FAMILY SKETCHES OF THE TOWN OF NORWAY

HERKIMER COUNTY, NY

Contributed by Paul Pitts



Many counties of NY state had county histories published between the years of 1860 and 1900.  Within many of these works are "family sketches". The list below are sketches of families for the township of Norway that were found within the references provided. This list also contains references for those people living elsewhere who were born or lived for a time in Norway Township.If they reside in other townships of Herkimer or Montgomery counties, look under the respective township for further information. For those outside of these counties, a brief abstract and reference is provided.

Furthermore, family sketches provided by individuals whose ancestors are known to have come from or lived in Norway are also provided in this listing. If you would like to contribute your own family sketch, the only requirements are that you know positively that the individual for whom you write about was born or lived in Norway township, Herkimer Co. NY. Compiled and typed by Paula Pitts.



References:

(1) "History of Herkimer County, New York", edited by George A. Hardin, assisted by Frank H. Willard, D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1893, Syracuse, NY.  Family Sketches section.  [Page numbers are given first as printed on Genealogy Library.com; and second the page number listed in the book, Family Sketches section (numbering starts at 1)]

(2) "History of Herkimer County",  F. W. Beers & Co., Publishers, 1879, New York.  Prominent residents section.

(3) Family history from the individual indicated at the end of the paragraph.



Family Sketches:

ACKLEY, S. H., was born in Orwell, Oswego county, N. Y., in 1850, and came to Norway, in 1862.  In 1874 he was married to Arlette IVES, who was born in 1852.  His father, Stephen ACKLEY, was born in Orwell in 1820.  He married Martha KNIGHT, born in Maine in 1822.  Stephen died at New York on his return from the war in 1864.  His wife died in 1861. [Ref. #2. p. 271]

BAIRD, JOHN, Norway, was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, November, 1852.  He is the fourth of six children born to John and Elizabeth (McCULLOCH) BAIRD, of Scotland, where they lived and died.  Elizabeth died in 1855, and Mr. BAIRD married Mary GORDON, by whom he had ten children.  He was a successful dairyman.  He died in 1886.  In 1871 John and his brother James came to America.  James spent the most of his life, after coming here, in Otsego county, as a cheese-maker and school teacher.  He died in 1876.  John was reared on a farm and educated in the common parish schools of Scotland.  He has followed cheese-making since he came to America.  For the last ten years he has been engaged in the White Creek Cheese Factory of Norway.  In 1881 he married Ella FOX and they have had three daughters:  Grace N., Ella F., and Mildred E. Mr. BAIRD is a Republican and a member of Newport Lodge,  No. 451, F. and A.M.  Mrs. BAIRD is a daughter of Abraham and Sarah (ELWOOD) FOX of Stark.  Mr. Fox is of German descent and his wife is of English descent.  They reared eight children and both died in Stark, N.Y.  [Ref #1 p. 291/6]

BELLINGER, JOHN, Norway, was born in Remsen September 15, 1820.  He is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (INGERSOLL) BELLINGER, who reared three children.  Mrs. BELLINGER died and Mr. BELLINGER married Julia DIBBLE, by whom he had seven children.  Jacob BELLINGER was born in Oppenheim and afterwards settled in Bellingertown, in Remsen, the former named in honor of his uncle and father.  During the latter years of his life. Mr. BELLINGER lived with the subject in Ohio, where he died in 1874. John BELLINGER was reared on a farm.  His mother died when he was six years of age, and since the age of nine years he has supported himself. In 1848 he married Lydia ANTHONY, by whom he has three sons and one daughter.  Mr. BELLINGER owns 130 acres of land.  He is a Democrat in politics.  In 1884 Mrs. BEILLINGER died and he married Lizzie MULLEN of Crogan, Jefferson country.  He and wife are members of the M.E. Church. [Ref.#1 p. 375/150]

BENNETT, WILLIAM, Norway, was born in Newport, July 23, 1834.  His father was Hiram BENNETT, a son of Joshua BENNETT, who came from New England at an early date and settled in Ohio, where he died.  Hiram BENNETT came with his father to Ohio and here his life was spent.  He married Almira CHURCHILL, of Deerfield.  She bore him six children.  By his second wife, Lydia CAVENAUGH, he had five.  The death of Mr. BENNETT occurred in 1861 and that of his wife in 1891.  William BENNETT married Emily I. WARNER, a native of Connecticut, by whom he has had six children, two of whom are living, Gary and Olie.  Mr. BENNETT enlisted in the Eighty-first N.Y.S.V. regiment, Co. C, in November, 1861, for three years; was taken prisoner at the battle of Drury's Bluff, May 16, 1864, taken to Andersonville prison and was paroled February 28, 1864, receiving his honorable discharge at Annapolis, May 16, 1865.  Mr. BENNETT is a carpenter by trade and runs a saw-mill.  He has spent most of his life in Ohio, but during the last eight years has resided in Norway.  In 1884 he purchased the Black Creek Western mill.  He is a Republican and has been clerk of Ohio three years.  He and his wife are Methodists.  [Ref. #1 p. 368/139]

BLY, ALFRED, was born August 5, 1821 in Norway, the son of Daniel (son of Joseph) and Mehitable (BENNETT) BLY.  He married Lucy A. TAMER who was born on November 27, 1824.  Alfred was a farmer and hotel proprietor in Gray.  He was a Mason in the Newport Lodge.  Alfred & Lucy had three children, Estella M., Daniel, and Diantha M.  Lucy died September 13, 1870 in Norway and was buried in Hurricane Cemetery.  Alfred then married Cynthia Ann PEABODY, the widow of Valentine BUNCE, on March 30, 1882 in Poland, NY.  Alfred died November 7, 1890 in Ohio, NY and was buried in the Hurricane Cemetery.  Cynthia died about ten years later in Ohio, NY. [Ref. #3, Paula Pitts]

