Gazetteer and biographical record of Genesee County, N.Y., 1788-1890, Part 61

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 61

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).

Charles L. Olmsted was born August 19, 1827, across the road from where he now resides. He received a good academic education, and has

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been twice married. His first wife was Mary A., daughter of Solon and Sophia Haskins, and their child was Fred C For his second wife he married Carrie M., daughter of William and Eliza (Grosvenor) Calvert, natives of New York and Pittsfield, Mass., respectively, by whom he has had one daughter, Mary Edna. Mr. and Mrs. Olmsted are Presbyterians. At the age of 16 he and his brother purchased a farm of 50 acres. In November, 1857, he purchased his brother's interest. For six years he has dealt in agricultural implements. In 1870 he was in Rochester en- gaged in the flour and feed business. He is a son of William and Cyn- thia (Franklin) Olmsted, natives of Rutland, Vt., and Killingworth, Conn., respectively. William Olmsted came from Vermont to Genesee County in 1812, locating on 150 acres of land. He was a teacher, and married the

widow of Jolin Pierson, who came from Connecticut in 1808, and located first near Stone Church, and later where Charles L. now resides. Mr. Pierson lost his life in the War of 1812. He left a widow and two chil- dren, viz .: Harlow W., who was drowned on Lake Erie from the steam- boat Washington, and Louisa C. William Olmsted and wife had four sons and two daughters: William H., Florilla F., John R., Ursula M., Egbert S., and Charles L. Egbert S. and Roxanna (Brown) Olmsted had a daughter, May, who now lives with her uncle, John R.

Dwight H. Pierson, son of Philo L. and Sarah M. (Hull) Pierson, was born November 5, 1844, in Le Roy, was reared and educated on a farm, and spent 10 years in teaching. With the exception of three years in Hardin County, Ia., he has always lived in Le Roy. In the spring of 1889 he was elected assessor. He married Catharine, daughter of Alexander McPherson, of Le Roy, and they are members of the Presbyterian Church. Philo L. Pierson, born at Stone Church in 1810, was a carpenter and builder. He built the Ingham University building in Le Roy, and his latter days were spent on a farm. He served as assessor several terms. He had born to him 10 children, seven of whom attained maturity, viz .: Cordelia M, Helen E., Myron P., who served as lieutenant in the 100th N. Y. Regt., and was in Libby and Columbia prisons, Halbert M., Dwight H., Daniel M., and Sarah M. (Mrs. McPherson). Philo Pierson died about 1875, and his wife in 1856. He married for his second wife Lydia Pratt. His father, Simon Pierson, born in Killingworth, Conn., was an officer in the War of 1812. He married Sylvia Kelsey, of Connecticut, came in 1807 to Genesee County with an ox-team and cart, being about 25 days on the road, and located at Stone Church. The lid of his chest, which he used for a table, is now in the possession of Dwight H. He reared a family of two sons and five daughters, and died in the spring of 1864, aged 85. He was a son of Samuel Pierson, of Killingworth, who was a Revolutionary soldier and a son of Samuel, a son of Abraham Pierson. Rev. Abraham Pierson came from Yorkshire, Eng, in 1640, and was. pastor of the church at South Hampton, Long Island. He had a son, Abraham, who graduated from Harvard College in 1668, and became the first rector of Yale College. He had three sons, Abraham, James, and

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John. Abraham died in Killingworth. Abraham, 3d, was justice for about 40 years at Killingworth, and died in January, 1852.

