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 58
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63
Smith, Eberle E., son of Morgan and Annis (Johnson) Smith, was born May 5, 1843, at Penn Yan, N. Y., was educated at the common schools, and lived with his father until about twenty-four years of age. His father, Morgan Smith, came to Jerusalem and purchased a farm of 168 acres in the western part of the town, when Eberle was ten years of age. Twenty-four years ago the latter bought the farm of 200 acres of Chester Stoddard (now deceased). In 1881 he bought the farm of 168 acres of his father, near his first purchase, but not joining, making 368 acres. Mr. Smith has always been a Republican in politics, and he is now a member of the Farmers' Alliance. While not a member of any religious denomination, both he and his family attend the Baptist Church at Italy Hill. October 17, 1867, he married Alice A., daugh- ter of Chester Stoddard, of this town. Their children are Chester M., Grace S., Edna, and Edwin and Eben (twins), the latter deceased.
614
HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
Squier, Nat, son of Ezra and Helen (Kennedy) Squier, was born De- cember 10, 1859, in Italy, N. Y., was educated at the common schools and at Franklin Academy, at Prattsburg, N. Y. Soon after finishing his education he began teaching school, and for three years he has been principal of Branchport School. He also owns a fine fruit farm at Lar- zelere Corners, in this town. He is a Prohibitionist in politics. Mr. Squier married Margaret A., daughter of Perry and Jane (Munger) Ad- ams, of this town, and they have four children : Perry Albert, Lloyd, Ezra, and Henry.
Stever, Joseph G., son of James and Desire (Goodsell) Stever, was born May 4, 1842, in this town, was educated at the district schools and under the tutorship of Prof. N. W. Ayer, of Penn Yan, N. Y. After leaving school he went on to the farm and has been very successful in that industry. In politics he is a Democrat. He married Mary, daughter of Andrew Coryell, of Pultney, N. Y., March 27, 1872. Mrs. Stever is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Branchport, N. Y.
Stever, Leonard, son of James and Desire (Goodsell) Stever, was born March 24, 1831, in Columbia County, N. Y., and came to this town when eighteen months old. He was educated in the district schools and Franklin Academy at Prattsburgh, N. Y. He lived with his father until twenty-four years of age, then went to Pultney, Steuben County, N. Y., and purchased a farm for himself, remaining there two years, then traded his farm for one in the southern part of this town and after residing there two years sold this farm. Most of his time up to the year 1868 was spent on the Samuel S. Ellsworth farm until the pur- chase of the farm where he now lives, which is in a fine state of cultiva- tion. He is a Democrat in politics. Both he and his family are mem- bers of the Universalist Church of Branchport, N. Y. He married Su- san, daughter of Robert and Susan (Wagener) Miller, of Pultney, N. Y., and their children are Laura Jane, born November 15, 1856, married Jasper C. Shull, of Branchport ; Elbert Miller Stever, born March 31, 1864, married Lena E. Paris, October 30, 1889, and in the mercantile business with his father-in-law, in Branchport; Fred, born July 28, 1866, lives with his parents.
Sturdevant, Harlan Page, son of Joseph G. and Rebecca (Mahan) Sturdevant, was born March 1, 1838, in Prattsburgh, N. Y., was educated
615
FAMILY SKETCHES.
at the common schools and Prattsburgh Academy and was brought up on a farm, learning the lumber business with his father. When the war broke out he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and First Regi- ment New York Infantry, and went on garrison duty at Washington, D. C. He was with General Kearney's Division in the Virginia cam- paign, and was captured at Chancellorsville, and kept about ten days ; was exchanged and went back to his regiment, but was captured a sec- ond time June 1, 1864, and taken to Andersonville and Millen, where he was held prisoner until November 20. His term of enlistment had expired during his imprisonment, and he was mustered out in New York City, January 30, 1864. He then came home and for occupation purchased an interest in the vineyard lands on the east side of Bluff Point, with G. W. Nichols and Rev. Stephen Vorhis, owning now two- thirds of this beautiful vineyard, which comprises fifty- two acres. Mr. Sturdevant is a member of the G. A. R. at Pultney, N. Y. He and his family are members of the Baptist Church of Wayne, N. Y. February 15, 1886, he married Ella A. Williams, a widow and daughter of An- son Hill. She had one child by her first husband, Guy Williams, and by her second marriage has a daughter, Celia A. Sturdevant.
