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 45
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 45
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young wife on the farm of one hundred and ten acres which has ever since been his home. In addition to this, Mr. Kime is interested in a farmi of one hundred and five acres. His home farni is improved with a fine set of buildings, substan- tially built and commodious, all of which he erected. As stated in our opening paragraph, Mr. Kime is interested in the breeding of Dorset horned sheep, and in this branch of agriculture is meeting with good results.
To Mr. and Mrs. Kime there has been granted a daughter, Mary Leah, whose birth occurred May 11, 1886. Like his father before him, our subject is a stanch supporter of Republican prin- ciples, casting his first Presidential ballot in 1880 for Garfield. He is prominent in the councils of his party, and has been a delegate to various county conventions. Socially, he isa member of Rose Hill Grange, which he now represents as Overseer. He is a man of excellent business ability, enterprising and sagacious, and by his well directed efforts has won prosperity, and is justly recognized as one of the successful farmers and stock-raisers of the county.
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HARLES SHARP resides in the town of Romulus, Seneca County, N. Y. From early childhood he has been a farmer, and has engaged in every variety of agricultural work. Unlike Horace Greeley, his experience in farming has been practical, and not theoretical, and if called upon to write, as was Mr. Greeley, of "What I Know About Farming," the reader would readily see the difference between theory and practice. But he is not a man to parade his knowledge, being content to pass along life's journey doing cheerfully and well what his hands find to do, and looking for his reward in the con- sciousness of duty well performed.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Charles Sharp was born in the town of Va- rick, Seneca County, in July, 1845. and is a son of Charles and Phebe (Goble) Sharp. His father was born in Litchfield, Conn., and his mother near Caledonia, N. Y., and he and his wife were mar- ried in January, 1821, in this place. The former removed to this county in an early day. They had a family of six children, namely: Theron, who resides on the old homestead; Calvin, who died in August, 1895, at the age of seventy-two; Al- bert, deceased; William, a farmer in the town of Genoa, Cayuga County, N. Y .; Edward, deceased; and Charles.
Compelled in early life to shift for himself, our subject's fatlier went to Sherburne, N. Y., where he learned the carpenter's trade, and then he came to this place and pursued that calling for many years. On coming to Seneca County, he purchased a small tract of land and commenced its cultivation, but in 1853 he removed to the place now occupied by our subject. He received a limited education, but being a man of practical knowledge he attained broad information and a large degree of success. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and endeavored to live strictly in accordance with the teachings of that faith. In politics he was a Republican, but nev- er an office-seeker. However, he believed it to be the duty of every citizen to exercise the right of franchise, and in that respect he was faithful. His deatlı occurred April 10, 1885, at the age of eighty-nine, and his remains were interred in the cemetery at Romulus, by the side of the body of his wife, who had died in 1874, at the age of sev- enty-one. She was a member of the Presbyteri- att Church and a true Christian wife and mother.
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When the family moved to the farm where our subject now lives he was eight years of age, and this has since been his home. As already stated, his entire life has been spent in farm work and the education which he received was obtained in the common schools. Since the death of his father, in partnership with his brother Calvin, he has owned and operated the home farm of one hun- dred and twenty-six acres of fine land. They also own other land, divided into five different farms, and a total of five hundred and fifty-three
acres. His attention is given principally to stock-raising, in connection with general farm work. That he has been successful, is attested by his well cultivated farm and excellent outbuild- ings, together with his neat and comfortable home. Iu politics he is a Republican, and in re- ligion identified with the Presbyterian Church.
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ILLIAM H. BALDWIN. There has been no factor inore closely connected with the development of the material. interests of Schuyler County and Watkins than the Wat- kins Democrat, which throughout its entire his- tory has aimed to promote the welfare of the people. It is recognized as the organ of the Democratic party in this locality, and has stood as the able representative of that political organi- zation through all the political "ups and downs" of the party. In advancing local interests, too, it has taken a warm interest, boldly advocating every measure calculated to benefit the village, whether or not the plan might suit the popu- lar view.
