USA > New York > Chenango County > Book of biographies : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Chenango County, New York > Part 10
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George M. Bryan attended the common schools of his native town and then entered New Berlin Academy. As his first business venture, he engaged in the mercantile busi- ness with O. D. Larcher, under the name of Larcher & Bryan, and at the expiration of one year he sold his interest and moved to Sherburne, and with F. M. Godfrey he again embarked in the mercantile business. Two years later he engaged in the hop business with Edward Daniels, and they carried on a large business for four years, when our sub- ject entered upon new duties as assistant cashier of the Sherburne National Bank, a position he has filled to the present time.
Mr. Bryan chose for his life companion Miss Evelyn Cone, daughter of Charles E.
Cone of Columbus, this county. Charles E. Cone was born in New Berlin, December I., 1827, and is a son of Benjamin and Emily (Root) Cone. Benjamin Cone was successfully engaged in the cultivation of the soil at New Berlin, but later moved to Columbus, where he remained until his death, which occurred at the age of sixty-three years. Mrs. Cone passed from this life, aged thirty years. They were the parents of the following children, namely: Russell F .; Royal D .; Josiah R .; Theo H .; Charles E .; and John F. Mr. Cone married for his second wife Ann Burbank, and they reared four children, who were as follows: Tracy; Emily ; Delia; and Benjamin. Charles Cone bought the Whit- more farm in Columbus, where he carried on general farming. IIe succeeded in reaping a handsome competency with which he is able to pass his latter days with ease, and he is now living with our subject. He married Ellen Clark, daughter of R. W. Clark, and they are the parents of one child,-Evelyn, the wife of our subject. To George M. Bryan and his wife have been given two children, namely : Ellen Louise, deceased ; and Hugh, born April 7, 1882, who is now attending school. Our subject is a firm sup- porter of the Republican party, and has served as trustee of the village for two years; is now treasurer of the village; has been a member of the board of education for the past ten years; and has been water commissioner for four years. Mr. Bryan has also been a director of the Sherburne National Bank for the last two years. Religiously, he and his family are attendants of the Congregational Church.
ELISHA M. WARREN.
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CHENANGO COUNTY
JLISHA M. WARREN, whose portrait appears on the opposite page, a retired citizen of Bainbridge, highly re- spected wherever he is known, is a son of Woodward and Patty (Miles) Warren, and was born in Coventry, this county, March 27, 1822.
The grandfather of our subject was a native of Cheshire, Conn., and early in life came west to the village of Coventry, and was considered one of the pioneer settlers who contributed largely to the success of the community.
Woodward Warren was born in Connecti- cut, June 17, 1791, and came with his parents to Coventry, where he followed the trade of a carpenter. Politically, he was an avowed Democrat, and served his fellow men as supervisor in such a manner as to win their highest praise. He married Miss Patty Miles, who was born December 7, 1796, and died January 30, 1881. Mr. Warren passed from this life September 7, 1855. Two children blessed their home, Elisha M., and Simeon W., the latter born October 2, 1829. Simeon W. Warren in his younger days was a music teacher and ticket agent at Sidney, N. Y. Later at Bainbridge he held a similar position until forced to abandon it on account of failing health. His death occurred July 25, 1886. He was joined in wedlock with Miss Sarah Stoddard.
Elisha M. Warren received a liberal educa- tion in the common schools, and spent the most of his early days on the farm, where he learned from his father the trade of a car- penter and joiner, which he continued to fol- low for a short time. After the death of his
father, he purchased the homestead, where he engaged in general farming until 1868, when he took up his former trade as a car- penter, in the employ of the D. & H. R. R. Since his connection with the railroad he has been retired from active business. He owns a large business block in the city of Bing- hamton, and takes an active interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of that community. Politically, he is a supporter of the Democratic party, and for three years he served as highway commissioner of Coven- try.
September 18, 1879, Mr. Warren chose as his lifelong companion Mrs. Julia M. Holcomb (neé Bingham.) Mr. and Mrs. Warren are both popular members of the Presbyterian Church. During the late Civil War, Mr. Warren was among those who early offered their services to their country in the hour of peril, but much to his disappointment he was not allowed to serve, as he was found upon upon examination to be disqualified on account of disability. Nevertheless, he did all in his power to aid in the support of the Government.
