USA > New York > Genesee County > Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Genesee County, New York, v. 2 > Part 35
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Miner, Austin T., was born in Berkshire county, Muss., February 9, 1811, and with his parents, Leman and Joanna Tauer Miner, came to Genesee county in 1816, among the pioneer settlers. Leman Miner died in 1936. Austin Miner was edu- cated in the district schools and in Wyoming, after which he taught school for sey- eral years. From 1810 to 1850 he was interested in woolen manufacture. In 1957 he married Exana M. Smith, who died in 1-10 He afterward married Caroline A., daughter of Ebenezer E. Brown; they have eight children. Lyman B., John A , Otis A., Seward H., Donnelly S., Sherman L, George Elliot, Mrs. Mary J. Rickert and Mrs. Florence Taverdale.
Uphill, William Il., was born in Somerset, England, and canie to the United States April 10, 1-50, with his parents, Thomas and Ann Uphill, settling in Erie connty. He came to Genesce county in 1965. William H. Uphill was educated in the common schools. In 1550 he married Alee, daughter of Orlando Spencer: they have three children. James G., Sarah and Louise. Mr. Uphill is a prominent farmer
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and interested in public affairs. In 1-90 he was elected highway commissioner nod has served seven years.
Terry, John W., was born on the homestead in Batavia, N. Y., October 1. 1515. His father, George W., was a native of the town of Byron, N Y., where his father, George W. Terry, settled about 1810. George W., sr., married Jemima Gillett, and died in 1850. George W., jr., married Lavinia, daughter of Roswell Graham, for his first wife; his second wife was Emily, daughter of Chester White. Mr. Terry died April 9, 1879, in his sixty eighth year. John W. Terry was educated in the com- mon schools and in 1876 married Jennie daughter of Albert Parker; they have five children: George A , Parker C., Walter J., John W., jr., and Jessie R.
Reid, James, was born in Ireland, September 11. 1>24, and came to the United States in 1846, settling in Batavia. In 1865 he married Mary Dean; they had six children: Patrick, John, Roger James, Mary and Catherine.
Fitzsimons, John, was born in County Westmeath, Ireland, in 1818, a son of John and Ann (Evers) Fitzsimons. His father was a lifelong farmer and emigrated to the United States in 1963. coming direct to the town of Sweden, Monroe county, N. Y .. where he resided five years. He then moved with his family to Bergen, where he bought a farm on which he and his wife spent their remaining days. John Fitzsim- ons attended school in Ireland and came to America with his parents, remaining with them and assisting on the farm until nearly the time of their death. In 1883 he pur- chased his present farm of 110 acres, to which he moved in 1886 Mr. Fitzsimons is a consistent believer in the principles of Democracy and is a respected citizen. In February, 1856, he married Margaret McCormick; they have three children: Dessie, born in 1888; Marie, born in 1>90, and Helena, born in 1991. Mr. and Mrs Fitasii- ons are members of St. Peter's Church of Le Roy.
Smith, Mary E., p. o. Darien Center, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Bell) Champany, and wife of the late J. Craig Smith, was born in the town of Columbia, llerkimer county, N. Y., April 30, 1835. Her childhood was spent at home and in the common schools. Her parents removed to Rome, Oneida county, where she was employed in a cheese factory. It was here that she first met Mr. Smith, who was employed by the same firm as bookkeeper. In September, 1859, they were married and subsequently Mr. Smith was placed in charge of a factory at Truston, N. Y., making cheese from the milk of 1,550 cows. In 1873 he removed to Darien Center, bought the store and cheese factory of John Buckley, where he carried on business until his death, March 28, 1998, Mr. Smith was one of the prominent men of the town, was a staunch Republican and held the office of town clerk for eight years. He was a member of New Ludge No. 451. I. O. O. F., and of the Order of the Mac- cabees.
