USA > New York > Genesee County > Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Genesee County, New York, v. 2 > Part 28
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Ruprecht, Charles H , was born in Batavia, N. Y., April 28, 1857. His father, Frederick Ruprecht, was a native of France, born in 1822, and served ten years in the French navy. He came to the United States in 1853, settling in Batavia, and in 1852 he married Salome Dangler; he died March 4, 1989. Charles H. Ruprecht was educated in Batavia and spent twenty years as bookkeeper in the First Na- tional Bank. In 1999 be established his present business of banking and insur- ance. He has one daughter. Pauline. Mr. Ruprecht has built up a reputation for intelligent conservatism and fine business taet, at the same time evincing a com - mendable interest in matters pertaining to the welfare of his native town
Wiedrich, George D., is the recognized leader in general mercantile business in the town of Bergen. N. Y., a progressive man of advanced ideas. He was born in Wyoming county, N. Y., Angast 21, 1853. Henry Wiedrich, father of George D. was bound out to a farmer, with whom he lived until he was seventeen, when, ou account of ill treatment and no school advantages granted to him, he left and began life for himself at farm work by the month; he never had the advantages of a school education until after he was twenty-one years of age, when he availed himself of a few limited opportunities to attend school. George D. worked on his father's farm and attended the district school. When seventeen years of age he taught school for two years and then entered a general store in Elba as clerk, were he
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remained for fifteen years, and while there he was assistant postmaster over thirteen years. In 1896, in partnership with E. T. Chamberlain, he purchased the stock and business of a general store in Oakfield; in 1990 they purchased the stock and busi- ness of S. J. Arnold of Bergen, returning their store in Oakfield. In 1992 they sev- ered their copartnership relations, Mr. Wiedrich taking the Bergen store, which he has conducted ever since. His many years of experience in the mercantile business has qualified him for a successful career in that line. He has the largest and best stocked general store in town, with a trade in proportion. Since his early manhood Mr. Wiedrich manifested a keen interest in all public and political affairs, and when twenty-one years of age was elected to the office of town clerk of Elba, which he filled with credit for two years; he often represents his district in the Democratic county and assembly conventions, and 1.01 was honored by the nomination for the office of assemblyman. December 29, 1975, he married Mary E Hofman; they had two chil- dren: Walter D. and Eruest H. Mrs. Wiedrich died February 24. 1503.
Willis, Alva U., was born in the village . Elba. October 4. 1919. Ilis father was John Wils, a native of Connecticut. Hle came to Genesce county in 1809, and dur- ing his life was a miller, farmer and hotel keeper, he purchased his land of the Hol- land Company, and through his hfe maintained a prominent position in the county. Ilis wife was Clarissa, daughter of Jobni Underhill; they had three children: Alva U., George Il., and Mary. Alva U. Willis was one of the extensive farmers of Gen- esee county, and though he retired many years before his death from the active duties of practical farming, he continued to devote his attention to the care of his farms and other investments. He was a prominent man in the town and county was supervisor for the years 1559-61 and 1874-77, and served as postmaster for three terms. He always sought to promote the highest interests of his town and its peo- ple. Mr. Willis was married in 1548 to Helen M., daughter of Jarvis Pettibone. He died on February 11, 1599, and is survived by his widow, one daughter, Mrs. Frank Harris, and her six children, and the five children of hus deceased son, Chatles J., namely. Helen MI., George J., John L., Mary L., and Alva U.
Palmer, Samuel P., was born in Otsegocounty, N. Y., December 9, 1812, and came to Genesee county with his parents about 1815. He learned the boot and shoe trade, in which he was engaged up to 1984. In 1540 he married Charlotte, daughter of Royal Tyler ; they had three chil Iren. Albert W., Mrs. Lottie Taylor and Mrs. Ellen A. Fox. Mr. Palmier was a careful and judicious business man. He led an upright life and enjoyed the respect of the community where he so long resided.
