USA > New York > Schenectady County > Schenectady County, New York : its history to the close of the nineteenth century > Part 54
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On June 2, 1880, Benjamin H. Ripton married Francena Nare of Johnstown, N. Y. They have two daughters, Maud and Ruth. Mr. Ripton's parents were Henry Ripton, born in Johnstown, N. Y., and Anna (Hunter) Ripton, born in Portadown, County of Armagh, Ire- land. She came to this country in 1842 and settled in Johnstown.
Dean Ripton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was a delegate to the general conference of that church held in the century year, 1900.
After the death of Treasurer Gilbert K. Harroun in September, 1901, Dean Ripton was appointed by the trustees, acting treasurer of Union College, and held that position until the election of a permna- nent treasurer at the end of the year.
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John F Starter
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
JOHN S. JUNO-It is doubtful if any man in Schenectady has been more intimately connected with the life and growth of the new city than has John S. Juno, the subject of this sketch. He is not only an extensive dealer in real estate, but is himself a large owner of realty in the city, and has for some years been treasurer of the Schenectady Board of Trade. He is therefore not only in touch with every movement and undertaking looking toward the advance- ment of the city, but is one of the leaders in every such movement.
He embarked in the real estate and insurance business in 1890 and has been very successful, not only in ordinary transactions, in which his business is extensive, but also in carrying through large deals for companies and corporations.
He has attained a high reputation in the insurance business because of the fidelity with which he looks after the interests of the insured at all times, and especially in case of loss. He always sees that settlements are prompt and payments made in full, and he repre- sents only first-class companies.
Mr. Juno is public spirited, enterprising-the type of man who is always invaluable in the development of a city and the manage- inent of affairs.
He is one of the charter members of the Schenectady Board of Trade, and also treasurer of the same. He was largely instrumental in developing the fine residential section of Schenectady lying east and north of Union College, and is one of a few men who induced the Brandywine Lace Mill to locate in this city.
JOHN F. STOEBER was born in North Prussia, Germany, Febru- ary 22, 1843. He first worked on a farm for two years and then learned the brewer's trade at which he worked until 1871. The fol- lowing year he came to America and settled in Oneida County, N. Y., and engaged in the tannery business, which he pursued for four years. He then moved to the town of Florida, Montgomery County, where he was engaged in farming for twelve years, when he came to Schenectady and embarked in the hotel business as pro-
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SCHENECTADY COUNTY : ITS HISTORY.
prietor of the Commercial Hotel. He conducted this house for three years, after which he was engaged in the liquor business for some time. He followed farming for three years and in 1898 came into Schenectady again and became proprietor of the City Hotel, which he still conducts.
In May, 1869, John F. Stoeber married Sophia Schwenn. They have had two children, Fredaricke, who died when two and one-half years of age, and Ernest, who is now in business with his father.
Mr. Stoeber is a member of Schenectady Lodge No. 227, I. O. O. F., of which he is a Past Grand, and also of the Amsterdam Lodge of the German Sick Society.
Mr. Stoeber's parents were John and Mary (Wustenberg) Stoeber. His father is dead, but his mother is still living at the age of ninety- two years, in Oneida County.
Ernest Stoeber married Jessie Hawker on January 7, 1891. Their living children are Ruth, Blanche, Helen and John. Two sons, Walter and Herbert, are deceased.
Ernest Stoeber is a member of St. Paul's Lodge No. 17, I. O. O. F. and of the Citizens Corps Band.
NEWTON J. KELLAM was born in Delaware County, N. Y., February 23, 1862, and is the son of Jeptha S. and Almira (MacNeil) Kellam.
In 1894 Newton J. Kellam settled in Schenectady and embarked in the contracting business in which he is still engaged as senior partner in the firin of Kellam & Shaffer. They are dealers in cut, sawed and planed stone for building purposes, besides which they are retailers in paving brick, flue linings and other building materials. They are located on Fonda street, opposite the Locomotive Works, and have a commodious stone-yard and mill where their. cutting is done.
Mr. Kellam is a member of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M., St. Paul's Lodge No. 17, I. O. O. F. and Royal Arcanum, Schenectady Council No. 983.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
CHARLES SHAFER was born in Schoharie County, N. Y., May 26, 1865. After his school days he learned the trade of painter with J. B. Bender, and has made this his life business. He came to Schenectady in 1887 and subsequently formed the firin of Shafer & Barry, painting contractors.
