Landmarks of Steuben County, New York, Part 104

Author: Hakes, Harlo, 1823- ed; Aldrich, Lewis Cass. cn
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason & Co.
Number of Pages: 1180

USA > New York > Steuben County > Landmarks of Steuben County, New York > Part 104

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).

Matoon, James, was born in Johnstown, Fulton county, N. Y., June 10, 1850, son of Alonzo and Ann Jeanette (Allen) Matoon. Alonzo Matoon is a mason by trade, and came from Gloversville to Wayne in 1855, where he has since resided. He is a Democrat in politics and was justice of the peace at Gloversville. James Matoon was engaged in farming until 1887, and in 1895 he took charge of the Hotel Helvetia, of which he is now landlord. In 1876 he married Fannie Phelps, daughter of David and Elmira (Champlin) Phillips, by whom he had one son, Johnnie, who died Sep- tember 8. 1881, aged fourteen months. Mr. Matoon is a member of Royal Tent, No. 70, of Bath, K. O. T. M.

Moore, John D., was born in Canisteo, Steuben county, January 9, 1814. John Moore, his father, was born in Ireland, and came to the United States when thir- teen years of age. They settled in Canisteo, where they purchased 400 acres of land for ten dollars per acre, and the deed for this land was the first recorded after Steu- ben county was formed. He engaged in farming and lumbering and in running a saw mill, and was in the war of 1812. He married Hannah Daw, by whom he had seven children: James, Thomas, John D., Samuel, Joseph, Edward B. and Sarah. John D. is a farmer and lumberman; the latter business he has followed for forty years. He married Angeline Root, by whom he had three children: Thomas, Will- iam and Lydia. He married for his second wife Mary E. Ayer of Jamestown, N. Y., by whom he had one son, Frederick, who is dead. Mr. Moore is a member of Morn- ing Star Lodge of Masons, No. 65, also of the Hornellsville Chapter.

Morgan, George E., was born in Allegany, Cattaraugus county, N. Y., October 7, 1857, and is the only son of George and Eunice (Thompson) Morgan, both natives of Massachusetts. The grandparents, Eastman and Eunice Morgan, came from Massachusetts and settled in Cattaraugus county, where they engaged in farming, and where they died. The maternal grandparents were also pioneers of Cattarau- gus county, and came from Massachusetts. George Morgan, father of George E., was a farmer of Cattaraugus county, where he died in 1858. Mrs. Morgan married the second time, Joseph Moyes, and they had twochildren. Mr. Moyes was a soldier in the late war and died in 18 -. Mrs. Moyes married W. J. Miller of Woodhull. George E. Morgan has always followed farming, and now owns a farm of 170 acres in Troupsburg. He married Hannah Mowray in 1878. They have one adopted son, David Morgan.

Miller, James U., was born in Oxford, Chenango county, N. Y., June 11, 1825, son of Andrew and Zernah Mowrey Miller, natives of Connecticut, who came to Che-

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nango county in 1800, where both died on the farm on which they settled In poli- tics he was a Democrat and was assessor, justice of the peace and commissioner of highways. James U. was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools, and is a farmer by occupation, owning 117 acres in Woodhull, near the village, where he located in March, 1850. He was in the mercantile business twelve years in Wood- hull. At the present time, in addition to his farming, he manufactures shingles and carries on a planing, cider and grist mill, and conducts an extensive business, manu- facturing about 250,000 feet yearly, and 400,000 shingles. Mr. Miller is a Prohibi- tionist and has been highway commissioner of his town. In 1850 he married Ange- line Symonds, a native of Oxford, N. Y., by whom he had three children: Sarah, de- ceased; Mary, wife of Augustus E. Wheeler, of Greene, N. Y., and they have five children: Lynn, Howard, Ella, Anna and Alice; and Dewitt. The grandfather of James U., Andrew Miller, was born in Connecticut, and in 1800 came to Chenango county, N. Y., where he died. His wife was born in Connecticut and died in Oxford. The maternal grandfather, George Mowrey, was born in England and came to Amer- ica when a child and settled in Oxford, where he died.

