USA > New York > Seneca County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume II > Part 40
USA > New York > Cayuga County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume II > Part 40
USA > New York > Wayne County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume II > Part 40
USA > New York > Ontario County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume II > Part 40
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40
H. Booth Crise acquired his early education in the public schools of Elmira and spent two years at Temple University, Philadelphia, after his graduation from Elmira Free Academy. He began his business career in 1924 with the American LaFrance & Foamite Corporation, of Elmira, and two years later became a salesman with Remington-Rand, Inc. He received the appoint- ment as district manager of the company in 1930. Territory in this district includes Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler, and Yates counties in New York, and Bradford and Tioga counties in Penn- sylvania.
On October 5, 1926, Mr. Crise married Miss Florence LeMun- yan, who was born at Elmira, August 1, 1904, the daughter of Edward and Ida (Knowlton) LeMunyan. Mr. LeMunyan is in the employ of the D. L. & W. Railroad Company, Elmira. His wife died in August, 1930, and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery. Mrs. Crise is a graduate of Elmira Free Academy and Temple University, Philadelphia.
1045
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
Politically Mr. Crise is a Democrat. He and his wife are mem- bers of the First Baptist Church, and he belongs to Jesse Cooley Lodge, No. 966, F. & A. M., and Cashmere Grotto.
John Carroll Crispin has a wide acquaintance in the city of Elmira, where he is employed by the Thatcher Manufacturing Company as paymaster. He is a native of Tompkins County, born at Ithaca, September 2, 1883, the son of William A. and Eliz- abeth (Ireland) Crispin.
William A. Crispin is a native of Chemung, New York, and now resides at 1122 Walnut Street, Elmira. He has followed the trade of carpenter for more than forty years, most of that time being spent in Elmira. Mr. Crispin is a Democrat and belongs to the Knights of Pythias. His wife is a native of Ohio. Their children are: 1. John Carroll, the subject of this sketch. 2. Fred D., who is assistant secretary of the Chemung Valley Loan Asso- ciation, at Elmira. He married Miss Irma Stevens, of Elmira. 3. Bessie Louise, married Harry Dalglish, lives at Elmira. 4. Elizabeth, married Otto Stricker, lives at Elmira. 5. Georgiana L., married Walter Babcock, lives at Elmira. 6. Charlotte P., lives at Elmira. 7. Stella, married Dr. Clarence Dunbar, lives at Ovid, New York.
John Carroll Crispin is a graduate of the public schools of Elmira and attended Elmira Free Academy. His first position, from 1902 until 1906, was with the Reed & Lovett Silk Mills, at Elmira, and he then spent four years as shipping clerk with Wyckoff & Sons. He operated a motion picture theatre for a short time at Horseheads. In 1909 he became foreman of the shipping department of the American Sales Book Company, Ltd., of Elmira, and five years later entered the services of the Thatcher Manufacturing Company in his present capacity as paymaster. He also owns the restaurant and confectionery con- cession at the plant.
On June 12, 1917, Mr. Crispin was united in marriage with Miss Gertrude Lyons, of Athens, Pennsylvania, born March 21,
1046
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
1892, the daughter of Frederick S. and Mary (Woodward) Lyons, natives of Pennsylvania. They now reside at Binghamton. Mrs. Crispin is a graduate of Binghamton High School and Ithaca Conservatory of Music, now Ithaca College, class of 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Crispin are the parents of two children: 1. Marcia Lee, born July 21, 1921. 2. William Lyons, born June 20, 1924.
Politically, Mr. Crispin is independent. He is a member of Park Congregational Church, and is affiliated with Ivy Lodge No. 397, F. & A. M., Corning Consistory, A. A. S. R., thirty-second degree, Kiwanis Club, and Association of Commerce.
Emory Strachen, who is secretary of N. J. Thompson Com- pany, Inc., has been identified with that concern for a quarter of a century, and is well and favorably known in the city of Elmira. He was born here, January 5, 1893, the son of Robert L. and Ella (Murray) Strachen.
