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 34
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 34
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Mr. Conover made his home on the above farm from 1872 until 1894, in which latter year he was elected to his present responsible office. He gives entire satisfaction to those most con- cerned, and is proving himself to be the right man in the right place. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and ou this ticket served as Com- missioner of Highways for a period of nine years.
He has also been the delegate of his party to the various conventions held in the county and state, and never loses an opportunity to use his influ- ence for its furtlier success. A Grand Army man, he belongs to Tyler J. Snyder Post No. 72, at Waterloo. To our subject and his estimable wife there has been born a daughter, Mary E.
NDREW J. SEELY, who is numbered among the leading men in Seneca County engaged in agricultural pursuits, has been a life-long resident of the town of Romulus, and was born here April 28, 1828. From boyhood he has fol- lowed the plow, sown the grain, and season after season has reaped a rich harvest. While his life may have been an uneventful one, he has the sat- isfaction of knowing that it has been such as to benefit and not injure his fellow-man.
Our subject comes of excellent stock. His grandfather, Jonas Seely, who was a native of Orange County, came to this county in 1793. and took a very prominent part in developing its ma- terial interests. He located in the town of Rontu- lus, where he purchased a large tract of land and engaged extensively in farming. Being a man of positive convictions, and one who had consid- erable enterprise and pluck, his ability was soon recognized by his fellow-citizens, and he was elect- ed Associate Judge of the county, filling the du- ties of the office in a very acceptable manner. He also served his county in the Legislature for sev- eral terms, being first elected in 1819. In educa- tional matters he was greatly interested, and took an active part in the organization of the school districts and in the establishment of the public schools. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, and adhered to that party until his deathi, at the age of seventy-two years.
Hiram Seely, our subject's father, was born on the old homestead in the town of Romulus on
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which Andrew J. was born. Here he lived from boyhood to young manhood, and in ripe old age passed to his reward. By his marriage with Laura Seely he liad six children: Andrew J., Auzuba B., Theana E., Abigail (who died in infancy), Abigail and Thaddeus E.
The subject of this sketch was reared on the home farm, and received but a limited education in the public schools. He continued working for his father without remuneration until thirty years of age, when he began working for himself. However, he remained at home with his parents, and on the death of the father took charge of the home farm, controlling the same until forty-one years of age, when he was united in marriage with Miss Annie E. Simpson, who is also a native of Seneca County. After their marriage they re- moved to a rented farm, which he continued to cultivate for two years. To Mr. and Mrs. Seely three children were born, Leon, Laura M. and Ernest, but the second-born is now deceased.
In 1892, after living on various farms, our sub- ject removed to the old homestead on which he was born, and where he has since continued to reside. He has never taken a very active interest in political affairs, but in all general and state elections votes the Democratic ticket.
OHN BOYES. This, in brief, is the sketch of a man whose present substantial position in life has been reached entirely through his own perseverance, and the facts connected with his operations and their results show what a per- son with anibition and enterprise can accomplish. He is now residing on a neat farin located in the northwest corner of the town of Waterloo, Self- eca County, which he devotes principally to mar- ket-gardening.
Mr. Boyes is a native of England, and was born March 23, 1828, in the little village of Kirkburn, Yorkshire. His parents were Jolin and Hannah (Endick) Boyes, people in limited circumstances. When quite young, John hired out as an errand boy to a gentleman in his neighborhood, who gave lim $5 a year and his board after he had attained his ninth year. When a lad of thirteen years he was given 65, and this was increased a little each year until he was able to perform a man's work. On attaining his eighteenth year his wages were equal to $70 in our money, and a year later he received $90. He was then acting as foreman for a farmer, but shortly after this a former employer hired him to again enter his service, paying him $115, which was the largest salary he was ever able to earn in his native land. From these mu- nificent wages he was enabled to save a little sum, and at the time of his marriage was in possession of £,50.
When very young our subject attended a school taught by an old lady, who spent more time in trying to teach him to knit and sew than how to read and write. It is safe to say, however, that he never excelled in these homely household du- ties. From that time until twenty-two years of age he never entered the doors of a schoolhouse, and at the latter age was only able to attend four weeks. . He studied very hard during this time, as he was very anxious to learn.
