Livingston County New York Biographies - Surnames A-B

Transcribed by Lynn Tooley

Livingston County New York Biographies extracted from the History of Livingston County, New York: from its earliest traditions to the present, together with early town sketches.

Francis M. Acker, Biography

FRANCIS M. ACKER — A prominent citizen of the town of Livonia and merchant in the village of Lakeville, was born in Groveland, September 28, 1847. Shortly afterward his parents removed to Lakeville, where he attended school and where he has since resided. He secured the rudiments of his business education at the Rochester Business University. He then engaged in the carriage business which he successfully conducted for fifteen years in Lakeville, and twenty-eight years ago he embarked in the grocery business which he has conducted on plans both profitable to himself and pleasing to his many customers. Mr. Acker is a Republican in politics and under President Harrison held the office of postmaster for four years. He married Caroline Gordinier, of Avon, and her death occurred in 1884. He took for his second wife Elizabeth Weeks, of Lakeville, and they have three suns. Carroll Francis, Harold Chester and Marion Allen. His father, Silas Acker, a native of New Jersey, came to Livingston county when a young man, locating in Groveland, where he acquired 150 acres of government land which he subsequently cleared. He was thrice married and raised a family of seven sons and five daughters. His third wife, the mother of our subject, was Phoebe Shay, of Scottsburg, a granddaughter of Daniel Shay, of Revolutionary fame, to whose memory a monument has been recently erected at Scottsburg, N. Y. She died at the age of seventy-three years. Silas Acker died in 1865, aged seventy-five years.

John H. Adams, Biography

JOHN H. ADAMS, — A substantial agriculturist of the town of Livonia, residing near the village of Hemlock, is a native of Ontario, having been born at Richmond, June 27, 1858. His grandfather Isaac Adams, came from Connecticut, his native state, with a family by the name of Reed, for whom he worked, the journey being made with an ox team. Some time later he purchased a small improved farm upon which he erected a log house which was some years thereafter replaced by a comfortable frame house. Here he and his wife, formerly Lucretia Flolmes, reared a family and passed the, remainder of their days. Ten children were born to them: Cyrus. Willis, John, Lydia, Susan, Timothy, Lucina, Esther, Isaac, and Chester. Their son, Isaac Adams, after reaching his majority, purchased a farm at Springwater, where he lived five years and returned to Richmond. In 1872 he came to Livonia, where he resided until his death January 26, 1887. He married Hannah Becker, a daughter of John and Laurana Becker, to whom were born two children, a daughter Helen and a son John H. Helen married Alden Adams and resides in Livonia and she has one daughter, Ella.

John H. Adams attended the district school of the neighborhood and later took a course in the State Normal school at Geneseo. He then taught school for three years in Livonia and Richmond. In 1883 he bought a small farm of seventy acres to which he added until his landed possessions now include upwards of two hundred and fifty acres. In 1880 he was united in marriage with Miss Emma Wemett, a daughter of William and Hulda Wemett, of Livonia. They have four children: Clifford, Fannie, Gladys and John. In politics Mr. Adams is a staunch Republican and cast his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield in 1880. He ably filled the office of Supervisor of the town of Livonia for four years and is at all times a leading spirit and an active worker for the success of his party.

Streno F. Adams, Biography

SIRENO F. ADAMS, attorney of Dansville, N. Y., was born in the town' of Conesus, July 21, 1871. His education was obtained at the district schuols and at the Geneseo State Normal School. In 1889 he removed to Chicago where he remained three j'ears, and then returned and resumed his studies at Geneseo. In January, 1895, he entered the law office of Fred W. Noyes as a student where he remained ten years.

His father, Philip T. Adams, was born at East Bloomfield, N. Y., April 17. 1832. He married Julia French, oldest daughter of Sireno French, at that time the general agent of the Orient Insurance Company at Chicago.

Five children were born to them, Jennie M., now wife of John H. Egan of Caledonia, N. Y., Richard W., who married Alice B. Grant, and who now re-^ sides at Dansville. two daughters Jessie F. and Emily L., who died early in life, and. the subject of this sketch.

In February 1905, Mr. Adams opened an office in the Kramer Block at Dansville and having a large acquaintance in and around Dansville and having had a wide experience in the work of his chosen profession, his success is assured.

M. P. Allen, Biography

M. P. ALLEN — A prominent and progressive merchant of Lima, was born at Ionia, Michigan, in 1852. When three years of age his parents removed to this state and settled first in the town of Groveland, where they remained six years and then moved to Bloomfield. Later they came to Liina where they have since resided. Mr. Allen has been a hardware merchant in Lima for the past twenty-five years and his stock of hardware and farm implements is as complete as can be found in a like establishment in Livingston county. In 1886 he was united in marriage with Miss Belle H. Scott, of Lima, and their family consists of three children; Willard, Howard and Raymond. A daughter Blanche, died in 1893, aged five years.

Frank J. Alverson, Biography

FRANK J. ALVERSON, — A prominent attorney of Dansville, N. Y., was born July 20, 1867. In 1887 he entered the law office of J. M. McNair of Dansville, as a student, remaining with him about three years. He then studied with John A. VanDerlip and later with Bissell and Foss. He was admitted to the Bar at Rochester in April, 1893 and has been in active practice at Dansville since that time. In March, 1891 while still pursuing his studies, he was elected Justice of the Peace. He has also served two terms as police justice. July 19, 1893, Mr. Alverson was united in marriage with Maria Remmel, daughter of Frederick Remmel, a business man of Corning. N, Y. They have one child, Donald, born June 12, 1900. He is a member of Phoenix Lodge, No. 115, F. and A. M., and Dansville Chapter, No. 91, R. A. M.

James D. Anderson, Biography

JAMES D. ANDERSON — Local agent at Avon, for Belden & Company, the well known firm of produce dealers, was born in the town of York, September 2, 1866. His schooling was obtained in the neighborhood of his home and his early life was passed in York. December 4, 1892, he engaged with Belden & Co. as their buyer, in which capacity he remained four years, when he purchased an interest in the firm locally and became their agent at Avon. He was united in marriage October 30, 1895. with Genevieve Bogne, a daughter of Rev. H. P. V. Bogue, D. D., at that time pastor of the Central Presbyterian church at Avon. Dr. Bogue was pastor of that, church twenty-five years and was chiefly instrumental in the securing of funds and the erection of the handsome church edifice the Presbyterians now occupy. He married Genevieve Dillage, of Syracuse, N. Y.. and they had a family of five children, of whom Mrs. Anderson was the eldest. Dr. Bogue now resides in Alliance, Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have five children, James Dixon, Kate Bogue, Genevieve Dillage, Margaret J. and Helen. Peter Anderson, the father of James, is a native of Scotland and came to this country about 1855 when twenty 5'ears of age. He remained in New York city three years and learned the trade of wagon making. In 1858 he came to York Village, Livingston county, and opened a wagon and carriage shop which he is still conducting. He married Margaret Dickson, also a native of Scotland, and six children were born to them. Jennie, John D., Thomas C, William M., James D., and Margaret W., all of whom are now living and married. James D. Anderson has long been prominent in the social and political life of Avon. He is a loyal Republican and has for two years been a member of the county republican committee.