BLY, ALLEN, was born about 1775 in Rhode Island the fourth child of Benjamin and Joanna (CARR) BLY.  Benjamin was born 1738 in England. Joanna was the daughter of William and Elizabeth (COREY) CARR.  Joanna was born May 24, 1736 in West Greenwich, Kent Co., Rhode Island, and they were married in 1761.  They moved around Kent Co., Rhode Island finally settling in Voluntown, Windham Co., CT.  They had five sons and one daughter:  Joseph, William C., Job, Allen, Mary Eunice, and Benjamin Jr. Allen's father, Benjamin,  died June 29, 1818 in Voluntown, CT. Joanna died March 24, 1825 also in Voluntown, CT.  Allen married Anna RICE, daughter of Ebenezer RICE of Coventry, Rhode Island.  They had four children.  Of these only Phoebe BLY is known born 1799 in Rhode Island.  She came to Norway in 1810 with her father after he was divorced from Anna.  Allen then married Mary UNDERWOOD of Connecticut. They stayed in Norway for several years before moving to Hastings, Oswego Co. Allen and Mary had eight children:  Lewis, Mary, Abigail, Lucy, Lovina, David C., Nancy, and Martha. He was a lumberman and farmer. Allen died in Hastings in 1851.[Ref. #3, Paula Pitts ]

BLY, DANIEL W., Norway, was born in Salisbury April 15, 1852.  His father was Horace R. BLY, a son of Daniel BLY.  The latter was a native of Rhode Island born in 1782 and an early settler in Norway, where he lived and died in 1823.  His wife was a Miss BENNETT, who bore him five children.  After the death of Mr. BLY she married  Mr. BARKLEY, and had one son, John, who was killed in the late war.  Horace R. BLY was born in Norway August 26, 1815.  He married Harriet A. LEGG of Mendon, Mass. born June 14, 1817, who bore him three sons and two daughters.  Mr. BLY was a Republican, was once collector, and he and his wife were members of the M.E. Church at Gray.  Mr. BLY died February 22, 1880, and his wife resides with subject.  Daniel W. BLY was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools.  In 1876 he married Jennie E. WILCOX of Norway, born November 10, 1853, a daughter of Parker and Adeline (HALL) WILCOX.  Mr. WILCOX was born in Rhode Island in 1816 and he died in July, 1892, and his wife in September, 1858.  Daniel and his wife have had three children, Nellie A., Daniel W., and Leah W.  When young Mr. BLY worked at the tanner's trade.  He afterwards became a farmer, which business he has since followed.  For ten years he engaged in the nursery business in Painesville, Ohio.  He is a Republican and was supervisor of Norway in 1892.  He is a member of Newport Lodge, 455 F. & A.M.  [Ref #1 p. 295/13]

BLY, HENRY, was born June 20, 1853, the son of Luther and Hannah (WENDOVER) BLY.  Luther was born in 1828 in Rhode Island the son of Jonathan, Sr. and Phebe (PEARCE) BLY of Coventry RI and descended from Joseph and Hannah (RATHBUN) BLY.  Hannah WENDOVER BLY was from NewYork.  Henry married Emma HALL October 29, 1876 at her father's hotel in Gray, NY.  Emma was born September 5, 1856.  Henry died in February 3, 1939 and Emma in 1943, both at Gray.  They were buried at Fairview Cemetery, Norway, NY.  Henry had two sisters, Delia BLY born July 2, 1855 and died February 16, 1901 and was buried at Fairview Cemetery. His other sister, Jennie BLY was born February 6, 1851 and married Orrin COMSTOCK who was the son of Samuel and Sybil (CUMMINGS) COMSTOCK.  They are also buried at Fairview Cemetery.  [Ref. #3,  Paula Pitts]

BLY, HORACE R., was born August 26, 1815 in Norway, the son of Daniel (son of Joseph) and Mehitable (BENNETT) BLY.  He married on March 9, 1839 Harriet A. LEGG who was born June 14, 1817 in Mendon, MA.  He was a mason and farmer, a member of the M.E. Church at Gray and a Republican. They had five children, Daniel W., Sr., Bailey Legg, Jenny E., David H., and Mary Hattie BLY.  Horace died February 22, 1880 and Harriet on January 16, 1895.  Both are buried in the Fairview Cemetery in Norway.[Ref. #3, Paula Pitts]

BLY, JOB, was born about 1771 in Voluntown, Windham Co. CT, the third son of Benjamin and Joanna (CARR) BLY.  He married April 8, 1790 Olive RATHBUN of West Greenwich, RI who was the daughter of Thomas RATHBUN and Ruth CLARK in the Sterling Congregational Church in Connecticut.  They had three children, Job Jr., born in Rhode Island, Thomas Rathbone born in Voluntown CT, and Olive BLY born probably in Voluntown CT.  Olive RATHBUN BLY died about 1796. Job then married Esther DEANS on January 1, 1800 in the Congregational Church at Windham, Connecticut..  Esther was born 1776 in Stonington, CT.  Job and Esther moved to Norway and bought 25 acres of Land in Lot 50, 2nd allotment of the Royal Grant. Job and Esther had three children Mary Ann, Josiah D., and Alanson.  Esther died March 23, 1840 in Norway, NY and was buried in the Hurricane Cemetery. Job then married Prudence BENSON who was born January 7, 1795 in Massachusetts.  According to Norway Tidings, Job was a deacon in the Norway Freewill Baptist church and a strong anti-slavery man.  Job died July 27, 1852 and was buried in the Hurricane Cemetery.Prudence died in 1865 and was buried in the Fairview Cemetery, Norway, NY.  [Ref #3 Paula Pitts]

BLY, JOSEPH, was born April 19, 1762 in Voluntown, CT.  He was the first son of Benjamin and Joanna (CARR) BLY.  He married Hannah RATHBUN November 4, 1782 in West Greenwich, Rhode Island.  She was born July 3, 1741 in Exeter, RI to Thomas and Charity (PERKINS) RATHBUN. They had the following children:  Daniel, Abigail, Joanna, Jonathan, Lewis T..  All born in Coventry, Rhode Island except Jonathan born in Voluntown, CT. Most of the family moved to Norway in the spring of 1792. According to Norway Tidings, they settled just north of Hurricane Brook on lot 39 of the third allotment of the Royal Grant in the town of Norway.  Then in Norway Joseph and Hannah had Rouse, Joseph Jr., Hannah, and Nathan BLY, Sr..  Hannah died in 1801 and was buried in the Hurricane Cemetery in Norway.  Joseph then married Candace BARKLEYNICHOLS. Mrs. NICHOLS was from Salisbury, NY. They had three sons, Jason, Samuel, and Richard. Joseph died February 20, 1813 and was buried in the Hurricane Cemetery. [ Ref. #3 Paula Pitts ]

