USA > New York > Chenango County > Book of biographies : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Chenango County, New York > Part 47
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The subject of this writing, from the common schools, advanced to the Mexico Academy of Otsego County, from which he graduated as the valedictorian of his class in
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1883. No time was lost after leaving the academy in preparing for the legal profes- sion, for he came immediately to Norwich in 1883, and read law in the office of Robert A. Stanton, and was admitted to the bar in Che- nango County in 1887. Upon Mr. Stanton's decease, our subject found himself in posses- sion of a great deal of business, for by reason of that gentleman's death, Mr. Moulton was appointed as one of the administrators of the estate. Mr. Moulton practiced alone until January, 1895, when he formed a partnership with Ira H. Hyde, a graduate of Cornell University, the firm establishing their office in the Cook Building, Norwich. This co- partnership continued about two years, after which Mr. Moulton purchased the interest of his partner, and has since conducted the legal business of the firm alone. From principle, Mr. Moulton is a decided and aggressive Pro- hibitionist. He was at one time a candidate for district attorney on the Prohibition ticket, and has also been spoken of for county judge. He is conceded to be a young man of very superior attainments, and there is not the slightest doubt but that he could fill with credit either of the above responsible offices. He has, however, kept himself quite aloof from politics, and is unpledged to any inter- ests save those for the uplifting of society, and the promulgation of correct standards of morality. He has taken his stand for tem- perance as a principle and as a political measure with sanguine hopes for the future, and confident that wrong and wickedness will not always prevail. He is an active, work- ing Christian, and is a much valued laborer in the M. E. Church, where he has been
identified with the work of redemption and up- lifting since becoming a resident of Norwich. He has been superintendent of the M. E. Sabbath-school.
Mr. Moulton married, in 1886, Miss Ruby Coon, a daughter of William H. Coon of Norwich, N. Y., the nuptial ceremony taking place on November 10. Four children have become members of their household, namely : William Connell; Genevieve Rose ; Harold Meredith ; and Winnifred May.
We take pleasure in presenting on a page in proximity to this a portrait of Mr. Moul- ton, who is most highly regarded as a lawyer of astuteness and legal acumen, with a brill- iant future in prospect.
ORDSWORTH B. MATTERSON
of Bainbridge enjoys the distinc- tion of being one of the ablest lawyers of Chenango County, and at present is acting in the capacity of county district attorney, having been elected in 1895, for a term of three years, to succeed himself. He was born at Edmeston, Otsego County, July 4, 1860, his parents being Menzo D. and Deliah (Dutton) Matterson.
Abel Matterson, the grandfather, was an agriculturist residing in Edmeston at the time of his death. He was a native of Rhode Island, whence he came to Otsego County, where he located in Burlington, afterwards coming to Chenango County. He made many friends and was an ardent worker in the ranks of the Whig and later of the Re- publican party, and was chosen as supervisor
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in both Otsego and Chenango Counties. Hc married Laura Potter, and nine children were born to them, five boys and four girls. The four daughters were all taken from their parents while young, not one being spared to comfort their declining years. The sons grew to mature years, with the exception of Isil- lias, who died at the age of twenty-one ; their records are as follows: Delos W., a resident of Columbus, this county, and supervisor of the town for six consecutive years ; Truman I., who lives at New Berlin, who also served several terms as supervisor, beside represent- ing Chenango County in the State Assembly in 1886 ; Menzo D., the father of Wordsworth B. Matterson ; and Nelson of Utica, now de- ceased.
Menzo D. Matterson was born September 12, 1828, in the town of Columbus, this county, and there grew to manhood, follow- ing the peaceful employments incident to the life of an agriculturist. This work he carried on during the greater portion of his life, accumulating such a competency that a few years ago he was enabled to retire from ac- tive work and moved to Edmeston to spend the remainder of his years. He is a stanch Republican, and has taken a deep interest in all matters that have pertained to the welfare of the party. He led to the altar Deliah Dut- ton, a daughter of John Dutton, a native of Plainfield, Otsego County, and a farmer and cabinet-maker by occupation, his last days being spent in Edmeston, where he quietly passed away. Mrs. Matterson was born Oc- tober 28, 1829, and is still living to bless husband and children with her sunshiny smile and motherly solicitude. Mr. and Mrs. Mat-
terson have but two children, both sons : Ward G., born June 5, 1854, married Sarah Wrench, and is a retired farmer living in the village of New Berlin; and the gentleman whose name heads this sketch.