Mr. Shafer is an enterprising and successful business man and is a member of New Hope Lodge No. 730, F. and A. M., St. George's Chapter No. 157, R. A. M., St. Paul's Lodge No. 17, I. O. O. F., Schenectady City Lodge No. 318, Knights of Pythias, of the Red Men and St. George's Commandery.
ADOLPH ROCKMER was born in Germany, February 10, 1869, and was educated in his native land. He was a clerk in a grocery store for some time in Germany, and came to the United States in 1885, settling in Schenectady the same year. In 1887 he took a position in the General Electric Works as iron moulder, which position he still retains.
On May 6, 1891, Adolph Rockmer married Rose Koch, daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Goetz) Koch. They have two children, Edward Adam and Lillian Elizabeth. The ancestors of the family on both sides were German.
AARON B. BRADT was born in Rotterdam, Schenectady County, N. Y., May 24, 1841, and is the son of Aaron I. and Eliza C. (Vedder) Bradt. He attended the public schools until 1858, when he became actively engaged in farming, which occupation he pur- sued until 1896, when he retired from active work. He came to Schenectady in 1896, where he still resides, although he still con- trols two large farms.
In 1868 Aaron B. Bradt married Catharine E. Gregg, and they have one daughter, Mrs. Cora E. Vedder, who lives in the city of Schenectady.
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ANTHONY R. THORNTON was born in Schenectady, N. Y., March 7, 1859, and was educated in the Schenectady Union public schools. He afterward learned the cigarmaker's trade and worked at it for twenty years, from 1870 until 1890, when he was elected city mar- shal, which office he has filled with credit to himself and advantage to the city ever since.
In politics Mr. Thornton is a Democrat and is connected with several fraternal organizations in the city. He is a member of the C. M. I. U. of A .; also of St. Paul's Lodge No. 17, I. O. O. F., Schenectady City Lodge No. 39, Knights of Pythias, of the Red Men, of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M., and is a life mem- ber of the Exempt Firemen's Association. He is a Trade Unionist and was one of the organizers of the city Trades Assembly, of which he is a representative at the present time, and is one of the labor leaders of the city.
On May 20, 1879, Anthony R. Thornton married Ella, daughter of James and Clarissa (Steers) Brewer. They have two children, Edward Earl and Bessie A. Mr. Thornton's ancestors were Hol- landers. His parents were Jacob and Dorcas (Reed) Thornton. His grandfather was Thomas W. Thornton, and his grandmother was Sarah (Steers) Thornton.
WILLIAM O. WAKEFIELD, son of Harry and Sarah (Houghton) Wakefield, was born in Gardiner, Maine, January 2, 1840. He was educated in the public schools and at Kent's Hill Seminary, Reed- field, Maine.
When the War of the Rebellion broke out, he went to the front with the 16th Maine Regiment and saw considerable active service. He was wounded in battle and subsequently received his honorable discharge because of wounds.
After serving in the war he learned the trade of machinist, making a specialty of draughting. He came to Schenectady of 1893 and entered the draughting department of the General Electric Company, with which company he is still connected.
In 1870 William O. Wakefield married Delia Goodwin of Gardiner, Maine. They have two daughters.
Ona .R. WEstover
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
ORRA R. WESTOVER was born in Cohoes, Albany County, N. Y., May 6, 1853, and was educated in the common schools of his native place. His father was one of those who gave their lives for the integrity of the Union and died in the War of the Rebellion, in 1862, leaving Orra R., with a mother and one younger brother. They had little means and Orra R. was compelled to leave school at sixteen years of age and commence the battle of life for himself, which he did by taking up the blacksmith trade, as an apprentice. After serving three years in a horseshoeing and jobbing shop in Cohoes, he went to Massachusetts and engaged in a carriage shop, still under instructions. He spent four and one-half years altogether in his apprenticeship, and after becoming master of the blacksmith trade in all its branches, he still found his income very limited ; times also had become dull, and not readily finding employment in the line of his trade, yet not content to be idle, he accepted a position in a hotel as assistant cook in North Adams, Mass. After becoming familiar with his new business, and with a good recommendation, he secured a situation as head cook in the Hotel Brunswick, Albany, N. Y., and remained there until the hotel changed hands, a period of more than two years. He next accepted a position in the Hotel Windsor, on Maiden Lane, Albany, but, becoming dissatisfied with the long hours of hotel and restaurant life, he resigned his position as hotel and order cook and shortly afterwards came to Schenectady, where he settled. This was in the year 1872, and he at once went back to his old trade, securing a good position in the Locomotive Works where he remained for more than thirteen years, leaving there when the works closed down for repairs. He next secured a position in the General Electric works in which he remained until the fall of 1896, when he was elected Superintendent of Poor.
