Biography of James Shanahan

JAMES SHANAHAN A STATE official whose long, industrious, persevering career in mechanical pursuits, and whose works in different parts of the country evince his superior powers as a master of his art is the Hon. James Shanahan, superintendent of public works of the state of New York. He belongs to a class of men whose talents and energy have advanced and enriched the interests of the empire state by the construction of works intimately connected with the railroads and canals, trade and commerce. He is a native of Ireland, and was born on the 6th of February, 1829, having now … Read more

Biography of Hon. Josiah Failing

HON. JOSIAH FAILING. – The name brought to our state by this venerable pioneer, now no longer living, will always be revered by reason of the virtues of the man himself, and of the extensive reputation of the family which he founded upon our coast. His great-grandfather came to America from the Palatinate on the Rhine, and settled in the Mohawk valley west of Albany, New York, in 1703. Mr. Failing was born on his father’s farm July 9, 1806, at Canajohane, Montgomery county, New York. When quite a young man he removed to New York City, where he married … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Eber A. Knowles

(VI) Eber A., son of Seth Knowles, was born at St. Johnsville, Montgomery county, July 13, 1834 He came to Hopewell, Ontario county, in 1857; enlisted at Canandaigua, January 1, 1864, in the Fiftieth New York Regiment of Engineers, Company L, and served until he was mustered out with his company at the end of the civil war. He married, in February, 1855, Lydia Bastedo, who was born at Somerset county, New Jersey, November 4, 1837, and came to Cayuga county, New York, with her parents when she was sixteen years old. Her ancestors were residents of New Jersey. Among … Read more

Biography of John F. Seeber

JOHN F. SEEBER.- Among the now quiet farmers, business men and professional men whose outward appearance and conversation give no hint of stirring adventures and strange experiences, there is frequently one in whom investigation may find a witness to the most novel and thrilling scenes in our early history. Walla Walla, Washington, is somewhat unusually favored with those ancient spirits of the border, now among the most solid and unsensational of her citizens. Among this number is John Seeber. His adventures amid the wild life of the mountains would fill a volume. Born in Fort Plain, New York, in 1837, … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Cornelius Conover

Cornelius Conover lived in the town of Mohawk, Montgomery county, New York, and came thence to Victor, Ontario county. He married Margaret Bowers and they had nine children, two of whom were born in Mohawk, the others in Monroe and Ontario counties, viz: Vincent, Catherine, Benjamin, Betsey, William, Mary J., Angeline, John, mentioned elsewhere, Hannah.

Abbe-Abbey Genealogy

A genealogical dictionary of the first settlers of New England vol 1

The “Abbe-Abbey Genealogy” serves as a comprehensive and meticulously compiled homage to the heritage of the Abbe and Abbey families, tracing its roots back to John Abbe and his descendants. Initiated by the life-long passion of Professor Cleveland Abbe, this genealogical exploration began in his youth and expanded throughout his illustrious career, despite numerous challenges. It encapsulates the collaborative efforts of numerous family members and researchers, including significant contributions from individuals such as Charles E. Abbe, Norah D. Abbe, and many others, each bringing invaluable insights and data to enrich the family’s narrative.

Biography of Albert Vander Veer

ALBERT VANDER VEER “A wise physician, skill’d our wounds to heal. Is more than armies to the public weal.” Pope – The Iliad. AN ALBANIAN who stands at the head of his profession as a surgeon, and whose fame is extended far beyond the limits of the city, is Dr. Albert Vander Veer. Born in the town of Root, Montgomery County, NY, on the 10th of July, 1841, his earliest days were quietly passed amidst pleasing scenes of rural life. He is a son of Abram H. Vander Veer, who in 1828 erected for tannery purposes the first building at … Read more

Biography of Edward Wemple

EDWARD WEMPLE AMONG those who have graced the annals of our state in the wide, active and interesting fields of political service is the present efficient comptroller, Hon. Edward Wemple. He comes from an ancestry noted for their sturdy-characteristics, their devotion to principle, and their love of liberty. Away back in the history of Holland his forefathers lived and labored for the best interests of their country and humanity. But their enterprise was not confined to their own land. They sought other and wider regions for the advancement of the cause of civilization and human progress. Large numbers of them … Read more

Biographical Sketch of James Lauder

(I) James Lauder, immigrant ancestor in this country, located with his wife Jane at Florida, Montgomery county, New York, coming thither from their home in Scotland. Among their children was John A., mentioned elsewhere.

Biographical Sketch of John A. Lauder

(II) John A., son of James Lauder, was born in Florida, Montgomery county, New York, August 21, 1821, died December 3, 1883. He was a farmer all his active life. He came to Victor, Ontario county. about 1855, and located on a farm which his son now (1910) owns. He married, in September, 1855, Ann Bowerman, of Schenectady, New York, and they had one son, John W., mentioned elsewhere. The mother was born in 1815 in Montgomery county and died in 1901.

