Onondaga's centennial. Gleanings of a century, Vol. II, Part 65

Author: Bruce, Dwight H. (Dwight Hall), 1834-1908
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: [Boston] : The Boston History Company
Number of Pages: 1094

USA > New York > Onondaga County > Onondaga's centennial. Gleanings of a century, Vol. II > Part 65

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).

Anthony, J. M., Clay, was born July 17, 1841, a son of Adam and Elizabeth An- thony. This family were among the early settlers of Clay. At the time the father came to the present farm it was a wilderness. They own as fine a farm as there is in Clay. On the mother's side the family were among the oldest settlers, her father, Jacob I. Young, being born in Schoharie Co. and moved to Onondaga Co., on the farm now owned by Peter J. Young. Adam Anthony came to this town June 1, 1841. They have two children: J. M., the subject, and Catherine, now Mrs. Harris, who lives near the parents on one of their farms. The subject married Juliet Patrie, May 3, 1865, and owns a farm of 145 acres mostly all under cultivation.

Bettinger, Aaron A., Clay, was born in the town of Clay, on the farm he now owns, Nov. 25, 1850. He is the son of Abraham and Margaret Bettinger, who came to Clay about 1830. The parents were born in Montgomery Co. The father died at the age of seventy-two years, and the mother is now living with the subject. She was a Miss Corkinbush. The children of this family are Mary, Eunice, James, Carrie, and Aaron A. Aaron A. owns a farm of 170 acres. He married Elma, daughter of Andrew Patrie, an old and respected citizen of the town. The result of this union was five children, John A., Harvey H., Caroline May, Howard E., and Mary Eadeth. Our subject is a member of the Masonic lodge, Liverpool, No. 525.

Bettinger, James E., Clay, son of Abraham and Margaret Bettinger, was born Jan. 27, 1844. Mr. Bettinger has been very successful at farming, owning now 150 acres mostly all under first-class cultivation. His wife is Mary Eckerson, by whom he has three children: Lester A., Floyd E., and Charles J., all on the farm at pres- ent. Mr. Bettinger is district clerk.

128

ONONDAGA'S CENTENNIAL.

Buuzey, Mrs. Eliza A., Clay, widow of the late Nicholas Bunzey, who was born April 27, 1807, son of Henry and Elizabeth Bunzey, who resided at Schoharie Co. Mr. Bunzey came to Clay about 1843, and settled at Clay Corners. He carried on the business of wagon maker until within four years of his death, which occurred six years ago at the age of 82. He was a respected citizen and married Eliza A. Lown, by whom he had five children: Oscar, Leonard, Isaac, Sarah and Adelia. All the sons are mechanics.

Browne, L. Harris, Clay, was born in Van Buren, this county, Nov. 2, 1839, son of Hamilton and Jane (Harris) Browne, natives of this State. The grandfather, Will- iam Browne, was from Scotland. This family was one of the early settlers. The father, Hamilton, was a minister of the gospel, preaching in the M. P. church. Their children were L. H. and Henry H. Our subject in early life was a teacher in the district schools, and finished his education at Fulton. He married first Josephine Baum and second Wealthy J. Sherwood. Mr. Browne has been prominent in poli- tics, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Centreville Lodge, No. 648. They have one daughter, Lena J. The ancestors of Mr. Browne's mother were very early and prominent settlers on the Hudson River.

Collins, William H., Clay, was born in Washington Co., in Dec., 1824, a son of William and Maria Collins, the former born in 1797, in Connecticut, and the latter in Rhode Island in 1803. The subject was the youngest of six children. William Collins was a cooper and farmer until he came to Onondaga Co., when he engaged solely in farming, moving to the town of Cicero in the spring of 1847. His death occurred in 1853, aged 56 years. William H. was educated in the public schools, and followed lumbering for fifteen years, working in a saw mill (which he conducted) up to 1868, when he began farming, at which he has worked since. In 1850 he married Elviza A., daughter of Asa Stearns, an extensive lumberman. Of their two daugh- ters, Eva married Frank McChesney, who is now deceased. She holds the office of postmistress at North Syracuse, and with Anna May, the youngest daughter, resides at home with her father, the mother having died in 1884, aged 55 years. Mr. Collins served as collector one year, postmaster four years, and justice of the peace about two years. In politics he has always been a Democrat.

