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GENEALOGY 974.701 M76FR, PT.2

PART II

FAMILY SKETCHES.

FAMILY SKETCHES.

Qily cont liaei herein iniy bi readily fouaJ by reE< o the Index of Part II.

ARKELL JAMES, manufacturer, is a descendant of Sir Hu-h De Aracle and of Sir Geor-e Rooke, names famous in English history. Mr. Arkell has carved a name for himself worthy of his illustrious ancestry. He was born on the IGth ot Octo- ber 1S'>0 in Berkshire, England,' emigrated with his parents to America, and settled on a fami near Canajoharie. He early developed literary taste and while y^t a boy be-an lecturing. He was for many years manager and proprietor of the Lan.johane Radii and in 1859 he and Adam Smith embarked in the manufacture of p.iper sacks, which has since developed into a very large and lucrative business. Mr. Arkell is a staunch Republican. He has been state senator and is a power in the councils of Ins party He is a ready and eloquent speaker and a po.verful writer on pohfcal and financial affairs. He inclades among his friends many of the eminent statesmen of the day and was a frequent and welcome visitor to General Grant in his last sickness. Ha was the chief promoter and owner of the Mt. McGregor railroad, and for some years Z principal proprietor of the Albany E.enin, Journal. In 18.33 he marri.a Sarah H BarUett who was born in 1835 at Philmont, and is a daughter of Ebenezer 1 ar lett, of Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. ArkeU have the following children : WiUuun J , born March 2G, ISoG, now a joint owner of the Juclje and also of Frank Leslies Newspapers, New York ; he married Minnie A. Gahill ; Mary F. A., born April 2 1802, and now wife of Edwards Barnap ; Bartlett, who maned Carrie Clark; Laura, born on the 18th of .July 1«0G and now wife of John Use; Bertelle, born on the 28th of January 18.1 and now wife ot Bernard Gillam. Mr. Arkell is a large contributor to the church and benevolent purposes. He has recently rebuilt his residence at great e.xpense, and it is now one of the finest in Central New \ ork.

A ndt Family The -Prior to the revolutionary war, three brothers named Arndt emigrated from Germany and settled in the state of Pennsj-lvania One of the num- l after a few years, returned to his native country, and another (Abraham), left Pennsylvania and settled in Minden. Abraham, the founder of the present branch of the family in Montgomery county, from the beginning took a great interest in public Tftlirs became major in the militia, and participated with his command at the battle of Or kanV In 1786 he purchased a farm in Mmden for £112, from the state of New ?o k upon which he resided up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1 2o In iVse he was elected state senator and held that position until 1,91, and m 1,92 his name appears in the town records of Canajoharie, as holding the office of supervisor.

2 HISTOKY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

He was mariied after lie came to Moiitgomery county and had thirteen children. Two of the number died in their infancy; of the remainder, John, born August 11, 17tf2, died in Herkimer county; Anna -ivas born June IG. 1794, date of death unknown; Elizabeth was born February 5, 179G, married Abrani Mover and died in Minden ; Catherine was born February 28, 1798, and married Henry Nellis of Palatine ; ilaria was born September 25, 1799, and married Peter Nellis of Palatine ; Magdalena was born September 9, 1801, but the date of her death is unknown ; Abram was born No- vember 18, 1803 ; Jacob W., born December 12, 1805, married and removed to Grand Rapids, Mich. ; Eve, born October 24, 1807, married H. F. C. Moyer and removed to Newark; Peter was born January 23, 1810, married Miss Adams of Fort Plain, and removed to Grand Rapids, Mich. ; Henry was born July 21, 1812, and died at Newark. Of the thirteen children Abram resided on the old homestead (where be was born) un- til his death, wliicb occurred October 1, 1864. On June 22, 1826, he married Mary Walrath. They had four children, viz.: Maria, who married Henry Sanders, and died in Minden ; Minerva, who married David Elwood and is now living at Jackson, Mich.; Alfred, who resides in Minden ; and Henry, who is now a resident of Bay Ridge. Alfred, the eldest son of Abram, was born on the old homestead, June 1, 1831, and has always resided there. On the 22d day of June, 1870, he married Adaline, daughter of John Diefendorf, of Minden. Of their children one died in inf;incy ; the others were Beatrice, who died, aged fourteen years; and Charles, who i.s now- living with his father on the farm. Mr. Arndt is a prominent farmer and a Republican in politics.

Archer, Gilbert G., Florida, telegraph operator and agent of the West Shore railroad at Fort Hunter, was born at Constantia, Oswego county, January 22, 1859. He was one of six children of Hugh G. and Margaret (Hoyle) Archer. Hugh G., the father, was born in Scotland in 1834, coming to this country when a boy ; his wife, Margaret Hoyle, was also born in Scotland in 1838. The early life of Gilbert G. was spent in Kentucky, where he was educated, after which he returned to New York state, and since 1887 has been telegraph operator and agent of the West Shore railroad, having been stationed at Fort Hunter since 1888. In addition to his regular duties he has done a large amount of insurance business m the town. He was married January 20, 1883, to Hattie A. Marsh, one of nine children of P. S, and Lavina (BIy) Marsh of Constantia.

Aldrich, Frederick U., Amsterdam, was born in Saratoga county, on the 14th day of March, 1853, and was educated in the public schools and Starkey Seminary in Yates county. In the year 1879 he came to Amsterdam. On the 5th of April, 1874, he mar- ried Sarah J. Frasier of his native place, by whom he had six children: Sattie M., Annah B., Amy A,, Elbert H., Nettie J., and Frederick H., jr. Mr. Aldrich's father, John H., was born at the old home and married Sally M., by whom he had seven chil- dren. Her father, John Johnson, was a soldier and captain in the war of 1812. Mr- Aldrich is foreman in Tennis, Peck & Co. broom factory.

Allen, Nelson W., Amsterdam, father of Chauncey W., was born in North Galway, Saratoga county, July 12, 1812, and was educated in the public schools of his day. About the year 1834 he married Ann, daughter of Sarah and John Nott, formerly of

FAMILY SKETCHES. / 5

England. They had eight children, two have died, five daughters and one son survive : Sarah A., wlio married Isaiah McXeil, now o£ Bristoe, Va. ; Marion, who nnarried Elijah Barbdr of Galway ; Lvdia and Lois reside in this city with their brother and sis- ter; Jennie E. and Cli.umcey W. are doing a grocery bn^iue^s on We^t Main street in this city. The Allen Eaniily.came from Vermont in eariy tunes and are of Englisli ex- traction.

Ayres. Alexander, M. D., Minden, is a lineal descendent of Caiit. Jolin Ayres, wlio settled at Ipswicli, ^Lass., in 10-18. The line of descent is as follows: First, Juhn; second, Samuel; third, Jabez; fourth, Jabez. The latter was the grandfather of our subject, and was a revolutionary soldier. He was stationed in the winter i,f of ITTSat Bound Brook, N. J. His son, Henry, the father of Dr. Ayers was born in 1774, at New Braintree, Worcester county, >Lass., and came to Oppenheim, in 1792. He was engaged in farming, and marrieil Abigail Bean. Their elde.st son (of a family of nine children) was the doctor, who was born in Oppenheim, A.pril 9, ISU. After atttend- ing the local schools, at the age of nineteen years, he taught scliool at Little Falls for several terms, afterwards at East Creek. About 1S33 he commenced the study of med- icine with bis uncle, Dr. Daniel Ayres. at East Creek. He attended for two years lec- tures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Fairfield, and graduated in 1S3G from the Medical College at Castleton, Vt. In the same year l.e was licensed by the Montgomery Medical Society to practice surgery. In 1830, his uncle liaving removed to Amsterdam, he commenced practicing at East Creek, but in the same year removed to Pontiac, Mich. After a residence there of three years, owing to sickness in his family, he returned to East Creek, where he practiced until 1857, when he came to Fort Plain, and continued in active business until his death, August 27, 1886. In 1831 he married Miss Harriet C. Farr of East Creek, and they had seven children : Sarah Helen, died young, in Michigan; Walter, resides in Oregon; Douglass, Albert, Harriet and Alexander, all residents of Fort Plain; and Helen, wife of Henderson Peck, attor- ney at Parkersburg. W. Va. Dr. Ayres was a member of the New York State and Montgomery Counly Medical societies, and was one of the founders of ihe New York Stale Medical Association. A Democrat in politic;, he was elected supervisor of the town. He was in active practice for half a century and was a gentleman of the old school, courteous and dignified in his manners, honorable and gentlemanly in his inter- course'with his medical brethren. Douglas Ayres, M. D , was born at East Creek, August 20, 1842. His education was acquired at a select school at Greene, Chenango countv, where he remained two years. He tlien became a student at the Fort Plain Semiiiary for two years and the next three years he attended the Fairfield Academy. He commenced the study of medicine with his father at Fort Plain, and in 1861 entered the Albany Medical College, from which he graduated in 1865. He commenced the practice of his profession the same year in Fort Plain, and in 1870 formed a partn.-r- ship with his father, which continued until the death of the latter. He is a member of the American and New York State Medical Associations, and the Montgomery Medical Society, and has been president of the latter and first vice-president of the State Medi- cal Association. He is a Democrat in politics.

4 HISTORY OF MOXTGO-MERY COUNTY.

Ashe, John E., Mohawk, Fonda p. o. (son of James), was born May 6, 1S45, and was brought up in West Bloomfield. He attended the West Bloomfield Academy, and in 18GG graduated from Union College. He read law in Troy and in 1868 was admitted to the bar. In partnership with Monroe Cady he practiced two years in Owego. On account of ill health he gave up the practice of law, and was deputy clerk of the legis- lature. In 1S72 he established the Amsterdam Democrat, which he edited until 1875, when he bought the Mohawk Valley Democrat, which he published and edited for seven years with ability and success, when he was appointed deputy superintendent of pub- lic works of the state of Xew York. In 1890 he engaged in business with James Shan- ahan. April 1, 1891, he joined the firm of Shanahan, Briggs & Co., as proprietors of the Cayadutta Mills at Fonda, which manufacture knit goods. May 29, 1878, Mr. Ashe married Catherine, daughter of James Shanahan. They have three children : Mary, James Shanahan and John Elmer, ilr. Ashe is a rare instance of the combination of law, journalism, public life and manufacturing interest, and is a popular man with all classes.

Barkley, William H., Amsterdam, p. o. Tribes Hill, was born at Burtonville, in the town of Charleston, January 20, 18G-1, a son of Charles J. and Harriet (Montayne) Barkley. His ancestry, on the father's side, was Scotch; on the mother's side, Hol- landers. The grandfather (Henry BarkleyJ came to this country about 1780, and set- tled in Albany county, where seven children were born; Charles J. was next to the youngest. He was married in 1850, and was the father of eight children ; seven are now living: Charles D. of Amsterdam; Emma (Mrs. Henry Snyder of Amsterdam); Frances (wife of Irvmg Haskins, of Schenectady) ; George A., who lives at Burton- ville ; Anna May, Elmer E., and our subject. William H. Barkley attended district school at home and helped on the farm until eighteen years of age, when he entered the Albany Normal School to prepare for a teacher, under Prof. E. P. Waterbury. After leaving there he accepted a call to Auriesville, where he taught two years and then came to Tribes Hill, where he taught four years. In 1891 he accepted a call to Fort Hunter to the great regret of his many friends in this place, but as he holds a state cer- tificate, he is needed in the larger and more advanced schools. August 1, 1889, he married Margaret Van Antwerp, daughter of John H. and Jennie (Coyne) Van Ant- werp of Fonda, and they have been blessed with one child, Schuyler V. A.

Bennett, William T., Amsterdam, was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, May 29, 1853, and was educated in the high schools of Leicester ; he is by occupation a dyer, and about 1880 he came to the United States, first locating at Utica, where he remained four years as the superintendent of the dyeing department of the Globe Woolen Mills. In 1884 he came to Amsterdam, where he commenced business on his own account. He has recently built a commodious brick building on West Main street suitable for his growing trade. Mr. Bennett is a member of the Royel Somerset Lodge in England, F. and A. M., is also a member of the Woodbine Lodge, No. 250, of Knights of Pyth- ias, a member of the Kennyetto Tribe, No. 10, of Improved Order of Red men. He was elected alderman in 1SS9 for two years. March 20, 1874, he married L Rebekah Perkins, of Somersetshire, England ; they have two children, both sons: William P., born in Frome, Somersetshire, March 30, 1876, and Charles J., born February 9, 1878. Mr. Bennett is a member of the Amsterdam board of trade.

FAMILY SKETCHES. 5

Blauvelt, G. Edwin, Amsterdam, p. o. Hagamaii's Mdl?, was born in Paterson, X.J. Noveml)er 19, 1S44. He was a son of John I. and Ann (Berry) Blauvelt. John I., his father, was a son of John Joseph Blauvelt, who was born in New York in 1T6G, and was the father of seven children, of whom John T. wa.s the oldest. He was born March 19, ISO-l, was married April 20, 18-10, and had seven children, of whom four are living: William H.. Martin, Anna if. (\Valter), and G. Edwin, all residents of New York state. Our subject lived at home during his early life, being educated in the pub- lic schools, and a six years course in the High School at Paterson. In 1862 he went to Andover, N. J., where he was engaged as clerk in a general store four years, return- ing home for three years. In 1872 he came to Haganian's Mills to act in the capacity of book-keeper in the Star Hosiery Mills, rising to the position of superintendent and remaining eighteen years. May 12, 1874, he married Catherine A. Terwilliger, daughter of Abram and Margaret E. (Pawling) Terwilliger of Hagaman's Mills. She was born June 22, 1842. A niece of Mrs. Blauvelt takes the place of children in their home, Jessie, who was born January 25, 1881, a daughter of Helen Palmateer, now- deceased. In 1890 Mr. Blauvelt, with Austin and the Stairs brothers, built a knitting mil! at Rockton, which they have since successfully conducted.

Breedon, William, Amsterdam, was born on the 2.Sd of September, 1828, in Lough- borough, England, and was educated there. He was apprenticed to the trade of ma- chinist at Leicester for seven years, until he was twenty-one. He married Mary Shingler of Leicester, and in ISfil came to the United States and located at Water- bury, Conn. He worked in other places in first-class establishments as a knitter until 1864, when he came to Amsterdam and engaged in the manufacture of spring knitting needles. In 1877 he was elected member of the board of trustees for three years, and in 1S91 was elected mayor of the city, and also re-elected in 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Breedon have had six children, five daughters and one son : Sarah, who married Oscar K. Potter; Eliza E., who married William Crowell: Mary J., who married Charles E. Riveuburg ; Lottie, who married Charles M. Morse ; Albert W., who married Mary Norton, and Harriet L., who resides at home. In 1879 he took his son Albert W. into partnership, and the business is cow conducted under the firm of William Breedon & Son.

Bieedon, Albert W., Amsterdam, was born on the 2lUh of July, 1859, in Fitchburg, Mass., and was educated in the public schools^and Amsterdam Academy. By occupa- tion he is a needle manufacturer, and is in partnership with his father, under the firm of William Breedon &i Son. On the 12th of March he married Mary Norton, of Ben- nington. Vt. They have five children, three sons and two daughters, namely : Robert, Albert W., jr., Reuben, Mary and Lotta.

Brown, George, of Amsterdam, was born in 1801 in Rhode Island and came to Mont- gomery county when a young man, being a mason by trade. In 1842 he married Catherine Miller, born in Scranton December 25, 1811, but then living in Amsterdam, by whom he had seven children, three of whom are dead : Warner, who was in the late war and was killed November 4, 1862. at Snicker's Gap on the Blue Ridge between the Loudon and the Shenandoah valleys; Mary A., died January 6, 1889; and Free-

6 HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

man, died April 11, 1874; Rachel A, who married Harvey Nestle, now re.^idinj; at Delta, Oneida county; Harriet, who married Captain Abrain V. Smith, who died May 10, 1839. In August, 1891, she married Daniel H. Davis and now resides at Dexter, ile; Frances, who married John Campbell of Amsterdam ; they have one son, Arthur J.; and George, who is in the employ of the government in Amsterdam, married Mrs. Belle IlMSon (Blanchard), f >rmerly of Albany. Mr. Brown died November U, 1861. Mrs. Brown's grandfather, Joshua Grillin, was a soldier in the revolutionary war and helped to build the historic forts in this valley.

Becker, Charles F., Amsterdam, was born in Prussia on the 21st of September, 1859, and came with his parents to this country when he was only seven. They located in Port Jackson, now the Fifth ward of this city, where he was educated. When he was very young his father died and he was thrown on his own resources. For a number of years he worked in the knitting mills in various positions, and is now on the police force of this city. On the 20th of September, 1880, he mairied Minnie, oldest daugh- ter of Frederick and Anna La Balian. They had two children, a boy and a girl, namely: Louis F. and Anna M. Both died of diphtheria, one at the age of four and the other at the age of two.

Bunn, T, Romeyn, Amsterdam, was born on the 19th of December, 18-14, in Amster- dam, at the old stone homestead, and is a graduate of Union College of the class of 18G6. After his graduation from college he became a dry goods mercliant and con- tinued in that business until the death of his father, Thomas Bunn, in August, 1883, wdien he took charge of the estate, opening up and laying out into city lots a beautiful property for which he found a ready demand. The rapid growth and increase in the valuation of his father's estate is largely due to his efforts. The enterprise he has shown in building a large number of houses and pushing forward improvements has led many others to buy and build homes for themselves. On the first of June, 1871, he married Kate R., the oldest and accomplished daughter of Judge Charles R. and Mary E. Ward Rhodes of Marietta, Ohio. Mary E. \Vard Rhodes is a great-grandchild of General Artemas Ward of revolutionary fame. Mr. Bunn is the youngest elder of the Second Presbyterian church of this city. His father was born in the town of Amsterdam the 16th day of June, 1803, and married Elizabeth Button of the same place, formerly of New Jersey. They had ten children, seven daughters and three sons : Anna C, who married Dr. I. I. Buokbee of Fonda ; Mary E., who lives in the old homestead ( pur- chased from the heirs and remodeled for herself) ; Laura V., who married George Dean of Amsterdam; Harriet L., who married Rev. C. A. Conant of Bangor, Me.; Emily, who married Chandler P. Bartlett of this place ; and John T., who married Elizabeth Runkle, both of whom are dead; OrviUe C , who died in Silver City, Nev.; also two daughters who died in infancy. The ancestry of the Bunn family is from Holland.

Benn, Israel P., Amsterdam, Hagaman's Mills p. o., was born in Windsor, Broome county, November 17, 182.5. and was a son of Hugh I. and Ruth ( Alden ) Benn. He accompanied his parents to Fulton county in 1840, where he had the advantage of a good common school education. In 1844 Hugh, his father, died aged 65, leaving Israel to depend on himself. He engaged with Henry Pawling of Hagaman's Mills, and was-

FAMILY SKETCHES. 7

on the road selling cloths ami buying wool at various times for about fifteen veais. In 1S63 he again joined Mr. Pawling, staying one year. In 1SG4 he started a general store in Hagaman's Mills, where Mr. F. Hagaman is now located, running it for" about three years. He worked a farm for a year and a half when he again went into a store at the corner where Rubeck's harness shop is now, remaining there about twenty-two years. In June, 1886, his son built a store and hall on the main street, which bis father now occupies as a general store and post-office, having been appointed July 1, 1889. May 5, 18i6, he married Jane Bishop of May field, by whom he is the father of three children: William J., born August 18, 1847; Frances E., born November 18, 1S49; Charles L., born November 22, 1861, all of Amsterdam. Mr. Benn is still living at sixty-nine years of age.

Birch. James F., Amsterdam, was born in Greenbush, Rensselaer county, February 17, 1820, and was the son of George H. and Phrebe (Mitchell) Birch, who were the parents of fourteen children, of whom twelve reached manhood and six are yet living, viz.: Harriet Link of Rensselaer county, eighty-four years old; Frederick of Michigan, seventy-eight years old; George of Castleton, seventy-five years old ; Caroline Defriest of Greenbush, sixty-eight years of age; and Henrietta Couse of Greenbush, fifty-six years old. James, the subject of our sketch, attended the public school and at the age of fifteen went to the Amsterdam Academy, his parents having moved hither in 1827. February 6, 184,5, he married Hannah M. Clizbe, a daughter of Darius and Mary (Jones) Clizbe. Mr. Birch moved on the farm where he now lives im- mediately after his marriage, and has made a blooming garden of a former desolate wilderness. It was a farm of sixty-one acres, but in 1891 he sold Mr. Safford forty acres and built a fine residence, across the road from the old homestead, where he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Birch are the parents of four children, of whom only two are now living: Charles E., born February 6, 1855, and Edward J., born August 4, 1860. Charles conducts a fruit farm near his father's residence and Edward a milk depot in Amsterdam.

Banta, Jacob B., Amsterdam, Hagaman's Mills p. o., was born in the town of Perth September 4, 1804, and was a son of Barnard and Ellen (Van Epps) Banta, who came to Fulton county from Saratoga county before 1800. Jacob attended the village school and helped his father on the farm until he was twenty-nine years of a^e. After the death of his father lie conducted the farm until 1343 when he moved into the town of Amsterdam, where he rented a farm for three years. In 184G he bought 100 acres on Manny's road which he kept for forty-four years; he then moved into his fine village residence on Haskell street at Hagaman's Mills. March 7. 1839 he married Hannah M. Levitt, daughter of Sherwood Levitt of Perth. They were the parents of six children : Justus L., born April 28, 1843 ; Mary E., born March 26. 1846; ■ Charles H., born October 14, 1849; Jane A., born April 20, 1853; George S., Dorn July 23, 1857; and Clara A., born September 4, 1860. Mrs. Banta died January 26, 1892, aged seventy-three. Jacob Banta, the subject of this sketch, is one of the oldest residents of this town and some of his early recollections are important matters of history. He has been very prosperous during his life, which he owes only to

8 ;■ HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

his own incliistry and good management. He has host.? of friends, for his genial disposition and pleasant manner make '' Uncle Jake " the companion of old and young, and with his business friends in city and country he is very influential.

Bowman, John F., Florida, was born in the town of Glen on the 12th day of July, 1SG.'3. He was the youngest of five children of Frederick and Anna (Newman) Bowman. Frederick Bowman was born in Germany and came to this country about forty-eii,'lit years ago, settling m Glen some eight years after. He removed to Flor- ida in ISGT where he has since been eng,iged in farming. John Bowman was married to Elizabeth Nodtner of Glen on the 21.n day of Sepetmber, 1887. They have one child, Eilna M. Bowman, born December 23, 1890,

Bush, Abiahim, Minden, was born in Mmden, January 1, 18-52. His grandfather, Gotelieb Bu.-li, was the son of George Bi:.-h, and he married Julianna Casler, by whom he had thirteen children, one of whom died in infancy. The children were as follows: Maria, who married John Walrath, and died at Boonville ; Elizabeth, who married D.iniel Lintner, and died at Fort Plain: Lydi.a, who married Henry Miller, and died in Otsego county ; Margaret, who married Jacob Sitts, and died in Oneida county; Jacob died in Mmileu; Isaac died in the West; Adam resides in Fort Plain; Nancy, widow of John Oliver Diefendorf, lives in Fort Plain ; Eve, married George Ehle, and died at Johnstown ; Julianna, married Aaron Dillenback, and died in Dexter ; and William, who died in infam^y. Peter G., father of Abraham Bush, was born in Minden December 20, ISlfi, and died in that town August 2, 1SS7. He married Catherine, daughter of Abr.aham Diefendorf, aind they had eight children : George Albert, James H.,Adaline, wife of Rev. Byron Fake of Fort Plain; Abraham, Elizabeth, wife of Charles Martin of Minden ; Margaret, who died aged seven years; Charles Edward died aged fifteen months; and Emily, died aged five months. Abraham received the benefit of a common school education and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. A Republican in politics, he has been school trustee and tax collector in his district. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Moses Smith, and they have two children : Howard S., and Edna.

Brookman, John I., Minden, was born in Minden, August 31, 1818, and received a. district school education, and also spent one term at the Cherry Valley Academy. He was brought up on a farm, but at the age of eighteen commenced teaching school, which occupation he followed for seven years, having schools in Minden, St. Johnsville, and three terms in Herkimer county. He then learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed in summer and taught school winters. This he followed until 1862, when he bought his present farm of seventy-six acres, which he has increased till now it com- prises 200 acres. In politics a Republican, he has been town superintendent of schools, commissioner of schools, and supervisor several terms. He married Ann Lintner, and they had nine children, viz.: Marvin, died young; Reuben, died aged thirty years in Minden ; Marvin and Man ha (twins), the former residing in Minden; the latter is the wife of Philip J. Diefendorf of Canajoharie; Alice, wife of Erving Manclow of Johnstown; George W., married Emma Shaiil, and has two children, Mabel and Lulu, and lives in Minden ; Edgar and Edwin (twins), in Vermilion, S. D. ; and Anna, who- died in childhood.