A History of St. John’s Reformed Church, St. Johnsville, New York

A history of St. John's Reformed Church formerly the Reformed Calvinist Church of the Upper Part of Palatine in the county of Montgomery

A History of St. John’s Reformed Church, formerly known as the Reformed Calvinist Church of the Upper Part of Palatine, marks a significant milestone in documenting the enduring legacy of this religious institution since its inception in 1770. Compiled by Norman Edwin Thomas in celebration of the church’s 175th anniversary, this book endeavors to capture the complex tapestry of events and affiliations that have shaped the church’s journey through nearly two centuries. While previous attempts have been made to chronicle the church’s history through various anniversary booklets, this is the first comprehensive attempt to marry its storied past with a … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Cady Staley

Staley, Cady; engineer; born, Minaville, N. Y., Dec. 12, 1840; son of Harmanus and Eveline (Darrow) Staley; A. B., Union College, 1865; C. E., 1866; Ph. D., 1874 (LL. D., 1888, Ohio Wesleyan, 1888); married Kate Holcomb, of Waterford, N. Y., Dec. 23, 1869; one of the engineers in building the Central Pacific R. R.; prof. civil engineering, 1868-1886; dean of faculty, 1876-1886, Union College; pres. Case School Applied Science, Cleveland, 1886-1902; traveling member American Society Civil Engineers. Author: The Separate System of Sewerage (with G. S. Pierson).

Biographical Sketch of Martus Cline

Martus Cline or Kline, immigrant ancestor of this family, came from Holland and settled in what is now (1910) Montgomery county, New York, before the revolution. He was living in 1790, according to the first federal census, and Jacob, John, William Henrik, doubtless his sons, were also heads of families in Montgomery county at that time.

Biography Of Alden C. Hillman, A. M.

Alden C. Hillman, A. M. One of the venerable educators of Kansas was Alden C. Hillman, of Salina, whose death occurred on the 24th of January, 1917. Mr. Hillman was the first man selected for a position in the faculty of the Kansas Wesleyan University. He began his work as an educator before the war, was very prominent in the State of Illinois in school work for many years, and for more than thirty years was a resident of Kansas. He was born May 23, 1832, at Charleston, New York, a son of Ezra and Permelia (Horton) Hillman. Both parents … Read more

John Atwater of Canajoharie NY

John Atwater6, (Benjamin5, Benjamin4, Benjamin3, Michael2, Christopher1) born Feb. 16, 1779, died Sept. 1, 1847, at Canajoharie, N. Y., married Nancy Alstyne. Children: 906. John Cockburn, b. Sept. 9, 1811, d. March 22, 1812. 907. Abraham J., b. Jan. 24, 1813, d. Dec. 3, 1883. *908. Elnathan Reynolds, b. Dec. 15, 1815. *909. Cornelius Rush, b. July 6, 1819.

Hollis H. Todd of Amsterdam NY

Hollis H. Todd9, (Hollis D.8, Ora B.7, Bela6, Caleb5, Gideon4, Gideon3, Michael2, Christopher1) born July 22, 1885, married Dec. 23, 1905, R. Dawn Greene. He is a Prof. of manuel training at Amsterdam, N. Y. Child: 2774d. Nelson.

Biography of Zerah S. Westbrook

ZERAH S. WESTBROOK HON. Zera S. Westbrook, the present deputy comptroller of the state of New York, has an interesting and instructive history. As a state official he is at this time a temporary resident of Albany, his residence and home being at Amsterdam, N. Y. His career is one which illustrates in a striking manner, the rise, progress and development of a character such as only can be found in a land of free institutions, without the aid of the wealthy, titled, so called nobility. As will be seen in a brief review of his life, he has already … Read more

Descendants of Johannes Abeel

Johannes Abeel Eldest son of Christopher Janse (Croom) Abeel, was born in Albany, March 23, 1667, died Jan. 28, 1711. He was a prosperous merchant, and was elected mayor of Albany, 1694-5. He removed to New Amsterdam and lived there for a time and on his return to Albany was elected a member of the Assembly in 1701; and in 1709 was again elected mayor of Albany. He married April 10, 1694, Catharine, daughter of David Schuyler, who, with his brother Pieterse, came from Amsterdam in 1650, and settled at Fort Orange. David Schuyler, the younger of the two, married … Read more

Remsen’s Bush Cemetery, Montgomery County, New York

Auchampach, James, b. Feby. 8, 1827, aged 26 yrs. Auchampach, Isabella, dau. of George and Helen Lasher, and relict of the late James Auchampach, d. Feby, 6, 1828, aged 26 yrs., 7 mos., 18 days. Buchannan, Mary Elizabeth, dau. of John G. and Catharine, d. Aug. 24, 1830, aged 1 yr. Conoly, P—-, aged 107 yrs. Clayton, Jonathan, d. Apr. 6, 1810, aged 80 yrs., 11 mos., 19 days. Clayton, Anna Anderson, wife of J. I. Clayton, b. Dec. 30, 1761, in New Jersey, d. May 22, 1825. Clark, Catharine, wife of William, d. Feby. 22, 1796, aged 52 yrs. … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Mark Cline

(III) Mark, son of John Cline, was born at South Amsterdam, New York, June 1, 1802, and was educated in the district schools. He came with his parents to Victor, when he was twelve years old, and followed farming all his active life. He had a farm of one hundred and seventy acres at Victor. In politics he was a Whig, in religion a Methodist. He married Betsey Ann Wells, born January 6, 1805, at Mayfield, New York. Children : 1. Angeline, born September 7, 1823, married Harvey Holbrook, and had six children; she died in 1902. 2. Nancy, August … Read more