USA > New York > Genesee County > Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Genesee County, New York, v. 2 > Part 19
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Le Seur. J. W., M. D., was born in Hartland, Vt., March 18. 1857, a son of John and Ann M. ( Wait) Le Seur. The family are of French descent and representatives thereof are still living in Paris aa 1 Bordeaux. Dr Le Seur wa- graduated from Fort Edward (N. Y.) Collegiate Institute in 1877; Rochester Umversity in iSSI ; Rochester Theological Seminary in 15-1: and from Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia in 1963. In 1955 he founded the Medical Institute of Philadelphia, to which he still contributes articles on medicine and surgery. In 1856 Dr. Le Seur came to Batavia and began his practice with Dr. HI. S. Hutchins; in 19 ; he was appointed by Governor Hill one of the trustees of the Institution for the Blind. In 1984 Dr. Le Seur married Eleanora, daughter of Dr. Hutchins; they have one daughter, Margaret H., and one sou. Horace H. D !. Le Seur is one of the pro- gressive men of his town ; a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy and chairman of its National Bureau of Public Health and Sanitary Science: ex-president of the Western New York Mediati Society ; vice-president of the New York State Homeopathic Medical Society; a member of the board of U. S Pension Examiners; city health officer, and chairman of the board of trustees of the First Baptist church, and was chairman of the committee on dedication of the old " Holland Purchase Land office " as a memorial to Robert Morris at Batavia. Politically Dr. Le Seur is a Republican.
Rowell, E. N., was born in Utica, N. Y., August 23, 1847, a son of Edward Rowell, a native of London, England, who settled in Utica in 1832, and for fifty years was
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
engaged in the manufacture of machinery. E. N. Rowell was educated in Utica and for some years was connected with various mercantile pursuits. In 1880 he came to Batavia and organized his present business of the manufacture of boxes, making a specialty of drug gist's boxes. In 1896 the E. N. Rowell Co. purchased the Armstrong shoe factory building, and at the present time is employing nearly 200 hands. Mr. Rowell is one of the progressive men of his town, and is a worthy representative of good citizenship.
Thomas, John, was born in France, January 23, 1848. His father, Peter Thomas, was a native of France and came to the United States in 1954, settling in the town of Sheldon, Wyoming county, and was a harness maker; he died in 181. John Thomas was educated in the common schools, and in 1863 at the age of fifteen years, enlisted in Co. G. 8th N. Y. Il. A., and took part in the battles of the Army of the Potomac after the battle of the Wilderness, to the close of the war. He then re- turned to Batavia and entered the employ of R. O. Holdlen, and in 1869 organized the dry goods firm of Store & Thomas; in 1975 he sold his interest and established
his present business of hats, caps, trunks, robes, etc In 1881 Mr. Thomas married Mary, daughter of Charles Hogan; they have two sons: John F., born June 11, 1582. and James Blaine, born September 25, 1554. Mr. Thomas is one of the self-made men of Genesee county. He served as town clerk in 1876; village collector in 1877; and county treasurer from 1995 to 1991. He was elected supervisor of Batavia in 1892, and is now serving his fourth term.
Bradish, J. Holley, was born in Lyons, N. Y., December 18, 1849. His father, Philander P. Bradish, was a native of Macedon, and the family trace their descent froin Robert Bradish of Cambridge, Mass., who came from England in 1635. Phil- ander P. Bralish married Maria T., daughter of Reuben Bradley. April 6, 1957. he came to Batavia and engaged in farming, afterwards in the manufacture of agri- cultural implements, and has been identified in the growth and progress of Batavia. J. H. Bradish was educated in the common schools and Mrs Bryan's Seminary He has been engaged in the hardware business as clerk or partner since 1860. In 1992 he became a member of the firm of G. B. Worthington, Son & Co., one of the oldest hardware concerns in Western New York. In 1859 he married Jennie H , daughter of John Haywood. Mr. Bradish enjoys the reputation of being one of the best busi- ness men in Batavia. He has served as a member of the board of education for six- teen years; sewer commissioner six years, and has always merited and received the respect of lis associates.
Gardiner, William C., was born in Hamilton, N. Y., January 2, 1842, a son of Charles B. and Malvina T. Slocam Gardiner. His father was a contractor and builder and erected some of the public buildings of Madison county. The family trace their descent from Lyon Gardiner, who built the fort at Saybrook, Coun., and was the owner of Gardiner's Island, which is still in the possession of his descendants. W. C. Gardiner was educated in Hamilton. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. D. 26th N. Y. Vols., with rank of first lieutenant and was discharged in 1563. Returning home he began the practice of dentistry, and in 1824 came to Batavia and practiced until 1890, when
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he became one of the reorganizers of the Batavia Carriage Wheel Co., of which he is vice-president. In 1803 Mr. Gardiner married Elizabeth, daughter of Erastus 1. Wheeler; they have one son, Charles Wheeler Gardiner, now practicing medieme in New York.
