2002
--These pages are part of the Schuyler co., NY genweb page. Not for
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Extracts from
A Biographical Record of
Schuyler County, NY, 1903
S.J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Page 4
The bios below are the full text,
just as it appeared in the book.
GEORGE HARING
One of the oldest families of southern New York is that of which our
subject is a representative.- The family is of Holland Dutch descent and
was established in New Jersey at a very early epoch in American history.
Later representatives of the name went to Cayuga county, New York, traveling
by way of the Mohawk route. The other route led them past Binghamton, Owego
and Elmira, while the Mohawk route took them up the Hudson and Mohawk valleys.
The great-grandfather of our subject was a paymaster of the Revolutionary
war. Garret Haring, the grandfather of our subject, removed from Genoa,
Cayuga county, with his parents to Starkey, Yates county, and there he
was engaged in business as a surveyor and conveyancer in the early days.
He also served as side or assistant judge of Yates county. His property
interests included a farm in that town, and he afterward purchased a large
tract of land at Meads Creek, in Steuben county, New York, to which he
removed, making his home there for a number of years. Subsequently he went
to Monterey and later took up his abode at Sugar Hill, where he died at
the age of seventy-seven years. His wife survived him for a time and passed
away at the age of eighty-four years. They were the parents of thirteen
children: Cornelius, William. Chauncey, Isaac C., Howard, Anna, Deborah.
Clarissa, Harriet, Keziah and three who died in infancy.
William Haring, the father of our subject, was born in Genoa,
Cayuga county, New York, October 29, 1808, and was about eight years of
age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Yates county, finally
settling in the town of Starkey. There on the home farm he was reared to
manhood and after arriving at years of maturity he wedded Eliza Cox. They
became the parents of two children, Charles and George. When a young
man the father worked upon. the farm during the summer months and in the
winter seasons attended school. He afterward engaged in teaching school
and later was employed upon the construction of the Jefferson House as
a stone cutter. The steps leading up to the building are a part of this
work. Later he was employed by the firm of Arauld & Shannon,
having charge of their interests at Millport and the supervision of their
mills and store. Later he was in charge of their store at Geneva, New York,
remaining with them for two years. On the expiration of that period he
entered into business relations with L. G. Townsend at Big Stream, establishing
a general mercantile store of which he was the superintendent. He afterward
became a partner of Alonzo Simmons, in a mercantile enterprise at Rock
Stream and subsequently was one of the leading business men of Irelandville,
in the town of Reading, where he remained until 1843, when he came to Watkins
and engaged in business on Madison street for one year. Then Mr. Haring
opened a store in the brick block on the corner of Franklin and Second
streets, which property is now owned by George Haring. For a time his son
Charles was in business with, him, and he was regarded as the leading merchant
in the place until life's labors were ended in death. The father passed
away November 21, 1875, and on the 24th of June, 1877, his wife also departed
this life. Mrs. Haring, the mother of our subject, was a daughter of Jesse
and Elizabeth Cox, both of whom were natives of Westchester county, New
York. They resided near Mt. Pleasant, and on leaving the place of their
nativity they removed to what is now Schuyler county. Mrs. Haring was born
May 12, 1811 and was but a small girl when her parents located in the town
of Reading. They were identified with the society of Friends or Quakers.
The father devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits, and he had one
son whom he assisted in establishing mercantile enterprises in New York
a number of times. In the community where they located both Mr. and Mrs.
Cox enjoyed the high regard of many warm friends.
It will thus be seen that George Haring is a representative of two
prominent and leading pioneer families of Schuyler county. He was born
October 21, 1841. When but eighteen months old his parents removed to Watkins
and in this village he pursued his education in the public schools. On
putting aside his text books he joined his father in merchandising, and
the business was carried on continuously under the firm name of William
Haring & Sons for many years. At length the father retired and our
subject and his brother became the owners of the store, which they conducted
for some time thereafter. Later they sold their mercantile interests. Mr.
Haring of this review then turned his attention to real estate dealing,
in which he has since been engaged. He was a wide-awake, progressive
merchant, constantly studying the needs and wishes of the public and thereby
pleasing his patrons by his purchases and the goods which he placed upon
the market. In his real estate dealings he is equally enterprising, wide-awake
and energetic, and is thoroughly well informed concerning realty values
in this part of the state. He has negotiated a number of important real
estate transfers and at the present time has much valuable property, of
which he is acting as agent.
On the 1st of March, 1865, Mr. Haring was united in marriage to Sarah
A. Canfield, a daughter of Jonas and Margaret (Williams)
Canfield. She, too, is a native of Schuyler county and by her marriage
has become the mother of three daughters, Margaret Eliza,
now the wife of Mott Brown Hughey, a shoe merchant of Watkins; and
Georgiana and Jessie, who are at home. Mr. Haring and his family
attend the services of the Presbyterian church, and in his political views
he is a Democrat. At the present time he is serving as one of the water
commissioners of Watkins but has never been an aspirant for public life.
His entire life has been passed in this county, and all who know him—and
his acquaintance is extensive— regard him as a man of genuine worth, trustworthy
in business and reliable in a life's relations. He stands today in his
mature years—a strong man
—strong in the consciousness of well-spent years, strong to plan and
perform, strong in his credit and good name, and a worthy example for young
men to pattern after, as showing what intelligence and probity may accomplish
in the way of success in life.
[end]
Notes from a descendant regarding Cornelius Haring & his daughter
Elizabeth Payne:
Joan W. Payne writes that Elizabeth Haring was the eldest child of
Cornelius Haring. Elizabeth married William McAllister Payne.
From Schuyler Co. Chronicle, January 30, 1913, Col.4 and Watkins Review,
January 29, 1913, Pl, Col.4--
Elizabeth Payne, widow of Wm. McAllister Payne, died on January 29,
1913 of old age at her home at Richland Center, Penn. Husband died
8 years ago. Born November 16, 1830, Town of Orange, Schuyler County, and
was the first of eleven children of Cornelius Haring. Survived by a son,
Melville Payne. Married in 1852. Was a teacher mostly in schools in Dix
and Orange. More on the Payne family:
Harlow Payne b 1797-d Sept 23, 1871, buried in Old Sugar Hill Cem
His wife - Anthia McAllister b 1797
Son - William McAllister Payne b 1827 -? may have been
a Civil War vet.
Wife of William Payne = Elizabeth B. Haring b. Nov 16, 1830, Town of
Orange [Dau of Cornelius Haring]
Children: Dolcie Cornelius Payne b 1854 -?
Adelaide Payne b Aug 1858
GARRETT HARING
[page 502]
When the tocsin of war sounded and men from all parts of the country
flocked to the standard of the Union the Empire state sent her full quota
of men to the battlefields of the south and maintained a reputation for
loyalty and patriotism second to no state of the country. Mr. Haring was
among her sons who followed the starry banner into the camp of the enemy
and stood stalwart in defense of the right of the national government to
control, the states forming the Union. He returned home with a most creditable
military record, for in the thickest of the fight he stood by his colors
with strong and loyal purpose.
A native son of Schuyler county, he was born in the town of Orange,
June 28, 1838, a son of Cornelius and Mary (Johnson) Haring. His father
was born September 14, 1805, and was three times married. He first wedded
Achsah Johnson and they had three children: Phebie, Elizabeth and Wealthy.
The wife and mother died and Mr. Haring afterward wedded Mary Johnson.
They became residents of the town of Orange and their home was blessed
with seven children:
Martha, Garret, Charlotte, William, Helen. Lillian and Alice.
After losing his second wife Cornelius Haring married Freelove Townsend,
but there were no children by this union.
Having acquired his education in the public schools, Garret Haring
started out upon his business career at the age of twenty years and followed
farming from 1858 until 1862, when he donned the blue uniform of the nation
as a defender of the Union cause, becoming a member of Company A, One Hundred
and Forty-first Regiment of New York Volunteers, with which he went to
the front, serving until the 23d of June, 1865, when by reason of the cessation
of hostilities and the surrender of southern troops he was mustered out
of the service. For fifteen days he was in the hospital at White House
Landing and then rejoined his regiment, participating in many very important
engagements, including the battles of Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Mission
Ridge,
Resaca, Culp's Farm, Dallas and Peach Tree Creek, where the regiment
lost fifty-six per cent of its men in killed and wounded. Later Mr. Haring
participated in the siege of Atlanta and from there went with General Sherman
on the march to the sea. He was also in the engage-ments at Erie, Chester
and Bentonville and spent four weeks at Savannah, after which he crossed
the river in South Carolina. He was in the battle of Goldsboro, one of
the last en-gagements of the war, and at Raleigh. Leaving that place the
army had proceeded but a short distance when the news of General Lee's
surrender was received and the regiment to which Mr. Haring belonged then
went direct to Washington, where it was mustered out, and our subject returned
to his home—one of the honored veterans of the Civil war.
