USA > New York > Schuyler County > Portrait and biographical record of Seneca and Schuyler Counties, New York : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 21
USA > New York > Seneca County > Portrait and biographical record of Seneca and Schuyler Counties, New York : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 21
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? OHN GOODWIN. The oldest members of a community are doubtless entitled to the re- spect and esteem of their neighbors, when their long lives have been replete with acts of kindness, and their whole career marked by in- tegrity and uprightness. The time-honored and respected gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch is one of the prominent farin- ers of his community, and makes a specialty of the dairy business, having on his estate in the town of Tyre, Seneca County, full-blooded Jersey and Galloway cattle.
Mr. Goodwin was born in a log house on the above farm, on tlie 25th of September, IS18, to Charles and Martha (Anderson) Goodwin. He is of German descent on his father's side, the latter having been born in Litzenberg, Germany, and on his mother's side is of Irish extraction. When a boy, Charles Goodwin ran away from home, and, going to England, made his home in that country for a time, after which he vis- ited Ireland. While there he met and married Miss Anderson, and with her emigrated to America. They first located at Hamilton, Can- ada, where two of their children, William and Robert, were born. The father was a weaver by trade, and after living in the Dominion for a time moved to New York. He first resided at Rome, where Jane and Mary were born, and about 1807 came to Seneca County. After reaching here he decided to follow farming also, and accordingly purchased a tract of one hundred and fifty acres of land of Colonel Mynderse, agent for a land company. This proved to be an Irish settlement, and liere they lived for many
years. In addition to cultivating his land, the father followed weaving, in which occupation his wife was also engaged for some time after his death. When fifty years of age he had very white hair, although none of his children resem- bled him in this respect. In politics he was a Whig, and was greatly opposed to secret societies, especially the Masonic.
The parental family included eleven children, eight of whom grew to mature years. Five were married and three are now living. The father of this family made his will in 1825, and provided that a son who was farming in Covington might come home and operate the homestead until lie could pay for his estate. This he did, and, had he not been so conscientious, might have become the permanent owner of the place. The will also provided that another son was to have fifty acres on the south; twenty-five acres were to be given to two others of the family, while a tract of fifty acres on which the dwelling stood was to belong to his widow until her death, when it was to be- come the property of our subject. The daughters of the liousehold were each to be given $100 in cash, and a horse and cow when ready to marry.
While a boy, John was compelled to work on the farm, and thus received only a very limited education. He was a lad of seven or eight years when his father died, and he was cared for by a brother, for whom he worked until he became of age, when he was paid $100 for his first year's work. After reaching his majority, he and liis brother Robert purchased the interest of the other heirs in the home farm, and operated it until the death of the latter, when our subject purchased the entire amount. To this he lias since added sixteen acres, and has now one of the best estates in the town, comprising two hundred and sixteen acres. He devotes his land to general farming purposes, and makes a specialty of dairying, keeping on his place a fine herd of Jersey and Galloway cattle.
Mr. Goodwin cast his first Presidential vote in IS40, for William Henry Harrison, and thereaft- er voted the Whig ticket until 1856, when he supported Jolin C. Fremont, the Republican can - didate. With the exception of filling the office of
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Pathmaster, our subject has always refused to ac- cept public office, although often prevailed upon to do so. In early life he was a Mason, but, not approving of their methods of initiating new members, he is not connected with the order at the present time.
OHN L. RYNO is a member of the firm of Ryno & Longstreet, established in the village of Farmer. This firm carries on a foundry and machine-shop, and is also engaged in the manufacture of fruit baskets. The business was established in 1866 by Almy & Ryno, and for four years they confined their energies to the scope of a machine-shop, and then organized the present firm. Six years ago the firm added to its already extensive work the making of fruit bas- kets, for which the horticultural development of this county had created a steady demand.
