USA > New York > Saratoga County > Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Saratoga County, New York > Part 67
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87
Funson, Thomas, and the Funson Brothers .- The subjects of this sketch are from among the best class of citizens of Saratoga county. They are the sons of Robert and Elizabeth Virtue Funson, and the family are of north of Ireland extraction, and maintained the characteristics of thrift and enterprise so peculiar to that people. Robert Funson's father was by trade a blacksmith, and carried on the business until his death in 1882. Thomas, the eldest, was born in 1850, and learned the black- smith's trade with his father and worked with him until his father's death. Mr. Fun- son still owns and carries on the business at Grangerville, although his time is mostly given up to the buying of wool and farm produce. He spends his winters in New York handling potatoes, apples and other farm products. Some time ago he paid a visit to Ireland and pleasantly spent a few months in visiting the scenes fa- miliar to his ancestry; he also extended his trip to England, visiting London and other important cities. Like his brother, Mr. Funson passes without question in the community where lie has been so long and favorably known. Of the other brothers, Robert, William and Samuel are connected with the well-known market of Funson Brothers at Schuylerville, the first two as proprietors and Samuel as an employee. The business, which is extensive, was established by Robert in 1881, who succeeded Seward Winnie. William was admitted in 1882. Robert was formerly a blacksmith, while William was a farmer and railroad man. Samuel, who is the youngest, was born in 1861. There is one sister, Elizabeth, widow of Henry Funson of Greenwich, Conn.
Gardiner, Henry L., was born in Greenfield, November 2, 1818, a son of Howell G. Gardiner, a native of East Hampton, L. I., who came to Greenfield in 1798, and in 1806 bought the farm Henry L. now owns; there Howell G. died February 26, 1866. Howell Gardiner was justice of the town for twenty years, and three times a
41
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
member of assembly. He left two sons and two daughters. Henry L. and sisters were educated in the common schools and at Bennington Seminary, Vermont. Henry L. is a farmer and owns 106 acres of land. In 1842 he married Lydia Jane Darrow and they have three daughters, all living and married. In politics Mr. Gardiner is a Democrat, but not an aspirant to office. He is the seventh in line of the Gardi- ners in the United States, dating back to Lyon Gardiner, who bought Gardiner's Island of the Indians in 1636, and said island has been held by the Gardiner race ever since. Juliet, sister of Mr. Gardiner, lives with him, aged ninety-one years; she taught school for over fifty years. Mrs. H. L. Gardiner died in March, 1876, leaving three daughters: Harriet, Phebe and Mary.
Gaylor, William H., was born in Saratoga county, N. Y., in 1852, a son of Gideon Gaylor, and was educated in the public schools of the village. His first business en- terprise was a grocery store, which he conducted for five years and since that period has been known as one of the leading contractors of the county, and also carried on a livery business. Mr. Gaylor is senior member of the firm of Gaylor & Van Den- burg, contractors and owners of extensive stone quarries. Mr. Gaylor is a member of the Odd Fellows, the Insurance Union, and the A. O. U. W. He has been trustee of the village of Saratoga Springs for six years. In 1873 he married Miss Arnold, daughter of Henry Arnold, and they have two children; Frederick and Maud.
George, Francis, was born near East Galway, Saratoga county, N. Y., May 17, 1818, a son of Thomas and Abigail (Wyley) George. Thomas George came from Maine in an early day, served in the war of 1812, and was a singing master and dressed and colored cloth. The parents of Abigail Wyley George came from Ston- ington, Conn., after the Revolution. Thomas George and wife had two children, Francis only surviving. The latter was educated in the common schools and has been quite a student and reader. He has made his own property and has bought and sold land. He owns a farm of twenty acres where he has lived for twenty-two years. He spent thirty-five years of his life in Glenville, Schenectady county. He has never married. He has lived an honest and just life, and regards truth the highest object of his ambition.
Gick, Frank, was born in the village of Saratoga Springs, August 20, 1865, a son of Michael and Catherine (Maset) Gick, natives of Germany, who came to Saratoga Springs in September, 1848. He was educated in the public and grammar schools of Saratoga Springs and Fort Edward Collegiate Institute, from which he was grad- uated in June, 1885, and the Albany Law School, from which he was graduated with the degree of LL.B. in June, 1894, Mr. Gick read law in the office of C. S. & C. C. Lester and was admitted to the bar at the general term held in Saratoga Springs, September 13, 1894. Previous to completing his law studies Mr. Gick was principal of the new graded school at Hadley, N. Y., for two years, and of the public school at Conklingville, N. Y., for one year. In 1888 he passed the State board at Albany and was awarded a State teacher's certificate, issued by A. S. Draper, state superinten- dent. Mr. Gick is a member of the Patrons of Industry and of the Jeffersonian Democratic Club. He has been practicing law successfully since his admission to
42
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
the bar and was elected justice of the peace on the Democratic ticket in March, 1896, and took office January 1, 1897. He was acting police justice during the final illness of Judge Swart.
