Onondaga's centennial. Gleanings of a century, Vol. II, Part 85

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 85

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Couch, Orel D., Fabius, was born in Fabius, Dec. 25, 18-18, one of twelve children of Leonard and Nancy (Patrick) Couch, natives of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, respectively. The grandfather was Chester Couch, who came to Fabius in 1814, married, and reared six children. Leonard died in Fabius in 1871 and his wife in 1887. Orel D. was born and reared on the farm, educated in the public schools, and is a cheesemaker by trade. He followed this business until 1888, then purchased the farm of 115 acres which he now owns and devoted his attention mainly to dairy- ing. He married first Frances M. Waters, by whom he had two children who died in infancy. Mrs. Couch died in 1874 and he married second, Josephine Fairbanks of Fayetteville. Mr. and Mrs. Conch adopted one child, Ethel P. Fairbanks, who died at the age of 7, in 1891.

Conrad, Charles H., Van Buren, was born in Lysander, Feb. 3, 1860. His father, John, was a native of Germany and came to the United States in 1846, and engaged in farming and the manufacture of cigars. Charles H. was educated at the Bald- winsville Academy, after which he returned to his father's farm. In 1891 he came to Warners and purchased the store owned by A. L. Spaulding, and is now carrying one of the largest and best selected stocks of dry goods, boots and shoes, imported and domestic groceries, in Warners. In 1881 he married Cynthia, daughter of Daniel Peck, by whom he has one daughter, Grace E. Mr. Conrad is the leading business man of the town.

Crego, Ira L., Van Buren, was born in Onondaga Co. in 1824. His father, Stephen, was one of the first settlers of Onondaga Co., and followed farming. In 1849 Ira L. married Charlotte, daughter of John Bowman, who was one of the first settlers of Van Buren. They have two sons: Allan B. and Burton I. Ira L. died in 1865, aged 40 years, leaving his wife and children to carry his many plans to completion, which with unexpected business ability they have been able to do. His death was not only a loss to his family, but to all who knew him.

Crego, Allan, Van Buren, was born in Van Buren, March 1, 1858. His father, Ira L., was one of the early settlers and prominent men of the town. Allan Crego was educated in the common schools. In 1883 he married Emma, daughter of Isaac Harrington, and they have four sons: Howard, George, Bowman, and Harold. In 1885 he bought the Rufus Sears property, where he now resides. Mr. Crego is one of the representative farmers of his town, taking an active interest in church and school work.

Clark, C. W., Skaneateles, was born in Skaneateles in 1863, a son of Edwin, one of

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the oldest settlers in the town, who came here in 1835. Edwin Clark married Esther Parsons, of Northampton, Mass., by whom he had three children: Edward L., Nellie P., and C. W. The former is a teacher, the daughter resides at home, and C. W. Clark is engaged in farming. He is also secretary of the Farmers' Club of Skaneate- les, in which he takes an active interest. He married Agnes Gibbs of Skaneateles, and has four children: Annie M., Mary E., Charles P. and Ellen E. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are both members of the Presbyterian church of this town.

Conover, S. D., Skaneateles, was born in Skaneateles, Feb. 27, 1833, son of Zail and Mary (Shuler) Conover. Zail Conover was a farmer and one of the earliest set- tlers in Skaneateles. He died at the age of 72. S. D. Conover received a common school education and then went to farming, which he has since continued. He re- tired from his farm in 1875 and came to live in the village of Skaneateles. He now merely superintends the cultivation of his farm. He has served as assessor, town anditor, and was appointed by the State superintendent of public works to look after the State property and to regulate the flow of water for the use and benefit of the Erie Canal. He married Harriet E. Berry, of Borodino, by whom he has three chil- dren: Frank B., Jennie and Carrie.