Mr. Ryno, our subject, was born September 21, 1835, and is the son of Smith and Rachel (Rap- pleye) Ryno, his father coming from New Jersey, while the mother is a native of this county. Joel Ryno, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was of French extraction, and settled on a farm in the town of Hector, then in Tompkins, but now in Schuyler, County, where he died. His son Smith, the father of our subject, was a young man when he came to Seneca County, and here he lived until his marriage with Miss Rachel, a daughter of William Rappleye. After his mar- riage, Mr. Ryno settled in the town of Covert and occupied his energies with blacksmithing, bricklaying and mason work. In 1845 he re- moved to Genesee County, Mich., and located on a farm near Flint, and there he died when he had reached sixty-five years of age. He was a suc- cessful man of the business world, bore an hon- ored name in the community, and at his death
was the owner of a valuable property of two_hun- dred and fifty acres near Flint. In the Baptist Church, of which he was a faithful and helpful member, he served as Deacon.
In his political relations Mr. Ryno was first a member of the Democratic party. Later, how- ever, his affiliations were found with the Whigs, and when the Republican party was organized he was enrolled in its ranks. His wife survived him some years, living until more than seventy years of age. She became the mother of a large family of children, all of whom lived to attain maturity. Hannibal was a farmer, and died near Flint, Mich., leaving no children. Eliza, who married Jolin Brace, died in Michigan, and left one daughter. Mary, the wife of George Cul- ver, also died in Michigan. John L. was the next in order of birth. Sarah, who married John Whitley, has passed from earth, and her grave is at Port Huron, Mich. Thaddeus was among those who died in Andersonville Prison, giv- ing life itself for his beloved fatherland: he was a member of a Michigan regiment. Ansel, who died in Indiana, was a mill-owner. Ange- line, who was unmarried, died in her father's house in Michigan. Frances married, and died in Lapeer County, Mich., leaving two children. Julia is the wife of J. L. King, of Port Huron, and has two children.
Mr. Ryno, the subject of this sketch, went to Michigan with his father's family, was reared a farmer, and was given the educational advantages of the district schools. In 1859, feeling that tlie opportunities of New York were more favorable than the farther West, he returned to Farmer. In 1862 his country called him, and he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New York Volunteers, following the flag until the closing of the war, and participating in more than thirty engagements. He was attaclied to the Army of the Potomac, and his inilitary expe- riences were varied and interesting. At one time he was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry, but was soon paroled. He was a musician, and was a member of a band of fifteen pieces, all from the village of Fariner. Of this number less than half lived to return from the war. It was known
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as the Third Brigade Band, and was the first to play the "Surrender of Lee" at Appomattox. It participated in the Grand Review at Washington, after which it was mustered out of the service un- der general orders.
Coming back to the pursuits of peaceful life, Mr. Ryno came to Fariner and established hin- self in the business of a machinist and manufact- urer, and during these many years of peace he has done well. He has a good business, is known and honored by liis fellow-townsmen, and is considered a valuable member of the Baptist Church, of which he is Trustee. He was mar- ried in 1862, just before going into tlie service, Miss Anne Eliza, the daughter of John P. Rap- pleye, gladly linking her fortunes with those of the brave soldier. They have one adopted daugh- ter, Maggie L., and are very happily established in a beautiful home on forty acres of fine farming land belonging to Mr. Ryno.
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UGENE K. SMITH. Schuyler County has many estimable citizens, but none are more highly respected, or, for conscientious dis- charge of duty in every relation of life, more worthy of respect and esteem, than Mr. Smith, who is one of the well-to-do farmers of the town of Reading. He is a self-made man in every sense of the terin, and although his experience in life has been a varied one, it is at the same time one that reflects only credit upon him as a man. His entire career has been sucli as to win respect and esteein front all who are favored with his ac- quaintance.
The parents of our subject were Charles R. and Amanda (Hitchcock) Smitli, natives also of this state. In1 1846 they came hither from Augusta, Oneida County, and at once took up their abode in the town of Reading, where they lived happily together until the death of the father, which oc-
curred April 21, 1885. The wife and mother survived him until May 4, 1889, when she, too, passed away. They were highly respected peo- ple, and were active members of the Baptist Church.
The subject of this sketchi was one in a family of four sons and two daughters. He was born in Augusta, Oneida County, July 12, 1845, and was consequently an infant when his parents came to Schuyler County. He was reared to manhood in Reading, and through his own efforts acquired a good common school education.
Eugene K. Smith remained under the parental roof until the fall of 1864, when he enlisted in defense of his country's flag, and became a niein- ber of Company D, One Hundred and Seventy- ninth New York Infantry. With his regiment he participated in the battle in front of Peters- burg and in the fall of Richmond, being actively engaged until his discharge, June 25, 1865.
