USA > New York > Madison County > Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Madison County, New York > Part 83
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Thompson, Gideon, son of Jervis J. and Jane (Brownell) Thompson, was born in Cazenovia, March 8, 1832. The family is of Dutch and Scotch origin and Gideon Thompson's grandfather, also named Gideon, was a life-long resident and highly respected citizen of the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, N. Y. Here Jervis J. Thompson was born and when he was a young man came into Cazenovia to locate on a farm of 140 acres in the Belmont district which had been acquired by his father. He died August 2, 1879, in the eighty-second year of his age. Of his union with Jane Brownell seven children were born: Dewitt C. (deceased); George W. (deceased); Caroline, widow of J. Tucker; Gideon, Luther B., A. J., and Jane A. (deceased). Gideon Thompson was educated in the district schools of this town and has always followed the occupation of farming. In politics he is a Democrat. He is one of the representative men of this section and enjoys an enviable reputation as a man of strict integrity. Mr. Thompson married, in 1872, Mary Stockham, daughter of John Stockham, a native of Fabius, N. Y.
Tillotson Family, The .- Abraham Tillotson was a native of Connecticut and in the year 1795 came into Madison county with a team and covered wagon, bringing his family. Their first night within the limits of the town of Cazenovia was passed in an unoccupied log house in the Perkins district, and on the following day, having inquired for a farm which included a brick yard, they were directed to Pompey Hol- low and there located on what became the home farm. Here Abraham Tillotson made most of the brick used for chimneys in this region and also those used in the construction of the Lincklaen House. He became a man of considerable local promi- nence and died honored and respected, September 23, 1819. About the year 1816 his son Ephraim (who was a youth of nine years when the family settled here), pur- chased a large farm on the west side of the lake now known as the Burr Wendell farm, and became a large and successful cattle dealer and farmer. After many years of hard work he retired and for a period of twenty years resided in Cazenovia village. He married Lodema Cowls and three children were born to them, only one of whom now survives: Jabez C. Tillotson, a venerable and respected resident of Cazenovia. The latter was born July 11, 1812, and on the west side of the lake where Burr Wendell now lives and lived there with his father for twenty-one years He worked the place on shares for three years and was married for the first time to Samantha Childs of Cazenovia, N. Y., in 1836. About this time he bought the farm near the head of the lake now owned by Sylvester Norton, on which he lived for twenty-four years. In 1860 he left the farm and has since been a resident of Caze- novia village. Mr. Tillotson has held many offices of public trust and has always faithfully discharged his duties. He was elected town assessor in 1844, and was re- tained in that capacity for twenty-three years, until 1867. In that year he was ap- pointed revenue assessor and served as such twelve years. In 1872 he was elected
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loan commissioner, serving as such twenty years, but was relieved of the duties of that office through the kindness of Governor Flower in 1892. He was elected trustee of the Seminary in 1870. continuing in that office twenty years, and was trustee of the Methodist church and chairman of the executive committee at the time the present church edifice was constructed. Mr. Tillotson has also had a large experience in the settlement of estates and assignments. In 1876 he was appointed receiver of the Cazenovia Bank, under bonds of $200,000, and successfully conducted the work of adjusting its affairs. Few men live to attain the years and prominence which have been accorded to Mr. Tillotson. Ephraim Tillotson married for his second wife Rachel Wadsworth; seven children were born of the union, only two of whom are now living: Mrs. Orange Atwell, and A. W. Tillotson, both now residing in Cazenovia. Leslie B. Tillotson, son of Ephraim B. and Harriet (Allen) Tillotson, was born in De Ruyter in 1841. In that town his father served as assessor and poor- master for over thirty years. Mr. Tillotson was educated at Cazenovia Seminary and Poughkeepsie Business College. For a period of fifteen years he was success- fully engaged in the dry goods trade in Cazenovia and for the past eight years in the coal business (Tillotson & Howson). Mr. Tillotson is a member of Cazenovia Lodge, F. & A. M., and Manlius Chapter R. A. M. He has served as railroad commissioner for the town and on the board of cemetery commissioners for several years; has also filled the offices of trustee, secretary, and treasurer for many years and is at present a trustee of the Baptist church. He married Alice N., daughter of Alexander Nichols of Cazenovia, and four children have been born to them: Florence A., wife of O. E. Webster of Mt. Vernon, N. Y .; Harriet N., wife of E. J. Dimmick of Chicago, Ill. ; Arthur L. and Laura N. of Cazenovia
