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 50
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 50
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YMAN CRONKRITE has been successfully engaged in farming for many years, and through his arduous exertions he has gained a place among the efficient, respected agricultur- ists of Schuyler County. The tract which he now owns is very productive and well cultivated, and upon it have been placed all the improve-
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ments of a model estate. Not only has he identi- fied himself thoroughly with the farming interests of this section, but by his genial, affable manners he has won many friends among the people of the locality.
In the town of Urbana, Steuben County, N. Y., the subject of this sketch was born November 23, 1829. At the age of twelve years he moved with his father, Henry Cronkrite, to the town of Orange, Schuyler County, where he attended the district schools for a few years. When twenty years of age he entered Starkey Seminary, where he spent one winter. In the summer following he went to Lima Seminary, where he conducted his studies for two years. On completing his education, he taught a few terms of school, and later was employed as a clerk in a store about two years. On account of ill health he was obliged to seek outdoor employment, and so left the store and assisted in the cultivation of the home farm. For a number of years he taught school during the winter months, while in sum- micr he worked on the farm.
At Milo, Vates County, N. Y., Mr. Cronkrite was united in marriage with Miss Mary Long- well, who was born May 13, 1836, in Bath, Steu- ben County, this state, whence she accompanied her parents to Yates County. From the time of his marriage, which occurred June 11, 1864, until 1868 our subject continued to reside in Yates County, but during the latter year they removed to Schuyler County and settled in the town of Orange, where they are well known for hospital- ity and good works.
The political views of Mr. Cronkrite have brought him into affiliation with the Democratic party, and he is an earnest upholder of its prin- ciples and policy. For nine years he has been Assessor of the town, and for sixteen years was the popular Justice of the Peace, discharging the duties of that responsible office in a highly satis- factory manner. Through his habit of systematic reading, and his travels, which have extended into many of the states, he has become familiar with the customs and peculiarities of the people of different localities. Public-spirited and pro- gressive, he is always among the first to favor
any advanced step in the county, either in agri- · cultural circles or educational affairs. For a number of years he has been School Trustee, and in this position has rendered efficient service. He is a man whose career has been above reproach, and whose honesty and uprightness have never been questioned.
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OHN ABBOTT, a farmer and stock-raiser of the town of Fayette, has done much in the improvement of this part of Seneca County. He was born in the town of Varick, January 12, 1826, and is the son of Jesse and Mary Catherine (Gambee) Abbott, natives, respectively, of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The father was born in 1796, and was brought to this state by his father, Daniel Abbott, in the year 1812. The grandfather first located in the town of Fayette, but afterward moved to the town of Romulus, and later to Varick, in each of which communities he owned land He served as a galer in the Revolutionary War, and his wife, why was also a strong patriot, aided the cause of the Continent- al, by singing patriotic and inspiring songs. He died in Varick in 1840, at the age of eighty-four years.
Jesse Abbott was a well read man, and was given more than an ordinary education for that day. He made farming his business through life, living upon one of the tracts which he pur- chased from his father. In early life he was a Whig, politically, but after 1856 voted for the Republican candidates. He was only permitted to vote for two Presidents, however, as he died in 1863. He represented his town on the Board of Supervisors, and in other ways aided public en- terprises. His good wife, who was born in 1800, lived until 1881.
The subject of this sketch was the eldest in the
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parental family of eight children. His only brother, William, dying in his teens, John was needed on the farm, and he was therefore per- mitted to attend school but a short time each year. He remained with his mother, profitably man- aging affairs until twenty-eight years of age, when he started out to do for himself. He was married, in July, 1855, to Miss Margaret Pon- tius, of the town of Fayette, and to them were born two children. Frances Adel, who married Charles Lautenschlager, makes her home in the town of Varick; and Mary C., now the wife of Chancy Teunison, is a resident of Bloomington, Ill. The wife and mother departed this life in 1857, and April 10, two years later, our subject married Miss Mary A. Kuney, who was born in the town of Fayette, on the property where Mr. Abbott now makes his home, and which belonged to her grandfather. It afterward was inherited by lier father, Benjamin Kuney, from whom Jesse Abbott purchased it. By his marriage with Miss Kuney there have been born six children. Carrie married Wellie P. Moses, whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume; Luther chose for his wife Pearl Moyer, and lives in this town; Ed- ward married Carrie Reed, of the town of Varick; Nellie is now Mrs. Eugene Beck, of Seneca Falls; Lorana Pearl is at home with our subject, as is also Maynard. They all have been given good educations, and fitted for useful positions in life.
