USA > New York > Broome County > Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Broome County, New York. > Part 38
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among the pioneers of the town of Windsor where he settled about 1800. Ile is said to have built the first frame house in the town of Windsor; and the incident Mr. Edwards tells is that on the 4th of July Captain Smith with others fired thirteen bullets into the front door, and then treated the crowd to a gallon of New England rum. This was the usual form of celebration of the Day of In- dependence, and was the style in which any distinguished citizen visiting the place was welcomed and honored. There was the es- sence of true wisdom in firing the salute before the rum was given, or the damage to the front door might have been more disastrous.
Mr. Edwards is a prominent and well-to-do man in Windsor, and can well boast of the brave and fearless race he sprang from. He is a man of great enterprise and untiring in- dustry, and the results are fully shown in the success which has followed his well-directed labors.
P ON. JOSEPH H. BROWNELL, the present member of the Assembly for. the town of Windsor, N. Y., was born here April 21, 1854. His parents were Bennett and Mary Ann Brownell, who were = both born in 1812, and were married in 1843. The grandfather of Mr. Brownell, Bennett Brownell, Sr., was a pioneer settler of Dela- ware County. He resided in the town of Kortright, where he was a hard - working farmer, and died there at the age of sixty years. Ile was an earnest Methodist in his
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religious faith, and was an "old line " Whig in his political principles. He had a large family of fourteen children. The maternal grandfather of Joseph II. was George Brown- ell, who was a native of New York State, and a farmer by occupation. He also lived and died in the town of Kortright, where he was an old and prominent settler. There were sixteen children born to Mr. and Mrs. George Brownell, of whom only two are living: Mrs. Mary A. Brownell; and Mrs. Sarah Alex- ander, a resident of Syracuse, N.Y. Mr. George Brownell died at the age of ninety years. He attended the Methodist church, and politically was a Democrat.
Bennett Brownell, Jr., was a prominent farmer of his day. He was also a manufact- urer of grain cradles, in which he carried on an extensive and lucrative trade. Ile re- moved to the town of Windsor in the year 1852, and, buying here a farm of three hun- dred acres, henceforth gave his entire atten- tion to his farming interests, and was a very enterprising man. He and his wife were active workers in the Methodist church, in which Mr. Brownell held various important positions. He was a popular and highly re- spected citizen, and in his long life of eighty years did much good service for the benefit of his town. He died on his farm in the year 1892. His wife is still living, and resides with her son, Joseph HI. They reared nine children, of whom two survive, namely: Jo- seph II., the youngest; and George B., who carries on a furniture and undertaking busi- ness in Windsor.
Joseph grew to manhood on the old home farm, receiving his early education at the dis- triet schools of his town, and later studying at the Binghamton High School, Windsor Academy, and the Cortland Normal School, graduating from the latter in 1877. He then returned to Windsor, where he has since con- tinued engaged in the lumber trade and the management of his farm. He owns about three hundred and ten acres of land, and until 1892 resided at the old Brownell homestead, from which he then removed to Windsor Vil- lage to live. lle carries on a most extensive business in lumber, and is a foremost man of his town.
Mr. Brownell was married in 1881 to Miss Minnie L. Brush, of Great Bend, Pa. They are communicants of the Episcopal church. In the Masonic fraternity Mr. Brownell be- longs to Windsor Lodge, No. 442, and to the Malta Commandery of Binghamton. A de- voted adherent of the Republican party, he has served three years as Supervisor of his town, and in November, 1893, was given a higher office -that of member of the State Assembly.
It was a great proof of the confidence of his fellow-citizens of the Republican party when he received the nomination and was elected to the position which had been so honorably filled by his popular predecessor; and since occupying his seat in the legislature Mr. Brownell, by his excellent record, has shown that his constituents used good judgment in choosing him as their representative. No citizen of Windsor is more widely known or
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highy respected than the Hon. Joseph Brownell.
