USA > New York > Hudson-Mohawk genealogical and family memoirs, Volume IV > Part 9
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 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99
(III) James (3), son of James (2) and Jane Frances (Netterville) Mckinney, was
born August 29. 1825, in Duarte-loirg. Sche- nectady county, New York. In 1838 he went to Canajoharie, Montgomery county, where for some years he attended Canajoharie Academy, making his home with his maternal grandfather, John T. Netterville, of the same place. In 1844 he accepted a position in the iron works conducted by Colonel George G. Johnson, of Palatine Bridge, New York, re- maining three years. In 1847 Mr. Mckinney went to New York and sought employment with several concerns in different lines of the iron business in order to perfect himself in the industry, for, like many other young men, his aim was to ultimately engage in business for himself, and he desired to obtain all the information and experience possible, with that end in view. In 1850 he came to Albany, and in 1857 began business for himself, forming
a co-partnership with Abram Mann, under the firm name of Mckinney & Mann, in a small foun- dry located on Lower Livingston avenue (then Lumber street ). This foundry was demolished when the first bridge was con- structed across the Hudson river at Albany, and the business was removed to buildings especially constructed for the firm at 18-20 De Witt street. In 1867 the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Mckinney continued the business alone. About this time he observed the growing demand for structural and archi- tectural iron work for building purposes, and he decided to devote practically his whole attention to this branch of the iron industry. The business grew so rapidly that larger quarters were soon a necessity, and in 1872 he erected the works on upper Broadway, where the business has since been conducted. In 1884 he admitted his son, Edward N. Mc- Kinney, into partnership, and this firm has ever since continued under the name of James Mckinney & Son. When Mr. Mckinney first engaged in business, he resolved to manu- facture only first-class work, for he realized that whatever was worth doing at all was. worth doing well, and the result was that the reputation established at the beginning, for first-class work, was continued during all the years of his business career. Ile was a man of the highest ideals in honesty and in- tegrity, and as to what was due his fellow- men. and these qualities, combined with a genial disposition and a heart warm with generous impulses, attracted not only custom- ers and friends, who remained with him dur- ing his entire business life, but also the loy- alty and friendship of the men in his employ. In 1872 Mr. Mckinney was elected a mem- ber of the board of aldermen and served
1450
HUDSON AND MOHAWK VALLEYS
two years. In 1856 he joined the Fourth Presbyterian Church of Albany, and in 1874 was elected to the eldership, which office he retained until the close of his life. He was devotedly attached to this church, and every branch of its work received his earnest sup- port. He was particularly interested in young men who wished to devote their lives to the Christian ministry, and was always a liberal ·contributor in aiding such to secure an edu- cation with this end in view, when their private means were inadequate for the pur- pose. He was elected a trustee of the Albany Exchange Savings Bank in 1886, and became its second vice-president in 1893.
Mr. Mckinney married, in 1850, Julia A., Poole, of Albany. Children : Ella F .; Ida A., married David B. Hunt, of Montclair, New Jersey : Edward N. Mr. Mckinney died Feb- ruary 10. 1907. The worth of his character and the loss to the community in his death were attested by the local press in the fol- lowing :
Albany Evening Journal, February 11, 1907: "James McKinney's long career of usefulness came to an end about three weeks ago, and yes- terday death ensued. From the time he laid down the cares of business life, which had ex- tended over half a century, his vigorous consti- tution gave way gradually, and in a compara- tively short time the vital spark went out. It was like passing to a peaceful sleep, and was in keeping with his gentle nature. His presence was like a healing balm, his counsel always on the right side, and his charity unostentatious. Mr. Mckinney's record in the business circles of Albany. in the city's welfare and in church work, stands out a bright page. His genial disposition, his wise judgment in all matters in which he was enlisted, and his business acumen, will be missed by those who were thrown into 'his companionship."
Ibid, same date: "The death of James Mc- Kinney, which occurred yesterday. makes an- other vacant place in the ranks of the old guard of Albany's business men-the men to whose activity and energy is due in gerat measure the city's very solidly founded prosperity. Fifty years of successful business activity, always char- acterized by strict integrity, made a record most honorable, a source of pride to those who mourn. Mr. Mckinney's life is an example for emula- tion to those who are just beginning their busi- ness careers."
Albany Times-Union, February 11, 1907: "In the death of James McKinney, Albany loses one ·of its most progressive citizens. His splendid efforts to promote the welfare of the large in- stitution over which he presided were crowned with success, and the iron works which bear his name are known throughout the length and breadth of the land. He was a generous em- ployer. a good citizen and a faithful friend, and a splendid type of virile manhood."
