USA > New York > Chenango County > Book of biographies : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Chenango County, New York > Part 46
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Owen L. Crumb's early boyhood was spent on the homestead in Madison County, near De Ruyter, the slackness of work in the winter season affording him an opportunity of securing a district school education. His natural taste for books led him, at the age of fifteen years, despite many drawbacks, to en- ter De Ruyter Academy, where he proved himself a willing and apt pupil, strong in his love for work and hard study. After he left school he taught for some time in the schools of Madison and Onondaga Counties, with the most flattering results. In 1885, when about twenty-one years old, he became a clerk in the store of Charles York at De Ruyter, where he remained a trusted and
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most efficient employce until August, 1892, when he located in Bainbridge, Chenango County, and became a bookkeeper for Ho- vey, Clark & Co., which place he has retained to the present date (1898).
As a business man Mr. Crumb occupies the position of secretary and treasurer of the American Separator Co. of Bainbridge, an interesting sketch of which appears on an- other page of this work. The Bainbridge Express is owned by our subject and Charles C. Hovey, and is a live, enterprising news- paper with a large circulation. It is a week- ly of 10 pages, managed by Mr. Crumb, and cdited by W. Edward Miner. The day of issuc is Friday.
In 1896, Mr. Crumb married Miss Ama Sturges, daughter of David La Vettc and Lucy (Phillips) Sturges of Columbus town- ship. Mrs. Crumb is a graduate of the State Normal School at Fredonia, and a teacher of repute. Our subject is a Republican, and is a member of the board of education. Mr. Crumb is prominent in social circles, and most popular with all who are acquainted with him. Hc is a member of the following societies : Tribe 274, Improved Order of Red Men; Lodge No. 552, I. O. O. F .; Lodge No. 167, F. & A. M .; Vallonia Chapter, No. 80 ; and Norwich Commandery, No. 46.
EORGE WHEELER. This worthy resident of Norwich has reached the calm that comes only after severe and exhausting efforts, and is now sccurcly placed in the high cstimation of his fellow-towns-
men as a man of noble parts and enterprising habits. He is a son of James and Eliza J. (Handy) Wheeler, and was born in the town of New Berlin, December 20, 1848. At that early day there was little opportunity for educational advantages, so at a rather youth- ful age Mr. Wheeler began to engage in the work of an agriculturist. He then followed the vocation of a carpenter under Sternberg & Hall, and was with them from 1869 to 1876. He then established a planing mill and began the manufacture of step ladders, flower stands, and different kinds of tables; he fol- lowed this line of business for a number of years, when he embarked in the lumber and shingle business, in which he is now engaged.
James Wheeler, the father of our subject, received his education in the schools of his native town, and then followcd farming all his active life. When he came to this county, the country was dotted here and there, at wide intervals, by lonely cabins, and Indians and wild beasts disputed the right to thc occupancy of the forests. It is evident that the early pionecrs seldom allowed themselves to give way to home sickness, for if such had been the case, we would not now behold such results as they accomplishcd in the cul- tivation of land and the building up of set- tlements. In politics Mr. Wheeler was a Democrat, and always voted with his party honestly and conscientiously whenever the opportunitics presented themselves. He was married to Eliza J. Handy, and they rearcd three children, namely : Delos; Cyrus ; and George, the subject of this personal history.
George Wheeler is a conscientious Repub- lican, and is held in high esteem for those
CHARLES SEARS KERSHAW.
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manly qualities which constitute the worthy and valued citizen. In 1876 he was elected trustee of the village, and in March, 1897, he was elected to the same office for a term of three years. He is a member and past mas- ter of Norwich Lodge, No. 302, F. & A. M .; and past high pricst of Harmony Chapter, No. 151, R. A. M. Hc was one of the char- ter members of Lodge No. 44, Iron Hall, and is still connected with the lodge. He was united in matrimony June 17, 1877, with Eva T. Bosworth, daughter of H. C. Bosworth of Norwich. Mr. Whccler is truly a sclf- made man. Being thoroughly acquainted with the conditions that surround the work- ingman, he is a fair and good master, and no complaint of unjust dcalings is made by those under him. As a citizen and as a man he is public spiritcd, and high minded. He is an eminent, worthy, and useful member of society in the locality which he has chosen as the scene of his life work.
HARLES SEARS KERSHAW, one of the estcemed citizens of Sherburne village, and an inventor and manu- facturer, whose portrait we present on the opposite page, was born in Madison County, September 18, 1845, and is a son of Thomas and Abbie F. (Sears) Kershaw, and grandson of Thomas Kershaw, Sr.
