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 52
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 52
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accumulated a handsome property in Havana, and is regarded by its citizens as a pleasant, gen- ial gentleman and efficient business man. So- ially he is an Odd Fellow of excellent standing, and has been associated with Havana Lodge No. 69 for the past twenty years.
AMUEL H. SALISBURY, attorney-at-law of Seneca Falls, was born in Eagle Harbor, Orleans County, N. Y., August 26, 1848, and is a son of Rev. Samuel and Electa (Beals) Salisbury. His father, who was born in Herki- mer, N. Y., in July, 1804, entered the ministry of the Wesleyan Methodist Church at an early age, and in the discharge of his duties as a preacher of the Gospel was sent by lis conference to different parts of the state. After a long and useful life, he died, in 1874. He was one of the early agitators for the abolition of slavery; in fact, so strong was his opposition to this institution, that he incurred the enmity of many Southern sympathizers, and liis life was at times in great danger. He was actively connected with the "underground railroad," and assisted slaves who were fleeing to Canada.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was a native of New England, and for many years was captain of a vessel on the Atlantic Ocean, but later abandoned his sea-faring life and settled near Rome, N. Y. Our subject's mother was born near Geneva, Ontario County, N. Y., and died at Albany, this state, in 1883; her remains were interred in the cemetery at Seneca Falls. She was a woman of great worth, a true Christian, and was well fitted to be the helpmate of a min- ister of the Gospel. Her four children were Louise E., wife of Charles E. Noble, of Albany; Emma L., wife of George Hayward, of Fitchburg, Mass .; Rhyland E., Superintendent of Schools at Hammonton, N. J. ; and Samuel H.
The subject of this sketch passed the days of his youth at Albany, Syracuse and Eagle Harbor. and received his early education in the common schools of those places. Later he attended the high school of Pittsfield, Mass., and the academy at Albion, N. Y. On leaving school he went East and entered upon a business life. He came to Sen- eca Falls in 1872 and was interested in the tobacco business for some years. Afterward he was en- gaged in one of the manufactories as bookkeeper, relinquishing that position to read law with Jas- per N. Hammond, a prominent lawyer of this place. Examined before the Supreme Court at Buffalo, he was admitted to the Bar in 1891. He then commenced the practice of his profession in Seneca Falls and was soon appointed Village At- torney, in which capacity he served during 1893. In May, 1892, he was appointed Assistant Post- inaster under Charles T. Andrews.
In February, 1877, Mr. Salisbury married Miss Lillie B., daughter of George P. Sukill, of the town of Tyre. Two children have been born unto them, Samuel H., Jr., and Edna L. In politics Mr. Salisbury is prominent in the local ranks of the Republican party, and usually at- tends conventions as delegate, taking an active part in securing the success of his party. A member of the Knights of Pythias, he was in 1894 chosen Grand Chancellor of the state of New York. He is recognized as an authority on all Pythian matters.
RED H. METZGER, so long identified with the best interests of the town of Fayette. Seneca County, yet lives and will long live in the hearts and memories of his friends, neigh- bors and the general business community, by whom he is much beloved and highly respected. His life history is well known, but a brief recital here may more firmly establish the record of his honorable, upright and useful life.
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Our subject was born in Dauphin County, Pa., October 1, 1824. His parents were Martin and Catherine (Eslienour) Metzger, the father of Hol- land-Dutch ancestry, and the mother of German descent. The parents became residents of this county as early as 1832, locating at once in the town of Fayette, where Martin Metzger pur- chased a tract of one hundred acres of land. They became the parents of a large family of children, of whom six grew to mature years. Of these, Martin died when twenty-four years old, and our subject is the eldest member of the household now living.
Fred H. Metzger received a common-school education, and, having a talent for vocal music, attended a singing-school and received instruc- tion which soon enabled him to teach. When old enough to be of service to his father, he was allowed to cultivate the farm, having for his own whatever he could make out of it. Very soon he abandoned this occupation, how- ever, and learned to graft trees, thiis being a very profitable business. He was employed by the farmers and nurserymen of the surrounding coun- try, and followed it for several years with suc- cess, or until the death of his father, when he formed a partnership with his brother George and operated the old homestead, in addition to which they ran a threshing-machine and sold farming implements. They were the first to introduce the use of the steam thresher into Seneca County, and to them was also given the credit of selling the first fertilizer in the community. Mr. Metz- ger still has in his possession thirty-five acres of valuable land, which he operates in connection with selling farming machinery.