FAMILY SKETCHES. 9

Bander Family The.— The first settler of this family wa.s Urial Bander, who came from the valley of the Rhine. He settled ia Minden, and purcha.sed of Rudolph Keeler and others a farm, part of which is now in possession of his grandson, ISlathan Binder, and which has aUvays beloncred to one who bore the name of Bander. Urial married Elizaljeth Moyer, and had these children : Jacob, died in western New York ; George U. ; Adam, who died in Herkimer connty ; Urial, died in Minden August 15, ISl-t, aged fifty-five years ; Elizabeth, married John Peck, and (hed in western New York; and .Mary, married John Moyer, and died in Minden. Urial died in Minden July 16, 1831, aged eighty-foir years, four months and four days. His wife died No- vember 17, 1S2S, aged seventy-six years, five month.s and fourteen days. George U., of the above family, was born in Minden October 4, 1787. and married May (5, 1810, Pegsy, daughter of Peter Dunckle. She was born October 5, 1789. The only i.'ssne of this marriage, Nancy, died in infancy. George U., married February 5, 1813, Maria, daughter of Peter Dunckle. She was born November 7, 179G. Tlieir children were Levi, born January 3, 1815, died February 27, l.-^OO, at New Orleans, La. ; Peter, born December 15, 1818, resides in Rockford, III. ; Ephraim, born April 10, 1S23, died in'in- fancy ; Simeon, born August 25, 1825, died in Kansas in June, 18G0 ; John G. ; Mar- garet Ann, born September 25. 1830, married Jacob II. Moyer, and died in Minden May 10, 18G2 ; Anna Elizabeth, born November 10, 1833, wife of Dr. A. S. Scovill of Morea, Saratoga county ; George and Nathan. George U. came and lived on the farm now occupied by his son Nathan, which then consisted of 200 acres, and he felled the first tree on the farm. The present residence was built in ISOO, previous to which there was a log house. The farm was very heavily wooded and contained the largest pine tree for miles around ; it measured seven feet and four inches in diameter ; about fifteen feet from the ground it formed two branches about twenty-five feet it became three, and about thirty-five feet four, all of large size ; it made thirty-six logs, none te.ss than ten feet in length and yielded 13,000 feet of lumber. George U. died June 23, 1SG9, and his wife January 15, 1883. John G (son of George U.), was bom in Minden August 1.5, 1827, and married Eliza, daughter of John Zoller. Of their six children, all but one (Frank W.) died in infancy. John G. was always engaged in farming, and held the office of secretary of the Farmers' Insurance Co., of Minden. He was a Democrat in politics, and died April 1, 1S92. Frank W., son of John G., was born in Minden Sep- tember 29, 18G6, and married Meeta, daughter of Daniel A. Devoe of Canajoharie. They have one child, Harry D. Frank W. is a Democrat in politics and has been secretary of Montgomery County Council of Grangers for two years, and w.as for five years secretary of the Fort Plain Union Grange No. 515. GeorL'e (son of George U.) was born in Minden August 13, 1836, and married October 22, 1858, Catherine, daughter of Andrew Yerdon. She was born in Minden November IG, 1838. They have two children, Lydia, wife of Alfred Moyer of Fort Plain, and Kate Jlay, wife of James La.sher of Minden. Nathan, son of George U., was born in Minden June 9, 1839, and married Augusta, daughter of Dr. Solomon M. Sackrider. They have five children : Florilla May, wife of Joseph H. Smith of Fort Plain ; Adelbert N., Eihel Nellie, and Victor S. (all residing at home), and Keith Ray. who died aged ten years. Mr. Bander has always resided on his present farm, and is a Democrat in politics.

10 HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Brookmaii, John H., Minden, is tlie gre;it-giandson of Godfrey, who luaiiied a Mrs. Anna Stover of New York, and had two children, a daughter, and a son named John. The latter married Nancy Sanders, and their children were : Nancy, who married Jacob Weiting ; Lany, married John DillenbaoK" ; Deeny, married Charles Garlock ; Elizabeth, married Peter Quackenbush; Mary, manied Henry Dillenback; and John, the only son, who died in Minden in 1855, aged fifty-eight years. He married Mary Dillenback and their family was as follows : Ann Eliza, who married Charles Wagner; Catherine, lives in Cincinnati; Rachel Malinda, married Peter Wiles and died in Minden; Martin H., resides in Minden; Betsey Mariah, who is the widow of Henry Mathias and resides in Herkimer county; James Isaac, died in Minden; Almira, married Martin A. Pickard and died in Minden ; Hannah Margaret, who mar- ried Isaac Dillenback and resides in Cortland county ; and John H., the oldest of the above family, who was born in Minden October 21, 1817, and married, February 25, 1841, Nancy, daughter of Peter A. Casler. Their nine children are as follows: Henry, Chancey, died aged twenty-seven years ; Mary C, wife of Solomon Dillenback of Minden ; Helen Elizabeth, wife of Albert Diefendorf of Minden; Malvina, died aged two years ; John Martin, married Catherine Smith and lives in Minden; Walter, died aged ten years; Ida Eliza, wife of William Dillenback of Minden ; Edward, lives in Minden; and Viola May, wife of Frank E. Hufnail. John 11. Brooknian ha? fifteen grandchildren living and two deceased.

Baird, William Hoagland, Glen, was born in the town of Charleston, February 10, 1849. He was one of three children of William and Dorothy Malinda (Abel) Baird, the others being Mary Ellen (Mrs. J. H. Serviss) and Heppie A. (Mrs. M. Mount Shelp.) His father, William Baird, was born in Charleston, September 23, 1818, and was the son of Benjamin Baird, born October 11, 1786, and Eleanor (Miller) Baird, who was born May 4, 1798. His wife was Dorothy Jfalina Abel, daughter of Philip and Hepzibah (Conover) Abel, born May 10, 1816. William Hoagland Baird's great-grand- father, William Baird, came to Glen from New Jersey in 1796. having been born in that state September 22, 1742; his father (also named William Baird) was born February 24, 1704, and died in 1793. His ancestor emigrated from Scotland to New Jersey. Will- iam Hoagland Baird married. September 29, 1875, Miriam C, daughter of Stephen and Anna M. (Edwards) Ostrom of Glen, she being one of eight children. Mr. and Mrs. Baird have two children, Nellie 0., born October 29, 1877, and Benjamin H., born June 23, 18S4. Mr. Baird served the town during two terms as supervisor

Button, Benjamin F., Canajoharie, was born at Buel, July 2, 1824, and was a son of Thomas and Sally (Elmendorf) Button. Joseph, great-grandfather of Benjamin T., came to (his country from England and landed at Plymouth Rock, afterwards settling at Canaan, Conn. He had three sons, Benjamin, Joseph and Shubal. Benjamin, the youngest child and grandfather of our subject, was born in Connecticut, January 1, 1759, and married there Clarissa Hamlin. They came to Buel in 1781, and had eleven children, eight of whom reached adult age. They were as follows: Chauncey, George, Benjamin, Thomas, Hamlin, Mathias, Laura and Maria. Thomas, fourth son, and father of our subject, was born at Buel, January 23, 1790, and on January 21, 1814, married Sally Elmendorf, daughter of Frederick Elmendorf of Ulster county. They

FAMILY SKKTCHES. 11

had twelve children, seven of whom reached adult age, liut only two are now living: George W., a farmer in Schuyler county, born April 23, ISliO; and Beniainin. The early life of the latter was spent at Buel. He was educated in the common schools and Ames Academy, and married, January 20, 1848, Catharine, daughter of John and Christiana (Smith) Phillips of Buel. They have had eleven children, five of whom survive: Monroe, a mechanic of Fort Plain; C. Ellsworth, principal of Angelica high school in Allegheny county ; Emma, wife of Norman Folmsbee of Johnstown; John A , mechanic, of Johnstown; and Evander, a farmer living at home. Mrs. Catharine Phillips Button died November 0. 1877, and Mr. Button then married, March 19, 18S2, Mary C, daughter of Jacob Young of Buel. Benjamin T. Button died September 29, 1892.

Bullock, Willis, Canajoharip, was born August 17, 134-1, in tlie town of Canajoharie, about a mile south of the village, on the farm now occupied by Frederick Shinneman. He was a son of Hiram and Catharine (Seeber) Bullock. The earliest ancestor we can trace on the father's side is Reuben, grandfather of Willis, who was born in Columbia county. Tradition says that his father and two brothers came from England about the middle of the eighteenth century. One of these brothers settled in southwestern New York, one near Philadelphia, and the other — the great-grandfather of Willis — on the Hudson river near Kinderhook. Reuben Bullock was the father of sixteen children, si.K sons and ten daughters. One son survives, Lewis of Sharon Springs, who was born in 1807; Hiram, father of Willis, was the third son, born 1799, and followed farming all his life. In 1811 his father removed to Canajoharie, and at his death in 1842 Hiram succeeded to the farm, which he conducted until 1864. When forty-one he married Catharine, daughter of Johannes W. Seeber, who was a son of William H. Seeber of revolutionary fame. (See Seeber family history.) Hiram Bullock had four children, three of whom are living : Anna of Canajoharie; Charles, a railroad em- ployee of Canajoharie; and Willis. The latter has always lived in this town, where he was educated at the academy, receiving a supplementary course at the Poughkeepsie Business College. In 1867 he engaged in the hay trade which he has since followed. He has been an active member of the Republican part}', 'and has held the office of com- missioner two terms; trustee of the village three years; president of the village one terra, and for the last thirteen years has been a member of the board of education. In 1892 he founded the Hay Trade Journal, a novelty in the line of literature, devoted to the trade from which it derives its name, and its editor and proprietor, Willis Bullock, is known (by name at least) from Maine to San Francisco. Mr. Bullock married in 1875, Hettie B., daughter of Dr. Joseph Burbeck of Canajoharie, and they have two chil- dren, Willis, jr., and Dewitt.

Billman, William W., Canajoharie, was born in Cherry Valley, April 4. 1853, and was the son of Christopher and Maria (McFee) Bellman. The grandfather of William \V. (Martin) was born in Germany about 1810 and came to this country about 1850, locating in Wisconsin, where he died in 1880. He was the father of seven children, five of whom are living: John, the oldest, died in Minnesota; Martin, Henry, Roxanna, Catherine and Christopher, the father of our subject, who was born in Germany June 26, 1826, and came to this country a few years before his father, in June, 1844. He

12 HISTORY OF MOXTGO.\rERY COUNTY.

first located in Canajoharie, where he reaiained a few years working at railroading, also on the plank road and farming until 1858, when he bought the farm where he now re- sides in Cherry Valley. In 1850 he married Marie McFee, a daughter of William and Catherine (Ough) MoFee. They have had six children, three of whom are livmg: George C, a farmer in Canajoharie ; Lewis E., who lives on the homestead ; and Will- iam W., our subject, whose early life was spent in Cherry Valley. He was educated in the public schools and assisted his father on tlie farm, with the exception of one year when he worked for another farmer. On the 10th of November, 1880, he mar- ried Josie, a daughter of A. B. and Anna E. (Bowman) Miller of Ames. They have had four children, two of whom are livmg: Laura, died August '2, 1882, being four months old; Walter A. died March 8, 1888, being four and a half years old ; of the two living, Bertha E. was born November 5, 1884, and Leo C. was born January 23, 1892. In 1883 Mr. Bellman bought the property known as the old Mereness farm, where he now resides.

Bellman, George C, Canajoharie, was born in the town of Cherry Valley about a mile from his present residence, September 4. 1857, and was the son of Christopher and Marie (McFee) Bellman. His early life was spent on the old homestead, where his parents moved when he was about a year old. Be was educated in the public schools and at Fort Plain Seminary, and after leaving school he taught one year at St. Johns- ville. He also worked four years at carpenter work and then began farming, spending one year on Mr. Bowman's farm; but in 1879 he bought the farm which he now owns and which contains 100 acres. When Mr. Bellman bought the farm it had no build- ings; he has added many improvements, among which being a fine residence built in 1880, and new out buildings erected in 1879. On the 17th of October, 1877, he was married to Lizzie M. Duesler, daughter of Harry and Artimitia (Hose) Duesler of St. Johnsville. They have three children; Jennie E., born March 26, 1882; Florence C , born December 31, 1885; and Earl L., born February 5, 1888. Mr. Bellman is a Re- publican and has always taken an active interest in politics.

Betts, Philip, Canajoharie, was born in New York, June 3, 1845, and at the age of twelve began as delivery boy in a market, which was his starting point to learn the butcher's trade. In 1870 he came to Canajoharie, where he was engaged with Menzo Button in a market for a year and a half, when he bought out the business and has ever since conducted it on his own account. In 1884 Mr. Betis built on the corner of Mo- hawk and Church streets the fine brick block which he now occupies. This is one of the most sightly of Canajoharie's handsome buildings. In 1870 he married Ida Phillips, of Fort Plain, who died eighteen months later. He then married Helen Campbell, who lived but three years. His present wife is Nettie Blount, of Oswego county, by whom he has two daughters : Helena M. and Marion L. Mr. Betts owns a handsome resi- dence, one of the finest in the town. He is a supporter and his family are members of the Canajoharie Dutch Reformed church.

Benton, Milton J., Canajoharie, was born in the town of Canajoharie near Ames, June 16, 1830, and was the son of Hylan and Cynthia (Hodge) Benton. His grand- father, Chandler Benton, was born in Ma.-^sachusetts, and was the father of eleven chil-

FAMILY SKETCHES. 13

dren. HyUin, who was the youngest, was born in 1799 and was a small cliild when his parents moved to Ames. His father died when lie was seven years old and he was put to work very early in life with Samuel Schuyler. In 1820 he was married to Cynthia Hodge of this town, and they were the parents of seven children, five of whom are now living: Myra, wife of Daniel Seeber of Jamestown, Cal.; Keziah Curtis of Stockton, Cal., a widow; Byron of Rockwell, Iowa; Mdton J.; Cynthia Stoddard of Merced, Cal. In 1849 his wife died and in the following year he married Mrs. Eve Flint, a widow, and they were the parents of three children, two of which are now living: Viona Lasher and Cherry. Milton J., our subject, has spent his whole life in this town with the exception of four years which he spent in California, where he tried mining and also conducted a saw-mill. Returned here in 1859 and bought a farm of si;cty acres, the present residence of the family, to wliich he has added many improve- ments— a fine house and out-buildings, making it ,now, with the forty acres he has added to it, one of the best farms in the town. December 20, IS60, he married Ase- nath, daughter of Anthony and Eliza (Anthony) Walter of Waterford, and they are the parents of three children : Cynthia, born December 9, 18G1 ; Walter, born Febru- ary 17, 1865; Florence, born September 16, 1874. Mr. Benton has been for twenty years an active church worker, and is a steward of the il E. Church at Canajoharie. He is a Republican in politics but not an office seeker.

Bander, Irving. Root, was born in St. Johnsville January 10, 1836, and is a son of Melchior L. and Sarah (Swackhamer) Bander. His grandfather, Leonard Bauder, was born in Palatine, and was a farmer and a Democrat in politics. He died in St. Johns- ville at the age of eighty-six, having been in the war of 1812. He was a pensioner of the war, and had served at Sacketts Harbor. He was twice married and had by his first wife three sons and six daughters. His second wife was Eve Zimmerman by whom he had no children. Irving is the only one of his father's children living. He received a common school education, and at the age of twenty began for himself on his father's farm. In 18G2 he went to St. Johnsville and worked a small farm, until about 1866, when he located on his present farm of 160 acres. Mr. Bauder has made his own way in life, and is a Democrat in politics. In August, 1856, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Robert and Catherine (Dysslin) Nellis of St. Johnsville (her grandfather being th.- Rev. John H. Dysshn), and they have six children: John N., Charles M., who died aged twelve ; Mary E., wife of Cliarles Brown : Katie C, wife of John McNeill ; Emma S., wife of Grant Brown; Irving H. Mr. Bauder and wife are members of the Christian Church.

Bonesteel, A. I., Root, a son of Henry and Mary A. (Hillj Bonesteel, was born in Rensselaer county. Match 26, 1844, and received a disirict school education. He is an active Republican, and unmarried and resides on the farm which his father bought in 1872 in Montgomery county. His grandfather, Lodowich, came from Germany and settled in Rensselaer county, where he reared one daughter and eight sons, two of whom served in the war of 1812. The father of our subject was born in Rensselaer county in October, 1803. He was tliree times married, first to AnnEnos. His second wife was the mother of A. I. and James H. Bonesteel. She died in 1853, and Le married, third, Louisa Burdick, by whom he had one daughter, Carrie. He died October 3

14 HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

1SS2, and hi.s wife survives him. The mother of A. I. Bonesteel was born in Rensse- laer county. Her father was of Scotch descent, and served in the revohitionary war.

Bellinger, William, Canajoharie, was born on the 19th of December, 1S46, in Root, and is a son of William I. and Eliza (Putnian) Bellinger, both of Dutch ancestry and natives of Montgomery county. The father was born on the 6th of December, 1806, at Spraker's Basin, and is remembered as an upright and honorable man ; his great- grandfather, William Bellinger, emigrated with the Palatmes from the banks of the Rhine. William I. was a colonel of mditia and had command of the One Hundred and Thirty-eighth regiment of state militia. He was supervisor of the town of Bleecker, Fulton county, for a number of years. He died on the 17th of February, 1872. Will- iam Bellinger was brought up on a farm and followed agriculture for several years; he still owns the old homestead, a fine farm of ninety acres, in the town of Root. In 1S37 he engaged in the insurance business with Maj. A. V. Davis, and in the year 1890 with A. G. Richmond, under the firm of Richmond & Bellinger. On the 19th of Jan- uary, 1876, he married Anna V., daughter of Elijah and Rebecca (Yischer) Garlock. She is a great-granddaughter of Colonel Vischer (or Fisher), first judge of Montgomery county, and colonel of the Tryon county regiment at the battle of Oriskany. Mr. and Mrs. Bellinger have two children, Florence V. and Elijah W. Mr. Bellinger is a Re- publican in politics, has been justice of the peace, is a notary public and a Mason.

Conover, Seely, Amsterdam, was born at Shufty's Corners in the town of Leray, •letferson county, February 20, 1841, and came with his parents to Charleston when five years old. He was educated in the public school, and from 1861 to 1862 taught school. August 6, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Fifteenth New York State Volunteers, and participated in the following battles: Harper's Ferry, Ber- muda Hundred, Old Church, Drury's Bluff, Proctor's Creek, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, trenches before Petersburg, Mine Explosion and Deep Bottom, where he was wounded in the left shoulder, the ball passing upward and lodging in his neck. This took place August 16, 1864, at which time he was captured and taken to the prison hospital at Richmond. After six days he was paroled and sent to the Naval School Hospital at Annapolis, where he remained four weeks; he was then granted a home furlough for two months, after which he returned to the Naval School, where the bullet was ex- tracted from his neck, and he still has it in his possession. In March, 1865, he rejoined his regiment in North Carolina, on its march to join General Sherman's army, which they met at Goldsboro, and were mustered out of service at Raleigh on June 17, 1865, and honorably discharged at Albany, July 3, 1865. After being discharged he contin- ued his studies at Wliitestown Seminary, from which institution he graduated; he then taught school eight years and was school commissioner of Montgomery county three years. In the spring of 1879 he taught the spring term in Amsterdam Academy, and after this he bought the book and stationery business from Marcus Gardner, and formed a partnership known as Conover Sz Kline, which lasted for six months; at this time Robert P. Orr bought the interest of Kline and the store was conducted under the firm of Conover & Orr seven years, since which time the business has been conducted by Mr. Conover alone. Mr. Conover was a member of the board of education eight years, supervisor of the first ward two years, is a member of the E. S. Young Post No. 33-

FAMILY SKETCHES. 15

G. A, R., deparlriieiU of New York, is treasurer and one of the trustees of the First Baptist churcli. August IG, 1871, he married Sarah, third daughter of Hosea and Phebe (Wands) Davis of Charleston, who was at one time his assistant teacher. They have six children, three sons and three daughters: Donald D., Mabel, Blanche, Leah, Maurice \V., and Kenneth P. The ancestry of tlie paternal side is Dutch and Scotch, and the maternal side, Welsh. He is one of tlie trustees of the Savings bank, and a member of the finance committee,

CooHng, Miles, Amsterdam, was born in County Wicklow, Ireland, September 4, 18.58, but at the age of eleven he came with his parents to this country and located at Amsterdam on the 1st of May, 1871. He firit worked in Sanford <t Son's carpet fac- tory, but in 1873 he entered the boot and shoe store of his cousin, John Kavanagh, on East Main street. In February, 1885, Mr. Kavanagh retired from the concern and Mr. Coohng succeeded him and still continues the business. In religion he is a Roman Catholic, being one of the leading members of St. Mary's congregation, besides many other organizations ; he is financial secretary of branch No. 110 of C. JI. B. A., trustee of the Olympus Club, and one of the founders of the Catholic Union. In politics Mr. Cooling is a Democrat, being well known in the councils of his party ; he is a fine con- versationalist and an easy writer, contributing frequently to the public press. In April, 1892, he was elected water commissioner for three years, is now president of St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery Association. October 26, 1892, he married Catherine F., third daughter of Thomas and Catherine Carr of this city. Mr. Cooling's father has been dead twelve years; his mother is still residing in this city.

Clark, Augustus, General, Amsterdam, was born in Broadalbin, on the 16th of April, 1820, and was educated in the public schools until he iame to Hagaman's Mills to re- side. He was a clerk in a general store until 1836, but in 1838 he came to Amsterdam where he was a clerk in a general store and also book-keeper for two years for John Sanford. In 1840 he became a member of the firm under the name of Sanfo'-d & Clark, which continued four years and then expired by limitation. On the 7th of September, 1842, he married Lydia A., third daughter of Welcome and Susan Cole Ch^se of Am- sterdam. They have one son (Arthur T.) born February 15, 1855. The ancestors on his side are English, French and Irish and on .Mrs. Clark's side English. General Clark received his commission as general of militia fronr the governor of this state.

Clark, Walter S., Amsterdam, was born on the 31st of August, 1855, in Amsterdam, and was educated in the common schools and Amsterdam Academy. On the 2d day of October, 1876, he married Jennie, youngest daughter of Col. John and Maria McDon- ald of this city. They had two boys, both of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Clark died onlhe 23d of February, 1887. Mr. Clark's father, John M., was born on the 24th of .September, 1809, in the town of Perth. In the year 1836 he married Mary Creighton of the same town, by whom he had nine children. The ancestry of the family is Scotch.

Cross, William E., Amsterdam, was born m Amsterdam, March 15, 1862, and was educated in the public schools. After leaving school he learned the jewelry business, and in 1890 he started in business on his own account. On December 29, 1886, he mar- ried Anna M., only daughter of Cady H. and Mattie L. Van Vorst of Schenectady, and

16 HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

they hare one chiM (0. IToUister) born November 15, 1890. Mr. Croc=s's father (George H.) was born in Fiiltonville in 1840 He was a carpenter and contractor, and married Sarah B. Parker of A.msterdam They have four children : WilHam W., George H., jr., Ameail M. and Harry S. George H. Cross enhsted in Company A, One Hundred and Si.\-tv-Fiflh New York Vohinteers and was honorably discharged althecloseof the war. William E. is a member of W. E. Cro=s Camp, No 154; this camp was named after him and it was organized December IG, ISPO. Mr. Cross is past chaplain of the camp. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythia.s, Chuctenunda Lodge, No. 100, also of the Kennyetto Tribe of Improved Order of Red Men, 110, also of the Amster- dam Lodge, 1. 0. 0. F., and of the Amsterdam Lodge of B. P. 0. E. and of J. D. Ser- vi>s Steamer Company, No. 1.