Mr. Haring was united in marriage to Miss Mary Morris, a daughter of
Burlock and Sarah (Mattison) Morris, whose children were as follows: Egbert,
Daniel and Esther, all deceased; Jane, the wife of Henry Stoddart, a farmer
residing in Michigan;
Francis, deceased; Mary, the esteemed wife of our subject; and Eugene,
who has also passed away. For twelve years after his marriage Mr. Haring
made his home in Townsend and then came to his present place of residence,
purchasing his farm near Monterey, in Orange township, where he is yet
living. His efforts and management have wrought a great transformation
in the place, as the lands have been brought under a very high state of
cultivation and equipped with excellent buildings and all modern improvements
found upon the best farms of the twentieth century. Loyal in citizenship,
enterprising and progressive in business, and reliable in all life's relations,
Mr. Haring certainly deserves mention among the best residents of Schuyler
county.
CHARLES HARING
In the history of those who have been recognized as leading citizens
of Schuyler county in its past as well as present Charles Haring should
be mentioned. He was born in the town of Reading, Schuyler county, February
11, 1838, his parents being William and Eliza (Cox) Haring. In the schools
of Watkins he obtained his education, for his parents took up their abode
in this village when he was but three years of age. His father was engaged
in the dry-goods business, and after putting aside his text books Charles
Haring joined his father in conducting that enterprise, and when the father
retired Charles and his brother George became the owners of the store,
which they conducted successfully for a number of years. They were wide-awake
and enterprising merchants and kept abreast with the progressive spirit
of the times and their store received a large share of the public patronage,
because their business methods were honorable and their line of goods such
as will draw the trade from
the best class of people.
On the 6th of January, 1864, Mr. Haring was united in marriage to Miss
Jane M. Shepherd, a daughter of John and Nancy J. (Atwood) Shepherd. Mrs.
Haring is also a native of the town of Reading. Her father was born in
North Haven, Connecticut, and came to the town of Reading with an uncle
and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Keeler, with whom he lived as their own son.
He devoted his entire time and attention through his business career to
agricultural pursuits and he gave his political support to the Republican
party. He never sought office and was modest and retiring in disposition,
but was regarded as one of the best citizens of this town, his genuine
worth commending him to the confidence of all with whom he came in contact.
He died August 26, 1888, at the age of eighty-one years, his birth having
oc-curred April 27, 1809. His wife, who was born March 19, 1822, died January
17, 1898. She was a daughter of Harlow and Naomi (Phillips) Atwood, in
whose family were the following named: Nancy J., Mary Ann, Harlow,
Elizabeth, and one son that died in infancy. The paternal grandfather of
Mrs. Haring was a sailor and on one occasion his vessel was captured and
the crew thrown into a French prison, where they lay for a long time. Her
uncle, Mr. Keeler, was drafted for service in the war of 1812 but did not
enter the army. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd were: Jane Miles,
Frank Roselle and Esther Jacobs, now Mrs. Frank Sayre, of Dundee.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Haring was blessed with two sons, John Shepherd,
born April 10, 1866; and William Sherwood, born November 9, 1867, and now
a druggist of Chicago. In his political views Mr. Haring was an earnest
Democrat, his study of the questions of the day led him to give an unfaltering
support to the principles of his party because he believes it contains
the best elements of good government. At one time he held the office of
town clerk. He attended the Presbyterian church, and although not a member
he contributed to its support and cooperated in many other ways in the
promotion of the best interests of his locality. In business affairs he
was notably prompt, energetic and reliable, and he possessed many sterling
traits of character that commended him to the confidence and good will
of those with whom he was associated.
OSCAR HARING
Oscar R. Haring, who is engaged in general farming and fruit raising
in the town of Reading, Schuyler county, was born in this town August 30,
1842, and is a son of Isaac and Charlotte (Nichols) Haring. The father
was probably a native of Cayuga county,
New York, while his mother's birth occurred in what is now Schuyler
county but was then a part of Steuben county, the place of. her nativity
being in the town of Reading. They were married in that town and for a
few years resided in Irelandville, where the father engaged in merchandising,
carrying on that business until 1843, when he removed to Watkins and again
became identified with mercantile pursuits conducting his business at that
place until his death, which occurred in the year 1844. His widow afterward
removed to a farm in the town of Dix, owning a tract of land upon which
she resided until 1865, when she sold that property and took up her abode
on the farm which is now the home of our subject, and where she, too, is
still living, at the age of eighty-three years. In the family were two
children: John I., who is a molder by trade and resides in Binghamton;
and Oscar R., of this review. After the death of her husband Mrs.
Haring became the wife of David Coddington, but there were no children
born of that union.
Oscar R. Haring remained with his mother until he reached the age of
seventeen, when he started out upon an independent business career. Coming
to the town of Reading, he worked by the month for his uncle, Charles W.
Mathews, with whom he remained for about five years, and in 1865 he established
his home upon the farm which is yet his place of abode. Here he has sixty
acres of land which is rich and productive, and his attention is devoted
to the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate
and also to the production of fruit. He raises many kinds of fine fruit
and in his farming methods he is thoroughly
progressive, systematic and wide-awake.
On the 11th of September, 1866, Mr. Haring was united in marriage to
Miss Kate E. VanDeventer, who was born in the town of Dix on the 1st of
April, 1843, and is a daughter of Stephen W. and Eliza (McElwee) VanDeventer.
Mrs. Haring was reared to womanhood in Schuyler county and acquired a good
education and for a few years prior to her marriage successfully engaged
in teaching. The young couple began their domestic life upon the farm which
has been blessed with five children: Leon, who was born July 17, 1867,
and is now engaged in bookkeeping in Buffalo, New York, married Emille
Gilbert, of the town of Reading,
and they have one son, Douglas G., who was born August 6, 1894. Charles
V., born July 8, 1869, is now acting as superintendent for the Eastman
Kodak Company, of Rochester, New York. Eliza M., born August 26, 1871,
is a graduate of Watkins high school, and is now the wife of William N.
HiIIerman. Jennie Mae, born May 10, 1880, is a graduate of the high
school and training class and is now engaged in teaching in the high school
at Watkins. Grace, born May 9, 1885, will graduate from the high school
of Watkins with the class of 1903.
Mr. Haring has followed in the political footsteps of his father, supporting
the Democratic party continuously and unfalteringly since he cast his first
presidential vote for General McClellan in 1864. He has held the
office of inspector, assessor, notary public and constable, serving as
assessor and notary public for twelve years, and at one time he was a member
of Watkins Lodge, No. 332, F. & A. M., but is not now connected with
the fraternity. His time and attention is largely occupied by his business
affairs and he is well known as a farmer and fruit grower, thoroughly conversant
with all departments of the business and carrying on
his work in a manner to bring to him a good financial return.
FRED ENNIS
For almost a quarter ot a century Fred S. Ennis has resided upon the
farm near Cayuta which is still his home. He was born on the 7th of November,
1853, in the town of Cayuta, where representatives of the family have long
resided, his grandparents having located here in an early day. His father,
Ira Ennis, was born in Cayuta and after arriving at manhood he wedded Jane
White, also a native of Cayuta. Their marriage was blessed with three children:
Adelia, the wife of James M. Van Dyke, an expressman in the employ of the
United States Express Company; Fred S., of this review; and Hattie S.
Reared in the place of his nativity, Mr. Ennis is widely known here,
and the fact that many with whom he has been acquainted from his boyhood
are numbered among his staunchest friends is an indication that his career
has been indeed honorable and worthy. The schools of Cayuta afforded him
his educational privileges, which he improved until he entered upon his
business career. On the 1st of February, 1877, he was united in marriage
to Miss Alice A. Boardman, who was born in Danby December 10, 1853. Her
father, August Boardman, was born in Danby December 13, 1827, and her mother,
who bore the maiden name of Lucinda McMillen, was born in Seneca county,
New York, on the 3rd of May, 1834. By her marriage to Mr. Boardman she
became the mother of six children, of whom the eldest, William Henry, is
now deceased. Carrie Belle, the second, is the wife of Charles Walleaver,
who is proprietor of a hotel at Van Etten. They have three children: Harry,
who is studying for the Methodist ministry; Bernice and Mildred, who are
still at home. Maria Louise and Wilbur are the next of the Boardman family
in order of birth. Samuel has also passed away. Bertha completes the family.
