Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Madison County, New York, Part 74

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 74

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Huntley, James F., M.D., son of James F. and Esther E. (Freeman) Huntley, was born in Durhamville, Oneida county, N. Y., June 19, 1855. His father, who was also a physician, practiced in Durhamville over thirty years, and in Oneida from 1873 until his lamented death (1887). James Huntley (great-grandfather), was one of the earliest settlers of Otsego county, locating in the extreme northern part. Dr. Hunt- ley received his preliminary education in the Falley Seminary and Whitestown Sem- inary. He was graduated with the degree M.D. from the Medical Department of the University of the City of New York in the class of 1876. In the same year he began practice in West Winfield, Herkimer county, N. Y., where he was associated for several years with Dr. James U. Rose. He removed to Oneida in 1889, and has since been in active practice in this village. Dr. Huntley is a member of the Madi- son County Medical Society; of the New York State Medical Association; and of Doric Chapter of Oneida, R. A. M. He married, in 1879, Nellie, daughter of Col. Alonzo Wood of West Winfield, Herkimer county, N.Y. Four children have been born of this union: Esther F., Harold W., Kate E., and James Warren.

Hazeltine, William E., son of James A. and Nancy (Overacre) Hazeltine, was born in Munnsville, this county, July 3, 1852. His father conducted the tannery at Munns- ville for several years and was well known throughout this region. He died in 1854. Mr. Hazeltine was educated in the common schools and Oneida Seminary. During most of his business life he has been in the dry goods business. He was first employed as a clerk in the dry goods store of S. H. Goodwin's Sons, with whom he remained six years. For two years subsequent he was employed in like capacity by Charles E. Remick, and in 1883 with J. E. Preston and J. T. Deering, formed the firm of Preston, Hazeltine & Deering for the conduct of a general dry goods business.

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

After two years Mr. Hazeltine withdrew to associate with William M. Baker in a similar business, forming the firm of Hazeltine & Baker, which became Hazeltine, Baker & Reidy in 1896 by the admission of Thomas F. Reidy. Mr. Hazeltine is not now an active partner. The present firm of Hazeltine & Frost, dealers in coal, wood, etc., was formed in July, 1897. Mr. Hazeltine has been identified with many impor- tant public movements, has served as a director of the Y. M.C.A. three years, and is member of the Royal Arcanum. He married, in 1887, Minnie E. Warren, daughter of Lealdis N. Warren of Stockbridge. Of this union are five children: Warren J., Roy S., Doratha N., Sarah L., and Gertrude.

Higginbotham, Niles, who died in Oneida, March 17, 1890, in the seventy-seventh year of his age, was for years one of the foremost citizens of that village and a man who bore the respect and unqualified esteem of the entire community. He was a son of Sands Higinbotham and was born in Vernon, Oneida county, March 9, 1813. In 1827 he was sent by his father to the well known school of Mr. Morse in Hamilton, and at the age of nineteen entered the store of Alexander Seymour at Utica, where he remained about one year. In March, 1834, at the age of twenty-one he entered the store of his uncle, Isaac Carpenter of Ithaca, with whom he later formed a part- nership. When twenty-four years old he severed this connection, and taking his little fortune went West with his close friend, Samuel Breese. They spent about two years buying large tracts of land which in after years became quite valuable. In the spring of 1840 Mr. Higinbotham and J. P. Manrow took a contract on the old Erie railroad from Owego to Corning; the railroad company failed in less than two years, owing the young contractors about $100,000, of which they only received about $30,000. In the spring of 1849 they received their balance and paid their men in full with interest; Mr. Higinbotham often said that he never knew a prouder day than when these waiting men were paid. Mr. Sands Higinbotham, having bought from the State a large tract of unimproved land where Oneida now stands. had removed thither from Vernon as early as 1834, giving to the village its first im- petus by presenting to the railroad (now the New York Central) lands and right of way, on condition that it should stop all passenger trains at Oneida, a contract ob- served until late in the Fifties Some years later Niles Higinbotham bought large portions of land here from his father, and in 1844 built and commenced business in the old Goodwin store on Madison street. There he remained as silent partner with his brother-in-law, Mr. Goodwin, for some years. In December, 1851, he organized the Oneida Valley Bank with Sands Higinbotham and Samuel Breeze. This was the first bank opened in Oneida, and was incorporated as a State bank in 1852, and as a National bank in 1865. Mr. Higinbotham was elected first president and re- tained that position until the day of his death. There were some traits of character very strongly marked in Mr. Higinbotham even as a young man, To the most trans- parent honesty and uprightness in small, as well as great transactions, he added an independence which made him courageous in striking out for himself in any line of action where his judgment was once convinced as to the duty or reasonableness of the undertaking, and he was persevering and hopeful to a degree which never ad- mitted in his often self-imposed tasks, either weariness or discouragement. These qualities eminently fitted him to join in and carry to even higher fulfillment the

