USA > New York > Chenango County > Book of biographies : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Chenango County, New York > Part 36
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
ality esteemed is but a well-earned reward for his faithful efforts. Dr. Dixson is a son of Samuel R. and Ruth L. ( Kinney ) Dixson, and was born in the town of Butternuts, Otsego County, N. Y., April 29, 1861.
Robert Dixson, grandfather of our subject, was a native of Stetsonville, Otsego County, and a manufacturer of hats. He was twice married ; to his first wife, Miss Clinton, six children were born -three sons and three daughters. He was again married, and was the father of three children-one son and two daughters. He died in 1850 at the age of fifty-four years.
Samuel R. Dixson was born in New Lisbon, Otsego County, N. Y., in 1827, and died Sep- tember 20, 1894, in the town of Butternuts. He received a good education in the common schools of his native town and then took a course in the academy at Gilbertsville ; he also had a private teacher for some time. Upon leaving school he taught for several years and then followed the pursuits of an agriculturist. Having been more than or- dinarily successful, and a man whose charac- ter was above reproach, his name was a familiar one throughout the county of his residence. He was an earnest and sincere Christian, and an active member of the Epis- copal Church, with which organization he was identified for many years. To this society his death was an almost irreparable loss, for he was looked upon in confidence as a wise counseller and interested friend. He was a strong Republican, and for eighteen consecutive years was elected commissioner of highways in the town of Morris. He was united in marriage with Ruth L. Kinney, and
413
CHENANGO COUNTY
they reared a family of five sons and three daughters, namely : Blanche, wife of George Harris of Otego; Eugene, who resides at Oneonta, N. Y .; Lydia, deceased ; Dr. Lewis E., whose name heads these lines; John, deceased; Samuel, a prominent cheese man- ufacturer of South New Berlin ; Elva, de- ceased ; and James, also deceased.
Dr. Lewis E. Dixson attended the high school at Morris, where he laid the solid foundations of his education. Next he took up the study of medicine under the precep- torship of Dr. W. W. Hall of Morris. In 1887 he entered the Medical Department of the University of Buffalo, N. Y., and was graduated from that institution in 1890. He then returned to Morris and spent some time in practicing his chosen profession. Later he moved to South New Berlin, where he has since resided. Dr. Dixson is essentially a broad man. While a thorough student and an up-to-date practitioner, he finds ample time to handle a large practice and to look after many other interests in a satisfactory manner. His profession has yielded him good returns, and he is considered one of the solid men of his section. He has also taken a special course in urinalysis, and has re- ceived a special diploma in that work.
On October 21, 1891, Dr. Dixson was united in marriage with Fanny Arnold, who died five months after marriage with consumption. For his second wife he chose Jennie Thomp- son of Morris, Otsego County, N. Y., and they have one child, Ruth L., born August 25, 1894. Dr. Dixson is a gentleman who fully appreciates the duties of his profession, and at the same time does not forget the
claim which the public has upon him as a cit- izen. He is a firm advocate of the best educational facilities. In politics, he is a Republican of the strongest convictions. Active in thought and movement, possessed of keen foresight, and endowed with excep- tional executive abilities, the Doctor is, apart from his calling, a man of influence and force. He is a member of the Winnebago Tribe, No. 362, I. O. R. M. In religious views he is a member of the Episcopal Church. As a physician, Dr. Dixson is on all sides trusted as well as loved. Well read in all that per- tains to the well being of the human body, keen and correct in his diagnosis, cool and collected under the strain of a severe surgical operation, it is no mistake to aver that he is an instance of the right man in the right place. The severest test to which one can subject a man's personality is to lay it open to the criticism of those who have seen him grow from childhood to manhood, and in manhood expand his career year by year. This test Dr. Dixson stands exceedingly well, for no more popular, well estcemed, or re- spected gentleman than he has ever grown up among the sturdy sons of Chenango County.
R. LEROY J. BROOKS, the lead- ing and most popular physician of the town of Norwich, can look back with pride on a quarter of a century's successful practice in the vicinity of his pres- ent residence and throughout the county. He was born in Norwich, August 2, 1850,
414
BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES
and is a son of Edwin and Helen ( Keyes) Brooks.
His grandfather Brooks was born in Pitts- field, Mass., and from there moved to Nor- wich, where he was engaged in mercantile business a number of years. The Baptist Church numbered him among its most active and consistent members. He married Laura Bissel, and reared a family of eight children, that consisted of four boys and four girls.
