USA > New York > Otsego County > History of Otsego County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 66
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251
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Supervisors.
Town Clerks. E. D. Persous.
Jolin F. Scott.
E. P. Byram.
H. P. Metcalf.
Levi C. Turner. Geo. W. Ernst.
=
Marais B. Angell.
"
Marais B. Angell.
Horace M. Hooker.
"
Gico. W. Ernst.
Jobn K. Leaning. .
Henry L. Hinman. Benj. F. Murdock. Chas. R. Burch.
..
POPULATION.
1800
1362 | 1845 4320
1810 .3810 1850 .. .3901
1814 .3871
1855 4334
1820 4180 1860 1303
1825
.3917
1865
4292
1830
.4363
1870.
1590
1835
4276 1875
4170
1840
41201
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF FITCH'S HILL.
The first Methodist Episcopal church of the town of Otsego was organized in the year 1813, with the follow- ing members, viz. : Jonah and Esther Sprague; Reuben and Elsie Whipple, son and daughter; George and Alice Roberts; also George, Jr., S. R., Sophia, and Sally Roberts ; Joseph Perkins and Alice, his wife; William Holabert, and Amos Babcock and wife. The society erected a church edifice in 1835, located on Fitch Hill. It is a plain build- ing; in size, about 24 by 30 feet. The church has a present membership of about twenty persons, and is in charge of Rev. James Ryder.
THIE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF FLY CREEK
was organized in about the year 1812 by Rev. Seth Matti- son, with the following members, viz., Benjamin Gallap, Celinda Gallap, David Marvin, Geo. Roberts, Eleanor Williams, Sally Rutember, and perhaps some others. Rev. Seth Mattison was the first pastor, and Geo. Roberts, John Abbey, and Clowell Gross trustees. Previously to the erection of the church cdifice, services were held in the old Episcopal chapel. The church building was erected in 1839, is 40 by 60 in size, and cost $1500. The church was dedicated by Dr. Elias Bowen. The church building was repaired and remodeled in 1874. at a cost of $2500. It is a neat and substantial structure, and its seating capacity is three hundred. The church is in a prosperous condition, and its membership numbers one hundred and sixty persons. The present officers are as follows, viz. : Rev. James Ryder, pastor ; Henry Bliss, J. II. Johnson, James Woodbeck, S. C. Bailey, Chas. Babbitt, Daniel Carpenter, and Buszell Brownell, trustees.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHI
located at Fly Creek was organized March 20, 1828, with a membership of twenty-one. The first pastor was Rev. Samuel Manning. The church editice was erected in about the year 1840, at a cost of $1600.
THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
located at Fly Creek was organized in 1805, and is said to have been the first church of this denomination formed in the State of New York.
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Collector .- James McGown.
Constables .- William E. Russell, Orville Beadle, James W. Morrison, Daniel Murphy, Smith Bailey.
Game Constable .- Jacob Bell.
Ercise Commissioner .- Cornelius Van Horne.
Inspectors of Election, District No. 1 .- George T. Bur-
bell, Everett A. Potter, Frank R. Winney.
Inspectors of Election, District No. 2 .- Edgar S. Kinnie, Thomas Taylor, Frank G. Jarvis.
AGRICULTURAL AND GENERAL STATISTICS.
In 1865 there were 22,899 acres of improved land in Otago, and the cash value of farms was $1,445,236. There were 4011 acres of land plowed; in pasture, 10,062; in bradlow, 81893; bushels of spring wheat harvested, 119; bushels of winter wheat, 662; bushels of oats, 31.555 ; bushels of barley harvested in 1864, 1689; bushels of buck wheat, 4726; bushels of corn, 11,906 ; bushels of potatoes, 27,032; bushels of peas, 759 ; bushels of beans, 255; bushels of turnips, 1795 ; pounds of hops, 327.923; p'ninds of tobacco, 1350 ; bushels of apples, 31,889 ; barrels of cider, 993; pounds of maple sugar, 19,710; pounds of butter, 145,077 ; pounds of cheese, 196,287.
