History of Oneida County, New York, 1667-1878, Part 137

Author:
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Fariss
Number of Pages: 932


USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York, 1667-1878 > Part 137


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The membership in the spring of 1878 was 95, and the following were its officers : Delos Thomas, W. C. T .; Robert Murray, P. W. V. T .; Jenny M. Griffiths, W. V. T. ; Thomas E. Pritchard, W. Chaplain ; Robert H. Everett, Sec .; Millie Hughes, Assistant Sec .; Roscoe C. Roberts, Treas .; Delia J. Thomas, Financial Sec .; Thomas C. Hughes, Marshal ; Kitty A. Richards, Deputy Marshal ; Katy Williams, I. G .; David R. Griffith, O. G.


The village of Remsen contains at present 6 general stores, 1 hotel, 1 grocery, 1 hardware-store and tin-shop, 2 tailoring establishments, 1 harness-shop, 2 blacksmith-shops, 2 wagon- and carriage-shops, a butter-tub factory, 2 shoe- shops, 2 shoe-stores, 2 grist-mills, 1 cooper-shop, 3 physi- cians,-Drs. Evan G. Williams, Richard H. Wiggins, and his son, John Wiggins,-a paint-shop, a foundry and ma- chine-shop, a small tannery, 4 churches, a two-story frame, graded school building, and a marble-shop.


For information furnished we are indebted to Hon. Didy- mus Thomas, O. S. Evans, D. Spencer Anthony (corpora- tion clerk ), George E. Pugh (town clerk), and many others. Owing to the sickness of Griffith O. Griffiths, we were un- able to obtain an interview with him, thereby undoubtedly missing much of interest which he could have furnished. His illness proved to be his last, and this aged native of Steuben and prominent man of Remsen has since passed away. An article from his pen will be found in the history of Steuben.


Photos, by Williams.


EVAN OWENS.


MRS. EVAN OWENS.


EVAN OWENS.


This gentleman was born in Caernarvonshire, North Wales, Feb. 27, 1800, the youngest child of John H. and Jane Owens. He had three brothers, Owen, Thomas, and John. The family emigrated to the United States in 1801, and settled in Lower Dublin, Philadelphia, Pa., where they remained eleven years. In October, 1812, they moved to Steuben, Oneida Co., and in April, 1813, to Rem- sen, having purchased fifty-four aeres partly improved land, and which is a part of the land still owned by Evan Owens. A log house had been built near the spot where Mr. Owens' residence now stands. The father lived the remainder of his life here. Twelve years before his death he became totally blind. He died Aug. 27, 1841, aged eighty-two years. In less than one month, Sept. 25, 1841, his wife followed him. The brothers are also deceased. Evan Owens was the "home boy," and worked the home- stead. Exeept three months at the academy in Steuben, he received his edueation in the distriet schools of the neighborhood. When about twenty-two years of age he took up the business of stone-eutting, and followed it for about two seasons. But Mr. Owens will be remembered in his town longest as a teacher. For about twenty-five sea- sons he taught the distriet schools of the neighborhood in winter, working the farm in summer.


He was married, April, 1829, to Honorah Smith, daugh- ter of Bohan and Betsey Smith,* residents of Remsen, by whom he had children as follows :


James, born May 28, 1831 ; married Ellen Griffiths, by whom he had one daughter, Libbie. He died Jan. 28, 1870.


Charles, a farmer, living in Remsen, born June 8, 1833 ; married Emma Nelson.


John H., born July 8, 1835, a earpenter, living in Darien, Walworth Co., Wis.


Elizabeth J., born Aug. 19, 1837, wife of William G. Jones, a farmer, living in Sugar Grove, Kane Co., Ill.


Martha, born Oet. 26, 1840, wife of John Brown, a farmer, living in West Branch, Oneida Co.


# Bohan Smith was one of the most successful farmers of Remsen, and was one of the leading members of the Fairchild Methodist Epis- copal Church of Remsen, and one of the earliest settlers of Remsen.


Mary Ann, born June 2, 1843; married Feb. 9, 1864, to Wm. P. Dodge; died Feb. 12, 1874.


Hannah M., born Sept. 27, 1845, wife of William R. Williams, of Prospeet.