Morley, Addison L., was born in Springwater, N. Y., in 1844. His father, Harvey Morley, was of New England birth, and died in Springfield, N. Y., in 1867, aged seventy seven years. He was twice married, and his second wife was Sarah Cros . well, who was born in Ontario county, and died at Honeoye, in 1877, aged seventy- seven years. They had ten children: Lorena, Mabel E., Catherine, Jasper, Lucre- tia, Jane, Henry, Addison L., Steward and Wesley, all living. Addison L. received a common school education, and at twenty-three years of age engaged as clerk in the store of Benjamin Hess in Wayland. In 1866 he rented a place of John Hess, where he sold groceries, flour and feed, where he remained for two years, when he rented a store on Main street, enlarged his stock and remained here one year. He then moved into a new store near the depot, where he remained until 1871, after which he rented a store on the corner of Main and Fremont streets, and remained here one year. He then bought a site and erected a store where the opera house now is, where he remained until it burned in 1893. He afterwards bought a site on East Naples street and erected a commodious store in 1894, where can now be found dry goods, carpets, boots and shoes, wall paper, trunks, hand bags, etc. He is a mem- ber of Phoenix Lodge, No. 113, F. & A. M., of Dansville, also a member of Wayland Lodge of I. O. O. F., No. 176. At Wayland, in 1867, he married Carrie Marther, who was born in Wayland in 1849, by whom he has two children: Ray, born Novem- ber 30, 1876, and May, born July 28, 1880. In 1864 he enlisted in 188th N. Y. Vols., served until the close of the war, and was in the battles of Hatcher's Run, Weldon Railroad, Second Hatcher's Run, Frazier's Farm, Gravelly Run and Five Forks.

Miller, Prof. Curtis, was born in Madison county, in 1865, son of Rev. Samuel Mil- ler, who is a native of Oneida county, and one of ten children born to Curtis Miller. Curtis Miller, the grandfather, was always actively interested in all public affairs pertaining to the welfare of his town and county, and married Mary Duncan, who is of Scotch descent. Rev. Samuel Miller was reared on a farm, became a Congrega- tional minister, and served in the war of the Rebellion as second lieutenant in Co. K, 117th N. Y. Vols., also served in the defences around Washington, D. C. He mar- ried Mary, daughter of Dr. Horace Bigelow of Auburn, N. Y., by whom he had three

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children: Curtis; Mary, wife of Herbert Brownell of Peru, Neb., and Gertrude. Prof. Curtis Miller was educated in Colgate Academy, Madison, N. Y., and gradu- ated from Hamilton College at Clinton, Oneida county, in 1889, after which he ac- cepted the principalship of the Franklin Academy and Union School at Prattsburg, in which capacity he has acted ever since, and under whose management the school made rapid progress, the membership of foreign students having nearly doubled during his first five years as principal. In 1889 he married Eveline M., daughter of David and Mary Barton of Oneida county. Mrs. Miller is a member of the N. N. C.

McMindes, Uzal, was born in Jasper, October 16, 1845, son of Hiram and Olive (Woodward) McMindes; he a native of Jasper and son of Uzal McMindes, one of the first settlers of the town. Hiram McMindes was a carpenter and also a farmer, and now lives at Jasper, at seventy-seven years of age. His wife is also living at the same age. Uzal McMindes was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools He is a farmer and now owns 168 acres of land, and follows general farm- ing and dairying. He owns the old John Marlatt farm. March 18, 1869, he mar- ried Addie, daughter of Vincent Van Orsdale of Jasper, by whom he had two chil- dren: Jennie, wife of Seymour Heckman, they have one son, Herman L. ; and Maud. Mr. McMindes enlisted in 1864, in Co. H, 161st N. Y. Vols., and served one year, and was at the Siege of Mobile, Spanish Fort and Blakesley.

