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 43
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 43
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quaintance among the people of this locality, and is well respected as a man of high talents and broad information.
Born in this village April 3, 1856, our subject is the son of Col. James HI. and Ulissa P. (Baker) Mac Donald. His father, who was born in New York State in 1828, was one of the brave defend- ers of the Union during the Rebellion. At the outbreak of the war he assisted in raising Con- pany K, Fiftieth New York Engineers, and was mustered into the service as First Lieutenant. In 1862 he was promoted to the rank of Captain of his company, and in 1864 became Major of the regiment. The following year he was breveted Lieutenant-Colonel of the United States Volun- teers. For four years he served his country faithfully and well, taking part in many import- ant engagements. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged, and, returning to his home in Seneca Falls, resumed his business, which had been interrupted by army service. He is still living in this village, and is engaged in a general insurance business.
The subject of this sketch received his primary education in the public schools of Seneca Falls, and later entered Rochester Free Academy, after which he entered the University of Rochester, from which institution he was graduated in 1880. Returning to Seneca Falls, he served as Principal of the public schools for two years. He then read law with Charles A. Hawley, a prominent attorney of this place, and was admitted to prac- tice in January, 1884, before the Supreme Court at Syracuse, N. Y. On receiving liis diploma he opened an office in his native village, and for five years continued in practice alone, when, in 1889, he formed a partnership with his brother, William S. Mac Donald, under the firm name of Mac Donald Brothers. They have built up a large practice in the various courts of the state, and also in the federal .courts. Mr. Mac Donald is well read in law and is considered a safe coun- selor and a good advocate before a jury. Fra- ternally he is a member of Pocahontas Lodge No. 211, F. & A. M.
In 1889 Mr. Mac Donald was united in mar- riage with Miss Agnes J. Davis, a daugliter of
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James Davis, of Seneca Falls, and they have one son, Stewart C. Politically Mr. Mac Donald is recognized as one of the leaders of the Republi- can party in the county.
UGENE N. BOLT, a representative farmer and dairyman of the town of Dix, was born in Schuyler County, November 12, 1846, and was the only child of his parents who lived to maturity. One sister, Emma J., died at the age of six years. His father was also a native of this county, while his grandfather, William Bolt, was a native of Saratoga County. The latter came to this county when a young man, and here married Sarah Van Zandt, who was born in the eastern part of the state. Grandfather Bolt was an exten- sive farmer in this section of the country, owning some four hundred acres of land, together with a saw and grist mill, which were the first mills in this section of the country. They were built by James Van Zandt, the great-grandfather of our subject, who was a millwright by profession. The Van Zandt family is well remembered by the early settlers in this county.
Our subject's father married Ruth Pangborne, a daughter of John and Maria Pangborne, who were also natives of this county. After their marriage, they located on a farm of four hundred acres in the town of Dix, which the former pro- ceeded to clear and cultivate. For many years he occupied a prominent position in the county, and was an influential man, making a success in life, and holding a number of town offices. In politics he was a Democrat. He died on the old homestead in 1890, at the age of sixty-two years, and his wife died in 1885. Both are buried in Lima Cemetery, near Watkins.
The subject of this sketch grew to manhood on his father's farm, and was educated in the
comnon schools. In early manhood he took charge of the home place, and has here since con- tinued to reside, it being the only home that he has ever known. His farm consists of four hun- dred acres of good land, and for the past six years, in addition to his general farming, he has given special attention to dairying, and is pro- prietor of the Hillside Dairy. He furnishes milk to the village of Watkins, running two wagons, and for two years has furnished milk to the sani- tarium. He has thirty-five head of cows, one- half of which are Jerseys, and also has a large number of full-blooded Shropshire sheep. Be- sides his other interests, he also gives some atten- tion to the raising of fine horses, formerly mak- ing a specialty of Hambletonians, but of late has raised Percherons. Mr. Bolt has had little time to give to politics, but has held local offices, and for the past fifteen years has voted the Prohibi- tion ticket.