Mr. Westover is in every sense a self-made inan, rising from the position of a poor boy to that of a highly respected citizen and an office holder in the most progressive little city in New York State. He held a seat on the Board of Aldermen for three years during which time he never missed a meeting, regular or special. He repre- sented the fifth ward on the Board of Aldermen, and at this writing
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SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
is serving a second term as Superintendent of Poor, in which office he has given the highest satisfaction.
Mr. Westover is a member of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M., St. George's Chapter No. 157, R. A. M., St. George's, Com- mandery No. 57, K. T., the Oriental Temple A. A. O. N. M. S., of Troy, N. Y., St. Paul's Lodge No. 17, I. O. O. F., Schaugh-naugh- ta-da Tribe No. 123, Improved Order of Red Men, Court Electric City No. 1655, I. O. F. and of the K. and L. of H. He has held responsi- ble positions in all of these orders and has been a member of the Albany Street Methodist Episcopal Church for many years.
On February 18, 1870, Orra R. Westover married Clara Sitterly, who died August 9, 1899, leaving one son, Orra R. Westover, Jr. On October 3, 1901, Mr. Westover married Margaret Jewett. Mr. Westover's parents were John and Maria (Searles) Westover.
. JAMES B. MCKAIN, son of Allen and Sally (Eaton) McKain, was born in Otsego County, N. Y., September 25, 1847. He was educated in the public schools and the Jonesville Academy, from which institution he graduated in the class of 1867. After his school days he took up farming on the old homestead at Rexford Flats, N. Y., where he still maintains his home. His parents settled there in 1851.
Mr. McKain is a member of the firm of Winne & McKain, dealers in coal, hay and feed, Schenectady, N. Y., and is also a dealer in hay and straw at Mechanicville, Stillwater and Reynolds.
In 1893 Mr. McKain was appointed, under Governor Flower, superintendent of Section 2, of the Erie Canal, and still retains that position. He is 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 Com- mandery No. 37, Knights Templar, of Schenectady, N. Y., and also of the A. A. O. N. M. S., of Troy, N. Y.
In 1872 James B. McKain married Sarah A. Parker of Rexford Flats, and they have two sons, Allen P., born in 1881, and Hiram J., born in 1886.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
CHARLES A. LUFFMAN was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., December 22, 1858, but has resided in Schenectady since 1863. After his school days he became bundle boy for William McCamus & Company, and has been with that firm and their successors ever since, finally becoming a partner in the Reeves-Veeder Company, which has recently changed its name to the Reeves-Luffman Com- pany.
. Mr. Luffman's parents were John D. and Jane (Steenburgh) Luff- man.
GEORGE T. INGERSOLL, superintendent of the Schenectady Water Works, is a son of Hiram J. and Eva E. (Van Epps) Ingersoll and was born in Schenectady, N. Y., November 6, 1847. After receiving a public school education, he entered the Schenectady Locomotive Works as an apprentice machinist and remained there four years. He then secured a position in the Illinois Central Railroad shop at Chicago, where he remained for three years, after which he returned to New York State to take a position in the shops of the New York Central Railroad at Syracuse, where he remained one year, when he was transferred to West Albany, in the employ of the same company.
In 1876 Mr. Ingersoll was appointed under-sheriff of Schenectady County and filled that position for three years, after which he went back to the Schenectady Locomotive Works and was engaged in delivering engines until 1883, when he was made foreinan and held that position until 1899. In this year he was appointed superinten- dent of the Schenectady Water Works, which position he now holds.
He had entire charge of the building of the new water works, including putting in the new machinery throughout, he having designed the plant himself. For some time before the construction of the new water works the very important question was being agitated of constructing a new station and water supply for the city, the supply then in use having been pronounced by the State Board of Health as one of the worst in the country. Mr. Ingersoll devoted the greater portion of two years' time to making extensive tests of all the surrounding streams, lakes and underground sources, and
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SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
finally recommended to the Board of Water Commissioners the building of the present plant. The Water Board endorsed his recom- mendation and forwarded it to the mayor and common council, who promptly approved of the same and gave authority for the issuing of bonds to pay for constructing the works. The design of suction gallery, buildings and piping system was entirely originated by Mr. Ingersoll.