At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ennis took up their abode
upon the farm which has now been their home for a quarter of a century,
and with the passing years he has continued the work of its further development
and improvement. From the time of early spring planting until the crops
are harvested in the late autumn he is kept busy and his work is carried
on in a systematic, methodical manner, which results in bringing to him
good crops. He also follows the principles of rotating crops, and upon
his farm he has made excellent improvements in the way of substantial buildings.
He possesses good business ability and his property has come to him as
the merited reward of his labor. The farm comprises one hundred acres,
two and one-half miles from Cayuta.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Ennis has been blessed with eight children,
but they lost their first born, Frankie. The others are:
Jennie A., Tracy VanDyke, Frances M., Fred B., Mildred Belle, Ruth
M. and Helen Adele. The family attend the services of the Baptist church,
of which Mr. Ennis is a member, and to its support he contributes liberally
of his time and means. His study of the political issues of the day have
led him to ally his strength with the Republican party and in endorsing
its principles, which he believes contains the best elements of good government.
FRED CAREY
The man who starts out in life for himself without capital or without
the assistance of friends or influence and who depends entirely upon his
own resources for a living, accomplishing much through industry and perserverance,
certainly deserves great credit and is entitled to the esteem and considera-tion
of his fellow men. Such has been the life history of Fred Carey, one of
New York's native sons. He was born in the town of Horseheads, Chemung
county, on the 9th of October, 1858, and at the early age of two years
was left an orphan. He was then reared in the family of Sydney Breese,
of Horseheads, who permitted him to attend the common schools and there
he acquired the education which fitted him for the responsible duties of
a business career. At the age of eighteen years he left school and turned
his attention to farming, in which he had received training under the direction
of Mr. Breese. His life has been one of earnest and indefatigable labor,
and whatever lie possesses is the reward of his industry. He remained a
resident of Chemung county until 1900 and during all that period carried
on agricultural pursuits. In the year mentioned, however, he took up his
abode in Montour Falls and began gardening. In the new enterprise he has
prospered and the products, of his hothouse and garden beds find a ready
sale upon the market because of size, quality and general excellence.
Mr. Carey was united in marriage on September 21, 1890, to Miss Susan
Lariew, a daughter of Almerion and Elizabeth (Johnson) Lariew, who were
residents of Elmira and in whose family were three children, two sons and
a daughter. Fred, the eldest son, now resides in Easton, New Jersey. He
married Gertie Slites and has one child. Charles, the other brother of
Mrs. Carey, was a resident of Elmira, New York, where he was employed as
a house painter until his death in 1893. The home of our subject and his
wife has been blessed with three children, Catherine, Sydney and Ray.
Strong purpose has been one of the salient features in the success
of Mr. Carey, who, in the control of his business affairs, has brooked
no obstacle that could be overcome by persistent effort. His social qualities
make him popular with many friends and as one of the representative men
of Montour Falls he is now numbered.
HUGH CARNEY
In the history of the men of Schuyler county who have been or are at
the present time actively connected with the business interests here and
whose names are found on the roll of valued citizens was Hugh Carney. He
was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, May 20, 1835, and died in Watkins,
New York, on the 13th of June, 1881. His parents were Francis and Catherine
Irvine Carney; the former died when the son was but ten years of age.
With his mother and two sisters Hugh Carney came to the new world in 1859;
for a few years the family lived in Corning. New York, aftenvard coming
to Watkins, where the mother's death occurred. Two brothers of our subject
were John and Francis Camey; the latter served many years in the legislature
and later became Lieutenant governor of Colorado. Hugh Carney remained
with his mother during the period of his youth; when a young man he responded
to the call of his adopted country for aid to crush out the rebellion,
enlisting in 1862, as a member of Company G, One Hundred and Sixty-first
New York Volunteers, being made a sergeant of his company on the
27th of October, of the
same year. He participated in the battle of Plain Store, May 18, 1863,
and was at Port Hudson from May 27 until July 8, 1863. He was also at Cox
Plantation in Louisiana, on the 13th of July; at Sabine Crossroads on the
8th of April, 1864; at Pleasant Hill on the following day; at Carne River
Crossing on the 23d of April; and at Mansura, May 17, 1864. He also participated
in the siege of Mobile, of Spanish Fort and of Fort BIakely; he was wounded
in the thigh while on board a transport, making the passage from Port Huron
to Donnelson. On another occasion he was also wounded, having three ribs
broken. The ball in the thigh, however, was never taken out, and caused
him much suffering throughout the remainder of his life. After he had been
wounded he was sent home, but as soon as possible he rejoined his regiment;
he served altogether for three years and three months. When hostilities
were over and the country no longer needed his military service, he was
honorably discharged at Fort Jefferson, Florida, September 20, 1865. He
made for himself a creditable military record because of his fidelity to
the old flag, and the cause it represented.
On the 4th of July, 1866, Mr. Camey was united in marriage to Miss
Esther R. Beahan, a daughter of Thomas and Florence Fausett Beahan, who
was born in the house where she is now living, January 18, 1831. For about
two years after their marriage Mr. Carney resided in Watkins; then he removed
to the farm where his family now reside, purchasing one hundred and thirteen
acres of land which belonged to Mrs. Carney's father. He remodeled the
building, placed his fields under a high state of cultivation
and made many excellent improvements upon his land. As the years
passed the home was blessed by the presence of five children. Frank, the
eldest, born March 15, 1868, is a graduate of Starkey Seminary and of Cornell
University, and
has since devoted his attention to educational work, having been principal
successively of Starkey Seminary and Keuka Institute, and at present assistant
principal in the Ithaca High School. He wedded Mary Keegan, of Oakfield,
Genesee county, New York; they have five children, Esther, Ewart, Harry,
Florence and Frances. Thomas J., born August 15, 1869, is a graduate of
Starkey Seminary and of the Long Island Medical College of Brooklyn;
he is now engaged in the practice of his profession in New
York City. He is especially skilled in surgery and has done much hospital
work, gaining a high reputation in his profession. Charles Emmett, born
February 4, 1871, acquired his education in the public schools and at Starkey
Seminary; he taught in the common
schools and is now operating the home farm. Edward J., born June
19, 1873, is a graduate of the medical department of the University of
Chicago; he is engaged in practice in Durand, Michigan. Elizabeth C., the
only daughter, is at home.
Mr. Carney was an earnest worker in the ranks of the Democratic party
and strongly endorsed its principles, but he had no desire for the honors
or emoluments of public office. He was reared in the Catholic church, having
been confirmed in Ireland, and in that faith he died. If the good will
of one's fellowmen is an accurate criterion Mr. Carney had a successful
career and as the architect of his own fortunes he builded wisely and well.
Dependent upon his own labor from an early age, he made unflagging industry
and strong purpose the characteristic principles of a short but well spent
life. He was found to be reliable in matters of citizenship, was public
spirited, and in the home and social relations was true to every characteristic
of an honorable manhood, so that when he was called to his final rest his
death was the occasion of deep regret in the community where he lived.
MRS. MARGARET McCREERY (nee EWING)
Mrs. Margaret McCreery, who is well known in Watkins, was born in County
Donegal, Ireland, on the 7th of May, 1837, a daughter of William and Margaret
(Hunter) Ewing in whose family were nine children, namely: William,
Catherine, Jane, Eliza, John, Ellen, Margaret, and two who died in
infancy. Mrs. McCreery spent her girlhood in her native land, and was trained
to habits of industry and economy. In 1864. before leaving that country
she gave her hand in marriage to John McCreery, a son of Martin and Jane
(Dougherty) McCreery who were the parents of the following children : John,
Rebecca, Asa, William, George and Matthew. The last two are deceased.
It was in 1867 that Mr. and Mrs. McCreery crossed the briny deep to
the new world and settled in Watkins, New York. Their union was blessed
by a family of four children: William, John, Vine and Mary. John
and Vine are now deceased. William
the eldest, was born in Ireland, prior to the emigration of his parents
to America, and he was reared in Schuyler county, New York. He married
Anna Ely, of Pennsylvania, and they have one son, Harry Albert.