Timmerman, Ransford C., son of Jonas and Catharine (Cramer) Tim- merman, was born April 15, 1840, at St. Johnsville, Herkimer County, N. Y. In 1849 he went to Jasper, Steuben County, N. Y., and was ed- ucated at the district schools of that place. He enlisted at Rome, N. Y., in Company I, Eighty-first Regiment New York Volunteers, on November 28, 1861, and went into the army of the Potomac with Gen. George B. McClellan in command. Participated in the Peninsular campaign, was taken sick at Yorktown, recovered and rejoined the reg- iment on McClellan's retreat from Fair Oaks. From there he went into South Carolina, under command of General Hunter, to join in the siege of Charleston, thence back to Newbern, N. C., where he took part in the Ternton raid, N. C., and the battle at Northwest Landing, Va. While there he re-enlisted for three years or until the close of the war in the same company and regiment For a short time afterwards he was in the army of the James under General Butler, but was transferred, and was in the battle of Cold Harbor, Va , and on June 3, 1864, he lost his left arm. He was then sent to the hospital at Alexandria, Va., and
616
HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
from there to Fort Schuyler, East River, New York city, where he was mustered out October 26, 1864. He afterward spent one year in the quartermaster's department at Elmira. He came to this town in 1865 and has been engaged in farming and fruit growing. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of Henry C. Lyon Post, No. 535, G. A. R. At Pultney, N. Y., November 7, 1865, he married Agnes E., daughter of John Mitchell, of Branchport, N. Y., and their children are Lee M. (deceased), Grace A. and Harold M.
Todd, Benajah, son of Meli and Lydia (Ovenshire) Todd, was born March 17, 1829, in Barrington, N. Y. One year later he came to this town with 'his parents. He was educated at the common schools and has been a farmer all his life. In politics he was a Republican. He and his family were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Branch- port, and he was one of the trustees for many years. June 10, 1849, he married Ann Jennette, daughter of Gilbert Lamb, and they had one daughter, Emma A., who married Phineas Tyler, of Branchport, a sol- dier in the late Rebellion, who lost an arm at the battle of the Wilder- derness. They had one adopted son, Charles H. Beaden Todd, who married Lucinda Shepard, and also a granddaughter, Anna M. Tyler, whom they reared. She married John L. Lafler, and they reside on the farm with Mrs. Todd. Benajah Todd died May 2, 1885.
Townsend, Charles E., son of Charles J. and Catherine (Castner) Townsend, was born April 9, 1848, in Torrey, and received his educa- tion in the common schools of the town. He enlisted in the general service of the United States at Buffalo, N. Y., February 7, 1866, and went to Richmond, Va., where he was in the paymaster's service for about eighteen months. He then went to Mississippi and was mustered out at Grenada, that State, February 7, 1869. He returned to this county and was appointed keeper of the Yates County alms- house, which position he filled at different times for nine years and is the present incumbent. In politics he is a Republican. He married February 22, 1871, Nancy E., daughter of W. J. Smith, of Dresden, N. Y., and their children are Maude E., Fred W. and Ada M., who died aged fifteen.
Townsend, Joseph R., was born in Jerusalem, Ontario County, N. Y., in the year 1815. In the year 1843 he united in marriage with Miss
FAMILY SKETCHES. 617
Eliza Runner, of Jerusalem, Yates County, N. Y. By this union three children were born to them. The only surviving child is J. Wilbur, who was born March 24, 1848. In the year of 1871 he united in mar- riage with Miss Delight C. Andrus, of Jerusalem, Yates County, N. Y., born March 4, 1851. By this union five children were born to them, viz .: Hermon R., born in 1872; Florence E. and Flora L., born. in 1875; Myrtie A., born in 1877, and Addie C., born in 1879. In the year 1888 death entered the home of Mr. Townsend, tearing from his embrace his companion with whom he had commenced the voyage of life seventeen years before. Mrs. Townsend was deeply mourned, not only by her family, but also by a wide circle of friends and acquaint- ances. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Branch- port, a consistent Christian, a devoted wife, and loving mother. In 1890 Mr. Townsend married Belle, sister of his former wife. Belle was. born in 1857 ; she is a consistent Christian, a member of the Methodist Church at Branchport. She is a devoted wife, a kind and affectionate mother ; one child born to them who died in infancy. Mr. Townsend owns a fine farm of 150 acres. The family are members of the M. E. Church of Branchport.
