AMOS BEARDSLEE

Amos Beardslee, who follows farming in Schuyler county, was born in the town of Newfield in 1841, and acquired a common-school education. He put aside his textbooks at the age of fifteen to take his place in the business world, and throughout the greater part of his life he has carried on agricultural pursuits. After the Civil war broke out he left the plow and shouldered the musket in defense of his country, enlisting on the 13th of June, 1862. He was assigned to the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh New York Volunteer Infantry and participated in many important battles which had marked effect in winning the splendid victories of the north. He remained in the army for three years and eleven days, and was never in the hospital during all that time. He was one of the first men to plant the American flag on the top of Lookout Mountain and was always found at his post of duty, whether it led him into the thickest of the fight or caused him to stand as a picket in the lonely hours of the night. He was in the battles of Chancellorsville, Virginia, May 1, 2, 3, 4, 1863; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 1, 2, 3, 1863; Wauhatchie, Tennessee, October 29, 1863; Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, November 24, 1863; Mission Ridge, Tennessee, November 25, 1863; Pea Vine Creek, Georgia, November 26, 1863; Ring-gold, Georgia, November 27, 1863; Resaca, Georgia, May 14, 15, 1864; Newhope Church, Georgia, May 25, 26, 1864; Lost Mountain, Georgia, June 13, 14, 1864; Pine Knob, Georgia, June 15, 1864; Moses Creek, Georgia, June 17, 1864; Kulp's Farm, Georgia, June 22, 1864; Kenesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, July 20, 1864; siege of Atlanta, Georgia, July 22 to September 2, 1864; siege of Savannah, December 10th to December 21, 1864; and South.Edisoe river, South Carolina, February 12, 1865.

After his return home Mr. Beardslee resumed blacksmithing, which he has followed since the age of thirteen years. In the year 1872 he was united in marriage to Miss Christine Henderson, who died March 8, 1899, since which time he has lived alone. He has two children, Annie and Estella. The former married William Young in 1897, and they reside in New York city, her husband being a prominent and bright young business man there. The other daughter also resides in New York city, and is a professional nurse, making her home wiith her sister. Mr. Beardslee has spent his entire life in Schuyler county and has a wide acquaintance, many of those who have known him from boyhood being numbered among his stanch friends. (A Biographical Record of Schuyler County, New York, The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1903 pages 250-251)

FREMONT COLE

One of the most distinguished members of the bar of the Empire state, Fremont Cole is almost equally well known on the northern Pacific coast and in both sections of the country his leadership in political circles is recognized. Schuyler county is proud to number him among her residents, but while he makes Watkins his headquarters, he is a man of too great talent and ability to belong to one community.

Mr. Cole is yet a young man. He was born on the 18th of September, 1856, on a farm in the town of Covert, Seneca county, a son of Ira H. and Caroline (Dennison) Cole. The father, who was born in 1817, is still living at the age of eighty-five years on the farm on which his birth occurred and on which the grandfather of our subject had settled in the year 1801. Upon the ancestral farm Fremont Cole spent the days of his boyhood and youth, attending first the district schools and later the Union school of Farmersville, then taught by Professor Isaac H. Stout, now supervisor of the teachers' institutes'of the state of New York. After completing his education Mr. Cole was employed in railway- offices for a few months, but his ambition was to become a lawyer and in April, 1877, ne entered the law office of Judge Oliver P. Hurd, of Watkins, under whose direction he continued his reading until admitted to the bar in May, 1880. Entering upon practice in connection with W. L. Norton, the district attorney, under the firm name of Norton & Cole, the partnership was continued for about a year, after which Mr. Cole was alone until his brother was admitted to the bar and joined him in a partnership relation that was continued until 1890, when, attracted by the northwest, our subject removed to Seattle, where he practiced for five years. He then established an office in New York and now has an extensive practice, reaching across the continent. His is a distinctively representative clientage, connecting him with much of the important litigation tried in the courts of the Empire state.

In 1888, in Watkins, Mr. Cole married Miss Charlotte Roberts, a daughter of Cyrus and Frances (Shepperd) Roberts, both of whom belonged to prominent pioneer families of the town of Reading, Schuyler county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cole has been born a daughter, Faith, whose birth occurred in Watkins.