The gentleman to whom the success of this paper is due, William H. Baldwin, was born in Deerfield, Herkimer County, N. Y., June 29, 1835, and is a member of a family long identified with the history of Connecticut. His grandfa- ther, Willis Baldwin, about 1812 settled in the town of Hector, upon what was later known as the Reeves Farin. After a short time devoted to farm pursuits, he came to Watkins (then known as Sa- lubria), where he followed the trade of a hatter. On the corner of Fourth and Porter Streets he erected a building known as the Baldwin House, the front part of which was devoted to the manu- facture of hats and the sale of groceries. For many years this was the only house east of the present Franklin Street.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In company with his parents, Henry Downs and Mary Jane ( Pease) Baldwin. our subject came to Watkins in early childhood, prior to I842. The rudiments of his education were gained in the public schools of this place, but at an early age lie was obliged to relinquish his studies and enter upon an occupation that would make him self-supporting. He began to learn the printer's trade in 1842, with Slawson & Shirley, and in 1848 entered the office of the Jefferson Eagle, then edited by J. Wesley Smith. There he gained a knowledge of the compositor's trade and learned the rudiments of the printing and publisliing business, which he lias since followed, with the exception of a short time.
Upon leaving the Jefferson Eagle, Mr. Baldwin was employed in the offices of the Watkins Fam- ily Visitor, Watkins Republican, and their suc- cessors, for several years. In 1859 he became one of the publisliers of the Seneca County Senti- nel at Ovid, where he remained for two years. In May, 1867, he bought the Schuyler County Democrat, the name of which was changed, some years afterward, to the Watkins Democrat. Under this name it was improved and successfully con- ducted until February 19, 1891, when the entire plant was destroyed by fire, the proprietor losing almost all he possessed. However, he was undis- mayed by the catastrophe, and with undaunted courage started out once more. Interesting a wealthy relative, he purchased lots adjoining the burnt district and erected a substantial and com- modious brick structure, the finest in Watkins, and known asthe Baldwn Block. Portions of the second and third floors of this building are occu- pied by the new plant, which is one of the most complete in western New York, being equipped with power presses and all desirable materials for the proper management of the paper.
The influential position held by the Democrat as the organ of the Democracy is due largely, in fact it may be said entirely, to the shrewd judg- ment and executive ability of Mr. Baldwin. He has labored indefatigably to secure its success, sparing neither time nor expense in advancing the interests of the paper. It lias a large patron- age and is a welcome guest in very many homes
of the county, numbering among its readers not only those who are Democrats in principle, but many whose opinions are different.
Personally, as well as titrough the medium of the paper, Mr. Baldwin takes a deep interest in political matters. He was the Democratic can- didate for the Assembly in 1885, and polled a large number of votes, though the county is strongly Republican. At different state conven- tions lie has served as a delegate, and for several years was Postmaster at Watkins. He has also been a member of the Board of Village Trustees. In every position to which he has been called he lias rendered efficient and able service, and has won the commendation and confidence of his fel- low-citizens.
In January, 1863, Mr. Baldwin married Miss Louise E., only daughter of John and Laura (Johnson) Losey, of Mottville, N. Y. Mrs. Bald- win is an unusually bright, intelligent and well educated woman, and is an ornament to her houseliold. To Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin were born four children, two daughters and two sous. Donna Madelon died in her twelfth year; John Henry died in his fifth year; Marion P., who is at home, was educated in the schools of Watkins; Will- iam H. passed away in his fifth year. Mrs. Baldwin and her daughter are members of the First Presbyterian Church.
EORGE C., WILLIAM I. AND CHARLES E. THOMAS, who comprise the firiti of G. C. Thomas & Brotliers, are prominent business men of Waterloo, Seneca County. They are widely known throughout this section as agriculturists, dairymen, breeders of thoroughi- bred Guernsey cattle, and also as dealers in build- ing stone, dimension stone, fertilizers, agricult- ural implements, etc.
Our subjects are the sons of Michael and Lealt
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(Rhinehart) Thomas, the former of whom was born in Juniata Township, Perry County, Pa., in June, 1800. He left his native state some time in 1812, in company with his father, George Clinton Thomas, and came to this state. He received a good education, and continued to live with his parents until forty years of age, when he was united in marriage. Until their decease he cared for liis aged father and mother. At one time he invested considerable money in oil, but this speculation proved a failure, and instead of making a fortune lie lost most of liis capital.
