USA > New York > Madison County > Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Madison County, New York > Part 6
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
Orville J. Tucker was reared to farm life and labor, and to habits of industry and econ- omy, to which it is doubtless permissible to accord the success which he has met in life. His education was received first in the district school, and later in Peterboro Acad- emy. While he was in full sympathy with the government in its struggle with armed treason and rebellion, yet he did not enlist in the army, but paid $1,000 for the privilege of remaining at home, and married the girl he loved, Sarah Chapman, daughter of Cyrus and Mary (Bigelow) Chapman, the former of whom was from Connecticut, and the latter from Otsego County, New York. Mr. Chap- man was a wagon-maker, who, when thirty years old, a single man, came from New Eng- land, and was married in Worcester, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman were the parents of seven children, of whom Mrs. Tucker was the youngest. All are living but two. Mr. Chapman died in 1872, aged seventy-five, a highly esteemed and honored citizen; and his widow died in 1885, aged seventy-eight, equally honored and esteemed.
Mr. and Mrs. Tucker lost their eldest son, Wilson, aged seventeen, and their eldest
54
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
daughter, Mary, aged twenty-one, they dying within three weeks of each other, in 1889, from "la grippe." Both were unusually bright and intelligent, the daughter teaching school at sixteen years of age, and wearing her young life out in the work, or perhaps, rather, reducing her strength to such a degree that, when that mysterious disease fastened itself upon her, she was too frail to resist its ravages. It was said of her a short time after her death: "Truly, 'death loves a shining mark!' Hers was one of those rare, sweet, amiable dispositions, ever sacrificing her own pleasures for others' comfort; one who would rather suffer wrong than do it; an earnest, loyal Christian, -ever active in the welfare of the church and Sabbath-school, of which she was a devoted and faithful member. The universal love and esteem with which she was regarded were manifested by the large attend- ance at her funeral; and the tearful faces of her large Sabbath-school class, as they passed reverently around her lifeless form and laid their delicate floral offerings upon the pure white casket, spoke more than words of her worth and influence. She leaves the fra- grance of a beautiful life; and her memory will be a benediction to the home in which she lived, to the large circle of young people which she adorned, and to whom she was ardently attached, -an example of a true Christian spirit,- as also to the church of which she was a faithful and loyal member."
Mr. and Mrs. Tucker have four children living, namely : Lucia, a young lady, at home; Arthur, a young man of eighteen, on the
home farm; Irwin, fifteen years of age; and Nellie, an attractive and bright miss of twelve years. In politics Mr. Tucker has been a Republican, but has strong temperance pro- clivities. In 1889 he removed to his present home, remodelling an old building into a cheese factory, which he is successfully man- aging for the benefit of his patrons, and mak- ing from three to four tons of cheese per month. Mr. Tucker is a thoroughly honest manufacturer, and the cheese he makes finds a ready sale at good prices. In business, in politics, in religion, and in character he is a thoroughly reliable, honorable, model man. More than this need not be said.
AMES LOWE, a prosperous and enter- prising hardware merchant, residing in Munnsville, is a worthy representative of the progressive element of Madison County, and a self-made man in every sense applied to the term. He is a native of England, born in Norfolk County, January 26, 1838, and is a son of Thomas and Martha Lowe, both of whom were born in England. Thomas Lowe was for many years a shepherd in his own country, on a large farm known as the Quaker Wright estate. He remained thus engaged until 1850, when, accompanied by his family, he emigrated to America, landing in Quebec after a long and tedious journey of eight weeks and five days. He at once proceeded to Stockbridge, and soon after secured work in the Mathison Lime Works. He subse- quently turned his attention to agriculture,
55
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
and later bought a farm, upon which he spent his last years. He was twice married. His first wife, mother of our subject, died in Eng- land, when about thirty years of age; and his second wife died in Oneida, at the age of seventy-two years. Both he and his wife were esteemed members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he affiliated with the Republican party. He reared a fam- ily of seven children, five of whom are living : John Lowe, who resides in Siloam; James, the subject of our sketch; Charles and Wal- ter, residents of Oneida; and Sarah E., widow of Norvill Tefft, who also lives in Oneida.
