USA > New York > Saratoga County > Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Saratoga County, New York > Part 64
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
has succeeded because he deserves to. He is energetic and wide-a-wake, with a successful future before him.
Canfield, R. A., one of the most genial and thorough of American gentlemen, is associated with the history of Saratoga Springs, through being proprietor of the famous club house, the Monte Carlo of America. This famous club house, erected by the also famous John Morrisey in 1870, at a cost of about $200,000, is in its con- duct and appointments superior to the European Monte Carlo, and its elegant apart- ments are visited by gentlemen, the peers of any produced in Europe or anywhere on the earth. It was first conducted by its founder, John Morrisey, and he associated two partners with him, the firm name becoming Morrisey, Reed & Spencer. After Mr. Morrisey's death in 1878 Messrs. Reed and Spencer conducted it for some time and then Mr. Reed sold out his interest to Mr. Spencer (1888) who subsequently sold out to Mr. R. A. Canfield (1893). the present proprietor. Mr. Canfield conducts the club house strictly within the rules of the corporation and the summer prospects of this historic resort are largely augmented by the attractions which it holds out to wealthy votaries seeking a congenial spot for health and pleasure.
Carr, Richard, son of Peter and Eliza (Snell) Carr, was born in Schenectady, N. Y., October 31, 1845. John Carr, grandfather of Richard, was a native of Kinderhook, and removed to Schenectady when he was young, where he was a farmer and a member of the M. E. church. He raised a family of five sons and two daughters: Abraham, James, John, Peter, Richard, Catherine and Margaret. Peter Carr was born in Schenectady in 1821, and has been successfully engaged in farming there ever since. He married Eliza Snell, and they had six sons and one daughter: Rich- ard (the subject), John, Daniel, James, Peter, Joseph and Carrie. Richard Carr was brought up on the farm, educated in the public schools, and at the age of seventeen learned the moulder's trade, which he followed eight years. He then became an employee on the New York Central Railroad, first as brakeman for fourteen months, then freight conductor between Albany and Syracuse for ten years, baggage agent at Schenectady for three years and then station agent at Aqueduct for six years until 1890, when he returned to his home and has been in Rexford Flats since. He is a staunch Republican and has been town clerk since 1893. He is a member of New Hope Lodge, No. 730, F. & A. M., Schenectady City 186, A. O. U. W., and an honorary member of the Iron Worker's Society. In August, 1864, he enlisted in Co. D. 69th N. Y. Vols., and was connected with the second corps of the Army of the Potomac and took part in all the campaigns from Hatcher's Run to the surrender of General Lee. On January 12, 1866, he married Catherine, daughter of Yost Miller, and they had one daughter, Elizabeth, wife of George Eaton, jr., merchant of Clifton Park.
Caryl, H. Julius, is a native of Otsego county, and was educated at Hartwick Sem- inary. He has long been a prominent member of the New York Produce Exchange and one of the board of directors of the New York National Exchange Bank, also a dealer in real estate. He married Eliza Jumel Pery, June 21, 1876. Both Mr. and Mrs. Caryl are descendants of Revolutionary ancestors, and Mrs. Caryl's family has been associated with Saratoga Springs since 1804 and Jumel Cottage was named in
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PERSONAL REFERENCES.
honor of Madame Jumel. Mrs. Caryl's great-grandfather, Jonathan Clark, was a Revolutionary soldier and a friend of John Hancock. Her father was Nelson Chase, a distinguished lawyer of New York city, and her mother a niece of Madam Jumel, whose husband, Stephen Jumel, was a merchant prince of New York in the early days of this century; she purchased a tract in Saratoga Springs in 1832, which re- mained intact until 1881, when it was sold under a partition sale. The present Caryl residence is a part of that estate. Mrs. Caryl possesses a very interesting and valu- able collection of relics of the great Bonaparte, purchased by Stephen Jumel from a niece of Josephine. Stephen Jumel owned a dozen ships and sailed to France to bring Napoleon Bonaparte to America in 1815. Bonaparte, however, decided to throw himself upon the clemency of the English and then found himself lost. Among the relics of Napoleon is his army chest, which he carried through all his wars, and which has a secret lock, the key of which never left his possession until the day be- fore he left for St. Helena Mr. Caryl's parents were Hon. Leonard and Mary (Crippen) Caryl. His father was a member of assembly in 1843, and his great-grand- father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
Childs, Thomas S., V. S., proprietor of the Saratoga Veterinary Hospital, was born in New York city, July 24, 1854, a son of James and Anna (Stacey) Childs. His father was a native of England and came to this country in early manhood. Dr. Childs was educated in the common schools of Waterbury, Conn., to which place his parents removed when he was an infant. Later he attended schools of business in Troy, N. Y., and Williamsburg, N. Y. Very early in life he evinced a decided fond - ness for the study of veterinary science, and studied privately for several years. In 1889 he entered the Ontario Veterinary College at Toronto, Canada, and continued his studies there for two years, finishing at the New York Veterinary College and school of Preparatory Medicine, the oldest veterinary college in America. After re- ceiving his diploma Dr. Childs practiced in Brandon, Vt., and in Troy, N. Y., with success. He settled in Saratoga in 1892 and has gained an excellent practice and . reputation. There are many valuable animals quartered at Saratoga Springs during the summer season and the work of a veterinary in such a place of necessity de- mands skill and knowledge of no indifferent order. Dr. Childs is a member of Rising Sun Lodge of Masons, the Chapter, Council, Commandery, and Shrine. He was a special officer of the New York and Brooklyn police departments for a long period. In July, 1883, Dr. Childs married Sadie D. Childs of Pittsfield, Mass., a member of an old Puritan family.