Glavin, James H., was born in Waterford, N. Y., December 16, 1862, educated in the public schools, and began his business life as a grocer's clerk. In 1884 he began the grocery business for himself in his present location, corner of Broad and Third streets, and by square dealing and integrity has increased his clerical force from one to six clerks with supernumeraries at extra busy times. In 1893 he was elected town clerk, re-elected in 1894 and 1896, the last two terms being two years each. In 1898 he was elected supervisor by a majority of 115 in the strongest Republican township in the county. Mr. Glavin's father, Patrick Glavin, was born at Rock City, County Cork, Ireland, and came to the United States with his parents when a boy, locating at Waterford. He married Mary Mccarthy, and they had six children, two died in infancy, and the others are Thomas H., James H., Anna M., and Mary E., who died at the age of twenty-three years. Mr. Glavin died in 1873 and his widow in 1895.
Goldsmith, Benjamin Judah was born in Russia, Poland, March 15, 1840. He came to the United States in 1857, settling first in New York, where he learned the cigarmaker's trade. He remained in that city until 1863, when he removed to Sar- atoga Springs, and was engaged in the manufacture of cigars there from 1865 to 1873. In the latter year he established himself in the wine, liquor and cigar business. Mr. Goldsmith is a member of the board of directors of the First National Bank of Sara- toga Springs. N. Y. He has been twice married; his first wife was Mary J. Howe, who died in 1872, leaving one daughter, Nina; and his second wife was Eliza Cohn, and they have one son, Irving Goldsmith.
Goodland, Mrs. Ann, on July 7, 1861, married Randall B. Saunders, who was born in Albany, N. Y., September 6, 1823. Mrs. Goodland was born in 1833, and they had two children: Sarah A., and Mary I., who died in infancy. Mr. Saunders died June 5, 1877, mourned by a bereaved wife and daughter. On February 15, 1876, Sarah A. married Herman Weber of the township of Halfmoon, who was born in the city of Cohoes They have had seven children: Janette L., Randall B. S., Lillian M. V., Sarah A., Herman (who died in infancy), Harold M. and Lenora W. Mr. Weber carries on the farm. Mrs. Goodland's father, Isaac Van Meeter, was born in Holland and came to the United States when a young man. He married Janette Lloyd, who was born in England, and they had four children. Both Mr. and Mrs. Van Meeter are dead. Mrs. Goodland is a member of the Presbyterian church; Mrs. Weber and family are members of the Episcopal church.
Granger, William H., one of the public spirited and enterprising men of Saratoga Springs, was born in that place September 5, 1840, a son of James A. and Charlotte (Bullard) Granger. Mr. Granger's grandfather, Roswell Granger, was a native of Massachusetts, and settled in Grangerville, Saratoga county, giving the place its name. He and his brother were among the early settlers and carried on a lumber business as well as a grist mill and general store. William H. Granger was educated
43
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
in the common schools and learned the harness maker's trade, which he followed for a short time and then engaged in farming, which occupation he pursued until 1869, when he became connected with the Saratoga Baggage Express Co., and purchased that business in 1870. This business has assumed large proportions under his able management, and Mr. Granger has at the same time grown into the business and public life of Saratoga Springs until he is a prominent factor therein. He has always taken great interest in the fire department and has been a member of the board of fire commissioners nine years, and served as president of the board of fire commis- sioners for two years. In 1865 Mr. Granger married Ermina, daughter of Charles F. White, of Corinth, Saratoga county. They had one son, Henry A., who died in February, 1889, aged twenty-two years.
Grant, C. S., M. D., was born in Delaware county, and was graduated in medicine from the Albany Medical College. Since graduating, however, every five years he has taken a course in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. He began his practice in Saratoga Springs in 1867 and such was his success that he built up an enormous practice and established a reputation for skill and ability that places him in the front rank of the physicians and surgeons of the State. He is a member of the New York State Medical Association and of the Saratoga County Medical Socie- ty; also of the Saratoga Club and the Masonic fraternity. In 1897 Dr. Grant mar- ried Miss Lizzie C. Sheehan, daughter of Cornelius Sheehan, president of the Con- gress Springs Co. of Saratoga Springs.