Mr. Boyes was married, March 30, 1851, to ,Miss Mary Holtby, also a native of England, and who was born January 5, 1829, near the old home of our subject. Her parents were William and Mary (Brown) Holtby, who spent their entire lives in England. The day following his marriage Mr. Boyes, accompanied by his parents, brothers and sisters, embarked on a sailing-vessel bound for America, and after twenty-seven days and nights on the water were landed in the port of New York. They very soon left the metropolis and made their way to Watkins, a beautiful vil- lage at the foot of Lake Seneca, in Schuyler County. There they joined an uncle of our sub- ject, who aided them in getting established in their new home. Mr. Boyes then hired out as a farın hand at $11 per month, but in the fall of
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the year, however, hie removed to Geneva, where he found employment which brought in $13 per month. During the winter he and his father and brotlier cut cordwood for two shillings and six- pence per cord, having employment at this all winter.
In the spring of 1852 Mr. Boyes returned to Schuyler County and became an employe in a sawmill, his salary at this time being $18 per month, which, although a small sum, was a large increase over his first wages. The father re- mained in Ontario County, where his wife died August 19, 1853, after which sad event our sub- ject and his wife made their home with him.
In the fall of 1854 Mr. Boyes entered into part- nership with his brother, and together they pur- chased seventy-two acres of land, for which they paid $60 per acre. In the spring of the following year our subject began his residence on this place, and he is still occupying the dwelling which stood upon the farm at the time it was purchased. The land was divided in 1861, our subject retain- ing sixty acres as his share, and he immediately set out all kinds of fruit and shade trees, and im- proved the estate after the most accepted methods. For a number of years he gave his attention prin- cipally to market-gardening, but of late years has not worked very hard, as lie now has a comforta- ble income. Mr. Boyes had two brothers, the elder of whom, William, never married. Many years ago he purchased a farm near Belleville, Republic County, Kan., where he died. The younger brother, Thomas, was married, and on his death, January 10, 1871, left a wife and five children.
To Mr. and Mrs. Boyes have been born eight children. Charlotte E. married William Hutchin- son, and the family now lives in Delavan, Morris County, Kan. Hannah M., Mrs. Nelson Reynolds, makes her home in Kingston, Tuscola County, Mich. Mary Ann is the wife of Frederick Dil- man, and their home is in Geneva, N. Y. Sarah Jane, whose home is in the town of Phelps, On- tario County, this state, is the wife of Clarence Alcock. Hattie is the wife of Clarence Toby, of the town of Waterloo. Alice I .. is a graduate of the normal school at Brockport, N. Y., and is
now employed in teaching in the schools of On- tario County. Jolin Grant is married and lives near Belleville, Kan; and Cora E. is still at lionie with her parents.
Mir. Boyes declared his intention of becoming a citizen of the United States in 1855, but neglected to take out tlie necessary papers until five years later. This was completed in time, however, to enable liim to cast his first vote for Abrahani Lincoln.
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M ARTIN D. HALL, who for many years was a prominent agriculturist and land-owner in Schuyler County, was born in the pres- ent village of Spencer, Tioga County, N. Y., August 9, 1816. He grew to manhood in his native town and was reared to the life of a farmer. November 20, 1847, he married his first wife, Jane Miller, a daughter of Barnabas Miller, of Catharine, and after her death he married Emma E. Van Loone, a daughter of Richard Van Loone, of Alpine. In 1851 he moved to Catharine, and in 1858 to Alpine. When but twenty-one years of age he was elected Supervisor of the town of Cayuta, when it was a part of Chemung County, and prior to the formation of Schuyler County. In 1864, after Cayuta became a part of Schuyler County, he was re-elected to the same position. In 1865 and 1866, and also from 1877 to 1881, in- clusive, he represented his town on the Board of Supervisors, making an excellent and popular official. About that time he was made the Green- back-Democratic candidate for Member of the Assembly, but, the county being strongly Repub- lican, he was defeated with the rest of the ticket.