HANCELLOR H. BABCOCK, one of the substantial citizens of New Ber- lin, is a son of Chester and Sarah G. (Fox) Babcock, and was born in South New Berlin, April 5, 1829.
His grandfather, Roger Babcock, was a native of Massachusetts, and was among the first brave and sturdy pioneers who came into the State of New York and settled in Bur-
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lington, Otsego County, while yet it was the home of the red men, and its broad rolling fields were unturned by the plow. Later he moved to South New Berlin and engaged in farming, following that occupation the rest of his days. He was also a blacksmith by trade, in which he was very successful, and for a number of ycars prior to his death he lived the life of a retired citizen. He was the father of three children, of whom Chester, the father of our subject, was the oldest.
Chester Babcock was born in Burlington, March 31, 1790, and like his father he fol- lowed the trade of a blacksmith nearly all his life. In religious views hc was a devoted member of the Baptist Church. In politics he was an ardent Democrat and took an active part in the advancement of the interests of that organization. He was prominent among his fellow-citizens, and was clected supervisor of the town for a number of years. Hc mar- ried Sarah G. Fox, and a family of nine chil- dren was reared-three sons and six daugh- ters. Mr. Babcock passed from this life De- cember 9, 1862, at the ripe old age of seventy- two years. Mrs. Babcock died May 5, 1874.
Chancellor H. Babcock was educated in the schools of South New Berlin, and then took up the trade of a blacksmith. The meth- ods of the father in turn became those of the son; as the burden grew too heavy for the elder, they found a ready and trained bearer in the younger. Success was certainly won by the father, and has been retained and main- tained by his worthy successor. Mr. Bab- cock was formerly a Democrat, but upon the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks, and has remained identified
with that political organization to the pres- cnt. He was superintendent of the poor of this county for two terms; a town supervisor for six years; justice of the peace for twenty years, and notary of the public for a consider- able term. In 1861 he bought out the mer- chandise store of Everett Jackson, and con- ducted the business for twenty years, selling out in 1881. He is a member in good stand- ing of the Methodist Church, and has been steward and trustee for a number of years.
June 29, 1852, our subject was united in wedlock with Miss Adelaide A. Ainsworth, of New Berlin, and two children were born to them. The elder, Hobart C., was born April 24, 1856, and died in Georgia Decem- ber 1, 1895. . He was a very prominent man and was engaged in the lumber trade ; he was also a member of the Cherokee Manufactur- ing Co., of which he was president. Sarah A., the younger, born July 31, 1860, is the wife of Scott B. Lewis, whose life history ap- pears elsewhere in this work. Mr. Babcock is a careful, conscientious and thoroughly enterprising business man. He is a pleasant and genial companion, hospitable in his home and highly esteemed throughout the com- munity. Both he and his wife vie with each other in dispensing a generous hospitality to all who come under their roof.
C. HARTIGAN, division superin- tendent of the N. Y. O. & W. R. R., with headquarters at Norwich, is a son of James and Mary (Curren) Hartigan, and was born in Oswego, N. Y., April 4, 1854.
II7
CHENANGO COUNTY
James Hartigan, Sr., the grandfather of our subject, was born in the city of Cork, Ireland, from which place he emigrated to this country and located in Oswego County, N. Y. He was a blacksmith all his life. In politics he was an old timc Whig, and most loyal in his allegiance to party. He was an active member of the Roman Catholic Church. His family was large, but he was able to give them the benefits of a fair edu- cation, that rendered them better able to cope with the problems of life. His death occurred in 1860.
Jamcs Hartigan, son of the preceding, and father of W. C. Hartigan, was ushered into the world in the city of Cork, Ireland, and came to this country with his father when he was seventeen years of age. His early life in the United States was spent in firing on a steamboat, that plied on the waters of Lake Ontario; disliking that kind of work, he finally discontinued it and learned the trade of a miller, and followed that occupation in Oswego, N. Y., until 1887, when he retired from active life. In politics he is a strong Democrat, and supports the party of his choice with vote and influence. He is a member of the Catholic Church, and lives the life of a true Christian. He was united in marriage in early life with Mary Curren, and five children were born to them, namely : James; W. C., the subject of this personal history ; Jeremiah ; Charles; and Annic. Mrs. Hartigan was removed from the side of her husband in May, 1895.