Carrier, Ansel Kellogg, p. o. Corfu, N. Y., was born in the township of Pembroke, a half mile west of Corfu, June 27, 199, received his education in the public schools. and has always followed the occupation of farming. January 21, 1874, he married Phila A. Sumner of the township of Darien ; they have three sous Engene K .An- Sel II , and Sumuer D. Mr. Carrier's father, Hiram Carrier, was born in Livingston county, N. Y., April 5, 1800. Ili parents moved to Connectient when he was six years old, where he was educated in the district schools and taught school several terms in the winter and was a successful farmer. At the age of twenty-one he
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walked from Connecticut to Livingston county. In 1831 he returned to Connecticut and married Elizabeth West of that State, and returned to Livingston county with a team of horses and wagon over log roads and through the wilderness part of the way. They had five children, the oldest son, Milo, was born in Livingston county. They located three anl a halt miles west of Corfu, in Erie county, where they restled twelve years. The following children were born to them there: Lucy O., Edmund W., and F. Lorraine. In 1947 they came to the homestead now owned by Ansel K., where be was born as above hotel. Hiram Carrier and wife survive at this date, 1898; he in his ninety-third year and his wife in her ninety-first year. He says they have been wonderfully blessed in many ways. Edmund W. was born in Erie county. November 22, 183%; his education was obtained in the common schools, also in the seminary, and he too is one of the town's best farmers. December 7, 1864. he mar- ried Kate Holmes; they had two chil tren Media K., teacher of mathematics in the Batavia High School, and Cyrus W., who is a thorough farmer at home. Mrs. Car- rier died in 1890. Her father, Maisfeld Holmes, was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., in 1989; he married Clara Oreatt of his native place, and had twelve children, Mrs. Carrier being the youngest. The grandfather Holmes was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The family of Carnersare members of the Presbyterian church ; Edmund W. is one of the elders, and Cyrus W. is superintendent of the Sunday school. Ansel K and wife are men bers of the Universalist church. In his political views he is a Proluibiti must. Edmund W. is a staunch Republican. Hiram's father, Josiah, was born in Convectie it. July 15, 1280. in 1505 he married Betsey Kellogg. Josiah's father, Tho nas, was born in 1752, Thomas's father, Andrew 2d, was born in 1700; the father of An Trew 21. Andrew, was born in 1615; Andrew's father, Thomas, was born in Connecticut in 1626, and died at the age of 109 years. The oldest son, Milo, is a mechanical engineer in charge of a sales department of pumping engines and water works ma hivery. Jandary 31. 1953, he married Almira, daughter of Henry Fox ; they have four condrea Henry H., Lucy O., William G., and Charles W, who married Hattie Thompson, they have two daughters, Ruth L., and Hattie E. The Carriers located in Salem, Mass., and from there removed to Connecticut.
Tompkins Family, The .- In 1861 Ri hard Greene Tompkins emigrated from Tul- lowclay, county Wicklow, Ireland, to Batavia, and immediately entered the employ of the Batavia Gas Light Company, in whose service he remained, with credit to himself and satisfaction to his employers, for over thirty years until the company disposed of its plant. Richard left Ins family in Ireland when he departed for America, but soon becoming; satistie I that the latter country offered excellent oppor- tunities for ambition, and enterprising people, he brought them to Batavia, where they all labored for their common welfare until the death of Mr. Tompkins, which occurred September 20. 1-96. Mr. Tompkins was a good citizen and had earned that title by a life of industry, sobriety and honesty. He is survived by his widow, five children who reside in Batavia, and one daughter, Mrs. T. M Howard of Weeping Water, Neb. Two brothers of Richard Greene-William Morton and Peter-also came to Batavia L J. Tompthis, the oldest daughter of Richard Greene Tomp- kins, established her milli very business in Batavia in 1881 in a small way, and by close care, courteous ways and good business management has increased it to the
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leading millinery house in the village She is publie spirit and active fa promot- ing the growth of her tows, subscribing generously to bring manufacturing concerns to Batavia.
