Our county and its people; a descriptive work on Oneida county, New York;, Part 102

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 102

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).

Beach, John J., was born in Augusta, N. Y., July 25, 1838, son of Jacob Beach, who was born in Connecticut, August 14, 1805, and came to Augusta in 1820, where he engaged in the agricultural industry. September 21, 1824, he married Laura A. Doolittle, who was born in Greene county, N. Y., in 1808, and died May 27, 1882. In connection with his farm interests Mr. Beach was engaged as a carpenter, joiner and builder. He died May 30, 1882. John J. was educated at the old Augusta Academy, and after his school days he rented the farm of his father, upon which he still lives, later buying it, and has occupied and conducted it since. In 1860 he mar- ried Ann M. Morrell, of Rome, N. Y. and she died in 1885, leaving three children: Almond D., born July 16, 1861; Flora A., born September 22, 1863; and Ina S., born March 3, 1868. June 21, 1888, he married Mrs. Julia (Lewis) Vaughn, who was born in Leray, Jefferson county, July 5, 1849, by whom he has one child, Foster J., born July 10, 1891.

Wheeler, Prof. William H., was born in the town of Stockbridge, N. Y., July 19, 1864, son of Hibbard Wheeler, who was also born in Stockbridge, in 1835, and Jeanette (Royce) Wheeler, who was born in Pinckney, N. Y., in 1845. Hibbard Wheeler was a noted hop grower of Madison county. He died December 7, 1894, and Mrs. Wheeler is now living on the old homestead at Munnsville, N. Y. Prof.

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

William H. Wheeler has been principal of the Knoxboro Union School since 1892. He received his education mostly at the Cazenovia Seminary, from which institution he was graduated in the academic course in 1886, after which he taught school for one year, and then engaged in farming for one year; after which he engaged with a surveying party for one year. In 1890 he took charge of the Munnsville school and remained in that position two years, and in 1892 he assumed the principalship of the Knoxboro school, where he is still engaged. He married Harriet La Munion, who was born in Stockbridge, February 14, 1873, and was educated at Gloversville, N. Y. Her father, Abel La Munion, was born in Stockbridge in 1849 and died there in 1891. Mrs. Wheeler is now engaged in teaching with her husband, having charge of one of the departments of the school.

Burleson, William Jay, was born in the town of Stockbridge, N. Y., February 19, 1845, son of Ira Burleson, a native of Rhode Island, where he was born March 22, 1809. He was an early settler in Augusta, having come with his parents in 1818. In early life he removed to Stockbridge, where he followed the occupation of a farmer until ten years before his death, at which date he changed his residence to Vernon, where he spent the rest of his life. He married Sarah Jakeways, of French descent, who was born in the town of Augusta in November, 1810, and died in Stockbridge August 6, 1855; and Mr. Burleson died April 18, 1881. William J. Burleson came to the town of Augusta in 1867. He lived in Vernon during the early part of his life, except a short time spent in Stockbridge with his parents dur- ing his childhood. He received his education at the Augusta and Stockbridge schools, after which he bought the farm which he now occupies, on the summit of the road leading from Knoxboro to Valley Mills. January 24, 1871, he married Lucretia Stanford, of Annsville, N. Y., daughter of Hiram and Lucy A. Stanford, who was born April 7, 1851. and was educated at the school in Annsville. They have four children: Charles E., born January 12, 1873; Lena I., born January 19, 1877; Frank J., born February 29, 1881; and Mary L., born May 1, 1884.

