USA > New York > Tompkins County > Landmarks of Tompkins County, New York : including a history of Cornell University > Part 82
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He served for a like period as a fireman, being for many years a member of Tornado Hook and Ladder Company No. 3, and afterwards a member of and for several years
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Sherman Collins
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captain of the Protective Police. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Re- public, a member of the Masonic Fraternity and twice its eminent commander, a di- rector of the Ithaca Savings Bank, a stockholder and director of the Ithaca Trust Company, and for many years an elder and trustee in the First Presbyterian church of Ithaca. A member of the first Paving Commission of the city, appointed by Mayor St. John and reappointed by Mayor Bouton, his various real estate and building en- terprises have always evidenced his interest in the growth and material prosperity of the city of Ithaca.
SHERMAN COLLINS.
SHERMAN COLLINS was born in the town of Lansing, October 16, 1864, a son of H. W. Collins, for a great many years a manufacturer of lime in Lansing. Sherman is his only child. He was educated in the common schools and Ithaca Academy, and after leaving school came into the store of R. C. Christiance, first as chore boy, and rapidly rose to clerk, manager, and proprietor, buying the business in November, 1892. He was joined in partnership in February, 1893, by F. D. Johnson, making the firm name Collins & Johnson. The lime business in Lansing is also conducted by him. Mr. Collins has always been an ardent Republican, but never aspired to office. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Fidelity Lodge No. 51, Eagle Chapter No. 58, St. Augustine Commandery No. 38, and a member of Ithaca Coun- cil and noble of the Mystic Shrine, a member of the K. of P., and college society Phi Sigma Kappa. He married, September 26, 1890, Elizabeth M. Crandall, of Willi- mantic, Conn. He owns a beautiful cottage at Lakeside, on the lake, in the town of Lansing, and socially, as well as in his business relations, is one of the most popular of the younger citizens of Ithaca.
EUGENE BAKER, M. D.
DR. EUGENE BAKER is a native of Northampton, Fulton county, N. Y., where he was born on the 16th of April, 1853. His father, Daniel Baker, was a prosperous farmer, in that county, and removed to Tompkins county in 1861. After his prelim- inary education the son was prepared for college at the Ithaca Academy, and entered Cornell University in 1873, graduating with honor in the class of '78. The succeed- ing year he took a special course in the Chemical and Physiological Laboratories of the university. Being now fully equipped for the study of his chosen profession, Dr. Baker entered the Medical Department of the University of Michigan, from which he graduated with the degree of M. D. in June, 1882.
Dr. Baker opened an office first in Mecklenburg, N. Y., where he met with grati- fying success during a period of two years and gained valuable experience in prac- tice. Seeking a larger field he removed to Ithaca in September, 1884. Here he was
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soon recognized as a physician whose thorough study, as well as certain natural characteristics, fitted him for the profession, and who was worthy of the confidence of all who might seek his aid. From that time onward to the present Dr. Baker has been in the enjoyment of a constantly increasing practice; and his success has placed him among the foremost practitioners of the county. He was elected to the office of president of the Tompkins County Medical Society, serving two years, and now (1894) holds the office of vice-president.
Dr. Baker was married in 1889 to Mary L. Colling, daughter of Dr. A. H. Colling of Utica, N. Y.
CHARLES A. STILES.
CHARLES A. STILES is a native of Broome county, N. Y., and was born in Bingham- ton. His father is Fred Stiles, also a native of that county, where he is largely interested in the invention and manufacture of tobacco and cigar machinery. He has two sons, Edwin, who is a compositor on the Boston Globe, and Charles A., who is the younger.
The subject of this sketch attended the schools of Binghamton and was prepared for college under Prof. E. R. Payson, of the Binghamton High School. Entering Cornell University in the fall of 1887, under a State Scholarship, he graduated hon- orably in 1891. He excelled in mathematics, for which he has a natural taste, and after graduating took a four years post-graduate course. Mr. Stiles believed he could succeed as a teacher, and particularly in the preparation of students, and he began at once after graduating, first as a private tutor, which he continued with the most gratifying success until April 4, 1893. By the date named he had become con- vinced that there was an urgent need for a preparatory school in Ithaca, which should be especially adapted for two classes of pupils: Those who have been in at- tendance in academies and high schools where the curriculum is not sufficiently com- prehensive to conform to the requirements of the entrance examinations; and those who by virtue of position have not been in attendance in any school for a consider- able time, but now wish a rapid and thorough preparation for the university.