James Lowe, the subject of this brief sketch, was a lad of twelve years when he came with the family to America. His early education, which was obtained in England, was further advanced by attendance at the dis- trict schools of Munnsville and Smithfield. He was an energetic, active youth, and at the age of thirteen years began to earn his own living, working first with a Mr. Hazeltine, a tanner and currier. He afterward went to Chenango County, and secured a position in the tannery of Hiram Smith, of Norwich, and proved himself so faithful and capable that he was promoted to superintendent, remaining there five years. Having accumulated quite a sum of money, he next bought a tannery in a place called Gray Brooks, but was unfortu- nate, and not only lost his hard-earned sav- ings, but became so deeply indebted that the succeeding three years were spent in paying his liabilities. In 1860 he became agent for
a publishing house, and travelled on the road, selling books, for three years. Mr. Lowe then signed a contract to furnish the Auburn State Prison with plain wood and timber for a term of years. At the expiration of that time he came to Munnsville, and for the following three years was engaged as a butcher; but, preferring some other occupation, he entered the mercantile business, and for several years dealt in furniture and jewelry. Dropping the former, he substituted hardware, and has since added other commodities, and now oper- ates a general store, carrying a stock valued at from seven thousand to ten thousand dol- lars, with sales aggregating from twenty thou- sand to thirty thousand dollars per year. In 1889 Mr. Lowe formed a partnership with his son-in-law, Henry Freeman, under the firm name of Lowe & Freeman; and, in addition to their other business, the firm deal largely in hides and wool, doing a business each year amounting to about sixty thousand dollars. Mr. Lowe is a man of fine business ability, honorable and upright in all his transactions, public-spirited and liberal, and is much in- terested in the welfare and progress of his community. In politics he is an influential member of the Republican party, and has served several years as School Director and Church Trustee.
Our subject was united in marriage April 19, 1859, to Hannah Hostler. She was born in England, and came to America when twelve years of age with her parents, E. J. and Martha Hostler. Her father, who was born in England in 1817, is living in
56
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Oquawka, Henderson County, Ill .; but Mrs. Hostler died when about thirty-six years of age. They had a family of eight girls, only two of whom are now living, - Mrs. Lowe, and Jennie, Mrs. Devore, who lives in Bur- lington, Ia. To Mr. and Mrs. Lowe have been born two children. Charles H. S., who is a jeweller, living in Michigan, married Cecil Searles, of Syracuse, and has three chil- dren, - George, Harry, and Ena. Ada is the wife of Henry Freeman; and they have one child, Edith.
LIVER B. YORK was born in Co- lumbus, Chenango County, N. Y., September 24, 1823. His grand- father, John York, went from Rhode Island to New York State when quite a young man, settling in the town of Brookfield in the later years of the last century. It was the same story of hardships and adventures that all the pioneers underwent.
A team of oxen and a wagon loaded with household goods and the family journeyed from old New England into the depths of the forest, and there by the labor of their hands made a clearing and built a home to shelter them. Everything consumed by the household had to be produced on the farm; and, when they went to the nearest market, which was at Albany, there was many a weary mile to plod and many a hazard to run before the trip was accomplished. The mother had all the work of the house to do, besides card- ing, weaving, and making the clothing for the boys and girls growing up in the home. The
children born to this couple were John, Pattie, Marita, David, Orilla, and Wheeler. The father of our subject, John York, was only sixteen years of age when his father died, and in company with the mother as- sisted bravely in keeping the home together. Later in life she went to Chautauqua County, where she lived and died at the home of one of her sons. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Nancy Breed; and she was a native of Oswego County, New York. To herself and husband were born the following- named children : Nancy M., Gracia, Lucy M., Oliver B., Priscilla O., John Henry, Juliette, Delia M., and John A. The mother died in the town of Brookfield, N. Y.
Oliver B. York made the best use of the educational advantages of the public schools, and was early instilled in a knowledge of farming. At the age of twenty-two he left home, and learned the carriage-making trade with J. Lines, of Edmeston, Otsego County, N. Y. At the end of the first year he married Miss Mary Lines, a sister of Mr. Lines, and for twelve years was a partner of his brother- in-law. He then sold out, and entered the employment of Mr. Lines as foreman, but was practically the head of the concern, super- intending all its affairs for twenty-one years. During this time he was elected to the office of Town Clerk, and after the first year, owing to the great satisfaction he gave, was re- elected for seven successive years. He was also appointed Enrolling Officer, as it was during the Civil War, and Deputy Provost- Marshal. After his removal back to the town
57
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
of Brookfield he bought a farm, where he has since resided. An excellent piece of work which he did was the making of a record of all the men who served in the war from the town. This entailed a large amount of labor, as each family had to be visited and every fact relative to them written out. So careful and painstaking was the work that, when finished, it was said to be one of the most correctly compiled of any in the country, and won the highest commendation from the officers of the government.