Van Evera, Virgil E., was born in Knoxboro, N. Y., September 20, 1851, and has been identified with many interests in the village. Hisfather, Philemon Van Evera, came from Montgomery county, and settled in Knoxboro in 1848. He was born December 15, 1825, and for thirty years, after taking up his residence in this place, carried on a boot and shoe establishment. He gradually developed an exten- sive business in that line of goods, at that time purchasing the Howard House, which he conducted for several years, and retired about two years ago. His wife, Olivia Shepard, was born in Canada, February 25, 1826, and died at Knoxboro, April 26, 1869. After receiving his educatfon at Knoxboro and Augusta Academy, Virgil E. at once entered his father's establishment, and continued actively there for ten years, when he bought the interest of H. P. Pond, his father's partner, and with his father conducted the business for five years. Business having prospered, he be- came sole proprietor, buying his father's interest in the stock, and enlarged the busi- ness opening a general store on larger scale. He then conducted it for a period of nine years, when he sold to M. F. Smith & Sons, and entered into partnership with his father in the Van Evera House, the name having been changed from Howard House, and he is now conducting the house alone, and the hotel has a history dating back for more than seventy years. He married Ella A. Lewis, a native of Knoxboro,

FAMILY SKETCHES.

who was born February 24, 1854, by whom he has two daughters: Lena O., born August 17, 1876; and Floy R., born September 1, 1877.

Whitford, H. P., was born in Canterbury, Conn., October 45, 1826. Was educated at Bridgewater Seminary, and Clinton Liberal Institute. Studied medicine in Ham- ilton, N. Y., graduated in medicine from Eclectic Medical Institute, Cincinnati, O., February, 1860. Shortly after March, 1860, began practice in Bridgewater, and has been a successful practitioner. Dr. Whitford has been a resident of Bridgewater since March, 1842. Has been twice married ; his first wife being Miss Melissa Har- rington, by whom he had two children: E. P. Whitford, M. D., now of Westboro, Mo., and Miss L. R. Whitford, of St. Paul, Minn., a trained nurse, a graduate from Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Ill. His present wife is Jennie (Doty) Whitford. Dr. Whitford's father was also a native of Canterbury, Conn., and his mother, Lucetta ('Tillinghast) Whitford, was the daughter of Rev. Pardon Tillinghast, of Rhode Island. Dr. Whitford served four years as justice of peace, and has also served as health officer for a number of years.

Butler, Mrs. Marianne H .- The late Morgan Butler was born June 7, 1807, son of Eli Butler, who came from Middletown, Conn., with his father in 1792. His death, which occurred August 3, 1892, removed from Oneida county, one of its oldest, most generous and best known citizens. He was a man of commanding presence and splendid physique, and was a devout man and a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal church, being one of its wardens and treasurer for many years. Among his many benevolences which most evince his generous nature and noble character, is his gift to the townspeople, the Butler Memorial Hall, a monument built during his lifetime. This beautiful structure was erected in 1889 at the cost of $15,000, and though advanced in years, the giver personally supervised the building daily, which resulted in a building complete in every part. His mother, Mrs. Rachel (Kellogg) Butler,

was the daughter of Truman Kellogg. He took great pride in carrying on the farm of his ancestors, which had remained in the family over 100 years, and personally superintended the farm till eighty-two years of age. Being possessed of great energy and enterprise, he was progressive and took a lively interest in the improve- ments of agricultural machinery, and became a model American farmer. With his sixty years' experience of agricultural life, he was a valuable member of the Central New York Farmers' Club, and assisted at its organization, and was the beloved and venerable president at the time of his death, having been annually elected by a unanimous vote for five years, and as vice-president for fifteen years. In 1841 he married Marianne, daughter of Rufus Howard, of Forestport, sister of Gen. Rufus Lombard Howard, of Buffalo, N. Y.

Taft, George H., was born in Oswego county, son of Nathaniel and Lydia (Simpson) Taft. He enlisted in 1862 in Co. A, 110th N. Y. Vols., and served until the end of the war. He served in the Nineteenth Army Corps under General Banks, and after the war he took up his trade as builder and mason, which he has followed ever since. In 1872 he came to Waterville, and with his brother did a great deal of important building all over the county, including the opera house and Ayers blocks at Earlville, the opera house at New Berlin, N. Y., and the County Home at Rome, etc. He is a prominent Grand Army man, and is a Royal Arch Mason. He has been commander

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

of the post eight years, and trustee of the village of Waterville. Alphonse Taft, secretary of state under Garfield, was a member of the family. In 1868 he married Helen M. Peaslee, by whom he has two children: Fred P. and Vira. Fred P. Taft is a physician in Rothsay, Minn.

