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 III > Part 4
USA > New York > Steuben County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume III > Part 4
USA > New York > Tioga County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume III > Part 4
USA > New York > Chemung County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume III > Part 4
USA > New York > Schuyler County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume III > Part 4
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 III > Part 4
USA > New York > Cortland County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume III > Part 4
USA > New York > Yates County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume III > Part 4
USA > New York > Tompkins County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume III > Part 4
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 III > Part 4
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 III > Part 4
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
Lyman H. Gallagher is a graduate of the public schools of Caroline and Slaterville Springs and Ithaca High School. He
1095
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
received the degree of LL. B. at Cornell University in 1895 and at that time engaged in practice at Cortland with the firm of Kel- logg & Van Hoesen, with whom he was associated until 1900. He then traveled extensively in settling estates and in Florida was interested in the adjustment of the Gleason estate. While in Flor- ida, he toured the east coast along the Indian River and Biscayne Bay with Adelbert Hay, son of the secretary of state, John Hay; they inspected territory for the development of the pineapple in- dustry. He later returned to Cortland with his former law asso- ciates and while there served as acting city judge of Cortland for four years. For a number of years before the death of his father in 1921, Mr. Gallagher was identified with his various interests at Slaterville Springs. They also made the first highway map of Tompkins County and had interesting historical contacts in the state. Mr. Gallagher has an extensive law practice and is a regu- lar contributor to the Ithaca Journal News, Auburn Citizen, Owego Gazette, and Hunter-Trader-Trapper Journal, of Colum- bus, Ohio.
Politically, Mr. Gallagher is a Republican, and during the World War served as acting sheriff of Tompkins County. He also was a member of the selective service draft board, being chairman of the board practically from its inception until March, 1919.
Mr. Gallagher is a member of the Methodist Church, and be- longs to the Tompkins County Fish and Game Club.
Mr. Gallagher is the owner of the "Dr. Gallagher Historical Collection," which is one of the finest collections consisting of an- tiques, farming implements and household utensils used by the pioneers of this section, and many historical dishes, firearms and other relics.
Charles Hiram Moe .- A member of a prominent pioneer fam- ily of Tompkins County, Charles H. Moe is well and favorably known in Groton, where he holds the office of town clerk. He was born at Elmira, August 21, 1892, the son of Hiram G. and Ella A. (Hall) Moe.
1096
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
Hiram G. Moe, deceased, was a representative citizen of Gro- ton. He was born at Lansing, Tompkins County, and was a grad- uate of Groton Academy. At the age of twenty years he became identified with the First National Bank of Groton as bookkeeper and later cashier. He then became cashier in the Mechanics Bank of Groton, and when the institution was merged with the First National Bank, Mr. Moe retired from banking. He was a Repub- lican and served as town clerk of Groton from 1925 until 1930, and as president of the village. He was also a member of the Independent Water Board and served on the Groton School Board for forty years. He held membership in the Baptist Church of which he was deacon and trustee, and belonged to the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Moe was active in musical circles and was iden- tified with local church choirs and glee clubs, as well as the Groton Band. He died here January 20, 1930. Ella A. (Hall) Moe was born at Groton, where she still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Moe had only one child, Charles Hiram, the subject of this sketch.
Charles Hiram Moe is a graduate of Groton High School and studied law for two years at the University of Syracuse. In May, 1914, he became identified with the Corona Typewriter Company, and since 1927 has been in charge of the finished parts stock de- partment. He succeeded his father as town clerk upon the latter's death in 1930.
On January 25, 1912, Mr. Moe was united in marriage with Miss Helen Westfall Peacock, of Niles, Cayuga County. She was born February 2, 1890, the daughter of Edward and Elsie (Ken- yon) Peacock, natives of Niles, Cayuga County. Mr. Peacock lives at Venice, New York. He is a farmer. Politically, he is a Republican, and holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Grange. His wife died in 1892 and is buried at Moravia, New York. To Mr. and Mrs. Moe have been born four children: 1. Hiram Gardner, born September 8, 1913. 2. Cath- erine Elizabeth, born January 25, 1916. 3. Philip Edward, born December 29, 1921. 4. Denton Kenyon, born December 5, 1924.
In politics Mr. Moe is identified with the Republican party. He is an active member of the Congregational Church, and belongs to Bryant Lodge No. 198, Knights of Pythias, and Groton Rod and Gun Club.
1097
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
George A. Gardner .- Numbered among the dependable and well known citizens of Tompkins County is George A. Gardner, who is postmaster of Newfield, New York. He was born at Penn Yan, Yates County, New York, July 26, 1875, the son of Rowland J. and Emma (Bennett) Gardner.