Robert L. Strachen has spent his entire life in Elmira and for many years was successful as a building contractor. He died August 25, 1932. Important contracts on which Mr. Strachen was employed were the following: Robinson building; Steele Memorial Library; First Baptist Church; old Lyceum Theatre, and Elmira Free Academy. Mr. Strachen was an independent Republican and held membership in the First Methodist Church. His wife was born in Elmira and died in 1924. The following chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Strachen: 1. Esther M., married John Gunderman, lives at Elmira. 2. William R., lives at Erie, Pennsylvania. 3. Carrie, who died in 1907. 4. Bert, who died in 1917. 5. J. Roy, who is connected with the Elmira Star-Gazette as press foreman. He married Miss Olive Herrick, of Owego, New York. 5. Emory, the subject of this sketch.
Emory Strachen has always lived in Elmira. He attended Elmira Free Academy for three years and in 1907 entered the employ of the N. J. Thompson Company, Inc., as a stock boy. He served for many years as buyer and in 1928 was elected secretary of the corporation.
1047
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
On June 17, 1921, Mr. Strachen married Miss Mildred Havens, of Groveland, New York. She was born June 27, 1895, and died April 9, 1927. She is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira. Mrs. Strachen was a graduate of Elmira Free Academy and Elmira College, class of 1916, and was a teacher of French and Mathe- matics in the high schools at Fonda and Hamburg, New York. She was the daughter of Harry G. and Franc Havens. The former died in 1926 and the latter lives at 1005 Oak Street, Elmira. To Mr. and Mrs. Strachen were born two daughters: 1. Ruth Mar- garet. 2. Jane Elizabeth.
Mr. Strachen is a Republican and is a member of the Repub- lican County Committee. He also served as alderman of the Eighth Ward during 1924-28. He is a member of the First Meth- odist Church and belongs to Ivy Lodge, F. and A. M. No. 397; Masonic Club; Y. M. C. A .; Rotary Club; and Association of Com- merce. He is president of George M. Diven School, Parent Teach- ers Association.
Melvin A. Reynolds .- Prominently associated with the busi- ness interests of Elmira, is Melvin A. Reynolds of the Reynolds Realty Company, 157 Lake Street. He was born at Preston, Wayne County, Pennsylvania, October 28, 1872, the son of An- thony E. and Mary E. (Halstead) Reynolds.
Anthony E. Reynolds, who died in 1910, was a member of one of the earliest and best known families of Wayne County, Penn- sylvania. The homestead there had been settled about 1800 by members of the Reynolds family and it is still owned by the de- scendants. It is located on the highest spot of land in Wayne County and commands a view of many miles in all directions. Anthony E. Reynolds enlisted for service in the Civil War, but did not see active service before the close of the war. He was a farmer throughout his life, which was spent on the old home- stead. Mr. Reynolds was a Democrat and a member of the First Baptist Church. His wife died in 1886. She was born at Union- dale, Pennsylvania. Both are buried at Preston, Pennsylvania.
1048
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
Their children were: 1. Ada, who died in 1922, was the wife of S. H. Smith, of Sherman, Pennsylvania. 2. Jessie I., died in 1910, was the wife of Nelson L. Leet. 3. Ella L., married Herbert Van Wermer, lives at Center Village, New York. 4. William A., who died in 1910, had married Mary Stewart, who died in 1903.
Melvin A. Reynolds grew up on his father's farm and is a graduate of the public schools of Preston, Pennsylvania. For a period of twenty-two years he was identified with the Grand Union Tea Company, and managed stores throughout New York and Ohio during that time. In 1910 he became vice president of the Elmira Ice Cream Company, and held that office for seven years. He then became associated with the Reynolds & Payne Real Estate Company, and since 1929 has been identified with the Reynolds Realty Company, real estate agents and insurance un- derwriters. Mr. Reynolds has served as secretary of the Elmira Real Estate Board, and holds membership in the New York State and National Real Estate Boards.
