Part III - Family Sketches
Bates-Booth

BATES, Abram, was born in Hartford, Conn, August 28, 1810. He is a son of Selick BATES, who was also a native of Connecticut, but moved to Danby, N.Y., in 1812, where he resided until his death in 1836. He had nine children, of whom Abram was the fifth. Their names are: Elizabeth, Sally A., Hannah, Hezekiah, Abram, Isaac, Fannie and Charles. All are now deceased except Abram, Hannah and Hezekiah. Charles was killed when only twenty-one years of age; his team ran away and threw him from his wagon. Abram resided with his father until eighteen years of age, then went to learn blacksmithing. For nine months he was with R.L. COWDRY. For a time after this he worked nights and mornings with William SANFORD and went to school during the day. Finally after working with various men, he returned to Danby, where he opened a shop of his own. He was successful and the second year hired a farm, and operated his shop and farm at the same time for five years. He next bought a farm on Ithaca Hill, moved on to it in 1836, and cultivated it for six years. In 1842 he bought the farm in Caroline upon which he still lives. He married Mary E., daughter of Charles WRIGHT on November 1, 1832. They had nine children: Charles W., Mary T., Francis A., Sarah A., Frederick E., Caroline A., Martin L., Kate E., and Theron A. Charles W., Martin L. and Theron A. died unmarried. Abram BATES received a common school education, but his children had the benefit of high school and academy. Our subject is a large owner of real estate in New York and Pennsylvania. He is also a large owner in the Ithaca Hotel, and has other property in the city. He takes a great interest in politics, but has always declined to hold office.

BATTY, George, was born in Tompkins County, December 6,1857, was educated in the public schools, and reared on the farm. When he grew to mature years he learned the butcher's trade and began business for himself, first in Enfield, and later in Jacksonville, in which he has been a success from the first. January 29, 1887, he married Emma, adopted daughter of William BOOTH, of Jacksonville, by whom he has two children: William H. and Mildred M. Mr. BATTY's father, Charles, was born in Lincolnshire, England, about 1825, and married Susan GILBERT, of his native country. Of their ten children, two were born in England: John T .and William W. died at sea; William W. 2d, as above; Charlotte, Mary A., John T, 2nd, Katie M., Emma J., and Susie. His father died April 7, 1877, and his mother survives. Soon after the death of his father, Mr. BATTY took entire charge of the family until they were able to care for themselves. Through energy, thrift, and sobriety he has accumulated a good property. He is a Prohibitionist in politics, and is class leader in the M.E. church.

BEARDSLEY, Henry S., was born in Danby July 7, 1844, educated in the district schools and finished at the Ithaca Academy under Professor WILLIAMS. After leaving school he learned the carriagemaker's trade, and at the age of eighteen entered the 109th N.Y. Vols., serving three years, and participating in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, where he was wounded in the leg, and received an honorable discharge, April 3, 1865. In 1868 he returned to Danby and resumed his trade. In 1889 he married Hattie McPHERSON, daughter of William McPHERSON, of Danby; they have had four children, three now living. Our subject is Democratic in politics and was appointed postmaster of Danby. In 1869 he bought the Dr. WILDER property where he now lives, and on which he has erected a double store, carrying a large stock of general merchandise. Wells BEARDSLEY, father of Henry S., was one of the "forty-niners " of California fame, who afterwards returned to Danby and carried on the carriagemaker's trade with his son.

BEERS, Andrew Jackson, was born in Walton, Delaware county, August 13, 1834. His early life was spent in his native county, where he was educated. At the age of nineteen years he went to Erie county, Pa, where he engaged in contracting for the building of the Lake Shore Railroad, in company with Harvey BEERS, his brother. He followed this business for about four years, and was injured by a horse falling on him, after which he did no active business for several years. He was engaged in farming till 1869, when he went into the livery and stage business in Canton, Bradford county, Pa, where he remained till 1888. The last five years of his residence in Canton he was engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. In 1888 he came to Ithaca and established the undertaking business, which has assumed large proportions here. He is the leader of the profession in this city, thoroughly competent in his work. He has been a member of the K. of P. for about twenty-five years. He has been twice married; first to Elthea FISHER, of New York city, by whom he had two children: Ella and F. Eugene, the latter a telegrapher in Susquehanna, Pa. His present wife is Celia DANN, of Bradford county, Pa.