From the time Mrs. McCreery came to the United States down to the present,
covering a period of over a third of a century, she has made her home in
Watkins. In 1887 she was called upon to mourn the loss of her husband.
Since April, 1902, she has been temporarily conducting a boarding house
for the accommodation of a few bridgemen while repairing the Glen Pavilion
bridge on the New York Central Railroad. She is a woman of more than ordinary
business ability, and is a most estimable lady, highly respected for her
genuine worth.
JOHN DRURY SULLIVAN
John Drury Sullivan, the respected chief of police of Watkins, New
York, was born in that place on the 29th of March, 1863, and is a son of
Patrick and Johanna (Drury) Sullivan. The parents were born in County Kerry,
Ireland, and in the year 1861 crossed the Atlantic to the new world. The
following year they removed from Elmira, New York, to Watkins, where the
father lived until his death, which occurred August 29, 1901. His widow,
however, still resides in the old home on Third street in Watkins.
The subject of this review attended the common schools in his youth
and at the age sixteen he began earning his own livelihood as an employee
of the Northern Central railroad, with which company he remained in different
positions until he was about thirty years of age. His work, however,
ALEXANDER STEWART
Alexander STEWART was born in Co. Tyrone, Ireland in 1810 (Now
part of Northern Ireland). In 1852 he was married to Miss Jane JACK
and they had 14 children: Alexander, Matilda Jane, Andrew, Margaret, Samuel
(deceased), Thomas Alexander, Isabelle, David, Susan, William, Robert,
Elizabeth, Elbertha & Catherine. Matilda Jane was the wife
of Charles SHARP, a carriage painter living at No. 116 West 5th St. in
Elmira, NY; they had 4 children: Earl, George (deceased), Homer and
Cameron. Andrew STEWART, farmer, married Nellie WASSON & they
had 2 children Alice & J ennie. Margaret STEWART became the wife
of Fitch KNOWLES, who is employed at the State hospital at Binghamton,
NY; they have one daughter Mabel. Thomas Alexander resides in Hornby,
Steuben co., NY where he has a farm. Isabelle is the wife of Walter
WASSON, resident of Townsend, NY and they have 2 children, Ida Belle and
Stewart. David married Effie WASSON and with their daughter Florence,
they reside in Watkins. Susan is the wife of Adelbert SPALDING, who
works for a washing machine factory in Lestershire, a suburb of Binghamton;
they have 2 children, Edna and Helen. William is a farmer and fruit
grower and married to Maria Jane JACK, who died Jan. 10, 1899, leaving
one child, Samuel. Robert, who wedded Ella BAILEY, is a farmer in
Watkins.
Alexander STEWART remained in Ireland until 1883, and then he came
to Schuyler co., NY and settled a mile-and-a-half from Watkins, buying
a farm.
IRA S. TOMPKINS
The preservation of the Union demanded great sacrifices from both the
north and the south, and the country owes a debt of gratitude which can
never be repaid to the soldiers who were called forth to battle for the
supremacy of the national government. Among the number who laid down their
lives on the altar of their country was Ira S. Tompkins, and surely his
name should be engraved on the pages of the history of his native county.
He was born on the 8th of June, 1841, in Alpine, a son of William and
Lucinda Tompkins. His father was a resident of Dutchess county prior to
locating in Schuyler county, while the mother of our subject was a native
of Connecticut. In an early day Mr. Tompkins removed to the town of Alpine,
taking up his abode upon a tract of land which he transformed into a very
productive farm.
It was upon that farm that the subject of this review was born and
reared, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall
to the lot of the agriculturist. Through the months of summer he worked
in the fields and meadows, and when winter came he pursued his education
in the public schools, being thus engaged until eighteen years of age.
From that time until his enlistment in the army he followed farming.
He watched with interest the course of the war, and at length felt that
his first duty was to his country. His patriotism aroused, he desired to
aid in the preservation of the Union, and on the 8th of December, 1863
he offered his services to the government, enlisting as a member of a cavalry
regiment. He was afterward transferred to an infantry command and
was actively engaged in duty until 1864 when, on the 14th of May, at Spottsylvania
Court House, he was captured, being made a prisoner of war. He was then
sent to Andersonville prison, and his constitution could not stand the
hardships and privations incident to life in this southern prison pen.
Before entering the army Mr. Tompkins was united in marriage on the
26th of October, 1862 to Caroline Frost. Her father, Luther Frost, was
born February 4, 1814, in Orange connty, New York, and removed from that
county to Schuyler county. He was a man of good education and broad general
culture, and became a prominent and influential resident of his community.
In political views he was a Whig, and in his church relations was a Wesleyan
Methodist. He married Miss Nancy Rockwell, who was born in Dutchess county,
New York, March 4, 1816. They located on Foot's Hill and became the parents
of four children: Phebe Jane, Orrin, Jonathan L. and Caroline. Of this
number Orrin is now living in Odessa where he works at general labor.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tompkins was born one child, Jesse T., whose birth
occurred April 11, 1864. He was early deprived of a father's care but was
conscientiously reared by his mother. When he had reached man's estate
he wedded Mary Delia Taylor, who was born in the town of Newfield, and
they now have four children, Blanche, Grace, Ira and William.
Though many years have passed since the death of Mr. Tompkins his memory
is still enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him. He manifested qualities
that won for him the admiration and respect of all with whom he had been
brought in contact. He was upright and honorable. His life being in consistent
harmony with his profession as a member of the Wesleyan church. When the
Republican party was organized he became one of its staunch supporters,
finding in it the party that stood by the Union. It was in defense of his
country that he laid down his life, and his name is now upon the roll of
honor. Mrs. Tompkins yet resides in Schuyler county, living upon a farm
in Catharine township amid many warm friends.
DARIUS PARKER
Darius Parker is numbered among the honored veterans of the Civil war
that New York has furnished to the Union, and in days of peace he is as
true to the Union and as loyal to his country as when he followed the starry
banner of the nation upon southern battle-fields. As a leading and influential
citizen of Bradford, Schuyler county, he well deserves representation in
this volume.
He was born in the town of Barrington, Yates county. New York, on the
2nd of August, 1830, and was one of the four children of James and Martha
(Mullen) Parker. The father was a native of Bedford, Yates county, New
York. Their children were John 0., James R., William T., and Darius. The
last named, having acquired a common school education, entered upon his
business career. In the year 1861 he was married and began his domestic
life in Campbell, Steuben county. New York. The lady of his choice was
Miss Delilah S. Huff. and their marriage was blessed with three children.
John R. married Miss Caroline George, and they reside in Austin, Pennsylvania.
Lucilla is the wife of Harry Arnold, a resident of Cameron Mills, Steuben
county, and they have two daughters. William B. married Miss Olive Jacoby,
and their children are Lillian, Darius and Charles. Of this family Lillian
became the wife of Everett Sherman and resides at New Bradford. Delia is
the wife of Isaac Potter, and they have one child Ella Estelle, who married
Henry Rappelje by whom she had two children, Ira L. and Lillian.
On the 28th of March, 1864, Mr. Parker responded to the call of the
Union and enlisted as a member of Company I, One Hundred and Forty-first
Regiment of Veteran Reserves, with which he served until the close of the
war. He now makes his home near Bradford. Throughout his entire business
career he has carried on agricultural pursuits and is classed among the
enterprising and successful farmers of his community. In his political
views he is an earnest Republican, and in his religious faith is a Baptist,
being numbered among the zealous, active and influential members of the
church.
CHARLES B. RHODES
In taking up the personal history of Charles Benjamin Rhodes we present
to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known
in Schuyler county. He was born in this county on the 29th of June, 1849,
a son of John and Lucretia R. (Collins) Rhodes. The ancestry of the family
can be traced back to William Rhodes, the great-grandfather of our subject,
who was a native of England and in a very early day crossed the Atlantic
to America, settling in Sussex county, New Jersey, thus founding the family
in the new world. Among his children was John Rhodes, Sr., who was united
in marriage to Maria Shackleton and their son, John Rhodes, Jr., became
the father of our subject. He was born July 15, 1824, in Sussex county,
New Jersey, and obtained a common school education. Leaving his native
state he removed to Havana [now Montour Falls, Schuyler co.], New York,
and later he became a resident of Millport, this state. At the age of eighteen
years he left school and began earning his own livelihood as a farmer.