Cheney, Augustus B., Clay, was born in Madison Co., Aug, 7, 1829, son of Lucius A. and Sarah Cheney. The father was originally from Vermont, and came to On- ondaga Hill, and then to Syracuse, when our subject was one and a half years of age. A. B. Cheney is a carpenter and joiner, which trade he has followed many years. He married first Sarah Green, and their children were Carrie, Mattie, Lillie, and Georgia. The oldest died at the age of nine years. He married second Anna Loucks, a widow, who had three children by her first husband: George, William and Emily. Mr. Cheney has held the office of assessor for eight years and is prominent in politics.

Dorschug, John, Clay, was born in Germany, Sept. 25, 1836, came to this country and landed in New York city Sept. 17, 1857. He was a blacksmith by trade, which business he followed from 1857 to 1867. He then bought in 1874 a farm, his first start being with but little stock, but by strict attention to business he prospered and was able to pay for his farm in full in ten years. · He married in 1863 Margaret Otte-

129

FAMILY SKETCHES.

man of Clay, and they had two daughters, Armina, and Myrtie, who is at home with her parents.

Dunham, Horace S. and Ilomer, Clay, twin brothers, were born in the town of Pompey, June 24, 1833. Their father was Mosely and their mother Sarah Dunham, the former born in Pompey, Sept. 17, 1805, and the latter in Hoosick, Rensselaer Co., March 28, 1802. The grandfather was S. H. Dunham, who came from Vermont to Pompey, and cleared a farm of 150 acres, where he settled in a log cabin. He was the father of five children, of whom only one survives. The family settled in the town of Clay in 1836, where our subjects now reside. The Messrs Dunham have been twice married. Horace married first Jane, daughter of William Weller, an old and respected resident of Clay, now living at the age of 93. His children by her were Walter M., Spencer M., and Albert H. He married second Mary Weller, a cousin of his first wife, and a daughter of Thomas Weller of Lysander, by whom he has one daughter, Emma J. Homer married first Harriet Crain, and second Sarah Chapman, of Granby, Oswego Co. He has one daughter, Cora E., wife of M. W. Newcomb. Both families are active in church work.

Haner, Andrew, Clay, was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., Nov. 27, 1834. He is the son of Philip Haner, who was born in Dutchess Co. Philip came to Onondaga Co. in 1834 and settled on the farm where our subject now lives. He married Margaret Patrie, of Schoharie Co., by whom he had three children: Andrew, Eva A. and Jane. Andrew, like his father, chose farming and now owns the homestead of 157 acres. Andrew married Mary, daughter of Abraham and Margaret Bettinger, by whom he has five children: Sarah M., Adaline, Amelia, John and Mary F. Mr. Haner is a member of the Grange.

Lawrence, J. Warren, Clay, was born In Berkshire Co., Mass., June 14, 1829, son of Josiah and Nancy Lawrence, born in the same county. The grandfather, Joshua Lawrence, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, the subject being a namesake. The family are of healthy parentage, the grandfather having lived to be 96 years. They were all farmers, and Josiah settled in Onondaga Co. in 1832 in the town of Onondaga, now a part of Syracuse. In early life the subject was a teacher, which he followed for forty terms. He then took up farming which he has since followed, now owning a farm of fifty acres mostly under cultivation. Mr. Lawrence is one of four children by the first wife, Nancy Wilbur, of Massachusetts. He was educated in the public schools and Onondaga Academy, and finished at Falley Seminary, Fulton. He married H. Elizabeth Tompkins, of Cicero, by whom he had three children: Byron D., Gardner W., and Emily E., deceased. Mr. Lawrenee has been prominent in politics, and was for many years school commissioner, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Centerville Lodge No. 648.

