Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Delaware County, New York, Part 3

Author: Biographical Review Publishing Company, Boston, pub
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Boston : Biographical Review Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 744

USA > New York > Delaware County > Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Delaware County, New York > Part 3

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Calvin B. Griffis was born on the farm of his parents in Montrose, Susquehanna County, Pa., being one of a family of eight children, seven of them being boys; namely, Calvin, Abner, Milton, Austin, Elisha, John, and Jefferson. He remained on the paternal homestead until his freedom birthday, then purchased a farm and engaged in general agri- culture on his own account. Being an ener- getic, stirring man, with keen foresight, he saw the way to make money in the timbered region of New York State. Removing to Delaware County, he bought eleven hundred acres of wild land in the town of Hancock, giving twenty dollars and fifty cents per acre therefor. He erected a mill and began clear- ing off the timber, which he sawed and sold, being an extensive dealer in lumber for many years, and supplying the Erie Railway Com- pany with wood. With characteristic enter- prise he purchased an interest in the stage line from Hancock to Delhi, and also one from Hancock to Downsville, that being prior to the time of railways. The business proved to be very remunerative, as many as one hundred passengers a day, at three dollars per fare, being sometimes conveyed between Hancock and Delhi. This was during war times, in 1862 and 1863.

Mr. Griffis also built a large store, in which he not only kept a complete assortment of dry goods, boots, shoes, and ready-made clothing, but ran an extensive flour and feed business, being one of the most successful general mer- chants of the place. All of these he con- ducted until 1872, when he purchased the

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Hancock House, the largest hotel in that town, and for five years thereafter managed it with eminent success. In 1877 he came to Delhi, and assumed the management of the Edgerton House, which he carried on in the same prosperous manner until 1889, when he sold his interests to his son Fred, the subject of this sketch. Previous to this time Calvin B. Griffis had bought what is now known as the Edgerton House farm, which he ran to supply the hotel, and which he continued to operate until March, 1893. He still leads an active life, paying personal attention to his many interests and superintending his farm in Hancock, which is one of the finest in the entire State. He married Janc M. Vaughn, a native of Pennsylvania, and the daughter of one of its prosperous farmers. She has borne him four children, all sons, namely: E. Walker, who is retired from active life, and resides in Hancock; Otis C., proprietor of the Hancock House, which was formerly owned by his father; Charles H. ; and Fred H. The mother is an active Christian woman, and a member of the Baptist church.

Fred H., the youngest of the four boys, spent his early years in Hancock, being reared on the farm, and acquiring his educa- tion in the union school. After completing his education, he came to Delhi, and began to assist his father in the hotel. Becoming fully acquainted with the details of the business, in 1888 he bought the hotel of his father, and in its subsequent management he has met with well-merited success. In 1892 Mr. Griffis leased the Edgerton Housc farm, containing one hundred and seventy acres of land; and here he keeps a large number of cows, supply- ing the hotel table with pure cream, undiluted milk, and fine butter, and cultivating the land for the raising of vegetables. From 1891 to 1893 Mr. Griffis was also engaged in buying and selling horses, owning a large sale and exchange stable, in company with R. A. Young, and doing a lucrative business under the firm name of Griffis & Young. On Janu- uary 1, 1893, he sold his interest in the stable to his partner, and has since devoted his entire attention to his farm and hotel, the latter being in every respect the finest and best-equipped hotel in the county.

In 1881 Mr. Griffis led to the marriage altar Miss Anna L. Judson, a native of Delhi, daughter of Charles and Mary (Bergen) Jud- son, former proprietors of the American House, Mr. Judson being the worthy repre- sentative of one of the old and honored fam- ilies of this part of Delaware County. One son, Calvin C. Griffis, has been born of their union. Mr. Griffis, socially, is a leading member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Delhi Lodge, No. 439, A. F. & A. M., to Delaware Chapter, No. 249, and to Norwich Commandery, No. 46.

ILLARD H. FRISBEE. The farm of this gentleman, with its comfort- able residence and out-buildings and their pleasant surroundings, lies like a picture in the landscape of Delhi, and bears the appropriate name of "Maple Shade." The homestead was purchased by Mr. Frisbee from his father, Edward A., into whose pos- session it had come on the death of Daniel Frisbee, of whom he was the youngest son. It embraces two hundred and thirty-two acres of land, which has been managed in the wisest manner, and has responded liber- ally in rich products to the hand of one of the most skilful agriculturists of Delaware County. In the prosecution of his labors Mr. Frisbee has availed himself of the cxperience of older men, and of the skill of the inventor, adapting his land to that branch of husban- dry which he deems most profitable, and using the most approved modern machinery. He is at present largely engaged in dairying and stock-raising, selling the milk from fifty choice cows in the markets of New York, and owning a valuable lot of cattle and horses.

