USA > New York > Madison County > Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Madison County, New York > Part 66
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
General Laws, and Poor Laws committees, and was conspicuous in dis- cussions and general work.
As a lawyer Judge Smith has been for years a leader of the county bar, and has figured in many important trials, including several murder cases. He usually goes on the stump during gubernatorial and presi- dential contests, and also frequently speaks on other public occa- sions. He possesses a pleasing personality, an affable manner, and as above stated, there are few people in Madison county whom he cannot call by name. For fourteen consecutive years he served as one of the examiners of applicants for admission to the bar, first in the third and afterwards in the fourth department; therefore most of the younger attorneys of this section know him well. In March, 1899, Governor Roosevelt appointed him judge of Madison county, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Judge Kennedy, and at the Republican County Convention of 1899 he was unanimously nominated to this high posi- tion. Judge Smith married in March, 1864, Mary E. Osborne, daughter of Wells Osborne of Smithfield. Three sons have been born of this union: G. Wells, of the county bar; Edwin Dudley, who died when about five years of age, and Kenneth O. Smith, now preparing for college at Colgate academy.
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JACOB TEN EYCK.
IN the past history of the town of Cazenovia the Ten Eyck family has occupied a conspicuous and honorable place. Jacob Ten Eyck re- moved from Albany to Cazenovia about the year 1807, when only twelve years of age and found employment in the pioneer store man- aged by Samuel Forman, which has been noticed in Chapter VI. This store had then been open only a few years and the little settlement around the beautiful lake was in its early infancy. Mr. Ten Eyck came to his mercantile occupation endowed with those native qualities that never fail to win success. In the year following his arrival in Cazenovia he purchased the stately mansion, which was then incom- plete, built by Mr. Forman, which he finished and occupied, and which has ever since remained in the family. He remained in the store five or six years, enjoying the confidence of his employers and acquiring a thorough business knowledge. At the close of that period he estab- lished a mercantile business on his own account, which he successfully
HENRY TEN EYCK.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
conducted until about 1830. While thus engaged he also became in- terested in extensive business undertakings in the western part of the State. When he closed his mercantile career in Cazenovia Mr. Ten Eyck was widely known as a prosperous, enterprising and honorable merchant whose business standing was the highest and whose practical financial judgment and foresight were unquestioned.
The old Madison County Bank was organized in 1831, as elsewhere noticed, and Mr. Ten Eyck was chosen as one of the first board of di- rectors. Perry G. Childs was elected the first president of the bank, in which office he was succeeded by Mr. Ten Eyck. He held this position until near the time of his death and was succeeded by the late B. Rush Wendell. Mr. Ten Eyck married a daughter of Joseph Burr and both he and his wife died in Savannah, Ga., in 1853, within three days of each other, of yellow fever. They left one son, Henry Ten Eyck, and two daughters.
Henry Ten Eyck married Elizabeth Wendell and occupied the beau- tiful homestead on the shore of the lake, where his widow now resides. Mr. Ten Eyck died on April 4, 1884. They had an adopted daugh. ter who is now the widow of Capt. Theodore C. Rogers, of the United Statesarmy. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers had a daughter, who is now Mrs. Elizabeth Ten Eyck Carpenter.
B. Rush Wendell, before mentioned, came to Cazenovia in 1846 and was the founder of the family in Madison county. He was then a young law student. He married Margaret (Ten Eyck) Burr and to them were born four sons, one of whom is deceased. The living are Burr Wendell, Rush Wendell, and Ten Eyck Wendell, all residents of Cazenovia. In the social and business life of the village these families have occupied positions of distinction. 42
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PART III.
