S70; secretary of the same
for fourteen years; director in the Masonic
Relief Association of Alban}', and one ol its
trustees for fifteen years; ami secretary of the
Masonic X'eteran Association for three years.
His wife, Martha, was born in Chelsea, Mass.
She is a member of the Lpiscopal church. Ot
their eight children five are living — Llla,
Hattie, l-'annie, Howard V.., and lulith. Llla
is the wife of Harry Knight, of Denver, Col. ;
Hattie is the wife of C. W. I'"oinian, of ^'ork-
town, N.\'. ; b'annieis Mrs. C'harles .A. Pray,
of Lelianoii, Me. ; and lulilh is principal of
the Albany Training .School for leachers.
Dr. Loma.x was graduated from the .Mhany
High School in iSSS. He subsi'quciit !)■ en-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
379
gaged as a draughtsman in New Ydik City for
a year with Gillani, the celebrated cartoonist
of Judge. He then entered the Albany Medi-
cal College, from which he was graduated in
1892, and he has since been engaged in the
practice of his profession in this town. Dur-
ing his first year in the high school he was
awarded a gold medal for excellence in draw-
ing, being the first bo\' and tlie first Freshman
to receive a medal in the history of that school.
He still retains much of his early skill with
the pencil. The Doctor's course in the medi-
cal college was one of distinction. He won
two prizes, and at graduation received honor-
able mention in three subjects. Since coming
here he has built up the largest practice the
town has ever known, and is as popular as he
is successful. He has been three times vice-
president of the Greene County Medical So-
ciety, and has written numerous papers and
addresses on medical subjects, and some
articles for publication in medical journals.
He is a devoted student of natural history, and
has a fine entomological collection, also an
interesting collection of snakes and serpents.
Dr. Lomax is a fine .singer and a skilful per-
former on the ])iano, organ, and flute. He
began playing the flute in early boyhood, under
the instruction of his father, who was a fine
flutist and a member of Gilniore's celebrated
band when first it was organized. When a boy
of only sixteen the Doctor was in demand for
orchestras. As he became older his musical
ability was of great service to him, enabling
him to ]3ay his college expenses. For two
seasons he performed on (jne of the tlay boats
running from Albany, and in the evenings
played in the orchestra at the Leland Opera
House. For two seasons he was at .Saratoga in
the orchestra and for two seasons at the Pros-
pect Park House in the Catskills. He has
])layed under all the leading conductors of
Albany, and is well known among the musi-
cians of that city.
Like his father. Dr. Lomax is interested in
masonry. He is now serving his second term
as Master of Social Friendship Lodge, No.
741, of New Baltimore, and has held various
other offices in the lodge, among them that of
Senior Deacon. Li politics he is a Republi-
can. P'or the last four years he has been one
of the health officers of the town. He is a
Deacon in the Dutch Reformed church, of
which both he and his wife are members, and
Mrs. Lomax has played the organ for both
church and Sunday-school.
The Doctor's marriage took ]ilace in Sep-
tember, 1S97. Mrs Lomax is the daughter of
Newton Sweet, a leading citizen of New Balti-
more. Her grandfather, Joshua Sweet, who
was born in Chesterville, Albany County, was
u carpenter by trade. He worked on the old
Catskill Mountain House, and later came to
New Baltimore and engaged in contracting and
building until his death, at the age of sixty-
eight. His wife, Laura Baker, died at the age
of seventy-four. She was one of the eight
children of an Englishman who came with his
family from Fngland to I'hilatlelphia, from
there by stage to New York, thence u|) the
Hudson to Albanv, and thence by stage to
Coeymans. He engaged in mercantile life in
38o
BIOGRAPHICAI. REVIEW
New York City, and there fell a \'ictiiii to
small-piix. Jii.shua and Laura Sweet were the
]xirents of three children: Frank; Newton; and
Lama, who married Watson Ham.
Newton Sweet was born in this town on De-
cember iT), iX4iS. After attendint; Coeymans
Academy foi- four years, he l)ei;an teaching
school winters and working;- at carpenteriiii;-
summers. 'I'his he continued till twent3'-four
years of age, when he left off his tratle and
thenceforward kept at his [)rofessional work
all the year. lie taught succcssivel)- in the
graded school at the Iron Works, Tro)-, where
he remained ti\e \ears ; in the graded school in
Coevmans ; in New ]?altimore for a _\-ear; and
then, ill the year 1893-94, in West Co.xsackie.
While at New Baltimore he was elected Super-
visor for i.S.S/ oil the Republican ticket.
Tin- Idlliiwing year he was elected .School
Commissioner from the .Second District of
Greene Coimt\-, wliich included the towns of
New Haltimore, Coxsackie, tlreenville, Dur-
ham, Ashland, Windham, and I'rattsvi I Ic.
lie had eighty schools lo look after and a
hundreil teachers to examine, and nuist visit
each school twice a year. After serving three
years he was re-elected for a sec<ind term, at
the close of which he began teaching in West
Coxsackie. At the end of a year there he was
secured for the New Haltimore school, but
while attending a teachers' institute in Cairo,
where the Republican convention was in ses-
sion, he was ntjminated for the Assembly.
He was triumphantly elected by a majority of
four hundred, going ninety ballots ahead of the
ticket in this town, and being the third Super-
vi.sor ever elected on the Rei)ublican ticket in
this Democratic stronghokl. He voted for the
Raines Bill, and in 1897 was re-elected hy a
majority of live hundred and fifty. During
his two terms he rendered his constituents
valuable service. He introduced a bill to pro-
hibit vivisection in the ])ul)lic schools, ami
ser\ed on \'arious educational committees.
Mr. .Sweet has resided in New Haltimore
\illage for the last eighteen years. He is
prominent in Masonic circles and in the
Knights of l'\tliias. His wife, Adelaide, was
born in Coeymans, the danghtei- of I'hilipand
Jane (\'an .Allen) Winne. Mr. and Mrs.
Sweet lia\c five chikli'cn I-'rank, Jane (Mrs.
Lamox), Laura, Isaac, and .\iba. l-'rank is
the foreman of Cushman's bakei}' in New York
City. He married Marietta \'anderpool,
daughter of Dr. A. V. S. \'anderpool, of this
town. Isaac has been for tlie List three \'ears
ipiaitermaster on the "Dean Richmond."
Arba is preparing to be a locomoti\e engineer.
Mrs. Lomax taught school in New ]5altimore
with most flattering success for some time
before her marriage. .She is a fine musician.
The Doctor and his wife liave one s(ni, Ld-
mund W. Lomax.
ILLIAM L. THORrb;, of Cat.skill,
**V N.V., member of the tinn of Mal-
colm & Co., was born in Conesville, .Schoharie
County, on November 15, 1869, his parents
being Douglass and Catherine H. (Ingraham)
Thorpe. His paternal grandfather, Amos
Thorpe, was born in the town of Hroome,
WILLIAM E. THORPE.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
383
Schoharie County. Me was a blacksmith by
trade, and worked at that occupation all his
life. He also did some farming. The death
of Amos Thorpe took place in Conesville.
Douglass Thorpe was born in Conesville on
March g, 1832. He worked somewhat in the
smithy with his father, but when about nine-
teen years of age began learning the carpen-
ter's trade. Subsequentl)' he went to Dy-
berry Falls, Pa., to assist in putting up a
tannery, and after it was completed he re-
turned to Conesville and settled on a farm.
While there he was twice Supervisor of the
town. In 1 88 1 he came to Catskill, and for
the two .succeeding years was in the grocery
business in company with a Mr. Bassett,
under the firm name of Bassett & Thorpe.
Upon his retirement from business he was
made Superintendent of Streets, which ofifice he
filled for two years. More recently he has
been in poor health. He is a trustee of the
Methodist church, anil both he and his wife
are members of it.
Mrs. Catherine H. Thorpe was born in Dur-
ham, and spent her life there until she was
eighteen, when she removed to Conesville.
She taught school from the time she was fif-
teen years old rmtil she was married, at
twenty-two. She has been the mother of two
children — William E. and George N., the
last-named of whom resides on a farm in
Conesville. Mrs. Thorpe's father was Ezra
Ingraham, son of William and Hester (Doty)
Ingraham. Her mother was Charlotte Newell,
daughter of Seth Newell, a soldier of the War
of iiSi2, who contracted disease while in the
service and died from its effects. William
Ingraham, her grandfather, was born in Say-
brook, Conn. He came to Durham among the
early settlers, and had a grant of a small farm,
but worked most of the time at his trade, which
was that of a cooper. He died at the age of
eighty. His wife, Hester, who was born in
Saybrook, Conn., died at fifty-five. William
and Hester (Doty) Ingraham had ten children,
all of whom are now deceased. Their son Ezra
was born in Durham. He was a shoemaker by
trade, but much of his life was spent on a farm
in Conesville, where he died at the age of
fifty-six. His wife, who died at the age of
eighty-two, bore him three children, of whom
only Catherine (Mrs. Thorpe) is living.
William E. Thorpe attended school in
Conesville until he was about twelve years
old, when the family removed to Catskill.
Here he entered the high school. At seven-
teen he had finished his studies, and entered
the employ of Smith & Forshew, dry goods
merchants, with whom he remained for a year.
At the end of that time he took a position as
book-keeper with Van Brocklin & Co. in the
Catskill Knitting Mill. When, nine years
later, Mr. Van Brocklin retired and the Mal-
colm Company was formed, Mr. Thorpe took
an interest in the business, this being in Jan-
uary, 1897. The annual output "of this mill is
valued at between two hundred and fifty thou-
sand and three hundred thousand dollars.
Woollen underwear is manufactured, also
men's dress shirts. This firm is one of the
pioneer concerns in the making of fleece- lined
goods. That its product bears a solid reiuita-
384
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIKW
tinii in the markcl ma)- be gathered from tlie
fact that (hiriiiL;' all the recent business dejires-
sion the mill has been running steadily and
often over lunirs. Sales are made through the
company's agents tlirect to the jobbing trade,
and there is not a State in the Union that does
not jnuchase goods of Malcolm & ("o. One
noticeable thing in the history of this business
has been the cordial feeling between the em-
ployers and the workmen. Mr. Thorpe began
work in the oflfice at six dollars a week, and
had his salary increased from time to time
until it reached twenty-four dollars a week,
lie forms a striking examjile of what can be
accomplished by faithfulness and api)lication.
In March, 1898, Mr. Thorpe was chosen
Trustee of Catskill and after one year Presi-
dent of the village. His politics are Republi-
can. He is a member of Catskill Lodge of
Masons, No. 468, and its organist; a charter
member of the Catskill Royal Arch Chapter;
member of the Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge
No. 189, in which he has occupied the Noble
Grand's chair; and also a member of the Rip
Van Winkle Club. Lor two years he was a
choir leader in the Methodist church, but he
now holils membership in the Reformed
church. I'"or five years he was a member of the
Sixteenth Separate Company, N. G. S. N. Y. ,
and for two years, or until his discharge, a
member of the l-Mrst Ambulance Cor|)s. He
has always shown a warm interest in the fire
department, and is at the present time president
of W'iley Hose Company and vice-president of
the Hudson River Volunteer JMremen's Asso-
ciation. He is a singer of unusual merit, and
has sung on man\' public occasions. While in
the employ of Mr. \'an Hrncklin, Mr. Thorpe
was the recipient of many handsome presents,
being remembered most generously on each
recurring Christmas.
ENJAMIN F. ANh WILLIAM C.
PL.XTNLR. of PrattsviUe, N.Y.,
are sons of Cornelius and Laura
(Parmentier) Platner. Their paternal grand-
father was a native and lifelong resident of
Hudson, \.\'.
Cornelius Piatner was born in PrattsviUe in
t'ebruary, iSji. He learned the trade of
hatter, which he followed here for many
years, first as a journeyman and later in com-
pany with Theodore Rudoljjh, as a member of
the firm of Platner & Rudoljili. Their sho|)
was at one time destroyed by a Hood, but they
rebuilt it, and subsecjuently continued the
business. Their partnership being finally
dissolved, Mr. Platner opened a restaurant in
the building now occupied by his sons, and
carried it on for some time. He held quite a
prominent position in the community, took an
active interest in town affairs, and served sev-
eral years as Deputy Sheriff. He was also
active in military matters, and was connected
with the militia in the early training days.
In ]M)litics he was a Democrat.
His wife, Laura, was a native of Tanners-
ville, N. v., and a daughter of Winthrop Par-
mentier. Their family consisted of ten chil-
dren, ot whiim six are now living, five being
resiilents of I'rvittsville ; namely, Charles IL,
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
38s
Chester A., Joseph E. , Benjamin F., and
\Villiam C. Charles H. Platner is the pro-
prietor of a general store in Prattsviile.
Chester A. is engaged in the feed business,
and has also a large interest in the Stanley
Hall farm of five hundred acres. He keeps
one hundred cows, and deals largely in cattle,
besides having other extensive business in-
terests. Joseph K. is a druggist in Pratts-
viile. Gustavus A. is a farmer residing near
Ashland. Mrs. Laura Parmentier Platner
died in 1895, at the age of seventy years.
Benjamin V. and William C. Platner were
educated in the [Hiblic schools of the village,
and have always resided here. They formed
their copartnership February i, 1SS5, both
having had some previous experience as
clerks. They have since conducted a very
thriving general mercantile business. Their
store, of which they are the owners, stands on
what was formerly the old Platner homestead,
and measures fifty by fifty feet, exclusive of
the house and store-rooms. They carry the
largest stock of general goods in this section,
their boot and shoe depaitment being the
largest between Kingston and Catskill.
They have been very successful, and their
business is continually on the increase.
Ouiet, unassuming gentlemen, they enjoy a
wide popularity.
Mr. William C. Platner married on June 5,
1895, Miss Marion Becker, of Grand Gorge,
an estimable lady, the daughter of Thomas
and l{lizabeth (Wyckoff) Becker, then of that
place, but now of Stamford village. He is a
Democrat politically, but hitherto has de-
clined office, preferring to give his undivided
attention to his business. He was formerly
interested in the then proposed Kingston &
Utica Railway, being secretary of the com-
pany. He is a member of Oasis Lodge, No.
119, F. & A. M., which he joined in 18S8,
and in which he has filled some of the chairs,
being now Senior Warden. He and his wife
belong to the Reformed church, which they
attend and help support.
RTHUR HENRY FAROUHER, late
a well-known furniture manufacturer
and dealer of Schoharie, N.Y., was
born in the town of Berne, in Albany County,
this State, on October 27, 1840, and died at
his home in Schoharie, a few weeks since,
August 9, 1899. He was a son of James and
Margaret (Clark) Farquher. His paternal
grandfather, John P'arquher, was a butcher by
trade, and was engaged for a time in the
market business in Ireland. In 1S30 Grand-
father P'arquher came to America and settled
in Berne, N.Y., where his son James had pre-
ceded him.
James Farquher was born in Ireland, and
remained in that country until after his mar-
riage. He was educated in the public schools
there, and subsequently engaged in the
market business until he purchased a farm.
Believing that the New World offered great
opportunities to the industrious and enterpris-
ing, he came over to this country with his
wife and one child, and eventually met with
the success he had hoped for. At first, how-
386
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
ever, it was an uphill road to climb. When
he arrived in Albany he foiind that his money
had given out, and he was obliged to walk
from that city to Rensselaerville. After
])r()sperity came to him, he bought a farm, and
there lived until his death, at the age of
eighty-two. He made many friends in his
adoiJted country, being highly respected by his
fellows on account of his industry and hon-
esty. He was at first a Whig and later a Re-
])ul)lican; and he was warmly inlerestetl in the
i'resbyterian church, of which his wife was a
member. Mrs. Margaret I'arciuher was born
in Ireland, being the daughter of a farmer and
one of a family of five children. .She lived
to be seventy-si.\ years of age. .She was the
mother of thirteen chililren, of whom nine grew
to maturity, namely : John: William; Joseph;
Jane, who is the widow of Daniel Carey;
Elizabeth; Arthur H.; Thomas; Mary, who
is the wife of Rensselaer Taylor; and
Francis.
Arthur H. Farc|uber spent his boyhood
years in Berne, attending the public schools,
and during vacation time assisting his father
on the farm. In 1<S57, at the age of seven-
teen, he left home and went to Gilboa, where
he served three years' apprenticeshii) at the
cabinet-maker's trade, and subsequently re-
mained a year as journeyman.
On September 25, 1861, Mr. b'arquher en-
listed in the military service of his country,
and on the first day of the succeeding October
was assigned to the United States Lancers.
( )n November 2 of the same year he was
transferred to Compan\' H of the I-'oiirth New
York Heavy Artillery, and while a member of
that company saw some of the hardest fighting
that occurred in the whole course of the Civil
War. The following are among the engage-
ments in which he took part: battle of the
Wilderness, on ]\Iay 6, 1864; Todd"s Tavern,
on May 8; Hart's Farm, May 9; Spottsylvania
Court House, May 12; North Anna River, on
May 23; Sheldon F\arm, on May 30; Cold
Harbor, on June 3, 1864; Petersburg, on
June 18 and July 30, 1864; Deep Bottom, on
August 14: Ream's Station, on August 25;
Mile Run, cm December 9, 1864; Hatcher's
Run, on February 5. 1865; assault on the
lines, on March 25; ojiening the campaign,
on March 28, 29, and 30; South Side Road,
on A]iril 2. He was at Appomattox at the
time of the surrender of Lee, April g, 1865.
Mr. b'arquher went into the service as a pri-
vate, and came out of it as a Sergeant. The
Colonel of his regiment was Colonel John C.
Tiddball, and the Lieutenant Colonel, Thomas
Alcott. D. F. Hamlin was the i\Lajor. The
detachment of whicii Mr. b^arquher's company
formetl a [xirt left Washington for the front
with twenty-two himdred men, and in five
months' fighting, from M.irch 23 to August
25, lost eighteen hundred. In one engage-
ment of an hour's (hiration sixty men of his
own company fell. Mr. b'arqnher was one of
those who escaped unhurt. He seemed to
bear a charmed life, and was not even
wounded. The terrible slaughter at Peters-
burg he never forgot. It stood out among
many other scenes of horror as the most
(i ireful of all.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
387
Returning to Gilboa, after being discliarged
in October, 1865, Mr. Farquher worked for
his old em[5loyer until the fall of 1866, when
he came to Schoharie, antl began working for
a man who was located in the same building
in which he, Mr. Farquher, subsequently car-
ried on business. In 1874 he became a part-
ner, and a year later the firm changed and
became Farquher & Settle, which was in busi-
ness for two years and a half. Mr. Farquher
then took his first partner, who remained with
him for some seven years. At the end of that
time Mr. Farquher became full proprietor of
the business, and henceforth he continued it
alone. Occupying the four floors of his large
building, he carried a very large stock of fur-
niture, and had an extensive trade. After
1893 his manufacturing of furniture was con-
fined mostly to custom work of the highest
grade. The business has been established
here for over fifty years, and has always
merited the full confidence of the public. As
a consequence its fair reputation has spread,
and its patrons have come from long dis-
tances. The undertaking department has also
been long established here, and is the only
one in town.
Mr. Farquher was married to his first wife
in 1865. She was Maria C. Benjamin,
daughter of Ebenezer B-'njamin, a farir.er of
Gilboa. In religious faith she was a Meth-
odist. She died at the age of thirty-one,
having been the mother of three children;
namely, Fr.d R.. Minnie E., and Henj imin |.
Fred R., who married Mary R. L.irkins, is a
furniture dealer and undertaker at Central
Bridge. Minnie married Robert A. Dewey,
cashier in one of the Schoharie banks, and she
is the mother of one son, Arthur. Benja-
min J. was his father's assistant. He is an
enterprising and able young man, and bids
fair to equal his father in business ability.