ON. BEN L. SWARTWOOD, a leading and representative citizen of Schuyler Coun- ty, who has for many years been engaged in the mercantile trade at Cayuta, is a native of the village, born October 29, 1854, in the old Swartwood Hotel, and is a son of Charles R. Swartwood, a native of Schuyler County. His boyhood was spent under the parental roof and in attending the district school until fifteen years of age, when he entered Elmira Academy, and from there went to the State Normal School at Mans- field, Pa., where he took a three-years course, On returning home he entered the store of his grandfather, Leroy Wood, at Cayuta, who estab- lished the business in 1830. Here he remained until 1875, when he went to Rutherford, N. J., and there engaged with his uncle as buyer for the general store and as bookkeeper. After re-
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maining there two years, he returned home, with the intention of going to California to take charge of the books of a laige packing establishment in that state, but was dissuaded by his parents, who induced him to remain and enter the employ of his uncle, John Wood, who succeeded liis grandfather, Leroy Wood. For two years he re- inained in the employ of his uncle, and then took charge of the old Swartwood Hotel, where he was born. June 1, 1880, he purchased the stock of goods in the old store which was founded by his grandfather, and where he spent his first years of mercantile life.
Mr. Swartwood was married, May 28, 1878, to Miss Sadie M. Burden, who was born in Penn Yan, Yates County, N. Y., and who is a daugh- ter of George W. and Ann (Shumaker) Burden. By this union one daughter was born, Annie B., who is now being educated at the academy of Elmira.
Notwithstanding his business interests, Mr. Swartwood has ever felt it his duty to be actively engaged in political affairs. He is a thorough and consistent Democrat, and has advocated the principles of that party from his youth. His ability as a leader has been recognized by his party associates, not only of the town of Cayuta, but of the county as well, and for the past five years he has been Chairman of the Democratic County Committee. Although Schuyler County has always had a large Republican majority, he has held nearly all of the local offices, and has been honored by appointment from both the state and general Government. In 1878 he was elect- ed Supervisor of his town, serving three years, and in 1886 was re-elected, serving continuously for five years. In 1876 he was appointed Post- master of Cayuta, which position he has held for a period of twenty years, regardless of change of administration. In that year he also received the appointment of Notary Public, which office he has since continued to hold, and in 1890 was appointed by the Governor one of the managers of the State Reformatory at Elmira.
In addition to his mercantile interests at Cay- uta, Mr. Swartwood has landed interests in Tompkins, Seneca and Schuyler Counties, own-
ing in all between five and six hundred acres of land, besides his fine residence and other proper- ty in the village. He is a member of Chemung Council No. 208, of Elmira. Mr. Swartwood has been eminently successful in business and carries a complete and well selected assortment of gen- eral merchandise, representing a stock of over $10,000. His business has been an extensive one, and that he has the confidence of the com- munity is attested by the fact of his large and constantly increasing trade.
G FORGE DECKER, a retired farmer, is a man known all over Seneca County. He was born on his present farm in the town of Tyre, March 25, 1820, and was one of several children born to Jeremiah and Nancy ( Bishop) Decker, who were people in moderate circum- stances. Early in life our subject was taught the value of time and money.
Jeremiah Decker was born in the State of Ver- mont, and in the year ISio came to Seneca County. Soon thereafter he was drafted into the War of 1812 and served with his regiment for two summers. He was born in 1780, and was there- fore thirty-two years of age on the outbreak of that conflict. Before going into the army he was married to the widow of Joseph South- well. Previous to her first inarriage she was known as Nancy Bishop, and her birth occurred in Washington County, N. Y. Her first hus- band lived but a few years, and at the time of his death she was living upon the estate which our subject now owns.
The parental household included six children, of whom George, of this sketch, was the fourth- born, and besides his brother Truman is the only survivor. The latter is also a resident of this town and is in good circumstances. The husband
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and father departed this life in 1865, and was universally mourned. In politics he was a Re- publican, and on that ticket filled many of the positions of trust in his locality.
