Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Delaware County, New York, Part 4

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

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But, some day, ours will be the faces seen

Through mists of years, while our own words and deeds

Will have been built upon ; and then, serene, The sky will bend o'er work that thus succeeds Our own. Upon this age's higher plane Some build whose years will reach out fair into The grander century to be. These gain

Its vantage ground, a greater breadth of view ; Yet all foundation still must be the same,- Truth, justice, purity, and worthy aim.

Behind these grand, old sheltering hills to-day,

We pay this tribute to the hearts that gave To us our heritage. Thank God, we say,

That life's true worth and best results no grave Can hide ! And on those lives of theirs we build Our own. So, upward, until Time shall cease, New heights shall rise, and all shall be fulfilled

When He whose wondrous birth-song was of Peace, Whose life was Love, the finished work shall bless, And so, in blessing, grant it perfectness.

HARLES L. LYON, who is actively engaged in agricultural pursuits in his native town of Masonville, has by energetic diligence, good judg- ment, and wise economy made a success in his chosen vocation, and is numbered among the faithful citizens of his neighborhood. He first drew the breath of life on April 27, 1845, and is a son of the late Richard and Mahala (Burdick) Lyon, the former of whom was born in Bainbridge, and the latter in Pennsylvania. His paternal grandfather, William Lyon, was a pioneer farmer of Bain- bridge, and there passed the declining years of a life long devoted to useful industry.

Richard Lyon, son of William, was reared and married in Bainbridge, removing from there to Delaware County in 1842, and set- tling in Masonville. He bought the farm where his son Charles now resides, and which was then but a dense stretch of woods. He and his brother, Caleb Lyon, and a brother- in-law, Randolph Burdick, came here at the same time, and bought in partnership a tract of two hundred acres of wild land. Game was still abundant in this vicinity, deer being fre- quently seen. Mr. Lyon erected a house and cleared a large portion of his land before his death, his toilsome labors meeting with a deserved reward. He died on the homestead which he had redeemed from the wilderness, in 1869, at the age of sixty-four years. His faithful wife and helpmeet lived until 1886, passing away in that year, at the age of seventy-one years. She was an intelligent, energetic woman, and a strong Universalist in her religious faith. Her husband was a de- voted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and politically he was a Republican. They reared a family of five sons and three daughters, as follows: Wilfred lives in Wis- consin. James is a resident of East Mason-

ville. Charles, of Masonville, is our subject. Ambrose lives in Norwich. Sally A. Ran- dall resides in Oneonta. Emily Ramsdell lives in Masonville. Julia died at the age of three years. Arad died at the age of twenty- two years, while serving in the late Civil War as a member of the Fifth New York Heavy Artillery.

Charles L. Lyon grew to manhood on the

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old home farm, acquiring his education in the public schools of the neighborhood, and as- sisting in the care of the farm until twenty- two years old, when he started out to win a living for himself. His first venture was made in the lumber regions of Wisconsin, where he remained two years, going thence to Nebraska. The following year he was em- ployed by the Burlington Railway Company, and subsequently took up a homestead claim in that State; but, not being able to get his money from the railway company, he was compelled to give up his land. From there he went to Hannibal, Mo., and for four years was engaged in burning lime. In 1876 Mr. Lyon returned to Masonville, and was for some time thereafter employed in working out by the month at anything he could find to do. In 1879 he bought the parental homestead, and from that time took care of his mother until her death. His farm contains seventy- six acres of fertile land, in a good state of cultivation; and here he carries on general farming and dairying, milking nine cows, and also pays some attention to the raising of sheep, keeping from eighteen to twenty head of Shropshire Downs.

Mr. Lyon was married December 13, 1887, to Mary Rhinehart, a native of Germany, where she was born September 12, 1854, being a daughter of John A. and Barbara Rhinehart, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Lyon came to America in 1872, making the long journey unaccompanied by friends. She is the mother of four children, namely: her eldest, Elsie; and three who have been born of her union with Mr. Lyon, their names being Bertha, Ralph, and Frank. She is a member of the Baptist church, and a faithful worker in that denomination; while Mr. Lyon is liberal in his religion. Politically, he is a sound Republican, sustaining the principles of that party at the polls.