Mr. Frisbee was born April 9, 1858, on the homestead where he now resides; and this same farm was also the birthplace of his father, Edward A. Frisbee. His great-grandfather, Judge Gideon Frisbee, was one of the earliest settlers in this part of the State, where the name Frisbee has long been prominent. He was a New England man by birth, but mi- grated to this State, and, after a short stay in Schoharie County, came thence to Delaware County, where he took up a timbered tract

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lying in the town of Delhi, and in time estab- lished a good home for his family. He was a remarkably well-informed man, and was very influential in the management of impor- tant affairs. He had the honor of being ap- pointed the first Judge of this county, and in his house the first court was held. Of his large family of children none are now living.

Daniel Frisbee, son of Judge Frisbee, was born in New Canaan, Conn., went from there to Schoharie County, New York, with his parents and at the age of nine years came with them to this county. He was reared a farmer, and, when ready to begin his inde- pendent career, took up a timber tract of two hundred acres of land and proceeded to clear a farm. In the customary log house he and his young wife, whose maiden name was Ruth Beardsley, began their labors, mostly of a pioneer nature, experiencing many difficul- ties, but with a resolute spirit overcoming them all. Here they lived and toiled, and here this worthy couple passed to their final rest. The home which they reared in the wilderness came successively into the posses- sion of their son Edward and their grandson Willard, whose name heads this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Frisbee were the parents of twelve children, of whom eleven grew to ma- turity; namely, Erastus, Huldah, Dalinda, Sally, Beardsley, Ruth, Gideon, Lydia, Dan- iel, Marilla, and Edward A.

Edward A. Frisbee was the youngest mem- ber of the parental household, and his entire life was spent on the farm where he was born.

Through the days of his boyhood and youth he attended school and assisted on the farm, acquiring a good common school education, and becoming well versed in the pursuit of agriculture. After the decease of his parents, he came into the possession of the old home- stead, and was for many years known as one of the best farmers in this region. He added many of the fine improvements of the place, building the present commodious residence. and good barn and out-buildings. He de- parted this life on February 5, 1893, at the age of sixty-four years, leaving behind the blessed memory of a life well spent. On April II, 1855, he married Rosella D. Gra- ham, the daughter of Henry R. Graham, of

Meredith. She passed to the better land April 6, 1888, at the age of fifty-two years. They were the parents of two children - Wil- lard H. and Esther H. The latter is the wife of John D. Paine, a clerk in Graham's hard- ware store at Delhi. Both parents were con- scientious members of the Baptist church, in which Mr. Edward A. Frisbee served with fidelity as Trustee for many years.

Willard H. Frisbee was reared upon the old homestead, receiving the rudiments of his education in the district school. Being a bright and ambitious boy, he was afterward sent to the Delaware Academy, thence to Col- gate Academy at Hamilton, where he pursued the classical course. Returning to the home of his youth, Mr. Frisbee engaged in farming, and in 1891 purchased from his father the old homestead, in whose management he is meet- ing with encouraging results. He is well known throughout this locality as an honest, upright man and a true and faithful citizen, and as the encourager and supporter of all enter- prises calculated to benefit the community.

Mr. Frisbee was united in wedlock January 3, 1883, to Miss Minnie E. Hoag, the descend- ant of an old and honored family of Delhi, being the daughter of Cyrus Hoag. Into their pleasant home five children have been born - Ralph H., Clarence E., Elmer G., Rosella B., and Wyatt C. Mr. Frisbee takes an active interest in the temperance cause, and casts his vote with the Prohibitionists. Religiously, he is a prominent member of the Baptist church, of which he is a Trustee.