Thomas Kershaw, Sr., was a native of England and emigrated to America some time during the eighteenth century, locating in the State of Connecticut. He was a wool carder, and carded the first rolls carded in the United States. The English wool
manufacturers, being jealous of his new cn- terprise, sent to him an infernal machine, which they thought would kill him when he opened the box. But, being a little suspi- cious, he opened it under water, thus destroy- ing its efficacy, and frustrating the murder- ous intentions of its senders. Later hc moved to Bennington, Vt., where he re- mained a short time, when he moved to Earl- ville, near the line of Chenango County. He built a large grist, saw and carding mill and continued to operate them the rest of his active life. He also owned a small farm, and carried on farming successfully. Hc was president of the first bank in Chenango County, which was located at Norwich. He was the progenitor of a family of eight chil- dren, who were as follows: James; John; Thomas; Seth; Marsden; Robert: Simeon ; and Mary. Mr. Kershaw gave the ground for the cemetery in Earlville, was the founder of the Episcopal Church, and contributed more than any other man at that time toward the building up of the village.
Thomas Kershaw, the father of our sub- ject, worked in his father's mills and then opened a mercantile store, which he contin- ued to conduct for the subsequent twenty years with marked success. When he sold out he moved to Pompey, Onondaga County, N. Y., and engaged in farming. At his death, which occurred at the age of sev- enty-nine years, he left cach of his children a small fortune. lle was married to Abbie F. Scars, daughter of William Sears, and they were the parents of the following children, namely: Thomas D., deceased; Cornelia ; Charles Sears ; and J. Dwight, all of whom
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became popular and respected citizens in the different localities where they resided. In politics he was an old-time Whig, but upon the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks, and remained identified with that political power until his death.
Charles Sears Kershaw was educated in the public schools; starting out in life he chose the occupation of a farmer, which he followed in the village of Sherburne for four years. Selling his farm he moved to the vil- lage, where he engaged in selling sewing machines for several years; being a born mechanic and inventor, he began in a small way to develop some of his practical ideas, and from 1875 to 1892 invented seven dif- ferent hay elevators. He is the inventor of the well-known machine known as Kershaw's Hand Hoisting and Carrying Car, which he manufactures, and which has been recog- nized as a standard article. In 1895 he pat- ented Kershaw's Adjustable Chain Link, and the only practical swivel tackle block used to-day, also a rope splicer, halter hitch, Ker- shaw's Hammock Safety Lock, and many other smaller inventions.
The subject of this biography chose for his life companion Catherine Walker, daughter of Elhanan W. and Harriet (Byington) Walker. Elhanan W. Walker was born in the village of Sherburne, May 27, 1820, and was a son of Nicodemus and Elizabeth (Whiteman) Walker. Nicodemus Walker was born in Smithfield, R. I., in 1815 ; mov- ing west he followed the trees which had been marked, and it led him to the village of Sherburne. He bought and cleared the farm now owned by Robert Lee, and lived there
until his death occurred, which was at the age of seventy-seven years. He reared the following children: William; Fanny; El- hanan; Ann Eliza; Catherine; and Caroline. Elhanan Walker succeeded to the ownership of the old homestead; after remaining on it a few years he sold it and moved to Utica, N. Y., where he engaged in the grocery busi- ness. Later he went to Camden, N. Y., where he carried on wagon making until 1850, when he returned to Sherburne, and lived in retirement until the time of his death. When the D., L. & W. R. R. was built through the village he began buying lots and building houses and business blocks. He was part owner of the opera house which burned. He passed from this lite very suddenly, dying in his chair March 13, 1897. He was married October 18, 1841, to Harriett Byington, daughter of Augustus Byington. She died in 1887, and on September 30, 1889, he mar- ried Mrs. Sarah Hickok, widow of the late Harry Hickok of Norwich. By his first wife the following children were reared, namely : Catherine; William H., who re- mains at home; Helen, who married Leroy Wilcox of Rome, N. Y .; Caroline, the wife of Irving Davis, now deceased ; and Hattie, who died young. Mr. Walker was a stanch Republican, and served as poormaster of the town of Sherburne for many years, and in several minor offices. He was a prominent member of the Methodist Church.
Charles Sears Kershaw is a firm supporter of the Republican party, and upholds his chosen party both by voice and vote. Re- ligiously, he is a popular and devoted mem- ber of the Episcopal Church.