Mr. Arthur H. Farquher married for his sec-
ond wife Ida M. Schoolcraft, who was born in
the town of Wright, being one of a family of
five children of Peter P. Schoolcraft, a farmer.
She died at the age of thirty. .She was a
member of the Lutheran church. The pres-
ent Mrs. Farquher was before her marriage
Amanda Wright. She is a daughter of Ezra
Wright and a native of Albany County.
In politics Mr. P^arquher was a Republican.
He was a trustee of the village for eight
years, and at the time of his death was still
serving as president, having held the office for
four years. This is a strongly Democratic
town. Mr. Farquher usually refused public
office, but at one time, in order to gratify the
wishes of the party leaders, he permitted his
name to be used on the Republican ticket for
Supervisor, and thereby reduced the Demo-
cratic majority from three hundred and six-
teen to thirty-five. He was a member and for
three years was treasurer of Schoharie Valley
Lodge of Masons, No. 491, having held also
numerous other offices in the lodge. For
twenty-nine years he was a member of the fire
department, and much of the time either fore-
man of the company or chief engineer of the
dcpirtm'.nl. He tuok in active part in ,ill
movements affecting the int^r.-sts of the town
and was one of those foremost in securing the
3S8
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
incorporation of the vill:i,i;e. He was a mem-
ber and had been Commander of Hoosick Mix
Tost, No. 134, G. A. R.; also a member for
many years of the Schoharie County Histori-
cal Society. He was an attendant of the
Lutheran church of this place, and his son is
Deacon of the church.
VcAjMI.I.IAM JA^H'IS SMP:ALLIE, a
V; W, thrilt\- farmer cif Print etown, Scho-
harie County, N.V., was born in this town,
iMay 10, 1852, son of John and Jane (Milmine)
.Smeallie. His father was born here March
3, 1816, and his mother was liorn in Florida,
N.Y. , March 26, 18 16. His luiternal grand-
father, James Smeallie, was hcnn in Linlith-
gowshire, Scotland, Ajiril 18, 1786, and came
to America in iSii. James Smeallie settled
ujion a farm in the northerly part of Prince-
town, where he resided the rest of his life. He
was quite prominent in public affairs, serving
as Sii|)ervis(ir and School Commissioner, and
he was one of the founders of the United
Presbyterian Church of l'"lorida, N.Y. He
married his cousin, Mar\' .Smeallie. She was
the daughter of his uncle, John Smeallie, first,
a native of Scotland, who came to this country
and served as a soldiei' in the Revolutionary
War.
John -Smeallie, second, son of James and
Mary, was a prosperous farmer and lifelong
resident of Princetown. Being a man of pro-
gressive tendencies, he made good use of his
resources, and realized excellent resnlts as a
general farmer. In |iolitics he was originall}'
a Whig and later a Republican. He was a
member of the Scotch church. Jane Milmine
Smeallie, his wife, became the mother of three
children, namely: Mary E., wife of John M.
Conover ; William J., the subject of this
sketch; and Agnes Smeallie, of I'lincetown.
John Smeallie, second, lived to be seventy-five
years old, but Mrs. Smeallie died at thirty-
eight.
William James Smeallie was educated in the
district schools. He resided in Duanesburg
for ten )'ears, but with that exception has been
engaged in general farming in Princetown ever
since reaching manhood. He is now the owner
of one hundred acres of fertile land, compris-
ing one of the best farms in town. He makes
a specialt)' of breeding Jersey cattle and fancy
15oultry, owning at the present time some fine
specimens of each, and his buildings are well
adapted for these purposes.
Mr. Smeallie has served with ability as K\-
cise Commissioner twelve years, and is now
holding the (}fiFice of Overseer of the Poor. In
politics he acts with the Republican |iarty.
The family has long enjoyed local distinction
for thrift and prosperity, and the subject of
this sketch has fully demonstrated his ability
to maintain this rejnitation. Mr. Smeallie is
unmarried. He attends the L'nitcd Presb\-
terian church, of which he was elected ]'21der
in 1883.
•^KNJAMIN H. AVERY,* an enter-
^y\ prising merchant of JefTerson,
.Schoharie County, and an ex-mem-
ber of the New York State legislature, was
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
589
born in Jefferson, December 29, 1852, son of
Beriah and Lydia (Buckingham) Avery. His
immigrant progenitor, Christopher Avery,
came over from England early in the Colonial
period, lived for some years at Gloucester,
Mass., and was Selectman there in 1646,
1652, and 1654. In March, 1658-9, Christo-
pher Avery bought land and one-half of a
house in Boston, situated where the pcst-office
now stands. This property he sold in 1663,
and in 1665 he bought a house and lot in New
London, Conn., his son James having moved
to that colony some years before.
From Christopher the line is traced through
James, Thomas, Abraham, William, l^en-
jamin, John, and Beriah to Benjamin H., the
subject of this sketch. The original dwell-
ing-house, built by Captain James Avery in
1656 in what was formerly New London and
afterward Groton, Conn., was burned in July,
1894. Some of the Avery ancestors fought in
the Revolutionary War, and a monument to
their memory has been erected by John D.
Rockefeller, the Standard Oil magnate, who
is related to the family.
John Avery, the grandfather, who was a
tanner, served in the Assembly in 1850, and
held other offices. Beriah Avery, Benjamin
Avery's father, was engaged in mercantile
business in Jefferson for a number of years,
and was quite active in public affairs, serving
as Supervisor with marked ability. He was a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
His wife, Lydia, who was a daughter of Will-
iam Buckingham, of Harpersfield, became the
mother of four children — -William, Benjamin,
Mary, and Edward. William, who succeeded
to his father's business, died in 1876, aged
about twenty-si.x years; and Mary and Edward
died in early childhood. Beriah Avery died
in 1891, at the age of si.\ty-seven years, his
wife having died one week previous.
Benjamin Avery attended school in Char-
lotteville for a time, and completed his studies
at the Stamford Seminary. Going to River
P'alls, Wis., he was employed there as a clerk
until 1876, when he returned to Jefferson, and
purchased the business left by his brother
William. He has one of the largest and old-
est established general stores in town, and
ranks among the substantial merchants in this
part of the county. As a member of the
Board of Supervisors he was active in forward-
ing the interests of the town. In the legis-
lature he introduced no less than twenty-four
bills, fourteen of which became laws. He
was assigned to the Committees on Internal
Affairs, Villages, Fish and Game, and Agri-
culture, being chairman of the first-named
body; and his work in the committee-room
and upon the floor was heartily commended by
the majority of voters, irrespective of party.
Politically, he is a Democrat. He has been
treasurer of the water company since its
organization, having been instrumental in
securing the construction of the works, and
he was a director of the old railroad line.
Mr. Avery married Anna D. Fuller, daugh-
ter of J. Dean F"uller, of Jefferson. They
have two children — William H. and Edna B.
P'or twenty-two years Mr. Avery has been a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church,
39°
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
in whicli he lias seivctl as stevvartl ami Sunday-
school siiperintenclent for a greater part of
that time. Mr. Avery is an Odd Fellow, be-
longing to Richmondville Lodge, No. 525,
and is also a member of the band, of which he
has been leader for a number of years. Mrs.
Avery is a member of the church and of the
Woman's Christian Temperance Union.
(^OIIN :\L'\GINNIS,* superintendent of
the Athens Knitting Mill, was burn in
(iilboa, Schoharie County, on June 5,
1849, son of Patrick and Mary (Brady) Magin-
nis. His jxirents were both born in Ireland.
Patrick Maginnis was a tanner by trade, and
followed that occupation after coming to this
country and settling in (iilboa. He retired
from business at about fifty years of age, and
dietl about ten \ears later. His wife, wlio
was also born in Ireland, died at si.\t\-si.\.
Of their ten children four are living; namely,
Bernard, Anna, John, and Mary. Anna is the
wife of James Fitzpatrick. Mary married
James Mitchell, since deceased. All the chil-
ilren were born in this country.
John Maginnis remained in his native place
up to the age nf nineteen. He received his
early education in the public schoids and at
a seminar}', and snbsequentl\- studied with pri-
vate teachers and also in an evening school.
Ills first industrial e.\|)erience was in the cot-
ton sheeting mill in Cilboa, and while there
he worked in e\er\ deinutment. His second
was in the Harmony Mills at Cohoes, where
he worked ten years as overseer in the weaving
room. Following this he was for ten years in
the \'an Allen Cotton Mills at Stuyvesant
Falls, five \ears in Valatieas superintendent of
the Wild Manufacturing Company, and seven
)'ears sujierintenilent of the Harder Knitting
Compan\' in Hudson. At the end of that time
he settled here in his jiresent business. He
was one of the organizers of the company, and
he superintended the building of the mill and
the putting in of the machinery. The factory
is two hundred and twent\- feet long by fifty-
five feet in width, and is two stories high. It
has si.x sets of machiner\% all of which are
made after the most improved plans, and is de-
voted to the manufacture of fleecc-lineil knitted
underwear. About one hundred and fift)'
hands are employed, all of whom are hired and
superintended by Mr. Maginnis. He attends
to the disposing of the output of the mill,
sending goods to every State in the Union.
Mr. Maginnis has been twice married. His
first wife, whose maiden name was Libbie
Sparlin, was born in Hensonville. Her father
was Philiji .Sparlin, a hatter. She died at the
age of thirt\-two, having been the mother of
two sons— \\illiam and Byron. The former,
who is a baker in North Adams, Mass., is
married and has three children — Willie,
Helen, and Jdhii. Bvi'on is also married.
He is an engineer in the fire department of
Cohoes. Mr. Maginnis's second wife was be-
fore her marriage F'mma Peck. She was born
in Craigsville.
Mr. Maginnis is a Ke])ubliian in politics.
He served as Alderman from Ward Five in
Hudson. He has always been a most success-
JOHN McGINMS.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
393
fill man, and since he began working has never
been without a ]Xjsition. On account of his
skill in his chosen line he has frequently been
solicited to enter positions more profitable
than the one he was holding when asked. In
Cohoes he was one of thirteen to help put up
the machinery, and was engaged as overseer.
While in Stuyvesant Falls he introduced new
machinery into the mill, and remodelled the
old, so that the output of the mill there was
largely increased.
Mr. Maginnis has been a member of the
Methodist church for twenty years. Both his
wives have also been members. In whatever
town he has been living, he has taken an
active part in all church matters and in the
Sunday-school. While in Hudson he had
charge of the prison work of the Young Men's
Christian Association. He has been a trustee
of every church with which he has been con-
nected, and in Stuyvesant Falls and \'alatie
was superintendent of the Sunday-school.
.^\s
|APTAIN JAMES STEAD, superin-
tendent and manager of the Catskill
and New York Steamboat Evening
Line at Catskill, N.Y., was born in Cairo, this
State, on May 23, 1832, his parents being
David and Hannah (Mackelwaite) Stead.
The father, David Stead, was born in Hud-
dersfield, England, and in early life was em-
ployed there in a woollen manufactory. He
came to America when forty years of age, and
settled in Cairo, where he bought a farm. For
a time he carried on a woollen manufactory in
Woodstock, a part of Cairo, but he subse-
quently closed out the business and engaged in
farming. He died at the age of eighty, after
having li\ed retired for some time in the vil-
lage of Cairo. He was an old-time Whig,
but though warmly interested in all public
affairs was never an aspirant for office. His
wife, Hannah, who also was of English birth,
died in Cairo at the age of seventy-nine. She
bore him four children, of whom there are liv-
ing— James, John, and Levi. John, who re-
sides in Cairo at the old homestead, carries on
a boarding-house; Levi is in business in Chi-
cago; and Charles is deceased. Both parents
were members of the Episcopal church.
James Stead left home at eighteen years of
age, and went to work as clerk in the office of
Penfield, Day & Co., who managed a steam-
boat line between New York and Catskill. Jn
time he rose to be a captain, and he was in
their employ in that capacity for several years.
Subsequently, for three years, he was captain
of a steamer owned by Hamilton & .Srnith, and
engaged in freighting between New Baltimore
and New York, and at the end of that time he
acted as salesman for the same firm on a line
of boats plying between Co.xsackie and New
York. For a year during the Civil War he
was in the employ of the government, acting
as inspector of the bay for the army, it being
his duty to load schooners at Jersey City and
make reports to Quartermaster Brown. P'or
the ne.xt three years after this he was captain
of the "New Champion," a boat cnvned by
Black & Donohue, running from Catskill to
New York ; and, following that, he was for two
394
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
years in company with Mr. Cicorge H. Pen-
fiekl, his first cmjj.oyer, running a line of
barges. Then, for a second period of three
years, he was master of the "New Champion,"
and at the end of tliat time he became one of
the organizers of the Catskill and New York
Steamboat Company.
Mr. Uonohue was superintendent <if the
company at the start, and Captain .Stead was
in command of one of the boats; but, upon the
ileath of .Ml'. ]).)niihue. Captain Stead was made
superintendent and general manager. At first
there were two small boats, the "New Cham-
]iion " and the "Water Hrette. " These were
superseded after a time by the "Escort" and
the "Charlotte Vanderbilt," which were much
larger boats and which were in turn superseded
by others of still greater cajiacity. In 1880
the company built the "City of Catskill,"
which has a keel two hundred and forty-seven
feet in length, beam thirty-five feet in width,
and sixty-one feet over all, and has a carrying
ca]iacity of five hundred tons and accommoda-
tions for two hundred and fift\- passengers. In
1882 was built the " Katterskill, " two hundred
and eighty-five feet in length, thirty-eight feet
beam, and si.\ty-six feet over all, and capable
of accommodating five hundred passengers,
This is one of tiie finest boats on the rivei,
and one of the most jiopular. Hoth these
boats were built under Captain .Stead's con-
stant supervision, and they met the needs of
the business nntil 1893, when tlie "J'^scort"
was rebuilt and her name changed to the
"City of Hudson. " In 1898 the "OiUeora"
was built, length two hundred and lorty-seven
feet, beam thirty-five feet, and sixty-three feet
over all, and capable of carrying six hundred
people. She was built for night service, and
is the fastest night boat afloat, having a speed
of twenty-three miles an hour. She has made
the run fiom New York to Catskill, a distance
of one hundred and twent\- miles, and made
one landing, in four hours and twenty minutes.
Captain .Stead takes much jiride in this boat,
as she was built by his ]dans and measure-
ments. She is fitted with everv convenience
for the comfort of guests. This company is a
stock concern, and does a large and constantly
increasing business. Their boats connect with
the Catskill Mountain Railroad, and in the
summer they carry a large number of toLU"ists
and cpiantities of freight.
Captain .Stead was married in 1865 to
Rachel E. Pettit, who was born in Dutchess
County, a daughter of Lewis Pettit. One
child has blessed this union, hla II., now the
wife of Charles I. I-"iero, superintendent of the
Pratt hr.mch of the .Standard Oil Company in
Creenpoint. Mr. and Mrs. I-'iero have one
daughter, Rachel .S.
The Captain is a Republican in politics.
In 1879 he was elected .Sheriff, which office he
held until 1882, when he declined to serve
longer. In 1883 he was elected to the legis-
lature, where he served one year. Me is a
prominent man in his part\', was for a long
time a member of the County Committee, and
has many times been a delegate to Republican
conventions. He helped nominate Governor
Morton. I'"or three years he was a trustee of
the \illage, and for a year president of the
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
395
Board of Trustees. Captain Stead has the dis-
tinction of having been longer in the boating
business than any other man on the Hudson.
He built his present residence in 1897. He
is a trustee of the Catskill Savings Bank,
and president of the Catskill Ferry Company
running between Catskill and Catskill Station,
and an owner in the last-named corporation.
He is also one of the directors of the Hudson
Steamboat Company. He attends the Meth-
odist Episcopal church, of which his wife and
daughter are members.
I ••■ t
KKVI M. DEFANDORF, a .skilful
farmer and dairyman of Seward, Scho-
"^*^ harie County, owner and occupant
of a fine farm lying about a mile and a half
from H3nds\-ille village, is a representative of
one of the oldest families in this part of the
State of New York. He was born on this
farm on April 26, 1S31, son of John and Eliz-
abeth (Petrie) Defandorf. His first progenitor
in this country, his great-grandfather, came
from Germany.
Jacob Defandorf, father of John, l^ought a
large tract of heavily timbered land in Seward,
N.Y. , which included the larger part of the
homestead of his grandson, Levi M., and the
adjoining estate of one hundred and seventy
acres. In common with his neighbors, who
were few and were settled far apart, he suf-
fered the hardships of j^ioneer life, but with
true German habits of industry and persever-
ance worked steadily; and the end of each year
saw more land cleared and larger crops har-
vested. He died, probably in the log cabin
which he reared on coming to the wilderness,
at the age of fifty years, leaving a widow, Mrs.
Susan Defandorf, and si.\ children. Mrs. De-
fandorf was born at Frey's Bush, Montgomery
County, and died in Seward at the age of four-
score and four years.
John Defandorf remained beneath the paren-
tal roof until ready to establish a home of his
own, when he purchased a portion of the pa-
rental estate. Here he was successfully em-
plo}ed in general agricultural pursuits until
his death, at the age of si.\ty-four years.
After he had made the last payment on his
property, he began making needed improve-
ments. The present dwelling-house was
erected by him. A man of intelligence, he
was greatly interested in all things pertaining
to the welfare of the town, but was never an
aspirant for official honors. He married Eliz-
abeth Petrie, one of the se\'en children of John
Handrake Petrie, a well-known farmer of Car-
lisle, Schoharie County. I-^olu- children were
born of their union, and two of them are liv-
ing, namely: Julia Ann, wife of Austin
P'rance, of Seward \'alley; and Levi M.
The parents were consistent memjjers of the
Methodist church.
Levi M. Defandorf attended the district
school when it was in session during his boy-
hood and youth, and in the same period was so
well trained at home that he became as famil-
iar with the work of the farm as he was with
his books. On attaining his majority, he
bought one hundred and thirty-two acres of the
old Defandorf homestead; and, having since
396
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
added to it nineteen acres by purcliase, lie has
a large farm, and one of the best in line of im-
provements and appointments of any in the
N-icinitx'. He devotes his lime to general
farming, raising grain and hops to a considera-
ble extent, hut mailing a specialty of stock-rais-
ing and dairying. Frum his herd of twenty
or more grade Holstein and Jersey cows, he
makes butter, the greater jjart of which he ships
to his son, who is engaged in the grocery busi-
ness in Troy, N. Y., and some to tlie markets in
Ohio and in Washington, D. C. He has always
taken a great interest in the establishment of
permanent town, county, and State agricult-
ural associations; and as an exhibitor at fairs,
held under the auspices of these organizations,
Mr. Defandorf has on se\eral occasions taken
the first ]iremium on stock. Tlie credit of
establishing the products of his dairy as among
the best in the market, he gladly gives to
his deceased wife, who was an expert butter-
maker.
I\Ir. Defandorf married, April 25, 1850,
Miss Lucinda R. Sexton, daughter of Austin
Se.xton. Her father was formerly engaged in
farming in this part of Schoharie County,
l)Ut afterward remo\ed to Oriskany Falls,
N.\'., wluTe he operatetl a grist-mill and
where he sjx-nt his remaining days. Mr.
and Mrs. Defandorf reared five children;
namely, Mary E.., Clark B., Jason F. , John A.,
and Daniel A. Mary is the wife of Dr. Adam
Myers, of Husk irk, Rensselaer County, and
has two children — Victor and Raljili. Clark
H. , deceased, married Susan Ostrandei', who
bore him three children — Jessie, Arthur, and
Lucinda. Jason F. Defandorf was graduated
with high honors from the Cazenovia Acad-
emy, afterward spent three years at the W'es-
leyan Universit\', Middletown, Conn., and
still later attended the Law School in Wash-
ington, D. C, where he received the degree of
Bachelor of Arts, and has since been employed
by the government in the post-office and
in the War and Treasury Departments in
that cit\'. He married Miss Hattie Holmes,
and has four children — lilizabeth 1'., James,
John Levi, and Marion. John A. Defandorf
was for one year clerk in a store at Cobleskill,
then was several years a clerk in Troy, and
subsecpiently went into business for himself
witli his cousin, Charles H. Sexton, at Troy.