The school year is divided into four terms as follows: Fall term runs from October to December; Winter term runs from January 3 to March 23; Spring term from Ap- ril 3 to June 14; Summer term from July 5 to September 20. While these are the regular subdivisions of the year, pupils may enter at their own convenience and be taught privately until they are sufficiently advanced to enter the regular classes. However it is urged and advised that so far as possible that they enter at the begin- ning of some one of the terms.
This Preparatory School has been from the first a thorough success. This is due largely to the fact that pupils who have studied here have entered the university with the desired mental equipment obtained in the shortest time and at nominal expense. Starting the first term with thirty-nine pupils, there were in the second term, forty- nine; in the fall term forty-seven; and fifty-three at the present time. A complete academic course is given, with a private course in mathematics, Latin, physics and
Chas A Stiles
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
chemistry. Four assistants are employed, all of whom are graduates of Cornell; and steps are now in progress for extensive enlargement of the facilities of the school. The location is the new Reed Block, corner of Buffalo and North Aurora streets.
Professor Stiles has received the degree of B. S. from Cornell, and to his natural and acquired qualifications as a teacher, adds social characteristics that win friends wherever he is known.
He was married June 2, 1892, to Rachel Chandler, daughter of Monmouth J. Chan- dler, of Farmer Village.
REV. HIRAM GEE.
HIRAM GEE, was born in Cincinnatus, Cortland county, N. Y., April 29, 1820. His father, Edward Gee, came from Orange county, N. Y., in 1810, and was among the first settlers of Cortland county. He located upon 640 acres of land, allotted to his father, Thomas Gee, for services in the Revolutionary War. Thomas Gee, the grandfather of our subject, came from the North of Ireland about the year 1765, and settled in Orange county.
At the breaking out of the Revolutionary War, Thomas Gee entered the service of his adopted country, and was soon promoted to the position of adjutant-general. He was with Sullivan's army in his campaign against the Indians, and probably vis- ited the section where Ithaca is now located. His records and book of Military Or- ders of the Sullivan Campaign came into the hands of our subject, and were by him presented to Cornell University, and they are now in the historical department of that institution. Mr. Gee now has his grandfather's discharge from the army, over the genuine signature of General Washington.
Our subject came to Ithaca in 1840, and was a clerk in the store of the late David Hanmer for about two years. In 1842 he removed to Burlington, Pa., where he en- gaged in mercantile business with the late Dr. William Coryell as a partner. This business was continued about nine years. While at Burlington he married Emily Palmer, youngest daughter of Edmund Palmer, of Nichols, N. Y. Mr. Gee was con- verted in 1850, and soon made preparations to enter the ministry. He joined the Oneida Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church in 1851, and was stationed at Marathon, N. Y. He subsequently served the following charges: Greene, Oxford, Homer, and Ithaca (Seneca street). He was then made presiding elder of the old Auburn District, and served his term of four years. In 1872 his wife's health failed, and he was compelled to abandon the active work of the ministry, and has since made Ithaca his home. During his location here he has not been indifferent to his calling, but has responded to calls far and near, and has, probably, done more preach- ing without compensation than any man in the conference.
In his business affairs he has been successful, and has been able to show his devo tion to his church and its educational institutions by contributions for their support amounting to more than $50,000. He has no children.
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GEORGE B. DAVIS.
GEORGE B. DAVIS was born in the village of McLean about fifty years ago, and after passing through the common schools entered the Homer Academy, from whence he went to New York Central College, supporting himself by teaching part of the time, being so engaged during the years 1862-63 in Syracuse. From there he went to the war, and during the last year of the Rebellion served in the Untited States Military Telegraph Department, under General Eckert; this being a branch of the Signal Corps, a most efficient and necessary adjunct of the army. At the close of the war he occupied a position in the Interior Department at Washington, and while there entered Columbia College, and took a two years course in law, receiving the degree of LL.B. Mr. Davis began practice in Ithaca in 1876, and for several years was associated with Hon. Samuel Halliday, when both were young lawyers struggling to establish themselves. In his profession Mr. Davis has been pre-eminently success- ful. The case that probably gave him the greatest distinction, was the celebrated " Barber Trial," which occurred in 1888. A young Englishman was indicted by a special grand jury for a most atrocious murder, being caught almost in the act. The young man was in a fair way of being executed forthwith. Mr. Davis undertook his defence, and after a long legal and medical contest, the Court of Appeals virtually decided that the prisoner was a victim of epileptic insanity, and irresponsible. The case was extensively discussed by the leading alienists both in this country and England, and the able defence elicited most favorable comment. Any measure having for its object the public good, is sure to enlist his sympathies and support, he being especially interested in educational matters. He was for many years an officer of the Grand Lodge of Masons in the State, and did efficient service in the payment of the large onerous debt of that body, and establishing the Masonic Home. He is a public spirited citizen, a courteous gentleman, and an esteemed member of society.
