DR. HALSEY J. BALL of Scott village, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, was born in Cortlandville, Cortland County, N. Y., August 12, 1868. He is a son of Dr. Jay Ball and a grandson of Isaac Ball, who was born in 1783, in Stockbridge, Mass., and who at the age of ten years accompanied his parents to Berkshire, Tioga County, N. Y., where he remained until his death in 1856. Isaac Ball was a carder and cloth dresser, and followed that trade during his early life, but subsequently turned his energies toward farming. He was a good general reader, and was especially well informed in the politics of his country. He was successively Whig, Abolitionist, and Republican. His religious ties allied him with the Presbyterian Church. He took for his life companion Casandra Johnson, by whom he had eight children --- three daughters and five sons.
Dr. Jay Ball was born in Berkshire, N. Y., May 10, 1827, and was educated in the schools of his native town. Determining to enter upon the duties of a professional career, he began to read medicine with Dr. Rowell in Owego, N. Y. His first course of lectures were taken at the Geneva Medical College, and he finished his studies in the University of New York, where he graduated in 1848. His first place of practice was at Virgil, this county, where he remained for five years; from there he went to Homer village, and was a physician of that place for five years; then located in Cortland village, where he continued in active and most successful practice continuously until 1884---since then, owing to his declining health and advanced years, he has spent his winters at Auburndale, Polk County, Florida, practicing there in winter and in Cortland village in the summer. Immediately after his graduation from the University of New York, he took up the study of Homeopathy under the direction of Elijah Lovejoy, M. D., of Owego, N. Y., and has since been an able exponent and successful practitioner of that school of medical theory and practice, building up and maintaining a large and lucrative practice in this county. In early life he espoused the doctrines and principles of Republicanism, but of late he has been alike independent in his views and in casting his ballot. He is a member of the Baptist Church of Cortland. In 1858 he married Jennie L. McConnell, daughter of Michael McConnell, who was born in New York City, but spent the active period of his life as a farmer in Sempronius, Cayuga County, N. Y.; he died in Cortland, N. Y., in 1886. Michael McConnell was a son of James McConnell, a native of County Armagh, Ireland, who married a lady from Scotland bearing the same name. The sister of Mrs. Ball is the wife of William A. Bean of Homer.
Dr. Jay Ball has but one son---Halsey J. Ball, M. D., who was educated in the academical department of the State Normal School at Cortland, where he graduated with the class of '87. Having read medicine in the meantime under the preceptorship of his father, he entered the New York Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, from which he was graduated in 1890. The subsequent year was spent as a resident physician in Ward's Island Hospital. In May of 1891 he located in New York City, where he was an inspector of the health department in the division of contagious diseases, remaining there until the autumn of 1894, when he came to Scott, where by professional skill and close attention to his duties he has built up a lucrative practice. He is corresponding member of the Homeopathic Medical Society of the County of New York, and also of the Homeopathic Medical Society of the State of New York. He is health officer of the town of Scott. He has always been a Democrat in politics, but is not especially active. On May 12, 1891, he was married to Jennie M. Niles, daughter of Henry C. Niles of Tuscola, Ill., and they have one daughter, Jennie Louise.
Source: pages 439-441.
PROF. J. EDWARD BANTA, A. B., M. A., instructor in Latin and Greek in the State Normal School at Cortland, N. Y., was born February 24, 1855. The history of the Banta family in this country dates as far back as 1665, when Peter Banta emigrated from Germany and settled on Manhattan Island. Professor Banta is a son of Jacob, a direct descendant of Peter Banta.
Jacob Banta was born July 19, 1822, at Newfoundland, New Jersey. Advantages in the way of schools were made use of by him and he acquired a fair business education by the great practical teacher, experience. His occupation during his business career was farming and lumbering, and the field of operation was located in Broome County, N. Y. He married Arminda Perry, and eight children were born to them, namely: Anna May, the wife of Charles Fuller, present assemblyman from Broome County, N. Y.; Sophia, who married J. Knapp; Prof. J. Edward; Christopher J.; Nettie, wife of Irwin Campbell; Minnie married J. J. Glann; Francis M.; and William E. During the time of the late war, Mr. Banta did not enlist in the army on account of poor health, but rendered efficient service to his country, by his active work at home. The family favors the Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Banta was an active and zealous worker during his younger days. He is a man that is much interested in educational matters.