Mr. Smith continued to make his home with his parents until the spring of 1866, when he be- gan operations for himself, his first purchase be- ing a farm of forty acres in the town of Reading. He also carried on an adjoining farm of seventy- five acres on shares for six years.
The marriage of Mr. Smith and Miss Libbie Cross took place in Reading, December 21, 1870. Mrs. Smith was the daughter of John and Fanny (Bozard) Cross, natives of this county. Her fa- ther, who was a well-to-do farmer of the town of Reading, departed this life on the 11th of June, 1895. His widow, however, is still living, and makes her home at the old homestead. They were the parents of six children, of whom Mrs. Smith was the eldest. She was born in the town of Reading May 26, 1848, and was well educated in the district schools.
Fred Smith, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. E. K. Smith, was born September 12, 1871. Eleven years later our subject purchased the farm of thirty-five acres on which he is now living, and which is well improved. He has ever been interested in public affairs and has made an ex- cellent official. For twelve years he was Justice of the Peace, and held the office of Excise Con- missioner two terms and Town Collector for two
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years. In 1893 lie was appointed Loan Commis- sioner by Governor Flower, and for two years was the incumbent of that responsible position, discharging the duties of the same with ability, fidelity and excellent judgment. He has always voted the Democratic ticket, and is an influential member of that party in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Smith, together with their son Fred, are members in excellent standing of the Baptist Church, worshiping with the congregation at Reading, and Mr. Smith is one of the Trustees of the church. Socially he is connected with Watkins Post No. 551, G. A. R.
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ILLARD PULLMAN. The venerable gentleman whose honored name opens this sketch is well known throughout Seneca County. He has endeared himself to the people among whom so many years of his life have been passed, and is now living in their midst retired from work of any kind. He is the owner of a splendid estate, which is the result of his own labors, and which is pleasantly located just out- side the corporate limits of Waterloo.
Mr. Pullman is a native of this state, and was born in the town of Berne, Albany County, Au- gust 31, 1814, and is therefore over eighty-one years of age. His parents were Darius and Lu- cinda ( Betts) Pullman, the former of whom was born in Albany County, while his father, who bore the name of Salter, it is thought was a native of Wales, and a soldier in the Revolutionary · War. He was present at the surrender of Bur- goyne at Saratoga, and spent one winter at Val- ley Forge. He also witnessed the surrender of Cornwallis. Darius Pullman was a well edu- cated man, and taught school for some fifty win- ters, passing his time in the summer as a farmer. He commenced teaching when a young man of
eighteen years, and followed it until after attain- ing his seventy-fifth year. He served his com- munity as School Commissioner and Inspector, and in whatever position placed never failed to give entire satisfaction. At one time he lived at Nine Partners, on the Hudson, but later took up land in Albany County, which he cleared and improved, making it his home until liis decease, which occurred wlien our subject was eleven years of age.
The subject of this sketch attained mature years on his father's estate in Albany County, and, being the eldest of the household, assisted his mother in looking after the family while his father was engaged in teaching school. He was thus permitted to attend school but a short time, and his knowledge of books during his younger years was very limited. After reaching his ma- jority he was given $1oo in money and board and clothes for performing eighteen monthis' work for his father.
Mr. Pullman was married to Miss Phebe Ann Goff, a native of Albany County, and to them was born a daughter, who died when five years of age. In the year 1837 Mr. Pullman bought the old homestead of one hundred and eighteen acres, and to this added the twenty acres which he already owned. His parents in the mean time moved to Wayne County, where they lived for a number of years, and then became residents of Palmyra, where Darius Pullman departed this life when past eighty-two years of age. His good wife preceded him by just three hours.
In May, 1841, our subject moved to Ontario County, where he conducted a grocery business for a period of five years. At the end of that time he sold out his stock and invested his means in a tract of land consisting of one hundred acres in Wayne County. On this place he lived for five years, meeting with fair results, when he centered his interests in the town of Van Buren, Onondaga County, giving in exchange his farm in Wayne County for the same amount of land in that locality. After identifying himself with the interests of that section for five years, he located where he now lives. His possessions here first comprised fifty acres, to which he later added a
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like amount, and some time thereafter bouglit one hundred acres more. He has remodeled the buildings on the place from time to time, and is now living in comfortable circumstances in liis pleasant home.