Agricultural and General Statistics, 1875 .- Otsego has 21.743 acres of improved land, 7156 of woodland, and 1252 aeres other than the above. The cash value of farms, $2.012,560. Acres of land plowed in 1875, 4491 ; aeres in pasture, 10,289; aeres mown, 9378; tons of hay pro- Jured, 12,462; acres of barley in 1874, 80; bushels pro- dared, 2095; aeres of buckwheat, 433 ; bushels produced, 71-6; bushels of Indian corn, 16,147; bushels of oats, 57,744; of rye, C89; of spring wheat, 311 ; winter wheat,
685 ; beans, 89; peas, 272; hops, 161,355 pounds; pota- toes, 46,776 ; tobacco, 1000 pounds ; barrels of eider, 13-2; pounds of maple sugar, 17,332 ; gallons syrup, 724; horses on farms, 916; value of poultry sold, $2253; eggs, 83217 ; cattle slaughtered, 358; pounds of butter made, 156.510 ; cheese, 53,735 ; sheep shorn, 2399 ; weight of clip, 10,084 pounds ; pork made on farms, 163,802 pounds.
Area .- Otsego has an area of 32,141 aeres, and its assessed valuation is $1,008,825, and its equalized valua- tion is $1,092,724.
Henry W. Cory.
Samuel S. Ediek.
Fayette Hinds.
Johu K. Leaning.
...
. Fayetto Iliuds. ¥
"
John Lewis.
Ellery P. Cory.
.James A. Lynes.
James F. Clark.
The town officers for 1877 are as follows :
Supervisor .- James F. Clark. Troca Clerk .- Ellery P. Cory.
Justice of the Peace .- Rufus C. Doubleday.
Commissioner of Highways .- Francis Heaeox.
Axessor .- Silas A. Soule.
Overseers of the Poor .- Albert Pierce and Luther Good-
Tuwen Auditors .- Hezekiah B. Sprague, William E. Cory, Trauc E. Sylvester.
Railroad Commissioners .- G. Pomeroy Keese, John B. Hooker, William A. Doubleday.
Ellery P. Cory. Geo. Jarvis. "
Luzerne M. Bolles. John E. Browne.
Samuel S. Edick.
.S. Wilson Cheney.
252
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The church edifice was erected in 1820, and remodeled in 1861. The present pastor is Rev. E. E. Peek.
HYDE PARK METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
was organized in the Hope factory school-house, in 1855, by Rev. M. L. Kern. The first officers were Cornelius Teachout, George Kirby, and Andrew Losee. The first pastor was Rev. J. L. Wells, and the first members of the church were C. Teachout and wife, Cornelia Mercer, E. Teachout and wife, T. Teachout, Abigail Teachout, William Beach, Maria Beach, A. Evans and wife, Levi Silvernail and wife, M. Alpaugh and wife, and S. Bristol and wife.
The church edifice was erected in 1859, at a cost of $1000, and was dedicated by Revs. J. Shank, J. L. Wells, and S. Comfort, D.D.
The present officers of the church are as follows: Trus- tees, Elkanah Teachout, Andrew Losce; Class-leader, John Berry ; Stewards, H. Winser, John Berry, and A. Losee.
The following have served the church as pastors from its organization to the present time: J. L. Wells, two years ; W. R. Cochrane, one year ; W. C. McDonald, two years ; George Watson, two years ; Isaae Peaslee, two years; W. L. Thorpe, three years; H. M. Crydenwise, two years ; W. A. Wadsworth, one year ; A. S. Clarke, three years ; W. M. Hiller, present pastor, one year.
The present membership is 50.
MILITARY RECORD.
