Landmarks of Albany County, New York, Part 119

Author: Parker, Amasa Junius, 1843-1938, ed
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason
Number of Pages: 1374

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poison eleven months, and died in 1870), Morgan (who served in the army the last year of the war of the Rebellion), Lucy, Irvin, Mary J. and Alonzo L. Alonzo L. remained with his father until twenty three years of age. He attended the com- mon schools and began life for himself as a farmer, which vocation he has since followed. In the spring of 1888 he moved to the town of Berne on his present larm of sixty acres, where he has since resided, doing general farming. In 1896 Mr. Rheinhart was elected town clerk and several times he has been called upon to represent his town and district at town, county and assembly conventions. In 1887 he married Ida, daughter of Charles G. and Margaret (Schoonmaker) Frink, and they have two children, Frank A. and Minnie. Mr. Frink, father of Mrs. Rhein- hart, was a prominent man in the town of Knox, representing his town on the Board of Supervisors several terms; he was also one of the most successful farmers and at the time of his death his wealth was $50, 000.

Snyder, Cecil, born in Rensselaerville, September 10, 1848, is a son of David H. and Eunice (Head) Snyder, both natives of Rensselaerville. They came to Westerlo in 1851 and engaged in farming, where they remained until his death. Mrs. Snyder still lives on the homestead with Cecil Snyder. The grandfather, Ephraim Snyder, was an early settler of Rensselaerville and came from Dutchess county. Cecil Snyder has always been a farmer on the homestead, which consists of 160 acres and he now intends making a specialty of dairying. In 1877 he married Anna, daugh- ter of William and Ann Norton of Westerlo, and they have two children, Jessie M. and Millard.

Lockwood, Horace R., born in Westerlo, February 28, 1841, is a brother of Leander S. Lockwood, mentioned in this work. In 1865 he married Esther, daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Townsend) Green of Westerlo, and they have three children : Estella, Samuel G. and Mary Helen. Mr. Lockwood has the old Allen farm of 164 acres and eighty acres where he resides. In politics he is a Democrat and held the office of assessor for six years in succession. Mr. Lockwood is a member of J. M. Austin Lodge No. 567. F. & A. M., and the Christian church of South Westerlo.

Simpkin, Robert P., born November 29, 1830, in Westerlo, was a son of Robert L. and Phoebe (Powell) Simpkin, he of Westerlo, and she of Long Island, and grandson of R. Simpkin on his father's side and of Samuel Powell on the maternal side; the latter was a farmer in Long Island. R. Simpkin spent his life in Westerlo; Robert L. Simpkin was a blacksmith by trade, at which he worked in connection with farm- ing. Robert P. Simpkin has always followed farming and is the owner of 111 acres of land, forty acres of homestead settled by his grandfather and seventy-one which he bought. In 1855 he married Margaret, daughter of Nathaniel and Sally Holmes of Westerlo, and they have three children: Alice, widow of Daniel Lockwood, who died 1894: Ellison, who died, aged eighteen years; and Jennie, wife of Emery Palmer, farmer and thrasher of Greenville, Greene county, N. Y. In politics Mr. Simpkin is a Democrat and he and his family attend and support a Christian church. .

Simpkin, Henry, born in Westerlo, N. Y., February 4, 1836, is a brother of Robert P. Simpkin, mentioned in this work. Henry Simpkin was reared on the farm, and with the exception of three years spent in Coeymans, has followed farming in the town of Westerlo. He has a farm of 120 acres where he resides and another of forty

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acres. In 1857 he married Louise HI., daughter of John and Elsie (Traver) Freely, both natives of Greene county, and they have one son, Victor, who married Ella, daughter of William and Mariett Applebeen of Westerlo, and they have one daugh- ter, Grace L. Simpkin, born January 15, 1888. Victor resides on the homestead and carries on the farm. In polities they are both Republicans and attend the M. E. church.

Hanney, Andrew D., born in Westerlo, August 29, 1819, is a son of David and Hannah (Terbush) Hanney, he a native of Westerlo and she of Fishkill. His grand- father, Andrew Hanney, was born in Scotland, where he married and came to Hol- land Purchase, N. Y., then to Westerlo, where he settled as a farmer. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and raised an independent company to help at Burgoyne's surrender. David Hanney was a farmer of Westerlo and as a Democrat, held the office of assessor for a great many years and refused to be supervisor. He died in 1872 and Mrs. Hanney in 1842. Andrew D. Hanney, has, with the exception of a few years spent at the carpenter's trade, been a farmer on the homestead. He has 102 acres which is now carried on by his son. In 1851 Mr. Hanney married Hannah M., daughter of John Hain of Westerlo, and they had two children : George, a farmer of Westerlo, and Charles, on the home farm. Mrs. Hanney died in 1872 and Mr. Hanney married again, Phoebe C. (Babcock) La Paugh, who died January 11, 1893. Mr. Hanney is a Democrat and Baptist.

