USA > New York > Albany County > Landmarks of Albany County, New York > Part 110
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Cass, Lewis .- This citizen of Albany, for many years prominent amony those in- terested in the welfare of the city, was born at Decatur, Otsego county, N. Y., De- cember 30, 1853. His father was a farmer, and his early life was passed upon his father's farm. At the age of twelve, he was left an orphan. At the age of sixteen, he began to teach in the district schools in Otsego county, at " a dollar a day and boarded around." Afterwards he passed successfully through the State Normal School, Colgate Academy at Hamilton, N. Y , graduating from the former in 1872 and the latter in 1874. He pursued a collegiate course at Union College, and grad- uated from that institution in 1878. In the summer of 1878, he began to study law with the celebrated firm of Smith, Bancroft & Moak, where he remained for three years, when he opened an office of his own for the transaction of business. In 1886 he married Miss Kate Landon, eldest daughter of Judge Landon of Schenectady, N. Y. Mr. Cass early took a high rank as a lawyer, and especially as an advocate, be- ing connected with many important litigations, notably, the case of " McDonald against the Village of Gloversville," and " The Trumbell will case " in Albany county, and many other important litigations in Circuit, Probate and Criminal Courts. He was attorney for the New York State Dairy Commissioner, and afterwards for the Commissioner of Agriculture of the State of New York for seven years, and for the past two years attorney for the New York State Veterinary Medical Society. Mr. Cass is well known as an ardent, fearless advocate of progress, and has been a potent factor in various reforms and improvements in the city, notably, the project of the construction of Beaver Park in the south portion of the city. To no one man is there more credit due for this much needed improvement than to Mr. Cass. Being a forcible and fluent public speaker, his services are eagerly sought in political cam- paigns. Although deeply interested in politics and political affairs, he has never sought nor held a political office, preferring to remain a private citizen. He has a well selected library of classic and historic literature and fiction, with which he is exceedingly familiar. He was selected in 1888, to deliver the annual address before the Adelphic Society of Union College, and chose for his subject "The Duty of the Educated Man to Business and Society." Another topic upon which he has been heard with interest and propriety is "The Puritans," which perhaps is his best known lecture. Love for his early occupation abides with him, as shown by the fact that he is one of the most successful amateur florists in the city, turning his special atten- tion to roses, having a collection unsurpassed by any in the city.
Gilbert, Henry S., is one of the leading citizens of Guilderland. He was born in the town of New Scotland, March 5, 1846. His father was Williams Gilbert, born in the town of Bethlehem, April 18, 1823. His paternal grandfather was also Williams, who married first Ora Hart, who bore him eleven children: Glazier, Noah, Elkanah, Maria, Laura, Ann, Bradley, Alvin and Calvin (twins) and Prudence; his second wife was Charity Barber, by whom he had four children: Eliza, Rachel Ann, Joseph and Elisha. Williams, father of Henry S., married Hannah Houghton (born in New Scotland, April 4, 1821) in December, 1843; she was one of a family of ten children born to David ( born January 24, 1878) and Anna (Bryant) Houghton (born February 2, 1777), and granddaughter of John and Dorcas (Lawrence) Bryant; her brothers and sisters were Polly, Lucy, John, Silas, Eli, Catharine, Smith, Sally and Jane Ann ; she was the last survivor of her family. Williams followed farming all his life, living
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some years in New Scotland and in 1856 removing to Guilderland where he bought a farm and resided until 1865, when he sold his farm and removed to Glenville, Sche- nectady county ; there he bought a farm on which he resided until his death, which occurred in September, 1873. The only child of Williams and Hannan (Houghton) Gilbert was Henry S., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Gilbert survived her husband many years, cared for by her son till the time of her death, January 14, 1895. Henry S. Gilbert attended the district school and remained with his father until the latter's death, when he sold the farm and bought his present one of 100 acres near Fuller's Station, to which he moved in 1874. He has been successfully engaged in dairying, keeping a fine lot of choice cows; he also takes much pride in keeping fine horses. In 1890-91 he engaged in mercantile business at Fuller's Station, where he owned a store, and where he was also postmaster under Harrison's administration, but not liking the business he sold out and returned to his farm, on which he has since re- sided. He deals in agricultural implements, handling the Johnson harvesting ma- chines; he is a director and stockholder in the Altamont Driving Park and Fair As- sociations, and was chairman of the committees on fruit and vegetables, and on stock and poultry, also horses. In January, 1867, he married Helen C. Weaver, a native of Glenville, Schenectady county, daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Clossen) Weaver. They have two children, William W., born January 14, 1868, and Burton II., born April 29, 1876. William W. married Hattie, daughter of Leroy Main, and has one child, Ethel; he remained on the farm with his father until April, 1896, when he removed to Voorheesville where he now resides. Burton A. is at home with his parents.
