Orleans County New York Biographies, Surnames A-J

Transcribed by Jeffrey Tooley

Orleans County New York Biographies, surnames A-J extracted from Landmarks of Orleans County, Edited by Hon. Isaac S. Signor of Albion, N.Y., 1895.

Acer, H. Augustus

H. Augustus Acer. The son of Volney A. and Charlotte (Peck) Acer, was born in the town of Shelby, Orleans county, on June 19, 1858. His father is one of the best known men of the county.

In February, 1882, H. A. Acer formed a copartnership under the firm name of Whedon & Acer, with Mr. Oscar Whedon, who had been engaged in the hardware trade in Medina nearly thirty years. After the death of Mr. Whedon in August, 1886, Mr. Acer assumed the entire business and has since carried it forward under the style of H. A. Acer, keeping a general line of shelf and builders' hardware, cutlery, stoves, ranges, paints and oils, agricultural implements, carriages and wagons, with special departments devoted to plumbing, hot water and steam heating, located at No. 48 Main street, Medina. On December 28, 1881, he was married to Miss Ella W., the daughter of Oscar and Julia (Winchester) Whedon, of Medina, and they have three sons, viz.: Oscar Whedon, Herbert Peck, and Donald Winchester. Mr. Acer is recognized as an enterprising and honorable business man, and takes a prominent part in the affairs of the day, poHtical and otherwise.

Acer, Volney A.

Volney A. Acer was born at Pittsford, Monroe county, N. Y., November 18, 1818, the eldest son of David Adams and Sarah (Post) Acer. His father was a native of Hadley, Mass., and the son of William Acer, who with his wife, Dorothy Adams (a member of the celebrated Adams family, which has given so much value to our country, and nearly related to John Adams, the second president of the United States), who was born at Montpelier, Vt, settled in Monroe county, N. Y., about three miles south of Pittsford, in 1790, upon land deeded to him by the Seneca Indians and subsequently endorsed by Phelps & Gorham, the agents of the Holland Company.

Another of the four sons of William Acer, John, built a hotel and for many years kept the first line of stages running between Canandaigua and Pittsford.

A third member of this family, now Mrs. M. J. Acer Fisher, of Rochester, still owns the family homestead at Pittsford, under the spreading branches upon which estate the numerous descendants and connections held centennial re-union in 1890.

After receiving the benefit of the district schools Volney A. Acer gave his attention to farming and real estate operations until his marriage, a few months after which, the decision having been reached that they would locate upon property in Orleans county purchased a short time before, during the fall of 1854, with his bride beside him, he drove to Shelby and built near the banks of the Oak Orchard Creek the house in which for nearly forty years the gradually increasing family made a happy home. In 1866 he erected a steam mill at Shelby Center and commenced the manufacture of staves and heading, a business which increased so rapidly that in 1869 it was esteemed advisable to remove the buildings to Medina, where, alongside the canal, the business has since been successfully carried on. Despite the demands made upon his attention by the mill and his steadily increasing real estate interests, Mr. Acer has given freely of his time to the public benefit in various ways, prominent among such being his earnest and persistent labors towards the improvement of Oak Orchard Creek and the reclamation of the 25,000 acres of Tonawanda Swamp. In 1858 he was one of three commissioners on the part of private effort to reclaim that immense waste, and he has since given much effort to such end until finally, and largely through his personal work and influence, the State has taken the operation in hand and is pushing it through to a valuable completion. Mr. Acer served his town as supervisor three terms. He has been heavily interested in real estate matters here and elsewhere, and gave the Baptist Society of Shelby the land upon which their church now stands. The school house there was also erected upon his property. Descended from old Presbyterian stock, he has been trustee of the Medina Presbyterian church about twenty-five years. Politically he is a Democrat.

In June, 1854, he was married to Charlotte Clark Peck, daughter of Anthony and Harriet (Clark) Peck, of Tallmage, Ohio, and the result of the union was as follows, viz.: Da A, Acer (who for three terms was supervisor of Shelby township, and for five years superintendent of the Bignall Manufacturing Company of Medina, and is now living at Seneca Falls connected with Gould's Manufacturing Company, the extensive manufacturers of hydraulic machinery); Harriet Peck Acer (now Mrs. Dr. P. D. Carpenter, of Pittsford, N. Y.); H. Augustus Acer (a leading merchant at Medina, whose sketch will be found in this volume); Sarah Antoinette Acer, of Aurora, N. Y.; V A Acer (who married Miss Kate, daughter of the late Adna Bowen, one of the leading lawyers of the county, and with their two children resides upon the old homestead at Shelby Center); Charlotte Clark Acer, of Pittsford, N. Y.; and Frank A. Acer, a practicing lawyer of New York city, now connected with the legal department of the municipal government there.

Of strongly marked characteristics Mr. Acer has impressed his views of morality and integrity upon the entire surroundings and is recognized as a valuable member of the community.

After the death of Mrs. Acer (who was born at Tallmage, Ohio, June 15, 1828, and died January 30, 1883) he removed from Shelby to Medina and makes his home with his son, H. A. Acer.

Allen, Charles S.

Charles S. Allen, who for forty-six years was known throughout Orleans county as a surveyor and civil engineer, was born in Stephentown, Rensselaer county, N. Y., August 1, 1813, and was a son of Caleb and Huldah (Dawley) Allen. The father, a Rliode Islander by birth, was of Welsh descent and inherited the sterling characteristics of his race. He was a mechanic of limited means and in 1827 moved with his large family to Cayuga county. When nineteen years of age Charles S. bought his time, agreeing to pay his father the first $50 he could earn. His education was necessarily confined to the common schools, but his native ability and brillianc intellect, sharpened by close application and systematic readmg, enabled him to acquire a good knowledge of the elementary English branches, and he went to Ontario county and taught school in the village of Phelps. While teaching there, at the suggestion of a friend, he studied surveying and civil engineering, and spent one summer assisting in surveying the railroad from Auburn to Rochester. Another year was spent in Indiana, then a comparative wilderness, in surveying and laying out portions of that State. Returning to Phelps he resumed his teaching, and in the spring of 1848 came with his family to Barre, settling first on a farm of seventy acres in what is known as the Burmah district. Five years later he sold this and removed to a farm near Barre Center, whence he came in 1866 to he town of Albion, locating just south of the village, where he died May 20. 1894.

During the major portion of his residence in Orleans county Mr. Allen followed the dual avocations of farmer and surveyor. He never affiliated with politics in a prominent sense, but was actively identified with many enterprises of a general character. He was no office seeker, yet for several years he served as one of the assessors of Barre. It was in the profession of surveying and civil engineering, however, that he was best known. In this capacity in this county he was employed by over 2,200 persons and by the court was appointed on twenty-eight ditch commissions. He also assisted in dividing and settling twenty-five estates, and was one of the originators and for many years a director of the Orleans County Mutual Fire Insurance Company.

Mr. Allen had naturally what might be called a mathematical mind, which was greatly improved by careful study, until he acquired such a mastery of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and mensuration that there were very few problems in either of those branches which he could not elucidate and demonstrate. He also, by long practice, had become very familiar with the use and management of the best surveying and engineering instruments. He was often called as an expert witness in close and troublesome litigation respecting boundary lines and proportionate division of lands in dispute in court, and there is no instance recollected in which in any of these cases his professional opinion was overruled or set aside. He possessed indomitable courage and perseverance, and was characteristically prompt to meet engagements, his reliability in this connection being proverbial. He was excessively careful to cause no one any inconvenience or trouble in waiting. He was decidedly a self-made man and endowed with a keen observation at once discriminating and accurate, a strict integrity and a charity that could not olten be provoked to speak ill of another were not the least of his many virtues. He loved his work and took great pride in its proper execution. Above al he was a patriotic and useful citizen, a faithful friend, and a pleasant and genial companion. In religion he was a consistent Baptist, being an influential member of that church during his entire residence in the county. While his religious convictions were of the strictest New England orthodox faith, yet his mind was of that free and fair nature that it was always open to the reception of new truths, if any there were, from whatever source they might be presented.

