USA > New York > Madison County > Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Madison County, New York > Part 57
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Mrs. Sperry received an excellent academic education in her youth, attending the acad- emy at Angusta, and is a cultured, refined, and highly intelligent lady. She is of Scotch-Irish ancestry on her father's side, and on her mother's comes of New England stock. Hler ancestors on both sides were noted for their longevity, many of them living to be over eighty or ninety years of age. She and her husband have a most pleasant and happy home; and few, if any, among the represent- ative citizens of Madison County are more highly esteemed or more sincerely respected than the subject of this sketch and his amia- ble wife.
ASON G. PERRY, a well-known citizen of Canastota, was born in Oswego, N.Y., in March, 1859, and is a son of George O. Perry, who was born in Fulton, N. Y., June 11, 1834. He was a son of Jarvis II. Perry, of Canajoharie, Montgomery County, N.Y .; and Jarvis H. was a son of James Perry, of Connecticut, who came to the State of New York, a single man, and engaged in the manufacture of pot- ash. He married a Miss Jarvis, of Canajoha- rie, and reared six sons and three daughters, of whom Jarvis H. was the first-born. Jarvis HI. Perry married Sarah M. Joyner, of Sack- ett's Harbor, by whom he had seven children, namely: Theodore, who went to California about 1857, and died there in 1883; George O., father of the subject of this sketch; Celia M., wife of Silas W. Wadsworth, of Beatrice, Neb .; Ward J., who probably died in Flor-
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ida; William Henry, who volunteered in the One Hundred and Fifty-seventh New York Infantry at the formation of the regiment, going out as a drummer-boy while still a minor, and afterward regularly cnlisted, and served with the regiment through the war, being wounded in one of the battles, and coming out at the close as Hospital Steward, now residing at Beatrice, Neb. ; Wallace K., now of St. Louis, Mo .; and John A., an engineer in the oil regions of Pennsylvania.
George O. Perry married Elizabeth A. Wright, of Ontario, a daughter of Charles W. and Diana (Mott) Wright, both of Canada, and both of whom have passed away. She has two brothers and one sister living, namely : Hiram C. Wright, of Winterset, Ia. ; Wallace W., a farmer, of the same place; and Angeline R., wife of Alfred Scott, of Onta- rio. Mr. Perry removed in 1861, with his wife and family, from Oswego to Canastota, and in this latter place succeeded John Young in the drug business, in which business Mr. Young was the first in Canastota. Mr. Perry learned the business in his youth, followed it all his life, and was a prominent druggist in Canastota from the time of his settlement there until 1876, for several years being the only one thus engaged in the place. He was also prominent in the Masonic fraternity, being Master of the lodge three successive terms, and being also its historian, in such capacity collecting valuable data pertaining to the lodge itself. In politics, while not a violent partisan nor an office-seeker, he voted the Republican ticket. His death
occurred August 9, 1878, when he was but forty-four years old, he being at the time in Jacksonville, Fla., where his family had been living for about three years. His widow and only child survive him. His remains were interred in Canastota Cemetery, where also his father is buried.
Mason G. Perry was educated and brought up to the drug business by his father. He took a regent's examination in Canastota, and graduated at the College of Pharmacy in Philadelphia when twenty-one years old. In 1881 he established himself as a druggist, and was thus engaged until 1885, when he sold out. His marriage occurred June 20, 1888, to Miss Ida E. Harrison, of Brooklyn, N. Y., a daughter of James and Mary E. Harrison, of Philadelphia. Mr. and Mrs. Perry have buried two children, one an infant daughter, and Grace E., aged eighteen months. Mr. Perry and his mother are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
SAAC A. BLAIR, one of the largest land-holders of Madison County, a rep- resentative of one of the oldest fam- ilies of Nelson, was born in this town Jan- uary 26, 1830, the third son of Jeremiah and Susan (Clark) Blair, natives of Massachu- setts. His grandfather, Enoch Blair, moved with his family from Massachusetts to this part of Madison County in the year 1800, journeying by the primitive conveyance of those days, an ox - team, much of the way, belike, being through a roadless wild, where
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they could shoot all 'ne game they desired and occasionally have a parley with the Ind- ians, who continued to roam the forests. . Selecting land in what shortly after became the town of Nelson, he cut down trees, and with his family passed the nights sheltered under the cover of their wagon while the log house was being built. Six sons and two daughters were reared in this pioneer family. The father died in Nelson, when sixty-five years old. His wife, Sarah, died also at a somewhat advanced age.
