Our county and its people; a descriptive work on Oneida county, New York;, Part 101

Author: Wager, Daniel Elbridge, 1823-1896
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: [Boston] : The Boston history co.
Number of Pages: 1612

USA > New York > Oneida County > Our county and its people; a descriptive work on Oneida county, New York; > Part 101

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).

Bennett, C. H., L. D. S., was born in the town of Kirkland, January 22, 1841, son Julius and Charlotte (Griffin) Bennett, natives of Connecticut. His father is dead, but his mother is still living at the age of eighty-two, and her residence at West- moreland is probably the oldest house in that part of the country, and was built by her father, William Griffin, one of the early settlers. Dr. Bennett was educated in this county, and studied dentistry in Waterville, beginning in 1865, and he has had his dental offices here since that time. In 1868 he married Anna C. Terry of Sanger- field. Dr. Bennett is a member of the Masonic frateanity, both of the Blue Lodge and Chapter; also of the Y.M. C. A., Pickwick Club and G. A. R. He enlisted in 1861 in Co. B, 81st N. Y. Regiment, and served thirteen months, subsequently he enlisted in the navy, and served on the U. S. gunboat Grand Gulf. He is also a member of the life saving corps, of which he is captain, on Oneida Lake, where he has a sum- mer residence, and a private yacht, " Water Witch."

Buell, C. E., is a native of Waterville, and a member of the firm of Buell & Son, shoe manufacturers. This business was established in 1837 by Channcey Buell, grandfather of C. E. Buell. C. E. Buell and his father came into the business in 1862, and in 1883 the present firm was formed. They do a large manufacturing business, employing 115 hands and turning out 350 pairs of shoes daily. Mr. Buell is a prominent Mason and master of the lodge in Waterville, and is also a Knight Templar. In 1889 C. E. Buell married Clara G. Andre, a native of Saginaw, Mich.

Bigelow, H. P., was born in the house where he now resides in Waterville, son of Horace Bigelow, a hat manufacturer in Waterville and Julia A. (Porter) Bigelow, daughter of Noah Porter of New Hartford, N. Y. He was graduated from the Ham- ilton College in the class of 1861, and December 28, 1887, he married Pauline C. Mayer of Cincinnati, by whom he has two children: Frederick and Frieda. Mr. Bigelow was treasurer in the village of Waterville for a number of years, and was supervisor of the town of Sangerfield for a term. He is a member of the Pickwick Club and of the Patrons of Husbandry.

Mayer, W. G., was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was educated in the public schools of that city, the United States Naval Academy, and the University of Cin-

FAMILY SKETCHES.

cinnati, from the law department from which he graduated in 1875. Mr. Mayer was engaged in the practice of law in Cincinnati fourteen years, and came to Waterville in 1889. After graduating as midshipman from the Naval Academy, he spent eight years in the naval service, during which time he was twice promoted. In 1880 he married Esther L., daughter of Amos O. Osborn, of Waterville, by whom he has three children: Ada, Rosalie and Amos. His father, Frederick J. Mayer, was a na- tive of Wurtemburg, Germany, and came to America in 1849. He belonged to the Revolutionary party in Germany, and on that account came to America. He was prominent in politics in Cincinnati; was county commissioner for Hamilton county, Ohio; postmaster of Cincinnati by appointment of President Lincoln; and was a trustee of the Cincinnati Hospital for twenty-five years. He was also county treas- urer of Hamilton county for four years. He died in 1882. Mr. Mayer's mother died in 1883. He is president of the Pickwick Club and is a member of the Board of Edu- cation, Board of Health and Board of Library Trustees in Waterville.

Haviland, L. P., was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., December 6, 1848, son of Lyman Haviland, who was born in Connecticut. L. P. was educated in Brooklyn, and his long experience as a manager of the canning business has given him a great knowl- edge of that business, until at this time he is known as a thorough expert, and now conducts one of the largest canning factories of Oneida county, which is located at Camden, the old plant of John Mix. In 1866 James Day started business, but the plant was destroyed by fire in 1868. Mr. Day rebuilt the factory, which Mr. Haviland now owns, where he turns out canned goods in large quantities. He is president of the Board of Water Commissioners, and in politics he is a Repub- lican.

