Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Livingston and Wyoming counties, N.Y, Part 44

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 44
USA > New York > Livingston County > Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Livingston and Wyoming counties, N.Y > Part 44

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Mr. and Mrs. Whitney became the parents of ten children, six of whom are living. They were as follows: Annduane married John K. Barrager, who was killed in the battle of Cold Harbor during the Rebellion; Emma Jane is the wife of O. J. Deane, of Rockford, Ia .; Angelica J. was named for the county seat ; the next daughter was Sarah Elizabeth ; then came Seva; Samuel and Ezra were twins; Royal is our subject; the next boy, born in 1852, was named after General Winfield Scott, whose fame was uppermost in the American mind; the youngest was born in 1857, and named Charles Sumner, after that distin- guished son of Massachusetts, who was then suffering on account of his adherence to the principles of freedom. Their mother is still

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with her children, a brisk old lady of eighty- five, having been born in 1810; and her home is chiefly with her son Charles, who occupies a farm adjoining the home place, though all her children are glad to have her in their households. The Whitney family attend the Methodist church.

Royal Whitney, Jr., resided on the parental farm until 1877, in which year he went West, as his father before him had done, and took a subcontract on the Seattle Division of the Northern Pacific Railroad. This task com- pleted, he returned East, summoned by his father's failing health, and ultimately came into possession of the parental estate. He has had enough to do in carrying on his land, but also has a saw-mill, and is actively en- gaged in the lumber traffic. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a true patriot, and served in Company G of the Two Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment for fifteen months, part of his time being passed in the hospital on account of sickness, he at the time being only a boy of sixteen.

It has been said by a great preacher, "In- dustry has annexed thereto the fairest fruits and the richest rewards." In pondering the lessons of such lives as are here commemo- rated, one cannot help being impressed with the workful habit which has led at least three generations into similar lines of successful life.

B ECKLEY HOWES, whose ancestors were among the very earliest settlers in Wyoming, is a retired farmer re- siding at Bliss, in the town of Eagle, and is descended from the sturdy New Eng- land race, which has been mainly instrumen- tal in developing the unlimited agricultural resources of Western New York.

Mr. Howes was born in the town in which he resides, August 14, 1827, and is a son of Norman Howes, a native of Richfield, Otsego County, whose father, Alvin Howes, was born in the town of Dennis, Barnstable County, Mass., where he was reared to agricultural life. Coming to the Empire State among the early pioneers, he settled at Richfield, Otsego

County, upon a tract of wild land, from which he cleared a valuable farm, and upon it resided for many years, moving thence to Covington, Wyoming County, where he again accepted cheerfully the not altogether agreeable lot of a pioneer.

Many of these old settlers, civilizers though they were, seemed to prefer Nature in all her grandeur, and were happier when reclaiming savage life than while reaping the results of their labor, and of such was Mr. Howe's grandfather; for, not content with bringing two farms to a state of cultivation, he again penetrated the wilderness, purchasing fifty acres of untouched land in the town of Eagle, upon which he erected his primitive log shel- ter, and proceeded to repeat that which he had already twice accomplished. Wolves and bears were plentiful, both being exceedingly troublesome; but deer, with which the forests abounded, were very welcome. He toiled on unceasingly, and ere long had the satisfaction of seeing the giant forests again bow before his mighty and unshakable will, the result of his hardy efforts being a third farm, well cultivated. Here he lived for the remainder of his life, having labored long and well for the advancement of civilization.

He reared a family of seven children, two sons and five daughters. At an early age Norman Howes entered into the spirit of his father's calling. He completed what little education it was possible for him to procure, in the mean time assisting his father in the farm duties, and then acquired and cleared a farm of his own, which he gradually added to as circumstances permitted, and upon it re- sided for many years, later removing to Bliss, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying at the advanced age of eighty-three years and ten months. His wife, whose maiden name was Cornelia Hurlburt, was born in Connecticut, and was a daughter of Barzilla Hurlburt. She became the mother of five children, three of whom attained their major- ity, as follows: Beckley, Norman R., and Wealthy. The latter is the wife of Leverett S. Baker, who is now living retired in this town, and a short record of whom appears elsewhere in this work. The mother spent

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her declining years in Bliss, and passed from earth at the age of seventy-three years.

