USA > New York > Yates County > History of Yates County, N.Y. : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of the prominent men and pioneers > Part 49
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Ludlow E. Lapham was methodical and accurate in his dealings, social and genial in his manners, and had a large circle of very warm friends. He always took a deep interest in public affairs, endeavoring to inform himself well and keep himself versed in the general intelligence of the day. He was for many years an active member of the Methodist Church, to which he was strongly attached, often acting in the official capacity of trustee. On July 8, 1882, in his seventy sixth year, quietly and peacefully his soul took wings to perpetual peace, rest and bliss, at his own home surrounded by all the members of his large family.
APHAM, GEORGE H., the only son of Ludlow E. and Reliance W. (Townsend) Lapham, was born in Benton, Yates County, N. Y., May 18, 1834. His father returned to Penn Yan when he was about eight years of age, and he finished his education at the Penn Yan Academy, which at that time was in charge of the well-known and popular teacher, Joseph Bloomingdale. After leaving school at the age of fourteen years, Mr. Laphain became a clerk in his uncle John H. Lapham's drug store in the village of Penn Yan. He remained with his uncle two years, when he went to Geneva, N. Y., and was em- ployed in the wholesale and retail drug establishment of A. D. Platt until 1853. In the latter year, returning to Penn Yan, he engaged in
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the mercantile business with his father under the firm name of L. E. Lapham & Son. This firm continued business for three years, when Mr. Lapham established business on a more extended scale under his own name, in which he was engaged successfully until 1873.
In 1873, having obtained a charter for a national bank by a special act of Congress, the State quota being full at that time, he organized the First National Bank of Penn Yan. This was the first national bank to be organized in Yates County. Mr. Lapham became chief owner of the stock of the bank, has been its principal financial officer and has successfully conducted its affairs ever since. For many years he has held the office of president. Politically Mr. Lapham has always been a Democrat of the Jeffersonian school, and became active in politics when quite a young man, and was for years an honored leader of his party, and as chairman of its county committee was often enabled to lead them to victory, although his party was largely in the minority in the county. His superior ability for organization and management as a party leader was acknowledged by all. Mr. Lapham has frequently represented Yates County in the State conventions. His advice on political matters was much sought for by the prominent leaders of his party. He was unanimously chosen to represent the twenty seventh congressional district as a delegate to the St. Louis National Convention held in 1876, and was active in accomplishing the nomination of the Hon. Samuel J. Tilden. In 1880 his name was placed on the Democratic ticket for presidental elector, he receiving the largest vote cast for any of the nominees on that ticket. Previous to holding of the Demo- cratic State Convention in 1881, while Mr. Lapham was absent from the State, his name was prominently mentioned by the press as a candi- date for State Treasurer. This being without his knowledge and con- sent, it was not till after considerable hesitancy and upon the earnest solicitation of his friends, he finally consented to become a candidate for that office. At the State Convention subsequently held at Albany, it was decided to present Mr. Lapham's name for Comptroller. His name was presented to the convention by his worthy townsman, Hon. Darius Ogden, who in his presentation address says : " I name a man who will bring to the discharge of the duties of the office of comptroller vigor and youth ; who will bring it also the maturity of manhood, a man
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whose education has been of the character that fits him to take hold of this office and to master and discharge its duties. We need a man for the office of comptroller whose character is above reproach, honest, capable, faithful to the State; faithful to the constitution ; faithful to the country in an eminent degree. We have such a candidate in our nom- inee." The nomination was ably seconded by Hon. Peter B. Olney, of New York, and Gen. Falkner, of Livingston, and Mr. Lapham was unanimously nominated, an honor rarely if ever conferred by a State Convention for that office. On account of severe sickness in his family, Mr. Lapham could not make a personal canvass prior to the election, but in locations where he was well known he ran far ahead of the bal- ance of the ticket. At the State Convention held in Buffalo in 1884, his name was prominently mentioned by the Tilden wing of the party for comptroller, but after the nomination of Isaac H. Maynard as Sec- retary of State, Mr. Lapham declined to allow his name to go upon the ticket. Since this time he has withdrawn entirely from politics; al- though he has been often solicited by the leaders of his party, he has declined taking any active part in political matters. Mr. Lapham was one of the seven commissioners appointed by the State Legisla- ture to locate the site of the cantilever bridge at Niagara Falls, which was the first of the kind erected in the United States.
