Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Livingston and Wyoming counties, N.Y, Part 21

Author:
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Boston : Biographical Review
Number of Pages: 1256

USA > New York > Wyoming County > Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Livingston and Wyoming counties, N.Y > Part 21
USA > New York > Livingston County > Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Livingston and Wyoming counties, N.Y > Part 21

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Daniel Olp came with his family to this county in 1831, performing the tedious jour- ney with teams, and settled on land which his father had previously purchased in the town of Mount Morris. The log cabin into which

he moved was a primitive structure, made of hewed lumber, and covered with "shakes " riven from the forest trees. Through the chinks in the roof, the twinkling stars could be seen on pleasant evenings; but, in the dreary winter weather that followed, the cold snow often sifted through the same apertures, covering the bed with a fleecy mantle. By dint of energy, perseverance, and economy, he changed his land from its original state of pristine wildness to a condition of excellent culture, and made that his abiding-place until his departure from earthly scenes, May 4, 1864, aged seventy years. During his resi- dence here he had watched the transformation of the country from a dense wilderness to a wealthy and well-developed town, filled with an enterprising and intelligent people. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Bow- man, was born in New Jersey, being a daugh- ter of Neighbor Bowman. While her husband was clearing and improving his land, she at- tended faithfully to the duties of the house- hold, which included carding, spinning, weaving, and the making of the homespun garments in which the family were clothed. The boots and shoes were made by the travel- ling cobbler in his annual visit. This good woman outlived her husband, and died in the village of Mount Morris, May 26, 18So, aged eighty years. She reared three daughters and one son, the following being their record : Sophia, now deceased, married William Bay- lor; Jane, the wife of Benjamin Creveling, re- sides in Michigan; Elizabeth married Thomas Alvord, of Mount Morris.

John, the only son, was in his eighth year when he came with his parents to this local- ity; and the incidents connected with the re- moval, as well as the stirring scenes of the early pioneer life, are vividly impressed on his mind. He remembers when his father used to team wheat to Rochester and when his mother spent her leisure time in spinning and weaving. He carly began to take lessons in practical agriculture, and, when he arrived at maturity, began life on his own account by working his father's land on shares. He soon after bought eighty-three acres of land in the southern part of Mount Morris, but having

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carried it on for four years sold it, and bought one hundred and seventeen acres in the town of Nunda. In 1857 Mr. Olp disposed of that property, and removed to Kent County, Mich- igan, where he bought land in the town of Paris, and also a small tract in Ensley town- ship, Newaygo County. After a residence of one year in Paris, Mr. Olp sold his farm, and returned to Livingston County. Buying a farm near the old homestead of his parents, he set out an orchard, erected a good set of buildings, and otherwise improved the prop- erty, living there until 1866, when he sold at an advance, and purchased the Murray Hill estate, where he has since resided. This is a well-improved farm, adjoining the village of Mount Morris, and under his judicious man- agement ranks as one of the most valuable and attractive in this locality. Mr. Olp is also the possessor of fifty acres of valley land, which yields him a good income.

Mr. Olp has been twice married. His first wife, to whom he was united November 26, 1845, was Eliza Rockafellow, a native of New Jersey, and the daughter of Henry Rockafel- low. She departed this life August 28, 1859, leaving two sons and two daughters; namely, Deborah S., Lambert L., Charles P., and Eva Jane. Deborah S. married William L. Jos- lyn; and both are now deceased, her death having occurred May 6, 1873, at the age of twenty-seven years. Lambert L. died June 12, 1890, aged forty-two years, leaving a widow, Sarah A. Beggs Olp, and one son, James Lambert. He had been previously married, his first wife being Mary A. Mc- Neilly. Eva Jane was the wife of Isaac Mc- Neilly, both now deceased. She died July 10, 1888, aged thirty-six years, leaving no children. Charles Pearl married Theresa Upham; and they have three children - Ed- ward C., Frederick G., and Bessie. In 1865 Mr. Olp married Elizabeth McKelvey, who was born in Ireland, of Scotch ancestors, being a daughter of John McKelvey. She passed to the higher life June 7, 1894, leav- ing one child - Albert C. Olp. Another son, Frank J., a promising youth of seventeen years, had preceded her, having been drowned July 11, 1889. Mrs. Olp was a true Chris-

tian, a sincere member of the Presbyterian church. In politics Mr. Olp is a decided Democrat. Ile is a man of sound, practical judgment, and his opinions are respected by the community of which he has been a valued resident for upward of a quarter of a century.

