USA > New York > Ontario County > History of Ontario county, New York : with illustrations and family sketches of some of the prominent men and families > Part 79
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 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100
dd
234
HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY.
he married a second wife, Hannah Dixon, of his native town. Mr. Peck died May 30, 1891. Jasper C. Peck's father, Clark, was born in Lyme, Conn., January 6, 1767, and was well educated for that day. January 19, 1797, he married Caroline Ilall, who was but sixteen years of age, of his native town, and at once started for West Bloomfield, traveling with ox teams and fording rivers and streams. The country was full of Indians and in their new home they were visited by these natives, also by wolves and other wild beasts of the forest. They located upon these lands at twenty-five cents per acre. They had four children: Miranda, Jasper C., Abel, and Joseph A. The young wife made one journey on horse-back from West Bloomfield to her old home in Connecticut with their oldest daughter, Miranda A., a babe in arms. Mr. Clark Peck died January 27, 1825. Mrs. Foster's great-grandfather was Jasper Peck, who was born in 1737, and died at Lyme, Conn., in 1821, was sergeant of his company in the French and Indian wars, participating in the capture of Fort Frontenac, and was also a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
Fox, Herman F., Geneva, was born in Savoy, Germany, May 13, 1843, and came to the United States with his parents at the age of five years. He was educated in the public schools and learned the cabinet trade. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and ,Twenty-sixth N. Y. Vols., and was in the following battles : Harper's Ferry, Gettysburg, Auburn Ford, and Bristow Station. October 14, 1863, he was captured in the last named battle, taken to Libby prison, and from there to Belle Isle, where he remained six months, rejoining his regiment May 17, 1864. IIe was in the battle of Tolopotomy and Cold Harbor. He was then detailed color bearer at brigade headquarters, serving in that capacity in the following engagements : In front and at the left of Petersburg, Deep Bottom, Strawberry Plains, Reamns Station, assault around Petersburg, Boydton Plank Road, and Sutherland Station. While charging the enemy's works, April 2, 1865, he was severely wounded the second time, losing his hand. Falling from his horse he still held the flag in his other hand, which the rebels tried to wrench from his loyal grasp. The brigade was successful in its second charge and Mr. Fox was carried into our lines, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. Upon his return to Geneva he learned telegraphy. In 1869 he began the manufacture of cigars, also opened a cigar store, which is continued until the present. In 1885 he was doorkeeper of the Assembly in the State Legislature. On March 30, 1889, he was appointed postmaster of Geneva by the Harrison administration, serving his full term. In 1872 he married Mary Winkler, formerly of Lyons, Wayne county, and they had three children : Carrie A., Charles H., and Frederick H. Mrs. Fox died March 6, 1877. His father, Ernest, was born at the old home in Savoy, Germany, in 1817, and married Amelia Gerber of his native place. They had twelve children, and came to the United States in 1848.
Garlock, Peter, Phelps, was born in Phelps, October 6, 1832. He was one of nine children of Abram and Catharine (Cook) Garlock, of Montgomery county. The grand- father was Peter, and his father emigrated to this country from Holland at an early day. Peter Cook, the grandfather on the mother's side, was a native of New Jersey. Peter Garlock married in 1857 Maria Van Devort, of Phelps, who died in 1886 leaving
235
FAMILY SKETCHES.
seven children : Ellen (Mrs. O. M. Lincoln), Abram, Thomas, Charles, Kate, Alfred, and Jessie M He subsequently married Cecilia Smith, of Rochester, and they have two children: Arthur, and Grace. Mr. Garlock spent twenty-seven years in Arcadia, the rest of his life in Phelps. In 1863 Peter Garlock began distilling cider-brandy and peppermint, and has continued in that business. In 1879 he started the mill in Phelps where he is now located, adding improved machinery in 1885. In 1889 his son, Charles Garlock, went into the business with his father, under the firm name of P. Garlock & Son. Their plant has a capacity of from 2,500 to 3,000 barrels per year.
