USA > New York > Broome County > Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Broome County, New York. > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44
Mr. Ames, politically, associates with the Republican party, and takes an interest in the advancement of what he believes to be the right policy of the government, but is not a
blind partisan, will not be led against his own judgment. The best principles, the wis- est measures, regardless of the political or- ganization by whom they may be advocated - of these he designs to make the Herald the exponent. Mr. Ames was married in Decem- ber, 1886, to Ettie M. Newitt, a daughter of the Rev. Henry I. Newitt, of De Ruyter. Mr. and Mrs. Ames have one son, Roy W. Mr. Ames possesses social qualities which make him an agreeable companion. He is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, and an intelligent, active worker in every commendable enterprise.
ON. ISRAEL T. DEYO, ex-member of the State Assembly from Broome County, one of the partners in the prominent law firm of Carver, Deyo & Jen- kins, of Binghamton, N.Y., was born in the town of Union, N. Y., January 28, 1856, son of Richard and Caroline (Aker) Deyo. His father was from Ghent, Columbia County, and came from the old French Huguenot stock which settled in Ulster County, New York. He moved to this part of the country, which was then called Western New York, in 1850. Here he lived on a farm until his death March 12, 1888, leaving a widow, who still resides at the old homestead. Six children of Mr. Richard Deyo are now living, namely : M. 1 .. Deyo, Professor of Mathematics and l'hysics in Albany Academy; Joseph and R. II. Deyo, both farmers -one on the home farm, and the other on one adjoining; Mrs.
448
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
William Aker, living on the old homestead; Gertrude, teacher in public school of this city; and Israel T., subject of this sketch.
As an example of untiring perseverance in acquiring an education, Mr. Deyo stands equal with any of the great men in this coun- try celebrated in history. Three months at one time, nine months at another, was all the schooling he got in any one year till in Octo- ber of 1870 he entered the Binghamton High School, walking from his home four miles away in the morning and back again at night during the fall and winter term. Only one entire year's course in school did this young man have before entering college. Most of his preparatory work was done at this high school and in Cortland, where he studied a little while. He taught school, still keeping up his studies, and graduated with honor as valedictorian of his class in 1875. Hle en- tered Amherst College, and there his work was as thorough and his moral excellence as marked as at home. At college no luxurious rooms, no club suppers, or extravagances were' his, but hard, faithful study, which laid the foundation for the trust and confidence of the people, who were proud to be represented by him in the legislature: At Amherst he was graduated, taking the degree of B.A., in 1879. He then became Principal of Whit- ney's Point union school and academy for eighteen months, going from there to the Cortland Normal School as teacher.
lIe began reading law, still continuing to teach until May, 1882, when he entered the office of D. H. Carver, Esq., then District
Attorney of Broome County, and devoted him- self entirely to the study of law. He was admitted to the bar by examination at Albany in January, 1883, and two years later formed a partnership with Mr. Carver. Their busi- ness increased so fast they took another part-, ner, making the now well-known firm of Carver, Deyo & Jenkins. In the fall of 1889 Mr. Deyo was elected by one thousand ma- > jority member of Assembly from Broome County; was elected a second time, by two thousand; and was elected for a third and a fourth term, serving 1890-93 inclusive -a length of time unprecedented in the county. The World, in an article at the time of the last election, said: "Broome is a two-term county. That is, it is an unwritten law with the Republicans to give a man only two terms in the Assembly. Deyo, in the Assembly this year, was one of the most prominent members, and was, without any question, the best in- formed member in the whole House on pend- ing legislation. His friends want to send him back. They say that he will break the rule, and get his third nomination." He . did get it, and without an opposing candi- date. The Binghamton Republican, in regard to this last, said: "The rotary machine stops for Assemblyman Deyo without a squeak. In proposing his nomination for a third term, Judge Edwards expressed the unanimous senti- ment of the county. Mr. Deyo has been industrious in office, faithful, painstaking, honest, vigilant, and able; and he has won a position of prominence and influence which is highly honorable to this county."