George Platt, one of the earliest pioneers of Le Roy, was born July 27, 1804, across the street from the Episcopal Church. He had a lim- ited education, was a farmer during his early life, and served as colonel of militia. He was twice married, first to Rachel Lyman, by whom he had three children, one of whom attained maturity-George G., now of Rochester. He died April 2, 1888. Mr. Platt spent his latter life on Summit street. He was a youth when the ground on this street was cleared, and he cut the top out of a small elm tree, which he could bend over by his weight. He trained this from year to year, till now it is a most beautiful and magnificent shade tree, whose branches reach from 75 to 80 feet in all directions. Miss Harriet J. Farnsworth now occupies the lot upon which this tree stands. George Platt was a son of Judge Ezra Platt, who was one of the earliest settlers of Le Roy. He erected a house on the corner of Main and Church streets in 1803, which he oc- cupied until his death in 1811. He left seven children : Mrs. L. Wol- cott, Ezra, Oliver, Elijah, Margaret, Ira, and George. He was one of the earliest judges of the county, and built and run the first grist-mill in the town. He owned all the land on the east bank of the creek. Miss Farnsworth, who cared for Mr. Platt in his declining years, occupies a neat cottage which was left her for her kindness to him.

Lyman G. Paul, born December 16, 1844, on Lake street, received a common school and academic education, and at the age of 21 entered the employ of the N. Y. Central Railroad, at Le Roy, as agent, which position he held for 14 years. In 1878 he became agent for the B., R. & P. Railway. He is also agent for the American Express Co He was one of the charter members of the R. A. and E. O. M. A. He married Mary J., daughter of Henry H. Olmsted, and they had two children, Dean R. and Mary O. By his second wife, Kittie S. Goff, of Rochester, he has one child, Maud G. Mr. Paul is a son of Alba and Sarah (Gould) Paul, who were born at Hartland, Vt., and came to Genesee County in 1841. They kept the Arsenal Hotel, Batavia, for a time, and in 1843 came to Le Roy, where he was engaged in selling fanning-mills for two years and stoves for 18 years, after which he engaged in farming west of Le Roy village. He reared four sons and one daughter. He was one of the founders and a leading member of the Universalist Church at Le Roy, and was a son of Hale Paul, of Vermont.

Hubert Ponce was born in Belgium, September 15, 1843, a son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Feltun) Ponce, who had three children. At the age of seven years he began to assist his father, who was a mason and weaver, and at the age of 25, in 1867, he came to Stafford and worked on a farm for two seasons, when he came to Le Roy and assisted in build - ing the Episcopal Church and the art gallery of Ingham University. In 1 874 he opened the Capitol restaurant and saloon, and has been proprie- tor of the Franklin House since the fall of 1881. He is also a dealer in

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real estate and live stock. He married Barbara Rider, of Sheldon, but a native of Belgium, and they have three children, Peter, Mary, and Lena. All are members of the Roman Catholic Church.

Melvin D. Pratt, son of David and Electa (Gibbs) Pratt, was born January 21, 1830, in Livonia, Livingston County, and since six years of age he has lived where he now resides, except four years, two years of which he spent in Flint, Mich., engaged in the agricultural furnace busi- ness. He has filled several responsible positions in his town : has been. 12 years assessor, one year clerk, and three terms supervisor. He mar- ried, first, Cornelia L., daughter of Robert and Dolly (Warner) Adams, by whom he had one daughter, Cornelia L. His second wife was Mary A., daughter of Peabody Pratt, of Flint, Mich. David Pratt was born in Greenville, Albany County, N. Y., June II, 1791, and his wife in Litchfield, Conn. He came to Livonia in 1810, served in the War of 1812, was a shoemaker in early life, and in 1816 moved to Aurora, Erie County, where he resided six years, when he returned to Livonia. In 1836 he located on 50 acres about one mile east of Le Roy. He served in several responsible positions of trust. His children were Augustus G., Melvin D., Peabody W., and Lydia A. He was a son of Peabody Pratt, a soldier in the war for independence, from Connecticut, who mar- ried Sarah Buckingham, of Saybrook, Conn., who was a relative of Gov- ernor Buckingham. They had five sons and two daughters. He died in Livonia and his wife in Mount Morris, over 80 years of age. The Pratt family sprung from Lieut. William Pratt, who came to Cambridge, Mass., in 1633, and settled in Saybrook. Electa (Gibbs) Pratt was a daughter of Philo and Lydia (Lindsley) Gibbs, who came from Litch- field, Conn., and settled in Livonia in 1803, where they resided. He was a soldier in the Revolution, and had three sons and one daughter.