Grant, Miss Diana S .- Diana S. Grant's father, the late James Grant, was born in Forforshire, Scotland, in 1800, educated in their schools and was a stone cutter by trade. He married Ann Knight of his native county and they had five children: William (died young), Isabell, James, David and Diana S. Mr. Grant died in 1872 and his wife in 1856. Isabell married William Roberts of her native place and they came to the United States in 1870. They had five children: Annie S., William, Eliz- abeth, James G. and Diana B. Mr. Roberts died in 1872; Mrs. Robert conducts a grocery store. Annie S. married Thomas Robinson of Waterford, and they have three children: Isabell G., William R. and Hazel. Miss Diana S. Grant came to the United States in 1871. She was forewoman in the Hudson Knitting Mills eight years and in the Waterford Knitting Mills six years.
Gray, Endress, was born at Altamont, Albany county, N. Y., October 20, 1851, educated in the district schools and Albany High School, and in early life was a farmer. He was a grocery merchant at Princeton, Schenectady county, N. Y., three years and then sold to other parties. He came to Mechanicville in 1883 and has been foreman of the transfer department of the'Fitchburg Railroad1 Company several years. Mr. Gray's father, Jonathan D. Gray, was born at the old home in Albany county, N. Y., in 1826; educated in the schools of his day and was a farmer. He married Mary Ann Ostrander of his native place and they had eight children: Endress (as above), Henrietta, Sarah, Walter, Millard, Anna, Emmitt and Cora. Mr. Gray died in 1882; his widow survives now in 1898. Endress Gray is a member of Noah Lodge of Altamont, N. Y., No. 754, F. & A. M., and is a member of the
44
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
Dutch Reformed church. In his political choice he is independent; ancestry of family is Dutch on both sides.
Gregg, David, was born in the city of Troy, N. Y., in 1841, educated in the public schools of that city and in 1856 came to the town of Waterford with his father, where he has been a successful market gardener and farmer. In 1865 he married Sophia Hunt of Lansingburgh, N. Y., and they have two sons, Daniel and David, jr. Dan- iel married Mary Force and they have five children : David, Mary, Walter, Chauncey and Edna. Mr. Gregg's father, Samuel G. Gregg, was born in Windham, Rocking- ham county, N. H., May 17, 1810, and came to Waterford with his parents in 1822, and followed the water for a living, sailing on the Hudson river and along the United States coast to ports in Virginia. He married Maria Norton and they had two children: David (as above) and Amasa N. Mr. Gregg's grandfather, David Gregg, was born at the old home in Windham, April 8, 1767, and was a very ingen- ious man. Hisgreat-grandfather was a seafaring man and also an officer in the Pro- vincial forces in the French and Indian war and had charge of a bateau, assisting the expedition which went to Oswego, his men having to carry their boats from the North river overland, to pass the great Falls of the Mohawk, now called Cohoes. He was also at the taking of Fort Frontenac and Cataraqui. The family were pa- triots and soldiers in the Revolutionary war. David Gregg, the sixth generation of this family, was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, was a captain in Oliver Cromwell's army in 1655 and subsequently removed to the vicinity of Londonderry, Ireland. The first settlers of this family came to Boston, Mass., in 1712, from the north of Ire- land. Mr. Gregg on the maternal side is descended from the original low Dutch, or Holland Dutch, settlers in Waterford, and later settlers from New England.
Grenell, John Dennison, was born on the Keeler homestead, in Milton, where he now lives, September 27, 1840, a son of Alvie D. and Eliza (Keeler) Grenell. His father was a general merchant in Middlegrove, later cashier of a bank there. In 1840 he moved to the Keeler homestead, where he lived the remainder of his life, with the exception of one year spent in Orleans county, N. Y. He was a public spirited man and active in Rock City Falls M. E. church. John D. Grenell was ed- ucated in the common schools of the town of Milton. He started in life for himself as a school teacher and taught his home school in 1862-63. In 1865 he purchased the old Keeler homestead of his father, where he now lives and follows general farming. He is an active worker in the M. E. church and has held most of the offices in the church. In 1864 he married Lydia, daughter of Hiram and Delia (Hayward) Rog- ers, and their children are Alvie J., Edward A., Lillian and Florence (deceased).