Van Tuyl, William F., son of Silas H. and Mariah F. (Randolph) Van Tuyl, was born October 23, 1838, was educated at the common schools and select school in Penn Yan, under the tutorship of Prof. N. W. Ayer, and after finishing his education he taught school in differ- ent places for about fifteen years. He was school commissioner of Yates County from 1876 to 1882. Mr. Van Tuyl was one of the first to de- velop the grape product, planting his vineyard in 1861 on Lake Keuka, and he has lived to see it one of the leading industries of the county. Mr. Van Tuyl is a Republican in politics. In the year 1867 he married Miss Sarah M. Dean, and their children are J. Ernest and Nellie G. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Watkins, John E., son of Abraham and Mary (Wilcox) Watkins, was born in Gorham, Ontario County, N. Y., November 13, 1851, was ed- ucated at the district schools, except one term at the Penn Yan Academy. His father came to this town in the spring of 1853, and bought a farm in the western part of the town, which John E. now owns. He has
73
618
HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
always affiliated with the Republican party. He has served four years as justice of the peace, one term as supervisor of Jerusalem, and is now superintendent of the poor of Yates County. He married Emma, daughter of Loren Thomas, of this town, and they have four children, Charles M., Edward T., Mina S. and Mary E., all living at home.
Wheeler, Philip, jr., was born in Jerusalem, N. Y., March 5, 1845, and is the oldest son in a family of six children of Philip and Maria (Van Gelder) Wheeler. His father was a native of Columbia County, N. Y., his mother was a native of Sullivan County, N. Y., and his other children were Charles, who died aged nineteen ; Mary, wife of Earl Allen, of Filmore, N. Y .; Jane, wife of Frank Dickens, of Dalton, N. Y .; George, a resident of Jerusalem; and Gertrude, wife of George H. Mosher, of Oakland, N. Y. Mr. Wheeler received only a common school education and at the age of fifteen years was apprenticed to learn the trade of carpenter. He has during his life followed that trade in connection with contracting for buildings He married Sarah M., daughter of Henry and Emily (Tyler) Walker. They have two chil- dren, viz .: Charles Henry, a graduate of Syracuse University, and Nellie F. In politics a Republican, he has served as highway com- missioner for a number of terms.
Wightman, J. C., M.D., son of James W. and Esther A. (Cole) Wightman, was born July 16, 1829, at Rushville, Ontario County, N. Y. He began his education at the district schools and Rushville Acad- emy, from there he went to the Madison University, remaining one year, and at Lima Seminary one year. He then had a private tutor, Prof. Boyd, from Edinboro, Scotland. After that he went to the American Medical College of Cincinnati, and at the end of three years graduated from that institution, after that he attended different hospitals, trying to learn all he could of his profession, also one year at the Geneva Medical College, N. Y. The doctor came to Branchport in 1857 and began the practice of his profession, and has lived here ever since, where he has successfully built up a large practice. February 20, 1857, he married Elizabeth M., daughter of Simon S. Merrill, of Rushville, N. Y. Their children are Myrtie Maud, born November 28, 1857, who married Frank Botsford. She died June 26, 1890; Fannie, born August 11, 1864, married Edwin E. Evans; Merrill J., born January 20, 1866, died May 13, 1875.
619
FAMILY SKETCHES.
Williams, Hosea, son of Prince and Luna Williams, was born in Hart- ford, Conn., July 20, 1792, whence they moved to Exeter, N. Y., when he was a lad and where he married Sally Lea Wescott. She was born August 9, 1793, the date of her marriage being February 11, 1819. They had one child, Emily, who married James Hartshorn. Mrs. Wil- liams died January 13, 1823, and he married second, on February 26, 1824, Hiley Hartshorn, born November 26, 1799, moving to Yates County in 1834, and to the farm whereon he died on the 9th of Novem- ber, 1851, and where also Mrs. Williams died November 26, 1879. The children by this marriage were as follows : Sarah, born January 5, 1826, died March 8, 1845; Adaline, born December 6, 1828, died October 8, 1830; James, born March 3, 1831 ; Editha, born August 2, 1833, died November 9, 1860; Lucy, born December 10, 1835, died August 13, 1854; Sherman, born June 16, 1838, married Salena Abbott on June 16, 1879, and they have one son, Abbott Clark; Abbie, born July 10, 1845. James and his sister Abbie live on the old homestead, neither being married, and they have a model farm of 122 acres, over- looking Keuka Lake. Mr. and Miss Williams are not members of any church, but are ever ready to help the needy and deserving. In politics. Mr. Williams has voted with the Prohibitionists for the last ten years, as he is a firm believer in temperance in all things William H. Harts- horn had one son, William Lloyd Garrison Hartshorn, born December 18, 1851, died August 26, 1883, his life having been passed at his home in the city of Flint, Mich.
TOWN OF TORREY.