Evan Owens, Jr., born May 6, 1848, farmer, living in Sugar Grove, Kane Co., Ill.


B. Smith Owens, born Sept. 27, 1850; of the firm of Emdin & Owens, silversmiths, in Utiea.


Mrs. Owens died Oet 2, 1850. She was a woman very mueh respeeted, and her loss was sorely felt not only by her family, but by the entire neighborhood in which she lived.


Mr. Owens married for his second wife Catharine Pri- ehard, daughter of David W. and Mary Priehard, of Tren- ton township. Mrs. Owens was born in Trenton, Sept. 17, 1833. By her he has one child, Ida, born March 5, 1868, living at home. Mr. Prichard was born in Steuben, Mrs. Prichard in Trenton. They now reside in Trenton township, where Mr. Priehard is a prominent farmer, and both are lead- ing members of the Baptist Church in Remsen village, and are held in high esteem in the community where they reside.


Few men have been more prominent in his township than Mr. Owens, and he has occupied various positions of publie trust. Nine years constable, six years collector, about twenty-five years township school inspector, assessor, poor- master, four years justice of the peace, supervisor six years, and superintendent of schools ten years. The varied duties devolving upon him in these different positions were per- formed to the entire acceptance of the people.


In 1830 he received the nomination for member of the Assembly, and, though he ran five hundred votes ahead of his tieket, failed of an election.


To the original fifty-four aeres of land which was willed him by his father, he has added other lands, and is now the owner of two hundred and seventy-five aeres in a body. In polities, first a Whig, but has been identified with the Den- oeratie party for many years. In religion he entertains liberal views. For the last three years he has partially lost his eye- sight. Few men hold a higher place in the esteem and good-will of his neighbors than does Evan Owens, or will be longer remembered as a worthy and useful eitizen.


PHOTO. BY WILLI AMAS. Disynes thomas


RESIDENCE OF DIDYMUS THOMAS, REMSEN VILLAGE, ONEIDA Cº N.Y.


LITH BY L. N. EVERTS, PHILA


MARY ROBERTS.


ROBERT ROBERTS


PHOTOS BY L. B.WILLIAMS, UTICA. N. Y


LITH. BY L. H. EVERTS & CO., PHILA, PA.


RESIDENCE OF THE LATE ROBERT ROBERTS, REMSEN, ONEIDA CO., N.Y.


PHOTO.Br L.B WILLIAMS. UTICA, N.Y


HUGH ROBERTS .


LITH. BY [ H. EVERTS & CO. PHILA.


RESIDENCE OF HUGH ROBERTS , REMSEN, ONEIDA CO., N. Y.


PHOTO. BY WILLIAMAS.


PHOTO BY WILLIAMS.


CHESTER G. KENT.


MRS. POLLY KENT.


***


***


RESIDENCE OF CHESTER G. KENT, REMSEN, ONEIDA CO, N. Y.


LITH. BY .L. N. EVERTS, PHILADA


511


HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.


CHESTER G. KENT.


This gentleman was born in Remsen, Oneida Co., N. Y., Jan. 1, 1802, the eldest child of Silas and Annis Kent. His father, Silas, was born Feb. 5, 1778 ; his mother, Oct. 1, 1782,-the former in Southwick, Conn., the latter in New Milford, Conn. They were married March 25, 1801, in Reisen. His grandfather, whose name was also Silas, was a native of Southwick. Ile married Grace Root. Their children were Silas, Jerusha, John, Annie, Joel, and Ezekiel, all born in Connecticut, and all deceased.


His father moved from Connecticut and settled in Rem- sen among its earliest settlers. Their children were Chester G .; Grace, born March 1, 1803, widow of Norman Brainard, still living in Hartland, Oakland Co., Mich .; John, born Nov. 7, 1804, settled in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., died April 13, 1873 ; Sylvina, born July 27, 1806, married to Eleazer Green, living in Harmony, Chautauqua Co., N. Y .; Silas, born July 7, 1808, a retired farmer, living in Remsen vil- lage ; Emeline, born June 9, 1810, wife of Paul Nelson, living in Boonville ; Annis, born May 6, 1812, widow of Mr. Sage, living in Fauquier Co., Va. The father died Feb. 17, 1813, aged thirty-five years ; the mother June 17, 1864, aged eighty-one years.