On July 22, 1894, Mr. Reynolds married Miss Alice M. Breese, who was born at Horseheads, New York, December 29, 1872, the daughter of Fidel and Nancy (Jones) Breese. Mr. and Mrs. Breese were born in Chemung County. The latter died in 1912. To Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds were born four children: 1. Allene Mary, born January 7, 1897, a graduate of Elmira Free Academy and Cortland Normal School. She married Dr. George M. Kel- logg, and they have a daughter, Marjory Anne. 2. Melvin A., Jr., born February 15, 1899, a graduate of Elmira Free Academy. He is sales manager of the James Manufacturing Company of El- mira. He married Miss Grace Reid, of Elmira. 3. Walter B., born July 20, 1901, a graduate of Elmira Free Academy, Univer- sity of Pennsylvania, and Cornell University Law School, class of 1923. He is attorney for the Maryland Casualty Company, of Elmira. He married Miss Mary Drinkwater, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and they have a daughter, Virginia Mary. 4. Frank B., born October 28, 1906, a graduate of Elmira Free Academy and University of Alabama. He is a member of the firm of Delaney & Reynolds, of Elmira. He married Miss Delores Jean Davis, and they have a daughter, Delores Jean. All live in Elmira.
1049
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
Mr. Reynolds is a Republican and during the past sixteen years has been supervisor of the first ward, as well as chairman of the board of supervisors for four years. He is a member of the First Baptist Church, and is affiliated with Ivy Lodge, No. 397, F. and A. M., Cashmere Grotto, M. O. V. P. E. R., Masonic Club, first president of the Kiwanis Club, and is now a member of the Rotary Club, and Association of Commerce, and president in 1930.
Charles S. Putnam, Optometrist, has a wide acquaintance in the city of Elmira, and is a veteran of the World War. He was born at Winsted, Connecticut, August 22, 1894, the son of Israel and Florence Madeline (Somerby) Putnam.
Israel Putnam is a native of Ohio, born August 9, 1862. His wife was born at Hoboken, New Jersey, May 16, 1863. They live at 112 Durland Avenue, Elmira. He was reared and educated at Winsted, Connecticut, and is a graduate of Marietta (Ohio) Col- lege, Bachelor of Arts. He was a civil engineer by profession and was identified with the New York, Cleveland and St. Louis Rail- road, and Ohio Railroad Company until 1891. He then estab- lished a perfume business at Winsted, Connecticut, with which he was identified until 1899. He subsequently studied Optometry at Louisville, Kentucky, being associated with George B. Richards, and in 1902 Mr. Putnam located in Elmira to engage in practice. He also became manager of the Elmira Optometry Company, and in 1910 purchased the business, with which he was identified until 1921. It is now owned and managed by his son, Charles S. Put- nam. The father is now interested in I. Putnam & Co., Inc., man- ufacturers of dental powders. The company was merged with Hart & Company in 1923. The business is located at 383-85 West Water Street. Mr. Putnam is a Socialist in politics, and belongs to Ivy Lodge, F. and A. M. No. 397, Corning Consistory, and Cash- mere Grotto. To Mr. and Mrs. Putnam the following children were born: 1. Georgiana, married Harry L. Drake, lives at El- mira. 2. Emily P., married G. Leon Knapp, lives at Elmira. 3.
1050
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
Ruth D., married Raymond Poley, lives at Elmira. 4. Israel, op- tometrist, lives at Sayre, Pennsylvania. He married Miss Ethel Dibble of Elmira. 5. Charles S., the subject of this sketch. 6. Dorothy, who died in 1923, was the wife of Clifford Brundage.
Charles S. Putnam acquired his early education in the public schools of Winsted, Connecticut, and he is a graduate of Elmira Free Academy. In 1920 he became a licensed optometrist in the State of New York, and continued in business with his father in this city until January 1, 1922, at which time he took complete charge of the establishment.
On May 22, 1918, Mr. Putnam enlisted for service in the World War and served in France as a private in the Three Hundred and Twelfth Engineers, Eighty-seventh Division. He was discharged July 25, 1919.