Hinckley, Charles, born in Westerlo, March 21, 1821, was a son of Josiah and Clarrissa (Slausen) Hinckley. The father of Josiah, Josiah Hinckley, came from New York city and settled in Westerlo when the town was but a wilderness. He fought in the Revolutionary war and then settled on a farm in Westerlo. The great- grandfather was of Scotch descent and married a French lady and settled in New York city, and spent his last days in Westerlo. The father of Charles Hinckley spent his life on the farm in Westerlo, where he died in 1866, and Mrs. Hinckley in 1872. Charles Hinckley married Rachel Ann Huyck, daughter of Walter and Margaret Huyck. Mrs. Hinckley died in 1883. Mr. Hinckley has always been a farmer and carried on farming on the homestead till 1888, when he rented the farm and took up his residence in the vicinty of South Westerlo. He has always been a Democrat in politics.

Erwin, Jacob M., was born in New Salem in 1843. John, his great. grandfather, was one of three brothers: John, William, and Jared, from the North of Ireland, who came to America and settled in New Scotland in about 1775. Hugh, the grand- father, was born on the homestead in 1786, and in time came into possession of it. His wife was Lavina, daughter of Rev. Harmanus Van Huysen, who was a captain in the Revolutionary war and a Dutch Reformed minister. He died in 1871 and his wife died in 1868. Isaac, the father, was born on the homestead in 1818 and his early life was spent at various occupations. When sixteen years of age he began to learn the shoemaker's trade in Clarksville and four years later, in 1838, he started a shoe shop on his own account in the village of New Salem, where he has ever since resided and plied his trade. He filled the offices of collector and overseer of the poor. In 1840 he married Maria, daughter of Jacob Martin, of New Scotland. Their chil- dren were Jacob M., James E., William H., John (deceased) and Leora. Jacob M. kk

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attended the common schools until fourteen yearsof age, when he entered his father's shop as apprentice and remained there until eighteen years old when, in September, 1861, enlisted in Co. D, 91st N. Y. Vols., and served three years, and in January, 1864, he re-enlisted in the same company, which was heavy artillery after that date, and in which he was a commissioned officer. The principal battles in which he participated were Port Hudson, Irish Bend, Vermilion Bayou, and Alexandria, thence to Fort Jackson, which his company took charge of, Dinwiddie Court House, Five Forks and Appamattox. He returned home in July, 1865, and immediately after his return he received his commission as second lieutenant. He then went to work at his trade which he plied until 1867. In 1868 he engaged in general mercantile busi- ness in the village of New Salem, which business he has followed up to the present time In 1870 he was appointed postmaster of New Salem, which office he filled until 1884; he was again appointed under President Harrison. He is a member of the G. A. R., Post No. 5 of Albany. The year 1895 he spent diligently furthering the cause of the proposed Albany, Helderberg and Schoharie Electric Railroad, of which he is one of the directors, and is also a member of the executive committee of directors. In 1867 he was married to Amanda, daughter of Conrad Mathias of New Scotland. To them were born two children: Levi M. and Charles W.

Flansburgh, John, was born in the town of New Scotland, in 1836. Jacob, the great- grandfather, was a native of Holland and of good old Holland ancestry. He came to the United States and settled in the town of Bethlehem, where he spent his life as a farmer. He reared four children: John P., Elizabeth, Sophia and Cornelia. John P., the grandfather, was born in the town of Bethlehem in September, 1784, and died in July, 1867. In 1803 he was married to Margaret Kniver of Bethlehem, and their children were Peter, David, Jacob, Michael, Maria, Eva, John, William, Elizabeth, Matthew, Kate, Cornelia and Garrett. He was married twice, the issue of the last marriage being one son, James. He removed to Sharon, Albany county, thence to the Helderberg in the town of New Scotland in 1809. He was a lifelong farmer, who began poor and by his energy and ambition he accumulated a good property. He was married to Maria Simmons, who was born in New Scotland and daughter of Andrew Simmons, by whom seven children were born: John, Margaret J .. Mary Ann, Catherine J., Caroline, Ellen and Rufus. His second wife was Cath- erine Simmons, a sister of his first wife, by whom two children were born, Harriet and Ida. His second wife died in 1892. John Flansburgh worked on his father's farm and attended the common schools, and when twenty-five years of age embarked in farming for himself. He soon accumulated enough to purchase his present farm, of 150 acres, upon which he has made many improvements. He served his town as excise commissioner and collector. He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, Clarksville Grange, of which he is treasurer. In 1860 he married Catherine J., born in New Scotland and daughter of John and Betsey (Brate) Radley. Their children are Peter, who married Ida Relyea and has one child, and Lizzie, wife of Elsbree Jones.