Beckley Howes, like his father, inherited from his ancestors a love and inclination for Nature's sovereign labor, the cultivation of the soil; and this admirable characteristic was carefully trained by his father, who im- parted to his son a thorough and complete knowledge of agriculture in all its many branches. He received the best possible edu- cation to be obtained in the common schools, and on becoming of age assumed full manage- ment of the old home farm, which he still owns, at a later period removing to Bliss, where he has since resided.

On the Ist of January, 1859, Mr. Howes was united in marriage with Miss Charity Hiller, a daughter of Jacob I. Hiller. Mr. Hiller was a native of the town of Eagle, and was a master carpenter. His wife was Mary Pool; and to them were born eight children, six of whom are still living -- Marie, Jane Ann, Harriett, John N., Charity, and Mary. The father died in Castile, at the age of eighty; and the mother passed away at the age of fifty-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Howes have one son, John, who married Miss Carrie Hurlburt. He is manager of the foundry.

Mr. Howes has been a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity for nearly forty years, and is connected with Wyoming Chapter, No. 181, Knights Templars. He has filled various offices in the lodge. He is a Republican in politics, and has served as Supervisor and Collector two terms and as Loan Commis- sioner six years. In his religious views he is liberal, but always ready to champion the right.

FC OWDIN COVEY, a shrewd and care- ful business man, and one of Dal- ton's most respected citizens, engaged in agricultural pursuits upon arriving at the estate of manhood, and with marked energy, enterprise, and judicious management prosecuted his chosen calling, meeting with unbounded success, and adding greatly each changing season to his material wealth. Ile is a native of the Empire State,

having been born in Monroe County, October 2, 1830.

Mr. Covey's father, Eldaah Covey, was born in Columbia County, in the town of Coxsackie, and while a resident of that place learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, which he followed as a means of carning a livelihood. He was located for a time in Monroe County, but removed to Livingston County in 1840, settling in Mount Morris, where he followed his trade for upward of twoscore years. In 1884 he removed to Iowa, making his home with one of his sons, and there departed this life at the venerable age of fourscore and four years. He was united in marriage with Rachel Howdin, a daughter of John Howdin, of Seneca County, and to them six children were born, namely : Phobe, who now lives in Wisconsin; Naomi, a resident of Allegany County; Enos, who is deceased; Tamer, also deceased; Ann, who resides in Milwaukee, Wis. ; and Howdin, of whom we write. The mother died in the town of Nunda.

The early years of the subject of this per- sonal narration were spent in the place of his birth, and his education was principally ac- quired in the schools of Parma. As soon as old enough to become self-supporting, Mr. Covey secured work as a farm laborer, and worked one year for Captain Bagley, of Nunda. Naturally industrious and cultivat- ing the spirit of economy and thrift, he saved part of his hard-earned wages, and with this money purchased a farm in Allegany County, where he engaged in mixed husbandry until 1859. Having an opportunity to sell at an advantage, Mr. Covey then disposed of his property there, and returning to Mount Morris engaged in general farming and stock-raising until 1891, when he bought the house and lot where he now lives at Dalton. He may be properly ranked among the self-made men of the county, having begun his career at the foot of the ladder of life, but by energetic labor and prudent management has worked his way toward the summit of success. In what- ever community he has resided Mr. Covey has made his influence felt, and has taken an active interest in local affairs, having served

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as Excise Commissioner nine years, and in 1891 was appointed Highway Commissioner. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, belonging to Kisaqua Lodge at Nunda. In politics he is a sound Democrat, and cast his first Presidential vote in 1856 for James Buchanan.

With the natural desire to establish a home and surround himself with domestic ties, Mr. Covey wedded Miss Laura Jones, a daughter of Samuel and Loretta Jones; and she has been to him a most devoted companion and counsellor. Sorrow, however, has not passed them by untouched, but has laid its chasten- ing hand heavily upon them in the death of their three beautiful children, leaving their home desolate and childless; but their hearts are cheered and uplifted by the abiding faith that assures them a joyful reunion in the eternal world beyond.

