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 32
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 32
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The father of our subject was a man of great natural ability, and for several years served as Constable and Deputy Sheriff. In the year 1827 he was elected Sheriff of the county, and the year following his acceptance of the office he was obliged to hang a man by the name of Chapman, who had been convicted of murder. He filled the offices of Supervisor and Justice of the Peace to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, and on one occasion was the candidate of the Whig party for the General Assembly. His county was always largely Democratic, notwithstanding which fact he was elected by a majority of twen- ty-six votes when running for Sheriff. His op- ponent at that time was John D. Coe, a promi- nent citizen.
James Rorrison, Jr., remained with his father until twenty-eight years of age, when he was married, and afterward operated a sawmill in South Waterloo. Before his marriage his father had had considerable trouble in establishing a clear title to his land, and at last decided that the best way to do was to pay for it the second time. James thought it his duty to aid him in this re- solve, and whenever he was able made payments on the place, until it was at last free from all in-
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cumbrance. He was very successful in his un- dertakings, and eventually purchased the old Cairns Farm from the heirs of the estate. Here he made his home until liis decease, March 3, 1872. He had been twice married, his first union being with our subject's mother, who died October 8, 1858. He was afterward married to Mrs. Rachel (Beal) Hopkins, who departed this life November 24, 1862.
The subject of this sketch was reared to a life of industry. He employed every leisure moment in study, and when fifteen years of age went to Seneca Falls and was enrolled as a pupil in the schools of that village. He afterward carried on his studies for a time at Waterloo, and after at- taining his twenty-second year, taught two terins of winter school. For all the work which he per- formed on the farm after becoming of age he was given wages by his father, and in this manner obtained the wherewithal to travel about consid- erably through this state and Pennsylvania. In this way he met for the first time relatives who were residents of the Keystone State.
Mr. Rorrison was married, February 24, 1848, to Miss Mary J. Fancher, of the town of Junius, by whom he became the father of nine children, all of whom are living with one exception. Ar- thur is now living in Denver, Colo. He has been all through the Northwestern States and Terri- tories, and owns a large ranch in the state of Washington. Clarissa M., a professional nurse, is a graduate of Hahnemann Medical College of Rochester, N. Y. Edward married Miss Maggie Yost, and has a position in the postoffice depart- ment at Washington, D. C. Mary W. is the wife of William T. Beach, a farmer of the town of Seneca Falls. Sarah B. married L. Foster Crowell, also a farmer of that locality. Herbert Alexander is living in Denver, Colo. Helen L., who re- ceived some training as a nurse, is the twin of Fred G. and is at home. Jane F. is deceased.
At his father's death our subject inherited one- half of the estate, and shortly after purchased his brothers' interest in the farm, paying therefor $140 per acre. He made his home there until 1888, when he disposed of it by sale, and took possession of his present home. He has been at
all times interested in educational matters, and has given each of his children every advantage for becoming well informed. His first Presi- dential vote was cast in 1844, for Henry Clay, and in 1856 he voted for Jolm C. Fremont. He was State Census-taker in 1855, and althoughi not being an office-seeker himself, has used his in- fluence in support of other good men whom he wished to fill some responsible and trustworthy office. He has been a member of the Presby- terian Church since 1849, serving liis congrega- tion seven years as Deacon, and ten years as Elder.
DSON BAILEY. The gentleman whose name gives title to the following brief sketch is well known to the people of Wayne, Schuyler County, of which place he is Postnias- ter. He is a man of prominence in the commu- nity, not only from the honorable manner in which he transacts his duties as an official, but also from his personal excellence of mind and heart.
Mr. Bailey is a native of this county, and was born April 19, 1842, in Tyrone. His father was the late Wright Bailey, and his mother prior to her marriage was known as Miss Mary Bodine, and now makes her home in Wayne. Her union with Wright Bailey resulted in the birth of three children, namely: Edson, John J. and Charles D.
Edson was reared on his father's farm in the town of Tyrone, in which locality he received a good education. It was his ambition to rise in the world and to occupy a higher position in life. However, he remained at home with his parents until his marriage, December 31, 1864, when he took for his wife Miss Elizabeth J. Jew- ell, who was born in Wayne, Steuben County, and who was the daughter of Nelson Jewell, also of Wayne. After his marriage Mr. Bailey en- gaged in cultivating the soil until April, 1893,
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and that year we find him engaged in the mer- cantile business in Wayne, in company with his daughter, Mrs. Maggie Lewis. The latter, who was the elder of his two children, married George M. Lewis, who is now deceased. The otlier member of his family is Edson, Jr.
