READE E. HARRINGTON is a prominent citizen and honored pioneer of Chenango County. He was born in the above county, and has assisted materially in its development and progress. He is now farming in the neighborhood at Green Village, this county, and has acted his part well, and is receiving the honor due to those who have labored and struggled and accomplished a large part of what their ambition stimulated them to attempt. He is a son of Benjamin and Sarah A. (Barrows) Harrington and was born on the hold homestead Nov. 8, 1858.

    John Harrington, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a native of Ireland; upon immigrating to the United States he settled in the State of Connecticut, where he remained for a short time, when he came to the village of Oxford, in 1796. He engaged in farming when the land was wild and in an unimproved state; this however, did not in any way discourage Mr. Harrington, but he energetically set about accomplishing its improvement and cultivation, and secured such results that the tract under his supervision became the most valuable property within that corporation. He was among the sturdy pioneers who took part in the Revolutionary War, by reason of which he afterward received a pension. He died in the village of Oxford at the advanced age of eighty-four years. He was twice married; to his first wife were born the following children; Joshua; John; Hillman; Ebes; Daniel; Mrs. Polly Harrington; and Mrs. Rebecca Smith.

    The most of the old settlers who came here during the early part of the nineteenth century have passed to the home beyond the grave. The majority of those who came here at an early day were poor in pocket, but possessed of an unlimited amount of energy and perseverance, and having faith in the country "stuck it out" and were successful. Among the number who came here was Joshua Harrington, the grandfather of our subject. He came to the village of Oxford with his father when he was but twelve years of age, and when he grew to manhood he began the tilling of the soil, which pursuit he continued to follow all his live. He married Thankful Harrington, daughter of Thomas Harrington, a native of Connecticut, who came to Oxford and engaged in farming. To this union nine children were reared: Lucinda, deceased was the wife of Dennis Cooper, late farmer of Greene, this county; Melinda deceased; David, deceased, was a prominent farmer of Greene, this county; Benjamin, father of our subject; Mariette; Margaret, deceased married James Tuttle, late a blacksmith of Greene, this county; Thomas W. a successful farmer of Greene; and Charles P. who did in early manhood. Mr. Harrington was a strong Democrat, and was a well informed man of his day.

    Benjamin Harrington, father of our subject was born in Oxford, this county, May 1, 1816 and died in Green, January 20, 1897. He pursued the vocation of an agriculturist and was very successful, at the time of his death he was the owner of 500 acres of good farming land. He attended the schools, such as were offered in this country in those early days, and by perseverance and energy he acquired a fair business education. In politics, Mr. Harrington was an ardent Democrat, and one that did not swerve from strict allegiance to the views and principles promulgated by that political organization. He stood high in the estimation of his fellow-countrymen, and was one of the most prosperous and highly respected citizens of Chenango County. He married Miss Sarah A. Barrows, daughter of Simeon Barrows, a farmer formerly of Coventry, but later of Greene, this county. Three sons and three daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Harrington, namely: Mary A., wife of Floyd Wylie of Broome County, N.Y.; Benjamin F.; Eugene, a farmer in the village of Greene; Reade E., the subject of this biography; Victoria, wife of George W. Bly, a barber of Carbondale, Pa; and Evelyn, who married Joseph Spanley, a barber of Greene.

    Reade E. Harrington received his education in the district schools of his native village, and then turned his attention toward agricultural pursuits. He is at present the owner of 230 acres of well improved land, which constitute one of the best farms in the county. He dairies extensively, and his farm well stocked with a fine herd of cattle, always keeping no less than thirty-five head.

    He chose for his life companion Miss Ella O. Hunter, daughter of William C. Hunter, and they were happily married December 21, 1880. Their home was blessed by three children, who were as follows: Bernice L; Haziel May; and Greyson H. In politics he is a conscientious follower of the Democratic party, with whose principles he sincerely sympathizes, believing they are the correct ones to follow, and aids to promote them by every means in his power. Socially, he is a member of the Eastern Light Lodge of Greene, No. 126, F. and A.M. He is also a member of the O.E.S. of Greene of which lodge his wife is electa. Mr. and Mrs. Harrington are highly respected in their community, and are regarded with much esteem and respect for the hon0orable part they have performed in developing and improving their section of the country.

Source: page 127
Transcribed by Ann H. Hopkins, February 26, 2006

    MELVIN E. HERRICK, a prosperous and progressive agriculturist, residing on the old Herrick homestead in the western part of the town of Bainbridge, is a man of great business propensities and has made a success at his vocation, not alone by the qualities mentioned, but above all by his honest and fair dealing. He has never been known to turn a point in his favor when he knew it to be to a detriment to the success of another, and for this reason he is honored and respected by all who know him. He is a son of Joseph and Alockey (Scott) Herrick, and was born November 5, 1849, on the old homestead at West Bainbridge, where he has always lived.