Wordsworth B. Matterson is deserving of great credit for the manner in which he has achieved his present eminence in the legal profession. His carly training was re- ceived in the district schools, and was sup- plemented by a course in the New Berlin Academy and the Brockport State Normal, graduating from the latter institution in 1881. For the succeeding two years he taught school in Chenango County, employing all his spare time in the study of law in the office of O. F. Matterson of New Berlin, a cousin of his father. So well did he apply himself to his studies that he was able to graduate from the Albany Law School, May 25, 1883. After graduating he read law with Smith, Moak & Buchanan of Albany, and was admitted to the bar November 23, 1883. The following two years he spent in New Berlin, and in March, 1886, came to Bain- bridge, where he has since been practicing his profession with the most flattering suc- cess. Mr. Matterson was united in marriage December 4, 1884, with Ella M. Butts, a daughter of Rodolphus J. Butts of New Ber- lin. This union has resulted in the birth of two children: Laura Lucile, who died at the age of three months; and Warren B., born March 1, 1890. Mrs. Matterson died Febru- ary 12, 1898, aged about forty years.
Mr. Matterson is closely connected with the most progressive movements which have for their object the advancement of the pub-
25*
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lic good. He was one of the incorporators of the American Separator Co., and is also its legal adviser. He is one of the largest stockholders of the First National Bank of Bainbridge. In politics he is a Republican, and served in 1884 as clerk of the board of supervisors. In 1889 he was elected to the office of supervisor of the town of Bainbridge, and his public labors were endorsed by suc- cessive re-elections in 1890 and 1891 to the same office. In 1892 he received the nomi- nation of his party for the office of district attorney, and was elected by a very flattering majority ; so acceptably did he discharge the dutics of this office, that at the expiration of his term of office, in 1895, he was again elected for another three years. He is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, and is a consistent member of the Presbyte- rian Church. In all his dealings with the public his actions have been prompted by pure motives and a desire for the general good. However, in this connection we can not do better than to copy from the local papers to show the high place he occu- pies in the county, and the integrity and honor displayed in the prosecution of the legal work that falls to him to do.
In the Bainbridge Express, under date of October 24, 1895, we find the following in regard to his record as District Attorney : " The large amount of business transacted during his term, and his wonderful success in the trial of criminals, both before the court and as an advocate before the jury, was fit- tingly approved by the convention, which renominated him without opposition for a second term, September 19, 1895. Some of
the most important criminal trials in the his- tory of Chenango County have taken place during his term; the most notable of all being the Tracy murder case, and so well was this prepared and tried, that Judge Forbes, in his charge to the jury, used the following language : 'The great fairness with which this case has been tried on the part of the gentlemen who have been connected with its prosecution has the commendation of the Court, and I do not see, myself, and I doubt whether you have been able to discern, where anything has been left undone that could have been properly done in the prepa- ration, trial, and submission of the case. Gentlemen, if you shall continue to dis- charge the solemn duties which the law im- poses upon you in the same careful, con- scientious and honorable manner toward the people of this state, and toward the defen- dant at the bar, whatever may be the result of your deliberations, with your determina- tions the people will be satisfied and the unfortunate defendant must be content.'"
The Bainbridge Republican of November 2, 1895, contains the following eulogy : "W. B. Matterson. Prominent among the representative professional men of this county, we take pride in calling the reader's attention to W. B. Matterson. Mr. Matter- son is a gentleman of sterling integrity, as well as energy and sagacity, and with a thor- ough knowledge of every feature and detail connected with his profession. His office is finely equipped, and he has an unusually ex- tensive law library. Mr. Matterson is a native of Edmeston, Otsego County. At an early age he applied himself closely to the
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study of law, and graduated from the Albany Law School, in 1883, and was admitted to practice in 1884. He practices in all the courts of this state, and in the United States Court. He is thoroughly familiar with the practice of law throughout the United States, and is one of the ablest lawyers in this county ; his services are in continual demand in legal cases of magnitude ; and he has established a large and substantial busi- ness connection, his clientele representing some of the leading people throughout the state. Among the notable cases tried by Mr. Matterson we will cite the Tracy mur- der case and also the Parker murder case, in which Mr. Masterson acquitted himself with distinction and credit. He has been remark- ably successful in bringing his cases to a satis- factory issue. In 1892, Mr. Matterson was elected District Attorney for this county, and has just been honored with the same office for the ensuing three years. Aside from being a most successful attorney, Mr. Matterson is also an enterprising gentleman and is favorably known in social and business circles, and is altogether a credit to this community."