James Annin, Jr., Biography

JAMES ANNIN, Jr.,— Of Caledonia, was born in Boston, Mass., in 1850. When two years of age his parents removed to LeRoy, N. Y. where he afterward received his education. In 1872 he turned his attention to a fish culture and at once establ ished. a fish hatchery at Caledonia, locating the same on the Campbell farm, on the west side of the famous Caledonia Spring creek. Today Mr. Annin's hatchery is the oldest private hatchery in the United States. He makes a specialty of raising fingerlings or yearlings, of Brook, Brown, Rainbow and Lake trout. The trout eggs are sent to all parts of this country and many sections of the world. Private preserves in the Adirondacks and elsewhere are stocked each year from this hatchery. In 1880 Mr. Annin made an exhibit of trout eggs and fish hatching apparatus with the Fisheries Association, of Germany, in connection with the World's Fair held at Berlin in that year, for this exhibit he received a very beautiful diploma. From 1895 to 1900 Mr. Annin was superintendent of all the New York State Fish hatcheries, and it is largely owing to his experience and management that they have been brought to their preaent high standard. Mr. Annin was married in 1877 to Jeanette Campbell, of Caledonia. Their children are James C, Harry K. Marguerite and Howard. Joseph Annin, a native of Scotland, came to LeRoy, from Cayuga county N. Y., in 1808, and had five children. His eldest son, William LeRoy Annin, was the first male child born in LeRoy, after that town recieved its name. His fourth son James Sr., was born at LeRoy in 1828 and in 1848 married Priscilla Keith, of Boston, Mass. Peter Campbell, Mrs. Annin's grandfather, acquired from the Pulteney estate, in 1799, the property on which the Campbell and Arinin families now reside. The first religious service of any kind, ever held in the town was held in the Campbell homestead. In 1802 at the Campbell homestead, assembled neighbors, who organized themselves into a religious and civil society.

Cyrus H. Armsted, Biography

CYRUS H. ARMSTED — A well known citizen and property owner of Avon, was born in West Bloomfield, N. Y., April 27, 1835. In 1844 he came with his grandfather to Avon, where he attended school until 1852, when he began learning the harness making trade with J. T. Hall. He remained with him until 1859, when with Mr. Hickox, he purchased the harness business of Mr. Hall, thereafter conducting it under the name of Armsted and Hickox until 1861, when he secured his partner 's interest in the business and continued alone until 1880. Mr. Armsted has always been progressive and enterprising. In 1872 realizing the necessity for a first class hotel he erected and equipped the St. George and conducted it together with his harness business until December 25, 1875, when it was entirely destroyed with all its contents, entailing a loss of $18,000 with only $2,000 insurance. In 1876, Mr. Armsted with some financial assistance, built the present St. George hotel, which he rented to Smith H. Newman, who ran it under the name of the Newman House four years, when Mr. Armsted took possession and conducted it two years, since which time it has been run under the management of James McCracken two years, Mr. Armsted two years, Bronson & Harmon two years, Mr. Armsted eight years, and in 1896 M. C. Smedley, of the White Horse Tavern secured control of the house which he ran until 1900, when M. O. Fisher, the present landlord, took possession. Mr. Armsted's marriage with Cath3rine Kennedy, of Avon, took place July 4, 1857. Four children have been born to them, two of whom are now living: Charles H. married Miss Burnham and has two children. He resides in Hornellsville, N. Y., where he conducts a flourishing real estate business. Bertha L., married Paul D. Warren of Buffalo. They have two children. Mrs. Cyrus H. Armsted died in 1878. Mr. Armsted is a republican and has held at various times several minor public offices.

Norman C. Arnold, Biography

NORMAN C. ARNOLD— In the year 1635, on May 1st, William Arnold left his home in Leamington, England, and sailed for America, arriving at Boston, Mass., June 24, 1635. He was accompanied by his wife, Christiana Peak, and four children, Elizabeth, Benedict, Joanna, and Stephen. A half-brother of William named Thomas also came with the family and settled in Watertown, Mass., where he remained until 1650, William Arnold removed to Providence, R. L, April 30, 1636, and with hia friend Roger Williams, settled on the banks of the Pawtucket River. He was one of the fifty-four original proprietors and a one-third owner in the first purchase. William Arnold was credited as being the defender of Soul Liberty and his son, Benedict Arnold, afterward first governor of the colony under King Charles, drew up and was one of the signers of the first public paper declaring the separation of church and state. Benedict Arnold moved to Newport in 1653, succeeded Roger Williams as President of the Colony and later under the second charter served several terms as Governor. In 1676, he erected the celebrated "stone mill'' at Newport which is still standing. Stephen, the son of William Arnold, married Sarah Smith and had seven children. Israel, the son of Stephen, married Mary Smith and had nine children. Their son Eliaha married Harriet Carpenter who bore him ten children. Elisha's son James married Freelove Burlingame and seventeen children were born to them. George, the son of James, was born October 12, 1754, married Mary Hopkins, and reared thirteen children, Mary Hopkins was a direct descendant of Stephen Hopkins, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, George Arnold, the grandfather of Norman C., was a patriot soldier in the Revolutionary army and for services rendered as a soldier was granted a tract of land now included within the limits of the town of Venice, Cayuga county, N. Y. They settled on a farm in Rhode Island eight miles from Providence on the Pawtucket river, where they remained nineteen years. In 1800 he removed to Stephentown, Rensselaer county, N. Y., where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of wild land and remained thereon until his death March 22, 1829. His wife Mary died April 15, 1803. They reared to maturity a family of fourteen children, six sons and eight daughters. Joseph Hopkins Arnold, their fifth son, was born February 17, 1789, in Rhode Island. In 1811 he and his brother Benjamin and wife journeyed westward and settled on eighty acres in Cayuga county deeded to them by their father. They afterward added to their landed possessions until they owned upwards of three hundred acres of land. Following a call for volunteers in 1812 Joseph Arnold was the first to enlist fron:i the region south of Auburn, and the same summer Benjamin was drafted and sent to Fort Erie. Joseph was stationed at Lewiston under the command of General Van Rensselaer. On October 13 an attack was ordered on Queenstown and about one thousand men crossed the river on flat boats. John Boles and Joseph Arnold were the only ones able to make a landing from the boat they were on and Joseph received two wounds. In the charge made by the British Joseph was shot in the body and taken prisoner. The British surgeon who dressed his wounds, being a brother Mason, succeeded in effecting his release and he shortly thereafter made the journey to his home on horseback. Mr. Norman C. Arnold has in his possession the two ounce-balls that wounded his father in this battle and which were the ultimate cause of his death while a comparatively young man, on September 16, 1834. His wife, Susanna Gardner, survived him until May 11, 1882. She was a descendant of the Gardners who came to America with the Arnolds in 1635. Of their family of ten children, Norman C. Arnold was the youngest. He was born April 23. 1832. He married Mary E. Bills November 19. 1857, and two children were born to them. Their first born a daughter, died in infancy. Hattie V. born February 28, 1860, died December 29, 1860. Mrs. Arnold was born September 25, 1837, and died Novembers, 1885. Mr. Arnold took for his second wife Carrie F. Noble, a daughter of the late Dr. W. H. Noble, of Mount Morris. She was born February 25, 1845 and died December 3, 1902. He was again married on October 19, 1903, to Mary M. Harrison. Mr. Arnold during the earlier years of his life was actively engaged in farming. When seventeen years of age he took the management of the home farm and a few years later he and his brother Simon purchased the homestead and for a number of years carried it on in partnership. In December, 1862, Mr. Arnold received the appointment of Deputy Revenue Collector for the South District of Cayuga county. In 1871 he was engaged as agent for the New York, Oswego and Midland Railroad in securing the right of way and purchasing material for the construction of the road. During the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876 Mr. Arnold had charge of the exhibits of the Auburn Manufacturing Company and the Empire Wringer Company. The following winter he went to Kansas and engaged in the sale of the Fort Scott and Gulf Railroad Company's lands and for a number of years thereafter conducted excursions from the east to Kansas, which resulted in many hundreds of families securing homesteads in that state. He came to Mount Morris in 1877 and has since made that place his hotne. The above article includes but a brief sketch of Mr. Arnold's ancestry, which dates in a direct line through some of America's most prominent men of the pre-Revolutionary period to monarchs of the Old World, and on in a well authenticated line to Adam and Eve, the progenitors of the human rare. A copy of the original family record which was brought to this country by William Arnold in 1635, dating back to the year 1100, is one of Mr. Arnold's most highly prized possessions.