He married I'^mma Smith, and they have one
child, Clark. Daniel A., the youngest son,
completed his education at the Cobleskill
High School, and subsequently taught school
several terms in Seward and Sharon. He as-
sists his father in the care of the home farm,
and is also a local preacher in the Methodist
church. He married Carrie \'roman, daughter
of Barney Vroman.
After forty-seven years of happy wedded
life, Mrs. Lucinda R. Defandorf passed to the
brighter world be)'oiul, her death occurring
June 6, 1897. She was a woman of exem-
plary character and great personal worth, in
every way deserving the high respect univer-
sally accorded her. She was a faithful mem-
ber of the Methodist church, of which Mr.
Defandorf is one of the oldest members now
lix'ing, anil in which he has held all the
offices, having been a trustee and steward for
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
397
years, a class leader for a quarter of a cen-
tury, and for fifteen years superintendent of
the Sunday-school, in which his wife, Lu-
ciiida, was a teacher. lioth assisted in every
work indorsed by the church, and their hospi-
table home was ever open to receive the minis-
ters of that denomination.
On January 25, 1898, Mr. Defandorf mar-
ried Mrs. Catherine M. Somers, daughter of
Joseph l^^rance, a farmer of Seward, N.Y.
Three children were born to the present Mrs.
Defandorf and her former husband, Peter N.
Somers — Howard S., Ernest F., and Arthur
L. , deceased.
(shames MADISON CASE, a prominent
business man of Gilboa, N.Y., was
born in this town, July 7, 1849, son of
Daniel and Hetsey (Chichester) Case. He is
a descendant of John Case, who came over
from England more than two hundred and fifty
years ago.
A brief account of the life of John Case,
the immigrant, by A. P. Case, of Vernon,
N. Y., has recently appeared in print. In
this book mention is made of records showing
that John Case as early as 1640 was living in
the vicinity of Hartford, Conn.; that in 1656
he was an inhabitant of Long Island, a year
or two later removing to Windsor, Conn.,
and in i66g one of the first settlers at Sims-
bury, Conn., so named in 1670. For four
years he represented the town in the General
Court, or Assembly. He married first Sarah,
daughter of William Sjiencer, of Hartford.
She died in 1691, and lie afterward inarried
Elizabeth Loomis, a widow. He had ten
children, all by his first wife; namely, Eliza-
beth, Mary, John, William, Samuel, Richard,
Bartholomew, Joseph, Sarah, and Abigail.
The Case family in England is said to have
been numerously represented for a number of
generations at Aylsham, Norfolk County.
Calvin Case, who was born in Connecticut,
Ajiril 10, 1763, came to Conesville, N.Y.,
and a few years later he moved to Gilboa,
where he acquired two tracts of land, amount-
ing in all to two hundred acres. The prop-
erty he occupied, which is still known as the
Case farm, now consists of one hundred and
si.xty acres, and the original title is in the
possession of his grandson, the subject of this
sketch. His first abiding-place was a log
hut, the entrance to which was covered with
a blanket ; and from a struggling pioneer he
rose to be a well-to-do farmer, stock-raiser,
and grain dealer. Calvin Case, it is said,
served as a minute-man in 1777, and was
ordered to the front at the second battle of
Stillwater, but arrived after the surrender of
General Burgoyne. The Case family have an
honorable recortl for patriotism, seventy or more
of that name from Connecticut having served
in the Revolution, upward of twenty in the
War of 1812, and over fifty in the Civil War.
Calvin Case was married in Connecticut,
August 2, 1793, to Jerusha Griffin, and he
brought three children with him to Schoharie
County. He died January 4, 1854, aged
ninety-one years, and liis wife, who was bom
December 2, 1777, died May 7, 1849. They
398
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
reared a family of thirteen children, namely:
Calvin, who moved from Conesville to Blen-
heim; Luther, who died at Potter's Hollow;
Mlishn, Allen, and Krastiis, who all died in
Conesville; Ira, who now resitles at Cones-
ville; Daniel, James M. Case's father;
Griffin, who died in Gil boa; Hiram, who re-
sided in Catskill; Joel, who died while
young; Jerusha, deceased, who married Or-
lean l)e Witt, of Oak Hill: h'liza, who mar-
ried S. Mackey, of Gilboa; and IMnebe, who
married William Floss, of Gilboa. The sons
were all farmers except Hiram, who was a
cattle dealer, hotel-keeper, and general specu-
lator. The grandparents were Presbyterians,
and most of their chililren became members of
that church.
Daniel Case remained at the homestead to
care for his parents in their old age, and after
their death he succeeded to the ownership of
the property by ])urehasing the interests of
the other heirs. He was an energetic, indirs-
trious, :ind successful farmer, and at his
death, which occurred November lo, 1886, he
left a good estate. His wife, ]5etsey, was a
daughter of Joseph Chichester, and the maiden
name of her mother was Welch. The Chi-
chesters are of Scotch descent, ;uid the
Welches are saiti to be of Dutch origin. Jo-
seph Chichester h:ul a family of nine children.
Daniel and Betsey Case reared hut one child,
James M., the subject of this sketch. The
mother died l-'ebruary 19, 1875.
James Madison Case was educateil in Gil-
boa, and taught several terms of school after
the com]iletion of his studies. He assisted
his father in farming from the time he was
able to be of use until the age of twenty-four,
when he engaged in general mercantile busi-
ness in company with Abraham Walker, a
partnership that ended at the death of Mr.
Walker some three years later. He continued
in business alone some .si.xteen years, or until
about 1893, when he sold out to George E.
Hawver. He has since given his attention to
the bu\'ing of country pioduce, including
butter, which he handles quite extensively.
He also buys large quantities of wool, which
he ships to Boston; and during the p.ist year
his shipments amounted to over one hundred
thousand pounds. He still owns the home-
stead, upon which he raises some fine horses,
and he takes special pride in preserving the
old dwelling which was built by his grand-
father over eighty years ago. Far the past
ten years he has been actively interested in
inland fisheries, in stocking the various
streams in this locality, and is regarded as an
authority on that subject.
Mr. Case married Hattie E. Hawver,
daughter of William W. and Samantha (Hay)
Hawver. She was the first-born of eight chil-
dren, the others being: Emma D., who died
at the age of six years; Ella, who married
G. N. Thorp; George E., a merchant of Url-
ton, N.Y. ; James B., a prosperous f;irmer,
who occupies the ol 1 homestead in Cones-
ville; Flora A,, who died at the age of
twenty-one years; Bertha, wife of James Car-
penter; and M.utha, who married D. T. Fer-
guson, of Alton, 111. Mr. and Mrs. Case
have had two daughters: Merta, who died
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
399
aged four years; and Mina, wlio died aged one
year.
In politics Mr. Case is a Democrat, and for
a number of years was Postmaster. He has
served upon the Town Committee several
terms, has attended as a delegate many county
conventions, but has never sought for or held
local ofifices. He is a Master Mason, and be-
longs to Gilboa Lodge, No. 630.
'RANK RUFUS SEARLES, M.D.,
J physician and surgeon, Catskill, N. Y.,
was born in Newton, N.J., April 29, 1S6S,
son of Arthur and Alice (Martin) Searles.
On the paternal side he comes of English an-
cestry, and through his materniil grandfather
he is a descendant of French Protestants, or
Huguenots. The first of the Searles family
who came to America settled in Massachu-
setts, and was a farmer. Representatives of
the family participated in the Revolutionary
War, the War of 181 2, and the French and
Indian War. Dr. Searles's great-great-grand-
father, John Finlay, was an aide on the staff
of General Green and also on that of General
Mifflin.
Arthur Searles, the Doctor's father, was
reared in Massachusetts. lie followed agri-
culture until of age, when he went to New
Jersey. Later he entered commercial life in
New York, and resided there until his death,
which occurred at the age of thirty. Mr.
Searles is survived by his wife, Alice, and
their only child, Frank Rufus, the special
subject of this sketch. The Doctor's mother.
now Mrs. Lester Leggett, resides in Plainfield,
N.J. She has one brother, Frederick Martin.
Her parents were Lebbeus L. and Frances
(Beach) Martin. Her father was a wholesale
clothing merchant of Plainfield, N.J., moved
from that town to Newton, N.J., and at one
time resided in New York for a short period.
His death occurred in Plainfield, N.J., in
1898, at the age of seventy-eight.
Frank Rufus Searles was educated in the
common and high schools and at Leal's Acad-
emy, Plainfield, N.J. His medical studies
were completed at the Long Island College
Hospital, from which he was graduated March
22, 1892. He began the practice of his pro-
fession at Plainfield, N.J., where he remained
one year, removing from there to Hunter,
Greene County, and two years later settling in
Catskill, N. Y. He has made rapid progress
in his profession, and is highl\' esteemed both
as a physician and citizen.
On November S, 1893, Dr. .Searles was
joined in marriage with Miss Myra Rose
Lowrie, daughter of Dr. H. H. and Myra G.
(Burr) Lowrie, of Plainfield. Dr. and Mrs.
Searles have one child, P'rank Rufus Searles,
second. There are twent)'-t\vo physicians in
the Lowrie family, and Mrs. .Searles's father
has practised in Plainfield many years. Her
mother, who is a native of Brooklyn, N.Y. ,
and a descendant of a br;inch of the family to
which Aaron Burr belonged, has reared four
children, namely: Caroline, who is the wife
of the Rev. C. G. J^ristol, rector of Colts
Memorial Church, Hartford, Conn. ; Myra
Rose, now Mrs. .Searles; Maud Myra, now
40O
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Mrs. Julian Dcane, who is residiiij; at Spring-
field, Mass.; and II. H. Lowric, Jr., who is
manai^er of an insurance coniiiau)' in I'liila-
delphia, I'a.
Dr. Scarlcs has served as president of the
Greene County Medical Society, and has fre-
quently read jwpers before that body upon
timel}' topics. He is now delegate to the
Medical Societ}-, State of New York. He is
Assistant Surgeon of the Sixteenth Comiiany,
N. G. S., N.V., now acting captain; is
medical examiner for a number of life insur-
ance companies; and is local health officer
and secretary of the Board of l". S. Pension
Examiners of Greene County. In politics he
is a Republican. Dr. and Mrs. Searles are
members of Christ's Presbyterian Church.
(^OlIN 11. PURTIS, Jr.,* proprietor of
the Hotel St. Charles, Hunter, N.V.,
was born in Hidoklyn, I.<>ng Island,
October 24, i86g, son of John II. and Mary
(Thompson) Purtis. His father is a native
of Washington County, Mew \'oik, and his
mother was born in Nar.tucket, Mass. His
immigrant ancestor came from I''loi"ence, Italy;
and his great-grandfather Purtis and his grand-
father, whose name was John, were natives
of Washington County, this State.
John Purtis was a carpenter and builder and
a manufacturer of sieves. In his latter years
he remo\ed to Hunter, where he carried on a
large sieve factory until his deatli, which oc-
curred in 1 8go. He was a Justice of the
Peace many years, was familiarly known as
Squire Purtis, and he enjoyed the esteem of all
who knew him. In his religious belief he was
a Presbyterian. He married for his first wife
PLliza Lee, a native of Washington County,
and had a large famih' of children, of whom
the only one living is John H., Sr. The
grandmother's death occurred many years prior
to that of her husband.
John H. Purtis, Sr. , was reared in Wash-
ington Count\'. In 1845 became to Hunter,
and purchased a tract of land comprising three
hundred and fifty acres, mostly covered with
timber, w-hich he at first used for sporting pm-
poses, and later cleared for cultivation. For
several )ears he contlucted the stove and tin-
ware business in New York City. After that
he engaged in the dried fruit trade and still
later in the wholesale drug and ])atent medi-
cine business. At the present time he is a
jirosperous real estate dealer in Brooklyn,
where he resides winters, his smnmers being
spent in Hunter. His original residence here,
which he built shortly after jHuchasiiig his
property, he afterward enlarged for the accom-
modation of summer boarders; and it was con-
ducted by his half-brother until 1882, when it
was destro3ed by fire. In 188^ the present
large hotel was erected. P'or three )'ears it
was in charge of .S. P. \'an Loan, later in that
of Mr. Scripture, and in 189^ John H. Purtis,
Jr., became its manager.
John H. Pint is, .Sr. , is a Repul)lican in pol-
itics. He was in the Assembly in 1875 and
1876, and is quite active in the jjublic affairs
of Pr<;oklyn. In Masonry he has advanced to
JOHN H. BURTIS.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
403
the thirty-second degree. He has served as
Deputy Grand Master, and belongs to the Mys-
tic Shrine; is vice-president of the Union
League Club, Brooklyn; and [jrcsident of
Aurora Grata Club.
His wife, Mary, is a daughter of James B.
and Mary (Gardner) Thompson. Her father
was a graduate of Yale and a well-known
mathematician. He was the author of Thomji-
son's Arithmetics, and has written over forty
different volumes, known as Thompson's
Mathematical Series, including arithmetic,
algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. He was
at one time principal of an academy in Nan-
tucket, Mass. During the latter part of his
life he made his home in New York, where he
died at the age of eighty years. His wife,
Mary Gardner Thompson, who is still living,
is now seventy-five years old. Mrs. Mary
Thompson Burtis was educated in Brooklyn
and at a young ladies' seminary in New-
Haven, Conn. She is president of Memorial
Hospital, Brooklyn, and is jjrominent in char-
itable work. She has had seven children,
three of whom are living: Mary L. , John H.,
Jr., and Grace L. Burtis. Charles Burtis,
M.D. , was graduated from the New York
Ilomceopathic College, and at the time of his
death was practising his profession in Atlanta,
Ga. Grace L. is a student at Vassar College,
Poughkeepsie. The parents are members of
the Congregational church.
John II. Burtis, Jr., began his education in
the common schools of Brooklyn, and fitted for
college at the Latin school. He was graduated
from C(.)lumbia College in 1S94, with the de-
gree of Bachelor of Arts, and subsequently
studied law. During the summer of 1893 he
managed the Hotel St. Charles in Hunter, and
since i<S94 he has resided here permanently.
This hotel, which is situated upon the highest
elevation in the Catskill region, occupies a de-
sirable location on what is known as Breeze
Lawn Farm. The building is seventy-five feet
front, one hunchx'd and si.xty-three feet deep,
and four stories high. It has broad piazzas on
three sides, and is equipped with all modern
improvements, including passenger elevator
and telegraph office. With the anne.x it
has accommodations for two hundred guests.
The table is supplied with fresh cream,
butter, eggs, and vegetables from the farm
connected with the house; and the service
is of the best. Aside from the hotel Mr.
Burtis manages Breeze Lawn, consisting of
three hunilred and fifty acres. He carries on
a dairy, and sends his surplus products to
market.
On October 9, 1895, Mr. liurtis married
Zaidee I. Scribner, a native of Hunter, daugh-
ter of Peter H. and Agnes (Merwin) Scribner.
Her father, who at one time was engaged in
mercantile business in Cat.skill, is at present
residing in Palen\'ille, where he accommodates
summer boarders.
Mr. Scribner original!}' came from Connect-
icut. He has had four children: Zaidee I.,
now Mrs. Burtis; George H. ; Bertha; and
Merwin. Mr. and Mrs. Burtis are the parents
of two children — Thompson H. and Grace
Agnes.
Mr. Burtis is a Republican in politics, and
404
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Ikis been quite jiioniinent in [niblic affairs.
lie iielongs to tlie Masonic Oidei, being a
nicmijcr of Mount Tabor Lodge and the chap-
ter in Windham. lie attends the Methodi.st
Episcopal ciiurcli.
« <•» »
IMURY STEVENS, of Conesville, an ex-
member of the State legislature, was
bnin in this town, September 24, 1839, son of
Levi l-". antl Thirza (Sage) .Stevens. His
grandfather, Peter S. , and liis great-grand-
father, Gcrshom Stevens, both came here from
Fairfield, Conn., in i.S'05, Peter S. being tlien
a young man.
Gershom .Stesens i)ecamc tiie second owner
of the first grist-mill in this region, and he
operated it for a number of years. His chil-
dren were: Levi, (iershom, Peter S., Ozias,
and two daughters. Some years after his
death his son Peter .S. remodelled the mill
into a tannery. This was afterward destroyed
by fire, and two other buildings erected upon
the site were also burned.
Peter S. .Stevens was tiie fatlicr of ten chil-
dren ; namely, Levi L., Walter, Alfred, Nel-
son, Tompkins, Tiialia A., Sally, John P". ,
t)zias D., and another son who died in in-
fancy. I'he onl_\' one now li\ing is Tomp-
kins, who is a well-known dealer in hides in
New York City. 'I'halia A. married Andiew
Rickc}', and .Sall\- married ("harles .Sturgis.
[ohn h\, who ijecame a physician, was for five
vears president of a medical scliool in St.
Louis, Mo., and afterward [jractised in Hrook-
lyn, N. v. Nelson tlied in Conesville, aged
twent\'-four \ears. Tompkins, Alfred, and
Walter went to .Sullivan County, and were
instrumental in building up the town of Stev-
ensville, where tiiey o[)erated tanneries for
many years, being also engaged in lumbering
and farming. The .Stevens brothers built a
hotel in Conesville, wiiich was first opened by
Gershom.
Levi F. .Stevens, father of I'"mory, was in
his )'ounger da)s interested in the tannery at
Conesville, and for a while he kept a store.
He succeeded to the ownership of the home-
stead jiroperty, which was in his day a jaart of
the original tract one mile square acquired by
his grandfather. He was an able, energetic,
and successfid farmer, and favorably known
through this section of the count}'. Politi-
cally lie was a Democrat, and held some of
the town offices. He was an active member
and a prominent official of the Methodist Epis-
copal churcli, whose house of worshi]i was
built principal!)' through the instrmnentality
of his father and David .Sage. Levi F.
Stevens died March 2>^, 1890, aged eighty
years.
His wife, Thirza, was a daughter of
David Sage, who removed with iiis family to
Conesville froni Connecticut. He was a de-
scendant of David Sage, first, who was born in
Wales in 16.19, 'i"'! coming to America was
one of the earliest settlers in Middletown,
Conn. Tile inniiigrant was also the ancestor
of Russell Sage, the well-known financier.
J'he .Sage familv. we are told, dates its origin
from the time of the Norman conquest, its
founder having fought on the winning side at
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
405
the battle of Hastings. Mrs. Stevens's
father, who was born in Connecticut, settled
upon a tract of two hunilretl acres in that part of
Broome which is now Conesville, and Ijecame
a successful farmer. He was one of the
founders of the Methodist Episcopal church at
Strykersville. His children were: Daniel,
Abiel, Simeon, Levi, Thirza (Mrs. Stevens),
Polly, and Lucena. Abiel, twin brother to
Thirza, died in Ashland, Greene County,
N.Y. ; Daniel died in Conesville; Levi died
while young; and Simeon, who amassed a for-
tune in business in New York City, died in
Windham.
Levi F. and Thirza (Sage) Stevens had
seven children; namely, Diantha M., David
S. , Delphus T. , Thalia A., Emory, Ozro, and
Daniel T. Stevens. Diantha M. died at the
age of fifteen years; David S. , who resided in
Gilboa, was for twenty years a Methodist
preacher; Delphus T. , who died at the age of
twenty-eight, was a promising young lawyer in
Oak Hill, N. V. ; Thalia A. died at sixteen;
Ozro died at eighteen ; antl Daniel T. died at
twenty-three years. The mother died in Au-
gust, 1890, aged eighty-five years.