AMUEL A. DOANE, an active and prominent business man of Bing- hamton, is a member of the firm of Coutant & Doanc, dealers in staple and fancy groceries, and located at 151 Court Street, at which place the firm has transacted business since March, 1889. They commenced busi- ness here in 1886, when they bought out W. S. Harding, and have since increased the volume of transactions from an annual trade of about eight thousand dollars to fifty thou- sand dollars, with business still on the in- crease. This has been the result of energy, sound business methods, and honest dealing. They have now associated with them W. N. Croffut, and will soon occupy a large building on the corner of Court and Carroll Streets, which will give them four times their present floor space. They will then add a meat and fish market.
Mr. Doane was born at East Windsor, Hartford County, Conn., September 4, 1852, son of Miles A. and Minerva (Ward) Doanc. Miles Doane was a wagon manufacturer by occupation, and came of an old Connecticut family. Samuel A. Doane received his edu- cation in his native town, and came to Bing- hamton with his parents in April, 1864. After attending school there a short time, he was engaged as clerk for different firms for four years. In 1877 he yielded to a desire to see the Far West, and went to California, finally leaving that State and settling in
Churchill County, Nevada. He arrived there in April, 1877, and in July of the same year was elected County Auditor, retaining that position for eight years, and being first elected about six months before he became a voter. At the expiration of his fourth term of office he returned to Binghamton, and was a clerk for Hollister & Sons for two years, when he formed a partnership with George G. Coutant; and together they purchased the business of W. S. Harding. Mr. Doane was married to Miss Cora A. Kent, a daughter of E. W. Kent, of Binghamton, January 2, 1873. They have a family of three children -Katie, Frances, and Susic. Mr. Doane is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and stands well in the order. Hc stands high among the business men of Bing- hamton, and has contributed his share toward the development of the business interests of that beautiful city.
D. JONES, proprietor of the Otsen- ingo Mills, Binghamton, is among the successful business men of the. city, having made this place his home since 1882. 1Ie was born at St. Johnsbury, Vt., November 6, 1839, son of John and Marinda (Andrews) Jones. His great-grandfather, Benjamin Jones (born in 1773), took for his wife Hannah Chesley, who was born in August, 1751. Both were natives of Dur- ham, N.H. They moved to Canterbury in the same State, where Mr. Jones died in 1816, his wife dying in West Rumney,
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N.Il., December 6, 1843. The paternal grandfather, Henry Jones, was born at Can- terbury, N. H., married a lady of French ancestry, and moved to Wheelock, Cale- donia County, Vt., where he secured some new land, cleared a farm, and established a home. On that farm John Jones, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born, and early in life became accustomed to agricultural work. He obtained a fair educa- tion, and learned the business of surveying. On the death of his wife he went West on business connected with his profession, and it is supposed that he died in one of the Western States or Territories.
Mr. D. D. Jones, of this mention, at the time of his mother's death, and when his father left for the West, was but eighteen months old, and lived with an uncle of his mother, David Fuller. The latter died when our subject was but twelve years of age, and he was left alone in the world. Being of a brave disposition, he started out to earn his own living, finding work here and there, and picking up an education as he had opportu- nity. His chance for attending school was limited; but he was gifted with large powers of observation, and by his own efforts suc- ceeded in acquiring a fair amount of practical knowledge. When eighteen years old, he found employment in the Fairbanks Scale Works at St. Johnsbury, Vt .; and with char- acteristic determination he soon made him- self familiar with the business, observed the method and details of manufacture, and be- came an expert scale-maker. Ile remained
with this firm in different capacities till 1882, when he came to Binghamton as super- intendent of the Jones Scale Works, taking charge of the factory when it was a compara- tively small concern and employing but few men. It was under his management that this scale attained so high a reputation and its sale reached such large proportions. Mr. Jones remained in this position until Febru- ary, 1893; and, when he left the factory, one hundred and fifty men were employed there. lle had now reached the time in life when he felt that he should have a business of his own. Having successfully managed affairs for others, he desired to turn his energies more to his own account. Seeking an opportunity of doing this, he finally succeeded in perfect- ing an arrangement by which he obtained possession of the Otseningo Mills. This mill is one of the oldest in the country, and had enjoyed a large trade; but, finding its patronage on the wane, Mr. Jones took hold of the business in earnest, and prosecuted it so successfuly that it now bids fair to out- strip the favor it received during its palmiest days. Personally, Mr. Jones is of a pleasant . social disposition, possesses the leading qual- ities of a true manhood, and is best appreci- ated by those who know him best. He is a member of Passumpsic Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of St. Johnsbury, Vt.