Prof. J. Edward Banta received his primary education in the district school and graduated from Binghamton High School in 1875, after which time he engaged in teaching for one year. He entered Amherst College and graduated from that institution with the class of 1880. He took high rank as a student, graduating as one of the first seven of his class. He is a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and also of Phi Beta Kappa. The next eight years he was principal of the High School at Rockville, Conn., serving at the same time as superintendent of the village schools. From there he went to Hiawatha, Kansas, and was principal of the Hiawatha Academy for four years; in 1892, he was called to the Cortland State Normal School to occupy the chair of Ancient Languages, which seat he still holds. He is also librarian of the institution. Prof. Banta is a Republican; he is active worker in the party, but also uses his influence to place the best man in office. He is a member of the Congregational Church, and is ever ready to perform the duties of a Christian worker. He formed a matrimonial alliance, July 17, 1890, with Miss Clara Hide, a daughter of Rev. Henry F. Hide, pastor of the Second Congregational Church of Rockville, Conn. They are the happy parents of three children: Mildred H.; Kenneth W.; and Henry H.
Source: pages 20-23.
WALTER S. BARKER, superintendent of the Homer and Cortland Gas Light Co., was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., January 1, 1842. He is a son of Joseph Barker, a direct descendant of old Captain Barker. Joseph Barker was a native of the State of Massachusetts. After leaving the state of his birth, he settled in Onondaga County, N. Y., where he was engaged in farming the rest of his life. He became a prosperous and distinguished citizen of that district. He was a large land owner. His vote was cast with the Democratic party; many minor offices were held by him, and he was honored with the highest position in the gift of his fellow-citizens of the county, being sent to the State Legislature for two terms.
Walter S. Barker, the subject of this sketch, has two brothers and one sister living,---Luther of Otisco, N. Y.; Anna of Cortland; and Stephen D. of Fond du Lac, Wis. He received his education in the district schools, and followed farming until the war broke out. He then enlisted in his country's service in Co. E, 12th Reg. N. Y. Vol. Inf., which was formed at Syracuse; after serving a term of two years, he re-enlisted in the 3d N. Y. Light Artillery, with which he remained until the close of the war. In the latter organization he entered as a private, and before he was discharged he had received the commission of a sergeant. After he returned from the war he served an apprenticeship as a machinist, and worked in a machine shop for sixteen years. He then accepted a position in the United States Pension Office at Syracuse in 1885; two years later he was transferred to then Pension Office at Buffalo and remained there three years. On June 1, 1891, he accepted his present position. Mr. Barker is a firm believer in the aims and principles of the Democratic party. He is a member of the Masonic Order, belonging to Syracuse Lodge, No. 501, located at Syracuse. He was married in 1867 to Ann Eliza Beach, daughter of Lorenzo Beach of Otisco, N. Y. They have reared three children, namely: Mary Belle, wife of Charles C. Truesdell, a resident of Syracuse, N. Y.; Charles W., who is in the employ of the Homer & Cortland Gas Light Co.; and Robert G., who is with Truesdell & Co., brokers of Syracuse, N. Y.
Source: pages 210-213.
JOHN THOMAS BARNES, an honored and esteemed elderly resident of Cortland village, now retired from active work, and living on the competence gained by former years of labor, was born December 29, 1818, in the town of Plymouth, Chenango County, N. Y., and was a son of John Barnes, a native of the Green Mountain State, who early in its history made a settlement in Chenango County. As it was a new country, and much of it still a wilderness, he purchased new land, on which he felled the trees and was busied in all those labors that go to make the life of a pioneer so full of hardship and hard work. He cleared a large farm by his indefatigable efforts, and became one of the successful farmers of his day, being in comfortable circumstances and well-to-do. He died on the farm at the age of seventy-five. His wife, who before her marriage to him was a Miss Chloe Welton of Connecticut, lived to be seventy-nine years of age. Their children were: Lucius, who lived to be eighty-five years old; Lorinda; Philura; Laura; Martha; John T., our subject; and Chloe, who with the one just mentioned are the only members of this family still living.