Our subject cast his first Presidential vote, for a Whig candidate, in 1848. In 1856, however, he voted for John C. Fremont, and has ever since supported Republican candidates. He was elected on that ticket to the office of Supervisor and Road Commissioner, and at one time was candidate for the Superintendency of the County Poor Farm, but failed in being elected, as the county was strongly Democratic.
Mr. Abbott is well known through this con- munity, as for twenty-seven years he was the traveling salesman for D. M. Osborne, manufact- urer of a superior grade of reapers and mowers. His farm, which he now cultivates, is one hun- dred and fifty-five acres in extent, and on it he lias erected substantial buildings. He began at the bottom round of the ladder, and his career
through life is worthy of emulation. He is sur- rounded by all the comforts of life, and, with his happy family, is so situated that he can enjoy peace and quiet.
ON. CHARLES COOK, for many years the most prominent citizen of Schuyler County, was born in what is now the town of Spring- field, Otsego County, N. Y., November 20, 1800, being the son of Paul and Jeruslia (Hatchi) Cook, natives, respectively, of Washington Coun- ty, N. Y., and Tolland County, Conn. The fam- ily originated in England, but was represented in New England in the early part of the seven- teenth century. The father, after the Revolu- tion, removed to Otsego County, where lie started a blacksmith's shop, working diligently for the support of the family. During the War of 1812 he enlisted in the service, and wliile stationed at Black Rock he was suddenly stricken with apo- plexy and died.
Thus sadly orphaned, the sons were thrown upon their own resources, and our subject, when twelve years old, secured work with a neighbor- ing farmer for a shilling a day. Leaving the farmi after a short time, he went to live with an uncle, Warren Caswell, a merchant at Little Lake, Otsego County. Soon he secured a clerkship in a store at Herkimer, from which place he went to Utica, and at the age of twenty-thrce became a contractor on the public works. For six years he was thus employed, having contracts in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
From Williamsport, Pa., Mr. Cook came to Havana in 1829, and afterward engaged in the construction of the Chemung Canal through this village, then only a straggling settlement of a few houses scattered along the stream, called the Inlet, and known by that name at the present
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time, and also as Catherine's Creek. Thoughi not impressed with the place, the beauty of the surrounding scenery caused him to establish his home liere. He attempted to make purchase at what is now Watkins, but finding the ground mostly taken by wealthy capitalists from New York City, he returned here and purchased what was known as the David Lee Farm. Subsequently he laid out and largely built up the western part of the place, as it now stands, and which, on the completion of the canal in 1836, was incorpo- rated as a village and called Havana. For many years he resided on the old Lee Farm, in a house occupying the present site of Langley Hall. On the erection of that building as a court-house in 1854 and 1855, the farin building was removed to the north, and still stands there, unchanged in appearance.
In addition to liis real-estate transactions, Mr. Cook engaged in the mercantile business, and built stores, warehouses and mills on the banks of the canal. He rapidly accumulated property, and for years was actively engaged in building operations. Much that he did in this direction is still standing, and the fruits of liis labors the pres- ent generation enjoys. He became President of the Chemung Canal Bank at Elmira. Afterward he was interested in the building of the railroad through this valley, which was opened in De- cember, 1849. I11 1850 and 1851 he formied one of the company that contracted to build the Erie Railroad from Binghamton to Elmira. In 1850 he began the erection of the Montour House and St. Paul's Church. The hotel was opened in 1854, and lie afterward made it his home. The last building put up by him was the bank build- ing, begun in 1863. In 1849 hie established the Havana Journal, and for it he wrote con- stantly until his death, though it was only dur- ing the latter part of his life that it was conducted under his name. In 1851 the Bank of Havana was organized by him under state supervision. In 1864 it was merged into the First National Bank of Havana.