Frederick, Charles F., son of Philip and Catharine (Gomph) Frederick, was born in Albany, N. Y., August 21, 1865. He is a grandson of Philip Frederick, who was born in Germany, and who came to Albany in 1830, where he engaged in the furni- ture business and was one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of Albany. His son, the father of the subject of this sketch, followed his father's business with the addition of the undertaker's business, and gave promise of build- ing up a remarkable business, but was cut off in early manhood. He died in 1874, aged thirty-seven, leaving a family of eight children, all of whom are now living. He was prominent in fraternal and social circles, being a Mason, an Odd Fellow, and Knight of Pythias; he was also an ex-member of the 25th Regiment, and in 1870 represented the then Tenth ward in the Board of Supervisors. Charles F. Fred- erick, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools and learned the trade of bookbinder with R. G. Hendrie, with whom he remained eight years; at the end of five years he was promoted to the position of foreman of Mr. Hendrie's .establishment and held that position when he left Mr. Hendrie's employ. In 1886 Mr. Frederick removed to Washington, D. C., where he obtained an appointment as bookbinder in the government printing office and remained there six years, resign- ing to go into the grocery business in Washington. He was compelled to abandon this business after three years owing to ill health, and in September, 1895, returned to Albany. In January, 1896, he took a course in the United States Embalming College in New York city, from which he received a diploma. In March of the same year he started his present business, that of undertaker and embalmer, at No. 118 Washington avenue. Mr. Frederick is a member of the American Legion of
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Honor, the International Brotherhood of Bookbinders and Clinton Lodge No. 7, I. O. O. F. November 16, 1887, he married Sarah Furman of Albany, and they have one son, Charles F., jr.
Van Valkenburgh, Hon. John W., was born in the village of Chatham, Columbia county, N. Y., June 23, 1826, and is a son of James B. Van Valkenburgh, also of Chatham, who fought gallantly at Plattsburgh during the war of 1812. He lived until he was eighty-one years of age, dying August 15, 1868. The maiden name of Mr. Van Valkenburg's mother was Clarinda Pitts, an aunt of Hon. Edmund Pitts, ex-speaker of the Assembly. She died July 3, 1871, at the age of eighty-one. His grandfather, Bartholomew Van Valkenburgh, was a native of Holland and came to America at an early date, settling at Chatham, N. Y. He served with distinction in the Revolutionary war. In his early youth, J. W. Van Valkenburgh, the subject of this sketch, attended the common schools in Chatham and worked on his father's farm. When he became of age he joined a military company and on November 16, 1849, was commissioned first lieutenant in the old 23d Regiment, N. Y. Militia. This commission he held thirty six years, until the regiment went out of existence. In 1852 Mr. Van Valkenburgh's services were secured to push forward the work of the Lebanon Springs Railroad, and he is said to have thrown out the first shovel of earth and hired the first man on the work. He displayed great energy and ability in this enterprise. He took a deep interest in politics and early joined the Demo- cratic party. In 1853 he was appointed deputy sheriff of Columbia county and served for three years. In 1856 he was made route agent for the general post-office department and ran the first night express train on the Harlem Railroad from Al- bany to New York. When the Civil war broke out Mr. Van Valkenburgh offered his services and was commissioned first lieutenant of Co. E, 128th Regiment, N. Y. Vols. August 22, 1862, he was duly mustered into the service. His career was a most creditable one. In January, 1863, he served as a member of a court martial in New Orleans, and continued in the service until April 13, 1864, when on advice of a surgeon he tendered his resignation and was honorably discharged. In 1865 he ac- cepted a position as conductor on the Harlem Railroad. The following year he was elected member of assembly from Columbia County. In 1867 Mr. Van Valken- burgh removed to Albany and has since been an active and esteemed citizen of that city. In 1868 he accepted the superintendency of the Albany and Susque- hanna Railroad and in 1872 became interested in the New York and Albany Rail- road, now known as the New York Railway. When the Lebanon Springs Railroad became involved Mr. Van Valkenburgh was appointed receiver and held that posi- tion for three years. In 1873 he was elected a member of assembly from Albany county and has thus had the honor to represent both Albany and Columbia counties.
