Hornellsville New York Family Sketches

Transcribed by Lynn Tooley

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

Acker, Milo M. Family Sketch

Acker, Milo M., was born in Hartsville, N. Y., of German-American parentage, October 3, 1853. Until twenty-one years of age he worked at home during the summers, and in the logging camps of Pennsylvania during the winters. During his leisure moments he studied and read industriously. After consideration, Mr. Acker decided to enter the legal profession, and accordingly returned to his home, took what little money he had and entered the school at Andover. By working for his board he managed to pay for his schooling. He was graduated with high honors and taught in all the departments of the school. A little later he attended for one year Alfred University, whose professors recently said of him: “We remember him as one with the power for work and the determination to make the most of his opportunities. Such young men will make their mark in the world, under whatever circumstances.” In 1879 and 1880 Mr. Acker was supervisor of the town of Hartsville, and in 1881 entered the office of Judge Hakes, of Hornellsville, as a law student. He was admitted to the bar in 1883, became a member of the firm in 1885, and in 1886 served as police justice of Hornellsville. He has risen rapidly in his chosen profession, and is now counted one of the most prominent among the younger lawyers of Western New York, being often chosen to settle difficult cases where tact and sound judgment, both in regard to law and men, are required, and his success in such cases well warrants the choice. Mr. Acker has served four consecutive terms in the Assembly, and held many prominent positions on committees. In 1890 he was chairman of the judiciary committee, and in 1891 was Republican candidate for speaker, and therefore the leader of the Republicans in the house, where he was recognized as one of the best orators and debaters in the assemblies in which he served.

Alley, Frank Bennett Family Sketch

Alley, Frank Bennett, was born in the village of Hornellsville, April 3, 1860, only son of the late Samuel M. Alley. He was educated in the city schools and early showed his inheritance of business enterprise and indomitable pluck by engaging in a retail store at the corner of Main and Canisteo streets. Five years later he established a wholesale department, where for eleven years his trade has had a steady and permanent growth. In 1893 his rapidly increasing trade demanding larger quarters, he removed the wholesale department to the old post-office building on Canisteo street, where we now find him; but he still continues to operate as a retail department, the old stand which is now popularly known as “Alley’s Corner.” In 1894 he fitted up with the most artistic taste “Alley’s Cafe.” He devotes his whole time and attention to his business, with no political or social aspirations except for his friends, for whom he is a hard worker. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. June 4, 1882, Mr. Alley married Isabel, daughter of H. C. Johnson, of Hornellsville. They have one child, Laura. The first born, Helen, died November 1, 1892, aged ten years.

Alley, Col. Samuel M. Family Sketch

Alley, Col. Samuel M. Alley was born in Almond, Allegany county, April 19, 1825. His father died when he was only four years of age, and being bound out, as was the custom of those days, his schooling was limited to a winter attendance in the district schools. At the age of nineteen he bought his time and entered a country store as clerk, where he acquired a good knowledge of business, men, and property. He came to Hornellsville in 1848 and in company with others built a foundry and machine shop and furnished it with the first steam engine and first lathe for turning iron ever brought to Hornellsville. He was also for five years engaged in the dry goods trade. In 1853 he transferred his interests into lumber and became a large shipper of lumber and grain. In 1857 he was elected clerk of the county, and in 1861 represented this district in the State Legislature. Col. Alley was made a member of the Central War Committee and commissioned colonel by Governor Morgan, and at the second call for troops in 1862 raised the 141st Regt. N. Y. Vols. in twenty-one days. Political difficulties prevented him from assuming command of the regiment, but he was given charge of the Elmira rendezvous, and was in command there until relieved by his request. In 1864 he transferred his lumber interests to Michigan and continued in that business until 1870. He was very active in endeavoring to build the Pine Creek Railroad and lost a large amount of money in the enterprise. In 1873 he was offered the position of assistant land agent of the Erie Railroad, and for eighteen years occupied a position of great trust in the land and assessment departments of the company, who appreciated his services, as his resignation was repeatedly declined. In 1891 he was forced to give up the business, on account of failing health. Colonel Alley was identified with the political, business and social life of this community for over forty years, and his death, which occurred August 18, 1892, was a severe loss. Successful in business, and a leader in politics, in all things he was honest, outspoken, vigorous, and earnest. If his frankness sometimes gave offense, his earnest adherence to what he believed to be right compelled the respect of all, while his genial nature always won him hosts of friends. He is survived by his widow, Sylvia, daughter of Maj. Thomas Bennett; Flora, Mrs. E. C. Glazier; and Frank B.