The subject of this sketch was born on the home place, where he was reared by a loving father and mother He attended the schools of the district, and when twenty-one years of age began to do for himself, working out by the month. He continued to be thus occupied for four years, during which time lie saved the greater part of his earnings and made the first payment on ninety-two and one-half acres of land which he purchased in the town of Junius. By indus- try and economy he paid for this tract six months sooner than he had agreed to. Selling out soon afterward, however, he bought fifty acres in the same town, which he made his home for a period of two years, when he disposed of this also, and moved with his family to Fairfax Court House, Va. Being dissatisfied with the place, he soon disposed of his real-estate interests, and, return- ing to his native county, became the owner of one hundred acres in the town of Waterloo. After a residence of two years on this place lie sold out again, and, moving into the village of Waterloo, established himself in the grocery business. This investment proved to be a failure, and in less than a year we find him engaged as a blacksmith and wagon-maker. Some eight months there- after he traded his stock for an eighty-acre farm near Grand Rapids, Mich., but this was only an investment, and he did not inove his family to that state, but traded his property there for forty acres in the town of Seneca Falls.
His parents being advanced in years, George went home and cared for them until their decease. His father departed this life in 1865, and he then purchased the interests of his brothers and sisters in the place, and has since that time made it his home. He was married, when about twenty-six years of age, to Miss Martha, daughter of John and Polly (McNeil) Magee. Their union was blessed by the birth of five children. Jennie, who married John Thorn, is living in the town of Junius and is the mother of two children. Carrie married Wilbur Hill, and their home is at Magee
Corners, where Mr. Hill is engaged in the grocery business; they have one son. George died in infancy. Fred is married and makes his home in Bureau County, Ill., where he is a farmer; he is the father of a son.
Ilf 1841 Mr. Decker voted for Clay, but since that time has been a stanch supporter of Repub- lican principles and candidates. For three terms he has been Assessor, and has filled the office of Road Commissioner for a period of ten years. As a member of the Magee Corners Grange, he has filled most of the offices in the order, and is at present a member of the Executive Committee of that body. His devoted wife departed this life May 9, 1893. She had been to him a true helpmate on his journey through life, and her presence in the household is greatly missed.
ANIEL F. EVERTS, M. D. The county of Seneca has a fair share of the representa- tives of the medical profession of New York State, and among these mention belongs to Dr. Everts, of Romulus, a physician of recognized skill and ability, whose success in the profession has won for him distinction among other members of the fraternity, and has also brought to him a large and profitable practice throughout his part of the county. Aside from his talent as a phy- sician, he is entitled to distinction owing to his valuable services in the Union army during the period of the Rebellion, when, though only a lad in his teens, he enlisted in the service and fought valiantly for the preservation of the Union.
The birth of Dr. Everts occurred in the town of Hector, Schuyler County, N. Y., February 13, 1844. His parents were Curran and Mary A. (Dickerson) Everts, natives of Schuyler County, and Morris County, N. J., respectively, --
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the fatlier following the occupation of a teacher throughout the most of his active life in his native county. There were three children in the family, but one died in infancy, and James D., a retired teaclier, and our subject are the only survivors. The last-named passed his boyhood days un- eventfully on a farm, the only change in his daily routine being furnished by occasional attendance at the district schools.
His patriotic spirit aroused by the Rebellion, our subject determined to assist in defeating the Confederacy. Accordingly, in February, 1863, he enlisted as a private in Company I, Fourth Heavy Artillery, and was mustered into the service at Washington, D. C., from which place he marched with the regiment to the front. He took part in the memorable battles of the Wilder- ness and Spottsylvania, later was at Cold Harbor, Deep Bottom, Petersburg, Reams Station, and other important skirmishes or famous battles. The winter of 1864-65 was spent in winter quar- ters at Petersburg, and in the spring lie took part in the battles of Sutherland Station, New Store and Appomattox. He endured all the hardships of the forced inarchi from Cold Harbor to City Point, when the men were put on short rations. He also took part in the second forced march of the company, which was from Deep Bottom to Reams Station. From the ranks he was promoted to the position of Corporal, in recognition of his fidelity. While assisting in tearing up the rail- road at Reams Station, in order to prevent trans- portation of Southern troops, he was injured, thoughi not seriously. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged at Hart Island. October 5, 1865.
