USA > New York > Genesee County > Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Genesee County, New York, v. 2 > Part 31
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Bryant. Clarence, p. o. Le Roy. N. Y., was born in the town of Pavilion, N. Y., January 11, 1854. His father, Nathan Bryant, was a native of Massachusetts, and came to Genesee county in 1840, where he carried on farming. He served several years as supervisor of Pavilion : married Janet Stewart, and died in 1978. Clarence Bryant was educated in the con.mon schools and Le Roy Academy. He taught school several winters and then took up farming. In 1586 he came to Le Roy and engaged in the meat market business. He was collector in Pavilion for one year and
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assessor for three years, and in 1897 was elected supervisor of Le Roy. He married Ella E., daughter of George Howard; their children are Nathan H. and Lewis M. Mr. Bryant has always been a promoter of the best interests of his town and is a prominent business man.
Gillette, George M., is a representative and one of the most prominent young men of the town of Bergen, a native of the town. horn April 1, 1859, a son of James M. and grandson of Miles Gillette His grandfather was a pioneer in this section of the county, moving to the town of Sweden in 1816, where he assisted in : قدمـ clearing the Ainsworth and Jennings farm. In what is known as the cold season be with many more of the pio- neers, were compelled to subsist almost en- tirely on bear meat and smaller game He was drawn for the Patriot war in 1837 and while on his way to Buffalo found a pocketbook containing considera- ble money and valuable papers. He found the owner in Buffalo, who demonstrated his ap- preciation by belping him to secure a dis- charge from his draft in 153s and 1839. He made four trips to Michigan on horseback, bringing back with him droves of cattle and hogs. George M. Gil- lette was educated in the Le Roy Academy, from which he was graduated in 1877. He then entered the employ of the N. Y. C. & 11. R. R. R. Co., in the baggage department, and was in the employ of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe R. R., and Houston & Texas Con- tral R. R. for two years in Colorado, Kansas and Texas. Returning home he en- gaged with the West Shore Railroad Company, remaining with them until 18ss, when he resigned his position to engage in farming, in which he is interested at present, owning a farm adjoining the village, in which he takes great interest.
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Since his early manhood Mr. Gillette has manifested a keen and active interest r the political affairs of the county and State, and is a member of the Genesee Co ::: Republican Committee. In 1-93 he was a delegate to the State Republican conver - tion that nominate I Levi P. Morton for governor; in 1995 he was a delegate to the Republican Senatorial convention: in 1896 was again delegate to the State conven- tion that nominated Frank S. Black for governor, and again in 1499 a delegate to the convention that nominated Governor Roosevelt, and has often attended as a delegat: county and assembly conventions. In 1837 he received the appointment to the position of deputy clerk of the Assembly, and again in 1599 and 1899. Mr. Gillette is a member of several clubs and societies and chief engineer of the Bergen Fire Do- partment. He takes active interest in all measures for the public good in his vil- lage and town. He has married twice first, to Ella A , daughter of Sylvester Gil- lette; they had one son, Ralph D. His second wife was Mary A Schubmehl of Bergen. Mr. Gillette was appointed, in the summer of 1999, deputy collector of Internal Revenue, under Hon. A. D. Sanders, and he entered upon the discharge of his duties about July 1.
Pestlen, Charles. jr., p. o. Alexander, N. Y., was born in Mecklenburg, in the northern part of the German Empire, September 8. 1862, and in 19-1 emigrated tu this country with his parents, sett'as in the town of Alexander, Gettesee county. N. Y., where he has since rest led. Mr. Pestlen is well educated, speaking and writing both German and English, and withal is a self-made man He is a tiller of the soli and from his youth up has always been a practical farmer Ou January 19, 1892 Mr. Pestlen married Jennie, daughter of James and Sarah ( Ingrom) Cona; they have three children. Emma J., Andrew Charles and Cora Isabella. Mrs Pestlen was born in Newtownhamilton, Ireland, January $, 1861. Mr Pestlen is an upright and intelligent man, and enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know him.