Armsted, Charles H. Family Sketch

Armsted, Charles H., wTas born in Avon, Livingston county, N. Y., June 27, 1859. Cyrus A. Armsted, the father of Charles, was also a native of that county, and the landlord of the Newman House. Charles is the only son: he was educated in the Avon Academy, and has always been engaged in the dealing in real estate and loans. He came to Hornellsville in 1882 and in 1887 he opened an office in the Ossosski block on Main street, where he remained a few years, then had an office in the McDougall block, Broad street, until 1892, when he went in partnership with James H. Clancy, esq., in the Opera House block where we now find him. Mr. Armsted was married in 1882, to Miss Carrie Burnham, daughter of Joseph I. Burnham, one of the pioneers of this town. They have no children.

Ashbaugh, William Family Sketch

Ashbaugh, William, was born in the town of Dansville, Livingston county, N. Y., September 22, 1841, son of David Ashbaugh, also a native of Dansville and a mason by trade. The grandfather of William, named George, was from Pennsylvania and one of the early settlers of Livingston county. William was the oldest of a family of seven children, three of whom died in infancy, and three are now living. He was given a good common school education, and his father moving on to a farm when he was twelve years old, he assisted him on the homestead and in work at his trade until he was thirty-five years of age. They bought various farms together and continued in business until his father’s declining health caused him to withdraw from active business. David Ashbaugh died in 1875. March 25, 1879, Mr. Ashbaugh took possession of the Samuel Hendershott farm of 110 acres on lot 9, on the west shore of the Canisteo River, to which he has added fifty acres. In 1891 he sold seventeen acres to the Hornellsville Electric Railroad Company. Mr. Ashbaugh is also one of the most extensive land owners of Hartsville, having 670 acres in one body which he personally superintends. He has always been an extensive dealer in sheep and other stock stock and now the principal farm products are hay and grain. He made a specialty of dairying for twenty years. He has held the office of assessor a number of years, a school officer, and a supporter of religious institutions. He has been twice married, first in 1861 to Sarah Ann Henry of Hartsville, who died May 22, 1887, leaving two children: Addie wife of James Pope, a farmer of Hartsville, and David Levi Ashbaugh, a student of Canisteo Academy. Mr. Ashbaugh was again married in April, 1888, to Cora S. Call of Hartsville.

Ayers, Nelson Family Sketch

Ayers, Nelson, was born in the town of Hector, January 24, 1824, son of Daniel B. Ayers, who lived and died in the town of Ulysses. Nelson was given a common school education, which he improved by good reading and careful study. He remained with his father until twenty-three years of age, and then bought a farm in the town of Enfield, where he spent seven years, and then returned to Ulysses, making his home there till the spring of 1868, when he came to Steuben county and bought the Dyke farm of 160 acres, where he has made many valuable improvements. He is a Democrat and is now serving his fourth year as one of the assessors. In 1845 he married Maria S. Van Kirk of Ulysses, and three children w7ere born to them, none of whom is living. Mrs. Ayers died in 1864. The present Mrs. Ayers -was Sarah E. Curry, sister of Dr. Silas T. Curry, and widow of Chester L. Francis. An adopted daughter, Margaret Francis, is the wife of Charles Edgar Beach, and forms part of Mr. Ayers’s family. She has two children: Maria Louise, now in her sixth year, and Sophia Cora in her fourth year.

Babcock, Devolson D. Family Sketch

Babcock, Devolson D., was born in the town of Pharsalia, Chenango county, N. Y., October 13, 1833, and was for many years engaged in the mercantile business at Warren, Pa., where he remained eleven years. September 15, 1858, he married Mary A. Browning, of Scio, N. Y., who survives him, and their five children were: Ogden D., Devolson D., jr., Kate H., Grace B., and Mrs. Mary A. Weeks, of New York. When the great oil strike was made at Bradford, in 1875, and the opening up of the immense Clark, Babcock & Hulin’s tract at Foster Brook occurred, Mr. Babcock left Pittsfield to assist his brother, Francis G. Babcock, one of the owners of the property, in its management. During the same year the Bank of Hornellsville was organized in this city by Francis G. Babcock, W. H. Johnson, and others, and Mr. Babcock became vice-president of the institution, a position he held continuously until his death. In 1878 he purchased with his brother a large interest in the prolific Moody tract of oil lands, of which he became one of the managers. In 1880 he took up his residence in Hornellsville on Center street, and after closing up his oil interests became associated with his brother, Francis G., in an immense ranch, at Terra Cotta, Kan., of which he became the manager. After the failure of A. B. Vorhis, at Canisteo, the sash and blind factory was purchased by Messrs. Babcock & Drake, and a year or two later Mr. Babcock became acting president of the concern, which position he held till his death. His only surviving relatives aside from his family, are Francis G. Babcock and Mrs. Elizabeth S. Clark, both of Hornellsville. Mr. Babcock was a member of the Presbyterian church and had long been president of the board of trustees of that society. Personally he was of a quiet temperament, but most genial and hearty of manner with his friends. He was a steady, persistent, and diligent business man of great ability. His domestic relations were unusually happy; he was a good husband, an indulgent father, a loving son and brother, a consistent Christian, and an honorable, honored citizen. He died in Hornellsville.

