Onondaga's centennial. Gleanings of a century, Vol. II, Part 83

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 83

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).

Woodmansee, Joseph, Tully, was born in La Fayette, Nov. 28, 1819, one of four children of Joseph and Hannah (Mumford) Woodmansee, both of Rhode Island. His parents came to La Fayette in 1817, and to Tully in 1822, where they settled on the farm, then an unbroken wilderness, now owned by Osborn L. Woodmansee, son of

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our subject. Here the father died in 1870, and his wife in 1872. Joseph was reared on the farm now owned by his son, educated in the public schools, and has always followed farming, owning at present a fine tract of 300 acres. In 1849 he married Lovancia, daughter of Ira Burroughs, one of the early settlers of Otisco, and they purchased the farm where they now reside. They have had four children: Osborn, Anna, Euretta M., and Grace B., all of whom are living.

Bingham, Augustus W., Van Buren, was born near Hartford, Conn., July 22, 1825. Horace B., his father, came to Onondaga Co. in 1836, and in 1837 purchased the property where his descendants now reside. He married Emmline, daughter of Daniel Jones, by whom he had five children, two of whom are now living. Mr. Bing- ham was a prominent man of his town and filled many offices of trust. He died in 1867, aged 67 years. Augustus W. engaged in farming, raising large amounts of hay, grain, stock and tobacco. He filled the offices of supervisor three terms, justice of the peace twenty-six years, and postmaster for twenty-three years. He was ap- pointed inspector of the Onondaga Penitentiary for six years. Ile held a State teacher's certificate and was recognized as being a man of superior education. Mr. Bingham was a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., of which he was grand master at the installation of officers at New York and Buffalo. Augustus W. Bingham died Nov. 1, 1894.

Bentley, Russell, Van Buren, was born in the town of Van Buren, July 26, 1834, son of Russell D., a native of Rhode Island. Russell D. came to Onondaga Co. with his father, Nathan Bentley, in 1804 and settled in Pompey. In 1808 Nathan Bentley, with his family, moved to Van Buren and purchased the Bentley homestead, which has been in possession of the family for eighty-six years. Russell D. Bentley was married in 1823. Russell Bentley was educated in the common schools. In 1858 he married Fannie, daughter of P. Byrnes, by whom he has one son, Frank P. Mr. Bentley has filled various offices of trust in his town and is one of the leading men.

Barnes, Elias D., Van Buren, was born in Van Buren, June 28, 1836. Asa Barnes, jr., his father, was a native of Albany Co. and came to Onondaga Co. with his father, Asa, and settled at Oran in 1793. Asa Barnes, jr., came to Van Buren in 1820 and settled on the farm where his descendants now reside. Elias D., the third son, was educated in the common schools. At the age of twenty-eight he married Clarissa, daughter of Sidney Blanchard, of Baldwinsville, by whom he has three children : James R., Ellis A., and Stella H. Mr. Barnes is a leading farmer of the town, raising large amounts of hay, grain, stock, and making a specialty of tobacco.

Clark, Isaac R., Van Buren, was born in the town of Camillus. He was educated in the common schools and was a man of great force of character. He was enter- prising and energetic and was for years a leading manufacturer of wagons and sleighs, also a blacksmith. His first wife was Elizabeth English, who died in 1856. In 1851 he went to California. In 1884 he married Kate, daughter of John Freeman, a native of Albany Co., who came to Onondaga Co. in 1820, settling at Howlett Ilill. Mr. Clark was a man greatly respected by all who knew him.

Crouse, Lee, Van Buren, was born in Fayetteville, May 19, 1863. Ilenry Cronse, his father, is a son of George Crouse, who was one of the prominent pioneer mer- chants in Onondaga Co., and his sons have extended the business until their name

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is one of the best known in the grocery and dry goods line in Central New York. Henry Crouse came to Memphis, N. Y., in 1866 and established a general store, and is now carrying one of the largest stocks of dry goods, boots and shoes and groceries in Onondaga Co. He married M. Louise Ransford of New Berlin, N. Y., by whom he had seven children. Mr. Crouse has held many offices of trust and was post- master for years. Lee Crouse, the eldest son (now living), as general manager, assisted by his brother, Guy Crouse, have extended the business into the neighbor- ing counties, and justly merit the large patronage they enjoy.