Crum, Thomas B., Baldwinsville, was born in the town of Van Buren, July 17, 1841, son of Daniel, a native of Haverstraw, Rockland Co., N. Y. The family came origi- nally from Scotland. Daniel Crum married Roxana Phinney, and settled in Camil- lus in 1825. Here he purchased a farm, where he remained until his death. Thomas B. Crum was educated in the common schools. At an early age he was obliged to take charge of the farm on account of his father's ill health. In 1874 he came to Baldwinsville, still conducting the farm business. In 1880 he engaged in the lumber and coal business, but in 1888 he disposed of his interest in the lumber business, and now devotes his time entirely to the coal business, handling 2,500 tons per year. He married Josephine, daughter of William Albright, by whom he has one daughter: Mabel L. Mr. Crum is one of the representative business men of the town. He is actively engaged in school and church work.

Clark, Napoleon B., Baldwinsville, was born in the town of Onondaga, Nov. 20, 1816. His father, James Clark, was born at Windsor, Conn., Nov. 20, 1765, and in 1800 came to the town of Marcellus and engaged in farming. In 1820 he went to the town of Salina and engaged in the manufacture of salt. Jan. 3, 1792, he married Eunice Payson, who died in 1805. He afterward married Sarah Crane and of a large family of children, N. B. is the only one surviving. Napoleon B. is a self-made and self-educated man. He spent his early years at Salt Point, being engaged in the manufacture of salt. In 1843 he came to the town of Lysander and purchased a wood lot, which he cleared and still owns. He married Alpha A., daughter of Russell Adsit, and they have three children: Reuben C., J. Arthur, and Mrs. Alice O. Adsit. Mrs. Clark died Dec. 16, 1887. In 1875 Mr. Clark retired from farming and came to Baldwinsville, where he purchased the block now known as the H. B. Clark block. He has been assessor for a number of years.

Clark, Elijah Park, Baldwinsville, was born in the town of Onondaga, April 1, 1843. His father, Lemuel G., was a native of Vermont and came to Onondaga Co. in 1812, settling near the Indian Reservation. He married Lavina, daughter of John

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Riddell, having a family of eleven children, seven of whom are living. Lemuel G. was a prominent farmer and hop dealer of the town, he died in 1867 in his 93d year. Elijah P. was educated in the Onondaga Academy. In 1862 he enlisted in the 3d N. Y. Cavalry under Captain Cole, afterwards General Cole, it being the first regiment of cavalry to be mustered into the service. He took part in the battles of Ball's Bluff, Winchester, and was wounded at Cold Creek and afterwards at Kingston. He was discharged June 17, 1865, returning to his father's farm. At the age of twenty-three he married Zilpha, daughter of Stephen Mercer, and they have three children: Stephen L., Mrs. Mary L. Walker, and Josephine C. Clark. In 1858 Mr. Clark en- gaged in the milling business at Onondaga Valley. In 1880 the firm of Clark, Mer- cer & Co. was formed, merchant millers, of Baldwinsville. He has been identified with the best interests of the town. In 1891 he was elected president of the village.

Clement, Ozias, Manlius, was born near the village of Kirkville, June 26, 1823. The paternal grandfather was Stephen Clement, who was a native of Dutchess Co. and came to Bridgewater, where he lived a few years and from there removed to Jefferson Co. He was the father of four sons and one daughter. Frederick, the fourth son and father of Ozias, was born in Bridgewater, June 27, 1799, and came to Onondaga Co. in 1820, settling where Dewitt now is, where he remained one year. In the spring of 1825 he bought a farm near East Syracuse, where he lived for six years. After this he kept a store at Manlius Center for two years and then bought fifty acres on lot 45, where he remained two years. He then sold this to take charge of work on construction of the N. Y. C. R. R. In 1845 he moved on to the farm where Ozias now lives, and died June 21, 1881, aged 82 years. The maternal great- grandfather, Silas Patten, bought 100 acres of land in 1798, which is still in posses- sion of his descendants. The grandfather of Ozias, Burr Malley, then resided on the place and his daughter, Olive, was the mother of Ozias. Frederick and Olive Clement had seven children, of whom Thomas B., president of the First National Bank, at Faribault, Minn. ; and Ozias, are the only ones living. Ozias was educated in the common schools of his native town and at Cazenovia Seminary. After leav- ing school he was constable for one year. He followed farming on the old homestead until 1870, when he was elected supervisor. He was re-elected the following year and again in 1880-1. He conducted a store in Fayetteville in 1855, then resumed farming. He is the only one of the commissioners of the soldier's monument now living. May 3, 1870, he married Jennie, daughter of Thomas Flint, of Manlius. Mr. Clement has a lieutenant's commission granted over fifty years ago by Silas Wright and one from Governor Fenton as captain in the Home Guards.