THE RUMSEY FAMILY.
JAMES RUMSEY, son of Simon (a native and lifelong resident of Orange county, N. Y.) was born April 4, 1759. He served a short time in the Revolution, and helped build Fort Montgomery on the North River. About 1800 he removed to Aurora, N. Y., to live with his brother Moses, and came thence, in 1806, to Enfield, where he bought 100 acres of land, comprising a part of the farm of his son George. Clearing a small plat he erected a log house and moved his family into it in the winter of 1807, and died on the homestead, August 22, 1842. A typical pioneer, he was prominent in town affairs, and being a carpenter by trade assisted in building the first Christian church edifice at Enfield Center. His wife, Martha Horton, born November 26, 1765, died here June 11, 1827. Their children were: Jonathan, born November 23, 1784, died December 10, 1872; Elizabeth (Mrs. Reuben Russell), born April 25, 1787, died January 30, 1864; John, born June 27, 1789, died May 20, 1814; James, jr., born April 29, 1792, died February 11, 1869; Joshua, born July 18, 1794, died April 12,
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1862; Solomon, born June 11, 1797, died December 26, 1860; Hannah (Mrs. S. J. Nobles), born March 17, 1800, died March 2, 1872; Horton, born September 28, 1802, died May 23, 1824; and George, born July 31, 1808. George Rumsey, the sole sur- vivor of this family and the only one born in Enfield, is the oldest living native of the town. What is now Trumbull Corners, in the town of Newfield, was originally and long known as Rumsey's Corners from the fact that David Rumsey and David Rumsey, second cousins, were respectively the first blacksmith and merchant there.
Burr Rumsey, a son of James, jr., is a farmer near the original homestead. Mr. Rumsey has been supervisor of Enfield, his residence, and also justice of the peace. For some years past he has spent a portion of his time at the West, leasing his farm to a tenant. Mr. Rumsey enjoys, to a marked degree, the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens.
PART III.
FAMILY SKETCHES.
FAMILY SKETCHES.
Avery, Edward M., was born in Groton, February 28, 1849, a son of Oliver and Hannah (Webb) Avery, mentioned elsewhere in this work. Edward M. was educated in the common schools and Groton Academy, and at the age of sixteen began work as a machinist with Perrigo & Avery, becoming a journeyman after three years, dur- ing part of which time he attended school. Having become a practical machinist, he worked at his trade for some time, and about 1873 was advanced to the position of foreman, and when the business was merged into the Groton Bridge Company he con- tinued in the same capacity, which position he now fills. October 9, 1877, he married Lina, daughter of Alanson and Maria Field, and their children were: Henry Gardner, born October 27, 1878; and Harold Field, born August 2, 1880. For two years our subject was a member of the Board of Education, and for many years has been active in the M. E. church, acting as chorister for fifteen years. He is now one of the trus- tees and stewards. Nehemiah Webb, a former resident of Genoa, came with his family to Groton about 1823, where he followed his business of tailoring for thirty years. He died in 1853. His wife was Abigail Backus, and their only child was Hannah, born January 7, 1806, who married Oliver Avery, April 3, 1825, and died March 22, 1883.
Atwater, Manning, was born in Enfield, February 22, 1844, was educated in the public schools, Trumansburgh Academy, Lima Seminary, and Genesee Wesleyan Col- lege. September 29, 1862, he enlisted in Co. E, 64th N. Y. Vols., and was wounded in the battle of Fredericksburg. For four weeks he was in Harewood Hospital in Washington, and when convalescent he was home on a furlough, and later was as- signed to the Invalid Corps. He was honorably discharged October 11, 1864. Upon his return he took charge of the farm, with his brothers. In 1869 he became a mer- chant in Trumansburgh, and has so continued. October 8, 1873, he married Louisa Pratt, of Trumansburgh, and they have two living children: Mabel A. and Herbert D., both residing at home. Mr. Atwater's father, David, was born in Ulysses, March 30, 1800, and was a millwright and farmer. He married first Harriet Norton, and they had five children. For his second wife he married Amanda Daggett, form- erly of Vermont, and they had eight children: Harriet, Irvin, Manning, Anna, Da- vid, Elijah, Clarinda and Charles. His father died February 5, 1864, and his mother survives, aged eighty-two years. This family is of New England origin on both sides. Mr. Atwater is a member of Truman Post, No. 522, G. A. R.
