USA > New York > Monroe County > Landmarks of Monroe County, New York : containing followed by brief historical sketches of the towns of the county with biography and family history > Part 48
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James Morris Babcock, the eldest son of Isaac and Elizabeth Babcock, was born January 26, 1802, at Milan, Dutchess county, N. Y., and married Lydia E. Jackson, September 20, 1829. He was a man of sterling integrity. Having been brought up a firm believer in the doctrines of the Society of Friends, his daily life was a con- stant example of simplicity, decision of character, and life-long industry. Starting with nothing but his own mergre resources to depend upon, he won his way to suc- cess and prosperity by his individual efforts and died at his home on Clover street, in Brighton, October 24, 1886, aged eighty-four years. His widow, Lydia E. Bab- cock, was born April 27, 1811, in Rensselaerville, Albany county, and died at her home on Clover street, Brighton, January 25, 1890, aged seventy-nine years. She was a woman of noble character and disposition, a true and loving wife and mother, and having that great gift of charity for all she was not only missed from the home circle when she departed this life, but was missed by all who knew her. James M. and Lydia Babcock had three children: Elizabeth, born in Groveland, Livingston county, August 2, 1830, died in Rush, N.Y., January 14, 1844; Julia, born in Rush, March 28, 1841, married W. W. Hibbard, and now resides in Washington, D.C .; and William J., born in Groveland, N.Y., September 22, 1832, died in Brighton at his home on Clover street, June 17, 1888.
William J. Babcock married E. Augusta Collins, of Charlotte, N.Y., November 1, 1859. On May 26, 1862, she died, leaving a son and only child, A. Emerson Babcock. William J. Babcock was a man whom to know was to love and esteem. Fitted by education to adorn any position in life, he chose the occupation of farmer, wherein his sturdy Quaker ancestry had toiled and triumphed. His farm was one of the finest in the county, and it was in scientific experiments in growing different kinds of crops that he spent much of his time and labor. Many members of the Babcock family have long been prominent Masons and William J. was also actively connected with that ancient fraternity. Christopher A. Babcock, a surgeon at Newport, R. I., in the
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
Revolutionary war and a descendant of John Babcock, previously mentioned, was a beloved member and past master of Union Lodge, Danbury, Conn., of which General Wooster was the first master. William J. Babcock was also a disciple of gentle Isaak Walton. With advancing years his love for rural sports seemed to increase, and when he could find time for a day's sport afield in pursuit of the festive wood- cock or wily grouse he enjoyed it more if anything than his son. In purity of life, modesty of deportment, constancy of friendship, and sweetness of character, Mr. Babcock was at once an illustration and example. Those who knew him best in- timately loved him most. In politics he was a Republican and a warm supporter of Roscoe Conkling. His influence and time were often given for the interests of his party, and as he was not an office seeker he never held political office. His chief thought and desire during the latter days of his life were for the future care of his aged mother and his only son.
A. EMERSON BABCOCK.
A. EMERSON BABCOCK, only son and child of William J. and E. Augusta (Collins) Babcock, was born in Charlotte, Monroe county, May 15, 1863. At an early age he attended the Greylock Institute at South Williamstown, Mass., and later became a student at the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary in Lima, N. Y. Still later he pursued his studies at Oakwood Seminary at Union Springs, N. Y., and finished at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa. In these various institutions he took special courses, which thoroughly fitted him for the complicated duties of life. Reared on a farm he early developed a vigorous constitution, and during his collegiate training acquired a noteworthy reputation as an all around athlete. He always took an active interest in athletic sports, winning several prizes and pitching for a time for the Allegheny College base-ball team. His enthusiasm in this respect has never waned, although his activity in athletics has largely given place to business cares. While a student at Allegheny he enjoyed the advantages of a military training, being a member of the militia company which was disciplined and drilled by a government officer. Upon returning from college he entered into partnership with his father, and their relations continued until the latter's death in 1888; since then he has successfully carried on the family homestead on Clover street in Brighton, keeping it up to a high state of cultivation and making it one of the finest and most attractive rural homes in Western New York,
In politics Mr. Babcock has always been especially prominent, and in this connec- tion he is now recognized as one of the active and influential leaders of his party in the county. He is an unswerving Republican, ever working for the welfare and advancement of the public, and making a clean record and an honest name. Soon after attaining his majority he was made chairman of the Republican town commit- tee, a position he filled with ability and satisfaction. He was also chosen a justice of the peace, and after serving one year resigned to accept the office of supervisor of Brighton, to which he was elected March 7, 1893, being the first man voted for and elected in the town on a Myers ballot machine. Immediately after his election the Democrat and Chronicle said:
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LANDMARKS OF MONROE COUNTY.