Knickerbocker Express, February 11, 1907: "The close of Sabbath witnessed the death of one of those sweet, lovable gentlemen of the old school, of whom the world to-day has too few.
A gentleman whose integrity was unimpeachable; in whom the milk of human kindness abounded in rich supply; whose optimism was ever most pronounced; whose life of four-score years and two speaks eloquently his own epitaph; whose love for humanity was as sweet as the perfume of incense-such was James McKinney, one of Albany's best-known business men."
DAW The paternal descent of the Daw family of Troy is through French Huguenot ancestors, who fled from the city of Rochelle in France and came to America, where a large settlement of people of the same religious convictions founded New Rochelle, near New York City. The names of two of the Daw ancestors are on the Huguenot monument at New Rochelle as founders of New Rochelle. Through inter- marriage with the Denisons they obtain de- scent from Captain George Denison, a noted Indian fighter of Connecticut, whose wife, Ann Boradaile, was an English lady of rank. His father was William Denison, who came to America in 1631 and settled in Roxbury, Massachusetts.
Captain George Denison returned to England after the death of his first wife, joined the army of Cromwell, was wounded at the battle of Naseby, was nursed back to life at the home of John Boradaile by his daughter Ann, whom he afterward married; he returned to America and settled at Ston- ington, Connecticut, where he died in 1694. As a leader of the volunteer forces, he broke the power of the Indians and gave peace to the harassed settlers. The descent is through Captain John, eldest son of Captain George and Ann ( Boradaile) Denison ; Daniel, child of Captain John and Phoebe Denison; Daniel (2), who was the ninth child of Daniel (1) and Mary Denison; Daniel (3), second child of Daniel (2) and Esther Denison; Esther, born 1776, third child of Daniel (3) and Elizabeth Denison, who married Miner Wal- den, of Pawlet, Vermont : removed to Albany county, New York, where the mother of George W. Daw, of Troy, was born.
(I) Peter Ferris Daw was born October 22, 1808, at Ridgefield, Connecticut. He em- braced the profession of law and practiced in Cohoes until his death, May 27, 1876. He married Sophia M. Walden, of Albany, New York, born November 19, 1815, at Berne, Albany county, New York.
(II) George Weidman, son of Peter Fer- ris and Sophia M. ( Walden) Daw, was born in Colocs, New York, March 24, 1856. He attended the Cohoes public school until at- taining the age of fifteen, when he went to Albany to prepare for college. He entered
1451
HUDSON AND MOHAWK VALLEYS
the high school in that city, from which he graduated, but the death of his father pre- vented the carrying out of his college plans. In 1877 he went to Troy, entered the law offices of Smith, Fursman & Cowen, where he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1880. After two years of private practice. he formed a partnership with Eugene L. Pel- tier, which existed until 1890, since which date he has continued alone in his legal busi- ness. He is well known and prominent among the lights of the Rensselaer county bar. He has held several important public positions in his profession, among them that of attor- ney for the excise board of Troy, for the years 1883-84-85.
He has allied his energy and ability with ·other enterprises not connected with his pro- fession. He was one of the organizers of the Union National Bank of Schenectady, New York, of the Albany Trust Company, of Albany, New York, of the Peoples Bank of Troy, and of the Troy Trust Company, in the last two of which he is a director at the present time ( 1910). He is also a direc- tor of the Pittsburgh-Eastern Company, of the R. T. French Company, of Rochester, New York, and of the Beacon Electric Light Company, and other local business enterprises ·of importance.
In the political life of Rensselaer county Mr. Daw has ever been active. From 1880 to 1884 he was secretary of the Re- publican county committee and acting chair- man during the Blaine campaign of 1884. He is interested in real estate operations, and in California plotted and promoted the now thriving town of Vernondale. He was one of the organizers of the Rensselaer Union Club, now known as the Troy Republican Club, and member of the Troy Club, director of the Riverside Club, which he helped to organ- ize. He is a member of Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church, which he has served many years as vestryman. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Ameri- can Bar Association, the Rensselaer County Bar Association, the Huguenot Society of America, the Sons of the American Revolu- tion, the Fort Orange Club, Country Club of Albany, New York, and Rensselaer County Society of New York City, New York. He continues his legal practice in Troy, where he has an established clientage. He married, May 10, 1882, E. Eugenia, only daughter of Daniel Wiedman, of Albany. Children : Elma Elimina, a graduate of Emma Willard School .of Troy, and Bryn Mawr College, Pennsyl- vania : Georgena, also a graduate of the Emma Willard School.