Upon the death of his father, at the age of eleven years, Chester G. was obliged to assume responsibilities rarely thrown on one so young. From the age of twelve to six- teen he worked out by the day, at from one to three shillings per day, all of which went to the support of the family. In eight years' time a " store debt" of $101.50 was contracted, for which he gave his note at six months, which was paid at maturity. The circumstance illustrates the close economy of the times.


At the age of seventeen he made his first purchase of land-25 acres. His first payment, $50, was made by chopping and elearing land on the St. Lawrence River, at $10 per aere. He has purchased from time to time dif- ferent pieces of land, and at the present time is the owner of 430 acres in a body, for which he holds twenty deeds.


He was first married June 10, 1829, to Almira Shelden, adopted daughter of Harry Shelden, of Remsen Mrs. Kent was born Feb. 9, 1812. By her he had three children, viz., Caroline, born March 27, 1830, married to N. D. Sizer Dec. 31, 1848. Their daughter, Caroline, born Sept. 18, 1851, wife of John Mowers, lives in Clarion, Wright Co., Iowa. They have four children, Burton, Annis and Arthur (twins), and Bion. Mrs. Sizer died June 18, 1852.


Henry R., born Sept. 10, 1832; married Oet. 1, 1857, to Amanda Wilkinson ; a merchant, living in Prophetstown, Whiteside Co., Ill. Their children are Viola, Helena, William, and Richard. Chester, born Feb. 11, 1836, died Jan. 8, 1863.


Mrs. Kent died Jnne 7, 1847.


Mr. Kent married for his second wife Polly Bly, Aug. 13, 1848. She was the daughter of William and Isabella Bly, of Norway, Herkimer Co., N. Y., and was born there March 9, 1814. By this marriage there are three children, viz., Silas W., born Sept. 20, 1850; married Mary E. Chap-


man Sept. 16, 1872. Their children are Chester C. and an infant son. Mary J., born Jan 16, 1854; living at home. Bion H., born July 11, 1857 ; married March 17, 1875, to Celia Charles.


From small beginnings, Mr. Kent, by a life of untiring industry and an enlightened economy, has accumulated a handsome property, and ranks among the most substantial farmers of the county. Both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Remsen. He has been identified with the Republican party since its organiza- tion.


ROBERT AND HUGH ROBERTS.


William Roberts was born in Caernarvon, North Wales, Nov. 14, 1772. He married Winnie Hughes, and by her had two children, Robert and Hugh. Both were born in Wales ; the former Dec. 25, 1806, the latter May 15, 1809. The family emigrated to the United States in 1819, land- ing in Philadelphia. They had barely means to sccure their passage over. On their arrival in Philadelphia both the father and Hugh were sick. Dr. Charles Lukins is remembered by the family as the good Samaritan who, with- out price, attended them in their sickness, and through whose kind offices the boys attended school the first winter. Upon his recovery, the father journeyed 150 miles on foot, hoping to receive assistance from his wife's brother, who had, nineteen years previously, emigrated to this country. He found him in no condition to render the desired assist- ance. Returning, he made his way to Remsen, in which place he determined to locate. Borrowing fifteen dollars from Adam G. Mapa and five dollars each of John and Richard Thomas, with this sum he moved his family in May, 1820, and first settled on the old State Road, in that town. Both the father and mother lived to see their boys prosperous farmers of Remsen. The father died in Febru- ary, 1862; the mother, Aug. 11, 1850. Robert Roberts married Mary Evans, by whom he had children, as follows ; Ruth, born Feb. 12, 1847, married, Oct. 22, 1867, to Wil- liam R. Thomas ; one child,-Robert Watson. For over nine years they have kept house for their uncle Hugh. Naomi, born May 1, 1849; married, Oct. 11, 1869, to John S. Kent, farmer, in Remsen. William B., born June 19, 1857. Winnie, born Feb. 15, 1854; married, Nov. 4, 1873, to Joshua Griffith ; her husband died June 29, 1874. John R., born July 20, 1856. Hugh R., born Dee. 14, 1858. Maryette, born July 19, 1861. Winfield Lincoln, born Jan 19, 1864. Robert Milton, born Oet. 6, 1867. Lillian M., born Dec. 8, 1869. The eight latter are living on the homestead farm. Their father died Jan. 29, 1872; their mother, July 28, 1874. A representation of the home, together with portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, appear on another page of this work.


