USA > New York > Herkimer County > History of Herkimer county, New York > Part 84
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 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90
Rice, Albert M., Winfield, cattle dealer and farmer, was born in Pompey, Onondaga county, September 10, 1863, and settled in Winfield in 1856. He was in the store in West Winfield, with Russell Huntley, four years. He then came to East Winfield, and engaged in farming and cattle dealing, which he continues. He is a son of Isaiah H. and Almira Rice, the latter a native of Onondaga county, and the former of Massa- chusetts. Albert M. Rice married Luna A., daughter of Theron T. Morgan, who was born in this town, a son of Jobn Morgan. Her mother was Harriet M. Rice, daughter of Matthew Keith. Albert M. Rice has three children: Harriet A., Franklin A., and George M.
Rising, James G., Litchfield, a farmer, was born in this town, and married Emma Gallup. They have one daughter, Julia, who married Frank Woodbury, and have a daughter, Nina. James G. is a son of Moses and Polly Ilewett Rising. There are five of the children now living, all farmers: Lovina, Mary, William, James G., and Milo M. Moses was a son of Abner Rising, a native of Massachusetts, one of the first settlers of Litchfield. He married Abigail Devotion, they had seven children : Abner, jr., Oliver, Moses, Harry, Desire, Rowena and Abigail. Mrs. Emma Rising is a daughter of Dan- iel and Amy Gallup.
Rider, Emerson D., Litchfield, one of the prominent farmers of Litchfield, was a son of Harlow D. Rider, a native of this town, who was the youngest son of Ezra Rider, who died November 10, 1870, aged eighty-six years. Harlow D. died February 20, 1879, aged 65 years. He married Emeransa Wilcox, March 22, 1879. They had two children: Emerson D. and Lillie A. Emerson D. married, February 4, 1885, Amelia Vosburg, and they have two children living : Erwin H. and Will H. They have lost one son, Earnest, who died September 6, 1886, aged six months. Lillie Rider married, March 22, 1884, Zetto Brewer, a son of Jacob Brewer. Emeransa Wilcox was a daughter of Daniel Wilcox, a native of Litchfield. Amelia Vosburg is a daughter of Henry Vosburg, who was a native of Germantown, Chenango county, and his father,
215
FAMILY SKETCHES.
Peter Vosburg, is a native of this county. The following is a copy of the oldest fam- ily record found in the town of Litchfield, of a family who came to this town in 1787 : " Christopher Rider, born Sept. 8, 1761; married April 3, 1783, to Miss Johanna Baughton, who was born Dec. 21, 1762. She died Dec. 21, 1845. He died May 23, 1839. Ezra Rider, died : Nov. 10, 1870, aged 86 years. Lewis Rider, died : Feb. 22, 1829, aged 43 years. Justus Rider died : Sept. 18, 1859, aged 70 years. William Rider, died: May 15, 1821, aged 31 years. John P. Rider, died : Oct. 6, 1825, aged 30 years. Mathew C., died : March 10, 1885, aged 85 years."
Rank Lewis, Ohio, was born in Ohio township, March 22, 1861. His father was Adam Rank, a native of Germany, born October 23, 180 -. Adamı Rank was married in Ger- many to Barbara (Herl) Rank, and to them twelve children were born, nine of whom are living. In 1854 Mr. Rank and family came to America and settled in Ohio township. There Mr. Rank's death occurred in 1871. His wife survives him. Mr. Rank was a Democrat in politics. He and wife were members of the Lutheran church. Subject was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He was ten years old when his father died and at the age of thirteen started in life for himself, working by the month. In 1885 he married Alice R. Gibson, born May, 1861. She is a daughter of Samuel and Susan Gibson, whom we have men- tioned elsewhere. Subject and wife have one daughter, Marcia, Mr. Rank is a Re- publican. His brother, John, served three years in the late war.