The town clerk of Otsego for the year 1865 failed to · compile a list of those who entered the Rebellion from this town, as directed by the legislature of that year ; eonse- quently there is no record in existence showing either the names or number of men furnished by this town. It is Very difficult at this distance of time from the Rebellion to compile a perfect list, although we have endeavored to do so, and were ably assisted by Leonard W. Baldwin, of Oaksville.
Dewitt C. Niles, enl. in Co. D, 16th U. S. Inf. Horace Ingalls, ent. in Co. K, 14th U. S. Inf. A. J. Eldred, enl. In Co. F, 114th Regt. E. Butts, enl. in Co. F, 121st Regt. Will Lendon, enl. in Co. A, 43d Regt. D. Salisbury, enl. in Co. A, 10th Regt. A. F. Clark, enl. in Co. A, Ist L. Art. Ima W. Wright, com .- sergt., enl. in Co. F, 121st Regt. Leonard W. Baldwin, enl. in Co. G, 152d Regt. David Lindsay, enl. in Co. G, 152d Regt. T. N. Doubleday, enl. in Co. G, 152d Regt. Gev. Jolin-on, enl. in Co. G, 152d Regt. D. P. Van Court, M.D., ent. in Co. G, 34th Regt. Roswell Stephens, enl. in Co. 11, 152d Regt. D. B. Kendall, enl. in Co. Il, 1521 Regt. Frank Davidson, enl. in Co. G, 121st Regt. C. N. Merkwell, enl. in Co. F, 12Ist Regt. Clark Story, enl. in Co. A, 152d Regt. Ilarlow l'ickens.
Enimet Irons, eul. In Co. E, 125th Regt. Jolu Thornton, eul. in Co. K, 76th Regt. E. D Arnold, enl. in Co. A, Ist N. Y. L. Art. Ephraim Rexford, enl. in Co. A, Ist N. Y. I. Art. James Brown. Ambrose Hadsell. Delos Lake.
llosea Williams, enl. in Co. F, 44th Regt. A. Arnobl.
Jaures Bowmaker, eal. In Co. 4, 102d Regt. Edward Townsend, enl. in Co. G, 192d Regt. Morell Cheesebrough, en1. in Co. M. 2 Cav. Stephen E. Cheesebrough, en. in 146th Regt. Herman House, onl. In Co. G, 1524 Regt.
Elliott Irons.
Frederick T. Jarvis, enl. In Co. I, 152d Regt. Frank Jarvis.
Jolnur Lasher, enl. in Co. 11, 15211 Regt. Geo. Cupperhall, etl. in Co. 11, 1524 Regt.
Charles Colton, enl. in lat N. Y. Eng. Pomeroy Austin, enl. in Co. F, 121st Regt.
John Bristol, enl. in Co. F, PEIst Regt.
Charles Metcalf, corp., enl. in Co. F, leIst Regt.
James F. Clark, 2d lieut., enl. in 121st Regt.
Pomeroy Austin, 121st Regt .; lost an arm at Salem Church, Va.
Ambrose Hladsell, 43d Regt.
Ephraim Rexford, Bates' Battery.
Charles Smith, enl. in the artillery ; was in many battles.
The following are deceased :
Lyman Williams, Co. F, 121st Regt .; Henry Gartzee, Co. F, 43 Regt .; Solom. n Townsend, Co. F, 121st Regt .; Freeman W. Alger, Co. F, 121st Regt. ; J.t. Lindsay, Co. F, 121st Regt. ; Daniel Babbitt, Co. F, 121st Rest .; Albert Post, Co. A, 431 Regt .; Fitch Metcalf, Co. A, 43d Regt .; A. MeDaniels, Co. A, 76th Regt .; Eugene Lewis, Co. F, 121st Regt. ; Quartis Colton, Cu. A. 43d Regt .; Matthew Flandsburgh, Co. E, 121st Regt .; Cephas Irony, Co. E, 121st Regt ; Eugene Alger, Co. F, 121st Regt. ; George Taylor, Ilarley Williams; Josiah Minds, Ist lieut., Co. G, 152d Regt. ; Fairfield Wil-on; Lewis Shelman, Co. F, 132d Regt .; Wm. Griffin; Parker Coats, Co. G, 1321 Regt.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
COLONEL JOSEPH A. CHENEY,
son of Joseph and Lydia Cheney, was born at Fly Creck, Otsego County, Feb. 28, 1807. He attended the district schools of his native county, and succeeded in acquiring a substantial business education.