McQueen, R Bruce, Clay, was born Dec. 15, 1844, in Clay, son of Robert and Nancy McQueen. The father was born in Liverpool, Onondaga Co., Jan. 31, 1821. The family are of Irish ancestry, the grandfather, John McQueen, coming from Ire- land and fought in the war of 1812. Robert and Nancy (West) McQueen were mar- ried in Clay, and had three children: R. Bruce, Josiah, and Nathan B. R. Bruce McQueen in early life boated on the Erie Canal nine years, since which time he has followed farming. He now owns, with his brother Josiah, a farm of forty-five acres,

130

ONONDAGA'S CENTENNIAL.

and they make a specialty of grapes. He married Amanda Tinkham, of Clay, and they have four children: Asa N., a veterinary surgeon in New Orleans; George A , Robert B., and Grace. Mr. McQueen has held the offices of commissioner of high- ways, and for five years overseer of the poor.

Price, Edward T. and Joshua, Clay, were born in England, Edward, May 18, 1822, and Joshua, Sept. 10, 1834. They came to this country with their parents in 1839, and settled in Syracuse where they lived one year. The father bought a farm in Clay later on. Edward T. bought the farm and the father returned to England, where he died. The mother died in this county at an early age. The subjects were two of eight children who emigrated to this country with their parents. Their occupation has been farming except while in the late war. They enlisted in the 15th N. Y. Cavalry in 1862, served until the close of the war and were in several battles. They are members of Randall Post. Edward T. married in March, 1869, Martha Smith, of Clay, daughter of Joshua Smith, and their children are Irving and Agnes. He was educated in the common schools and Herkimer Academy. Joshua married in Nov., 1867, Mary, daughter of John and Sarah Leiff, of Salina, and they have three children : Lillian, Sidney and Jessie.

Paulk, Arthur, Clay, was born in Clay, May 27, 1836, son of Noah and Roxanna (Webster) Paulk. Noah Paulk was born in Springfield, Mass., and first settled in the town of Salina, where he worked at his trade of carpenter and joiner, which business he always followed. He removed about two years later to Clay, where he died. His wife died in Syracuse. They had six children: Roxie, Noah, Arthur (the subject), Alvira, Loring, and Henrietta, all living except Noah. The life of the subject has been spent at farming. He married in 1865 Viola A., daughter of Loring Gould, of Cicero, and they have seven children: Jennie, James, Ettie, Irving, Alvy, Mary, and Mina. Several members of the family were in the Revolution.

Reese, Evan F., Clay, was born in Oneida Co. September 28, 1828, a son of John and Mary Reese. The father born in Herkimer Co. in 1791, a son of John Reese, also of Herkimer Co., who was of German parentage. John Reese came to this county when it was a wilderness and to Syracuse when it was a swamp. He was a blacksmith and farmer, and in 1847 settled in the town of Clay, where he died in 1864, aged 73. He married Mary Wagner, of Herkimer Co., and they had thirteen children, of whom the subject was next to the youngest. He is a farmer and has served as justice of the peace, justice of sessions, commissioner of highways, etc., taking a promident part in local politics. In 1849 he married Emily, daughter of Nathaniel Cornell, of Van Buren. His second marriage was with Mary A. Tirrell of Clay, daughter of Jacob Tirrell, one of the oldest settlers of this town. Mr. Reese is a Mason, being a member of Centerville Lodge No. 648. He has three sons and one daughter, viz. : Burton J., who has been in the railway mail service for thirteen years; Bradford L., a clerk in a clothing house in Syracuse since 1886; Mary A., wife of Edward A. Newcomb, of Syracuse; and Frank B., at home.

Shepard, J. Wesley, Clay, was born in Cicero, Onondaga Co,, Nov. 30, 1845, son of Daniel Shepard. He is one of five children: Nelson, Laura, James M., J. Wesley, and Anna. James died while serving his country in the late war from ex- posure. He enlisted in the 101st N, Y. Vols. as orderly sergeant. The life of

131

FAMILY SKETCHES.

J. Wesley has been spent at farming except while in the war. He enlisted in the 2d N. Y. Harris Light Cavalry and served in the 1st Brigade, Third Division, under Sheridan. In 1868 he married Miss Madama A. Schoolcraft, and their children are William D., Lillian M., and Frank C. Mr. Shepard is at present supervisor of Clay, having been elected for two years, and is prominent in politics. He is a member of Sanders Post No. 456, G. A. R., also a member of the Masonic fraternity, Center- ville Lodge No. 648.

