Landmarks of Tompkins County, New York : including a history of Cornell University, Part 101

Author: Hewett, Waterman Thomas, 1846-1921; Selkreg, John H
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason
Number of Pages: 1194

USA > New York > Tompkins County > Landmarks of Tompkins County, New York : including a history of Cornell University > Part 101

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).

Avery, Oliver, the pioneer of the large and respected family of that name in Gro- ton, was born at Charlmont, Mass., May 3, 1797, and came to this locality at the age of twenty-three. He worked at his trade of cabinetmaker and carpenter at various places, in this region, and finally located at Groton, owning the first cabinet shop in

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the village. April 3, 1825, he married Hannah, daughter of Nehemiah Webb, and their children were: Frederick A., born January 7, 1826; Abigail B., born December 7, 1827; Albert, born November 18, 1829; died May 3, 1831; Marcy, born June 1, 1832; Amos, born August 13, 1834; Oliver, born September 26, 1836; Hannah, born September 14, 1838; died January 14, 1839; David, born August 15, 1840, died at Carson City, Nev., March 3, 1889; and Edward M., born February 28, 1849. Most of these sons became like their father, mechanics, and useful citizens of Groton. Oliver and his wife both died in Groton, the former November 13, 1877, and the latter March 22, 1883. Oliver, jr., at the age of fourteen was apprenticed to Lyman and Charles Perrigo, machinists and founders of Groton, and after four years he became a journeyman workman and continued there several years, when he went to Owego and established himself in business. April 25, 1861, he enlisted in Co. H, 3d Regt. N. Y. Vols. and reached the front in time to participate in the battle of Bethel. At the end of his term of enlistment, May 21, 1863, he was mustered out and returned home. He went again to Owego, but a year later returned to Groton and bought an interest in the Perrigo factory, and was connected with it under various propri- etorships until the concern was merged in the extensive works of the Bridge Com- pany, since which he been in the pattern department. November 20, 1873, he mar- ried Helen M., daughter of Henry Allen, a descendant of one of Groton's pioneer families, and they have had six children, all now living.

Beers, Lucien B., was born September 5, 1836, in the town of Danby and educated in the district schools. At the age of twenty-five he married Belle A. Bennett, daughter of Walker Bennett, of the town of Danby, and they have one son. Mr. Beers is a Republican in politics, and has been assessor for the past eight years. His father, Andrew, who died in 1875 at the age of seventy-years, was one of the earliest settlers in this town. After his death the homestead of 150 acres fell to Lucien B., who resides thereon. The produce of the farm is chiefly hay, grain and stock. Mr. Beers is a practical and successful farmer.

Wood, Charles E., was born in Groton, October 17, 1854, a son of Frank Wood, also of Groton, who followed shoemaking in that town. He married Julia, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Nickerson, of Ithaca. During his boyhood days Mr. Wood at- tended the Groton Academy, but at the age of fourteen he began to earn his own living, following farming for a time, then learned the tinner's trade in Ludlowville, living with his employer. This vocation he followed fifteen years, during which time he worked one year in Coldwater, Mich. In 1886 he bought the hardware business which he now conducts, also having in connection a tinshop. Mr. Wood's activity in local government has gained for him a prominent place among his townsmen. He was elected collector for two successive years, and in 1888 was elected town clerk, which position he has occupied five years. In 1889 he was appointed postmaster of Ludlowville, which office he held four and a half years. December 27, 1874, he mar- ried Hattie, daughter of S. B. and Hester (Cromwell) Hayes, of Ludlowville, and they have had one child, Florence, born October 17, 1876. He is a member of the order of I. O. O. F. and in politics is a Republican.

Patch, Horace E., was born in the town of Caroline, May 12, 1832. Nathan Patch, his father, was a native of Worcester, Mass., came to this country when quite young, marrying Merey Perry, who was born in Peru, Berkshire county, Mass. They

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raised a family of seven children. Horace E., their third son, worked at home and attended the district school until he became of age, acquiring a good common school education. After that time he rented his father's farm until the year 1867 ; he then bought what was known as the Perry farm near Speedsville, and has since that time resided there, devoting his thought and energy to dairying and stock raising. In 1859 he was happily married to Olive Preston, a native of Caroline Center, who spent some time attending the Ithaca Academy, fitting herself for a teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Patch have but one child, Florence Luella, wife of O. H. Wright, a jeweler of Ithaca. She was educated in the High School of Ithaca. Mr. Patch is a Republican, having served his town six years as assessor. He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and has acted as their insurance director for the past eighteen years.

