USA > New York > Chenango County > Book of biographies : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Chenango County, New York > Part 39
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John W. Shepardson, the subject of this personal history, assisted his brother Walter A. in his work about the depot, and at the age of fifteen years he was appointed agent upon the retirement of his brother, and has occupied this important position to the present time. He also built a large store- house, 30 x 65, and engaged in buying and shipping produce; in 1880, he shipped the first car load of hay ever shipped out of Smyrna, which have since numbered in the hundreds. He deals in. coal, and sustains an excellent reputation of being one of the most energetic and prosperous business men in Smyrna. He forined a matrimonial alliance with Miss Maria B. Per Lee, and they arc the parents of two children, namely : Alice M., and Charles A. The high esteem in which Mr. Shepardson is held, not only by the corporation he represents, but by the residents of the whole section which makes use of the Sinyrna station, is the best evidence in the world that he is an instance of the right man in the right place.
JOE SCHORN, a member of the firm of Schorn Bros., manufacturers of cigars in the Schorn Block on East Main Street, is one of Norwich's enterprising and successful business men. He is a son of Joseph S. and Matilda (Weiler) Schorn, and was born in 1846 in Cologne, Prussia, Ger- many.
Joseph S. Schorn was born in Germany, and received a good common school educa- tion. After leaving school he learned the
trade of a cabinet-maker and followed it for some time in his native city. In 1853 he came to this country and located in New York City. He again took up his trade as a cabinet-maker, and followed it in that city for three years. He next moved to Norwich and remained there until his death, which occurred in 1883. He was an unswerving Republican, and was active in the support of the party. He was united in matrimony to Matilda Weiler, a native of Cologne, Ger- many, and they reared nine children, whose names are as follows: F. Joe, the subject of this personal history ; Jacob A .; Matilda, who became the wife of Charles Bruen ; Frederick; Maria; Anna; John, deceased ; Julia, who became the wife of D. I. Belden ; and Josephine, the wife of H. J. Borden, whose sketch and portrait appear elsewhere in this volume.
F. Joe Schorn obtained his intellectual training in the public schools of Norwich, after which he learned the trade of a cigar- maker with William Weiler. In 1872, he started to manufacture cigars in Norwich, and has continued in that line of business since. In 1892, they erected the Schorn Block on East Main Street, where our subject now conducts his business, in partnership with his brother, J. A. Schorn. They are upright, honest, shrewd and business-like in all their dealings, and have a large share of the patronage of the village.
F. Joe Schorn has been twice bound in the holy bonds of wedlock. He first married Charlotte Rock, a daughter of William Rock, who was the resident engineer on the O. & W. R. R., and they were the parents of one
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daughter, Olive. His second wife was Edith A. Young, a native of Columbus. Mr. Schorn is one of the leading politicians of Norwich, and has been chosen to represent the people at a number of Republican county conventions. He is a Republican in his views. In 1888, he was made president of the village corpora- tion, and was re-elected in 1889. Socially, he is a Mason, being a member of the Norwich Lodge, No. 302, F. & A. M., and for six years acted as secretary of Harmony Chapter. He is also a member of Commandery No. 46, K. T. He is very popular in Norwich, and has a large circle of friends, who bear testi- mony to his sterling character.
OHN H. O'BRIAN. THE SHER- BURNE NEWS, edited by Mr. O'Brian, is a striking illustration of what per- sistent and well-directed efforts will accom- plish in the furthering of an enterprise. With a modest beginning it has developed from year to year until the publication has become one of the most substantial in Central New York. No effort has been spared to make the paper popular with the people, and that it has wonderfully succeeded is attested by the circulation books. THE SHERBURNE NEWS was established by S. B. Marsh, March 2, 1864. It was then known as THIE HOME NEWS, being a sheet one column wide and nine inches long, and had only eleven subscribers, who paid ten cents per month. The paper was gradually enlarged to seven columns and four pages by its different editors, and in 1881, the date of its purchase
by Mr. O'Brian, it was enlarged to eight columns and four pages.