The county of Chemung was organized in 1836, and at once Mr. Cook began to agitate the or- ganization of another county out of the.territory
lying about the head of Seneca Lake. After about fifteen years he was successful in his efforts, and the proposed county was organized as Schuyler in April, 1854. Afterward a struggle for the county seat arose between Havana and Watkins, and through his influence Havana gained thie victory. But after his death the matter was at once revived, and in 186; the county seat was transferred to Watkins. Through his instrumen- tality the People's College was located in Havana in 1857, and the following year the corner-stone was laid. Rev. Amos Brown was called to the Presidency, and through his efforts at Washing- ton, under Mr. Cook's direction, a grant was ob- tained.
In1 1847 Mr. Cook.was elected Canal Commis- sioner, and re-elected for three years in 1848. In 1861 he was elected State Senator for this dis- trict, and during the last session of that body lie succeeded in having passed an appropriation grant- ing to the People's College $10,000 for two years. In 1863 he introduced an act appropriating the income and revenue of the proceeds of the sale of thie lands granted to the state to the People's Col- lege. Thus he made available for the use of the college a magnificent grant, the income of which amounts to $20,000 per year, while the fund ac- cruing from the college land strip in the keeping of the state is nearly $475,000, and the result- ing fund and its income, though unknown, prob- ably much more.
After a most useful life, Mr. Cook died at Au- burn, N. Y., October 16, 1866, at the home of his relative, Gen. John H. Chedell. The imme- diate cause of his death was a second stroke of paralysis. At his request, left in writing, the rites of the Protestant Episcopal Churchi were said over his remains, and he was interred in Queen Catharine's Mound, south of the village. His request that his funeral should be without pa- rade and that his kindred should be buried beside him was observed. November 20, 1886, twenty years after his death, a bronze bust was unveiled in Cook Academy at Havana. This was presented to the academy by H. C. Ives, of St. Louis, and is the work of the sculptor, Robert Bringhurst.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
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have been gleaned from the biographical address of Hull Fanton, on the occasion of the unveiling of the bust in bronze, and it is fitting to close with a quotation from his scholarly address: "From his grounds a beautiful and striking view of the valley and highlands is had. To the north Seneca Lake is in full view, while the village he idolized and loved so fondly is close in the fore- ground. The prediction made at the time of his death is being in part fulfilled. It was that as 'time rolled by the memory of Charles Cook would grow dearer and his life would appear brighter to the residents of the village he did so much to make, as well as to the inhabitants of Schuyler County, which owed its existence as one of the civil divisions of the state to his unflagging en- ergy, perseverance and indomitable will.'"
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ARTIN MOORE, who is the leading mer- chant of Beaver Dams, is a native of Schuy- ler County, born in the town of Orange, April 12, 1863, and is the son of Martin and Catharine (Putnam) Moore, both of whom were natives of Fulton County, N. Y., where they were married, and whence they emigrated to this county about 1855, locating in the town of Orange. The father, who was an extensive farmer, was well known throughout the conn- ty. In politics he was a stanchi Republican, and religiously he was a member of the Presby- terian Church. He died in June, 1889, on the old homestead, where he had resided about thirty- · five years. His wife, who makes her home with our subject, is also a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is an earnest and true Christian woman.
Our subject was the youngest in a family of eight children, five of whom are yet living, and all reside in Schuyler County but George, who lives in Steuben County and is engaged in the
mercantile trade. Our subject remained on the home farm until twenty-five years of age, assist- ing in the cultivation of the farm. His education was received in the common schools, and although his school life was limited, he is at present a well informed man, being a great reader and a student of history. He was married, May 28, 1886, to Miss Alma Fair, of Moreland, who was born in that place December 24, 1862. Her parents, Warren and Emma (Owens) Fair, are both na- tives of this county. After his marriage Mr. Moore took charge of the home place, where he rentained until 1893, when he removed to Beaver Dams and engaged in the mercantile business. He and his partner continued in business until January, 1894, when Mr. Moore purchased the interest of the latter and has since continued alone. He carries a large and well selected stock of merchandise and has the best trade in the village.