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

plans of his wise and public-spirited father, for whom he had the most beautiful feel- ings of trust and affection. Together they labored for the development of the little hamlet, and even in its early days Oneida began to be known as a busy and public- spirited village, attracting to itself men of integrity and good character. Mr. Hig- inbotham's efforts were put forth in behalf of religion, of education, of increased business and railroad facilities, of wide streets, and town extension on every side. In particular, he labored long and patiently to arouse public interest in the cause of higher education. It was one of the deepest wishes of his heart that Oneida should have an academic boarding and day school of the highest order, and he spared neither time, pains or money in the effort to establish the Oneida Seminary on an honorable and scholarly basis. Again and again he came to the rescue when the seminary was in need; started subscriptions, at times guaranteed and even paid from his own purse, the salaries of the teachers, and spent time and thought in securing fine school grounds, a good building, library, and apparatus, and became the per- sonal friend and adviser of the teachers in everything that looked to the better equipment of the school, and the interest of the young people of Oneida and vicin- ity. In these labors were associated with him as trustees of the seminary (which was opened in 1858), such men as Messrs. Breese, Hand, Ellinwood, Goodwin, Stone and others. In everything that he did, Mr. Higinbotham had always in his mind to do that which should be best for the poor as well as the rich, and in many unosten- tatious ways he gave help to those whom he saw struggling under adverse circum- stances. The park on lower Broad street near the Central railroad, and the lands upon which stood all the church buildings except one, were given by Mr. Higinbot ham. On March 1, 1874, he was baptized in and united with the Presbyterian church, of which many of his relatives were members, and he was, all his life, a rev - erent and constant reader of the Bible. During all his long life he preserved habits of temperance, purity and regularity, and he enjoyed almost uniformly good health until within a few years of his death. Mr. Higinbotham married, in 1849, Eliza, daughter of Nicholas P. Randall, an eminent member of the Onondaga county bar. Of their union three daughters were born: Julia Randall, died February, 1895; Louise Adelaide, and Eliza Rhobie.

Hinman, William J., who has been in the jewelry business in Oneida since 1886, was born in the town of Augusta, Oneida county, July 4, 1858, a son of William and Abbie (Vaughn) Hinman. The family is of old New England stock and his great- grandfather, Grove Hinman, came from Connecticut to Oneida county among the earliest settlers. Mr. Hinman was educated in the Knoxboro Union School, and until he reached his majority assisted in the conduct of his father's farm. During the year 1880 he conducted a saw mill and lumber yard owned by his father in the town of Lee, Oneida county, and in 1881 went to Fonda to begin an apprenticeship to the jewelers' trade. The following year he came to Oneida and for about four years was employed in the jewelry store of C. J. Wells. He began his present busi . ness in 1886. Mr. Hinman has served as village trustee two terms; is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Royal Arcanum. He married, in 1885, Cora Harp, daughter of Christian Harp, of Macedon, Wayne county, N. Y. Two children have been born to them: Ethel M., and Alta M.

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

Hay, Arthur, son of Alexander and Ann (Stanbury) Hay, was born in Jersey City, N. J., March 6, 1859. His father was a native of Scotland and followed the business of expert accounting. For a short time he was engaged in Oneida with the Banking House of Barnes, Stark & Munroe, and subsequently removed to Chicago where he died in 1874, leaving a widow and three children Arthur Hay was educated in the public schools of New York City and Oneida. In his fourteenth year he began an apprenticeship to the machinist's trade in the Westcott Chuck Works where he was employed ten years. Following this period he was associated with his brother, John S. Hay, in a florist and seed business in Oneida for a short time. In the fall of 1886 he established a small variety store, out of which has grown his present business. Ever since he reached his majority Mr. Hay has been actively interested in the cause of temperance. For a number of years he has been a member of the Board of Direc- tors of the Oneida Y. M. C. A., and an active member of the First Presbyterian church; is superintendent of the North Side Chapel Sunday School, and an active official member of the Y. P. S. C. E. He married in June, 1886, Helen D. E. Dodge, daughter of the late George W. Dodge of the town of Augusta, N. Y. Although he began in a small way, Mr. Hay's business has developed rapidly, especially in the department of books and stationery. In the latter trade he now conducts an exten- sive wholesale business.