Mr. Lapham married, in 1861, Margaret P., daughter of Hon. Ezekiel Casner, and their family consists of four children : Charles C., who is treasurer of Hammondsport Vintage Co., resides in Penn Yan ; Margaret R., wife of Walter Sheppard, proprietor and editor of the Penn Yan Democrat; George H., jr., a student at Cornell University, and Bessie C. Mrs. Lapham died March 14, 1887, and he remarried June, 13, 1889, Miss Kathleen H. M. Boddy, daughter of the Archdeacon of York, M. A. Cambridge, of Toronto, Canada.
Mr. Lapham, as a late very intimate friend of him says, "is a man of quick perceptions and rare common sense, with accurate and method- ical business habits and superior business ability. He is in the prime of life and is of attractive personal appearance. He enjoys to a large degree the culture of experience and observation and has proved him- self to be a practical and successful business man,"
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C ASNER, HON. EZEKIEL, the son of John and Lydia (Rhodes) Casner, was born in Norristown, Pa., April 23, 1802. His father dying when Mr. Casner was quite young, he was only able to obtain the advantages of a common school education. He was apprenticed to learn the trade of miller, and when hardly in his majority he engaged in the milling business in Allentown, Pa., which place he left in 1824 and came to Penn Yan, which thereafter he made his future home. He first obtained employment of Abraham Wagener who ran a flouring-mill where the present one is located in Penn Yan. In company with Hon. Aaron Remer, he purchased the mill and the firm continued until 1843 when it was dissolved by the death of Mr. Remer. During the same year Mr. Casner formed a partnership with John C. Scheetz, under the firm name of Casner & Scheetz. This firm continued business until the death of the senior partner; and during a partnership of most forty years the most pleasant relations existed, which speaks well for their enter- prise and mutual confidence. In politics Mr. Casner was originally a Whig ; he was elected a member of the Assembly in 1844; he was ap- pointed by President Fillmore to fill the unexpired term of Mr. James Robinson as postmaster of Penn Yan, and during the seven months he filled that position he gave the income of the office to his assistants. Upon the disruption of the Whig party he became a Democrat, with which party he thereafter affiliated, taking an active part, and persist- ently refusing any political honors, though often solicited to do so.
Mr. Casner was a man of sincere convictions, and free and frank in the utterance of his views. He was in no mean sense a wit and as such was a character in his originality. When in his neighborly way he did talk it was to the point and the hits were worth considering and remem- bering. He was industrious, economical and exemplary in his daily unostentatious life. ยท Commencing business in Penn Yan with no advan- tages and among strangers, he early attracted the men of prominence in the community by his self-reliance, merit and worth, and always en- joyed their confidence. He married before coming to Penn Yan, Miss Elizabeth Kachline. They had a family of nine children, and though six of them arrived at the age of maturity, none are now living. The six mentioned above were Joanna, who married Henry L. Kendig; Frank, Lydia, Margaret Prior, who married Hon. George H. Lapham ; Samuel,
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and Albanus C. Mrs. Casner died May 26, 1846, and on June 17, 1852, Mr. Casner married Elizabeth J., daughter of Dr. E. E. W. Gale, of Albany, N. Y., who survives him and resides on the Casner homestead in Penn Yan. The issue of this marriage was Elizabeth A. who married Dr. Byron B. Harcas, at Penn Yan, and died at Rushville, N. Y. Mr. Casner died October 22, 1882, and the universal testimony and appre- ciation of the poor to his goodness of heart and sympathizing disposi- tion are sufficient evidences of the love he bore his neighbors, however lowly. His benevolence was a marked trait of his character. He was successful in accumulating a comfortable competency, which, after pro- viding liberally for his widow, was equally distributed amongst his sur- viving heirs. Besides being engaged in the milling business, Mr. Casner was connected with other mercantile enterprises. He was from its or- ganization in 1873 until his death a director of the First National Bank of Penn Yan, and on financial and other matters his approval was often sought by the general public. He was very outspoken, direct and practical, and rarely erred in judgment of men and things.
