Landmarks of Rensselaer county, New York, pt 2 - 3, Part 61

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 61

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).

Winkelman, Christian, was born in Germany in 1834. He was educated in their schools, and was a locksmith by trade. September 23, 1862, he married Alvira A. B. Lolk of his native place, by whom he had three children : D. Christian, Elizabeth M., who died in her sixth year, and Katherine. The family came to the United

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States in September, 1865, where he works as a machinist. The aneestry of the family is German on both sides.

Beig. John, was born in Germany September 19, 1853. He was a son of Barnard and Rosa Beig, also of Germany. John came to this country April 16, 1871. Ile worked as a laborer in Brunswick for about five years, and then he purchased the farm where he now lives. September 2, 1873, he married Mary E. Cweig. lle is interested in education and is at present the librarian of school. He has one daugh- ter named Anna Bertha Clara. John has one brother, Joseph, who is a resident of California, and two sisters, Mina and Josephine, who reside in Troy. Anna Bertha Clara Beig married Ilenry Lansing, and has one child named John.

Ilowe, Arthur V., born in the town of Brunswick, February 28, 1860, is the son of Arthur H. and Mary Adalada (Virgil) Howe. Ile is a native of England and settled in Brunswick about 1850. By occupation he was a tailor and was located in Troy until 1873, since which time he has been located in Chicago and New York. Mary Adalada is a daughter of Captain Ebenezer HI and Laura Virgil. Arthur V. re- ceived his early education near Troy. He spent four years at the Vermont Episco- pal Institute at Burlington, Vt., also spent four years in New York studying paint- ing. In 1887 he married Elizabeth T., daughter of Francis Everett. His children were James, William, Eben, Chester, and Clark. He now follows general farming. Ile is publie spirited and interested in all worthy enterprises.

Shaver, John E., was born ou the farm where he now resides, February 10, 1846. HJe is a son of David and Eveline Shaver, who had two children living, John and Augusta. Five children are deceased: Emma, Emerson, James Harry, Amelia France, and Mary M. David was a son of Peter and Elizabeth, who were of the carly set- tlers of the town. Their children were Magdelan, Eva, Eliza, Frederick, Jona- than, David II., Peter James, Christina, and Catherine. David 11. followed farming, and was active in school, church, town, and county affairs. John E. in his early life attended school and helped his father on the farm. December 17, 1893, he married Addie P., daughter of Theron P. King, by whom he had two children, Belva May, and Chester J., deceased. John E. is public spirited, and is interested in all worthy enterprises, such as schools, churches, etc. also in town and country affairs.

Buckley, Willi.un 11 .. was born in the town of Schaghticoke, N. Y., January 26, 1832. He was educated in the common schools, Greenwich Academy, and Poult- ney Seminary, Vt. March 15, 1859, he married Frances Talmage of his native town. They have five children, four sons and one daughter: Mary, Myron E., Theodore T., George M. and William J. Mary married Edward E. Nutting; they had one son, Minot G. Myron E. married Lydia Brundridge; they have three children: Leslie, Lura, and Marion. Theodore T. married Ehzabeth Shaler of Schaghticoke; they have two children: Harold and Amelia. Mr. Buckley's father, Ezra, was born in Schaghticoke in the year 1802. He was educated in the schools of that carly day, and was a farmer by occupation. He married Mary Bureh of his native town; they had five children : William H., Anna E., Amelia M., Sarah E., and Phebe A. Mr. Buckley died June 11, 1874. Ilis father, Jabez, was born in Connecticut in 1458, and came to Schaghticoke in 1785. Mrs. Buckley's father, James Talmage, was born in this town in the year 1811. He married Mary E. Gifford; they had six children:

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Frances, Cornelia, Elizabeth, Mary, Henry, Isaac, and a boy who died in infancy. Mr. Talmage died in 1853, and his wife survives. He has served his townspeople as supervisor and collector, and has been assessor for seventeen years. Mrs. Buckley's grandfather, Isaac Talmage, lived on this street until he was eighty years old. The ancestry of the family is English and Welsh.

