USA > New York > Chenango County > Book of biographies : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Chenango County, New York > Part 12
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it was made so hot for him that he returned to his native country, leaving his family behind. His family, in order to escape the many evils of a city, moved, up the river and located at Poughkeepsie. Later they went still farther up the river, and at one time were living between Albany and Sara- toga, on what is known as Ireland's Four Corners. Grandfather James Ireland, with his two brothers, Jacob and Thomas, came to the western part of Bainbridge and each settled on a farm. In his younger days he was a mason by trade and carried on an extensive business. In his religious views he was a strong Methodist. His home was headquarters for pioneer Methodism, and all traveling ministers found a hearty welcome at his fireside. He was a leader among his early pioneer 'settlers, and was known as a generous and kind-hearted man. He mar- ried Miss Lydia Ingersoll, and a large family of children was reared : Job; Isaac; Stephen ; Harvey ; Nelson, the father of our subject ; William ; Polly ; and Margaret.
Nelson Ireland was born in Bainbridge in 1818, and was reared on his father's farm, where he acquired the vocation of a farmer. He was the first man to introduce Oxford- shire blooded sheep into the county, and was one of the up-to-date, scientific, successful farmers, whose business netted him a hand- some competency. He was also an extensive dealer in stock, and was the owner of 275 acres of highly improved land. He married Miss Mary E. Johnson, who was born about 1823, a daughter of Seth Johnson. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Ireland was blessed by five children : Harvey ; Ursula (Strong),
GEORGE H. SAGE.
1
MRS. HARRIET E. SAGE.
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who lives in the village of Bainbridge ; Aurelius, who died at the age of twenty-one ; Luella, the wife of Charles Root of Guilford, this county ; and Justin, who died aged seven years. Religiously, Nelson Ireland was a member of the Methodist Church. In politics he was an ardent Republican and did much for the success of his party. He was a public-spirited man and had the faculty of being a good speaker, having miade many political speeches in the exciting political campaigns of those days. He passed from this life on his forty-seventh birthday, April 3, 1865. His memory is held in high esteem by his friends, who knew him as an honest, upright, Christian man.
Harvey Ireland, the subject of this personal sketch, received his education in the common schools and at Oxford Academy. His youth was mostly spent in aiding his father in run- ning the farm, and at the age of twenty-one. he took charge of the farm, and for five years he carried on general farming, after the estate was settled. In 1870 E. H. Orwin founded the Bainbridge Republican, which was sold February 1, 1871, to Harvey Ire- land, who remained with it and built up a large circulation, until January 1, 1894, when he sold it to the present owners and man- agers, Henry A. Clark & Son. At that time it was the only paper in this section of the county, and in connection with the paper Mr. Ireland did a large business in job printing. In 1871 he was engaged in the harness business in Bainbridge, which he continued to run until October 6, 1897, when he sold his establishment. Politically, he has always been a Republican, although he is somewhat
inclined to be independent in his actions. He has never sought office, although he has held the position of trustee of the village for a number of years. Mr. Ireland has led an active and energetic life, and his enterprising spirit has been felt in all the movements to advance the business and social interests of his native village.
EORGE H. SAGE, a prosperous agriculturist and dairyman of the town of New Berlin, was born in the above town, May 2, 1837, and is a son of Daniel Sage, grandson of Daniel Sage, Sr., and great- grandson of Benjamin Sage.
The Sage family is of remote Scandinavian descent ; the name was spelled "Saga," but when the Norsemen conquered Normandy, and overran France, the final "a" was changed to "e," thus making the present name-Sage. The name as it appears first in English his- tory is found upon Battle Abbey Roll, year 1066, A. D .- the roll made by William the Conqueror after the battle of Hastings, when he divided the English lands among his own followers,-the spelling there being " Sage- ville." As a mark of distinguished favor, a coat of arms was granted by the king. The coat of arms is surmounted by grain, fruit and flowers, indicating that the Sage family was then, as it is now, an agricultural people. The motto is "Non Sibli,"-" Not for our- selves."
