USA > New York > Herkimer County > History of Herkimer county, New York > Part 78
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De Long, L. M., German Flats, was born January 9, 1823, in Dutehess county. His father was Enoch De Long, and his grandfather Reuben De Long. The family came from France originally. In 1856 Mr. De Long came to his present farm in German Flats. In 1850 he married Lucy M. Paddock, and they have three children. MIr. De Long has been assessor for six years, and has filled other responsible positions.
Davy, John W., Danube, was born October 17, 1832 ; he received a good common school education and has always followed the occupation of farming. His great-grand- father, Thomas Davy, who settled here early in the seventeenth century was killed by the Indians while hberating some cattle belonging to a neighbor, which were stolen and fenced in a wood by these Indians. His grandfather, John Davy, and his father, William Davy, both lived honored lives and died in this county. He owns about 330 acres of fine dairy land. He has been elected to the office of justice of the peace and other offices, but would not qualify, preferring the " even tenor of his way " and having his hands full managing his own farms. He is much esteemed and respected by all.
Donahue, Michael, one of the farmers of Litchfield, was born April 21, 1825, and settled in this town in 1853. He married Ann Paules, and they have lad six children,
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HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY.
of whom five are living. The oldest is Rev. John F. Donahue, who was educated first at Manhattan College, New York, then Grand Seminary at Montreal, Canada, and his education was completed at St. Mary's Seminary at Baltimore. He was ordained priest March 30, 1883. He was sent one year to the Cathedral at Albany, N. Y .; then to the parish of Rock City Falls of Saratoga county, where he remained about two years ; then he was sent to Salem, Washington county, in 1887, where he still remains. The next son is Thomas P., who resides in Chicago. The third son, Edward, and fourth, Joseph P, are both residents of Chicago. The youngest is William, who is at home. The mother of this family, Ann Donahue, died July 23, 1880, aged fifty-two years. The only daughter, Julia A. Donahue, died December 8, 1878, aged twenty-three years.
Dixon & Lewis, Litchfield, lime manufacturers. The stone is taken out of the quarry near the kiln, and there are about 100 acres in the farm in connection with the kiln. They make about 20,000 bushels per year. Charles R. Dixon was born July 15, 1857, in Paris, Oneida county. He is a son of Henry and Clarissa Dixon, natives of Paris, Oneida county. Charles R. Dixon married first Cora Barnes, who died. He married second Sarah P. Burdick, and they have three children, Harry A., Helen B. and Ruth. Fred Lewis was born in New Hartford, Oneida county, November 23, 1867. He mar- ried Edua Foss. He was a son of Thomas and Christiana Lewis.
Davis, George II., Winfieldl, was born in Winfield January 9, 1835, a son of Jeremiah Davis, who came from Rhode Island when he was a young man and worked as a black- smith. He married Amy, daughter of Hawkins Bennett, who was among the first set- tlers of this town. George II. Davis married Harriet M., daughter of Stephen How- land, both natives of Rhode Island. Mrs. Davis died September 26, 1888, and he mar- ried second Ruth, widow of ira Dayger. She is a danghter of Stephen Howland and a sister of Judge Howland, of Auburn.
Dodge, Ira, Litchfield, was born in Frankfort February 17, 1817. He has a dairy and grain farm of 122 acres. He was collector two years, constable seven years, and was also assessor and justice of the peace. He married Hannah Kellogg, of Litchfield, and they have two children, Charles M., of Auburn Theological School, who preached in Sennett last year, and returns there in June; and Frank L., assessor of the town of Litchfield Ira Dodge is one of the sons of John Dodge, a sergeant in the Revolution- ary War. He planted the United States flag on the wall of a fort and did not receive a wound, and from that incident it was said that he was bullet proof.
