USA > New York > Genesee County > Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Genesee County, New York, v. 2 > Part 26
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42
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one who knew him will remember him with a pleasant memory, and this condition with him was not accidental, but rather the result of trying to live right." The Rev. E. N. Pomeroy of Wellesley, Mass., a former pastor of the Congregational church, wrote a : follows. " In the uverse of my ministry of twenty years and in the course of my life of nearly sixty years, I have never found a person whom I respected and regarded more highly than Donald McPherson. Good ability, good sense, and good will were united in his character. Having felt his influence on my own life and char- acter, I can well beheve that he intheneed the lives and characters of a good many other persons. He will be missed in Bergen, but his memory and influence will re- main. One always knew where to find him-it was on the side of truth and justice as nearly as he understood them. '
Hastings, John C., Alexander, N. Y., son of Jude and Mary (Curtiss) Hastings, was born in the town of Oppenheim, Fulton county. N. Y., July 4, 1540. He at- tended the public schools of his native town and was employed for a number of years at the glove trade in Gloversville, N. Y. In 1877 he bought the farm where he now lives and has since that time been engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Hastings served three years in Co. D, 153d N. Y. Vols., in the war of the Rebellion. On Octo- ber 3, 1902, he married Mary Ann, daughter of Henry and Sophia (Parker) Atty ; they have four eluldrer. Cora Alice, wife of Charles D. Kelsey; George S., Ella and Amy E.
Chaddock, Josepb. p. o. Linden. N. Y., one of the most enterprising and successful farmers of Alexander, N. Y., is a son of Luther and Sally ( Washburn) Chaddock, and was born in Alexander February 23, 1-24. His father and a brother came from New Hampshire to Alexander andI bought land of the Holland Land Company. Mr. Chaddock received ms education in the public schools of his native town and has de- voted his entire life to agriculture. Ile has never aspired to public office, nor has he held other than assessor of the town. On March 8, 1951, he married Clarissa Mer- ritt, they have three children. Flora, wife of Jay Hammond of Kalamazoo, Mich. ; Clara wife of Frank W. Simmonds of Darien; and Mary, wife of Elwood Oreott of Nebraska. Mr. Chaddock is a public spirited man and always ready to support any- thing for the good of his town of the citizens thereof.
Thomas, David G., p. o. Alexander, N. Y., son of George P. and Mary ('Thomas) Thomas, was born in the town of Cuba, Allegany county, N. Y., May 23, 1856. His parents were natives of England and came to this country in 1838, settling in Oneida county, N. Y. When David G. was five years of age they removed to Rushford. where he lived for several years, being engaged in farming and the manufacture of cheese. In the spring of 1885 he removed to Alexander, where he conducted the cheese business until 1895. In 1891 the firm of W. E. Moulton & Co was organized. he being the company: they are large shippers of gram and dealers in beans and produce. Mr. Thomas was married November 21, 1953, to Lettie E., daughter of W. H. G. and Freelove (Calkins) Post, they have two children . Oel, born February 1, 1556, an 1 Bertha, born June 25, 1>>>. Politically Mr. Thomas is a Democrat, but has never aspired to public office. He is a member of the Select Knights and Syl-
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vian Lodge No. 479, I. O. O. F. Mr. Thomas is a man of excellent business ability and is an honored and respected citizen.
Brainard, Luretta C , of Alexander, N. V., (p. o. Attica, N. Y.), daughter of Tim- othy G. and Amanda ( Hart) Baldwin, was born in North Chili, Monroe county, N. Y., January 12, 1\2. She was educated in the common schools of her native town and on March 1, 1849, married Sebe B .. son of Harris and Lydia (Turner) Brainard. He was born Augus: 27, 1921, in Alexander, and died May 30, 1994. Threechildren were born to them Frank Adelbert, born November 12, 1551, died April 20, 1852. Francis Amanda, born September 26, 1853, married Flint P. Smith of Flint, Mich. ; and Caroline Augusta, born November 12, 1:58, married Jerome Riddle;of Alexander, N. Y., died October 4. 1-03. Mrs. Brainard is a member of the M. E. church of Attica and the W. C. T. C.
Norton, Franklin, p. o. Alabama, N. Y., was born in Byron, N. Y., September 11. 1830, son of Anson and Percy ( Wa'ker) Byron. His father was a native of Goshen, Conn., and removed to Byron, where he engaged in farming: he served in the war of 1812, and removed to Alabama in 1836 where he died in 1838; his widow survived him until 1550. Franklin Norton was educated in the public schools and by occupa- tion is a farmer. He has been assessor for six years, town clerk one term, and is one of Alabama's progressive and prosperous men. He was married to Julia F., daugh- ter of Joseph W. Allen; she died in January, 1897, leaving one son, Allen E.
