USA > New York > Genealogical and family history of western New York; a record of the achievements of her people in the making of a commonwealth and the building of a nation, Volume III > Part 40
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practiced since. His present office is at the corner of Church and Baldwin streets. While a resident of Osceola he served as consulting surgeon at Blossburg Cottage Hospital. Dr. Mark was appointed police and fire department surgeon of Elmira in 1910 for a term of two years, and reappointed in 1912 for two years. He is a member of the Elmira Academy of Medicine, of which he is vice-president ; the Chemung County Medical Society: the New York State Medical Society; the Ameri- can Medical Association. He is a mem- ber of the Knights of Columbus and Elks. He is a communicant of St. John's German Catholic Church of Elmira. In politics he is a Democrat.
He married, at Hornell, New York, Janu- ary 9, 1902, Julia Ann Miller, born at Hor- nell, April 2, 1873, daughter of John William and Mary (Lallmang) Miller, the former of whom is a carpenter by trade. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Miller : Sophia Elizabeth, Car- rie Rosa, Mary Barbara, Julia Ann, Dorothy Theresa, John Andrew, Alice Magdeline, Frederick Adams. Children of Dr. and Mrs. Mark: 1. Sarah Marie, born at Osceola, De- cember 21, 1902. 2. Isabel Katherine. born at Osceola, January 19, 1904. 3. John Will- iam, born at Elmira, December 6, 1907. 4. James Alexander, born at Elmira, December 31, 19II.
Calvin and Isaac French.
FRENCH brothers, sons of Asher French, came from Norwich, Chenango county, New York, in 1820 or 1821, and settled in what is now Granby, Oswego county, New York, near Lake Neatawanta. Calvin French died there May 4, 1881, leav- ing a son Asher and other children.
(III) Lyman French. grandson of Asher French, came when very young from Nor- wich with the family and settled at Granby. where he cleared a large farm and engaged in farming. He married Eliza Robinson. Children : Henry, who was drowned in the canal: George R .. mentioned below : Edwin.
(IV) George R., son of Lyman French, was born in Granby Center, New York. He was educated in the district schools of his native town, and followed farming there. In 1861 he enlisted in Company D, One Hun- dred and Forty-seventh Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, and served two years and nine months in the civil war. He mar-
ried Jane Philpott. Children, born at Granby: Fred J., Frank H., mentioned be- low; Fanny E.
(V) Frank H., son of George R. French, was born at Granby Center, Oswego county, New York, April 10, 1863. He was educated in the public schools of his native town. He began his business career in a woolen mill at Oriskany, Oneida county, where he was em- ployed until 1884, when he returned to Fulton as clerk in a news store. Afterward he was clerk in a drug store there and for two years returned to the woolen mill. He was travel- ing auditor for the Singer Sewing Machine Company one year. In 1888 he established the meat and provision business at Fulton and since then has conducted it with uniform suc- cess, and his is one of the best markets in the city. He was appointed sealer of weights and measures for Oswego county, December 30, 1909. He is a member of Hiram Lodge. No. 144, Free and Accepted Masons ; the Bene- volent and Protective Order of Elks; the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, and is at present captain of Canton, No. 35. He is a communicant of the Protestant Episcopal church. He married, -- , 1888, Mattie MI .. daughter of Peter Margrey.
