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 90
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A building 40 by 50 feet in size, and two stories in height, was erected in 1850, at a cost of $3000. The school opened in 1850, with Dewitt Barker as principal. The following have officiated as principals from its organi- zation to the present time, viz. : Dewitt Barker, Mr. Ely, A. E. Burt, R. L. Thacher, Mr. Webster, S. E. Smith, F. Bagg, Frank B. Arnold, J. H. Willetts, and J. O. Griffin, the present incumbent, assisted by Miss L. Maria Sperry.
The present board of trustees is as follows : F. A. Sands, Samuel North, Geo. B. Fellows, James White, L. L. Woodruff, H. C. Gregory, H. E. Bailey, Evander Odell, F. B. Arnold, W. H. Emory, and D. P. Loomis.
Colonel Samuel North is president and Hon. D. P. Loomis secretary. In August, 1875, the academy re- ceived an endowment from the town of Unadilla. being moneys received upon the sale of stock in the Albany and Susquehanna railroad. The institution is now in a pro -- perous condition, and not too much praise can be bestowed upon its enterprising progenitors and those through whose efforts it has been sustained and fostered.
UNADILLA MILITARY RECORD.
Henry B. Crooker, enl. in Co. K. With Best., Sept. 12, 1 -,1 ; In battles of ~/.5 Mountain, Antietam, Frelerickaburg, Drury's Blut, sufolk. Petersburg. Chapin's Farm ; die. Oct. 2, 1964.
George F. Crocker, enl. In Co. K. - 9th Regt., Sept. 13, 1661 ; die. Oct. 29, 1.51 Marshall A. Granise, enl. in C'o. K. 39th Regt., Sept. 12, 1861; in tattles ! South Mountain, Autistam, Camden, Brot Frederickalmes, 910:" of Charles ton, Bernara Hundred, Drury's Blud; in the Burnside expedition ; d .. at Lee's Hurremler.
George B. Jordan, enl. in Co. K. a.th Pest, Sept. 11 1961; In battle of Fral ericksburg; alto in Barns la exped tien - dis. Jan. 14, 16 ;.
Haben. J. Hnedhanem, en !. in to. K. let It, Jan. 16, Le6 d . J
Roswell Thorp, enl. In Co. 4, 6th N. Y. Car, Bege. 22. 1861, die, Jude ; 1. .
Alvin Clyde, enl. in Co. F. Dies Liegt .. Aug. 2. les, killed at Chan-ellerer May 3, 1-63.
Will am 1. Bunnell, etl. in Co. A. Ist N. Y Engineer, map: 2. 1.84, 4. J ! 2, 1-65
John N -mythe, enl. in C. F. I'd Bezt. ; killed at Chancell,rouille May " 1.01.
347
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Wm. T. Smythe, onl. In Co. K, 89th Regt., Sept. 17, 1961 ; In battles of South Mountain, Antietam, and Fredericksburg; dis. Dec. 12, 1863.
Willianı A. Tiller, onl. lu Co. 11, 111th Regt .; dis. June 25, 1 65.
Charles N. Hanford, rul. In Co. E, 90th Regt., Oct. 1x61; died of yellow fever at Key West, Florida, Sept. 26, 1862.
George J. Ames, enl. In Co. E, 90th Regt., Oct. 15, 1861 ; dis, March, 1x62. Hiram E. Spencer, out. Iu Co. K, 144th Regt., Aug. 25, 1564 ; dis. June 25, 1865. Edmon Nichols, enl. in Co. 1, 2d N. Y. HI. Art., Jau. 21, 1864 ; wounded at Spott- sylvania ; dis. June 25, 1865. Wilkinson Nichols, dis. Oct. 1>65.
David Nichols, wounded at Spottsylvania ; dis. Oct. 1865.
Henry Nichols, enl. in Co. G, 95th Regt., Aug. 18, 1564; wounded at Hatcher's Run, Feb. 16, 1865 ; died Feb. 19, 1865.
Peter Weidman, enl. in Co. H, 144th Regt., Ang. 26, 1x64; in battles of Honey Hill and Bull's Neck ; dis. June 17, 1865.
Jacob F. Weidman, enl. in Co. H, 144th Regt., Aug. 26, 1864; In battles of Honey Hill and Bull's Neck; dis. June 17, 1965.