EREMIAH C. RIPPEY, of the town of York, was born in Ontario County, New York, on the 14th of November, 1827. His grandfather, John Rippey, was a native of Pennsylvania, in which State he always lived. George Rippey, the father of Jeremiah C., was a tanner and currier in Pennsylvania, and did not migrate from that section until his maturity, receiving his edu- cation in the common schools of his native State. Upon his arrival in Ontario County he purchased a tract of one hundred acres, which had never been turned by spade or har- row. Here he built a frame house, and be- fore his death had cleared not only this tract, but also two other neighboring ones, which he had purchased. His wife, also a Pennsyl- vanian, was Miss Margery Chamberline. Eight children were born to this couple, as follows: John; Hamilton; Mary A .; Sarah; George O .; Jeremiah C .; Elizabeth (first), who died in infancy; and Elizabeth. The father died when eighty-two years old, his wife departing this life at the age of eighty- three.

Jeremiah C. Rippey, whose name is the caption of this sketch, was educated in the district schools of Ontario County, and

worked on the homestead farm until he was thirty-six years old, having during that time gradually bought out the heirs. Finding him- self the sole owner of the estate, he traded the place for a farm in Michigan, to which he moved, and where he remained for six years. In 1870 the Michigan farm was exchanged for the one in the town of York upon which he now resides.

In January, 1865, Mr. Rippey married Miss Laura Eaton, a daughter of Jesse Eaton, of Dundee, Yates County. This union has been blessed with four children --- Sarah E., Ham- ilton, Jesse, and M. Belle. Hamilton mar- ried Miss Emma Biggart, of York, and is a farmer in this town. Sarah has been for sev- eral terms a teacher in the village schools.

Mr. Rippey has served as Highway Com- missioner, and proved himself an efficient and active officer. From 1852, when he cast his first Presidential vote for Franklin Pierce, he has been faithful to the principles held by that political party of the United States known as the Democracy. Both husband and wife are united by the bond of a common faith, and are members of the United Presbyterian church.

EORGE S. PUTNAM, of Mount Mor- ris, occupies a high social position among its residents. He is of New England ancestry and birth, the town of Dal- ton, which is picturesquely situated among the hills of Berkshire County, Mass., being the place of his nativity, and August 9, 1840, his natal day. His father, Sardis Putnam, was born in Middlefield, Mass .; and the grandfather, James Putnam, was, as far as known, a life-long resident of that Massachu- setts town.

Sardis Putnam learned the trade of shoe- making in the days of his early manhood, and after following that occupation in Middlefield and Dalton for a number of years migrated to this State, locating at Cayuga Bridge, Cayuga County, in 1850. After a short residence there he removed to Montezuma, where he lived a few months. Coming then to Mount Morris, he became identified with its citizen-

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ship until called from earthly scenes in 1852, being then fifty-six years of age. His wife, who in the days of her maidenhood was Dor- cas Starr, was a native of Middlefield, Mass., and a sister of Martin Starr, a brief sketch of whose life is given in connection with the history of Samuel Starr, which may be found on another page of this work. She lived to the advanced age of seventy-seven years, and was the mother of five children; namely, Frank, George S., Martha, Mary, and Edwin.

George S. Putnam, of whom we write, was ten years of age when he accompanied his par- ents to Cayuga County. He received a sub- stantial education; but, ere he had settled to any decided occupation, the tocsin of war resounded throughout the land, wakening the slumbering fires of patriotism in many a breast; and in August, 1862, Mr. Putnam took his place with the brave volunteers, en- listing as a member of Company B, One Hun- dred and Thirtieth New York Volunteer In- fantry, which the following year was changed to the New York Dragoons. He served with his regiment, which was one of the most ac- tive of the entire army, until the close of the war, and was an active participant in forty- four engagements. During the battle of Cold Harbor he was severely wounded, and doomed to hospital life for three or four months, but subsequently rejoined his regiment, remaining with it until after the grand review, and was honorably discharged in June, 1865.