Richards, La Fayette, Schuyler, was born July 6, 1831, and has always been a farmer. December 26, 1855, he married Sarah H. Haskill, and they have two children, Dr. Sey- mour S. Richards of Frankfort, and Frank J. Richards who has been mail clerk in Frankfort for the past ten years. Mr. Richards's father was Jobn Richards, a native of Wales, who came to America in 1801. The family have resided in Schuyler since 1870.
Rees, M. A., is a native of Fairfield and was born on the farm on which he resides. He was educated at Fairfield in the early days of the academy. He owns a fine farm of 200 acres and a herd of forty cows. Mr. Rees's great-grandfather came from Germany. He was a clergyman and physician and settled in Palatine and offici- ated in New Jersey for many years. Some of the grandfather's brothers took part in the war of 1812. Mr. Rees married Miss Sarah Johnson of Salisbury in 1858. Their only son, C. H., died in 1890. Mr. Rees is a Mason and a member of the Grange and other societies.
Reese, Frank, German Flats, was born in Richfield, July 17, 1834. His father Matthew Reese, was a farmer, and the early years of his son were spent amid rural surroundings. Fifty years ago he came to Ilion, and his first business undertaking was on the canal, where he spent about nine seasons. He then em- barked in the trucking business and soon started a livery also. For twelve years he was engaged in the carting business in partnership with Sanford Getman. He has been in the bus business here since 1857, except for five or six years, and has carried the United States mail nearly all of these years. In 1861 Mr. Reese mar-
216
HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY.
ried Elmira Piper, daughter of Nicholas Piper. Mr. Reese is one of the scions of the oldest and most bonorable families of this section, and he has himself, by a long, honorable and successful business career won the highest respect and esteem of all classes. He is a staunch Democrat.
Rankin, Horace, dealer in groceries and provisions, crockery, meats, etc., Ann street, Little Falls, is a native of this place and began his business career in his father's store, where he remained until the age of twenty-one. His father was a native of Scotland, emigrating to this country, where he died December 14, 1889. Horace Rankin estab- lished his present business in 1884, and has conducted it with marked success ever since, while he is still interested to some extent in farming. In 1869 he married Alice Dagert and they have one son, Harvey Rankin. Mr. Rankin is a Democrat in politics and was tax collector of Little Falls in 1869.
Rasback, Marcus, Ilerkimer, was born in 1832, on February 2.1, and has been a farm- er all his life. He owns 231 acres of land, raises annually 100 tons of hay, and keeps forty milch cows. His grandfather, John Rasback, took part in the Revolutionary War, and his father, Marcus Rasback, lived in this county all his life. In 1856 Mr. Rasback married Miss Mary N. Snell, and they have three children, all living at home. Mr. Rasback is one of the prominent farmers of the county and has been supervisor of the town for four terms. He has also been justice of the peace and is a member of the Grange, and is a prominent Mason, having passed to the Knight Templars.
Rice, Ai, Herkimer, was born in Salisbury January 20, 1826. The family originally came from Connecticut and settled in Salisbury in 1802, where they have since lived until Mr. Rice bought his present dairy farm of 218} acres in Herkimer on the Steuben road. Ai Rice married Miss Sarah Spencer of Herkimer, and has three sons and one daughter. lle keeps sixty-five head of stock besides ten or twelve horses. Ifis children are Fred A., Chauncey A. and Frank, and his daughter is Viola J. Mr. Rice is one of the successful farmers of this vicinity.
