USA > New York > Madison County > Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Madison County, New York > Part 38
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73
Mr. Whitman married Miss Mary Wilcox in 1866. She was born in Clockville, Madi-
son County, N. Y .; and her parents were Alanson and Catherine (Huyck) Wilcox. Of this union there are three children; namely, Florence, Frank M., and Floyd. Mr. Whit- man is a Director in the Farmers' and Mer- chants' Bank of his town, also an active member of the Madison County Hop-growers' Association. His political sympathies are with the Democratic party, and his forceful character and intelligence are of great valuc to the organization.
ARREN W. AMES, cditor and pro- prietor of the Weekly Gleaner, was born in the town of De Ruyter, Febru- ary 25, 1850, and is a son of Fordyce W. and Electa Amcs, of whom mention is made else- where in this volume. He received his edu- cation in the district schools and at De Ruyter Institute. In 1868 he went to Coffec County, Tennessee, where he followed the occupation of a teacher for one year, and then removed to Illinois, where he taught school at Libertyville, Lake County, for four months. He never held other than first-grade certifi- cates. Then, returning to his native town, he taught two terms of winter school, and commenced to learn the printer's trade in the office of the New Era, remaining there one year. In the spring of 1872 he started the Capc Vincent (N.Y.) Eagle, which he con- tinucd to publish for a period of five years, and in 1876 bought the Clayton Independent, thus publishing two papers for a year. He then sold the Eagle, but continued to publish
362
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
the Independent for one year, after which he sold, and came to De Ruyter, where he estab- lished the Weekly Gleaner, and in 1884 bought the De Ruyter New Era, consolidat- ing the two papers. The Gleaner has been a success from the start, and probably has a larger circulation (two thousand one hundred) than any other secular weekly published in a place of similar size (six hundred and sixty- seven) in the world. Mr. Ames is also the patentee of the Ames Addressing Machine, which is in use in several hundred printing- offices throughout the country. It prints direct from the type.
Mr. Ames was married in 1872 to Ella M. Wilcox, who was born in Taylor, Cortland County, N. Y., and is a daughter of James H. Wilcox, who died at Ypsilanti, Mich., Febru- ary 10, 1890. They have one son now liv- ing, Clifford, who is fifteen years old. Mertie, their first-born, died at the age of five, Carl at the age of three, and Grace when an infant but one and a half years old.
Mr. Ames is a Republican in his political views, is a pronounced free thinker, and a man who has at heart the best interests of his town and county. His influence is ever directed in favor of all worthy and public- spirited enterprises; and he may always be found working in harmony with those who are seeking to promote the physical and moral improvement of the community in which his lot is cast. He and his amiable wife have many friends and admirers; and both occupy a place among the intelligent, progressive, and cultured citizens of Madison County.
RTHUR J. STILLMAN, a leading merchant of the town of Brookfield, was born February 25, 1841. His grandfather, Nathan Stillman, went to Brook- field from Rhode Island, and was one of the pioneers of the town. The father, Ethan Stillman, was born in Brookfield, and edu- cated in the public schools. He learned the trade of cabinet-making, but after a few years started in the tin and hardware business, keeping the largest stock of goods in the town, and conducted the store until the time of his death.
The subject of this sketch, Arthur J. Still- man, was fortunate in receiving a good educa- tion at the Brookfield Academy, and at the age of eighteen started out to work for him- self. He clerked in the store of P. C. Brownell of Brookfield for two years, then left to enter the employment of Leroy Babcock, with whom he remained two years, and then, purchasing the stock from the owner, em- barked in business for himself. After an experience of three years at this he sold out and went to New York City, working in a wholesale notion store on Broadway. In 1869 he returned to the town of Brookfield, and went into the grocery business. At the expiration of about five years he located in his present handsome store, which is on the site of the old one where he first worked; and here he has been ever since, one of the most prominent and best known merchants in the county.
Mr. Stillman is one of five brothers, whose names are John T., William Norton, Arthur,
363
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Duane, and Osmer. The latter died in early childhood. The mother is still living, and resides in this town, at the age of eighty- seven years -a hale, hearty, and well-pre- served lady. When Mr. Stillman reached the age of twenty-one, he married Miss Marie A. Clark, daughter of L. R. and Angeline Clark, all of Brookfield. They have one daughter, Mattie A., who is the wife of Mr. Charles A. Tefft, and has one child, Vera Adell.
