Canisteo New York Family Sketches

Transcribed by Lynn Tooley

Canisteo New York Family Sketches extracted from Landmarks of Steuben County, by Hon. Harlo Hakes, 1896.

Allen, Edward Biography

Edward Allen, was born in the town of Howard, Steuben county, April 3, 1847. J. W. Allen, his father, was born in the same town in 1822. His grandfather, Will- iam Allen, was a native of Rhode Island, and when he first settled in Howard the land was covered with large timber. He was considered one of the rich men in those days, as there were few who were able to even buy a barrel of salt, and he used to sell it to the neighbors by the pound. He cleared 165 acres of land for farming, and later built a hotel which he run for a number of years. J. W. Allen spent two years in Illinois, farming, and in 1865 he returned to Canisteo, where he spent his last years and died at the age of seventy-one. He married Jane, daughter of Christopher Meeks of Howard, by whom he had seven children : Polly, Edward, Monroe, Ira, Adelbert, Martha, and Eliza. Edward Allen is a farmer, owning a fine farm of 100 acres, and makes a specialty of hay raising. He married Anna, daughter of Benjamin Mericle, by whom he had six children: Charley, May, Ida, Fred, Mortimer, and William W.

Bassett, Fred L. Biography

Bassett, Fred L., was born in the town of Independence, Allegany county, N. Y., August 21, 1855. Baylis S. Bassett, his father, was born in Vermont, June 9, 1821, and came to Allegany county with his father, who purchased 100 acres of land. Baylis S. Bassett came to Bennett’s Creek in the town of Canisteo in 1866, where he purchased 430 acres of land, which is still kept in the family. He married Ester Crandall, by whom he had seven children, Will C., Frank M., Fred L., Byron S., Lottie M., George C., and B. Shefield. Fred L. is a farmer, and married Velma C. Krusen, daughter of Daniel Krusen, of Greenwood, by whom he had three children, Lottie M., Ray L. and Earl.

Bassett, Will C. Biography

Bassett, Will C., was born in the town of Independence, Allegany county, June 5, 1851. He is a man of great business ability, and at one time was a merchant in Canisteo village; running a general grocery store for about nine years, but of late years has devoted his time to the manufacture of cheese, and has a factory from which he can produce about 100,000 lbs. per year. He married Emma E., daughter of Henry Buttles, of Pike, Wyoming county, by whom he had two children, Lena E. and Floyd S., and is living on a part of the homestead farm. Mr. Bassett was assessor in the town of Canisteo for three years, and is a member of Morning Star Lodge, No. 65.

Bennett, Alonzo Biography

Bennett, Alonzo, was born in the town of Belfast, Allegany county, October 25, 1818. Solomon Bennett, his grandfather, wTas one of the twelve that first purchased the township, and was the first man to own and run a grist mill in the town of Canisteo, and wdiich was burned by the Indians. William Bennett, his father, married Mary Vanscoote, by whom he had ten children: Sarah, Pamelia, Thomas, Martha, James, Alonzo, William W. Nelson, Mary J., and Adeline. He was the builder of the old brick hotel, known as the Canisteo House. Alonzo remained with his father until twenty-one years of age, when he bought the farm where he now resides. He married Christianna, daughter of Esq. Elias Stevens, by whom he had ten children: Amy, Amelia, Adeline, Annetta, Ann, Augustine, Alonzo, Eva and Mary. Annetta is the wife of Dr. Williamson of this village. Mr. Bennett was for many years a rep resentative of the leading insurance companies of this and other States, and is a member of Morning Star Lodge of Masons No. 65.

Bertron, F. M. Biography

Bertron, F. M., was born in Canisteo, June 3, 1856. He began his education m the district schools and finished at the Ontario Veterinary College, from which he graduated. He served three years with his father learning the blacksmith’s trade, which busines he has conducted in the village since 1888. In 1888 Mr. Bertron married Hannah Dickmire.

Bowles, Thomas W. Biography

Bowles, Thomas W., was born in Norfolk, England, August 29, 1835. George Bowles, his father, came to the United States in 1845, and first settled in Seneca county, where he remained for two years and then went to Clyde for three years, and from there to Rose Valley, Wayne county, where he remained twenty years, and engaged in farming. He came to Steuben county where he carried on the lumber business, and died in 1885, aged seventy-four years. He married Alice, by whom he had thirteen children. Thomas W. was educated in the district schools in Seneca county, and is one of the leading lumbermen of the town. He married Mary J., daughter of Samuel and Eliza Rodman, by whom he had two children, Jennie F. and Frederick L. Mr. Bowles runs two steam saw mills turning out one million feet of lumber per year.

Brown, Perry Biography

Brown, Perry, was born in the town of Westfield, Pa., August 23, 1850. George S. Brown, his father, was a native of Connecticut, and came to Pennsylvania at an early date where he purchased and cleared 100 acres of land and worked as a farmer. He married Fannie Atwood, by whom he had six children: Emily, Orcelia, Dell, Perry, Willie, and Milo. Perry Brown is a farmer, owning a farm of 270 acres, and deals largely in cattle, sheep, etc., he also owns another farm of 131 acres, and is a man of great business ability and high standing in the community where he resides. He married Almo, daughter of Robert Gunderman, by whom he had two children, Eva and Lillian. He is a member of Mountain Lodge, No. 503, I. O. O. F.

Brown, William H. Biography

Brown, William H. — John H. Brown was born in the town of Wheatland, Monroe count)^, March 8, 1823. James W. Brown, his father, was a native of Tyrone, Ireland, and came to the United States in the memorable year of 1812, and was an eyewitness of the battle between the Constitution and Guerriere. He first settled in Monroe county, where he worked at his trade as a miller, which business he followed all his life, and where he died in 1834 at the age of fifty-five years. He married Jane Hughey of Cavan county, Ireland, by whom he had seven children: Susan, William, John, Mary, James, Robert, and Joseph. John H. Brown is a farmer and lumberman, and married Anna E., sister of Dr. Jamison of Hornellsville, by whom he had six children, Marianna, John D., Minnie, William H., Jennie, and Laura. William H. is the owner of the homestead, and married Annetta Farnham, by whom he had six children: Goldy, Rebecca, Ira, Anna, Ruth, and Harry. John H. Brown has filled the office of supervisor for two terms, and served several terms as highway commissioner and justice of the peace.