Rowland J. Gardner, who died in 1903, was a native of Penn Yan. He was interested in general farming during his life and always lived in Yates County. He was a Republican and served as supervisor of the town of Milo and also as town assessor. He was affiliated with Milo Lodge No. 108, F. & A. M. His wife was born at Penn Yan and died in 1915. Both are buried in City Hill Cemetery, near Penn Yan. Their children were: 1. Rowland J., lives at Penn Yan. 2. Jonathan J., lives at Penn Yan. 3. Mary L., the widow of Henry Nichols, lives at Penn Yan. 4. Lee B., M. D., lives at Geneva, where he is a prominent specialist. 5. George A., the subject of this sketch. 6. Emma E., who died in 1897.
George A. Gardner attended Penn Yan High School. He re- mained on his father's farm until twenty-five years of age and at that time located near Newfield, New York, where he engaged successfully in general farming until 1907. He then became a rural mail carrier out of Newfield, and from 1917 until 1919 was interested in the hardware business there. He also spent a short time in the employ of Treman, King & Company, at Ithaca, and on October 1, 1922, accepted the appointment of postmaster of Newfield by President Harding.
On June 21, 1901, Mr. Gardner was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Phoenix, of Newfield, born in May, 1874, the daugh- ter of Jay B. and Susan (Secord) Phoenix, natives of Newfield and Smith Valley, New York, respectively. The former died in 1906 and the latter in 1920. Mr. Phoenix was a Republican. He belonged to the Masonic Lodge. To Mr. and Mrs. Gardner were born three children: 1. Leland L., born June 11, 1905, a graduate of Newfield High School, attended Syracuse University. He is stationed in the Philippine Islands with the Associated Gas & Electric Company. He married Miss Lillian E. Wold, of Jackson, Minnesota. 2. Kenneth G., born August 14, 1907, a graduate of Newfield High School. He is located at Syracuse, New York,
1098
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
with the New York Telephone Company. He married Miss Ethel Hicks, of Marcellus, New York. 3. Emily H., born October 27, 1910. She is a graduate of Newfield High School, and Cortland Normal School, class of 1932, and is a teacher in the Newfield schools.
Mr. Gardner is a Republican, and held the office of town assessor of Newfield during 1921-22. He is a member of the Bap- tist Church, and is past master of King Hiram Lodge No. 784, F. & A. M., and serving as secretary, Balbec Grotto, M. O. V. P. E. R., Ithaca. He also belongs to the National League of District Postmasters, and the New York State League of District Post- masters.
David Fortuin, who is a veteran of the World War, has a wide acquaintance in Tompkins County, and is identified with the Penn- sylvania Dixie Cement Corporation, Plant No. 7, at Portland Point. He was born in New York City, September 18, 1898, the son of Morris and Bertha (Winkleman) Fortuin.
Morris Fortuin was born in Holland and his wife is a native of New York City. At an early age he was employed in the offices of the Pennsylvania Cement Company in New York City and later was transferred to Nazareth, Pennsylvania, as general manager. He served in that capacity until 1927 at which time the business- was merged with the Dixie Cement Corporation and reorganized as the Pennsylvania Dixie Cement Corporation. He has contin- ued as general manager of the Nazareth plant to the present time. Mr. Fortuin is a Democrat, a member of St. John's Dutch Re- formed Church, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows and Elks Lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Fortuin have four children: 1. David, the subject of this sketch. 2. Roslyn B., lives at Naz- areth. He is assistant to the general manager of the Pennsylvania Dixie Cement Corp. 3. Catherine Rosalie, at home.
David Fortuin obtained his early education in the public schools of New York City and Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and spent one year at Lehigh University. Throughout the World War he served with the U. S. Navy, being stationed on the U. S. S. "Mohi-
1099
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
can." He then became identified with the Taylor & Wharton Steel Company at Easton, Pennsylvania, and in 1921 entered the serv- ices of the Pennsylvania Cement Co. at Portland Point as time- keeper. He was made shipping clerk in 1922 and became chief clerk five years later of what is now the Pennsylvania Dixie Ce- ment Corporation.
On July 31, 1920, Mr. Fortuin was married to Miss Gladys Werkhiser, of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, born February 26, 1901. She is the daughter of Emory and Lillian (Moser) Werkhiser. Both are natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Fortuin have two children: 1. Lillian Rosalie, born March 19, 1921. 2. David, Jr., born November 26, 1924.