Baker, Dr. Milton J. Family Sketch

Baker, Dr. Milton J., was born in Sidney, Delaware county, N. Y., March 30, 1842. He was the third son of Milton Baker, a farmer and a native of Connecticut. He was educated at Unadilla Academy and at the University of New York, graduating with the degree of C. B. in 1860. He began the study of medicine when nineteen years of age with Dr. Sweet of Unadilla and also with Dr. Beckwith in Connecticut. He entered the medical department of the University of New York in 1861, and while a student he, in 1864, enlisted in the army and was immediately made hospital steward at Hilton Head, South Carolina. At the close of the war he returned to college and finished his studies the following year. He spent three years in the hospital service, and began the practice of his profession in Mason ville, Delaware county, where he was engaged until 1874, when he joined Dr. J. H. Ripley in New York city. After spending two years in the city, in 1876 he located in Hornellsville, when he became one of the most prominent members of the profession. He never married. Dr. Baker died December 21, 1892.

Bardeen, Charles E. Family Sketch

Bardeen, Charles E., was born in Fremont, March 18, 1855. Ezra Bardeen, his father, is also a native of this State, born in Yates county, and married Mary Madison of the same county by whom he had three children. Charles was educated in the common schools and has improved it by study and reading. He remained with his father on the farm until November, 1892, when he located in this city, establishing a lumber yard at the east end and the next season built a planing mill and box factory, employing about ten men, and did a very successful business until the 23d of April, 1895, when it was destroyed by fire. January 15, 1894, Mr. Bardeen established a coal and wood yard and it has proved a great success. The spring of 1895, the firm of Smedly, Bardeen & Smedley was established as a stock company, with a capital of $12,000 for the purpose of manufacturing silk gloves -and mitts. He has also two saw mills, a portable mill and one at his timber lot near Canisteo station, which supplies his lumber and also wood for the year. Mr. Bardeen is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees. May 3, 1878, he married Cora Belle, daughter of John Shattuck, a farmer of Fremont.

Barlow, Rev. Arthur R. Family Sketch

Barlow, Rev. Arthur R., was born in Ireland, December 27, 1854, and was reared and pursued his studies in his native country until 1878. He then came to America and entered Niagara University, but very soon was sent to Genoa, Italy, where he entered the Propaganda College, and where he was ordained to the priesthood in July, 1877. He returned to this country and was assigned to various charges, being assistant in the cathedral in Buffalo, assistant pastor of St. Patrick’s church, Lockport, and assistant pastor of St. Joseph’s church, Batavia, N. Y. In 1881 he was appointed pastor of the Catholic church at Belmont, Allegany county, where he attended the missions at Angelica, Scio, and Belfast. A year and a half later he removed to Belfast, and became the first resident pastor of the church there. In October, 1889, he was transferred to Ellicottville, N. Y., and in June, 1898, was appointed pastor of St. Ann’s church, Hornellsville, of which Rev. William H. Darcy became his assistant at the same time. Rev. Mr. Darcy is a native of Ireland and was ordained to the priesthood at the Catholic University in Washington, D. C., in June, 1898.

Barney, Richard W. Family Sketch

Barney, Richard W., was born in Mount Morris, Livingston county, August 24, 1834. George W. Barney, his father, a direct descendant of Commodore Barney, of Revolutionary fame, was a native of Herkimer county, and came to Livingston county about 1830 and established a mercantile business in Mount Morris which he conducted a great many years. The later years of his life he held the office of postmaster, made such by Lincoln and served under Johnson. He was for twelve years superintendent of the poor and insane of Livingston county. He died in June.. 1884, at seventysix years of age. Mary Peterson, the mother of our subject, was of Holland descent and a native of Cayuga county, was born in Scipio, February 28, 1814, and is still living in Mount Morris. Of the six children that reached adult age from this union Richard was the oldest son. He was educated in the common schools and Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, now known as the Lima University. After finishing his education he spent two years in his father’s store, and then was engaged in the same business in the wholesale department in New York city for five years, after which he returned to Mount Morris, where he spent two years as a law student in the office of Hastings & Bingham as a means of recreation. The early days of the war he was with Scott’s Band in the Army of the Potomac, and in 1862 became a regularly enlisted member of Co. I of the 136th N. Y. Vols., going as quartermastersergeant. He was transferred to the 17th Vet. Reserves in 1864, and served at headquarters with Col. A. J. Warner till the close of the war, when he was discharged under general orders. Returning to his native town he remained only a short time and then went to Ottawa, Kansas, where he engaged in real estate dealing until 1873, when he returned to New York State and took up the study of dentistry with Dr. Daboll of Buffalo, N. Y. In 1876 he began the practice of the the profession at Owasco, N. Y., and in the spring of 1878 he located in Hornellsville, where he has ever since been engaged in the practice of the profession with continued success and a constantly increasing practice. He is the inventor of an automatic dental vulcanizer which is a great improvement in the vulcanizing of dental plates. He is also interested in farming in Mount Morris, N.Y. In 1867 he married Fannie Thomas of Rockland, Me., who lived but two years after marriage. His present wife was Clara M. Bacon of Princeton, Ills.

