USA > New York > Saratoga County > Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Saratoga County, New York > Part 83
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Townsend, Joel, was born in Warren county, N. Y., December 2, 1829, a son of Dennison and Esther (Parmenter) Townsend. His maternal grandfather, Isaiah Parmenter, came from Vermont very early and spent his days in Warren county. His father was a farmer, also spent a great deal of time manufacturing pump logs. He and his wife had twelve children, of whom eight now survive; he died in Hadley on the farm Joel now owns, February 13, 1880. Joel Townsend was educated in the common schools and followed farming, is also interested in the manufacture of lum-
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ber and carries on a business of about $3,000 yearly. On March 9, 1831, he married Catherine Steadman, and they had two children, one now living, Emily J., born March 3, 1854, and married Samuel Coffinger, and they have seven children: Della M., Hulda S., Joel T., Maria J., Myrtle M., Vermia B., and Abram, deceased.
Glenn, Scott B., was born in Providence, November 6, 1872, a son of Allen S. and Mary (Burdick) Glenn. Allen S. Glenn was a native of Galway, born in 1840, a son of Jacob Glenn, one of the early settlers of that town. Allen S. was a prominent farmer of Ballston and for years conducted a milk route in that place. In politics he was a Democrat, and at one time was collector. He served three years in Co. E, 77th N. Y. Vols., and was always known as a true soldier. He was a prominent Free Mason, and a member of the G. A. R. He died in Ballston in 1883, and his wife in 1886. Scott B. Glenn was educated at Ballston Center, but owing to the death of his parents his education was limited and he at an early age began to clerk for George H. West, an uncle, in Galway; later for A. W. Brown & Co., and for four years has been in the employ of H. R. Crouch. He was once a member of the Good Templars, and knows not the taste of strong drink. December 25, 1893, he married Emma Brown and they have three children: Howard A., Carrie A. and Raymond S. Mr. Glenn has always been identified with the Democratic party, and although his party is largely in the minority he was easily elected supervisor of the town of Gal- way in 1898; his first political office being that of collector, being elected in 1893. Mr. Glenn's mother was a daughter of Peleg Burdick, who married Mary Clark, daughter of William Clark, one of the wealthiest men in the town of Providence, Saratoga county, N. Y., and held the office of supervisor in that town for about eighteen years.
Ruback, John, was born in Germany, December 7, 1840, a son of Frederick Ruback and Mary Woodrick, his wife, both natives of Germany, and who came to America in 1863, settling in Galway, where they lived and died. John Ruback was educated in Germany and came with his parents to America. In 1863 he enlisted in Co. F, 2d N. Y. Cavalry, and served two years. He returned to Galway and engaged in farm- ing, having a farm of 214 acres. He married Minnie Lamfort, of Germany, and they had six sons: Frederick, Charles H., George, Edward, John and William. In politics Mr. Ruback is a Republican and has been elected nine years in succession to the office of assessor. He is a member of William B. Carpenter Lodge No. 634, G. A. R. Dept. N. Y. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.
Shayne, Mrs. Mary, widow of Thomas Shayne, was born in Ireland, September 1, 1820. In 1840 she came to America with her husband, settling in Galway, where he carried on farming until his death in 1885. He was a Democrat in politics and took an active part. He and his wife had nine children, of whom five grew to manhood and womanhood. The oldest son, C. C. Shayne, was born in Galway, September 23, 1844, educated in Galway schools, and at seventeen years of age left home. He was news agent for the N. Y. Central railroad from Albany to Buffalo, where he re- mained two years and at age nineteen he entered the services of C. B. Camp & Co. Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1868 he started in business for himself and in 1873 sold his
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business and went to New York, where he established the house of C. C. Shayne, which is known all over the world as one of the largest of its kind. He is president of the Manufacturers' Fur Association ; a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade and Transportation ; a member of the committee of One Hundred and of the Ohio Society. He has been an active politician and has been nominated for Congress in the fourteenth district, but declined. He calls Galway his home. J. T. Shayne, the second son, was born in Galway, August 26, 1852, educated at a private academy and at an early age assisted his brother in the newspaper business He worked for his brother in Cincinnati and after several years went as traveling salesman for Knox & Shayne of New York city. In 1884 he established the present fur business in Chicago and has about the largest business in the west. He is sole agent in Chicago of the celebrated Knox hats. He is now president of the Board of Trade there. The oldest daughter of Mrs. Shayne was Annie, deceased; her fourth child, Thomas T., resides in Chicago as foreman for his brother; fifth child, Ellen, is now deceased.