Charles O. Atherton, Biography

CHARLES O. ATHERTON — A successful merchant of the village of Moscow was born at that place September 12, 1842. Oliver Atherton, the father of Charles, when a young man twenty-one years of age, left his home in New Hampshire and came to Wyoming county. For a number of years he was employed . by Colonel McElwell and Colonel William Bingham, of Warren, N. Y. and for about two years drove the stage between Warsaw and Geneseo. In 1838 he came to Moscow and purchased the business now conducted by his son. He married Maryette Knapp of Perry, N. Y., February 27, 1839, who died in 1894. Charles O. Atherton attended the public schools and later assisted his father as clerk in the grocery up to within two years of the latter's death, when he became a partner under the firm name of O. Atherton and Co. He at once abolished the sale of liquor in the place and at his father's decease succeeded to the ownership of the property. Since that time he has had as a partner Dorus Thompson, who remained as such three years. Some years later Mr. Atherton's son-in-law A. V. Durand purchased an interest in tlie business which he held for a time and during the past three years the partner in the firm has been William D. Clapp, his son-in-law. Mr. Atherton was joined in marriage October 16, 1867, with Jennie E. Brooks, daughter of Erastus and Eliza Brooks of Moscow, former pioneer residents of Steuben county. Mrs. Athertcn died November 26, 1872. Mr. Atherton was married to his present wife, Electa Ann Allen, daughter of William R. and Mary Jane Allen, of Leicester, August 30, 1876. Mr. Atherton has been in business in Moscow for over forty years con-tinuously and is widely known throughout this section as a careful business man and a progressive, public spirited citizen. He is a member of Avon Springs Lodge No. 570, F. & A. M. of which he is Master, and is chief of the fire department and foreman of the Hook and Ladder Company. Both Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are members of the Central Presbyterian church and consistent workers therein.

George W. Atwell, Biography

GEORGE W. ATWELL,— Lawyer of Lima, N. Y., the third to bear the name, was born at that place February 22, 1852. He was educated at Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, Genesee College and Amherst College, from which last institution he was graduated in 1874. Choosing the legal profession he studied with Hon. Edwin A. Nash, then of Lima, N. Y., now Justice of the Supreme Court, and was admitted to the bar in October 1877. In April, 1878, he opened an office at Lima where he is still located. During the years of an active practice he has found leisure for various contributions to family and local history. As a member of the Masonic fraternity he has long been prominent, and in 1897-99 was honored with the appointment of D. D. Grand Master. He married September 28, 1887 Jane, only daughter of Amasa H. and Julia A. (Garfield) Martin of Lima, N. Y.

ANCESTRY

The surname is derived from the Saxon words Atte, at the, and Welle, well, and was assumed at an early date. In the 17th century a branch of the family settled in the State of Connecticut where Oliver Atwell was born March 1, 1755. At the age of twenty years he enlisted in the Connecticut Line and served throughout the Revolutionary war. On the 2d of June 1781 he married Jerusha, youngest daughter of David and Hannah (Willard) Smith, a descendant of Samuel Smith, one of the original settlers of Hadley, Mass., by whom he had three sons and three daughters. He was pensioned April 14, 1818 and died at Westhampton, Mass., March 19, 1846. His only suviving son George W. Atwell. the first of the name, was born at Hadley, Mass., November 26, 1789. He was educated at Dartmouth College. In 1817 he removed to Lima, N. Y., where for ten years he was engaged in mercantile pursuits. On the 22d of July 1818 he married Martha Howard who was born December 15, 1788 and died November 28, 1863, and was a descendant in the fifth generation of John Howard of Duxbury, Mass. Of this marriage there were born two sons, Silas Cook and George W. In 1827 he retired from trade and purchased the farm south of the village of Lima, where he-passed the remainder of his life and which for three quarters of a century was the home of the family. He was an energetic, successful man of affairs, widely known and highly esteemed for his sterling integrity and business ability. He died at Lima, May 13, 1852, His son George W. Atwell, the second of the name, was born at Lima, January 28, 1822. He was educated at Genesee Wesleyan Seminary and Canandaigua Academy. Possessing an unusual talent for music he was for many years a conspicuous figure in musical circles. He married December 30, 1847, Mary Ann, daughter of James and Harriet (Yorks) Gillin of Little Falls, New jersey, who was born April 21, 1827 and died August 30, 1876. Of this marriage there were born two sons George W., the present bearer of the name, and Silas Tohn, who was born October 10, 1856 and died August 18, 1904. He married secondly in January, 1878, Mary H. Doolittle. He died at Lima October 27, 1901.

For nearly ninety years the family has been connected with the history of the Town of Lima, and during that period the name, borne for three generations, occurs frequently in the annals of the Town, associated with public affairs and the best interests of the community.