The parents of Mr. Hall came from Westchester County in 1798, and located in what afterward became the town of Spencer, in Tioga County, but which was then a pathless wilderness, where they endured every privation incident to pioneer
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life. The father was a student, and combined teaching and farming as the country became pop- ulated. On the paternal side he was of English ancestry, on the maternal side of French. The mother, Elizabeth (Foslia) Hall, was a eousin of Isaac Van Wort, of Revolutionary fame, one of the three eaptors of the British spy, Major Andre. The hardships through which the family passed laid the foundation of that sturdy manhood and self-relianee that characterized the five sons, and the fortitude manifested by the seven daughters. Edward, the eldest son, was a merchant, and died in Canada. George was the first Mayor of Owa- tonna, Steele County, Minn., where he died. Like his father, Chester was a teaelier and farmer, and died in Illinois. Lafayette was a minister, and died in California, where he had gone to complete lis edueation. Martin D., our subject, was the only one who remained in the state of New York. Of the seven daughters only two survive: Mrs. Phillips, of Owatonna, Miin .; and Mrs. Handy, of Havana.
In his domestic relations Mr. Hall was an ex- ceptional man. He was never known to give an angry or unpleasant word to any of his family or help, and it was always a pleasure to meet him at home or abroad. He was kind, eonsiderate, in- telligent, genial and affectionate, but firm, deeided and strong in his convietions, and when sure that he was right eould not be swerved from them. He was liberal in heart, soul and sentiment, provident and sagacious, but fair and honorable in all his dealings with his fellow-men. A man of sterling honesty and integrity, he enjoyed in a marked degree the esteem, respeet and eonfi- denee of liis many friends and the publie. By his striet attention to business, and by his foresight and good judgment, lie aeeumulated a large prop- erty. His health for a number of years prior to his deatlı had been poor, but though physically feeble, his mind and faculties were unimpaired until the last, and he managed liis affairs and at- tended to every detail so well that but little was left to do in settling up his large estate of over twelve hundred acres, besides much other prop- erty, real and personal. Everything that loving hearts eould suggest or willing hands do for his
comfort was done by his faithful wife and loving family during his illness. They will ever cherish his memory, realizing that he was a devoted and affectionate husband, a kind father and a true friend.
Mrs. Emma Hall, our subject's widow, is the youngest daugliter now living of Richard and Martlia M. (Chambers) Van Loone, and was born in the town of Catharine, which has always been her home. John Van Loone, her grand- father, came to this county from Scholarie County and located on what is still known as Van Loone's Hill, where her father was born. He spent liis entire life in this eounty, and died in 1883, leav- ing a family of seven daughters and one son. By Mr. Hall's first marriage there were three children born, one of whom died in childhood, and two sons are yet living. Miller D., the elder son, was graduated from Ithaca Academy when sev- enteen years old and engaged in teaching, and also followed a mercantile business and milling, but finally, like his father, settled down to farm- ing. G. Edward, the younger son, remained with his father until the latter's demise, when he eliose agriculture as his ealling.
HARLES GOUGAR. Tlie subjeet of the following sketeli ean certainly look back upon a busy life, and feel that his labors have not been in vain. When success erowns any victor in a struggle, reward is his due, and Mr. Gougar receives his reward in the peace and plenty whieli surround his declining years, and the rest he ean now take after the hard fight against disadvantageous cireumstanees and pov- erty. He was born January 28, 1815, in the town of Variek, Seneca County, but is now living in the town of Fayette.
The parents of our subjeet were George and Catherine (Kime) Gougar, natives of Pennsyl-
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vania, where they were married, and where they continued to reside for a few years. The father was a blacksmith by trade, following this busi- ness in the towns of Varick and Fayette, in which places he resided. Some time after his removal to the latter place, lie purchased one hundred and fifty acres of land, which was partly cleared and improved.
George and Catherine Gougar became the par- ents of a large family of children, thirteen in num- ber, nearly all of whom grew to mature years. Of this family one son makes his home in Ohio, and two in the state of Illinois. Charles, of this history, who was the fourth of the family, lived at home until attaining his eighteenth year, when he apprenticed himself to learn the carpenter's trade. For his first year's work he received $20, the second $30, and the third $50. After becom- ing thoroughly competent, lie was employed by ltis instructor for a twelvemonth, and then worked for other parties for the following two years. At the end of that time he began contracting, and so successful was he in this line of business, that he continued thus employed until forty years of age.
