USA > New York > Washington County > Washington county, New York; its history to the close of the nineteenth century > Part 74
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On December 31, 1879, Charles H. Safford married Elizabeth Durfee, daughter of Abram and Louisa (Burch) Durfee. They have three children, Jessie M., born June 22, 1881, who is now a teacher; Louisa A., born November 1, 1882, and Emily J., born December 14,
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1889. Mr. Safford's parents were Jacob, of Greenwich, N. Y., and Jane (Bragg) Safford, who was a native of Rensselaer County, N. Y.
The ancestors of the Safford family in America were of English origin. Mr. Safford's grandfather on his mother's side, George Bragg, came from Manchester, England, and settled in Rensselaer County, N. Y.
DEWITT CLINTON SMITH .- The subject of this sketch, who is one of the best known and ablest financiers of northeastern New York, was born in the town of Granville, Washington County, N. Y., July 20, 1837. His father was a physician, and he received such education as the district schools of his day afforded, and worked on his father's farm until he attained his majority. He took up the study of medi- , cine and pursued it for some time, but finally abandoned it and came to Whitehall in 1867. He accepted employment in the Canal Col- lector's office, and remained in this office for four years, when he entered the Old National Bank as Teller. He remained in this posi- tion for two years, and in 1873 became Teller of the First National Bank of Whitehall, where he remained for eight years, or until that bank went out of existence in 1882. He entered the Merchants Na- tional Bank as Teller, and in 1889 was elected Cashier, which position he still occupies. For almost thirty years Mr. Smith has been actively engaged in the banking business, and has become a strong and promi- nent factor in the financial affairs of Washington County.
It may be said that in every way Mr. Smith is one of Whitehall's most active and prominent citizens. He has been an active fireman for twenty-five years, was foreman of Whitehall Steamer Company for six years, and Chief Engineer for three years. He was Clerk of the village for eleven years, and has been Secretary of the School Board for the past twelve years. He is also a prominent Mason and is a member of Granville Lodge No. 55, F. & A. M., which is one of the oldest Lodges in the county, its charter being dated 1790; of Cham- plain Chapter No. 25, and Washington Commandery No. 33, Saratoga Springs. He is also a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason.
Mr. Smith's parents were Dr. Horace and Rachel (Dean) Smith, and he was the youngest of a family of twelve children.
Dr. Horace Smith was born in Weathersfield, Vt., February 22, 1786, and on November 1, 1812, he married Rachel Dean, who was
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also a native of Weathersfield. and was born July 5, 1792. Dr. Hor- ace Smith died May 25, 1863, and his wife, November 27, 1867.
While taking a warm interest in all public affairs, and especially in educational matters, Mr. Smith has never aspired to public office, but his connection with the social, financial and commercial interests- vital interests of every day life-has made him prominent in the ranks of those whose services are more valuable to their day and generation than those of any politician.
MICHAEL SONN .- The subject of this biography, who is today one of the leading business men of Washington County, was born in Ger- many, January 13, 1851. He was educated in his native land, and early in life became associated with the business of cattle speculator, in which his father was engaged. He received a thorough training in this line as well as in business generally, to which his whole life has been devoted. He came to America in 1872 and for one year was assistant shipping clerk for the Chichester Chair Company. In May, 1873, he came to Greenwich, and began business in a modest way, peddling with a pack for some time and then with a team for a suc- ceeding period. In 1879 he opened a store in Greenwich, which has proved a great success under his able management, so that today he is regarded as a leading business man of the place. To this distinc- tion he is entitled because of the volume and extent of his trade, and also because of his fair dealing, integrity and honesty.
Mr. Sonn's store building, known as the Sonn block, is a three-story and basement structure 80 feet by 25 feet, and is specially adapted to the requirements of his business, and is one of the best, if not the best business block in Greenwich. He also owns a business and busi- ness block in Schuylerville. He carries at all times a large and care- fully selected stock of goods embracing clothing, boots and shoes, haberdashery and gent's furnishings, adapted to the requirements of his varied trade. The basement is devoted to the boot and shoe busi- ness. The entire establishment is fitted up in the most modern style and thoroughly equipped for the expeditious transaction of business, including Lamson cash carriers and a long distance 'phone in both houses. Mr. Sonn gives the entire business his personal supervision to both houses, and to this, along with his fine business ability and good judgment, the success of these establishments is entirely due.
