USA > New York > Schenectady County > Schenectady County, New York : its history to the close of the nineteenth century > Part 42
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In February, 1892, Charles H. Benedict married Mary De Wolfe, daughter of Charles and Mary E. (Snell) De Wolfe. His parents were Alonzo and Rose (Davis) Benedict.
Mr. Benedict is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M.
CHARLES BURROWS was born in the city of Peoria, Illinois, August 3, 1859, and removed to Schenectady, when about eight years of age, where he has lived ever since. He was a graduate of Union School, and entered business as a printer at the age of sixteen. This makes his business career almost twenty-eight years, which gives him the credit of being the oldest business man in Schenectady for his age. In 1898 he opened one of the leading stationery and art goods stores in the city. He is also the patentee of several improvements in special ruling machines for printers and bookbinders, which are being built by the New Century Machine Company, of Buffalo, N. Y., in which he holds a half interest.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
MYRON BELLINGER was born in Seward, Schoharie County, . N. Y., February 16, 1859, and was educated in the district schools of his native place. He came to Schenectady in the spring of 1881, and worked for Engleman & Thornton in the paint business for one year, at the expiration of which he bought out Mr. Thornton, and the firin became Engleman & Bellinger, as it exsists to-day.
During its long career the firmn has built up an enviable reputation for fair dealing, and in addition to their large retail business, they also do considerable manufacturing, and are considered one of the leading paint houses of this part of the state.
On June 27, 1894, Myron Bellinger married Rosanna Trigg, daughter of John and Anna (Dickens) Trigg, and they have two children, namely, Marion and Helen. The Trigg family are of English origin, and Mrs. Bellinger was born in that country.
Mr. Bellinger's parents were David D. and Sophia (Zeh) Bellinger, and were of German descent.
Mr. Bellinger is a prominent mason and a member of St. George's· Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M., St. George's Chapter No. 157, R. A. M., and St. George's Commandery No. 37, Knights Templar.
JAMES F. BURNS, son of John and Mary (Kigher) Burns, was born in Schenectady, N. Y., in the month of September, 1869, and was educated in the public schools.
His first employment was in the capacity of messenger boy in the telephone office, but during the first seven years of his active employment he was variously engaged. After this he worked for two years with the General Electric Company, after which he was with the Schenectady Illuminating Company for a period of two years, and had charge of the switch-boards, and so on, for them.
Resolving to better his education, he left off work for a time, and took a course in Spencer's Business College, from which he was graduated in 1888.
In 1890 he opened his present business, that of dealer in electrical supplies. This business is not confined to the city of Schenectady, but covers a radius of one hundred miles outside of the city. He
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SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
gives employment to fourteen people, and handles everything in the line of electrical supplies for houses, offices, and so on, carrying on a large and flourishing enterprise. His store is one of the finest of its kind, not only in Schenectady, but in this part of the country.
Mr. Burns is a member of the Order of Elks, of the Knights of Columbus, and of the Exempt Firemen. He is State Inspector of the Board of Underwriters, is Superintendent of Fire Alarms, and also of the Police Signal System, and is a member of the State Electrical Contractors' Association.
CHARLES H. BETTS was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., October 29, 1840. He was educated in the public schools, and afterwards learned the carriage trade. He was engaged in the carriage business in Mechanicville until 1881, when he removed to Schenectady, where he has since resided, and where he conducts a carriage repository and general repair shop in the Truax Building, on Ferry Street.
On February 18, 1868, Charles H. Betts married Martha, daughter of W. S. and Caroline Miller. They have two children, namely, Dr. Fred Betts, who is a dentist in Kingston, N. Y., and George Betts.
Charles H. Betts is a member of the Order of Red Men, and also of Montgomery Lodge, No. 504, F. and A. M.
EDWARD S. BRIGNALL was born in the city of Schenectady, N. Y., September 17, 1858. After his school days he became a . clerk for David Ostrom in the dry goods business for three years, after which he was bookkeeper for Diment & Son for seven years. He then embarked in the shoe business on his own account in 1887. This business he still conducts, and his establish- ment is one of the most popular in its line in the city.
On September 17, 1888, Edward S. Brignall married Mary E. Seymour, and they have one son, Charles S. Mr. Brignall's parents were Thomas and Hester (Van Buren) Brignall. Mr. Brignall is a member of the Order of Red Men.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
JOHN T. BRODERICK was born in Oswego County, N. Y., June 26, 1866. He was educated in the public and high schools of his native place, and after his school days entered the employ of Henry R. Worthington, a pulp maker, of New York City, with whom he remained until 1889.