449
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
The Albany Journal of February 25, 1892, said, " Assemblyman Deyo, of Broome County, fearless, straightforward, and incorruptible, put some unanswerable queries to the ad- vocates of this bill." This was in relation to the street railroads of New York City, and in his arraignment of the monopolists Mr. Deyo said: "The Mayor of the city of New York had deemed it necessary to appeal to the hayseed members, to protect that great city from the acts of its own mem- bers." He has served with untarnished credit on Committee of Ways and Means, the Judiciary and Codes being the most impor- tant. He has looked after the interests of this . county and this city, particularly the State Insane Hospital located here. A tax bill he got through the legislature in March, 1892, was of such vital importance that Gov- ernor Flower, in signing it, appended the fol- lowing memorandum: "This bill is intended to remedy an evil which has existed for a long time, and which earnest legislators have sought in vain to correct in previous legis- lative sessions. . . . The law has afforded a ready means for the escape of personal prop- erty from taxation by allowing deductions in the assessment of personal property for all 'just debts.' It is believed that debts have been temporarily contracted for the sole pur- pose of evading taxation, and that by this de- vice a large share of personal property has escaped any taxation whatsoever. This is what the measure before me aims to do. It prohibits deductions from the assessment of personal property for: debts for the purchase
of non-taxable property; debts on account of indirect liability, as surety, guarantor, in- dorses, or otherwise; debts contracted for the purpose of evading taxation. This legisla- tion ought to increase greatly the proportion of taxes yielded by personal property, and to do much toward equalizing the burdens of taxation."
In commenting on this bill, the Bingham- ton Herald of April, 1892, said: "It is to be hoped that Mr. Deyo's measure will accom- plish the object intended; and then, if the law proves obnoxious to the majority, or un- just even to the minority, it is hoped he will bend his energies to the enactment of new laws, which will give justice to all. Mr. Deyo seems to be continually striving to get at the 'meat in the cocoanut'; and, when a Democratic governor takes occasion to com- ment on a Republican Assemblyman's bill in the manner in which his Excellency did on this child of the brain of Broome's represen- tative, it seems good evidence that there is something in the measure. Time will tell." Mr. O'Connor, the Senator from this district, says of Mr. Deyo that it can be imagined that he amounts to something in Albany, when half of the legislators watch his way of voting on a measure as a guide to them.
In April, 1892, he was obliged to leave his public duties at Albany on account of serious illness, which lasted many months. In the winter of 1893 he was ordered South by his physicians. Accompanied by his wife, he went to St. Augustine, Fla., where for sev- eral weeks he was confined to his bed; but
450
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
at last he recuperated sufficiently to return home, arriving in the last of March. The New York Tribune of April 12, 1892, had the following: " Assemblyman Israel T. Deyo, who was compelled to leave Albany by serious illness, is one of the ablest Republican mem- bers of the Assembly -- one whose services have been useful, not only to his district, but to the whole State. His illness is a distinct misfortune. Mr. Deyo is at present much im- proved, and expects to resume his seat at Al- bany during the last weeks of the session."
One of the highest and most distinguished honors ever conferred upon Mr. Deyo was his recent appointment, April, 1894, by Governor Flower, to constitute, with Judge W. L. Learned, of Albany, and Dr. Austin Flint, the well-known physician of New York City, a commission or examining board to investi- gate the charges made against the manage- ment of the Elmira Reformatory at Elmira, N.Y. Mr. Deyo is a member of Otseningo Lodge, No. 421; Binghamton Chapter, No. 177, and a Sir Knight of Malta Commandery of Binghamton. Mr. Deyo married Miss Edith Weld June 26, 1889; and they have a son, Austin Weld Deyo. They are mem- bers of the First Congregational Church, Mr. Deyo being a Trustee.
The firm of Carver, Deyo & Jenkins have a very large practice, and are attorneys for the Security Mutual Life Insurance Company, for the Binghamton Loan Association, and other companies. Unaided, without any of the advantages of wealth or political influ- ence, Mr. Deyo has, by energy, industry, and
pluck, forged ahead; has already rendered eminent services to his country; and, with restored health, may be relied on to do more and yet greater work. His useful and honor- able career is a shining example to the young men of this State, to all to whom "new occa- sions teach new duties."
A LBERT S. RENNIE, Cashier of the Security Mutual Life Association of Binghamton, N.Y., one of the strongest of the kind in the country, was born in Madoc, Ontario, Canada, April 24, 1863, son of the Rev. John and Bessie (St .- Clair) Rennie. The father was born in England, and when between eight and nine years old emigrated with his father,- James Rennie, to Canada, settling at Madoc, above men- tioned.