Buck, Herman E. Biography

Buck, Herman E., was born in the town of Farmington, Washington county, Wis., May 14, 1847. His father, Benjamin F. Buck, was born in Bradford county, Pa., in 1828, moving to Wisconsin in 1846, returning to Bradford county in 1848, and now resides in the State of Washington. Herman E. Buck enlisted in 1862, in the 75th N. Y. Vols., and served one year and a half, when he was honorably discharged on a surgeon’s certificate of disability. In 1869 Mr. Buck came to Hornellsville, and to Canisteo the following year, where he has since remained, and at the/present time is conducting the retail boot and shoe business. In 1872 Mr. Buck was married to Elbertine Shuart of Pennsylvania. They have two children living, Gertrude S. and William E. Mr. Buck has been supervisor of the town, a member of the Legislature, and has held various minor town offices, and at present is president of the village of Canisteo. He is a member of Morning Star Lodge No. 65, F. and A. M., of which he is a past master; he is also a member of Abram Allen Post No. 194, G. A. R.

Burrell, Allen M. Biography

Burrell, Allen M., was born in Lansing, Tompkins county, N. Y., April 8, 1828. He spent his early life on a farm in Greenwood, Steuben county, but later engaged in carriage building with his brother in the village of Greenwood, which business they conducted for seven years; during this time he read law with Hon. Martin Grover and Lewis Simons, who at that time were practicing law at Angelica, Allegany county, and in the fall of 1854 he came to Hornellsville in the office of Hon. John K. Hale, who was then practicing at that place, and in December of the same year was admitted to the bar at Rochester. In June, 1855, Mr. Burrell married Mary A. McClay, whose father conducted a large dairy in West Greenwood, and on May 10, 1860, moved to Canisteo, where he still practices his profession. Mr. and Mrs. Burrell have had seven children, two of whom died when small, and five are now living: Glen, a hardware merchant; Harry, a farmer; Ella, their only daughter, married Fred C. Goff, who is now a stockholder and general manager of a shoe factory at Racine, Wis.: William is engaged in said factory, and Charles is now studying law with his father.

Burrell, Alphonso H. Biography

Burrell, Alphonso H., was born in Salisbury, Herkimer county, January 8, 1826 son of Samuel N., a native of this State. Samuel N. was a wagonmaker. He married Dorothy Miner, of Lansing, Tompkins county, by whom he he had eight children. Alphonso, after coming to Canisteo, in 1837, worked on his uncle’s (William S. Thomas) farm until twenty-one years of age. He then learned the wagonmaker’s trade with his father, at Covert, Seneca county. He then began business with Allen M. Burrell, a brother, in Greenwood in 1849, where he remained until 1865. Mr. Burrell was elected justice of the peace, which office he held for twelve years. He was appointed postmaster in 1862, which position he held until 1865. He then went to Angelica, where he finished reading law with Angle & Green and was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1865. He then came to Canisteo, forming a partnership with William B. Jones, which partnership existed for two years. Wallace Worth then became his partner. June 13, 1849, Mr. Burrell married Sarah C. Allen, by whom he had four children: Marshall M., Marcello E., Fred, and Almon W., who was admitted to the bar June 7, 1894, having read law with his father. Mr. Burrell is a member of Morning Star Lodge of Masons, No. 65. He was district attorney of Steuben county for three years, succeeding Butler in 1874.

Cameron, Rev. Duncan Cameron Biography

Cameron, Rev. Duncan Cameron, the present pastor of the Presbyterian church of Canisteo, was born Pictou county, Nova Scotia, November 30, 1855. He was educated at Pictou Academy, N. S., Wabash College, Indiana, Dalhousie College, Halifax, N. S., and Auburn Theological Seminary, Auburn, N. Y., where he graduated in 1884. After his graduation he spent three years in missionary service in South America. On his return in 1878 he settled in Canisteo. In February, 1888, he was married to Frances A., daughter of the well-known Prof. Mortimer L. Brown of Auburn, who founded and conducted the Young Ladies’ Institute of that city for over thirty years.

Carter, Erastus A. Biography

Carter, Erastus A., was born in Canisteo, April 23, 1848, son of John Carter, who was born in Lansing, Tompkins bounty. When John Carter first came to Steuben county he settled in Greenwood, and was engaged in farming and lumbering quite extensively. He came to Canisteo village about twenty years ago and remodeled the old Canisteo House, it being the first brick house in the county. He run the hotel for about two years, afterwards disposing of the same. In about four years he again purchased the property, which he owned till his death in August, 1888. In 1889 Erastus A. Carter purchased the hotel from the estate, and has since conducted the same. Mr. Carter was at one time engaged in farming and lumbering, but at present devotes his time to farming, the hotel, and his furniture business. In December, 1894, the furniture business was started under the name of E. A. Carter & Bon, carrying a general line of furniture and funeral supplies, In July, 1869, Mr. Carter married Katie A. Bailey, of Tompkins county, by whom he has two sons: William L. and John M. Mr. Carter is a member of Morning Star Lodge of Masons, No. 65.

Carter, jr., George W. Biography

Carter, jr., George W., was born May 30, 1872. George W. Carter, his father, was born in the town of Greenwood, January 24, 1833. His grandfather was a native of Vermont, and was born October 19, 1787, and married Rachel Tetter of Tompkins county. Anthony Carter was the next youngest son to settle in Greenwood in 1830, where he resided for nine years, then came to Canisteo, to what is known as Bennett’s Creek, and purchased 1,033 acres of land, which is most all in the hands of some of the family yet. George W. married Cynthia, daughter of James Cross, of Canisteo, by whom he had five children: Cassica A., Mary A., Lura T., Flora G., and George W., jr., who is working a part of the homestead farm, which was given him by his father.