BEERS, Fred E., was born in Waverly, June 29. 1861, and came to the town of Danby with his father, A. J. BEERS. In 1863 he bought what was known as the George ADRIANCE property, comprising 260 acres, and here he now resided. A.J. BEERS died February 24, 1891, leaving his estate to our subject and his brothers. In 1885 he bought the property known as the ALLEN place of eighty acres. Fred E. was educated in the district schools, to which he has added by reading and intelligent observation, also taking a course of business preparation at Eastman's College, Poughkeepsie. Mr. BEERS is a Republican in politics, and takes much interest in educational matters, having served as trustee of the school for some time. He is also steward of the M.E. church of South Danby. He handles fertilizers, etc. and his principal crops are hay and grain. At the age of twenty-one he married Annie, daughter of George DENNISTON, and they have one daughter, Mertie.

BEERS, John E., M.D., was born October 10, 1840, in the town of Danby, received his early education in the district school, and is a graduate of the old Ithaca Academy after leaving which he attended the Georgetown University Diversity, D.C., from which he received his medical diploma. In the spring of 1862 he joined the medical staff of the army, where he remained eight years, returning to Danby in 1874, where he resumed the practice of his profession, though without severing his connection with the government, as he was as appointed a member of the U. S. Pension Examining Board, serving between four and five years. In 1882 he represented his county in the State Legislature as assemblyman and has also served his town on the Board of Supervisors for sixteen years, his medical practice forcing him finally to decline renomination. Dr. BEERS is the representative of one of the oldest families in this town. His father was Dr. Eli, and his great-uncle Dr. Lewis BEERS, who came to Danby in 1804, and both have practiced medicine here before him. He is one of the town's leading men.

BEERS, Lucien B., was born September 6, 1836, in the town of Danby and educated in the district schools. At the age of twenty-five he married Belle A. BENNETT, daughter of Walker BENNETT, of the town of Danby, and they have one son. Mr. BEERS is a Republican in politics, and has been assessor for the past eight years. His father, Andrew, who died in 1875 at the age of seventy-years, was one of the earliest settlers in this town. After his death the homestead of 150 acres fell to Lucien B., who resides thereon. The produce of the farm is chiefly hay, grain and stock. Mr. BEERS is a practical and successful farmer.

BENEDICT, Thomas, was a pioneer of Homer, as he was also of Groton, where he built a carding and saw mill, and later he settled at McLean, where he died. Of his children, but one, John, was a lifelong resident of this town. His children were: Albert D., Emiline, wife of Henry BOYNTON; Esther, and David. John was a farmer, lumberman and speculator, at which he accumulated property. Albert D., son of John, married first Betsey HART, and by her had children as follows: John D., Esther and Julia. By his second wife, Anna FOOT, he had no children. He was also a farmer and lumberman, and died April 14, 1890. John D. BENEDICT was born November 26, 1836, and has devoted his life to farming and lumbering. At the age of sixteen he went to Wisconsin with the determination to remain, but at the urgent request of his mother he returned to Groton, where he has since lived. In 1859 he married Frances Elizabeth BEACH, by whom he had four children. She died in 1873, and he married second Betsey BROWN. Mr. BENEDICT lives a quiet life in McLean but is a man of influence in the locality. He is a Democrat, but not a politician.