Hugh Roberts never married. Few men in Remsen, starting from small beginnings, have been more successful. At the age of twenty-five he received a stroke of paralysis, from the effects of which he never fully recovered. Three years since he received another shock, since which time he has been confined almost entirely to the house. In politics he is Republican, as was also his brother Robert. Botlı Mr. Roberts and his wife were members of the Bethel Con- gregational Church of Remsen.


512


HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.


JOIIN JAMES


was born in Rhiu, Caernarvon, Wales, Jan. 19, 1818, the third child of Evan and Ann James. Their children were Richard, John, John (2d), Elizabeth, William, Evan, and William (2d). Richard, John (1st), William (1st), and Evan are deceased. Elizabeth, widow of William Roberts, resides in Remsen village. William is a farmer, living in Rensen. The family emigrated to America in 1824, and, like many other Welsh families that settled in Remsen, eame with very limited means. Their first stop was in Trenton township, where they remained nine months. They then moved on to the farm in Reisen, now owned and occupied by John James, which they had rented, and where they remained three years. For the next five years they rented a farm of Milo Mitchell in Remsen. They purchased a farm of 160 aeres in what is known as the Welsh distriet in that town. In 1862, leaving his son William to work the farm, the father moved to Remsen village, where lic died in May, 1865. His wife survived him nearly cleven years. She died March 12, 1876, over eighty years of age. In an obituary notice, published in the Methodist Episcopal Advocate, the following is said of her :


" Mrs. James was a devoted Christian woman. She loved the house of God, and her seat was seldom vacant when she was able to come. We miss her in the Church militant, but expect to meet her in the Church triumphant ' in the sweet by-and-by.'"


John James was six years of age when the family emi- grated. He worked with his father on the farm till twenty- three years of age. For five or six months he worked for Henry Williams on a farm in Steuben. He then, in company with his brother Richard, started a horse-power furnace in Boonville. Just as it was ready to run, it burned down, incurring a loss of about $300. He then engaged for four years, working in the granite-quarries of Quincy, Mass. He was married, Feb. 10, 1848, to Eliza Thomas, daughter of John E. and Ann Thomas, of Trenton. Mrs. James was born June 6, 1820, in Steuben township, Oncida County. From the age of ten years she lived with her uncle, John Jenkins, in the home now owned by her hus- band.


Mary Jones, her grandmother, emigrated from Wales in 1818, and purchased forty acres of the farm now owned by John James, remaining two years, and died there, and was buried in Steuben. John Jenkins married Mary Jones, lier daughter, who owned the place purchased by John James. They have had five children, three of whom died in infancy.


Ann Elizabeth, born Jan. 24, 1849, died Dec. 1, 1851. The only child living is John James, Jr., born Oct. 11, 1856, living at home.


Mr. James, in politics, is Republican. He has served nine years as assessor of the town. Mrs. James has been a member of the Congregational Church since she was eighteen years of age. A representation of their home, with portraits of Mr. and Mrs. James and their son, John James, Jr., appear on another page of this volume.


JEROME WITHIERELL


was born in Remsen, Oneida Co., N. Y., April 23, 1825, the eldest child of Judson and Abbie Withercll. Of four


children (one died in infancy), those living are Jerome, Abbie, and Judson. Abbic married Robert R. Roberts, and lives at the homestead at Fairchild's Corners, in Remsen.


Judson married Ellen Jones, and lives in the same neighborhood.


Judson Witherell, the father, was an early settler in the town of Remsen, and both himself and wife are still living, surrounded by all the comforts of a pleasant farm home.


Jerome Witherell received his education in the district schools of his native town. Feb. 25, 1843, he married Sarah Mitchell, daughter of Milo and Catharine Mitchell. Mrs. W. was born in Remsen, Nov. 2, 1825.


They have children, as follows : Milo James, born April 4, 1844, died Sept. 25, 1875; Elizabeth, born Sept. 10, 1846 (wife of George W. Owen) ; Dexter T., born March 19, 1853, died Sept. 11, 1855 ; Franklin J., born Oet. 18, 1856 (living at home) ; Katic A., born April 11, 1864, died May 22, 1865 ; Katie, born June 13, 1868 (living at liome).