George Allen Ross, son of Adam ROSS Ross, was born November 15, 1870, at Troy, New York. His educa- tion was obtained in the common and high schools of Troy, after which he entered the Albany College of Pharmacy. He was regis- tered under the laws governing pharmacists in New York state in 1895. He was with Edward F. Leahy, druggist, of Troy, for nearly five years, then with his successor until 1890, when he removed to Hoosick Falls. He here entered the employ of Ilenry W. Stone, with whom he remained as prescrip- tion clerk and assistant for five years. In 1895 he purchased the drug business of Henry W. Stone and opened under the firm name of Geo. A. Ross & Company, contin- ning under that name until 1900, when he purchased his partner's interest, and since then has conducted the business as George A. Ross. In 1905 he added to his store in Hoosick Falls the adjoining building, which he converted into a confectionery and ice cream store, wholesale and retail. He has been very successful. He was appointed by Colonel Lloyd and Captain F. R. Hudson, hospital steward of the Second Regiment, New York National Guard, with headquar- ters at Troy. He held this position four years, seven months, when he received an honorable discharge from the service. He had been active in the National Guard for several years, being on duty during the trol- ley strike of 1903 at Glens Falls, New York. He is an active Republican. He served as auditor of the Hoosick Falls village corpora- tion from 1899 until July, 1910, when he resigned. He is a member of the Presby- terian church, of Rensselaer Lodge, No. 400, Free and Accepted Masons, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and for four years (1896 to 1900) secretary of the Hoosick Falls Lodge, No. 178; member of the Hoosick Club since 1895, and of the Country Club, member of the New York State Phar- maceutical Association, and of the Ice Cream Men's Association of New York state.
Mr. Ross married, June 14. 1890, Mr -. Jo- sephine (Burtt) Cusson, daughter of Row- land Thomas Burtt, of Greenburg, New Hampshire. Rowland Thomas Burtt was born December 2, 1821, died February 4, 1907, at Hoosick Falls. Ile was a well-known musi- cian and dancing master, and for fifty years leader of Burtt & Whitcomb's Orchestra, of Cambridge, New York. He was a most ex- cellent instructor and was well known and highly regarded all through that section bf New York state. He was an accomplished performer on the violin and composer of a
1452
HUDSON AND MOHAWK VALLEYS
great amount of the music which was played by his own orchestra exclusively. In addition to his musical engagements he was an expert grainer and painter. In middle life his sight became impaired by cataracts forming, and at the age of fifty-seven he became totally blind. He continued playing in public until he was seventy-five, rendering his selections from memory. Until he was eighty-five he retained his musical skill and kept up his playing, although not appearing in public. His musical memory was wonderful, having a repertoire of sixty quadrilles and about thirty other compositions for dance and con- cert that he recited from memory without a discordant note, excelling in dance and popu- lar music, in which he delighted. After his dissolution of interest with Mr. Whitcomb, the organization was known as Burtt's Band. He removed to Hoosick Falls in 1899. He married Caroline Adelia, born in Pittstown, New York, daughter of Samuel S. Hastings, born April 25, 1812, at Pittstown, died June 20, 1887. He was a cooper and lived most of his life at Arlington, Vermont. He mar- ried Clarissa Baird, born 1814, at Allenville, Dutchess county, New York, died at Shushan, New York, May 6, 1862. They had thirteen children, of whom Caroline A. was the sixth. A son, Zechariah Hastings, enlisted in Com- pany E, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment, New York Volunteers, and died in an army hospital. Another son, Abraham B. Hastings, was sent home from the army and died. He was a member of the same regiment as his brother and father, who came through unscathed. The Hastings are of English descent, the father of Samuel S. hav- ing been born in England. Mrs. Josephine B. Ross is a skilled performer on the b-flat cornet, having been playing since the age of seven years. Prior to her marriage she toured the United States in concert accom- panied by her brothers, Neil and William. She now plays only in private or occasionally in church. All the children of Rowland T. Burtt inherited musical talent and are per- formers of high merit. Rowland T. Burtt was a son of Thomas Burtt, of New Hamp- shire. also a noted musician and violin per- former. He owned a genuine Cremona violin that is now in possession of a great-grandson, Harold John Cusson. The instrument has been in use by each generation owning it and it is of rare tone and beauty. Josephine Burtt married (first) December 16. 1884. John Lewis Cusson, born in Canada, November 19, 1858, died at Glens Falls, New York, Octo- ber 24, 1892, of French-Canadian parents. He was a professor of music, taught both vocal
and orchestral music; was also a composer and performer on the violin. Of the four children of the marriage three died in infancy. Harold John Cusson, the only surviving child, was born in Newark, New Jersey, April 17, 1887. He is now (1910) in the senior class at Albany College of Pharmacy. He was a student at Troy Conservatory of Music four years under Professor Robert E. Foote, and for two years under instruction on the violin with Professor Harris, of Boston. He is the. leader of his own orchestra, located at Hoosick Falls and very popular over a large circuit. He owns the Cremona used by his great- grandfather, also the violin (a Stainer made- in 1775) used by his father, Mr. Cusson. He is an expert performer and does much concert work besides leading his orchestra.