Albion D. Richmond, son of Preserved and Lucinda (Stiles) Rich- mond, was born December 17, 1829, one mile east of where he now re- sides. His father, Preserved, was born in Fairfield, N. Y., July 25, 1799, and his mother, Lucinda, in Danville, Vt., December 25, 1803. Preserved came to Genesee County with his parents and lived on the homestead near- ly all his life. He was commissioned lieutenant of militia in 1829, and September 10, 1830, as captain. He had 11 children, and died in Sep- tember, 1878, and his wife in June of the same year. His father, Pre- served, was born June 25, 1764, and was twice married, first to Mary Olin, who bore him children as follows: Ezra, who was killed at the battle of Fort Erie, Adam, David, Simeon, Preserved, George, Alva, Polly, and Sarah. His second wife was Mary Luther, by whom he had nine children, eight of whom grew to maturity, as follows : Hiram H., Electa, Simoon L., Hazzard, William H., Angeline, Sanford L., and Car- oline. They settled in Le Roy in October, 1812, where Albion D. now resides. About 1844, with a daughter, they moved to Clinton County, Mich., where he died, aged 85. He was a staunch and devoted mem- ber of the F. & A. M., and stood by the order during the exciting times

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after the Morgan affair. It is stated the order met in his house on sev- eral occasions. He was a son of Adam Richmond, who was born in 1739, and who was twice married, first to Molly Hazzard, and second to Molly Hall. He reared four sons and five daughters. Adam Richmond was a son of Stephen, who also had four sons and five daughters. Ste- phen was a son of John Richmond, who had two sons, Cyrus and Stephen. Albion D. was reared where he now resides. He went to Michigan and worked for an uncle two years. He married Margaret, daughter of Duncan Campbell, of York, Livingston County, N. Y., and they had five children, four of whom attained adult age, viz .: George C., Mary L., of Montana, Franklin D., and Cora E. After his marriage he moved to De Kalb County, Ind., where he resided 10 years, when he returned to Le Roy, and has since lived where he now resides. His wife died June 18, 1886. He is a respected member of the F. & A. M.

E. B. Rawson, son of Sanford and Caroline (Boyd) Rawson, of Shel- burne, Mass., was born in Essex County, N. Y., March 14, 1829, was raised on a farm, and received a good academic education. At the age of 16 years he began teaching school, and when 21 went to New York city, where he was a book-keeper for 10 years, and was a member of the 7th N. Y. Regt., which defended Washington, and which was the first full regiment in the capital In February, 1862, he went to Key West on business, where he continued after the war, and started the first cigar manufactory there. The town now has 30 or 40 cigar establishments. For the past four years he has been in Le Roy. He married in Key West. Mr. Rawson has filled several positions of responsibility, and has been one of the most active and prominent men of the village. Sanford Rawson and wife were married in Massachusetts. He was an active man in business, and was one of the leading tanners who used hemlock. In 1848 he settled in Le Roy. He has served as postmaster and super- visor. He reared three sons and three daughters. December 9, 1889, he was 95 years old, and in good health. He is a son of Simeon Raw- son, of Massachusetts, who was also a tanner, and who served in the Revolutionary war, and was an early settler of Essex County, N. Y., to which he came in 1792, where he died, aged over 80 years. His wife was Anna Holden, of Barre, Mass. They had five sons and seven daugh- ters, and moved to Shrewsbury, Vt., thence to Essex County, N. Y., and were successful in business. Simeon Rawson was a son of Josiah, who was a son of William, who was a son of Edward, who came from England in 1636, and settled in Newbury, Mass. Edward was an Epis- copal minister, and was a very prominent man in his adopted place for many years ; he was also a member of the colonial Assembly.