BENSON, Nathan, was one of the early settlers in the western part of Groton, and was the head of a respected family in whose honor the locality known as Benson 's Corners received its name. Mr. BENSON was a man of influence in the early history of the town, and was identified with many of the prominent measures for the welfare of the locality. In his family were four boys and five girls, one of the former being Chandler BENSON, subject of sketch. Like his father, Chandler was an important man in West Groton, and is remembered as having been a successful farmer. He died March 8,1872. Mr. BENSON was three times married. His first wife was Maria TOWNLEY, by whom he had three children: Eveline, Addie and Elvira. His second wife was the daughter of Lewis TOWNLEY, and of this marriage there were no children who grew to maturity. Mr. BENSON's third wife was Philena BUCK, by whom he had three children: Giles H., Charles F. and Orlin D. Mr. BENSON was originally a Whig and afterward a Republican, and was frequently elected to the office of assessor. Moreover, he was a successful farmer, and left a good farm to his children. Giles H. BENSON was born in Groton, May 15, 1849, and has always lived in the town. October 25, 1871, he married Mary, daughter of John H. HARING of Lansing, and they have one child. Mr. BENSON lives on pan of the old home farm, and his buildings are among the best in town.

BENTLEY & EATEN. -This firm is composed of Ephraim J. BENTLEY and William M. EATEN. Mr. BENTLEY is a native of Tioga County, Pa., and came to this county May 10, 1877. His early life had been spent as a clerk in a store in his native place. He left his father's farm at the age of fifteen years and has been in the mercantile business ever since. After coming to Ithaca he established a general store on Cayuga Street below the present location, and in 1889 he built a large frame block fifty feet square, three stories, using the ground floor for their extensive business, one half the store being used for their retail business, and the other part for storage purposes. Mr. BENTLEY was joined in partnership by Mr. EATON in 1889, and the firm of BENTLEY & EATON has ever since been one of the most prosperous in the city. They carry a full line of dry goods, groceries and provisions, meats, oilcloths, and also conduct a general headquarters for farmers, with large and commodious refrigerators for storing butter, eggs, etc. Mr. BENTLEY has never taken any active interest in politics, but is a Republican. He is a member of Ithaca Lodge I. O. O. F. In 1888 he married Anna MUNROE, of Westchester County. William M. EATON was born in the town of Ithaca, January 23, 1862, a son of William EATON, who was also a native of the county. William was educated at Cornell University, class of '83, and acted as clerk in Mr. BENTLEY's store three years, also was for five years a traveler for J. C. STOWELL & Son. He is a member of Fidelity Lodge F. & A. M., also of the I. O. O. F., and of the Encampment.

BENTON, Orange N., was born in Virgil, Courtland county, November 15, 1824, one of eleven children of Frederick and Rachel BENTON. He lived on his father's farm until sixteen years of age, then started for himself and learned the carpenter's trade. In 1854 he married Phoebe Ann MIX, youngest daughter of Ethan and Welthea MIX, of Groton, Mr. and Mrs. MIX came to Groton in 1813 from Vermont. Imbued with true New England spirit, a tract of land was cleared and a handsome home built. They raised a family of nine children. Mr. MIX became a man of prominence in town affairs, being twice elected supervisor. He died in 1870, and his estimable wife a year a later. Orange BENTON and family came to Groton in 1866 and bought the old HOPKINS farm, a mile east of the village. They have had three children: Emily E., a teacher in the Groton Union School: Elmer M., who died in 1983 in Moravia, N.Y. He was a Christian gentleman, whose earnest, faithful work in places of trust lives after; and Olia S., who died in 1887 while visiting in Minneapolis, Minn. Mr. BENTON has had marked success in selecting and raising colts to fine horses, and has sold some of the handsomest carriage teams in the State.

BERGHOLTZ, Herman, was born in Sweden, and came to this country in 1883, since which time he has been associated with the development of electric lighting and railways. He has been connected with the Edison and Thomson-Houston Electric Companies in the development of the modern electric railway as an engineer and promoter. He is associated with Horace E. HAND, esq., a Scranton capitalist, in several electric railway projects. His education was acquired at the University of Lund, Sweden. He is a member of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers. In 1890 he married, in Philadelphia, Miss Adelina O. THOMSON, sister of the celebrated electrician, Prof. Elihu THOMSON, of the Thomson-Houston Company, and they have one daughter.