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CHENANGO COUNTY
E CALVUS ROGERS. Thc gen- tleman, with whose namc we com- mence this narration, is a rctircd business man, now living at his home in Nor- wich. He has been enterprising and suc- cessful in his business transactions, and is now enjoying a competency. Hle is a son of Amos and Rachael (Davis) Rogers, and was born in Groton, N. Y., February 21, 1822.
Amos Rogers was a native of Connecticut; as a child he moved to the State of Vermont with his parents, where they remained for a short timc, when they moved to the State of Massachusetts and scttled in Berkshire County ; he then moved to Groton, N. Y., where he carried on a tanncry and engaged in shocmaking,-this was about 1817. In 1835, hc sold his establishment and moved to Cayuga County, N. Y., remaining therc three ycars, when he returned to Groton, continuing there until 1847 or 1848, when he moved to Cortland, where he lived in rc- tirement. He passed to the unknown beyond at the age of seventy-six years. Mrs. Rogers dicd in her cighty-cighth year. Mr. Rogers participated in township and village affairs with his usual spirit and energy, and on oc- casions when party politics prevailed he unflinchingly maintained the platform and principles of the Whig party. He marricd Rachacl Davis, and they rearcd a large family of children, namely : Franklin, born December 3, 1805 ; Amos, April 23, 1807; Elizabeth Mary, deccascd; Lucy Malinda, deceased; Thomas, October 22, 1812, and a resident of McGraw, N. Y .; Amasa, Dcccm- ber 16, 1814; Albert, November 1816; Eliza,
Junc 7, 1820; Dc Calvus, subject of this biography ; and Mary, May 17, 1824.
Dc Calvus Rogers received the very best cducational training which Groton Academy could afford. He was from boyhood his father's right-hand man and helper, and rc- mained under the parental roof until 1838, when he went to McGraw, and engaged in mechanical pursuits for four years. In 1846, hc moved to the village of Norwich and en- gagcd in dealing in groceries and provisions. Hc was a man of considerable business tact and energy, and by his straightforward deal- ing he built up a good and lucrative trade, and cach year as the tradc increased his business facilities wcrc enlarged. In January, 1848, he built the residence where Hon. George W. Ray rcsides; selling this residence, in 1853. hc built the one which he now makes his home. In 1890, Mr. Rogers retired from active life; hc is a man of great physical strength and undoubted courage, a truc type of the pioneer class who arc rapidly passing away.
Mr. Rogers was joincd in marriage with Diana Aldrich, daughter of Benjamin Ald- rich of Cortland village. Mr. Rogers was called upon to mourn the loss of his devoted wife, May 2, 1854, she dying at the carly age of twenty-ninc years. They had a family of three children : Euclid B., born March 1, 1852, is a Baptist minister of Springfield, Ill., and marricd Jennic Ross; Vesta R., born August 18, 1853, married Charles Torrey, a Baptist minister, now dcccased; and Naomi. twin sister of Vesta R., who died young. Mr. Rogers chose for his second wife Emily Edwards, daughter of William Edwards of
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Lisle, Broome County, N. Y. Mr. Rogers was formerly an old time Whig, later a Re- publican, but now is a strong Prohibitionist, and at all times gives hearty support to the men and the measures of his party. In religi- ous views, he is an active and devoted mem- ber of the Baptist Church.
Mr. Rogers is one of the men who are chiefly responsible for the fine showing of Norwich village of to-day : from the very outset he possessed a firm belief in its future prosperity, and lost no time in assisting in bringing that good time along with success in his own business ventures. He is a man of recognized able business methods, and has been of invaluable assistance in building up his adopted village. He is a man possessed of acute perceptions, and understands value in realty more thoroughly than many men with vastly more experience. Combining thrift and energy, he has made of himself an admirable business man, a credit to the county, that was the scene of his commercial transactions for so many years.
ILLIAM G. PECK, who is the pro- prietor of the leading tailoring es- tablishment in New Berlin, was born in the town of Pittsfield, Otsego County, N. Y., June 9, 1852. He is a son of Alvin and Free- love (St. John) Peck, and a grandson of Alvin Peck, Sr.
Alvin Peck, Sr., was a resident of Pitts- field, where he taught school until a few years previous to his death, and then con- ducted a hotel there. He also had charge of
the stage route between Cooperstown and Norwich. He was an honest and upright man and was well and favorably known all over the county. He was called Home in 1858, at the age of sixty-five years. His companion in life was Elizabeth Sisson, by whom he had a family of eight children, five sons and three daughters.
