USA > New York > Hudson-Mohawk genealogical and family memoirs, Volume II > Part 70
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 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92
833
HUDSON AND MOHAWK VALLEYS
three years, gaining rank of first lieutenant. He saw much hard service, and was seriously wounded in the head at the battle of the Wil- derness. He was honorably discharged after being wounded, and returned home. He then raised the Twenty-fifth New York regiment and was elected colonel. After the war ended he returned to Albany, where he resumed his musical business, continuing until his death in 1903. He was active in the Repub- lican organization of Albany; was elected al- derman of Ward One, and re-elected several times. He served as crier of the court of appeals, also of the supreme court for a time. He was active in local church and social mat- ters. He donated the land on which was built the church of The Lady Helper of Chris- tians, on Second avenue, and was president of the church organization. He was a member of the leading German organizations of the city, his name appearing on most of their charters.
He was married, in Albany, to Margaret Lippert, whom he had known as a town mate in Germany. She was born in 1824, and is now a resident of Albany, at the age of eigh- ty-six years.
(III) Charles J., only child of Colonel George and Margaret (Lippert) Krank, was born in Albany, New York, January 28, 1854, died July 15, 1896. He was educated in the public schools and at the Christian Brothers' Academy. He learned and practiced photog- raphy, but later studied law under G. R. Hill, was admitted to the bar at the age of twenty-four, and established a very successful and lucrative law practice in Albany, contin- uing until his death. He was a Democrat in politics and served as excise commissioner. He was a prominent member of the social and fraternal organization of South Albany, and was one of the best known and popular men of that section. He took an active part in church work and social happenings. He married, in 1878, Theresa Beck, born in Al- bany, October 15, 1856, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Boltz) Beck, of Wittenburg, Ba- varia, Germany. Joseph Beck died in Albany at the age of forty-five years. His widow Mary survives him in Albany at the age of seventy-one. They had six sons and six daughters. The living are: I. Theresa, wid- ow of Charles J. Krank; resides at the old home on Second avenue, Albany, with Mrs. Colonel George Krank, her mother-in-law, and with her devoted children. 2. Joseph. 3. Catherine, married John Cooney of Rens- selaer. 4. Sophia. 5. Caspar, with the Dela- ware & Hudson railroad. 6. Elizabeth, mar- ried Edward Brown. 7. Charles, with Ar-
mour Company, Albany. 8. Anna, married Jacob Van Deusen, of Schenectady.
Children of Charles J. and Theresa (Beck) Krank: I. Margaret T., born November 25, 1879; married Harry F. Hanikel, phar- macist of Albany, and has a son Florian, born August 25, 1907. 2. George F., born in Al- bany, March 1, 1883, graduate of Albany high school, class of 1903; in same year he entered the employ of the Delaware & Hudson railroad, and is now head of the freight department, he is independent in pol- itics. 3. Charles J. (2), born March II, 1887 ; graduate of Albany grammar school; employed in Delaware & Hudson railroad of- fice, in the clerical department. 4. Philip, born October 25, 1891 ; student at Boston Medical College (1910).
The Knox family of Johnstown, KNOX New York, descend from Scotch ancestors who settled in Ireland at an early date. The American ancestor was John Knox, born in 1730, came to America with his brother William (born in Stratburn, Ireland in 1732) in 1760. William settled in Connecticut, where he married Janette Mor- rison, founded a family, and died April 30, 1787. John Knox, from whom the family herein recorded descend, settled in Schenec- tady, New York, where he married, in 1764, Elizabeth Cornue. He died in Schenectady, October II, 1771. He left issue, a son James, who is the progenitor of the Knox families of Montgomery, Fulton and Oneida counties, New York. The eldest son of James founded the village of Knoxboro, town of Augusta, Oneida county, where descendants are still numerous. The family of Knox is a leading one in every community they inhabit.
(II) James, son of John and Elizabeth (Cornue) Knox, was born in Schenectady, New York, December 26, 1766, died in Ca- najoharie, Montgomery county, New York, 1821. In 1791, in company with his brother- in-law, Jacob Ehle, he located in the village of Mapletown, town of Canajoharie. They purchased land on the old Indian trail from Canajoharie to New Dorlach, paying therefor two dollars and sixty-two and one-half cents per acre. James Knox was a successful farm- er, was supervisor of the town for several years, and justice of the peace. He was highly regarded and well liked in the town. One of his peculiarities was an aversion to receiving any remuneration for his public services. He was a member of the Dutch Reformed church. He married, December 6, 1784, Nancy Ehle, of Canajoharie, New York. Children: I. General John Jay, of Knox-
834
HUDSON AND MOHAWK VALLEYS
boro; married Sarah Ann Curtis ; children : James C., Eliza, William E., Cordelia, Alger- non, John J., Henry, Charles, Sarah A. and Emma. John J. and Sarah Ann Knox lived to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of their wedding. 2. Elizabeth, died at the age of ninety years. 3. Catharine, married John Taylor, and had Norman, Louisa, Jane Ann, Elizabeth, and Knox. 4. William (see for- ward). 5. Hermann, born 1798, died May 9, 1841. 6. James, born July 4, 1807, married Prudence Bliss, January 20, 184I.