Peters, John J., was born in Philadelphia, Pa., August , 1825. John W., his father, was cashier of the old Philadelphia Bank from the age of twenty-one until his death. Our subject came to Ithaca when young and lived with Miss Mary Linn, an aunt, afterwards moving to Caroline where he lived with his brother-in-law, James R. Speed, who came from one of the first settlers of the place. The father of the latter was Dr. Joseph Speed, whose medical diploma had the signature of Dr. Rush, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. John J. Peters lived for eight years with his brother-in-law. He married in 1848 Mary, daughter of Jonathan Snow, and they have three children: Sarah L. Clark, Hattie L. Doty, and Henry L. Peters, the latter being in the store of Hawkins & Todd, of Ithaca. John J. Peters was educated in Pennsylvania at Nazareth Hall, a boarding school for boys. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, Caroline Lodge No. 681, and a member of the M. E. church.

Quick, Mary J., was born in Livingston county, N. Y., March 5, 1837. Her husband, Frederick, left his home twenty-five years ago, and is supposed to be dead. Mrs. Quick is the daughter of Jonathan Haynes, she being the third child of a family of eight children. With the assistance of her son she has carried on the farm since her husband left home, and they have a small dairy connected with the place. Edith M., daughter of Mrs. Quick, died at the age of twenty-six years. Mrs. Quick is a devout member of the M. E. church.

Pearsall, Frank S., was born in Manhassett, L. I., June 18, 1842, was educated in the schools of his time, and the greater part of his life has been devoted to the useful occupation of farming. He came to this county in 1860, and in 1868 married E. Vanlora Boardman of Covert, Seneca county, and they have had eight children: Elizabeth B., Harry B., Adrian C., Lillian Pearl, Anna, and Grace, besides two who died in infancy. Mr. Pearsall's father, Charles W., was born in Bayside, L. I., August 13, 1803, and married Phoebe Pearsall, of Long Island, born in 1812. Of their seven children, two died in infancy, and the others were: Edmund, Mary W., Frank S., Warren M., and Charlotte I. He died May 18, 1861, and his wife in 1883. Mrs. Pearsall's father, Harry Boardman, was born in Covert, February 10, 1808, was educated in the public schools, and Hobart College, Geneva. January 31, 1839, he married Elizabeth S. Owen, of Perry City, Schuyler county, and they have had three children: L. Vashti, E. Vanlora, as above noted, and Curtiss who died while attending Cornell University. Mr. Boardman died August 27, 1882, and his wife

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May 27, 1878. The ancestry of this family is English and Welsh, The Pearsalls were Friends in their religious belief.

Putney, George E., was born in Howells, town of Walkill, Orange county, February 19, 1851, the eldest son of Dr. George E. Putney of that town who was a physician and druggist, dying in 1883 at the age of fifty-three years. Our subject was educated in the Walkill Academy in the city of Middletown, and went into his father's drug store before he was ten years old. In 1867 he went as a clerk in a drug store at Orange, N. J., and a year later was located in Cortland. In 1874 he opened a drug store at Farmer Village, Seneca county, which he conducted for two years, then came to Ithaca to take charge of Dr. David White's drug store. In 1877 he started a store at the corner of West State and Corn streets which he conducted twelve years, then moved to the corner of State and Plain streets, selling out to McClure & Fisher in 1889. He then opened the drug store now conducted by J. B. Todd on North Aurora street, and after one year bought M. Shepard's grocery and confectionery store. which he ran until November 1, 1891, then bought the drug store of F. R. Mix at 107 North Cayuga street, where he carries a complete line of drugs, chemicals, stationery, toilet articles, etc. Mr. Putney is a manufacturing pharmacist, whose goods may be found in many of the leading stores in the county. He is a member of the K. of H. and of the Aurora street church. May 1, 1872, he married Helen F. Ashley, of Groton, and they have three sons and a daughter. The oldest son is a student of pharmacy with his father.

Peters, Jacob, was born in Switzerland, February 13, 1855, and came to this country in the fall of 1881. He was educated in the schools of his native land, and it was intended that he become a civil engineer, but while in the gymnasium he decided to take up architecture, and took a special course in that study together with mechanics of building. After finishing his classical course Mr. Peters entered the Military Academy at Zurich, from which he was commissioned as lieutenant, serving a year

in the army, and then coming to America. On landing he came direct to Ithaca, where he followed his line of business five years, and in 1886 took his first contract in this city. He has erected a large number of residences, and was the contractor in the erection of the West brothers' block on State street, and one of the buildings on the new agricultural building for Cornell University. Mr. Peters is a member of Fidelity Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 51, Eagle Chapter No. 58, and Ithaca Council No. 69, St. Augustine Commandery No. 38, and a member of Damascus Temple at Rochester. Mr. Peters is a Democrat in politics and in 1889 was elected alderman of the first ward, which office he held two years. The year he immigrated he was married to Mary Tugley and they have one daughter, Mary.