Gaylord, Philotus, father of Sarah D. Mallett, was born in South Hadley, Mass., April 7, 1813. His father was killed by the falling of a mill stone, leaving seven children, the eldest only fourteen, and the subject of this sketch only nine years of age. The farın was not out of debt, and the children were put out among neighboring farmers to earn their board and " keeping," while the eldest tilled the farm and paid off the debt of three hundred dollars, which at that time was considered a large sum. Philotus was taken by Captain Hiram Smith and educated in the common schools of his days, un- til old enough to put to a trade. He was then apprenticed to a Mr. Moody to learn the carpenter's trade. His work was mostly bridge building, and not content with such a life, he left Massachusetts, coming to New York State in 1833, where he finished learning the carpenter's trade with T. Judd in Bath. IIe married Elizabeth Buchanan, of Bath, Steuben county, November 10, 1834, and moved to Geneva in the spring of 1835, where he also studied architecture, becoming later on a master architect and builder. For a short time he was engaged in the sash and blind business with S. Wil- son, where he met with some reverses in business ; he then entered into co-partnership with his cousin, Andre Smith, also a Massachusetts man, and they employed from twenty-five to thirty hands, erecting some of the best business blocks in Geneva, also two churches, viz., St. Peter's Memorial Church, and St. John's Chapel for Hobart Col- lege ; besides many fine residences. He was much esteemed in this community and held public office several terms, assessor, trustee, and president of Board of Health, being a village trustee at the time of his death which occurred October 27, 1881. There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gaylord fourteen children, all born in Geneva. Jerusha, the eldest, was twice married, first to Chester H. Wood, of Bellona, Yates county, and they had three children, as follows : Ella L., Martha E., and George D., the latter being the only surviver. Mr. Wood was a soldier in the late war and was killed in the bat- tle of the Wilderness. She married second Rush S. Probasco, and they had three chil- dren : Mary E., Henry C., and Grace E. Andre S. married Sarah E. Sawyer of Seneca Falls, and had seven children, three of whom survive: Andre S., jr., Sarah E., and Frederick L. John B. married Anna M. Howard, of Holyoke, Mass., and had nine chil- dren, eight of whom survive: Adeline F., Willis H., Philotus, Agnes, James W., Herbert L., and Melvin S. (twins), Elizabeth and Sarah E. John B. died June 21, 1891. Sarah D. married George S. Mallett, formerly of Kessinglard, England, a soldier in the late war, who died of yellow fever at Newbern, N. C., October 9, 1864. Josiah A. mar- ried Alice Henry, of Fort Madison, Ia., and have seven children : Harry L., Anna M., Edith M., W. Burton, Etta M., Arthur, Helen G. Emily B. married James F. Coe, of Benton, Yates county. They have four children : Perry S., Edith G., Hatty E., and
236
HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY.
James M. Mrs. Coe died March 25, 1892. The children are cared for at the old home in Geneva. Hatty L. married Rev. George H. Cornell, of Schuyler county. They had one child, Percy W., who died at Pueblo, Col., 1886. Eight of the fourteen children have died. Anna A. resides at home unmarried. Mrs. Gaylord's father, John Buchanan, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died as a result of his wounds. Rush S. Probasco enlisted twice in the War of the Rebellion. The second time in Company E, First Veteran Cavalry, and was honorably mustered out in Camp Pratt, Kanawha Valley, W. Va., July 20, 1865.
Gillette, John, Canandaigua, was born in Palmyra, Wayne county, in November, 1839, a son of John Gillette, a farmer of that town where the early life of our subject was spent. He prepared for college at the Palmyra Classical Union School. After leaving school he entered the office of Aldrich & McClouth, of Palmyra, to study law. He was admitted to the bar in June, 1863, and immediately opened an office in Can- andaigua, where he began practicing, and has ever since been here. He has built up an enviable reputation as a learned counsellor and brilliant speaker. He has never taken any active interest in politics outside of the interest all Republicans have in the success of the party ticket.