Dixon, William II., Van Buren, was born in the town of Camillus, May 27, 1827. His father, George Dixon, was a native of Yorkshire, England, and came to the United States in 1816, settling in Dutchess Co. In 1817 he came to Onondaga Co. and settled in Salt Point, and in 1823 he bought the farm where his descendants now live. William H., the third son, was educated in the common schools. In 1853 he married Lucinda A., daughter of R. D. Bentley, by whom he has two sons: David M. and Orrin S. Mr. Dixon is one of the leading men of the town. He served as asses- sor for ten years and commissioner of highways, three years.

Davis, Warren, Van Buren, was born in Shortesbury, Mass., Dec. 30, 1804. There being a large family of children, he was at an early age sent to live with his grand- parents and uncle. He received his education in the common schools of those days. He early learned the habits of industry and frugality which characterized his future life. In 1831 he came to Cazenovia, N. Y., and in 1833 he purchased a farm in the town of Van Buren. The following spring he married Sophia E., daughter of Oramel Shapley of Cazenovia, N. Y., and settled upon his farm, where he lived until his death, which occurred in the spring of 1882. His only descendant was an adopted nephew, John E. Davis, who was born in Cazenovia, Oct. 6, 1846:

Fisher, Elmer E., Van Buren, was born at South Granby, Oswego Co., N. Y., March 4, 1861; was married Feb. 9, 1879, to Mabel, oldest daughter of Henry Becker of Phoenix, by whom he has two daughters: Maud E. and Mabel A. Luther Fisher, father of Elmer, was born at Springfield, N. Y., May 1, 1817, and lived in that vicin- ity until 1854, when he moved to South Granby, Oswego Co., N. Y., where he lived until his death, which occurred May 2, 1878. His father was Seth Fisher, who was one of the first settlers of Dedham, Mass., and whose wife was Polly Stone, who was the daughter of Captain Stone of Cheshire Co., N. H., of Revolutionary fame. Luther Fisher was married twice, Elmer being the only child by the last marriage. He married Miss Elizabeth Moul, daughter of Frederick and Lada Moul of Rensse- laer Co. Elmer was educated at Baldwinsville Academy and started the creamery works in Baldwinsville in 1894, using in that year over 1,200,000 pounds of milk. Since he and his partner have made a combine creamery and cheese factory, and are doing a very large and thriving business, using all of the latest and most improved machin- ery, and being the first to introduce and use the Babcock Test in this part of the State.

Frawley, Matthew G., Van Buren, was born in the town of Fowler, St. Lawrence Co., Aug. 16, 1867. His father, Matthew, was a native of Ireland, and came to the United States in 1842. He has been identified through life as a farmer and brick manufacturer. Matthew G. was educated in the common schools and the Phoenix

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and Fulton Academies. Since that time he has taught school, serving as principal of the Warners, Euclid and Roosevelt schools. In 1893 he was elected school com- missioner, having about 150 teachers under his supervision. In 1889 he married Myrtle, daughter of Chauncey M. Soule, and they have one son, Clinton B. Mr. Frawley is one of the most popular men of that town and has filled many offices of trust in the towns of Clay and Van Buren.

Fickeisen, George, Van Buren, was born in Syracuse, Feb. 22, 1863. His father, Peter, was a native of Germany, and came to the United States in 1852 and settled in Syracuse, where he was a well known contractor and builder. He married Barbara, daughter of Christian Green. Mr. Fickeisen was one of the first volunteer firemen of Syracuse, N. Y. George Fickeisen was educated in Syracuse. In 1880 he went to Baldwinsville and opened tonsorial parlors. At the age of twenty-two he married Mary E., daughter of Nicholas White, and they have two children: William C. and Barbara A. Mr. Fickeisen was elected town clerk in 1894, and is one of the leading men of the town.