Mayhew, John C., was born in Chenango county, N. Y., August 26, 1839, son of Harvey and Grace (Edwards) Mayhew, natives of Broome and Chenango counties, respectively, who came to Jasper in 1845, where he died. Mrs. Mayhew died in Penn- sylvania while on a visit to her daughters. The grandfather, John Mayhew, died in Broome county, and the maternal grandfather, John C. Edwards, died in Troups- burg. John C. Mayhew was reared on a farm, educated in the common schools, and is a carpenter by trade, but owns a farm of ninety-eight acres. May 10, 1868, he married Lodosky, daughter of Eber and Letitia (Moore) Styles of Troupsburg, by whom he had two children: Orra, wife of Joel Willis of Troupsburg; and Albert, who died at seven years of age. In 1861 Mr. Mayhew enlisted in Co. K, 86th N. Y. Vols., and served nearly four years, and was at Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Beverly Ford, Gettysburg, Auburn, Kelly's Ford, Locust Grove, Mine Run, Wilder- ness, Poe River, Spottsylvania, Anderson Farm, North Anna River, Tolopotomy Creek, Cold Harbor, Siege and Capture of Petersburg Jones's House, Deep Bottom, Hatcher's Run, Boydton Plank Road, Five Forks, Amelia Springs, Farmville, and the Surrender of Lee.

McNett, James, M.D., was born in Buffalo, September 9, 1855. Col. Andrew James McNett, his father, was born at Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., October 3, 1818. He was given a good education and then taught school for a number of years. He then be- came a harnessmaker and saddler. He afterwards took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar. He was at one time a member of our State Legislature. At the outbreak of the war he was one of the first volunteers, serving all through and losing an arm. He afterwards became a member of the Regular Army. He went out as captain and returned as a colonel. He is the father of three children: Dr. George C. McNett, of Bath; Mrs. James E. Norton; and James. The latter was educated in Alfred University, from which he graduated in 1877 with the degree of

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Ph. B. In the same year he entered the medical department of the University of the City of New York, from which he graduated February 13, 1880, with the degree of M. D. His hospital work was done during his regular course, so as soon as he grad- uated he began practice in Hornellsville, May 1, 1880, where he has an extensive practice. With the exception of one year, the doctor has been connected with the Board of Health ever since coming to the city. He is a member of the Masonicorder of thirty-two degrees, also a member of the I.O.O.F. In October, 1882, he married Eva Sauter, by whom he has one child, James S.

McGill, Charlie W., was born in Hobart, Delaware county, N. Y., January 18, 1843. James McGill, the father of Charlie, was a native of Scotland, who was brought to this country by his parents when he was only a babe. He made his home in New York city until about fifteen years of age, then locating in Delaware county where he was engaged in farming until about 1855. He then entered the employ of the Erie Railroad as car inspector. He located in Hornellsville about 1851 and it was here the family have since made their home. He was killed at Hornellsville station, Decem- ber 26, 1864. Charlie was the youngest of a family of five children, two sons and three daughters. His only brother, Albert, was killed on the railroad at Great Bend, September 4, 1862. Charlie was educated in the city schools and one year at Alfred University. His first employment was with the railroad with whom he started at only fifteen years of age, and has ever since, until June, 1894, been in the employ- ment of the Erie Company, without a lay-off, except a year spent at Alfred Univer- sity. He has never been called up for reprimand or discharge and has never had a serious accident in this time. Commencing as a water boy, he rose to a brakeman and at twenty years of age he was conductor on a freight, which position he held for eight years and for the last twenty-three years he has been conductor on a passenger train. He has for a number of years been on the Monitor and his regular run is now trains 24 and 29. Mr. McGill has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for twenty-five years, Hornellsville Lodge No. 331, Steuben Chapter No. 101, and De Molay Com- mandery, and Hornellsville Consistory of thirty-two degrees. He belongs to the Episcopal Society. February 21, 1871, he married Helen, daughter of Gilbert Pres- ton, a name familiar to railroad men as the first to take an engine over the old Portage Bridge. Gilbert Preston died in 1878. Mrs. and Mrs. Gill have one son, Charlie Mortimer, now a student at law in the office of Irvin W. Near.

