Herkimer County NY
Ancestral Sightings Part 2
Lisa Slaski and Jane Dieffenbacher's abstracting of family profiles from county history
books has become one of the most popular resources on the site. Similar profiles, as well as
shorter mentions, can turn up anywhere. The profiles, sightings and new tidbits below of
former Herkimer County residents come from books, newspapers, and articles published in
other states and other NY counties, as well as specialized reference works.
Many states "Out West" published books with short biographies about their local
residents, telling where they originally came from. Of course, history books for other NY
State counties profiled their own residents, some of whom had Herkimer County roots.
Detailed genealogical information is occasionally given. The persons whose short bios and
info appear below may or may not be your ancestors, but it's worth scanning through them
to check out where your own families' relatives migrated and when.
This section is for resources from other places mentioning persons with Herkimer County ties.
Contributions can be sent to the site coordinators, putting
"Ancestral Sightings" in the subject line of your email. Include accurate reference as to
book/source if you have it. Published sources must be over 75 years old (copyright law).
**No notice is too small.** A one-line mention may be the solution to someone's
brick wall.
8/26/03 Spotted by the site coordinator in
"Thirty-third Annual Circular and Catalogue of the Williams & Rogers Rochester Business
Institute, Rochester, N.Y. 1897-8." Rochester, New York. Published by the Press of Democrat and
Chronicle. 1897.
Students of the Rochester Business Institute for the School Year Ending July 30, 1897.
Gough, M. Herbert B., Ilion, N.Y.
Schofield, George H., Ilion, N.Y.
Syphert, Otto S., Herkimer, N.Y.
Spotted by the site coordinator in
"The Register of Cornell University. 1899-1900." Ithaca, New York. Published by the University.
December, 1899. Numbers signify year in school, e.g. 1 = freshman.
Undergraduates
Armstrong, Alexander Floyd, Ilion, 3, Civil Eng.
Brand, Walter Nathan, Ilion, 2, Civil Eng.
Foley, Marcella Marie, Ilion, 3, Arts
Golden, Welford J., Little Falls, Jr., Law
Hard, Arthur Warden, Ilion, 1, Civil Eng.
Hoard, Prescott Dygert, Herkimer, 1, Civil Eng.
McCann, Helen Regenetta, Ilion, 4, Arts
Quaife, Francis Wilbur, Ilion, 1, Law
Schmidt, Frank Adam, Ilion, 1, Law
Shaw, Mary Edna, Ilion, 2, Architecture
Students in Short Course in Agriculture, Winter, 1899
Helmer, Fred Ames, Jordanville
Students in the Summer Session
McGowan, Anna Teresa, Winfield
Information about ministers abstracted by the site coordinator from the book "A
Century of the Genesee Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church 1810-1910," by Rev. Ray
Allen. Rochester, N.Y.: Published by the Author 1911. Abbreviations: C = converted at age of; L = first
licensed to preach; t = received on trial; F = admitted to full membership. Please refer to original book
for more information.
BACKUS, Almon Luce - Born Herkimer Co., N.Y., Sept. 16, 1820. T Genesee 1856. F 1858. To Northwest Indiana by
transfer 1872. Died Stockwell, Ind., Jan. 10, 1876.
BARNEY, Godfrey W. - Born Herkimer Co., N.Y., 1795. T 1827. Discontinued 1828. T Oneida 1829. F 1831. To Black River
at organization 1836. Died May 12, 1863.
CONABLE, Francis W. - Born Litchfield, N.Y., Aug. 16, 1814. T 1839. F 1841. Died Dalton, N.Y., July 7, 1890.
DAVIS, Orson Deforest - Born Herkimer Co., N.Y., June 11, 1837. T 1876. F 1878. To Central New York by change of boundaries 1890.
Died Dresden, N.Y., Sept. 1, 1903.
DILLENBECK, Cornelius - Born Starkville, N.Y., March 30, 1837. T East Genesee 1860. F 1862. To Genesee by change of foundaries
1872. Died Avoca, N.Y., May 29, 1902.
HUSSELKUS, John - T Philadelphia 1802. F 1804. To New York by change of boundaries 1808. To Genesee at organization 1810. Located 1814.
Died Frankfort, N.Y.
REESE, William Henry - Born Clifton Springs, N.Y., Feb. 3, 1844. 1874 Professor in Fairfield Seminary.
Served Ilion NY as M.E. minister 1881-1883.
STEELE, Allen - Born Salisbury, N.Y., May 24, 1808. T Genesee 1831. F 1833. To Troy by transfer 1845. To Genesee by
Transfer 1851. To New York by transfer 1855. Located 1858. Readmitted Genesee 1858. Died West Barre, N.Y., Jan. 14, 1873.
TIMMERMAN, John - Born Manheim, Herkimer Co., N.Y., Sept. 17, 1807. T 1839. Discontinued 1840. T. 1844. F. 1847. Died Medina, N.Y.,
May 22, 1877.
Found by the site coordinator in the book "History of Monroe County, New York: with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, palatial
residences, public buildings, fine blocks and important manufactories from original sketches by artists of the
highest ability," by W.H. McIntosh. Philadelphia: Everts, Ensign and Everts, 1877.
The following are Monroe County, New York resident business people who contributed money to having this book printed. There was no note as to what
the "s." and date mean, but most likely the response they gave when asked when they settled in Monroe Co. or set up business.
Town of Clarkson
Babcock, Mrs. L.D., farmer, b. Herkimer co., N.Y.; s. 1862.
Town of Riga
Stevens, H.E., ret'd farm., b. Herkimer co., N.Y.; s. 1824; p.o. add. Churchville
Town of Gates
Arnold, Lauren B., dairy contributor to New York Tribune, and writer and lecturer on "Dairy Husbandry," b.
