USA > New York > Herkimer County > History of Herkimer county, New York > Part 63
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Howell, W. B., Herkimer, was born in Herkimer. He received a good education in the schools of the village, and served an apprenticeship with his father in the furniture and undertaking business, finally succeeding him in 1866, and has since carried on an extensive concern with marked success. He has served the village as trustee, presi- dent, supervisor, etc., and is a member of the Electric Light and Water Commissions. Mr. llowell is also identified with the Masonic fraternity, having been master and past district deputy. He is also identified with local, social and benevolent institutions. He married Miss Mary S. Green, a daughter of Zenas Green and a descendant of General llerkimer. They have no family.
Harter, Smith C., of Herkimer, is a native of that town, and with the exception of six years has lived there all his life. Those years were from eleven to seventeen years of age. Ile then took up contracting for the Remington Arms Company from 1863 to 1874. In 1877 he entered into partnership with C. W. Palmer in their present enter- prise, which has continued ever since, and their premises are double the capacity with
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FAMILY SKETCHES.
which they started. Mr. Harter is a superior and enterprising business man and is well known throughout the county. Ile is a Mason, a member of the Blue Lodge and of the Veiled Prophets. In politics he is Democratic and active, but will not take office owing to the demand of his business upon his time. His people have been in America for generations. He married Miss Cornelia Palmer, also of an cld American family.
Hall, H. Clay, Little Falls, is a native of New Jersey, and after many years of sea service entered the law office of Cummings, Alexander & Green, of New York city, and was admitted to the bar in 1859. In 1860 Mr. Hall accepted an important office in the United States navy, which he filled until October, 1861, when he resigned to en- list in the 1st New York Mounted Rifles, as private, from which he was mustered out in 1865 as first sergeant. Mr. Hall has a record in the war department for distinguished success. He also served in the United States army during the Mexican war and has during his earlier years had considerable experience on the sea, having filled every position, from cabin boy to captain. He has penetrated through Behring Straits as far north as 73 deg. 35 m. Mr. Hall was elected in 1885 commander of the G. A. R. for New York State. He has practiced law in this county ever since the close of the war, and no lawyer at the bar stands higher than he in the estimate of the judges of the Supreme Court of this district. He married Sophia Brown, of Franklin, and they have three children living.
Holden, J. P .. Herkimer, was born in Herkimer and received his education in the schools of this village. He learned the trade of a machinist, at which he worked for about seven years, since which time up to the present he has been engaged in the hotel business. He has conducted hotels in Colorado, Pennsylvania, etc. During the Cen- tennial at Philadelphia (1876) he conducted two hostelries. Mr. Ilolden now owus an elegant confectionery and restaurant in Herkimer, which he maugurated in 1885. He also does a wholesale commission business in fruits and produce. He married Harriet J. Clerens, of Frankfort. Mr. Holden is identified with the local fire company, Red Men, Business Men's Association, an order of United Friends and is first sergeant of the 21st Separate Company Volunteers. He will also conduct a hotel at 130 West Van Buren street, Chicago, during the World's Fair.
Herrick, William A., Little Falls, was born in Herkimer county, Angust 8, 1845. After receiving a common school education he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for twenty-five years. About two years ago he purchased the dry-dock property here, and besides repairing canal boats, builds row boats, and in fact all descriptions of boats. He gives employment to several skilled ship carpenters and supervises the work himself. He married Eliza Aldrich, and they have one adopted daughter. Mr. Herrick's yards are located at Lock 37 on the Erie Canal. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., etc.
Huyck, J. Horatio, Herkimer, was born in Herkimer, and has been engaged in the coal business for over thirty years. His office and yards are eligibly located on the line of the Central railroad, where especial shipping facilities are enjoyed. Mr. Huyck has served as trustee of the village for three terms. He was president of the village in 1882-84, and is now a member of the village board. He was supervisor of the town in
h
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HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY.
1885. Mr. ITuyck is a Mason and identified with local social and benevolent associa- tions. He married Miss C. Pryne, of Herkimer, and has a family of three children.
Haslehurst, Alexander W., Herkimer, is a native of Oneida county. He has lived in Herkimer county most of his life, and has been engaged in banking twenty-seven years, beginning as a clerk, and being promoted through all positions until, in 1884, he was appointed cashier of the First National bank of Herkimer, this bank being organized at that time. Prior to this he was teller in the National Mohawk Valley bank. Mr. Hlaslehurst is an experienced and successful financier and occupies a high position in all social and financial circles.