Abial J. Williams; enl. in Co. 11, 114th Regt., Aug. 8, 1862; dis, at New Or- lean», July 3, 1863.
James Richardson, enl. in Co. 1, 49th Regt., March 12, 1862; taken prisoner at the Peninsula, Seven Days' Figlit, June 20, 1862; sent to Libby Prison ; paruled, Oct. 1862.
Edward Carmichail, eul. in Co. E, 101st Regt., Feb. 3, 1862; captured in battle of Malvern, 1862; in Belle Isle prison four weeks; dis, March, 1x65.
James T. Wilkins, ent. in Co. B, Isth Rugt., Aug. 3, 1861; wounded before l'e- terxburg ; dis. June 3, 1865.
Adelbert J. Worden, enl. in Co. C, 48th Regt.
Robert L. Balester; enl. in Co. B, 34 N. Y. Art., April 12, 1861 ; wounded at Yorktown, Slay, 1862; pro. to Ist lieut., Feb. 16, 1962; res. Sept. 1563, to enter navy.
George Akins, enl. in Co. E, 22d Regt., July 26, 1862; dis. ou surgeon's certifi- cate.
Jedediah Venslen, enl. in Co. C, 51st Regt., Oct. 14, 1861; dis. Nov. 1864.
Morris Shaw, enl. In Co. F, 121st Regt .; in battles of Fredericksburg, Chan- cellorsville, Wilderness, and Spottsylvania; present at Lee's Surrender ; · dig. June 25, 1865.
Eraatus S. Hawks, enl. in Co. F, 121st Regt. ; wounded in battle of Wilderness; prisoner at Richmond three months and two days ; dis. June, 1565.
George R. Wheeler, enl. iu Co. F, 224 N. Y. Cav., Sept. 3, 1804 ; re-enl. in Cus- ter's div., Oct. 19, JeC4 ; wounded at Cedar Creek ; dis. June 15, lavs.
Milton B. Vandevort, eul. in Co. 1, 51st Regt., Aug. 1864; captured before Pe- tersburg, Sept. 20, 1x64; iu Salisbury prison until Feh. 22, 1865; dis. June, 1865.
Alonzo Olds, enl. In Co. F, 121st Regt., Aug. 1862 ; in battles of Fredericksburg, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Rappahannock station, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and Winchester ; wouldel at Fisher's Hill, Hatcher's Run, Petersburg, aud Lee's Surrender ; dis. July 12, 1465.
Wesley A. Vandevort, enl. in Co. I, 51st Regt., Ang. 1-64 ; captured before Pe- tersburg, Sept. 3, 1-64; in salisbury prison until Nov. 7, 1864, where he died of consumption and privatiun.
David T. Cotton, enl. in Co. F, 121st Regt., Aug. 6, 1862; captured July 21, 1864, aud sent to Danville prison ; paroled Feh. 18, 1865; dis. Joue 25, 1865.
George Grant, enl. in Co. K, 161st Regt., Sept. 22, 1862; wounded at Mansfiel.1, April 8, 1864 ; dis. July 15, 1864.
Lawson Grant, eul. in Co. K, lolst Regt .; dis. Oct. 1865.
Henry J. Halsted, enl. in Co. b, 34 N. Y. Cav., July 23, 1861 ; pro. to sergt. ; served under Geuls. Stone, Banks, Burnside, Foster, Peck, Butler, and Terry ; re-enlisted.
William Rogers, enl. in Co. E, 114th Regt., Feb. 1864; dis. July, 1:65.
Peter Rogera, enl. in Co. E, 114th Regt., Ang. 1862; wounded at Winchester and Cedar Creek ; dis, June, 1:05.
Eli Rogera, enl. in Co. K, 161st Regt., Aug. 1862; diy. Oct. 1965.
Gilbert Rogers, enl. in Co. E, 114th Regt., Jan, 9, 1:64 ; dis. Oct. 9, 1865.
Albert Rogers, enl. in Co. E, 114th Regt., Dcc. 1553; died on Red River ex. pedition, Ist,l.
Bradford J. D. Fox, enl. in Co. B, 76th Regt. ; killed at Wilderness, May 12, 1864.
Samuel L. Graut, enl. in Co. K, 161st Regt., Jan. 1864 ; died of smallpox at Albany.
