USA > New York > Genesee County > Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Genesee County, New York, v. 2 > Part 38
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Dutton, G. W., p. o. Le Roy, N. Y., was born in Queida county, N. Y., May 27, 1830. His father, Horace Dutton, was a native of Vermont and came to Wyoming county in 1837, where he was engaged in farming. He married Katherine Codding- ton, was justice of the peace many years, and died in 1818. G. W. Dutton was edu- cated in the common schools and the academy at Arcade, Wyoming county. On March 7, 1460, MH. Dutton married Emina, daughter of Gregory Metcalf of Vermont : they have had two children. Amcha Il. and Fred G. Mr. Dutton is one of the pro- gressive farmers of Le Roy and a respected citizen.
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Torrey, Amos G., p. o. Le Roy, N. Y., was born in Gorham, N. Y., August 4, 1838, and was engaged in the wholesale drug business. He went to Europe a number of times and reported for the New York World and Brooklyn Eagle. He married Clara, daughter of Harrison Osborne, a native of Le Roy, who was a dry goods merchant there. Their children were. Samuel, who died in 1993; Amos G. and Clara B. Mr. Torrey died in 1950. He did a large amount of literary work, contributing many articles for the leading magazines.
Patterson, Jerome J., was born in the town of Elba, N. Y., January 2, 1861, a son of Jerome and Elizabeth (Crawford) Patterson, and was educated in the schools of Data- via. He learned the druggis: business in this place and in 196 became a member of the firm of W. S. & J. J. Patterson. William S. Patterson, who was a brother of the subject of this sketch, died December 3, 1895. It is doubtful if the loss of any citizen of Batavia has ever been more deeply felt by the community. Jerome J. Patterson has since continue? the business. The establishment is now ore of the largest in Genesee county, an ! has been built up of a foundation of integrity and honorable trade metho is. Mr. Patterson is the inventor of a machine for the pro- duetion of acetylene gas which promises results of large importance. He has spent considerable time in Furope, superintending its introduction. Mr. Patterson is a Republican and acts the part of the progressive citizen in the promotion of public affairs.
Simpson, William C., was born in Ithaca, N. Y., in 1929 and came to Genesee county when a boy with his parents, Hiram and Mary Simpson. He married Christ- ina, daughter of John and Maty Monte; they have one danighter. Minme E., wife of Dr. Benjamin F Showerman. Mr. Simpson through life was connected with mercantile operations. He was for many years a member of the well known dry goods firm of Southworth & Simpson. After the death of his partner, Gardner T. Southworth, August 6, 1-84, Mr. Simpson continued the business alone until his death. His death, which occurred August 31. 1992, was a loss not only to his family. but to all who knew him; of sterling integrity and conservative character, he repre- sented a high standard of crienship. He was for many years a member of the vestry of St. James church in Batavia.
Keeney, N. B., p. o Le Roy. N. Y. was born in Le Roy, October 4, 1-20. His father was a native of Connecticut and came to Genesee county in 1-16. His mother was Mary Bishop: they had ten children, only two of whom are now living Mrs. Emma K. Bixby, of St. Louis, and N. B. Keeney. Mr Keeney was educated in the common schools and then engage I in farming. He now owns 2, 400 actes of land in South Dakota, making sheep and cattle raising a specialty. He is also engaged with his son Calvin N., in the produce and seed growing business in which they have a large and successful trade. Mr Keeney married Mary M., daughter of Calvin Ely . of Lancaster, N. Y. : they are the parents of Calvin N. Keeney and Mrs. Martha K. Robinson.
Lapp. Joseph, is proprietor of a planing mill, manufact wer of each doors, hinds,
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mouldings, cisterns, etc .. in Le Roy, the business having been established in the pig of 100 by the firm of Ko ner & Lapp. They purchased the ground and erected! thereon a large building 53 by 80 feet and equippe ! it with modern machinery. H. employs from ten to twelve men, and his goods are mostly used in this section. Jo. seph Lapp was born in Le Roy, N. Y., October 17, 1861, was educated in the public schools and was variously employed for many years. He engaged with Mr Kroner in establishing his present business, which has been successfully developed. Chark . Lapp, father of Joseph came to Le Roy in MSot and worked for Chauncey Olmsted for many years He is still living in Le Roy, now retired, and is father of eight chil- dren, six of .. hom are now living.