Cropsey, Smith D., Manlius, was born in the town of Cazenovia, March 27, 1827. John G., his father, was a farmer, and Smith was reared on a farm. John G. was twice married, and Smith was the youngest of six children of his first wife. Smith D. was educated in the common schools of his native town. He has always been en- gaged in farming. For two years he conducted a farm in Dickson, Ill., but returned to New York State in 1855. Dec. 20, 1856, he married Melvina, daughter of George Woodworth, a farmer of Madison Co. In 1857 he bought a farm of 170 acres in the town of Manlius, where he ever after made his home. Ile has made many improve- ments, and now he has one of the nicest homes in the county. He and his family always attended the Baptist Church at Fayetteville. He died May 27, 1894, leaving

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his wife and one daughter to mourn his loss. His daughter is the wife of John Har- wood, a wood engraver of Syracuse. Mrs. Harwood is one of the leading soprano singers in Syracuse.

Chase, Barndwill, Manlius, was born in the town of Manlius, Feb. 24, 1817. Na- than, his father, was a native of Schoharie Co., born in the town of Duanesburg. He was educated in the common schools, then worked on his father's farm. He had a farm of fifty acres, which he sold in 1798, and came to Onondaga Co. He located in the town of Manlius, where he bought and cleared twenty-five acres of land. In 1803 he turned this farm in trade for the purchase of 100 acres, where he lived up to the time of his death, which occurred Dec. 20, 1826, at the age of 58 years. Always a hard worker; he has often put up seven cords of wood from sunrise to sunset. Mary C., his wife, was a daughter of George Crownhardt, aide-de-camp to General Washington. She was born April 26, 1772, and died Aug. 20, 1858. Seven children were born of this union, of whom Barndwill is the only one now living. He was educated in the common schools, and has added much to his knowledge by an ex- tensive course of reading. He lived on the old homestead until 1858, when he sold it, and the next year bought a small place adjoining, which by his industry he has increased until now he has a fine farm of twenty-eight acres. He has always fol- lowed farming, with the exception of five years devoted to boating. June 11, 1861, Mr. Chase married Margaret, widow of Gilbert Shall. She died May 20, 1889. Mr. Chase conducts a general line of farming and finds a market for his produce in Syra- cuse.

Coe, Ralph E., Manlius, was born in Oneida, Madison Co., July 9, 1853. Eli A., his father, was born in the town of Smithfield, Madison Co., April 1, 1820. He was educated in the common schools, and has made his principal business farming. While living in Oneida he conducted a bakery and candle manufactory for three years. In 1865 he came to the town of Manlins, where he bought a farm of 110 acres, which he increased to 141 acres. He is still living in Kirkville. His wife, Nancy Ellenwood, was also a native of Madison Co., and died in 1867. Four children were born of this union : Minnie A , wife of David S. Hoag, a farmer of Manlius; M. Bur- ton, merchant and farmer, of Kirkville; Dr. Milton F., was a physician of Chicago at the time of his death, which occurred at the age of 30 years, and Ralph E. The latter was educated in the common schools and at Cazenovia Seminary. After leav- ing school he engaged in farming. He was a partner of his father when on the farm, but is now proprietor of the farm. This is one of the best farms in Manlius, and in 1877 Mr. Coe erected a beautiful residence, which makes it one of the most delightful homes in the county. He is a member of Fayetteville Grange No. 510. In 1877 Mr. Coe married Jennie F., daughter of D. B. Dean of Manlius, by whom he has two children: R. Guy, aged 14 years, and Milton D., aged 12 years.