Charles Austin, Biography

CHARLES AUSTIN, — A prominent agriculturist of Geneseo was born December 8, 1844. His parents, at thai time resided on the Wicks farm near the village of Geneseo. He was educated at Temple Hill Academy which was followed by a course in the Rochester Commercial College. His father, Joseph Riley Austin came from Connecticut, with his parents in 1813. The journey was made with an ox team and two ox carts strapped together. They forded the Genesee river at Rochester where the Main street bridge is now located. Russel Austin, the grandfather of Charles, was the first sheriff appointed after Livingston county came into existence. He also served as supervisor and superintendent of the poor. Joseph Austin was born in 1812. He, for a number of years, conducted the Big Tree dairy farm for the Wadsworths, later purchasing the Wicks and finally the farm our subject now owns and occupies, lying in the eastern part of the village within its limits. Joseph Austin married Agnes Elizabeth Wylbasky, a native of Russia, who came to America when eight years of age. They had one son Charles. Joseph Riley AiJStin died January 25, 1880, his wife having preceded him five years. Charles Austin, with the exception of two years spent as a clerk in a stationery store in Rochester, has always followed farming and dairying. He was joined in marriage with Frances A. McVicar of Conesus, N. Y., December 12. 1867. Two children have been born to them, Lizzie E. who died when six years of age and Julian R. a conductor on the street railway in Rochester. He married Sarah J. Tiffany of Medina. N. Y., June 30, 1903. Independent in politics Mr. Austin favors the old time Republican. He has held various elective offices among them that ot constable which office he held several years. Fie was for several years an assistant in the County House and also the Craig Colony for Epileptics where he remained two years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Austin attend the Episcopal church of Geneseo. having been members of that church and society for ihe past sixteen years.

Henry E. Averill, Biography

HENRY E. AVERILL, — A successful merchant in the village of Hunt's and town of Portage was born in that town May 7. 1853. His paternal grandfather, Daniel, a native of England, was born in 1785. When a young man he came to America and first located at Bridgeport, Conn., where he taught school and was afterward married. Some years later he came to Portageville and was one of the first teachers in that village, only one other having preceded him for one term only. He afterward bought a farm on which he resided until only a few years before his death, which occurred in Montreal at the age of seventyone. His son Latham, the father of Henry, was born in Portage in 1830. Early in life he followed farming but afterwards for a number of years he was engaged in lumbering in Northern Michigan. He was head sawyer in one of the largest mills in that state and at the outbreak of the Civil war was in charge of about three thousand men who were in a lumber camp on the Muskegon river. When Fort Sumter was fired upon he with several hundred of his men went to Grand Rapids and enlisted in the Cavalry service. They were immediately sent to the front and were engaged with the enemy in the battle of Gettysburg. After the Rondout engagement and during the second day's battle, his regiment with two others were detailed to drive the rebels out of Hanover. They, however, ran into a trap laid by the enemy and were totally routed. Out of the nine hundred Union soldiers comprising his regiment only three hundred survived. Mr. Averill was wounded in the elbow and after lying on the battlefield forty-eight hours was taken prisoner but before being taken off the field was left as dying. He was afterwards found by his friends and taken to Hanover hospital and later to the home of a private family. He was laid up about nine months, received an honorable discharge and returned to Portage. He remained in Portage three years and went to Michigan, where he again engaged in the lumber business and where he resided until his death in 1901. He married Catherine VanAllen and four children were born to them, of whom Henry was eldest. Henry Averill married Clara D. Edmonds, of Hunts. He began his business career as a clerk in the store of Thomas S. Glover, of Warsaw, N. Y. In 1876 he returned to Hunts and in company with John Williams opened a store for the sale of dry goods, groceries, etc., and five years thereafter he purchased Mr. William's interest in the business and has since been ihe sole owner. He received the appointment of postmaster under the McKinley administration January 1. 1898, which office he still retains.

Alonzo D. Baker, Biography

ALONZO D. BAKER, — A prominent produce and grain dealer of Dalton, N. Y., was born at that place February 16. 1841. His education was obtained in the common schools and his early life was passed on the farm of his father. Coming from New England stock he inherited that native shrewdness and natural aptitude for a business life which characterizes the New Englander. For thirty years he has dealt heavily in live stock and has been to no inconsiderable extent the means of giving to Dalron its reputation as a stock center. He has also for the past fourteen years been an extensive wool buyer. Ten years ago he engaged in the grain and produce business which he carried on in connection with the wool business. Thoroughly honest in all his dealings, Mr. Baker has the entire confidence of all with whom he deals and his success in business is but tlie natural result of this undeviating policy and the strict methodical manner in which he handles all matters pertaining to the business. In politics he is a strong democrat and while having neither time nor desire to hold office of a public nature he has the welfare of the party strongly at heart and in many ways quietly contributes to its success. As highway commissioner and town assessor he fulfilled the duties of the office in a highly commendable manner. He married Mary E. Ward of Grove, Allegany County, N. Y., and they have had three children. Dorr A. married Esther Benson and died in 1900. Ernest married Esther Dowd and has two children. Plyn married Blanche Westbrook. Leonard Baker, the father, of our subject, was born on White River, Vermont and with his parents came to Livingston county when eleven years of age settling near Dalton. He learned the trade of blacksmith, which he followed in connection with farming the greater portion of his life. He died in 1900 at the ripe age of eightyseven, Alonzo Baker is the Vice-president of the Dalton bank and president of the Rural Telephone Company. He also owns several fine farms in the town of Nunda, aggregating nearly 800 acres.

Monroe D. Baker, Biography

MONROE D. BAKER, — One of the leading architects of Mt. Morris, was born in the town of Nelson, Madison county, N. Y., January 25, 1859. In 1868 he removed with his parents to Mount Morris, N. Y., and there attended the public schools. He attended the Normal school at Geneseo, graduating with the class of '81. He then entered the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, graduating with the class of '86. Upon his return from the University he formed a partnership with his father under the firm name of A. M. Baker and Son, Civil Engineers and Dealers in vehicles, etc. In 1895 he was united in marriage with Miss Charlotte A. Goode, of Mount Morris.