Orange F. Randall, son of Perry and Mary E. (Bachelder) Randall, was born January 3, 1850, in Stafford. He was reared on a farm and received his education in the common schools and at Brockport, N. Y. October 17, 1871, he married Sarah F., daughter of John S. and Mary (Rapp) Traver, of Stafford. They have one child, Perry T. Since his

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marriage he has been actively engaged in farming. In 1880 he located where he now resides.

William Chauncey Reed, born in the town of Hickory, Pa., is a son of Joseph N. and Maria (Goodrich) Reed, of Hartland, Conn. The father was born in 1816 and died in 1882. The mother was from Washington County, N. Y., and died in 1882. Joseph N. was a farmer and broom- maker, spent some time in Ohio, was a conductor on the Erie Railroad, and lived in Attica. They died in Groveland, Livingston County. Their children were William C .; Dwight T .; Frank J. (deceased) ; David A., of Duluth; and Mary L., widow of David A. Abell, of Duluth. Dwight T., born in Ohio, at the age of 16 was a messenger in the Assembly at Albany, and later received an appointment in the State department at Washington, under President Hayes. He was sent as Secretary of Le- gation to Madrid, Spain, but resigned on the election of President Cleve- land, and began work for the New York Life Insurance Company. In 1889 he was appointed secretary of the company in Spain. William C. Reed lived with his parents until he attained the age of 20. He was on a farm until 1871, when he came to Le Roy and conducted a restaurant two years, when he took possession of the Eagle Hotel, where he has attained the reputation of a courteous and obliging landlord. October 29, 1874, he married Jennie Livingston, of Batavia, daughter of Arthur and Margaret (McMahon) Livingston, natives of Ireland, who were mar- ried in the Eagle Hotel in Le Roy. They reared five sons and four daughters. Mrs. Livingston died in West Sparta, and he married again in Michigan, where he died.

Caspar Renner, born August 25, 1855, in Bamsberg, Germany, is a son of John and Barbara Renner. He learned the tailors' trade with his father, and served in the army six years, until 1879, when he married Veronica Schoenhoefer. January 1, 1881, he came to New York, and after residing at Lancaster and Philadelphia, Pa., he removed to Le Roy, in June, 1882, where he worked for Rose & Everhart one year. He worked three years for C. Vicary, and in October, 1886, entered into partnership with T. H. Ross, as merchant tailors. In September, 1889, he assumed control of the business, which he is now conducting at 29 Main street. His family attends the Roman Catholic Church.

Joseph Sutterby was born July 31, 1866, in Seneca County, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Norris) Sutterby, and was reared on a farm, re- ceived an academic education at Seneca Falls, and at the age of 19 came to Batavia to study veterinary with his brother Harry. He entered On- tario Veterinary College, Toronto, in 1887, and graduated from that institution in 1889, when he located in Le Roy village.

Philo J. Sperry was born in Pavilion, May 22, 1848, and is a son of Cyrus and Olive (Coe) Sperry, natives of Massachusetts and Pavilion, respectively. Philo J. was reared on a farm, received a common school and academic education, and taught school one term. He located where he now resides in 1868, and married Emma, daughter of Martin and

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Phobe (Mills) Seekins, of Le Roy. Mr. and Mrs. Sperry have one child, Wilber M.

Gottleib Strobel was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1842. He came to Le Roy in July, 1866, where he has since resided. He married, first, Elizabeth Ruchty, and second, Rosa M. Sauer, both of Rochester. Of his seven children three are living. Mr Strobel is a member of the firm of Morris & Strobel, stone contractors.