Rhodes, W. H., Russia, was born in Chesterfield, Mass., May 4, 1852, a son of Ben- jamin F., a son of Jacob. Benjamin F. was born in Chesterfield, Mass., in 1825, and in 1852 Mr. Rhodes went to Williamsburg, Mass., and there for five years he was tool- maker in the planing shops. He then became superintendent in the Button Mold Factory of O. G. Spellman. In 1874 he began work for Woodard & Lyman and con- tinued two years. He then went to Russia and engaged in the manufacture of button molds until his death in 1879. His wife was Dolly F. White, a native of Williamsburg, Mass., born 1830, and daughter of Jolin and Polly (Curtis) White. Mr. Rhodes had three sons and two daughters. W. H. Rhodes was reared in Williamsburg, educated in the common schools and Eastman's Business College, from which he graduated in 1870. In 1875 he married Annie E. V. Tower, born in 1852, a daughter of Lorin and Sophronia (Bates) Tower of Chesterfield and Westford, respectively. They had one son and six daughters. He was representative of Hampden county, Massachusetts, and was selectman twenty years. Ilis fatber, Luther F., was in the War of 1812. Mr. Rhodes worked in the silk-mills of Shimerville, Williamsburg, and then became superintendent
217
FAMILY SKETCHES.
of the Winstead Silk-ini is until 1877. He then worked in the silk-mills of Mount Carmel, Conn., and Hillsborough, N. H., until 1881, when he went to New York city and took charge of the New York office for one year. He then came to Cold Brook and engaged in the manufacture of button molds, which he now follows. Since 1884, Mr. Rhodes has been a Democrat. He is a member of the Hampshire Lodge F. & A. M. of Massachusetts, and the Iroquois Chapter of llion 236, also a member of Little Falls Commandery 26. In New Hampshire he was a member of the Valley Lodge 43, 1. O. O. F. He is a member of the Khorassan Grotto 2, M. O. V. P. E. R. at Ilion, N. Y., and also belongs to the K. of P. at the same place.
Robinson, Joseph, Warren, was born at Northamptonshire, England, and came to the United States in 1836 and settled in Richfield. He married Maria, daughter of Asa and Lucy Brown, and had four children : George W., Albert D., John G. and Lucy MI. John G. Robinson was born in Richfield November 26, 1846. At the age of fourteen he began for himself buying cattle ; at twenty-one he bought the first farm and now owns 502 acres and handles 500 to 600 head of cattle every year. He is a Republican and a member of the Baptist church. He married, September 20, 1871 Alice, daughter of Richard and Martha (Preston) Schooley, who has borne him nine children : Anna B., Carrie A., Josie M., Mabel M., George G., Irwin D., William S., Alice A. and Baby.
Rank, Henry, Ohio, was born in Germany July 5, 1842. He is a son of Adam and Barbara (Herl) Rank, mentioned elsewhere in this work. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. In 1865 he married Henrietta Iferpy, a native of Ohio township, born in 1847. Her parents were John and Christina (Stork) Herpy, natives of Germany, who had five children. In 1844 Mr. Herpy came to Ohio town- ship, and there lived until his death in 1882. Mrs. Herpy is still hving at the age of seventy-five years. Mr. Rank is a farmer and a Republican. His wife is a member of the Lutheran church.
Smith, William H., was born on the farm where he now lives in Litchfield August 9, 1816. He was justice of this town eight years, town clerk two years, and has held other minor offices. He married in April, 1874, Janette M. Wheelock of this town. He was a son of Richard Smith, second, who came trom New Jersey and settled here about 1798. He was born September 25, 1774, and married, April 3, 1794. He died January 25, 1840. He was one of the first settlers of this town, and traveled to mill at Herkimer by marked trees. He was justice of Litchfield for about twenty years, and received his first appointment from governor of New York State. He was a member of Assembly in 1825 from Herkimer county. He was a son of Abner Smith of New Jersey.
Spencer, Herbert J., was born in Winfield February 15, 1847, a son of Dr. Nathan and Saphronia (Bailey) Spencer. Herbert J. was educated in the West Winfield Academy and Seminary at Fulton. Hle read with his father, Nathan Spencer, and graduated from the Homoeopathic Medica College of New York city. Ile commenced practice in Winfield in 1870. In 1883 he went to Newton, Kan., where he practiced
218
HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY.
until 1886, then went to Greene, Chenango county, and in 1892 returned to West Win- field. He married in 1872, Nellie, daughter of Seymour and Amelia (Beach) Bailey. They have three children : Mary B., Ruth A. and Ralph H.