Hennessy, John V., M. D., son of Thomas and Margaret (Mckinley) Hennessy, was born in New York city in 1854. When he was a boy his parents removed to Bath-on-the-Hudson; here young Mr. Hennessy attended the public schools. After leaving school he obtained a situation as clerk in the office of his father, who was a well known and prosperous builder in Albany. He remained with his father until 1880, when he entered the Albany Medical College and in 1884 was graduated from that institution, receiving the degree of M. D. Dr. Hennessy has practiced in Al- bany since his graduation. He is a surgeon on the staff of St. Peter's Hospital, at-
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tending physician at the Boys' Orphan Asylum, lecturer on materia medica at the Albany Medical College and a member of the Albany County Medical Society. In 1878 he married Sarah Elizabeth Kane of Amsterdam, N. Y.
Williams, C. Frank, son of Isaac A. and Sarah M. (Carpenter) Williams, was born in Brattleboro, Vt., October 17, 1859, and attended the public schools of Brattleboro, and Worcester, Mass., after which he learned the printer's trade in Brattleboro. In 1878 Mr. Williams removed to Albany, N. Y., where he followed his trade until 1880, when he opened a printing office in S R. Gray's building in partnership with J. H. Prouty. This partnership lasted for four years, when Mr. Williams organized the C. F. Williams Printing Company, which existed until 1892, when it was completely burned out at No. 36 Beaver street. Immediately after this fire the company was dissolved and Mr. Williams resumed alone at his present location, No. 9-11 Green street. Mr. Williams is a member of Ancient City Lodge No. 452, F. & A. M., Al- bany Lodge No. 641, K. A. E. O., Unconditional and Capital City Clubs and Albany Republican League. June 12, 1884, he married Frances E. A. Pangburn of Albany, and they have three children.
Grogan, Michael, was born in Ireland and was brought to America when an in- fant, John Grogan, having preceded him two years before and who had directly located in West Troy, was a pioneer settler and for years in the employ of the Har- rington planing mill. Here Mr. Grogan has spent most of his life, first acquiring the cooper's trade, which he followed for thirteen years. He served one year as clerk in the weighlock and then entered the county clerk's office under John Larkin, acting as clerk for four years. In 1884 he was appointed deputy sheriff, filling the position for eleven years.
Murray, William H., M. D., son of Francis and Sarah (Lockwood) Murray, was born in Poundridge, Westchester county, N. Y., December 2, 1845. He attended Betts's Academy at Stamford, Conn .. and graduated from that institution in 1863. In the fall of that year he entered Union College at Schenectady, N. Y., and grad- uated in 1877, receiving the degree of A. B. During the year 1867-68, he taught school at Bellefonte, Pa., with Governor Hastings, present governor of Pennsylvania. In the fall of 1868 Dr. Murray entered the Albany Medical College and received the degree of M. D. from that institution in 1869. In 1868 he married Martha W. Bouck, granddaughter of the late Governor Bouck; they have two children living, Frank and Bessie. In 1870 Dr. Murray began the practice of medicine in Albany and has since continued there, making a specialty of obstetrics. He has been prom- inently identified with the Democratic party and has sacrificed much time to further the interests of the city of Albany; there is no man better known or more highly respected in his ward, the Sixteenth. He can call everybody by name. His love for his profession and his devotion to his fellows have contributed to his holding the following offices: Supervisor of his ward for five terms, president of the Board of Aldermen one term, district physician, police surgeon, county physician, coroner's physician, penitentiary physician, and at present city physician. Dr. Murray has been president of the Board of Trustees of the Hospital for Incurables since its foundation. He has also been prominently identified with social and fraternal organizations; he has been through all the chairs in Odd Fellowship, and is a mem- ber of all Masonic bodies, and has the thirty-second degree; he has also been a
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in 1892; was for six years captain of the Mohican Canoe Club; and is secretary of the Albany Country Club; a trustee and treasurer of the Albany City Homoeopathic Hospital, member of the Holland Society of New York and recorder of the Board of Governors of the American Canoe Association, in which he is very prominent.