HERBERT FOSTER, the owner of the largest dairy farm in the vicinity of Warsaw, his native town, was born May 7, 1846, on the farm upon which he is now living. His paternal grandfather, Luther, was born in South Hampton, Long Island, on the 10th of Sep- tember, 1770, and married Miss Ruth Hedges, who was born in East Hampton, Long Island, March 29, 1767.

Luther Foster, Sr., was a tanner and cur- rier in youth. He came to Wyoming County in June, 1823, and located upon the farm which is now owned by his grandson, C. Her- bert. The journey was made by teams, as all journeys were made in that generation before the era of the "iron horse"; and Mr. Foster wisely selected a place which had already been partially cleared, and upon which a log house and some other buildings had been built. This tract included one hundred and sixty acres, which by further investment was increased to an area of two hundred and ten acres. He was as successful as he was indus- trious and a worthy example to the descend- ants who came after him. He was a faithful Democrat and a conscientious member of the Presbyterian church at Warsaw. He died at his home on the 16th of November, 1846. His wife survived him fourteen years, dying on the 7th of March, 1860. Of the thirteen children born to them, and one of whom was named for his father, ten grew up, and two are still living - Solon Foster, a resident of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Mrs. Ruth Cleve- land, of Warsaw.

Luther Foster, Jr., was born in Danby, Tompkins County, February 1, 1808. He was a lad of fifteen when his father came to Warsaw; and, having attended the schools of his native county, he began at once to learn by practical experience the labors of farm life,

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and was esteemed one of the most progressive farmers in Warsaw. Buying out the interests of the other heirs, he became the sole owner of the homestead, which by his judicious man- agement became one of the finest estates in the locality, where he was content to spend the entire period of his useful life. He held among other offices that of Road Commis- sioner, was appointed Loan Commissioner under Governor Seymour, and was Captain of the State militia. His allegiance to the Democracy never wavered through all vicissi- tudes of that party; and both he and his wife were in religious faith and communion Pres- byterians, of which church he was a Ruling Elder for many years. He died in the month of February, 1874. Mrs. Calista Foster sur- vived him until February 7, 1895.

Mr. Foster was twice married. His first wife, Miss Lemira Lyon, who was born Feb- ruary 6, 1811, and died March 22, 1835, was the mother of two children - Casson A., who died at the age of forty-seven, and Mrs. Roxie A. Van Slyke, a resident of Kalamazoo, Mich. His second wife, Calista Smith, a native of Marcellus, Onondaga County, born on December 16, 1816, became the mother of nine children : Lemira, who died at seventeen years of age; Samuel Foster, now in Pigeon, Mich. ; Josiah Hedges, who died aged twenty- five; Sidney, in Pigeon, Mich .; C. Herbert, of this memoir; Eliza Jane, living at home; Mary Dayton, at home also; Mrs. Fanny P. Everingham, a resident of Warsaw; Hettie S., at home.

C. Herbert Foster, fifth child of Luther and Calista (Smith ) Foster, was sent in his boyhood to the Warsaw Union School and Academy, where he was a diligent and intel- ligent student, and prepared himself thor- oughly for the duties of a teacher, which vocation he followed for nearly twenty years, endearing himself to patrons and pupils in the locality where for so long a period he was a factor in the instruction and training of youth. He was for six years School Commis- sioner, a position for which he was especially fitted . by his practical knowledge of educa- tional matters. The later years of his life have been devoted to dairy farming, and he

has been successful in this enterprise. He owns twenty-five head of cows, which furnish milk and butter of wide reputation; and he has also a large flock of sheep. His farm covers two hundred and ninety acres of land, and is one of the largest and most fertile in this part of the town. Its principal crop is hay, which is usually abundant and of fine quality. In 1874 Mr. C. Herbert Foster was married to Miss Ella Case, a daughter of Joseph F. and Emily A. (Tuttle) Case, the father and mother being natives of Wyoming County. Mr. Case, who was a farmer by oc- cupation and a Democrat in political connec- tions, died at fifty-five years of age, in 1874. His widow, who still survives him, lives in Johnsonsburg. Of their four children - Ella (now Mrs. Foster), Mrs. Jennie C. Sharp, of Johnsonsburg, William E. Case, of Warsaw, and Dora -- the first three are living. Dora, the youngest, died at seventeen years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Foster have no children. They are both in the communion of the Presbyte- rian church, of which he is the Ruling Elder in Warsaw.