Churchill, A. L., M. D., was born in Saratoga Springs and graduated from the Eclectic College of New York in 1880 and attended the University of New York in 1881 and Albany Medical College in 1882. He immediately began the practice of his profession in Glenville, Schenectady county, and resided there until his health gave out, when he came to Saratoga Springs. Dr. Churchill is secretary of the board of health and register of vital statistics of Saratoga Springs. He is also on the hospital corps of the 122d Separate Company, and is medical examiner for the American Fraternal Insurance Union. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, of Free and Accepted Masons, and was a member of the Citizens' Corps for eight years, and is still medical examiner for the corps. He has been elected trustee of
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
the village three times and is a trustee at present. On June 20, 1888, Dr. Churchill married Georgiana Creasey. His parents were Rodney and Ellen (Wood) Churchill. Rodney Churchill was a native of Post Mills, Vt., and was the inventor of, and one of the first men who worked the carpet loom. He performed the feat of walking from the East to California, over three thousand miles, in one hundred and twenty- five days, in the early times. Afterward he served in the war of the Rebellion from 1861 to 1864
Clapp, George F., was born in Ballston Spa, March 1, 1860, a son of Russell P., a native of the same town, and grandson of Chester Clapp, born in Galway, July 27, 1793. Mr. Clapp's great-grandfather, Israel Clapp, was a native of Northampton, Mass., where he was born June 13, 1764. In 1780 he went to Galway, Saratoga county, and the family trace their descent from Roger Clapp, who sailed from Plym- outh, Eng., March 20, 1630, and arrived in America May 30, 1630, being seventy days making the trip. Russell P. Clapp married Madelia, daughter of John D. and Mary Ann Hale, and through life was identified in river transportation; he died in 1887. George F. was graduated from Colgate University in 1881, and has followed in his father's footsteps and for seventeen years has been engaged in the steamboat- ing business. In 1887 he married Mallie, daughter of John Barnes, and they have one son and three daughters: George B., Carolyn, Marion and Dorothy. Mr. Clapp is one of the progressive men of his town, taking an active interest in educational and religious institutions, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople.
Clapp, Russell P., was born in Ballston Spa, July 21, 1820, and through life was identified in steamboat interests. In 1848 he married Madelia, daughter of John D. and Mary A. (Chapman) Hale, and they had two sons: George F. and Charles R. Mr. Clapp was one of the conservative men of Saratoga county, taking an active interest in the growth and progress of his town, and was a liberal supporter of edu- cational and religious institutions. His death, December 3, 1887, was a loss not only to his family, but to all who knew him.
Clement, Daniel W., son of John J. and Hulda (Dowen) Clement, was born in Saratoga Springs, September 15, 1858. His father, a successful farmer, was well known in this section. Mr. Clement was educated in the public schools and during his youth and earlier manhood worked as a farmer with his father. Soon after reaching his majority he began work in the Victory Cotton Mills and later worked on the Fitchburg Railroad. For several years subsequent he was in the employ of the Thomas & Brown Coal Company in Saratoga Springs. In 1889 he became a permanent fireman in the Saratoga Springs Fire Department and has now completed a service of nine years. Mr. Clement is a member of Saratoga Lodge No. 15, I. O. O. F., and for twenty-three years was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church; but for the past three years he has belonged to the Grogatorial Methodist church and is steward, treasurer and class leader. In 1878 he married Sabrina Ada, daughter of Evan Jones of Glenville, N. Y., and they have one son, Isaac Jones Clement.