Clarkson, Edgar Biography

Clarkson, Edgar, was born in Yates county, N. Y., May 23, 1849. Abraham P. Clarkson, his father, was born January 22, 1815, and was a blacksmith and wagonmaker by trade, but soon abandoned it and took to farming, and came to Woodhull, Steuben county (the town is now known as Rathbone), where he died in 1866, aged fifty-one years. He married Matilda, by whom he had eight children: David, Peter, deceased, Thadeus, M. Ellen, Mary, Anna, John, Nellie, and Edgar. Mary married Martin Whipple of Westfield, Pa., and died in 1880. Edgar Clarkson was agent for the Howe sewing machine, and in 1873 he married Eunice Armstrong of Jasper, who is one of the descendants of the Murphy family which is so widely known in that part of the county, and in the spring of 1874 he engaged in the grocery business, and later in the millinery business in Rath bon ville, and in 1880 he bought the business of Hile Savage of Jasper, and July 21, 1893, lost both building and stock, the loss of which was $3,000 above the insurance. February 21, 1894, he bought the real estate of C. C. Aber in Canisteo village, and established a similar business under the name of Clarkson Bros., the members of which firm are Edgar and Thadeus. Edgar Clarkson is a member of Troupsburg Lodge of Masons, No. 649.

Coller, B. M. Biography

Coller, B. M., was born in the town of Fremont, Steuben county, October 29, 1868. William Coller, his father, was a native of New York State, and was a machinist. He married Mary R. Lake of Steuben county, by whom he had two children, George C. and B. M. Coller, who was clerk in a grocery store in Buffalo, and then brakeman on the N. Y., L. E. & W. R. R., Buffalo division, in 1888, and was promoted to conductor in 1891, and continued up to November 1, 1892. November 16, 1892, he established a wood and coal business in Canisteo, and also conducts a farm in Hartsville, and has an electric riding gallery at Glenwood for the summer. I. Edward Lyon is a partner in the wood and coal business, and at that time they bought out C. M. & L. D. Whiting, and now run two establishments. September 21, 1892, he married Mary L., daughter of John Carter. He is a member of Morning Star Lodge, No. 65, and is senior master of ceremonies, and was made a Mason in Buffalo, and officiated in the Morning Star Lodge in 1893.

Crosby, Hiram Biography

Crosby, Hiram. — Nathan Crosby was born at Canisteo, March 26, 1815. Richard Crosby, his father, was born in the Eastern States, and came to Canisteo with his father, Benjamin Crosby, first settling in Bath, then moving to Canisteo. Benjamin Crosby was one of the twelve purchasers of the township, owning 640 acres of what is now Horn ells ville. Richard Crosby was the owner of 1,200 acres in Canisteo, and this land they cleared, and the family is knowm through this section as one of the first of the town. He married Hannah Thomas, who was a descendant of one of the first families of the town, and by whom he had four children: Nathan, Ulysses, Mary, and Robert. Nathan Crosby is a farmer, and married Nancy, daughter of Elijah and Elizabeth Moore Hallett, by whom he had four children: Hiram, Byron, Lewis, and Elizabeth. The sons are farmers, owning a farm of 800 acres in Canisteo. Byron is living in the town of Jasper, a farmer and general shipper of cattle, sheep, etc. He married Sylvia, daughter of A. Travis of Canisteo, by whom he had one daughter, Florence. Hiram Crosby is the oldest son, and is living on the homestead. He enlisted in the '85th N. Y. Vols., going out with Captain Bennett, where he served three years, and was in the Second Bull Run battle, Battle of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, and Gettysburg, and Spottsylvania, and was discharged at Petersburg, Va., in September, 1864. He has a watch which once saved his life, and which shows the mark of the bullet by which it was struck while in his vest pocket. In 1865 he married Julia, daughter of William Ordway, by whom he had four children; William, Mary, George, and Myron Clark. Mary is the wife of Martin Wallace of Canisteo. Hiram is a member of the G. A. R. Post No. 97. Lewis Crosby is the youngest son and lives on an adjoining farm, and is known as one of the leading farmers in the town of Canisteo, owning 450 acres of land. He married Ellen, daughter of L. P. Holmes of Troupsburg, Steuben county, by whom he had two sons, George and Marshall. Nathan Crosby was one of the charter members of Morning Star Lodge No. 65 of Canisteo.

Croyzier, George H. Biography

Croyzier, George H., was born in Howard, March 28, 1864, son of William, who was born in Ireland and came to this country at the age of seventeen years, settling in Howard, where he lived for forty years. William Croyzier lived to be seventy-six years old. He married Mrs. Rose Ann O’Brien, of Manchester, England. George H. was educated in the district schools of Howard, then was employed in a chair factory for ten years. After this the firm of Davis & Croyzier was formed, carrying the largest line of clothing and gents’ furnishing goods in the village of Canisteo. Mr. Croyzier is a member of the Good Templars, the Royal Templars, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also of the Presbyterian church.

Davis, George L. Biography

Davis, George L., was born in Greenwood, August 4, 1851, son of Redman S., who was born in Worcester, Mass. He was among the early settlers of Greenwood, first settling in Dryden, Tompkins county, then coming to Greenwood in 1839. He, Redman S., was a merchant and farmer and in business with his father. George L. is a member of the private banking house of Porter & Davis, which business is conducted on a firm basis. In 1879 Mr. Davis was married to Calina M. Isbell, of Marion, Iowa, by whom he had one daughter, Minnie E., and one son, Donald Gordon, born March 29, 1895. Mr. Davis is treasurer of the corporation.

Davison, Lorenzo Biography

Davison, Lorenzo, was born in Schuyler county, March 28, 1824, son of Lewis, who was born in New Jersey and came to the town of Tyrone, Schuyler county, and engaged in farming. Lewis Davison also lived in Howard, Steuben county, for a number of years. He married Jemima Gannon, by whom he had ten children. Lorenzo was educated in the district school of his native town, one mile and a quarter from the school house to his home, on a hill, a cold long road, attending school until twenty years of age, mostly through the winter season only. He then learned the carpenter and joiner trade. At the age of twenty-six he married, first, Louisa Jackson. He afterward married Martha, daughter of Rev. Chauncey Carter, of Canisteo. Mr. Davison has lost considerable property by fires and indorsing to help his neighbors, but still is considered one of the well to do men of the village. He has been president of the village, besides holding various minor town offices. Has resided in Canisteo forty-four years.