Perrigo, Charles, was born at Canajoharie, September 22, 1817, the son of Martin B. Perrigo, a tanner, currier and shoemaker. At the age of nineteen Charles was apprenticed to a founder at Genoa, where he worked four years, and afterwards at Skaneateles and Geneva. In 1849 he came to Groton and started a foundry, now a part of the Bridge Company's extensive works. For about thirty-seven years Mr. Perrigo conducted a highly successful business, and during that time was also iden- tified with other prominent interests of the village. In 1865 he was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Groton, was its first president and held that position until January 14, 1890. He retired from active business life about seven

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years ago. In 1844 Charles Perrigo married Adelia Jessup, by whom he had one child, Urania, wife of Charles S. Barney, of Groton. His wife died in 1853, and in 1855 he married Fanny Jessup, sister-in-law of his first, by whom he had two children, both of whom died during childhood. His second wife died in 1861, and he married third, Minnie S. Williams, sister of Professor Williams, of Cornell University, by whom he has one child, now the wife of Alvin Booth. The third wife died April 19, 1893. Mr. Perrigo was originally a Whig, later a Republican, and was one of the organizers of the latter party in the county. Although an earnest partisan Mr. Perrigo has not been in any sense a politician. He was at one time a member of the Board of Education, and also president of the Board of Water Commissioners of Groton village.

Reynolds, William, was born in the town of Niles, Cayuga county, July 25, 1851. His father, David Reynolds, was a native of that town. Our subject was educated in the common schools, to which he has added through life by reading and close observation. At the age of twenty-one he married Elizabeth Graves, and they have one son, George Reynolds. He takes the Democratic side in politics and an active interest in educational and religious matters. Through life he has followed the business of milling, commencing at ten years of age. In July, 1893, he bought the Red Mills at Freeville, where he does a general milling business, having one of the best water powers in the State. Our subject is known in his town as an active, energetic business man of conservative and independent character.

Rummer, Gabriel, was born in the town of Dryden, May 29, 1848. His father, Eli Rummer, was a native of the town in which he spent his life of sixty years, born in 1820, and passing away in 1880. Our subject was educated in the common schools and in Dryden Academy under Jackson Graves. At the age of twenty he married Licetna Johnson, daugter of Philo A. Johnson, who died in 1892. In 1893 he bought the John Morgan property of sixty acres, on which he raises hay, grain and stock, making a specialty of dairying. He takes the Republican side in politics and an active interest in school and church matters. In 1893 he bought the Lombard stock of boots and shoes in connection with his son, Charles E. Rummer, and they are the leading merchants in their line in the town of Dryden. He is noted for energy and business ability.

Rhodes, Bertrand, was born in the west portion of the town of Dryden, May 30, 1837. His father, W. S. Rhodes, was born in Dryden in 1812, and spent his life-time of sixty-six years as a farmer, also engaging in the lumber business. Bertrand Rhodes received a common school education, but through force of character soon became known as one of the prominent farmers of his town, having 126 acres of land, a part of his father's estate, to which he has added different pieces of adjoining property. At the age of twenty-six he married Maggie Brennan, who died in 1874, leaving four sons, Elmer, Earl, William, and Orra. In 1876 he married Rosa Fogarty, daughter of John Fogarty, of Dryden, and they have one daughter, Estella. He takes the Democratic side in politics and an intelligent interest in edu- cational and religious matters. He is a progressive well informed eitizen, keeping well abreast of the times and recognized in his town as a practical and successful farmer.

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Puff, John L., was born June 15, 1833, at Bayonne Point, N. J. He was a farmer until twenty years of age. At that time he entered the store of P. S. Dudley as clerk, without making any bargain or knowing the salary he was to receive. He remained for five years. At this time he entered into partnership with Mr. Bush, each buying one-half interest; afterward he formed a partnership with John W. Dean, which lasted for seven years. He next bought Mr. Dean's interest, then sold to Mr. Kel- logg, and took an interest in the firm of Pierson, Puff & Co. Mr. Pierson retiring, the firm becane J. L. Puff & Co., now changed to J. L. Puff & Son, doing a business in general merchandise. In 1858 he married Mary L. Dudley, and their children were: Adah A., La Monte D., and Katie E., who died at the age of seventeen years. Mr. Puff is a Republican, and was supervisor of the town in 1864 and 1865. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, King Hiram Lodge No. 784, and his son is also a Mason.