Hemstreet, J. V., D D. S., Little Falls, is a native of New York Mills and began the study of dentistry in 1877. In 1880 he opened his office here and has built up a large and influential practice among the best classes of the community. Ile manufactures a celebrated preparation known as Hemstreet's Dental Cream. Dr. Hemstreet is a Ma- son, belonging to the commandery, and also to the Royal Arcanum. In politics he is a liberal Republican.
Jackson, William W., Herkimer, and Ira E. Jackson bought out the interest of their father, Mr. Washington W. Jackson, in the old homestead and farm of 262 acres. They keep forty-two head of stock and cut about 200 tons of hay and are most successful farmers. W. W. Jackson is trustee of District No. 6, and pathmaster, also a member of the Grange. Both gentlemen are staunch Republicans. The family is one of the most prominent in this section and are of Revolutionary antecedents. Their grand- father, Asa Jackson, served throughout that war. Their father, Mr. W. W. Jackson, makes their place his home.
Jackson, W. E., Fairfield, is one of the best known of the younger farmers of prom- inence in Fairfield. He is a son of Varnum Jackson, still living, who was born in 1823. They have 250 acres of dairy land, and sixty-seven cows. Both are Democrats, and Willard E. is a member of the Grange. His grandfather, Elipah J. Jackson, was one of the carliest settlers in this part of the county, and the family is an old one.
Johnson, Joseph A., was born at Fort Herkimer, N. Y., September 27, 1836, and was connected with the firm of E. Remington & Son's for thirty-four years, and with the exception of the first few years was a contractor. Since the collapse of that firm he has been engaged in the general insurance business and represents nineteen of the best companies in the world. Mr. Johnson is one of the most prominent Masons in the State, having held nearly all the offices in the various Masonic bodies, and is past grand commander of Knights Templar in the State of New York. He married, in 1858, Catharine M. Wildey, and has one son, Edmond A. Johnson, who is associated with him in business, and one daughter, who is the wife of M. Jesse Brayton, ex- county clerk of Oneida county.
Ives, J. II., Little Falls, is a native of Salisbury and early in life embarked in active business operations among the capitalists of this part of New York State. He deals extensively in lumber and cheese, owning ten farms and having a large interest in many cheese factories in Herkimer and has in many ways prominently identified him- seld with the best interests of the county. Mr. Ives is a director of the Little Falls National bank and was high sheriff of the county in 1876.
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FAMILY SKETCHES.
Ingham, C. S., German Flats, was born in Schuyler in 1848. He taught school three terms, and lived on a farm until twenty-four years of age, when he came to Ilion. He is a Republican, and a member of the Royal Arcanum. In 1878 he married Miss Arletta Davis. Mr. Ingham's father was Charles B. Ingham, and his grandfather, Joseph Ingham, one of the early settlers of Schuyler. He is one of the leading grocers of Ilion.
Johnson, Samuel, Frankfort, one of the fourteen children of Richard and Sophia (Stannard) Johnson, was born October 22, 1828, in England. His parents emigrated to this country and settled in Utica when he was two years of age. He then moved to Litchfield in 1850, and in 1875 came to Frankfort, where he has since lived. He was married January 15, 1854, to Lovi H. Matteson, of Litchfield, one of ten children of Laban and Susan Matteson. They had three children, Wallace Myron, Alba and Ida (twins), all of whom are dead. Mr. Johnson runs a dairy farm, having at this time eleven cows. Mr. Johnson died November 23, 1892, aged sixty-four years, one month and one day.
Joslin, Merritt F., Frankfort, the only son of Sanford and Savally (West) Joslin, of Frankfort, was born in Litchfield, July 22, 1842. Sanford, the father, was the son of David Joslin (who was a soldier in the war of 1812) and Ruth (Mattison) Joslin. The great-grandfather, John Joslin, was born in Rhode Island, and came to Frankfort in early life (settled on the farm now owned by Merritt F.), where he lived and died at the age of over eighty years. His wife was Hannah Justin. Savally (West) Joslin, the mother, was a daughter of William and Olive (Cady) West, he having been a Revolutionary soldier. Her grandfather and grandmother were William and Nancy (Williams) West, the third generation from Roger Williams. Her great-grandfather was William West, at one time Governor of Rhode Island. Merritt F. was married September 12, 1866, to Hattie C. Norton, one of three children of Wilber L. and Hen- rietta (Wilcox) Norton. They have two children, Minnie A. and Earl S. Joslin.
