History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume III, Part 5

Author: Melone, Harry R. (Harry Roberts), 1893-
Publication date: 1932
Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 538


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 5
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 5
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 5
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 5
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 5
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 5
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 5
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 5
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 5
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 5
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 5


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


John M. Parker, the subject of this sketch, acquired his educa- tion in Browne and Nichols School at Cambridge, Massachusetts, Troy Academy, and in 1896 received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Cornell University. He then spent a year in the office of Fred C. Hill, attorney, of Owego, after which he entered the law school of Cornell University. He received the degree of LL. B. in 1889, and immediately became an associate of Mr. Hill, and this partnership continued until the latter's death, July 31, 1920. Mr. Parker has since practiced alone.


On November 19, 1904, Mr. Parker was united in marriage with Miss Lillian Evelyn Darrow, of Owego, the daughter of Frank A. and Chloe (Dimmick) Darrow. Mr. Darrow was a na- tive of Owego and died there in 1922. His widow lives at Bing- hamton. Mr. Darrow was a graduate of Owego Academy, East- man Business College, and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts


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at Cornell University. He also was graduated from the law school of Columbia University, and spent his entire professional career in Owego. For several terms he served as district attorney of Tioga County, and also was justice of the peace and police magis- trate. He was a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belonged to the Masonic Lodge. He also held membership in the Tioga County and New York State Bar associations. Mr. and Mrs. Parker are the parents of two children: 1. John Mason, III, born in September, 1906. He is a graduate of Cornell Uni- versity, Bachelor of Arts, class of 1924. He spent two years with the Niagara Trust Company, and during 1927-30 was identified with the First National Bank of Owego. At the present time he is taking graduate study in geology at Cornell University. He is a member of Psi Upsilon and Phi Beta Kappa fraternities. 2. Frances Darrow, born June 11, 1910, a graduate of Owego Acad- emy and Cornell University, Bachelor of Arts, class of 1932.


Mr. Parker is a Republican, and has taken a prominent part in politics, having served as a delegate to the State Constitutional Convention in 1915. He is past president of the Tioga County Bar Association, a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Adirondack Club, Tioga County Sportsmens Association, and Psi Upsilon fraternity.


During the World War Mr. Parker served in the U. S. Army and held the rank of major from May 1, 1917, until May 1, 1919. He was identified with the army's high explosive depots, with headquarters at Washington, D. C. He still holds the rank of major in the U. S. Reserve Corps, and is chief ordnance officer of the Ninety-eighth Division. He was founder of the Owego Post of the American Legion, and served as its commander for four years. He also organized and was in command of Company F, New York National Guard.


John Laning Taylor .- One of the representative professional men of Owego is John Laning Taylor, attorney at law, who com- mands an extensive practice throughout Tioga County. He was born at Owego, February 18, 1894, the son of Emile G. and Ther- esa K. (Mersereau) Taylor.


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Emile G. Taylor, deceased, was for many years one of Owego's successful business men. He was born here, attended Owego Academy, and spent three years in the law school at Cornell Uni- versity. Throughout his career he was identified with the Owego Dairy Company, which was founded many years before by his father, John L. Taylor. This extensive and well improved dairy farm near Owego was known as Spring Meadow Farm. Emile G. Taylor also served as postmaster of Owego. He was a Democrat, a member of the Presbyterian Church and belonged to the Order of Red Men. He died in 1911 and is buried in Owego. His widow resides at Binghamton. She holds membership in the Episcopal Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were born three sons: 1. John Laning, the subject of this sketch. 2. George M., lives at Owego. He is a graduate of Worcester (Massachusetts) Academy, and Boston University, and is now identified with the New York State Highway Department. 3. Walter R., who died in 1918.


John Laning Taylor acquired his early education in the public schools of Owego. He received the degree of LL. B. at Cornell University in 1920, being admitted to the bar September 15, 1920. He at once became identified with the firm of Lynch & Clifford of Owego, which was later reorganized as Lynch, Clifford & Taylor. Upon the death of Mr. Lynch in 1925, the firm continued as Clif- ford & Taylor. Since the death of Mr. Clifford on January 31, 1931, Mr. Taylor has engaged in private practice. He has spe- cialized in Probate and Trial work.


In June, 1917, Mr. Taylor enlisted for service in the World War and was attached to the U. S. Air Service. He served with the rank of sergeant and was assigned to Cornell University Ground School, and served in France. He was discharged January 7, 1919, at Hazelhurst Field, Long Island.