Tripp, Melvin, p. o. Hamilton, was born on the border of Madison county and has been a life-long resident thereof. At the age of sixteen he began to learn the cabinet making trade and after completing his apprenticeship he came to Hamilton and pur- sued a liberal course of studies in both the academy and university. Subsequently he embarked in the grocery business and continued therein twenty-five years in Hamilton. He was afterwards in the furniture business for five years. Mr. Tripp has always taken a great interest in the welfare of Hamilton and has acted a promi- nent part in both business and public affairs. He has been trustee of the village eight years, village treasurer twenty years, town clerk two years, and supervisor of the town sixteen years. He is an ardent Republican and has for many years sat in the councils of his party and been delegate to many county and congressional con- ventions. He is one of the men who have been the builders of Hamilton, both be- fore and after the disastrous fire in 1895. He erected the first opera house here, known as Tripp's Hall, which went down in the aforementioned fire, and many fine dwell. ings besides his brick block, burned down and rebuilt. He has been one of the com- missioners on the water and light plant since its organization and was treasurer of the board for many years. Mr. Tripp married Hattie E. Holmes, a native of Ham- ilton, N. Y. His parents were Jonathan and Euphemia (Van Dyke) Tripp. His grandfather, Israel Tripp, was a native of New England, of Scotch descent and his grandfather Van Dyke was of Holland extraction. Mr. Tripp was one of the orig- inators and promoters of Woodlawn cemetery, of which Hamilton is justly proud,
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for few places of its size have such an attractive necropolis, and acting both as secre- tary and treasurer of the association he has expended a great deal of time and work to the cemetery.
Tooke, James N., p o. Pratt's Hollow .- Michael Tooke was one of the early set- tlers in the northeast part of Eaton, to which locality he came in 1809, from Arklow, Ireland, as one of the colony of Protestant Irish families, who about that time settled in this county, and who were afterward among its best citizens. In the family of pioneer Tooke were several children who afterward became prominent persons in business and social life. Among them were John, who entered the ministry and re- moved to Canada; Esther, who married George Kern; Mary, who married George Philpot; Frank, who lived and died in Eaton; Joseph, who settled in Canada; and Michael and James, both of whom settled in Madison county. Michael Tooke, son of the pioneer, was born May 11, 1793, and when twenty-five years old was connected and united with the M. E. church. In 1819 he was an authorized local preacher and was regularly licensed to preach June 18, 1821; was ordained deacon June 14, 1829, and elder August 25, 1840. He was always active in church work, and an instru- ment of great good in the community. His useful career terminated in death De- cember 30, 1870. In 1822 he married Sarah Tackabury, by whom his children were Rachel, who married John Stringer; Michael of Eaton ; Nathaniel of Clinton; Francis, who entered the M. E. ministry; Sarah, who married Henry Burns; Wesley F., who entered the M. E. ministry ; John D. of Chittenango Falls; James N. of Eaton ; Mary Jane, who married Rev. Solomon McGinniss; Summerfield of Illinois. James N. Tooke was born January 23, 1837, on the farm where he now lives and has always lived. After the pioneer died his son Michael bought the farm and at the death of the latter James bought the interests of the other heirs. He is a farmer, thrifty and successful and enjoys a large acquaintance in this part of the county. He is a young, yet prominent Odd Fellow and is deeply interested in lodge work. On July 14, 1859, Mr. Tooke married Helen Margaret, daughter of William Stevenson of Sherburne. They had three children: Chandler of Syracuse; Arthur of Eaton; and Helen Iona, who died in infancy.
Tallett, Morell E., p. o. De Ruyter, dealer in coal, lime, brick and produce, is a son of John and Julia Tallett, and was born in Otselic, Chenango county, N. Y., April 10, 1858. His education was received in the common schools and the De Ruy- ter Institute. Having successfully passed a teacher's examination he taught school for a number of terms, and then entered the employ of the Ontario & Western rail- road as station agent at Otselic; while there he learned telegraphy. He was also engaged in the produce and grain business during this time. In March, 1879, he re- moved to De Ruyter and became agent for the U. I. & E. railroad, afterward the E. C. & N., and now the Lehigh Valley, where he has since resided. Mr. Tallett has had large experience in business and through strictly honorable methods and close attention to the wants of the community, has built up a trade that is creditable to his ability and sagacity and which constitutes a fair share of that which naturally comes to the pleasant and thriving village of De Ruyter. On March 4, 1873, he married Nellie A., daughter of Alden and Rhoda (Dunbar) Mason. During their residence
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in Otselic, Mrs. Tallett also learned telegraphy and she is now manager for the Western Union Telegraph Co. at this place. Mr. and Mrs. Tallett have no children. They reside in their beautiful home at De Ruyter, surrounded by a host of friends and are deservedly esteemed. Mr. Tallett is a member of De Ruyter Lodge, No. 659, F. & A. M., Cortland Chapter and Knights Templar. He takes a prominent rank among the business men of the county and with his estimable wife, who is the embodiment of womanly virtue and housewifely qualities, leads a happy and con- tented life.