Duane Potter, enl. In Co. A, Ist N. Y. Engineers. Sept. 3, 1364 ; dis. July 7, 1>65. George Il. Johnson, enl. in Co. E, auth Regt., Jah. 4, 1564; in battles of Peters-
burg, Bermuda Hundral, Deep Bottom, Cold Harbor, capture of Peter- burg, and Lee's Surrender; dis. Ang. 3, 1855.
William N. Webb, enl. in Co. K, 89th Regt., Sept. 12, 1361 ; died in hospital ut Alexandria, Dec. 11, 1362.
James Webb, eul. in Co. I, 51st Riezt., Aug. 27, 1-64 ; captured before Peters- burg, S.pt. 3, 1-64 ; di. 1 in salisbury prison, Dec. 2, 1x4.
Chancey Bell, enl. in to. F, Helst Rest., Aug. 149; das. March, 1.54.
Milo Olds, enl. in t'o. F, 12let Best., Aug. 11. loni; in Tatties of Antietam and Fredericksburg ; wounded at Chancellorville ; dis. Dec. , Ist. Benjamin Foot, enl. in Co. K, 76th Regt., Dec. 3, 1861 ; pro. to com. sergt. ; re- enl. Jan. 1, 1e63; dis. July 21, 1.05.
Henry 11. Graniss, enl. in Co. F, 121st Best., Aug 1863; dis. July, 1-65. Benjamin M. Niets, enl. in C. F. 12lat Legt. Au; 1992; dis. July 6, 165. Louis S. Nichois, enl. in Co. F. 121st Regt., Aug. 1922; wounded at Fredericks Lung, Det. 6, 1862; also at Sailer's Creek, April, 1w5; dis. June IT, lai.
Robert C. Hastings, enl. In Co. G. 168th Regt., Nov. 1862; dia. Nov. 2, 1M! Frederick Albright, enl. in Ca. F, 12Ist Regt .; wounded May 3, at Chancellor ville; dis. June, Ixi.
George G. Hoyt, en !. In Co. 11, 144th Regt., Aug. 3, 1864; In battle of Honey Hill, Chattahoochee, charge un Jones' Island ; dis. Jun- 25, ING.
Thomas T. Webb, enl. In Co. 1, 41th Regt., Ang, 2, 1Mil; in battles of Y.h. town, Hanover Court-House, Seven Days' Fight; die. Feb, 21, 1861. recul. George llawk«, enl. in Co. 12, 15th N. Y. Cav , Dec. 14. 1863; wounded at Antie- tam ; die. July 11, 1865.
Elwin Morgan, enl. in Co. K, 117th Regt., July 22, 1863; dis. June 20, 1x2. David Akins, enl. In Co. M1, 30 N. Y. Light Art., Nov. 1861 ; dis, Drc. 1-4 Henry Valentine, Pul. in Co. C, 90th Regt., Sept. 1, 1561; dis. June 3, 1×65.
Judson Buckley, enl. in Co. D, 146th Regt., Oct. 1863; wannded at North Anus, May 23, 1864 ; dia. July 3, 1865.
Bateman Wasson, enl. in Co. B, 127th Regt., Sept. 2, 1864; dis. June 22, 1865. Samuel Akins, enl. in Co. B, 1Ath Regt .; dis. Mar. 15, 1865.
Laurence llagne, eul. in 12Ist Regt. ; dlis. July 7, 1865.
Jolin J. Hague, enl. In Co. 1, 72d Regt., May, 1x61 ; wounded at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863; dis. May, 1864.
Edward Smollen, oul. in Co. E, 89th Regt., Jan. 9, 1864 ; dis. May 20, 1x65. Reuben D. Buckley, ent. in Co. C, 4-th Regt., Jan. 16, 1865; dis, Sept. 1. 1 ... Jonathan 1,. Hanford, enl. in Co. 31, Both Light Art , Nov. 1.61 ; transferred to 34 N. Y. Heavy Art .; re-enl. ; dis. July 8, 1865.
William II. Crane, ent. in Cy. G, 121st Regt .. July 21, 1862; woun led at Chatr cellorsville, May 3, 1863 ; dis, March 25, 1804.
Charles York, Pul. in Co. F, 121-t Regt., Ang. 1462; in battles of Anti-tam. Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Rajqmhannock station, Wil derness, Spotisylvania, Winchester, and Sailor's Creek ; wounded at sad i's Creek.