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Mr. Sonn is prominent socially as well as in a business way and is public spirited to a high degree. He is a member of Ashlar Lodge, No. 584, F. & A. M., Home Chapter R. A. M., Schuylerville, and Chapter O. E. S., Eastern Star Degree. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows. He is also a director of the Electric Light Company and of the Water Works and was one of the founders of both. He is also an honorary member of the Fire Department, with which he has been connected since 1876.
In 1876 Mr. Sonn married Adelheide Rosenberg, and they have a family of three children, namely: Isadore, Jennie A. and Elsie. His parents were Israel and Miriam Sonn. His father was one of the prominent cattle speculators of Germany, and a successful and popular gentleman.
JOSEPH T. SAFFORD was born in the town of Salem, Washington County, N. Y., May 8, 1860, and was educated at the Greenwich Academy. Greenwich, N. Y. He started life as a clerk in the general merchandise store of H. Lawson at Middle Falls, N. Y. From this place he went to New York City and took a position in a wholesale produce store, where he remained for four years. He then went to Elberon, N. J., where he was employed as night clerk in a hotel, which position he held for three summers, and his experience here gave him a start and a thorough knowledge of hotel business. He then went to New York City and took the position of receiving clerk of Hotel Brunswick, where he remained for about four years, when he went to the Stewart House, corner 4Ist Street and Broadway, and assisted in the opening of that house. In 1898 he came to West Hebron and opened the hotel which he is still conducting there.
Mr. Safford is a member of the Sons of Veterans, Excelsior Camp, No. 51, of New York City, his father having been a soldier in the War of the Rebellion.
Mr. Safford's parents were Nathaniel and Rachael (Vandenburgh) Safford.
Nathaniel Safford enlisted in the 77th Regiment, New York State Volunteers, and served almost three years, being in the service at the close of the war. He was a member of the Cook Post, G. A. R., of Greenwich, N. Y. He died December 15, 1891.
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C. EDWARD SMITH is not only a man of the advanced sort, but is liberal in his views, and believes that nothing is too good for the people of Cambridge, in which village he has resided for more than a third of a century. He was born in Penn Yan, N. Y., November 11, 1853. His father moved to Cambridge, in 1867, and C. Edward Smith received his education in the district schools and in the Cam- bridge Washington Academy.
At the age of fifteen years he began a clerkship in the dry goods house of Hawkins & Porter, and at the age of seventeen he became clerk for M. P. Barton in the furniture business, with whom he remained for about two years. In 1873 he entered upon what was destined to be his life work, namely, the seed business. In that year he entered the employment of Mr. Jerome B. Rice as book- keeper and occasional traveling salesman. These two positions he filled with such complete satisfaction that in the fall of 1879 Mr. Rice made him Superintendent. In 1886 he became a stockholder in the said business, and Secretary of the Board of Directors, of which he was a member.
The directors at that time were Jerome B. Rice, Niles Rice, James Henry Rice, O. K. Rice and C. Edward Smith. In 1895, at a meet- ing of the Board of Directors, he was unanimously elected Vice-Presi- dent and Treasurer, still continuing a director, and in this capacity he has since continued.
On August 14, 1878, C. Edward Smith married M. Alma Shortt, daughter of Rev. W. B. Shortt of Cambridge. They have two chil- dren, namely: Paul S. and Alice F. Paul Smith is a student in his third year at Harvard College, and is taking a classical and scien- tific course.
In 1883 Mr. Smith built a beautiful residence on South Union street, Cambridge, N. Y. The exterior is quite attractive, and the interior much more so.
Mr. Smith's father was Edward Smith, a native of Hebron, N. Y. His mother was Delcina (Hope) Smith, a native of Oswego, Oswego County, N. Y. His grandfather was Charles E. Smith, a native of Hebron, and his paternal grandfather and grandmother were Allen and Emeline (Baker) Hope of Oswego County, N. Y.
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GEORGE H. SANDERS was born in the town of Fort Edward, Wash- ington County, N. Y., November 19, 1844. His parents were George M. and Betsey (Bristol) Sanders. After receiving a common school education he took up boating on the canal, which he followed until 1882, when he embarked in the enterprise of boat-building at Moses Kill, Washington County, N. Y., in which he is still engaged, and in which he employs eight to twelve men, the year round.
Mr. Sanders is a Republican in politics, and has always taken an active part in aid of his party, but has never aspired to office himself, always declining proffers in that direetion.