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
Abbott, William Wallace, was born in the town of Nelson, December 30, 1844, a son of William B. and Esther (Walsworth) Abbott, who had three children: William Wallace, Elizabeth L. (born December 26, 1846), Emma E. (born July 18, 1848), all natives of the town of Nelson. William B. followed farming and was a son of Caleb and Lucinda Odell Abbott, who had six children named William B., Charity Ann, Chancey H., Lucinda, Caleb, jr., and Marsha Elvira. Lucinda's first husband was Bolivar Schermerhorn and they had one son, Simeon Schermerhorn. William B. came from Sullivan county and settled in Madison county about 1818, where he car- ried on general farming. William Wallace Abbott was educated in the common schools of the town of Nelson and was associated with his father in business until his father's death on November 14, 1882. After his death he to 'k full charge of the business. February 21, 1866, he married Martha, daughter of James Ham, and they have one son, Chauncey. Mr. Abbott has been active in town affairs, has been in- spector, and excise commissioner nine years, and has zealously supported the schools.
Abbott, Frank J., p. o. Munnsville, was born in Lebanon, Madison county, Sep- tember 15, 1845, a son of Daniel and Esther (Holt) Abbott. Daniel was a native of Lebanon, born in 1805, a son of Daniel Abbott, born in Massachusetts and came to Lebanon about 1800, where he spent his last days. The father of Frank J. Abbott was a blacksmith by trade and settled on the farm Frank J. now owns in December, 1858, and here died in 1891. His wife died in 1882, and they had five children, three now living. Frank J. was reared and educated in Lebanon, and since twelve years of age has lived on the farm he now owns. In politics he is a Republican. He was married in 1875 to Sarah Blair, who was born in Madison Center, October 4, 1853; they have had two children: Rinaldo and Herman F., both deceased. Mrs. Abbott is a member of the M. E. church, which the family attend and support. Mr. Ab- bott's great-grandfather was in the Revolutionary war.
Abell, Jabez W., son of Horatio and Aurilla (Whitney) Abell, was born in Caze- novia on the farm where he now resides, September 13, 1841. The deed of this place given to his grandfather, also Jabez, in 1793, has never gone out of the possession of the family. The last named was one of the earliest settlers of the town of Cazenovia and a man of importance in his time. Horatio Abell was all his life a farmer in Cazenovia and a man universally liked and esteemed by his associates. He was born on the home farm, August 8, 1802, and died there May 30, 1852. Of his union with
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
Aurilla Whitney only one son was born, Jabez W. Abell, The latter was educated at Cazenovia Seminary; has been principally occupied in farming, and is one of the representative men of the town. He is a member of Cazenovia Lodge, No. 616, F. & A. M .; Manlius Chapter No 72, R. A. M .; and for some time of the Central City Masonic Veterans Association. In politics he is a Democrat. He married, September 27, 1866, Mary A. Jones, daughter of Thomas Jones of Cazenovia. Of this union is one son, Jabez W. Abell, jr.
Adams, Herbert E., son of George M. and Miriam L. (Switzer) Adams, was born in Cazenovia on the farm which has always been his home on February 13, 1859. His father was a native of Dutchess county, whence he came to Cazenovia with his parents among the earlier settlers. He died in May, 1887, in the 71st year of his age. Of his union with Miriam L. Switzer were five children, four of whom are now living: Charles H., Frank S., Herbert E., and Cora B., wife of John H. Jones of Cazenovia. Herbert E. Adams has always been engaged in farming, and is one of the representative citizens of the town of Cazenovia. He married in 1880, Cassie E. Harter, daughter of Philip J. Harter of Cazenovia. Of this union are three daughters: Jessie M., Inez B , and Florence E. R. Adams.
Andrews, Calvin G., was born in the town of Arlington, Bennington county, Vt., July 27, 1832, a son of Calvin and Amy (Weaver) Andrews, who were residents of Vermont and had eight children: Joseph, Caleb, Mary Williams, Almira Wilcox, Calvin G., Sarah Ann Moore Daniel E. and Amy Colwell. Mr. Andrews's father died September 8, 1841, and his mother February 4, 1841. After the death of his parents he lived with his brother until he was about seventeen years of age, when he started in life for himself as a farm laborer. September 10, 1856, he married Nancy A., daughter of Collins and Ermina Andrews, and they have one child liv- ing: Lora E., wife of Frank A. Wagner. In 1858 Mr. Andrews purchused a saw mill in Vermont, which he operated about six years, when he moved to the town of Nelson and settled on a farm, where he carried on general farming until five years ago, since which time he has lived retired. He has always taken an active interest in school and educational work and was trustee of the school in his district many years.