Captain Robert Babcock, the BABCOCK immigrant ancestor. was a native of England and set- tled at Dorchester, Massachusetts, before 1648. when he was on the list of proprietors of that town and bought additional land. He was a town officer and captain of the Dorchester military company. He removed to Milton, formerly part of Dorchester. In January, 1674-5, he was living in Sherborn, Massa- chusetts, one of the commoners, and was chosen on a town committee to treat with Cap- tain Gookin in regard to the exchange of lands between Natick and Sherborn. He soon after- ward, probably on account of King Philip's war, returned to Milton. His will, dated No- vember 11, 1694, proved March 7 following. bequeathed to wife Joana, son Nathaniel, grandchild Caleb and son-in-law Henry Vose. Children : Samuel, baptized July 7, 1650; Jo- nathan, baptized March 7, 1651 ; James, bap- tized March 12, 1654: Abigail, baptized April 27, 1656, aged about three months: Nathan- iel, born March 14. 1657-8; Caleb, baptized October 21. 1660, aged about two months; Ebenezer, mentioned below ; Hopestill, bap-
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tized November 8, 1663; Hannah, baptized May 28, 1665, aged about three months; Elizabeth, baptized July 14, 1607, aged about six monthis ; Thankful, baptized June 24, 1669. (II) Ebenezer, son of Captain Robert Bab- cock, was baptized July 5, 1663, aged about seven months, and died at Sherborn, Decem- ber 15, 1717. He settled in Sherborn about 17II. Children : Abigail, born March 5, 1687; Hannah, September 28, 1690, died young ; Hannah, March 25, 1694; Ebenezer, men- tioned below.
(III) Ebenezer (2), son of Ebenezer ( I) Babcock, was born at Sherborn, Massachu- setts, September 4, 1697, and died October 16, 1773. He married Mehitable Burt, and set- tled at Coventry, Connecticut. Children born at Coventry : William, July 17, 1726, men- tioned below ; Dorothy, July 17, 1729; Robert, July 5, 1732; Stephen, born and died May 25. 1728; Abigail, born February 16, 1734-5; Ebe- nezer, July 18, 1740; Daniel, December 30, 1742.
(IV) William, son of Ebenezer (2) Bab- bock, was born at Coventry, Connecticut, July 17, 1726. He married Mary Gates. Children. born at Coventry: Ebenezer, May 8, 1751; Daniel, July 29, 1753; Azubalı, June 21, 1755; Hannah, April 2, 1757 ; Roger, mentioned be- low ; Martha, December 10, 1760; Jonathan, born at Mansfield, December 8, 1762. Born at Coventry: Susannah, November 9, 1764; Molly, November 16, 1766: Sibbel, December 3, 1768: Jerusha, March 8, 1771 ; Olive, Feb- ruary 13, 1773 ; Caleb, March 25, 1775.
(V) Roger, son of William Babcock, was born at Coventry, June 9, 1757. According to the first federal census of 1790 he was liv- ing at Coventry, and had in his family two mnales under sixteen and three females. He was one of the pioneers of Burlington, Ot- sego county, New York. He cleared a farm there in the wilderness, and afterward set- tled at South New Berlin, where he followed farming to the end of his life. He was also a blacksmith, and for many years followed his trade in addition to his agricultural interests. He died May 11, 1836, in South New Berlin. His wife Thankful died March 9, 1822, aged sixty-six years. Children: I. Chester, born at Burlington, March 31, 1790; supervisor of New Berlin, a blacksmith by trade; married Sarah G. Fox: nine children. 2. Roger. 3. Alva, mentioned below. At least five other children, probably more. (Census of 1790.)
(VI) Alva, son of Roger Babcock, was born April 19, 1799, in Burlington, New York, and died in South New Berlin, March 1, 1867. He removed from his native town to South New Berlin when a young man, and spent most of his active life in that town. He was a blacksmith by trade, and was accounted an expert craftsman, especially in the art of tem- pering axes and other edge tools. He was energetic and industrious, and accumulated a competence and raised a large family. In politics he was a Democrat, and for several years was in public office. He served the town of South New Berlin as justice of the peace and as supervisor. He attended the Baptist church. He married (first ) April 22, 1828, Rebecca Hubbell, born March 8, 1808, died February 18, 1836. He married ( second) April 9, 1837. Isabelle Foote Pratt, born June 19, 1807, died August 16, 1857. Children by first wife: Charles B., born June 9, 1829, died December 19, 1896; Hobart, born January 4, 1832, died September 3, 1890; Grove L., born October 24, 1833. Children by second wife : Linn, mentioned below; Sidney Smith, born January 14, 1842, died August 30, 1866; Adrian ; Francis Ray, born January 11, 1847, died March 4, 1850.
