Landmarks of Rensselaer county, New York, pt 2 - 3, Part 25

Author: Anderson, George Baker
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason & Co.
Number of Pages: 1424

USA > New York > Rensselaer County > Landmarks of Rensselaer county, New York, pt 2 - 3 > Part 25

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

FAMILY SKETCHES.

the M. E. church began at a very early date, and almost from the beginning he has been called to various positions of responsibility, trustee twenty-five years, and class leader thirty years, and one of the building committee. He married Betsey Arvilla Reynolds, daughter of Lyman Reynolds, of Petersburgh. One son was born to them in 1855 but died in infancy.

Stroud, Mrs. Harriet L .- Mrs. Stroud was born in Bennington, Vt., the daughter of Anthony Breese, who was born in Hoosick and most of his life was spent there on a farm. Her paternal grandfather came from Holland and settled at Greenbush, N. Y. Several descendants of his family are residents of the southern part of Hoosick. Charles E. Stroud, who died here in 1888, had been for a number of years one of the foremost men of the place. The law firm was Strond & Whitcomb until 1884 when George E. Green became Mr. Stroud's partner. Mr. Stroud was noted for legal ability and integrity and public spirit as well. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank here and, while never seeking publie office, was always interested in the public well being. He was of Stamford birth, and a graduate of Williams College.

Reynolds, A. Olin, born in Hoosiek, April 20, 1863, is the younger son of the late Hon. Gideon Reynolds, an ex congressman, who died July 13, 1896, at eighty-three years of age, and whose public life with relation to Rensselaer county affairs will be found elsewhere detailed. The wife of Gideon Reynolds, now deceased, was Julia Richmond of landmark family. They were married in 1815 and she bore him seven children, of whom four are living now: Josiah Reynolds of Marquette, Mich. ; Anna R., Mareus T., a banker of North Adams, and A. Olin Reynolds. The handsome old homestead at Iloosick has been in the possession of the Reynolds family since 1836, when Thomas Reynolds, the father of Gideon, settled here.

Quackenbush, John B. V., is the elder son of Benjamin V. Quackenbush, a well preserved landmark of Hoosick, born in 1811, who was a son of John Quackenbush, a descendant of an old Holland family. They first settled in New York city, and the family spread to Albany, thence to Iloosick. The mother of John B. V., the late Helen Armitage Quackenbush, died in 1895, aged seventy-three. She was a repre- sentative of a prominent family, her father, James Armitage, having married one of the daughters of Garrett Lake, who came from New Jersey about 1790 and settled at White Creek. Mr. Quackenbush has in his possession several silver souvenir spoons made from knee buckles worn in the Revolution by John Lake, an ancestor of the Armitages, and an old Dutch painting from Holland, 200 years old, represent- ing a Bible scene, also a land patent given by George the Third of England to James Lake and four others for 5,000 acres of land, dated December 24, 1761, and bearing the great seal of George III. Mr. Quackenbush was born in 1850 at Iloosick and his boyhood was spent on the old homestead. He has always engaged in farming. He married in 1890 Marian R. Wilder of this place. They are members of the Pres- byterian church. Mr. Quackenbush is identified with the Republican party.

Reynolds, A. E., a most prominent man of Hoosick, has been a resident here forty-two years. Ile came to this place in 1858 and purchased nearly 300 acres of land near Hoosick and has a wide acquaintance in the county, having taken an act- ive part in its political affairs. He is an ardent Republican and served as town asses-

LANDMARKS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

sor many years. He was a colonel of militia before the war, and raised a company of fifty men, called the " Mountain Guard." He was born at Petersburgh in 1812, son of Elijah Reynolds, also a native of that place. The family came from Rhode Island. His grandfather, William, was one of the first coroners here Mr. Rey- nolds in early life taught school, then was a merchant in his native town for eight years conducting a general store. Ilere he married in 1842 Mary R. Knowlton, who died in 1892 leaving four children: Harriet Elizabeth, wife of Livingstone Quackenbush of Le Seaur, Minn. ; Harlan, a prominent man of Washington, lowa; William H., who died in 1876; Jennie L., wife of Dyke Quackenbush of Hoosick; Fremont A., born in 1856, who has never married but remained with his aged father to support and cheer his declining years.

