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 37
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 37
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In early manhood the heart of Mr. Horton was fired with martial ardor; he made a close study of the art of war, not at first with any thought of becoming a practical soldier, but prompted by his natural thirst for knowledge. The reorganiza- tion of the state militia, however, gave him an
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opportunity to develop his cherished idea, and he joined the Fiftieth Regiment and rose through successive grades to the rank of Major. From a mere student, of military tactics as theories, lie be- came a thoroughly practical and enthusiastic sol- dier. It was no plaything to him, and he would not allow it to be made one by individual, com- pany or regiment. He was a strict disciplinarian, a mnost excellent drill-master, and, above all, scru- pulously just, thereby winning the esteem of his superiors and the respect of his inferiors. Noth- ing but failing health prevented his entering into active service in the Civil War, but he rendered valuable aid in raising and training troops.
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Personally Mr. Horton was slight and spare, but with an erect figure, easy and graceful in his movements. His keen sense of humor, and a spirit naturally somewhat contentious, often brought him in friendly contact with his neigh- bors and friends, and during the long winter evenings at the old store on the "Corners" many were the battles of words fought to the bitter end over some subject, social, religious or public. Mr. Horton was always the champion of the right, ready at all time to defend his position with all his power of speech and eloquence, of which he pos- sessed not a little; but in all controversies, impet- uous and vehement as might be his words, his op- ponents knew that his heart was right. He bore no malice, it was his manner.
Mr. Horton was a consistent, practical Christian, a valued, honored and respected member of the Presbyterian Church nearly his whole life. In politics no one had to be told that he was a Re- publican. The first sentence he spoke on public affairs betrayed his political affiliations; now-a- days he would be called a thorough partisan. He was, but conscientiously-he could see "no good come out of Nazareth."
In his domestic relations no man could be hap- pier than was Mr. Horton. Married January 25, 1855, to Miss Mary S. Easton, of Amsterdanı, N. Y., he found in her a helpmate indeed. Four children were the result of this union, one of whom died in infancy. Anna F., the wife of Dr. Frank E. Caldwell, of Brooklyn, died in 1893. Joel and Julia still live on the homestead. Mrs.
Horton and family always lived on the home farin, and when the father died, May 11, IS90, his last wishi was that those he left behind should never be separated. So passed away a good man: gen- erous, warm-hearted, impulsive, honorable, hon- est in every affair of life; more willing to give than to receive: loved to adulation by his family, respected by his neighbors, honored and trusted by business associates, his reward in the world to come is assured.
Mrs. Horton still occupies the homestead, hav- ing with her her son Joel, who manages the farm and the extensive orchards and vineyards on the estate; and her surviving daughter, Julia, is also with her. Mrs. Horton is spending her declining years in doing good to others; surrounded by lov- ing children and grandchildren she can look back- ward without a regret. She is a good steward of the trust reposed in her by her departed husband.
ARDNER C. SEBRING, a prominent resi- dent and leading agriculturist of the town of Tyrone, Schuyler County, successfully man- ages one of the best farms in the state. This tract was formerly owned by his father, and since it came into our subject's possession he has placed the broad acres under advanced cultivation. It is desirably located, and is made to yield each year handsome returns for the labor expended upon it.
Before entering upon the history of our subject, we deem it proper to speak of his father, John Sebring, who for many years was one of the sub stantial residents of this part of the county. He was a native of New Jersey, and was born De- cember 23, 1781. While yet a boy, his father, Abraham Sebring, removed to the Empire State, choosing Lodi, Seneca County, as his future home. He was there reared, and there also lie married Hannah Jackson, who was born Septent-
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ber 25. 1782. The young people continued to make their home in that county until I810, the year in which they removed to the town of Ty- rone, this county. They were well-to-do farmers and were classed among the most progressive and enterprising people of Schuyler County. Here Mrs. Sebring died February 5, 1849, when sixty- seven years of age, while. her husband survived her five years, passing away February 6, 1854, aged seventy-four years.
To John and Hannah Sebring there were born nine children, namely: Nancy, Sophia, Cyrus, Teresa, William H., John N., Gardner C., Dan- iel and Angeline. Daniel, who was an energetic farmer of this town, lived for several years on the old homestead, but is now deceased. For his full history we refer the reader to another page of this volume.