John T. Barnes began his life-work as a farmer, but after his marriage to Sophronia Davis, daughter of John Davis, of Plymouth, a pioneer farmer of the county, he moved to Cortland in 1852 and started a grocery store opposite the Cortland House, but disposed of his business a few years later, when he served as deputy sheriff for two terms. After performing the duties of his official position, he started a lumber yard, and dealt in lumber of all kinds where Henry Benton is now located. He was in the custom of going to Canada for a great part of his lumber. He finally sold out, when he was again given the office of sheriff, and as the instrument of the courts of the county for four years efficiently performed the duties of his position. He then began the bottling of rectified sweet cider, and built up a large trade; hundreds of miles away, his name on a bottle of cider was a sufficient guarantee that the contents were the best on the market. To accommodate the great demands he built a factory on Railroad Street, and had all the work he could attend to as long as he continued at the industry. He also built two large and handsome residences, besides a cottage; the residence where he now resides is one of the best in the village, and of recent construction, for it was erected in 1890. The home is surrounded by large and spacious grounds, which Mr. Barnes delights in keeping in first-class shape. He retired from active business in 1890, and so has been able in his spare time to oversee and direct the many improvements that have made his dwelling and grounds so tasty and inviting.
Mr. Barnes has been in his best days one of the most active men in the village, and has been its president. One child has been born to him and his wife, a son, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes, both endowed with strong, vigorous constitutions, have enjoyed a singularly happy and useful life, not devoid of a sufficient amount of pleasure to give variety, and worthy of imitation in every respect. Mr. Barnes is the assistant and encourager of every good work and purpose tending to the welfare of his community, and is held in high esteem by his townsmen.
Source: pages 19-20.
Mr. Bennett is a son of Lorenzo and Almira (Stone) Bennett. He was born on his father's farm on East Hill in the town of Homer, April 14, 1840. At the age of two years, he was brought with his father's family into the village of Homer, where he attended school and grew up into an honorable manhood. He had the benefit of an academic training at the Homer Academy, where he studied until he reached the age of sixteen, when he entered the store of William Sherman as clerk. After some time spent in the store of this pioneer merchant, he took a place in the establishment of Geo. J. J. Barber, who was for many years Homer's leading merchant. There he staid until he reached the age of twenty-one, when in partnership with Mr. D. B. Corey, he started in 1861 a shoe business under the style of Bennett & Corey, which continued thus until 1877, in which year Mr. Corey died, and Mr. Bennett assumed full control, and thus managed the store until 1884, when he sold a one-half interest to Mr. E. W. Tripp and formed the firm of Bennett & Tripp. Mr. Tripp sold his share in 1886 to Mr. Starr, who is the junior member of the present firm. Besides the time spent in caring for the shoe business, Mr. Bennett, in 1884, assisted in organizing the Homer National Bank. This bank has a capital stock of $75,000.00, and its affairs have always been in a most flourishing condition. Mr. Bennett was on its complete organization made the first cashier, a place he still holds to the extreme satisfaction of all who are in any way connected with the institution. Associated with Mr. Bennett, in controlling and directing the policy of the bank, are George W. Phillips, the president, and V. T. Stone, the vice-president.
Mr. Bennett's paternal grandfather was the oldest of two brothers, Deacon Asa and Elder Albord Bennett, who came from Mansfield, Conn., and were among the first settlers of Cortland County. Deacon Asa Bennett located on a farm, latterly known as the Johnson place, on East Hill, where he lived out a good and honored life. He was a farmer all his days, and was exceedingly devoted to the welfare of the Baptist denomination. In the old Baptist Church at Homer he was for many years a deacon. He also took a commendable part in politics, and served as superintendent of the poor of Cortland County for a long time. His wife was Chloe Grow, and she bore him a large family of sons and daughters. Among these children was Lorenzo Bennett, father of our subject.