Bennett, Hiram Family Sketch

Bennett, Hiram, a native of Hornellsville, was born September 1, 1815. He was a son of the late Major Thomas Bennett, one of the early pioneers of this valley, and a grandson of Solomon Bennett, who came to this region from Wyoming before Judge Hornell settled here. Having been born in Hornellsville, he was naturally in its earlier history thoroughly identified with the town and its interests. He began his education in Howard Academy, then a school of some local note. He subsequently went to Lima, where he completed his preparatory course, and afterward entered Union College, where he graduated with honor in 1839. He was Hornellsville’s first college graduate. Returning to Hornellsville he became the teacher of the village school, serving in that capacity with great acceptance. He shortly took up the study of law in the office of the late Hon. John K. Hale, in this place, and was admitted to the bar about 1842, when he began practicing. Although a man of thorough education and unusual attainments he did not find the practice of law suited to his tastes, and never took the position at the bar which he might have won if the profession had enlisted his enthusiasm. Mr. Bennett held several local public offices during his lifetime. From 1841 to 1845 he was town clerk, and held the office of justice of the peace for twenty-five years, beginning about 1845. He was once president of the village and was a village trustee for a number of years. He ran for member of assembly many years ago as the candidate of the Democracy — the party to which he gave allegiance throughout his life. He was defeated by the town of Reading, then a part of Steuben county, for his known desire to divide the county. He never after sought political honors. He was a school trustee and clerk of the Board of Education for a number of years. He was also president of the Hornell' Association. He was at one time judge advocate on Gen. P. Hartshorn’s staff, the only military office he ever accepted. He was also one of the early surveyors of the town. He died December 8, 1883. He was married in 1850 to Miss Eliza, daughter of Christopher Doty, one of the pioneers of Steuben county. They were the parents of one child, Frank H. Bennett. An adopted daughter, M. Estelle, is now the wife of Addison J. Sutfin, of Hornellsville. Frank H. Bennett, his son, was born in the city of Hornellsville, November 27, 1858. He was educated in the city schools and in 1879 he entered Pennsylvania Military College, Chester, Pa., graduating with the degree of C. E. in 1883. He also entered the Philadelphia Commercial College, but was obliged to leave on account of his father’s health He was secretary of the Hornell Library Association for a number of years, and was also assistant chief engineer of the Flora ellsville Fire Department. He has devoted his time to the real estate business since leaving school and was the originator of the William street property, placing over forty building lots within reach of the city residents, and has taken an interest in literary work. He was the founder and also the publisher of the popular club and society journal, “New York City Life,” with Richard O. Shaut, who still conducts it. Mr. Bennett severed his connection with the enterprise in the spring of 1893 and has since devoted his whole attention to his real estate business.

Bennett, Omer Family Sketch

Bennett, Omer, was born in the town of Howard, November 22, 1838. Benjamin, his father, came with his father, Jacob Bennett, from Vermont in 1809, when he was nine years of age, who took up a tract of 160 acres north of Howard. This land was in the normal condition and the timber land was cleared by Mr. Bennett and his sons. Mr. Bennett was married three times and had four sons and four daughters. Benjamin always followed farming, and late in life bought the old homestead and died there in 1865. He was a Democrat until the foundation of the Know Nothing party and afterward a Republican. The mother of Omer, Mary A. Armstrong, was a daughter of a Cayuga county family, who trace their ancestry to Vermont, and a descendant of Ethan Allen, three generations removed. Mrs. Bennett died in May, 1894, eightyfive years of age. They were the parents of seven children, all living but one. Omer, the youngest son, was educated in the common schools and Prattsburg Academy, and followed farming from his twentieth year until the fall of 1864. September of that year he enlisted as a private in the 142d Regiment, New York Volunteers, was wounded at Fort Fisher, January 15, 1865, and was discharged the last of May, 1865. He returned to the farm and in 1868 he built the first cheese factory at Like’s Corners in partnership with Lewis and Hiram Spaulding. The next year he sold his interest in the company and built a factory south of the village which he conducted for eight years. In the meantime, he and Van Parsons erected what was called Bennett & Parsons factory near the village and also one at Fowlerville and then was the proprietor of a factory and creamery at Big Flats, conducting all of them at the same time. He also built a factory in the town of Dansville, in:887 he sold his interest and in 1878 took it back and in connection with it erected a saw mill, planing mill, and grist mill. In 1882 the property was destroyed by fire, but in sixty days had the whole machinery running again. He conducted it two years longer, and then let it to his nephews. He has always been the owner of farm lands and in 1886 he bought a farm of 126 acres and later eighty-seven acres, and after selling a small piece he has now about two hundred acres which is conducted as a dairy farm with thirty-four head of cattle and five horses. He finds a market for the product in Hornellsville and Canisteo. In 1893 he bought a small place on the line of the electric railroad and erected a fine home where he now resides. He was that year made trustee of school district No. 4, and was the builder of the model school building of that district. In December, 1858, he married Victoria, daughter of William Wallace, a farmer of Dansville. An adopted daughter, Blanche, is the wife of William Rowe, a farmer of Hartsville.