Wickwire, C. M., was born in Hamilton, N. Y., in May, 1857, son of Jarit Wick- wire, a native of Connecticut, where the family had lived for over a century. His ancestors were soldiers in the war of 1812 and in the Revolutionary war. His mother was Orissa Eason. C. M. Wickwire was educated in the Hamilton public schools and Madison University, and studied law with Judge Joseph Mason and Hon. D. G. Wellington, as well as in the Albany Law School. He was admitted to the bar at the General Term of the Supreme Court at Albany and practiced law in Hamilton for some time, but came to Waterville in 1892. Mr. Wiekwire is a prominent Mason, and is a member of Sanger Lodge No. 129, F. & A. M., at Water- ville; has been district deputy grand master of the 17th Masonic district, and is one of the grand trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund of State of New York, who have in charge the Masonic llall of New York city and the Masonic Home in Utica, and the large fund connected with the same. In 1883 Mr. Wickwire married Louise Parker, daughter of N. W. Parker of Hamilton, who was a prominent politi- cian; he was a large manufacturer and State contractor, and was superintendent of the Chenango Canal. He died in 1893.

Martin, Leander, was born in Ephratah, N. Y., August 24, 1836, and came to Stittville in 1855. Ile was educated in Ilolland Patent, and learned the currier's trade. Mr. Martin volunteered in the late Civil war, and went to the front with the 146th Regt. N. Y. Vols., serving until mustered out by the close of the war, and was in the battles of Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon R. R., Five Forks, Chapel House, White Oak Road, and Appomattox. Mr. Martin was promoted to sergeant and also was brevetted lieutenant, and, although taking part in some of the fiercest battles of the war, had the rare good fortune of escaping without a wound. After the war Mr. Martin bought his present farm. Mr. Martin has made many improvements, and one that is worthy of note is a strikingly handsome barn, hardly equaled on any farm in the county. Mr. Martin married for his first wife Sarah E. Wiser, by whom he has one son, Fred L. Mrs. Martin died February 27, 1892, and Mr. Martin married for his second wife Mrs. Elizabeth Egert. Mr. Martin is a member of Hampton Lodge, No. 347, F. & A. M., also G. A. R. Post, No. 47.

Barns, Henry D., was born in Westmoreland, January 11, 1844, youngest son of Capt. Amos Barns. Henry D. Barns attended the district school and high school, and finished his education at the Whitestown Seminary. He then learned the car- penter's trade, and now conducts a building business, and has put up a number of buildings throughout the county. Ile has been road commissioner, and is a member of the County Committee. Mr. Barns is a staunch Republican, and takes an active and efficient interest in the success of his party. April 2, 1874, Mr. Barns married Anna M. Dodge, of Glen, Montgomery county, N. Y. He is one of the rep- resentative citizens, and active business men of the township of Westmoreland.

Merriman, Mrs Emma,-George S. Merriman was born in Lowville, Lewis county,

FAMILY SKETCHES.

August 29, 1838. He came to Westmoreland about 1867, where he was always en- gaged in farming, buying the place when he first came to Westmoreland now con- ducted by his widow. He was a prominent Democrat, and a very active and influ- ential citizen. He married Emma Cleveland, daughter of Ward Cleveland of Sodus, Wayne county. He died February 26, 1890. Mrs. Merriman has three children: Hattie, Ward and Mabel. There was one son of Mr. Merriman's by his former mar- riage, George Merriman. This farm is among the largest in the township, and is operated and conducted entirely by Mrs. Merriman, who keeps the farm in cultiva- tion, superintending it in every department. This farm is notable for being one of the largest in the county, and being conducted by a lady.