Mrs. Phebe Pullman departed this life in Onta- rio County, and prior to his removal from that locality Mr. Pullman married Miss Betsy Dugan, a native of the town of Sand Lake, Rensselaer County. To them has been born a son, Charles, who is married and the father of four children. He make his home on the farm of our subject, looking after the cultivation of the place.
In his early years Mr. Pullman was a Whig, and voted for William Henry Harrison in 1840. In 1856 he cast a ballot supporting Fremont, and ever since has been an independent Republican. When a boy he had the privilege of seeing and forming the acquaintance of Mr. Williams, who aided in the capture of Major Andre.
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ROF. JAMES S. BOUGHTON. There is no career that more addresses the affection, and commands the esteem of men, than the profession of teaching. It offers few attractions outside of its own rewards; it wins no loud plau- dits from the multitude, and is hedged about with difficulties; but those who prize humanity and know what the good of the world demands hold the teacher in the very highest esteem. So it is in Waterloo. The name of Professor Bought- ton is that of a dear and honored friend. Class after class of school children have been under his guiding hand, and for each lie has done a work whose value can only be tested in the long years.
Professor Boughton was born in the town of Ovid, Seneca County, January 31, 1829, the son of Abijah and Charlotte (Robertson) Boughton,
both natives of Connecticut. The senior Mr. Boughton was twice married, his first wife being Rebecca Shute, of Danbury, Com. Soon after marriage he removed to New York, and in 1818 located in Seneca County, where his first wife died. Here he was married to Charlotte Robert - son, by whom he had three children: Rebecca (deceased), James S. and Abijalı. During his active days the father was devoted to farming. He died in the town of Ovid, July 16, 1843. He was the son of Abijah Boughton, a gallant soldier of the Revolution, who held a General's commission, but lost his life in the great strug- gle. He was of French descent. The mother of James S. died October 10, 1858.
Professor Boughton passed his youth in the town of Ovid, where he attended the district school, remaining on the farm until he had passed his twentieth year. He then began teaching in the country schools, and taught eleven terms in the village of Farmer, Seneca County. In April, 1866, he removed to Waterloo, and was appointed Principal of the Union School at that place. This position he held until 1875, when he was selected as teacher of mathematics. After a little time he resigned this position to resume the Principalship of the school, and continued in this position un- til January 1, 1885. The preceding fall he had been elected School Commissioner of Seneca County for a period of three years, and at the ex- piration of his term of office he was appointed Assistant Principal of the Union School, with especial charge of the classes in mathematics, sciences, philosophy and bookkeeping. He con- tinued here for four years, when, feeling the need of a more active life, he resigned from the school- room and its functions, and announced himself to the world as a civil engineer for Seneca and ad- joining counties. He also holds the office of As- sessor of the town of Waterloo.
December 23, 1852, Professor Boughton and Miss Eunice, a daughter of Jesse Sherman, were united in marriage in the town of Ovid. They reared an adopted daughter, who has since been very happily married.
Politically Professor Boughton affiliates with the Republican party. and is active in state af-
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fairs. In Seneca Lodge No. 113, F. & A. M., he is a Mason in good standing. He is a regular attendant upon the services of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for over twenty years lcd the choir. In addition to the many things he has had upon his mind, he has had charge of a most interesting singing-school.
DWIN CLARK. Foremost among the citi- zens of Waterloo who have achieved note- worthy success in business, we mention the name of Mr. Clark, who is engaged in a varied and comprehensive line of trade, of especial im- portance to farmers, builders and contractors. In his establishment he carries a full line of Port- land cement, patent wall plaster, land plaster, salt and water lime, and he also carries on a large trade in hard and soft woods, shavings and all kinds of lumber. He has been very successful in this, as in other undertakings, and is highly esteemed in the community.