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Atkinson, John, son of William and Mary (Saxton) Atkinson, was born in York- shire, England, and came to this country with his parents in 1830. They located first at Manlius and the following year came to the town of Cazenovia, where Mr. `Atkinson took charge of the mill at Bingley which had been erected by George Rob- erts four years previous: The mill had then only two run of stones. For a time Mr. Atkinson managed the mill at Cazenovia village and subsequently bought the mill at Bingley, which has ever since been owned by the Atkinson family. William At. kinson died in 1872 and was succeeded by his son James. John Atkinson became a farmer in the town of Wayne, Erie county, Pa., and afterward removed to Nelson, where he conducted a farm for a period of eight years. At the end of that time he returned to Cazenovia and bought the interest of his brother James in the Bingley mills. Mr. Atkinson has served as assessor three years and justice of the peace in
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PERSONAL REFERENCES.
the town of Nelson four years. He married, in 1849, Lucelia Morse, daughter of Abner Morse of Nelson. Of this union there are five children: Mary, wife of Will- iam Lucas; Mercy, wife of Frank Brown of Iowa; Florence, Glendora and William. The latter was born in Wayne, Pa., August 28, 1854, and is a well-known citizen of Cazenovia, being engaged in milling and other interests. He married, in December, 1890, Ella Wheeler, daughter of Oscar Wheeler of Sheds Corners.
Audas, Garritt, who has been in business in Oneida for sixteen years as a funeral director and undertaker, was born in Vienna, Oneida county, N. Y., June 2, 1835, a son of Peter and Mary (Hailstone) Audas. His parents, who were both natives of Yorkshire, England, came to this country in the early twenties, and settled in Clin- ton, N. Y., thence removing to Western Pennsylvania, and later to Vienna in Oneida county. Peter Audas who was a farmer and millwright died December 10, 1890, having reached the advanced age of ninety-one years. Garritt Audas was educated in the common schools and until he was eighteen years old assisted in the conduct of his father's farm, also learning the carpenter's trade. He then went to Cleveland, Oswego county, N. Y., where for two years he was employed in a box factory. Later he worked as a carpenter and boat builder in that town and built many boats for the Erie Canal. When the Ontario & Western railroad was built he engaged in the busi- ness of contracting to construct bridges, and built most of the bridges in this section as well as many on the Auburn Branch. He then engaged in business in the town of Cleveland as a furniture dealer and undertaker. During his residence there he served as justice of the peace, as village trustee several terms, and as deputy sheriff of Oswego county four years. In May, 1883, Mr. Audas purchased the undertaking business of W. R. Thompson in Oneida where he has since resided. For a time he was the only undertaker in town and by virtue of his long establishment he is well known in this vicinity. He married, November 8, 1857, Jerusha H. Covell, and three children have been born to them: Anna M., wife of Prof. N. Knight of Johns Hop- kins University: Edward N. and Jessie E. (who died June 8, 1883).
Austin, Harvey O., p. o. Peterboro, was born in Stockbridge, August 3, 1821, a son of Orrin, son of Amos Austin, born in Connecticut in 1752, and who came to Stock- bridge about 1820, where he cleared a farm; he died in Smithfield, May 15, 1833. Orrin Austin was born May 26, 1792, and came to Smithfield about 1834, where he lived until his death in 1879; he married Lucy Edson, born in Stockbridge, June 8, 1802, daughter of Calvin Edson, one of the first settlers of Stockbridge. Nathan Ed- son, father of Calvin, was an early settler of Madison, N. Y., and died in Stockbridge, August 16, 1825. Calvin Edson married Dolly C. May, born in Massachusetts, De- cember 5, 1782, and died December 12, 1882. Harvey O. Austin was educated in the common schools and carries on farmiug, having a farm of 108 acres. In politics he is a Republican. July 2, 1884, Mr. Austin married Lillis A. Inman, born in Fenner, December 27, 1844, a daughter of George and Aurilla (Edson) Inman. Her parents were among the early settlers of Fenner, her father died in 1853 and her mother now lives in Smithfield. They had five children, Mrs. Austin the only one now living. Mrs. Austin was educated in Cazenovia Seminary and Utica Academy and followed teaching for about nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Austin have an adopted son, Grover P. Trowbridge.