Day, Almond, Winfield, was born in Winfield March 6, 1819, son of Eli and Aurilla (Tonis) Day. His father, Eli, was born in Winfield December 2, 1791, and died No- vember 30, 1876. Aprilla Day was born April 8 1788. Noah Day, father of Eli, came here by marked trees and settled near West Winfield, and was one of the first settlers of Winfield. He died October 3, 1845. Ile married January 27, 1791, Willia Graves, who was born May 27, 1773, and died August 26, 1854. El Day left three children, Pamelia, Alvin G. and Almond. The latter is the only one living, and married first Clarissa Hosford, who died September 12, 1854, aged twenty-five years. She left one daughter, Ella F., who married Delos M. White January 19, 1875, and they have one
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son, Arthur D. White. Almond Day married second Sarah A., daughter of Chester and Nancy Parke, and they have one daughter, Cora E., who married Horace II. Park- hurst. They have one son, H. Day Parkhurst. John Burgess, one of the sixth gener- ation from the Pilgrims, was among the first settlers of Winfield. He married Urania Morey, and they have eleven children, one of whom, Nancy, married Chester Parke and they had five children. Of these children Sarah A. married Almond Day, who is now a retired farmer of Winfield.
Dennison, Allen W., Warren, was born in Warren December 2, 1841, a son of Abisha and Elizabeth (Weaver) Denison. Subject's father died in Jordanville in 1846. His wife died in March, 1870, in German Flats. They had two children, Allen W. and a daughter, who died, aged three. Allen W. was raised on a farm and has made his own way through life. He had a district and select school education, and at seventeen be- gan the trade of painter, which he followed until about 1875. In April, 1861, he en- listed in Company E., Fourteenth New York Infantry, and was in the quartermaster's service. He was discharged from the hospital at Georgetown in April, 1862. Return- ing home he resumed his trade and worked in German Flats for five years, when he came to Warren and remained five years. In March, 1877 he bought sixty acres, where he now resides. He makes a specialty of hops, has served as collector, and for six years was assessor, also deputy sheriff six years. He is a Republican and a niember of F. & A. M. at Richfield Chapter. He married December 13, 1867, Sarah Loftus, born in Little Falls, daughter of Daniel and Jane (Ferguson) Loftus, both born in New York. He was a manufacturer of plaster, and had one son. Jolin, and six daughters. Subject and wife are of the Universalist faith.
Dess, Louis, Ilion, was born in Alsace May 1, 1846. He came to America in 1849. He began the gun trade with his father, and was subsequently in the army. He was with the Hammond Typewriter for some time, and has been three years with the Type- writer company, for which he has been superintendent this long time. He is the in- ventor of an aligner of great utility, performing what was loug contended could be done only by hand. Several other devices and improvements on typewriters are to be credited to him.
Elwood, Jacob, a native of Holland, was one of the pioneers of Warren when he died. He had six children : Jacob. Benjamin, Joseph, John, Catharine and Elizabeth. Joseph was born in Warren January 27, 1803, where he learned the trade of wagon- maker. He married Betsey Cook and settled in Springfield, Otsego county. He died January 10, 1890. He had four children : Theodore, Delevan. Caroline and Emeline. His wife died January 10, 1892, aged eighty-two. She was born in Springfield, a daughter of Peabody and Mary (Pickard) Cook. Delevan Elwood was born August 29, 1835, in Springfield. At sixteen he began for himself, working by the month on a farm. He worked in a machine shop in Van Hornesville for about ten years, then en- gaged in teaming. For the past fourteen years he has been farming. For two years he ran the Hotel American at Van Hornesville about 1854. He has served as deputy sheriff six years, town clerk two terms and has been supervisor. He is a Republican and a Mason. He married September 24. 1854, Elizabeth, danghter of Daniel and Catharine (Bachus) Snider, of Stark.
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HISTORY OF HIERKIMER COUNTY.