Crookes, John, was born in Yorkshire, England, July 10, 1838. He was a son of William and Frances (Wardwell) Crookes, natives of the same place. They reared five children: John, Fannie, Sarah Ann, Elizabeth and Jane. The mother died in 1848. The father was a blacksmith, and in 1851 left England with his family and

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sailed for America, landing in New York one month later. He came direct to Al- bany, where he plied his trade for one year, when he removed to Tarrytown in New Scotland, and four years later to the village of Clarksville, where he spent his remaining days at his trade. While in England he was a member of the Odd Fel- lows fraternity. He died in 1867. John, when at the age of ten years, was obliged to enter his father's shop as a helper. He has devoted his life successfully at his trade, and at the age of twenty-two entered his father's shop and has ever since done a general blacksmithing business on his own account. September 5, 1864, he enlisted in the 23d New York Independent Battery and was transferred to the 8th New York Heavy Artillery, and served until the close of the war. He participated in a good many battles and skirmishes. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Berne Lodge No. 864. In 1860 he married Sarah Ingraham, daughter of Lyman In- graham of New Scotland. Their children are Charles, who is employed in the State Capitol at Albany; Clara, wife of Benjamin Winston of New Scotland; John and Frank, twins; and Lizzie. All of his sons are blacksmiths. John is in Altamont, N. Y., and Frank is a blacksmith in the State Capitol.

Oliver, Abram E., was born in the town of New Scotland, N. Y., in January, 1833. He has spent his life successfully at farming and fruit growing, being one of the most extensive apple growers in his town, in which pursuit he has manifested a thorough knowledge. He purchased his first farm from his father, but now owns four farms containing 382 acres, which was originally owned by his great-grand- faher, grandfather and father, and which he purchased at different times. In early life he dealt to some extent in cattle and sheep. He has made many essential im- provements on his farm, erected an imposing dwelling, etc. He has provided each of his children with liberal educational advantages, and has since placed two of his sons on two of his farms. Mr. Oliver is a Republican in politics, has served his town nine years as assessor, and is now president in the third district of the Republican town organization. Mr. Oliver has been twice married; May 17, 1856, he married Lucre- tia, daughter of Anthony Legrange, by whom he had seven children: Anna, Abram, Nelson, Ida, Lovina, Frank and Elwood, the latter a physician in Colorado. In 1872 Mr. Oliver married Elizabeth Borst, a native of Schoharie county, by whom he had three children : Chester, Lillian and Sadie. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver are members of the New Scotland Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Oliver has been trustee for many years and is now superintendent of the Sunday school. Everett Oliver, the great- grandfather of our subject, was born in the town of New Scotland, on one of the farms now owned by Mr. Oliver, about 1759. He spent his life as a farmer and lived

to be about eighty years of age. He reared four sons and three daughters. john E .. the grandfather, was the oldest of his father's children, and was born on the same farm about 1780. He came into possession of twenty-five acres of his father's homestead and became an active, energetic and successful farmer. He was a Re- publican in politics, and was much interested in the welfare of his party. He reared eight sons and one daughter, and to each of these he gave a farm. He lived to be ninety-four years of age. The last half of his life was spent in the town of Westerlo. Everett Oliver, father of our subject, was born in New Scotland, in 1807, on one of the farms now owned by his son. He was a lifelong farmer, meeting with good suc- cess. He married Mary Albright. by whom he had four children : John, Abram,

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Ellen J .. and Eve Ann. His wife died at fifty-seven years of age. They were members of the M. E. church, of which he was a liberal supporter. He died in January, 1896. At the time of his death he owned four farms and $7,000 in cash ; he had eight living great-great-grandchildren, a number of great-grandchildren, several grandchildren, and three children.