Jackson, Henry Eugene, Middleville, was born near Middleville village, upon his father's farm. He was educated in the district schools of this vicinity and at Fairfield Academy. At nineteen years of age he entered the employ of W. W. Mosher, as clerk, and in 1880 he bought an interest in Mr. Mosher's business, which he managed under the firm name of W. W. Mosher & Company until 1892, when he, in conjunction with his brother, Mr. Deville G. Jackson, bought ont the interest of Mr. Mosher in his gen- eral mercantile firm, which Messrs. H. E. & D. G. Jackson have since conducted with marked success. Mr. H. E. Jackson married Miss Emma Mosher, a daughter of Mr. W. W. Mosher. He has two children, a boy and a girl. Mr. Jackson is a Mason, a mem- ber of the Royal Arcanum, and identified with local social and benevolent institutions. His brother, Mr. D. G. Jackson, is also a member of the Royal Arcanum, and married Miss Hattie E. Mosher, also a daughter of W. W. Mosher, and has one child, a girl. The firm own their homestead farm of 250 acres in this vicinity.
Johnson, Jesse W., Schuyler, was born in Windham county, Conn., April 25, 1806. He began to work in a factory at the age of six years, and his life has been an active one ever since. He came with his father's family to Schuyler in 1814. In 1841
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HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY.
he married Caroline M. Shepard, of Rome, N. Y. They had two daughters, Eliza- beth W., and Charlotte M. (who died in 1868). Elizabeth W. married Lemuel E. Gilbert, of Brooklyn, N. Y., May 20, 1874, but since the death of her husband, in 1886, has, with her two children, Jesse Carolyn and Stanley, resided with her father. Mr. Jobnson voted for the first Harrison, and has voted the Republican ticket ever since.
Jarvis, David P., Russia, the younger son of Thomas and Mary Jarvis, was born in Canavashire, Wales, May 22, 1836; came to this country in 1841; 1843 came to George Pitman's, in Russia, where he lived until after Mr. Pitman's death, which oc- curred July 4, 1853. Commenced clerking in Prospect; February, 1854, eame to Poland as clerk in union store, where he remained until November, 1861, when he en- listed in Company B, Ninth New York Cavalry. In 1862, while on the Peninsula in Virginia, was taken sick with typhoid fever and was removed to Patterson Park Hos- pital, Baltimore. As soon as he recovered sufficiently he took charge of a sick ward, where he served eight months. He was then given the position of mail agent for the hospital, and as such served until the expiration of his enlistment, November 22, 1864. July, 1865, he returned to his place in the Poland Umon. In 1870 he became agent for the store, which position he still holds. Mr. Jarvis is a member of Newport Lodge, No. 455, F. & A M., and of Poland Lodge, No. 185, A. O. U. W. In polities is a Republican. October, 1866, he married Lucia M., daughter of John and Thankful Gorton, who were among the early settlers of Poland, having come here from Massa- chusetts in 1820. They had one son and five daughters. Mr. Gorton was a manufac- turer of axes and seythes; died May, 1863 ; and Mrs. Gorton in April, 1882.
Higbie, William, Little Falls, was born in Oppenheim, March 24, 1822. His grand- father, George, lived with his parents on Long Island when the British Army occupied New York, and at the time of their evacuation in 1783, they took him prisoner to Nova Scotia. After peace was declared, George returned to Long Island, and finding his family scattered, came to Montgomery county, where he married Margaret McCredy, then removed to Oppenheim, then an unbroken wilderness, filled with bears and wolves. Robert, father of William Higbie, was the oldest son of George Iligbie. Robert mar- ried Catharine Powell, at Oppenheim, in 1816. December 4, 1814, he went out with the militia from a place called East Creek, where the company rendezvoused, and went to Sackett's Harbor to defend this portion of the State from the British, through Can- ada. He stayed there until he received his honorable discharge, then returned to Oppenheim and settled down to keeping hotel and farming. William was the oldest son of four children. He worked upon the farm, and was educated at the common schools in Oppenheim and at Fairfield Academy. March 9, 1844, he entered the law office of Lake & Capron. October 19, 1847, after undergoing a severe examination, he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of New York State. January 8, 1846, he married Harriet, only daughter of Dr. Peter Yost, of Oppenheim. In the fall of 1847 he entered into partnership with Henry Link, which continued for a year. when he opened an office for himself, devoting his time to his profession and speculating in real estate in Illinois, Iowa. Minnesota and Michigan, and to some extent in Wisconsin.
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FAMILY SKETCHES.