Birkett, Henry, son of Thomas, was born in Cumberland, England, June 10, 1827, where he spent the first twenty years of his life. His energy and activity impelled him to emigrate to America at that early age. December 21, 1859, he married Matilda, daughter of William Deisher, of Waterloo, N. Y., and made his first permanent residence on a farm in the town of Torrey. He had previously owned a share in the flouring mills at Dresden. After three years' experience at farming, which occupation was not congenial to his tastes, he sold the farm, and in company with his nephew, Nathaniel Willis, again purchased the
620
HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
flouring mills. After a short term of partnership he purchased Mr. Wil- lis's interest and conducted the business alone to the close of his life. He was also an extensive dealer in lumber. He conducted a large busi- ness in his mills, and a much larger business in grain. He was a quick and rapid thinker, and his judgment was seldom at fault. He was kind and courteous and in his large dealings he had an extensive acquaint- ance with leading business men, who counted his death as a public calamity. He suffered losses by fire and otherwise, but left his family a liberal competence. His name always headed the lists in the cause of charity and benevolence. He was in sympathy with the Episcopal Church, and was an active and influential Free Mason. He died May 24, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Birkett had five children, who are now living, and two (twins) who died in infancy. William M. Birkett, oldest son of Henry Birkett, was born in Dresden, June II, 1861, and was educated in his father's business. At his father's death, he and his brother, Clar- ence T., conducted the business for the estate until 1886. Then these brothers conducted the business the ensuing year (1887), with the firm name of Henry Birkett's Sons. In the summer of 1887 the present firm of Birkett Bros. & Co. was organized. They are conducting a large milling business, are extensive dealers in grain, and also wholesale and retail dealers in lumber of all kinds. In connection with the flouring mills they have a large planing and lumber dressing mill. William M. Birkett is the only member of the firm who resides in Dresden, and the business is under his supervision. He is a man of energy and a relia- ble citizen. November 26, 1884, he married Clara Jessup, of Penn Yan, N. Y., and owns a fine residence on Seneca street.
Botsford, W. H., M.D., was born in Branchport, January, 28, 1865. He began the study of medicine with Dr. J. C. Wightman, of Branch- port, continuing with him one year. He then studied for two years in the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and for two years in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, from which he grad- uated in 1887. He now enjoys a lucrative practice.
Brown, James, a native of Scotland, emigrated to America with his parents in his boyhood. The family first settled in Livingston County. In 1803 or 1804 James purchased a farm in the town of Benton, built him a log cabin, and soon after married Mary Barnes, of Benton. He
-
621
FAMILY SKETCHES.
died on the place in 1818. The widow survived until 1845. They reared five sons and two daughters. Alexander, the youngest, suc- ceeded his father on the homestead, married Elizabeth Wilkie, and died in 1859. His widow now resides in Geneva. John W. Brown, born October 13, 1809, remained with his parents until he attained his ma- jority. He was a natural mechanic and commenced his business life as a carpenter and builder. Many of the fine residences in Benton and Torrey are specimens of his skill. He married Eliza A. Meeker, of Benton, and resided near Bellona until 1878, when he removed to Michigan, where he died in 1888. His wife died January 1, 1858. They had nine children, four daughters and five sons. Only one of the five sons resides in Yates, William, born August 16, 1833. July 4, 1855, he married Elizabeth Mittower, and in January, 1859, removed to the homestead of his wife's father. Mr. Brown is a Democrat and a worthy and reliable citizen. He is a member of Seneca Lodge No. 308, F and A. M., and is now serving his eleventh year as Worthy Master.
Brundage, Dr. George W., was born September 15, 1822, at Lodi, Seneca County, N. Y., and studied medicine with Dr. Alfred Sears, of Townsend. He graduated from the Geneva Medical College in 1846, and settled in Dresden in 1847, where he has practiced his profession ever since. He is a member of the Yates County Medical Society, also the Central New York Society. He has been a resident of Dresden several years. He married Caroline L., daughter of William Goundry, and they have one child, Caleb D., who is engaged in the mercantile business. Dr. Brundage joined the Presbyterian Church in 1851, of which church he has been an elder since 1854.
Clark, James M., was born March 19, 1834, in Milo (now a part of Torrey), was reared a farmer and received a good education at Starkey Seminary. At the age of twenty-two he purchased the farm of 260 acres on which stood the log meeting- house of the Friends, erected in 1790. Here he resided twenty-one years. He also practiced land sur- veying. In 1878 he removed to Dresden, where he now resides, being engaged as carpenter and builder. His townsmen elected him super- visor of Torrey in 1872 and again in 1874. He has also served as just- ice of the peace. March 18, 1874, he married Nancy A. Swarthout, of
622
HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
Milo, and they have a son, A. J., born March 20, 1875, and a daughter, May, born May 5, 1877.
