W's
Martin Washburn,
son of Luther Washburn, was born in Vermont, May 21, 1782. His father,
Luther Washburn, emigrated from England previous to the Revolutionary war,
in which he served till its close. He married Sarah Spinning, by whom he
had eight children, viz., Martin, Freeman, Luther, Rufus, Sally, Malinda,
Rachel, and Calvin, all of whom were born in Vermont except Calvin. Martin
came with his parents and other members of the family to Lee, Oneida County,
NY, about the year 1795, being then about thirteen years old; was married
to Martha Curtis in 1802, by whom he had twelve children, viz., Manford,
Electa, Julia A., Irene, John, Fanny, Alvira, Euphemia, Daniel, Albert,
Samuel, and Alpheus; all of whom lived to be men and women. Manford, Samuel
and Alpheus are now dead. Mr. Washburn, by occupation, ever followed that
of the farmer, and purchased in 1814 the farm now owned by his son-in-law,
Curtis Spinning; sold the same in 1828, and moved nearer to Lee Centre.
In politics he
affiliated with the Democratic party, and
died January 1, 1867. His wife, Martha Curtis, was born in Oneida County,
NY, 1786 and died March, 1844. His father, Luther Washburn, died September,
1848, at the advanced age of ninety two. it is a pleasure to preserve the
memory of these staunch pioneers and defenders of our common country, Martin
having served in the war of 1812.
History of Oneida County by Samuel Durant,
pg. 480 Published 1878
Kathy Last
Waterman, Charles, was born in New
Berlin, Chenango county, December 8, 1816, son of Joseph and Polly (Ritter)
Waterman. Mr. Waterman has resided in Oneida county since 1832, while he
has been on his present farm for the long period of fifty-five years. He
married Clarissa, daughter of Eddy and Lucy (Ruso) Arnold, by whom he had
six children: Charles H., DeWitt C., Andrew Jackson Davis, John C., Clara
A. Waterman Arnold, and Mrs. Timothy Thornton. Mr. Waterman has accumulated
his property entirely by his own ability and has lived a successful and
honorable life.
Our County and its People
ABRAM B. WEAVER Member of the Assembly
in 1863
There are but few men
in either branch of the Legislature who equal this gentleman in his personal
appearance. Tall, erect, manly, well-proportioned, and fully developed,
with jet black hair and heavy black whiskers, and a countenance denoting
unusual decision of character and marked ability, it is rarely the case
that we find any one so gracefully constituted. His manner and general
bearing -- kind, courteous and agreeable to all with whom he comes in contact
-- is equally captivation, and all combined, contribute to render him a
leader among his peers, and one of the bright particular stars in the Legislative
galaxy of the State. Mr. Weaver was born in Deerfield,
Oneida county, N.Y., on the 18th of December, 1830, and is, therefore,
in the thirty-third ear of his age. He is of pure German extraction.
His father, George M. Weaver, is still living at the age of seventy-four,
as is also his mother, whose maiden name was Delia Bellinger, and who has
now attained the age of sixty-seven. His parents are both natives
of the State of New York. Mr. Weaver was educated
at the Utica Academy and at Hamilton College. He pursued his course with
a view to the study of the law, and was in due time admitted to the bar,
but although standing well in his profession, he is now devoting himself
chiefly to agricultural pursuits. In 1856 he was appointed School
Commissioner, and in the following year was elected to the same office
for three years. He has always been a bold, fearless and unyielding
Democrat of the National Conservative school, and is a leading spirit in
his party in the county of Oneida, where he has always resided. As a speaker
he ranks prominently among the very best in the Assembly, and his speech
in that body on the Governor's Message will long be remembered as one of
the best efforts of the Session. Mr. Weaver is
unmarried, and attends the Reformed Dutch Church in the city of Utica.
From BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES of the STATE OFFICERS
and MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE of the STATE OF NEW YORK In 1862 and
'63 By Wm. D. MURPHY Printed in Albany for the Author 1863 pages 35-37
Sheila Hoffman shoff@borg.com
"Commemorative
Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green,
Grant, Iowa and Lafayette " Wisconsin - 1901",
page 812, 813.
WILLIAM WEBB. From tillers
of the soil have arisen some of the most influential and celebrated men
of this and other lands, and even cursory reading will demonstrate the
truth of the assertion that agriculture is the surest path to affluence.