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
Avery, George F., son of James R. and Sarah M. (Fowler) Avery, was born in Stittville, Oneida county, N. Y., August 30, 1849. His father was a farmer and also a native of Stittville where he resided all his life. Mr. Avery received an education confined to the district schools and the Holland Patent graded school. At the age of twenty he began to learn the carpenter's trade which he followed in Marcy and Utica. Later he removed to Illion, Herkimer county, N. Y., where he remained three years engaged in contracting and building, erecting numerous buildings for the Remington Company. From Illion he removed to his native place where he followed the con- tracting business about one year, and at the end of that period went to Fall City, Neb. Here he was engaged in building and contracting and also for a time con- ducted a mercantile business and dealt extensively in live stock. In 1884 Mr. Avery settled in Oneida where he has since resided. He has erected numerous residences in the village, including those owned by John Maxwell; Theodore Hand; Charles Polley; R. B. Downing; and H. C. Stone; he has also erected the German Catholic Church; the Cree & Crandall Block; and St. Patrick's parochial residence. Mr. Avery has also been engaged extensively in fire appraising for individuals and insur- ance companies. He is a member of Eumenia Lodge of Odd Fellows, and a member and trustee of the Methodist Church. He married in 1874, Emma J. Cronk, daughter of Jasper Cronk of Boonville. Seven children have been born to them two of whom survive: Charles R., and Edward E.
Boardman, Rev. Dr. George Smith, who died at Cazenovia, February 7, 1877, in the eightieth year of his age, was for fourteen years pastor of the Presbyterian church in Cazenovia. He was born in Albany, N. Y., December 29, 1796, and was gradu- ated from Union College in 1816 and at Princeton Theological Seminary in 1819. In 1821 he took up a pastorate in Watertown, N. Y., which continued for sixteen years, at the end of which period he accepted a call from a Rochester church, where he re- mained six years, with the exception of six months in 1842 when he labored at Colum- bus, Ohio, in connection with a very marked revival of religion in that place. In 1843 he took charge of the church of his denomination at Rome, N. Y., which he left in 1847 to enter upon a short pastorate at Cherry Valley. He entered upon his long and fruitful pastorate in Cazenovia in 1850. Dr. Boardman was thrice married and three children were born to him: Derick Lane, John, and George Brayton Board- man. His third wife, who survives him, was Miss Sophia Ledyard Childs, of Caze- novia, a daughter of Hon. Perry G. Childs.
Bulger, Edward, was born in Stockbridge, this county, February 22, 1830, a son of Patrick and Mary Ann (Kern) Bulger. His father, a native of Ireland, came to this country in early life and settled first in Clinton, thence removing to Stockbridge, where he became a very successful farmer, buying land until he owned several hun- dred acres; he gained the confidence and respect of the entire community and died in 1877, honored and esteemed by all who had known him. Of his union with Mary Kern ten children were born, seven of whom survive: Mrs. Martin Stisser of Oneida; Mrs. Philip McCabe; Mrs. William Dailey; Mrs. Daniel Santry; Edward; James of Willow Spring, Mo .; and Andrew of Smithfield. The subject of this notice was educated in the common schools of the town of Stockbridge, and has followed the oc- cupation of farming all his life. He left Stockbridge and came to his present farm
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PERSONAL REFERENCES.
in the year 1857. Here he has 124 acres, all under cultivation with the exception of twenty-five acres of woodland. Mr. Bulger has been a large hop grower, but in re- cent years has given his attention to other crops. By virtue of his long residence here he is well known in this vicinity, and at different times has served in minor pub- lic offices. He married in 1857, Lucy A. Allen, daughter of Daniel Allen of the town of Lenox. Two children have been born to them: Allen E., and Carrie D. Bulger.
