USA > New York > Chenango County > Book of biographies : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Chenango County, New York > Part 33
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September 7, 1876, Mr. Spencer was joined in wedlock with Alice Harrington, daughter of William S. and Maria M. (Bradley) Har- rington. A sketch of the Bradley family ap- pears elsewhere in this work, under the title of Daniel D. Bradley, who is an uncle of Mrs. Spencer on her mother's side; the an- cestral history of the Harrington family is contained in the biography of George N. Harrington, As a result of Mr. Spencer's marriage three children were born to him: H. Dorsey, a student at Hamilton College ; Alvina M., a teacher ; and Mildred A. Mr. Spencer is now devoting his time to agricul- tural pursuits.
"ON. TRUMAN I. MATTERSON. This prominent and public-spirited citizen of New Berlin, who in 1885 was elected to represent this county in the State Assembly, is now engaged in the gran-
ite and marble business. He is a son of Abel and Laura (Potter) Matterson, and was born in the village of South Edmeston, Otsego County, N. Y., September 25, 1840.
His grandfather, Abel Matterson, Sr., was a native of the State of Vermont, and at an early age came to New York State, and located at Burlington, Otsego County. He was consid- ered an extensive farmer in those days, and followed agricultural pursuits all his life. In 1803, he was killed by a falling tree and buried in West Burlington Cemetery. His tomb bears the following epitaph :
"The caus of his deth, As was toled me, Was a dethly blow From a little tree."
He was united in marriage with Miss Goff, who was closely related to Judge N. Goff, and they reared a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters.
Abel Matterson, the father of our subject, was born in Burlington, in October, 1796, and at the age of twenty-one years moved to Columbus, Chenango County, where he en- gaged in the blacksmith business. He re- mained there until 1839, when he moved to South Edmeston, and followed agricultural pursuits until his death. He owned a finc farm of 160 acres, and by industrious work and good management became one of the prosperous farmers of the community. In politics, he was formerly a Whig, but became a Republican, when that party was organized. He was elected to many of the town offices, being supervisor of Columbus two terms, also assessor of Edmeston for a number of years. He was united in matrimonial bonds
ALANSON W. POWERS.
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with Miss Laura Potter, who was born in the village of Burlington in 1800, and they were the parents of nine children, four daughters, who died young, and five sons, who grew to maturity, namely: Icilus T., who died at the age of twenty-one years ; Nelson W., who lived in Columbus and died in 1897, was a farmer and merchant; Menzo D., a retired farmer living at South Edmes- ton ; Delos W., a farmer living in Columbus ; and Truman I., who is the subject of this per- sonal history. In religious views, they were Universalists, and contributed largely toward the support of that church. Mr. Matterson died in 1873, and his wife survived him twelve years, dying at the age of eighty-five years.
Truman I. Matterson attended the common and select schools of Edmeston, after which he took a course in the Oxford Academy. Leaving school at the age of nineteen years, he taught six years in Chenango and Otsego Counties. He then engaged in merchandis- ing at South Edmeston, where he conducted a store until 1862. He then sold out, and in 1867 moved to New Berlin, where he formed a partnership with his wife's father, and they conducted the store until 1884 under the firm name of Demock & Matterson. In that year he engaged in the marble and granite business, and has been in that business since and with good results. He also owns an excellent farm in Otsego County, which he rents. He owns considerable valuable real estate in the village of New Berlin.
Mr. Matterson was united in marriage in 1862, with Miss Cornelia A. Demock, a daughter of R. B. Demock, deceased, of New Berlin. Their union was blessed by |
the birth of one daughter, Nellie E., who died at the age of seventeen years. Socially, our subject is a member of the Phoebus Lodge, No. 82, F. & A. M. Politically, he is a Republican, and cast his vote for Lincoln. His first public office was that of town clerk of New Berlin, which he held for three years. In 1877 he was elected justice of the peace, and held that position for sixteen successive years ; he then missed one term, but in 1896, was again elected to that office, which he still holds. He has also served many years as supervisor of that town. In 1885, his pop- ularity with the people was shown when he was elected to represent the county in the State Assembly. He was a member of the school board, when the New Berlin schools were merged in the Union School, but he re- signed soon after, as his duties as supervisor would not permit him to hold both offices. He is a believer in education, is in touch with modern progress, and is on all matters a thoughtful and considerate gentleman. In business and private life he has been equally successful, and is now reaping the justly earned rewards of a life well spent.