Steates. Andrew, was born in Keil, Baden, Germany, December 1, 1848. His father died when he was a child, and he came to this country with his mother in 1854. They lived for a few years at Deerfield Corners, Oneida county, N. Y., when they removed to New Jersey, but in 1862 returned again to Deerfield Corners. Andrew had but little opportunity for schooling, attending for a few terms the pub- lic schools. He worked, as a youth, at various trades, cigarmaker, carpenter, baker, and wood polisher, working at the latter trade for the firm of Lennebacker & De Long in the city of Utica for nineteen years. In February, 1884, he formed a partnership with William F. Ryan, and they started a wood polishing business on Bleecker street. Two years later they established a furniture business; success at- tended their venture, and in June, 1894, the firm opened its fine establishment at 219-221 Bleecker street. June 26, 1870, Mr. Steates married Mary Merringer, of Deerfield Corners, by whom he had seven sons, of whom two, Andrew W. and Fred H., are living. Mr. Steates is a member of Skenandoah Lodge, I. O. O. F., Orien- tal Lodge, F. & A. M., Knights of Honor, Utica Maennerchor, and treasurer of the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Company. He is a member of the Tabernacle Baptist church.

Agne, Jacob, jr., was born in Utica, N. Y., March 15, 1859, son of Jacob Agne, who was a native of Rhine, Bavaria, having been born near Zweibrüken within a few miles of the spot where the French attempted to cross the Rhine during the Franco-Prussian war, and Margaret Schlamp, who was born in the province of

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

Darmstaat, near Bingen on the Rhine. Jacob Agne, jr., was educated in the pub- hc schools of Utica and studied architecture with William H. Hamilton of that city. He worked with builders for two years and was then associated with A. I. Simmons, the architect, for three years, perfecting himself in the practical work of his pro- fession. He then established a business for himself and in a few years had attained distinction as an architect, especially in the designing and construction of residences and school buildings. Among the more notable structures designed by him are the Oneida County Home at Rome, the Home for Aged Men, the Martin office building and the German Music Hall at Utica. Mr. Agne has been chairman of the Excise Board of Utica and in 1894 was appointed a member of the City Civil Service Com- mission by Mayor Gibson. January 26, 1894, Mr. Agne married Katharine, daugh- ter of Henry Roberts, the hardware merchant of Utica, by whom he has one son, Henry Roberts. Mr. Agne is a Mason, a member of the Royal Arcanum and a Fel- low of the American Institute of Architects.

Biddlecome, William D., son of William W. and Catherine (Steel) Biddlecome, was born at Deerfield, Oneida county, N. Y., November 30, 1857. His father is a farmer, and still resides on the family homestead in Deerfield. William D. was educated at the Utica public schools, Whitestown Seminary and Hamilton College Law School. He was elected school commissioner of the first district of Oneida county in 1881, and re-elected in 1884. He has practiced his profession as a lawyer at Utica since 1888. Mr. Biddlecome is a Republican in politics, and was secretary of the Republican County Committee several years, also chairman of the Executive Committee of the County Committee in 1894. Mr. Biddlecome is a Mason, and a member of Utica Lodge, No. 47. He has never married.