From the time of attaining his majority down to the present Mr. Cole has figured in political circles, his leadership in the local ranks of the Republican party being followed by prominence in the state organization, nor is his reputation limited by the boundaries of New York. Of the questions concerning the public welfare, of the dominant issues before the people and of the concerns of public policy, he has been a close, earnest and discriminating student, and as a logical, forceful speaker and with natural fitness for leadership, he soon became a potent factor in the councils of his party. In 1884 he was chosen to represent his district in the general assembly, where he served for five successive terms, and in 1888-9 he was the speaker of the house. An excellent parliamentarian, a man of profound legal learn-ing, and one who placed the good of the commonwealth before partisanship or per-sonal aggrandizement, he proved one of the best presiding officers the house has ever had, and while an active working member of the house he secured the passage of a number of legislative measures of much value, wdiich. were heartily endorsed by his constituents, as shown by the many times he was re-elected to the office. In 1894, while living in Seattle, he became the candidate of his party for state senator, but owing. to the fusion of the Democratic and Populist forces on the silver issue he was defeated by ninety-two votes, being a pronounced advocate of the gold standard. Soon afterward Mr. Cole returned to Watkins and while making his home here he has since engaged in the practice of law in the courts of the state, being one of the eminent members of the New York bar. (A Biographical Record of Schuyler County, New York, The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1903, pages 251-252)

ISAAC E. DOTY

Isaac E. Doty has taken advantage of the excellent opportunities which Schuyler county affords for the raising of grain, vege-tables and fruit. Its rich lands are very productive and it is one of the garden spots of the great Empire state. Our subject is engaged in the production of vegetables for the city markets and in his business he is meeting with very creditable and well mer-ited success.

Mr. Doty was born in the town of Cayuta, Schuyler county, New York, then Tompkins county, on the nth of February, 1836. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Doty, came from Dryden, New York, and settled in Catlin in a very early day. The father was a blacksmith by trade and followed that pursuit in eastern New York for sixteen years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Cayuta, where he made his home for a quarter of a century.

He next located in Havana, New York, where he yet carries on farming and is accounted one of the leading and enterprising residents of that locality. His children are Nathaniel, John, Mary, Isaac and Elizabeth. Of this number John and Isaac are the only ones now living. The former resides in the town of Candor, Tioga county, New York, and is engaged in hunting. Early in the spring he goes to the woods, where he carries on his work as a hunter until the return of winter makes further labor in that direction impossible. He wedded Matilda McCarthy and unto them have been born four children: Mary, Loraine, Frank and Edward.

In taking up the personal history of Mr. Doty, whose name introduces this review, we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Schuyler county, where his entire life has been passed. At the usual age he entered the public schools, acquiring a common-school education and when seventeen years of age he entered upon his business career. He began farming and has followed various other pursuits, although the greater part of his attention has been devoted to agriculture. In 1862 he sought a companion and helpmate for life's journey and in that year was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Carey. Her father, Alanson Carey, had married Margaret Henderson and their children were: Elizabeth, Ellen, Nettie, Frances, William and George. In 1872 Mr. Doty was called upon to morun the loss of his first wife, who died in that year leaving two children. He afterward married Miss Ellen Carey of the town of Catharine, their wedding being celebrated in 1877. They have one child, Margaret, who is still under the parental roof. Having always lived in Schuyler county, Mr. Doty has a wide ac-quaintance here with whom he has been brought in contact through both business and social relations. He is know as a man of genuine worth, trustworthy in his trade transactions and deserving the esteem of his fellow men, because of his fidelity to duty in every relation of life. (A Biographical Record of Schuyler County, New York, The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1903, pages 249-250)