BESEMER, John J., was born in Caroline, July 12, 1822. James, his father, was also a native here, and lived on the farm now owned by J.A D. COOPER. He followed farming all his life, and married Sallie DEPEW, taking the farm her widowed mother then lived on, which farm he worked to within a year of his death, our subject then coming to the farm on which his father died, where he has since remained. James and wife had five children, of whom John J. was the second. He married Nelly C. EIGNOR, daughter of John EIGNOR of Caroline. He bought a farm on what is known as Bald Hill, where he stayed ten years, then came to his present place, known as the homestead. He is the father of seven children: Oscar, Charles, Frank, Arthur, John, Edwin and Erma; the first three children all died during the year 1863; the others are all in business for themselves, except Erma, who lives at home. Arthur is a physician in practice in Dundee, John works his father's farm, and lives on the farm: Edwin in is a salesman on the road. The children were educated in the High School at Ithaca, with the exception of Edwin. John J. had the benefit of a common school education. He is a Granger and also a member of the M.E. church at Slaterville, and in politics a Republican.

BISHOP, Alonsor, M.D., was born in Exeter, Otsego county, in 1831, and educated at Marathon and Garrettsville Academies. In 1859 he began the study of medicine in the office of Drs. BRADFORD and MAYNAD at Marathon, and after two years went to Albany Medical College. From there he went to Cleveland Homeopathic Hospital College, graduating in February, 1863. He practiced in Speedsville, Tompkins county a short time and then came to Ithaca, where he was located until 1868. That year he spent in the New York Homeopathic College, where he took the degree of M.D. Returning to Ithaca he resumed his practice with Dr. E. J. MORGAN, Sr., which existed until 1880, when he located in New York city. After nine years of metropolitan practice he returned to his native county, and formed a co-partnership with his former partner, Dr. MORGAN, Sr. The firm of Drs. BISHOP & BEAMAN was established in 1893, the junior member being Charles P. BEAMAN, of Philadelphia, Pa.

BISHOP, Asa, came in the year 1810 from Marbletown, Ulster County, to what is now called Tompkins County and purchased several hundred acres of land. A portion of said purchase passed into the hands of his son, John BISHOP. The latter moved from Ulster County to occupy the land (something over a hundred acres) now lying in the vicinity of Caroline Depot, Tompkins County, then called the town of Catharine, County of Tioga. John BISHOP and his family made the trip by means of an ox team and wagon. The farm which had come into their possession was in the midst of a pine forest. There, on the banks of a small stream, they immediately set about building a log cabin (the ruins of which may still be seen). There they lived about two years when a new and more commodious log house was built on another portion of the farm. In about the year 1834 they erected a large frame dwelling house, which still stands but a few rods from the ruins of the old log cabin built in 1811. The family of John BISHOP then consisted of John BISHOP, wife and three children. Seven others were afterwards born to those two early settlers of Tompkins County. Emeline BISHOP, one of the ten children of John BISHOP, has given us many an interesting incident of the early years of the present century. She could distinctly remember when Ithaca was almost in the heart of a huge pine forest. I well remember hearing her tell of the one little store the town of Ithaca possessed in the year 1816. Can remember her telling how she walked from her home through the forest, some six miles, in order to make some purchases from Ithaca's only store. This daughter of John BISHOP finally came into possession of the old homestead, where she lived until about two years since, dying at the advanced age of eighty-five years. Her life was a most industrious one. It might be said of her "that she knew no rest." She was often found at break of day busy about some household care, having toiled the whole night through. She was ever busy weaving or spinning, baking and brewing yet ever ready to lend a helping hand to the sick and needy. As she commenced in the pioneer days, so she toiled on active and energetic till almost the last day of her life. She married James MILLER in the year of 1840, and widowed by his death in 1885, she continued to live at the old homestead until her death two years since. Two sons survive her, one, Dr. C. D. MILLER, now living in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., the other, H. L. MILLER, into whose possession has fallen what remains of the old homestead, which entered the family, some eighty-four years ago. Of John BISHOP's large family but one remains, Mrs. Delight SCHUTT, nearly eighty-four years of age.