OSEPH YOCHUM, a dealer in flour, feed, and general produce, is inti- mately associated with the mercantile interests of Dansville, N. Y., being ranked among the foremost business men of the place. A native of Livingston County, he was born in the town where he now lives, May 26, 1850, and is of German origin, his father, Joseph Yochum, Sr., having been born and reared in Bavaria, Germany. His pater- nal grandfather, Conrad Yochum, lived and died in Bavaria, where he followed the voca- tion of miller for a great many years.

The fathe. learned the baker's trade when a young man; and, having worked at it in his native country for a while, in 1847 he sailed for America. From New York City he came to Livingston County, and after his location in Dansville learned the cooper's trade. He shortly established a large business in that line, manufacturing firkins, butter tubs, and pork barrels, for which he found a ready sale in this and the surrounding towns. Mr.

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Yochum was enterprising as well as industri- ous, and in the years that followed made a good living for his family, rearing his chil- dren to habits of thrift, and giving them good educational advantages. He lived to the age of fifty years, and his widow is still an es- teemed resident of Dansville. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Miller. She was born in Prussia, being a daughter of Joseph Miller, who was a weaver in his native country, and was also a soldier for several years in the Prussian army, serving at one time in the Napoleonic wars. He emigrated to the United States with his family, and settling in Steuben County, New York, became a pioneer settler of Perkinsville, where he cleared and improved quite a tract of land, remaining there until his death, in 1889, at the vener- able age of ninety-four years. Eight children were born into the household of Joseph Yochum, Sr., and his wife Elizabeth, namely : Joseph, Jr .; Jacob, deceased; Conrad, de- ceased; John M., who is in business in Dans- ville; George, deceased; Kate, deceased ; Elizabeth, deceased; and Barbara, deceased.

Joseph Yochum, son of the elder Joseph, was reared in Dansville, and educated in the German parochial school. After completing his studies, he learned the cooper's trade of his father, with whom he was associated in business for a while. He subsequently worked as a carriage-maker with Hass, Stout & Brown, of Dansville, remaining with them six years, and then following the business on his own account for a year. Mr. Yochum finally abandoned both of his trades in favor of a mercantile career, which he initiated by open- ing a small store for general merchandise. To the sale of goods he afterward added the business of "liming" and shipping eggs; and, finding this a profitable enterprise, he subsequently increased it by carrying on a general commission business in all kinds of farm produce, and handling large quantities of garden and grass seeds. His business has been steadily growing; and his large store is now stocked with a complete line of choice groceries, which, with his other commodities, he sells at a small profit to numerous cus- tomers. This extensive trade Mr. Yochum

has built up without assistance, exercising sound judgment and excellent business tact in all of his transactions, and winning the re- spect and friendship of the community by his courtesy and fair dealings. He is the owner of a substantial residence property in the village.

Mr. Yochum was united in wedlock in 1878 to Hannah Klein, a daughter of Louis Klein. Her father was a native of Germany, where he received a good education, and was for some years engaged as a travelling salesman. He came to this country with his wife, and set- tling in Dansville here conducted a restaurant business, remaining a resident of the town until his death in 1881, aged sixty-five years. He and his wife reared three children, Mrs. Yochum being the eldest. One child died young ; and one daughter, Charlotta, married George F. Cordes, of New York City. Mrs. Klein, the mother, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Cordes, in New York City on February 16, 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Yochum have two children - Lizzie Emelia and Louis George, both of whom are attending the union school. Mr. Yochum supports the Democratic ticket, and is a valued member of that party, capable of filling the various local offices, and is now serving his third year as Collector. He has also been village Trustee several terms, has been an inspector of elec- tions, and in 1892 was elected Justice of the Peace for a term of four years. He is con- tributing his full share toward the enter- prises having for their object the general welfare of the community.

EORGE W. ATWELL, a prominent musician and farmer in Lima, Liv- ingston County, N. Y., was born in this town, January 28, 1822, during the famous Monroe Presidential administration. His grandfather, Oliver Atwell, was born in Massachusetts on the first day of March, 1755, while the French and Indian War was disturb- ing the New England colonies, and a full cen- tury, it might be added, after the illustrious Cromwell, whom his name recalls, assumed the title of Lord Protector of England.