(VII) Linn, son of Alva Babcock, was born at South New Berlin, Chenango county, New York, April 22, 1838, and died at Nor- wich, New York, October 2, 1901. At an early age he evinced great musical ability, and when about fifteen years old he began to study music at Cherry Valley under Professor J. A. Fowler, a noted musician in his day. He began to teach in 1853, and gave instruction on the piano during the next three years at Fort Plain Seminary, Fort Edward Seminary and Hamilton Female Seminary. In 1855 he entered Madison University (now Colgate), and in 1875 received from this institution the honorary degree of doctor of music. In 1859 Mr. Babcock entered the University of Leip- sic, Germany, and studied there for three years. During his residence at the university he came to know Rubinstein and other cele- brated men. The elder Steinway took a great interest in his career. and until his death re- mained a faithful friend. When Mr. Babcock returned to his native land, he entered into partnership with his brother Adrian Babcock, and engaged in business as a dealer in pianos, music, etc., with store at South New Berlin. He resumed the teaching of music also, with
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abundant success. In 1870 the firin removed its business to Norwich, New York, and bought a warehouse. The business of the firm flourished in its new location, and the house has continued to the present time among the foremost in its line in this country. In Janu- ary, 1899, Linn H. Babcock, a son, became a partner.
For many years Dr. Babcock was prominent in Democratic politics in the state, and in 1882 was a candidate for congress from this district. Though defeated, as was to be ex- pected, he cut down the normal Republican majority several thousand. He was chair- man of the Democratic county committee twelve years, and for two years was a mem- ber of the Democratic state committee. He was an admirer of Senators Hill and Mur- phy, whose personal friendship he enjoyed, to- gether with that of many other Democratic statesmen and leaders. He ranked among the best and most prominent and influential citi- zens of Norwich. He was always active, ener- getic and progressive notwithstanding physi- cal disabilities that would have brought des- pair to many. He was imbued with patriot- ism and public spirit, gave his support freely to every movement for the public welfare, and advocated always what he believed to be the right side of public questions. His work for the Democratic party will long be remembered in this section. True as steel to his friends, he was generous and kindly in his relations with all men, and enjoyed the friendship and con- ficence of men of all classes, regardless of politics or other influences that tend to sepa- rate men in active life. He was a communi- cant of Emmanuel Protestant Episcopal church, and for many years a vestryman ; and a member of Norwich Lodge of Free Masons. Harmony Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and Norwich Commandery, Knights Templar.
He married, October 26, 1869, Lilia J. Pot- ter, born in Laurens, Otsego county, New York, daughter of Orman and Mary E. (Burdwin) Potter. Children: Sidney Smith, born August 3, 1870, died June 12, 1902 ; Mary Isabella, born June 6, 1872, died Au- gust II, 1872; Adrian Potter, mentioned be- low : Linn Horatio, mentioned below : Orman Truesdell, born November II, 1877, died February 8, 1904 : Lena Bell, born August 24. 1879. married September 18, 1901, Frank Rogers, superintendent of Borden milk plants in main office, New York City, and they have
one daughter, Mary Helena Rogers, born June 15, 1904.
(VIII) Adrian Potter, son of Dr. Linn Babcock, was born at Norwich, New York, January 28, 1874, and died January 15, 1902. He attended the public schools, and at an early age demonstrated that he inherited the musical ability of his father. After gradu- ating from the public schools and taking a course in a school at Albany, he applied him- self to mastering the piano under the instruc- tion of his gifted father. Afterward he was for a year a student of the famous Schar -. wenka, of New York City, and by the advice of this teacher he was sent to Germany for further study in music. Accordingly, in 1894. he entered the Royal Conservatory of Leipsic, where his father had been a student years be- fore, and after three years, was graduated with high honors. Upon his return he was received with great favor by the musical world. He taught music in the public schools of Norwich, and conducted large classes in Waterville, Hamilton and other places in this section of the state. He was elected vice- president of the State Music Teachers' Asso- ciation.
