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 61
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
646
HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
Goodrich, George S., son of Darius and Cynthia (Taylor) Goodrich, was born October 17, 1855, in Hume, Allegany County, N. Y., and was educated in the common schools, Canandaigua Academy and Williams University at Rochester, N. Y. He came to Potter, N. Y., in 1877, and is a successful farmer. A Republican in politics, he has taken an act- ive part in the affairs of his adopted town, of which Mr. Goodrich is now serving his second term as supervisor. He married Mary A., daughter of Oliver Underwood (August 15, 1877), who was a very suc- cessful farmer of this town. They have two children, Oliver D. and Emily M.
Hall, Charles, son of John and Nancy (Payne) Hall, was born De- cember 27, 1831, in this town, and was educated at the common school. He has always lived in this town with the exception of about three years spent in California. In politics a Republican, he has been asses- sor of this town for the last twenty years. He owns a fine farm near the center of Potter. March 16, 1859, he married Hannah, daughter of Hamilton and Mary Briggs (descendants of Peleg and Nicholas Briggs, who were among the first settlers of the county). Their chil- dren are Willett B., who married Alice L. Conley ; Stella M., Flora, John B, Lora and Clara M.
Hobart, Frank C., son of John F. and Ann Eliza (Thomas) Hobart, was born January 16, 1837, in Potter, N. Y., and was educated at Franklin Academy at Prattsburg, N. Y., and Ann Arbor, Mich. After finishing his education he taught school during the winters and worked on a farm during the summer months, for a number of years, after which he went to Jackson, Mich., where he remained about two years. He then returned to Potter and engaged in the mercantile business at Potter Center, for about fifteen years, when after a long and successful business he retired. He is a Republican and has been justice of the peace for twelve years. Mr. Hobart married first, Harriet R., daughter of George G. Wyman, on October 14, 1861. She died January 2, 1889, and he married second, Delia A., daughter of Orville H. Myers, of Jackson, Mich., on January 21, 1891. They are members of the M. E. Church, at Potter.
Hobart, Melville W., son of Joseph L. and Eleanor (Boulunga) Hobart, was born June II, 1834, and is still living on the old homestead.
647
FAMILY SKETCHES.
He received his education at Starkey Seminary and Penn Yan Acad- emy, and has been a farmer all his life. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Hobart is a member of Milo Lodge, No. 108 of Penn Yan, N. Y. He married Helen M., daughter of John H. Gleason, of this town, by whom he had seven daughters : Harriet, who married Seward Robinson, of this town; Lulu (deceased), who married Daniel Sutton ; May, Eleanor M., Maud, Clara Louise (deceased), and Bessie Hobart.
Ingram, Alfred, son of George and Jane (Horner) Ingram, was born July 18, 1826, in Scawby, Lincolnshire, Eng., and was educated at the common schools of that country. He landed at New York city, Janu- ary 19, 1851, and came to Benton, Yates County, where he remained for about two years. He then removed to Italy N. Y., remaining for about five years, and from there he went to Prattsburg, N. Y., and came from there to Potter in 1864, where he bought a farm, and has been a successful farmer. Mr. Ingram is a Republican and has been assessor for this town for three years. He married first, Sarah, daughter of Robert Howlatt, of Messingham, Lincolnshire, Eng., May 22, 1850, and they had two children, George R., who married Emily E. Underwood : and Martha Jane, who married John D. Little, and resides at Morley, Mich. Mrs. Ingram died October 10, 1850. Mr. Ingram married sec- ond, Catharine E., daughter of Peter Bascom, May 5, 1859.
Ingram, George R., son of Alfred and Sarah (Hullett) Ingram, was born December 15, 1852, in Benton, N. Y., and was educated at the district schools and Penn Yan Academy. He came to Potter in 1865, and is a successful farmer. In politics he is a Republican, and is justice of the peace of this town. He married Emma A., daughter of William H. Underwood, of this town, March 24, 1874, and by this union the following children have been born : Clarence Ward (deceased), Will- iam H., Oliver, and George Ingram.
Lane, Leander W., son of Isaac and Priscilla (Wilson) Lane, was born August 22, 1827, on the farm that was settled by his grandfather, Abra- ham Lane, in 1787, and this farm has been owned by the family ever since. Mr. Lane was educated at Lima and Cazenovia, N. Y , and has been a farmer all his life In politics he is a Democrat. He has been commissioner of highways three years, and justice of the peace four
648
HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY
years, in this town. He married Elmira L., daughter of William Hobart, of this town, on February 18, 1851. Their children are as fol- lows: William I. (deceased); Carrie L., who married Dr. O. E. New- man of this town ; and Jennie E. (deceased).