Woolley, Marsden, though born at Edmeston, Otsego county, in 1818, has spent most of his life in Hoosick. Ile was but a child when he came to Walloomsac to live with his grandfather, Nathaniel Barnet, a Scotchman and soldier of the Revolution. Mr. Woolley was reared in thuis home on the site of the battleground of Bennington, and educated at Poultney, Vt. He inherits the scholarly attainments for which his ancestors were distinguished, and is recognized as a man of superior intellectual attainments. His father, Fitzgerald Woolley, was of English and Quaker descent. Hle was a farmer and once a resident of Walloomsac, but later went West and died in Illinois. Marsden married in 1853 Lydia Milliman of Salem, Washington county. Ile is politically a Republican. In the M. E. church he is a faithful and consistent member.

Gooding, Mrs. Seymour .- In 1894 Hoosick was called upon to mourn the death of one of her most prominent and influential men, Mr. Seymour Gooding. He was active in political life and identified with every interest of the town. He was well informed upon all legal questions, and a kind and safe counsellor to the many who sought his advice. Farming he followed extensively and was also a speculator in cattle, sheep and wool. This is not his native town as he was born at Hartford, Washington county, but he came here when a child. His wife, who survives him, was Marcia A. Milliman, daughter of Halsey Milliman of Salem, Washington county, whom he married in 1859. He served as postmaster eight years at North Hoosick. His son Elmer was also postmaster four years. The latter resided at home taking charge of the several farms since the death of his father, At the age of fifteen years he entered the Rutland R. R. station and remained fourteen years as ageut.

Parker, Joseph W., was born in Schaghticoke, April 14, 1853. He is a son of Joseph and Mary (Wren) Parker, both of whom were born in England, he August 17, 1817, and she, February 22, 1819. They came to Waterford about 1845 and in a short time to Schaghticoke, where he was a manufacturer of shoe thread until a few years of his death, which was March 1, 1871, and his wife on September 26, 1882. They had a family of four children: Sarah, born November 17, 1841; Ann, born December 29, 18-13; Mary E., born April 17, 1848; and Joseph W., who went to school until the age of seventeen years, and then learned the tinsmith trade, and came to Valley Falls in August of 1879, purchased the property he now owns and engaged in the hardware business, in which he has been very successful. December 26, 1877, he married Elizabeth Cannon, of Schaghticoke, by whom he had three chil-

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dren: Mary E., Nina J. (deceased), and Joseph W., jr. Mr. Parker has been collector for two years of the town of Pittstown, and was elected supervisor of said town in 1896. Ile is a member of Victor Lodge No. 680, F. & A. M.