David Sage, a native of Wales, born in 1639, emigrated to the American Colonies in 1652, settling in Middletown, Conn., where
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he died in 1703. He was the founder of the American branch of what is now a very numerous family of Sages, among whom may be found men distinguished in every avoca- tion of life-judges, lawyers, clergymen, col- lege professors, physicians, army and naval officers, statesmen, merchants, manufacturers, and mechanics ; but a vast majority of the family have followed the tranquil and peace- ful pursuits of agriculture and husbandry.
Daniel Sage, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in Connecticut in 1756, and in 1803 came to the town of New Berlin, set- tling on a tract on Great Brook, where, after passing through the usual experiences inci- dent to a pioneer life, he passed away in 1852. He was prosperous and successful for those times, owning a farm of 200 acres on Great Brook. He served in the War of the Revolu- tion, and three of his sons fought for the Stars and Stripes in the War of 1812. He married Sybil Jewett of Rensselaer County, and had the following family : Sylvia, born in 1779; Erastus, 1784; Faith, 1786; Betsey, 1788; Simeon, 1789; Abigail, 1791 ; Jewett, 1793 ; Daniel, 1795 ; and Nathan, 1800.
Daniel Sage, the father of our subject, was born in 1795, as noted above; from Renssel- aer County he came with the family to New Berlin township, and settled on Great Brook, where his decease occurred. . He made no mistake when he adopted the pursuit of farm- ing as his life occupation, for the natural apti- tude he had for that vocation, combined with the earnest efforts he put forth to achieve success, conspired to make him a very pros- perous man and an extensive land-owner, for at the time of his death he could point to 800
acres of land that he had acquired. He was a man of great force of character, and proved himself a model citizen of his township. He was a Democrat, when it came to allegiance to party. He married Eliza Burton, by whom he had nine children, five sons and four daughters, who grew to maturity, as follows : Sylvia, born in 1831 ; Richard, 1832; Olive A., 1834; Lois, 1836; George H., 1837; William H., 1840; Augustus, 1843 ; Emeline, 1848 ; and Daniel B., 1854.
George H. Sage, the subject of this biog- raphy, is a descendant in the sixth generation from David Sage, mentioned previously, who came from Wales in 1652, and settled in Mid- dletown, Conn., where he figured prominently among the earliest settlers of that town. Our subject was reared in his native town, and has always resided within a mile and a half of his present home, which is just on the out- skirts of the village of Holmesville. He has never allowed his attention to be distracted from farming and the correlative industry of dairying, and has continued soberly and staidly to live the free, independent life of an agriculturist. He has achieved success at his calling, and ranks with the most progres- sive citizens. He owns a farm of 167 acres, well-improved, and farmed according to the most generally accepted methods; the home- stead has a comfortable farmhouse and other commodious buildings, suited to the size of the farm, and the character of the farm- products. Mr. Sage has also been interested in the manufacture of cheese. He has ever acted with the Democratic party, but has not held any political office.
On January 7, 1864, Mr. Sage married
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Harriet E. Trass, daughter of Gilbert and Sallie (Scott) Trass of Preble township, Cort- land County. Six children have resulted from this union, as follows : Burton S., born March 25, 1865, a farmer of the town of But- ternuts, Otsego County, married Nettie Greene; Edward, born June 10, 1869, is a butcher of the village of New Berlin-his wife is Hattie Fisher; Grace, born June 12, 1872, is the wife of Charles A. White, a farmer of the town of Norwich, Chenango County ; Lena, Oct. 9, 1875 ; Daniel, Feb. 22, 1877 ; and Harvey, Nov. 11, 1884. The last three live at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Sage are devoted to home and home interests, but they have a large circle of friends, who delight to enjoy their ready hospitality. Portraits of both our subject and wife appear on preceding pages in prox- imity to this.
AMES L. BERRY. This energetic and enterprising citizen of New Ber- lin is carrying on the business of fancy groceries and crockery, and is meeting with great success. He is a son of Rev. James M. and Amelia (Casler) Berry, and was born in Clarksville, Otsego County, N. Y., October 29, 1864.