Childs, Wilber J., p. o. Pembroke, N. Y., was born in the township of Pembroke. N. Y., June 1, 1812, was edueated in the common schools and his early life was speld in farming. For the past thirteen years he has been a general merchant in Pem-
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broke. In 1892 he was appointed postmaster by the Cleveland administration, hav- ing been deputy postmaster for several years before. April 16, 1944, he married Lizzie L. Litt of Pembroke, and they have one son, Lawrence Litt, born October 6, 1894. Mr. Childs's father, William Childs, was born in Connecticut in 1751 and was a farmer. He married Sarah Whiting of his native place, who bore him eight chil- dren: Zulyman, Amelia, Emily, Eliza, and in 1815 the family came to Batavia, where were born Luey A., Sarah J., Mary E. and Wilber J. Mr. Childs died in 1863 and his widow in 1874 Henry Childs, grandfather of Wilber J., was born in Con- nectieut and was prominent in e locational affairs, having taught school many years Mrs. Childs's father, John Litt, was born in Germany, April $. 1508, where he was educated. He married Clara Young of his native place, who was born in 1812; they had four children. Juba L , Clara, Conrad and Lizzie L., all boin in Germany except Mrs. Childs. Julia L mastied Dan Dean of Pembroke. Clara married Frederick Senn of Pembroke; they hol five children Julia, Clara, Henry, Martha and John. Mrs. Senn died September # 1873. Conrad was a soldier in Co C., 100th N. Y. In- fantry, and was killed at Fort Wagner in 1863. Mr. Litt died January 22, 1879, and his wife October 10, 1573. Mr. and Mrs. Childs are members of the Christian Church, of which he is one of the elders and Sunday school superintendent.
Earl, Thomas A., p. o. Attica, N. Y., son of Mablon and Elva A (Earl) Earl, was born in the town of Alexander. Genesee county, N. Y., August 8, 1463. He received his education in the Attica U'uion School. From his boyhool he had a natural fond- ness for telegraphy. and early in life began an apprenticeship in the Erie Railroad station at Alexander. Later he entered the employ of the L. S. & M. S. Railroad at Erie, Pa. where he remained two years, when he was transferred to Salamanca, and there remained five years. He then entered the train dispatcher's office at Os- wego, in the employ of the R., W. & O. Railroad, remaining in their employ there and at Syracuse six years He next went to Rochester in the N. Y. C. & H. R. Rail- road office, and after one year resigned his position and returned home, where he has since been engaged in farming. On September 29, IST, Mr. Earl married Gertrude L., daughter of Edward C. and Rusha (Smith) Bryant of Hornellsville, N. Y.
Nightingale. John, was born in Yorkshire, England, March 10, 1820, and came to the United States in 1832. with his parents, David and Sarah Nightingale, settling in Rome, N. Y. He married Caroline E., daughter of Bemamin E. Wheat; they have three sons George II., Frank A and Charles R. Mr. Nightingale is a success- ful farmer, has served as assessor and highway commissioner, takes an intelligent interest in town matters and is recognized as a man of storling integrity. George Nightingale married Hattie L., daughter of S. S. Brown, and they have one daugh- ter, Auna L. Mr. Nightingale is one of the old residents of the town of Byron.
Bull, Pierrepont E., was born in Stephentown, Rensselaer county, N.Y .. August 31, 1799. His father, Almer Ball, was a native of the same county, as I the family trace their desceut from Thomas Bull, who came to the United States in the ship Hopewell, landing in Connecticut in 1635. Pierrepont E. Bull came to Genesee county in 1826, and married Rhoda, daughter of Nathan Patches, they had two
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daughters: Mrs. Eli abeth Barker of Clarendon, and Miss R. W. Bull. Mr. Bull was one of the successful and respected farmers of Genesee county, and his death, which occurred in 1868, was a distinct loss to his family and the community. His wife died in 1870.
Hall, Samuel T., was born in Elba, February 27, 1834, and is a son of Zurial and . Polly (Ford) Hall. His father was a native of Connecticut and came to Byron in 1809, later he moved to Rock county, Wisconsin, where he died in 18;8. Samuel T. HIall was educated in the common schools, learned the carpenter's trade and for twenty years was employed by the Johnston Harvester Co. at Brockport and Batavia. In 1859 he married Phoebe J., daughter of Jesse Seeley; they have two daughters Mrs, Charles C. Fellows and Mrs. Jewell.