" It is a matter for congratulation by the tax payers of the entire county as well as the town of Brighton to know that one of the men who will occupy a seat in the next Board of Supervisors is A. Emerson Babcock, the nominee of the Republicans of the town of Brighton. His friends did a wise act, not only for their party, but for their town, when they induced him to emerge from the pursuits of private life and engage in the public affairs of the county. Mr. Babcock is one of the most respected and best known Republicans in his town, a large property holder and tax payer, and a man who is conversant with the government of the county."
At the close of his first term he was unanimously renominated and endorsed by the Democratic as well as the Republican caucuses and polled the votes of both par- ties. As a result of the new State constitution he is now serving out the second year of his second term. Mr. Babcock's efficient labors in the Board of Supervisors have given him a wide and favorable reputation and placed him among the leading benefactors of his time. Among his first and more noteworthy efforts was the orig- inating of a bill giving the county road system a trial. As a result the committee he named was appointed, but owing to the enormous expense involved it was obliged to report adversely. As a result of this agitation in this and other counties of the State a special committee was appointed by the State Legislature in the winter of 1895 to visit the States of Massachusetts and New Jersey and have hearings in dif- ferent towns in New York with a view of amending the highway law in such a man- ner as to afford some permanent improvement to roads in this State. When the matter was first introduced in the Board of Supervisors it created a lively interest throughout the county. A special committee was soon appointed by the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, which was represented in the discussions before the board by William C. Barry. John A. C. Wright, secretary of the State Road Reform League, was also present and took part. Of the committee first mentioned Mr. Babcock was chairman, and in that capacity he drafted the report of their visit to the celebrated roads in Camden and Burlington counties, N. J. It was dated December 19, 1894, adopted without alteration, and received by the press and people with manifest favor and approval, the Post Express having an especially good editorial and the Union and Advertiser not only publishing it in full, but printing also a portrait of its author. As a public document it was critical, exhaustive, able, and instructive. This same committee reported on the improvement of post roads in the spring of 1895 with equal credit and approval. In all these agitations Mr. Babcock has been a fore- most advocate of better highways, giving to the subject the results of patient study, the intelligence of a practical farmer, and the influence of a prominent, public spir- ited citizen. He has been recognized as the chief supporter of the good roads sys- tem throughout the county, while his position in the board has been that of an able leader.
He is also a prominent sportsman, and is now first vice-president of the Genesee Valley Fish and Game Protective Association and a member of the Rochester Rod and Gun Club. In the Board of Supervisors he staunchly upheld the observance of the game laws, and introduced a resolution authorizing the appointment of a special committee of three, whose duty it was to report as to the advisability of appointing special fish and game protectors under the new statutes. The resolution was carried, and upon the favorable report of the committee the protectors were named
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
and recommended to the State Fish Commission for appointment. This effort brought forth the following official declaration, dated June 22, 1895:
" The Genesee Valley Fish and Game Protective Association desire to thank its friends in the Board of Supervisors for their labors in the interest of game protec- tion, and especially Supervisor A. Emerson Babcock, who has been such a staunch advocate for the appointment of special protectors.
" FRANK J. AMSDEN, Secretary."
Mr. Babcock inherited his love for rural sports from his ancestors, who took much enjoyment in shooting and fishing. Taking a lively interest in game of all kinds he has labored earnestly and persistently in preserving it for legitimate pastimes.
His efforts for the general welfare have also been directed into other channels. When the annexation of Brighton village to the city of Rochester was seriously agi- tated he took an active part in defeating the project and defending the interests of the tax payers. At a public meeting in April, 1895, he made a stirring address, which had the popular approval. He has successfully looked after the rights of his constituents, and has always identified himself with the progress and advancement of not only his own town, but the entire county.