Herkimer co., N.Y.; s. 1872; p.o. add. Rochester
Town of Greece
Myers, Wm., Greece, farmer, b. Herkimer co., N.Y.; s. 1832; p.o. add. North Greece
Town of Webster
Benedict, Eli, farmer and fruitgrower, b. Litchfield co., N.Y.; s. 1815; p.o. add. West Webster [Note: there is no Litchfield County
in New York State. This might refer to Litchfield, N.Y.]
Town of Perrinton
Conant, Jason, farmer, b. Herkimer co., N.Y.' s. 1819; p.o. add. Fairport
Vanderhoof, Remsin, dealer in coal and produce, b. Hamilton co., N.Y.; s. 1833; p.o. add. Fairport
Town of Pittsford
Maxfield, Andrew, farmer, b. Herkimer co., N.Y.; s. 1819
Reynolds, M.D., R.C., physician and surgeon, b. Herkimer co., N.Y.
Spotted by the site coordinator in the newspaper "The Black River Democrat," Thursday, June 19, 1919, published in Lowville. Lowville is in Lewis County, New York State:
Port Leyden
James W. Stimson of Ilion was in town Saturday the guest of his sister, Miss Lucy Stimson.
Mr. and Mrs. H.J. Casler, George Casler, Mrs. Irving VanScoik and three children of Boonville, enjoyed Sunday with friends at North Gage.
Miss Ruth Lyman of Ilion spent Sunday at her home in this place.
Spotted by the site coordinator in the "The Lyons Republican," Thursday, January 8, 1880. Lyons is in Wayne County, New York State:
MORTGAGE SALE.
Whereas, default has been made in the payment of the money secured by a certain mortgage bearing date the 18th
of June, 1878, made and executed by Louisa H. Root, of Palmyra, Wayne county, New York, to Heman J. Hildreth, of Herkimer,
Herkimer county, New York, which mortgage was recorded in the Clerk's Office of Wayne county, New York, on the 2d day of July,
1878, at 9 1/2 o'clock A.M., in liber No. 85 of mortgages, at page 126, &c.; and was also recorded in the Clerk's Office of St.
Lawrence county, New York, on the 8th day of July, 1878, at 12 o'clock M., in liber No. 75 of mortgages, at page 10, &c.; and whereas
the whole amount claimed to be due and unpaid on said mortgage at the time of the first publication of this notice is the sum of four thousand
three hundred and forty-seven dollars and ninety-nine cents, to wit: ... [lengthy legalese omitted].... now, therefore, notice is hereby given that by virtue
of the power of sale contained in said mortgage and duly recorded therewith, and in pursuance of the statute in such cases made and provided, the
said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises described in said mortgage by the subscriber, the mortgagee, at public auction,
on the 8th day of April, 1880, at 10 o'clock of the forenoon of that day, at the front door of the Court House in the village of Lyons, in the county
of Wayne, N.Y.
The aforesaid mortgaged premises so to be sold as aforesaid described in said mortgage as follows: All that tract or parcel of land situate in the town of Gouverneur, in the county of St. Lawrence and State of New York [long surveyor's description omitted here. Please check with county clerk's office for deeds owned by parties mentioned. Parties whose lands adjoined this parcel were C.C. Laidlow and Cornelia Bullard, with mention that this tract was previously owned by John C. Eager and wife in 1871, Clerk's Office, St. Lawrence Co., liber 91 of deeds, at page 219].
Also, all that other tract or parcel of land situate in the town of Palmyra, county of Wayne and State aforesaid, lying about one mile south of Palmyra village on
the Canandaigua plank road, and known as the Acker place, deeded to Rhoda A. Sherman by Lucy Acker October 9, 1864, and bounded on the north by a piece of land
now owned by Mrs. Homer Williams; on the east by the David Johnson farm; on the south by H.S. Riggs' (formerly John L. Hardenburgh's) land; on the west by the above
mentioned highway, containing fourteen acres of land, be the same more or less. Reference is had for description of premises last above mentioned to a deed from
Sarah Powell to the party of the first part, dated March 31, 1870, recorded in Wayne county Clerk's Office April 9, 1870, in liber 101, page 332. - Dated Lyons,
Jan. 8, 1880.
Heman Hildreth, Mortgagee
J.A. Steele, Attorney, Herkimer, N.Y.
Several in-state newspaper notices found by the site coordinator in the "Boonville Herald and Adirondack Tourist," Thursday, September 5, 1912:
Under White Lake Corners News:
Mrs. George M. Studor and friend, Mrs. D.R. Cobb of Little Falls, are on a pleasure trip to the
Thousand Islands, stopping at Lowville, Copenhagen and other points enroute.
Harrison Brand and family, who have been spending the season at their cottage, Camp Opequan, have
returned to their home in Ilion.
Mr. and Mrs. M.E. Anable have returned to Hinckley after spending the summer at their cottage on White Lake.
Under Forestport News:
Mrs. Charles Marshall of Ilion spent Wednesday with friends in town.
Mr. and Mrs. Albert James are entertaining their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Charles N.
Wood of Inlet.
Miss Hazel Donavan has returned to her home on White Lake street after spending the summer at Big Moose Lake.
Mrs. Henry Miller was a recent guest of friends at Darts Camp, Big Moose.
Miss Lilah Scouten left during the past week for Darts Camp Big Moose, where she will remain for several weeks.
George Yeomans, who is working in Herkimer, spent labor day with his family in Beechwood.
Mrs. George Thayer of Ilion was calling on friends in town during the past week.
Mr. and Mrs. George Platt have been entertaining their daughter, Mrs. Norman Briggs and daughter Frances,
of Herkimer.
Luella and Vera Wenner have returned to their home in Ilion after a pleasant visit with their uncle
and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Bingham.