Granger, Hon. Julius N., Clifton Springs, was born June 22, 1810, on the farm now owned by his wife, Sarah A. Granger. Judge Granger during his eventful life was held in the highest esteem by all. He served as justice of the peace when only twenty- one years of age, and filled the office for several terms thereafter ; for several years was judge of sessions of Ontario county ; for eighteen years was recorder of the Gen- eral Land Office at Washington ; and for fourteen years an examiner in the pension of- fice. He was a staunch Democrat. Mrs. Sarah A. Granger, his wife, is still living and enjoying the best of health. She was born October 29, 1811. She was the only sister of Stephen A. Douglass, and was with him at Washington, when that talented and patriotic gentlemen was in the zenith of his fame. Mrs. Granger possesses a consid- erable amount of the ability of the Douglass family. Her mind is as bright as ever, which is saying considerable for a lady of over eighty years of age, and she is a most interesting historian. Mrs. Granger served as postmaster under the Cleveland administration.
Houston, James M., Victor, was born in New York city October 13, 1845, and came with his parents to Canandaigua when only a few years old. He was educated in the district schools of that town, and is a farmer. June 1, 1880, he married Mrs. Mary C. (Kellogg) Eaton, of Victor, N. Y. Mrs. Houston's daughter by her first husband, Lattie J., married William F. Hill of this town. Mr. Houston's father, Robert, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, about the year 1821. He married Jane Carson of his native place, and came to the United States about the year 1845, and soon after his arrival located in the town of Canandaigua. They had six children, two sons and four daughters : James, Agnes, Margaret, Frances, Jane and Robert. Mr. Houston came to Victor in the year 1873, clerking for a while, afterwards conducting the hotel at Victor in company with G. W. Peer from 1880 to 1889. His father's brother, James, was a merchant in England, and afterwards in California. The late Curtis A. Kellogg
237
FAMILY SKETCHES.
was born near Miller's Corners, in the town of West Bloomfield in the year 1841. He was educated in the public schools. About the year 1868 he married Mary C. Eaton, formerly of Pittsford, Monroe Co. Mr. Kellogg had a variety of occupations but chief of all a produce dealer and commission merchant. He was killed in a railroad accident in March, 1878. He was mourned by a bereaved wife, and a large circle of friends and neighbors.
Hollingsworth, Frank L., Victor, was born in the town of Greece, Monroe county October 24, 1855. He was educated in the public schools and has always been a farmer. December 27, 1882, he married Frances, daughter of Isaac M. and Mary Calkins of Victor. They have two sons and two daughters: Gilbert L., George C., Florence I. and Lucy M. Mr. Hollingsworth's father was born in England about the year 1807, came to the United States when a young man and married Elizabeth Don- ken. They had two sons and a daughter, Frank L., George D., and Carrie. Mrs. Hollingsworth's father, Isaac M., was born in the year of 1822, and married Mary Dibble of East Bloomfield, and had five children : Mary, Lucy, Frances, Cora and Horace.
Hildreth, John E., Geneva, was born in Geneva, July 24, 1842, was educated in the public schools and by occupation brought up in the nursery business and is an expert grafter in all varieties of that branch of the business. He was married twice, first on January 28, 1865, Sarah Davenport of Shannon, Yates county, and they had six chil- dren : Mary E., Paul R., Ebenezer J., Phoebe A., Lois V., and Laura S. Mrs. Hil- dreth died in 1881. For his second wife he married in 1885, Caroline, sister of his first wife, and they had one son, Aaron B. Mr. Hildreth's father, Isaac, was born in Shaftsburg, Vt., June 9, 1815. and came to this State when a young man, coming on the Erie Canal packet. He married twice, first Rachael La Merion, and they had two children : Laura and Rachael. For his second wife he married Phoebe A. Cunningham and had the following children : John E., Isaac, jr., Paul R., and Almena. Isaac, jr., and Paul R. were soldiers in the late war. Mr. Hildreth's father, Isaac, was the first man that started a nursery in Geneva, was also the first man that started peach orchards and vineyards on Seneca lake and was the pioneer that led the way in taking fruit trees to California in 1850. George Freer was his partner. He died May 18, 1865. His wife survives him.