On August 1, 1889, he was married in Christ's Church, Rochester, to Miss Blanche Sias, daughter of Daniel B. Sias, of Ogden, Monroe county. They have had three children: William James, born December 28, 1890; Ralph Burger, born September 2, 1892; and Eleanor, born July 11, 1894.
OLIVER CRIPPEN.
PROMINENT among the earliest settlers of the town of Penfield, Monroe county, was Ashley Crippen, father of Oliver, the subject of this sketch, He was the second son and fourth child of Ezra Crippen, who was born in Massachusetts, February 1, 1745, and died March 3, 1813. Ezra Crippen was a Baptist minister in the Mohawk settlements, and married his cousin, Tabitha Crippen, whose birth occurred Decem- mber 21, 1749, and who died March 9, 1813. Their children were Tabitha, born March 16, 1770; Achsa, born June 15, 1772; Ransom, born June 27, 1776; Ashley, born February 1, 1780; Esther, born February 5, 1782; Bradley, born September 25, 1783; Clarissa, born September 13, 1785; Sally, born January 30, 1787; and New- man, born June 3, 1789. Ashley Crippen married Rebecca Winnie, and in 1808 emi- grated with his family to the Genesee country, settling on the farm in Penfield, Monroe county, now owned and occupied by Oliver Crippen's widow and her daugh- ter, Mrs. Clara (Crippen) Lane. At that time the country was an unbroken wilder- ness, and their pioneer home, a rude log cabin standing a few feet from the present dwelling, was in the midst of a dense forest, several miles from any other habitation. They were frequently annoyed by wild animals which infested the woods on all sides in large numbers, and in after years his wife, a true pioneer woman, related the story of often driving wolves from the door with brands of fire. The Indians also were frequent and sometimes unwelcome visitors. Mr. Crippen was a wheelwright by trade, and followed that occupation for many years in connection with his agri-
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LANDMARKS OF MONROE COUNTY.
cultural pursuits. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving at Buffalo on the Niagara frontier, and leaving his wife and two small children at home to look after the family's interests. After the war he resumed the work of clearing the farm and succeeded in accumulating a fair competency. He took a loyal interest in town affairs, and always bore the respect and esteem of his friends and neighbors. He died on the farm he had transformed from a wilderness, October 22, 1850. His wife, born March 6, 1784, survived until January, 29, 1874. Their children were Tabitha (Mrs. Isaac Merritt), Norton, Sally, (Mrs. Lucius Carter), and Oliver.
Oliver Crippen, the youngest child of Ashley and Rebecca (Winnie) Crippen, was born on the farm at Penfield upon which he spent his entire life, December 30, 1815. He inherited in full measure the thrifty characteristics of his Revolutionary ances- tors, his grandfather on his mother's side having been a soldier in the Revolutionary army. ' rom necessity his education was limited to the district schools of his native town, but by close observation and general reading he acquired a fund of information and was well posted upon current events. Endowed with a rugged physique he assisted and finally succeeded his father on the farm, and made it a home upon which he looked with laudable pride, as many of its improvements were the result of his individual labor. n February 8, 1838, he married Miss Mary, daughter of John C. Loomis, of Penfield, who survives him. 'They began their wedded life in the old log house on the Crippen homestead, where Mr. Crippen erected the present frame dwelling in 1847, in which he died December 20, 1888, a little more than eleven months after the appropriate celebration of their fiftieth wedding anniversary, being at that time the second oldest native of the town, his brother Norton being the oldest. He left two sons and a daughter: Heman N., of Henrietta; Henry N., of Penfield; and Clara (Mrs. Asher T. Lane), now living on the homestead. Mr. Lane was a soldier in Co. F, 3d N. Y. Cav., enlisting from Niagara county, and being promoted corporal. He came with his parents to the town of Penfield soon after 1870, and on May 27, 1879, was married to Miss Clara Crippen, who with an only daughter, Mary E .; survives him. He died March 19, 1891, aged forty-six.
Mr. Crippen was a man richly endowed by nature with qualities which mark the successful farmer and respected citizen. His greatest characteristic was an ardent love for home and all that word signifies. He took pride in continuing the labors of his pioneer father and cherished the fact that his was one of the oldest families in town. He was emphatically a self-made man. He steadily pursued the even course of a private citizen, yet he always manifested a lively interest in public and town affairs, in the progress and development of local education, and in the maintenance of religion. In politics he was first a Whig and then a Republican. He was gener- ous and kind to the poor, and always commanded the respect of all who knew him.
