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2001 --These pages are part of the Schuyler co., NY genweb page.  Not for commercial use.
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Extracts from
A Biographical Record of Schuyler County, NY, 1903
S.J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Page 2

Contact Linda O'Halloran for scans of the full article.



 
 

William Elderkin LEFFINGWELL (summary of article)
President and General Manager of the Glen Springs Hotel (see photo); youngest son of Dr. Elisha LEFFINGWELL, a distinguished doctor of western NY.  William E. was born 10 Jul 1855 at Aurora on Cayuga Lake.  He studied at Cornell Univ. in the class of 1875, but left before graduation to study at the Polytechnic Institute in Brooklyn.  He was cashier and registrar there for 7 years.  William E. joined his brothers and cousins in starting the Jackson Sanitarium.  In Jan. 1890 he visited Watkins and was impressed with the beauty and mineral springs, and gave up property in Mt. Morris, NY (planned as a sanitarium) and instead organized the Glen Springs Sanitarium.  William was active in the Mason Lodges.  Eight of his ancestors were Revolutionary War veterans.  In 1884 William was elected president of the village of Dansville; then he became president of the board of trustees of Watkins, and later president of Watkins, NY.  No wife or children were mentioned.
 


Glen Springs Sanitarium /Hotel

William Elderkin LEFFINGWELL (full article)
William Elderkin Leffingwell, the president and general manager of the Glen Springs, is the youngest son of Dr. Elisha Leffingwell, a distinguished physician of western New York, and was born at Aurora on Cayuga lake, July 10, 1855. He prepared for college in Cayuga Lake Academy, and entered Cornell University in September, 1871, in the class of  1875 but left before graduation to continue his studies in the collegiate department of the Polytechnic Institute in the city of Brooklyn. With the financial department of this institution, he became connected as registrar and cashier in 1875, remaining over seven years.  In the summer of 1882, the sanitarium at Dansville having been destroyed by fire Mr. Leffingwell was invited to join his brothers and cousins in the organization of a new institution (now known as the Jackson Sanitarium) and of this he was treasurer and manager for several years. In January, 1890, while visiting the site of the present famous resort at Watkins, he became convinced that with its singular variety of valuable mineral springs and magnificent situation, overlooking Seneca lake, it. was an ideal place for a great health resort. He was so strongly impressed with the great advantages which the location offered that he abandoned an option which lie and his brother then held upon the "Murray Hill" property at Mount Morris, New York, with the view of establishing a sanitarium there, and returning to Watkins, organized the Glen Springs Sanitarium Company and purchased the property, which under his management and direction has become' so widely known as the Glen Springs.

In Masonry he has taken an active interest;—he is a Knight Templar, a Thirty-second degree Mason—and in 1897 was district deputy grand master of the twentieth Masonic district of the state of New York. He is a member of the Mystic Shrine, of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, the Hamilton Club of Brooklyn, the Craftmen's Club of New York, the Rochester Club, the Elmira City Club, the Coming Club, and the Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. His ancestry on both sides were prominent in colonial affairs, eight of his ancestors being Revolutionary patriots.

In 1884, Mr. Leffingwell was elected president of the village of Dansville. He was elected a member of the board of trustees of the village of Watkins in 1899, becoming president of tile board in 1901, and in 1902 under an amendment to the village charter he was elected the first president of the village.



Dr. George Chase BICKNELL, DDS
A dentist who was son of Isaiah CHASE and wife Patience.  He was born in Ogden, Monroe co., NY on 20 Oct 1850.  His parents died when he was 1 year old, and he was placed in the orphan asylum at Rochester, NY.  George was later formally adopted by Caleb H. BICKNELL, of Watkins, who died a few years later.  George had one brother who served as a soldier in the Civil War, enlisting first from Niagara, and after from Lansing, Mich.  George became a dentist after farming for 10 years, and after studying under Dr. Luther T. DICKENSON of Lockport, Niagara co., NY.  [Note:  another source says that Luther DICKENSON was brother-in-law of George CHASE;  Luther married George's sister Julia.]   George opened an office in Albion, Orleans co., NY for four years; then his eyesight failed and he was out of practice 4 years.  Then in 1888 he started an office in Pittsburg, PA, and in 1892 he came to Watkins, NY.  On 18 Mar 1890 George married Florence McELLVEN, daughter of William Henry McELLVEN and Carrie Matilda GOURLEY.  Florence's father and uncles were Civil War vets.  Florence was born in Genesee co., NY.  [Dolores Gunn is researching this CHASE family.]


Ira B. MEEKS
Ira Meeks [great-great-grandfather of Linda O'Halloran] was born in Tompkins co., NY in Oct. 1820, son of Daniel MEEKS and Sarah BROAS who were natives of Dutchess co., NY.  [The MEEKS, BROAS & NICHOLSON families intermarried and originated in Philipstown, Putnam co., NY (formerly Dutchess co.) and migrated to Tompkins co., NY before 1820.]  At the age of 12, Ira MEEKS went to live with his grandfather [most likely Jesse BROAS of Tompkins co.], since his father Daniel MEEKS moved to Michigan.  [Daniel MEEKS must have separated from Sarah BROAS, since he married Elsa MILLER of Hector, NY and had several children with her; Daniel went to Mich. in the 1830s and settled in Jackson co., MI where he is buried.  Later Sarah BROAS remarried Peter McCUTCHEON and had 3 more children, Elizabeth, George and Rachel.]  Ira B. MEEKS later learned the blacksmith trade at Enfield Center, Tompkins co., NY where he remained for 6 years.  [Ira was probably following in the footsteps of his uncle John P. BROAS of Enfield, who was also a blacksmith].  Then Ira MEEKS moved to Howard, Steuben co., NY [home of his paternal grandfather Edward MEEKS] where he stayed for 6 years.  He went back to Enfield, NY for 4 years, and then lived in Cayuta, Schuyler co., NY for 18 years where he had a thriving blacksmith business and where his mother Sarah was living.  After that he moved to Montour Falls and continued working at his trade into his eighties.   Ira MEEKS was married to Jane Ann SMITH and had 3 children:  Chauncey (b. 1851), Charles (b. 1859) and Coral S. (b. 1861).  Jane died in 1863 at age 33, and Ira MEEKS married 2nd Sarah E. HOUSE;  they had one child Seward E. MEEKS (b. 1865).   [Ira died in 1907 and is buried in Montour Cemetery.]  More details on these families can be found at Linda's genealogy website.


George W. GOULD
He was born 4 May 1859 in Catlin, Steuben co., NY, son of Jacob GOULD and Susan CABLE.  Jacob was a native of NJ and lived in Sussex co., NJ.  Jacob GOULD and Susan CABLE had children:  Mary, William, Nick, George, Harriet, Grant, James,, Henry, Benjamin, Giddie, Ella and Satie.  George W. was married to Nancy STOKES (of Catlin) in 1887.  They had 2 children, Clementine  and Fannie.


Peter Oscar SUTPHEN
He was born 22 Sep 1829 on the Hector, NY farm where he was still living in 1902.  His parents were Peter SUTPHEN and Rebecca MATTHEWS.  His father came on horseback from Monmouth co., NJ to settle in Hector in 1795 (he was age 22); he served in the War of 1812 at Buffalo.  Peter Oscar (of this bio) spent his life farming in Hector, except for 3 years starting in 1856, when he went out west and worked in the hotel business, first in Rockford, IL and then in Independence, Iowa.  But he preferred Schuyler co., NY and returned to the family farm.  He married Phoebe Jane JAQUISH on 23 Feb 1853.  Phoebe was born in Hector on 18 Jul 1830 to Matthias J. JAQUISH and Phoebe REYNOLDS.
Peter O. SUTPHEN and Phoebe JAQUISH had 6 children:
1. Matthias J. - died at age 10 months.
2. Charles M. - lived in North Hector (bio below).
3. Myron R. - managed his father's farm c.1902.
4. Anna May - died Nov. 1901, at age 39yrs.-7mos.
5. Dora - died at age 20 months.
6. Minnie M. - wife of Reginald G. McLAUGHLIN, resided in Harrisburg, PA.
In 1901 Peter O. sufferred a stroke that paralyzed his left side.  He was active in fraternal organizations and held local offices.


Charles Munson SUTPHEN
He was born in Hector, NY on 23 Jul 1858, a son of Peter Oscar SUTPHEN (above) and Jane JAQUISH.  Charles was the proprietor of the leading hotel, the Exchange Hotel of North Hector, which had 13 guest rooms.  After he finished school, he was first employed in threshing, then he went to Toledo, OH for one year, working as a pile driver. Then he returned to Schuyler co., NY.  He was married on 26 Apr 1882 in Schuyler co., NY to Sadie H. HULL, daughter of Emmett HULL and Abigail BUDD.  Charles and Sadie SUTPHEN had 7 children:  Bessie, Helen, Abigail, Oliver, Earl, Thomas and Ruth, all living c1902.  Charles farmed shares of land for 10 years, then bought his own land.  But he sold out after a few months and bought the Exchange Hotel, which Charles has run since 1892.  He was a Baptist.  He also  had a livery barn and was an agent for the Adriance-Platt Co. handling machinery.


