USA > New York > Genesee County > Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Genesee County, New York, v. 2 > Part 15
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The active years of Mr. Ellicott's life were principally those between 1:90 and 1521. Ten or twelve of those years were passed in the ar- duous duties of surveyor, mostly in unsettled districts, to be finally given up for the little less trying task of local land agent. His success in these positions was largely due to his practica! education, his great industry, his careful and systematic methods and his natural adapta- bility for executive work. These qualities are clearly shown in his voluminous correspondence and his journal. His memory must forever be identified with the surveys and settlement of Western and Central New York and the origin of the Erie canal, in both of which capacities his influence upon the future of Erie county was paramount.
After a life of great activity and usefulness he approached its close in a manner greatly to be regretted and deplored. As early as 1516-17 he became subject to periods of great depression of spirits and melan- choly which, in course of time, settled into confirmed hypochondria. The causes of this condition may be sought in his natural tempera- ment, his lonely unmarried life, disappointments in the outcome of some of his hopes and expectations and the apparent emptiness of his later years. ITis land agency ceased in 1821 by his own act. No neg- lect of duty was ever charged to him, but his condition had become such that further useful activity in that direction was not to be expected
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from him. Fully conseious of this he resigned. This was practically the close of a busy and useful life. In November, 1824, by medical advice, he was removed to New York, making the journey on a canal packet. In New York a council of physicians was called, who decided that he should enter Bellevue Hospital. Anticipated benefits from this step were not realized; mental and physical infirmity increased and in July or August, 1826, he escaped from the vigilance of his attendants and took his own life. His remains were brought to Batavia for burial.
GEORGE H. HOLDEN.
GEORGE H. HOLDEN was born in Batavia, N. Y., Dec. 10, 1:24. His father, Samuel C. Ilolden, was a native of Springfield, N. Y., and came to Batavia in 1804 with his parents, James and Eunice ( Hinman) Holden. James Holden bought a tract of land from the Holland Land Company, which he cleared up; he was, however, engaged in mercan - tile business throughout his life. He served as a soldier in the Revo- lutionary war and saw much active service. He was at the siege of Boston, fought at the battle of Bennington and in the engagement which resulted in the surrender of Burgoyne. He died at Batavia, June 20, 1839.
Samuel C. Holden was born August 8, 1294, and died at Batavia, November 25, 1880. He was a prominent merchant, and was closely identified with the growth and development of Batavia. He was County Clerk from 1847 to 1850. He served in the war of 1812 and five of his brothers were also soldiers in the same war.
George H. Holden was educated in Batavia and for some time as- sisted in his father's store. In 1847 he was appointed Deputy County Clerk, and he filled this position for fifteen years, when he was elected County Clerk, serving two terms. Upon the election of Carlos A. IInll to the office of County Clerk in 1867, Mr. Holden again became deputy clerk, which position he still holds. His continuous work of more than half a century in the county clerk's office has given him a vast knowl- edge of the records of the county and of its growth and history. His beautiful and legible handwriting, spread over hundreds of volimes, is greatly admired. Mr. Holden enjoys remarkable bodily and mental vigor. He is fond of companionship and has hosts of friends. In 185;
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Mr Holden married Frances, daughter of Luther Babeoek, and they have three children: George T., Harriet G , wife of Frank S. Wood, and Anne, wife of John H. Wood.
CHARLES W. HOUGH.
CAPT. CHARLES W. HouGh was born in Summer Hill, Cayuga county, N. Y., June 22, 1836, a son of Joel and Harriet (Smith) Hough, farmers. The family trace their descent from Sir Edward Hough, of England, whose descendants landed at Plymouth in 1664.
Charles W. Hough was educated in the common schools and at Mo- ravia Academy in his native county. Descended from a long line of patriotic ancestors and inheriting their spirit he enlisted in the cause of the Union in 1862, joining Co. E, 138th N. Y. Vols., which later by reorganization became the 9th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. Enlisting as a private, he was successively promoted to corporal, sergeant, sergeant- major, second lieutenant, first lieutenant, and finally was commissione.] captain in the ad N. Y. Heavy Artillery. His regiment lay for about eighteen months in the defenses of Washington, and just prior to the command being ordered to the field, Lieutenant Hough was detailed by the War Department as ordnance officer in the defenses of Wash- ington north of the Potomac. Subsequently he was made chief ordnance officer for the district of Washington, and had exclusive charge of dismantling the fortifications around the national capital north of the Potomac at the close of the war. He was honorably dis- charged on October 15, 1865, with the rank of captain and ordnance officer of the district of Washington.