Mr. York was married at the age of twenty- two; and the domestic happiness of himself and wife has been made perfect by the birth of five children, - J. Henry, Gracia G., Har- riet O., Charles O., and Frank H. They have only one cloud in their happy life, and that is that Mrs. York is a confirmed invalid. Mr. York has been a member of the Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows for many years, and in his religious views is a Methodist. He has been Excise Commissioner for sev- eral years, and uniformly votes the Repub- lican ticket. For many years he was a mechanic, but, when he began farming, made up his mind to be as foremost and perfect in that line as in every other he had been en- gaged. He read up thoroughly in all things pertaining to agriculture, giving every labor- saving device a good trial, and has been looked upon as a model farmer. He does not hesitate to depart from the beaten track when he finds a newer style better, and has proven himself a master of his vocation. Although seventy years of age, he bears his years
lightly, and is able to read without glasses. The children of Mr. and Mrs. York married as follows: J. Henry, now of North Brook- field, is a hop-raiser, and married Nettie, daughter of John and Rebecca Morgan. They have three children, - Burt, Lula, and Clay. A more extended sketch of J. Henry York appears elsewhere in this work. Gracia G. married Mr. O. M. Hurlbutt, a blacksmith, lives in Morris, Otsego County, N. Y., and has one child, - Georgia M. Charles O. is a cheese-maker, and runs the factory located in Brookfield. His wife was Miss Adelphi Bailey, daughter of Mylo and Mary Jane Bailey. They have four children, - Mary, Mabel, John, and Meda. Harriet O. is the wife of T. P. Stanbro, a farmer in Brookfield; and they have two children, - Charlie and Ora. Frank H. married Miss Earnestine Aldrich. He is a carriage-maker, living in Otsego County. They have six children,- Anna, Flora, Mary, Harry, Lee, and Hattie.
ORMAN L. WEBBER. Few among the farmers and agriculturists of Mad- ison County are more widely known or better esteemed than he whose name ap- pears above. He has resided upon his fine one-hundred-and-forty-five-acre farm in Dis- trict No. 6, town of Cazenovia, since 1866, and during that time has occupied a leading place among the representative men of his calling in the county.
He was born in this town, one mile south of Woodstock, May 22, 1818, and is a son of
58
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Deacon Elisha Webber, a native of the old Bay State, born there about 1777, and died at the birthplace of his son, our subject, in 1848. The maiden name of his wife was Polly Parker, the date of her nativity being Septem- ber 23, 1779. They were married in Massa- chusetts, August 11, 1802, and soon after, getting together their worldly goods, set out with an ox-team for New York State. On their arrival here Mr. Webber purchased fifty acres, principally timber land, from the Fri- zells, paying for this about ten dollars per acre. He was a powder-maker by trade, but followed farming in Cazenovia, and, after making his original purchase, bought thirty acres more on the De Ruyter line. He and his wife became the parents of eleven chil- dren, six sons and five daughters, of whom our subject was the youngest son and ninth child, and is the last survivor. The mother of these children, after a life of usefulness and faithful toil in behalf of her family, passed away December 27, 1861. She and her husband lie at rest in Woodstock Ceme- tery, where most of their children are also sleeping. These children were: Elmina, wife of Nathan Judson, died in Illinois, November 6, 1876, when seventy-three years of age; Arthuse, wife of William Moffatt, died near Woodstock, September 27, 1842, at the age of thirty-five; Clement, died at the old home in 1848, when forty-three; Chandler, died at the home of our subject in 1886, in his seventy-eighth year; Keziah, wife of Parmenus Ainsworth, passed away October 16, 1847, when but thirty-six years old;
Clinton and Jonathan, both died in early life; Abel A., died near Woodstock in 1878, at the age of fifty-two; Norman L., our subject ; Delocia, wife of Aaron Van Antwerp, passed away from earthly scenes in Onondaga County, and found a resting-place at Vesper, about 1856, when in her thirty-seventh year; De- rinda, wife of William Hall, died in Alle- gany County in 1858, at the age of thirty- seven. The members of this family who arrived at maturity all left families of from one to seven children.
