USA > New York > Wayne County > Landmarks of Wayne County, New York, Pt. 2 & 3 > Part 59
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LANDMARKS OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Williams, Fletcher, was born at Bennington, Vt., June 19, 1817. His parents were Dr. Richard P. Williams and Lucy Fletcher. They moved to Newark, N. Y., while their children were young, and resided there until their death. Their children were Stephen K. Williams, of Newark, N. Y., of whom mention is made elsewhere; Lncy L., who married Sammel S. Morley, of Clyde, N. Y., and is now deceased ; and Noel Byron, who died while a young man. Fletcher Williams married Ann Eliza Ford, daughter of Aaron Ford, of Columbia county. N. Y., October 18, 1810, by whom he had two children, a son and a daughter. Their son, A. Ford Wilhamns, is now living at Chathan Center, N. Y., but their daughter, who married Rev. Walton W. Battershall, now of Albany, N. Y., died at Rochester. N. Y, September 25, 1872, leaving three children. Mrs. Fletcher Williams died at Newark, N. Y., Jannary 29, 1851. Mr. Williams on June 23, 1859, married Ann Eliza Grant, daughter of Khab T. Grant, of Newark, N. Y., and her death on June 27, 1861, again left him a widower. No children were born of this marriage. On June 28, 1865, he married his present wife, Sarah H. Rose, of Rose Hill, Wayne county. N. Y., by whom he has had four children, Charles R., Fletcher, jr., Rose, and Arthur R., all of whom are living, except the first mentioned, who died near Devers, Texas, March 24, 1994. Mr. Withans has been in his business life a very prominent factor in the improvement and building np of the village of Newark. When about eighteen years of age he began his business career as a clerk in the store of Esbon Blackmar at Newark, where he continued for about two years. He then formed a partnership with Abel T. Blackmar, which lasted for about two years, and after that with Henry Meesick he opened a general store of his own at East Newark, in which he continued about the same length of time. He then organized at Newark a State bank, the Bank of Newark, and it was in the year 1863 reorganized into the First National Bank of Newark, N. Y., of which Mr. Williams has ever since been president. He has always been the active and controlling man in each of these banks, and his was one of the few State banks that came through the crisis of 1857 without failure. His con- servative management has added much to the prosperity of the place, and in all monetary crises his bank has had the confidence of the public. Mr. Wilhans has been active in the support and building up of the Episcopal church at Newark, and his contributions to it have exceeded those of any other member. He has always been a member of its sestry, and for many years a warden, and for sometime was treasurer of the Diocese of Western New York. He has never been a politician nor held public office, though he has had many trusts confided to his care. He has devoted himself to his business and preferred not to be diverted from it, believing that the one occupation to which he has devoted his life fully sufficient for his time and strength.
Cronise Family, The-Among the first settlers it Arcadia was Henry Cromse. His father, John Croni-e, came in 1802 with Colonel Rochester from Frederick. Maryland, where they had been neighbors. In December, 1-02, be purchased, and had surveyed by John Smith, two tracts of land, one of 260 3-1 acres cast of Ganargna River, or Mid Creek, part of which is now known as the William Watters farm, south from Mud Mills, the other tract of 396 1-2 acres, two and one-half miles north, which became the Cronise homestead. For the 657 acres Le paid $2, 02%, or four dollars an acre. His deed from Sir William Pulteney was received Janbary 12, 1203. le afterwards re- turned to Maryland and died there September 29, 1903. After the death of John Cronise the first of these tracts passed to his daughter Susannah, wife of Henry Lamb- right, and was known as the Lambright farm. Here the widow of John, Mary Cronise nee Fey, of Scotland, died December 19, 1823, at the age of seventy, being buried in Newark Cemetery. The second tract passed to his con, Henry Crouise, who came from Maryland in 1807. bringing with him several slaves which he soon freed, although most of them remained in his employ for many years afterward. February 14, 1813, he married Mary, daughter of Samuel Soverbill who had settled in Arcadia in 1798. About ISIS be built the frame house still standing as part of the house now upon the place, a part being added m 1836. In this hohe he lived umtil near the time of his
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death in 1870. Besides his farm he had at different times operated the flouring mill at Mud Mills, the saw mill west of his farm and another at Phelps. From these mills he furnished in 1840 and 1841 the bed-timbers, eross ties and upper rails (on which the strap iron track was spiked) for a section of the old Syracuse & Rochester Railroad through Phelps. He also built the Methodist church at Newark and several bridges across the Clyde River, and executed other building contracts. His wife, Mary S .ver- hill Cronise, died at the homestead June 6, 1867, and three years later he himself died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Leggett, in Newark, June 16, 1870, at the age of eighty-one. Of the family of eight children who grew up here, six are still living, (1894), viz: Mrs. Sarah M. Demming of Oswego, Simon Cronise of Rochester, Henry Cronise of Chili, Mrs. Susan E. Leggett and John S. Cronise of Newark, and Samuel Cronise of Lyons. Simon Cronise, the third of the family in possession of a portion of the homestead tract, married October 22, 1810, Catherine Maria Fredenburgh, danghter of Martin Fredenburgh who came from Ghent, Columbia county, in 1826. Upon this place they resided from 1854 mmtil her death in January. 1886, when he removed to Rochester, where he now resides. Of their children, Charles Theodore Cronise removed in 1872 to Logansport, Indiana, where he married Charlotte Butler, afterwards remov- ing to Pensacola, Florida, his present home, and Adelbert Cronise left the homestead in 1873 to enter the university at Rochester, afterwards taking up the practice of law in that city where he still resides, although retaining this portion of the original Cronise tract, being the fourth in possession in the ninety-two years.