Morris, George W., was born in the township of Ray, Macomb county, Mich., March 22, 1835. Benjamin Morris, his father, was a native of this State, born in Morrisville, Madison county, who removed to Michigan in 1831, and his father was a native of Massachusetts, who moved to Madison county, N. Y., in 1796, when he was eleven years of age. Benjamin Morris was a farmer and when he moved to Michigan he took up eighty acres of government land, which he increased by pur- chase to 160 acres. George followed farming until twenty eight years old, when he began milling at Birmingham, Oakland county, conducting a custom mill thirteen years, then moved to Reed City, Osceola county, where he built a new mill in 1877. In 1883 he remodeled the mill into a full roller merchant mill. He continued there until 1889 and that year sold out and returned to farming. At that time he was the owner of 420 acres in Michigan. In 1892 he exchanged with T. J. O. Thatcher 240 acres of that land for the Valley Roller Mills at Hornellsville. Since coming here Mr.

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Morris has made many improvements, prominent among them being the change from steam to water power, utilizing a fifteen-foot head with two Little Giant turbine water wheels, which gives them about sixty horse-power, and has also made a complete renovation in the milling system, increasing the capacity to seventy-five barrels of flour per day, and sixty barrels of buckwheat per day. The mill employs five hands. July 1, 1894, Mr. Morris formed a partnership with Jacob Braack, a practical miller, the firm now being G. W. Morris & Co. The greater portion of the grain used is raised in this county. August 15, 1894, he married Blanche Sharp of Howard, Steu- ben county. Two children by a former marriage are living: S. Adele, wife of M. W. Stevenson, of Stanton, Mich., and Hattie E. Morris, who lives at home.

Mitchell, Dr. Samuel, was born in the town of Rathbone, Steuben county, N. Y., March 19, 1855. He is the second son of the late Dr. Samuel Mitchell. He was edu- cated in the city schools and a select school kept by Frances Dwight. In the fall of 1876 he entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and after spending one year went to the University of New York, from which he graduated March 12, 1879. He followed the practice of the profession for three years with his father, and then went in business with his father-in-law, William O'Connor, in which business he was engaged for six years. January, 1888, he went to New York and entered the Post Graduate School for the special study of diseases of the eye, ear and throat, and made also studies in the different eye and ear hospitals. He was also for a time in the office of specialist Dr. Hepburn, assistant surgeon of the Manhattan Eye and Ear Hospital. May 1, 1888, he returned to Hornellsville, where he began the prac- tice of a special treatment of the eye, ear and throat. He has always taken an active interest in church work and is the present treasurer of the Park Methodist church and a steward. He was married in 1879 to Isabel A. O'Connor, daughter of William O'Connor; they have four children: Edan F., Floyd C., George W., student of the academy, and William Francis of the common school.

Moore, John D., was born in Bath, September 2, 1842. John Moore, his father, came to the town of Bath at the age of three years with his parents, John and Amanda Moore, in 1807, and settled on the farm which is now occupied by his de- scendants, and which has been in the family for ninety-one years. John Moore mar- ried Purlunia, daughter of Daniel and Betsey Kenney, and through life was identified as a farmer. He died in 1878, aged seventy-five years, and leaving a wife, one son, John D., and two daughters, Mrs. E. T. Hewlett, and Laura.

McElwee Bros .- Montgomery D. McElwee was born on the homestead farm Octo- ber 25, 1839. It was a part of the Henry McElwee tract and was cleared up by his father, Samuel McElwee, and has been in the family nearly 100 years. Samuel McElwee married Mary A., daughter of Moses Fish, and through life was identified as a farmer, and died in 1884, aged seventy-three years. He had three sons, Montgom- ery D., Samuel, and Thompson T., who married Carrie, daughter of William Buyer, by whom he had two children, Elizabeth and Harriet.