Edwin Brooks, the father of the Doctor, was born in Otsego County, N. Y., March 18, 1827, and was united in marriage with Helen Keyes, May 13, 1846. He became a resident of Norwich, and there followed mercantile lincs of business, achieving suc- cess and accumulating considerable property. His death occurred May 2, 1884. He was a Republican in politics, and a leading mem- ber of the Baptist Church. His children numbered seven, as follows: Edwin, de- ceased ; Dr. Leroy J .; Nelson; Howard ; Clara, who married O. Cobb; Emma, de- ceased; and Hattie, who was the wife of Dr. H. B. Love, now deceased.
Dr. Brooks attended the common schools of the neighborhood in his youth, and from them advanced to Norwich Academy, from which school he graduated in 1866. He then entered upon his professional education, having had the idea of making himself a physician for many years previous. In 1872 he graduated from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, and then, to obtain the necessary practice, he became one of the attendant doctors in the Bellevue Hospital, and remained on the staff two years, until 1874, when, with a splendid equipment for
his profession, he returned to his native place, Norwich, and entered upon what has been a very successful practice. His services are much sought after in Norwich and the contiguous territory, and such are the de- mands made upon him, that he has little time he can really call his own, for his duties keep him busy continually, from early in the morning until 10 or II o'clock at night. To those who are in need of his services, he is a true friend and counseller, as well as adviser in matters relating solely to the health and well-being of their bodies. He is most popular and highly regarded among his fel- low practitioners, and is often called in con- sultation in critical cases of doubtful nature. In every way in his power he does his best to inculcate the laws of hygienc and the principles of a higher morality, believing that the medical profession should not be selfish in its work, but should undertake to make the world better. His practice has netted him handsome returns, that he has laid by to educate his children, and provide for his declining years.
Dr. Brooks was fortunate in his choice of Miss Della P. Wescott for a life com- panion, for no truer or more devoted help- meet could be found. They were united in the bonds of marriage March 25, 1875. Mrs. Brooks is a daughter of Paul Wescott. Three children are the fruits of this union: Paul Bellows ; Keith Leroy ; and Pauline Brown- ing. The family attends the Baptist Church of Norwich, of which Dr. and Mrs. Brooks are active members. Dr. Brooks is a Re- publican in his politics, and was at one time a member of the excise commission. He is
J. A. SANDERS.
417
CHENANGO COUNTY
a member of the following medical societies : New York State Medical Association ; Belle- vue Hospital Alumni Association; Central New York Medical Society; Chenango County Medical Society ; and the American Climatological Association.
J A. SANDERS, who is living in the village of Afton, is a son of Harry and Ruth (Allen) Sanders, and was born in Unadilla, Otsego County, N. Y., March 1, 1848. The father of our subject died when our subject was but three years of age, and his mother passed from this life onc year later. He had two sisters, Julia and Adaline, and they were rcared by their uncle, John Allen, a direct descendant of Ethan Allen, and who was a farmer in the State of Wisconsin. Julia, the eldest, bccame the wife of George W. Leopard, and they make their home in Shreveport, La. Adaline, deccased. was the wife of Edward Colton.
Our subject was reared by his uncle, William Hinman of Coventry, this county, but later a resident of Susquehanna, Pa. Our subject returned with his uncle to Cov- entry at the age of ten years, and worked for different farmers during the summer months, and during the winters attended school; his industry and perseverance supplied what at this later day the youth of America now seemingly acquire without a struggle. In 1872 hc rented a farm and carried on farm- ing for one ycar, and for five succeeding ycars he hired out to the surrounding farm- ers. In 1878 he went west to seek a fortune
and first located in San Antonio, Texas, where he managed a ranch of 8,000 acres for two years. He also raised cattle for him- self, and was very successful. He then went to Russell, Kansas, remaining there through the winter, prospecting and speculating in lands and live stock. In the spring of 1881 he purchased a team, and with his wife he set his face westward for the land on the ex- treme western shore. Their outfit consisted of a span of horses and wagon, and they camped and cooked by the wayside; after traveling four months they reached Dayton, Washington. He soon found a position with the Oregon Improvement Company, and after one year hc was appointed superinten- dent and sent to Endicott, the same state. In 1884 he was employed a short time as clerk in a store, and later he purchased a hotel, which he conducted until 1887, when he again clerked in a store. In the spring of 1888 hc moved to Puget Sound, prospecting for about four months, and then moved to Tekoa, where he built a hotel, which he con- ducted until 1889. In 1890 he bought a half interest in a hardware store, which he con- tinued to opcrate until 1894, when he re- turned to his native state and settled in Afton, Chenango County. He purchased one of the most beautiful farms in the state, which is situated on a high bluff, command- ing magnificent views of the Susquehanna River and the beautiful scenery in the sur- rounding country. He also owns a farm of 160 acres in Tekoa, Wash., which he rents.
