USA > New York > Genesee County > Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Genesee County, New York, v. 2 > Part 27
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Yates, Rev. John H., was born in Batavia, N. Y., November 31, 1857. a son of John Yates, who was a native of England, and with his wife, Elizabeth Taylor Yates, came to Batavia in 1932. He was a manufacturer of shoes, and was, during the later years of mis life, a traveling temperance lecturer; he died December 5, 1566. John II. Yates, the subject of this sketch, was educated at the Batavia Union School, but at the age of eighteen was forced to engage in business as a clerk to help maintain his aged parents. For several years he was with his brother, Thomas Yates, in the shore business, afterwards, for seven years, salesman in G. B. Wor- thington's hardware store. In 1971 he took charge of the faney goods department in E. L & G. D. Kenyon's double store and remained there fifteen years. In 1946 he was called to be local elvor of the Progressive Batavian, and filled the position nearly ten years. Wien twenty-one yearsof age Mr. Yates was licensed to preach in the Methodist church, but was not ordained until 1997. For nearly seven years now he has been pastor of The Free Will Baptist church at West Bethany. In 1564 Mr. Yates was married to Miss Maria Everson of Port Hope, Ont. By her he had four sons, Fred E., Arthur C . Walter S. and Albert R. Three of them are now dead. Mrs. Yates, Walter and Albert all died in one week of diphtheria. Arthur Cleveland Vates the only sou now hving, has been for eight years and is now in the govern- ment printing office a: Washington. In 1550 Mr. Yates was married the second time to Mis Sarah Cottle, also a native of England, with whom he is now living. . It about the age of twenty, Mr. Yates began writing poetry at the solicitation of his mother, and very soon luis ballais and hymns were printed and sung all over the land.
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In 1891, Ira D. Sankey, the famous singer, engaged Mr. Yates to write gospel hymns for him, solely ; he was led to do this because of the wonderful success of Mr. Yates's old man ballad, the " Model Church," which has been sung all over the world. After the contract with Mr. Sankey, the following hymns soon appeared from the pen of Mr. Vates: " Harbor Bell," ". Faith is the Victory," " Beautiful Hills," " Our Name's in Heaven," and about twenty others. In December, 1897, Mr. Yates issued a volume of ballads and poems, a book of 117 poems and 226 pages, which are now nearly all sold. A second edition will be printed before the supply is gone. On the occasion of the dedication of the old land office in 1891, Mr. Yates wrote the dedica- tory poem, "Our Ancient Landmark," a production of unusual merit.
Rupp, Charles, was born in Batavia, N. Y., January 15, 1842. His father, G. M. Rupp, was a native of Baden, Germany, and came to the United States, July 4, 1536, and was engaged in shoe manufacturing ; he was a man of sterling integrity and took an active interest in public events; he died in 1984. Charles Rapp was edu- cated in Batavia and learned the shoe maker's trade, which he has always followed. In ist1 he married Laura A., danghter of Alonzo Leonard; they had five daugh- ters: Mrs. Alice A. Pierce, Grace M., principal of West Main Street School; Mrs. Julia M. Caught (now deceased). Carrie B., who is a stenographer, and Laura A. Mr. Rupp is a substantial citizen and is much respected in Batavia. His industry and frugality bave enabled him to give all his children good educational opportun- ties, which they have so well improved that they have won for themselves good positions.
Thomas, Jesse M., was born in Albion, Orleans county, N. Y., March 19, 1967, son of Crandall M. Thomas, who was a native of Penfield, N. Y., where the family were among the earliest setders. Crandall M. Thomas married France. T., daughter of Moses Smith ; he was one of the prominent men of his town Jesse MI. Thomas was educated in Albion. For a time he was engaged in the drag trade; in 1899 he came to Batavia, where he established his present business, making a specialty of fine groceries. In 1889 he married Grace D., daughter of Walter Lyon; they have two children-Jesse C. and Sasie L. Mr. Thomas was named after Ilon. Jesse W. Sweltzer, of Rushville, Ind .; he is a man of energy, good business ability, and has established a reputation for integrity, enterprise and worthy citizenship. Mrs. Thomas graduated from the Conservatory of Music in Boston, in 155s.