In politics Mr. Moore is a Republican, and cast his first Presidential vote for General Garfield. Since 1890 he has been a Master Mason, holding membership in Orange Lodge No. 631, in which he occupied a number of offices, and at the time it disbanded was Worshipful Master. Mrs. Moore, who is a refined and intelligent lady, is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Moore are highly respected in the community and occupy a leading position in society.
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ON. WILLIAM L. SWEET, who deals in grain at Waterloo and in coal at Syracuse. was born in Seneca County, N. Y., October 25, 1850. His father, Abraliam L. Sweet, was born in this county in 1818. The grandfather. Lemuel Sweet, who was also born in . Seneca County, was the son of Col. James Sweet, who was one of the pioneers of the county. The Sweets represent one of the oldest families of the entire
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region and, upon coming from England, first set- tled in Rhode Island. Abraham L. Sweet married Charlotte Louise Cook, who was born in Seneca County, and who is the daughter of Abiel Cook, also a native of this county. His father, Stephen Cook, was a pioneer of English descent. The father of our subject died in Waterloo in IS91, but his mother is still living and is in her seven- tieth year.
Hon. William L. Sweet, whose name opens this article, is the second of four children. He has two brothers, who are somewhat widely scat- tered, according to the American fashion of seek- ing the ends of the earth. James A. is now at Kansas City, Mo .; and Charles C., who turned his face to the East, is now a commission merchant in the city of New York. Our subject's only sis- ter was married to R. A. Parke and died early in her married life, leaving one daughter.
Mr. Sweet, our subject, passed his boyhood in work and play, study and fun, and attended the Union School at Waterloo, finishing his school experiences at Cazenovia Seminary. On leaving school he entered his business career at Waterloo as one of the firm of Cook & Sweet, dealers in grain, seed and wool. Later, in connection with his brother Charles, he organized the firm of C. C. Sweet & Co. in New York City and the partnership still exists. For the past twenty years he has been a member of the New York Produce Exchange. In 1885 he bought the Waterloo Flouring Mills, organized the firm of Sweet, Mongin & Cook, and engaged in the man- ufacture of flour up to 1892, when the mills were burned. This was a calamity, but it did not dis- courage liis indomitable spirit, for lie at once en- tered the grain and coal business in a large way, his main office now being at Syracuse.
In 1874 Mr. Sweet was married to Mary A. Cook, daughter of George Cook, of Waterloo. To them have been born five sons and four daugh- ters. The family has a beautiful home life, and Mrs. Sweet has been a helpful wife to her husband and a strong force in the social life of the com- munity.
In politics Mr. Sweet has been a stanch Re- publican and has been the recipient of not a few
party honors. He has served as President of the village two years and has also been President of the School Board. In 1886 he was elected As- semiblyman, representing Seneca County, and the following year witnessed his election as State Senator. He served in the session of ISSS-'89, and was a member of several important commit- tees, one of which was Canals, and was Chairman of the Committee on State Prisons. He and his family are members of the Episcopal Church, and accomplish much good in moral and religious di- rections. Their home, which is a social center, is a commodious and substantial brick structure.
[ DELBERT F. HARRIS, whose life has been spent in the calling which now receives his attention, that of agriculture, is now liv- - ing in the thriving little village of MacDougall, although his time and attention are devoted to the cultivation of a valuable property in the town of Fayette, near that place.
Our subject is a native of Seneca County, and was born in Seneca Falls October 6, 1860. His parents were John and Susan (Bachman) Harris, both of whom were born in this county, the former in 1834. John Harris was a life-long farmer, and in his calling became fairly success- ful. He died when our subject was a small boy, leaving a widow and four children, all of whom survive.
The boyhood days of our subject were passed on his father's estate, he aiding in the work whenever possible, and attending the district school during the dull seasons of farm work. When eighteen years of age, however, he was paid for his labor and began to lay by his earn- ings so that he might gain a good start in life.