    The Herrick family have long been identified with the growth and development of Dutchess and Chenango Counties, and from a vast wilderness, they have assisted in converting this section into rich and fertile farm lands, which are here and there dotted by thriving little villages and cities. Wonderful changes have taken place since our subject's great-grandfather took up his home in the wilds of Dutchess County, which was then inhabited only by the native Indian and the wild beasts of the forest. Henry Herrick, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Dutchess County, and after reaching maturity emigrated to Chenango County, locating on the farm now owned by our subject. The family came overland by means of oxcarts, and the greatest vigilance was necessary day and night, as they were in constant fear of an attack by Indians or the prowling wolves. After many years of labor and toil, this sturdy pioneer passed into the world of rest, aged ninety-three years. His companion in life was Elizabeth Pearsall, who was born in 1774 and folder her hands in the final rest October 23, 1856. Their union which occurred January 29, 1795, was blessed by the birth of nine children, whose records are as follows: Nancy, born October 28, 1795; Samuel, February 20, 1798; Hughey, June 20, 1800; Polly, March 23, 1803; Phoebe, October 13, 1805; Joseph, the father our subject; Elizabeth, October 10, 1810, Matilda, December 19, 1812; and Henry, October 11, 1814.

    Joseph Herrick was born February 5, 1808, on the old homestead, upon which he lived all of his life. He was engaged in agricultural pursuits and was on of the good substantial farmers of the community. He also was engaged largely in lumbering, which he was obliged to haul a distance of 30 miles to the Delaware River. It was a tedious and dangerous journey and required an unlimited amount of courage, as the return trip was generally made alone and after sunset. Mr. Herrick had no opportunity to attend school, and being a man of high ambition and determination and desiring an education above all things, he sat up at nights and studied after returning from these long trips, by the light of an old fashioned fireplace, which is still in the possession of our subject. In that manner, he secured a good education, the history of his struggles showing what may be accomplished by energy and perseverance. He was united in marriage with Alockey Scott, and they became the parents of the following children: Evaline, the widow of G.F. Green, was born December 30, 1835; James P. was born March 18, 1838, and died in infancy; Orin Day was born June 14, 1839, and died December 20, 1868; Amelia was born January 26, 1843 and died February 26, 1877; Elzada was born February 20, 1846 and is the wife of John A. Ireland, a farmer of Bainbridge; and Melvin E, in whom the interest of this sketch centers. Mrs. Herrick died July 26, 1882, at the advanced age of seventy-two years, and her husband survived her fourteen years, dying February 14, 1896.

    Melvin E. Herrick was reared upon his father's farm and was intellectually equipped for the duties of life in the district schools. He then worked for his father on the farm until he came into possession of the estate. It is an excellent farm of 125 acres, well supplied with a good house and many other out buildings, and is well stocked. He also own a farm of 146 acres nearby and considerable real estate out West. Our subject is a shrewd and calculating, and in all his business ventures has used rare good judgement.

    He formed a matrimonial alliance with Adelia S. Davis, September 27, 1881, and two children were born to make their home happy, namely: Joseph E. who was born December 30, 1884; and Eva M. who was born February 5, 1895. In politics, Mr. Herrick is a Republican, and has served as justice of the peace for six years. Socially, he is a member of the Susquehanna Lodge, No. 167, F. & A.M., of Bainbridge. In religious belief Mr. and Mrs. Herrick are members of the M.E. Church of Union Valley.

Source: page 251
Transcribed by Ann H. Hopkins, May 4, 2006

    RAMSOM M. HERRICK, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits, resides on a farm of 1-7 acres in the town of Bainbridge. He is a son of Henry, Jr, and Diana (Burlison) Herrick and was born on the farm upon which he now lives, September 27, 1853.

    The great-grandfather of our subject was born March 13, 1773, and was a pioneer of Dutchess County. His son, Henry Herrick, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of that county, but at an early age acme to Chenango County. He brought his family, and came by means of oxcarts, and on the way encountered many hardships, as the journey was considered a very long one in those days. It is almost impossibility for the imagination to picture the difficulties with which they contented. At that time the roads were few, an at the best permitted only very slow progress, a distance of from five to ten miles per day being averaged. It was also a very dangerous journey, and a sharp lookout was kept for unfriendly Indians or wild animals prowling about at night. The pioneers subsisted mainly on wild game, which was to he found in abundance in the forests. Henry Herrick cleared up a tract of land, upon which he built a small house, and during the rest of his life was engaged in clearing and cultivating the farm. He died December 28, 1865, at the advanced age of ninety years. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Pearsall, and she proved a worthy companion to this hardy old pioneer. She was born in 1774 and passed into the unknown beyond October 23, 1856. They were the parents of the following children; Nancy, who was born October 28, 1795; Samuel, February 20, 1798; Hughey, June 20, 1800; Polly, March 23, 1803; Phoebe, October 13, 1805; Joseph, February 5, 1808; Elizabeth, October 10, 1810; Matilda, December 19, 1812; and Henry, Jr, the father of our subject.