Fisher. Joseph D., was born in the town of Batavia, N. Y., July 12. 1846, son of Roswell S. and Margaret (Chamberlain) Fisher. Roswell S. Fisher was a native of Francestown, Hillsborough county, N. H., and a grandson of Nathan Fisher, a Revo- lutionary soldier ; he came to Batavia in 1531, and died there October 5, 18-7. Mrs. Margaret Fisher's mother, Mrs. Lydia Chamberlain, was the widow of Abel Rowe, who was one of the first settlers of Batavia. he also kept the first hotel and was the first town collector of Batavia. Joseph D. Fisher obtained his education at Hamilton College; he was principal of East Pembroke school, following teaching for aboat three years. Ile is now a practical farmer, and one of the many inhabitants of Batavia whose career has been marked by uprightness of character and a spirit of progress.
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In 1872 he was married to Libbie J., daughter of Richard Richards; they have four children-Ray R., George W., Mabel L. and Grace E.
Ellis, Hon. John J .- The subject of this biography was born in Bath, Steuben county, N. Y., August 24. 1954, and is descended from good old Revolutionary stock. His father, Chester Ellis, was the son of Jasen Ellis, who was the son of John Ellis, known as King of Dry- den, while his mother, Elizabeth Smith, was of Scotch and English ex- traction. Mr. Ellis ob- tained his education in the public schools, sup- plementing his studies with a course in teleg. raphy, in the art of which he became very expert, so much so that the officials of the Erie Railroad Company and the Western Union Com- pany, repeatedly en- trusted him with re- sponsible and important duties, during the per- formance of which he was located at different times in Bath, Niagara Falls, Attica, Lancaster, Buffalo and Darien. Since 1895 Mr. Ellis has directed his attention very largely to the pro- duce and grain business in which he has large investments. In asso- ciation with two others, Mr. Ellis is also one of the proprietors of one of the largest carriage wheel factories in the State, located at Avoca. . For many years he has taken an active part in politics, being an uncompromising Republican, and during that time he has been frequently honored with positions of public trust, having served as supervisor, justice of the peace and member of the Assembly. Mr. Ellis was first elected to the last office in 1897 by a majority that demonstrated his exceptional per- sonal popularity and the confidence in which he is regarded by the people. 1le dis- charged his duties so creditably and with such satisfaction to his party and constitu- ents, that the following year he was unanimously renominated and was re-elected by an increased majority over a strong opponent. His abilities were substantially
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recognized by his legislative associates and the speaker of the Ilouse when he was selected for the exceedingly important chairmanship of the Committee on Villages and made a member of the Railroads and Public Printing Committees. Throughout his career, and in his personal relations at home and abroad, Mr. Ellis has exhibited that character of integrity, energy and fair-mindedness which have won for him an enviable reputation and the esteem and good will of all. He was married in 1875 to Matilda Julia, daughter of Henry and Matilda Spann of Attica, N. Y. ; they had one child, Otto Cecill, born May 7, 1877, who was killed by the cars at Darien, September 12, 1850.
Colville, William, was born in Detchess county, N. Y., February 25, 1816, a son of Alexander and Mary A. (Westcott) Colville, and was educated in the public schools. In Isil he ethsted in the 21 New Yor' Cavalry, better known as the Harris Light Cavalry, atid served for three years, hol ling the rank of first lientenaut, and was honorably discharged in 1864. he was taken prisoner at New Baltimore, Md. ; his regiment participated in 178 engagements. In 1965 he removed to Philadelphia and thence to Worcester, Mass., where he was engaged in railroad business. In 1801 he came to Batavia and became connected with the Baker Gun and Forging Co., and in 1596 established a manufactory for the production of smokeless powder. Mr. Col- ville is an active member of the G. A. R. and has taken much interest in the work of the organization. In 1595 he was married to his second wife, Venetia Telfair. Mrs. Colville died July 13, 199 He hasone daughter by his first wife-Anna H.