In addition to his own share in the homestead, Michael Thomas purchased the interest of his brother James, and by so doing had a farm of some three hundred acres. While devoting him- self first of all to the improvement and cultiva- tion of this estate, he was also a public-spirited and progressive citizen.
To Michael Thomas and wife there were born seven children, six of whom are living at the present time. In the order of their birth they are named, respectively, George, Maggie, Will- iam, Charles, Sarah and Frances C. The sec- ond daughter married W. Clinton Kline. Frances became the wife of William A. Smith, and makes her home at Newport, Perry County, Pa., where her husband is agent for pianos and organs. The husband and father departed this life January 1, 1880, and the year following his three sons en- tered into partnership and purchased the farm on which they now live. It comprises a quarter- section of excellent land, forty acres of which are within the corporate limits of Waterloo. Soon after locating on this place they invested consider- able money in stock and began dairying, which business has rapidly grown until it has now assumed extensive proportions. Their first herd of cattle was common stock, but in 1891 they purchased a fine lot of Guernseys. They also have a number of Holsteins. They milk about forty cows, and altogether have some sixty animals.
The stone-quarry which the Thomas Brothers own was formerly in the possession of their uncle, Samuel Thomas, who opened it and put the ma- chinery in operation. This yields an annual out-
put of from twenty-five hundred to three thou- sand yards of stone per year. The stone, which is used chiefly for building purposes, is of a very fine quality, and is in great demand. The broth- ers own their own canal-boat, and are kept busy making shipments of stone to Geneva and other points where they receive orders. Their business is not confined, however, to the material they ship by water, for they also send the product of their quarry by rail to all parts of the state.
The senior member of the firm of Thomas Brothers is a shirewd business man and devotes his entire attention to the various enterprises in which the firm is engaged. The three brothers make their home together, and by their advanced ideas and progressive habits are doing much to- ward improving the business interests of their community. The sons, following in the foot- steps of their honored father, are all Republicans, and George C. has held the position of Super- visor of his town for three years.
C ACOB BROWN, a retired agriculturist, is one of the representative men of Seneca County. He and his family occupy an assured position in the social life of the commu- nity, and always lend substantial aid to any social, moral or educational enterprise that arises. Al- though Mr. Brown now makes his home in Beary- town, he is the proprietor of a tract of one hun- dred and four acres in the town of Varick, two and one-half miles southeast of Bearytown.
Our subject was born in this town, about a mile and a-half distant from his present place of residence, March 8, 1824. His parents were Jacob and Mary (Miller) Brown, the former of whom was born in Sherman's Valley, Pa., whence he was brought to this state by his father, Michael Brown. The journey was made in a wagon, and proved a very tiresome one indeed to the young
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lad. This county was then in an almost wild condition, and the territory lying between Seneca Falls and the old homestead in the town of Varick was heavily wooded. Notwithstanding this, the travelers cut their way through the forest, and the grandfather located on a tract which after- ward was converted into one of the most beauti- ful and productive farms in the town of Varick. The little family was obliged to camp out a few more nights, or until a shelter could be erected for them, which, when completed, was a rude structure built of logs. The barn, which was also built of the same material, is still standing, although it has long since been made more pre- sentable by a covering of frame work. Grand- father Brown became well-to-do in this world's goods, and at his death left his family well pro- vided for.
The mother of our subject was born in this county, and was the daughter of George Miller, who came to this section from Pennsylvania. He, too, made the trip with an ox-team, and on taking an inventory of his possessions on arriving here, found that his earthily effects consisted of a yoke of oxen and $2 in money. He was soon after- ward married in this county to Miss Elizabeth Holman, and from that time on was successful in nearly all his undertakings. At his death he left a large and valuable estate, including two hun- dred and sixty-seven acres, one hundred and four of which are among the landed possessions of our subject, he buying the tract from Mr. Miller for $60 per acre. The mother of our subject de- parted this life when Jacob was only four years of age, leaving also a daughter, Maria. The latter was reared to mature years, and, after secur- ing a good education, was married to Alonzo Dellenbaugh. After his decease she became the wife of Andrew Slaughter. She is now de- ceased, passing away in Macon County, Mo., and leaving a family of three children by the second marriage.