On January 19, 1924, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage with Miss Margaret J. Kirkwood, born at Pittston, Pennsylvania, Jan- uary 20, 1899. She is a graduate of Cornell University, class of 1921, Bachelor of Arts, and was a teacher for two years in the public schools at Pittston. She holds membership in Alpha Phi fraternity. Her parents are Thomas A. and Harriet (Weller) Kirkwood, natives of Scotland and New Jersey, respectively. Mr.


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Kirkwood died in 1907 and his widow resides at Pittston. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have no children.


Politically Mr. Taylor is a Republican. His lodge and club affiliations are: Friendship Lodge No. 153, F. and A. M .; New Jerusalem Chapter, No. 47, R. A. M .; Malta Commandery, No. 21, K. T., Binghamton; Kiwanis Club; American Legion; Owego Country Club; Tioga County Sportsmens Association; and Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.


John Truman Gorman, a member of the Tioga County bar for thirty years, engaged in practice at Owego, represents one of the prominent pioneer families of Central New York. He was born at Owego, November 18, 1874, the son of Orin Truman and Emily (Fulcher) Gorman.


Orin Truman Gorman was born at Owego and died there June 25, 1915. His wife was a native of England and died March 26, 1932. Both are buried in Evergreen Cemetery. He attended the public schools of Owego and was a graduate of White Plains Mili- tary Academy. For a number of years he was identified with the Stambrough & Stratton Company of Owego, and later was con- nected with the Babcock & Underwood Hardware Company of Binghamton. For several years he was also buyer of lumber for the Champion Wagon Works. He was always a Republican and held the offices of mayor and village trustee. He attended the First Presbyterian Church and belonged to Ahwaga Lodge, F. and A. M., Owego; New Jerusalem Chapter, No. 47, R. A. M .; Malta Commandery, K. T .; and Kalurah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Binghamton. Mr. and Mrs. Gorman's only child was John Tru- man, the subject of this sketch.


After his graduation from Owego Academy, John Truman Gorman entered Cornell University, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in 1898. Two years later he was grad- uated from the New York Law School with the degree of LL. B., and immediately engaged in practice in New York City with the firm of Atterbury & Mullally. He also spent a year in the offices


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of Perkins & Jackson. Since 1902 Mr. Gorman has had an exten- sive general practice in Owego. He has offices at 23 Lake Street.


Mr. Gorman held the office of village supervisor from 1918 un- til 1932, and during 1928-32 was chairman of the board. He also served as attorney for the Village of Owego. Politically he is a Republican. He is secretary of the Tioga County Bar Association, and also holds membership in the New York State and American Bar associations. He is a member of Friendship Lodge, No. 153, Owego; New Jerusalem Chapter, No. 47, R. A. M .; Malta Com- mandery, K. T .; Kalurah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Binghamton; B. P. O. Elks, No. 1039, Past Exalted Ruler and former president of the New York State Elks Association, and during 1921-22 dis- trict deputy of the South Central District of New York State; Alpha Tau Omega fraternity; Chamber of Commerce; Owego Country Club; and Tioga County Sportsmens Association. He is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church and is a mem- ber of its Board of Trustees.


Mr. Gorman is also vice president and a director of the First National Bank of Owego.


John Gorman, grandfather of John T. Gorman, was among the first settlers of Owego. He was a contractor and builder. He built many residences in Owego and helped to build the Ah-Wa-Ga Hotel as well as the Flemingville Church. During the Civil War he organized a company of men in Owego for service, and was captain of Company C, One Hundred and Ninth New York Volun- teer Infantry. He was killed by a sniper at Hanover, Virginia, May 31, 1864, and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Owego. A sword, which was presented to him by the Village of Owego in appreciation of his work in organizing Company C, is among the valued possessions of the Gorman family.


Robert V. R. Bassett is an Owego lawyer who has contributed to the success and prestige of one of the leading law firms of Tioga County, being associated with Truman, Bassett & Wood. He was born at Owego, November 30, 1884, the son of James A. and Mary G. (Gallagher) Bassett.


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James A. Bassett was a native of Morris, Otsego County, New York. He was reared and educated there and for several years engaged in the crockery business at Binghamton and Owego. He later conducted a store at Titusville, Pennsylvania. Upon his return to Owego he became chief clerk in the freight offices of the Erie Railroad Company, and later was teller in the Owego Na- tional Bank. At the time of his retirement he was interested in railroad construction work. Mr. Bassett died in 1921 and his widow resides in Owego. She was born at Ellicottville, New York. Mr. Bassett was a Democrat and had served as village treasurer and collector. He was a member of the Episcopal Church and belonged to the Masonic Lodge. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bassett: 1. Willia Clarke, married William C. Truman, a sketch of whom appears in this history. 2. Robert V. R., the subject of this sketch.