Alvin Peck, Jr., was born in the town of Unadilla, January 27, 1829, and received his education in the common schools. He was but a lad of fourteen when his father con- ducted the stage route between Norwich and Cooperstown, and it became the custom for him to go along to carry the mail. In 1869 he started in the hotel business in Pecktown, a village named in honor of his father, who lived there for many years. He conducted a popular hostelry there for many years, and in 1881 sold out his business and moved to New Berlin, where he had charge of the mail route between New Berlin and Morris. In 1885, he returned to the town of Pittsfield, where he has since been engaged in farming. He has performed all the labors of a good citizen, and possesses the friend- ship and esteem of his neighbors. In polit- ical belief he is a Republican, and has served his party and townsmen in a number of offices. At one time he was postmaster of Pittsfield, and has been town clerk several terms, which office he is now filling. He was united in marriage with Freelove St. John, a daughter of Hon. David B. St. John, who at one time represented the town of Ed- meston in the State Assembly at Albany. As a result of this union, four children were born, namely : William G., the subject of this
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sketch ; Sarah, the wife of James Perkins, lives in Burlington Flats; Nellie, who mar- ried Charles Woodard, a farmer of the town of Pittsfield; and David B., who lives in Montana and is an extensive sheep raiser, keeping a drove of about 2,700 head. Mr. Peck's second union was with Lovina Sweet, and they became the parents of one son, Fred, who lives at Pittsfield.
William G. Peek attended the public schools of Edmeston and Pittsfield, after which he took an advanced course in the New Berlin Academy. The following eight years he was engaged in teaching school in the winters, while the summers were devot- ed to study. In 1877, he began learning the tailor's trade, and by paying strict attention to his work, he gained enough experience in three years' time to go into business on his own account. He began in a small way in the village of New Berlin, but owing to the good quality of the goods and the neat and stylish garments that came from his estab- lishment, he did an ever-increasing business. In 1886, he purchased the house and lot, which was known as the Conkey place, and one year later erected his present store building in order to care for his large trade. In 1888, he made further improvements by repairing his residence, and now has one of the finest residences in the village of New Berlin. He also has one of the largest and neatest tailoring establishments in the county. His custom is so large that he is obliged to keep from six to ten men at work the year around. These men are all old and experi- eneed workmen, and are qualified to turn out the finest tailor-made clothes. He keeps on
hand a large stock of goods of the latest pat- terns and finest quality.
Mr. Peck was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Mary C. Medbury, a daughter of Charles Medbury of Pittsfield, July 22, 1878, and one daughter, Frances Marion, has blessed their union. Since 1877, our subjeet has been a faithful worker in the Episcopal Church of New Berlin, and is now a vestryman of that organization. Socially, he is a member of the Phoebus Lodge, No. 82, F. & A. M .; and of the Hillington Chap- ter, No. 224, R. A. M., of Morris, N. Y. He is a well educated man, fond of reading, and is well posted on all current topics and mat- ters of interest to the people. He is a de- servedly popular man, and is entitled to the respect and esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens.
ILLIAM C. MAIN, the largest deal- er in harness, trunks and bags in Chenango County, who has been in the harness business longer than any man of to-day in the village of Norwich, was born in the above town, July 14, 1832, and is a son of William F. and Submit ( Carpenter ) Main, and grandson of Thomas and Hannah ( Chap- man ) Main.
Thomas Main moved from his native state, Connecticut, to the State of New York and located in Chenango County, settling on the farm now owned by William R. Breed. Fcaring the members of his family would be- come sick with malarial fever, because of the position of the farm in an undrained
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valley, he decided to move to a more health- ful situation, and accordingly purchased the farm now owned by J. A. Randle, which was then covered by a dense forest. He was married to Hannah Chapman, and they reared the following children: Hannah; Thomas ; Content; Sophia; Joseph; William F .; Aaron; and two that died in their infancy. Thomas Main passed from this earth at the advanced age of eighty five years. His wife died aged eighty years.