In February, 1901. he was appointed musical director of the Asheville ( North Caro- lina ) Ladies' College, Asheville, and won great success in his work in that institution. Largely owing to his genius and efficient la- bors, the school attained the highest degree of prosperity in its history. At the close of his first year there, however, he was fairly worn out by his work, but instead of resting he conducted a summer school with the as- sistance of Professor F. W. Reisberg, of New York City. Though the enterprise was suc- cessful, the strain was too great for Mr. Bab- cock's constitution and he broke down. In commenting on his death, a local newspaper said: "His death following so close upon that of his distinguished father in whose footsteps he was so worthily following, is a grievous blow to his family and friends now doubly bereaved. Like his father, he had none of the affectations or nervous irritability common to musicians, but was noted somewhat as an athlete a few years ago. He was a great favorite in society, generous, fun loving and honorable." Mr. Babcock was a member of Norwich Lodge, No. 302. Free Masons ; Har- mony Chapter, No. 51. Royal Arch Masons; Norwich Commandery, No. 46. Knights Temp-
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lar, and Ziyara Temple, Mystic Shrine. He was also a member of the Norwich Club.
( VIII) Linn Horatio, brother of Adrian Potter Babcock, was born at Norwich, Che- nango county, New York, May II, 1876. He attended the public schools of his native town and was graduated from the Norwich high school. He began his business career as clerk in the store of L. & A. Babcock, piano mer- chants, established by his father and uncle, and has been a member of the firm since January, 1899. Since his father's death the business has been continued under the same name. Mr. Babcock has taken a lively inter- est in public affairs, and has been a trustee of the incorporated village of Norwich for seven years. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, a member of Norwich Lodge; Harmony Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Norwich Commandery, Knights Templar; and of Katurah Temple, Mystic Shrine, of Binghamton; also of the Eagles, Elks, and the local lodge of Odd Fellows. In religion he is a Episcopalian.
He married, June 14, 1899, Marion Olive Whitmore, of Sherburne, New York, daugh- ter of George Byron and Marion Augusta (Furman) Whitmore, of Brooklyn. Her father was born in Columbus, New York, June 29, 1834, and died October 18, 1909, son of Luther Whitmore, who was born in Columbus, New York, in 1792, and Elsie ( Perkins ) Whitmore. Samuel Whitmore. father of Luther, married Annie Blackman, and came from Massachusetts to Chenango county, New York, with the pioneer settlers. Children of Linn H. Babcock: George Byron Whitmore, born December 9, 1900; Linn Ho- ratio, February 22, 1903; Adrian, November 25, 1909, died in infancy : Marion Olive, Oc- tober 21, 1910.
(VII) Adrian, son of Alva Babcock, was born in South New Berlin, Chenango county, New York, December 23. 1843. He attended the public schools of his native town and lived there until the year 1875. In partnership with his brother Linn Babcock he engaged in the piano business in 1866, and since then the business, which was originally established by his brother, has been conducted under the firm name of L. & A. Babcock. The store was moved to Norwich in 1876, and the firm has for many years had the largest retail piano trade in central New York. The firm devotes all its attention to the sale of pianos,
piano players and organs. The show rooms at 68 East Main street are undoubtedly the handsomest in the state, excepting only New York City. The taste shown in the unique decorations and arrangement is worthy of special mention. Adrian Babcock continues at the head of the firm, and is perhaps the best known man in Central New York in his line of trade. The firm has the agency for the Chickering, Weber, Ivers & Pond, Whee- lock, Cable and other pianos, the Esty and Packard organs and pianola players, and has made a specialty of the Chickering piano. The firm has in recent years also maintained branch stores in various sections of the state. Since 1876 Mr. Babcock has resided in Nor- wich. He is well known among all classes of men, and active and influential in public affairs. In politics he is a Democrat. He has been trustee of the incorporated village of Norwich. He is a member of Norwich Lodge of Free Masons; of Harmony Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; of Norwich Command- ery, Knights Templar, and Ziyara Temple, Mystic Shrine, of Utica. In religion he is a Baptist.
