USA > New York > Washington County > Washington county, New York; its history to the close of the nineteenth century > Part 67
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At the age of sixteen years he went to Beloit, Wisconsin, where he learned the printer's trade. On August 15, 1862, he enlisted in Com- pany B, 22d Wisconsin Infantry, and participated in all the operations of his regiment until captured with the balance of his brigade (Gen- eral Coburn's) at Thompson's Station, or Spring Hill, Tenn., March 5, 1863. He was taken to Libby Prison, Richmond, Va., but was paroled April 1, 1863, and subsequently exchanged. He was with General Sherman from Chattanooga to Atlanta, to Savannah, to Galesboro, and participated in the grand review at Washington, D. C., at the close of the war.
He received his honorable discharge July 12, 1865. After being mustered out, he resumed his trade of printer, beginning his duties September 20, 1865, in the employ of the Rock River Paper Company as Superintendent of their printing department. This company was the western agent for the then new article, paper flour sacks. He remained with this house two years and then became Superintendent for Wheeler & Heinman, manufacturers of paper bags, and remained with them during the several changes of that firmn.
When the Union Bag & Paper Company was formed he became a stockholder in the company, and on September 4, 1892, he came to Sandy Hill, N. Y., to superintend the removal of the Union Bag & Paper Company's plant from Chicago to this place.
On March 1, 1899, the Union Bag & Paper Company was re-organ- ized, and Mr. Getten became General Superintendent of bag machines for its several plants. This position he still occupies and fills with marked ability and success. He is not only an expert in the art of printing, but is also an inventor of note, and has originated and patented several different improvements in the manufacture of paper bags.
Notwithstanding the large interests under his supervision, Mr. Getten takes a lively interest in public affairs, and is President of the Board of Health for the viliage of Sandy Hill. He is also Commander of G. A. R. Post, William M. Collin, No. 587; a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and of the Knights of Honor.
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On Decembr 26, 1865, Mr. Getten married Julia A. Smith, of Beloit, Wisconsin, and they have five sons, namely: Frederick J., Edward W., Ira C., Ernest A., and Francis W.
Mr. Getten's parents were John and Betsey (Chapple) Getten. They were natives of England, but came to this country in 1835, and settled in Genesee County, N. Y.
LEANDER GILCHRIST was born in South Hartford May 4, 1849, and was educated at the South Hartford Academy, from which he gradu- ated in March, 1870. He is one of the representative farmers in the town of Hartford, and is a member of Herschell Lodge No. 508, F. & A. M., of North Hartford. On January 1, 1880, Mr. Gilchrist married Minerva L. Townsend, of South Hartford, and they have one daughter, Helen L. Gilchrist. Mr. Gilchrist's parents were Andrew and Juliette (Davis) Gilchrist. Andrew Gilchrist was born in County Monahan, Ireland, in 1812, and came to America in 1824. He died August 17, 1899.
Mrs. Gilchrist was born in the town of Hartford, February 16, 1846. Mrs. Gilchrist's parents were Calvin J. and Clarissa (Burch) Town- send. Calvin J. Townsend was born in the town of Hartford, March 22, 1812, and his wife, Clarissa, was born in the town of Hebron, Washington County, April 12, 1816.
From these dates it will be seen that families on both sides have been identified with the history of Washington County through almost the entire nineteenth century.
CARMI GOODMAN .- The subject of this sketch, who is one of the best known and most popular men in Washington County, was born in the town of Fort Ann, in 1858, and received his education in the common schools of his native place. He has always followed agricul- tural pursuits, and, together with his brother, James D. Goodman, owns and manages the widely known and prosperous Wray Farm. In addition to being a successful farmer, Mr. Goodman has also taken a deep interest in public affairs, and everything tending toward the advancement and welfare of his town, or the county, has always
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elicited his strong support. He is also one of the prominent politi- cians of the county and has held many public offices, among them that of Supervisor for the town of Fort Ann, an office which he now holds and honors. He is also Master of the local Grange, and both in public and private life is highly respected, and holds the confidence of all classes.
Mr. Goodman is a scion of one of the oldest families in the town of Fort Ann, both his parents having been born in this town. Their names were Origin and Mary Goodman.
JAMES K. GILLIS was born in the town of Argyle, Washington County, N. Y., August 17, 1831, and was educated in the common schools and Argyle Academy, from which he was graduated in the year 1851. After leaving school he took up the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he followed for three years, or until 1854, when he started farming in the town of Argyle. In this occupation he passed his life until the year 1890, when he retired.