RUFF Jonathan Ruff was born in New England in 1759, died May 13, 1804. He took an active part in the war of the revolution. He is credited by tradition with being one of the active par- ticipants at the "Boston Tea Party." He served in various commands during the war and ranked as major. Many stories are told of his prowess that records fail to show. Shortly after the war closed Major Ruff re- moved to New York state, settling at McKin- ney hill, town of Florida, Montgomery county, finding employment on the farm of Jesse. Price, whose daughter he married. After marriage he settled on a farm in the south- west corner of the town, later purchasing an adjacent property upon which he lived until his death. He married Sallie, daughter of Jesse Price, who settled in Florida previous to the revolution. She was noted for her fleetness of foot and never was afraid of In- dians, saying she could outrun any red man in the valley. Both Jonathan and Sallie (Price) Ruff are buried in the County Line- cemetery. Children : Daniel, Jesse, Jonathan, Jesse (2), Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, twins : Nancy, Priscilla and Sallie.
(II) Benjamin Franklin, twin brother of Jefferson, son of Jonathan and Sallie ( Price) Ruff, was born in 1805, died November 5,. 1876. He was a farmer of the town of Florida. While engaged with others in the patriotic celebration of July 4, 1826, he lost a portion of both arms by the premature discharge of a cannon, while he was ram- ming home a charge of powder. Despite this handicap he successfully conducted his af- fairs and performed farm labor. He was twice married. His first wife was Polly Merry, born in 1808, died October 4, 1830,. daughter of an early settler of the county.
1453
HUDSON AND MOHAWK VALLEYS
Children : 1. William Alonzo, see forward. 2. Sarah, died June 12, 1895; she married James Vander Pool and had a son, J. Franklin Van- der Pool, who married Louise Groat, of Sco- tia, Schenectady county. Children : Frank, James, Bessie and Rose Vander Pool. .3. Joanna, lives in Schenectady, unmarried. Ben- jamin F. Ruff married (second) Lavizer Chauncy ; children : Albert and Lewis.
(III) William Alonzo, only son of Benja- min F. and Polly (Merry) Ruff, was born in Angust, 1827, died April 2, 1907. After his marriage he settled on the farm of his grand- father, where he resided until his death, a well known and respected citizen. He was a deacon of the Baptist church for thirty years. He married (first) Mary J. Ladd, born in Duanesburg, Schenectady county, New York, died at the age of sixty-five, daughter of Ephraim Ladd. Children: William F., see forward, and Nettie E., born September 29, 1863 ; married James L. Dusler, pastor of the Baptist church at Springfield Center, New York. By a second wife William Alonzo Ruff had Jessie, Mabel, William A. and Charlotte. (IV) William F., son of William Alonzo and Mary J. (Ladd) Ruff, was born Novem- ber 25, 1853. He received his early education in the town public schools and qualified as an instructor at the State Normal School in Albany, New York. He was engaged in teaching for several years. He had been reared on the farm, and after his years of teaching returned to the pursuit of agriculture, having a fertile farm of one hundred and forty acres near Minaville. Upon it is a substantial brick house built in 1804. that is in perfect condition, giving no indication of having been built one hundred and six years ago. He is actively interested in the affairs of his town and has served repeatedly as su- pervisor and town clerk. He is a member of the Baptist church, and holds fraternal relations with Welcome Lodge, Free and Ac- cepted Masons, of Amsterdam, and Ticonde- roga Tribe, No. 176, Red Men, which he has represented in the state council. He married, in Duanesburg, November 22, 1876, Anna B. Filkins, born in the adjoining town of Prince- town, November 25, 1850. She was educated in the public schools, Miss Coley's Private Seminary at Albany, and for some time pre- vious to marriage was a teacher. Children : 1. I.ena M., born December 27, 1877; mar- ried William G. Ernest, a farmer of Florida ; children : Helen H., born June 15, 1899, and Robert M., July 7, 1903. 2. Catherine, born September 2, 1879; married Albertus Van Wie, a merchant and postmaster of Clarks- ville, Albany county, New York.