Mr. Allen was married on the 6th of June, 1838, in Phelps, N. Y., to Miss Edna Robinson, daughter of James Robinson, who was one of the early settlers of Ontario county and who built the first house in Canandaigua. She survives him, residing on the homestead in Albion. Their children were Alvin R. Allen, clerk of Orleans county; Dr. A. J. Allen, of Lockport, N. Y.; Dr. William C. Allen, of Colorado Springs, Col.; and Josephus W., James G., and Frank M. Allen, deceased.

Berry, Col. John

The ancestry of Col. John Berry is traceable back to about fifty years after the landing of the Mayflower, and the family has had connections of more than ordinary note. On the paternal side the ancestors were of the sturdy and faithful Rhode Island Quakers, while on the maternal side Colonel Berry had among his ancestry Gen. Nathaniel Green, one of the Revolutionary heroes. His grandfather was Elisha Berry, who was born in Rhode Island in 1731, and died March 11, 1803. His wife was Phoebe Clark, born in 1739, and died in 1820.

Clark Berry, son of Elisha and father of the subject, was born in Berlin, Rensselaer county, N. Y., whither the family had removed in 1783, and died at Pompey, Onondaga county, N. Y., in 1844. He married Sarah Whitney, who was born in 1787 in Hancock, Mass., and died in 1852 in Ira, Cayuga county, N. Y., while on a visit to one of her children. Clark Berry was a man of generally broad intelligence, well educated for his time and liberal as far as his ability went in giving to his children educational advantages. The children of Clark and Sarah (Whitney) Berry were as follows: Clark (jr.), born at Berlin in 1807, died October 13, 1882 at Lysander, Onondaga county, N. Y., married first Avis Deering, and second Cordelia Butts; they had four children. Second, Sylvester Berry, born at Berlin May 24, 1809, died in Albion May 28, 1879, while on a visit east from his home in Michigan; married Mary Gould; three children. Third, the subject (see further on). Fourth, Matthias, born at Berlin in 1815, and now living in Pompey, married Sylvia Osborn; eight children. Fifth, Sarah, born in Pornpey in 1818, living in Wisconsin. Sixth, Phoebe, born in Pompey in 1821, died in 1845 in Granby, Oswego county. Seventh, Laura, born in Pompey in 1823, died in 1857 at Watertown, Wis. Eighth, Daniel, born in Pompey in 1825, died in 1890 in California, married in 1851 at Holley, to Marcia Elliott. Ninth, Mary Ann, born in Pompey in 1828, died at Parsons, Kas., in 1889.

John Berry, the third child of Clark Berry, was born at Berlin, Rensselaer county, N. Y., October 11, 1812, and died in Holley, Orleans county, November 7, 1892. His youth did not materially differ from that of other American boys of that time; but he found opportunity to obtain a fair English education, which in later years he broadened by extensive reading and clear judgment of current reading during his long life. In 1834, when he was twenty-two years old, he removed to Albion and was employed by General Lee in the produce business. Three years later he removed to Holley, where he passed the remainder of his life in the same business — an honorable business career of more than fifty years. He became widely known in this connection throughout Western New York, and for years was one of the largest buyers in this section and one who was implicitly trusted by all with whom he had business relations. In 1852 he took the stone mill property with L. D. Hurd and Eldredge Farwell and continued the connection several years. In 1861 he formed the firm of Partridge & Berry in the produce business, associating with himself his son in-law, D. H. Partridge.

Colonel Berry received his familiar military title through his connection with the 215th Regiment of militia, in which he served as captain, adjutant, and colonel.

Colonel Berry was a Republican in politics after the organization of that party and took an active part in its councils. After being chosen to several minor public offices, village trustee, supervisor, etc., he was elected member of Assembly in 1870 and re-elected in 1871, faithfully serving the interests of his town and county in that body. In educational affairs he always evinced the deepest interest, and the present advanced condition of the Holley schools is largely due to his unselfish work. He served as school trustee and many years as secretary of the Board of Trustees of the academy; and he was a member of the commission charged with building the academy. It was largely due to him that the old school house was displaced by the present stone building now used as a dwelling house. So in all affairs of his adopted home he labored faithfully and unselfishly for their advancement. "The beautiful Hillside cemetery, where he is hurried, is another institution for which we are largely indebted to Colonel Berry's zeal and enterprise. He was one of its most active promoters and was president of the association until his death." He died full of honors and in the enjoyment of the unqualified respect and confidence of the community.

Colonel Berry was married in 1837 to Rlioda A. Williams, of Tully, N. Y., who died in 1892. Their children were: Frances Marion, born May 13, 1838, in Holley, married Wallace L'Hommedieu, now of Medina. Helen J., born March 2, 1840, married D. H. Partridge, of Holley. Avis M., born June 27, 1850, married C. W. Hatch, of Lockport. Belle S., born January 5, 1852, married F. A. Milliken, of Holley.

Bidwell, Charles H.

Charles H. Bidwell was born in the town of Albion, Orleans county, N. Y., on the 10th of September, 1848. His father, Cyrus Bidwell, was a native of Troy, N. Y. Is living in Albion aged eighty years. His mother was a native of Vermont, and died in 1872. She was well known as an earnest Christian worker and a woman of exceptional strong mind and good judgment in matters of business. Her sister, Harriet Hawley, or better known as "Aunt Harriet," lived in the family and had much to do in looking after the boy Charles. Through the mother and aunt's influence the boy was sent to the higher schools (rather against the will of the father who desired to make a farmer of him), to Albion Academy, where he graduated, then to the Brockport Normal School for two years, when he was called home on account of his father and mother having poor health. Mr. Bidwell's liking for mechanical inventions and manufacturing commenced to develop early; at the age of ten years he made a small bean thresher and drove it by belting to the grind stone. His grandfather was a natural mechanic, a wagonmaker by trade, the father also possessing the same qualities. Mr. Bidwell was one of the first to introduce steam threshing in Orleans county, and followed this successfully for some ten years. During this time he was working on and perfecting his patent bean thresher, in 1881 he began its manufacture in a very small way and it proved to be the only practical bean thresher made. Mr. Bidwell continued its manufacture in Albion until 1888, when he removed to Medina, N. Y., and in 1891 organized a company, called The Bidwell Bean Thresher Company, with a capital stock of $20,000. In 1893 he purchased the balance of the stock and is now sole proprietor. The Bidwell bean thresher is too well and favorably known in all bean growing sections to require explanation, having practically no competition on merits. Mr. Bidwell's name is well and favorably known in connection with profitable growing of beans throughout the entire country, and the value and thorough workmanship and excellency of material used in his machines is everywhere recognized. Mr. Bidwell has this season perfected a bean harvester, on which he has patents; this too has proven to be a success on the start. The entire period first described was one of obstacles, predictions of failure, and other discouragements, which seem to be waiting all inventors and men who attempt to introduce a device that will do a certain thing better and easier than it was ever before done. But he is not of the stuflf to falter in the face of discouragement. His principle characteristics are invincible determination, perseverance, and almost obstinacy in overcoming obstacles and opposition, which serves to bring into activity those characteristics, and have been strong factors in his success. Mr. Bidwell was married in 1873 to Luella E. Albin, of Vermont; they have four children, one son and three daughters. Mr. Bidwell is a Prohibitionist and believes that the day of triumph for that cause will sometime arrive.

Bignall, Lemuel C.