Hill, John, p. o. Perryville, was born on the farm where he now resides, March 1, 1862, a son of Norman B. (deceased) and Mary (Keyes) Hill, who had three children : John, Fred C. and Carrie. Norman was a son of John Hill, who settled in the town of Fenner about 1824, and Isyphena (Annas) Hill, a native of the town of Nelson. John Hill, the subject, was educated in the schools of the town of Fenner and also in the Academy at Little Falls. He was associated with his father until his father's death, when he took full charge of the estate. When twenty-five years of age he married Inez, daughter of Austin K. and Marie (Worden) Hall, and they have two children : Grace Irma and Gladys May. Mr. Hill has been active in town and county affairs, and at the present time is justice of the peace and has been collector and held several other appointive offices. He has been active in educational work and was a member of the first board of education of Perryville Union School, which position he now holds. His wife is a graduate of Chittenango High School. Fred C. Hill was edu- cated in the schools of the town of Fenner, also graduated at Chittenango High School. He studied law in the office of Judge Parker of Tioga Co., N. Y., and was admitted to the bar in 1888. He married Grace Hibberd, August 22, 1890, and is located at Owego, N. Y. Carrie Hill in 1885 maaried Elmer E. Shaut, a merchant of Little Falls, where she resided until his death in 1889, since which time she has made her home at Perryville. They had one child, Norma.

Hollenbeck, J. W., p. o. Munnsville, was born in Smithfield, January 26. 1858, a son of Francis F. and grandson of an early settler of Oswego county. Francis F. was born in Oswego, N. Y., in 1832; he married Harriet Buyea, born in Lenox in 1835, and they have five children, four now living. Mr. Hollenbeck settled in Smith- field when a young man, where he spent his days and died in Stockbridge. J. W. Hollenbeck was educated in the common schools and has lived on the farm he owns

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

thirty-three years. He has ninety-four acres of land and follows hop growing and dairying. December 20, 1880, he married Rosalie Rowe, who lived in Cleveland, Oswego county, born in Greene county, and who came to Oswego county with her parents, Isaac and Hannah J. Rowe, then to Stockbridge, where her father died August 31, 1898, and her mother March 15, 1898. Mr. Hollenbeck and wife attend the M. E. Church at Stockbridge.

Hickox, Remington B. p. o. Munnsville, was born in Munnsville, April 20, 1854, a son of Seva P. Hickox, who was born in Vergennes, Vt., and came to Pratt's Hollow when a boy, then to Munnsville, where he spent his married life. He died in 1893, aged seventy-eight years; his wife was Wealthy O. Frost of Munnsville, daughter of Jacob G. Frost, an early settler of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Frost both died on the farm Mr. Hickox now owns. Remington B. Hickox was educated in the schools in Munnsville and is a farmer. He has 219 acres of land where he lives and a dairy of thirty cows; he is also a hop grower. October 5, 1881, he married Mildred A. Alden, born in Munnsville, August 12 1854, a daughter of Chester and Matilda (Ingraham) Alden, and they had five children: Charles A., Edwin R., Leon B., Mildred A. (de- ceased), and Leander M. Mr. Hickox is an ardent Republican and a member of Prosperity Lodge No. 484, I. O. O. F. Mr. Hickox's father was a wagon maker by trade, was proprietor of the American House at Munnsville and also an extensive dealer in poultry and eggs.

Hamlin, George N., p. o. Solsville .- William Hamlin came from Farmington, Conn., in 1810, but on account of his father's death he soon returned east and re- mained a few years, when he came again to Madison, bringing his goods in a wagon drawn by an ox team. He settled on land now owned by his grandson, George Hamlin. He brought a wife and two children, Caroline and William S. His other children, Julia, Chauncey and Oliver, were born in Madison. William S. Hamlin married Nancy Taylor, by whom he had four children: George N., a farmer on the land purchased by his father in 1834; Mary E., who married Daniel Richards; Car- oline, who died young; and Harriet, who married Alfred McNiel. He also had one daughter by adoption, Alice, wife of William P. Sheldon. George Hamlin was born in 1835 and is one of the successful farmers of Madison. He married Louise Bar- ker, who died in 1886. He has one son, Edwin B. Hamlin, who lives in Cleveland, Ohio. Nathan Taylor, born 1784, came from Danbury, Conn., and settled in Madi- son village, where he lived many years and was a hatter by trade. Later on he re- moved to Ohio, and lived with his son, John Taylor. His wife was Sylvia Gibbs, daughter of an old Revolutionary soldier. Their children were Harriet T., Nancy (who married William S. Hamlin), John, Julia, Eliza and Calvin.

