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 42
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 42
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Born June 6, 1856, the Doctor is a native of the village of Seneca Falls. His parents, Will- iam L. and Caroline ( Plate) Bellows, were born in this state, the former being the son of William E. Bellows, of English lineage. They now make their home in Seneca Falls, Seneca County, N. Y. Their children were four in number, two sons and two daughters, of whom the Doctor is the eldest. He passed his boyhood days in Seneca Falls, where he attended the public schools and acad- emy, gaining a good literary education.
Under the supervision of Dr. Elias Lester, of Seneca Falls, our subject commenced the study of medicine, later continuing with A. E. Chapoton, M. D., of Detroit, Mich. Subsequently he took three full courses of lectures at the Detroit Medi- cal College, from which he was graduated March 11, 18SI, and since May I of that year has prac- ticed medicine in Waterloo. Through attention to every duty and the most careful treatment of his patients, lie has built up a large practice in this village and the surrounding country. He is a member of the Seneca County Medical Associa- tion, of which he was President in 1884; and is also a member of the New York State Medical Association and the American Medical Associa- tion. From 1884 until 1892 he was physician of the Seneca County Almshouse; Health Officer of Waterloo in 1882 and 1883; United States Pen- sion Examining Surgeon from 1887 until 1895, being now President of the Board; and has been Coroner of Seneca County since 1882.
September 27, 1877, Dr. Bellows was united in marriage with Miss Hattie M., daughter of John S. Palmer, of Seneca Falls. In cverything per- taining to the progress of the village the Doctor is interested, and his co-operation is always to be
relied upon in matters for the public welfare. In educational affairs he is especially interested, and lias been Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Waterloo Academy since 1891. Socially he is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of the Maccabees. As might be- ex- pected of one of his progressive tendencies, he keeps abreast with the latest developments in the medical science, and holds membership in the Seneca County, New York State, and American Medical Societies.
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AMES WAUGH, one of the leading agricult- urists of Schuyler County, makes a special- ty of breeding Cotswold sheep, which he ships in large numbers to the city markets each year. For a number of years he has also been interested in general farming, and the community in which he resides recognizes in him one of its most enterprising and substantial citizens. He is widely known throughout this county, and we feel assured that this record of his life will prove of interest to our readers. Mr. Waugh is Justice of the Peace, which position he fills to the satis- faction of all most concerned and with credit to himself.
The subject of this sketch was born across the seas, in County Tyrone, Ireland, March 20, 1834, his parents being James and Margaret Waugh. They left their native land in 1840 and chose for their future home Schuyler County. They at once located on a farin in the town of Orange, two and one-half miles from where our subject is now residing, and of which the latter now owns ninety-two acres. The father possessed about $250 in money when he came to this country, which he very wisely invested in land. In this undertaking he was very successful, and, being a hardworking and enterprising man, accumulated
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a handsome fortune. He lived in the town of Orange until his decease, which occurred in Feb- ruary, ISS7, on reaching the remarkable age of ninety-six years. When his sons were ready to embark in life for themselves, he gave them a piece of property, which was widely different from the help lie received from his parents.
The mother of our subject departed this life in 1857, and Mr. Waugh chose for his second com- panion Mrs. Armstrong, who died two years later. To James and Margaret Waugh there were born the following sons and daughters: Mary, the wife of Alexander Henderson, who resides in the town of Orange, this county; Elizabeth, who married James Scott, but is now deceased; Margaret, Mrs. William Love, of Tyrone; William, who married Margaret Huey, of Orange, and makes his home in the town of Dix; James, our subject; and Jane, who died when eighteen years of age. The father of this family was a consistent mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which denomination his good wife was also con- nected.
James was reared on the farm settled by his father, and, on the death of the latter, purchased the interest of his brothers and sisters in the es- tate. He cultivated the tract until 1871, having resided thereon for a period of thirty years, and then moved onto his present farin of ninety acres, also in the town of Orange. It bears the finest improvements in the way of buildings and ma- chinery, and for the past four years Mr. Waugh has been giving the greater part of his time and attention to breeding Cotswold sheep, keeping a flock of over two hundred of these animals. He exhibits liis stock at the county fairs and very seldom fails to carry off the first prize. He still has possession of the old homestead, which lie keeps for pasture for his stock, and all the grain and hay which he uses is fed to these animals.