W. C. Hartigan received a liberal educa- tion in the common schools, and at the age of fourteen years he began to face the stern
realities of life. He engaged in the service of the Atlantic & Pacific Telegraph Co. as messenger boy, then learned to be an effi- cient operator, and accepted a position in that capacity with the above mentioned company. Soon after this the manager of the company, William HI. Weed, resigned to accept the position of superintendent of telegraph with the N. Y. & O. Midland R. R., and our subject was persuaded to join him in the service of that company. Mr. Harti- gan's first office was in the Oswego shops, where he remained one year, and was then appointed cxtra agent and operator on the division between Oswego and Sidney. Later he was appointed ticket agent and operator at Oswego, and held that position until 1873, when he was promoted to be night train dis- patcher; he thereupon moved to Norwich to take up the duties of his new position. His steady, conscientious work entitled him to the favorable notice of his superiors, and his rise to his present position of superintendent has been gradual but sure. In January, ISSO, he was appointed chief train dispatcher at Middletown under Supt. Hawkins ; in 1887 the departments of the road were reorgan- ized, with the result that there was a general change. C. W. Lampher became general superintendent of transportation, the dis- patcher's force was concentrated at Nor- wich, and Mr. Hartigan was appointed train master, with special charge of the traffic of the entire road. He held the position until June, 1890, when, owing to the increase of the road's business, it became necessary to remove the dispatcher's office back to Mid- dletown, and Mr. Hartigan was promoted to
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BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES
the post of assistant superintendent, in charge of the Northern and Utica Division. Our subject assumed the duties of his pres- ent position, that of division superintendent, in 1893. He has well merited his present post of responsibility and trust, for he has been in all gradcs of the service from the lowest up, and possesscs such an intimate knowledge of details as is only gained through experience. His cnergetic and pro- gressive nature is seen to full advantage in his gradual climb to success. He is pleasant and agreeable in his manners, and most con- siderate of those who are subject to his orders, and in turn he is well liked by them.
Mr. Hartigan was joined in marriage, September 22, 1880, with Miss Minnie Con- way, daughter of Michael Conway. Their home has been blessed by the following chil- dren : Charles and William, who are attend- ing Norwich Academy; James; Minnie ; and Jennie. Politically, our subject is a firm Gold Democrat, and is fearless in his opin- ions on the issues of the day. Hc is now serving his third term as a member of the board of education of Norwich.
ARRY V. R. GRISWOLD, deceased, was a prominent farmer of the town of Coventry, Chenango County, N. Y. He was a musician of ability, and made a state-wide reputation as leader of the celebrated Griswold Band. He was born August 13, 1813, in Coventry, Chenango County, N. Y., and was a son of Samuel and Esther (Trumbull) Griswold.
Samuel Griswold was a native of Coventry, and followcd the occupation of a farmer throughout his life. His wife was born July 8, 1771, in Coventry. As a result of their union eight children were born, namely : Elnora; Electa; Samuel; Juvenal; Apollos; Egford; Orsemas; and Harry V. R., the subject of this personal history. Mr. and Mrs. Griswold wcre active workers in the Baptist Church. She passed to her eternal reward, January 26, 1826, at the age of fifty- five years; he died in 1842. He was a pros- perous man and one of Coventry's most re- spected citizens.
Harry V. R. Griswold received his educa- tion in the district schools, after which hc devoted his attention to music. He was a talented man, and it was not long before he occupicd an enviable position in the musical world. He became leader of the Griswold Band, so named in honor of him, and it gained renown throughout the state. He purchased a farm in Coventry, upon which he lived until 1883. He then retired from active life and moved to Greene, where he re- mained the rest of his life. In 1843 he was united in marriage with Anadine Gilmore, a daughter of Peres Gilmore, one of the pio- neer settlers of Coventry. Unto them was born one son, Noyes V. E., who inherited the farm upon his father's death. He fol- lowed farming as a means of earning a competence, and was quite successful. He was joined in Hymen's bonds with Miss Lelia Spiccr of Coventry, N. Y.
In politics, Mr. Griswold was an active Re- publican. Religiously, he was liberal, and generously supported all denominations. He
JOSHUA PRATT.
121
CHENANGO COUNTY
was a well-informed and public spirited man, and took a deep interest in everything per- taining to the welfare of the public. He was a popular man and had a large circle of friends who mourned as a public loss his death, which occurred April 10, 1888.