Mr. Putnam was married November 24, 1920, to Miss Catherine Dempsey, born at Elmira, May 12, 1895, the daughter of Dennis and Jennie (Leonard) Dempsey. Mr. Dempsey was born at El- mira and died in 1908. His widow was a native of Cohocton, and lives in Elmira. Mr. and Mrs. Putnam have two children: 1. Catherine Louise, born July 25, 1923. 2. Charles S., Jr., born November 12, 1925. Mrs. Putnam is a graduate of Elmira Free Academy and Meeker's Business College.
Mr. Putnam is a member of Ivy Lodge, No. 397, F. and A. M., and is president of the Elmira Lions Club. His wife is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.
The Putnam family is directly descended from Gen. Israel Putnam, of Revolutionary War fame. John Putnam settled at Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1630.
Albert J. Mosher .- Among Elmira's best known citizens is Albert J. Mosher, who is manager of the Elmira Herald Printing Company, at 117 Railroad Avenue. He was born at Webb Mills, Town of Southport, Chemung County, May 30, 1880, the son of George W. and Betsey (Atkins) Mosher.
George W. Mosher was born at Bentley Creek, Pennsylvania, and died in Webb Mills, November 13, 1889. His wife was a
1051
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
native of Chemung, New York, and died March 26, 1923. Both are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira. He was reared on a farm and throughout the greater part of his life owned and oper- ated a farm in the Town of Southport, Chemung County. He was a Democrat and held numerous public offices. He was a member of the Methodist Church, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mosher: 1. Clara, married Jasper Handy, lives at Elmira. 2. Addie, who died in 1930, was the wife of Edward Hazen. 3. Mary, who died in 1906, was the wife of Seth Crippen. 4. Cath- erine, married Lyman Jenkins. He is deceased and she died on September 5, 1932. 5. Elizabeth, married George Farr, lives at Elmira. 6. Melissa, the widow of Edward McMillan, lives at El- mira. 7. George E., who is identified with the American Sales Book Company, Ltd. He married Miss Sarah Steiger, of Elmira. 8. Albert J., the subject of this sketch. 9. Dee R., unmarried, lives at Elmira. 10. Frank E., who was identified with the Elmira Herald Printing Company. He died June 24, 1932. He married Gertrude Traver, of Elmira.
Albert J. Mosher attended the public schools and as a young boy was identified with the Elmira Sunday Telegram as a car- rier. He then learned the trade of printer in the employ of Sny- der Brothers and spent several years as a printer throughout the middle west. He then returned to Elmira as a printer with Charles Harrison, afterward working on the Elmira Gazette for four years. He later served as foreman on the Elmira Evening Star, and became assistant foreman at the reorganization of the Elmira Star Gazette. Mr. Mosher's next business connection was as superintendent of the Elmira Herald Publishing Company, with which he was identified until 1920 when the paper was discontin- ued. He then located at Utica during the following year as super- intendent of the Utica Globe-Telegram, and upon his return to Elmira in 1921 he assumed his present duties as manager of the Elmira Herald Printing Company.
On July 28, 1910, Mr. Mosher married Miss Katherine E. Gei- ger, of Elmira, born November 21, 1883. She is the daughter of Frederick and Louisa (Krentzer) Geiger. They were natives of
1052
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
Germany and died in 1908 and 1929, respectively. Both are bur- ied in Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira. Mr. and Mrs. Mosher have no children.
Politically Mr. Mosher is a Democrat, and he has held the fol- lowing offices: Alderman of the Eleventh Ward from 1916 until 1922; under-sheriff of Chemung County during 1923; and city assessor from 1926 until 1931. In 1925 he was also a candidate for county treasurer. He is a member of the German Evangelical Church, and belongs to Union Lodge, No. 95, F. and A. M .; B. P. O. Elks; Eagles Lodge; E. T. U. No. 19.
G. Russell Mix, who is chief clerk in the offices of the Lehigh Valley Railroad at Elmira, has a wide acquaintance in the com- munity. He was born at Newark Valley, Tioga County, October 28, 1899, the son of George Eugene and Anna (Brick) Mix.