John H. O'Brian was born in the village of Sherburne, February 29, 1856, and is a son of Patrick and Margaret (Keeler) O'Brian, who were both born in County Cork, Ireland, and who in 1849 emigrated to America and settled in Sherburne, N. Y. Patrick O'Brian at once began work in the Pratt & Rexford store- houses, and remained in that employment for many years, during which time he accumu- lated enough funds to buy a neat little home and retire from active business. He chose for his life companion Margaret Keeler, and they reared a large family of children, who were as follows: Daniel, who was drowned at the age of six years; Mary ; Julia; John H., our subject ; William ; Ella ; Margaret ; Annie ; Lizzie; and Emma. Mrs. O'Brian died October 28, 1897, and Mr. O'Brian died April 18, 1898.
John H. O'Brian was educated in the schools of Sherburne village, and then en- tered the office of THE SHERBURNE NEWS as an apprentice of the printer's trade. He became thoroughly acquainted with the busi- ness, and in 1881 he purchased the plant, which under his good management has in- creased both in popularity and circulation. He has been the supporter and encourager of every work and purpose tending to the ad- vancement of the interests of Sherburne vil- lage, and has cheerfully contributed of his means and influence to aid the community in sustaining its position as the seat of culture, morality and education. He purchased the Rosell Manchester property, which he has remodeled and enlarged into a fine residence.
HIRAM H. TUCKER.
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He was married to Miss Ida F. Owen, eldest daughter of Dr. Ira C. Owen of Sherburne village. Two children were born to them, -Lina L., born April 11, 1887, and one that died in infancy. In politics he is a solid Re- publican, avowed in his allegiance to party, and firm in his advocacy of what he consid- ers to be right. He has been clerk of the village and trustee, and has served as town clerk since 1884, and still holds the last- named position. He has been a member of the board of education several years, and takes a lively interest in matters educational. For five years he was a member of Active Hose Co. No. 1. Socially, he belongs to the Sherburne Lodge, No. 444, F. & A. M.
Mr. O'Brian is a genial gentleman, and an experienced paragrapher, which personal characteristics are the first essentials neces- sary in the make-up of a good editor. These qualities are manifested in the columns of THIE SHERBURNE NEWS, for that paper shows clear thought, sound judgment, and an aptitude to grasp the subject in hand, that brings to it the hearty approval of its read- ers. Mr. O'Brian is ambitious, and has a de- sire to secure for his paper a front place among the journals of its class in the state, and there is scarcely a doubt but that he will most admirably succeed.
IRAM H. TUCKER, one of the most prominent citizens of Sherburne vil- lage, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, has attained especial prominence in railroad circles through his
ability and competency as an agent. He was born January 25, 1854, in the town of Nor- wich, and is a son of Thomas and Nancy (Hunt) Tucker.
Hiram H. Tucker received his primary education in the public schools and then entered Norwich Academy, and later gradu- ated from the Lowell Commercial Business College of Binghamton, N. Y. In 1877, he entered the office of the D., L. & W. R. R. at Hamilton, where he became day operator. He was then promoted to the position of station agent for the D., L. & W. R. R., at Brisben, N. Y., and thence to Richfield Junc- tion, where he remained one year. Going to Utica, N. Y., he was there promoted to be assistant train dispatcher, and for the suc- ceeding eight years he acted as chief dis- patcher. In 1889, he came to Sherburne, where he still holds his position as depot agent. He is also agent for the United State Express, and represents several of the foreign steamship companies. Mr. Tucker is the only coal dealer in Sherburne, and is a heavy handler of this kind of fuel, dealing exclusively in Scranton coal. In 1893, the railroad built a new and handsome depot, which is surrounded by large flower gardens and a beautiful, well kept lawn. Mr. Tucker has a beautiful home at No. 17 Main Street, handsomely situated, with a large and com- modious house, elegantly furnished, and sur- rounded by a beautiful lawn. He also owns a large tenement house, and is a stockholder in the Sherburne Opera House, and secre- tary of the same.
Mr. Tucker was joined in matrimony with Miss Jennie Crumb, daughter of Rowland B.
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Crumb. One child, Alta, has blessed their home. Both he and his amiable and excel- lent wife are popular members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Tucker is a strong Prohibi- tionist, and heartily endorses the principles of that party. He is very popular with his fellow citizens; is a member of the school board ; past master of the Masonic Lodge of Sherburne, and has been high priest of the Chapter. He has also held many minor offices in the Norwich Commandery, and is a member of the Mystic Shrine of Utica. He is a member of the Sherburne Band, and is an excellent musician. He is held in high esteem in his community, and is always among the foremost to endorse every good work and purpose tending to the advance- ment of his country and community, in ele- vating its social status, and improving its educational facilities. He is a liberal and cheerful giver to worthy objects, and is one of the foremost men of his community to encourage worthy enterprises. The reforms which have been brought about, both as regards human liberty and the use of intoxi- cating beverages, are due to just such men as Hiram H. Tucker.