Wilson, Locklin MI., was born in Pomfret, Chantauqua county, September 28, 1825. Hle eame to Batavia in [$31 and through life was a contractor and builder. In 1550 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Robert and Mary Bates; they had one daughter, Mrs. Ida C. Chase. Mr. Wilson was a respected citizen of Batavia, interested in its growth and progress, and his death, which occurred March 7, 1891, was a loss to the town, as well as to his family, which only that of an upright eitizen can occasion.
Hamilton, John M., was born in Batavia, June 15, 1552, a son of Joseph and Letitia (Harris) Hamilton. His father came to Batavia from Rochester, N. Y , in 1818, where he was in active business for forty-two years, and died in 1892. John M. Hamilton was educated in the public schools of Batavia, and engaged in the marble business with his father in 1876, under the firm name of J. Hamilton & Son, which business is still successfully carried on. They are dealers in imported and domestic granites. marbles, and all kinds of cemetery work. In 1952 Mr. Hamilton married Estelle E. Hovey ; they have one daughter, Grace. Mr. Hamilton is one of the progressive and enterprising men of his town, was village trustee two years and county treas- urer six years. He was appointed postmaster of Batavia on June 1, 1998. Ile has served as chairman of the County Central Committee of the Republican party for many years, and he is considered one of the most successful campaign managers in Western New York. He has the rare faculty of knowing everybody. He is univers- ally liked by his fellow citizens.
Tryon, Augustus S., p. o. Le Roy, was born in Middletown, Conn., June 25, 1826, a son of Enoch and Sarah (Crowell) Tryon. His father was a native of Connecticut ; he held the ofnee of supervisor for ten years and was justice of the peace for a num- ber of years. He died in 1845 and his wife in 1907. . I. S. Tryon was educated in the common schools, and began his business life in South Carolina where he engaged in mercantile trade. In 1849 he went to California, where he engaged in mining and mercantile business, and in 1956 came to Le Roy and again started in merchan- dising; in 1>80) he retired and took up farming. He has been trustee of the village two terms. He marriedl Elizabeth T. Tryon, who died in 1883. and he married again Helen M., daughter of John Holmes; his children are Mary Tryon, Bryant, Augustus Crowell, Arthur Hubbard, and Clara M. Tryon Morey. Mr. Tryon is one of Le Roy's representative business men, of upright character, and he hasalways sought to promote the growth and prosperity of the town.
Drake, Samuel O., was born in the town of Elba, September 7, 1918, a son of Sam- uel and Sylvia (Thorn) Drake, and was educated in the common schools, In 1846 hie married Almira, daughter of Stephen and Rebecca (Palmer) Johnson, who were numbered among the pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Drake have one son, Charles O., of Caldwell, Missouri, and one daughter, Mrs. Sarah A. Chamberlain of Buffalo. Mr.
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
Drake is a successful and practical farmer. He has always taken an active interest in school and church matters and enjoys the well merited respect of his fellow citizens.
Lowe, George F., p. o. Le Roy, was born in Geneseo, N. Y., January 28, 1957, a son of Austin and Mary (Carr) Lowe, and was educated in the common schools. Since 1888 he has carried on an extensive produce and commission business, buying at Le Roy and several other towns. He held the position of highway commissioner for six years, supervisor of Le Roy for the years 1992-93, and water and light com- missioner for two years. Mr. Lowe married Fannie, daughter of Solomon Barrett. and their children are Fannie M., Jessie A., Florence C, Mira A., Ellsworth G., Frederick L. and Dorothy. MIr. Lowe is one of the active business men of Le Roy. and as a citizen is enterprising and never backward in supporting the best interests of his town.
Bissell, Russell. p. o. Le Roy, was born in Greenfield, Mass., June 22. 1-24, a son of Jabez Bissell. He was educated in the common schools and came to Genesee county in 1846, and has always been a farmer. He was assessor for twelve years, super- visor for two years, 1890-91, and poormaster for two years. Mr. Bissell is one of the representative business men of Stafford, of sterling integrity and has always been identified with the best interests of his to vn. He is a brother of the late Gen. C. F. Bissell, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this work.