Bennett, Robert M. Family Sketch

Bennett, Robert M., was born in Clarion county, Pa., June 30, 1839, came to New York State in 1859 and remained in the county two years as a farmer. In 1863 he returned to Pennslyvania and was in that State until 1879, farming, lumbering, and staging. In 1878 he was a resident of Bradford, engaged in the hotel business, and being burned out he removed to Friendship and after one year took the Delevan House in Hornellsville. He was then seven months in Richburg, and returning to Hornellsville bought the Park Hotel which he conducted for four years. He then conducted a summor resort at Loon Lake for five years. In 1888 he came to Almond and built the Bennett House and the foot bridge across to the depot. His hotel has accommodation for thirty-four guests. He is a Democrat and in 1893 he was elected commissioner of highways for Hornellsville. He was also sheriff of Elk county, Pa., for three years, and school director for nine years. In connection with his hotel he conducts a farm of ninety acres. He was married in 1861 to Elizabeth Bardine of Big Creek, who died February 17, 1891 His second wife was Mrs. Vina Yocom of Hornellsville. An adopted daughter, Jennie, is the wife of F. F. Woodruff, a commercial traveler of Kansas City, Mo.

Bentley, John L. Family Sketch

Bentley, John L., was born in Elmira, September 24, 1829, a son of Darius, a native of Rensselaer county, who came to Chemung in 1814, and owned a large tract in what was then a part of Elmira. He was prominent in town and county affairs, and was known as Judge Bentley. He died at the age of ninety-four. Of his six surviving children John L., the third son, was educated in the public schools and by private teachers, and his first occuption was on a farm. His father was a surveyor, and John did considerable work in that line of business. He was one of the civil engineers of the Canandaigua and Niagara Railroad at the age of twenty-five. He then engaged in railroading, and for seventeen years was conductor on the western division of the N. Y., L. E. & W. R. R. In 1878 he formed a partnership with George Griswold, which lasted a year, and in 1874 the store was burned, and afterwards our subject continued the business alone. Mr. Griswold rebuilt, and Mr. Bentley moved into his store, which he conducted until 1875, then sold out to Mr. Griswold, and bought the store of Seymour & Davis, and in 1888 removed to his present location, 91 Main street, conducting a grocery and crockery store. He served as alderman for five years, and also as assessor, and was city engineer for two years. For thirty years he has been a prominent Mason, and has passed the chairs of the Blue Lodge, Council and Commandery. In 1855 he married Jane Shute, of Horseheads, and their children are Edward S., a clerk, and Harry S,, a partner in the business.

Berry, Alvin L. Family Sketch

Berry, Alvin L., was born in the town of McDonough, Chenango county, N. Y., January 6, 1839, son of Elijah Berry, a native of Rhode Island, who came to New York State with his parents when only a lad. He always followed farming and in 1850 came to Steuben county, first locating in the town of Erwin where he remained three years, and then located in Burns, Allegany county, for three years, lived in Hartsville, and then settled in Almond. He diedin 1888. Alvin L. ’smother, Eunice Lewis, was also of New England birth. She died in the spring of 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Berry were the parents of two^children: Ezra D., a retired farmer and insurance agent of Almond, and Alvin, as above, who was given a good common school education, and became a farmer. At twenty-four years of age he was married, and until 1892 followed lumbering winters and farming summers. In 1869 he bought a part of the old Dyke farm on division 26, consisting of forty-four acres. He had previously owned fifty acres in the town of Almond, which makes him one of the finest farms of this section, the principal products being potatoes and dairy products. In connection with his farming in 1888 Mr. Berry began the dealing in coal, and now has an output of four to five hundred tons per year. He was married in January, 1862, to Adelia, daughter of Elias Hopkins, and they have two children: Eva L. and Clinton D., a stenographer and typewriter with Arbuckle Bros., of New York city.