Kingsbury, George W., Manchester, captain U. S. army, retired. Born in Chester, Windsor county, Vt., August 30, 1840; educated at the Chester (Vt.) Academy and subsequently engaged in business at Chester until the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, when he enlisted as a private in Company K, Sixteenth Vermont Vols., September 15, 1862 ; appointed corporal in same company October 1, 1862. Honor- ably mustered out of service with company August 10, 1863 ; re-enlisted January 9, 1864, as private in Company F, Seventeenth Vermont Vols., for three years ; promoted second lieutenant of same company April 9, 1864. Engaged in the battle of Gettys- burg, July 2, 3 and 4, 1863, and battles of Wilderness and Spottsylvania Court House from May 5 to 15 inclusive. Seriously wounded at the battle of Spottsylvania, May 15, 1864, by a minnie ball, caliber 69, entering left side immediately below axilla, pass-
238
HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY.
ing within one-half inch of the heart, through the left lung, thence to the spine, passing between the aorta and spinal cord, carrying away a portion of the fourth dorsal verte- bra, passing back of the right lung and lodging in the right side outside the eighth and ninth ribs, making one the most remarkable wounds on record. Honorably discharged for wounds received in action October 5, 1864 ; received three brevets, one " for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of the Wilderness, Va." Appointed second lieutenant Veteran Reserve Corps, October 25, 1864, and was offered a position on President Lincoln's Body Guard, which was declined, and was subsequently assigned to the command of Company D, Twenty-third Regiment V. R. C., stationed at Jeffer- sonville, Ind., from December, 1864, to May, 1865. On duty at mustering-out camps of the Wisconsin volunteers at Madison and Milwaukee until December, 1865. On duty in the Bureau of R. F. and A. Lands in the States of Virginia, Kentucky and Alabama, from April, 1866, to October, 1868. Appointed second lieutenant Forty- third Regiment of Infantry, U. S. Army, May 31, 1867, and stationed at Detroit, Mich. Assigned to Company E, Twelfth U. S. Infantry, January 5, 1870, and ordered to Camp Gaston, Cal .; post adjutant, quartermaster, commissary, and signal officer at Camp Gaston from January, 1870, to April, 1875. Participated in the Modoc Indian war of 1873; in charge of the Modoc Indian prisoners at Fort Klamath, Ore .; member of the Military Commission for the trial of Captain Jack and other Modoc prisoners ; field adjutant in charge of the execution of the Modocs; acting assistant adjutant- general of the District of the Lakes at Fort Klamath, Ore. Promoted first lieutenant Twelfth U. S. Infantry, July 3, 1874. On duty at Angel Island, Cal., Whipple Bar- racks, Ariz., Fort Apache and Fort Thomas, from October, 1875, to May, 1882. Quar- termaster Twelfth U. S. Infantry from February 1, 1876, to July 1, 1879. Engaged in the Apache Indian war in Arizona during 1881-82. Retired from active service for wounds received in the line of duty under the provisions of section 1251 Revised Statutes, May 26, 1886, and with the rank of captain U. S. Army, by act of Congress approved September 27, 1890. Engaged in the insurance and real estate business at Clifton Springs since July, 1884.