Charles H. PATCHEN
A leading farmer of Dix twp., Schuyler co., NY.  He wsa born 14 Jan 1839 in Great Barrington, Mass., son of Harvey PATCHEN and Rachel BROWN who were natives of the Old Bay State.  Harvey was born in 1801.  In 1841 he brought his family to Schuyler co., NY where he died in 1856. Harvey PATCHEN and Rachel BROWN had children:
 - Louisa, wife of Dr. E.B. WAGER; lived in Nashville, TN.
 - Sarah, deceased (c.1903) wife of E.F. GANUNG of Moreland, Schuyler co.
 - Rose Alpha, wife of Rev. William SHARP, resident of Rochester, NY; had 4 children - Wm., Ella, Edith and Dewey.
 - Charles H. - subject of this bio.
Charles H. grew up in Moreland, Town of Dix.  He was married on 3 Oct 1861 to Angie CORWIN, daughter of William G. CORWIN who was a native of New Jersey.  Angie's mother was Mary CHRISTLER, who had 4 children:  Orlando F., William C., Oscar P. and Angie CORWIN.  Charles H. PATCHEN and Angie CORWIN had 2 children:  Delia M. (deceased c.1903) and Jay H.  Charles H. enlisted in the Civil War in Co. B 1041st Regiment, NY Vol. Infantry on 10 Sep 1862 (under Capt. A.J. COMPTON and Col. Samuel G. HATHAWAY.)  Charles H. served for 3 years, but spent time in the hospital at Jeffersonville, Indiana until he was sent  home on 22 June 1865.


J. Wallace CORBETT
Farmer and fruit grower in the Town of Reading, Schuyler co. who lived on the farm where he was born on 7 Jan 1843.  His parents were Chester CORBETT and Sally LaFEVER.  Chester was born in Mass. and Sally was born in Seneca co., NY (daughter of Lewis LaFEVER).  J. Wallace CORBETT was youngest of five children:
 - Otis R., of Schuyler co., NY, b. 1818.
 - Matilda, wife of Kirtland GILBERT; she died in Montour Falls by 1902/3, leaving 5 children.
 - Nancy, wife of John W. WARNER of Watkins, NY. - had 2 children.
 - Charles, who married Mary Ann BREEZE and had 2 children.
 - J. Wallace, of this bio, the youngest.
Chester CORBETT died in 1899 (Lake Road Cemetery), while Sally LaFEVER died in 1862 [Otis' bio says d.1864].  J. Wallace took over the family farm when his father went blind.  In 1862, J. Wallace served in the Civil War in the US government construction company and spent one month in Nashville, TN and then returned home after becoming ill.  J. Wallace was married to Lucy M. GABRIEL on 17 Oct 1866.  Lucy was the daughter of Plummer GABRIEL and Elizabeth CLEVELAND.  Lucy was born on 26 Jul 1847, on the farm next door to the CORBETT farm.  Plummer GABRIEL was son of Alanson GABRIEL and Permelia PLUMMER; Plummer GABRIEL was born in Starkey, Yates co., NY.  Elizabeth CLEVELAND was born near Moreland, Town of Dix, Schuyler co.; was daughter of Luther CLEVELAND and Eliza LEE; she was a distant relative of President CLEVELAND and Robert E. LEE.  J. Wallace CORBETT was interested in horse breeding, and owned a fine pacing stallion Double Hal.
J. Wallace and Lucy M. (GABRIEL) CORBETT had 3 children:
 - Lee Cleveland CORBETT, born 21 Oct 1867, grad. from Cornell U. in 1890, was prof. of agriculture in Washington DC.  Lee married Evelyn NORTHROP in Dix, Schuyler co. and they had Ruth Eleanor, Frances L., Roger Bailey and Lawrence Northrop CORBETT.
 - Gabriel CORBETT, b. 21 Dec 1871, grad. from Baltimore Medical College, a doctor in Hampton, FL; married Ida JONES.
 - Louis LaFever CORBETT, b. 27 Mar 1875, grad. from Univ. of W. VA in law; on bar of Georgia & W. VA.
J. Wallace CORBETT was justice of the peace in 1895.


Walter Ward VANDERHOOF
Among the practitioners of dentistry in Watkins is Dr. Walter Ward Vanderhoof, a young man thoroughly in touch with the progress which has characterized the profession in recent years. He was born in Waterloo, New York, October 13, 1868, and is a son of William Morris and Fannie (Ward) Vanderhoof. His father was a native of New Jersey, and the mother's birth occurred in Buffalo. She was of English descent, while Mr. Vanderhoof was of German lineage. When the question of slavery involved the country in Civil war, William M. Vanderhoof offered his services to the government as a defender of the Union, becoming a member of the Twenty-sixth New Jersey Regiment. He continued with his command until seriously wounded at Chancellorsville. For two days and two nights he lay upon the battlefield and his injuries were so serious that it was necessary to amputate his leg. Shortly after this he received an honorable discharge, being no longer fitted for field duty. At the usual age Dr. Vanderhoof began his education, entering the schools of Seneca Falls. He pursued his studies in Miners Academy, where he completed his literary education and then as a preparation for professional life he entered the Philadelphia Dental College in 1893. In the meantime, however, he had been a student in Olean Westbrook Commercial College, and returning to his home he was for two years a student in the office of Dr. Belcher, a dentist of Seneca Falls. He pursued a three years' course in the Philadelphia College, being graduated in 1896, and he received a special certificate for work done in the Philadelphia School of Anatomy. In 1897 he was licensed to practice and, coming to Watkins opened an office, buying out a dentist already established here. He soon demonstrated his ability in the line of his profession and is accorded a good practice, making him one of the successful professional men of the town.  On the 15th of September, 1897, the Doctor was married to Miss Jessie Rider Ellerby, a daughter of Thomas and Mary Rider Ellerby, and they have one son, Thomas Ward, who was born May 9, 1902. The Doctor belongs to Watkins Lodge, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a member of the Episcopal church. His political support is given to the Republican party, but he has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to devote his energies to securing advancement professionally. He has won success through his earnest purpose, broad knowledge and efficient capability.


William George WALLENBECK
The grandfather of Wm. George WALLENBECK was a native of Holland who settled in Schuyler co., NY, one of the first residents of Watkins.  The family lived in a log  house on the east side of the lake [Seneca Lake].  John WALLENBECK, father of the subject, was born in Schuyler co. and married Edna REDDENER;  Wm. George was their only child.  Wm. George was born in 1879 in Dundee, NY.  Wm. George served in the war with Spain in 1898.  Then he went to Geneva, NY and Penn Yan, and later to Watkins, NY where he was living c. 1902/3.  He had a bicycle store and repair shop.  Wm. George married Elthia McCONNELL, daughter of Alford McCONNELL and Francalie HILL;  Elthia was an only child, same as her husband.  [They were probably not married long when this was written.]


Frank F. IRISH
He was born in Paterson, NJ on 12 Oct 1858 to Hugh C. and Betsy A. (HAIGHT) IRISH.  Hugh C. was born in Victory twp., Cayuga co., NY on 10 Aug 1832, and when age 16 he went to Paterson, NJ where his brother had secured him a position with the Guardian newspaper, pub. by L.R. STELLE.  Hugh C. worked his way up to foreman and eventually established his own printing office in Auburn, NY.  Hugh C. married Betsy Ann HAIGHT on 2nd April 1854.  In May 1856, Hugh C. became a partner with Orin Durhop VanDERHOVER in publishing the Guardian in Paterson, NJ.  Then Hugh C. sold his interest and started a grocery business.  Hugh C. IRISH organized a regiment during the Civil War, Co. K 13th NJ Vol. Infantry in 1862 and became its Captain.  He was killed in battle on 17 Sep 1862 leading his men over a fence, and was the first to fall in battle.  He was buried in the battle field at Antietam.  Later his remains went to the Baptist cem. at Sandy Hill in Paterson, and were moved again to Cedar Lawn on the 25 Nov 1870.  Betsy Ann (his widow) died in Feb of 1863.
Children of Hugh C. IRISH and Besty Ann HAIGHT:
 - Frank F. (subject of biography)
 - Mrs. Gertrude WRIGHT of Buffalo, NY
 - Stelle, named for Capt. IRISH's first employer, L.R. STELLE.
After the deaths of Hugh C. IRISH and his wife, the childrens' guardian became Lewis IRISH of Hackensack, NJ; Lewis was brother of Hugh C. IRISH.   Frank F. IRISH grew up in Hackensack, then went to Binghamton, NY at age 13 and started to learn the molder's trade.  Frank worked at that trade for 22 yrs. in different places in the country, and then came to Watkins, NY in 1879 and worked in a foundry there.  In 1888 he moved to Whatcom, Washington and stayed for 5 years, surveying for the Bellingham Bay & British Columbia RR,  helping to lay out New Whatcom.  Then in 1894, Frank returned to Watkins, NY and built a business selling crockery, toys, stationery and sporting goods.  On 12 Apr 1881, Frank married Alice I. SHERMAN who was born near Syracuse, NY at Weedsport, NY - daughter of Ora SHERMAN and Charlotte RUSSELL, who were residents of Watkins, NY where Alice grew up.  Frank IRISH and Alice SHERMAN had 2 sons:  Charles H. (b. 18 Apr 1882 in Seneca Falls, NY); and Leonard C. (b. 19 Jun 1892 in New Whatcom, Wash.).