Mr. Stillman's family attend the Baptist church. He is a warm adherent of the Re- publican party, and has many times been elected to the office of Supervisor, having first served in 1882. By his straightforward course he gained the confidence of his towns- people, and was re-elected in 1883, and again in 1892 and 1893. When spoken of for this office, he refused the nomination unless it was the unanimous choice of the people. For seven years he was Clerk of the Board of Education of Brookfield Academy.
Too much cannot be said in praise of the career of Mr. Stillman. He has worked hard, and improved every opportunity to advance himself. Sterling integrity has always char- acterized his actions, and from his earliest youth he has considered his reputation as paramount to everything else. Consequently, the fullest confidence has been reposed in him. His broad mind and frank, open dispo- sition have made him a genial companion; and his energy in seeing what is best for the interests of the people, then his active work until it is accomplished, make him a valued and beloved citizen.
DWARD DELAVAN VAN SLYCK, editor and proprietor of the Hamilton 06 Republican, and one of Madison County's best known citizens, has for many years wielded a marked and beneficent influence on the affairs of this section of the State, both professionally and as a man of strong, earnest character, progressive views, and true public spirit, who is a prominent factor in guiding its political destinies, and potent in guarding and advancing its dearest interests, materially, socially, and morally. A native of this State, he was born at Exeter, Otsego County, August 11, 1833. His father, Philip Van Slyck, was also a native of New York; and his birth occurred at Kinderhook in 1795. He was a son of Peter Van Slyck, who was likewise born and bred in the Empire State. Two of his sons went farther westward, and he spent his declining years on the frontier with them.
Philip Van Slyck learned the trade of clothier in early life. When a young man, he settled in Exeter, Otsego County, and there married Abi Rider, a native of Tolland, Conn., and a daughter of Stephen Rider, a pioneer of Exeter, where he located as early as 1803. After his removal to Exeter the father of our subject bought land, and there engaged in farming until 1837, when he took up his residence in Cincinnatus, Cortland County. Thence he removed in 1830 to Homer in the same county; and from there, in 1847, to Sempronius, Cayuga County ; then back again, the following year, to Cort- land County, making his home in Cortland-
364
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
ville, and subsequently at Homer. Finally he returned to Sempronius, where his life was rounded out in 1866, at a ripe age. His widow survived him until 1878, when she, too, passed away, dying at the home of her son Edward. She was the mother of nine children, of whom six grew to maturity.
Edward D. Van Slyck early had to face the stern realities of life, having to assist his father in the support of the family as soon as he was able. Unfortunately, he was a delicate lad, and on that account could not attend school until he was ten years of age. However, he had a bright, receptive mind, and managed to secure sufficient education to teach school at the age of seventeen. His experience in that line was confined to district schools, in which he taught five winters. At the age of eighteen he began to devote the time not occupied in teaching to learning the trade of machinist at Homer, and worked at it a part of each year for five years. His tastes and inclination, however, led him to prefer a professional life; and, when he was twenty- three years old, he commenced reading law with the Hon. R. Holland Duell, of Cortland, and in 1858 was admitted to the bar. ' He had previously become interested in the newspaper business; and the same year he established the Cortland Republican Banner, in company with P. H. Bateson, continuing as part pro- prietor and editor until 1861, when he sold it, and it was consolidated with the Cortland Gazette.
The breaking out of the war roused in Mr. Van Slyck the spirit of the true patriot, and
with voice and pen he advocated the cause of the Union until he could arrange his affairs so that he could go to the front with sword and rifle in defence of his country. In October, 1861, he devoted his energies to raising the original Company K of the Seventy-sixth New York Infantry, and had the honor of being mustered into that regiment as First Lieutenant of Company D. He was connected with the regiment one year, serving with gal- lantry and characteristic fidelity, and proving himself a good soldier and fine officer in the various battles and skirmishes, seven in num- ber, in which he fought. A part of the time he was Quartermaster, and ably performed the duties of that responsible office. He was three times wounded, which so incapacitated him for active service that he was honorably discharged in October, 1862.
