History of Onondaga County, New York, Part 80

Author: Clayton, W.W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason & Co.
Number of Pages: 840

USA > New York > Onondaga County > History of Onondaga County, New York > Part 80

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).

In 1858, Rev. Medad Pomeroy was called and remained five years ; he was succeeded by Rev. J. O. Betts, who remained until 1872 ; since which time there has been no regular pastor, the pulpit being supplied by transient ministers. The pres-

ent church, a large frame structure, was erected in 1820 at a cost of about $6,000. The present dea- cons are William N. Tuttle, I. T. Frisbie, S. M. Cowles, B. J. Cowles, Trustees-I. T. Frisbie, O. W. Rice, W. S. Hurlburt, John N. Smith, Lester Judson and N. Rice. The present membership is eighty. Sabbath School attendance one hundred and twenty five. The membership has of late years been greatly depleted by deaths and removals.

OTISCO VILLAGE.

Otisco village is a hamlet of about twenty-five houses, containing one hotel, képe by Lyman K. Henderson, two stores, and two churches. It is situated on a high ridge of ground near the center of the town, about eight miles northwest of Tully Station, between which places a daily stage runs in connection with the trains on the S., B. & N. Y. R. R. As early as 18og, Jesse Swan opened a store and tavern about one mile south of the present vil- lage. About 1820, Mr. M. Johnson built and kept a tavern in the present village near the site of the Catholic Church.

The oldest man now living in the county resides a little north of this village-Charles Clark. He came to the farm on which he now lives in 18cy, being then twenty-seven years of age; erected a saw mill, a fulling mill, and conducted his farm, all of which are under his personal supervision, although he is now ninety-six years of age.

There are two flouring mills in this town-the Gamble mill, located in the southwestern part of the town, and the mills located near the foot of the Bucktail at the head of Otisco Lake.

AMBER.

This beautiful little hamlet has acquired, because of its location and scenery, quite a reputation as a resort for summer pleasure-seekers. The village consists of about forty dwellings, a church, two stores, one hotel and one planing mill. The village is situated in the northwest corner of the town at the foot of Oak Hill, on the bank of Otisco Lake. Among the most prominent citizens is Mr. A. J. Niles, the oldest merchant and one of the earliest settlers, who, by strict attention to his business and the wants of his customers, has attained a hand- some competency. Mr. Alexander Bouttelle, pro- prietor of the Lake House, is one of the genial hosts who know how to add to the attractions of this romantic little hamlet. A daily stage carries the mails and passengers in connection with the N Y. C. & H. R. R. R.

PEFFE

RESIDENCE AND FARM VIEW OF JOHN VAN BENTHUYSEN, WITH OTISCC

FEFE

AND SPAFFORD HILLS IN DISTANCE, AMBER, ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

RESIDENCE OF W. C. FISH, OTISCO, ONONDAGA COUNTY NEW YORK

ELIZA H. FISH

W.C FISH.

PHOTOS. BY BONTA &. CURTISS, SYRACUSE N. Y.

I. I. Fristre

Neary Q, Frisbie

FedtEl Ør SONTA & CURTISS SYRACUSE

343

RESIDENCE OF I. T. FRISBIE, OTISCO ONONDAGA CO. N Y

351

HISTORY OF ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

I. TYLER FRISBIE.

I. Tyler Frisbie was born in the town of Tomp- kins, Delaware County, N. Y., November 30, 1826. At the age of four years he was adopted by his uncle, Orrin T. Frisbie, who was a resident of the town of Spafford, Onondaga County, and one year later removed to Otisco, where he died May 26, 1 862, aged 67 years. Mr. I. Tyler Frisbie received a common school education with the addition of one term at the Cortland Academy. He lived on the farm where he now resides with his uncle till the death of the latter, since which he has been in the possession of the place.