BLY, LEWIS, was born in 1814 the son of Allen and Mary (UNDERWOOD) BLY. He moved to Norway with his father.  He married Eunice MARSH in 1839. She was the daughter of Peleg MARSH of Constantia.  They had five children:  Emeline, Anna Eliza, Ellen, Homer, and Horace.  She died in 1865 and Lewis remarried in 1868 Susan Abigail (LENDON) BLY, the widow of his brother David C. BLY. Susan was the daughter of C.C. LENDON of Vermont. They had two children, Sarah E. and George.  Lewis and his family moved to Hastings, Oswego Co. with his father, Allen BLY. [Ref. #3 Paula Pitts ]

BLY, PHOEBE, was born in Rhode Island in 1798, the daughter of Allen and Anna (RICE) BLY. Phoebe married Horace NICHOLS in 1818 in Norway. He was the son of Maze and Aigail (SPENCER) NICHOLS.  They had three children: Joseph, L. Nelson, and Mary. Mary was born in 1830 and died 1831. Phoebe died in 1834 and she and Horace were buried in the Nichols-Sweet Cemetery on Dairy Hill in Norway. [Ref #3 Paula Pitts ]

BLY, WILLIAM C., was born about 1769 in Rhode Island the second son of Benjamin and Joanna (CARR) BLY who married Miss RATHBUN whose first name is unknown. They moved to Norway in the spring of  1792 and settled near his brother Joseph in the Hurricane district of Norway. They had one son, Benjamin Harvey BLY born 1795 in Norway.  William's wife died and he married Isabel TEFFT of Remsen, NY.  They had Eudoxy, William Tefft, Polly, Daniel, Sally, Joseph, and Ruth.  Isabel died in 1817 in Norway. William then married Elizabeth (SERVICE) VEDDER who was the widow of Aaron VEDDER. Elizabeth was the daughter of William and Sophia (YOUNG) SERVICE.  They had one son Clark.  William died February 18, 1841 and Elizabeth in May 22, 1854.  Both were buried in the Hurricane Cemetery. [Ref #3 Paula Pitts]

BOICE, PETER, was born in Ulster county, N. Y., in 1839.  He came to Gray in 1876.  He was a member of the 20th N. Y. volunteers.  He was married in 1862 to Ruhamah J. WEEKS, of Ulster county, born in 1844.  Peter is the son of William, who was a prominent citizen of Olive, Ulster county. [Ref. #2 p. 271.]

BUNNEL, MONSON, was born in the town of Ohio, N.Y., in 1829.  He came to Norway, N.Y., in 1844.  He has served five successive terms as supervisor, and has held other town offices.  In 1853 he was married to Isabella SHANNON, who was born in 1832.  They have had five children, of whom two are living.[Ref. #2 p. 271]

BURT, HENRY S., was born in Berkshire, Tioga county, N.Y., in 1828.  He removed to Norway, N.Y., in 1840.  He has been assessor in this town. In 1854 he was married to Catherine CORP, who was born in 1828.  Seth BURT, the father of Henry, was a graduate of Union College, and a Presbyterian clergyman.[Ref. #2 p. 271]

CARPENTER, L., was born in Rhode Island in 1797, and came to Herkimer county in 1802.  He was twenty years an assessor in Norway.  He married Nancy Ann BARNEY, who was born in 1798.  She died in 1834, and he was again married, to Zylphia DEERST, who was born in 1802. [Ref. #2 p. 271]

COLLINS, MRS. B. R., who was Almira FORTUNE, was born in Fairfield, N.Y., in 1810, and was married to B. P. COLLINS, who was born in 1800 and died in 1873.  S. FORTUNE, the father of Mrs. COLLINS, was a native of England, and was a noted mechanic.  He was a settler at Little Lakes, Otsego county, N.Y., in 1798. [Ref. #2 p. 271]

COMSTOCK, BYRON, Norway, was born in Ohio, Dec. 24, 1848.  His father was Samuel COMSTOCK, a son of Stephen, a native of Mass., and an early settler of Norway.  Samuel COMSTOCK was born in Norway in 1799.  He married Sybil CUMMINGS, by whom he had nine sons and three daughters, all of whom are living except the youngest.  Mr. COMSTOCK was a Democrat and held minor offices in Ohio, where he resided most of his life and where he died in 1891.  Byron COMSTOCK was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools.  He married Helen M. NICHOLS, of Fairfield, a daughter of Caleb and Abigail (HARRIS) NICHOLS.  Mr. NICHOLS survives his wife, and at present resides in Troy.  The subject has one child, Mary F.  He is a farmer.  His early life was spent in Ohio, but for the last eighteen years he has resided in Norway.  He has been assessor eight years and commissioner of highways one year.  He is a Democrat. [Ref. #1 p. 382/162]

CORCORIN, JOHN, was born in Galway county, Ireland, in 1813.  He is a tanner and currier by trade, and he was foreman of the Grayville tannery during ten years.  He came to America in 1841, and married Johannah POUND carin 1865. [Ref. #2 p. 271]

CRANDALL, L. D., was born in 1841 in Norway, N.Y.  In 1864, he was married to Ann E. DELEVAN, who was born in 1846.  They have one child, Herman P.  John B. CRANDALL, the father of L. D. who is still living at Herkimer, N.Y., was born in 1808.  He married Louisa DRAKE, of Oneida county, N.Y. [Ref. #2 p. 271]

