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 33
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 33
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Mr. Seely has been quite seriously injured on several occasions, once falling from an apple tree, breaking four ribs, which never really knit. In 1894 he was hurt again, breaking several ribs this time also. At one time, when helping to raise a building, he fell and broke his right leg. During the Civil War he was on his way to enlist, when he was petitioned to stop and move a build- ing. He complied with the request, but was in- jured before completing the work. He fell from the structure and struck his left heel, causing an injury which prevented his thinking anything more about army life, for a time at least.
Of the children born to our subject and his wife we mention the following facts: Daniel Joseph died at the age of nineteen years; Charles departed this life when in his eighteenth year; James is a farmer in the town of Waterloo; Ro- zalia married Emanuel Harpending, and they also make their home in the town of Waterloo; Thomas is still on the home farm and assists in its management; Abram L. lives on a tract of land bordering on the village of Waterloo; and Reuben F. is also under the parental roof.
Mrs. Nathaniel Seely, who died August 24, 1890, was a most estimable lady and had hosts of warm friends in this community. In politics our subject was first a Whig and voted for William Henry Harrison, although his father and broth-
ers were Democrats. On the organization of the Republican party he voted for Fremont, and has never lost a vote since 1840, with one exception, when he was away from home in Michigan. He was reared in the faith of the Baptist Church and all his life has been an esteemed member of that society. As one of the old and prominent resi- dents of Seneca County, we are pleased to be able to present his biography to our many readers.
ILLIAM P. RIEGEL, owner of Maple Grove Farm, located on Cayuga Reserva- tion Road, leading from Cayuga to Seneca Falls, is one of the most prominent of the many progressive and successful farmers of this county. He was born within its confines, in the town of Fayette, December 22, 1844, to George and Mary (Mauger) Riegel, who were also born in the same town.
Grandfather Jacob Riegel came to this state from Pennsylvania after his marriage, and lo- cated on the farm which is now the property of our subject. . At that time the land was covered with a dense growth of wood, and he worked very hard to clear and place it under improve- ment. The first dwelling on the farm was a lit- tle log cabin, which has long since been removed and replaced with a more attractive and cont- modious structure. Jacob Riegel became a very wealthy man, and exerted his influence at all times for the good of the community. His fam- ily consisted of seven children, all of whom were born and reared on this place. In addition to cultivating the large tract of land which he owned, he followed the cooper's trade to some extent.
The father of our subject inherited about sey- enty-five acres of the home place, and there he made his home up to within the last fourteen years of his life. Having invested considerable
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money in property in Seneca Falls, about that time he moved into the village in order that he might give his attention more particularly to looking after his real-estate interests. He was fairly well educated, and when about twenty-two years of age was married. He became the fa- ther of eleven children, all of whom are still liv- ing. In politics he was a Democrat, as was his father before him, although the latter joined the ranks of the Republicans after the anti-Masonic movement. At one time George Riegel was the candidate of the Greenback party for the Legis- lature. When a boy he was converted in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and from that time until his death, in 1879, was an active worker in the same. His wife survived him until 1895, and was in her eighty-fourth year at the time of her decease.
Like many of the boys of his neighborhood, our subject attended the district school and . learned well the lessons given him to study. When a lad of fourteen he left home, and, going to Rochester, apprenticed himself to learn the carpenter's trade. He worked at this for one year, when he returned home and followed that business for the same length of time. It was then that his father wanted him to take charge of the home place, agreeing to give him one-third of the profits. This he consented to do, and so ably did he manage the place that he soon found himself in the receipt of a snug little sum of money.
March 10, 1872, Mr. Riegel was united in mar- riage with Miss Lorana S. Troutman, of the town of Fayette, and the daughter of Jonathan Troutman. She continued his devoted wife and helpmate until her death, January 1, 1891.
Mr. Riegel was first elected Assessor in 1889, for a period of three years, and on the expiration of his term was made his own successor. In 1895, the year for another election, he was re- tained in office, making in all nine years that lie served as Assessor. He has been Trustee of the school district for two terms, and President of the Canoga Cemetery Association.
