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 56
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HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
Wixon, C. N., a farmer and fruit grower of Starkey, and a native of Steuben County, N. Y., was born June 12, 1830, a son of Shubel and Charlotte (Dekay) Wixon. His parents were natives of Cayuga County, N. Y., and came to Steuben County, in 1820 and were the parents of ten children, nine of whom survive. The father was a successful farmer and died in 1862; the mother died in 1882. Mr. Wixon married in Steuben County, in 1854, Cornelia E., daughter of William Prentiss. Six children were born of this union, of whom three survive, Harriet, wife of Henry W. Fisher, now of Pittsburg, Pa .; Fred C., principal in the high school at Ottumway, Ia .; and Nellie E. Mr. Wixon moved to this county in 1865 and in 1868 he moved to New York city, remain- ing there until the spring of 1876, when he returned to his farm in Yates County, which consists of seventy-two acres, with thirty acres of grape- vines. He shipped in the fall of 1890, twenty-five tons of grapes.
Young, H. J., was born in Wellsboro, Pa. He taught school in Dun- dee, N. Y., three years, and graduated from Cook Academy in 1876, after which he carried on the boot and shoe business in Dundee five years. He has been insurance agent since 1879, town clerk nine years, assistant postmaster since 1888, and is assistant cashier of the Dundee State Bank, having held that position since February, 1889. He has been clerk of the board of supervisors for three years. He married Emma K. Galloup, of Ovid, N. Y., and has three children.
TOWN OF JERUSALEM.
Babcock, Arnold, was born in Reading, Steuben County, in 1831. His father, Oliver Babcock, was born in Massachusetts, and his mother, Chloe Weller, in Washington County, N. Y. They came to Yates County, in 1834. In 1851 Arnold Babcock married S. Cornelia Steb- bins, of Rensselaerville, Albany County, by whom he has four children, viz .: Hattie E., wife of J. V. Masten, of Second Milo; Dr. Marcus E., of Branchport ; Dewitt T., a farmer of Jerusalem; and Minnie H., who lives at home. During the early part of his life Arnold Babcock was engaged in farming and lumbering. In 1867, however, he began the cultivation of grapes on the west shore of the west branch of Lake Keuka, where he now resides.
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FAMILY SKETCHES.
Baldwin, Orin R., son of Alfred and Moriah (Cowan) Baldwin, was born in Italy, N. Y., July 22, 1845. He was educated at the common schools, and after obtaining his majority, removed to Big Rapids, Mich., and remained for about twenty years. He then came to Jerusalem in 1881, and has been farming ever since. In politics he has been a Dem- ocrat. He married Lydia, daughter of Daniel Parker, of Big Rapids, Mich., and they have two children, Gertrude J. and Alfred D.
Belknap, James A., son of Briggs Belknap, was born in Newbury, Orange County, N. Y., March 16, 1816, and came with his father to Benton County when he was a young man, he remaining there until twenty-five years of age, attending district school during the winter months. Mr. Belknap came to this town about 1841 and bought a tract of land, having at the time no money. With energy and determina- tion he paid for it, and now owns a model farm of 150 acres with about twenty acres in grapes and peaches. He has been a Republican ever since that party came into existence. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church at Branchport. June 16, 1842, he married Submit, daughter of Clark Green, of this place, by whom he had the following children : Mary E., who married Morrison L. Chase; Ade- line, who married Melvin J. Davis; Frances A., and Charles G. Mrs. Belknap died March 19, 1884.
Benedict, C. C., son of William N. and Huldah A. (Green) Benedict, was born December 24, 1842, in Jerusalem, was educated at the com- mon schools, and lived with his father on the farm, working also at the wagon- making business, until his father's death in 1878. He then built a factory for the manufacture of fruit baskets, in which he has had great success. He also owns a fine fruit farm, which is in fine cultiva- tion. In politics he is a Republican. Though not a member of any church, his family attend and are members of the Universalist Church at Branchport, N. Y. His first wife was Nancy H. Slingerton, of this town, whom he married in February, 1873. She died in 1878, leaving one daughter, Helen I. He married second, Samantha J Potter, and by this marriage has one child, Ethel, aged seven years.
Bishop, Robert C., son of John H. and Lydia A. (McCann) Bishop, was born March 19, 1847, in this town and was educated at Penn Yan
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HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
Academy. After finishing his education he taught school throughout this part of the State for fourteen terms, but his health failing him he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for a few years. He then bought a fruit farm, which he has brought to a fine state of culti- vation. Mr. Bishop is independent in politics. He was elected justice of the peace in 1885, and served for four years, and also elected super- visor for 1892 by the People's party. He is a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church at Bluff Point, and has been an active member of the Sunday-school.
