Landmarks of Orleans County, New York, Part 73

Author: Signor, Isaac S., ed
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Syracuse : D. Mason
Number of Pages: 1084

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Mr. Bignall became a member of the Lockport Masonic Lodge in 1860 and has since taken all of the degrees conferred by the order in this country. He is a member of Genesee Commandery No. 10, K. T., of Lockport, and in politics is a Republican ; he would never accept public office. He was formerly a member of the Wesleyan M. E. church in Seneca Falls, and afterward of the Congregational church of Lockport.

On July 1, 1853, Mr. Bignall was married to Margaret Freeland, of Seneca Falls. They have had two children-Rose E., born in Tyre, and Angelia, born in Seneca Falls and died when two years old. The elder daughter married William Brockway Rob- bins, of Chicago, Ill., September 13, 1877, now the practical head of the Bignall Manufacturing Company.

Margaret Bignall, wife of Lemuel C., died in Seneca Falls December 29, 1888.

HON. EDMUND L. PITTS.

HON. EDMUND L. PITTS was born in the town of Yates on the 23d of May, 1839. His father, John M. Pitts, born in 1814, removed from Columbia county, N. Y., to Yates in 1838, and is now living a well preserved man, hale and hearty, in the town of Ridgeway near Medina; his wife, Mary A., died in 1873, aged fifty-five years. The father was first a farmer, but a few years after settling in this county engaged in business at Yates Center as a general merchant. He was very successful, and for several years carried on an extensive trade. He took a prominent part in affairs of the town, an active interest in the old Yates Academy, and in various ways contributed materially to the advance- ment and maintenance of both religion and education.

Surrounded by influences stimulating native energy, Edmund L. Pitts enjoyed only the advantages that usually fall to the lot of the average country lad, yet he improved every opportunity and succeeded in obtaining a good common school education, supple- mented by a few terms at Yates Academy. At a very early age he manifested an inclination for legal study and when twenty entered the law office of Hon. Sanford E. Church in Albion, where he enjoyed the tutelage and personal friendship of one of the

Edmund L. Pills

BIOGRAPHICAL.

leading members of the bar of Western New York. A few years afterward he became a student at the State National Law School at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., an institution long since discontinued, from which he was graduated and was admitted to the bar in 1860, when only tweaty-one years of age. In October of that year he began the practice of his profession in Medina with Adna Bowen, with whom he continued for eleven years. He then practiced alone two years, when he formed a partnership with John W. Graves, which was dissolved in 1876. The same year he became associated with Hon. Henry A. Childs, with whom he continued as a partner until 1886. Again he was alone for nearly two years, and since 1887 has been in partnership with Leon M. Sherwood.

From early life Mr. Pitts has always taken an active and a prominent part in politics, and since the age of twenty-one has rendered his party valuable service on the stump and in convention. He is an unswerving Republican and a man of eminent oratorical ability, and in every position to which he has been called he has served with distinction and rare fidelity. In 1864, when only twenty-five years of age, he was elected to the Assembly, which office he held by re-election for five successive terms. In 1867, when twenty-seven, he was chosen speaker, being the youngest man that ever occupied that position. In 1868 he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention that nom- inated General Grant for president, under whose administration he served for five years as assessor of internal revenue, or until the office was abolished. In 1884 he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention that nominated James G. Blaine for the presidency. In 1879, 1881, and 1885 he was elected to the State Senate, and during his last term was president pro tem. of that body. During the whole of his legislative career Mr. Pitts was active in debate and on various important committees. His voice was frequently heard on the floor and his speeches always commanded attention. In 1866, during the great fight for municipal reform in New York city, his unparalleled work in the Assembly was signally recognized by the Citizens' Association, who thanked him publicly and presented him with a handsome set of Appleton's Encyclopædia. At Saratoga in 1882 he made the speech renominating Hon. Alonzo B. Cornell for governor, which was commented upon by the press for and near as a superior effort. These are only a few of the numerous occasions which he has signalized by word and deed. He has frequently been called upon to represent his party in convention, and has filled every position with marked distinction. As a lawyer he ranks with the best in the State. Scholarly, thorough, and discriminating, he goes to the very bottom of a case, and never gives up until every resource is exhausted.