In March, 1841, when twenty-six years of age, Mr. Gougar was married to Miss Elizabeth Esh- enour, then a resident of the town of Fayette, but who was born in Pennsylvania. To them was granted a family of seven children, one of whom died in infancy. Another child died when twen- ty-six years old, and the third when in her fiftieth year. Charles is a farmer near Waterloo; Will- iam resides on the old homestead; Lewis is mar- ried, and also makes his home with his father; and Anna became the wife of William Pratz, and lives in the town of Fayette.
Mr. Gougar saved a snug little sum of money by working at his trade, which he invested in sixty-nine acres of land. He was prosperous in everything which he undertook in the way of cultivating the soil, and is now the owner of a large tract, comprising two hundred broad and well cultivated acres. It is adorned with a com- fortable dwelling, and the surroundings are pleas- ant.
In politics Mr. Gougar was a Whig in early
years, and cast his first Presidential ballot for William Henry Harrison in IS40. On the organ- ization of the Republican party he allied himself with its supporters and has been a stanch advo- cate of the same ever since. He has never been an aspirant for office, being satisfied to devote his attention to his private interests and let those hold office who desire to do so.
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RANK R. SHEPHERD has ever been an active supporter of all laudable enterprises in the town of Tyrone, and is one of Schuy- ler County's best citizens. He is an able agri- culturist and a man whose life has been passed in the calling which now receives his attention. His estate includes one hundred and thirty-one acres, adorned with a neat residence and substan- tial outbuildings.
Our subject is the son of John Shepherd, wlio was born in North Haven, Conn., April 27, 1809. His mother was Nancy J. Atwood, a native of Massachusetts, her birth occurring March 19, 1822. They were united in marriage in Schuy- ler County, and soon after located in the town of Reading, where they lived happily until the lus- band and father was called from this life, August 26, 1888. Mrs. Shepherd makes hier liome in Watkins with her daughter, Mrs. Haring.
Our subject has two sisters, one older and one younger than himself. Jane M. married Charles Haring, of Watkins, who died about 1882. Esther J. is now Mrs. Frank H. Sayre, of Dundee. Frank R., who was the only son of the house- hold, was born in the town of Reading, Novem- ber 9, 1850. He was there reared to mature years, and spent his boyhood days and the duil
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seasons of farm work in attending school. He dren, namely: Edith L., born January 19, 1886; thus became well informed, and has never ceased John C., October 26, 1888; and Clayton B., Oc- tober 20, 1891. to add to his knowledge by reading good books. He remained with his father until November, 1887, the year before the latter's death, when he removed with his wife to the town of Tyrone, on - the place where he now resides.
Mr. Shepherd and Miss Lottie Bigelow were united in marriage in Altay, February 5, 1884. The lady is the daughter of James V. and Flora (Clark) Bigelow, the parents of six children, of whom Mrs. Shepherd was the youngest, her birth occurring May 28, 1864. By her union with our subject there have been born three chil-
In addition to this place of one hundred and thirty-one acres, Mr. Shepherd owns a valuable tract in the town of Reading, which embraces ninety-five acres. He is one of the most respected and influential citizens in this community, and contributes liberally to all worthy enterprises. Politically he has always supported Republican principles, but in 110 sense of the term could he be considered an office-seeker. In church rela- tions Mrs. Shepherd is an exemplary Presbyte- rian, and is an active worker in that body.
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MR. AND MRS. G. E. MILLER AND CHILD.
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GEORGE E. MILLER.
G EORGE E. MILLER has passed the busy life of a farmer, and is classed among the prosperous agriculturists of Schuyler Coun- ty. His estate is situated in the midst of one of the finest farming regions of this section, and this is saying not a little, for on every hand may be seen highly cultivated farms, the appearance of which denotes thrift and prosperity. He is one of the representative citizens of the town of Read- ing, and gives his hearty support to all enter- prises for the good of the community.
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The father of our subject, Johnson A. Miller, was born in the town of Lansing, Tompkins County, N. Y., April 7, 1808. Upon reaching his majority he removed to the town of Reading, Schuyler County, where the most of his life was passed. For a few years he resided on Staten Island, but his heart and home were still among his native hills. January 13, 1836, he married Miss Rebecca Palmer, a native of New York, and daughter of Jonathan Palmer, of Orange, Schuyler County. They became the parents of six children, namely: Betsey, Mrs. John Damoth, deceased; Thomas, of Reading Center; Jacob, who lives at Corning; Sanford, of Chicago, Ill .; Alphe, deceased; and George E. Three of these sons entered the late war, Sanford and Alphe taking part in several engagements.