Fink, Fred, of Alabama. N. V. (p. o. West Shelby, Orleaus county, N. Y.) was born in Germany, April 19, 1533, a son a Jacob and Katherine (Krabs) Fink. Mr. Fink came to Genesee county in 1876, where he has since been engaged in farming. He has held the office of assessor twelve years, and has been school trustee for two years. He is a public spirited man, and has manifested a deep interest in schools and other pubhe benefits. His wife was Mary Hagman ; she bore him four children, namely: Elizabeth Fick Burns, and Rosa Fink Chubbuck, both deceased; Kittie Fink Tuttle, and Wilhun Fink. They have six grandchildren -a son and two daughters who survive Mrs. Burns, and Duane, Olive and Homer, children of Will- iam Fink, who is now conducting the farm.
Avery, Rufus G., Alexander, N. Y., the oldest of a family of thirteen children born to Rufus G. and Kedah I. (Goodwill) Avery, was born in the town of Stafford, Tol- land county. Conn . October 21, 1824. His brothers and sisters were as follows: Sarah, John G , Marygenett, Daniel G., William C., George E., James M., Julia M., Bradley C., Emma L. , Martha E, and Charles B. His father was born in the town of Hebron, Tohand county, Cona., February 4, 1795, and died in Alexander, N. Y., July 16, 1879. ITis mother was born in the town of Willington, Coun., December 15, 1802, and died in Alexander, August 2, 1879. Mr. Avery began his schooling in the public schools of his native town and at the age of ten his parents removed to Darien, re- maining there for two years, then removed to Attica, and after a residence of two years in that place settled in Alexander in 1838. Mr. Avery's first business experi- ence was in the capacity of clerk in the store of E. G. Moulton of Alexander, in
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whose employ he remained for two years. From 1843 to 1868 he was engaged in the wholesale and retail tobacco business in Buffalo, then entered the employ of the Buffalo and Washington Railroad, and with that road and the Buffalo and South- western was employed as a con luctor for a period of ten years. During this service, however, he owned and operated a hotel at Alexander for two years, then gave up the hotel and railroad business and removed to his farm, since which time he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, although for the last few years he has lived a semi retired life. On October 26. 1817. he married Helen M . daughter of Capt. Uriah P. B. and Mehitable (Page, Monroe; they had two children. Florence L , wife of Ellis R. Hay, and Walter P. B. (deceased) Mr. Avery has never held or aspired to political office, and is a member of Attica Lodge, No. 462. F. & A. M. Personally he is of a very social nature and enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him.
Harrington, Andrew B., Alexander, N. Y., was born in a log house one mile west of Linden, Genesee county, N. Y , October 13, 1344 His grandparents, Ezekiel E. and Lydia E (Cotton) Harrington, came from New Hampshire to the Holland pur- chase in Genesee county in a covered wagon called a schooner), drawn by a yoke of oxen, in the year 1814. They had a family of eight children, three girls and five boys. Andrew B. Harrington is the youngest son of Daniel and Sarepta (Hill) Har- rington, and until he reached his seventeenth year passed his life much as the sons of farmers generally do, in tilling the soil and going to school. When the Civil war be- gan young Andrew, replete with patriotism, ran away from home and enlisted in the 24th N. Y. Cavalry, in the Army of the Potomac. He participated in twenty-four hard fought battles and served his country faithfully until the surrender of General Lee, April 9, 1865. While at home on a furlough, September 2, 1864. he married Adell, daughter of William R. and Christiana (Jones) Perkins, they have three chil- dren: Eugene W., an attorney-at-law in Buffalo; Clara Bell. who lives at home, and Daniel, who is station agent at Red Creel: Monroe county, N. Y , for the Lehigh Val- ley Railroad. Mr. Harrington has resided in the village of Alexander since 1871. Politically he is a stauntel Repablican, and has been deputy sheriff of Genesee county for twenty consecutive years, with the exception of one term ; and has been president of the village for the last four years Mr llatrington is a notary pubhe and an agent for different fire, accident and life insurance companies. In arriving at con- clusions on any question he advances cautiously and by a process of sound reason- ing, and when his judgment is once formieil, nothing less nor more will induce him to change it than a similar process of ratiocination. He is frank and generous in character and affable in manner, and has many personal friends wherever he is known.