OSHUA PRATT, the venerable and esteemed president of the Sherburne National Bank, is a native of Sherburne township, where for two-thirds of a century he has been prominently identified with every interest that has had for its ultimate object the development of the township's natural resources, and the enrichment of all the sec- tion that is contributory to Sherburne. He is well known in this county and over the state as a banker, having been engaged as a financier and capitalist for over thirty years, thus contributing largely to the stability and prosperity of every enterprise that has had Sherburne in its field of operations. Saga- cious and energetic in business, in him are united just the requisite elements of conserv- atism and enterprise that go to make up a well balanced business man. Integrity of conduct has characterized all his business dealings, and has given him the reputation for straightforward dealing that he so richly deserves. He is a man of diversified talents, and no matter what the venture, he has gen- erally been able to figure out a reasonable profit. Success has attended him in his efforts to accumulate property, and to rise to a prominent position in the world of finance. Mr. Pratt was born October 18, 1810, in
Sherburne township, and is a son of Joshua Pratt, Sr., who was born in Spencertown, Columbia County, N. Y., and settled in the town of Sherburne about 1800. Joshua Pratt, Sr., started out in life in agricultural pursuits, and was interested in a farm known as the Ladd place, which he cleared from the original growth of timber, and cultivated for a number of years, until about 1804, when he removed to the village of Sherburne, where he built a store on the present site of the Pratt Block. There he launched out into mercantile business, keeping a general coun- try store, and was the leading merchant until 1833, when he was succeeded by his sons, Joshua, Jr., and Walstein. His articles of merchandise were hauled from Albany on wagons, for that was before canals and rail- roads had simplified the matter of transpor- tation, and had brought remote portions of the country into intimate relations, thus facil- itating business to an extraordinary degree. He also owned and conducted an ashery. The farm, now owned by Talcott Pratt, was among his possessions, and received no small share of his attentions. After he disposed of his store to his sons, he engaged in the for- warding business; he owned three canal boats, and shipped out farm produce from this section, and brought in manufactured goods of all descriptions, and also the agri- cultural products of other sections. Active, energetic, and astute in business, it was an easy matter for him to accumulate property and lay by a competence. His last years were spent in retirement. When he came to Chenango County he was accompanied by his father, also named Joshua, who lived with
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his sons William and Frederick until he was called Home. His wife, our subject's mother, was Jemima Talcott, and their children were as follows: Caroline, who married Dr. De- villo White, now deceased; Adaline, who died young ; Julia Ann, who became the wife of Seth Kershaw ; Adaline (2), who married Mr. Sutliff; Mary Eliza, who died in girl- hood; Joshua, Jr., our subject; Talcott ; Walstein ; Elisha ; and Charles.
The subject of this writing attained a fair degree of culture in the district schools and in Cazenovia Academy, in the meantime building up a splendid physique by hearty work on his father's farm, thus laying the foundation of the excellent health that he has enjoyed. At sixteen years of age he became a clerk in his father's store, and so continued until 1833, when, with his brother Walstein, he bought the store and stock, and was en- gaged in merchandising until 1859 or 1860, when he sold out and went into the forward- ing business. In 1862, with a capital of $50,000.00, under the firm name of Joshua Pratt & Co., he opened a state bank in his father's old store, and met with great success. This institution was succeeded, May 4, 1865, by the Sherburne National Bank, with a cap- ital stock of $100,000.00, which latter bank came into the patronage built up by the parent institution, and furthermore increased its sphere of influence and activity as the years went by, so that to-day there is no more solid or highly regarded bank in the county. In times of depression or panic, it has bravely held its own, and has never lost its stockholders or depositors one cent, a re- sult, in large measure, due to its president,
Mr. Pratt, who has managed its finances ever since the first, his policy, therefore, being at all times the policy of the bank. In 1869, Mr. Pratt had the old store moved to another location in the village and remodeled into a house, while the original site was utilized for the handsome three-story brick block that was erected in the same year, which is a credit to the village, and is without doubt the finest building in the corporate limits. On the ground floor is located the Sherburne National Bank, the Postoffice, and a barber shop, while the second floor is divided into three suites of offices, and the third is given up to the Masonic Hall. The building is heated throughout by steam, and has the best of appointments; the counting rooms of the bank are especially luxurious and hand- some, and but reflect the solid character of the institution. In 1835, Mr. Pratt built a handsome residence on Court Street ; besides other village property, Mr. Pratt has owned considerable real estate throughout the coun- ty, and has bought and sold a large number of farming properties. He has ever taken a very active and intelligent interest in all im- provements and in the general material pro- gress of Sherburne ; in this way he has been connected prominently with a number of large manufacturing concerns. In 1863 he became a stockholder of the Ross cotton mills, putting in $10,000.00 at that time, which he afterward withdrew to use in other projects. He was also a stockholder and one of the promoters of the knitting mills.