Emory Stevens completed his education at
the Charlotteville Academy. He taught
school for some time, and afterward he was
employed as a clerk in mercantile business at
Conesville and Gilboa. He then went to
Iowa, where for the ne.xt few years he was en-
gaged in various kinds of business, including
mercantile. For some time he kept a sale
stable in Des Moines, and while in that city he
also speculated rather extensively in real es-
tate. Since his return home he has devoted
some of his time to educational work.
In politics he is a Democrat, and while re-
siding in Iowa was chosen a delegate to repre-
sent Harrison County in the State Convention.
He has served as a Supervisor in Conesville
for three years. He also served as chairman
of the County Canvassers' Committee, as fore-
man of the Grand Jury, and during his term in
the Assembly he was a member of several im-
])(>rtant committees. Mr. .Stevens is a member
of the Methodist church, and was for a number
of years superintendent of the Sunday-school.
Mr. Stevens married Emma Miller, daugh-
ter of William Miller, of Conesville. They
have six children; namely, Ward E. , Walter
A., Linnie D., Ralph F., Levi F., and Susie
E. Ward E. was graduated from the New
York Dental College in 1897. Walter A. is
a member of the police force.
^OHN WESLEY GAYLORD, a repre-
sentative citizen of Conesville, N. Y.,
was born -in this town on April 4,
1840, son of George and Fannie (Humphrey)
Gaylord. On the paternal side he is of Hu-
guenot descent. His emigrant ancestors on
leaving France settled first in England,
whence some of the family found their way to
this country. His great-grandfather Gaylord
.served as an Ensign in the Continental army
during the Revolutionary War. He was a
man of considerable property.
John (iaylord, son of Ensign Gaylord, was
but a young boy at the time his father died;
4o6
lUOC.RArHICAL KKVIKW
and lie was bciiinil nut to a Captain Langdon,
of Litchfield, Conn. He ran away, however,
at about the age of eighteen, having received
none of his inheritance, and with one Allen
Griffin came to Conesville, journeying by way
of Catskill, guided by marked trees. He set-
tled on the Sotts jxitent, now known as the
Van Dyke farm, and built a log house to live
in. After remaining there a few years, he re-
moved to a farm on the stage road Ijetvveen
Gilboa and Cairo, in Manor Kill \illage.
Subsequentl)- he settled on the farm wdiere his
grandson, John Wesley Gaylord, now resides.
He became the largest land-owner of his time,
owning from four to five hundred acres.
When he arrived here he had only tifl}- dollars
in his [locket. He married .Sabrina Atwood, re-
turning to Connecticut for that purpose. She
bore him three sons — IHram, Henry, and
George. To each of these he gave a handsome
property upon his coming of age. He then
himself started afresii, ami in time accumu-
lated as much as he had at first, so that during
his life he owned between eight hundred and
a thousand acres. I'ol it ically, he was a Dem-
ocrat, and the leading member of his party
hereabouts. In religious faith he was a Meth-
odist. He helped to build the Methodist
church here, and was always one of its most
liberal supporters. He died at the age of
seventy-eight, and his wife died latei', at aliout
the same age. His son Hiram became a
wealthy merchant of New Voik City. Henry,
who removed to Catskill in i.S6,S, became a
wealthy dealer in live stock ami wool, and later
in real estate. He died at Catskill in Janu-
ary, 1898, in the eighty-eighth year of his age.
He had traxelled extensively. The fine bell
on the church at Manor Kill was presented by
him some four years ago at a cost of four hun-
dred dollars.
George Ga)!ord, father of Joiin W. , was
born on April 28, 1S15, in Conesville, and re-
sided here all his life, dying in 1878. He
kept a hostelr\- for drovers, the largest in the
State, furnishing accommodation.s one night
for fifteen hundred cattle. Drovers came here
from different -States, and it is said that one
paid him ninety dollars for three tons of hay
to feed his drove for a single night. He was
famed far and wide for his hos]iitality and for
his sunn}' and genial temper. Himself an ex-
pert judge of cattle, he bought and sold many
head. He ownetl a farm of si.x hundred acres,
uiHin which he raised annually from fifty to'
seventy-five tons of hay. During war time he
kept three hundred sheep, and forty or fifty
head of cattle. Like his father, he was a
strong Democrat; but he was no office-seeker.
He was marrietl on December 31, 1838. Both
he and his wife were active and devoted mem-
bers of the Methodist church, and gave it gen-
erous financial support. The latter, who was
born on August 21, 18 18, died in 1868. She
was the mother nf four children, namely:
John \V. ; W'dodforil, wh(} was born on January
2, 1842; Cjeorge L. , who was born on June g,
1846; and Ogclen, who was born on June 13,
1849. (ieorge 1'^., who was for many years
engaged in the cattle birsiness, is one of tiie
laigest land-owners here. He is an influential
man, a political leader, and has twice been
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
407
Supervisor of the town. Ogden is in the
meat business at Gilboa. Woodford is the
well known ex-Sheriff.
John Wesley Gaylord was educated in the
district schools, at Chartlotteville Hii;'h
School and Ashland Academ}', beint;- a stu-
dent in the last-named institution in i860,
when it was burned. After his marriage he
settled on a farm of his own, where he lived
for ten years. He then came back to take
charge of the homestead farm. Here he now
owns some five hundred acres. He was for-
merly engaged to some extent in dairying and
in growing hay. P^rom youth also he has been
interested in buying and selling cattle, being
an expert judge of stock. In 1868 he went on
the road in this business, but after some years
gave it up, only to start again in 1880 in com-
pany with his brother George. The latter re-
tired from the partnership in 1891, and Mr.
J. W. Gaylord has since continued alone. In
his early life he taught school for a time, but
finally decided that business was much more
congenial to him. As a cattle dealer, he has
travelled into Canada and throughout this
State, principally in Dutchess, Columbia,
Green, .Schoharie, Otsego, Montgomery, Jef-
ferson, and Delaware Counties. He also went
into Connecticut on some of his trips. Me
was usually absent from home three or four
weeks at a time. Like his father, he is noted
among all who know him for his genial hospi-
tality. He is popular in his own town; and it
is said that, if he takes a subscription paper
among the people for any purpose whatever, he
is sure to fill it with names. No faniilv in
the community has done more for the church
of the town than the Gaylord family. Mr.
John W. Gaylord in this respect has not been
behind his father and grandfather in generosity
and in the sup]3ort of every good movement.
In politics he is a Democrat.
At twenty-three Mr. Gaylord was united in
marriage with Mary K. Porter, daughter of
a Scotch family. Mrs. Gaylord died on De-
cember 17, 1897, having been the mother of
three children. Of these, John H. died in in-
fancy; and George Porter died on December
14, 1889, at the age of twenty-three. Fannie
M., the only daughter, resides with her father.
She attended the Albany Normal .School, and
subsecpiently taught school until her marriage
with Coral E. Rictchmyer. .She has one
child, Mabel G. George Porter Gaylord was
a young man of great promise. In his youth
he attended a select school in 15roome Centre,
and then took a course in the Albany Busi-
ness College. He was nearly qualified to take
his degree of Doctor of Medicine at the Uni-
versity of the City of New York when he be-
came ill. He was naturally a devoted student,
and his close confinement to his books had un-
dermined his health. He was a Mason of Gil-
boa 'Lodge, and remarkably well informed on
Masonic historv for one of his age.
<^»^»
yy. GARDINER COFFIN, cashier of
the Catskill National Bank of Cats-
■ kill and Supervisor of the town of
Catskill, is a native of this village, and
was born on August 10, 1859, his parents
4o8
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
being Uriah H. and Elizabeth J. (Surfieet)
Coffin.
The family of which he is a representative
has existed for many -generations in England.
Tristram Coffin, the founder of the American
branch, was the son of Peter and Joan (Them-
ber or Thumber) Coffin, of Bri.xton, Devon-
shire, and a grandson of Nicholas Coffin of
that place, who died in 1613. Tristram
Coffin, born probably at Brixton, about 1605,
married Dionis Stevens. He came to New
Englanil with liis widowed mother and his
family in 1642. After residing successively
in Haverhill, Newbury, and Salisbury, he
finally, about 1660, settled at Nantucket,
where he died in 168 1, and where some of his
descendants live at this day. Mr. Coffin has
in his possession a copy of the commission,
dated June 29, 1671, granted by F"rancis
Lovelace, Governor of New York, to Tristram
Coffin to be chief magistrate over the islands
of Nantucket and Tuckernuck.
Mr. Coffin's grandfather, Peter G. Coffin,
was l)orn in Hudson, N.Y., on July 30, 1794.
For many years he owned and ran boats be-
tween Catskill and Albany. He died on De-
cember 5, 1858. He was three times mar-
ried. His second wife, the grandmother of
P. Gardiner Coffin, was before her marriage
Lucy O. Green. She was born in Athens,
N.Y. , on November i, 1793, ami died there
on February 7, 1834, having been the mother
of only one child, Uriah H. Both she and
her husband were Episcopalians.
Uriah H. Coffin was born on May 30, 1831.
He was brought up in Athens, Greene County,
N.Y., removed to Catskill, and engaged
in grocery business there. He was captain
for a time of the "P. G. Coffin" that ran be-
tween Albany and Catskill, and later he ran
on the boats plying between New York and
Catskill. After being engaged in the boating
business for some years, he removed to White-
hall, N.Y. He enlisted during the Civil
War, was commissioned as Captain of a com-
pany in the One Hundred and Twentieth Regi-
ment, and remained in the service until the
close of the war, being Quartermaster of the
regiment, on the staff of Colonel George H.
Sharp. Some time after being mustered out,
he received an appointment in the post-office
in New York City, and is now in charge of
the record ilepartment of the registration
office. In |)olitics he is a Republican. His
first wife, the mother of P. Gardiner Coffin,
died at the age of thirty-five, having borne
him three children. Of these the living are:
Charles G. , who is in the insurance business
in this town; and P. Gartliner. The second
wife was before her marriage Emma Johnson.
She was born in Whitehall, N.Y. She is the
mother of two sons now living — -Artinir and
Robert Coffin.
P. Gardiner Coffin lost his motiier when lie
was an infant. He was born and brought up
in Catskill, and has been a resident of tiiis
village all his life. In 1876 he was appointed
Deputy Postmaster of the town; and, after
filling that office in a most creditable manner
for six years, he entered the Catskill National
Bank as a general clerk. In a siiort time he
was a)i|iointed teller, in 1SS9 he was made
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
409
assistant cashier, and in 1S96 was promoted to
his present position of cashier, being also a
member of the board of directors. This bank
was organized in 1812, and is one of the old-
est banks, not only in the State, but in the
United States, and has a proud history. A
sketch of Mr. Coffin appears on page 552, and
his portrait on page igi, of the work recently
issued, entitled "Prominent Bankers of
America."
From 1885 to 1891 Mr. Coffin was inter-
ested with his brother in conducting a large
general insurance business. In 1888 he
helped to organize the Catskill Building and
Loan Association, and he has since been its
treasurer and one of its directors. For twelve
years he was treasurer of Catskill village. In
politics he is a Republican. He was elected
Supervisor of the town in 1896, and again in
1898 to serve one year; but by a change in
the law he will continue in office until 1900.
In 1898 he served as chairman of the board.
For many years he was a leading member of
the Republican county committee, and he was
its chairman for a year. His activity in pro-
moting the best interests of the village has
been unceasing, and his townsmen award him
due credit for his disinterested efforts. He
is well known in both town and county, and
highly respected.
Mr. Coffin was married on November 9,
1887, to Ida Brown, who was born in Peta-
luma, Cal. Her father, Captain John Brown,
formerly interested in the boating business on
the Hudson and a resident of Catskill, now
resides in California. He removed to that
State in 1S49, and was for many years with
the Southern Pacific Railroad Company as
master mariner in their steamboat service be-
tween San Francisco and Oakland. He has
now retired from business. Mrs. Coffin fre-
quently visits her family in California. She
has made the overland journey eight times,
Mr. Coffin accompanying her once. In 1S83
she and her mother were in the railway dis-
aster at Tehachepi, Southern California, where
eleven out of twenty-three persons in one car
were killed.. In this accident Mrs. Coffin
sustained injuries which kept her in the hos-
pital for several months, and the injuries of
her mother were of such a serious character
that she never fully recovered from their
effects. Mrs. Brown is now deceased. She
was a woman of unusual literary attainments,
ana was the author of a work on botany. It
was through her efforts that the library in
Alameda, Cal., was established. Her maiden
name was Helen Walter. She was born in
Catskill, daughter of William Walter, for
many years a leading merchant here. For a
time she lived in the family of Captain Hugh
Taylor. Mrs. Coffin is the only daughter in
a family of four children. Her eldest brother
Thomas is manager of the Western Union
Telegraph at Reno, Nev. William Brown,
second brother, is travelling freight and pas-
senger agent of the Great Northern Railroad
Company of California. George W. Brown,
another brother, is in the Wells & Fargo Ex-
press Company
Mr. and Mrs. Coffin have three children — ■
Charles G., Robert E., and Helen M. Mr,
4IO
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Coffin is a member of Catskill Lodge of
Masons, and chairman of P^inance Committee.
He has held membership in the Dutch Re-
formed church for many years.
<:.\NKI.1N CI.AI'IM'.K, the well-kiinwn
(5 merchant of Mackey'-s Corners, Gilboa,
N.Y., is a native of this town. He was born
on May 4, 1S63, and is the only sun of Philip
and ]-5etsy (Robinson) Clapper. The family
is known to be of German descent, and it is
believed that Mr. Clapper's L;reat-i;reat-L;rand-
fatiier was its first rejiresentatixe in America.
His great-j;ran(lfather, Henr)- P. Clajiper,
came to Gilboa frcjm Coeymans, this .State,
about I Si 5, and settled in the imrth ])art of
the town, then in Broome. He took up a tract
of about a hunihed and forty acres of wild land,
and built first a l(jg cabin and later a frame
house. He felled the first trees, and did all
the clearing. Tliis farm is still ownetl by one
of the famih', a t;randson of the pioneer.
Henry P. Clapper tlied on the faini in 1849,
at the age of eight\'. His wife, whom he had
married in Coeymans, died some years before
he ditl. They had three sons — Sylvester,
Silas, anil George; and fom- daughters —
.Sarah, Peggy, Polly, and Harriet. George
resided at the homestead. .Silas settled in
anothei" part of the town.
Sylvester Clapper, gramlfather of p'ranklin,
was born in Coeymans in 1802, and died in
.Se]itember, 1884. He came to Gilboa with
his parents when about thirteen years of age,
and in time setlletl upon a [lorticai of the home-
stead farm, where he s])ent the remainder of
his life. He acquired some two hundred acres
of lanil. In religion he was a Baptist of the
old school. Politicalh', he was a strong Dem-
ocrat, and a leader in his part\' in this \ icin-
ity, though he never sought office for himself.
.\s a business man, he was shrewd and far-see-
ing. His judgment was much deferred to by
his fellow-citizens. His wife, whose maiden
name was Louisa Ryder, was lioin in 1807,
and died in i.S'91. Her ancestors were of Ger-
man descent, and came here from Columbia
Count\-. The children of S\'l\ester Clapper
were: Philip, Henry, John, and George M.
John, who remained on the homestead farm,
died in 1885. George M went to Michigan
in 1883. Henry B. is a \erv prosperous
farmer in Albany Count}'. He is married,
and has four children. Syh'cster Clapper was
interested in the turnpike road between North
Blenheim and Potter's Hollow, and together
with Mr. Tibbits was instrumental in securing
the legislation under which it was built.
Philil5 Clapper, above named, was educated
in the public schools, and subsequently taught
school for a number of terms. He has contin-
ued to be a student throughout his life, and
has been much looked to by his neighbors and
ac(|uaintances for information on doubtful
points under discussion. In politics he is a
Democrat. His first faiin consisted of one
hundred acres, all tillable land. Later he be-
came the owner of the homestead property,
where he has resided since 1863, in his active
years dexoting his energies to general farming,
giving special attention to dairying. His
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
411
wife, whose maiden name was Betsy Robinson,
is tlie daughter of John D. Robinson, whose
ancestors were of Scotch-English descent, emi-
grants from Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs.
Philip Clapper have one son, Franklin, whose
personal history is given below, and a daugh-
ter Emmaline, who was married in December,
1894, to Edgar Ilulbert, of North Blenheim.
Franklin Clapper was educated in the pub-
lic schools and in a select school, receiving
more than ordinarily good advantages. Then
for some time he taught school during the win-
ter terms in the towns of Gilboa, Blenheim,
Breakabeen, and l'\dton, and engaged in farm-
ing during the summers. As a teacher he met
with great success, and in Breakabeen he had
a school of seventy ini|)ils. Deciding to go
into mercantile business, he bought out his
present stand in March, 1892, and since then
has devoted himself exclusively to building-
up a trade. Although he had no jirevious ex-
perience as a tradesman to guide him, he has
prospered even beyond his expectations. He
carries at the present time thrice the stock
that he carried at the outset, having enlarged
his line of drugs, groceries, dry goods, hard-
ware, and farm tools. He sends goods over
a radius of four or five miles.
Since 1893 Mr. Clapper has been the vil-
lage Postmaster. His management ha\'ing
proved satisfactory to both parties, no candi-
date has been put forth to oppose him. Fie is
also serving on his third term as Notary Pub-
lic. Mr. Clapper has often been delegate to
both local and county conventions. Repeat-
edly importuned to accept the nomination for
public office, he has declined, thcnigh he never
loses an opportunity to work for the good of
his party and of the community. He was in-
strimiental in the construction of a telephone
line to Mackey's Corners, thereby giving to
the citizens of that little hamlet direct and
rapid communication with the county seat and
other parts of the count)'. He is a Mason of
Gilboa Lodge, No. 630, of which he has been
Junior Deacon, and is warmly interested in
the ancient craft. When he juineil in 1887,
he was the youngest man in the lodge.
Mr. Clapper was married on April 21, 1897,
to Harriet E. VVykoff, who is the eldest of the
five children of George M. VVykoff. Mrs.
Clapper was a successful student in the One-
onta Normal School, and previ(jus to her mar-
riage she taught school. Mr. Clapper has
been a member of the Baptist choir for five or
si.x years, and at the present time his wife is
also a member. Both are popular in social
circles, and have every outlook for a prosper-
ous future.
ONVAS E. MARKHAM, of Fulton,
I teacher and farmer, well known in
-Schoharie County as Professor
Markham, was boin in this town, August 10,
1843, son of Alden, Jr., arrd Catherine (Cook)
Markham. Through his father he traces his
ancestry (by what line we ha\e not been in-
formed) to John Aldcn of the "Mayflower"
company of Pilgrims who settled at Plymouth.
Professor Markham's paternal grandparents,
Alden Markham, .Sr. , and Elizabeth Pease
412
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Markham, were born, bred, and married in the
State of Connecticut. Soon after their mar-
riage they migrated westward to Otsego
County, New Yori<, where, in the town of
Worcester, the grandfather took up a tract of
forest-covered land, from which he cleared the
timber and improved a homestead. He became
actively identified with the interests of the
town, and, while establishing a home for him-
self and family, also assisted in developing the
resources of that section of the State. He was
among the leading farmers of the community,
and for many years served as Justice of the
Peace. He lived there until well advanced in
years, and then went to Massachusetts, where
he died at the age of seventy-eight. His wife,
who bore him .seven children, also lived to a
ripe old age. lioth were Baptists in their re-
ligious beliefs.
Alden Markham, Jr., was born and educated
in Otsego County; and, having been reared to
agricultural pursuits, he followed farming for
some years. He also taught during the winter
terms in Otsego County for a while, and later
on for a few terms in Richniondville, Scho-
harie County. In 1838, or soon after, he ac-
cepted a position in the public schools of Ful-
ton; and, being pleased with this localit}-, he
.subsequently invested his money here in a
farm, and resumed life as an agriculturist. A
few years afterward he removed to Massachu-
setts, where he spent his remaining days, pass-
ing away at the age of forty-nine years. His
wife, whose maiden name was Catherine D.