The lady to whom Mr. Waugh was married in January, 1862, was Miss Jane Stewart, of the town of Reading. Of their children, we mention the following: William S. is engaged in the drug business in Watkins. Frederick Lee was killed by lightning, June 5, 1890, while building a fence on the old home farm. He was struck while in
the act of sharpening a stake with an axe, and when found, a half-hour later, still had this tool in his hand. Although not a member of any particular church, this young man was a great worker in the Sunday-school and was very prom- inent in all the entertainments given by the young people. Ile possessed good habits and was one of the rising young men of the community. At the time of his decease, he was in liis twenty- fourth year and had always lived at home. Mar- garet, Ida and Edward are at home with the fa- thier, and Miss Ida is engaged in teaching school. Ernest, the youngest of the household, died when two years of age.
Our subject has always been very prominent in local affairs and was elected Justice of the Peace on the Democratic ticket. He has often repre- sented his party in county conventions, and is considered an ardent worker in the ranks of the party. In Sugar Hill Presbyterian Church, of which he is a member, he is filling the office of Trustee. Socially he is a Mason of highi stand- ing and an active worker in the fraternity.
G ODFREY SELMSER. The milling business, which is one of the important industries of Waterloo, has a successful and able repre- sentative in the subject of this sketch, who is the . principal member of the firm of G. Selniser & Co., and proprietor of the mills operated under that llame. He began in this business in 18So, and has gradually increased his trade, until he now ranks among the leading men in his line in tlie county. The mills are operated by water and steam power and have a capacity of one hundred barrels in twenty-four hours, Boston being the principal market for the products.
A native of New York, our subject was born in Fulton County, October 23, 1818. The fam- ily is of German origin, and was originally repre-
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sented in America by his grandfather, Henry, who came to the United States in boyhood. The father of our subject, Martin, was born in Mont- gomery County, N. Y., in 1770, and throughout his entire life engaged in agricultural pursuits. As the country was then new, he experienced all the hardships incident to life on the frontier, des- titute of even those things which we consider necessities to-day. His wife, Susan, was born in Montgomery County in 1776, and was a daughter of John Moore, a native of Germany.
The boyhood years of our subject were unevent- fully passed on his father's farm, and his educa- tion was gained principally in the district schools and Johnstown Academy. On completing his studies he taught for two years in Montgomery and Seneca Counties, coming to the latter place in 1844. He is proud of the fact that before leav- ing Fulton County the last thing he did was to vote for Henry Clay for President. For seven years after coming here he engaged in farming. In the winter of 1852 he embarked in the dry- goods business in Waterloo, and has since carried on a large trade in that line. In 1880 he en- larged his interest by purchasing the mill which he has since operated. As a business man, he has always displayed keenness of judgment and promptness in action, and his enterprises have almost invariably proved successful.
Interested in everything that pertains to the welfare of the people, and especially in educational matters, Mr. Selmser served for thirty consecu- tive years in the capacity of Trustee of the public schools of Waterloo. His marriage, which took place in 1845, united him with Miss Christiana Kuney, who was born in Seneca County, being a daughter of Benjamin Kuney. They are the parents of two children, of whom the daughter, Emma L., is with her parents. The son, Benja- min F., who is in partnership with his father, married Miss Mary Hoster, daughter of Henry Hoster, who belongs to one of the prominent old families of this county. They have one daughter and two sons: Abigail, born in 1884; Edward Godfrey, in 1885; and Benjamin Franklin in 1887.
While Mr. Selmser has always been too en-
grossed by his many business duties to give spe- cial attention to politics, he is, nevertheless, well informed regarding the great questions of the day, and in his political sentiments favors the principles of the Republican party. With liis wife, he holds membership in the Disciples Church of Waterloo, which was organized in 1853, and with the history of which his name is indissolubly associated. For some years he has served as El- der in the church, and in other ways has promoted the welfare of the congregation.