Dennis, George Biography

Dennis, George, was born in Jasper, Steuben county, January 1, 1844, son of Samuel F. Dennis, born in New Hampshire May 30, 1811. His wife was Sarah S. Woodward, whom he married September 27, 1838. They had nine children, namely: Lois, who died in 1841; Moses, who died April 6, 1862, in the service of his country; George; Sarah, the wife of Wesley Travis; Mary, the wife of L. D. Timmerman; Marshall; Harland, who died October 18, 1851; William F., born July 10, 1857; and Jesse, born December 9, 1861, died August 27, 1864. Samual Dennis, grandfather of George, was born January 26, 1788, and came to this country about the time of the Revolutionary war; he purchased 300 acres of land, whereon his descendants were born. George Dennis was educated in Troopsburg and Alfred, and married Lou A., danghter of Amos F. Woodbury, September 7, 1865. Mr. Woodbury was a prominent farmer of Jasper, and the subject resides upon the Woodbury farm. They have two children; Ora L., born April 15, 1875, a student at the Cortland State Normal School; and Ross W., born December 15, 1881, a student at Canisteo Academy.

Dickey, John E. Biography

Dickey, John E., was born in Cameron, April 24, 1841, son of Erastus Dickey, who was a prominent farmer and lumberman. Matthew Dickey was one of the pioneer settlers of Cameron. John E. has been in the employ of the L. E. & W. R. R. for thirty-two years, and is now the managing agent at Canisteo, which /position he has held since 1889. October 17, 1866, he married Anna W. Harman, by whom he has one daughter, Mrs. Belle W. De Laney. Mr. Dickey was supervisor of the town of Cameron two terms and was again elected in 1889, but resigned to take his present position at Canisteo. Mr. Dickey was educated in the district schools and Eastman’s Business College, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He is a member of Morning Star Lodge of Masons No. 65.

Granger, Leverett Biography

Granger, Leverett, was born in Springfield, Mass., April 2, 1809. John Granger, his father, owned a beautiful farm on the Connecticut, five miles from Springfield, Mass. Through signing notes for a friend, he was obliged to sell and when the subject of this sketch was seven, we find them settled in Dryden, N. Y. In 1822 they moved to Bennett’s Creek, one mile west of Canisteo, where they cleared a large tract of land. When but eighteen, Leverett lost his mother; he then started to “ carve out his own fortune.” Working for ten dollars a month, he laid up his |100 a year; his life was was not all work, for many a time has he told his children about the New Years ball, how he took his girl, not in a carriage, but on behind him, both on the same horse. After accumulating sufficient fortune to support a wife, he married Weltha Chapman, by whom he had seven children: Harriet E., Weltha E., Francis G., William H., Horace A., Harrison D., and Daniel S. He married for his second wife Lydia A., daughter of John Rose of Greenwood, by whom he had seven children; Charles, Elisha, Sarah A., H. Lee, M. Ida, Lura B. and John. Death has claimed two of his children, Francis G. and M. Ida; the others we find scattered in the East and West, and some remaining on his beautiful farm one mile south of Canisteo. When in the spring of 1894 death claimed his beloved wife, we find him still calm and serene, for his trust has been in Jesus for many a year. Though not a Prohibitionist, he is strongly temperate; do we need a better example than this — not one of his eight manly sons love the wine cup? As one has said, “ ’Tis only noble to be good;” then he must belong to the true nobility, for his life has always been free from quarrels and strife, loved and honored by all.

Hadley, Henry Biography

Hadley, Henry, was born in Canisteo, April 15, 1828, a descendant of the old stock who settled here a great many years ago and took up and cleared large tracts of land. Henry Hadley was engaged in farming and carpentry for a number of years. He enlisted in 1861 in the 86th N. Y. Vols., with whom he served two years. He then enlisted in the 141st N. Y. and was with them on the march to the sea under Sherman. He served with this regiment until the close of the war, and was discharged at Washington in 1865. He now receives a pension. He is a member of Abraham Allen Post G. A. R., No. 195. He is not at present engaged in any particularline of business.

Hadley, Jefferson Biography

Hadley, Jefferson, was born in Canisteo, September 9, 1823. Thomas G. Hadley, his father, was also a native of the same town. His grandfather, James Hadley, was one of the pioneer settlers, coming from Wyoming in a canoe, and settled on a farm of 200 acres, which is now owned by Jefferson, who has since added 100 acres. James Hadley was in the massacre at Wyoming, also in the Revolutionary War. Thomas G. Hadley married Mary Hallett of Canisteo, by whom he had nine children. Jefferson is a farmer and lumberman, and married Emily R., daughter of Reuben Millard, by whom he had one daughter, Mrs. Jamison. Mr. Hadley has held the office of assessor and highway commissioner, and is a member of Morning Star Lodge of Masons, No. 65.

Hargrave, Prof. James B. Biography

Hargrave, Prof. James B., was born in Ontario county, N. Y., March 16, 1845. George Hargrave, his father, was a native of England, and came up the Hudson River and settled in Ontario county, and in 1854 came to the town of Cameron, Steuben county, and settled on land which was left his wife and engaged in farming, and died in 1886, aged eighty-six years. He married Sophia Balcomb, by whom he had eleven children — nine of whom are living. Professor Hargrave’s preliminary education was obtained at Woodhull Academy, and in 1868 he was chosen from that institution to go to Bath, Steuben county, for examination for the State scholarship, and in September of that year was appointed, and entered Cornell University, where he remained until 1872, being the firstxrae from Steuben county. He has been a teacher most of his life, and in 1875 he entered the law department of Union University at Albany, and in 1876 graduated and taught one year, and in 1877 came to Canisteo, were the law firm of Sole & Hargrave was formed. He however was induced to take charge of the school in that village, where he has remained most of his time since, and at present is principal of the same school. In 1878 he married a teacher in the same school, Mary A. Forrest of Livingston county, who died May 2, 1894. They have one adopted son Edward W. Hargrave. Mr. Hargrave was candidate for member of assembly in 1892. Mrs. Hargrave received the largest number of votes cast for the free ticket, offered by the New York Press, to the World’s Fair. Mr. Hargrave is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., and the Encampment.