JA. Chiny
He early manifested an interest in military matters, and at the age of eighteen entered the service as a non-com- missioned officer. Ile rendered excellent service, and by ability and talent wan the esteem of his superiors ; in recognition of his valuable service he was promoted step by
Nancy A Thayer
Jr. A. Thayer M. &
ball Thayer
Alus. IfC. f. Bthewer
Hannah Thayer
PHOTOS, BY G W. SMITH, COOPERSTOWN
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Fint
33
In mrr
OTSEGO LAKE FROM FRONT PORCH.
PLATT ST. JOHN.
SMITE, COME
PHOTO HY SMITH COLES"
MRS. REBECCA ST.JOHN
£
253
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
nep to the office of colonel, and was in command of a regi- most when the law was repealed. He then reported him- af w the adjutant-general as a supernumerary, together , as most of the other officers of the regiment.
Mr Cheney was colonel of the 2d Regiment, 2d Brig- »Se. 16th Division of Infantry of Militia of the State of New York. This division was commanded by General S. . Burnside, now a practicing attorney in Oneonta. At the time of the election of General Burnside as brigadier- porral in this brigade there were three candidates,-S. S. Barnside, Colonel Cheney. the subject of this sketch, and www. White, of Cherry Valley,-each of whom received n. 1 Votes. Colonel Cheney withdrew in favor of Burnside, www securing his election. Colonel Cheney's love for the stary did not ecase with the passage of the law disbanding the military, and he was often called by his fellow-citizens to set as marshal at various political and other gatherings.
Colonel Cheney was a Democrat until the campaign of 1-36, when he voted for John C. Fremont, and has since been an active and uncompromising member of the Repub- iwan party. He has ever manifested an interest in all matters concerning the welfare of his town, and has offi- risted in a number of offices within the gift of his towns- men. During the late Rebellion he notified the adjutant- grberal that he was a supernumerary, and that if his ser- vias were needed he was ready to respond to the call of his country, and to strike at the hideous head of rebellion.
Colonel Cheney has two brothers and two sisters living of a family of nine children, viz. : Mita C., who married Edward H. Parmelee, and is now a celebrated doctress, hiding in Laurens. She practiced with eminent success about four years in the State of Connecticut, and six years nav returned to her native county, and was present at the sickness and death of two of her sisters. The daughter of Mita C. married Henry Gartsee, who died in Andersonville. She is now the wife of J. Harvey Steere, a merchant in Laurens. Mary M. married Alfred Burnham, now resid- ing in Sparland, Ill. She has been a school-teacher for over twenty years, and has paid for two farmns from the Inwveds of teaching. Ebenezer W. resides at White's store, Chenango county. Stephen P. resides at Fly Creek, on a part of the original purchase of Joseph Cheney. The fol- lowing children are deceased : Samuel W., Celia Ann, Eliza M., and Isaac R. A nephew of Colonel Cheney, Elward C. Parmelee, who married Anna Woodbeck, of Oneonta, resides with him at Fly Creek, and has two elil- Iren .- one daughter. Mita E., and one son, Joseph F.
Colonel Cheney now resides on ten acres of land called "the " southern valley view," located on the turnpike be- twren Fly Creek and Cooperstown, affording a fine view of the valley of the Susquehanna, and in sight of the spot where Leatherstocking's house stood, on the banks of Oaks "Tryk, and in view of the Adams burial-ground, where Je atherstocking was buried.
DR. W. A. THAYER.