RI VAN TASSELL, deputy sheriff of Chenango County, and a resident of the village of Oxford, was born in Preston, March 16, 1842. He is a son of Parley and Sophia (Daniels) Van Tassell, both of whom were born in the State of New York.
Parley Van Tassell was a carpenter by
trade, and followed that occupation in the town of Preston the greater part of his life. He was a Republican in politics, but not an aspirant to office. He married Sophia Daniels, daughter of Alfred Daniels, and they reared ten children, namely : Laura A .; Margaret; Louisa ; Lyman W .; Lawson ; Exana ; Ursula; William H .; Adaline; and Uri, the subject of this sketch. In religious belief, Mr. and Mrs. Van Tassell were both members of the Baptist Church.
Uri Van Tassell was educated in the com- mon schools of Preston, and carried on gen- eral farming until the Civil War broke out ; then being inspired by a patriotic spirit, he enlisted in the United States service in Co. K, Ioth Reg. N. Y. Vol. Cav., in which he rendered gallant service for two years and eleven months. After the close of the war he returned to the village of Oxford, where he learned the trade of a wagon maker, which he followed until 1885. He chose for his life companion Fannie A. Ingraham, daughter of Isaac Ingraham of Preston. One child blessed their home, Lucretia S., who is the wife of John S. Tracy of Oxford. In relig. ious views, Mr. Van Tassell is an Episco- palian. Politically, he is a stanch Republi- can, and has served as constable for nine years. He was foreman of the Oxford Fire Department several years; during the year 1895, he served as assistant chief, and is now an honorary member. He was appointed deputy sheriff of Chenango County by Sheriff Payne, and has filled the office to the satisfac- tion of the public. Socially, he is a mem- ber of the Edward E. Breed Post, No. 196, G. A. R., of Oxford. During the time in
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which Mr. Van Tassell has been a resident of Oxford he has won the confidence of the people by his honest principles and good citizenship.
OSEPH WILLISTON DIXON, a re- tired merchant of Smyrna, N. Y., was born in the town of Smyrna, on the old Dixon farm, now known as Smithdale, November 17, 1833. He is a son of John Milton and Mary Ann (Sutphan) Dixon, grandson of Joseph and Mercy (Raymond) Dixon, and great-grandson of Archibald Dixon.
Archibald Dixon was born in Pomfret, Conn .; his father was a native of North Ireland, of Scotch-Irish descent. Archibald Dixon was united in marriage with Miss Miller, and settled in Bethlehem, Conn., later removing to Rutland, Vermont. They reared five boys: Joseph ; David ; Thomas; Jared; and Luther. Joseph and David were among those who early offered their service to their country in its hour of peril, and took part in one of the most cele- brated battles in the War of American Inde- pendence, which occurred on the 17th of June, 1775, and which will ever be known as the battle of Bunker Hill. They were in the regiment led by Col. Swift. Joseph Dixon continued to remain in the army, and was among those who fought so gallantly in the battle of Yorktown, in 1781, where Corn- wallis was obliged to tender his sword to General Washington in token of submission. Joseph received his honorable discharge at
West Point, as a lieutenant. He was born September 30, 1754, and in 1782 married Mercy Raymond, and moved to Manchester, Vt .; later with horses and oxen they made a long journey across the country and took up some 300 acres in what was then Sherburne, now a part of Smyrna township, and in the locality known as Smithdale. Our subject's grandfather built a log house on this large tract of timber, and began to clear his farm. Later he built a frame house, the one now standing, which has, however, undergone many improvements since his time. Joseph Dixon was very well-to-do, and by unflag- ging, industrious work and skillful manage- ment accumulated a nice fortune. He died May 18, 1839. Religiously, he was a mem- ber of the Congregational Church. At the time of his death he was living a retired life in Smyrna. His children were: Raymond ; Abram; John Milton, our subject's father ; Hannah, who married Willian Avery ; Alan- son ; and Williston.
