Tompkins County NY

Biography of Rev. Samuel Parker

Rev. Samuel Parker, born on April 23, 1779, in Ashfield, Massachusetts, was a pivotal figure in early American missionary work. After graduating from Williams College and Andover Theological Seminary, he began his ministry in New York. In 1833, he offered to explore the West for the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. His significant journey in 1835 to the Oregon territory culminated in the publication of “Parker’s Exploring Tour,” which raised awareness about the region. Parker remained influential until his death on March 21, 1866, at nearly 87.

Biography of Trowbridge C. Egleston

Trowbridge C. Egleston, born on June 19, 1857, in Madison, Ohio, is a prominent businessman in Caldwell, Idaho, overseeing a successful hardware and general goods store established in 1884. He acquired the business in 1892 and has since managed it from a substantial brick building. Educated at Cornell University, Egleston gained valuable experience as a traveling salesman before settling in Caldwell. He has served as mayor, is a Mason, and is actively involved in public affairs. He is married to Sarah B. Mann, with whom he has two daughters.

Saponi Indians

The Saponi Indians, a Siouan linguistic tribe closely related to the Tutelo, likely originated from the term Monasiccapano, meaning “shallow water.” They are historically associated with villages along the Rivanna River in Virginia. Over time, they migrated to Otter Creek and later to the junction of the Staunton and Dan Rivers while fleeing Iroquois attacks. By the 18th century, part of the Saponi moved north to Pennsylvania, while others remained in North Carolina, where they eventually merged with neighboring tribes. Their population dwindled over the centuries, with reports indicating only small numbers by the mid-1700s.

Biography of William A. Caldwell

William A. Caldwell, born in Newford, New York, on December 10, 1832, was a prominent pioneer in Idaho’s early settlement. He learned the boat-building trade and participated in the Panama railroad survey before traveling west during the gold rush. His ventures included mining, packing supplies, and cattle ranching, leading to significant financial success. Caldwell settled in Lewiston, where he owned substantial land and livestock. Married in 1871 to Maria Reddy, he had four children and remained politically active without seeking office, eventually retiring after a successful career.

Biographical Sketch of William McKinley Duncan

William McKinley Duncan, born on May 19, 1873, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was a prominent lawyer. He was educated in public schools and at Cornell University. Duncan married Viola Deetrick in 1899 and had three sons. Admitted to the bar in 1894, he joined the firm of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey in 1911 and notably represented the Eastern Trunk Railroad in arbitration. He also served as receiver for the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad and was active in various clubs.

Biographical Sketch of Hermann Dercum

Hermann Dercum, born on April 23, 1879, in Cleveland, was an accomplished architect. He received both his B.S. and M.S. in architecture from Cornell University in 1902 and 1903, respectively. Dercum married Carlotta Krause in Lakewood on September 3, 1910, and they had one son, Max. He was a partner in the architectural firm Dercum Beer and actively participated in the Cleveland Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Athletic Club.

Biographical Sketch of Oliver Farrar Emerson

Oliver Farrar Emerson, born on May 24, 1860, in Traer, Iowa, was a notable university professor. After earning degrees from Iowa College and Cornell University, he held various educational positions, including superintendent of schools and principal of the Academy of Iowa College. In 1896, he became a professor of English at Western Reserve University. Emerson authored significant works on the English language and contributed to various academic publications. He was an active member of the Modern Language Association of America and served as president of the American Dialect Society in 1905.

Biographical Sketch of Benjamin S. Hubbell

Benjamin S. Hubbell, born on July 11, 1867, in Leavenworth, Kansas, was an accomplished architect who graduated from Cornell University in 1894, securing a scholarship and membership in Sigma XI during his studies. He currently practices as Hubbell Benes and has designed significant buildings, including the Wade Memorial and the Cleveland School of Art. Hubbell is also an active member of various organizations, including the Masons, the Chamber of Commerce, the American Institute of Architects, and the Colonial Club.

Biographical Sketch of Burt A. Miller

Burt A. Miller, born in Canton, Ohio, on March 17, 1871, was the son of William K. and Sarah Burwell Miller. He attended Cornell University and Cincinnati Law School before marrying Jane Rabe in 1899. After the Spanish-American War, Miller organized the surety business in Cuba and Puerto Rico, creating the legal framework for operations there. He served as vice president and manager for the Southwestern Surety Insurance Company and held various memberships in local organizations, including the Cleveland Rotary Club.