Caleb Thayer, father of the doctor, was born in the town of Hardwick, Worcester Co., Mass., JJan. 28, 1799. Moved to the State of New York with his family in 1829, and
settled in the town of Otsego, in the same neighborhood in which he continued to reside until his death. In his early residence in Otsego he was engaged in the manufacture of lead pipe for conveying water, and for quite a number of years he traveled in Otsego and adjoining counties in this business ; but after cheaper processes of manufacture had been invented, he discontinued the business, and confined himself exclusively to farming. In an obituary notice, published in the Cooperstown Journal, the following is said of him :
He was descended from a long-lived ancestry, and inheriting . vigorous constitution, which his temperate and industrious habits tended well to preserve, he was enabled with very little physical suf- fering and mind unimpaired to reach a ripe old age, to which very few now attain. His was truly a busy life. Time to him was too precious to be squandered in idleness and dissipation. Ever really to extend a helping hand to those who were needy, he had no charity for the idle and dissipated. He was very social in his disposition. and enjoyed with much zest the society of his friends and neighbors. many of whom often came to him for advice and counsel. In bis in- tereourse with his fellow-men, and in all his business relations, he was ever guided by the principles of right and justice.
Mr. Thayer was twice married. By his first wife, whose maiden name was Hannah Stevens, he had two children, viz., the subject of this sketch, and Heury Clinton. The latter was born in Otsego, March 1, 1835, and was drowned May 25, 1838. His wife died March 21, 1864, and he was again married Oct. 14, 1866, to H. Aurelia Pierce. daughter of John and Sally Pierce, a further notice of whom will be found in another column of this work.
After his second marriage, Mr. Thayer purchased the old homestead of the Pierce family, upon which he made most of the improvements, and where he died. His death occurred Dec. 4, 1877.
Dr. W. A. Thayer was descended from an old family. several members of which served during the War of the Revolution with distinction. A near relative, Hiram Thayer, was imprisoned on board a British man-of-war in 1803, and was detained until discharged at the elese of the war. An aged uncle, William Thayer, still survives at the green old age of eighty-five, who served his country in the War of 1812, and was wounded at the battle of Lundy's Lane.
He was born in Hardwick, Worcester Co., Mass., March 6, 1824. Ilis primary education was received in the dis- trict school of his neighborhood. When seventeen years of age he entered a preparatory course for college in the Cooperstown academy, where he remained three years. In 1842 he entered the sophomore class of Union college. and graduated from that institution in 1845. For one year thereafter he was principal of the Sunbury academy. Sun- bury, l'a. At odd times during his college course, and while teaching, he prosecuted the study of medicine with Dr. King, of Cooperstown. In the fall of 1846 he attended the first course of lectures at the Berkshire medical col- lege, Pittsfield, his second course at Woodstock. Vt. fr which he took his medical diploma in 1847. In the fit' the same year he commieneed the practice of medicine in Clayville, Oneida Co., N. Y., where he remained two years. From thenee he went to Cortland, Cortland Co., N. Y .. where for seven years he carried on the drug trade in cub- neetion with the practice of his profession. In 1:56 he
£
254
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
moved to Monmouth, Warren Co., Ill., continuing in the drug trade and practice of medicine. In 1861 he returned to Otsego, where he remained on the homestead farm till 1867, relieving his father from the burden of its manage- ment. Having purchased a farm in Oakland, Franklin Co., Iowa, he moved on to it, and remained till 1873. When his father moved on to the Pierce farm, he returned to the homestead, which he has sinee ocenpied.
The doetor married, Sept. 10, 1849, Nancy A. Critten- den, daughter of Ichabod and Lydia Crittenden, who were natives of Cincinnatus. Cortland Co., N. Y. She was born July 3, 1826, in Willet, Cortland Co. They have children as follows: Alfred Clinton, born May 19, 1851 ; died Dee. 22, 1852. Franklin A., born Dee. 20, 1853; married April 10, 1877, to Fanny Popejoy ; living on the farm in Iowa. Henry Caleb, born Dee. 17, 1856. George Crit- tenden, born June 21, 1865. Charles Ichabod, born Aug. 1, 1868; the latter three living at home.