Willard Brothers .- This firm is composed of Frank and E. J. Willard, sons of John Willard, a native of Corinth. John Willard was educated at Corinth and learned the machinist's trade at Troy, and later the carpenter's trade at Ballston, which was his business during his life. He came to Galway when a young man and here mar- ried Rosa Flannigan, and they had six children. Mr. Willard was a Democrat and held the office of constable. He was a member of Galway Lodge No. 453, I. O. O. F. ;
he died November 26, 1896. Edward J. Willard was born in Galway, August 6, 1858, educated in the common schools and at age fourteen went to Cohoes where he began business life as a clerk, but soon returned and learned the carpenter's trade with his father and followed it eight years. December 12, 1886, he, with his brother Frank, engaged in the mercantile business in Galway, where they have since conducted a successful business. He is a member of the Presbyterian church; is also engaged in the undertaking business with his brother. In politics he is a Democrat and has served as collector and took the census in 1890. Frank Willard was born May 22, 1868, and educated in the common and select schools of Galway. He followed clerk- ing for Crouch & Sammons four years and then engaged in the mercantile business as stated above. He is a Democrat and was town clerk in 1896-97. He is a mem- ber of Galway Lodge No. 453, I. O. O. F.
Haight, Walton, son of Obediah S. and Lydia (Congar) Haight, was born in the town of Malta, near Saratoga Lake, November 8, 1819. When four years of age his parents moved to Malta Ridge, where he has resided ever since. June 3, 1840, he married Emaline Weed of Ticonderoga, and they had five children: Lucie A., widow of Ransford Wegner of Ballston Spa; Francis L., who lives at home; Ella M. Patter- son of Whitehall; Carrie, who married Frank Whitehead of Paterson, N. J., and died in December, 1895; and Hermance O. of Malta. Mrs. Haight died November 18, 1893. Mr. Haight has served his town as justice of the peace twelve years, asses- sor nine years, collector, constable and town commissioner.
Pearse, Samuel W., was born in Clifton Park township, October 23, 1847, a son of Adam E. and Mary (Wilbur) Pearse. He acquired his education in the district
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schools of his native place and on conclusion of his school days removed to Malta, where he embarked in the general merchandise business, in which he has continued until the present time. In 1891 he was elected supervisor and re-elected in 1893 and 1895 and served in the position with marked ability. On June 4, 1873, Mr. Pearse married Hattie M. Simpson of Maltaville, and they have one son, Frank W., born October 3, 1874, Mr. Pearse is a member of Waterford Lodge No. 140, F. & A. M., and of the Odd Fellows fraternity.
Wilson & Carscadden, furniture dealers and undertakers, an old business con- ducted by young men. This thriving establishment was first inaugurated by Miles Root in 1842, and was carried on by him continuously for fifty years. In 1892 he was succeeded by Welling & Ensign, and in 1895 Mr. Welling's interest was pur- chased by W. D. Wilson, the firm becoming Wilson & Ensign. In 1897 Mr. Ensign withdrew and was succeeded by J. H. Carscadden, when the present copartnership was inaugurated. The firm manufacture and deal in all kinds of household and office furniture, do upholstering work of all kinds and in connection with their other trade carry on the undertaking business, which has been one of the prominent fea- tures of the house for fifty-six years. They own a fine hearse and are prepared to to respond at all hours, either day or night, and have the facilities and experience necessary to conduct funerals in the most appropriate and becoming manner. They are both practical embalmers and are graduates of schools of embalming. Mr. Wil- son is a native of Coonville. Mr. Carscadden was born and reared in Schuylerville. He is a graduate of the Albany Business College, and a young man of fine business attainments. The firm are popular and enjoy a large trade throughout Saratoga and adjoining towns.
Pangburn, Nicholas, was born in New Scotland, Albany county, N. Y., January 5, 1828, a son of James and Polly (Houck) Pangburn. His parents came to Saratoga county about 1850, where they lived six years and then moved to Wisconsin, and now live at Sauk Center, Minn. Nicholas Pangburn was educated in the common schools of Albany county, and when about nineteen years of age started out in life for himself as a carpenter, serving an apprenticeship of three years. In 1862 he started a general merchandise store at West Milton, which he carried on for about five years. From 1850 to 1862 he followed contracting and building. In 1867 he sold his store and went to work at his trade which he followed three years, when he entered the employ of George West, with whom he remained fifteen years as a car- penter and millwright. In 1894 he was appointed postmaster of West Milton, which he held four years, in connection with which he carried on a general merchandise business, which he is now interested in, also works at his trade. In September, 1859, Mr. Pangburn married Hannah Young, and they had four children: John I., William, Albert C. and George; he married a second time, Emma Gower, and they have two children: Harry E. and Nellie. Mr. Pangburn is interested in town and county affairs, and has been overseer of the poor three years, constable fifteen years and formerly a member of the I.O.O.F. of West Milton
Perry, Joseph C., is the son of Rowland and Matie D. (Corkins) Perry, and he has two sisters, Adaline, widow of James Sherman, and Mary J., wife of George Bracket.