Du BOIS, DAVID, was born June 11th, 1797, and is now the oldest resident of Norway who was born within the present town limits.  His family is of French origin, and traces its name back to the eleventh century.  The Du BOISes were among the Huguenots of France.  Louis Du BOIS emigrated to this country, and settled in Ulster county, N.Y. in 1660.  His descendants are quite numerous in this section.  His third child, Jacob, was born at Kingston, N.Y., October, 1661.  In tracing his descendants we find Barent, Joacob and David, who is represented in the accompanying engraving.  Jacob was an early settler of Norway, coming here in 1795. He was the father of a large family.  David Du BOIS was married to Sarah TILLINGHAST, December 29 th, 1829.  Of this marriage, the only offspring now living, are Luke Du BOIS, the present supervisor of Norway, and Frances, now Mrs. J. D. HENDERSON of Herkimer.  Mr. Du BOIS until middle life worked at the carpenter trade, and in 1855 moved upon a farm half a mile north of Norway village, where he lived about twenty years.  He has been prominent as a business man, and in politics, serving his town as supervisor and in other offices, which were always filled with credit to himself and benefit to his townsmen.  He has been for many years senior warden of the Episcopal church at Norway, and although for a long time past quite infirm of body, his life has been one of activity and usefulness.  Mrs. Du BOIS is of English descent.  Her father, Pardon TILLINGHAST, moved to Norway from Rhode Island in 1804.  He married Mrs. Anna REYNOLDS, whose maiden name was CRANDALL.  Two children were born of this marriage, Sarah and Elizabeth.  The latter married Morgan NORTON, and died many years ago.  Mrs. Du BOIS is now past seventy years of age, but is yet an active woman, and earnest in church and charitable work.  [Ref. #2 p. 221 & 222]

DUTTON, WILLIAM M., was born in Middleburgh, N.Y., in 1824. He removed to Salisbury, N.Y., in 1857, and was proprietor of the Stratford tannery during twenty years.  He now resides in Gray, where he is foreman in the tannery of William PROCTOR.  His wife was Sarah AMBLER, born in 1833. Mr. D. is of English descent. [Ref. #2 p. 271]

FOLNSBEE, WILLIAM, Norway, was born in Canada in May, 1837.  His parents were Thadeus and Maria FOLNSBEE, natives of Scoharie county, N.Y., to whom seven children were born.  When a young man Mr. FOLNSBEE went to Canada.  He returned to New York, where he married.  Then again he spent several years in Canada, and then returned to Scoharie county.  He finally moved to Delaware county, N.Y., where he died in 1891.  His wife still resides in Delaware county.  William FOLNSBEE was reared on a farm, and received a common school education.  In 1860 he married Elizabeth NEWMAN, a native of Bellinger, Oneida county, N.Y. born in 1838.  She was a daughter of Isaac and Mary (BELLINGER) NEWMAN, who reared nine children.  Mr. FOLNSBEE and wife have had five children: Charles, Ellen (deceased), William, Jessie, and John.  He is a tanner and farmer a Republican in politics, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Church.  [Ref. # 1 p. 433/249]

GERSTENLAUER, GOTTLIEB, Norway, Herkimer county, was born in Germany, October 31, 1839.  His parents were Michael and Dorthea GERSTENLAUER, who had three sons and three daughters.  Mr. GERSTENLAUER died in Germany, May 9, 1862, and his wife December 21, 1860.  Gottlieb was reared on a farm in Germany.  In 1867 he came to America and worked twelve years for Hinckley & Ballou of Hinckley.  In 1867 he married Sarah BRAND of Morehouseville, Hamilton County, born April 5, 1851, a daughter of Frederick and Mary BRAND, and they have three children, Dorothea, Clara and Grace.  In 1880 Mr. GERSTENLAUER settled on a farm in Norway, where he has since resided.  He is independent in politics. He and his family are members of the German Lutheran Church.[Ref #1 p. 316/49]

HENDERSON, EDWARD, came from Vermont in 1792 and settled in the south part of the town.  His wife, whose maiden name was Mary MATHEWS, was a woman of remarkable talents and intelligence.  Daniel C., a son, was one of the leading citizens in this town.  He was a justice for many years, served as supervisor one term, and was elected member of Assembly in 1826.  He died in the town in 1860.  Hugh, another son, removed to Illinois, but died while on a visit to Norway in 1856.  [Ref. #1 p. 211/415]

HINES, CHARLES, was born in 1808 in the town of Norway, N.Y.  He now resides just in the town of Newport, in this county.  He was married in 1834 to Irena WAFUL, who was born in 1810 and died in 1873.  He paid $1,130 for a substitute for his son in the late war. Russel, the father of Charles, was a native of Southbury, Conn. He served as captain, major and colonel in the war of 1812. He died in Norway in 1847. [Ref. #2 p. 271]

HINES, CHARLES F., Norway, was born in Newport in 1867.  His father is Benjamin HINES, a son of Charles HINES.  Charles HINES was an early settler of Newport, where he resided many years. He settled the farm of 222 acres now owned by subject. Mrs. HINES died about 1873. Benjamin HINES was born in Newport in 1843.  His wife is Harriet HOLLIDAY, by whom he has three sons and two daughters. In 1891 Mr. HINES moved on a farm in Oneida county, where he now resides. Charles F. HINES was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. In 1890 he married Clara HAFER, of Newport, and they have one child, Grant. Mrs. HINES is one of thirteen children of John and Johannah HAFER, natives of Germany, now residents of Newport. The subject is a farmer and a Republican, and he and wife are Methodists. [Ref. #1 p. 429/242]

HODGE, Ira, Norway, was born in Winfield, Herkimer County, in 1840. He is a son of David Hodge, a son of Robert Hodge, one of the first settlers of Ohio, where he spent his life in agricultural pursuits. The wife of Robert Hodge was Rosa Pell, who bore him twelve children, five of whom are living. David Hodge was a farmer. His wife was Patience Hall, who bore him eleven children. Mr. Hodge spent most of his life in Ohio, where he and his wife died. The subject was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He married Mary F. Warner, of New York, and they had the following children: Nellie I, Jessie W., David O., Florence E., Benjamin F., Polly M. and Nora O., all of whom are living except Nora O., who died in infancy. Mr. Hodge is a farmer and shingle maker. He, perhaps, has made more shingles than any other man in Herkimer county. In 1861 he enlisted in company C. Thirty-fourth NY Bolunteers, and at the end of two months was sent home for disability. In 1865 he was drafted and on account of disability was rejected. He did not receive his discharge until 1892. [Ref #1, p. 139]