Jacob Brown, our subject, was left doubly orphaned when a lad of seven years, and was then taken into the home of his uncle, Michael Brown, with whom he remained until attaining his majority. Although not attending school
regularly, he acquired a useful fund of informa- tion, and a thorough training in farm work. It was the understanding when going to live with his relative that he was to work for him until becoming of age, when he was to receive a horse, saddle and bridle, worth Soo, and two suits of clothes. This all came about in due time, and after reaching his twenty-first year young Brown remained with him, working for eight months at $10 per month. A short time previous to this he came into his inheritance, receiving $700 from his father's estate, which money he kept out at interest.
November 27, 1845, Mr. Brown and Miss Charlotte Hendricks, of the town of Varick, were united in marriage. The lady was born in the town of Fayette, August 7, 1826, and was the daughter of George and Mary (Shankwaller) Hendricks. Mr. Hendricks died when Mrs. Brown was six years old, and her mother was then joined in wedlock with George Miller, the maternal grandfather of our subject.
For a few years after his marriage Jacob Brown farmed the Miller homestead of two hundred and sixty-seven acres, and then purchased the one hundred and four acres which he now owns. One-fourth of the land was covered with timber, but this he cleared and improved, making of it a very valuable and productive tract. At the time he came into possession of the place there was a new brick house upon it, and in this he lived with his family for many years, or until 1861, when he came to Bearytown, buying one of the pretty homes found in this village. Some of the barns and other buildings on the farm he replaced with new ones.
Mr. Brown cast his first Presidential vote in 1848, and ever since has been a strong advocate of Democratic principles and candidates. With his wife, he is a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, which denomination Mrs. Brown joined in 1859, and he two years later. He is active in church work, and for many years has been Trustee, while his wife has been a Director in the Ladies' Aid Society for a period of twenty-four years, being one of the original members of that body. The ladies of this organization have
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
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quilted over five hundred quilts during its exist- ence, and in 1882 they raised over $1,000. Al- together, they have carned over $2,000, which amount has been donated for various purposes.
The lives of Mr. and Mrs. Brown are ruled by upright and honorable principles, and every- where they go they make friends, and are re- spected and loved by all who know them.
2 EV. SAMUEL H. GRIDLEY, D. D., was born in Paris, now Kirkland, Oneida Coun- ty, N. Y., on the 28th of December, 1802. His father, though a farmer, and of moderate means, desired to educate him for another voca- tion. Accordingly, at the age of twelve years, he commenced the study of the Latin language, and as Hamilton College had been recently planted in his native town, his literary inspiration was con- firmed and increased. His preparation for col- lege was much interrupted, his studies yielding annually to labors on the farm during the sum- mer.
In 1820 a change in Dr. Gridley's religious feelings fixed his choice of a profession, and in 1822 he entered the Sophomore class in college, which he left at the end of the year on account of impaired health. He subsequently resumed his studies under the direction of a former preceptor, and in the autumn of 1826 became a member of the Auburn Theological Seminary, a body of Congregational ministers, and, having subse- quently passed some ten months in missionary la- bors in Springville, Erie County, he was called to the pastorate of the Congregational Church of Perry, Genesee (now Wyoming) County. From 1830 to 1836 he spent with this congregation, where, by reason of the intelligence of the people, his abilities were severely tested, and necessity laid upon him the most diligent study. He came to Waterloo in April of the latter year, and his
continuance as pastor for a term of thirty-seven years may be regarded as proof of the confidence existing between minister and people.