I SAAC WINANS. For more than a half-century Mr. Winans has been a resident of the town of Sidney, and during the time has established a good reputation as a man of industry, intelligence, and thrift. He was for many years an impor- tant factor in the industrial interests of the town, carrying on a successful business in the manufacture of boots and shoes. He is a na- tive of New York, born in the town of Una- dilla, Otsego County, March 14, 1822, being a son of Silas and Elizabeth (Smith) Winans. His paternal grandfather, Isaac Winans, Sr., who was born in Horse Neck, Dutchess

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County, June 26, 1728, was a veteran of the Revolution; and after the close of that war he settled in Otsego County, being one of the pioneers of Unadilla. He was a farmer by occupation, but not a land-owner, and, al- though making a comfortable living, never accumulated much property. On July 21, 1774, he was united in marriage to Sarah Holly, a native of Dutchess County, the date of her birth being December 12, 1743. Of their union seven children were born, all of whom grew to maturity; but none are now living. Grandfather Winans was a man of profound convictions in regard to the great truths of religion, liberal in his views, and tolerant of the opinions of others, but rather inclined toward the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which church his good wife was a consistent member. Both spent the last years of their lives in the town of Unadilla, he passing away at the home of one of his daughters at a ripe old age.

Edward Smith, the maternal grandfather of Mr. Winans, was a native of England, where he spent the earlier years of his life. In 1803 he emigrated to America, and, proceed- ing directly to Otsego County, settled in the town of Butternuts, where he bought a tract of land and engaged in farming. He died there on February 24, 1813, at the age of fifty- seven years. On June 12, 1783, a score of years prior to his emigration, he was married to Catherine Chapman, who accompanied him to his new home, and who survived him a few years, dying in Butternuts, May 27, 1818, when fifty-seven years old. They reared a family of eight children, but none are now living. While in his native country, Mr. Smith, who had great mechanical ability, was engaged in the manufacture of buttons; and his grandson, Mr. Winans, has in his posses- sion a button made by him in 1770, which is of great value as a work of mechanical skill, being worth more than its weight in gold. It is as large as a silver dollar, and consists of seventy-two pieces of steel put together in an ingenious manner. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were people of great moral worth, and were highly respected. They were members of no relig- ious organization, but were firm believers in the Universalist faith.

Silas Winans, son of the elder Isaac, was born in Little Nine Partners, Dutchess County, May 13, 1785, and spent the days of his boyhood and early manhood near the scenes of his birth, being reared to the occu- pation of a farmer. Subsequently removing to Otsego County, he bought a small farm in the town of Unadilla, and was for some years there engaged in agriculture. In 1839 he came to Delaware County, and, buying one hundred and sixty-five acres of land near Sid- ney Centre, began the improvement of a homestead. He was a man of good intellect- ual capacity, fond of reading and study, but not a very practical manager; and it was through the excellent judgment and business ability of his wife that his farming operations were ably carried on. He married Elizabeth Smith, who was born in Leicestershire, Eng- land, August 29, 1794, a daughter of Edward and Catherine (Chapman) Smith, above lamed. She proved herself a helpmate in every sense implied by the term; and both she and her husband spent their remaining years in the town of Sidney, she dying in May, 1861, at the age of sixty-seven years, and he in November, 1873, at the venerable age of eighty-eight years. They were re- spected for their integrity and upright moral character; and, although not church members, he was a Universalist in his religious views, and she was a Methodist. To them were born ten children, seven sons and three daughters, of whom the following is a brief record : Catherine, born September 23, 1820, is the widow of Joel Lee, and resides in Sidney Centre. Isaac is the one whose' name heads the present sketch. Laura, born in August, 1824, married Chester Pomeroy, and died August 15, 1884. Silas C., born in May, 1825, is a resident of Franklin. Eliza, born in August, 1827, died young. Cyrus W. was born in August, 1829. Joseph, born in Octo- ber, 1831, was a physician in Linn County, Iowa, where his death occurred in March, 1892. Henry H., born in August, 1833, lives in Sidney Centre with his sister, Mrs. Lee. Samuel, born in August, 1836, was an able physician, and died in Sidney Centre in 1863. Jamcs, born on May 24, 1839, is a farmer residing in Sidney Centre.