(III) William, son of James and Nancy (Ehle) Knox, was born in the town of Ca- najoharie, New York, in 1802, died there in 1870. He inherited the homestead farm, cleared and brought under cultivation by his father. William Knox was educated in the public school, and always followed agricul- ture as his business. He was a very religious man and stood high in the estimation of his neighbors. He was a Whig and a Republi- can, and a member of the Dutch Reformed church. He married Jane Ann Mitchell, born July 19, 1803, died November, 1890. Chil- dren : 1. James W., born January 25, 1826, died September 15, 1854; married Elizabeth Johnson, and had a son James. 2. Charles Mitchell (see forward). 3. John J., born No- vember 25. 1829; married Mary Anderson, and had Calvin, Walter, and James S., who married Grace Belnap. 4. Lydia Ann, born October 20, 1831; married John J. Culver ; children : William, Edward, Agnes and Charles S. Knox.
(IV) Charles Mitchell, second son of Wil- liam and Jane Ann (Mitchell) Knox, was born in the town of Canajoharie, village of Mapletown, Montgomery county, New York, October 16, 1827. He was educated in the public schools and at Ames Academy, finish- ing his studies at Norwich Academy, at Nor- wich, New York. After leaving school he returned to the farm, where he remained un- til 1865. During this time he married and had a family, all born on the old homestead. In the year 1865 he removed from the farm to the village of Canajohahie, where he bought an interest in a malt house and became the junior partner of Wemple & Knox. He re- mained in this business until 1869, when he retired and located at St. Johnsville, New York, where he engaged in the manufacture of "fifth wheels" for carriages, in company with John V. Conover. In 1876 he settled in Johnstown, New York, and for two years engaged in the milk business. Later he en- gaged in the flour and feed business. In 1880 he went on the road as salesman for Arkell & Smith's, of Canajoharie, manufacturers of
paper sacks and flouring mill specialties, con- tinuing with them until 1888, when he located permanently in Johnstown, where he engaged in the manufacture of gelatine with his son Charles B. Knox, who conducted the business until his death, Charles M. having retired. When Johnstown became a city he was the first elected mayor, defeating his opponent by about fifty votes. He had previously served as town auditor. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Presbyterian church. For several years he was a member of the Lotus Club. He married, December 21, 1852, Mary E. Briggs, a daughter of one of Johnstown's oldest families. Children: I. William, born March 3, 1854, died Septem- ber 2, 1880. 2. Charles Briggs (q. v.) born October 8, 1855. 3. Anna Sarah, born May 14, 1859, died August 31, 1902; married James L. Northrup; children: Elizabeth K. and Charles W. 4. Joseph F., born May 12, 1862, died December 20, 1873. 5. Elisha B., born February 27, 1864, died, 1910; mar- ried Grace E. Knox.
Mrs. Mary E. Briggs Knox is a daughter of Elisha (born in Washington county, New York, 1787), and Sarah (Babcock) Briggs (born in Chatham, Albany county, New York), and is of revolutionary and early pio- neer ancestry. They were the parents of seven children : I. Garrett E., married Al- mira Dillenback; children: i. Daniel, married Hollenbach, and had son Daniel (2). ii. Helen, married - - Heagle. iii. Nancy, married Fred Mister. iv. Almira. v. Gar- rett (2), twin of Almira, married Minnie Tizzle. 2. Thomas R., married Rachel Sam- mons; children: Sarah, married McIntyre Fraser, and had McIntyre (2), married Cath- erine Argersinger, whose son is McIntyre Fraser (3). ii. William T., married Libbie A., daughter of Martin Kennedy, and had children ; William, Martin Kennedy, Rachel S., Elizabeth, Everett and Thomas. iii. Sidney, married , and had Sidney and Mar- guerite. iv. Julia, married Clarence Briggs. 3. William, married Dorn. 4. Dele- van, married Almira Dockstader; children: William, Henry M., Phoebe, John R., Ed- ward, Carrie, married Thomas Barclay, and has children, Briggs and Eloise Barclay. 5. Charles E., born April 24, 1831; married (first) Julia H. Failing; (second) Sabra Burton; children by first wife: George R., deceased ; Gertrude, married De Witt C. Smith; Mary C., married John P. Snell. Children by second wife: Sabra, Charles, Archibald. 6. Mary E., married Charles M. Knox. 7. Daniel C., married Catherine Gil- christ ; children : Charles G. and Ellen.