Dains, Cornelius A., son of Daniel W. and Nancy Dains, was born in the town of Milo, July 1, 1856, received a common school education. In 1859 his parents removed to Dresden, where he has always resided. In 1875, when nineteen years of age, he was postmaster at Dresden, under Grant's administration, and held that office until December I, 1885. He was re-appointed under President Harrison, June 12, 1889, which position he has held since. In 1886 he married Belle Alden, of Wellsville, Allegany County, N. Y. He was town clerk of Torrey nine years, and has been in mercantile business since 1875. He has one child, Clement Alden, born April 9, 1887.
Dains, George Y., son of Jesse, who came to this county with his father Jesse, among the first settlers, from Connecticut. George Y. was born December 16, 1810, in the town of Milo, when it belonged to Ontario County. He has always been a resident of the county. In 1840 he married Eliza Headley, daughter of Samuel, and settled in the town of Milo. They resided here until 1884, when they left the farm and moved to Dresden. Their four children were Harriet E., Mary, Ste- phen C., and Theron S., all living. Mary, who resides in Ontario County, town of Gorham, is the wife of John W. Washburn. Harriet E. married Jerome Penney and resides in Reading, Schuyler County. Samuel Headley, came to Milo from Morris County, N. J., about 1821. He was a blacksmith and farmer, and had a family of six children. The only child living is Eliza, wife of George Y. Dains, residing in Dresden. Mr. Headley died in 1847 or 1848, aged eighty-four years. His wife died eighteen months previous, aged seventy-five. They died on the farm where they first settled, and both were members of the Free Will Baptist Church.
Denniston, Daniel, was born February 3, 1758, and died February 3, 1824, aged sixty- six years. Maj. Daniel Denniston served in the Rev- olutionary war as major for seven years and died in New York city. He married Elizabeth Keinstead, a Holland Dutch lady of rank, and a cousin to the queen of Holland. The marriage certificate of Elizabeth Keinstead, widow of Maj. Daniel Denniston, is in the war department at Washington. She was born May 14, 1767, and died May 8, 1861,
623
FAMILY SKETCHES.
aged ninety-four. She was the mother of fourteen children, of whom Mrs. Ellen Bush, of Geneva, was the youngest. All are now deceased. Edward, the eleventh child, was born on Long Island, in 1800. When fourteen years of age he came to Western New York, located near Geneva, and learned the carpenter's trade, which he pursued for a num- ber of years. He then purchased a farm on City Hill where he resided until his death, June 18, 1875. About 1826 he married Mary, daughter of Nicholas Jones, of Benton, and they had eight children, seven of whom are living. The widow and mother still survives, aged eighty- five years, and resides with her youngest son, Johnson J. Denniston, in Penn Yan. Perry Denniston, the oldest son, born in Seneca, N. Y., September 15, 1831, was a successful farmer, until he entered the mer- cantile business in Dresden, N. Y., in 1871, which he pursued until 1887. March 25, 1859, Mr. Denniston married Anna M. Meek, daughter of Charles Meek, of Dresden. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are liberal contributors to its financial interests.
Denniston, Johnson J., son of Edward Denniston, was born in Torrey, July 12, 1845, spent his boyhood on his father's farm, and received a business education in Eastman's College, at Poughkeepsie. In 1864, at the request of his parents, he took charge of his father's farm and at the latter's death in 1875, he purchased the homestead of the heirs. Mr. Denniston is a prominent man in town affairs. He held the position of supervisor in 1888 and again in 1889 and served as highway commis- sioner in 1886. He is a regular attendant at the Presbyterian Church, of which his wife is a member. December 12, 1875, he married Anna A. Dunlap, of Victor, Ontario County, N. Y. They have two daughters, Maud D. and A. Lulu.
Downey, Robert, came to Torrey in 1800, from Antrim, Pa., and set- tled on the farm now owned by his son David. He married Rachel Sutherland, and died October 27, 1832, aged sixty eight years. His wife died December 13, 1832, aged fifty-six years. They had eight children, four sons and four daughters, viz .: William, David, Eleanor, Jane, Robert, John, Elizabeth, and Mary. David Downey, son of Robert, who is the sole survivor, was born March 10, 1803, and has al- ways resided on the farm. He married Caroline Norman, and had four
624
HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
children, Robert N., William W., George S., and David, jr. William died in 1861. David has always been a farmer, and held the office of assessor six years. His wife died January 19, 1870. Mr. Downey is an elder in the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been a member for many years. David Downey, jr., was born on the Downey farm, February 13, 1840, where he has always resided. He married Sarah A. Wheeler, daughter of Sumner Wheeler, and has had seven children, five of whom survive. He is a farmer and grape grower, of which he has four acres.
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.