USA > New York > Schoharie County > Biographical review : containing life sketches of leading citizens of Schenectady, Schoharie and Green counties, New York > Part 12
USA > New York > Schenectady County > Biographical review : containing life sketches of leading citizens of Schenectady, Schoharie and Green counties, New York > Part 12
USA > New York > Greene County > Biographical review : containing life sketches of leading citizens of Schenectady, Schoharie and Green counties, New York > Part 12
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Upsilon 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.
SRAEL P. UTTER, 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 family of this county.
James Utter was born in the State of Con- necticut. He came among the early 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 spent 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, previous to
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its destruction by fire in 1894, was one of the landmarks of the place. Bani Utter died in the old house at the age of seventy-four. Ilis wife, whose maiden name was Cynthia Stan- nard, was the daughter of Eliakim Stannard, who was a pioneer settler in Durham, N. Y., coming from Connecticut. She died at seventy-eight years of age. Of her ten chil- dren, Alfred, Ruth, and Lyman are deceased. Alfred was a soldier in the Civil War, and lost his life while in service. The living children are : Julia, now Mrs. Whitmore; Is- rael; Louisa, now Mrs. Taylor; Almeran ; Eliakim; Adelaide; and Addison. Both par- ents were Methodists.
Israel Utter in his boyhood attended the commen schools of his native town, and when not occupied with his lessons helped his father on the farm. Later he worked on the farm on shares for a time, but eventually he purchased the farm adjoining the one where he now lives. After having operated that successfully for a number of years, he bought his present place and built his handsome residence and the other buildings. All these are thoroughly well built, and the barns and outbuildings are thoroughly equipped for carrying on farming in accordance with the latest and most ap- proved methods. Mr. Utter now owns the two farms, embracing about two hundred and sixty acres. He 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. Mr. Tomp- kins spent his life on a farm in this town, and
(lied here at the age of sixty-four. He and his wife were prominent members of the Meth- odist church, and he held numerous official positions in the church. Mrs. Tompkins, who was born in Coeymans, N. Y., lived to be ninety-three years 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 Lounsbury; Mrs. Utter, who was born on June 12, 1834; Libby, the wife of Philo Wicks; and Niles Tompkins, who resides on the Tompkins farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Utter have had two children, one of whom died in infancy. Their daughter Alice married Elwin Haskins, only son of farmer Henry llaskins of this town. She has five children - Dora, Utter, Henry, Edison, and Paul - all of them being now in school.
In politics Mr. Utter is a Republican, as was his father before him. He takes not only a warm interest, but an active part in all mat- ters pertaining to the welfare of the town. For nine years he was an Assessor, being three times re-elected, and for one year he was chairman of the Board. In 1881 and 1882 he was Supervisor of the town. For thirty-five years he has been a member of the Methodist church, and for the past thirty years he has been one of its trustees, a steward, and class leader. The Sunday-school has always had his warm and earnest support, and he has been both teacher and superintendent. Ilis wife and daughter have also been workers in both church and Sunday-school, and the latter has
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sung in the choir and played the organ. Mr. Utter is one of the most esteemed citizens of his town.
AMES S. STALEY, a prosperous farmer of Sharon Springs, was born in Flor- ida, N. Y., 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 Florida, 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 active years. He had a family of six children, including Henry, 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 coming 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 1870. He was the father of ten children; namely, Jacob, Valen- tine, Fanny, Ann Eliza, William H., John, James S., Robert, Sarah, and Alexander. 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 pur- 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 had 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 Valentine's prop- erty. He was at one time quite extensively
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engaged in raising hops, but now devotes his attention to general and dairy farming and fruit - growing. Ile acquired considerable prominence in public affairs during his younger days, serving as Superintendent 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. llodge. Her father was formerly a well- known figure in public affairs, and a leading member of 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 qualified to teach. Mrs. Staley taught school for some years before marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Staley have one son, George E. He married Minnie 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 Episcopal 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, temperance, and morality.
ILLIAM SALSBERGII, a prosper- ous agriculturist of Ilyndsville, in the town of Seward, Schoharie County, was born in Wright, N. Y., October 22, 1835, in
the same house in which his father, the late Philip Salsbergh, first opened his eyes to the light of this world. Ile is of German ances- try, being a great-grandson of Jacob Sals- bergh, who emigrated from Germany to this country when a young man.