LONZO D. HARRINGTON. This prominent and well-to-do resident of Oxford village, who is most exten- sively engaged in dairy farming, has met with success in the many business ventures in which he has been interested during the past two score years. He has raised himself to his present position in the community by
hard work, and is now ready to enjoy the sunset of life, free from harassing cares and pinching economy. He has one of the larg- est and best appointed dairy farms in the county, and was the proprietor of Lyon Brook Dairy, which has its office for the re- tail sale of bottled milk at 1554 Broadway, borough of Brooklyn, New York City. Mr. Harrington was born in Plymouth, Chenango County, N. Y., March 5, 1834, and is a son of William A. and Jane M. (Weaver) Harrington, and grandson of William Harrington, who was born November 23, 1779, at Salem, Mass.
The grandfather of the subject of these lines came to Madison County, N. Y., and then to Chenango County in 1809, settling in the town of Plymouth. He was one of the pioneers of this section, a representative of those men whose names should not be for- gotten, and to this end biographical history will perpetuate their memory, though gran- ite monuments molder and crumble to dust. It is therefore with pleasure that we record the facts connected with the lives of the early settlers, in order that their descendants may know and keep ever before themselves and their children the work performed by the hardy frontiersmen in the early develop- ment of this country. Mr. Harrington was a large land owner, his property having been accumulated through his own honest toil and saving economy. In politics he was a strong Democrat, and took a lively interest in local affairs of a political nature. He married Betsey Hemenway, who was born January 9, 1785, at Salem, Mass., and they reared the following children, in order named as follows : Alphonzo, who died young ; Laura married
45 I
CHENANGO COUNTY.
Richard D. Taylor of Smyrna; Calista Al- meda became the wife of Rev. D. Gardner ; William Albert, the father of our subject; Julia Ann, the wife of William Sackett of Plymouth ; Melzar W. married Lucy Wor- den of Smyrna; Janus H. espoused Miss Ramsdell of Plymouth ; Marcius P. married Loise Murdock of Plymouth ; Fordus mar- ried Abigail Chapman of Smyrna; Orson married Mary C. Wakely of Cincinnatus ; and Orlando, whose wife was Hannah Brown of Plymouth. William Harrington, father of the above-enumerated family, was a mem- ber of the Universalist Church.
William Albert Harrington, the father of our subject, was born in Salem, Massachu- setts, May 20, 1805, and was a small lad when his parents transferred the family residence to this county. With an example of industry set him by his father, it is little wonder that the boy took upon himself the work and duties of a man at an extremely early age, and cheerfully shared the privations and hardships incident to that period in the new country. Of these struggles with nature, the present generation can form no adequate idea, and in no way can they realize to the full extent how much they are indebted for their present enjoyment of a high state of civilization to those who were the vanguard and forerunners. Through good, honest, hard work, and the close husbanding of his capital, he accumulated a large tract of land, and was accounted a very prosperous farmer of his section. He spent his last days in the village of Oxford, where our subject now re- sides. Politically, he was a stanch Demo- crat, and took an active interest in the ad-
vancement and success of the party until the War of the Rebellion. He was joined in wedlock with Jane Maria Weaver, daughter of Jonathan Weaver of Plymouth, February 7, 1832, and they reared five children, who were as follows: Alonzo De Calvas, the sub- ject of this biography ; Mary Jane, born May 13, 1836, married Sylvester W. Hunt of Ply- mouth, September 27, 1853; Anna Maria, born July 18, 1840, married George A. Shoals, M. D., of Plymouth, December 25, 1867; Helen Mar, born October 13, 1835, now deceased ; and Albert Leroy, also deceased, whose birth occurred October 27, 1847. William A. Harrington was inclined to be liberal in his views on religion, while his wife was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject's father died June 18, 1880, being survived by his wife, who at length bade adieu to earth's scenes, and went to join those gone before, November 5, 1893.