BLACK, John, was born in 1805 in County Longford, Town of Linister, about fifty-two miles west of Dublin, Ireland, and came to this town in 1845. At the age of fifty he married Nancy, daughter of Nathaniel GOSLINE, of Newfield, and are the parents of six children, of whom two survive, one being on the farm and the other in Philadelphia. Mr. BLACK bought the Andrew CRAWFORD farm of fifty acres, to which he has added two adjoining farms, having 108 acres in all, and also has a fine residence. Our subject is a self-made man, having spent his lifetime in this town, where he is known and respected, being recognized as a successful and practical farmer.

BLACKMAN Brothers. - John K., and Charles L., - are sons of Solomon K. BLACKMAN, who was a native of the county and a farmer and stock dealer of Speedsville. John K. was educated in the common schools, while Charles received his academic education at Cortland Normal School, teaching eleven terms in Tioga and Tompkins counties. After he left teaching he was for three years employed by HILLYER & HARTLEY, New Brighton, Staten Island, and then came to Ithaca, where he and his brother (who had been engaged in the same business in Williamsport, Pa., with his uncle, L. L. STEARNS) formed a partnership in February, 1888, buying out the grocery of L. S. McWHORTER, which they have since conducted. The brothers are Democrats in politics, and members of the church (Presbyterian and Episcopalian respectively). John is a member of Hobasco Lodge, and married in January, 1888, Margaretta POST, of Shickshimly, Pa. They have one daughter, one and a half years old.

BLISS, Luther, the pioneer head of a large family in Groton, was a native of Warren, Mass., born December 5, 1786, and he married, November 14, 1816, Fanny HAWKINS, born in Sunderland, Vt., October 19, 1800. Mercy HAWKINS and family settled in this town in 1806, and Luther BLISS came in 1809. The children of Luther and wife were: Isaac, Amelia, Abiel, Sylvester, Lyman, Philo and Phila (twins), Emily and Daniel. Luther BLISS was a prominent man in the Congregational church, and was a strong Abolitionist. He died April 1, 1867, and his wife January 27, 1888. His son Isaac was born September 9, 1817, and in 1844 married Eunice LUCAS, by whom he had four children: Ellen Laverna, George Andrew, Emma Lauretta and Harvey Ernest, the first and last being deceased. George A. and Emma L. still live on the old farm, which has been in the family since 1809. George is a deacon in the Congregational church at Summer Hill, and Emma is secretary of the Groton Sunday School Association and president of the Young People's Christian Temperance Endeavor Society of Groton city. Isaac BLISS died February 24, 1876, and his wife April 24, 1889. Abiel H. BLISS married Lucy J. WEBSTER, and their children were: Lyman L., Harriet L., Henry R., Francis A. and Charles C. Abiel died April 6, 1890, and his wife February 18, 1869. He married a second wife, Emma B. LUCAS, but they had no children.

BLOOM, James H., was born in Tompkins county, January 25, 1825. His father, Abram BLOOM, was born in the town of Lansing in 1801, and with his father, Captain BLOOM, settled on a tract of land in the towns of Lansing and Dryden, which has descended to his heirs, Abram BLOOM and others. James H. BLOOM was educated in the common schools. A roving disposition prevented him from finishing his education, and he has been over a large part of the United States, being one of the Fortyniners of California fame, and making the trip by way of the Isthmus of Panama. At the age of thirty-five he married Lavina TEETER, daughter of William TEETER, and they are the parents of one daughter, Cora S. PLATT. In 1868 he bought the Haliban FULKERSON property of seventy-three acres, on which he now resides. Our subject is recognized throughout his town as a conservative independent citizen and a practical and successful farmer.