The life and character of Dr. Gridley are well known. He largely shared in efforts to preserve and honor the history of the place of his adoption, to educate the young, and promote the social elevation and happiness of the people. As a minister of the Gospel, he endeavored to study the things that make for peace, and in prosecu- ting his duties growing out of his relations to his own church he has maintained a careful re- gard for the feelings and interests of other Chris- tian congregations. He was "known and read of the people" as the friend and abettor of liber- ty, and as the unswerving opponent of oppres- sion and slavery. When, in the late civil strug- gle in our country, the Government, turning its eyes to Christian ministers, asked their prayers and active sympathies, he stood in his lot, and, forgetting all party considerations, sustained with his influence the existing administration in its efforts to maintain the union of the states. When called upon to perform funeral ceremonies over soldiers who had fallen in the struggle, he com- forted the bereaved both with scriptural consola- tion and with the thought that their loved ones had died in a noble cause.
Dr. Gridley shared largely in the joys and sor- rows of the people among whom he lived. To rejoice with them that rejoice, and to weep with them that weep, was the habit of his life. He united in marriage some seven hundred couples, and conducted the burial service over some two thousand who sleep in the cemeteries of the dead. A life involving so much and so varied labor was not spent without honor. Though not a grad- uate of a college, the honorary degree of Master of Arts was awarded him, soon after entering the ministry, by the Trustces of Hamilton College, and subsequently the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred by the same institution. For many years he held the position of a Trustee both in this college and the theological seminary at Au- burii. In the more responsible services imposed by ecclesiastical bodies, he had his full share. In the semi-centennial anniversary of the Auburn
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Seminary he gave, by appointment, the historical address, an effort involving great and patient re- search, and which was received with high com- mendation by the friends of the institution.
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0 AMES B. BEARDSLEY, deceased, was a well known citizen of Schuyler County, one who enjoyed the respect and esteem of many friends, and had a good reputation as a progress- ive farmer and true Christian. He was born in the town of Catharine, Schuyler County, May 23, 1824. His father, Stephen Beardsley, a na- tive of Connecticut, came to this county in 1801, with his father, James, who purchased a large tract of land and embarked in farin pursuits, in which he continued until his decease. On Stephen's removal here, this county was a part of Chemung, and in the early history of that county, as well as in Schuyler after its separation, lie was a promin- ent figure and did liis share in the development of the country. In the year 1819, on liis mar- riage, Stephen left the home of his childhood, living with his wife's family, and caring for her parents, who lived in North Settlement, where our subject was born and grew to manhood, as- sisting his father in opening up the new country. He received a limited education in the sub- scription schools, and remained at home until his marriage. That event occurred July 9, 1846, and united him with Miss Almira Hagar, daugh- ter of William and Demaris ( Rood) Hagar. Her mother was a sister of Judge Simcon Rood, a well known historical character of central New York.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Beardsley commenced housekeeping in the town of Cath- arine, on the place then owned by his mother. After three years the homestead came into his possession, by inheritance and by the purchase of the interests of the other licirs. He resided there
for some years and carried on the farin very suc- cessfully, then sold the place to Thomas Charles, and it is now owned by that family, and known as the Charles Farm. From that place Mr. Beards- ley removed to Odessa, where he engaged in the mercantile business, and where he made his home for seven years. Selling out, he purchased land on Foot's Hill, to which he removed and again en- gaged in farming. In 1870 he again sold out, and purchased the Grant Thompson Farm, one mile further north, and there he made his home until his death, October 21, 1893.
Mr. Beardsley left his home to attend the World's Fair in Chicago, going first to Cato, Cayuga County, to take his married daughter, Mrs. Sarah Wood, who resided at that place. They proceeded on their way to Chicago, but at Battle Creek, Mich., were both killed in a rail- road accident. The body of Mrs. Wood was so mangled as to be unrecognizable, but her remains were identified by her husband from the clothing she wore. The claim was disputed by a physi- cian, who claimed the body as that of his sister and had it removed to his home, but burial was intercepted by a dispatch from the coroner, and the body was returned to Battle Creek. Mr. Wood established his claim, and accompanied the body to their old home, where it was laid away in the village cemetery to await the judg- ment day. She left five children, the eldest of whom was but thirteen years of age. Tlie re- mains of Mr. Beardsley were brought to his old home and interred in Glenwood Cemetery, at Watkms.
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