Van Allen, William, was born in the town of New Scotland, on the farm which he How owns. March 14, 1811. Garrett, his great-grandfather, was a native of Holland, came to America and settled in the wilderness in the town of New Scotland, where he cleared a home on a tract of about 250 acres, where he spent his remaining days. He reared two sons, William and John, and two daughters. He lived to an extreme old age. William, the grandfather, was born on the old homestead, September 11, 1744, where he spent his life clearing and improving the farm. His wife was Mag- dalne Van Wie, born April 8, 1752. They had but one child, Garrett W. Mr. Van Allen died May 28, 1795, and his wife June 23, 1836. Garrett W., the father, was born where his father was, August 1, 1790, and there grew to manhood and spent his life actively engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married, October 5, 1807, Hannah Winnie, when he was but seventeen years of age; she was born October 20, 1790. Their children were Christiana, William, Adam, Garrett, Francis, Philip and Conrad, seven of whom grew to maturity. He died May 13, 1851, and his wife March 8, 1874. William, the subject, has spent his life on the homestead of his great-grandfather. He represented his town in the Board of Supervisors, and in other minor offices. In 1887 he tore down the old stone fort house, which was erected by his great grandfather. October 26, 1887, he married Mrs. Elizabeth (Moak) Moak, daughter of William Moak of New Scotland.

Becker, Frederick C., was born in the town of Bethlehem in October, 1829. Fred- erick, his grandfather, was born in about 1758. He was of German descent and a farmer by occupation, which he followed in the town of Bethlehem. His wife was Catherine Bender, by whom three sons and two daughters were born. He owned 188 acres of land, which he divided between two of his sons. Christopher, the father, was born in Bethlehem in 1801, and was a lifelong farmer, at which he was fairly prosperous. He held some of the most important offices of the town and served his town as assessor, collector, and commissioner of highways. His wife was Hannah Arnold, born in Bethlehem. Their children are Elizabeth, Frederick C .. Catherine, Louisa, Christian, Christopher, Jacob, John and Andrew, who died when twenty years of age. Jacob and Christian were soldiers in the war of the Re- bellion. Mr. Becker died in 1881 and his wife died several years previous. Fred- erick lived on his father's farm until he was twenty-six years old, when he embarked in business for himself in March, 1887. He moved to the town of New Scotland and purchased his present farm of seventy acres, on which he has since been doing gen- eral farming. While in Bethlehem he served as tax collector and commissioner of highways. In 1861 he married Margaret Hotaling, and their children are Almira, Charles, Catherine, William F. and Addie.

Smith, Henry A., a prominent landmark of New Scotland, was born in the town of Guilderland, November 4, 1830. Nicholas Smith, his great-grandfather, was a native of Dutchess county and came to New Scotland with his wife and family in 1760. His children were Andrew, Michael, John, Zachariah, Nicholas, Catharine

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and Jonas, all of whom lived to reach the century mark, and he also lived to a great age. He was formerly interested in the tract known as the Nine Partners, but was driven off by the Indians and finally settled in the forest, where he made him a home. He was an enthusiastic hunter and trapper and would strike a deer trail in the morning and with gun, tomahawk and belt of ground corn he would follow it until he caught his game; he was also a slave owner. Nicholas Smith, the grand- father, was born in Dutchess county in 1752 and came to New Scotland with his parents, where he became a farmer and spent his life. He lived to be 103 years of age and was bright and active up to his death. His wife was Mary Beebe, and their children were Nicholas, Thomas, Andrew, Joseph, Henry, Stephen, Hulda, Kate, Lucinda and Margaret. Andrew M., the father of Henry Smith, was born on the homestead in 1799, where he was a lifelong and fairly successful farmer; with the exception of two years spent in Guilderland, his life was spent in his native town. In polities he was first a Whig and later a Republican. His wife was Lucy, daugh- ter of Everett Sigsbee, and their children were Henry A., Mary, Lucinda, Hulda, Elizabeth, Kate, Ellen, Margaret and Andrew. He died September 3, 1877, and his wife in 1887. She was a good Christian woman and a member of the M. E. church. Henry A. Smith was reared on his father's farm, where he remained until he was twenty five, when he married and began farming for himself on a farm which he had purchased and to which he has added, now owning 150 acres. He devoted con- siderable attention to the breeding of thoroughbred Gurnsey and Jersey cattle, and also raised some high grade horses. He has been a hard working man and his labors have been crowned with success. He is an ardent Republican. In 1885 Mr. Smith married Hester, daughter of Martin and Susan (Freyer) Siver of Guilderland, and their children were Andrew, William J., Henry, Margaret (wife of Nelson Cromise of Rensselaer county, N. Y.), Mary (wife of Miner White of New Scotland) and Ira. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were both members of the M. E. church, in which he officiated as trustee and steward. His wife died in May, 1895. William J., the son, attended the Troy Conference Academy and has since devoted his attention to teaching and assisting on the farm.