JOHN FERO

John Fero, a well known citizen of Watkins, is numbered among the native sons of the Empire state, his birth having occurred on the 20th of January, 1855, in Hornby. His parents were Abram and Catharine (Arnot) Fero. The family is of English extraction and at an early day was founded in America, the ancestors of our subject removing from Orange county. New York, to Hornby, Steuben county. In the district schools John Fero obtained his education and on putting aside his text books he followed farming until he was fifteen years of age, when, at that time, he located in Watkins. Here he entered the employ of Andrew Stull in the livery business, remaining. with him for three years. He was afterward employed by Washington. Wilmot for two years and subsequently entered the service of Hon. Baker, being employed at the hotel and livery barn for three years. On the expiration of that period he began business for himself, securing a hack and team, and was for many years a representative of the transfer business in Watkins. His patronage steadily grew until, owing to his capable management and enterprise, his business was a very extensive and successful one. He kept twenty-four horses and had a large hitching shed which would accommodate one hundred and fifty teams. He purchased property and in 1894 erected thereon a large livery barn, but in 1902 he sold out to a Mr. Forbes. At that time he was controlling the most extensive business in his line in this part of the state. For twenty-one years he was in charge of the transfer business for the Mountain House. At the present time Mr. Fero is engaged in the cockroach exterminating business and has already secured many large annual contracts, having a preparation that thoroughly exterminates waterbugs. He has become well known not only to the residents of Watkins, but to many of the visitors to this portion of the state, and his genial manner, unfailing courtesy and sterling worth have commanded for him the confidence and respect of all.

In 1877 Mr. Fero was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Kniffen, a daughter of Ferris and Louise (Butcher) Kniffen. Two children have been born unto them: Stella, now the wife of David Houtaling, of Watkins; and Nettie, who died at the age of five years. Mr. Fero is a Republican in his political affiliations and keeps well informed on the issues of the day, although he has never sought or desired political office. He attends the services of the Presbyterian church. (A Biographical Record of Schuyler County, New York, The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1903, pages 246-247)

DUNCAN S. MAGEE

A representative of one of the most prominent families of Schuyler county, the life record of Duncan S. Magee reflected additional credit upon the untarnished family name. He wras born in Bath, New York, November 21, 1831, and died in Watkins May 8, 1869, at the early age of thirty-eight years. His parents were John and Arabella (Stuart) Magee. In the schools of bis native place he acquired a good educa-' tion and while still a youth engaged in business with his father, who was then controlling many extensive and important enterprises. Although his father was a man of wealth, the son did not feel that he could enter the office as a mere looker on, but became a valuable assistant, familiarizing him-self with the various departments of the business and proving capable in the control of its branches. In the purchase and improvement of the Blossburg Railroad he took a leading part and was also especially active in the purchase and development of the coal mines of Tioga county, Pennsyl-vania, which subsequently became one of the most important of the interests controlled by his father. The opening of the Fall Brook mines in 1859 was largely the result of his business sagacity and foresight, as was also the introductions and subsequent extensive use of the celebrated Blossburg coal. A large market was created for this product and the enterprise of Duncan Magee enabled him to supply this.

When twenty-two years of age Mr. Magee was united in marriage to Catherine E. Gansevoort, a daughter of Dr. Ten Eyck Gansevoort. Unto them were born two children: Arabella S., now the wife of Alfred L. Edwards of New York; and Helen G., the wife of Lewis Edwards, of New York city. After his marriage Mr. Magee resided for a time in Corning, New York, but later removed to Watkins, where in conjunction with his father's interests he pursued an active and successful career until his death. He doubtless inherited from his father the marked ability he displayed in grasping and executing plans of great magnitude. He entered upon no project without duly weighing in his mind the difficulties presented, but once having decided upon a plan of action he threw his whole energies into it and rarely, if ever, failed of success. He possessed broad and unselfish views and constantly bore in mind the public weal, even in enterprises he conducted for his personal gain. The remarkable hold he had upon the affection and esteem of his neighbors was due to qualities of heart as well as head for he was uniformly kind hearted and generous and was the possessor of many other noble traits of character.

For several years Mr. Magee was a member of the Democratic state committee and prominent in the councils of that party. To few has it been given to accomplish so much in so brief a career and the premature termination of his life was justly regard with genuine sorrow in the community which his energy and ability had done so much to develop. (A Biographical Record of Schuyler County, New York, The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1903 pages 248-249)