The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Tyrone November 24, 1819. He was reared to manhood on the old homestead, which has been his dwelling-place through life, and of which he now owns the north half. Mr. Sebring was married in Orange, February 27, 1861, to Miss Nancy M. Horn, who was born in Tyrone, Marchi 15, 1834. Her father, John Horn, was born in New Jersey August 8, 1797, and her mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary Kirkpatrick, was born April 21, 1803. They were married in Sen- eca County, after which they removed to Yates County and later settled in the town of Tyrone, Schuyler County, where Mr. Horn died in 1843. His wife survived him many years, passing away in 1884, while residing in Dundee, Yates County. They were the parents of the following-named seven children: Elina, George, Caroline, Charles, Nancy M., Enos and Timothy.
To our subject and his estimable wife has been granted a daughter, Minnie E., who was born in Tyrone, August 7, 1862. She was here reared to womanhood, and June 9, 1886, was married to Newton Howell, of Reading, who was born July 9, 1860. They have one child, a son, Leon Gardner, who was born December 3, 1888.
Mr. Sebring is in no sense of the word an office-seeker, although he takes an active interest in local affairs, doing all he can to benefit his -
community, and votes the People's party ticket. In religious matters he is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. to which de- nomination his wife and daughter also belong.
DWIN O. BOLYEN, one of the leading lawyers of Schuyler County, is a resident of Watkins, and is at present occupying the responsible position of District Attorney. Though young in years, he has already acliieved note- worthy success at the Bar, and the future years will doubtless bring him increasing honors in his profession. Having, with the exception of the period devoted to his studies, spent his entire life in this county, he has gained an extensive acquaintanceship among its residents, and is known as an able and rising attorney.
Simeon C., father of our subject, was born in this county, whither his father had removed from Connecticut. While he resided upon a farm and engaged to some extent in its cultivation, much of his time was given to the carriage business. In the home where for many years he had re- sided, he passed away in 1885. His wife, Paulina, who died December 10, 1894, was a daughter of Sidney Douglass, a descendant of Scotch ances- try and an early settler of Tompkins County, N. Y.
Born in the town of Catharine, this county, January 13, 1863, Edwin O. Bolyen is second among three children. His brother, Sidney D., is a merchant in the village of Alpine; his sister, Blanche, is the wife of Judson Pratt, who lives in the town of Catharine. Our subject passed his boyhood days on the old home place, and after the good old New York State fashion was put into the public schools as soon as his years permitted. His literary education was completed at Cook's Academy. In August, 1885, he en-
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tered the law office of Hon. O. P. Hurd, of Wat- kins, to begin the study of law, which he after- ward continued with Cole Brothers, in this village. Later he entered the. Albany Law School, from which he was graduated May 23, 1889, and then returned to Watkins to engage in professional labors.
Forming a partnership withi Cole Brothers, under the firm name of Cole, Cole & Bolyen, our subject embarked in the practice of law. Fre- mont Cole, at one time a leader of the Republican party in the southern tier of states, was a mein- ber of this firm, and when he was Speaker in the New York Assembly, Mr. Bolyen was his private secretary. In 1890 he was elected District At- torney, which position he has since filled. In the Republican party he is an active worker, and his defence of its principles is at all times able and thorough. For some time he has been a member of the Republican County Committee, and is now (1895) its Chairman. He is recognized as one of the able lawyers of the county and as an elo- quent and logical speaker before court and jury.
Socially Mr. Bolyen is a Mason and belongs to Jefferson Lodge No. 332. He is also an Odd Fellow, and is Past Grand of Canandidasaga Lodge No. 196, and is identified with the Im- proved Order of Red Men No. 210. In religious. connections he is a member of the Episcopal Church, and has served as one of the directors of the choir.
ENRY C. WRIGHT. This gentleman, who has always followed the occupation of a fariner, is now living on the old home farin, where he was born September 1, 1845. It is lo- cated in the town of Fayette, one and one-half miles south of Canoga, on the Lake Road.
The parents of our subject were Reuben S. and
Emeline (Hope) Wright, the former of whom was born in New York City, and the latter near Barnstable, Mass. Grandfather Wright, who also bore the Christian name of Reuben, was City Weigli-master in the metropolis, where he lived until his son was of age. They then moved further west in the state, and located in Cayuga County, where the grandfather made a purchase of land, on which he lived for about six years. He had a great longing to be near the water, and consequently sold this place and purchased the eighty-seven acres now owned by our subject. Here the grandfather passed the remaining years of his life.