Ellis, Alanson, Russia, was born in Rome, Oneida county, July 22, 1828, and is a son of Daniel and Sallie (Coy) Ellis. The grandfather of Alanson was Asa, a son of Daniel Ellis, who served in the Revolutionary War. Asa was a native of Connecticut, and canie to Madison county, N. Y., where he lived and died in 1838. His wife was La- vina Ellis, who died in 1838, by whom he had two sons and two daughters. Mr. Ellis was in the war of 1812. Alanson Ellis was reared on a farm and received a common school education. In 1850 Sarah Cow, a native of Ireland, became his wife, and they had one son and five daughters, of whom two are living, Francis and Mary. Mrs. Ellis died in 1866, and in 1867 Mr. Ellis married Ruth Wheaton, of Rome, N. Y., by whom he had two children, Jennie and Emma. Mrs. Ellis died in 1879, and in 1882 he mar- ried Louisa Hazelton, of Middleville. For thirty-two seasons, beginning with 1847, Mr. Ellis was a boatman on the Erie Canal. In 1877 he went to Ohio, Herkimer county, where he and a brother bought a saw-mill, in which they were engaged six years. Mr. Ellis then went to lowa, where he followed butchering and farming. From 1880 to 1881 he resided in Newport and then became a farmer of Poland. In 1886 he commenced butchering in Poland, which he has since followed. He is a Democrat.
Ely, Lester, Warren, was born in Theresa, Feb. 15, 1834, a son of Alva and Harriet (Davidson) Ely. His grandfather was Samuel Ely, who was a son of Simeon, whose father came from England and settled in Mass. Simeon Ely was born in Mass. and came to Warren ; his wife was Ruth, who bore him five children. Samuel Ely was also born in Mass., and died in Warren in 1851, aged seventy-seven; his wife was Fannie Cooley, who bore him five children ; she died in 1861, aged eighty-nine. Alva Ely was born in Warren, Dec. 2, 1802, and married Harriet Davidson. He died in 1885, and his wife five years earlier. They had eleven children. Lester Ely was raised in Jefferson and came to Warren when nineteen. In 1862 he bought 126 acres of land where he now resides, and now owns 187 acres. He is a Democrat, and has been assessor. He married Jan. 1. 1861, Mary, danghter of John and Susan Ousterhout, and has had five children, Alice, wife of Rufus Backus; Mary, wife of Rev. D. D. ()'Dell, a Baptist minister ; George, of Omaha, William, of Omaha, Opal.
Edick, John C., Herkimer, was born in Columbia, upon the old homestead of 180 acres, which is yet in his possession and upon which his son, William Edick, resides. Mr. Edick married Miss Margaret Hewnerand, has a family of five daughters and two sons, all living. He is of Mohawk Dutch descent, his ancestors being identified with the war of the Revolution and that of 1812. This family is well and favorably known in Colombia, with whose best interests they have been associated for generations. Mr. Edick retired from active agricultural pursuits some months since, and is now proprietor of the Edick House.
Edick, Henry, jr., Herkimer, was born in Columbia. His family are of German de- scent, but located here over one hundred years ago, where they have since continued to live, taking an active part in local business and political circles. In 1889 Mr. Edick assumed charge of the Tower House in Herkimer, changing the name to the Edick House. which he and his father continued to run until they purchased the Waverly House in this village, and disposed of their interests in the Edick House. Mr. Henry Edick, jr.,
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has held the office of constable, to which office he was appointed when twenty-one years of age, deputy.sheriff for three years, and collector of the town (Columbia) for one year. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and associated with local social organizations. His wife was Miss Libbie Barber, of Columbia, and they have two daughters. His new hotel, the Waverly, has accommodation for from fifty to sixty guests.
Eckel, Fred. W., llerkimer, was born in Syracuse. After receiving a good common school education, he learned the machinist trade, at which he afterwards worked for thirteen years, traveling during this time extensively. Among the many States that he visited we may mention Texas, Kansas, Colorado, California, Washington, Oregon. Louisiana, etc. He followed mining for some time in California. Mr. Eckel took charge of the Mansion House, Herkimer, about two years ago. This hotel can accom- modate about fifty guests, although as many as 160 have been provided for on especial occasions. Mr. Eckel's uncle, Philip Eckel, was chief of the Fire Department of Syracuse for twenty-five years, and was killed on duty. The family has served in the war of the Rebellion, and has been identified with the best interests of the locality.