Mrs. Grace Phelps of Boonville, Mrs. Frank Thurston and son, George, of Frankfort recently spent a
short time at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Clark.
Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Canney and Mr. and Mrs. Eden and two children of Ilion spent the weekend at the former's
home, a short distance from this village.
Miss Mary Shanks is spending a few days with friends at Darts Camp, Big Moose.
Sarah Yeomans has returned from a short visit with relatives in Poland.
Under "Purely Personal":
Mr. and Mrs. D.K. Backer of Ilion have been visiting friends in Boonville and Turin.
Miss Helen Utley is spending today with Herkimer friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Stafford of Little Falls spent a few days the past week with Mr. and Mrs. Frank I. Merry.
Mrs. F.E. Tiffany and son, Lansing, of Inlet have returned to Boonville, Lansing being a student in the High school.
Under Martinsburg News:
Mrs. W.O. Gardner of Little Falls is the guest of her son, Rev. William Gardner and family.
Under Steuben News:
Elisha Comstock of Gray is spending several weeks with his daughter, Mrs. Henry Prosser.
Under Prospect News:
Mr. and Mrs. Will Seifred attended the Seifred reunion at the home of Fred Seifred, North Gage, Sept. 2.
John Brown of Ilion was a guest over Sunday of Charles Walter, jr.
Mrs. Max Miller of Herkimer is a guest of Mrs. D. Courtney.
Mr. and Mrs. George Fretts and family returned this week to their home in Utica. Miss Eunice
Fretts will teach in Ilion, and Master Wallace will enter the Newland private school.
Under Trenton News:
Mrs. Frank P. Williams and daughter, Mrs. Ira Tompkins, and two children of Herkimer were guests Saturday
of Mrs. J.J. Preston and daughter, Mrs. Flora Preston.
Miss Rena M. Spencer has returned to her school duties in Ilion after enjoying her vacation with her
parents, Dr. and Mrs. Spencer.
W.G. Roberts of Herkimer spent Sunday and Monday with his family, who are visiting at E.W. Griffiths.
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Norton of Ilion spent Sunday and Monday with his parents here.
Under South Trenton News:
Mrs. Harold Silliman and daughter, Amelia, who have been visiting the former's sister, Mrs. J.E. James,
returned Thursday to their home in Ilion. They were accompanied by Miss Sara James.
Under North Steuben News:
Mrs. Minot Becker and daughter, Mildred, have returned to their home in Herkimer, after a pleasant
visit with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. D.E. Fulmer.
Under Remsen News:
Mr. and Mrs. Sherman of Newport were the guests over Sunday of Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Jones.
Miss Amelia Jones is visiting Mrs. Jennie Smith of Hinckley.
Mr. and Mrs. William Mann and daughter, Myrtle of Tupper Lake, and Mrs. Frank Emrick of Indianapolis,
have been visiting their mother, Mrs. Jennie Davis.
Mr. and Mrs. Orson Williams and daughters, Marjorie and Pauline spent Sunday with Mrs. Williams' sister,
Mrs. Williams Hadcock and family of Mohawk.
Mrs. P.K. Wales and sons, Philip and Carl, are visiting her mother in Ohio.
Under Holland Patent News:
Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Graves and family of Schuyler were guests last week of Mr. Graves' sister, Mrs.
Peter Sheppard and family.
Miss Ethel E. Roberts spent last week at Hinckley as the guest of her aunts, Mrs. Lydia Fanning
and Mrs. Helen Jones.
Several in-state newspaper notices found by the site coordinator in the "Boonville Herald and Adirondack Tourist," August 7, 1919:
REAL ESTATE
John Evans, Jane Jones and Anna Evans, Turin, Lewis County, to Herbert B. Clements, Frankfort, 50 acres in the town of New Hartford.
Under "Purely Personal":
Mrs. H.B. Belknap have gone to Little Falls to remain some time with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Fred Windecker.
COUNTY VETERANS' REUNION, AUG. 22 [Note: this reunion took place in Oneida County]
"Boys" of the Old 117th will Assemble at Boonville on Anniversary of Departure
The annual reunion of the 117th New York regiment, Fourth Oneida Civil War Veterans, will be held
at Boonville on August 22 upon the invitation of Wheelock Post G.A.R. August 22 is the anniversary of
the regiment's departure for the Civil War.
Under "Lines of Interest From Lyons Falls":
John Charbonneau and bride of Hinckley are guests of the former's brother, Henry Charbonneau.
Mrs. E.F. Ryan who has been spending some time with her daughter, Mrs. Jesse Jordan of Ilion, returned Tuesday.
Miss Marion Buckley of Mohawk has been a recent guest of the Misses Green.
Under "Prospect Pointers":
Mrs. Edward Evans of Ilion is spending some time with her mother Mrs. Emma Nuttall.
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Boh of Hinckley were guests of his parents Sunday.
Mrs. Ostrander and sister Mrs. Frank McArthur of Grant are at the former's home here for a few days.
Several in-state newspaper notices found by the site coordinator in the "Boonville Herald and Adirondack Tourist," Wednesday, July 30, 1919:
Under "Purely Personal" in reference to Boonville:
Mrs. L.E. Spier and children Carl and Bender of Dolgeville are enjoying a visit in the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Joseph Geiskopf.
Under Trenton-Barneveld:
Miss Edith Norton of Ilion spent Sunday at her home here.
Under "Lines of Interest From Lyons Falls":
James Lyman of Ilion has been a recent guest of Mr. and Mrs. John Walsh.
Several in-state newspaper notices found by the site coordinator in the "Boonville Herald and Adirondack Tourist," Thursday, May 22, 1919:
Under North Steuben:
Mr. and Mrs. E.H. Crill and family spent Sunday with his mother, Mrs. Maria Kingsbury at Boonville.