McMasters, David M., son of David J. and Laura McMasters, was born August 27, 1839, in Potter, N. Y. He was educated at the com- mon schools and has always lived upon the farm. In politics a Repub- lican, Mr. McMasters has taken an active interest in the affairs of this town. He has been supervisor for two terms and is a member of Lodge of F. and A. M., of Rushville. November 16, 1865, he married Emma, daughter of Charles Bordwell, of this town, by whom he had three children, Nellie F., who married Charles Silvernail ; Carrie L, and Charles S.
Roberson, Joel B., son of Thomas and Hannah (Lane) Roberson, was born June 12, 1822, in this town. He was educated at the district schools and worked on the farm until 1852, when he traveled to Califor- nia, remaining there until 1860. He then returned to his native town, where he has since been engaged in farming. In politics he is a Demo- crat. Mr. Roberson married, November 20, 1863, Eliza, daughter of Henry Cool of this town. His wife died January 6, 1889.
Thomas, Charles H., son of Peleg and Lucrecia (Sutherland) Thomas, was born December 1, 1845, in this town. He was educated at the common schools and has always followed farming. He is a Democrat and has served as commissioner of highways four terms. He married Ella, daughter of James and Emeline (Pulver) Ketchum, by whom he has two daughters, Anna Belle, and Louisa Ray. Mr. Thomas owns a farm in the northern part of the town, which is in a fine state of cultivation.
Underwood, George, son of John S. and Abbie (Harrington) Under- wood, was born October 9, 1829, in Jerusalem, N. Y. He came to this town in 1837, and was educated at the common schools of the town, and has all his life been a farmer. In politics he is a Republican. He married Sarah Ann, daughter of Warner Cole, of this town, on March 12, 1861, and their children are Nora May, born March I, 1862, died January 28, 1871; and Charles C. Underwood, born September 25, I 866.
649
FAMILY SKETCHES.
Voak, John and Rachel Dyer his wife, came to this place in 1796, from the town of Hardwick, Sussex County, N. J. A brother, Abra- ham, had previously settled in this vicinity. John "Vought" (as the name was then spelled) made his first purchase of land of Arnold Potter and wife, being forty acres, which is now the southeast cor- ner of lot 9, east range of lots in the town of Potter, the deed bear- ing date May 12, 1801, consideration $150. It was on this lot he built his first cabin, which had a bark roof and a ground floor, and that was their first home in the wilderness, where bears, wolves, deer and Indians were numerous, and the cause of much fear and discomfort to the mother and children while the father was at a distance from home at work to support his family and pay for more land. Some time after the first cabin was constructed Mr. Voak built a log house on the site where he subsequently built the house that is at present the home of his grandson, John Voak, and his sons and his grandchildren. A portion of a log barn is still standing. Mr. Voak added to his first forty acres by purchase until he had about 700 acres, on which he settled his- sons and daughters, and which is now conceded to be of quality unsur- passed in Western New York for general farming and fruit growing. The children of the first John and Rachel Voak were Lydia, born April 30, 1789, died April 5, 1877 ; James, born January 16, 1791, died Feb- ruary 27, 1874; Abraham, born May 12, 1793, died February 20, 1877 ; Isaac, born May 22, 1795, died June 8, 1834; Sarah, born Sep- tember 16, 1797, died May 14, 1874; Samuel, born September 6, 1799, living; Joseph, born December 10, 1801, died February II, 1884; Mary, born May 17, 1804, died March 12, 1813; John, born October 4, 1806, died January 30, 1812 ; Josiah, born January 1, 1809, living. Only two of the above-named are now living-Samuel, in Benton, Lake County, Ill., with his daughter, in the ninety-third year of his age; and Josiah, in his eighty- third year, in Benton, Yates County, N. Y., with his son, W. B. Voak. James Voak, the oldest son, was born in New Jersey and was one of the four children that came from New Jersey with their parents to this country, that was then a wilderness, and had much to do in clearing the land of the forest and making it to " bud and blos- som as the rose." In 1817 he married Rebecca Hall, who was born in the same locality, March 15, 1800. They settled and lived on the farm
82
650
HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