Bennett, Albert F., was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, August 30, 15-13. and is a son of Lucius R. Bennett, a native of Connecticut. A. F. Bennett was edu- cated in Wisconsin and learned the miller's trade. In 1989 he came to Byron and entered into partnership with Mr. Mckenzie in the milling business. In 1565 he married Phoebe G. Mckenzie, and they have two children ; Charles and Flora. Mr. Bennett is a public spirited citizen and has served as justice of the peace.
Searls, Clayton, p. o. East Pembroke, was born on his present homestead, April 30, 1858, was educated in the public schools and East Penibroke Seminary, and is a successful farmer. December 1, 1-84, he married Millie M. Vroom of Marilla, Erie county, N. Y., and they have had three children. C. Starr. L. Clair (who died in his eiglith year), and Vera M. Mr Searls's father, John Searls, was born at Sand Lake, N. Y., April 6, 1521, and came with his parents to this town when fifteen years old. He was educated in the district schools and by his father, who was a school teacher. He was thrice married; first, on November 19, 1515, to Catherine Dobson, who died July 14, 1817; second, in 1949, to Eliza Wait, who died April 18, 1855, leaving one son, Orias W. ; and third, on March 18, 1-57, to Minerva M. Bottsford, who bore him three children: Clayton (as above); Cora A., wife of Dr. Elliott C. Smith, who died May 29, 1943, aged twenty-three years; and Melinda J., who died August 6. 1864 Mr. Searls died April 26, 1865; his widow survives at this date (1898). His father, Reuben, was born in Massachusetts in 1793, and his wife, Sophia Gould, was born in 1792. Mrs. Searls's father, Eliakim Bottsford, was born in Milford, Conn., in 1793. He married Polly Ford of his native place, born in 1800, and nine children were born to them. Mr. Bottsford died in 1875 and his wife in 1955. Mrs. Millie M. Searly's father, George Vroom, was born in Pultney, Steuben county, N. Y., in 1425. and cameto Wyoming county when a boy and subsequently removing to Erie county, where he married Hannah M. Brooks, who was born in Franklin county in 1>31. They had four children. Charlotte, Hannah E., Chester G. and Millie M. (as above). Mr. Vroom died in 1996; his widow survives at this date (189%). Mr. Searls is a Re- publican, and respected by his townsmen.
Foss, Fred, p o. Pembroke, N. Y., was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, in Octo- bet, 1539, was educated in the schools of that country, and came to the United States
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in 1860, locating in the town of Pembroke, Genesee county, N. Y., where he has since carried on farming and now owns an excellent farm. In 1861 Mr. Foss mar- ried Sophia Ilarty, of Indian Falls, they have one son, John, who is a farmer, and who married Jessie McCrae; they have four children. Roy, Jane, Bert and Fred. Mr. and Mrs. Foss are members of the German Evangelical church.
Blood, Luman, p. o. Ray, N. Y., is a son of Nathan and Rhoda (Everts) Blood, and was born in the town of Bethany. Genesee county, N. Y., March 26, 1833. After obtaining such education as was afforded by a common school in those days Mr. Blood began teaching during winters and working on the farm in summers until he was about twenty-five years of age, when he turned his attention to farming, in which he has been engagedl ever since. In April, 1858, he married Sarah Sprague . they have three children: Arthur, Fred and Cora, wife of Emory Lincoln.