Biographical Sketch of Hal. H. Hill

Hal H. Hill, born on February 9, 1875, in Detroit, Michigan, was a prominent contracting engineer. He graduated from Cornell University in 1897 with a degree in mechanical engineering, following earlier education at University School in Cleveland. His career included work at the Erie City Iron Works in Erie, Pennsylvania. Hill was an active member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and participated in various social organizations, including the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and several local clubs in Cleveland and Erie.

Biographical Sketch of Louis H. Hays

Louis H. Hays, born in Cleveland on January 24, 1874, was a prominent manufacturer and businessman. Educated at the University School and Cornell University, he began his career in 1896 with Charles Eisenman & Co. After founding The Roeheimer Hays Studio and later The Federal Knitting Mills Co., he returned to Eisenman’s firm, which evolved into K. E. Blouse Makers. Hays played a significant role in several enterprises and held directorships in various organizations while remaining active in community and alumni associations.

Biographical Sketch of Emmett Ellsworth Hart

Emmett Ellsworth Hart, born on September 18, 1861, in Little Valley, New York, was a civil engineer. He studied at Cornell University, graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering. Hart married Rachel Joy Sprague in 1891 and had seven children. His career began with the C., B. Q. R. R., progressing to division engineer by 1899. He later became chief engineer of the New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad Company, a position he holds as of 1906. He was also a member of the American Railway Engineering Association.

Biographical Sketch of Warren Phelps King

Warren Phelps King, born on September 9, 1865, in Ithaca, New York, was the son of Warren Leander and Mary Eliza Phelps King. A Cornell University graduate of 1888, he married Justine McKenna in 1892, and had two children. King’s career spanned roles at The Lehigh Valley Coal Co. and New York Car Wheel Works, ultimately serving as president of Liberty Brass Foundry. He was active in several engineering and social organizations and descended from a notable family with Revolutionary War ties.

Biographical Sketch of Harry Livingston Kaufman

Harry Livingston Kaufman, born in 1882 in Marquette, Michigan, was a prominent figure in the iron ore and mining industries. Educated at Cornell University, he became a partner at E. N. Breitung Co. in Cleveland, where he also served as vice president and manager of mines in Marquette. An active member of various professional and civic organizations, Kaufman held numerous director positions in banks and mining companies. He splits his time between Cleveland and Marquette and is an honorary member of the Naval Reserves of Michigan.

Biographical Sketch of Bascom Little

Bascom Little, born on April 24, 1879, in Cleveland, was the son of Hiram H. and Laura Brown Little. He graduated from Cornell University in 1901 and married Florence Cobb in 1906. His family includes Bascom Little Jr. and Julia Little. An influential contractor, he served on the first Charter Commission and held director positions in several banks and companies. He was also active in various organizations, including the American Historical Society and Associated Charities, and was a member of several clubs.

Biographical Sketch of Worth M. Tippy

Worth M. Tippy, a clergyman born on November 8, 1867, in Larwill, Indiana, was educated at DePauw University and Cornell University. He married Zella Birda Ward in 1895 and had two daughters. Tippy held various pastorates in Indiana and New York, served as a university preacher, and was active in social service and church finance committees. He authored “The Socialized Church” in 1909 and participated in numerous organizations, reflecting his commitment to both church and community.

Biographical Sketch of Charles William Wason

Charles William Wason, born on April 20, 1854, in Cleveland, graduated from Cornell University in 1876. He married Jettie Anna Morrill in 1882, having two daughters, and later married Margaret Wright and Mabel Breckenridge. Wason held various leadership roles, including director positions at Cleveland, Painesville Eastern and Northern Ohio Traction and Light Company, and was a trustee of the Cleveland Associated Charities. He was active in several organizations, including Kappa Alpha and the Cleveland Engineering Society.

Biographical Sketch of Leon Cowles Welch

Leon Cowles Welch, born on June 20, 1882, in Green, New York, was a mechanical engineer educated at Cornell University. He began his career in 1906 as a machinist’s helper and progressed through various roles at multiple companies, including New York Transit Co. and Buckeye Pipe Line Co., where he currently serves as division superintendent and director. Welch married Edith Sans Packard in 1913 and is involved in professional organizations such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. His recreational interests include baseball, football, and tennis.

Biographical Sketch of Rollin Henry White

Rollin Henry White was an automobile manufacturer, born to Thomas H. and Almira Greenleaf White. He graduated from Cornell University in 1894 with degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering. On September 2, 1896, he married Katharine King in Brooklyn, New York. The couple had three children: Elizabeth, William King, and Rollin Henry Jr. White was also a member of the Union, Country, and Chagrin Valley Hunt Clubs.