On the 23d of October, 1853, he married Miss Mary Jane, daughter of Benjamin F. and Caroline Congdon. Miss Congdon was born in the town of Marcellus, December 17, 1831, and is the sister of Miss Carrie M. Congdon, the authoress of " Guar- dian Angels and other poems." Mr. and Mrs. Frisbie have had three children of their own, as follows : Walter C., born August 26, 1859, died April 5, 1864; Miles T., born April 3, 1865 ; Carrie A., born October 6, 1871, died February 25, 1872; and three adopted children, viz : Newell VanPatten, born March 4, 1854, died March 28, 1864 ; Louisa VanPatten, born May 25, 1856 ; and Jay Cotter, born November 2, 1859.

Mr. Frisbie united with the Congregational Church of Otisco in May, 1848, of which church he has been Deacon since 1866, and is one of the leading members of the same.

In politics he is a Republican, but he has always preferred the quiet life of his farm to the strifes and competitions of the office-seeker.

WILLIS C. FISH.

Uriah Fish, father of Willis C. Fish, was born in Connecticut, on the 15th of August, in the year 1780. When a young man he came to Otisco, Onondaga county, where he spent the remaining years of his life. He married Lavina Carpenter, November 3d, 1806. The result of this marriage was seven children, five sons and two daughters, all of whom are still living. Mr. Fish served in the war of 1812, and received a land warrant for his services. He followed farming throughout his life. In his domestic relations he was a good husband and a kind father. He was universally esteemed

for his honesty, industry and good sense. He died on the 28th of April, 1863. The portrait below, taken with the hat on, which he wore on all occa- sions, the latter years of his life, is a likeness of him which will be readily recognized by all who knew him. His wife survived him ten years, and died December 25, 1873.

Uriah Fish.

Willis C. Fish was born in the town of Otisco, Onondaga county, March 3, 1827. He inherited the homestead farm, one of the most picturesque in the town, upon which he has since lived. A marked feature of his farm is two immense " Balm of Gilead " trees, standing in front of his residence, and which always attract attention of passers-by. They were set out by his father, from cuttings, taken from a tree 'on an adjoining farm in 1809. The circumference of the larger measures, five feet above the ground, eighteen feet; below the first limbs, nineteen feet. They are twenty-six feet apart, their branches spreading over one hundred and thirty-four feet of ground.

Mr. Fish received a good education, attending two terms at the Onondaga Academy. He taught school two terms. Farming, however, has been his life work, and few in the county are better farmers. His premises indicate order, thoroughness and good taste. At the age of twenty-one he united with the Onondaga Baptist Church, and has con- sistently lived up to its doctrines ever since. He was one of the first movers for the enlargement and improvement of the church building. He has been Deacon for about ten years, and also Superintend- ent of the Sabbath School. It may truly be said

352

HISTORY OF ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

of him he has been a pillar of the church and a leader in every good word and work, always con- tributing his proportion of means to every worthy object.

Mr. Fish has never been solicitous of public office. although in every way well fitted for public life.

He married May 2d, 1852, Eliza Hunter, a daughter of David and Laura Hunter, residents of Victory, Cayuga County, N. Y. She was born July 26, 1831. Mrs. Fish united with the Baptist Church of Victory, October 26th, 1851, but be- came a member of the Onondaga Church after her marriage.

GEORGE W. CARD.

Mr. Card was born February 25, 1812, in Rhode Island, and is the fifth child in the family of Job and Sally Card In 1815, his parents emigrated from Rhode Island, and settled upon the farm now owned and occupied by Mr. Card. It has become through his energy and taste one of the representa- tive farms of the town.

In 1860, Mr. Card was united in marriage to Miss Charity A., daughter of Elijah and Adelia Crane, formerly residents of the town of Tully, where Mrs. C. was born May 28th, 1841. Five children have been born to them, three of whom are deceased. Mr. Card's whole life has been devoted to the cares of his farm and family, and in his chosen vocation he has been eminently success- ful. He occupies an honorable position among the leading men of his town : and by his kindness and genial ways bas secured the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens. He is now in his sixty-sixth year and can look back over his past life with the satisfaction of having spent it in conformity with moral and physical laws.