Lorenzo Bennett came into the world on East Hill in March, 1812. He began his education in the district schools, and finished his mental training in the old Cortland Academy at Homer. Possessed of an eminently studious mind, this early training was really but a foundation for the fund of knowledge, which by self-teaching and unlimited reading he later on acquired. His earlier work in life was that of a teacher, and New Jersey was mainly the field of his labors in that line. In 1845 he determined upon a mercantile career, and accordingly embarked in the shoe trade at Homer. This line of activity he pursued for many years. He finally retired from active business cares and living a retired life until his death, in 1891, at Homer village. Mr. Bennett was a Whig, and in his time filled several of the local offices. He was quiet and reserved in his ways, as was natural to a man who was possessed of his superior mental attainments. Of keen literary sense and most excellent memory, he could repeat without error many of the finest passages from the works of the best authors. His marriage with Almira Stone, a daughter of another of Cortland's most prominent families, resulted in the birth of four children, two of whom were sons and two daughters.
Augustus H. Bennett, our subject, has been a very worthy son of such a noble father. He has followed the teachings of his family in political affairs, and is an influential member of the Republican party. He has served on the board of supervisors, has been treasurer of Homer village corporation, and a member of the school board. He was a trustee of the old Cortland Academy, and has served on the board of education for several years, being at present treasurer, and has been clerk and trustee of the Congregational Church, which he attends, for twelve years. Mr. Bennett wedded, June 27, 1866, Emma G. Pratt, a daughter of Dr. L. M. Pratt, who was once a leading physician of Albany, N. Y., but is now a retired resident of Homer. Four children have been born to this union, namely: Adeline, wife of H. L. Smith, Cashier of the Second National Bank of Cortland, N. Y.; Lester P. of Brooklyn, N. Y.; Fred V. of Homer; and Ralph Stone, now attending school at home.
Mr. Bennett is one of the prosperous and solid men of his native section. In business life he is regarded as a sound financier and a man of extremely good judgment. Of a genial, happy nature, he has friends in every circle, which he chooses to enter. He realizes fully the many responsibilities which rest on his shoulders, but performs the many daily duties which fall to his lot with a tact and ease, that come only from a long and trained experience.
Source: pages 419-420, 423.
The Bennett family originally came from Rhode Island. Ezra Bennett, the grandfather of our subject, was born and reared in that state, and lived out most of his life there, engaged in following the pursuits of agriculture. The latter part of his life was spent in the towns of Taylor and Pitcher, Cortland and Chenango Counties, respectively. He was twice married, and became the father of four sons and three daughters.
His son Erza Bennett, Jr., father of our subject, was born in Providence, R. I. When a young man he came to this state, first locating in Taylor, and latterly in Pitcher, Chenango County. He was a successful farmer and speculator in stock. Politically he was a Republican, and was a constant attendant of the Presbyterian Church, of which he was a valued member. His first wife, who was Mrs. Anderson, born him a son, Fayette, deceased, and a daughter, also deceased. He was a prominent hardware merchant of the town of Pitcher, when he died. The union of Ezra Bennett, Jr., with his second wife, Miss Mary L. Chapman, of Onondaga County, N. Y., resulted in six sons: George W., a farmer and lumberman of Pitcher, N.Y., A. K., the subject of this biography; Miles D., a farmer of Pitcher, N. Y.; Myron, deceased; Dallas D., an agriculturist of Taylor; and John C., deceased.
Our subject was brought up on the farm, and received his education in the district schools of Pitcher, and in Cincinnatus Academy. He left school, however, at an early age on account of his health, which would not permit him to resume his studies. Being of an enterprising disposition and desiring to support himself and make his own way in the world, he looked about for some means of employment, which promised good profits and a return to health. Farm labor was out of the question, as he could not have stood the long hours and hard work, and as his means were small he could not very well engage in trade. One thing alone seemed practicable, and that he adopted with little hesitation. He started out in the business of peddling tin and glassware about Chenango County, and followed that line of occupation for two years. At the end of that time his health was much improved. He returned to the farm for two years, and then engaged in the mercantile business at Cheningo, in the town of Truxton, Cortland County, where he continued to build up a trade and make a success of his venture until 1885, when he removed to Taylor. His business has grown so that he commands as large a trade as is usually given to any country merchant. He carries a full line of all kinds of merchandise, such as are found in a well conducted first-class general country store. He has also dealt extensively in all kinds of stock and country produce. While he does not keep a hotel, his house is always open to the travelling public, and there they find excellent accommodations, equal to any to be found outside of cities.