In 1848 he was united in marriage to Miss Lucretia R. Collins, a daughter
of Benjamin Collins, who was a son of B. and Ruth (Whitney) Collins, who
removed from Connecticut and settled in Lansing, Tompkins county, New York,
more than a century ago. Benjamin Collins was born in Lansing, New York,
March 18, 1803, and by his marriage he had nine children: Mahala J., born
October 24, 1826; Lucretia R., born November 20, 1828; Ann Sophia, born
October 16, 1830, Calista E., born July 24, 1833; Sarah E., born November
4, 1835; Lucinda, born March 19, 1838; Etta Linda, born July 8, 1840; Barnett
C., born October 7, 1842; and Charles B., born July 2, 1845.
John and Lucretia R. (Collins) Rhodes began their domestic life in Millport
where they lived for six years, removing thence to Townsend, which was
their place of residence for thirteen years. Their next home was in Moreland
and here, as in the other communities in which he has resided, Mr. Rhodes
is held in the highest respect by reason of his sterling worth. He had
a family of four children: Charles B., born June 29, 1849; Mary E., born
April 2, 1851; Adelia S., who was born May 30, 1852, and is now deceased;
and John G., who was born September 28, 1854. The mother of these children
died July 8, 1858, and on the 10th of February 1859, Mr. Rhodes was again
married, his second union being with Mahala J. Collins. They had but one
child, Elmer F., who was born June 2, 1867, and is now conducting a store
at the Moreland station. He married Stella Kniffen. In his political affiliations
John Rhodes, the father of our subject, is a stalwart Republican, having
supported the party since its organization. In his religious views he is
a Methodist and his life has ever been honorable and upright, in consistent
harmony with his profession.
Charles B. Rhodes of this review was reared amid the refining influences
of a good Christian home and to the public school system he is indebted
for the educational privileges which he enjoyed until he reached the age
of eighteen years. He then started out in life for himself and in 1881
he purchased the mill property which he still owns, con ducting the business
with good success. In 1902 he purchased his farm, comprising ninety-five
acres and to its further cultivation and development he is now devoting
his energies, in connection with his milling business. He is an enterprising,
wide-awake and progressive man and in his business affairs he displays
marked capability, careful management and keen discernment. He is now accounted
one of the prosperous residents of his community and he is held in high
respect by a large circle of friends, many of whom have known him from
his boyhood. In politics he is a Republican and like his parents
he has adhered to the faith of the Methodist church, which finds in him
a zealous advocate and earnest member.
FRANK LA FITTE MILLER
The history of the advancement of Schuyler county along educational
lines would not be complete without mention of Frank La Fitte Miller, who
has attained prestige as a teacher and is now capably serving as a school
commissioner. He was born in the town of Reading, Schuyler county, July
24, 1867, and represents one of the old families of the state. His ancestry
can be traced back to Zachariah Miller, his great-grandfather, who was
one of seven brothers.. He married Miss McCormick and among their children
was Daniel Miller, who wedded Sally Gould. Their son Edwin, and the father
of our subject was born July 19, 1843, and was married in October 1865,
to Miss Phoebe A. Clawson. At the time of the Civil war he responded
to his country's call for aid to crush out the rebellion in the south and
enlisted in the Fiftieth Regiment of New York Volunteer Engineers, with
which he served until 1865, later becoming a member of the Grand Army of
the Republic.
Frank L. Miller pursued his education in the Dundee Preparatory School
and in Cook Academy at Montour Falls, New York, pursuing a classical course
prepared him for college. He was graduated in that institution in June,
1895. The eldest son of a poor man, he was obliged to earn money in order
to pay his tuition and he has never been too proud to remember his early
struggles or to tell of how he worked on the farms through the summer months
and taught school in the spring and fall seasons in order that he might
continue his own studies through the winter months. Ambitious for a broad
and thorough education, he utilized every opportunity that would advance
him in this direction and won an excellent reputation for unfaltering perseverance
in every undertaking. He was enabled to pursue his course in Cook Academy
by doing carpenter work, by caring for the reading room and by waiting
on table. Very ambitious, his energy exceeded his strength and years of
study together with long hours of hard work affected his health to such
an extent that he was obliged to give up his cherished ambition of pursuing
a collegiate course. Therefore upon his graduation from Cook Academy he
began teaching and Schuyler county has certainly benefited by his efforts
in this direction.
From September, 1895, until June, 1896, he was a teacher at West Cornwall-on-the-Hudson
and from the latter date until June, 1899 he was principal of the Three
Mile Bay union school in Jefferson county, New York. In June
of the last mentioned year, however, he returned to North Hector and in
November, following, he was elected school commissioner of Schuyler county
for one term and served from the 1st of January, 1900, until the 1st of
January, 1903. On the 4th of November, 1902, he was re-elected to the office
for a second term, which will continue his incumbency until the 1st of
January, 1906. At the second election he received a largely increased majority
and no statement could indicate more clearly the confidence reposed in
him by his fellow citizens because of his capability, fidelity and excellent
service. He has given splendid satisfaction in the office, being fearless
in the performance of his duty, tactful and courteous in the discharge
of the work that devolves upon him. He is quiet and unobtrusive in his
manner yet accomplishes results with steadfastness of purpose and his work
has been publicly commended by the Hon. Charles R. Skinner, the state superintendent
of schools of New York. During his incumbency in the office the standard
of teachers has been raised, the school property has been improved and
material advancement has been made along lines of instruction and the methods
of work done in the schoolroom. He is certainly well qualified for the
position because of his wide experience as a teacher, his marked devotion
to and zeal for educational work and his tireless industry and these elements
in his official career have won him the regard of all.
In Canandaigua, Ontario county, New York, on the 27th of August, 1896,
Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Belle Margaret Freeman, a daughter
of the Rev. A. L. and Margaret (Bingham) Freeman. Her father was a Baptist
clergyman of prominence. Mrs. Miller was educated at the Granger Place
school of Canandaigua, in the Cook Academy of Montour Falls, in the Vassar
College of Poughkeepsie, New York, and prior to her marriage was a successful
teacher. She is much interested in her husband's work and because of her
own experience as a teacher is able to give him much assistance. Her family
has ever been noted for intellectuality and for co-operation in everything
pertaining to mental development. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller has been born
one child: Frances Margaret, who died January 20, 1899, at the age of eighteen
months.
Mr. Miller is an earnest Republican whose support is given to the party
because he believes firmly in its principles and realizes that its platform
contains the best elements of good government. In 1896 he became a member
of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, in which he has held the office of
prelate, and in 1902 he joined the Knights of the Maccabees. He has
also labored effectively and earnestly along moral lines and has been a
member of the Baptist church of North Hector since a young man of twenty-one
years. He is now serving as one of its trustees and is superintendent of
its Sunday-school. Mr. Miller is a man of attractive personal appearance,
is a pleasing conversationalist and in manner is very genial and courteous,
possessing a quiet dignity which always attracts attention and commands
respect, because it is the expression of a character worthy of regard.
He is kind-hearted and sympathetic and commands not only the esteem of
hisfellow men, but also that warmer expression of affection which is usually
termed friendship.
EDWIN V. MOORE
Edwin V. Moore is engaged in general merchandising at Beaver Dams,
conducting a successful business career, which classes him among the leading
representatives of commercial interests here. He was born January
24, 1857, in Orange, New York, his parents being Martin and Catherine (Putnam)
Moore. His father was a native of Fulton county, New York, born on
the 22d of November, 1817, and was united in marriage to Miss Catherine
Putnam, whose birth occurred on the 4th of September, 1831. They removed
from Johnstown, Fulton county, New York to Schuyler county, becoming respected
and honored citizens of this locality. In their family were eight
children, of whom James, the eldest, died. Aaron, the second son, married
Eunice Savery. John is also deceased. George wedded Nancy Shaver,
by whom he has one child and their home is in Savona, New York. Melvina
is the wife of Maloncthon Rolonson, a farmer residing in Millport.
Edwin is the next of the family. Dorothy is the wife of William J.
Tucker, a prominent and influential citizen of Schuyler county, who is
now serving as sheriff. They have three children : Olo, Frank and
Clinton. Martin is the youngest member of the Moore family.
In the place of his nativity Edwin V. Moore was reared and educated,
continuing his studies in the common schools until twenty years of age,
after which he turned his attention to farming. In early manhood
he was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Tucker, a daughter of Alonzo and
Calista (Mathews) Tucker. Her paternal grandfather, John Tucker,
was born in New Jersey, March 8, 1790, and was united in marriage to Miss
Gracia Gilbert, whose birth occurred in New York City, May 10, 1798.