Sweet, John M., was born in Upper Canada, April 5, 1850, and came to the United States in 1550, settling in Ningara county, N.Y. He received his education in the common schools and serve l'an apprenticeship at carriage making. In 1850 he took up his residence in Batavia, and in 1524 began the manufacture of carriages. Ile invented the patent hub now used by the Batavia Carriage Wheel Co., and the ma- chinery used by them is from his designs. M :. Sweet has for several years been superintendent of the large factory of the Batavia Carriage Wheel Co. Ile ranks as one of the best wheel experts in the country, and no man has done more by way of invention toward perfecting wheel hubs and wheel makers' machinery. He is with- out doubt one of the most skillful and ingenious mechanics this country has pro- duced. He is a good citiren ard a public spirited man. In 1922 Mr. Sweet was married to Mrs. Julia A. Griswold.
Powers, Menzo E., was born in Batavia, N. Y., November 15, 1862, only son of Edward and Eliza J. (Willett) Powers. Edward Powers was a native of Thetford, Orange county, Vt., and settled in Genesee county in 1840. Samuel J. Willett, father of Mrs Eliza J. Powers, was a prominent man in Genesee county, served as surrogate and held other positions of honor and trust. Menzo E. Powers is an ener- getie and prosperous farmer, is interested in the progress of education, having served four years as school trustee, and is active in his support of religious institutions. Ile was married to Carrie L , daughter of John P. Dennison ; they have two sons. Leon J. and Charles E.
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Garwood, Frank was born in Suffolk, England, and emigrated to the United States in 1854. Ife canie to Batavia, and on February 2, 1984, entered the employ of his uncle, John Garwon 1. who owned and conducted the Bushville Mills. John Garwood had settled in Batavia in 1900, he was well known and highly esteemed; he died in 1893. Upon the death of his uncle, Frank Garwood succeeded him in the proprie- torship of the milis. Mr. Garwood is a stirring business man of unquestioned integ- rity, and has won many friends in his adopted town.
Parker, Frank J., was born in Batavia, N. Y., April 13, 1818, son of Jeremiah and Roby (Newell Parker, His father, Jeremiab, was a native of Massachusetts and in 1805 settled in Genesee county, where he was a farmer; he died in Pontiac, N. Y., in March, 1536. Frank J. Parker received his education in the common schools. In 1-41 he married Nancy, daughter of David Church, who passed away October 0, 1839. they were the parents of seven children, five of whom survive: Frank A., Jane, Roby, Addie and Flora He afterwards married Sarah, daughter of Denning Bar- tholomew Mr. Parker was one of the pioneers of Genesee county and through his long life has been a farmer, in which occupation he has been successful. In the com- munity where he resides he is respected and esteemed for his many good qualities.
Farnsworth, Nathan H., was born in the town of Alabama. N. Y., July 13, 1856, son of William L. and Lucy J. ( Westcott) Farnsworth. William J. was a native of Ontario county and settled in Genesee county in 1540. He was a farmer, also dealer in live stock, and was prominent in school and church affairs; he died in 1889, and his wife in 1862. Nathan II. Farnsworth was educated in Batavia and Oakfield. November 30, 1981, he was married to Myra B. Dunlap; she died January 5, 1853, leaving one daughter, Myra J. October 1, 1995, Georgia, daughter of David Sull- ings, became his wife; they have three daughters -Cora, Ruth and Viola. Mr. Farnsworth is a farmer of ability and intelligence and may be classed with those of his fellow citizens who are interested in promoting the advancement of the town's well being. Ile is a prominent Democrat.
