Landmarks of Steuben County, New York, Part 45

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 45

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However, in 1850 Mr. Pritchard went to Pennsylvania and took charge of the lumbering interests of the firm of Phelps, Dodge & Company of New York city. The tract he operated was in Clinton county, on the Sinnemahoning River. In the three years he was thus engaged, Mr. Pritchard gained a fair knowledge of the business, and we next find him the owner of a three thousand acre tract of timber in Tioga

LANDMARKS OF STEUBEN COUNTY.

county, Pa., and there conducting an extensive and successful lumbering enterprise. In this venture his partners were James A. Hayt and Aaron H. Foster. At the end of about fifteen months our subject disposed of his interest in the business, then re- turned to Corning and became a dealer in lumber, operating extensively between the years 1856 and '63, at that fortunate period in which good profits were the result of judgment and large transactions. During a part of this time Mr. Pritchard handled as much as 10,000,000 feet of lumber annually.

In 1863 our subject purchased a half interest in the Payne & Olcott foundry and machine shops, in which he had formerly been employed as clerk, and here he con- ducted a successful business until 1868, when he retired, possessed of a competency, the deserved result of years of industry, coupled with good judgment in making in- vestments. Outside of his business life, Mr. Pritchard has taken an active part in all matters pertaining to the general welfare of Corning, and it cannot be said that any good work ever appealed to him in vain; at the same time his best deeds have not been done in a manner to draw attention to himself. He has not been a self- seeker in any sense, his chief aim being to be considered one of the staunch business men of the town, and to so order his daily life as to secure the respect and esteem of his townsmen. The churches, schools and other institutions have received substan- tial benefits at his hands. He was one of the organizers of the Methodist Episcopal church of Corning, a liberal contributor to its maintenance, and has also been con- nected with its officiary.

In politics Mr. Pritchard was originally a Whig, but has been a Republican since the party's organization. He was president of the village in 1861 and '62, and again in 1886, and during the years first mentioned secured local improvements which have proved of the greatest benefit to Corning, although at the time his suggestions were ridiculed and opposed. Especially noteworthy was his action in originating and carrying to successful completion the often called "Pritchard Canal," by which the overflow waters of the stream named Monkey Run were safely conducted to the river. Mr. Pritchard well knew the dangerous character of this stream in times of excessive rainfall, and labored long and earnestly to have built a safe conduit for its surplus water. In this effort he finally succeeded, though at much cost to himself, but to the great benefit of the village and city. In the local schools, also, he has shown an earnest interest, and was a member of the Board of Education fifteen years, beginning in 1861. He was for several years president of the board, and one of its active members under whose term of office the splendid academy building was erected. As a member of the Masonic fraternity, Mr. Pritchard has an excellent record and standing. He became a craftsman in November, 1863, and has since ad- vanced through the Lodge, the Chapter, the Council and the Commandery; also the Consistory and the Scottish Rite bodies to the thirty-second degree, taking the latter September 14, 1866. He is a member of the noted St. Omer's Commandery of Elmira.

Full fifty years of happy married life were the lot of Hiram Pritchard. His wife was Lucinda Searles, whom he married September 21, 1836. They celebrated the golden wedding, their fiftieth year of married life, on the 21st of September, 1886, and two years later the destroyer entered the home circle and took away the faithful and devoted wife and mother. Three children were born of their marriage, viz .: Truman S., Mrs. Mary M. Sayles (who died October 30, 1895), and Albert.

JAMES B. HARGRAVE.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

JAMES B. MURDOCK.

. JAMES B. MURDOCK, son of Edward and Elizabeth (Palmer) Murdock, was born Jan- uary 2, 1814, in Courtright, Delaware county, N. Y., where his grandfather, John Murdock, was an early settler. Reared on the parental farm and educated in the common schools of his native town he began teaching district school at the age of nineteen and continued in that occupation with unvarying success for about twelve years. About 1835 his father moved to Brookfield, Pa., adjoining the town of Troupsburg, Steuben county, N. Y., where the subject of this sketch resided for some time. Later James B. came to South Troupsburg, where in 1847 he built his present store and engaged in general merchandising, a business he has ever since carried on with almost uninterrupted success. He has also been heavily engaged in lumbering and farming and besides has been proprietor of a grist mill. He is one of the oldest general merchants in Steuben county, and has always won and retained the confidence and respect of all with whom he has had business relations.