House, Eliphalet, with his son Eliphalet, jr., came from East Windsor, Conn., to Eaton in 1795, hence was one of the pioneers of the region. His log cabin had a blanket over the door opening, and on one occasion when his son's wife was left alone one night, she was much frightened by the breathing of a strange animal at the in- secure opening ; but her fears were wholly removed when she discovered the intruder to be nothing more than a large dog instead of a supposed panther or unfriendly

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

Indian. The welcomed canine remained with her on guard during the lonely hours of the long night. The family soon left Eaton and made a settlement at the " Indian Opening " in Madison, where the pioneer died, March 12, 1804, and where he was buried in private grounds. In the family there were three children: Mary, Eliphalet (who died in infancy); Eliphalet (the second child so named); Eleazer, James, and Henry. James became a graduate of West Point. He served in the army until he attained the rank of colonel. His commission, on parchment, constituting him " Captain in the Regiment of Artillerists," dated March 14, 1806, and signed by Thomas Jefferson, is now in the possession of Edward E. House. He died at George- town, near Washington, D.C., in 1834. Eliphalet, jr., was born March 2, 1759, and spent his later life as a blacksmith at the "Opening " in Madison. He died August 8, 1816, and was buried in the private grounds at the "Opening." His wife was Rebecca Rockwell. She came from East Windsor, Conn., and died at the " Open- ing " in 1843. They had nine children: Eleazer, Polly, Nancy, Clarissa, Henry, Polly (second), Henry (second), James, and Orin. Eleazer House, who was born in 1782 and died in 1827, was a blacksmith and made edge tools for the settlers. He also carried on a small farm, and by thrift became comfortably well off. His wife was Mary Porter, who came to this county with her parents from East Windsor, Conn., drawn by an ox team. She died in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1855. Her remains were brought to Madison and interred in the village cemetery. Their children, who reached maturity, were Eliphalet, Samuel, Henry and Edward E. Edward E., the only survivor, was born in Madison village, May 28 1827, and spent his early life in the town. In 1844 he went to Hamilton and served at the printer's trade with John aud David Atwood, but in 1845 removed to Utica and worked in the office of H. H. Curtiss, book and job printer. One of his young associates here was Thomas L. James, ex-postmaster-general, and now president of the Lincoln Bank of New York. This acquaintance has ever been maintained, and is one of the pleasant memories of Mr. House's career. Mr. House left Utica in 1847. Part of the time between 1847 and the late spring of 1853, he was employed on the Ohio State Journal of Colum- bus, O., and another part of the time on the Savannah Republican, Savannah, Ga. He left Savannah in 1853 and went to New York, where he followed his occupation until 1860. From that time he became an extensive traveler on business for himself, until at last he settled down in his native place, where he now lives in comfortable retirement, enjoying the fruits of early industry and frugality. Mr. House (in Nov- ember, 1854), married Mary Dudley, daughter of Rev. Ira J. Dudley. They have no children. Mr. Dudley came to Madison about 1845. He was a Methodist local preacher of some note. His wife was Laura Hurd, who died June 4, 1899, in the ninety-fifth year of her age. He died in Madison in 1881. Mr. House's brothers, whom he survives, were all financially well to do at the time of their death. Samuel and Henry were in business in New York. Both left wives (who are still living) but no children. Henry's remains were brought to Madison for interment. Samuel was buried at Flushing, L.I. Eliphalet died at West Williamsfield, Ohio. His remains were also brought to Madison. He died single. James House, son of Eliphalet and Rebecca House, was a life long prominent and useful citizen of Madison village, where he manufactured and repaired edge tools for the inhabitants of the village and surrounding country. He was born in 1800 and died in 1881. His wife was Sally Berry. She was born in Madison in 1803, and died there in 1897. They had two

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

children: Rebecca and Martha, who reside in Madison village with their husbands, respectively, Mr. Harvey Taylor and Mr. Dwight Leland. His brother Orin in early life removed to Sandy Creek, Oswego county, and followed the mercantile business there until his death.

Holdridge, Reuben, p. o. Oneida, was born in Herkimer county, N.Y., in 1845, a son of Asa, who came to Stockbridge in 1854 and died in Verona, Oneida county, N. Y .; his wife was Priscilla Crossman, and they had seven children. Mr. Holdridge's grandfather spent his last days in Herkimer county. Reuben Holdridge was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools. He is a grower of peas and corn for canning factories; also keeps a dairy and is a hop grower. His wife was Sarah, daughter of Philander, and granddaughter of John Spaulding, one of the pioneers of Stockbridge. Mr. and Mrs. Holdridge had seven children: Merton, Mott, Nellie, Orville (deceased), Grace, Hazel, and Ruby (deceased). In politics Mr. Holdridge is a Democrat.