He is a member of both the Masonic fraternity and the Odd Fel- lows. He joined the Masons in 1862 and the Odd Fellows in 1851.
In politics Mr. Gillis has always been a consistent Democrat and was a member of the County Committee for nine years, namely: from 1868 to 1877.
Mr. Gillis' parents were John and Mary (King) Gillis. John Gillis was born in the town of Argyle and was a son of Alexander Gillis, who was one of the early settlers of the town. He died September 24, 1837. Mr. Gillis' great grandfather was James Gillis, who was born in Argyle, Scotland.
Mr. Gillis has been an ardent horseman all his life, and was for many years one of the best horseback riders in the state.
HORACE H. GAVETTE was born in the town of Argyle, Washington County, N. Y., in the year 1846, and was educated at Greenwich Academy, from which he graduated 1866. After working on the farm for a year, and following the business of auctioneer for some time, he
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finally embarked in the grocery business in 1878 at Thompson's, but also continued his interest in farming.
On December 31, 1869, Mr. Gavette married Carrie Lewis, and they have one son, Fred, who was born December 20, 1870, and is now a clerk in his father's store.
Mr. Gavette takes a prominent part in public affairs and held the office of Deputy Sheriff under James Robinson for one term. He is a member of Ashlar Lodge No. 584, F. & A. M.
Mr. Gavette's parents were Horace and Emily (Rouse) Gavette. Horace Gavette was a native of Argyle. Emily, his wife, is still liv- ing, at the age of eighty-three years.
Mr. Gavette's grandfather, John Gavette, came from Rhode Island, and his grandmother, Mabelle (Heath) Gavette, was a native of Green- wich. His grandfather, on his mother's side, Joseph Rouse, settled in Washington County in 1779, and married Lydia Beadle.
GEORGE GIFFORD, son of Elisha H. and Anna N. (Hoag) Gifford, was born in the town of Easton, Washington County, N. Y., Decem- ber 8, 1851, and was educated at the Marshall Seminary.
He remained on the farm until 1875, when he engaged in farming on his own account, and has since followed this vocation. For five years of this period, however, he was engaged in the manufacture of cheese.
Mr. Gifford is a Socialist in politics, and is a man who follows the course of political events closely, and takes an earnest interest in the cause of education. He was a Trustee of his School District for a number of terms.
On February 11, 1875, George Gifford married A. Estelle, daughter of Samuel and Angeline (Burch) Buckley, and they have a family of eight children, namely: Howard, Frederick, Adella, Arthur, George H., Leslie, Allen and Clayton.
Mr. Gifford is one of the successful farmers of the town of Easton.
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JOHN PHILLIP GRAULICH was born in the Grand Duchy of Hesse, Germany, October 31, 1831. He was educated in his native country, and after leaving school entered an office as clerk, remaining two years. He then served three years' apprenticeship at the tailor's trade, and worked as a journeyman tailor until June 13, 1859, when he landed in New York, where he worked at his trade until 1861, when he enlisted in the 20th New York Volunteer Infantry, and served his adopted country in the army ef the Union for two years. He then returned to New York, where he resumed his trade and fol- lowed it until 1868, when he removed to Whitehall, where he entered the service of Waite Brothers, as a cutter in their tailoring establish- ment. He remained with this firm for a period of four years, when he engaged in the Merchant Tailoring business on his own account, and in which he has been very successful. He also carries a large line of gent's furnishing goods, along with his regular tailoring busi- ness. In May, 1864, Mr. Graulich married Elizabeth Meehel, and their children are: George, John P., Jr., Othelia, Emma and Amelia.
Mr. Graulich is an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and a member of Phoenix Lodge No. 96, F. & A. M., as well as of G. A. Tanner Post G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican, but has never aspired to public office. He is a thoroughgoing and successful business man and has many friends.
JAMES G. GILLIS was born in the town of Argyle, Washington County, N. Y., January 22, 1834, and came to Salem with his parents in 1838. Here he was reared on the farm and educated in the com- mon schools, and has followed the occupation of farming all his life.
In 1850 James Gillis married Elizabeth Boyd, who died, leaving one son, John R. Gillis. In 1857 Mr. Gillis married for his second wife, Anna L. Brown, and they have had a family of four children, namely : Elizabeth, Margaret, Charles B. and Anna, deceased.
James G. Gillis is a son of James and Lucy (Safford) Gillis. The family is of Scotch origin.
Mr. Gillis is a prosperous and highly esteemed gentleman and is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
In politics he is a Republican and has been Assessor of the town four different terms.
