Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Madison County, New York, Part 68

Author: Smith, John E., 1843- ed
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: [Boston, Mass.] : Boston History Company
Number of Pages: 960

USA > New York > Madison County > Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Madison County, New York > Part 68

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PERSONAL REFERENCES.

Benjamin, Frank M., was born in Monroe county, January 24, 1851. His father, Marcus O. Benjamin, was engaged in agricultural pursuits and married Mary C. Hooker. Frank M. Benjamin was educated in Lewisburg Academy and afterwards learned the profession of telegraphy and railroad transportion business in Oberlin, Ohio. He was engaged for a number of years as telegraph operator at Albion, Lock- port, Suspension Bridge, Niagara Falls, Rochester and Syracuse on the N. Y. C. and H. R. Railroad. When the N. Y. W. S. and B. Railroad was opened from New York to Syracuse in 1883 Mr. Benjamin came to Wampsville as agent for that company, and in 1897 was appointed agent for the N. Y. C. and H. R. Railroad Company. In 1885 he engaged in the coal, wood and fertilizer business and by strict attention to business has built up a large and profitable trade. In 1885 Mr. Benjamin married M. Ada Avery, daughter of Lyman Avery; they have one daughter, Ruth A. Mr. Benjamin is one of the self-made men of Madison county, taking an active interest in educational and church affairs.

Burchard, Slyvester, p. o. Hamilton .- Jabez Burchard was the pioneer head of one of the most respected early families in the southeast part of Eaton. Some time between 1810 and 1815 he left his native place, Granby (near Springfield), Mass., and purchased some three or four hundred acres of the historic Baron Steuben tract of land in the Mohawk valley. Here he was a farmer and blacksmith, but after about ten years he removed to Marshall, and thence to Remsen, where, with his son Syl- vester, he carried on his business of blacksmithing. In the meantime Theodore and Seneca Burchard, sons of Jabez, came to Eaton and occupied farms. Here also soon came Sylvester Burchard with his family and settled on the land now comprising the farms of Sylvester Burchard and W. J. Buell, on which he passed the remainder of his days. He died December 30, 1851. His wife was Anna Platt (whose parents came from New Canaan, Conn.), by whom he had these children: Esther, who mar- ried Warren J. Buell; Lucina, who married, first, Newton Richards, and second, Sidney Tompkins; Sylvester, who now owns a part of the old home farm; Samuel, of Oswego; Louise, who married Frank Pierce of Hamilton: and Cynthia, who married Dr. N. L. Andrews of Colgate University. Sylvester Burchard, present occupant of the old farm, and who, perhaps, is one of the best and most successful Holstein cattle growers and judges in this State, was born September 17, 1834, and has spent his life thus far in farm work. His father started the first large dairy in this county, securing sixty cows from the northern counties of the State, and so successful were his efforts that he paid for half of his land (300 acres) with the profits of the venture. His herd was comprised almost wholly of short-horned grade cattle, but in 1878 the son Sylvester replaced them with Holsteins. Slyvester, junior, and Mr. Buell suc- ceeded to the stock growing business on the death of Sylvester, senior (1851), and from that time to 1872 they were partners. Then the farm was divided and the partnership relation ended. In 1880 an association of cattle breeders was formed, comprising five members, and Mr. Burchard was chosen manager, having charge of from forty to sixty head of superior stock. In 1882, in company with Solomon Hoxie, he went to Europe and purchased for different parties throughout the United States, 217 head of thoroughbred Holsteins and delivered them to their owners. After some six or seven years the association above mentioned was dissolved, since which time

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

Mr. Burchard has bred cattle entirely on his own account. His present herd num- bers about sixty head. He has been president of the Holstein-Fresian Cattle Asso- ciation of America, and also a member of the State Grange. On November 5, 1856, Mr. Burchard married Terressa Joslin of Eaton, who died in 1859. His second wife was Allie Morse of Eaton, and to them were born four children: Seneca Barton, Herbert Morse, Anna Terressa, and Sarah Louise. Mr. Burchard is an earnest Re- publican, yet not active in politics. He is a member of the Baptist church of Hamil- ton, and for twenty years has been one of its deacons. He has also been for many years a member of the Board of Education in connection with Colgate University and a member of its executive committee,

