History of Wyoming County, N.Y., with Illustrations, Biographical Sketches and Portraits of Some Pioneers and Prominent Residents, Part 82

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: F.W. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages:

USA > New York > Wyoming County > History of Wyoming County, N.Y., with Illustrations, Biographical Sketches and Portraits of Some Pioneers and Prominent Residents > Part 82

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 1868 be received the Republican nomination for Congress, and was elected, from the district then comprising the counties of Allegany, Wyo- ming and Genesee. the first political omce be ever beid. Having, bowever. for many years directed his attention to questions of State and national policy. he was not unprepared for the responsible trust assigned him, and be soon attained an influential position in the House.

In 1880 be was unanimously renominated, and returned to. the 37th Con- grese by a majority of nearly eight thousand. During the campaign of that jear be devoted much of his time to the election of Mr. Lincoln, advocating it in many public addresses and in other effective ways. In 1803 be wes elected to the 88th Congress, the district being theu composed of the coun- ties of Wyoming, Genesee and Niagara. He closed his third term in March. 1865.

His Congressional career was in every view an honorable one. Though never making himself prominent as a speaker, his readiness of utterance. and the candor of bis statements. secured a degree of attention wbiob many of the leaders in debate failed to receive .. His propositions commended themselves to the judgment of the House, and were generally adopted.

He was in Congress previous to and during the whole period of the civil war. and while there was an earnest advocate of all measures necessary to sustain the public credit and upbold the government in its efforts to pro- serve the life of the nation. He gave a bearty and unwavering support to every measure for suppressing the Rebellion.

During these years he also rendered efficient aid in his own State, and par- ticularly bis district, by constant and untiring efforts to recruit the army and sustain the bonor and prosperity of the government.

Although while at Washington be was deeply engrossed with matters of public importance, and his time largely occupied by Congressional duties. he never failed to look after the interests of the soldiers, whether in the tent or on the field, in hospital or prison.

They were not neglected, and everything in his power necessary for their comfort was cheerfully and promptly done. Thousands of soldiers romem. bered with gratitude his kindness during the years of the war.

In Congress Mr. Frank participated in all the legislation relating to the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia and the slave States, faith- fully representing the strong anti-slavery sentiments of bis district.

On no question did be render more important service than in securing the passage by Congress of the constitutional amendments forever probibiting alavery in the United States.

The etciency of his efforts on that nogasion were conceded by the preen throughout the country. The New York Tribune pronounced the passage of this amendment the " Grandest act since the Declaration of Independ- ence." and said, "It was an immense work that was done in securing the passage of this bill by the majority which to-day so delighted the friends of freedom and humanity, and so astounded the allies of slavery. To two Re- publicans in particular does the nation owe a debt of gratitude." It named one of them as Augustus Frank. of Warsaw, N. Y.

In 1867 he was nominated by a Republican State Convention and elected by the people of the State one of the thirty-two delegates-at-large to the convention for revising the Constitution of the State of New York.

In 1870 he was appointed as one of the managers of the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane. He was subsequently reappointed to the same po- sition in 1874, which omce be still holds. His name was inserted in the orig- inal bill as one of the commissioners for the erection of the present State Capitol. but the position was declined.

He is one of the commissioners of the Auburn Theological Seminary, aleo a councilor of Ingham University, Le Roy : trustee of the Geneseo Aced- emy, and a member of the Prison Association of New York.

Mr. Frank assisted in organizing the Wyoming County Mutual Insurance Co. in 1851. and was a director during its entire existence. He was one of the five who organized the Wyoming County National Bank, and was chosen one of the directors. He is a director of the Roobester and State Line Rail. way Company, and took a leading and efficient part in carrying forward the enterprise from its inception to its completion.

Mr. Frank at home takes an earnest interest in all_moral questions de- signed to promote the welfare of the community. His means are freely given for all objects identified with the social and material improvements of the place of bis residence. No worthy object fails to receive from bim pecuniary aid. His village owes much of its beauty to his culture and Liberality.