The lady to whom our subject was married in ISSO was Miss Barbara Beary, of the town of Fayette. To them were born two children: Rhoda, and one who died in infancy. Before she could talk the former, who is now thirteen years of age, was able to point out the letters of the alpha- bet when asked. She was a good reader when four years old, and on commencing school had mastered all the lessons in the Fourth Reader. She is now well versed in United States liistory, and also advanced in all other studies.
Mr. Metzger inherits his principles in politics from a long line of Whig ancestors, and has voted tlic Republican ticket ever since the organiza- tion of that party. For several years he was In- spector of Elections, and in January, 1895, as- sumed the duties of Postmaster of West Fayette. Industry and enterprise are numbered among his chief characteristics, and by his honorable deal- ings and uprightness he has won prosperity, which he justly merits.
9 OHN F. CROSBY, physician and surgeon at Seneca Falls, is a native of the village, and was born November 4, 1858. His father, Thomas J. Crosby, who was born in Phelps, On- tario County, N. Y., in 1824, was a brass-molder by trade, and he also learned cabinet-making. His deatlı occurred in 1880. His wife was a na- tive of Seneca Falls.
The subject of this sketch is the fourth in a family of six children, three sons and three daugh- ters, born to Thomas J. and Mary J. Crosby. His boyhood days were spent in his native village, where he received his primary education in the public schools. Afterward he entered the Uni- versity of Vermont, from which he was gradu- ated in 1880, and upon his return home he read medicine with the late Dr. H. J. Purdy, of Seneca Falls, a noted physician in the central part of New York State. After completing his studies with Dr. Purdy, he went back to Vermont and entered the medical department of the University of Vermont, graduating with honors in the Class of '83.
On receiving his degree, Dr. Crosby returned to Seneca Falls and began practice. Although it is said that "a prophet is not without honor save in his own country," yet in the village where he was born, and where his entire life has been spent, with the exception of the years while at col-
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lege, Dr. Crosby has built up an extensive prac- tice, and is honored and respected by the entire community. His medical skill is unquestioned, and in the treatment of disease he has been very successful.
In 1887 Dr. Crosby was united in marriage with Miss Mary Williams, daughter of Hiram L. Will- iams, of Seneca Falls. They have one son, Paul Tracy. In politics the Doctor is a Republican, and in 1882 and 1893 was elected Village Presi- dent. He was also President of the Board of Alder- mien two years, under President Harrison was Pres- dent of the Pension Board, and in the spring of 1895 was elected a member of the Board of Edu- cation. He is an enterprising and progressive man. At all times he stands ready to do his part in the development of the manufacturing and other material interests of his native city and coun- ty. While not a politician in the generally ac- cepted sense of the term, he takes an active in- terest in political affairs, and believes it the duty of every one to discharge faithfully his obliga- tions as a citizen. Socially he is greatly esteemed, and few men have more warm personal friends than the subject of this sketch.
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H ARON B. LAHR, an old resident of the town of Fayette, is well known to the peo- ple of this section as an old Union soldier, and as such deserves and receives their respect. He was crippled during his army life, and has never been able to do much hard work since, at the present time living retired on his beautiful little estate, which is devoted to fruit-raising and bee culture.
Our subject was born in the same town wherein he now resides, September 3, 1842. His parents were Henry and Elizabeth (Singer) Lahr, the
former of whom was born in Northumberland County, Pa., about 1812, and died about 1859. His wife was a native of the town of Varick, this county, and is also deceased, passing front this life about the same time as her husband.
Henry Lalır came to Seneca County when a young man, and for many years followed the trade of a blacksmith. Finally, however, he abandoned this occupation in order to give his at- tention to farming. At the time of his death he left a family of ten children, two having passed to the land beyond a short time previous to this. Of this number our subject was the third-born. He had been given a fair education in the schools of the district, and was sixteen or seventeen years of age at his father's demise. After the estate was settled up it was found that there was little left to the children, and Aaron immediately looked about him for a situation. He first work- ed out by the month. and after a time spent in his native place he went to Clearfield County, Pa., where he learned the shoemaker's trade.