APTAIN JOSHUA K. HOOD, of the firm of Hood & Douglas, proprie- tors of the largest general store in Delhi, is one of the leading busi- ness men of Delaware County. He was a dis- tinguished officer in the late war, in which he

rendered the government valuable service; and he has been no less conspicuous in civil life. He is a native of the Prairie State, born in Oakdale, Washington County, Sep- tember 1, 1843, being a son of John and Rachel Kennedy Hood.

John Hood was born in South Carolina, probably of Scotch ancestry, and was there reared to agricultural pursuits. Being a strong Abolitionist, and in active sympathy with the anti-slavery movement, life in the South was not as pleasant for him as it might have been; and he moved to Illinois, becom- ing a pioneer of Washington County. Buy- ing a tract of raw prairie land, he erected a log cabin, and began the improvement and cultivation of his farm. He was very suc- cessful in his efforts, and added to his origi- nal purchase until he had three hundred acres of well-tilled land, on which he erected a good set of farm buildings, and a fine brick resi- dence in place of the humble cabin of logs. On that homestead he spent the remainder of his years, passing away in 1861. He was twice married. After the death of his first wife, who bore him two children, he married Rachel Kennedy, a native of Greencastle, Pa., but afterward a resident of Illinois, to which State she removed when she was a young girl. She reared five children, of whom only two are now living; namely, Joshua Kennedy and Archie. The latter, who served three years in the late Rebellion, in the Tenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, is now a wholesale mer- chant in Columbus, Kan. The others were James, Mary, and John C. The mother was an exemplary Christian woman, and a member of the Reformed Presbyterian church, as was also her husband. She was called from life in the midst of her usefulness, dying on the Illinois homestead when but forty-two years old.

When only six years of age, Joshua, the subject of this sketch, had the misfortune to be left motherless. He remained with his father until about fifteen years old, and in the mean time attended the district school and the Sparta Union Academy. Coming east- ward to Pennsylvania, he entered the Fayette- ville Academy, where he pursued his studies until aroused by the tocsin of war which re-

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sounded through the land. He was then a member of the senior class in the academy ; but, prompted by patriotic zeal, he responded to the first call for volunteers, enlisting as a private in Company K, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infan- try. After serving for nine months, he re-en- listed for six months in Company K, Twenty- first Pennsylvania Cavalry, as a Sergeant of the company. At the expiration of his term of enlistment, he again enlisted in Company G of the same regiment. While serving with the nine months' men, he participated in the battles of Bull Run, Antietam, and Fred- ericksburg, receiving a severe wound in the last engagement by the explosion of a shell. During his second term of service he took an active part in many heavy engagements; and during his last he fought bravely for his coun- try in the battles of Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Appomattox, and also at the battle of the Wilderness, his regiment being connected with the Army of the Potomac. For bravery and heroic conduct he was promoted, going through the various ranks, and serving until the close of the war. He was discharged July 18, 1865, at Lynchburg, Va.

Upon his return to the duties of civil life, Captain Hood went to New York City, and was for a time employed by Foster Brothers on Broadway, remaining with them until his health broke down, when he came to Bovina, Delaware County, to recuperate. In 1866 he formed a partnership with T. Hastings, of that place, and opened a general store. Two years later he bought out the interest of Mr. Hastings, and continued the business alone for a year. Then, selling, he went to Andes, where he bought out the business of Connor & Glending, and, after managing it alone for a year, admitted Mr. Dunn as a partner. They subsequently purchased another store in Shavertown, and soon afterward took one of their clerks, J. W. Dixon, into the firm. At the end of the next two years the Captain became the sole proprietor of the store, which he conducted for a while, subsequently selling out to Mr. Dixon, his former partner; and, leaving Andes, he came to Delhi. In the fall of 1882 Captain Hood purchased the interest of one of the brothers Bell & Bell, in their

extensive establishment, and nine months later bought out the other, for a time carrying it on in his own name. In February, 1892, John A. Douglas became associated with him; and the firm has since carried on a thriving and lucrative business under the name of Hood & Douglas.

The union of Captain Hood and Mrs. Mary E. Norris, a native of New York City, but later a resident of Andes, was solemnized December 18, 1875. Into their happy home three children have been born; but their only son, John K., died at the tender age of four years. The daughters, Mary B. and Florence Irene, are both students at the Delhi Academy.