The original of this sketch attended school in early youth, and learned to read, write, and cipher. He lived at home on the farm, where he was married June 6, 1844, to Prenellipa Scott, of Nelson. She died in the prime of life, October 2, 1853. Of this union there were two children: Lydia Augusta, who died at the early age of three years; and Nor- man Elisha, who is unmarried, and is now forty years old. Mr. Webber was again mar- ried May 25, 1854, to Jane Ackley, of Che- nango County, daughter of Chauncey and Lucinda W. (Irish) Ackley, the former of whom was a farmer in the town of Lincklaen, Chenango County. Both died many years ago, the former at Lincklaen in 1875, and the latter at Woodstock in 1859. Mrs. Webber has one brother, Amial J. Ackley, now residing at Union City, Mich. He was a soldier in the Civil War, serving three years, and was wounded in the hip, besides suffering a severe sunstroke. She has also a sister, Mary Ann, wife of Mr. Nettleton, of Waseca County, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Webber have lost
59
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
one daughter, Mary A., who died in Caze- novia, when six years old. She was a sweet little girl; and it was of such the Master said, "Suffer little children to come unto me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." A son, Lucian A., died in Elmira, November 15, 1886, at the age of twenty-six. He was a young man of noble character; and his death was a severe bereavement to his parents, and was deeply deplored by his many friends. Another son, James C., married Cora J. Hunt, of New Woodstock. They reside on the home farm, and have two children: Nina Maud, a bright, intelligent girl of ten; and Norman Luther, a fun-loving boy of eight years, and namesake of his two grandfathers.
Mr. Webber is a Republican in politics, and has served as Highway Commissioner. In 1843 he became interested in religious matters, and surrendered his heart into the keeping of his divine Master. With his wife, he has been for many years a member of the Second Baptist Church of the village of Caze- novia, and for forty years has served as deacon. He has always tried so to live that at the last great day he may hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." He is now retired from active business, having com- mitted his farming interests into the hands of his two sons, but still helps to some extent on the farm. He has lived a useful and active life, and is still quite strong and fairly active, as may also be said of his faithful wife. They are living cosily at their new dwelling on the farm, near the old house occupied by
their married son, and are regarded by their many friends throughout the county as people of sterling worth and integrity, occupying a warm place in the hearts of all who know them.
ARWIN B. AND FRANK B. MORSE, under the firm name of Morse Brothers, are among the lead- ing merchants in the village of Eaton. The mercantile trade, or business, dealing as it does in a great variety of articles brought from great distances, is one with which civil- ized society would find it impossible to dis- pense, and, like agriculture and manufactur- ing, distinguishes peoples who have passed up out of the barbarous and, it may perhaps be correct to say, the bucolic state of ex- istence.
Darwin B. Morse, the senior member of this prosperous firm, was born August 7, 1837, and Frank B. Morse March 14, 1843, both in Onondaga County. They are sons of Bigelow Morse, who was born in the town of Eaton, but who removed to Onondaga County, where he engaged in business, and where he died at the age of forty-two years. The maiden name of his wife was Patience Kent. She was born in 1808, and died in 1879; while Bigelow Morse was born in 1804, and died in 1846. Both were members of the Baptist church, and Mr. Morse was a Whig in politics. Darwin B. Morse has continuously resided in the village of Eaton since his father's death. Upon commencing life on his own account, he worked for six months for
60
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
twenty dollars; and in 1871 he and his brother, Frank B., began business for them- selves in the village of Eaton, buying the store and good will of C. W. Burritt. He was married in 1870 to Ellen M. Ford, who was born in the town of Eaton. To this mar- riage have been born two children: Clara E., born in 1874; and Hattie G., in 1883, - both living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Morse are members of the Baptist church, and in poli- tics Mr. Morse is a Republican.