Hull, Adelbert C., was born in the town of Berlin, Rensselaer county, N. Y., Sep- tember 2, 1850; his education was obtained in the common schools. His parents moved to the town of Schaghticoke when he was ten years old; he finished his edu- cation in Mechanicsville Academy ; his early years were devoted to farming and he is now conducting a livery business at Valley Falls, N. Y. On December 3, 1873, he married Alida A. Van Veghton, a member of one of the old families of the town ; they have one son, George B., who is well educated; he has a variety of occupations; he resides at home with his parents now. Mr. Hull's father, Schuyler L., was born at the old home in Berlin in the year 1817. He was educated in the schools of that day, and was a farmer by occupation ; he married Lucinda Green of his native town ; they had five children: Frances, George B., Adelbert C., Sarah and Eugene E. Mr. llull died June 5, 1894; his widow survives at this date, 1896. Mr. Hull and wife were members of the M. E. church of Valley Falls. The ancestry of this family is Dutch on both sides.

Aikin, Elizabeth .- Daniel S. Aikin was born in the town of Pittstown in the year 1837. His preliminary education was obtained in the common schools, and after- wards in Fort Edward Institute. He taught school several years, was a farmer, and later in life he studied law. November 5, 1862, he married Elizabeth Buckley, of Schaghticoke; they had two children, Henry B. and Albert D. Henry B. was educated in the public schools, and is a farmer at home, and is also a good judge of horses. lle married Anna M. Danforth of Cambridge, Washington county, N. Y. ; they have one daughter. Leah B. Albert D. is a minister in the M. E. church, and is now located in Carlson, Florida. He married Mary Wardlaw of East Point, Ga, ; they have two children, Albert D., jr., and the baby not named. Mrs. Aikin's father, Henry Buckley, was born in the town of Easton, Washington county, N. Y., February 12, 1817. He married twice, first to Elizabeth Sanford; they had one daughter, Elizabeth. Mrs. Buckley died December 19, 1812. For his second wife, he married Caroline Sanford. Mr. Buckley died January 28, 1870, and his wife died April 30, 1895. Mr. Aikin died in 1877. The ancestry of the family is French and Irish.

Cassey, John L., was born in the town of Easton, Washington county, N. Y., May 12, 1861. Ile was educated in the district schools, and was a farmer by occupation until the spring of 1895, when he leased the Schaghticoke House for a term of five years, since which time he has conducted a hotel with success; he also carried on the livery business in connection therewith. February 17, 1892, he married Mary A. Miskell of his native town; they have two children, both daughters: Dora A. and Cecelia. Mr. Cassey's father, Timothy, was born in Ireland in 1814, and came to the United States when a young man and located in the town of Schaghticoke. Ile married Lena Attridge, formerly of his native county; they had seven children, four sons and three daughters: Mary, John L., James, Daniel, Joseph M., Agnes and

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Celia. Mary married Thomas Hogan; they have five children: Mary, Catherine, Lena, Joseph, and Edward. Agnes died at the age of eleven years. Timothy Cassey died February 20, 1892, and his widow survives at this date, 1896. Mrs. Cassey's father, Edward Miskell, was born in Waterford county, Ireland, in 1841, and came to the United States when a young man and. located in Easton. Ile married Mary Flaherty; they have one daughter, Mary A. Both father and mother are living now in 1896. The ancestry of the family is Irish on both sides.