Avery, Joseph S., was born in Fairfield, Herkimer county, August 7, 1826, son of the late Prof. Charles Avery, LL. D., who was born in Munson, Mass., July 29, 1795, and for thirty-four years was professor of chemistry in Hamilton College. Joseph S. Avery was graduated from Hamilton College in 1848. He studied law in the office of the late Hon. O. S. Williams. He was postmaster for three years (1857-9). In 1864 he was elected surrogate of Oneida county, an office which he held for three successive terms, fourteen years in all (1864-78). He was an expert in testamentary law, and administered the responsible duties of the office with unquestioned fidelity and satisfaction. After 1878 and until his death. Mr. Avery had his law office in Utica. In politics he was a strong Democrat up to 1860, when he avowed himself a Lincoln Republican, and continued active and earnest in that party during the rest of his life. On May 8, 1856 he married Jennie M. Wilcox, of Middle Settlement. From this marriage one daughter was born, Isabella, now the wife of Rev. Theodore A. Allen of Mendota, Ill. From this marriage there are four children: Joseph S., Dorothy, Ruth, and George E. Mr. Avery was justice of the peace for several years and president of the village of Clinton for ten years. He was for many years an officer in the Presbyterian church, active in its interests and conspicuous for his charities. He died at Clinton November 14, 1895.

Ferris, Reynolds, was born in Otsego county, N. Y., February 27, 1816, son of Zadock Ferris, who was also born in Otsego county, where he resided until his death. He married Polly Houcks. Reynolds Ferris is one of six children, and started for himself when ten years of age. He learned the mason's trade, which he followed for several years, after which he engaged in farming, and also worked on the Che- nango Canal, but now lives retired in the village of Franklin, in the house where he worked as a mechanic over fifty years ago. He married Lucy M. Smith, of Marshall, February 15, 1843.

Mills, Andrew W., was born in the town of Kirkland, November 30, 1836, son of Andrew and Marilla (Wetmore) Mills, who were both born in this county. Andrew Mills came to this county in 1802, when the county was new, where he engaged in farming, and continued until his death. They had four children: Charlotte L., An- drew W., Harriet (deceased) and E. Delos. Andrew W. Mills attended the district schools until fifteen years of age, when he entered the Whitestown Seminary and later the Cazenovia Seminary, and was at Fort Plain one year, after which he began reading law with Judge Williams of Clinton; then entered the law department of Hamilton College, and was admitted to the bar in 1861. Since then he has been in k

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

active practice in this village and Utica. He was the means of the Rome and Clin- ton railroad being built of which he was a director, and was secretary and treasurer for years; also of the Utica, Clinton and Binghamton railroad, and was commissioner for the bonding of the town when these roads were constructed. He is an active worker in the Telegraph and Telephone Co. of Central New York. Mr. Mills mar- ried Mary E. Foote, daughter of Noel Foote, of this town, by whom he has four children: Mrs. Cora E. Larrabee, wife of Charles I). Larrabee, who is assistant post- master at Clinton; Charles A. Mills, Herbert F. and Fred W. Mr. Mills is a mem- ber of the Masonie fraternity ; also member of Utica Commandery No. 3, K. T., and Ziska Temple Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; in politics he is a Democrat.

Bryden, Edward N., was born in the village of Clinton, October 10, 1869, son of George and Mary (Norton) Bryden, and was reared in the city of San Francisco, Cal., where his father was one of the leading draymen. His mother is a descendant of the Rev. Ashel Strong Norton, who was pastor of the Presbyterian church in Clinton for forty years, and who was also one of the founders of Hamilton College. Edward N. Bryden has traveled over a great part of the country, and was at one time engaged in the lumber business at Oklahama. He is now engaged in the dry goods business in Clinton, being one of the leading firms in the town. He is a member of the Smyth Hook and Ladder Co. and Skenandoalı Club.