Pettibone, James A., p. o. Attica, N. Y., is a native of the village of Attiea. Wyoming county, N. Y., where he was born August, 19, 1452 His ancestors were French Huguenots and came to this country in 1724, settling in Connecticut. James A. is a son of Giles and Sophronia (Sheldon) Pettibone, who came from Connecticut and Vermont respectively to Warsaw, N. Y., in 1991. In early life he had few edu- cational advantages, but in after years he was a diligent student and by his own exertion has succeeded in acquiring a good practical e location. Mr. Pettibone has devoted his entire hfe to agriculture with the exception of two years 1954 and 1885) when he was engage lin the retail boot and shoe business in . Attica. Mr. Pettibone was married February 10, 1876, to Mary, adopted daughter of Jonas and Almira (De Mary) Coon; they have five children Nettie, Edgar, James, Arthur and Ernest. Mr. Pettibone is a man of good character and is esteemed in the community.
Moulton, Orsamoad B . p. o. Alexander, N. Y., was born in Alexander, Genesee county, N. Y., August 9, 1933. His grandfather, who came from Massachusetts in 1810, was among the first settlers of that town, then almost a wilderness, and was subjected to all the privations, toil and difficulties pecahar to pioneer life. Or-amond B. is a son of Lewis and Melvina (Benedict) Moulton, and has spent his entire life upon the farm, with exception of ten years during winch he was employed by the Big Four and the Lake Shore Railroad Company, frota 1961 to 1st1. Since that time he has been successfully engaged in farming. In February. 1555, Mr. Moulton married Emily, daughter of David and Minerva (Bradway) Thorp; they have two children. Elliott, who is a station agent for the D., L. & W. Railroad, and Enana, wife of Clarence Vrooman of Alexander. Mr. Moulton is a member of Bethany Grange, and holds the office of highway commissioner of the town.
Moulton, Edward F , p. o Alexander, N Y., son of Byram and Corrinna L. (Wells) Moulton, was born in the town of Alexander, Genesee county, N. Y., August 3 1-1. Ihis father was the son of Capt. Royal Moulton, who came to Alexander in 18to, and was born near Springfield, Mass., in December, 1972. He was the first settler on the Batavia road, where he resided until his death in 1565, he was the first Whig
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supervisor elected in the town. Byram Moulton had four children: Edward F., Al- bert II., Byram, jr., and Charles W. Edward F, the eldest, was educated in the common schools and the Genesee and Wyoming Seminary. In 1862 he enlisted in the 22/1 N. Y. Independent Battery Light Artillery, and served until the close of the war. He then returned home and engaged in farming for three years, after which he entered the U. S. railway mail service, serving on all the divisions of the N. V. C. and L. S. & M. S. railroads between New York and Chicago. In 1891 he retired from the mail service and settled on his present farm where he has since re- sided. On July 3, 1562, Mr. Moulton married Ella B., daughter of Wellington and Phoebe (Beardsley) Colby. they have one son, Albert. Mr. Moulton is a member of Upton Post No. 299. G. A. R., of Batavia; has held the office of collector of taxes of the town, and inspector of elections.
Ahl, Charles. p. o. West Bethany, N. Y., son of John O. and Elizabeth (Clor) Ah !. was born in the town of Orangeville, Wyoming county, N. Y., April 20, 1841. His parents were natives of France and on coming to this country settled in Buffalo, where his father carried on a tailoring business for a number of years He subse- quently removed to Wyoming county, where he resided until his death. Charles All has always been engaged in farming. On April 10, 1873, he married Barbara Markley; they have three children : Arthur, John W. and Albert J. Mr. Ahl is an industrious and enterprising citizen.
Snell, HI. E., was born in the town of Pembroke, N. Y., October 13, 1870 His father, H. H. Snell, a native of Connecticut, came to Genesee county in 1855 with bis parents, who were among the pioneers of the town of Lindeu. H. H. Snell mar- ried Susan M. Seaman, and through life has been engaged in educational work and is now superintendent of schools at Hoosick Falls. N. V. H E. Snell was educated in the union schools, and learned the blacksmith trade, establishing his present busi- ness in Elba in 1996. In 1991 Mr. Snell married Miriam, daughter of Edward Shaf- fer; they have two sons: Wade II. and Harold E.