Lear, William S., and George W .-- The subject of this sketch, son of Jared and Mary (Ings) Lear, was born at Noith Bruton, Somersetshire, England, June 21, 1821, and christened William Lear. He emigrated to America in 1541, landing in New York some time in the month of August; thence he proceeded to Buffalo, tak- ing up his home at Lancaster, Erie county. In 1548 he married Catherine M. Her- mance of the same place and to them were born ten children. George Marion (who died in infancy), Willam Seyward, James Bryant, George Wesley, Francis Marion, Mary Ann, Julia Ellen, Emma Matia, Albert Christopher and Edward John. In 1852, having sold his faim at Lancaster, he purchased another in the town of Wales, Erie county, N. Y., living there from that time ontil 1566, when he again sold his farm and bought one at West Batavia, Genesce county, moving there about the first of April of that year. He remained on this farm until his death, August 27, 1896. Just previous to his death he sold his farm to his sons, William S. and George W. Lear. Mrs. Lear died February 7, 1599. Their second son, William Seyward Lear, was born in the town of Lancaster, Erie county, N. Y., on the 25th of February, 1551. His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm, doing such work as is usually allotted to boys reared on the farm and going to school winters. During this time and early manhood he had acquired sufficient education to enable him to begin teaching in the district schools of his adopted county, commencing in November, 1873, and continuing in the profession until June, 1592, the last five years of his teaching being in the Corfu U'hion School. In politics Mr. Lear is a Democrat, and was nominated by that party in the fall of 1890 for the office of school commissioner and was defeated. On the 25th of July, 1992, he was married to Hattie L., daughter
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of Mr. and Mrs. Ira S. Mann of Corfu, N. Y. They have one son, Floyd Seyward, born July :, 1895. In the summer of 1992 he moved to Wyoming, N. Y., and entered into the mercantile business, associated with his brother. Again in 1893 he was made the Democratic candidate for school commissioner of the first commissioner district of Wyoming county, aud once more was defeated. April 1, 1895, having sold their mercantile business, Mr. Lear turned his attention to farming, at which he is now engaged. George Wesley Lear, fourth son of William and Catho ... M Lear. was born in Elma, Erie county. N. Y., July 29, 1554, coming with his parents to this county when eleven years of age. He was educated at Rural Seminary, East Pem- broke, N. Y. After finishing his education he carried on farming and teaching dis- triet schools winters. In March, 1887, he married Helen M., eldest daughter of James A. Cooper; November, 1>>9, he engaged in mercantile business with Charles L. Eggleston at Victor, N. Y., and continued in that occupation until February, 1996. when. on account of the failing health of his parents, he, with his brother. William S., bought the old homestead and is now giving his attention to farming. He and his brother are among the leading and successful farmers of their town, and are recognized as conservative men of sterling integrity, who have intelligently lent their efforts to the advancement of their town and its institutions.
Philleo, Henry S., was born in the town of Scipio, Cayuga county, April 12, 1816. a son of Joel and Clarissa ( Lathrop) Philleo. His father came to Genesee county in 1818, settling in the town of Stattord and was a farmer. I. S. Philleo was educated in the common schools, and in 1811 he married Lany Bushman ; their children are Winslow H., Charles E., Martha M., and Emma R. Mr. Philleo is one of the prac- tical and successful farmers of Genesee county, deservedly esteemed as a man of in- tegrity, industry and usefulness.
Thomas, Charles, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., September 20, 1820, the youngest of four sons and three daughters born to Samuel and Jane (White) Thomas. Samuel Thomas was a cobbler by trade and moved with his family to the town of Yates. Orleans county, N. Y., in 1922, where he purchased a partly cleared farm and there spent the remainder of his life as an agriculturist ; he died in 1931. Charles Thomas was reared on the farin, received a limited education in the district schools and re- mained on the farm with his mother and brother until thirty years of age. In March, 1862, he moved to the town of Bergen and bought a farm on the lake road; in 1965 he sold this farm and bought the farm of seventy acres which he owned at the time of his death. He was always an active, hard working and industrious man, and made many fine improvements on his farm, and well earned the rest he sought for a period before his demise. In polities Mr. Thomas was a Republican. In 1902 he married Emily Cook, born February 4, 1824, and a sister of Walter Cook of Bergen. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas had no children and they were known among their friends and neighbors as a kind, accommodating and hospitable couple. Mr. Thomas de 1 De- cember 30, 1899, and his wife on January 2, 1899; they were buried in one grave.