Our subject has been twice married. His first wife, Mary Parker of Coventry town- ship, borc him two children, both of whom
418
BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES
died in infancy. Mr. Sanders was again inarried in 1894, to Miss Belle C. Dorwin of Afton. Our subject has always been a stanch Republican, and has filled town offices where he has lived. He served as commis- sioner of Tekoa for six years. He is now a member of the board of trustees of Afton vil- lage. Religiously, he is one of the leading and prominent members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a trustee. Socially, Mr. Sanders is a member of the Tekoa Lodge, No. 78, I. O. O. F., and a member of the Tekoa Lodge, No. 52, K. of P. The progress which our subject has made from poverty to comparative affluence marks him as a man of no ordinary ability. Beginning with empty pockets, but with willing hands and a strong will, he is now in the enjoyment of a well-earned competency. His business qualities, no less than his fidelity to all his obligations in life, have contributed to give him a wide influence in the community in which he lives. His portrait appears on another page in proximity to this.
P ARRY TEW, a prominent painter, and manager of the Citizens' Opera House of Oxford, was born in Buckingham, England, March 12, 1850. He is a son of William and Sarah ( Churchill ) Tew, the former a native of Buckingham and the latter of Deddington, Oxford County, England.
William Tew, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was a native of England and a farmer by vocation. He followed his chosen occupa-
tion all his life and was very successful. He was the father of thirteen children, of whom the father of our subject was the third son. In religious belief he was an Episcopalian.
William Tew received his education in the common schools of England, and then learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed for a number of years. In 1873 he emigrated to the United States and settled in Farming- ton, Connecticut. He purchased the farm he still owns, and carried on general farming, in which he has been prospered. In politics, he is a stanch Republican. He was united in marriage with Sarah Churchill, and they reared the following children : Harry ; Carrie M .; Elizabeth ; and Jane. Mrs. Tew passed from this life at an advanced age; Mr. Tew has passed his seventy-sixth year, and is re- markably hale and hearty.
Harry Tew received his education in the schools of Buckingham, England, and then followed shoemaking for a short time in his father's shop. For three years he followed the trade of a painter, and then, in 1868, he came to the United States, and located at Oxford, N. Y. In 1870, he opened up a paint shop, in which he employed several men, doing an extensive business. He took in William Taft as a partner, and for several years they carried on the business under the name of Tew & Taft. Later they dissolved partnership, and Mr. Tew conducted the business alone. In 1891, he took charge of the Citizens' Opera House, and also has charge of the new Bank Building, and was janitor of the old Oxford Academy for nine years. Mr. Tew is an avowed Republican.
In 1873, our subject married Sarah Tew,
419
CHENANGO COUNTY
daughter of James Tew. Although they are of the same name, they are not related. They are the parents of three children: Clara M., a graduate of Oxford Academy : Herbert C., a tinner and plumber, living at home: and Gertrude E. Mr. Tew is a member of the following lodges: Oxford Lodge, No. 175, F. & A. M .: Oxford Chapter. No. 254: Malta Commandery of Binghamton, No. 21 : and the A. O. C. W. In religious views. Mr. and Mrs. Tew are members of the Episco- palian Church. Mr. Tew's first wife passed from this life in 1880. He chose for his second wife Susan Chappell of Oxford.
E WITT FREDENBERG, a pros- perous and enterprising merchant of Beaver Meadows, town of Ot- selic, was born January 5, 1835, in the town of Root, Montgomery County, N. Y. He is a son of Abram F. and Rosanna (Cole- paugh) Fredenberg. The Fredenberg ances- try originally came from Holland, while that of the Colepaughs came from Germany. thus two branches of the sturdy Teutonic race are united in the Fredenberg family.