A short time after our subject's return to New York he enlisted in the Union service and was accredited to Tioga County. He was in due time accepted and mustered in as a member of Com- pany B, Twenty-first New York Cavalry. From Troy the regiment was sent to Staten Island, and from there was ordered to Washington and placed under the command of Sheridan. The boys in blue were on the march for many days and nights, and when in Maryland our subject was confined in the Sandy Hook Hospital, being on the sick list at the time of his commander's famous ride. While on picket duty at Opequan Creek, Va., he was shot in the left hip, and the ball, which broke the hip joint, is still lodged in his body. Being unable to take care of himself and escape, he was taken prisoner, and the rebels afterward took him to a farm house and left him, without even dressing his wound. The good old farmer at whose house he was left hitched up a cart and took him to Winchester, where he was confined in the hospital, and where he received attention fiom the Union surgeons.
After remaining in Winchester for a few weeks Mr. Lahr was transferred to Frederick, Md.,
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where he remained until transported to Troy, N. Y. He arrived at Baltimore the day Lincoln was assassinated, and in consequence thereof was delayed in that city for a few days. On arriving at Troy he received his honorable discharge, dated June 17, 1865. He then lost no time in returning to his friends in Seneca County, and September 26 of that year he was married to Miss Ellen Reynolds, of Cayuga County. Her birth occurred there February 24, 1845, and her parents were Harvey and Emily ( Botsford ) Rey- nolds, well-to-do residents of that portion of the Empire State.
After his marriage our subject made his home in the town of Fayette, earning his living by working out by the day. He was very much dis- abled by the injurics he received while in the army, and it was fifteen years before he was given a pension. Then, however, he was awarded back pay, and with this sum he was enabled to purchase a tract of twelve acres. For some time he received a pension of only $8 per month, but as his case was a serious one and as the authori- ties were fully convinced of his bravery during the war, he now receives $30 per month.
To Mr. and Mrs. Lahr there have been born three children. Clara, whose birth occurred in the town of Fayette March 30, 1869, married Clarence Bogart June 19, 1889; to thiem were born two children: Leon, now a child of five years; and Elmer C., three years old. Mr. Bogart died October 28, 1891. Sarah E. Lahr was also born in this town, October 18, 1870. She was married to C. D. Pullman July 20, 1887, and is now liv- ing in the town of Waterloo. They have five children: Willard, born in 1888; Julia May, in 1889; Allena, in 1890; Lucy, in 1892; and one born in August, 1895, as yet unnamed. Our sub- ject's third and youngest child, Ida May, was born May 26, 1874. December 27, 1892, she married William Brewer, and February 16, 1895, was born to thein a daughter, Ethel.
During the Presidential elections Mr. Lahr is a Republican, althoughi in local affairs he votes re- gardless of party lines. On two occasions lie was the nominee for the office of Town Collector. Socially he belongs to Tyler J. Snyder Post No.
72, G. A. R., and in 1892 attended the re-union held in Washington, D. C., where he met many of his old comrades-in-arms. He also belongs to Jolin Murray Camp, U. V. U.
HOMAS ELLIS. In compiling an account of the different business enterprises in Read- ing Center, we desire particularly to call attention to that of Mr. Ellis, who is one of the successful merchants of this thrifty and progress- ive village. Since locating here he has conduct- ed his affairs very satisfactorily, and, owing to the excellent stock which he keeps and the fair dealings all receive at his hands, he has obtained a good share of the public favor. In addition to this enterprise, Mr. Ellis is the owner of a fine tract of land in the town of Reading, which com- prises one hundred and forty-seven and one-half acres of productive land, from the cultivation of - which he reaps good returns.