GEORGE SALMON.
GEORGE SALMON, one of the leading agriculturists of the town of Penfield, was born at Treswell, Woodhouse Farm, Nottinghamshire, England, April 18, 1831, and is a son of William and Mary (Parnham) Salmon, farmers. He received such edu- cation as boys of his class usually obtained at that period, but to this necessarily
Geo- Salmon.
Harvey, Miahen
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
limited knowledge of books he added continually a fund of varied information by closely observing the life with which he came in contact. Raised on the farm, he early developed a strong constitution and imbibed the habits of thrift and industry which have characterized his entire career. April 10, 1854, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Dunston, who was born at Leverton, Nottinghamshire, November 25, 1830. Two children, daughters, were born to them in England, viz., Mary (now Mrs. Charles E. Kelly, of Brighton), born at Leverton, July 17, 1855, and Annie (now Mrs. W. R. Corris, of Rochester), born at Hollinwood, Lancashire, March 31, 1857. With this family Mr. Salmon came to America in 1858 and settled in Brighton, Monroe county, where he followed the occupation of a farmer. With no no capital but native energy, perseverance and thrift, he entered upon the work of accumulating a com- petency and making a home. For the first few years he worked on salary. In 1863 he removed to the town of Penfield and for the first time engaged in farming for himself. Four years afterward he returned to Brighton, where he successfully fol- lowed the business of farming and market gardening until 1880, when he again came to Penfield and settled upon his present farm of 140 acres, about two miles northeast from the village.
Mr. Salmon has always devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits, and is recog- nized as one of the prominent farmers of the county. Attempting only what he could carry out, he has been eminently successful, a fact due entirely to his own efforts, and largely to his personal labor. As a farmer he has always made it a point to have all crops in rotation, thus keeping the soil up to its highest standard of fer- tility and cultivation. Politically he has for several years been identified with the Democratic party, though not in the sense of an office seeker or politician. In edu- cational matters he has always taken a keen interest, serving as trustee both in Brighton and Penfield, while in religion his means and support have assisted in sus- taining all churches irrespective of denomination.
To the family of two children previously mentioned, six more were added in Mon- roe county, namely: Sarah Jane (Mrs. Orin Loyd), of Penfield, born in Brighton, January 28, 1860; William Henry, a milk dealer in Rochester, born at Irondequoit, May 12, 1862; George Parnham, blacksmith and carriage-maker in Penfield village, born in Penfield, September 27, 1864; Charles Henry, a farmer of Penfield, born in Brighton, February 11, 1866; Frank Thomas, at home, born in Brighton, December 10, 1868; and Edward Grant, a grocer of Rochester, born in Brighton, June 24, 1872.
HARVEY WHALEN.
HARVEY WHALEN was born in Milton, Saratoga county, N. Y., December 22, 1809, being a son of Abel and Rebecca (Van Ostrand) Whalen, who were endowed with all the attributes of a race that, transmitted, qualified their children for successful careers. When a youth of fifteen he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, which he followed until he attained his majority. In 1835 he removed to Penfield, Monroe county, and settled on a farm of eighty acres in the northeast part of the town. His parents accompanied him here. Here the first few years were spent in obtaining a foothold as a farmer, and many were the incidents and accidents which interrupted
B
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LANDMARKS OF MONROE COUNTY.
his progress. With rare judgment and perseverance, however, coupled with an un- tarnished reputation, he finally succeeded in making a start. In 1848 he removed to his present farm, where his mother died March 2, 1855, and his father December 6, 1857, aged respectively sixty-nine years six months, and seventy-one years six months. This farm originally comprised sixty-six acres, to which fifty more were added in 1860, and contains one of the finest and most valuable apple orchards in the county. Mr. Whalen's judgment of land has never erred, as is evinced by his selec- tion of this property at a time when it was generally considered a poor investment. He has made it one of the finest farms in Western New York, taking great pains and sparing no expense to improve and beautify it, and erecting upon it commodious buildings and a handsome brick dwelling, the latter being built in 1875. Here at the age of eighty-six, living in comparative retirement, he is enjoying the accumulations of a well spent life-the fruits of a career replete with the labors incident to frugality, singleness of purpose, and constant perseverance.