He was largely instrumental in the crection of the handsome brick edifce of the Presbyterian church.

He built the beautiful business block since purchased and now occupied by Mr. Glover, and also the Bank of Warsaw and other public and private buildings. He is president of the Wyoming County Bible Society, president of the Warsaw Manufacturing Company, president of the Warmw Come- tery Association, director in the Warsaw Water Works Company, and dirso- tor in the Warsaw Gas Works Company.

As previously stated, Mr. Frank was for many years of his early life a merchant.

He has also for years past inreated largely in real estate, mostly in the States of Iowa. Minnesota and Nebraska, which investments have proved largely prodtable. In jail be established the Bank of Warsaw. a private bankiog institution. which be still continues. In all business affairs be ben been eminently successful.

Mr. Frank's public addresses on varions subjects bave been uniformly favorably received, and many of them have been published.

Mr. Frank married Miss Agnes McNair. daughter of William W. MoMatr. Esq. Their only son died in 1871. They have one daughter, Mary L .. living.

Digitized by Google

JA Vall TY

Augustus Frank;

Google

Digitized by

TAGTill. N.I.

Augustus Frank,

Google

Digitized by

289

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES, TOWN OF WARSAW.

CHARLES W. BAILEY is a son of Calvin P. and Sybil Bailey, natives re- cpectively of Vermont and New Hampshire, who settled in Perry and reared a family of eight children, of whom Charles W., born in Perry, March 9th, 1830, was the third. In 1840 Mr. Bailey removed to Warsaw : in 1841 began the study of law. and was admitted in 1849 and began practice in 1822. In 1849 be was appointed postmaster, and beid the office until 1868, when be re- signed and returned to Perry. In December, 1865, be returned to Warsaw as county clerk, and for three years was clerk and for nine years deputy clark. In 1818 he entered into partnership with Judge Healy, and bas prac- tloed law since. He was married June 80th, 1849, to Jane M., daughter of Almond and Tammy Stevens, of Warsaw. He has beid the office of justice of the pesce several years, and is a member of the board of education.

MILAN BAKER, M. D., son of Asa and Phoebe Baker, natives of New Hamp- shire, was born June 21st, 1837, in West Henrietta. Monroe county, where he remained until 1860, when he began reading medicine with Drs. Tobey and Briggs, of Boobester, and in 1851 entered the Buffalo Medical College, and graduated February 21st, 1835. He soon began the practice of his profession in Caledonia, Livingston county. In the fall of 1861 he came to Warsaw, where be bas since lived. He was married in Caledonia, August 5th, 1857, to Jennie A., daughter of Thomas Brown. now of Buffalo. They have two children. Mrs. Baker is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of War- www. Dr. Baker has been coroner one term, president of the village two years, and excise commissioner three years. He was one of the number appointed by the governor to locate the State josane asylum, which was located at Buffalo. He also served as examining surgeon for Wyoming county in the draft of 1862. Residence, 8 North Main street.

JAMES N. BARNETT, GOD of Robert and Sally Barnett, was born in London- derry, N. H., November 9th, 1820, and came to Warsaw with his parents in 1824. In 1868 be bought a farm in the western part of Warsaw, and was a farmer until his death. June 8th, 1872. February 15th, 1858, be married Mise Barab, daughter of Edwin and Hannah Painter. of Warsaw, wbo bore him two children -- Sarah E., who died September 20th, 1871, aged eighteen, and Edwin Painter, born March 26th, 1867, who lives with his mother in Warsaw village.

FREDERICK F. BARTLETT was born May 9th, 1864, in Warsaw. He is a law student with E. E. Farman 2nd, and has charge of the rental of buildings.

J. SPENCER BARTLETT, son of Alanson and Maria Bartiett, natives of New Hampshire, was born February 9th, 1848, in the house where be now lives in Warsaw village. He is a cabinet-maker, as was his father before him. He was married August 23d, 1886, to Mary, daughter of Orange and Meroy Hitob- cock, of Arcade, by whom he has had five children, two of whom, Charles A. and Lynn R., are living. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett are members of the Baptist church of Warsaw.