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WASHINGTON COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
GUSTAVUS A. GRISWOLD, son of Alfred H. and Sarah (Wright) Griswold, was born in the town of Whitehall, Washington County, N. Y., July 25, 1853. He attended the schools of Whitehall and Poultney, Vermont, and graduated from the Albany Business College in 1871. Immediately after graduating he entered the First National Bank of Whitehall, of which his father was President, as teller and assistant cashier, and remained in this position for nine years. He then went to Columbus, Ohio, where he remained some time and thence to Oregon to accept a position with the Union Pacific Express Company, with whom he remained for four years. He then returned to White- hall and embarked in the millinery business, in which he is still engaged, assisted by his amiable wife. They have built up the largest and most popular millinery trade in Whitehall.
On May 22, 1888, he married Harriet E., daughter of John and Harriet Lace. They have two children, Gustavus A., Jr., and Orissa C.
Mr. Griswold is a prominent member of Whitehall Lodge No. 5, I. O. O. F .; Whitehall Encampment No. 69, I. O. O. F., and Phoenix Lodge, No. 96, F. & A. M. He is also a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Griswold's father, Alfred H. Griswold, was the first president, and the only one, of the Commercial Bank at Whitehall, which posi- tion he held from the organization of the bank until 1862, when that institution was closed and the First National Bank was started. He was then President of the First National Bank until 1879. He was one of Whitehall's most prominent and able business men. He died December 3, 1888.
MRS. H. CORNELIA (SIMPSON) GILBERT was born in Cambridge, Washington County, N. Y., and was educated at the Cambridge Academy and at Mrs. Willard's Female Seminary, Troy, N. Y., which has become famous through having graduated so many young ladies who have in after life occupied positions of importance in their community or have become wives of prominent men.
In 1869 H. Cornelia Simpson married William Stanley Gilbert, a successful manufacturer of Cohoes, N. Y., who was known as a sterling business man as well as a man of culture and education.
In 1863 William Stanley Gilbert enlisted as Sergeant in Company
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D., 49th Massachusetts Regiment, and was the fourth man from his regiment who volunteered to join the forlorn hope which was to pre- pare for and lead the attack on Fort Hudson on the 4th of July, 1863. The duties of some of the volunteers were to bridge the ditch in front of the enemies' parapet or breastworks with fascines and then return. Others were to rush across the bridge thus made and assault the enemy with the bayonet. The ditch was fifteen feet wide and twelve feet deep, and over 2,000 men from the forty regiments composed the forlorn hope. All the odds were against them and none but the bravest would volunteer to go forth and face almost certain death or the repulse which seemed sure to come.
Sergeant Gilbert miraculously went through the charge and retreat which lasted twenty-four hours, and he escaped without any injury. The 49th was mustered out of service September 1. 1863, and had been in more active conflicts than two-thirds of the regiments that remained in the service for the full four years.
The hardships and vicissitudes of the campaign had their effect upon Mr. Gilbert's health and he was never strong after the many trials and experiences incident to the war. He died in August, 1885.
Mrs. H. Cornelia (Simpson) Gilbert is a daughter of Nelson R. Simpson and Mary (Crocker) Simpson. Her grandfather on her mother's side was Benjamin Crocker, who was one of the early elders of the Presbyterian Church, commonly known as the "old white meet- ing house." He was also a most prominent and influential man. He was a member of the Legislature in 1849, and was an active, public spirited citizen.
Mrs. Gilbert's great-grandfather, Eleazer Crocker, was one of the earliest settlers in the town of Cambridge, Washington County. He served with distinction during the Revolutionary War as a Lieutenant. Her father, Nelson R. Simpson, was born in Cambridge, N. Y., and was a son of David and Rachael (Reed) Simpson. He, too, was a highly respected citizen and an elder in the Presbyterian Church.
The Crocker family came originally from Devonshire, England. Sir John Crocker accompanied King Henry on his expeditions during the French War as cup-bearer and standard bearer. King Henry gave him a cup for his crest, a fac simile of which Mrs. Gilbert now has in her possession.