Fish, Capt. Milton, was born in Galvestown, in the State of Louisiana, about eighty miles from Baton Rouge. On May, 25, 1819, his father left that State when Captain Milton was nine years old and located in the town of North East, Dutchess county, N. Y., where he attended school; his early life was spent on the farm. In 1882 the family moved to the town of Moreau, Saratoga county, N. Y., where he finished what education he had time to acquire. lle taught school at the age of twenty. In his twenty-second year he went to sea, and a right thorough " sea dog was he," for he followed the salt water all told twenty years. Ile entered the ent- ploy of John F. Trumbull as a sailor before the mast on the United States Bank; he was in his employ eight years. Mr. Trumbull took much interest in the country boy and this was the turning point in his career. He made three voyages around Cape Horn, and was promoted by degrees. First he held the position of boat steerer. They went to the Crosette Island in the South Indian Ocean: his next position was second mate and then the position of master of ship in the employ of another con- cern. This ship was in the passenger and general traffic to Honolulu and Narvian Islands, also in connection with the gold excitement in California in 1849 and 1850. In 1851-52 he fitted out a trading vessel at Stonington on his own account; here his good friend Trumbull was his right hand man again. Ilis first trip was to the Azores Islands. He took up a land claim in Oregon and became land sick and went to sea again to Honolulu and Victoria; he also did a fine trade with the Esquimaux. He came to San Francisco, returning to this town and said good-bye to the sea for- ever. Ile had made a competency. He purchased this farm on the banks of the historie Iludson River, where he is enjoying life in sight of water, in peace with all men. His mother died when he was seven years old.

Brewster, George W., was boru in Schoharie county, N. Y., July 12, 184t. Ile was educated in the common schools of that county. He has always been a farmer by occupation, and came with his people to Schaghticoke in 1864. lle married Christina Kinkern of his native county; they have five children: Lottie, George K., Annie F., John G. and Estella. Annie F. married Romine Kniskern ; they have one son. Mr. Brewster's father, Gilbert, was born in Albany county, N. Y., in 1807. He was educated in the common schools and was a farmer. He married Julia A. Button, formerly of the town of Schaghticoke; they had five children: Courtland, George W., John 11., Almira and Eveline. Mr. Brewster died February 11, 1581, and his wife died December 1, 1880. Mr. Brewster's grandfather, William Brewster, came to the United States on the ship Mayflower. The ancestry of the family is Dutch, English, German, and of New England extraction.

Keyes, James, was born in County Limerick, Ireland, November 10, 1843. Ile was educated in his native country. Ile came to the United States in 1866 and

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located in Schaghticoke, and is one of the intelligent farmers of the town. Febru- ary 8, 1869, he married Mary O'Neil, formerly of bis native place. They have four children, one son and three daughters, Michael B., Sarah B., Mary E., and Julia M. . all residing at home at this date (1896). Mr. Keyes's father, Michael, was born at the old home in Ireland about the year 1808. He married Bridget Doyle of his na- tive place. They had five living children: Mary, Bridget, Michael, James, and Mar- tin. They came (his parents) to this country on a visit in 1867, and returned the fol- lowing year. He died February 17, 1892, and his wife March 25, 1895. The family are members of St. John's Roman Catholic church of Schaghticoke, N. Y.

Thompson, Samuel, was born in Schaghticoke, N. Y , August 27, 1827. His educa- tion was obtained in the common schools. He followed the liquor business for twenty years, and was also a carpenter and contractor for twenty years, and is now leading a retired life. December 5, 1868, he married Rose Buffitt of this village. They had four children: one daughter and two infant boys are dead, and Clara, who is a school teacher in the Union Free school. Mr. Thompson's father, Alexander, was born in the north of Ireland and came to the United States when a young man, .and located in the village. He married Nancy McCann; she was formerly of the north of Ireland; they had nine children, four sons and five daughters: Samuel, Jane, Margaret, Harry, Nancy, Matilda, John, Robert, and Anna. Alexander Thompson is dead, and his wife died in Los Angeles, Cal., in 1891. The ancestry of the family is Scotch on both sides.