Politically, Captain Hood has always been a stanch Republican, and a man of influence in the party, having served as a member of the Republican County Committee for nine years, for the last three of which he has been its Chairman. He is ever interested in local matters, and while in Andes served as Presi- dent of the village. He has also belonged to the fire department, serving faithfully in the ranks, and being promoted to the position of Chief. He cast his first Presidential vote while in the army for Abraham Lincoln. Captain Hood is very prominent in Grand Army of the Republic circles, having been one of the founders of the organization. He belongs to England Post of Delhi, of which he was formerly Commander, and was one of the members of the department staff. As a member of the national staff, he served as one of the Council of Administration of the De- partment of the State of New York. In 1889 he was elected to the position of Senior Vice- Commander in this State, which is next to the highest office. He has been urged for the position of Department Commander, and has been several times delegate to State and na- tional encampments, being one of the best known men in the Grand Army of the Repub- lic. He was elected delegate to the national encampment at Indianapolis, receiving the highest number of votes of any delegate on the national ticket. He was elected County Clerk of Delaware County, December 6, 1894, on the Republican ticket, receiving three thousand one hundred and five majority over

JAMES S. KERR.

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his competitor, the largest majority any can- didate ever received in Delaware County. Religiously, Captain Hood and his wife are valued members of the Presbyterian church, with which he has been connected for twenty- seven years.

AMES S. KERR. Along Beatty Brook Valley, in the town of South Kortright, is a valuable tract of a thousand acres with a good residence owned by the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch, who is the largest dairy farmer of Delaware County. His cows, between two and three hundred, supply the Sheffield Farms Company with over two thou- sand quarts daily of milk ncarly always above the legally required standard grade, yielding nearly five per cent. of butter fat. This pros- perous and progressive farmer avoids labor complications by employing Polish hands, in sufficient numbers to keep each other con- tented, and free from the homesickness almost inevitable to strangers in a strange land. Hc finds them competent, quick to learn, trust- worthy, and systematic, though often lacking in prior agricultural experience. In addition to his extensive farm work he is a stock- raiser, and has a stone quarry, from which good flagstones are cut.

Like most men who are worth anything in the world's growth, Mr. Kerr is interested in procuring facts which throw any light upon his family history. He is a grandson of Rob- ert Kerr, who was a farmer in County Mon- oghan, Ireland, but came to this country in 1801 with his family, and bought the Kort- right farm, where he lived till his death, many years later. He was undoubtedly of Scotch descent.

Robert Kerr's son Henry, the father of the subject of this sketch, died February 20, 1864, seventy-five years of age, having been born in 1789. His birthplace was not in America, however, but in the old country. He was brought hither by his parents when a dozen years old, and they worked on the farm now carried on by William Briggs. Henry Kerr learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for a quarter-century ; but he also

bought forty acres of land, to which he added from time to time, rising in fortune by the ladder of hard work, till he owned the two hundred and eighteen acres now belonging to his son, James S. Kerr. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Society in South Kortright, and used to go regularly to meet- ing when stoves were considered needless luxurics, not conducive to "pure and unde- filed religion," and the meeting-house was constructed of rough slab boards. His wife, Mary Anne Keator, who was a descendant on the paternal side of the noted Sands family of England, died twelve years before her hus- band, in 1852, aged sixty-two, having been born only a ycar later than he, in 1790, in Marbletown, Ulster County, N.Y. This Christian couple had only four children, three of whom are now living. Mary Kerr, the eld- est, is the wife of Robert S. Orr, of Kort- right. Her sister Jane died in the midst of her career as a school-teacher. Matthew H. Kerr resides with his brother, James S., on the big farm, portion whereof was first put under cultivation by their industrious and re- spected father.

James S. Kerr was born in 1834; his birth- place was the town of Kortright, on the very estate now his exclusive property. Besides attending the district school, he went to the Delaware Literary Institute and to Delhi Academy, where he received a good education for his position and generation. Thereafter he lived at home, and cared for his father, his mother dying before he reached his nineteenth birthday. To equal his honored father in agriculture, and excel him if possible, was James's great ambition ; and this end he has fully achieved. As already implied, of the thousand acres under Mr. Kerr's control, over three hundred are his own exclusive property. In 1893 he shipped over thirteen thousand cans of milk to market. He gives employ- ment to a score of men or more in the busy season, and his buildings are all in fine condition.

