Gazetteer and biographical record of Genesee County, N.Y., 1788-1890, Part 43

Author: Beers, F. W. (Frederick W.), ed. 1n; Vose, J.W., and Co
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : J.W. Vose & Co.
Number of Pages: 920

USA > New York > Genesee County > Gazetteer and biographical record of Genesee County, N.Y., 1788-1890 > Part 43

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).

Dewey Miller died November 20, 1887, aged 100 years and one month, at the home of his son, A. D. Miller, who lives in the northeastern part of Byron.

Elisha Miller came to Byron (then included in the town of Bergen) on foot, with a knapsack on his back, from Providence, Lucerne County, Pa., in the spring of 1809, and selected a farm about two miles west of Byron Center. He cleared a field, built a log house, and in the fall re- turned to Pennsylvania. He married Martha Tripp, and in 1810 brought his bride to his cabin in the woods. On this farm these pioneers spent the remainder of their lives. For a long time they were guided in their short and necessary journeys by marked trees. They worked hard, lived prudent, and wore homespun, which Mrs. Miller spun and wove. In addi- tion she wove for her neighbors. They owned a farm of 236 acres, and in 1817 they built a frame house, which is still in good preservation, and occupied. Their children were Hamilton, a farmer, who married Jennette Culver, settled on 50 acres adjoining his father, and died in December, 1885; Nancy, who married Lavinus A. Dibble, settled near her father, and died in November, 1853; and Wheaton S., born December 28, 1817, who was raised on his father's farm, obtained an academic education, and chose the profession of law, and prepared for admission to the bar, but on account of defective eyes declined to be admitted. He was a safe and able adviser in law matters, and often practiced in the lower courts. Feb- ruary 13, 1840, he married Emarett Southworth, of Bergen, daughter of Isaac and Rachel (Tone) Southworth, and settled on the Miller home- stead, which is still owned by his heirs. Mr. Miller was a man of com- prehensive business ability, and in addition to conducting his farm he was early a large and successful dealer in live stock and farmers' pro- duce. Before the construction of the railroad he drove his cattle and hogs to Albany. He served his town as supervisor and magistrate, and also settled several large estates. He was a peacemaker and advised his neighbors to settle disputes rather than resort to law. At the time of his death he was the largest land owner in Byron. He died May 28, 1864, at the age of 46. In politics he was an old line Whig, and joined

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TOWN OF BYRON.

the Republican party at its organization. siastic in the support of the government.

During the war he was enthu- Mr. and Mrs Miller were par- ents of 10 children, of whom nine are now living, and all reside in Gen - esee County, viz .: Holden T., cashier of the Bank of Batavia; Elisha H., of the firm of F. T. & E. H. Miller, insurance agents and produce and coal dealers; Edwin S., a farmer, and produce and coal dealer in Bergen ; Hon. Francis T., of the firm F: T. & E. H. Miller, and an extensive farmer and member of the State legislature of 1890; Martha N. (Mrs. George W. Prentice), of South Byron; Arietta L. (Mrs. W. H. Adams), of Byron Center ; Mary J. (Mrs. George G. Humphrey), of South Byron; Rachel E. (Mrs. Charles H. Coward), whose husband is a successful farmer near Byron Center; and Andrew T., assistant cashier of the Bank of Batavia. Elisha H. Miller, born January 3, 1844, married Lydia L., daughter of George W. Peckham, of Byron, and they have three children. Mr. Miller has served his town as supervisor four consecutive years, and was chairman of the board two years. He has also officiated as justice of the peace the last seven years. Hon. Francis T. Miller, born October 16, 1847, married Julia A., daughter of James D. Benham, by whom he has seven children, now living. He is deservedly popular with the people of Genesee County. He has been honored with the office of supervisor three terms, assessor three years, and is now the representative of his county in the State leg. islature. He and his four brothers, and three of his four brothers-in-law, are staunch Republicans, and all are doing their party good and active service.