Mr. Bennett took to himself a wife on February 10, 1878, in the person of Florence E. Widger, daughter of Harvey L. Widger of Truxton, N. Y., by whom he has been made the parent of two girls: Melva J., and Mabel F. Socially, he is a member of Cincinnatus Lodge, No. 706, F. & A. M. He is a Republican, as regards his political proclivities, and was supervisor for two terms, in 1888 and 1889. He is a member of the M. E. Church.
Source: pages 236-237.
Asa Bennett, who lived at Lansing, Tompkins County, N. Y., was a miller by trade and followed milling until he moved to East Homer, after which he engaged in farming.
William, the father of our subject, was born in Lansing, where he spent his boyhood days; the latter part of his life being spent at East Homer. He learned the trade of a mason and in connection with farming made it a life-long occupation. His wife was the daughter of William Pierce. They were the happy parents of seven children, who bore the following names: Melancthon, who now makes his home in Michigan; Artellus J. of Central Square, New York City; William F., who is in the United States Army and stationed in Indian Territory; Charles F.; Asa, deceased; J. D., who lives in the town of Preble, this county; and Sheldon of East Homer. William was an active member of the M. E. Church; he held the various offices and by his zeal and devotion did much to promote the welfare of the church.
Charles F. Bennett was born on the farm. Like most of our nation's men of worth, he received his education in the district school. After beginning life's work on his own account, he followed farming for seven years, and then engaged in the mercantile business at East Homer, in which line he has been identified ever since. Besides carrying a full line of general merchandise, he handles all kinds of produce, feed and grain. He has a first class store in every particular, and deserves the lucrative trade he has secured. He is a very prominent man and universally liked by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. At the age of eighteen he was united in marriage with Alma, daughter of Henry and Sarah Preston, who lived in Lincklaen, Chenango County. They have reared two children, Artellus and Clinton C. Mr. Bennett is an earnest and zealous member of the M. E. Church and at present is serving in an official capacity as steward and trustee. His political affiliations are with the Republican party; he held the federal office of postmaster in President Harrison's administration.
Source: pages 245-246.
WILLIAM A. BENTLEY, deceased, late an esteemed citizen of Marathon, was a son of William Bentley and was born July 24, 1817, in Albany County, this state. After acquiring a good education, he moved to the village of Marathon, where he built and operated a tannery until 1878, when it was destroyed by fire. During the time he was engaged in carrying on the above industry, he succeeded in establishing an enviable trade, and in earning an ample competency. Mr. Bentley chose for his first wife Sallie Dunham, and they reared three children---two sons and one daughter. His second wife's maiden name was Lizzie Sutfin. For his third wife he chose Mary E. Beach, and they were happily married August 21, 1867. Two children blessed their home: William A., who married Eva Mack, and is a bookkeeper and cashier of Oxford, Chenango County; and Edward S., who died March 14, 1883, at the age of seven years.
Mrs. Bentley is a daughter of Elijah and Anna (Adams) Beach, both of whom were born in Dutchess County, N. Y. Later Mr. Beach moved to Willet, this county, where he lived a number of years and then took up his residence in Marathon, where he lived with a daughter till his death. He adopted the calling of an agriculturist and followed that occupation all his life. He was the father of nine children, who were as follows: Betsey; Stephen; Robert; Abigail; Eliza; Aurelia; Mary E.; Charles; and John, all of whom lived to an advanced age.
On July 7, 1886, Mrs. Bentley was called upon to mourn the death of her husband. It was a severe blow to his wife and to his many devoted friends, who were never tired of praising his commendable traits of character. Persevering, continuous and energetic efforts were the factors of Mr. Bentley's success. Sound judgment and a determined power of will hewed out for him the means to pass life's twilight in ease. On a page in proximity to this appears a portrait of Mr. Bentley, which adds a decided interest to the above sketch of his life and associations.
Source: page 289.
WILLIAM C. BOUCK, junior member of the firm of Frasier & Bouck, proprietors of a meat market in Cortland village, is a son of William D. and Adelaide M. (Hills) Bouck. He was born September 21, 1868, at Pharsalia, Chenango County, N. Y.
