Burlington New York Biographical Sketches

Transcribed by Jeffrey Tooley

Burlington New York Biographical Sketches extracted from History of Otsego County, New York, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of its Prominent Men and Pioneers.

Gardner, Colonel David

Colonel David Gardner. Among the native early pioneers of this town and county not a man, so far as we know, has lived so long on the place where he was born as the subject of this sketch. He is of English origin by both parents. His father, Samuel Gardner, was a native of Pownell, Bennington Co., Vt., and was born July 6, 1775. His mother, Miss Deidamia Joslin, a native of Thompson, Ct., was born April 5, 1775. Samuel Gardner was married to Miss Deidamia Joslin, Jan. 3, 1799, and immediately emigrated to Otsego County, and settled in Burlington on the farm now owned by their son David. They continued to reside on the same farm till their death. They had five children, namely, Mehetabel, David, Hiram, Edward, and Benjamin, tho last of whom is dead. In polltics, Samuel Gardner was a Whig. He died April 28, 1860. Mrs. Gardner died Nov. 21, 1853. Colonel David Gardner was born on the farm where he now resides in Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y., Oct. 11, 1802. His advantages for an early education were very limited, as he was obliged to remain at home on the farm to aid in supporting the family.

He continued with his parents on the farm till their death, and has since resided here. He married Miss Maria J. Cook, a native of Exeter, Otsego County, Oct. 20, 1829. She was born about 1806. By this union five children were born, namely, Adaline M., Deidamia, Carrie A., Otis C, and Samuel W. Mrs. Gardner was a lady greatly esteemed by those who knew her. She was a faithful wife and a very devoted mother. She died in June, 1846, and was buried in the town of Windfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y.

The colonel was married to his present wife, Mrs. S. R. Joslin, widow of S. R. Joslin, of Esisex, Vt., Feb. 15, 1847. Mrs. Gardner's maiden name was Martha Enos, daughter of Sessions and Mehitabel Enos, and was born in Lester, Addison Co., Vt., July 6, 1816. Her father was a native of Woodstock, Conn., and her mother of Union, Conn.

Mr. Gardner has now one of the best farms in the town, of more than 300 acres, and at one time ho owned over 400 acres. He has lived to aid in the building of all the improvements on his farm, a view of which, with portraits of himself and wife above, may be seen elsewhere.

The colonel cast his first presidential vote for General Jackson at his first election ; but in politics he was identified with the Whig party until the organization of the Republican party. He never sought any political oflices in his town, preferring the quiet of home to any political honors. He has, however, been assessor for a great many years, and supervisor of his town.

The colonel was formerly connected with the State militia, entering at the age of eighteen as a private, and gradually advanced through the various military positions until he became colonel. He was very fond of the military tactics. He is now an old gentleman of nearly seventy-six, very much broken down in health, but his mind is as clear as ever. He enjoys the confidence of his neighbors, and reviews the past with no apprcheiiaion of the future.

Matteson, A. Alonzo

A. Alonzo Matteson, son of Asa and Pjlizabeth Richmond Matteson, was born in West Greenwich, Kent Co., R. I., Aug. 16, 1819. Asa Matteson was of English origin and was born in Rhode Island. About 1775 he married Elizabeth Richmond, a native of Rhode Island, by whom five children were borne. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was John Matteson; who served in the French war from 1756 to 1763, and A, Alonzo has the same old gun that he carried through that war.

In the spring of 1824, Asa Matteson and family removed to Fairfield, Herkimer county, and continued there till March 1, 1830, when the family removed to Exeter, Otsego County, where Mr. and Mrs. Asa Matteson died. Asa followed farming. He died May 10, 1858, and Mrs. Asa Matteson died Jan. 4, 1863, at the home of her son, A. Alonzo. A. Alonzo received a common-school education, and when a young man taught school two winters. He also taught singing-school for a number of years, and was leader of the choir at Schuyler's Lake for several years until he removed to Burlington on April 1, 1863, and since has led the singing in the village where he now resides.