Tuttle, Irving, was born on the farm he owns, February 5, 1844, a son of Cornelius and Anna (Buyea) Tuttle. Cornelius Tuttle was born in Lincoln and there lived and died. He was a farmer, also owned a plaster mill at Lenox, N. Y. His wife was a daughter of Conrad Buyea, one of the early settlers of Madison. Mrs. Tuttle died in 1891, aged eighty-nine years. Irving Tuttle was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and Eastman's business college at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He conducts a farm of 120 acres, also owns the plaster mill, where he does an extensive business. He has a hop yard of three acres and a dairy of sixteen cows, also raised considerable for the Mckinley canning factory. In 1875, Mr. Tuttle married Harriet Wemple, daughter of A. A. Wemple of Wampsville, N. Y. ; they had one son, Willis I. Mrs. Tuttle died October 17, 1878, and in 1893 he married Alpheretta Thornton of Lenox. Mr. Tuttle is a Democrat in politics and has been collector. He is a member of Oneida Lodge, No. 270, F. & A. M.
Tuttle, Abraham, p. o. Clockville, was born in Lenox, March 5, 1820, a son of Abram, grandson of Gehiel Tuttle, of French extraction, and who in a very early day came to Lenox and here lived until his death in 1824. Abram Tuttle was born in Connecticut and died at Lenox at the age of forty-six years; he married Betsey Keller, born in Montgomery county, and who died in 1871. Abraham Tuttle was edu- cated in the common schools. He taught school for several years, but his principal occupation has been farming, in which he has been very successful. At present he owns 587 acres of land and follows dairying and mixed farming and is a large hop grower. In 1841 Mr. Tuttle married Armenia Snyder, by whom was born three children : J. Otis, Stillman, and Jeanette. His second wife was Jane Clock, by whom he had one son, De Forest Tuttle. Mr. Tuttle was a Democrat in politics, but since Cleveland's first administration has been a Republican, and has been justice eight years and assessor nine years. In 1862 he raised Co. G of the 157th regiment N. Y. V., and served honorably as its captain.
Timmerman, Silas, p. o. Clockville, was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., October 9, 1835, a son of Levi and Margaret (Burkdorff) Timmerman. In 1854 Levi Timmer- man came to Madison county, and bought the farm Silas now owns; later he moved to Clarkson, Monroe county, where he died April 11, 1889, and his wife died in Lin- coln, March 23, 1860. S las Timmerman was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He has a farm of 188 acres and follows dairying, keeping about twenty cows, and also mixed farming. In 1879 he built a large barn, 120x86. March 19, 1857, he married Sarah J. Betsinger, and they had four children: Ella A., wife of
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Jasper Thorn; Alice, wife of Thomas M. Gordon; Levi, who married Phoebe Allen of Nebraska; and Frank, who lives in Onondaga county, N. Y. In politics Mr. Timmerman is a Democrat, and was chairman of the board when the town of Lin- coln was formed.
Tifft, W. A., p. o. Pratt's Hollow .- Jonathan Tifft was the pioneer head of a family of enterprising descendants who came from Connecticut many years ago and settled in Sangerfield, whence they moved to Madison county. Among the children of the pioneer were Amaziah, who is remembered as one of the best farmers of Eaton; Joseph, who was accidentally killed about twenty-five years ago; Electa, who married Isaiah Bellfield and lived in Stockbridge; Lorenzo, who died in Rome; Lydia, who now lives in Waterville. Amaziah Tifft came to Eaton about 1838, but from early childhood had made his own way in life. In this town he bought the Asa Clark farm, which he cleared up and improved. His wife was Martha Pierce, daughter of one of the pioneers of Oneida county, by whom he had three children: William A., who now lives in comfortable retirement on the old farm in Eaton, and James A. of the famous "Black Horse Cavalry," who was killed in the year 1861-65; and one other child who died in infancy. Amaziah Tifft's wife died comparatively early and their children were reared by " Aunt Eunice " Pierce, a woman of splendid qualities and excellent capacity.