Cleveland, Ferrand II., Amsterdam, was born in tlie town of Summit, Schoharie county, April 20, 1840. He received an academic education and entered Rutgers College, but before graduntnig he enlisted, March 29. 18G4 in Company G, Tliird New York Cavalry. He was wounded in a skirmish at Clnila Station, Va.. May 14; and July 11, ISGt, being then attached to the start" of Gen. A. V. Kautz, commanding cavalry, Army of the James, he was severely injured while carrying dispatches and honorably dis- charged on account of such injuries in S-^ptemher, 18G5. After the war he went to Chicago, but in 1872 located in Schenevus. Otsego county, where he conducted a boot and shoe store and insurance office. In April, ISSG, he was located at Amsterdam by the Jfutual Life In.'^urance Company of New York as district agent. October 19, 1870, he married Lydia E., youngest daughter of Amasa and Sarah C. Dingman of his native town ; they have two cliildren, a daughter. Genevieve, and son. Henry B. Mr. Cleveland's father, Henry A., who was born in Charlotteville, December 18, 1810, was a Wacksmith and a farmer. He married Bethiah Decker of the same town, by whom he had three chddren. Mr. Cleveland's great-grandfather, David Galusha, was a sergeant in the revolutionary war and served under La Fayette; his wife's grandfather, William Clement, was one of the famous " Boston Tea Party." He also marched with Arnold to Quebec, but escaped when Montgomery fell, and having returned, he served through- out the war. Mr. Cleveland's mother's father (Peter Decker) was in the war of 1812, and his srandfather, Asa Cleveland, was also a soldier in the same war. The genealogy of his father's family he traces to the fourteenth century — 1356 — and his mother is a descendent of Rev. John Young, first pastor at East Hampton, Long Lsland.

Clizbe, Marcus W., Amstenlam p. o., was born in the town of Amsterdam on the site of Rockton May 15, 1814, and was the son of Darius and Mary (Jones) Clizbe. Darius, father of our subject, came from near Newark, N. J., with his parents, Joseph and Hannah (Roberts) Clizbe, in 1798 when Darius was nine years old. Joseph Clizbe, grandfather of Marcus W., was born June 27, 1756, and served in the war of the rev- olution. He was the father of seven children, Darius being the fourth. Darius was born Kovember 8, 17S6, and he also was a soldier, serving in the war of 1812. He was the father of seven children, Three died during childhood and the names of the others were Marcus W., Hannah M. ( Mrs. James Birch ), William, Louisa J. ( Mrs. Alexander Scott). Charlotte, Samuel J. Marcus W., our subject, has always lived on the Clizbe farm, formerly called the Kennedy farm, where he now resides. He was educated at

FAMILY SKETCHES. 17

the district school at Manny's Corners, and at Amsterdam at a select school kept by Horace Spragiie. December 10, 1844-, he married Emily Van Dyke, daughter of John and Rebecca ( Morse ) Van Dyke of Amsterdam, who came to this county from Albany county in 182-5. Their union has been blessed with four childeen : Charlotte, born September 19, 1816 ; Gertrude, wife of John C. Chalmers of Ann Arbor, Mich., borr> December 5, 1850; Mary, born April 29, 1S53 ; William, born November 19. 1859.

Cole, Jacob, Amsterdam, Hagaman's Mil'.s p. o., was born in the town of Broadalbin. December 21, 1820. He was the son of Jacob and Laney ( Carncross ) Cole. Jacob Cole was a son of Isaac who came from Holland about the time of the revolution, and settled at Broadalbin when this section was only a wilderness. He bought 160 acres of land which he cleared off for a farm, and kept until just previous to his death, sell- ing it and buying another small place of ten acres, where he died May 20, 1853. Jacob was educated in the common schools and lived with his parents until 1840, when he went to the town of Florida, where he worked until 1852. On October 18, 1855, he married Sarah Fonda of Amsterdam ; they are the parents of six children, five of whom are living; Hattie, now Mrs. McLaughlin of Utica, born July 5, 1856; Charles C. of Hagaman's Mills, born March 16, 1?5?; Marilla, now Mrs. John Stewart, born October 19, 1862; John, born June 8, 1563: and Shuler, born August 5,1868. Mr. Cole is quite an able man, though past seventy years, and his wife is still living to com- fort him in his declining years. His son Charles has been unfortunate, having lost his wife, Ella Sowles, who died January 20, 1892, leaving one child. Clarence Earl, who is eight years old. Shuler married Lizzie Sanders of Manny's Corners.

Collins, Stephen, Amstsrdara p. o., born in Limerick, Jefferson county, August 13, 1844, and is the son of John S. and Mary (Nott) Collins. His early life was spent at home and he attended the district school during the winter terms, between the age of ten and nineteen, when he went as a partner with his brother Tunis in running a threshing machine for two years, when he bought the "Elmwood farm," then known as the Jackson farm. He has lived on this place ever since and has built the finest farm house in the town, also new out-buildings and fences, and made many improve- ments which beautify and benefit the property. In 1874 they lost about .91,200 worth of stock by disease, which was a severe disaster to Stephen in his struggle for a home. December 11, 1866, he married Martha L. Shedd of Jefferson county, sister of Mrs. Tunis Collins. An adopted son of twelve years fills the place of children, as they have none of their own, and took him when he was but three years old. In 1888 Stephen, our subject, was elected on the Republican ticket to the office of supervisor, and made a marked success as such, winning a case for "equalization of taxes" against the county.

Candee, John W., Amsterdam, Hagaman's Mills p. o., was born in Hagaman's Mills October IG, 1847, and is a son of Leander and Maria (Palraateer) Candee. Lean- der N. Candee was a son of David W. and Elizabeth (Ostrora) Candee. John W., our subject, lived at home during childhood, attending the public school at Hagaman's Mills until he was eighteen years of age, and then took a course of instruction of his uncle, Peter Sraeallie, of the Andes Collegiate Institute. After leaving that insli-

18 HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

tution he attended Ames's Commercial school at Syracuse for about six months. He then followed the carpenter's trade for six years, and on Aug^ust 16, 1871, he married Nellie M. Nason, daughter of William Nason of Glens Falls. In 1883 he engaged with William M. Pawling of the Anchor Hosiery Mill, as bookkeeper and clerk„ which position he still holds. Mr. Candee lives on the old homestead where he was born. Mr. and Mrs. Candee are the parents of two children : ilabel N., born July 30, 1877, and Anna M., born February 26, 1881.

Chapman, Reuben, Amsterdam p. o., was born in Albany, May 7, 1825. and is a son of Reuben and Hannah (Zeraner) Chapman. Reuben, the father of our subject, was born in East Haddam, Conn., August 2, 1778, and came to Albany about 1805, where he conducted a flour and feed store until 1828, when he came to the town of Amster- dam and bought the farm of 152 acres where Nelson Scott now lives. Reuben, our subject, attended the district school until he was sixteen, when he joined his father in working the farm. January 17, 1855, he married Sarah E. Bell, daughter of Andrew and Anne (McClellan) Bell. January 12, 1866, eleven years after marriage, she died, leaving one child, Jane Anna, now Mrs. Charles Birch, of Amsterdam, born April 29, 1858. In 1855 Mr. Chapman bought the farm of 100 acres known as the " Stewart farm." where he has since resided. March 12, 1867, he married Henrietta (Gunsalus) Hill, daughter of Henry and Henrietta (Valinda) Hill.

Collins, Charles E., Amsteidam, was born in the town of Amsterdam April 11, 1848, and is a son of Stephen H. and Esther (Riggs) Collins. Stephen H. Collins was born in Amsterdam April 20, 1814, a:;d was a son of Joseph and Hannah (Silkman) Collins. Joseph came from Connecticut to Greene county previous to 1800. He came to Amster- dam in 1812 and settled at the place where Harrower's mills now stand, where he died in 1SG6, aged eighty-six years. He was the father of thirteen children, twelve of whom grew up and were married, and eleven of whom left descendants. Charles E., the subject of our sketch, was one of a family of ten, seven boys and three girls. His early life was spent at home where his father now lives. He was educated in the district school and Amsterdam Academy. At the age of thirty he was married to Sarah Cole, daugh- ter of Lewis and Angeline (Ruggles) Cole, March 5, 1879, and moved on the farm where he now lives. She died July 26, 1886, leaving three children: Francis L., born September 13, 1881; Mabel E., born April 5, 1884; and Sadie L., born July 12, 1886. He is one of the charter members of Amsterdam Grange, No. 705, P. of H. ; also a member of Artisan Lodge, No. 84, F. and A. M. ; also Amsterdam Chaptei, No. 81, R. A. M., and St. George's Commandery, No. 37, K. T.

Charlesworth Family, The,— John Miles Charlesworth, the first of the name to locate in ;Minden, was by birth an Englishman. He came to this country with his parents, previous to the revolution. While in New York he enlisted in the American army, and after the close of the war he settled near Fort Plain and was engaged in farming. He married Margaret, daughter of John Lipe and they had eight children, all of whom lived to a ripe old age, there being four sons and four daughters. Mary and Margaret were the two oldest. Mary married a Reese, and Margaret a Hawn, moving to the state of Ohio. John and Daniel were next. John married Nancy, daughter of Esquire

FAMILY SKETCHES. 19

Youngs of Fort Plain, and moved to Steuben count}', where he was a well-to-do farmer and raised a large family of sons and daughters. Daniel married Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Devendorf of Minden, and they had nine children, eight of whom are still living. He moved from Fort Plain to St. Lawrence county in 1843. where he resided until his death in 1834, being then ninety-two years old. He was a lifelong farmer, and left four daughters and two sons livmg in Ogdensburg. Charles, the eldest of the family, resides in Minden, and Josiah (the ne.\t younger) is in California. Next we mention Elizabeth and Catharine Charlesworth. Elizabeth married Isaac Carncross. Catharine's first husband being William German, who' lived and died in Fort Plain ; her second husband, Horace Thayer, also lived and died in]]the same place. They had one daughter, Maggie Thayer, who married Guilford Hawn, and who still resides in her beautiful residence at Fort Plain, vvhere her mother also passed almost her entire lifetime. Clark and David were the two younger of the family. Clark mar- ried Nancy, only daughter of John C. Lipe of Palatine. lie was a merchant and musician for many years at Fort Plain, but finally moved with his entire family to Avoca, Steuben county, where he pursued farming until his death. David was for many years a furniture dealer at Fort Plain ; he moved to Albany and was engaged in the grocery business until he died. Charles, the eldest of Daniel Charlesworth's family, was born in ifinden September 16, 1822, and married Eliza Seeber, daughter of John W. Seeber of Canajoharie. They have two children, Roselle and John. Roselle married Ellen Devendorf, daughter of John Devendorf, of Minden ; they have one daughter, Lizzie M. Charlesworth. John married Celestia Steenberg, daughter of Aaron Steenberg of Minden, and they have two children, Stanton and Eva Charles- worth. Charles, as well as his sons, is engaged in farming. They are in politics all Democrats.

Cassidy, David D., Amsterdam, was born on the Gth of April, 1S27, and was educa- ted in the district schools and the Poughkeepsie Collegiate school. From 1844 until 1849 he was clerk in a dry goods house, but in 1849 he entered the Farmers' National bank, first as a c'erk and afterwards book-keeper, then teller, assistant cashier, and finally cashier. The latter position he held for thirty years, during which the bank was remarkably successful. Mr. Cassidy, indeed, has won a high reputation as a financier, and has also been very successful in other business. He is a large real estate owner, and the Cassidy building on East Main street, consisting of stores and flats, not only shows good taste and judgment, but is a valuable addition to Amsterdam's business architecture. When Mr. Cassidy resigned his po.'^ition in the bank to attend to his own private affairs, a general regret was expressed in the community, but has still continued in public service, being a trustee of the Amsterdam Academy, and also treasurer and director of the Chuctenunda Gas Light Company. On the 17th of April, 18C6, he mar- ried Mrs. Catharine M. Efner, second daughter of Peter H. Clute of Rochester, and they have two children, a daughter (Belle) and a son (David D., jr.), who is a student in Harvard college. Mr. Cassidy'a father was born in the year 1796, and married Catherine Wemple of the town of Florida, by whom he had three children, two of whom died in infancy, and David D., the subject of this brief and imperfect sketch.

20 HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Putman. W. Brower, Mohawk. Tribes Hill p. o., was born in the town of Johns- town, June 5, 1S29, and is a descendant of Victor Putman, who held the grant for the mile square of land in the town of Amsterdam. Mr. Putman's boyhood was spent with his parents. He attended the village schools and assisted on the farm until 1853, when he hired a farm in Amsterdam and conducted it three years. He then moved to the town of Mohawk, and in 1872 bought the farm which he now occupies and which con- tains seventy-five acres. He has greatly improved the place during the twenty years of his ownership, and has built a very fine house, also new barns and other outbuild- ings, rendering it double in value since he made the purchase. March 4, 1853, he mar- ried Mary E. German of Schoharie, and they are the parents of six children : Henry of Johnstown; Alvin of Tribes Hill; Ira of Mayfield; Emory of Fultonville; Adel- bert of Mayfield, and William, who lives at home. Mr. Putman has always been in- terested in politics, but never an office seeker. His ambition has been to reach the point where he now stands as a successful farmer; one characterized by industry and good management, elements which are so essential to those who cultivate the soil.

Bowers, "William, Mohawk, was born in Newark, N. J., January 1, 1842, his parents having come from Hanover (Germany) the previous year; but they soon moved to Montgomery county. He had three brothers, Charles, Henry and Albert, who reside in Fulton county. William worked at farming as soon as he was large enough, and in 1863 enlisted in the Twentieth New York cavalry. Company I, and served until the close of the war. At Suffolk, Va., he was thrown from his horse and had three ribs broken. He received an honorable discharge, being mustered out in August, 1865. He is a member of Tandeveer Post No. 57, G. A. E. In 1868 he married Mary Comer and settled on the farm where he has since resided. He has had four children : George, Minnie (died October 4, 1871), John and Gertrude. Mr. Bowers was in the hospital at Norfolk eight months. He was a corporal, and his last battle was at Fort Fisher, Michael Comer, father of Mrs. Bowers, was born in Ireland, and came to this country in 184R, making Fonda his residence until his death in 1869. He married Bridget Glynn, who survives him in Fonda. Mr. Bowers has a fine farm, and also a valuable sulphur spring, the only one in the town, which will yet become a health resort.

Burke, John Davis, Fort Plain, was born in Glen and wa.s the oldest son in the fam- ily of eight children of John and Charlotte (Ver Meter) Burke. His father was a tan- ner and currier. Our subject obtained only a common school education. At the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to James Halliday, carriage maker in Caughnawaga. After serving his time he went to Albany and was employed in the well-known Gould shop. April 1, 1831, he went to Minaville and opened a carriage shop on his own ac- count, but it was destroyed by fire in 1833, and on May 3 of that year he came to Fort Plain and commenced carriage building which he continued till his death, Novem- ber 8, 1891. He employed from fifteen to twenty men and manufactured a general line of carriages, sleighs and plows, dealing only in his own productions. In politics he was a Democrat and filled various village offices. He married Miss Cornelia Hopkins, aud of their five children but one lived to mature age— Helen B.. w-idow of William Evans. She resides in Fort Plain, N. Y.

FAMILY SKETCHES. 21

Berry, Darius V., Mohawk. .<;on of Henry V, and Hannah (Van Antwerp) Berry, ■was born in Johnstown (then Montgomery county), October 1, 1S22. His father, Henry V., who was of Irish parentage, was born in 17S7, and lived and died a farmer in the town of Mohawk. In 1S16 he was commissioned a justice of the peace, and in 1835 was elected to the Assembly. It was during his term that the county seat was removed from Johnstown to Fonda. He was a Democrat and a Union man during the late war. He died in 1871 and his wife in 1S72, aged eighty-three years. They had five children, four sons and one daughter : Maria Dockstader ; John V., attorney, who died July 3, 1853, in Marysville, Cal. ; George W., a farmer, who died March 14, 1887, in Mohawk; Darius Y., and also Henry F.. who died at the age of thirty. Darius V. Berry was educated at the common schools and also at Ames Academy, which then was a flourishing institution. In the fall of 1843, with Matthew Freeman, he purchased the Fonda Herald, named it the Fonda Sentinel and eilited it until 18-16, when he was appointed postmaster of Fonda. In the spring of IS47 he moved to Canajoharie and engaged in the mercantile business until 1850, but the next year he returned to Fonda and entered the county clerk's office. On the 1st of January, 1853, he was appointed deputy county clerk, a position which he held until 1S56, when he was elected county clerk. This office he held for three terms and was hiehly popular from his courtesy as well as knowledge of the public records. In 18G5 he engaged in milling and farming at Berrysville until 1875, when he was appointed postmaster at Fonda, retaining the office until 1888. Mr. Berry's e.xpert management of the post-office was universally ap- preciated. He was clerk of the board of supervisors in 1850, and held that office three years. He was elected a member of assembly in 1868, and justice of the peace in 1891 He was also deputy county clerk from January 1, 1889. to February, 1892, having served over seventeen years in the county clerk's office. Mr. Berry has won a hio-h position as both faithful and successful in public life. He married Charlotte, daughter of Simon D. Kittle, March 12, 1844. She died in 1878, leaving two children: John D. of Columbus, 0., and Simon D., who did good service during the rebellion as a member of the Third Cavalry, and who died aged thirty-three, leaving three sons and one daughter. Mr. Berry is a Mason.

Bulger Family, The. — John Bulger wa-; born near Ballaiigary, county Tipperary Ireland, August 15, 1833. He came to America in ISoO, and. after sta3-ing one vear in T^ew Jersey came to Minden. He married Betsey Pickard, and they have five chil- dren : R. Simon, Margaret E., wife of Nicholas Stoner of Springfield Center; John J., resides in Minden ; Barbara Ann, wife of D. B. Ellis of Johnstown; and Charles D, who resides in Minden. R. Simon, the eldest of the above children, was born in Stark Herkimer county, March 13, 1853, and married Katie, daughter of the late Josiah Geesler. They have five children, viz. : Earl Jay, Pearl May, John Ray, Glen W., and Edna L., the two oldest being twins. He has taught the winter terms of school since 1872, and some summer terms in Montgomery and Herkimer counties. He is a Dem- ocrat in politics, and was twice elected justice of the peace, and also supervisor of Min- den in 1891-92.

Bush, George Albert, Minden, the oldest son of Peter G. Bush and Catherine Diefendorf, his wife, was born in Minden. September 22, 1S44. Receiving but a com-

22 HISTORY OF MONTaOMERY COUNTY.

mon school education, he worked on his father's farm and came in the spring of 185S with hirn on his present farm of 100 acres, on the Cherry Valley Turnpike in the town of Minden. In politics a Republican, he has never sought public office.

Henry S. Bragdon was born in Sullivan. Hancock county, Me., January 2S, 1S15, and was the son of Jonathan and Mary (Welch) Bragdon. His early life was spent in his native town, where he learned the trade of stone cutter. He left when about twenty years of age to go to Portland where he cut stone for two years, losing all that he earned during that tinae by the failure of his employer. He then came to- New York where he remained but a short time, cutting stone used in the construction of Trinity church. He came to Tribes Hill and thence to Canajoharie, where he fol- lowed bis trade a few years, and then opened a dry goods store. Ha was very fortun- ate in having a large quantity of goods at the breaking out of the war, and on them he made large profits. In politics Mr. Bragdon is a staunch Republican, and was always ready to assist in public matters whenever called upon. While in mercantile life he conducted business on the cash principle, and so also with his expenditures, and it was his pride to be considered an honest man, a title which he truly deserved, using his Bible as a guide through lite, and always living up to the golden rule, to " Do unto others as ye would have others do unto you." Henry S. Bragdon had great nerve and courage, and also a sense of the humorous, which cheered his darkest hours. His nerve was displayed in the water works difficulties in this village a few years age, when he gen- erously risked his money and sustained the effort. All who knew him found him a true friend in adversity. He retired from business in 1879, and was thenceforth engaged in the care of his estate and was for many years a director of the Canajoharie Bank. He- will be remembered in this vicinity not only as a successful merchant, but also as a kind and unostentatious member of society. At his death, which occurred June 19, 1S92, the village lost one of its most honored citizens. He was married in 1847 to Maria Fox, daughter of Charles Fox of Fort Plain. Their children who survived them were Wintield S. of Johnstown, James F. of Schnectady, and Mary A., wife of Harry A. Swartfigner of Canajoharie.

Boyd, Rev. John Campbell, Mohawk, is the son of the late Dr. James P. and Mary A. Boyd, and was born in Albany ilarch 2, 183G. His father was not only an eminent physician, but a man of earnest piety and long a ruling elder in the First Presbyterian church. Mr. Boyd was graduated from Albany Academy in 1853, and from Princeton College in 1855, and his rank is shown not only by the degree of B. A', and M. A., but also by the fact that he was valedictorian of his class, an honor only conferred on the most finished scholar. He then began legal studies in New York with Judge Van Vorst, and was admitted to the bar in 1857. But his attention was led to the ministry, and he eventually entered Princeton Theological Seminary, where he graduated in 1863. He was one year in charge of a mission church, but in 18G5 accepted a call to the Reformed church of Fonda, which then was in a very feeble condition. During his pastorate the congregation improved, and the church was removed to its present location and enlarged. After five years of labor he was obliged by ill health to resign, but later on was invited to Valatie, Columbia county, where he held a pastoral charge for six years. In 1878 he was called to Kuigsboro where he labored until 1883, when he returned to Fonda and

FAMILV SKETCHES. 23

took charge of the churches at Auriesville and Sammonsville, but resigned the latter on the 1st of January, 1892. His first wife was Clarissa Schuyler, daughter of the late George Schuyler of Fonda, but she was soon removed by death, and on August 28, 1S73, he married Clara, daughter of Isaac M. Davjs, of Fonda long known as a success- ful merchant. During his residence in Fonda, Pastor Boyd has taken deep interest in the public schools, and has been a member of the Board of Education since 18SS, doing valuable service in this important field of duty. As a preacher he is noted for sound doctrine and easy delivery. He has always been a student, and next to theology has been a deep historical reader, to which has been added the advantages of a tour through Great Britain and the continent, including a visit to the famed city of Rome. Pastor Boyd has two sons whom he has carefully educated and who give promise to future usefulness,

Billington, Thomas M., Amsterdam, was born in Fonda October 19, 1S46, and was educated in the common schools. He was engaged in the wholesale grocery business in Oil City, but was burnt out in the great fire which destroyed more than half that place. Alfred Wright, who was also burnt out at the same time, starting afterwards in business in Ptochester, Mr. Billington became his ti'aveling agent. He was sixteen years with Mr. Wright and ten years with Adolph Spiehler, both of Rochester. Mr. Billington, on December 12, 1867, married Abby P., daughter of Dr. Anderson of the town of Northampton, Fulton county, by whom he had three children, one son and two daughters: Harry, who married Mary Fosmire of this city; Etta G., died at the age of fourteen years; and Laura, who married Lee S. Anibal of Northville. June 8, 1885, he married Harriet L., youngest daughter of Dr. William H. Johnson of Jonhstown ; they have had two children, both boys, one of whom died in infancy, and Louis Jolin- son, who was born May 1, 1887. Mr. Billington's father, Henry, was born in Stone Arabia and married Minerva, daughter of John H. Morrell of Fonda. They had seven children, six of whom are living. His father enlisted in Company I, 115th N. Y. Vol- unteers, and was killed in the battle of Gettysburg in 1863.

Grouse Family, The— The first settler of this family in Central New York was Jacob Krauss, a German, who came to this country early in the eighteenth century. He married, June 24, 1724, Catharine Elizabeth Nellis, who died Alarch 30, 1754, and he died March 29, 1778. Their children were John Jacob, bom June 6, 1725; Maria Elizabeth, born September 21, 172S ; Maria Margaretha, born September 15, 1731; John George, born October 21, 1733; Robert, born December 25, 1736, and died in the war of the revolution; George, born August 5, 1740; Catharina, born March 28, 1744; and Anna, born December 14, 1746. All these children are supposed to have been born in Minden. George Krauss, who afterwards spelt his name Crous, married, May 21, 1765, Catharine Grausen. Their children were : Jacob, from whom the Syracuse family is descended ; George, who died in Avon; Robert, who died in Minden; Henry; Cath- arine, who married George H. Nellis; and Maria, who married Hiram Vedder. George, died September 28, 1824. Henry of the above family was born in ilinden January 11, 1787, and married, February 16, 1812, Caty, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Sanders. Their children were Oliver, born September 10, 1812, died at Fort Wayne, Ind.; Catharine, born March 9, 1844, married James Center; William; George, born

24 :' HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

March 28, 1817, died unmarried at Fort Plain; Henry Sanders ; Jacob, born September 17, 1820, died in Iowa; Elizabeth died young; Jeremiah, died aged twenty-three; Maria, died in infancy"; Samuel, born January 2, 1827, died unmarried in Fort Plain ; Simeon, born October 2-t, 1S2S, a physician, died in Warren, Herkimer county ; Menzo, born March 20, 1831, unmarried, resides in Fort Plain. The latter and Henry S. are the only male descendants living of Henry Grouse,* -n-hodied February 14, 1864. His wife died April 28, 1860. William, of the above family, was born in Minden October 19. 1815. His father owned the farm on which a part of Fort Plain is located. He left home at the age of thirteen years, and from that time until he was twenty he was en. ployed in a dry goods store in Canajoharie. Then, wiih his brother George, he en- gaged in the same business in Fort Plain, but finally sold his interest to his brother, and formed a partnership with Solomon Kellar at StarUville, where he continued three years. He then went into business with his brother Oliver at Springfield, but three years later dissolved partnership and for the next ten years carried on business for him- self in Warren. He then returned to his native town and began dealing in hops and other produce, which he followed until his retirement from active business. In politics he was a Republican. He married Margaret, daughter of Richard E. and Jane (Chisholm) Ward of Starkville. He died February 27, 1879. Henry Sanders (son of Henry) was born in Minden December 30, 1818, and married Harriet M., daughter of George Grouse. They have no children. Henry S. is living on the farm which was settled 125 years ago by his grandfather.