Broad, John H., p. o. Morrisville, publisher of the Madison County Leader, and under whose management the paper has been established upon a substantial basis and has become recognized as one of the best general and family publications in the county, was born at Lee Center, Oneida county, January 14, 1871. He was the son of William H. and Hannah (Harris) Broad, and the eighth of their ten children. In 1870 the parents came from the Cornish Cliffs of Cornwall, England, and settled at Lee Center. The father was a currier by trade. He removed to Morrisville in 1875 and for many years had charge of the finishing departments in the Tillinghast tan- nery. John H. Broad received his early education in the Morrisville Union School and at the age of fourteen years entered the office of the old Madison Observer to learn the printer's trade. Later on he worked in Oneida about two years and for a time in New York on the Ledger. He then returned to Morrisville and in the fall of 1890 became owner of a fourth interest in the Leader, at that time published by Stillman & Nash; later he secured a half interest and eventually the entire business. Even then Mr. Broad was not of full age and the wiseacres predicted his early down- fall, but the paper still lives and flourishes under his management, while the office and mechanical equipment is one of the most complete in the county. Best of all, whatever success the Leader and its owner have achieved, has been due wholly to the energy, perseverance and capacity of Mr. Broad. The paper is thoroughly Re- publican and one of the influential organs of the party in the county. In 1898 Mr. Broad was appointed by President Mckinley postmaster at Morrisville. On May 26, 1894, Mr. Broad married Mary G., daughter of the late James S. Stewart, the latter a well known lawyer in this county, and for several years county clerk.

Brown, Eugene, p. o. Eaton, was born in Eaton, May 5, 1842, and was the son of John and the grandson of Capt. Chad Brown, the latter one of the pioneers of the region, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. Eugene was brought up on the farm, and on August 5, 1862, enlisted in Co. D, 114th N. Y. Vols., serving until June 8, 1865, when he was mustered out as corporal. He was wounded at Port Hudson, but after a few months in the hospital he rejoined his regiment. After his military service Mr. Brown spent two years in Illinois, then returned to Eaton and in 1871 purchased the village creamery of Avery & Wadsworth, of which he was the owner and successful proprietor until the spring of 1898. In his business life and endeav- ors Mr. Brown has been abundantly successful, a result due entirely to his own per- sonal effort and industry. In politics he is a Democrat and has occasionally been the

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

candidate of his party for town office. In 1869 Mr. Brown married Delia A., daugh- ter of Adon Brown of Eaton.

Buell, Warren J., p. o. Hamilton .- Thomas Buell came from New Hampshire with his family in 1795, and settled in the south part of Lebanon. All his goods and property were loaded on wagons drawn by two ox teams, while one or two cows were driven along the route by sons of the pioneer. He built a log house and opened a fine farm on which he lived until his death October 1, 1820. The children in this notable family were Darius, who died in 1862; Samuel, who died in 1850; Thomas, who died in 1872; Roxa, who married John Boutwell and died in 1864; Eli, who was a teacher of vocal music and died in 1869; Ira, who died in 1874; Elijah, who died in 1854; Irene, who died young; Joseph, who died May 24, 1837: Irene, 2d, who married Rufus Dunham and died in 1864; John. who died in 1877; Chauncey, who died on the old home farm in 1864; and Orrin, who died in 1980. Joseph Buell mar- ried Permelia Stowell. He was born in Lebanon, May 21, 1796, and died there in 1837. His children were Angeline, Jenette, John, Warren J., Thomas, Leroy, Fay- ette and William, all of whom except William are now living and are useful men and women in their respective walks of life. Warren J. Buell was born in Lebanon, September 13, 1826, and has nearly always been a farmer. At the age of twenty-one he began work for himself. On March 24, 1852, he married Esther Burchard of Eaton, and then became a resident in that town, living on a part of the splendid Burchard farm, of whichhe is now the owner. He was partner with Sylvester Burch- ard in cattle breeding and farming from 1852 to 1878, but since the last mentioned year has operated without a partner. He is an earnest member of the Hamilton Baptist church, having been deacon seven years, and is a member of the educational board of Colgate University. The children of Warren and Esther Buell were Jennie, who married Prof. E. P. Sisson of Colgate Academy; and Samuel, who died an infant. George C. Buell, one of the most thorough and enterprising farmers of the town, is the son by adoption of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Buell. Dr. Joseph and Content (Alexander) Stowell came from New Hampshire in 1802. and settled near Earlville. Dr. Stowell practiced medicine and was also a farmer. He died in 1843, and his wife in 1863. Their children were Permelia, who married Joseph Buell; Eunice, who married Aaron Lawton; Jeremiah Kittridge, who died in Michigan; Caroline, who married Orrin Bull; Alexander, who died in Michigan; Cynthia, who married Warren Felt; and also Hannah, George, Sanford, Semantha and Nancy Stowell, of whom no accurate date is obtainable.