    Henry Herrick Jr, was born on the homestead, at West Bainbridge, October 11, 1814, and lived there until his marriage, at the age of twenty-seven years. He soon after purchased a small farm, and from time to time, as his means justified, he added to it, until he owned 107 acres, and the farm upon which our subject now lives. He was one of the prosperous and progressive farmers of West Bainbridge, where he spent the remainder of his life. Although he had received only a common schooling, he was of more than ordinary intelligence, and was well read on all current topics and subjects of interest to the people of that day. Politically, he was an unwavering supporter of the Republican party, and exerted his influence in behalf of that organization. In religious belief he was a Methodist, and generously supported that church. He was united in marriage with Diana Burlison, a daughter of Azar Burlison, who was a native of Massachusetts, and an early settler in the town of Guilford. As a result of this union five children were born, namely: Lucetta; Luretta; Nancy F.; Ransom M. our subject; and Hiram W. Hiram W. Herrick, deceased, married Delia F. Francisco, and resided at Sidney, Delaware County. He graduated from the Eastman Business College in 1878, after which he accepted a position as clerk in the First National Bank of Bainbridge. He was later called to assume the duties of cashier of the First National Bank of Sidney, which position he held until the time of his death. Our subject's father died February 26, 1881, after passing a long and useful life.

    Ransom M. Herrick was reared on the old homestead farm, and received his mental training in the district schools. It was but natural that he should follow in the footsteps of his forefathers, and engage in that ancient and truly most honorable of callings, farming. He remained on the farm with his father for some time, and inherited it upon his father's death. He is a man of shrewd business ability, and recognizes the advantage of farming by improved methods and using the best of machinery. The estate is well supplied with all conveniences in the way of our-buildings, and everything about the place has an air of prosperity and successful management.

    March 4, 1885, Mr. Herrick was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Emma E. Pearsall, a daughter of William Pearsall of Bainbridge, by whom he had five children: Saphronia D., born May 21, 1887; Clyde H., September 16, 1889; Ray A., June 11, 1891; Lee Ervin, September 17, 1894; and Ralph W. September 24, 1896. Politically, our subject is an active Republican. In religious belief he is a Methodist, and is active in the support of the local organization. He has performed all the labors of a dutiful citizen, and is respected and esteemed by a large number of friends.

Source: page 303
Transcribed by Ann H. Hopkins, May 4, 2006

    Among the prominent citizens of Bennettsville, Bainbridge Township, and one of the best millers of Chenango County, is the gentleman whose name heads the lines. He was born February 13, 1829, in the town of Bainbridge, this county, and is a son of James V. and Harriet (Olin) Humphrey.

    The grandfather, Thomas Humphrey, was a lumberman and also a farmer. The methods employed in getting the products of the pioneer farms and forest to the marke5ts in those days were necessarily slow and laborious; the lumber was floated down the Delaware River to the market at Philadelphia. Mr. Humphrey was a strong Democrat and held very decided views. He was born in Connecticut, but was a resident of the town of Bainbridge, this county, at the time of his death, which occurred June 10, 1839.

    James V. Humphrey was engaged in the same business as his father, farming and lumbering, and like his father was a Democrat in his political belief. He was born June 7, 1799 and died at the advanced age of eighty-four in February 1883 in the town of Osceola, Pa. He was united in marriage with Harriet Olin, whose father William Olin was born in Bainbridge but later removed to the town of Greene, where he died. To this couple were born six children of whom four are still living: William T, born December 22, 1824, and died July 31, 1897; James M, born October 7, 1826, and at this time a resident of Anoka, Minn; Charles J; Henry D, born April 3, 1831, and died January, 1863; Harriet A., born June 2, 1833, the widow of Mr. Heath and now living at Wellsboro, Tioga County, Pa; George F, born August 18, 1835, now a resident of Galeton., Potter County, Pa.

    Charles J. Humphrey cast his first volet for Franklin Pierce of New Hampshire in 1852, but after that gave his political support to the new party, organized in 1852 or 1854, that has since been known as the Republican party. He has taken an intelligent interest in local politics, and made a splendid run for sheriff while in Tioga County, Pa, and was elected justice of the peace of the same place, where he gave universal satisfaction in his interpretation of the law. Mr. Humphrey was a farmer lad and received his intellectual training in the common and the select schools, remaining on the farm until he had attained his eighteenth year. He then taught school in Bainbridge, and after five years; teaching entered upon the career of a miller. He engaged to work for Mr. Samuel Corbin four years in order to thoroughly learn the milling business. Mr. Corbin was an expert miller, understanding the work in all its details; he was also a very fine musician and enlivened many a company with his melodies. When he left the employ of his old friend, Mr. Humphrey was considered an exceptionally good miller and readily obtained employment------------------

    Mr. Humphrey chose as his bride Mrs. Eunice A. Kirby, whom he led to the altar October 11, 1853. Her maiden name was Eunice A. Corbin, daughter of Ezra W. and Pamelia (Church) Corbin, both natives of Bainbridge. She was educated in the common and select schools and is a very great intelligence, a prime favorite among her neighbors. They have two Children. Charles, B. born January 31, 1856, a jeweler at Bainbridge; and Minnie Amelia, born April 13, 1860. Charles J. Humphrey is one of the shrewdest and most intelligent, as well as the most affable of gentlemen, and has aided in no small degree in the prosperity of Bennettsville. While Mr. Humphrey lived in Pennsylvania, he was much thought of as a musician and devoted all of his spare time for many years in organizing string, brass and reed bands.

Source: page 191