Landmarks of Rensselaer county, New York, pt 2 - 3, Part 34

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 34

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).

Wight, Arthur M., was born in Troy, April 20, 1860. Ilis father, William W. Wight, was one of the pioneer collar manufacturers and came to Troy about 1832 and was at one time clerk of the Board of Canal Commissioners; he died in 1868; his

FAMILY SKETCHES.

mother, Lydia P. (Van Auken) Wight, died in 1893. Arthur received his education in the public schools and for several years was bookkeeper in the office of a knitting mill on Ida Hill, and in 1884 became one of the proprietors of the Trojan Button Fastener Company, of which he is secretary and treasurer. He became member of the Trojan Hook & Ladder Co. in January, 1880, and has held the office of presi- dent, vice-president, and in 1864 was elected captain of that company, which office he fills at present. He married in 1886 Miss Hattie Slocum of Schaghticoke. She was the daughter of the late Chauncey B. Slocum who was at one time a member of assembly.

Westervelt, E. W., was born in Grafton, Rensselaer county, in 1850. Ilc is of Holland Dutch ancestry. Ilis great uncle was supreme court judge and his grand- father was a Dutch Reform minister. Ilis father, Ralph Westervelt, was born in Brunswick, N. Y., and was by trade a blacksmith and was also jastice of the peace at Quackenkill where he was also postmaster for thirty years; he died in 1892. Ilis mother, Judith M. Ives Westervelt, lives in Brunswick. Mr. Westervelt received his education in the academy at Poestenkill and came to Troy and was in the carpet department of the Quackenbush store for eleven years. He started in the steam carpet cleaning business in 1878 at Spring avenue and later at 102 Congress street. Ile now has a fine plant at 120 Ferry street where carpets are cleaned by machinery and he has built up a large and profitable business. He was married to Sarah E. Simpson of Jersey City, N. J., in 1871. He has four sons, Vincent R., Clarence E., Eugene S. and Nelson 11.

Crosby, Clement S., M.D., born in San Bernardino, Cal., November 1, 1867, is the son of Benjamin S. and Caroline (Jaggard) Crosby, he a native of Columbia county, N. Y., and she of New Jersey. The grandfather of Clement S. was Thomas Crosby, a soldier in the war of 1813 and who spent most of his life in Illinois. The father of Clement S. was a Presbyterian minister who in 1858 went to California, where he lived some years and returned to the State of New York and afterward went to Kansas, remaining about ten years, when he returned to New York State and died at Malden-on-the Hudson in July, 1889. Clement S. was reared in various places and was educated in the University of Lawrence, Kan., and studied medicine with Dr. larkins of Albany, and was graduated from Albany Medical College in March, 1890. Ile practiced medicine in Columbia county and in 1891 went to East Nassau, where he has a successful practice. He was married October 31, 1894, to Eliza Shaver of East Nassau, N. Y. Dr. Crosby is a member of Tsatsawassa Lodge No. 356, 1. O. O. F., and Rensselaer Encampment No, 96 at Sand Lake. He has been a member of the town Board of Health,

Fellows, John T., was born in Stephentown, July 19, 1820. Ile was the son of David and Chloe (Turner) Fellows; he died in 1870, and she died in 1878, John T.'s grandfather was William Fellows of Stonington, Conn., a ship carpenter by trade. John T, was reared ou a farm and educated in the common and select schools; he learned the carpenter's trade at the age of seventeen and has since been a con- tractor and builder, He came to Brainard in 1848 and has lived where he now re- sides for twenty-eight years. February 1, 1848, he married Diana Rhodes, daughter of Case and Hanna (Kenyon) Rhodes, who spent part of their lives in Nassan and

LANDMARKS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

Lebanon and finally came to Schodack, where he spent his last days. To Mr. and Mrs. Fellows were born seven children: Frank. Edgar, Ella D., Charles, George Leland (deceased) and Hattie M. Mr. Fellows has been highway commissioner for three years. Mrs. Fellows died December 7, 1888.