Abram F. Fredenberg was a native of Schoharie County, N. Y., where he passed his early days. When a young man he moved to Montgomery County, where he remained until 1839, when he moved to Plymouth, Chenango County, N. Y. His occupation was that of a laborer, which he followed all his life. He was joined in Hymen's bonds with Miss Rosanna Colepaugh, who was reared in the vicinity of Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Mr. and Mrs. Fredenberg both reached the age of seventy-two before passing to their eternal rest. They were the parents of the following children: Serena. deceased, was the wife of John W. Bennett, of Montgom- ery County, N. Y .; Walter, deceased, was a resident of Monroe County. N. Y. : George. deceased, was a stone mason, of Wayne County. N. Y .: Elizabeth and her husband, Cyrus Bennett, make their home at Binghamton, N. Y .: William, deceased. was a farmer of Plymouth : Eli, deceased, was a stone mason of Howard, Mich .: De Witt. who died in infancy : De Witt, our subject ; and Mahala, who was married to Bennett Simons of Smyrna, this county, and is now deceased.
De Witt Fredenberg received his educa- tion in the district schools, after which he engaged in farming. He followed agricul- tural pursuits until he was about twenty-four years of age, when he went to Erie County. Pa., where he sold and repaired saws of all kinds as a means of earning a livelihood. He remained there for six years, and in 1868 came to Beaver Meadows, town of Otselic. where he again engaged in the saw business. In 1887 he embarked in commercial pursuits: he conducts a general store and carries a full line of groceries, dry goods, ready-made clothing, hardware and crockery. He han- dles the very best of goods and the stock in- voices at $1,000.00. He has made a reputa- tion for himself as an honest and straightfor- ward business man, treating all alike, and he now enjoys a large trade, which yields him the comfortable income of $6,000.00 per vear.
420
BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES
Mr. Fredenberg's first wife was Miss Fan- nie Robbins of Plymouth, by whom he had four children, whose names are as follows: Alice May, who died in childhood; Seldon, who also died in childhood ; Lillian, who died in infancy ; also an adopted daughter, Ellen, who died at the age of fourteen. On October 22, 1886, he married Mrs. Eliza A. (Ray) Tallett, a sister of Congressman Ray of Norwich, and the widow of the late Daniel Tallett. Daniel Tallett was born in the town of Otselic, Chenango County, N. Y. He was a son of Henry and Glysara (Church) Tallett. He followed farming as an occupa- tion, and was very successful. April 2, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza A. Ray, and they became the parents of one child, Charles H., who is a farmer and paint- er of the town of Otselic. He died March 8, 1884, at Otselic. Mrs. Fredenberg is a woman of more than ordinary business abil- ity, and has held public office ; June 25, 1889, she was appointed postmaster of Beaver Meadows, and filled the office with credit. She is a faithful member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Fredenberg sides with the Prohibitionists politically, and believes that liquor is the curse of our country ; he was formerly a Republican, and for four years was a justice of the peace.
EORGE C. ROBERTS is one of the proprietors of the Chenango Ameri- can at Greene, N. Y. The Chenango Ameri- can is Republican in its politics, and is able and earnest in its advocacy of Republican
principles. At the head of this paper are men, who are giving their entire time toward building up the enterprise, increasing the journal's influence and circulation, and mak- ing it popular and a necessity with the people. If talent, indomitable energy and persever- ance will win, and they generally do, there will be no occasion to write the obituary of the Chenango American.
The subject of this notice is a son of Dr. George W. Roberts, who was born in Meri- den, Conn. His father was an old English sea captain and was born in England. Dr. Roberts, being a poor boy, was bound out to a farmer, in whose service he spent his early days. After attaining his majority, being desirous of taking up a profession, he accord- ingly took a course of study, fitting himself for a dentist. He followed that profession for a few years; owing to his ill health, how- ever, he abandoned it and took up the pro- fession of medicine. He studied with Dr. Hoffendale of Albany, and later graduated from the medical college of Castleton, Ver- mont. Dr. Roberts had a sister who lived in Greene, N. Y., and thinking a visit in the country would do him good, he came to Greene and resided for a few years. Soon after reaching here, he was called upon to attend cases, and his success in the first few created a demand for his services, and he soon acquired a large practice, compelling him to make long drives through the country. He followed his chosen occupation for thirty years and finally dropped dead by the bedside of one of his patients in 1870, at the age of fifty- nine years. Very little need be said by us in regard to the character and capabilities of Dr.