Lemuel C. Bignall was born in Tyre, N. Y., September 11, 1829. His paternal grandfather was RulofF Bignall, a native of Vergennes, Vt., who married Sabra Glenn. Among the children of Ruloff Bignall, was Solomon L. Bignall, father of the subject and also a native of Vergennes. He came with his parents in early years to Tyre, Seneca county, N. Y., and married Betsey Elizabeth Crane, daughter of Stephen Crane, a native of New Jersey. Solomon L. Bignall and family resided at Tyre until about the year 1835, when they removed to Unadilla, Mich. They had seven children, four sons and three daughters, as follows: Nety Ann, born in 1826; Lemuel C. (the subject); Moses Crane, born in 1832; Solomon L,, jr., born in 1834, and Burnett Boardman, born in Michigan in 1840. Solomon L. Bignall, sr., was a well-to-do farmer, served as justice of the peace several years and was much respected in the community. His wife died in Michigan January 28, 1846; he survived her 31 years and died in 1877 at the home of his son, Solomon L., jr., in Fowlerville, Mich.

Lemuel C. Bignall was taken to Michigan by his parents when he was about six years old, and there began his attendance at the district schools, from which he secured such education as was possible. Born with a large store of self reliance and honorable ambition to achieve success in life on broad lines, Mr. Bignall returned east at the age of eighteen years, locating in Seneca Falls. Two years later he established a grocery there, which he conducted five years with varying success. He had not yet found his proper field of labor. Closing out his business he made a. trip through Canada in the winter of 1854-55, for the pump manufacturing firm of Cowing & Company, of Seneca Falls, principally to make collections of outstanding accounts. It is an indication of his native energy and determination in surmounting obstacles, that he crossed the St. Lawrence River from Cape Vincent to Kingston on the ice, on foot, pushing a boat ahead of himself for use in case he broke through the ice.

He was successful on his mission and so pleased his employers that they engaged him to travel on the road to sell their goods. He continued in this business five years, traveling in both the Eastern and Western States and meeting with the most gratifying success. At the end of the five years he engaged with the celebrated Holly Manufacturing Company, of Lockport, N. Y., and continued with them another five years, during which he gained further valuable business experience and accumulated considerable means.

Feeling that he was now in a position to take the responsibilities of a business for himself, he formed a partnership with his brother, Moses C. Bignall, and in 1862 estabished the Bignall Manufacturing Company, in Medina, N. Y., for the manufacture of pumps, sinks, and various other kinds of heavy hardware. This company has been successful in a broad sense, and much of its prosperity has been due to Mr. Bignail's personal efforts. He continued at the head of the organization until July, 1894. when he retired from active business, with the consciousness that he had well earned a period of rest and freedom from care. He is at the present time ("fall of 1894) in Holland, Mich., where he has extensive landed interests on which he is making permanent improvements.

Mr. Bignall became a member of the Lockpoit Masonic Lodge in 1860 and has since taken all of the degrees conferred by the order in this country. He is a member of Genesee Commandery No. 10, K. T., of Lockport, and in politics is a Republican; he would never accept public office. He was formerly a member of the Wesleyan M. E. church in Seneca Falls, and afterward of the Congregational church of Lockport.

On July 1, 1853, Mr. Bignall was married to Margaret Freeland, of Seneca Falls. They have had two children — Rose E., born in Tyre, and Angelia, born in Seneca Falls and died when two years old. The elder daughter married William Brockway Robbins, of Chicago, III, September 13, 1877, now the practical head of the Bignall Manufacturing Company.

Margaret Bignall, wife of Lemuel C, died in Seneca Falls December 29, 1888.

Bowen, Morton A.

Morton A. Bowen is a descendant from Dr. Abiel Bowen, his grandfather, who was born in Guilford, Vt., in 1798, and came into Western New York early in the present century. He studied medicine in Middleport, N. Y., and graduated from the Fairfield Medical College. He began practice in Shelby and in 1828 established himself at West Shelby, where he purchased a farm. He practiced until about 1840, and died in 1847. He married in 1826 Anna S. Cone, a native of Vermont, born in 1803; she died in 1852. Among their seven children was Adna Bowen, father of the subject of this sketch, and one of the able and successful members of the Orleans county bar. He was born at West Shelby November 15, 1829, and died in June, 1883, at Medina. He was educated in the high schools at Millville, and Caryville, and studied law in Batavia, N. Y., beginning practice in Medina soon after his admission to the bar. He was successful in his practice both in a professional and a financial sense. A Democrat in politics, in a strong Republican county, he never held any office except that of justice of the peace, and was canal collector before the canals were made free. He married Eunice Post and they had four children: a daughter who married V. A. Acer of Shelby Center; two are deceased, and Morton A.

Morton A. Bowen was educated in the schools of Medina, studying in the private school of Miss Swift after he was fifteen years old, and finished at the Medina Academy at the age of nineteen years. Leaving school he spent one year in Michigan, and followed that with a course in a Buffalo business college. He then spent three months in the business office of the Buffalo News on special work, returning thereafter to Medina. At about this time the Medina Register office came into possession of his father. Morton A. Bowen is a Democrat in politics and the Register being an organ of the same party, he purchased the establishment and has since found in the editorial and business management of the paper congenial and successful employment. He is a fluent and intelligent writer, and is thoroughly conversant with public affairs. Under his management the Register has attained a gratifying circulation and exerts a wholesome influence in the community.

Brown, Ralph Robert

Ralph Robert Brown was a son of Robert M. and a grandson of Elijah Brown, and was born where his widow now resides, on the 29th of October, 1828. Elijah Brown articled this farm of the Holland Land Company in 1804 and the next year started with his family from Sodus, Wayne county, for his wilderness home, but died on Lake Ontario during the journey. May 7, aged fifty-seven, his remains being interred in the family lot near the present house. Robert M. Brown, his son, then "eleven years of age, being born April 30, 1794, succeeded to the homestead and cared for his mother, Bethshua S., until her death June 30, 1826, aged seventy one years. He passed the remainder of his life here, dying March 5. 1846. He married Fanny West and had nine children who attained maturity, viz.: Philena, born December 9, 1817; Belinda W., born December 16, 1821; Salome H., born February 2.5, 1825; Sarah H. (Mrs. Hosea M. Ballou), born November 30, 1826; Ralph R.; Christopher C, born June 13, 1830; Blias W., born April 17, 1833; and Elizabeth F. and Andrew E.. twins, born April 13, 1836. Mrs. Brown was born April 22, 1794, and died October 14, 1851.

Ralph R. Brown was reared on the farm and was educated in the district schools of the town. With the exception of one year spent in Michigan he always resided in Carlton, succeeding to the homestead, which he purchased of the heirs. At the early age of seventeen he was deprived by death of the guidance of a father, and thence forward the support of a widowed mother devolved upon his youthful shoulders. He was a life-long farmer, always a Democrat in politics, and by his townsmen far and near was ever regarded as an honest, unostentatious man. He never aspired to public office, but continually exerted a strong influence for good among his fellow beings. As a citizen he was benevolent and public spirited, and as a husband and father he was ever kind, indulgent, and beloved. In all the relations of life he carefully avoided difficulty with his neighbors, abhoring every thing which prompted personal bickerings or strained relations. He was highly and widely respected, and died without an enemy on October 8, 1893.

December 8, 1853, Mr. Brown married Miss Sarah J., daughter of Truman Luttenton, who survives him and resides on the old homestead. She was born in Carlton February 28,1834. [Mr. Luttenton was born in Herkimer county May 14, 1801, married Sally Eastman, and died July 27, 1888. She was born in Vermont February 28, 1804, and died July 24, 1882. Their children were Augusta ., born December 16, 1828; Nathaniel 0., born February 11, 1830; Ruth A., born May 20, 1832; Sarah J. (Mrs, Ralph R. Brown); Amanda M., born May 25, 1836; Mary E., born December 25, 1839; Truman R, born July 28, 1841; Joel H., born October 22, 1843; and Rosamond E., born February 13, 1848]. Mr. and Mrs. Brown had born to them three children: Clara J., Harry L., and Anna West.