EWIS HANMER. We give in brief the life history of Mr. Hammer, whose present sub- stantial position has been reached alinost en- tirely throughi his own perseverance. He has followed agricultural pursuits all his life, and bears a high reputation for honesty and integrity in all his dealings with his fellow-men. He has hosts of friends in this locality, whose confidence and esteem are his highest eulogium. Mr. Han- mer is the owner of an estate containing one hun- dred and sixty-five acres in the town of Tyrone, Schuyler County, which is well improved.
Our subject was born in this town, June 1, 1822. His father, Jabez Hanmer, was born in New York, while his mother, whose maiden name was Nellie Maxfield, was born in Genesee County. Jabez Hammer and his wife came to this locality about 1817, from a point near Ithaca. They made their home in the town of Tyrone, which was then included within the boundary of Steuben County, and continued to reside there until their death, the father passing away when seventy-eight years of age, and the mother sur- viving until attaining the advanced age of eighty- five years.
To the parents of our subject there were born four sons and four daughters, of whom Lewis is the sixth in order of birthi. He was reared on
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his father's farm in the town of Tyrone, and was educated in the schools of that locality. Upon attaining his twenty-sixth year he was married, and after remaining with his parents for five years lie purchased a tract of land in the town of Reading and resided upon it for a period of thir- teen years. In the spring of 1865 he returned to Tyrone and took up his abode on the farm where he now resides, and which was formerly owned by the late Henry Heist.
The lady to whom Mr. Hanmer was married, November 30, 1848, was Miss Caroline Heist, the daughter of Henry and Hannah (Washburn) Heist. Mrs. Hanmer was born in the eastern portion of this state, November 22, 1826, and was in her seventh year when brought by her parents to Tyrone. To Mr. and Mrs. Hanmer there were born six children, of whom we make the following mention: George A. married Cordelia Hicks, and lives in Havana; Jabez W. chose for his wife Miss Carrie Rapolee, and is at present residing in Dundee; Henry died in infancy; Nel- lie H. is the wife of C. M. Earnest; Fred married Lulu Huey; and Mary died in infancy.
In politics Mr. Hanmer is a strong supporter of Republican principles, and his vote has ever been cast with that party. Although never seek- ing public office, he is a liberal contributor to the interests of the community in which he lives, and an earnest advocate of all good works.
OHN O'CONNELL. Among the natives of other countries who have come to America hoping to gain here the independence denied them in their own land, may be mentioned the name of John O'Connell, who has made his home in Seneca -County for nearly a quarter of a cent- ury. He is a native of Ireland, and was there reared to manhood, without, however, having
any educational advantages, as his parents were poor and he was obliged to support himself from an early age.
Having decided to seek a home in the New World, Mr. O'Connell crossed the Atlantic in 1854, taking passage on a sailing-vessel that landed him in New York after an uneventful voy- age. For a number of years he resided in vari- ous places, wherever he could find honest employ- ment. In 1872 he settled in Seneca County, where he has since resided. Two years after coming hither, he purchased a farm in the town of Romulus, and upon this place he has since en- gaged as a tiller of the soil.
The marriage of Mr. O'Connell united him with Miss Ellen Burns, who, like himself, was a native of the Emerald Isle. On emigrating to the United States she took passage on a sailing- vessel, and after a voyage of nine weeks and three days landed in this country. Nine children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. O'Connell, of whom six are living: John, Patrick, Matthew, Thomas, Edward and Mary. Since becoming a naturalized American citizen, our subject has al- lied himself with the Democratic party, and its principles he always upholds.