421
CHENANGO COUNTY
Roberts; the record speaks for itself. It will at once be seen that he was a citizen of iin- portance and a valued physician and surgeon, and as such contributed his quota to advance the interests of his community and county. He married Deborah Graves of Athens, N. Y., and they reared eight children, namely : George C .; Dr. Charles G .; Deborah ; Mary, deceased ; Dr. A. C. R. Stevens; Hannah, deceased; Dr. Joel L .; and Dr. Frank P. Mrs. Roberts died at the age of seventy-four years.
George C. Roberts was born in the city of Troy, N. Y., February 2, 1834. His father came to Greene when our subject was but six years of age, and in that town George C. received his primary education. He then took an advanced course in Oxford Academy, and upon leaving school went to California, where he remained for six years. Returning to Greene in 1857, he began to work in the office of the Chenango American, and a few years later he purchased a half interest in the same, which business has interested him ever since. When rumors of war began to be heard in the land, and the Rebellion had assumed alarming proportions, Mr. Roberts, laying aside his personal interests and the demands of business, determined to go to the rescue of the Union. He accordingly served on the United States Steamer Maumee.
December 12, 1864, he was united in mar- riage with Helen J. Gray, and they are the parents of three children, whose names are as follows: George B .; Wilkie C .; and Mabel L. (Cooley). In politics, Mr. Roberts is an uncompromising Republican, and holds to the principles of his party with the stead-
fastness that characterizes all the other actions of his life. He is decided in his opinions and fearless in the maintenance of them. Our subject has thoroughly learned the news- paper business and understands how to con- duct a journal. The reading matter of the Chenango American is well selected, its editorials good, and its locals crisp, fresh, and entertaining.
A® DDISON DUDLEY ADAMS, de- ceased, was one of the enterprising citizens and proprietor of one of the leading dry goods and drug stores in the village of Greene, and was born in Durham, Greene County, N. Y., being a son of Platt and Clarrissa (Dudley) Adams.
The Adams family is of Scotch descent, and is known to have come to this country in the latter part of the Eighteenth Century, about 1775. Platt Adams, the father of our subject, was admitted to the bar, but dislik- ing the profession he turned his attentions toward mercantile pursuits. Later he be- came a banker, and when the 1812 War broke out he formed a small company in his native village, and was commissioned a colonel. In 1839 he moved to New York City, where he engaged in the publishing of bank books and supplies. Later he became a broker on Wall Street, in which he was very successful. He chose for his companion Miss Clarrissa Dud- ley of Lisle, N. Y., and they reared the fol- lowing children : Addison Dudley, the sub- ject of this personal history; Grosvenor ; Frances ; and Emily C. Grosvenor Adams
20
422
BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES
was united in marriage with Naney Cone, a native of Connecticut, and they were the parents of four children, namely : Barclay ; Grosvenor ; Sarah; and Annie. Frances Adams was united in marriage with Ebenezer Jennings, and one child blessed their home, Emily. Emily C. Adams was the wife of Dudley Kavanagh of New York City. Mr. Adams was a devoted member of the Pres- byterian Church. He passed from this life May 14, 1887.
Addison Dudley Adams formed a matri- monial alliance with Mary Perry, daughter of John and Mary (Weleh) Perry of Oxford, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Perry are both natives of New London, Conn., and they reared a family of six ehildren, who were as follows: Platt, who married Claire Varlet of Paris, France; John P. married Calista Weaver of Syracuse, N. Y., and they are the parents of two children, Edwin P. and Mabel; William A., deeeased, was married to Mary Rule, and they had three children, Platt, William A., and Benjamin W .; Reuben A., deceased ; Augustus Willard; and Emily, the wife of Romeo M. Wilbur of New York City, now a resident of Chicago, Ill. Mr. Adams was a Demoerat in politics, and always voted with his party when opportun- ities presented themselves. He held the position of supervisor for several terms. Socially, he was a member of the Eastern Star Lodge, No. 126, F. & A. M. Relig- iously, Mr. and Mrs. Adams were both popu- lar and devoted members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Adams crossed the river and rejoined those beyond in 1878. His death was mourned by many friends and the best citizens of Greene, for he had firmly estab- lished himself in their regard as a man of striet integrity, and disposed to many kind aetions. Mrs. Adams is still residing in the village of Greene, and has exeellent reason to be proud of her family, to whom she has been one of the kindest and most faithful mothers. By the loveliness of her life and her striet devotion to duty, she has won the esteem and confidenee of all who know her. 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.