December 9, 1862, Mr. Pitts was united in marriage .with Una E., daughter of James O. Stokes, jr., of Lyndonville, and granddaughter of Rev. James O. Stokes, sr., one of the first rectors of the Episcopal church of Medina, of which he has for several years been a vestryman. They have an only daughter, Grace M. Mr. Pitts has ever been a liberal supporter of religion, contributing of both time and means towards the main- tenance of local denominations. He is thoroughly and prominently identified with village, town, and county affairs, and takes a foremost part in all that tends to the better- ment and advancement of society, education, and the home.

LANDMARKS OF ORLEANS COUNTY,

EDWARD DAVEY.

EDWARD DAVEY was the fourth of a family of nine children of John F. and Elizabeth (Millard) Davey, and was born in Theal, Parish of Wedmore, Somersetshire, England, February 5, 1814. Many of the family name, among whom was Sir Humphrey Davy,1 attained distinction on English soil and actively identified themselves with the affairs of their respective burghs. His grandfather, Edward Davy, died October 22, 1800. His grandmother was Hannah (Frapple) Davy, whose death occurred January 29, 1813. John F. Davey was born August 2, 1782, and his wife, Elizabeth Millard, on August 3, 1874. May, 8, 1830, they left England and arrived in New York city July 3, consum- ing eight weeks in making the voyage, the family consisting of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Davey, three daughters, and two sons, including our subject, Edward. The oldest daughter remained in England and an elder son had preceded them to America by one year. The family came up the Hudson River, thence by canal to Weedsport, and by wagon to Auburn, where they resided until the spring of 1831. Mr. Davey then pur- chased a farm of 100 acres three miles southwest from Skaneateles, N. Y., and in the fall returned to England to sell his property. The vessel in which he took passage was wrecked near the Azores Islands and he reached his native country only a short time before his daughter's death. Returning he found that the time for making the pay - ment on his farm had expired aud he was obliged to purchase another a little east of the village. He died there January 12, 1863 ; his wife's death occurred December 2, 1857.

Edward Davey was already inured to manual labor. With an energy born of youth- ful ambition he assisted in establishing his parents in their new home, but in December, 1832, having the future of himself and the family at heart, he left the parental roof and commenced a three years' apprenticeship at carriage making in Skaneateles with Seth and James Hall. In 1836 he went to New Haven, Conn., but returned in 1837, and from then until 1842 visited the larger cities east of the Mississippi as a journey- man. December 1, 1842, he formed a partnership with Richard Herendeen for the manufacture of carriages in Newport, N. Y., which continued until 1845. He then fol- lowed his trade in Penn Yan till 1849, when he came to Medina and purchased the in- terest of Cyrus G. Davis, of the firm of Davis & Bennett, carriage manufacturers, com- mencing business March 5, and making their first buggy for S. M. Burroughs. In the fall he bought out Mr. Bennett and became sole proprietor, and in 1853 he built a shop on the south side of Center street, which formed the nucleus of the present establish- ment. Mr. Davey increased his business from time to time, adding to it as circum- stances permitted, and became one of the most extensive manufacturers of carriages and buggies in Western New York.

As a business man Mr. Davy was shrewd, conservative, and honest. He was thor- oughly conversant with every detail and a good judge of perfect work. In all the re- lations of life he exerted a marked influence for the betterment of his fellow beings. In

1 Originally the name was spelled Davy, but upon the family's arrival in America the present form, Davey, was adopted .- EDITOR.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

the home, in society, in church, and in politics he was ever respected and highly esteemed, and as a citizen. neighbor, friend was always the kind hearted, indulgent gentleman. He was liberal to a fault, and benevolently inclined to all charitable objects, giving liberally of his means for every good cause. He had traveled extensively, not only all over the United States, Canada, Mexico and Alaska, over nearly the whole of Europe, first in 1878 and again in 1887. He died in Medina, where he resided since 1849, on August 29, 1894.

October 2, 1856, Mr. Davey married Harriet M. Clark Seeley, of Marcellus, N. Y., who had one daughter, Mrs. Allen W. Webber, of Syracuse, by her first husband. They had one son, Edward Humphrey Davey, who was born in Medina on March 15, 1859. Mrs. Davey died September 5, 1870. Edward H. Davey succeeded his father in business and continues the establishment, which he has managed about fifteen years. July 9, 1890, he married Susan Mae Dodsworth, of Buffalo, and has two children: Margaret Elizabeth, born January 17, 1892, and Edward Howard, born December 16, 1893. Mrs. Davey is a daughter of Charles and Margaret E. Dodsworth, of Buffalo.

HENRY A. BRUNER.