Betts, Henry Family Sketch

Betts, Henry, was born in Dansville, Livingston county, May 26, 1820. John Betts, his father, was a native of Canada and a farmer. The mother of Henry, Polly Welsh, was a daughter of one of the first settlers of Dansville; they were the parents of seven children, of whom Henry was the second son. He was given a good common school education and remained with his father on the farm until twenty-four years of age, when he was married and started for himself by the purchase of a farm of 100 acres about a mile and a half east of the city. At that time (1844) the business of this city was very small. He made his home on the farm of his first purchase until 1875, and that year he bought his present residence, which had been partly built by George Holland, and has ever since made his home there. By industry and perseverance he increased his possessions until he owned 365 acres of some of the best farm land of the town. He has withdrawn from all farming and labor and is now living a retired life in his beautiful city home. He has always taken an active interest in church work, connected with the Presbyterian society. He was married in 1844 to Olive, daughter of William Hall, a farmer at Dansville; they have been the parents of seven children: William, is a farmer of Hornellsville; Mary, the wife of James K. Brush, a farmer of this town; Electa, the wife of Leonard Nicholson, a farmer of this town; Martha is now her father’s constant companion, and Diana also lives at home; Theodore is engaged as superintendent of one of the largest bicycle establishments of New York city; Charlie, the second son, was one of the most promising of our young men, died December 17, 1888, in his twenty-sixth year. Mrs. Betts died November 9, 1889; her death was mourned by all who knew her. She was a lady of noble Christian character and a member of the Presbyterian church. The fourth child, Abby, became the wife of Charles V. Van Sickle; she died May 6, 1892.

Billings, Henry S. Family Sketch

Billings, Henry S., was born in the town of Waterford, Cumberland county, Maine, July 9, 1833. The third son of a farmer, he was reared on a farm with only the advantages of a common school education. At twenty years of age he started out for himself and was for a while a citizen of Boston. He afterward removed to New York and entered the employ of William R. Barr, who was the first to introduce the sleeping car on the Erie railroad. In 1865 Mr. Barr sold his rights to the Pullman Co. and after a short time as a conductor for that company, he was sent to Kent, Ohio, as superintendent of a division, and after" two years located at Hornellsville, where for a short time he had an office and was then made superintendent of the New York division with an office in the Mills Building, which position he held until the time of his death, which occurred November 7, 1890. Mr. Billings was for twenty years in the service of the Pullman Co. He was for thirty-five years a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a member of the Hornellsville Lodge No. 331. In 1877 he he erected a beautiful home on Center street where his family still reside. In 1860 he married Roxana Caswell, a native of Harrison, Maine, and at that time a resident of Boston. An adopted daughter, Maude S., who is the wife of Isaac Ossoki of Hornellsville.

Bingham, William C. Family Sketch

Bingham, William C., was born in Boston, Mass., April 26 1843. Chester, his father, was a native of New Hampshire and a merchant and farmer. The grandfather, Jeremiah, was a native of Connecticut. He was a farmer and his father before him. Chester removed to Boston about 1830, where he engaged in the mer. cantile business. He was the father of three children. William C., the only son, was educated in the public schools of Boston, Greene Academy, and under private tutors. At the age of eighteen he took up the study of law in the office of the late Hon. Horace Bemis, and afterwards with Judge Hamilton Ward, and was admitted to the bar at the age of twenty-one years. He began practice at Belmont, Allegany county, in 1864, where he remained until 1871. He then came to Hornellsville and entered into partnership with Homer Holliday, which partnership existed until 1887, when Mr. Holliday retired from active practice. Mr. Bingham was the, first recorder for the city of Hornellsville, which office he held for four years, declining the nomination for a third term. In 1874 Mr. Bingham married Cornelia Bush, of Belmont.

Boardman, Louis S. Family Sketch

Boardman, Louis S., was bum at Canoga, in the town of town of Fayette, Seneca county, N. Y., January 27, 1838. The great-grandfatherof Louis, Benajah Boardman, was the first of the family to locate in New York State, coming from Weathersfield, Conn., about 1795, and bought a large tract of land in the vicinity of Canoga, where three generations were born. Samuel, the grandfather was also a farmer, and Levi, the father of Louis, was a carriage maker. He died at Oakland, Cal., in 1891. He was educated in the common school and also at Cayuga village and at Seneca Falls Academy. At fifteen years of age he went south and was engaged in oyster trade at St. Louis where he spent two years, and his next employment was with his father, at carriage making. In 1860 he went to Auburn and was engaged in carriage painting. In 1862 he entered the employ of Henry Loomis at Bath and three years later went to the oil country to remain but a short time, and April 20, 1865, he located in Hornellsville with Conderman Brothers and was employed writh Caleb Conderman until 1878 and that year entered the employ of the Erie R. R. Company, and has been most of the time since engaged with that company. He was for seven years foreman of the shop. Mr. Boardman was for two years in mercantile business on Canisteo street. He was married December 6, 1885, to Elizabeth L. Read of Bath, daughter of Judge Lazarus Read. They have been the parents of eight children, four now living; Anna, the wife of Lester Rice, a farmer of Hornellsville; Florence, now in her twelfth year: Frances, now in her ninth year; and James Albert Boardman, five years old. Mrs. Boardman died November 26, 1894, and a family of true loving ones are left to mourn her loss.

