Chemung County NY

Slave Narrative of Margaret E. Dickens

Margaret E. Dickens, born on June 5, 1861, in Raleigh, North Carolina, recounts her family history, noting her mother, Mary Ann Hews, was free-born and her father, Henry Byrd, endured hardships. Dickens shares her parents’ occupations—her grandfather as a cabinet maker and her father as a carpenter. After living briefly in the North with her first husband, a preacher, she returned to the South, where she values her home and family legacy. She expresses a deep preference for Southern life despite her time in the North.

Biography of Arthur Bourne Smith Ph. B., B. L. S.

Arthur Bourne Smith, born August 2, 1873, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, has been the librarian at Kansas State Agricultural College since 1911. He has a rich background in library science, having held various positions, including assistant librarian at Wesleyan University and lecturer at the University of California. A graduate of Genesee Wesleyan Seminary and the University of Illinois, he is involved in numerous professional associations. Smith’s early life was shaped by his family’s move to New York after his father’s death, and he has significantly contributed to enhancing library accessibility for students and the public alike.

Biographical Sketch of Tracy W. Guthrie

Tracy W. Guthrie was born on February 2, 1866, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of Julius C. and Emily A. Tracy Guthrie and received his education in various public schools, including the Chickering Institute. He married Settal Horn in New Rochelle, New York, on February 8, 1910. Guthrie held leadership positions as president of the Continental Coal Co. and the Republic Iron & Steel Co. He has served as secretary and general manager of the Standard Welding Co. and is a member of several clubs.

Biography of Paul E. Havens

Paul E. Havens, born on May 4, 1839, in New York, was a key figure in Leavenworth’s development. Orphaned at eight, he began working young and moved west in 1856, ultimately settling in Leavenworth in 1863. A notable politician and businessman, he served in various roles, including clerk of the District Court and state legislator. He also co-founded the Leavenworth National Bank and supported local enterprises. A devoted family man and music lover, Havens died on May 6, 1913, leaving a lasting impact on his community.

Biography of Belden D. Burt

Belden D. Burt, born in 1823 in New York, became a prominent merchant and community leader in Riverside, California. Establishing B. D. Burt & Brother in 1875, the firm is Riverside’s oldest mercantile establishment, known for its integrity and sound business practices. Burt’s earlier ventures included mining and various mercantile pursuits across California. A supporter of Riverside’s growth, he played a significant role in its governance and local enterprises. Married in 1853, Burt and his wife, Irene, had no children.

Biography of Ebenezer Griffin Brown

Ebenezer Griffin Brown, known as Judge Brown, was a prominent pioneer of Riverside, California, and a founding member of the Southern California Colony Association. He advocated for the purchase of Riverside lands and, after returning from Iowa, successfully established the colony in 1870. Settling on 104 acres, he transformed his homestead, “The Anchorage,” into a thriving retreat with expansive orange groves and accommodations for guests. Born in 1821 in Maine, Brown had diverse business ventures before his 1871 move to California. He was a respected community leader and devoted family man.

Biographical Sketch of George L. Hisom

George L. Hisom, originally from Pennsylvania, began his career in San Bernardino County as a deputy county clerk in January 1883. Following the resignation of W. F. Holcomb, he was elected County Clerk in 1886 and took office in January 1887. Known for his amiable demeanor, Hisom was re-elected in 1888. Before his clerkship, he worked with the California Southern Railroad’s engineering corps from 1880 to 1883. His extensive knowledge of the county’s resources has made him a respected and influential figure in the community.

Biography of John J. Whitney

John J. Whitney, born in 1843 in Elmira, New York, became a significant figure in San Bernardino County as the owner of a planning mill and lumberyard. A veteran of the Civil War, he transitioned to the lumber industry post-war, ultimately moving to California in 1881 for health and business opportunities. He rebuilt the City Mill in San Bernardino after multiple fires, enhancing it with modern machinery. Whitney also invested in local agriculture, owning vineyards and orchards. He married Miss Burdick and raised a family of eight, fostering a passion for music and community involvement.