BOARDMAN, Truman, was born in Covert, Seneca county February 7, 1810. He received a common school education, and in early life became an agent; afterwards following farming until 1863, when he sold his farm and moved to Trumansburgh. He was supervisor of the town of Covert three years, and was also State senator in 1858-9. He was member of assembly in 1881, and was trustee of the old Trumansburgh Academy until it was merged into the High School, and was its president several years. He has also been and is now a director in the First National Bank of Ithaca, and has been president of Grove Cemetery of Trumansburgh for fourteen years. June 5, 1834, he married Aurelia C. WHITING, formerly of Winsted, Litchfield county, Conn. They had four children: Gertrude, who married David G. ARNOLD, of Ulysses; Myron, a graduate of the medical department, University of Georgetown, Washington, children, ten of whom grew to maturity.

BOGARDUS, Andrew B., a prominent farmer of Lansing, was born in Ellenville, UIster County, June 8, 1832, a son of Jacob E. and Ann (BRUYN) BOGARDUS, of Kingston, Ulster County, who came to this town in 1833, and bought a tract of over 300 acres, a portion of which our subject now owns, and on which he resides. Jacob died in 1859 and his wife in 1865. He was a prominent man in his town, taking an active part in political affairs, he being a Democrat. They had eight children, of whom our subject was the sixth. The grandfather was Evert BOGARDUS and in his house in Kingston was held the first Assembly during the war of 1812. Andrew B. was educated in the academy at Ithaca, and after leaving school he returned to the farm, where he has since lived. At his father's death he came into possession of a portion of the farm, and at the mother's death the brothers divided the property, Andrew B. having the portion on which were the home buildings. In 1888 he married Fannie, daughter of Hiram HERRICK of Lansing. Mr. BOGARDUS is a Democrat.

BOGARDUS, E. K., a prominent and successful farmer of Lansing, was born in Ulster County, N.Y., March 16, 1827, the son of Jacob E. BOGARDUS, who was a sloop captain on the Hudson River between Rondout and New York city. He followed the river seven years, then went to Ellenville and bought an interest in a tract of 300 acres where the village of Ellenville now stands, and this they portioned off into lots and sold. About seventeen years later he returned with his family to Lansing and bought 240 acres of cleared farm, where here he died in 1857. His wife was Ann BRNYN, by whom he had eight children. She died in 1865. Our subject attended the common schools, with one year in Ithaca, and has always remained on the farm, which was divided after the death of his parents, he taking 108 acres where he now lives. He follows general farming, but makes a specialty of sheep raising. In 1879 he married Harriet Adelaide SEAGER, daughter of Philip and Ann (GARDNER) SEAGER, of Dryden. Both Mr. and Mrs. BOGARDUS's ancestry are Holland Dutch. Our subject's grandfather, Jacob BOGARDUS, was a captain in the Revolution, who kept a public house and conducted a blacksmith shop in Kingston, N.Y. When Kingston was burned by the British his was the only house that escaped the flames. It was in this building that the first State Assembly was held many years later. When it was finally torn down there was found concealed in the walls a box of continental money placed there by him. Mr. BOGARDUS is a Democrat in politics.

BOGARDUS, Ira, was born in the town of Caroline, April 18, 1846. Calvin, his father was a native of Caroline also, and was a farmer. He married Maria, daughter of Marlin MERRILLS, and they had five children, of whom Ira was the second. He married in 1872 Charity ROUNSEVILLE, daughter of Charles J., of Caroline Center, her father being at one time member of assembly. Mr. and Mrs. BOGARDUS have two children: Harlen and Homer, both now in school. Mr. BOGARDUS is a member of the Baptist church and also of the Grange. He is a Democrat, and has served as road commissioner two terms, though the town is Republican, and in February, 1894, he was re-elected for two years; he has also served as overseer of the poor. Mrs. Harriet KRUM, an aunt of our subject's wife, was the first white child born in the town of Caroline.