Goodier, Lewis Edward, was born in the city of Utica, March 23, 1857. His father was Jonathan Goodier, a native of Litchfield, Herkimer county, whose father, Aaron Goodier, an Englishman, settled there in 1794. His mother was Clarissa Sill Tread- way, a native of Connecticut and descendant of an old Middletown family. The subject of sketch attended the public schools of the city, graduating from the acad- emy in 1873, entered Vale College and received the baccalaureate degree in 1877. From Hamilton College Law School he was graduated as Bachelor of Laws in 1878. He was connected with the law firm of Lindsley & Dunmore from 1878 to September, 1881, when, with David C. Wolcott, he formed the partnership of Goodier & Wolcott, which conducted a general law business in the Parker block and the Arcade until the death of Mr. Wolcott in July, 1895. Ilis office is now at No. 65 Arcade building. Has never held office and has not been a candidate except at the charter election of 1886 when he was the nominee of the Republicans for special city judge and met de- feat with the rest of the city ticket of his party. He is an enthusiastic national guardsman and has been connected with the military organizations of the city since 1878, when he joined the Utica Citizens Corps. Was active in the movement which carried that organization in the fiftieth year of its existence into the National Guard as the Forty-fourth Separate Company of the State troops, in 1887, and has been its commandant since March, 1888. He served with his company at Buffalo for eight days during the railroad strike riots in 1892, and has been on several occasions as- signed to the command of battalions of National Guard troops at the Camp of In- struction maintained by the State at Peekskill. He married Miss Jane Estelle North-

FAMILY SKETCHES.

rop in 1882, and has four children: Chester Jennings, Lewis Edward, Mabel Estelle and Helen Munn.

Grant, John H., was born at Liberty, Sullivan county, N. Y., June 15, 1857, son of Daniel and Mary (Howell) Grant. Daniel Grant was a contractor and farmer. John H. was educated in the schools of Afton and Bainbridge, N. Y. He studied law with Alexander Cumming, at Binghamton, and was admitted to the bar at Albany in January, 1883, and commenced the practice of his profession in the city of Utica the following February. Mr. Grant is studious and one of the most promising of the younger members of the Oneida county bar. March 6, 1889, he married Libbie Yale, of Bainbridge, N. Y. Mr. Grant is a Mason.

Nutt, Albert, was born in Floyd, August 2, 1842, son of Austin and Melinda Nutt, Austin Nutt was born in Floyd, in 1800, a son of David Nutt, who came here with his family among the early settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Austin Nutt had nine children : John M., Austin, Portus, Iliram, Richard W., Edwin, Albert, Sarah, and Melvina. Albert Nutt married Annie, daughter of John O'Brien, by whom he has one child, Ella M. He is engaged in general farming and dairying. He has served as town collector.

Smith, Giles, was born in the town of Florence, Oneida county, April 20, 1863, son of William Smith, who was born in the same town, and was a farmer up to his death, which occurred in 1880. He married Martha, daughter of Daniel Wilson, one of the old families of Annsville, by whom he had six children: John, Giles, Roena, Eunice, Charley and Myron. Giles was educated in the town of Camden, and has since been engaged in farming and owns a farm of eighty-nine acres in the town of Cam- den. He married Minnie C., daughter of Jacob Zimmerman. Mr. Smith is a mem- ber of the Camden Grange and in politics is a Republican.

Berical, Anthony, was born in Alsace, France (now Germany), January 20, 1844, and came with his parents to the United States when about two years of age, locat- ing in the town of Rome, Oneida county, where he was educated in the district schools. He was a boat owner on the canal for several years, but has been a small farmer and hotel keeper at Higginsville for the past twelve years. In 1869 he mar- ried Adelia Dunn, of the town of Verona, by whom he had five children: William W., Edward G., Mabel A., Agnes M., Anthony E. (deceased), and Vivien L. Will- iam W. married Cora Lepert, of this town. Mr. Berical's father, Anthony Berical, sr., was born at the old home in 1810. He married Catherine Augustine, of his native place, by whom he had nine children: Christina, Theresa, Anthony, George, Lawrence, Joseph, Michael, Ferdinand, and Francis. Mr. Berical died in 1894. Mrs. Berical's father, Dennis Dunn, was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1806. He was twice married, and for his second wife he married Adelia Daley, of County Cork, Ireland, by whom he had nine children : Mary A., Walter W., Adelia, Thomas, John, Catherine, Edward, Agnes and Theresa.