Weed, Harvey, was born in the town of Kendal, Orleans county, N. Y., December 16. 1817, son of Joseph Reed, who was a native of the town of Unity, N. H., and came to Genesee county in 1814, where he followed farming. He married Polly, daughter of Benjamin and Joanna Young Clough, and died in 1862. Harvey Weed was educated in the common schools, and afterward learned the tanner's trade and for three years was in charge of Judge J. Ingersoll's tannery. In 1838 he was em- ployed by the Medina and Darien railroad and in 1843 came to Batavia and, with the exception of two years, was engaged in canal transportation; and later was engaged in farming. In 1-60 he married Sarah B., daughter of Henry and Rhoda Beadle Sawdy. Mr. Weed was one of the self-made men of his town ; he served as highway commissioner for three years. Ile chied October 5, 1898. He had been a man of great physical endurance but a severe injury received about two years before his death shortened his life.
Martin, William A., was born in Barry, Orleans county, N. Y., January 14, 1944.
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son of William Martin of Orange county, who came to Orleans county in 1817 with his parents, William and Mary E. Martin. William Martin married Sarah E .. daughter of Daniel Ross, and through life was a farmer, he died in 1893. William A Martin was educated in the common schools and in 18 ) married Sarah E. Lines, who died in 1997. He afterward married Ella E. Torrance; they have one son, Charles T. Martin.
Welker, John, was a native of Oldenburg, Germany, and came to the United States in 1842 and settled in Wyoming county, but in 1562 came to Genesee county. He married Anna, daughter of Peter Dellinger : they were the parents of four chil- dren: George P., Francis J , Ebzabeth B and Josephine L. Mr. Welker was mar- dered on April 27. 1881, at his home by Charles Stockley, a farm hand in his employ. Stockley was tried and convicte l and on August 19 was executed for the crime. The murder was wanton and unprovoked. Mr. Welker had always borne an excellent reputation He was a prosperous and successful farmer. His widow died Novem- ber 22, 1842.
Davis, Angela K .- Joseph F. Davis was a native of Boonsboro, Washington county, Md. In 1857 he married Angela Kirkham, daughter of Chauncey and Ange- line Pattison Kirkham. He was but a few years a resident of Batavia, but was a prominent man in his native State of Maryland. During the Civil war he was an ardent supporter of the Union, and was a member of the Constitutional Convention of his State at the tine emancipation of the slaves was decreed. He was a gentle- man in the true sense of the word and held a high position among his peers, the leading men of Maryland. Chauncey Kirkham, father of Mr. Davis, came from Ithaca, N. Y., to Batavia in 1>17. where he married Angeline Pattison. For many years he was a manufacturer of furniture, he was enterprising and progressive, active in promoting the public interests, and a man of sterling integrity. He died in 1857, leaving a widow and four sarviving children-Angela, Lyman Stuart. Charles Henry and Mary Isabella His son, Chauncey, jr, who was a member of the firm of Bostwick & Kirkham in the hardware trade, died the same year. Ile was a brother of Samuel Kirkham, the author of the well-known Grammar, Elocution and other educational works. Joseph F. Davis died in Philadelphia, October 3, 1879.
Clark, Mrs. Eliza E .- Jerome A. Clark was born in Cooperstown, Otsego county. N. Y., October 99, 1811. He learned the jeweler's trade in New York and came to Batavia in 1834, where he established himself in the jewelry business, in which he continued to the time of his decease in 1885 Mr. Clark was for many years one of the wardens of St. James's church in Batavia, and was an exemplary citizen. A- indicating the sentiment of his townsmen at his loss, on the day of his funeral al! the business places in Batavia were closed. He was married to Caroline Holden. who died in 1955, leaving two sons Hinman H. of St. Louis, and John H. of Chi- cago; for his second wife he was married to Mary Field, whose death occurred in 1969. he then married Eliza Holden, who survives him, with one son, Jerome De Laney, of Batavia.