For four years prior to his death Jolinson A. Miller was an invalid. Three years before his decease he suffered a shock of paralysis, followed
by others, until life sank into death in August, ISS5, when he was seventy-seven years of age. His estimable wife is still living in the town of Reading, and is now eiglity-three years old. Of her children, George E. is the youngest. He was born at Reading, June 4, 1847, and was ed- ucated in the common schools. With the ex- ception of two years spent in the town of Tyrone, he has always made his home in Reading. He has devoted his entire life to agricultural pur- suits, and by working industriously at this voca- tion has acquired a valuable property, including eighty-three acres, all of which is cultivated and bears the best line of improvements in the way of buildings and machinery.
In his political views Mr. Miller is a Republi- can. His first marriage united him with Miss Fidelia Hatfield, who departed this life in 1871, leaving a daughter, Alice I., now the wife of William Clearwater. His marriage to Miss Car- rie Dalrymple was solemnized August 9, 1873. This lady was born in the village of Watkins, July 28, 1850, received a good education in the schools near her home, and is a well informed and intelligent lady. One child was born to bless her union, Fred E., who died March 30, 1892, aged seven years.
The father of Mrs. Miller was Dennis Dal- rymple, a native of the state of New Jersey. He was reared on a farm and received good educa- tional advantages, becoming a well informed
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man. Settling in Hector, Schuyler County, he tliere married Polly Stedge, and engaged in farm- ing for a number of years. Thence he moved to the village of Watkins, where he had charge of a sawmill at the mouth of Watkins Glen. Subse- quently he bought a farm of one hundred and forty acres near Beaver Dams, in the town of Dix, where he remained until his death, at the age of about forty-nine. In politics he was a Re- publican. His membership, religiously, was in the Methodist Church. His wife is living at Elmira, N. Y., and is now ( 1895) in her seventy- eiglith year. They were the parents of four sons and four daughters. Three of the sons, Abram, Alfred and George, were soldiers in the Union army during the late war, and George died at Murfreesboro, Tenn., of disease contracted while in the service.
G EORGE N. WAGER, a merchant of Al- pine, Schuyler County, was born in Tomp- kins County, N. Y., March 14, 1837, and is a son of Benjamin and Melinda (Date) Wager, both of whom are natives of the same county. Andrew Wager, the grandfather of our subject, was the son of another Andrew Wager, who was a pioneer of that county, coming from New Jer- sey in 1790, and purchasing a large tract of land, on which he lived and died. Benjamin Wager, who was born February 10, 1810, and died February 24, 1867, was quite prominent in the early history of Tompkins County.
The boyhood days of our subject were spent on the home farm, assisting in its cultivation. He received a good common-school education, and at the age of nineteen commenced teaching in his own district, continuing this until 1861. May 9 of that year, at Enfield, N. Y., he was united in marriage with Mary Marsh, a native of Newfield, and daughter of Woodward and Abigail (Chapel)
Marsh, the latter a daughter of Joshua and Han- nah (Forsythe) Chapel. Mrs. Wager is descend- ed from the Latimers, well known in the history of Connecticut. The Forsythe and Chapel fami- lies were identified with the early history of the Colonies.
The year following his marriage our subject bought a farm in Schuyler County, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, and after living there one season moved to the village of Alpine. where he is now engaged in business. After re- maining here one year, however, he sold out, and in the fall of 1865 went to Michigan, which was then considered the Far West, but finding nothing satisfactory, he returned and purchased a tannery in Alpine. This he operated a short time, and then sold out, purchased a store, and formed a partnership with William Mallory, un- der the firin name of Wager & Mallory. This partnership continued two years, when the store and stock were burned, thus dissolving the part- nership. In 1868 Mr. Wager built a hotel, which was the first of any importance erected in the village, and this he ran for three years as the Wager House. During this time lie also put in a stock of goods and carried on a mercantile busi- ness iff connection with the hotel.
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