A LANSON W. POWERS of South Oxford, manufacturer of wagons, carriages and sleighs, has the reputation of being the finest wheelwright in Chenango County. lle is a son of Myron and Gertrude ( Willson ) Powers, and was born January 2, 1829, in Otsego County. N. Y.
Myron Powers was a native of Dutchess
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County, N. Y., and followed the trade of a miller, in Norwich, until 1843, when he moved to the town of Greene and purchased a farm of 125 acres, on which he lived for several years. He then took up his residence in South Oxford and bought a farm, upon which he passed the remainder of his life. He was a good neighbor and citizen, and was favorably known in his section of the county. He was united in marriage with Gertrude Willson, and they became the par- ents of nine children, six of whom grew to maturity, and became respected citizens of the various communities in which they lived. Their records are as follows: Harriet; Mary Amanda; Louisa M .; Alanson W, the sub- ject of this personal history ; Orrin D .; and Myron D. Mr. and Mrs. Powers were mem- bers of the Baptist Church and attended divine worship regularly.
Alanson W. Powers attended the public schools of Greene, and later, of Norwich. Upon entering upon the duties of life, he learned the trade of a wvagon maker, and has followed it since. In 1849, he moved to his present place of business, in South Oxford, and began the manufacture of wagons, sleighs and carriages. He soon became well- known throughout the county, and his wagons are now in great demand. He makes a specialty of heavy farm wagons, making them very substantial, yet giving them a finish that is seldom seen on a heavy wagon. He is an industrious and energetic worker, and richly deserves the success with which he is meeting.
In 1850, Mr. Powers was united in mar- riage with Miss Emily Bartoo, a daughter of
Hiram Bartoo of Greene, and two children have blessed their union, namely : Myron E .; and Minnie M. Myron E., whose companion in life is Jessie Sheldon of Oxford, has two children : Percy ; and Katheryn. Our sub- ject is a solid Republican, honestly believing in the principles advocated by his party, and does everything in his power to promote the interests of the party, believing that such action is for the welfare of the country. He has served in official capacities as postmaster, excise commissioner, assessor, and inspector of election. Socially, Mr. Powers is a Mason, belonging to Oxford Lodge, No. 176, F. & A. M. In religious belief he is a member of the Baptist Church. He is a valued member of the community, and by his up- right dealing and habits of thrift and industry has secured the confidence and esteem of his neighbors. We present his portrait on another page in proximity to this.
HARLES HOLMES. Among those who have contributed largely to the agricultural success of Columbus township, Chenango County, N. Y., is the gentleman named above. He is one of the oldest and yet one of the most active and energetic men in the village. He was born in the village of Washington, Dutchess County, N. Y., May 19, 1807, and is a son of Isaac and Sarah Ann (Titus) Holmes.
Jacob Holmes, the grandfather, came from Dutchess County to Oneida County, and settled in the village of Bridgewater. After living there for some years, he passed from
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this life at the age of seventy-six years. Three children were reared, namely: Titus; Sarah ; and Isaac.
Isaac Holmes was born in Dutehess County, and with his father moved to Oneida County. In 1827 he came to Chenango County, and settled in the village of Columbus, where he purchased the farm where Eugene Hopson now lives. Later, he bought an improved farm, and carried on general farming until he retired to the village of Columbus. He was joined in wedlock with Miss Sarah Ketchum, and as a result of this union a large family of children was reared, as fol- lows: Elias; Eliza ; Gilbert; Jonathan ; Jacob ; Charles ; Phoebe ; Melle ; Henry ; and Platt. Of this large family, only three are at present living, Charles, our subjeet, Henry, whose sketch may also be found in this Book of Biographies, and Platt. Mr. Holmes was called to his well-earned rest at the age of sixty years.
Charles Holmes, our subjeet, while still a youth, left his home and spent ten years at agricultural pursuits. When he left his home he started out poor, but by persistent energy and industry, and by exercising economy, he succeeded in saving enough money to buy a small place in the village of Columbus. He kept buying land adjoining his first purchase, whenever eireumstanees made it possible for him, and now he owns a very large farm. On what was formerly known as the Caleb B. Hall place, he built himself a fine resi- denee, and has erected barns, and otherwise improved the properties. Sinee his first start in life, he has been successfully engaged in dealing in eattle and sheep, driving them to
neighboring markets, or wherever he could obtain the best prices. Mr. Holmes keeps some twenty head of mileh eows on his farm all the time.