In 1837, our subject married Miss Rebecca Pratt of Prattsburg, Steuben County, N. Y .; she died in 1840, leaving one child, Cornelia,
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CHENANGO COUNTY
since deceased, who was the wife of Mr. Avery. Our subject's second wife was An- nie Pratt of Ontario County, who is still liv- ing, and accompanying her husband in the journey of life. Four children blessed this union, of whom two are living, as follows : Grace, who married Homer G. Newton, M. D., of Sherburne, N. Y., mention of whom is made elsewhere in this Book of Biogra- phies, in the personal history of William Newton, his father ; and Carrie E., who lives at home with her parents. Mr. Pratt is a member of the Congregational Church, of which he has been a liberal as well as a de- voted supporter. Those with beneficent ob- jects appeal not in vain to him for financial aid, for he thoroughly believes in employing his wealth in the best channels, and dislikes to see want unattended to. He is a Repub- lican in his politics, and although too busy to serve the party of his choice to any great extent, he has yet filled the office of town- ship assessor for one year.
Mr. Pratt can successfully lay claim to be- ing the oldest man in active business life in Chenango County, but to one who did not know that he was fast approaching the age of ninety, he appears to be but little past the prime of manhood. He has conserved his health by being methodical in both business and private life. At his advanced age, he makes a practice of being at the bank early in the morning, even before banking hours, and of remaining there till late in the day. Among his townsmen he is most highly es- teemed, and there is not a man, woman or child but who is proud of the mention of the life and record of Joshua Pratt. As one of
the representative and well known citizens of Chenango County, whose connection with the commercial and financial interests of this section has been most intimate for over a third of a century, we take pleasure in pre- senting his portrait on another page in prox- imity to this.
A BEL COMSTOCK, president of the village of Smyrna, and senior mem- ber of the firm of A. Comstock & Son, druggists, is a man possessed of many commendable traits of character. He was born in the village of Norwich, N. Y., Novem- ber 3, 1834, and is a son of Abel and Esther L. (Moore) Comstock.
Abel Comstock, our subject's father, was born in Delaware County, and learned the trade of a miller, which he followed for some time in the town of Delhi, N. Y. Later he moved to Norwich, and ran the Guernsey Mills, and finally he began to manufacture lead pipes. These pipes were made by the old process, the lead being drawn out through dies and sections soldered together ; although the progress was very slow, it did not pre- vent the building up of a very large and ex- tensive trade. He carried on this business until lead pipes came to be manufactured by patent process, which advance made the old method too slow to be profitable. He dealt with the new lead pipes until his death oc- curred, which was at the age of fifty-three years. Mrs. Comstock was born in East Lyme, Conn., and came to Norwich, N. Y.,
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BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES
where she was engaged in teaching school. To Mr. and Mrs. Comstock were born the following children: Abel, the subject of this sketch ; Mary; Bessie; William; Rachel ; Emma; Charles; and one who died in in- fancy. These children all lived to grow up, and are energetic, thrifty citizens. Mr. Com- stock was a subscriber, and one of the first trustees of the old Norwich Academy.
Abel Comstock received his education in Norwich Academy, and for eight years he clerked in the drug store of J. Mitchell. In 1864 he moved to Smyrna and bought out J. E. McClellan's store, which was the old Shepard store, which he remodeled and re- built. Later he purchased the old Friend Church, which he reconstructed and trans- formed into a beautiful home. It is hand- somely situated, elegantly furnished, and is surrounded by beautiful lawns. He also owns a large, commodious tenement house, of his own erection, and conducts the only drug store in the village of Smyrna, which is com- plete in every detail.
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