Alonzo D. Harrington received his prelim- inary education in the common schools near home, and then took advanced work in Ox- ford Academy, from which he was absent for a time pursuing his studies in Norwich Acad- emy, but finally returned to the Oxford insti- tution. Upon leaving school he prosecuted the vocations of a teacher and a farmer, alternately, until several years after he had attained his majority. Then, in 1858, he em- barked in mercantile pursuits in Pitcher, this county, and ran a store for six years, the firm being Taylors & Harrington, who conducted a very successful business, after which he went on the road as a traveling salesman for McCarthy & Sedgwick, afterwards McCar. thy & Sons, of Syracuse, N. Y. After filling
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out a period of eight years of satisfactory service for the above firm, he took up his residence in Oxford, in 1874. Afterwards he went into retail business with W. A. Carl in the Harrington Block. The firm, in 1884, became A. D. Harrington & Son, by J. W. Harrington's buying out Mr. Carl, and this arrangement continued until our subject re- tired after a few years, leaving his son to conduct the business, until he in turn sold out to the present firm of Carl & Cronks.
As has been noted before, our subject bought his dairy farm in Oxford in 1874. It consists of 170 acres of fertile land, em- bracing both rich, bottom lands, and rolling and slightly hilly pastures. The house, a three story building, with mansard roof, stands on a prominence, and from the front veranda may be seen a large portion of the village, and an extended view of the Che- nango River, as it sweeps through the val- ley ; the lawns slope, with several terraces, to the street. The rooms are finely furnished and decorated throughout, and water is sup- plied to the house through pipes that con- nect with large cold springs upon the farm. The barn is declared by those competent to know to be a model of completeness, capacity and convenience. It was built under Mr. Harrington's directions, and embodies many of his excellent ideas. It stands sixty-four feet square on the ground, and on the lower side is forty-eight feet high. As the barn stands on sloping ground, the main entrance is practically on a level with the street. The basement is ten feet high, and in it are kept the forty head of cows, that comprise the dairy, each cow being supplied with running
water, piped from the springs. Beneath the basement is a cellar, where the manure is thrown, to be removed, when occasion offers. Ventilators keep the air free from the objec- tionable odors so common to cow stables, while the temperature is so regulated that at all seasons of the year there is nothing but comfort. The fourth floor is reached by an easy incline, on which the hay and grain are taken into bays that have a total capacity for 137 tons. The silo connected with the barn holds 100 tons of ensilage, while the root cellar is frequently stored with 1000 bushels of mangles. Mr. Harrington holds the ideas of an enthusiast, regarding agriculture as a science capable of development to an almost unlimited extent, far beyond the drudgery of ordinary farm work. Soon after taking up dairy work in Oxford, Mr. Harrington came to the conclusion after a close study that there was good money to be made in supplying the residents of Brooklyn with pure milk, and, having had experience in bus- iness, he carefully made his plans and inau- gurated the venture. The business office in the metropolis is under the immediate super- vision of E. L. Haynes. The bottling of the milk is done at Haynes Station, a few miles north of Oxford, by J. W. Harrington, our subject's son, several men being employed. Mr. Harrington also deals in real estate, and at one time was a director in the National Bank of Oxford. For many years he was a director in the Highland Solar Salt Com- pany of Syracuse.
On September 30, 1862, Mr. Harrington was united in marriage with Emma A. Waldron, daughter of M. N. Waldron of
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South Otselic, N. Y., and they have one son, John Waldron, who married Gertrude Hop- son of Norwich, and is the father of one child, Henry. Mr. Harrington is an avowed Re- publican, and supports the principles of his party with conscientious fervor. While a resident of Pitcher, he served as postmaster during Lincoln's first term, and has also been a supervisor of the town of Oxford. Both Mr. and Mrs. Harrington are supporters of the Congregational Church of Oxford. Our subject is a member of the Ayrshire Breed- er's Association, and the New York State Agricutural Association. He is one of the oldest business men of Oxford, and is still one of the most active. His enterprise, which is displayed in all his business ven- tures, makes him a valued citizen. He is quiet and unobtrusive in his demeanor, honest and upright in his dealings, and most highly esteemed in the community.
OLONEL TYLER, a man of high standing in his community, and a veteran of the late Civil War, is now living in retirement in the village of Norwich, Chenango County, N. Y. He is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Purdey) Tyler, and was born January 21, 1834, at South New Berlin, Chenango County.