Sterns, Charles L., Clay, was born in Clay Jan. 20, 1831, son of Asa Il. and Mary Sterns, the former born in Vermont in 1799, and the latter in Albany Co. Jan. 28, 1803. When they first settled in this town it was a wilderness, and the father cleared the farm on which the subject now lives. The grandfather, Asa H. Sterns, was in the Revolutionary war. Their children were: Mary J., Charles L., the sub- ject, Eliza A., and Henry H. Subject has always been a farmer, and now owns a fine farmi of 100 acres. He married in 1864 Sarah J., daughter of Edward Newport, of England, and their children are Elmer L., Arthur H., William N., Mary A., Eva M., and Charles T. Mr. Sterns was assessor eighteen years, supervisor in 1884, and has also been collector.

Van Epps, James M., Clay, was born Jan. 1, 1836, in Schenectady Co., son of Robert and Phoebe Van Epps of the same county. They came to Onondaga Co. in 1868, settled near where the subject now lives, and were early settlers here. The sub- ject is one of five children : Alexander, James M., Samuel, Fisher Fonda, and David, who was deputy sheriff for some twelve or fifteen years. The subject is now a practicing veterinary surgeon, and has been very successful in this profession. He was a student under Mr. Snell of Montgomery Co. He married Lydia A. Van Planck of Montgomery Co., who is now an invalid. They have six children: De Forest, now in the Onondaga county clerk's office ; Ella, William, Eliza, Lydia, Harriet and Grace, who died aged 29 years. The subject is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Fort Brewster Lodge No, 256.

Wright, William W., Clay, was born in South Onondaga, Feb. 22, 1824, son of John and Mary R. Wright. The grandfather, Reuben, came to this county from the east when it was a wilderness. John Wright, born in March, 1800, was a clothier, which business he followed several years, then went into the hotel business, first in South Onondaga and later came to Centerville, now North Syracuse, where he con- ducted a hotel for three years, since which time he has lived retired, until Sept., 1880, when he died. He married Mary Reynolds, and their children were: William Wallace, Elijah B., J. Frank, now principal of New York Grammar School No. }; Abijah J., Willis, Willard H., Lucretia, Sarah, Louisa, Mariette and Betsey Ann. The subject was traveling on the road for seventeen years, and for a number of years conducted a bottling business in Syracuse. A few years ago he traded that business for a farm, which he now owns in the town of Cicero. He married, April 2, 1851, Charlotte L. Cox, by whom he has one son, William W., jr. The subject was deputy sheriff fifteen years and revenue collector, also is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Centerville Lodge No. 648.

Wetsel, Christopher, Clay, was born in Schoharie Co., Feb. 24, 1831, son of Daniel and Marie Webster, born in the same county. When Christopher was about nine

132

ONONDAGA'S CENTENNIAL.

years of age his parents came to Onondaga Co., and in 1840 to Clay. At that time it was a forest, they being obliged to clear the land to begin farming. The mother of Mr. Wetsel is still living at the advanced age of 92 years, being born March 18, 1803. She is the mother of three children: Maria, David, and Christopher. The latter spent twelve years at the carpenter and joiner trade, but is now a farmer. He married Oct. 13, 1853, Emer L., daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Young, among the oldest settlers of the town. They have three sons: Henry, born Dec. 5, 1854; Ruel, born Oct. 22, 1861; and Arthur L., born May 15, 1869.

Waterhouse, Edwin R., Clay, was born in Clay on the farm he owns, Oct. 14, 1842. Manning Waterhouse, his father, came from Massachusetts, first settled in Constantia and then in Clay, where he bought the farm the subject now owns. He married Esther A. Thayer, and went to Indiana as surveyor in the land office. Here he worked about two years at surveying and map drawing, then returned to Clay and took up farming, which business he followed until his death. He followed farm- ing in the summer and taught school during the winter. They had five children. The subject has always followed farming. He married, Feb. 18, 1866, Harriet P. Leach, of Hanover, Mass. He has held the office of poormaster and collector, and is a gentleman of high standing in the community.