The Rev. John Rennie, a minister of the Methodist church, moved to Binghamton in 1865, where he has since been engaged in the boot and shoe business, but is now retired. He organized the Chenango Street Methodist Church of Binghamton, and preached there for some time. Ile is an upright, Christian . gentleman, and deeply respected by all classes in the city of Binghamton. His residence is on the corner of Walnut Street and Seminary Avenue. The family consisted of five chil- dren, namely: Mattie L., wife of Franklin B. Riker, of Binghamton; Mary E., Mrs. Charles M. Turner, of the same place; Maud S., wife of John HI. W. Davis; William H., of Binghamton; and Albert, whose name ap-
451
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
pears at the head of this sketch. The mother died January 27, 1884.
Albert S. was educated at the high school of Binghamton, and then at a business col- lege, after which he was in the book and stationery business in Toronto, Canada, hav- ing two stores, one at No. 205 Young Street, and another on the corner of Markham and Queen Streets. He continued in this busi- ness for two years, when he sold it out to accept the position of Cashier of the Security Mutual Life Association in 1888, Ile is now one of the stockholders of the company, and gives to it his whole time and attention.
The system adopted by this company avoids . the excessive premiums of the "old line com- panies," and occupies the middle ground be- tween the two extreme systems in vogue, being the result of long study, patient inves- tigation, and scientific analysis of all the life insurance methods of the past. That the plan of the company has all the elements of sound, safe, and reliable insurance is evidenced by the fact that it has already the largest surplus in proportion to outstanding insurance of any co-operative company in the world, and ex- ceeds the most of the "old line companies." Mr. Rennic was also connected with the Re- serve Fund Life and Accident Company of Toronto, holding the position of Superintend- ent of Agencies for the Province of Ontario.
Mr. Rennie is an enthusiastic lover of athletic exercises and games, and was, while in Toronto, editor of the weekly Athlete, a sporting journal published in that city. He was President of the Commercial Base Ball
League of Ontario during the season of 1887-88. But it is most especially as a bicyclist that Mr. Rennie is celebrated, being known as a champion wheelman. In the years of 1885-86 he won eleven races over such celebrities as Moody, Hill, Campbell, McLean, and others. The Daily Citisen of Ottawa, speaking of Mr. Rennie, placed him at the head of the list of Canadian athletes. He is at present President of the Binghamton organization known as the Liberty Wheel Club, which counts among its members some of the finest wheelmen in the city. While residing in Toronto, he was a member of the Canadian Wheelmen Assembly and Lieuten- ant of the Wanderers' Bicycle Club. Mr. Rennie is an attendant of the First Congrega- tional Church, and makes his home with his sister, Mrs. Charles M. Turner, of No. 73 Main Street, Binghamton.
Possessed of more than ordinary social ac- complishments, Mr. Albert S. Rennie is a welcome performer in the various entertain- ments given by the religious and benevolent societies of the city, whose programmes he brightens with his versatile acting and beauti- ful voice. His delightful rendering of hu- morous and dialect songs never fails in bringing his audience to the highest pitch of pleasure and winning a storm of well-deserved plaudits. It is not out of place here to men- tion that these fascinating, entertaining qual- ities are a family trait, as his sisters, Mrs. Frank Riker, Mrs. John Davis, and Mrs. Charles Turner are equally gifted in these respects. Mr. Rennie is an active and ener-
€
452
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
getic young man, and is a social favorite in Binghamton. He is especially well adapted to the responsible position he fills at present, and is fortunate in being associated with so substantial a system of insurance which gives such sure promise of becoming one of the safest of the kind yet founded.