ENJAMIN LEMMON GAMBEE, a resident of the town of Varick, Seneca County, is a representative of one of the pioneer families in this county, and also one of Revolutionary fanie. His grandfather, Jolin Gambee, who was a soldier during that war, by trade was a black- smith, and had the honor of shoeing General Washington's horses. In 1806 he came to this county from Bucks County, Pa., and purchased
a large tract of land, where his death occurred, and though our subject was but six years of age at the time, hic vividly remembers the event. The tract on which the grandfather settled ad- joins that now owned by our subject. He be- came the father of twelve children, nine sons and tliree daugliters, all of whom lived to be past middle life. The sons were: Jacob, John, Will- iam, Solomon. David, Gidcon, Benjamin, Sam- uel and Joseph. The daugliters were Elizabeth, who remained single and lived on a part of her father's place until her death, at the age of sev- enty; Catharine, who married Jesse Abbott, of Varick; and Molly, who married Jacob Scybolt, of Varick. Each of the married daugliters had families.
Gideon Gambee, the father of our subject, was born March 16, 1796, in Bucks County, Pa., and came with his parents to Seneca County when about ten years of age. On the 4th of May, 1820, he married Sarah Lemmon, born January 4, 1802, and a daughter of Judge Benjamin Lem- mon, one of the pioneer settlers of the town of Va- rick. Her father was a remarkable man in many respects. For some years he was Judge of tlie County Court in Seneca County, and was a man of excellent judgment. He was married five times, and reared a large family, his last marriage occurring when he was quite advanced in years. None of the name now remain in this county. After some years' residence here, her father moved to Ohio, where he died at an advanced age.
After his marriage, Gideon Gambee located on a farm of seventy-five acres, which was a part of Judge Lemmon's tract, and which was partly paid for by his father, who assisted his sons. He paid close attention to his business, and added to his possessions until he had a farm of two hun- dred and fifty acres. To his friends he was very liberal, helping them in many ways, and also as- sisted his family in securing homes. Politically he was a Whig. His death occurred August 20, 1857, and his wife died October 28, 1858. They were the parents of the following children: Mary Elizabethi, the widow of Royal Sutton, of Kansas City, Mo .; Catharine Rebecca, widow of Robert
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Rutherford, of Rochester, N. Y .; Clarissa Ann. widow of Daniel Sebring, of Varick; Benjamin L., onr subject; Hannah Maria, widow of Barney Tyler, of Toledo, Ohio; Harriet E., who died at Cresco, Iowa; Lovina, who married Frank Kyte, of Kansas City, Mo .; and Saralı Louisa, Mrs. Knnes, who died at Cresco, Iowa.
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Benjamin L. Gambee, the subject of this sketch, was born on the farm where he now lives, Octo- ber S, 1825. He grew to manhood in this town, receiving his education in the common schools, and remained at home with his father until the death of the latter. On the 21st of March, 1867, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary Cath-
arine Carr, widow of John S. Carr, of Varick, and a daughter of Jacob and Catharine ( Bevier) Goodman, of Fayette, Seneca County, where she was born November 28, 1842. By her first hus- band she had one daughter, Martha A., who died March 9, 1884, in her twenty-first year. To Mr. and Mrs. Gambee two children have been born: Mabel, who is a teacher of shorthand in the business college at Appleton, Wis .; and Edward B., who is on the home farm. In politics our subject is a Republican, and has held several minor town offices, but has refused to serve in others .. Mrs. Gambee is a member of the Pres- byterian Church at West Fayette.
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MR. AND MRS. EUGENE U. BIGELOW.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
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EUGENE U. BIGELOW.
3 UGENE U. BIGELOW, known through- out this section as the proprietor of the To- bahanna Stock Farm, is a breeder of thor- oughbred Jersey cattle. His estate, which is peculiarly adapted to stock-raising, is located in the town of Tyrone, Schuyler County, and com- prises some two hundred acres.
Our subject is the son of James and Flora (Clark) Bigelow, residents of Dundee, where they are well known and highly regarded, being among its best residents. They became the par- ents of a family of six sons and daughters, of whom we make the following mention: Alzada is the wife of H. C. Cook, of Dundee; Charlie C. was accidentally killed when about twelve years of age by the explosion of a small cannon; Eu- gene U., of this sketch, was the next-born; Jen- nie F. is now the widow of J. C. Morrow, and is residing in Weston; Clayton J. married Jennie Gray, and is a citizen of Dundee; and Lottie is Mrs. Frank Shepherd, of Altay.
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