Miss Gladys Crill of Utica and Leroy Cristman of Herkimer were also there.
Under "Paragraphs of Port Leydon":
Miss Ruth Lyman of Ilion spent several days recently with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lyman.
Under "News of Remsen":
Mr. and Mrs. Orson Williams and family entertained last week William Hadcock of Mohawk.
Orson Williams and family motored to Old Forge Saturday, returning Sunday evening. They were the
guests of Mrs. Harold Abbott and family. Mrs. Abbott and family will leave for Niagara Falls the last of
this month to live. Mr. Abbott has a lucrative position there.
Several in-state newspaper notices found by
the site coordinator in the the "New Berlin Gazette," New Berlin, Chenango County, New York.
Saturday, September 6, 1924. Vol. 64 No. 36:
Under Edmeston news:
Mr. Charles Hatcher of Ilion spent Sunday and Monday with his parents here.
Under Columbus news:
Mrs. Ralph Hopkins and three children of Herkimer are spending some time with relatives here.
Under Ketchum news:
Mrs. Wm. Jones of Fonda, N.Y., was a guest of her sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Van Warner, during the past week.
Mr. Walter Spencer and friend, Miss Jillson of Frankfort were guests of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert
Spencer, on Sunday.
The many friends of Richard Stafford of Frankfort will be sorry to hear that, in a motorcycle accident,
he had the misfortune to break his leg, and, is now in the hospital at Little Falls.
Under Pittsfield news:
Mr. and Mrs. Grover Edmonds and son of Little Falls have been spending the past two weeks at Charles Howe's.
Mr. Edmonds returned home Saturday.
Under New Berlin Personal Mention:
Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Conklin of Winfield and Mr. and Mrs. Louis Angell and son of Herkimer were over
Sunday guests of Mr. and Mrs. Starr Angell.
Under Columbus Hill news:
Earl Cutler returned to his work in Ilion Thursday.
Under So. Edmeston news:
Lynn Tuttle, wife and daughter of Frankfort were weekend guests of relatives in town.
[The following short article could be helpful to Spaulding family researchers, although it doesn't tell who exactly they're
descended from. If this rings a bell with you, the locations mentioned might give leads to find missing family.]
SPAULDING REUNION
The sixteen annual reunion of the Spaulding family was held Saturday, August 16, 1924 with Mr. and Mrs. S.J.
Tuttle at So. Edmeston, N.Y. Fifty members of the family were present from Potsdam, Mt. Upton, Norwich, Sherburne,
New Berlin, Columbus, Locke, Clayville, Frankfort, So. Otselic and Syracuse. There have been during the past
year five marriages, four births and one death. A fine dinner was served to which all did justice. A picture of
the family was taken. D.L. Spaulding was chosen President for the coming year. The next meeting will be held with
Mr. and Mrs. Nick Brown of Sherburne.
Mrs. S.J. Tuttle, Sec.
[Here's another good one. Summer vacation cottage property at little Silver Lake could have been bought by people from
other counties.]
MANY BUY LOTS
The following people have purchased lots on the Silver Lake property:
M.H. Beardsley, H.M. Sackett, J.S. Ellsworth, Henry Williams, Arnold McCormack, George Smith, J.C. Elting,
Louis Bingham, Arthur W. Morse, New Berlin Lumber Co., W.M. Davis, Wm. Backus, Chas. Mitchell, F.E. Holmes,
Pearl Camp, Charles Gray, O.E. Meeker, Hubert Holdridge, W.H. Lottridge, James Coats, Samuel A. Medbury, Frank
Ackerman, Leo Dixson, Clayton Dixson, B.J. Brooker, Lee Elliott, Floyd Bemiss, L.B. Southwick, James H. Adams,
E. Bemiss, Ed Hill, Clark Sponable, Ira Wall, C.A. Holmes, Albert Spafford.
Work on several cottages is progressing and this past week Mr. Sheff has been clearing the center of the land
between the lake and the river for the park.
In-state newspaper notices found by
the site coordinator in the "Boonville Herald," Boonville, N.Y., March 31, 1932, page 11:
Under news for Prospect:
George Eaton is spending a few days with relatives in Middleville and Newport.
Week-end guests of Mr. and Mrs. C. LeRoy Ossont were Waldo Sherman of Glenfield; Mr. and Mrs. Hollis
Helmer, Fairfield; Miss Leona Merriman, Stratford; Mrs. Adelbert Gould and sons, Richard and Nelson
of Norway.
Under "Purely Personal" for Boonville:
Mrs. D.B. Putnam of Frankfort is the welcome guest of her mother, Mrs. August Meurer.
Prof. and Mrs. Vernon Lee and son, Vernon, Herkimer; Charles Grubel, principal at Nutley, N.J. are
guests during the Easter vacation of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Grubel.
Miss Iola Hayes has as her guests, Miss Alice Welch of Little Falls and Joseph Dowd of Cohoes.
Mrs. Mary Worden of Barneveld is spending some time with her son, Charles Worden, and family. [a tidbit
for the Herkimer Co. Worden researchers!]
Mentioned in article about 4-H Club forestry club members who won trees as prizes for their entries in an
essay contest - first prize winner in the age 15-20 category was Helen Guller of Newport.
Small ad for H.G. Williams, Auctioneer of Dolgeville. 25 years experience.
Still another batch of out of state bios donated by regular contributor Paul Horvat, a Van Allen family researcher. Biographies below were extracted from "History of Ionia & Montcalm Counties, MI, with Illustrations", by John S. Schenck. Philadelphia: D. W. Ensign & Co. 1881.
George W. DEXTER
Representative from Ionia County in 1842, was born in Herkimer County, NY, August 4, 1795.
