USA > New York > Herkimer County > History of Herkimer county, New York > Part 76
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Bardin, Park M., Winfield, was born in Plainfield, June 13, 1848, and settled in Winfield on the farm where he now lives in 1856. It consists of 150 acres. It is a dairy and grain farm and is part of that formerly owned by Col. Newton A. Wilcox, who was the largest dairy farmer of his time, keeping one hundred cows. Ile was born on this farm where his father, John Wilcox, settled. Mr. Bardin married, October 13, 1869, Fannie S. Brigham, of Westmoreland, Oneida county. They have three children : Edith L., Earl C. and Ward N. Park M. Bardin is a son of Seth Bardin, who was born in Plainfield but settled on this farm in 1856, and he was a son of Seth Bardin also.
Baker, Herbert E., Schuyler, is a native of Schuyler, and was born August 15, 1852. Ile married Agnes Wilmot in 1878, and they have three sons and a danghter. Mr. Baker was educated in Whitestown and Fulton Seminary. His father was Albert and his grandfather was Hiram Baker.
Barrett, Murtis A., Dolgeville, was born in Oppenheim September 4, 1868. He was educated in the Oppenheim school and the Fairfield Academy, and worked with his father, Patrick Barrett, on the farm in Oppenheim until 1889, then for two years he worked at the brick business in the east. In November, 1891, he established his pres- ent liquor business in Dolgeville, which he has since successfully conducted.
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FAMILY SKETCHES.
Baker, Hiram V., Schuyler, was born on the farm he now owns, October 26, 1822. His father, Hiram Baker, was born February 21. 1800, and died in 1887. His grand- father, George Baker, came from Ireland in the last century and his grandmother from Rhode Island, In 1847 Mr. Baker married M. E Bridenbecker, daughter of Jacob Bridenbecker, a descendant of an old Mohawk Dutch family. Mr. Baker is one of the prominent men of Schuyler and has been highway commissioner and assessor of the town. Ilis father was school commissioner and clerk of the dis- trict for many years.
Burch, Frederick, Schuyler, is a native of Schuyler, born February 9, 1830. He owns a farm of 138 acres and raises grass and dry stock. He has been town clerk three terms and excise commissioner. In 1860 Mr. Burch married Mary Sterling, and they have four children, one son and three daughters. Lovell, father of Frederick, was a native of Massachusetts.
Brown, William, Russia, was born in Whitesboro, Oneida county, in October, 1839. He was reared by Elias Stanton, for many years a resident of Gravesville, N. Y. In 1859 he married Martha Wilkins, a native of England, horn in 1842, and a daughter of Matthew and Elizabeth (Howell) Wilkins, natives of England. They had four daugh- ters and two sons. In 1847 Mr. Wilkins and family came to America, settling in Utica, N. Y. Mr. Wilkins was a blacksmith by trade and died in 1888. His wife died in 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had four children, Cora, Ida, Frederick and Fannie, all of whom are living. Cora married Stephen Agne, of Utica, and Ida married Will- Jam Robinson, of Russia. When young, Mr. Brown worked on a farm and attended the public schools. For eleven years he worked on the New York Central Railroad, and afterwards for six years he worked in the oil wells of Franklin, Pa. He now works on a farm in Russia. He and his wife are members of the Russia Grange and of the Baptist church of Russia. Mr. Brown is a Democrat.
Bennett, Howard M., Dolgeville, was born in this town, in the village of Deck, in 1840. His father, Michael Lockwood Bennett, had a family of eight children, seven of whom are living. Howard M. Bennett went West early in life and was engaged in farming for some time. In 1864 he returned to Salisbury Center, and afterward fol- lawed his trade in Ilion for ten years. About fifteen years ago he entered the employ of A. Dolge, and is now foreman of the planing-mill and hox shop. Mr. Bennett is a skillful workman and is identified with various local societies.
Burns, M., German Flats, was born in Fairfield September 20, 1868. After living on his father's farm at Shell's Bush for some time he came to Mohawk and spent seven seven years in the livery business there. Ile then came to Ilion and bought out the leading livery stable in 1892, which he now conducts. Ile is an active Democrat.
Baker, J. C., German Flats, was born in Sheffield, England, December 9, 1836. He came to America in 1845 and learned his trade in Waterville, Conn., afterwards moving to Winsted, Conn. He came to Ilion in 1861, and has been in the armory ever since. having been contractor for several years, and latterly being with the typewriter works. In 1855 he married Augusta Truman, and their children are: John T. Baker, jr., Mrs. I. A. Chatteway, and Annette, who is at home.
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IHISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY.