Cottrell, Charles C., was born in Iloosick, July 5, 1827. He was a son of Nathaniel and Emma (Booth) Cottrell, he born in Rhode Island and she in Pittstown, N. Y. Ilis grandfather was Samuel Cottrell, one of the pioneers of Hoosick, eoming with an ox team from Rhode Island. He died in Hoosick January 7, 1813. His wife, Hul- dah (Southwick) was born in 1765 and died in Iloosick January 7, 1833. On the maternal side his grandfather was Samuel Booth, who for about thirty years was a schoolmaster in Pittstown and was known as Master Booth; his wife was Rebecca Gurney; he served in the Revolutionary war and for six months was a prisoner in the old Sugar House in New York, and so starved his parents did not recognize him. Ile died August 15. 1837, aged seventy-sis, and his wife in 1836, at the same age. The father of Mr. Cottrell was a farmer and carpenter. He was commissioner of highways of the town of Hoosick for many years, and was one of the builders of the old fashioned bridges; he removed to White Creek in 1835 and was assessor several terms; he died June 25, 1843, aged eighty years. His wife died April 25, 1845, aged forty-five years. Charles C. Cottrell was reared on a farm and educated in Hoosick and White Creek and at Ball Seminary. He has always followed farm- ing and lived in White Creek from the time he was eight years old until 1883, when he came to Pittstown and bought the farm known as the Francis Ingraham place. He is the man who preserved the Delaine Merino fattening breed of sheep, when was originated by G. C. and E. C. Olin of White Creek. Ile has been a breeder of sheep for forty-eight years. Mr. Cottrell was for two years (1872, 1879) supervisor and one year town clerk of White Creek. October 18, 1852, he was married to Eunice F. Fisher, a native of White Creek and daughter of David and Juliet (Perry) Fisher, both of whom were born and died in White Creek. To Mr. and Mrs. Cottrell were born six children: H. Edgar, born August 23, 1853, died November 10, 1893; David F., born September 25, 1855, and died February 6, 1858; Agnes L., born August 27, 1858, died November 11, 1893; Evvie J., born September 19, 1862, and died September 17, 1866; Clarence, born December 17, 1864, died September 20, 1866; Nathaniel. born June 7, 1868. The latter was educated in the common schools and Troy Busi- ness College, and is a farmer and has charge of his father's farm. December 27, 1894, he was married to Ruth J. Eldred, bern in Hoosick, daughter of Francis and Eunice (Bulson) Eldred of Hoosick and Grafton. They have one son, Walter E., born November 7, 1895. Mr. Cottrell owns 175 acres in Pittstown; also two farms in White Creek, one of 200 and the other of 145 acres. These farms are stocked with over 200 head of Delaine Merino fattening sheep, cach of which are owned by the ocenpants thereof, to-wit: Son, Nathaniel Cottrell, 2nd, Post-office, Johnsonville, N. Y. ; daughter-in-law, Lucina E. Cottrell, Post-office, Eagle Bridge, N. Y. ; son-in- law, Henry R. Perry, Post-office, Eagle Bridge, N. Y. There are other flocks in the vicinity of Eagle Bridge. They had a good California sale but adverse legislation has spoiled it. These sheep compete well with any brought to the fair.

Pinkham, James E., was born in Biddeford, in the State of Maine, in 1817. He finished his education at Thornton Academy, Saco, Maine, and became a cotton and afterward a woolen cloth manufacturer for many years. In 1839 he married Sarah C.

LANDMARKS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

Brock of Strafford, N. H. ; they had four children, two sons and two daughters: Ed- ward E., Helen F., Nettie M. and Herbert B. The family resided in Maine and New Hampshire until 1866, when they eame to the State of New York. Edward E. is located at Schaghticoke, doing a general insurance business as resident agent of a number of the leading insurance companies. Helen F. married George F. Mallard of Laconia, N. H. ; they have one daughter, S. Florence. Nettie M. married John T. Busiel of the same place; they have one daughter, Helen I. Herbert B. married Alice G. Vandenburg of Schaghticoke; they had two children, a son and a daughter, J. Edwin and Sarah E. Herbert B. Pinkham died in the year 1881. Edward E. was a soldier of the late war, serving as adjutant of the 15th New Hampshire Vols. at Port Hudson and other places in Lonisiana. He was honorably discharged in August, 1863, and is a member of Hartshorn Post No. 487, G. A. R., of Schaghticoke, depart- ment of New York. He has been commander three terms, and is serving his fourth term as quartermaster. James E. Pinkham's father, Israel, was born in Madbury, near Dover, N. II., in the year 1781. He married Hannah Gilpatrick of Biddeford, Me. They had four children, three sons and one daughter: James E. ; Albert, who died at the age of twenty-seven; Prentice, who died at the age of twenty-six; and Elizabeth, who died at the age of seventeen. Mr. Israel Pinkham died in 1845, and his wife in 1854. Mrs. James E. Pinkham died in 1880. James E. Pinkham has been president of the board of trustees of the Presbyterian church of Schaghticoke for twenty-three years, and is also church treasurer. The ancestry of the family is English and Scotch.