In 1867 he went to Winona, Minn., where he remained three years. In 1821 he bought a half interest in the Wiard Plow Works at East Avon. Thus was formed the firm of Wiard & Hough, manufacturers of the well known Wiard plows. In 1826 the works were removed to Batavia, at which time the Wiard Plow Company was organized. For twenty-two years Mr. Hough has served as treasurer of the company, and during all these years it has steadily grown and prospered.
Captain Hough is one of the self-made men of Batavia. He has served as village trustee and president of the Board of Trade, and takes an active interest in educational and religious matters. He is ener- getie and enterprising, and has always endeavored to promote the ma-
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terial development of Batavia. He has built over thirty residences, has laid out suburban additions, and donated three separate streets to the village eorporation ; he has also used his far-reaching influence in secur- ing manufacturing industries to Batavia. In politics he has always been identified with the Republican party.
On September 26, 1866, Captain Hough was married to Jennie Y., daughter of George W. and Jerusha ( Brooks) Young. They have two sons: Arthur G. and Edward W. Arthur G. was graduated from Bata- via High School, attended Woodstock College, Canada, and was graduated from Cornell University Law School. He now occupies a position with the Wiard Plow Company. Edward W. is a student at Clinton Liberal Institute at Fort Plain, N. Y.
BYRON E. HUNTLEY.
BYRON E. HUNTLEY, president of the Johnston Harvester Company of Batavia, is a native of Mexico, Oswego county, and is of Scotch de- scent. His ancestors came originally from the town of Huntley, in Scotland. His father, Dr. Lyman Huntley, was a physician and sur- geon of note in the early days of the nineteeth century. During the war of 1812 he was appointed surgeon in the United States Army and assigned to the barracks of Sackett's Harbor, N. Y. Mr. Huntley's mother was Alma Upson, a native of Camden, N. Y.
Mr. Huntley accompanied his parents upon their removal from Mexico to Fairport, Monroe county. In 1844 he removed to Brock- port, N. Y. While residing there he prepared for college at Brock- port Collegiate Institute. He subsequently attended Madison Uni- versity at Hamilton, Madison county, N. Y., now Colgate Univer- sity, but failing health compelled him to abandon his college duties and he accepted a position in the office in the factory of Fitch, Barry & Co. at Brockport, N. Y. While in the employ of the firm young Huntley became interested in the MeCormick reaper, which by agree- ment about 1847 was to be manufactured by Fitch, Barry & Co. In 1850, by reason of his energy and recognized business ability, he secured an interest in the firm, which then became Ganson, Huntley & Co. In 1868 the firm changed to Johnston, Huntley & Co. In 1820 he began making periodical visits to Europe, where he soon established a market for the output of the factory, and opened offices on that con-
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tinent, and since 1820 he has crossed the Atlantic fifty six times in the interests of the business which he now manages, and he is now un. doubtedly better informed on the European harvester and mower trade than any other manufacturer in the United States. For several years he has had general supervision over the business of his company in this country and Europe, spending his time in Europe during the summer months, and in Batavia principally during the manufacturing season.
In 1853 the firm of Huntley, Bowman & Co, began the manufacture of the Palmer & Williams self-rake. For some time after that year the concern manufactured the Brockport Harvester, a hand-raking ma- chine. In January, Ist1, the concern, which for a few years had been known as Johnston, Huntley & Co., changed its title to that of The Johnston Harvester Company, with a capital stock of three hundred thousand dollars; subsequently increased to a half million, which is the capital stock at the present time, under which name it still continues to do business. In June, 1882, fire destroyed the works at Brockport. For some time better shipping facilities had been desired, and it was therefore decided to rebuild the works of the company at Batavia. Accordingly the present mammoth plant, which has been since 188? three times enlarged and improved, was erected and occupied, and within a short time after the burning of the works at Brockport opera. tions in the present factories were resumed, with an increased number of employees and improved machinery. In January, 1891, Mr. Hunt- ley was elected president of the Johnston Harvester Company, which office he still holds, as well as personally looking after the European business.