On returning to his home in Schuyler County, our subject entered a private school, where he remained one year. From 1866 until 1872 he tauglit school. It was not, however, his inten- tion to make this liis permanent profession, but he used it as a stepping-stone to the medical pro- fession. His leisure hours were devoted to medi- cal studies, which he carried on under Dr. Sears, of Townsendville, Seneca County. In 1874 he entered the Long Island College at Brooklyn, where he remained one year, then entered tlie
Buffalo Medical College, graduating therefrom in February, 1876. Later he returned to the Long Island College, from which he was also gradu- ated. In 1876 he came to Romulus, Seneca County, where he has since conducted a growing practice.
In matters political, the Doctor has always maintained that interest characteristic of a good citizen. He is a sound Republican, and in his convictions and views is positive and firm. At different tines lie has held local offices of trust, by which means he has enhanced his party's prog- ress and proved his own ability as well. Socially he is a Mason. He was united in marriage, June 23, 1875, with Mary B. Severn, who was born in the town of Lodi and is a daughter of Orin Severn. Two children blessed their union, of whom Corna M. is with them, and Carrie L. died at tlie age of one year.
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- ARRY K. BUMPUS, a well known citizen of Romulus, was born in that part of Tomp- kins County which is now in Schuyler County, and his father, John Bumpus, was born in the same place. His mother's maiden name was Matilda Adee. The parental family com- prised two children, our subject and his sister Jane, the latter of whom is now the wife of L, Osborne, and lives in West Romulus.
Mr. Bimpus was married, November 15, 1837, to Miss Mary, daughter of Joseph Benedict. She was born September 17, 1812, and died March 27, 1880. Her remains are now resting in the peaceful seclusion of Ovid Cemetery. She be- came the mother of six children, of whom the eldest-born, Augustus, is deceased; Henry was a private in Company E, One Hundred and Twen- ty-fourth New York Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Petersburg by a sharpshooter; Ma-
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tilda died in 1870; William is a professor in the public schools of Waterloo; Mary is the wife of Edward Gillen, and lives at Hayt Corners; and Sarah is a dressmaker.
Mr. Bumpus began to care for himself when he had barely reached the age of eighteen, and entered on life's labors by engaging to work on a farm by the month. In 1835 he came to this county. The first farin which he purchased was soon afterward exchanged for one in Schuyler County, and he has purchased and improved sev- eral farms in Seneca County. In 1876 he re- moved to the farin which he now owns and man- ages, and which consists of one hundred and seven acres of well cultivated land. He is a member of the Baptist Church, for several years ยท serving as Trustee in that organization, and has taken much interest in church work.
OHN M. YERKES. Many valuable farms may be found in Seneca County, and among them is that of J. M. Yerkes, which is situ- ated in the town of Romulus, and contains all the improvements of a modern first-class estate. It comprises one hundred and fifty-six acres, sub- divided by good fencing into fields and pastures of convenient size, while the residence and out- buildings are substantial, well equipped and con- veniently arranged. In addition to the cultiva- tion of this place, Mr. Yerkes has for many years been engaged in the manufacture of tile and brick, and has also been in charge of a feedmill.
In the town of Romulus, where he still resides, the subject of this article was born December 6, 1827, his birthplace being one and one-half miles southeast of the village of Romulus. His father, Josiah, was a native of Philadelphia, Pa., and married for his first wife Mrs. Margaret (Mc- Knight) Blaine, the widow of Thomas Blaine, and a native of Northumberland County, Pa. Of
that union the following children were born: John M .; Eliza A., wife of Thomas Mann; Jes- sie and Margaret. The last marriage of Mr. Yerkes was to Rhoda Church, and they had one child, a son, Schuyler B., now living at the old homestead in the town of Romulus.
On removing from Pennsylvania to New York, Josiah Yerkes settled in Seneca County, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, becoming the owner of about four hundred acres of arable land. His energy, perseverance, and the large measure of success which crowned his efforts brought him into prominence among his fellow-citizens, by whom he was conceded to be a model farmer and an honest man. In politi- cal views he adhered to the Democracy, and was one of the local leaders of his party. He died about 1870, and was buried in the ' Romulus Cemetery.