Eaton, Irving, farmer, of Little Falls, was born on the farm where he now lives November 15, 1833, and his father before him was also born on this farm. He is one of the recognized leading farmers of the county, liberal-minded and intelli- gent, and in addition to farming 200 acres of land-his own property-also gives considerable attention to hees, of which he has about forty hives. In 1870 he married Amy Keyser, aad they have two children, Belle L. and Grace L., the former nineteen, and the latter fourteen years of age. The family are members of the Universalist Church. Mr. Eaton is a Republican in politics, and liberal in his views.
Eggleston, Oscar E., Winfield, was born in Winfield January 12, 1837, and married October 16, 1861, Hannah E., daughter of William and Lucinda (Smith) MeLaughton. Her father was a son of David, who was the only child of William McLanghton, one of the first settlers of this town, and a thoroughly representative man, religious, public- spirited and upright. His life as a man and citizen is worthy of imitation. He had three children : William Milton, David L., and Hannah E., all living at the present time. Oscar Eggleston and wife have one child, William Seymour. Subject owns the old MeLaughton farm. He has a combination of twelve cheese factories, which he runs; also is breeder of fine horses.
Ellsworth, Sylvester, Stark, was born near Penn Yan. where his father was a pioneer, and came to Stark, where he married Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Ilawick, of Ohio, about 1820, and settled at Richmond, Ohio, where he ran a hotel and gro- cery business. Owing to failing health he came back to Stark, leaving his family, and he went out to Saratoga, where he died in 1826, leaving a widow and five chil- dren : Edith, Mulberry, Judiah, Sylvester H. and Nelson. Edith and Sylvester H. survive. His wife died here in 1864, aged sixty-seven. Sylvester Ellsworth was born in the State of Ohio, November 17, 1822, and came to Stark, with his mother, at the age of fourteen. He began working by the month on a farm at twenty-two
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HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY.
with his mother. He bought sixty acres of land in town and began farming, adding to this 160 acres adjoining. Ile still owns 100 acres here. In 1864 he bought and located on 200 acres one mile east of Starkville, where he now resides, owning one-third of a farm of 100 acres. He served as supervisor five terms on the Democratic ticket, is a leading Mason, and a member of Utica Commandery, Mystic Shrine .. Mr. Ellsworth married February 1, 1848, Betsey M., daughter of Warner and Margaret (Guyts) Nel- lis. They have five children : Ellen, wife of Anthony Roof ; Clark, Charles, Frank and Martha, wife of Charles Ward. Charles and Frank are in San Francisco.
Eckler, Jeremiah, Warren, was born in Little Lakes, April 2, 1824, a son of Henry and Lydia (Conklin) Eckler. The grandfather was Peter, who came from Germany prior to the Revolution and settled on Otsquago Creek in Warren and served in the war as captain. He had many an interesting experience with the Indians, once having a wrestle with one of their chiefs. He also served in the war of 1812. He was twice married and had a large family. One son, Henry, was born in Warren and served in the war of 1812. He died, aged sixty-five, before the Rebellion. His wife did in 1889. She was born in August, 1803, and they had ten children, nine of whom survived: William, of Iowa; Hannah, deceased; Jerry, Henry, of Stark ; Jacob, of Otsego county ; Lydia, Nancy, deceased ; Thomas, Mary, deceased; Mahlon. Jeremiah was reared on a farm and received a district school education. At the age of twelve he began for himself on a farm and at the same time assisted his family. In 185] he located where he now resides, and rented 250 acres. In 1861 he bought the place. to which he has added many improvements and fine buildings, and he now owns 280 acres. In 1872 he built a cheese factory, which burned in 1882, which he rebuilt, and now makes about 2,500 pounds per week, He is a Democrat in politics. His wife was Delia Osterhout, born in Warren, a daughter of Jacob and Polly MI. (Devoe) Osterhont, who were early pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Eckler have had six children, five of whom survive : Isaiah, of Mohawk ; Delilah, wife of Horatio Mayer; Irvin, of Little Lakes; William, of Spring- field ; Esther, who died young, and Harvey.