Among their children was Alonzo Tucker, who was born March 2, 1829.
After he had reached manhood he wedded Calista Mathews, a daughter of William
and Catherine (Williams) Mathews, the former born September 17, 1801, while
the latter was born in New York City on the 21st of August, 1803.
Unto the parents of Mrs. Moore were born six children: William J., Addie,
Hattie A., Frank B., Herman G., and Romie E. Addie, Herman
G. and Romie E. are deceased.
At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Moore began their domestic
life in the town of Homby, Steuben county, where they lived for six years.
On the expiration of that period they removed to Beaver Dams, where Mr.
Moore embarked in general merchandising, which he has since followed with
excellent success. He carries a large and well selected stock of
goods, comprising everything found in a first-class establishment of this
character. He has secured a liberal patronage through his enterprise
and energy, combined with his honorable business methods, which will bear
the closest investigation and scrutiny. A popular rnerchant, his
trade is constantly increasing and has already brought him good success.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Moore has been blessed with one son, Leon,
who is still under the parental roof. The parents hold membership
in the Methodist church and contribute generously to its support, while
in his political affiliations Mr. Moore is a Republican, unfailing in his
allegiance to the party, for he believes that its platform contains the
best elements of good
government. His success in business is the merited reward of
his own labor. His reasonable prices, his strong desire to please his customers,
combined with his unfailing courtesy and his sound business methods, have
made him a prosperous merchant and one who well deserves to be mentioned
among the leading representatives of commercial interests in Schuyler county.
Clifton A. PAYNE
For seven years Clifton Arnold Payne has been a representative of the
business interests of Watkins, where he is engaged in conducting a photographic
gallery. He is a son of Steven and Lodema (Gibson) Payne, and was
born in the town of Erwin, Steuben co., NY on Dec. 1, 1866. The public
schools of Cohocton afforded him his early educational privileges, and
after acquiring his literery course he became a student in the Warner's
Business College of Elmira, where he was graduated in 1884. He then
turned his attention to farming which he followed for about a year, after
which he accepted a position as bookkeeper in Cohocton, acting in that
capacity for a similar period. Removing then to the south, he settled
in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was engaged in business in a wood turning
factory with his uncle, being identified with that business through the
succeeding four years. On the expiration of that period he returned
to the north, and studied photography with R. A. Kirkham in Menominee,
Michigan, and afterward became partner with him in the business.
After spending about three years in that state, he sold his interest in
the business to his partner and came to Watkins, where he arrived on the
1st of April, 1895. Here he rented a studio and later purchased it,
and since that time has been one of the successful business men of Watkins.
His art gallery is well equipped with all modern appliances for executing
high grade work, and he is thoroughly well informed concerning the latest
processes of photography for turning out artistic work.
On the 7th of August, 1895, Mr. Payne was united in marriage to Adah
E. Waldron, a daughter of Aaron and Sarah (Gunderman) Waldron. Their
union has been blessed with two interesting daughters: Viva, born
May 21, 1896; and Helen, born Sept. 14, 1897. In his political views
Mr. Payne is an earnest Republican, and keeps well informed on the issues
of the day, being thus enable to support his position by intelligent argument.
He never seeks nor desires office. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal
Church, in which he has served as the recording steward for five years,
and in other churches he has filled the same office. He puts forth
every effort in this power to promote the growth of the church and
extend its influence, and in all matters of public concern he is found
upon the side of reform, progress and the right. Mr. Payne is now
enjoying a liberal patronage in the line of his chosen profession, this
being due to his capability, his reasonable prices and his straightforward
dealing. He is a man of unfailing courtesy, deference to the opinions
of others and geniality, and these have made him a popular as well as a
highly respected resident of his adopted town."
[He was listed in a 1914 ad (in the Schuyler co. Farm Directory) as
a photographer in Watkins, so he was still going in 1914.
He died on Aug. 26, 1941 and is buried in Glenwood Cemetery, on a hill
overlooking Watkins, NY. His wife and daughter Viva and several other
Paynes are also buried there.]
George Alfred CASE
George Alfred Case, who is a representative of the commercial interests
of Watkins, is now engaged in dealing in ice. He was born in Williamsport,
Pennsylvania, December 4, 1860, and is a son of Ephraim and Harriet (Heebe)
Case. In the schools of his native town the subject of this review gained
his early education which was later continued in the city of Washington,
D. C. When his literary course was completed he began learning the
machinist's trade, which he followed for a year. He then became connected
with the Pennsylvania system of railroads, as news agent, making his home
at Williamsport. Later he became brakesman on the road, but subsequently
he returned to the news business, which he conducted for ten years. On
the expiration of that period he accepted a position in a sash and blind
factory in Watkins, where he was employed continuously until 1894, when,
with the capital he had acquired through his energy, perseverance and business
capacity, he began dealing in ice. For eight years he has carried on business
in this line and has met with commendable and gratifying success, having
a large and growing patronage, which is indicative of his honorable business
methods and the confidence reposed in him by the public.
On Christmas day of 1880 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Case and
Miss Carrie M. Seaman, a daughter of W. D., and Emily M. (Beckwith) Seaman.
After the death of his first wife Mr. Case was again married on the 14th
of February, 1898, his second union being Carrie M. Newman, a daughter
of Hosea and Sarah (Edwards) Newman. The lady is a native of Steuben county,
New York, born January 24, 1869, and has become the mother of two children.
Pearl and Alice. Fraternally Mr. Case is connected with the Tribe
of Red Men, of Watkins, and was at one time a member of the Junior Order
of United American Mechanics. He holds membership in the Baptist church,
and politically is connected with the Grand Old party, having always been
a stanch advocate of Republican principles. He has proven himself in all
relations of life an earnest, honest, upright man, a progressive representative
of commercial interests, and a citizen of whom any community might well
be proud.
Marcus M. CASS
Among the old and prominent families or Schuyler county none have borne
a more influential part in its development and up-building than the one
of which Marcus M. Cass, of Watkins, is a worthy representative. The first
to bear the name in this part of the state was a Revolutionary soldier,
who came from Massachusetts. His son, Josiah Cass, who fought at Lundy's
Lane during the war of 1812, married Eunice, daughter of John and Desire
(Bull) French, of Otsego county, New York, and to them were born six children,
of whom Marcus M. is the youngest and the only one now living. Cynthia
Ann, the eldest child of Josiah and Eunice (French) Cass, gave her hand
in marriage, about 1840, to Dr. Samuel Watkins, in whose honor the village
of Watkins was named. The Doctor was born on Long Island in 1772, and came
to Schuyler county in 1828, having, as heir to his brother John.
come into possession of a large part of the so-called "Watkins and
Flint purchase" of three hundred and twenty-five thousand acres of land
around the head of Seneca lake. He laid out the village which now bears
his name and erected many of its notable buildings. At his death in 1851
he left to his widow the bulk of his estate, which consisted of a large
amount of property in western New York. Mrs. Watkins was a woman of remarkable
ability and force of character, upon whom had devolved the management of
the Doctor's interests for a number of years previous to his death. She
changed the name of the village from Jefferson to Watkins; gave it a public
park; endowed its academy; and was foremost in all charitable and business
enterprises. Subsequently she married her cousin, Judge George G. Freer,
and, shortly afterward dying childless, she left her estate to her relatives.
Marcus M. Cass, whose name introduces this review, was born in the town
of Hector, this county, in 1824, and received advantages of travel and
education unusual at that day, passing some years at the then celebrated
Ithaca Academy and later attending college. He afterward studied law in
the office of Joshua Spencer, a distinguished attorney of Utica, and continued
his studies with the well known Rochester lawyer, Selah Matthews. For a
time he engaged in the practice of his profession at Buffalo with the late
Norton A. Halbert, of New York city, but in 1856 returned to Watkins, where
he has since made his home.
In that year Mr. Cass was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Hurd,
a daughter of Stephen Hurd and granddaughter of General Edward Hurd, a
Revolutionary soldier from Sandgate, Bennington county, Vermont. Of the
seven children born of this union, Marcus M., Jr., is the eldest. He was
educated at Cook Academy, the United States Military Academy at West Point
and the Columbia Law School. He engaged for a while in the practice of
law, has done newspaper work in different cities and is now editor of the
Watkins Express. He was assistant secretary of the state constitutional
convention in 1894. The other members of the family are Mrs. George L.