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Both parents are dead. Mr. Perry's uncle, Kellogg Perry, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and participated in the various campaigns and movements against the Brit- ish incidental to that time. His grandfather, Absalom Perry, was the founder of what used to be known as Perry's settlement, west of the village of Wilton, where he owned a large tract of land. In 1866 Mr. Perry married Elizabeth Deyo and they had seven children: George, Edgar, Albert, Charles, Frederick, and Edith, wife of Charles Brower, and Alice, wife of Frank Van Wagoner. Mr. Perry's farm is situ- ated one mile southeast of Gurn Spring, where he carries on general farming.
Richards, John, was born in the town of Saratoga, on what is known as Saratoga avenue, about two miles north of Ballston Spa, a son of Jacob and Nancy (Woods) Richards. Mr. Richards's grandfather, Jacob Richards, came to this county from Canaan, Conn., with his family about 1787 and settled near Rowland's Hollow, where he followed general farming, improving the land, etc., and was one of the organizers and builders of the Episcopal church that was formerly located in the central part of the town of Milton. John Richards was educated in the common schools of the towns of Milton and Saratoga, and when about twenty-one years of age his father died and he purchased his father's farm, which he has carried on up to the present time. He married Gertrude F., daughter of Harry Clark of Oxford, Orange county, N. Y., and they have one son, Henry Clark. Mr. Richards has been active in town and county affairs ; in 1886-87 he represented his town on the board of supervisors; was highway commissioner six years and has also taken an active part in school work. He has been a member of the Episcopal church of Ballston Spa since he was quite young and is at present a warden of the church and was formerly vestryman.
Smith, Franklin H., son of Rev. George and Hannah ('Temple) Smith, was born in Granville, Washington county, December 14, 1832, educated in the public schools and North Hebron Institute. At the age of twenty-three he left home and went to Brooklyn, where he was a merchant for three years and then returned to North Hebron and went into the general merchandise business, which he continued until 1872. He was appointed by President Lincoln postmaster and continued through Grant's second term, when he removed to Saratoga and kept a grocery and meat market, in company with Mr. Horace Jones, under the firm name of Smith & Jones. This firm dissolved after one year and Mr. Smith returned to North Hebron, dis- posed of his property interests there and in 1876 purchased his present farm, which is located three miles north of Saratoga Springs. He is extensively engaged in fruit raising, gardening and bottling pickles. Politically he is a Republican; was town clerk in North Hebron and has been justice of the peace, elected in 1888. In 1862 Mr. Smith married Clara White, daughter of Adna White of New Haven, Vt., and they had six children, five now living: Archie F., Elma, wife of Gilbert Hodges; Daisy W., teacher; Lester E., who is a student in the medical department of the University of Vermont at Burlington ; and Harriet E., a teacher in the public schools.
Winnie, Killian D., son of Dow and Martha A. (Boyce) Winnie, was born near Grangerville, in 1809, and has passed the eighty-ninth mile stone in life's highway. Mr. Winnie is in full possession of all his faculties and retains his eyesight to a re-
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markable degree. He personally superintends all the details of his large farm, situ- ated near the junction of Saratoga, Wilton and Northumberland townships. He is probably one of the oldest of the county's inhabitants. Mr. Winnie received his education in the schools of the vicinity, conquering all the higher branches offered in those early days, until he was competent to teach, which he did for a number of years. In 1833 he married Sarah C. Moshier, who died several years ago, and their children are William, Mary and Catharine. Mr. Winnie learned the carpenter's trade which he followed for many years, and this section of the county is dotted with innumerable school houses, dwelling and farm buildings, which he erected dur- ing the long interval of his life. Mr. Winnie still takes an active interest in public affairs and is enabled to vividly portray the scenes and events of the past eighty years.