Charles Sherwood FROST
He was born in Catlin, Chemung co., NY on 3 Nov 1835, son of Thomas Sherwood FROST and Lydia COGSWELL.  The family is of English descent, but the early family records were lost in a courthouse fire in Fairfax, CT in the 17th century.  The great-grandfather of Charles Sherwood FROST was Joseph FROST Jr. who came to Catharine, Schuyler co., NY with his parents.  Joseph FROST Sr. (gr-gr-grandfather of subject) died in 1810 at an advanced age.  Joseph FROST Jr. was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.  Jonathan FROST (grandfather of subject) died in Catharine, NY in 1859.  Jonathan married in Connecticut and settled in Catharine, NY.  Thomas Sherwood FROST (father of subject) was a millwright and general farmer.  He was born in the Town of Catharine, in the part that is now Montour Falls, on 26 Dec 1809.  Thomas married Lydia COGSWELL on 5 Oct 1811.  Thomas died on 12 Jul 1885 and Lydia died on 28 Dec 1893.  Charles Sherwood FROST studied in Lima Seminary, Lima (Livingston co.), NY.  He enlisted in the Civil War in Aug. 1861 in the 48th NY Vol. Infantry, a member of the regimental band.  He served 13 months.  Charles worked briefly in the marble business at Millport, NY and then settled in Watkins, NY for almost 40 yrs., also in the marble business there.  He was connected with the machine foundry & milling business where 2 of his sons also worked (John E. and Charles H.).  Charles Sherwood FROST was the proprietor of the Glen Park Hotel, and he built the Schuyler Agricultural Works building in 1873.  Charles Sherwood FROST was married on 3 Sep 1863 to Teressa FROST, daughter of George FROST and Catherine L. SHERMAN.  Teressa's father was born in 1811 near Reynoldsville which was part of Seneca co. at that time.  In 1824, George FROST's parents settled at Beaver Dams, Schuyler co., NY until they died.  George FROST was a blacksmith and moved to Watkins in 1861, becoming connected with mercantile business and as a dealer in hardware and lumber.  George FROST died 9 Jul 1899, and his wife Catherine died 14 Aug 1891.
Charles Sherwood FROST and Teressa FROST had 6 children:
 - George W. - died at age 38, was married to Minnie FROST and had children Helen, Louise, Alice and George.
 - John E. - married Cora B. SMITH.
 - Willis L. - married Eva SISSON and had a child Teressa
 - Charles H. - married Elena HOLMES and had a son Clarence.
 - Frank - married May CATLIN and had a daughter Emily May.
 - Glenn H. - married Mary E. ROBINSON.
Charles Sherwood FROST served as Supervisor of the Town of Dix and was the president of the board of trade of Watkins, NY.


Richard MALONEY
He was born in Ireland in 1825 and came to America in 1850, first locating in Watkins, NY, where he farmed and did general jobbing.  In 1892 he moved to Odessa, Town of Catharine, Schuyler co., NY and bought a 75-acre farm that was 4 miles from Burdett.  He farmed there until  he died 6 Jul 1900.  In 1860 Richard married Bridget HICKEY who was born in County Cork, Ireland.  Bridget came to America in 1842, settling in Watkins, NY.
Children of Richard MALONEY and Bridget HICKEY:
 - Ella - Mrs. Thomas CLARK who died in Watkins, NY.
 - John - married Mary DUGEON and lived in Corning, NY.
 - James (deceased by 1902/3)
 - Thomas - married Minnie CHAPMAN and lived in Odessa, NY; they had sons Floyd and Daniel.
                  Son Daniel was foreman of the Lehigh Valley RR.
 - William (died young)
 - William - worked for Lehigh Valley RR.


James D.  PALMER
Prominent fruit grower and farmer.  He was born in the town of Ohio, Herkimer co., NY on 12 Oct 1827.  He began learning carpentry, which he practiced for some time in Elmira, NY and Horseheads, NY;  he had natural mechanical abilities.  On 1 Oct 1853 he was married to Marilla BAKER a daughter of Harmon BAKER and Hulda GOODSELL, who migrated from Vermont to Hornby, Steuben co., NY.  Harmon went to California in 1853.
James D. and Marilla (BAKER) PALMER had 3 children:
- Arthur O. (married Grace EDGECOMB and had 2 children);
- Edward C. (married Harriet SMITH, had 4 children; lived in Williston, N. Dakota; was a gov't. engineer and rep. in the General Assembly of that state.)
- Lena J. (deceased by c1902)
James D. was trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was a member of
local fraternal organizations.


P. B. SULLIVAN
A dealer of coal and wood in Watkins, NY.  He was born in Reading, Schuyler co., NY on 11 Jan 1862, son of Owen SULLIVAN and Mary CONLEY who were natives of County Cork, Ireland (where they married).  Mary died in Watkins in 1880 and was buried in the Catholic cemetery there (St. Mary's).  Owen lived (c. 1902/3) in Utica, NY with his children.
Owen and Mary (CONLEY) SULLIVAN had 10 children, 8 surviving c.1902, including:
 - Maggie - wife of Thomas FLETCHER, molder, supervisor of Utica, NY.
 - Mary - wife of Edward GRAYSTONE, barber.
 - Hannah - wife of Charles FOLK, foreman for Armour in Rome, NY.
 - Daniel J. - pharmacist in Rochester, NY with a drug store in Utica, NY.
 - Kittie -  lived with father c. 1902.
 - Jennie - lived with father c.1902.
P.B. SULLIVAN lived at Coal Point, NY as a boy, and up to the age of 30, working his way up from water boy to foreman and sales agent.  P.B. was married on 18 Apr 1892 to Hannah KELLEY who was born & raised in Watkins, NY.  Hannah was daughter of John KELLEY and Bridget O'DAY. P.B. SULLIVAN and Hannah KELLEY had 3 children:  John K., M. Grace and Florence Monica SULLIVAN.



Hiram L. COUCH
He was born in Catharine, NY on 10 Oct 1823, son of Eli COUCH and Harriet ST. JOHN.  Eli COUCH came to NY from Reading, CT; they first settled in Hopewell, Ontario co., NY.  Harriet ST. JOHN was from Silver Mine, Fairfield co., CT.  Eli and Harriet COUCH had 4 children:
 1- Hiram L. (eldest)
 2- Samuel P. - farmer in Montour Falls, NY.
 3- Mary E. - wife of Giles PLATT, lived in Montour Falls, had 4 children -
                     Harriet C. (Mrs. Edwin Tracy, deceased by c. 1902);
                     Martha A. (Mattie);
                     Ella E. (Eleanor E. = Mrs. Coral S. MEEKS of Montour Falls, d. 1942);
                     Herman L. (married Emma ZIMMERMAN and had a child Ethel M.)
 4- Eleanor E. (Eleanor Eliza) youngest of the 4 COUCH children, deceased by c.1902.
Hiram L. COUCH learned the molder's trade and worked in a foundry.  Then he joined the army and served in the Civil War in Co. K 3rd NY Infantry, enlisting in April 1861.  Hiram was promoted to Captain on merit at Pawnee Landing, Folly Island, SC.  On the 16th May 1864 he was shot badly in the arm and it was amputated.  He was in hospital for 7 months or more and was eventually discharged due to ill health.  He belonged to several local lodges.  Hiram never married.  [Census info shows that he lived in the family home with his parents, along with the Giles PLATT family for many years.]