Haynes, William, is a representative of an old historical family whose lineage is traced directly to the Boston family of that name, The origin of this family in America is due to three brothers; Aaron Haynes was the great-great-grandfather and John Haynes the grandfather of Aaron J. Haynes, the father of William; the former was a farmer and blacksmith by occupation, and was an ordained Baptist minister; he could also lay claim to some talent for military skill, as he won some distinction at the battle of Bennington. John Haynes was a farmer and a great Baptist exhorter, and he also held the office of justice of the peace several terms. Aaron J. Haynes was a native of Iloosick and by occupation a farmer. William Hlavnes was born in 1529 at Hoosick. N. Y. He spent his boyhood on the old home- stead with his father, and after a year in the lumber business in New York city and four years in the gold mines of Califorma, he returned in 1856 and purchased the old homestead and began farming. His love for fancy stock led him to the breeding of Durham cattle and Merino sheep, in which he was successful, competing with such breeders as Vail of Troy and Fonda of Hoosick, and securing his share of prizes at the different fairs of the county. His flock of sheep at one time numbered 900, In 1867 he sold his fancy cattle and sheep and engaged in making gilt edge creamery butter, in which he was also successful, having a large demand for his butter at fancy prices. His herd of cows numbered ninety-four. He utilized his sour milk in fatten- ing hogs, killing over 300 annually for market. Hle built the first and largest silo in his town, and among the first and largest in the county. He purchased from 15 to 20 - carloads of grain annually to feed his stock in connection with his ensilage. All corn fed swine was steamed in large vats made for that purpose, which made fine pork and brought extra prices and ready sales. On account of failing health caused by

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FAMILY SKETCHES.

overwork he sold his herd in 1886 and ceased farming. He was elected supervisor of his town in 1859 and 1860 by the Democratic party, and in 1864 he cast his first vote as a Republican for General Grant, and has remained a Republican to date. He was sent as delegate to the Republican State convention at Utica in 1884, at Roch- ester in 1888 and at Saratoga in 1894. He has always been active in politics, and as one of the leaders of his party his influence was of no minor importance, The year of his return from California to Hoosick he married Blendina Dudley Armstrong, a daughter of Prosper M. Armstrong, a prominent and resident physician, She died in 1895 after about forty years of wedded life, leaving five children: Frances, born in 1856; Aaron J., born in 1859; Sarah K., born in 1863; Hattie R., born in 1864; William P., born in 1866. His eldest son, Aaron J., has always resided at the old homestead with his parents, and for several years past has had full charge and con- trol of the farm and has been of invaluable service. His youngest son, William P., was engaged as clerk by Wallace, Jones & Ely, now Jones, Parsons & Co., merchants at Hoosick Falls, at the age of fourteen, and has remained in their employ as such ever since. flis three daughters have each had a share in and faithfully performed their part of all household duties, thereby making the home pleasant and comfort- able.

Bovie, Mrs. Jane, is the daughter of Jacob M. Stover, of Pittstown, whose ances- tors were from Dutchess county. She is a women of culture and refinement upon whose shoulders time steps lightly. It is a pleasure to be her guest and enjoy her generous hospitality, Her husband, Sanford Bovie, died in 1875. He was a native of this town, born in 1821, son of Henry Bovie, whose ancestors were descendants of the Holland Huguenots, who were compelled to leave France because of oppression, They were married in 1857. She has one son. Charles S. Bovie, born in 1861, now a resident of Hoosick:

Eldred, Mrs. P. L., is the widow of the late P. L. Eldred, and the mother of four bright children: Gracie, Carrie Belle, May E. and Frankie, She was before her marriage in 1871, Frances I. Percy, daughter of the late Daniel W. Percy, a farmer and extensive sheep raiser of North Hoosick Ile was a well known and much hon- ored citizen, and his death in ISS8 was deeply mourned. His widow who still sur- vives him was Caroline Burgess, daughter of Nation Burgess of Hoosick, whom he married in 1817. He left another daughter, Alice, wife of Edward Pratt of North Adams. Mr. Eklred vondneted the hotel at North Hoosick six years, and was famous as a horse breaker and trainer.