Jamcs S. Kerr did not marry carly in life. In fact, it was not until September 14, 1869, when he was thirty-five years old, that he took to himself as wife Effic Scott, who was born across the water on February 12, 1838. Her

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birthplace was on the noted East Boonrow farm, which was in the family for over two hundred years. Her parents were George and Mary (Thompson) Scott; but she was soon bereft of her father, who died on the ocean when Effie was but a child. Only one son has resulted from this marriage, M. Henry Kerr, named for his grandfather, and born on May 14, 1872. He was a graduate of Delhi Academy in 1894. They lost one child, Katie J. Kerr, who died on April 4, 1894, in the very flower of her youth, at the age of twenty. Mrs. Kerr belongs to the Presbyte- rian church in Kortright. Mr. Kerr in poli- tics is a Democrat. As an upright and reliable man, intelligent and affable, he has been a Justice of Peace since 1866, besides being one of the Supervisors seven years.

An excellent likeness of Mr. Kerr appropri- ately graces this portrait gallery of Delaware County worthies.

ENRY LITTEBRANT, who is num- bered among the enterprising agri- culturists of Delaware County, owns well - cultivated and productive farm of eighty-four acres in the town of Masonville. The larger part of the improve- ments are the work of his own hands, and re- flect on him great credit, his buildings being of a handsome and substantial character and well adapted to the purposes for which they are used. He carries on general farming in a skilful manner, giving considerable attention to dairying, keeping fifteen head of cattle. Mr. Littebrant was born in Schoharie County, New York, October 28, 1834, being a son of Adam Edward and Christian (Getter) Litte- brant, both natives of the same county.

His grandfather Littebrant was one of the early settlers of Schoharie County, and died there at a good old age. Stephen G. Getter, his maternal grandfather, who was born in Germany, emigrated to America when a young man, and became one of the pioneers of Schoharie County, where he lived for some time, but subsequently removed to Delaware County, settling in the town of Masonville. He engaged in farming in his new home, con- tinuing to reside here until his death, which

occurred in 1858, at the age of eighty-three years.

Adam E. Littebrant lived in the county of his nativity until after his marriage, removing to Masonville in 1835. His first purchase of land here consisted of eighty acres, on which he resided a few years. Then, disposing of that, he bought the farm where his son Henry now lives. The original tract contained fifty acres of heavily timbered land, very little of it being cleared. He began its improvement, but was erelong overtaken by death, passing from the scenes of his earthly labors in 1844, when only thirty-eight years of age. He was a hard-working man, a true Christian, and an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His early loss was deeply deplored throughout the community. His estimable wife survived him many years, dying in 1885, at the age of eighty years. Of the eight chil- dren born to them the following is a record : Aurilla, the wife of Cornelius Cornell, re- sides in Unadilla, Otsego County. Mary, the wife of Horace Benedict, lives in Michi- gan. Joseph, a volunteer of the late war, died while in service, his death occurring in Tennessee, when he was about thirty years of age. Henry lives in Masonville. George died at the age of fifty-five years. Elizabeth, the wife of James Blincoe, is a resident of Masonville. Jane French died at the age of twenty-one years. Hannah, who married Herbert Frazier, resides in Michigan.

Henry Littebrant was an infant when his parents came to this county; and he grew to manhood in Masonville, receiving his educa- tion in its public schools. When nine years of age, he removed with the family to the homestead where he has since resided, after the death of his father assisting in its devel- opment and improvement, and finally, buying out the interest of the other heirs, becoming its owner. His mother remained with him, tenderly cared for in her last years, until called to meet the loved ones on the farther shore. Mr. Littebrant served during the War of the Rebellion, enlisting as a bugler, Sep- tember 2, 1863, in Company H, First New York Veteran Cavalry, under the command of Captain Allen Banks. He was subsequently taken sick, and was transferred to a brass

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band. He was honorably discharged and mustered out of service at Frederick City, Md., on June 6, 1865. Resuming his duties as a private citizen, Mr. Littebrant has since resided on his farm and devoted his entire attention, with marked success, to its manage- ment. He occupies a good position in the community as an honorable and upright citi- zen, and possesses the confidence and esteem of his fellow-townsmen. He has never mar- ried. He is liberal in his religious views, and socially is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to Masonville Post, No. 180.