After leaving Mr. Worthington he went to Lynn, Mass., where he secured a position with the Thomson Houston Company, with whom he remained until 1894, when he came to Schenectady with the General Electric Company. He has been in the employ of this company constantly since that date, and now occupies the position of general assistant to the vice-president, E. W. Rice, Jr.
Mr. Broderick is a gentleman of fine literary attamments, and is a writer of note. He has contributed many valuable articles on economics and industrial subjects to various publications, showing himself to be a profound student of national and public affairs.
His social organizations are : the Masonic, in which he is affiliated with St. George's Lodge, No. 6, F. and A. M., and the Mohawk Golf Club.
In April, 1894, John T. Broderick married Mary J., daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Liscomb) Green, and they have one daughter, Helen. Mr. Broderick's parents were Daniel and Mary (Danaher) Broderick.
DANIEL BRADLEY was born in the state of Verinont, May. 3, 1816. His parents were Eli A. and Eliza (Ormsber) Brad- ley. He was engaged in the transportation business for thirty years, and lived for a long time in Whitehall, N. Y. He came to Schenectady in1 1850 and sold out his transportation business in 1865. He has lived in the house where he now resides for fifty years. Mr. Bradley is a member of the I. O. O. F., and was one of the trustees of the Methodist Church in Whitehall for years, when he lived in that village. He is now a member and a trustee of the Congregational Church in Schenectady.
Mr. Bradley has been twice married. His first wife was Harriet Gibbs, who died in 1872. In 1876 he married Rachael Hulbut, his present wife. They have two children, Amanda E. and Daniel F.
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SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
JOSEPH H. BERNARDI was born1 October 25, 1858, in the city of Schenectady, and was educated in the public schools of his native place. After leaving school he learned the trade of cigar maker, and in 1882 began business in that line on his own account, which business he still conducts.
In addition to conducting his business Mr. Bernardi takes an active part in public and social affairs. He has represented his ward at the Council Board, and in 1897 was elected to the office of city treasurer, to which he was re-elected in 1899. He is organist and musical director in St. John's Church choir; is a member of the Order of Red Men, the Elks, Knights of Columbus, the Schenectady Club, the Republican Club, and the Liederkranz Musical Society.
In 1886 Joseph H. Bernardi married Theresa, daughter of Michael and Sarah Barry. They have three children, Maria T., Genevieve and Helen B. Mr. Bernardi's parents were Jolin and Mary (Claesgeus) Bernardi, who came from Germany and settled in Schenectady in 1854.
ERNEST JACOB BERGGREN was born in New York City, July 30, 1863, and was educated in the schools of Hoboken, N. J. He prepared himself for an accountant, and in 1879 became assistant bookkeeper for Thomas A. Edison, at Menlo Park, N. J., and since that date he has been continuously associated with the interests of the great inventor. He has been associated with Mr. Edison longer than any other man ever in his employ, and his whole business life has been in connection with the electrical industry.
Mr. Berggren came to Schenectady from New York, December 18, 1886, when the office force of the Edison Machine Works mnoved from New York to this city. Subsequently, when the General Electric Company established its shops here, he became an account- ant with this company, and is now the chief accountant of the Schenectady works.
He is a member of the Schenectady County Republican Club, of the Edison Mutual Benefit Association, and of the Royal Arcanum.
On July 2, 1889, Ernest Jacob Berggren married Olive Furman.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
They have had three children, namely Hilda May, John Ernest (deceased) and Linda Elizabeth. Mr. Berggren's parents were Carl Leonard Berggren and Josephine (Schultzberg) Berggren.
When the volume of business transacted, and the number of men employed by the General Electric Company is contemplated, it will readily be realized that the position of chief accountant of these works involves an oversight and responsibility not exceeded by any national secretary, and the fact that Mr. Berggren occupies this position is the best indication of his capacity and ability, to say nothing of the zeal and proficiency which have kept him connected with the General Electric Company, and one of its prime factors, during his entire business life.
He is a genial and courteous gentleman, who has many friends, both in Schenectady and the metropolis, and is one of the bright minds that contribute to the success of the greatest manufacturing industry in the world.