Richard L. Selden, son of Clark and Eliza (Wilcox) Selden, was born where he now resides September 18, 1827. Clark Selden, from Had- dam, Conn., was a carpenter and joiner, and visited the Genesee country in 1811. In 1816 he settled on 200 acres and erected his cabin where Richard L. now lives. He had 14 children, 11 of whom attained matur- ity. He died in 1863, aged 86 years. His father, Thomas, a farmer, of Connecticut, and of English descent, married a daughter of Nathan Wil- cox, who married Elizabeth Elliott, a descendant of John Elliott. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox came to Le Roy in 1808, and he was one of the early magistrates. He died in 1813. Two sons served in the War of 1812. Richard L. Selden, a farmer, received a thorough education, and by close application fitted himself for engineering and surveying. He taught 37 years in common schools, and in the Le Roy Academy. About 1867 he began breeding Berkshire swine, and in 1880 Jersey cattle. In 1853 he was elected town superintendent for three years, served as justice one term, as supervisor nine years, and as school commissioner six years. He married Eunice Wilcox, daughter of Stephen P., and their children are C. Virginia, C. Hubert, Mary E., and William A.

Stephen M. Selden, born September 16, 1836, on the farm where his brother R. L. now resides, is a son of Clark and Eliza (Wilcox) Selden. He was reared a farmer, and had a common school education. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and has three sisters and a brother living with him on the old homestead.

Ephraim L. Snow was born June 18, 1828, in Le Roy. His parents, Jesse and Lucinda (Royce) Snow, who were born in Berkshire County, Mass., October 24, 1786, and July 4, 1796, respectively, came to Genesee County in 1816 and settled on 200 acres where Ephraim L. was born. In 1866 he moved on a farm west of Le Roy, where he died July 15, 1867. His widow is still living, on Lake street, in Le Roy village. His children were Jerome, Carlos, Marcius, of Minnesota, Ephraim L., Homer, James O., Emeline R., Sylvia E, and Sarah J. Jesse Snow was a son of Ephraim and Martha Snow, who moved from Cape Cod to Berkshire County, Mass. Lucinda Snow was a daughter of Francis and Rebecca (Spring) Royce, who came from Massachusetts to Genesee County in 1816 and settled in Pavilion. Ephraim L. Snow was reared on a farm, received a common school and academic education, and at the age of 20 left the farm. In 1856 he went to Ohio, and the same year removed to Montgomery, Ala., where he was engaged in hulling and shipping cotton seed. At the commencement of the war he went to Medina, Orleans

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County, where he was connected with the N. Y. Central Railroad for two years, when he engaged in the produce business for two years, after which he was located for two years at Lockport. He returned to Le Roy and has since continued in the produce business more or less. He has served five years as collector, and has taken an active interest in politics. Mr. Snow was a delegate to the State convention that nomi- nated Gov. Robinson, and was appointed postmaster of Le Roy in April, 1887. He married Eliza, daughter of Wait B. Arms, of Pavilion, and they have three children, Rosa, Henry P., and Harriet B.

Dr. F. L. Stone, born in 1834, in Marcy, Oneida County, N. Y., prepared for college at Oriskany Seminary, and graduated in 1865 from the medical department of Bellevue College Hospital, New York. He was also one year at Ann Arbor, Mich. He studied medicine with Dr. W. H. Babcock, of Oriskany, and practiced with him one year after his graduation. Mr. Stone came to this county 22 years ago, was at Staf- ford in active practice for seven years, during which time he was town clerk, and moved to Caledonia, where he practiced five years, when he came to Le Roy, where he has done active work in his profession for 10 years. He married a Miss Brierly, of Le Roy. ₹

Walter H. Smith, an attorney and counselor of Le Roy, was born in West Bloomfield, N. Y., July 25, 1852, attended common schools, and entered the Le Roy Academy under the efficient and careful tutelage of Prof. Russell, now of Worcester, Mass. He then attended Williston Seminary, East Hampton, Mass., after which he studied law with Judge L. N. Bangs in 1873, and graduated at the Albany Law School in 1876. Mr. Smith soon commenced practice in this village, and for a time was aided by the intimacy and experience of Judge Bangs in establishing a profession and practice, which has resulted in building up a lucrative business. He has been elected a trustee of the village, yet he is no as- pirant for politcal privileges.