Gilbert, Sephrine D . secretary of S. C. Wells & Co., was born in Wyoming county, N. Y., in 1967, and came to Le Roy with his parents when three years of age. Ile was educated in the Le Roy Academic Institute, from which he was graduated in 1955 He read law with Thomas P. Hedden two years, but never entered into prac. the White in the law ntive he was elected a insties of the peace, which office he held ten years. It was at the same time engaged in the coal and ace business. In February, 1997, he became a- wanted with S C. Wells and was prommently milden tial in having the firm incorporated in Jane, 1997, he became it's secretary, which position he has held since. Upon the death of Mr. Wells, on July 21, 1897, M: Gil- bert become the acting manager of the company. They employ about twenty persons in the manufacture of the well known Shiloh's Family Remedies, Karl's Clover Root Tea, etc. Mr. Gilbert is a young man of rate executive ability and his efforts in pro- moting the large business under his management have been crowned with success Ile was a village clerk of Le Roy more than ten years, being defeated only twice in all that time. He also hold the office of justice of sessions for the years 1892 and 1816. He has been chief engineer of the fire department two years and a member of the volunteer fire department sixteen years. Io 1889 Mr. Gilbert married Ada G. Collins. of Le Roy. Mr. Gilbert's pare's were William and Harriet B. (Dailey) Gilbert, na- tives of New York State, who came to Genesve county in 1800 and located in Le Roy. Willam Gilbert died in 1ss6.
Rogers, Fred C., planing mill operator, manufacturer of sash, doors, blinds, win- dow frames, mouldlings, cisterns, dealer in timber, etc. - This business was estab- ished in 1995 og & P. Com iss, who was succeeded by Mr. Rogers in 1999. Mr. Rogers was born in the village of Le Roy, May 9, 1855, a son of Nathaniel M. and Mary J. ( Webb Rogers H's parents were natives of Connecticut and came to Gen- esee county ab mit 1926, locating in the town of Scottville and later in Le Roy. When a boy ten years of age Nathaniel M. Rogers started in life for himself. He was educated in the prible schools and worked nights and mornings for his board. He afterward worked in the thrashing machine factory at Roanoke and during the big strike of that concern he an I one other man were the only two that held out for ten hours a day, the regular day's work being twelve hours He learned the buibler's business and became a prominent contractor, erecting many buildings throughout Western New York. After the Le Roy fire be built up the barned district on the norte si le ot Main street. About 1860 he engaged exten ively in the produce but i
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ness, carryog it off until 1871. when he retired; he died in July, 1894 Fred C. Rogers was educated in the Le Roy Academic Institute and afterward followed car- pentering and building unti! 1899, at which time he purchased his present business This is now one of the largest concerns of its kind in this section. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and is noble grand of this lodge; also a member of the fire depart- ment. In 1850 Mr. Rogers married Jennie Baxter; they have three children: Fred H., Marion and Vera.
Redfield, Frank B., was born in Batavia, March 20, 1947. His father, Heman J. Redfield, was a native of Satfield, Conn , and the family trace their descent from William Redfield, who came from England in 1639. Heman J. came to Ontario county in 150g and for about twenty years practiced law in Le Roy. In 1536 he came to Batavia in the interests of the Holland Land Co He married Abbie N. Gould, January 22, 1817, who died in 1.41. aml he afterwards married Constance C. Bowles. Mr. Redfield was one of the jeomtrent men of Western New York, serving as State senator, collector of port of New Y ak under President Pistes, district attor- ney and master in chancery and other posit ants of honor and wust; he died in 1977. A sketch of his career apprais elsewhere in this was. F. B. Redfield was educated in the public schools and in Canandaigua and Cosurd, N. II. In 1974 he married Caroline, daughter of Willson Do beer; they have two daughters, Constante and Rachel Dolbeer. For many years Mr. Reddell was prominently identified with the New York State, the Western New York and the Gunesce County Agricultural Socie- ties, and he served as director of each. Of late years he has been connected with the management of the Batavia Industrial Company, of which he is an officer Mr. Redfield is one of the warders of St. James Episcopal church.