Cook, was born in the western part of Fulton,
being a daughter of Nathaniel Cook, an exten-
sive farmer, who spent his life of threescore
and ten years in this town. Mrs. Markham
died at the early age of thirty-nine years, hav
ing borne her husband five children. Four of
this family are now living, namely: Convas
K. ; Asher ; Luther O. , who for a quarter of a
century has been Superintendent of Schools at
Haverstraw-, New York. ; and Elizabeth, wife
of E. \V. Haverly. Both parents were persons
of eminent pietv, and active members of the
Baptist church.
Convas E. Markham began teaching in the
district schools when but sixteen years old.
He afterward took a full course of stud}' at
the Schoharie Academy, and still further fitted
himself for a teacher by attending the Albany
Normal School, from which he was graduated
in 1869. He has since taught in \-arious
towns, including b'ulton, where he commenced
his career, Gallu[nille, in wdiose schools he
was employed twelve consecutive years, and
Esperance. He also taught se\eral years in
Piermont and Haverstraw, Rockland County.
Since his marriage he has resided on his farm
of one hundred acres in I-'nlton, and, in addi-
tion to his professional laljors in this \'icinity,
has been prosperously engaged in general farm-
ing and dairying. He is one of the oldest and
best known teachers of the county.
Mr. Markham married Carrie Louden, of
l-"ulto]i, a graduate of the Normal School, and
for some years prior to her marriage a teacher
in the public schools. She was born in Ful-
ton, being a daughter of Stephen Louden, of
whom a biographical sketch ap]:)ears elsewhere
in this volume.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
413
RANK H. FRANCE, a native of Sew-
ard, now residing in the village of
Cobleskill, was born on March ji, 1859, ^o" o^
Gilbert G. and Angeline (Ottman) France.
He is a great-grandson of Sebastian Frantz,
one of the pioneers of Schoharie County.
Sebastian Frantz came from Germany in
1752, shortl)' after his marriage with Anna
Fritz. He was born in Wurtemberg, in the
year 1732, and his wife was born in the same
place in the year following. They were Luth-
erans, and, with three others of that persua-
sion, left their native land in order to secure
greater freedom of worship. The little party
landed in New York in November, 1753.
Sebastian was sent ahead to prospect for a
place in which to settle, and he eventually
chose a location in this county in what is now
the town of Seward.
He was a man of deep piety and great relig-
ious zeal, and his unflinching boldness in de-
fence of his faith has borne fruit in the lives
of his descendants. He brought with him
from the Fatherland his German family Bible,
the first Bible ever brought into the town of
Seward, and this is now in the possession of
the heirs of his grandson, the late Gilbert G.
France. Seven tedious years were spent in
clearing the land and making it capable of pro
ducing harvests, and at the end of that time
the desire of the immigrant's heart was ful-
filled in the erection, at what was called New
Rhinebeck, of a Lutheran church. The struc-
ture was a frame building, and was the second
house (if worship reared in the town. The
society was presided over by the Rev. Peter
Nicholas Sommer, a travelling Lutheran
preacher, who preached also to the Methodist
congregation in the other church, which was
located at Seward Centre.
The children of Sebastian Frantz numbered
twelve, and were named as follows : Anna,
Ernest Christopher, Eva, Elizabeth, Jacob,
Margaretta, John, Catherine, Henry, Lena,
Lawrence, and David. At the outbreak of the
Revolution, the two elder sons, Christopher and
Jacob, enlisted as soldiers, and were quartered
with their company in the Schoharie Valley.
On October 18, while Sebastian was away
from home dtiing government service, his home
was entered by an Lidian chief who was in the
employ of the British; two of the sons, John
and Henry, were taken captive; and the barns
and out-buildings were burned. Thus in a
moment were destroyed the results of years of
earnest toil.
Mrs. Anna Frantz, with her ten remaining
children fled to Gravel Mountain, where she
secreted herself for three days, not daring to
make a fire for fear that her hiding place might
be revealed. John, one of the captured sons,
was scalped and murdered, but Henry fortu-
nately escaped. On the same day, the young
woman who was to have been the bride of
Christopher in two weeks, was murdered. A
pair of silver shoe buckles, her wedding gift
from her lover, is still in the possession of her
family. After the war -Sebastian Frantz re-
paired and re-established his home, and subse-
quently remained thei'e until his death in
1805. His wife surviveil him ele\en years.
Both were buried on the home farm, but in
414
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
i8gi the remains were disinterred by Gilbert
G. France and were removed to the Ziun Rural
Cemetery at Sewnrd Centre.
The descendants of this \viirtli\- pair now mn-
stitute a considerable jwrtion of the popula-
tion of Schoharie, and members of the fourth
and fifth generations have become residents in
other parts of the State. Henry I'rantz, w^ho
escaped from the liulians, spent his early life
on the homestead, ant! later bout;ht a farm near
bv, wlicrc he lived until his death, at the age
of eighty-eight. He was a most active Chris-
tian, and both he and his good wife were mem-
bers of the Methodist church. Her maiden
name was Maria Horn. She was born in Al-
bany, the daughter of Joseph lloin, a promi-
nent clothier of that place. She had one
sister, Margaret, who married Uavid Frantz.
Of the fifteen children of Henry Frantz,
fourteen grew to maturity, and thirteen were
married and had children. 'I'herc were eleven
sons, and of these se\-en became class leaders
in the Methodist cluuch, and of the seven two
became preachers, (iilbert G. !•" ranee was the
latest survivor of this large family. He had
at one time a hundred cousins, but all, with
one exception, are now deceased.
Gilbert G. France was born on tlie home-
stead on December 25, 1816, the youngest
child of his parent.s. He remained at home
until the age of seventeen, attending school
and assisting on the farm. Then he learned
the trade of tanner and currier. Subsequently
he went with his wife and children to Wiscon-
sin, and in companv with three others took up
some government land, and founded and named
the town of .Sharon. His title deed to this,
signed by President I'olk, is still in the pos-
session of his family. After remaining there
for seven years, he returned liast and traded
his land for a farm in Kichmondville, where he
lived for five years. In 1S56 he came to his
farm in .Seward, and from that time devoted
himself to general farming, hop-raising, and
dair3'ing. He had at one period a hundred aiul
forty acres, but later he cultivated about si.xty
acres, having also some outlying lands. He
built the farm buildings, as well as another
house and a store in the town, and several
dwelling-houses. During the last forty years
of his life he was a leader in every advanced
movement. He was one of the earl\- pro-
moters of the railroad which runs to Cherr)'
X'alle}', twenty-fi\e miles from Cobleskill, be-
ginning to agitate the subject in 1.S67 in com-
pany with Judge Campbell and Judge Bates.
Upon being a]ipoiuted one of the commis-
sioners, along with .Abraham .Sternberg and
Leonard Wilaiid, he was able to make arrange-
ments for bonding the town for twenty-five
thousand dollars. He was Railroad Commis-
sioner for fifteen years.
Gilbert G. !•" ranee was married in i S40, his
wife being the daughter of Christian Ottman,
and a native of this region. She dietl at the
age of si.\ty-tw(), having been the mother of
seven children. Of these, six are living;
namely, Augusta, Anna, Helen, Millaiil I'il-
more, hhi, and I-'rank H. Augusta mail led
Peter Haines, a farmer in the \-.illey, aiul has
one child, X'ergil liy name. Anna, who mar-
ried Haniuiil .Strail, has two children — Grace
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
415
and Gilbert. Helen married David l^erger,
who was killed jjy a stroke of lightnini,''. She
has two children — Ina and Arthur. Millard
F. , who always resided with his father, mar-
ried Mary Ikown, and has one child, Leland.
Ida is the wife of David Emerick, a travelling
salesman in Western New York, and is the
mother of two children — liertlia and Grace.
Gilbert G. France was actively interested in
jDolitics prior to the Civil War, and served a.s
Collector and as Overseer of the Poor. So far
as possible he refused public offices. He was
a charter member of the Grange, and was
one of its lecturers. lie was ardently in favor
of prohibition, and was a delegate to the State
convention at Syracuse for the Prohibition
party. On the occasion of the centennial
celebration of the anniversary of the town, he
was the president of the da\', and had full
charge of affairs. I"or fifty-eight years he was
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church,
and fifty-six years a church officer. Thirty-
three years he was a class leader, and twenty
years superintendent of the Sunday-school.
The beautiful grove fitted up by him is largely
used for Sunda)'-school gatherings. At the
time of his death, which occurred on April 5,
1898, he was the oldest member of the charge,
which includes Hyndsville, Seward Valley, and
Seward Centre, and was probably the oldest
church official in the State.
Frank H. France is by trade a carpenter and
cabinet-maker. Since the ileath of his father
he has purchased village property in Coble-
skill, where he now resides. He has charge
of his father's farm, and is doing a prosperous
busines.s. He married Carrie M. Ireland,
daughter of Daniel Ireland, of Albany, and
she has borne him four children, as follows:
Lulu A., Gilbert D., Daniel D. , and Mel-
ville D.
DGAR JACKSON,* attorney and coun-
cilor at law, North Blenheim,
Schoharie County, N. V. , was born in the town
of Gilboa, this county, August 28, 1853, a
son of ]ubn I. Jackson. His grandfather,
David Jackson, was an early settler of Gilboa,
where he bought a large tract of land, and for
many years was one of its most successful
farmers and the Justice of the Peace. To him
and his wife, Peggy, three children were born.
John I. Jackson, who was brought up on a
farm, and received his education in the com-
mon schools, followed agricultural pursuits in
his early manhood, and after marriage pur-
cha.sed a farm not far from the site of the pres-
ent post-office in Mackey. Taking up the
study of law, he pursued it diligently, and,
after his admission to the bar, in 1855, prac-
tised his profession in Gilboa for nearly forty
years, and achieved considerable fame as a
lawyer of sound judgment and superior knowl-
edge. He was a Republican in politics, prom
inent in town matters, and served as Super-
visor. He married Mary A. Moore, a native
of (iilboa. She was a daughter of Samuel
Moore, who came of pioneer stock. She died
at the age of sixty-four years, March 31, 1879,
leaving six children, namely: Rhoda, de-
ceased; William M., a farmer in Iowa; Lu-
4i6
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
cinda, deceased; Oscar D. , a farmer; Edgar,
the special subject of this biography ; and
Luther. Both parents were members of the
Baptist church ; and the father was for many
years a memlx-r of (iilboa Lodge, F. & A. IVL
lie died on October 23, 1893, at tlie age of
fourscore years.
Edgar Jackson acquired the rudiments of his
education in the public schools of Gilboa, and
afterward continued his studies at the Dela-
ware Literary Institute. He subsequently en-
gaged in mechanical pursuits for a while, and
then turned his attention to the study of law,
which he pursued to such good [nnpose that in
1 886 he was admitted to practice in the differ-
ent courts by Judson S. Lawdon and Augustus
Bakes, Judges of the Supreme Court at Albany.
The following two years lie jiractised with his
father in Gilboa, whence, in 18S8, he came to
North Blenheim, where he has built up a large
and lucrative general practice, being employed
in the Justice, Surrogate, County, and Su-
preme Courts. In 1S94 he built his ])resent
commodious office, which is central!)- located.
While living in Gilboa he served as Justice of
the Peace some years and as Town Trustee.
Since coming here he has been Commissioner
of Highways. Politically, Mr. Jackson is a
straightfoiward Rcpulilican ; and, frateinally,
he is a member ol (iilboa Lodge, V. & A. M.
Mr. Jackson married in 1873. 1 1 is wife's
mother, whose maiden name was .Sally E.
James, is still living, and has two children:
Mrs. Jackson; and Orville A., of Chenango
Comity. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have one
child, II. Warren. Mr. Jackson is a memljer
of the ]?aptist church, while Mrs. Jackson be-
longs to the Methodist Episcopal church.
sTlAMES K. ALVERSON,* who has been
identified with the educational interests
of Schoharie County, New York, as
school teacher and School Commissioner for
the past three decades, resides in Middleburg,
where he built his present residence in 1883.
He was born February 21, 1845, in Berne, Al-
bany County, a son of Leonard Alverson. His
grandfather, Lsaac Alverson, formerly a black-
smith in the city of Albany, was killed in one
of the battles of the War of 18 12, while in the
prime of manhood.
Leonard Alverson was reared on a farm in
Duanesburg, N. Y. He learned the black-
smith's trade, which he subsequently followetl
in Berne, not far from Hunter's Land. In
Berne he afterward settled on a farm, and also
carried on a grocery store and conducted a
hotel, being very popular as a lantlloril. In
]jolitics he was a sound Democrat. He servetl
as Assessor of Berne and as Supervisor, and
for a number of years he was a Deacon of the
Christian church. He subsequently [nir-
chascd a farm in Hunter's Land, on which he
engaged in agricultural pursuits until his
death, at the age of si.xty-five years. He mar-
ried Elizabeth Cutter, or, as she was familiarh-
known in her girlhood, Betsey Wilbur, who
was born in Duanesburg, a daughter of Esquire
Wilbur. Her father was a well-to-do farmer
and an exjiert fox huntei-. He reared four
chiUlren, namely: Sarah, wife of .Setli Owens;
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
417
William B. ; Elizabeth, Mrs. Alversoii, de-
ceased ; and Joseph W.
James K. Aiverson attended the common
schools of his district until he was fourteen
years old, and then began earning his own li\'-
ing by \vorking out by the month, being thus
employed until the breaking out of the Civil
War. At the age of eighteen he enlisted
in Company M, Seventh New York Artil-
lery, with which he served eighteen months.
He participated in the battles of Spottsyl-
vania, Anna River, and Cold Harbor, where
he was twice wounded by minie-balls, once
in the right forearm and once in the left
thigh. He was taken to the hospital, from
which he was discharged as a private at the
end of eight months. Returning home, he
commenced his career as a teacher, being-
employed in 1865 and 1866 in Berne. After-
ward he was principal of schools in the
village of Schoharie, in IMiddleburg, and
Wright, and in other places in Schoharie and
Albany Counties, for a continuous period of
twenty years. In 1888 Mr. Aiverson was
elected School Commissioner of the First Dis-
trict of Schoharie County for a term of three
years, and in 1894 was again elected to the
same responsible position, and ser\ed until
1897. As School Commissioner he had to
examine the one hundred and twelve teachers
employed in the ninety-eight schools under his
immediate supervision, and personally visit
each school in the eight towns composing his
tlistrict. Since the exiiiration of his last term
in this capacity, he has resumed his foimer
occupation as a teacher, and is now one of the
oldest instructors in this part of the county and
one of the most successful. He was formerly
a member of the Schoharie County Teachers'
Association, anil while a Commissioner of the
l^'irst District he built many new school-
houses. He is a Democrat in politics, and was
twice elected Collector of the town of Berne.
Fraternally, he is a member of the Moses
Tompkins Post, No. 149, G. A. R., in which
he has served as Officer of the Day and been
Commander, and belongs also to the Miildle-
burg Lodge, Le Bastelle, I. O. O. F. , in which
he has passed all the chairs, and is now Past
Noble Grand. He and his family attend the
Lutheran church.
In 1S76 Mr. Aiverson married Miss Rhoda
Shoemaker, a daughter of Abraham and Phebe
(Layman) Shoemaker. Her parents spent
their later years of life in Middleburg, where
her mother is still living at the age of seventy-
five years. Mr. and Mrs. Aiverson have three
children; namely, Leonard A., W. Layman,
and Otis Ray.
T^HARLES E. BARRUP,* Postmaster
I J| of Esperance, Schoharie County, N.Y. ,
^ ' was born August 12, 1855, in Car-
lisle, this county. His paternal grandfather
was a veteran of the War of 181 2, and was at-
tached to the staff of General Jackson.
Charles PI Barruj) received his education in
the district schools, which he attended until
reaching the age of sixteen years, when he
found employment and became self-supporting.
In 18S4 he opened a harness shop in Espe-
4i8
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
rancc, and he has since conducted the business
very successfully up to the present time. Mi',
liarrup has taken a prominent part in town
affairs. lie lias twice been elected Town
Clerk, and he lias been a member of the
County Committee. lie is an active Demo-
cratic worker, and has dnnc much to advance
the cause of his jxirty locall)-. lie is a mem-
ber of Schoharie Lodge, F. & A. M.
In 1879 Mr. J3arrLip was united in marriage
with Miss Sarah Reed, daughter of Henry
Reed, of Esperance. Mr. Harrup's mother is
a descendant of the family of Shafers that
fij;in'ed largely in the earliei' history of .Scho-
harie County. Her grandfather and her great-
graiulfathei' were [iromincnt in the constiuc-
tiiin of the Lutheran church of Cobleskill,
which some .six years ago celebrated its cen-
tenn ial.
AMKS L. UTTLR,* the leading farmer
of Oak Hill, Uurhani, and owner, on a
large scale, of Western real estate, was
born at ()ak Hill, on the spot where he now
resides, on May 20, i S46, sou ni Isaac and
Mary A. (Niles) lUter. The farm of which
he is now the owner has been in his famih' for
three generations, his great-grandfather, James
Utter, a Re\'oluti<inary soldier, having settled
here when the country around was a wilderness.
He came here with his wife and son James
from Saybrook, Conn., in the spring of 1783,
and built a log cabin. Some years later,
after he had cleared some land, he built a
fraiiK' house, which stood until 1894, when it
was burned.
The .second James Utter was born in Sav-
brook,Conn., and came here with his mother
on horseback. He was brought up on the
farm, and in 1806 he built a house for himself
where his grandson's house is now standing.
He kei)t increasing his farm by bu)-ing adjoin-
ing land, and becaiiH' a \'ery pros|ierous man.
In Januai')-, 1837, when he was only fift}-si\
years old, he slipped on the ice and broke his
hi].i, and on the igth of the month died tioin
the effects. His wife, to whom he was mar-
ried on No\emher 26, 1805, bore him si.\
children, none of whom are now lixing. Her
maiden name was j'^li/abeth Post. .She was a
Presbyterian, and her husband was a l^aptist.
Isaac Utter, abo\'e nameti, son of James,
second, and l'',li/.al)eth, was born on I_)eceml)er
19, 1808, ami died on his si.\ty-fourth birth
da\-. He alwa\s li\ed on the homestead, with
the exception of four )ears which he sjient
elsewhere. He was interested in real estate
in the West, particul.irh- in Wisconsin, where
he owned considerable land and held farms on
mortgages. Politically, he was a Republican.
He was a liberal contiiluitor to the Metli-
odist church, of which both he and his wife
were members; and for man\- years he was one
of its most honored trustees. He took a |irom-
inent part in public affairs in the town, and
was one of its Siiijervisors from the time of its
incorporation. His wife, who was one of a
family of ten children, w.is a daughter of Sam-
uel Niles, wdio moved to Oak Hill when she
was a young girl, and spent the remainder of
his life here. Mrs. Utter resides with her son
James, wlio is her only child.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
419
Mr. James letter's house, whieh is one of
the finest in the county, was built by his
father and himself and under their daily
supervision. It was built entirely by the day,
and is of the best possible workmanship. The
son furnished the plans and gave suggestions
for interior decorating and finishing. The
decorations were made from exclusive designs,
and are really works of art. There are twenty
large and full)' furnished rooms, some of them
measuring fourteen by fifteen feet.
Mr. Utter was educated in the common
schools, Greenville Academy, and a select
school in Durham. After his father's death
he then became ]Moprietor of the homestead
estate, which consisted of a himclred and ten
acres. Since then he has bought some forty
acres adjoining and eighty more on the moun-
tain. He keeps seven horses and twenty-three
head of cattle of Jersey stock, and makes butter
for the New York markets. He cuts a large
amount of ha}', the annual crop sometimes
reaching eighty tons; and, though he has Ijuilt
two new barns recently, he is still often
obliged to stack some of it out of doors. He
keeps two men employed the year through.