In politics the doctor has been a life-long Democrat. He has retired from the practice of medicine, finding ample employment of his time in the management of his farm. A representation of his home, with portraits of his father and mother, self and wife, appear on other pages of this work.
JOHN PIERCE
was born Mareh 15, 1791, in Alfred, Rensselaer Co., N. Y. In 1797 his father, Levi Pierce, purchased of William Cooper, at $5 per aere, the farm now owned by Mrs. H. A. Thayer, of 150 aeres, in town of Otsego, Otsego County. In 1799 he moved with his family, consisting of his wife, two sons, and two daughters, and settled upon it. His sons were Joseph, born May 22, 1789, who died (Nov. 1, 1861) in Tompkins eounty; John, subject of this sketch ; Sybil, born June 27, 1792, wife of William Law- rence, of Genesee eounty ; Watestill, born Sept. 29, 1798, widow of Gidcon H. Russell, still living near her son, Gideon H. Russell, in Otsego. The four were born in Alfred, Rensselaer county. After the family moved to Otsego the following children were born : Rebecca, April 27, 1801, wife of Wilbur Turner, died Nov. 23, 1829; Thomas, born June 12, 1802, living in Pennsylvania; Lois, Sept. 29, 1804, wife of James Rankin, settled in Iowa; Sophia, Jan. 29, 1800, wife of John Austin, died June 5, 1836; Levi, born March 1, 1812, a soldier in the Mexican war, also a private in Company H, 121st Regi- ment New York Volunteers, in the war of the Rebellion, from both of which he received an honorable discharge.
The father, Levi Pierce, died at the age of eighty-eiglit, Sept. 2, 1852. His wife, Aug. 3, 1855. John way the " home boy," and to him was deeded the old homestead farm. Ile was married. March 20, 1816, to Sally Kinney, daughter of Jesse and Roxy Kinney, residents of Brook- field, N. Y. She was born Jan. 30, 1795. They had children as follows: Loroxsy, boru July 17, 1819, unmar- ried, living with her sister. Mrs. Thayer; Hiram K., born March 15, 1820, married to Emeline Woodard, and a farmer, living in town of Otsego; Sally Betsey, born Dec. 25, 1821, umuarried, also living with her sister, Mrs.
Thayer ; Phoebe, born Jan. 17, 1824, died April 10. 1-24 Sophia, boru Jan. 30, 1826, died April 10, 1829; Nancy e born April 10, 1828, married Orville Beadle, Feb. 7, 1 - 4: living in Otsego; Harriet Aurelia, born Aug. 22, 1 -... married Oct. 14, 1866, to Caleb Thayer, a further te .: - of whom will be found below ; Rebecea M., born Ju's - 1834, married to Henry Caseby, March 20, 1862 ; a !:. ? his death she married Daniel Roberts, of North Adam .-. Mass., where she resides ; Elvira Sophronia, born Oct. : 1836, married to Menzo Bowen, Feb. 7, 1856, farmer. hiv- ing in Otsego; Alfred K., boru Sept. 8, 1840, marri-1. and sinee the recent death of Caleb Thayer, living ups and working Mrs. Thayer's fariu.
Mr. Pieree was a good citizen, an aecomninodating neigh- bor, and a kind and affectionate father. In politics a Dem. ocrat. At the time of his death he was a member of the Baptist church. He died Aug. 24, 1862. His wife sur- vived him nearly fifteen years. Her death occurred June 6, 1877, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. Amony the published notices of her death, we quote the following : " Her exeellent qualities as a true neighbor and friend to all, won for her the highest estimation of the vicinity in which she has so long resided. A characteristie feature of her life, her patienee, and fidelity to the right, will make her memory redolent for many years to come. As a faith- ful wife and devoted mother, she served the highest inter- ests of society, and now, with many others of the fathers and mothers of the past sleeping in the silent house of rest, she is held in saered remembranee, and society rises up with her sons and daughters to eall her blessed."