Atwood, George W., was born in New Hampshire, February 10, 1826, a son of Na- than, of New Hampshire. The latter followed for a number of years the trade of
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LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY.
finishing woolen dress goods, and then took up farming, ending his life at this oeeu- pation, being instantly killed by a fall from a tree. In 1825 he married Dolly Farnman, of New Hampshire, and they had six children, as follows: George W., Harriet N., Eda B., Mary F., Dolly A., Lucy G., our subject being the oldest child, aged now sixty-seven years. In his early life he worked at farming, then for three years worked in a hotel for a Mr. Wilson, at Hillsborough, N. H. He then went to work for the D. L. and W. Railroad, in 1851, which he followed for thirty-four years. After this he bought the farm on which he now lives. He settled down to this business, building a new house in 1861. In 1856 he married Mrs. Clock, wid- ow of William Clock, of Caroline, and they had two children, Julia F., and Emma E., the latter deceased. Mr. Atwood's farm consists of 100 acres. He is a Mason of Caroline Lodge No. 681, and is a Democrat.
Allen, Isaac, who was one of the most active persons in founding West Groton, and who also established the first store at that place, was a native of Vermont and came to this town in 1804. He built a log cabin on the corner lot east of Perry W. Allen's residence, and after that his father, Joseph Allen, and family became resi- dents of the town. During the war of 1812 Isaac Allen, and also a brother, was en- gaged in the service. Isaac was a bridge builder, and constructed a large bridge over the Potomac River at Washington, also assisted in building the first bridge across Cayuga Lake; but in Groton followed farming and owned an extensive tract of land reaching half a mile north and a mile south of the present village of West Groton. He was for many years justice of the peace. At the time of his death, March 3, 1825, he was the owner of 315 acres of good land, which was divided among his children. In 1823 he built the first store in the locality (the old building still stands opposite P. W. Allen's house), stocked it with goods and placed it in care of James I. Brinker- hoof. The wife of Isaac Allen was Susan Sellen, daughter of the pioneer Deacon John Sellen, and their children were as follows: Amanda, who married Rev. Joseph IV. Stearns; Marilla, Perry W., Louisa and Napoleon W. Perry W. Allen was born in Groton February 10, 1818. He worked in a store and was afterward proprietor of a mercantile business at West Groton for several years .. For twenty-seven years Mr. Allen was either postmaster or deputy at West Groton. March 14, 1848, he mar- ried Charlotte E. Clement, by whom he has had three children: Warner C., Ethan W., and Flora J. Mr. Allen is a Democrat, was the son of a Democrat, but not until re- cently has he been active in political life. He was the first three-years assessor elec- ted in the town. For a number of years he was a member of the County Committee. and still stands high in the councils of his party.
Alexander, Mary J., is the widow of Jeremiah Alexander, who was born in New- field, December 30, 1818, was educated in the common schools and took up farming as an occupation, settling on the old homestead consisting of 160 acres. Robert, his father, was born in New Jersey and first settled in the town of Lansing, then moved to Newfield, where he married Lucinda Howell, by whom he had ten children. Of these Jeremiah was the youngest, and he died at the age of forty-seven years, leaving a family of four children, two being married and away from home. Mrs. Alexander manages the home farm, and is a member of the M. E. church. Her late husband was assessor, trustee of the church and school trustee, and in politics was a Repub- lican.
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FAMILY SKETCHES.
Barnum, R. W., was born in Dryden, February 22, 1822. His father came from Gorham, Conn., in 1818 and bought the cloth and carding mill on the site of the Rockwell Woolen Factory. R. W. Barnum was educated in the common schools, after which he began farming, and at the age of twenty-five married Alvira A. Gil- lette, who died in 1866. In 1869 he again married, his second wife being Sarah J. Hill. In 1844 he bought part of the Hoagland property of sixty-two acres, and has also purchased adjoining lands; being now the owner of eighty-eight acres of some of the best lands in the locality. He is a man who keeps well abreast of the times, and is thoroughly well-informed.