Young, William P., was born in the town of New Scotland, August 7, 1834, Peter, his grandfather, being a native of the town of Knox, where he was born about 1784, and where he spent his days as a farmer. He was a prominent and active member of the State militia, in which he took great pride and spent considerable money, being an officer in a company of cavalry. His first wife was Miss Toles, by whom he had six sons and four daughters, his second wife being Miss Bundy, by whom three children were born. He died in 1864, at the age of eighty years. Peter, the father, was born in Knox, June 6, 1806. He commenced at the age of sixteen to learn the carpenter's trade and followed it about forty years, when, in 1851 he bought a farm in Guilderland and in 1856 bought an adjoining farm. In 1863 he engaged in farming in Guilderland, where he spent his remaining days. He was also a member of and drummer in the State militia. His wife was Rebecca (Williams) Austin, and their children were John A., Charles W., Henry W., Sarah A., Mar- garet J., Lois R., Mary (who died at the age of twenty-five), Eliza O. and Gouvenier M. He died August 15, 1881, at the age of seventy-five, and his wife died April 28, 1892, at the age of seventy-seven. William P. remained at home until twenty-one years of age, when he rented, in 1856, a farm for one year for himself in the town of Coeymans. In 1857 he returned to Guilderland and worked his father's farms for nine years, and in 1866 purchased a farm in New Scotland which he still owns. In 1883 he bought a second farm in New Scotland, where he now resides. He has made a specialty of fruit culture and has several varieties on his farms. The farm on which he now lives is known as the Dr. Sager farm, and was originally owned by Dr. Day. Dr. Sager lived with Dr. Day and later married his adopted daughter. Mr. Young has erected new houses and barn buildings on both of his farms, being his own architect. December 9, 1854, he married Mary S. Koonz, born in New Scot- land and daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Folmsbee) Koonz, and granddaughter of Nathaniel and Catherine (Cline) Koonz; the latter lived to be 106 years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Young were born four children: Mary, widow of Albert Relyea, who died January 4, 1885, was married to him August 18, 1875, leaving two children surviving her: Lizzie B., and Levi E. William H. married Libbie Main of Guilder- land, March 10, 1885, and have two children: Olive and Lelah; he is an extensive berry grower. Hannah E. married Henry Goodfellow of Guilderland, October 7, 1880, and have two children: Florence and Ernest. Elizabeth E., who still resides at home. Of the brothers and sisters of William P. Young, John A. Young resides at Brodhead, Wis., having married in 1852 Maria Groat of Guilderland, by whom he has had four children. Charles W. Young lives at Whitewater, Wis., and mar- ried Mary Jane Chism, and has no children. Sarah A. Young married Peter Van Patten and now lives in Centralia, Kansas, having one daughter. Margaret J. Young married Charles Gemlich and resides in Guilderland and has one son. Henry W. Young was married to Joanna Gates and lives in the city of Albany. They are the parents of two children. Lois R. Young married David Van Patten, a brother of Peter, and lives on an adjoining farm in Centralia, Kas. They have two chil-
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dren. Eliza O. Young married Charles Severson and resides in Guilderland, having borne him one child. Gouvenier M. Young resides at Whitewater, Wis., having married Elva Martin of Guilderland, by whom he has had two children, of whom one survives.
Niles, Nathaniel, son of John H. and Fannie (Mosher) Niles, was born in Bethle- hem, Albany county, September 1, 1856, and is a grandson of Nathaniel Niles, who came from Connecticut to Coeymans, Albany county, at an early day and died there in 1876. The latter was prominent in town affairs, serving as supervisor, etc. John H. Niles, a farmer by occupation, died in 1861. Nathaniel Niles attended the public and private schools, was graduated from the Albany Free Academy in 1874 and from Dartmonth College, with the degree of A. B., in 1878, and read law in Albany with Judge Rufus W. Peckham. He was admitted to the bar in 1880 and for a time acted as clerk for Peckham, Rosendale & Hessberg, in whose offices and the offices of their successors, he has successfully practiced his profession ever since. In politics he is a Democrat.
Mead, Charles W., son of Delois L., was born in Clymer, N. Y., December 3, 1843, and pursued his education under private tutors and in the academies of Chautauqua county, graduating in 1863. He completed his collegiate studies at Painesville, Ohio, and for seven years was principal of academies and union schools in his na- tive county. In the fall of 1870 he came to Albany and entered the Albany Law School, from which he was graduated and admitted to the bar in 1871. He imme- diately began the practice of his profession and in 1877 formed a copartnership with Samuel S. Hatt, which still continues, the present firm being Mead, Hatt & Palmer. He is a staunch Republican and in 1882 was appointed a U. S. circuit court commis- sioner, which position he has since held. He takes an active interest in the welfare of the city, was at one time a member of the legislative branch of its government, and has given considerable attention and takes high rank in the social and fraternal organizations of Albany. He is a member of Grand Lodge, F. & A. M., is promi- nently identified with the fraternal co-operative associations, and was the represen- tative of one of the leading orders of the State in the matter of State legislation and one of the framers of the present law governing the same. In 1874 he married M. Marilla Burnap, one of the leading contraltos of Albany, and they have one daugh- ter, Edith M.