where Josiah Voak now resides. They remained there uutil their youngest son, John, was three years old, then making a change with his youngest brother, Josiah, they moved to and resided on the homestead farm the remainder of their lives. James and Rebecca Voak had four children : Ellen, who was born May 21, 1819, married Herman Stiles, and now resides in Kansas ; Huldah D., born August 10, 1820, married Hiram U. Reynolds, and resides in Illinois; Isaac D., born September 9, 1822, now resides in Buffalo, N. Y., married Margaret N. Scott; she died leaving three children-Lorin, the oldest, only survives and now resides in Chicago, Ill. At the age of twenty James Voak, with others of his brothers and sisters, joined the Methodist Church, and lived thereafter a consistent Christian, honoring his profession by an upright, pious and good life. He was one of the trustees of the M. E. Church at the time it was built in 1844, and contributed liberally to its con- struction and support while he lived. All of his brothers and sisters, as
well as their parents, were members of the M. E. Church. Meetings were held at their home for many years previous to the building of the church, and the homestead was the stopping place of the early itinerant preachers. John Voak, youngest son of James, was born in Benton, N. Y., July 13, 1827, and was educated at the common schools and G. W. Seminary at Lima, N. Y. He has been a farmer all his life and stills owns the homestead. In politics he is a Republican, and is justice of the peace, which position he has held for a number of years. He married Rachel Schoon Scott, daughter of William Scott; she died October 2, 1885. They had three children : Mary R., Horace G. and Dexter J. Mary R. died January 7, 1878, aged twenty-six years ; Horace G. married Helen, daughter of Wesley Taylor, of Prattsburgh, N. Y ; she died in 1887 ; and Dexter J. who married Oneida C., daugh- ter of David Wells, of Potter, N. Y. Mr. Voak has lived on the home- stead farm since about three years old. For a number of years he was engaged largely in introducing agricultural implements and machines, having sold the first successful combination reaper and mower, the first self raking reaper, the first horsefork, the first glass fruit jar or can, and various other inventions. He kept the " Voak Post-office " as deputy the first five years of its existence, Peregrine Hollett being postmaster at that time.
651
FAMILY SKETCHES.
Wheeler, Horace B., son of Ephraim and Fannie (Brown) Wheeler, was born June 20, 1826, in this town, and was educated at the district schools. He has been a very successful farmer, owning at the present time 400 acres of land, one of the finest farms in Yates County. He has always been a Republican, but has taken no very active part in town affairs, devoting his time and energy to the cultivation of his farm and the raising of stock. Mr. Wheeler married, in October, 1855, Betsey P., daughter of Silas Lacey, of Warren, Pa., and their children are Glenn Lincoln, who married Lelia C., daughter of Adam Hunt of Milo, N. Y., and Brad. H. Wheeler, who died aged eighteen.
Wyman, George G., son of Samuel and Betsey R. (Walterman) Wy- man, a descendant of the eighth generation from Roger Williams of Rhode Island, was born in Potter, August 9, 1806. He was educated at the common schools of the day, and he still owns the farm upon which he was born. In politics he has always been a Republican, and has taken an active interest in the affairs of his native town. He has been supervisor four years and assessor twelve years. He is a member of Milo Lodge at Penn Yan, F. and A. M., and he and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. October 20, 1831, Mr. Wyman married Caroline, daughter of Samuel Ross, of Mansfield, Conn., and they had twelve children : Adelia S., who married Edwin J. Hermans, of Potter, N. Y .; Benjamin W., who married Rachel Crawford of Penn Yan, N. Y .; Harriet R. (deceased), married F. C. Hobart of Potter, N. Y .; Elizabeth R., married Frank Tilford, of Ontario County, N. Y .; Sarah G. (deceased) ; Emily L., an artist who teaches at Wilbraham, Mass .; Alice A. (deceased) ; Ella E., married J. B. Tracy, of Schuyler County, N. Y .; Edward S. (deceased), who married Lizzie Bordwell, of Potter, N. Y .; Susan C., who married John Voorhees, of Potter, N. Y .; Flora A., who married Martin Foster, of this town ; and Henry B., who married Mary Anderson, of Milo, N. Y., and resides on the homestead.
TOWN OF MIDDLESEX.
Adams, Alden A., son of Lovell and Susanna P. (Curtis) Adams, was born December 23, 1848, a native of this town, and was educated at the district schools and Naples Academy. Mr. Adams has been a farmer
652
HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
nearly all his life, but has been in the mercantile business for the last few years. He was engaged in the hardware trade for about three years, under the firm name of Williams & Adams, but they sold out and since that time he has been in the general merchandise business, and is the postmaster at Middlesex. In politics he has always been a Repub- lican and has been supervisor of this town two terms, 1887-88. He is a charter member of the A. O. U. W., of this place. Mr. Adams mar- ried Lodema E., daughter of Robert Rackham, of this town, March 26, 1870, and their children are Alta B., Lovell L., and Lura B.