Among the substantial farmer-citizens of Albany, Green County, is William
Webb, who was born in Oneida county, N.Y., May 16, 1819, a son of James
and Anna (Scott) Webb, both of whom were natives of New York. They
had born to them a family of eight sons and five daughters, but time has
made sad inroads and but three of that large number still survive: William,
who is our subject; Lois, who married Harrison Chase, resides near Utica,
N.Y.; and Anna, who married a gentleman of Vernon, New York.
The paternal grandfather of our subject
was James Webb, a native of New York, of English descent, who followed
a sea-faring life and at death left one son and one daughter. The
maternal grandfather was Enos SCOTT, a native of New York, born in the
neighborhood of Black River, where he engaged in farming; lived to an advanced
age, and was the father of three sons and
two daughters.
William WEBB, the subject of this sketch,
was reared on a farm in Oneida County, N.Y., and was early taught lessons
of industry and honesty, which have been of advantage to him in later life.
The educational advantages were those of a settled locality, and in his
youth our subject was well grounded in the primary principles. At
the age of fifteen he accompanied his father to Ohio, where the latter
settled on a good farm in Geauga County, where he died in 1841, aged sixty-one
years. The mother of our subject survived him some ten years, being
seventy-two years old at the time of her death. She had all her life
been a devoted member of the Methodist Church, while Mr. Webb had accepted
the Univesalist faith. During the war of 1812 he had been a teamster,
and during his residence in Oneida county served a long time as supervisor
of his town, and was a well-known and respected citizen.
About 1860 William Webb removed to
Wisconsin, taking up 160 acres of government land, which he improved and
lived upon for some years, but advantageously sold and then located in
Green county, where he bought 312 acres, which he improved, this farm being
in Section 25, Albany township. In 1882 his two sons, Charles and William,
bought this farm, and our subject retired to the village of Albany, where
he built a substantial and comfortable residence, with twelve acres of
land, and now resides there,
enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life.
Mr. Webb was married April 26, 1842,
to Miss Fannie Rice, a daughter of Roswell and Sarah Rice, six children
being born of this union: Albert, who married Mary Kibbie, lives in Evansville,
with four children, Arthur, Frank, Nellie and May; Jane, who married Hiram
Brown, who died a number of years ago, leaving six children, Clara, Myrtie,
William, Helen, and a pair of twins (who died in Nebraska), and Mrs. Brown
then married O.C. Healy, and resides at Mapleton, Minn.; Mary E., who married
Samuel Harn, is deceased, leaving one daughter, Emma, who is now the wife
of F.L. Holiday, of Janesville; William R., who married Dell Bump, and
resides in Albany, with five children, William, Rufus, Homer, Fern, and
Hazel; Charles E., who married Eva Harte, and resides in Evansville, with
one son, Mark; and Emma, who married Benjamin Sutherland, but is now deceased,
leaving one daughter, Jessie. The mother of these children died on
May 26, 1889, aged sixty-nine years, having been a devoted member of the
United Brethren Church. On June 5, 1890, Mr. Webb wedded Mrs. Sarah
A. Hubbard, the widow of Henry Hubbard, and her death occurrred in March,
1897.
An active and prominent member of the
Democratic party, Mr. Webb has been called upon to serve in many of the
local offices for some years, being supervisor and a justice of the peace
for many terms, displaying judgement and discretion in managing the township
affairs that made him a valuable officer. Ever since locating in
Green county he has engaged in farming and stockraising, but has found
time to be interested in all progressive movements in his neighborhood,
and willingly assissting when he was convinced they were for the best interests
of all concerned. Much respected, he is one of the representative
citizens of Albany.
Carol carolannh@ticon.net
Wendt, Frederick S., was born in Lewis
county, N. Y., October 6, 1852. He was educated in the district schools
and in his early years was a farmer. October 30 1878, he married Lottie
J. Armstrong, of Higginsville, N. Y., by whom he had three children: George
A., Frederick W. and Florence M. (twins). Mr. Wendt since 1880 has been
engaged in the general merchandise business and has recently become interested
in the coal business. In 1887 he was appointed justice of the peace to
filla vacancy and in 1888 was elected to a full term and has served continually
since. William C. Wendt, his father, was born in Mecklenbergh, Germany,
about 1823. He married Caroline Runge, of his native place, by whom he
had ten children: Frederick S., Augustus, William,
Albert, Charles, Minnie, Frances, Pauline,
Emma, and Annie. They came to the United States in 1851, locating in Lewis
county, N. Y. William H. Armstrong, Mrs. Wendt's father, was born in Utica,
N. Y., February 15,1828. He was educated in the common schools and is now
carrying on a general blacksmithing business at Durhamville, N. Y. He followed
the canal for several years.