Asa Merrill, son of Jared, came to Byron in 1809, on foot, with a knapsack on his back, in company with his brother. They traveled about 35 miles a day. Loren O. Merrill, son of Asa, the pioneer, was born August 7, 1829, married Ermina J. Holbrook, of Byron, and set- tled on the homestead where he resided until after the death of his father. In 1875 he removed to Wheatland, Monroe County, where he is now engaged in farming. His son, Maj. H. W. Merrill. was born on the Merrill homestead, September 25, 1854, was reared a farmer, and mar- ried Nettie Warboys, February 21, 1878. He settled in his native town, and engaged in farming, where he still resides. They have a daughter and son, Georgiana and Walter J.

Maj. Hamilton Wilcox Merrill was born in Byron, February 14. 1814, became a cadet in the U. S. Military Academy in June, 1834, and grad- uated in June, 1838. He was in the Seminole Indian war in 1839, 1840, and 1841, and in the Mexican war in 1846-47.

Daniel Merrill, son Jared and Abigail (Phelps) Merrill, came from Con- necticut to Whitestown in 1790, the year of his birth. He married Sally Sanford, of Vermont, and settled in Bergen, where he died, aged 28 years, leaving two sons, Ezra S. and Daniel F. Ezra S. being but three years old at his father's death, he made his home with an uncle, Arzy. He had a limited education, taught school, and April 22, 1847, married Mary, daughter of Abner and Irene (Miller) Hitchcock. They settled

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GENESEE COUNTY.

on the farm he had bought, where his son Abner J. now lives, and where he resided until his death, August 25, 1881, aged 66 years. Mrs. Merrill died November 3, 1878. Mr. Merrill was a prominent man in his town, a Republican, but not an office-seeker. He was always a farmer, and was enterprising, economical, and industrious, and quite suc- cessful. He was a man of sterling integrity, and was highly respected. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Merrill are Milan Daniel, a fruit grower and florist residing in South Haven, Mich., who married Mary I. Main, of Michigan; Ellen I., who lives with her brother on the homestead; and Abner J., who married Mary L. Munger, February 18, 1885, and who, soon after his father's death, bought the homestead of the heirs and lives on the place where he and his brother and sister were born, and where he has always resided.

Ony Merrill, son of Jared and Abigail Merrill, came to Byron and bought the Sawyer farm and the saw-mill, and afterwards 100 acres northwest of Byron, known as the Green farm, where he lived over 30 years. He built a saw-mill on Spring Creek, which was a great conven- ience to the early pioneers. In 1860 he moved to Orleans County and died there, aged 77 years. He was three times married. Nelson, one of his sons, bought the Asa Merrill place (settled in 1811), where he now resides.

Robert Merriman, a native of Connecticut, married Lucina Woodruff, and in 1826 settled in the northwestern part of Byron, where he died. His father was a soldier in the Revolution. ,Robert worked hard to es- tablish himself on his farm, and being a cooper as well as a farmer suc- ceeded in business. Their children were Harry, Josiah, Lucina M., Marietta, and Lydia. Josiah was born in Massachusetts, January 8, 1811, came to Byron with his parents at the age of 15 years, and resided with them until 26 years of age. He married Mary Wheeler, of Ogden, N. Y., January 5, 1837, and about a year later settled on a farm of his own. He now owns 231 acres in Elba, and about 700 acres in this town. He is very successful, possesses more than ordinary ability, and is universally respected. His son Harry W. married Lillian A. Benham, December 23, 1868, and owns a farm of 282 acres east of Byron Center. Sheldon J., another son, was born January 8, 1851, married Minnie E. Harris, of Batavia, and now lives in Elba on the farm with his father.

Harry Merriman, son of Robert and Lucina Merriman, was born in Saratoga County, July 18, 1809, and came to Byron with his parents in 1826. He married Sally Torpy, of Elba, April 30, 1834. She was born in 1810. He settled on a portion of the old homestead, and resided in a log house until he built his present dwelling. Besides being a farmer he has, since 1870, been engaged in the sale of the Johnston harvester, and by his engaging manners he made a success. He is a Republican, has been highway commissioner 15 years, and assessor and overseer of the poor six years. He is now over 80 years of age. Mrs. Merriman died in 1861. Their children are Lucina, who lives with her father; Robert

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TOWN OF BYRON.