He came to Michigan in 1844, and was sergeant-at-arms of the first Senate in 1835. He was a
farmer, politically a Democrat. Died August 4, 1848. (pg. 243)
Jerome B. EATON
Was born in Herkimer County, NY, Jan. 29, 1811, and was reared on a farm, working summers
and attending school winters. At the age of thirteen, he commenced teaching and followed it
for seven successive winters. From twenty to twenty-two he was engaged in peddling. He came
to Adrian, MI, in 1833 and engaged in the dry goods trade. In 1842 he removed to Jackson and
engaged in a prison contract, making barrels. In 1858 he engaged in the wholesale grocery
trade. He was president of the Air Line railroad and was a prime mover in the removal of the
Michigan Central railroad shops from Marshall to Jackson. He has held several local offices
of trust, and been identified with the interests of Jackson for many years. He was a
Representative in 1851, 1869, and 1870. In politics a Democrat. (pg. 245)
George W. FERRINGTON
Was born in Herkimer County, NY, Feb. 22, 1790. He was a carpenter and farmer by occupation,
and settled in Redford in 1828. He was appointed justice of the peace under the territorial
regime in 1830 and held the office by appointment and election until his death, April 6, 1854.
He also served some thirteen years as supervisor, town clerk and treasurer. He was a member of
the constitutional convention of 1835, and a Representative in 1835-6-7 and 1847. He was a Democrat. (pg. 265)
Thomas FITZGERALD
Was born in Germantown, NY, April 10, 1796. His father was a soldier of the Revolution. The son
enlisted in the War of 1812, had his arm shattered by a bullet, and for life was an invalid pensioner.
He taught school, married Mary Baldwin in 1818, and removed to Indiana, taught school, studied law,
and was admitted in 1821. He became a Democratic leader and was elected to the Indiana legislature.
In 1832 President Jackson appointed him light-house keeper at St. Joseph, Michigan, and he soon
became a prominent man in the territory of Michigan, and held many offices. He was clerk of
Berrien County in 1834; regent of the University of MI; bank commissioner in 1837; Representative
in the legislature of 1839; Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor on the ticket headed by
Chancellor Farnsworth; and in 1848 was appointed United States Senator by Governor Ransom, to fill
vacancy caused by the resignation of Gen. Cass. He served two sessions and won the respect of
political friends and opponents. He declined the tender of judge in a territory. While serving as
probate judge of Berrien County he died at Niles, March 25, 1855. (pg. 270)
Albertus L. GREEN
Representative from Eaton County in 1861-2-5-70, and Senator in 1867, was born in 1824, in Herkimer
County, NY, and was educated at Lima Seminary and Oberlin College. In 1840 he came to Olivet, MI,
with the colony that founded Olivet College, and was one of its first students. He was for many years
a merchant, was also engaged in milling, manufacturing, and building of railroads. He was a trustee
of Olivet College, also a justice and supervisor. In politics a Republican. In religion a Congregationalist.
A man of ability, energy and charity. Died October 21, 1875. (pgs. 305-6)
Ethel JUDD
Representative from Hillsdale County in 1855-7, was born in Herkimer County, NY, April 27, 1807.
By occupation a farmer, in politics a Republican. He settled on a farm in Adams, MI, in 1837, and
built the first church and school-house in the town, also the first six frame dwelling houses.
He was five years supervisor. He raised a company for the 10th MI infantry in 1861, and went
south with them, but returned in 1862 from ill health. He died Feb. 11, 1883. (pg. 384)
John R. KELLOGG
Was born in New Hartford, NY, in 1793, was a clerk as a young man, and from 1818 to 1836, a successful
merchant at Marcellus, NY. Settled at Allegan, MI, in 1836, where he resided until his death in 1868.
He was a Representative in 1838, and for six years a member of the state board of education. He was an
intimate friend of Seward and Cass, and kept up a friendly correspondence with them through life.
He was largely interested in lands and acquired a competence. Often a delegate to state conventions,
he had great weight in party counsels. A Republican in politics. A man of remarkably fine appearance,
of genial nature, and greatly respected. (pg. 388) [New Hartford is in Oneida County, NY]
Flavius J. LITTLEJOHN
Was born in Herkimer County, NY, in July, 1804. He graduated from Hamilton College in 1827, and
delivered the valedictory address. He was admitted to the bar in 1830, and practiced in Little Falls,
NY, until 1836, when on account of ill health, he removed to Allegan, MI, and for several years was
engaged as a surveyor, engineer and geologist. In 1842-3-8 and 1855 he was a Representative in the
legislature, and was Senator in 1845-6, and president pro tem. of that body in 1846. From 1848 to
1858 he was engaged in the practice of law. He was elected judge of the 9th circuit in 1858, which
then comprised twenty counties on the western shore, extending from Van Buren to Emmet, and served until 1865.
In 1849 he was the Whig and Free Soil candidate for governor against John S. Barry, and was defeated by
4279 votes. He was at one time circuit court commissioner of Allegan County. He took great interest in
education and temperance. He was an eloquent and logical speaker, an able lecturer, bore a
spotless reputation, and wrote a volume of interesting Indian legends. He died April 28, 1880. (pg. 417)
Philetus O. LITTLEJOHN
Was born in Litchfield, NY, Dec. 24, 1814. In politics a Democrat. He was a Representative in 1863-4.
He is extensively engaged in farming. As a young man he was a railroad contractor in Virginia and Maryland.
He was justice fifteen years, member and chairman of the board of supervisors of Allegan County for
thirteen years, and two years president of the village of Allegan. (pgs. 417-418)
Sheldon McKNIGHT
Representative from Detroit in 1857, was born in Herkimer County, NY, in 1810. Came to Detroit in 1820,
learned the trade of a printer, in 1827 took an interest in the Detroit Gazette, which was merged
in the Free Press in 1830, and edited by him until 1836. He was postmaster of Detroit 1836 to 1841.