MRS. JOHN H. BAME was born in Niskayuna, Schenectady County, N. Y., August 28, 1825. She is the daughter of Albert F. and Nancy (Failing) Vedder. She was educated in the public schools of Schenectady, and on November 5, 1842, married John H. Bame, who was born in Rensselaer County, April 19, 1825. His parents were David and Margaret (Barringer) Bame. Mrs. Bame's mother, Nancy Failing, was the daughter of Peter and Keziah (Higbee) Failing.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Bame were as follows : Melissa, born June 23, 1848 ; Vedder, born May 23, 1856, died December 10, 1856 ; Margaret V., born May 23, 1858.
Melissa married Rozelle Kosboth December 12, 1866. Her husband died February 4, 1882. They had four children, namely, Ettie, Kittie Weaver, Margaret, and John B. Ettie married Alonzo P. Walton, September 7, 1887. Kittie Weaver married William Pierce Landon, son of Hon. Judson S. Landon, September 14, 1892; she died May 25, 1893. Margaret was born July 3, 1874, and married Harry Landon Butler Ryder on June 16, 1896. They live in
33
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SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Poughkeepsie, N. Y. John B. married Mabel Weed Van Dyke December 22, 1896. He is in the livery and real estate business in Schenectady.
Margaret V. Bame married Willis T. Hanson October 5, 1881. They have had three children, of whom two are living-Willis, Jr. and Fulford. Mr. Hanson is the well known manufacturer of Pink Pills.
John H. Bame was the first man to start a livery in Schenectady, in the year 1855; he was also the first owner of a liearse in the city. From the livery hie branched out into the carriage and harness repository business, and also into real estate. He was one of Schenectady's most prominent business men in his day, and had retired at the time of his death.
GEORGE A. CASSEDY, son of William A. T. and Ellen (Teachont) Cassedy, was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., November 8, 1870. He was educated in Saratoga County and at the Lansingburgh Academy, graduating from this institution in 1887. He taught school for two years, and in 1889 entered the employ of L. A. Young, in the piano business, with whom he remained for six years. In 1897 he succeeded to the business, which he carried on until May 15, 1900, when a stock company was organized under the name of the George A. Cassedy Company, with Mr. Cassedy as secretary.
On June 27, 1900, George A. Cassedy married Clara, daughter of Thomas and Jane (Swatling) Mohan. Mr. Cassedy is a member of Champion Lodge, No. 554, I. O. O. F., and is an enterprising and successful business man.
HOWLAND S. BARNEY, one of the best known and, undoubtedly, the oldest business man in Schenectady, was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., March 23, 1822. His parents were Dr. Z. H. and Eliza (Swain) Barney. Dr. Barney moved to Minaville, Montgomery County, N. Y., in 1826, and there Howland S. Barney attended the common schools until fourteen years of age, when he came to
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
Schenectady and took a position as clerk in the dry goods store of Sydney B. Potter, where he remained four years. He then entered the employ of John Olin, and ultimately became his partner in 1849, under the firm name of Jolin Olin & Company.
In 1853 Mr. Barney bought the interest of the retiring partner in the fırın of Barringer & Company, and five years later the name of . the firmn was changed to H. S. Barney & Company, which it has ever since maintained, and has become one of the most widely known and popular department stores in this part of the state. The high standing and prolonged existence of this house under one name is a tribute to the business enterprise and ability of Mr. Barney.
In 1856 Howland S. Barney married Sarah, daughter of Joseph Horsefall, of Schenectady. They have two children.
WARREN B. CLARK was born in Steuben County, N. Y., June 15, 1870. After receiving a liberal public school education he went to New York City to study drawing, which he pursued for two years, and then studied architecture in the same city for two years more. I11 1897 he came to Schenectady, and was engaged in architectural work until July, 1901, when he entered the works of the General Electric Company, taking a position in the office of W. A. Pearson, where he is still engaged.
On November 24, 1897, Warren B. Clark married Ricie S. Lewis, daughter of Harmon J. Lewis, of Norwich, N. Y. Mr. Clark's parents were Amasa C. and Elizabeth H. (Frieze) Clark. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of tlie K. O. T. M. .
W. J. . CUNNINGHAM was born in the city of Schenectady, N. Y., February 22, 1847. His parents were James and Rose (Malon) Cunningham. He received his education in the public schools of the city of Schenectady, and, when quite young, moved to the town of Glenville, where he engaged in farming for a few years. Return- ing to the city, he learned the trade of blacksmith, which he
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SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
followed in the Locomotive Works for a period of five years, after which he worked in Albany, where he was engaged at his trade for three years. Returning to Schenectady, he embarked in the grocery business, which he followed for seven years, at the end of which time he engaged in the meat business, which he sold out at the end of three years. He finally went into the real estate business, in which he has been very successful, and in which he is still engaged.