Hayes, William Biography

Hayes, William, was born in Troupsburg, Steuben county, May 21, 1819. Lewis Hayes, his father, was a native of Orange county, N. Y., and came to Steuben county when it was a wilderness, and cleared a few acres. He married a daughter of ’Squire Reynolds of Connecticut, by whom he had sixteen children. William Hayes owns a farm of 174 acres, one of the best in the town, and mostly all under cultivation. He married Jane, daughter of George Shaw of Troupsburg, and his second wife was Mrs. Hester A. Talbot, by whom he had three children, L. Perry, Charles B., and William Fletcher. Her children were Jeddiah F. Talbot, Amasa P., and Collins. Fletcher Hayes married a Miss Darron, by whom he had one child, Ethel.

Jamison, D. Stearns Biography

Jamison, D. Stearns, was born in Canisteo, May 9, 1860. Daniel Jamison, his father, was also born in Canisteo, on the farm where they now live. He is a descendant of the family of Jamisons who are so widely known in that town, and who were early settlers. He married Rosina, daughter of Benjamin Towner, a Baptist minister, by whom he had six children, Hugh, D. Stearns, Carrie, Mitchell, Anna, and Benjamin. Hugh and Benjamin are in the gold and silver mines in the West. D. Stearns was educated in the district schools of Canisteo, and married Mary, daughter of J. C. Stephens, one of the first families of the town, whose history dates back to the days when the Indians were in possession, and by whom he had two children, Carrie and Marion. Mr. Jamison was elected in 1894 as collector of the town, which office he now holds.

Jamison, William, jr. Biography

Jamison, William, jr., was born in Canisteo, January 12, 1837, son of William, who was also born in Canisteo, January 10, 1803, on the farm where William, jr., now lives. John Jamison, the grandfather, was born in Bucks county, Pa., and was one of the twelve original settlers of Canisteo. William Jamison married Permelia Bennett, a descendant of one of the old settlers, by whom he had four children: Hugh, Mary, Martha and William, jr. William, jr., owns a farm of thirty acres and is part owner of a farm of seventy-five acres. In 1865 he married Allace Brosted, of Howard, Steuben county, by whom he had nine children: Mary, Elisha, Ira, Sarah, Allace, Martha, Jessie, Bell and Walter.

King, Philip Biography

King, Philip, was born in the town of Howard, Steuben county, November 11, 1846. Daniel King, his father, was born in Ireland and came to the United States and settled in Pennsylvania, and afterwards in Howard, Steuben county. Philip was educated in the district schools, and owns a farm of 225 acres, of which 160 is under cultivation. He first began working in a saw mill, later purchased a large tract of timber land, which he cut and converted into lumber, and is at present the owner of about 300 acres of hemlock and hardwood timber. He married Mary J. Hadley of Canisteo, by whom he had nine children — Jefferson, Addie, Maud, Madeline, Daniel L., Philip, Lee, Raymond and Harold. Jefferson is in Detroit, Mich. Mr. King has held the office of assessor and other minor offices, and is a member of Morning Star Lodge of Masons, No. 65.

Lyon, I. Edward Biography

Lyon, I. Edward, was born in York, Livingston county, N. Y., December 5, 1859. Ira G. Lyon, his father, was also born in Livingston county. He was a farmer, and married Henrietta P., daughter of William Powers, by whom he had four children: C. P. Lyon, manager of machine works in Rochester; W. P. Lyon, salesman; Howerd, who is a professor in the Oneonta State Normal School; and I. Edward Lyon, who was a teacher for a number of years, and for four years principal of the public school at Canisteo, and for seven years traveled as a salesman, handling a line of school text books. He was educated at the Geneseo State Normal School, from which he graduated in 1881. He married Lyra Langley, July 15, 1885, who died in April, 1892, and for his second wife he married Annie W. Campbell, of Cohoes, N. Y. Mr. Lyon is now a dealer in coal, wood, hay, etc. He is also a member of the board of village trustees, and also Board of Education. He is a member of Morning Star Lodge, No. 65, also of Mountain Lodge of the I. O. O. F. No. 503.

Marsh, S. P. Biography

Marsh, S. P., was born in the town of Lee, Oneida county, June 14, 1830. He was a son of Joseph Marsh, a blacksmith, who came to Woodhull from Oneida county in 1833 when the country was new and wild beasts roamed the forests. These were very hard times, and had it not been for the Pultney estate, which furnished flour to the settlers, they would have suffered for lack of food. This flour wTas distributed among the people according to the size of the family, and the Pultney estate, waited for their pay until crops could be raised. People in those days worked for fifty cents a day. On account of the wolves, pens had to be built near the house to keep the sheep in at night so that they might be safe. Joseph Marsh afterwards moved to Jasper, where he continued to work at his trade and farming until he died, April 1, 1872, at the age of sixty-seven years. S. P. Marsh was the eldest of eight children, and had always been a farmer up to the time of the late war, when he enlisted, September 26, 1864, in the 161st N. Y. Vols., and was discharged from the service September 20, 1865. He is a member of G. A. R., Post No. 194. In 1859 he married Anstis E. Boardman, by whom he has two children: L. Gertrude, stenographer and typewriter for Judge Robinson, and Villa F., now in Boston studying music. Mr. Marsh has lived in Canisteo for thirty-five years, and has been chief of police in the village two years, and deputy sheriff under four administrations.

Mead, Charles H. Biography

Mead, Charles H., was born in Canisteo, December 28, 1867, son of William H., who was born in Dutchess county. William H. Mead was a farmer and came to Canisteo and bought what is known as the Allison Flats. He married Dorlesca Whitwood, of Truxton, Cortland county. She now lives with Charles H. Charles H. Mead has conducted one of the leading groceries in the village for five years, carrying a full line of goods. He was educated at the Canisteo Academy and graduated from Warner’s Business College in 1890. Mr. Mead is a member of Morning Star Lodge of Masons, No. 65.