水
Charles taking
835
HUDSON AND MOHAWK VALLEYS
Charles Mitchell Knox and wife were among the very oldest residents of Johns- town, New York, where he is rounding out a useful life far in excess of the scriptural "three score years and ten." Mrs. Knox died in Washington, D. C., October 28, 1908. (V) Charles Briggs Knox, son of Charles Mitchell (q. v.) and Mary E. (Briggs) Knox, was born on the homestead farm in Maple- ton, Montgomery county, New York, October 8, 1855, making the third generation to be born there since the settlement by James Knox. He attended the district school of Mapleton until he was twelve years of age, when his parents removed to Canajoharie, where he resumed his studies in the public school, and for two years attended Kelsey Boys' Academy at Clinton. His first business experience was as clerk in a grocery store at Canajoharie. When his father removed to St. Johnsonville and engaged in the manu- facture of "fifth wheels," Charles B. accom- panied him and for a time worked in the wheel factory. The years between nineteen and his majority he spent in the Michigan woods, where a relative was engaged in the lumber trade. These were years of hard ex- perience, and although he held a clerical po- sition he did not escape many of the lumber- man's tasks that required courage, skill and daring, but acquitted himself so well that he rose to the position of lumber inspector. His next experience was on the plains of Texas as a sheep herder. He saved his earnings, which he prudently invested in sheep and soon became the owner of a flock. All went prosperously until a "norther" destroyed his sheep and left him stranded. He served for a time with the "Texas Rangers," being sta- tioned in the southwest part of the state, in the Rio Grande district. He remained in Texas until 1880, when he returned north and settled in Johnstown, New York, where his father, Charles M. Knox, was then engaged in the flour and feed business. For a time he was associated with his father and later continued the business alone. He also became interested in glove making, after which he became travelling salesman for James Talcot, for one of the largest knit goods houses in the United States. Later he represented Ise- lin, Neeser & Company in the same line, with territory extending from Chicago to the Pa- cific coast. He was a most successful sales- man, being known to the trade as one of the "Big Four"-the quartet comprising the four best known salesmen of knit goods in the Uni- ted States. About this time he became in- terested in glue manufacture, and erected a plant in Johnstown, New York, still covering
his glove territory with his full energy. He also became interested in comparatively a new article then being placed upon the market as a food-gelatine. He experimented with this. article for some time and succeeded in work- ing out a process that produced gelatine su- perior to anything on the market, and it may be remarked that it has held that commanding position up to the present time. The placing of his product on the market against the older established brands and firms was no light task. He assumed this duty himself, and with a line of gloves to pay expenses he toured' the country, watching closely every opportun- ity (even the smallest) for placing his gela- tine, and slowly but surely he gained a foot- hold in the trade. His capital was small but be believed in the excellence of his goods, and with rare skill and courage overcame all ob- stacles and saw his goods gain in favor and popularity until their sale led all others. Suc- cess did not come to him, he compelled it, and nothing in his whole career so proved his in- domitable courage as this fight for a market. From a little one-man concern his business grew until at the time of his death he was the largest manufacturer of gelatine in the- United States. After seeing his gelatine man- ufacturing business upon a sound and sub- stantial basis he turned his energies in other directions. He was vice-president and direc- tor of the Glen Telephone Company ; a di- rector until his death of the Peoples' Bank, and until failing health compelled him to, decline re-election, he was a director of the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank of Fort Plain, New York. An opportunity offering, he ac- quired the ownership of The Morning Her- ald of Johnstown and Gloversville, which passed under his sole control October 1, 1906. His ambition for this enterprise is best ex- pressed in his own words: "God grant that this structure may be the ever-enduring home. of a newspaper eternally dissatisfied with the mere print of the news, a paper that panders. to the prejudice of no clique nor class, a paper whose sole attributes shall ever be truth, courage and independence, and which may ever be a public educator and a tribune of the people." While the Morning Herald was but one of his many business enterprises, he- took a deep personal interest in the paper, striving to give Fulton county "the best news- paper, fearless, clean and independent, un- moved by influence and unbribed by gain." In order that the paper might have the advan- tages of the latest and best machinery he planned a structure in Gloversville that should' become the home of one of the most modern and best equipped of newspaper plants. Al-
:836
HUDSON AND MOHAWK VALLEYS
though he did not live to complete all his plans, he had them so far advanced that in October, 1908, "The Knox Building," on South Main street, was formally opened as the permanent home of The Morning Herald, for whose use it was specially designed. The building and the equipment are as he planned, and constitute one of the finest modern news- paper plants in this country.