The parents were married in Cayuga County. whither Miss Hope had removed with her father and motlier. Reuben S. then boughit out the interest of his brothers and sisters in the home place, and in 1859 he built an addition to his present dwelling, where Henry C., of this sketch. was born. The wife and mother died in :854, at the age of thirty-eight years. She had a family of five children, of whom her eldest son, Charles, served through the entire period of the late war. He enlisted as a private in the navy, and was present at the capture of Ft. Henry. From time to time he rose in rank until he was placed in command of the United States ram "Avenger," and participated in the siege of Vicksburg, when they ran the batteries. He was a well educated man, being engaged in teaching in Kentucky on the outbreak of the war. Fired with the spirit of patriotism, he enlisted from that state, and after the establishment of peace he returned to the Blue Grass State, where he was married, after which he went to Mississippi and engaged in the lumber business. He died there about 1877, leaving two children, who now make their home in Michigan. James F. Wright, the second son, enlisted in the Civil War from Lockport. N. Y., at the first call of President Lincoln for volun- teers. He served until February 27, 1863, the date of his death at Stafford Court House, Va. Carrie S. married Samuel Hoster, and is living in Indianapolis, Ind. Our subject was the fourth in order of birth, and John C. died in infancy. The father of our subject came of Revolutionary
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Quaker stock, and throughout life he adhered firmly to the Quaker faith. In early life he was a Whig, and later joined the ranks of the Republi- cans. He was twice married, his second union, which occurred July 17, 1855, being with Miss Abigail Ogden, who was born in the town of "Genoa, Cayuga County. One daughter was born of this union, Frances F., who became the wife of Charles V. Crane, October 11, 1893. They reside in Romulus, this county. The father died August 2, 1875, and is buried in Ft. Hill Cenie- tery at Auburn, Cayuga County.
The subject of this sketch is a well educated gentleman, and completed his studies in the sem- inary at Fulton, Oswego County, this state. Like his father, he is a Republican, and cast liis first Presidential vote in 1868, when Grant was elected.
1 OSIAH HOOD, who died October 3, 1895, bore the distinction of being one of the oldest residents of Seneca County. He spent his entire life in the town of Fayette, and for many years resided near Canoga, his birth occurring in that locality September 25, 1819. His parents were Samuel and Elizabeth (Gamber) Hood, the former of whom was born in Northumberland County, Pa. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was captured at Queenstown, but was
soon exchanged. He was one of nine brothers who came to New York with their father, George Hood, about the year 1796. The latter had served as a soldier in the Revolutionary army and for his services was given a grant of land in what is now the town of Varick, in Seneca County. He lived to be eighty-two years of age, while Samuel Hood passed his eighty-sixth birthday before his decease in Fayette.
The Hood family is of English extraction, some of its members coming to America in a very early
day. The maternal grandfather of our subject was also an extensive land-owner and gave to eachi of his children an inheritance of one hundred acres of land. He, too, served as a Revolution- ary soldier. He was of German descent, and came to New York from Sherman's Valley, Pa., where many of his family lived who were well-to-do.
The subject of this sketch was the sixth in order of birth of a large family of children, twelve in number, eleven of whom grew to maturity. One died at the age of three and one-half years. As did his brothers and sisters, Josiah grew up on the farin, and when his services were not in demand attended school. He remained at home for some time after his marriage, which event oc- curred March 25, 1843. The lady who became his wife was Sarah Pratz, who was born in the town of Fayette, this county, November 10, 1825. Her parents were Philip and Barbara (Kennel) Pratz, natives of Pennsylvania, who were of Ger- man descent.
Several years after his marriage Mr. Hood re- moved to Seneca Falls, but after a year's resi- dence there returned to this county. He pur- chased two and one-half acres of land in the town of Fayette, and on this place lived for forty-one years, engaged in gardening, hunting and fish- ing. In 1890, in company with his son Joseph, he purchased the estate of ninety-eight and one- half acres which was his home until recently. In the cultivation of this tract they united their energies and reaped splendid returns for tlie care bestowed upon it. Our subject was likewise as- sociated with his son in a general store in Canoga.