Mr. Utter is a proficient carpenter himself,
and has built a number of the buiklings on his
place, though others he hired built. His
tenant house, near his own residence, is an
example of his own workmanship.
In 18S3 Mr. Utter went into the enterprise
of buying land in the West, and he has
continued to buy until he now has about seven
thousand acres there. Of this he tills some
si.\' hundred acres, raising large crops of corn.
wheat, and oats. h) looking after his inter-
ests he has made many trips West, particu-
larly to Dakota and Michigan, where his land
is situated. He is one of the directors in the
North American Loan and Trust Company of
New York City, which has a paid-up capital
of over half a million and a surplus fund of a
hundretl thousand dollars.
Mr. Utter married in 187 1 Dora Kelsey,
only child of Hiram Kelsey, a leading farmer
of Albany County. Although he is an ardent
Republican and takes active part in all politi-
cal matters, attending State and county con-
ventions as delegate, he refuses to accept pub-
lic office. He is a member of the Methodist
church, while Mrs. Utter is a Baptist. For
many years he has been a church trustee.
Mr. Utter is a hard worker, and everything
about his place is kept in the best of repair.
He is one of the best known men in the
comity.
2)yENRY C. GETTER,* of Middleburg,
N.Y., one of the leading lawyers of
Schoharie County, was born on
June 16, 1857. His father, David Getter,
was born in Schoharie. His grandfather
Getter, who was a native of Germany, came to
this country when a boy, and settled at Central
Bridge, Schoharie. He was an e.xpert handi-
craftsman, and followed the trades of gunsmith
and clock-maker. A large number of clocks
made by him are still in running order. He
lived to be ninety-eight years of age, and his
mental faculties were well preserved to the
420
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
last. Mis wife attained the age of ninety-
three.
David Getter ^lew to manhood at Central
Bridge, where he was i^orn, and in liis youth
learned the trade of blacksmith. Coming to
Middleburg when he was of age, he set up his
forge, and, starting in business for himself,
continued actively engaged over fifty years.
For a long ])eriod his was the onl\' smithy in
the town. Me was an abolitionist and a Re-
l)uljliean in politics. His vote was the only
one cast for Fremont in his district, and four
years later he was one of three to vote for
Abraham Lincoln. A reader and a thinker,
he was highly respected as a man of sterling
integrity and sound judgment, as well as of
strong convictions and more than average self-
reliance. In religion he was a devoted Meth-
odi.st, for twenty years superintendent of the
Sunday-school and for thirty-five years class
leader. His house was a home for Methodist
ministers who came that way, and many a
weary circuit rider tliere found shelter and re-
freshment. David Getter married Harriet
Efner, daughter of Harvey Efner, formerly of
Palmer, Monroe County. She is still living,
being now past eighty years of age. Her
father lived to the age of ninet\-three years,
and was then next to the oldest Free Mason in
the State. Mrs. Getter has three children
now living; namely, Harvey, Jerome, and
Henry C. Two — Charles and Madison — are
deceased.
Henry C. Getter obtained his early educa-
tion in the common schools, and at a jirivate
school taught by Professor James Edniondson,
now principal of a college in Missouri. He
studied law with Messrs. .Sandford & Thorn,
was admitted to the liar, and then went tn Kal-
amazoo, Mich., antl was there for a time with
Briggs & Burroughs. Returning East, he
formed in 1883 a partnership witii William IT.
Engle, which still continues, this law firm
being now the oUlest in the county and Mr.
lingle the oldest lawyer in the State. Besides
doing a large amoimt of office work, they have
an extensive practice in the various courts of
the State, including the Court of A])peals.
Mr. Getter married Mary E., daughter of
Albert Sawyer and grand-daughter of Dr.
Moses Saw\'er, formerly of Fulton. Her
father was a farmer in I'ulton. He died at
the age of thirty-seven, leaving two children.
Mr. and Mrs. Getter have one child, Jennie
L. , who is now in the high school. Mr.
Getter resided in P'ulton up to 1S97, when he
removed to Middleburg.
Mr. Getter is a Republican in jxilitics. He
has been candidate for District Attorney, for
County Judge, and for Supervisor, and has as-
sisted to reduce the Democratic majority in
the county. He is a member of the I. (). (). 1*'.
of Middleburg. Mrs. Getter attends the Meth-
odist church, and he contributes to its support.
—♦-••-•-♦—
J. BRIAVSTER, M.D.,* of North
Blenheim, N.Y., was born in Scot-
land, .Albany County, January 8, 1863, son of
William J. and Margaret (Ramsey) Urewster.
On the ])atciiial side he traces his ancestr)', we
are told, to Elder William Brewster, of the
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
421
"Mayflower" and Plymouth Colony. His
grandfather, who was born in 1795, and died
in 1841, operated a carding-mill in Schoharie
County. His grandmother Brewster's maiden
name was Silence Gallup.
William J. Brewster, the Doctor's father,
was born in Albany County, in February,
1839. His education was completed at Scho-
harie Academy ; and he taught school fur a
number of years in Schoharie County, where
he also engaged in farming. His wife, Mar-
garet, was the daughter of a prominent farmer
and leading public official of Gilboa, who was
of Scotch descent. Dr. Brewster's parents
were members of the Reformed Church of
Gallupvillc, and his father took much interest
in church matters. He died April 13, 1883.
W. J. Brewster obtained his elementary ed-
ucation in the common schools, pursued more
advanced studies at Schoharie Academy, and
then by teaching school earned money enough
to enable him to take the course at the Normal
School, where he was graduated. His medical
studies were begun under a private instructor,
and continued at the University Medical Col-
lege and at ]5ellevue Hospital Medical College.
He took special courses in the laboratory, and
a very thorough course in surgery. He was
graduated a Doctor of Medicine in i8go, and
then went to North Stratford, Coos County,
N. H., where he was in practice till his health
failed. After a season of rest and recupera-
tion he came in 1897 to North Blenheim,
where he is now settled. He is a well-edu-
cated physician, and has a good country prac-
tice. While in New Hampshire he was a
specialist in orthopedic surgery, in which he
has done some remarkable work. He was a
Health Officer in New Hampshire, and served
also as County Coroner. He was a member
of Coos County (New Hampshire) Medical So-
ciety, being later a member of the Schoharie
County Society. He is a member of Scho-
harie Valley Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 491.
He has written valuable papers for various
medical journals. He is a Republican in
politics.
Dr. Brewster married Emily E. Earle, of
Valleyfield, Province of Quebec, Canada, and
has one child.
AMES FROST,* formerly a prominent
citizen of Mariahville, in the town of
Duanesburg, N.Y., was born in Wash-
ington County, this State, August 4, 1783,
son of Lot and Temperance (Semen) Frost.
He was a descendant in the fifth generation of
William Frost, first, a native of Hampshire,
England, and a Quaker, who came to America
and settled in Boston, but on account of the
religious intolerance of that time was obliged
to seek a home elsewhere, and accordingly re-
moved to Long Island. He married Rebecca,
daughter of Nicholas Wright. William Frost,
second, the next in line of descent, who was
born on Long Island about the year 1647, and
resided there until his death, married Hannah
Trior.
f^enjamin Frost, son of William, second,
and grandfather of the subject of this sketch,
was born June 9, 17 19, and spent the greater
422
BI OGR A I^ H I C A L R E V I KW
])ait (if liis active life in Dutcliess Count)-,
New ^'llri<. lie married Rose Springer.
Their son Lot, father of James, was born in
Dutchess Count)', March i, 1744. He was a
resident for some years of Washington County,
whence he moved to Duanesburg, tai<ing up his
residence on (Juaker Street, a locality settled
by the I-"riends' Societ)' at an early date, and
which is still known b)' that name. His wife,
Temperance, was born on August 30, 1744-
James Frcst accompanied his parents from
Washington Count)' to Duanesburg. He re-
ceived a good education, and taught sciiool in
his younger days, but relinc|uished that occu-
pation to become a survevor, in which capacity
he jjcrformed much work (if an important char-
acter. He projected and comi)leted a plank
road from Albany to l-'ort Hunter, and drafted
one of the earlier maps of Schenectady County.
In 1833-34 he surveyed the new line between
Canada and New York State, as well as the
greater part of Clinton, Essex, and Franklin
Counties, tlien a wilderness. With his associ-
ates he camped out for weeks and months at a
time. At night the wolves howled around
them, and were kept at bay only by fires.
That section of the State, the Adirondack
region, is now a famous place of resort in sum-
mer. In iSkj he began a survey of the east
sliore of tJK- Hudson River, uiuler the direction
of the .Surveyor General, traversing the river by
sloojj and making numerous soundings. He
also surveyeil the ground f(ir tiie secimd rail-
road built in the United States, that between
Alban\' and Schenectady, and surveyed and
made maps ui all did .Schdhaiie, besides other
territory. In 1S35 he surve)ed lands in 1-niza-
bethtown (now Elizabeth City), N.J., belong-
ing to Messrs. Conner, Bryant & Crane of that
])lace, and Clark and others of New York, and
made maps of the city. Subsequently, remov-
ing from Ouakcr Street, to the nortlierly part
of the town of Duanesburg, about two miles
west of Mariahville, he engaged in farming,
and also conducted a general store. Possess-
ing an unusual amount of energ)' and ability,
which made him es])eciall\- eligible to the pub-
lic service, he tudk a leading part in tnwn
affairs, was [jarticularly interested in educa-
tional matters, acted as a Justice of the Peace
for man\' wars, and was a member of the As-
sembl) thiee terms. Political!)', he was a
stanch supporter of the Whig party. Though
reared a Ouaker, he was liberal in his relig-
ious (iiiinions, and in his later )'ears favored
the Universalist belief. He died at his home
in Mariahville, December 23, iiS5i, and his
death was the cause of general regret.
James P'rost married Mary Marsh, who was
bdi'ii in Canaan, Conn., (Jctober 24, I7<S7,
daughter of Silas Marsh. She was a good bus-
iness woman, anil rendered valuable assistance
to ii(.'r husbanii by carrying on the store while
lu' was absent (in surve)'iug trijis. She became
the mother of ten ciiildren — five sons and five
daughters — all (if wlioni grew to maturit)', and
two aie living, namely: (General D. M. Purest,
a graduate of the Cnited States Military Acad-
eni)' at West I'dint, and now a prominent resi-
dent of .St. Louis, Md. ; and Miss M. Louise
l''nist. Ceneral b'rost had a large famih" of
ifirls, three df wiidm married p]nLriish Udble-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
423
men. One of them is now living in Paris.
The others are in England. Miss M. Louise
Frost, who is a lady of superior attainments,
resides at the homestead during summer, and
passes her winters in the South. The other
children of James and Mary (Marsh) Frost
were: Caroline, Adelia D., Silas W., Ro-
sanna, James, William M., John S. , and
Phcebe A. The mother died August 18, 1864.
The sons nearly all studied and followed engi-
neering. John S. , who was a lawyer, died in
1857.
(ffJtOHN H. PUTNAM, who carries on
farming and market gardening in Nis-
kayuna, was born in this town, June 15,
1 8 16. His parents, Harmon and Margaret
(Wheaton) Putnam, were natives of this
county. His paternal grandfather, John Put-
nam, was an early settler here and a noted
hunter in his day. He afterward resided in
various places, and died in Greene, Chenango
County, at an advanced age.
Harmon Putnam, the father, followed the
carpenter's trade during his active period.
He was married in Niskayuna, which was
thenceforward his place of residence. He
was a reliable workman, and as an honest, in-
dustrious citizen he stood high in the estima-
tion of the entire community. He died at
the age of si.xty years. Margaret Wheaton
Putnam, his wife, died at the age of twenty-
seven. She was the mother of four children,
of whom John H., the subject of this sketch,
was the first-born, and is the only one living.
Reuben and Jacob died young, and the other
died in infancy.
John H. Putnam was educated in the town
schools of Niskayuna. At an early age he
began work as an assistant on the farm he now
occupies, which was then owned by one John
Clark, and he afterward worked for other
farmers in the neighborhood. When seven-
teen years old he began an apprenticeship at
the carpenter's trade, which was his occupa-
tion for thirty years, or until 1864. In 1S76
he bought his present farm of seventy acres,
which he has greatly improved, and has since
been engaged in general farming.
On February 28, 1839, Mr. Putnam was
joined in marriage with Mary Ann Van
Vranken, of Niskayuna, daughter of Jacob
Van Vranken and a representative of an old
family of this town. Mr. and Mrs. Putnam
have one son living, Jacob, who was born
January i, 1846, and is engaged in farming
with his father. He married Gertrude Mc-
Chessen, and has four children — John, Mar-
garet A., Julia, and Lena.
Since the breaking out of the Southern re-
bellion in April, 1861, Mr. Putnam has voted
with the Republican party. He has served
with ability as Supervisor and Town Clerk,
each two terms. He was Highway Commis-
sioner five years, and has been a Justice of the
Peace. He is a Master Mason and one of
the oldest members of St. George Lodge,
No. 6, F. & A. M., of Schenectady, having
joined the order in 1S55. Mr. and Mrs. Put-
nam are members of the Dutch Reformed
church.
424
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
ADISON YOUNG,* for a number
of years a prominent figure in the
public affairs of Carlisle, Scho-
harie County, N. Y., was born in this town,
September 20, 1846, son of Benjamin and
Lana (Van Vaulkenburgh) Young. His groat-
grandfather was Peter Young, a German, who
came here from Hudson, N.Y. , as a pioneer,
and acquired possession of two separate tracts
of land, the whole amounting to three hundred
and ten acres. His log cabin stood about
twenty-five rods west of the Rock School-
house. He was a successful farmer, and his
property, which was unencumbered at the time
of his death, he divided among his children.
Matthias Young, Madison Young's grand-
father, whose birth took place January 20,
1763, was the first white child born in Car-
lisle. Receiving a share of his father's prop-
erty, he erected a frame house, and carried on
general farming until his death, which oc-
curred May 21, 1822. He was actively inter-
ested in political and religious affairs, held
some of the important town ofifices, and was
one of the leading members of the Dutch Re-
formed church. He married Helena Patria,
who was of German descent, and she died
March 14, 1824. They were the parents of
five children; namely, Solomon, Benjamin,
Richard, Margaret, and Lana. The great-
grandfather served in the war of the Revolu-
tion, and the grandfather in that of 18 12.
Benjamin Young, Madison Young's father,
was born October 20, 1800. He succeeded to
the possession of about eighty acres of his
father's property when a young man, antl cul-
tivated his farm energetically for the rest of
his life. He died in October, 1869. He was
the father of six children: Helena, wife of J.
Rose; Margaret, wife of Demosthenes Young;
Sarah M., who married Adam Cole; l'>a A.,
widow of Abraham Hurnstein; Madison, the
subject of this sketch; and Frances M., wife
of K. C. Grantier.
Madison Young acquired a district-school
education, and his aptitude for learning
enabled him to attain unusual proficiency in
his studies. He assisted in carrying on the
home farm until after the death of his father,
when he turned his attention to educational
work, and taught school with marked success
during the following eighteen years, with the
exception of one term, the greater part of the
time being spent in this and the adjacent
localities. For the first term of teaching he
received one dollar per day, after that two
dollars a day, very few then receiving so high a
salary. Finally becoming tired of the arduous
as well as monotonous duties of a pedagogue,
he resumed farming at the homestead, which
contains about eighty acres of well-improved
land; and, though not inclined to force its
yielding power, he nevertheless raises excel-
lent crops.
As one of the foremost leaders of the Dem-
ocratic party in this section, he has long
maintained a wide influence in public affairs,
and enjoys the confidence of all voters irre-
spective of politics. His long and faithful
service to the county was characterized by a
judicious ex|)cncliture of public funds and an
earnest desire to promote the best interests of
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
42s
the people. As chairman of the Committees
on Printing and on Ratio and Apportionment
during his two years as Supervisor, he greatly
reduced the expenses of these departments,
and by close figuring was able to effect con-
siderable retrenchment in other branches of
the service.
Mr. Young married for his first wife Eliza-
beth Hrounnaghin and for his second Nettie
Hilsinger. He has no children. In his re-
ligious views he is liberal.
ILLIAM H. NEVILLE,* a repre-
sentative citizen of Middleburg,
N. Y. , and a man of varied business interests,
was born in the house which is now his home
on August 6, 1867, son of Jacob and Jane E.
(Shafer) Neville. His grandfather, William
Neville, was a pioneer settler in Sharon, and
died there at an advanced age, leaving a large
family.
Jacob Neville, one of the youngest of the
children of William, was born in Sharon on
August 21, 1827, and died in Middleburg in
1 89 1. He was for many years closely identi-
fied with the growth of this town, and was one
of the leaders in every worthy enterprise started
here. His boyhood days were passed on the
farm in Sharon, and early in life he assisted
in the family support. His career in mercan-
tile affairs began at the time he went into a
store in Sharon Hill as clerk. At twenty-
three years of age he came to Middleburg and
entered the general merchandise store of the
old firm of Becker & Beckman. So valuable
did he make himself in the conduct of the busi-
ness that upon the retirement of Mr. Beckman
he became a partner in the concern, which
thereupon assumed the name of Becker, Neville
& Co. They were the leading merchants of
the town, and had a large trade in all the sur-
rounding country. In time Mr. Becker sold
his interest in the business to Mr. Hoag, and
the film name became Neville & Hoag. Later
Mr. Hoag sold out to Mr. J. L. Engel, and
still later a brother of the latter, Mr. A. B.
Engel, was admitted to partnership. The
business was then continued up to 1889 under
the name of Neville, Engel & Co. Upon Mr.
Neville's retirement in 1S89, the firm became
Engel Brothers, and as such has continued in
business to the present time.
Among the various enterprises in the accom-
plishment of which Jacob Neville was an im-
portant factor may be mentioned the follow-
ing: the Middleburg & Schoharie Railroad;
the First National Bank and later the bank
building; and the Union school-house build-
ing, which is one of the finest in the county.
He was a large stockholder in the railroad
organization, and was a director and the vice-
president until his death. He was al.so a di-
rector in the bank as long as he lived. Politi-
cally, he was a Democrat, and frequent ajipeals
were made to him to accept public office.
From 18S5 to i88g, under Mr. Cleveland's
administration, he was Postmaster of Middle-
burg; and, had not his death prevented, his
friends would undoubtedly have elected him to
the Assembly for the session of 1892-93. He
was for many years an Elder in the Lutheran
426
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
church, and generously assisted the church
hnlh by financial and by moral support.
His marriage occurred in January, 1S64.
His wife was the daughter of William and
Maria (Gridley) Shafer, and grand-daughter of
Josejih GridJey, who was one of Washington's
body-guard. William Shafer was born in
Blenheim, and was a lifeU)ng resident there.
He owned a number of dwelling-houses and
farms, and dealt (|uite extensively in real es-
tate, besides carrying on general farming. As
a business man he was very successful. He
died at the age of eighty-two. His wife, who
died at the age of si.xty-four, was a native of
Middleburg. Of tJic lour children born to
them three are living, namely: Mrs. Neville,
who resides with her son on the faini settled
by her ancestors; Margaret, who is the wife of
George Brockway, of Chicago; and Nancy.
The last named married A. J. Freneyer, of
Albany, who for many years managed the
Freneyer House in Middleburg.
William H. Neville obtained his education
in the luiblic schools of Middleburg and at
Albany Academy. Leaving the latter after
four years of study there, he entered the post-
office, his father then being Postmaster, and
for tlie succeeding four years he had practical
charge of the office. Upon the expiration of
his fatiier's term he went into the store as
clerk, and afterward he went to Albany as
clerk in the insurance office of W. C. Rose.