Bostwick, Hermon V., was born in the town of Enfield, December 1, 1841, a son of Orson Bostwick. The latter was a native of Connecticut, born in New Milford in 1804, who came into this county about 1828, buying a square mile of land in Enfield, which had a fine growth of timber (pine), and which brought him a large profit. He was the father of four children, two who reached adult age: William L. Bostwick, a cashier of the custom house, and our subject. Hermon V. was educated in Ithaca Academy, where he prepared for college, and entered Hamilton College with the class of '64. He then managed his father's farm, and in the spring of 1865 came to Ithaca, and was for two years engaged in grain dealing and building boats for the canal in partnership with Willard King. While so engaged he also established a cooperage business, which he has ever since conducted. Mr. Bostwick is a Repub- lican in politics. He has always been prominent in church work, is now treasurer and junior church warden in St. John's church. He is a member of the Sigma Phi fraternity and of the Protective Police of the Fire Department. In 1867 Mr. Bost- wick married Emily Dibble, a native of Michigan, and they have three children liv- ing: Charles D., who graduated in Course in Arts, class of 1892, and is now in the Law Department of Cornell University; and a son and daughter who are students.
Baker, William H., was born in the town of Dryden, January 29, 1857, and was educated in the common schools and Dryden Academy. After leaving school he clerked in the store of H. F. Pratt and then went to Ithaca and connected himself with D. B. Stewart, returned to Dryden in the spring of 1881 and purchased stock of H. F. Pratt, remaining there for nine years in the same store and then moved into the stone store and took his brother into partnership, the firm now being known as Baker Bros. They carry the largest and finest stock of groceries, crockery, fruits, confectionery, and canned goods in the town of Dryden. He was married at the age of twenty-seven to Ella Hoagland, daughter of Harrison Hoagland. Mrs. Baker passed away April 5, 1891, leaving two children, one son, Harrison, and one daugh- ter, Nellie. Our subject is one of the leading merchants of his town, taking an act- ive interest in school matters, being secretary of the Board of Education, etc.
Burlingame, Dewitt C., deceased, was born in Harford, Cortland county, N. Y., August 15, 1842. Hisfather, Alanson Burlingame, came from Lebanon, Madison county. Our subject was educated in the common schools and afterwards took a business college course. At twenty-nine he married Mary Cook, daughter of John Cook, of Towanda, Pa., and they are the parents of one son, Alanson D., who is now a student at Union College, a young man who promises to be able to take a promi- nent position among his townspeople. Our subject died June 1, 1889, leaving a wife and son to take up and carry out his many business interests.
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LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY.
Burch, Chester D., was born in Dryden, February 8, 1844. His father, John Burch, was born July 8, 1811, in the town of Dryden. The grandfather, John Burch, came from Herkimer county in 1808 and married Betsey Topping; he was a soldier in the war of 1812. John Burch, jr., married Abagail Hart, of Dryden, and settled on lot 39, where he passed his life and died at sixty-nine years of age in 1880. Chester D. Burch received his education in the common schools and finished under Prof. Jack- son Graves at the Dryden Academy. After leaving school he returned to his father's farm, and at the age of twenty-two he married Ida I. Gaston, daughter of Edwin R. Gaston, of Etna, and they are the parents of one son, Frank L. Burch. In 1878 he bought of his father sixty-five acres on lot 39; in 1887 he bought another part of his father's estate; in 1893 he bought and owns the R. B. Gardner farm, having 150 acres, on which he raises hay, grain and stock, making a specialty of dairying. He is a Republican. He is a trustee of the M. E. church. In 1890 he was elected presi- dent of the Dryden Agricultural Society and still continues to serve in that position. He is also vice-president of the Dryden Cemetery Association, and vice-president of the Tompkins County Agricultural Society.
Bush, Hattie, was born in Ithaca, the daughter of Seymour Koots, one of the old residents of the town, and a practical farmer. At the age of twenty our subject married Luther B. Bush, of the town of Lansing, and soon moved on to a farm in the northeast part of the town of Ithaca, where Mr. Bush is recognized as a practical and successful farmer, keeping abreast of the times, and taking a deep interest in educa- tional matters. Mr. and Mrs. Bush have a family of three sons and two daughters, now in school. Mr. Bush is a Democrat in politics, but devotes his energies to achieving success as a farmer.
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