Mr. Fortuin is a Democrat, a member of St. John's Dutch Re- formed Church, and belongs to Fidelity Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 51; Chamber of Commerce; Rotary Club of Ithaca; and the Amer- ican Legion at Nazareth, Pennsylvania.
Clayton D. Townsend is one of the substantial business men of Tompkins County, being interested in the feed, coal and builders supply business at Myers. He was born at Cortland, New York, July 26, 1867, the son of Samuel D. and Mercena (Robacher) Townsend.
Samuel D. Townsend, who died in 1917, was a native of Scho- harie County, New York. He was born January 25, 1844, the son of Joshua H. Townsend. In early life Samuel D. Townsend owned and operated a farm near Genoa, New York, and later was located near Aurora. He was a Democrat and belonged to the Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife was a native of Cortland County and died February 7, 1901. Both are buried at Cortland. To Mr. and Mrs. Townsend were born three children: 1. Clayton D., the subject of this sketch. 2. Clifford E., who died at Ithaca in 1929. 3. Lena May, was married (first) to Charles Conklin of Locke, now deceased. Her present husband is James Caveney, and they live at Myers.
Clayton D. Townsend obtained his education in the district schools of Genoa, Cayuga County, and attended Genoa Academy.
1100
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
He spent five years as a clerk in the general store of Conger & Andrews at Genoa, and later was located at Auburn for four years with the Hislop Dry Goods Company. He then traveled as a representative of J. F. Paine of Auburn and James H. Carlisle, also of Auburn. Mr. Townsend returned to his former employment with the Hislop Dry Goods Company for two years and subse- quently conducted a grocery business at Auburn in partnership with Joseph Cook. He sold his interests to Fred Whaley and later he with James McCabe established a grocery on Clark Street, Au- burn, New York, under the firm of McCabe and Townsend. After a time he located in New York City with the Universal Safety Tread Company and later was identified with the grocery business of Fred H. Atwater in Ithaca. For almost two years Mr. Town- send conducted a general mercantile business at Lansingville, New York, in partnership with Clayton Bower. In 1907 he came to Myers and purchased his present business with his brother Clif- ford E. Townsend. A large warehouse was erected by him in 1909 and at the present time he deals in coal, lumber and building supplies. In 1916 he purchased his brother's interests. He at one time maintained branch stores at North and South Lansing, and now operates a branch warehouse at Lake Ridge. Mr. Townsend was associated with his brother, Clifford E. Townsend, in the or- ganization of the Ithaca Oil Company and served as its vice presi- dent until 1922, at which time he became president of the concern.
On September 11, 1913, Mr. Townsend married Miss Ellen Gal- lagher, of Myers, the daughter of Frank and Bridget (Glennon) Gallagher, natives of Ireland. Mr. Gallagher spent many years in the employ of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company and died in 1911. His wife died in 1925. Both are buried at Owego, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Townsend have no children. Before her mar- riage Mrs. Townsend was a teacher for six years in the district schools of Tompkins County.
Mr. Townsend is a Republican, and holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife is a member of the Catholic Church. She was postmaster of Myers for fourteen years.
1101
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
George R. Murphy, M. D .- Among specialists in Central New York, Doctor George R. Murphy, of Elmira, holds a leading posi- tion as a pediatric physician and surgeon. He was born in New York City, May 18, 1900, the son of Charles R. and Florence A. (Mitchell) Murphy.
Charles R. Murphy, who is manager of the Toledo Club, at Toledo, Ohio, has engaged in that particular line of managerial work since 1904, and has been identified with many leading clubs in the country, including the Old Suburban Club, of Stamford, Connecticut, City Club of Elmira, etc. He was born at Canter- bury, England, and his wife is a native of Nottingham, England. Their only children are: 1. George R., the subject of this sketch. 2. Howard J., M. D., lives at Toledo. He is a graduate of Elmira Free Academy and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine at the University of Michigan in 1926. Charles R. Murphy is a Re- publican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and be- longs to the Masonic and Elk lodges.
The early education of George R. Murphy was acquired in the public schools of New York City, Stamford, and Elmira. He is a graduate of Elmira Free Academy and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Columbia University in 1921. He then con- tinued at the university as a medical student and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine there in 1924. Doctor Murphy spent six months as an interne in St. Mary's Hospital for Children, in New York City, one year and nine months as interne in the Post Graduate Medical School and Hospital of Columbia University, and three months as interne in the Willard-Parker Hospital for Contagious Diseases in New York City. In January, 1927, Doctor Murphy established his private practice in Elmira with offices at 312 Lake Street. He holds membership in the Chemung County Medical Society, New York State Medical Society, and American Medical Association. He is also a Fellow of the American Acad- emy of Pediatrics, and is a member of the staffs of St. Joseph's and Arnot Ogden Hospitals, of Elmira, as well as pediatric physi- cian at both institutions.