Clark, William, Minden, was born at Cooperstown June 24, 1811, and was the second son of a family of nine children of Cyrenus and Piacliel (Tracy) Clark. After attend- ing the public school, at the age of fourteen he was employed by General Averill who at that time conducted a grocery and tannery at St. Johnsville. He remained in Gen- eral Averill's employ five or six years, and then opened a general store at Cooperstown, but he came to Fort Plain in 1842, and became interested with Abraham Hoffman in the canal and forwarding business, under the firm name of Clark & Hoffman. He also became a partner in the grocery house of Clark & Wood. Owing to the decline of the canal business, Mr. Clark engaged in the hop trade, in which he was interested up to the time of his death. He was formerly a Whig, but became a Republican on the or- ganization of that party. He was a member of Assembly in 184S, and of the State Senate in 1862, besides holding various town offices. He married Anna Maria Xeu- kerok, and had the following family : Charles H., who resides in San Diego, Cal. ; William ; Kenneth, a banker of St. Paul, Minn.; Livingston, a coal merchant, also of St. Paul, Minn.; Ellen, wife of Edward Kopper of the same place ; Elsie, who married F. R. Whitwell and died in Fort Plain. Mr. Clark married, second, Mary Edwards, by whom he had one child John E., who died young. He died Jlay 28, 1885. William Clark of the above family was born in Fort Plain June 7, 1844. He attended the Fort Plain Academy, and at the age of sixteen years became a clerk in the grocery store of 0. 0. Austin, where he was employed two years. After working for A. J. Wagner and E. W. Wooil he became a partner in the grocery firm of Wood, Clark it

•There are two male descenJaats besides the above, who are great-grandnephews to Henry Grouse and whose names are James L. Cook and George B. Cook.

FAMILY SKETCHES 25

Hall, and was interested until May 1, 1S92, as partner in tids and otlier lirnis, which were outgrowths of the original concern. On retiring from the fiim of Clark & Wood, he took charge of the wholesale provision department, which he now carries on. In politics a Republican, he has held various town oflices. He is president of the Fort Plain & Richfield Springs railroad, and i.s the owner of ri.OliO acres of land, divided into twenty-nine farms, located a few miles from Fort Plain. He married Rexie daughter of E. W. Wood.

easier Family, The. — Adam Casler married Mary Sitts, and had the following family , John A., who died in Minden ; Adam, died in Columbia: Jacob, died in Oneida county ; Nicholas, died in Canada; Isaac died young; Elizabeth, married Henry Lattery and died in Stark; Mary, married John Casler and died in Palatine; and Anna, married Gotlieb Bush and died in Minden. Adam, died in Minden, ^[arch 10, 1S46, aged eighty- one years; his wife died September 2-t, 1848, aged eighty-four years. Of" the Tbove family, Peter A. was born in Minden, where he died October 19, 1SG9, aged seventy- two years, four months and two days. He married first Caty Fox, who died April 7, 1S36, aged thirty-nine years; second, Elizabeth Saltsnian, who died April 3, 1854, aged sixty-one years, eleven months and twenty-eight days. They had nine children, viz.: Maria, widow of Archibald Littner, resides in Minden; Xancy, wife of J. H. Brook- man of Minden; Isaac N. lives at Danube; Adam P. died at Minden ; Betsey lives in Muiden; John P., born in Minden, October 24, 1S27, married first Catharine Van Camp, who died in Minden ; second, Catharme Wiles. He lives in Minden and has no chil- dren. In politics he is a Democrat, and has been excise commissioner. Peter, born in Minden, September 17, 1829, married Elizabeth, daughter of Henry I. Wile.s, and has had four children : Jennie, who died aged four and a half years; Seward, Cattie and Anna. He is a Democrat and has been commissioner of highways and school trustee. Henry died young, in Minden, and Catharine married Ephraim Wagner, and died in Minden.

Casler, John, Minden, was a revolutionary soldier, and had four sons, Jacob Adam Philip and Nicholas. Jacob, the first mentioned, was born in Minden and removed to Orleans, Jetlerson county, where he died. He married Nancy Stitts, and had six chil- dren : John, who died in Springfield; Mary, who married James Bander and died in Orleans; Jacob,- who died in Racine, Wis. ; Abraham, wlio died in Springfield ; Peter, who died in Orleans ; and Nicholas J., who is the only survivor of the family. He was born in Minden, June 18, 1808, and married for his first wife, Lany, daughter of Joseph Fox, and they had nine children ; Moses, who died aged thirteen years; Rufus lives in Minden; Sanford. resides in Ypsilanti, Mich.; Eli, resides in Minden; Maria, wife of Isaiah Sitterly. of Palatine; David, a Methodist clergyman, located at Michigan; Har- vey, a Methodist clergyman at present located at Cold Brook, Herkimer county Mar- tha, wife of David Fox, of Minden; and Irving, died aged eight months Nicholas J. married for his second wife Mary, daughter of John Roof of Stark. He was Republi- can m politics and was assessor of the town of Minden two terms. He was connected with the state militia about fifty years ago and held the rank of captain. In his early life he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed eight years, when he purchased

26 HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

a farm near Brookman Corners, which he carried on till 1SG4, when he removed to his present residence in Frey's Bush.

Carson, Lester, Glen, one of nine children of Martin and Chiistiana (Meyer) Carson, was born in Root, March 4, 1S4S, the others being Ann, Peter, Urban, Elisha, and Caroline (all deceased) ; and John IL, Isaac, ar.d Elizabeth, wife of Abrara Miller. Martin, the father, was one of six cliiUlren of Martin Carson, who was born in Rhode Island and came to Root in early life. His wife was Prudence (Codner) Carson. Christiana Moyer, the mother, was one of eight children of John and Elizabeth (Meagley) Moyer of Herkimer county. Lester Carson married, on October 5, 1887, Frances E., one of six children of Frederick and Mary (Cox) Simpson of Albany, the others being Edward, Benjamin, Theophilus, Elliot and tlorence. Mr. Carson is a carpenter and builder by trade, and has always lived in the town of Glen. The paternal grandfather of Martin (father of our subject) was John Carson, who married Anna Crum. His maternal grandfather was Stephen Codner, who married Sarah Rodgers. The paternal grandfather of Lester Carson was Martin Carson, wlio married Prudence Codner. Tlie paternal grandfather of the mother of Lester Carson was Henry iloyer, who married Christiana Lathers; and her maternal grandfather was John Meagley, who married Catharine Sail. Her father was John Moyer, who married Elizabeth Meagley,

Cross, Walter B., Glen, was born May 14, 1S4G, in the town of Florida, he being one of five children of Walter and Susan T. (Brown) Cross. Walter Cross, the father, was born in the town of Cobleskill, September 3, 1814, and was one of three children of James Cross, who was the son of Amos and Hannah (Austin) Cross, who moved from Dutchess county to Cobleskill in 1782. Their children were Latham, Polly, Sally, Jeremiah, Joseph and James, the grandfather of our subject; also Phoebe, Joshua, Aus- tin and Margaret. The other children of Walter and Susan T. Cross were Jerome, Wellington, J. Howard (dead), and Addie M. (Mrs. E. P. Jennings). Walter B. was married in December, ISGS, to Elizabeth Ostrom, one of eight children of Stephen and Ann M. (Edwards) Ostrom of Glen. They have three children : Susan B., Antionette and Edward 0. Mr. Cross has lived in Fultonville seventeen years, being for many years engaged in the grocery business, but is now one of the proprietors of what was formerly the Van Antwerp Steam Elevator and whioh is operated under the firm of W. B. Cross & Co., and is doing a large and increasing business. Wellington Cross was born in Florida, May 14, 184G, he bemg a twin brother of Walter B. Cross. He was married January 28, 1874, to Diantha L. Van Heusen, daughter of Franklin and Eliza (Smith) Van Heusen of Tribes Hill. They have five children : Henriette Y. B., Harry F.. James Bailey, Ray Sheldon, and Willard 3. Cross. Mr. Cross has always been engaged in business in Fultonville as a merchant and insurance agent.

Carson, Isaac, Glen, was born in Root, April 6, 1840, he being one of eight children of Martin and Ann (Moyer) Carson. The others were John M., Lester, Elizabeth, (wife of Abram Miller), all living, and Peter, Urban, Elisha, and Caroline (all deceased). Martin Carson, the father, was born in Glen, and was one of seven children. The others were Stephen, Elisha, John, Isaac, Daniel and Ann, wife of Enoch Pruyn. Ann (Moyer) Carson was born in the town of Root, one of eight children of John Moyer.

FANtlLY SKETCHES. 27

The others were Henry, John. Peter, Catherine (wife of Samuel Walker), I.la, Ellen (wife of George Ester.<). and Ehzabeth Moyer (ilecea.^eilj. The trranJfather, Martin Carson, was born in Rhode Island and came to Glen in early hfe. Isaac Carson mar- ried July 3, 1862, Josephine Barlow, one of eight children of Raymond and Beersheba (Ryder) Barlow of Glen. The others were Melissa, wife of J. N. Tallmatre ; Elisabeth, wife of ^Villiam Dunlap; L\ioy, wife of William R. Fero ; Elthea, wife of Peter Car.^on ; Celia, wife of Harrison Dingman : William Henry (deceased), Sarah and Sheldon Bar- low, They have five children : Raymond, Melissa, Ida, Etta and Lena ; and one grand- child, a daughter of Raymond Carson, named Maud.

Countryman, Julius Edgar, Canajoharie, was born in Danube, Herkimer county, 'Feb- ruary S, 1350, a son of William and Katy A. (Cronkhite) Countryman. His boyhood was spent on the farm in Danube and in attending school in Minden. When he was fourteen his father bought the farm in Canajoharie where he now lives. On April 2.3, 1S70, our subject married Elizabeth M. Empie, daughter of Alanson Erapie of Sharon, and they have three children : Virgin E., born August 5, 1882 ; Theresa, born June 20, 1SSJ-; Percy A., born September 5, 1887. Mr. Countryman has always taken an active interest in the success of the Republican party, but is not an office seeker. He. in company with Mr. Van Wie. were the first organizers of the Mapleton Grange. Mrs. Countryman is also an active member of the Reformed church at Mapleton.

Countryman, Milton, Ames, was born at Minden on the 24th of June, 1852. and is a son of William and Cat}' Ann (Cronkhite) Countryman, both of Minden and of German origin. At the age of twenty-four he graduated at the Albany Business College, and was then employed as head teacher in the Paterson (N. J.) Business College for nearly a year. Then returning home he purchased a farm of James Sprucker, which he owned for three years, and then unfortunately lost his wife, after which he located in Ames and traveled in the west for several months. On his return he bought out A, B. Leh- man's general merchandise business, which he conducted for over five years, and was appointed postmaster by President Harrison May 13, 1888, In 1892 he sold his store business, retaining his postmastership, also purchased the Wells estate (in Ame,s) and devoted his time as agent for agricultural machinery and church and school furniture. His father is a farmer, living in Canajoharie ; his great-grandfather was a soldier in the revolutionary war, and his grandfather (George E,) was a farmer and lived at Ford's Bush, Minden. Mr. Countryman is the youngest of three brothers, all farmers, living in this town. In politics he is a Republican. He has married twice, first to Mary Winne, who died in February, 188-1; in 1888 he married Viola, a daughter of Menzo Garlock of Ames, He had two children by his first wife (Winnie and Elizabeth), and one son by his second wife.

Chase, Mrs, Lucretia, Canajoharie, Buel p. o,, was a daughter of Phoeni.x and Sarah (Corcoran) Lane, and is the widow of Oliver Chase, The latter was born March 4, 1825, and was a son of Oliver and Ruth Darrow Chase. The ancestry of this family on the father's side is of English descent, and the name is one of the oldest in the history of the county, Oliver was born near Ames, but when eleven years of age his parents moved to Buel. He was educated at Ames Academy, and always followed farming.

28 HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

In IS.5'2 he bought tlie farm where our subject now resides. It includes fifty acres, and is devoted to the cultivation of hops, hay and general farming. July 1. 1852, he was married to Lucretia Lane, and their union has been blessed by two children, but only one is living : Sarah, wife of Walter D. Schuyler, a machinist of New York. Mr. Chase died December 30, 1882, and the son, Charles 0., was born November 1, 1857, and was foremost in working for the rel)uilding of the church which has been closed some years. He did not live to see it completed, and died September 19, 187G. The daughter, Sarah, was married February -1, 1SS4. Mrs. Chase is an active member of the Buel Presbyterian church, as is her daughter also.

Seeber, H. Clay, Canajoharie, ilarshville p. o., was born on the farm where he now resides, in the town of Canajoharie February 2, IS'lo, and was a son of William H. and Catherine M. (Van Yechten) Seeber. William Seeber, great-grandfather of our subject, located within half a mile from H. Clay's present home. He was born June 13, 1747, and married Elizabeth Schnerr, born in Germany, October 17, 17C4. They were the parents of seven children : One of the sons, Adolphus, was born in 1773, and was married to Sally P. Yates of Canajoharie, daughter of Col. C. P. Yates. They were the parents of eight children, and William A., father of our subject, was the second son. He was born January 1, 1805, and always lived on the farm. He married Cath- erine M. Van Vechten of the town of Mohawk, January 23, 1841, and ibey were the parents of five children : Annie, wife of Judge Finn of San Francisco; Lucinda of Canajoharie; Celia, wife of George T. Finn of Brooklyn; Chester, a lawyer of San Francisco, and Harry H. Clay, our subject. He was educated in the public schools and also at Bowman's Select School at Albany. At his father's death he assumed control of the farm and has since successfully conducted it. December 23, 1875, he married Alice T. Van Evera of Canajoharie, and they have three children; Herbert Y., born November 4, 1877 ; Florence W., born December 17, 1879, and Elizabeth, born May 30 1881. Mr. Seeber is a member of the Reformed church and has held the office of deacon in that church. He is not a professed politician, but is an ardent supporter of the Democrat ticket and its candidates. He conducts a large farm of IGO acres, 130 under cultivation for hay and grain, and a dairy of fifteen cows. This property has been in this family for five generations, and H. Clay has every reason to be proud of bearing the name of one who was among the earliest settlers of our county.

Clapper, Peter S., Mohawk, Fonda p. o. (son of George W.), was born August 16, 1839. In 1SG3 he married Margaret Dugan of Albany county, and in 1871 came to Amsterdam, where he was a carder in the knitting mill. August 16, 1SS7, he moved to Berryville and established a shoddy mill, and has carried on business since at that place. He employs six men and does a good business. He has three children living: John, Hannah and Peter S. His ancestors were early settlers of Claverack, Columbia county. His mother was Maria, dagubter of Holmes Tipple. Her family were all born in the same town, and were of Dutch ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Clapper are members of St. Cecilia's Roman Catholic church at Fonda.

Coolman, Peter W., Mohawk, son of Peter, was born December 7, 1858, and is a farmer, residing on the homestead. He married, in 1888, Orvetta Cook of Palatine,

FAMILY SKETCHES. 29

daughter of Jacob C. Cook, and they have one daughter, :Marion Bertelle, born July V2, 1892. Peter Coolman, father of our .subject, was a son of WilMam and was born April 10, 1S14, in the town of Palatine. He married, in 1S3S, Betsey Wick, by whom he had six children. She died in 1854, and later on he married JIary A. Vechte of Johns- town. Their three children are Mary J., wife of Fiufus Suits, residents of Brooklyn ; John and Peter, the latter two residing in ilohawk. Mr. Coolman died January 21, 1889. He settled in the town of Mohawk in 1847, and filled the office of assessor for six years. His widow resides with her son Peter. Wdliam, grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in the town of Palatine and married ifiss Scott, by whom he had three sons and four daughters. His father was a soldier in the war of the revolution, and fought at the battle of Stone Arabia under Colonel Biown. His gun fwith which he killed an Indian) is in the possession of his great-grandson Peter. The family is of Ger- man descent.

Christraan, Morris, Mohawk, Fonda p. o., son of John and Nellie (Miller) Christman, was born in the town of Palatine, February 12, 18.52, where he resided until 18SG, at which time he settled in Mohawk. He man ied Oj inda Kinoaid of Palatine, a daughter of Theophilus, and they have two children, John and Adella, the latter a farmer and dairyman. John Christman was born in Palatine in 1808 and dieil December 23, 1890. He was a son of Jacob Christman, who was in the war of 1812. John had four chil- dren: Morris, William C, Mary, wife of Jerry Vosburg, and Charles. Xellie, wife of John Christman, died in 18G6.

Chase, Dewilt Clinton, was born in Duanesburg, Schenectady county, October 22, 181G. His grandparents, Ebenezer and Susannah (Sheldon) Chase, were born in the town of Amenia, Dutchess county. The Chase family emigrated from Wales. Dewilt C. Chase was married November 23, 1854, to Jane L. Dakin of Hillsdale, Columbia county. They have one son, Clarence D. Chase, who is in the railroad business and located at Northampton, Mass. Jane L. (Dakinj Chase was one of five chddren of Joshua and Harriet (Burton) Dakin. Joshua Dakin was one of eleven children of Jacob and Olive (Clark) Dakin of North East, Dutchess county. Joshua Dakin, the father of Jacob Dakin, removed from Patterson, Putnam county, to North East, Dutch- ess county, in 1707. Simon Dakin, father of Joshua Dakin, who had lived near Boston before be was located at Patterson, moved to North East in 1773, and was pastor of the Baptist church at that place till his death, which occurred in 1803. Harriet Burton Dakm was one of eleven children of Elijah and Lucy (Colhn) Burton. The father of Elijah Burton was Judah Burton; his father was Isaac, his father Jacob, his Isaac, his father John, thus tracing the ancestry back to Boniface, who lived in what is now Lynn, Mass., and who was 113 years old at the time of his death.

Clute, Richard, Mohawk, Fonda p. o. (son of Andrew), settled in the town of Charles- ton about 1844, and carried on the John Schuyler farm. He married Sarah Baird of Charleston, in 1838, and she died in 1845, leaving four children. Richard died about the year 1881. Christopher B., son of Richard, was born November 30, 1842. He came to Charleston with his father when two years of age. At the death of his mother he was adopted by his uncle, Abram C. Baird, and lived with him untd August 25,

30;; HISTORY OF MO>JTGOMERY COUNTY.

1SG2, when he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-Tliird New York Vol- unteers. He was in eight engagements and a number of skirmislies, and received an honorable discharge October 2, lS6o, at Savannah He was never wounded, but lost his health in the army by fever. The One Hundred and Fifty-Third Regiment partici- pated in the following battles: Sabine Cross Road, Louisiana, April 8, 1864; Pleasant Hill, La., April 9, 18G4; Cane River Crossing, La., April 23, 1864; Mansure Plains, La., May 14. 1864; Winchester, Va., September 19, 1SG4; Opequan, Va., (same day); Fisher Hill, Ta., September 22, 1864; Cedar Creek, Va., October 19, 1864; beside a number of severe skirmishes. After his return liorae ifr. Clute learned the harness- maker's trade of Jeremiah Borst, of Cobleskill. In 1871 he married ilary E. Dodge, daughter of Asa P. Dodge of Glen, and they had five children. In the year of his marriage he went to Westmoreland, Oneida county, and opened a harness shop, remaining there seven years. In 1878 he located in Fonda, where he has ever since remained. He has been trustee of the village, and is a member of Van De- veer Post, No. 57, G. A. R. ; he was commander three years, and was re-elected in the fall of 1891. He is also a member of the Improved order of Red Men, No. 121, and is p.ist siohem and past prophet of his tribe.

Crause, Leonard I., St. Johnsville, was born where he now resides, November 28, 1837, and is a son of Peter and Lavina(Fry) Crause. Leonard, the grandfather (whose father was an early pioneer) was born in Fulton county and was a soldier in the war of 1S12. He died in the winter of 1865, aged seventy-five, having held numerous town offices. He married Sallie Loadwic, by whom he had two children, Peter and Nancy Nellis. He was a member of the F. &: A. M. His wife died about 1870, aged seventy years and their son, Peter, who was born in Fulton county in March, 1816, died in St. Johnsville in September, 1891. He served in several town offices and was a Democrat and a Mason. His wife died in 1833. They had six children : Leonard I., Alpha, Lena, Amos, Milford, and one who died in infancy. Leonard I. received a common school edu:ation and in August, 1862, enlisted in Company B, 115th New York Volunteers. He was captured at Harper's Ferry. He was sent to Annapolis, and thence to camp at Chicago. After being e.xchanged was with the regiment in South Carolina. He was in the battles of Olustee, Chesterfield Heights and Cold Harbor. He was under Gen- eral Butler, and was at Fort Fisher, Raleigh, Goldsboro, and was mustered out at Raleigh in June, 1865, and discharged at Albany July 3d of that year. On his return home he engaged in farming and now owns a homestead of seventy-five acres. In politics he is a Democrat. Ou January 1, 1873, he married Clara, daughter of Simeon and Mary (Gray) Claus, of Montgomery county.

DeGraflT, Alonzo H., Amsterdam, was born in the town of Amsterdam on the 12th of Deceuiber, 1846, and was educated in the public schools and Amsterdam Academy. He enlisted twice, first on the 1st of June, 1862, in Company C, 25th N. Y. S. N. Guard, an then re-enlisted June 17, 1863, in Company M, 14th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and was promoted to first sergeant, then to second lieutenant, and also to first lieuten- ant, and was discharged as captain of the same company in September, 18G5. He is by profession a civil engineer and has had charge of the construction of several impor- tant railways, and is now superintendent of the Amsterdam water works. On the loth

FAMILY SKETCHES. 31

of December, 1S75, he niariied Mary M., youngest daughter o£ Fay Smith, of North- ampton, Fulton county. They have five hving children: Harry \V., Helen M, Carlton R., Mary and Alonzo H., jr. Mr. De Graff's father, Harmonius, was born at the old home in the year ISOO, and married Susan Thomaf, the latter a native of Scotland. They had six children, three of whom are living: Helen M. Schofield, who resides in New York ; Alonzo H., and Susan D. Miller, who resides in Michigan. Tlie ancestry of the family is Dutch and Scotch. Captain De Graff has the distinction of engineering the present extensive Amsterdam water works which fully prove his skill in hydraulic apparatus. The city is thus supplied, from a distance of twenty-five miles, with an abundant sup|>ly of pure water, which is one of the most inestimable of earthly bless- ings.