Rev. James M. Berry was educated in the common schools of his native town, and after completing his elementary education he pur- sued a further course in theology in Madison University at Hamilton, N. Y., graduating from that institution in 1862. The first two years were spent in the study of law, but
later he decided upon the ministry, and there completed his theological education. Upon leaving school, he spent the first five years preaching in the Baptist Church in Otsego County. In 1867, he went to Green Valley, Tazewell County, Ill., where he remained two years, when he went to Matamora, Ill., where he became principal of the schools in that place; he then spent four years at De Kalb, Ill., and in 1877 he returned to the Empire State, and was stationed at North Brookfield, Madison County. In 1881 he took up a pastorate in Chenango County, and two years later moved to Richmonds- ville, Schoharie County, N. Y., where he remained seven years. He organized the church at Cobleskill, N. Y., and solicited the funds for the erection of the church sanctuary. He was united in marriage with Miss Amelia Casler, and two children blessed their union : James L., the subject of this biography ; and Matilda C., wite of R. H. Berringer of Rich- mondsville. Since Mr. Berry took charge of his present pastorate at Otsego, N. Y., he has been very successful, and has had his zealous efforts for the good and betterment of the community crowned with the best of results. His work is well planned, and he is able to accomplish much because of the large amount of experience that he had had in religious circles. Broad in his views, sincere and outspoken in his attitudes on living questions that concern the life and welfare of the people, and zealous and earnest in all to which he sets his hand and his heart, he is a man whose influence is felt on all sides, and is one who will leave a lasting impression on his community.
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James L. Berry, whose biography is herein set forth, received his early mental training in the schools of South New Berlin. Leaving school at the age of seventeen, he entered the store of F. Van Valkenberg, a leading mer- chant of South New Berlin, and remained in that gentleman's employ for six months, when he went to Richmondsville, and worked in the feed store of J. C. Smith. In 1885 he worked for D. Y. Drue, and remained in the service. of that merchant two years, when he found employment in the dry goods store of his father-in-law, Hobart Babcock. After the death of Mr. Babcock, he and C. B. Babcock were appointed as appraisers to settle the estate. In 1893 he engaged in the grocery business with E. R. Curtis, under the firm name of Curtis & Berry. In 1895 he pur- chased the interest of Mr. Curtis and con- tinued business under the name of J. L. Berry & Co., the present style of the firm. He deals in fancy and staple groceries, teas, coffees, and fruits and vegetables in their season. In December, 1894, he was appoint- ed postmaster, an office he has filled to the satisfaction of the people. His political views are pronounced in character and make him a strong Democrat. In church prefer- ences he adheres to the Baptist Church. Socially, he is a member of the Winnebago Tribe, No. 362, Improved Order of Red Men. He was joined in marriage with Miss Abia H. Babcock, June 24, 1885. Their only child, Anna M., was born May 6, 1889. In the life of Mr. Berry we find an example for young men, who are just cmbarking in the voyage of life, of what may be accomplished by a man beginning poor, but withal honest,
prudent and industrious. In early days he en- joyed but few advantages, his school days were limited ; neither had he wealth nor position to aid him in starting in life. He relied solely upon his own efforts and his own con- duct to win for him success. He has ever strictly observed that most important factor in the successful public or business life of any one,-honesty. He is a careful, con- scientious and methodical business man, and in the commercial field he is known to be a man of undoubted integrity and substantial ability.
R ANSOM M. IVES. As a representa- tive of the agricultural class, and one who has met with more than ordinary success in the prosecution of his independent calling, we take pleasure in mentioning Ransom M. Ives. He is pleas- antly located on his farm in the town of Guilford, where he may be found almost any day, engaged in the general routine of a farmer's life. He is an adopted son of Morris A. and Octaria (Salisbury) Ives, and was born in the town of Guilford, August 18, 1865.
Ransom Hovey, the father of our subject, was born and reared in the town of Guilford. He is engaged in agricultural pursuits, and owns a small farm near Guilford Center. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary Tripp, and two sons were born to them, namely : Wilbur T., a farmer of the town of Guilford ; and Ransom M., the subject of this personal history. Two weeks after the
HENRY A. GATES.
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birth of her second son, Mrs. Hovey passed to her Eternal Reward. Morris A. Ives and his loving wife, having previously lost their only son, agreed to adopt the motherless infant and bring it up as they would one of their own. Mr. Hovey's second marriage was with Imogene Birch, by whom he had five children, who are as follows: Edmund, who is in the railroad business in Guilford ; Camelia, who is the wife of Fred Bartle, a merchant of Oxford; Jennie, who was married to Herman Richards, a farmer of Guilford ; and twins who died in infancy.