In 1886 W. J. Cunningham married Nellie McCarn, and they have had four children, three of whom are living, William J., Joseph F., and Justin, and one, Raymond P., deceased.
CALVIN H. CHAMBERS was born in the city of Schenectady, N. Y., September 17, 1868, and was educated in the schools of his native place. In 1882 he took a position as office boy in the jewelry store of James Sanders, with whom he remained for two years, after which he was employed for three years in the Steer's ineat inarket. He next went into the Locomotive Works to learn the trade of machinist, and after an apprenticeship of three and one-half years he was pro- moted to the draughtsinan department, where he remained until the panic of 1893. In 1894 he entered the employ of the General Electric Company, and has been with thein ever since.
On September 17, 1901, Calvin H. Chambers married Jessie Kellanı. Mr. Chambers' father was David Chambers, who was born in Albany, N. Y. His mother was Elizabeth (Davis) Chambers, who was a native of Charlestown, Montgomery County, N. Y. Mrs. Chambers' parents were Jeptha and Myra (MacNeil) Kellam. Mr. Chambers resides in the house in which he was born, and in which his father resided for fifteen years. He is a trustee of the Emmanuel Baptist Church, and is a member of the Red Men, of the Tribe Schaugh- naugh-ta-da.
SETH L. CLUTE was born in the city of Schenectady, N. Y., September 5, 1842, and was the son of John F. and Anna (Van Patten) Clute. He was in the grocery business for twenty years, and
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
was one of the well known and enterprising citizens of Schenectady, and served a term as sheriff of the county, to which he was elected in the fall of 1884. This office had once been filled by his father, and by both alike, its duties were discharged with marked ability and efficiency.
He always took a lively interest in public affairs ; was a Republican in politics, and represented his ward at the Council Board for a terin. He was, for many years, a member of the Commercial Traveler's Association, of Syracuse, N. Y., and was so at the time of his death. When the Northrup religious services were held at Union Hall some sixteen years ago, he took an active interest in the movement, and contributed largely to its success. He was always interested in the success and welfare of others, and of the community at large, and so had many friends. This fine trait in his character no doubt led to his success in two important election contests, when the odds against him were so large that he scarcely expected to win.
Mr. Clute was twice married. His first wife was Virginia Dillen- beck. His second wife was Anna Van Vranken, daughter of Jacob and Marilla (Baumes) Van Vranken.
Seth L. Clute died in the spring of 1901. Three children survive him, namely, Virginia, Weidmnan, and Lauren. The Clute family is an old and honored one in Schenectady, where the ancestors of the present generation have resided since the early days.
A city paper, commenting upon Mr. Clute at the time of his death, said : " Seth L. Clute was one of nature's noblemen. Ever solicitious for others, of a generous, hearty and sympathetic temperament, strictly honorable and honest in his dealings, courteous and friendly at all times, his acquaintance was large and his friends were legion."
EPHRIAM CLOWE was born in Glenville, Schenectady County, N. Y., October 27, 1831. He was educated at the district school, and lived on his father's farm until 1848, when he moved to Scotia, and worked at the blacksmith's trade for three years. In 1852 he moved into Schenectady, where lie continued at his trade for forty years.
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SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Mr. Clowe is a member of St. Paul's Lodge, No. 17, I. O. O. F., Schaugh-naugh-ta-da Tribe, No. 123, I. O. R. M., Shiawassee Council, No. 29, D. of P., I. O. R. M., the Exempt Firemen's Association, and the Haymaker's Association, No. 349 1/2.
On May 21, 1854, Ephriam Clowe married Louisa MeMichael. There children are Ida, Frank F., Grace, and Earle. Mr. Clowe's ancestors were Mohawk Duteli.
GEORGE W. CARY was born in the city of Schenectady, N. Y., and is a son of John E. and Katherine C. (Clackner) Cary. He came to Schenectady and began to work in the Schenectady Locomotive Works, at his trade of machinist, in 1878, and continued there until 1884. He retired from active work in 1885, and died April 16, 1901. He was a member of St. George's Lodge, No. 6, F. and A. M., and of the Ancient Order of United Workinen. He left one son, George W. Cary, who now operates the Electric Carpet Cleaning Works in Schenectady. He was for eighteen years a member of the old Schenectady Washington Continentals.