Originally a Whig, Mr. Whalen has been a Republican since the formation of that party, but in no sense has he ever sought public preferment. He was for many years, however, commissioner of highways, holding that office during the construction of the first iron bridges in town. He was also overseer of the poor for some time, and was one of the originators of the old Penfield Plank Road, of which he was president and director. In these capacities he was often party to a suit at law, but never on his own account has he engaged in litigation. His career has been an eventful one, filled with hard labor, with successes and reverses; marked by a steady purpose, an unswerving adherence to convictions, by indomitable perseverance, and by the deeds of an honest, upright man. In 1840 he joined the Baptist church in Webster and for fifty-five years his attendance and support have been given to that denomination, his transfer to the Penfield Society occurring upon his removal to his present home. Conscientious to a fault he has ever sustained a reputation which posterity will re- spect, emulate and revere.
His first wife, Lucinda W. Watson, died June 2, 1854, aged forty, leaving two chil- dren : Henry V., of Chicago, Ill., and John B., of Sycamore, Ill. His present wife was Mrs. Sarah A. Wheeler, daughter of Philo Curtiss. Her maternal grandfather, Daniel Wilson, was the first occupant of Mr. Whalen's present farm, his settlement occurring March 4, 1806; his daughter Sally, mother of Mrs. Whalen, was born in Penfield in 1804 and died on this place October 10, 1879. Mr. Whalen's children by his second marriage are Charles C., H. Wilson, and Howard C. All reside at home and follow the example of their worthy father.
CHARLES S. WRIGHT.
FOREMOST among the older and more prominent residents of the town of Webster, Monroe county, is Charles S. Wright, who was born in Bennington, Wyoming county, N. Y., June 19, 1821. He descends from respected New England ancestry, whose sturdy and thrifty characteristics he inherits in full measure. His parents were Levi and Arathusia (Brigham) Wright, natives of New Hampshire, who emi-
Char S . Might
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
grated to Western New York at a very early day. Levi Wright was a soldier in the war of 1812, was taken prisoner at the battle of Fort Ticonderoga, and was ex- changed at Greenbush for an English trooper. At the time of his death he was in receipt of a pension, which now goes to his second wife, who was Esther Whitmore, and who resides in Illinois. Charles S. remained at home until he attained the age of thirteen, working on the farm summers and attending district school winters. At that time the mother died and the father moved to Webster, where he married again. Young Wright then commenced the work of taking care of the family, laboring by the month, obtaining such schooling as the leisure of winters afforded, and engaging in various business until he reached his majority. Prior to this he was for two years with Turner & Grant and Dyer, Hollister & Amon Bronson in the lumber business in Allegany county, devoting his whole time and energies to his employers and re- ceiving remunerative wages. Dependent as he was from a youthful age upon his own resources his education was necessarily limited to the common schools, but to- the knowledge he acquired there he persistently added a rich fund of general in- formation by reading, observation, and practical experience, and these habits have characterized his whole life. Meanwhile his father had returned to Wyoming county and subsequently removed to Bethany, Genesee county, and from there, in 1842, the family, including Charles S., emigrated to Somonauk, Ill., with a pair of horses, the journey occupying thirty-five days. They arrived on July 15, and the father re- mained, purchased land, and died in the possession of a handsome property at the age of seventy-four.
Charles S. Wright engaged in staging until November, 1842, when, on account of severe illness in the settlement and the extreme unhealthfulness of the place, he re- turned to New York State and settled permanently in the town of Webster, Monroe county. The first year he worked by the month. On October 3, 1844, he married Sabrina G. Robb, who for fifty-one years has been his faithful and efficient helpmeet. Reared a farmer and early inured to the arduous labors of a farmer's life, Mr. Wright has always followed agricultural pursuits. He has been eminently successful, a fact due solely to his indomitable perseverance, his unceasing activity, and his great business ability. In purchasing land his inflexible rule has been to never run in debt, and in this, applied also to other transactions, lies the secret and fundamental principles of his unqualified success. He settled on his present farm northeast of Webster village in 1849, and has made it one of the finest rural properties in the country, adorning it with substantial buildings, and prolific orchards.
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