IVES, AMOS, was born in Salisbury, N.Y., in 1813, and has been a resident of Norway sixty-four years.  He has held several town offices.  In 1861 he married Joana BUNCE, of Russia, N.Y.  Simeon, the father of Amos and lineal descendant of another Amos, was born in Connecticut in 1782, and settled in Salisbury in 1793.  His wife was Alphina SHEPPARD.  He died in 1865; she in 1873. [Ref. #2 p. 271]

LATHAM GRAY was born in Groton, Conn. in 1800, and came to the village which bears his name in 1828; has been a manufacturer of lumber and cheese boxes.  He sent the first round cheese box to New York from Herkimer county.  He has been supervisor of Norway two terms.  He was first married in 1825 to Julia PENDLETON.  She died, and he married Catharine BENTSLEY, who died in 1835.  He was married a third time, to Mary Ann VICKERY, who was born in Russia, N.Y., in 1823. [Ref. #2 p. 271]

LEGG, S. B., is one of the thoroughgoing farmers of Norway.  He was born in Minden, Mass., June 20th, 1813, and came with his parents to this town in 1825.  He has witnessed, with pleasure no doubt, the transforming influence of civilization upon the wilderness and its wild denizens, and watched with satisfaction the development of the little shanty made of rough logs, and the little hovel thatched with boughs, into the elegant mansion, and the large and commodious barns and outbuildings, the comforts of which he has lived to enjoy.  ...His father, Bailey LEGG, was born in Minden Mass., in 1783, and his mother in the same town in 1789.  Bailey LEGG died in 1862, and his wife in 1864.  Mr. LEGG has been honored with the office of supervisor of this town for one term, and justice of the peace for two terms.  Captain J. P. LEGG, a brother of S. B. LEGG, Esq, was in the service of the United States during the civil war, enlisting November 5th, 1861, in Company D, 1st regiment U.S. sharpshooters, and being promoted to captain of Company K, 186th N.Y. volunteers, January 8th, 1865, and mustered out at Sackett's Harbor June 14th, 1865.  [Ref. #2 p. 222]

LUTHER, IRA, Norway, was born in Norway, October 5, 1858.  His father is Almond LUTHER, son of Simeon LUTHER.  The latter was a native of Salisbury, and there lived and died.  Almond LUTHER is a native of Salisbury, born in 1815.  His wife was Catharine TOMPKINS, of Norway, and to them were born four sons and four daughters, six of whom are living.  Mr. LUTHER is a farmer, and has spent most of his life in Norway.  He attends and supports the M.E. Church.  The subject was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools.  He is a farmer and a Democrat.  [Ref. #1 p. 403/197]

MOODY, JAMES, was born in Ireland in 1799.  He came to America in 1823, and to Norway, in this county, in 1837, and settled on a farm of two hundred and fifty acres, owned by Judge LOOMIS, of Little Falls, which he has since purchased.  He was married in 1822 to Lilla RILEY. [Ref. #2 p. 271]

MORSE, N., was born in the town of Ohio, N.Y., in 1810.  He came to Norway, in this county at the age of thirteen.  He has held the offices of assessor and commissioner of highways three years each.  In 1833 he married Eliza WILCOX, who was born in Rhode Island in 1812.  John F. MORSE, grandfather of Nathan, settled in Ohio before the Revolution. [Ref. #2 p. 271]

MORSE, EDWIN, was born in the town of Ohio, in this county, in 1813, and settled on the farm where he resides in Norway in 1856.  He has been assessor in this town.  He married Lucy A. SLADE in 1836.   William the father of Edwin, was born in 1786, and died in 1869. [Ref. #2 p. 271]

MORSE, WILLIAM H., Norway, was born in Lewis county, October 17, 1842. His father was Nathaniel MORSE, a son of William MORSE, a son of Tankard MORSE.  The latter was a native of Germany and when a child came to this country with his parents.  When seven years old the family was captured by the Indians.  He and his sister were saved, but they witnessed the massacre of their parents.  Some years afterwards Tankard was stolen from the Indians by a white man, who gave to him his own name, Tankard. Mr. MORSE was married, had four sons and died in Norway in 1830.  Mr MORSE was born in Chatham in 1786 and married Lydia BUNNELL of Ohio, born 1788.  They had five children.  Mrs. MORSE died and Mr. MORSE married Ann COOK, and they had five children.  Mrs. MORSE died February 11, 1835, and Mr. MORSE in 1869.  Nathaniel MORSE was born in Ohio and came to Norway when a boy with his parents.  He married Eliza WILCOX of Westerly, R.I., born 1813, one of five children of Parker and Mary (CLAUSON) WILCOX, who bore him one son and four daughters.  Mr. MORSE died September 19, 1883, and his wife, who is seventy-nine years of age, resides with subject.  W. H. MORSE was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and in Fairfield Academy.  October 31, 1867, he married Nancy B. COLLINS, of Russia, born May 18, 1843, a daughter of Benjamin and Almira COLLINS.  Mr. COLLINS was a farmer.  He was assessor and held minor offices.  He died in 1873 and his wife in 1883.  To subject and wife have been born one son, Allison D., who resides with his parents, and one daughter, Mary, who is now Mrs. Frank NETHAWAY, of Norway.  She has two children Nellie and Almira.  Mr. MORSE is a Republican and has been assessor seven years.  His wife is a member of the M.E. Church.  [Ref. #1 p. 329/71]

NICHOLS, H.C., Norway, was born in Norway September 6, 1845.  His father was Joseph NICHOLS, son of Horace NICHOLS, of Rhode Island, born in 1794.  His wife was Phoebe BLY, born in Rhode Island in 1799.  They had six children.  Horace died January 31, 1875, and his wife died in 1834. Joseph NICHOLS was born in Norway in 1819, and married Louisa HANDY, who bore him five children.  Louisa HANDY NICHOLS was a native of Salisbury.  She died in 1859, and Mr. NICHOLS married Anna HUGHES, who had three children.  Mr. NICHOLS's third wife was Silva BELL, and by her he had two children.  H.C. NICHOLS was reared on a farm and educated in common schools and in Fairfield Seminary.  In 1869 he married Libbie JOHNSTON, daughter of Charles Rachel (EMERY) JOHNSTON of Oppenheim, who bore him three children, namely: Alice I. Edith L. and Homer J..   Mr. NICHOLS followed farming a short time, but for many years has manufactured cheese.  For the last fifteen years he has been in the Norway cheese factory.  He is a Republican, and has been excise commissioner a number of terms and is now justice of the peace.  He is a Baptist.  [Ref. #1 p. 332/77]