ALFRED J. NILES.

Mr. Niles was born in the village of Amber, Otisco, Onondaga county, December 4, 1824. His father, Albert Niles, was a native of Fishkill, Dutchess county, N. Y. His mother, Polly Judson, of Woodbury, Connecticut. They had born to them eight children, viz : Charles E., Alfred J., Julia, Mary, Harriet, Sarah, James L. and Lorinda, all of whom are living, except Charles E. and Julia. His father moved from Dutchess to Madison County, N. Y', about the year 1810. In 1819, he came to Otisco, Onondaga County, where, after his marriage, he settled. Hle was a blacksmith by trade, and

was Postmaster for over twenty years. He died, September 11, 1857. His wife survived him over nine years, and died December 25, 1866.

Mr. Niles, when fifteen years of age, left home and worked at different places by the month for a period of ten years, the last five of which he spent in Cincinnati, Ohio, visiting home but once during that time. In June, 1849, he returned to his native town with $Soo, his savings. July 10th of the same year he married Diana C. Redway, daughter of James and Sally Redway. Her parents settled in Otisco in 1804.

Mr. Niles is the architect of his own fortune. By honest dealing, prudent management and inde- fatigable industry, he has accumulated a comfort- able property. Mr. and Mrs. Niles have had born to them five children, viz : Ava L, born June 13, 1850, married October 20, 1868, to Geo. B. Davis, druggist at Seneca Falls. They have two children, viz : Alfred R. and George M. Frances Olivia born February 4, 1854; Mary Velda, born Septem- ber 4th, 1859 ; Nettie May, born July 24, 1861. After his marriage Mr. Niles worked his father-in- law's farm for five years on shares. In 1855, he opened a small store in Amber village, and has con- tinned in the mercantile business ever since, a period of twenty-three years. Though he has always traded " on credit," Mr. N. states that $100 would cover all his losses by poor store-debts, and in business transactions involving several hundred thousands, he never had occasion to employ a law- yer. In 1861 he built his present store ; in 1867 his house. In politics Mr. N. has been a life long Democrat.

JAMES L. NILES

Was born in Amber village, town of Otisco, Onondaga County, November 29. 1831, and is the youngest son of Albert and Polly Niles. An account of his father and mother, brothers and sis- ters, appears on another page of this volume, in the biography of his brother, Alfred J. Niles. The subject of this sketch has always lived on the home- stead farm, which came into his possession upon the death of his father. His mother lived with him nine years after his father's death Ile was married December 30, 1858, to Cordelia Griffin, daughter of Isaac and Lydia Griffin, both natives of Onondaga County, the father born in Otisco, the mother in Spafford. They had nine children, three sons and six daughters, all deceased except Franklin D. Griffin, now a merchant in Amber, and Morton M., a farmer living in Eaton county, Michigan. Mrs.

RESIDENCE OF GEORGE W. CAR

O, ONONDAGA Co., N.Y.

ARTHUR CARD.

GEORGE B. CARD.

EMMET CARO

NETTIE CARD.

MRS. GEO. W. CARD

GEO. W. CARD

( PHOTOS. BY BONTA & CURTISS. SYRACUSE )

353

HISTORY OF ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

N. was born in Otisco February 25, 1833, and has always resided in that town. Mr. and Mrs. N. have had two children, viz : Bertie Lee, born Feb. 26, 1865 ; Ava Bell, born Nov, 7, 1868, died Sept. 24, 1869. Two years since they took into the family Cora A. Niles, an orphan daughter of his brother Charles E., and in every respect treat her as an own child.