Haynes, William, Van Buren, was born in the town of Van Buren, Feb. 21, 1837, son of Thaddeus, a native of Salina. The family came from England and settled in Salina in 1805, where they engaged in boiling salt. Thaddeus bought a tract of woodland on lot 12 in Van Buren, where his descendants now reside. His sister Betsey was the first white child born in Van Buren. He was a prominent man of the town, receiving the title of colonel in the militia. He served as supervisor for several years. He married Elizabeth Howe for his first wife. He afterwards mar- ried Harriet Howe, both daughters of Samuel Howe. Thaddeus died in 1887, aged 80 years. In 1885 William Haynes married Amelia, daughter of Isaiah Harrington, by whom he has four children: La Verne, Hillis, Thaddeus, and Millie. Mr. Haynes is one of the representative farmers of the town.

Harrington, Almon W., Van Buren, was born in Van Buren, June 11, 1851. His father, Isaac Harrington, was a native of Otsego Co., and came to the town of Van Buren in 1822, when eight years of age, with his father, Allan Harrington, who was a mason by trade. Isaac Harrington married Celinda, daughter of Simon Rouse, and they had nine children, five of whom are now living. In 1854 he bought the Radford property, to which he afterwards added the adjoining property, where his descendants now reside. Isaac served as poormaster for sixteen years. He died Nov. 4, 1880. Almon, the eldest son, was educated in Baldwinsville and has fol- lowed in the footsteps of his father. He was elected poormaster in 1886 and is still filling that position.

Harrington, Martin, Van Buren, was born in the town of Van Buren, June 12, 1840. His father, Isaiah Harrington, married Mary J., daughter of John Earll. The family were among the pioneer settlers of Onondaga Co., and were representative farmers. Martin was educated in the district schools of the town. In 1863 he mar- ried Calista, daughter of Alexander and Mary Ann Crum, also of the town of Van Buren, his wife living only about one year and a half. In 1868 he married Margaret, daughter of James and Sarah Sample, by whom he has four children: Mary, Martin, Sarah, and Lois. In 1867 he purchased the Saxon farm near the village of Bald- winsville, and has added considerably to it since, and is one of the leading farmers

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of the town. In politics he is a Republican, and has taken quite an active part in town affairs for several years, serving as overseer of the poor for four years and then as assessor for seven years. In 1893 he was elected supervisor of the town and in 1894 was again elected to serve a term of two years.

Hawley, George, Van Buren, was born in Westbury, Wayne Co., April 23, 1839. His father, George, was a native of Albany, and with his father were proprietors of the Eagle Hotel of Albany city for years, the property still being in the hands of his descendants. George Hawley, sr., came to Onondaga Co. in 1820, and having learned the carpenter's trade he engaged in building and for years he took a portion of his pay in grain. He afterwards moved into Wayne Co. and engaged in the mer- cantile business at Red Creek and Westbury and was one of the leading business men of the country. He afterwards went to Baldwinsville and was one of the or- ganizers and founders of the Baldwinsville State Bank, serving as president up to the time of his death, at the age of 93 years. Geerge, his son, married, in 1863, Ellen Weaver, who died in 1879. Their sons, Frederick, Stephen, Albert, and George, still survive her. In 1880 he married Mrs. Alice Hungerford, daughter of John M. Shoudy, formerly of this town, but now of Kalamazoo, Mich. One child was born to this marriage, Harry J., and Hattie Jane Hungerford, a stepdaughter, died June 16, 1894, aged 18 years. Mr. Hawley is one of the representative farmers of the town, making a specialty of raising tobacco.