Mr. Murdock early manifested a keen interest in public affairs in both Brookfield, Pa., and Troupsburg, seeking for what would advance the welfare of his town and its people. He represented Troupsburg on the board of supervisors in 1855, 1856, 1857, 1858, and 1862, and in that capacity served with rare ability and with great credit to both himself and his constituents. In 1871 he was elected member of as- sembly and in the Legislature held positions on several important committees.

Mr. Murdock was married to Miss Sarah L. Wombough. Their children were Jane E., born in 1838; William B., born in 1839; Edward P., born in 1841; Anua E., born in 1843; Henry W., born in 1845; Martha P., born in 1848; Emma, died in infancy; Sarah A., born in 1850; and Mary P., born in 1853, deceased.

JAMES B. HARGRAVE.

JAMES B. HARGRAVE, principal of the Canisteo public schools, is a son of George and Sophia (Balcom) Hargrave, natives of England, and was born in Balona, Ontario county, N. Y., March 16, 1845. When nine years old he came with his parents to the town of Cameron, Steuben county, where he worked on the farm and cleared land until the age of eighteen. The straitened circumstances of the family com- pelled the youth to rely chiefly upon his own resources. While at home he attended the district schools when opportunity afforded, but his education both here and after- ward was the result of self-application, indomitable energy, and untiring presever- ance. He became a student in Alfred University and subsequently in Woodhull Academy, and from the last named institution was selected as a delegate to the first competitive examination for a free scholarship to Cornell University, which he won. He entered Cornell in 1868 and remained until 1872, after which he taught in Wells- ville and later in the Andover Union School in Allegany county. He was graduated with the degree of LL.B. from the law department of Union College in 1875 and then taught schools at Livonia and Livonia Station, N. Y., for two years.

In 1877 Mr. Hargrave came to Canisteo, Steuben county, and formed a law part-

LANDMARKS OF STEUBEN COUNTY.

nership with Eli Soule, but after two weeks, at the earnest solicitation of the citizens, he assumed charge of the public schools in that village and held the position for six consecutive years. After a similar period of absence he was recalled in 1889 and has ever since served faithfully as principal. When Mr. Hargrave first became connected with the Canisteo schools only three teachers were employed; now there are nine ; and the standard of education has been correspondingly increased under his efficient and systematic management, He is one of the prominent educators of the county and holds a high place among the leading teachers of Western New York. He has been a life-long Democrat and for many years quite active in local politics, and in 1892 was his party's candidate for member of assembly in a stronghold of Republi- canism, which caused his defeat by a small majority. He is a member of Canisteo Lodge and Hornellsville Encampment, I. O. O. F., and as a public spirited citizen, pro- gressive, enterprising, and energetic, has always manifested a keen interest in town affairs, supporting and encouraging every movement which promises benefit to the community. .

Mr. Hargrave was married in 1877 to Miss Mary A. Forrest, who died May 2, 1894.

ALBERTUS LARROWE.

THE subject of this sketch, Albertus Larrowe, was born in Cohocton on the 11th of July, 1826. On his paternal side, his ancestry can be traced back for several generations. There is a legend in the family that at the time of the persecution of the Huguenots, three brothers named La Rue fled from France to the United States, landing in North Carolina. That they changed the spelling of their name from La Rue to Larrowe for fear of being followed to this country, and to more completely change their identity. They, however, retained the pronunciation of La Rue. It is known that there were three brothers by this name, who formerly lived in North Carolina. One went from there to Louisiana, one to Kentucky, and one came north to New Jersey. To the latter was born a son, on the day of the battle of Trenton, within hearing of the guns. This child was named Albertus, and was the grandfather of the present Albertus. He came from New Jersey to the town of Reading, now Schuyler county, from there he came to Wheeler, where he afterward married Janet Aulls, of Urbana. He had twelve children, who reached maturity, all born in Wheeler. In 1806 he bought from Samuel Haight, in Cohoc- ton, about two hundred acres of land, which forms a part of the farm now owned by his grandson and namesake.