McCall, Ansel J., was born at Corning, January 14, 1816. Ansel McCall, his father, was a native of Lebanon Springs, and the family trace their descent from James McCall, freeman by order of General Court at Marshfield, Mass., in 1684. Ansel married Sarah Weed for his first wife, and for his second he married

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Ann Shannon, daughter of Robert Shannon, who through life was identified in ad- vancing the best interests of his town, being one of the pioneer millers at Painted Post. A. J. McCall was educated in the common schools, and in 1838 he graduated from Union College, and in the same year came to Bath and began the study of law. He was admitted in 1841, and has practiced for fifty-six years in Bath. In 1856 he married Mary, daughter of Dr. Simpson Ellis, by whom he had four children: A. Ellis, James, Sophia, and Anna.

McNamara, John, was born in Upper Canada, August 10, 1846. Michael Mc- Namara, his father, was a native of Ireland and came to Le Roy, N. Y., in 1848, where he died in 1876, in his eighty-fifth year. John McNamara was educated at Le Roy, and in 1866 he came to Bath and entered the employ of D. C. Howell. In 1870 he entered the hardware store of E. H. Hastings & Co., remaining eleven years. In 1882 he went to Hammondsport and purchased a stock of hardware, re- maining until March 1, 1883, when he came to Bath and purchased the Hastings stock and business, and in 1888 disposed of it to George W. Paine. In the same year he established his present business, carrying a full line of hardware. In 1876 he married Mary, daughter of John Baty of Bath, by whom he had four children: Frank B., Edward J., George D., and Nellie. John McNamara is one of the lead- ing business men of his town, serving as tax collector and trustee, and has been chief of the fire department for four years, and has been identified in advancing the best interests of the town and towns-people.

McConnell, Frederick, was born in Howard, July 12, 1859. Aaron McConnell, his father, was also a native of Howard, and the family were descendants from Charles McConnell, who came to Steuben county in 1808, and settled in Howard. Aaron McConnell married Sarah, daughter of Nathan Robertson, and his life was identified in the mercantile business, serving as supervisor for three successive terms. He died December 27, 1894, in his seventy-third year. The family have been prominent in the town of Howard since its organization. Aaron and Sarah McConnell were the parents of four children: Charles Frederick, Bert, and Harry.

Merrill, Fred P., was born in Muscatine, Iowa, August 25, 1859. His parents re- moved to Maine when he was a young child, and he was educated in Portland, Maine. At seventeen years of age he was connected with the glove industry. Sep- tember 4, 1889, he began the manufacture of fabric gloves at Norwich, where he continued until December 17, 1890, when he came to Hornellsville and in company with the Rockwell Brothers' establishment, the glove company with which he has been since, connected both as partner and superintendent.

Noble, Henry M., was born in Bath, October 2, 1868. Edward L. Noble, his father, was the son of Lay Noble who was one of the pioneer settlers and represent- ative men of Bath. Edward L. married Louisa, daughter of Charles Fairchild, by whom he had three children, Anna, Charles L., and Henry M. He bought the Howell farm, which is known as the Jersey Home stock farm, and was one of the representative farmers of his town. He died in 1877. Henry M. married Bessie, daughter of John Presho, in 1891, and has made a specialty of breeding pure Jersey cattle.

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Nicholson, Wesley, was born in Luzerne county, Pa., December 24, 1817, being the seventh son of Jonathan Nicholson, who was born October 14, 1783, and died January 1, 1869. Wesley's mother, Betsey Schwingle Nicholson, was born in 1785 and died August 11, 1845. Wesley was educated by his father and in the common schools and has always followed farming. He started for himself when he reached majority by the purchase of 102 acres of the old homestead on the east line of the town of Hornellsville and twelve acres in the town of Howard, making specialties of grain and vegetables. He has also become the owner of a farm adjoining the west line of the original purchase. He was married March 15, 1846, to Jane, daughter of John Leonard of Hector, Schuyler county, and they have two children: Leonard J., who conducts the old homestead farm, and Frances, the wife of Calvin Nicholson, a farmer on division sixteen. Mr. Nicholson and family are members of the Metho- dist church.