Benj. Crocker's sons were: First-N. S. Prime Crocker, who moved to western New York, and was a prominent and successful business
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man. Second-B. Porter Crocker, who remained in Cambridge, where he was a man of influence and passed his life in business. He was postmaster at Cambridge for eighteen years and was one of the foun- ders of the Cambridge Valley National Bank, of which he was a direc- tor and vice-president for years. He helped to organize the Wood- lawn Cemetery Association and was its President at the time of his death. Third-R. King Crocker, a lawyer, and eleven years the editor and proprietor of the Washington County Post, represented his dis- trict in the Assembly. He had one son, B. David Crocker, who is now a broker in Walla Wall, Washington, and is well known as a financier on the Pacific Coast. Fourth-Rev. James Crocker, who was a Presbyterian minister and for many years Synodical Superin- tendent of the Presbyterians for the state of New York. He resided in Saratoga Springs, N. Y., and had three children, Elizabeth McH., Anna Mary, and James N., who married Mary L. Swazey.
Benjamin Crocker's daughters were: First-Mary W., who married Nelson Simpson. Her children were: H. Cornelia, the subject of this sketch, Mary Frances, wife of Alexander M. Sherman, and Annie H., deceased. Second, Celinda A., unmarried. Third, Harriet M., who married Hon. F. Juliand of Greene, N. Y.
GEORGE F. INGALLS was born in the town of Dresden, Washington County, N. Y., November 11, 1846, and is a son of John and Polly (Bartholomew) Ingalls. He was educated at the North Granville Academy, and after leaving school, took up the trade of carpenter during the summer months and taught school during the winter imonths for sixteen years.
He moved to North Granville in the year 1864, where he pursued the business of contractor. From Granville he went to Whitehall and continued the same business until 1881, when he went west to Nebraska, where he was engaged in contracting and speculating. While in Nebraska he was appointed Postmaster at McCool Junction, Nebraska, which office he held for two years under President Harri- son, when he resigned.
In the year 1891 Mr. Ingalls returned east and settled in Dresden on his present farm. He now occupies the office of Justice of the Peace.
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On April 26, 1871, George F. Ingalls married Ella M. Cuzzins, daughter of Earl and Martha M. (Rhodes) Cuzzins. Their children were as follows: Eva May, born October 7, 1872; Earl C., born December 7, 1877; Clara Elizabeth, born August 17, 1879; John Har- vey, deceased, born August 13, 1881 ; Thomas William, born July 27, 1885; George Harris, born October 29, 1892.
Mrs. Ingall's father, Earl Cuzzins, was born September 5, 1808, and her mother, Martha M. Rhodes, was born March 26, 1822. Mrs. Cuzzins was born April 15, 1854.
Mr. Ingalls takes an active part in local politics, and is a member of the Republican party.
SAMUEL K. GRISWOLD .- Mr. Griswold is accorded special mention in the history of Washington County, not only because he is one of the most prominent men in the village of Whitehall, and a vital fac- tor in its commercial life, but also his father before him was closely identified with the best interests of the community, and his more remote ancestors have been identified with the history and growth of this great country for many generations.
Samuel K. Griswold was born at Whitehall, Washington County, N. Y., January 28, 1844, and was educated in the public schools of his native town and at the Claverack School, in Claverack, N. Y. His first business experience was in the capacity of a clerk in his father's store, where he was employed until 1866. In that year he succeeded his father in business, which he has since conducted with such success that today his establishment is one of the largest and best known in northern New York. Besides his general merchandise business, Mr. Griswold has other large interests in and about Whitehall, including a great deal of real estate.
Although in politics Mr. Griswold is on the weaker side in Wash- ington County, being an independent Democrat, he is, nevertheless, highly popular with all classes, and holds the confidence and respect of representative men all over this part of the state. He takes a keen interest in the welfare of Whitehall, and was one of the trustees of the village when the present system of waterworks was constructed. He has not, however, sought or cared for public office, his mind being distinctly of a business cast, and his large interests require a great deal of his personal attention.
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When the analytical historian sets himself the task of tracing civil- ization to its logical causes, it will become a principle in political ethics that the business man is a much more important factor in the growth and development of a country than is the politician. Judged by this standard there is no man of his day in Whitehall who has done more for the community than Mr. Griswold. He is a man of ideas and actions, and all his energies have ever been directed towards progress and advancement, not only in his business, but in public affairs.
He is a member and Trustee of the Whitehall Presbyterian Church and takes a great interest in the success of this society, which he sup- ports in a tangible and liberal manner.
On June 19, 1867, Mr. Griswold married Martha, daughter of W. S. Eddy, of Whitehall. They have one son, Morgan Billings Griswold, who is a graduate of Cornell University, class of 1895.
