Landmarks of Albany County, New York, Part 122

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

USA > New York > Albany County > Landmarks of Albany County, New York > Part 122

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Gray, John Clinton, associate judge of the Court of Appeals of the State of New York, was born in New York city. He received his education in Berlin, at the New York University, and at the Howard Law School. He was admitted to the bar in Boston, Mass., and practiced law in the city of New York from 1866 until his ap- pointment in 1888 to the bench of the Court of Appeals of New York, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Judge Rapallo, and was elected for a full term in the same year. Judge Gray is a cultivated scholar and one of the best writers in the Court.

Kernan, William J., M. D., son of James and Mary (Reardon) Kernan, was born in Albany, N. Y., December 22, 1864. He was educated in the public schools, after leaving which he was for seven years a clerk in the State Department of Public In- struction. He resigned his position there to attend the Albany Medical College and at the time of his graduation in 1891 he stood at the head of his class. He served as physician at the Williard Insane Asylum for a few months and then removed to Albany, N. Y., where he has since practiced. Dr. Kernan was for a time district

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physician and police surgeon, but was compelled to resign these offices owing to pressure of professional duties. He makes a specialty of diseases of children. He is a member of the Albany County Medical Society, examiner for the Catholic Benevolent League and physician to the House of the Good Shepherd.

Capron, Arthur S., M. D., son of John D. and Elizabeth (Letcher) Capron, was born at Schoharie Court House, January 10, 1850, His maternal great-grandfather was one of the first settlers near Schoharie and cleared up five hundred acres of woodland. His first paternal ancestor to come to America was Banfield Capron, who came in 1640. Dr. Capron's parents removed to Albany, N. Y., when he was five years of age. He attended the public schools and Mr. Lawson's private school. In 1881 he entered the Albany Medical College and in 1886 received the degree of M. D. Since then he has practiced in Albany. He is a member of the Albany County Medical Society and Clinton Lodge No. 7, I. O. O. F. In June, 1883, Dr. Capron married Isidor Irene, daughter of Dr. Daniel Peabody of Sheffield, Mass. She died in 1884, and in October, 1895, he married Mary Hager of Schodack Land- ing, N. Y.

Illch, Julius, is a son of Simon and Celia (Fleischman) Illch, native of Bavaria, Germany. Simon came to Albany in 1849, was for forty years a merchant tailor and was prominent in Temple Beth Emeth, especially during its construction. Julius Ilch was born in Albany, January 21, 1869, was graduated from the High School in June, 1886, as one of the commencement speakers, and in November, 1886, entered the office of Parker & Countryman as a law student. He was admitted to the bar at Albany, in February, 1890, was managing clerk for Robert G. Scherer for two vears and for Horwitz & Hirschfield of New York one year and since then has been in active practice for himself in his native city. He is past grand of Capital City Lodge No. 440, I. O. O. F., which he represents on the board of trustees of the Odd Fellows Temple. He is also a member of Nawadaha Tribe No. 297, I. O. R. M., and secretary of Gideon Lodge No. 140, I. O. B. B.

Van Loon, William H., son of Henry F. and Mary (McLaughlin) Van Loon, was born in Lansingburgh, N. Y., August 7, 1835. His paternal grandfather came from AAmsterdam, Holland, about 1700; and on his mother's side he is descended from Colonel Cochran of the war of 1812. Mr. Van Loon attended the public schools of Troy. N. Y .. and Schenectady county and learned the trade of foundryman at the foundries in Troy and West Troy. Subsequently he entered the employ of Rath- hone. Sard & Co. at Albany, N. Y., and remained there thirty-three years, as assist- ant foreman for eighteen years, and for the balance of the time as the contractor for the stove mountings. In 1892 he bought the business of John Armstrong, plumber and roofer, and he has since then been engaged in that business at No. 787 Broad- way, Albany. Mr. Van Loon is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 3, F. & A. M., · and is a trustee in Grace M. E. church. May 31, 1860, he married Caroline M. Stark, of Glenville, Schenectady county.