Journalism still had its fascinations for him; and as soon as sufficiently recuperated to attend to business once more he re-entered the field, purchasing the Hamilton Democratic Republican February 6, 1863. He conducted the paper for twenty-three years with great financial success, making it one of the leading journals of this section of New York. At the end of that time he sold it to W. E. Tooke, as his health had become impaired while in the United States military service, from which he has never recovered. For a while he lived retired, but in 1889 resumed business as a pension attorney, in which he is still prosperously engaged. His abandon- ment of the editorial profession proved tempo- rary, as in September, 1892, he resumed the
365
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
proprietorship of the Hamilton Republican, and has ever since had it under his manage- ment, in addition to his other business. His long experience in and decided talent for newspaper work enables Mr. Van Slyck to present to his patrons a model county paper, well conducted in every department, present- ing the news of the day in an attractive form, its editorials sound on all public and political questions of importance, and devoted to ad- vancing local interests.
Mr. Van Slyck was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Fisher in 1856. They have had two children, both of whom died in in- fancy. Mrs. Van Slyck was born in the town of Willet, Cortland County, a daughter of John and Clarissa (Fenton) Fisher, who were natives, respectively, of England and Ver- mont. Mr. Van Slyck is one of the leaders of the Republican party in this county. He was originally a Democrat, but was in full sym- pathy with the men who formulated the prin- ciples of the Republican party, and was an active and enthusiastic member of the Bing- hamton Convention that was convened in 1854 to organize the party in this State. Since then he has often served as delegate to county and State conventions, and has nobly per- formed his part in upholding the standard of Republicanism. His war record is commem- orated by his connection with Arthur L. Brooks Post, No. 272, Grand Army of the Republic. He attended the Grand Army National Encampment at Denver in 1883; was a delegate to the San Francisco encamp- ment in 1886, to the Boston encampment in
1890, to the Detroit encampment in 1891, and to the encampment at Washington in 1892. He is also prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, of which he became a member at the age of twenty-four years.
Mr. Van Slyck has read and travelled extensively, and is exceptionally well in- formed on all subjects of general interest, which he handles in a broad and catholic spirit. We venture to say that no man in this part of the world has more knowledge of his native country than he, as in the course of his travels he has visited every State and Territory (including Alaska) in the Union, with the exception of Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. He has besides been in the principal cities of Mexico and the Domin- ion of Canada.
DWIN PERKINS, a well-known farmer, residing on his forty-acre farm in the town of Cazenovia, was born a few rods from his present home, March 1, 1838. His father, Stillman M. Perkins, was also a na- tive of this town, born here in 1810, and died on his farm, one-half mile from that of our subject, in 1885, in his seventy-sixth year. He was a son of Eliab Perkins, a native of Ashfield, Mass., who came to Cazenovia with his father, Abiezer l'erkins, in 1804, when twenty years of age. He married a Miss Merick, their family in later years consisting of nine children, of whom the father of our subject was second in order of birth. They came here when the country was compara- tively new, and Albany was the nearest market
366
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
and depot of supplies. He died in middle life, when about forty-eight years old; and his widow survived him but a few years. His son, Stillman M. Perkins, was united in mar- riage to Anna Webster, who was born at Fort Ann, this State, and was brought here on horseback, when a babe, by her mother, whose maiden name was Olive Kingsley. The lat- ter was first married to a Mr. Ward, to whom she bore three sons. By her marriage to Abi- jah Webster she had a family of six or seven children.
Of the family of Stillman M. and Anna (Webster) Perkins, one son died in early childhood, and a daughter, Susan Jane, at the age of twenty. The living are: L. B. Per- kins, an invalid, residing at Georgetown, this county; Edwin, of this notice; Eliab, a farmer of this locality; Olive, wife of Charles Wagoner, of Georgetown; and George W., a farmer on an adjoining farm, which forms a part of two hundred acres left by the father. The latter died as mentioned above; and some three years later the mother passed away, at the age of seventy-five. They were people of high moral character, and in their riper years, at least, were Christians both at heart and by profession.
Edwin Perkins received a good schooling in his youth, and at the age of eighteen com- menced to teach school, which occupation he followed for ten or twelve winters here and in Pennsylvania. In November, 1862, he was united at the marriage altar to Helen A. Mason of this town, daughter of Cooley Mason of the town of Nelson. Of this union
there is one daughter, Ida Louise Bowers, now a widow and residing at home. Mr. Per- kins is engaged in general farming. Al- though not a regularly qualified veterinary surgeon, he possesses an extensive knowledge of the diseases of horses and the best methods of cure, and is frequently called upon by his neighbors to render services in this direction, meeting with great success. He is one of the substantial men of his town, takes an interest in the progress and advancement of the com- munity in which he lives, and with his ex- cellent wife is universally regarded as a useful and upright citizen.