Pierce, Ebenezer, known as Captain Pierce, was a native of Massachusetts, and came with his family to Groton soon after the War of 1812, and settled in the Bear Swamp neighborhood. His wife was Hannah Spooner, and their children were: Susan, who married David Teeter, and lived and died in Groton; Otis, born in 1821, married Mary Ann Savacool, and died December 24, 1879; J. Prescott, living in Free- ville, N. Y., a minister of the Wesleyan Methodist Connection. His first wife was Phebe J. Moe, who died in Peruville, N. Y., August 9, 1889; his second wife was Mrs. Jane E. Lane, widow of Isaac Lane; she died in Freeville, September 18, 1892 ; he married third Mrs. Louisa Johnston, April 13, 1893, widow of Ira Johnston, of Wellsboro, Pa .; Harrison, born in 1826, living in Ohio, married Rachel Gray, who died in February, 1892; Phebe Jane, who married Luther Townley; Stillman, born in 1832, married Emeline, daughter of Dr. Isaac Underwood, in 1855, and died in Peruville in July, 1864; and Zeno, born in 1830, married Caroline Morgan in 1854, and died in February, 1880, at Groton. Captain Pierce was a large and successful farmer of Groton, and a man highly respected in the community. He was a strong Whig, and later on a Republican. He was a member of the Baptist church. He died in the spring of 1858, and his wife in 1888. Moses, son of Captain Pierce, pioneer, was born in Groton in 1831, was brought up and has always lived on a farm, and while not a large farmer, there are none whose farms are kept under better cultiva- tion. In 1853 Mr. Pierce married Elizabeth, daughter of William Underwood, of Groton. Mrs. Pierce died April 25, 1891.

Palmer, William O., was born in Orange county, Mount Hope, July 27, 1830. Daniel, his father, was a native of this State, and was a cabinetmaker and farmer. William O. was always an agriculturist, at one time owning three farms. He died September 27, 1893. His education was acquired in the common schools, where he was a bright scholar. March 29, 1857, he married Mary A. Linderman, of Tompkins county, a daughter of Harvey Linderman, and they were the parents of two children, Ida and Emma, twins, who are both married and reside in this county. Mr. Palmer was a member of the Newfield Lodge, and was a Democrat.

Pinckney, the late Henry, was born in New York city, January 21, 1800, and came with his parents to this county when two years old. He received his education in the district schools, and was always a farmer. He married first Harriet Owen, of

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this town, and they had one son, Owen. For his second wife he married Caroline S. Follett, of the town of Enfield, and they had seven children: Harriet, Margaret, Webb, John, Jay, Levett, and Fred. Mr. Pinckney died December 2, 1878, and his widow survives. Fred married Susie Kirby of this town. Mrs. Pinckney's father, Silas Follett, was born in Winchester, January 28, 1786, and married first Hannah May, by whom he had four children, Fanny, Emily, Harriet, and Sophronia. He married second Nancy Curry, of this county, and they had nine children: William, James, Caroline, John, Betsey, Alexander, Lutherna, Pamelia S., and Mary. He died October 1, 1864, and his wife August 23, 1862. Jay Pinckney now conducts the farm, Levett and Fred now owning a farm together next to the county house farm.

Palmer, H. B., of Newfield, was born in Orange county, October 12, 1822, a son of Daniel Palmer, who was a native of Orange county, but removed to this locality in 1832, settling in the town of Newfield, in what was known as the Sebring Settlement. Later he removed to Enfield, but returned again to the Settlement, and there he died in 1872. His wife was Phoebe Horton, of Orange county, by whom he had thirteen children, of whom our subject was the seventh, being now seventy-one years of age. The latter has always been a farmer and tobacco raiser, and at one time operated a saw mill. July 1, 1846, he married Catharine Smith, of this county, a daughter of Nathan Smith, a native of Dutchess county, having removed to this locality in 1832, by whom he had three children: Sarah J., who died aged eighteen months ; Lucy M., and Helen L., both of whom live at home, and both are artists in oil. Mrs. Palmer died in April, 1891. Our subject is a member of the Grange, is a Republican in poli- tics, and at present is postmaster at Stratton's.