Ordway, William H., was born in Canisteo, September 2, 1819. Enoch Ordway, his father, was born in New Hampshire, and in his early days followed distilling, lumbering and farming. William H. is one of the prominent farmers and business men of the town, and he began life by working out by the day, and running on the river, which was then a paying business. He acquired about 365 acres of land in Adrian, which in 1868 he traded for a farm, which is known as lot 4 first division. He was one of the promoters of the building of the academy in Canisteo village, and is one of the trustees. He married Mary, daughter of John Hallet, by whom he had four children: Charles, who enlisted in the 86th N. Y. Vols., and was killed in second battle of Bull Run; Albert, who was in the 1st N. Y. Cavalry; Julia, now Mrs. Her- man Crosby; Adella, now Mrs. Clark Braisted, of Westchester county.

Ostrander, E. E., was born in the town of Bath, April 9, 1831, son of John Ostran- der, a native of Schoharie county, who came to Steuben county in 1815. He mar- ried Eveline, daughter of Elisha Hanks. He was a member of Steuben county bar, and also engaged in mercantile business, and holding the office of supervisor for a number of years. He died in 1865, aged sixty-three years. E. E. Ostrander was educated in the common schools, and has engaged in lumbering, mercantile and pro- duce business. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. A, 23d N. Y. Vols., served two years, and re-enlisted in Co. G, 22d N. Y. Cavalry, and served until the close of the war. In 1868 he married Fannie, daughter of Hugh Gay, and they are the parents of five children: Edward E., Guy N., Mead H., Lillian E., and Harriet E.

Ostrander Ervine, was born in Jasper, March 24, 1841, son of John and Mary A. (Babcock) Ostrander, he a native of Coxsackie, Greene county, and his wife of the same connty. They came to Jasper in 1841, where he died January 25, 1888. Ervin Ostrander was reared on what is known as the Spaulding farm. May 16, 1886, he married Kate, daughter of Lewis and Abigail (Eastman) Huntington, natives of Greene county and Tompkins county, respectively. John Huntington, father of Lewis, died in Greene county, N. Y. The father of Abigail Eastman died in Alle- gany county, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Ostrander have two sons: Walter E., born May 18, 1867, who married Eva, daughter of John Carter, and was educated in Canisteo: and Merritt E., born June 11, 1870, and was educated in the common schools and Canisteo Academy.

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Owens, Alonzo, was born in Cameron, March 22, 1842, and is the seventh of eleven children born to Ithamar and Waita Ann (Briggs) Owens, he a native of Otsego, and she of Yates county, N. Y. The grandparents were James and Nancy (Alma) Owens, he of Otsego, N. Y., and she of Rhode Island. They settled first at Bluff Point, from where they removed to Cameron, and he was for years justice of the peace, and died in Cameron, and Mrs. Owens married Isaac Santee of Cameron. Ithamar Owens was reared on the farm and afterward made farming his occupation. He was always in poor health and spent his last days at Prospect Hill, near Fre- donia, in grape growing, where he died. Alonzo Owens was educated at Troups- burg Academy, after which he engaged in lumbering in Cameron where he bought a farm. He afterwards engaged in the mercantile business, and then a dealer in musical instruments. In 1882 he came to Troupsburg where he owns 126 acres of land, and in connection with his farm he is a dealer in agricultural implements, and pianos and organs. He also practices law in justice courts. In 1867 he married Seresa, daughter of Joel and Martha (Perdy) Wheaton, by whom he had nine chil- dren: Agnes, Eugene, Alice A., Melvin T., Fannie, Leland, Clifford, Effie G., and Bessie B. Agnes is the wife of Rev. L. D. Works of Huron, South Dakota; Melvin T. is in Huron College; and the other children were educated at Woodhull Acad- emy. Mr. and Mrs. Wheaten were both natives of Delaware county, and came first to Addison, thence to Cameron in 1865, where he died, but Mrs. Wheaton still re- sides on the farm at Cameron.

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Landmarks of Steuben County, New York, Part 104

Author: Hakes, Harlo, 1823- ed; Aldrich, Lewis Cass. cn Publication date: 1896 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason & Co. Number of Pages: 1180

Author: Hakes, Harlo, 1823- ed; Aldrich, Lewis Cass. cn
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason & Co.
Number of Pages: 1180