Mr. Griswold's parents were Isaac C. and Eliza G. (Keteltas) Gris- wold. His father, Isaac C. Griswold, was a native of Benson, Vt., but came to Whitehall in 1827, beginning life there as a clerk in a store, and subsequently became a prominent merchant and vice-presi- dent of the First National Bank. He was a man of prominence and much influence, and a consistent member of the First Presbyterian Church.
In politics he was a Whig, but when that party went to pieces, on the formation of the Republican party iu 1855, Mr. Griswold became a Democrat. He was largely interested in real estate in Whitehall, held several village offices, and did a great deal to substantiate the commercial supremacy of the place. He died in 1879, aged sixty- nine; his wife died in 1892, and was seventy-five years of age at the time of her death.
CHARLES C. DEGOLYER was born in the village of Sandy Hill, July 10, 1845, and received his education in the schools of Fort Ann, his parents moving to that place when he was quite young. He has always followed farming, and with the exception of such business trips as he has had to make at different times, has always lived in Fort Ann, where he has held several important offices, notable among them being that of Notary Public and Justice of the Peace, both of which offices he now holds.
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In 1873 he was married to Miss Hannah Robinson of Pottsville, Pa. They have two children, Morris and Henry. Mr. DeGolyer's parents, Sidney and Hannah DeGolyer, were born near the town of Fort Ann, Washington County.
HENRY GRAY, M. D., was born at Cambridge, Washington County, N. Y., September 6, 1842, and was educated at the Cambridge High School, Medical Department of Harvard, and the College of Physi- cians and Surgeons, New York City, graduating from the latter insti- tution in 1867.
Previous, however, to taking his medical course of studies, he served three years in the War of the Rebellion. In 1862 he organized Com- pany G, 123d New York Volunteers, at Cambridge. N. Y., and went out as their Captain, and during his three years of service rose to the rank of Major.
In 1867 Dr. Gray settled in Greenwich, where he has since remained. He is a member of the Washington County Medical Society, and also of the New York State Medical Society; President of the Board of Education at Greenwich; President of the Water Works Company; President of the Greenwich & Johnsonville Railroad Company, and Director in the Mohegan Pulp Company.
On May 7, 1867, Dr. Gray married Anna Buell. They have one son, Harry C. Gray.
Dr. Gray's parents were Henry C. and Janet (Bullions) Gray. His mother was a daughter of Alexander Bullions, a Scotch Presbyterian minister, who was pastor of the church in Coila, N. Y., for over fifty years.
FRANK A. HILL is the son of Fred E. Hill, Ex-Sheriff of Washing- ton County, and Sarah A. (Rundell) Hill. He was born in the town of Easton, Washington County, N. Y., in 1875, but received his early education in the public schools of Salem, to which town his parents moved during his childhood. After completing the course of Wash- ington Academy, he continued his studies at the Albany Business Col- lege, and was graduated from that institution in 1894. His first work
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as a stenographer was with the Adirondack League Club, but this position he was obliged to resign very soon on account of the death of his father. After about two years spent in mercantile pursuits he received, in December, 1895, the appointment of stenographer to the Grand Jury of Washington County, and has continued to hold that position to the present time.
Being active and popular in Republican politics, Mr. Hill, in April, 1896, was appointed Clerk of the village of Salem, and held that office until July 1, 1897, when he resigned. In May, 1898, he was reap- pointed and now continues in the office. In 1898 Mr. Hill was appointed Police Justice to fill out a short unexpired term, and in the following year was elected for a full term. He was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace for the town of Salem in 1897. In Janu- ary, 1900, he was appointed Official Stenographer of the Washington County Court, which position he now holds. In 1898 he established a general insurance and real estate business in the village of Salem.
Mr. Hill is a member of Salem Lodge No. 391, F. & A. M., Federal Chapter No. 10, R. A. M., of the Salem Lodge No. 45, I. O. O. F., and of the Salem Fire Department.
On June 21, 1898, he was joined in marriage to Miss Ivaora, daugh- ter of Andrew J. and Kizia (Clapp) Haggart, of Salem.
EDWARD DELWIN HENDRICK was born in Whitehall, Washington County, N. Y., December 20, 1864. He graduated from the White- hall High School in 1882, and then entered the store of J. H. Sullivan as clerk, where he remained five years. In 1889 he engaged in busi- ness on his own account in partnership with O. W. Blodgett, under the firm name of Blodgett & Hendrick, which firm carried on the business until 1896, when Mr. Hendrick succeeded to the entire busi- ness and conducted it alone until 1898, when he closed the business out. In August, 1899, he became manager of R. M. Witherbee's cash branch store, where he has since been engaged.
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