Hint, John A., South Alabama, was born in Royalton, Niagara county, N. Y., No- vember 16, 1860, a son of Joseph and Magdalena (Bauer) Hint. His father was a Dative of Germany and came to Niagara county November 28, 1457, and died in 1985. John A. Hint was educated in the common schools and since leaving school has followed farming. Ile married Oma Wight, they have one son, Cabot W. Ilint. Mr. Hint is a good farmer, and one of the numerous residents of the town whose recopi of citizenship is alike creditable and worthy of remark.
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
Ingalsbe, Ebenezer, South Alabama, N. Y., was born in Byron, N. Y., March 5. 1810. His father was born in Scipio, Caynga county, N. Y., and was always a farmer. he married Polly Bushman ; his death occurred in 1948. Ebenezer Ingalsbe was e !- ucated in the common schools and has sinee then carried on farming and has raised some very fine stock. Mr. Ingalsbe married Anna E. Alexander, who bore bim these children: Sarah, Martha, Charlotte, Alfred (who died in 1896), Orrin, Jencie and Hattie. Mr. Ingalsbe is one of the progre-sive farmers of Alabama, of sterling integrity, and has always been interested in the progress of his town, taking an active part in church and school matters.
Steele, Andrew G., who was born in Byron, N. Y., March 22, 1866, a son of John H, and Charlotte R (Green) Steele. His father was a native of Connectient and came to Byron in 1935, where he was a farmer and active in promoting the growth and progress of his town. he died in ISss in his eighty-third year. Andrew G. Steele was educated in the Brockport Normal School and taught school for three years. In 1899 he married Katie L., daughter of J. Z. Terry : Mrs. Stecle died in the spring of 1998, leaving one daughter, Carolyn D. M :. Steele is one of the practical and sue- cessful farmers of his town. He has served as assessor six years, and has taken an active interest in school and church matters. He is a public spirited citizen, and always seeks to promote the best interests of his town.
Green, Newton H., was born in Byron, N. Y., September 16, 1825, a son of Andrew 1I. and Lavinia (Goold) Green. His father was a land surveyor, who came to Gon- esee county and settled in the town of Bergen in 1509. He wasa man prominent in town affairs, was super visor of the town for years and member of assembly in 1839 and 1840; he died in 1975. Newton H. Green was educated in the common schools and Brockport Academy, and taught school for several terms In 1855 he married Sylvina M., daughter of George Dewey, their children are Ilattie L. Bowen Carrie L. White, Charles N. Green and Emogene D. Walker. Mr Green is a grain, stock and fruit farmer: his farm of about 400 acres is one of the choicest in Genesee county. He was town superintendent of schools two terms, assessor two terms, su- pervisor five years and a member of assembly in 1875 and 1976. Mr. Green is a man of unusual intelligence, and few men in Gencsee county have ever enjoyed in a larger degree the confidence of the people. He is tall, of dignified and commanding pres- ence. His older brother, Loren Green, also represented the county in the Assembly for two years. Since the above sketch was prepared Mr. Green has died A good man and an honored citizen has gone to his reward. His death occurred April 15. 1899.
Merrill, Abner J., was born on the homestead in Byron, N. Y., March 2, 1858, a son of Ezra S. and Mary (Hitchcock) Merrill, and grandson of Daniel Merrill, who came to Genesee county in 1809 and settled in the town of Byron. Ezra S. through life was a farmer ; he died in August, 18$1, Abner J. Merrill was educated at Brock- port Normal School, and in 199 was married to Mary, daughter of P'arliamer Mun- ger. Their children are: Milan J., George L., Lester II. and Irene S. Mr. Merrill is a substantial farmer, and has through life cast his influence in favor of such local
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measures and institutions as are of benefit to his town and its inhabitants, and is es- teemed as a man of good principles and integrity of character.
White, Iverson W., was born on the homestead in Byron, N Y., January 8. 1-56. His father, Miles G. White, was a native of Rutland, Jefferson county, and removed to Genesee county in 1825 with his parents. Miles G White married Rozanna Blair, and through life was a farmer; he died in 1439. Iverson W. White was educated at the Le Roy Academy, and in 1955 married Carrie L., daughter of Hon. Newton 11. Green, and their children are. Charles, Dewey. Tracey and Ada. Mr. White is one of the practical and successful farmers of Genesee county. He served as assessor three years and was elected supervisor in 1598. He is an exemplary, public-spirited citizen and stands high in the community.
Brown, William F., p. o. Byron, N. Y., was born on the homestead farm, June 16, 1829. a son of Richard G. and Laura (Searl >) Brown. His father was a native of Massachusetts and came to Gearsee county in 1912, where he was a farmer and was prominent in the growth of his town, he died in 1885. William F. Brown was edu- cated in the common schools In 1 51 be married Haungh S, daughter of Thomas Benton; they have one son, Edwin B. ; their only daughter, Mary E , died in 1979. Mr. Brown is one of the practical and successful farmers of Genesee county He has served as assessor, and has taken an intelligent interest in school and church matters. He is recognized as a man of sterling integrity, whose word is as good as his boad.