Grippin, Hon. Bartlett B., was born in the town of Wilton, Saratoga county, N. Y., July 9, 1839, a son of Leman A. and Olive (Carpenter) Grippin. His grandfather, Esick Grippin, came to Saratoga county from Columbia county and the family have been in America for many generations. Mr. Grippin remained on his father's farm until twenty-one years of age when he set out to educate himself. He attended suc- cessively Wilton Academy, North Granville Academy, Fort Edward Institute and Rutland College, graduating from the latter school at the head of his class in 1863.
45
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
His business has been that of lumberman and farmer. He has always taken an active part in public affairs and was supervisor of the town of Wilton in 1876, 1877, 1880, 1881, 1884, 1886, 1889, 1893, 1896 and 1897, being chairman of the board in 1884 and again in 1886. He was elected member of assembly in 1885, 1887 and 1888, and was instrumental in establishing the armory at Saratoga, a paid fire department and sewer bills for the village. In the fall of 1897 he was elected county treasurer, as- suming the duties on January 1, 1898. He is a staunch Republican and stands high in the esteem of his party.
Guy, Walton B., was born in Victory Mills, Saratoga county, February 5, 1856, a son of Sydney S. and Anna M. (Haight) Guy. His great-grandfather, Ambrose Guy, served in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Guy received a liberal education in the public schools of Washington county and was graduated from the New York Mutual Optical School. In 1893 he came to Saratoga Springs and engaged in his present practice, where he is the leading optician in that part of the State and makes regular visits to fourteen different towns, in all of which he has a large practice, besides doing all the important work in his line at Saratoga Springs. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity and has passed through the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council, Com- mandery and Shrine. In 1876 Mr. Guy married Florence Davidson of Sandy Hill, and they have one son, Ross D.
Haberlin, John P. B., was born in Saratoga in 1846, a son of John P. and Mary (Ricard) Haberlin. His grandparents came here in 1833 and kept the old Lafayette House, the present Beverwick. His grandfather, John B., served in the army under Napoleon I. His father was a native of the Canton of Thurgau, Switzerland. John P. B. Haberlin was educated in the schools of the village and began his active busi- ness life as a clerk in a grocery store, after which he was twenty years in mercantile business in New York city. He then returned to Saratoga Springs and is connected with C. B. Thomas's ice business. Mr. Haberlin is a member of the board of audit- ors, also of the Royal Arcanum. On January 26, 1868, he married Miss J. A. Van Voast of Brooklyn, who died in 1895, leaving two children: John P. and Maude I.
Hall, Hibbard, was born in Saratoga Springs in 1845, and went to the town of Moreau, where he was the greater part of his life a farmer and lumberman. He was a Republican and active worker and was assessor in Moreau for nine years. In 1895 he bought the business of Isaac Cary at Gansevoort, and carries a large assortment of groceries, dry goods, hardware and agricultural implements. His son, Otis Hall, is a partner, the firm being Hall & Son. Mr. Hall was appointed postmaster in 1898 by President Mckinley. He is a hustling business man, very affable and pleasant and a good all around man in the community. In 1868 Mr. Hall married Mary Grip- pen, daughter of Horace R. Grippen of Corinth, and they have two children: Otis and Ada, wife of B. E. Hibbard of Mechanicville.
Hall, William H., M.D., was born in New York city, March 12, 1838, and was ed- ucated in the Brooklyn City Academy and the medical department of the University of the City of New York. He graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1859 and then
46
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
studied for some time in Paris, France. In 1861 he enlisted as assistant surgeon in the 36th N. Y. Regiment and was in the field as surgeon throughout the entire war, and near the close of the war he was promoted to surgeon. He has also been asso- ciated with the military service of the war and was a member of the old 13th N. Y. Regiment and was also assistant surgeon of the National Guard. After the war he practiced medicine at Rutherford Park, N. J., until 1873, when he settled in Saratoga Springs. He is secretary of the United States Pension Board; has been medical director of the State Department of the Grand Army; a member of the New York State Medical Association; of the Climatological Society of the United States; also of the Ocean County (N. J.) Medical Society; the Saratoga Springs Medical Society ; a member of the G. A. R., of the Army of the Potomac, and of the A. O.U. W. Dr. Hall married Susan Tate Hall of Camden, Me., in 1860, and they have one daughter, Sophie A. Hall. Dr. Hall's parents were Farnham and Harriet C. (Seaman) Hall, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York city; she died in Brooklyn, N. Y. At the time of his father's death his parents were residents of Staten Island. His grandfather, Benjamin Hall, was a lieutenant in the Revolution- ary war, and his great-grandfather was an Indian fighter in the early days of this country.