Sanders, Edwin Burden, was born in England, October 10, 1540. Hle was a son of Henry Sanders, who with his family came to Stafford from England in 1-41. Henry
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
Sanders died in 1857 and his wife, whose maiden name was Ann Petherbridge, died in 1890. Edwin B. Sanders waseducated in the common schools of Stafford and the public schools of Buffalo, and afterwards became one of Stafford's enterprising busi- ness men, carrying on a general store and being identified with other business in- terests of the town. He was postmaster at Stafford for twenty-one years and town clerk for nineteen years. In 1873 Mr. Sanders married Belle, daughter of Leander Douglass, and their children are Harry D , Carrie L., Leander E., William B. and Annie Belle. Mr. Sanders died April 27, 1897. He was one of the foremost citizens of Stafford, a man of genial disposition and of sterling integrity. He possessed in full measure the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens. He was a brother of the late John Sanders, who represented this county in the Assembly in 1879 and 1880.
Sumner, Jerome, is a lineal descendant of John Sumner, who came with his brother Ephraim from Vermont in 1810, and settled in the town of Darien. They came through with a team of horses and were compelled to cut their way through the woods from Batavia on the old Buffalo road. After a few years Ephraim sold his farm to John and moved to Olean. John cleared the farm, erected buildings and cultivated the land till his death in 1836. He married Clarissa Winslow of Halifax, Vt., who died in 1851. Tyler Sumner, son of John, the pioneer, was born on the old homestead March 19, 1821; he married Mary Reed, October 20, 1850, and died May 22, 1888. Jerome Sumner, son of Tyler and Mary Reed, his wife, was born January 7, 1857, in the town of Darien, Genesee county, N. Y. His boyhood was spent in the common schools anl on the farm. On February 9, 1993. he married Hattie Anthony ; they had three children: Ollie M., Iva J , and Jay (deceased) Mrs. Sum- ner died February 12, 1892, and on July 9, 1895, Mr. Sumner married Clara H., daughter of William and Frances (Speice) Hutchinson ; they have one daughter, May F., born February 9, 1897. Mr. Sumner has succeeded in gaining a competency of this world's goods and is surrounded by all the attributes of a happy home.
Moissinac, Eugene H., p. o. Darien Center, son of Baptiste and Marie Jeanne (Vollard) Moissinac, was born in the city of Paris, France, July 30, 1846. En 1853 his parents emigrated to this country and settled in Buffalo, N. Y., where he at- tended the public schools until he was twelve years old, when his mother died, his father having died three years previous, breaking up the family home and turning him upon the world to fight life's battles. When yet a boy he secured a clerkship in the office of Farnham & Hodge, coal dealers in Buffalo, in whose employ he remained for nine years; then he accepted a position with the firm of G. R. Wilson & Co., taking charge of their retail coal department. After a service of about five years he accepted a position in the capacity of bookkeeper for D. C. Welch & Co., lumber dealers, where he remained about three years, when he again took the management of G. R. Wilson & Co's. retail coal department, and there remained four years longer. His health failing him, he gathered together his worldly wealth, which by hard work and strict economy he had accumulated to a sufficient sum to enable him to buy his present farm, where he has since lived and enjoyed his country life. Mr. Moissmac has taken some interest in town affairs, was appointed justice of the peace to fill the vacancy made by J. J. Ellis resigning May 20, 1996; in 1897 was elected for balance
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of term; and in March, 1599, was again re-elected for a full term of four years. In March, 1972, Mr. Moissinae married Caroline F. K. Powell of Buffalo, and they have two sons. Engene E., born July 4. IST1, and Percy P., born March 23, 1883. Mr. Moissinac and his family are active members of the Baptist church and are one of the respected families of the county.
Barber, Henry I., p. o Darien Center .- One of the most intelligent and successful teachers in Genesee county is Henry I. Barber, son of James and Sarah (Boughton) Barber; he was born in the town of Middleburgh, Schoharie county, N. Y., October 10. 1565. His education was begun in the public schools of his native town and at the age of ten years he removed with his parents to Darien, where he attended the public schools of that town for a few terms, and at an early age began teaching. Ile then entered the State Normal School at Geneseo, and graduated in the class of 1592. After graduating he became principal of the Oakfield Union School, where he remained for two years, then became principal of the Union School at East Pembroke for one year, when he came to Darien Center and has since resided there, being en- gaged in teaching. On June 28, 1893, he married Alice M .. only daughter of Horace L. and Lottie ( Mann) Humphrey, one of the oldest and most respected pioneer fam- ilies in Genesee county. They have one daughter, Ethel Lottie, born March 20, 1495. Mr. Barber is a member of New Lodge No. 451. I. O. O. F., and of Genesee Encampment No. 40, I. O. O. F., also of Kinsey Tent K. O. T. M. Hle is one of Darien's most respected and lionored citizens.