Jacob D. Bouck, his paternal grandfather, after receiving a common school education, followed the occupation of a farmer at Pharsalia, N. Y., but lived the latter years of his life in retirement. In politics he was a Democrat. He was the father of three children, namely: William D.; Luther; and Mary E., who is now the wife of Samuel Thompson.
William D. Bouck, the father of our subject, was born at Pharsalia, Chenango County, N. Y., where he received a good common school education. He then learned the trade of a harness maker, which he followed for some time. He was a Free Mason; and his political views were formed in accordance with Democratic teacher. Mr. Bouck was the father of one child, William C., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Adelaide M. Bouck died November 25, 1869, and her husband was called home February 16, 1875.
William C. Bouck received a primary and high school education, in Cobleskill, Schoharie County, N. Y., graduating in the class of 1881. Becoming interested in the butcher business, he established a meat market at Cobleskill, Schoharie County, N. Y., where he remained until 1894; in that year he came to Cortland and a co-partnership was formed with A. B. Frasier, firm name Frasier & Bouck; they conduct the Central Meat Market, on East Court Street, which is now the largest one in the village.
Mr. Bouck was married February 19, 1890, to Mollie Wilber, daughter of James H. Wilber. One child has blessed their home, named Marguerite. Mr. and Mrs. Bouck are both active members of the Presbyterian Church. He affiliates with the Democratic party. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to the Cortland Lodge, No, 470, F. & A. M.
Source: page 13.
CHARLES EUGENE BOYDEN. In every community, there is always a man to whom the people turn for advice concerning political affairs and other matters. Such a man is Mr. Boyden, who was born at Marathon and has always made that village his home. He was born March 23, 1860, and is a son of Darius and Lucy (Warner) Boyden, and grandson of Jonathan Boyden.
Jonathan Boyden was a native of Connecticut and emigrated to Oxford, Chenango County, N. Y. Later, he moved to Willet, Cortland County, N. Y., where he remained until his death.
Darius Boyden was born in 1821, at Oxford, Chenango County, but came with his father when the latter took up his residence in Willet. Subsequently, he moved to Homer, where he learned the trade of a wheelwright. While there he met and married Miss Lucy Warner, after which they moved to Upper Lisle, Broome County, where he plied his trade. In 1858, returning to this county, he settled at Marathon, which continued to be his home during the rest of his life. He had attained the advanced age of seventy-four years, when overtaken by death, August 1, 1895. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Boyden, whose names are as follows: Delia; Adelbert; Charles Eugene, our subject; Florence, the wife of Morris Allen, a blacksmith of Marathon; and Ella, who was married to Frank Corwin of Marathon.
Charles Eugene Boyden was married June 29, 1882, to Miss Agnes M. Moon, who was born April 5, 1861. Three bright children have blessed this union: U. H., born April 5, 1883; Lulu, April 10, 1888; and Gladys, July 10, 1891. Mr. Boyden received his education in the common schools of Marathon, but by close observation and intercourse with the world, he has acquired a general knowledge of people and things not possessed by many who have enjoyed superior educational advantages. His first step, after leaving home to begin life for himself, was to engage as a farm laborer, at which work he continued for three years. Finding this did not give him sufficient scope, he decided upon locating in the village, and became identified with the butchering business in Marathon. Not finding this work congenial, at the expiration of two years he turned his attention to the trade of a barber, which he learned. On March 1, 1880, he opened his shop, where he still continues at the same stand. Industrious and energetic, he found he could still attend to some other business, so in connection with his barber shop he placed a fine line of pipes, cigars and tobacco, and has a very attractive place.
Mr. Boyden has always been a Republican, and has taken an active part in all matters pertaining to the welfare of his country. Being public spirited, he has done his full share in advancing the interests in the community in which he lived. His executive ability being recognized, he was induced to serve as trustee of the village, which office he filled for three years. He was elected president of the village of Marathon in March, 1896. He has frequently been called upon to represent his party as a delegate to county, congressional and senatorial, as well as to the state conventions. He was a delegate to the convention that nominated Warner Miller for Governor of New York. In addition to his other duties he served as assistant postmaster of the Assembly in 1891, and as assistant financial clerk in 1895; all of which offices he filled to the complete satisfaction of his constituents, and to those whom he was elected to serve.