Frazier, James A., one of the most prominent men of the town of Hoosick, began life at the foot of the ladder. His father, James A. Frazier, a Scotchman, died when he was but a child, and he was thus early thrown upon his own resources. He was borne at Shelburne Falls, Vt., and came to White Creek, Washington county, in 1861. Here he acquired his education by laboring as an employe on the farm through the summer and attending school winters, at last teaching during the winter seasons. After nine years of much labor he became store manager for R. Carpenter & Co.'s factory store, where he remained fifteen years, when they went out of busi- ness. Ile is now dealer in pressed hay, etc., and owns two large farms of 400 acres, and is also largely engaged in lumber business. Although an ardent Democrat, he

LANDMARKS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

will not accept any public service. Mr. Frazier has been twice married, first in 1871 to Anna Dailey of White Creek, who died in 1888. Of her six children four survive her. ITis second marriage was with Mrs. Nora MeEnry of Cambridge, N. Y. He is a member of the R. C. church.

Fox, William E., M. D., has been a practicing physician at North Hoosick since 1899, where he began his life work after graduating from the Albany Medical Col- lege. Ile has given untiring devotion to his calling and enjoys the unqualified con- fidence and esteem of the profession and the public. He has acted as town physician and health officer both one year. In politics he takes an active interest and belongs to the Republican party. Dr. Fox was born in Tomhannock, N. Y., in 1857, a descendant of a family noted for longevity. His father, a Methodist clergyman, was barn near London. He came to America at eighteen years of age and at once studied for the ministry. He died in 1891 at the advanced age of eighty-nine years, having been forty five years in the ministry. Dr. Fox took a classical course at Fort Edward before entering the medical college in 1879. He married in 1891 Sylvia M. Niles, of White Creek, N. Y. They have one son, Walter R.

Webster, A. II., a prominent and successful farmer of the town of Hoosick, had a tendency to follow that vocation by inheritance and taste, as his father, Alvah H. Webster, was also a farmer during the greater period of his business life. The latter was thrown on his own resources when nine years of age, and stood a conspicuous specimen of the selfmade man until his death in 1884. He conducted the North Hoosick hotel for a time and the old Pheonix hotel, and was afterward agent for the Walter A. Wood Co. He ably served his town in holding public offices, and was supervisor for five years. Mr. Webster was born here in 1849 and educated here and at Mills school, Williamstown, Mass, Ile was village trustee two years, and overseer of the poor for two terms. He married Helen M. Wilcox of this town. Five children are the issue of this marriage.

Ilines, John, was born in Ireland, September 12, 1839, and came to the United States when he was seven years old. His mother being dead, they first located in Easton, Washington county, N. Y., where the boy attended school two winters. Ile afterwards attended school in the town of Schaghticoke, and then again in Easton, where he resided for some time. August 11, 1862, he enlisted in Co. 1, 123d N. Y. Vols. This regiment was assigned for duty to the Army of the Potomac. Mr. lines took part in all the engagements with his regiment, including Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. After this battle they were transferred to the Army of the Cumber- land, and were with General Sherman in his glorious march to the sea. In Atlanta Mr. Ilines, in helping to take down a building, was injured severely by a timber falling on his head. He was in the field hospital afterwards in New Albany, Ind., and when convalescent obtained a thirty-day furlough, which was extended thirty days. Ile was honorably discharged June 26, 1865. November 11, 1868, he married Mary A. Gokling of Easton; they had four children: Mary E., Anna, John, jr., and Carrie E., deceased. Mary E. married Charles Rinehart of Washington county, N. Y. Anna married Garret Van Vrankin of Saratoga county, N. Y. ; they have one son, John Chester. Mr. Hines is a member of Hartshorn Post, G. A. R., department of New York. The ancestry of the family was Irish on both sides.