NORRIS, JOHN E., was born in Kent, England, in 1819.  He came to Norway, Herkimer county, in 1847.  He married Elizabeth FOWLER, of the same place.  John is a descendant of William, who was born in England and married Eliza COVENTRY. [Ref. #2 p. 271]

NORTON, JAMES.  Thomas NORTON came from England in 1639.  His son John came with him.  John died in 1704; his son John (2nd) was born in 1668 and died in 1711.  John 3rd was born in 1699 and died in 1798; his son John (4th) was born in 1734, died in 1804 and was buried on Guilford Green, Connecticut.  He married Lucy LEE in 1758.  They had eight children.  James NORTON, their seventh child, was born July 14th, 1774. Huldah CHITENDEN was born October 10th, 1777.  James NORTON and Huldah CHITENDEN were married at Guilford, Connecticut, in 1794.  Mr. NORTON came into this county in 1794 and located upon land purchased by his father in the town of Salisbury, but not being pleased with the location, he came to Norway and purchased the place upon which he lived until his death in 1850.  In May, 1796, he brought his wife and infant daughter (who afterwards became Mrs. Ira COE) from Guilford.  [Ref. #2 p. 291]

NORTON, MORGAN, was born in Norway, July 4th, 1809 [son of James NORTON and Huldah CHITENDEN].  Elizabeth TILLINGHAST was born in Norway, March 28th, 1808.  They were married in October, 1836.  Mrs. Elizabeth TILLINGHAST NORTON died June 11th, 1842.  Rhoda C. DIX was born at White Creek, Washington county, N.Y., November 10th, 1817.  Morgan NORTON and Miss DIX were married in October, 1846.  Mr. NORTON held various positions in the town, and was elected supervisor in 1855.  In 1856 he was seriously hurt by falling from a tree, injuring his spine and incapacitating him for active business.  He died on July 15th, 1872. [Ref. #2 p. 291]

ROCKWELL, H. M., was born in Norway, N.Y., in 1826.  His father, Edwin was born in Connecticut in 1800, and came to Norway in 1817.  Edwin married Temperance MANLY, who was born in 1802.  David, her father died in 1873; his wife in 1836.  Thomas MANLY, the grandfather of H. M. ROCKWELL, settled in Norway in 1790.  He had two sons in the war of 1812. [Ref. #2 p. 271]

ROOT, A. P., was born in 1839, in Russia, Herkimer county, and removed to Norway in 1863.  In 1861 he was married to Mary E. WALRATH, who was born in 1839.  Their children are, Nellie E., Minnie, Charles, and Edith. The ROOT family have a published genealogical record going back to the year 1620.  A. P. is in the eighth generation. [Ref. #2 p. 271]

ROOT, A. P., Norway, was born in Russia, November 5, 1839.  His father was Palmer ROOT, born 1802 in Russia.  His mother was Sallie TRUMAN, born October 26, 1826.  Mr. ROOT was a colonel in the State militia, and was a Whig and afterwards a Republican.  He held the offices of supervisor and assessor.  His life was spent in Russia, except the last year, when he resided in Norway, where he died in 1863, and his wife in 1885.  The subject was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and in Fairfield Seminary.  In 1862 he married Mary WALRATH, of Fort Plain, and their children are Nellie E. Minnie, Charles M. and Edith.  In 1885 Mrs. ROOT died, and in 1888 Mr. ROOT married Mrs. Sarah HALL SLOCUM.  Mr. Root was a resident of Russia until 1863, when he went to Norway and purchased the farm on which he now resides.  He is a Prohibitionist and he and wife are Baptists.  Mr. ROOT is a member of Norway Grange, No 586, and is at present its secretary.  [Ref. #1 p. 341/92]

SALISBURY, ACKLAND, a retired farmer, was born in Norway, N.Y., in 1803. He has been assessor in the town.  In 1830 he was married to Mary AYERS (now deceased).  She was the daughter of Stephen AYERS, at one time a member of the Legislature.  The second wife of Mr. L. was Asenath SERVICE.  His father, Nathaniel, was a pioneer settler of Fairfield in this county. [Ref. #2 p. 271]

SALISBURY, SARAH.  Daniel SALISBURY lived for a time and died at Swansea, Mass.  One of his sons, Richard, was born in that town and married Elizabeth EASTERBROOKS of Warren, R.I.  One of their sons, Nathaniel, was born in Swansea, Mass. March 24th, 1772.  He married Joanna WILSON, of Thompson, Conn., January 27th, 1796, and immediately settled in Fairfield, Herkimer county, where one of their daughters, Sarah; was born September 6th, 1798.  Johnson SMITH and Sarah SALISBURY were married January 25th, 1825.  [Ref. #2 p. 291]

SILLIMAN, GEORGE, Norway, was born February 8, 1826.  His father was Daniel SILLIMAN, a son of Justice SILLIMAN, who lived and died in Connecticut.  The wife of Justice SILLIMAN was Ruth JENNINGS, who bore him ten children.  Daniel SILLIMAN was born in Connecticut, in 1795. His wife was Catherine SHERWOOD of Connecticut, born 1798.  They had eight children.  In 1822 Mr. SILLIMAN came to Salisbury.  He died in 1844 and his wife in 1891.  George SILLIMAN was educated in the common schools and in Fairfield Seminary.  In 1852 he married Sarah E. WOOD of Stratford, born July 18, 1832, a daughter of Daniel and Huldah (JENNINGS) WOOD, early settlers of Stratford.  They had six children. Mr. WOOD died in 1881 and his wife in 1865.  The children of subject and wife are: Charles D., Alice A., Edward G., Mary C. Dwight A. and Hiram D.  When a young man, Mr. SILLIMAN resided three years in Wisconsin.  He afterwards resided thirteen years in Stratford.  In 1864 he went to Norway and has lived there since, on a farm of 227 acres.  Mr. SILLIMAN is a prohibitionist and he and his wife are Baptists. [Ref. #1 p. 347/102]