Schaich, George, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, November 16, 1859, where he was educated, and learned the business of nurseryman and gardener, at what we would eall the experiment station, at Hoheinheim, Germany, from which he received a certifi- cate of efficiency, one of the highest in the class. He came to the United States Sep- tember 13, 1883, locating in Rochester, where he served Elwanger & Barry eight years: January 1, 1891, he came to the State Custodial Asybun, where he occupies the position of gardener and florist. Since he came here he has made much improvement, especially in landseape gardening. May 21, 1885, he married Jennie E. Hess, a native of Germany, and they have had two children : Emily, who died aged eight months, and George W., born May 4, 1888. William, father of our subject, was born at the old home in Ger- many in 1832 and married Catrina Hanssler of his native place. Their children were: George, Barbara, Catrina, Mary, and two died young. Conrad Hess, father of Mrs. Sehaich, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, 1824, and married Rose Hoss, of the same phicc. They had seven children : Mary, Jenny, Goetlib, Charles, Caroline, and two who died young. Both parents are dead.
Blackmar, Ransom and lisbon, enme to Newark in the fall of 1826. The former died December 31, 1841, and Esbon November 19, 1857. A. T. came in 1833 and Orrin in the spring of 1835. Abel Blackmar with his wife and youngest son Edwin came in the fall of 1835. Their father, Abel, died March 18, 1843, and their mother February 14, 1861. The family ancestry is from England. Sir Henry Blackmar came to this coun- try and bought about one-third of the State of Rhode Island and part of his descend- ants afterward settled in Connecticut, from which place they removed to Greene county, N. Y. When Ransom and Esbon came to Newark they engaged in general merchandise, buying grain, boat building, and shipping grain on the canal. Their first boat was named the R. & E. Blackmar. The county was settled by eastern people, and when they visited relatives in the east it was enstomary to go in neighborhood parties, and go with some favorite captain of the boat which they selected and have a good social time, as the forward part of the canal boats were finished in cabins for passengers, the back of the boat for cooking and the accommodation of the crew, and the center for freight. The capacity for gram was about 600 bushels and Albany was the chef market in the east. Colonel Bartle was then doing business in Newark (formerly called Miller's Basin) associated with Mr. Norton of Phelps, under the firm name of
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Bartle, Norton & Co., who had extensive mills near Phelps and shipped their flour at Newark. Most of the farmers who first settled in Arcadia had little means, and usually came with a young wife and children to seek their fortune in what was then known as the far west. They took up land from the land office in Geneva, making small payment, and trusting to their industry for a future home. The merchants and grain buyers had their nearest banking accommodations at the Geneva Bank at Geneva. and the mer- chants were the bankers for the farmers, making them loans to pay their interest and payments at the land office, and selling them dry goods and groceries on one year's time until they could plant and harvest crops. The most of the land on which Newark is located is shown by title deeds to have at one time belonged to some member of the Blackmar family, and to Esbon and Horace Blackmar, a cousin and partner in business. is dne the surveying, mapping and laying out of many of the streets of our village. Esbon Blackmar was several times supervisor of the town and twice represented the district in the State Legislature, and at one time represented his district as member of Congress ; and we will add, was one of the town's honest, honored, efficient and useful citizens. Orrin and Edwin are still doing business in Newark. The enterprise, sterling integrity, and Christian sentiments of the first business men in Newark and the farmers first settling Arcadia are clearly represented in their descendants.