Hammond, Willis A., M. D., p. o. Madison, was born in Eaton, April 17, 1853, and was the eldest of three children born to Amos and Luna M. (Chase) Hammond. His father was a farmer in modest circumstances and his mother was the author of what is commonly called "Mrs. Hammond's History of Madison County," a work which was a faithful record of the county's annals to the date of publication, but the true genius of which has never been fully appreciated by the reading public until of late. The young life of Willis was spent in Pierceville in the factory during the summer months and attending the district school in winter, until about eighteen years of age, when he attended two terms in the Morrisville Union School. He then taught school three winters, but determining to enter the medical profession he read medicine with his uncle, Dr. D. D. Chase, one year, doing chores during the period to pay for his board. He then went to Auburn and worked for James Roy & Co., and at the same time continued his medical studies with Dr. Crevelin. He then took a two years' course in Columbus (Ohio) Medical College and was graduated in March, 1881. Thus equipped for professional life Dr. Hammond began practice at Summer Hill, Cayuga county, remaining two and one-half years, then removed to Paris Hill, Oneida county, where he lived nearly ten years and from whence he came to Madison county in the fall of 1893. Of course Dr. Hammond's practice is general and his ride somewhat extended. On November 12, 1881, Dr. Hammond married Zilpah A. Keyes; three children have been.born of this marriage.

Hecox, Charles L., p. o. Peterboro, was born on the farm he owns in 1854, a son of John, and grandson of Obed Hecox and Emily Kenyon; he was one of the early settlers of Oneida county, where he lived and died. John A. Hecox came from Oneida county March 1, 1848, to the town of Smithfield and settled on the farm Charles L. now owns, about 1849, and here lived until his death, November 10, 1898, at the age of seventy-three years. He married Sybil Neal, daughter of Martin Neal and Roxy Porter, early settlers in Oneida county and who now resides with her son on the homestead. Charles L. Hecox was educated in the common schools and is a farmer. He is a natural born machinist and has been engaged in threshing for

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

twenty-seven years. He also owns on his farm a mill for grinding feed and conducts quite an extensive business in that line. In politics he is a Democrat, though not an aspirant to office, preferring to live the life of an independent farmer. In 1876 he married Florence E. Wever of Nelson, daughter of Delos Wever and Hannah Bates of Nelson, and granddaughter of Rufus Wever, sr., and Amy Smith on her father's side, and of Archibald Bates, sr., and Anna Clough on her mother's side; they had two children: Albert E., born July 13, 1878, (deceased) and Caroline B., born June 14, 1884.

Haines, E. A., was born in Prussia, April 12, 1842 and came to the United States in 1854 with his parents, Anton and Genevieve Haines, who settled in the town of Herkimer, where Anton died in 1856. E. A. Haines was educated in Germany and in 1861 engaged in the grocery business, in which he still continues. In 1882 he built the block in Canastota which bears his name. In 1866 Mr. Haines married Mary Agan, who died in 1867, leaving one child who died about six months later ; and later he married Mary Allen of Herkimer, who died in 1894, leaving three daughters, one yet living-Genevieve. Mr. Haines is one of the self-made men of Madison county, serv- ing as town clerk three years and poormaster two years, and is always interested in any good public enterprise. He holds at present the office of treasurer in a number of different organizations and societies.

Hubbard, F. F., was born in the town of Sullivan, September 20, 1848. His father, Gilbert S. Hubbard, was a native of Pompey, and his father, Eli, was one of the first settlers in Onondaga county. Gilbert S. married Jane G., daughter of Rev. Charles F. Butler, and has been engaged through life in farming. He was very active in re- ligious matters and was one of the founders of the Presbyterian church in the 11th ward in Syracuse. F. F. Hubbard was educated in Cazenovia Seminary and in 1882 established his present business in Canastota, as packer of choice canned vegetables, having in 1882 an output of 5,000 cases and in 1898 of 40,000 cases. He was also one of the charter members of the New York State Canned Goods Packers' Association, its vice-president a number of years, and president for eight years; also vice-presi- dent of the Atlantic States Canned Goods Packers' Association. He was always in attendance at all of the meetings of the different associations, and has taken a great interest in all matters pertaining to the canning business. In 1879 Mr. Hubbard married Florence E., daughter of Thomas N. Jarvis; they have three daughters: Edith, Arline and Doris. Mr. Hubbard is one of the progressive business men of his town, trustee of his village and president of the water board.

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Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Madison County, New York, Part 74

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