Searles, Isaiah, was born on the homestead farm in Byton, N. Y., July 30, 1-28 His father was John Searles, who was a native of Broo'ne county, N. Y., and removed to Genesee county in 1814, bringing his bousehoki chat'els on an ox sled; he was married to Mrs. Hannah Searles, daughter of John Stocking. he was a farmer all his life, and died in 1875. Isaiah Searles was edneated in the common schools, and in 1853 was married to Eliza, daughter of Zurial Hall; they have two sons: Horace H. and Charles C. Mr. Searles is a prosperous farmer, a man whose life record may be pointed to with pardonable pride.
Prince, Alpheus, M. D , was born in Lockport, Niagara county, N. Y., May 6, 1856, a son of Alpheus and Amy (Lester) Prince. His father always resided in Erie county. he served two terms in the Legislature, and was a well-known and prominent man. his death, which occurre Ein 1470, was a loss not only to hi family, but to all who knew him. Dr. Prince was educated in Clarence Classical Union School, and was graduated from the medical department of the University of Buffalo in 1849. He was resident physician of the Este County Hospital three years: practiced five years in Oakfield, and in 1891 came to Byron, where he has since been engaged in general practice. In 1894 Dr. Prince married Mary, daughter of Pracy Love; they have two sons: Howard L and George B. Dr. Prince served as corover six years, and has established an excellent reputation, not only as a physician, but a man of progressive ideas. He is a member of the Erie County Medical Society. State Medieal Society. and of the Odd Fellows.
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Andrews, Lewis B., M. D , was born in Bergen, N. Y., February 27, 1864, a son of Dr. Robert and Julia Andrews. Dr. Robert Andrews was a native of Monroe county, N. Y., and came to Genesee county in 1845, and since 1861 has been actively engaged in practicing his profession in Bergen, Dr. L B. Andrews was educated in the Bergen Union Schor 1, Brockport Normal, and was graduated from the medi- cal department of the University of Buffalo in February, 1855. Ile commenced the practice of his profession in Bergen, N. Y., where he continued until his removal to Byron in 1989. In 1855 Di. Andrews married Anna, daughter of Horace and Sarah Southworth ; they have one son, Norris Dr. Andrews is one of the progressive men of his profession, taking an active interest in educational and religious institations He is a member of the N. Y. S. Medical Association and Central New York Medical Association, and has always sought to advance the best interests of his town and its people.
Bushman, Henry, was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., January 18, 1821. a son of Jacob and Martha (Halsteadb) Bushman. Jacob Bashman was also a native of Cay- uga county ; his father, John Bushman, was from Gettysburg, Pa. Jacob purchased land from the Holland Co., which he cleared for cultivation, and through life was a farmer; the property still remains in the possession of his son Henry; he died in 1860. Henry Bushman was educated in the common schools, and throughout his long life has been a successful farmer, he has served huis town as assessor for nine years, and is a worthy, substantial man, whose standing among his fellows is envia- ble. Ou October 1, 1846, he was married to Sarah J., daughter of John Mills. Mrs. Bushman died April 17, 1-97, in her seventy-second year; her husband and two daughters-Mrs. Mary E. Kellogg and Mrs. J. F. Rose-survive her.
Watson, Clifton, was born in Cambridgeshire, England, October 19, 1825. He came to the United States and on June 4, 1950, settled in Byron, N. Y., where he began work on the farm next to the one he now owns at $12 a month, and by piac- ticing economy was able in the fall to pay the 810 he owed for his passage over. For the next two years he worked by the month, and then for three years he and his brother operated the W. S. Miller farm on shares. In 1956 he went to California, riding on the first train that crossed the Isthmus to Panama; he engaged in mining at Sandy Galch, Calaveras county, where he remained for twenty-three months, when he sold out his claim and returned to Byron, N. Y. In March, 1958, Mr. Wat- son married Rebecca, daughter of John and Mary Webb, and for a year worked by the month for W. S. Miller; the following seven years he worked the farm on shares and then purchased it. incurring a debt of $7,500, which he has since paid, and also bought two other farms, now owning 350 acres of land. Mr. Watson prides himself upon his care of his stock, never having lost a horse or any cattle Ile has been obliged to kill five horses because of old age, and now owns a horse twenty-eight years old. Mr. and Mrs. Watson have three children: John, Samuel and Mrs. Mary Davey. He has been successful in his undertakings and his record is that of a good citizen.