The estate which our subject owns comprises one hundred and thirty-two acres, supplied with
substantial buildings and all needful machinery. For several years past he has rented his property to good advantage. Socially he belongs to Fayette Lodge No. 539, F. & A. M., in which he has filled many chairs. Politically he has always been a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party.
ENJAMIN BACON, a prominent farmer living on the Canandaigua Road, two miles northwest of the village of Waterloo, was born near his present home, June 30, 1829. His parents were Joel W. and Emma (Billings) Ba- con, the former born in Pittsfield, Mass., and the latter in New London, Conn. They were both of English ancestry.
In 1800 the father of our subject was brought to New York by his parents, who had purchased a large tract of land in Seneca County. Their property was a mile square, and was located just west of where our subject now lives. Jocl W. was sent back to Connecticut in order that he might gain a good education, and after leaving school he entered the law office of Judge Miller, under whose instruction lie read Blackstone. He was duly admitted to the Bar, after he had pur- sued the prescribed course of study, and for a time practiced in Waterloo. Not liking this pro- fession as well as he thought he would, he soon after abandoned it, and, moving upon a farm, passed the remainder of his life engaged in its cultivation.
Joel W. Bacon was twice married, by his first union becoming the father of a son, Elijah M., who, on attaining mature years, went to St. Clair, Mich., where he was married. At his death he left a family of seven children. The second marriage of Mr. Bacon resulted in the birth of seven children, of whom Benjamin was the eldest but one, and of whom four are now living. The
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husband and father was a Whig in politics until the "grand old party" was organized, when he joined its ranks, supporting its first candidate, John C. Fremont. In 1876 he voted for R. B. Hayes, and died about a week later, at the age of eighty years. He was often called upon by his fellow-townsmen to accept public offices, and on one occasion consented and was elected Com- missioner. He also aided in choosing the site for the state prison at Auburn. He was a thorough Christian, and was one of the organizers of the Episcopal Church at Waterloo, which he sup- ported liberally.
Benjamin Bacon was reared to a life of useful- ness. He was sent to the schools of Waterloo as soon as old enoughi, completing the course in the Union School. June 1, 1852, he was married to Miss Emeline Mount, of the town of Seneca Falls, and the daughter of Randolph and Lydia (Hunt) Mount. About this time his father gave him a tract of one hundred acres. He carefully culti- vated the tract, but did not live upon it, and aft- erward purchased the place on which he now re- sides, and which also belonged to his father.
To Mr. and Mrs. Bacon there were born one son and five daughters. Jennie M. and Anna H. are both deceased. Joel W. married Florence Peterson, and they have a family of six children; Emma, Clara M. and Mary E. complete the household. They are all well educated, and Mary E. attended Wells College in Cayuga Coun- ty for two years. Mrs. Bacon died in 1888.
Our subject cast his first Presidential vote in 1852, for a Whig candidate, and since 1856 has supported the representatives of the Republican party. He has served his party as a delegate to the various county conventions, and in many ways has been influential and prominent in the ranks. For many years he has been connected with the Agricultural Society, and for seven years served as its President. His honored father aided in the organization of the first Agricultural Society in the county, and the male members of the family have always been connected with this organization and aided in its upbuilding. Our subject remembers well attending the meetings of the society when they were held in an open lot,
and no charges made for admission. They now have large grounds, and the meetings of this par- ticular society are considered the best in the state. Mr. Bacon is likewise a member of the Waterloo Historical Society, in the working of which he takes great interest. Together with his family, he is a member of the Episcopal Church, and is Vestryman of his congregation.
ILLIAM H. VAN CLEEF. This part of the Empire State has proved a mine of wealth to hundreds of industrious farmers, who, by dint of hard work and enterprise, have developed the resources which nature so liberally provided. One of this class of residents of Seneca County is Mr. Van Cleef, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of the town of Tyre. He was born on his present estate, which is located four miles north of Seneca Falls, and which is devoted chiefly to the raising of Shorthorn cattle.