Bruner, Henry A.

Henry A. Bruner was born in Danville, Pa. When a mere lad he removed with his parents, Jacob and Esther (Arwine) Bruner, to Yates county, N. Y., and upon their death commenced to learn the trade of harnessmaking. He had acquired a knowledge of rudimentary English in the common schools of those times, and after learning his trade he prepared himself for teaching. After teaching a number of terms he entered the State Normal School at Albany, and was graduated therefrom m 1847, and continued teaching school several years. In 1856 he was appointed the first school commissioner of Yates county under the law creating that office, and the next year was elected to that position, which he held in all four and one-half years. He was eminently qualified for the office and filled it with distinguished ability.

In January, 1861, Mr. Bruner came to Albion, where he has since resided, and with his brother, David S., purchased the Orleans American of Andrews & Ray, taking possession January 17th. His brother's health failed, and July 1, 1868, he became sole editor and proprietor, in which capacity he has ever since continued. In 1871 he was appointed postmaster at Albion by President Grant, which position he held four and one-half years. In 1880 he was a delegate to the Republican National convention that nominated James A. Garfield for president, and under Harrison's administration was special inspector of customs.

Mr. Bruner has always been true and faithful to his party and friend.s, and has ever stood by them in all changes of successes and defeats. He has always sustained and advocated all Republican nominations, whether they were, individually, such men as he would place on the ticket or not. This he has done, as his whole career as an editor has shown, with an eye single to the success at all times of the Republican party, believing that its success was uniformly for the prosperity and glory of the country. He is a very shrewd judge of men, of their abihties and influence, and has always been solicitous of securing the nomination and election of those whom he judged could exert the most influence toward the welfare of his party. His paper, the American, under his able management, has uniformly pursued a dignified, conservative, and honorable course with reference to all public measures and to his friends and opponents as well, and he has been recognized as a high-minded advocate of good morals, thorough public education, and wholesome literature. His abilities and services, he has the satisfaction of knowmg, have been recognized in the highest quarters by the active and responsible leaders of the party. He has enjoyed the confidence of and been frequently consulted by such eminent statesmen as the late Roscoe Conklin and President Arthur, and others, who considered his journal one of the most influential papers published in the interior of the State. In addition to his other labors he has always taken a warm interest in promotmg the welfare and prosperity of the town and county in which he lives, and in sustaining all laudable measures for their general good.

In October, 1852, Mr. Bruner was married at Starkey, Yates county, to Jerusha Maria Pierce, who died February 1, 1865. In September, 1866, he was married, second, to Sarah S. Smith, of Albion. His only surviving child is Lizzie, the wife of Dr. John E. Sutton, a practicing physician of Albion village.

Childs, Henry Augustine

Henry Augustine Childs. A GENEALOGY of the Child family shows that Henry A. Childs is in the seventh generation from the original ancestor and is a descendant of Joshua Child, jr., in the fourth generation, son of Joshua and Sarah Child. Joshua Child, jr., was born in Worcester, Mass., September 26, 1725, and married June 2, 1748, Mary Hinds, who was born in Shrewsbury, Mass., August 18, 1726. They had three children, one of whom was Artemas, of the fifth generation, who was born in Northboro, Mass. (whither his parents had removed), August 16, 1762. He married Lucy Keyes, of Wilton, N. H., about 1793. Artemas Child added an "s" to his name and lived in Dublin, N. H., and in Ballston Spa, N. Y., where he died November 9, 1839. He was father of eleven children, of whom five were sons, one of them being Artemas, jr. He was the sixth child and was born in Dublin, N. H., August 12, 1802, and married about 1824 Nancy Dolloff.

Levi Lincoln Childs was the third son and the eighth child of Artemas, jr., and Lucy Keyes Childs, was born in Dublin, N. H., February 23, 1806, and married about 1832 Ann M. Wright, daughter of Asahel and Polly Wright, who were natives of Vermont, but lived at Middlebury, Wyoming county, K Y., many years, whence they removed to Gaines, Orleans county, N. Y., where they died. Levi Lincoln Childs lived in Games, where he died May 16, 1857. He was father of five children, as follows: Louisa F., born September 30, 1833, married July 4, 1853, Calvin P. Hazard; Henry Augustine (the subject); Mary E., born June 17, 1839, married Edwin Wilson, and died July 19, 1865; Helen A., born July 18, 1842, died August 17, 1851; Albert D., born November 22, 1844, died January 3, 1847.

Henry Augustine Childs, eldest son of Levi L. and Ann M. (Wright) Childs, was born in Gaines, Orleans county, N. Y., July 17, 1836, and married, November 16, 1859, Juha B. Freeman, daughter of Orin and Permelia Billard (both of whom are deceased).

In early life Judge Childs determined to adopt the legal profession, and after securing his education he began the study of law in the office of the late B. L. Bessac, in Albion, N. Y. Four years later he was admitted to the bar and at once opened an office in Medina, where he has ever since resided. He early took a prominent position in the bar of the county, and his ability and his sterling natural qualifications were soon recognized by his fellow citizens. He has always affiliated with the Republican party, and in 1865 was elected district attorney of Orleans county, and served in that responsible office by repeated re-election nine years, leaving an enviable record for industry, legal ability, and close watchfulness of the interests of the community. At the close of his service as district attorney he continued his large practice, his constantly advancing reputation preparing him for a higher position.

In the judicial convention held in Buffalo, October 4, 1883, Judge Childs was placed in nomination for one of the Supreme Court justices for the Western District of New York. He was elected in the foUovping November by a gratifying majority. In the campaign preceding his election the fact that almost nothing was said in public against him was noted in the local press, while his high qualities as a lawyer and a man were extensively published.

In his career upon the bench, now covering a period of more than ten years, Judge Childs has won the unqualified favor of his professional brethren as well as the commendation of his constituents throughout the district. His decisions are rendered with a promptness evincing quick perception and a full and ready understanding of law and equity, and in a manner to at once win the respect and confidence of those having business before the court. Quiet and unostentatious, patient and forbearing under all circumstances, a close analyst of evidence, clear knowledge of law and unflagging industry in clearing court calendars. Judge Childs has exhibited in his judicial career all the qualifications that go to constitute the able and upright judge.

It is proper, perhaps, to quote the following from the Medina Tribune, published at the time of Judge Childs's nomination:

"The people of Medina were much delighted with the nomination of Mr. Childs for justice of the Supreme Court, and the citizens of this county feel greatly honored at his selection as one of the candidates for the position. Mr. Childs is a gentleman in the prime of life, Avhose character in every respect is above reproach and of the most excellent kind, and whose knowledge and ability will make him one of the best and ablest judges. He possesses the confidence of his neighbors and fellow citizens to the fullest extent, and they are high'y gratified at the honor bestowed upon him, which they know to be justly merited. Thts nomination was not the result of any trick or political intrigue, but because the convention regarded him as the strongest name to be placed on the ticket."

In recognition of the public services and high legal attainments of this eminent jurist, Williams College in October, 1893, conferred upon him the degree of LL.D., he being the second Supreme Court justice of New York State to receive such mark of distinction from this old college.

Davey, Edward

Edward Davey was the fourth of a family of nine children of John F. and Elizabeth (Millard) Davey, and was born in Theal, Parish of Wednaore, Somersetshire, England, February 5, 1814. Many of the family name, among whom was Sir Humphrey Davy,'attained distinction on English soil and actively identified themselves with the affairs of their respective burghs. His grandfather, Edward Davy, died October 22, 1800. His grandmother was Hannah (Frapple) Davy, whose death occurred January 29, 1813. John F. Davey was born August 2, 1782, and his wife, Elizabeth Millard, on August 3, 1874. May, 8, 1830, they left England and arrived in New York city July 3, consuming eight weeks in making the voyage, the family consisting of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Davey, three daughters, and two sons, including our subject, Edward. The oldest daughter remiined in England and an elder son had preceded them to America by one year. The family came up the Hudson River, thence by canal to Weedsport, and by wagon to Auburn, where they resided until the spring of 1831. Mr. Davey then purchased a farm of 100 acres three miles southwest from Skaneateles, N. Y ., and in the fall returned to England to sell his property. The vessel in which he took passage was wrecked near the Azores Islands and he reached his native country only a short time before his daughter's death. Returning he found that the time for making the payment on his farm had expired aud he was obliged to purchase another a little east of the village. He died there January 12, 1863; his wife's death occurred December 2, 1857.