Jacob Salsbergh located in the town of Wright as one of its original settlers, and took up 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 only 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 sixteen years of her life. She came to America then, poor in pocket, and for six years after her arrival in Fishkill, N. Y., worked to pay for her passage 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 portion of the original farm. He there carried on agricultural pursuits 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, Philip Salsbergh, was one of a family of eleven children, all of whom were brought up on the home farm, and educated in the district school. lle inherited a portion of
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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. Of 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 purposes 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 Republi- 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 number of terms.
On July 2, 1856, Mr. Salsbergh married Emeline 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. Elva Brumaguem has a son William. He has been adopted by his grand- father Salsbergh, and is now known as Will- iam Salsbergh, Jr.
ICHAEL 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
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learned in England. 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 sixty- 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 six years of age, and was educated 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 which 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 usually oc- cupied during the entire season.
In 1878 Mr. O'Hara married Miss Ella T. Ilaskins, a native of Ilunter, daugher of John and Mary (McGinley) IJaskins. 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 bad a
family of twelve children, six of whom are liv- ing; namely, Rosa, Mary, Elizabeth, Cather- ine, Jane, and Ella T. (Mrs. O'llara). The mother died at fifty years of age. Mr. and Mrs. ()'IFara have three children - Ilerbert, Mary Amelia, and John.
Mr. O'Hara is a Democrat in politics. 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 1898. 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 was later sold to the town of Hunter and is now a free road.
J OHN A. GORDON, a prominent farmer and 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 Jersey in 1802.
JOHN A. GORDON.
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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 years, 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 occurred 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 public 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 Albaugh, 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
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Henry E. Terbush, a wagon maker of Carlisle village. For his second wife Mr. Gordon married Sarah E. Hill, daughter of Bradford Hill, a prominent man of this section of the county. Floyd II., 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 town in a public capacity, having filled the offices of Assessor and Trustce 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. Ile is officially connected with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife and daughter are members.
IDWIN L. FORD, M. D., a prominent physician 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 grandfather, Joel Ford, who was a native of Connecticut, came to Lexington with an ox-team, bringing 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.
David Ford, the Doctor's father, was a
musician. He was the organizer and for fifty years the leader of Ford's String Band, and was familiarly known as "Uncle Dave." In politics he was a Democrat, and served as Tax Collector and Constable. He resided on the farm now occupied by his son, and died at the age of eighty. His wite, Abigail, was a daughter of William Faulkner, an English- man. Her father was a shoemaker and farmer, and was prominently 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 living, namely : Edwin L., the subject of this sketch; and Jeanette, who married John P. Miller, of Jewett. The par- ents were members of the Baptist church.
Edwin L. Ford spent his boyhood and youth in assisting his father, and also in working by the month on farms near his home. In 1862 he enlisted as a private in Company F, One Hundred and Twentieth Regiment, New York Volunteers, for service in the Civil War. Among the engagements in which he took part were the battles of Chancellorsville, Freder- icksburg, Gettysburg, and Culpepper. Hle was severely wounded at Gettsyburg, and was in the hospital three months. When convales- cent he was detailed as hospital nurse, and upon his recovery he rejoined his regiment. He was taken prisoner at Mine Run, and dur- ing his captivity was confined in Libby Prison, Belle Isle, Andersonville, Savannah, and Mil- ler, Ga., where he was exchanged. Resuming active duty, he participated in the battle of Hatcher's Run and the siege of Petersburg, was
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present at Lee's surrender, and was mustered out in June, 1865. Deciding 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 practised to some extent, he acquired a large and lucrative practice, and has faithfully dis- charged his duties as a physician for the past thirty years. Being the only physician in town, he has a large local field of opera- tion, and his outside practice covers a wide circuit.
In 1872 Dr. Ford 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 Virginia. Of this union there were two children, neither of whom is living. Dr. Ford'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 (Bonestel]) Dunham. Of this union there are two children - Edwin and Ethel.
Dr. Ford is a member of the Greene County Medical Society, and is Medical Examiner for the Phoenix, Mutual, Equitable, and other in- surance companies. He 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.
ILLIAM GRANBY, a carpenter and builder of Blenheim, and at the present time a member of the Board of Super- visors from this town, was born here on No- vember 1, 1868, son of Alexander and Julia (Kellogg) Granby.
Richard Granby, 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, his mother, brother, and his sister. Here he died in old age.
Richard's son William, first, grandfather of the present William Granby, was a native of Blenheim. He engaged in farming and in the 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. His death 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 happy married life.
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