Millard, Morgan R. Biography

Millard, Morgan R., was born in the town of Cameron, November 2, 1824. Reuben W. Millard, his father, was a native of Onondaga county, N. Y., and came to Steuben county in 1804. He married Sallie A. Hooker, of Providence, R. I., by whom he had five children. Morgan R. is a lumberman and farmer, owner of a saw mill and manufacturer of lumber and shingles; has been justice of the peace twenty years in his town, and practices law to some extent. He married Mary J. Fulton, of Canisteo, by whom he had two children: John H., who died at twenty-four years of age, and Mrs. A. E. Waight, of Jasper. Mr. Millard is a member of Morning Star Lodge of Masons No. 65, and is and always was an abolition protectionist. In 1888 his wife, Mary J., died, and in 1898 he was married to Mrs. Shell, then a widow.

Moore, Edward B. Biography

Moore, Edward B., was born in Canisteo April 23, 1822, and was educated in the common schools. He is a farmer and lumberman, and has followed the latter business over forty years. He married Helen L. Bunker, daughter of Warren and Sarah Bunker, of Rensselaer county, born January 7, 1832. They have had three children: Joseph W., born April 7, 1858; James W. (deceased), born June 4, 1861; Edward B., jr., born October 3, 1865, who lives at home with his parents. Mrs. Moore is a member of the Christian church.

Moore, John D. Biography

Moore, John D., was born in Canisteo. Steuben county, January 9, 1814. John Moore, his father, was born in Ireland, and came to the United States when thirteen years of age. They settled in Canisteo, where they purchased 400 acres of land for ten dollars per acre, and the deed for this land was the first recorded after Steuben county was formed. He engaged in farming and lumbering and in running a saw mill, and was in the war of 1812. He married Hannah Daw, by whom he had seven children: James, Thomas, John D., Samuel, Joseph, Edward B. and Sarah. John D. is a farmer and lumberman; the latter business he has followed for forty years. He married Angeline Root, by whom he had three children: Thomas, William and Lydia. He married for his second wife Mary E. Ayer of Jamestown, N. Y., by whom he had one son, Frederick, who is dead. Mr. Moore is a member of Morning Star Lodge of Masons, No. 65, also of the Hornellsville Chapter.

Ordway, William H. Biography

Ordway, William H., was born in Canisteo, September 2, 1819. Enoch Ordway, his father, was born in New Hampshire, and in his early days followed distilling, lumbering and farming. William H. is one of the prominent farmers and business men of the town, and he began life by working out by the day, and running on the river, which was then a paying business. He acquired about 365 acres of land in Adrian, which in 1868 he traded for a farm, which is known as lot 4 first division. He was one of the promoters of the building of the academy in Canisteo village, and is one of the trustees. He married Mary, daughter of John Hallet, by whom he had four children: Charles, who enlisted in the 86th N. Y. Vols., and was killed in second battle of Bull Run; Albert, who was in the 1st N. Y. Cavalry; Julia, now Mrs. Herman Crosby; Adella, now Mrs. Clark Braisted, of Westchester county.

Peck, George L. Biography

Peck, George L., was born in the town of Canisteo, January 27, 1864. Samuel B. Peck, his father, was a native of Connecticut, and came to the town of Cameron in 1831. He was a farmer, and by trade a mason, which business he followed in connection with his farm work. He married Jane E. Merrell of Cameron, by whom he had nine children: Joseph, Mattie, Emma, George L, Julius, Julia, Lottie, Albert, and Minnie. Joseph and Emma are dead. George L. has for many years been one of the leading men in his trade as a carpenter, and is now devoting his time and attention to a farm of ninety acres, which he owns. He married Alice, daughter of Mark Jones of Canisteo.

Biography

Peterson, Jeremiah M., was born in Potter county, Pa., April 26, 1851. Jacob D. Peterson, his father, was a native of Ohio, and came to the town of Avoca in 1854. He was an architect and millwright, which business he followed for many years, and if now residing in the town of Woodhull, Steuben county, at the ripe age of ninety years. He married Sarah A., daughter of William and Harriet Wiley, by whom he had nine children: Jeremiah M., Jacob D., Amenial, Orin J., Lorevo, Henry O., Mary M., Cynthia, and Emma. Jeremiah M. was a head sawyer for twentyfive years, and since then has been a general jobber and dealer in lumber. He married Ora Adelia, daughter of Ezra and Margaret Strong, by whom he had four children: Dora L., Gay B., Adelbert J. D., and Fay. He was elected highway commissioner in 1894, on the Republican ticket, and is a leading member in Mountain Lodge No. 503, of I. O. O. F., also of the Canton Loyal, No. 43, of Hornellsville.

Porter, William Gordon Biography

Porter, William Gordon, was born in Woodhull, October 29, 1849, son of William G., who was born in Connecticut and came to Woodhull in 1830. William G., the father, first settled in Woodhull, engaging in the mercantile business, but moved to Greenwood when William Gordon was six months old. William Gordon learned the tinsmith’s trade. In 1871 he married Sabra H., daughter of Alexander H. Stephens, one of the old pioneer families. William Gordon was engaged in the mercantile business for ten years, then moved to Iowa, intending to engage in business with his wife’s brother. At the death of this brother he moved to Canisteo and in 1883 the private banking business was started by ‘Porter & Davis, which is still conducted in the village. Mr. Porter has been president of the village, trustee of the academy, and held other minor offices. He is a member of the Morning Star Lodge of Masons, No. 65.

Robinson, Hon. Frank H. Biography

Robinson, Hon. Frank H., who succeeded Hon. Harlo Hakes as county judge, January 1, 1844, was born in Cuba, Allegany county, May 23, 1855. His ability as an attorney has made him popular with the people throughout the county. He served as district attorney for two terms previous to his election as county judge. He read law with Champlain, Armstrong, and Russell, of Cuba, finishing with Sickles and Miller, of Albany. He graduated from the law department of Union University in 1876, and was soon after admitted to the bar, settling in ^Canisteo in 1879. As a lawyer Judge Robinson ranks among the leading members of the bar.