In 1852 he married Amanda M. Morse, of Higginsville,
N. Y., by whom he has one child, Lottie, J., now Mrs. Frederick S. Wendt.
Mr. F. S. Wendt is a member of New London Lodge, No. 420, F. & A. M.,
and Mrs. Wendt is a member of the East- ern Star, Visha Chapter, O. E.
S.
Our County and its People
Jack Bathrick
Wetherell,
Thomas G., was born in Whitestown, N.Y., September 4, 1838, son of
Thomas and Mary (Bailey) Wehterell. Thomas Wetherell was born in
England, and came to the United States in 1830. He settled in Kirkland,
and built the dam for the factory, and then settled in Whitestown, where
he died in 1871 aged seventy years. He was a noted Democrat and took
an active interest in the success of his party. Thomas G. was educated
in the Delany Institute at Westmoreland, and then engaged in farming at
which he still continues. He has always been identified as one of
the representative farmers of the town. He has a fine brick residence,
which is considered the finest farm house in the township. He married
Amanda A.,
daughter of Edward and Maria Noble, of Rome,
by whom he has three children" Carrie J., married to William H. Posthill
of Syracuse; M. Nettie, married to James W. Posthill of Syracuse; and George
E., of whitestown, married Margaret Cunningham of Londonderry.
From "Our Country and it's People, Oneida
County, NY", edited by Daniel E. Wagner, published by the Boston History
Company, 1896:
Submitted by Lisa
Slaski
Asa Wheeler, of Green's Corners, in
this town (Rome), recently celebrated his 80th birthday. He is hale and
hearty and does an average day's work with ease. He is father of Wm. H.
Wheeler of this city. Asa Wheeler is one of a family of eleven children,
eight sons and three daughters, who emigrated with their father and mother
in 1810, from Glastonbury, Conn. The family then consisted of Lazarus Wheeler,
the father, and Hepsy, the mother, Shubel, George, Asa, Jared, Orson, Harvey,
Imlay and Phineas, sons, and Lucinda, Hepsibah and Sohpia, daughters. They
made the journey in an emigrant wagon. A journey that now is made in a
few hours then consumed a week or ten days. They all located in the vicinity
of Green's Corners, and some of the members of the family still remain
on the old homestead.
This part of the country was known in those
days as the 'far west'. All the country in the neighborhood of what is
now the city of Rome was then an unbroken wilderness, and there were but
few houses here. The members of this family, like hundreds of others in
those days, went to work with their hands to make for themselves a home
and a habitation in the wilderness, and they succeeded well. They have
lived to see their children grow up and around them, and the wilderness
to blossom as the rose. They endured the privations incident to frontier
life, and have lived to reap their reward. The members of this family
are remarkable for longevity. The father lived to be 93 and the mother
77. All of those now living are more than 70 years of age, and some are
over 80. George, the eldest, passed his 87th. birthday some time ago. He
was a soldier in the war of 1812. The daughters and three of the sons are
dead. Of those remaining, George and Asa still reside on the old homestead;
Shubel lives at Palmyra, Wis., Jared at Peach Corners, Owsego County, in
this State, and Orson at Vineland, NJ. George Wheeler comomonly called
'Uncle George' is the father of Phineas, George L., and Azael of Rome,
Russell of Utica and other sons at the West. George, Chester, Henry and
Sophia of Rome are children of Imlay Wheeler.
Rome Sentinel (undated)
Kathy Last
I. J. White was born in Oneida county,
NY, May 2, 1846, a son of the late Israel White, who was born in the town
of Western, Oneida county, NY. Israel White came to the town of Annsville
when twenty-two years of age. He married Abigail F. Taft, by whom he had
six children. His ancsetors came from Massachusetts. I. J. White was educated
in Annsville and the Whitestown Seminary. He then followed farming until
1887, at which time he entered into partnership with Frank White, establishing
a corn canning factory at Blossvale. They continued in partnership until
January, 1895, since which time I. J. White has conducted the business
alone. He also owns and conducts a general merchandise store in Blossvale,
and owns a factory at Williamstown, Owsego county, NY. Mr. White is now
erecting a hotel at Blossvale, which will contain twenty rooms, and will
also run a livery. He married Etta O., daughter of James Ellis, of the
town of Annsville, by whom he has two children: I. G. and Abigail O. Mr.