OLONEL GEORGE W. DUNN, the present popular and efficient Clerk of the Assembly and ex-Postmaster of the city of Binghamton, is an excellent rep- resentative of those gallant men who, when our country was threatened with ruin and dis- ruption, with patriotic impulse and heroic daring nobly left home and friends, and on blood-drenched fields, at the cannon's mouth, facing the foeman's steel, toiled and fought and endured until the black pall of treason and desolation was lifted, and, with the note of Northern victory ringing from the Missis- sippi to Appomattox, Columbia beheld the rising of a new sun, the bright effulgence of a new dawn -the sun of universal freedom, and the dawn of liberty and equality for all, insuring the perpetuity of national existence. As the world knows, many of those brave heroes returned no more. Martyrs to love of country, they laid down their lives on the altar of liberty, having fought a good fight and borne themselves like men. The others, more fortunate, returned to swell the tri- umphal pageant, receive the sweet incense of a nation's gratitude, and clasp again in lov- ing arms wife, children, parents, or waiting
sweetheart, and be the respective centres of ten thousand joyous and happy family re- unions. These are they whom the nation delights to honor; and, when one, having laid down the sword for plough or pen, has by rea- son of his native talents and energy attained a high position in civil life, no true American heart is found to grudge him his well-deserved and honorable success. One of such is the subject of this biographical sketch, Colonel Dunn. Born in the town of Chenango, Broome County, N. Y., November, 1840, he is the son of John and Isabella ( Black) Dunn, the former of whom came to this county in an carly day, when on the site of the present thriving and populous city of Binghamton there existed but a few scattered houses, the place being known as Chenango Point. John Dunn was born in Albany, and was an agri- culturist by occupation, retiring from active farm life and removing to the city some four- teen years before his death, which occurred in 1892. His wife was of the good old stock of New England Blacks. She died in 1890, having reared four sons and two daughters, and leaving behind her the gracious memory of a life well spent. The names of her living children are: James Il., resident in Bing- hamton; Cornelius E., also residing in this city ; Mary, wife of David Brown, of Bing- hamton; and George W.
The latter received his elementary educa- tion at the district school, and later attended a commercial college, and also spent one year at Susquehanna Seminary. About this time the Civil War broke out; and, filled with
453
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
patriotic ardor, he enlisted in Company C, Twenty-seventh New York Volunteer Infan- try, receiving the rank of Sergeant. The regiment was soon on the field, and partici- pated in the first battle of Bull Run, where he was taken prisoner, and, after being held for two months at Richmond, was sent to Perry Prison, New Orleans, where he remained until the attack of General Butler on that city, when he was sent to Saulsbury, and paroled June 1, 1862. After being exchanged, he re- entered the service, and went back as Captain of Company D, One Hundred and Ninth New York. This regiment became a part of the Army of the Potomac, and was engaged in the operations under General Grant. In the cam- paigns of that great leader Captain Dunn saw some hard fighting, and was promoted to the rank of Major in May, 1864. After the Peninsula campaign he was in command of his regiment until the spring of 1865, participat- ing in all the operations of the Army of the Potomac. March 9, 1865, he was mustered out on general orders to the effect that all officers who had served continuously for three years should be mustered out and honorably discharged. He was afterward brevetted Colo- nel. At the battle of Spottsylvania Colonel Dunn was wounded, though not seriously. On his discharge he went to Elmira, N.Y., and engaged in business with his brother, re- maining there one year, at the end of which time he joined an expedition to Honduras, Central America, for prospecting and mining purposes. In the fall of 1866 he came home, and remained inactive for some time, conval-
escing from the effects of malaria contracted in the unhealthy regions of the Isthmus of Panama. After the lapse of two years he went to Washington, D.C., where from 1868 to 1875 he was Superintendent of the public documents ordered published by Congress. In the latter year he was elected Sheriff of his county on the Republican ticket, which office he held for three years, until January 1, 1879. After this he helped to organize a stock com- pany, and purchased the two leading news- papers, the Republican and the Times, of Binghamton, and consolidated them into the Binghamton Republican, he being the pub- lisher and Treasurer until he was appointed Postmaster by President Arthur, December 20, 1881. At that time the post-office was in the old McNamara Block. Colonel Dunn held the office until August, 1886, and during that time, in 1884, established the free deliv- ery service, commencing with six carriers. March 13, 1889, he, was appointed Postmaster by President Harrison, the office still being in the old McNamara Block, where it re- mained until March, 1892, when it was moved - into the new government building. The force has since been increased, until now seventeen carriers and two subcarriers are employed, and the office force practically doubled to meet the increasing requirements of the service. Upon assuming the duties of Postmaster, Colonel Dunn relinquished his connection as publisher with the Bingham- ton Republican, but still holds the office of Treasurer.