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Post, Jesse F., was born in Batavia, N. Y., January 9. 1857, a son of William II. G. and Freelove (Calkins) Post. He was educated in Batavia, and in 1842 married Florence E., daughter of William Day; they have two daughters: Edith A. and Beulah C. Mr. Post follows the vocation of farming, of which he has made a suc- cess. In all respects he is a worthy citizen and an active element in the progress of his native town.
Uphill, B. B., was born in Lancaster, Erie county, N. Y., January 19, 1858. His father, Thomas Uphill, came to Genesee county in 1848, where he was a wagon manufacturer and farmer; he was prominent in the public events of his town; his wife was Ann Lear. Ile died in 1992. B. B. Uphill was educated in East Pembroke, and in. 1580 married Maty Moore; they have two sons. William J. and Jared L. Mr. Uphill is a successfal farmer, and a man of excellent standing in the community where he lives.
Williams, Myron A , was born in the town of Batavia, N. Y., December 28, 1845. a son of Chauncey and Caroline ( Post) Williams. His father was a farmer and inter- ested in public events and in the growth and progress of his town, having served the same for ten consecutive years as supervisor during the trying times of G5 Myron A. was educated at Lama, N. Y., and taught school for two years. In 1867 he niar- ried Mariette, daughter of Chester Cabot, who died in 1887, being survived by three children. Burt C., Elwyn A. and Ada M. In 1889 he married Nettie R., daughter of Abbott Wight. Mr. Williams bas served his town six years as assessor. lle is a notably excellent farmer, and his farm on the Oak Orchard road is traditionally "the finest farm in Genesee county," with splendid buildings, finely located; his farm home is as complete as could be desired. Apart from his prominence as an agricul- turist, Mr. Williams is a man of progressive ideas, and is always found among the leaders in measures for the benefit of his town.
Adams, Amos H., was born in the town of Stafford, N. Y., September 28, 1822, a son of Horace and Betsey ( Eastman; Adams. His father came to Genesec county in 1812, where he died March 29. 1555. Mr. Adams began his education in the old log school house. In 1849 he married Louisa, daughter of Joseph and Amanda Iloyt. Mr. Adams is a practical farmer, devoting his attention intelligently to the develop- ment and improvement of agricultural methods, and is numbered among the success- ful men of his town.
Martin, Charles T., was born in Orleans county, N. Y., March 3, 1843, a son of William and Sarah (Ross) Martin. He was educated in the common schools, and in 181 married Augusta Balmer. In 1584 he bought the Alvin Pease farm of 100 acres, one of the choicest and best located in the county. lle is interested in school and church improvement, and among his acquaintances is looked upon as a man of un- doubted integrity.
Loomis, Calvin S. was born in the town of Alexander, N. Y., June 21, 1834. Ilis
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
father, Sylvester Loom !- , was a native of Connecticut and came to Genesee county in 1815 with his parents, Nathaniel Loomis and wife, who settled in the town of Alexander. Sylvester Loomis married Susannah French. Mr. Loomis was a promi- nent man in his town and helped build the Erie canal ; he died July 11, 1-66. Calvin S. Loomis was educated at Alexander Seminary. In 1>56 he married Lydia daugh- ter of Asa Shephard; they have three children Charles L , Calvin H. and Mrs. Myrtie V. Terry. Mr. Loomis served as assessor in the town of Alexander six years. is an enterprising farmer, and bears the reputation of being an upright and useful citizen.
Day, Elijah, was born in Batavia, N. Y., July 2, 1896. Ilis father, Elijah Day, was a native pf Onondaga county, N. Y. His ancestors in the United States were emi- grants on the Mayflower. Elijah Day, sr., came to Genesee county in 1520, and was one of the pioneers. Elijah Day, jr., married Sarah J., daughter of Warren S. Mc- Worthy ; they had four daughters Mrs. Mary Shappell, Mrs Carrie Craft, Mrs. Nellie Raynor and Mrs. Alice Emely. Mr. Day is one of the leading farmers of Ins town, and ranks among its best citizens, always awake to every movement for the betterment of his town and its people.