Strope, David M., was born in the town of Sand Lake, January 31, 1834. He was educated in the district schools. He was a butcher for eighteen years, and is now a farmer and gardener. In 1857 he married Elizabeth A. Norton of Tomhannock. They have two children: Myron David and Caroline E. She, on March 29, 1883, married Richard jones, then of Melrose but now of Schaghticoke Hill. They have had three children: Elizabeth, Carrie, and Robert, who died in infancy. Mr. Strope's father, David T., was born in the town of Sand Lake in the year 1804. He was edu- cated in the schools of that day, and was a carpenter and farmer. He married twice, first, to Catherine Goewy; they had fourteen children: Sarah, Rebecca, David M., Caroline, Mary, Lonise, William, Frederick, John, Emeline, Alfred, Ezra, Hattie, and Mahala. Mrs. David T. Strope died about the year 1565. For his second wife he married Mrs. Caroline Whittuck, born Fonda. They had four children : Martin 1., Jesse, Cynthia, and Almira. Mrs. Strope is living at this date. The an- cestors on both sides were in the Revolutionary war. The ancestry of this family is Dutch on both sides.

Van Alstyne, E. M., was born in Bath, N. Y., May 28, 1858. He was a son of Ed- ward M., a son of Martin Van Alstyne, a native of Holland, and came to Rensselaer connty with his brother, Peter Van Alstyne. The grandfather and great-grand- father of Mr. Van Alstyne died in Rensselaer county. The father of Mr. Van Al- styne lived and died in Bath. His death occurred October 11, 1880. His wife was Elizabeth (Hilton), who was born in Rensselaer county, and was a daughter of Ed- ward Hilton, an carly settler. She died in 1895. Mr. Van Alstyne was reared in Bath, and educated in Albany Academy. He is a printer by trade and has worked for Weed, Parsons & Co. for fourteen years. In 1890 he engaged in the mercantile

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business in Bath and has two stores. In 1881 Mr. Van Alstyne married Carrie Melius by whom one son has been born: Howard M. Mr. Van Alstyne keeps sub- station No. 3 of Albany and has also been postmaster.

Leffler, A. M., was born in Germany, March 7, 1847. He is a son of Jacob and Mary (Shaw), both born in Germany and came to Berlin, N. Y., in 1852, and there both lived and died. Mr. Leffler was reared in Berlin and educated in the common schools. At nineteen years he started at teaming and finally went to Sand Lake and purchased a farm; in 1884 he came to Albany, had a coal yard for one year, then came to Bath-on-the Hudson, and was proprietor of the Wolcott House for three years; he also dealt in ice, and in 1889 built the Leffler Ilouse on Washington avenue, and is also engaged in hay, straw, feed, and flour trade. Mr. Leffler also built a very fine residence on Washington avenue containing all the modern im- provements. Mr. Leffler has made his own way in the world, starting a poor boy. He was married March 28, 1869, to Eavan Keeler, by whom he has had ten children : Mary, Fannie, Emma, Charles, Carrie, Jacob (deceased), Alice, William, Bertha (de- ceased), and Eva,

Wood, W. F., M. D., was born November 13, 1851, in Chittenden county, Vt. He is the son of Benjamin F, and Lena M. Alexander of Chittenden, where they both were born and died. He was a lumber dealer; his father was also a lumber dealer until the Mexican war, to which he went and there met his death. The maternal grandfather was Clark Alexander, a native of Chittenden county, Vt. ; he was in the Mexican war and spent his last days in his native county where he now lies in Green Mountain Cemetery near Col. Ethan Allen. W. F. Wood was educated in the Willeston Academy of East Greenbush. He studied medieine with the late Anthony Teneyek of Bloomingrove, N. Y., and Prof. John M. Bigelow of Albany. He grad- uated from the Albany Medical College in 1871 and has practiced in Greenbush since 1876. Dr. Wood was married in November, 1884, to Louise Miles, daughter of the late Minard Miles, born in Greenbush and son of Samuel Miles, a native of Scotland ; he was one of the early settlers of Greenbush, where he lived and died. He was the father of seven sons and one daughter; the oldest, Frank, was president of the vil- lage for some years; his son William was also president of the village and chairman of the Board of Supervisors, also member of assembly, and now holds a prominent position in the custom house, New York ; Samuel Miles was a contractor and builder for years; Minard Miles was a builder and contractor, and also a bridge builder for the Albany and Boston R. R. ; he died in 1871; his widow now lives in Greenbush. To Dr. W. F. Wood and wife was born one daughter, Gertrude. Dr. Wood was health commissioner for four years; he is a member of Greenbush Lodge No. 337, F. & A. M. and of Greenbush Chapter, K. A. M., and A. D. U. W. and Select Knights,