Thomson, James, born in Nassau November 1, 18441, is the son of Oliver and Jerusha (Wheeler) Thomson, both born in Columbia county, N. Y. The grandfather of James was Edward Thomson, who spent his life in Columbia county. The ma- ternal grandfather was Henry Wheeler, who lived and died in the same county. The father of James was a merchant at Iloag's Corners, a member of assembly and justice of the peace about twenty years and also supervisor of the town for several terms. lle died March 11, 1861, and his wife in March, 1885. James was reared at Hoag's Corners and at the age of sixteen went to Troy to clerk in a store, and in August, 1862, enlisted in Co. D. 125th N. Y. Vols., and served until the close of the war. Ile was at Harper's Ferry, Gettysburg, Auburn Ford, Bristoe Station, Mine Run, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, front of Petersburg, and there wounded. After his discharge he came to Nassau and has since been engaged in the meat business. Mr. Thompson was married October 12, 1869, to Mary Shillinger of New Lebanon, daughter of Andrew and Rhoda (Wilson) Shillinger, he born in Germany and she in Kinderhook ; he came to Pittsfield about 1845 and is now living at West Lebanon ; his wife died in August, 1869. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomson were born four children : Wilson C., Charles F. A. (deeeased), Robert M. and Austin A. (deceased). Mr. Thomson is a Republican and has been justice six years. Ile is a member of Grati- tude Lodge No. 674, F. & A. M. The family attend and support the M. E. church at Brainard.

Thomson, Lester B., was born in Hoag's Corners, April 6, 1849, a son of Oliver C. Thomson. Lester B. was raised at Hoag's Corners and there educated. He went to Valatie at the age of sixteen years, and engaged as shipping clerk for John Snyder and was with him for six years. In 1867 he married Catherine Ayrault of Valatie, by whom five children have been born: Daniel E., Ernest C., Jamie (deceased), Kittie and Bessie C. He then went to Hudson and engaged in the man- nfacture of tinware for four years. He afterwards bought out a shop in West Troy and continued business for six years and in 1886 he came to Brainard Station and engaged in the mercantile business. He has been excise commissioner and school trustee for six terms. He is a member of Tsatsawassa Lodge No. 356, I. O. O. F., and the Rensselaer Encampment No. 96 of Sand Lake.

Webster, Nelson, born in Stephentown, N. Y., September 8, 1835, is the son of Aurelius and Elsie (Brockway) Webster, both born in Stephentown, he January, 1804, and she June 14, 1814. The grandfather of Nelson, Constant Webster, settled in Stephentown when a young man and lived and died there. The maternal grand- father was George Brockway, a native of Stephentown where he lived and died. Ilis father was one of the earliest settlers of that town. The paternal great-grand- father of Nelson lived and died in Massachusetts. The family trace their ancestry to Governor Jolin Webster of Connecticut. The father of Nelson spent most of the latter part of his life in New Lebanon. He was a teacher about ten years and town school superintendent and was justice of the peace in New Lebanon for many years.

FAMILY SKETCHES.

Ifis principal occupation however was farming. Nelson was reared on a farm and educated in the Transylvania Institute of Nassau, Wilbraham Academy, near Spring- field, Mass., at Fort Plain Seminary, and at the Fort Edward Collegiate Institute. He first taught school six years and in 1859 began the study of law at East Nassau under Judge E. Smith Strait and has since practiced his profession at that place. He was married July 21, 1866, to Theressa M. Warden of East Nassau and has three children: Mattic E., wife of Charles R. Fort of Pittsfield, N. Y. ; A. Frank, who married Evaline Donnely and is patrolman in New York city; Nellie B. at home. Mr. Webster is a Republican and has been town clerk, town auditor and justice of the peace. He is a member of Gratitude Lodge No. 674, F. & A. M., of which he is how past master and is also a member of Tsatsawassa Lodge No. 356, I. O. O. F.

Millius, Melvin R., was born in East Nassau, July 16, 1858. He was a son of Adam and Mary L. (Harris) Mellius; he was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., and she in Nassau. She was a daughter of Robert and Lurena (Sliter) Harris, who settled in the town at a very carly date. The father of Melvin was a carpenter by trade and came to Nassau about 1855 and enlisted in Company E, 125th N. Y. Vols. His widow lives in East Nassau. Melvin R. was reared on a farm and was educated in the common schools. He followed farming and then elerked in East Nassau for H. J. Hayes for about four years and in 1885 bought out Mr. Hayes and has had a success- ful business. In polities he is a Republican and is now serving his second term as supervisor.

Van Wie, Charles II., Rev., was born in the town of Ira, Cayuga county, N. Y. October 22, 1851. He was educated in the public schools, Monroe Collegiate Insti- tute, Hamilton College, and was graduated from Auburn Theological Seminary with the degree of B. D. in 1877. Shortly after leaving the Seminary he received a call to Forest church at Lyons Falls, N. Y., where he was ordained to the Gospel ministry and installed by the Presbytery of Utica. After three years he resigned this pastorate and accepted a call to the churches at Williamstown and West Cam- den, N. Y., where he labored seven years. In December, 1889, he accepted an invi- tation to supply the Presbyterian church at Melrose, and was installed as pastor in May, 1890, taking charge also of the Presbyterian church at Tomhamock. Septem- ber 21, 1886, he married Fannie E. Becker of Mexico, Oswego county, N. Y. Mr. Van Wie's father, Henry, was born in the town of Guilderland, Albany county, November 17, 1797. He was well educated, an industrious and successful farmer. Ile was twice married, first to Lydia Conger. Seven children were born to them: Rosina E., Blendon M., Isadore, Mary C., Lionel E., Vrooman W., and Benedict G. Mrs. Van Wie died April 1, 1848. November 21, 1850, he married Mary D. Taylor, of Cato, Cayuga county. They had three children: Charles II., Jessie and Jennie. Henry Van Wie died April 2, 1876, and his widow, Mary D., October 12, 1895. The ancestry of the family was Dutch, English and Scotch.

Macardle, George W. E., Rev., was born in Newburg, Orange county, N. Y., March 20, 1842. He was educated in Union College, Schenectady, and Shurtliff's College at Alton. Ill., graduating as an engineer. July 4, 1861, he entered the vol- unteer army of the North as first lieutenant of the 48th N. Y. Vols. He was trans- ferred to the engineer corps, and became chief engineer. He was brevetted captain

LANDMARKS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

in 1864, and honorably discharged in 1866. In October, 1871, he was ordained as a Congregationalist in the ministry and located at Reynolds as pastor of the Dutch Reform Church in 1893. In 1868 he married Anna M. MeKelsey of Lansingburg, N. Y. They had one son, David C., who died at the age of two years. Mr. Mac- ardle's father, George W., was born in Wethersfield, Vt., in 1808. He was educated there and married Lenora J. Eddy of his native place; they had six children: George WV. E., Franklin G., William P., Eustice W., Luey A., and Anna E. E. The family came to this State at an early day. Mr. Macardle died in 1872, and his wife in 1859. Mr. Macardle has many relics, among which was a pair of gloves that Colonel Ells- worth were when he tore down the rebel flag, at Alexandria, Va. He is an inventor of no mean merit. His ancestors were in the early wars. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. at Pecatonica, Ill. The ancestry of the family was of New England stock and of Seotch origin.

Halstead, De Witt C., was born in the town of Pittstown, November 19, 1824. He obtained his education in the public schools, taught twelve winters, and has always been one of the county's thrifty farmers. He married twice, first, on March 14, 1849, to Eliza McChesney of the town of Brunswick; they had one daughter, Eliza M., who married Arthur Cady of North Adams, Mass., and had one daughter, Marion, who is a student in North Adams Academy; Mrs. Cady died January 29, 1883. Mrs. Halstead died December 16, 1855, and for his second wife, on September 9, 1857, he married Harriet Stover of the town of Pittstown; they have had three children: Harriet J., Francis E., who died in infancy, and Francis De Witt. Harriet J. mar- ried Leonard Morrison now of Lansingburg, N. Y., of the firm of Morrison & West- fall Co., of Troy, agricultural implements and seed store. Mr. Halstead's father, Jonas, was born at the old home in Pittstown, April 24, 1783, and educated in the schools of that early day. He married Anna MeCoon, who was born January 20, 1984; they had nine children: Alexander G., Charlotte C., Lydia M., Anna C., Joseph J., Charles M., Emily E., De Witt C., and Ambrose L. Mr. Halstead died July 16, 1861, and his wife August 13, 1860. Mr. Halstead's grandfather, Joseph Halstead, was born in Dutchess county, N. Y. His great-grandfather, was Samuel Ilalstead. Mrs. Ilalstead's father, Jacob M. Stover, was born in Pittstown, November 9, 1784, and educated in the schools of his day; he was a farmer; November 11, 1805, he married Christine Wetsel of the town of Schaghticoke; they had ten children: Martin J., Maria, George, Elizabeth, John, Harriet, who died in 1821; Jacob, Mar- garet A., Jane C., and Harriet A. Mr. Stover died September 5, 1819, and his wife August 28, 1858. Mrs. Ilalstead's grandfather, Martin Stover, was born in Dutchess county, N. Y. De Witt C. Halstead began life without capital, and through indus- try, integrity, and sobriety has secured a fine competency. He has been elder of the Presbyterian church for many years. The ancestry of the family was English, German, and Dutch.

Dater, Jacob, was born in the town of Brunswick, Rensselaer county, October 12, 1825. He was educated in the district schools and has always followed the honora . ble occupation of farming. December 26, 1852, he married Catharine E. Wetsel of Schaghticoke; they had five children, four sons and one daughter: Clarence W., II. Newton, Alta, Irving C., and Charles L. Clarence W. was married to Julia Me- Chesney and they have a son, Henry. II. Newton married Minnie M. Daniels of

FAMILY SKETCHES.

Schaghticoke, and they have one living daughter, Clara E. Alta married Rev. Will- iam F. Barnett, who is the pastor of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church at Mel- rose, N. Y .; they have two children, Nelson D., and Dorothy. Irving C. married Catherine Schemerhorn of Troy; they have three children, I. Clinton. Ruth and Margaret. Charles L. is the farmer at home with his father, not married at this date. The eldest son is in the coal business, in Cambridge, Washington county, N. Y. Mrs. Dater died April 29, 1890, mourned by a bereaved husband and chil- dren. Mr. Dater's father was born at the old home in Brunswick, February 12, 1801. He married Catherine Snyder of his native town, born December 29, 1803; nine chil- dren were born to them: Lena Maria, Mary Christina, Ilarriet, Jacob, Elizabeth, John, Mary, Calvin and Henry. Lena M. died in her seventieth year. Elizabeth died at the age of twenty-six. John died in 1894. Mr. Dater's father, Henry, died December 21, 1883, and his wife March 27, 1854. Mr. Dater is a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church at Melrose, N. Y. Ile has been one of the elders many years. Mr. Dater's great-grandfather was born in Claverack, N. Y. 'The ancestry of the family was German and Welch.

Denison, Henry E., was born in Stephentown in 1828. He is a son of George T. Denison, born in Stephentown in 1795, one of two children (George T. and Rebecca, wife of Dr. Emerson Hull of Berlin), born to Griswold Denison, who was a success- ful farmer, and acquired a large property; he died in 1826 from the effects of a wound received by burglars who entered his house at night, and were later impris- oned for life; he always lived in North Stephentown. George T. was a farmer in Stephentown, but moved to Berlin in 1838 where he owned a large tract of land and was very prominent ; he was colonel of a company of State militia in which he took great pride and interest; he served as justice for many years and was member of assembly, and was loved and respected by all who knew him; his wife was Nancy Niles, born in Berlin and daughter of Deacon Elphalet Niles. Their children were Parley N., Porter G., and Henry E. He died in 1874 and his wife in 1853. When fourteen years of age Ilenry E, began to clerk in a store, and when twenty-three purchased the stock of his employer and conducted the business for five years, when he retired to attend to other business. Hle now owns the homestead of five acres which belonged to his grandmother, Rhoda Tifft, the wife of Griswold Denison, who was a remarkable business woman. Mr. Denison has officiated as justice of the peace, inspector, and justice of sessions. He is a member of Troy Lodge No. 13, F. & A. M, and a member of the Berlin Chess Club, and has been a musician from boyhood. December 8, 1850, he married Hannah M. Godfrey, born in Berlin, . daughter of Josiah and Sarah (Burnell) Godfrey; they have one son, Frederick P., a well known and successful musician of Albany.

Rogers, William Franklin, the subject of this sketch, was born in Grafton, Rens- selaer county, April 29, 1829. Ilis education was obtained in the district schools of Berlin, to which place the family moved in 1831, and have since resided there. At an early age he began to learn the jeweler's trade in hisfather's shop. He manifested a talent for music when quite young, and, having advantages soon developed into an excellent musician, the violin being his favorite instrument. He, as an orches- tra leader, has a wide reputation, Mr. Rogers was one of three gentlemen to or- ganize and incorporate the Berlin Water Supply Company, which has proyen an

LANDMARKS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

enterprise of much importance. The water, which comes from a reservoir on the hillside, being used to run motors in shirt factories, and for general town supply. In 1856 Mr. Rogers purchased the mill known as the " Bentley mill" which he con- dueted for ten years, when he purchased a woolen factory which he converted into a larger mill; this he conducted until 1876 when he purchased the Hammond mill and converted into a cider and grist mill; this he still owns and conducts. In 1855 he was married to Louise Dimond, who was born in Stephentown, daughter of Cap- tain William and Malvinnia A. (Johnson) Dimond. To them were born two children : Wallace, who died young, and Van Vechton, whose ability as a musician is acknowl- edged in the leading musical eireles of America. Mrs. Rogers' father was born in Grafton, December 11, 1790, and was a preacher, and jeweler; his mother was born in Petersburgh, Rensselaer county; their children were; Joseph, Carey, Amos, Dor- othy, Deborah, Samuel, Sullivan, Justin, William, Dorsey, and an infant who died without being named. Of these but three are living. Mr. Rogers' father was a Re- strieted Communion Baptist and for nine years was pastor of the Berlin Baptist church. He died July 27, 1860, aged sixty-nine, and his wife in 1812, aged forty- five. Rev. Carey Rogers, the grandfather of William, was born in the town of Hoosick. Ile was a farmer as well as preacher, and his father was one of three brothers who were pioneers in that town.

Rogers, Edwin D., was born in the town of Berlin, January 13, 1856. He is a son of Joseph Davis Rogers, who was born in the town of Grafton, September, 1810, and he a son of Rev. Joseph Rogers. Joseph D., the father of Edwin D., was a carpen- ter and painter, which trades he followed for many years; he was a first-class me- chanie, active and energetic, and in his later years he ran a grist mill; his wife was Minerva Godfrey, who was born in Berlin in 1822, daughter of Captain Robert and Hannah (Lewis) Godfrey. Their children are Mrs. Saturna Wrenn and Edwin D. lle died in February, 1885, and his wife survives him and resides with her children. ller father, Captain Robert Godfrey, was born in Rhode Island, in October, 1729, and died in July, 1830; he came with his parents to Berlin in 1791, and reared three sons and four daughters, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. Edwin D. Rogers received his education in the common schools of Berlin ; he followed carpentering with his father and worked at his father's mill until 1884, when he embarked in the meat bus- iness in Berlin. This business he carried on for nine years, when he sold out and en- gaged in the baking business which he now conducts. It is the first and only bakery. with the exception of one conducted here for two years, ever established in Berlin. Ile has been three times elected commissioner of the highways and is at present filling that office, and is a member of the Berlin Chess Club. In 1883 he married Miss Carrie A. Bonesteel of Troy, daughter of Frank and Eliza M. Bonesteel. Their children are Frank D., born September 27, 1884, and Fred B., born August 3, 1886.