Amyot, Bruno E., D. D. S., is a leading member of the dental profession in Cohoes, and is a son of Bruno Amyot, who has been a resident of this place for nearly half a century. He came from Vèrchérer, Province of Quebec. Doctor Amyot was born in 1869 in Cohoes and was educated in the parochial schools. „At the age of nineteen he entered the New York College of Dentistry, and after two years graduated, in 1890, beginning practice here at once, where he enjoys a large patronage. He is a member of the Third District Dental Society of New York State. September 30, 1896, he married Miss Rosa de Lima Masson of Cohoes.
Berns, James H., was born in 1863, a son of James Berns, an artist; his mother being a teacher, made the home of his childhood a dwelling of culture and refine- ment. Mr. Berns is a Democrat and is a member of the County Committee. James H. is one of the leading young lawyers of Cohoes, and came to the front be- cause of his able handling of the celebrated case of Cahill, who was indicted for
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in 1592. was for six years captain of the Mohican Canoe Club; and is secretary of the Albany Country Club; a trustee and treasurer of the Albany City Homoeopathic Hospital, member of the Holland Society of New York and recorder of the Board of Governors of the American Canoe Association, in which he is very prominent.
Young, William P., was born in the town of New Scotland, August 7, 1834, Peter, his grandfather, being a native of the town of Knox, where he was born about 1784, and where he spent his days as a farmer. He was a prominent and active member of the State militia, in which he took great pride and spent considerable money, being an officer in a company of cavalry. His first wife was Miss Toles, by whom he had six sons and four daughters, his second wife being Miss Bundy, by whom three children were born. He died in 1864, at the age of eighty years. Peter, the father, was born in Kuox, June 6, 1806. He commenced at the age of sixteen to learn the carpenter's trade and followed it about forty years, when, in 1851 he bought a farm in Guilderland and in 1856 bought an adjoining farm. In 1863 he engaged in farming in Guilderland, where he spent his remaining days. He was also a member of and drummer in the State militia. His wife was Rebecca (Williams) Austin, and their children were John A., Charles W., Henry W., Sarah A., Mar- garet J., Lois R., Mary (who died at the age of twenty-five), Eliza O. and Gouvenier M. He died August 15, 1881, at the age of seventy-five, and his wife died April 28, 1492, at the age of seventy-seven. William P. remained at home until twenty-one years of age, when he rented, in 1856, a farm for one year for himself in the town of Coeymans. In 1857 he returned to Guilderland and worked his father's farms for nine years, and in 1866 purchased a farm in New Scotland which he still owns. In 1883 he bought a second farm in New Scotland, where he now resides. He has made a specialty of fruit culture and has several varieties on his farms. The farm on which he now lives is known as the Dr. Sager farm, and was originally owned by Dr. Day. Dr. Sager lived with Dr. Day and later married his adopted daughter. Mr. Young has erected new houses and barn buildings on both of his farms, being his own architect. December 9, 1854, he married Mary S. Koonz, born in New Scot- land and daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Folmsbee) Koonz, and granddaughter of Nathaniel and Catherine (Cline) Koonz; the latter lived to be 106 years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Young were born four children: Mary, widow of Albert Relyea, who died January 4, 1885, was married to him August 18, 1875, leaving two children surviving her: Lizzie B., and Levi E. William H. married Libbie Main of Guilder- land. March 10, 1885, and have two children: Olive and Lelah; he is an extensive berry grower. Hannah E. married Henry Goodfellow of Guilderland, October ?, Isso, and have two children: Florence and Ernest. Elizabeth E., who still resides at home. Of the brothers and sisters of William P. Young, John A. Young resides at Brodhead, Wis., having married in 1852 Maria Groat of Guilderland, by whom he has had four children. Charles W. Young lives at Whitewater, Wis., and mar- ried Mary Jane Chism, and has no children. Sarah A. Young married Peter Van Patten and now lives in Centralia, Kansas, having one daughter. Margaret J. Young married Charles Gemlich and resides in Guilderland and has one son. Henry W. Young was married to Joanna Gates and lives in the city of Albany. They are the parents of two children. Lois R. Young married David Van Patten, a brother of Peter, and lives on an adjoining farm in Centralia, Kas. They have two chil-
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