HENRY A. BRUNER was born in Danville, Pa. When a mere lad he removed with his parents, Jacob and Esther (Arwine) Bruner, to Yates county, N. Y., and upon their death commenced to learn the trade of harnessmaking. He had acquired a knowledge of rudimentary English in the common schools of those times, and after learning his trade he prepared himself for teaching. After teaching a number of terms he entered the State Normal School at Albany, and was graduated therefrom in 1847, and contin- ued teaching school several years. In 1856 he was appointed the first school commis- sioner of Yates county under the law creating that office, and the next year was elected to that position, which he held in all four and one-half years. He was eminently qualified for the office and filled it with distinguished ability.

In January, 1861, Mr. Bruner came to Albion, where he has since resided, and with his brother, David S., purchased the Orleans American of Andrews & Ray, taking possession January 17th. His brother's health failed, and July 1, 1868, he became sole editor and proprietor, in which capacity he has ever since continued. In 1871 he was appointed postmaster at Albion by President Grant, which position he held four and one-half years. In 1880 he was a delegate to the Republican National convention that nominated James A. Garfield for president, and under Harrison's administration was special inspector of customs.

Mr. Bruner has always been true and faithful to his party and friends, and has ever stood by them in all changes of successes and defeats. He has always sustained and advocated all Republican nominations, whether they were, individually, such men as he would place on the ticket or not. This he has done, as his whole career as an editor has shown, with an eye single to the success at all times of the Republican party, be- lieving that its success was uniformly for the prosperity and glory of the country. He

LANDMARKS OF ORLEANS COUNTY.

is a very shrewd judge of men, of their abilities and influence, and has always been solicitous of securing the nomination and election of those whom he judged could exert the most influence toward the welfare of his party. His paper, the American, under his able management, has uniformly pursued a dignified, conservative, and honorable course with reference to all public measures and to his friends and opponents as well, and he has been recognized as a high-minded advocate of good morals, thorough public education, and wholesome literature. His abilities and services, he has the satis- faction of knowing, have been recognized in the highest quarters by the active and responsible leaders of the party. He has enjoyed the confidence of and been frequently consulted by such eminent statesmen as the late Roscoe Conklin and President Arthur, and others, who considered his journal one of the most influential papers published in the interior of the State. In addition to his other labors he has always taken a warm interest in promoting the welfare and prosperity of the town and county in which he lives, and in sustaining all laudable measures for their general good.

In October, 1852, Mr. Bruner was married at Starkey, Yates county, to Jerusha Maria Pierce, who died February 1, 1865. In September, 1866, he was married, second, to Sarah S. Smith, of Albion. His only surviving child is Lizzie, the wife of Dr. John E. Sutton, a practicing physician of Albion village.

A. WILSON SHELLEY.

A. WILSON SHELLEY was born in the town of Gaines, about one-half mile west of his present residence, on the 27th of July, 1837. The family spring from English ancestry, three brothers of the name coming from that country to America more than 150 years ago. One settled in Maryland, one near Saratoga, N.Y., and the other in the South. His grandfather, Aaron Shelley, emigrated from Washington county, N. Y., to Gaines in 1812, settling where the Widow Montrose now lives. He was a skilled mechanic, a farmer and a general dealer, and erected on Otter Creek the first saw mill in the town, " and also built and kept the pioneer tavern on what is now the Whipple farm. His wife was Mary Wood, and their children were : Eunice, Nathan, Betsey, Amasa, Lucy, Ambrose, Mary, and Laura, of whom only the last named is living. She was born in 1810 and resides in Eagle Harbor. Amasa Shelley was born in Washington county May 26, 1801, came to Gaines with his parents in 1812, and died here November 21, 1868. He was a millwright, a good mechanic, and a farmer, and with a Mr. Noble built at West Gaines the first cider mill in town. With him also he placed in operation for George Kuck at Kuckville, in Carlton, the first run of stone for grinding in the county. Ile married, first, September 7, 1828, Sylvia, daughter of Nehemiah Pratt, of Gaines. She died January 31, 1834, and he married for his second wife, August 11, 1834, Ann, daughter of David Wilson, of Orange county, by whom he had five chil- dren : Sylvia A. (Mrs. Seth Jones), of Kendall; A. Wilson, Solomon A., of Gaines ; George W., of Barre; and William Henry, of Gaines. Mrs. Amasa Shelley died January 21, 1892. One of her brothers served in the war of 1812.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