Laramy. Phihp, was born in Devonshire, England, January 30, 1835, and came to the United States in 1915. His father, John Laramy, settled in Batavia in 1840, he was a brewer and maltster, he died in 1880. Phillip Laramy was educated in the common schools and in 1857 married Mary, daughter of William Cochram ; they ha ? four children Frank J., William Il., Lewis P. and Mrs. Fannie M. Forsyth. Mr Laramy is a farmer, and has been successful at that vocation ; his good standing among his townsmien may not be impagned.
Hunn, William H., was born near Springfield, Mass , July 27, 1946. His father. Seymour P. Huan, came to Elba, N. Y., in 1853, and was engaged in the market and provision trade, he married Diantha Sykes, and died in 1982. W. H. Hann was ed- ucated in the common schools. In 1863 he enlisted in Co. L., 8th N. Y. Heavy Art.1- lery, and took part in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor and Petersburg, and received an honorable discharge at the close of the war with rank of first sergeant. In 1986 he married Louisa, daughter of Henry Brockway; their children are Clifton R., W. H .. : r., Mrs. George W. Reed and Mildred L. Mr. Hann has served as collector and president of the village two terms, and has held other offices. He is a man entitled to the confidence of his townsmen, and is rated as pro- gressive, energetic and honest.
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Joyce, William II., p o. Le Roy, N. Y., was born in Genesee Falls, N. Y .. Septem- ber 18, 1863, a son of John Joyce, a native of Ireland, and Mary MeTigue, his wife. William Joyce was educated in Pike Seminary and has always been a farmer and produce dealer. He is superintendent of the Lehigh Sait farms. Mr. Joyce is a representative farmer, a man who does his work intelligently, and is up to date m his ideas and methods. Mr. Joyce married Nelle, daughter of Thomas Keating, they have one son, John T. Mr. and Mrs. Keating are natives of Livingston county, N. Y., and he is a farmer.
Torpy, Anson, was born in Madison county, N. Y., in 1801, and came to Genesee county in 1922. He was twice marriel, his first wife was Fannie Stocking, who died in 1:51, leaving three children. Rosina (Mrs. C. HI. Reynolds), Daniel and Rey- ben. In 1973 he married Emily, daughter of Chaton Arnold. Mr. Torpy died 1. 1449. Ile was one of the pioneers of the county, and took an active part in the growth and progress of his town. As instancesof his pioneership, he drew his wheat thirty miles to Rochester and sold it for fifty cents a bushel, and the young trees for his first orchard he carried on his back from Bergen; the orchard is still in bearing. He was a man of strong character and unquestioned integrity, aad in his death his town lost one of its most useful and esteemed citizens
Silliman, Charles D., p. o. Corfu, N. Y., a native of the town of Stratford, Fulton county, N. Y., was born on Christmas day, 1852. He is the oldest of a family of sit children of George and Sarah E. (Wood, Silliman, both of whom are still living. as well as all of their six children George Silliman was born February 8, 1826, and is son of 1). S. Silliman (born 1795, died 1844) and Catherine Sherwood, his wife (born in Connectieat in 1708, and died in 1891); they were the parents of eight children. The parents of D. S. Silhman were Justice and Ruth (Jennings) Silliman, who had ten children. Sarah E. (Wood, Suliman, mother of Charles D., was born July 17. 1-32, a daughter of Daniel (born 1800, died 1881), and Huldah (Jennings) Wood (born 1700, died 1865), who were early settlers of Stratford, N. Y. ; they had six children. Charles D. Silliman early in life manifested an ardent love of study and a thorough application to literary parstats. Ifis general scholastic training consisted of a full course to graduation at Fairfield Seminary. Immediately after graduation he began teaching in the village schools and was afterwards a teacher in the seminary. Ile was successfully engaged in teaching in Herkimer and Genesee counties fol eighteen. consecative winter terms. On November 21, 1881, he married Emma T., daughter of Harrison and Jerucia (Moore) Tetry. they have four children Raymond T . E. Pea:1. Ruby R. aud Althen J. Mr. Silliman is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, o. which organization he has been secretary for eight years, he is also a member of the K O. T.M. and of the American Fraternal Insurance U'mon. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church, and his father and both his grandfathers were deacons in the Baptist church. He is superintendent of a Union Sunday school. Mr. Silliman is a prosperous and progressive farmer, and an intelligent and upright citizen.