GEORGE CLUTE was born in the city of Schenectady, March 12, 1849, and was educated in the public schools. He worked in Shear's quarry for six weeks, and was employed on the canal for a like period. He then worked for Benjamin Van Vranken for a time, after which he was engaged in the nursery for Dr. Pearson for a period of two years. He was also employed by Mr. Bradley and Mr. Vroomtan, and worked on a gravel train for three months. When seventeen years of age he drove for Dr. Hickok, then president of Union College, and when twenty-two years of age he again drove the college team for a season. He was employed by the Westing- house Company for some time. He has been superintendent of the grounds of Union College for the past twenty years.
In 1873 George Clute married Carrie Melber. They have five children, namely, Lewis, Anna (now Mrs. Ed Sweeney), Rosa (now Mrs. George Moss), William, and George. Mr. Clute's ancestors were Mohawk Dutch.
7.S aucherpaugh
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
FREDERICK S. AUCHENPAUGH, son of Frederick and Aplonia A1111 (Ostrander) Auchenpaugh, was born in Schoharie County, N. Y., March 20, 1855. After his school days he took a position as brakc- man on the Delaware & Hudson Railroad. After a time he becanie fireman, and after three years' work in this capacity, was made a locomotive engineer. For the next nineteen years he ran a locono- tive on the Fitchburg Railroad, now the Boston & Maine. In 1896 he became bookkeeper for Hoke & Marlett, at Rotterdam Junction, N. Y., with whom he remained a year, after which he went to Williamstown, Mass., and opened a hotel, which he conducted until 1899. He then moved to Schenectady and purchased the Gilmore House, which he still conducts.
On April 28, 1876, Frederick S. Auchenpaugh married Ruby Vernum, daughter of Jedialı and Lucinda (La Barron) Vernum. They have two children, Frederick V., born August 23, 1897, and Hiland W., born June 13, 1899.
Mr. Auchenpaugh is a member of St. George's Lodge, No. 6, F. and A. M., Montgomery Chapter, No. 257, R. A. M., and Washington Commandery, No. 33, Knights Templar, of Saratoga Springs, N. Y., and also of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and the Liquor Dealers' Association. Mr. Auchenpaugh is a genial and popular gentleman, who has been uniformly successful in all his undertakings, and who has made many friends in all walks of life by his honesty in business and his generous and considerate treatment of all men.
JACOB A. CRAMER was born in Pennsylvania July 7, 1850, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Haight) Cramer. He received his early education in the public schools of Brooklyn, N. Y., and came to Schenectady County, N. Y., in 1863, and worked on a farm for two years. Leaving the farm, he learned the trade of painter, and has since been engaged in that line as contractor.
On September 5, 1873, Jacob A. Cramer married Sarah Eckrich, daughter of Adam and Margaret (Winter) Eckrich. They have three children, Anna L., Josephine, and Francis J.
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SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
EDWIN CLUTE, proprietor of the Ellis House, one of the well known hostelries of Schenectady, is a son of John and Mary (Borden) Clute, and was born in the town of Gilderland, Albany County, N. Y., September 26, 1865. He was educated in the district schools of his native town and in the Union School of Schenectady. In 1884 he embarked in the hay and straw business, in which he was success- fully engaged until the year 1900, his operations being principally in Albany County. He then bought the Ellis House and moved to Schenectady, where he has since resided, and where he has been very successful, owing to his enterprise and geniality.
In October, 1891, Edwin Clute married Eliza, daughter of Corne- lius and Catherine (Pierson) Miller. He is a member of Noah Lodge, No. 754, F. and A. M., Noalı Chapter, No. 264, R. A. M., and Schenectady Lodge, No. 480, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In politics Mr. Clute is a Democrat, and has always taken an active interest in the success of his party.
JAMES CLUTE was born in Rotterdam, N. Y., April 14, 1822, and was the son of Tumius and Nancy (Crawford) Clute. His father was one of a family of seven sons. After his school days James Clute was employed on his father's farin until twenty-one years of age. when he embarked in the grocery business in Rotterdam, and in which he was engaged until 1871, when he sold out, moved into the city, and was engaged in the fruit and candy business for three years, He was then engaged in the manufacture of brooms for a year, after which he retired. While living in Rotterdamn Mr. Clute was Super- visor of that town for a terin, and was also Supervisor of the 5th Ward in Schenectady.
WILLIAM DANCO was born in Soest, Westfalen, Germany, in April, 1850. He graduated from the Polytechnic School of Aachen in 1873 with the degree of M. E. He then worked in a locomotive works in Russia until 1881, when he came to New York to work on the Brooklyn Bridge. In 1882 he entered the Edison Machine
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