OSEPH GERMAIN WRIGHT has long been known as one of the prominent and public-spirited men of Waterloo. He be- longs to a goodly list, and casts no discredit upon his associates. A native of this village, he was bori July 23, 1842, his parents being Josephi and Celia (Conant) Wright. His father, who was formerly one of the prominent men of the place, was born in Herkimer County. He came to Waterloo in the pride and vigor of early manhood, and engaged in manufacturing yeast for distilling purposes, and in all his enterprises was highly
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successful, not only accumulating property rap- idly, but manifesting on all occasions a public spirit and a readiness to assist in all undertakings for the good of the community that at once won for him the warm friendship of all others who were like-minded. It is the general testimony that lie was most benevolent in his character, had a kind heart, and was never so happy as when his home was full and overflowing with friends and relatives. Those who were so fortunate as to share his hospitality knew that he was anxious to spare no pains and avoid no trouble that would contribute to their comfort and pleasure. His home was an elegant and commodious brick structure, standing in spacious grounds, finely fit- ted up, where for years he led a useful and inspir- ing life. He died on the 7th of June, 1871, missed and mourned by all. To the Presbyterian Church, which was his preference, he was a liberal con- tributor. As we may well imagine, the wife of such a man was in herself an estimable character, and she graced the home his business abilities provided. They were married about 1830, and she died in 1889.
Joseph G. Wright, the subject of this article, was reared in his native village, and began his school life in the American university-the pub- lic school. He was an attendant for some time upon the private school kept by Dr. Prentiss in Geneva, and finished his studies at Waterloo Academy. Leaving school, he began his busi- ness career by assisting his father in his many business interests, and liere he continued as long as his father lived. The latter was the inventor of a process in the manufacture of yeast for the use of distilleries, a process which added greatly to the yield, which was almost indispensable to large operations, and the secret of which he kept zealously to himself. After the death of his father, Mr. Wright continued the business for himself until 1891, when he closed it out. From 1871 to 1891 he was closely associated in large interests in the direction of developing the use of this process with parties in Peoria, Chicago and other cities.
At present Mr. Wright is largely interested in the oil business in Venango County, Pa., princi-
pally in the sinking of oil-wells, whose product is a superior quality of oil. He has other enter- prises, which still employ all his surplus energies and keep him busy to the last. He is a Director of the First National Bank of Waterloo, aad is known as a thoroughly competent business man. Politically he is a strong Democrat, and his voice has not been silent in determining local develop- ment.
In 1862 Mr. Wright and Miss Mary E. Wood, daughter of James Wood, of Waterloo, were mar- ried. They have two children, both girls, Nellie W. and Mary M., and their home is a fine, sub- stantial brick structure on the principal residence street of the village.
ON. OLIVER P. HURD possesses in an eminent degree those qualities of mind which are so essential to success in profes- sional or business life-industry and a large share of continon-sense, coupled with a determined will and unflinching integrity. In the possession of these sterling qualities the problem of success is easily solved, and it need not be considered as evidence of unusual foresight to predict for him who possesses them a prosperous carcer. Judge Hurd is a man who has been very successful, but whose success has been achieved by energy and perseverance. Since 1865 he has been a practic- ing attorney of Watkins, and is recognized as one of the most influential men of this village.
The parents of the Judge, William A. and Jane (Neal) Hurd, were natives, respectively, of Clin- ton, Middlesex County, Conn., and Lodi, Seneca County, N. Y., the latter being a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Neal. The Hurd family traces its ancestry to Ebenezer Hurd, a native of Wales, who settled in America early in thie sev- enteenth century. His son Daniel married Dor-
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othy Leete, a great-granddaughter of Gov. Will- iam Lcete, who came from England to this coun- try in 1638, and settled in Connecticut. In the early history of the colony he was very prominent, and held office of various kinds for a period of forty years, among them being the position of Governor. Educated as a lawyer, he was a man of scholarly attainments. While in England he was for some time clerk in the Bishop's Court, and in that service became acquainted with the conduct of the bishops towards the Puritans. He observed the great severity which the courts dis- played toward them, and this brought him to a serious consideration of the matter, and induced him to acquaint himself more thoroughly with the doctrines and discipline of this people. In consequence of his investigations he became a Puritan, left the Bishop's Court, and in 1638 came to New England with Mr. Whitfield and his company In 1643 he was chosen Magistrate for the colony of New Haven, and was annually re-elected until May, 1658. For a period of forty years he was Magistrate, Deputy-Governor or Governor of one of the Connecticut colonies. He died in Hartford. His mother, Anna Schute, was a daughter of one of the Justices of the King's Bench of England.