Baker, George A., son of Lansing and Amanda (Reynolds) Baker, was born at Glens Falls, September 13, 1851. His father was a merchant and for some time con . tinued in that business, but subsequently sold out and purchased a farm in the vicin- ity of Glens Falls. Here he remained until 1867, when he purchased the farm where George A. now resides and remained there until his death in 1883. Mr. Baker re- mained at home on the farm until 1884, when he disposed of it and removed to Glens Falls, engaging in the business of selling hay and grain with Frederick Sellick. They dissolved partnership after two years and Mr. Baker again entered the field of business as a dealer in coal and wood, which he continued for seven years, at which time he returned to Wilton and purchased the old homestead of 165 acres. May 7, 1874, he married Maria Heath and they have three children: Cora, Jessie, wife of Erwin Smith, and Roscoe.
Peck, Henry C., son of George H. and Sarah Cramer Peck, was educated at Fort Miller Academy and the Albany Business College, class of 1889. Mr. Peck remained at home until his marriage in February, 1895, to Sarah McNeil, and they have two children: Marion H., aged two and one half years and an infant son. Mr. Peck carries on general farming, handles beef, cattle, sheep and hogs, also keeps a fine dairy of milch cows. He believes in the good old fashioned kind of farming, that is, never to sell a pound of hay or grain which can be profitably fed and disposed of on the farm. Mr. Peck is the selling agent for Bowker's celebrated fertilizers and hand- les the Worcester (Mass.) Buckeye mowers. He is one of the most progressive of farmers and is a member of Bacon Hill Grange, No. 133.
Sparling, James W., son of James H. and Eleanor Sickles Sparling, was born at Edenburg, N. J., in 1853, and educated in the common schools. He purchased bis present farm of 125 acres twenty-five years ago and carries on general farming. In 1877 Mr. Sparling married and has four children: Harry E, Percy J., Reed W. and Erzeline. Politically Mr. Sparling is in favor of the best man for office in local con tests. He is a member of Bacon Hill Grange P. of H.
Baker, John T., was born on the Baker homestead a mile north of Mechanicville, April 17, 1817, a son of James and Ruth (Post) Baker, who came to this county from
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Dutchess county and followed the occupation of farming. Mr. Baker married Lucie, daughter of John Stever, and their children are Sarah, Louisana, wife of George A. Earing, Silas, Albert, David S. (deceased), Fremont, Holmes, Florence, wife of Daniel B. Earing, and Grace, wife of Dwight Gailor. Mrs. Baker died and for his second wife Mr. Baker married Sarah A., daughter of George and Phoebe (Wilker) Holmes, and their children are Belle, wife of Fred Gailor, Bailey, Clarence and Louise. Mr. Baker has been active in town and county affairs and has represented his town on the board of supervisors, also held several town offices. His son, David, now deceased, was a lawyer and a member of the firm of Pond & French.
Britton, Reuben, was born in Albany county, January 27, 1821, a son of William and Jane Britton. William's children were Reuben, Katie Jane, William Henry, Perrin, Julia, Ann and Levi, all deceased excepting Reuben and Julia Ann. Reuben was married when seventeen years of age to Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Van Wie, and they had nineteen children: Ellen, William, Susan, John, Jane Ann, Adelia, Mary Elizabeth, Emily, Reuben, Levi, Elmira, Thomas, Melvina, Julia Ann, Adelia and four who died in infancy. Soon after his marriage he rented a farm and com- menced life for himself; four years later he started in the grocery and liquor busi- ness, also wood and timber. Later he burnt lime and worked as a mason in con- structing buildings. He settled in Saratoga county in 1851 and has since followed farming. He started in life depending entirely upon his own resources and through industry, economy and integrity he has amassed quite a property. He owns about a thousand acres of land besides other property. He is active in the affairs of his town and county and contributes more toward the schools than any other man in his district. At the family gathering, which is held annually, there are from eighty to ninety of the relatives present. William R. and John R were both members of Co. C,, Seventy-seventh Regiment N. Y. S. Vols. John R. had the misfortune to have his arm shot off and William R. was wounded in the arm. Reuben's parting in- structions to his sons when leaving for the war was "Boys, come home with no holes shot through the front of your clothes."
Edmonds, Charles, was born in the town of Saratoga, December 1, 1826, a son of Samuel Edmonds. His early life was spent on the farm with his father, attending school winters and assisting on the farm summers. When twenty-one years of age he started in life for himself as a farm laborer, which he followed until he was about thirty years old, then took charge of his father's business, and upon the death of his father he purchased the property. He married Ruth, daughter of James and Abbie Smith. Mr. Edmonds in early life was active in town and county affairs, and educa- tional matters. Samuel Edmonds was a veteran of the war of 1812.