The boyhood of Robert V. R. Bassett was spent in Owego and he is a graduate of Owego Free Academy. In 1906 he received the degree of LL. B. at Cornell University, and in September of that year was admitted to the bar. During 1906-11 Mr. Bassett was associated with the law firm of Herendeen & Mandeville, of El- mira. In 1911 he returned to Owego, New York, where he has since been engaged in the practice of law. From 1911 to 1925 he was a member of the firm of Stiles & Bassett, Insurance and Real Estate. Later he was a member of the law firm of Truman and Bassett, which latter firm was reorganized in 1926 as Truman, Bassett & Wood, when Nathan M. Wood became a partner.


On April 10, 1912, Mr. Bassett was united in marriage with Miss Harriett Hibberd, of South Bend, Indiana, born August 31, 1886, in Elkhart, Indiana. She is a graduate of Owego Free Acad- emy and Smith College. Her parents were Charles and Eva (Leonard) Hibberd, who died in 1901 and 1890 respectively. They are buried at South Bend, Indiana. Mr. Hibberd was the founder of the Hibberd Printing Company of South Bend, which is now owned and operated by his son, Carl L. Hibberd. He was a Re- publican and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Bassett have two sons: 1. Robert V. R., Jr., born January 24, 1913, a graduate of Owego Free Academy and Severn Preparatory


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School at Severna Park, Maryland. He is now a midshipman at the U. S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, having received his ap- pointment in 1930 from Senator Robert F. Wagner. 2. Charles H., born October 25, 1915, graduate of Owego Free Academy.


Mr. Bassett is a Democrat and at the present time is serving as county attorney of Tioga County. He was supervisor of Owego during 1911-13, and also has been chairman of the Democratic County Committee. He holds membership in the Tioga County Bar Association, and is affiliated with Friendship Lodge, No. 153, past master; Independent Order of Odd Fellows, past noble grand of Tioga Lodge; and B. P. O. Elks. He is a former director of the Chamber of Commerce and belongs to the Owego Country Club. He and his family are members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.


Stuart W. Smyth .- As editor and publisher of the Owego Times, Stuart W. Smyth is easily recognized as one of the domi- nating forces in the business and civic life of this village, and a man who enjoys the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens. He has also served as postmaster of Owego since 1923. Mr. Smyth was born here March 22, 1879, the son of William Alexander and Fanny Louise (Bristol) Smyth.


William Alexander Smyth, who died in Owego, August 11, 1919, was a representative figure in Republican politics in this section for many years. He was born at Owego, March 14, 1852, and re- ceived his education in the public schools. He also attended a business school at Syracuse and began his business career as a clerk in the drug firm of Lincoln & Napiere, of Owego. In 1872 he entered the newspaper business with his father as owners of the Owego Times, the firm name being William Smyth & Son. Upon the death of the father in 1898, Mr. Smyth continued as editor and publisher. He was a lifelong Republican and for twen- ty-three years served as chairman of the Tioga County Republican Committee, time after time representing Tioga County in the Re- publican state councils. He was a delegate to the National conven- tion which nominated President Mckinley, and represented this


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congressional district as a delegate to conventions in Philadelphia and St. Louis. He served as postmaster of Owego for seventeen years, being appointed first by President Mckinley in May, 1897, and the last term by President Taft in December, 1909. Mr. Smyth was a member of the New York State Press Association and its president during 1904-14-15-16. He was an active member of the New York Editorial Association, and its president during 1904 and 1918. His resignation to the latter office in 1919 was refused and he was reelected by unanimous vote. He was one of the founders of the Owego Business Men's Association and its presi- dent for four years, and held membership in the Owego Chamber of Commerce. He also served as village trustee and was a direc- tor of the Owego National Bank. Mr. Smyth's lodge affiliations were: Friendship Lodge No. 153, F. and A. M .; New Jerusalem Chapter, No. 47, R. A. M .; Malta Commandery, K. T .; Otseningo Consistory, thirty-second degree, A. A. S. R .; Kalurah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Binghamton; Sasana Loft Tribe of Improved Order of Red Men; Owego Council, Royal Arcanum. He also was a member of the Republican Club of New York City, Navy League, and life member Tioga County Agricultural Society. His widow was born at Batavia, New York, and resides at Owego. Their only child was Stuart W., the subject of this sketch.