MYRON E. BARTLETT is a ton of William and Elimina Bartlett, natives re- cpectively of New Hampebtre and Vermont, who came to Wyoming county in 1080 and settled in Orangeville, and in 1846 removed to Warmew. They bad a family of eight children, of whom Myron E. (born in Orangeville May 7th, 1881) was the fourth. At twenty-one he began to study law with L. W. Mmith, and attended school until 1858, when be went to Ohio, and remained there until 1867. Returning to Warsaw be resumed his law studies With Thayer & Smith, and was admitted to the bar in May, 1800. He practiced bis profession until October. 1832, when be colisted as first lieutenant in Com- pany D. 186th N. Y. volunteers, and served until discharged, when he re- turned to Warsaw. He was married November 23d, 1868, to Cordelia E., daughter of Harvey and Polly McFarlin, of Twinsburgb, O. They have four children. Mr. Bartlett has held the office of justice of the peace.

8. BONAPARTE BARTLETT, brother of Myron R. Bartlett, was born April 1st. 1849. He began studying law in 1887, andywas admitted to the bar in Feb- ruary, 1878. He began to practice in Warsaw. April 1st, 1076, the firm of Bartlett & Farman was formed, and existed one year. In July, 1877. Mr. Bartlett entered into partnership with 1.'Sam Johnson. He was married August 4th, 1875, to Cora J., daughter of Elijah and Betsey T. Chamberlin, of Warsaw. They have one child, a son named William MoKay Bartlett.

SAMUEL N. BASSETT, son of Dan C. and Abigail Bassett, was born in Dayton, Cattaraugus county, January 18th, 1819. In 1861 be came to Warsaw with Lauman Hockafellow & Moor, onatractors on the Buffalo & New York City Rafiroad, and assisted in buflding that road from Attics to Hornells- ville. He was with this company when the first train went over the road, August 26th. 1868. In January, 1867, be went to Illinois, where be bad charge of the track of the Illinois Central Ballroad from Warren to Danleith. In 1843 be again had charge of the track of the Brie Railroad; in 1878 bo be- came road master of the New York & Oswego Midland Railroad, and bold the position till the spring of 1879. Since then be has been engaged in build- ing a railroad out of Chicago. Mr. Bassett was married August 25th, 1868, to Melless J. Gay, daughter of Daniel and Betesy Gay, of Warsaw. They have three children. Mr. Bassett has always been a workring member of the Demo- cratic party. Mra. Bassett and ber daughter are members of the Presby- terian cburob.

ANDREW J. BEARDSLEE, son of Augustus and Betsey Beardslee, was born November 18th, 1884, to Capesdes, Allegany county. He lived at home till be was twenty-one. In 1865 be bought a farm in Gainesville, and in 1806 that in Warsaw where he lives. He was married November 14th, 1809, to Maria Smith, daughter of Hiram and Polly Smith, of Gainesville. They have bed three children, one of whom, Ella B., to living.

DANIEL B. BECK, son of John M. and Abigail Beck. was born at Lyme. New London county, Conn., May 28d. 1807. In 1828 be emigrated to East Beth- any, Genesee county. In 1844 be came to Middlebury, and in 1859 bought the place in Warsaw where he lives. He was married August 20th, 1839, to Elis- abeth Odiorne, daughter of William and Lucinda Odiorne. Her parents were among the first settlers in their locality. By this marriage there were eleven children, ten of whom are living. Mrs. Beck died December 4th, 1881, aged fifty-one. July 31st, 1802, Mr. Beok married Emeline Martin, daughter of David and Elizabeth Martin, of Middlebury. They have one child. Two of Mr. Book's children, John F. and Anna E., live at bome. Mr. and Mrs. Beck are members of the Presbyterian church.