Still later he became interested in the Bran-
dow Printing Company, of Albany, but when
the ])]ant was burned he returned to Middle-
burg, where he took charge of his father's
affairs until the death of the latter. Shortly
after this event the son bought the Middleburg
Gazette, of which he continued to be the pro-
prietor for three years. Since selling out in
1895, he has occujiicd himself with jonking
after his own and his mother's real estate in-
terests, and in doing some general farming and
hop-raising. As he has a large real estate
property, including a luunber of farms, he has
little chance to be idle. He also retains an
interest in the Brandow I'linling Company,
which has been reorganized since the fire.
Besides this he is a stockholder in the Middle-
burg & Schoharie Railroad, in the projected
road to Catskill, ant! in the National Bank.
He is a director in the Middleburg Telephone
Company and treasurer of the high school.
For three years he was Village Clerk, and for
a number of years he served on the Board of
Education. Politically, he is a Democrat,
and for two years was a member of the county
committee.
Mr. Neville was married on June 22, 1893,
to Maud I'2. Lewis, who was born in Gilboa.
She is the daughter of Oscar and Agnes
(Strickland) Lewis. Her father is now one of
the most prominent stock farmers in Cones-
ville. Mrs. Neville's two brothers, Messrs.
Frank and Ra)-mond Lewis, are interested in
the stock farm in comjiany with their father.
Mrs. Neville graduated from the Normal
School, and taught before her marriage in the
grammar school in Middleburg. She is the
mother of one son, Donald. Mrs. Neville is a
member of the Lutheran church, and her hus-
band is an attendant of the Sunday services.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
427
Mr. Neville belongs to the Masonic organiza-
tions here; to La Bastile Lodge, No. 494,
I. O. O. F. , and Encam]3ment No. 129; also
to the order of Red Men. He has been Chief
Patriarch of the encampment for one year.
jHARLES MANN,* one of the must
able and jirogressive agriculturists of
.Schoharie County, owns and occu-
pies a well-appointed farm in Fulton, not far
from the village of Breakabeen. He was born
in this town, November 2, 1856. He is a son
of the late Almon Mann, and comes of hardy
New England stock, his grandfather, Thomas
Mann, having been born and bred in Vermont.
From his hillside home in the Green Moun-
tains Thomas removed to Albany County, New
York, while yet a young man, and in the newer
country cleared and parti}' improved a farm.
Coming then to Schoharie County from Berne,
he spent his remaining days in Fulton, living
until eighty-six years old.
Almon Mann was born in Berne, N. Y. , but
removed with his jjarents to Fulton when a
boy, and was there reared to man's estate.
After completing his education, he worked as
a farm laborer imtil ready to settle in life,
when he bought land, which he cultivated
some years. Prior to his death, however, at
the age of sixty-six years, he removed to the
village of Breakabeen. A consistent member
of the Methodist Episcopal church, he held
many of the offices in that organization, and
was connected with its Sunday-schooJ. His
wife, whose maiden name was Maria Chapman,
is living at Breakabeen, an active woman of
sixty-four years. She was born in Fulton, the
daughter of Jacob Chapman. She is a sister
of William W. Chapman, whose sketch may
be found on another page of this volume. She
has twelve children, as follows: Alice, living
in Amsterdam; Jacob H., who has been School
Commissioner of Schoharie nine years; Theron
H. ; Charles; Ro.se E. ; Wellington; Lilly;
Irving; Julia; Hattie; Josiah ; and Manley B.
Charles Mann acquired his early education
in Fulton and Middleburg. After leaving the
parental roof he made his home with an uncle,
and for three or more terms taught school, a
part of the time being thus employed in Rich-
mondville. On marrying he bought and took
possession of his present farm of one hundred
and fifty acres, formerly known as the Burgh
farm, where he has since been profitabl}' en-
gaged in general farming and dairying. In
the latter industr\- he is very successful, hav-
ing a well-selected herd of Guernsey and Jersey
cattle. On the estate he has made improve-
ments of an excellent character, havine: brought
the larger part of the land to a high state of
cultivation, erected nearly all the buildings on
the jilace, and furnished it with the latest ap-
proved modern farm machinery and imple-
ments. He has built a silo, which he con-
siders a good investment for a dairy farmer,
and he uses a separator in his dair\'. Mr.
Mann reads the leading journals devoted to
agriculture, and he is himself a frequent con-
tributor to the home and agricultural depart-
ments of various papers, including the New-
York Homestead Txnd the Utica Press. He is
428
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
an active member of the New Vork State
Grange, in wliich he has served as lecturer
several terms. In July, 1898, he jiassed the
required examinations for a milk expert in
Albany. In [xilitics he is an unswerving
Democrat, and has been nominated as Assessor.
A valued member of the Lutheran Church of
l^reakabeen, he has held the position of treas-
urer and secretary, and fur many years has been
superintendent of the Sunday-school connected
with it.
In 1879 Mr. Mann married Miss Bertha Ter-
pening, who was born in Princetown, Schenec-
tady County, daughter of Henry H. Terpening,
a farmer of that town. Mr. and Mrs. Mann
have four cliilclren.
TANTON OSTERHOUT,* one of
the stirring farmers of Carlisle,
Schoharie County, was born in this
town. May 20, 1852, son of Jacob and Hetsey
K. (Kniskern) Osterhout. His paternal grand-
father, Abraham Osterhout, a native of Hol-
land, immigrated to New York when young,
and coming from Dutchess County, this State,
to West Carlisle, settled u|)on a tract of land
containing about two hundred and fifty acres.
A sturdy pioneer, lie improved his kilid into a
good farm, and he took an active jiart in the
affairs of the Dutch Reformed church in his
neighborhood. He was twice married, and b\-
both of his wives had chil(lri.'n. Those of
his secfjnd union were: Jacob A., George,
Chauncy, Sarah, and Catherine. George, who
was quite active in politiciil aff:iirs, diet! in
1862, aged forty-five years. Chauncy, who
was engaged in business in Cobleskill, died ia
1872. Sarah is the widow of David V. Brown.
Catherine, who married J. J. l^rowii, died in
1 87s.
Jacob A. Osterhout, Stanton Ostcrhout's
father, was a lifelong resident of Carlisle.
After iiis father's tleath he and one of his
brotiiers bought the homestead. He was one
of the first farmers in the town to ensasre in
the raising of liops, which he produced quite
extensively, and he also made a specialty of
hay and grain. He owned about four hundred
acres of land. He was prominent and influen-
tial in town and e(iunt\' ]iolitics, took a con-
spicuous part in the various conventions, but
would not accept office. His religious jirefer-
ence was for the Dutch Reformeil churcii. He
was the father of seven children, namely:
Josiah ; Stanton, the subject of this sketch;
Wilson; Alfred; Albert; Klmira; and Melissa.
Josiah died at the age of eighteen; Melissa
married Daniel IMickle; l^lmira married
Aaron Young; Alfred is residing at the home-
stead; and the others are engaged in farming
in this town.
Stanton Osterhout was educated in the dis-
trict school. He assisted his father in farm-
ing until after his marriage, wiien he purchased
the ijroijcrty known as the Young estate, which
was formerly owned by his father. This farm,
which originally consisted of one hundred and
fift}-fi\e acres, he lias enlargetl liy tin- atMition
of adjoining land. He di\ides his t iine iietween
da/ry farming and the cultivation of ho|)s.
He keeps from twentv-five to tiiirt\- head of
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
429
Holstein cattle, besides other blooded stock,
and is a member of the American Holstein
Association.
He has served as Supervisor for at least two
terms, was chairman of the Committees on
Printing, Town Accounts, and Equalization,
and by judicious management succeeded in
making a considerable reduction in public ex-
penditures. He has served as Highway Com-
missioner one year, and upon the Democratic
County Committee several terms. He was
in.strumental in establishing the Farmers' In-
surance Company of Seward, Carlisle, and
Cobleskill ; was one of the organizers, and is
director and treasurer, of the Hop Insurance
Company; is local agent for the Sharon, Car-
lisle, and Seward Insurance companies, and for
the hop company.
Mr. Osterhout married Josephine Hilsinger,
daughter of William Hilsinger. They have
had three children — Orson, Elva, and Emory.
Elva married Homer Karher. Orson died July
II, 1891, aged twenty years and seven months.
Mr. Osterhout belongs to Cobleskill Lodge,
No. 394, is vice-president of the local agricult-
ural society, a charter member of the grange,
and a member of other organizations. He at-
tends the Dutch Reformed church, but contrib-
utes liberally toward the support of other relig-
ious denominations.
(slYOSEPH B. GRAHAM,* e.x-Mayor of
Schenectady, N. Y. , was born in
Rossie, St. Lawrence County, .his
State, September 27, 1830, son of William
and Janet (Eairbairn) Graham. His father
was born in Wigton, near Carlisle, tlngland,
June 6, 1806, and his mother was a native of
Scotland.
Joseph Graham, the grandfather of Joseph
11, was born in Wigton about the year 1767.
He was a saddler by trade, and carried on busi-
ness there until meeting with reverses. In
April, 1 819, he sailed from Liverpool with
his wife and eleven children, landing at Que-
bec in the following June. With his small
means he purchased a tract of wild land in
Wilna, Jefferson County, N.Y., and with the
assistance of his five sturdy sons he cleared a
good farm, upon which he resided for the rest
of his life. He died in 1841, and his wife,
who survived him, died in Lowville, N.Y. ,
on her eightieth birthday, while visiting her
daughter. They had five sons and si.x daugh-
ters. One of the latter, who was taken ill
v^hile on the passage from England, died soon
after landing. The first and third sons set-
tled near St. Catherine's, Canada. The
others located in this State, married, and
reared large families. All lived to an ad-
vanced age, and Margaret, the youngest, died
in Carthage, N.Y. , at the age of eighty years.
The grandparents were members of the Church
of England, but, through the influence of the
itinerant Methodist preachers who visited
the outlying districts in those early, days,
their children were converted to that faith.
William Graham, the father, was educated
in England, and was an apt scholar, especially
in mathematics. When nineteen years old he
began teaching school in the Scotch settle-
43°
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
mcnt near Wilna, but his jirincipal business
was the furnishing of plans ami specifications
to contractors for heavy mason work, bridge
building, and so forth. Me was a highly in-
telligent, well-read man, particularly fond of
biography and history, and is said to have
predicted that slavery in the South would ul-
timately cause a civil war. He died No-
vember 3, 1858. Jeancttc, his first wife,
whom lie married in 1829, was a daughter of
James and Mary (Bell) Fairbairn, who came
from the neighborhood of Glasgow, Scotland,
in 1818, and settled in Rossie, N. Y. They
were industrious farming people and sturdy
pioneers. They reared one son and five
daughters. William Graham by his first mar-
riage was the father of eight children, of
whom Joseph H., the subject of this sketch,
was the eldest. All are living except James,
the second-born, who died suddenly in May,
1894, aged sixty-two years, leaving two chil-
dren. The mother died in 1852, aged forty-
two years. Hy a second marriage William
Graham had three daughters.
Joseph II Graham resided with his mater-
nal grandparents from his fifth to liis tenth
year, and, as they spoke the Scotch dialect, he
learned it to perfection. He began his edu-
cation in the district schools, and was fitted
for college at the Weslcyan Seminary,
Gouverneur, N.Y. In order to procure funds
for the completion of his studies, he taught in
the common schools until 1854, when he en-
tered Union College, where he was graduated
with honors in 1858. After teaching classics
and matliematics at the Stillwater Academy
for a time, he came to Schenectady, and in
company with Mr. F. A. \'oung was engaged
for the succeeding eight years in mercantile
business, dealing in books, stationery, wall
papers, pianofortes, and other musical instru-
ments. Selling his interest to his partner,
he was out of business for about si.x years, and
then engaged in the dry-goods trade as a mem-
ber of the firm of T. H. Reeves & Co., from
which he withilrew some seven years later.
He was for a number of years extensively en-
gaged in the real estate business, and, al- >
though his activity in that line has somewhat
diminished of late, he still owns a large
amount of valuable city property, which is oc-
cupied by thirty or more tenants. He resides
in a substantial house at 6 Nott Terrace,
which he built twenty-seven years ago.
Mr. Graham is a director of the Union Na-
tional Bank. In 1879 he became a member
of the Mutual Relief Society, under certifi-
cate No. 2 12; he was a member of its Roard
of Directors for six years; was chairman of
the Reserve Fund Committee and of the com-
mittee appointed to revise the by-laws; and
at the annual convention in 1883 he was
unanimously elected vice - president. His
connection with the society has been Tnarked
by an unusually clear conception of and a
conscientious regard for its business inter-
ests, and he is considered one of its most val-
ued officials. He was twice elected to the
Common Council, has been a member of the
Boards of Health and luhication, and as
Mayor of the city in 1879-80 he managed the
munici[)al affairs in a business-like manner.
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
431
On August 8, 185S, Mr. Graham was united
in marriage with Cornelia L. White, of this
county, daughter of Andrew and Cornelia
(De Forest) White. Her father was a native
of the north of Ireland, and her mother be-
longed to an old Dutch family of this city.
She died in 1878, and in 1880 he married for
his second wife Sarah li. Hagaman, also of
a well-known Uutch family, daughter of
Joseph J. and Elizabeth M. Hagaman. He
was the father of three children by his first
union, namely: Jennie, who died at the age
of five; William, who died at the age of one
year and six months; and Edward White
Graham, who married Abbie Craver, and is
now residing in Denver, Col. One child,
Mary Hagaman, by his second marriage, is
living with her parents.
Mr. Graham is an active member of the
Methodist Episcopal church, which he has
served in an official capacity. He was prom-
inently identified with the building of the
present edifice, which was completed in 1874,
at a cost of eighty thousand dollars, and is a
liberal contributor toward its support. He is
a member of Union College Chapter of the
Phi Beta Kappa Society; has been a trustee
of the Troy Conference Academy, Poultney,
Vt., continuously since 1S74; '•nd has been
president of the board since 1878. He pos-
sesses and highly prizes a small writing-desk
which was purchased in Englantl for five
guineas by his grandfather, who in April,
1 8 19, gave it to his son William. In it are
some rare specimens of drawings executed by
his father when a lad of thirteen years, and
also some letters received from the father by
the son while in college. Mr. Graham re-
ceived this heirloom from his father in No-
vember, 1S58, just before his father's death.
fsjtAMES C. McWILLIAMS,* an able
farmer and enterprising insurance agent
of Prattsville, was born in Kortright,
Delaware County, August 4, 1845, son of Jo-
seph S. and Mary Ann (Kilpatrick) McWill-
iams. His parents were both natives of that
town, and he is of Scotch descent. Joseph S.
McWilliams learned the blacksmith's trade,
which he follnwed until turning his attention
to farming; and he was engaged in the latter
occupation at the time of his death, which
occurred October 27, 1869, at the age of fifty-
seven years. He was an upright, conscien-
tious man, who possessed considerable natural
ability, antl he acquired success in his calling.
In politics he was a Republican. He and his
wife, Mary Ann McWilliams, were members of
the Presbyterian church. They had two sons :
John B. , who is no longer living; and James
C. , the subject of this sketch. The mother
died May 19, 1890, aged seventy-four years.
John B. McWilliams enlisted for service in
the Civil War while under age, and was re-
jected on that account, but when old enough
he re-enlisted in Company K, One Hundred
and Twentieth Regiment, New York Volun-
teers, of which he became Orderly Sergeant.
He died in the army at the age of twenty-one
years.
James C. McWilliams started in life for
432
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
himself at the age of sixteen as clerk in the
general store of G. C. Fcnn, with whom he re-
mained four years. After residing at Red
l""alls, N. Y., for a time, he became a tra\elling
salesman for a L'tica cigar firm, and a year
later he went to New "\'()rk Cit)', where he se-
cured a clerkship in a dry-goods store. He
was subsequently in the employ of J. S. Con-
over, dealer in grates and fenders. After re-
siding in the metropolis about five years, he
came to Prattsville, where for the next seven
years he was engaged in the cooperage busi-
ness. Selling out in 1893, he was placed in
charge of the post-ofifice, and, being appointed
Postmaster by President Cleveland, he contin-
ued to serve the community in that capacity
uiilii 1897. He is now local agent for several
large insurance companies; and he also carries
on a small farm, which he devotes to market
gardening. He is quite extensively engaged
in raising bees, and sells a large quantity of
honey annually. Politically, he is a Demo-
crat. He has been a Justice of the Peace for
twelve consecutive years, was for a number of
years Inspector of Election.s, served two terms
<in the special license board, and was nomi-
nated \>y his party for the presidency of the
village, which lie dcclineii to accept. He is
sincerely esteemetl as a high-minded, [jublic-
spiiitecl citizen.
In 18(39 ^^r. McWilliams was united in
marriage with Elizabeth Decker, his first wife,
a native of Roxbury, N.Y. , daughter of Lorin
and Sally Ann Decker. Mr. Decker was a
])iiisperi)us larmer and a life-long resident of
liiat town. She died, Icaxing one son, Will-
iam J., a farmer and market gardener, who
married Mary Churchill. For his .second
wife Mr. James C. McWilliams married Ella
Miller, a native of Cairo, N.Y., daughter
of Seymour Miller. Her father was for years
a widely-known hotel-keeiJer. At one time he
was proprietor of the Prattsville House; and,
previous to coming here, he kept hotels in
Cairo, Windham, and other places. The chil-
dren of this union are James E. and Marie.
Mr. McWilliams was made a Mason over
thirty years ago, and is now one of the leading
members of Oasis Lodge, in which he has oc-
cupied all the important chairs, having been
its Worshipful Master for six years in succes-
sion. The family attend the Methodist Epis-
copal church.
HARLES K. ERAZIER, M.D.,' an
able and progressive physician of
Cobleskill, Schoharie County, was
born in this town, October 17, 1850. He is
the son of the late Dr. David PTazier, who was
here engaged in the practice of medicine for
forty-seven consecutive years. His great-
grandfather P'razier came to Cobleskill from
Germany in 1776, being one of the early set-
tlers of this part of the county. He was here
engaged as a tiller of the soil the remainder of
his (lays, and here his son John, the father of
the elder Doctor, was born and reared. John
Frazier was born in that part of Cobleskill
that is now kn(]wn as RichnKUuhille, and,
ha\'ing succeeded to the occupation ol his
father, he was engaged in agricultural pursuits
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
433
throughout the active period of his life of
seventy-eight years.
David Frazier obtained his elementary edu-
cation in the common schools of this town, and
was graduated from the Schoharie and Albany
Medical Schools. Settling in Cobleskill, he
practised his profession with unusual success,
having an extensive patronage, and being by
far the best-known physician within a radius of
twenty miles. He was very influential in
local affairs, and besides being one of the
members of the first Board of Town Trustees,
a position which he filled several years, and
Supervisor of the tnwn three terms, he was
superintendent of schools a number of years,
aiul also Coroner. In politics he was true to
the principles in which he was reared, and
zealously sujiported the Democratic party. He
died in 1894, aged seventy-five years. His
wife, Susanna Jenkins, was born and educated
in Dover, England, from whence she came with
her parents to New York State when a girl.
She died September 25, 1897, aged eighty-three
years, leaving three children, namely: Eliza-
beth; Charles K., the special subject of this
sketch ; and Frances, wife of the Rev. George
Muller. Both parents were members of the
Lutheran church.
Charles K. Frazier received his early educa-
tion in the public schools of Cobleskill, and
alter taking a course of study at the Albany
Acadeni)- he read medicine a while with his
father and with Dr. Armsby, of Albany. He
was graduated from the Albany Medical Col-
lege in 1873, and spent his first year of prac-
tice in All^any. He sulisequentl)- pmctiset!
two years each in Waverly, Tioga County,
N. Y. , and l?ig Mats, Chemung County, not
far from Elmira. In 1878 he returned to
Cobleskill, and in the time that has since in-
tervened he has built up a large and lucrative
practice.