Burback, Joseph H., was born in the town of Verona, in a log house, near State Bridge, May 26, 1854. He was educated in the district schools, and is by occupaticn a farmer. October 14, 1880, he married Margaret E. Kennedy, of this town, and they have one adopted son, James William. Mr. Burback's father, Florence Bur- back, was born in Alsace, Germany, October 20, 1821, and was educated there. He j

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

married Mary Fox, and came to the United States and located near Higginsville, Oneida county. He carried the mail twenty-one years. They had eight children : Mary, Joseph H., Carrie, Peter P., Alanson, John H., George, and Leo, who died in infancy. Mr. Burback died November 4, 1892. Mrs. Burback's father, Thomas Kennedy, was born in Ireland, December 22, 1815. He was educated there and came to the United States in 1845, where he engaged in farming. He married Eliza Gleason of this town, formerly of Ireland, by whom he had seven children: Margaret E., Nora A., Michael J., Mary A. (deceased), Thomas A., Theresa M., and Frances J. Mrs. Kennedy died in 1867. The ancestry of the family is French, German and Irish.

Allen, George H., was born in Cleveland, Ohio, December 29, 1857, son of W. J. and Laura A. (Hoyt) Allen. He was reared on a farm and at the age of seventeen started to learn the trade of furniture finisher. At the end of five years, not seeing all he could desire for a lifework at his trade, he started out as commercial traveler in the interest of the house he worked for as a finisher of furniture, for which con- cern he traveled three years. At this time connecting himself with some of the lead- ing furniture manufacturers of Grand Rapids, Mich., he continued his road life, covering the entire United States and Canada in the interest of the houses he rep- resented. While so engaged, seeing the need of a really good furniture polish, he formulated one calling it "Cedarine." By advertising it in a small way its merits soon won for it considerable trade. In 1891 Mr. Allen organized the Cedarine Mfg. Co. with a capital stock of $25,000, for the purpose of pushing the sale of Cedarine and gave to this company all his energies as its secretary, treasurer and general manager. The fact that to-day Cedarine is recognized as the standard piano and furniture polish in America, being shipped to every State and Territory in the Union and steadily working its way to the front in England, whither Mr. Allen went in 1895 to introduce it, attests to what purpose his efforts have been given in the in- terests of the company he organized and now serves. In 1884 Mr. Allen married Mary E., daughter of Rev. Dwight Scovel, by whom he has one son, George H., jr. At present Mr. Allen is a member of the Board of Education and a sewer commis- sioner.

Burdett, Miner E., was born at Oriskany Falls, N. Y., December 31, 1841. His father, David M., was born in the town of Brookfield, Madison county, N. Y., in January, 1811, and was of New England parentage. At the age of twenty-two he came to Oriskany Falls and was engaged in teaching school for a number of years, after which he interested himself in agriculture which he continued until his death, November 6, 1880. He served as school commissioner, supervisor four years, was elected to the State Legislature in 1870-71; also was railroad commissioner at the time of his death. He married Arabell Willard of Oriskany Falls, N. Y., who was born December 25, 1820, and still survives him. They had six children: Ellen L., E. Burdett, Jennie M., Charles E., Willard M., and Minnie F. ; all except the last named are still living. E. Burdett was educated at the public school at Oriskany Falls and was engaged in farming with his father until the latter's death; is still in the same pursuit on the old homestead and has been prosperous. He married Eliza- beth, youngest daughter of Charles B. and Sophia Kinney of Madison, N. Y., where she was born September 3, 1847. They had six children : Charles D., born October

FAMILY SKETCHES.

24, 1872; Jennie M., born May 1, 1875; Ralph K., born January 17, 1877; Harry V., born December 19, 1878; Dana M., born March 6, 1881; and Wilford, born February 19, 1884.

Baker, A. E., was born at West Monroe, Oswego county, in 1838, son of Samuel P. Baker, one of the early settlers of Oswego county, who was originated from an old New England family, and was colonel of a militia regiment and justice of the peace for twenty years. A. E. Baker received his education at Mexico Academy. His first business was in 1862, when he came here with James Armstrong and established a knitting mill, which has proved a successful enterprise. In 1867 he married Cor- delia, daughter of Capt. J. P. Richardson, the well-known provost-marshal of the early war days. They have two sons: Joseph Richardson and Edwin Carlos, both of whom are graduates of Hamilton College, and who are now reading law, with the intention of making it their chosen profession.