On May 7, 1927, Doctor Murphy was united in marriage with Miss Dorothy M. Foote, of New Haven, Connecticut, a graduate
.
1102
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
of New Haven High School and Bradford Academy, at Haverhill, Massachusetts. She is also a graduate nurse of St. Luke's Hos- pital, New York City. Her parents are George Clifford and Ma- tilda (Bostwick) Foote, of New Haven, Connecticut. Doctor and Mrs. Murphy have two sons, George Foote, born January 2, 1929, and Richard Watson, born October 12, 1932.
Doctor Murphy is an independent Republican. He is a mem- ber of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, of Elmira, and his wife is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church. He is affiliated with Phi Chi fraternity, and belongs to the Torch Club. He is a member of the council of Boy Scouts, Elmira area, a member of the advisory board of the Neighborhood House, member of the social service committee, the Visiting Nurses Committee, physi- cian to the nursery school of Elmira College, and physician to the Child Welfare Clinic, and president of the Central Registry Association.
Hon. James Steele Truman .- Among the prominent law prac- titioners of Tioga County, James Steele Truman, of Owego, holds an important place as a member of the firm of Truman, Bassett & Wood. He has also served as a member of the New York Senate, receiving the largest majority ever given in this district to a can- didate up to that time, a plurality of 20,766 votes. Mr. Truman was born at Owego, August 24, 1874, the son of Gilbert T. and Alice (Steele) Truman.
Gilbert T. Truman, who died in Owego, July 20, 1932, was a highly esteemed citizen and representative business man of Tioga County for many years. He was born at Owego, and attended Owego Academy. As a young man he was identified with the bus- iness of L. Truman & Bros., and also operated a fine farm near Owego. Later, he became interested in the retail feed business in Owego, and was associated with that enterprise for a period of twenty years. He retired in 1926 at the age of 70 years. Mr. Tru- man was a Republican and held membership in the Baptist Church. His widow, born at Owego, still resides there. To Mr. and Mrs. Truman were born two sons: 1. George S., merchant, Owego. 2. James Steele, the subject of this sketch.
1103
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
The early education of James S. Truman was received in the Owego public schools and he is a graduate of Owego Academy. He received the degrees of Ph. D. and LL. B. at Cornell Univer- sity in 1896 and 1898 respectively, and after his admission to the bar in 1889 Mr. Truman became an associate of H. A. Clark. In 1914 Charles A. Clark, at one time deputy attorney general, was associated with him. In 1925 he organized the firm of Truman, Bassett & Wood. As mentioned above, Mr. Truman was elected to the Senate in November, 1924. He served as chairman of the committee on labor, as well as a member of the committees on internal affairs, judiciary, general laws, conservation, and the joint committee on the elimination of grade crossings. He was also a member of a special senatorial committee to reapportion the Senate and Assembly districts, and was chairman of the indus- trial survey commission, which was appointed for the purpose of investigating the state of New York industry, including the bur- dens of and advantages of manufacturing in New York state and the needs of labor.
On June 24, 1902, Mr. Truman married Miss Ruth Nina Rich, of Owego. She died July 27, 1930. Her parents were George E. and Ida Belle (Link) Rich, who were natives of Owego. For a number of years Mr. Rich operated a tannery at Newark Valley and later engaged in business at Owego. He was a Republican and served as assessor. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church. Two daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Truman: 1. Dorothy Rich, born July 4, 1906, a graduate of Owego Academy and Smith College. She married Hubert Cooper, and lives at Owego. 2. Alice Rich, born April 16, 1913, attends Bucknell University.
Mr. Truman is a Republican and is identified with the Tioga County and New York State Bar associations. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, being a member of the board of trus- tees, and has the following lodge and club affiliations: Friend- ship Lodge No. 153, F. and A. M .; New Jerusalem Chapter, No. 47, R. A. M .; Malta Commandery No. 21, K. T .; Kalurah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Binghamton; B. P. O. Elks; Owego Country Club; Tioga County Fish and Game Club; and Tioga County Sportsmens
1104
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
Association. He is vice president of the alumni class of 1896 at Cornell University, and holds membership in Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. While a student at the institution he was also an editor of the Cornell Daily Sun.