Jeremiah Blair, son of Enoch, came to the town of Nelson when he was about four years old. He was educated in the district schools of the time; and such good use did he make of his opportunities for study that he was afterward for twenty - five years a school- teacher in the town. He was also a promi- nent farmer of those days, and owned the old homestead where his son Isaac now lives. He was a Justice for some twenty years, and well known as "Squire Blair." He was also Supervisor, and a stirring and capable man in the affairs of the county. Of his eight children, only three survive: Isaac A., Charles C., of Erieville; and Addison D., a resident of Elmira. Susan, Mrs. Dr. Greenwood, died at the age of sixty-six years ; Jeremiah, at sixty-six; Henry C., at sixty- three; Arvin H., at fifty-three; and Edmund F., at sixteen years of age. The parents died on the old home farm, the father in 1879, aged eighty-three, and the mother in 1856, aged fifty-eight. They were Universalists in religious belief, emphasizing the fatherhood
of God and the brotherhood of man, the "Squire" in politics being a Democrat. Thus it will be seen that our subject has good reason to be proud of the honorable record made by his father and grandfather, which it has been a matter of principle with him to continue in his own life.
Isaac A. Blair grew to manhood, and re- ceived all of his education at the district schools. Ile remained on the home farm, assisting in the work, until he attained his majority, when he began the world for him- self. At twenty-two years of age, on October 5, 1852, he married Miss Harriett A. Whit- ney, who was born in what was then the Ter- ritory of Michigan, May 22, 1832, daughter of Abraham and Amy Whitney. Her father was a farmer in Michigan, where he died at the age of thirty years, leaving a wife and three children, namely: Mrs. Blair, the eld- est ; Albert, living in Michigan ; Amanda, widow of Mr. Lilley, residing in Michigan. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Blair bought one hundred acres of land, which he subse- quently traded for the two-hundred-acre farm he now owns. He has always been one of the foremost farmers in his vicinity, being one of the largest owners of land in the town of Nelson, holding title-deeds now to about one thousand acres. On his handsome farm of eight hundred acres which he manages himself, leasing the rest, he raises hay and small grain, and also carries on a dairy of from fifty to seventy - five cows, principally of native breeds. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Blair have four children, namely: Susan J., wife of
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M. D. Hopkins, born in the town of Nelson, October 5, 1854; Edmund F., born Septem- ber 12, 1857; Jeremiah C., born 1868, resi- dent of Morrisville; Isaac W., born in 1871. residing at home with his parents. One son, David C., born in 1860, died at the age of twenty years.
At sixty-three years of age, apparently in the prime of life, Mr. Blair still gives per- sonal attention to his large estate; and his handsome residence and neat and beautiful surroundings denote his energy and thrift. His farm is well furnished with modern machinery and tools, including the latest approved labor-saving inventions. His suc- cess is due to his own good management and assiduous care, as he has made his property not by speculation, but by strict attention to his business. He is an active Republican in politics, has been Supervisor for five years, and Highway Commissioner two terms. He is also a Mason in good standing, being a member of Morrisville Lodge, No. 658, A. F. & A. M., and belongs to Nelson Grange, No. 615. His wife is a devout and earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a faithful "mother in Israel," reverenced and beloved.
IRAM BROWN, a well-remembered farmer, late of the town of Sullivan, Madison County, who cultivated a goodly number of acres and dealt somewhat extensively in live stock, was born in this town in September, 1806, and died at his homestead, July 27, 1875. He was a son of
Timothy and Olive (Clark) Brown, who were of Welsh and English descent, and who moved from Massachusetts to Madison County at the close of last century, when the region was wild and unpeopled except by the original occupants of the soil, the roving Indians, who, naturally enough, made it often de- cidedly uncomfortable for the new-comers. But these pioneers of civilization were not easily disheartened. Timothy Brown bought land, improved a farm, and resided thereon until his death at the age of seventy-two years. His wife died at seventy- five years of age, having reared a family of six children, none of whom survive.