William J. Place, enl. in Co. K, 83th Regt., Sept. 16, 1861 ; in battles of Caneden. South Mountain, Antetam, Fredericksburg, Suffolk, before Fort Wagner, Bermuda Hundred, and Petersburg; dis, Uct. 19, 1x64.
George L. Fisk, ent. in Ca. K, 10th N. Y. Cav , Sept. 3, 1-62; pro. to corp .; or. derly to Generals Warren and Davies ; dis. July 4, 1-65.
Charles S. Fisk, enl. in 30 N. Y. Cav., Jan. 12, 1x64; died In hospital, Anz. 28, 1865.
Richard Slade, enl. in Co. E, 2d N. Y. Heavy Art , Jan. 12, 1964; wounded at Spottaylvania; dis. Oct. 12, 1865.
Charles Thompson, enl. In Co. 11, 14th Regt., Aug. 25, 1865 ; dia. June 25, 1995. William H. Chase, enl. In the 76tb legt.
Thomas l'. Collins, enl. in Co. F, 121st Regt .; wounded at Gettysburg; d:s. June 25, 1-15.
Philip 31. Spencer, enl. in Co. F, 121st Regt .; woundel at Winchester; di .. April 17, 1865.
William Martin, enl. in Co. K, 80th Regt., Jan. 14, 1:64; re-enl.
Jolin Bartley, enl. in Co. K, 106th Regt., Oct. 186 ;; died in hosp tal, April 7, 1861.
William Bartley, enl. in Co. E, 9uth Regt., Oct. 1861 ; re-enl.
Welles Whitney, enl. in Co. A, 2xth Cav., Sept. 1861 ; dis. Sept. 1962.
John Parvis, enl. in Co. D, 31 N. Y. Cav., July 24, 1861.
Sanmel B. Thompson, enl. In Co. K, 76th Regt., Nov. 1861 ; dis. July, 1-62.
Delevan Croonse, enl. in Co. F, 224 N. Y. Cav., Sept. 3, 1804; dis. Jone 15, 1563. James T. Jewett, enl. In Co. F, 121st Regt., Ang. 1-62 ; dis. July 6, 1:05.
George a. Joice, eul. in Co. G, 61st Regt., Sept. 1861 ; pro. at Fair Ocks to or. derly, and again to Ist lient. at Gettysburg.
Arnos Arnold, enl. in Co. K, 16th N. Y. Cav., Aug. 1862; wounded at Sulphur Springs ; dis. Oct. 1, 1865.
Leroy Feller, enl. in Co. E, 10th N. Y. Cav., Jan. 12, 1865; dis. June, 1-65 Henry L. Whitney, enl. in Co. E, with Kogt., Ort. Isel ; dis. March, 19el. George Crandall, enl. in Co. C, Ist N. Y. Eng., Aug. 29, 1994 ; Jis. July 1, 1 -1 ... Charles Fisher, enl. in Co. H, 11th Kogt., Ang. 30, Isel; die. Jun. . ..
Oscar F. Chatfield, eul. in Co. F. 121st Regt. ; died while home on a farlangu, May 15, 1953.
Charles A. Bartholoinew, enl. In Co. 31, 3d N. Y. Light Art, Dec. A, Ist2 ; di .. July 8, 1465.
Alfred C. Bartholomew, eul. in Co. F, 121st Regt., Auz. 14+2; killed at Wilder- nema, May, Incl.
Daniel C. Osborn, enl. in Co MI, 31 N. Y. Art., Dec. 1961 ; re-nl. ; di. July, 1×65.
Charles MI. GarIner, enl. in Co. Il, Inth f'av .. in 1-64.
James J. Cooper, enl. In Co. E, With Regt, Det. 1-61; dis. March, In64 De Witt C. Warren, enl. in Co. A. Ist Inz., Aug. 1864; die July 7. 1-65. Ha ward Brown, enl. in t'o. K. 16lat Regt., Sept. 1; die Sept. 1 9 Charles M. Gardiner, enl. in Co. 11, Jeth N. Y. Car, In 1974.
Thomas love, enl. in Co. K, ."ith Reet, sept. 1-1 ; liel in hospital. James Raynor, eni. in Co. F, 12lat Regt. ; ,Jis. 1nr 3.