Our subject, who was born on the 9th of April, 1857, is the son of William G. and Hannah N. (Greene) Van Cleef, the former of whom was a native of Seneca Falls. Lawrence Van Cleef, the great-grandfather, served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, fighting under General Sul- livan during the expedition of that noted Gen- eral through Seneca County. In 1789 he re- turned to this section and became the first per- manent settler at Seneca Falls. In the fall of that year he was joined by his family, and erected a double log house, one part of which was used as a tavern. He also bore the distinction of erect- ing the first frame building in Seneca Falls, into which he moved his family in 1794. His daugh- ter, Mrs. Jane Goodwin, was the first white child born in that now beautiful village, and became the mother of Edward and Charles Mynderse. The great-grandfather had trouble with the Indians
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for a time, but soon succeeded in making them his friends. He constructed a craft to be used in navigating Seneca Lake, and became the main de- pendence of the people in piloting boats over the rapids. He departed this life in 1830, and was buried where he built liis first camp fire, which spot is now contained in the residence property of Horace Silsby, Sr.
George Van Cleef, the grandfather of our sub- ject, spent his entire life in this county. He was born in 1797, and as soon as old enough engaged in agricultural pursuits, following farming until his death in 1844. William G., the eldest child in his family, was born in 1814. He, too, became a farmer, and lived in the town of Seneca Falls until 1860, when he moved to the town of Tyre, where he was living at the time of his death, in 1891. In the councils of the Republican party he became quite prominent, and at different times was the successful candidate for the offices of As- sessor and Overseer of the Poor.
To William G. and Hannah N. Van Cleef there were born three children, of whom our sub- ject was the youngest. Lawrence, who is freight agent for the New York Central Road at Niagara Falls, is unmarried; Alice is now Mrs. George Freeland, and makes her home in Seneca Falls. The father of this family was a consistent mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church, and socially was connected with the Grange.
William H. received a good education in the district schools, and when eighteen years old began the battle of life on his own account. His first occupation was operating a steam threshing- machine, which he worked for about ten years. He still has his machine in his possession, and when needed it is run by hired help.
Mr. Van Cleef and Miss Mary E. Beach, of Seneca Falls, were married February 25, 1891. The latter was born in the town of Montezuma, Cayuga County, this state, whence she was brought to this section while young. She is well educated, having attended Mynderse Academy at Seneca Falls. Her parents were Bolivar and Ellen (Radford) Beach, and her grandfather, Ezekiel Beach, was one of the oldest settlers in this county.
To our subject and his wife there have been granted two children: Ellen Hannah, born in the town of Tyre, January 22, IS93; and Lawrence W., November 29, 1894. Mr. Van Cleef is a firm Republican in politics, on which ticket lie was elected Highway Commissioner of the town of Tyre, overcoming a large Democratic majority. He is a member of Seneca Grange No. 44, at Sen- eca Falls, and is in other ways prominent in the social affairs of his community. His farm com- prises one hundred and thirty acres of land, which, as stated above, is devoted mainly to the raising of Shorthorn Durham cattle.
OHN E. DISINGER. Among the enter- prising agriculturists who are making a suc- cess of their calling, we feel in duty bound to make mention of our subject, who is one of the most intelligent of his class in Seneca County. He comes of a prominent family in this section, one which has aided greatly in the settlement and development of the town of Fayette.
Mr. Disinger was born in the above town on the 2d of March, 1856. He is now living two miles south of Canoga, on a finely cultivated es- tate, to which he gives his entire time and atten- tion. His parents were Daniel and Christiana (Schroyer) Disinger, and for a full history of this worthy couple we refer the reader to another page in this volume.
Our subject grew to manhood on the old home- stead in this town, and received a good educa- tion, as did also his brothers and sisters. He did what he could to assist in the cultivation of the home place, and by so doing not only served his father, but gained a thorough knowledge of the vocation which he determined to follow. He was married, March 3, 1880, to Miss Celia E. Huff, whose birth occurred in the town of Fayette,
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October 20, 1859. Her parents, James L. and Clarissa M. (Nease) Huff, were well known resi- dents of this neighborhood, and Miss Celia and John E. were schoolmates. Their union has been blessed by the birth of a son, Berney J., who was born July 17, 1889, on the place where they now live. Mrs. Disinger has one brother, George N., who is a farmer by occupation, and by his marriage with Hannah Peters has one child, Pearl.