Hiram Brown was brought up in the town of Sullivan, and received what education was obtainable in the district schools. When he reached manhood, he turned his attention to farming, buying large tracts of land, on which he raised grain and small fruits. He also dealt largely in cattle and horses. He was married June 20, 1834, to Miss Angeline Beach, also a native of Sullivan, who was born February 5, 1817, daughter of David M. and Nancy (Peck) Beach. Her parents were natives of Connecticut, and came from that State about the year 1816 to the town of Sullivan, where they owned a farm. Of their three children, two now survive, Mrs. Brown and her brother, Miles Beach, who resides with her. The ancestors of the Beach family in America came over from England during the period of the early settlement of the colo- nies, two or three brothers of this name mak- ing their homes in Connecticut, where they
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reared large families AAfter forty-one years of married life Mr. Brown died, as he had lived, on his farm, leaving a widow and five children, namely: William B., born April 14, 1835, residing in Sullivan, N. Y. ; Cathe- rine E., born April 23, 18441, wife of Austin French, living in Oneida Village; Alice A., Mrs. Frank Jackson, born January 24, 1845, residing with her mother; Albert E .. born June 1, 1848, living on the home farm; Car- rie, Mrs. V. Williams Bull, born August 25, 1850, living in the town of Sullivan. Three other children, "not lost, but gone before," were: Sarah A., born January 13, 1837, died at the age of seventeen years; Josephine, born March 8, 1839, died September 16, 1841; Irene, born July 15, 1859, died March 9, 1863.
A large settlement at Canasaraga long bore the name of Brown. In this village, which is now known as Sullivan Post - office, Mrs. Angeline B. Brown resides on a valuable, well-improved farm of two hundred and forty acres, which is managed by her son Albert. Highly respected people, possessed of ample means, they live in a pleasant home, provided with every needed comfort and luxury. Mr. Hiram Brown was a man of more than average ability, and was of marked prominence in the place where his life was passed; and, al- though the foundation of his fortune was laid by his father's toil. his own constant dili- gence in his business enlarged the estate to its present dimensions. While not a seeker for office, he was interested in political mat- ters, and was loyal to his duties as a citizen,
ever by his vote maintaining the principles of the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Brown attended the Methodist Episcopal church, of which they were exemplary members, as she continues to be, finding consolation and hope and joy in the teachings of religion.
B. WEST, now deceased, was for many years President of the Na- tional Hamilton Bank, and occu- pied a conspicuous place among the respected and influential citizens of Madison County, his life furnishing a striking example of what can be accomplished by industry, integrity, and perseverance. With few of the advan- tages possessed by the boys of this genera- tion, relying solely on his own efforts and his inherent ability, Mr. West most success- fully climbed the ladder of prosperity, and, while advancing his own interests, was not unmindful of those of others, during his long and busy life winning the confidence and esteem of all with whom he came in contact.
His grandfather was a native of New Jer- sey, where he was reared to manhood, and resided for some years after his marriage to Eunice Hall, who was a native of the same State and of Scotch descent. Subsequently he and his family joined a company of Seventh-day Baptists who came to Madison County, and formed a colony in Leonards- ville, then a sparsely settled hamlet, and there built for themselves homes in the wilderness. They came by way of the Erie Canal to Utica, thence by teams to Leonards-
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ville, where for many years they labored to build up the town, suffering the privations and hardships of pioneer life, but also finding many pleasures and enjoyments. There the grandparents of our subject spent the re- mainder of their lives, honored and respected citizens of the town in whose development they had assisted.
Clement H. West, father of our subject, was born in Cumberland County, New Jersey, not far from the village of Bridgeton. He grew to manhood in his native State, and, when a young man, learned the trades of shoemaking and wagon-making. He came to Madison County with his parents, and for some years made his home in Leonardsville. Not fully satisfied with his prospects in this county, he returned to his native State, where he bought a wagon-shop and continued in his former business; and there he and his wife spent the remainder of their days. The maiden name of his wife was Rachel Davis; and of their union seven children were born, five sons and two daughters, our subject being the eldest child.