Bartlett, Ezra Albert, M. D., traces his lineage (1) to Richard Bartlett, who came from Sussex, England, in 1635, to Newbury, Mass., where he died May 25, 1647. The line is (2) Richard, 1621-1698, of Old Town Hill, Mass., member of the council; (3) Richard, of Newbury, married Hannah Emery; (4) Stephen, of Canterbury, Mass.,

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married Hannah Webster; (5) Josiah, 1728-1795, a physician of Kingston, N. HI., provincial governor, colonial governor, member of the Provincial Legislature 1765, lieutenant-colonel of the 7th Regt. militia 1770, colonel 1775, delegate to Congress 1773-76, second signer of the Declaration of Independence, congressman 1778, chief justice of the Common Pleas 1779, judge of the Supreme Court 1782, chief justice 1788, member of the convention to adopt the Federal Constitution 1788, president of the State 1793, married Mary Bartlett : (6) Ezra, 1770-1848, a physician of Haverhill, N. H., graduate of Dartmouth College, judge of the Common Pleas, 1807, chief justice of sessions 1820, State senator 1828-28, married Hannah Gale; and (7) Amos Gilman, 1814-1880, a minister, married Georgianna M. Pike, whose ancestors also came to Newbury, Mass., in 1635, where their old stone farm house is still standing. A statue of Hon. Josiah stands in Amesbury, Mass. Dr. Ezra Albert Bartlett, son of Amos G., was born in Newburyport, Mass , July 18, 1845, was graduated from the AAtkinson, N. H., Academy, entered the sophomore class of Amherst College and in in September, 1863, enlisted in Bat. M., 4th U. S. Art., serving until 1866. He passed through the non-commissioned rank and in 1865 was promoted first lieutenant 7th Mass. H. A., unattached, but never mustered. He was graduated from Rochester University in 1870, read medicine with his uncle, Dr. Levi Bartlett of Skaneateles, N. Y., and with Dr. Samuel B. Ward of Albany, received the degree of M.D. from the Albany Medical College in 1879, and since then has practiced his profession in Albany. He is ex-president of the Albany County Medical Society, member of the American Electro-Therapeutic Association, member of the faculty of the National College of Electro-Therapeutics at Indianapolis, Ind., member of the staff of the Al- bany City Hospital and a member of George S. Dawson Post No. 63, G. A. R., and the Sons of the Revolution. He has been a lecturer in the Albany Medical College since about 1881, was for six years a member of the U. S. Board of Examining Sur- geons for Pensions and was a charter member and president of the old Albany Academy of Medicine. In 1871 he married Jennie, daughter of John Sargent of Rochester, N. Y., and they have one son, Frank Sargeant Bartlett, born March 10, 1886.

Lempe, George G., M.D., was born in Lansingburgh, N. Y., December 28, 1864. When six years of age he moved to Germany, and attended the gymnasium and the University at Goettingen, province of Hanover. In 1882 he removed to America and took a one-year's post-graduate course at Harvard University. Subsequently he attended the Albany (N. V.) Medical College and received the degree of M. D). from that institution in 1888, since which time he has practiced medicine in Albany. Dr. Lempe was assistant demonstrator at the Albany Medical College for two years and instructor in physiology at the same institution for one year. He was also sur- geon at the Albany Homoeopathic Hospital from 1889 to 1896; and is one of the ex- aminers of health officers for the New York State Civil Service Commission. Dr. Lempe is a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, Co. A, 10th Bat. N. G. N. Y., Albany Press Club, Albany County Medical Society and the Deutscher Club. He is also a charter member and surgeon of the Knights of the Ancient Essenic Order.

Warner, Charles B., of Altamont, was born in Summit, Schoharie county, Sep- tember 24, 1851, son of John Warner, jr., and Josephine, daughter of Milo Bradley. The grandfather of Charles B. was John Warner, son of Capt. George, whose father

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wa George. Charles B. was raised on a farm in Richmondville until he was eight- gen years of age, when he began an apprenticeship as carriagemaker in Cobleskill, where he remained until 1875, when he removed to Altamont and worked for Jacob Van Benscotten until 1882: at that date he purchased an interest in his employer's business, forming the firm of Van Benscotten & Warner. Mr. Van Benscotten died in 1952 and two years later Mr. Warner bought the widow's share and continued the Imusiness to 1895, when he admitted the son of his former partner, forming the firm of Warner & Van Benscotten. Mr. Warner is a bimetalist in politics, a member of Noah Lodge F. & A. M., of Altamont, and of Noah Chapter U. D., of which he was a charter member and principal sojourner; also of St. George Commandery No. 37, Schenectady, Cyprus Lodge Temple of the Mystic Shrine, and Voorheesville Lodge 1. O. O. F. In 1822 he married Frances A. Cornell of Richmondville, Schoharie county, daughter of Dr. Valentine Cornell. They have had five children: Blanch, Harry C., Charles, jr., and Francis (twins) (the latter deceased) and Stanley. Mr. and Mrs. Warner are members of the Lutheran church.