Fleming, G. C., Little Falls, was born in Little Falls and received his education in the schools and academy here. He established himself in the present business in 1871, prior to which time he had been engaged in clerking here. Ile is of Irish-American descent, and identified with local Democratic politics. He served as assessor for six years. His business consists of the retail of fine groceries, fruit, confectionery and oysters. He married Miss McCormick, of Little Falls, and has three children. His establishment is located at No. 307 Second street, in which he furnishes employment to several clerks and keeps two delivery wagons constantly on the roads.
Forest, John W., Russia, was born in Russia, September 19, 1853, a sou of Mark, whose parents were John, born December 23, 1774, and Martha, born November 9, 1773, natives of Ireland, who were among the first settlers of Poland. Their children were: Mary, Betsey, William, John and Mark, James, Martha, Betsey and Sallie. Mr. Forest died April 14, 1855, and his wife August 29, 1854. Mark Forest was born in Russia, July 20, 1818, and married Angeline Hunter, a native of Hamilton county, born May 20, 1824, and daughter of David Hunter, a native of Massachusetts. The children
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of Mark Forest and wife were: Ethel, George, deceased ; John, Alvira, deceased ; Frank, Ida, deceased. He died November 7, 1869. and his wife now resides with John W. Forest. The latter married February 22, 1888, Hattie Simpson, born March 5, 1866, a daughter of William Simpson, a son of Abel Simpson, a son of Abram Simpson, of Revolutionary fame. Mr. Simpsou was born October 17, 1830. In 1851 he married Mary Hine, of Norway, and had four children. Hle married second, Susan C. Plumb, by whom he had one daughter, Hattie, the wife of subject. Mr. Forest has manufac- tured cheese about two years, but his principal occupation is that of a general farmer. He is a Democrat in politics.
Flansburg, Jerry, Ohio, was born in Ohio, December 12, 1844. He is a son of Bar- tholomew and Angeline (Stephens) Flansburg, and was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. July 29, 1862, he enlisted in the 1520 N. Y. Volunteers, Com- pany B, and was discharged at Munson Hill, Va., in 1865. He served at the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Mine Run and North Anna River. At the latter place he was wounded in the right arm and taken to the hospital at Washington (Mt. Pleas- ant). After his recovery, by request he returned to his regiment, and at the close of the war returned to Ohio. In 1867 he married Mary J. Potter, of Ohio, daughter of Chauncey and Margaret Potter. Jannary 12, 1876, Mr. Flansburg lost his wife, and he married second, Iola Hess, of Ohio, daughter of Adam and Helen J. Hess. By his first wife he had one son, Egbert; his second wife bore him two children, Helen M. and II. Lee. Mr. Flansburg is a Republican, has been supervisor one year, assessor nine years, justice of the peace one term, town clerk, collector and auditor. He is a member of the G. A. R., Helmer Post, at Herkimer, and he and his wife attend the M. E. church.