A native of this state, our subject was born in Yates County, March 19, 1838. He spent the first twelve or fourteen years of his life there, and then came to Schuyler County, working out on farms here until attaining his twenty-first year. About this time he was married, and at once lo- cated in the town of Reading, on a tract of land lying just south of Reading Center, there making his home from 1859 to 1876. In the latter year he built a beautiful home in Reading Center, and although he still retains possession of his farm, he has since lived in the town and engaged in mercantile pursuits.
Mr. Ellis and Miss Jane Sutton were united in marriage in this place March 10, 1859. Mrs. Ellis was the daughter of Nathaniel and Susan (Humplirey ) Sutton, and by her union with our subject there lias been born a daughter, May, who is now the wife of Louis Nicliols, of Brook- lyn, N. Y.
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Mr. Ellis is held in high esteem in the con- munity for his social and business-like qualities. He takes a deep interest in the welfare of the town and is public-spirited and liberal in his ideas. For two years lie served as Road Com- missioner, and for one year was Poor Master. His good wife is a member in excellent standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church and is highly esteemed in her community.
ON. STERLING G. HADLEY, who for many years was one of the influential at- torneys of Waterloo, but is now in a meas- ure retired from professional work, was born in the town of Goshen, Litchfield County, Conn., August 26, 1812. His father, Stephen, was born in Otsego County, N. Y., November 17, 1786, and died at Egremont, Berkshire County, Mass., January 30, 1869. In 1811 he married Miss Laura Goodale, of Richmond, Mass., who died at Egremont, February 26, IS55. The Hadley fam- ily is of English descent.
The boyhood years of our subject were passed in different places where the family resided, and he fitted for college at Egremont Academy. In 1833 he entered Union College at Schenectady, N. Y., from which he was graduated in 1836, and afterward he taught in the Avon Springs Academy. April 1, 1837, he came to Waterloo, where he has since resided. He read law with Hon. Samuel Birdsall, and was admitted to the Bar in 1839, after which he was in partnership with his former preceptor for four years. Later, forming a partnership with John McAllister, he continued with that gentleman, under the firm title of McAllister & Hadley, until the death of the former. For ten years he was Justice of the Peace, but resigned upon his election as County Judge and Surrogate for a term of four years.
Nor did his public service end here. On the Democratic ticket lie was elected a member of the Lower House of the Legislature. The Governor tendered him the appointment of State Assessor, which position he held for seven years, and which took him into every county of the state. He was also President of the Board of Managers of the state hospital, located at Seneca Lake, and is the only surviving member of the first Board con- nected with that institution.
October 2, 1839, Rev. S. H. Gridley united in marriage S. G. Hadley and Miss Ann Wells, of Waterloo. Mrs. Hadley was born in Glaston- bury, Conn., September 15, 1815, and is a mem- ber of the Episcopal Church, to which our sub- ject also belongs. They celebrated their golden wedding October 2, 1889, upon which happy oc- casion not only their immediate family, but their large circle of devoted friends, bestowed their congratulations. While in Union College Judge Hadley was one of the founders of the Psi Upsilon Society, and was also its first President.
DIN DENNING SOUTHWICK. It is probable that the gentleman of whom we write has an experience extending over as inany years in this particular locality as any one in the county, for he was born in the town of Junius, Seneca County, in the same .house in which he now resides, January 2, 1813. His parents were David and Eunice (Demming) Southwick, natives of Pittsfield, Mass., where they were reared and married. They removed to this county in the year 1795, and here lived for the remainder of their lives. Unto them were born five children, of whom Adin D. was the youngest. Of this family all are deceased with the exception of our subject and his sister Clar- issa, the widow of Dr. Amherst Childs, who makes her home in Waterloo,
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The father of Adin Southwick at one time was the possessor of three hundred acres of excellent land, and was deservedly classed among the sub- stantial and representative citizens of the town of Junius. In politics he was an old-line Whig. For many years he was Supervisor of his town, and also filled the responsible office of Justice of the Peace. He departed this life in June, 1843.
The boyhood days of our subject were not tin- like those of other farmer lads-working on the home place, and attending the district school. He remained under the parental roof until the death of his father, when the estate was divided, he receiving as his share one hundred and fifty acres. He had been married several years prior to this time, in 1834, to Miss Susan Hunt, by whom he became the father of six children, one of whom is now deceased. The wife and mother passed away in 1860, and in 1869 Mr. Southwick was married to Miss Margaret Hunt, a sister of his former companion. The second wife died in IS79.