Abraham Ives, the grandfather of Morris A., was born in the State of Connecticut, and while there followed the trade of a stone mason. After his marriage, he came to the State of New York, locating in the town of Guilford, Chenango County, in 1800. He settled on the farm now owned by our sub- ject, and engaged in farming. He was the progenitor of four sons and five daughters, one of whom was Abraham, the father of Morris, who was born on the farm at Guil- ford.
Morris A. Ives was born on the old Ives homestead, April 30, 1821, and there followed farming until 1878. He then retired to a small farm near Guilford Center, where he lived the rest of his life in peace and com- fort, enjoying the competency earned in carly life. He died December 1, 1881, at the age of sixty years. He was an upright and honest man, and performed all the duties of a good citizen. He was bound in Hymen's bonds with Miss Octaria Salisbury, and six children blessed their union, namely : Maria, the relict of John Burlison; Minnie,
who is the wife of James Marsh ; Elizabeth, who married Andrew Burton; Harriet, Rozilla and an infant son are deceased. Mr. Ives was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Ransom M. Ives was two months old when taken into the home of Mr. Ives, where he received the love and attention that Mrs. Ives bestowed on her own children. He was reared on the farm and attended the district schools. He then took up the occupation of a farmer, and in 1890 took charge of the old Ives homestead at Guilford, where he has since remained. He has charge of ninety- four acres of good farm land, well stocked and supplied with convenient out-buildings. He farms according to the best methods and uses improved machinery.
He was united in marriage with Fannie Dorman, a daughter of David Dorman, October 30, 1888. David Dorman is a retired farmer, and is now engaged as agent for the Bronze Monumental Co. of Bridge- port, Conn., and also as agent for a number of firms in handling farm implements. He is an attendant of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry. Mr. Ives is a young man but thirty-three years of age, and his prospects for a long and useful career are bright.
ENRY A. GATES, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, was one of the first men in this section to become identified with any movement tending to benefit the agriculturist; was
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president of the Chenango County Agri- cultural Society for three years, and is still a director of that body. He was president of the Farmers' League, an organization that had for its object the mutual benefit of the members. He has always taken a prominent part in all the agricultural affairs of the county, and is an intelligent, wide-awake farmer, having the interest of the community at heart. He is one of the largest land owners and most influential men in Chenango County, and lives on his spacious farm of 280 acres in the town of Norwich. On this farm he first made his acquaintance with the world, April 14, 1838, his parents being Aaron B. and Rowena (Hall) Gates.
Simeon Gates, the paternal grandfather, coming from Rhode Island, settled in the town of Norwich with his wife and little ones and purchased a large tract of land. Many years were spent by him in clearing this farm of its heavy growth of timber and getting it in a state suitable for cultivation. During the latter portion of his life he kept a tavern in the building now occupied by our subject, and then known as the "A. B. Gates Inn." His family consisted of the following children : Simeon; Newman ; Simon ; Rathbun ; Aaron B. ; and Ruth (McNitt).
Aaron B. Gates was but four years old when his parents came to this county. When he grew to mature years he kept the inn formerly run by his father, and in connection with it carried on farming. He bought and sold considerable land during his lifetime, and at his death owned his father's farm of 265 acres. He was a Whig and Republican
and served as supervisor. He was a member of the Baptist Church and a zealous worker for the cause. He was a trustee, and it was a rare thing for him to be absent from divine service. At one time he was a member of the old state militia. He was united in mar- riage with Rowena Hall, who bore him six children : Aaron Dwight; Jane Rowena ; Phœbe Augusta ; John H .; Ruth Eliza; and Henry A., our subject, who was the youngest. Aaron B. Gates died at the age of seventy- nine years and two months. His wife passed away in 1882.