Buckley. Michael. p. o. Le Roy, N. Y., was born in Ireland, February 2, 1-32, a
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son of William Buckley, who lived and died in Ireland. Mr. Buckley was educate !! in the common schools of his native island and came to Genesee county in 1Stu where he engaged in farming. He married Mary Gaynor of Ireland; their children are Alice, Mary, William, Patrick, Julia M .. Thomas and Andrew. Mr. Buckley :. one of Stafford's busy farmers, of industrious and good moral habits, and has proved himself a useful man in his adopted country.
Page, J. Quiney D., p. o. Pavilion, N. Y., one of the prominent and most success- ful business men of Pavillon, was born in the town of Pavilion, April 10, 1859, a son of John R. and Mary ( Doty) Page. He was reared in his grandfather's family and! educated in the public schools of his native town. At the age of twenty he engaged in the cooperage business on Ins own account, which he successfully conducted unti' 1497. He was the originater and builder, and is now the owner and proprietor of the village water works. He is now proprietor of the Page Hotel at Pavilion and has conductel the same since 1991 Ou March 22, 1587, Mr. Page married May Walker; they have one daughter. Olive A Mr Page is a prominent member of the Masons, Odd Fellows and A. O. U. W. Personally he is of a very social nature and enjoys the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances.
Pratt, Melvin D., was born in Livonia, Livingston county, N. Y., January 22 1-30, a son of David and Electa (Gibbs) Pratt, natives of New York and Connecticut. respectively, who came to Genesee county in 1836 and settled on the farm bow owned by Melvin D., where they resided through life. David died in 1952, aged ninety-one years; his wife died in Ists, they had four children. The grandfathers of the subject of this sketch-Peabody Pratt and Philo Gibbs-were soldiers in the Revolutionary war. Melvin D. Pratt received his education in the district schools and at Le Roy Academy With the exception of two years spent at manufacturing in Flint, Mich., he has always lived on his present farm of ninety-five acres, just east of the village of Le Roy; it is one of the best improved farms in that section of the county, Mr. Pratt is a prominent citizen of his town, and stands on a high plane in the estimation and confidence of his townsmen; he has served them as collector for one year, asse-sor twelve years, supervisor from 1852 to 1891, inclusive, and jus- tice of the peace four years, and is now serving on his second term. In 1952 Mr. Pratt was married to Cornelia L. Adams; she died in August, 1455, leaving one daughter, Cornelia I ... who was married in December 18si, to Frank J. Nash. In 1:56 Mr. Pratt was married to Mary A. Pratt of Flint, Mich. They are members of the Presbyterian church, of which he has been trustee, deacon and elder for sev- eral years.
MeVean, Archibald, was born in the town of Le Roy, N. Y., February 14, 1515. a son of John P. and Catharine ( Witherwax) McVean, natives of Johnstown, N. Y., and Kinderhook, N. Y., respectively. The family are of Scotch and Dutch origin. Peter R. MeVean was born in Scotland and sailed to America, landing just before the Declaration of Independence. They came into Genesee county about 1$20 and settled in the town of Le Roy, purchasing a tract of land on which he remarried until his death ; he died in 1-55, aged ninety-seven years. John P. wasa farmer an ]
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died in Le Roy in 1953, and h's wife in 1594, aged eighty-four years; they had three children, two now living, Peter J. and Archibald. Archibald MeVein was educated in the district schools and has always lived in Le Roy, with the exception of three years spent in the lumber basiness in Michigan. Ile now owns 100 acres of land on which he resides. He was highway commissioner for eight years. In 1972 Mr. McVean married Emogene Farnham, daughter of Nathaniel Farnham, an early set- tler of Genesee county ; they had ive children Robert. Ralph, Archibald, Mary and Hugh. Mr. and Mrs. Mc Veas are members of the Presbyterian church, of which he is a trustee and also member of the session. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. and Patrons of Husbandry. Politically he is a Republican and takes an active interest in his party.