The father of the present Albertus was named John, and was the oldest of the twelve children mentioned above. He was born in 1801, and was married to Eliza- beth Holmes in Wheeler. Soon after their marriage, they came to Cohocton, where he bought from the Pulteney estate a tract of land on the Davis Creek, adjoining that owned by his father. On the banks of the creek he built a little home, where were born his four sons. A few years later he bought the Haight property from his father, and built a house, which, when he built, the present Larrowe farm house was removed to the village, and is now owned and occupied by Ephraim Wemple.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

The maternal ancestors of Albertus Larrowe can trace their descent from Silas Wheeler, in honor of whom the town of Wheeler was named, and who was its first permanent settler. He was a native of Rhode Island, was a soldier of the Revolu- tion, and was with Benedict Arnold in his perilous march through the forests of Maine, and at the assault of Quebec stood near Montgomery when he fell. He was four times taken prisoner, twice by land, and twice upon the high seas, as a roving privateersman. After his second capture upon the coast of Great Britain he was confined in jail and condemned to be hanged as a pirate. He escaped by the aid of the distinguished orator and statesman, Henry Grattan, who procured for him a passport, and secured a passage to France, whence he returned to America. He settled in the town of Wheeler (then included in Bath) in 1799.

Captain Wheeler died in 1828, aged seventy-eight, at the home of his son, Grattan H. Wheeler. His children were the son, Grattan H., and twin daughters named Ruth and Sarah. Ruth married Nathan Rose, one of the pioneers of Wheeler. Sarah married William Holmes, who made the first clearing on what is known as the Barney farm, on the opposite side of the creek from the home of her sister. The first child born to them was Elizabeth, who afterwards married John Larrowe, who was born and brought up on the farm adjoining that of her father, and from where they removed to Cohocton.

There were four sons born to them, Franklin, Albertus, Marcus Dwight, and Will- iam Wheeler. They, appreciating the benefits of education, were determined that their boys should have all the educational advantages within their reach. These were necessarily most limited, consisting principally of winter schools. A Presby- terian minister, a Dr. Johnson, was boarded for one winter, that the boys might de- rive the benefit of his college education. During their minority the boys worked for their father on the farm. Soon after attaining his majority, Albertus invested his scanty savings in a timber tract, in company with his brother Franklin. Their earn- ings were invested and reinvested until they had purchased several large and valua- ble tracts, principally from the Pulteney estate, and had a good water power saw mill located just above the village. They built several miles of the first fence along the Erie Railroad running through the town, furnishing the lumber and doing the work for seventy-five cents per rod. The principal market for their lumber was in Canandaigua. It was hauled to the landing, near the head of Canandaigua Lake, where it was put into rafts, and would then wait for the wind to blow from the south to blow it to Canandaigua. The market for farm produce was either Dansville on the Genesee Valley Canal, or Hammondsport on Keuka Lake.

Elizabeth Larrowe died in 1862.

John Larrowe died in 1867. His remains were interred in the plot of ground, which he had already dedicated as a family cemetery. He left his farm to his two surviving sons, Albertus and Marcus Dwight. Albertus bought the interest of the latter in 1868, and has since owned the homestead, known as the Larrowe farm, situ- ated one-eighth of a mile below the village of Cohocton. The larger portion of it is now within the corporation limits.

Mr. Larrowe was made a Mason in 1858, at Naples, He was one of the charter members of Liberty Lodge No. 510, being its first master, and occupied this position for several terms thereafter.

Mr. Larrowe has been an enthusiastic Republican since the party was organized

LANDMARKS OF STEUBEN COUNTY.

He was supervisor for two or three years, and has always felt an interest in the wel- fare of his party.

In 1866 Mr. Larrowe bought from David H. Wilcox the Liberty Mills, a small water power mill, fitted with two runs of stone, using wooden peg gears and the rude ma- chinery of that period. The grain was hoisted to the top floor by a rope running over a pulley in the roof, and a man at the other end. Two years later the mill was re- modeled and operated as a custom mill, making a specialty of buckwheat flour in its season, and from that time until 1889, Mr. Larrowe continued the manufacture of buckwheat flour, dropping out of the custom work entirely. The Larrowe Milling Co. was formed at that time, and two years later changed to a corporation, with A. Larrowe as president, operating the largest buckwheat mill in the world, equipped with the most modern machines and appliances, many of them built after Mr. Lar- rowe's own plans. He has always been a firm believer in pure food products, and Larrowe's kiln-dried buckwheat flour is one of the very few brands which have never been adulterated.