Meddick, of Elmira; Mrs. John M. Roe, of Watkins; Mrs. Albert H. Olmsted,
of Rochester; John L. and Schuyler C., both of Watkins; and W. H. Seward,
of Rochester. Mr. Cass is a gentleman of fine natural abilities and
scholarly tastes, and of a philosophical and meditative turn of mind. He
has been a life-long Republican, and was a forcible and polished speaker
in the days, when he interested himself in politics, but he never held
or aspired to office, though serving his party on the state Republican
committee and as a delegate to the national convention which nominated
President Lincoln for a second term. He is passing the closing years of
life quietly at his home in Watkins, and is a man of conceded high character
and integrity.
William Bushnell ELY
No history of Schuyler county would be complete without the mention
of William Bushnell Ely, who has spent his entire life in this portion
of the state and is an honored and respected citizen. He has taken a deep
interest in many measures pertaining to the general good and has given
his hearty cooperation to all movements for the public benefit. He
was born in the .town of Hector, May 18, 1821, and is a son of Augustus
and Olive (Scovill) Ely. His paternal grandfather, Richard Ely, settled
here in 1795, when this was yet a frontier region, much of the land being
still unclaimed, while the work of progress and improvement had scarcely
been begun. He secured large tracts of land, becoming one of the extensive
property holders of the locality and here he lived until his death, an
honored pioneer, who bore an important part in laying the foundation for
the present prosperity and progress of his locality. The maternal grandfather
of our subject was Timothy Scovill and he married Chloe Kelsey. He served
as a soldier of the Revolutionary war, valiantly aiding in the cause for
independence. His father was drafted for service, but as the elder man
was needed at home to carry on the work of the farm and to provide for
his family, the son took his place, going as a substitute to the front
when but seventeen years of age. He entered the service from Connecticut,
where the family originally lived and was in the army for two years.
Augustus Ely, the father of our subject, was a soldier of the war of
1812, enlisting from Schuyler county, New York, but after serving for a
short time he was taken ill and was brought home. Prominent in public affairs
he was a recognized leader in thought and action in his locality and was
frequently called to public office, where he discharged his duties with
promptness and fidelity. He served as overseer of highways and was also
overseer of the poor for many years. He likewise filled the position of
road commissioner and was one of the board that laid the road out through
the woods from Hector Falls. Always a student of the political issues and
questions of the day, he was enabled to support his position by intelligent
argument. Public spirited and progressive, he gave his support to every
measure that he believed would prove of benefit to the community. He died
September 28, 1870, at the advanced age of 84 years, his birth having occurred
on the 16th of April, 1786. He had continued the work of progress and upbuilding
which had been begun by his father in pioneer days and as a valued citizen
he commanded the respect and confidence of all who knew him. In his family
there the following children: Olive Maria, Oliver Comstock, Philo Scovill,
Polly Ann, William Bushnell, Chloe Scovill, Lydia Margaret, Harriet and
Mary. Of this family Olive Maria, the eldest, is now living, making her
home with the subject of this review. She was born August 8, 1813, and
is therefore almost ninety years of age. Chloe S. is the wife of
David Hillerman, of Watkins, and Mary, who became Mrs. Henry S. Hudson,
is living in Cortland, New York. The others, 'with the exception of the
subject of this review, have all passed away.
William B. Ely, whose name introduces this record, was educated in the
early subscription schools near his boyhood home and later he turned his
attention to farming, which he has always followed in the town of Hector.
He owns a good farm of one hundred and twenty-four acres devoted to grain
and fruit. His marked industry, enterprise and diligence have been important
elements in his success, making him one of the leading agriculturists of
his community. On the 22nd of December, 1847, he was united in marriage
to Miss Almira Woodford, a daughter of James and Urana (Robinson) Woodford.
Her mother was an aunt of Governor Lucius Robinson, now deceased, of Elmira,
New York. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ely were bora four children: Charles, a resident
of Kansas; William Cheaver, who is living in Albany, New York; George Woodford,
who resides upon the old home farm with his father, and has charge of a
portion of the land; and Frora Anale, the wife of Judson D. Mallory, who
is a resident of the town of Hector. The mother of these children died
August 18, 1884. Mr. Ely was again married on the 1st of December,
1885, his second union being with Amanda E. Durland, a daughter of Peter
Durland and granddaughter of Robert Durland, who came to this county from
New Jersey in 1813 and settled on the farm where Oliver Budd now lives,
making it his home until his death in 1847. Peter Durland grew to manhood
in the town of Hector and was educated in the schools of that locality.
He became a successful and was one of the leading citizens of his community.
Politically he was an active worker in the Democratic party. He died in
1859. In his family were five children who grew to man and woman-hood,
but Mrs. Ely is the only one now living. Peter H., the eldest son, served
a short time in the Civil war and held the rank of captain. Mrs. Ely was
the next of the family and was followed by Robert C. Albert
0. was a first lieutenant in Company I, Twenty-third New York Volunteer
Infantry. Edgar died when a young man.
Mr. Ely exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures
of the Republican party. He has served as overseer of the highways, also
as excise commissioner and was supervisor of his town in 1864. His first
vote was cast for Henry Clay in 1844 and he continued an advocate of the
Whig party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new Republican
party. A prominent and influential member of the Presbyterian church, he
has served as clerk of its board of trustees for more than a half century,
having been elected to the office in 1847. He was also elected an elder
of the church in 1857 and in the same year he was chosen clerk of the sessions
and has since held all of these positions. All speak of Mr. Ely as an honorable
man, one whose word is as good as his bond and whose example is well worthy
of emulation.
Phineas CATLIN
The Catlin family is one that enjoys a venerable antiquity and a conspicuous
place in the history of the old world. From an ancient document belonging
to the family we quote: "The family of Catlin. has been seated at Newington,
near Rochester, in the county of Kent, England, ever since the Norman conquest.
Reginald de Catlyne, who was one of the followers of William the Conqueror,
is mentioned in 'Doomsday Book' as possessing two Knight's fees of land
at the time of his successor in the county of Kent." From the same genealogy
of the family above referred to we subjoin the following from a long and
interesting record, since the arrival of the first of the Catlins in America,
in 1643. Theodore Catlin, son of John, born November 12, 1758, married
Mary Goodwin; Phineas, born October 22, 1760, settled in Tioga county;
Israel, born September 15, 1762, settled in Seneca county; Margaret, born
November 16, 1764, died young; Theodore was born September 10, 1770; Abel
was born March 2, 1776; Clarissa, born in 1778, married William Cunningham,
and married second time George Coryell; Anna married E. S. Hinman; Horace
died in Canada; Mary married Gurdon Grannis. Phineas Catlin, son
of Theodore, born October 22, 1760, married Sally Ross, and had the following
children; Brant, born April 24, 1789, married Margaret Bennett, and died
in 1819. Phineas, born January 30, 1795, married first Hannah Lee, and
second Deborah Kimball. Theodorus, born December 12, 1796, married first
Nancy Haring, and second Laura Haring. Sarah, born July 12, 1800, married
Dr. Jones, and died in 1825. Mary, born December 14, 1803, married John
Crawford. Lucy, born December 14, 1807, married Hiram W. Jackson. Phineas
Catlin, son of Phineas, born January 30, 1795, married first Hannah Lee,
and second Mrs. Deborah Kimball. His children were: Ralph Lee, born
January 7 1815. Carolina S., born March 26, 1816, married John Mitchell,
Jr., and second Barnabus Miller. Ursula, born February 25, 1823, married
A. G. Campbell. Cornelia B. was born July 9, 1828. Lucy Louisa, born
February 26, 1833, married Thomas C. Campbell. Francis M., born April
24, 1835, died young. Henry B., born October 5, 1837, married Carrie B.
Close. Judge Phineas Catlin, the father of the gentleman whose name
heads this biography, was one of the pioneers of the old town of Catharine,
having settled in that part of the town now included in Montour in 1792.
He was the first supervisor of Catharine, having been elected to that office
at the first town meeting, in 1798, and for eleven years consecutively
thereafter. He was also several years clerk of the town, and for a long
period one of its justices of the peace. Prior to the organization of Chemung
county, he was elected first judge of old Tioga, and served in that, as
in all other positions, with eminent success, and to the entire satisfaction
of all concerned. At the age of sixteen years he enlisted in the Revolutionary
army and served seven years. He died January 30, 1827, in the sixty-seventh
year of his age, and was very sincerely lamented as a useful citizen, a
good neighbor and a true friend. As will be seen by reference to
the genealogy of the family, as above given, Phineas Catlin, son of he
whom we have just noticed, was born January 30, 1795. He was brought up
amid the scenes incident to pioneer life, having been born on the old homestead
in what is now Montour, He attended the district school taught by Anthony
Brodrick, where he acquired all the book knowledge he possessed, to which
he added a long and successful business career. For several years
he was town clerk of Catharine, and also for some time supervisor. In 1824
he moved to Odessa, and resided there until his death. On the 3d of February,
1814, he married Hannah, daughter of Israel Lee, with whom he lived until
his death, March 2, 1867, a period of fifty-three years. They raised a
very worthy family, who, like their progenitors, for many generations back,
by their lives and characters, are doing honor to their exhalted ancestry.