Glade, Jolin, is a native of Westphalia, Germany, and was born February 12. 18 13. Hle learned the trade of carpenter in his native country, and emigrated to this coun- try in 1868, taking up his residence in Batavia, which has since been his home. Not long after his arrival here be joined with John Dellinger in a copartnership under the name of Dellinger & Glade and engaged in contracting and building and other enterprises. They erectedl the Walker Dek, Richmond Hotel. Moynihan block, Richmond Memoria L-brand building, current and rectory for St. Joseph's church, Uebele block. West Main Street school house, many stores and business houses and numerous private res detces 5. Batavia and vicity They purchased the Bryan Seminary on Min street. which street they napiove 1 naming it Dellinge: avenue, making it one of the fact resident streets in Batavia. The partnership was die solved in 1891. Mr. Glade torming another pattrership in 1992 with John Pickert, as Glade & Pickert ; this relat: < Cost need antil hot, since which date Mr. Glade hat- carried on business alose. He is the te eling balder of the county, and well entitled to the position he has won in besmuss eudes and to the good will of his acquaint- ances. In 1969 Mt. Glade was warmte ! : ) Meant Geiso of Batavia The children of this union are John, Georg .. Frank. Leo. Mary and Clara
Burkhart, Harvey J. D. D. S., was born in Cleveland Olo, August 11, 1%. He obtained his presentary elstation in the public schools, and was graduated from the Baltimore Dental Courage in 1500 at the head of his class. Dr. Burkhart ranks among the foremost men in Ins profession in this country. He has interested himself in securing legislati in rating the standard of admission to practice, and ha succeeded in accomplishing a great deal toward weeding out incompetent and un. qualified men. He is an excellent speaker, and his addresses before the District. State and National Societies hav. attracted mich favorable attention. He was elected president of the New York State Dental Society in 1995, 1-96 and 1997. At the annual meeting of the National Dental Association, held at Omaha in 1999 h . was elected president. Dr. Backhart is Regent's Examiner in Dentistry for the Eighth Judicial Detrier. He is commander in the order of Knight- Templar. I 1-00 he married Jane Hingsson, they have one son, Richard Hingston
Douglas, Caroline .- Lean : : Douglas was born in Orange county. N. Y .. Apr !! 11, 1797, and removed to Stad ard. Genesee county, in 1836 lle was a contracto; and builder, and constraste i a portion of the New York Central railroad. lle Was a man of prominence in his town and his life record was clean and worthy of emula- lion. He was married to Isabella daughter of Abijah Norris, who bore bem nine children, as follows. Abyah Norris, Leander G., Caroline. Hart, Jeanie (Mrs Chap- ples, Isabel (Mrs. Elwin B Samleis, George, Mary Etta Mrs. Chappie , Mana E (Mrs. Henry De Boxx, a" Living except Mrs. Jennie Chapple. Mr. Douglas del August 3, 1879. Miss Caroline Douglas resides in her pleasant home on East Man street, Batavia, where she is surrounded by her nephews and meccs who have gath-
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ered from varmes po. : toattend Batavia schools. Miss Douglas is active in church missionary and it "every good work." She is at the head of the various guild sock eties of the S: Jantes Episcopal church, and in every way is a worthy representa- tive of a worthy family Abijah Har. Norris, son of Abijah Norris and unele of Miss Douglas, came to Stolord with his parents, and there resided until his death. which occurred August 80, 1994, in the eightiet't year of his age. He never married. He was an energetic basiness man, having extensive interests in Florida Missouri Nebraska, Illinois, as well as in Genesee county. Up to the last he attended person- ally to all his ba-mess matters, and was always bright and genial, doing good wher- ever he went, especially in the vicinity where his material interests were located.