Smith, Enos Biography

Smith, Enos, was born in the town of Greenwood, Steuben county, January 30, 1845. Jesse B., his father, was born in Tompkins county, N.Y., March 11, 1811, and came to the town of Greenwood in 1829, where he with his father, Enos Smith, took up sixty acres. He married Polly, daughter of Allen Miner, who was one of the oldest settlers in that county, by whom he had nine children: Augustus, Leroy, Merritt, Avery, Enos, William J., Anna, Charley and Floyd. Enos was educated in the district schools of Canisteo, and now owns a farm of 290 acres, two-thirds of which is under cultivation. February 10, 1870, he married Fanny, daughter of Richard Coleman, of England, by whom he had six children: Grace M., Lucy E.r Blanche L., Anna Mabel, Harry C., and Fred T.

Soule, Eli Biography

Soule, Eli, was born in Euclid, Tompkins county, N. Y., January 20, 1829. His father’s family resided in the city of New York before the war of the Revolution. His father, Lambert Soule, removed from Orange county to Tompkins about June, 1820, and married his mother, Catherine Rickey, in 1827, and settled pn a farm in the town of Euclid the next year, where he resided till his death in 1880. Eli Soule spent his minority on his father’s farm, was a student of law in the office of Boardman & Finch at Ithaca, N.Y., was admitted to the bar in 1860, commenced practicing at Canisteo in 1868, where he yet remains. He was married to Miss Jane Ferris of Galesburg, Ill., in 1871.

Stanton, Eunice M. Biography

Stanton, Eunice M. — Amos B. Stanton was born in June, 1827. He was a carpenter by trade, which business he followed until 1861, when he enlisted in the 86th N. Y. Vols., and June 16, 1864, was killed in the front at Petersburg. He held the office of first lieutenant in his company, and was a fearless and true officer and soldier, always ready to come to the front in time of battle. He married Eunice M:, daughter of John and Cynthia Crosby, by whom he had two children, Mrs. Iza E. Roosa, and John Stanton, who is a prosperous farmer in this town. Mrs. Stanton has four grandchildren, Lewis O. and Eloise Stanton, and Lottie S. and Stanton Roosa.

Stephens, Adsit B. Biography

Stephens, Adsit B., was born in Canisteo on the farm he now owns, September 1, 1857, son of William B., who was born in this town in 1815. William, the grandfather, was born in 1777, and settled on what is known as the Thomas Hallett farm, where he kept an inn. William B. Stephens married Lydia M. Abbe, of Canisteo, by whom he had three children: Sophia A., Libbie M., and Adsit B. The latter spent his early life in teaching school and working at his trade in a printing office. For the last twelve years he has devoted his time to farming, making a specialty of -small fruit growing, In 1880 he married Clara B., daughter of Jonathan Knapp, of South Canisteo, by whom he has three children: Ross W., aged twelve years; Agnes May, aged eight years; and Vina Belle, aged three Mr. and Mrs. Stephens are members of the M. E. church.

Stephens, Emmett L. Biography

Stephens, Emmett L., was born January 10, 1848, at Bennett’s Creek, on a farm which was owned in his lifetime by Joshua Stephens, who was killed by the Indians. De Witt C. Stephens, his father, married Amanda M., daughter of John Hamilton, one of the oldest families in the town of Howard, by whom he had five children: John D., Joshua B., Emmett L., Henry L., and Anna. Emmett L. was educated in the common schools of Canisteo, and was a farmer and lumberman, and later he began the study of law with A. I. Parkhill of Cohocton, then with William B. Jones, also with Eli Soule, and later with A. M. Burrell. In February, 1890, he was elected justice of the peace of the town of Canisteo and re-elected in 1894, which office he now fills. He married Etta, daughter of Delevan Stephens of Hornellsville, and is a member of the I. O. O. F.

Stephens, Joshua Chapman Biography

Stephens, Joshua Chapman, was born in Canisteo, May 30, 1816. Nathan Stephens, his father, was born December 8, 1783, and May 11, 1790, came with his father, Jedediah Stephens, to Canisteo and settled on a farm of 400 acres. He married Rachael, daughter of Elisha Gilbert of Addison, by whom he had five children, Elisha G., Jedediah, H. M., Ebenezer C., and Franklin. He lived on a farm, known as lot No. 10, 1st division, until his death, which occurred April 4, 1862. August 3, 1845, Joshua C. married Hannah, daughter of Harris Abbe of Canisteo, by whom he had seven children: Ira G., James A., Harris M., Nathan J., Rachel J., Emma H., and Mary M. Three of the sons are carpenters and joiners, and James A. is at home on the farm. A fact worthy of notice is that not one of the sons weighs less than 200 lbs., and is said to be the strongest and most robust family in the town. Mr. Stephens has held the office of supervisor and other minor offices, and is a member of Morning Star Lodge of Masons, No. 65, also of Steuben Chapter.

Thomas, Daniel C. Biography

Thomas, Daniel C., was born at Bennett’s creek, Steuben county, March 14, 1858. William S. Thomas, his father, was one of the old landmarks in that section, and was a man of great business ability, and through his own efforts he acquired wealth and property, and at his death was the owner of about 400 acres of fine land. He died in 1867. He married Fannie Rogers, who died in 1830, and for his second wife he married Estie Merion, who died in 1846, and for his third wife he married Mrs. Coleman, by whom he had one son, Daniel C., who, although he owns the old homestead of 400 acres, he does not work it, but lives retired in the village of Canisteo. He married Elizabeth, daughter of William Crawford, by whom he had two children, Mary and Clark.

Travis, James Biography

Travis, James, was born in the town of Canisteo, July 25, 1865. Amory Travis, his father, was a well-known farmer of the same town, where he had resided for many years, and by his own hands cleared a farm of 180 acres. He was for a number of years interested in the lumber business. He married Sarah France, of Jasper, by whom he had four children. James Travis was educated in the district school and the academy at Canisted village, and graduated from Eastman’s Business Col lege in 1886. He married Amelia, daughter of M. S. Parkhill, of Canisteo, by whom he had four children: Ella, Emma, Amory and Clinton.