Bicknell, Bennett, came from Mansfield, Conn., to Morrisville, and was among the early settlers in that interesting village. He was also one of the most active busi- ness men of the locality, having been a merchant, distiller, and proprietor of a grist mill. In 1828 he purchased and edited the Observer and Recorder, and almost at once made that one of the most influential papers of the region. In March, 1830. Harrison C. Bicknell became associated with his father in the publication, but after several years the younger Bicknell and Edward Norton became owners and publish- ers. About the time the elder Bicknell bought the paper he was one of the leading Democratic political factors in this part of the State and was member of Assembly in

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

1812 and State Senator from 1814 to 1818: also member of Congress in 1827 and in 1832. During the war of 1812-15 he was in service at Sackett's Harbor, and held a major's commission. His children were Moses, Harriet, Louisa and Harrison C. The latter was born and always lived in Morrisville, and like his father was a man of influence in the county, though perhaps less prominent in politics. His first wife was a Miss Chambers, by whom he had two children: Byron and Mary. His second wife was Eliza Ann Cloyes, by whom he had five children: Otis C. (who died in in- fancy), Lucinda, Ann Eliza, Harrison C., and Otis C. Otis C. was born April 1, 1849, and in December following his father died, but the mother kept the family to- gether for six years, when she married again. When about fourteen, Otis began life as a clerk and so continued until the spring of 1866, when he came to Madison and was employed by Lucas & Lane until 1871. He then became partner with Mr. Lucas, but in 1879 Mr. Lucas died, and the firm then became Bicknell Brothers. In 1885 the brother went west and Otis C. succeeded and has been in active business to the pres- ent time. Like his ancestors, Mr. Bicknell has always been a firm Democrat and his name has frequently been found on his party's ticket as the candidate for some im- portant office. He has been a member of the board of education four years, and dur- ing the two administrations of President Cleveland Mr. Bicknell was postmaster of Madison. He married Josephine Curtis, by whom he had five children, four of whom are now living: F. Hyatt, Curtis, Blanche, and Harold.