Fiske, Sylvanus W .. p . Morganville, N. Y., was born in the town of Stafford. N. Y., October 8 1-29. His father. Henry A Fiske, was a native ot Jefferson county, N. Y., and came to Genesee county in Is10, where he was engaged in farmi- ing. He married Ehza Parker: they were the patents of Samantha Fiske Brooks, born September 5. 1-31 Henrietta, born July 21. 1-34, died February 25, 1515. Aman la, boin January 15, 15446 died March 2. 1945; Earles I., born November 19, 1-39. Wilbur, born May 5, 1513, died February 24. 1.D. Hemy L , boin May 15. 1845, died March 1, 1-45, Walis and Sylvanus W. Henry A Pashe died September 22, 140%, aged sixty years. His wife was born December 19, 1310, an I died January 20. 1864. Sylvanus W. Fiske was educated in the common schools and has always been a farmer. He was commissioner of highways three years an ! assessor for three years. In 1%il he married Genette, daughter of Aaron Beswack, they had one son. Henry L., born November 29. 1861 died February 19. 1 29 In answer to an inquiry from the editor of this publication, Mr. Fiske has late'y writtes the following, " In the early fifties I commenced with my wife to work out a neot for sixty actes of land. I desired to see something of the world that I lived in. When the eighties arrived I began to see a chance, and : Hove lit up for eight years, Visiting the Rockies, Man . moth Cave. Washington and Cahforma, shopping at all my chant punts as I jour- nevel. Then I went to Europe for three months. The new year I went to the National Park, to Alaska and as far as Chillout, where the; make icebergs of the
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ocean. It was always natural for me to gather all I could of nature's fine things In crossing the fields my pockets would fill up in spite of me, but my general work of gathering commenced about the time I saw that I would be able to see something of the world." Mr. Fiske has been an ardent student of writare and of the works of primitive man. ITis collection of Indian relies gathered in many parts of the eoun- try, is a very remarkable and1 valuable one. It is now, by the liberality of the col- lector. in the possession of the Holland Purchase Historical Society, and is preserved in the famous Old Land Office at Batavia, where it attracts much interest and admira- tion. Mr. Fiske enjoys the thorough respect and confidence of the community and his mind is stored with much that is curious and interesting on the special topics to which he has devoted so much attention.
Sprague, Eunice, p. o. Alexander, N. Y., is a daughter of William and Melissa Hyde) Sprague, and was born in Livonia, Livingston county, N. Y., May 21 1-15. She is a descendant on the maternal side from William Hyde, who came from En- gland in 1633 to Massachusetts, and in 1849 located in Saybrook. Conn. ; through Samitel (2), born in Hartford, Conn., in 1687 ; Samuel, jr. (3), born in Norwich. Cont . in 1665; Elijah (4). born in Lebanon, Conn., in 1405; Moses (5), born in Lebanon, Conn . September 11, 1751. Melissa (6), born in Connecticut, February 1, 1794; E4- mice (7), (the subject). Moses Hyde (5) married, in Connecticut, December 6. 1757. Sarah Hyde Dana, daughter of Anderson and Susannah Huntington Dana; she was boin September 30, 1703, and lied November 5, 1854 Anderson Dana was born in Connecticut and was a lawyer. He removed to Pennsylvania, where he lived six years. At the Wyoming massacre he was killed, as was a son-in-law named Whiting. Mrs. Dana, his wife, after the battle went to her house, a mile from the fort, and gathered such necessaries as she could carry and her husband's valuable papers, in momentary fear that she might be killed; that night, with her children and one horse, in company with two other families, she set out for Connecticut, picking her way through the woods by marked trees for fifty miles; after three weeks of weari- sonie travel and much suffering they arrived in Connecticut. William Sprague and Melissa Hyde were married in Middleburg, Schoharie county, N. Y., on April 1. ISIO. they removed to Livoni, N. Y., in 1811, to Covington in 1530, and to Alexander in 1-48. William Sprague was born September 12, 1784 and died on May 1, 1962 and his wife Melissa died on July 30, 1567, in Alexander Their children were as follows. (1) Harry Sprague, In February 6, 1911, married Janet Scott on December ks, 1-10. and died December 18, 1886; he was a successful farmer, an honest man, and highly respected by all who knew him; they had two sons. Albert, born January 21. 1-43. married Chimena Paine on December 20, 1974; and Edwin, born July 19, 1847. and now lives with his mother at the old home in Covington. (? Cynthia Sprague, born February 10, 1513. married Henry Watkins on April 2. 1432. and died October 17. 1941 ; she was a true Christian woman, devoted to her family and always ready to help in any good work. Their children were as follows Nathan M. Watkins, born in Covington, N. Y., September 23, 1836, married Martha Gilmore on December 1. INAS, died May 21. 1992; and Mary M., born February 10, 1851, died August 99, 1-69 -a dutiful daughter, greatly mourned by her parents and friends. (3; Eunice Sprague, born May 21. 1515; she has never married, but devoted herself to her par-