Bowen, Edmund I. Family Sketch

Bowen, Edmund I., was born in Williamsport, Pa., March 16, 1866. Edmund S. Bowen, his father, was a native of Pennsylvania, and is now the general manager of the South Carolina and Georgia R. R. Edmund I. is the youngest of a family of two sons, was educated in the Troy Polytechnic College, and his first employment was with the civil engineering department of the Erie Railroad Company, and served as assistant engineer until January, 1892, when he was promoted to the position of roadmaster, which he now holds. In 1895 he married Miss Kate Russell Burnham.

Boylan, Harris Bert Family Sketch

Boylan, Harris Bert, was born in the town of Burns, Allegany county, N. Y., November 8, 1857. Benson Boylan, the father of Bert, was also a native of Allegany county, and his father, Isaac, was one of the earliest settlers of that county. Benson died in 1860 when Bert was only three years old. The latter was given a common school education, and for his occupation he chose that of his ancestors, farming. His first venture for himself was the purchase of twenty-nine and one-half acres on lot No. 16, town of Hornellsville. His mother had moved to this town in 1872 and located on a farm there. She died May 17, 1889. Mr. Boylan conducted the Groveland farm until the fall of 1894 when he sold and bought the Loveland farm of fifty acres on lot No. 13, on which he now conducts a dairy farm with twelve head of stock, finding a market for his product in the creamery at Hornellsville. He is a member of Arkport Grange, No. 179, and a supporter of church and school work, he and Mrs. Boylan being members of the Presbyterian church of Arkport. November 3, 1881, he married Mary, daughter of Michael Weber of South Dansville, and they have four children: William Llewelyn, born September 9, 1886; Lillian Maria, born August 14, 1888; Elbert Levergne, born December 31, 1889; and Edith Margarite, born March 11, 1892.

Braack, Jacob Family Sketch

Braack, Jacob, was born in the northern part of Germany, October 14, 1856, and came with his mother to this country in 1883. He was first located in Cadillac, Michigan, where he was employed for a month in butchering and was then two months in a saw mill. He then went to Grand Rapids, following the carpenter trade for three months and then entered the employ of the Voigt Milling Company as a miller, a trade he had learned in his native land. He was employed there for three years, and then went to Reed City where he became associated with G. W. Morris, and was foreman for him until the destruction of the mill by fire. In 1890 he became proprietor of a mill in Dorr, Allegan county, and continued there for two years. In 1892 he came to Hornellsville and became a member of the firm of G. W. Morris & Co., where we now find him at the head of the milling department. Mr. Braack has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1892, now with the Evening Star Lodge, No. 44.

Brasted, Dr. Charles M. Family Sketch

Brasted, Dr. Charles M., was born in Howard, Steuben county, N. Y., January 18, 1850. He was the tenth in a family of eleven children born to Edmund and Rebecca Allen Brasted. His father was a farmer, with whom he remained until his majority. His primary education was obtained in the common sohools of his native town, academic at Woodhull and Canisteo Academies and at the Brockport State Normal. He engaged in teaching during several years in Canisteo and Avoca graded schools. He began the study of medicine with Dr. Riddell of Canisteo, continuing with Dr. Baker of Hornellsville. He was graduated from the medical department of the University of Buffalo in 1881, remaining with Dr. Baker till June, 1, 1883, when he engaged in practice alone in this city. Dr. Brasted is a member of the County Medical Society, of which he was president in 1891, and delegate to the State Medical Society in 1895. He is also a member of the Hornellsville Medical and Surgical Association and of the Erie Railway Medical Association and physician for the company. He is a member of the First Presbyterian church of Hornellsville, also of Hornellsville Lodge No. 331, F. & A. M., and George Washington Lodge No. 132, A. O. U. W. of this city. He was married, December 10, 1884, to Alida L. Beebe of Canisteo, by whom he has one son, Howard Spencer, now in his eighth year. His office and residence is No. 11 Church street, this city.

Brickman, Samuel H. Family Sketch

Brickman, Samuel H., was born in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, November 17, 1852. Son of the Rev. Arthur O. Brickman, a Swedenborgian minister and editor of the “ Messenger of the New Church.” He was a native of Konigsburg, Germany, and came to this country at the age of twenty. He was a captain and chaplain of the Third Maryland Cavalry, and died January 5, 1886. Samuel was the second son of a family of eleven children, and was educated in the city schools and Baltimore Academy, and at sixteen years of age went as clerk in his uncle’s market at Oil City, Pa., where he learned the business and remained with him until 1882 when, with a desire of bettering his position and becoming a proprietor, came to Hornellsville and established a market at 23 Loder street. April, 1882, he built his present brick block at 13 Loder street, where he is now conducting the finest market in this city. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for ten years, Evening Star Lodge, No. 44. September 3, 1885, he married Matilda Benzinger, of this city, by whom he had two children: Helen Magdalen and Howard Keller.