S MITH, FRANKLIN ELLSWORTH, an early merchant of Penn Yan, was born in that village, April 6, 1824. His father, Eben Smith, was a prominent merchant and influential citizen of Penn Yan for nearly a half of a century. His mother, Miss Eliza Ellsworth, was a sister of Judge S. S. Ellsworth. At the age of fourteen our subject entered his father's hardware store as clerk. He continued in this busi- ness till 1852, alone and in partnership with his father. With others, Mr. Smith was largely interested in the building of the Elmira, Canan- daigua and Niagara Falls Railroad, which enterprise proved not to be a financial success. Soon after disposing of his hardware business he en- gaged in the clothing trade, in which he remained until July 8, 1884. Mr. Smith was known as an upright and useful citizen, an active sup- porter of public improvement, conspicuous for his fair dealing, and had a deep interest in all that concerned the welfare of his native town and county. He was one of the most active and influential friends of the Penn Yan and New York Railroad. He was twice elected supervisor of the town of Milo, and was jealously watchful of the interests of the town, and faithful to his trust, as he was in every department of life ;
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for in those respects he was as conscientious and just as he was frank and open-hearted. As a husband and father he was mindful of the responsibilities which those relations imposed, and as a member of a Christian church-the Presbyterian-he was alike responsive to his obli- gations, rarely missing its meetings for public worship, and striving ever to walk by the rules of his high calling in sincerity and truth. He was for many years connected with the Masonic fraternity, and filled very acceptably many high positions in that order. He married in 1869 Emily, daughter of Rev. Dr. Heman Dyer, of New York. Their only child is Emily Stewart Smith.
Mr. Smith, after a long and protracted sickness, died January II, 1886, and in his death Penn Yan lost one of her most influential and enter- prising merchants.
S HEPPARD, HON. MORRIS F., was born at Germantown, near Philadelphia, November 28, 1774, being the son of Moses Shep- pard and Hannah Fletcher. They were members of the society of Friends or Quakers. The ancestors of Moses Sheppard had settled sometime about 1675, at Salem, N. J., and afterwards some of the fam- ily had made homes for themselves in the prosperous colony which had, in the meanwhile, been established under the auspices of William Penn.
In the year 1800, Mr. Sheppard, in company with two or three others, made an exploring expedition on horseback to the Genesee country, and finally found their way to the spot where now is the village of Penn Yan. So pleased was he with the country, that he at once made prepa- rations for emigrating and settling there. In 1801, with a horse and cart, he again made the journey, bringing with him what personal prop- erty he possessed, and the implements of his trade. Arriving at his destination, he purchased of Abraham Wagener, ten acres of land on the east side of Main street, bounded on the north by Head street, and embracing Jacob's Brook. Here he established a tannery, one of the first, if not the first, in the county, certainly the first within the limits of Penn Yan. The same year he married Rachel Supplee, daughter of the widow of Peter Supplee. Mrs. Supplee had come to this country about 1797, in company with her brother, David Wagener. Mr. Shep- pard and Rachel Supplee were married October 22, 1801, and erecting
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a small log house with two ground rooms, they kept house in one end while the other was used as a finishing shop for the tannery.
Mr. Sheppard was an active and useful citizen of the young village until his death, which occurred November 18, 1846. The following newspaper notices, written by men who knew him well, will give a good idea of his career and character.
From Daily Telegraph, Thursday, November 19, 1846.
" Died in this village, last evening, after an illness of a week's dura- tion, Hon. Morris F. Sheppard, aged seventy-two years.
" The deceased was one of the founders of Penn Yan, as well as one of the earliest settlers of this now fertile region of country. He spread his tent in the then wilderness, and not far from the spot where his remains now lie, over fifty years ago. He has lived and participated in the active bustle of business enterprise and improvement, and seen and as- sisted in making the waste places become beautiful gardens, and the ' Hazel Copse' become one of the most thrifty and prosperous villages of Western New York. He enjoyed through life the esteem and confi_ dence of his fellow citizens in an eminent degree, and was frequently called upon by them to fill important stations of public trusts. His labors in the legislature for several successive sessions were appeciated beyond the bounds of the county that honored him by its suffrage. In all the relations of life, public and private, he discharged the obligations imposed upon him with credit to himself and his constituency. He was a kind husband, an affectionate father, and an honest man. Those who knew him best and longest loved him most. And now that he has been gathered by the great destroyer of us all, ripe and full of years, there are many outside of the circle of his family and kindred who will sincerely mourn his departure, and long cherish a remembrance of the many ex- cellent traits of the character of Morris F. Sheppard. From the earliest dawn of the temperance reformation to the day of his departure, that glorious cause had no truer advocate."