Isbell, Charles, Van Buren, was born in Garveston, England, in 1839, and came to the United States in 1856. He settled in Marcellus in 1858; he then went to Onon- daga Hill, where he remained until 1870. He then came to Warners and purchased the John Tylea property, where he now resides. He afterwards purchased part of the Alvah Spaulding property. He married Sarah Matthews, by whom he has one son, Charles M. Mr. Isbell is one of the representative farmers of the town.

Ingoldsby, Maynard, Van Buren, was born in the town of Rutland, Jefferson Co .. N. Y., Oct. 23, 1821. Eber Ingoldsby, his father, was a native of Shrewsbury, Mass., and with his parents moved to Washington Co. in 1791. The family trace their descent back to Ebenezer Ingoldsby, who lived in Massachusetts and was of English descent. He was born in 1730 and was a lieutenant in the French war of 1755-61 and afterwards he was a captain in Colonel Cushing's regiment during the Revolutionary war. Eber Ingoldsby held the rank of lieutenant in the war of 1812. He married first, Esther Kniffin, who died in 1816. He then married Zeruiah Phipps. He had a family of eleven children, four of whom are living. John Ingoldsby, the father of Eber, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, serving nearly six years, taking part in the battle of Lexington and others. He came to Onondaga Co. in 1812 and bought the north half of section 27, in the township of Camillus, in 1828, where he was engaged in farming. Maynard Ingoldsby was educated in the common schools and finished at the Baldwinsville Academy, after which he was engaged in farming. In 1861 he married Eliza D., daughter of Girardus Spaulding, and they have four children: Walter, a soldier in the 9th Regulars, U.S.A .; Mrs. Mary Crans, Mrs. Zeedie Taylor, and Irene M. Mr. Ingoldsby is one of the leading farmers of the town.

Kennedy, Thomas, Van Buren, was born in Ireland, in the Mount Island Manor,

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county Tipperary, in 1837; came to this country in 1858. He married Miss Johanna J. Kinney, Oct. 10, 1860. In 1868 he bought part of the J. J. Glass estate, where he now resides. In 1893 he bought another farm, and is now one of the most promi- nent and successful farmers in Onondaga Co. Mr. Kennedy is a man of sterling character ; although starting in a poor boy, he has by his ability achieved success and accumulated a competence.

Kelly, Joel F., Van Buren, was born in the town of Lysander, July 23, 1837. His father, Daniel J., was a native of Massachusetts. He married Nancy Crane. Joel F. was educated in the common schools but has added much by his well chosen read- ing and observation. In 1863 he married Ruth M., daughter of Martin L. Weaver. Mr. Kelly is a man of sterling character and takes an active interest in school and church work. He has held the office of class leader for over twenty years, and first vice-president of the Epworth League since its organization.

La Due, Duane, Van Buren, was born in Van Buren, Feb. 12, 1845, son of Brink- erhoff La Due, a native'of Dutchess Co. The family are descended from three broth- ers who came from France about 1790. Brinkerhoff married Susan, daughter of J. H. Lamerson, and they had eight children, six of whom are now living. He was en- gaged in farming, also was a copper, tin and sheet iron worker. He died in 1883, aged 76 years. Duane was educated in the common schools. In 1877 he married Alice A., daughter of John Kellogg, by whom he has two daughters: Flora and Hattie. In 1885 he moved into the village of Warners, where he has erected 100 or more houses and is one of the most prominent builders and contractors in Onon- daga Co.

Larkin, Albion J., Van Buren, was born in Ballston, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Oct. 25, 1779. The family were of Scotch descent and came to the United States in 1750. He married Deborah, daughter of Miles Bennett. He came to Onondaga Co. in 1829, and in the following spring purchased a farm. He also learned the carpenter's and builder's trades. He served as supervisor and assessor for several terms. He died in 1877, aged 77 years. In 1868 he and his son, Reuben, purchased the John Lamer- son farm at Warners, where the son now resides, he being the sole survivor of three brothers; he has two sisters living: Mrs. Ann Earll, of Warners, and Mrs. Sidney Blanchard, of Baldwinsville.