Returning to Mount Morris, Mr. Putnam was employed at different kinds of work until 1871, when he went to Batavia, and was there . engaged in the manufacture of brooms for a number of years. In 1878 he and his wife accepted positions as teachers in the Institute for the Blind at Batavia, remaining there four years, at the expiration of which time they came to Mount Morris. Mr. Putnam has since been associated with Samuel Starr in farming, they carrying on an extensive busi- ness. In 1866 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Johnson, a native of Mount Morris, and a daughter of John Johnson.

Mr. Putnam is a man of influence in his community, and is prominently identified with many social organizations, being a mem-

ber of J. E. Lee Post, No. 281, Grand Army of the Republic, of Mount Morris Lodge, No. 122, A. F. & A. M., of Mount Morris Chap- ter, No. 137, R. A. M., of Belwood Lodge, No. 315, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Alert Council, No. 25, E. K. O. R.

ILLIAM F. JOHNSON, a well- known business man of Wyoming County, an extensive dealer in all kinds of general merchandise at Gainesville, was born in this town, January 19, 1842. His father, James Johnson, was a native of Montgomery County in this State, and was the son of Simpson Johnson, also of that county, who removed to Gainesville, where he spent his declining years. James Johnson learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed exclusively for a time; and when, on coming to Gainesville, he spent his days in clearing and improving his tract of timber land, he worked at his trade in the evening. Here he soon established a shop, in which he manufactured shoes for the trade, the shoes being hand-made, of course, and in much de- mand. He later entered mercantile business in East Pike, which he conducted for twenty years, and died there at the age of seventy- six. James Johnson had three children by his first wife. His second wife was Elizabeth Ellis, who was born on a farm in Pike, where her father, John Ellis, was a farmer and among the early settlers of that town. She reared six children - Norman, John, Will- iam F., Emeline, Adeline, and Catharine - all of whom are living. Norman resides on the old homestead. The mother died at La- mont, or East Pike, at the age of seventy- eight. The parents were members of the Methodist church.

William F. Johnson spent his early boy- hood in Gainesville, and at the age of eleven years removed with his parents to Pike, where he worked in his father's shop until fifteen years of age. He then commenced business on his own account, having a severe struggle; but in 1865 he succeeded in establishing him- self on firm ground, and had a shop in which he employed seven men and in which he con-

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tinued for one year. Ile then went to Michi- gan; but after a brief sojourn in that State he returned to Gainesville, and purchased a house, together with a shoe-shop, in which he resumed his trade. He soon commenced to increase his business by purchasing ready- made boots and shoes in small quantities, and in 1871 established himself as a grocer and shoe dealer, purchasing thirteen hundred dol- lars' worth of groceries. Continuing to ad- vance in prosperity, later he moved to his present store, which he enlarged from twenty- six by forty feet to twenty-six by eighty; and his present stock of goods is the largest in Wyoming County, including groceries, dry goods, notions, ready-made clothing, wall papers, paints and oils, crockery, glass-ware, carpets, oil cloths, and other articles of every- day need. He also has a complete stock of drugs, being a licensed druggist. He has a large library, comprising standard historical and other books and choice works of fiction. He started in business with nothing for a capital but brains and energy, and with these he has established a successful and highly lucrative trade.

In 1866 Mr. Johnson was united in mar- riage to Miss Dorcas Tice, daughter of Joseph Tice, a farmer, formerly of Springville, who died in Lamont. Mr. Johnson by this his first marriage had one daughter, who married Walter F. Webb, a dealer in minerals and a taxidermist, who mounts and sells all kinds of stuffed birds and animals. They have one child, Ruth May. Mr. Johnson's first wife died in 1883, at the age of forty-nine. She was a member of the Congregational church. His second wife, whose maiden name was Jennie E. Mason, was born at Orchard Park, daughter of Andrew S. Mason, a ship carpen- ter, the father of Charles R. Mason, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have four children - Florence M., Mason F., James Arthur, and Charles George.