Bishop, Seth B., son of John H. and Lydia A. (McCann) Bishop, was born February 29, 1852, in this town. He was educated at the com- mon schools and Penn Yan Academy. After leaving school he learned the carpenter's and afterward the wagon-maker's trade which he still continues at Bluff Point. He was appointed postmaster under Presi- dent Cleveland and served for four years. He is now acting as deputy postmaster. Mr. Bishop married, first, Lorinda Wilcox, of this town, who died fourteen years later. He married, second, Clara A. Graham. In politics he is a Democrat.
Botsford, Samuel, son of Elijah and Margaret (Scott) Botsford, was born in this town in 1809, and was educated at the common schools of that day. He was a farmer and taught school during the winter months. A Republican in politics, he was prominent in town and county affairs, was supervisor of Jerusalem for four terms, and clerk of Yates County one term. Mr. Botsford married Esther C., daughter of Levi and Mariah Spangler, of this town, and they have four children : Frank, who married Myrtie (who died June 26, 1890), daughter of Dr. J. C. Wightman, of Branchport, N. Y .; Walter (deceased) ; Mary, who married George D. Vail, of this town, and Dr. Wade H. Botsford, who lives at Dresden, N. Y. Frank now owns the old homestead and car- ries on farming and fruit growing. His mother lives with him.
Boyd, Robert McDowell, born in 1811, married Mary H., daughter of Elisha Luther, in 1840, and lived on the Friend's Tract, lot 44, Guern- sey Survey, in Jerusalem. His wife died in 1866, aged forty five. Their children were, Sidney (deceased), Barrett A., Martha, Tompkins W., Charles, Albert, Ellen M., and Fred. Albert Boyd was born April
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14, 1854, was educated at the district schools, and has been a farmer and fruit grower. He was in partnership with his father-in-law, under the firm name of Paris & Boyd, in the manufacture of fruit baskets, for several years, but sold out, and now devotes his time to farming and fruit raising. He owns a fine farm near Branchport. In politics he is a Republican. He married Hattie, daughter of David H. Paris, of Branchport on May 14, 1879, and their children are Mabel, Willie, David, Helen and Mary (twins), and Florence Irene.
Brown, Hon. Everett, son of J. Warren and Rosalia Brown, was born in Italy, N. Y., on October 19, 1850, but came to Jerusalem with his parents when a child, where he attended school in his early years, going afterward to Penn Yan to attend the academy. His occupation has been that of a farmer and fruit grower. In politics he is a Republican, having been very prominent in his town, county and State. Mr. Brown was presidential elector at Albany, N. Y., in 1888, and was elected rep- resentative to the Assembly of New York in 1890, and again in 1891. He is a member of Milo Lodge, F. A. M., and Minnesetah Lodge, No. 234, K. of P., of Penn Yan. December 25, 1870, he married Mary E. Cairnes, of Jerusalem, N. Y., and their children are Nellie May and Rosalia.
Brown, George H., son of Richard A and Judith (West) Brown, was born March 3, 1841, and was educated at the common schools and Penn Yan Academy. Mr. Brown is a farmer and fruit grower. He married a daughter of Isaac Palmanteer, of Steuben County, N. Y., and their children are Mary J., Addie M., Franklin D., and George H., jr. Mr. Brown is a Democrat in politics.
Brown, J. Warren, was born in Jerusalem, June 16, 1826, and was educated at the common schools of that time. He possessed great nat- ural ability and endowments, and these were enriched by learning, and years of experience. ' In politics a Republican, he always took an active interest and part in the affairs of the town and county. He has held the following offices in this town: Supervisor, town superintendent of schools, and school commissioner of Yates County. Mr. Brown was modest and unobtrusive, dignified and courteous in manner, and was well known throughout the county. He married Mrs. Rosalia A. Payne,
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July 14, 1850, and they had two sons, Everett, who married Mary E., daughter of Charles Cairns, of this town; and Frank, who married a daughter of John H. Bishop, of Jerusalem.