In 1845 he was appointed by President Polk agent to examine the mineral resources of the Upper Peninsula,
took up his residence at the Sault, established a line of vessels, and was the chief factor in building
a railroad around the rapids, which was the means of transit until the canal was built. Politically a
Democrat. He was efficient in the establishment of the insane asylum at Kalamazoo, and was one of its
first board of trustees. Died at Washington, July 21, 1860. (pg. 452)
Peter MOREY
Was born in Cazenovia, NY, in 1798, was educated at Hamilton Academy, studied law and was admitted
in 1831. He practiced four years in the state of New York, and in 1835 removed to Tecumseh, MI.
In 1837 he removed to Detroit, having been appointed attorney general of the state, which office he
held four years. After the expiration of his term of office he returned to Tecumseh, where he
continued in practice for many years, finally going to Marion, OH, to live with his daughter, until
his death in the fall of 1881. He was a fine scholar, a courteous old school gentleman, and able
and energetic lawyer. In politics a Democrat. (pg. 475) [Cazenovia is in Madison County, NY)
Alfred PADDOCK
Was born in Litchfield, NY, Jan. 30, 1805. By occupation a merchant and farmer, in politics a Whig.
He settled in Concord, MI, about 1844, and resided there until his death, March 29, 1870.
He commenced business life as a merchant, was afterwards a farmer and miller. He was Senator in 1853.
(pg. 506)
Lewis G. PALMER
Senator from Mecosta and Montcalm Counties in 1887, was born in Herkimer County, NY, Sept. 17, 1852,
and came to MI in 1857. At the age of thirteen he became a drummer boy in the army and served three years.
He was educated at Detroit schools and the state agricultural college. Has been a resident of
Big Rapids since 1869. He was a teacher and county superintendent of schools. He studied law,
was admitted in 1877, and has been three times prosecuting attorney, and held other positions.
Now in practice at Big Rapids. In politics a Republican. (pg. 507)
Amos ROOT
Was born at Fort Ann, NY, April 8, 1816. With a common school education, at the age of sixteen,
he became a clerk at Mohawk, NY, where he remained six years. He came to Michigan in 1838, and
commenced business at Michigan Center. In 1841 removed to Jackson, which has since been his home.
For sixteen years was a merchant, when he sold out and operated in lands and city property.
He also did much hard work to make Jackson a prominent railroad center. He was efficient in
building the branch of the Michigan Southern from Jackson to Adrian. He was also one of the
main supporters of the Grand River Valley Road, from Jackson to Grand Rapids, and was president of
the company for many years. He was Representative in 1853; for many years a trustee of the village,
alderman of the city of Jackson; mayor in 1860; postmaster from 1861 to 1865, member and
president of the board of public works, and nine years inspector of the state prison.
First a Whig, from 1848 to 1854 a Free Soiler, since a Republican. (pgs. 562-563)
Joseph P. SHOEMAKER
Senator from Ionia and Montcalm Counties in 1879, was born Aug. 30, 1820 at Mohawk, NY. He received
a common school education. In 1837 he removed to Joliet, IL. In 1840 he removed to Sandusky, OH,
and remained one year, helping in locating railroads. In 1842 engaged in merchandise and buying
grain at Republic, OH, and in 1852 went to Covington, KY, and engaged in manufacturing iron,
having charge of a rolling mill. In 1855 he came to Jackson, this state, and engaged in farming.
He was postmaster at Jackson two years, and 1861 removed to Montcalm County and engaged in
farming and lumbering. He was elected justice in 1866. In politics a National. (pg. 587)
Michael SHOEMAKER
Senator from Jackson County in 1848-9-50-77-83-5, and president pro tem in 1851, was born at German
Flatts, NY, April 6, 1818. Attended school until fourteen, then was a clerk at Albany. At the age
of seventeen located at Joliet, IL, was seven years a partner in the mercantile business and filled
contracts in building the Illinois and Michigan canal. In 1852, he purchased the mills at Michigan Center,
which he owned for 28 years. Resides at Jackson and owns large farms near that city. He held many
offices, including inspector of state prison; collector of customs at Detroit; president of the state
and county agricultural societies; several terms Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons; and chairman
of the Democratic State Committee. In January, 1862, he was appointed colonel of the 13th Michigan
infantry, took part in many engagements, with honor to himself and his command, and was for a short
time an inmate of Libby prison. Has long been an active member of the state pioneer society, and
has served as president. (pg. 587)
Daniel D. SLOAN
Representative from Washtenaw County in 1850, was born in Herkimer County, NY, Nov. 28, 1799.
By occupation a millwright, in politics first a Whig, then a Republican. He came to Michigan in
1844, built the first large mill at Grand Rapids, also one at Ann Arbor, and one at Dover Mills,
which he operated until his death, Jan. 29, 1861. He was several times supervisor and assessor of
the town of Dexter, and was a man of sterling worth and integrity. (pg. 591)
Robert B. SMITH
Representative from Ionia County in 1867--9-70, was born at Fairfield, NY, April 21, 1834; he was
educated as a physician and graduated from the University of New York in 1854; practiced four years
at Fairfield, then became surgeon on an ocean vessel; in 1863 settled at Ionia, MI, purchased a mill
and engaged in the manufacture of flour; was president of the village, an for years a director
of the Detroit, Lansing & Northern Railroad. In politics a Republican. Now resides in Chicago. (pg. 597)
Asa SPENCER
Representative from Ionia County in 1863-4, was born in Herkimer County, NY in 1807. He settled at
Ionia, MI in 1845, where he kept hotel two years, when he moved to Smyrna, Ionia County, went into
mercantile business, continuing his residence there until his death in 1876. Held various
town offices and was a justice. In politics a Republican. (pg. 602)
Sanford A. YEOMANS
Representative from Ionia County in 1877-79, was born in German Flatts, NY, Nov. 29, 1816. He received
a common school education. In 1833 he removed to Easton, Ionia County. He was a member of the
constitutional convention of 1867, and held various township and county offices. He was a farmer
and dealer in real estate, also a stockholder and director of the first national bank of Ionia.