Ebenezer Hurd was one of three brothers who emigrated from Wales to America. His son Daniel, above named, was the father of Capt. Caleb Leete Hurd, whose title was gained by liis service in the Connecticut militia during the Rev- olutionary War. The latter was born in Con- necticut January 23, 1753, and was married, May 4, 1775, to Mary Griswold, by whom he had thir- teen children. His son Elias was born April 6, 1780, and died November 25, 1840. When a lad of sixteen years he sailed on a voyage to China, going around Cape Horn, being absent three years. Afterward he became a sea-captain, and in the War of 1812 with England his vessel, a merchant- inan, was captured by an English man-of-war and he and his crew were made prisoners. They were sent to the Bermuda Islands, but were afterward exchanged. He married Mary Griffith, daugh- ter of Thomas Griffith. William A., son of Capt. Elias Hurd, and our subject's father, was born
December 13, 1809, and after marriage settled on a farını near Burdett, N. Y., where he still resides, being now in his cighty-sixth year. For many years lie followed tlie carpenter's trade, was Post- master under President Harrison, and is now en- gaged in merchandising.
The maternal ancestors of our subject were of Scoteli birth, and were represented among the early settlers of New Jersey. John Neal, our subject's great-grandfather, enlisted in the Revo- lutionary War at the age of sixteen years, and served until the close of the struggle. He was with General Washington when the army crossed the Delaware River and defeated and captured a thousand Hessian prisoners. In a number of the most important engagements of the war he took an active part. For several years after his death his widow was in receipt of a pension.
The subject of this sketch was born in the vil- lage of Burdett, town of Hector, Schuyler Count- ty, N. Y., December 11, 1838, and is the eldest of four children who attained mature years. There were originally six in the family, but one brother died at the age of sixteen and one sister in childhood. Oliver P. attended the public schools of Burdett in boyhood, and afterward was a student in Ovid Academy, later carried on his studies in the seminary at Lima, N. Y., and then entered the Genesee College at the same place, where he remained for two years. I 1864-65 he was employed as clerk in the office of Hon. William Fessenden, then Secretary of the United States Treasury. Prior to his stay in Washington, D. C., he studied law with Hon. John J. Van Allen and was admitted to the Bar in 1864. The following year he opened a law office at Watkins, where he has since conducted a general practice, extending into all the courts.
While the details connected with his large law practice occupy Judge Hurd's attention closely, yet they have not prevented him from participa- ting in public affairs. In 1867 he was elected District Attorney, and served in that capacity for three years. In 1876 he was chosen County Judge and Surrogate, and served with efficiency for six years, when he resumed hiis law practice. In politics he is an advocate of Republican prin-
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ciples. He has served as Trustee of the village and has also been a member of the Board of Water and Sewer Commission.
In March, 1865, Miss Cynthia A., daughter of Watson Disbrow, became the wife of Judge Hurd. She died September 21, 1869, leaving a son, Will- iam D., who is now a student in his father's office.
In 1871 Judge Hurd married Miss Louisa C. Boyd, of Washington, D. C. Her father, Storm Van Derzee Boyd, was a son of General Boyd, an influential citizen of Schoharie County, and Con- gressman from his district. Judge and Mrs. Hurd have two daughters and two sons, namely: Hebe L., Oliver P., Jennie B. and Joli S.
Socially Judge Hurd is identified with Jefferson Lodge No. 332, F. & A. M., at Watkins. He is the owner of a fine farm, upon which he engages in breeding registered trotting-horses, having in- troduced some of the finest horses ever brought into this county. In securing railroads and aid- ing otlier enterprises for the benefit of Watkins, he has taken an active part. He is one of the Directors of the Watkins & Havana Electric Railroad Company, and has taken an interested part in this enterprise, which, when completed, will be one of the most important factors in the progress of the village. As a Republican he is recognized as one of the strong and influential members of his party in this part of the state. As an advocate he is logical, eloquent and forcible before court and jury.
LARENCE A. MACDONALD. There is no legal firm in Seneca Falls that is more widely or favorably known throughout this section of New York than the Mac Donald Brotli- ers, of which the subject of this sketch is the senior member. Having been a life-long resi- dent of this village, lie has gained a wide ac-
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