Mr. N. has been a life-long Democrat. Not- withstanding the town is Republican, he was chosen to the responsible position of Supervisor in 1871 and rëelected in 1873-'74-'75, and again for the year 1877. For the last eight years he has acted as Notary Public. In 1869, he built his present residence, one of the finest in the village of Amber, a sketch of which, with the portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Niles, appears on another page in this work. Mr. Niles is a thorough and successful farmer, a genial companion, and fully deserves the confidence and esteem in which he is held in the community where he has passed his whole life.

JAMES H. REDWAY.

James H. Redway was born August 3, 1817, in Otisco, Onondaga County, and is the eldest son of Thomas and Susannah Redway. His father was the youngest son of James and Alithea Red- way. He had two brothers and two sisters, viz : Mahitable, James, Nancy and Benjamin. The family moved from Killingly, Conn., in 1796, and settled in Galway, Saratoga county, N. Y. From thence they moved in 1806, to Onondaga County, settling in Otisco on the place still owned by Thos. Redway, and occupied at the present time by Geo. D. Redway. The brothers and sisters are all de- ceased. Thomas married Susannah Gibbs, Feb. 10, 18II ; they had two children, viz : Wm. G. and the subject of this sketch. William G. was born April 13, 1822 ; died Nov. 22, 1843. The mother died Nov. 8, 1861. Thomas, the father, is still living with his son, at the advanced age of eighty- six, and though he is feeble, having suffered a stroke of paralysis about two years since, never having had a physician up to that time since his marriage, yet his memory and hearing are still very good.

When they moved to Otisco, Thomas drove the team of steers and a flock of fourteen sheep, and the sheep now on the farm are descendants of that flock. When he came through Syracuse, there was but one house standing, located where the Empire block now stands. His farm was cleared up from

the woods, and milling was done at a mill situated- a mile below Skaneateles village, a distance of eleven miles. He was called out in the war of 1812 and drew a land warrant on account of his services. He has followed farming throughout life. He was Highway Commissioner for thirteen years in suc- cession and has held other town offices. He has never had a lawsuit in his life.

In politics, he was first a Whig and then a Re- publican. From small beginnings, by untiring in- dustry, enlightened economy and honorable dealing, Mr. R. has accumulated a handsome property, the active management of which for the past six or seven years he has yielded almost entirely to his son. The life of a farmer usually embraces few startling incidents, but Mr. Redway has performed its duties with such industry and good judgment as to secure the respect of all who have known him. And now as the life of this pioneer, already length- ened more than a decade beyond the allotted three- score years and ten, is drawing towards its close, he can look back over its varied shadows and sunshine, its struggles and its triumphs, with the satisfaction coming from a life well spent, and await with com- posure the inevitable hour which comes to all the living.

The subject of this sketch has always lived with his father, having as before stated, the entire con- trol of business for a number of years. He received his education in the district schools of his native- town except one term in a select school at Onon- daga. He was married February 25th, 1846, to. Pamela Jane Willsie, second daughter of Captain. John and Mary Willsie. She was born in Marcel- lus, September 19, 1824. They have but one child ; Alice Adelle, born July 21, 1848, married October 6, 1868, to George D. Redway, a distant relative of the family. They have children as fol- lows : May Isabella, Herbert Eugene and Louis Leroy. They occupy the farm named above, upon which the family first settled. Mr. R. has held various offices of trust in his town ; Overseer of the Poor, Election Inspector, Assessor, and for the last thirteen years has filled the office of Justice of the Peace. As an evidence of care and good judgment exercised since he occupied that position, it may be stated that no decision rendered by him has ever been reversed by a higher court. For the last ten years he has been extensively employed in the settlement of estates in his own and neighbor- ing towns.

On account of reliance upon his judgment and good advice, he has often been called upon to settle questions of difference among his neighbors, always

58*

354

HISTORY OF ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

counseling a settlement beween parties in preference to an appeal to the law. In the management of the large property accumulated by his father and him- self, he has shown rare tact and good judgment. In the loaning of moneys he has always lived up to the motto of " live and let live," never exacting more than the legal rate of interest, and like his father before him, though his business transactions have been extensive, he has never had a suit at law. In politics he is a Republican. Though not a member of any church Mr. R. has always recog- nized the healthful influence of the Christian reli- gion, and has always contributed to the support of churches in his neighborhood.