From Yates County Chronicle of March 5, 1874.
" It may neither be inappropriate nor unprofitable to offer a few re- marks respecting the father and family of the late deceased George A. Sheppard. They may awaken interesting reminiscences. Half a century ago, Morris F. Sheppard, esq., then in the prime of life, was one of
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the prominent and enterprising citizens of Penn Yan. His children by his wife Rachel were George A., Sarah F., John S., Charles C., and Susan. The father and sons have been prosperous, yea more than pros- perous, in their business affairs, by reason of their economical, industri- ous, correct and temperate habits. Of said children, Charles C. Sheppard now alone survivcs.
" Morris F. Sheppard came to this place at an early day from Pennsyl- vania, and commenced business as a tanner and currier. In addition to taking care of his own affairs, he was soon and frequently called upon by his fellow citizens to attend to theirs. Sometimes a couple of neigh- bors would come to him to settle their little difficulty, but oftener to call on him to become their servant in official capacities, reaching from magistrate to member of Assembly. He represented Yates County in the State legislature during the sessions of 1828-29-30, with honor to himself, and credit to his constituents, taking rank among the foremost men there. And although a man of outspoken political sentiments, he could always poll a vote in excess of his party ticket. He, with others, exerted all his powers to promote the prosperity and ascendency of the upper or north portion of the village, until it was forced to succumb to the water power, the canal, the bank, and the business of the town or south portion of Penn Yan. There are yet a few left who can look back and recall the portly form and genial face of Morris F. Sheppard, and the many pleasant hours they have passed with him in his office listen- ing to his President Lincoln-like sayings, and to words of interest and value to themselves on very many subjects His advice in business matters, when called for, was always cheerfully and frankly given, and it evidenced wisdom in the hearer to profit by it."
In addition to the matters already spoken of, it is of interest to note that during the War of 1812 Mr. Sheppard was associated with the or- ganization of an independent military company, called " Silver Grays," under the captaincy of Truman Spencer, and was called out at the attack on Sodus Point. In 1818 he built a grist-mill on Sucker Brook, located in what is now known as Cornwell's Gully. This, through a failing water supply, was soon rendered an unprofitable speculation. In 1830 he built the stone house on Main street, now owned by Mr. Jeptha Potter, and this we are told was at that time regarded, "as approach- ing the extensive, if not the extravagant."
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A record of Mr. Sheppard's life would be incomplete without a men- tion of his religious belief. For his time he was an advanced thinker, in that he believed that the good life is of the first importance. In a day of intolerant creeds he asserted that to live uprightly and to deal justly are the essential parts of true religion, and that a man's life is his real " Confession of faith " by which he must stand or fall.
S HEPPARD, CHARLES CLEMENT .- In an early chapter of this work will be found an extended account of the family of which Mr. Sheppard was a member. He was born'in Penn Yan, June 9, 1808, and was the son of Hon. Morris F. Sheppard, a pioneer of prominence of Yates County. His early life was passed in his native village, attending the local schools, and arriving at the age of maturity he became identi- fied with the mercantile business of Penn Yan. Of his business career as a merchant for many years, and his subsequent successful operations in the purchase, development and sale of valuable well-placed lands in the Western States, the large fortune he accumulated is an evidence of his prudence, industry and foresight. Mr. Sheppard was never a seeker for office and place, but was always an influential partisan. In early life a Whig, then active and heroic in the advocacy and substantial advancement of Republican success and supremacy, and a loyal friend of the Union when its integrity was in peril. In 1860 he was a delegate to the National Republican Convention which nominated Abraham Lincoln for the presidency. In 1857, by a legislative act, he was made a mem- ber of the original board of education of Penn Yan, continuing by election as such until 1874, and for nine years was president of the same.