E., a farmer, who owns 100 acres of the homestead and 63 acres near by; and Juliette, whose husband, James Knickerbocker, is a farmer in Elba. Lucina M., daughter of Robert and Lucina Merriman, was born in 1811, and married Nelson Tuttle, a farmer. Suffering from a tumor, in 1845 she had it removed while under mesmeric influence, and after- wards was licensed to practice as a clairvoyant, making many wonderful cures. She died in 1888.

Harmon Norton, son of Medad Norton, of Connecticut, married Selina Gillett, came to Byron in 1818, and settled on the farm now owned by his son Erastus H. He died in 1865. Erastus H. served in the war of the Rebellion, in the 129th N. Y. Regt. He is the proprietor of a cheese factory.

Charles Leonard was born in Sangerfield, Oneida County, where he lived until 1852, when he came to South Byron, and kept a livery stable and saloon for three years. He was a farmer for three years in Le Roy. In April, 1865, he came to Byron Center, and has kept the hotel there since that time, and has also carried the mail from South Byron to Byron Center.

John Rambo came from Brockport to Byron in 1857. He embarked in the hardware trade at South Byron, in which business he is still en -. gaged.

Rev. Robert E. Nesbitt, born at Hamlin, Monroe County, was edu- cated at the district schools and the State Normal School at Brockport. He taught the school at Hamlin for six terms, and was ordained as a Freewill Baptist minister April 15, 1884. He has preached at North By- ron three years. He was first licensed June 3, 1882, and preached at East Hamlin his first year, then at Hamlin, and came to North Byron, where he preached until April 1, 1887, when he moved to North Scriba to take pastoral charge of the First Freewill Baptist Church at that place.

David Mann, who had married Phoebe Parker, came to the Holland Purchase from Manlius, N. Y., and settled in Byron on a farm in 1817, now owned by his granddaughter, Mrs. Benton, where he spent the remainder of his long life. He died in August, 1850, aged 77 years. His wife died in 1830. He was the father of nine children, seven of whom lived and married. His youngest son, Reuben, was born January 28, 1810, and was seven years of age when his father settled in Byron. He was reared on the homestead, and received his education in the com- mon schools. In 1835 he married Betsey Hall, of Byron, a native of Peru, Mass., and settled on a farm of 25 acres adjoining his father's. In 1854 he removed to the farm where his only daughter now resides. He built a residence and buildings, and added to his farm from time to time, until it now contains 115 acres. He died October 25, 1889, aged 79 years. Mrs. Mann died August 2, 1886. Their daughter Livilla, born February 15, 1840, married Edward B. Clark, December 28, 1860, who was a farmer and mechanic. In 1863 he enlisted in the Union army,

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GENESEE COUNTY.

served II months, received a gun-shot wound in his left arm, near Peterburg, and was confined in the hospital at Alexandria six months, when he was discharged. This wound caused him much suffering until 1875, when he was relieved by amputation. He eventually died of blood poisoning, April 21, 1887, aged 55 years. Mr. and Mrs. Clark had one daughter, Evelyn, born May 4, 1868, who resides on the homestead with her mother.

William Mann, son of David, was born in 1804, and came with his parents to Byron in 1817. In February, 1832, he married Azubah, daughter of Nathan and Lois (Tuttle) Hall, who were also early pioneers of Byron. He had previously purchased the homestead, where they lived to the close of his life in 1851. His widow still survives (1890), and resides with her youngest son, Lucius, in the village of South Byron. William Mann was an enterprising farmer, a man of integrity, and highly respected. Alfred, son of William, was born February 8, 1834, was reared a farmer, and was educated in the common schools. He married Sima Feagles, and settled permanently on the farm where he now resides, about two miles from South Byron. He is a respected citizen, and in politics is a Republican. His children are Earl W., who married Estelle Dunn and resides in South Byron, and Willie E., Charles, Nettie, and Alma L., who reside with their parents. Elvira Mann married Thomas H. Benton, a farmer, and resides in Clarendon, Orleans County. Ezra Mann, a farmer, married Diantha Wood. He served in the Union army, received a serious gun shot wound at the battle of Fredericksburg, and was discharged for disability. He now resides at North Byron, and re- ceives a pension. Lucius Mann, also a farmer, married Helen Perkins, and settled on the old homestead, where they resided 10 years, when they removed to the village of South Byron, where they now reside, and with whom his aged mother has a home. Chester Mann, son of David, was born August 15, 1800, in Connecticut, and came to Byron when 16 years of age, with his father. He married Eunice Hall and had a family of six children. He was a farmer, and died May 22, 1884. His widow resides in Batavia, with her daughter, Mrs. J. A. Eggleston, aged 86 years. She was born September 10, 1803.