Rathbone, Arthur Backer. p. o. Oakfield, N. Y., was born in Oakfield. December 23, 1837, only son of Lauri an 1 Elizabeth (Barken Rathbone. Laurin Rathbone was born in Milton, Saratoga county, N. Y, in 1906, came to Oakfield in 1-26, where he died January 20, 1-2 A la ker Ang itt resides in Oakfield Arthur Bacher Rathbone was educated at the Cary Collegate Seminary, Middlebury Academy, and was graduated from the University of Rochester in 1859 with the degree of A. B . and in 1803 received the degree of Master of Arts. In 1962 and 1864 Mr. Rathbone. with his father planted este. fire pear and apple orchards, in which he is still mer- estedl. Since 1-09 he has been a hardware merchant in the village of Oakfield. Mr. Rathbone was president of the village in 1871. 1565, 1ST and 1Ss1, and supervisor of the town in 1983 and 1-34. He has been secretary of the board of trustees of Cary Collegiate Seminary for twenty-three years An active member of St. Michael's Episcopal church, he has b. en a vestryman since 1971 and senior warden since 1992. Politieally Mr. Rathbone Las al rays been a Democrat. Ile has been the nominee ni his party three times for school commiss ocorranl onee for member of assembly. He was postmaster at Oakdeld ander President Cleveland's administration. Janu- ary 23, 1×6;, he was married to Georgia Whitwell Richmond of Nenda, N. Y. They have two daughters-Frances Lucille and Georgia Whitwell-and one son, Rich- mond Lanvin, who also received his early education at Cary Seminary. later enter- ing Cornell University from which he was graduated in 1993 with the degree of Me- chanieal Engineer; after his graduation he entered the engineering office of an electrical company in New York city.
Bissell. James A , represents one of the oldest pioneer families in Genesee county. His grandfather, Aaron Bissell, settle I in the town in 1%), where he took up a tract of 275 acres from the original holders in what was known as the Triangular Tract and for which he paid the cash. He was known to have had the most ready morley of any of the early pioneers. He was a native of the town of Hebron, Tolland county, Cont., born in 1979, he was a cooper by trale, and when twenty-one years of age his father, Levi Bissell, a Revolutionary soldier, gave him a suit of clothes and a pair of shoes and he started out to battle for himself. He workedl eight vear- at East Iladdam, on the Connecticut river, on a contract making sugar and molassas barrels for the New Orleans and Cuba trade. At this he saved >500 che money he had to purchase !us land with), and in the spring of 1806 he, with his brothers Ley:
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and Alexander came west. Levi and Alexander took out articles of agreement for $00 acres and Aaron for 160, in what is now the town of Sweden, Monroe county Returning to Connecticut that winter they made a transfer of the land to a man named Real, who settled it a short time after. The brothers again canie west and Aaron settled in Bergen, erected log buildings, cleared his farm and became a suc- cessful farmer, and an influential man in the carly politics and affairs of his town, and for many years was a member of the board of supervisors, in politics he was a Democrat. When the war of 1512 came on he arranged for his family and started for the front, getting as far as Le Roy, when he met a man who offered to go as h's substitute; he hired him and returned home to his family. His wife was Lucinda Austin, who was the first wornan school teacher in the town of Bergen north of the village. Her father, Cap: James Austin, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. She died when forty-sis. Aaron lived to be past eighty-two. They reared three sons and three daughters. Auton Mann, the youngest son, was