Mr. Bailey was appointed Postmaster of Wayne in February, 1894. He is a thoroughily reliable official and is pleasant and courteous to deal withi. For four years he was Highway Commissioner, and for a period of six years was the incumbent of the office of Town Assessor. Politically he is an ardent Democrat, and his influence, by exani- ple and otherwise, is used to advance the interests of the community in which he resides.
In the town of Tyrone there is a fine estate containing one hundred and eighty-eight acres, which Mr. Bailey owns, and this he rents to good advantage, his interests in the village occu- pying his entire attention. Mrs. Maggie Lewis has two sons, Harry and Leon. Her husband was one of the prominent merchants of Wayne, and died September 30, 1892, since which time she has carried on business in connection with her father.
WILLIAM T. BEACH. This enterprising farmer is the proprietor of the old Beacli homestead, located on East Bayard Street, a miile and a-half east of the village of Seneca Falls. He was born in the same house which he occu- pies, January 13, 1858, and is a son of Stephen Thompson and Harriet (Shay ) Beach.
The father of our subject was a native of Wa- terloo, and was born in that village March 31, 1822. Mrs. Beach, however, was born May 22, 1828, in Cayuga County. When quite young Stephen T. Beach came to the town of Seneca Falls with his father, Elam Beach, who took up
his abode on a farm some little distance west of where our subject now lives. This property was also the home of his brother David, who had come to this state from Connecticut, which was also the native state of Elani.
Stephen T. Beach grew to mature years on the above farmi, in the mean time gaining such an education as could be gleaned in the country schools. He was married the year after reaching his majority, Marchi 14, 1850, to Miss Shay, and together they located on the farm where their son now lives. This property, which had been pre- viously purchased by Mr. Beach, consists of eighty-five acres, nicely improved with buildings, and from the efficient manner in which it was cultivated netted him good returns.
During the late war the father of our subject enlisted in Company M, Fifteenth New York Engineers, and served from September, 1864, un- til the close of hostilities. He was in the front ranks most of that time, although on one occa- sion he was confined in the hospital for about a month, the result of being vaccinated. His arm became very badly swollen, and it was feared at one time it would have to be amputated. From this sickness he never fully recovered, and he departed this life January 21, 1881, greatly mourned. He was a firm adherent of Repub- lican principles. A Grand Army man, he was buried with the services of that order.
Our subject and his sister, Hannah Ida, were the only members of their parents' family. She died when four years and eight months old. William T. is well educated, completing his studies in the schools of Bridgeport, which was near his home. When ready to begin life for hiriself he was married, May 3, 1882, to Miss Mary Rorrison, a native of the town of Fayette. She is a most intelligent and accomplished lady, and after attending the academy at Waterloo and the schools of Ypsilanti, Mich., was engaged in teaching for a number of terms. By her union with our subject there have been born two sons: William Harrison, whose birth occurred Decem- ber 23, 1884; and Chester A., born January 25, 1891. As may be expected, Mr. Beach is a true- blue Republican, and cast his first Presidential
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ballot in ISSo for James A. Garfield. He is a valued member of the Presbyterian Church of Seneca Falls, and with his good wife, who is also connected with this society, materially aids in ex- tending the good work and influence of the organ- ization.
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ARRISON L. VAUGHAN, an enterprising farmer, residing in Montour Falls, Schuyler County, was born on his parents' old home- stead, October 15, IS52. He is a son of Johnson and Elizabeth (Palmer) Vaughan, and a grand- son of Samuel Vaughan, who was a native of New Jersey, and who removed to Schuyler County in a very early day, locating in the town of Hector, where he purchased five hundred acres of land. There he erected a cabin and re- sided until late in life, when he retired and moved to Burdett, where he and his wife spent the re- mainder of their days, their remains being inter- red in Burdett Cemetery. They were the parents of ten children, all of whom grew to maturity.