The marriage of Mr. Harris and Miss Viola Gambee was celebrated April 26, 1883. Mrs. Harris was born in the town of Fayette and was
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the daughter of Benjamin and Christina ( Hogan) Gambee, the former born in this county October 1, 1836. He was one of the substantial and influ- ential farmers of this portion of the county, and at the time of his decease, February 28, 1893, left a goodly estate.
For two years after his union our subject con- tinued to make his home in. the village of Fay- ette, and at the end of that time he moved upon the old Gambee homestead, the place which he now occupies, and which the father of Mrs. Har- ris resided upon for many years.
Politically our subject has always supported Democratic principles, and in 1894 was the candi- date of his party for the office of Commissioner of Highways, being elected by a good majority, although the ticket ran largely Republican. He proves a good official and is justly deserving of the respect and esteem which are accorded hin as one of the influential members of the com- munity.
OEL, M. COUCH is a retired farmer living in the town of Montour, where he has resided for fifty years. He was born in August, 18IS, in Fairfield County, Conn., and is a son of Hezekiah and Clara (Merchant) Couch, both of whom were natives of the same county. Thomas Couch, his grandfather, who was also a native of Connecticut, for many years was a sea-captain. He was very wealthy, but during the Revolu- tionary War was robbed of all his possessions by the British, with the exception of a farm and the old homestead in which his children and grand- children were born. Hezekiah Couch, the father of our subject, was a farmer by occupation, and early in the present century removed from Con- necticut to Putnam County, N. Y., where he spent the remainder of his life. In that county our subject spent his early life and remained with his parents until after he attained his majority.
He was educated in the common schools of that county, and there married Eliza Cowel, who was a native of Connecticut, but who removed with her parents to Putnam County some years prior to her marriage.
In 1845 our subject removed with his young bride to Schuyler County, which was then a part of Chemung County, and located on the farm where he yet resides, but which is now controlled by his son Charles. Here he has lived an honor- able and upright life, making a success in a fi- nancial way, and giving his attention wholly to farming. A Democrat in politics, he has never sought official position, but has been content with casting his vote for the party whose principles he has always thought best for the good of the country. He and his wife are members of the Episcopal Church. They were the parents of five children, of whom only one, Charles H., is now living, four dying of diphtheria within a few weeks of one another.
Charles H. Couch, the only surviving child of Joel and Eliza Couch, was born on the old home- stead in the town of Montour, September 19, 1848, and has here resided during his entire life. His primary education was received in the dis- trict schools of the town, and his education was finished in the seminary at Lima, N. Y. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary Turner, who is a native of Chemung County, and a daugh- ter of Haverley and Jane (Morehouse) Turner. Her father is a prosperous farmer in Chemung County, and has always been an enterprising and industrious man. By this union four children have been born, two sons and two daughters: Legrand F., Harvey J., Clara and Anna. The sons are students in the Cook Academy, and it is the intention of Mr. Couch that each of his chil- dren shall have a good education.
In addition to farming Mr. Couch has been en- gaged to some extent in the real-estate business, in which he has been successful, having pur- chased and sold many farms throughout the country. In addition to the old home farm of one hundred acres, he is the owner of four hun- dred acres elsewhere in Schuyler County. He has followed general farming and stock-raising,
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and has upon his place a fine herd of Guernsey cattle, he being the first to introduce this breed in the neighborhood. Mr. and Mrs. Couch are members of St. John's Episcopal Church of Catli- arine. In politics he is a Democrat, though broad and liberal in his views. He has always been too busy to give his attention to politics and has always refused public office. Fraternally lie is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, with which organization he united short- ly after attaining his majority.
UGH SHERIDAN, proprietor of the Seneca Falls Woolen-mills, has been connected with the manufacture of woolen goods nearly all his entire life, and thoroughly understands the business in all its details. He is a native of Scotland, and was born in 1844. His father was a farmer and herder in his native country, and in 1871 emigrated to America. In 1872 he located at North Adams, Mass., at which place he sub- sequently died. His widow is now making her home with her son in Seneca Falls.
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