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Neilson, Frank W., was born in Stillwater, February 7, 1858, a son of Sanford and Dorcas A. (Smith) Neilson. He was educated in the common schools of Stillwater and Colgate Academy. He is associated with his father in the lumber, wood and coal business and formerly in the manufacture of straw board. He married Elsie E., daughter of Philip H. and Saralı E. (Wood) Potter, and they have two children : Ethel P. and Lucele A. Mr. Neilson has been active in town and county affairs;
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was supervisor two terms and candidate for sheriff in 1898. He and his father are interested in public enterprises. His father's early life was spent on a farm near Bemis Heights, with his father, Charles C. He was graduated from Union College and in 1872 entered the lumber, wood and coal business in Stillwater, which he has followed to the present time. He also buys for shipping farm produce. Frank W. is a member of Montgomery Lodge F. & A. M., No. 504, and is at present senior deacon and was formerly junior warden.
Sarle, Eugene, was born at Sarle's Ferry, December 8, 1849, a son of Benjamin and Amanda (Knight) Sarle. He was educated in the common schools of the town of Saratoga, and his early life was spent on the farm with his father, attending school winters and assisting on the farm summers. When he was about twenty years of age he started in life for himself as a farmer, which business he has fol- lowed to the present time. He married Annie Rebecca, daughter of George and Helen Wandell. In politics he is a Republican and is active in affairs of the town and county. Benjamin Sarle's children were Sanford, Van Buren, Harriet, wife of George Bennett, Eugene and Emma (deceased). Benjamin Sarle was the first of the family to settle here, coming from Providence, R. I., with his wife, Hannah (Clauson) Sarle.
Smith, Lyman, was born in Stillwater, October 27, 1823, a son of Bliss and Esther (Newland) Smith. His father came from Bennington, Vt., and settled near Bemis Heights. He had ten children: Elias, Penette, Newland, Henry, Lansing, Matilda, Sarah, Lyman, Dorcas and Wallace W. Lyman Smith was educated in the common schools of Stillwater and when twenty-six years of age started in business as a livery- man and clerk in a general merchandise store. He afterwards purchased the Still- water and Mechanicville stage line and in 1865 sold his business interests. In 1868 he started in the general merchandise business in Stillwater, which he has followed to the present time; he has also been interested in the straw board mill. February 18, 1857, he married Harriet, daughter of Rolland Atkins, who died February 1, 1896. He has been supervisor and town clerk; has been an active worker in the Stillwater Baptist church and has been trustee forty years and treasurer thirty years. He was taken with lameness when ten years old and has been compelled to use a crutch ever since, which has caused him to labor under great disadvantage and from this standpoint he is deserving of great credit.
Medbery, Nathan, was born in Greenfield, July 26, 1817, a son of Stephen and Lydia (Martin) Medbery, natives of Rhode Island, who came to Greenfield when children. Stephen Medbery owned the farm Nathan now has and there lived and died, and where he reared a large family of thirteen children who grew to man and womanhood. Nathan Medbery was educated in the common schools and carries on farming, having a farm of seventy-seven acres where he lives and twenty acres else- where. He is unmarried and in politics is a Democrat. He has made his own prop- erty and has been very successful.
Hill, Seth, was born in Greenfield, August 16, 1841, a son of Josiah, son of Daniel,
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an early settler of that town. Josiah was a lumberman; in politics a Democrat; he married Sallie V. Carr, and died in 1859. Seth Hill was reared on a farm and ed- ucated in the common schools. He is a carpenter and farmer and owns 100 acres where he lives and nine acres of meadow land on the Kayaderosseras River. In politics he is a Republican and has been collector and constable. He is a member of Greenfield Lodge No. 308, I. O. O. F., of the S. S. Craig Post No. 665, G. A. R., and of the Greenfield Grange. October 8, 1868, he married Jennie Hewitt, and they have one adopted son, Eddie. Mr. Hill enlisted on August 30, 1862, in Co. H, 153d N. Y. Vols., and served three years; was at Sabine Cross Roads, Pleasant Hill, Cain River Crossing, Mansura Plains, Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek. He was first sergeant and is now serving his second year as commander of the Grand Army Post. Daniel Hill died July 12, 1829, aged seventy-three years; he and his wife were members of the Baptist church. Jonathan Carr married Miss Brower and died April 23, 1849, in Jefferson county, aged ninety-three years.
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