BENJAMIN BISHOP, son of Enos and Mary Bishop, was born November 25th, 1806, at Lancaster. Coos county, N. H. In 1817 be moved with his uncle to Ithaca. Tompkins county : in 1819 to Tioga county, and in 1824 to Warsaw, settling about two and a half miles west of the village. In 18% he worked for bis uncle. In 1826 he taught school in the winter and worked on a farm in the summer. and continued so doing for three years. In 1831 be bought a small farm balf a mile south of the Evangelical church, which be sold in 1841 and bought sixty acres on the Buffalo road. In 1806 be bought one hundred and seventeen acres west of the Erie depot, where be lives. In 1841 he was school commissioner. He has also been assessor and justice of the peace. He was married in 1859 to Lydia Wakefield, of Warsaw, by whom he bad eleven children, seven of whom are living. Mrs. Bishop died September 10th, 1878, aged sixty-nine. Two of Mr. Bishop's sons were in the army during the late war. and one of them was killed at the battle of Cold Harbor.

WILLIAM BINGHAM was born in Lempster. N. H., August 7th. 1799, and died in Warsaw, June 26th, 1889. His first wife was Elizabeth Roe, and bis second Betsey Knapp, wbo survives him. He came to Warsaw from Livingston county, in 1880. In 1838-39 be removed to Buffalo and opened the Commer- cial Hotel, then a leading bouse in that city. In 1845 be removed to Portage; thence to Pike and Dansville, returning to Warsaw in 1850. where be opened the Bingham House and kept it until he retired from business, January 1st. 1806, having served the public successively for thirty-six years, with the best reputation for bonorable dealing. He was collector of the town of Warsaw in 1832 ; treasurer of this county in 1842 and 1848, and deputy marsbal from 1866 to 1861. He was commissioned second lieutenant in the 7th regiment 4th brigade of artillery in 1826, and colonel of the same regiment in 1881. Colonel Bingham bad by bis first wife two children-Mortimer, who died in infanoy, and Matilda X., who married Daniel A. Knapp and died September 2nd, 1884. His children by his second wife are William M., Lucien W., Hul- dah, wbo married Culonel James O. Mcclure, and Maryette, all of whom are Living.

MARTIN W. BRADISE was born in Monroe, Mich., November 23d, 1821. He removed to Monroe county, and from there, in 1866, to Warsaw. He was a farmer until 1802, when be enlisted, August 11th, in Company D. 180th N. Y. volunteers, and served until discharged in 1868. He is now a lumber sales- man. October 15th, 1848, be married Mary, daughter of Daniel and Maria Shattuck, of Monroe, Mich., who has borne him three children.

JACOB J. BRIWHENSTOOL is a son of Orrin D. and Anna Brinninstool, of Monroe county. Mrs. Brinninstool moved to Michigan about 1870. Orrin D. Brinninstool's family consisted of two children, the first being Jacob J. Brinninstool, who was born December 4th. 1840.in Brighton. Monroe county. When eighteen years old be began business life as a dry goods clerk in Batavia, remaining there four years. In 1868 be came to Warsaw and. with A. W. Palmer, opened a grocery store. In " the second fire." five years later. the establishment was burned, and Mr. Palmer went west and is co- gaged in the wholesale business. Mr. Brinninstool then opened and con- ducted a store four years, when J. Frank MoBiwain became bis partner and continued so until Mr.Brinninstool purobased his interest in the business.six years later. Mr. Meziwain went west.and Mr. Brinninstool is sole proprietor of the store at 25 Main street. Mr. Brinninstool was married December 18th, 1806, to Mrs. Ellen 8. Scott, daughter of Isaac B. and Anna H. Blossom, of Batavia. They have had four children, three of whom are living. Arthur B. died June Ist. 1874. The others are Sidney O., Earl A. and Frank M. Mr. and Mrs. Brinnistool are members of the Baptist church.