Mr. Holmes has been married twice ; Sarah Merchant was his first wife, by whom he reared two children: Cerelia, who married Charles W. Spurr; and Mary J., who, after the death of her first husband, Charles Hay- wood, married James Amsby. Our subject's second wife's maiden name was Luey (Phillips) Sturges, widow of the late Lavette Sturges of South Otselie. She is a daughter of Esek Phillips of Chenango County, and to her first husband four children were born : Harlan ; Myra ; Amy ; and Minnie. Mr. Holmes, in his early life, was a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge of New Berlin, N. Y. In political affairs, he is a staneh Republican, and takes an active part in local affairs. He has never sought publie office, as his ambi- tion has not been for political distinetion, preferring rather the pursuits of business and the quiet of domestie life. Hc certainly is possessed of a very strong constitution, and now, in his ninety-first year, he is still hearty and hale. There certainly eannot be another man in the county over eighty years of age who is as aetive and energetie as Mr. Holmes.
J OHN SELFE, proprietor of the Nor- wich Bottling Works, is an enterpris- ing business man, and one who has made many friends in private life. He is of English birth, having been born in Trow- bridge, England, April 26, 1846. He is a
18*
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BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES
son of Samucl and Sarah Selfc, both natives of England.
Samucl Selfe was also born in Trowbridge, England, November 10, 1821. After recciv- ing a common school education, he obtained employment in a woolen factory, and con- tinued in that occupation until 1850. He then sought a home in freedom-loving Amer- ica, locating in Pascoag, Rhode Island. For sixteen ycars hc worked in the woolen mills there, and then moved to West Eaton, Madi- son County, N. Y., wherc he followed the same occupation. Although liberal with his family, hc was able to accumulate some wealth, and in 1882 he retired from business cares, to spend the sunset of life in easc and comfort. To Mr. Selfe and his wife Sarah, four children were born, namely : John, the subject of this biography; Lottie; Georgc; and Rosie. In politics, hc is a firm supporter of the principles advocated by the Republi- can party. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a regular attend- ant upon divine worship. Although almost seventy-eight years of age, he enjoys good health, and is surprisingly active for one of his years.
John Selfe obtained his mental training in the common schools, and like his father, his first work was in a woolen mill. IIe fol- lowed this occupation in different mills until 1882, when he camc to Norwich and engaged in his present business. It was a success from the beginning, and steadily increased until he was making larger sales than any similar institution in the village. He is onc of those pleasant and genial men who make friends rapidly wherever they go. He is one
of the most popular men in Norwich, and one who, when once a friend, is always a friend.
In national politics, he is a Republican, but in local affairs he casts his vote for the man best suited for the position, regardless of party. Socially, he is a Thirty-second Degree Mason, bcing a member of Norwich Lodge, No. 302, F. & A. M.
ILLIAM P. BUCKLEY of the village of Oxford is a man whose reputation as a contractor and builder extends throughout Chenango County. Hc was born in Smithville, October 2, 1838, and is a son of Jacob and Clarinda (Hastings) Buckley.
John Bucklcy, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in the State of Connecticut, whence he came to New York in 1795, locat- ing in the town of Oxford, Chenango County. As was customary in those days, he plied his trade of a wheelwright in the winter months, and during the summer months engaged in farming. He purchased a good farm in the town of Oxford, which has remained in the family since, and is now owned by his grand- son, William P., the subject of this biography. He married Hannah Decker, a descendant of the sturdy German race, and they reared the following children : Cynthia ; Jacob; Hannah ; Peter; Polly ; Rebecca; and Sally Ann. Religiously, they were members of the Uni- versalist Church.
Jacob Buckley received his education in
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the common schools of Oxford, and then learned the trade of a millwright, following it during the winter and farming in the sum- mer. He also owned and operated saw mills in Oxford and Smithville, and was a very prosperous man. He was united in matri- mony with Clarinda Hastings, a daughter of Stephen Hastings of Smithville, and four daughters and one son blessed their union, whose records are as follows : Marion mar- ried Charles Stratton of Oxford, and has the following children,-Flora L, Herbert C., Robert B., Vernon D., and Carroll ; William P., whose name heads these lines; Almeda was united in marriage with John P. Davis of Smithville, by whom she had three children,- Marion B., Everett E., and Charles S .; A. Anvernett is the wife of H. D. Wilcox of Smithville ; and Mary A., who married James Warn of Oxford, and has one daughter, Bonnie. Jacob Buckley and wife were adherents to the faith of the Universalist Church. Politically, Mr. Buckley was a stanch Democrat, and for twelve years served as assessor. His peaceful life came to an end in 1884, aged eighty years. The mother died January 8, 1895, aged eighty-eight years.