Aaron Barber, Biography

AARON BARBER, — Although a native of Rush, Monroe county, has passed nearly all his life in the town of Avon. Livingston county, where he now resides. His paternal grandfather, also named Aaron Barber, was a native of Connecticut, a blacksmith by trade and a skilled mechanic. He died in middle life leaving a widow and a family of small children. The eldest of these children, Aaron, Jr., was the father of our subject. The family at once removed from Connecticut and for a time resided in Onondaga county, afterwards coming to Livingston county, and for years made their home in Lima, where the eldest son secured employment and being enterprising and industrious succeeded in making a home for the family. He afterwards engaged in the butchering business which he followed three years and removed to Ogden, Monroe county, where he had previously purchased a tract of heavily timbered land consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, a small portion of which he had cleared some time previously. Here he remained two years with his wife, whom he married before leaving Lima. He then bought a small farm in Rush on which he resided five years and came to Avon, where he purchased one hun'dred and sixty acres of improved lands two miles north of the village For nine years a log cabin served as their home. He then erected the handsome residence that is now occupied by the subject of this article and resided therein until his death in 1868 at the age of sixty-four. His wife was Lois Stevens, a daughter of Phineas and Mary Stevens, and three children were born to them: Mary L., Aaron and F. Amanda. Mary married Dr. James E. Jenks of Avon and is now a widow with two children, William and Louisa M. Amanda married HoUiday Williams, of Prattsburg, Steuben county, and is also a widow with three children, Frank, Aaron and Lois.

Aaron Barber, the third of the name, was born in the town of Rush, July 6, 1836. He was well educated, having as a boy attended the Avon schools and later the Lima Seminary and Rochester Academy. He was joined in marriage with Caroline B. Hall, daughter of William E. and Esther M. Hall, of Bloomfield. Ontario county. Mr. Barber has always been a steadfast supporter of the Democratic party. His first presidential vote was cast for Stephen A. Douglas in 1860. and with an unwavering belief in the Democratic doctrine he has steadily thrown his intiuence and support in that direction. Mr. Barber began life as a farmer and has always followed that occupation. His farm comprising seven hundred acres of rich, productive land, is well stocked and kept in the finest condition, A fine large herd of short-horned cattle have proved a source of much pleasure and profit to their owner, who has been engaged in their breeding for over a quarter of a century. This herd is considered the equal in point of excellence to any in the country.

He has within recent years made many improvem.ents, including handsome farm buildings with modern equipments for the care of stock. Mr. Barber has always conducted this place upon stiict business principles and has succeeded in converting it into one of the handsomest and most profitable stock farms in the county. He is a shareholder and for a number of years has held the office of President of the State Bank of Avon.

William Baylor, Biography

WILLIAM BAYLOR, — ^The leading dentist in Nunda, was born in that village April 11, 1865. After obtaining a practical education in the public schools he entered the Philadelphia Dental College from which he graduated in 1885. He then opened a dental office at St. Augustine, Fla., where he remained until 1892 when he returned to Nunda, His dental career in that village has proven successful. His offices are equipped with the latest appliances for use in dental surgery and his expertness in crown and bridge work is known and appreciated. His marriage with Teresa Knappenburg, daughter of William Knappenburg, a prominent coal dealer of Nunda, occurred Sept. 30, 1896. He is a member of F. and A. M. Lodge No. 299, and K. O. T. M. Tent No. 252. His father William Baylor, Sr., was born in New Jersey of Hulland parentage. When a young man he came to Livingston county and located, first at Mount Morris, where he resided some years, then removed to Nunda and purchased the Wing farm, one mile east of the village. He married Sophia Olp of Mount Morris and to them were born eight children, five of whom are living. John resides in Batavia, Frank, Mrs. John Witt of Mount Morris, Mrs. C. Van Allen of Watkins, N. Y. and William. William Baylor, Sr., died March 20, 1872 and Mrs. Baylor died Sept. 29, 1883. In 1831 Daniel Olp, the father of Mrs. Baylor, left Mansfield, N. J., his native place and, with his family came to Livingston county and settled on land, previously purchased, in the town of Mount Morris. The journey was performed with teams. A log cabin was erected in the midst of the forest constructed from hewn timber, the roof covered with "shakes." This structure was later replaced by a comfortable frame dwelling. The forest was, in time, cleared and subdued and a productive and valuable farm resulted from the years of toil and privations experienced by these early pioneers.

Barney Beuerlein, Biography

BARNEY BEUERLEIN, — A prominent merchant of Mount Morris is a native of Rhein, Prussia. Germany, where he was born July 2, 1855. In 1872 his father, Frederick Beuerlein, with his wife and four children, viz. Frederick, Jr., Barney, Michael and Elizabeth, took passage on the vessel, "Donan" at Bremen bound for America, where, at New York, they landed after a stormy passage of two weeks. Previous to leaving his native soil, Mr. Beuerlein had been a farmer and immediately on his arrival at New York he proceeded with his family to Dansville.N. Y., where he secured a farm and passed the remainder of his days in quiet and contentment.

Barney Beuerlein was then seventeen years of age, and farm life becoming distasteful to him he secured a position with a Dansville clothing merchant, with whom he was employed four years. In 1877 he came to Zvlt. Morris, and with Nicholas Johantgen engaged in the clothing business until 1882 when Mr. Beuerlein purchased his partner's interest and has since with the able assistance of his two sons conducted the business alone. He was married in 1880 to Miss Rosa Zwerger, of Rochester, N. Y. who died in 1885, leaving two sons, Frederick and Carl, who assist their father in the management of his business. He was again married in 1886 to Celia Myers, of Rochester, N. Y., who died in 1900, leaving three children: Agnes, Urben and Julia. Mr. Beuerlein took for a third wife Mrs. Catherine Mullin, of Mt. Morris, whom he married in October of 1902.

Frederick Beuerlein, Biography

FREDERICK BEUERLEIN, Jr.— A prominent i;itizen and successful merchant of Mount Morris, N. Y., is a native of Prussia, Germany, having been born at Rhein, February 20, 1852. In 1872 his father, Frederick Beuerlein, with his family consisting of his wife and four children, Frederick, Jr., Barney, Michael and Elizabeth, sailed from Bremen on the vessel "Donan" bound for America. They landed in New York after a rough and stormy voyage lasting two weeks and proceeded immediately to Dansville, N. Y. Mr. Beuerlein previous to leaving his native land was a farmer and uptjn arriving in Dansville he secured a farm where he remained the balance of his life, Frederick, Jr., the eldest son. remained with his father until 1880, when he came to Mt. Morris and engaged as clerk for his brother Barney, with whom he remained eight years. He then, in 1888. opened the store he has since so successfully conducted. Their stock made up of groceries, and bo )ts and shoes, is kept in a clean, inviting condition and an air of thrift and prosperity permeates the place. In April, 1878, Mr. Beuerlein was joined in marriage with Elizabeth Byers, of Wayland, N. Y., and four children have been born to tbem: his eldest son, Barney S. was born in Dansville. Livingston county, March 28, 1879. He attended the schools of Mount Morris and later entered his father's employ, with whom he has since remained.