Tlen. Mott, Pul. in Co. K, 31-t Rest. ; killed at Newbern, Jan. 1 ; Powell Itislu p. I . arm on Feranet ...
14;1.
The following enlisted in 1961, of whom there is hu record :
(.hart. . [ .. "lale, Hansem shaw, Charles Montg .mary Jane y Fin h, Sanesel Finch, Abraham Honek, Martin snyder, Etmoinl Win! y, J = '] lia low, Urville Taylor, Was. I. smith, A. J. Basel, Hamaril J Theges that . L. Wheat, James A. Frees, Heures Nabole, Thecolor. & Fish, W. 739 11
1
348
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Brooks, Jolin Jones, John Brownell, Wm. 1I. Hulet, Charles B. Wakefield, . Win. Il. Mudford, Elias J. Babcock, John A. Palmer, Jacob Keyser, Henry H. Ilobert, llenry Schleider, James 11. Warring, Nelson Walker, David Darling, James W. Pierce, Nelson Siner, Theodore Smith, Ara N. Rose, Henry Follick, Angnat Smith, John Sullivan, Robert Swinburn, John F. Hagland, John Shanley.
Charles A. Jones, enl. in the 3d N. Y. Cav., 1864. Max Bnshaw, enl. in the 14th Regt., 1864. Albert A. Hlager, enl. in the 149th Regt., 1864. Philander deComber, enl. in the 149th Regt., 1864. Jumues Keehy, enl. in the 149th Regt., 1864. Henry Tallman, enl. in the 3d N. Y. Art., 1864. John Smith, enl. in the 111th Regt., 1864. Edmund Stevens, enl. in the 111th Regt., 1864. Thomas Templeman, enl. in the 111th Regt., 1864. James Wilson, enl. in the 111th Regt., 1864. Orin C. Spragne, enl. in the 144th Regt., 1864. Elmon C. llerrick, enl. in the 144th Regt., 1864. Andrew Lamphere, died in hospital. Nelson Wilber; Ist Eng.
John W. Ostrander, enl. in the 144th Regt., 1864. John S. Cummings, enl. in the 144th Regt., 1864. Silas Olnisted, eul. in the 144th Regt., 1864. Arthur Campbell, enl. in the 144th Regt., 1864. Wm. D. Cuyl, enl. in the 144th Regt., 1864. Theodore Olmsted, enf. in the 144th Regt., 1864. Gilden Kipenbark, enl. in the 144th Regt., 1864. . Goo. W. Olmsted, enl. in the 144th Regt., 1864.
- Harvey A. Shaw, enl. in the 144th Regt., 1864. George M. Stoddard, enl. in the 144th Regt., 1864. Willard llenry, 1st Eng.
George Van Schaick, enl. in the 90th Regt., Aug. 1861 ; died at Key West, 1863. Lanrenco A. Bartholomew, enl. in Co. F, 121st Regt., Aug. 1862; in battles of
Chancellorsville, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Winchester, and South Mountain.
Henry Netter, enl. in the 114th Regt., Ang. 1862; died 1863. George Montgomery, enl. in Co. I, 127th Regt., Sept. 7, 1864; dis. Sept. 1865. William Cooper, ent. in Co, I, Ist Eng., Sept. 7, 1864; dis. June, 1865. Thomas Blincoe, enl, in Co. A, 1st Eng., Sept. 13, 1864; dis. June 7, 1865. Ransom Aglesworth, enl. in Co. A, Ist Eng., Sept. 13, 1864; dis. June 7, 1865. Lenard L. Butler, enl, in Co. E, 2d Art .; killed at Petersburg, June 18, 1864. Benjamin Colton, enl. in Co. D, 140th Regt., Oct. 16, 1862; dis. July, 1865. George Maccomber, enl. in Co. E, 90th Regt., Oct. 1861.
August Albright, enl. in Co. A, 13th lleavy Art., Ang. 1864; dis. Sept. 1865. Jolin Cook, enl. in Co. E, 90thi Regt., Dec, 1861 ; dis. March, 1862.
Isaac Durham, enl. in Co. F, 121st Regt., Ang. 1862; dis. June, 1863; re-enl. Erastus S. Hawks, enl. in Co. F, 12Ist Regt., Aug. 1862; dis. June, 1865.