MeKenna Bros .- This firm is composed of William and James H., sons of Charles II. MeKenna. C. II. MeKenna was born in Troy, N. Y. ; his father came to Troy from Ireland and there lived and died. Charles II. McKenna came to Greenbush soon after and engaged in the grocery business; he continued in that business until his death in 1891. His wife was Elizabeth Callary, by whom he has had six sons and four daughters. Mr. MeKenna and wife both lived in Greenbush. William was

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born in Greenbush in 1875, and James H. in 1871. Both were educated in the com- mon schools, and in 1889 engaged in the grocery business, first dealing in groceries and now they have also ice and coal.

Hawks, Albert Henry, was born at Hoosick, N. Y., May 1, 1843. Mary Phillips was born at Hoosick, N. Y., October 19, 1843. They were united in marriage at Hoosick, N. Y., October 24, 1867. Their children were Kathryn Belle, and Henry Noble, born at Hoosick, N. Y., November 1, 1871, and December 29, 1873, respect- ively.

Ilerran, Mathew A., born in Nassau, January 5, 1861, is the son of John and Francis (Herran) Herran, both born in Ireland and in 1860 came to Nassau and for thirty years have lived in Greenbush. Mathew A. came to Greenbush when a mere child and was educated in Greenbush, N. Y., and St. John's, Albany, and also Mr. New- man's select school. Ile was a collector on old South Ferry from 1875 to 1880 and then went to the lumber district four years and peddled oil, and for eleven years was baggageman for the B. & A. R. R. Mr. Herran has always been an ardent Repub- lican and has been trustee seven years in succession and then came to the Third ward and here was elected trustee November, 1894, which oflice he now holds, and has been ward inspector one year, in 1884, and in 1896 was elected supervisor of Greenbush; he is the first Republican supervisor in twenty-two years. Mr. Herran was a member of the K. of L. in 1885 when the party was successful. He was mar- ried in December, 1886, to Josephine M. Gill of Kingston, N. Y., by whom he has five children: Mathew, deceased; Merie F., Josephine M., Frances, deceased; and Honora. Mr. Herran is a member of C. R. B. A., Comeil Greenbush, and also president two terms.

Jones, Baalam, was born in Albany, January 13, 1820. He was a son of Josiah Jones, born June 10, 1796, and Rachael (Petner) Jones, who lived and died in West- erlo town, Albany county, N. Y. He was a farmer by occupation. Mr. Jones was reared in Westerlo and educated in common schools. He followed farming and was a carpenter by trade. April 1, 1872, he came to Bath, N. Y., and now owns two houses and lots. In 1841 Mr. Jones was married to Lois S. Baker of Westerlo, daughter of John and Susan Baker, who lived and died in Westerlo. He died May 29, 1856. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones were born four children: Josiah B., Lucy, Mary, and George. Mrs. Jones died in 1881. In 1881 he married Elizabeth Janim of Bath, widow of Charles A. Janim, who died in East Albany. The grandfather of Mr. Jones spent most of his days in Vermont.

Murphy, Peter S., was born in Ireland, April 3, 1848. Ile was a son of Peter and Mary Murphy, both of whom lived and died in Ireland. Mr. Murphy was reared and educated in Ireland, and came to Greenbush in 1865 of which place he has since been a resident. Ile was employed by the Hudson River Railroad for about four years, and worked on the new Capitol eight months. In 1870 he was employed by the B. & A. R. R., and remained there for about two years; since 1872 he has been on the police force in Greenbush. Ile was married in 1874 to Mary A. Sherwood, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Sherwood, natives of Ireland, who came to Green- bush in the forties and here lived and died. To Mr. and Mrs. Murphy were born two sons and one daughter; Richard, Peter and Elizabeth,