Barker, George H., p. o. Madison .- Russell Barker was the pioneer head of a not large, but generally thrifty, progressive and respected family of descendants in Mad- ison county. He came from New England and was of the same sturdy class of pioneers as were the majority of colonists in this part of the county. Rutherford Barker, son of Russell, was born December 17, 1779; his wife was Hannah Wood- hull, by whom he had ten children: Nancy, born 1802, married Isaac Coe and died April 21, 1885; Sally E., born 1803, married Dr. John Putnam, and died in 1848; Nel- son, born 1805, died 1806; Russell, born 1807, died 1810; Mariette, born 1809, died 1870; Henry R., born August 5, 1812, and died July 31, 1856; Julia Ann, born 1815, married Amos Locy, and died 1849; Maria, born 1818, married Daniel Locy, and died 1894; Hannah, born 1820, married Lyman Harding, and died 1897; Leverett W., born 1823, and died 1854. On October 12, 1838, Henry R. Barker married Ann C. White, who was born July 22, 1810. He was a speculator and dealer, an upright, honest business man, one whose efforts in life were amply rewarded. His life was spent in Madison. In his family were two children: Samuel R., born February 22, 1842, and died September 14, 1851, and George H., born February 3, 1844. George H. Barker's life has been spent almost wholly in Madison and his time has been given largely to dealing and speculating in whatever promises a fair return. He is known as one of the safest hop buyers in the region. For about ten years he has been one of the directors of the National Hamilton Bank. He is also interested in local affairs in Madison village, is a conservative Democrat, yet in no sense an office seeker. His wife was Rosalia, daughter of Henry Risley, and descended from one of the most re- spected families of the town.

Brockett, H. D., p. o, Bouckville .- David Zelora Brockett was a native of Herkimer

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

county, and when about twenty-five years old came to Madison and purchased what is now known as the C. Z. Brockett farm, and which, both then and now, is regarded as one of the best farms in this county. Later on Mr. Brockett owned what is known as the " Prize farm," presumably the best piece of agricultural land in this region. After about fifteen years on this farm Mr. Brockett moved to Madison village, where he died in 1891. His first wife was Elizabeth Cole, by whom he had one daughter who died young. His second wife was Fanny Hale. No children were born of this marriage, but Mr. and Mrs. Brockett had a daughter by adoption: Minnie, wife of A. L. Brigham of Madison, and also a son, Hurd D. Brockett, merchant at Bouck- ville. Hurd D. Brockett was born in Syracuse, September 12, 1859, and when five years old came to live in the family of D. Z. Brockett, of which family he was after- ward a member. At the age of fourteen he started out for himself, and after working for a time as a farm hand he was employed as clerk by Cushman & Ives of Madison. From there he came to work for L. E. Coe, at Bouckville, and on March 1, 1882, he became a partner in the firm of Coe & Brockett, which firm is known at the present time, although the senior member is now dead. In the meantime, however, Mr. Brockett sold out and was for three years in the drug trade in Madison village; but at the end of that time he returned to the firm at the urgent request of Mr. Coe. The latter died February 28, 1897, since which time Mr. Brockett has continued the business for the firm. On December 16, 1882, Mr. Brockett married Cora A., daugh- ter of Allen Curtis. They have one child.

Benjamin, Warren H., p. o. Solsville, who for more than forty years has been identified with business interests in Madison and Solsville, was born in Truxton, and was the son of Charles Benjamin, a shoemaker, who settled in De Ruyter in 1831. At the age of seventeen years Warren began work as apprentice to the tinsmithing trade, and in April, 1845, began work for Ayer & Arnold. He afterward found em- ployment at Waterville, where he worked two years and in the spring of 1854 located in Madison village and worked for John Morgan till 1864. He soon left the shop and worked four years on a farm in Eaton, but in December, 1868, returned and worked one year in Mr. Woodhull's shop. After a year he and John Morgan bought out the Woodhull shop and carried on a general tinsmithing business till 1871, when the firm dissolved. Mr. Benjamin then worked two years for Mr. Morgan and in the spring of 1875 settled in Solsville and established a business for himself, dealing in general hardware, groceries and doing a tinsmithing business. From the outset the venture has been successful and Mr. Benjamin is now regarded as one of the solid business men of the town. The firm of W. H. Benjamin & Sons comprises Mr. Benjamin and sons Frank H. and Will H. On January 1, 1849, Mr. Benjamin married Mary J. Waters of Fabius. The children of this marriage were Frank H., Fred D. and Will H. Frank H. Benjamin has been town clerk of Madison for twenty-seven years and is one of the active Republicans of the town and county.