Fisk, H. Hudson, was born in Arcadia, two and one half miles southwest of Newark July 19, 1849, was educated in the common and the Union School and Academy of Newark. The early part of his life was spent on the homestead farm. He also taught school several years, and was vice-principal of the Union School and Academy here six years. In November, 1885, he became a newspaper man, purchasing the Newark Union, which he has conducted since with success, as proprietor, editor and publisher. Mr. Fisk's father, Lonson, was born in Saratoga county February 11, 1811. June 14, 1832, he married Adelia Wells of the town of Manchester, who was born March 1, 1812. They had nine children, George W., Samuel, Willis P., William H., A. Judson and II. Hudson (twins), Jennie, Frances A., and Belle. Mr. Fisk, sr., died De- cember 19, 1885, and his wife July 27, 1888. The family came to reside in this town in 1823.
Collins, T. W .- The grandfather of our subject, Thaddeus Collins, emigrated from Vermont in 1800, settled in Phelps, Ontario county, about three miles south of the present village of Phelps. He removed to Wayne county about 1812 and took up a tract of land comprising a part of the present site of Pine Valley and extending north- ward a considerable distance. The house he built and in which he died is still standing and is at present occupied by Mrs. Closs. Stephen Collins, father of T. W., was born at Phelps in 1802, removed to Rose with his father in 1812 and spent the remainder of his days in that town. He died in December, 1892. T. W. Collins was born on his father's farm in Rose April 15, 1830, spent his youth and early manhood in working on the farm. He graduated from Genesee College in 1855, went to the Albany Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1857. He opened a law office at Wolcott in December, 1857, and practiced his profession at that place for nine years. During that time he served as supervisor of Wolcott one year (1860), and three years as member of Assem- bly, the last year (1865), holding the position of chairman of the committee of ways and means. In 1866 was elected county clerk of Wayne county, and removed to Lyons in December of that year. In 1872 went off with the liberals, ran for elector on the Greeley ticket and was defeated. In 1879 was elected judge and surrogate of Wayne connty and held the office for a single term, since which he has been practically ont of polities and engaged in the practice of law.
Kelley, Clarence M., was born on the old homestead south of Newark, September 20, 1850, and was educated in the common and the Union School and Academy. In early life he learned the machinist trade at II. C. Silsby's, Seneca Falls, and became a
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thorough workman. Taking locomotive work he pursned it in detail at Schenectady, Philadelphia, and for the N. Y. C. & H. R. R. R. Leaving the locomotive cab in 1876 he went to the Black Hills and Big Horn region, prospecting and mining, and for four years remained there testing many claims. He came back to the East with the intention of settling in Newark, but was induced to take charge of the Bignall Manufacturing Works at Medina, which employed seventy men. This he left in 1885, and came back to Newark to succeed his father in business, purchasing the Eagle Foundry site on Union street, and erecting the present Kelley block. With his own private purse he led the work of establishing grade, laying walk, and curbing Union street in front of his premises. He has added to his business house furnishing goods and carriages, and by liberal dealing has made his business a success. October 7, 1880, he married at Medina Rasena Randolph. Mrs. Kelley's father, Rev. Webster Randolph, was born in Vermont. He located in Newark and was instrumental in building the present Universalist church. He married Eliza Vose, of Boston, and they had three children, B. Howe, Rasena, and Caroline, who died in infancy. Mr. Randolph died in October, 1893, and his wife in January, 1882. Mr. Kelley is a member of Newark Lodge No. 83, F. & A. M., of Newark Chapter No. 117, R. A. M., Zenobia Commandery No. 41, K. T.
Chamberlain, Dr. Dwight S., was born in Litchfield county, Conn., February 22, 1839. His great-grandfather was an officer in the Revolution, connected with General Wash- ington's staff. Dr. Chamberlain was educated at the Genesee Seminary and College, Lima, N. Y., and in March, 1862, he graduated from the medical department of the University of the City of New York. He then sailed to England as surgeon of a ship engaged in the transportation of emigrants. Returning the following sunnner he entered the service as assistant surgeon of the 138th N. Y. Vols., later the 9th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, participating in the battles of Cold Harbor and Petersburg, Sheridan's cam- paign in the valley of the Shenandoah, the capture of Richmond and Petersburg, and the final engagement at Saylor's Run. He was promoted to major and surgeon in February, 1865, and mustered out in July of that year. He took charge of the Soldier's Home and Hospital at Syracuse for a short time, and in September, 1865, he entered into partnership with Dr. Bottom of Lyons, and practiced here until the spring of 1868, when he began reading law. He was admitted to the bar in 1874, since which time he has been more or less interested in that profession. Dr. Chamberlain has been con- nected with the Lyons National Bank for many years, as director, vice-president, and finally as president. In memory of his father-in-law, the late D. W. Parshall, our sub- ject has erected a beautiful memorial building on William street, the upper part of which contains one of the finest opera houses in the State, outside the large cities. October 17, 1868, Dr. Chamberlain married Katharine M. Parshall, and they have two sons and a daughter. One of the sons is vice-president of the Lyons National Bank, and the other is engaged in real estate and other outside matters. Both Dr. and Mrs. Chamber- lain are heavily interested in real estate in this town and county, owning the principal business places here, as well as other property, farming land, etc. He is an able lawyer, affable, and easily approached.