William S. WAUGH
(probably William Stewart WAUGH)
He was owner of a drug store in Watkins and an agent for Lehigh Valley RR company, and for the US Express co.  He was born in the Town of Orange, Schuyler co., on 28 Jul 1863, son of James WAUGH and Jane STEWART who were natives of Ireland.  James WAUGH was brought to America from Ireland at about age 10, settling in Orange, Schuyler co., NY.  Jane STEWART was about 16 when she came from Ireland to NY and she was married to James WAUGH not long after.  William S. WAUGH attended Dundee Prep. School and grad. Jun 1886.  He taught for 3 years and then studied pharmacy in the Thompson drug store in Watkins, NY.  He also was a clerk in a drug store on 4th street in NY City, then purchased the drug stock and fixtures of George H. JACKSON in Watkins.  On 28 Dec 1898, William married Clara STONE, daughter of Charles STONE and Elizabeth BLAINE. William and Clara had a son Charles Stewart STONE on 28 Nov 1901.  William was a member of several local fraternal organizations.


Perry DIBBLE
He was born in  Montour Falls on 9 Mar 1851, son of S.W. DIBBLE and Hannah OWENS.  S.W. DIBBLE was a native of Pennsylvania, b. 1 Jul 1802 in Athens, near Tioga Pt.  S.W. came to Montour twp. in Schuyler co. as a young man and bought a farm.  Then he married Hannah OWENS and they had 4 children:
Helen, John, Perry and Schuyler - all of the Town of Montour.
Perry DIBBLE left school at age 18 and farmed for 8 years, then he had a liquor store for 6 years, and then he went back to farming and carpentry.  He did building work on several structures in the Montour area.


Dr. Gideon Carl FORDHAM
Successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Watkins, Dr. Gideon Carl Fordham is also known because of his social prominence and personal worth. He was born in the town of Hector. April 19, 1863. His father, John Fordham, was a native of England, and in the year 1848 left that country and crossed the broad Atlantic to America, settling in Schuyler county. He wedded Catherine Monroe and was engaged in business as a gardener and fruit grower, thus providing for the wants of his family.

The Doctor attended the public schools of Dundee, New York, and the Dundee Preparatory School, being graduated in the latter with the class of 1886. In the meantime, however, in the year 1881, he had begun the study of medicine under the direction and in the office of Dr. Hawley, with whom he remained for three years. He then entered the University of Vermont, pursuing a three years' course, after which he was graduated in July, 1891. In order to further perfect himself in his chosen calling, he next spent twenty months in practice in the Boston City Hospital, after which he began the private practice of his profession in Yates county, New York, establishing his office at Rock Stream. There he continued for eighteen months and on the expiration of that period he came to Watkins, where he has since lived. He is a member of the Yates County Medical Society, and is a physician of broad reading and comprehensive knowledge, whose efficiency is continually promoted by his study and research. Anything that tends to bring to man the key to that mystery which we call life is of interest to Dr. Fordham, and he is regarded as a man of broad learning in his profession, and one whose skill makes him well worthy of the public patronage.

The Doctor is a Presbyterian in religious faith and politically he is a Democrat. He belongs to Canadasaga Lodge. No. 196, I. 0. 0. F., to the Knights of Maccabees, and to the Modern Woodmen of America. For the last two named he is medical examiner, and he served as pension examiner under President Cleveland at Penn Yan, acting as secretary of the board. On the 18th of October, 1894 the Doctor wedded Miss Adeline Roberts, a daughter of George and Harriet (Cook) Roberts. They have a wide acquaintance in Watkins and throughout the surrounding district, and occupy an enviable position in social circles where true worth and intelligence are received as passports into good society. Their own home is celebrated for its gracious hospitality and both the Doctor and his wife have many warm friends.



John HANDRAHAN
(sometimes spelled HANRAHAN)
He was born in County Cork in 1830 to Cornelius HANDRAHAN and Maggie SULLIVAN who spent their lives in Ireland.  John came to America in 1846 at the age of 16, after working for 6 months at a rolling mill at Newport, Wales, where his wages were 12 cents per day.  John had many different jobs at first:  he worked on a steamboat in Philadelphia, then he worked for the Erie Railroad, first in Delaware co., NY and then at Millers Corners for 2 years (accompanied by his brother).  Then he worked for Pennsylvania RR at Havana (now Montour Falls) as a general overseer.  Then he sawed wood to build the engines and to fuel the engines.  Then he worked with the Erie RR inspecting the lines.  In 1882 he bought a farm near Montour Falls, Schuyler co., NY.
John HANDRAHAN was married to Catherine O'HARE and they had 6 children:
 - Patrick - an engineer on the Black Diamond of the Lehigh Valley RR
 - John - deceased by 1902.
 - Maggie
 - Catherine
 - Henry - a conductor for the Elmira - Watkins trolley line.
 - Marion - deceased by 1902.


Professor Lewis Harvey BRADLEY
He was an optician who lived in Watkins, NY but travelled extensively with his business.  He was born in the town of Enfield, Tompkins co., NY on 1 Mar 1845, son of Edwin BRADLEY and Julia A. SHELTON.  The BRADLEY family was Irish and settled originally in New Bedford, CT.  Searles BRADLEY was the grandfather of Lewis.  Julia A. SHELTON descended from an old English family that was established in America by Daniel SHELTON c1690.  Daniel SHELTON was born in Deptford, Yorkshire, England and came to America with his brother Richard, settling in Stratford, CT.  (Richard located in Virginia.)  Daniel married first Elizabeth WELLES, grandaughter of Thomas WELLES, an early governor of CT.  Daniel married second Elizabeth HOLLISTER, daughter of John HOLLISTER Jr. and Joanna TREAT (who was dau of Hon. Richard TREAT).  Julia (mother of Lewis of this bio) was daughter of Lemuel SHELTON who came to NY from CT in 1806 and located in Catharine, Schuyler co., NY.  Lemuel had 11 children at the time of his death.  (Ten of these lived past age 70.)  When Lewis BRADLEY was  9 yrs., his family moved to the town of Montour.  He attended Watkins Academy and learned carpentry and joinery, then sold fruit and ornamental trees.  He had health problems that required him to take time off work, then turned to the optical business c.1883.  On 21 Jun 1879 Lewis married Anna A. SMITH, daughter of  Dr. Harvey SMITH and Hulda GOODSELL of Schuyler co.  Anna SMITH was born 16 Apr 1853 in Dix.  Lewis and Anna had 4 children:
 - Mary Belle, b. 5 Apr 1882
 - Harvey Edwin, b. 15 Dec 1883
 - Ella Frances, b. 3 Jul 1886
 - Arthur LaGrand, b. 25 Apr 1889.
Anna SMITH (Mrs. Lewis BRADLEY) comes from Revolutionary War ancestors.  Her grandmother Anna (PATTERSON) GOODSELL SMITH had her 100th birthday on 15 Mar 1894 in Painted Post, NY.  She was daughter of Captain Sherman PATTERSON who served under Gen. SWIFT in the Continental Army.  Anna PATTERSON was married at age 16 to Isaac GOODSELL and they went from CT to Hornby, Steuben co., NY.  Isaac died in 1841, and Anna married Elder David SMITH 6 years later.  They lived in Bath, NY and after David died, Anna went back to Painted Post.
The grandfather of Anna SMITH (Mrs. Lewis BRADLEY) was Ebenezer SMITH was a physician in CT.  Dr. Harvey SMITH was a physician in Dix for many years.  Hulda Ann GOODSELL was born in Steuben co., NY and her people were originally from Vermont.


Jonathan PAGE
He was born in Warren co., NY on the banks of Lake George on 27 Nov 1828 and was living in 1902.  He learned the trades of wagon-making and blacksmithing in the town of Wayne, Steuben co., NY, starting in 1844.  Jonathan was married on 1 Jan 1849 to Eliza ROBLYER and in the same year he built a house on the site where the Watkins post office was later located from 1871 to at least 1902.  He worked as a blacksmith until failing health made him give up this occupation in 1859.  He then did carpentry until his health became too bad for this.  On 16 Sep 1858, Jonathan's first wife died, leaving 2 daughters:  Adeline PAGE (b. 26 Sep 1849) and Margaret PAGE (b. 25 Jul 1852).  Adeline became the wife of Elijah LOVELL, who was a boatman by occupation who died 16 Feb 1887;  they resided in Ithaca, NY where Mrs. LOVELL was still living in 1902. - Children of Adeline and Elijah LOVELL:  Fred, Edgar, John, Nettie, Claude, Sammie, Maggie and Arthur.  Margaret A. PAGE, the 2nd daughter of Jonathan, married Samuel PHILLIPS and they resided in Lewistown, Fergus co., Montana.  Margaret & Samuel PHILLIPS had 6 children:  Lizzie, John, May, Mary, Delia and Robert.  On 16 Nov 1860, Jonathan married 2nd Emily J. BERRY who died on 9 May 1881.  Margaret returned home to take care of her father until 1883.
Jonathan was married a 3rd time on the 1st Jun 1884 to Mrs. Samantha M. (SCOTT) HULETT.  Her father, Abraham H. SCOTT, was born in the town of Cobelskill, Schoharie co., NY.  Samantha first married Charles HULETT, who was born in Reading, Schuyler co., NY.  Children of Abraham H. SCOTT:  Judson, Sarah, Abraham, Samantha, Maria and Adelbert (all dead by 1903 but Samantha and Abraham).  Abraham SCOTT lived in Omaha, Nebraska employed in the chief quartermaster's office of the government.  In 1861 Abraham joined the Union army and served in the Civil War;  he was shot in battle and many of his vertebrae were injured.  He lay on the battlefield for 12 days and was then taken to a Fairfax hospital, where he eventually recovered and returned to government service.
When there was a draft in June 1863 for the Civil War, Jonathan PAGE joined Co. K 1st NY Veteran Cavalry for 2 years.  Jonathan had 3 brothers and a nephew in the army; Jonathan was the only one who returned home.
[Email Sandy LOVELL for more info on Jonathan PAGE and Elijah LOVELL.]