Nichols, George A., was born in Kirkland, February 26, 18 5, on the homestead which was cleared by his ancestors, and has been handed down for five generations. His great-grandfather, Jacob Nichols, purchased this property at a low figure, and he could have purchased the land at the same price where the village of Clinton now stands. His father, Cyrus Nichols, married Mary, daughter of Capt. Chester Par- melee, who served in the war of 1812, by whom he had three sons: C. P., R. L., and George A. George A. Nichols was educated in the district schools, and is owner of the farm purchased by his father in 1860, and where his father died in 1891. He married Sarah Armstrong of this town, who died December 16, 1890. He married for his second wife Mrs. Flora Searles, of New Haven, Oswego county, widow of Herbert Searles. She had one daughter, Lena, who was married to Wm. C. Bur- hans, of Oswego county, January 23, 1895.

Billingham, Richard J., was born in Whitestown, March 4, 1835, son of William R. Billingham, who was born in Yorkshire, England, August 8, 1792, and came to the United States in 1832. He settled in Whitestown where he worked at his trade as shoemaker; this he followed for about fifty years. He came to the town of Kirkland in 1852. He married Mary, daughter of John and Polly Bellinger, by whom he had three children: Richard J., William C., and Anna E. Richard J. Billingham at twenty-two years of age worked a farm on shares, and in 1861 he bought a farm, and is now the owner of several farms in this town. In 1875 he engaged in buying hops, which business he continues. He was elected road commissioner in the years 1873 and 1874. Mr. Billingham married Jane Laville of Whitestown, by whom he has four children: Armenia, Christopher II., Fred G., and Charles A.

Babcock, Dr. Henry E., was born in the town of New Scotland, Albany county, N. Y., in 1827. His education was obtained in the district schools and the Westerlo Academy. He then began the study of medicine with Dr. S. Ingraham, of his native

FAMILY SKETCHES.

town, and graduated from the Albany Medical College in 1855. He is a member of the New York State Medical Association. He has practiced in Albany, Greene, Saratoga, Wayne, and Oneida counties with success. In 1853 he married Elizabeth Winston, of Westerlo, Albany county, by whom he has two daughters: Ruby E., and Alice. The doctor's father, David, was born in Albany county, and married Hannah Vannatten, by whom he had one son, Henry E. David Babcock died when Henry E. was a child. The family is of English and Dutch descent.

Castle, Charles C., was born near Chatham, Mass., June 7, 1828, and came with his parents to East Lebanon, N. Y., when four years of age. He was educated in the common schools, and from ten years of age followed the canal for forty years. He is also a farmer. He was elected road commissioner on the Democrat ticket in the spring of 1890, and has held the office continuously since ; he also served his district as school trustee. He has been trustee of the church at Higginsville, and was in- strumental with others in erecting a new church and school house. November 7, 1847, he married Lydia J. Downes, of the town of Verona, by whom he had two sons: Charles H. and Hollis Y. Charles H. married Matilda Reeves, of Rensselaer county, N. Y., and they have two children. Hollis Y. married Carrie Mehrhoff, of this town, and they have four children : Charles D., Hugo, Ethel M., and Ruth. Mr. Castle's father, John Castle, was born at the old home in Massachusetts in 1803. He married Lucinda Crane of his native place, by whom he had six children: George A., Lewis S., Charles C., as above, Ruth M., Harriet E., and John H. The family came to this locality in 1832. Mr. Castle died in 1868, and his wife in 1893. Mrs. Castle's father, Walter Downes, was born in Shropshire, England, about 1794, and came to the United States when twenty-one years of age. He married Catherine Suits, of Stone Arabia, and they had five children: Walter, Mary, Peter, Lydia J., as above, and Catherine. He died in 1860, and his wife in 1849. Mr. Castle is a mem- ber of New London Lodge, No. 420, F. & A. M.