Mr. A. A. Matteson has been engaged as a farmer. He married Miss Eliza J. Ball, daughter of Joseph Ball, of Exeter, Nov. 18, 1847, by whom one daughter, Charlotte E., was borne, June 18, 1855, in Exeter. Mrs. Elizabeth J. Ball Matteson was born in Exeter, Jan. 21, 1825. She died May 21, 1859, and was buried at the cemetery at Schuyler's Lake. Mr. A. A. Matteson married his present wife, Mrs. Mary R. Bliss Matteson, daughter of Seth L. Bliss, of Exeter, June 5, 1800. She was born at Exeter, Feb. 12, 1839. Mr. Matteson has some 145 acres of good land. A view of his present home may be seen elsewhere. In politics he afiiliates with the Republican party. He has a natural gift as a mechanic, being able to make most anything he undertakes. Mr. Matteson commenced life a poor man, but by his own industry and frugality he has acquired a competency, and is now surrounded by all tlio necessaries and comforts of a happy homo in the village of West Burlington.

When Mr. Matteson was about eighteen years of age he united with the Free-Will Baptist church, and since coming to West Burlington has been identified with the Baptist church, though not a member. He has held several of the offices of said church, and his home has always been open to ministers of all denominations to stay. By his means he assists to all the calls of Christian benevolence, and is ever ready in every good word and work.

Chase, Willet

Willet Chase, son of Asa and Hannah Chase, was born in Hancock, R. I., Oct. 5, 1802, and removed to Otsego County, and settled in Pittsfield, in 1804, in company with his parents. Asa and Hannah were the parents of fourteen children. Asa was a farmer, and died at the age of eighty-five. His wife Hannah lived to be nearly ninety-one years of age, and both of them now lie sleeping in the family cemetery, some one- half mile west of where Willet now resides.

Willet went to learn the blacksmith trade in his nineteenth year, serving three years as an apprentice. March 28, 1828, he removed into Burlington, to his present farm. It then consisted of but three-quarters of an acre, on which was a small house and shop, and to this small beginning he has been constantly adding little by little, until he now owns 138 1/2 acres of good land, on which aro built some splendid buildings, a view of which may be seen elsewhere. He married Miss Eliza Harrington, a daughter of Thomas and Lucinda Harrington, Sept. 1, 1827. She was born in Cobleskill, Schoharie Co., N. Y., July 9, 1805. In 1810 her parents settled in Edmeston, and removed to New Lisbon, where they died. By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Chase ten children — five sons and five daughters--have been born, namely, Miron, Caroline, Almira, Emily, Truman, Clarissa L., Ann A., Albert, Robert T., and Henry.

Truman died at the age of twenty-seven.

Henry died while young.

Albert and Miron were soldiers in the War of the Rebellion. Miron served in the 4th Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers during the entire war, and lived to see his old home again; but Albert was a soldier in Co. K, 121st Regiment of New York Volunteers, serving about six months, when he fell a victim by sickness. Mr. Chase is a Republican in politics. Mr. Chase is one of the old pioneers of the county who came here when a boy, and has lived to witness the greatest improvements in the various departments of industry that the world has ever seen. He is now an old man of seventy-six, and seems to be in good health.

Gardner, Orange

Orange Gardner, son of Nicholas and Ruasil Gardner, was born on the farm where he now resides in Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y., Aug. 16, 1831. His father was a native of Pownell, Vt., born in January, 1787, and removed to this county about the year 1800. He settled on the farm now owned by his son Orange, and where he continued to reside till his death. He married Miss Sally Vane, a native of Vermont, by whom three children were borne ; one only, Stephen Gardner, is now living in Oswego county. Mr. Nicholas Gardner married for his second wife Miss Russil Sewell, a native of this town, and who was born in 1793, by whom the following children were borne, namely, Aaron, Sally, Wm. Sewell, Emeline, Albert, Orange, and Harmon, four of whom still live. Mr. Nicholas Gardner was a farmer by occupation, and owned about 250 acresof good land. In politics, a Whig. He died Jan. 22, 1863. Mrs. Gardner died Jan. 15, 1869. Orange is the youngest living son of this family. He was reared a farmer, which business he still follows. He re- ceived common-school advantages for an education. He was married to Miss Margaret Chisholm, April 26, 1868. She is the daughter of Geo. and Catharine Chisholm, and was born in this town June 3, 1835.