De Graff, Dr. Abram, a prominent physician and surgeon, was born in Rotterdam, N. Y .. in 1836 He is the son of Jacob De Graff, who was one of the four sons and five daughters born to Abram De Graff of Schoharie county, who was a farmer. He was a volunteer in the Revolutionary war, and once came into the town of Guilder- land to capture a lot of Tories. Jacob, the father, was born in Schoharie county in 1805. He was by occupation a farmer, which he followed during his active life. He came to Guilderland first in 1828, returned home, and in 1837 removed with his family and settled in Guilderland village, where he died in 1877. In 1833 he married Ana M. Clute, who was born in Schenectady county. She was the daughter of Nicholas Clute. To them were born three children, Helen M , Abram and Hamilton. She died in 1880. Mr. De Graff received fair educational advantages, and when six- teen years of age began teaching, which he followed for some years. He then be- gan to study medicine, Dr. Wilson being his preceptor, and in 1858 he was graduated from the Albany Medich! College. He then entered the office of Dr. Wilson of Guilderland, with whom he practiced for two years; he then began practice alone in Bethlehem, where he was in active practice until 1875, when he returned to Guilder- land, and has since enjoyed a lucrative practice, being called to Bethlehem, New Scotland and Guilderland. He is a member of the Albany Medical Society, and was a delegate of that society to the American Medical Association held in Chicago. He has served as health officer to the town of Guilderland for three years; was county commissioner for three years, and was postmaster from 1885 to 1893, and from 1893 to the present time. In 1867 he married Mary F., daughter of John P. Veeder, and their children are Mary F., Frederick, Mrs. Sarah Batterman and Mrs. Anna Bailey. Mrs. De Graff's ancestors trace back to Simon Volkertse (de Baker), who was born 1622. in Holland. He belonged to the ship Prince Morrice, which plied between Amsterdam, Holland, and New York. In 1652 he purchased lots in New York, and in 1654 he sold and removed to Albany, thence to Schenectady in 1662. The second generation was Simon Veeder, and his wife, Neeltie Van Der Volgen. The third generation was Peter and his wife Maritie Van Der Bogart. The fourth generation was Claas (Nicholas), who was born in February, 1734, and his wife, Catharine Van Eps. The fifth generation was Pieter C., born in March, 1773, and his wife, Maria

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Mynderse. The sixth generation was John Pieter, who was born in September, 1809, and his wife, Sarah Ann Batterman.

Cook, Eugene, born in Berne, N. Y., July 10, 1846, is a son of Abram and Jane (Crocker) Cook, both born in Albany county, he a son of David Cook who came to Albany county in an early day and settled in Berne, N. Y. The maternal grand- father of Eugene Cook was Rev. Mr. Crocker, an early settler of Berne, where he reared a large family. The father of Eugene Cook was a farmer, and died in Berne in 1866. Eugene Cook was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and Rensselaer Academy. He was for several years engaged in the sale of stove shelves and Horton's washing machines; and also in the livery business in Illinois, but his principal occupation is farming, and in 1866 he removed to the farm of 156 acres, he owns. He is a Democrat in politics, but does not aspire to public office. In 1869 he married Augusta Lounsbury, a daughter of William Lounsbury. To Mr. Cook and wife were born three children: Alice, wife of Charles Mackey, Arcia and Reba B. The family attend the Methodist church.

Williams, Elam, was born in the town of Knox, March 12, 1844. Prentice Williams, his grandfather, was a native of Connecticut, settled in Knox when a young man cleared himself a farm in the forest, where he became prosperous. His children were Lucy, Mary, Eliza, Eunice, Prentice, jr., and Dennison. He and his wife were members of the Methodist church, in which he was an active worker. He died in 1850, and his wife died some years before. Hon. Prentice Williams, jr., the father of Elam, was born in the town of Knox on the homestead in 1794. In early life he followed farming, but later learned the cabinetmaker's trade, which he followed in connection with undertaking for a number of years in the village of Knox. He sub- sequently engaged in mercantile business in Albany, remained there but a short time and returned to Knox and resumed his old business of furniture and undertaking. He was prominently identified with the Democratic party and his influence was ex- tensive ; he had the honor of serving his district in the State Legislature one term, and was postmaster many years. He was twice married ; his first wife, Harriet Jane Clark, died a year after their marriage; his second wife was Mrs. Jane (Knight) Arm- strong, widow of Patten Armstrong, and they had one child, Elam. Mr. and Mrs. Williams were members of the Methodist church, in which he took a leading part He died in 1864 and his wife September, 1882. Elam Williams received his education in the Knox Academy and when twenty years old began teaching which he followed for a number of years. Early in life he manifested a keen and active interest in the political affairs of his town and county, and while yet a young man was elected to the office of justice of the peace on the Democratic ticket. He filled the office with such credit that he was elected and re-elected for nineteen successive years; the years of 1882-83 he was justice of sessions and in 1870 was appointed State census enumerator for his district. He has filled the office of postmaster of Knox during both of President Cleveland's administrations. In 1886 he engaged in the general mercantile business in the village of Knox and with careful and strict attention to business, he has met with merited success. In the spring of 1896 he purchased a farm of 112 acres near the village, of which he has taken personal management, being assisted in the store by his son, Stanley. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Berne Lodge, No. 684. In 1871 he married Catherine, daughter of Syl

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vester and Sarah (Bunzy) Allen of Knox, and they have five children, Effie, Stanley, Jennie, Marx and Emma.