Cockran, William, was born in Devonshire, England, October 15, 1831, and emi
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grated to the United States in 1834, settling in Batavia. In 1860 he married Jane Carroll, they have one son and one daughter, Albert E. and Mary J. Mr. Cockran is one of the leading farmers of Genesee county, is active in school and church mat- tess and has the reputation of being a man of sterling integrity and progressive ideas.
Thomas, Charles H., p o. Le Roy. N. Y., a son of Henry D. and Annis (Sage) Thomas, was born in the town of Le Roy, May 5, 1830. His grandfather, Simeon Sage, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Thomas received his education in the schools of his native town and the academy at Alexander. His first business experience was at farming, which he has since successfully followed. Mr. Thomas is a deserving man, whose character is above reproach On December 12. 1862, he mar- ried Adaline, daughter of William and Orphana (Webb) Hill; and they have two children-Henry and Mary.
Crocker, J. Lyman, son of Isane and Susan (Emmons) Crocker, was born in Ham- ilton, Madison county, N. Y., September 4, 1814 His education was received in the common schools of his native town and the Middlebury Academy. He was engaged1 in teaching school for a number of years and served his town as superintendent of Schools and supervisor and filled other offices of minor importance. On June 14, 1843, Mr. Crocker married Tanmay MeIntyre of Worcester county, Mass , by whom he had two children-E lgar M. and Hemy C. Mr. Crocker's father was a native of Colchester, New London county, Conn , and his mother of East Haddam, Muldlesex county, Conn. They were married in December, 1812, and in 1814 they removed to Madison county, N. Y., and in 1816 to Genesce county, settling two miles south of Le Roy village on ninety acres, which he purchased the year previous. His grand -. father, Simeon C., jr., was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and was connected with the quartermaster's department; he married a Miss Swift and reared a family of seven children Mr. Crocker's great-grandfather, Simeon Crocker, sr., came from England at an early day and settled in Connecticut. Since the above sketch was prepared Mr. Crocker died on February 11, 1899.
Phelps, George H., was born in Eagle, Wyoming county, N. Y., April 17, 1967, a son of Austin and Rosanna (Olney) Phelps He received his education in the pub. he schools. In 18$5, he took up his residence in Batavia, where, in 1889 he estab- lished his present business of groceries, provisions and meats. Mr. Phelps is a bus- tling business man, and commands the good will of his fellow townsmen : he is fond of outdoor sports, and is an expert horseman and wheelman. In 1888, he was mar- ried to Florence .1., daughter of John Roberts; she died on June 25, 1897, leaving one daughter, Beulah R.
Acker, William A., was born in Tonawanda, February 12, 1856, son of George Acker, who was a native of Pennsylvania. He came to Tonawanda when pute a young man and engage l in railroading, and, in 1855, married Margaret Spies, and moved to Batavia about 1865. W. A. Acker was educated in the public schools and! afterward took a position under his father as locomotive fireman, and for the past
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eighteen years ha- filled the position of engineer. In 19;8, he married Theresa, daughter of Charles Erdman; they have one daughter, Gertrude. Mr. Acker has made his own way in the world, and is a faithful, trusted man. He is awake to the advancement of schools and other public interests, and performs the duties of citizen- ship to the approbation of his fellow townsmen.
Scheer, George, was born in Saxony, Germany, January 11, 1838, and came to the United States with his parents, Frederick and Minne Scheer, who settled in Batavia, where his father wis in the bookbindery and stationery business. George Scheer was educated in the schools of his native land and of Buffalo. After completing his schooling he learns 1 the trade of pointer. At the first call for volunteers at the out- break of the Civil war, he gave ap h's position as foreman with the Kentucky Cen- tral Railroad and in April, 1961, enliste 1 in Co. B, 9th Ohio Vols., and took part in the campaign in West Virginia under MI Clellan and Rosencranz; was then trans- fered to the Department of Kentucky and was at the battle of Mill Springs; he con- tin ted with the Army of the Camberland, participating in all its battles, until the fall of Atlanta, when he received an honorable discharge. He went to Cincinnati and hul charge of the painting and decorating in railroad shops, and was connected with this bratich of labor until 1551. when he came to Batavia and engaged in the grocery busines , his stre being located at what is now called " Ellicott Square." Mr. Scheer is a selt-ma le man and takes an interest in all public matters; his integ- rity is undoubte l and his example is worthy of emulation. In 1865 he was married to Minnie Stroh; they have two children, Herman and Bertha.
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