Bush, Dr. Wynans, was born in Florida, N. Y., in 1799, a son of William T., and grandson of Adjutant William Bush, who served in the Revolutionary army. Dr. Bush graduated in the medical college in Barclay street, New York City. In 1824 he married Julia Ann Loomis, of Coventry, Conn. In 1825 they removed to Vienna now (Phelps), where Dr. Bush began practice as a physician. In 1832 they removed to Branchport, where he remained until his death, March 14, 1889, in his 90th year. Their children were Elliott N., who was killed at Guntown, Miss., while in command of his regiment: Henry M., who died at Montgomery, Ala., in February, 1889; Irene, wife of Prof. S. W. Clark, the noted teacher and author of grammars, living now at Spencerport, N. Y .; Caroline, was married at Branchport to Rev. H. H. Jessup, D. D., went to Beirut, Syria, and dying on the home voyage in 1863, was buried at Alexandria, Egypt ; Ellen, wife of R. W. Hopkins, of Prattsburgh, N. Y .; Harlan Page ; Frances, wife of Rev. E. H. Stratton, of Branchport, N. Y .; Robert P., and Julia G., the latter being Mrs. S. C. Bradley, of Kings Ferry, N. Y. All the sons of Dr. Bush were sol-
diers in the Union army. Harlan P. Bush was born in 1837, and re- ceived his education at the district schools and Cortland Academy. In politics he has always been a Republican. Mr. Bush has been a teacher for a number of years, was school commissioner from 1881 to 1884, and is also a successful farmer. He was a soldier in the 15th New York En- gineers, and was present at the surrender of Lee. He married Saman- tha L. Ingram, in 1863, and their children are Fred W., Warner C., Ralph E, Irene, Charlotte L., and Mabel. Robert P. Bush is a physi- cian of Horseheads, and is now serving his seventh term as member of Assembly from Chemung. He is Speaker of the House.
Campbell, Thomas W., son of James B. and Nellie (Houghtaling) Campbell, was born in this town, May 22, 1856, and was educated at the common schools and Starkey Seminary, after which he taught school for about six years. He now owns a large farm in the western part of the town. In politics he is a Republican, and was justice of the
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peace, and justice of sessions two terms each, and was elected super- visor at the last election. Mr. Campbell is a contributor to the Penn Yan papers. In 1882 he married Mary, daughter of Oscar Conley, of this town, and they have one child, Edna, eight years of age.
Carvey, Samuel P., son of William and Elizabeth H. Carvey, was born in Goshen, Orange County, N. Y., July 19, 1814. In 1821 he came with his parents to Milo Center, this county, with a team, where they remained for two years, and then removed to Jerusalem. Samuel P. lived with his father until he reached his majority. He never at- tended school after twelve years of age. He hired out to one of the neighbors for thirteen dollars a month, and afterwards cut cord wood for twenty-five cents per cord. His first purchase of land was made in the town of Italy, for which he paid five dollars per acre. About this time he learned the trade of cooper, working at it for thirteen years, using the timber on his land, which was the only way he had of secur- ing the necessaries of life at that time. By his energy and perseverance he now owns 517 acres of land, all in a good state of cultivation. He has always voted with the Democratic party. Mr. Carvey married first, Hannah, daughter of Giles Robison, of Springport, N. Y., and their children were Emily J., Charles (deceased), and Lewis. Mrs. Carvey died March 31, 1848. For his second wife he married Phear, daughter of Abram Youngs, of this town, and his children by this union are John, Emma, Wilcox, Judson, and Alice.
Casterline, John V., was born in Sussex County, N. J., September 23, 1839, where the first seven years of his life were passed. In 1846 he came to New York State with his parents, locating in the town of Pult- ney, Steuben County, where he resided until 1863, when he came to Bluff Point. In the autumn of 1863 he united in marriage with Nancy A. Dykman. One child was born to them, Ida L., who is now the wife of S. H. Vrooman, of Penn Yan. After the death of his wife, Mr. Cas- terline again wedded, this time Miss Bertha Haight. Two daughters were the fruit of this union. After his second bereavement he married Sarah Fulkerson, of Big Flats. Three more daughters have been added to the family circle, Stella B., Susie C., and Nellie S. In the spring of 1891, Mr. Casterline and family united with the Free Baptist Church at Keuka College. He is a most successful fruit grower and now owns a
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HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
fine fruit farm on the east branch of Lake Keuka. In politics he is a staunch Democrat.
Champlin, Elisha, son of Rowland and Mary (Ingram) Champlin, was born in this town, October 20, 1843, was educated at the district schools and has been a farmer all his life. He resides on a portion of the homestead, a fine farm in the western part of this town. Mr. Champlin has always voted the Democratic ticket. He married Sarah, daughter of William and Melissa (Genung) Sisson, of Italy, N. Y., and they have had two children, Mary S., who died aged thirteen, and Charlie Gardner Champlin.