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Isaac Winans, the eldest son of Silas, re- mained in the place of his nativity until seventeen years of age, and there received the rudiments of his education, which was com- pleted in Sidney Centre. He remained at home, assisting on the farm, until attaining his majority, when he started life for himself, beginning as a farm laborer, working during the summer months for nine dollars a month, and during the winter seasons working at the shoemaker's trade, which he learned after leaving home. In 1845 he established him- self in Sidney Centre as a manufacturer of boots and shoes, and was for thirty-six years prosperously engaged in that business. By steady application to his work and the exer- cise of sound judgment in his investments he has acquired a good property and a comfort- able home. Clinging to his early habits of industry and thrift, Mr. Winans still leads a life of activity, and realizes a handsome an- nual income from the sale of honey, keeping about fifty stands of black and Italian bees; and, in addition to this business, he also raises a good deal of poultry, his principal stock being brown leghorns.

On the 3d of August, 1845, Mr. Winans was united in marriage to Rhobey Hunter, a native of Sharon, Vt., and a daughter of Dr. Ira and Rhobey (Spalding) Hunter. Rhobey Hunter Winans was born on January 26, 1816, and for several years was a successful school-teacher. She had an older brother, Philip S. Hunter, a clothier by trade, and.two sisters: Thirza, who died when only two years old; and Louise, who died at sixty-six years of age. The "Review" is indebted to the practised pen of Mrs. Winans for further par- ticulars concerning her parents and interesting incidents in the lives of distant ancestral con- nections, which she has recorded as they were told her by her mother, and which show the heroic spirit that animated the pioneer men and women of the perilous times of old.

Ira Hunter was born in Grantham, N.H., January 10, 1785, worked at shoemaking for several years, and then, under the instruction of Dr. Elias Frost, began the study and prac- tice of physic. In 1812 he was married to Rhobey Spalding, daughter of Captain Philip and Thankful Waterman Spalding. In 1817

he bought a farm in Roxbury, Vt., where he settled with his family, as a farmer and phy- sician, remaining there until he came with them to Franklin, Delaware County, N. Y., in the year 1837. A few years later they re- moved to Sidney Centre, where Dr. Hunter died, November 9, 1856, aged seventy-one years. He was a man of much talent and a skilful physician. He was a Republican in political principle, and a true patriot. Rho- bey (Spalding) Hunter, his wife, spent the remainder of her years with her daughter, Mrs. Winans, in Sidney Centre, and entered her rest in hope of a glorious resurrection, at the ripe age of ninety-one years. She was a woman of a sound mind, a Baptist, and much respected by all who knew her.

Captain Philip Spalding, father of Rhobey Spalding Hunter, was born in Connecticut in November, 1755. He was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and served as Captain under the command of General Washington. He was a tall, well-built man, of command- ing appearance, a wise counsellor, a good Christian, and a Baptist. He retained his mental faculties almost to the last; and, when his life work here was finished in his ninety-third year, he passed away so peace- fully it might be said of him, "Asleep in Jesus, oh, how sweet!" His wife, who died at sixty, was a Christian believer, a Baptist in sentiment, not a church member. Her name was Thankful (Waterman) Spalding. She had a brother in the Revolutionary War, whose name was William Waterman; and, at one time, while in a battle where the enemy were victorious, he was the last man on the field who turned to flee. In his flight, the "balls whizzed by his ears thick and fast," he used to say; and, as he leaped over a wall, a ball entered his hip. He fell, and, with many others, was taken prisoner; and with them he was stowed away in an old ship on the briny waters, three miles from any land. Many had the prison fever; and, to use his own expression, "they were dying off like rotten sheep." He knew it was death to stay there, and how to escape was the question. They soon found a plug in an old gun-hole, which they worked at till they loosened it; and in the night they pulled it out, and three

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of them committed themselves to the merci- less waters, determined, if possible, to swim ashore. When they came to land, they found themselves in the midst of the enemy. Their only way of escape was to swim back to the ship, and take another course. They started for the ship, but he alone reached it. He then took another direction, and finally again reached the shore, so exhausted he could not stand up, but crawled to a place where he was found and taken to the hospital. He shortly went home to his friends, where he lived to a good old age, and died in the Baptist faith in Christ.