George H. Sanders married Sapronia Belden, daughter of Calvin and Belinda Belden.
Mr. Sanders' ancestors on his father's side were Dutch, and on his mother's side French.
HENRY SPALLHOLZ is the son of Heinrich and Wilhelmine (Schlo- derer) Spallholz, and was born in Heidenheim, Wurtemberg, March 8, 1859, and was educated in the schools of his native place, and grad- uated from the Heidenheimer Gymnasium in 1874. He followed mercantile and manufacturing pursuits in Germany until 1882, when he came to America and accepted a position in the shirt factory of M. Price in New York City, where he remained four years. He was then promoted to the position of manager of the branch factory belonging to the Price firm at Granville, Washington County, where he remained one and one-half years. In June, 1888, he came to Salem, N. Y., and bought a shirt factory, which he conducted himself until 1891, in which year he became Superintendent of the Salem Shirt and Sewing Company, which was formed at that time. Subsequently the above firm sold its interest to the Manhattan Shirt Compay of Paterson, N. J., and Mr. Spallholz retained his management of the Salem factory under the new firm.
In 1880 Mr. Spallholz was united in marriage to Johanna Lind, of Stuttgart. They have one son, Henry A., who was born Septem- ber 5, 1881.
In the fall of 1889 the Manhattan Shirt Company moved their shops into the handsome stone and brick building, especially built for their purpose, and constructed south of the former factory. The main
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structure is three stories high, one hundred feet long and thirty-five feet wide. To the west of this is a two story L. 22x60 feet; also a 20X22 power house, for the accommodation of two large engines and two dynamos, electricity being employed for running all the ma- chinery, as well as for lighting the entire plant. The business fur- nishes employment to 300 operatives, and the weekly output is about 1600 dozen shirts. The weekly payroll amounts to about $2,000.
MARTIN H. STEVENS was born in the year 1857 in Shushan, N. Y., and is the oldest son of Martin P. and Elsie (Valentine) Stevens.
At the early age of thirteen he went into the produce business with his father under the firm name of Martin P. Stevens & Son. This firm continued until his father's death, which occurred in 1890. Martin P. Stevens was one of the pioneer potato buyers in this part of New York State. Since his death the business has been conducted under the name of Martin H. Steven & Co., with offices at Shushan and at Nos. 8-9 Manhattan Market, New York City. At this one point, their yearly sales exceed $200,000, which is not more than one-third of the total sales of shipments made to eastern, southern and other large cities.
Mr. Stevens has been in the commission business all his life, and his wide experience, together with his unremitting energy and fine business abilities, has made him the largest potato merchant purchas- ing from the farms in the country. Their shipments in 1899 exceeded Soo carloads of potatoes. They buy not only at Shushan, but at var- ious points, and bill direct to New York City.
Since 1899 Mr. Stevens has represented the German-American In- surance Company, Hartford, and other life and fire insurance com- panies, and has for several years done an extensive real estate busi- ness, being a large buyer and seller of real estate in this part of the country.
In politics Mr. Stevens is a Republican, and although not a church member, he has been prominent in church matters and was a large contributor to both the new Methodist and Baptist churches, and was on the building committee of both edifices.
In June, 1897, Martin H. Stevens married Katie Proulix of Rupert, Vermont.
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JOHN SULLIVAN was born in Whitehall, Washington County, N. Y., January 15, 1850. His parents were Daniel and Johanna (Sweeney) Sullivan. He is the youngest of six children. His father came to the United States from Ireland in 1840 and settled in Whitehall, N. Y. Mr. Sullivan was educated in the public schools of his native town and after his school days began the active business of life as a clerk in the employ of Ferdinand Warren, in a grocery store where he remained five years. He next worked for James Wood for a period of three years after which he was with Ambrose Gilleghan for thirteen years, after which he was with John Brett four years. In 1887 he established himself in business on his own account, opening a grocery store and bakery. In this he has been very successful and his busi- ness now requires the employment of four clerks and two delivery wagons, and is located in a substantial three story brick building 90x35 feet in dimensions.
On November 27, 1873, Mr. Sullivan married Teresa, daughter of Patrick and Teresa Castle.
Mr. Sullivan takes an active interest in the public affairs of White- hall. In politics Mr. Sullivan is a Democrat. He has held the office of Village Trustee two years, was Village Treasurer two years and Town Collector one year. He is a member of the Knights of Colum- bus and of the Catholic Union.