Biography of Edwin Chidsey Seymour

Edwin Chidsey Seymour, born in 1845 in New York, served as Sheriff of San Bernardino County after a notable military career with the Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Infantry during the Civil War. Following his return to civilian life, he engaged in various businesses, including lumber and construction. Seymour moved to California in 1881 for his wife’s health, later becoming a respected political figure and fraternal leader. He was married to Martha M. Goddard, with whom he had four children, and he actively contributed to local organizations and agriculture.

Biographical Sketch of John Rowlee Fausey

John Rowlee Fausey, born March 19, 1870, in Elmira, New York, dedicated his career to enhancing public education in Massachusetts, particularly in Springfield and West Springfield. After receiving his education from Genessee Wesleyan Seminary and Syracuse University, he began teaching in various roles in Pennsylvania and Connecticut before becoming principal of Howard Street School in Springfield in 1906. Fausey later served as superintendent in West Springfield and Winchester, returning to West Springfield in 1923. He married Lena May Corbin in 1899.

Biographical Sketch of Myron D. Short

Myron D. Short, born on August 23, 1973, in Richmond, New York, exemplifies the achievements possible through hard work and leadership. After early employment with railroads, he began studying law, gaining admission to the bar in 1899. Short practiced law with John Gillette and later formed a partnership that expanded to Canandaigua. Elected district attorney in 1905, he has made significant contributions to his community through his role in public service.

Biography of Charles C. Davison

Charles C. Davison, born on June 22, 1868, in Odessa, New York, has had a significant career in the milling industry. After briefly attending Cornell University, he pursued a path in milling, working in various mills before buying one in Odessa. He later operated a flour and feed store in Geneva, where he acquired the Geneva Flouring Mill in 1904. A member of the Democratic Party and several fraternal organizations, he is married to A. Louise and has one daughter, Annette B.

Biography of Hon. Orlando Curtis Bidwell

Hon. Orlando Curtis Bidwell, born March 17, 1862, in Monterey, Massachusetts, is a prominent lawyer and public servant in Berkshire County. A Williams College graduate, he began practicing law in Elmira, New York, in 1889 and relocated to Great Barrington in 1890. Over his career, he has held various offices, including four terms in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. In addition to his legal work, he has been a trustee for the Great Barrington Savings Bank and is involved in several fraternal and community organizations. He married Helen Higley, and they have four children.

Biography of David Bennett Hill

David Bennett Hill was born on August 29, 1843, in Havana, New York. Raised by industrious parents, he excelled in education and pursued a legal career, establishing a successful law practice in Elmira. Hill’s political journey began with his election to the state assembly and continued with various roles, including mayor of Elmira and lieutenant governor. He succeeded Grover Cleveland as governor of New York, serving with notable popularity and delivering eloquent addresses on democracy and governance. Hill’s career reflects his commitment to justice and the laboring class.

Biography of John Henry Woodward

John Henry Woodward, born on February 9, 1836, in Tompkins, New York, pursued a successful career as a lawyer and military officer. After studying law, he was admitted to the bar in 1860 and soon volunteered for military service, becoming a captain on the general staff of the Army of the Potomac during the Civil War. Post-war, he resumed legal practice in Watkins and later in Portland, Oregon, where he gained prominence, served as County Judge, and became a respected figure in the legal community. Woodward was married in 1863 and remains a member of Trinity Episcopal Church.

Biography of Gen. Smith D. Atkins

Smith D. Atkins, born in 1836 in New York, moved to Illinois in 1848 and began a diverse career as a lawyer, journalist, and politician. He actively supported Lincoln during the 1860 election and was the first to enlist for the Union army from his county after the Civil War began. Rising through the ranks, he became a notable officer, exhibiting bravery at key battles. Post-war, he returned to Freeport as an editor and served as Postmaster for many years, demonstrating dedicated public service.