Bronson, O. W., German Flats, was born in Warren, Herkimer county, April 12, 1818, and was at first a carriage-maker and then a farmer. He is now interested in the Mohawk Knitting Mills, and was president of the street railways for ten years. Hle now lives retired. In 1851 he married Miss E. G. Harter, and they have two children, Arthur W. and Mrs. Rev. J. B. Brundell. Mr. Bronson has been justice of the peace and justice of the sessions many years.
Briggs, Nathan, German Flats, popularly known as Nate Briggs, was born in Gal- way, Saratoga county, July 8, 1832. He has been prominently identified with leading hotels for many years, and is the present proprietor of the Briggs House. Ilion. He is and has been United States marshal for many years. He has been deputy sheriff and postmaster at Sprakers, N. Y., and filled other responsible positions. Mr. Briggs mar- ried Urella Krouse, and by her had a son, Fernando C., and a daughter, now Mrs. J. II. Gammond. Mr. Briggs married second in 1886 Agnes C. Bevens.
Boyce, John, Ohio, was born in Ohio March 10, 1858. His father was David Boyce, and he was a son of Henry Boyce, whose father was Elias. Henry was born in Co- lumbia eounty, where he lived and died. He was drafted in the war of 1812. His wife was Catharine Rowe, by whom he had two children. David Boyce was born in Columbia county in 1818, was reared on a farm and has always followed farming. Ilis wife was Betsey Garrison, of Columbia county, and they had four sons and five daugh- ters. Three of the sons were in the late war, Henry, David E. and George. Henry enlisted in the Eighty-first New York Volunteers, Company C, in 1861, serving a short time. David E. enlisted in the same company in 1862 and served until the close of the war. He was in Salisbury prison about one year, which caused his death in 1865. George enlisted in 1863 and served until the close of the war. Ile was wounded in one leg while doing picket duty. John Boyce was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. In 1889 he married Hattie Wells, of Ohio, daughter of Charles and Rebecca Wells, of Wilmurt, and they have two children. Mr. Boyce has always been a farmer, and in politics is a Democrat.
Bellinger, Steward, Little Falls, was born in Little Falls. He received his education in the schools and academy here, and has devoted his entire time and attention since that time to his lairy farm, which contains 193 acres. He has about forty head of cattle, besides other stock. Mr. Bellinger is an active and enthusiastic member of the Grange. Ile also belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and is identified with local, social and benevolent institutions. He married Elizabeth Sponable, and they have one child, a son, living.
Barse, Charles I., Little Falls, is a native of Little Falls, and although a young, un- married man, represents substantial agricultural interests. His father, Charles Barse, was also a native and life-long resident of Little Falls His mother is still living. Mr. Barse has 175 acres of land and a herd of forty milch cows. He is a member of the Grange and enterprising farmer. The family consists of four brothers and one sister, and is one of the oldest and best known in the county, the grandfather having settled here in the early part of the present century.
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Bellinger, P. S., is a native of Little Falls and has passed his entire life here, being now seventy-three years of age. He owns 234 acres of land, all used for dairy pur- poses and hay. He comes of an old and well known family of historic fame, his grandfather on his mother's side having served in the Revolution, and his father in the war of 1812. Mr. Bellinger is well known throughout this part of the State, and is a Mason, a member of the Grange and of the Royal Areanum. He has been commis- sioner of highways for three years and was assessor for three years. He east his first vote against the first Harrison, and has been a Democrat ever since, and has never missed but one town meeting.
Broat, Henry, Manheim, was born January 9, 1821, on the old farm located on the Salisbury Plank Road in the township of Manheim, which he still owns. His farm contains 200 acres of fine dairy land, upon which he keeps about forty-five cows, twelve head of horses, besides other stock. His first wife was Miss Mary Doxtater, and some time after her death he married his present wife, Miss Margaret Keller, a danghter of Samuel Keller. He has four children living, all of whom are married. Henry Broat's father served in the war of 1812 at Sacketts Harbor, and his brother, Squire Broat, has settled on the Salisbury road not far from the old homestead.
Brockett, Calvin, Dolgeville, was born at Dolgeville, formerly called Brockett's Bridge, July 15, 1854. His family have been prominent here since the War of the Revolution. Calvin was educated in the common schools, and followed farming until he sold his farm to Alfred Dolge. He married Ione Kible and they have three daugh- ters. Mr. Broekett is a member of the board of education, and is identified with va- rious social and benevolent institutions, the Masonie brotherhood, etc. He is now en- gaged in the hard and soft wood traffic, and is erecting a saw-mill for the convenience of his trade.