Donnan, William C., p. o. Le Roy, N. Y., was born in Princetown, N. Y., Decem- ber 4, 1833, a son of Alexander and Jane (Conning) Donnan, whose other children were: David, John A., George II., Nathan W. and Este. Mr. and Mrs. Donnan died in March, 1885. Wilham C. was educated in the common schools and at the Normal School at Geneseo. In 1976 he came to Le Roy and was employed in a hard- ware store; in 1884 he accepted the position of bookkeeper in the National Bank of Le Roy, and is now the cashier of the Bank of Le Roy, which succeeded the National Bank in 1859. Mr. Donnan is a broad-minded man, of unquestioned integrity and probity, and is an active element in the development and progress of the important institutions of his town. He married Susan, daughter of Edward and Caroline (Willis) Freeman; they have four children. Willis Day, MI Kie, Doris and Grace.
Beckwith, Harris P., p. o. North Pembroke, N. Y., was born in the town of Batavia, August 7, 1842, was educated in the district schools and East Pembroke Seminary, and has always been a farmer. In August, 1866, he married Lydia J Sea- man, of Pembroke; they have four children: Bertha J., II. Arthur, Elsie and Gio- ver. Bertha J. married Prof. II. L. Bolton, who is principal of the primary grade of the high school in Paterson, N. J. Il. Arthur married Emma Seamans of Elba, N. Y., and they have two children, Leah and Ernest. Elsie is a teacher in Great Neek, L. I. Grover is a farmer at home and a student. Mr. Beckwith's father. Richard Beckwith, was born in Old Lyme, Conn , in the year 1195, and came to the home in the town of Batavia on the Buttalo road in the year 1807, when he was twelve years of age. Ile was educated in the schools of his day and was a farmer by occupation. He served in the war of 1812. He married Jane Whitney, formerly of Sheffield, Mass. ; they had tive children: Harris, Martha J., Mary, Maria and an infant not named. Mr. Beckwith died in 1866; his widow survives at this date. 1. Harris Beckwith's grandfather, Thomas Beckwith, was born at Old Lyme, Conn., mn
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the year 1760; he married Abigail Smith, who bore him three children: Harris, Rich- ard and Lucretia. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and was a prisoner on the prison ship Jersey, from which he made his escape. He died in 1854 and his wife in 1911. Ancestry of family is English on both sides.
Dodge, Erastus S., was born in Seneca county, N. Y., in 1818, and was brought to the town of Corfu, Genesee county, N. Y., the same year by his parents. He was educated in the common schools an I learned the jeweler's trade, and was also a prac- ticing dentist. In 1849 he married Caroline Wilson. For many years prior to his death he had carried on the jewelry store at the corner of Main and Jackson streets, in Batavia. Mr. Dodge was a man highly esteemed for his many good qualities, he was enterprising and progressive, was interested in all movements for the benefit of his village, anl his death, which event oscarrel on May 19, 1880, was a loss to to the community in general. Mrs. Dodge has continued her residence in Batavia.
Munger, Henry M , was born on the homestead in Byron, N. Y., May 7, 1853, a son of Martin D. and Lois ( Hammond) Munger. His father was born in the town of Riga. N. Y., where his parents settled about 1810, he ched in 1896. H. M. Mun- ger was educated in the pubhe schools and ar the Brockport Normal School. Mr. Munger is one of the successful Farmers of the county, a citizen in whom his fellow townsmen have the fullest confidence, which he merits by an honest. consistent course, emphasized by an active interest in the progress of his town. In 1860, he married Nora, daughter of David Wilcox; they have three children-Burton, Bruce and Florence. Their oldest son, Earl. died in 1898 in his eighteenth year, just as he was stepping into manhood.
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