Mr. Larrowe has been a tireless worker, and has always enjoyed the respect and confidence of all his business associates and acquaintances and a host of friends. Though most of the active work of the concern is now performed by younger men, much of the success enjoyed by the Larrowe Milling Co. Ltd., is attained by his sug- gestions and counsel, for which his ripe experience so well fits him.

Mr. Larrowe was married to Harriet A. Kellogg, daughter of John Kellogg of Co- hocton, on February 22, 1854, who died in December, 1860, leaving two sons, John and Charles. On the 23d of February, 1863, Mr. Larrowe was married to Julia A., daughter of James Draper of Cohocton, who died January 4, 1864, leaving one son, James Erwin.

Mr. Larrowe was married April 28, 1875, to Katherine, daughter of Shepard P. Morgan, of Lima, by whom he had three children, Elizabeth A., Albertus, jr., and Dwight Morgan.

Dr. Larrowe was one of the organizers of the Universalist church. The site of the present residence of Mr. Larrowe is the same as that on which stood the house, in which were born the Fowler family, the eminent phrenologists, Orson, Lorenzo and Sarah, now Mrs. Wells. And the large elm on the lawn was set there by these brothers when it was a slender sapling, the size of their wrists.

GEORGE W. PRATT 1

Was born in Milo, Yates county, in 1821. He was graduated as a physician at Geneva Medical College in 1845, and practiced in Corning for several years, remov- ing to Marshall, Mich., in 1849. He there became editor of the Statesman, a weekly Whig paper, but returned to Corning in 1851, and in July of that year became the editor of the Corning Journal, and part proprietor. Less than two years later he became sole proprietor. In September, 1891, he founded the Corning Daily Journal which has had a remarkable circulation in a city of about 12,000 inhabitants, the average circulation for the past two years being 1,500 copies. Mr. Pratt was for one

DANIEL F. YOUNG.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

term a loan commissioner of Steuben county. He was for half a dozen years the canal collector for the port of Corning, when the Chemung Canal was in operation. He has been twice the postmaster of Corning, serving each time the term of four years. He was a member of the first board of managers of the St. Lawrence State Hospital, Ogdensburg, being appointed by Governor David B. Hill, which board made all the contracts for the erection of buildings and purchase of site. He was also the petition clerk of the House of Representatives of the 41st Congress.

DANIEL F. YOUNG.

DANIEL F. YOUNG, youngest of four children of Frederick and Elizabeth (Young- love) Young, who were born, lived, and died in Frey's Bush, Montgomery county, N. Y., was born in that town February 16, 1817. Reared on a farm he was a self- made and a self-educated man, his education being obtained principally in public schools. He taught school for a time and also learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed as an employee of his brother-in-law, the late John I. Timerman. He early developed strong scholarly habits and a metaphysical mind and manifested de- cided inclination for a literary career. In 1845 he was offered and accepted the edi- torship of the Montgomery Phenix, then the only paper published in Fort Plain, N. Y., the proprietor being that well-known deaf mute, Levi S. Backus. At the same time he also commenced the study of law under Wagner & Webster, attorneys and counsellors, but soon abandoned that profession for the more congenial editorial work, which he continued as editor of the Phenix for thirteen years. In 1848 he was appointed deputy postmaster at Fort Plain under Henry C. Adams, but shortly after- ward resigned to accept the post of clerk to William Dale, division superintendent of the Erie Canal. A little later he became a clerk in the Fort Plain Bank and was subsequently made its cashier, a position he held till after the close of the war, when he resigned on account of ill health. He then retired from active business and de- voted the remainder of his life to the care of his property and family and to literary pursuits.

Mr. Young's connection with the newspaper press did not end with his career as editor, but continued till his death, which occurred in Jasper, Steuben county, August 18, 1892. He was first a Whig and later an ardent Republican, and the leading journals of his party often bristled with political and other articles from his able and versatile pen. The files of the Mohawk Valley Register, the New York Mail and Express, and many Steuben county papers contain the products of his fertile and ac- tive brain. Gifted alike in prose and poetry he was a strong defender of right and justice, of temperance legislation, and of the principles of Republicanism. He was opposed to the saloon and also to all third party movements, and always had the courage of his convictions and the honesty to boldly express the views espoused. He was an excellent writer-clear, concise, logical, and witty, a close thinker, tena- cious in belief, possessed of the qualities of a strong character and highly cultivated mind, and especially fond of grappling with metaphysical subtleties. On the ques- tion of the Freedom of the Will, in which he was profoundly interested, and on