Her parents were natives of Scotland, and emigrated to America in 1833, and settled in Burlington, Otsego Co., N. y. They had eight children, — Jane, Margaret, Ellen, Janette, Andrew, Elizabeth, Robert, and George. Andrew was a soldier in the Rebellion, in the 121st Reg. N. Y. Vol., and lost his life by sickness; the rest survive. Mrs. Chisholm died in October, 1870. Mr. Orange Gardner lived with his parents till their death, and has since continued to reside on the " Old Homestead" where he was born, and where his two sons Sewell and Andrew were born, the former July 22, 1869, and the latter June 28, 1871. A view of his residence, with portraits above of himself and wife, may be seen elsewhere. Mr. Gardner is one of the substantial farmers of Burlington. He owns some 275 acres. In politics, a Republican. He has never sought any political positions, preferring the quiet of home. He is now in the prime of life, surrounded by all the comforts of a happy home.

Mather, Andrew A.

Andrew A. Mather, son of Dan and Susannah Mather, was born in this town and county, Oct. 17, 1812. His father was a lineal descendant of Richard Mather, of English origin, who came from Warrington, England, landing at Boston, Aug. 17, 1635, and settled in Dorchester, Mass. He was a clergy- man of marked ability. He left England from his unwillingness to conform to the rules of the established church. He founded a Presbyterian church at Dorchester, Mass., Aug. 23, 1636, and remained pastor of the same until his death, which occurred April 16, 1669.

From him have descended a numerous race, all of whom have been noted for their great energy and indomitable perseverance. Dan, the father of Andrew A. Mather, was born in Lyme, Conn., Oct. 1, 1774. He was a tanner and currier by occupation, which business he followed several years after settling in the town of Burlington. He married, for his second wife. Miss Susannah Onderdonk, a resident of Manhasset, Long Island. She was born Dec. 12, 1775. By tins union three sons were born: Andrew A., Ezra, and Dan. Ezra died at the age of fifty-seven. Mr. Dan Mar ther settled in the south part of the town of Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y., in the Butternut creek valley, in 1810, on the farm where he died Sept. 1, 1856, and which is now owned and occupied by his son, Andrew A. Mather. Mrs. Mather, wife of Dan Mather, died March 9, 1853. Dan Mather was one of the most respected citizens of the town; he held various positions of trust and honor, and by industry and frugality he gained a competency. He was strictly honest in all his dealings, and lived respected and died lamented. His son, Andrew A., was reared on the farm, receiving a good common-school education. He taught school five terms in winter, commencing at the age of seventeen, and working on the farm in summer. At the age of twenty-two he married Teresa D. Cummings, a daughter of Elias and Lucinda Cummings, of New Lisbon, Sept. 7, 1834. By this marriage seven children were born, namely, Adrian 0., Andrew E., A. Dan, Elias C, and Kate M., who are living, and two died in infancy. Adrian O., An- drew E., and A. Dan live in Albany, N. Y. ; are wholesale grocers, known as the firm of " Mather Brothere." Elias C. is a farmer in Burlington, living adjoining the old homestead, and Kate M., living now in Albany with her brothers.

Mrs. Mather, wife of Andrew A. Mather, died Jan. 27, 1860.

Mr. Mather married Miss Addie J. Birdsall, of Otego, Jan. 6, 1862. She was born June 5, 1834; her parents were of New England parentage, and were born in Otsego County. By this alliance two daughters were born: Clara L. and Jennie A., aged twelve and fourteen respectively.

Mr. Andrew A. Mather has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and is closely allied with the best interests of his town and county. He is now living at the same old homestead where he first saw the light of day. Mr. Mather is the grower of some fine Jersey stock and Leicester sheep. He is a man that thinks for himself and acts from his own convictions of right and wrong; always ready to engage in any reform that has for its aim the amelioration of mankind. He allied himself with the Wasliingtonian movement in 1841, and has ever since that time been identified with all the temperance reforms of the day. In polities he was a Democrat, and voted the Democratic ticket down to the time Lewis Cass wrote his Nicholson letter, taking the ground that congress had no power to keep slavery out of the territories; and when Cass and Taylor ran for president in 1848, he voted for Van Buren to boat Cass, and ever since has voted with the anti-slavery party, voting the Republican ticket. In 1872 he thought Horace Greeley the best man, and voted for him. After the defeat of Horace Greeley, not being satisfied which party was the safest to carry on the government in 1876, lie voted the temperance ticket; He has held various positions of trust and honor in town, and was elected supervisor in 1846. In 1853 he was elected by the temperance party to the legislature as a "Maine Law" man, and in the fall of 1860 Mr. Mather was elected sheriff of Otsego County, which office he held three years, and at the expiration of his term returned to his farm in the Butternut creek valley, where he now resides.