D. B. West, of whom we write, was born in Shiloh, Cumberland County, N.J., January 27, 1821. His early education was received in the schools of his native town and the dis- trict schools of Leonardsville. He was an energetic, ambitious lad, and, when twelve years of age, began to earn his own living. At first he secured a position in a store in Leonardsville, and the succeeding six years remained in this county, clerking in different places. Then, removing to Oneida County,
he continued awhile in the same vocation, being employed as clerk in the towns of Sangerfield and Waterville. Desirous of be- coming established in business, Mr. West then bought an interest in the store of an uncle in Cassville, remaining there for a year and a half. Going thence to Utica, he ac- cepted a position in the office of the County Clerk, which he filled satisfactorily for two years. The following year he spent in a store in Cortland, coming from there to Ham- ilton (about 1846) to accept a clerkship with Joseph A. Mott. At the end of the year he bought an interest in the firm known as Pierce, Cobb & Co., which later became Cobb & West, remaining with them until the organization of the bank in 1853, then known as the Hamilton (State) Bank, when he was appointed Cashier of that institution- an of- fice which he filled with such credit to him- self and so acceptably, not only to the stock- holders, but to the patrons of the institution, that he was subsequently elected its Presi- dent, succeeding Deacon Pierce. His finan- cial ability and excellent judgment were rec- ognized throughout the business community, where he was considered a representative man of the county. He was for some time President of the village, and for a long time its Treasurer, and was active in securing the construction of the Utica, Clinton & Bing- hamton Railroad, and was for a long time Director of that company.
Mr. West was united in marriage in No- vember, 1850, to Eliza B. Mott, a daughter of John and Eliza Mott, of Sangerfield. Their
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union was blessed by the birth of three chil- dren, namely : General William M. West, until recently Cashier in his father's bank. and a member of Governor Flower's staff ; Catherine W. and Caroline M., twins. The death of Mrs. West occurred at her home in Hamilton, March 21, 1891. (See sketch of Charles Mott for full family history.) She was an esteemed member of the Episcopal church, contributing generously toward its support and aiding in its every good work.
Politically, Mr. West was a Democrat, and socially belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, having taken all its degrees. He was a member of Utica Com- mandery, K. T. His death occurred January 3, 1894; and the sad event plunged the vil- lage in mourning, for all realized that the community had lost a noble citizen, and one who had ever the best interests of his town and locality at heart. Since his death his son, William M., has been elected President of the bank by the Board of Directors, thus succeeding his father in that important position.
RS. F. ARABELLE SAGE, of the village of Cazenovia, is the widow of the late Orrin W. Sage, an enterprising manufacturer and public-spirited citizen, who died here October 23. 1891, at the age of seventy-eight years. Mr. Sage was born in Greenfield, Mass., April 1. 1813. and was a son of Oliver Sage of the same place, who was born in 1769. and died in
1859. Oliver was a son of Solomon Sage, of Berlin, Conn., born in 1737; and the father of Solomon was David Sage, also of Berlin, Conn. Oliver Sage was a farmer by occupa- tion. He married Polly Denio, of Green- field, daughter of Aaron Denio, who was an innkeeper of Deerfield, Mass., many years, and was of French ancestry.
Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Sage became the parents of sixteen children, but seven of whom, however, arrived at mature age. Of these Orrin W., the late husband of Mrs. Sage, was the youngest. He came from New England to Truxton, Cortland County, bring- ing with him his wife and their only child, Frances. He was a manufacturer of sashes, doors, and blinds at the Fern Dell Mills, this enterprise being established by him- self and his wife's brother, Newton Ames, about the year 1850. The business was suc- cessfully conducted for forty years. Mr. Sage finally sold out his interest in this con- cern, and at his death was engaged in the same business in Oneida, where he had estab- lished himself six years previously. He took an active part in the public affairs of his town, was President of the Village Board, and was prominently associated with various pro- gressive enterprises having for their object the physical and moral advancement of the community. His political sympathies were enlisted on the side of the Republican party ; and in religious faith both he and his wife were Episcopalians, of which church he was a Warden and Vestryman many years. In fraternal matters he was an Odd Fellow and
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a member of Homer Lodge. At his death he bequeathed a good estate to his wife and daughter, and left the reputation among his fellow-men of having been an upright, pro- gressive, and high-minded citizen.
Frances, the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sage, was educated at the Cazenovia Semi- nary, and was married September 11, 1877, to Wliliam W. Watkins, of Skaneateles. Mr. Watkins is a bookseller at Cazenovia, and is also interested in manufacturing business in Oneida. He is a man of liberal education, and identified with the educational interests of Cazenovia, being Trustee of the seminary and Treasurer of the Board of Education. He lost his father in early youth, and has made his own way in life, beginning as a clerk, when but twelve years old, and coming to Cazenovia in 1863. Mrs. Sage is well known to the people of Cazenovia as a lady of intelligence and refinement, and one whose sympathies are enlisted in behalf of every worthy cause. She is passing her declining years in comfort, and enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know her.