Turner, A. L., was born in Clarendon, N. Y., September 6, 1861, a son of Charles and Orvilla (Pettengill) Turner, and was educated in Clarendon and Holley. In 1583 he came to Elba and established his hardware business. In 1985 he married Harriet, daughter of David Weatherbec, and they have one daughter, Grace Mr. Turner is one of the progressive business men of his town, has served as justice of the peace twelve years, and takes an active interest in political affairs.
Allen, Gideon, p. o. Alabama Center, N. Y., was born in Washington county, Jan- uary 9, 1824, a son of Joseph and Eliza (Case) Allen. His father was a native of Washington county and came to Genesee county in 1835, where he was a farmer; he died in 1856. Gideon Allen was educated in the common schools and for twelve years worked at the carpenter and joiner trade. He then took up farming. In 1851 he married Marcia Willis, daughter of Sylvester Willis of Rutland, Vt. ; they have two children, Bertie and John W. Mr. Allen's long life has been so spent as to bring him the respect of the community.
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Roberts, Charles D., p. o. Wheatville, N. Y., was born in Alabama, October 21, 1853, a son of George and Sarah (Starkweather, Roberts. Charles D. was educated in Cary Seminary and has always followed farming. He married Jennie Maus; they have two children: J. G. and Kittie R.
Fountain, Norton, p o. Oakfield. N. Y., was born in Mendon, Monroe county. N. Y., November 11, 1433. Ilis father was a native of Orleans county, and married Pauline Davis, daughter of Martin Davis, their children were Johu, Robert, Jerome, Iloward, Caroline, Adelaide and Norton Mh. Fountain died in 1861. Norton Foun- tain was educated in Macedon Center and at the Rochester Business College. after which he taught school three years Mr. Fountain is one of the progressive farmers of Alabama and a man of ex. dllent character and of sterling integrity.
Vancuren, Edward, for ten years past has been one of the successful farmers of Genesee county. He is one of a family of four children of Charles and Catherine (Groat) Vaneuren, and was born in Rochester, N. Y. He married Enuly Dunn of Pembroke ; they have one son. Arthur The family reside in Darien, p. o. Corfu.
Maloney, John, son of Thomas and J than Delenanty Maloney, was born in Gene- seo, Livingston county. N. Y . May 12, 1461. He came with his father's family to Darien in 1576, where he was educated on the public schools, supplemented by a course at the State Normal school at tienesen. He has devoted his entire life to agricultural parsaits. Politically he is a Democrat and has held the office of tax col- lector, pathmaster, school committeeman and excise commissioner, all of which he has filled to the entire satisfaction of his fellow towasmen. On February 5, 1853. Mr. Maloney married Ellen A., daughter of Martin and Ellen (Scanlon) Haley ; and they have had nine chibben. Nellie. Martin and Thomas (twins). William, Mary (deceased), John, Leo, Robert E. and Julia Mr. Maloney resides in Darien
Ingraham, George S., son of Alfred and Lucinda (Watkins) Ingraham, was born in the town of Springwater. Livingston county, N. Y., October 19, 1825. When he was two years of age his parents removed to Wayland, Steuben county, where he was educated in the common schools. Ile lived at home until twenty-three years old, when he took up the carpenter trade, wine he followed for ten years. In July, 1853, Mi. Ingraham married Ameba South, and their children are Maty, wife of Charles Neal; Ira Harmon. Albert and Edwin H. Mr. Ingraham's father was a sollier in the war of Isle, hus grandfather was in the Revolutionary war. M. In- graham resides in Darien.
Wagner, Joseph W., son of Mathias and Mary (Staple) Wagner, was born in the town of Darien, Generce county, N. Y., March 18, 1975 His parents were natives of Germany and came to this ecantry in 1-17, settling in Dagen, where they spent the remainder of their I.ver. Mr. Wagner received his early education in the cont- mon schools of his native ! xxy and in the town of Allen. He worked on his father's farm until June 17, 15%4, when he martie I Mary, daughter of Linge and Katherine
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(Huber) Dunham, one of the oldest families in Darien. They have five children: John, Rosa. Ada, Edward and Frank Mr. Wagner is a member of the Genesee County Grange and one of Darien's most respected farmers.