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Whether descended from one of the Iron- sides who fought at Marston Moor or not, and history is silent on this point, Oliver Atwell evidently grew to manhood in the old Bay State, and, there in due time taking to himself a wife, made his home in the Connecticut val- ley. His son, George W. Atwell, Sr., was born in Hadley, Mass., on November 26, 1789, the year in which George Washington was inaugurated as President. The son, too, like his father, was reared to maturity on New England soil, but, unlike him, on settling in life sought a new home in the West, com- ing, not very long after the close of the War of 1812, to Livingston County, taking up his abode in Lima.

The senior George W. Atwell here became one of the principal merchants, and continued in business several years. In 1827, however, he gave up mercantile pursuits, bought a farm of two hundred and sixty-seven acres, and built thereon a fine house, in which he spent the rest of his peaceful days.

On July 22, 1818, he married Martha How- ard, who was born December 15, 1788, and who became the mother of two children -- Silas C. (deceased) and George W., Jr. Their father died. May 13, 1852, at the age of sixty-three. The mother died November 28, 1863. George W. Atwell, the subject of this present biographical sketch, son of the first-named George, was educated at Lima Seminary and Canandaigua Academy. He had unusual talent for music, which he assid- uously cultivated; and for many years he was a conspicuous member of the Atwell Lima Brass Band, one of the finest musical organi- zations in Western New York. His fame as a bugle player was recognized throughout the State. He still occupies the dwelling built at Lima by his father. On December 30, 1847, Mr. Atwell married Mary Ann Gillin, daugh- ter of James Gillin, of New Jersey. She bore him two sons, George W. and Silas J. At- well, and died in 1876. George W. Atwell, the third of this name, is a lawyer of Lima village. He married Jane Martin, daughter of Amasa Martin; but they have no heirs. The other son, Silas J. Atwell, is still unmar- ried, and lives at home. Mr. Atwell married

for his second wife on January 17, 1878, Mary H. Doolittle. He is a respected member of the Baptist church in Lima. His wife, how- ever, is a Presbyterian. Mr. Atwell has served the town of Lima as Assessor twelve years, and in politics has been a Republican since the formation of the party; but his first Presidential vote was cast for Henry Clay, the Whig candidate in 1844.

The reader's attention will be attracted by the accompanying portrait of Mr. Atwell, which his friends would have no difficulty in identifying, even without his name.

Of the art of which he is so fond it has been well said: "Music touches every key of memory and stirs all the hidden springs of sorrow and of joy. We love it for what it makes us forget and for what it makes us re- member."

ILLIAM W. MOODY, a prosperous dealer in lumber and coal in the village of Warsaw, N. Y., was born in Le Roy, Genesee County, in 1850. His father, William Moody, was born in Ireland about the year 1812, and came to America with a wife and two children in 1849. He was a carpenter by trade; and, coming to a strange country without capital or friends, he must have found life something of a struggle. They spent the remainder of their lives in Le Roy, whither they had come soon after land- ing in New York, and reared a family of six children - Henry; Richard; William W., of whom this sketch is written; George; Mary; and Martha. All of this family are still liv- ing with the exception of Richard, who was a soldier in the One Hundredth New York Reg- iment during the Civil War, and was capt- ured, and died in prison. Mrs. Moody died in 1889 in Le Roy, aged seventy years. Both she and her husband were in the communion of the Episcopal church.

William W. Moody was a student in the district school during his boyhood, and at seventeen years of age secured a position as salesman and book-keeper in the store of N. M. Rogers, with whom he remained until 1870, when he was sent here to conduct the

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branch business of his employer, which had been established in Warsaw. In 1872 Mr. Moody and William Sheldon succeeded to the business, which they jointly conducted until 1876, when Mr. Moody assumed the entire con- trol. He enlarged it by the addition of a trade in coal, and afterward, when the salt business became remunerative, added a lumber traffic.

The last two branches of business monopo- lize most of his time at present, and he is usually engaged at his coal sheds at the rail- road or in the office in the village.