Ream, Fred, was born near Strausburg, Germany, January 4, 1840. He is a son of Peter and Lena (Strang) Ream, natives of Germany, who emigrated to America in 18.19, and settled near Lyons. Peter Ream then removed to Rose, and finally settled in Rochester, where he died in 1891. His wife still survives him and resides with her son, C. W. Ream. The maternal grandfather, George Strang, was a prominent man of Lemberg, Germany, and was treasurer and county clerk under Napoleon during the French Revolution, Our subject has always followed farming. He now owns one hundred acres, and carries on general farming. In 1867 he married Lovina, daughter of Squite Mitchell, of Rose, by whom he has two daughters, Alice F. and Edith L. Mr. Ream has held several town offices, and at present is justice of the peace. He is a mem- ber of Clyde Grange They attend and support the M. E. church.
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Lyman, Milo S., was born in Galen, May 18, 1826, son of Jesse and Betsey (Sedgwick) Lyman, he a native of Connecticut, and came to Galen about 1820, and then to Rose, where he settled on a farm, and finally to Rose Valley, where he died in 1863. He kept light house at Sodus Point for about ten years. Subject's mother died when he was five years of age, and he was bound out to work for Adam Learn of Galen, with whom he remained until he was twenty-one. He afterward worked for John Learn seven years, worked his farm three years, and during the time bought forty acres in Rose, on which he moved and erected buildings, remaining three years. He next worked by the month eight years, and then rented his father-in-law's farm. In 1873 he bought the farm he now owns, of 148 acres. No man in this town had less to start with than had Milo S. Lyman, few have done any better. Energy, honesty and perseverance, accompanied with a faithful devoted and capable wife, have placed him in the forefront of our towns- men. A man to be admired and emulated. He had no school advantages and is wholly a self-made man; what he has done every man may do. Mr. Lyman has been poor- master one year, has been a member of the M. E. church thirty years, and has held every office in the church of Rose Valley. He married in 1854 Rebecca, daughter of John Barnes, by whom he had one son, John W., born in February, 1857. He was educated in Albany Normal School (class of '79), from which he graduated with high honors, and taught school two years in Garrison. His health failed and he died with quick cousump- tion in 1881. Mrs Lyman died May 18, 1892, and in April, 1894, he married Clarissa Webb, of Huron. He has one adopted son, George A. Barnes, son of James Barnes, of Huron.
Pulver, John, was born in Schoharie, N. Y., in 1807, a son of John M., who came to Sodus in 1829. Their ancestors came from Holland in an early day and settled in Dutchess county. John M. married Rebecca Millis, and their children were : Serene, John, Jane, Dorcas, William, Daniel, Anson, and Jerome. John settled in Sodus and is engaged in farming. He married Mrs. Lucinda, widow of William Ellsworth. Ami Ellsworth, the pioneer of the family in Wayne county, came from East Windsor, Conn., on foot in 1800, and took up one hundred acres of land on the lake west of Sodus Point. He built a log house and returned to Connecticut for his family. They endured all the hardships that fall to the lot of s settler in a new country. His wife was Chloe Allen, and in 1807, learning that she had inherited some property in Connecticut, she made the journey there and back on horseback alone. Their children were: Ami, Sophia, Huldah, Aurelia, Julia A., Levi, Ann, William, who settled on the homestead and was a prosper- ous and enterprising farmer. He married Lucinda Sophia Selby, of Palmyra, and died in 1853.
Van Slyek, Charles D., was born in Sodus, December 6, 1859, and is a son of James Van Slyck, who was born in the eastern part of the State of New York in 1820, in early life moved to Sodus, where he died March 3, 1875. He was a farmer and a man of quiet tastes and never sought political honors. He married Olivia Etherington, November 17, 1858, and their children were Charles D., Nellie E. (Mrs. E. J. Harvey), May HI., and Carrie Olivia (Mrs. James E. Hanby). Charles D. is a farmer on the old homestead, and January 25, 1893, was married to Miss Eva C. Stickney.