Mr. and Mrs. Hood became the parents of two children. Flora, who married Charles Yost, is living in Jonesville, Hillsdale County, Mich., and is the mother of four children. A sketch of Jo- seph P. appears elsewhere in this work.
In politics our subject was in early life a Whig. voting for Harrison in 1840, and subsequently became a stanch Republican. During his younger years he was very prominent in local affairs, and for many years was Inspector of Elections. On one occasion he was nominated Justice of the Peace, but owing to a strong Democratic plurality in the county was defeated. Socially he was an
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Odd Fellow, and in former years took great inter- est in the workings of this fraternity. In his death the community lost an honest and upright citizen.
ENRY MILLS. The following biograph- ical sketch is a memorial offered as a loving tribute by the daughter of Mr. Mills, and is intended to preserve a few facts for his family and friends that may be of interest in years to come. Mr. Mills, who died August 9, 1860, was a good and useful citizen, whose life had not been spent in vain, which is attested by the fact that he was generally mourned.
Mr. Mills was born near Morristown, N. J., March 21, 1791. He was of Quaker origin, and the son of Daniel and Jane (Simcock ) Mills. The parents removed to this state when Henry was a small boy, and located in the town of Water- loo, where he was reared on a farm and given a fair education in the school of that neighbor- hood. February 22, 1818, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Murphy, of the town of Waterloo. She was also a native of New Jersey, and was born near Mt. Hope, Au- gust 21, 1798, her parents being Daniel and Lydia (Dell) Murphy. Her father, who was a native of Ireland and a man of fine education, taught school for many years, and was also em- ployed for some time as surveyor. Mrs. Lydia Murphy was of Quaker origin, and her father was a minister of that faith. Mrs. Mills, although having very limited opportunities for obtaining a good education, possessed an extraordinary mem- ory, and by reading good books became well in- forned.
Soon after liis marriage our subject located on the farm where his daughter, Miss Joanna, now lives. His first purchase consisted of fifty acres, from which he raised two hundred pounds of maple sugar the first year, which was boiled in a
baking kettle and a Jersey pot. As soon as it seemed advisable, he bought more land, until he was the owner of some one hundred and twenty acres, on which he erected a log house, with a fireplace built of rocks and chimney of sticks, held together by a mixture of mud. Soon after completing this convenience for housekeeping, Mr. Mills built a fire in it, and then went after anotlier load of goods. During his absence the heat became so great that it caused the rocks to break, throwing pieces across the room. The family lived in this rude structure until 1829, when a frame house was erected in its place, which was known far and wide as the "red house," on account of its color. This dwelling still stands and is occupied. Later, in 1847, Mr. Mills built the house of cobblestones in whichi his daughter now lives.
Besides the one hundred and twenty acres com- prising the homestead, our subject purchased lands elsewhere and owned one hundred and thir- ty-five and three-quarter acres in the town of Huron, Wayne County. In early life he was a Whig in politics and a strong anti-slavery man. However, on the formation of the Republican party, four years prior to his deatlı, he joined its ranks and was a firm adherent of its princi- ples, although in no sense of the term an office- seeker.
Our subject became the father of five children, of whom we make the following mention: Dan- iel, who was born August 25, 1819, was a well- to-do fariner. In 1882 he lost his eyesight, and March 29, 1886, died, unmarried. He was a man of fine education, being one of the best read men in this locality. John M. was born August 16, 1821; he, too, became a fariner, and died July 15, 1884. Lydia Ann was born May 1, 1827; she married Henry J. Serven, October 5, 1848, and had a family of four children; her husband died No- vember 24, 1892. Mary was born April 21, 1830, and departed this life September 11, 1849, when in her nineteenth year. Joanna, who was born June 6, 1833, is a well educated lady. complet- ing her schooling in the academy at Seneca Falls. Mr. Mills died August 9, 1860, while his good wife, who survived him many years, passed away
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April 19, ISSS. The eldest daughter of Mrs. Serven, Emily, married Wesley Bacon, and makes her home at Virgil, Cortland County, N. Y. Anna Elizabeth Serven married Jolm S. Kinne, and is a resident of the town of Romulus. Mary Serven is now Mrs. Frank Hart, and makes her home in the town of Junius. John Coryell Ser- ven, who also makes his home in this town, is married and is the father of three children.