Tucker, Mrs. Eliva B., p. o. Hamilton .- Adoniram Tucker was born in Cherry Val- ley, N. Y., and came to Madison county when only sixteen years old, having then only the clothes he wore and a few shillings in his pocket. He located in Hamilton and hired out to work on a farm at $50 per year. He learned shoemaking and worked at the trade several years, previous to 1840, when he and Mr. Pool opened a shop in Hamilton village and continued in business many years. In 1873 he bought the Col. Herman Howe farm in Madison and lived there until the time of his death in 1894. In many respects Adoniram Tucker was a noble man, one of his generous traits be- ing his ever ready hand to help a poor and less unfortunate fellow being. He had little early education, but learned much by observation and association with men of education. As a result of economy and industry he gained a competency. In 1838 he married Mary L. Pool, but never had children. His wife died in 1860, and in 1867 he married Eliva B., daughter of Samuel and Almira Thompson, of Hamilton. No children were born of this marriage. In 1853, Mr. Tucker adopted Elizabeth Hooker, who has since been a member of his family. He was a strong Abolitionist and later on a Republican of much influence. He was reared under Presbyterian influences, but an incident changed his views and he became a Universalist. He once said: "I always aimed to get something to ease me through life and now I am contented." So he died comfortable and contented. Samuel Thompson was one of the sons of Samuel Thompson, sr., a New Englander and a pioneer in Hamilton. The younger Samuel married Almira Tinkham, and had three children: Samuel A., Eliva B., and Charles P. Thompson.
Taylor, Dr. William, was born in the town of Nelson, January 18, 1839. His father, William Taylor, was a native of Fenner, where his father, Thomas Taylor,
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settled in 1802; he married Alpha, daughter of William Ballou, and through life was a farmer. William Taylor married Betsey, daughter of Samuel Putney, who was a farmer and lumberman in the town of Nelson; he died in 1869, the result of an acci- dent. Dr. William Taylor was educated at Fenner and Peterboro. He attended lectures at the University of Buffalo and was graduated from the medical depart- ment of the University of New York in March, 1862. He was appointed assistant surgeon of the 23d N. Y. Infantry and was mustered out in 1863 with the regiment. He was then commissioned in the 80th Regiment, N. Y. Infantry, was mustered out in 1866, and returned to Madison county locating in Pompey in 1867 and in Stock- bridge in 1869, where he remained until 1873. He then came to Canastota and en- gaged in general medical and surgical practice. In 1864 Dr. Taylor married Jennie, daughter of Alexander McGregor, who died in 1866, and in 1869 he married Sarah, daughter of John N. Brewster; their children are William B. E., and Marguerite H. Dr. Taylor is one of the progressive men of his town, was coroner nine years, mem- ber of the pension examining board from 1889 to 1894, and reappointed in 1897; member of the board of education twelve years and of Reese Post, No. 49, G. A. R., the first established in Madison county, and which he materially aided in organizing. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, of the State medical society, and Central New York and Madison county medical societies.
Ufford, Joel, was born in Vermont, December 9, 1823, and came to the town of Lenox in 1824 with his father, Joel Ufford, who bought his farm of Peter Smith. In 1848 Mr. Ufford married Huldah Marble, and their children are George, Curtis, Emma, and Mrs. Mrs. Ella Shea. Mr. Ufford is one of the pioneer settlers of Madi- son county, and has served as assessor. He is a progressive and respected citizen.
Watts, John R., was born in the county of Kent, England, September 13, 1829, a son of John and Mary (Watts) Watts. When twenty years old he came to this country arriving in New York, September 4, 1850, and in Cazenovia four days later. For a period of four years he worked at the book binding trade under the firm of Mills, Crandall & Mosley. At the end of that time he went West, working at the book binding trade in Madison, Wis .; Janesville, Wis .; and Chicago, Ill. He returned east in 1857, was in a hotel in Chittenango about two years, and in 1860 located in Cazenovia in painting business. In the fall of 1862 Mr. Watts went to the defense of his adopted country, enlisting in Company K, commanded by Seneca Lake, of the 114th N. Y. Vols., and serving three years. For a period of over ten years Mr. Watts was in the grocery trade in Cazenovia and during this time had as partners at various periods, R. K. Blair, Eber D. Peet, and Peter P. Cobb. In politics Mr. Watts has been a consistent Republican; has served the village as fire warden three years and took the census of the Second election district in 1890. He is a member of Caz- enovia Lodge No. 616, F. & A M., of which he was treasurer fifteen years; and Man- lius Chapter, R. A. M. For many years he has been a vestryman and is now treas- urer of St. Peter's Episcopal church. In January, 1890, Mr. Watts, in company with William Watkins, purchased the old concert hall called the "Cazenove," which they conducted until the building was burned in 1895. He is now secretary and treasurer of the Cazenovia Hall Association. Mr. Watts married in 1860, Mary Jane Powell
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Cobb, and of this union is one son, Willis E. Watts, a practicing dentist in Lyons, France.