Hubbard, Edward, was born in the town of Kirkland, on the farm where he now resides, June 16, 1836. His father, Anson Hubbard, emigrated from Connecticut, with his father, John Hubbard, when eleven years of age. They cleared a farm of 150 acres, living in a log cabin for five years, after which they built a frame house, part of which now stands to their memory. Their ancestors came over on the Mayflower. Anson Hubbard married Abigail Tompkins of Paris, Oneida county, by whom he had seven children, Edward, now being the only one living. Edward Hubbard received his education in this town, and married Caroline, daughter of Will- iam C. Burrett, of the town of Marshall, by whom he has three children: Will- iam A., Grace and Charles.

Hovey, George I., was born in Deansville, March 6, 1871, son of Charles and Amelia (Skinner) Hovey. His grandfather, Isaac Hovey, came to this place in 1848, where he was a physician and prominent man of his day. George I. was educated at the Cazenovia Seminary and Syracuse Commercial College, and outside of this college life his residence has been in Deansville. In November, 1892, he married Eva L. Skinner. In March, 1893, he was elected justice of the peace, which office he now fills with much ability. He is also interested in educational affairs, and was elected a member of the Board of Education in August, 1894.

Jones, Thomas F., was born in Wales, March 30, 1851, and came to the United States when five years of age, with his widowed mother and two sisters. They first settled in Bridgewater, Oneida county, later moving to Chuckery, town of Kirkland. When twenty-two years of age Thomas F. engaged in farming, and in 1885 purchased the old Jones homestead in Chuckery, where he now lives. He married Alice Woodin, of Kirkland, by whom he had three children: Eva M., Alta L., and Francis M. Mr. Jones is a member of Amicable Lodge, Free & A. M., No. 664, and of Sau- quoit Grange, of which order his family are also members.

Ronspees, Herman, was born near Berlin, Germany, November 30, 1856. He was educated in their schools, and came with his parents to the United States when four- teen years of age. He learned the blacksmith's trade in Rome, which business he has carried on successfully eleven years in Higginsville. He was elected town clerk of the town of Verona in 1892, and was re-elected in 1894. February 27, 1884, he married Louise C. Baker of this town, by whom he had two sons: W. Clarence and

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

John F. Mr. Ronspees's father, Charles F., was born at the old home in Germany in 1826. He was educated there and was a blacksmith by trade. He married Henri- etta Splitgerber of his native place, and came to the United States in 1870. They had four sons: August, Herman, as above, Charles, and Gustave. Mr. Ronspees died in 1876, and his widow resides with Herman. Mrs. Ronspees's father, Daniel Baker, was born in Germany about 1831, and came to the United States with his parents when fourteen years of age, locating in Utica. He married Eliza Ague, by whom he had four children: Louise C., as above, William P., Frederick E., and Henry L. Mr. Ronspees is a member of New London Lodge No. 420, F. & A. M.

Walker, Aaron C., was born in Yorkshire, England, May 8, 1841, son of Thomas and Elizabeth Walker, who came to the United States in 1842. Thomas Walker first worked out, then hired a farm, and finally purchased one through his own efforts. He is now retired, living in the village in comfortable circumstances; is in good health, and in his eightieth year. Mrs. Walker died in 1855. Aaron C. Walker was educated at the district school in Westmoreland, after which he engaged in farming, which he still continues, conducting the old homestead, which he bought of his father. Mr. Walker married L. Eunette Bicknell, granddaughter of Elder James Bicknell, one of the prominent men of the county, by whom he had ten children: Giles B., Glen A., M. Ellen, Thomas M., Edith E., Mary J., Grant Eugene, Frank S., who are still living, and Ruth I. and Eva E. (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Walker and Giles B. Walker are members of the Methodist church in Westmoreland. Mr. Walker is a staunch Republican, and actively interested in the success of his party. This family is among the representative agricultural families of the county.