It would but echo the common sentiment of the community in which he has passed his whole life, to say that Mr. R. possesses, in a marked degree, those qualities which characterize the useful citizen, the good neighbor, the filial son, and the kind and indulgent parent, and one whose loss would be most deeply felt.

WARREN KINNEY.

Warren Kinney was born in Union Township, Tolland County, Conn., August 14th, 1804, the eld- est child of Alpheus and Lucy Kinney. They had thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters. The family moved to Madison County, N. Y .. in 1815, where the father died, February 22, 1848, the mother January 3d, 1864. At the age of fifteen Mr. Kinney left home and worked for five years by the month, for Col. John Ledyard, in Cazenovia, Madison County. For the next five years he en- gaged in peddling tin-ware, and, during his travels, while thus employed, he made the acquaintance of Harriet Bouttelle, whom he married March 30th, 1830. After his marriage he took up a forty acre lot in Madison County, upon which a small clear- ing had been made and a log house erected. He remained on this place six years. In 1836 he sold out and settled on a farm at the head of Otisco Lake, town of Otisco. By hard work, seconded in every effort by his estimable wife, Mr. K. added from time to time to his lands until he had become the possessor of three hundred acres of land. 1851, his health having become somewhat im- paired he moved to Amber village, where he has ever since resided.

Mrs. Kinney was born in Otisco, September 24, 1810, the youngest child of Alpheus and Hannah Bouttelle. She had three brothers and one sister, viz : David B., Samuel, Lorenzo and Parmelia A. David B. and Parmelia A. are deceased. Lorenzo

and Samuel are still living in Amber, the latter with his son, A. J. Bouttelle, proprietor of the Lake House Her parents were natives of Worcester County, Mass., and were among the first families that settled in Otisco in 1804. The first Independ- ence day thereafter all the families (five in num- ber of the town sat down at one table. Her father opened the first tannery in the southern part of Onondaga County. Mrs. K. united with the M. E. Church in Otisco V'alley in 1836, and always took a lively interest in all matters which looked to its prosperity, and was an efficient coworker in the Sabbath School. She was a leader in every moral, social or benevolent enterprise. The poor and needy always found in her a sympathizing friend. In all her acts of kindness she was unostentatious. She was truly a help-meet to her husband. She clicd April 5th, 1876. Her loss will long be felt in the community in which she lived, and her mem- ory treasured by all who knew her.

Mr. Kinney, for many years, has also been a member of the M. E. Church, always doing his part towards its support. Having no children of their own, Mr. and Mrs. K. have taken into their home, at different times, five children of their neighbors, whom they have brought up and given a start in the world, to whom they were as an own father and mother.

Of Mr. Kinney it may be truly said, he is em- phatically a self-made man. Denied the advan- tages of education, he has literally cut his way through life by the sweat of his brow. Starting with nothing but his hands and an indomitable will, earnestly seconded, in all his undertakings, by the hearty cooperation of his wife, he has achieved success, and secured an ample competence.

October 29th, 1877. he was married to Emma Annable, daughter of Otis and Rosina Annable.

MYRON HILLYER.

This gentleman was born in the town of Marcellus, Onondaga county, October 28, 1811, the third child of Nathaniel and Hannah Hillyer. They had two sons and three daughters, viz : Chester, Betsey. Myron, Catherine and Louisa. They were both natives of Connecticut, and were among the earliest settlers in the town of Marcellus. The father was a blacksmith and also carried on a farm. Both the father and mother are deceased. The children are all living except Betsey, who was the wife of Arthur Machan. Chester is a farmer, owning and living on the homestead. Catherine, married to Abner

WARREN KINNEY.