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Clement, Col. Henry S., of the Congress Hall Hotel, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1841, a son of W. H. and Elizabeth (Steiner) Clement. His father was a native of Saratoga Springs and a descendant of one of the oldest families in this vicinity (Put- nam.) On the maternal side he descends from the old Maryland family of Steiner. In early life his father removed to Ohio and became one of the most successful busi- ness men in the State; he was for a number of years president of the Mad River Railroad and of the Little Miami road; also of the Cincinnati Southern road. He was tendered the nomination for governor of Ohio in 1860. Henry S. Clement was educated at the Ballston Academy, which in those days had an enviable reputation, where he was prepared for college, but at the outbreak of the Civil war he raised a company for the Twelfth Ohio Volunteers, of which he was elected first lieutenant. This was the first company accepted by Governor Denison under the call for 75,000 men. Colonel Clement served three years and six months, ranking successively as captain in the Twelfth; major in the Seventy-ninth, which regiment he commanded as lieutenant-colonel in Sherman's famous campaign, and after receiving an honorable discharge he was brevetted colonel. For a time he served as his father's private sec- retary, and in 1868 bought a quarter interest in the Congress Hall Hotel at Saratoga Springs. This interest he sold in 1871 and opened the Lindell Hotel in St. Louis, which became the leading hotel in the city while under his management. In 1878 he returned to Saratoga Springs, his father and John Cox having purchased the Con- gress Hall Hotel, where he has since been continuously connected with the famous hostelry, having completed his twenty-first season in 1898. He is a Republican and in 1883-84 represented the Second district in the Legislature, serving on the commit- tees on elections, insurance and villages. He made an excellent record as a legis- lator, and during his term secured the passage of important bills in the interest of the village of Saratoga Springs, among them being a special act creating a paid fire department, and the sewerage bill. He is a man of strong character, pleasing per- sonality and exceptional ability. He married, in December, 1863, Julia H. Young, daughter of Thomas Young, and granddaughter of Hon. Samuel Young, secretary of state, senator from Saratoga county several terms, canal commissioner, and Dem- ocratic candidate for governor against De Witt Clinton. They have two surviving children: Elizabeth Clement Seavey and Henry S. Clement, jr.
Condon, Perry D., was born in Saratoga county, May 16, 1854, a son of Michael and Johanna (Dooley) Condon. He was educated in the common schools of the town of Saratoga and Fort Edward Academy, and when twenty-six years of age started in life for himself as a farmer, moving on to the farm where he now resides. He married Mary, daughter of Owen and Hannah Meehan, and his children are Anna M., John, and Perry, jr. Mr. Condon and his family are all members of the Catholic church of the village of Stillwater. He takes an active interest in 'he affairs of his town and county, also an interest in educational matters.
Conklin, Othniel, was born in Providence, Saratoga county, N. Y., in 1826, a son of Jacob and Abigail (Peck) Conklin. He was educated in his native village and at Galway, and in 1846 removed to Saratoga Springs. His life's business has been that of a mason. Mr. Conklin is a member of the Odd Fellows, lodge No. 15, and has
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held several important offices in the lodge, namely, noble grand, vice-grand, secre- tary and chaplain, which last he is now filling. On February 14, 1856, Mr. Conklin married Marilla Hunter, who died twelve years after their marriage, and on Septem- ber 14, 1870; he married Mrs. Mary Martin Dowen.
Coons, William H., was a native of Rensselaer county, born in 1841. In 1856 he came to Saratoga county and settled on the Verplank farm, and in 1866 moved to Charlton, where he was identified as a farmer. He was one of the progressive men, serving as justice of the peace two terms and ever promoted the best interests of his town. In 1863 he married Jane E., daughter of John J. and Jane (Harris) Sherwood, and they had two sons: Edward Sherwood, and Samuel W. Mr. Coons was one of the conservative men of Saratoga county, and his death, which occurred February 21, 1878, was a loss not only to his family, but to all who knew him. Of him it can well be said "an honest man is the noblest work of God." Edward S. Coons was graduated from Union College in 1892, taking the degree of C. E. He spent some time in the West and in 1895 began the study of law with J. H. Scott, and was ad- / mitted in 1898 to the bar. In 1895 he was appointed justice of the peace. Samuel W. is now a student of Trinity College, in the class of 1900.