For many years Mr. Huntley has been connected with the Baptist church, and is now a member of the First Baptist church of Batavia. Politically he has always been a Republican.
HORACE S. HUTCHINS, M. D.
DR. HORACE S. Hurenis was born in Manlius, Onondaga county, N. Y., January 5, 1829. His parents were among the pioneers of Onondaga county, moving there from New England, but soon after the birth of Dr. Hutchins they removed to Madison county. His father died in 1821, at the residence of Dr. Hutchins in Batavia.
Vorace Grace & Watching MC
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Dr. Hutchins was prepared for college at Hamilton Academy, and was graduated from Madison University (now Colgate University ) with the degree of A. B , later receiving that of A. M. His first academic work was as teacher of mathematics in the Ladies' Seminary at Hamil- ton, N. Y., where he remained two years, and then served as prin- cipal of Peterboro Academy one year, during which time he also pursued the study of medicine. At this time, wishing to restore his health, which had been somewhat impaired by a too close application to work and devotion to his medical studies, and also impelled by a desire to see more of the world, in 1853 he went on an ocean voyage, spent some time in Central America, and, crossing the Isthmus, accom- panied the United States Coast Survey Expedition along the coasts of Mexico and California to San Francisco and thence to Nevada City, Cal. During his residence in the latter city he was one of many who engaged in the struggle for the supremacy of law and order, when the famous Vigilance Committee gathered in sufficient number to awe and overpower the criminal element, thus establishing the authority of the State government.
He remained in Nevada City three years, engaged in school work and the practice of medicine. In 185; he returned east, and went into business with his brother Harvey in Buffalo. The same year (1856) he was married to Harriet M., daughter of Corrington Babcock. In 1859 he removed to Batavia where he continued the practice of medicine. In the fall of 1860 he went to New York to review his medical studies and engage in hospital practice, and there received his degree the following year. Returning to Batavia, he resumed his practice, now covering a period of nearly forty years.
Dr. Hutchins has served as vice-president of the New York State Homoeopathic Medical Society ; is a member of the American Institute of Homoeopathy; is president of the Western New York Medical So- ciety; and is one of the Alumni Association of the New York Homoe- opathic Medical College and Hospital. For many years he has been a director and valued counselor in the banking interests of Batavia. He has always been active in the promotion of the cause of education, and for nearly ten years he was president of the Board of Education. Politic- ally Dr. Hutchins has been a Republican since the organization of the party. In Masonry he has attained the degree of Knight Templar. For thirty-five years Dr. Hutchins has been a member of and held various official relations in the First Baptist Church of Batavia.
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Two children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Hutchins: Eleanora, wife of Dr. John W. La Seur of Batavia, and Fannie E., wife Charles A. Cooley of Nunda, N. Y.
FRANKLIN D. KINGMAN.
FRANKLIN D. KINGMAN was born at Worthington, Mass., December S, 1802. His father was Isaiah Kingman, a native of Bridgewater, Mass., born February 17, 1714, and was married in 1799 to Lucy Dan- iels, of Worthington, Mass. ; she was born December 6, 1780. They were the parents of twelve children -- six sons and six daughters-of whom but two are now living, Samuel and Albert. Samuel is a law- yer and in early life removed to Kansas, where he practiced his profes- sian, and for a long time was a judge of the Supreme Court, until fail- ing health compelled him to resign. Albert was a lawyer in Hickman, Ky., and sometime mayor of that eity. Isaiah Kingman died in 1864 and his wife in 1872.
Franklin D. Kingman was the second son. He acquired his educa- tion in the common schools of his native town, which he supplemented with much reading and elose observation. He remained at home with his father until he reached his legal majority, assisting him in every way possible. In 1825 he severed his home connection and started for what was then known as the West. For a time he stopped at Riga, Monroe county, and later eame to Bergen, where he purchased the Elliot Stuart farm on the Town Line road.
In 1826 he was married to Miss Sophia Smith, of Northampton, Mass. ; they both went to work in good earnest, and after many years of hard labor they accumulated enough to erect a fine, substantial farm house, at an expense of $3,000, besides his own labor, which was an item of no small importance. On account of the death of his wife and his own failing health, he sold his farm and removed to Bergen village, where he spent the remainder of his days.
Mrs. Kingman died in 1538, and in 1854 he was married to Theodosia, daughter of Eliphalet Parish, of Bergen, and widow of Chester W. Smith, of Northampton, Mass., who survives him.