Travis, Wesley and Nelson Biography

Travis, Wesley and Nelson. — Charles B. Travis was born March 22, 1805. Amasa Travis, his father, was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., September 20, 1770, and December 14, 1800, he married Phoebe Travis, who was born in Dutchess county, December 25, 1783, and by whom he had twelve children, nine of whom lived to maturity. In May, 1801, they moved to Bergen, N. J., where they remained four years, thence to Sheshequin, Pa., where they remained one year, and where Charles B. was born. In 1806 they moved to Howard, coming through Chimney Narrows at Corning, where they were in great peril, their horses losing their footing in the rapid water, which was several feet in depth on the narrow roadway. They were the second family settling in Howard, where they occupied a place which had been in the possession of a Mr. Hovey. January 28, 1834, Charles B. married Sylvia, daughter of Richard Crosby, by whom he had eight children: Solomon, Amasa, John C., Wesley, Cynthia, M. Eleanor, M. Samuel and Nelson C. Wesley Travis was born in Canisteo, March 26, 1842, and was educated in the town and Troupsburg Academy, and at twenty-one years of age enlisted in Co. A, 189th N. Y. Vols, and served until the end of the war, when he returned home and worked at farming until 1886; since then his business has been dealing in stock, cattle, sheep, wool, etc. He owns a farm of 740 acres. September 15, 1869, he married Sarah, daughter of F. S. Dennis, of Jasper, by whom he had three children: Mabel, deceased; Elinor and Vernon. Mr. Travis is a member of Morning Star Lodge of Masons, No. 65. Nelson Travis was born in Canisteo, May 8, 1851, and was educated in the district schools and Canisteo Academy. He began life as a farmer, and later has been buying and shipping wool, and November 7, 1894, he moved from his farm to the village of Canisteo. March 12, 1879, he married Hattie E., daughter of J. B. Foster, by whom he had four children: Nathan J., Amery E., deceased, Pearl E. and Clarence W. Mr. Travis is a member of the I. O. O. F., Mountain Lodge, No. 503. The grandmother was 104 years and five months old when she died, May 11, 1888.

Tucker, Daniel A. Biography

Tucker, Daniel A., was born in Troupsburg, Steuben county, May 6, 1842. John Tucker, his father, was a native of New York State, where he engaged in farming and lumbering. He came to Troupsburg in about 1833, where he held the office of supervisor, and c ied in November, 1870, aged seventy-three years. He married Lydia, of Boston, Mass., who died July, 1894, aged eighty-three years. Daniel A. was a farmer up to 1875, and since that time has been speculating in cattle, and at present devotes his attention to the egg market, and owns a farm in Hartsville, but does not work it. In 1871 he married Jennie, daughter of John Simpson, who was one of the early settlers of Troupsburg, and came there about 1833, by whom he had three children: John S., who is a stenographer and typewriter, a graduate of Canisteo Academy, also of Roberts’ Business College; R. B., and Lizzie.

Vickers, Jacob Biography

Vickers, Jacob, was born in Nova Scotia, May 11, 1848, where he resided until in his seventh year, when his father, who was superintendent of a coal mine on Cape Breton Island, moved to the United States and located in Canisteo, N. Y. He remained there about one year and moved to Hartsville, N. Y. His early life was spent on the farm. In April, 1875, he engaged in the mercantile business at that place. Was also appointed postmaster the same year, which capacity he served till 1880; was supervisor of the town two terms. In September, 1888, he engaged in the grocery business at Canisteo and moved to that place, where he has since resided. Last January he bought out the insurance business of G. N. Strong, to which he at present devotes his entire time, which business includes the following well known companies: AZtna of Hartford, Phoenix of Hartford, Continental of New York, Ger- man American of New York, Orient of Hartford; also the Travelers’ Life and Accident of Hartford. April 17, 1879, he married Ida E. Whiting, of Hartsville, N.Y., by whom he has one daughter, Nellie J. Mr. Vickers is identified with the Republican party, and has always taken an active part in church and Sunday school work.

Waldo, Lucius A. Biography

Waldo, Lucius A., was born in Otsego county, October 24, 1825. Erastus G. Waldo, his father, was a native of Connecticut, and came to this State at an early day and settled in Otsego county. He died in Steuben county, in Prattsburg, aged eighty-one years. He was a merchant, keeping a general store. Lucius A. Waldo was also a merchant, starting in business at twenty-four years of age in Allegany county, where he remained for two years, and then came to Canisteo, where he carried on that business for twenty-five years, and in the meantime was conducting a lumber and stave business, and at the present time is conducting a farm of 163 acres and lumbering. March 5, 1851, he married Emeline M. Southworth, who died April 21, 1880, and for his second wife he married Jennie Lewis, of Prattsburg, Steuben county, by whom he had one son, Lucius A. Waldo, jr., who was born March 30, 1883. Mr. Waldo was supervisor of Canisteo for three terms, and was the first president of the village after it was incorporated, which office he held for three terms. He was elected county clerk in 1848 for one term. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Morning Star Lodge No. 65, of Canisteo, and was master for nine years; also has been a Knight Templar for a number of years.

Young, Christopher Biography

Young, Christopher, was born in Corning, N. Y., July 17, 1886, son of William Young, a tailor in that place. Christopher was educated at the district school in Ulster, Bradford county, Pa. At the age of fourteen he learned the blacksmith and carriage trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He then started in business in Hammondsport, N. Y., but in 1868 he enlisted in the 22d N. Y. Cavalry and served to the end of the war, participating in nineteen engagements, some of which were the battles of the Wilderness, White Oak Swamp, the Wilson raid, Winchester, Cedar Creek, and others. In 1859 he married Mahetabel Sweezey, born in Rhode Island in 1841. Of this union three children were born, two daughters and one son; Ida M. in 1857; Roxie in 1870; and Lenord A., 1882. In 1870 they came to Canisteo, where he has been engaged in the carriage and blacksmith business up to the present time. He is a member of Morning Star Lodge, No. 65, F. & A. M., and the A. O. U. W., Lodge No. 29.