When our subject was twenty years of age, his father paid him wages at the rate of $100 per year, he receiving this amount until his marriage. After that event young Disinger worked the homestead on shares, his father agreeing to this arrangement for fourteen years. His parents then decided to let him have one hundred acres
of land, for which he was to pay a certain sum of money. Industry and enterprise are numbered among his chief characteristics, and by his up- right dealing and good business ability he has won prosperity. He exercises his right of fran- chise in favor of the Democratic party, casting his first Presidential vote for Hancock in 1880.
Mr. Disinger has two brothers, Peter E. and Sidney F. The former is engaged in farming on a good estate in this town, two miles south of Canoga. He was born January 26, 1854, and February 13, IS7S, was married to Miss Mary J. Velueff. . They have two children: Frank P., born December 1, 1878; and Anabell, December 14, 1882. Like the other members of his family. he, too, is a Democrat. The other brother, Sid- ney, lives with his father on the old homestead.
WILLIAM GULICK, M. D.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
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WILLIAM GULICK, M. D.
ILLIAM GULICK, M. D., is one of the oldest and most distinguished physicians and surgeons in Watkins, and in all the country round about his name is that of a famil- iar friend and helper. A native of Seneca Count- ty, he was born in the town of Ovid, December 7, 1814, and is a son of Samuel and Ann (Sayre) Gulick, the former a descendant of German an- cestors, and the latter of English lineage. His maternal grandparents were John and Sallie ( Brewster ) Sayre. His paternal grandfather, Nicholas Gulick, settled in the town of Ovid and engaged in farm pursuits, which occupation his son Samuel also followed.
Dr. Gulick is the eldest of five children, three sons and two daughters, who comprise the pa- rental family, and all of whom are living. He passed his boyhood in Seneca County, and after attending the common schools, for some years attended Ovid Academy, and then finished in Homer Academy at Cortland, an institution of high grade. One year was spent in teaching school, and he then turned his attention to the study of medicine, which he read with Dr. E. J. Busvine, formerly of London, England, but then of Ovid. His studies were finished under Dr. Lewis Post, of Lodi, and in the College of Physi- cians and Surgeons at Fairfield, N. Y. He re- ceived a license to practice from the Seneca Coun- ty Medical Society, and began professional work January 1, 1838, in Tyrone, Schuyler County.
In the spring of 1865 Dr. Gulick came to Wat- kins, where he has carried on a general practice from that time to this, and is now one of the old- est practitioners of this part of the state. He has practiced continuously from 1838 to the present time (1895), and his career has been that of a careful, skillful and well informed physician. In 1878 the degree of M. D. was conferred upon him by the Regents of the State University. His ability has been recognized by his fellow-towns- men in other than professional directions. He was Superintendent of the schools of Tyrone Town, and was made County Superintendent of Schools when that office was established. He also served as a member of the State Assembly, to which position he was elected in 1876 and 1877. Prior to the firing on Ft. Sumter, he had been a Democrat, but since that time he has act- ed with the Republican party, and has always been loyal to the interests of the Government.
For many years Dr. Gulick has been a Mason, being a member of the blue lodge at Weston and the chapter at Watkins. He has a commodious house, well furnished and surrounded with pleas- ant grounds, and here he is passing his declining days, environed with the regard of those among whom he has labored during his professional life.
In December, 1837, at Lodi, Seneca County, Dr. Gulick and Miss Louisa Couch were united in marriage. Mrs. Gulick was a daughter of Aaron Couch, and a native of Seneca County.