He was married December 27, 1872, to Miss Ida E. Morrison, of St. Johnsbury, daughter of David and Lauretta G. (Eastman) Morrison. Mrs. Jones was born in Bradford, Vt., and comes from an old and respected
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family. Her father was a manufacturer of sash, doors, and blinds, and was a man of in- fluence in his community. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for many years, superintendent of the Sabbath school, and was noted for his sterling integrity. From a history of the Morrison family pub- lished in 1880 by Leonard A. Morrison, we find it has been traced back to John Morrison, who was born at Londonderry, Ireland, about 1720. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have four chil- dren - Stella M., Ethel G., Ida Marguerite, and Eleanor M.
ENRY R. WOODRUFF, a prosper- ous young merchant of the town of Windsor, was born in Wellsville, Montgomery County, N. Y., December 17, 1862, son of HI. R. and Mildred (Maupin) Woodruff, his father being a native of New York State, and his mother of Missouri. Mr. II. R. Woodruff was a civil engineer, and followed that employment on different rail- roads, being a successful man 'in his depart- ment. Their two children were: Henry R .; and Ione, Mrs. F. W. Comstock, residing in Colorado. Mr. Woodruff died at the early age of thirty-one years.
The subject of this sketch attended suc- cessively the high school of Windsor, the Windsor Academy, and Pennsylvania Mili- tary Academy, and then went to the Colorado State School of Mines. There he learned the art of examining metallic ores, or assay- ing, and followed it for about three years in
Colorado. He then returned to Windsor, where he had grown to manhood, and in 1890 engaged in business, conducting a general store with Charles Dusenbury. In 1892, selling out his interest, he started a hard- ware store, and now has one of the largest stocks in that line in the village. It is said that his sales average eighteen thousand dol- lars per year.
In 1891 Mr. Woodruff married Miss Min- nie Lyons, daughter of Charles J. and Laura (Roberts) Lyons. Her father is a well- known resident of Windsor, where his hand- some home, long known as the old Stow farm, is one of the attractive places. Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff bave one daughter, Virginia . F. Although but a little over thirty years of age, Mr. Woodruff has already attained a prominent and popular position in both politi- cal and social life in his town. He is a pro- nounced Democrat, and believes in the sturdy principles of that old and well-tried party. Cultivated, refined, and agreeable in social circles, he and his wife have a host of friends; and their home is a pleasant gathering place for the best people of their town.
ESLIE M. WILSON, the present Treas- . urer and Manager of the Empire Grain & Elevator Company, has brought that corporation to its present high standing by his own endeavor and application. The company was organized for the purpose of conducting a general grain and shipping busi- ness in a wholesale way, with the avowed
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intention, so far as possible, to avoid the small transactions incident to a retail trade. It was incorporated May 11, 1891, having begun operations to a considerable extent the previous January. The capital stock is seventy-five thousand dollars. The elevator and warchouse is located on Robinson Street, having connections with the Delaware, Lacka- wanna & Western, the Delaware & Hudson, and the Erie Railroads. The business ex- tends through the Middle and Eastern States, and they handle Western grain and hay to a large extent. The efficiency of the manage- ment is well evidenced by the transactions of the concern, which amount to about one million dollars annually.
Mr. Wilson was born at Wilkesbarre, Pa., September 25, 1860, a son of Thomas and Mary (McLean) Wilson. Thomas Wilson settled there in 1843, and was Cashier of the First National Bank of that city for twenty- five years. Alexander McLean, the grand- father of the subject of this sketch, came to that section of country about 1825 from the north of Ireland, where Thomas, his son, was born. The latter came alone, when eighteen years old, to Summit Hill, and there engaged in merchandising, his father being largely interested in mining enterprises. Subse- quently he came to Wilkesbarre, and organ- ized the First National Bank, and there died in 1890. Mrs. Mary McLean Wilson died carly in life. They were members of the Presbyterian church, people of character and influence, who contributed much toward the social and moral status of the community.