FAMILY SKETCHES.

Baker, Lorenzo, was born in the village of Schaghticoke, August 28, 1826. Hle was educated in the public schools, at Greenwich Seminary and at Manchester Seminary, Vermont. Ile was employed in Troy for six years, and afterwards was a merchant tailor and clothier in the village for forty-four years up to 1896, and is still carrying on the business. October 20, 1859, he married Matilda 11., daughter of the Rev. Hiram Dunn, then of Saratoga county. They had one son, Alfred C., who is a student at Mechanieville, Saratoga county, N. Y. Mr Baker's father, Ezekiel, was born in the town of Pittstown in 1995, was educated in and graduated from Will- iams College, Massachusetts. Ile was an eminent physician by profession. Ile married Harriet Bryan of this place. They bad six sons: David B., Charles, Rob- ert P., Lorenzo, William II., and John E. Ezekiel Baker organized the first Sunday school in connection with the First Presbyterian church in this place, and was elder and truustee of that church and clerk of the board of sessions until he died. Ile practiced medicine here for fifty-one years and died in 1866; his wife died in 1872. lle was a thorough abolitionist, and his house was a station on the underground railway to Canada. Mr. Baker's mother's great-grandfather, Ezra Bryan, had a brother, Alexander, who was a scout and spy under General Gates in the Revolu- tionary war. Ezra Bryan was born in 1740; Ins son David was born in 1767. Alex- ander, son of David was born in 1791, by second wife, so we find that his mother, Harriet Bryan, was the daughter of the fifth generation of Ezra Bryan. Ezekiel Baker enlisted in the Ist New York Mounted Rifles, served during the war, and was honorably discharged. The ancestry of the family was New England stock on both sides.

Wiley, Frederick (deceased), was born in the town of Pittstown, this county, April 24, 1833. Ile was educated in the common schools, Fort Edward Institute and Char- lotteville Seminary. Ile taught school four terms; in early life he devoted his time to farming. March 27, 1861, he married Ilester M. Baucus of Schaghticoke; they had three children: William E., Clara M. and Frederick, who died when six years of age. William E. married Esther, adopted daughter of Dr. D. W. Tarbell of this town and village. Clara M. married Rev. John II. Colernan, who is now presiding elder of the Albany district. Mr. Wiley came to reside in this village in 1874 and became a paper manufacturer in company with James Baucus, under the firm name of James Bauens & Co., which continued until 1880, when a new company was formed under the firm name of Wiley & Button. Mr. Wiley's father, William, was born in the town of Pittstown in the year 1997; he was educated in the schools of that day and followed the honorable occupation of farming. He married Ann Her- rick of that town; they had five children: Elizabeth, Smith, John, Frederick and Jacob. Mr. Wiley died in December, 1857, and his wife died in 1842. Mrs. Wiley's father, James W. Baucus, was born in the town of Schaghticoke in the year 1811, where he was educated, and was a farmer by occupation. He married Maria Swarthout of his native town; they had nine children: Eliza J., Hester M., Frances A., Catherine E., Sarah A., Ida L., J. Irving and Clara L. Both father and mother are living at this date, 1896. Mr. Wiley was town clerk for two years, and super- visor of this town three years and was serving his second term as justice of the peace ; he was also a member of the Board of Education, a member of Victor Lodge No. 680, F. & A. M. The ancestry of the family was English and Dutch. Mr. Wiley died March 27, 1896.

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Landmarks of Rensselaer county, New York, pt 2 - 3, Part 25

Author: Anderson, George Baker Publication date: 1897 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason & Co. Number of Pages: 1424

Author: Anderson, George Baker
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason & Co.
Number of Pages: 1424