His grandfather, Isaac Tyler, was a native of Connecticut, who at an early day came to the State of New York, locating on the east branch of the Delaware River, in Dela- ware County. There he was one of the prominent men of his time, and a prosperous
lumberman. In politics, he was originally a Whig, and later a Republican. He was a true and consistent Christian gentleman, holding fellowship with the Baptist Church, and was respected and honored for his ster- ling worth. He was the father of two chil- dren, Samuel and Rachael, both now de- ceased.
Samuel Tyler was one of the prosperous and substantial farmers of Delaware County, and later of Otsego County. He was born on the homestead in Delaware County, and there was reared. He received as good an education as could be obtained in the com- mon schools of his native town, and then fol- lowed agricultural pursuits as a means of support. After leaving his native county, he settled in Butternuts, Otsego County, where he passed the remainder of his days in the pursuits of his occupation.
His companion in life was Elizabeth Purdey, and they reared a family of fourteen children, thirteen of whom are now deceased; they were as follows: Lucinda; Morris ; James; Rachel; Samuel; George; John ; Orvill; Elmira; Alma; Allison; William ; and Colonel, our subject, who is the only one now living. Samuel Tyler was a stanch sup- porter of the principles advocated by the Republican party. He was a faithful mem- ber of the Baptist Church.
Colonel Tyler was mentally equipped for the duties of life in the common schools. He followed the trade of a blacksmith for some time, but later learned the trade of a cooper. He became a skilled and rapid workman, and for the twenty-one years succeeding his mastering the trade he was actively engaged
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in that occupation, in South Berlin and Nor- wich. In 1862, he enlisted in the 114th Reg., N. Y. Vol. Inf., and with the exception of a few months served throughout the remainder of the war. He was a brave and valiant soldier, and did much for the cause of his country. No service lives so long in the grateful memory of the people as that ren- dered by a brave soldier. Mr. Tyler may view with satisfaction his record as a patriot, and as an upright and worthy citizen.
In 1853, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Cordelia Davis, a daughter of Wilber Davis of Morris, Otsego County. Two children were born to make their home happy, namely : Wilber and Mary Eliza, both of whom are now deceascd. In political belief, Mr. Tyler is a Republican, and takes an active interest in political affairs. So- cially, hc is a member of the E. B. Smith Post, G. A. R., No. 83. Hc is a well read man, and a pleasing conversationalist. His many friends delight in hearing him relate reminiscences of the war.
ROF. CHARLES R. LOOMIS, the cfficient principal of the Sher- burnc High School, and a highly respected citizen of that village, was born May 2, 1863, at East Pembroke, Genesee County, N. Y. He is a son of Samuel and Amanda M. (Babcock) Loomis.
Samuel Loomis was a native of Cicero, near Syracuse, N. Y. In early life he re- moved to East Pembroke, where he became engaged in the manufacture of flour barrels
for the mills of that section. The later years of his life have been devoted to agricultural pursuits, and he is one of the good substan- tial farmers of his community. He was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Amanda M. Babcock. They became the parents of four sons and one daughter.
Prof. Charles R. Loomis was the youngest of the four sons born to his parents, and was reared on his father's farm. He was edu- cated in the district school and the academy of his neighborhood, and took the classical course in the Geneseo Normal School. In 1889, on examination, he received a State Certificate from A. S. Draper, State Super- intendent of Public Instruction. Immedi- ately thereafter, he accepted a position as teacher, and taught at Smithville, and later at Elba, Genesee County. In 1892 he went to South New Berlin, where he taught in the union school of that place for two years, and demonstrated his ability as a man qualified in cvery respect to assume the grcater duties of his next position, that of principal of the Sherburne High School. He succeeded Prof. A. C. Nute. This school was founded in 1839, and was known as Sherburne Academy. It continued under that name until 1847, when it became the Sherburne Union School and Academy, with Miss Catherine Little as principal. In 1866 it was organized under the statutes as a Un- ion Free School. In 1870 it was decided to erect a new school building at a cost of $9,500. A substantial two story brick structure was put up on the lot owned by Dr. White of Sherburne. In 1895 the name of the school was changed by the Regents of the Univer-
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sity from Academy to High School. The school is now well equipped with library, physical and chemical and other apparatus. In 1895 an additional teacher was secured, making the present number on the faculty seven. As a principal Prof. Loomis has been popular and has gained the active support of the citizens and the school board. He has filled his position intelligently and to the great good of the educational interests of the village.
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