Field, Warren A., was born in Sodus Point in 1810, and is a son of Rodoiphus, whose father was Wells Field. This family traces its ancestry back to Sir John Field, who came from England to Plymouth, Mass, in 1620. Rodolphns served in the war of 1812, being at the battle of Plattsburgh, etc. At the close of the war he settled in Utica, and in 1818 removed to Sodus, where he died October 11, 1880 In 1815 he married Rachael, daughter of Aaron and Susan (Watkins) Williams, of Utica, by whom he had these children : Luraney, William W., Elizabeth, Charles, Morris, Oliver C., Mariah, Cleason, Catharine C., Warren A., Mary, besides two who died young. Warren settled in Sodus Point, and at the age of fifteen years became a sailor, and with short exceptions
K
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he has spent his life in this service on the lakes. He is captain and owner of the steamer Sunbeam, and has also real estate interest at Sand Point. For several years he con - ducted a store at Sodus Point, and was also partner in a planing mill there. He is a member of the Sodus Bay Yacht Club. He married Elmina Harroun, and they have two children, Alvin, and Cora, wife of Aaron Shufelt, of Sodus Point.
Sauer, Martin, was born in Germany near Bingen-on the-Rhine, came to America in 1834, when nineteen years of age, and settled in the south part of Sodus. Two brothers, Christopher and John, came about the same time all settling in the same part of the town. Christopher removed to Illinois about 1850. Jolin Sauer purchased a large farm and was one of the prosperous farmers of town. He married Eva Lang, and their chil- dren were : John, Henry J., Christiana, Mary and George, all of whom reside in Sodus. Martin Sauer purchased a large tract of land, and by industry has become one of the most prominent and wealthy farmers in the town. He married Caroline Lang, and their children are : Henry M, who settled in Arcadia and is a farmer. He married Mary A. Saner from near Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada; Caroline, who married Nicholas Espenscheid, of Sodus; Catherine, who married Adam Frey, of East Palmyra; Mar- garet, who married Asa F. Andrews, of Joy ; Barbara, William, Jacob and Charles, of Sodns.
Seymone, Morris J., was born in Sodus on the fanu he now occupies December 24, 1840, a son of Orson, born in 1801, who is a son of Ebenezer who came from Pompey, Onondaga county, about 1808, aud settled at Palmyra. They removed to Williamson and soon after to the town of Sodus. Ebenezer married Jemima Wilbur, and their chil- dren were: Valda, Sidney (deceased), Orson, who died in 1875; Delmer, Harland, Morris (deceased), Orlando, Lucinda, Jennette, Mary A. and Clarissa. Morris J. Sey- mour resides on the homestead and is a farmer. In 1862 he enlisted in the 160th N. Y. Inf., and served until the close of the war. He was wounded at the battle of Winchester. He is a member of Dwight Post, G. A. R., of Sodus. He married in 1870 Hannah Burt of Washington county.
Pearsall, John T., was born in Huron, Wayne county, in 1856, and is a son of Henry who came from Saratoga to Seneca county in 1839, and about 1812 settled in the town of Huron and engaged in farming. He married Jane Terbush, and their children were : Jolin O. (deceased), William II., Eleanor, Esther, George, Amanda, John T., Phoebe and Edwin. William H. settled in Huron, where he died ; Eleanor married Cyrus E. Fitch and settled in Butler; Esther married James McClure and settled in Tompkins county ; George settled in Wolcott, where he died; Amanda married Frank W. Hague and settled in Niagara county ; Phoebe married first Anthony Curtis and second Abraham Griswold, and settled in Wolcott ; Edward settled in Sodus; John T. settled in Sodus and is an enterprising farmer. He was several years excise coinmissioner, and in 1893 was elected assessor. He married in 1883 Adelia L., daughter of John Bates, of Sodns, by whom he has two children : Leo B. and Theda J.
Granger, Sprague S., was born in Sodus, April 10, 1849, a son of Thomas J., who settled in the town of Sodus when a young man, the land then being unbroken forest. He cleared and brought under cultivation several farms, and in 1869 came to Sodus village to reside, where he was for many years engaged in the manufacture of fanning mills. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity, Sodos Lodge No. 392. He married Satira Negus, and had these children: George, who settled in Sodas, where he is engaged in the manufacture of fanning mills, etc., and who married Tammy Pulver ; Harriet A., who married Hezekiah Lake; Samuel, who died young; and Sprague S., who settled in Sodus and established a lumber yard, carried on a saw and planing mill, and was engaged in the manufacture of fanning mills, sash, doors and blinds, etc., carrying on for several years an extensive business. He was also engaged in basket manufacturing. He takes a keen interest in political affairs, having served as commissioner of highways, etc. He
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