ULLIVAN D. HOLLENBECK, of Oneida, dealer in produce, real estate, and coal, is a son of Isaac. Hollenbeck, who was born in Tully, Onon- daga County, N. Y., August 15, 1815, in which town he spent his life as a farmer, breeder of blooded stock, and general dealer in live stock, acquiring a considerable com- petency. He was married February 28, 1837, to Lydia M. Bonats, who survives him. They were the parents of eight children, six of whom are living. He died October 9, 1874. His wife was born in Tully, February 22, 1817, and continues to reside in that place. She is a daughter of Christian Bonats, Jr., who was born at the foot of the Hallaback Mountain, early in life settling in the forests of Tully, and, after hewing out for himself a home, spent his life in that town as a farmer, dying about October 1, 1865, when eighty-
..
367
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
three years old. His wife was Elizabeth Adair, a native of the north of Ireland, born there in 1794, of Protestant Scotch-Irish pa- rents, who brought her to this country when she was but eight years old. They settled in Del- aware County, New York. She became the mother of eight children, four of whom are now living, the eldest being over eighty years of age. She also died about October 1, 1865, aged seventy-one. The father of Christian Bonats was Christian Bonats, Sr., born in France, of French-German parentage, a gun- smith by occupation. He was a highly edu- cated man and a linguist of no mean powers, being able to speak fluently the French, Ger- man, Dutch, and English languages. He was also a soldier, and served in the army of Bonaparte. He attained to the advanced age of ninety or over. His wife, the mother of Christian Bonats, Jr., was Hannah Fraliet. She also lived to about the age of ninety.
The father of Isaac Hollenbeck was Abram Hollenbeck, a farmer by occupation, who spent most of his life in Tully, and died of pneumonia in 1843, aged sixty-three years. He married Mary Van Baskirk, who died about 1856, aged about seventy-five. Her mother was Eva Spore, who lived to upward of eighty years. Abram Hollenbeck was the son of Aaron Hollenbeck, a mason, who also attained a good old age, being about eighty at the time of his death. Isaac Hollenbeck and his wife were the parents of the following children. Sarepta was born July 6, 1841, and was married March 7, 1866, at Tully, N.Y., to W. W. Kelsey, of Cortland, N. Y.
Mr. Kelsey is the inventor of the famous Kel- sey furnace. Sullivan D. is the subject of this sketch. A. Hamlin was born August 8, 1846, and is a resident of Cromwell, Ia. He was married December 31, 1873, to Mary Gazley. I. Merrit was born October 4, 1848. He is a resident of Tully, N. Y. Francis M., born January 9, 1851, married in March, 1879, Jennie (Wright) Chapin, of Homer, N. Y., who was the widow of Adelbert Chapin. Seward, born August 16, 1853, married Lillian Pratt, of Homer, N. Y., March 26, 1890; and they reside on the old home- stead. Bennett, born July 1, 1855, resides on a farm near Cromwell, Ia.
Sullivan D. Hollenbeck was born August 30, 1844, and was brought up on his father's farm. His elementary education was ob- tained at the district school, and was supple- mented by a course of study at the Cazenovia Seminary. Being an ambitious boy, he was careful and thorough in his studies, and learned much by observation outside of the school-room. He also taught school some six or eight terms, in order to more thoroughly impress upon his memory the knowledge he had already acquired, working during the vacations on the farm, that he might obtain money with which to defray his school ex- penses. Having secured the best education obtainable in the limited time at his disposal, he secured a position as salesman, and also engaged to some extent in jobbing. Being industrious as well as ambitious, he neglected no opportunity to improve his business chances. In 1878 he removed to Oneida, and
368
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
purchased a coal business, which he success- fully managed for ten years, in the mean time buying and selling real estate, building, and accumulating considerable property. In 1888 he sold the coal business, and organized the Oneida Manufacturing Chuck Company, which he placed upon a firm business foundation, becoming its President and Treasurer. In this business he still holds an interest.
Mr. Hollenbeck has always been a public- spirited man, and has contributed his share toward all enterprises having for their object the betterment of the community in which he lives. He has assisted materially in building up the manufacturing interests of his adopted village, and is recognized in this respect, as in others, as a public benefactor. He was married in Durhamville, N. Y., December 31, 1874, to Leoria J. Hubbard, of Oneida, by whom he has two children, Charlena and James S. Politically, Mr. Hollenbeck is a Republican. His church membership is with the Presbyterians. He has a very pleasant home in Oneida, and is personally popular as a man of high moral character, genial man- ners, and one who endeavors to follow the Golden Rule in his dealings with his fellow- men.