In politics Mr. Johnson has always been a Democrat, but will in the future vote the Re- publican ticket. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are very prominent members of the Methodist church at Gainesville. He was formerly a

member of the Congregational church, having held many offices in that denomination. He takes a great interest in church affairs, and was superintendent of the Sunday-school of the Congregational church for many years, doing much to sustain and increase its useful- ness. Mr. Johnson has worked his way up to a high position in the mercantile world; and his success may be largely attributed to his rigid honesty and integrity, as well as to his good judgment and his adherence to good busi- ness methods.

OMER SACKETT, superintendent of water-works in Avon, N. Y., was born in the town of Mendon, Mon- roe County, in 1823. He has re- sided in Avon for more than forty years, and is one of the most widely known and highly respected citizens of this beautiful town, hold- ing an important public office, the duties of which he most ably performs. His father, Colonel Orange Sackett, was a native of War- ren, Conn. ; and his grandfather, Homer Sack- ett, whose name he bears, was a life-long resident of that State, being a farmer by occu pation from first to last.

Colonel Orange Sackett came to Monroe County, New York, about 1815, and for a number of years followed a variety of call- ings, such as farming, selling goods in gen- eral stores, and school teaching. He is still remembered as one of the most successful teachers in that region. Finally he opened a general merchandise store on his own account at Riga, Monroe County, and after carrying it on for fourteen years sold out, and removed to the town of York, Livingston County, where he bought a farm of six hundred acres, only twenty acres of which were cleared. This was in 1833, or eleven years after his mar- riage. The first work he had to do on his unimproved farm, which was very nearly a square mile in area, was to repair the old log house; and in this he and his family lived for many years. In 1822 Colonel Sackett was married to Amanda Minerva Sheldon, of the town of Sheffield, Berkshire County, Mass. They reared eight children, four boys and

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four girls ; and at the present writing but one member of this large family has been removed by death. A portion of the original farm still remains in the possession of the Sackett family, it being owned by Samuel, the fifth child born to Colonel Orange and Amanda.

Their first-born was Homer, the subject of this sketch, who was ten years old when they removed to York. He received the rudi- ments of his education in the Monroe County district schools, and then attended an acad- emy in Connecticut, and later the Lima Semi- nary. Like his grandfather, Homer Sackett has always been a farmer; and on April 4, 1853, he came to Avon, and rented one of the Wadsworth farms. After living there for about eighteen years, in 1871 he bought the farm he now occupies. He has erected new buildings, and has improved the property in various other ways, it now being considered one of the most desirable estates in this section.

Very nearly half a century ago, in 1846, Homer Sackett married Margaret Mckenzie, daughter of John D. and Catherine (Mc- Arthur) Mckenzie. Mr. John D. McKen- zie's father came from Scotland with his wife and seven children, settled in York, and had three children born to him after his arrival in this country. He took up a farm at York in 1804, and passed the rest of his days there, dying in 1826. Mrs. Sackett's parents moved to Canada, where her mother died. Her father married again, removed to Winnipeg, and there made his home till his death.

Homer Sackett has five children living -- Orange, Edgar G., Charles H., Sarah A., and Cora M. Orange married Ella Briggs, re- sides in Iowa, and has one child - Irma Sackett. Edgar married Adelaide Brayton, and has two children - Edgar G. and Carrie. Charles married Hattie Robinson, and has two children - Homer and Margaret. Sarah mar- ried Charles F. Gwynne, and has two children -Cora M. and Ella Gwynne; and Cora M. Sackett married Samuel P. Harman, and has four children - Orange S., Samuel P., Mar- gharita D., and Phœbe A. Harman.

Mr. Homer Sackett was appointed inspec- tor of the Avon water-works when they were

put in, in 1888, and now holds the position of superintendent. He served as Supervisor of the town in 1871, has been Assessor for fifteen years, and has discharged his respon- sible duties in such a manner as to reflect credit on himself and the town be represents. He cast his first Presidential vote in 1844, for Henry Clay, but has been a Republican since the formation of that party.

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Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Livingston and Wyoming counties, N.Y, Part 44

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

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