Baker, Richard M., son of Matteson and Sophia E. (Byer) Baker, was born in Clin- ton, N. Y., July 29, 1843. His father was a Methodist minister and a prominent ad- vocate of the cause of temperance; for some years he published a temperance organ at Utica, called the Washingtonian News. Richard M. Baker was educated in the public schools of Utica, and at Whitestown Seminary. He learned the printing trade in the office of the Utica Observer where he remained two years, and then went to Hamilton as foreman of the Democratic Union which W. H. Baker had established in that village. He continued in that position until the death of.W. H. Baker, which occurred in 1872, and then, in company with S. A. Maxon, purchased the paper. Mr. Baker has been identified with the Union since its establishment, and is consequently well known throughout the county. He served four and a half years as postmas- ter in Cleveland's last administration. He is a stockholder and director of the Oneida Valley National Bank; a vestryman of St. John's Episcopal Church; and a member of Oneida Lodge, No. 270, F. & A. M. He married, in 1862, Frances M., daughter of Warren M. Rice of Hamilton. Four children have been born of this union: Clinton R .; Mrs. H. L. Sanford; Mabel A. : and Richard M., Jr.
Burdick, James F., who died at South Bay, February 18, 1873, in the 40th year of his age, kept the only hotel at South Bay for many years, and was well known throughout Madison county. He was born March 23, 1833, in Columbia county, N. Y. Mr. Burdick was a man of quiet tastes and generous impulses. He possessed all of the qualifications of a good landlord, and is remembered for his genial cour- tesy and warm hearted friendliness. He spent all of his life at South Bay. October 13, 1861, he married Charlotte Ostrander, a daughter of Philip Ostrander of Jordan, N. Y. Of their union four children were born, only one of whom survives; Mrs. David C. Armbrust of Oneida.
Betsinger, Peter, who died in Oneida, November 6, 1876, in the 75th year of his age, was a lifelong resident and well known citizen of this vicinity. He was born in Clockville, this county, January 13, 1801, a son of John Betsinger. His father was one of the earliest settlers of this region and of Mohawk Dutch descent. Mr. Bet- singer was all his life a farmer in the town of Lenox, being located near Clockville. He removed to Oneida in 1871 and resided in that village until his death. He was a man of genial nature and drew to himself many warm friends. For many years he was a regular attendant of the Methodist Church. He first married Catharine Forbes and twelve children were born to them, of whom six survive: Mrs. Salina Keller of Perry, Iowa; Mrs. Catharine Randall of Russell, Pa .; Mrs. Dianna Palmer, and Mrs. Clara A. Palmer, both of Michigan; Nicholas N., of Marcellus, N. Y .; and Daniel L., who resides on the home farm near Clockville. On May 24, 1863, Mr. Betsinger
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. .
married Sarah E. Whaley, daughter of Samuel P. and Sarah (Knapp) Whaley, who survives him.
Behr, Joseph, member of the Oneida village board of trustees, was born in Rome, N. Y., June 27, 1856. His father, a native of Germany, came to this country in early life and settled near New York city, thence removing to Rome, and later to Verona, Oneida county. Mr. Behr was educated in the common schools, and assisted in the conduct of his father's farm until he reached his majority. He was employed for a period of two years in the cheese factory at Verona Landing, and later for five years at the casket factory in Oneida. In 1887 he began business as a grocer, forming a partnership with George Dradell under the firm name of Dradell & Behr. Their association continued five years, and at the end of that time Mr. Behr sold his interest and established his present business at No. 111 Elm street, where he has been located seven years. Mr. Behr is now serving as a member of the village board of trustees. He married in 1882 Miss Emma Dick, a daughter of Jacob Dick of Oneida.