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ents as long as they lived, She still lives in the old home. For many years she lived alone, protected by a faithin! dog. (4) Lester Sprague, born in Livonia, September 7. 1919; he was graduated from Hobart College, Geneva, N. Y., with the degree of M. D., and first practiced in Homes, Mich., and subsequently in Naples, N. Y., where he had a successful practice. October 25, 1813, he married Martha J. Lyou, and his death occurred on June 19, 1463, where he was beloved and mourned by many to whom he had ministered. The children of Lester and Martha J. Sprague were these. William Lyon, born at Naples, July 27, 1849; graduated from Cornell University with the degree of A. B. in 1870, and from Hobart College as A. M. in 1890; married Alice Everett of Dansville. N. V., on January 12, 1893; he was principal of Naples Union school from 1864 to 1969. instructor in Latin and Greek in the State Normal School at Buffalo, 1859-96, and now has charge of public school No. 34 in Brooklyn, N. Y. : he has a strong character and is a good representative of a long line of worthy ancestors; and Laura Eunice, born July 27, 1860, at Naples ; she was graduated from Michigan University at Ann Arbor with the degree of Ph. B. in June, 1991, taught in the State Normal School at Buffalo several years, and is now in a ladies' school in Brooklyn, where thirty-five teachers are employed. She is called a very successful teacher. 5) Drayton Sprague, born December 80, 1521, and married Cordelia Loomis November 15, 1854; he has been a successful farmer and has satisfactorily filled various public offices in his town. He served as supervisor in 1870 and 1871. Ifc possessed a decided taste tor music, and for several years led the church choir. In 1896 he was severely injured by an accident, and the remainder of his life was filled with great suffering, borne with unfailing patience. Ile died in May, 1-99. Carl Drayton, only surviving child of Drayton and Cordelia Sprague, was born November 1, 1558: married Carrie Jane Lewis February 21, 18 6. They have one child, Clar- ence Leon, born November 9, 1589. (6) Elmer Sprague, born August 24, 1533, died in infancy. (7) George Sprague, born June 25, 1937; he received the degree of M. D. from Albany Medical College, and during the Civil War enlisted as assistant surgeon in the 5th Ohio Cavalry, his first service being at the battle of Pittsburg Landing ; he was in active service for fall three years, a portion of the time as surgeon of his regi- ment. He was a skillful sargeou. In 1565 he settled in Alexander, where he died of diphtheria November 26 of the same year.
Lewis, Witham Walter, was born in Alexander, N. Y., August 27, 1>It. He is the son of Anson and Mary (Pe LY Lewis, Anson I . wie was a prominent ut zen of Aies ander and served several years as supervisor of the town, where his father, James Lewis, had been one of the pioneer settlers. James Lewis died September 2, 1971, and the death of Anson Lewis occurred December 31, 1992 W. W. Lewis was edu- cated in the public schools and in the Genesee and Wyoming Seminary at Alexander. In 1962 he entered the employ of the Erie Railroad. In 1964 he went south in the employ of the United States as military telegraph operator, and after the close of the war he remained in East Tennessee asan operator until 1sex From 1569 to 1542 he was the station agent of the Enie Railroad at Caledonia. In the latter year he came to Batavia to take a similar position, which he still retains. In 1921 he married Jennie Carmichael and they have one daughter Blanche, the wife of Arthur M. Armstrong, of Buffalo. Mr. Lewis has for many years been one of the directors of the Genesce
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County Loan and Bidding Association, in which he takes a great interest. He is a public spirited citizen and is active in school and church matters; in politics he 15 a a Republican. He served as president of the village of Batavia for the year 1-99.
Gleason, Patrick, p. o. Le Roy, N. Y., was born in Le Roy June 18, 1859. Hi- father, Michael Gleason, was a native of Ireland and came to Genesee county in 1550; his wife was Mary, daughter of Thomas Mackey, and their children were Patrick. Thomas and Katherine. Mr. Gleason died March 9, 1572, and his wife July 5. 1455 Patrick Gleason was educated in the common schools and afterwards worked in the produce business. In 1956 he engaged in the coal and produce business for himself. In 1988 Mr. Gleason married Mary F., daughter of Robert Moody; they are the parents of Mary, who died in 1892; Agnes, Robert and Philip. Mr. Gleason now has one of the largest cold storage establishments in Western New York, having two large refrigerator machines ; large quantities of fruit are brought here from different States. He has branch offices in a number of other towns in this State. He also owns a very large buan elevator, handling about a quarter million bushels a year and employing 150 people.