Johnson Vaughan, the father of our subject, was the youngest son of Samuel Vaughan, and grew to manhood on his father's farm, receiving a common-school education. After his marriage to Elizabeth Palmer he located on a portion of his father's farmi, and there resided for many years. He was a very active and energetic man and was successful in life, leaving at his death a large amount of property. In politics he was an ear- nest and enthusiastic Democrat, taking a lively interest in everything of a political nature, and filled many of the local offices of the county. He and his wife both died on the old home place and their remains were interred in the old Burdett Cemetery. He was twice married, and by his first wife had four children, and one by his second marriage.
The subject of this sketch was reared on the
old home farm and received his education in the common schools. In October, 1875. he was united in marriage with Miss Julia Sturdevant, a daughter of James and Ann E. ( Blakesley) Stur- devant. Her father was one of the first to enter the service of his country in the Civil War, and was for a long time a prisoner of war at Ander- sonville. His health was so impaired by his con- finement in that vile prison that he lived but a short time after his release. By the union of our subject and his wife there has been born onc child, Elbert, a bright boy of fifteen years, now a student in Cook's Academy.
After their marriage Mr. Vaughan and his young bride located on his father's farm, which has ever since been their home, and on which he has been successfully engaged in general farming. Socially he is a Mason, and in politics is a Demo- crat, taking an active part in public affairs. A number of times he has represented his party in the county conventions, and has served on the County Central Committee.
OSEPH P. HOOD is engaged in a general mercantile business at Canoga, Seneca Con- ty, and by his upright and honorable methods is in command of a good trade from the best people in the locality. He is a native of this county, and was born in the town of Fayette, May 12, 1847, his parents being Josiah and Sarah (Pratz) Hood.
Our subject grew to manhood in his native place, and up to the age of sixteen years attended the schools taught in the district. At that age. however, he began doing for himself, working out by the month and receiving a very meager allow- ance for his services. He continued to be thus occupied until thirty-five years of age, and, being very economical and exceedingly industri-
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ous, laid by a snug little sum of money to invest in whatever way he thought best. With this he later purchased seventy-five acres of land, located in Charlevoix County, Mich., whither he had gone on a prospecting tour. Being well pleased with the country and the prospects which it offered, he decided to locate there.
Mr. Hood was married, in March, 1886, to Miss Elizabetlı Pontius, of the town of Fayette. Mrs. Hood was born here and was the daughter of Aaron and Mary ( Riegel) Pontius. The year previous to his marriage Mr. Hood determined to go into business for himself, and accordingly purchased a varied stock of goods, which he
placed on sale in a brick store. For about five years lie and his father were in partnership at Canoga.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hood there has been granted a daughter, Flora, who was born in the town of Fayette, May 16, 1891. Both parents are mem- bers of tlie Methodist Episcopal Church, in which body Mr. Hood is Trustee. In politics he is greatly interested in the success of the Republi- can party, to which he gives his ardent support. He first voted for Grant in 1868, and since that time has never let an opportunity pass to ballot for President. Socially he is a Mason of prom- inence and belongs to Fayette Lodge.
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GEORGE S. ROWLEY.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
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GEORGE S. ROWLEY.
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OF EORGE S. ROWLEY. The Willard State Hospital has called to its service a corps of capable and able inen, perhaps higher in grade and ability than a private institution could cominand. In the eye of the public they hold a position that depends upon efficiency and charac- ter, and they feel the inspiration of the service in which they are engaged. Among these men Mr. Rowley, the Superintendent of Construction, holds a good position. He has been engaged in his present capacity since 1872, and only charac- ter and ability could endure for so long a time in so critical a situation.
Mr. Rowley was born October 20, 1830, near Erie, Pa. Elias and Laura (Bushnell) Rowley, his parents, were natives of Connecticut, where our subject's ancestors had resided since 1630. In that year they came over from England and settled in Massachusetts, and from there removed to Connecticut. Asher Rowley, the grandfather, was a farmer, and reared his children to agricult- ural pursuits. His son Elias went to Pennsyl- vania to locate, but did not remain long in that state. In 1833 he returned to the old homestead in Connecticut to spend the last years of a long and honorable life, and at his death was over eighty years of age. His wife had died some years previously. He was a genuine Yankee, and for quite a long time peddled clocks through the South and West.