John Hall SWICK
He was a most extensive land owner in the town of Hector, but he "has never allowed the accumulation of wealth to in any way warp his kindly nature".  He owned 500 acres in Hector, and 60 acres in Genesee co., MI (near Flint).  John was born in Seneca co., NY on 13 Dec 1816, son of Tunis I. SWICK and Phebe HALL.  Tunis was born in Virginia and during his infancy was taken by his parents to Seneca co., NY in 1790.  Tunis SWICK was drafted for service in the War of 1812, but his father hired a substitute to go in his place.  Phebe HALL was daughter of Caleb HALL who was a hero of the Revolutionary War, and was captured in Dutchess co., NY.  The family lived in Dutchess co., NY before coming to Schuyler co., NY.  Elisha HALL, an uncle of Phebe HALL SWICK, was a soldier of the War of 1812 and was a prisoner of war sent to Canada, but later released.  Tunis SWICK and family lived in Yates co. before coming to Hector, NY.  John Hall SWICK was married in Sep 1838 to Annis SECOYD, daughter of Josiah SECOYD and Betsey HAUSNER.  [Typist's note:  SECORD, a local name, seems more likely than SECOYD.]
John and Annis SWICK had 4 children:  Delia C. (Mrs. Benjamin FLETCHER); William (dead by 1902); Horace (lived in Hector, NY); and Schuyler (died at age 6 yrs.).  Annis died on 9 Sep 1855.  John H. SWICK was married a 2nd time on 10 Jun 1856 to Susan SMITH, daughter of Daniel T. SMITH and Sally HALL.  (Her father died on 20 Feb 1877 and her mother on the 19 May 1875.)
John SWICK and Susan SMITH had 2 children:
Ida - wife of Charles VORHES or VORHEES, resident of Hector.
Carrie - wife of DeWitt C. SWICK of Hector.
Susan died on 6 Jan 1899;  John's grandchildren (children of William) became orphaned & lived with John, keeping house for him.


Oliver P. SWICK
He was born in Hector, NY on 29 Jan 1844.  He was a farmer.  At age 20 he joined the Union army and served in the Civil War in the 58th NY National Guards under Col. R.P. WISNER (a 100-day unit).  In 1868, Oliver was married to Lucy SHEARER, daughter of William SHEARER and Lydia Ann CRAWFORD and was their only child.
Oliver and Lucy had 2 children:
- Howard H. SWICK married May LUDLOW and worked for the street railway co. of Ithaca, NY.
- Frank P. SWICK was unmarried and was a rural mail carrier at Odessa, Schuyler co., NY.
When first married, Oliver and Lucy lived at Enfield, Tompkins co., NY; since 1871 they lived in the town of Catharine, Schuyler co., NY, where Oliver farmed.


Seeley Hodges COVERT (summary of article)
He lived in Montour Falls, Schuyler co., NY and was son of Peter D. COVERT and Louisa GREEN.
Seeley's paternal grandfather, Peter COVERT, was one of the first settlers in the area.  Peter was born at North Branch, Somerset co., NJ on 4 Jul 1805 and died on 18 Jan 1889 at age 83yrs-6mos-13days.  When age 18 Peter worked in a store in New Brunswick, NJ for a year.  Then he was employed in NY City for the next 2 years.  He came to Ovid, NY at age 21 in a large covered wagon.  He was advised to go to the "lake country" to help his health problems.  Peter worked as a tanner and farm laborer, and met his wife who was daughter of his employer.  He was married on 5 Jan 1831 to Caroline THOMPSON and they were married more than 50 years.  Peter worked on shares of his father-in-law's farm, and they had 9 children, including Peter D. COVERT (father of Seeley).
Peter D. COVERT married Louisa GREEN in Ovid, Seneca co., NY on 17 Sep 1864.  Their son was Seeley Hodges COVERT.  Seeley started out in the horse business, caring for them and dealing in them.  In 1881 he moved to Dundee, NY for 2 years; then he established a barber shop in Horseheads, NY with his brother, Alfred B. COVERT.  After 2 years he went to Montour Falls, NY and had a barber shop there.  In 1892 he started his livery stable.  He did the "undertaker's driving" for 10 years.
Seeley was married in 1886 to Anna M. NEISH, daughter of William NEISH Jr.(b. Chemung co., NY) and Mary ORMISTON (b. in Delaware co., NY).  Anna's people were Scottish from Delaware co., NY and then Chemung co., NY.  Anna's paternal grandfather, William NEISH, was born in Scotland and his wife was Helen COWAN.  Mary ORMISTON was daughter of John ORMISTON who was born in Philadelphia, PA;  Mary's mother was Ella COULTER who was born in Scotland.  William NEISH Jr. and Mary ORMISTON lived in Horseheads, NY;  William died in Nov. 1901 and Mary died 31 Aug 1884.  William NEISH Jr. was a soldier in the Civil War, enlisting at Elmira, NY in Co. A 1st NY Vol. Cavalry;  he served for 4 years.  William was shot in the foot by the enemy and was made Captain.
Seeley COVERT and wife Anna had 2 children:
- Sayre O. COVERT, b. 23 May 1888
- John COVERT, b. 26 Aug. 1901.

Seeley Hodges COVERT (full article)
Seeley Hodges Covert is a respresentative of one of the oldest families of this section of New York. He resides in Montour Falls and is widely and favorably known here. His paternal grandfather, Peter Covert, was one of the first to establish a home in this district. He was born at North Branch, Somerset county, New Jersey, July 4, 1805, and January 18, 1889, at the age of eighty-
three years, six months and thirteen days, passed away. In his youth he attended the public schools and assisted his father in conducting a hotel and in managing a mercantile enterprise. When eighteen years of age he secured a clerkship in a store in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he remained for a year. During the two succeeding years he was employed in a wholesale establishment in New York city. At the age of twenty-one he came to Ovid, traveling in a large covered wagon, after the primitive manner of that time. Mr. Covert was not in good health then and his family physician had advised him to try a change of climate,
recommending the "lake country", as this district was then called. Mr. Covert soon obtained employment in the tanning business, being thus engaged for three years, after which he worked by the month as a farm hand for a year, and during that time he married Miss Caroline Thompson, a daughter of his employer. The marriage was celebrated January 5, 1831. They lived together for more than a half a century. The year following their marriage they located upon a farm and after a year Mr. Covert began operating his father-in-law's farm on shares. There ail of their nine children, with one exception, were born. Later turning his attention to the grocery- business he conducted a store in Ovid with marked success for thirty years. He became one of the most prominent and influential men of his community. His was a life of industry, frugality, sobriety and uprightness of character and in all matters pertaining to the general good he was found to be public spirited and progressive, doing whatever he could to advance the welfare of his community. His word was as good as his bond and his life of morality and integrity was above reproach.

Peter D. Covert, one of the nine children of Peter Covert and the father of our subject, was born and .reared in this locality and after arriving at years of maturity wedded Louisa Green in the town of Ovid, Seneca county, on the 17th of September, 1864. They became the parents of Seeley Hodges Covert. The latter was educated in the schools of his native place and after putting
aside his text books he turned his attention to the business of caring for and dealing in horses. He remained in Seneca county until 1881, when lie removed to Dundee and engaged in the same line of business for two years. On the expiration of that period he established a barber shop in Horseheads in partnership with his brother, Alfred B. Covert, remaining at that place for two years.  He next came to Montour Falls and engaged in the same business, which claimed his attention until 1892, when he established his present livery stable. He began with seven horses, and at the present time has eight business horses and two colts. Previous to  this time he kept ten horses for a considerable period. He has done the undertaker's driving in this vicinity for ten years and he receives a liberal patronage in his business because of his earnest efforts to please his customers and his known reliability.