Stephens, John H., M. D .. was born in Frankfort October 28, 1859, a son of Stewart and Margaret (Taylor) Stephens. He was educated at the Whitestown Seminary, read medicine with Dr. William H. Brown of Cedarville, N. Y., graduated at the Albany Medical College in 1883, and remained with Dr. William II. Brown of Cedarville, N. Y., his preceptor, two years, then practiced by himself in Cedarville two years. He came to West Winfield in 1889, and is still in practice there. He married May L., daughter of Clayton T., and Sarah (Kershaw) Wheelock. They have one daughter, Edna J. Stephens.
Shaul, Samuel, was born on the farm where he now resides, in Stark, March 7, 1819, a son of Daniel and Rachael (Smith) Shaul. His grandfather, John, was born in Her- kimer county, and his father was one of the pioneers of Stark. John was taken pris- oner by the Indians during the Revolution, remaining seven years. Two brothers, Bastian and Matthias, were taken with him. The latter being tender hearted was home sick, and owing to his constant crying they sent him home and the two others were kept. John married a Miss Bonner, and had seven children : Christian, John, Bastian, Jacob, Daniel, George and Betsey. Hle and wife died in Stark at an advanced age. Daniel was born in Stark, and served in the war of 1812. He held several town offices and was a Whig. He had nine children: John D., who enhsted in the war from Cherry Valley, and was made colonel of his regiment. Ile died about 1887; Garshau of Bridgewater, Daniel, deceased, who left four children; Cornelius of Richfield Springs, Samuel, Clark, who died aged seven, Laura M .. Rachael, Betsey A., who died young. Samuel Shaul has served in various town offices. He was a Democrat up to the war, but changed and became a Republican. He married Lucinda Yule, born in Warren, a daughter of Nicholas and Hannah (Hayes) Yule, and they had seven chil- dren : Willard, who died young; Daniel, aged ten; John E., Charles F., Ellen J., and Mariah, wife of Nelson Wolfe of Springfield. Samuel owns the homestead of 250 acres, and they attend the M. E. church.
Smith, George M., was born in Herkimer November 28, 1825, and is one of the old residents and a scion of one of the old historic families of the county. His ancestors on both sides took part in the Revolutionary war and his grandmother was scalped, yet lived forty years afterwards. ' A bloody massacre took place on this farm, and the old house in which his grandparents lived forms a part of his abode. Ile married in 1847, and has two children : Charles S. and Mary Ann. Charles S. is married to Miss Libby Bacon. Mr. Smith has ninety-six acres of fine dairy land.
Sheridan, Thomas, Little Falls, was born in Little Falls September 5, 1842. He re- ceived a good education in the village schools, and learned the trade of a moulder in the Reddy foundry, which trade he followed for thirty years, in different parts of the country. About seven years ago he took charge of the Smith hotel, which he has since successfully conducted. Mr. Sheridan married Mirah McCormick, and they have four
219
FAMILY SKETCHES.
children living. Mrs. Sheridan died January 2, 1891. Thomas Sheridan has served as trusteee of Little Falls for two terms, or four years, and is identified with local, social and benevolent affairs. His mother is still living.
Seversen, C. W, superintendent of the MacKennon Mills, Little Falls, is a native of Deerfield, and at the age of fourteen began to work in a mill as a needle boy, with the Troy Manufacturing Company of Cohoes. He soon went to New Hartford, and for a time also worked in a mill at Kingston, Canada. He then worked for J. C. Miller four and a half years at Baldwinsville, N. Y. In December, 1890, he came to his present position. He had previously, on two occasions, worked for a short time with Mr. MacKennon, and his abilities and zeal were well known. He is thoroughly expert in every department of the manufacture of woolen goods. His family has long resided in New York State, and his father was formerly a brick manufacturer of Cohoes.