Mr. Ingersoll is a member of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M., St. George's Chapter No. 157, R. A. M., and of Schenectady Lodge No. 480, B. P. O. E. His ancestors were Hollanders who came to this country in the early days, and may be ranked among the first settlers of Schenectady County.
REV. JOSEPH HENRICH, son of George and Elizabeth (Zimmer- man) Henrich, was born in Rennerod, Province of Hessen, Nassau, Germany, September 6, 1873. He took a course in the Gymnasium, at Hadamar, and was graduated therefrom in 1893. He then went to Floreffe, Belgiumn, and studied in the small seminary of Bishop Namur, and there made his philosophy. From there he went to the American College at Louvain, Belgium, and graduated therefrom in 1897. At this college he made his geology. On June 29, 1898, he was ordained a priest by Right Reverend Bishop J. T. Vanderstappen in Louvain. Immediately after his ordination he returned home for a vacation and celebrated his first mass in his native place on July 2, 1898.
In September, 1898, he came to the United States, located at Cox- sackie, and officiated in St. Mary's Church for seven months, at the expiration of which time he was transferred to Schenectady as assis- tant to Rev. Father Schoppe, pastor of St. Joseph's Gerinan Roman Catholic Church. Father Henrich combines scholarly attainments with an earnest Christian zeal, which have made him highly popular, not only with the large congregation of St. Joseph's Church, but with the public at large. He is a member of the Catholic Mutual Benevolent Association and has done much to make the society popular and useful.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
SAMUEL BURNETT HOWE was born in Groton, Tompkins County, N. Y., and received his early education in the district school and the Groton Academy. He then took a course in Union College and was graduated from that institution in the class of 1862. He taught in the Ithaca public schools, the Catskill Free Academy and the Albany public schools, and came to Schenectady in 1868. He is now the efficient Superintendent of Schools for the city of Schenectady.
Mr. Howe married first, Sarah M. Crain on July 15, 1862, and second, Emma W. Crain in 1890. The children of the family are Mather Crain Howe, Dr. Rose Howe Jameson and Samuel Burnett Howe, Jr. Mr. Howe's parents were Perry and Mary (Love) Howe. His grandfather, Moses Howe, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
Mr. Howe is a member of the Alpha Delta Phi college fraternity and has devoted his entire life to the cause of education. He has held his present position of Superintendent of Public Schools in the city of Schenectady for thirty-five years.
JESSE R. LOVEJOY was born in the City of Columbus, Ohio, November 10, 1863. His parents were Nathan Ellis and Caroline (Perkins) Lovejoy. He was educated in the public schools and the Ohio State University, from which institution he graduated in the class of 1884, with the degree of B. Sc.
He took a short post-graduate course in electrical engineering and in 1886 was in the employ of the Thomson-Houston Company. In 1900 he joined the General Electric Company and is now inanager of the lighting department and railway department and general manager of the supply department.
Mr. Lovejoy is a member of the Phi Gamma Delta college society, of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, the American Society of Advanced Science, the Franklin Institute, the General Electrical Engineers' Society and the University Club of New York City.
In 1893 Jesse R. Lovejoy married Mary Emily Gould of Lebanon, New Hampshire.
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SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
ISAAC Y. TELLER was born in Schenectady, N. Y., April 20, 1840. After his schoolboy days he took up the trade of carpenter and worked at it for seven years, after which he was engaged in the hotel business for twenty-five years. He then went to Newburgh, N. Y., where he engaged in the instalment business for two and one-half years. He then returned to Schenectady and entered the hotel busi- ness again, this time for four years, after which he embarked in the real estate business, in which he is still engaged.
In 1861 Isaac Y. Teller married Sarah A. Cawood, daughter of John Cawood. His wife died in 1891, leaving four children, namely, Elizabethı, wife of Harrison J. Herbert, Elnora Emma, wife of Thomas Wilcox, Dr. William S. Teller and Eva J. Teller. Isaac Y. Teller's parents were Jaines W. and Eva (Yates) Teller.
MARTIN P. SWART, son of Henry H. and Maggie (Putnam) Swart, was born in the city of Schenectady, N. Y., November 29, 1865. After going through the city schools, he entered Union Col- lege in the class of 1888. He then entered the store of H. S. Barney & Company, as a clerk, and remained in that position for nearly five years. In 1892 he became a partner in the firm of Reeves-Veeder Company, now the Reeves-Luffman Company, one of the leading department stores in this part of the state, and is one of the active members of the house.