Brown, Anthony W. Family Sketch

Brown, Anthony W., was born in the town of Almond, Allegany county, July 23, 1867, and came to Hornellsville in 1875. He was educated at Alfred University, Chamberlain Institute and Riverside Seminary. After leaving school he was employed for two years with Brown Bros. Lumber Co., at Rhinelander, Wis. Returning in 1890 he became bookkeeper for Sheldon Bros., with whom he remained until 1891, when he left them to engage in the real estate business, in. which business heis still engaged.

Burch, Orrin H. Family Sketch

Burch, Orrin H., was born in Andes, Delaware county, N. Y., March 24, 1819, the fourth son of Jesse Burch 'who was a native of Vermont ahd died in Hornellsville, Steuben county, and was buried in Hope Cemetery, May 10, 1872, at ninety-three years of age. Sally Palmer, the mother of Orrin, was a native of New York State, and died in 1854. Mr. Burch was educated in the common school and made his home with his parents until twenty-two years of age, when he came to Steuben county and was employed for three years with Amos Colwell of Hornellsville. In 1847 he bought seventy five acres on lot 10, in the town of Hornellsville, which was covered with oak and pine. He has cleared this land and added to it until he has now 125 acres of one of the best farms of this section. The principal products are grain and hay. He is a member of the M. E. church and has been one of its officers. In 1843 he married Lucy Dyer of this town, who died in October, 1861, by whom he had eight children, three of whom are living: Amasa, a manufacturer of Columbus, Ohio; Lester, a farmer of Hornellsville; and Rosina wife of Leander Nicholson of Canandaigua. Mr. Burch married, second, Susan Swarts Smith, sister of Ross H. Swarts.

Butler, Ephraim Y. Family Sketch

Butler, Ephraim Y., was born in the town of Charleston, Tioga county, Pa., August 7, 1843, the oldest son of Rufus E. Butler, a mechanic of that town, who died April 26, 1866, at sixty-eight 3^ears of age. Ephraim was given a good common school education and very early began the life work in which he has become a prominent actor. At fifteen, when he could just see the top of the work bench, he was taught how to shove a plane and handle a saw. He stayed with his father until his death, coming to Hornellsville in 1869. His father was a contractor and they together would take contracts and part of their time has been at day work. He had charge of the carpenter work of Park school, Hornellsville Sanitarium, residences of F. G. Babcock, Charles Adsit and many other of the fine residences of the city. Mr. Butler was a Democrat. He was married February 3, 1875, to Sarah A. McKee, of Veteran, Chemung county, N. Y.; they have one child, Henry McKee, a student of Hornellsville Academy.

Buvinger, H. Edward Family Sketch

Buvinger, H. Edward, was born in Hanover, York county, Pa., August 8, 1825. In 1835 his parents removed to Dayton, Ohio, where he remained until the spring of 1847, when he left the parental home and came to the State of New York, residing at Rochester and New York city. In September, 1850, he came to Hornellsville, and subsequently became superintendent of the Thos. Snell Shoe Mfg. Co., where he remained until 1853; and then entered the employ of the Erie Railway Company in the machine shop, where he remained until 1856, when he was appointed ticket agent for the same company, which he held until May, 1862, when he was transferred to the freight department as chief clerk and cashier, which position he has now held for thirty-three years, and a continuous service of forty-two years at this station. Mr. Buvinger was married July 22, 1851, to Susan Kress, of Dundee, Yates county, N.Y., by whom he had three sons: Darwin C., of New York city; Ernest, who died March 23, 1874, aged nineteen years; and Mark H., who is now residing with him. Mr. Buvinger has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for forty-nine years. He was initiated in St. John’s Lodge No. 13 in Dayton, Ohio, in 1846, and in 1850 affiliated with Evening Star Lodge No. 44, of Hornellsville, N. Y. In 1852 Evening Star Lodge surrendered its charter, and in 1853 organized Hornellsville Lodge No. 331, of which he was a charter member, and senior warden, and master in 1855 and 1858. In 1868 Evening Star Lodge was reorganized, of which he was master three years. He was high priest of Steuben Chapter, R. A. M., No. 101, in 1861, and in 1856 he joined De Molay Commandery No. 22, of Knights Templar, and was eminent commander in 1860 and 1861. He was married to Miss Susan Kress of Dundee, N. Y., on the 22d day of July, 1851. Three sons were born to them: Darwin C., who now resides in New York city; Emmet, who died on his nineteenth birthday; and Mark H., who is married and resides at home.