Champlin, Rowland, son of George W. and Araminta (Henderson) Champlin, was born March 21, 1847, and was educated at the common schools. He has been a farmer all his life. In politics he is a Republi- can. He enlisted in January, 1864, in Company A, Fiftieth New York Engineers, and went to Washington, D. C., and from there to City Point, Va. He was mustered out June 13, 1865. He married Sarah J., daughter of Thomas Dinehart, of Potter, N. Y., and they have had three children, Ella, George (deceased), and Peter Champlin.
Cole, Erastus, son of Erastus and Lois (Dickson) Cole, was born April 29, 1820, in this town, was educated at the common schools, and has always been a farmer. He married Sarah, daughter of Henry Larzelere, and had four children, viz .: Mary; Ella, who died in De- cember, 1859; George H. and Ward L. Mr. Cole has a fine fruit and vineyard farm in this town. In politics he is a Republican. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Kinney's Corners, of which he is one of the trustees.
Comstock, Family, The .- Achilles, son of Samuel Comstock, was born in Connecticut, in 1757. He was a soldier in the Revolution and one of the Rangers employed in the irregular warfare of the borders, which was fought with thrilling excitements. The Tories and refugees were accustomed to drive away the cows and other stock, and this property was carefully watched to save it from pillaging bands. To thwart these bands, led to many daring adventures and narrow escapes, in which Mr. Comstock was a participant. After the close of the war Achilles mar- ried Sarah, daughter of Elnathan Botsford, sr., and they had one son,
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Israel, and two daughters, Apphia and Martha. The family came to the New Jerusalem in 1767, in company with the Botsford family. They made a purchase in 1799 of 400 acres on the north side of the Friend's estate in Jerusalem, which was a strip of land two miles long and 100 rods wide. Their title to this land was involved in the long litigation which commenced in 1811 and ended in 1828, and which caused them much trouble and anxious suspense as well as expenditure of money. Mr. Comstock was a prominent citizen, and most of the time in the early years from 1803 to 1815, held some office in the town. He was an early adherent of the Methodists and his wife was a member of the Friend's Society. He died in 1832, aged seventy- five years, a much respected citizen. His wife died in 1845, aged seventy-nine, an exemplary and devoted Christian. Their daughters belonged to the sisterhood of the Friend's Society. Israel Comstock was born in War- ington, Litchfield County, Conn., in 1794. In 1800 he removed with his father to Jerusalem, and on the same farm where he died, over sixty- five years later. He distinctly recollected his first visit to Penn Yan, which then had but two houses in it, probably in 1798 or 1799. He for many years held various town offices, the duties of which he dis- charged with integrity and fidelity. He was always a liberal and pro- gressive man, and at the time of his death was president of the Yates County Historical Society. He was deeply interested in the objects of that 'organization, and resolutions expressive of high respect for his memory were published by the society. Few men were better ac- quainted with the men who filled a place in the events which transpired in our early annals, and his many contributions were always welcomed, as an addition to the history of times now fading fast from the minds of men. For thirty-four years he was a consistent member of the Metho- dist Church and most of the time an official and leading member. His integrity was the key to his whole character, for it produced that scru- pulous fidelity to his trust and industry in its discharge which caused him to be respected and honored by his fellow citizens. He married in 1821, Jane, daughter of Thomas Sutton, of Jerusalem. She was born in Eversham, Burlington County, N. J., February 25, 1799. She lived on the farm where they first settled about sixty- two years, and her life covered mostly the entire history of this county, from the time it was an
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unbroken wilderness. She endured all the hardships and privations in- cident to a new country, and being possessed of a strong mind and good judgment, she took a deep interest in everything calculated to benefit her family or society in general. She was for sixty-two years a faithful and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Israel Comstock died in January, 1866, aged seventy-one years, and Jane, his wife, died October 2, 1884, aged eighty-six years. They had three chil- dren, Botsford A., John J., and Sarah S. Botsford A. Comstock was born on the homestead, November 12, 1823, and is well known through- out the county. He held the office of justice of the peace in his native town for twenty years. He was justice of sessions in this county in 1885-86. His public career in his native town has been most creditable. He had confided to him the most delicate duties in the settlement of estates. In these matters of importance his judgment and advice has been much sought and has secured the highest respect. For fifty years he was an active and influential member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Potter, and was steward and leader for thirty-four years. He died September 11, 1886, aged sixty-three years. John J. Com- stock, second son of Israel was born July 30, 1826, and is an honored and respected citizen, occupying an important position in the town in which he lives. He resides on part of the old homestead. He married Mary E., daughter of Robert Miller, of Pultney, and their chil- dren are Robert J., John A., George P., and Wilbur F. The latter two are married. Sarah S. Comstock lives on her farm in Potter, and also occupies part of the homestead farm in Jerusalem.