Brown, Everett, p. o. Peterboro, was born in Smithfield, March 10, 1826, a son of Othniel, and grandson of David Brown, born in Connecticut, September 4, 1761, and spent his last days near Binghamton, N. Y. His wife was Abigail Dexter. Othniel Brown came came to Smithfield about 1820 and here he lived until his death on Jan-

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

uary 5, 1880. His wife was Hannah Elting, whom he married March 15, 1820, and had seven children, five now living. Mr. Brown was a teacher for some time, and also a farmer. Mrs. Brown died in 1868. Everett Brown was educated in the com- mon and select schools. He is a farmer and owns 190 acres of land, but has lived retired since 1865. In politics he is a Republican. His father was captain in the State militia. His mother, Hannah Elting, was a daughter of Henry Elting, and Catharine Burhonce, his wife, of Holland descent. Henry Elting and wife had eight children, none of whom is now living. William H. Elting was a prominent lawyer in New York City. Mr. Brown's brother, E. Dexter Brown, of Rhinelander, Wis., was a prominent lumberman. His son, Anderson Wesley Brown, was the ' originator of Rhinelander, Wis. Mr. Brown's great-grandfather, Chad Brown, was a colonel in the Revolutionary war. He lived in Providence, R. I., and married Zermiah Evans.

Bruce, E. N., was born at Quality Hill, June 7, 1816. His father, Joseph Bruce, was a native of Roxbury, born January 1, 1789, and came to Madison county in 1805; he was the first postmaster in the town of Lenox. In 1810 he married Maria, daughter of John D. Nellis, and through life was identified with mercantile business and farming. He was a prominent man in the growth and early settlement of his town, a man of great energy and sterling integrity, and widely known and respected. He died January 27, 1872. E. N. Bruce was educated in the common schools at Quality Hill and taught school for several years. In 1839 he married Sarah A. Cran- son, who died August 17, 1859, and December 21, 1861, he married Charlotte Markell, who died September 19, 1865. On March 21, 1866, he married Mrs. Sarah Clark, daughter of John Green, who died September 10, 1891; their only child, Cornelia A., married John W. Stanton. Mr. Bruce is one of the progressive men of Madison county. In 1888 he erected the opera house which bears his name.

Barrett, Adelbert M., was born in Westmoreland, Oneida county, November 5, 1844. His father, Edwin R. Barrett, was a native of Oswego county, where his father, Morrison Barrett, was one of the pioneer settlers. His father served seven years in the war of the Revolution. Edwin R. Barrett married Sevilla Isbell, and through life was engaged as a contractor and builder. A. M. Barrett was educated in the common schools and Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie. He learned the carpenter's trade and in 1870 moved to Canastota and in 1875 established his coal and lumber business and planing and saw mill. In 1868 Mr. Barrett married An- nette, daughter of Amzi Ellis; they have two daughters, Flora F., and Lena S. Mr. Barrett is one of the progressive men of Madison county, taking an active interest in school and church matters and is recognized as a man of high character, who enjoys the respect of his associates. In 1862 Mr. Barrett enlisted in Co. B., 117th N. Y. Vol. Infantry, and took part in the siege of Fort Wagner, the battles of Drury's Bluff, Petersburg Heights, Chapin's Farm and Fort Fisher. He served until the end of the war in 1865.

Barott, W. E., was born in Westmoreland, Oneida county, October 2, 1851. His father, Edwin R. Barott, was a native of Oswego county and his grandfather Barott

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

served in the Revolutionary War. Edwin R. married Sevilla, daughter of Chauncey Isbell, and through life was engaged as a contractor and builder. W. E. Barott was educated in the public schools and learned the carpenter's trade with his father. In 1882 he came to Canastota and has erected many fine buildings in that place. In . 1877 Mr. Barott married Gertrude, daughter of Edgar Williams, and they had four sons, Chauncey E., Ernest I., William E., and Roger B. Mr. Barott is one of the leading men of his town, taking an active interest in school and public matters, and has ever advanced the best interest of his town and town's people.