Carr, Parker Starr, Manlius, was born in the town of Manlius, March 11, 1842. He was educated in the common schools and Oneida Conference Seminary of Cazenovia. After leaving school he entered the law office of Sedgwick, Andrews & Kennedy, with whom he remained until 1866. He was admitted to the bar Oct. 5, 1864. He practiced one year in Cazenovia, then became a partner with Stephen D. Dillaye in Syracuse. This firm existed for one year, then Mr. Carr removed to Fayetteville, where he has been in active practice. In 1869 he was elected school commissioner,

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which office he held for six consecutive years, being re-elected in 1872. Nov. 17, 1888, he was appointed justice of the peace, which office he has since held. In 1894 he was appointed member of the Board of Education. Mr. Carr has acquired a rep- utation as a lecturer with illustrations second to none. He has traveled extensively through Europe and the United States. He is a member of the Masonic order. He is trustee and treasurer of the Fayetteville Cemetery Association, also trustee of the Baptist Church. In 1869 Mr. Carr married Frances P. Kingsley of Madison Co., by whom he has one daughter, Florence E.

Cramer, Jacob, Manlius, was born in Syracuse, Sept. 11, 1841. Leo Cramer, his father, was a native of Germany, and came to this country in 1839, bringing his wife and two children, locating in Syracuse. He was a blacksmith by trade, but engaged in boiling salt. He died Sept. 13, 1841. His wife, Martha Sharer, a native of Ger- many, died December 13, 1866, aged 64 years. Of this union four children were born: Catherine, married Peter Afolder of Manlius, and died in 1854; Pauline, wife of John Shandorf, a farmer of Manlius Station; Laney, wife of Pierce Ball, a farmer of Dewitt, and Jacob. The last two named are twins. Jacob was educated in the common schools of Manlins. He then engaged as water carrier on the railroad. From that he advanced to brakeman on the work train, and in Sept., 1862, he be- came a fireman, which position he held for five years. Jan. 7, 1867, he was made engineer, which position he has held ever since. He has worked his way up gradu- ally, first being on the freight, then accomodation, from that to express, and now takes care of the crippled cars in the Dewitt yard, one of the most desirable positions of the N. Y. C. R. R. Mr. Cramer is a member of Division 14 of Utica Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Feb. 20, 1865, he married Mary A., daughter of Joseph and Caroline Christ, of this town. They have four children : William L., fireman on the N. Y. C. R. R. ; Martha N., living at home; Joseph J., also fireman on the N. Y. C. R. R., and Carrie A., a student of Manlius Station school. Mr. Cramer has run an engine for this company since 1867, and has never had an accident, never called before the company and never discharged or suspended.

Bench, James, Skaneateles, was born in England, in Oct., 1822, son of William and Ann Bench. He came to Ira, Cayuga Co., when twelve years of age, then came to Skaneateles and learned the tin business, at which he continued until 1848, when he went into the hardware business. Since that period his business has been increasing continuously, until now he occupies the finest and largest store in the town. He carries a full line of builders' and blacksmith hardware, also paints, oils, etc. He also carries on the plumbing and gas fitting business, and manufactures goods from tin, sheet iron and copper. This business was built up entirely through the energy and enterprise of Mr. Bench. He is considered as one of the foremost business men of Skaneateles. He has two children, Mary F., and George C., who is in business with his father.

Bright, William J., Skaneateles, was born in Pennsylvania, Aug. 31, 1844, son of William J. and Susan C. Bright. He received a common school education in Oneida Co. He then enlisted in the 146th N. Y. Vols. and served until the close of the war. He was in twenty-one engagements. After the close of the war he went to New York and engaged in business there for twenty years. In 1886 he came to ii

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Skaneateles, where he is now engaged in farming. Mr. Bright has been successful in getting up a soldiers' monument, having secured the necessary subscriptions to complete it. It now stands a monument to the soldier, the people who erected it, and to Mr. Bright, whose energy carried the enterprise through. He married Belle Eggleston, of Marcellus Falls, by whom he has one daughter, Bessie B.