(The Whitmore Line).
The name Whitmore is derived from a Gothic king, Widmar, "famous-with-the- spear." and as early as 1215 the name ap- pears on the English records, at the time of the signing of the Great Charter at Runny- mede by King John. Whitmore Hall is sit- uated 146 miles from London, in the village of Whitmore, Staffordshire, England, and in 1652 was held by the Mainwaring family when the family intermarried. John De Whit- more was mayor of Chester, 1369-1372, and Sir George Whitmore was mayor of London in 1632. Doubtless the Whitmore family of America came from Staffordshire, although the descent has not been traced.
(I) Francis Whitmore, the immigrant an- cestor, was born in England, in 1625, and died at Cambridge, October 12, 1685. He married (first) Isabel, daughter of Richard and Margery (Crane) Parke. She died at Cambridge, March 31, 1665, and he married ( second) November 10, 1666, Margaret Harty, who died March 1, 1686. He came to America very likely sometime in the 1630's, and before 1648 was in Cambridge, and owned property there, and Charlestown, Medford. and Lexington. His name and his wife's name appear on a petition to save an old
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woman charged with being a witch, though he was a Puritan. He served in King Phil- ip's war. He was a selectman and constable in 1668 and 1682. In his will he made pro- vision for the education of his children. Children by first wife, born at Cambridge : Elizabeth, May 2, 1649; Francis, mentioned below; John, October 1, 1654; Samuel, May 1, 1658; Abigail, July 30, 1660; Sarah, March 7, 1662. Children by second wife, born at Cambridge: Margaret, September 9, 1668; Francis, March 3, 1671; Thomas, 1673; Jo- seph, 1675.
(II) Lieutenant Francis (2) Whitmore, son of Francis ( I) Whitmore, was born at Cambridge, October 12, 1650, and died at Middleton, Connecticut, September 9, 1700. He married, February 8, 1674, Hannah, daughter of William and Edith Harris. He was lieutenant in the Middleton train band in 1691 and 1699. Children, born at Middleton : Francis, November 25, 1675 ; Hannah, Novem- ber 23. 1677 ; Abigail, January 23, 1681 ; Jo- seph, mentioned below ; William, December 18, 1689: Edith, March 3, 1692; Ezebel, Decem- ber. 1694: John, April, 1698.
( III ) Joseph, son of Lieutenant Francis (2) Whitmore, was born at Middleton, Au- gust 1. 1687, and died at Lyme, April 29. 1737. He lived at Middleton. He married, May 16. 1709, Mary Warner, who died May 2, 1732. Children, born at Middleton : Mary, April 15. 1710: Joseph, March 26, 1713, died June 1. 1714: Abigail, born March 26, 1713 ; Hannah, December 25, 1715; Seth, April 24. 1717: Martha, June II, 1719: Francis, Au- gust 3. 1721, died March 8, 172 -: Samuel, January 10, 1723; Francis (2d), mentioned below: Jedidiah. June 29, 1728, died Febru- ary 1, 1730.
(IV) Francis (3), son of Joseph Whitmore, was born at Middleton, April 8, 1725, and married, November 15, 1750, Elizabeth Hale,
(V) Samuel, son of Francis (3) whitmore, was born at Middleton, December 26, 1751. He married Annie Blackman, and came to Chenango county, New York, from Middle- ton. when a young man. He was a cooper by trade, but spent most of his life in New York as a farmer. He became well-to-do and prominent in the town of Columbus, where he made his home, and both he and his wife lived to be eighty-six years of age.
(VI) Luther, son of Samuel Whitmore. was born in 1792, at Columbus, New York.