Whitcomb, Rev. Charles F., Clay, was born in Stuttgart, Germany, March, 26, 1841, and came to this country with his parents at 11 years of age in 1853. They at that time had a family of seven, six of which died in one night, leaving our sub- ject an orphan at eleven years of age. His first start in life was in a drug store (New York city), being there for some time, which gave him thirst for books; attended school one year, and at an early age became converted and soon fitted himself for the ministry. He enlisted at Aug. 22, 1861, at Romeo, Mich., in the 7th Regt. Vols. (Inft.), was disabled at the battle of Ball's Bluff, and discharged from the service Dec. 22, 1861, for disability. In 1865 he went to Germany and attended school in Berlin, then traveled for three months through the Holy Land. Returning to America in 1872, again attended school to fit himself for the work of the ministry and was ordained as a Baptist pastor June 25, 1879. He has filled many very important charges: Eastport, Me., four years, one of the largest churches in the State; Skow- hegan, Me .; Canton, Mass., First Baptist church, North Syracuse, N. Y., and is now in charge at Euclid, N. Y., having held his present field four years. He married Diantha Baldwin, of Ira, N. Y., by whom he has one child, Gracy B. Subject is a member of the K. of P. and the G. A. R. Post of Cicero.

Young, Peter J., Clay, was born on the farm he now owns Aug. 24, 1822, the son of Jacob and Isabella Young. The father served in the War of 1812. The grand- father Young fought in the Revolutionary war. The occupation of the family has been farming, which business subject has followed from early life. He is one of four children, and married in 1845 Catherine Somers. They have two children: Au- gustus, who is a practicing physician in Newark, Wayne Co .; Theodore, farmer in Oswego Co. Subject married second, June 19, 1884, Caroline Petrie, of Herkimer Co. Mr. Young has held the office of assessor and other minor offices in the town, and has a farm of 85 acres mostly under cultivation.

Ames, Austin O., Dewitt, of A. A. Ames's Sons, dealers in lumber, and manufact-

133

FAMILY SKETCHES.

urers of doors, mouldings, blinds, sashes, etc., was born in Steuben Co. in 1849, son of Ambrose and Sophronia (Bliss) Ames, natives of Massachusetts. The father built at Addison, N. Y .. the first factory to make sash, blinds and doors by machinery in this country. He was for many years in the manufacturing and lumber business at various places in the State, and also in the dry goods business at Rochester for a while. He has now retired from business and makes his home with his children ; the mother died in 1893. Mr. Ames remained in business with his father until 1895, then established the business here, building and furnishing the entire plant with new machinery. They usually employ about 100 hands. Howard, a brother, is the other member of the firm. In 1872 Austin O. married Martha Chapin, of Whitehall, N. Y. They reside in Syracuse.

Avery, Darius C., Dewitt, was born in La Fayette in 1817, son of Henry and Polly Avery, who came from Massachusetts about 1815, and died in La Fayette in 1869 and 1896 respectively. Mr. Avery resided on a farm in Pompey for twenty years, but since 1875 has resided in Jamesville. His wife, Mrs. Laura A. Eggleston Wheeler Avery, is a native of Jefferson county. His first wife was Permelia Keene, who died in Aug., 1889.

Allen, Irving W., Dewitt, came from Madison Co. to East Syracuse in 1883, pur- chasing the Orchard Hill farm of 160 acres and herd of Holstein cattle from W. C. Brayton. In the following year he imported fifty head of thoroughbred Holsteins and has since built up a profitable trade in that breed of cattle in connection with dairying, shipping many head annually to various States of the Union. His herd at present consists of ninety head of finely bred registered stock. In 1884 he won all the first prizes, also first and second for best herds at the Onondaga Co. Fair. Mr. Allen was born in Madison Co. in 1851. He has been a member of the Board of Ed- ucation for six years, and president of the board for one year. Mrs. (Buckingham) Allen is from Madison Co. They have one child, Albert S.