Rev. M. D. Shumway, born June 17, 1855, at East Pembroke, is a son of William and Emeline (Elliott) Shumway. William was a son of Cyril and Hannah (Hannum) Shumway, who came from Massachusetts, and were among the earliest settlers southeast of Pavilion Center. Dr. M. D. was reared on the farm, received his education in the common schools and East Pembroke Academy, and entered the store of Jacob Arnold, of East Pembroke, where he was a clerk for four years. He then became a book-keeper for Rathburn Brothers, of the same place, and in the fall of 1879 he began studying for the ministry with Rev. G. W. Powell. In 1881 he settled in Alexander, and in 1882 was called to Mount Gilead, Ohio, where he took charge of two parishes. Here he was ordained by Rev. G. W. Powell, in June, 1882, and after two years removed to North Bloomfield, where he remained one year, when he was called to Le Roy, occupying the pulpit three years. On account of failing health he retired from active ministerial work, and in March, 1888, engaged in the drug trade. In January, 1889, in company with Rev.

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G. W. Powell, he engaged in the manufacture of a patent buggy dash at Le Roy, their shop being in the old foundry on Mill street, formerly the old Catholic Church. Rev. Mr. Shumway is held in high esteem as an eloquent and popular minister, a ready and pleasing talker, and as a citizen is beloved by all. He married Harriet E., daughter of John D. and Althea E. (Munson) Rogers, of Le Roy. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers were natives of New London County, Conn., and Dutchess County, N. Y., re- spectively. John D. Rogers came to Avon in 1832, where he was a farmer and broker. In 1871 he came to Le Roy, where he died in 1880. His wife still survives.

Henry Steuber was born June 5, 1828, in Munden, Hanover, Ger- many. His father, a glazier by trade, was born in Swarbaack, and his mother, Catharine (Devis), in Hanover, Germany. Mr. Steuber, after receiving such an education as the common schools of Germany afforded, served his apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker, and in January, 1849, landed in New York city, after a voyage of 10 weeks. He went to Hamilton, Madison County, where he remained until June, 1850, when he came to Le Loy. Here he worked for A. & C. Burpee for three years, when, with his brother, George G., he opened business where Gil- lett & Mckenzie are now located. Here they carried on a large and successful business. In 1859 they opened a branch shop and store in Batavia, which was destroyed by fire in 1862, when they abandoned the Batavia branch, but continued in operation at Le Roy until 1868, when a destructive fire destroyed their business. With undaunted spirit they immediately rebuilt a large and commodicus brick store, now occupied as a hardware store. They continued one year, when they sold to R. Miller, who sold to Joy & Williams. Mr. Steuber worked for this firm about two years, when he formed a partnership with A. F. Drake, which con- tinued until 1872, since which he has been alone. In October, 1888, he moved to the store he now occupies, corner of Main and Mill streets, where he carries on a flourishing business. Honest and upright in all his dealings with his fellow men, he has the respect of all. Mr. Steuber is an active member of the Masonic fraternity. In April, 1853, he mar- ried Charlotte, daughter of James Caple, of Le Roy, who came from Somerset County, England. Mr. and Mrs. Steuber have had born to them six children : Frederick A., Charles H. (deceased), Frank G., Lewis W., Harvey J., and Minnie (deceased).

Andrew J. Sanderson, born March 8, 1841, in Byron, is a son of Rich- ard and Ann (Beebe) Sanderson, natives of Oneida County, N. Y. Rich- ard Sanderson was born November 13, 1801, came to Byron in Septem- ber, 1828, and settled on a farm. He reared children as follows: Reuben H., of Minnesota, Lyman L., of North Carolina, Anson T., Welthy A., of Oneida County, Levi L., Andrew J., and Laura, of Orleans County. He died in June, 1875. His father, Levi Sanderson, was born September 7, 1775, and died in Springfield, N. Y. He had three sons and three daughters. His widow married John Brown. Levi's ancestors from

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Gazetteer and biographical record of Genesee County, N.Y., 1788-1890, Part 61

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