In politics a Republican. (pg. 720)
Presenting another batch of out of state bios donated by one of our best contributors, Paul Horvat, a Van Allen family researcher. Biographies below were extracted from "History of Will County, Illinois," Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co., 1878.
Mrs. W. A. SHARTS, farmer and stock-raiser P. O. New Lenox; was born in Herkimer, N. Y., Jan. 20, 1822; is the widow of the late W. A. SHARTS, who was born in Columbia Co., N. Y., Feb. 12, 1825, and who died Feb. 2, 1878; they were married Oct. 23, 1851; they have had three children, two of whom are living - Ellen, born Nov. 11, 1852; Josephine, June 22, 1857; Charles T., born Jan. 1, 1856; died Jan. 17, 1864. Mrs. SHARTS continues the business in which her husband was engaged, it being that of a farmer and stock-raiser; her farm contains 108 acres, valued at $7,000.
David RICHARDS, farmer and stock-raiser, P. 0. Joliet; was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., March. 27, 1813; be was raised to the dairying business, which be followed until he came West in 1837, making the journey with a team, and settling in Joliet; the first three years he spent in handling stock through the West, buying principally in Illinois and driving to Wisconsin and selling to the settlers; he then engaged in the meat business in Joliet, handling stock at the same time; in 1842, the State became bankrupt and all internal improvements ceasing, Mr. Richards being engaged in supplying the contractors on the Canal, became involved in the financial wreck, and although he paid in full, lost the accumulation of years; in 1844, he engaged in farming and raising and dealing in stock, in which he has ,continued with good success to the present time; he was one of the parties engaged in the Joliet Woolen-Mill enterprise which was started in 1866; he had the management of the feeding department of the Michigan Central Stock-Yards, for seventeen years, and received the first carload of stock which was shipped into Joliet by rail; he subdivided and sold the east half of the northwest quarter of Section 15, known as the Canal Trustees' Subdivision, and embracing a part of the best-settled portion of the city at the present time; he still owns a large amount of real estate in the city, besides about seven hundred acres of farm lands in the county; he erected his fine residence on the corner of Washington and Richards streets in 1860. He has been too much engaged in his own business to seek or accept public office of any kind. Mr. Richards was married Jan. 16, 1840, to Miss Mary A. LARRAWAY, of Herkimer Co., N. Y.; they have six children living - Mary, now Mrs. T. H. INGERSOLL, of Joliet; Nancy Jeanette, wife of J. D. SMITH, of Omaha, Neb.; John, Newton, William M. and Anson.
Daniel RICHARDS, farmer, Sec. 1; P. O. Joliet; the subject of this sketch was born in Herkimer Co, N. Y., Aug. 4, 1826. He married Miss Elmira COOLEY Dec. 10, 1848; she was born in Onondaga Co, N. Y., June 22, 1828; they had three children, two living, viz., Euratus and Elsey G. He lived in New York until June 1839, when he moved to Huron Co, Ohio, and engaged in farming. While here, he was married, and, in 1853, he came to Illinois and settled in Joliet; in 1857, he came to his present place, and has lived here since. He has not been an office-seeker. He came West in poor circumstances, and now owns 220 acres, which he has principally earned by his own labor.
John P. RANSOM, Justice of the Peace and insurance agent, Wilmington; born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., Nov. 29, 1817; removed to Illinois in June, 1844, locating in what is now Richmond Twp., Mc Henry Co.; served as Assessor in that town in 1850; this was the first assessment made after the township organization, he followed farming until 1851; then engaged as millwright till 1862. Enlisted in Co. H, 95th IL V. I., Aug 13, 1862; commissioned Second Lieutenant in June, 1863, having command of the company in all the following engagements: Champion Hill, siege of Vicksburg, Red River campaign, Guntown, Miss., siege of Mobile and battle at Nashville; mustered out Aug. 22, 1865. Removed to Wilmington in 1868, and engaged in the grocery business; was elected Justice of the Peace in 1873; re-elected in 1877. Married in December, 1842, to Jane M. DENISON, who was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y.; she died in 1849; had two children by this union, one living - Mariah, widow of Eugene I. THOMAS; Ellen, wife of A. BROWN, died in June, 1866. He was again married in 1850 to Louisa A. STREETER; she was born in Ontario Co., N. Y.; had two children, one living - John C.; Martha died in 1855. Mr. R. is a member of Wilmington Lodge, No. 208, A., F. & A. M. and Will Lodge, No. 301, I. O. O. F.
William MCINTOSH, manufacturer of farm-wagons, Wilmington; was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., July 12, 1825, but resided in different parts of the State, his father being engaged on public work, for many years; removed to Illinois with his father's family in the winter of 1836-37, making the journey by land, in wagons and sleighs locating first, in Florence Twp., this county, two miles east of the present city of Wilmington; he removed to Wilmington 1843, and learned blacksmithing, and, in 1856, engaged in the manufacturing business. Married in 1847, to Miss Sarah, daughter of John FISHER; she was born in Pennsylvania, five children by this union - Elizabeth, (wife of I. BARKER), Margrie (wife of D. HART) Mary, Fannie and William.