Frost, J. Sheldon, was born in the town of Rensselaerville, Albany county, De . cember 1, 1864. His parents were John D. and Phebe (Sheldon) Frost. Early in the seventeenth century, three Frost brothers came from England and settled on Long Island. Afterwards the branch of the family from which James Sheldon Frost is descended removed to Dutchess county, N. Y., and in 1805 they removed to the town of Rensselaerville. The property they took in 1805 is still in the possession of the family. Mr. J. Sheldon Frost's great-great-grandfather, Isaac Frost, had fourteen children, eight of whom lived to be over eighty years of age. Mr. Frost's great- great-grandfather on his mother's side was a sea captain and spent a part of his life exploring Africa. All his ancestors were members of the Society of Friends. Mr. Frost was educated at public and private schools and at Friends College at Locust Valley, Long Island. Later he attended the Albany Business College, and in 1888 was graduated from the Albany Law School and in May of the same year was ad- mitted to practice. He began his study of law in the office of Draper & Chester and after Mr. Draper's withdrawal he remained with Judge Chester until 1890, since which time he has successfully practiced his profession in Albany. Mr. Frost is a member

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9: Wadsworth Lodge No. 417, F. & A. M., Court Schuyler No. 1754, I. O. F., and of Jay Chapter, Phi Delta Phi fraternity; also a member of Albany Senate No. 64L. K. A. E. O. In 1893 Mr. Frost was one of a committee of three to investigate the affairs of the Western Farm Mortgage Trust Company of Denver, on behalf of eastern holders, and represents large holdings in litigation now pending in the Federal Courts.

Flansburgh, Rufus, was born in the town of New Scotland, December 31, 1848. The second great-grandfather of Rufus Flanbsurgh, the parent tree of the family in America, was a native of Holland and settled in Albany county, where he was a farmer, and was murdered for his money. Jacob, the great-grandfather of Rufus, was a native of Holland and spent his active life in the town of Bethlehem as a farmer, and his children were John P., Eliza, Sophia and Cornelia. John P. Flans- burgh, the grandfather, was born in Bethlehem, September 23, 1784, and was a life- long and successful farmer, spending his last days in the town of New Scotland. The last forty-two days of his life were spent in fasting, partaking of nothing but water, believing that his maker had demanded him to cease partaking of the fruit of the vine. He died in July, 1867. In April, 1803, he married Margaret Kniver, and their children were Peter, David, Jacob, Michael, Maria, Eva, John, William, Elizabeth, Martha, Catharine and Garrett. Michael Flansburgh, the father, was born in New Scotland, where he too was a lifelong and successful farmer. His first wife was Maria Simmons, a daughter of Andrew Simmons, and their children were John, Margaret J., Mary Ann, Catharine J., Caroline, Ellen and Rufus. His wife died in May, 1851; his second wife was Catharine, a sister of his first wife, and they had two children, Harriett and Ida. He died in 1888 and his wife in 1892. Rufus Flansburgh was educated in the common schools. When twenty-one he began life for himself on a farm belonging to his father-in-law, where he resided until 1888. In connection with farming he dealt to a considerable extent in horses and cattle. He erected him a residence in Voorheesville and in 1890 erected a store in the vil- lage, in which he conducted a general mercantile business until 1893, when, to settle the estate of his father-in-law, he purchased the farm of 180 acres, where he had lived so long. He leased his store property and devoted his time to looking after his farming interests, and in the spring of 1896 took personal management of his farm, yet resides in the village. Mr. Flansburgh is a Republican, and while always interested in the political welfare of his town, is not an aspirant to public office, always declining proffered nominations. December 25, 1872, he married Catharine, daughter of Peter and Hannah (Brate) Weidman, of New Scotland: Mr. and Mrs. Flansburgh are liberal supporters of all the churches in the village, but are members of none.

Kenyon. Lewis, was born in Rensselaerville, on the farm he now owns, June 15, 1443, and is a son of Simeon P. The father of Mr. Kenyon was a native of Rhode Island and came to the farm now owned by Mr. Kenyon in 1831, where he died in 1861. His wife was Susan Cross, born in Dutchess county and came to Rensselaer- ville after marriage, where she died in 1871. Mr. Kenyon was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and Schodack Academy. He is a farmer and owns about 320 acres of land, the original homestead. He is at present justice of the peace and was supervisor for five successive years. In 1871 he married Frances

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Landmarks of Albany County, New York, Part 119

Author: Parker, Amasa Junius, 1843-1938, ed Publication date: 1897 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason Number of Pages: 1374

Author: Parker, Amasa Junius, 1843-1938, ed
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason
Number of Pages: 1374