M. LA FAYETTE WICKHAM

More than a century has passed since the Wickham family wras established in this county, for William Wickham;, the grandfa-ther of our subject, took up his abode in the town of Hector in 1791, becoming its first settler. He made his way westward from Orange county, New York, and settled on the land now owned by our subject, erecting a log cabin on what is now the Lake road near the present home of his grandson. At the rate of ten shillings per acre he purchased six hundred and. forty acres from his cousin, George Wickham, who was an Orange county banker and also dealt in real estate: John Waldron (better known as Deacon Waldron) brought the first team into the town of Hector - a pair of three-year-old steers - which were subsequently purchased by William Wickham. He then did all the teaming for his neighbors, who were widely scattered at that time, living miles apart. While yoking his cattle one day the staple dropped from the yoke broken, and in order to get it welded he was compelled to walk to Elmira, a distance of twenty-eight miles, the only path being an Indian trail. That city contained the nearest blacksmith shop at that time. William Wickham bought fifteen sheep, which he brought from Easton, Pennsylvania. These he usually herded at night, but one evening they were not to be found and during the night the flock was entirely destroyed by a pack of wolves. At that time Indians were quite numerous but friendly, and had a peach orchard on the point that extends into the lake about a mile north of- the Wickham log cabin. It was from this orchard that the little village on the Lake road directly above derived its name of Peach Orchard.

On coming west William Wickham was accompanied by his wife, who bore the maiden name of Phebe Rose and was a native of Long Island. They became the parents of seven children: Esther, who remained in Orange county, New York; Fannie, Phebe and Samuel, who went to Ohio; William, Jr., the father of our subject; Mary; and Clark. The last three always remained in Schuyler county, living on adjoining farms. The father of this family was drowned in the inlet of Watkins in November, 1799, at the age of fifty-two years, and his was the first death in the town. His widow remained in the wilderness and paid for the farm by the proceeds which she realized from raising cattle and driving them to market at Easton, Pennsylvania. The nearest settlers to the pioneer home of the Wickham family were near Lodi, but the Livingston family came soon afterward and settled in the same portion of the county. Then came the Jackson family, who were also from Orange county.

Upon the home farm William Wickham, Jr., the father of our subject, was reared and he assisted in the arduous task of developing the wild land and transforming it into productive fields. Throughout his entire life he carried on agricultural pursuits. Pie was the last survivor of his father's family, passing away at the age of eighty years. In his family were thirteen children, of whom M. La Fayette is the youngest. There are three daughters still living, Mrs. Catherine Dunham, Mrs. Esther Ho well and Mrs. Ann Dunham, all residents of the town of Hector.

M. La Fayette Wickham was educated in the early subscription and district schools and in an academy at Groton, New York, acquiring a good education for that time. Before he attained his majority he was en-gaged in teaching school in Niagara county, New York, and also in the town of Hector. When this work was completed he turned his attention to farming and has developed his land into one of the finest farms of the county. He now has in his possession six-ty-eight acres of the old original tract of an entire section which belonged to his grand-father, William Wickham.

Mr. Wickham, of this review, was born on the 13 th of August, 1836, and when about twenty-nine years of age was married. It was on the 17th of January, 1866, that he led to the marriage altar Miss Pruda A. Erway, a daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Dunham) Erway. The lady was born in Steuben county, New York, and they became the parents of twelve children: Mary E., now the wife of Wilmer La Fever, a resident of Corning, New York; Cassie D., the wife of Frank Lowe, a farmer living a mile and a half east of North Hector; Carrie, the wife of E. D. Holden, whose home is in Boston, Massachusetts; Harry, wrho is living in Boston, where he is employed as "an assistant in electrical engineering; Harriet, the wife of Claude L. Carr, a resident of Knoxville, Pennsylvania; Edith, at home; Benjamin and Randolph, who are also with their parents; one who died in infancy; Frances Augusta, who died at the age of two years; George G., who died at the age of ten months; and Ira, who departed this life when but a year old.

In his religious views Mr. Wickham is a Methodist, attending the services of the church. Politically he is independent, supporting the men and, measures that he believes are for the best good of the country, community, state and nation, without regard to party affiliations. He owns one of the finest farms of Schuyler county, having a beautiful place which commands a splendid view of Seneca lake and the surrounding country for many miles. He has always lived a quiet, retired, unostentatious life, but is one Of the best known men of the county and is considered one of the influential fruit growers of this portion of the state. (A Biographical Record of Schuyler County, New York, The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1903 pages 247-248)

BIOS SUBMITTED BY PEGGY THOMPSON