Clifton Springs New York

Biography of John H. Stephens

John H. Stephens, postmaster of Clifton Springs, New York, was for many years prominently identified with educational matters in various capacities. The family originally came from Germany. His father, William L., who was the son of Abraham Stephens, a native of Germany, was born in Rockland county, New York. He removed to the city of New York, where, for many years he conducted the Westchester Pie Bakery, in West Nineteenth street, which was the foundation of the present American Pie Baking Company. He married Elizabeth Wood. Children: William W.; James 0., deceased; John H., see forward; Margaret; Ella, and Elizabeth. … Read more

Biography of Dr. Henry Foster

Dr. Henry Foster was born in the town of Norwich, Vermont, January 18, 1821. He was the son of Henry and Polly (Hubbard) Foster, who were the owners of a farm of six hundred acres of intervale land, and were apparently established for life in a beautiful home. As one of a family of seven children, Dr. Foster spent a happy and healthful childhood. When he was fourteen years of age financial reverses came to the family and they removed to western New York and from thence to Ohio, where the boys of the family made a home and cared … Read more

Biography of Myron M. Buck

Myron M. Buck was born in Shortsville, Ontario county, New York, January 16, 1835. His ancestors settled in central New York, when the state was wild and uncultivated, his maternal grandfather, Theophilus Short, in whose honor Shortsville, New York, was named, having been a member of the “Old Holland Land Purchase Company,” and prominent in every way in the affairs of the community. Attracted by the fertility of the soil in this undeveloped district, the company purchased a large portion of central New York. They at once proceeded to establish homes for the pioneers who were the leading spirits. The … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Frank P. Van Dyne

Frank P. Van Dyne, who has been connected with the Clifton Springs Sanitarium for many years, and is at present overseer of the institution, is of Dutch ancestry, as the name indicates. Joshua Van Dyne, son of Peter Van Dyne, and father of Frank P. Van Dyne, was born in the New England States, 1817, died in 1865. He married Sarah Bailley, who died in 1898. Children: Frank P., see forward; Olida, married George Smith; Charity, died in infancy. Frank P., son of Joshua and Sarah (Bailley) Van Dyne, was born in Clifton Springs, Ontario county, New York, December 20, … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Murray J. Bement

(II) Murray J., son of William E. and Laura A. (Newell) Bement, was born in Manchester, Ontario county, New York, May 20, 1844: died in Clifton Springs, in the same county, May 23,-1910. He received his education in the public schools of Manchester, and then taught school himself for a number of years. In 1875 he began the manufacture of cigars, a business he continued to be engaged in until his death. In May, 1888, he settled in Clifton Springs, and took his son, Louie M. Bement, into partnership with him. He was a Democrat in politics and served for … Read more