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She died at the family home in Watkins, in Feb- ruary, 1876. Two children were born of the union, bothi daughters, of whom Anah is de- ceased, and Anna E. is with her father. The latter was carefully educated, and for a time was a student in Dundee Academy. She is a woman of fine literary acquirements, and while very young exhibited a natural talent for music, draw- ing and painting, and studied these branches un- der good masters. In the higher branches of culture she has been an indefatigable worker. She improvises many of her musical compositions, and several of her productions, both sacred and secular, have been published, one of which may be found in the Epworth Hymnal. Among her best-known compositions are the "Seneca Lake Mazurka" and the "Dance of the Brownies." Since the age of fourteen years she has been or- ganist in some one of the churches where she has resided. In her studio may be seen many fine paintings in oil, water-color and pastel. For many years she has been a very successful teach- er of music and painting, aud since 1890 has been Vice-President for Schuyler County of the State Music Teachers' Association. When not engaged in her musical or artistic work, she finds time to indulge a few hours of each day in her well ' selected library and in the companionship of her father.
AMUEL S. CONOVER. This name is borne by one of the most honored and high- ly esteemed residents of Seneca County. He is also a popular official, and since 1894 has been Superintendent of the County Poor. A native of this state, he was born in the city of Brooklyn, March 7, 1847, his parents being George S. and Augusta (Jeroleman) Conover. The former, now residing in Geneva, N. Y., was born in the City
of Churches, November 7, 1824, and was there reared to manhood, his father, Grandfather Peter Conover, being a well-to-do merchant there. He was given a collegiate education, and must have married very soon after leaving college, as we find that he was but nineteen years of age when that important event was celebrated. His wife, to whom he was united November 9, 1843, was also born in Brooklyn, on the 7th of October, 1821.
Upon engaging in business for himself, George S Conover became a member of the firm of Parker & Conover, flour merchants in Brooklyn, the partnership existing until about 1850. That year he disposed of his interest in the business, and, on coming to this county, invested in fifty acres of farming land in the town of Varick, on the banks of Lake Seneca, where he made liis home for some time. His wife died soon after lo- cating here, June 5, 1852, and her remains were takeu back to her native city and laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery.
The parental family included five children, two of whom died in infancy. The other three were living at the time of the mother's decease, but one is now deceased. Augusta married Clarence E. Spence, and died in the town of Varick a few years after that event, leaving a daughter, Lillie A. Spence. Our subject's only brother living is Peter Conover, a resident of Geneva, N. Y. He is married and has one son, Leslie J.
George S. Conover was a second time married, and of this union one daughter is living, Evelyn T., who is at home. He moved from the farm to Geneva in the year 1870, and has ever since been identified with the interests of that flourishing city. He is a stanch Democrat in politics, and while living in the town of Varick held the office of Supervisor. Since taking up his abode in Geneva he has been President of the Board of Village Trustees, and has held the responsible of- fice of Police Justice. Of late years he has paid considerable attention to compiling a history of the early days in this county, and is especially interested in Indian history. He has always been a member of the Dutch Reformed Church, and during his younger days was an active
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worker in the Sunday-school, which he served as Superintendent. He has also held the official position of Deacon of his congregation.
Samuel S., of this sketch, was in his third year at the time his parents came to Seneca County. He was therefore reared on the farm in this com- munity, and, like other lads of that day, gained his education in the schools of the district. Feb- ruary 13, 1864, during the progress of the late war, he offered his services as a soldier, telling the enlisting officer he was eighteen, whereas he was not quite seventeen years old. He was ac- cepted, however, as a new recruit and placed in Battery L, First New York Light Artillery, com- monly known as Reynolds' Battery, as it was or- ganized by Captain Reynolds. The command formed a part of the Army of the Potomac. He bore a part in the battles of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor and Weldon Railroad, and was present at the fall of Richmond. At the battle of Wel- don Railroad he was slightly wounded on the left elbow by a minie-ball, but the wound was not serious enough to prevent his reporting for duty. He participated in thirteen battles and engage- ments, serving faitlifully and well from the time ofhis enlistment until the establishment of peace, and with many of his comrades was honorably discharged June 17, 1865.
On his return home from the field of battle young Conover attended school at the academy at Ovid for about a year, after which he worked out by the month on neighboring farms for a few years. During this time he saved the greater part of his wages, and in 1869 purchased eighty acres of land in the vicinity of the old liomestead. May 24, 1871, he was married to Miss Mary E. Dey, who was born in the town of Fayette, this county, her parents being Peter B. and Mary (Dey) Dey, natives of New Jersey.
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