Mr. Boyden has also been deeply interested in the local fire organization for several years, and is at present chief of the Fire Department. Mr. Boyden is a member of Thermopylae Lodge, No. 438, of Marathon; he was elected treasurer of that lodge in 1892, and has served in that capacity ever since. His home life is agreeable and pleasant, being filled with kindness and affection. No man in Marathon has a larger or more enthusiastic circle of friends than Mr. Boyden and his influence is felt throughout the entire county.
Source: pages 205-207.
Benjamin Brown, Sr., was born in East Hartford, Conn.; shortly after his marriage to Dorinda Webster in 1795, he emigrated to this county and settled near Keeney's Settlement, where he remained the rest of his life. He purchased a large tract of Government land and followed farming all his life. This land was formerly covered with forest; but time, the fertility of the soil, and the necessity of man, have transformed nearly all of it into a productive farm. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and one of the foremost ones in erecting the Baptist Church in Keeney's Settlement, in which church he was a deacon for many years. He was the father of a large family of children.
Seabury Brown was a resident of Cuyler all his life, where he followed the vocation of a farmer. He owned three hundred acres of the best improved land in that section of the county. In addition to farming, he also operated a dairy. Mr. Brown passed form this life in 1854. He was united in marriage to Polly Fox, and they reared a family of two sons and five daughters.
Benjamin Brown, subject of this personal history, spent all his life in the town of Cuyler, with the exception of the last five years, when he was a resident of Cazenovia, N. Y. He was engaged in general farming, and owned some three hundred acres of land. He passed from this life at Cazenovia, N. Y., June 5, 1878. At the time of his death he left an estate that was valued at several thousand dollars, including a farm of three hundred acres now operated by his son-in-law, H. W. Keeney. He was united in marriage to Sarah Bogardus, daughter of Stephen and Sarah Bogardus, who were early settlers in Cuyler form Columbia County, N. Y. Mrs. Brown was born November 11, 1816, and died April 14, 1897. They reared a family of ten children, of whom four are still living. The nine who grew to maturity are as follows: Stephen, deceased; Phoebe, deceased; Celestia, deceased; Anna, who resides in Cuyler; Norman, deceased; William Henry, deceased; Israel D.; Seabury F.; and Alice E., wife of H. W. Keeney, whose personal history appears elsewhere. Israel and Seabury Brown engaged in the flour and feed business under the firm name of Brown Bros. They followed this business until 1896, when they began to deal in hardware. They are now the leading hardware merchants in the village. Mr. Brown was an attendant of the Methodist Church, and devoted much time and means to enhance its well-being. In politics Mr. Brown was a staunch Republican. On another page appears a portrait of our subject, and with it we also present an excellent likeness of Mrs. Brown as a companion picture.
Source: pages 115-116.
Our subject was born in Sheshequin, Bradford County, Pa., June 15, 1836, and was a son of David and Eleanor (Ferry) Brown, who were born in Groton, Conn., and Springfield, Mass., respectively. David Brown, Sr., was a farmer, and settled in Bradford County, Pa., about 1820, and lived there until 1840, when he moved to Groton, N. Y., and there spent the remainder of his life, passing away from mortal scenes at the age of eighty-four. His wife lived to enjoy eighty years. David H. Brown followed farming with his father until he was sixteen years of age, when he commenced work in Adin Morton's carriage factory, and there learned all his master could teach him in the carriage trimming trade. When he had served his apprenticeship, he worked there for several years, and at various places in this and other states. He then came to Cortland, and began his labors with the Cortland Wagon Co.'s plant, where he was employed some six years. He then entered into a partnership with E. H. Brewer, and these two gentlemen have developed an industry that is a marvel in its extent; the plant is now housed in a large four-story factory building, erected in 1891, with dimensions on the ground of 201 and 50 feet; it is most thoroughly equipped with all the latest improvements and modern conveniences, and has a full complement of labor-saving machinery. This building was designed by Mr. Brewer, and all those who are familiar in the least with the best factory construction say that it cannot be improved in any important feature; especial attention was given to the securing of adequate light and ventilation, and the result is highly satisfactory. The building being of slow-burning construction with three-inch floors, and of the most modern construction, it is in great part fire-proof, but these safe-guards against the dread, devouring