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Halsted, Livenus S., p.o. Ray, N. Y., was born in the town of Lebanon, Dodge county Wis., August 15, 1-51. He is a son of Hisam Halstol, and grandson of David Hat- sted, both of when were virtantial citizens of high personal character. Hiram was a prominent farmer of Get e county until his death, which occmirel July 21, 1991 David, his father, died October 25. 1966. The wife of Hiram Halsted and mother of Livenu. S., was Intura Savers, who still survives. Livenus S. Halste I received a com- mon se hoo education, and for a time after his school days he was engaged in teaching, finally taking up agentural pur suits, of which he has ma le a success. Personally he is frank, afable and of a genetoas nat fre, mitking many friends; and being now in the prime of life, with a vigorous constitution, he doubtless has before him years of useful- ness and honor. On Match 2, 1-74, he was married to Lucina E., daughter of Horace and Lucy ( Darben, Tinkham.
Holden, Hipman, was born in Batavia, N. Y., February 17, 1952, a son of Richard O. and Hannah ( Wells) Hohlen Richard O), was engaged in the dry goods trade. and in 198 e tablehed the store now conducted by his son Hinman. Ile was a prominent and public spirited man, and did his share in promoting the growth and progress of his town, He died in May, 1587. Hinman Holden obtained his educa- tion in the public schools of Batavia and at Hamden, Conn. He began his mercan- tile career in 1469 at the age of seventeen, in his father's store, and in 1851 he be- came a partner of his father, forming the firm of K O. Holden & Son For more than half a century this has been the largest dry goods house in the county. In 1886 Mr. IL flen was married to Eva, daughter of Wilber Smith, Three children have been born to them, namely. Richard O., Hinman, jr., and Evelyn. Mr. Ilol- den enjoys an honorable basiness record, and as a neighbor and citizen commands the merited respect of his townsmien.
Horton, Medad S., p. o. Alabama, N. Y., was born in Alabama, December 27, 1-15. to Mediul and Phebe (Ingalsbei Horton. He is a lineal descendant in the eighth generation of Thomas Horton of Guilford, Eng., who was one of the founders of the town ot Guilford, in the colony of Massachusetts, in 1639, Col. Ebenezer Norton, a great-grandson of Thomas, settled in Goshen, Conn., 19 1739. His wife, Elizabeth. lived till 1911, at which time her posterity numbered 90%. The number since then has increased and they are widely scattered over the United States. Her (Eliza- beth's) grandson, Medwl, about the year 1800, with his sons Anson, Harmon and
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Uri, and other children, engrated to East Bloomfield, Ontario county, N Y. When grown to manhood these three sons located in Genesee county, Anson and Harmon in Byron and Uri in Elba. In 1836 Anson soll his farm in Byron and moved to Alabama, where he stridealy ched in 195, leaving his wite (Perey Walker Norton) and seven sons Alonzo, Moses, Medad, Pamel, Benjamin, Theron and Frank R., all grown to manhood. Medad, son of Anson, died in 1519, when Medad S. was about a year old, he was brought up by his anele Damel and educated in Cary and. Lima Seminaries Mr. Norton's first wife, Mary, daughter of James Cassidy, died in 1850, leaving three children Burt Bempramin, Nina Theresa, and James (who died when seven months old). In 1551 he married Maria J., daughter of Nathan T. Holmes. Mr. Norton has always been a farmer and has been supervisor of Alabama for seven years. He is a man of sterling integrity and has always been identified with the best interests of his town and contributes largely to church and school matters.
Carpenter, William, was born in Erie county, N. Y., July 21. 1:28, a sou ot Jere- miah and Ilepsy (Johnson) Carpenter. lhisfather was an early settler in Erie county, where he cleared for cultivation four different farms; in 1559 he renmoved to Fillmore county, Minn., where his death occurred in 1803. William Carpenter was accorded the usual schooling at the listtie: school, in the mean time assisting his father at farm work, and removed with him to, Misnesota, whence he returned in 1976 to Ba- tavia, where he has since resided, devoting his attention to land interests in the West. He owns 1.000 acres of land in Spink county, & D., which is under cultivation and occupied by tenants. On the 6th of January. 1918, Mr Carpenter was married to Betsey Abel, who died in Minnesota in 1872, leaving one daughter, Frank. Mr. Car- penter married for his second wife Clementine A. Rich, who died in 15-5, when he married, third, Helen E. Holyoke of Hudson, Mass. His daughter Frank was hat - ried to John Butler; she died and left a daughter, Ressie, who became the wire of James G. Orr. jr., of Buffalo, she and her three children are the only surviving de- Seendants of Mr. Carpenter. Mr. Carpenter is a self-made man and has been fauly successful in life's battle. While in Minnesota he held the office of justice of the peace and county commissioner. He is a Republican.