Barrow, John D., Skaneateles, was born in New York city. He has maintained his residence in Skaneateles since 1844. Mr. Barrow has taken great interest in the history of the county and town, and has collected considerable and valuable historical matter. He delivered the centennial address July 4, 1876. Mr. Barrow is an artist, both in portraiture aud landscape, although at the present time he has virtually retired from active work. He has never been married.

Button, S. K., Cicero, was boru in Montgomery Co., N. Y., Oct. 17, 1821, son of Hamilton Button, who was born in this State. Hamilton came to Cicero from Van Buren in 1832. He was a tanner and currier, but later he devoted his time to farming. He died at the age of 45. He married Elizabeth Cloud, by whom he had eight children, four of whom are living, Catherine, Elizabeth, Crowell, and S. K., who has always followed farming, owns a farm of seventy-two acres, mostly under cultivation. He married Maria Van Wagner, by whom he has two children: Eliza- beth and Cornelia. He has been town assessor for eighteen years. He enlisted Sept. 5, 1864, in the 15th N. Y. Engineers and served until the close of the war. He is a member of Saunders Post, G. A. R.

Baum, Benjamin Franklin, Cicero, one of ten children of Isaac and Mary (Dox- tater) Baum, was born in the town of Cicero on the farm which he now owns, April 15, 1837. Isaac was one of the foremost men of the town, having been supervisor of the town, also superintendent of the penitentiary for six years. He was born in

Danube, Herkimer Co. Benjamin F. first married Elsie Van Alstine, who died

soon after. He then married her sister, Mary. They were the daughters of Daniel Van Alstine. By his second wife Mr. Baum had these children: Nellie, Elsie, Johanna and Franklin.

Blynn, Frances, Cicero, is a widow of the late Dr. Blynn, of Cicero, who was born in Columbia Co. N. Y. When a small boy his parents moved to Rose, Wayne Co., where he attended the district schools. From here he went to the academy at Sand Hill, Washington Co .; after graduating from there he entered the Medical College at Albany. Later he entered the Long Island Hospital College, from which he graduated and received his diploma in 1866. He began his practice in Cicero in 1868, where he remained until his death in 1883. He enlisted as a private, but was promoted to major. In 1870 he married Frances Douglass, daughter of Joseph Douglass, of Cicero. Dr. Blynn was a member of the Masonic Lodge 648 at Center- ville. At his death he was examining surgeon of the Empire Mutual Aid Asso- ciation.

Barker, Rev. Benjamin F., Onondaga, retired (M. E.) clergyman and farmer, is the owner of one of the representative farms of the county, a place consisting of 160 acres. He was born in Berkshire, Tioga Co., May 10, 1829, and was educated in Onondaga Academy, Cazenovia Seminary, and graduated from Yale College with Chauncey M. Depew, Judges D. H. Brown and David J. Brewer, of the U. S. Supreme

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Court. He has been principal of Fayetteville and Onondaga Academies, and in 1859 joined the Oneida Conference. He was presiding elder of the Oswego District of the Northern Conference. He spent the summer of 1878 in European travel, and retired from active ministry in 1883, since which he has devoted much of his time to the care of his farm. His parents were Cicero and Mary (Satterly) Barker, who had four children: John S., Esther L., Benjamin F., and William H. The father was one of the first settlers of the town, and a son of John Barker, a soldier in the Revolution. Rev. B. F. Barker married Eliza M. Kinne, daughter of Elbridge Kinnie, of Dewitt, and they have four children: Albert F., Vincent K., Grace E., and Elbridge.