William P. Buckley was intellectually prepared for the battles of life in the acad- emy at Oxford. After leaving school he taught for several terms, and at the age of twenty years took up the work of a carpen- ter and joiner, and has been engaged in that line of work since. He is considered one of the best mechanics in the Chenango Valley, and has had many large contracts in the county. He built the Union Free School in
Norwich, and the Opera House and Fire- men's Hall, at Greenc. He has also put up many fine residences in the village of Oxford, including his own, which is one of the most beautiful and finest finished houses in the county. He is honest and upright in all his dealings, and has never been known to slight any work that he has contracted to perform.
In 1865 occurred his marriage to Ruth A. Bartle, daughter of Uri Bartle of Oxford. One son was born to them, J. Burr, who graduated from the Mechanical and Engineer- ing Department of Lehigh University, and now lives in New York City. Mrs. Buckley's death occurred August 29, 1892. William P. Buckley formed a second union, December 26, 1894, with Mrs. Helen Brown, widow of Smith Brown of Preston. Mr. and Mrs. Buckley are attendants of the Universalist Church. Mr. Buckley is a Democrat and takes an active interest in political affairs. Socially, he belongs to the A. O. U. W. of Oxford. For seven years he was a captain in the state militia.
NSEL EVANS, deccased. The sub- ject of this brief notice was one of the pioneer settlers of Chenango County. Ilis remote ancestors were of Welsh origin. He was born in Guilford, Vermont, in 1790. When a young child, he came with his father and family to this town, where he resided until his death.
His grandfather, Major Henry Evans, was granted three square miles of land in the County of Chenango, State of New York,
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situated upon the Susquehanna River. The three deeds were signed by Governor George Clinton. The lands were granted by Con- gress for the services rendered by him during the War of the Revolution. Major Evans sold a portion of this land, upon which the village of Bainbridge now stands for 1812 pence per acre. His death occurred in 1792. He lies under six feet of earth, in an old de- serted cemetery beside his wife Abagail, with this quaint epitaph upon the headstone :
" This man came to this country at an early day, Where nothing dwelt, but beasts of prey, And men as fierce, and wild as they."
Our subject's father, Henry Evans, Jr., was a man of great brain power, and possessed an inventive genius that was keen, and far reach- ing-but circumstances, such as make great men famous, were wanting. Our subject's mother, whose maiden name was Sally Rice, a woman of sweet and gentle presence, died in her youth, lcaving one daughter, Sally, and three sons-Ansel, Newell, and Jehial. Like the branches of the fabled golden tree, when one is torn away, another is not wanting-thc thrce sons, by heritage, had the samc inven- tive genius and brain power.
Ansel Evans, the subject of these memoirs, was a millwright by occupation. He was always master of his work, and nothing could satisfy his demands upon himself but perfection. He was a stanch and honest Democrat through life. He was a conscicn- tious and consistent member of the Episcopal Church. A splendid physique, with a grand head and face, and a firm, dignified bearing, were the outer expressions of the inner man. His mind was logical and his judgment law
to his family and friends. His integrity was uncompromising, and unflinching. Home was to him a heaven of rest and joy. No harsh word escaped him there, but a glance from his keen, dark-blue eye governed the most rebellious child of the household.
In early life, he married Gratia Redfield, daughter of Russell Redfield, a man noted far and wide for his wit and genial humor. There were nine children born to them, six daughters and three sons. Sally C. was married to Burr Chamberlain of Dalton, Mass .; G. Adelia was wedded to A. Putman of Bainbridge, N. Y .; William Wallace mar- ried Katherine Harding of Tunkhannock, Pa., she is now deceased ; his second wife was Susan Coe of Sidney, N. Y .; Betsey A. was married to Dr. A. M. Smith of Pittsfield, Mass .; Diana M., to whom poetry was the natural expression of thought, died when seventeen years of age ; Rhoby HI. was the second wife of Dr. A. M. Smith of Pittsfield, Mass .; Harriett N. died when two years of age ; G. Weston married Josephine Risby of Bainbridge, N. Y .; Dr. Robert, D. D., was married to Miss S. Emma Tarble of Bain- bridge, N. Y .- his second wife was Miss Mary Moody of Bainbridge, N. Y.