Albert W. BOWEN, retired, Wilmington; born in Berkshire Co., Mass., Feb. 6, 1803, but removed in early childhood with his father's family to Oneida Co., N. Y., this and Herkimer Co. being his home for many years; in 1827, he graduated at the Western College of Physicians and Surgeons at Fairfield, N. Y., and, six years later, removed to Illinois, locating in Joliet in the spring of 1834, where he engaged in the practice of his profession; in December of the following year, he went to Vandalia, then the State Capital, at his own expense, for the purpose of having Will County set off and the county seat located in Joliet; in 1836, he partially gave up the practice of medicine, and engaged in mercantile business, under the firm name of A. W. Bowen & Co., and the following year purchased a half-interest of Thomas and Joseph COX in the present city of Wilmington (then called Winchester); in 1838 - 39, he built the Wilmington Mill, which was the first flouring-mill built here, and, the same season, sold his store to Gov. MATTESON, giving his special attention for several years thereafter to the practice of medicine; in 1849, it became necessary for him to devote a greater share of his time to his business interests at Wilmington, and, in the fall of that year, he removed his family. He served as the Treasurer of the Board of School Trustees for several terms; also served as member of the Town Board and City Council. Married in March, 1831, to Miss Mary C. SHOEMAKER, who was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y.; four children by this union - Rodney S., Major of the 100th IL I. V.; was wounded at the battle of Franklin Dec. 1, 1864, and died of wounds on the 3d. As the Doctor was among the first settlers of the county, much more will be found concerning him in the general history of the county; also the separate histories of the cities of Joliet and Wilmington given in this work.
S. H. WHITED, retired, Joliet; was born in Albany Co., N. Y., May 24, 1808; when he was 19 years old, he went to Herkimer Co. and there learned the painter's trade; he worked for three years for $30 a year, and clothed himself, and at the end of that time had $50 laid by, principally the result of extra work; this illustrates the habits of industry and economy which have been characteristic of his whole life; in 1852, he came to Chicago, settling in Joliet the following year; he worked at his trade till 1855, when he purchased a farm at Twelve-Mile Grove, and followed farming two years, at the end of which time he returned to Joliet. In October, 1861, he volunteered in Col. Wilson's Mechanics' Fusileers in Chicago, and remained until the disbanding of the regiment in February following; about three months later, he again enlisted in Capt. Ford's cavalry company, attached to Cushman's regiment, serving three years, principally engaged in scouting service; in 1865, he returned to Joliet. It should be mentioned that while living in Herkimer Co., he held successively the offices of Corporal, Sergeant, First Lieutenant and Captain in the New York State Militia, holding a commission five years. He was married in 1832 to Miss Sarah HINCHMAN, of Little Falls, N. Y.; they have five children living - Elias H., ticket agent of the Michigan Southern and C., R. I. & P. Railroad Companies in Chicago; Harriet A., Charles W., Jessie O., also in the office with his brother in Chicago; and Jerry H., train dispatcher and division operator on the Central Pacific Railroad at Carlin, Nevada.
Charles W. WHITED, Joliet;, son of S. H. WHITED; was born in Little Falls, N. Y., March 17, 1842, and came to Joliet with his father's family, and, at the age of 15, entered the office of the Joliet Republican to learn the printer's trade. In June, 1861, he enlisted in Capt. Danforth's company, which was first a portion, of the 4th Mo. Cav., then was attached to the 53d Ill., I. V., and finally became Co. F, 13th Ill., Cav.; he served two years, and was discharged by reason of ill health. He then entered the employ of the C., R. I. & P. R. R. Co. as fireman, and afterward on the Chicago & Galena Railroad; he then went south as a bridge carpenter with Sherman's army, returning at the close of the war; since then he has had charge of the telegraph repairs on the C. & A. R. R. three years; on the C., C. & I. C. R. R. two years; five years on the U. P. R. R. from Omaha to Ogden; since 1873, he has been in the employ of the Western Union Telegraph Co. He was married June 12, 1871, to Miss E. W. PUTNAM, of Little Falls, N. Y., and has one child - Samuel C.
Daniel STEWART, deceased; born in Scotland in the year 1799; in 1825, he removed to this country, locating in Herkimer Co., N. Y., where he resided until 1836, when he removed to Illinois, locating near Wilmington in the fall of that year; here he engaged in farming, which was his occupation up to the time of his death, which occurred Aug. 15, 1874. His marriage to Miss Calphurnia JACKSON, of Herkimer, N. Y., was in 1836; she survived him but a few years, her death occurring Nov. 9, 1877; by this union, there were seven sons, only two of whom are living - Peter D. and Jerome B., now residents of Wilmington. Thomas enlisted in the 39th I. V. I. in August 1861; wounded Oct. 13, 1864, at the battle of Petersburg, and died of wounds on the 30th of the same month; Lincoln died at Chicago May 15, 1875.
Edmund ALLEN, proprietor of the Wilmington Butter and Cheese Factory, Wilmington; born in Broome Co., N. Y., May 21, 1814; removed to Illinois in the summer of 1835, locating at Joliet, where he engaged in mercantile business; Mr. ALLEN put up the first barrel of beef that was sent from Chicago to the New York market; the packing was done at the packing-house of G. W. DOLL, and the beef shipped by the old favorite steamer Illinois to Ralph Mead, New York City. Jan. 1, 1844, he removed to Wilmington, engaged in merchandising and milling, at the same time making the butter trade a specialty, being instrumental in establishing a trade in the latter commodity which has placed Wilmington foremost as a market for a good grade of butter; since 1856, he has given his entire attention to this line of business, buying and shipping to the St. Louis market, until 1875, when he erected one of the best butter and cheese factories of the Northwest. Married in 1842 to Miss. Elizabeth SHOEMAKER, who was born in Herkimer Co., N.Y.; four children by this union - Robert L., Edmund A., John J. and Mary E.
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