Andrew E. Mather was mustered in as first lieutenant of K Company, 121st New York Volunteers, August, 1862. Promoted to captain January, 1863; to major June, 18G3; was appointed lieutenant-colonel in January, 1864, and transferred to the 20th United States Colored Infantry and served until the close of the war. Was wounded in the shoulder at Salem Heights, May 3, 1863.

Elias C. Mather was mustered in as private of K Company, 121st New York Volunteers, in August, 1862. Was appointed first lieutenant and adjutant of the 20th United States Colored Infantry in September, 1864, and served until the close of the war. Was wounded in the arm at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863, and at Petersburg June 14, 1864.

The Bolton Family

Lemuel Bolton was born in New London, Conn., May 4, 1778, and settled in Burlington as early as 1796. He married Miss Ruth Briggs, a lineal descendant of Noah Briggs, of Bristol Co., Mass., in the year 1800.

Lemuel's father was a sea-captain, and was killed in a New London fort. The Boltons are of English origin, and were among the early settlers in New England. Lemuel purchased the farm now owned by his son, Maurice W. in 1801. He had ten children, namely, Isaac, Ezra, Maurice, Perez, Elizabeth, Esther, Ruth A., Susannah, Olive, and Hannah. Isaac, Ezra, and Hannah are dead. In politics, a Democrat. He was the owner of some 680 acres of land in Burlington at one time. All that he had to commence life with was a few carpenter's tools and five dollars in money. Besides followitig farming, he was a carpenter and joiner. Ruth Bolton died May 30, 1843, and Lemuel Bolton died March 12, 1844.

Maurice Bolton was born Oct. 19, 1804. He was reared on the farm, and this has been his life's work. He lived with his parents till their death, when he came in possession of the "homestead." He is the grower of some fine stock, being the owner of the finest pair of matched oxen we have ever seen. He is a farmer of 200 acres.

The Briggs Family

Noah Briggs, of Bristol Co., Mass., moved to Voluntown. Conn., about 1745. He married Elizabeth Trumbull, of Taunton, Mass., where he resided for several years. Eleven children were born to them, namely, Elkanah, Zephaniah, Perez, William, Isaac, John, James, Betsey, Freclove, Sarah, and Susan.

Zephaniah married and lived in Sherman, Conn., and died in 1838 or 1839, aged one hundred and two years. Perez married Elizabeth Smith, and lived in Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y. He settled in 1789, in Burlington. William married a Gallup, and resided in Sterling, Conn., and died at the age of ninety-three. Isaac was not married, and died a soldier in Washington's army. John married a Hall, and moved to Skaneateles, N. Y., and died in 1838, aged eighty-eight, leaving several children. John was u Revolutionary soldier. William and James were soldiers also. James married Phebo Bowen, of Rhodo Island, and had twelve children.

This is all we have at our command of this pioneer family of Otsego County.

Parker, David G.

David G. Parker. Among the early pioneera of this town may be mentioned the Parker family. Alexander Parker was of English origin; his grandfather was from England, and settled in the New England States. Alexander was a native of Rhode Island, and was born Jan. 8, 1768. His father's name was Elisha Parker, and was born Aug. 6, 1746, in Rhode Island; his mother's maiden name was Miss Maria Ellsworth, and was born near Plymouth, Mass. They had eleven children, all born in the New England States.