George Eugene Mix has always lived at Newark Valley. He was a blacksmith by trade and since 1920 has conducted a hard- ware business, also being distributor of the International Har- vester Company products. He is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and belongs to Newark Valley Lodge, F. and A. M .; Cortland Chapter; Corning Consistory; Kalurah Temple, Binghamton; B. P. O. Elks; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Chemung County Farm Bureau and Grange. His wife is also a native of Newark Valley. Their only child is G. Russell, the subject of this sketch.
G. Russell Mix obtained his education in the public schools of Newark Valley, and after his graduation from high school entered the service of the Lehigh Valley Railroad as a student telegraph operator at Newark Valley. He was later transferred to Dryden as relief operator, and in October, 1917, came to Elmira as freight clerk. In January, 1920, he received his present appointment as chief clerk.
Mr. Mix is a Republican, and in January, 1932, was appointed police commissioner by Mayor W. Glenn Sweet. He also served as Republican committeeman representing the fourth ward and
1053
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
fourth district in the city of Elmira for several years, and in 1931 was an unsuccessful candidate for alderman of the fourth ward, being defeated by fifty-five votes. This particular ward has not elected a Republican alderman since 1916.
Mr. Mix is a member of Lake Street Presbyterian Church. He is unmarried.
Eugene Mix, grandfather of G. Russell Mix, served through- out the Civil War.
Walter A. Harm, who is secretary, treasurer and manager of the Community Coal Company, and treasurer of the Snow Shoe Water Company, is recognized as one of the progressive young business men of Elmira. He was born at Snow Shoe, Center County, Pennsylvania, January 23, 1898, the son of Oscar J. and Phoebe (Wells) Harm.
Oscar J. Harm is a native of Center County and his wife was born in Potter County, Pennsylvania. As a young man he en- tered the employ of T. B. Budinger, merchant, at Snow Shoe, and in 1910 he became a partner in the business. Five years later Mr. Harm became owner of the enterprise and until 1926 was associated with his sons. Mr. Harm has mining interests in Pennsylvania, being identified with the Gordon Heights Bitumi- nous Coal Mine, at Snow Shoe. In 1913 he also opened mines at Grass Flats, Pennsylvania, and organized the Moravian Coal Company. Mr. Harm is a resident of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. He is a Republican and served as burgess for several years. He is affiliated with Bellefonte Lodge F. & A. M., Williamsport Chap- ter and Consistory, Altoona Shrine, B. P. O. Elks, and Kiwanis Club. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.
Walter A. Harm acquired his early education in the public schools of Snowshoe, and attended Bucknell University for three years. In 1920 he received the degree of Bachelor of Science at Lehigh University. Throughout his high school and college career he spent his summer vacations in connection with his father's mining interests, and subsequently became assistant engineer for
1054
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
the Lehigh Valley Coal Company at Snowshoe. After one year he was appointed superintendent of the Gonzales Coal Company at Karthaus, Pennsylvania, and served in the latter capacity until 1928. He then came to Elmira as secretary, treasurer and man- ager of the Community Coal Company. He has been identified with the Snowshoe Water Company as treasurer since 1917.
To Oscar J. and Phoebe (Wells) Harm were born three chil- dren: 1. Clair E., who died in 1926. He married Maud Metzger, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, who resides at Snowshoe. 2. Walter A., the subject of this sketch. 3. Marion Thelma, lives at home.
On October 26, 1927, Mr. Harm was united in marriage with Miss Esther Hafner, of Woolrich, Pennsylvania, born March 7, 1902. She is a graduate of Lock Haven State Normal School and was a kindergarten teacher at Bellefonte before her marriage. She is the daughter of John and Alice (Naval) Hafner. The for- mer died in 1919 and the latter resides at Woolrich. Mr. and Mrs. Harm have a daughter, Pauline Fern, born March 28, 1931.
During the World War Mr. Harm enlisted for service in Au- gust, 1918, and at the armistice was stationed at Camp Moravia, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Harm is a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church and belongs to Jesse Cooley Lodge, No. 996, F. and A. M., B. P. O. Elks, Lions Club, American Legion, and the Association of Commerce.
rver y
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.