element are supplemented by a complete sprinkler system and the best fire extinguishers. There are several annexes that add to the facilities the firm enjoys for getting out a large product, as follows: japanning and separating rooms, each about 40x20; dipping room of the same dimensions; steam oven 20x20; seven hot air ovens, each 10x14; an engine room 60x35; and a forging shop, originally 50x75, but to which has since been added a building 50x80. The plant is lighted by electricity, and heated by the exhaust steam from a magnificent two hundred horse-power Corliss engine, built by the celebrated Edward P. Allis Co. of Milwaukee, Wis. This gigantic engine, in addition to supplying motive power to the diversified machinery of the factory and heating the buildings, also supplies power for the company's own electric light plant. Much of the machinery is of the company's own design, and was built for their special purposes. They plan to manufacture from raw material every item that is used in their finished product, even to the extent of making their own packing-cases, in which the goods are shipped. Besides being the heaviest manufacturers of bow sockets in the country, the company is second to but few concerns in the quantity and quality of harness they put out, which runs in quality from the lightest driving harness to the heaviest coach or truck rig, with prices ranging from $3.00 to $500.00 per set. Their large line of specialties in carriage hardware and findings and in the line of harness fittings are unexcelled by those of any other similar establishment, for they are the owners of many valuable patents, and therefore the sole makers of such article or articles. The business has experienced a marvelous growth since its inception in 1880 and has been of incalculable good to Cortland and the surrounding country, for the number of hands employed often runs to 175.
Mr. Brown married Martha Watrous, daughter of Jason Watrous of Groton; the marriage was blessed with the following children: May, who married F. Lomburd of Cortland village; Wendell, who died at the age of three years; David, who is the foreman in the trimming department of the Binghamton Wagon Works; Jason, who is foreman in the machine department of the Cortland Harness and Carriage Goods Co.; Rose, who died, aged five months; Julia, who was drowned at Moravia, aged 2 years; and William N., who is still in school. In his political views, Mr. Brown is a strong Republican. Socially, he belongs to the Tioughnioga Club of Cortland. Mr. Brown is an ardent worker in the interests of Cortland, and is always ready to give substantial aid to any worthy enterprise that has in view the advancement of the interests of the village. He is responsive to charitable appeals, and occupies an important position as a man of standing in the community. His has been an industrious, useful, and eminently successful life, unsullied by deeds of wrong or oppression.
Source: pages 46-49.
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AUGUSTUS H. BENNETT, Cashier of the Homer National Bank, and senior member of the firm of Bennett & Starr, shoe dealers, is a worthy scion of a family that has occupied a high position in Central New York since the early pioneer times.
A. K. BENNETT, the leading merchant of the town of Taylor, Cortland County, is a son of Ezra, Jr., and Mary L. (Chapman) Bennett, and was born at Pitcher, Chenango County, N. Y., July 28, 1856.
CHARLES F. BENNETT, a prosperous and enterprising merchant of East Homer, was born August 21, 1856, in the town of Homer, Cortland County, N. Y. He is a son of William and Melissa (Pierce) Bennett, and a grandson of Asa Bennett.
BENJAMIN BROWN, deceased, was a well-to-do farmer of the town of Cuyler, and was born in that town, near Keeney's Settlement, May 12, 1814. He was a son of Seabury and Polly (Fox) Brown, and grandson of Benjamin Brown.
DAVID H. BROWN of Cortland village is the junior member of the Cortland Harness and Carriage Goods Co., and gives his especial attention to the management of the mechanical department of this industrial establishment, which ranks among the first in Cortland County in the amount of business done and the number of men employed. In the line of goods that this enterprising company puts upon the market, it ranks as the first in the United States; its specialties are steel and leather-covered bow sockets for carriage tops, though all manner of carriage trimmings are made up. The business was started in 1880 by E. H. Brewer, who soon after associated with him our subject, Mr. Brown, whose practical knowledge of carriage building and trimming is far above that of the ordinary workman, and embraces all the branches.
All biographies are from Book of Biographies - Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Cortland County, NY
Biographical Publishing Company - Buffalo, NY - 1898
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Cortland Co, NY Page
Last updated: 9 Aug 2016
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