If a life passed in the quiet and honest discharge of duties, unvaried by any thrilling episodes, may be called uneventful, then Mr. Yerkes has had an uneventful career. His boyhood days were passed near where he now resides, and he was given as good an education as the common schools of the neighborhood afforded. Having been a reader of the newspapers and current magazines, he has added largely to the stock of knowledge acquired in the schoolroom, and is a well informed man on all topics of interest and general importance. He was a youth of about eighteen when he started out in the world for himself, and since then he has been independent, carving out his own career, and achieving as a farmer a success of which he may well be proud. When he moved to his present farm, it consisted of one hundred and sixteen acres, but from time to time he has made additional purchases, until it now comprises one hundred and fifty-six acres. In 1865 he added to his farnt work the manufact- ure of drain tile and brick, of which industry he made a success.
By his marriage to Miss Lucy Church, which took place in 1852, Mr. Yerkes has five children, namely: Josiah, who is the present Supervisor of the town of Romulus; Barnum, who is a farmer of this town; Clermont; John M., Jr., who has
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the management of the home place: and Jesse, who resides on a farmi in this county. Politically Mr. Verkes is a Democrat, and his opinions are of no uncertain tone, but frankly expressed and firmly upheld at the ballot-box. Upon the ticket of his party he was elected Supervisor of the town, in which capacity he served for two terms of one year each, the first being in IS78, and the second in ISS7. In 1872 he was chosen Justice of the Peace, and that position he filled for fifteen years.
ILLITT M. STACEY, M. D. Probably no physician in the town of Tyre, Seneca County, is more thoroughly equipped for his profession than is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, for his studies have been wide- ly extended, and prosecuted under exceptional ad- vantages. He asks no odds of ancestors, rank or position to lend color to his ability in his chosen profession.
Our subject is a native of this state, having been born at Skaneateles, Onondaga County, September 18, 1860. His parents were Richard M. and Mary (Stearns) Stacey, the former of whom is still living and is engaged in various en- terprises of importance at Skaneateles, being the proprietor of a thriving general merchandise es- tablishment and the owner of a large flourmill. He was born at Kingston on the Hudson, and comes of English ancestors. His good wife, how- ever, was a native of Onondaga County, and was born of Yankee parents, formerly of Connecticut.
Richard M. Stacey is a man of fine education, having completed his studies in the literary de- partment of Munro Collegiate Institute at El- bridge. It was his ambition and desire when a young man to study for the ministry, but before the time arrived when he could do this he had changed his plans. He had his own way to make in the world from earliest boyhood, and has be-
come a successful man of business and one whose career has ever been upright and honorable. In politics he is a stanch supporter of Democratic principles, although his father never failed to cast a ballot for Republican candidates after the organization of that party. He has held many local positions, and in all of these has discharged the duties in a very satisfactory manner, being competent to fill almost any position. In re- ligious affairs he is a believer in the doctrine of the Universalist Church, a liberal contributor to its interests, and an earnest advocate of all good works.
The parental family included six children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the eldest. His boyhood days were passed under the parental roof, and, inheriting much of the enterprise and industry of his father, he in early life became desirous of getting a good education. He took an academic course in his native town, after which he went to Syracuse and spent several months in the business college there, being un- der the instruction of Professor Meade.
Young Stacey later went to Elbridge and car- ried on his studies for a time in Munro Col- legiate Institute, attending to his studies very closely and applying himself with great earnest- ness to the work before him. Shortly after this he was taken into his father's business as full partner, remaining in the store for a period of eight years. His aim in life, however, was to become a professional man, and during his busi- ness career he read medicine at such times as his attention was not needed in the business. At the expiration of the time above referred to, or il 1887, he gave his entire attention to studying medicine, reading in the office of Dr. F. H. Les- ter, of his native town. His first course of lect- ures was in the University of the City of New York, but after a year he attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Baltimore. During the third year of his course lie went to Kentucky, and became a student in the Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville, which is the oldest and inost renowned school of medicine in America. From that institution he was graduated in 1892 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Thus
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