Lamerson, Sears, Van Buren, was born in the town of Van Buren, July 29, 1828. John H., his father, was a native of Connecticut and one of the first settlers in the town of Van Buren. He married Tammie, daughter of John Sears. John H. learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed together with farming. Sears Lamerson was educated in the common schools and finished at the Cortland Acad- emy. In 1859 he married Sarah L., daughter of William D. Allen, of Palermo, Os- wego Co., N. Y., by whom he has three children: Sears A., John H., and Elmetta. In 1861 Mr. Lamerson purchased the Judge Norton property, where the family now resides. He was a prominent farmer and a well known dealer in live stock. He took an active part in school and political works in the town where he resided. He died April 28, 1866, mourned by all who knew him.

Marvin, George W., Van Buren, was born on the homestead farm in Van Buren, Nov. 17, 1842. George W., his father, was a native of Hebron, Conn., and was of

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English and Scotch descent. He came to the town of Van Buren in 1812 and pur- chased the farm where his descendants now reside. He married Laura, daughter of Abijah Hudson, by whom he had six children, only two of whom are now living: George W., and Mrs. Emily D. Sherburne. He held many offices of trust and was justice of the peace for many years. Feb. 1, 1872, George W., jr., married Martha Bisdee, who died in 1890. They had three children: George B., who died in 1892, at the age of 18 years; Warren D., who died in 1881, at the age of 3 years, and Clara L., who is still living. In 1894 he married Mrs. Mary Gould, daughter of F. L. Em- mons. Mr. Marvin is one of the representative men of the town. He has held va- rious offices of trust and has served as assessor.

O'Brien, Thomas, Van Buren, was born in the southern part of Ireland, Aug. 20, 1838, and while he was still a child his mother died and he removed with his father and sister to Kingston, Canada. They remained only a short time in Kingston and soon settled in Oswego, N. Y. During 1854 the family removed to Baldwinsville, N. Y., where Thomas was educated in the common schools and Baldwinsville Acad- emy. In 1864 he enlisted as sergeant in Co. H, of the 185th N. Y. Vols., and served till the close of the war. In 1865 he married Catherine, daughter of Col. Thaddeus Haynes. At the close of the war he returned to the town of Van Buren, and has since devoted his time principally to farming, paying special attention to the raising of tobacco. Mr. O'Brien has served the town of Van Buren as commissioner of high- ways and as supervisor. In 1890 he was appointed superintendent of section 1, Oswego Canal, which office he held three years.

Spaulding, S. Alonzo, Van Buren, was born in the town of Elbridge, April 13, 1840. His father, Caleb, a native of Connecticut, was one of the first settlers in the town of Elbridge. He married Sophronia, daughter of John Laird. In 1867 Alonzo Spauld- ing married Rowena, daughter of Orrin Brewer, who came to the town of Camillus in 1821. Mr. Brewer married Keziah Marshall. The Marshall family came to Ca- millus in 1800 and settled on the farm where their descendants now reside. Mr. Brewer was a prominent man of the town and held many offices of trust. In 1890 Alonzo Spaulding purchased the Jerome Whitney property in the town of Elbridge, and in 1892 he purchased the J. Skinner property in the town of Van Buren and now owns over 300 acres of the best farming land in Onondaga Co.

Sears, Fred L., Van Buren, was born in the town of Van Buren, Sept. 21, 1850. His father, James Sears, was born in the town of Van Buren, Dec. 26, 1822. His mother was Hannah (Nichols) Sears, daughter of Rev. Browning Nichols. The Sears family trace their descent back to Richard Sears, of Yarmouth, Mass., who landed there in 1638. They have a full genealogical tree, tracing their history for nine generations to English ancestry in the year 1500, and were prominent in the early history of Van Buren. Fred L. was married Aug. 29, 1878, to Eunice A., daughter of Daniel P. Peck, a man of purity and uprightness, who died June 19, 1879, at the age of 52 years, and Betsey Foster Peck. She was a granddaughter of Peter Peck, who by his genial and sympathetic manner was uncle to all. He came to this town from Sturdy, Vt., by way of Pompey where the family lived for a few years, and at an early age surrounded his home with over 400 acres of valuable land, uniting in marriage with Eunice Beckwith. On the maternal side the grandfather of Mrs. Sears, Delanson Foster, who by reason of his military relations was called