DOUGLASS STEELE was born in the town of Dresden, Washington County, N. Y., June 13, 1862. He is a son of Robert W. and Mary (Lewis) Steele. He was educated in the district schools and is inter- ested both in farming and mercantile business, conducting a general store at Dresden.
He takes an active part in public affairs, and is postmaster at Dres- den, to which office he was appointed under President Mckinley. He is also a member of Whitehall Lodge No. 5, I. O. O. F.
On November 14, 1897, Douglass Steele married Catherine Sleight, daughter of David and Jane (Stewart) Sleight, and they have one son, Gerald A.
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ORINGE SHAW was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., August 12, 1849, and was educated in the district schools of his native county. His first business experience was in a saw mill, where he worked for sev- enteen years, after which he was connected with the Glens Falls Paper Mill Company, where he began as millwright, and subsequently had charge of the repair department for two and one-half years. He then became connected with the Glens Falls Pulp Company in the same capacity, and in January of 1891 came to Sandy Hill, and put in the machinery in the upper mill of the Union Bag and Paper Company. He has been with this company since 1891, and when the paper plant was established he became an Assistant Superintendent, which posi- tion he held until 1899, when he became Superintendent, and now occupies that position.
Mr. Shaw is a member of Sandy Hill Lodge No. 372, F. & A. M .; Sandy Hill Chapter No. 189, R. A. M .; Washington Commandery No. 33, K. T., at Saratoga Springs; Oriental Temple, of Troy; Crown Star Chapter No. 143, Eastern Star, and is at present Worthy Patron of Eastern Star. He has held all the chairs in the Blue Lodge, has been Scribe of the Chapter, and is at present King of the Chapter. On his fiftieth birthday Mr. Shaw was the recipient from the Masons of Sandy Hill of an elegant gold watch and chain. He is also a member of Sandy Hill Council No. 587, Royal Arcanum. In politics Mr. Shaw is a Republican, and a staunch supporter of his party, but does not take any active part in public affairs, although he was elected Trustee of the village of Sandy Hill, in March, 1900.
On October 14, 1873, Oringe Shaw married Mary E. Haviland, daughter of Ransford B. and Frances M. (Colvin) Haviland, and they have a family of three children, namely: Frances Marion, now Mrs. Fred Gardophe, of Sandy Hill; Beecher S., who is a clerk in the office of his father, and Helen M., who is now Mrs. Henry Trimble.
Mr. Shaw has been, in the truest sense of the term, the architect of his own fortune, and has been a very successful man. He started out for himself at thirteen years of age, and has worked himself up from the position of a humble mechanic to that of Superintendent in one of the largest manufacturing concerns in the United States. He is a man of fine business abilities, honest and honorable, and has a high standing in the community where he resides.
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MARCELLUS S. SMITH is a son of Jason and Betsey (Robinson) Smith, and was born in the town of Jay, Essex County, N. Y., Decem- ber 2, 1819. His parents removed to Redding, Vermont, when he was a child and there he was educated in the public schools. In 1840 he came to Whitehall and entered upon an apprenticeship at stone and brick work. In 1841 he embarked in businesss on his own account which he continued for one year when he went into the grocery busi- ness in partnership with his brother, Ormand E. Smith under the firm name of O. E. & M. S. Smith. This partnership continued for five years, when Mr. Smith went into the contracting and building business, in which he continued for a number of years.
In May, 1846, Mr. Smith married Adeline, daughter of Hugh and June McCulter. Their children are Herbert D., now of Brooklyn, N. Y., Florence F .. Helen C. and Eugene D., the latter of Brooklyn, and Jennie M., wife of George Aucurt of Ballston Spa.
Mrs. Smith died in February, 1892.
Mr. Smith is a member of Whitehall Lodge No. 5, I. O. O. F., Washington Encampment No. 69, I. O. O. F., and is an honorary member of the Canton. He has been a member of the Odd Fellows since 1844, and is now one of the oldest living members of the order in the United States.
FRANK ALBERT SISSON was born in the town of White Creek, Wash- ington County, N. Y., February 18, 1861. He was educated in the public schools, and at the age of eighteen years went to work for his father, Dyer P. Sisson, in the large general merchandise store in White Creek village. In 1888 he and J. Frank Bennett purchased this business, and have since conducted it under the name and style of Bennett & Sisson. They deal largely in country produce and sup- ply many stores in the near-by villages and cities with fresh farm products, especially eggs and butter, and their trade extends over a large area. It is not inappropriate to make the statement here that there is no better butter than White Creek butter in the world. 1
Mr. Sisson's mother's maiden name was Hannah A. Barker. She was a member of an influential and worthy White Creek family. His grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812.