He is a sound Democrat, and was formerly
quite active in political circles and a regular
attendant of primaries and local conventions.
In 1877 he was a delegate to the State conven-
tion that nominated Horatio Seymour for gov-
ernor, and which, on Seymour's refusal of the
proffered chair, reconvened at Saratoga, and
nominated Robinson, the successful candidate.
He has served as Town Clerk, and, having
been appointed Coroner to fill out an unex-
pired term by his old-time friend, Governor
David B. Hill, he has since held the position,
having been re-elected for a term of four years
in 1S91 and again re-elected for another term
in 1895. He is a member of the Schoharie
Medical Society, and since 1S95 has been its
president.
In 1874 Dr. Frazier married Miss Rosalia
L. Camp, daughter of Nathan Camp, a promi-
nent citizen of Campville, Tioga County,
where he still resides. Dr. and Mrs. Frazier
have one child, Nellie.
|RS. MARY J. MULFORD,* pro-
lirietor of the Mountain Summit
House, Tannersville, is a native
of New York City. Her parents, John and
Mary (Cor.son) Ikaden, were natives of Ire-
land, but came to America ])rior to theii' mar-
434
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
riage. Arriving in New York at the age of
nineteen, her father secured a jiosition in a
store. He subsequently came to Tannersville
in the employ of the Edwards Tannery Com-
pany, remaining with that concern until it
went out of business. After following various
occupations, Mr. Braden turned his attention
to farming, upon the property now owned and
occupied by his daughter, Mrs. Mulford. His
death occurred here at the age of seventy years.
To him and his wife, Mary, were horn three
children — Margaret, Elizabeth, and Mary J.,
the subject of this sketch. Margaret resides
with her sister in Hunter; and Elizabeth, who
is the wife of William Stewart, is living in
Sullivan County. The mother died at si.xty-
seven. The parents were Presbyterians.
Mary J- Hraden in her girlhood attended the
common school.s, acquiring therein a practical
knowledge of .several branches of study, which
have since been useful to her in a business
way. In 1868 she became the wife of Samuel
S. Mulford, who was born in Harpersficld,
Delaware County, son of a prosperous farmer
of the same name. Mr. Mulford was well ed-
ucated, and when a young man he taught
.schools in Delaware, Schoharie, and Greene
Counties. After his marriage he was engaged
in the hotel Inisiness in Cairo, this county, for
a short time, and, going from that town to
Gilboa, Schoharie County, he conducted a
.stage line plying between Windham and Cats-
kill. Relinquishing the latter enterprise, he
came to Hunter, where he began the improve-
ment of the Hraden farm for summer resort
purposes by first removing the old dwelling,
which he replaced with a more commodious
building containing accommodations for a
number of guests. The success of the venture
made necessary an enlargement ot the house,
the addition being completed in 1S91, the year
in which he died. He was then fifty-six years
old. Mr. Mulford was w'idely and favorably
known throughout this section as an able busi-
ness man and a public-spirited citizen, ever
displaying an active interest in the political,
moral, and religious welfare of the conimu-
nit)-. He served as a Supervisor for a number
of years, was School Commissioner for two
terms of two years each, and he was an earnest
supporter of the Democratic part}-. His judg-
ment in public affairs was much sought after
and followed. Perceiving the need of a per-
manent religious organization in this village,
he was mainly instrumental in causing one to
be established, subscribing liberally toward the
erection of a church. He was a member of
the Masonic order, and had occupied some of
the imjiortant chairs in the Hhie Lotlge at Sau-
gerties. Samuel S. Mulford was the father of
three children, namely: William, Maud, and
Francis, all of whom are now assisting in
carrying on the hotel. William married
Carrie McGee, and has four children.
After the death of her hu.sband Mrs. Mul-
ford became manager as well as proprietor of
the hotel, and in these capacities has displayed
her ability by successfully conducting both
the business and domestic departments. The
Mountain .Summit House, which is a [deasant
and healthful summer home, occujiies a sightly
location upon ele\ated ground. It has ample
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
435
accommodations for two hundred guests, and
that their comforts are well provided for is
manifested by the large number who enjoy its
hospitality during the summer and autumn
months. Though not a member of any relig-
ious denomination, Mrs. Mulford is a generous
contributor toward the support of religious
work. She is highly esteemed for her many
estimable qualities.
SCAR H. SHANNON,* a Civil War
veteran, was born in Schenectady,
where he now resides, August 29,
1848, son of Thomas T. and Lucy C. (Geer)
Shannon. The father was a native of Glen-
ville, N. Y. His great-grandfather Shannon,
and his great-grandfather TuU served in the
Continental army during the Revolutionary
War.
Having completed his education, Oscar H.
Shannon at the age of fifteen enlisted in the
Seventy-seventh Regiment, New York Volun-
teers, with which he served until the close of
the Rebellion, and participated in the siege of
Petersburg. After his discharge he went to
sea as engineer's storekeeper on the steam-
ship "Henry Chauncy, " and was absent about
one year, during which time he visited South
America. Upon his return to Schenectady he
served an apprenticeship at the tinsmith's
trade, which he followed as a journeyman pre-
vious to opening an establishment on his own
account, and he subsequently carried on a suc-
cessful business for about fifteen years. Join-
ing the National Guard, he served for some
time as Lieutenant in a company of the
Eighty-third Regiment, and assisted in organ-
izing two other companies, one of which, the
Washburn Continentals, formerly the Stanford
Hose Company, withdrew in a body from the
Schenectady Fire Department to become the
Stanford Cadets. He was promoted from
the rank of First Lieutenant to that of Captain
of the company, and its present name was sug-
gested by him. The Washburn Continentals
were mustered into the National Guard during
the war with Spain as Company F, Second
Regiment. He was also one of the principal
organizers of a company composed entirely of
Civil War veterans, which flourished for a
time as originally made up; but the veterans
were compelled by old age to withdraw one by
one, and their places were filled by young re-
cruits. This company, of which he was First
Lieutenant for five years, was mustered into
service during the late war as Company E,
Second Regiment.
Mr. Shannon married Mary A. Langdon, of
Schenectady, daughter of John Langdon. He
has one daughter, Bernice L. , who is now the
wife of Andrew T. Bran ion, of New York
City.
Mr. Shannon belongs to St. Paul's Lodge,
No. 17, I. O. O. F. , and is a Past Commander
of Harsfall Post, No. 90, G. A. R. In 1871
he joined Julian Lodge, Knights of Pythias,
which was afterward disbanded, but prior to
the surrender of its charter he withdrew for the
purpose of organizing the Mohawk Valley
Lodge at Fort Plain, and was its first Chan-
cellor. He was representative to the Grand
436
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Lodge in 1897, and was Deputy Grand Chan-
cellor. He organized Loyal Lodge, No. 384,
in 1896; was formerly Chief of Staff of the
New York Hiigadc, Uniform Rank, with the
rank of Colonel ; received his Grand Lodge
degrees during the present year ; and was ap-
pointed assistant organizer of the luidowment
Rank by Past Grand Chancellor and Supreme
Representative William Ledew, his jurisdic-
tion covering the entire State of New York
outside of the metropolis. Mr. Shann<m is
now a member of Schenectady Lodge, to which
he was admitted by card.
T|7^E"^ILO COBB,* a well-to-do farmer of
\^\ Ashland, N. Y., was burn in W'ind-
V«*^ ham, Greene County, March 4,
1821, son of Simon and Eunice (Lewis) Cobb.
His father came here from Connecticut as a
pioneer, and cleared off a tract of land, which
he improved into a good farm. He was an
early schoolmaster in this locality, and figured
quite prominently in the growth and develop-
ment of the town. He died at the age of fifty-
five years. Simon Cobb and his wife, Eunice,
were the parents of ten children. Three of
the four now living are: Revilo, Lchvin, and
Sidney. The mother dietl at the age of
seventy-two.
Revilo Cobb was reared upon the homestead
farm, and was educated in Windham. His
boyhood was spent in a log house, anil his
clothing, like that of other children of this Id-
eality at that time, was made from home-raised
wool and flax, which were spun, woven, and
made up by the deft hands of his mother.
When a young man he turned his attention to
agriculture, and tilled the soil of one farm for
a [leriod of thirt\'-eight year.s. In 18S8 he
moved to his ])resent farm of fifty acres, which
is admiral)ly located and unusually fertile.
His principal efforts are devoted to the care of
a well-equipped dairy. He was formerly an
extensive sheep-raiser, and in that, as well as
in dairy farming, he has, through his energy,
perseverance, and sound judgment, realized ex-
cellent financial results. He still possesses
the strength and agility of a much younger
man, and attends to his every-day duties with
the same activity that has for years been one
of his chief characteristics. In politics he is
a Democrat.
Mr. Cobb married Louisa Barlow, who was
born in Ashland, daughter of Alanson ]5ar-
low. Her father spent his active life upon a
farm in this town, and died at the age of
seventy-seven years. Mrs. Cobb died at the
age of seventy-six. She was the mother of
but one child, George A., who was born in
Ashland, October 28, 1850. Revilo Cobb acted
as a vestryman of the Episcopal church for a
number of years, and his wife was a member.
George A. Cobb completed his education in
West Windham, and taught school a number
of terms indifferent places. lie took charge
of the homestead farm when his father left it,
and he carried it on until 1S94, when he re-
linquished it in order to assist his father. In
1878 George A. Cobb married Elizabeth Sut-
ton, who was born in Windham, N.Y., daugh-
ter of Aden and Elizabeth (Cook) Sutton. Her
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
437
father was a native of Schoharie County, and
her mother was born in Windham, daughter of
Ichabod Cook. Aden and Elizabeth C. Sutton
were the parents of four children, namely:
Elizabeth, wife of George A. Cobb; Polly,
wife of Henry Sutton; Ella, who married
H. D. Martin; and Dr. I. F. Sutton, a physi-
cian, who died at the age of thirty-two years.
Aden Sutton married for his second wife
Theresa Cook, who died at the age of thirty-
seven years, leaving a daughter Ursula. The
latter married I. C. Lee, a merchant of this
town, and is no longer living. The father
died at the age of seventy-two years. He be-
longed to the Methodist EpiscojDal church, in
which he was at one time a class leader, choir
director, and steward.
George A. Cobb is a Democrat in politics,
and takes an active interest in public affairs.
He was one of the organizers of the local
grange. Patrons of Husbandry, and is its pres-
ent Master. Mr. and Mrs. George A. Cobb
have one daughter, Hattie. They attend the
Methodist Episcopal church.
INDEX
BIOGRAPHICAL.
A.
Adams, Edward 350
Akeley, Frank 175
Albro, William H 242
Alverson, James K 416
Anderson, George W 205
Avery, Benjamin H 388
B
Baldwin, Andrew G 53
Baldwin, William H. . . . . 305
Barrup, Charles E 417
Bassler, Wellington E 209
Beard, Franklin P 75
Becker, Harmon 20
Beekman, Dow ..... 89
Beekman, Duryea ... .88
Bellinger, George W 169
Benliani, John T 37
Bestle, Rudolph 208
Bice, Marshall D 306
Billings, Ernest E 368
Bloodgood, Clarence E. . . . 359
Boens, Louis A 15S
Boorn, Clarence M 320
Botsford, Henry T 19
Boughton, Seymour 33
Bradt, John 260
Bradt, Nicholas 69
Brewster, W. J 420
Bruce, Elbert 0 45
Burgett, William W 215
Burhans, Judson 308
Burnett, Charles S 140
liurtis, John H., Jr 400
PAGE
C.
Campbell, John D 52
Campbell, William L 240
Cary, John S 1 57
Case, James M 397
Casper, Frank L 200
Chambers, David 302
Chapman, Mrs. Elda li. . . . 273
Chapman, Frank A 296
Chapman, William W 370
Chase, Albert 265
Chase, Emory A 276
Clapper, Franklin 410
Clark, A. W 354
Clute, Bartholomew H. ... 1 56
Cobb, Revilo 436
Coffin, P. Gardiner 407
Cole, Loren P 324
Conover, John M 117
Courter, Stanton 293
Crapser, Wallace W 377
Curtis, Stephen A 22
D
Daley, James B 228
Danforth, George L 71
Decker, William H 189
Defandorf, Levi M 395
De Forest, Henry S 161
Dibbell, Renwick 13
Dickinson, Charles S3
Dodge, Egbert B 314
Dormady, Thomas 37
Dunckel, Jeremiah 226
FACE
E.
Elliott, Ixobert 225
Empie, John G 193
Eisenmenger, Frederick . . . 212
Enders, David 181
F
Farquher, Arlhur II 385
Faulkner, George H 149
Ferguson, Alonzo 183
Ferguson, John A 180
Ferrier, Thomas K in
Flanagan, James H 259
Ford, Edwin L . 136
Fowler, Charles 237
Fox, George L 144
France. Frank H 413
France, John H 171
Frazee, Frederick L 79
Frazier, Charles K 432
Frisbie, Daniel D 299
Frisbie, Grandison N. ... 17
Fromer, Jacob 258
Frost, James 421
G.
Gara, Hugh B 144
Caylord, John W 405
Getter, Henry C 419
Gifford, Edward A 345
Goodsell, Elmer E 32
Gordon, John A 132
(iraham, Joseph B 429
Granby, William 137
44°
INDEX
VM.K
Gray, John II 54
CIreen, Nelson 0 70
Griswold, John A 230
Guflin, An(hcw J 12
H.
I lager, I'.ihvin 1).
24.S
Ilallock, .Slii)hcn 1".
2S6
Hamlin, William S. .
95
Haner, George . .
27
Hartt, Kdgar . . .
33^'
HartI, John G. . .
337
Ilinman, Chamufy W.
3f'3
Ilinnian, David M. .
307
Hitchcock, Dwiijht B.
2yi
Hoagland, Page T. .
270
Howe, Eugene 1^.
28S
Huhhell, Kichlniyer .
40
IhinlinL;, Ambrose R.
250
Jackson, lulgar
Jenkins, Daniel W.
Jcralds, Thonias W,
4'5
235
90
K.
Kelley, Solomon 259
Kerr, Albert 1 341
Kilmer, Thomas J ilS
Kills, Jacob L So
Kipp, Herbert 170
Kline, Andrew J 19.S
Kniffen, John I! if)7
Kniskcrn, William li 323
Kohring, William 87
Kreiger, Elmer E 182
Lackey, Michael, Jr.
25s
Lape, Simeon ....
29
Larkin, Willard . . .
355
Lasher, George . . .
44
Lehman, I'arke C. .
loS
Leonard, Duncan M. .
3 28
I.iddle, Andrew G. . .
'03
I.omax, I toward V.
Loudon, .Stephen .
PACn
378
257
M.
MacMillen, Alexander
•73
Magee, Peter . . .
3'l
Maginnis, John . .
390
Malcolm, Joseph . .
25
Mann, Charles . .
427
Markham, Convas V..
411
iMattire, Garret W. .
•49
Mayham, Stephen L
'25
McCabe, Charles P.
3'7
McMillan, Andrew J.
31
.McWilliams, James C.
431
Mead. Joel H. . . .
375
Mead, William H. .
218
Mullord, Mrs. Mary J.
433
Myers, John A. . .
21 1
N.
Neville, William H
Newell, John A
Nichols, Charles E. . '. . . .
Nichols, Charles E. (of Catskill),
Odell, Herbert I..
( )'I lara, Barnard .
O'Hara, Michael .
Olnistead, Henry F.
O'Neil, Hugh . .
Osterhout, Stanton
I'elham, Elmer E.
Pettingill, Haman P.
Pitcher, Charles W.
I'latner, Benjamin F
I'latner, William C.
1 'otter, Thomas K.
Pulman, Joseph .
I'utnam, John II..
425
48
60
•5'
[46
373
•3'
65
192
42S
349
122
176
3«4
3«4
•4
166
423
R.
Ramsey, Charles H 351
Kaymond, Andrew V. V, . . . 349
Kector, Christian 320
Kifenbark, Hiram 253
Rivcnburg, Willard T 234
Koe, John i9<;
Rose, F^li 330
Rosekraus, Albert G 338
Rossnian, John 219
Sage, Sylvester B. .
Salsbergh, William .
.Schermerhorn, Simon J
Searles, Frank R.
Sclden, Robert . .
Shafer, William D. .
.Shannon, Oscar 1 1. .
.Shelmandine, Lewis
Showers, Cyrus . .
Showers, Isaac . .
Sias, Solomon . . .
Slater, David T. . .
Smeallic, William J.
Smith, Chaunccy . .
Snyder, J. Augustus
Snyder, Jacob M.
Staley, James S. . .
Stanley, Peter L . .
.Stead, James . . .
.Sternberg, John II. .
Stevens, i-^mory . .
Stevens, James . .
Stewart, William H.
Straiili, I'rank .\.
Tallmadge, Benj.imin I.
Terpening, Ira M. . .
Thor])e, William E. . .
Tinning, Archibald . .
Treadw'ell, La Grand I.
■30
U.
Utter, Israel P.
I'lter, James L.
399
47
191
435
63
39
85
101
327
3S8
162
275
283
129
280
3';3
164
404
97
202
263
106
380
55
364
127
4tS
>■%
INDEX
44r
V
Van Bergen, Henry 138
Vanderbilt, William S. ... 266
Vanderpoel, Andrew J. ... 1S7
Van Dreser, Henry 9O
Van Eps, Peter V 66
Van Loan, Jane 93
Van Loan, Walton 77
Van Schaick, Joseph W. . . . 285
Van Valkenburgh, Jacob . . . 342
Van Wagenen, Jared .... 207
Van Zandt, Henry C 34
PAGE
Voss, Charles 104
Vroman, Dow F 361
W.
Waddell, James W 143
Waddell, William T 63
Wakeman, Alonzo 197
Wasson, William A 61
Weidnian, Charles E 222
West, Noah D 114
Wilber, Kirby 76
Wilson, Mrs. Julia A 238
PAGE
Winegard, Richard 154
Woodworth, Lucius A 294
Wyatt, James T 367
Y.
Yates, Austin A 9
Young, J. Edward 38
Young, Madison 424
Z.
Zelie, Luther 313
PORTRAITS.
PAGH
Albro, William H 243
Anderson, George W 204
Baldwin. William II 304
lit-anl, Franklin P 74
Bellinger, George W. . . facts 169
Blootlgood, Clarence !•'.. . . . 35S
Bradt, John 261
Hurtis, Jolin H., Jr 401
De Forest, Henry S 160
Dickinson, Charles 82
Dodge, Egbert 15 3(5
Kisennienger, Frederick . . . 2r3
Ferrier, Thomas E no
Frisbie, Daniel D 29.S
Frisbie, Grandison N 16
Gordon, John A 133
rAf.K
Griswold, John A 231
Hitchcock, Dwight I! 290
Hubbell, Riclitmver .... 41
Jerald.s, Thomas W 91
Kerr, Albert L 340
Kilmer, Thomas J 119
Maginnis, John 391
Malcolm, Joseph 24
Mattice, Garret W 14S
Mayham, Stephen L i 24
Newell, John A 49
O'Hara, Barnard 372
Pitcher, Charles W. . .... 177
Raymond, Andrew V'. V. . . . 34S
Rector, Christian 321
Rifenbark, Hiram 252
PAGE
Rose, Eli . 331
Rose, Mrs. Eli 333
•Sias, Solomon 100
Stanley, I'eter 1 2.S1
Straub, P>ank X 57
Thorpe, William E 3S1
Vanderbilt, William S. ... 267
Vandcrpoel, Andrew J. ... 186
Van Eps, Peter \' 67
Van Zandt, Henry C 35
Waddell, James W 142
Wakenian, Alonzo 196
Weidman, Charles E 223
Wyatt, James T 36O
Yates, Anstin A S
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