Capt. Elisha Parker served as a captain during the Revolutionary war. Soon after the year 1800 he and his wife and balance of family settled in Burlington on a part of the farm now owned by their grandson, David G.; here they continued to reside till their death. Mrs. Elisha Parker died Sept. 24, 1828, and he died March 19, 1813. Alexander was reared a farmer, and when a boy he worked out by the month to aid in the support of his father's large family. Thus he worked till he was of age, and for one year thereafter he continued to work by the month in order to get a little money to begin life. In 1790 he settled on the farm now owned by his son, David G., at West Burlington. While still a small boy he was a waiter in the Revolutionary war. He married Miss Joanna Gardner, a daughter of Abram Gardner, of Pownell, Vt., Feb. 17, 1793. She was born Aug. 28, 1777, in Pownell, Vt. By this union nine children were born, — Abram, Polly, Elisha, Ira, Betsey, Mehitable, Alexander, Jr., Sarah, and David G,; four are dead. Alexander Parker, Sr,, was at one time a very large landholder, and gave each of his sons one hundred acres of land, besides the necessaries, tools, and stock to commence farming. In politics, a Democrat. He and his wife were members of the Baptist church for more than fifty years. Mr. Alexander Parker's first wife was a sister to his second wife; her name was Sarah Gardner, and they were married about Jan. 1, 1791, by whom one boy, David, was born Oct. 29, 1791. He died March 7, 1793. Mrs. Sarah Parker died May 27, 1792; Mr. A. Parker died Feb. 27, 1845; Mrs. A. Parker died June 22, 1860.

David G. Parker was born on his present farm at West Burlington, Nov. 29, 1822. He received a common-school education. He lived with his parents till their death. He married Miss Susannah Bolton, May 27, 1852. She is the daughter of Lemuel and Ruth Bolton, and was born in Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y., July 14, 1817; her parents came from Pownell, Vt.

By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. David G. Parker five children were born, namely, Ella M., born Sept. 16, 1853, and came to her death June 15, 1859, by being caught in the bars while climbing through them, which caused her neck to be broken; her mother was the first to see her little daughter and rescue her lifeless form; Isaac B., Dexter A., Otis M., and Ruth J. H., all are living and at home. Mr. Parker is a farmer by occupation, and one of the loading stock-growers and dealers in the county. He is the owner, of more than 330 acres of good land, besides property in the south. Mr. Parker is one of the most enterprising citizens of the town. He began life poor, but by industry and frugality he has today a pleasant home, and is surrounded by four intelligent children. In politics he is a Democrat; he never desired any political office, but preferred the quiet of home. He has made all the improvements on his fine farm, a view of which may be seen elsewhere.

Kelsey, Roswell

Roswell Kelsey, of Burlington, son of Solomon and Anna Kelsey, was born in Kdmcston, Otsego Co., N. Y., July 13, 1797.

Solomon was a native of Washington Co., N. Y., and was born Sept. 10, 1767, and married Anna Brown, a native of the same county, by whom twelve children were borne; two only are now living, but all lived to be men and women. Solomon was married before 1789, and removed to this county about that time, and settled in Edmeston, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred in June, 1815, and his wife died some three weeks afterwards.

He was a farmer by occupation, and reared his children to industry and economy. Roswell was thus reared, and in 1820 he and his brother Silas purchased the old home, and continued to reside there till about 1840, when he sold out his interest to his brother, and removed on the farm in Burlington, where he has continued to live ever since. He now owns some 200 acres of good land near West Burlington.

He married Miss Rhoda Dye, a native of Madison Co., N. Y., May 27, 1820. By this union nine children have been born, namely: Surah, Solomon, Rachel, Daniel, Jcrusha, Mary, William, Celia, and Martha. Jerusha, Celia, and Martha are dead.

Mrs. Roswell Kelsey was connected with the Friends, and after more than fifty years of married life she was the first of this large family to pass away. She died May 29, 1871, and was buried in Burlington.

Mr. Kelsey has always been either a Whig or Republican in politics. Mr. Kelsey has always been a farmer, and to-day, while ho is an old gentleman of more than eighty-one years, he has the satisfaction of knowing that he has done some good in his day and generation. His daughter, Mrs. Sarah Lines, is living with him, and has the care of him in his old age.

Sarah married Julius Lines, a native of Susquehanna Co., Pa., Nov. 17, 1840, by whom one daughter, Laura, was borne. Mr. Lines died Feb. 4, 1874, and Mrs. Lines came to live with her father the next May.