Flansburg, Philip J., Ohio, a native of Ohio, was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. He is a farmer by occupation and has always resided in Ohio. IIe is a son of Francis A. Flansburg, whose parents were Bartholomew and Angeline (Ste- phens) Flansburg. Francis A. was born in Ohio, December 17, 1830. From 1852 to 1855 he worked for Hinkley & Ballon. April 28, 1855, he married Casandana Conklin, of Duanesburg. Her parents were Samuel and Mary B. (Curtis) Conklin, who were the parents of fourteen children. They came early to Schoharie county, in 1843 went to Ohio, and in 1862 moved to Attica, Wyoming county, where Mr. Conklin died No- vember 19, 1882, and Mrs. Conklin, July 15, 1879. Francis A. Flansburg and wife had four sons and two daughters : Mary C., Charles G., Bertha F., Philip J., Albert E. and George F., all of whom are living. Mary G. is now Mrs. Charles Wagner. Charles D. is a farmer at Erie, Pa. Bertha F. is the wife of John A. Doonan, and resides in South Dakota. Philip J. resides in Wilmurt, and Albert E. is guide at Honalogue Lake. George F. lives at home. Mr. Flansburg has always been a farmer, except for three years spent at lumbering, and has held the offices of justice of the peace, poormaster, highway commissioner, clerk, constable and inspector of elections.
Fenner, John B., Manheim, was born in Fairfield, and received his education in the the schools of Norway. His family is of New England descent, having settled in this State about 1800. After passing several years in the employ of different rep- resentative firms of Little Falls and Dolgeville, established his present ready-made
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clothing and men's furnishing store about two years ago. In February, 1892, he was elected town clerk, which position he still most acceptably fills. He married a Miss. Jackson, and they have one sons
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Ford, Daniel, German Flats, was born in Mohawk, December 28, 1831. He fol- lowed boating until thirty years of age on the Erie canal, and then began the contract- ing business on State and railroad work, which he has followed ever since. Mr. Ford is a prominent Mason, a member of the Memphis Shrine, the thirty-second degree, Scottish Rite. In 1852 he married Miss Ann E. Van Alstine, and they have two daugh- ters, both married, Mrs. Dr. Rasbach and Mrs. Isaac Small, of Topeka, Kansas
Ford, C. T., mason and contractor of Middleville, was born in Fairfield May 28, 1829. He began his trade at the age of fifteen with his father, and has followed it continu- onsly and successfully all his life. He has erected a good many important buildings besides doing all kinds of contract work throughout this part of the county, in fact about all of it and has a high reputation as a business man and a reliable contractor. In 1863 Mr. Ford married Miss Margaret Davis. Mr. Ford is a Republican in politics and his father served at Sackett's Harbor in the War of 1812.
Ferguson, Thomas D., Little Falls, was born in Little Falls February 2, 1866. He received his education in the common schools and Little Falls Academy, after which he clerked for about six years. In 1888 he bought out the grocery and meat market of M. Craske & Company, which he has since most successfully conducted. He employs abont four clerks and delivers about Little Falls and vicinity. Mr. Ferguson was nom- inated for corporation treasurer upon the Republican ticket, and ran far ahead of his ticket, but this being a strong Democratic town he was not elected. He married Laura B. Staley, of Michigan. They have no children.
Foley, Daniel, German Flats, chief of police of Ilion, was born in Ireland but has been in America since 1849. Ile settled in Little Falls. In 1862 he enlisted in Com- pany H, 121st N. Y. Regiment and was in some of the most important battles. He was wounded at Spottsylvania and was honorably discharged March 28, 1865. He took up blacksmithing after the war and has followed it ever since. He came to Ilion in 1875 and was appointed chief in 1892. Chief Foley married Miss Catherine Mul- queen and they have five children. He is a Republican in politics.
Fallis, Theodore, Little Falls, was born in Fultonville, Montgomery county, August 22, 1855. lle received an excellent education in the schools of Johnstown, after which he learned the trade of cigar-making. Mr. Fallis then traveled extensively throughont this country, working at his trade. In 1876 he decided to settle in Little Falls, N. Y., starting a business for himself, which proved a success, and which he still conducts. He manufactures cigars for wholesale and retail trade and also deals in tobacco and smokers' goods. He employs a corps of skilled assistants. Mr. Fallis is a member of the I. O. R. M., Elks, etc., and has served as treasurer of the poor fund, collector, etc. He is a staunch Democrat. He married Mary Pierce, by whom he has five children.
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