Comstock, John J., son of Israel and Jane (Sutton) Comstock, was born July 30, 1826, in Jerusalem, N. Y., was educated in Penn Yan Academy, and has been a farmer in this town ever since. He has been a Republican ever since the party was organized, and has been commis- sioner of highways for three terms, and in 1887 was elected justice of the peace and still holds that office. His family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is one of the oldest members of the Milo Lodge, F. and A. M., at Penn Yan, N. Y. He married Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Robert and Susan (Wagner) Miller, of Pultney, N. Y. Their children are Robert I., born March 15, 1855; John A., born March 26, 1858; George B., born March 26, 1862 ; and Wilber F., born November 21, 1863. 4
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Corey, Leman, son of Christopher and Abigail (Washburn) Corey, was born in Italy, N. Y., August 10, 1831, and after the common schools received his education at Ann Arbor, Mich. After leaving college he returned to the farm, where he has been very successful, both in Italy and Jerusalem. In 1877 he purchased what is known as the Squier farm, on the boundary line between Italy and Jerusalem, which was owned by his wife's father, Nathaniel Squier. Mr. Corey married, Sep- tember 3, 1856, Hannah, daughter of Nathaniel and Phebe (Wells) Squier, of Jerusalem, N. Y., and their children are Harriet D., Olivia, who married Dr. John Arden Conley, of Middlesex, N. Y .; Carrie P., and Charles H. S. Corey. In politics Mr. Cory is a Democrat.
Culver, Franklin, son of William and Phebe (Swift) Culver, was born April 12, 1816, in Ledyard, Cayuga County, N. Y., was educated at the common schools of that time and came with his parents to this town in 1836, and has been a farmer all his life. In politics a Democrat, he has been commissioner of highways one term, and assessor of this town four years. He married Harriet, daughter of Capt. John Phelps, of Bradford, Steuben County, N. Y., and they had ten children: Angeline and Mary Jane (deceased) ; John, who married Mary Cummings; Amanda M., who married Hiram Cole; Julia, who married Benjamin Eggleston ; Frank, Harriet, and William (deceased); Fred, and Vin- cent, who married Carrie Race. First wife died in 1868; married Al- meda Hewitt, widow of Lucius Hewitt, in 1871.
Davis, Edgar E., son of Joseph and Rachel (Corwin) Davis, was born April 12, 1839. He has three brothers: Miles A., who lives at Havana, N. Y .; Melvin J., and George D., who lives in this town. Edgar was educated at the district schools, learned the carpenter's trade, but after- wards went to farming and has been a farmer ever since. In politics Mr. Davis is a Republican, and he has been assessor of Jerusalem for three years. He married Frances L, daughter of Cyrus Sherwood, of this town, and their children are: Florence L., Clarence C. N., John Clinton, and Harriet Jane, all of whom are living.
Davis, Watkin, is a descendant from Thomas and Eleanor Davis; they were born in Wales and came to America in 1800. They settled at Newport, Herkimer County, N. Y., with their family of three sons and
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two daughters. Thomas, the father of our subject, came to Benton, Yates County, N. Y., in 1814. He married Irene Perry, a widow, born in 1774, whose maiden name was Watkins and who was also a native of Wales. They settled on a farm about one mile west of Penn Yan, where they were original settlers. Their children were Hannah, James T., Stephen N., Mary J., Watkin and Eleanor. Watkin Davis was born March 31, 1819 and was educated at the common schools of that time and was brought up on the farm and has been a successful farmer in the town of Jerusalem. He also owns a fine orange grove in Deleon Springs, Volusia County, Florida, where he spends the winter months. He has been a breeder of short-horn Durham cattle. In politics he has always been an ardent supporter of the Republican party and has been supervisor of Jerusalem two terms and justice of the peace for about twelve years. He and his family are members of the Baptist Church of Penn Yan, N. Y. Mr. Davis married for his first wife, Emeline Beard, February 10, 1847, and they had three children, Ida, born December 27, 1857, married Clark C Dildine, of Hammondsport, N. Y .; James Watkin, born May 23, 1862; John Stephen, born March 14, 1864, mar- ried Lavina P., daughter of John Powell, of Rock Island County, Ills., and they have one son, Watkin Powell Davis; Emeline, died March 20, 1885. Mr. Davis married for the second time, Mary E, widow of Major Biers, of this town, April 6, 1887.
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