In later years Mr. Evans devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. Some portion of his land was once included in the original grant to his grandfather, Major Evans, and another part was once the home of Mrs. Evans when she was a little child. It was a happy home- stead, children and grandchildren clustercd around them, and the tender loving mother of nine children was the same bright, cheer- ful companion, with her poetic fancies, her
MISS S. AGNES BRISTOL.
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CHENANGO COUNTY
intense love for the beautiful, and ready sym- pathy in all things, when her eyes closed at last, at the age of seventy-seven years, in 1871. Mr. Evans survived her two years. With his eyes undimmed, in the full vigor of his mental powers, he died, aged eighty-three years, in 1873.
ANIEL S. BRISTOL was for many years considered one of the most intelligent and influential farmers of Chenango County ; for the past fourteen years has been most closely identified with the interests of the village of Bainbridge, where he resides in one of its most charming spots, " Sunnyside," as his home is appropri- ately called. He is at present engaged in working Fire Insurance, and has met with gratifying success. He is a son of Peter and Sophia (Peck) Bristol, and was born June 5, 1828, near the village of Hamilton, in Madi- son County, N. Y.
Peter Bristol was born April 5, 1794, in Litchfield, Conn., and was a son of Daniel Bristol, a native of Litchfield, Conn., and later a resident of New Lisbon, Otsego County, this state, where he died. Peter Bristol was a hatter, and came with his parents to Otsego County, locating later in the town of Lebanon, Madison County, where he continued to reside until his death, February 10, 1867, at the age of seventy- three years. During his residence in Che- nango County he was elected by the Whigs to the office of justice of the peace of Smyrna, and discharged the duties devolving
upon him in a manner entirely satisfactory to all concerned. The maiden name of his wife was Sophia Peck ; she was born April 12, 1798, and died March 10, 1857. They left a family of six children: William, born September 16, 1818; Homer, September 30, 1822; Joseph, January 12, 1825 ; Daniel S .; Sophia, December 25, 1830; and Mary J., September 19, 1840.
Daniel S. Bristol attended the academy in the village of Smyrna, and there received the major part of his education ; he is a great reader and a close observer, and keeps fully abreast of the times in all current events. His first business venture was in Bainbridge, where he opened a carriage shop in 1856, and for eight years carried on a very profit- able trade. He then moved a short distance into the country, and for twenty-one years was engaged in agriculture, conducting his operations by the most approved modern methods, and being known as one of the thriftiest and most successful farmers of the section. In 1885, he concluded to give up the arduous duties, necessarily attending farm life, and once more took up his residence in the village, leaving a son in charge of his farm property. Since his removal to Bain- bridge he has been engaged in Fire and Accident Insurance, and does an extensive business, under the firm name of Bristol & Card. They have pleasant offices in the Prince Block, and represent all the promi- nent, reliable fire insurance companies of this country and England. These companies are : Aetna; Phoenix of Hartford ; Continental ; Home; Hanover ; German American; Phe- nix of Brooklyn; Fire Association; Phoenix
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of London ; Sun of London : Hartford Fire; Northern of London; Travelers Accident ; Travelers Life and Lloyd's Plate Glass. In politics Mr. Bristol is a Republican, but in no sense an office seeker, for the only time he allowed his name to be used in such a connection was when he was elected to the office of supervisor of Bainbridge, in 1863. At the same time he is deeply interested in all political movements, and gives his in- fluence and vote to the cause of right. Mr. Bristol was united in marriage, February 20, 1851, with Sarah E. Nearing, daughter and only child of Joseph and Abigail (Davis) Nearing. Joseph Nearing was born either in Schenectady, this state, or in Connecticut; hc was engaged in farming in New Lisbon, and later retired from active life and was living in Gilbertsville at the time of his death. He was a very prominent man, and became quite wealthy. He married Abigail Davis, a native of New Haven, Conn., and a daughter of Isaac Davis. Mrs. Bristol's grandfather was Joseph Nearing, Sr., also a native of Connecticut. He camc from therc to Schenectady and later to New Lisbon, Otsego County, where he carried on farm- ing as long as he lived. To Mr. and Mrs. Bristol have been born three children: S. Agnes, born February 22, 1852; Joseph Lodell, born July 22, 1858, married Eugenia Campbell, and is farming the land formerly operated by his father; and Herbert, born May 15, 1873, who is an operator of West Winsted, Conn. Mr. and Mrs. Bristol are members of the Episcopal Church, as are all the family.
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