Dickson, John \V., Amsterdam, Fort Johnson p. o., was born in Rotterdam, Schenec- tady county, August 12, 1858, and is the son of Anderson C. and Nancy B. (Vunk) Dickson. Anderson C. was a farmer in Rotterdam and John W. was educated in the public school in that village, but when he was eighteen years old his fatlier sold his farm and moved to Amsterdam, where our sulject engaged in the Globe Knitting mill for two years, after which he became delivery clerk for John McClun]pton where he remained until 1883. Later on he engaged with A. V. Morris & Co., as shipping clerk and has since held that position, having now full charge of the packing and sliipping depart- ment in mill No. 2 at Fort Johnson. May 27, 1879, he married Martha Van Al- stine, daughter of Martin and Eliza (Potter) Van Alstine of Fort Johnson. Mr. Dickson is one of a family of ten children, eight of whom are still living: Ezra of Amsterdam; William, a furniture dealer of Amsterdam ; Jane of Northville; Elizabeth, Dennis, Ella, and Sarah of Amsterdam. Mrs. Dickson has one brother, A. P. Van Alstine of Am- sterdam, ilr. and Mrs. Dickson are among the leaders of the fort Johnson Church society. They were of ihe first promoters and leaders in the formation of the Y. P. S. C. E., and in the building of their chapel at Fort Johnson. Mrs. Dickson has charge of the children's class meeting. This is a class formed in 1SS8, first by three children meeting at her home and bringing others with them, until now she is the leader of the class of forty-three members. They hold their meetings in the chapel Sunday after- noons. Some fruit has been gathered from this class. Three are members of the church, two others are converted, a full proof of Mrs. Dickson's earnest and faithful work for Christ and the Church. It is to be hoped that this couple may see the full fruition of their effo'-t. Mr. Dickson has been class leader at Fort Johnson since 1880.

De Graff, Nicholas I., Amsterdam, Cranesville p. o., was born in the De Graff settle- ment near where he now lives, June 15, 1S09. Magdalen De Graff was born at the same place September 2, 1813, and they were children of Isaac and Elinor (Voorhees) De Graff. Isaac was a son of Jeremiah and Anna (Quackenbush) De Graff. Jeremiah, the grandfather of our subjects, was a son of Isaac, who came to this country during the reign of George the third, at which time the early deeds of the property are dated. The great-grandfather and grandfather came up the Mohawk in flat boats from Sche- nectady and settled on this old historic spot, which was a grant from the kino-. Hence tlieir descendants could relate the memories of what their ancestors had told them of

32 HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

the Indian wars; how they had to hide their valuables and also their stock, to prevent depredation. At one time the grandmother stood alone while a party of Indians were lookini; for her husband, having a tomahawk raised over her head which she snatched from the Indian ; this saved her life, and she has often sent ber boys out in the woods to hide until the savages had left. In 1886, on the 21st of March, the old homestead was burned, together with its contents, among them being the ancient records and many valuable relics belonging to this historic family. But they have now built a fine resi- dence in its place. They are the last of the family, and although now in advanced years, look back with pride on their old family name, and pleasant recollections of the author of this work. Magdalen was a victim of the fire, being badly burned and the shock has left her almost an invalid. In those early days there were no churches, and the first religious services were held in the barn built by the grandfather of our subject. An Indian, educated for a missionary, by the name of Samson Occam, officiated at this meeting. No one present could start the hymn, and the grandraotner of our subject asked her little son John, a lad of ten years, to start the tune. The little fellow arose and sang the hymn. Isaac De Gratl', father of Nicholas, was the first child in the fami- ly, and as there were no churches for ministers outside the cities, the mother walked to Schenectady, a distance of sixteen miles, and carried her baby to have it christened (kadouped was the Dutch word used in those days). She started early on a Saturday morning in company with one of her colored women ("slaves " then called), and walked barefoot to save her leather shoes, which were then thought to be something too fine for common use. Just outside the city limits she bathed her feet in a stream of water runninf by the roadside, donned her stockings and shoes, and went on her way to the house of the minister, where she remained until Monday morning. Then the trio be- gan their homeward journey, where they arrived at the close of the day, weary and footsore, but doubtless with hearts filled with peace and content. There is another pretty story connected with this wife and mother : When she herself was a baby lying in her cradle, her husband, then a young lad, came to her home on an errand. After askin"- for what he desired, the mother arose from her chair, saying, ''Rock the baby while I wait on vou," adding with a pleasant laugh, "she may make a wife for you some time." The words proved prophetic. In after years he married the young lady whom in babyhood he rocked in her cradle.

Duell, Seneca P.. Amsterdam, Cranesville p, o., was born in Saratoga county, Janu- ary 2, 1831, and is the son of Jason ai'd Ada (Youngs) Duell. Three brothers by the name came to this country from England, one of whom (Peter) was the ancestor of this family. He married Cynthia Clark of Saratoga county, and they were the parents of one child, Jason, the father of our subject. Peter Duell died in 1801. His son Jason was born in 179'J and followed farming all his life. He owned a fine farm of 150 acres in Saratoga county, where his children were born, two sons and five daughters; two of the daughters are dead. The names of his children are Volney, Laura Davis, Cynthia Barras, and Caroline. Seneca P. was educated in the common schools and lived on the farm until he was twenty-three years old, then learned the mason's trade and worked at that and carpentry. December 21, 1858, he married Lucy Cheeseman, and thev have three children : Frances A., now Mr. John G. De Graff, born March 28,

VAMILV SKETCHES. 33

ISGO; Andrew D., a carpenter in S. henectady, born April 23. ISCl ; and John I. of Glenville, who was born February 2, 1803, and married. May G. 1SS.5, Ann M., daugh- ter of Tliomas E. Romeyn of Glenville, and granddaughter of Rev. Thoma.s Romeyn. In 1875 he bought the farm of forty acres known as the Jacob De Graft' farm, where he now lives. He has built a fine residence, and improved the property, and now has one of the prettiest places in this section.

Dwyer, John F., Amsterdam, was born in Ireland, June 20, 1837, and when very young came with his parents to Quebec, and afterwards to Troy, where he rem:iined until 18.54. He followed the plumbing business in various places and came to Amster- dam in June, 1860. In August, 18G2, he enlisted in Company B, Thirty-Secoml New York Volunteers, and at the expiration of the regiment's time, was transferred into the signal service of the Army of the Potomac. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war as first sergeant. He has been village trustee oE Amsterdam for three years, and was treasurer of the joint board of Amsterdam and Port Jackson t.t the lime the bridge was erected, and mayor of the city in 1890. In 1891 he was elected member of [he Legi-slature. He is chairman of the Civil Service Boaid, and one of the trustees of the city hospital. He is president of the only base ball club of its kind that we know of in the United States (nine of his own sons). January 10, 18G5, he married Sarah Davis of this city; they have had eleven children, nine are living, all sons: Francis A., Mathew, John L., James, William, George, Edward, Lawrence and Joseph. In 1833 his son Francis A. was admitted to partnership, and Dwyer ct Son now con- duct a plumbing, steam, hot water and gasfitting establishment.

De GratT, J. Teller. Amsterdam, was born in the house in which he now lives on the banks of the Mokawk. It is a portion of the old De GrafF grant, issued to Isaac De Graff by George III. He was born October 11, 1836, and is the son of Emanuel and Maria (Mynderse) De Graff. Emanuel was a son of Emanuel De Graff, who was the builder of this house in 1804, and the father of five children, four boys and one girl. He was a farmer and always lived on the farm with t'^e e.xcep- tion of two years when he conducted a store in Amsterdam and one year m Schenec- tady where he had a soap factory. John Teller was educated in the public schools ami also a two years' course in Amsterdam Academy under Professor Cavert. He has always lived on the farm and at the death of his father he assumed its control. January 8, 1861, he married Ella Teeder of Rotterdam, who lived but five months after. November 10, 1869, he married Mary J. Hied, daughter of James and Laura Ried, and now have two children, Edward T. and Luella. ilr. De Graff has alwavs been influential in politics, and has held many offices of honor and trust ; was supervisor four years, first elected in 1880 when Amsterdam city was a part of the town, serving two terras, and was again elected in 1885, after the division, serving again two years. He is a good business man, his management of real estate and its transfer is of the hi<^hest order. His son Edward is rapidly rising to take his father's place, ?nd now holds the position of teller in the Farmers' National Bank of Amsterdam.

Davis, Gordon J., Amsterdim, Hagaman's Mills p. o., was born in Waterford, August 17, 1859, and is the son of David G. and Elizabeth A. (Cannell) Davis. He spent

34 HISTOIIY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

his early life at home, attending the graded .'chool until he was eighteen years of age. His father died when he was a child, but his mother, by dint of hard woik, and judi- cious management, gave him a good education. In 187'J he entered the drug store of J. Higgins & Co. to study for a pharmacist, for which profession he passed the state examination at Albany, October 17, 1S84. He remained with this firm two years after receiving his certificate, then came to Hagaman's Kills and opened on his own ac- count. It was up-hill work for several years, but Mr. Davis has now gained the con- fidence of the people, has built up a fine trade and conducts one of the prettiest drug stores the writer has had the pleasure of visiting. June 27, 1888, he married Hattie L., daughter of R. D. Palmateer, formerly editor of the Water/ord Advertiser, and they are now the parents of one child, Louise, born July 16, 1891.

De Graff, John H., Amsterdam, was bom in the town of Mohawk, :\Iontgomery county, on the 2d of September, 1835, and was educated in the common schools and the old stone academy. In his early boyhood he learned to be a carpenter and cabinet maker. In the year 1SG5 he came to Amsterdam and was manager of a furniture factory, and in the year 1873 he became associated with William Serviss. They pur- chased the site of the Muds;e Hollow Flouring Mills in connection with the saw-mill, later on a cider-mill was added, and ihey are doing business under the firm of Serviss & De Graff. He was married twice, first on the 3d of December, 1857. to Naomi Deuslar of the town of Ephratah. She died on the 14th of December, 18G0. On the 3d of March, 1SG3, he married Caroline, only daughter of Edwin and Caroline (Davis) Conklin. They have had three children ; two died young and one daughter survives, namely. Carry ilay, a graduate of the ilisses Bell's school of Amsterdam, who resides with her parents. Mr. De Graff's father, John J., was born in the town of Mohawk about the year ISll. He married Phebe Godwin, of Fulton county, by whom he had two children, one son and one daughter, John H. and Mary C. The latter married Augustus L. George of Fonda. Mr. De Graff's great-grandfather Godwin, was in the revolutionary war, and died on a prison ship in New Y'ork harbor. The ancestry of the family is Dutch and Welch. Major John Davis, great-grandfather of Mrs. De Graft', was born at East Hampton, Long Island. He married Puah Parsons, May 14, 1772. He served during the revolutionary war a major in Col. Livingston's regiment; was with Washington. He was taken prisoner by the British at Sag harbor, Long Island, and died January 10, 1782, on board the Jersey prison ship. His widow with her five children— William. Abigail, John Parsons (grandfather of Mrs. De Graffj, Ashael and Ramus, located at Amsterdam on a tract purchased with money from the sale of land granted her hy the government. She also owned large tracts of land in Ohio and the western part of New York. Her son Ramus settled in Ohio. She died January 29, 1832. Col. John P. Davis (grandfather of Mrs. De GraS'), was born at Lyme, Conn., November 4, 1777; was married to Susannah Allin June 1, 1805, and died July 31, 1848. He at one time owned OOO acres in Montgomery county, where he lived until his death. James Allin (great-grandfather also of ilrs. De Graff; was born in Rhode Island February 25, 1744 ; was an early settler of Amsterdam, and a member of the legislature. For further particulars regarding Major John Davis, look at Simms' history of the Schoharie County and Border Wars of New York, and history of the Davis family which was published a few years ago.

FAMILY SKETCnES. 35

Dunlap, Barlow W., Amsteniam, was horn in the town of Charleston November 9, 185G, and wa>! educated in the public school and at Amsterdam Academy. Taught school for three years, two of which he was principal of the Fifth AVard School in this city. He first studied law with W. W. Dawley, afterwards willi J. A. Serviss, and was admitted to the b.ir on the 10th of September, 1880. He ha.« practiced law here since and was elected to the assembly in 18S8 and 1890. On the 24lh of December. 1878. he married Annie, only daughter and child'of Newton and Adelaide Howe, of this city. They have one son, Clarence Howe Dunlap. who was born on the 8th of March. 1882. Mr. Dunlap's father (William H.) was born at the old home in Charleston in November, 1827. He is now a summer hotel keeper at Asbury Park. He married Elizabeth Barlow of Glen. They had three children : W. Barlow, Nellie, who married Robert A. Parker, and Emma, who married John E. Orchard. Joseph, the grandfather, was born in Charleston in 180.3. His great-grandfather Joseph came to Charleston in 1791. Their ancestry is Scotch.

Dowsland, James Ralph, Amsterdam, was born in Westmoreland, Oneida county, May 8, 1842. Received a common school education. Enlisted the first year of the civil war in Company I., Third New York Volunteers, and was honorably discharged at the expiration of two years with rank of corporal. He then went to Toledo, O., where he accepted a position in a hardware store. February 12. 18G7, he married Amelia, only daughter of Abraham Halleck of his native town. Mr. Dowsland belonged to the Masonic Order was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, also of the Knights of Pythias, and a supporter of the Uniform Rank connected with the latter order. He had been promoted to major of the Second Regiment, and was colonel of the same when he died. He came to Amsterdam in 1877 and established a large grocery house ; was considered by all as a model in uprightness and fair dealing, and was an earnest Christian. In politics an adherent to the Republican party. He died October 12, 1889, at his residence, 74 Division street.

De Graff, Nicholas Jeremiah. Amsterdam,' was born in the village of .Anisierdam on the 9th of June, 1842. the home in which he first saw the light being one of the land marks of '-ye olden time," and is still standing near the Central depot. He was edu- cated in the public schools and at Amsterdam Academy. In early life he was a farmer but when the tocsin of war sounded through the land his heart beat in unison with the noble volunteers, who early responded to their country's call to arms. On the 3d of July, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred Fifteenth New York Volunteers. He was soon promoted from the ranks to the position of second lieutenant, afterwards to first lieutenant and acting adjutant. At the close of the war he was honorably di-s- charged. He served his country with honor and distinction, and upon his return to Albany was brevetted captain for gallant and meritorious conduct. On the ].5tb of October, 1868, he married Debbie, third daughter of Luther and Nancy Young of Tribes Hill. They have two children, one son and one daughter, Herbert E. and Laura Y. He is a Presbyterian and holds the office of deacon, and in politics he is a Republican and temperance man. His father (Emanuel) was born at the old home and married Maria Mynderse of Guilderland Center, Albany county. They had five children, four

36 HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

sons and one daughter : John T., Myndert M., Nicholas, Ehzabeth and Emanuel E. The ancestry of the family is Holland Dutch and French. In 1S73 Mr. De Grali' en- gaged in the boot and shoe bu.'^iness at 29 East Main street, Amsterdam, which he still cotilinues at the same place. He is a descendant of revolutionary stock, and an ancestor (Nicholas De Graff) was killed in Glenville by the Indians and French in July, 1748. Another Nicholas De Graff was engaged at the battle of Oriskany, Augu.-t G, 1777.

Dean, Frank S., Amsterdam, was born in Amsterdan May 20, 1SG4. He was edu- cated m the graded schools of the city, and has been^engaged in the capacity of clerk since his school days, having for some years been cleik wiih De Graff & Kline in the hardware business. May 12, ISSG, he married Lida Adella, youngest daughter of Clark P. and Frances R. Hawley of Johnstown. Mr. Dean's falher (William H.) was born at Port Jackson May 9, 1809, and married Eunice A. Huntley of Phcenix, Oswego county. Thev had two children, Channcey E,, who married Kittie M. Rotli of this city, and Frank S. His grandfather, Nathan Huntley, was in the war of 1812. The ancestry of the family is Dutch and Scotch.

De Graff. Gilbert C, Amsterdam, was born in the town of Amsterdam within a few rods of his present residence, April 22, 18-19, and is the son of Daniel and Eliza (Con- nor) De Graff. Daniel De Graff was a son of Isaac and Elinor (Voorhees) De Graff'. Isaac was born near Cranesville July 3, 1770, and was tlie father of five children, of which Daniel, father of our subject, was the youngest. He was born April 29, 1819, and always lived at De Graff Corners until his death, which occurred March 29, 1888, leaving four children : Jesse I. and Gilbert C. by his first wife, and James L. and Luella M. by his second wife. Gilbert's boyhood was like that of all others who live at home and attend at first the public shool. When he was about eighteen he entered the Am- sterdam Academy where he finished his education in 1SC9. November 30, 1871, he married Cornelia C. Wessel, daughter of John and Nancy 'U'essel o£ the town of Am- sterdam, and they are the parents of two children : Arthur, born ilarch 29, 1874, and Bertha, born October 3, 187C. Mr. De Graff lives on a plot of two and one- half acres of his own, where he has erected a cosy residence and new out-buildings, next door to the old homestead, which he conducts as a dairy farm, finding a ready market in Amsterdam.

De Graff, Oscar, Amsterdam, youngest son of John G. and Magdelen A. ('Pollock) De Graff, was born April 4, 1SG3, on he old homestead one mile east of Amsterdam, on the north bank of the Mohawk. He was educated at the district school and Am- sterdam Academy, and at the age of twenty-one left home to study telegraphy. A few months afterward he took charge of the railroad office at North Java, and later worked for the Western Union Telegraph company at Amsterdam, and m the fall of 1889 be- gan working for the Fitchburg and West Shore railroads at Rotterdam Junction as operator. He stayed there until April 1, 1892, when he purchased the Bronson farm, situated near his old home, and which was the former home of his wife, whereon her Barents had lived for nearly forty years. He was married November 27, 1890, to Fan- nie V. Bronson, daughter of Mrs. W. J. Bronson of Amsterdam. Her father, William J. Bronson, came to this country from England and settled at Hagaman's Mills. He

FA.\[ILY SKETCHES. 37

left there to buy the farm where Mr. De Graff is now located. He died October 2S, 188.0, leavins: nine cliildren: Sarah, now Mrs. Donald Grant; Jane E., the late Mr.-;. C. E. Collins; Louisa; Lottie, now Mrs. H. Bruillard ; William N.; Mary Belle ; and Fau- nie, wife of our subject.

Devendorf, Dr. Henry A., Florida, was born in Sharon June 30, 182G. He was a son of Abram H. (wlio was born September 30, 1801, and died January 12, 1S72) and Catharine (Ehle) Devendorf, who was born August 12, 1802, and whose ninetieth birthday was celebrated by her descendants in August, 1892. The grandfather was Henry Devendorf, who was born in 1772 and died in 1834. His father was Captain Henry Devendorf, a soldier of the revolution, captain of Company .5, First battalion, Canajoharie, and who was killed at the battle of Oriskany. Henry A. Devendorf mar- ried, December 9, 18.51. Rachel Pettingill, born April 12, 1835, a daughter of Henry C. (who was born October IS, 1800, and died May 26, 1885,) and ToinettieZiely, daughter of David and Anna (Newkirk) Ziely. Her grandfather was Cornelius Pettingill, a son of Captain Samuel Pettingill and Elizabeth Cline, the former a soldier in the revolu- tionary army, and captain of Company 5, Third battalion, Mohawk, who was killed at the battle of Oriskany. Dr. Devendorf and wife have had eight children : Nettie, wife of Willard Selmser of Johnstown; Alvin J., who re.sidesat home; Emma C, wife of Edward Edwards of Glen ; De Witt A. of Fort Hunter; Mary, wife of C. B.Meding, M. D., of New York city; Milton of Florida ; and two who died in infancy. (Notes from Mrs. Rachel P. Devendorf.) From Germany, Holland and the British Isles they came, so long ago I What tidings from the New World reached them in that far oflf land, I know but little, and that little I remember when over fifty years ago, as we all sat around the big fire-place, of a long, stormy, winter evening (afire that always burned brightest when the weather was stormy and cold ) some one would say, "Gran- ny, tell us a story about the old country." "Dear child,'' she would say, "I never lived in the old country, but I did live with my grandfather, Martinus Cline. I went there when I was about thirteen years old. They told me that they heard in that far- off land that freedom, peace and great wealth could all be theirs, if they could brave all dangers of that then mysterious great width of waters; and then there was something said which they hardly could believe — that much money could be gathered from many bushes, not knowing how to translate the English into German, which was that much money could be realized from many bushels, not bushes. Martinus Cline was the son of a well-to-do farmer m High Germany. When quite young he went to Holland to seek his fortune. There he married the adopted daughter of a wealthy lady. Their first child's name was Elizabeth ; the next was Martinus. He was about ten months old when they left their home in Holland ; it w\as thirteen months before rhey found a home in America, and it was nearly winter when they dug a place and covered it with boughs, where they lived the first winter, and they afterwards chose that place as a burial lot. It can be plainly seen to this day. Francis Laltz came at the same time; an account of which may be seen in the Illustrated History of Montgomery and Fulton Counties. Just before they left Holland, the wealthy lady told Elizabeth to come to her money chest and there she filled her little apron with silver pieces. The children found some time to play on an immense stone then lying opposite the barn in Schoharie

33 HISTORY OF MOyiGOirERT COUNTY.

creek, which even now can be seen. My grandmother Pettingill's mother was a daugh- ter of Martinus CHne. She married John lIcGraw. The first work the father of John did when he came to this country, was to make mortar for the old stone fort at Fort Hunter (1712). Dr. Samuel Pettingill married Elizabeth, oldest daughter of Martinus Cline. Christine McGraw married a son of Dr. Samuel Pettingill. Did they realize their dream of freedom, peace and great wealth ? The frontiersman's story is one and the same, of all our ancestors. Our children were taught to '' remember their Creator in the days of their youth," but sometimes a solemn thought oppresses me : If, when we come to the judgment seat, it be said to us, " Where are your children ? " we should liave to say, " While Thy servants were busy here and there they were gone." We are thankful we may hope this may not be.

Dunn, Andrew, ^Iinden, Fort Plain p. o., was born at Kilmarnock, Ayr.^hire, Scot- land, August 9, 1831, and was the only child of David and Helen (Caruduflf) Dunn. He attended a private school and an academy in his native country. His father was a calico printer, and in 1842 emigrated to America, landing in New York. He went to Fall River, Mas.^., but owing to a depression in trade, could not find employment there, and came to West Galway, where he remained until the spring of 1844, when he went to Stockport, Columbia county, and worked at his trade. Our subject worked in the mills with his father. The works where they were employed, being destroyed by fire in 1847, they came to Herkimer and Montgomery counties. Andrew, then seventeen years of age, learned the jewelry trade of James Pooley at Amsterdam, and remained with him until the fall of 1851, when he came to Fort Plain and commenced busi- ness for himself. He was accompanied by his father who also learned the jewelry trade, and was connected with his son until his death in 1872. Andrew Dunn pur- chased the store he now occupies in ISoo and moved into it in 1856. He has found it necessary to alter and enlarge it several times to accommodate his increasing business. In 1880 his son David E., and later Andrew G., became partners, making the firm A. Dunn & Sons. He is one of the four partners af the Fort Plain Spring and Axle Works, and is secretary and treasurer of that company. He is also one of the five partners of Dunn, Smith & Co.. Fort Plain Knitting Mills, his son David E. being the managing partner. He is vice-president of the Fort Plain National hank and has been a director for twenty-five years. He was secretary and treasurer of the Minden Gas Light company from its organization in 1SG4 until its consolidation with the Electric Light company in 1888, and is secretary and treasurer of the consoli- dated company. He is also president of the Fort Plain Cemetery association. A Re- publican in politics, he has never sought political honors. In 1855 he married Louise, daughter of Nicholas Gros of Palatine, who was a son of Captain Laurence Gros and nephew of Rev. Johan Daniel Gros, professor of moral philosophy in Columbia Col- lege, New York, and one of the early ministers of the church on Sand Hill near the fort. Mr. Dunn's family consists of Ellen L., David E. and Andrew G.

Diefendorf, Willis Eugene, Minden, was born at Sharon Springs, June 5, 1855, and is the oldest son in a family of three children of Ephraim G. and Mary A. (Lake) Dief- endorf- When our subject was seven years of age his father removed to Fort Plain, where he has always lived. At the age of fourteen he became a clerk in J. R. Simm's-

FAMILY SKETCHES. 39

book and stationery store, where l.e remauied four year., when he en^a.^ed in the same business himself, and has continued it ever since. He is identified with several of the industries of Fort Plain, and is known throughout the Mohawk valley as a pub- he spirited and successful business man. He is a Republican in politics, and married i^mma, daughter of Jonathan Ricketts, of Johnstown.

Dunckel, Dr. Walter Adams, Minden, was born at Fort Plain, February 20 1869 He IS the only son of Alvin Adams and JJary (Bleeckerj Dunckel. After attending the village schools he prepared himself for college at the Clinton Liberal Institute from which he graduated in 1887, and attended a course of lectures in the medical depart- ment of Columbia College, from which he graduated in 1890. He secured an appoint- ment on the staff of St. Luke's hospital of New York, and after service in that hospital he returned to Fort Plain, where, since December, 1891, he has practiced his profes- sion. He IS a Republican in politics.