Edward Bigelow, Biography

EDWARD EVERETT BIGELOW— A well known agriculturist of the town of Geneseo was born on the farm where he now resides, December 30, 1864. His education was obtained in the public schools and his life up to the present time has been passed on the farm purchased from John Haynes, by his grandfather, Ephroditus Bigelow, who came here in the early part of the past century from Connecticut, his native state, making the trip in a lumber wagon. On this farm and in the log cabin he erected was born Daniel Bigelow, the father of Edward, the date of his birth being in the year 1822. Daniel Bigelow married Helen Whitney, of Avon, and two children were'^born to them, Edward Everett and Harriet, who married Lovette Davis, a farmer and dairyman of Livonia and they have two sons Sidney and Paul. The father, Daniel, died March 2, 1898. Edward E. Bigelow married Rebecca L. Robinson, daughter of William Robinson of the town of York, and they have one daughter Ruth. Mr. Bigelow is an enterprising and progressive farmer and a very highly respected citizen. He is a member of the Lakeville Lodge K. O. T. M.

Charles L. Bingham, Biography

CHARLES L. BINGHAM, — Was born at Mt. Morris, on the 25th day of April, 1827. He was the youngest son of Dr. Charles Bingham who came to Livingston county from Connecticut at an early day and left an enviable reputation as an accomplished gentleman and skillful practitioner.

Mr. Bingham's common school education was supplemented by a broad and comprehensive course of reading, placing him in culture and information fully abreast with current thought. Previous to attaining his majority and at the early age of sixteen years he began his business career, which was destined to be crowned with so large a measure of success, by accepting the position of teacher in one of the rural districts of his native town, and in after years he often spoke of the pride and pleasure he experienced when he brought to his mother for safe keeping his first earnings. Shortly after this he filled with credit to himself and entire satisfaction to his employer the position of tutor in a gentleman's family in which capacity his duties called him to the south where he resided for a time. While earning his living as an instructor Mr. Bingham was bending all his energies toward the fulfillment of his ambition to become a lawyer. And very soon after he attained his majority he successfully sought admission to the bar where his energy, probity, and analytical powers joined to a never failing courtesy soon placed him in the front rank of his profession. About this time Mr. Bingham formed the co-partnership with Judge George Hastings that continued without even the semblance of discord till dissolved in 1866 by the death of Judge Hastings.

After the death of his law partner, Mr. Bingham was forced by increasing deafness to abandon the law, and in 1869 he with his brother Lucius C. Bingham, now deceased, and 'his friend Sears E. Brace, now of St. Anthony's Park, Minn., entered upon his career as banker under the firm name of Bingham Brothers & Brace. This business, eminently successful from the start, was peculiarly congenial to Mr. Bingham, his mind enriched and polished by his long and successful career at the bar unravelled and solved business complications and intricacies with an ease that was a constant .source of astonishment to his contemporaries.

Mr. Bingham's great business ability was abundantly recognized, and as executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, assignee and receiver was almost continuously utilized by the courts, government and his neighbors. In his later years and to his intimate friends he was wont to say with no little satisfaction, that in all his experience as trustee for others in various capacities, he had haver been sued, never censured by the court, and that he never went to bed without the abiding consciousness that if that should be his last sleep his affairs were in order and could be readily settled by his executor.

The banking firm of Bingham Brothers & Brace after seven years of continuous, successful existence was dissolved, Mr. Brace retiring, Messers. C. L. and L. C. Bingham continuing the business under the firm name of Bingham Brothers; after eight years Charles W. Bingham, the only surviving son of C. L. Bingham, entered the firm and in 1889 Mr. L. C. Bingham's death left the father and son as the survivors of the business which was and still is securely established in the confidence of the people of his locality.

Mr. Bingham was courteous, almost courtly in manner, of handsome, commanding presence and graceful figure. As a public speaker he was always forcible, fluent and pleasing; he was in active demand as chairman of assemblies of various sorts, and always discharged his duties fairly and well. Although a man of multifarious and important business engagements, his time and ripened judgment were always at the disposal of those who needed help. His death removed the trusted counselor of many a widow and orphan, while many an honest poor man missed the ready money Mr. Bingham freely advanced to relieve his necessities.

Of unswerving integrity himself, Mr. Bingham would brook no duplicity on others, and abhorred commercial dishonesty with the whole force of his nature.

As a man and citizen Mr. Bingham has left an enduring impression upon his day and generation, and his name will live as a synonym of all that is good and true in business circles.

Socially Mr. Bingham was cordial, urbane and pleasing to an unusual degree, and while charming the senses with his grace, he enriched the mind from his abundant stores of information.

Mr. Bingham married Miss Charlotte Wood of Columbus, Ohio, in the year 1857; three children were born of this union, one only, Charles Wood Bingham surviving. Mr. Bingham died on Oct. 29, 1892, in the full strength of his manhood after an illness of only a few hours. Mrs. Bingham still survives him carrying, Avith the help of a large circle of sympathetic friends, her load of bereavement as best she may.

William W. Bishop, Biography

WILLIAM W. BISHOP— Was born at Geneseo, Feb. 20, 1850. He attended Temple Hill Academy, also the Williston Seminary at East Hampton, Mass., graduating with the class of 1866. His first occupation was a clerkship at the Bank of Geneseo, which he retained a short time, when he entered his father's (John F. Bishop) dry goods establishment and remained, with him until the spring of 1884. He then went to Grand Forks, N. D., and engaged with the loan and real estate firm of E. P. Gates & Co. as abstract clerk. He remained there until 1888, when he accepted a position with Bradstreet's at New York City. In 1890 he returned to Geneseo and took up his former work in his father's store and succeeded to the business at the time of his father's death in 1895, In 1899 he received the appointment of abstract clerk of the county and is now filling that office. In December, 1879, Mr. Bishop was united in marriage with Sarah L. Booth, of Canandaigua, and they have one son, John A. Since the appointment of Mr, Bishop as abstract clerk, Mrs. Bishop has very successfully carried on the dry goods business until February, 1904, when, unfortunately, their establishment was entirely destroyed by fire.

Frank C. Bonner, Biography

FRANK C. BONNER, — Proprietor of the Bonner House. Geneseo, N. Y., was born at Lima, N. Y., September 24, 1869. Samuel Bonner, his great grandfather, a native of Scotland, came to America and located on a tract of land in the town of Sparta. His son, Benjamin, was born there in 1807, remained with his father on the farm until the latter's death, when he purchased the interest of the heirs and became the sole owner of the property. He sold this place in 1855 and purchased a farm near the village of Lima. He married Jane Logan, a daughter of Edward Logan, of Sparta, and to them were born three children; Samuel, Edward Logan and Rose J. Edward was killed in the battle of Trevillian Station, June 12, 1864. Samuel Bonner, the elder son and the father of Frank C. married Cornelia Goodrich, in 1865, She died in 1875, leaving three sons; Edward L., Frank C. and William S. William is the proprietor of a thriving hotel in Ovid,. N. Y. Samuel Bonner has for the past ten years resided in the village of Lima but retains and manages his farm property which aggregates nearly five hundred acres.