Edward Davey was already inured to manual labor. With an energy born of youthful ambition he assisted in establishing his parents in their new home, but in December, 1832, having the future of himself and the family at heart, he left the parental roof and commenced a three years' apprenticeship at carriage making in Skaneateles with Seth and James Hall. In 1836 he went to New Haven, Conn., but returned in 1837, and from then until 1842 visited the larger cities east of the Mississippi as a journeyman. December 1, 1842, he formed a partnership with Richard Herendeen for the manufacture of carriages in Newport, N. Y., which continued until 1845. He then followed his trade in Penn Yan till 1849, when he came to Medina and purchased the interest of Cyrus G. Davis, of the firm of Davis & Bennett, carriage manufacturers, commencing business March 5, and making their first buggy for S. M. Burroughs. In the fall he bought out Mr. Bennett and became sole proprietor, and in 1853 he built a shop on the south side of Center street, which formed the nucleus of the present establishment. Mr. Davey increased his business from time to time, adding to it as circumstances permitted, and became one of the most extensive manufacturers of carriages and buggies in Western New York.

As a business man Mr. Davy was shrewd, conservative, and honest. He was thoroughly conversant with every detail and a good judge of perfect work. In all the relations of life he exerted a marked influence for the betterment of his fellow beings. In the home, m gociety, in church, and in politics he was ever respected and highly esteemed, and as a citizen, neighbor, friend was always the kind hearted, indulgent gentleman. He was liberal to a fault, and benevolently inclined to all charitable objects, giving liberally of his means for every good cause. He had traveled extensively, not only all over the United States, Canada, Mexico and Alaska, over nearly the whole of Europe, first in 1878 and again in 1887. He died in Medina, where he resided since 1849, on August 29, 1894.

October 2, 1856, Mr. Davey married Harriet M. Clark Seeley, of Marcellus, N. Y., who had one daughter, Mrs. Allen W. Webber, of Syracuse, by her first husband. They had one son, Edward Humphrey Davey, who was born in Medina on March 15, 1859. Mrs. Davey died September 5, 1870. Edward H. Davey succeeded his father in business and continues the establishment, which he has managed about fifteen years. July 9, 1890, he married Susan Mae Dodsworth, of Buffalo, and has two children: Margaret Elizabeth, born January 17, 1892, and Edward Howard, born December 16, 1893. Mrs. Davey is a daughter of Charles and Margaret E. Dodsworth, of Buffalo.

¹ Originally the. name was spelled Davy, but upon the family's arrival in America the present form, Davey, was adopted. — Editor.

Downs, Fred L.

Fred L. Downs. Conspicuous among the early settlers in the village of Medina, Orleans county, was Simeon Downs, from whom the subject of this sketch is descended on the paternal side. Simeon Downs was born in 1800, and at one time owned a farm on the Ridge, though he was a blacksmith and edge tool maker by trade and followed that business more closely than he did farming. He died in his adopted village, February 9, 1875. His wife was Sophronia Bailey, and they had three children.

The grandfather of Fred L. Downs on the maternal side was Adam Garter, one of the prominent settlers of the county. He first came in 1814 on a prospecting tour, and five years later with his two brothers he came on and took up land about two and a half miles southwest of Medina village, in the town of Shelby. He was a liberally educated man for his time, and a practical surveyor. This gave him considerable prominence in this region, and beheld several town offices, laid out a part of the village of Medina and surveyed the Burroughs, the Hedley, and many other tracts of land. He died April 5, 1878, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Darius Fuller, village of Medina.

One of the three children of Simeon Downs was Lester C. Downs, who was born August 17, 1827. During his comparatively short life he worked in his father's tool shop, studied music and became a successful teacher of singing. He married Susan Garter, daughter of Adam Garter, and died at the age of thirty-four years, leaving two children, the subject of this sketch, and Frank R. Downs, now in the insurance business in Medina. After the death of Lester C. Downs his widow married Andrew Weld, a respected farmer of the town of Ridgeway, now also deceased. His widow is still living in Medina at the age of seventy-one years.

Fred L. Downs was born in Medina, August 14, 1855, and began his education in his native place. The death of his father when he Avas five years old made it necessary for the son to be sent into the country to live with an uncle, Darius Fuller, where he remained ten years. He attended school regularly during that period, when his uncle removed to Medina; he then entered the academy for a course of about three years. At the age of eighteen, having determined to become a lawyer, he entered the office of Stanley E. Filkins in Medina, and three years later, April 10, 1880, was admitted to the bar at Rochester. He opened an office in Medma, alone at ihe first, but subsequently he had as partner for a short period Morgan L. Brainard, and later for one year, H. B. Dayton.

In his profession Mr. Downs holds an honorable position and enjoys the respect of his professional brethren and the confidence of his other fellow citizens. He has secured a practice that has been gratifying to himself, while his success has pleased his many friends. A Eepublican in politics he has always shown an intelligent and active interest in the affairs of his party and has worked earnestly for its success. In 1882 he was elected justice of the peace for the town of Ridgeway, and held the office four years frcm January, 1883. During that period, and in March, 1885, he was elected trustee of the village of Medina, and held the office for three years. In March, 1892, he was elected president of the village, and re-elected in 1893 and 1894. In these positions he has won deserved commendation for his efforts for the general welfare of the community, the inauguration and carrying out of needed improvements, and the careful and prudent use of public funds. He has served as a member of the Republican County Committee several times and given freely of his time to local political work. He aided in organizing the Medina Savings and Loan Association, and has been its attorney from the first. In 1894 Mr. Downs was made a candidate for member of Assenably, but through certain combinations was defeated for the nomination. Mr. Downs combines many of the elements that give a man popularity and strength among his fellow citizens. He is a member of local lodges of Masons and Odd Fellows.

Mr. Downs was married on the 11th day of February, 1890, to Emma A. Emmons, daughter of H. N. Hopkins, of Medina, and they have one daughter.

Edwards, Ira

Ira Edwards. Among the pioneers of the Genesee country in the spring of 1819 was the grand-father of the subject of this sketch, whose name was also Ira. He purchased 100 acres of land in Shelby, Orleans county, and the farm has since remained in possession of the family; it was the first one administered upon in Orleans county in 1825. The elder Ira Edwards married Phoebe Bailey in Schoharie county.

One of the children of Ira Edwards was Edward Edwards, who was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., December 22, 1810, and was brought to Orleans county with his father's family. He followed farming through his life; was much respected, and held the office of road commissioner. His wife was Eliza Vrooman, of Schoharie county, who died in September, 1841, and Mr. Edwards afterwards married Anna Shafer. Mr. Edwards died December 13, 1886. By his first wife he had four children and by his second wife three children. His first child was Ira Edwards, the subject, who was born in Shelby October 6, 1834, His boyhood did not differ materially from that of thousands of farmers' sons; he worked at home and attended the district school and Medina Academy. At twenty years of age he began teaching district school, and, to prepare himself the better for his profession, attended the State Normal School at Albany the spring and simimer of 1860. Mr. Edwards taught fourteen years in all, and during that period was principal of the Holley Academy two years (1865-66), and of the Medina Academy (1867-69). In this profession Mr. Edwards was successful in a broad sense and on progressive lines.