Balcomb, John J., Onondaga, son of John, who early settled in this county. He is a veteran of the war of the Rebellion, having enlisted in 1861 in Co. C, 3d Minne- sota Vols., from which he was discharged on account of sickness in 1862. He re- enlisted afterwards in Co. F, 15th N. Y. Vols., serving till his honorable discharge at the expiration of his term of service. Mr. Balcomb is a Mason of Lodge 552, Marcellus, and is the owner of the Cedarvale Roller Mills. These mills were form- erly known as the Allen mills and later as the Grout mills. John, father of our sub- ject, purchased them of a Mr. Montfeeder, and later they passed into the hands of John J. Balcomb. The latter was one of a family of eight children, as follows: George, Edelfida, John J., Albert, Marcus, Arthur, Mary, and Irving. Our sub- ject married Edna E. Beebe, and they have two children: Edith and Bertha.

Ballard, William J., Onondaga, was born in Onondaga in 1847, a son of William Ballard, a native of England, who settled in this town in an early day. William and Harriet Ballard had these children: Jane, Stephen, Alfred, and William J. The latter married Franc White, a daughter of George A. and Hannah C. White, whose children were as follows: Franc, George A., and Charles G. Mr. and Mrs. White were among the first settlers of this town, the grandfather, Royal White, hav- ing been the first to settle on the farm now owned by our subject. He came from Connecticut and took up a large tract of land.

Butler, Thomas I., Tully, was born in Preble, Cortland Co., Aug. 26, 1867, the third of four children of Roscoe and Catherine (Gleason) Butler, he a native of Preble, born in 1835, and his wife a native of Ireland. The grandfather of Thomas I. was Thomas, a native of Connecticut, who came to Preble in a very early day, and there lived most of his days, though he died in Tully. The father of our subject was prominent in local affairs, having served as assessor fifteen years, besides other offices. He died in 1886, and his wife resides in Cortland. Thomas I. was educated at the Homer Academy, and followed farming until 1890, when he engaged as a clerk in Tully for P. K. Barker and W. L. Stone, and in 1894 purchased the store he now owns of W. L. Stone, where he carries a full line of groceries and crockery. Mr. Butler is a Good Templar, and has always been an ardent temper- ance advocate.

Blaney, Seward H., Tully, was born in Tully, July 27, 1843, a son of Lewis H. and Elvia L. (Chase) Blaney. Lewis H. was born in Nashua, Rensselaer Co., in 1813, and his wife in Tully in 1814. The paternal grandparents, John and Sarah Blaney, were early settlers of Rensselaer Co., where the former died, his wife having died

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later in Homer, where she resided with her son William. John was a soldier in the war of 1812. The father of our subject came to Tully in 1835 and settled on the farm now occupied by Seward H. Here he died in April, 1889, and his wife in 1894. Seward H. was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools and Homer Academy. He has followed farming with the exception of a short time spent in the meat market at Tully. He and his sister, Marcia F., now possess the homestead, where they carry on general farming. Both are members of the Grange, and he be- longs to the K. of P.

Bliss, William Y., Tully, a native of Georgia, Vt., was born April 17, 1853, one of four children of Cornelius V. and Marion (Newman) Bliss, the former a prominent merchant of Georgia for about thirty-five years. He was also a leading politician of that town, where he held many offices of public trust, including that of sheriff. He died July 9, 1872, and his wife resides on the old homestead, which has been in the possession of the family for over 100 years, the place being now owned by her son, Fred W. William was reared in the village of Georgia. Vt., where he attended the academy and the Johnson State Normal School of Vermont and he followed teaching twelve years, being superintendent of schools in Georgia four years. He attended the Medical University of Iowa one year and graduated from the University Medical School of Vermont in 1879, practicing in Hyde Park from 1879 to 1885, after which he located at Borodino and was endorsed and approved by Syracuse University in 1885. In 1889 he came to Tully and took the place of Dr. George W. Earl, having now a fine practice. He is a member of the K. of P. of Tully, No. 246. In Jan., 1885, he married Fannie W. Barrows of Waterville, Vt., by whom he has two chil- dren: Lulu M. and Carol F.

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Onondaga's centennial. Gleanings of a century, Vol. II, Part 85

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