Moore, William S., Geneva, son of William B. and Cornelia (Atwater) Moore, was born in Arcadia, Wayne county, August 18, 1857. He was educated at Geneva Union School and Rochester Free Academy, graduating from the latter in 1877. He read law with Seth H. Terry and Homer H. Woodward of Rochester, and was admitted to the bar in April, 1880, at Rochester. He opened an office at East Bloomfield in June, 1880, where he continued to practice law until February, 1891, when he removed to Geneva, where he is now engaged in active practice. On July 11, 1883, he married Luella Freer of East Bloomfield, by whom he has one child, Minnie. William B. Moore died January 2, 1866, in Wayne county, and his widow married Marcus Ansley, and resides in Geneva. He is a nurseryman and fruit grower. William B. Moore had three chil- dren : William S., Frederick H. and Clinton B. Frederick died in October, 1886, at Los Angeles, California. Clinton is a nurseryman and fruit grower, residing with his par- ents in Geneva.
239
FAMILY SKETCHES.
Munson, Roswell C., East Bloomfield, was born in East Bloomfield, November 3, 1828, a son of Harlow and Theda (Carter) Munson, and grandson of Anson. Harlow was born October 29, 1799, in East Bloomfield, where he resided until his death, Feb- ruary 5, 1881. He was a merchant and manufacturer of boots and shoes for over thirty years, and in connection with a partner built and operated a large flouring mill. He held various town offices at different times, was postmaster for a great many years, and sheriff of the county for one term. In politics he was a Democrat in early life, and a sound War Democrat during the Rebellion. His wife, Theda C., died on the anniver- sary of her birthday, February 5, 1892, aged eighty-five years. She was born in Con- necticut, a daughter of Darius Carter and Asenath Peters, pioneers of East Bloomfield. Roswell C. Munson received a district school education, then attended and graduated from the East Bloomfield Academy, class of 1846. He entered his father's store and engaged in mercantile business until 1858, when he went to Oshawa, Canada, as man- aging partner in the agricultural implement business, and five years later went to New York. In 1864 he went to London. England, where he engaged in the American com- mission business until 1881, when he returned to East Bloomfield and occupied his late father's place. He is a staunch Republican, is the secretary of the Republican County Committee, and has been a member of that committee four successive years. He is a justice of the peace, and has an office in the village in connection with insurance and other business. He is president of the town historical society. He has been twice married, first to Lydia E. Peck, and second to Cornelia, daughter of Thaddeus Spencer and Deorah F. Gay of Suffield, Conn. Mr. and Mrs. Munson have two children : Har- low and Theda M.
Robinson, S. P., Manchester, was born in Manchester, February 3, 1823. He is of Connecticut ancestry on his father's side and Mohawk Dutch on his mother's. He has followed agricultural pursuits nearly all of his life, also conducting a hotel in Phelps for twenty years. He has held a number of town offices, overseer of the poor, district trustee, etc. He is a staunch Democrat and a valuable party worker. He has also had charge of the Gypsum Cemetery for many years. He married a Miss Mosier, and they have had three children, the oldest child being deceased.
Riker, Melville G., Hopewell, was born in Cayuga county, June 14, 1844, a son of Henry L. Subject was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools, and has always been a farmer. He is also a real estate dealer. In 1867 he married Sarah L. Cole, a native of Cayuga county, born in 1844. Her parents are Peter and Lavira Cole, natives of Ulster county, and early settlers of Cayuga county, where they now reside, aged respectively eighty-six and eighty-one. Mr. Cole and wife have eight children, all of whom are living. The children of Mr. Riker and wife are : Charles M., Carrie A., Wilfred C., and Annie L. Charles W. is studying mechanical and electrical engineering in Cornell University, and Carrie is in Union school at Canandaigua. Mr. Riker came to Hopewell in 1869, and in 1884 purchased the Joseph Gates farm. He is a Republican, and has been assessor three years. Mrs. Riker and her eldest daughter and eldest son are members of the Congregational Church at Canandaigua.
240
HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY.