In 1851, Mr. Witherell purchased the farm of his father, which he still owns and occupies. It consisted of 121 acres. He has purchased of Griffith R. Jones an adjoin- ing farm of 130 acres. The stone house occupied by the family was built at an early day by Hugh Hughs. Mr. W. has added most of the buildings and improvements sur- rounding it. He has been a life-long farmer, and one of the most thorough in the town.


In politics a Democrat. Both himself and wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Fair- childs Corners, and are now members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Remsen village. Mr. W. has been a class-leader in the church for many years.


A representation of their home, together with portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Witherell, appear on another page of this work.


JOIIN R. THOMAS


was born in Steuben, Oncida Co., N. Y., June 6, 1836, the eldest child of Richard R. and Dorothy Thomas. His father was born in Meroniethshire, Wales, June, 1812 ; his mother in Anglesea, Wales, in 1812. They emigrated to America the same year (1830), and were married in Steuben in 1835. His father learned the tanner and cur- rier trade, and worked twenty-one years for William J. Owen, of Steuben. In 1853 he moved to Remsen, and built the tannery in that part of the town known as Bardwell town. He bought the water-power to run it of D. A. Bardwell. He carried on the business for nineteen years, till his death, which occurred Sept. 15, 1872. His wife died July 11, 1872. Their children were John R.


Elizabeth, born Sept. 20, 1838; wife of William P. Jones ; living in Steuben. Three children,- George, Al- bert, and Dora,


Mary, born May 29, 1841, wife of Dr. E. G. Williams, of Remsen village. Four children,-Mary, R. Watson, Jefferson, and Dora.


Bezaleel, born May 28, 1843; married Mary Jones ; a farmer living in Steuben. Four children,-Dora, Jefferson, . Libbie, Mary, and Ella.


Jefferson, born Oct. 4, 1846; died in the fall of 1861.


JOHN JAMES.


JOHN JAMES, JR. ( PHOTOS. BY WILLIAMS, UTICA )


MRS. JOHN JAMES.


RESIDENCE OF JOHN JAMES, REMSEN, ONEIDA CO N. Y.


LITH RY LH EVERTS PHILA PA


PHOTOS. BY L. B.WILLIAMS, UTICA, N Y


Surah G. Mitchell


Gittehell


LITH. BY L. H. EVERTS & CO. PHILA, PA


RESIDENCE OF JAMES MITCHELL, REMSEN, ONEIDA CO., N. Y.


513


HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.


Clinton R., born Nov. 6, 1852 ; married Mary E. Grif- fiths ; one child,-Leroy.


John R. Thomas learned of his father the tanner and currier trade. He attended the district school of Steuben, the academy of Holland Patent, the seminarics of Fair- field and Hampton. He taught school two terms in Steu- ben and Remsen. In 1865 he entered into copartnership with his father in the tanning business. After his father's death he formed a partnership. under the firm-name of R. R. Thomas' Sons, with his brother Clinton R.


The firm bought the Bardwell saw-mill, together with the water-power, in 1875, and carry on the lumber business in addition to the tannery. The principal charge of the tan- nery and lumber business devolves on John R., his brother taking charge of the farm.


He married, Jan. 9, 1861, Guynor E. Hughes, daughter of John W. and Elizabeth Hughes, of Remsen. Mrs. Thomas was born in Remsen, Feb. 24, 1839. Their chil- dren are Adelia, born July 3, 1864 ; Abigail, born March 18, 1869 ; Richard Roscoc, born Oct. 25, 1873,-all living at home.


In politics Mr. Thomas is Republican. He has occupied various positions of public trust in the township,-collector one ycar, justice of the peace three years, town auditor one ycar, elected supervisor in 1877, and re-elected in 1878. Both Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are members of the Bardwell Baptist Church. His father was one of the founders of that church, and was one of its deacons from its organization till his death. For the last six years John R. has served in that capacity.


A sketch, showing the old homestead, owned and occu- picd by Clinton R., the saw-mill, tannery, residence of John R., and the Bardwell Church, appears on another page of this work.