Mr. Truman has served as president of the Coburn Free Li- brary in Owego. He has also been supervisor of the village, and from 1920 until 1926, was a member of the Owego Board of Edu- cation. He is secretary of the Tioga County Historical Society and president of the Owego Home for Aged Women.
Mr. Truman is also a director of the Owego National Bank.
Austin W. W. Sand .- As president and treasurer of the Tur- key Hill Nursery, Inc., at Varna, Austin W. W. Sand is recognized as one of the progressive business men of Tompkins County. He was born at Lockport, New York, October 23, 1891, the son of Reuben W. and Effie Rosa (Wertman) Sand.
Reuben W. Sand and his wife were born at Lockport. He was a photographer by profession and engaged in that business at Lockport for forty-five years. He was a Democrat in politics and served as police commissioner. He and his wife were active mem- bers of the Methodist Church. Mr. Sand died on July 14, 1930. His widow still resides at Lockport. They were the parents of two sons: 1. Austin W. W., the subject of this sketch. 2. Seward A., photographer, who lives at Lockport.
Austin W. W. Sand grew up at Lockport and is a graduate of Lockport High School. He taught school there for two years and entered Cornell University in 1914. He left college however, Sep- tember 25, 1917, and enlisted for service in the World War. After a year at Camp Dix, New Jersey, his company sailed for France, May 28, 1918, and Mr. Sand served as regimental photographer with the Three Hundred and Third Engineers, Seventy-eighth Division, Headquarters Detachment. He saw active service with corps troops in the St. Mihiel offensive, in the Limey Sector, and on the Meuse-Argonne fronts. His rank was that of Master Engi- neer, Sr. Grade. After his discharge at Camp Dix, June 12, 1919,
AUSTIN W. W. SAND
1105
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
he returned to Lockport and the following fall reentered Cornell University, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Sci- ence in 1920. He spent a few months in the nursery business of A. N. Pearson, at Cromwell, Connecticut, and then returned to Cornell University as an instructor in Floriculture. He received his Master's degree there in 1921 and continued for a Doctor's degree, until 1925, in the meantime serving as an instructor at that institution. He organized a nursery and florist business at Varna in 1923, which was known as the Turkey Hill Nursery. The business was incorporated in January, 1928, with Mr. Sand as president and treasurer. He purchased an additional ten acres in 1929, building greenhouses thereon, and now has a total area of twenty-five acres devoted to the growing of plants and flowers. He is a landscape architect with a statewide reputation, and is recognized as an authority on rock garden work, and woody plant materials. Mr. Sand also owns "The Flower Nook," which is located at 106 North Aurora Street, Ithaca. He holds member- ship in the New York State Nurserymen's Association and Society of American Florists and Ornamental Horticulturists.
Politically, Mr. Sand is a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and is affiliated with Lockport Lodge, F. & A. M. He also belongs to Sigma Xi and Pi Alpha Xi National Honorary Fraternities.
Major John Mason Parker .- Representative of the prominent and influential professional men of Tioga County, is John M. Par- ker, attorney, whose family has long been identified with the his- tory of Owego. He was born at Washington, D. C., August 25, 1873, the son of Francis H. and Augusta (Abeel) Parker.
Col. Francis H. Parker was born at Owego. He was reared and educated here and was a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at Troy, New York, where he was a classmate of John Roebling, builder of the Brooklyn Bridge. Mr. Parker was then employed as a surveyor by the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad near Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Later he entered West Point Military Academy, from which he was graduated in 1861.
1106
HISTORY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
Throughout the Civil War he served as chief ordnance officer for the Army of the Potomac under Generals Grant and Meade. In 1865 he was appointed commanding officer at Charlestown, South Carolina, and later was attached to the arsenals at Rock Island, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; Fortress Monroe, Virginia; Water- town, Massachusetts; San Antonio, Texas; Watervliet, New York; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At the time of his death, Febru- ary 22, 1897, he held the rank of Colonel in the U. S. Army. He is buried in Owego. Throughout his life he was a Republican and held membership in the Episcopal Church. His wife was born at Rome, New York, and died in March, 1922. Their only child was John M., the subject of this sketch.
John M. Parker, father of Francis H. Parker, was an influen- tial citizen of Owego. He was elected to congress from this dis- trict in 1854, reelected in 1856, and three years later became Jus- tice of the Supreme Court. He held the latter office at the time of his death, December 16, 1873. Judge Parker and his son, Charles E. Parker, enjoyed the distinction of being the only two men ever elected to the United States Supreme Court from Tioga County. Charles E. Parker had served as county judge during 1883-88, and in 1895 was appointed presiding justice of the Appel- late Division. He resigned from the latter office in August, 1906.
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.