Their daughter, Harriet Aurelia, now the widow of the late Caleb Thayer, deserves further notice than the mere mention of her birth and marriage. From a child she was possessed of a strong desire for an education, but the lim- ited means of her parents, with the necessity of providing for a large family, together with a personal affliction of stuttering, which almost prevented utterance, seemed to present insurmountable obstacles in the way of attainin. her cherished purpose. By long-continued and persistent efforts, which would rival Demosthenes in the accomplish- ment of the same object, she succeeded in almost entirely overcoming her difficulty of speech. At the age of twenty- one she had learned the milliner's trade, and at odd times had learned to read and write, but knew nothing of gram- mar, arithmetic, and geography, but had accumulated $150 at her trade, the whole of which she expended in a term at the Normal school at Albany ; at the expiration of which she passed a successful examination for a teacher, and by that means, at the age of twenty-five, had earned $200. within $50 sufficient for another course at Albany. Upon the recommendation of a friend in Cooperstown, she ap- plied to the late Williami HI. Averell for a loan of the $50. " What security can you give?" he asked. "[ will get my life insured and assign you the policy." She obtain.} the $50 and returned it in due time with interes :. She followed teaching for the love of it, having taught in the different districts of her native town, Otsego, nineteen ternis. Her example of perseverance under difficulties is one well worth recording. A representation of her home. the old home of lier parents, which upon her marriage had
1
MRS. FRANCIS TAYLOR.
FRANCIS TAYLOR.
RESIDENCE OF FRANCIS TAYLOR, OTSEGO OTSEGO CO. N Y.
MRS.SALLY PIERCE.
Coopensione
Cour
JOHN PIERCE.
£
255
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
bol's parchased and improved by her husband, together " the portraits of her father and mother, appear, at her As kor, in another page of this work as a grateful tribute u want memory. Her portrait appropriately appears on .ju mame page with her husband and his former wife.
PLATT ST. JOHN.
This gentleman was born in Norwalk, Conn., March 2, ;: "o. the eldest child of Aaron and Mary St. John. 6- a moved from Connecticut in 1807, and settled on the Low in the town of Otsego which has since been held in ++, family. He had one brother, Martin, who went to "oh,-the last heard of him. He had four sisters, aurah, Cynthia, Mchetabel, and Maria, all, of whom were married, raised families, and are deceased. The father cred Jan. 26, 1815, the mother Aug. 31, 1844. Upon the death of his father Platt received 100 acres of !!- homestead farm, and afterwards bought the remain- ..: 100 acres belonging to the heirs. He was married, I. .. 30, 1812, to Rebecca Russell, daughter of Jethro and I: beca Russell, who were natives of New Bedford, Mass. They had children as follows:
Mary A., born March 5, 1815, married, Feb. 5, 1845, ., P'arden H. Russell, who was born in Rensselaer Co., § Y., Sept. 18, 1814. They had two children who died sa infancy. Mr. Russell died Jan. 30, 1875. Mrs. R. tas been living since his death with her mother, Mrs. St. · J hn. At her instance a representation of the old home- Bal. with portraits of her father and mother, appear on wyther page of this work. Polly, born April 4, 1817, w.fe of Chester Taylor. Juliet E., born April 15, 1846, the wife of S. Wilson Cheney ; Arthur W., born Oct. 28, 1-71, and Maude May, born Feb. 21, 1873, are the chil- dren of the latter. Lillie M., born May 8, 1857, wife of George A. Bailey. Stephen, born June 29, 1821; died March 19, 1844. Juliet, born Sept. 25, 1824, wife of Girorge Hines; died April 9, 1845. Louisa, born Dee. 28, 1-20; died Nov. 20, 1868. Of the latter we quote the flowing from an obituary notice by her pastor, the Rev. li. V. Talbot :
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