John Milton Dixon, our subject's father, was born in the town of Smyrna, in 1801, and while a young man he helped his father clear the farm, and later bought a part of the orig- inal tract, now owned by Mr. Harrington. In 1836 he moved to Smyrna and bought a home that is now known as the W. W. Boyington place. Besides being a farmer he dealt ex- tensively in live stock and was considered very successful. He married Mary Ann Sutphan, who was born in Cherry Valley, N. Y., a daughter of Gilbert Sutphan. To them were given the following children : Charles G., deceased ; Mary Jane married George Hunt; Rexie V., deceased ; Joseph
CHARLES W. SPURR.
MRS. CERELIA SPURR.
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Williston, our subject ; Herbert M., dcccased ; Almenzo K., a resident of Brooklyn, N. Y .; Mortimer C., a resident of Smyrna; and Sarah D., who married Erastus Billings, and now resides in Hamilton, this state. Mr. Dixon passed from this life at the age of sixty-five, and his wife followed him to the unknown beyond the grave in her sixty-sixth year. Mr. Dixon was a progressive man, upright and charitable, and was respected by all.
On February 1, 1872, Herbert M. and Charles G. Dixon, brothers of Joseph W., organized and opened a general store in the town of Smyrna, and by honorable dealing built up a very large trade, that went as high as $90,000 a year. In 1881 Charles G. died, and the firm was changed to Dixon Bros., our subject having become a member, and re- mained the same until 1896, when the store and business was sold to Edson L. Whitney.
Our subject, Joseph Williston Dixon, at the age of twenty-one, went to St. Louis, Mo., where he entered the dry goods business with the firm of B. L. Harding & Co. In 1875, he sold out and returned to his native town, and became one of the partners in Dixon Bros.' general store, from which busincss hc retired in 1896. Our subject is a single man, and has always taken a great deal of interest in the welfare of his native town, Smyrna. He is a stanch Republican, and although often importuned to accept office, he has never consentcd. He is a man of high prin- ciples, and is known by his neighbors and friends as an honest, upright, Christian man. This Christian character has been handed down for generations. The fathers and
mothers have all set splendid examples, and their labors in support of the religious socie- ties of Smyrna did much for that village and their individual homes. Mr. Dixon has well followed the noble lesson taught by his parents, that no man can succeed without honor and sclf-respect.
HARLES W. SPURR. Among the representative and successful farmers of Columbus is the gentleman named above, and it is safe to say that he di- vides with few the honor of being the most progressive farmer in Chenango County. He was born on the farm he owns, and on which he now resides, March 20, 1841. Hc is a son of Jefferson and Mercy Ann (Howard) Spurr, grandson of Nathaniel and Hannah (Cummings) Spurr, and great-grandson of Redmond Spurr.
Redmond Spurr accompanicd his son Nathanicl, when the latter came to Colum- bus; the father lived in his new home, and died at an advanced age. He is known to have had three children -- Nathaniel, Polly and Thomas, and there is good reason to bc- lieve that he had others, whose names the editor is unable to give.
Nathaniel Spurr is supposed to have been born in Cheshire, Mass., as he came to New York State from that town. In 1795, while still a single nian, he took up a large tract of land in Chenango County, consisting of 300 acres of timber land. lIc picked out a pic- turcsque spot near the brook which ran through the farm, and built a log house.
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Later he built a frame structure, the one in which Frank J. Spurr now resides. He cleared his farm and did much to influence others to come and settle with him, for he was the pioneer of his section. In 1809 he built his frame house, the lumber being obtained by splitting and hewing the timber with an ax, the only carpenter's tool he possessed, and although the structure was somewhat rough in its appearance, it was nevertheless substantial, and still remains, being an object lesson of the hardships undergone by the early residents of the county. He endured many privations and was an exceedingly hard worker, chopping much of the wood in his bare feet, and by the light of the moon. He was more successful than most of the early pioneer settlers, not only succeeding in secur- ing for himself and those depending upon him a comfortable competency, but at the same time making and maintaining a name for strict honor and integrity, which was a valuable heritage to leave to his posterity. He died in 1857, and his wife passed from this life in 1847. They reared the following chil- dren : Jefferson and Franklin, twins; Lewis: Delia ; Calista ; and Permelia. He was very liberal with his neighbors and assisted in all religious movements. He was familiarly known as Uncle Nat.