Another incident relates to the burning of Royalton, Vt., on October 16, 1780. Dr. Ira Hunter's father's name was William Hunter, and he had a sister who married a man by the name of Hendee. At the time of this Ind- ian raid Royalton had but few houses, and they far between. The intent of the Indians was to kill every white man they found, so the men fled for their lives. When the Indians had secured all the valuables they cared for, they set fire to the houses, captured nine boys from nine to twelve years old, and left. When Mrs. Hendee, who had been away, re- turned to her home and found what had been done, she took the Indian trail, and went on, overtaking them just as they had crossed the river, a branch of the White, and entered their camp. She plunged into the water, swimming where wading was impossible, reached the other side, and, braving the toma- hawk and the threatening aspect of the sav- ages, rushed into the camp, seized a boy, and bore him to the opposite shore. In like man- ner she took another and another, until eight were carried over. While taking the last one, her strength began to fail. An Indian, seeing this and admiring her heroism, said, "White woman brave; me help white woman," and, stepping foward, kindly aided her across the river. He then left her and her boys, one of them being her own son, to go on their way rejoicing; while the Ind- ins looked on with mingled emotions of astonishment and admiration.

Mr. and Mrs. Winans have no children of their own living, their only child, Herman Hunter Winans, who was born August 29,

1848, having passed to the world beyond on December 29, 1861. They subsequently adopted a daughter, Edith G., who was born July 5, 1857, and, marrying James Voorhees, now resides in Brooklyn, N. Y. Mrs. Voor- hees's parents were Dwight and Louisa (Hunter) Manwarring, the former of whom was born in the State of Connecticut, and the latter in Vermont, the date of her birth being October 3, 1825. Mr. Manwarring is a wagon-maker by trade, and carried on his business in Sidney Centre for several years, but is now a resident of Iowa. Mrs. Man- warring, a sister of Mrs. Winans, was an ar-

tist of much ability. She passed on to the higher life October 8, 1891, being then sixty-six years of age. She bore her husband three children, as follows: Ida, born Decem- ber 21, 1855, a talented singer and a leading star on the stage; Edith G., Mrs. Voorhees ; Urania Evelyn, born September 17, 1859, now residing in North Dakota. Both Mr. and Mrs. Manwarring were members of the Baptist church.

Mr. Winans is identified with the Repub- lican party in politics, and served for several years as Poor Master. Both he and his wife are held in high esteem throughout the com- munity, and are faithful members of the Bap- tist church, of which he is Treasurer, a position which he has filled acceptably for many years, besides filling the office of Trustee.

The following poem, "In Memory of Our Early Settlers," was written by Mrs. Edith G. Voorhees, of Brooklyn, N. Y., for the cen- tennial celebration at Sidney Centre, and was there read on June 29, 1892 :-

Far, far away the breakers moan and fret Where islands of strange growth and beauty rise. "No giant forces formed these lands, and yet. Beneath the azure arch of tropic skies,

A wealth of waving palm-trees they upbear. For Nature's hand has given most lavishly

Of all her treasures, those most rich and rare, As though in tribute to the memory

Of all the tiny lives built up in these Fair, lonely islands of the distant seas.

But who shall say what years or ages long

Passed by, while, upward through the calmer sea And toward the light, the innumerable throng Of coral builders grew ? At last the free,

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Wild surface-waves were parted ; then the white, Still moonlight's radiance touched them, or there shone

Upon each spray-crowned height the golden light Of tropic sun. The silent work went on, And life on life was builded ; then a space

Of ages, then the palm-trees waving grace.

And we, to-day, do hold in tender thought The lives on which our lives are safely built.

Now, looking backward o'er what years have wrought, We find this day has come to us all gilt And overlaid with golden memories. What though the hearts so filled with purpose true A century ago are still in this,

Our own bright, peaceful age? What though the dew

Of heaven has fallen for these many years

On mounds where once fell bitter, farewell tears ?

What though the toil-worn hands are folded there Beneath the grasses that grow lovingly

O'er graves? Set free from all of pain and care, The earthly part rests on, while, full and free, The sunbeams come, or, dark athwart the cold, White stones, the shadows fall. But God is love ; And deathless souls, thank God, no grave can hold, No cold white stone keep watch and guard above. And still with us the deeds, the words, endure, Of those who gave this age its character.

There may be those who, listening here to-day, Will find this scene grow dim, while, in its place, The faces known amidst their childhood's play

Will look on theirs with all the old-time grace, And voices that they loved in years gone by Will sound again like music from the past,

And mem'ries that all changing years defy

Around the heart the old-time charm will cast ; And who shall say what childish prayer may be By aged lips repeated tremblingly ?

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Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Delaware County, New York, Part 3

Author: Biographical Review Publishing Company, Boston, pub Publication date: 1895 Publisher: Boston : Biographical Review Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 744

Author: Biographical Review Publishing Company, Boston, pub
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Boston : Biographical Review Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 744