Not entirely engrossed in private business affairs was Mr. Knox. He was too big- hearted, whole-souled and generous not to think of the welfare of others. In the sum- mer of 1907 he purchased the old Livingston mansion in Johnstown and presented it to the "Willing Helpers" to be used as a home for aged women. He gave liberally to the public library, of which he was trustee, and was a generous friend of the Young Men's Chris- tian Association. He offered an annual prize to be competed for by the public schools of Fulton county at the county fair, and in many ways showed his deep interest in every de- partment of his city's philanthropic, educa- tional or material life. Although devoting but little time to any of them, he was a mem- ber of the Colonial Club of Johnstown, the Antlers of Amsterdam, the Laurentian of Canada, the Transportational Club, the Al- dine Club, the Manufacturers' Association of New York City, and the New York Athletic club. He was a prominent member of the Masonic order, belonging to St. Patrick's Lodge No. 4, Free and Accepted Masons ; Johnstown Chapter No. 78, Royal Arch Ma- sons, Johnstown Council No. 72, R. and S. M .; Holy Cross Commandery No. 51, K. T .; of Gloversville; and of Cyrus Temple, A.A.O. N.M.S., of Albany. In the Scottish Rite he had attained the thirty-second degree. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and of the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion. His patriotic descent gained for him admission to the Sons of the American Rev- olution. In personality Mr. Knox was a plain every-day man. From his boyhood he had been genial in nature, and as he grew older that trait marked him to a great degree. No one feared to approach him, and to the last he was known by his boyhood name, "Charley." He was a lover of all that was clean in life, be it business, politics or sport. He was especially fond of animals, and de- lighted in a good horse; and for several years owned and maintained a very successful sta- ble in the grand circuit, in which were many famous horses. He was a lover of his home, and of deep religious convictions. He was a firm believer in the efficacy of prayer. He left to posterity an unsullied reputation, and
an example worthy of emulation. He mar- ried, February 15, 1883, Rose Markward, born in Mansfield, Ohio, November 18, 1857, daughter of David and Amanda Markward, of that place. Children : I. Charles M. (q. v.). 2. James Elisha, born December II, 1892.
Charles Briggs Knox died June 17, 1908, at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Canada. He was on his return from a fishing trip to the Laurentian Club preserves at Lac la Peche, in company with his sons, Charles M. and James E. Knox. He had been in failing health for the three previous years. He is buried at the family mausoleum in Johnstown cemetery.
(VI) Charles Markward, eldest son of Charles Briggs and Rose (Markward) Knox, was born in Johnstown, New York, March 13, 1888. His early education was obtained in the public schools of that city. He fitted for college at Laurenceville Preparatory School, Laurenceville, New Jersey, and en- tered the Wharton School University of Penn- sylvania, class of 1910. In 1907 he became associated with his father in business, and to which he has devoted his entire attention. He is a member of the Colonial Club, the Eccen- tric Club of Gloversville, the Laurentian Club of Canada, the Aldine Association of New York ; the Sons of the American Revolution ; a director of the Johnstown Bank; a member of St. Patrick's Lodge No. 4, Free and Ac- cepted Masons; Johnstown Chapter No. 78, Royal Arch Masons ; Holy Cross Commandry, No. 51, K. T., and of the Beta Theta Phi fraternity. He married, August II, 1909, Eloise Mitchell, born February 27, 1888, daughter of Captain Benjamin B. and Ellen (Pomeroy) Mitchell, of Troy, Pennsylvania.
The Odells of Albany, New
ODELL York, are of English descent. Their family in Bedfordshire, England, bore arms: Argent, three crescents gules ; Crest, an eagle displayed gules : Motto : "Fac et spera."
(I) William Odell, the emigrant to Amer- ica, was at Concord, Massachusetts, 1639, re- moved to Southampton, Long Island, 1642, and was of Fairfield, Connecticut, 1644, where his will, dated June 6, 1676, was proved June 12, 1676. He married in England, and brought wife and children with him to Amer- ica. His will mentions sons William and John and daughter Rebecca Morehouse, wife of Samuel. A son James, born January 2, 1640, died in infancy. He mentions also grandchildren Samuel and Thomas More- house, and John, son of John Odell.