In 1870 Mr. Edwards gave up teaching, settled in the village of Holley and established the hardware business which he has since conducted. In 1874 his store and its contents were burned, entailing a severe loss; but he immediately purchased a new stock of goods, and now carries one of the largest stocks in the county. To meet the demands of his increasing business he built a brick block on the east side of the public square in 1885, which he still occupies.

Mr. Edwards is a Republican in politics, and, though he has not sought office or been an active partisan, his fellow citizens have tendered him substantial public honors. In 1882 he was elected supervisor of the town of Murray, and in 1887 he was elected member of Assembly for Orleans county, and re-elected in 1888. In that body he served the county in an intelligent and able manner. He has also served two years as president of Holley village. He is a member of the Methodist church, active and liberal in promoting religious work, and has been superintendent of the Sunday school many years, and for a number of years president of the Board of Trustees.

Mr. Edwards married, October 27, 1852, Jane, daughter of Alonzo Smith, a farmer near Knowlesville, Orleans county. They have five children: Lillian, teacher of English and Normal Methods in the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, N.Y.; Frank and Fred, who are with their father in his store; Ella H. and Jennie G., both of whom are successful teachers.

Fraser, David S, M.D.

David S. Fraser, M.D., was born in Canada October 31, 1847. Educated in the Dundas Grammar School and Toronto University he entered the Bellevue Medical College Hospital in New York city, and was graduated as an M.D. in 1868, and the next year began the practice of his profession in Lyndonville, where he has since resided. Hugh Fraser, his father, was born in Biggar. Scotland, and died in Canada March 17, 1882. April 25, 1877, Dr. Fraser married Jessie N., daughter of Morris and Mary Colt, of Yates, and his children are: Hugh, David E., Kenneth D., Keith and Donald M. He has held the medical offices of the town and is an active member of the Orleans County Medical Society. In addition to his practice he conducts a drug store in a building erected by the Free Methodists for a church edifice. He is prominently identified with local affairs, is a member of the Board of Education, and in politics is an active Democrat.

Garter, Adam

Adam Garter was of German descent and was born in Herkimer county in the historic Mohawk valley on the 4th of May, 1794. He inherited all the sterling characteristics of his race, and early in life acquired habits both thrifty and methodical. His education was necesfearily limited to the district schools, yet he obtained superior knowledge at once practical and substantial. In his boyhood he seemed to look into the distant future and intuitively saw the necessity of thorough business preparation, with which he equipped himself by hard study and diligent research. He became a well known surveyor, and an excellent biblical student Possessed of a mind keenly discrimmating and endowed with qualities both rare and retentive, he early evinced an inclination for study, and gratified that desire by systematic readings of the Bible. In this direction he was recognized as an expert. He never tired of discussion on that one favorite subject of truth and immortality. He lived the life as pointed out in that book of books, teaching its principles as he understood them, and doing "unto others as he would be done by."

While yet a youth Mr. Garter taught several terms of district school, at which he was very succes.vful. In 1814, with his father and two brothers, he came to what is now the town of Shelby, purchasing a piece of land of Alexander Coon. He soon returned to Herkimer county, however, where he remained until 1819, when he again came to Orleans county, and settled permanently on his farm in Shelby, where he practically lived the remainder of his hfe. This place is now owned by Daniel P. Snell. There Mr. Garter reared a family of nine children, of whom three daughters and four sons are living. After coming here he was employed as a surveyor for many years by Joseph Ellicott, the prmcipal agent of the Holland Land Company, in which capacity he established most of the original lot lines in Western Orleans and Eastern Niagara, particularly in Shelby and Ridgeway. Many of the corner stones in the two counties were laid under his supervision and are lasting monuments to his ability and methodical work. He was careful to a fault that every line, no matter how unimportant, should run accurately, and when once established it was immovable. He was an expert mathematician, and a careful, precise, and an accurate surveyor. In Medina vihage he laid out into lots the Hedley, Burroughs, and other tracts and additions, and in various sections of this and Niagara counties more recent examples of his professional work are every where seen.

Mr. Garter always took an active part in local affairs and held several positions of trust and responsibility. By education he was eminently fitted to serve in a public capacity, and one year held no less than five elective offices. He was an able exponent of the principles of the old Jeffersonian school of Democracy, but ever regarded personal worth and qualification superior to partisan victory. In every official position he served with marked distmction, with unquestioned fidelity to his constituents, and with the ability and integrity born of an honest purpose. He was supervisor, town clerk, highway commissioner, and assessor of Shelby for several years and long an inspector of common schools.

In religion Mr. Garter inclined toward Universalism, being fitted by life-long study of the Bible to expound the truths of that doctrine. He was practical rather than theoretical, but withal scholarly, accurate, and decisive. He was benevolent to the extent of his means, which were always limited. As a citizen he was public spirited, quick to see the needs of his fellow beings, generous to the poor, and kind hearted.

October 17, 1813, Mr. Garter married Miss Rebecca Churchill, a woman of quiet, unobtrusive characteristics, of sturdy Scotch descent, end of devoted womanly qualities. Their wedded life covered a period of nearly fifty-one years, her death occurring in Medina October 21, 1874, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Andrew Weld. Mr. Garter died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Darius Fuller, in Medina April 5, 1878. Their nine children were as follows: James, born July 16, 1814, died at Belmont, Wis., September 16, 1878; Jonas, born September 9, 1819, living in Lockport, N. Y.; William, born September 1, 1821; Susan (Mrs. Lester C. Downs and afterward Mrs. Andrew Weld), born June 19, 1823, living in Medina; Anna, born May 16, 1825, died unmarried; Churchill, born March 16, 1827, residing at Stony Creek, Va.; Elizabeth (Mrs. George Henderson and afterward Mrs. Darius Fuller), born February 20, 1829, living in Medina; Joseph, now of Buffalo, born June 6, 1831; and Ellen (Mrs. George Kinsley and afterward Mrs. George B. Holdredge), of Middleport, born April 23, 1833.

Hanlon, James Ardell

James Ardell. The subject of this sketch was born in Lockport, N. Y., November 16, 1841. His father was John Hanlon, a native of Armagh, Ireland, and his mother was Mary McQueelan, who came to America in 1837, and settled at Lockport. The father died in 1858, and the mother in 1892. Edward Hanlon, who is intimately associated with his brother James in the firm of Hanlon Brothers, leading hardware dealers of Medina, was born in Lockport, March 6, 1845.

When James A. Hanlon had reached the age of four years his parents removed to Medina. The lad's early years were passed principally on a farm, working hard in the summers and attending the district school in the winters; but the principal part of his education was obtamed in the Medina Academy. When he reached his majority he left school with a good English education and began work in the hardware store of Whedon & Allen, whom he faithfully served six years, acquiring a thorough knowledge of the business in all its branches. At the end of six years, so well pleased were his employers that he was admitted to the firm with Mr. Whedon, Mr. Allen retiring. The new firm was styled Whedon & Co., and continued in successful trade for seven years. In 1876 James withdrew from the firm, and the new firm of Hanlon Brothers was organized as it has existed ever since. They are both men who study their business and give it close individual attention. The result is that they now occupy more floor room than any other house in their line between Rochester and Buffalo.

James A. Hanlon is a Democrat in a strong Republican county; but this fact has not prevented his receiving honors at the hands of his fellow citizens. He has been trustee of the village of Medina; collector of tolls on the canal at Medina in 1874, and in 1886 was made collector of internal revenue for the 28th District, which includes fourteen counties in the western part of the State, which responsible office he held almost four years. In all of these positions Mr. Hanlon fully met their requirements.