Frank A. Sisson married Chloe D. Bennett, daughter of Romaine Bennett, of White Creek. They have a family of three children, namely: Rose H., Chloe M. and Myra E.
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DAVID SLEIGHT was born in England, November 14, 1839. His parents were David and Catherine (Woodcock) Sleight. He received his education in England, and came to America when a young man, and has always followed the occupation of farming in this country. He is a representative farmer of the town of Dresden, and has held the offices of Commissioner and Assessor.
On April 26, 1862, David Sleight married Jane Stewart, and they have a family of nine children, namely: Kate, David E., James S., Susan A., William R., G. Alexander, Belle J., Grace M. and Andrew. Mr. Sleight and his family are Presbyterians.
ALPHONZO D. SMALLEY .- Every flourishing community owes its prosperity to the enterprise of its business men. Sandy Hill, which has a wide reputation as a smart business place, is no exception to the rule, and one of the men who contribute in a large degree to its com- mercial activity is Mr. Alphonzo D. Smalley.
Mr. Smalley was born in the town of Johnsonville, Rensselaer County, N. Y., November 16, 1861. He was educated in the city of Troy, and began his business career as a clerk for C. H. Shacklady, druggist, of Troy, which position he held for six years. He came to Sandy Hill in the year 1883, to take a position as clerk in the store of J. McFarland, and remained with him for four years. In 1887 he joined with R. M. Cole, succeding his former employer, and bought a drug business, which they conducted successfully for nineteen months, under the firm name of Smalley & Cole, which firm was succeeded by A. D. Smalley & Company, Mr. Cole retiring, and was so con- tinued for five years, when Mr. Smalley became sole proprietor, and has since conducted the business alone.
In October, 1883, Mr. Smalley married Lottie B. Harvey, daughter of Bradford C. and Julia A. (Cooke) Harvey. They have two chil- dren, Madge J. and Charlotte I.
Mr. Smalley's parents were Isaiah R. and Sarah A. (Millard). Smalley.
Mr. Smalley is a prominent Mason, and is a member of Sandy Hill Lodge No. 372, F. & A. M .; Sandy Hill Chapter No. 189; Washing- ton Commandery No. 33, of Saratoga Springs, and Oriental Temple of the Mystic Shrine, at Troy.
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In May, 1896, Mr. Smalley purchased the building he now occupies, three stories and cellar, 99x25, and utilizes the entire building, which he rebuilt in 1898. This is one of the best brick structures in the village.
ALBERT G. TAYLOR .- The subject of this sketch was born in Argyle in 1847, and received his education in the common schools and the Argyle Academy, an institution long and favorably known as a thorough and efficient preparatory school.
In 1863 Mr. Taylor began work for himself at the age of sixteen, in which year he received the appointment of Deputy Postmaster at Fort Fdward, N. Y. In 1864 he accepted a position in the Farmers' Bank, Fort Edward, and remained there until 1871, when he went to the North Granville Bank where he was engaged for a year. The said bank of Fort Edward then offered him a situation as teller, which he accepted and filled until 1880, in which year he became cashier of the Cambridge Valley National Bank, succeeding James Thompson. M. D. Hubbard was at that time President of the bank. Mr. Taylor gives his entire attention to the banking business, in which he is regarded as an expert and has become a recognized authority on financial questions. He has refused requests to accept candidacy for public office, believing that banking should never be mixed in any way with the cares of office or political machinery.
In 1868 Mr. Taylor married Fannie A. Potter of Fort Edward, a niece of Hon. Joseph Potter of Whitehall. They have one son, Harry S. Taylor.
Four of Mr. Taylor's brothers were in the Civil War, John A., Theodore C., James W., who were privates, and William H., who held the rank of Lieutenant.
William H. died in 1896. He was for many years manager of the Loss Department of the Aetna Insurance Company of Chicago. Charles W. held the office of County Clerk for twelve consecutive years. The other brothers after the war returned to private life.
Mrs. Taylor's ancestors were famous as Revolutionary patriots. The family is traced back to the earliest settlements in this country and then to England. Mrs. Taylor's father was Sandford Robertson Potter of Fort Edward, N. Y. He was Supervisor of that town for
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