White was supervisor of the town in 1882-83 and was elected member of assembly
in 1885. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
Our County and its People, a Descriptive
Work on Oneida County, New York, edited by Daniel E. Wager, 1896
Kathy Last
Moses T. White, deceased, was born
in Western July 12, 1796, a son of Otis and Mercy (Comstock) White, and
grandson of Levi White. His father and grandfather were natives of Rhode
Island, who settled in Western prior to 1795, and were farmers by occupation,
both of whom died in Western. Moses T. White cleared and improved a good
share of the farm now occupied by his daughter, Caroline, where he settled
in early manhood, and where he died in 1876. In 1819 he married Phoebe,
daughter of Otis and Phoebe (Edmunds) Phillips, of North Adams, Mass.,
and their children were: Mercy (Mrs. Edwin Brainerd), Otis P., Orson, Julina,
Phoebe R., Israel, Belinda, Caroline, Moses T. and Franklin. Mr. White
was a member of the Presbyterian church of Westernville and of the Masonic
fraternity, was justice of the peace of Western for some years, and politically
was a Republican. Of the above named children only three at this date,
1896, are living. Orson died in California near Stockton, in 1853, Mercy,
in Oneida, Ill., in 1887. The others died in Western. In a field above
the house on the farm adjoining on the east, that of the late Moses T.
White, stands a large and aged white ash tree, consisting of two trees
grown together, one much smaller than the other, and twisted partly around
the larger. This tree to Mr. White was pleasantly associated
with the memory of his grandfather, Levi White. When a child, he was one
day walking with him through this field, which then was probably partly
or wholly covered with trees; coming to these two, standing so near together,
the grandfather bent the small one around the larger, and remarked 'This
will make a good scythe for somebody some day.' The tree has outlived for
many years the use of the snath as a handle for the scythe that cuts the
meadow grass, and now his children's children's children love to visit
it, and they call it 'The Twisted Tree.'
Our County and its People, a Descriptive
Work on Oneida County, New York, edited by Daniel E. Wager, 1896
Kathy Last
Hiram A. Whiter was born in Boonville,
Oneida county, in October 1861, son of Abram V. Whiter, one of two sons
born to Meltire Whiter. Abram V. Whiter has spent his life as a boatman,
lumberman, and farmer. He was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting
in Company I, 117 NY Vols., and was twice wounded. He married Nancy Smith,
daughter of John Smith, a soldier in the war of 1812, by whom he had these
children: Helen (deceased), Esther, and Hiram. In 1871 they removed from
Boonville to Forestport, where they now reside. Hiram A. Whiter was educated
in the district schools and when seventeen years of age he purchased his
time of his father and began lumbering in the woods by the month, and later
took logging contract jobs, which he followed until 1889, when he traveled
in the interest of the Singer Sewing Machine Company for three years. In
1892 he opened an undertaking establishment in Forestport, which he now
conducts with success. In politics he is a Republican and served as constable
for several years. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 809, of Forestport,
and is senior deacon. In 1885 Mr. Whiter married Ermina M.,
daughter of Thomas Pilbean, by whom he had these children: Roscoe, Charles
died in 1888, Vernon and Clarence. H. A. Whiter is a member, class leader
and steward and vice president of the Epworth League of the ME Church at
Foresport. Mrs. H. A. Whiter is also a member of the ME Church.
"Our County and its People, a Decriptive
Work on Oneida County, New York", edited by Daniel E. Wager, 1896
Kathy Last
WILLIAMS, REES G. (p. 143-144)
Williams, Rees G., son of William E., was
born in Carmaerthonshire, Wales, July 19, 1828, and came to Utica with
his parents in 1841. He learned the printing business in the Gazette
office, and in 1862, with the late Lucius C. Childs, opened a job room
in Franklin Square. Later he was connected with the New York Central
Railroad offices, for a time he was foreman of the observer job room, succeeding
Luther M. Kent. In 1866 he engaged in the insurance business as a
representative of the Charter Oak Company. This calling he continued
until his death, which occurred December 23, 1895. Mr. Williams early
identified himself with Masonry and became an ardent promoter of its principles.
At the age of twenty-four he was junior warden and was successively promoted
until he filled exalted positions in the Grand Lodge of the State.
He instituted many lodges and was one of the best known Masons in Central
New York. Since 1861 he was connected with the Knights Templar and
was its commander when it took part in the obsequies of President Garfield
in Cleveland. Mr. Williams took deep interest in the history of Utica
and was a prominent member of the Oneida Historical Society from its inception.
He was a man of engaging personality, remarkably well informed, warmly
esteemed and highly respected, and inflexibly honest.