Joel Philleo, of Scipio, N. Y., married Clarissa Lathrop, and was at Auburn when the State prison was built there, engaged as a teamster, and drew the first load of iron used in its construction. In 1818 he re- moved to Stafford, about a mile and a quarter from where the village of South Byron is now located, and where he resided until 1847. In 1847 he emigrated to Somerset, Niagara County, and engaged in farming. He died in 1857, aged about 63 years. His wife died about 1879, aged nearly 96 years He was a man of the old school, and carved out a home in the wilderness. Of his nine children four are now living. Me- lissa married Alfred Rutty, a farmer in Michigan, who enlisted in the Union army, and died in the service. His widow resides with her chil- dren in Michigan. Henry S., born in Scipio, N. Y., in 1816, came with

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TOWN OF BYRON.

his parents to Stafford in 1818, and remained with his father until he was 27 years of age. February 10, 1842, he married Lany Bushman, and 12 days later commenced housekeeping on a small farm adjoining his father. In 1844 he went to Michigan, where he remained about four years, and was quite prosperous financially, but were not healthy, in consequence of which he returned to his native State. They resided in Niagara and Orleans counties, and eventually settled on a farm near the village of South Byron, where they have resided the past 31 years. Mr. and Mrs. Philleo are parents of two daughters, and two sons, viz .: Mar- tha, who married James E. Mills, a farmer, of Byron; Emma R., who married William R. Mills, also a farmer, of Byron; Winslow H., a farmer in Hanson County, Dakota; and Charles Edgar, a farmer with his par- ents. Alonzo Philleo, son of Joel, is a fruit grower in Ridgeway, Or- leans County, and Edgar resides in Lockport, N. Y.

Elisha Prentice, of Massachusetts, born in 1771, married Sally Howard, of Oneida County, N. Y. He came on foot in 1812 to Stafford, secured 100 acres of land, built a cabin, cleared two acres, and planted it with corn, " Indian style." He returned to Massachusetts, and came again in the fall with a pair of oxen, and found a good crop of corn ready to harvest. Here he remained and died in 1859, aged 88 years. Mrs. Pren- tice died in 1858. Their seventh child, Cyrus Prentice, was born in Massachusetts, June 20, 1812, came to Stafford in his mother's arms, and has always resided in Genesee County near the old home. He had more days at work than days at school. In October, 1835, he mar- ried Dolly Clapp, of Stafford, daughter of Paul Clapp, a pioneer, and took his bride to the Prentice homestead, cleared off the indebtedness on the farm, built a comfortable house for his parents, and administered to their comfort the remainder of their long lives. Cyrus Prentice has been a successful financier, gaining an enviable reputation for economy, industry, and fair dealing. He added to his real estate until he owned 400 acres. In 1871 he moved to South Byron, where he still resides, having sold his homestead to his son George W., of the firm of Boynton, Prentice & Co. He has been an old line Whig, but now votes with the Republican party, and has held all the important town offices. Mrs. Prentice, a worthy member of the Methodist Church, died June 2, 1886. They reared seven children, six of whom are now living, viz .: Mary (Mrs. James Bean); Imogene (Mrs. M. D. Bean); Adelbert, a collegiate, who resides in South Byron ; Marion (Mrs. Irving D. Southworth), of Batavia; Eva (Mrs. Edward Lapp), of Buffalo; and George W , a mer- chant in South Byron.