In the parental family were seven sons and one
daughter, all of whom lived to maturity. Hiram D. is a cigar manufacturer in Delphi. Warren was a soldier in a Michigan regiment in the Civil War, and has never been heard of since the close of the Rebellion. Charles L. is chief engineer in charge of the machinery of Willard Hospital. Ansel is a farmer in Osceola County, Mich. John was a soldier in the Seventh Connecticut Regi- ment, and died while an employe of Willard Hos- pital. Henry was a soldier in the Seventh Con- necticut Regiment. Catherine, the only daugh- ter, married and died in Connecticut.
Mr. Rowley, our subject, remained on the farm until he was eighteen years of age, and attended the common school of his native town, and also Rockwell Academy. While in Connecticut he learned the carpenter's trade, which has furnished him a useful and remunerative occupation all his life. In 1857 he went to Wilmot, Kenosha Coun- ty, Wis., and in 1864 was employed at Rockford, Ill. Ill-health came to interfere with the active prosecution of his labor, and he returned to the old Nutmeg State to recuperate. In 1867 he felt called to try the opportunities of the new West, and started for the land of the sunset. However, he only reached Geneva, where he found employ- ment satisfactory to his mind, and for a tinie dwelt at Watkins. In 1870 he went into the service of the Seneca Lake Navigation Company, to do the carpenter work that their boats required. After this he was employed by the management
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of the Willard State Hospital, and soon proving his efficiency was put in charge of the construction department, nearly all the buildings having been erected under his direction.
Mr. Rowley was married, in 1851, to Miss So- plironia Bucknan, a native of Connecticut. Her ancestors came over in the "Mayflower," and she has a teaspoon which was brought over in that famous ship. Our subject and his wife became the parents of three children. Clifford S. met a tragic fate by drowning in the Fox River in Wisconsin when he had barely passed his tenth year. Clar- ence G. is a machinist in the employ of the New York Central Iron Works. Edith N. is the wife of C. B. Everett, of Lowville, Lewis County.
Mr. Rowley is of Republican proclivities, but has never sought nor desired political prominence. He is not a member of any church or society. The work of the hospital occupies all his thought and care. He makes his home at Willard, living in a liouse furnished by the state. During the war he was a recruiting officer in the service of the state, doing good work. He is a self-made man, and has won a large and substantial success.
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DDISON BALDRIDGE. Should the in- quisitive stranger ask in the little village of MacDougall for its most prominent eitizen, very many would mention the gentleman whose name opens this sketch. He is at present the proprietor of the elevator, feedmill and imple- ment store in the place, and is also conducting a thriving trade as a dealer in coal, hay, etc. He is a native of Seneca County, and was born in the town of Romulus, September 6, 1854.
The parents of our subject were Alexander and Susan A. (Wilkinson) Baldridge, the former of whom was born on the same estate on which our subject first saw the light; the mother was a na- tive of Yates County. When a young man Alex-
ander went on a visit to friends in Seneca County, Ohio, where he met and married Miss Wilkinson, whose parents had lately removed to that state. Although they began in life with very limited means, the father later accumulated a goodly property and became a very prominent resident of his county.
The father of our subject was twice married, Addison being the only child of the first union. After the death of his first wife Alexander married Mrs. Elizabeth Holton, and to them was born a son, Charles J., who lives on the old homestead and is well-to-do in this world's goods.
The boyhood days of our subject were spent on the liomestead, where he attended the district school regularly. When nineteen years of age lie became a student at Cook Academy, in Schuyler County, taking a course of two years. While there, December 27, 1876, he was married to Miss Mary J. Sackett, a native of the town of Romulus, Seneca County. Of their union were born three children, namely: Lillian H., Claude and Daisy J., all at home. The wife and mother departed this life May 14, 1891, greatly mourned. Decem- ber 3, 1893, Mr. Baldridge chose for his second wife Miss C. Gertrude Rappleye, of the village of Farmer, this county. There her birth occurred August 3, 1872, her parents being Hudson and Samantha (Coyert) Rappleye, substantial resi- dents of that section.