Bassles, Elas, a well known landmark, was born in the town of Knox, on the old Basder homestead, February 8, 1819. Frederick Bassler, his great-grandfather, was a native of Switzerland, who immigrated to America before 1750 and settled in Philadelphia. He was married on board of ship while on his way to America. Be- tween 1750 and 160 he settled in what is now the town of Knox, took up 238 acres of land and made himself a home in the forest, and was one of the first eight to settle in the town of Berne. Frederick Bassler, the grandfather of Elias, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1752, and grew to manhood on his father's farm in Knox, of which he subsequently came in possession. When the Revolutionary war broke out he took sides with the British and enlisted in their service. His wife was Martha Ball, a native of Berne, born in 1768, and their children were Peter, Frederick, Henry, John. Benjamin, Eve, Elizabeth, Maria and Ann Eliza. He died November 5, 1851, at the age of ninety-eight years; his wife died February 27, 1833. Frederick, the father of Elias Bassler, was born on the homestead in 1793; coming into possession of one-half of the homestead, he added more to his landed possessions, where he remained a lifelong and successful farmer. He was prominent and influential in the political affairs of his town and county, being chosen six times by his townsmen to represent them in the Board of Supervisors, and was once elected to represent his district in the State Legislature on the Republican ticket. He was actively identified with the church and was one of the building committee to erect the first Dutch Re- formed church of Berne, in which he afterwards officiated. His wife was Maria Salsburg, and their children were Anna, Maria, Elias, Jacob, Peter, Levinus, Sophia, Eliza and Emma. He died in 1874 and his wife in 1862. Elias Bassler, when a boy, attended the common district schools. He remained on the farm until thirty-nine years af age, when he came into possession of his present farm of 130 acres, through the assistance of his father, and on this farm he has ever since resided, doing general farming. In politics Mr. Bassler is a Republican, and while feeling a keen interest in the welfare of his party. he has never sought political honors. In 1842 he married Eva, daughter of Jacob Sand of Knox, and they have three children: Dorthy L. ( wife of Nicholas Sheldon of Knox), Olivia M. (wife of James E. Onderdonk of Central Bridge, N. V.), and Catharine E. (who died when nineteen). Mrs. Bassler died in February. 1894. They were both members of the Reformed church, in which he has officiated as deacon and elder. He has now retired from the active life and care of the farm, which he now leases to his son-in-law, Mr. Sheldon.

Sturgess, Charles E., a well known landmark and patriot in the Northern army in the war of the Rebellion, was born in the town of Knox, June 17, 1846, on the farm he now owns and occupies. George Sturgess, the grandfather of Charles E., was born in Delaware county, N. Y., a descendant from one of four brothers who migrated from England to America in an early day. George spent his life as a farmer in Delaware county and lived to be a very aged man; he was the father of ten sons and daughters. David, the father of Charles E. Sturgess, was born in Del- aware county, June 13, 1815. He was a farmer and carpenter, spending most of his life at his trade. In 1844 he moved to the town of Knox, where he spent his remain- ing days. He was prominently identified with the Republican party in his town, but