WILLIAM BRISTOL, son of William and Martha Bristol, was born in Gaines- ville, N. Y., in 1831. His father was a native of this State, a soldier of 1812, and his grandfather a bero of the Revolution. With a common sobool edu- cation be began life for himself at the old family home in Gainesville, and to his business as a farreer be added that of wool buying, which bo followed for over twenty years. A man of quick feeling, of fine address, of business ability and integrity and great energy, Mr. Bristol carly became a man of mark in his town. As a business man large interests have been at different times committed to bim. He has hardly been what would be called a pol- itiolan, though a man with his characteristics could not well be left out of public affairs during the stormy period in which be has lived. He was born and bred a Democrat, but becoming dissatisfied with the position his party assumed in regard to certain moral questions, particularly slavery, bo aben- doned it, and became one of the founders of the Republican party ; being a delegate to the historical " Anti-Nebraska " convention beld at Saratoga in 1864, and one of the few representatives from this part of the State to the famous "Barn-Burner " convention at Syracuse in 1866, which endorsed Fremont. He was supervisor of his town in 1865, and again four years during the war; was under-sheriff of the county in 1842, presidential elector and secretary of the electoral college in 1864, member of Assembly in 1997 and 1868. He contributed materially to establish and sustain Gainesville

Digitized by Google

290

HISTORY OF WYOMING COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Female Seminary. As a member of the committee appointed by Governor Morgan to promote enlistment in the 30th senatorial district Mr. Bristol did efficient service. His patriotic course, bis careful zeal and his expenditure of time and money in those years, made him a central figure in the local history of the town during the war period. A considerable portion of bis large income was devoted to this work, and by and through his efforts, sus- tained by the loyal sentiment of his townsmen, Gainesville filled every quota promptly, and came out of the war without debt. A director of the Rochester and State Line Railway Company from its organization, no one in Wyoming county has a larger share in the responsibility of the location of its line than Mr. Bristol. He moved to Warsaw in 1808, where be bas cinco resided. He married Adelia M. Lockwood January 12th, 1848, and had three children: Laura L., who married Major Jobn P. Robinson ; Belle, who married M. A. Kurtz, and Caroline, who married Nathan 8. Beardslee. Mrs. Bristol died in 1865, and be married Martha J. Jewett in 1867, by whom be has three children, William, Millie J. and Henry R.

JOHN BROWN, whose father bore the same name, was born in Gainesville, May 10th, 1800. Until be was twenty-one be " worked out " summers and lived at home and attended sobool winters. After he became of age be worked several different farms on sbares and was also an extensive stock buyer. In 1866 be went to Wisconsin, where he remained a year and a half, returning in 1868 to Gainesville, where, in 1869, be bought a farm. During the war be bought horses for government use. In 1867 he bought the Jewett farm in Warsaw, on which be lives. He was married June 28th, 1867, to Betsey Norton, daughter of Edward and Lucinda Norton, of Gainesville, by whom he had three children, one of whom is living. The bouse in which Mr. Brown lives was built nearly seventy years ago, and was one of the first frame bouses erected in this section.

JOSEPH C. BUXTON, son of Timothy and Julia Buxton, was born May 10th, 1869, in Warsaw, and has been a life-long resident there. April 10th, 1883, he entered the hardware store of Morris & Lewis, and remained in the capacity of clerk for seven years. He was in the coal trade from that time until 1878, when be became the local agent of the State Line Railroad Com- pany, and still bolds the position. He was married December 16th, 1874, to Alloe F., daughter of Mr. Gould, of Warsaw. Mr. and Mrs. Buxton have two oblidren.

GEORGE 8. CAPWELL, son of Peter and Olive Capwell, was born Novem- ber 14th, 1815, in Middlebury. He received a common sobool education, and was a man of strong and active mind, and showed great energy in all his undertakings. About 1888 be went into the dry goods trade at Wyoming, and remained in that business about twelve years. He then went to Now York, and was employed in the custom house twelve years, after which be lived elx years in Michigan, returning to Warsaw in 1872. He was married September 12th, 1837. to Pbelina, daughter of Joseph and Betsy Weels, of Darien. By that marriage there were three children, only one of whom. Trank W. Capwell, is living. Mr. Capwell was a lifelong supporter of the Democratic party. He died September 17th, 1876, while in Michigan, and his remains were brought to Warsaw for burial.