Dewey, James Elias, Minden, was born in Jefierson, Schoharie county, July ]7 1S20 He is the oldest son of Elias and Mary (Teall) Dewey. After attending the district school and a select school kept by Rev. William Salisbury, he went to the Jefferson Academy. He spent the years 1837-38-39 in traveling in the south and west and then taught district school. On April 1, 1840, he commenced the study of law with Abraham Becker, at South Worcestet, Otsego county. He afterwards attended the Cherry Valley Academy, and read law with Jeremiah £. Carey, who became a mem- ber of congress. He commenced the practice of his profession at Cherry Valley in 1846, having been admitted to the bar in January of that year, at Albany. He contin- ued practicing at Cherry Valley until 186G, wlien he was burned out. He then removed to Fort Plain and resided there until the spring of 1SG7, but in 1873 removed to Albany, where he was engaged in business until 18S0, when he returned to F^ort Plain and con- tinued in active practice until 1887. In politics a lifelong Democrat, Mr. Dewey has never been an a.spirant for political honors. He married Miss Sarah E. Wilkins and they have five children, viz. : Sarah (wife of Herbert C. AVood of Fort Plain) ; George A., Edward W. (both residents of Xew York city); Mary Teall and James E.,'jr., resi- dents of Fort Plain.

Dillenback Family, The.— This name was originally spelled by the first settlers Dillenbach, but the " h " has been changed to '• k," and in some instances ■■ e " is used instead of "a" in the last syllable. John Dillenback lived in Palatine, near Stone Arabia, where he died. He had twelve children, all of whom, except Conrad and John, lived and died in Palatine. The former died in Minden, the latter in Canajoharie. Of this family John was the first to die, at the age of sixty-three years. The others all lived to be over seventy-seven years of age. The chddren were as follows: Henry, Andrew, Conrad, John, Benjamin, George, Martin, Daniel, Margaret, who married John Dockstader; Elizabeth, who married Theophilus Ingalls ; Nancy. Who ma.-ried Daniel Van Wie; and Phoebe, who married Peter Nestle. Conrad, the son of John, was born in Palatine April 16. 1772, and died in Minden October 20, 1849. He married, Novem- ber 1, 1796, Margaret Woglemuth. She was born October 21, 1774. They had eleven children, viz.: Lydia. who died aged three years; John, died young; Henry, born

40 HISTORY OF irONTGOMERY COUNTY.

October 26, 1793, died in 1SS2, at Fort Plain; Solomon, died young; 'William; Eve, born November 25, 1806, widow of Baldus Dillenbaok, lives in Fort Plain ; Catharine, born August 20, 1809, widow of Henry I. Wiles, resides m Minden; Thomas, died young; Peggy, born July 24. 1813, married David Wiles, and died at Cherry Valley ; James, died young; and Joseph. Conrad removed from Palatine to Minden in 1808, and bought the farm now occupied by his grandson, James Dillenback. William (the son of Conrad) was born in Palatine. August 14, 1803, and married Catharine, daugh- ter of Nicholas Casler. They had twelve children, viz. ; Moses, a resident of Little Fall; James; Aaron, lives at Dexter, N. Y. ; Ezra, resides in Minden; Levi, resides in Fort Plain; Laivna, wife of Charles A. Walrath of Minden; Lany, widow of William H. France, lives in Minden; Mary, wife of Henry Smith of Minden; Catha- rine, died aged sixteen; Lydia, wife of Louis Mower of ilinden; Jonas, lives at Coble- skill; and Almira, wife of John P. Walrath of Richfield Springs. William was brought up on the old homestead, where he died June 9, 1875. James, the second son of Will- iam, was born in iiinden, January 12, 1S23, and married Maria Hess. They had seven children : Rufus, died aged thirteen ; Betsey Catharine, wife of Irving Van Ness of Canajoharie ; Juliette, wife of Dr. William ZoUer of Fort Plain; Irene, who married Jacob J. Wiles, and died in Minden; William, born October 21, 1854, married Ida, daughter of J. H. Brookman, and has six children: Eugene, Anna, Jennie, Sherman and Giand (twins) and Rufus. William resides on the farm with his father. Seward, diedvouns; and George il., born September 22, 1874, married Hattie, daughter of Jacob Ehle. They have one child, James G. ; he is a farmer in Minden. James is a widower, and has always resided on the farm purchased by his grandfather, and which now consists of 2l)0 acres. Joseph, the youngest son of Conrad, was born in Minden, June 1, 1818, and married Margaret, daughter of John A. Casler. They have had three children : Norman, died aged twenty years ; Solomon, born September 30, 1844, married Mary Catharine, daughter of J. H. Brookman, and they have one child, Emery J boj-n ilarch 4, 1879; and Mary M., wife of Martin A. Pickard, of Minden. Joseph has resided on his present farm of 100 acres since 1843.

Df-voe, Daniel Isaac, Minden. was born in Warren, Herkimer county. January 10, ISfiO and is the only son of a family of four surviving children born to Daniel A. and Maria (Snell) Devoe. His father is a farmer, and our subject attended the district schools, also the Clinton Liberal Institute, graduating in 1878, after which he took a course of study at the Rochester Commercial College. Finishing his studies in 1879, he became clerk in the drug store of Petit & Read of Fort Plain. After remaining in this position for three years Mr. Devoe went to Canajoharie, and in company with John N Snell. opened a drug store, the firm being Snell it Devoe. Mr. Snell disposed of his interest to Thomas E. Dygert, and the firm became Devoe it Dygert. In 1885 Mr. Devoe disposed of his interest and came to Fort Plain, and formed with W. S. Shum- way the present firm of Devoe & Shumway. In politics a Republican, he was elected county treasurer in 1890, his term expiring January 1, 1894. He married Agnes E., daughter of Joseph H. Shumway, and they have one child, Ethel.

Devendorf Family.— The oiiginal pioneers of this name were from Switzerland, two brothers and a cousin, who uanie to the Mohawk valley. The latter was killed at the

FAMILY SKETCHES. 41

battle of Oriskany under General Herkimer in 1777. Jacob Devendorf located in Min- den, where he owned one of the original patents. From him descended Solomon, who- married Christina, a daughter of another Jacob Devendorf. They had the following family : Nancy, who married John P. Smith and died in Onondaga county ; Elizabeth, married Peter March, and died in Minden, aged ninety-two years; Polly, widow of Nicholas Moyer, lives in Minden ; Peggy, married George Cronkhite and died in Min- den ; Christina, married Peter Miller and died in Minden ; Solomon, died in Minden in 1851 ; John S., died in Wisconsin; Henry S. and Farley both died in Minden. Sol- omon (son of Solomon) was born in Minden May 10, 1807, and married Elizabeth, daughter of Abraham ZoUer. Of their five children, viz. : Farley, Abram, Christina, Jlarvin and Melvin (twins), all but the second died young. Solomon was a farmer and died in Minden June 10, 1886. Abram, the only survivor of the above family, was born in Minden December 25, 1840, was educated in the Fort Plain Seminary, and in 1859 graduated at the State Normal School at Albany, where he remained two years. He then became a student at DuEF's College, Pittsburgh, graduating in 18G1. He taught school in Minden one winter and then engaged in farming, which he followed till April, 1891, when he became connected with the Zoller Lumber Company of Fort Plain, as treasurer, which position he now holds. He is a Republican, and has been vice-presi- dent of the First National Bank of St. Johnsville, and, since the organization of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank of Fort Plain, has been one of its directors. He mar- ried Celia A., daughter of Levi Snell of Minden, and has one child, Irving S.

Diefendorf, James A., Minden, was born in Minden, April 5, 1822. His grandfather, Jacob Diefendorf, married first a daughter of John Brookman, by whom be had the following children : Henry, who died in Clay ; Abraham I., Jliohael, who died at Boon- ville. His second wife was a Miss Baum, and their children were Daniel and Jchn I., (who both died in Minden) ; James, a piiysician (died at Milwaukee) ; and Josiah, who resides in California. The father of our subject (Abraham L) was born in Minden, where he died July 28, 1858. He married Elizabeth Lintner, and of their seven chil- dren two died young. The others were John Oliver, who died at Fort Plain ; Catharine, widow of Peter G. Bush, lives in Minden ; Nancy, wife of Chauncey Diefendorf ; and Maria Eliza, who married Harvey Wendell and -died at Albany. James A. had the benefit of but a common school education, and worked on his father's farm, which is the only one now occupied by Orange Eckler. He afterwards engaged in faiming in the town of Roseboom, but in 1852 returned to Minden, where he has since re.^ided. He is a Republican in politics. He married Maria, daughter of Rev. John L Wendell, a Methodist clergyman. Their children were Elizabeth, wife of Eli Cas'er of Minden ; Anna Jane, wife of Albert Dunkle of New York, and Emery, who died aged twenty- two years.

Davis, William H., Canajoharie, was born in the village of Canajoharie, October 25, 1824, a son of John P. and Olive (Stafford) Davis. In 1810 a family (then consisting of Richard Staff'ord and his wife, the grandfather and grandmother of our subjpcl) came to this town from Stafford Hill, near Cheshire, Mass., and their descendants still make this their home. Richard Stafford died here in 1826. On the father's side we learn

42 HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

that the grandfather, Phineas Davis, was a native and resident of Freehold, N. J. His son, John P., was born in that lown in 1795 and came to this town at the same time with the Stafford family. He was a contractor and builder and erected some of the best homes and churches in the Mohawk valley. He was ti-.e fatlier of eight children: Joel R., died in 1S63 ; Mary married Levi Wagner; Susan married Webster Wagner and died in 1887 ; George died m 1863 ; Amelia, wife of Homer P. Williams, of Mon- tana, near St. Louis, Mo. ; John P., jr. of New York ; Margaret Elner, who died in in- fancy ; and WilUam H., our subject. John P. Davis, sr., d;ed in ISGO. The early life of William was spent in this town; lie was educated in the Canajoharie Academy, and when he was nineteen years of age he left home to enter the large grocery and wine store of H. & W. J. Averill of Troy. He was sent from there in 1845 to represent their interests in Rochester, in the house of Brackett, Avenll & Company, a branch of their concern ; the same year the old house removed to New York. On the death of the senior partner, Horatio Averill, in 1855, Mr. Davis went to New York, where he succeeded to the business of the old firm under the fiim of Brackett & Company, and January 1, 18G8, he purchased the Brackett interest, and continued the business under the firm of Davis, Clark & Company, having admitted to partnerslrip the young- est brother of our subject, John P. Davis. In 1891 Mr. Davis retired from the firm, after having been in active business for forty-six years. He left his brother, John P., at the head of the house and the business still continnes ucder the firm name of Davis, Waters & Company. Mr. Davis has been largely interested since its earliest days in the Wagner Sleeping Car Company, besides many other enterprises. He has been a direc- tor and vice-president of the Canajoharie National Bank since 1870. He was married in 1853 to Anna Catharine, a daughter of George Geortner of Canajoharie. They had four children; Olive Stafford, who married Charles H. Whitaker of Toledo; Edith Alliene, who married William S. Hawk, one of the proprietors of the Windsor Hotel of New York ; the other two children, William G. and Anna C, died in infancy. Mrs. Davis died February 10, 18C9. Mr. Davis has repeatedly been offered nomination for political offices but has always refused, and desires now, after a life spent in active business, the rest and quiet which would be beyond his power were he a politician.

Dewey, Amos, Canajoharie, was born about a mile north of Ames, June 6, 1835, and is the son of Flavel and Betsey F. (Bingham) Dewey. The great-grandfather of Amos B., with his two brothers, were the first of the family in this country, coming here from England and locating in Vermont. The grandfather of Amos B. was Daniel, born in Vermont, April 24, 1760. His wife's name was Joanna Dutton, who was born May 3, 1769. They had three children: Flavel. Ann and Temperance. Flavel, the oldest child, was born in Vermont February 3, 1801, and married Betsey F., daughter of Abial and Su.san (Fowler) Bingham. Of their five children there are living: Mary, wife of Henry A. Jones of Brooklyn; Charles Henry, an insurance agent at Brook- lyn ; and Amos B., the subject of these notes. The early life of the latter was spent in this town. He was educated at Ames Academy and also at Lowell Academy, and as- sisted his father on the farm until January 28, 1858, when he married Louise E., daugh- ter of Benjamin and Effie (Armstrong) Jones of Sharon. They had two children, both DOW deceased: Walter L., born October 27, 1858, died May 10, 1873; and Willis J.,

FAMILY SKETCHES. 43

born September IS, ISGl, died August 28, 1SS9. He was entjaged in plove manufac- turing in Johnstown. In the spring of 1S58 Mr. Dewey bought tlie farm where he resides, a beautiful home, in connection with which he owns an apiary of over fifty swarms. He has always been a Republican, and has held the office of justice of the peace for over eighteen years. In 133.3 he he was elected justice of ses-iion for this county,

Devoe, Daniel, Canajoharie, Fort Plain p, o., wa> born in the town of Warren, Herki- mer county, April 19, 1S20, and is the son of Cornelius and Ann (Deyoe) Devoe. About 1750 three brothers by this name came from Germany, one settled in Pennsyl- vania, one was of a roving disposition and never married or made a home, and the other, the great-grandfather of our subject, settled near Schagticoke. His son Anthony was born in 1744, and served in the war of the revolution. He married Laney Van- denburgof Rensselaer county, and they were the parents of nine children, Cornelius, father of our subject, being the second son. He was born April 30, 1797, and always lived in Herkimer county and died there in December, 1888. He married Ann Deyoe of Pittstown, Rensselaer county in 1819, and they were the parents of six children; three are now living: Wallace G-. of Warren; Julia A. Ludden of Columbia; and Daniel, our subject. His early life was spent in Herkimer county, and he was edu- cated in Springfield High School and Academy, He assisted his father summers and taught school winters for si.x years. When twenty-seven years of age he married Maria Snell of Herkimer. May 6, 1847, he leased a farm until 1851, when he bought the place, lived on it until 18(33, when he moved to the town of Canajoharie, where he bought the farm of 200 acres on which he now lives. They are the parents of six children, four of whom are living: Margaret A. Duryee of Everett, Washington; Charlott N., wife of Dr. A. Zoller of West Union, la. ; Daniel I., druggist of Fort Plain ; and Demetra E., wife of Frank W. Bauder of Minden. Mr. Devoe is one of the active members of the Universalist church at Fort Plain. He has held the office of deacon in this church for about ten years, and is considered one of the best farmers there is in the town.

Doxstater, Jacob J., Mohawk, Fonda p. o., was born July 30, 1S09, and died Decem- ber 10, 1885 He married Eli^a, daughter of Albert Veeder, by whom he had four children. She died December 2, 1847, and later on he married Mi.ss Cornelia Williams, by whom he had one child. Jacob J. was a farmer and had 350 acres of land. At his death he was considered one of the leading farmers of the town. Daniel, son of Jacob, was born November 9, 184G, in Mohawk, and married Emily Dillenback of Palatine, daughter of George H. Dillenback. He is a farmer, owning 200 acres of lan(J and a large dairy. He is also interested in real estate in Waukegan.

Dockstader, Henry, Mohawk, son of Frederick, was born in Mohawk April 11, 1778, and died October 4, 18G6, He married Margaret Eaker of Palatine, and of their thir- teen children three are now living: Jacob, who lives at Canajoharie; Benjamin, residing at Natural Bridge; and Henry, who was born August 23, 181(3. The latter married in 1849 Gertrude Caldwell, and they had five children : Luella (deceased), Maggie, Clara, Jennie and Hattie (deceased^. Jennie is the wife of Cornelius Lotrido-e •

44 HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Maggie married David H. Wemple ; and Clara lives at home with her parent?. The family is of German ancestry. Tiiey attend the Dutch Reformed church at Fonda. Mr. Dockstader owns a farm of IGO acres.

Davis. George L , Mohawk, son of .Tohn V. and Sarah (Wemple) Davis, was born in Mohawk, April 22, 1854. His grandfather Davis was born in Dutchess county, and married a Miss Veeder. He came to this county when a young man, and was active in politics. He had a family of four sons and four daughters, and was a member of the Dutch Reformed church. His son. John V., was born in 1827, and died June 1, 1874, and was buried with Masonic honors in additional to the usual church services. He was a popular man in Fonda for many years, and served three terms as deputy sheriff. He was an active Republican, being a frequent delegate to county and state conventions. He was also a prominent member of Fultonville Lodge of Free and Ac- cepted Masons. His widow is still living, and their children were Richard, who died at thirty-five, deeply lamented ; George L., Willett F., Anna B., Marshall, who died at twenty (also a very painful bereavement), and John W. George L. Davis received a common school education and engaged in the news business at Fonda when seventeen years old, which he carried on until 1889. Since 1880 he has been in the insurance business. In 1888 he was elected county clerk and was very popular in that ofBce. He was also town clerk for three years, and always was an active Republican. Feb- ruary 8, 1892, he was appointed deputy revenue collector, and having turned over the news business to his brother John, he is enabled to devote himself to his present en- gagements. Mr. Davis is happily married and has a fine boy, and owns a very hand- some dwelling and may be considered one of the rising young men of Fonda.

De Baun, Rev. John A., Mohawk, son of Abram I. and Maria (Van Houten) De Baun, was born in Clarkstown, Rockland county, March G, 1833. The family is of Huguenot origin and is identified with ancestral piety. Mr. De Baun graduated from Rutgers College in 1852, and three years later from the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church at New Brunswick, N. J., with the degrees of A. B. and A. M. In 1855 he was stationed at Oyster Bay, L. I., where he remained three j'ears, whence he was called to Niskayuna, remaining there twenty-four and a half years and fulfilling a faithful and laborious pastorate. In 1883 he accepted a call from the Reformed church of Fonda, where he has labored with ability and with great acceptance. On July 2G, 1855, he married Elizabeth B. Coddington of New Brunswick, N. J., daugh- ter of David and Deborah (Van Derveer) Coddington. They have had seven children, four of whom are living: John C, Dr. Cornelius W., Maria and Anna M ; the others died in infancy. Pastor De Baun holds high rank among the working clergy, and was president of the General Synod of the Reformed church in 1880. He was also invited to deliver the address at the installation of Professor Lansing to the chair of languages at the New Brunswick Theological Seminary, and he is in frequent service of this pub- lic character in addition to his contributions to the press. He was also elected president of Hope College, but felt that duty required him to remain in his present field. Pastor De Baun is an instructive preacher, preferring usefulness to display, his object being simply to convey Scripture truth. He adheres to the standards of the church, notwith-

FAMILY SKETCHES. 45

staniiing tlie tendency of the age to human inventions. Before coming to his present field he made a foreign tour to recruit health, and visited some of the most interesting scenes connected with that Reformation whose doctrines he has so faithfully maintained. Since his removal to Fonda his son (Cornelius) has graduated at the Albany iledical College and established himself in practice in the same village with encouraging success, and thus father and son are laboring, each in a philanthropic profession.

De Baun, Cornelius W., M. D., Mohawk, son of Rev. John A. De Baun, was born in Niskayuna, June 21, 18G.5. He attended Union College two years and then studied medicine with Dr. F. G. Buckbee of Fonda, and also with Br \A. Vander Veer of Al- bany, and graduated from the Albany Medical College in 18S7. He began practice in Fultonville the same year, but later on moved to Fonda, where he has since been en- gaged in his profession with marked success. On May 4, 1887, he married iliss Laura C. iMills, daughter of George E. Mills, and they have one child, John A., jr. Dr. De Baun is secretary of the County Medical Society, also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and of the order of Red Men and was one of the founders of the Fonda Literary Society which has done so much toward the culture of local talent,

De Waudelaer, James G., Palatine, was born in Mohawk, ^'ovember 11, 1836. His father was Gansevoort De Wandelaer, and his grandfather, John, was a native of Al- bany. The latter, during the early part of his life, was an assistant in the law office of Judge Van Vechten of Albany, and was under Gov. George Clinton in the year 1786 paymaster of the militia. Some time after the revolution he moved to Palatine and purchased the farm of 600 acres, known as the Schenck farm, where he lived until his death. He also owned a grist, saw and fulling mill. His wife was a daughter of Col. Peter Ganesvoort, and they had six sons and two daughters. Ganesvoort De Wande- laer was born in Palatme in 1797, reared on a farm and married Delia, daughter of Adam Getman of Ephratah. The two oldest children died in infancy, but one daugh- ter and two sons survived. He fell heir to his father's property, which he afterwards sold and bought the farm now owned by Jacob Nellis. At one time he owned the farm on which the Fonda court-house now stands, and also the farm now occupied by Will- iam Campbell. In 1845 he bought the farm now occupied by James G., where he died. When a young man he studied medicine and also was clerk in the store of his uncle, Conrad Ganesvoort, who kept the first store in Fort Plain. He died in 1867 and his wife in 1876. James G. De Wandelaer was reared on the farm where he now resides. In 1885 he married Anna, daughter of George Lawyer of Schoharie. He is a farmer, owning 288 acres of land, with good buildings, and has the largest dairy in Palatine. In politics he is a Republican. His brother, John A., enlisted in the Union army in 1862, and served under General Banks in Louisiana, where he was in four engagements ; also under General Sheridan, m Virginia, he participated in five engagements and was wounded in the shoulder in the battle of Winchester. He died April 9, 1891, at Ad- amstown, Md., and his remains were interred in Washington.

Dockstader, Albert V., Palatine, was born in Mohawk. October 3, 1839, He is a son of Jacob J., who was a son of John, and the latter the son of Jacob, whose father was Marcus Dockstader, of German descent, who lived and died in Mohawk, John

46 HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Dookstader and his father, Jacob, were born in Mohawk and were farmers. John married Phoebe Dillenback and rai.«ed three son.s and five daughters. Both parents died in Mohawk. Jacob J. Dockstader was born in tlie same town in 1809, and was a farmer. He married Eliza, daugliter of Albert Veeder, who, with his father was taken prisoner by Sir John Johnson, but afterwards released. Jacob J. had three sons and one daughter by his first wife. His second wife was Cornelia Williams who is now liv- ing and is the mother of his second daughter. He died in 1885. Albert Doxtstader was educated in the public schools and at Clinton Liberal Institute, and married Gertrude, daughter of Conrad P. and Gertrude Snell of Palatine. They have two children, Arthur J. and Earl \Y. At the age of twenty-six Mr. Dockstader went from Mohawk to the town of Florida and bought a farm which he now owns. He resided thereuntil 1888, when he came to Palatine and bought the farm he now occupies. He was justice of the peace in Florida and has been highway commissioner. His wife is a member of the Reformed church. It may be added that Conrad P. Snell, whose daughter became Albert V. Dockstader's wife, was member of assembly in 1851.

Diefendorf, Warner W., Palatine, was born December 2, 1831, in Oneida county, but removed with his parents when a year old to Montgomery county. His father was Warner; his grandfather John ; and his great-grandfather John J. John Diefendorf married Maria Failing, and had twelve children, among them Rev. B. 1. Diefendorf and also Dr. Abraham Diefendorf, the well-known physician He held many minor offices, _ and was a deacon in the Reformed church, but afterwards became a Methodist. He died in 1860 and his wife some years previously. Warner Diefendorf was born atFrey's Bush in 1796. He received a good education and married Christiana Wohlgemuth, a native of Frey's Bush, and a daughter of Wdliara Wohlgemuth, who was born in Pala- tine, and after the revolutionary war married Maria Countriman. Warner Diefendorf had twelve children, ten of whom reached maturity. He was a member of the M. E. Church, and assisted in building the church at Salt Springville. He and his wife both died in 1877, having lived together over sixty years. Warner W. was raised on a farm and educated in the public schools and also at Cherry Valley Seminary. In 1860 he married Margaret A., daughter of James W. and Mary (Coppernoll) Hopkins of Minden. They have two children : Miles H., a produce dealer of Canajohane ; and Lillian E. In 1871 Mr. Diefendorf went to Fort Plain and had a grist-mill for three years, but the next eight years he sold produce and also pumps. He afterwards bought the "Archi- bald Fox farm " in Palatine, where he now resides. He is a member of the Royal Templars of Temperance at Fort Plain, and of the M . E. Church at the same place, which he helped to build. He is also trustee of the old Palatine church, the oldest in Montgomery county.

Dievendorf, Jacob, Root, was born November 16, 1836, at Currytown, and is the son of William B. and Elizabeth (Dievendorf) Dievendorf The grandfather, Jacob, was a son of Jacob Dievendorf, who came from Switzerland with his father, Henry, about the 1730, and soon after settled at Currytown. He was one of the earliest pioneers in Root. He had three sons: Jacob, Frederick and Henry. Frederick was killed by a falling tree, and Jacob and Henry were both the grandfathers of the subject of this sketch.