Snell, Irving, Little Falls, was born in the town of Manheim. He received his edu- cation in the common schools here and in the Little Falls Academy. After the com- pletion of his studies he taught school for two terms, and in 1857 inaugurated liis present jewelry and musical merchandise business, which he has successfully conducted since that period. Mr. Snell's ancestors located upon a tract of land (3,000 acres) granted them by King George, near Little Falls, which is known as Snell's Bush, and upon which five generations have since lived. During the Revolution nine members of the Snell family participated in the battle of Oriskany, seven of whom were slain. Irving Snell's grandfather was in the war of 1812. Mr. Snell married Cloa Richmond, a daughter of Alvan Richmond. They have one daughter, Annie.
Selcer, John, Little Falls, succeeded his father, John Selcer, sr., who had condueted the leading merchant tailoring establishment at Little Falls for many years. The Selcers are of German descent, having settled in this country early in this present cent- ury. John Seleer, sr., married Agnes M. Lowrie of New York State, and they reared a family of seven children. John Selcer, jr., has successfully conducted the merchant tailoring establishment since his father's death, being now the accredited leader in this line of industry in this village, and town. He married Josephine Boyer. Mr. Selcer is identified with local social institutions, such as the Masonic Fraternity, Royal Areanum, American Mechanics, etc.
Schuyler, John E., Little Falls, was born in Danube. His father, Lester Sehuyler, is a prominent farmer of that town. After leaving home, Jolin E. was employed on the railroad for about three years, after which for one year he was with the Warren Mower Company of Little Falls. About eight years ago he established his liquor business, which has been a success since its inception. Mr. Schuyler married Rose Fogarty. They have one child, a boy, Charles E. Schuyler.
Sellman, J., Little Falls, was born in Little Falls in 1861. He received his education in the schools of this village, and has been conducting his present liquor establishment for the past six years. His residence is 57 Loomis street. Mr. Sellman is a thorough- going business man and enjoys the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens in a marked degree. He has two brothers: Emil and John Sellman, who are engaged in the grocery business upon Main street, conducting a prosperous establishment,
220
HISTORY OF HIERKIMER COUNTY.
Seeley, Horatio E., Little Falls, was born in Stratford, March 3, 1857. He received an excellent education in the schools of that vicinity, and came to Little Falls about 1881. Here he at first engaged in the saloon business for a few years, disposing of this he entered the employ of the Baileys as a master machinist, where he continued for four years and seven months. Then in September, 1891, he established his present business, which is one of the largest and best livery concerns in the village. Mr. Seeley married Catbarine Shall, and they have one daughter. Ilis ancestors partiei- pated in the Revolutionary war and also that of 1812. Mr. Seeley is identified with various local social and benevolent institutions, such as the Odd Fellows, etc.
Shant, B. J., of Little Falls, is a native of this town and has lived here all his life. He was a farmer's son. Thirteen years ago he and his brother, William H., began business together and the partnership lasted eight years. Five years ago they dissolved and each has conducted a business of his own since. He is a Republican in polities and is a prominent Mason belonging to the Commandery. His family have lived in this part for several generations and his great-grandfather took part in the Revolution. In 1890 he married Ida Uhle and both are adherents of the Universalist church.
Spence & Armstrong, Little Falls, established their meat and provision business near the Garvin house, September 26, 1892. Prior to this time Mr. W. E. Armstrong was for several years connected with the fast mail service. J, G. Spence is a native of Scotland. He was engaged in the hotel business there, which he disposed of to settle in this country, a few weeks since. This firm undoubtedly has a very bright future ahead, as both members are thoroughly upright, popular and energetic business men, who will make a success of any legitimate undertaking.