Hon. William Smyth, grandfather of Stuart W. Smyth, was born in County Derry, Ireland, June 19, 1819. In June, 1853, he purchased the Owego Advertiser, which in June, 1855, was changed to the Owego Times, and Mr. Smyth continued as its edi- tor until his death, September 27, 1898. He served as school com- missioner of Tioga County from 1857 until 1863, and also held the offices of village trustee and village president. He was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1867 and was elected to the New York State Assembly from Tioga County in 1872. He was appointed superintendent of the State Insurance Department in 1876 and served in that capacity until 1879. He received the appointment of postmaster of Owego by President Harrison December 16, 1889. During his administration as village president he was suc- cessful in abolishing the toll on the bridge across the Susquehanna River. Mr. Smyth was a delegate to the Syracuse convention at


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which the Free Soil Democrats and anti-slavery Whigs united to form the new Republican party.


Stuart W. Smyth attended the Owego public schools, and his entire career has been identified with the Owego Times. He also succeeded his father as chairman of the Republican county com- mittee, and represented Tioga County on the Republican State Committee. Since 1898 he has been an active member of the De- fiance Hook & Ladder Company, No. 5, Owego Fire Department, of which his grandfather served as chief engineer in the early '60s, and during 1915-16 he was president of Central New York Volun- teer Firemen's Association. During that time he had held the successive positions of second assistant chief, first assistant chief and chief.


Mr. Smyth is a charter member of B. P. O. Elks, No. 1039, Owego, and holds membership in Friendship Lodge No. 153, F. and A. M .; New Jerusalem Chapter, No. 47, R. A. M .; Malta Com- mandery, K. T .; Kalurah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Binghamton; Regal Lodge Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Owego Chamber of Commerce; Owego Country Club; Tioga County Sportsmen's Association; New York State Fish, Game and Forest League; and New York Press Association. He also belongs to the New York Society of Military and Naval Officers, having served during the World War as a member of the New York Guard with the rank of first lieutenant.


Mr. Smyth is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. He is a director and treasurer of the Tioga County Historical Society.


Kenneth F. Cooper .- As treasurer of Cooper's Stores, Inc., and treasurer of Cooper-Lounsberry Agency, Inc., of Owego, Mr. Cooper is recognized as one of Tioga County's most progressive young business men. He was born at Belmar, Albany County, August 1, 1904, the son of Frederick A. and Belle M. (Bresee) Cooper.


Frederick A. Cooper, who died August 15, 1932, was an astute and energetic business man of Central New York, and was greatly


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interested in the welfare of Owego. He was born at Coventry, Chenango County, April 14, 1865, the son of Levi and Amelia (Foote) Cooper. Frederick A. Cooper engaged in the mercantile business early in life and branched out until he was conducting several stores. In July, 1920, he removed to Owego and pur- chased the building formerly occupied by Day's Fair Store at Lake and Front Street. He made extensive alterations and opened a large department store there early in the following August. Mr. Cooper was successful from the start in conducting this store and opened branches at Newark Valley, Spencer, and Nichols. The branch store at Spencer has been discontinued, but the branches at Newark Valley and Nichols are still operated by Cooper's Stores, Inc. Mr. Cooper was also a member of the insurance firm of Cooper-Lounsberry Agency, Inc. He was elected a director of the Owego Chamber of Commerce in January, 1929, and was soon after elected president of the organization. He had a highly successful administration and it was through his initiative that the custom of decorating the business streets of Owego at holiday time with colored lights and evergreens was instituted. At the annual meeting of the Finger Lakes Association in October, 1930, he was elected one of the three vice-presidents of the association and was re-elected to that office. Mr. Cooper was a Republican, a member of the Episcopal Church, and had various club affiliations. His widow survives him and resides in Owego. She is a member of the First Methodist Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Cooper were born the following children: 1. Letha, married Bert E. Bresee, lives at Oneonta, New York. 2. Rev. Fenimore E., who is rector of Emanual Episcopal Church, at Elmira. He married Miss Luz Velez, of Porto Rico. 3. Kenneth F., the subject of this sketch. 4. Hubert A., who is secretary of Cooper's Stores, Inc. He mar- ried Miss Dorothy Truman, of Owego.


The boyhood of Kenneth F. Cooper was spent in Owego and he is a graduate of Owego Academy. He immediately began his business career with Cooper's Stores, Inc., and since 1921 has been treasurer of the corporation, as well as general manager. Since 1929 he has been treasurer of Cooper-Lounsberry Insurance Agency, Inc.