Robinson, Laban II., son of Elijah and Betsey (Jefferson) Robinson, was born on the old homestead in Darien, Genesee county, N. Y., March 23, 18-11. His father and mother were natives of the Green Mountain State and came to Darien in 1822. There were no railroads at the time and their only mode of travel was with oxen, which they used to move their family to the west. Laban H. Robinson spent his boyhood with his father, who was a blacksmith. On August 12, 1862, he enlisted in Co. H. of the famous Sth N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and served his country until the close of the war; he was wounded twice, once at Spottsylvania and once at Peters- burg, Va. After the war was over he took up carpenter's work and in 1831 built a feed and saw mill in the village of Darien on Murder Creek, on the site of the mill built in 1854 by Stephen Douglas. Mr. Robinson does custom grinding and sawing and deals in groceries, On August 12, 1562, he married Mary A., daughter of Andrew and Catherine Lutz of Bennington, N. Y. ; they have had three children . George F., Ulysses G. (deceased), and Charles E. Mrs. Robinson died April 30, 1873. and on April 28, 1864, Mr. Robinson married A. Lucy, daughter of Samuel and Fanny Loper, they have one daughter, Mand M.
Canfield, Burroughs P., p. o. Darien Center, N. Y .- It is claimed that the name Canfield is of French extraction and was originally " Cam de Filo," but Mr. Canfield traces his lineage on his father's sule to English origin. His father, David Canfield, was born in the town of New Fairneld, Conn., March 4, 1910, where his early life was spent. He died in Darien, N. Y . April 27, 1898. He was twice married; his first wife was Mrs. Clarissa G. (Darga) Canfield, who was born in Sherman, Con.
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
in 1816, and died in Shetfield, Ohio, October 25, 1861. She was the mother of foa children: Burroughs P., born in Sherman, Conn., September 13, 1810; Louisa, who died in Broome county, N. Y., Mrs. Olive A. Mallory, wife of Hon. D. B. Mallory of Sherman, Conn , and Mrs. Charlotte L. Kendall of Alden, N. Y. In 1843 the fam- ily came to Chenango, Broome county, N. Y., and in 1853 they moved to Sheffield, Ohio, where Burroughs P'. received a liberal education at the Kingsville Academy. After finishing his education at this institution he was employed on the farm during the summer and in the winter he was employed in teaching school. In 1863 the family moved to Darien, Genesee county, N. Y., where, on September 6, 1909, Mr. Canfield married Julia, daughter of Solomon and Chloe (Durkee) Chapin, and in this same year they went to Earlville, Delaware county, lowa, where Mr. Canfield en- gaged in the grain and produce business for three years. He was then called to Dyersville, Dubuque county, as principal of the graded school in that place and in June, 1874, they came back to their old home in Darien. They have two daughters Ida M., born in Earlville, lowa, May 27, 1871; and Clara O., born in Dyersville. Iowa, September 23, 1973. Each daughter has had the advantage of a good educa- tion and both are now teachers in the public schools. Mr. Canfield served his coun- try during the war of the Rebellion in Co G, 105th Ohio Vols., and was discharged! from the service at Louisville, Ky., in 1862, on account of disability. He has always been identified with the Republican party and has held the office of town clerk and assessor, having held the latter office for over fifteen years. Whatever position he has held its duties have been discharged with thoroughness and efficiency and to the almost complete satisfaction of his constituents.
Mix, David Ellicott Evans, was born in Batavia, January 19, 1837. His father, Ebenezer Mix, was born in New Haven, Conn., December 31, 1789, settled in Bata- via in 1809, and soon entered the employ of the Holland Land Company. He was a man of decided taste for mathematics, and became one of the best known civil engineers in New York State For twenty-one years he filled the office of surrogate of Genesee county. His son, David E. E. Mix, inherited his father's taste for matlı- ematies and equalled in every respect, if he did not far excel him, in mathematical ability. He had been frequently employed by the State to work upon difficult prob- lems, and his death was a public loss to Batavia. Mr. Mix married Sarah, daughter of the late Samuel Pruyn of Albany, N. Y. He left a widow and three sons. Samuel P., and Malcolm D. of Colorado, and David E. of Hartford, Conn. : Samuel P. is the only one now living. Mr. Mix filled many prominent positions in his town and his death, which occurred January 2, 1803, was a loss not only to his family, but to all who knew him. Mr. Mix's knowledge of the topography of Western New York, of lot and township lines and of everything connected with the surveys of Genesee county was remarkable. A mass of special learning on these topics " died with him." as he had a vast fund of this special information possessed by no one else.
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