The estate which Mr. Southwick now owns contains one hundred and twenty-six acres, he having disposed of twenty-four acres. He culti- vates his farm with the aid of hired help, and is well repaid for the care which he expends upon it. He takes great pride in this splendidly cul- tivated tract, and proves fully the fertility of the soil of Seneca County. In politics he was in early life a Whig, casting his first Presidential vote for William Henry Harrison, in 1836, and has also had the pleasure of voting for that worthy gen- tleman's grandson. He is now a stanch Repub- lican, and on this ticket has been elected Super- visor, Road Commissioner and Inspector of Elec- tions.
Of the children born of Mr. Southwick's first marriage, we mention the following: Morell is now living in Livingston County, Ill., where he is a well-to-do farmer; Charles is engaged in the real-estate business at Louisville, Ky .; Cornelia, the wife of Warren H. Howe, makes her home in Kalamazoo, Mich .; Ellen became the wife of Alonzo Scribner, a citizen of the town of Junius, this county, which locality is also the home of Mrs. Clarissa Garrett, another daughter. The
father of our subject and himself have lived on this farm for one hundred years, the father hay- ing settled here in 1795. No other instance of the kind occurs in the county.
r EORGE C., WILLIAM I. AND CHARLES E. THOMAS, comprising the firin of G. C. Thomas & Bros., are prominent business men of Waterloo. They are widely known as agriculturists, dairymen, breeders of thorough- bred Guernsey cattle, also as dealers in building stone, dimension stone, fertilizers and agricultural implements. In their business transactions they have displayed a keenness of perception and ex- ecutive ability that has secured for them a large degree of financial success.
The parents of our subject were Michael and Leah (Rhinehart) Thomas. The father was born in Juniata Township, Perry County, Pa., June 19, 1800. He left that state in 1812, accompany- ing his father, George Clinton Thomas, to New York, where he received a good education. He continued to reside with his parents until forty years of age, when he was married. He still cared for his aged father and mother until their death, when he was free to engage in other enterprises and save his earnings. At one time he invested some money in oil, but this speculation did not prove as successful as he had hoped, for, instead of making a fortune, he lost most of the invest- ment .
In addition to his own share in the liomestead, Michael Thomas purchased the interest in the place of his brother James, thus gaining for him a farm of some three hundred acres. While de- voting himself first of all to the improvement and cultivation of this estate, he was also a public- spirited and progressive citizen.
To Michael Thomas and wife there were born
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seven sons and daughters, six of whom are living at the present time. They are in the order of their birth named, respectively: George C., Mag- gie E., William I., Charles E., Sarah A. and Frances C. The second daughter married W. Clinton Kime, whose sketch will appear on an- other page in this work. Frances became the wife of William A. Smith, and makes her home at Newport, Perry County, Pa., where her hus- band is agent for pianos and organs. The hus- band and father departed this life January I, 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-sec- tion of excellent land, forty acres of which are within the corporate limits of Waterloo. Soon after locating on this place they invested consid- erable money in stock and began dairying, which business lias rapidly grown, until it now has as- sumed extensive proportions. Their first herd of cattle was common stock, but in 1891 they pur- chased a fine lot of Guernseys, and also have a number of Holsteins. They milk about forty cows, and have, all told, a herd of some sixty animals.
The stone-quarry which Thomas Bros. own was formerly in possession of their uncle, Samnel Thomas, who opened it and put the machinery in operation. This yields an annual output of about twenty-five hundred to three thousand yards of stone per year. The stone is used chiefly for building purposes, and being of a very fine qual- ity is in great demand. The brothers own their own canal-boat and are kept busy making ship- ments of stone to Geneva and other points where they receive orders. Their business is not con- fined, 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 Bros. was born November 1, 1847. He is a shrewd business man, and devotes his entire attention to the various enterprises in which they are engaged. William I. was born October 18, 1852, and Charles E. September 30, 1854. The three work to- gether, and by their advanced ideas and progress- ive habits are doing much toward improving the
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