The father of our subject died when Addison 1 was twenty years of age, and through inheritance he received seventy-three acres of fine farming land in the town of Romulus. This he operated for the following four years, and in the fall of ISSI lo- cated in the village of MacDougall, where he be- gan in the agricultural-implement business. To this he afterward added coal, and as there was a good opening for the shipment of hay from this community he began dealing in this commodity, and in 1886 erected his feedmill and elevator. He has ever been identified with the best interests of the county and ranks as a noticeable illustra - tion of that indomitable push and energy which characterize men of will and determination.
Mr. Baldridge is a strong Prohibitionist in pol- itics and was the candidate of that party for the
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General Assembly on two occasions. Although he did not expect to be elected, lie polled a strong . vote. He is highly respected, and his advice and aid in all enterprises regarding the advancement of his community are very much appreciated.
ATHANIEL SEELY, who lives on the road leading from the turnpike to Whiskey Hill, in the town of Waterloo, Seneca County, is one of the representative farmers and oldest citi- zens of tliis locality. He is a native of New Jer- sey and was born in the town of Wantage. Sus- sex County, May 15, 1817. His parents were Daniel and Ollie ( Mead) Seely, natives, respect- ively, of Massachusetts and New Jersey.
The father of our subject was a poor man and supported his family by working out by the day. He was drafted for the War of 1812 twice, but his name was never read. When a boy he had very little opportunity to attend school, as liis parents needed his help on the farm as soon as he was old enough to be of any assistance. Upon attaining mature years he was married to Miss Mead, and became the father of cleven children. He died in 1835, when the subject of this sketch, who was the third in order of birth, was in his eight- eenth year.
When young, Nathaniel Seely was ambitious to learn the carpenter's trade and went so far as to apprentice liimself to a good workman. His fa- ther refused to let him continue, however, as he said he could earn no more working at that busi- ness than on the farm. His father often took contracts for getting out timber, and young Na- thaniel learned to hew and square the logs, thus making himself very useful about the place. He remained at home until twenty-four years of age, giving his mother his earnings up to that time. Then he purchased an acre of land, from which
he hewed the timber in the cold winter weather and erected tliereon a comfortable dwelling for his mother.
In 1837 an elder brother of our subject came to Seneca County, and three years thereafter Na- thaniel joined him in this community, coming hither by way of the Hudson River and canals. He was, however, compelled to return to his native state in order to fulfill a contract for a piece of work, and on its completion again came to Seneca County, making permanent settlement here in the fall of 18441. He at first began work- ing out on farms by the month, but a short time afterward was paid by the day. In August, 1842, he was married to Miss Laura Sparks, of Onondaga County, N. Y. Three years later he was enabled to make his first purchase of land in Seneca County, which consisted of twenty acres. It was covered with timber, and Mr. Seely was compelled to clear a space on which to erect his little cabin. It was then that his knowledge of carpentering served a good purpose, for with his own hands he constructed a neat frame structure, in which the family lived for many years. This piece of workmanship created quite a furore among the carpenters of the neighborhood, for they did not see liow it was possible for one who had never learned the trade to construct a frame for a dwelling. They were invited to come and see it, and were compelled to admit that it was as good a piece of workmanship as they could have done themselves. After this Mr. Seely found plenty of work to do in the carpentering line, and finally was employed in moving houses, which business commanded better pay. He was a per- fect genius in the use of tools, and it was not long before he was operating as a millwright, putting in water-wheels, etc.
After getting his twenty acres of land paid for our subject had an opportunity to purchase thirty more adjoining this tract, and, as on the other oc- casion, went in debt for part of it. To this was later added five acres, making in all fifty-five acres. As soon as this was cleared and placed under improvement he wished to buy more land, but as he was unable to do so and have the prop- erty adjoin his farm, he bought forty-three acres
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in the town of Waterloo. A few years thereafter his family moved to the new place and Mr. Seely disposed of the old farm at a handsome advance. As before, he was not able to purchase vacant land on either side of this tract, and for that rea- son he became the proprietor of his present fine estate, numbering one hundred and twenty-five and three-fourthis acres. He still retains his for- ty-three acres, also a small tract of twenty-three acres, so that he now owns nearly two hundred acres of some of the best farming land in the county. He has made considerable money in house-moving, which business he has followed nearly all his life. He at first charged very mod- erate prices for moving a building, but soon real- izing that he did better work than others who made that their business, lie raised his price ac- cordingly.
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