born in Bergen in 1917. became a farmer and spent his entire life on the homesteadl. a part of which I.c owned. In politics be was a firm Democrat. His wife was Avis, daughter of Joh .: Mitchell of Rochester, ant their children were James A., Emily L. Frances A .. Fre M., William A. and George A He died in 1502; his wife survives him and re- sides with her youngest son -- a good generous woman, a kind neighbor, but of a re- tiring disposition. James A Based was born in Bergen on the homestead in Jana- ary. 1846, received his education in the district schools, Prof. Throop's select school and Prof. Hamilton's private school in Bergen. His father died when he was seven - teen and he was therefore early thrown into much responsibility ou the farm. Here- mained at home and faithfully attended to the work and the affairs of the farm for several years. When about twenty two years of age he began for himself, following farming to the present time He later purchased a part of the estate farm from the heirs. He now resides on his farm near the vill ige of Bergen. Mr. Bissell is influen- tial in political affairs of his town, & firm and consistent Democrat and a strong advo- cate of what he consider- the righteous principles of bi-metalism, and while fitirly declining many of the proffered nominations for many town offices, he has filled the office of justice of the peace "wo terms of four years each, and has frequently repre- sented his district as a delegate in the county and assembly conventions. He is a man of progressive thought, well informed and of good judgment. He is a member of the order of the Knights of the Maccabees, in which he has served in various offi- cial capacities In 1450 he married Loretta E Rightmeyer of Bergen : they have one daughter, Avis M. Mr Bissell is one of the oldest members of the Bergen Cor- net Band, at one time was lea ler of the band and has been a member of it for thirty- five years.
Seanlon, John, son of Bartholomew and Ellen (Roche) Scanlon, was born in County Clare, Ireland, June 15, 1550. His education was such as the common schools of his native coantry afforded, and at the age of mineteen he emigrated to this country and came direct to Darten, where he has since resided. Mr. Scanlon began life poor. bat by industry and good management, which is characteristic of his nationality. has succeeded in obtaining a competency of this world's goods and has two fine farmi- in Darien. He has held the position of railroad section foreman for the past eight-
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een years and still retains it. He always takes au interest in town affaire, although he has never held or aspired to public office, the only office he has ever held was school trustee for two years. On June 11, 1875, he married Lenora, daughter of Michael and Mary (Roland Haley, their children are John E., Nellie M., who was graduated in 1-07 from the Attica High School. receiving a Regent's certificate. Michael F., William J . M Raymond. James B. and Dolores Their oldest son is also a graduate from the Bryant & Stratton's Business College of Buffalo. Mi. Scanlon is a member of Kinsey Tent No. 227, K. O. T. M.
McCulley, John H., was born in Batavia, N. Y., April 16, 1837, a son of Thomas MeCalley who came to Batavia in 1914; he mirriel Sarah, daughter of Sdas Hol- lister. who came to Batavia in 1812; he was a contractor and builder, and died in 1967. John H. McCalley was e la ated in the public schools, in IM he purchased the Watrous farm, and makes a specialty of dairying Me McCulley served as high- way commissioner for twelve years. He has been successful in business, and fex men in the county enjoy a larger ac par tanen or have more friends In 1869 Mi. MeCalley was marnie I to Lucy Pease, daughter of A'vin Pease.