Burney, J. G., Little Falls. Before the War of the Rebellion broke out there dwelt in St. Lawrence county, this State, a family typical in every way of the best social and national elements. Here were the father and mother, and four sons and two daughters. The truest family t'es and sentiments united them, but when the war broke out the spirit of patriotism led the father and eldest son to the front. The son, then only eighteen years of age, is tbe subject of this sketch. His father, Thomas Burney, took siek at New Orleans and returned home to die in the forty-fourth year of his age, leav- ing the mother with the care and support of five young children. The men and women into which these children have grown are the highest meed of praise that can be given her, but she is a type of the most suffering mothers of the war times, whose names should be forever perpetuated. J. G. Burney enlisted in December, 1863, and was mus- tered in January, 1864, in Company M, Eighteenth New York Cavalry. His regiment operated in Louisiana and Texas, and was kept in the vicinity of New Orleans for a con- siderable time. They were paid off and honorably discharged at Galveston, Texas, in 1866. He was mustered out as sergeant. After the war Mr. Burney worked at his trade of wagon-making for some years and then traveled for about ten years; two for the Warrior Mower company, then for a Utica firm for a time and finally settled in Lit- tle Falls in 1885, and on January I, 1891, became a partner in the firm of Burney
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IHISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY.
Brothers. Mr. Burney is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Grand Army. lle helped to organize Thomas Post, at Prospect, and was its commander for several years. He is a man much esteemed in both social and commercial circles for his many qualities of head and heart.
Brandon, Rev. Peter, Warren, came from Greene county, N. Y., to a place near Sehuyler's Lake, and thence to Cramer's Corners, Herkimer county. Most of his time was spent in Otsego county. He married Rebecca Worden, by whom he had five chil- dren : Sally, Betsey, Deborah, Catharine and John W. Peter Brandon and his wife died in Otsego county. John W. was born near Schuyler's Lake, Otsego county, Au- gust 11, 1810. He was a carriage-maker and undertaker, and served as justice thirty- two years. He died in Otsego county, Angust 21, 1884. Ile married Catharine Connine, born in Springfield, a daughter of Richard and Rebecca Connine, natives of New Eng- land. John W. had ten children, several of whom survived: Rebecca, Pinckney, Ada- line, Marshall, lda Yonng, John W., Alfred, Leroy J. and Amelia Druse. The mother still survives. John W. was born in Springfield, December 31, 1841. He received a com- mon school education, and at fourteen began to earn his own living. In 1868 he located in Warren on thirty-seven acres, farming and running a shop. In 1871 he located in Jordanville and bought a building which he now runs as a hotel. Ile also carried on a wagon, furniture and undertaking business up to 1885, when he converted the building into a hotel, which he ran for two years, then sold out. He traveled two years for a patent wood-filler, which he manufactures, and which is one of the finest made. lIe is a Mason and is a Democrat in politics. He married January 6, 1866, Mariah Van Horne, born in Stark, a daughter of Walter and Eliza (Stoughter) Van Horne, and their chil- dren are as follows: Lena A., Emma, wife of Ellis D. Elwood, and Ralph Rodney. Walter Van Horne was born in Van Hornesville, July 10, 1806. He lived forty years on his first farm, then moved to Columbia, remaining eight years. Since March, 1892, he has lived with his daughter, Mrs. Brandon. His wife died in 1873. They had seven children, four sons and three daughters. Mr. Van Horne was a son of Richard, who, with his brother Daniel, built the first mill where the stone furniture building now stands at Van Hornesville. The present mill was built by Cornelius Van Horne and Acre Fox. The wife of Richard was Cornelia Ten Eycke, by whom he had nine chil- dren, seven of whom grew to maturity. Richard was a son of Abram Van Horne, who came from New Jersey before the Revolution and settled in Montgomery county, and later was the first settler in Van Hornesville. He married a Miss Hough, by whom he had eight children.
Bronner, Walter 1., Stark, was born where he now resides, September 29, 1864, a son of Isaac D. and Mary C. (Harwick) Bronner. The grandfather, Daniel, was born in Stark and settled on the farm where Walter I. now resides, in 1832, and there he re- sided until his death, June 4, 1858, aged sixty-three years. Hle served in the war of 1812, and his father, Christian, served in the Revolutionary War, and his father, Christian Bronner, was a native of Germany. Daniel's wife was Catharine Wager, who died December 29, 1865, aged fifty-nine years. They had eight children : Oliver, Barnard, Isaac D., Daniel, Anna M., Dorothy E. J., Lucy J. and Clarissa. Isaac D.