FAMILY SKETCHES. 47

Jacob, the parental grandfather, wa.s born at Currytown September 23, ITHO. Ile'ivas a boy about twelve years old when taken prisioner by the tories and Indians, and in one of the battles was felled by an Indian, scalped, and left for dead. The day after the battle he was found and cared for by his friends. He was an extensive land owner and farmer. By his wife, Margaret Bellinger, he had two sons and three daughters. He died at Cnrrytown October 8, 185-1, and his wife about 1842. The father of Jacob (William B. Dievendorf the only surviying son) was born Augu>t 30, 1805, at Curry town. He was an extensive farmer and was one of the first dairymen of his town. He was a Democrat, and served as supervisor. He died March 11, 1852. His nine children were as follows : Jacob, Henry A., Charles, Catherine, Charlotte, Fannie M., Lydia and Elizabeth. Margaret died aged twenty. The wife of William B. was born Kovember 24. 1811, and was a daughter of Henry D. and Margaret (Lyker) Dievendorf. Her father served in the assembly of the state and was county judge. She was one of nine children: Jacob H., Henry L., Cornelius, John F., Catharine, Elizabeth, Hannah, Margaret and Fannie. Jacob Dievendorf was reared on a farm and received a common school education, supplemented by an academic course. He married January 5, 18G5, Lydia, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Mount) Shelp. They have had five children : Elizabeth A., Luella, David K., William J. and Sarah M. Mr. Dievendorf is an exten- sive farmer and dairyman, owning the old homestead of 220 acres besides two other farms of 200 and 190 acres respectively. He furnished a substitute for the war ; has served as supervisor for three terms ana is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Reformed church. He is also interested in the bank at Fonda and the cheese factory of his town.

Dievendorf, Henry A., Root, was born April 9, 183S, and is the son of William B. and Elizabeth Dievendorf. He was reared on a farm and received a common school education, supplemented by a course at the high school in Canajoharie. In IPCS he be- gan for himself, and in 1877 bought 304 acres of land one mile south of Sprakers. and in 1891 200 acres in Sprakers. He is a director in the National Spraker Bank at Can- ajoharie and a manufacturer of cheese. In politics he is a Democrat. He married December 25, 1874, Tenetta, daughter of Elias and' Lucretia (Wessels) Lasher, natives of Root. Mr. Lasher reared three sons and six daughters. He died September 23, 1869, aged sixty-three. His wife survives him, aged severty-feven. Mr. and Mrs. Dieven- dorf have five children : William B., Mary L., Edwin G., Catharine E. and Luetta. The family are members of the Reformed church. Mr. Dievendorf is greatly interested in educational methods. He is also a successful businessman and is interested in the bank and also in several cheese factories.

Elwood Family.— The first settler of this family in the Mohawk valley was Reter Elwood. He was an Englishman, and settled in what is now the town of Minden. He married Margaret Nellis, and they had the following family : Henry, who died in Frankfort; David, died in Herkimer county; Peter; George, died in Montgomery county ; Nancy, married John Miller and died in Minden ; and Margaret, widow of Luke Lewis, lives in Chautauqua county. The original settler, Peter, died in Minden. Peter of the above family, was born in Minden in March, 1800, and married Mary Moyer. Their children were Nancy, who married Josiah Root and died in Minden;

48 HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Reuben; David, a resident of Fort Plain ; Margaret wife, of Lansing Fake, resides in Troy; Mary, widow of Milton Failing, lives in Minden; Peter, died in October, 1875. Reuben, of the above family, was born in Minden February 12, 1S27. His father was a farmer, and his early life was spent in agricultural pursuits, his education being lim- ited to the district schools. Mr. Ehvood carried on farming till 1871 when ue came to Fort Plain and was engaged in buying and selling country produce till 1882. He then went into the coal and fire insurance business, which he has since conducted. Politi- cally he is a Republican, and since the Clinton Liberal Institute was located at Fort Plain, he has been one of its trustees, and also for three years secretary and treasurer. He married Catharine, daughter of John Dillenbeck of Danube, and they have tw& sons: Byron H., born in Minden, married Jessie Burlmgame of Pownell, Vt. He is a widower and has one child, named Florence. Ellsworth E., born in Minden June 4, 1861, married Emma, daughter of E. W. Wood. They have one child, Edwin R.

Edwards, Charles Clement, Minden, was born in Ephratah, November 3, 1850, and is the fourth son in a family of eight children of James and Catherine (Nellis) Edwards. His father became a resident of Palatine in the spring of 1853, and he attended the local schools and the Fort Plain Seminary. In the fall of 1865 he became a clerk in the dry goods store of C. Y. Edwards, where he remained two years and he then at- tended the Johnstown public schools for one year, and later on accompanied his father who removed to Jonesville, Saratoga county, and he was engaged one year in farming. Returning to Fort Plain our subject was for two years clerk for C. Y. Edwards, and after that was clerk for E. W, Edwards at Johnstown. In the spring of 1875, in company with his brother, J. K. Edwards, he purchased the hat, cap and men's fur- nishing stock of A. G Mabee, and two years later :Mr. Edwards obtained his brother's interest in the business, which he has since carried on. A Republican in politics, he has never held public office. He married Blanche, daughter of Emmet Raymond of Saratoga county. They have two children: Blanche Raymond and Elizabeth Anna.

Elithorp, Elias J., Palatine Bridge, was born in Saratoga county in 1831. His father was Isaac and his grandfather Azariah Elithorp. The latter came from Connecticut at an early day and settled in Edinburgh, Saratoga county, and married Effie Younglove, who bore him five sons and five daughters. Isaac was born in Saratoga county, May 6, 1796, and married Effie Russell, by whom he had seven sons and one daughter. He was 8 member of Fish House Lodge F. & A. M., and was also a Royal Arch Mason. He died in Saratoga county, where he had always lived, in 1856 and his wife in 1880. Elias J. Elithorp married Mary, a daughter of Arie and Margaret (Neahr) Van Wie. They have had two children: Etta, who died atone year of age; and Oscar, a graduate of Albany Medical College, who died in 1882 aged twenty-six. When a young man Elias J. came to Montgomery county and settled at Palatine Bridge, where he has since resided. He has been a contractor and builder for thirty years, and was super- visor two years and commissioner of highways three years, at present being justice of the peace. He is a member of Hamilton Lodge No. 79, F. & A. M., Hiram Union Chapter No. 53, and Utica Coramandery No. 3. He is a member of Royal and Select Master Lodge of Albany, and has taken his 22d degree in Masonry.

FAMILY SKETCHES. id'

EldreJge, Henry i[oyer. Minden. was born in Leesville, Schoharie county, March 27. 1S.31, and is the seventh of a family of nine children of Clinton and Catherine (Moyer) Eldredge. His father was a fanner, and his education was limited to the common schools. He taught school for four years and in 187G commenced to read law in the office of Coons & Winnie of Sharon Springs. He was admitted to the bar in 1879 and in March of the following year opened an ofBoe in Fort Plain, where he still continues to practice. A Democrat in politics, he has held the office of justice of the peace in Schoharie and Montgomery counties, and was from 1883 to 1889 clerk of the board of supervisors. He married Ida C, daughter of Aaron Dunckel, of Minden.

Edwards. James Keller, Minden, was born in Eohratah, and is the third son of a family of eight children born to James and Catharine E. (Nellis) Edwards. His grand- father, John Edwards, was a member of Congress in 1838. Our subject attended the local schools also the Fort Plain Seminary. He engaged in mercantile business at the age of eighteen years and was for one year clerk for Fanley & Griffiths, hardware dealers. In 18G6 he went to Johnstovrn and became interested in the manufacture of gloves and mittens, and also carried on farming. He married in 18G9 Kittie R., daugh- ter of Joshua Vedder of Nelliston. He returned to Fort Plain in 1871, and was resident buyer for a New York produce house with whom he was engaged two years. In the fall of 1873 he bought a stock of hats and caps formerly owned by A. G. Mabee, which business he carried on till 1876. In the latter year he engaged in the manufacture of furniture, doing a wholesale and retail trade, which he has since continued. In politics he is a Republican and in 1878 he was elected county treasurer, which office he filled till 188.5. He is a prominent -Mason and he was a trustee of the lodge for many years; also a trustee of the Red Men Lodge and of the Reformed church. He is also president of the Fort Plain Furniture Company and a director of the Fort Plain National Bank. He has one daughter, v]z. : May Gertrude.

Edwards, J. S. Glen, of Glen, one of the four children of John V. S. Edwards and Mary (Hosford) Edwards of Glen, was born January 10, 1847, the others being Edward, Geddes H., and Mary (Mrs. George Al>el). John Edwards, grandfather, was born in Root, his wife, Ann Van Schayck, was born on Staten Island. William Edwards, the great-grandfather, came from Wales and in early life settled in Root. Mary M. (Hos- ford) Edwards, the mother of J. S. Glen, was a daughter of Joseph and Maria (Glen) Hosford, her father being John S. Glen of Schenectady, and his father was Abraham Glen, whose brother Jacob was the original patantee in Delancy patent of 10,000 acres in the towns of Glen and Root. His daughter Deborah was the grandmother of Maria ( Glen ) Hosford. The father of Abraham and Jacob was John Alexander Glen. His father, Ale.xander Lindsay Glen, came from Scotland and'was one of the original set- tlers of Schenectady. J. S. Glen Edwards was married February 28, 1872, to Mary Van Deveer, one of two children of William and Elizabeth ( Putman ) Van Deveer of Glen, the other being John Van Deveer. Her grandfather was John Van Deveer and his father was Tunis Van Deveer, who was a native of Monmouth county. N. J. He held a commission in the revolutionary army. They have two children. Florence M. and Deborah Glen Edwards. It is from one of this family (Jacob S. Glen ) that the town of Glen takes its name.

50 HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

England, Morgan, Palatine, was born in Palaline December 28, 184S. On the pa- ternal side he traces his ancestors llirou<;h Benjamin N. England, his father; Nicholas England, grandfather, to Benjamin England, great-grandfather, a Lutheran minister, who came from Germany. On the maternal side, hi.s mother was Amelia Cook, his grandmother was Catherine Shultz, and his great-grandmother was Catherine Loucks, Benjamin N. England and wife, parent.sof ilorgan, had three sons and two daughters, of whom Morgan and Menzo alone survive. Benjamin N. was a farmer and dealer in produce. He voted for Lincoln, though a Democrat. He was a justice of the peace, and a member of the ilethodist Episcopal church, as was his wife. He died Novem- ber 7, 1S83. His father survives and lives in Palatine. Morgan England was educated in the common schools and Fairfield Seminary. April 23, 1890, he married Maggie, daughter of D. S. and Margaret (England) Potter. In addition to farming, Morgan taught school fourteen years. He was also partner with J. J. Potter in the hay and coal trade; in 1890 the partnership was dissolved, and he has since continued the busi- ness alone in connection with farming 120 acres. He is a member of the Red Men and also of the Grange. He and his wife are members of St. ^Mark's Lutheran church at Canajoharie.

Fagan, William T., Amsterdam, was born near Harrisburg, Pa., in 1833, and moved with his parents when a child to Tribes Hill. He was educated in the public schools and academy and is a graduate of the Rochester University and Theological Seminary. He was pastor of the Baptist churches at Rome, Amsterdam, Booneville and Norwalk, Conn. About twelve years ago he retired from tlie ministry and has since resided in Amsterdam, engaging mainly m real estate and newspaper work. He never married.

Fowler, ilrs. Sarah A., Hagaman's Mills p. o., was born May 2, 1828, at Conner's Mills, and is a daughter of Gilbert Conner and sister of James Conner. Gilbert Con- ner's father, Garrett O'Conner, was born in Ireland July 25, 1766, and came to this country previous to the revolution. Sarah J. was educated in the school of her district. One of her earliest recollections is the building of the Reformed church at Hagaman's Mills. She was married October 4, 1853, to Alonzo Fowler of Saratoga county, a year after her father's death. Mr. Fowler has been a very successful farmer, considering the many reverses he had when first securing the Conner farm, owning now one of the finest as well as one of the largest farms in this section of the county.

Frazer, Dr. Leonard A., Amsterdam, was born in the town of Bethlehem, Albany county, on the 17th of May, 1846, and was educated in the public schools and in the Cass High School and graduated from the Albany Medical College in the year 1871. He began to practice at Slingerlands, Albany county, and in the year 1881 he came to Amsterdam. On the 19th of October, 1870, he married Catherine A., second daughter of Albert I., and Catherine Slingerland of Albany county. They had five children. Theresa died at the age of sixteen years, Robert, Albert S., Catharine M. and Leonard H. The doctor's father (Robert) was born in the same county oii the 10th of June, 1804 and married Mrs. Sarah A. Arkles of the same town. All their children died in infancy except Leonard A. His grandfather came with his parents from Scotland when an infant. General Frazer was of this family and was killed at the battle of Sar-

FAMILY SKETCHES 51

atog.i in the Revolutionary war. Tliese Frazers were descended from the ?anie clan with Lord Lovatt and lived at Inverness, Scotland.

Fitzarerald, Timothy, Amsterdam, was born on the 11th of October, 1855, in the town of Florence, Oneida county, and was educated in the public schools. In early life he was a farmer and afterwards learned the carpenter's trade and worked at tlie busi- ness in the far west. He was in Utah territory two years but returned to this state and located at Amsterdam in ISSl. On the 19th of April, ISSl, he married Mary Griffin of the town of Lewis, Lewis county, by whom he had two sons and one daugh- ter: William, Mary E., and Edward F. Mr. Fitzgerald is doing a prosperous business in the manufacture and bottling of carbonated drinks, corner of Church and Reid streets, Amsterdam.

Folmsbee, Peter, Amsterdam, was born in Root, January 9, 1828; he %vas educated in the common schools of tiiose times and until he was twenty-two was a farmer; he then learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he followed in that town twenty- two years. In 18G.5 he married JIalvina Wessell, of his native place, by whom he liad one son, Luman, who afterwards married Lottie Jones of Amsterdam. Mrs. Folmsbee died in August, 1870 ; he then came to Amsterdam in 1871 to work at his trade, and February 6, 1872, he married Mrs. Sarah A. Mills (born Brown) of Washington county ; she had four children by her first husband, Taylor L. Mills, namely : Lewis J. who married Alice Sinclair (an English lady) ; Emma, who married Moses N. Newell, for- merly of Troy; Minnie, married Earl Vouglit of this city; and Frederick H., who mar- ried Margaret Lyons of Cambridge, Mass. Mr. Folmsbee has worked at his trade in this city twenty-one years; his father, James, was in the war of 1812 at Sackett's Harbor.

Flansburg, Albertus B., Amsterdam, was born on the 1st of August, 1856, in the town of Wright, Schoharie county, and was educated in the public schools and gradu- ated from Fort Edward Collegiate Institute in 1877. He taught school for five years and read law with Walter L. Van Denberg, aud was admitted to the bar in 1883. He has since practiced law in this city and at the time of writing (1892) is a justice of the city court. His father, Henry, was born in the town of Berne, twelve miles south of Albany, on the 26th of August, 1814. He married Janette Rosekrans of his native place. They had seven children, three sons and four daughters: Louise E., Henry R. Catherine E., Sarah J., Loretta S., Garrett E. and Alliertus B. He is of Dutch stock, his forefathers having come from Holland.

Fox, Ira, Amsterdam, was born April 2, 1862, in the town of Mokawk, and is the son of Lyman and Harriet J. (Snell) Fo.\. His father (Lyman) was born in the same town April 25, 183G, and was the father of six living children. Frank, the second son is still living on the old homestead and the other four reside in Johnstown. Ira, the subject of our sketch, attended the school in West Amsterdam until he was sixteen, when he entered the Johnstown Academy, where he spent two years securing a good business education. In 1880 his mother died. He left home at once and began work at carpentering in Amsterdam where he remained two years. November 8, 1882, he married Martha A. Boyd of Amsterdam. After his marriage he worked one of his

52 HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

father's farms in tlie town of Johnstown for one year, then engaged with Mr. Sanford as a carpenter He had been here but a fbort time when, the foreman leaving, Mr. Fox succeeded to the position which he has since retained, and Mr. Sanford owes much of the beauty and good appearance of eveiylhing to the watchful eye of his superin- tendent. Mr. Fox is the father of two children : Martha L., born September 1, 1883 ; Walter I., born January 17, 1886. Mr. Fox now owns and conducts a dairy farm of 160 acres near Fort Johnson.

Fraser, John T., Florida, was born in Albany, February '-'4, 1827. Hisfalher (Hugh) was born in that city, in the year 1793, but his mother (Julia Ann Jl'Entee) was a native of Philadelphia. His grandtather, John Fraser, was boin in Scotland. He has one sister living, Mrs. Southwick of Albany. John T. married, July 1, 1852, Eleanor Kelley, daughter of Peter and Anna M. (Dougall) Kelley of Scotch Bush, and they have an adopted daughter, Eleanor Fraser. Mr. Fraser is a business man in Albany, spending his summers upon hia farm in the town of Florida.

Failing Family, The — This family is of German descent, and the pioneer was one of the fifty families sent to this country by Queen Anne. He settled at Livingston Manor on the Hudson, and removed to Schoharie county. Some time previous to the revolu- tionary war he came to Canajoharie. He had a family of six sons, of whom the young- est was Henry. The latter had a large family of children, viz.: Jacob H., Richard, Henry, John, Philip, Elizabeth, who mariied Jacob Walrath; Nancy, who married Henry Zimmerman; Catharine who married another Zimmerman; and Alice, who married a man by the name of Wormwood. Richard, of the above family, had a son, John R., who married Elizabeth Loveless, and had eleven children, viz.: Louisa, widow of David Ehle, resides in Minden ; Rufus ; Mary, widow of Albert Barnes, lives in Pennsylvania; Alonzo, died in Canajoharie; Luthera, wife of William Skillan of Vine- land, N. J.; Schuler, lives in Fort Plain ; Eleanor, wife of Peter Kisnerof Amsterdam; Emma, widow of William H. Harper, resides in Pennsylvania; Elizabeth, died young ; Henrietta, wife of William Dirgman, resides in Virginia ; and Jane, widow of J. Q. A. South, resides in Fultonville. John E. was a blacksmith by trade, and became a resi- dent of Fort Plain in 1834, where he died in 1875. Rufus, the oldest son of the above family, was born in Canajoharie, Januaiy 21, 1824, and married first, Jane Blessing, by whom he had three children: Celia Elizabeth, wife of Henry Husen of Starkville; Ida A., wife of W. R. Walrath of Fort Plain; and Josephine who died young. He mar- ried second, Augusta Ellsworth, by whom he had two children : Maria S., wife of Lewis Shinnehan of Franklin, and one son named Rufus W. He was interested with his father in the foundry which he now runs in Fort Plain. He is a Republican in politics, and has been president and trustee of the village, also excise commissioner. Henry, son of Henry ( the later being son of the original ancestor ), married Mary Chapman and had eight children : Simeon, who died in Minden ; Josiah, who died in Portland, Oregon; Jeremiah; William, who died in Seneca Falls; James, resides in Bingliam- ton ; Catharine, died in Minden; Eliza, died in New York; and Sarah Jane, who mar- ried Daniel Rapp and died in New York. Henry died July 16, 1826, aged about fifty-six years. Jeremiah, of the above family, was born in Minden

FAMILY SKETCHES. 53

November 19, 1810, and married April 28, 184G, Eliza Ann Lighlall, wiio was born in Epliratah April 17, 1822. They had tour children : Sarah Jane, who died aged twenty-four; ilary Lucy, who died aged eighteen years; Elizabeth, died aged two years ; and Josiah, who was born in Fort Plain July 12, 18.J9, married Carrie Hodges and is a merchant at Hartford, Wis. Jeremiah worked on a faim until the death of his father, when lie came to i'ort Plain and learned the blacksmith's trade, and has since re- sided there. He is a Republican.

Fish, Leonard Frothingbam, Fultonville, was born in Fultonville March 25, 1807. After completing his studies at the F'ulfonville Union school he took a four years' liter- ary course at Clinton Liberal Institute at Fort Plain. He read law for three years with R. B. Fish and was admitted as an attorney and counsellor on the 2d of December, 1890, and is now in active practice at F^ultonville. He is the youngest son of Judge Frothingham Fish of the Supreme Court, who by many years' service became distin- guished as an able jurist throughout the State. He is a grandson of Counsellor How- land Fish ( a graduate of Yale college, and who for a term of years was district attor- ney of Montgomery county ) and Eliza Frothingham. Howland Fis-h was a son o£ Peter Fish ( who was of Holland descent and who served in the revolutionary aimy and fought for tlie country at Bunker Hill) and Alice Howland who was of English descent. Eliza Frothingham was a daugliter of Thomas Fiothingham ( who was of Scotch descent and who fought for the country at Bunker Hill) and Elizabeth Frost, who was of English stock. Mr. Fish's mother's name was Susan Bronk, and she is a daughter of the Rev. Robert Bronk and Catherine "^'an Denbergh. Catherine Van Den- bergh was a daughter of John Van Denbergh and Agnes Storm. Robert Bronk was a son of Judge Leonard Bronk ( a gentleman of immense wealth, who was an officer in the American army in the revolution, and served eleven years in the assembly, four years in the senate, and ten years upon the bench in the State of New York ) and Catherine Van Denbergh, all of whom being of straight Holland descent. Judge Leonard Bronk was a son of John Bronk, and a grandson of Robert Bronk, who was granted a patent of an im- mense tract of land in the State of New York. On November 8, 1892, our subject was elected district attorney of Montgomery county by a han.isome majority.

Foster, Alonzo B., M. D., C. M.. Mohawk, is the son of Daniel R. and Lydia A. (Becker) Foster, was born in Waterford, Ontario, Canada. He graduated from Trinity Jfedical College of Toronto in 1887, also College of Physicians and Surgeons of the same city, and the New York Homcepathic Medical College and Hospital in 1S88. The same year he settled at Fonda where he has since practiced with success. In 1887 he received the degree of fellow of Trinity College.

Fox, Mathew, Mohawk, Fonda p. o., ( son of William ) wms born at Fort Plain August 29 1797. His father, William, was born in the town of Palatine, and the father of William was one of the first settlers in the county and town, where he built the first grist- mill. William married Margaret Worniuth, a sister of Lieutenant Wormuth. He was a farmer and was one of the guard at Fort Plain. He had three sons and a daughter : Peter, Daniel, Matthew and Elizabeth. Matthew married Catharine Dockstader, daugh- ter of Nicholas Dockstader, and settled about two miles west of Fonda, where he re-

54 HrSTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

mained a few years, and then removed to the farm now owned by his son JuHan, which he bought and cleared, residing thereon nearly forty years. He died June 1, 1866, hav- ing accumulated a large fortune. His wife died in August, 18G7. They had six sons and three daughters. Julian married Mary Dockstader, daughter of John J. Dockstader, and he has one child, Boyd D., who resides at home. Mr. Fox has held the office of as- sessor seven years.

Fonda, Adam H., Mohawk, Fonda p. o., son of General Henry Fonda, was born November 7, 1799, in the village of Fonda. He married Catharine, daughter of Adam Dockstader, and settled on the farm now owned by J. J. Whitmore. They had two sons and four daughters: Henry A., now a resident of Milton, Pa.; Adam D. (de- cea-ed); Hester, wife of Abram I. Veeder; Sarah A., wife of John D. Benson, who resides at Randolph; Eleanor M. and Alida C, who reside in Fonda, Adam H. died October 2, lSi2, and his wife February 23, 1870. Heniy is president of a bank at Milton, Pa, He married Carrie Brown, and has one son, Lawrence.

Fox, Christopher C, Palatine, was born in Palatine, June 16, 1843. His father was Peter G,, and his grandfather Christopher C. Fox, born in 1774 in Palatine, a farmer, who married Margaret Gramps (born in 1775), who bore him seven children. They both died in Palatme, he in 1852 and she in 1856, Peter G. Fox was a farmer, and married Maria, daughter of Casper J, Cook of Palatine, and they had three sons and four daughters. He died in Palatine January 26, 1879. Christopher C. Fox, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools and at Fort Edward Seminary. He married May 27, 18G8, Dorcas, daughter of Frederick and Lorane (Yost) Sammons of Monto'omery county, one of a family of eight children. They have had the follow- ing children: Lorane S., Marcus (deceased), Clara N., Charles C. Mr. Fox has been highway commisioner six years. His wife is a member of the Reformed church at Fort Plain.