No citizen has been n)ore active in the political field of Orleans county than Mr. Hanlon. For the last twenty years he has never missed attending the Democratic State conventions; he was a delegate to the convention of 1872, which nominated Francis Kernan for governor, and Chauncey M. Depew for lieutenant-governor. He was also a delegate to the National convention of 1884 at Chicago, and in 1892 in the same city. In the councils of the party Mr. Hanlon's advice and earnest effort are always highly appreciated. He was a warm personal friend of Samuel J. Tilden, Daniel Lament, Daniel Magone, Benjamin Field, and President Cleveland, and was one of the few confidants of Governor Tilden.

Mr. Hanlon was married in 1874 to Sarah Elizabeth Dawson, of Toledo, 0. They have had nine children, five sons of whom are living.

Hard, Hon. Henry M.

Hon. Henry M. Hard. Merritt Hard, son of Sylvanus and Lucy (Fenn) Hard, was born in Arlington, Vt., June 3, 1811. He is of English descent, his great-grandfather coming to America with Captain Kidd. Sylvanus was a soldier at Plattsburg in the war of 1812. Merritt Hard came to Yates in 1835 and settled on the farm he now occupies. He followed school teaching more or less until 1853 and was town superintendent of schools many years. For nearly twenty years he was a justice of the peace and was also a long time merchant in Lyndonville. In 1834 he married Charlotte Canfield, of Vermont, and had three children: Catherine A. (deceased), and Caroline, successively the wives of Martin S. Rice, and Hon. Henry M. His second wife was Laura C. Fenn, of Connecticut. Hon. Henry M. Hard was born in Arlington, Vt., January 31, 1842, and was educated in the Yates and Medina Academies. He was long a merchant in Lyndonville with his father, and afterward alone, and was supervisor of Yates in 1877-78-79 and 1880, being chairman of the board the latter year. In the fall of 1881 he was elected to the Assembly for one year and was re-elected in 1882 and served on the Committees of Commerce and Navigation, Internal affairs. Trades and Manufactures, and manv others. In February, 1891, he was appointed by President Harrison United States consul at Clifton, Ontario, Canada, which position he held for six years, resigning on account of sickness. He is now president of the Board of Education of the Lyndon, ville Union Free School. September 1, 1870, he married Kate, daughter of Daniel Clark, and has one son, Edward C, who was born December 1, 1872, who was graduated from the University of Rochester in June, 1894, and is now (November, 1894,) attending the Buffalo Law School.

Hart, Elizur

Elizur Hart was born in Durham, Greene county, N. Y., May 22, 1803, and died while on a visit to his wife's sister in Jonesville, Saratoga county, August 13, 1870. His father, Deacon Joseph Hart, settled in Seneca county in 1806, and moved thence in October, 1812, to what is now the town and village of Albion, where he spent the remainder of his life; he participated in the War of 1812 and was one of the founders of the First Presbyterian church, of Albion.

Elizur Hart enjoyed the benefits of only limited instruction in schools, as it was several years after the family came into the wilderness that schools were established in their neighborhood. During his youth he was employed mainly in clearing up the farm, in which occupation he acquired a robust constitution and a well developed physique. He formed habits of remarkable industry and frugality, but grew to manhood with little knowledge of books or business beyond that of the community where he lived. About 1827 he was elected constable, an office he held two years, and was necessarily often called to Albion village. Having $500 of his own and a like sum placed in his hands by his brother William, he began to buy small promissory notes and deal in other local securities, at which he was very successful. About this time Joseph Hart deeded to his sons Elizur and William 100 acres of his farm for |500, and subsequently William became sole owner by paying his brother the $500 originally placed in the latter's hands and all profits that had accrued therefrom.

Mr. Hart continued to invest his money in local securities, and also in bonds and mortgages and articles issued by the Holland Company for land. In 1852 he was appointed assignee and afterward receiver of the Orleans Insurance Company, and upon the failure of the old Bank of Orleans was made receiver of that institution. In this capacity he was eminently successful. Its diversified business affairs were settled up to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, and the labor thus directed established for him a wide and substantial reputation as a sound financier, a reputation which he retained throughout the remainder of his life. February 17, 1859, with Joseph M. Cornell as cashier and himself as president, he started the Orleans County Bank and commenced business in February, 1860, with a capital of $50,000 which was soon increased to $100,000. August 9, 1865, this institution was superseded by the present Orleans County National Bank, of which Mr. Hart was president and principal stockholder until his death in August, 1870, when he was succeeded in the latter position by his only son, Hon. E. Kirke Hart.

Elizur Hart was not a speculator in business. He was a shrewd investor, careful, conservative, and deliberate, and uniformly successful. Correct and exemplary in his habits, he was never dilatory or impulsive. Without the aid or influence of wealthy connections he became one of the wealthiest bankers in the State, controlhng at his death hundreds of thousands of dollars, a fortune accumulated from comparatively nothing. He was emphatically a self-made man, and was characterized by strict integrity, unquestioned honesty and unwavering fidelity. He was highly respected and widely known, and exerted a marked influence on the community in which he lived. In religion he always took an abiding interest. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian church, of Albion, and in his will gave $50,000 to the society to erect a house of worship and $5,000 as an endowment to the Sunday school. This handsome legacy was used in the erection of the present beautiful stone edifice — a fitting monument to the memory of a good man, Mr. Hart was not a politician and never mingled in politics, yet he was well posted on general subjects and took a deep interest in the affairs of his town and county. He was quiet and unobtrusive, devoting his attention strictly to business, but was nevertheless prominently identified as a citizen in all matters of public import.

In May. 1835, Mr. Hart married Miss Loraine Field, who died February 11, 1847. October 16, 1849, he married for his second wife Miss Cornelia King, who survives him and resides in Albion village. His children were: Frances E. (Mrs. Oliver C. Day), Jennie K. (Mrs. Henry L. Smith), and Hon. E. Kirke.

Hart, Hon. E. Kirke Hart

Hon. E. Kirke Hart. One of the most illustrious names that ever adorned the pages of local history was that of Hon. E. Kirke Hart. For over a quarter of a century it was a synonym for business integrity, sound financial judgment, and thorough honesty. It carried a prestige of extraordinary worth into every community in Western New York as well as into larger cities of the country. In political, business, and educational circles its power was conceded beyond dispute, while in private life it was love, indulgence, and tenderness personified. In all the varied relations of an eventful career it merited and retained the confidence, esteem and respect of a wide and diversified public.

Hon. E. Kirke Hart was born in the village of Albion on the 8th of April, 1841, and was the only son of Elizur and Loraine (Field) Hart. His education, received in the common schools, of his native place and in the old Albion Academy under Professors George Whiting and Oliver Morehouse, was of a practical business character, embracing a liberal range of the sciences and the English classics. At the close of his school days he spent two years, 1856-58, in Adrian, Mich., and Alton, 111., joining at the latter place the military expedition against the Mormons under General Harvey. Returning to Albion his practical business training commenced in earnest. In February, 1860, his father, with Joseph M. Cornell, established the Orleans County Bank, the two taking respectively the positions of president and cashier. Mr. Hart was made bookkeeper of the new institution, and continued as such until the present Orleans Cqunty National Bank superseded it in August, 1865, when he was promoted to the post of teller. Upon the death of Elizur Hart in August, 1870, he became the principal stockholder of the bank. Mr. Cornell was elected president and E. Kirke Hart was made cashier, which oflfice he held until the death of the former in July, 1890, when he became chief executive officer, and remained in this position till his decease, February 18, 1893, after an illness covering a period of several months.

Mr. Hart directed his attention mainly to his banking interests, but he was nevertheless identified with various other business enterprises, and was known throughout Western New York. In 1882, with George Elwanger, he founded the Rochester Post-Express, being president of the company several years, and continued one of its principal owners until near the close of 1891; and in this connection it is worthy of note to add that he was ever generous, considerate and appreciative, never seekmg to pervert the newspaper from that noble service of the public to the service of any private interest. He was also a director of the Niagara Falls International Bridge Company.