MILO MITCHELL


was born in Remsen, Oneida Co., N. Y., Oct. 26, 1797, the fifth child of Barnabas and Mary Mitchell. ITis father and mother were both natives of Meriden, Conn., and in 1792, according to Jones' " Annals of Oneida County," moved from there and were the first settlers in the town of Remsen, locating about five miles northeast of the present village. Of their eight children, Clarissa, Olive, and Tyler were born in Connecticut; Polly, Milo, Mellissa, Charlotte, and Amanda, in Remsen. Polly was the first white child born in the town. Barnabas Mitchell was a Revolutionary soldier, and served during the entire war. He died March 14, 1813. Both himself and wife arc buried in the Fairchild burying-ground in Remsen.


Upon the death of his father, the principal management of the farm devolved upon Milo, who seems to have inher- ited, in large measure, his father's enterprise, industry, and perseverance. His opportunities for education were cx- tremely limited. He married in 1819 Catharine Ilinkley, daughter of Gershom Hinkley, a prominent man in the early history of the town. The children by her were Caro- line, James (a sketch of whose life appears on another page of this work), and Sarah. Caroline is still living in Jolict, Ill .; Sarah, wife of J. B. Witherell, resides in Remsen.


His wife dicd Jan. 11, 1829. He married, for second 65


wife, Mrs. Anna Humphries, widow of John Humphries, and by her had five children, viz., Catharine, Eliza, Ann, Hannah, Harriet, and Bell, all of whom are deecased ex- cept the latter, who is the wife of Captain Andrew Wood, of Remsen.


Photo. by Mundy & Williams.


MILO MITCHELL.


Mr. Mitchell was one of the most successful farmers in Oncida County. He owned, at the time of his death, fourteen hundred acres of the best farming lands of Rem- sen. For fifteen years before his death he retired from the active working of his lands, renting them out. At the suggestion of his son James, he built the first cheese-factory in Reisen, the second in the United States, one built by Jesse Williams in the town of Rome being the first. IIc served in the town offices of highway commissioner, asses- sor, and justice of the peacc. He was a hard worker, ener- getic, of strict integrity, and possessed of an indomitable will. The poor had no better friend. First a Whig then Republican in politics. From the age of fifteen a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he was a leading spirit in the building of the Methodist Episcopal Churches at Remsen village, Fairchild's, and Prospect. IIe died March 31, 1870.


JAMES MITCHELL


was born in Remsen, Oncida Co., N. Y., Dec. 26, 1823, the second child and only son of Milo and Catharine Mitchell. He worked at home on the farm to the age of seventeen. He then commenced clerking for J. J. Owen, in Prospect, where he remained two years and a half. He received his education in the district schools of the neighborhood, at the old Oncida Institute, and the academy at Ilolland Patent. Taught school two winters and one summer at Prospect.


Was married, Dec. 26, 1844, to Sarah G. Thomas, daughter of John and Sarah Thomas, of Prospect. Mrs. Mitchell was born July 2, 1827. Her father was a native of Wales, her mother of Germantown. Pa. William A. Thomas, a farmer living near Rome, is her only brother.


514


HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.


To Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell children have been born as fol- lows: Hinkley G., born Feb. 22, 1846, graduate of the Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., also of the The- ological University of Boston, now a student in the Uni- versity of Leipsie, Germany ; Rosellen, born Jan. 22, 1848, wife of Wm. B. Roberts, living in Remsen; Edwin B., born Jan. 4, 1850, educated at Fairchild and Falley Semi- naries, practicing law under the firm-name of Brown & Mitchell at Herkimer, Herkimer Co., N. Y. ; James Edgar, born Aug. 4, 1853, married Libbie J. Williams, living near his father, and assisting in the conduet of his extensive farming interest ; Milo Jesse, born Sept. 20, 1860, living at home; Katie B., born April 29, 1863, living at home.


Mr. Mitchell engaged in mercantile business at Prospeet, and nine years at West Branch, town of Lee. He then purchased the General Root homestead and farm of two hundred acres, situated near Remsen village, to which he has sinee added one hundred more. He carried on these farms, togetlier with the management of the large landed property of his father. After his father's death, by purchase from heirs, he came into possession of about eight hundred acres of his father's estate, and at the present time works about twelve hundred acres of land.




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