In 1886 Mr. Covert was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Neish, a daughter of William and Mary (Ormiston) Neish. Mrs. Covert's people were of Scotch ancestry and removed from Delaware county to Chemung county, New York. Her paternal grandfather, William Neish, was a native of Scotland, as was his wife, who bore the maiden name of Helen Cowan. William Neish, Jr., the father of Mrs. Covert, was born in Chemung county and his wife was a native of Delaware county. Her father, John Ormiston, was born in Philadelphia, and his wife, Ella Coulter, was a native of Scotland. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Neish removed to the town of Horseheads, Chemung county, where they lived for many years.  The father died on Thanksgiving Day of 1901, and the mother passed away August 31, 1884. He was a soldier of the Civil war, enlisting in Elmira as a member of Company A, First New York Volunteer Cavalry.  He served for four years, participating in many battles of the war, and was wounded, being shot in the foot, and ever afterward carrying the rebel bullet. Because of his meritorious conduct on the field of battle he was promoted to the rank of captain.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Covert have been born two children : Sayre 0., born May 23, 1888; and John, born August 26, 1901. In his political views Mr. Covert is a Republican and religiously is a free thinker.



Abraham C. COVERT (summary of article)
He was born at Lodi, Seneca co., Ohio on 7 Apr 1838, son of William COVERT and Lydia HOOVER.  (Lodi, Seneca co., Ohio was named after Lodi, Seneca co., NY.)  Abraham's paternal grandfather, John COVERT, was a NY pioneer, migrating from Virginia to Seneca co., NY.  Later John COVERT and several families (including his grown son William COVERT) settled in Seneca co., Ohio.  William was killed soon after going to Ohio, and his widow (Lydia) returned to live in Tyrone, Schuyler co., NY where she had family.  (She and her children lived with the HOOVERs.)  Abraham COVERT's maternal grandfather was Abraham HOOVER who was born in Bergen co., NJ.  Abraham HOOVER moved to Wilkesbarre, PA where he was married and had daughter Lydia.  Abraham HOOVER moved in 1812 to Tyrone, NY and was drafted for service in the War of 1812.  (He was stationed at Ft. Niagara for 3 months.)  Abraham C. COVERT started working at the Tyrone mills at age 25 or so, and in c1902 was the head miller in charge.  Abraham C. COVERT was married on 19 Nov 1865 in Dundee, NY to Helen HIMROD (of Dundee, but born in Burdett, Schuyler co., NY), a daughter of William HIMROD and Margaret BEARD.  (No children mentioned.)  Abraham C. belonged to fraternal organizations and was Overseer of the Poor for 5 years.

Abraham C. COVERT (full article)
Abraham C. Covert, who is engaged in operating the Tyrone mills belonging to the Arnet-Ogden Memorial Hospital at Elmira,
is a worthy representative of industrial interests in this portion of Schuyler county and his excellent qualities as a business man  and citizen have gained for him the.good will and confidence of all with whom he has been associated. He was born in Lodi, Seneca county, Ohio, April 7, 1838, a son of William and Lydia (Hoover) Covert. His paternal grandfather, John Covert, was a pioneer settler of the Empire state, removing from Virginia to Seneca county when that portion of New York was largely an undeveloped wilderness. Later, with a number of families, he left tile Empire state and settled in Ohio, giving the name of Lodi to the town and Seneca to the county in honor of the old home place.

In the meantime William Covert had reached mature years, had married, and he, too, went with his family in the party of travelers who left for the west. In June, following, he was killed, and in September of the same year the mother returned to New
York, settling in the town of Tyrone, where her people were living. Since that time the subject of this review has made his home in
this place. His maternal grandfather, Abraham Hoover, was born in Bergen county, New Jersey, and removed thence to Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, where he was married and where Mrs. Lydia Covert was born. In 1812 he brought his family to Tyrone and the same year he was drafted for service in the second war with England. He remained with the army for three months, being stationed at Fort Niagara. A farmer by occupation, through his industry and diligence in business he became well-to-do and owned two hundred acres of valuable land not far from Weston.

After the return of Mrs. Covert from Ohio to New York, she and her children lived with her father, the subject of this review making his home with his maternal grandfather throughout the period of his youth. He acquired a common school education and when about twenty-four or twenty-five years of age he began working in the mill, receiving five dollars a month compensation for his services during the first year and twelve dollars the next year.  He applied himself diligently to the mastery of the business, gradually working his way upward, and to-day He is the head miller in charge of the enterprise.

On the l9th of November, 1865, in Dundee, Mr. Covert was united in marriage to Miss Helen Himrod, of Dundee, who was born in Burdett, and is a daughter of William and Margaret (Beard) Himrod. Mr. Covert is a Democrat in his political views and for five years he served as overseer of the poor, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He belongs to Lamoka Lodge, No. 463, F. & A. M., in which he has filled all of the chairs, and for five years he has served as a representative to the grand lodge, a fact which is indicative of the confidence and trust reposed in him by his brethren of the fraternity. He is a worthy exemplar of the craft, true to its beneficent teachings and to its spirit of brotherly kindness.



Michael CRAMER
He lived in Mecklenburg, Schuyler co., NY, engaged in the hotel business.  He was born 11 Jan 1840 in Ellsworth, Germany, son of Philip CRAMER and Mary LEONARD.  Michael came to America at age 14 and settled in Dryden, Tompkins co., NY.  He was on his own, and worked as a farmhand until age 21.  Then he joined the Union army in the Civil War in 1861, enlisting at Cortland, NY in Co. C 76th NY Vol. Infantry.  He became ill and was discharged in Oct. 1862.  He went to Florida in hopes that the climate would cure his lung troubles.  He was in Finlay Hospital in Washington DC for some time.  He lived in Cortland co., NY until 1889, when he moved to Mecklenburg and established a hotel there.  No wife or children mentioned.


George W. HECKMAN
He owned and operated a 95-acre farm at Sugar Hill in the town of Orange, Schuyler co., NY.  He was born 15 Apr 1855 in Thurston, Steuben co., NY to Robert HECKMAN and Elizabeth DECK, both born in PA.
Robert and Elizabeth HECKMAN had 9 children:  Maria; Margaret (dead by 1902); LaFayette; Amanda; George W.; Catherine; Charley; John; and Andrew (dead by 1902).
In 1880 George W. HECKMAN married Flora E. BAILEY who was born in Orange co., NY on 11 May 1860.  Flora's father was Jehiel BAILEY who was born in Enfield, Tompkins co., NY on 4 Nov 1818 and was preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Jehiel BAILEY married Barentha BUCK and had 3 children:  Flora (Mrs. George HECKMAN); Lemira S. (Mrs. John G. NEWKIRK, resided at Minneapolis, MN); Asa M. (lived in Orange, Schuyler co., NY).
George W. HECKMAN settled in Thurston, Steuben co., NY c1860-1864;  then he went to Painted Post, NY until c1866; then he went to Campbell, Steuben co., NY for 3 years.  Then he moved to Mt. Alton, McKean co., PA for 4 years; then he came to Sugar Hill, Schuyler co., NY and remained there.
George W. HECKMAN and wife Flora BAILEY had 3 children:
- Mina Edith HECKMAN - b. 2 Apr1883
- Margaret Irene HECKMAN - b. 8 Jul 1885
- Clarence Bailey HECKMAN - b. 22 Feb 1892


Horace J. PRENTISS
A fruit grower.  He was born in Cameron, Steuben co., NY on 1 Mar 1855, son of Stephen PRENTISS and Polly ROBINSON.  Horace's paternal great-grandfather, William PRENTISS, was born in Cambridge, MAss. on 12 Sep 1760 and was an officer in the American service in the War of 1812.  William married Mary WATSON who died in Albany, NY on 4 Jul 1832, and William died in 1815 near Black Rock or Buffalo, NY.  Henry PRENTISS, grandfather of Horace, was born on 13 July 1790 in Deerfield, Mass. and died 21 Mar 1863.  Henry was married on 14 Jan 1816 to Rebecca CLARK who was born 18 Sep 1793 and died 20 Jan 1835.  Henry and Rebecca (CLARK) PRENTISS had 7 children:  Ethan; Stephen (father of Horace); Alonzo; William; Mary; Rebecca; and Mahala (aka Mrs. Wm. BLAINE, proprietor of a hotel in Michigan).
Horace inherited his farm in the town of Dix from his father.  Horace was married on 23 Mar 1892 to Amanda ALLISON (b. 1 Mar1864) in Tyrone, Schuyler co., NY;  Amanda was the daughter of Nathaniel ALLISON (b. in Tyrone, NY) and Liddie WILLIAMSON.  Nathaniel & Liddie (WILLIAMSON) ALLISON h ad 6 children:  Myra; Lydia; Ima; Amanda (Mrs. Horace PRENTISS); Crissie; and Edward (deceased by 1902).
Horace and Amanda (ALLISON) PRENTISS had one child (as of 1902/3):  Earl Allison PRENTISS, b. 1 May 1894.
[Joe Dewald is researching this family & has more info.]