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Bronner was born where Walter I. now resides, in 1832, and lives with his son. Walter
He had seven children : Catha L., Elmer E., Walter I., Carrie M., M. Enola, I. Harwick D., F. Fayette, all of which are still living. Mrs. Mary C. Bronner, their mother, died January 19, 1819. Five of the children have been school teachers. Mr. Bronner is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Walter I. received his education at the common schools and at Richfield Springs, also at Herkimer, and at eighteen he be- gan teaching and has taught during the winter ever since. At sixteen he began life for himself. He has followed cheese-making for two years at Van Hornesville. Mr. Bron- ner is a Granger and a Good Templar, and is active in the temperance cause. In Oc- tober, 1889, he bought the old homestead, which consists of 107 acres of land. He is a breeder of Jersey cattle. The original stock was the first Jerseys ever owned in the county, brought here by his father in 1867 from New Jersey. Mr. Bronner is also the only breeder of Dorset horned sheep in this county.
Bellinger, Joseph II., Herkimer, was born near the village of Herkimer and has been a farmer all his life. He owns 260 acres of land and has forty milch cows. His father was Henry Bellinger. In 1849 Mr. Bellinger married Caroline Christie, and they have three children, two sons and one daughter, all married. The sons are Charles P. and Joseph I. Mr. Bellinger is at present one of the trustees of the town, and has been collector. He is a Mason, a member of the Grange, and in politics is a Republican.
Bronner, Alonzo, Warren, was born in Warren, January 11, 1832, and is a son of Peter and Catherine (House) Bronner. His grandfather, Frederick, was born in Stark and after his marriage came to Warren. He served in the war of 1812, and died in Stark, aged ninety-one; his wife died at the house of Alonzo. They had ten children, six of whom reached maturity. Alonzo Bronner has always lived in Warren, except two years in Stark. At twenty-one he began for himself, working by the month, and now owns the farm of 120 acres, where he lives. He is a Democrat and has been as- sessor. He married January 22, 1861, Hannah M., daughter of Isaac and Leah (Bron- ner) Maxfield. They had one son, Emery J., who died August 17, 1888, leaving a widow.
Beattie, William, Little Falls, was born in Little Falls, Herkimer county, N. Y., March 20, 1858. His father, William Beattie, was a native of Dumfrieshire, Scotland, who came to this country early in the nineteenth century, and settled in Little Falls, where he conducted a brewery for nearly thirty years. William, jr., was connected with his father in the business, and after his death succeeded to the property, which had been, in 1883, transformed to a hotel, the brewery being discontinued at that date. Mr. Beattie is now an extensive real estate owner, besides being the possessor of consider- able other property. He owns the Beattie House, as well as many desirable residences ; also a roller rink, which is situated upon very valuable land on Main street. He mar- ried Libbie M. Keller.
Brown, Jacob H., Little Falls, was born in Oppenheim, Fulton county, May 9, 1846. His earlier years were spent on a farm. He kept a meat market in Dolgeville for eight years ; then for two years he was located at Ingham's Mills, engaged in the sewing
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HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY.
machine business. Then for a time he was in the employ of the Warren Machine Com- pany, of Little Falls. Mr. Brown then entered the employ of the Central Railroad company, with whom he remained fourteen years, filling many important positions, such as conductor, train dispatcher, detective, etc. Mr. Brown is at present engaged in the grocery business in Little Falls. He also owns two dairy farms near Dolgeville. He is a member of several local social and benevolent institutions. Mr. Brown has a family of six children, three sons and three daughters.
Benedict, Charles, Little Falls, was born in 1827 in German Flats, and for a period of fifty years has been actively engaged in the manufacture of carriages. He began the business in 1844, and located in Little Falls in 1850. Ilis business life has been a pro- nounced success. He owns the large brick block on the corner of Mary and Main streets, where his factory is located, as well as a handsome residence on Mary street, and other valuable property Mr. Benediet takes an intelligent interest in public affairs, and has served on the school board twelve years successively, and nine years on the vil- lage board. Mr. Benedict began the manufacture of carriages twenty-five years before the introduction of machine-made vehicles, and has shipped his carriages all over the Union and into Europe.
Bailey, Squire, superintendent of the Little Falls Knitting Mills, is a native of Batley. England and a son of the president of these mills. He came to America with his father when a child, thirty-five years ago. He was born June 8, 1854. He learned the knit- ting trade in Utica, and came here when the Little Falls mills were being built, working on them from the foundation up, and then in them ever since. In 1886 he was appointed superintendent. Mr. Bailey is highly popular with all classes, and has held the office of alderman. He is a prominent member of the Elks, and of the Masonic Fraternity.