On the 14th of June, 1877, he was married to Elizabeth M. Garretsee, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth ( Arr) Garretsee, and a native of Warsaw. They have two children - Jennie, a little maiden of thirteen years, and William Garretsee, both notably bright children. One infant daughter, Bessie, whose death has given them a stronger claim upon heaven than was ever felt before, lies buried in the village churchyard.

Mr. and Mrs. Moody are united by the bands of a common religious faith, both being members of the Congregational church. Mr. Moody, who has served as Town Clerk and village Clerk, and is now village Trustee, has certainly been successful in his business affairs. Few men are competent to establish themselves financially without the aid of a small capital as a basis of action; but this is what his energy and perseverance have accom- plished, and commendation is his just due.

ILLIAM CANNING, farmer and mason, one of the loyal and enter- prising residents of the town of Gainesville, Wyoming County, N. Y., was born on the historic soil of Scotland, October 31, 1832. Ile was the son of William Can- ning, Sr., also a Scotchman, and grandson of James Canning, whose life was also passed among Scottish lakes and hills, and who, being an industrious machinist, was able to maintain his large family of children till they came to maturity. His son William, the third child in the order of age, was brought up to the trade of millwright, and was a well-

known master mechanic, an excellent work- man. He died at the advanced age of eighty-four. His wife, Agnes, mother of William of this narrative, was born and brought up in Scotland. She was a daughter of William Halliday; and she became the mother of nine children, four of whom are still living -- John; Elizabeth, married to Mr. McNeil, a ship's carpenter; William; and James. Both parents were devoted Pres- byterians. Mrs. Canning died in Scotland at the age of seventy.

William Canning, the chief character of this sketch, was twenty-four years old when he left his family and the acquaintances of his early years, and with his young wife set sail for America. The journey by water being safely passed, he went out to the western part of New York State, and there he settled in the little town of Great Valley, in Cattaraugus County ; and for a time, till he could make acquaintance with the new environment, he gave his attention to farm work. Later on he went to Olean, a town in the same county, and began work at the trade of mason, which he had learned in Scotland; and there he re- mained until the time of the Civil War, when he enlisted as private in Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth New York Volun- teers. He served three years, and during his period of service he was promoted to be Sec- ond Sergeant. He was under the leadership at different times of nearly all the prominent generals - Mcclellan, Burnside, Hooker, Meade, and, after the battle of Gettysburg, General Sherman. He passed through all the important battles and skirmishes; and at Pine Knob, Mo., he took the part of First Lieuten- ant, and led two companies into the field. Although exposed to great dangers, he was never seriously injured. He received his dis- charge at the close of the war, being recog- nized officially as Second Sergeant, but now holds the commission of Second Lieutenant. The country having been restored to peace, Mr. Canning sought his old home at Olean, where he remained for a time, and then lived four years in Allegany County. He moved next on to a farm known as the Smith farm, located in Gainesville on the line between

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this town and Pike. In 1886, as a change seemed desirable, he moved into the village, where he had built a small house. To this dwelling he has made various additions from time to time, till now he has a fine large house in a pleasant locality, convenient for the prosecution of the mason's work which he has again resumed.

On the 24th of July, 1855, William Can- ning was united in marriage to Miss Jane Blackstock. Her father was James Blackstock, of Scotland, who was at one time a store- keeper, and later turned his attention to farm- ing. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church, and spent their lives in their native country, her father living to the age of seventy-two years and her mother to be seventy-six years of age. Mr. Canning's wife was their youngest child. Two others of their five children remain, and are residing in Scotland at the present time; namely, Will- iam Blackstock and Mary, wife of John Beatty. Mr. and Mrs. Canning have had five children to give them joy in their household. A brief mention of them is as follows: Mary E. is married to Venner W. Dowell, a farmer in the town of Hume, whose two children are named Edith and Miles W .; William E., a farmer, is established in Colorado, and is married to Nora Lucas, daughter of a well- known farmer of Silver Springs, and they are the parents s of three children - Lucas, Claude, and Gladys; Maggie has been an invalid for fourteen years; Agnes B. is the wife of Charles Higgings, a farmer of Denver, Col. (they have lost their only child, Neta); and Edith G. Canning has filled the important post of teacher for several terms.

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Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Livingston and Wyoming counties, N.Y, Part 21

Author: Publication date: 1895 Publisher: Boston : Biographical Review Number of Pages: 1256

Author:
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Boston : Biographical Review
Number of Pages: 1256