Leslie M. Wilson was of Irish and Scotch extraction. Ilis education in the public schools at Wilkesbarre was supplemented by a classical course of study at Lawrence, N. J., so that, having fine natural abilities to begin with, he started out well equipped for the work of life, and has been very successful in whatever he has undertaken. He was gradu- ated in 1877, and soon after engaged with Hancock Greier & Co. of Wilkesbarre, where he had his first experience in the grain busi- ness. He soon learned the details of the trade, and remained about four years, the lat- ter part of the time having charge of the office at Wilkesbarre and at Scranton. He then accepted a position with the Western Mill Company of Scranton, being practically the manager of the grain department. He remained with them ten years, or until the organization of the Empire Grain & Elevator Company.
He was married to Miss Nellie Orr, daugh- ter of Albert Orr of Wilkesbarre, by whom he has five children ; namely, Lester Maclean, Priscilla O., Thomas Albert, Margaret E., and Alexander.
Albert S. Orr and his wife Priscilla, the father and mother of Mrs. Wilson, were among the early settlers of the Wyoming Valley, and experienced many of the hard- ships of those trying times, including the Indian massacre and other notable events. Mr. Leslie M. Wilson stands high among the business men of the city of Binghamton, and deservedly has the confidence and respect of the community.
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OLOMON. J. KELLEY, a prominent representative of the engraver's art in the city of Binghamton, has his office and workshop at 166 Water Street, where he occupies a whole floor of the old Republican Block. He is there engaged in wood engraving, photo-engraving, zine etch- ing, electrotyping, and brass sign work. He established the plant here on February 12, 1889. He gives employment to six men,, and does a large business. le was born at Buf- falo, N.Y., July 10, 1866, a son of Henry S. and Margaret Kelley. Henry S. Kelley, who is still living in Buffalo, not actively engaged now in any business, was engaged with Jewett & Rutt's stove foundry for thirty- five years, occupying various positions, among them that of foreman of the pattern-mak- ing department. He was born at l'alatine Bridge, Montgomery County, N. Y., and was a son of Solomon Kelley, who was a farmer, and one of the older settlers of the county.
The subject of this sketch was.educated in the city schools of Buffalo, and there learned his trade with Gies & Co., remaining with them ten years, becoming proficient in many of the departments. After travelling for a time as a business agent in New York, Penn- sylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, he came here, and established the first enterprise of its kind of any considerable capacity in this section of the country. His business has been a suc- cess, and deservedly so; for the work is as good as can be obtained in any of the larger cities. Under his efficient management it has increased rapidly, one man and a boy
being all the help he could utilize at the beginning. Mr. Kelley was married in Buf- falo on April 23, 1890, to Miss Jennie M. Steck. He is a member of the German Evan- gelical church, a genial gentleman, with bright prospects for the future.
ERBERT LONGENDYKE, secretary of the Binghamton Wagon Works, traces his ancestry through several generations to the old Dutch Knickerbocker stock which founded the goodly city of New Amsterdam, now New York. His father, A. M. Longendyke, married Miss Mary A. Wright, and made his home at Griffin's Cor- ners, Delaware County, N. Y., where he was a business man, conducting for many years a tannery, and being afterwards engaged in the making of stone flagging. He moved to Ulster County about the year 1870, and is now in business at High Falls in that county. He is a member of the Masonie fraternity and also the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, and with his wife is an ardent and faith- . ful supporter of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Herbert, our subject, was born at Griffin's Corners July 24, 1865, and after obtaining his primary education in the common schools of that place went to Poughkeepsie, first pur- suing his studies at the College Hill School, and finishing at the Eastman's Business Col- lege. He then took a position as book-keeper in a dry-goods store at Poughkeepsie, which he left to engage in business for himself ;
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but, on receiving a favorable offer from the Cortland Wagon Company at Cortland, N. Y., he entered the office of that firm, and there obtained his first knowledge of the wagon business. Mr. Longendyke remained with this company until the formation of the Binghamton Wagon Works in 1888, when, having been tendered the position of secre- tary, he removed to Binghamton, N.Y. He combined with this office that of acting treas- urer, which he filled until the growth of the business demanded another person for that position. He has held the office of secretary since the commencement of the enterprise. This extensive business was organized and incorporated under the laws of the State of New York in 1888, with a capital stock of $50,000, the officers being George A. Kent, president ; R. D. Woodford, superintendent ; Herbert Longendyke, secretary; and Ellis W. Morse, treasurer.