Sixteen persons, whose names are unknown, were enlisted in regular service January, 1865, for three years, by bro- kers in New York, at $700 bounty each, all to the credit of the town of Unadilla. The following enlisted in the navy :
Chancey Eckerson, enl. Ang. 20, 1862: gunboat " White Head ;" dis. Aug. 1863. Robert S. Balester, enl. Nov. 11, 1863; gunboat " Linda;" dis, May 1, 1865. James Raynor, enl. March, 1864; gunboat " Tecumseh ;" lost on " Tecumseh" in Mobile Bay.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
GEORGE W. PALMER,
youngest son of Thomas Palmer and Mary Spencer his wife, was born April 4, 1818, in Hillsdale, Columbia Co., N. Y. His grandfather, Thomas Palmer, Sr., was born in 1738. George W. attended the common schools, and sneceeded in acquiring an education that well fitted him for his subsequent successful business career.
Ile was raised a farmer ; but two years after marriage embarked in the mercantile business at Harlemville, N. Y. He remained here nutil 1845, when he removed to Rider's Mills, N. Y., engaged in mercantile business, and also purchased a grist- and flonring-mill which he operated in
partnership with C. Coon. He remained in business here with various partners, and subsequently located at Kinder- hook, still engaged in mercantile business. He afterwards eame to Otsego County and purchased the property now owned by Palmer & Johnston, which, like the other mill property, was in a bad condition at the time of his purchase. After expending more in repairs than the original cost, he succeeded in building up a successful business. Five years later, Lorenzo Humphrey sold his interest to Thomas J. Wiley, Peter Humphrey, and David M. Johnston. Mr. Wiley subsequently retired from the partnership, and about two years since Mr. Palmer purchased the interest of Peter Humphrey ; since which time the business has been con- ducted by Palmer & Johnston. Their spoke-factory and saw-mill were destroyed by fire in February. 1873, but have since been rebuilt. Their property is now in a splendid condition. A fine double-paged view, showing the resi- denees of Messrs. Palmer and Johnston, the paper-mill, and their other manufactories, may be seen among the illustrations of this town.
May 19, 1842, Mr. Palmer married Fanny, daughter of Rufus and Maria Humphrey, and granddaughter of David Humphrey, old residents of Claverack, Columbia Co., N. Y. They have had three children, of whom the eldest, Win- throp T. Palmer, died at the age of four years ; the next, a daughter, Fidelia H., was married Oct. 6, 1869, to David M. Johnston, son of David Johnston, one of the old family residents, and an early settler of Sidney Plains, Delaware Co., N. Y .; the youngest, Georgia A., was married Sept. 26, 1877, to Joseph B. Doty, of Unadilla, N. Y.
Mr. Palmer has for many years been an ardent advocate and worker in the temperance reform ; he joined a total- abstinence society in 1840, and ever since has been con- nected with some temperanee organization. He made a profession of religion in early life. His wife and himself are both members of the Congregational church of Sidney Plains. Starting in business with a small capital, Mr. Palmer has, by perseverance and judicious management, established a large and prosperous business, and acquired a competence, at the same time enjoying the confidence and esteeni of his townsmen.
LARKIN H. BLANCHARD.
Isaiah Blanchard was born in Rhode Island, May 27. 1787. His ancestors originally came from Scotland. When he was nine years of age his father moved to Ver- mont. He came to Otsego County in the year 1806. and settled in the town of Unadilla. Dec. 28, 1813, he was married to Mehetabel Knapp. Twelve children were the result of this marriage, six of whom are now living. He died Dec. 22, 1866 ; Mrs. Blanchard died Jan. 22. 1-59. Ebenezer is living on the old homestead, and Larkin [[. has a fine farm in the immediate vicinity, a view of whose residence can be seen by referring to another pa of this work. Larkin HI. married Miss Mary Wyman. They are pleasantly located, and are surrounded by the attributes of a happy rural home.