When a girl of sixteen years, Mrs. Mills, tlie wife of our subject, earned the money with which to purchase a loom, and became not only an ex- pert weaver, but could do very fine spinning. She continued in this work at odd times through- out life, and when past eighty years of age wove a carpet which is now in use by her daughter Joanna. The latter is an intelligent business woman, and is the possessor of large landed in- terests. She gives her personal attention to the improvement of her property, and continues its management in such a way that it shows not the slightest deterioration. Mrs. Elizabeth A. (Van Buskirk) Daley was a member of the family for many years.
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ON. CHARLES T. WILLIS is a man of much influence in his community, and is highly respected and regarded as a man of sound judgment in public affairs, as well as in matters relating to the farm. For many years he was one of the prominent merchants of Tyrone, but in April, 1893, he disposed of his stock of goods and invested a portion of his capital in a fine estate. It is one of the very best in the town of Tyrone, Schuyler County, and contains three hundred acres.
Mr. Willis was born in Waterloo, Seneca Coun- ty, February 7, 1841. His father, the late Charles P. Willis, was a native of England, whence he came when a young man to the
United States. He was financially prospered in his undertakings, and for several years owned and operated a flourmill and also a distillery in Dresden, Yates County, N. Y., in which locality he died, January 24, 1863. The lady to whom lie was married, Caroline Deisher, was a native of Waterloo, this state, and was a most estimable lady, proving a true helpmate to him. Her death occurred in Tyrone early in the spring of 1890.
The parental household included seven chil- dren, one son and six daughters. The subject of this sketch was quite young when his parents removed to Rushville, this state, thence to Dres- den, where Charles T. grew to man's estate and received a good education. He remained at home and assisted his father in his business en- terprises until the death of that worthy gentle- man, when lie assumed control of the milling business at Dresden, carrying this on until 1867. That year he came to Tyrone, this county, and purchased the flourmili erected by Eli Sunder- land. He put in several pieces of improved ma- chinery, and under his efficient management the mill turned out forty barrels of flour per day. In connection with this industry, Mr. Willis also engaged in the mercantile trade at Tyrone, and from February, 1886, until April, 1893, was the proprietor of a well stocked store of general mer- chandise. His trade was good, owing to his court- eous treatment of customers, and during that time he made a handsome sum of money.
As stated above, our subject in the last-named year purchased his three-hundred-acre farm. He was married in Tyrone, November 4, 1868, to Miss Emma J. Williams, the daughter of Ansel Williams, of Tyrone. Mrs. Willis was born in this place, February 14, 1847, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of the following-named children: Ansel M., Carrie E., Ethel M., Maude I., Charles P., James E., Hu- bert R. and John W.
Mr. Willis was elected to the Assembly in the fall of 1890, and while in that body served liis constituents acceptably on various committees of importance. He is one of the Board of Managers of the New York State Reformatory at Elmira, to which position he was appointed by Governor
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Morton, April 13, 1895. An active Republican in politics, he stands high in the councils and confidence of liis party. He owes his success in life mainly to his own efforts, being practically a self-made man. He is not easily discouraged, is accustomed to think before he acts, therefore makes very few mistakes, and, not being afraid of work, does not get impatient waiting for results. Such a man exerts a good influence in his com- munity by his example, and he has the best wishes of his neiglibors and friends for his complete suc- cess in life.
JOHN O. FRANTZ. Through the energy and enterprise of such men as Mr. Frantz, the town of Fayette, Seneca County, has won an enviable reputation as a farming com- munity. He is prominently identified with all worthy movements in the community, and is one of its most useful men. The property which he resides upon lies on the Old Reservation Road, and is just two and a-half miles south of the vil- lage of Sencca Falls.
Our subject is a native of this town, and was born in Bearytown, August 5, 1845. His par- ents were. Lewis S. and Sarah A. (Hoster) Frantz, the former of whom was born near Canoga, also in the above town, January 6, 1820. The first of the family to locate in this section was Grandfather John Frantz, who made the journey hither from Pennsylvania, where nearly all of his ten children were born. Of this house- hold it is supposed the fatlicr of our subject was the-first born after the family came to New York. The grandfather became the owner of a large tract of land, and in addition to its cultivation es- tablished and opcrated a large flouring, saw and carding-mill. He was a very enterprising and useful citizen and won prosperity.
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