Jefferson Spurr was born in Columbus township, and assisted his father in clearing the farm. After his marriage to Mercy Ann Howard, he bought 60 acres of woodland, where our subject now resides, and on it erected a log house near the site of the pres- ent farmhouse ; having paid for the first 60 acres he kept buying more, until he owned
350 acres. He knew of the hardships with which his father had to contend, and envied the success his father enjoyed, and deter- mined to do as well, working much harder than any of the present generation would think possible; his efforts, like those of his father, were crowned with success. He built the house in which our subject was born, and also a large and commodious barn. He set out fruit trees, which to-day mark his pro- gress, and devoted his full time and strength to farming. His wife was very energetic, and contributed largely to the success of her husband. The early pioneers were exceed- ingly friendly and sociable. A new comer was always given a hearty welcome. The houses were generally small, but the hospital- ity of the occupants knew no bounds. To show the generosity of these people, the fol- lowing incident is related :- Charles Taunt when a young man came from Boston, Mass., and asked for work, and finding him of a good disposition, and a kind-hearted fellow, our subject's parents offered him a home, and with them he ever afterwards lived, and at his death, which occurred at the age of eighty years, he was residing with our subject, Charles W. Spurr. Jefferson Spurr died in 1865, aged sixty-five years. Mrs. Spurr fol- lowed her husband at the age of eighty-two years. They reared the following children : Marcia, who died, aged sixteen years ; Frank J., who is a farmer on his grandfather's old farm; Stephen H .; Nathaniel W .; Charles W., our subject; Hannah L., who married Leroy Smith; Angel C., who died young ; and Alice M., who married T. Avery. Polit- ically, Mr. Spurr was originally a Whig, but
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later he became a Republican, and from that time until his death, he was active in his support of the principles of that party. Hc was a public-spirited man, and was elected township supervisor, and assessor, and hold several minor offices. He was a captain in the old state militia.
Charles W. Spurr, our subject, lived with his parents until their deaths, and kindly pro- vided for them in their last days. He pur- chascd the old homestead of his father, and has since remodeled and enlarged the build- ings. He has built a handsome basement barn, 100 x 35, with a 60 foot ell. He owns 300 acres of highly improved land, and has it well stocked with 50 head of a very choice grade of blooded Holstein cows, also with a large flock of sheep, which hc raised from three lambs given him by his grandfather.
Mr. Spurr married Cerelia Holmes, daugh- ter of Charles Holmes, and as a result of this happy union, two children blessed their home: Myra A., wife of Dr. Charles W. Crumb of Utica, N. Y., and the mother of one child, Homer ; and Charles J., who mar- ried Jennie Spurr, and who is at present assisting his father in operating the farm. In political affairs, Mr. Spurr is a Republican, and takes an active interest in local matters, and has received many expressions of confi- dence from his fellow-citizens, having served as assessor, filled out two terms as collector, and held sevcral minor offices. Charles W. Spurr has been a resident of the county since 1841, and in that time has made many acquaintances, who all know him as an hon- est, upright man, who always strives to do his duty, and fulfills cvcry obligation made
by him. Wc take great pleasure in present- ing on preceding pages excellent portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Spurr, exccutcd from photographs taken in May, 1898.
ENRY D. WILLCOX, an cuterpris- ing and prosperous agriculturist and dealer in groccrics of South Ox- ford, Chenango County, was born in Smith- ville, November 26, 1838. Hc is a son of Harrington and Polly ( Decker ) Willcox, and a grandson of Harrington Willcox, Sr.
Harrington Willcox, Sr., our subject's grandfather, was a native of Rhode Island, and came to this county when it was yct in its infancy. He bought a tract of 100 acres of thickly covered timberland, and set about the difficult task of clearing it. He laborcd arduously, and after a time it was in a good state of cultivation. In connection with farming, he operated a saw mill and did a profitable business. All of the old pioncers, such as Mr. Willcox, are gradually passing away, but their works do follow then, and their memories will be held in grateful rc mcmbrance by the coming gencrations. His wife was Charity Rathburn, and she was a worthy companion of this hardy pioncer. Their union resulted in the birth of eight children, namely : Paris; Charles ; Benjamin : John ; Philander ; Harrington : Caroline ; and Hannah. In religious life, they were Uni- versalists.
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