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
349
Arnold. B. Watson
Arnold Beach Watson, the subject of the following memoir, was born in the town of Rensselaerville, Albany county, N. Y., Aug. 12, 1798. His father's name was Josiah Watson. He was a respectable, independent farmer, and at times held important offiees in the town. His mother's maiden name was Mary Beach, who died when Arnold was only two and a half years old, leaving him as her only sur- viving ehild. The sympatlties and attachment of the father for his orphan son were very great, and continued through life. He was proud of his moral bearing and scholastie attainments. He was placed at school at an early age, and there was never a year of his life from the time he was five years old until June 1, 1824, but what he was either attend- ing or teaching school. In school he often took the high- est prize awarded to merit or proficiency in his class.
When Arnold was four and a half years old his father married his second wife, who was to him a kind and watch- ful mother. At eleven years of age he became an anxious inquirer after religious truth, and a hopeful convert to the teachings of the Bible. At the age of fourteen he was baptized, and soon after was confirmed by Bishop Hobart, of the Episcopal church,-neither of his parents at that. time being professing members of any church. At four- teen years of age his father, at the urgent solicitation of the trustees of a very large district school in his native town, consented to let himu take charge of the summer school which he, a mere boy, taught through a term of six months, with an average attendance of about seventy schol- ars, to the satisfaction of all. His father, at an early day, placed him in a select school, taught by a talented elergy- man, where he was associated with young men munch older
than himself, who were pursuing the advanced classies. His elassical studies were elosed at the Greenville academy. in Greene Co., N. Y., and a very complimentary certificate tendered him by its principal. He taught with entire sa1- isfaction a large school in Oakville, Greene Co., N. Y., and while there received an application to take charge of an academical school in Unadilla, Otsego County. The news of his leaving was received with universal regret in Oak- ville. The Masonic lodge of that vilage held a special ses- sion and conferred upon him, without charge, the three first degrees of that order as an evidence of their regard. This was an agreeable surprise to the subject of our sketch. No: long after his advent in Unadilla he was elected Master of the Masonic lodge in that place, and continuously re-elected for fifteen years. He was also elected High Priest of the chapter of Royal Archi Masons, holding the office for nearly fifteen years. The grand royal areh chapter of the State of New York deputized him as an instituting and install- ing officer of that body for his vicinity.
Sinee the fall of 1821 Unadilla has been his resilence. After teaching the academy two and a half years, a promi- nent merchant of Unadilla village, whose health was then quite delicate, solicited him to become a partner in his busi- ness. He accordingly dismissed his school and (June 1. 1824) entered upon his business career. The copartr.r. ship, which continued six years, was only terminal by the death of his partner, Mr. Wright, who esteetmed lin so highly that he presented him, just before his death. we'd a valuable gold seal, and by his will made Mr. Wir- ... executor of his estate. In fulfilling the wishes of this friend and partner, and in closing up the estate, he forno!
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HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
a valuable testimonial to his faithful services from the lawyer representing the widow and minor heirs.
In the fall of 1840, without solicitation, he was elected a member of the State legislature, where he served not only upon several important committees, but while in " com- mittee of the whole" was called to the speaker's chair to preside over the deliberations of the house
For forty years he was interested in mercantile pursuits. . In 1844 he established the Unadilla bank, as an individual bank, with a capital of $50,000; this bank he owned and operated himself for twenty years, and during that time no bank in the State stood higher. In 1852 he became inter- ested and actively engaged in the construction of the Al- bany and Susquehanna railroad. One of the original movers in the enterprise, Mr. Watson, at the first meeting, held in 1852, was elected a director, and it is but just to say that to no member of that body is inore credit due for the suc- cessful completion of the road. He was offered, but de- clined, the presidency of the company in consequence of · his own business, which required the greater portion of his attention. He was, however, chairman of the committee to locate depots and assess the amounts for which each town on the line of the proposed road should issue bonds to secure the building of the same.
No man has done more to build up and advance the interests of his village than Mr. Watson. In his church for thirty years he was its senior warden and treasurer, and a liberal contributor to the purchase of the cemetery, par- sonage, etc. The Unadilla academy passed through a long financial struggle, endeavoring to raise the means for build- ing, etc., but without success, until Mr. Watson came to its relief; he raised the money in one day to buy the lot, build the house, and furnish the same with library, laboratory apparatus, and bell. This institution is now one of the most flourishing in this section of country. There are few persons who, from early childhood, have spent so active and industrious a life as the subject of this sketch. In his family relations he has been peculiarly blessed, and his ehil- dren have given unmistakable evidence of thorough educa- tion as well as religious and moral training.
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