"Our County and its People, a Decriptive
Work on Oneida County, New York", edited by Daniel E. Wager, 1896
WILLIAMS, THOMAS H. (p. 255-256)
Williams, Thomas H., was born in Comarshire,
Wales, January 8, 1833, son of John and Rosemond Williams, who settled
in Floyd in 1852 with his family, and have six children now living: David,
John, Elizabeth, Thomas, H., Edward, Howell and William. John Williams
was engaged in farming, and very active in town and county affairs.
Thomas H. Williams married Elizabeth, daughter of Joel S. and Margaret
(Roberts) Williams, who died leaving nine children: John, Edwin, Rosemond,
Prichard, Julia, Walter, Mary, Everett and Thomas. He married for
his second wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas and Eliza Nichols.
He enlisted in Rome, August, 1862, in Co. H. 117 Regiment N.Y. Volunteers,
and served twenty-two months in regimental hospital until mustered out,
June, 1865. He is engaged in farming, and is very active in educational
interests and town and county affairs, and was commissioner of highways
for two terms.
"Our County and its People, a Decriptive
Work on Oneida County, New York", edited by Daniel E. Wager, 1896
WILLIAMS, W.B. (p. 318-319)
Williams, W.B., was born in Rome, N.Y., August
18, 1836, son of Jesse Williams, who was a son of David Williams who was
born in 1752. David Williams had five brothers, all of whom served
in the American Revolution, one of them being killed in this war.
Jesse Williams was born in 1800. He was a farmer, and also a manufacturer
of cheese. He was the first man to manufacture cheese in a factory,
and the factory built by Jesse Williams in 1851 was the first built in
the world for the manufacture of cheese. Prior to this factory the
manufacture of cheese had always been a home industry. He was always
engaged in farming, and continued the manufacture of cheese until his death,
which occurred in 1864. W.B. Williams was educated in Rome, and then
engaged in farming. He was also engaged in the lumber business for
about twenty years, after which he engaged in contracting and building,
at which he still continues. He has been one of the most active and
energetic men in this township, and has been engaged in various enterprises.
He married Mary A. Aucutt, who died in 1870 leaving four children: Nettie
F., Edwin W., Dewitt C., and Howard. Mr. Williams is now married
to Mary E. MacMorris, of Whitesboro, by whom he has three children: Mary
A., Stacy H., and Florence L. Nettie F. is married to William S.
Thomas; Edwin W. is a superintendent of a large shirt factory at Hoosick
Falls; Dewitt is at Aurora, Ill., and Howard is superintendent of a shirt
factory at Mechanicsville, N.Y. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are both members
of the Baptist Church.
"Our County and its People, a Decriptive
Work on Oneida County, New York", edited by Daniel E. Wager, 1896
Wilson, Robert, was born at Thompson,
Windham county, Conn., October 16, 1829, son of Robert Wilson, a linen
weaver of Irish birth, who came to America in 1818 at the age of forty-two;
after spending ten years in the New England States, he settled in Boonville
in 1829, and engaged in farming; he died November 2, 1856. He as a man
of rare intelligence, and possessed a well cultivated mind. Robert Wilson,
jr., is a man possessed of highly respectable abilities, and whose character
is one worthy of emulation. He acquired his education with but little aid,
by inflexible purpose, and untiring application. Bred to the occupation
of a farmer, he has always followed that pursuit. He is a member of the
M.E. church. In politics he was a Whig, but united with the
Republican party at its formation, was supervisor
in 1872, and for the last eight years has voted with the Prohibition party.
He married Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Hayes, September 10, 1851, by
whom he had four children, but none survived early infancy.
"Our County and its People, a Decriptive
Work on Oneida County, New York", edited by Daniel E. Wager, 1896
Wolf, Henry, was born in Bavaria,
October 28, 1824, son of Henry and Magdaline (Schmidt) Wolf, both natives
of Bavaria where they lived and died. Bother father and grandfather
were farmers in Germany. Henry Wolf, jr., came to America in August,
1849, and settled in Ava, where he has always resided, commencing as a
farm hand. He bought 220 acres of land, 120 of which he cleared.
In 1852 he married Catherine Traxel, daughter of Jacob Traxel, of Ava,
by whom he had five children: Carloine S., Henry J., William C.,
and Katie, who died in infancy. Mrs. Wolf died April 28, 1893.
In 1891 Mr. Wolf sold the farm to his son William C. [Henry Wolf is my
ancestor and I'm more than willing to share with anyone who's interested]
From "Our Country and it's People, Oneida
County, NY", edited by Daniel E. Wagner, published by the Boston History
Company, 1896:
Submitted by Lisa
Slaski