He was educated at the public schools and at Fairfield Academy, being a graduate there in 1815. For a time he was clerk in a store and a surveyor, and also taught in district schools. He was among the best educated men of the times in the country, and a lover of Shakespeare. He was a farmer, and his good business methods brought him much land. In politics he was a Whig and Repub- lican, and during most of his life held public offices. He married Elsie. daughter of Dan- iel Perkins, an early settler in Shawler Creek, near the Great Western turnpike. Children : Samuel, was a farmer in Chenango county ; Daniel E., a leading citizen of Marathon Vil- lage, Cortland county, New York; Ann F., married Nicholas Richer; Augustus C., a farmer in Wisconsin; John L., a physician and pharmacist in Minnesota; George B., mentioned below; Henry J., was a teacher and merchant in Minnesota : Lee H., of Min- nesota ; Alice, married Andrew Robinson, a stone-mason in Chenango county.
(VII) Hon. George Byron Whitmore, son of Luther Whitmore, was born in Columbus, New York, June 29, 1834. He was educated in the public schools and the academy, intend- ing to be a teacher, but instead he learned the carpenter's trade and became a builder and contractor for many years. After some years he became interested in the wholesale produce business and gave up his other work. His headquarters were New Berlin and Edmes- ton, and he shipped to New York City until 1869, when he established his business there at 89 and 91 Warren street. He had a partner for five years, and then for nearly ten years he continued alone, constantly enlarging and improving his business. In July, 1885, his nephew, D. W. Whitmore, son of Daniel E. Whitmore, became a member of the firm, un- der the name of G. B. Whitmore & Co. They have an enormous business in cheese, butter, eggs and other farm products, and the agen- cies rate the company from $300,000 to $500,- 000. There are few commission houses in New York which do so large a business.
George Byron Whitmore was a prominent member and warden of the Episcopal Church of Sherburne, New York, where he removed after fifteen years in Brooklyn, New York. He built there one of the finest houses in the county, surrounded by beautiful grounds. He owned much real estate, and was always a strong supporter of the town. In politics
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he was a Republican, and served as presi- dent of the village corporation from 1886 to 1891. For two terms he was supervisor of the town, being chairman of the board of supervisors one term. In 1885 he had a plurality over his Democratic opponent of 1,130 votes for representative of Chenango county to the state assembly, and while in the assembly served as a member of the commit- tee on banks, and as chairman on the commit- tee on charitable and religious societies. He held many other public offices also, and was always very influential and prominent. He died October 18, 1909. He married Mar- ian A. Furman, daughter of Frederick Fur- man. Child: Marion O., married L. H. Bab- cock ( see Babcock).
NEWTON (III) Israel Newton, son of James Newton (q. v.), was born March 5, 1694. He was prominent in Colchester where he held many offices, as well as offices in the Colony. He was deputy to the general assembly, and cap- tain of the train band. In 1745, when the colonies organized the disastrous expedition against Cape Breton, he was appointed major of the forces sent out from Colchester, New London, and that vicinity. "On June 19th came the mournful tidings that the forces were defeated in an attempt on the Island bat- tery with a loss of 170 men. Among those who had fallen a victim to disease was Major Newton." He left seven children, among whom were: Anstass, born January 1, 1716; Mary, March 1, 1719; Hannah, June 28, 1721 ; Abigail, October 17, 1723; Asahel, mentioned below.
(IV) Asahel, son of Israel Newton, was a minor at the time of his father's death, and he died in early manhood. He married De- light Chapman. Child. Asahel, mentioned below.
(V) Asahel (2), son of Asahel (1) New- ton, was born in Colchester, Connecticut, June 1, 1758, died in Hamilton. New York, June 1, 1834. He served in the revolution, from Connecticut, throughout the entire war. He was one of the picked men who led the way through the Palisades to give entrance to the army of "Mad" Anthony Wayne, and at York- town he was one of Washington's guards. During the last years of his life he lived with his son Anson at Hamilton, Madison county. New York, on the farm taken up by his son
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