Barr, William J., was born in Elba, N. Y., January 19, 1969 a son of J. J. Barr, and a grandson of Phineas Bari, a pioneer of Elba, who built the first sawmill in the town and was one of the founders of the Presbyterian church. William J. Batt at- tended the district schools and supplemented the instruction there obtained by study in private schools and the Oswego Normal School, from which institution he was graduated in 1585. Io 1457 he was elected school commissioner in which office i.e served eight years, when he was appointed inspector under the compulsory ellinea- tion law. He is a pubhe spirited citizen and has exerted a broad influence in the county, both in educational affairs and in the councils of the Republican party. 11:> career as school commissioner marked a new era in education in the county. lie schools were graded according to modern and approved educational metho ls, the standing of scholarship among teachers was raised, and the common school system received a lasting impetus Mr. Barr is a Mason, holding membership in Brava
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Lodge, the Chapter and Commandery, he is also an Odd Fellow, a memle: of Majestic Lodge and Genesee Encampment. On January 18, 1494, he was married to Mrs. Emma Curtis, daughter of Josiah Gardner.
Stage, Jerry, p. o. Pembroke, N. Y., was born in Newstead, Erie county, N. Y . March 22, 1918, youngest son of James and Jane (Miller) Stage. James Stage was born, it is believed, in Chemung county, N. Y, in 1771, and married Jane Miller who bore him thirteen chillren. Jerry Stage attended the common schools, and learned the black-nothing trade, which he carrie ! on both in Newstead and Pem- broke. He also was the owner of a good farm; he now lives retired from business He was made an Odd Fellow in 1849 and is a member in good standing of Rushville Lodge, No, 402. . 5 : 2st grand, and has taken the Grand Lodge degree. He is a firm Republican. On Nementbe: 27, 1839 he was married to Lucy, daughter of Joseph and Lydia (Carr South of hits native place. Four chi! 'ren were born of this ution. namely Lydia And why wanted Henry M. Brown rolled in 19991, and has ow daughter, Ada, matt den d. E. Butter. Frank, who died at the age of twenty nine Augusta, who na .el John 1. Lown ot West Batavia, and has three children: Guy E., Frank A. and Gladys L. ; and Anga-tus, married to Grace Hutchinson of Alden. who are the parents of one son, Harry H. August. and Augustus are twins, Joseph Smith, father of Mys Stage, was born in Connecticut in 1795, and came to Er.s county when a yon ; man. he married Lydia Carr of Vermont, who bore him scven children, Mrs. Stage Being the third Mr. Smith died in 1808 and his wife in 1892
Seaver, Hon. Chicles A., was born in Byron, N. Y. March 8, 1545, and was a son of John Seave:, a well-known harnessmaker. Charles A. was educated in the com- mon schools. Cat !! 155; he was a merchant in Byron. During the later years of his life he resided in Batavia, where he represented the Mutual Life and New York Life Insurance companies. He was quite prominent in politics, and served as supervisor of Byron in 1-76-77: 10 1ssG-\; he was a member of the Assembly, where his record was unsullied. Is 1st6 he was married to Miss Jennie Beecher, and of this union there were four children, as follows Claribel, John B. Olivia M. and William Z .. who died in infancy w test Mr. Seaver was a Knight Templar. Hedied February 6. 1997, and was buried with Masonic honors. He was a good citizen and was faith- ful in his public service.