Frank C. Bonner received his education at the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary and for some time thereafter assisted his father in the management and care of his farms. July 24, 1899, he purchased the Wallace Hotel, at Geneseo, which he renamed the Hotel Bonner. He thoroughly repaired and entirely refurnished the establishment and has since conducted it along modern lines. With all improvements and conveniences neat, tastily furnished rooms and serving excellent meals, the Bonner Hotel ranks among the best and has a most liberal patronage. The date of his purchase of the hotel property marks the date of his marriage with Alice Larned, daughter of Oliver Larned, a former well known merchant of Lima. Mrs. Bonner has one son Raymond.

Samuel Bonner, Biography

SAMUEL BONNER — A substantial citizen of the village of Lima, was born in the town of Sparta. Livingston county, November 22, 1836. His grandfather. Samuel Bonner, came to America at an early day from Scotland or the north of Ireland and located on a tract of land in Sparta. This land he cleared and improved and ultimately converted into a productive and profitable farm on which he remained through life. His son, Benjamin Bonner, the father of our subject, was born at the homestead in 1807. He attended the district schools and assisted his father on the farm until the death of the latter when he purchased the interests of the heirs and became the owner of the property. In 1855 he sold this place and purchased a farm one and one-half miles east of Lima on which he remained ten years. He t'hen removed to the village where he lived in retirement until his death in 1891 at the age of eigthy-fuur. His wife, whose maiden name was Jane Logan, was a daughter of Edward Logan, of Sparta. Three children were born to them: Samuel, Edward Logan, and Rose J. Edward Logan Bonner, the second son, was born in 1839 and was twenty-two years of age at the outbreak of the civil war. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirtieth New York Infantry, afterwards changed to the First New York Dragoons, and was killed in the battle at Trevillian Station on June 12, 1864. Rose J., the only daughter, was born in 1849 and lives in Lima.

Samuel Bonner the elder son, attended the schools of Sparta and the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary. His marriage with Cornelia T. Goodrich, daughter of Erastus C. and Sarah (Clark) Goodrich, took place in 1865. Mrs. Bonner died in 1875 leaving three sons: Edward L., Frank C, and William S. Mr. Bonner took for his second wife Mary Elizabeth Peck, a daughter of Richard and Rebecca Peck, who were pioneers of Livingston couunty. Mrs. Bonner is a direct descendant of William Peck, one of the founders of the New Haven colony in Connecticut. Mr. Bonner has until recent years made farming his occupation and is the owner of three fine farms all highly productive and aggregating nearly five hundred acres. For a number of years he has resided in the village of Lima. Mr, Bonner cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and has always been an ardent Republican. In 1890 and again in 1894 he was elected supervisor for the town of Lima, which is a strong democratic town. He has served as school trustee and for over thirty years has been school district clerk.

Michael C. Bradley, Biography

MICHAEL C. BRADLEY,— A prominent dentist of Avon, N. Y., was born at Holley, Orleans county, N. Y., March 11, 1867. While an infant his parents removed to Rochester, N. Y., where later he attended the city schools. In 1885 he commenced the study of dentistry with Dr. Buchanan, of Rochester, remaining with him until November, 1889, when he commenced the practice of his profession at Avon, N. Y. Realizing the need of a better education, he decided to enter the Buffalo University, where he took the dental course and graduated in 1899. During his college course he continued his practice, dividing his time between his office and the University and studying evenings, thereby being enabled to keep up with his classes. February 2, 1889, Dr. Bradley was united in marriage with Miss Frances Agnes Wartman, a resident of Rochester. They have four sons, Harold Wartman, Percival Gould, Merton Herkimer and Courtney Simmons.

The Bradner Family, Biography

THE BRADNER FAMILY,— In the year 1715 John Bradner left his home in Edinborough and came to America. He settled in Cape May, N. J., where he remained until 1721 when he removed to Goshen, N. Y. Three years previous to his leaving home he graduated from the University of Edinborough and soon after his arrival in America was ordained a Presbyterian minister at Philadelphia, Pa. Rev. John Bradner was the head of this branch of the Bradner family in America. He married Christina Colvill, a daughter of Prof. Colvlll, of Edinborough University, and reared a large family of children. His son John, married and passed his life as a farmer in Goshen, N. Y. Josiah. a son of John, married Lucy Ranney of Rome, N. Y., in 1790, and settled on a farm near Utica, N. Y. Two children were born to them, Lester and Lucy. Lucy married John Smith, of Ogdensburg. Lester was born in 1791. Early in life he served a clerkship in a store at Utica and in 1813 came to Dansville, where for four years he conducted a grist mill and also operated a distillery. He then purchased a farm of six hundred acres near Dansville and also engaged heavily in the mercantile business, conducting at one time five stores in as many different localities in Allegany and Livingston counties. He was a progressive man, successful in his undertakings and a leader in the social and political life of the community. His name figures prominently in the chronicles of the early history of the town of Dansville and the county of Livingston. He married in 1817 Fanny Hammond, a descendant of Isaac Hammond, who was one of the founders of Newton, Mass. Amariah Hammond was born in 1773 and came to Dansville from Westmoreland county, Pa., in 1795. He took up a tract of six hundred acres of land, all of which lies within the limits of the village. He was the first settler and erected the first dwelling house in the village, a log cabin built in 1796. He was a son of Captain John Hammond, a Revolutionary soldier and a nephew of Lebbeus Hammond, the noted Indian fighter, of whom su much has been written. He married Catherine Cruger, a daughter of General Daniel Cruger, and had two children, Fanny and Minerva. The latter became the wife of James Faulkner, another early settler of Dansville. Lester Bradner Sr., died in 1872. Lester Bradner, the only surviving member of the family of Lester and Fanny Bradner, was born November, 1, 1836. He attended the Dansville schools as a boy and later entered Yale University from which he graduated in 1857. He then engaged, for some fifteen years, with the Illinois Central Railroad at Chicago, after which he returned to Dansville, where he has since resided. He was joined in marriage, in 1865, with Lucy Charmley, of New Haven, Conn., and they have one son, Rev. Lester Bradner, Jr., a graduate of Yale, and now rector of St. John's church at Providence, R. 1.

Fred T. Brinkerhoff, Biography

FRED T. BRINKERHOFF— Until recently the leading photographer of the village of Nunda, N. Y., was born in the town of Mt. Morris, June 27, 1880. Hia early life was passed on the farm assisting his father until he became of age. As a boy he became interested in photography and early evinced an aptitude for the profession. He became skillful as an amateur, producing some very excellent work. Upon reaching his majority he purchased the photograph establishment of F. E. Hewett at Nunda, which proved a profitable investment. On November 1, 1903 he sold the photograph business to W. M. Robinson who is conducting it at the same location. Mr. Brinkerhoff is now engaged as machinist with the Foot Manufacturing Company of Nunda. In 1902 he was joined in marriage with Lida Carney, a daughter of James Carney, a prominent farmer of Nunda. Mr. Brinkerhoff is a member of Nunda Tent, No 252, K. O. T. M.