On October 20, 1899, Martin P. Swart married Harriet W., daugh- ter of Levi Clute and Agnes Becker, his wife. Mr. Swart is a mem- ber of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M., of the Mohawk Club, Mohawk Golf Club and of the college fraternity, Delta Upsilon.
Mr. Swart, although a young man, has through his own enterprise and ability, become one of the representative business men of Schenectady County, and his case furnishes a striking illustration of the fact that a college man may become a very successful business man, as indeed he should, for education should be an aid to enter- prise in any direction and not a detriment, as is sometimes contended by those who do not appreciate colleges.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
BURTON VAN ZANDT, M. D., was born in the town of Rotterdam, Schenectady County, N. Y., April 25, 1870. He was educated in the public schools of his native city, and was graduated from the classical department in 1889. He then entered Union College and was graduated from this time honored institution in the class of 1893, with the degree of A. B. Having decided to enter the medical pro- fession, he took a course in the Albany Medical College and was graduated therefrom in the class of 1895, with the degree of M. D. In the fall of that year he opened his office in Schenectady wliere he has since been engaged in the active practice of his profession. Dr. Van Zandt is a member of the Schenectady County Medical Society, of Champion Lodge No. 554, I. O. O. F., of Maine Tent No. 242, K. O. T. M., and of his high school and college fraternities.
On August 25, 1896, Burton Van Zandt, M. D., married Alice M., daughter of James and Mary J. (Carey) Fyvie. They have one son, Douglas R. Dr. Van Zandt's parents are John B. and Emily (Cor- nell) Van Zandt. The family is of Holland descent.
WILLIAM GIBSON GILMOUR, son of John and Janette (Gibson) Gilmour, was born in the city of Schenectady, May 13, 1866. He was prepared for college at the Schenectady High School and then entered Union College, from which he was graduated in the class of 1887. After leaving college he became associated with the Schenec- tady Locomotive Works, and was connected with them until the con- solidation of that company with the American Locomotive Works.
On December 5, 1893, William Gibson Gilmour married Lillian B., daughter of Edward and Mary C. (Walker) Ellis, and they have one son, William E. Gilmour. The Ellis family is one of the most prominent in the city of Schenectady, and one of the best known in New York State. The nanie has long been associated with the Locomotive Works and is a synonym for integrity and success.
Mr. Gilmour died October 31, 1901. He was a member of the Mohawk Club and of the Sigma Phi college fraternity. After graduating from Union College, he took up the study of law and was admitted to the Bar but never practiced.
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EDWARD L. FRONK was born in the city of Albany, N. Y., November 9, 1848, and was the oldest of a family of six. When he was about five years of age, his parents moved to Montgomery County, where most of his mother's family resided, and besides, his father thought it well for boys to have some experience in farming. For several years they lived in Minaville, and in that vicinity, and there Edward L. Fronk received his early education, also helping on the farm in the summer.
From 1863 until 1869 he was with the family of Garrett Van Deveer, a well-to-do farmer in the town of Florida, but, thinking it wise to learn a trade, he secured a place with the firm of Charles Timmerman & Sons, who were undertakers and manufacturers of caskets and furniture in Amsterdam, N. Y. There he learned the trade of finishing caskets and furniture, painting, graining and assisting in undertaker's work. After remaining with this fırın for nearly four years, he went to Albany in the employ of Wickam & Harris, contractors, architects and builders, who made a specialty of furnishing all grades of fine hard wood, etc. Mr. Fronk had charge of the finishing department of their furniture establishment while he remained with them.
In 1879 he embarked in business for himself and continued there- in until December, 1881, when he came to Schenectady in the employ of C. N. Yates, undertaker and dealer in furniture. He remained with that house for about seventeen years, and during most of the time was engaged in the undertaking department along with Mr. N. I. Timeson, Jr., another employee of the firm. Charles N. Yates died February 3, 1890, and after that the firm name was C. N. Yates & Sons for several years. It then became Mary Yates for about three years, after which it was closed out, and Mr. Fronk joined with N. I. Timeson, Jr., secured the undertaking business of the old firin and located for nearly two years where the Schenectady Bank once stood near Church street. Later, they obtained the resi- dence of Mrs. William H. Smith, 134 State street, next door to the Yates store, at present the New York store, where they have very large pleasant rooms, including a chapel for funeral services and all conveniences for carrying on the undertaking business.
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