Mr. Hart was not a politician in the ordinary acceptance of the term, but he took a deep interest in public affairs and mingled more or less in politics. He was originally an ardent Republican, and in 1871 was nominated by that party for the Assembly, being elected by a phenomenal majority. He was placed on the Assembly Committees on ways and means and on banks^ and made a good record as an able legislator. In 1872 he sympathized with the Greeley or Liberal movement, and following this trend in politics was ever afterward considered a nominal Democrat. In 1870 he was placed on the Democratic ticket for representative in Congress from this (the 30th) district, composed of the counties of Orleans and Monroe, and was elected by nearly 1,000 majority, while the nominal Republican majority was 4,000 or 5,000. In Congress, where he served one term, he was made a member of the committees on banking and currency and on revision of the laws of the United States, and had for his most intimate associates and friends such distinguished men as S. S. Cox, Samuel J. Randall, James A. Garfield and others. His legislative career was characterized by strict fidelity to his constituents. He had no partisan passion, no political prejudices, no personal ambition. He put his great business experience and ability to valuable public use and generally reached sound conclusions on questions of vital importance. In fact, his political record was one of which any man might well be proud.

It was in his native village, however, with which he was prominently identified, that Mr. Hart was most esteemed. He served it in various capacities, and always with a love born of home associations. For many years he was a member of its Board of Trustees and Board of Education, holding the latter position at the time of his death. For several years he was one of the three commissioners of beautiful Mt. Albion Cemetery, where his remains repose, and whose beauty his efforts contributed to increase. He was largely instrumental m securing electric lights in the village, being a large stockholder and the treasurer of the company, and it was due wholly to his influence and personal labors that the House of Refuge for women was located in Albion. He was a member and the first president (in 1890) of the Board of Managers of that institution, and served as such until his decease. Early in the sixties, under the ministry of Rev. Henry Niles, Mr. Hart became a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Albion, and for many years was one of its trustees. Through the efforts of himself and his cousin, John W. Hart, both giving liberally, the erection of the present brick parsonage, one of the finest in Western New York, was made possible. To all these as well as to many other charitable and benevolent objects he gave generously of both time and means.

As a business man Mr. Hart was a model of precision and accuracy. Reticent, tenacious, and quiet in manner, he was slow to act, but decisive, firm and immovable when his resolution was taken. He showed enthusiasm seldom, discouragement never, common sense, confidence always. He possessed sound judgment and exceptional business ability. He was emphatically a man of culture and rare Hterary attainments, and an indefatigable collector of autographs, there being, it was said, but two collections in the world that exceeded his in completeness and value. A genuine lover of books, he accumulated one of the largest private libraries in Western New York, comprising many rare and costly works and many volumes of the English classics. He was the first to fign the petition to establish the present circulating library in Albion and always took a deep interest in its welfare. Endowed with superior literary tastes he was a recognized authority on general literature, and was also foremost in all educational enterprises, serving for a time as chairman of the library committee of the Board of Education. His large fortune was liberally dispensed, but always with a discriminating good sense. Eminently successful himself he inspired others with self-confidence and enthusiasm, and unostentatiously assisted them. His sense of justice was keen and sweet, and no one knew better how to speak words of encouragement and to communicate to the unfortunate some of his own firmness. He was a man with warm attachments and faithful friendships and a nature rare for its combined strength and tenderness.

June 10, 1863, Mr. Hart married Miss Louise Sanderson of Alton, III., who survives him and resides in the family home on Main street in Albion. Their children, five of whom are living, were Charles E. Hart, who succeeded upon the death of his father to presidency of the Orleans County National Bank, which position he has since held Emma Brown, a graduate of Vassar College and one of the directors of the bank, and Loraine Field, at home; E. Kirk. jr., a student at Harvard College; Louise Sanderson, at home; and Mary Ann, who died May 3, 1875, aged four years. In his fannily Mr. Hart was especially revered for his many endearing and ennobling qualities of head and heart. To ihem he ever gave a father's boundless love and indulgence. His home was his sanctuary, the fireside his pleasure.

Hart, John Wells

John Wells Hart was born in Albion, September 11, 1836. His grandparents, Joseph and Lucy (Smithj Hart, came with their family to Albion from the central part of the State in 1812. They were of English descent and always substantial farmers. Joseph Hart was a deacon in the Albion Presbyterian church from its organization until his death about 1852. His son, William Hart, the father of John W., was born in Durham, Dutchess county, February 22, 1801, and died in Albion December 30, 1879. He married Pamelia Wells, a native of Wethersfield, Conn., whose death occurred in January, 1865. He settled on the farm situated within the corporate limits of Albion village now owned and occupied by their son.

John W. Hart was reared on the farm and the district schools of his day, finishing his education in Albion Academy. At the age of twenty-one he assumed charge of the homestead, which he inherited upon his father's death, making it his life long home. He is one of the prominent and substantial men of the town and county and intimately identified with every good cause. In public and in private he merits the respect ^nd esteem of a large circle of acquaintances. He is actively connected with the Presbyterian church of Albion, being one of its most liberal supporters and at present a member of its Board of Trustees, In a business way he is widely known and especially prominent. He was long a member of the Albion Shoe Company, and ever since its organization in 1890 has been actively connected with the Blanchard Vinegar Company, being one of its largest stockholders.

October 28, 1869, Mr. Hart married Miss Sarah Lucretia Smith, daughter of Russell Smith, of Gaines. They have had five children, three of whom are living: Pamelia Wells (Mrs. Augustus Berhand), of Albion; Grace and Gertrude at home; Maynard Samuel, who died at the age of eleven years, and one who died in infancy.

Jones, D. L.

D. L. Jones was born in the town of Kendall, within one mile of his present residence, on March 23, 1842. He is the youngest of eight children born to David Jones, the second settler of the township, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. Mr. Jones was reared a farmer, and very early m life acquired the rudimentary knowledge so necessary to the successful agriculturist. At the youthful age of fourteen he commenced to work for wages, which he used most judiciously in obtaining an education in the district schools of his native town. For several years he taught school, thus supplementing the limited advantages he was permitted to enjoy in the school room. During the summer months, however, he labored on the farm, at which he continued until 1877, when he engaged in manufacturing. This business engrossed his attention in Bridgeport, Conn., and Erie, Pa., for seven years, but during all this time, as well as ever since his birth, he kept his residence in Kendall.

In 1867 Mr. Jones purchased of James Weed a farm of 100 acres; in 1872 he bought another of the same size of the heirs of his father, David: in 1873 a third of the same area was secured of Robert Todd; and in 1884 he purchased 150 acres of Samuel Kendrick. All these are located in Kendall and are still in his possession. In 1884 he bought of George W. Potter what is known as the Williams farm of 262 acres at East Carlton, on which his eldest son, Charles D., resides. These farms comprise some of the finest and most valuable land in Orleans county, and contain in all 710 acres.

As a life-long resident Mr. Jones has ever been actively interested in all matters pertaining to the advancement of his town. He has been prominently identified with its best interests, serving it two years — in 1889 and 1890 — as supervisor. During this period he labored unceasingly to obtain a reduction of the real assessed valuation of not only Kendall, but also the towns of Carlton and Yates. The fact that he succeeded is indisputable evidence of his eminent ability as a parliamentarian. These valuations he reduced as follows: Carlton from $1,235,207 to $1,175,466; Yates from $1,013,244 to $956,883; and Kendall from $921,747 to $866,757. To the taxpayers this meant thousands of dollars saved, and Mr. Jones not only acquired deserved recognition, but also the reputation of being an expert mathematician.

November 26, 1868, Mr. Jones united in marriage with Miss Lucy A. Chase, daughter of Julius S. Chase, whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume. They have had three children, namely: Cora, born in Kendall June 10, 1870, died December 22, 1880; Charles D., born February 16, 1872, residing on his father's farm at East Carlton, and Claudius, born March 24, 1885, at home.

"In politics a Republican; in religion do as you would be done by."