William F. Main was born in the State of Connecticut and was but two years of age when his father moved the family and house- hold effects to Chenango County with a team of oxen. His youth was mostly spent in aid- ing his father in the hard toil of clearing the farm. After attaining his majority he en- gaged in the pursuits of an agriculturist, and when he had accumulated sufficient funds to buy a farm of his own, he purchased the one now owned by Dwight McNitt, and carried on general farming until 1841, when he sold the property and bought a farm at Latham's Corner. He was a hard worker and through his good management he succeeded in amass- ing a sufficient fortune to enable him to retire to the village of Norwich to pass life's twilight in ease. He passed from this life aged sixty-six years. Mrs. Submit ( Carpen- ter ) Main, who survived her husband eleven years, was a daughter of Noah Carpenter ; she presented her husband with five chil- dren, namely : William C., subject of this narrative; Emily E., deceased; Harriet L., deceased ; Nelson C., who served in the late Rebellion, died in Andersonville Prison ; and Chester W., a resident of North Norwich.
Mr. Main was a strong Republican, and always gave his unwavering support to the party of his choice since its organization. He was a most active and zealous member of the Universalist Church.
William C. Main holds a prominent posi- tion among the people of Chenango County, and is especially popular and well thought of in his township of Norwich, and in the place of his present residence and the scenes of many of his labors, Norwich village. He re- ceived his early training in the public schools of Norwich, and pursued his studies for a while at Rockwell's Mills. At the age of fourteen years he entered the harness shop of his uncle, Chester W. Carpenter, and re- mained there five years, learning the trade of a harness maker. He followed the trade as a journeyman until 1850, when he went to De- posit, N. Y., and conducted a shop of his own ; after remaining there for two years he came to the village of Norwich, and in 1854 he succeeded Samuel Weeden in that gentle- man's harness and saddle shop. In 1858 he purchased the business block in which the Brennan Hotel is situated, where he con- ducted business until 1874. In 1883 he moved into the Baker Block, where he conducts the largest store of the kind in the county. The salesroom is well stocked with hand-made harness and bags, and he makes a specialty of trunks. He employs a large force of men who are kept constantly busy in order to sup- ply the large demand for leather goods. He is the owner of a fine residence, located at 20! South Broad Street, which he bought and furnished himself. He also buys and sells realty to a large extent. He was joined in
WILL C. MOULTON.
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matrimony with Martha E. Demander, daughter of Charles Demander of Deposit, N. Y., and one child blessed their home, Ada R. In politics, our subject adheres to the Democratic party. Socially, he is past mas- ter of Norwich Lodge, No. 302, F. & A. M .; member of Harmony Chapter, R. A. M., No. 151; Norwich Commandery, Knight Temp- lars, No. 46. Religiously, Mr. and .Mrs. Main are both active and popular members of the Episcopal Church.
Mr. Main is a gentleman of intense patriot- ism, and loves well the land of his fathers. He has ever appreciated to the full his duties as a citizen and as a native-born American. In business, he is shrewd, upright and exact. His social relations are of the pleasantest nature, and few men stand higher in the esti- mation of his fellow-townsmen than he. Surrounded by all those elements that make life worth living, he finds with each succeed- ing day matters of live interest into which he throws the same energy and activity that have been of such valued service to him these many years. In the community no one is better liked than he or held in higher es- teem, and every whit of the respect accorded Mr. Main is due and thoroughly deserved.
ILL C. MOULTON is a promi- nent young attorney of the village of Norwich, who has been engaged in prac- tice there for the last eleven years, during which time he has built up a large practice, that rewards him well for his earnest efforts. He was born in Gilbertsville, Otsego County,
November 15, 1860, and is a son of James Henry and Harriet Hulda (Peck) Moulton.
The family is of Connecticut stock, having come originally from England. Our subject's paternal grandfather received a common school education, and followed the trade of a shoemaker in Connecticut until he moved to New York, and located in Otsego County. His politics were such as were advocated by the Whig and Republican parties. He reared a large family of twelve children, four boys and eight girls.
James Henry Moulton, our subject's father, was a prominent man for his day and genera- tion. He attended the academy at Gilberts- ville, N. Y., after he had finished his educa- tion in the common schools. Upon leaving the academy he clerked in a store at Gilberts- ville a number of years, and then engaged in farming in Otsego County, following that occupation the remainder of his life. IIe was a Republican in his politics, and held several offices, including those of overseer of the poor and commissioner of highways of his town. He was a member of the M. E. Church, and was a consistent church men- ber, attending divine service regularly until the sickness came to him that resulted in his death in 1866. These were the children that made up the family : Ella J., the wife of C. H. Graves,; Kose B., who was joined in mar- riage with Dr. R. A. Thompson ; James II .. deceased ; Lincoln, deceased ; and Will C., our subject.
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