SMITH, FREDERICK, Norway, was born in Norway January 9, 1826.  He was reared on a farm and educated in the common and select schools.  He clerked in Norway about six years and then followed farming.  In 1871 he went to Herkimer and was deputy county clerk for five years.  November 20, 1851, he married Maria E. SERVICE of Norway, born September 5, 1830, who bore him five children:  Ida E., Zenas B., Arthur I., Ruth and Phebe D., all of whom are living.  In politics Mr. SMITH was an Abolitionist, a Republican, and is now a Prohibionist.  He has been overseer of the poor, justice of the peace, town clerk, and supervisor of Norway.  He was census enumerator of Norway in 1865 and Salisbury and Norway in 1870.  He published the Norway Tidings for four years, beginning January 1, 1887.  He has been correspondent of the county press and Utica papers for over thirty years.  He and his wife are Methodists.  Mrs. SMITH is a daughter of Jacob and Eliza SERVICE.  The parents of Jacob SERVICE were Wm. W. and Asenath WINEGAR, who settled in Norway in 1880.  The father of Fred SMITH was Johnson SMITH, a son of Jared SMITH, jr., whose father was Jared SMITH.  Jared SmMITH, sen., was born in Huntington, Conn., July 25, 1741.  August 20, 1761, he married Dorcas BEECHER.  She was born in Huntington June 15, 1744.  She was a great-aunt of Henry Ward BEECHER. The children of Mr. SMITH and wife were four sons and one daughter. Dorcas SMITH died August 20, 1779, and May 5, 1783, Mr. SMITH married Mary JOHNSON of South Britain, Conn.  Mr. SMITH died March 13, 1813, in Salisbury, Conn.  His second wife died July 17, 1815.  Jared SMITH, jr., was born at Southbury April 11, 1766.  January 14, 1787, he married Dorcas JOHNSON of the same town.  In 1797 Mr. SMITH and family came to Norway.  The family of Mr. SMITH and wife consisted of one son and five daughters.  In politics he was a Whig.  In 1816 he appointed justice of the peace and held the office eight years.  He was lieutenant and afterwards captain of a military company.  He died in Norway March 26, 1845.  His wife died May 16, 1851.  Johnson SMITH was born in Norway October 30, 1798.  January 13, 1825 he married Sarah SALISBURY, born in Fairfield September 6, 1798.  They had six children.  In politics he was a Whig, Know Nothing, and afterwards a Republican.  He held minor town offices.  He was a member of the M.E. Church.  His wife died in 1844 and Mr. SMITH in 1847 married Harriet HINE of Norway, a daughter of Russell and Allie HINE.  His second wife died in 1892.  Mr. SMITH died in Norway March 30, 1869.  He was a kind parent and good citizen.  [Ref. #1 p. 349/105]

SMITH, FREDERICK, the oldest son [of Johnson SMITH and Sarah SALISBURY] was  born in Norway January 9th, 1826, and married November 20th, 1851, to Miss Maria E. SERVICE, of the same town.  His occupation has been farming and clerking mainly.  The official positions he has held in the town are noted elsewhere.  In June 1871, he was appointed deputy county clerk, and held that office about five years.  At present he is engaged in mercantile pursuits at Norway village. [Ref. #2 p. 291]

SMITH, JACKSON, was born in Norway, N.Y., in 1827.  He has been assessor and he is now a director of the Newport Bank.  He was married in 1847, to Phoebe DORMAN, who was born in Russia, Herkimer county, in 1828. Isaac SMITH, the father of Jackson, was born in Norway, in 1797, and died in 1874. [Ref. #2 p. 271]

SMITH, JARED, Jr. was the son of Jared SMITH, sen. a Revolutionary soldier, and Dorcas BEECHER who were both born in the town of Huntington, Conn. They were married August 26th, 1761, and soon after removed to Southbury, Conn., where their oldest child, Jared, Jr. was born April 11th, 1766.  Dorcas JOHNSON was born in the same town June 23rd, 1766, and was married to Jared SMITH, Jr., January 14th, 1787.  Soon after marriage they removed to Freehold, Greene county, N.Y., where they resided about nine years.  In 1796 Mr. SMITH made quite an extended tour through central New York, which resulted in his purchasing one hundred acres of land a mile east of where Norway village is now located; his choice probably being influenced by several Southbury families who had prevciously settled in the town.  Johnson SMITH, their only son, was born in this town October 30th, 1798.[Ref. #2 p. 291]

SMITH, JOHNSON, (deceased) was born in Norway, in 1798.  He married Sarah SALISBURY (deceased).  By her he had six children, of whom only two (Sarah and Fred) are living.  His second wife was Harriet HINER.  By her he had four children. [Ref. #2 p. 272]

SNYDER, ALBERT E., Norway, was born in Norway, June 8, 1858.  He is a son of George SNYDER, whose father was an early settler of Boonville, where he spent his life as a farmer.  George SNYDER was one of a family of three sons and two daughters.  He was born in Boonville in 1824, and followed the occupation of farming.  His wife was Lydia CASE, of Norway, who bore him five sons and two daughters.  Mrs. SNYDER was a daughter of Stephen CASE, a native of Massachusetts, and an early settler of Norway, where he died.  He was in the war of 1812.  Mr. SNYDER came to Norway at the age of seven years and there spent the remainder of his life.  he was an active Republican and held the offices of deputy sheriff, collector, and constable.  He and wife were Methodists.  He died March 24, 1888, and his wife died April 13, 1877.  Albert E. SNYDER was educated in common and select schools, and reared on a farm. April 29, 1883, he married Clarissa WHITE, of Norway, born 1865, who bore him one child, Grace A.  Mr. SNYDER was formerly a farmer, but for the last five years has manufactured cheese.  He is a Republican and attends and supports the M.E. Church.  He and wife are members of the Y.P.S.C.E. Mrs. SNYDER's father was George WHITE, a native of Germany, who at the age of six years came with his parents to America and settled in Deerfield.  The wife of George WHITE was Harriet BENJIMAN, of Norway. Mrs. WHITE died in 1876, and Mr. WHITE now resides in Deerfield.  [Ref. #1 p. 347/102]