837
HUDSON AND MOHAWK VALLEYS
(II) William (2), son of William (1) Odell, born in England, about 1634, was one of the first settlers of Rye, New York, where he owned a large estate and died about 1700. In 1681 he appears on a list of inhabitants of Fairfield, Connecticut, as the owner of three hundred and sixty-two acres. In 1684 he gave a deed of land at Rye to his "son Sam- uel, living in the same county." In 1697, as resident of Rye, he gave deed to Stephen Sherwood. While an inhabitant of Rye he signed a petition as "William Woodhull." He married a daughter of Richard Vowles, of Fairfield, representative 1665-68-69. Chil- dren: I. John, married Joanna Turner, and was founder of the Tarrytown branch. His grandson Jonathan, known as the "Patriot," was a soldier of the revolution and was taken prisoner and confined in New York City. He lived at the "Old Stone Inin," which was used as headquarters by the French General Ro- chambeau, and was the place Washington first met the French commander. The old "Inn" yet stands, and has been suitably inscribed and marked by the Sons of the Revolution. 2. Samuel, of Fordham, New York; married Patience -. 3. Isaac, see forward. 4. Jonathan, signed the oath of allegiance at White Plains, New York, 1669. 5. Michael. 6. Hachaliah.
(III) Isaac, third son of William (2) and (Vowles) Odell, was of Eastchester, New York. In 1669 he signed the oath of allegiance to King William. He married Anne Tompkins. In 1705 he and wife Anne as- signed lands at Rye, New York, to Humphrey Underhill.
(IV) Joshua, son of Isaac and Anne (Tompkins) Odell, married Sarah Jones.
(V) Joshua (2), son of Joshua (I) and Sarah (Jones) Odell, married Mary Vincent. He was a soldier of the revolution in the Line, First Regiment.
(VI) Joseph, son of Joshua (2) and Mary (Vincent) Odell, was of Greenburgh, New York. He married Rebecca Tompkins. Chil- dren : Joshua (3), William L .; Anne, mar- ried Gilbert Tompkins; Hannah, married Benjamin Brown.
(VII) Joshua (3), son of Joseph and Re- becca (Tompkins) Odell, was a merchant and farmer of Westchester county, New York, living near Ardsley. He married Jane Lynt.
(VIII) Isaac (2), son of Joshua (3) and Jane (Lynt) Odell, was born near Ardsley, Westchester county, New York, 1820, died 1886. He engaged in business in New York City, where he was a sugar refiner for many years. He retired from that business to be- come president of the Mercantile National
Bank of New York, remaining at the head of that institution until his final retirement. He was a well-known and influential man of affairs and occupied a high position in the city. He was a devoted member of the Cen- tral Methodist Episcopal Church and was for many years trustee. He was treasurer of the American Bible Society and a member of the board of managers. He was equally inter- ested in the missionary societies of his church, both home and foreign. He was a Democrat in politics, an ardent supporter of the Union during the civil war, but independent. He married, in 1846, Elizabeth Hopkins, of the early Rhode Island family. Children: I. Charles Mortimer, see forward. 2. Emma E., a resident of Ardsley, New York; unmarried. 3. Arthur L., died unmarried. 4. William I., a merchant of Ardsley; for thirteen years president of the village corporation ; married Abbie Yates, of Ardsley; child: Ruth. 5. Isaac H., of White Plains, New York; mar- ried Lucy Brown, of High Bridge, New York; chilren: Isaac H. (2) and Lawrence.
(IX) Charles Mortimer, eldest son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Hopkins) Odell, was born in New York City, September 3, 1847. He was educated at Mount Washington Collegiate In- stitute, New York, and was engaged with his father in the business of sugar refining for several years. In 1888 he retired from busi- ness and came to Albany, New York, where he was appointed to a position in the depart- ment of insurance, and has been continu- ously in that department up to the present time (1910), holding the office of assistant actuary. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Through the patriotic service of his great- great-grandfather Joshua (2), he derives and holds membership in Philip Livingston Chap- ter, Sons of the Revolution. His social club is the Fort Orange, of Albany. He married, October 21, 1873, Eva M., died August 22, 1907, aged fifty-nine years, daughter of Hel- mus M. and Harriet A. (Mackey) Wells, of New York City. She was an active mem- ber of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Albany, and a charter member of Gansevoort Chap- ter, Daughters of the Revolution. One child, Harriet, who died in infancy.
Mrs. Eva M. (Wells) Odell was a descend- ant of the patriot soldier Colonel Levi Wells, of Colchester, Connecticut, who entered ser- vice May I, 1775, as captain of Eighth Com- pany, General Spencer's regiment. This regi- ment reorganized in 1776 under Colonel Wyllys, Captain Wells being made major ; and marched to New York via New London and the Sound, and remained in that city until
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.