Conley, J. Arden, M.D., of Middlesex, son of Oscar and Alvira (Pulver) Conley, was born October 30, 1865, in Jerusalem, N. Y., edu- cated at the district school and Penn Yan Academy, and after leaving there went to the New York Eclectic Medical College, where he gradu- ated with honors in 1888, receiving 98 per cent. out of a possible 100. After receiving his diploma he began the practice of medicine at Italy Hill, and remained there for about two years and then came to this town, where he now has a large practice. He is a member of the Yates County Medical Society, Royal Templars of Temperance, and the New York State Eclectic Medical Society. He married Olivia, daughter of Leman Corey, of Jerusalem, N. Y., and they are members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church of this place.
Darling, Lemuel T., son of Alden and Asenith (Truesdell) Darling, was born March 5, 1838, in Phelps, Ontario County, N. Y., and came to this town with his parents, when a child. He was educated at the common schools and has been a farmer all his life. In politics an active Republican, he has been assessor three years, and at the present time he is supervisor of Middlesex, N. Y., having been re-elected in 1892. He is a member of the M. E. Church and also a member of the A. O. U. W. Society, of that place. December 31, 1891, Mr. Darling married Axcelia, daughter of William L. and Angeline (Parsons) Phelps, of Italy, N. Y. She was born August 15, 1847, in Italy, Yates County, N. Y.
Loomis, Allen, son of Nathaniel and Mariah (Fitch) Loomis, was born August 15, 1839, in Middlesex, and was educated in the district schools and Rushville Academy. He has been a farmer all his life. In politics a Republican, he has taken an active interest in the affairs of his native
653
FAMILY SKETCHES.
town. He has been assessor two terms and supervisor two years, 1889-90. Both he and his family are members of the M. E. Church at Rushville, N. Y. February 14, 1871, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Harold Ellerington, of this town, and their children are Nellie M., born December 2, 1871 ; Anna M., born May 19, 1877; and Carrie E., born February 18, 1881.
Smith, James E., son of Simon and Martha (Bush) Smith, was born January 21, 1857, in Naples, N. Y., was educated at Naples Academy and Lima, N. Y. Mr. Smith has been a farmer all his life. He came to this town in July, 1883, and purchased a fine farm in the valley be- tween Rushville and Middlesex village. Mr. Smith is one of the rail- road commissioners of this town. In politics he is a Prohibitionist. He and his family are members of the M. E. Church of this town. He married Catherine, daughter of Casemer Bliss of Owego, N. Y., Janu - ary 23, 1868.
Tyler, Harvey W., son of Roswell R. and Sarah (Wood) Tyler, was born March 25, 1844, in this town, and educated at the district schools, Naples Academy and the State Normal School at Albany, N. Y. He taught school for about four years, since which time he has been a farmer. In politics he is a Republican and has held the office of justice of the peace for about twelve years. Mr. Tyler and family are mem- bers of the First Baptist Church of Middlesex. He is also a member of A. O. U. W .; of this place. September 26, 1871, he married Amanda, daughter of John L. Dintruff, of this town, and their children are Carrie B., John D. and Frank R.
Williams, Lewis Cass, son of Oliver S. Williams, was born July 27, 1858, in this this town, was educated at the district schools and Penn Yan Academy and has been a farmer nearly all his life. He entered upon the hardware business under the firm name of Williams & Adams, but gave up the business after three years. He was postmaster under President Cleveland. In politics always a Democrat, he was supervisor of Middlesex in 1885-86, and both he and his family are members of the M. E. Church at Middlesex. He married Carrie, daughter of William Foster, of the town of Middlesex, and their children are Marion C. and Marie Williams.
654
HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY
Williams, Oliver S., was born in the town of Middlesex, May 11, 1823, and has been a continuous resident of the town since that date, his principal occupation being farming; has been engaged at different times in the mercantile business, and has dealt in real estate, sheep and cat- tle to some extent; has held several town offices of minor importance ; was elected supervisor of the town in 1854 on a ticket representing a party largely in the minority ; was elected member of Assembly on the People's ticket in 1867. Married Marion B. Foote, daughter of Eli Foote, February 18, 1857. Five children have been born to them, three only surviving : Joel F., killed by accident November 7, 1866, aged five years ; Lucy P., died March 20, 1891, aged nearly twenty-four years ; Lewis C., oldest son, resides in the town, and is a progressive farmer and breeder of American Merino sheep; was elected supervisor of the town on minority ticket in 1886, and re- elected by an increased majority in 1887. The daughter, Carlotta, is a graduate of Brockport Normal School (Class '91), and is engaged in teaching as principal of the graded school at Middlesex Center; John E., youngest son, is a student at Brockport Normal School. Many radical changes have taken place in the township within the memory of the subject of this sketch. The sol- itary log cabin of our pioneer settlers near the center of the town has given place to a flourishing little village-Middlesex Center-contain- ing a population of several hundred. Four fine churches of different denominations have been substituted for as many "Inns" or "'Tav- erns " of " ye olden time," all of the same denomination. No licenses for the sale of liquor have been granted in the town for the past twenty- five years, and no taxes levied for the town poor the last fifteen years.