Frank B. Morse, the junior meniber of the firm of Morse Brothers, was educated in the Union Schools of Eaton and Hamilton, and, upon starting out in life for himself, began clerking in the store which he and his brother now own. He was married in 1870 to Hattie Short, who is a native of the town of Eaton. They have one son, Chester D., born in 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Morse are members of the Bap- tist church, and are people well thought of in the social world. Frank B. Morse has been somewhat of a politician, has always been popular, and has given satisfaction to the people in the offices which he has filled. In 1871 he was appointed Postmaster under the administration of President Grant, and served until 1885, when the change to a Democratic administration resulted in his retirement. In 1889 he was again appointed under the administration of President Harrison, and at this writing (September, 1893) still retains the position. He also served as Town Clerk several years.
The firm of Morse Brothers is among the best business firms in the village of Eaton.
They carry a complete line of groceries, and also everything that is expected in a general store. Their stock will usually invoice about seven thousand dollars, and their annual sales amount to from fifteen thousand dollars to eighteen thousand dollars. The success with which they have met is based upon strictly honorable business methods, and upon their uniform politeness and courtesy to their pa- trons. These are essential to the proper con- duct of any business, and all who patronize the firm of Morse Brothers know that in their establishment they can rely upon being fairly and pleasantly treated.
ANIEL KEATING. In a land of liberty, where every man is a sover- eign in his right of manhood, and wield's Freedom's sceptre, a free ballot, it is of the highest importance that the native intelligence should be of a high standard, and that education, supplemented by moral train- ing, should be widely and generally diffused. In no other way can those ideal results, planned by the founders of our government and claimed to peculiarly and exclusively ap- pertain to republican institutions, be obtained. The proper education of youth is, therefore, the primary and most important consideration of every republic, and the calling of a teacher second to none in utility, necessity, and honor.
Among those who occupy a leading place in . the ranks of this honorable profession in Madison County is our subject, Daniel Keat-
61
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
ing. He was born about two miles north of the village of Cazenovia, November 21, 1854. His father was Maurice Keating, a native of County Kerry, Ireland, where he was born August 1, 1820. He was a son of James Keating, of the same place, who was born in 1784, and died in the Quarantine Hospital, New York City, just after his arrival from Ireland, his fate being like that of Moses, - to see the promised land, but not to enter therein. He was a tailor by trade, and a tenant farmer and dairyman. His wife was Johanna Sullivan; and they became the pa- rents of three sons and five daughters, all but one of whom, a daughter, attained maturity. The mother of these children died in Ireland in 1842.
Maurice Keating, the father of our subject, was the eldest of this family, and in 1849, when twenty - nine years of age, came to America on a sailing-vessel, the voyage be- tween Liverpool and New York occupying forty-two days. On his arrival he found him- self with little more than enough money to pay his expenses to Troy, where, however, he soon found employment by the month. He worked some years for wages, and was married in 1853 to Miss Mary Bagley, who was born in his native county, and came over with her mother and stepfather in 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Keating soon began for themselves, and by industry and frugality have secured a pleasant home about one mile west of Chit- tenango Falls. The mother of our subject is a woman of rare intelligence, and, notwith- standing the demands upon her physical
powers by the care of a large family, is still very healthy and active. To Maurice Keat- ing and his wife, Mary, were born twelve children, of whom, four sons and two daugh- ters are now living, our subject being the eldest.
Mr. and Mrs. Keating take an active part in everything calculated to promote the edu- cational interests and material prosperity of their town and county, and are looked upon as among the leading and representative citizens of Canastota.
Daniel Keating was reared to habits of industry and inured to hard labor on his father's farm until his twentieth year, when a thirst for knowledge impelled him to seek a better education, in which ambition his parents encouraged him, and assisted him to the best of their ability, although having themselves but a limited schooling. He re- ceived his primary education in the public schools, and later attended Cazenovia Semi- nary, making his first essay in his chosen pro- fession when in his twenty-third year. Since then he has made school work his business during each winter and for much of the time in summer. He was first elected to the office of School Commissioner some six years ago, in a hotly contested triangular fight, he, a Democrat in a Republican district, receiving a handsome majority over the Republican and Prohibition nominees. His second term was secured by a still larger majority, - some eight hundred votes. He has made a most efficient officer thus far, and perhaps some of his success may be due to the sympathetic co-
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.