MRS HARRIET KINNEY, (DECEASED)

EMMA KINNEY

RESIDENCE OF WARREN KINNEY. AMBER, ONONDAGA CO NY.

Thilinda Hellyer Morten Hillyer

PHOTOS. BY BONTA & CURTISS, SYRACUSE,

RES. AND HARNESS SHOP OF MYRON HILLYER, AMBER, ONONDAGA COUNTY. N. Y.

355

HISTORY OF ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Wallrod, and Louisa, married to Samuel Rockwell, are both living in Jersey City, N. J.

Up to his twentieth year, the subject of this sketch worked at home on the farm, then com- menced to learn the harness-maker's trade, which he has continued to follow without interruption.

He was married April 27, 1851 to Philinda Grif- fin, daughter of Heman and Candace Griffin, who had four sons and seven daughters. Her parents, both natives of Connecticut, were among the first settlers of the town of Otisco, and are both deceased. All but two of the children are still liv- ing, five in the State of Michigan and the rest in Otisco. Mrs. Hillyer was born in Otisco, October 4, 1822, on the farm where her parents first settled and lived till their death, now owned and occupied by John Fairchild. In 1862, she united with the M. E. Church and has been one of its most active

and devoted members. In appreciation of her in- terest in the American Missionary Society, she was made a life member.

Mr. and Mrs. Hillyer have had but one child, viz : Horton N., born October 5, 1856. He has always lived at home, learned the harness-maker's trade of his father and is now a partner with him in the business. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hillyer set- tled in Amber village, on the place where they reside. In politics Mr. Hillyer was first a Whig, then Re- publican. He was postmaster in Amber village six years. Left by his father but a small property, by close attention to business and honorable dealing, seconded at all times by the hearty cooperation of his estimable wife, Mr. Hillyer has accumulated an ample competence. A sketch of his house, with portraits of himself, wife and son appear on another page of this volume.

TULLY.

TULLY was originally one of the townships of the Military Tract. Upon the organization of the county in 1794, it was included with Fabius in the town of Pompey. Fabius, including the present town of Tully, was taken off March 9, 1798, and Tully was erected into a separate town April 4, 1803, A part of Otisco was taken off in 1806, and a part of Spafford in 181I.

Tully is the center town upon the south line of the county. Its surface is an upland, level in the center, but hilly upon the east and west borders. In the south part of the central valley are several small lakes, known as the Tully Lakes, the principal being Crooked Lake and Big Lake, only a few rods apart, yet dividing the waters of the St. Lawrence from those of the Susquehanna. Out of Crooked Lake, which is just eight hundred feet above the Erie Canal at Syracuse, flows the Onondaga Creek, northward, while Big Lake, four feet lower, gives rise to the Tioughnioga River, which flows south into the Susquehanna, and thence into Chesapeake Bay. The only swampy land in the town lies in the vicinity of these lakes. The prevailing soil is a sandy and a clayey loam, productive, and well adapted to grazing and agricultural purposes.

EARLY SETTLERS.

Settlements were first made in this town by New England people when it was included in the town of Pompey, from 1794 to 1798. The first settler

was David Owen, in 1795. He erected the first cabin in the town, and was followed by James Cravath, William Trowbridge and others. The first white child born in the town was Peter Henderson, in 1796. Timothy Walker built the first frame house in 1797, and Moses Nash the second ; both were built in the village of Tully. Moses Nash also opened the first store at the village in 1803. Previous to this trading had been done at Pompey Hill and at Truxton. John Meeker succeeded Mr. Nash in the mercantile business in 1805. He was one of the most extensive merchants in the country, and took the lead in business and trade throughout this whole region.

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.

History of Onondaga County, New York, Part 80

Author: Clayton, W.W. (W. Woodford) Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason & Co. Number of Pages: 840

Author: Clayton, W.W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason & Co.
Number of Pages: 840