Steele, Elisha, East Bloomfield, was born where he now resides, August 22, 1812, a son of Elisha, who came from Connecticut just after his marriage (about 1794) and set- tled on 300 acres, where he lived until his death in December, 1812. His wife was Anna Brown, who lived to be almost ninety-seven years of age. They had eight chil- dren : Harriet, born in Bloomfield, July 11, 179- ; Elmira, born September 13, 1797 ; Edward, born September 11, 1799; Samuel H., born July 4, 1802; Garrett, born No- vember 6, 1804; Marina, died in infancy; Anna, born July 10, 1809; Elisha, born August 22, 1812. He was reared on a farm, and received a common school education, supplemented by an academic course. When he was sixteen years old his brothers moved to Michigan, and he assumed charge of the homestead, of which he now owns 150 acres, which he has improved with fine buildings. He has served as supervisor, elected by the Republican three years, and was active in getting the R. W. R. R. built through his town. February 19. 1839, he married Olive Norton, born in East Bloom- field, a daughter of Reuben and Clarissa (Steele) Norton, originally of Connecticut, who had twelve children. Subject and wife had four children: Clarissa, who died aged fourteen ; Edgar H., born October 14, 1840, enlisted in October, 1861, in the Eighty-fifth N. Y. Vols., and was wounded at the Battle of Fair Oaks. He was taken prisoner and sent to Libby Prison, dying in June, 1862; Horatio S., and Julia A., wife of Wesley Sperry, of Minnesota. Mrs. Steele was a member of the Congregational Church, and died November 27, 1892.
Woolston, John A., Victor, was born in Victor, January 6, 1838, was educated in the public schools, Fairfield Academy and Lima Seminary. He has taught school sev- eral winters, and is a farmer. April 6, 1864, he married Nancy C., daughter of Ben- jamin F. and Sally (Stafford) Lusk, of Victor. They have one son, William F., born December 31, 1864. He was educated in the public schools and Canandaigua Academy, and is a graduate from the American Veterinary College of New York city, he also studied in Toronto Veterinary College. He is a practical man in his profession, with the title of D. V. S. He resides with his parents, where his office is located. The early history is as follows: One John Woolston came from England with Lord Berk- ley, and located in New Jersey. He also had a son, John, who married and had six sons : John, Joshua, Michael, Cromwell, William and Joseph. The grandson of John was Cromwell. Joseph, the youngest brother, had two sons, Michael and Joshua. The latter was their great-grandfather, and married Tamer Evans, and had four sons and one daughter: Joseph, Michael, William, Barzillai and Jane. Joseph was the grandfather of John A. Woolston and Mrs. George W. Hill and Mrs. Wm. Hill. He married Elizabeth Bell, and in the year of 1806 came to Victor with his wife and two children, and were three weeks on their way.
Page, Levi A., Seneca, was born on the homestead near Seneca Castle, January 1, 1841. He was educated in the public schools and Lima Seminary, and has always fol- lowed farming. Mr. Page has been one of the assessors of the town six years, was elected supervisor in 1882, serving eight consecutive years, was chairman of the board two years, and was elected one of the superintendents of the county poor in the fall of 1891, serving in that capacity still. February 19, 1867, he married Maggie F., danghter of John H. Benham of Hopewell, and they had seven children : Clara J., Laura S.,
241
FAMILY SKETCHES.
Mary F., John A., Frank M., Levi A., jr., and Jessie B. Mrs. Page died in February, 1886. Mr. Page's father, Levi A., was born here October 6, 1816. He was educated in the schools of his day and in Cazenovia Seminary, and was a farmer. He married Deborah, daughter of Thomas Ottley of this town. They had three children : Levi A., Joel and Harriet J. Mrs. Page died in August, 1850. For his second wife he married Mary Winters of Seneca. Mr. Page died in 1865 ; his wife resides with her son, Levi A. His grandfather, Nathaniel Page, came here from Conway, Mass., in 1812.
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.