BOGART, David P., was born in Danby, March 12, 1831, and was educated in the common schools, to which he has added by close reading and observation. After leaving school he took up carpentry, which he followed for some time, then purchased the property known as the CRISTY farm in 1860, on which he erected a fine residence. At the age of twenty-eight our subject married Mary C. TEACHOUT, by whom he has one son, George C. Mr. BOGART is a Democrat in politics, but has never aspired to political honors. He is the owner of 100 acres of fine farming lands. and gives his sole attention to home interests.

BOICE, James, was born in Caroline, May 24, 1843 a son of Emery, who was born in Ulster county, March 3, 1806, and came with his parents to this county at the age of ten years. Here he followed farming all his life, beginning with his father, Abram BOICE, ho gave the name to Boiceville, where he owned a farm of 160 acres. Emery started in life on the Erie Canal, which he followed two years, then began work on the farm. His wife was Penelope KRUM, of Ulster county, by whom he had two children: William K., and James. The latter has followed his father's occupation of farming, and was at home with his parents until the age of twenty-three, when he married Margaret F. THOMAS, daughter of Benjamin THOMAS, of Dryden, now Caroline, December 6, 1865, and about April 1, 1867, they settled on their present place of 135 acres. Mr. BOICE is at present special agent of the dairy department of the State Agricultural Department, having received his appointment from Governor FLOWER in 1893. Mr. and Mrs. BOICE have had two children: Arthur J. and Nellie E. Our subject is a Mason of Caroline Lodge No. 681. He is a Democrat, and has served as assessor and supervisor.

BOICE, John, was born in the town of Caroline, October 24, 1847. His father, Eli, was born in Ulster County, and came here when quite young with his father, Abram. The latter died when Eli was twenty-five years of age, and the latter made his home with his brother John for a time. Later, on his marriage, he took up a piece of land, which he cleared and built a log cabin upon, and later bought still another place, near where he had been living. He next went to the place known as the Charles MULKS farm, when our subject was five years of age. Eli died in 1885, cared for by his son John until the last. John then rented the farm of his father to outside parties, and moved to another place, where he lived three years, in the mean time building a fine residence for himself, which he now occupies. This is situated near Slaterville Springs, and consists of ninety acres of the finest land, with twenty-five acres of timber. He married in 1870 Sarah, daughter of John EVERLIN, of Tioga County. Mr. BOICE makes dairying his special occupation, owning about fifteen head of cattle. He is a Mason of Caroline Lodge No. 681, and is a Democrat, having held town of office.

BOOTH, John Isaac, was born in what is now Schuyler County, November 9, 1838, the son of John Isaac and Hannah (THOMPSON) BOOTH. The father was a farmer and school teacher, and our subject was brought up to farm work, while in the winter he attended the district school. Later on he attended the Burdett Academy. At the age of sixteen he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked about five years. About 1860 Mr. BOOTH came to Groton and found employment in the Separator works, where he remained five years, and then entered upon a more active career as one of the firm of WILLIAMS & BOOTH, general furniture dealers and undertakers. About 1868 Mr. WILLIAMS retired from the firm, and a year later Smith BOOTH became associated with the business, and so continued until 1880. For eight years thereafter J I. BOOTH was sole proprietor, and in 1888 George Alvin BOOTH acquired an interest in the firm, and the present firm of J.I. BOOTH & Son was formed. Their factory and salesrooms on Main street are well stocked and supplied with all the machinery and equipment necessary for the conduct of their extensive business, and it is almost needless to say that from the time of its original beginning, in 1866, the business has been abundantly successful, while its senior proprietor has ever been regarded as one of Groton's first business men. In 1866 Mr. BOOTH married Sarah M. HARD, of which union four children have been born: Henrietta, wife of David L. MOREY, of Bridgeport, Conn.; George Alvin, in partnership with his father; Emmett RAY, vice-president of the Owego Bridge Company and Bertha Belle, wife of Guernsey B. WILLIAMS, who holds a responsible position in the large mercantile house of D. McCARTHY & Co., of Syracuse.