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On June 25, 1924, Mr. Cooper was united in marriage with Miss Geraldine Reddish, the adopted daughter of Thomas H. and Lena (Kimball) Reddish, of Owego. Mrs. Cooper was born at Elmira, April 30, 1908, and is a graduate of Owego Academy. She is now specializing in the study of piano at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City.


Mr. Cooper is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church and belongs to the Owego Tennis Club and Chamber of Commerce. His wife holds membership in the Presbyterian Church.


Charles H. Lyke, who is identified with the Owego Custom Laundry, is among the enterprising young business men of Owego, where he was born April 3, 1897. He is the son of Benjamin F. and Fannie (Hill) Lyke.


Benjamin F. Lyke was born at Rome, Pennsylvania. After his graduation from Rome Academy he became interested in the rug cleaning and laundry business in Owego in 1872, being asso- ciated with a Mr. Wallace. After five years Mr. Lyke purchased his partner's interest and successfully continued as manager of the business until his death in 1909. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Owego. His widow then managed the undertaking until 1923, when it was taken over by her sons, Charles H. and Wallace Lyke. She still resides in Owego. Mr. Lyke was a Re- publican and served as village trustee. He held membership in the Baptist Church and belonged to the Masonic and Elk Lodges and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. A third son born to Mr. and Mrs. Lyke, Lawrence Lyke, is a jockey, having ridden in many of the famous American derbys at Lexington, Kentucky.


Charles H. Lyke attended Owego Academy and throughout his business career has been interested in the laundry business. He enlisted for service in the World War in May, 1918, and served in government camps before sailing for overseas duty. He served in France for nine months as a member of the 77th Division, and was discharged May 9, 1919, at Camp Upton, Long Island. The Owego Custom Laundry maintains branch offices at Newark Val- ley, Candor, Nichols, Berkshire, and Apalachin.


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On April 28, 1922, Mr. Lyke married Miss Alida Mathewson, of Union, New York. She was born August 16, 1903, the daughter of Riley and Emma Mathewson, natives of Broome County. They live at Owego. Mr. and Mrs. Lyke have a son, Charles Robert, born May 8, 1924.


Mr. Lyke is a Republican and is serving as village trustee. He and his wife are members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and he belongs to Friendship Lodge, No. 153, F. and A. M., B. P. O. Elks, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Chamber of Commerce, Tioga County Sportsmen's Association, and American Legion, comman- der during 1924-25.


Leon J. Baird, who holds the office of Commissioner of Public Welfare in Owego, for the town of Owego, is a highly esteemed citizen and a member of one of the community's pioneer families. He was born here July 25, 1874, the son of James L. and Mary A. (Kirby) Baird.


James L. Baird was born at Speedsville, Tioga County. He taught in the district schools and in 1877 entered the service of the Erie Railroad Company. He was serving as locomotive engi- neer and met with an accidental death in 1891. His widow was born at Speedsville and died in November, 1929. They are buried at Jenksville, New York. Both were members of the Methodist Church. Their only child was Leon J., the subject of this sketch.


At the age of fourteen years Leon J. Baird left school to be- come a messenger boy in the service of the Erie Railroad Com- pany at Hornell, New York. He remained in the company's ser- vice for a number of years and served as telegraph operator and railway clerk. In 1890 he moved to Owego and was relief oper- ator, and in 1899 he became billing clerk in the freight office at Owego and nine months later was promoted to chief clerk. In 1906 he was transferred to Elmira as an instructor in the railroad training school, and from 1912 until 1925 was manager of the institution. He again returned to Owego as station agent in the latter year and served in that capacity for three years, when he


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resigned from the service. Since 1928 Mr. Baird has been the agent in Tioga County for the Mutual Life Insurance Company, and on January 1, 1930, he also assumed the duties of town wel- fare officer and is also deputy county commissioner.


On November 24, 1897, Mr. Baird was united in marriage with Miss Florence Edith Markell, who was born at Alpine, New York, December 10, 1875, the daughter of George and Sallie (Lockerby) Markell. Mr. Markell died in 1910 and his wife died in 1905. They are buried at Big Flats, New York. He was well known as a building contractor and his father, John Markell, built the first frame building at Ithaca. Mr. and Mrs. Baird have a daughter, Mildred O., born June 26, 1908. She is a graduate of Owego Free Academy and Elmira Female College, class of 1926. She is now a teacher of piano.




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