Cowles, John, was born in Hadley, N. Y., May 10, 1855, a son of Chauncey and Margaret (Sage) Cowles, natives of Corinth. Chauncey was a son of Orlando Cowles, brother of Mrs. Rosetta Parmenter of Corinth. Margaret Sage was a daughter of Philip Sage, an early settler of Corinth. John Cowles was educated in the common schools and followed farming six years. He then engaged in the manu- facture of pulp and is now foreman of the pulp mill in Hadley owned by H. L. Horton of New York city. Mr. Cowles owns a farm of one hundred and ten acres. He is a Republican in politics and has served as collector of his town. In 1876 he married Louisa Corlen of Hadley, and they have eight children: Charlie, Millan, Floyd, Jessie, Orville, Ira, Clayton and Edith.
Craig, Millard F., was born in Greenfield, November 15, 1855, a son of Jeremiah J., son of Samuel H. Craig, one of the early settlers of Greenfield. Jeremiah J. was a farmer by occupation and also a merchant at Middle Grove for some years. In politics he was a Republican and was highway commissioner and assessor for a num- ber of years. He was a member of Middle Grove Lodge No. 476, I. O. O. F .; married Malinda Lewis of Saratoga county, a daughter of Stephen Lewis, and they had three children: Ellen (deceased), Horatio. a physician in Ballston Spa, and Millard F., who was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and Fort Edward Institute. He follows general farming and now owns one hundred and twelve acres of land. In 1880 he married Sarah F. Smith, born in Fulton county and daughter of John H. Smith, and they had three children, two died in infancy, and Jessie now deceased. In politics Mr. Craig is a Republican and has been town collector. He is a member of Middle Grove Lodge No. 476, I. O. O. F. Mrs. Craig's father is a Democrat; has been justice of the peace, town clerk and super- visor of Greenfield, and police justice of Ballston Spa several years. He once owned the paper mills at Middle Grove, but now lives a retired life in the village of Mechanicville.
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Crippen, George M., was born at Glens Falls, November 1, 1854, and was educated in the public schools of his native place and while yet a boy entered the general store of Coolidge, Lee & Co. of Glens Falls, as an errand boy. From this position he gradually rose to be chief clerk in the dry goods department, and after seven years with this firm resigned his position in 1874 and came to Saratoga Springs in 1875, where he opened a dry goods and carpet business. This enterprise he conducted for twenty years with the success which has characterized everything to which he has put his hand, and finally disposed of it to establish the manufacturing house known as The Crippen-Russell Co., manufacturers of ladies' wrappers and house dresses. This company was dissolved in the spring of 1898 by the retirement of Mr. Russell through ill health, since which time the firm has been Crippen, Reid & Coon. In a public way Mr. Crippen has evinced much interest in Saratoga Springs; he has been treasurer of the village board of trade and served six years as a member of the board of education. In October, 1879, Mr. Crippen married Kate M. Baker, daughter of Benjamin Baker of Greenwood, Ill., and they have four children living: Laurence A., Mildred, Harley and Gertrude.
Crocker, Harry, was born in Dorsetshire, England, August 12, 1838, a son of Ben- jamin and Harriet (Clark) Crocker. He passed his boyhood and youth in London, whither his father removed in 1845. . There he was educated and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he pursued until 1870, when he came to America and settled in New York city, remaining there only a year, and then after looking at several places came to Saratoga Springs in 1872 and made it his permanent home. Here he passed six years as foreman for Daniel Main and in 1818 began taking con- tracts on his own account. From the first his superior work and honorable business methods asserted themselves and his trade grew rapidly and for years he has been the leading contractor of Saratoga county. He is also an extensive lumber dealer and has done a great deal in building up the handsomest buildings and sections of Saratoga Springs. Politically Mr. Crocker is a Democrat and is highly esteemed by his party; he was elected supervisor of the town in the spring of 1896, for a term of two years. He is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity; the Ancient Order of United Workmen; a prominent Mason, having passed to the degree of Knight Templar; and as a man is highly popular. In 1867 Mr. Crocker married Eliza Hole of Devonshire, England, and their children are Bertha, Lillian and Mabel.