Barton, Avery, was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., September 9, 1852, a son of Jacob Perry Barton, a farmer and lifelong resident of Schoharie county. Mr. Barton spent his boyhood on his father's farm and when fifteen years old came to Oneida to enter the employ of George Lawrence, for whom he subsequently be- came a traveling agent. Later he formed a partnership with Robert A. Stewart, which is still continued, dealing in malt, grain, etc., the firm name being now Stew- art, Barton & Co. Mr. Barton now looks after the Utica business of the firm. He has resided in Oneida many years, has served as collector, and is a well known citizen. He married in 1876, Louisa, daughter of the late Christian Harp, and one daughter has been born to them, Nellie Louisa Barton.
Harp, Christian, who died in Oneida September 17, 1886, in the 83d year of his age, was a well known and highly respected citizen of Madison county for many years. He was born in the town of Lenox May 2, 1804, and during his active life followed the occupation of farming. In 1883 he removed to Oneida, where he lived quietly until his death. Mr. Harp held the office of poormaster several years, and also served as assessor and collector. Although a man of quiet nature he became well known in the county. He was a man of the strictest integrity, and gained the confidence and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. He married first Han- nah Ratnour, and eight children were born to them, five of whom survive: A. Jack- son Harp of Oneida; George Harp of Pratt's Hollow; Martin Harp of Oneida; Bar- ney Harp of Cleveland, N. Y. ; and Mrs Catharine Miller of Kansas City. His sec- ond wife was Perlina Baldwin Holdridge, and of this union were four children : Warren C., Helen, and Amelia, all deceased; and Mrs. A. Barton of Oneida.
Brown, Brewster S., who has been in the drug trade in Oneida for twenty-five years at one location, was born in New York city, May 13, 1859, a son of P. H. and Julia Ann (Seely) Brown. When he was four years old his parents died and he came to Oneida to reside with his maternal grandmother. He received his education in
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PERSONAL REFERENCES.
the Oneida public schools and at the old Oneida Seminary. In 1875 he began to learn the drug business with. John H. Rogers, who in that year established the store at No. 64 Main street now conducted by Mr. Brown. In 1886 he purchased a half interest in the business and the firm of Rogers & Brown continued until the death of Mr. Rogers in the fall of 1890. Dr. F. C. Drake now came into the firm (Brown & Drake) and withdrew January 1, 1895, since which time Mr. Brown has conducted the business alone, having completed, as above stated, a term of twenty-five years in one location. Mr. Brown married in 1887 Margaret Louise, daughter of Samuel Morrell of Canajoharie, and of their union is one daughter.
Baker, William M., son of William H. and Catherine (Simmons) Baker, was born in the village of Hamilton, this county, January 31, 1863. His father was a news- paper man of large acquaintance in this county, and for many years editor of the Democratic Union, which he moved from Hamilton to Oneida. He died in Oneida in June, 1872. William M. Baker was educated in the public schools of this village and at the age of seventeen entered the banking house of E. C. Stark & Co., where he remained for a period of six years. In 1885 he formed a partnership with W. E. Hazeltine for the conduct of a general dry goods business under the firm name of Hazeltine & Baker. Mr. Hazeltine retired from active interest in 1896, and was suc- ceeded by Thomas F. Reidy, forming the present firm of Hazeltine, Baker & Reidy. Mr Baker has served one term as village trustee and three terms as village presi- dent, and during his incumbency did much to forward the recent far reaching im- provements in this village, being a prominent member of the so called reform administration. With his associates in the village government he was instrumental in placing the Warner water works under control of the village, and personally attended to floating the bonds, securing exceedingly advantageous terms; took steps towards discharging the Ontario & Western debt; built the trunk sewers; organized the board in charge of the lateral sewers ; put in ornamental drinking fountains ; began the paving of the village streets; agitated the question of all night electric lights, and was chairman of the committee which secured the new village charter, providing for the paid fire department, police force, etc. It is not the intention or purpose of this work to give individual praise, but it is a safe and conservative statement to affirm that through the efforts of Mr. Baker and his associates the village of Oneida has taken a leading position among the foremost of the larger cities of the State in point of modern public improvements. In politics Mr. Baker has been a Democrat, though not a politician in the usually accepted sense of the term. He married, in August, 1884, Fannie E. Wallace, daughter of Dr. Jason T. Wallace of Oneida. Six children have been born of this union, five of whom survive.
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