SNYDER, GEORGE, was born in Boonville, Oneida county, N.Y., in 1824, and came to Norway, N.Y. in 1830.  He holds the office of deputy sheriff, which he has held during nine years.  In 1844 he was married to Lydia CASE, who was born in Russia, N.Y., in 1819.  Lydia's father was one of the first settlers of Salisbury in this county.  George is a descendant of William H., who was born in Germany. [Ref. #2 p. 272]

SWEET, BURTON J., Norway, was born in Norway July 20, 1836.  He is a son of Jesse SWEET, a son of Wanton SWEET, a native of Rhode Island, born October 6, 1776.  When a young man Wanton SWEET came to Salisbury and there in 1800 married Olive Carr of Salisbury, born 1783.  They reared twelve children.  Mr. SWEET died February 2, 1850, and his wife died October 1, 1856.  Jesse SWEET was born in Salisbury in 1802.  March 10, 1831, he married Elizabeth POTTER and had four children.  While on a journey to the west looking for land he died in Ohio in 1837.  Burton J. SWEET was educated in the common and select schools.  He now owns the farm on which he was born.  In 1871 he married Emily M. CRAIN of Evans Mills, Jefferson county, born 1843.  Their children are Ward B., Arthur H., Bertha E., Jessie V. and Annie M.  Mr. SWEET is a Prohibitionist. He has been highway commissioner three years and a member of Norway Grange 568.  Mrs. SWEET is a Baptist.  The parents of Mrs. SWEET were Isaac and Mertilla (ROOT) CRAIN.  Mr. CRAIN died March 11, 1888, and Mrs. CRAIN died February, 1883.  [Ref. #1 p. 349/106]

SWEET, B. J., was born in Norway, N.Y., on the farm where he now resides, in 1836.  He has served three years as commissioner of highways.  In 1871 he was married to Emily CRANE, of Jefferson county, N.Y., born in 1843.  Jesse, the father of B. J., was born in Salisbury, in 1802, and died in 1837. [Ref. #2 p. 272]

VAN VECHTEN, CHARLES F., Norway, was born August 9, 1836.  His father was Harmon VAN VECHTEN, a son of Peter VAN VECHTEN, who lived and died in Rensselaer county.  The wife of Peter was Jane WALDRON, who bore him four sons and four daughters.  Harmon VAN VECHTEN was born in May 23, 1813.  He married Rony H. AUSTIN, and they had eight sons and five daughters.  In 1851 Mr. VAN VECHTEN came to Norway and there resided until his death in 1883.  His widow is a member of the M.E. Church and now resides with Charles F. VAN VECHTEN.  Mrs. VAN VECHTEN was born in Salisbury in 1823, and was a daughter of William S. and Lucy (BARNES) Austin, who were the parents of nine children.  Charles F. VAN VECHTEN is a farmer and dairyman.  He owns 276 acres of the old homestead where he was born and reared.  He was educated in the common schools.  [Ref. #1 p. 354/114]

VAN VECHTEN, H.,  was born in Rensslaer county, N.Y., in 1814.  He was married to Roxy AUSTIN, by whom he had nine children.  H. VAN VECHTEN is a descendant of Peter, who was a soldier in the was of 1812. [Ref. #2 p. 272]

VAN VECHTEN, WILLIAM P., Norway, was born October 27, 1843.  He is a son of Hamlen and Roxy H. VAN VECHTEN, mentioned in Charles VAN VECHTEN's sketch.  William P. was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools.  He married Annie STRATTON of Utica, a daughter of George and Hannah STRATTON.  Their children are George, Anna and Ada, deceased. Mr. VAN VECHTEN owns 170 acres of land and keeps a large dairy.  He is a Democrat and has been supervisor three years, assessor several years, and inspector of elections.  [Ref. #1 p. 422/230]

WESTERN, BENJAMIN E., Norway, was born in Norway May 12, 1840.  He is a son of Joseph and Hannah WESTERN. (See Samuel J. WESTERN's sketch). Benjamin E. was educated in the common schools.  He is a farmer and lumberman.  His wife is Sarah M. WOOD, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Wheelock and Hannah WOOD, who have four sons and six daughters.  The children of Benjamin E. WESTERN are:  Jennie, Charlie, Cylvina and Walter.  Mr. WESTERN is a Democrat.  He and his wife are members of the M.E. Church at Black Creek. [Ref. #1 p. 357/120]

WESTERN, BENJAMIN, was born in Norway, N.Y. in 1840, on the farm where he now resides.  He was married in 1865, to Sarah N. WOOD, who was born in 1841.  They have two children, Annie D., and Charles B. [Ref. #2 p. 272]

WESTERN, J. L., was born in Norway, N.Y. in 1821.  He has served six years as assessor in his native town.  In 1845 he was married to Malida COMSTOCK, who was born in 1821.  J. L. is a descendant of Joseph, who settled in Norway in 1797. [Ref. #2 p. 272]

WESTERN, SAMUEL J., Norway, was born in Norway November 8, 1830.  He was a son of Joseph WESTERN, a son of Samuel WESTERN, one of the first settlers of Norway.  Joseph WESTERN spent most of his life in Norway as a carpenter and lumberman.  His wife was Hannah HALL, of Norway, by whom he had seven children.  Mr. WESTERN was a Democrat.  He held the offices of assessor and justice of the peace.  He and his wife both died in Norway.  Samuel J. WESTERN married Ann COMSTOCK, of Ohio, a daughter of Samuel and Sybil (CUMMINGS) COMSTOCK.  Their children are Ella, William, Lilie and Frank.  Mr. WESTERN has always been a farmer and lumberman. [Ref. #1 p. 426/238]


All names are as spelled in the original publications. For further information about individuals and families listed, please direct all inquiries to the appropriate local historical societies and libraries.


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