Quigg, James, was born in Ithaca, July 29, 1821, a son of David Quigg, a native of New Hampshire, who came the first time to this section in 1801 and located in Spen- cer, where he tried farming, but gave it up in disgust and returned to his native State, and the next year moved to Ithaca and established a mercantile business, con- ducting a general store in a log house on Linn street, where artist Beardsley's resi- dence now is; after a few years locating in a frame building opposite the Tompkins House. His whole life was devoted to the mercantile business, and closed December 17, 1862, ripe with years and the honor of his townspeople. Our subject was edu- cated in the Ithaca Academy, and all spare hours were spent in the store. In the fall of 1847 the father gave up the business and the firm became John William and James Quigg, the sons of the establisher. This firm continued until the death of J. William, November 23, 1865, since which time James has continued alone. This firm was for many years large shippers of produce, but have now given that up and conduct only a store. In 1852 they bought the property on State street, where the store has since been located. Mr. Quigg married in 1848 Julia A. Rose, of Chenango county, and they have had three children, only one now living, Mrs, Whitney New- ton, of Pueblo, Col.

Reynolds, Robert Crandall, came to Groton about 1816, and from that time until his death, February 15, 1874, was one of the foremost men of the town. He was generous and public spirited in all local interests, especially educational matters, be- ing one of the founders of the old academy and one of its chief supporters, sending many a poor youth to the institution at his own expense, who could not otherwise have enjoyed those privileges. Mr. Reynolds was born in Bristol, Mass., June 6,

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1792, one of two sons of Gideon Reynolds, a shoemaker of Bristol, who came to Her- kimer county, where he met with an accidental death. On coming to Groton our subject started in trade with Jeremiah Stevens, and also purchased the old Groton Hotel, added to it, and was its proprietor for about twenty-five years. At the same time he was engaged in other enterprises, remaining in active business till 1866, when he retired with a well earned competency. His wife was Louisa Stevens, a lady of refinement and education, who died July 20, 1866. They had no children. Mr. Reynolds was a firm Democrat, but sought no political preferment. Samuel Clark Reynolds was the nephew of Robert C., and became a resident of Groton in 1852, having been born in Herkimer county, February 28, 1833, the son of William Reynolds. On coming to the village Samuel was a clerk in the employ of his uncle, and in later years became his business partner (1855-66). Robert was succeeded in 1866 by H. K. Clark. In 1880 Samuel retired from active business, and has since been a traveling salesman. Like his uncle, Mr. Reynolds has ever been a staunch Democrat, and has been candidate for the Assembly. October 27, 1859, he married Mary, daughter of Sidney Gooding, and they have had three children.

Reed, Levi H., was born in the town of Ithaca, December 8, 1824. His father, Andrew W., came to Tompkins county in 1806, and settled in the town of Ulysses, there being only one frame house in Ithaca at the time of his arrival. L. H. Reed was educated in the common schools and is a self-made and self-educated man. At the age of twenty-five he married Susan Manning, who died in 1851, and in 1856 he married Katie A. Morris, daughter or John Morris, of Lansing, and they have two children : Edgar J., and Susan C. In 1850 he bought the George Brown farm of fifty acres. In 1870 he bought part of the Warren D. Ellis property, and in 1872 he bought part of the Scott property, adding in 1888 a section of the Horace and William Smith, and now has 125 acres in all, making a specialty of hay, though he raises grain and the usual crops also. He is one of the substantial men of the town, taking an active interest in education and religious matters.

Rood, G. L., M. D., was born in Centre Lisle, Broome county, N. Y., July 16, 1855, and was educated in the common schools and afterwards graduated from Starkey Academy and then made a trip west, and on his return took a course of medical study, and in 1882 graduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, and then returned and established a general practice of medicine in Etna. At the age of twenty-eight he married Ida A. Ayers, daughter of Job Ayers, of Richford, Tioga county, N. Y. They have two children, one son, Vaughn, and a daughter, Olive. He takes the Republican side in politics and also an active interest in school and church matters and in advancing the best interests of his town, where he is recognized as a citizen of ability and high merit.

Roper, Luther, was born October 12, 1826, in the town of Danby, and was educated in the district schools, to which he has added by intelligent reading and close obser- vation. At the age of twenty-four he married Fannie M, Egbert, by whom he had two sons and a daughter. The eldest, W. E. Roper, is now a practicing physician in Candor. The other son, T. Eugene Roper, is also a physician, located in Pueblo, Colo. The daughter, Mary E., died, aged twenty-two. Our subject is a Republican in politics, and is interested in all matters relating to education aud religion, being connected with the old Presbyterian church of Danby. He is a practical and suc-

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Landmarks of Tompkins County, New York : including a history of Cornell University, Part 101

Author: Hewett, Waterman Thomas, 1846-1921; Selkreg, John H Publication date: 1894 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason Number of Pages: 1194

Author: Hewett, Waterman Thomas, 1846-1921; Selkreg, John H
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason
Number of Pages: 1194