Mr. Sheppard was an exemplary man in his daily life, a model of ex- cellent personal, business and covenant relations and performances. He was a good citizen, with his face and force ever in the higher and bet- ter direction ; frank in the expression of his opinions, invariably sound, and fearless in the discharge of duty. He united, at an early age, with the Church of Christ and his place in all of its worship was never vacant, his voice for his heavenly Master was never silent, and his ample purse was ever open. To the beautiful new Presbyterian Church edifice of this village he was a very large contributor. Cheerfully, yet modestly,
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in the congregation of the people, he volunteered his timely aid, and on recording his large donation on a subsequent day, he closed his eyes, suffused with tears, while he silently prayed for God's direction and blessing on the proposed religious home. For years he gave largely to church, missionary, educational, and benevolent causes, and no deserv- ing local charity ever failed to receive his prompt, discreet and liberal response. Peculiar in his ways and methods, as reformers usually are, in his intercourse with his fellow- men, we believe that no honest, appre- ciative person ever listened to his critical counsel and pertinent sug- gestions without feeling in his heart that he was right, and faithful and sincerely desirous that better examples and purer purposes should be pursued. Many of his original trite sayings will long be remembered.
Mr. Sheppard died January 17, 1888, and of his family the following survive him, viz .: John S., a prominent and influential citizen of Penn Yan ; Capt. Morris F., president of the Yates County National Bank of Penn Yan ; and Mrs. Sarah F. S. Armstrong. All over the State and country the death of Mr. Sheppard, so long identified with Penn Yan, the center of his life-long activities and generous benefactions, was re- ceived with regret and impressive consideration. Life is judged by its results, and his was known to all.
CHAPTER XXX.
FAMILY SKETCHES.
TTO enumerate all of the old and prominent families in Yates county would in itself make a large and pretentious volume, while it would be practically impossible to give a genealogical sketch of all. We have been compelled, owing to lack of space, to limit these sketches to only those who have felt and manifested an interest in pre-
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serving the records of their ancestors. In this chapter biographical notices have been collected and printed of those whose descendants to- day form the business and social life of the stated localities.
TOWN OF MILO.
Baxter, Gilbert, was born in Covert, Seneca County, N. Y., in June, 1839, and came with his father's family to Milo in 1831. They settled on the Thomas Bennett farm on the east road, and here Gilbert has ever since lived. Thomas Baxter, his father, died here in March, 1864. In October, 1852, Gilbert married Emeline Titus, of Milo, by whom he had seven children, six of whom are living, viz .: Gilbert C., Ella, Lida, George, William, and M. Louise.
Bigger, Garrett Ayers, born in Sullivan County, Pa., September 5, 1846, was a son of James and Catherine Bigger. At the age of twelve he came to live with Garrett Ayers in Milo, where he was brought up to farm work. About twenty-five years ago Mr. Bigger purchased the Adam Struble farm, but bought his present place in 1877. It is de- voted principally to fruit and grape growing. In 1868 he married Mary M. Longor. They have no children. Both are members of the Baptist Church. In politics Mr. Bigger is a Republican, and in 1888 he was elected as such to the office of justice of the peace.
Bogart, Theodore, was born in the town of Milo, October 5, 1828. He was the youngest of the seven children of Cornelius and Phebe (Cornwell) Bogart. His early education was acquired in the common schools of the town. His first business venture was the manufacture of fanning mills in Penn Yan, Bath and Perry, New York State. After- wards he did a large business in company with Adam Oliver, of Ingersoll, Canada, in the manufacture and sale of these celebrated mills. He also sold the famous Seth Thomas Clocks in Canada. In his business enter- prises Mr. Bogart has been fairly successful, and has acquired a com- fortable competency. He married Mary A., daughter of Daniel Brennan, in 1863, and they had two children, Josephine and Louise, both of whom are living. Mrs. Bogart died in 1874. Theodore Bogart has
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been for years a prominent figure in Yates County politics, and is rec- ognized as one of the stalwart Republican leaders in the county seat. In 1858 Mr. Bogart was elected collector of the town of Milo and was supervisor of the same town four terms, as will be seen by reference to the succession in the history of Yates County, published by honorable S. C. Cleveland. In the fall of 1873 he was elected sheriff of Yates County and served one full term of three years. Mr. Bogart is recog- nized as a man of the strictest integrity, a true friend-careful in all his business relations, and is justly esteemed by his fellow citizens.
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