A. O. Bunnell Obituary

BY JOHN A. SLEICHER — EDITOR OF "LESLIE's WEEKLY."

No newspaper man in the state of New York, and probably none in the United States, is more widely known and more generally loved than A. O. Bunnell, the editor of the Dansville, N. Y., Advertiser. For over half a century (1852-1902) the smell of printer's ink has been upon his garments Born in Lima, Livingston county, N. Y., March 10, 1836, he moved to Dansville at the age of fourteen, and at sixteen became a printer's apprentice. In 1860, he founded the Dansville Advertiser, and has ever since remained its editor and publisher. The paper typifies the man. It is a beautifully printed paper — clean and wholesome in its contents, elevated in its moral tone, and powerful in its widely exerted influence. But this is not surprising, for Mr. Bunnell inherited the best of American tendencies. He was the third of five children of Dennis Bunnell, four of whom are living — Miss D. B. Bunnell, a resident of Dansville; Mrs. Mary Bunnell Willard of Brooklyn, N. Y., and Major Mark J. Bunnell of Washington, D. C, constituting the other surviving members of the family.

Dennis Bunnell was the youngest of the seven sons of Jehiel Bunnell of Cheshire, Conn., a revolutionary soldier and a member of an old and leading family. Jehiel Bunnell's wife was one of the Hitchkiss family, prominent in the early history of Connecticut. A. O. Bunnell's mother was Mary Baker, daughter of James Baker, a sturdy pioneer woodsman and hunter, whose wife, Mary Parker, was the elder sister of three celebrated pioneer Methodist circuit preachers of western New York — the Rev. Messers. Robert, Samuel and John Parker. All these ancestors are dead, Dennis Bunnell entering into his rest in 1885 and Mary Baker Bunnell in 1881.

Mr. Bunnell has never sought public preferment. The love of his profession has kept him loyal to it. In the congenial atmosphere of the printing office, as boy and man, he has taken his greatest delight and realized his highest ambitions. Modest and retiring by nature, he has still, by the force of his character, become a leader in his profession. For thirty-four years he has been secretary and treasurer of the New York Press Association, and much of the success of this influencial association — probably the most progressive and vigorous of its kind in the country — is concededly due to his ability, energy and industry. In grateful recognition of this fact, on the twenty-fifth anniversary of his connection with the organization, his associates presented to him a superb, solid silver tea set. costing over five hundred dollars. He became a member of the New York Press Association, on its reorganization, after the war, in 1865, and three years later was chosen its secretary, continuing in that office ever since.

On the organization of the Republican Editorial association of the state of New York, January 10, 1894, in which Mr. Bunnell was deeply interested, his associates unanimously chose him as secretary and treasurer of that body. In July, 1894, the National Editorial association, at. its annual meeting at Asbury Park, elected Mr. Bunnell as president of that great body of editors, in which office he served until January 24. 1896. On that day, the members of the association, after the convention proceedings held in St. Augustine, Fla., presented to their retiring president, a handsome cane and a set of souvenir gold and silver orange knives and spoons. In accepting this handsome gift Mr. Bunnell captivated his hearers by his most feeling and felicitous words. He said:

"Dear Brother Herbert, Dear friends all: By this act of yours, you have touched my heart more deeply than I can find words to tell. I feel like one awakened from a deep slumber. The vagaries of sleep, the wonderful fantasies of dreams seem not more unreal than that the poor boy who entered a country printing office a few years ago should be so honored by the chosen representatives of twenty thousand newspaper men of this great nation. You have touched with romance the plain life of a country editor. I love my profession. I love my brother editors, and I love the editors' wives, and I shall love them all more and more because of this occasion. Under the magic spell of memory the walls of my humble home will often expand to an infinite distance to include you all and become articulate with your kind words of love and esteem. That this gift includes my true and honorable wife, dear to me as are the ruddy drops that visit this glad heart, makes the gift doubly dear. Forgive me that my heart is too full to say more."

No member of the National association is more beloved than Mr. Bunnell and no president of that body ever presided with more dignity and satisfaction than he. As special representative of the Pan American Exposition company. Past President Bunnell's effort at New Orleans in 1900 secured the convention of the National association for Buffalo in 1901. When the National Republican Editorial association was organized at Philadelphia, June 18, 1900, largely through the efforts of Mr. Bunnell and some of his associates in the New York Republican association, Mr. Bunnell was chosen secretary and treasurer, a place which he still holds. He has also been president of the Livingston County Press Association; was one of the organizers, in 1877, of the Livingston County Historical society, of which he has been president and is now one of the councilmen; was active in the organization of The Coterie, the oldest literary society of Dansville in existence, and, in fact, has been foremost in every movement for the development of the literary tastes of the community. He has been trustee of the Dansville seminary, is deeply interested in its High school; is one of the directors of the Dansville & Mt. Morris railroad, and for a long period has been a trustee of the Greenmount cemetery. His connection with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows has been most honorable and distinguished, and, in 1884, he was selected to the exalted position of Grand Master of the New York state organization, filling this place, as he has filled every other which has come to him with singular fidelity.

On April 9, 1863, Mr. Bunnell was married to Anna M. Carpenter, in Lyons, N. Y. Of their children, one daughter and two sons, only the daughter, Mrs. Albert Hartman of Dansville, survives. The death of Mark H. Bunnell, the only surviving son, at the age of ninteen years, was a loss which every one who knew this brilliant young man most deeply mourned. As a lad, Mark H. Bunnell was precociously bright, loving books and study and revealing many of the admirable traits and literary inclinations of his father. He was a careful reader of all the best books of his time and a student of politics and history. He loved music and art. his tastes were refined and he sought the best and most helpful associations. It is not surprising that his parents looked forward with eager hope to a brilliant future for their son, and when on the threshold of his young manhood, he was stricken by illness, which after a period of eight months, terminated fatally on the 10th of November. 1893, the profoundest sympathies of the enti re community were tendered to his bereaved parents. This was a sad and fearful blow, inflicted by the mysterious hand of Providence, but it was borne with splendid patience and christian fortitude by the bereaved ones.

The life of Mr. Bunnell has not been crowded with events of extraodinary interest. His story has been the tale of an even-minded, kind-nearted, generous, helpful man, who has found his greatest satisfaction in holding up the hands weak and strengthening the purposes of the strong. Beautiful in his home life, successful in his professional career, honored as few men have been by his newspaper associates, and profoundly respected in his own community, he lives to realize the fact that man's success in life is best measured by the sweet and lasting contentment which a record of good deeds must always bring.

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