Mr. and Mrs. Higbie have two daughters, only one of whom survives, Hattie II., wife of Dr. H. M. Eddy of Geneva, where Mr. Iligbie removed in 1866 for the purpose of edu- cating his daughter, Mrs Eddy. In 1886 he returned to Little Falls, where he is still practicing his profession and carrying on his real estate business.
Ingham, William A, Little Falls, is a native of this place and is the only son of William Schuyler Ingham, the well known manufacturer and railroad contractor. He owns a large flour and grist-mill on Mill street having dimensions of 112 x 96 feet and does a large business. He has been connected with his father in business all his life and is essentially a business man, directing all his energies and devoting all his time to the affairs of his father and himself. He is possessed of much ability and stands high in commercial circles.
Kinne, Jeremiah, 2d, Litchfield, is a farmer and cheese manufacturer. He built the first cheese factory here, in 1863, which burned down in 1887. and was rebuilt in 1888. He was born on the farm where he now lives December 6, 1821, a son of Jeremiah, a native of Connecticut, who settled here in 1803, and died February 27, 1861, aged ninety-one years. His wife was Chloe Wilcox, born September 27, 1783, and died June 25, 1857. Of their children four survive: Samuel H., Martha G. D., Mary J., and Jeremiah 2d. The latter married Mary G. Kenyon, and has four children living : Jennie M., Ella Lucinda, Eva Lavinda, and Mary I., all at the old homestead except Jennie M., who married Daniel J. Whelan, and resides at Ilion. Mrs. Mary G. Kinne died April 1, 1888, aged sixty-four years. She was a native of Rhode Island, and a daughter of S. W. Kenyon.
Keller, Alexander, Manheim, was born in Manheim, March 9, 1820. He has followed farming all of his life, now owning sixty acres in Manheim near Manheim Centre. He married Miss Mary Marsh of this town, and has had seven children, all of whom are living. One of his sons, Geo. W. Keller, assists him at home. The other mem- bers of his family are Peter, Ann, Elisha, Libbie, Jacob and Ella. George W. is the youngest of the children. Mr. Keller formerly had a much larger farm, but disposed of a portion a short time ago.
Kay, William E., Herkimer, farmer, is a native of Frankfort, but has been in Herki- mer for twenty-six years. He is well educated and has a fine literary mind, contribut- ing valuable articles to leading agricultural journals. He is a Mason, belonging to the chapter of Ilion, and the Commandery in Little Falls. He was regent of the Royal Arcanum for three years, and is a charter member of the Herkimer Grange, of which he has been master for three years, and is overseer of the Pomona Grange and a di- rector of the Patron's Fire Association of Herkimer, also a director and charter mem- ber of the Y. M. C. A. Ile is a Republican in politics and a man of prominence and influence in this part of the county. Has been secretary and treasurer of Herkimer County Agricultural Society and commissioner of highways of Herkimer.
Kilts, Willard, Fairfield, son of Peter and Caroline Kilts, was born August 18, 1863, on the homestead farm in the town of Fairfield. The Kilts family settled early in this town, William, great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, assisting in cheating up
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HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY.
the farm now known as Kilts Hill, which his father purchased in 1788 at ten shillings per acre. William served in the War of 1812. His son, Conradt, who inherited the property, assisted in the construction of the old stone bridge on Ann street at Little Falls, which is now being replaced by an iron one. Conradt and his son Peter, made additions to the property from time to time by the purchase of adjoining lands. Con- radt died about 1879 in bis eighty-fourth year. Peter died August 16, 1885, aged sixty-three, leaving his wife, Caroline, whose father was the late Abram Keller, three sons and two daughters surviving. Of his sons, Herman, the eldest, was accidentally drowned in the Erie Canal near Little Falls in 1891 ; Seymour is a farmer at Cortland, N. Y. ; Willard has always lived at home, with the exception of a few years while engaged in teaching school and keeping a grocery store in Utica. lle married, Febru- ary 10, 1892, Cora Bellinger. Ilis sisters are Marietta, wife of H. A. Crofoot of Nor- way, and Carrie, unmarried, living at home.
Kingston, William, Little Falls, paper manufacturer of Little Falls, is a native of Tarrytown, N. Y., and subsequently went to Canada with his parents, but returned in later years to the United States and embarked in the manufacturing lire. He came to Little Falls in 1872 and began the manufacture of shoe lasts. In 1879 he began to manufacture paper for building purposes, in which he has met with fair success. Ilis mill is thoroughly equipped with all the latest and most improved machinery. He manufactures his paper from rags, putting it through all the processes on his premises. He disposes of his products in New York. Mr. Kingston in one of the pioneer mann- facturers of Little Falls, and his name is highly respected in this part of the State.