ENRY S. KLOCK, one of the most prominent and successful business men of Oneida, N. Y., was born in Manheim, Herkimer County, N. Y., October 2, 1832. Henry J. Klock, grandfather of Henry S., owned a very large farm in Manheim, and was for some time toll-gate-keeper at East
Creek. He removed from there to Oneida County, and spent his last years in the town of Vernon. The father of Henry S. Klock was reared and married in Manheim, and resided there until 1841, when he went with his father, taking his family, to Vernon, Oneida County, where he bought a farm, on which he remained until his death, in 1891. He mar- ried Miss Eunice Easterbrook. She was born . in Vermont, and died in Oneida in 1876. Four children were born of this marriage, namely: Andrew S., living in Vernon; Henry S .; Margaret E., wife of Simeon B. Armour, now of Kansas City; and Robert C., also a resident of Kansas City.
Our subject attended the public school in his district, but finished his education at Cazenovia Seminary. He lived with his parents until twenty years of age, when he formed a partnership with Simeon B. Armour and Edwin Wilder, and engaged in the manu- facture of high wines in Stockbridge, Madi- son County, N.Y. He continued in this business for eight years, and then returned to Oneida, where he has since engaged exten- sively in buying and selling hops. In 1886 he formed a partnership with Willard H. Bennett to carry on the lumber and ice busi- ness, which they conduct at the present time. The ice is harvested from Crystal Lake.
Mr. Klock was married in 1862 to Miss Alma A. Rich, who was born in Stockbridge, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Klock have one son and four daughters; namely, Henry S., Jr., Martha F., Grace, A. Louise, and Eunice. Both parents and children are members of the
369
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Presbyterian church. While not an office- seeker, Mr. Klock takes more than a passing interest in politics, and does his duty toward the Democratic party, of which he has always been a strong adherent. As a business man, he is energetic, progressive, and successful. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Oneida Savings Bank.
a
ELLINGTON J. LILLYBRIDGE. The subject of this biography, now retired farmer of ample means, having his residence in Earlville, is a descendant of a prominent pioneer family of Madison County, who settled here in the early days of its history, when the cabins of the home- steaders were few and far between. He was born in Lebanon, May 27, 1825. Tradition says that his ancestors were from England; and it is probable that they emigrated to New England in Colonial times, as his grand- father, Champlin Lillybridge, was a native of Rhode Island. There he was reared and married, finally coming to Madison County, where he lived a number of years before going to Greece, Monroe County, to spend the last years of his life at the home of one of his sons. The maiden name of his wife was Hannah Wilcox; and she, also, was a native of Rhode Island.
Jarah Lillybridge, father of our subject, was born February 6, 1794, in Richmond, R.I., where he spent the earlier years of his life. When seventeen years of age, he started out in search of a fortune, his total assets
consisting of a three-year-old colt and three dollars in money. With the latter in his pocket, and astride the colt, he turned his face toward the Empire State. After a few hours' travel he overtook Mr. Davis, the keeper of a hotel in Sherburne, who was mak- ing the journey with a pair of horses and a wagon. So he finished the trip in company with him, riding in the wagon and leading the colt most of the way. Arriving in Leba- non, Mr. Lillybridge joined his brother-in- law, Deacon Stephen James, and soon after began life in this State, working by the month. Being active and energetic, and prudent in his habits, before many years he had saved enough of his earnings to buy sixty acres of land in Lebanon, paying nine dollars per acre for it Three acres were partly cleared, and the remainder was covered with timber. A loghouse had been built on the clearing, and in it he and his wife began housekeeping. He labored early and late, and in the course of a few years had not only eliminated a fine farm from the wilder- ness, but had accumulated a surplus capital, which he wisely invested in additional land. In 1825 the log cabin was superseded by a frame house, thus completing a substantial set of farm buildings. He became closely iden- tified with the interests and progress of this section of the county; and his death, which occurred May 1, 1874, was a great loss to the community. The maiden name of his wife, mother of our subject, was Olive Wilcox. She was also a native of Richmond, R. I., born April 5, 1797, and was but seven years
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.