Mr. Kingman was a man of pleasing personality; genial and sympa- thetic in his nature, he won the love and confidence of all. Visitors at
FRANKLIN D. KINGMAN.
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his home, of whatever age, were all happily entertained; the infant was contented with him; little children would sit on his knee and chat as freely as with a playmate; and so on, to those of old age, all were made to feel at home. He was a great reader and encouraged study in his family. During the long winter evenings the whole family were usually gathered around the table supplied with books and newspapers, which were read and discussed by all. He had great sympathy for the needy and counted them among his special friends; nothing gave him greater pleasure than to extend relief to such on every proper occasion; he said, " Build no costly monument over my grave-I pre- fer that the money be given to the poor." In this he unconsciously built his own monument in the grateful hearts of those who had re- ceived his benefactions, given so secretly and kindly that no one but the recipient knew of the gift.
He took a lively interest in political as well as social affairs, and was up to date in a general knowledge of current affairs. He was a strong Republican in his political faith, and as such was elected to the Legisla- ture in 1854, where he served one term, ill health preventing his accept- ance of a second nomination.
He was subject to attacks of inflammatory rheumatism, from which he suffered acutely, but without complaining. At the time the news of the assassination of President Lincoln-a man he revered -- came to him he was suffering from an unusually acute attack of rheumatism, which, with his great grief that cannot be told, crushed his heart, and he passed away on April 26, 1865. Death came to him suddenly; but he long had been an earnest, active Christian, and he was ready and willing to go.
Mr. Kingman had two sons and two daughters: Albert, Legare, Cecelia and Malissa. Albert removed to Des Moines, Ia., in 1850; he located a farm just outside the limits of the city, set fruit trees on part of the land and succeeded well in fruit growing; he is considered one of the wealthy men of Des Moines; in 1854 he was married to Eliza J. Hegby, of Missouri. Legare died at the age of thirteen years. C'e- celia was married to Charles P. Mott; they settled on a farm near Des Moines, Ia. ; she is deceased. Melissa was married to Lucius P. Wil- cox, of Bergen; they removed to Iowa in 1856, where he was a farmer; they had four sons and one daughter. Mr. Wilcox is deceased.
Mr. Kingman had three sisters who were married and left children, namely: Sophronia, Lucy and Mary. Sophronia was married to Elisha
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H. Brewster, of Worthington, Mass. ; he was one of nature's noblemen, respected and loved by all who knew him for his many virtues. Luey was married to Jonathan Daws, of Cummington, Mass. ; they have one son, Charles K. Mary was married to George Davis, of Bergen; their children were three: Helen, Emma and James; Helen was mar- ried to Paul Knowles, of Riga, and bore him two children: Emily and Jennie; James enlisted in the Civil war in 1862, was wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, May 3, 1863, and died at Stanton Hospital, Washington, D. C., on June 29; his funeral was held at his home in Bergen on July 4, 1863. Emma was married to James Gillette, of Ber- gen ; their two sons, George and William, reside in the village of Ber- gen. Sophronia Kingman Brewster left five children, two of whom survive --- Charles K. Brewster and Mrs. George M. Green, of New York city.
GEORGE E. MARCELLUS.
GEORGE E. MARCELLUS, editor and proprietor of the Le Roy Gazette, was born in Hamlin, Monroe county, N. Y., and came to Le Roy in 1814. His father, George W. Marcellus, was a minister. George E., desiring to engage in newspaper work, entered the office of the Le Roy Courier and was local editor of that paper for six years. In 1884 Mr. Marcellus, in partnership with Mr. G. W. Hand, purchased the Gazette from C. B. Thomson, introduced new features and notably increased the circulation. In September, 1882, Mr. Marcellus became sole owner and has since continued its publication, having enlarged its facilities for job and newspaper work, and now has a model establishment as well as one of the best local papers in the State. This paper was established in 1826 by J. O. Balch. It changed hands a number of times until 1840, when C. B. Thomson became proprietor, and con- tinued so for forty-four years. In 1894 Mr. Marcellus bought the Le Roy Times, which had been published in Le Roy for the preceding fourteen years; he consolidated this with the Gazette. He has taken considerable interest in Republican polities; is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Encampment at Le Roy. He is president of the Business Men's Association and president of the Le Roy Band; one of the offi- eers of the Republican Editorial Association of New York, an officer of the New York Press Association, and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Machpelah Cemetery Association.