MARTIN D. CHACE is a son of George B. and Loretta Chace, natives of Saratoga county, who settled about 1834 near the bead of the lake, in the town of Castile. Their family consisted of ten children, eight of whom are living, and of whom Martin D. Chace, born September 12th, 1886, was the oldest son. George B. Chace died in 1868. . His widow lives on the old home- stead. Martin D. Chace remained at bome until April, 1809; then came to Warsaw and bought the Premium Custom and Flouring Mills, which be still owns and manages. He was married November 25th, 1803, to Mary A., daughter of Thomas and Sarah Durfee, of Middlebury. They have had seven children, four of whom are living.

THOMAS CHASE, son of Stepben and Lots Chace, was born in New Hamp- chire, in 1784. In 1817 be came to Warsaw with his father and brother, set- tling on a partly improved farm in the northwest part of the town. He married Rboda Smith, of New Hampshire, by whom he had five children, three of whom are living. Mr. Chase died in 1868, aged seventy-dve. Mrs. Chase died in 1860, aged sixty-six. Jobn 8. Chase, their son, was born in Now Hampshire, June 9th, 1816, and came to Warsaw with his parents; in 1812-88 be worked by the month and managed farms on shares in Middlebury, Warsaw and Castile. In 1808 be bought the farm in Warsaw -where he lives. He was married January 9th, 1840, to Bathebeba Marsh, of Covington, who died Feb- ruary 84, 1848. In September, 1848, Mr. Chase married Mrs. Marsb, widow of the late Jonathan Marsh, of Middlebury, who died November 30tb, 1889. September 6th, 1890, Mr. Chase married Mrs. Alvins Smeed, widow of the late George Smead, of Bethany, N. Y. By his second marriage there were two children, one of whom. D. M., born in Castile, November 14th, 1848, is living. He married Minnie Grosbeck, of Groveland, by wbom be bas one child, John A., born June 10th, 1878.

DELOSS A. CRIPPEN is a son ot Alva and Mary Crippen, natives of Colum- bia county. The family consisted of nine children, of whom Deloss A. was the fourth born (June 28th, 1828). He is a native of Columbia county. At the age of twenty-two he went to Monroe county, and learned the trade of a carriage-troner and blacksmith. He then went to Cowlesville, and worked about a year : thence to Attica ; in 1868 to Knowlesville, where be opened a carriage shop. In 1867 be came to Warsaw and formed a partnership with P. H. Buxton, which continued two years. At its expiration C. P. Williams and Mr. Crippen formed a partnership, which continued five years. Janu- ary let, 1876, Mr. Crippen opened his present shop, of which he is sole propri- etor. He was married July &let, 1866, to Mies M. Adelia, daughter of John L and Abigail Smith, of Attics. They have three children-Frank, May and

Ina. Mr. and Mrs. Crippen are members of the Congregational church. Mr. Crippen has held the offices of town auditor, asecssor (one term), and village trustee (three years).

SPENCER CRONKHITE is a son of Tunis and Caroline Cronkbite. He was born in Middlebury, February 3d, 1838, and except eleven years spent in Chautauqua county has lived in Wyoming county. In 1831 be moved to the town of Warsaw and bought land, and followed the occupation of farmer until 1867, when be moved to Warsaw village and was an engineer until 1861, when be enlisted in Company A, 9th N. Y. cavalry, and served until dis- charged, October 27th, 1864. He was wounded at the battle of Beverly Ford, June 9th, 1868, and confined in the hospital until December. January 24th. 1865. he married Ruth A., daughter of Daniel and Susan Pierce, of Rebo- both, Mass., by whom be bad two children-Federick P. and Grace. He is .superintendent of the Warsaw Citizens' Gaslight Company. and a stock- holder in the same.

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 Wyoming County, N.Y., with Illustrations, Biographical Sketches and Portraits of Some Pioneers and Prominent Residents, Part 82

Author: Publication date: 1880 Publisher: F.W. Beers & Co. Number of Pages:

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: F.W. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: