Landmarks of Rensselaer county, New York, pt 2 - 3, Part 56

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 56

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).

Steenberg, Col. George Taylor, was born in Middletown, Saratoga county. Ilis father, Jonathan Steenberg, was a tailor by trade, and later a carpenter and builder; he died in Cohoes in 1882. His mother, Jane Taylor Steenberg, was born in Sara- toga county and died March 10, 1880. Col. George T. Steenberg was educated in the publie schools at Waterford and Middletown, Saratoga county. He came to Troy Sep- tember 1, 1851, and served three years as an apprentice in learning the trade of barber with Thomas Rath. In 1855 he started in business for himself in Rand's Hall, cor- ner of Third and Congress streets, remaining three years. In 1858 he leased the stock and fixtures of Thomas Rath, 8 Third street, for a term of years and after- wards bought the property where he carried on the barber business until 1884. He then engaged in the grocery business at the corner of Broadway and Fifth avenue. Hle returned to his old business at the Troy Honse for two years, then took a lease for a number of years of the Mansion House barber shop and bath rooms on Broad- way. He joined the old Troy Citizens Corps, February 22, 1853, as a private. Au- gust 4, 1858, he was appointed and commissioned by Gov. John A. King as surgeon's

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mate on the staff of Col. Henry A. Mercer, commanding the 2Ith Regt. N. G. S. N. Y. June 10, 1859, he was promoted to quartermaster by Gov. E. D. Morgan; elected major of the 24th Regiment June 4, 1860; elected lieutenant-colonel of the 2.fth Regiment August 2, 1867; commissioned by Gov. Reuben E. Fenton; elected colonel of the 24th Regiment Jannary 6, 1869, commissioned with rank by Gov. John 'T. Iloffman; resigned in 1894. April 15, 1878, he was elected a captain of the old Troy City Artillery (afterwards known as the Fourth Battery, N. G. S. N. Y.) He was connected over thirty years with the National Guard of the State of New York, and at the present time is a member of the Old Guard, Senior Company, Troy Citi- zen's Corps. He served his time in the Fire Department of Troy, having belonged to the General Wool Hose and Arba Reed Steamer companies. Ile represented the Arba Reed Steamer Co No. 1 in the board of trustees of the Troy Fire Department in 1879. Hle is also active in Odd Fellowship, being past grand of Trojan Lodge No 27, I. O. O. F. He was deputy sheriff under sheriff's James Mckeon, Eben C. Reynolds and C. V. Collins. February 11, 1856, he married Julia IL, daughter of Harvey Mosher. His children are George C., Walter S. and Della G. Steenberg.

Boetcher, John, was born in the province of Brandenburg, Germany, March 11, 1811, and through his father, who followed the business of gardening, he became early in life acquainted with his present vocation. In 1865 he emigrated to this country, making Cincinnati, Ohio, his first stopping place. Here he perfected his studies in landscape gardening and all branches of cemetery work, under the late Adolph Strauch, superintendent and landscape gardener of Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati. In 1871 Mr. Boetcher eame to Troy and assumed the duties of superin- tendent of Oakwood Cemetery. About a year after his arrival in Troy he married Miss Johanna, daughter of the late Henry Miller of Troy, and they have two sons and two daughters, of whom Anna, the eldest, is married to Otto Lehman. The surroundings of Oakwood Cemetery were by nature far from attractive, but the artistie skill of Mr. Boeteher has created beauties which make it an open temple of art. Mr. Boeteher is a member of the different Masonic bodies of Troy and belongs to several German organizations.

V'an loesen, Earnest N., was born near South Schodack, September 7, 1858. He was educated in public schools and at Claverack. Until ISST he was interested in the farming at home. In that year he came to Castleton as a clerk in the for- warding business with Rudd & Van Bleet. In 1891 he bought out Van Bleet and the firm was Budd & Van Hoesen, until the spring of 1895 when the present firm of Van Hoesen & Morey was formed. In June, 1894, Mr. Van Hoesen married Lotta Van Denburgh, a native of the town of Schodack. Mr. Van Hoesen's parents were John 1. and Catherine E. (Smith) Van Hoesen. On both sides his ancestors were Holland- ers. By superior business and ability Mr. Van Hoesen has advanced to the head of one of the best forwarding houses on the Hudson, and his name is respected every- where.

Miller, John, was born in the town of Sehodack, June 5, 1831, and has been inter- ested in farming all his lifetime. In 1869 he purchased the freighting business from Downer & Harder, which he still conducts under the firm name of John Miller & Son. In 1851 Mr. Miller married Matilda Austrander; they have one son, Stephen

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I. Miller, and his grandfather was John Miller, and his great grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier. His mother was Christina Lasher. John Miller & Son own the barge Chicago, which has a capacity of 847 tons, and they handle about 40,000 tons of freight annually.

Schermerhorn, W. M., was born in the town of Schodack, September 13, 1869. He was educated at the Albany Academy and Eastman's Commercial College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., from which he has a diploma. He first began business as a clerk in the Albany Hardware and Iron Co. Upon the death of his father, January 31, 1893, he came into the business of Schermerhorn & Gardner, he and his brother Werdena J. Schermerhorn succeeding their father in that widely known establish- ment. On June 25, 1895, Mr. Schermerhorn married Annie Chichester of Chatham Center. He is a Mason and a member of both the Blue Lodge and Chapter. His parents were W. II. Schermerhorn and Lauretta (Baine) Schermerhorn. His grand- father, Jacob Schermerhorn was one of the early settlers in Schodack from Saratoga county.

Schermerhorn, Nicholas N., was a carpenter by trade in his younger days at Scho- dack Landing. Ile then went into the grocery business in Castleton, and after seven years started the manufacture of bricks and continued so for about four years, when he embarked in the coal business and has conducted it ever since. In 1876 he built the lower dock in Castleton which he still owns and manages. He is also agent for all the Hudson steamers, and was formerly for the Eagle, Lotta, and Favorite. Mr. Schermerhorn was director in the Castleton National Bank, and was its vice- president for two years. He in 1858 married Lucy J. Stearns; their children are J. Stearns Schermerhorn, Mrs. J. W. MeKnight, Mrs. Van Vleet Smith, and Mrs. C. D. Rodgers. Mr. Schermerhorn's parents were Abraham D. and Magdaline (Kittie) Schermerhorn, both of Holland descent.

Franklin, Charles, was born in England, October 20, 1858, and came to America with his parents in 1869. They settled m Schodack and have resided here ever since. Charles Franklin followed farming for a while then embarked in the meat business, and for seven years has conducted a business of his own. His residence and shop is at Schodach Landing. He is an enterprising and prosperous business man. His parents, who are both living, are William and Elizabeth Franklin.

Davenport, G. J., was born in the town of Dryden, Tompkins county, October 1, 1849. He followed farming for a time there and then came to Schodack where he pursned the same occupation for some time. He then went into the meat business in which he was successful and prosecuted it until the summer of 1895 when he sold out. He has since started a hardware and notion store in his old stand. He is an active and enterprising business man and worthy of all success. He is a member of the Society of Odd Fellows. His parents were Warren and Ehza (Snyder) Daven- port. His grandfather, John G. Davenport, was a native of Washington county. Mr. Davenport is a Republican in politics but is liberal minded in this as on all other questions. In 1877 he married Anna C. Fallansbee, who died in June, 1893, leaving no children.

Delavan, R. IL., was born in New Lebanon, October 19, 1851, and worked for a few years on a farm. At the age of fourteen he began to learn his trade at Lebanon

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Springs. In 1878 he embarked in business for himself at Malden Bridge and re- mained there ten years, when he established himself in Castleton, where he still con- duets the harness and horse furnishing of this part of the county. 'In 1873 Mr. Del- avan married Alice Membert and they have five children, three sons and two dangh- ters, namely: Arthur, Walter, Ralf Nellie and Edith. Mr. Delavau's parents were Jeremiah and Judy (Criggs) Delavan. Mr. Delavan is a successful and enterprising business man who has been the architect of his own fortune and who stands well with his fellow citizens.

Clark, Peter C., was born in Chatham, Columbia county, N. Y., Sept. 6. 1831. Hle was a son of Robert B. and Catherine (Hare) Clark, he born in Chatham, and she in Schoharie county, N. Y. The grandfather of Mr. Clark was Ruloff Clark, an early settler of Chatham where he died; he was a Free Mason. The father of Mr. Clark was a Free Mason and a blacksmith. He spent huis last days in Warren county, N. Y. Peter Clark was reared in Brockport, N. Y, and educated in the common schools. He is a blacksmith by trade, which trade he followed for twenty years; his health failing he went into the mercantile business in Castleton on a turnpike. He kept the Rensselaerwyick Hotel at Castleton for ten years; previous to that time he was proprietor of a hotel at East Greenbush for six years. He is at present in the mer- cantile business. Mr. Clark was captain of Company C, 2d Regt. Vermont National Guards under Col. Miller and Col. J. R. Davis.

Hover, Joseph L., was born in Schodack, April 25, 1862 He was a son of Theo- dore and Francis (Cryne) Hover, she born in Castleton, N. Y., and he'in Greene county. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Hover was Mr. Cryne, who was an early settler of Castleton, where he died. The grandfather of Mr. Hover was Lewis Hover, who also lived in Schodack, where he died in 1882. The father of Mr. Hover was a farmer of Schodack. He died November 9, 1891, and his wife died in June, 1889. Mr. Hover was reared and edneated in Schodack and attended the Albany Business College. He first followed threshing, and in 1889 went to Niver- ville, N. Y., and was baggage master for the B. & A., and in six months was given charge of the station at Schodack, which position he has held ever since. Mr. Hover has been inspector of election. He is a member of Sunnyside Lodge No. 131, F. & A. M December to, 18SI, he was married to Hattie E. Winnie, born in Albany, by whom two elukdrent have been born: Winne, born September 9, 1885; Lillian, born September 8, 1888, Mr. llover owns the homestead of 116 acres of land.

Miller, Charles L., was born in Schodack in 1852. He was a son of Henry and Jane E. (Koraback) Miller, both born in Schodack, he a son of Abram Miller, one of the carly settlers of Schodack. The maternal grandfather was Simeon G. Rora- back, who was also an early settler of Schodack. His father was a farmer, Mr Miller died and his widow lives in Schodack. Mr. Miller was reared and educated in Schodack. Ile went to South Schodack and was in the plum business and also in the packing of apples for a New York firm. He came to Schodack in March, 1889 and established a feed store. Ile was a buyer of hay and straw for Boston merchants. Mr. Miller was town clerk for two years. In ISSO he was married to Maggie Scher- merhorn, of Schodaek, by whom four children have been born: Roy S., Edna R., Leah J., and Mabel M.

FAMILY SKETCHES. 249

Lansing, Jacob P., was born in Schodack, January 1, 1828. He is the son of Gar- rett and Magdaline (Potts) Lansing, he born in Schodack, the son of Everest (). The grandfather of Mr. Lansing lived and died in Schodack. His father was a farmer. He was supervisor, town clerk, and a prominent man in his town, He died in 1864. His wife died in 1867. Jacob Lansing was reared and educated in his native town and East Greenbush. Ile follows farming, but was in Castleton for ten years in the freighting business. He owns a place known as the Simeon Ostrander farm and once known as the Bomobarick farm, meaning " Tree Hill." Mr. Lansing has been supervisor for two years, and assessor for eight years, and now holds that office. He was married September 10, 1857, to Pauline D. Ostrander, daughter of Simeon, mentioned in this work. To Mr. Lansing and wife were born four children: Anna (deceased), Lucy A., Maxwell T., and Cornelia.

Lewis, Oscar J., was born in Schodack, N. Y., December 15, 1848, in the house in which he now resides. He is a son of Jacob W. and Martha A. (Cryne) Lewis. He was born in Schodack and his wife in the same town. He is a son of William Lewis, a native of Schodack. William Lewis was a native of Holland, and came to Scho- dack in a very early day previous to the Revolutionary war. William Lewis made the shoes for the soldiers of the war of 1812. The father of Oscar J. Lewis was a farmer and in 1847 bought the hotel which Oscar J. Lewis now occupies and here lived and died in 1869; his widow is still living. He was justice of the peace several years and collector, and in 1835 was member of assembly, Oscar J. Lewis was reared and educated in Schodack, and was a speculator in farm produce for twelve years, shipping to New York and Cuba, and is now a farmer. He owns 130 acres of land and follows general faring. He was town clerk in 1873, and has been collector of the town, and is now town clerk, Ile is a member of Schodack Union Lodge No. 87, F. & A. M., and past master. He was married December 15, 1870, to Emma C. Rector, daughter of Nicholas S. Rector, son of David Rector, an early settler of Schodack. He is a life member of the State Agricultural Society, and for a number of years has been one of the executive committee, having immediate charge of the poultry department, which has more than doubled its entries during his administration,

Mesick, Smith V. IL., was born in Schodach on the farm he now owns, August 11, 1511. He is a son of Jacob 1. and Dorcas .. (Koraback) Mesick, both born in Schodack, he a son of John Mesick, a son of Jacob Mesick, one of the early setders of Schodack, where they all lived and died. The father of Mr. Mesick died in 1886, and his widow is still living. Mr. Mesick was reared on the farm he now owns and was educated in public schools and Fort Plain Institute. He is a farmer and owns 123 acres of land. Mr Mesick is inspector of election. Jannary 1, 1896, he was married to Catherine Whitman, a native of Schodack, and daughter of Peter D. Whitman, of Schodack.

Gowey, William J., was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y., February 18, 1829. Ile is a son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Warner), both of whom were born in Rensse- laer county, N. Y. The grandfather of Mr. Gowey was William Gowey, one of the earliest settlers of the county. Mr. Gowey was reared and educated in North Green - bush and came to Schodack in 1874 and settled on the farm known as the John W.

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Lewis farm. Mr. Gowey was married in 1853 to Edora E. Lewis, by whom he has had seven children: Frank, Warner, Irving, William, Laura, Jesse, and Samuel. Jesse and Samuel work on the farm.

Coonley, Gerry, was born in Greene county, October 13, 1845, and is a son of John and Hamet (Wolf) Coonley, both born in New Baltimore, Greene county. Ile was born August 16, 1811, and she was born in 1818. The grandfather was General I. Coonley, who lived and died in New Baltimore. Ilis wife was Hannah Miner, born in Connecticut and came to New Baltimore when a girl, married and had three sons and three daughters, who now live a retired life. He is a Democrat in politics and has been commissioner. His brother. Gerry Coonley, was a member of assembly. The mother of Mr. Coonley died March 23, 1895. Gerry Coonley was reared on a farm and educated in New Baltimore and is a farmer by trade. In 1870 he came to Schodack and bought a farm of 112 aeres and has about 2, 000 trees and makes a specialty of apples. In 1869 he married Ida Lampier of Greene county and they have two children: Henry and Charles.

Ilankle, Mrs. F .- Rhinchart Guntrum was born in Germany, February 16, 1816, and came to North Greenbush in 1846, where he worked by the day and month until 1860, when he purchased the farm of seventy-one acres where he now resides, and where he has made many improvements. In 1817 he married Anna D. Harbeck, of Germany, by whom he had seven children: Catherine, John, Rachel, Andrew, Dean, Christ, and Elizabeth, who married Frankel Hankle, of Schodack, and they have four children: Arthur, Dora, Eva, and Frank R. Mrs. Guntrum died January 29, 1892.

Reynolds, Joseph, was born in Stephentown, February 8, 1848. He married An- geline Lathrop, daughter of Joel and Caroline (Strong) Lathrop of New Hebron, Conn. Mr. Lathrop came to Stephentown in 1826. Ile was a successful farmer, millman and general inspector. Ile died in Lansingburgh in 1878, and Mrs. Lathrop died in 1858. To Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have been born five children: Rodger J., Joel HI., Millett E., Elisha L., and Charles. Rodger died March 19, 1860. Mr. Reynolds began his business career as teacher and was then in the mercantile busi ness, and then rented a farm. In 1875 he bought the farm of 120 acres, still owned by Mis. Reynolds, Mr. Reynolds was clerk and road commissioner.

Clifford Allen B., was born in Stephentown, April 31, 1839. le is a son of David and Laura (Knappin) Clifford, he a native of Stephentown, and she of Schagh- ticoke. The maternal grandfather was Samnel Knappin, brother of Josiah Knappin. The paternal grandparents were Christopher and Weithy (Herring) Knappin. They were natives of Rhode Island, who came to Stephentown when young, but removed to Vienna, Oneida county, where he died at the age of ninety-five. Ile was a Rev- olutionary soldier. The father of Mr. Clifford was a farmer of Stephentown, where he died in 1859 at the age of forty-tour. Mrs. Clifford died in November, 1889. Mr. Clifford has always followed farming and speculating in Stephentown, except four years teaming Illinois. In 1860 he settled on the farm of 249 acres where he still re- sides. In 1861 he culisted in Co. 11 Seventh New York Cavalry and served seven months. In 1859 he married Naomi, daughter of Stephen and Sally (Iloag) Finch, he a native of Schodack and she of Nassan. He spent his life on the farm in Steph-

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entown, where he died in 1845, and Mrs. Finch died in 1884. To Mr. and Mrs. Clifford were born three sons and two daughters, all of whom are married; they are Willis C., Josephine, Oscar, Benoni and Lucy, Mr. Clifford has been poormaster for years. He is a member of Post Coleman No. 545, G. A. R., Unity Lodge No. 9, F. & A. M., and of Mt. Whitney Lodge No. 547 1. O. O. F.

Borst, George D .- Borst & Loek, proprietors of Nassau Mills, which they pur- chased in the spring of 1895 and are doing a successful business. Mr. Borst was born in Middlebury, Schoharie county, N. Y. His father, grandfather, and great- grandfather were millers. He spent one year in Ulster county and was also engaged by Becker & Co. of Central Bridge, N. Y. Mr. Borst was married in 1891 to Etta A. Hills of Albany, by whom one son has been born. Ray W. Lock was born in Al- bany. He married Millie Hills, sister of Mrs. Borst. They have two children: Roy and Marion, The father of Mr. Borst was William Borst and his wife was Margaret Bouck, both born in Middlebury, N. Y. His grandfather was Peter and a very early settler of Middlebury, N. Y., and the great-grandfather, Peter, also at one time owned the Middlebury Mills.

Ostrom, Henry, was born in Nassau on the farm his grandfather, Paul Ostrom, settled in 1805 and spent his last days in Saratoga county, The parents of Henry were Cyrus and Susan (Becker) Ostrom, both boru in Rhinebeck, N. Y. He was born February 12, 1803, and she was born in 1806. He was a farmer by occupation. Henry was educated in Nassau Academy. In 1870 he was married to Georgena Harder of Kinderhook, N. Y. They have three children: Harry, Lillie, and Jessie. The family trace their ancestry to three brothers coming from Holland, two of whom settled on the west side of the North River, and one of the great-grand- fathers of Henry settled at Rhinebeck, N. Y.

Clark, Willis, was born in East Nassau, N. Y., September 10, 1845. He is a son of William and Clarrissa (Horton), he was a native of Connecticut, and she of Sand Lake, a daughter of Solomon Horton, one of the early settlers of Sand Lake, where he lived and died. The paternal grandfather was Horace Clark who lived in Connecticut, but died in Nassau with his son the father of Willis. The father of Willis came to Sand Lake and there learned the blacksmith trade. He had four brothers that were blacksmiths and all their sons were blacksmiths. Mr. Clark moved to East Nassau and worked at his trade for about thirty-five years. He finally came to Nassau and here died in 1871 from an injury caused by a rusty nail entering above his knee. His wife died in 1874. Willis was educated in the com- mon schools and began work at his trade at the age of sixteen with his father and continued until the death of the latter. He then formed a partnership with Medase Lemire and have since continued in business. In 1871 he married Anna Valentine of Nassau, by whom five children have been born: Ira, Emmet, Elma, Allie, and Nina.

Saunders, James II., was born in the county of Cornwall, England, December 98, 1823, and at eleven years of age came to New York city with a cousin, William Saunders, leaving his parents, James and Grace Saunders, who died in England. James H. was educated in New York city academy and began life copying in a law- yer's office, but soon learned the shoemaker's trade and traveled in different States

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and finally came to Sand Lake, then came to Nassau in 1845, where he has since lived. He was married in 1846 to Ann M. Whitbeck, daughter of Brewer and Han- nalı (Valentine) Whitbeek, who hved and died in Nassau. Mr. Saunders has been a farmer and speculator and at present owns over 300 acres of land and has made his own property,

Miller, William A., was born at Miller Corners, N. Y., March 27, 1844. Ile is a son of Henry and Elizabeth Miller. The father of William A. was a farmer, lle died in 1850 and his wife died at East Nassau. William A, was reared on a farm until twelve years of age, when his mother and family went to Mendola. Lasalle county, Ills., and were there four years when he came to North Nassau and lived with Phileman Deveraux for two years. lle then went on the Hudson River as fireman on the towboat Austin, and then returned to Illinois and was with a railroad company for one year, and then went to jobbing for two years. He married Ellen M. Perry of Lake county, III., by whom was born three children: Edgar D., Maud, and Chester. Edgar D. married Miss Filmore of East Nassau and has two children: Andrew and Ethel. Mand is the wife of Thomas Brown of Stephentown and has two sons: Lester and Roy. He is a member of the Mount Whitney Lodge I. O. O. F. No. 617, of which he is a charter member. His wife died January 30, 1890. Mr. Miller was engaged in the manufacture of shirts, collars, and cuffs at East Nassan for about fifteen years and also carried mail from Hoag's to Brainard Station for about three years. lle owned a saw mill and a grist null at two different places in East Nassau. Mr. Miller owns 106 acres of land known as the Coonradt farm on which he located in 1892.

Kirby, Giles, was born in Nassau Valley May 18, 1827. Ile is a son of Henry and Mana (Becker) Kirby. Ile was born in Columbia county and she in Kinderhook. The father of Giles when a boy learned the blacksmith trade and came to Lyon's Pond and then to the Valley of Nassan and spent his last days on the farm Giles now owns. He died January 28, 1892, and his wife died in 1865. He was justice for about twenty-six years, when he resigned, and was justice of sessions one term. The grandfather of Giles was Thomas Kirby, who came from Connecticut to Colum- bia county where he lived and died. The maternal grandfather was Hammon Becker, who lived most of his life in Columbia county, but died in Orleans county, N. Y. Giles was reared a blacksmith and worked in Nassau village until 1865, when he purchased a farm of 116 acres where he has since lived. In 1850 he married Merey C. Mullett of Hancock county, Me. They have had five children: Emma, a teacher; Henry S., who has a position in the capitol; Frank is a druggist in Nassan ; Ella, a music teacher; and Ervie deceased. Mr. Kirby has been three times super- visor, and was supervisor when Thomas Ealor was taken to prison and was one of the committee when Ford kept the county house. He was deputy sheriff three terms and also at one time collector.

Tillson, Henry A , was born in New York city, August 10, 1863. He is a son of Henry and Annie (Scott) Tillson. He was born in England October 5, 1822, and she was a native of Scotland and daughter of John Scott. The parents of Henry were Robert and Sarah (Gibson) Tillson, who lived and died in England. Beside Henry A., Mr. and Mrs. Tillson have three children: Laura, wife of a Boston boat captain

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Landmarks of Rensselaer county, New York, pt 2 - 3, Part 56

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