The building was contracted for and built in the summer of 1888, being 200 x 65 feet, the main part consisting of five stories and basement, with four stories and basement for the end sections. These are divided into different departments for the manufacture of pleasure vehicles mainly and some business wagons. Their work is of a very high grade, and everything is complete from the raw material to the finish. The plant, which is one of the largest in the city, is advantage- ously situated at the corner of Abbott Street and Broad Avenue, having switching facili- ties with the many railways that enter the city of Binghamton. The company do an en-
tirely wholesale trade, employing on an aver- age one hundred and twenty-five men, all well skilled, and many times having to use a larger force, the works having been run continuously since their opening. The secre- tary has charge of the selling and of the credit accounts.
Mr. Longendyke was married to Miss Iva L., daughter of John Davis of Marathon, Broome County, N. Y., May 30, 1887. They have a family of two children, Irma and Marie. In the social world Mr. Longendyke is a member of the Binghamton Club, and in the Fire Department belongs to Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company. Mr. and Mrs. Longendyke attend the First Presbyterian church of Binghamton, of which the latter is a professed member. Mr. Longendyke is comparatively a recent citizen in Binghamton, but by his energy and industry has accom- plished much toward its progress. His genial and friendly disposition has made him hosts of friends, and his pleasant home at No. 192 Front Street is the centre of a delightful social circle.
B EMIRE D. ADAMS, V.S., a veter- inarian of large experience, is a resident of Binghamton, and has been in active practice here since 1880, being well qualified for his work. He was born in Sherburne, N.Y., Jan. 27, 1847, a son of Adam and Lovina (Phillips) Adams. His grandfather was from Dutchess County, New York; and the lineage of the family traces back to the New England settlers. Adam
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Adams was by occupation a contractor and builder, and was also a dealer in live stock, particularly in horses. He was quite a prom- inent man in the community where he lived, served on the Board of Supervisors, was a Justice of the Peace, and took an active part generally in the enterprises of the town and county. Born shortly after the beginning of the century, he is now past ninety years old. He still lives in Sherburne, a highly re- spected citizen, a man of good record, spend- ing his declining days near the scene of his active life.
Young Adams was educated at Sherburne in the common schools and at Cazenovia Seminary, where he was graduated in 1867. After remaining for a time with his father, he started out for himself, going to New York and engaging in the commission business, which he followed for six years. He began his professional studies under the direction of a physician, Dr. Owen, of Sherburne, and afterward studied with eminent professors in New York City, where he attended lectures. Ilis father was a great lover of the horse, and the Doctor inherited a fondness for this noble animal. Ilis attention was therefore carly attracted to the branch of study and practice he has so long followed. After a careful preparation Dr. Adams travelled over the country, giving lectures on diseases of the horse, and finally settled for a time at Nor- wich in Chenango County, whence he went to New York City, remaining there eight years, and then came to Binghamton, where he has since followed the practice of his profession
with success. He has established such a reputation that it is impossible for him to attend personally to all the demands made upon him, his practice extending over a con- siderable territory. His wife was formerly Miss Sarah Buell, of North Norwich.
EUBEN H. WATERS, clerk of the Board of Street Commissioners of Binghamton, N. Y., was born at Kingston, Pa., July 14, 1836, son of Philip and llannah (Rogers) Waters. His father was born in the city of New York, and went to Kingston in early life, permanently engaging there in the woollen manufacturing business. His mother was born in Connecticut of the old Rogers family. The parents were mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church, and died some years ago.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools of Kingston, P'a., and at Wyoming Seminary, after which he worked with and for his father; but before he was twenty-one years old he started for himself as book-keeper and accountant in Wilkes- barre, Y'a. He was in this employment at the breaking out of the late war, when he enlisted April 16, 1861, in Company F, Eighth Vol- unteer Infantry Regiment, Pennsylvania. He was assigned to the command of General Patterson at the time of the first battle of Bull Run. For the first three months he saw no active service, and at the close of this term of enlistment he returned to his home for a few weeks. He then re-enlisted in Company
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