Curtis, Albert S .- Andrew and Jonathan Curtis, two brothers, came to Saratoga county about 1795. Jonathan settled about a mile west of Ballston Center; Andrew settled in the town of Charlton and about three years later moved to the town of Ballston and settled on the west side of Ballston lake. Jonathan married Miss Sherman, relative of Roger Sherman, and their children were Sherman, Capt. Isaac Curtis, who was a veteran in the war of 1812, and was located during the war at Brooklyn ; Jonathan, Hinman, and one daughter, Peninah. Sherman married Polly, daughter of Timothy Crane, and their children were Orville, Peninah, Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah, Esther and Albert Sherman. The only surviving member of the fam- ily is Albert Sherman Curtis. Andrew's wife was named Eunice, and their children were Alfred, Abijah N., Elisha, Luzon and two daughters. Albert S. Curtis was
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
educated in the common schools of the town of Ballston. He was born October 5, 1826, and his early life was spent on the farm with his father, assisting on the farm summers and attending school winters, until he was about seventeen years of age. At that age he took charge of his father's estate and a short time later purchased the estate from the heirs and carried on the farm and practiced surveying until he retired from active life in 1894. September 14, 1853, Mr. Curtis married Annie Maria, daughter of Morehouse and Maria Betts, and they have three children: Dr. Pearson Crane, Harriet (married Dr. Z. L. Baldwin of Michigan), and Dr. Orville Curtis. Mr. Curtis has always taken an active part in town affairs, was elected town clerk several years and has been active in school and educational work.
Curtis, Eugene E., was born in the town of Stillwater, September 30, 1852, a son of William P. and Catherine Curtis, who had ten children: Clarence, Eugene E., Frank, Edward, Ella, wife of Robert Smith, John A. and George, and three who died in infancy. William Curtis was a farmer and was born in the town of Saratoga, a son of Zachariah, who came from Vermont with his brother and settled in the town of Saratoga. Eugene E. was educated in the common schools of the town of Stillwater, and Fort Edward Institute. When twenty-five years of age he started in life for himself as a farmer and rented a farm in the northern part of the town of Stillwater, which he carried on for five years; he purchased the farm where he now resides in 1885, containing 115 acres. He has been active in town and county affairs and was recently elected to serve his sixth consecutive term as justice of the peace. He has been active in school work and is a member of the M. E. church and super- intendent of the Bemis Height Sunday school and president of the Christian En- deavor Society; he is also a member of the American Mechanics of Stillwater. He married Jane Ellen, daughter of Daniel and Caroline Creal, and they have three chil- dren living and two deceased: Edith B., Lena A., and Elosia M.
Curtiss, Anson F., was born on the farm where he now resides, October 6, 1849, a son of William S. and Martha (Van Ostrand) Curtiss, who had five children: Frank P., Anna N., Anson F., Angie C., and Martha, natives of the town of Ballston. William S. Curtiss was a son of Abijah N. and Naomi (Smith) Curtiss, and their chil- dren were William S., Phoebe, Rosetta, Andrew, Charlotte and Anson. William S. followed farming and lumbering. Abijah Curtiss was a son of Andrew and Phoebe Curtiss, who came from Connecticut, and their children were Nicholas, Abijah, Elisha, Luzon and two daughters. Nicholas followed lumbering and farming and at one time he owned two saw mills. Anson F. was educated in the common schools of the town of Ballston, and later spent two years at Whitestown Seminary. After returning from school he assisted his father on the farm until 1882, when he pur- chased the old homestead where he now lives. September 24, 1879, he married Ettie M., daughter of John P. and Eusebia Smith, and their children are Ella Marjorie, Jenette Belle, William Schuyler, Alice La Dow, Frank Platt, and Anna Esther. Mr. Curtiss has been active in town and county affairs; justice of the peace five years and assessor nine years, and is a member of the Presbyterian church at Ballston Center.
Dalton, Walter M., was born in Mechanicville, N. Y., February 22, 1862. His
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PERSONAL REFERENCES.
parents moved on a farm when he was a child; he was educated in the district schools and was a farmer until he attained the age of eighteen years. He came to Mechanicville in 1880 and was engaged in various occupations; he was vice-president and superintendent of the Crosby Shirt Co. eight years, and April 1, 1897, formed a copartnership with William Tirney in the steam milling business, dealing in flour, grain, feed, hard and soft wood, under the firm name of Tirney & Dalton, which has proved an increasing success. January 6, 1886, he married Ella F. Sheehan, and they have two children: Arthur and Mabel. Mr. Dalton's father, Patrick Dalton, was born in Ireland about the year 1829 and came on his own responsibility to the United States at the age of fourteen years and was a farmer by occupation; he mar- ried twice, first, to Kittie Dowd, and they had ten children, four of whom are living: Thomas, Jennie (wife of James Little), Walter M. (as above). and William. Mrs. Dalton died in June, 1879, and for his second wife Mr. Dalton married Bridget Leonard. Mr. Dalton is still living, 1898. Mrs. Dalton's father, John Sheehan, was born in Ireland, June 20, 1820, and came to the United States in 1833; he married Hannah Splain, and they had seven children: John, William, Mary, James, Ella F., Timothy and Anna. Mr. Sheehan died October 3, 1890, and his widow in February, 1896.
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