MMETT O. COAN is extensively en- gaged in farming, dairying, and stock- growing in the town of Kortright, where he has a valuable farm of two hundred and fourteen acres under a high state of cult- ure, with substantial and convenient build- ings, and all the accessories of a model homestead. He is the worthy descendant of one of the early-established families of the town of Kortright, where his birth occurred August 10, 1850. His parents, Orrin and Elvira (Burdick) Coan, were also natives of the same place; and here his grandfather, Miller Coan, was one of the original settlers. He was a native of Dutchess County; and, coming here when the country was new, he bought a farm near Bloomville, and in the course of years by dint of energetic toil, long continued, cleared a good homestead, living upon it until his form was bent by the weight of more than fourscore years. In politics he was a sound Democrat, and in his religious beliefs quite liberal.

Orrin Coan spent his entire life, a long and active one of eighty-two years, in the place of his birth. Following in the footsteps of his father, he became interested in agricultural pursuits, and, buying a farm of one hundred acres in Kortright, abided thereon until his death, successfully engaged in its cultivation. His wife survived him, and still lives on the homestead, where they passed so many years of wedded happiness. Eight children were born into their household, of whom the fol- lowing five are now living: Paulina A. Dean;

Mary Scott, of Walton; Leroy J .; Emmett O .; and Fanny L. Paulina A., Leroy J., and Fanny L. reside on the home farm.

In the days of his youth Emmett O. Coan attended the district school of his neighbor- hood, and under the instruction of his father acquired a practical knowledge of the art of agriculture. On attaining his majority, he began life on his own account as a farmer. In his business affairs he has met with pros- perity, and is now classed among the most thriving and progressive farmers of Delaware County. In 1891 Mr. Coan bought the farm where he now lives; and, under his close application to work, and through his judicious management, it has become one of the most attractive estates in the vicinity. He devotes much attention to the rearing of fine stock, and his dairy contains twenty-nine head of choice cows.

Mr. Coan was united in marriage in 1891 to Addie M. Boyd, a native of Bovina Centre ; and one son, Charlie, has come to brighten their household. By his sterling traits of character and straightforward business ways Mr. Coan has fully established himself in the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens and associates. In politics he is an ardent Republican, and in religion he is liberal in his views. His worthy wife is a consistent member of the Presbyterian church.

P DWIN TAYLOR, son of William and Anna (Dewey) Taylor, was born on March 15, 1830, in Franklin, Dela- ware County, N. Y., where he still makes his summer home, although he is now a resident of Binghamton. His father, who came here from Massachusetts in the early part of the present century, was a cloth-dresser by trade, but chicfly followed farming. He bought the first settled farm in the town of Franklin, and resided thereon over seventy years, dying in 1880 at the great age of ninety-seven. He was a representative man of his day, was highly respected by his neighbors and a wide circle of friends, and held several town offices. His intelligence was of superior order, and his character above reproach. In religious matters he was connected with the Baptist

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church, which he helped to support to the extent of his means, his Christianity being of that practical kind that is manifested in daily life and in contact with one's fellow-men rather than in empty professions. His wife, formerly Miss Anna Dewey, was born in Springfield, Mass., and came to Delaware County, New York, with her parents while young.

Edwin, the subject of this brief narration, was brought up on his father's farm, and laid the foundation of his education in the public schools, afterward attending the Delaware Literary Institute at Franklin. Having fin- ished his course as a student in the classes, he continued his career in the public schools by beginning at eighteen years of age the work of teaching, in which he was engaged during six winter terms. Meanwhile, in the warmer seasons he took up farming, which remained his principal occupation for several years. He also devoted considerable time to handling butter and farm produce, which he shipped to Eastern markets. His ability as a man of affairs was recognized by his fellow- townsmen; and he was chosen to serve as Dep- uty Sheriff and Road Commissioner, and was also Collector for his town for two years.

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Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Delaware County, New York, Part 4

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