A. Wilson Shelley was educated in the district schools of his native town and finished in the academies of Yates and Albion. He then engaged in teaching winters and working on the farm summers, avocations he followed until September 1, 1862, when he enlisted in Company D, 151st N. Y. Vol. Inf., as a private. Going to the front with his regiment, he participated in all its engagements, notably the battles of Locust Grove, Monocacy, the Wilderness, and Spottsylvania, and at Cold Harbor, on June 1, 1864, was severely wounded just below the knee. In the mean time he had been promoted corporal, and after lying several months in the hospitals of Judiciary Square at Wash- ington, Fort Schuyler in New York city, and the General Hospital in Buffalo, he was honorably discharged as corporal December 21, 1864, on account of the gunshot wound he had received, upon the consolidation of the regiment. Returning home he was State census enumerator of Gaines in 1865 and in the fall of that year went to Missouri, where he remained eighteen months, ten of which were employed in teaching school. He again returned to Gaines, purchased the farm he still owns near Kenyonville, and taught school two or three winters. He followed this latter vocation in all fourteen terms. He has always been a farmer, and has also been engaged more or less in deal- ing in produce. He settled on his present farm, two miles west of Gaines village, in 1883.

Mr. Shelley has ever been thoroughly identified with the affairs of his native town and county, and in various capacities has always merited the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens. He is a staunch Republican, giving his party his unqualified sup- port. In the fall of 1889 he was elected sheriff of Orleans county and served a term of three years with signal credit and ability. He in a member of the County Agri- cultural Society, of Renovation Lodge No. 97, F. & A. M., of Albion, of Albion Lodge No. 67 A. O. U. W., and of Bates and Curtis Post, G. A. R., of Albion village.

April 16, 1872, Mr. Shelley was united in marriage with Miss Marietta L., eldest daughter of Moses and Marietta (Dolley) Broadwell, of Gaines. Moses Broadwell, son of Aaron and Sarah (Seeley) Broadwell, was born in Plattsburg, N. Y., October 17, 1812. Aaron was a native of New Jersey and one of a family of three sons. He had twelve children, of whom ten attained maturity. [Moses Broadwell removed with his parents to St. Lawrence county, N, Y., and came thence to Gaines about 1834. He was a sawyer, which business he followed until about 1840, when he purchased the farm now occupied by Mrs. Nahum Fish. He subsequently resided on other farms in the town and died where Mr. Shelley now lives July 12, 1883. His wife's death occurred September 8, 1867. Their children are: Mrs. Shelley, above mentioned, and Sarah Evelyn (Mrs. Horace Street), of Dixon, Ill., who has three children : Lester Chapin, Horace Broadwell, and Marietta Louisa.]

CAPT. RELLY MADISON TINKHAM.

CAPT. RELLY MADISON TINKHAM is a son of Relly Madison, sr., and Chloe (Grinnell) Tinkham," and was born in the southwest part of the town of Barre March 5, 1826. His father was a son of Capt. Daniel Tinkham and was born in the central part of

LANDMARKS OF ORLEANS COUNTY.

this State in 1800. There he married his wife, who was also a native of that section, and about 1820 removed to Barre, where he died in November, 1826. His widow afterward became the wife of John Gale, moved to Michigan, and died there Decem- ber 29, 1876. The children of Relly M. Tinkham, sr., were: Stephen W., who died in Michigan, and Relly M., our subject. The parents possessed sterling traits of character, and shed an elevating influence throughout the pioneer settlement. The mother was a devout Free Will Baptist, and both were liberal supporters of all religious and educa- tional enterprises.

Capt. Relly M. Tinkham, the son, being left fatherless at the infant age of six months, was raised in the family of his mother's sister, Mrs. Weston Wetherbee, in Barre. His early life was characterized by struggles with adversity, yet his native energy and indomitable perseverance enabled him to overcome all obstacles. Limited in circumstances and early deprived of paternal counsel, his education was necessarily confined to the district schools, but by close application and systematic reading he acquired a practical knowledge of the elementary English branches. At the age of twenty-three he engaged in business for himself as a farmer, which he followed un- interruptedly until 1856, being also to a considerable extent a dealer in and shipper of live stock. In that year he sold his farm and moved to Barre Center, where he has since resided. He purchased the lumber, stave, heading and shingle mill of Crane & Noble, which he conducted till about 1866, employing at times from ten to fifteen men.