Bonsfield, John C., Russia, was born in Russia November 7, 1867, and was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. In 1891 he married Minnie Roberts, a native of Russia and daughter of David and Sarah (Grove) Roberts. Mr. Bonsfield was a farmer until 1887, when he engaged as clerk with French & Ross of Northwood, and was with them three years. He then purchased the store and has since been proprietor and carries a general line of groceries, dry goods, drugs, etc. He is a Democrat and has been justice of the peace one year. John C. was a son of Christopher, who was a son of John, a son of William Bonsfield, a native of Westmoreland. His wife was Miss Shaw. John Bonsfield was a native of England and came to the United States in 1832. His wife was Sarah Grove, a native of Worcester. England, and they had three sons and two daughters. He first settled in Madison county and married Clara Ashley, a native of Chatham, and daughter of Russell D. and Sarah (Gale) Ashley. Sarah, youngest daughter of John Bonsfield, now resides on the farm settled by her father. She married John D. Jones, a native of Wales. Mr. Jones was thirteen years old when he came with his parents to America. He died in 1888. By his first wife Mr. Jones had nine children.
Christman, Nicholas, Herkimer, is probably the oldest resident of Herkimer county. He was born September 1, 1803. He was first a carpenter and joiner and afterwards a farmer, which he has been for fifty-six years. He owns sixty acres of land and
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thirteen milch cows, and does dairy farming. He has been commissioner of highways. In 1829 he married Hannah Wohver, and they have eight children living, live of whom are married and three are yet home. Mi. Christman's greatest pride is that his family has always been most agreeable and congenial. His grandfather, John Christman, took an active part in the Revolutionary War, and was in the burning of the old mill in Little Falls, by the Indians and Tories.
Coonradt, A. B., Russia, was born in Brunswick, Rensselaer county, N. Y., a son of P. A. Coonradt, a son of George, a son of Jeremiah, who was a native of Brunswick. His father with two brothers came from Germany during the Revolutionary War. They paid their passage by serving in the war. Jeremiah settled in Troy and married Miss Smith, and had twelve children. Mr. Coonradt was born in Brunswick in 1800. His wife was Miss Coonradt and they had five sons and four daughters. Mr. Coonradt died in Brunswick in 1867, and his wife in 1847. P. A. Coonradt was born in Bruns- wick February 19, 1822. He followed teaching many years and then engaged in the mercantile business until 1865, when he came to Cold Brook and was agent for the Union store one year. He then moved to Prospect and resided there until 1870. when he went to Rockford, Ill., where he is at present engaged in the manufacture of shoes. Mr. Coonradt married Sarah, daughter of John Coonradt, who was in the War of 1812. To P. A. Coonradt and wife were born three sons and one daughter. Mr. Coonradt was supervisor and also town clerk. Subject assisted his father. in the mercantile business when young and at the age of ten came with his parents to Russia. In 1886 he married Hattie E. Moon, a native of Russia, and a daughter of Harriet and Cameron Moon of Rensselaer and Herkimer counties, respectively. Mr. Moon died January 25, 1891, and his wife still resides in Cold Brook. To subject and wife have been born two sons : Frank and Leon, both residing at home. In 1870 Mr. Coonradt entered the mercantile business with his son Frank and his father-in-law, Mr. Moon. In 1874 Mr. Moon re- tired and Mr. Coonradt and son continued until 1883, since which time subject has been sole proprietor. He is a Republican and has been town clerk, and is a member of the Newport Lodge 455 F. & A. M.
Cooper, Henry C., Norway, was born in Cold Brook February 6, 1828. His father was Charles Cooper, a son of Solomon Cooper, a native of Connecticut. The wife of Solomon Cooper was Mary Meacham, by whom he had three sons and two daughters. Mr. Cooper died in Russia in 1861, at the age of eighty-four. In 1810 he came with his parents to Russia, where he lived and died. In 1826 he married Margaret Thomp- son of Johnstown, born June 17, 1805, who bore him one son and four daughters. Mr. Cooper was a Mason, and a farmer hy occupation. He died July 5, 1889. His wife now resides in Cold Brook and is eighty-eight years old. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and in Fairfield Academy. At the age of seventeen he began teaching school and followed that three years. May 4, 1854, he married Jane M. Pritchard, who bore him five children : Wendle P., Adel- bert R., who died at the age of fourteen years, Lizzie, who died in infancy, Ella M., and Charles W. Mr. Cooper is a farmer by occupaton. Early in life he was a Gar- risonian Abolitionist, and when the Republican party was organized united with that
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