HARLES WILLIAMS MOTT, one of the foremost among those citizens of Oneida who are conspicuous for their intelligence, business ability, and use- fulness to the community in which they live, a member of the Board of Education of Oneida, was born in Sangerfield, Oneida County, N. Y., June 7, 1835. His father was John Mott, a native of Dutchess County, New
York, born July 20, 1792, son of an elder John Mott, of French ancestry, whose birth took place April 13, 1753. The family name was originally written La Motte. John Mott, Sr., emigrated to Oneida County, New York, probably from New England, and was a pio- neer of the town of Bridgewater. He pur- chased a farm, engaged in agricultural pur- suits, and resided there until his death, May 16, 1833. The maiden name of his wife was Jane Mabbitt. She was born December 24, 1759, and died March 22, 1831, in her seventy-second year, after having reared a family of nine children, whose names are as follows: Joseph, Sarah, Samuel M., Deborah, John, Jane, Anna, Parmelia, and Parmenas. All of them lived to maturity, upright men and women, good, honest Quakers. All are now deceased, John having been the latest survivor.
John Mott, Jr., was quite young when his parents removed to Oneida County, where he was reared. In early manhood he engaged in mercantile business in Bridgewater, where he remained until his marriage, after which he removed to Sangerfield. Here he secured a store, laid in a stock of general merchandise, and was engaged in business thirty-six years, being succeeded by his two elder sons, George C. and Elias Hicks. He resided in that locality until his death, July 20, 1874. The maiden name of his wife was Eliza Williams. She was born in Newport, R.I., February 3, 1799, and was a daughter of Obadiah Will- iams, a native of the same place, who was born February 10, 1767, son of John and
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Mary Williams. Obadiah Williams married Dorcas Earle, also of Newport, a daughter of John and Dorcas Earle, Quaker settlers and pioneers of the town of Bridgewater, their farm being contiguous to the Mott farm. Mrs. Mott died April 22, 1890, at the advanced age of ninety-one years. She had well performed her duties in life, having been a faithful wife and good mother, and having reared ten children, whose names were, re- spectively, Emily, Martha, Maria, Eliza, George Canning, Elias Hicks, John, Charles Williams, Edward, and William.
Charles Williams Mott obtained a fair edu- cation in his youth by attendance at the dis- trict school, and later extended the range of his studies by means of a course at the Caze- novia Seminary. In 1855 he went to Wis- consin, and settled at Allen's Grove, where he became engaged in the lumber business and in the manufacture of sashes, doors, and blinds, remaining here two years. He then returned to Sangerfield, and engaged in farm- ing, in which occupation he continued for five years, and next came to Oneida. In this place he engaged in the lumber business, and was so occupied for a period of twenty years, being also interested at times in various manufacturing enterprises. At the present time he is a jobber in lumber, and does a large and flourishing business. his trade extending into several different States. March 24, 1859, he was united in marriage with Sarah Louisa Cleveland, who was born in Owego, Tioga County, N. Y., March 10, 1839, and is a daughter of Benjamin Franklin
Cleveland, a native of the town of Madison, Madison County, N. Y.
General Erastus Cleveland, father of Benja- min, was born in Connecticut, and emigrated thence to New York State. Ile rode on horseback, and for a part of the way marked out a road through the wilderness by blaz- ing the trees. Upon reaching his destina- tion, he secured a tract of land in the town of Madison, which at that time formed a part of Herkimer County, and was an unbroken wilderness, where roamed at will and in countless numbers the wild beasts of the forest. With the energy of a typical pioneer he at once began the work of improvement. He cleared his land, constructed a water- power, and erected the first grist and saw mill in that locality. Not only did his active mind and busy hands contribute to the devel- opment and prosperity of his country in times of peace, but in her hour of peril from foreign foes he responded to her call, and was found bravely doing his part in the field, serving as Major through the War of 1812, and was later known as "General," as a popular recognition of his military services. The maiden name of his wife was Rebecca Berry, and she was also a native of Connecticut. His son, Benjamin Franklin Cleveland, father of Mrs. Mott, was educated for a physician, but on account of ill-health abandoned practice, and engaged in the drug business in Oxford, Chenango County, N. Y., and later in Cleveland, Ohio. From Cleveland he returned to Madison, where he was similarly occupied until failing health compelled him to seek outdoor employ-
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