LANDMARKS OF STEUBEN COUNTY.

which he wrote much but published little, he belonged to the school of Jonathan Edwards. In metrical composition he had abilities of a no mean order. He wrote a number of poems which clearly indicate his high intellectuality and the beautiful thoughts that filled his mind. During his later years he was in the habit of writing a poem on each occurrence of his natal anniversary, and most of them appeared in print. His last effort, entitled "Seventy-five," was inscribed " To R. W." and con- tained nine stanzas, of which the final two are as follows:

"I keep my frail bark near the shore, And smile to see my fellows strive ; With feebleness I ply the oar- The pulse runs low at seventy-five !

"But still God's wond'rous world is fair- He scatters mercies largé and free- He plants his beauties everywhere, And life is still a joy to me."

In the spring of 1885 Mr. Young settled in the village of Jasper, Steuben county, where he bought a handsome residence, which was burned September 12, 1891. Hither he had brought from the Mohawk valley his large and valuable library and literary treasures, which were totally destroyed. He felt this loss keenly, largely from the fact that age prevented him from making another collection of those "silent" and ever available " friends," for he prized them as only a true book lover prizes books. He was held in high esteem and retained the confidence of all who knew him.

July 14, 1883, Mr. Young, while residing temporarily at Painted Post, was married by Rev. Joseph H. Young, rector of St. Joseph's Episcopal church, Dansville, to Miss Anna Rust Miller, daughter of Dr. William and Mary (Seeber) Miller, natives respectively of Johnstown and Canajoharie, N. Y. She survives him, and in 1894 married F. S. Viall, formerly a business man of Canisteo and now a merchant in Jasper, where Mrs. Miller also resides. Dr. Miller lived in and died in Johnstown, Fulton county. His father, Dr. James W. Miller, prominent in the early history of that place, married Sarah, daughter of Amaziah Rust, of Revolutionary fame.

LEONARD S. LAMSON.

LEONARD S. LAMSON'S ancestors came from England to this country in the 17th century and settled in New Hampshire, where members of the family became sub- stantial farmers and mechanics. His grandfather, Charles Lamson, emigrated to the town of Jasper, Steuben county, from Hadley, Mass., in 1825, and located upon what has ever since been the Lamson homestead. Here amid the environments of a rich agricultural section Leonard S. was born, a son to Sylvester and Sarah (Dennis) Lamson. Sylvester succeeded his father on the farm and died in 1872; his widow survives him and resides with her son, the subject of this sketch.

Leonard S. Lamson was educated in the common schools and Alfred University. January 4, 1864, he enlisted in Co, I, 16th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and served till the

Jome Matty

BIOGRAPHICAL.

close of the war, being detailed at General Tracy's headquarters in Elmira as clerk. After the war closed he returned to the parental farm in Jasper, where he resided four years, when he moved to Woodhull and settled on the homestead of his wife's family. There he remained a farmer until 1877, when he took up his residence in Woodhull village. At the same time he purchased an interest in the saw, planing, and feed mill, in which he has ever since carried on a successful business.

Mr. Lamson has for several years been a prominent factor in politics in both town and county. He is an active Republican, a trusted leader in the councils of his party, and influential advocate of sound party principles. In 1890 and again in 1891 he represented the town of Woodhull on the board of supervisors, where his efficient labors on behalf of his constituents were recognized and appreciated. In 1895 he was elected clerk of Steuben county by a handsome majority. He is a prominent member and was for two years commander of J. N. Warner Post, No. 565, G. A. R., of Woodhull, and is also a member of Tent 174, K. O. T. M. He is an active mem- ber of the Presbyterian church of Jasper, and has always taken a deep interest in the welfare and prosperity of his town. Every worthy object which promised to become beneficial to the community or promote general advancement receives his generous aid and support.

Mr. Lamson was married on" January 23, 1864, to Miss Clara A. Millard, of Wood- hull, by whom he has four children: Prof. George R., graduate of the Geneseo State Normal School, and a school teacher; Fred L., a graduate of the Rochester Univer- sity; and Annie E. and Clara L., at home.

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Landmarks of Steuben County, New York, Part 45

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