Koetteritz, Jobn B., Dolgeville, was born in Prussia, Germany. September 14, 1853. He was educated in the military schools of that country, and served as an ensign in Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. In 1872 he became second lieutenant and was stationed for seven years at Alsace-Lorraine, the provinces taken from France. In 1879 he came to America and has since been engaged in State and private service as civil engineer and surveyor. Mr. Koetteritz married Carrie Brockett, and they have two children : Lena, aged ten years, and Burt aged six. Lieutenant Koetteritz is one of the best informed and scientific civil engineers in the State, and has made the study of the Adriondack region a specialty. His large map of the Adirondacks is used by all the State departments as authority.
Knapp, George, Schuyler, born January 15, 1848. He owns a thirty-two acre farm and rents other land. He does a general farming business, and raises considerable fruit. ITis father was Horace H. Knapp. Mr. Knapp has been commissioner of high- ways and town clerk. In 1870 he married Maria Bradbury, and they have seven children.
Kellar, W., Fairfield, is a native of Fairfield, and has been a farmer all his life. Ilis father, Abram Kellar, was also a resident of the town. Mr. Kellar owns 450 acres of land, and a herd of 105 milch cows. He married in 1876 a daughter of David E. Ran- som, and has five children. In politics he is a liberal Democrat, and is identified with the grange at Little Falls.
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FAMILY SKETCHES.
Kerr, Neil, German Flats, was born in Oswego city August 19, 1847, and can e ' Ilion October 7, 1868. He was a contractor in the armory for about a year, and has been with the type-writer since its inception. In this establishment he does all the assembling and employs about sixty men. In 1875 Mr. Kerr married Maggie Creigh- ton Bain, and they have one daughter, Laura Creighton Kerr, aged twelve years. Mr. Kerr's father, Angus Kerr, was a Scotchman, and his wife's people also were Scotch.
Kittams, James H., dentist, German Flats, is a native of Ilion and is a young man of high social standing. He studied for his profession at the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, and graduated D. D. S. May 6, 1892. He then opened his office here and enjoys a large practice. His father, G. H. Kittams, is an Englishman and came to America in 1855.
Kingsbury, Edward H .. Little Falls, is a native of Little Falls. He received his edu- cation in the schools of this village, and at an early age entered a mercantile house here, with which he remained four years. After this he was in the employ of E. B. Waite & Company, paper manufacturers, five years as book keeper. He then entered the employ of P. W. Castler & Company as head book-keeper, with whom he has been four years. Mr. Kingsbury is a descendant on his mother's side from General Herki- mer. He married Frances Orendorf, and they have no children. He is at present one of the town assessors. He has also most acceptably filled the office of town clerk for two terms. He is a staunch Democrat of Jeffersonian principles.
Klock, Peter, Schuyler, was born March 14, 1833, on the farm where he now lives. His father also was a native of this place, and his grandfather came from Germany in 1776. His grandmother was one of the old Mohawk Dutch. January 19. 1860, Mr. Klock married Lonesa M. Jackson, and they have one son, Edgar Jackson Klock, a distinguished student. IIe was educated at Fairfield and Middleville, and belongs to the Philorhetorean Literary Society of the Fairfield Academy.
Kerivan, John T., Frankfort, was born in Ireland in 1844. He came to this country with his mother when five years of age. When eight years of age he went to work for the William Gates Match Works, but later went boating on the Erie Canal, return- ing in 1865 to the William Gates Match Works where he has since remained, rising to the position of superintendent of the Diamond Match Company, which position he now occupies (the Diamond Match Company being successors to William Gates' Sons). On February 2, 1865, he married Miss Mary A. Gaffney of Frankfort; they have four children living : John, Mary, James and Frederick. Mr. Kerivan was elected supervisor of the town in February, 1892.
Kyser, Jacob, Ingham's Mills, was born in Salisbury July 29, 1823. Ile is of Dutch descent, his great-grandfather having settled in this State early in the seventeenth century. His grandfather, after owning land in Salisbury and another township, finally settled in Manheim, and upon his death deeded his farm to his grandson, Jacob Kyser. Upon the death of Cornelius Kyser, father of Jacob, his estate of 200 acres was purchased by the subject of this sketch. This, together with other lands bought by him, makes a total of 540 acres of fine land in his possession. He married Eliza,
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