Prominent among the sons of Phineas Catlin is Henry B., at one time sheriff
of this county. In the days of our trouble with Great Britain, in 1812-1814,
Mr. Catlin belonged to a regiment of horse in the state militia, raised
at Elmira, and at the burning of Buffalo his regiment was called to arms,
the enemy evacuated the city on the lake before the valiant Elmira regiment
could get farther than Dansville, November 14, 1813. Mr. Catlin, evidently
realizing the truth of the scriptural injunction, "It is not good for man
to be alone," married Deborah, widow of Henry Kimball. She was the daughter
of John Kimball, a pioneer and prominent citizen of. the town of Catlin,
Chemung county. In a general summary of the character of Mr. Catlin,
dispensing with all of an eulogistic nature, we can say that he did as
much as any one living man for the material improvement of the town of
which he was an honored citizen; that in his life and labors he has evinced
a desire to accomplish what he could for the general welfare of the community
at large; that all of his dealings with his fellow men have been honorable
and just; that in his domestic relations he has been the fond and affectionate
husband and parent, and in his public life an eminently successful and
useful, member of society.
Charles M. EVERTS
The ancestral record of the Everts family can be traced back through
many generations to John Everts, a native of England who came to America
at a. very early day in the colonial history of this country and settled
in Connecticut, making his home for many years in Salisbury, where his
death occurred about 1760. His son, Daniel Everts, was born in Salisbury,
January 23, 1749, and in 1789 was united in marriage to Charity Van Duzen.
He wedded Mrs. Polly (Hurd) Redfield, the widow of Nathaniel Redfield,
and her birth occurred October 7, 1754. Daniel Everts had several
children. The eldest. Colonel Arauthas Everts, was born May 24, 1782,
and with his father came from Connecticut to New York in 1791, the family
settling in Logan, where he afterward purchased fifty acres of land, which
he cleared and improved, and having no team he rolled the logs by hand.
He wedded Margaret Matthews, a daughter of Amassa Matthews, and in 1812
joined the American army, in which he held the rank of colonel. He
commanded Fort Seneca, a Canadian fort, and when a flag of truce was sent
to him with a demand to surrender, which demand was refused, the general
commanding the enemies forces sent the following message to Colonel Everts:
"I want you to understand that we will take our breakfast in this fort
to-morrow morning" and to this Colonel Everts replied, "If you undertake
it you will take your supper in hell." The second child of Daniel
and Molly (Keeps) Everts was Charles G., the grandfather of our subject,
who was born September 17, 1783. Their children were Olive, born July 29,
1786; Daniel, born August 8, 1788; Polly, born February 14, 1791; John,
born February 24, 1793; Ascenia. born February 10, 1795; and Abraham Hurd,
born January 19, 1799. Daniel Everts died in the town of Hector in 1833
and was buried in the family burying ground here. He first came alone to
Schuyler county from Salisbury, Connecticut, in 1791, and purchased a large
tract of land in the town of Hector. He then returned to his native
state and in 1793 he came again, accompanied by Reuben Smith and three
sons, arriving at Peach Orchard, now Hector, on the 6th of June, 1793.
With the aid of his sons he cleared a patch of land and built a rude log
cabin, in which they did their own cooking. Venison, fish and game of all
kinds was plentiful and furnished many a meal for them. They planted a
crop of corn and wheat and after harvesting this returned again'to Connecticut,
but in the spring of 1794 once more came to Hector, this time bringing
their families with them, their goods being packed upon sleighs and drawn
by oxen, Jabez and Grover Smith, sons of Reuben Smith, making the journey
on foot and driving the cattle. Daniel Everts settled on the farm wherem
William Young now lives. Charles Everts, the father of our subject,
was a native of Salisbury, Connecticut, and became a man of strong character
and de stood in the front line of the Army of the Potomac in the noted
battle of Bull Run and was afterward in the following named engagements;
Bristo, Falmouth, Rappahannock, Cedar Mountain, Sulphur Springs, Gainesville,
the second battle of Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Belle Plaine and Antietam.
At Rappahannock a shell exploded so near Mr. Everts' head that he was completely
stunned thereby and for three days he lay upon the field of battle, the
concussion and shock being so great that it completely destroyed the hearing
of his left ear. On the 22d of May, 1863, he was honorably discharged at
Elmira, New York, where he was also mustered out of service, having completed
two years of the enlistment. The hardships which he had endured while in
the army were so great and the suffering so severe that he was reduced
in weight from one hundred and eighty-five to ninety pounds. For
many years thereafter he was practically an invalid and he spent one year
traveling in the west in the hope of being benefited thereby. Upon his
return to the east he went to the oil fields of Pennsylvania, where he
spent some years.
During that time Mr. Everts was united in marriage in December, 1866,
to Miss Emma L. Gibbons, a daughter of John and Susan (Stamebrook) Gibbons,
and a native of Venango county, Pennsylvania, born in 1847. Mr. and Mrs.
Everts became the parents of four children: Wilbur Whitley, who was born
in 1868 and is the genial landlord of the Burdett Hotel; Alfred Gideon,
who was born in 1871 and lives in Ithaca,. New York; Minnie L., born in
1873, now at home; and Harry H., who was born in 1878 and is also in Ithaca
at school. The family is one of the oldest, best known and highly respected
families of the county and have determination. For many years he was regarded
as one of the leading farmers of the town of Hector, where he made his
home from early youth until his death, which occurred January 15, 1854.
His remains were later interred in the Everts family lot in the town of
Hector. Charles Everts married Clarissa Peck and they settled first near
Logan and afterward upon the Lake road. They had three children: Alfred,
Almeda and Adeline. Alfred Everts, a son of Charles Everts, was a
farmer and tavern keeper and he owned and sold all of the lots where the
village of Logan now stands. .He also gave the ground on which was erected
a church and he built many of the buildings in Logan. He wedded Emeline
Warner, a daughter of Jarius and Jane (McCreary) Warner, and unto this
marriage were born seven children: Adelia Jane, Eunice B., Charles M.,
Clarissa A., Jarius, Emma and Mary F. For many years Alfred Everts was
a captain in the militia company of Hector and in. early life he was a
Whig in politics, while later he became a Republican. He served at one
time as trustee of his township and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
Charles M. Everts, the immediate subject of this review, was born March
23, 1841, in Logan in the town of Hector, and there he pursued his education,
completing his high school course at Peach Orchard, now Hector, under the
direction of Professor Gilett. He was a student there from 1858 until
1861 and among the students of Professor Gilett was John Arnott, of Elmira,
who became a man of extensive wealth and important business and banking
interests, widely known throughout this section of the country. On the
17th of April, 1861, at the first call of President Lincoln for seventy-five
thousand men to aid in the defense of the Union Charles M. Everts, being
possessed of marked patriotism and love of country, offered his services
and became a member of Company I of the Twenty-third New York Infantry,
sometimes called the Southern Tier regiment. He was the third man to enlist
from Schuyler county and was requested by his company, while quartered
at Elmira, to serve them as first lieutenant, but declined to accept the
office. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and in the
first battle of that army the Twenty-third fought alone, this being at
Balls Crossroads, on the 27th of August, 1861. Later the regiment
was alone in the fight at Munson's Hill on the 3d of September. It lived
to see this district a portion of three counties, first Seneca, then Tompkins
and later Schuyler.
Since his marriage Mr. Everts has continuously carried on farming and
a part of his farm was comprised within the original purchase of his grandfather,
Charles Everts, and is one of the best homesteads in the county, his residence
commanding a most beautiful view of the surrounding country and of Seneca
lake for a distance of forty miles. From this home one can see into four
different counties of the state. The house stands upon an elevation on
the Lake road between Watkins and Geneva on the east side of the lake and
the beautiful scenery of this portion of New York makes it a most delightful
and attractive, place of residence.
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