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captain, was one of the early settlers who helped make the town. Two little girls, Flora and Fanny, are in the home at Warners; Mrs. Peck also resides there. Mrs. Sears was graduated from Cazenovia Seminary in the class of 1876, taking with her a pleasant souvenir for literary work done in that institution. Mr. Sears was a deep thinker and a fine scholar, for while debarred by reason of ill health from active pur- suits, he used thoroughly the means at means at hand for heart and mind culture. His temperance principles were very pronounced and his Christian principles had an every day using. He died March 8, 1889, aged 39 years.

Snow, Charles M., Van Buren, was born at Warners, N. Y., May 7, 1838. His father, Franklin Snow, a native of Madison Co., came to Memphis about the year 1830, and learned the blacksmith trade and afterwards moved to Warners. He mar- ried Eunice M., daughter of Phineas Barnes, one of the early settlers of the town of Van Buren, and who erected the first frame dwelling house in the present limits of tlie town. Charles M. was educated in the common schools, supplemented by some instruction at the Munro Collegiate Institute and Jordan Academy. In 1861 he mar- ried Marian, daughter of Jonathan Baird, of Lysander, by whom he had three chil- dren, two of whom are now living: Frank J. and Mina A. His first wife having died in 1886 he was again married in 1890 to Lucy M. Snow, of Cleveland, Ohio, who died three years later. Mr. Snow is one of the representative men of his town, hav- ing held the offices of commissioner of highways, assessor, and supervisor for two terms.

Sprague, Benjamin D., Plainville, was born in the town of Van Buren, Oct. 27, 1828, son of Eli, a native of Deerfield, Mass. Eli Sprague married Polly Pulsifer, of the same town, by whom he had five children, two of whom are now living: Stephen, of South Butler, and Benjamin D., of Plainville. In 1812-13 Eli Sprague engaged in the manufacture of salt at Salt Point. He afterwards removed to Warners and engaged in the manufacture of potash. In 1831 he purchased the Nelson Costen property, where his son now resides. He died in 1875, at the age of 84 years. B. D. Sprague married Cordelia, daughter of David Brink. Mr. Sprague is one of the representative farmers of the town.

Somers, J. Dean, Van Buren, was born in Clay, June 3, 1862. Joseph M., his father, was a native of Massachusetts and came to Oswego Co. in 1822, but in 1850 came to Onondaga Co. He married Mary B. Knapp, by whom he had four children : Mrs. Dora P. Moyer, Artemus L., Mrs. Harriet H. Van Doren, and J. Dean. J. Dean Somers was educated in the common schools. In 1883 he married Bena, daughter of Jacob Pink, by whom he has two children: Lloyd D. and Frances. Mr. Somers is one of the representative farmers of the town. In 1884 he bought the William Reed farm, making a specialty of dairying and raising tobacco. He is a man of sterling character and takes an intelligent interest in the leading events of the town.

Tappan, Lemuel, Van Buren, was born in Van Buren, Sept. 7, 1834, a son of Stephen W., a prominent farmer in Van Buren. The family were among the first settlers of the town, coming there in 1750. Stephen W. married Mary A. Pelton, by whom he had seven children, two .of whom are now living: Mrs. Noah Resseguie and Lemuel. He died in 1848, aged 45 years, sincerely mourned by all who knew

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him. Lemuel Tappan married Dora M., daughter of Adam Klotz, by whom he has one daughter, Eunice M. Mr. Tappan resides on the old homestead, which has been in possession of the family for sixty years. He is one of the leading men of the town, taking an active interest in school work.

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Onondaga's centennial. Gleanings of a century, Vol. II, Part 83

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