Henry A. Gates made his first start in the world as a school teacher, beginning when but sixteen years of age, teaching during the winter and helping his father in the summer. His early education had been received in the common schools and Norwich Academy, and he taught for six years, his last school being in 1860-61. At that time the cloud, which had so long threatened our country with disaster, broke, and he took up arms for a united government and the relief of the un- fortunates in the South. In October, 1861, he enlisted in the 6ist Reg., N. Y. Vol. Inf., Co. G., of Gen. Sumner's Corps, and served under McClellan in the Army of the Potomac. The members of the regiment were mustered into the Federal service at New York City, and went into winter quarters near Alexandria, Va. In the spring of 1862 they marched toward Man- assass Junction, where Mr. Gates was taken sick and for two weeks was confined in the hospital, near Alexandria. After his recovery he again rejoined his regiment, and went with them to Ship Point. There he, with the
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rest, was obliged to wade from the vessel to the shore when they landed, and he con- tracted a heavy cold, which again resulted in a severe spell of sickness, probably superin- duced by his previous illness and his weak- ened condition. He was examined and pronounced to have pulmonary consump- tion, and received his discharge for disability. He was second lieutenant and commissary, and had served but six months when he was released from service and returned home, where careful nursing and attention over- came his malady, from which he entirely re- covered. He returned home in the fall of 1862, and then took up his residence in Bridgeport, Conn., where he remained four years, engaged in the livery, sale and board- ing stable business, after which he returned to Norwich, and for two years lived on the farm with his father, when he once more entered the livery stable business, this time in New Haven, Conn., continuing there for four years. He succeeded his father on the homestead, and has since made it his home, owning 280 acres of land. He has dealt extensively in live stock, buying and selling large numbers of horses and cattle and find- ing it a fruitful source of profit; but his time is now devoted to his farming and dairy interests, and they well repay him for the labor and care bestowed. His dairy con- sists of fifty-five cows, from which he derives much satisfaction as well as profit. He is also the owner of a fine farm of 300 acres in the town of Pharsalia, which he leases for dairy purposes, large quantities of butter being made on it annually.
Mr. Gates chose as his companion through
life Miss Julia A. Wood, daughter of Nelson O. Wood, to whom he was married July 6, 1863, and to them were born four children : Hattie, who died at the age of four years ; Grace, living at home; Jessie B., deceased ; and Aaron B., who is at home finishing his education. Mr. and Mrs. Gates are attend- ants of the Baptist Church, to which they belong. Our subject has been a Republican, but in 1896 cast his influence and vote for the silver party, voting for William Jennings Bryan. He was formerly a member of the Knights of Pythias, but withdrew from the order, and at present finds his greatest pleasure in the home circle.
ILLIAM H. PACKER, a represen- tative agriculturist of the town of Preston, is a son of James Biglow and Achsa Lee (Turner) Packer and was born in the town of Preston, at Preston Corners. The family name is of English origin.
William Packer, the grandfather, was born in Stonington, Connecticut, and when a boy came with his father, William Packer, and located near Preston Corners. He after- wards lived in the village for a short time, and was a resident of the town until his death. He was a stock dealer and farmer by
occupation. He was a very strong Whig and later an enthusiastic Republican, holding very decided views and taking an active part in political discussions. Ilis wife's maiden name was Abigail Mason, and they reared four children : Abigail; Emily Bowen ; William K. ; and James Biglow. They were
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attendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died at the good old age of eighty-seven years.
James Biglow Packer first saw the light of day at Preston Corners, as did the rest of the family. He was a man who possessed a good business education, and was employed as a teacher for a portion of his early life. Find- ing that teaching school did not give sufficient scope to his energies, he turned his attention to farming, and for twelve years devoted his time to that and stock dealing. He owned the farm in Preston, now in the possession of William H. Packer, our subject, and operated it part of the time when he was living in the village. In 1876 he removed to the village of Pitcher, where he died, February 26, 1893. He sided with the Republicans in political belief, and in religion, he was a Congrega- tionalist, belonging to the church of that de- nomination at Preston Center. He was married three times, the first wife being Minerva Hartshorn, by whom he had two children: Emily A .; and Minerva E. He next married Achsa Lee Turner, who bore him three children: William H., our subject, and two that died in infancy. Mrs. Packer did not long survive her two children, dying at the age of thirty-seven years. Mr. Packer was a third time united in matrimony, the bride this time being Artelissa Blackman, who was the mother of one child : Lynn B.
William H. Packer, our subject, was edu- cated in the public schools of Brockport, N. Y. After leaving school he began farming on the old homestead, where he had always lived, and where he now owns 165 acres of fine farm land. He carries on general farm-
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