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never an aspirant for office. He owned the farm now owned by Charles E. Sturgess, and formerly owned by his father-in-law, Nathaniel Swan. His wife was Melinda, daughter of Nathaniel Swan, and their children were Charles E., Nathaniel, Adelia, Sarah, Isadore and Eugene. He died in March, 1867, and his wife survives him and resides on the home farm with her son. Her father, Nathaniel Swan, was a promi- nent man in the town of Knox, and did much toward building it up. His place of business and residence has ever been known as Swan's Corners, where he owned 600 acres of land, a hotel, store, blacksmith shop, and also a large potash factory. In stature he was of medium height and weighed about 165 pounds, but herculean in strength ; he would pick up a 400 pound weight from the ground and place it in a wagon, or pick up a barrel of cider from the ground on to his knees and drink from the bunghole. He lived to be ninety-five years old and was perfectly healthy to the morning of the day of his death, which occurred in December, 1872. Charles E. Sturgess attended the common schools and was graduated from the Knoxville Acad- emy. He remained on the farm with his parents until July 28, 1862, when yet a lad of but sixteen years he answered his country's call for troops and enlisted in Co. K, 7th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and served three years, participating in all the battles of his regiment; the principal engagements being the battle of the Wilderness, Spott- sylvania, North Anna River, Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg, being in the famous bayonet charges of the two latter battles. At the battle of Deep Bottom he was captured and confined in Libby prison one month, when he was transferred to Belle Island prison, where he endured terrible sufferings for two months, from the effects of which he has never fully recovered. After his return home he engaged in farming and teaching during the winter months; this he followed for a number of years, always making his present residence his home. In politics he is a Republican, having served two years as town clerk and elected and re elected ten successive years to the office of justice of the peace, the last year resigning the office. He has also filled the office of school commissioner for the Third district of Albany county for three years. He is a member of Michael H. Barckley G. A. R. Post of Altamont, N. Y. December 31, 1868, he married Nancy E., daughter of John and Elizabeth (Kane) Quay, and their children are Louie, Edith, Bertha, Ada, Rosco and Lottie.

Mackey, Charles H., was born in Rensselaerville, N. Y., October 3, 1863, and is a son of Willett B., who was a son of Alexander Mackey, a native of Rensselaerville, and he a son of one Alexander Mackey who came to Rensselaerville previous to Revolutionary times. He was in the war as drummer at age of twelve. Willett B., the father of Charles Mackey, was a farmer by occupation and a Democract in poli- ties, and held the office of highway commissioner. His wife was Hannah E. Rein- hart of Schoharie county, N. Y., a daughter of John J. Reinhart, an early settler of Rensselaerville. To Mr. Mackey and wife were born two sons and one daughter who grew to man and womanhood. Charles H. Mackey was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He is a farmer and owns 190 acres, 100 acres where he resides. November 14, 1888, he married Alice M. Cook, daughter of Eugene Cook. In politics Mr. Mackey is a Democrat and has been collector two years. The family attend the Baptist church, of which the father was a lifelong member.

Fanning, James ()., was born of American parentage in Gorham, Ontario county, N. Y., March 8, 1835 He received a common school and an academical education,

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the latter being obtained principally at the Franklin Academy at Prattsburg, Steu . ben county, N. Y. Mr. Fanning was a student in the office of Hon. Daniel Morris at Penn Yan, N. Y., and in the law department of the University of Albany, and was admitted to the bar in 1860. After practicing some years, Mr. Fanning served three years as accountant in the Treasury Department at Washington and the same period as financial and engrossing clerk of the State Assembly. He has been connected with the State Board of Charities as assistant secretary for about twenty years.

Brown, Johh C., M. D., son of P. J. and Margaret (Bough) Brown, was born in Oswego, N. Y. July 22, 1870. In 1881 he moved to Albany, N. Y., with his parents and attended the Christian Brothers' Academy, from which he was graduated in 1856. While there he organized and was the first president of the Justin Literary Society. In 1887 he entered the Niagara University, where he remained three years, and while there he was one of the founders of the Shakespeare Dramatic Associa- tion. He returned to Albany and received the degree of M. D. from the Albany Medical College in 1892. He subsequently spent one term in the Charity Hospital on Blackwell's Island, N. Y., and returned to Albany, where he has since practiced medicine. In 1895 Dr. Brown was elected coroner's physician, and in 1896 he was re elected. He is a member of the Albany County Medical Society, the Alumni AAssociation of the Albany Medical College and the Dongan Club, of which he was secretary in 1895.

Wiltse, James Wesley, M. D., son of James and Elizabeth (Maginnis) Wiltse, was born in Delaware county, N. Y., November 10, 1864. The Wiltse family has been in America for several generations. The first, three brothers, came from Holland and settled in Columbia county ; later one moved to New York and another to Dela- ware county. Dr. Wiltse's paternal grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution. Dr. Wiltse received his preliminary education in the public schools of Greene and Delaware counties. In 1891 he was graduated from the Albany Medical College, receiving the degree of M. D., and immediately began practice at No. 1203 Broad- way. In May, 1896, he moved to No. 135 North Pearl street, formerly occupied by Dr. Samuel B. Ward. He was fourth district physician from 1891 to 1896. Dr. Wiltse is a member of the Albany County Medical Society and Temple Lodge, F. & A. M. In 1893 he was married to Lizzie Bailie of Albany, and they have one son, Stanley Bailie.

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Landmarks of Albany County, New York, Part 122

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