Beardsley, Backus A., was born in the town of Sangerfield, December 3, 1816, son Rev. Evans and Hannah (Magoon) Beardsley. Evans Beardsley was a Presbyterian minister, and came from Vermont to Sangerfield in 1815. His father, Gershom Beardsley, was a native of Connecticut, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Backrs A. Beardsley spent six years of his active life in farming, and two years in the patent right and stove business in Wisconsin and Illinois. He then returned to Waterville and engaged in the foundry business until 1887, when he disposed of it to his son, B. B. Beardsley. Mr. Beardsley married Cornelia Pangman, and they have four children living: Brace B. Beardsley, Mary B. Foster, Grace Mott, and Cornelia Beardsley. Mrs. Beardsley died September 9, 1893. Mr. Beardsley was a delegate to the first Republican convention in Rome, and was appointed deputy col- lector during the war, which office he held for three years, when he resigned. The original William Beardsley and Mary his wife came from Stratford-on-Avon, Eng- land, and settled in Stratford, Connecticut, and from him the Beardsleys have de- scended.

Brockway, William H., was born January 6, 1856, son of Thomas and Eliza Brock- way. The family dating back to 1660, settled in Lyme, Conn. Lathrop Brockway came to the village of Clinton in the fall of 1811, and in 1812 bought and settled upon

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

a farm, where he resided up to his death. He early identified himself with the agri- cultural, educational and religious interests of the town, and died at Clinton, Octo- ber 17, 1879, and Thomas H., his son, now resided on the old farm. William H. Brockway is one of seven children, and was reared on the farm owned by his grand- father, Lathrop Brockway. He was identified with the Franklin iron works, and received the appointment of postmaster at that place. February 17, 1875, he married Sarah Boon, who was born January 6, 1855, and by whom he has seven children: Harry Lathrop, Mabel Eloise, Flora May, Robert Clinton, William Frederic, Carl Watson, and Sarah Hazel. W. H. Brockway is one of the representative men in Clinton village, and has been engaged in buying hops, which business he still follows, and he is prominently connected with the Masonic fraternity.

Cruikshank, J. Robert .- George C. Cruikshank was born in Deerfield, February 21, 1850, son of Robert M. and Elizabeth (Pearce) Cruikshank. The grandparents, David and Mary (Stephenson) Cruikshank, were natives of Scotland, and emigrated to Ireland; and thence to Salem, Washington county, N. Y., in 1807, after which they came to North Gage, Oneida county. They both died at Deerfield, he in 1847, and she in 1855. Robert Cruikshank was a native of North Gage, Deerfield, and was a manufacturer of edge tools. In 1844 he bought 250 acres of land and en- gaged in farming. He is a Republican, and was assessor and road commissioner. He died in 1886. Mrs. Cruikshank was a native of Newport, Herkimer county, and she died in 1855. George C. was educated at Whitestown Seminary, and taught for a few terms. For three years he run an express route from Poland to Utica, but his principal occupation has been farming. He has the homestead farm. In 1875 he married Rachel, daughter of John and Christina Herpy of Ohio, Herkimer county, by whom he has three children: J. Robert, May, and Milton. Mr. Cruikshank has been assessor for two terms.

Hallenbeck, William A., was born in Greene county, N. Y., November 21, 1832, son of Abraham and Rachael Hallenbeck. William A. settled at Fish Creek Land- ing about 1847, where he started at blacksmithing, which he followed for five years, then engaged in boating for six years, after which he went into the commission busi- ness at Buffalo, where he remained for eight years, since which time he has fol- lowed farming. He married Agnes, daughter of Edward and Sarah Maddock, by whom he has nine children: Sarah Maria Brodock, Cataline Smith, James V., Nellie Agnes Howe, Casper W., Almeda Lyon, Matilda French, Mary Elizabeth Oliver, and Isabelle. Mr. Hallenbeck has been very active in educational interests, and is a member of Vienna Lodge, No. 440, F. & A. M. ; and also a member of Camden Chapter.

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Our county and its people; a descriptive work on Oneida county, New York;, Part 102

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