Elkanah Humphrey, of Rhode Island, came to Byron in 1813, and bought 100 acres of land at South Byron, where his son Erastus now lives, but did not settle on it until 1828. He died in 1846. He was a man of strict integrity, a good Methodist, and a Whig in politics.

Rev. D. M. Rollin was born in New Sharon, Me., August II, 1804. He married Mary Carey, of Boston, Erie County, N. Y., and they

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GENESEE COUNTY.

had four children. He was pastor of the Freewill Baptist Church, of Byron, for many years. He commenced preaching in 1825, and has been in service since. Rev. Mr. Rollin studied Greek while riding over the country on horseback. He was ordained when 23 years of age, and has been a resident of Byron for many years. He has the respect of all who know him.

David Shedd, born October 16, 1774, married Jane Brewer, and they had 13 children. He came from Oneida County about 1813, and settled where his granddaughter, daughter of the late Milo W. Shedd, now lives. He was a large farmer, cleared up his farm of 160 acres, and lived to see his large family all married and settled in life. He died in 1848. Milo W. was born in 1808, bought the homestead in 1844, and died in 1887. He was a useful man in Byron, was magistrate 35 years, was a man of exemplary habits, and widely respected. In 1830 he mar- ried Wealthy Sanderson, who died in 1832. They had one daughter, now Mrs. William Osborne, of Iowa. In 1834 he married Abigal Phelps, with whom he lived 53 years. They celebrated their golden wedding January 8, 1885. Their children are Mrs. S. J. Arnold, of Rochester, and Mary, wife of Thomas Close, and who resides on the homestead with her mother.

Thomas Close was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., November 14, 1840. His parents went to Buffalo when he was young, At the age of 12 years he was induced to go to Byron and live in the family of Milo W. Shedd, where he remained until 1859, when he learned the trade of mason. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. F, 105th N. Y. Vols., which was consolidated with the 94th Regt. He served honorably until 1865. January 6, 1866, he married Mary Shedd, and, settling in Byron, worked at his trade. He has lived three years in Batavia. Latterly they have resided on the Shedd homestead. Mr. Close has been collector of taxes for three years. When in the army he was in 26 regular battles, among them being An- tietam, Gettysburg, and Fredericksburg. He was twice wounded.

John Searls, son of Isaiah, was born in Westchester County, August 23, 1792, moved with his parents to Schoharie County, and came to By- ron with his older brother, Isaiah, who was born June 17, 1790. They made their first location April 14, 1814. Very soon after Isaiah was drafted in the War of 1812-15, and John enlisted, At the battle of Lundy's Lane Isaiah was wounded, and was carried a prisoner to Mon- treal, where he died of fever. At the close of the war John was dis- charged and returned to Byron. September 14, 1815, he married Han- nah (Stocking), his brother's widow, and settled on the farm where his son Isaiah now lives, and where he resided 61 years. He died Decem- ber 3, 1875, aged over 83 years. In 1818 he bought the homestead and moved into a planked house, and in 1840the built the farm house now occupied by his son Isaiah. Mrs. Searls died in June, 1875. Their chil- dren were Stephen D., of the State of Washington; Charles C., a builder, of Grand Rapids, Mich .; and Isaiah, who resides in Byron, on the old

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TOWN OF BYRON.

homestead, and who is an enterprising farmer, and a highly respected citizen. Mr. Searls has paid off the heirs and added to the homestead of 125 acres, until it now contains 253 acres. In 1853 he married Eliza T. Hall, of Elba, by whom he has had two sons, viz .: Horace H., who married Anna Brainard, of Barre, N. Y., and resides on a farm adjoin- ing his father's; and Charles C., a farmer with his father, who married Clara Potter, of Clarendon, N. Y.