Miller, F. W. & Co , miansfacturers of machinery and agricultural implements of all descriptions. - - This business was established in 1850 by A. Miller & Son and con- tinued until 1986 under that name. The father died in 1946 and the business was continued by F. W Mile: until the beginning of May, 1597, since which time it has been conducte ! by the F. W. Miller Manufacturing Co., the partner being C. W. Bradley. They removed to Le Roy in the fall of 1905 and Mr. Moller erected the buildings in that year, the main building being 100 by 40 feet, foundry, 80 by 50 feet. and three other buildings. They em loy on an average twenty-five men an.l do a laige business in the manufacture of various kinds of implement - and machin- ery. Mi. Miller is a native of Orleans county, N. Y., born in 1854, and was eda- cated in the Normal School at Brockport. He is a practical mechanic with rare natural aptitude for the basiness Mr. Miller is also an inventor and is the patentee of the celebrated Miller Bean Harvester, which is widely known ; is also inventor of the Miller's Pride Steel Land Roller, Miller's Bean Planter and a number of other improvements in plows, cultivators, etc., all of which are manufactured by this company. In the spring of 1-95 Mr. Miller was nominated for president of the vil- lage of Le Roy, but dechued the nomination. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge Ile has been twice married; first to Marian C. Crathers, and second, in 1499, to Charlotte L. Tittany; they have thive sons Joseph A., aged nine years; Walter O, aged four years, and Fred Tiffany, an infant.
Hills, J. R., p. o Le Roy. N. V., was born in Albany, N. Y., December 13, 1$30, a son of Rensselaer Ihills, a native of Albany also. Mr. Hills married Jennie, daugh- ter of Ass! Knapp, of Dutchess county, a man of sterling integrity and a farmer. Mrs. Hills has one daughter, Matie L. Hills Trega. Mr. Hills died July J, 1853. He was a thorough business man and in the community where he lived was highly esteemed.
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Brown. John S., was born in Batavia, N. Y .. June 1, 1856. His father, John Brown, was a native of Ireland and came to the United States in 1813, settling in Batavia He died in October, 1896, and his wife in May, 1897. In 1996 Mr. Brown established his present grocery business. In 15 ; he married Margaret E. Keufe; they have had these children : Margaret, Louise, Joseph, Leo, William, Stephen, Edmund and Vin- cent. Margaret died in 1893. Mr. Brown is a respected citizen of Batavia and by honorable methods has built up a successful business.
Moulton, Warren E., p. o. Alexander .- The Moulton family were among the first settlers of the town of Alexander. Captain Royal Moulton, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Springfield, Mass , December 26, 1772, and he died in 1865 He was the first settler on the Batavia road and the first Whig super- visor elected in the town. He was a son of Joseph Moulton, who was married three times and had nineteen children In some instances a younger child was given the same name as a child who hol Red. Royal Moulton married Betsey Trask. She died in 1:49. The children of this family were Polly born in 1997, died 1889; Lewis born in 1800, died in 1302; Betsey born in 1502, Lucinda born in 1901; Marcia born in 1806: Elbridge Gerry born August 25d. 1812; and Byram born in 1818. Elbridge Gerry Moulton is now the oldest living native born resident of the town of Alexander. He was engaged in the day goods business for many years and has the credit of hav- ing done a larger volume of trade than any other man in Alexander, his sales in some instances having amounted to more than $100 000 a year. He served as supervisor in 1840, fifty-nine years before the publication of this work. The services of no other surviving supervisor date back so far into fourteen years He was also a member of the board of supervisors for the year 1815. He has also served as town clerk and was postmaster from 1819 to 1958. In 1970 he was elected to represent Genesee county in the Assembly of the State and was honored by re-election in 1800 By his first wife Mr. Moulton has two children. Franklin G. Moulton and Mrs. Helen B. Tisdale, both residing in Batavia. In 1549 he married Mary, daughter of Pomeroy and Harriet (Buell) Warren, and they had four children May E., now deceased, who was the wife of John T. Chamberlin, Warren E., Mrs. Harriet C. Cotes and Mrs. Edith A. Spann. Mrs. Moulton died April 23. 1899. Warren E. Moulton was born in Alexander, April 21, 1853. He was educatel at the public schools and at the Genesce and Wyoming Seminary. After leaving school he engaged in farming un- til 1891, when he opened a bean house. In 1994 he formed a co-partnership with Davi.l G. Thomas onder the firm name of W. E. Moulton & Co., and the firm are dealers in grain, beans and other farm produce. Mr. Moulton married Cora A .. daughter of David and Betsey (Chaddock) Johnson, and they have one daughter, Bessie M , born April 5, 15-0. He always has been a Republican and is one of the most active and influential men in his town and county in party matters.
Mockford. Edward John, was born in England in 1-53 and came to the United States in 1856. In 1868 he entered the employ of Johnston, Huntley & Co at Brock- port, and when the business was reorganized under the name of The Johnston Harv- ester Company he continued his connection with the concern. Starting in a sabordi- nate position he subsequently filled the positions of bookkeeper, cashier, secretary.
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