Anna B. Filkins . Mr-, WillEin F. Ruff ) is a daughter of James and Sehva Holines ) Filkins, of Schenectady county. James Filkins was born in Schenectady in 1823, and died there in 1858: son of Benjamin and Susan ( Bond ) Filkins. Selina Holmes is the daugh- ter of Thomas Holmes, born August 1, 1788, died June 16, 1866. He married Ann Milner, born August 29. 1792. died April 18, 1881. Thomas Holmes was of English birth, his father being esquire of Staffordshire and of the gentry. Thomas was reared as an Eng- lish gentleman's son, but he was independent and ambitious to make a name for himself. In 1830 he emigrated to the United States, bringing a wife and eight children. Ile set- tled first in Albany county, then in Duanes- burg, where he lived until his death, engaged in farming. Children of Thomas and Ann ( Milner) Holmes: 1. Anna, born June 18, 1815, died June 29, 1904: married Alexander Sproul, a Scotchman. 2. Thomas, November 21, 1816, died March 21, 1885; married Har- riet Cooley. 3. John, June 1, 1818. died March 16, 1887: married Emily C. Darling. 4. Pamelia E., July 7, 1820, died September 15, 1894; married Henry Quick. 5. Cathe- rine J., August 1, 1822, died November 6, 1906. unmarried. 6. William G .. April II, 1824 ; married Sarepta Schofield. 7. Ann, De- cember 26, 1825, died September 8, 1849; unmarried. 8. Selina, April 11, 1826; widow of James Filkins, and mother of Mrs. William F. Ruff, with whom she resides. 9. Sarah L., June 25, 1831, died August 9, 1832. 10. . Al- fred A., March 9, 1834, died May 29. 1905; married Sarah Waite. 11. Mary E., July 27, 1836; married Thomas Harden, of Loudon- ville, New York. Children of James and Se- lina (Holmes) Filkins, parents of Mrs. Wil- liam F. Ruff ; Anna B. (Mrs. Ruff), and Alfred Allen Filkins, born October 7, 1854, died in 1878; married Nettie McCullom. Both the Holmes and Filkins families like the Ruffs were identified with the Baptist church.
The first of the Phelps family PHELPS to appear in the Mohawk Val- ley was Oliver Phelps, born in Hartford county. Connecticut, where he grew to manhood and married Abigail Brown. Ile removed to New York state and settled on a farm in Montgomery county. He was a pros- perous and prominent man. The site of his farm and burial place is now in the town of Johnstown, Fulton county.
(II) Chester, son of Oliver and Abigail (Brown ) Phelps, was born June 15. 1792, died March 13, 1870. He inherited lands from his father to which he added other farms,
1454
HUDSON AND MOHAWK VALLEYS
becoming one of the largest general farmers in the county besides devoting special atten- tion to fruit and dairy farming. He was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a man of high character. Phelps street near Gloversville was at one time owned and occupied by thirteen families of the Phelps name. He married, June 28, 1816, Sally A. Powell, born March 4, 1796, died September II, 1857. Children: I. Charles A., born August 22, 1817, died September 28, 1847. 2. Gilbert, February 9, 1819, died November 16, 1900; married, September 30, 1845, Anna C. Van Nostrand; child, Margaret, married Charles D. Massey. 3. Lucius A., March 20, 1821, died February 16, 1837. 4. Eliza Ann, February 24, 1823, died October 12, 1908; married, June 10, 1847, Hart A. Massey, born April 27, 1819, died February 20, 1896; six children : Charles, George, Chester, Lillian, Walter Hart and Fred Victor. 5. Sylvia Adelia, February 4, 1825, died November 3, 1901; married, October 7, 1845, Horace W. Porter ; child, Mervin A., married Helen Frank and has Lottie Ann, married Arthur Adams. 6. William Henry, October 8, 1827, died January 24, 1899; married, August 31, 1849, Louise Deming; children: i. Charles Edward, married Clara Wilcox; ii. Albert, married Margaret Wells, whose daughter Brena married Charles Schoolcraft, also a son, Floyd; iii. Nettie, married William Ballinger. 7. George R., of whom further. 8. Chester Powell, December 16, 1832; mar- ried Alice Brown; children: i. David, mar- ried Cora ; children : Alice, Arthur and Floyd; ii. Arthur. 9. Sarah Jane, July 6, 1835, died April 29, 1890; married, January 18, 1860, Lehman Edwards.
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.