James W. Seaver, of Byron, second son of Dr. James Everett Seaver, was born in Hebron, N. Y., June 29, 1812. His father was the eldest son of William Seaver and Mary Everett, the latter a first cousin of Ed- ward Everett, of Massachusetts. Dr. James E. Seaver died at Darien, January 25, 1827. He came to Darien (then Pembroke) in 1816, a very poor man, but had a stock of medicine in his pill-bags. His first outlay was $2.50 for a bushel of wheat. From overwork and exposure he became ill and had to give up work. His family was left almost desti- tute. James W., at the age of 16, began clerking, and followed a mer- cantile life for 60 years. He came to Byron in 1832, and was a clerk in the store of C. Jenks & Co. He married, in 1839, Mrs. J. W. Bennett. In 1844 Mr. Seaver and his brother John purchased of Zeno S. Terry the stock of goods formerly belonging to Loren Clark, a pioneer mer- .chant of Byron. In 1845 James W. Seaver was appointed postmaster, which position he held for about 40 years. In 1858 he was elected jus- tice of the peace, holding the position for 20 years. He has three daugh- ters : Mrs. J. A. Moore, whose husband is Mr. Seaver's partner in the mercantile business ; Mrs. Julia A. Stone, who for 12 years has been a teacher in the Blind Institution at Batavia ; and Mary M., the wife of Rev. H. C. Woods, now pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Victor, N. Y. Mr. Seaver is an active and pronounced spiritualist.

Zeno, son of Zeno and Tabitha (Abbey) Terry, was born in Connecti- . cut in 1779, married Polly Griswold, and came to Oneida County, thence to Byron about 1811, where he passed the rest of his life. He died in 1864. and his wife in 1851. In 1827 he bought the place where his daughter, Mrs. M. H. Crocker, now lives. He served at one time as supervisor, and was also a magistrate. Zeno S., a son, was born in 1809, was a farmer, and always resided in Byron. William, son of Zeno, came to Byron about 1811. He married Phoebe Morse, settled on a farm, and died aged 69 years. They had five children. Addison, a son, was born in 1812, married Lucetta Hurd, of Stafford, in 1836, and lives south of Byron Center. He is and has been an extensive dealer in live stock, par- ticularly before the advent of the railroad.

James B. Todd, son of John and Rachel (Duncan) Todd, was born November 25, 1787, on the Todd homestead, in Peterboro, N. H., where his father settled in early life. He married Sarah Appleton, March 8, 1816, who was born in Dublin, N. H., March 5, 1790. They settled on the homestead, where they remained until 1828, when they went West, with a team of horses and a wagon as far as Troy, N. Y., where they

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GENESEE COUNTY.

took a canal boat, and afterwards their own conveyance, arriving at their future home in the west part of Byron, May 27, 1828, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Todd was a man of fine physique, six feet in height, strong, robust, and a great worker. He occupied a log house four years, and in 1832 built a fine framed residence, now the home of his son Isaac. Mr. Todd died May 29, 1862. He was a man of integrity, upright, and honorable. Mrs. Todd died March 28, 1884, aged 94 years. Mr. Todd was a captain of militia in the War of 1812, and was stationed with his command at Portsmouth, N. H. His father, John Todd, was a private soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was pres- ent at the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga. His grandson Isaac has in his possession the musket which he captured from a Hessian sol- dier. Mr. and Mrs. Todd reared six children. Their oldest son, Isaac Todd, was born in Peterboro, N. H., December 18, 1816, and came with his parents to Byron in 1828. He was educated in the common schools, supplemented by a few terms in the academies. November 3, 1847, he married Frances H. Dewey, of Byron, and settled near Byron Center. In 1870 he removed to the old homestead. Besides conducting a farm of 300 acres he deals in fine horses and live stock. He is a Democrat and has served as justice eight years. His children are James G., a farmer and dealer in stock; Sarah (Mrs. S. C. Hall), of Rochester ; Will- iam G., a farmer in Elba; and Ida J., John D., and Emily, who reside with their parents. Their youngest child, Joe D., died in 1887, aged 22 years.

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Gazetteer and biographical record of Genesee County, N.Y., 1788-1890, Part 43

Author: Beers, F. W. (Frederick W.), ed. 1n; Vose, J.W., and Co Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : J.W. Vose & Co. Number of Pages: 920

Author: Beers, F. W. (Frederick W.), ed. 1n; Vose, J.W., and Co
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : J.W. Vose & Co.
Number of Pages: 920