Benjamin Wood SCOBEY
(His bio was written by himself -- it goes on for 5 pages.  This is very condensed)
He was the only son of Joshua S. SCOBEY and Ann Maria VanVALER.  Benjamin's father was a New York city man [he is not mentioned again]; his mother was the oldest daughter and child of Andrew VanVALER, a soldier of the War of 1812.  Benjamin was born 18 Nov 1837 on the farm of Andrew VanVALER;  this was 1.5 miles SE of Monroe village, Orange co., NY.  At age 15 Benjamin moved to Watkins, Schuyler co., NY where his mother (a milliner) bought a premises at Franklin & First streets c1852.  After a year there (in 1853) they went to Dundee, Yates co., NY for 1-1/2 years and Benjamin studied at Dundee Academy, which was in its heyday, under management of Prof. Wm. MARVIN.  Then they went to Monterey, Orange twp., Schuyler co., NY for 1-1/2 yrs. where Benjamin taught school and piano lessons.  In March 1856, they moved back to Watkins, NY where Benjamin lived the rest of his life.  Benjamin worked for Martin S. PHINNEY in his drug store starting in 1856, for about 7 years.  He also read law at the office of John J.VanALLEN (about 2 years).  Starting in 1867 Benjamin then worked as bookeeper for Gen. George J. MAGEE who was the general sales agent in Watkins, NY for 5 coal companies in northern central PA.  Benjamin was married on 29 Nov 1865 to Mary Helen BEACH, daughter of George C. BEACH;  George BEACH helped Benjamin get a job as bookkeeper in the 2nd National Bank in Watkins in 1871.  After 3 years he became vice-president of the bank, which became known as the Watkins National Bank;  this lasted until 1876, when the bank president and the comptroller had conflicts and the bank went into receivership and business ceased.  Then Benjamin started another bank at the corner of Franklin & 4th streets, on 17 Jul 1876 with Henry C. SILSBEE (president) and John N. BEACH (Benjamin's brother-in-law, vice-president), with Benjamin as cashier; it was called the Watkins Exchange Bank.  By 1901, Benjamin was the sole owner of the Bank.  Benjamin's maternal grandfather, Andrew VanVALER, was Holland Dutch and the family was very musical.  Andrew was an amateur builder of violins, bass viols, pianos and pipe organs; Andrew lived to be age 96.  Benjamin was organist for the First Presbyterian Church of Watkins for 25 years, starting in 1856.  Benjamin wrote an article that appeared in the Watkins Express on 26 Sep 1901, expressing sorrow at the death of President McKinley, and included an original poem.  [Article & poem was included with the biography; contact Linda O'Halloran for a scan.]  Benjamin did not mention having any children.


Fred B. SIRRINE
He was born 1 Mar 1870 in Hector, Schuyler co., NY where he has always lived, farming and raising livestock.  He was son of Horace S. SIRRINE and Deborah A. BARBER.*  Both the SIRRINE and BARBER families were early settlers of the town of Hector, removing to Schuyler co., NY from Putnam co., NY.  They were of English and Scottish descent.  Fred was married on 31 Jan 1894 in Perry City, NY to Eliza C. STROWBRIDGE, daughter of John & Clara STROWBRIDGE.  Eliza was born 13 Mar 1871. Fred B. and Eliza (STROWBRIDGE) SIRRINE had 2 children (as of c1902):   Clara S. (b 23 Sep 1895); and Horace S. SIRRINE (b. 7 Jan 1898).  Fred B. belonged to the local I.O.O.F. lodge.
[*Additional info from a researcher:  Deborah A. BARBER was daughter of Frederick G. BARBER.  Frederick G. BARBER was son of William BARBER and Charity _______ who came to Hector, NY c.1813 from Putnam co., formerly Dutchess co., NY.]


Atwood EVLETH
He was born in Orange co., NY on 8 Jan 1815.  He was a teacher of English and music.  On 24 Oct 1847 he was married to Ruth Ann HORTON, daughter of Thomas B. HORTON;  Thomas was born in Dutchess co., NY and moved to Schuyler co. about 1802, settling in Monterey in the town of Orange.
Thomas HORTON was married to Phebe CONORO on 21 Jan 1816 and they had 8 children:
1. Eliza D.
2. Maria Jane - deceased by about 1902.
3. Emeline - deceased by about 1902.
4. Caroline - Mrs. Lewis MILLER of Trumansburg, NY who had 3 children, Lydia Ann, Ophelia and William.
5. Henry
6. William
7. Daniel - married Ellen BROSE and resided in Barrington, NY; they had 1 child, Dr. A. HORTON, who died suddenly on 20 Jan 1901.
8. Ruth Ann - Mrs. Atwood EVLETH.
Atwood EVLETH owned a farm in Orange twp., Schuyler co., NY of 310 acres.
Atwood EVELETH and Ruth Ann HORTON had 5 children:
1. Phila Jane - wife of Edwin HUGHEY; lived at Sugar Hill, town of Dix, Schuyler co., NY; both deceased by 1902; had 2 children, Mell and Burton.
2. Rachel Ann
3. Eliza
4. Phebe Helen
5. Ida May.
Atwood's wife Ruth Ann was widowed, and then became the wife of O.C. SMITH, who also died by 1902.  Then Ruth acted as housekeeper for Mr. DUSENBERRY of Watkins, NY.


James D. HOPE
Known for his excellent photographic work, esp. in the line of landscape photography.  James HOPE was born in West Rutland, Vermont on 1 Feb 1846, and was a son of Capt. James HOPE and Julia M. SMITH.  The father, who was an artist of considerable fame, was born at Drygrange, Scotland on the 29 Nov 1818; he was son of Henry HOPE and Helen HAAG / HAGUE.  Before James Sr. was 1 year old, his parents moved to Berwick-on-Tweed, Scotland, and there his mother Helen soon died.  In 1827 Henry brought James Sr. to North America, settling in eastern Canada, where Henry died of cholera.  Since Captain James HOPE was the only child and was orphaned, he decided to walk 150 miles to Fairhaven, Vermont and became apprenticed to a wagon-maker for 5 years.  He spent 2 years at Castleton Seminary (1839-40) and after that taught school at West Rutland, Vermont.  He met and  married Julia M. SMITH on 20 Sep 1841.  Capt. HOPE was very artistic as a child, but it seemed an impractical profession, and he had ambition to become a soldier (until his marriage).  He made several unsuccessful attempts to obtain instruction in painting.  He was about to start another job when he was disabled by a terrible ax wound in his ankle joint.  While this was healing, he painted a portrait of himself; after that people began coming to him in increasing numbers for portraits, and he found his place as a portrait artist in a short time.  He fully recovered from his injury.  At age 25 he studied art
books and obtained materials and moved to Montreal and set up a studio there and had success.  After 2 years he returned to Rutland and befriended landscape painter William HART who encouraged him to do landscapes.  Capt. James taught at Castleton Seminary during this time, to make steady money while he refined his art.  In 1852 he opened a studio in New York City, where he spent the winter months for 20 years, except for the time he was in the army.  He organized and recruited a company of soldiers for the Civil War, and was made Captain of Co. B, 2nd Regiment of the Vermont Infantry.  He served for 18 months until he was discharged for health reasons.  [Go here for Civil War Paintings by Capt. James Hope.]  Capt. HOPE first saw Schuyler co., NY on 20 Dec 1870 and loved it so much that he moved his family there in 1872.  His first glen picture "Rainbow Falls" was painted for H.D. ROLFE of NY City.  He painted many pictures of Watkins Glen.  One of Capt. James HOPE's finest paintings was of the Army of the Potomac, exhibiting 8000 men encamped on Pamunkey River, with Gen. McClellan and his staff in the foreground.  It was painted from a sketch made on the spot during the Civil War and was valued (in about 1902) at $25,000.  In the NY State building at the Pan-American Expo in Buffalo, NY, one entire floor was given to Capt. HOPE's collection, and of it the Boston "Times" said that in historical interest it was second to non on the globe.  Capt. HOPE has been called the father of Realism in America.  He died at Watkins, NY on 20
Oct. 1892. In the family of Capt. James HOPE and wife Julia SMITH were 5 children:
- Henry F. was b. in W. Rutland, VT & married Mary EASON and lived in Watkins, NY.
- James D. is the 2nd child (subject of this bio)
- Julia Adelaide was born in Rutland, VT and married George A. STEARNS and died at Parana in the Argentine Republic, where she is buried.  They had one son, Albert O. STEARNS of Washington, DC.
- Jessie.
- infant - died when a few months old.
James D. HOPE spent his boyhood in Castleton, Vermont from 1850 until 1867.  He went to Ypsilanti, Michigan to enter the State University, but had trouble with his eyes, and was unoccupied until 1872 when the family moved to Watkins, NY.  He went to Niagara Falls, where  he mastered the art of photography, staying there for 3 years.  He returned to Watkins and has since been known as the glen photographer, making a specialty of landscape photography.  James D. HOPE was married in Troy, NY on 11 Jul 1878 to Emily J. AKESTER who was born at Roxham, Canada, a daughter of Robert AKESTER and Sarah BRAVINDER.  James D. HOPE and Emily AKESTER had 2 children:  Helen B. (grad. in 1899 from Watkins high school) and James A. (who grad. from Watkins high school in 1901 and went to Rutger's College of New Brunswick, NJ.)  James D. HOPE was a member of several local fraternal organizations.