Watkins, William, came to Cazenovia March, 1863, and entered the general store of Hobbie, Rouse & Clark as clerk. He remained with them until October, 1866, when he became a member of the firm of Chappell, Watkins & Co., publishers, book- sellers and stationers. Two years later he bought the other partners' interests, and has conducted the business successfully ever since, and thousands of students all over the country remember Watkins's bookstore with pleasure, as it always has been a center of student life. Mr. Watkins has taken a just pride in his business and aimed to elevate it to the dignity of a profession. He is widely known among the publishers of the country, and respected for his prompt and honorable methods. He has been a trustee of Cazenovia Seminary many years, and always sought to ad- vance its interests. He has been treasurer of the public school over twenty years, and been treasurer and director of several important corporations, and been found competent and faithful in all. Mr. Watkins is a member of St. Peter's Episcopal church, and has long been a member of its vestry. He was born at Elmira, N. Y., March 24, 1842. At the age of thirteen he became a clerk in the general store of Booth, Watkins & Munson, and has been in active business life ever since. Mr. Watkins, while never seeking political honors, has served the village as trustee, pres- ident and water commissioner, and has represented his party both at county and State conventions. Mr. Watkins is president of the Masonic Veterans' Association of Central New York. and a charter member of Cazenovia Lodge.
Winchell, Wallace M., son of Luman and Mary (Wood) Winchell, was born in the house which has always been his home, September 19, 1833. His father, who was born in this town near New Woodstock, was a man of prominence in his time and held the rank of captain in the militia. He died in July, 1883. John (grandfather) Winchell was a soldier of the war of 1812 and died from exposure endured in the service. He was a native of Connecticut and one of the earliest settlers of this town. Wallace M. Winchell was educated in the common schools and has always been a farmer. He succeeded to the homestead farm of 240 acres in 1858. In politics he is a Democrat. He has been twice married, first in 1865 to Francis Ingalls, daughter of Joseph Ingalls of Lenox; his second wife was Arletta Woodcock, daughter of John Woodcock of Fenner. Of this union are two children: Floyd and Flossie Winchell.
Wells, Edward G., son of Lester G. and Sarah (Watson) Wells, born October 10 1857, is a native and lifelong resident of the village of Cazenovia, where he has been in the furniture and undertaking business many years; succeeding his father who began trade in 1842. He was educated in the Elllis private school and Cazenovia Seminary, and by virtue of the nature of his business and long residence is well known throughout the vicinity. He married, September 20, 1883, Clara, daughter of Robert Hammond of Osceola, Tioga county, Pa .; and two children have been born of this union: Margaret S. and Lester G. Few business men have obtained a better name in this community than did Lester G. Wells. He was born in Phelps,
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Ontario county, N. Y., May 5, 1817; being the son of Silas and Emily (Royce) Wells: and died in Cazenovia in the seventy-second year of his age (November, 1889). His father was a tailor by trade and lived in Norwich, N. Y., Phelps, N. Y., and later in Cavenovia, where both he and his wife were buried. The family were poor and Lester G. Wells received only a limited education, much of his boyhood being spent in the employ of farmers in this vicinity. He was finally apprenticed to Benjamin T. Clark under whom he learned the cabinet making trade and to whose business he eventually succeeded, taking into the business his sons Dwight W. and Edward G., as they reached maturity. Mr. Wells was a man of excellent business qualifications and most exemplary character. The Cazenovia Republican gives him the following tribute in an obituary: "He was what might be termed a strong man. Firm in his convictions of right and wrong he swerved neither to the right or left; honorable in all his dealings; a thorough disciplinarian ; a true Christian gentleman-this was his character and by these he won the confidence, respect and esteem of his fellowmen. Of a naturally affectionate disposition his love for children was marked; it was sel- dom his large wagon passed through our streets without containing a number of happy childish faces. By these and all others who knew him this worthy man will be sadly missed." Mr. Wells married June 3, 1846, Sarah Watson (who died Decem- ber 15, 1898), daughter of David Watson of Hamilton. Five children were born to them: Silas Dwight and Mary V., who died in infancy; Dwight Watson, who died in 1887; Edward G., and Mrs. Alfred C. Stoddard of Camden, N. Y. The Wells family is of New England pioneer stock and had its origin in this country in the vicinity of New London, Conn. Records are in existence which show that members of the family served in the Continental army during the war of the Revolution.
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