Spellman, M., Russia, was born August 11, 1858. in Beloit, Wis. ITis father was Patrick Spellman, a native of Ireland, who came to America about 1852 and settled in Herkimer county, N. Y. After a short time he went to Wisconsin and remained there several years. Hle afterwards returned east and now resides in Newport township. TIe reared eight children. His mother died when subject was eleven years of age, and at the age of twelve he started in life for himself, working on a farm by the month for thirteen years, and for himself three years. He has since been in the hotel business. October 6, 1883 he married Carrie, danghter of William and Lorina (Stillman) Harris, natives of Newport. To Mr. Spellman and wife have been born two children : Ray- mond Il., born April 5, 1887, in Cold Brook, and Glenn N., deceased, born September 16, 1891, in Dolgeville. In 1886 Mr. Spellman became proprietor of the hotel in Cold Brook and remained there three years. Then went to Dolgeville and was proprietor of the Cottage hotel at that place until 1892, then returning to Cold Brook, where he has since been proprietor of the Cold Brook hotel.
Shoemaker, Nicholas N., was born where he now lives in Warren, January 1, 1821, and is a son of Nicholas and Lana (Passage) Shoemaker. llis grandfather was Thomas Shoemaker, a native of Germany, who settled at Fort Herkimer ; his wife was a Miss Harter, who bore him five children. The subject's father was born at Fort Herkimer, August 18, 1779. In 1799 he settled where the subject now lives. He was an active
221
FAMILY SKETCHES.
and influential man in town and church affairs. His first wife died in March, 1839, and he married Rebecca Barrenger By his first wife he had five children : Elizabeth, Margaret, John, Thomas and Nicholas N. The latter at nineteen took charge of the homestead and has carried it on since. He has been engaged in stock dealing and shipping ; is a Republican and has held town offices. He married in September, 1854, Angeline Ayres, of South Columbia, and they had three children : Orville, Carrie, wife of Clifton Miller, and Emma, wife of George Davis. Mrs. Shoemaker died June 30, 1889; she was a member of the Reformed church.
Swift, Timothy C., Warren, was born in Warren, March 25, 1845, and is a son of John and Eliza (Green) Swift. His grandfather, William Swift, came from Massa- chusetts and died in Warren. John Swift was born in Massachusetts; his wife was born in Warren and is a daughter of William and Mary (Biggs) Green. They had three children, two survive: Thomas A and Timothy C. The latter was raised on a farm and at the age of twelve began working for himself by the day and month. In 1871 he began cheese making at Crain's Corners, where he has since lived, carrying on both cheese-making and farming. He also operates two other factories and owns a half interest in 190 acres of land, besides seven acres where he lives. He is a Republican and a Mason. He married in January, 1867, Catherine, daughter of John Wagner, of Danube. They have one child, Eugene C.
Smith, A. J., attorney at law, Herkimer, is a native of this village and studied law with Brown and Mitchell until his admission to the bar in June, 1881. In November of the same year he entered into partnership with Mr. I. R. Devendorf, which still subsists. He is an able counselor and good pleader, and was elected supervisor of the town of Herkimer twice, in 1888 and 1889. He was chairman of the Democratic county committee in 1885, and is a thorough exponent of Democracy. Mr. Smith comes of an old and honored family, his great-grandfather having been born in this State and the family being old Mohawk settlers on both father's and mother's sides.
Smith, C. Cutler, L. D. S., German Flats, was born in Otsego county, October 9, 1847, and studied dentistry in Brooklyn after a literary course in Madison University. In 1869 he opened his office in Ilion. Dr. Smith has been president of the village and both president and vice-president of the Fifth District Dental Society of New York State. His father was Alonzo Smith. In 1878 Dr. Smith married Miss Maude E. Stern, a daughter of Lawrence Stern. The mother's father was D .vid Cutler, a Bap- tist minister of Vermont.
Smith, Dr. Fletcher N., Little Falls, who is associated in the practice of dentistry with Dr. J. V. Hemstreet, is a native of Oswego, N. Y., and began the study of his profession there with his father, who is one of the oldest practicing dentists in the State, having had an office in that place for the past thirty years. After leaving his father's office Dr. F. W. Smith was connected with J. L. Curtis, of Syracuse, for three years. He then came to Little Falls seven years ago and associated himself with Dr. Hemstreet, and their offices are the leading ones in this place. Dr. Smith is very pop-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.