Greene, Edgar R., was born in Berlin in 1830, a son of Ray Greene, born in Berlin in 1802, son of Amos Greene, whose father, Squire John, was the pioneer settler in Berlin in 1772; he was justice for forty years, and also served histown as supervisor. The father of Edgar R. was a farmer by occupation, prominent and successful; he spent his whole life in the town of Berlin; he was never an aspirant to public office, but always interested in the welfare of his townspeople ; his wife was Lucy Maxon, born in Berlin and daughter of Jairus Maxon ; their children were Melissa, Eliza

FAMILY SKETCHES.

Edgar R., William D , Halsey B., Eglon L., John T., Castello, Helen D., Naney E., and Denio; he died when eighty eight years old, and his wife in 1892, aged eighty- eight. Edgar R. was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. When seventeen years of age he engaged in mereantile business in the village of Berlin as clerk, and with the exception of two years spent on the farm has followed the mer- cantile business since nineteen years of years. He engaged in business for himself with a partner, and in 1859 ereeted his present store. Mr. Greene is a thorough business man in every way and owes his sneeess to his integrity and perseveranee. He was one of the pioneers in the white shirt manufacturing business in Berlin, be- ginning about 1851, which he continued successfully until 1893. In 1850 he married Eliza O. daughter of Schuyler and Phoebe (Whitford) Greenman. To them were born Mrs. Ida A. Denison, Mrs. Hattie Cowee, Luey, and Arthur, who is in business with his father. Mrs. Greene is a member of the Ladies' Aid Society.

Greenman, George N., was born in Berlin, September 21, 1854, and is a son of George Nicholas, who was born in Stephentown in 1805; he was one of three sons, William, George M. and Schuyler, born to Silas, who was a farmer and native of Rhode Island. George N., father of the subject, was a farmer nearly all his life; he removed to Berlin in 1826, and in 1850, with his brother Schuyler, engaged in the shirt manufacturing business, which he continued until his death in 1859; he was thriee married, his first wife being Elizabeth Saunders, by whom five children were born: James F., Mary L., Joel A., Thomas E. and one who died young; his second wife was Annis Saunders, a sister of his first wife; his third wife was Phoebe Saunders, a cousin of his former wives; to the latter marriage were born two chil- dren, Rosetta P. and George N. ; he was a member of the Seventh Day Baptist church, with which he was prominently identified. George N., jr., was educated in the common schools. He remained for a while on the farm with his mother, but began to eare for himself at an early age by doing farm work, and for seven years was a elerk in a general store in Berlin. In 1890 he leased the grist mill and saw mill in Berlin which he has since conducted; he is also a dealer in grain and feed and manufactures a large amount of lumber, In politics Mr. Greenman is a Repub- liean. In 1877 he married Mary J., daughter of Philanda and Jennie (Bills) Man- chester, and they have one son, Oscar C. They are both members of the Seventh Day Baptist church,

IIull, Alson J., was born in Berlin in 1856, and is the son of Schuyler Hull, born in Berlin in 1825, one of eight children, four sons and four daughters, born to Elisha IFull, a native of Rhode Island, born December, 1795. He was a son of Thomas Ilull, a native of Rhode Island, who removed to and settled in Berlin in 1797. lle was a blacksmith and farmer. Schuyler Hull was a earpenter and first-class me- chanie and made it a life business, erecting many bridges, ete. Ile was elected to and served in all the town offices, and was active and energetic in all affairs. His wife was Mary Burdick, born in Berlin and a daughter of Smith and Levina Burdick ; their children were Alson J. and Dr. John B., of Williamstown, Mass. He died in 1890 and his wife survives him and resides in South Berlin. Alson J. attended the village school in Berlin and worked at carpentry with his father from 1845 to 1880. He engaged in the ice business in New York eity, but returned to Berlin and engaged in farming on a rented farm, and in 1890 he purchased his present farm of 175 aeres

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Landmarks of Rensselaer county, New York, pt 2 - 3, Part 34

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