Post, Abraham, was born in Realington, Somerset county, N. J., on the 11th of February. 1-10. 11is ancestors were from Holland, and were of high character and respectability. In 1824 he was placed in the store of a merchant in Somerville. N. J . with whom he remained until 1590 By his industry, panetu ility, integrity and business talents be won the esteem and confidence of his employer, by whose instruc- tion and aid he became thoroughly conter ant with mercanthe transaction . In 1-10 Mr Post went to New York city where he engaged in business on his own a. - count, and in which he continued until 1537. In the latter year he relinquished in's business in the city and removei to Genesee county, where he parchased a large farm in the town of Alexander, upon which he lived as a successful farmer until is ;! Retiring from his farm in 18;1, he came to restle in the village of Batavia, where he had previously purchased land on which he had erected buildings to please himself and there he spent the remain lei of ins life. His death occurred on the Ith of Sep- tember, 1>>1. Mr. Post was a ; ible spirited man and was always a participant in every goo ! work, giving liberally to educational and religious sustitutions He was a man of strongly marked character, full of decision, firmness, integrity and good sense. In his habits and principles Mi Post inherited the elements of that high. morality which distinguished his ancestors. Mr. Post was twice married. His first wife was Miss Amy E. Hubert of Somerville. N. J., to whom he was marrie 1 in 1981. she died in 1:51, le iving six chillren, four of whom are now living. In 1-58 he was married to Miss Catherine A Jansen of Batavia, who, after twenty three years of peculiarly tender and loving companionship, survives to mourn his los
Rupp. Audrew, was born on the homestead in Batavia, May 14. 1840, a son of George M. and Julia A. Rupp. natives of Germany, who came to Batavia July 1, 1836. George M Rupp was a manufacturer of boots and shoes and died in July, 15-1 An- drow Rupp was educated in the public schools and learned the tinsmith - travle, at which he worked for over thirty years. He has been one of the assessors of the vil-
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lage of Batavia for several years. Mr. Rupp is one of the progressive men of town, taking an inte ligent interest in all public affairs and in keeping up with the improvements of the present age. He is a bachelor.
Wagner, Mathias, son of Mathias and Mary (Staple) Wagner, was born in the town Darien, Genesee county, N. Y . June 5 1853. His boyhood was passed on his fath- er's farm and in the public schools. His first busines- experience was in Pittsburg. Pa., where he was employed in a hotel for two years. He then secured a position in a glass factory, where he remaine ! for three years, at the end of which time he re- turned to Darien, where he has since been engaged in farming. On January 25. 18-6, Mr. Wagner married Mary, daughter of Daniel and Frances (Rinhard) Mead. and they had six children Mary, Joseph, Charles Frances, Lauretta and Anna. Politically Mr. Wagner is an ardent Democrat and has held the offices of school trustee, pathmaster and other offices of minor importance. In all the official place- thrust upon him by his fellow citireas he has acquitted himself to the entire satis faction of all.
Fuller, George D., p. o. Oaktield. N. Y., was born September 22, 1924. His father. Holland Fuller, was a native of New Hampshire and came to Genesee county in 1515. he died in 1973. George D was educateil at Cary Collegiate Seminary. He was married to Sarah Freeman, and after her death he was married to Mary J. Sleeper. their children are Mary C. Parker. George M., Holland, Marion, Halsey, John M. and James E. Mr. Fuller died June 6, 1995. He was a successful farmer and in all re- speets a worthy citizen.
Miller. R. Tracy, p. o Alexander. N. Y .. is a lineal descendant on the maternal side of Lieutenant Thomas Tracy, who emigrated from England to Norwich, Conn .. in 1637. This Lieutenant Thomas Tracy was the youngest son of Sir Richard Tracy of Suffolk. England, who was a descendant of Sire De Tracie, a Norman nobleman who went to England with Witham the Conqueror in 1060. The line of descent from Lieutenant Thomas Tracy is as follows 2 John, 8 Winslow, 4 Joshua, 5 Nehemiah, 6 Alansou, 7 Martha, S R. Tracy. R. Traey Midler was born in Bennington, Wya- ming county, N. Y . June 1, 1 51. When he was ten years of age his parents re- moved to Alexander, where he was educated in the publie and high schools, graduat- ing from the latter in 1-67 Mi. Millet has always tiken an active interest in town affairs, and was elected superviso: 1596, and is now serving his third term; he was chairman of the board in 189. He is frank and generous in character, affable in manner, and has many friends wherever he is known. On February 26. 1872. Mr. Miller was married to Minne L., daughter of Lyman and Philotha . Prescott) Brown ; they have two children-Lyman and Martha.
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