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Bord, James, was born in Troy, N. Y., July 27, 1852. Ile received his edneation in the public schools and later went to work at the Burden Iron Works. In 1871 he was appointed turnkey at the county jail. Ile was the first in Troy to receive a post-office appointment during President Cleveland's first administration. He was appointed to a clerkship in the office of the State Superintendent of Public Works, Albany, and in 1893 with his brother, George S. Bord, entered the livery business at 176 Third street, Troy. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. He was married in 1879 to Mellissa Zetto of Troy. They have one daughter.

Willson, W. Vander Heyden, was born April 19, 1859. He is a descendant in a direct line of Dirk Vander Heyden, who was the original patroon and owner of the land upon which the city of Troy now stands. His father, Mordecai M. Willson, a well known and respected citizen, was a wholesale druggist of Troy, but now resides near Waterford, N. Y. His mother, Alida L. (Vander Heyden) Willson was a prize graduate of the famous Willard Seminary. She died August 21, 1870. Vander Iley- den Willson received his education at the Vermont Episcopal Institute and the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and upon leaving school he entered an architect's office. In 1882 he became connected with the firm of J. M. Jones's Sons, street rail- way ear builders, of West Troy, N. Y., as draughtsman, designer and superintend- ent of construction, where he is located at the present time. Jannary 12, 1892, he married Susie, daughter of James Irving of Troy, N. Y., and they have two sons. Mr. and Mrs. Willson resides on the Brunswick Road, Troy, N. Y.

Houghtaling, De Witt D., was born in Hudson, N. Y., June 19, 1848. His father, Conrad J., was born in Greene county, and was a carpenter and builder by trade. Ile was alderman in Hudson for eight years, and died December 28, 1878. His mother, Mellissa B. (Gifford) Houghtaling, was born in Kinderhook, and is a descend- ant of one of the oldest families and is now living in Troy. De Witt D was edu- cated in the public schools of Hudson, and learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for a number of years, and in 1874 came to Troy and entered the firm of Van Dusen & Co., paper box manufacturers, and two years later was made superintend- ent of that concern, and was with them for sixteen years, when he took charge of the paper box department of the United Shirt and Collar Company, where he is still located. He is a member of King Solomon Primitive Lodge F. & A. M., past high priest of Apollo Chapter, P. F. I. M. of Bloss Council, Apollo Commandery, Drill Corps, and of the Mystic Shrine, and is also a member of the Beeman Park Hose Company. lle comes from a family of fourteen, seven brothers and six sisters, of which he is the only surviving member.

Davry, George 11., was born in Lansingburgh, N. Y., November 17, 1860. His education was obtained in the public schools, and by occupation is a linotype opera- tor in the Troy Times office June 17, 1885, he married Corlista E. Ritchie, of this village, and they have one daughter, Corlista R. Mr. Davry's father, John, was born in Dysart, Scotland, September 25, 1832; he was educated there and came to the United States in 1856 and located in Lansingburgh, N. Y. In February, 1858, he married Barbara Hepburn of Troy (formerly of Scotland) and had eight children : William G., George II. (as above), John L., Ilelen B., Alexander (who died at the age of five years), Edward R., Robert U., and Barbara P. John Davry is a member

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of Phoenix Lodge No. 58, F. & A. M., and of Phoenix Chapter No. 133, R. A. M. George II. is a life member of Phoenix Lodge No. 58, F. & A. M., and one of its past masters; he is a member of Phoenix Chapter No. 133, R. A. M., and one of its past high priests, and at present represents Phoenix Lodge in the Masonic Board of Trustees; he is also a member of Bloss Council No. 14. R. & S. M. Mr. and Mrs. George II. Davry are members of Olivet Presbyterian church ; he is one of ruling elders of Olivet church and he has been its collector eleven years. The an- cestry of this family is Scotch on both sides.

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Landmarks of Rensselaer county, New York, pt 2 - 3, Part 61

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