Brown, William Delos, was born in the town of Nelson, November 20, 1831, a son of Zedock and Mary Ann (Alger) Brown, who had six children, viz .: Edward, Lorey, William Delos, Abigail, Adelaide and Betsey Maria, all born in the town of Nelson except Adelaide, who was born in Erie county, N. Y. Zedock was a son of Robert and Betsey Brown, who had nine children: Cortes, William, Russel, Zedock, Henry, George, Nancy, Betsey and Jane. Zedock was a blacksmith and tool worker, and his father followed farming and settled in Nelson about 1793. William Delos was educated in the common schools of the town of Nelson. His father died when he was about ten years of age and he was thrown on his own resources, starting in life as a farm laborer. When he was twenty-seven years of age he purchased a farm where he now resides and carries on general and hop farming. In 1859 he married Mary Etta, daughter of Elisha and Lucy Dryer Whipple; they have one child, Charlotte, wife of Frank D. Hamilton." Mr. Brown is active in all public spirited en- terprises, such as schools and churches, of which he has been a contributing and supporting member for the past fifty years.

Cody, Francis A., who died at his home in Oneida Castle, September 24, 1898, in the seventy-eighth year of his age, was during all his life a resident of this region. He was born in Vernon, Oneida county, January 14, 1821, a son of Samuel and Clarissa (Hitchcock) Cody. His father was an early settler of the town of Vernon and a man of considerable wealth and influence. Mr. Cody was educated in the schools of his native town, and during all of his active life was a successful farmer. He was one of the first hop growers of this section, and also dealt largely in live stock, especially cattle and Canadian horses, frequently bringing large droves to this market. He removed to Oneida, near Oneida Castle, in 1879, and at his pleasant home there lived quietly until his death. Mr. Cody's home farm was located near Vernon Centre, but he owned several farms in Oneida and Madison counties. In politics he was a Republican, but never sought nor held public office. He was a man of strong convictions from which he could not readily be swerved, but withal a staunch and warm hearted friend. In his business relations he was strictly honor- able and honest. He had a generous nature, and was a man of charitable impulses and not afraid to count as friends those among the humble and lowly. Mr. Cody first married Phoebe Faulkner and six children were born to them, four of whom survive: James F. Cody and Mrs. Jane Miller of Oneida, Francis Cody of Vernon Centre, and Kendall Cody of Fenner. In 1871 Mr. Cody married Welthia A. Wilcox, who survives him. She was a daughter of Erasmus D. and Sarah (Gibson) Wilcox, and her grandfather was one of the " six" first settlers of the town of Vernon and

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

assisted in felling the first tree cut in that town. Three daughters were born of this union: Cora P., Neva E., and Clarissa Belle, who died in 1887.

Cheney, Prentice D., son of Timothy C. and Ann Belden (Cook) Cheney, was born in Syracuse, N. Y., April 20, 1836. His father was a mason contractor and one of its citizens in the infancy of the city. He served as supervisor; erected the first Wiet- ing Block and the old Penitentiary and Court House. Prentice D. Cheney is a lineal descendent in the eighth generation of John Cheney who settled in Roxbury, Mass., in 1635, held large allotments and is recorded as having frequently held public office in the Colonial Government. Mr. Cheney was educated in public and private schools in Syracuse, and learned the mason's trade under his father, with whom he worked about five years. In 1856 he began business as a contractor in Syracuse, where he resided until 1862. While there he built the City Hall, an engine house and several private residences. Mr. Cheney has served as president of the village, and as a member of the board of trustees several terms. He married first Sarah F. Bristol, niece of Rev. Dr. Bristol of Syracuse, and of this union four children were born, two of whom survive: Mrs. E. E. French of Albany and Frank P. Cheney of Sy- racuse. For his second wife he married Carrie A. Barnett, a daughter of Dr. Milton Barnett of Morrisville.

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Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Madison County, New York, Part 68

Author: Smith, John E., 1843- ed Publication date: 1899 Publisher: [Boston, Mass.] : Boston History Company Number of Pages: 960

Author: Smith, John E., 1843- ed
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: [Boston, Mass.] : Boston History Company
Number of Pages: 960