July 21, 1862, Mr. Tinkham enlisted as a private, and through Hon. Sanford E. Church was appointed captain of Company C, 129th N.Y. Vol. Inf., under Col. Peter A. Porter. At this time his business required his individual attention, but his great patriotism and the earnest solicitation of friends impelled him to offer his services. He had been active in filling the town's quota, giving liberally of both time and means to aid in suppression of the rebellion. Arriving at the front about the 24th of August, Captain Tinkham's regiment was placed on garrison duty at Baltimore, having charge of hospitals and Forts McHenry, Federal Hill, and Marshall, and being soon afterward transferred by designation to the 8th N.Y. Heavy Artillery. During his army career he had charge of the transfer of hundreds of prisoners and on one occasion transported 250 rebel officers from Baltimore to Fort Delaware, between which points he also volunteered to take 1,250 prisoners after his resignation had been accepted. In March, 1863, he was taken seriously ill, and, after several weeks' sickness, was forced to resign, and on July 8th was honorably discharged for permanent disability.

Meanwhile, Captain Tinkham had carried on his mill business at Barre Center, and after his return from the army continued it until about 1866, when he sold out to Tice, Tent & Co., and resumed farming. He followed that until 1884, when he permanently retired and since 1885 has occupied his present attractive home.

In a public sense Captain Tinkham has been especially prominent. He was town clerk and highway commissioner of Barre (then including also Albion) each eight years almost continuously. In politics he was originally a staunch Republican, but since the nomination of Hon. John P. St. John for president he has been actively and prominently identined with the Prohibition party, being its nominee in the falls of 1890 and 1894 for member of Assembly. He is a life member of the New York State and

BIOGRAPHICAL.

Orleans County Agricultural Societies, a member of Renovation Lodge No. 97, F. & A. M., of Albion, since 1864, and of Orleans Chapter No. 175, R. A. M., since 1867, mem- ber of Curtis (now Bates & Curtis) Post- No. 114, G. A. R., several years, and one of the organizers and first directors of the Orleans County Mutual Fire Insurance Com_ pany. For almost eighteen years Captain Tinkham has been officially connected with the Independent Order of Good Templars, holding all the chairs of the local lodge and several of those of the county and State organizations. He has been a member, by representation, of the Grand Lodge of the State for seventeen years, and of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the world nearly twelve years, being one of the board of managers of the first named body three years. He has several times been chosen county chief templar.

January 1, 1848, Captain Tinkham was married to Lucina Adelaide, daughter of Lucius and Fanny (Griswold) Allis, of Barre. Lucius Allis came to this town from Massachusetts about 1822 and located the farm on which his youngest son, Elliott E. Allis, now resides. He returned and married Fanny Griswold, of Vermont, and settled permanently on his purchase about 1823, where they lived and died.

VOLNEY A. ACER.

VOLNEY A. ACER was born at Pittsford, Monroe county, N. Y., November 18, 1818, the eldest son of David Adams and Sarah (Post) Acer. His father was a native of Hadley, Mass., and the son of Willi im Acer, who with his wife, Dorothy Adams (a mem- ber of the celebrated Adams family, which has given so much value to our country, and nearly related to John Adams, the second president of the United States), who was born at Montpelier, Vt., settled in Monroe county, N. Y., about three miles south of Pittsford, in 1790, upon land deeded to him by the Seneca Indians and subsequently endorsed by Phelps & Gorham, the agents of the Holland Company.

Another of the four sons of William Acer, John, built a hotel and for many years kept the first line of stages running between Canandaigua and Pittsford.

A third member of this family, now Mrs. M. J. Acer Fisher, of Rochester, still owns the family homestead at Pittsford, under the spreading branches upon which estate the numerous descendants and connections held centennial re-union in 1890.

After receiving the benefit of the district schools Volney A. Acer gave his attention to farming and real estate operations until his marriage, a few months after which, the decision having been reached that they would locate upon property in Orleans county purchased a short time before, during the fall of 1854, with his bride beside him, he drove to Shelby and built near the banks of the Oak Orchard Creek the house in which for nearly forty years the gradually increasing family made a happy home. In 1866 he erected a steam mill at Shelby Center and commenced the manufacture of staves and heading, a business which increased so rapidly that in 1869 it was esteemed advisable to remove the buildings to Medina, where, alongside the canal, the business has since been successfully carried on. Despite the demands made upon his attention by the mill and

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Landmarks of Orleans County, New York, Part 73

Author: Signor, Isaac S., ed Publication date: 1894 Publisher: Syracuse : D. Mason Number of Pages: 1084

Author: Signor, Isaac S., ed
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Syracuse : D. Mason
Number of Pages: 1084