TOWN OF ITALY.
Clark, Harvey M., son of Joel M. and Lucelia (Fosgate) Clark, was born June 8, 1850, in this town, and was educated at the district schools. He learned the cabinet-maker's trade and carried on that business for about twelve years, and followed the carpenter's trade several years, since which time he has been a farmer. Mr. Clark has been prominent in the affairs of this town, has served as town clerk for three years, and supervisor for two terms. In politics he is a staunch Republican. He
655
FAMILY SKETCHES.
married Hattie R., daughter of Albert Durham, of Jerusalem, N. Y., and they have three children : Mary A., Cora E. and Ward L. Clark.
Fox, James, was born in Vermont and married Jane Dean, and set- tled in this town in 1813. He was the first militia captain in the town, and was always known as Captain Fox. He was a school teacher, and held various town offices. He died in 1868, aged eighty-two. His wife died in 1852. They had nine sons, Thomas J., James L., Amos D., William H, Ira S., Lewis M., Alden D., Charles H. and Jeremiah F. Alden D. Fox married Amy Robson, and they had two children, Anna and Elmer. Mr. Fox was educated at the district schools, com- menced life as school teacher, taught thirteen terms; attended school at Franklin Academy two terms, and two terms at other graded schools. He has been a farmer all his life. In politics he is a Republican, and has taken an active interest in the affairs of his town and county. He has held many offices in his town, including that of town clerk for a number of years, town superintendent of schools for two terms, county clerk one term (1868-70), supervisor nine terms, and has held by ap- pointment the office of postmaster for a number of years. He was also enrolling officer through the late war.
Kennedy, David, son of John and Jane (Carson) Kennedy, was born October 12, 1839, at Guelph, Canada, and came with his parents to this town in 1841. He was educated at the common schools and has been a farmer all his life. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Kennedy has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the town, and has been supervisor two terms. He enlisted September 2, 1864, in Company C, One Hundred and Eighty-eighth Regiment New York Infantry, and was in the battles of Hatcher's Run, Five Forks, Petersburg, Va., and was at Appomattox at the time of Gen. Lee's surrender. He was mus- tered out July 1, 1865. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Alexander McMichael, of Prattsburg, N. Y. They have six children, viz .: George M., Jennie Grace, Mary B., Jessie A., Arthur and Walter, all living. Mr. Kennedy is one of the loan commissioners of the county.
Kennedy, William A., son of John and Jane (Carson) Kennedy, was born in Italy, N. Y., April 2, 1851. He was educated at the common schools of this town and Scottsville, N. Y. Mr. Kennedy has been a
656
HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
manufacturer nearly ever since he left school, and he is carrying on at the present time the manufacture of fruit baskets at Italy Hill, under the firm name of Kennedy & Pulver, and they also do custom milling busi- ness at the same place. In politics Mr. Kennedy is a Prohibitionist, and is a member of Royal Templars of Temperance. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at this place. He married Ella, daughter of Jerome and Mary (Neff) Doubleday, of Star- key, N. Y., November 7, 1872, and by this union there are two children, Jerome D. and Livonia A. Kennedy.
Preston, George L., was born at Canisteo, Steuben County, N. Y., April 18, 1861. He was the only son of Elisha W. and Martha J. Pres- ton, who still reside at Canisteo. He received his early training from the district schools and Canisteo Academy, and began the study of medicine in 1879, attending college in Buffalo during the winter of 1880-81, and completing his study at the Eclectic Medical College of the city of New York, where he graduated in the spring of 1882. He commenced the practice of his profession at West Almond, remaining there but a few months, when he came to Italy in November, 1882, where he has since resided with the exception of the winter of 1885-86, which was spent at the Post Graduate Medical School of New York. He married Carrie A., daughter of Daniel and Rosina Jamison, March 7, 1888. Mrs. Preston was born at Canisteo, on June 15, 1862, and re- ceived her education in the Canisteo Academy. They have one son, J. Louis Preston, born, February 5, 1889. Mr. Preston's political views have always been Republican, and he was honored by his party with the office of coroner November 3, 1891.
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.