Burr, Henry A., was born at New York Mills, N. Y., March 9, 1859, son of William and Sarah Burr. William Burr was born in 1823, and has always been engaged in farming, and he and his wife are both living in good health at New York Mills. Henry A. Burr was educated partly at New York Mills, and partly at Whitestown Seminary, after which he was engaged in the office of the Quigley Furniture Co. He entered the coal business July 1, 1888, under the firm of Haynes & Burr. This firm is located on the Erie Canal, and have remarkably good facilities for receiving coal, also for storing and housing it. Their business extends through Whitesboro, New York Mills, and the adjacent territory. The firm is now composed of F. D. Haynes and Henry A. Burr, and the business is one of the representative interests of Whitesboro. He married Rachael C. Reese of Whitesboro, by whom he has two children Helen and William Richard. He has been postmaster of Whitesboro for four years, being appointed under President Harrison, and holding over two years under President Cleveland. He is also interested in the Whitesboro Canning Co., of which he is one of the directors.

Brayton, Mrs. Frances A .- The late Stephen H. Brayton was born at Newport, Herkimer county, January 12, 1845, son of Stephen and Sarah Brayton. Stephen Brayton was engaged in farming in Herkimer county. Stephen H. was educated at Utica and Poughkeepsie, and then engaged in farming, at which he has always con- tinued. He conducted a farm in Deerfield, and was a man highly respected as one of the representative agriculturists of that place. Ile married Frances A., daughter of George F. Weaver of Deerfield, N. Y., by whom he has two children: Helen A.

FAMILY SKETCHES.

and Stephen H. Mr. Brayton died in Deerfield, March 29, 1892. Mrs. Brayton and her children are members of the Presbyterian church at Whitesboro.

Allen, Fred C., was born in Oneida county, N. Y., August 6, 1868, son of Alonzo and Nettie Allen. Alonzo Allen died in 1888. The grandfather, Charles Allen, came from New England. October 12, 1892, Fred C. Allen married Maggie Pugh. He owns a fine farm of 130 acres in the town of Paris, near Cassville.

Clark, Charles W., was born at Palmyra, Wayne county, N. Y., December 23, 1858, son of James Clark, a native of Cranbrook, England, who was born July 16, 1825, and at the age of twenty-one came to Waterville, Oneida county, N. Y., where he engaged in farming ; after seven years residence there, he moved to East Hamil- ton, N. Y., where he bought a large farm, and after a few years' residence there, he removed to Palmyra, where he still engaged in farming; after residing six years there, he returned to East Hamilton, where he has since resided. He served in the late Rebellion, and is now a leading member of the G. A. R. In August, 1851, he married Maria Rogers, of Hubbardsville, Madison county, who died at East Hamil- ton, in May, 1888. Charles W. Clark received his education at East Hamilton, Waterville Union School and Academy, Hamilton Union School, Eastman's Busi- ness College, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., from which institution he graduated in April, 1884. In 1878 he took up his residence at Oriskany Falls, and was engaged as clerk and bookkeeper in a hardware store for eleven years. He has been an active worker in the Republican party, and March 16, 1889, he received the appointment of post- master at Oriskany Falls, and held the position nearly five years. He has held many minor offices, and is also a 32d degree Mason. He was for two years engaged with A. T. Davis, under the firm name of Davis & Clark, in the general mercantile business, and now in the insurance business, and has been clerk of the village of Oriskany Falls since March, 1893. February 25, 1885, he married Mary H. Greer, of Pitcher, Chenango county.

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Our county and its people; a descriptive work on Oneida county, New York;, Part 101

Author: Wager, Daniel Elbridge, 1823-1896 Publication date: 1896 Publisher: [Boston] : The Boston history co. Number of Pages: 1612

Author: Wager, Daniel Elbridge, 1823-1896
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: [Boston] : The Boston history co.
Number of Pages: 1612