After his first term as Postmaster the Colo-
454
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
nel went into the real estate business, which he prosecuted successfully for some time. lle also became Manager of the Equitable Accident Association, which was organized about that date, and with which he was con- nected until appointed to his second term as Postmaster. He was also actively concerned in the building of the State Insane Asylum, being President of the Board of Trustees, and having many duties in connection with the establishment of that institution. He has also served as Police and Excise Commis- sioner, and is at the present writing Presi- dent of the Binghamton General Electric Company, Vice-President of the Bundy Manu- facturing Company, and Director of the Sus- quehanna Valley Savings Bank, besides hav- ing business connections with several other prominent companies.
On November 15, 1870, Colonel Dunn mar- ried Miss Sarah M. Thomas, of the town of Chenango, daughter of Wiley W. and Maria (Gilmore) Thomas, the former being a promi- nent agriculturist and early settler of the county. One daughter, Mabel E., has been born to grace their happy union. Both Colo- nel Dunn and his wife are attendants and supporters of the Presbyterian church, and among the many prominent and honored citi- zens of Binghamton none are more widely respected and esteemed for social graces and substantial virtues of character. The Colonel is an honored member of Watrous Post, Grand Army of the Republic; and all who know him will wish that this gallant soldier may long continue to serve his city and community in
the walks of civil life, as he bravely served his country in the dark and stormy days of national peril.
HOMAS R. LAKEY has been a resident of Chenango Forks, town of Barker, Broome County, for thirty-six years, and has there been engaged as a dealer in general merchandise for a quarter of a century. He has an established reputation for honesty and uprightness, his every transaction with the people being marked with characteristic fair- ness. He was born in Westchester County, town of Bedford, in 1814. His father, John Lakey, who was a native of England, came to this country in 1811, and was married to Abigail Reynolds daughter of Jonathan and Sarah (Sension) Reynolds, and grand-daugh- ter of Captain Moses Reynolds, well known in that county as a brave soldier in Colonial times.
He purchased a farm at Providence, Lu- zerne County, N. Y., where he died in the prime of life, leaving a widow and three chil- dren, namely: Thomas, the subject of this sketch; Lucinda, widow of Samuel Pardee, who sojourns in different cities in the East and West; and Charlotte, wife of James Riggs, of Westchester County, who died in 1858, leaving two sons and two daughters. Mrs. Abigail Reynolds Lakey died in Bed- ford at the age of forty years.
Mr. Thomas R. Lakey began work at the shoemaker's trade in the town of South Salem, county of Westchester, which occupa- tion he followed until 1858. There he was
2
455
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
married to Lucinda Berry, a daughter of Cor- nelins and Lydia (Paddock) Berry, of Putnam County. Nine children were born to them, six daughters and three sons, all of whom grew to adult life except Thomas, who died at the age of twenty-two months. The living children are: Mary, wife of Joshua Lewis, a carpenter of this county, who has five chil- dren; Sarah, wife of Oliver Walton, of Brook- lyn, N. Y., having two daughters; Abigail, wife of Leroy Terwilliger, living in Kings County, having three children; Josephine, wife of Clark E. Whitbeck, a patrolman of New York City. having four children; Cor- nelia, wife of Gaylord Dunn, living in Merced County, California, having one son and one daughter, and Zana G., wife of Newell Hemenway, having one daughter.
Politically, Mr. Lakey is a stanch Demo- crat, having believed for years that the prin- ciples advocated by that organization were calculated to advance the best interests of the country and secure to the people the greatest measure of prosperity. He has contributed in no small degree to the advancement of enterprises looking toward the benefit of the community in which he lives, a useful and respected citizen.
EWELL P. ROCKWOOD, whose home is now in Castle Creek, N.Y., is a man of large general information, having had a varied experience in the world of business and adventure, and being naturally observant of persons, places, and things. He
is a gentleman of marked individuality; and, in whatever position in life he has been placed, he has been found a man among men, pleasant and entertaining, and of a disposi- tion calculated to make strong friends. Hle was born in Brighton, Monroe County, N. Y., in July, 1831, son of Josiah and . Emily (Phelps) Rockwood, his mother being a native of Suffield, Conn. His grandfather was a New England farmer, who lived to a good old age. Mr. Josiah Rockwood died in Massa- chusetts in 1860, when fifty-seven years of age. Mrs. Emily P. Rockwood, his widow, long surviving him, now lives with her daughter, Mrs. A. D. French, in Milwaukee, Wis.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.