Reddish, Frank O., p. o. Le Roy, N. Y., was born in Wyoming, Wyoming county. N. V .. November 13, 1553, a son of Hiram J. and Elsa M (Watkins, Reddish. Hiram J. was a native of Wyoming county, and for many years conducted an exten- sive business at carri age manufacturing, employing at times thirty or more workmen. The children born to himself and wife were ten, as follows. Mary, Allen C., Orta- ville H., Adelbert W., Edgar A., Ellen (lied in May, 1862, aged sixteen), Charles MI . Frank O., Florence I. and Eugene A. The father died in 1\st and the mother in May, 189%, Frist & O. Reilish was educatel at the Wyoming Academy. In July, 1979, he engaged a> traveling salesman for S. C. Wells & Co of Le Roy, introducing their goods throughout the United States and Canada, and serving in the capacity of general agent until the death of S. C. Wells, in July, 1998, when he resigned and
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purchased a three-fourths interest in a competing line formerly manufactured by George H. Wells & Co On October 1, 1897, Mr. Reddish began the manufacture of pharmaceutical and proprietary medicines, as follows. Park's Tea for constipation. Park's Sure Cure for kidney and hver troubles, Park's Cough Syrup and Park's Kid- ney and Liver Plasters, Mr. Reddish married Rosetta MI., daughter of Jacob and Barbara Gath Zigler; two.chillien were born to them. C. Claude and Meta Elza. Mr. Reddish is an energetic business man of undoubted integrity, active in good works, aspiring to the lnghe-t plane of citizenship.
Merriman, Henry W., was born in Byron, N. Y., July 12, 1844. Hle is a son of Josiah and Mary (Wheeler) (laughter of Simeon) Merriman, and grandson of Robert. Josiah Merriman was a native of Massachusetts and.came to Genesee county in 1996. He is a man much respected and has irved a lite of usefulness. One of the great- grandfathers of Henry W. was a riember of Gener.d Washington's staff, and in the possession of the family is a cloak presented by the general to the staff officer's wife. Henry W. Merriman is a farmer, ma'ung a specialty of stock raising. He stands high in the esteem of his fellow townstien, as is evidenced by the fact that he bay served them as assessor six years and one term as supervisor. In 1868 he was mar- ried to Lillian A., daughter of Charles Benham To them have been born six chil- dren, as follows. Mrs. Jennie D. Schofield, Mrs. Carto P. Vrooman, Roy J., Ruth L .. Josiah C. and Clark D. Mrs. Mary Merriman, the mother, died August 4, 1896.
Radley, William H., was born in Stafford, N. Y .. December 18, 1870. He is the son of William S. and Susan (Dowdlle) Radley, natives of England, their children were. Florence, Benjamin and William II. William S. (the father) came to Genesse county in 1-68, where he was engaged in farming, he died October 28, 1890. Wil- ham H. Radley receive l bis ed nation in the common schools of his native town, and for a time followed farming, but in 1995 began business as a general merchant at Morganville, which he has since continue 1 with a fair measure of success. In 189- he was appointed postmaster at Morganville. He is a stirring business man and is looked upon as a worthy eitizen and a young man of promise.
Wood. Leonard C., was born in Stafford, N. Y., May 4, 1871. He is a son of William and Elizabeth Kig (Crocker) Wood. William Wood died May 20, 1854 Stephen Crocker, maternal grand ather of L C. Wood. died September 27. 1994. Both William Wood and Mr. Crocker were wealthy and prominent men. Leonard C. Wood obtaine Thise lucation in the common schools and at schools in Buffalo He is well known as a farmer of superior methods, energetic, enterprising and awake to the progress of the age. In I'VE he was elected justice of the peace, which office he still holds. The family of which be is a representative member are people of educa- tion and refinement, respected andl esteemed for the characteristics of virtue, integ- rity and intelligence which are stamped on the escutcheon of nobility.
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