James PATTERSON
He was in the painting and paper hanging business in Mecklenburg, Schuyler co., NY.  He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on 19 May 1830 to Archibald PATTERSON and Elizabeth SCOTT.  In about 1837 they sailed for America and stayed in Jersey City, NJ for a year, then came to Schuyler co., NY for the rest of their lives.  Archibald died in Schuyler co., NY in 1866 and his wife Elizabeth died in 1855.  James PATTERSON served in the Civil War in Co. H 50th NY Vol Infantry, enlisting at Elmira, NY.  After his first term, he re-enlisted into Co. H 50th Regiment of NY Engineers and served a total of 4 years.  In 1858 in Rathbone, Steuben co., NY James married Anna BLOOD, daughter of Amos BLOOD a nd Ruhama ELLIS.  (No children are mentioned for James and Anna.)


Henry S. HOWARD
The paternal great-grandfather of Henry was Joseph HOWARD, a soldier of the Revolutionary War in a Mass. regiment (although he was a resident of New Hampshire).  Joseph settled in Steuben co., NY and died in Howard, NY of that county.  Joseph Howard II, was son of Joseph and grandson of Henry (subject of this bio).  Joseph II had a son Henry S. HOWARD who was father of subject.  Henry Sr. was born in Reading, now in Schuyler co., NY.  Henry Sr. married in Albany, NY to  Ann M. CROSBY (born and raised in NY City)  and they lived in Seneca co. and briefly in Yates co., NY.  Henry II (subject) was born in Waterloo, Seneca co., NY on 20 Nov 1854 and came to Schuyler co. with his family and settled on a 100-acre farm still in the family c1902.  Henry Sr. died in 1892 at age 78 and Ann (his wife) died in 1886.  Henry Sr. and Ann (CROSBY) HOWARD had 6 children:  1. firstborn died in infancy; 2. Charles died aged 26; 3. George O. lived in Aurora, Ill. and working in a silver-plating factory - George first married Carrie SCOFIELD and had one son Charles, then married Alice BROWN; 4. John died at age 35; Chester died at age 14.  Henry S. Jr. was the 5th child of Henry S. Sr. and Ann.  He was a student at Cook Academy.  He was a teacher for 10 years (from age 18).  On 25 Oct 1876 Henry Jr. married Delia M. SACKET (born in town of Montour).  They had 4 children:  1. Harry O.; 2. William V. died age 4; 3. Grace grad. from Watkins High School in 1900 and taught in Hector, NY; 4. Bula, at home.  Attends Meth. Episcopal church at Reading Center, NY - a trustee and superintendent of the Sunday school there.


Joseph B. COATS
Resided in Dix township more than 50 years on a farm.  He came to the farm on 20 Mar 1849 (his wedding day) and owned 140 acres.  He was born in Hector, NY (then in Tompkins co., NY but now in Schuyler co.)  Born on 8 Jun 1824 to Joseph COATS and Jane BELLOWS.  [The Osborn SMITH bio says that Joseph COATS married Jane BELLIS, not BELLOWS.  Elizabeth B. COATS, sister of subject, married Thomas SMITH and Elizabeth's grandson was Osborn SMITH.]  The paternal ancestors are Dutch.  Grandfather of Joseph B., also Joseph COATS, belonged to 4th Regiment of the Line in the Rev. War, and was an enlisted man in the 6th Reg., Albany co. militia, under the Land Bounty Rights.  Joseph (the grandfather) settled in Scipio, Cayuga co., NY and married Rachel JONES (b. NJ in 1761).  Joseph (grandfather) died in 1805 of a fever while returning from Albany, where he had driven a load of grain.  His widow married Thomas Sarjent BAKER and died in 1845.  Joseph COATS (father of subject) was born 30 Mar 1787 and came to Schuyler co. about 1815, settling in Hector, NY, dying in Catharine, Schuyler co.   Joseph (the father of subject) married Jane BELLOWS (BELLIS) on 27 Aug 1808; Jane was b. 5 Mar 1792 and d. 21 Oct 1863.
Joseph B. COATS (subject of this bio) was married to Catherine E. DURBON on 20 Mar 1849.  Catherine was daughter of Richard Clinton DURBON and Eliza Ann EGBERT.  Catherine was born in the town of Ulysses (Tompkins co.) on 27 Dec 1826.  She also lived  in Millport, Chemung co., NY where her father died on 23 Aug 1833.  Catherine's mother died 4 May 1879.  Richard DURBON was born in Scipio, Cayuga co., NY.  [The bio says that Catherine is related to the CHASE line of New England who came over on the Mayflower in 1620 with Governor WINTHROP and settled in CT.  But a descendant writes that the Chase family came over with Gov. WINTHROP in 1630,  and not on the Mayflower.]  William EGBERT (grandfather of Catharine DURBON COATS) was married to Catherine WARTMAN of NJ who went to Cayuga co., NY.
Joseph B. & Catharine (DURBON) COATS had 6 children:
 - Ella Frances - Mrs. L. E. KNAPP of Deposit, NY.
 - Russell H. - railway clerk in Wilkesbarre, PA.
 - Mamie Lou - Mrs. C. A. ROWE, lived in Marcellus Onondaga co., NY.
 - Jennie Maude - teacher.
 - infant who died.
 - Ralph Clinton - died at age 3.
Joseph B. COATS (of this bio) was publisher of 2 books of poems as well as other articles for Farmers' Institutes, etc.

Thomas Sarjent BAKER notes:
[Regarding Rachel JONES = Mrs. Joseph COATS Sr. = Mrs. Thomas Sarjent BAKER:   T.  "Sarjent" Baker married 2nd wife Rachel, according to his intestate estate.  Rachel was much younger than Sarjent.  Sarjent Baker was born in 1746, in Mass., prob. in Bristol co. - he was son of Matthew Baker & Sally Baylies.  He was grandson of Thomas Baylies and Esther Serjeant.  T. Sergeant Baker married Bethiah Cook in 1768 in Mass.  Bethia was of Mayflower descent.  T. S. Baker lived in New Salem, Mass. when he enlisted in the Rev. War.  Then he lived in Stamford, Bennington co., VT in 1791 and by 1802 purchased land in Scipio, Cayuga co., NY with wife Bethiah.  He was on the Scipio census in 1810 and was in Hector, NY by 1818.  He got a Rev. War pension, with papers dated 1819 & 1820.  He was killed by lightning in 1828 in Hector, NY.  His burial place is unknown.  Rachel Jones Coats Baker was buried in Reynoldsville Cem. as widow of  T. Serjent Baker.   In 1820, T. Serjent Baker had 2 young children in his household, a girl 15 yrs old and a boy 11 yrs old - which were too young for Bethiah to be the mother.  It's not clear if these were Baker's children by Rachel, or his Coats stepchildren (from Rachel's marriage to Joseph B. Coats.)  Rachel apparently did not apply for Baker's pension after his death.  Israel Coats must be related because he lived next to T. Serjent Baker on census. - research on T.S. Baker provided by Jackie Baker Humphrey.
 



PETER WILSON
Peter WILSON lived his entire life in Schuyler co. and was age 81 at the writing of the bio.  His father, Albert WILSON, was a native of NJ who married Rebecca MILLER. - Their children were:  Abram, Eliza, Mary and Peter (subject of the bio).  Peter was born 21 Oct 1821 in the town of Catharine, NY.  He became a carpenter &  joiner.  In 1841 Peter married Helen BRONSON and they lived in Havana, NY (now Montour Falls).  They were married over 60 years.  Helen was daughter of William and Wealthy BRONSON.  Peter and Helen had 3 children:
 - Charles (eldest) was deceased by 1902/3.
 - Mary - Mrs. Marwin PERRY, lived in Odessa,Schuyler co.
 - E.K. WILSON - lived in Chicago, IL & worked for the Illinois Central RR Co.
 - Helen died 9 Nov 1902.
Peter WILSON lived in Odessa starting in 1895, on a 10-acre farm.

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