Burnham, Alvah, Dewitt, was born in Cortland Co., N. Y., in 1835, son of James and Lois (Johnson) Burnham, of New Haven, Conn., who died in Cortland Co. Mr. Burnham clerked in a dry goods store for two years in Kalamazoo, Mich., then spent several years with his father on the farm in Cortland Co. He was afterward in the dry goods trade at Cortland, then resided five years in Fulton, N. Y., removing from there to East Syracuse, N. Y., in April,'1874. He at first engaged in the coal, wood and lumber business, and in the fall of 1875 established the business of dry goods and boots and shoes ; being the first dealer in the place in the above lines. At the establish- ment of the post-office, May, 1875, he was appointed postmaster, serving nine years; and was the express agent at East Syracuse, representing the American Express Co. since Aug. 18, 1884. His wife was Lena Moore, of Fulton, Oswego Co., by whom he has one son, Herman L.

Bausinger, John G., Dewitt, was born in Germany in 1842; his parents, Casper and Catherine, lived and died in Germany. He came to Syracuse when nineteen years of age. He was in the drug business six years, candle manufacture six years, and in 1872 he located on his present Dewitt farm of 100 acres, where he successfully fol- lows general farming and dairying. In 1866 he married Elizabeth S. King, a native of Syracuse.

134

ONONDAGA'S CENTENNIAL.

Curtiss, Leonard, Dewitt, was born in West Camden, Oneida Co., in 1831, and came from Oswego to Syracuse in 1864. He was interested in the glass manufacture at Oswego and helped to start the glass works in Syracuse. He is now engaged in the undertaking business together with agricultural pursuits. By his first wife, Betsey Titus, who died in 1884, Mr. Curtiss has one son, Israel J. His present wife, Julia E., is a daughter of Elijah Clark, who was born in 1803 near Onondaga Hill. In 1808 the latter moved with his parents to Salina, now the First ward of Syracuse, and engaged in the manufacture of salt. He was a member of the cavalry company which, commanded by Captain Rosseiter, escorted General La Fayette through Salina; he was the first president of the village of Salina, and was instrumental in organizing the first fire company there, of which he was captain. Mrs. Curtiss has one of her father's fire buckets used by him while captain of this first company. He was in the Jerry Rescue also. He held the office of assessor many years, also that of overseer of the poor, constable, and deputy sheriff. He moved to East Syracuse in 1870. In 1876 he was elected justice of the peace. He died in 1889. His wife, Elizabethi B. Clark, was born in Saratoga Co. in 1805 and died in 1890. Mrs. Curtiss's first husband was Rufus R. Kinne, one of the pioneers of East Syra- cuse. He was a son of Zebulon Kinne, who came from Connecticut about 1805, locat- ing in the wilderness where Mr. and Mrs. Curtiss reside. Zebulon Kinne and his wife, Lucy (Markham) Kinne, both died in 1865. Rufus R. was a farmer and con- tractor, and was one of the foremost promoters of the interests of the place. He died in 1880, aged 61 years. He had two children, Nelson, who died, aged two years, and Gertrude B., who resides with her mother, representing the third genera- tion of the Kinne family as residents of Mr. and Mrs. Curtiss's home place.

Candee, William W., Dewitt, was born in Pompey in 1846, son of William and Elmina (Woodward) Candee, natives of Connecticut and Herkimer Co. ; she died in . Pompey in 1847 and he in Dewitt in 1889. Mr. Candee was raised on a farm; was five years postmaster at Manlius. In 1869 he married Frances Benson, of Pompey, by whom he has two children, Mabel E. and William B. He located on his present farm of 208 acres in 1891, following general farming and dairying, also quarries sev- eral thousand tons of gypsum. William B. Candee is extensively engaged in the poultry trade, raising Plymouth Rocks and Black Leghorns.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Onondaga's centennial. Gleanings of a century, Vol. II, Part 65

Author: Bruce, Dwight H. (Dwight Hall), 1834-1908 Publication date: 1896 Publisher: [Boston] : The Boston History Company Number of Pages: 1094

Author: Bruce, Dwight H. (Dwight Hall), 1834-1908
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: [Boston] : The Boston History Company
Number of Pages: 1094