Ham, John H., son of John and Lucinda (Miller) Ham, was born in 1852. He had two brothers, Edgar, who served in Co. F, 115th N. Y. Vols., and Edwin, who served in Co. D, 77th N. Y. Vols., and was a prisoner for eleven months in Ander- sonville prison. He also had three sisters: Adaline, Caroline and Kate, of whom but one is living-Adaline, who married first J. L. Howard, and second Hiram Weaver. Mr. Ham carries on fruit culture and general gardening and has a farm of ninety-six acres. In politics he is a Republican and has held the position of town constable for several years. He has been twice married; first, to Isabel Shaver; they had three children: Mary A., Albert S. and Belle. In October, 1897, he mar- ried Alice A. Threehouse. Mr. Ham's paternal and maternal great-grandfathers served in the Revolutionary war, and his grandfather Ham in the war of 1812. Mr. Ham has been a resident of his town all his life, and has been tendered many public offices, all of which he has declined.
Harris, Arnold, was born in the town of Ballston, February 22, 1808. His father was Daniel Harris, who had twelve children, of whom Arnold was the eldest. Dur- ing his boyhod he lived upon his father's farm and afterward taught school until he was nineteen, when he removed to Ballston Spa, and became clerk in a hardware store in the building now known as the Barrett building, on Front street. In 1834 he and the late James H. Spier bought out the business and continued as partners until 1839, in which year Mr. Spier's interest was transferred to William Harris and the business was continued under the name of A. & W. Harris. In 1840 they built the brick store which they moved into and which has since been occupied as a hard- ware store, and in 1842 Mr. Harris became the sole owner and continued alone until 1882, when he associated Fred Armer with him, under the name of F. Armer & Co. The firm did business until 1889, when his increasing years compelled Mr. Harris to retire. His success as a merchant was exceptional and he amassed a large fortune.
47
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
Beside his store he for a long time conducted the well known Harris foundry on Ford street, where he manufactured a plow which for years was preferred by farm- ers to any other. Though never a politician, Mr. Harris took a deep interest in pub- lic affairs. He was from the foundation of the Republican party one of its staunch- est adherents and was a thorough believer in the doctrine of protection. In the fall of 1848 he was elected county treasurer and continued in that position for six years, at the end of which time he declined a renomination. Though repeatedly urged to become a candidate for office he always refused. When the plans were made for erecting the present county clerk's office, Mr. Harris was made chairman of the com- mittee appointed for that purpose and his advice and experience were invaluable in pushing the work to completion. He was for many years a director in the Ballston Spa National bank and at the time of his death was vice-president of the institution and one of its largest shareholders. June 20, 1831, he married Phoebe Middlebrook, who died March 31, 1873. They had five children, all of whom died young except one daughter, Mary, who married Charles S. Hall of Binghamton. May 18, 1874, Mr. Harris married Sarah Middlebrook. who survives him. Mr. Harris died Jan- uary 15, 1891, in his eighty-third year, and by his death Ballston Spa has lost one of its best known citizens and one whose reputation for industry and honesty was un- questioned.
Harris, Mrs. Mary C., widow of John Harris; the latter was born in 1799, and died on April 24, 1862. They had five children, two now living: John C. Harris of Sara- toga Springs, and Gertrude, wife of William Harris of Fort Edward, Washington county. One of Mrs. Harris's deceased children was Mrs. Eliza Harris Billings, who was murdered on the 4th of June, 1878, by being shot through the head while sitting in her room in company with her daughter and a house servant. The murder of Mrs. Billings caused a great sensation at the time and was the means of a long and expensive trial, her husband being accused of the murder. He was finally acquitted after two trials, the first resulting in a disagreement of the jury. Mrs. Harris was born in western Oneida county, N. Y., and was the daughter of Joseph A. Clark an extensive farmer of that vicinity. She was married to Mr. Harris on August 7, 1831, and went as a bride to Whitehall, where her husband was in general merchandise business. Mr. Harris was the owner of the property where the home- stead is now located and hither they came the spring following, leaving the business at Whitehall, which was destroyed by fire in 1849. Their first residence was in a dwelling adjoining the present residence. Her mother was Elizabeth Olney, whose people were residents of the village of Quaker Springs in old Saratoga. Mrs. Har- ris, who has passed the three score years and ten, is still one of the liveliest women in the vicinity, conducts her own house, directs the affairs of her farm and exercises a general supervision over the affairs of her large property.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.