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ROBERT A. MAXWELL.
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ROBERT A. MAXWELL.
THE HON. ROBERT A. MAXWELL Will rank in the history of Genesee county as one of its most prominent and highly esteemed citizens. We cannot better present the salient features of his character and the first part of his career than by quoting the following passage from a work by D. A. Harsha, entitled " Noted Living Albanians and State Officials."
"The Hon. Robert A. Maxwell, superintendent of the Insurance Department, was born in Washington county, N. Y., in 1838. He is a son of Alexander Maxwell of Jackson, a prominent citizen of the town and an intelligent and wealthy farmer. After receiving a thorough instruction at the common schools in his neighborhood he was sent to the Normal School at Albany, where he finished his education at the age of eighteen. He soon became principal of the Union school at Greenwich, N. Y., which place he held for two years. Determined to relinquish a professional career for mercantile pursuits, he removed to Chicago and engaged in the commission business, buying and selling grain and produce. For seven years he was an active member of the Board of Trade in that enterprising city. But too close attention to business and climatic influences combined to impair his health, and coming east he settled at Batavia, N. Y. Soon after his settlement in his new home he invested his ready capital in the malting business and became a successful and public spirited merchant, closely identifying himself with all those interests which are conducive to the welfare and prosperity of his adopted home. The New York State Institution for the Blind was established in Batavia in 1867; Mr. Maxwell was ap- pointed one of its trustees in 1878. Shortly after taking up his resi- dence at Batavia, Mr. Maxwell manifested an ardent interest in politics, his affiliation being with the Democratic party. His sagacity and wis- dom displayed in local issues became so marked and widely known, that in 1880 he was chosen a member of the Democratic State committee, in which capacity he served for several years. lIere his counsel was sought on all important questions of expedieney and candidature, and he gradually rose to conspicuous places in the conferences of party magnates. In 1881 he received the nomination for State treasurer. The memorable 'Waterloo' of the Democracy followed a bitter and personal canvass; and out of the disaster but one survivor remained, and that was Mr. Maxwell. He had not only been elected, but led his ticket by some thirty thousand, thereby handsomely defeating his well-known
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opponent, the Hon. James W. Husted. His official direction of the State treasury was so entirely satisfactory that he was unanimously re- nominated for a second term, and triumphantly elected over the Repub- lican candidate, Mr. Pliny W. Sexton, by over seventeen thousand ma- jority. The State treasury department, under the wise and judicious management of Mr. Maxwell, soon came to be recognized as a model business institution. The fact was especially emphasized by the Albany bankers, who expressed their satisfaction with the improvements in- augurated by the competent treasurer, in a set of complimentary reso- lutions."
The resignation of John A. McCall, jr., as superintendent of the State insurance department, and the acceptance thereof by the Governor, was followed almost immediately by the appointment, on January 1, 1886, of Mr. Maxwell to fill the vacancy. The news of his selection was re- ceived on all sides by marked tokens of approval. His independent integrity, tried ability and high standing as a business man and finan- cier were cordially endorsed by the great insurance companies of New York city in their reiterated approval of the choice made for the chief of a department with which their associations and interests are so closely allied. When the nomination was sent to the Senate, the con- firmation of Mr. Maxwell was moved and seconded by Republican sen- ators (the Senate being Republican by a large majority), who dwelt at length in their speeches upon his abilities, fitness and integrity for so responsible an office. And as a high mark of universal esteem his con- firmation was made unanimous.
In contemplating publications from a non-partisan standpoint, we shall find that the name of Robert A. Maxwell stands in the first rank among those officials who, for honesty, integrity of character and noble- ness of purpose, have reflected the brightest luster upon the Empire state.
Referring to Mr. Maxwell's record in the insurance department, the New York Tribune, the great exponent of Republicanism, said: " Un- der Mr. Maxwell, its affairs have been managed solely in the interests of the general welfare; managed so as to protect those who invest in insurance, by an intelligent and faithful supervision of the companies. The result of the constant enforcement of this sound policy by Super- intendent Maxwell has been what might have been expected. The de- partment has enjoyed in a marked degree the public confidence. It has been kept free from the flagrant scandals which brought disgrace upon its administration in the comparatively near past."
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