Fox, Richard, Palatine, was born in Palatine, June 5, 1822, and is a son of William W. whose father was William W. W., a native of Germany, who came to America previous to the revolution. William W. W., senior, was a man of more than ordinary education, and was an officer in the revolutionary army. He settled on a farm owned by Richard Fox and died there. The grandfather of Richard was born in Palatine, and married a Miss Recta. He was a justice of the peace for forty years. He and his wife were members of the Reformed church, and both died in Palatine. William W. Fox was born in Palatine, educated at the common school, and was the father of twelve children. He lived and died on the farm now occupied by Richard. Richard Fox married Mary Frailey of Palatitie, by whom he has four children: William, Myron, Laney E. and Meletta. He is a farmer and has thoroughly improved his farm and built a fine residence. He is a Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Re- formed church.

Fuller, Augustus, Palatine Bridge, was born in the town of Palatine in 1846, and is a son of Alva and Elizabeth F. (ShiU) Fuller. He was educated in the common school, after leaving which he assisted his father on the farm until the age of eighteen, when he entered the employ of the New York Central railroad company, first as brakeman.

FAMILY SKETCHES.

00

an.l after«-aids as conductor for the Wagner Palace Car Company, for abont ten vears In ISSo he went into the rail«-ay mail service, between Kew York and Syracuse, and was in the employ of the government four years. In 1891 he bought the large grocery store in Palatine Bridge of John P. Planck, which he has since successfully conducted and he is now doing a large business. December 11, 1872, he married Helen, daughter of John G. Eaker of this town, and they have one child, Mary E. Mr. Fuller'^was elected in 18,5 on the Democratic ticket to the office of collector.

Floyd, Dwight E., Palatine, was born in Palatine, August 4, 18-15. His father was John Floyd, and his grandfather Thomas Floyd of England, who married Phoebe Allen, and raised nine children. They both died in England. John Floyd was born ii^ England, March 26, 1819, reared on a farm, and educated at the common schools. He married Elizabeth Kirton, and their only child was Dwight E. Mr. Floyd came to America in 1845, and worked on a farm for Daniel Smith of Palatine, for five years. He then bought the farm of sixty-four acres, where he has since lived.' He has always been an apiarist. He and his family are Methodists, and he is liberal in the support of the church. He is a Democrat. Dwight E. Floyd was raised on a farm and educated at the common school and^ at Fort Edward Seminary. In 1S7S he married Hattie. daughter of James and Theresa (Brockett) Dempster. (The grandfather of the latter is Rev. Joel Dempster.) They have two children : Bertha and John D. Mr. Floyd has always been a farmer and apiarist, having about 400 colonies of bees. He is' a Democrat, and is overseer of the poor. His wife is a member of the Fort Plain M. E. church.

Fake, Abram, St. Jolmsville, was born June 11, 1825, in the village of Minden, and is the son of John and Anna (Shoemaker) Fake. The grandfather" Nicholas, was an early pioneer in Minden, and had a family of eight children: George, Joseph, John, Peter, Isaac, Henry, Jacob and Hannah. He was a Whig and died in his eighty-fifth year. The father of Abram was born in 1797 in Rensselaer coimty and died in Minden in 1883, in his eighty-seventh year. He was a Whig and afterward a Republican. He married first Ann Shoemaker, by whom he had five children: Peter, Abram, Eliza Mary, and one who died an infant. His second wife was Elizabeth Gibson, by whoni he had one child, John M., who died when young. Abram Fake was born and reared on a farm and received an academic education. At the age of twenty-three he began farming, which he followed until the spring of 1874 when he moved to iS'elliston. "in 1879 he moved to St. Johnsville. He married twice, lirst to Mary A., daughter of William and Polly (Timmerman) Davy, and they had one child, Amaziah W., who now lives on the old homestead. Mary A., his wife, died in June, 1853, and he married for his second wife Matilda J., daughter of James and Leah (Voorhees) Wiley, of Fulton county. They are members of the Lutheran church of Minden. They had one child, A. James, who was educated at Cazenovia Seminary, also Hamilton College, and the New York Law School. He is a resident member of the Oneida Historical Society of Utica, a counsellor of the American Institute of Civics of New York, Delta Kappa Ep- silon and Theta Nu Epsilon college fraternities, and a member of the Dutch Reformed church of St. Johnsville. He is now connected with John D. Beals in the law in New York.

56 HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Gardiner, James B., Amsterdam, was born on the 19th of December, 1852, in Am- sterdam, and was educated in the public schools and the Amsterdam Academy. After the completion of his education he became a clerk in his father's hardware store. He afterwards was employed in the knitting mills of Phillips, Gardiner & Company, and is now in company with C. H. Warring under the firm of Gardiner & Warring of the West End knitting mills, manufacturing fine knit goods. Mr. Gardiner is an active member of the Board of Trade. On the 6th of October, 1S75, he married Carrie S., oldest daughter of H. S. Sacia of Amsterdam. They have one son, Harry S.

Gardiner, E. Watson, Amsterdam, was born on the 17th of June, 1864, in Amster- dam, and was educated in the public schools and the Amsterdam Academy. Soon after he obtained his majority he began business on his own account in furnishing knit goods manufacturers with supplies and trimmings. On the 11th of September, 1889, he married Effie, oldest daughter of James and Catherine Van Brocklin of this city. Tliey have one son, Leonard Yeomans. Mr. Gardiner's father, Leonard Y., was born in Greene county in the year 182-1 and came to Amsterdam when a young man. He married Josena Bronson, by whom he had seven children, two of whom died in infancy. Leonard died in California after he grew to maturity. Four survive, Emily, James B., Marcus and E. Watson.

Gray, John J., Amsterdam, was born on the 2d of July, 1814, in Ephratah, and was educated in the public school and the Canajoharie Academy. He taught school four winters and also one summer, and in 1863 went to Ilhnois, where he was a farmer and and contractor. He superintended the first work on the Chicago and Galena railway and also operated in land. After four years he returned east and located at Port Jack- son, now the Fifth Ward in Amsterdam. On the 12th of January, 1842, he married Maria L., second daughter of Warren and Catherine (Pettingill) Curtiss. They had two children, a son and a daughter; the son Howard died in infancy, and Georgianna Gray survived. She married Charles A. Jewett on the 6th of September, 1876, and has one daughter, Florence G. Mr. Jewett's former home was Chaumont, Jefferson county. Mr. Gray served the public in the capacity of constable and deputy sheriff one year. He was a contractor for the enlargement of the Erie canal, six miles of it being his con- tract. His savings were invested in land, and it has increased in value to a very great extent, especially that adjoining the city. ilr. Gray's wife died on the 10th of October, 1890. His father (Jacob) was born in the town of Palatine and married Hannah Ever- son of the same town. They had one son, John J. His grandfather was a major in the revolutionary war.

Grieme, Henry G., Amsterdam, was born on the 24th of April, 1842, in Diepholsby, Germany, and was educated in the public schools and bred a contractor and builder ; his father and grandfather and others of his family worked at it for generations in Ger- many. At the age of fourteen he entered a school of architecture, studying winters and working summers, until he reached the age of twenty-one. From this time for- ward m Germany and in this country he has prosecuted his favorite occupation. In the year 1868 he came to this country and located at Amsterdam, and ha? been a suc- ceesstul architect and contractor, and very many beautiful buildings attest his skill. He

FAMILY SKETCHES. 57

is also the architect for tiie large buildings Stephen Sanfoni & Sons are continuously erecting and is contractor for the same. Mr. Grieme has also a large lumber yard in the Fifth Ward, and a very extensive brickyard with all the modern conveniences for operating the same. He also conducts the process of steam drying the bricks, which he considers a superior and quicker method. He has married twice, first on December 22, 1868, to Louisa Kline, formerly of Germany, and ihe ceremony took place at Ho- boken. They had three children, two daughters and one son: Amelia, married Will- iam La Bahu of this city; Henry W., and Dora L., who re-ides at home with her parents. For his second wife he married on the 30th of May, 1877, Mrs. Maria Schotte. They have one daughter. Lacy P. Mrs. Grieme had four children by her first husband, as follows: Martha A., ilary C, Cuno B., and Gussie P.

Gregory, E. Sanford, Minden, was born in Cooperstown, October 15, 18.34, and is the oldest son in a family of five children of Stephen and Phoebe (Fairchild) Gregory. After attending the public schools he went to Gilbertsville Academy, then under the principalship of Ivory Chamberlain. He graduated in 18.50 and came to Fort -Plain and was employed for seven years as a clerk in the drug store of John H. Babcock in 1857 he became a partner with Mr. Babcock, the firm continuing until 1864 as Babcock & Gregory, In the latter year W. H. H, Lintner became a partner, and an- other store was opened at Little Falls under the charge of Mr, Lmtner, the firm being Gregory & Co, at Fort Plain, and Babcock, Lintner & Co, at Little Falls. These firms continued until 1871, when by mutual agreement Mr, Gregory took the Fort Plain store, which lie has since continued to run, and the other partners the Little Falls store, Mr. Gregory is the inventor of the Gregory quick-drying yellow floor paint, and also man- ufactures the well-known horse cure, Sanford's Liquid Heave & Distemper Remedy, Politically he is a Republican. He married Aclisah, daughter of Asa N. Draper of Waterloo, and they have four children : Walter, a resident of New York; De Lancey, Lucia B., and Charles S.

Grant, John P., Jlinden. was born in Minden, December 1. 1835, and is the second son of a family of three children of John P. and Elizabeth (Sponable) Grant. He was educated in the common school and the Fort Plain Seminary. Mr. Grant early became engaged in farming, which he followed till 18G2, when he connected himself with the firm of R, Baniber & Co. of Xew York as a resident buyer for all kinds of countiy pro- duce. He was in the employ of this firm, and Bamber & Elwood till 1880, when he became a wholesale and retail dealer in butter, cheese and produce in Fort Plain. In 1887 he added an extensive grocel-y stock to his business, which he hps since carried on. In politics a Republican, he has been town clerk of Minden for three years, and for two years trustee of the village of Fort Plain. He married Annetta, daughter of Benjamin S. Vrooraan of the town of Mohawk, and they have had five children: Mary Elizabeth, Wells S., Webster, who died aged nine years; Russell S., and John P.

Genter, James, Minden, was born in Springfield, Otsego county, December 13, 1804. He attended the local schools, also the Academy at Cazenovia. In 182G he came to Fort Plain and studied law %vith Henry Adams and was admitted to the bar. He at one time formed a partnership with Henry Cook, and the firm was Genter & Cook, but

58 HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY. ;

after tlie dissolution of this firm he praticed alone until within a year of his death, August 3, 18S9. Politically he was a Democrat. December 3, 1835, he married Catharine, daughter of Henry Grouse. She died February 3, 1882. Their children were : Mary Augusta, died aged twenty-three years ; Catharine Elizabeth, married H. N. Lockwood of Auburn, and died in New York August 6, 1888 ; and Helen Alice, wife of George B. Cook of Fort Plain. On the occasion of Mr. Genter's death, a meeting of the legal fraternity was held, and resolutions of condolence and respect were passed. He was for over fifty years associated with the members of the bar of Montgomery county. He was uniformly courteous in all business and social relations, of a quiet and retiring disposition, and was regarded as an honest and careful lawyer. George Byron Cook, was born in Milton, Saratoga county, April 26, 1839, and is the only son in a family of two children of Chauncey H. and Jane Ann (Shearer) Cook. After receiving a com- mon school education, in 1857 he came to Fort Plain and was employed in the dry goods house of Shearer & Cronkhite, and February 13, 1863, became a member of the firm of R. H. Shearer & Company. The latter firm was dissolved March 1, 1873, and Mr. Cook opened a dry goods store, which he carried on till January 1, 1892. In poli- tics a Democrat, he has never held any public offices. He married September 1, 1870, Helen Alice, daughter of James Genter and they have two children, James Lockwood and George Crouse.

Garlock, De Forest, Canajoharie, Buel p. o,, was born in the town of Canajoharie, about one and a half miles north of Buel, November 12, 1860. He is the son of Peter S. and Margaret (Yroman) Garlock. December 15, 18G6, he married Ella M. Sammons. (See Sammons Biog.)

Garlock, William, Canajoharie, Marshville p. o., was born on the farm of his present residence, January 24, 1827, and is the son of George A. and Margaret (Lambert) Garlock. The grandfather of our subject is the earliest ancestor we can trace. His name was Adam and with his brother George were the only ones of the family who remained in this country during the Revolution. Adam was born in 1754 and was married to Hannah Grey, and they were the parents of seven children ; William, Adam, George A., Henry, Nancy, Katie, Betsey. Adam, the grandfather, was asoldier in the Revolution, and drew a pension until his death, which occurred in 1840. His son, George A., was born in 1790 and served in the war of 1812. He married Margaret, daughter of Peter and Anna (Lipe) Lambert of Frey's Bush, just before the war of 1812. They were the parents of ten children and five are still living; Menzo of Ames, Catherine of Fort Plain, Susan, wife of Wa.shington Garlock of Utica, Elizabeth, wife of Dwight A. Tibbies of Fort Plain, and William our subject. With the exception of five years which he spent in California, he has always lived on this farm. He was educated in the common school and assisted his father on the farm until the death of the latter, which occurred July 26, 1847 ; then he worked it on shares for his mother until 1851. After his mining venture in California (which was successful) he returned to the old home in 1855. In 1858 he bought out his brother's interest. June 17, 1857, he married Mercy Hamilton, daughter of Henry C. and Emeline (Shepherd) Hamilton of Charlestown, and they are the parents of eight children, seven are living: Frank H., Minnie E., Mabel V., John I., Nellie, George H., Harvey I., and Bayard T. Mabel,

FAMILY SKETCHES. 5&

wife of Seymour Cooke, died October 8, 1S89. Mrs, Garlock, mother of our subject, died in 1876, eighty years of age. Mr. Garlock is not an active poHtician but is known the town over as an honest, upright citizen, and good neighbor.

Garlock, Nathan, Canajoliarie, Marshville p. o., was born on the fa'm of his present residence, September 9, 18.52, and is the son of Peter and Laney (Louck.s) Garlock. The great-grandfather of our subject, Adam Garlock, settled on the farm of Adam and Rueben Garlock, the first of the family in this town. He was the father of seven children, of whom George was one of the oldest. He married a ^Margaret Lambert and they were the parents of eight children, five are now living: 'William of Canajoharie ; Menzo of Ames; Susan, wife of Washington Garlock of Utica ; Elizabeth, widow of Dwight Tibbies of Fort Plain; and Catherine Garlock who makes her home with Mrs. Tibbies. Peter Garlock, father of our subject, was born January 7, 1817, and always lived in this town. He was a farmer and married Laney Loucks of Manheim, July 5, 1842. and they were the parents of four children: Anna, wife of Harvey Wagner ; Libbie, wife of Albert Dunckle of Canajoharie ; Lida, wife of James Schuyler of Fonda ; and Nathan, our subject, whose whole life -has been spent on the farm. He was edu- cated at Ames Academy and also at Little Falls Academy. He married Luella Winne, daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth (Wessels) Winne of Mapletown, October 10, 1878, and their union has been blessed by three children : Gertrude E., born January 17, 1881 ; Matie C, born September 30, 1884; Voorhees, born August l.o, 1891. Mrs. Garlock, mother of our subject, lives with her son and is in her seventy-second year. After his marriage Mr. Garlock conducted the farm on shares until his father's death, February U, 1886. He is considered a very successful farmer. He owns two farms which together contain 212 acres, and cultivates mostly hay and grain, with the addi- tion of a dairy of twenty-six cows. He is called a good friend and neighbor.

George, Augustus L., Mohawk, Fonda p. o., was born in Silesia, Germany, May 7, 1827, and is the son of Anthony and Barbara (Gumprich) George. He was educated at the public schools of his country, and learned the cabinetmaker's trade. In 1849 he came to America and located at Fonda, where he worked two years for Charles Tim- merman and then became a partner in the cabinet business. In 18.53 he started in busi- ness alone, and has carried on cabinet making and undertaking for forty years. In 1852 he married Catherine De Graff of Fonda, daughter of John, and has four sons: John, Joseph, Francis and Charles. The whole family joined the Pieformed church. He is a member of Fultonville Lodge No. 531, F. and A. M. He has been deacon in the Reformed church ten years, and was elected elder in 1866 ; he has led the choir twenty-nine years. In 1884 he visited his native country, stopping at Hamburg, Co- penhagen, Berlin and Frankfort, and spending a considerable time with his two broth- ers and one sister in the village of Weschkau. Mr. George is a very active man, and conducts a Sabbath-school at Berryville, where he is deeply beloved. His industry in business has been rewarded by success, and he has taken his two sons (John and Jo- seph) in partnership. They are as a family noted for industry, temperance and all that improves society.

Faulknor, Jay H., oldest son and one of three children of Benjamin and Mary E. (Mabee) Faulknor of Glen, was born in that town February 8, 1849, tlie others being

60 HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Anna (dead) and Edwin Faulknor, -nho lives upon the farm adjoining. He was mar- ried. March 20, 1872, to Mary E. Hoff, one of four children of William N. and Amelia (Shelp) Hofl'of Glen. They have two chddren: Abram M. and Glen H. Faulknor. He has been called to various ofiBces of public trust; was commissioner of highways five years and of great service in building the Mill Point bridge in 1879; served two years as supervisor with credit to himself and public satisfaction. He and his family have lived on the farm where they now reside since 1871, on which farm several years a^o was kept a store, with a dressmaking department in connection. The family have in their possession a piece of goods purchased there by their grandmother (now dead) when she was a young girl. A Fourth of July celebration was once held there with a great crowd. Some of the old fighting stories of that day are told over yet as they are handed down by memory. There was also a blacksmith shop located there.

Faulknor, Benjamin A., Glen, was bora in the town of Glen March 22, 1822. He was one of seven children of Daniel and Hannah (Van Patten) Faulknor of Glen, the others being as follows: Jane, wife of Asa P.Dodge; Harriet (deceased), wife of William Van Buren ; Cenith, widow of G. P. Serviss; Benjamin A., Mary Ann, widow of Charles Fieldhamer; Ann, widow of Mayhew Bunn, and Adelia, who died in lier youth. The latter two were half sisters of Benjamin A. Caleb Faulknor, grandfather of the latter, was born in Connecticut and settled in Palatine in early life. His father came to Glen when a young man, married and settled here. Benjamin A. Faulknor married, November 25, 1847, Mary Mabee of Glen. They have had three children: Jay H., Edwin and Anna (deceased.) Edwin resides with his parents. He married, October 20, 18S6, Nelia Allen, a daughter of Harvey and Phebe (Almy) Allen of the town of Root. They have two children, Leslie and Anna E.

Fairbanks, Dr. James R., Amsterdam, born in Pittsfield, Mass., on the lltli of Octo- ber, 1842, was educated at the Harvard Medical College and graduated from the Berk- shire Medical College in October, 1866. He was in the War of the Rebellion as hos- pital steward and acting assistant surgeon of the Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Volun- teers from August 15, 1862, until the close of the war, receiving an honorable discharge. In 186S he married Elizabeth il. Bishop of Truxton, by whom he had two daughters : Hattie B. and Eliza. The doctor's father (Jabez) was born in Hadley, Mass., in 1801, and married Harriet Stocking of Westfield, Mass., by whom he had three sons : Jabez W., Edgar P. and James R.; all of whom were in the war, and two daughters: Ach- sah and Hattie. Edgar P. Fairbanks died in the army.

Getnian, William F., son of Richard and Mary (Shults) Getm,an, was born July 4, 1849. He married, June 23, 1875, Viola Shults, and in 1876 he bought the faim of 121 acres where he now resides. They have three children: Anson, Orvia, Bertha V. In 1879 he built the Getman cheese factory, which is located on his farm, and has a capacity of 300 cows. Mr. Getman is a member of the Grange and also the Im- proved Order of Red Men.

GrofF, Hamilton, Palatine, was born in the town of St. Johnsville, Montgomery county. August 11, 1828. His father was Daniel Groff, and his grandfather was an early settler of Oppenheim, where he passed his whole life. Daniel GrofFwas born in

FAMILY SKETCHES. 61

Oppenheim, and married Eve Failing, by whom lie had eleven children. Pie moved to Sharon and afterwards to Stone Arabia; the last ten years of his life he lived retired at Fort Plain. He died in 1879, and his wife in 1888. Hamilton GroiT was raised on a farm, and is a man of liberal education. His wife was Nancy Flanders of St. Johns- ville, by whom he had five children: Charles H., John H., Alice, Arthur D. and Albert, who died in infancy. Mr. Groff owns 350 acres of land, including the farm on which he resides, which contains 125 acres and has good buildings. His house, built in 1870, at a cost of $9,000. is one of the finest residences in the town. He has a laro-e dairy, and is a director of the Spraker cheese factory, for which lie was salesman four years. He and his family attend the Reformed Church at Stone Arabia.

Graraps, Harvey, Palatine, was born in Palatine, September 20, 1853. His father was Reuben ; his grandfather was John H. ; and his great-grandfather, Henry Gramps, who was an early settler of Palatine, and who served in the revolution. John H. Gramps was born in Palatine ilarch 5, 1796, and married Mary Snell, who bore him twelve children, nine of whom reached maturity. He served in the war of 1812, held several town offices, and died May 18, 18G0, his wife dying m 1854. Eeuben Gramps was born in Palatine, June 4, 1825, was a farmer, and married Marie Markell (born January 20, 1831), who bore him the following children: Aurelia, Harvey, Alida and Elmer. He survives his wife, who died September 24, 1881. Harvey Gramps was educated at the common school, supplemented by several terms at an academy. He is a farmer, and a Republican. He married, January 2, 1878, Julia, daughter of Azariah and Kattie A. (Kilts) Saltsman. They are members of the Reformed church at Stone Arabia.

Gove, George J., Root, son of Johnson and Sarah (Walker) Gove, was born in Watervliet, Albany county, December 4, 1834, but after his father's death his mother came to Root. He received his education at the common schools, and at the age of thirteen entered the store of Ira Hoag, and at fourteen came to where he now carries on business, and became clerk for John Bowdish. In 1870 he became a partner. In 1884 the partnership was dissolved and he then took in his son as partner. He also carries on a farm of 140 acres. He is a Democrat in politics and |has served as town clerk two terms; was supervisor in 1884-85; re-elected in 1889-90-91; in 1889 and 1891 was chairman of the board. In the fall of 1891 was elected to the assembly from Montgomery county and served on internal affairs— taxation, retrenchment and canals. He married Louisa, daughter of John and Jane A. Bowdish of Rural Grove, who reared three daughters. Her father served many years in town offices, and was assemblyman one term. He was a member of the constitutional convention in 1846, and died in 1886 at the age of seventy-eight. Mr. and Mrs. Gove have had six children: J. B., Laura, who died in infancy ; Anna W., who died aged twenty years ; George J., who died aged eleven years; Myrta L., and Maggie M. Mr. and Mrs. Gove are members of the Christian church. The grandfather, Elijah, was born in New England, of English de- scent, and reared three sons and six daughters. He was an early pioneer of Charleston. Johnson Gove was born in the latter town in 1799. He followed boating at Troy and later on was deputy sheriff of West Troy. He married first Laura Sears, by whom he

62 HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUXTY.

had one son and three daughters. His second wife was Sarah \Vall<er, who bore him one child, who is the subject ot this sketch. Johnson Gove died in 1835, and his wife in 1882. She was born in Charleston, a daughter of Jacob Walker, who was of Dutch descent. He moved to Jefferson county, where he finished liis days.

Gardenier, Lorenzo, Root, was born where he now resides February 11, 1837, a son of Abraham M. and Rhoda (Grantier) Gardenier. He received a district school educa- tion, and now owns the old homestead, comprising 171 acres. He has served as over- seer of the poor, and is a Democrat. He married, October 27, 1881, Jane, daughter of Charles and ilary (Lyker) Gordon. They have two children, Mary Libbie and Bertha. Martin, grandfather of Lorenzo, was a son of Capt. Jacob Gardenier, who was one of the earliest settlers of the town of Glen. He served as captain and received thirteen wounds in the battle of Oriskany. For his bravery he was presented with a sword having a solid silver handle. This was willed to the father of Lorenzo, and was lost. Martin Gardenier was born near Caughnawaga, February 26, 1756, and married Anna Huyck Deceracer 21, 1784. Their four sons were Abraham, Isaac, William and Jacob. In 1802 he settled in Root, now in Schoharie county, where he owned two hundred acres of land. The old house still stands. He died in 1812. The father of Lorenzo was born May