Seymour, M. D., p. o Oakfield. N. Y., was born in Mayville, N. Y., August 21, 1864, and is a son of J. M. and Helen (Burnett) Seymour. Atter obtaining his edu- cation in the common schools and Mayville Seminary, he taught school for five years and then engaged in contracting and the millwright business. He came to Oakfield in 1993 and built the stucco works, which has a capacity of forty tons of product in ten hours and employs thirty-five men. Mr. Seymour married Mary E Hart ; they have two children, Miller and Loren. .
Root. Oliver. p. o. Oakfield, N. Y., was born in Cattarangus, N. Y., February 5. 1$17, a son of Oliver Root, who was a native of Whitestown, N. Y., born March 16. 1793, and one of the pioneer settlers of Cattaraugus county; he died aged seventy- eight years Oliver Root, the subject, was educated in the common schools and is a successful farmer. le came to Batavia in 1\3; and to Oakfield in 1849. He mar- ried Sarah Sprague. Their children are Charles W., William, Emory, Lillie, Elme: E., Otis and Frank.
Fee:lear, Jerome T., is one of the best known teachers in Genesee county, and was born in Orleans county, N. Y , February 6, 1845, a son of John B. and Elizabeth A. (Bradford) Feezlear. Elizabeth Bradford was a direct descendant of William Bradford, who was one of the first governors of New York. John B. Feezlear was a native of Wayne county, N. Y., and a blacksmith by trade, which he followed throughout his life Jerome T. Feezlear received his education in the Holly Academy and began teaching in 1561. In 1862 he received an appointment as eleik in the internal revenue office, which position he resigned within a year on account of ill health. He has resumed his former occupation and has taught continuously each year since, making in all a period of thirty-seven years in the profession. He came to Bergen in 1865. In 1801 and 1565 he offered his services to the government by enlistment, his mother objecting each time, and he was rejected on account of his youth. In politics Mr. Feezlear is a Republican and has been elected and several times re-elected to the office of justice of the peace. He has often represente l his town as a delegate in the county, judicial and assembly conventions. He is a promi- uent member of the Odd Fellows of thirty years' standing and fourteen yearsa mem- ber of the State Grand Lo lge He is the senior member of the school board of Ber- gen and has always manifested a keen interest in local educational affairs On Feb- ruary 26, 1467, he married Sarah E , only child of Alonzo and Ann Sackett; they have two children: Jerome and Jennie.
McElver. James, was born in the North of Ireland, May 1, 1824, and came to the United States with his mother, Mary Anderson MeElver, who settled in St. Law- rence county. His father ched in Ireland in 1824. Mr. MeElver was educated in the common schools, learned the blacksmith's trade in Ogdensburgh, and in I-46 came to Genesee county, settling in Byron in 1848. In 1524 he purchased the Cummings
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foundry, and at the present time is making a specialty of manufacturing agricultural implements In 1sti Mr. MeElver married Maria Olmsted; their children are James, William. Bart. Edwin, Then MeCard. Mrs. Cora Post and Mrs. Addie Far- rington. Mr. MeElver is one of the self-made men of Genesee county, has served as collector, and takes an active interest in local public affairs. He is a member of Byron Lodge of Odd Fellows, No. 655.
Norton, Harry C., was born in Byron, April 5. 1859 a son of Erastus H. Norton, also a native of Byron, and grand-on of Harmon Norton, who came to Genesee county from East Bloomfield. Erastes H Norton married Mary M., daughter of Jedediah Harris, and was a farmer all his life In 1-62 he enlisted in the 8th N. Y. Heavy Artillery and served three years. He was prominent in the affairs of the town; he died February 25, 1805. H C. Norton was educated in Batavia and at Oberlin Col- lege, and taught school for five years In 1sso he married Cornelia Knight; their children are Clarence. Charles, Ruth, Gertr : le and Francis. Mr. Norton is a man of refinement and education, public-spirited in the best sense, and enjoys the respect of the community.
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