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Family Sketches

Surnames Beginning with "D"

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These family sketches are from Landmarks of Albany County, New York, edited by Amasa J. Parker of Albany, N. Y., Syracuse, N. Y.; D. Mason & Co. Publishers, 1897.

Danaher, John E., son of Francis M. and Mary E. (Hillenbrant) Danaher, was born in Albany, N. Y., March 4, 1861. He attended the public schools and Christian Brothers' Academy and graduated from the Albany High School in 1878. After leaving the high school he obtained a situation as bookkeeper for Tallmadge & Carter, commission merchants, and remained with this firm a year and a half. Subsequently he was bookkeeper and afterward traveling salesman for William H. Livingston, wholesale liquor dealer, with whom he remained seven years, when in 1886, he started in the wholesale liquor business for himself at No. 34 Green street. He remained at that location for one year and then owing to increased business he moved to Nos. 304 and 396 Broadway, where he was located five years, when his business became so large that he was compelled to find more suitable quarters and moved to his pres- ent location No. 97 Hudson avenue, corner of Grand street, with storehouse in the rear at No. 14 Grand street. Mr. Danaher is a member of the Catholic Union, the Commercial Traveler's Club, and is a member of the Board of Control of the National Wholesale Liquor Dealers Association of America. He married Elizabeth B., daughter of Patrick McCarthy, for many years a builder and alderman of Albany. They have one daughter, Hortense E. Mr. Danaher's success may be accounted for somewhat by the fact that he was born of that good stock, Irish and German. His maternal grandparents were of the first German immigrants to locate in Albany, where they came in 1830. Mr. Danaher if a self made man and great praise is due to his efforts. He does a strictly wholesale business, being a large direct importer of wines and brandies and has sole control of the "Optimus" brand of whiskey. He has a large busmess equal to and as important as any in Albany.

De Freest, Alburtus B., was born in Bethlehem, and is a son of W. V. D. De Freest, and grandson of David and great-grandson of John De Freest, who came from Germany to Rensselaer county with the early settlers. David De Freest came from Bethlehem in 1834 and was a farmer by occupation. He has four sons: A. B., John, Garrett, and W. V. D., who remained on the homestead until 1878, when he came to Ravena, where he has since been engaged in farming, A. B. De Freest opened a store in 1893, which he conducted until 1895, when he sold out and started a lumber yard which he now runs, and also handles brick and cement. He is a member of the K. of P. Lodge of Coeymans, and has also been town clerk for two years.

Daring, Stephen J., son of Henry and Catharine M. (Beller) Daring, was born in the town of Wright, Schoharie county, September 15, 1862. He is of German descent, his great-grandfather having settled in Schoharie county shortly after the Revolution. He attended the public schools and was graduated from the Albany Normal School in 1883. After graduation he taught school for two years at his native place and was for four years the principal of public schools at Stuyvesant, Columbia county. In 1890 he began the study of law with Thorne & Beekman, at Middle- burg, Schoharie county. Subsequently he took the course at the Albany Law School and was graduated from that institution in 1893. Since then he has practiced law in Albany and has his residence at Voorheesville, Albany county. In 1895 he formed a copartnership with N. B. Spalding, the firm name being Spalding & Daring. Mr. Daring is a member of Vorheesville Lodge No. 668, I. O. O. F. June 13, 1893, he married M. May, daughter of Charles G. Clow, of Stuyvesant, and they have one son.

Daubney, William H., is of English ancestry. His father was a remarkable man, having served for seventeen years in the British Royal Artillery. He was a skillful swordsman and horseman and taught the art to the nobility. He came to Montreal in 1846, and died in 1893 at the age of eighty-one. He was the only man who ever received a pension from the British Government after becoming a citizen of the United States. Mr. Daubney spent three years in Montreal, thence to Plattsburg, where he learned the blacksmith's trade, and came to Troy in 1855 and opened a shop until 1872; after that he engaged in the news business and book store until 1884, when he went to Virginia for one year. On his return he worked as agent for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for two years, and then opened the present grocery. Mr. Daubney has been trustee of the Fourth ward twice, and was canal collector from 1890 up to 1895. He has a fine tenor voice, which be has devoted to the churches, having sung for fifty-three years and at present sings in St. Patrick's church of West Troy.

Davenport, Samuel J., son of Valentine and Maria (Palmatier) Davenport, was born in Schoharie, N. Y., June 3, 1834, and is a grandson of Samuel Davenport, who was master mechanic at the Greenbush barracks during the war of 1812. The fam- ily came from England very early and settled originally on Long Island. Mr. Davenport received a public school education and remained on the paternal farm in Schoharie county until he reached the age of eighteen, when he came to Albany and was employed in the lumber district until 1870, being lumber inspector for about eighteen years. He then engaged in paving streets, as a member of the Scrimshaw Paving Company, which in 1876 became S. J. Davenport & Company. In 1880 this firm was dissolved and continued by S. J. Davenport until 1892, when it was reorganized by Mr. Davenport and his brother, George W., of Altamont, under the old firm name of S. J. Davenport & Company, which still continues. In 1872 he began street sprinkling on contract, and the firm now carries on a large business in both lines and also in general contracting. He had the contract for improving the capitol park in October, 1888, and the following year took up the business of transplanting large trees. He occupied the "Old Elm Tree Corner" building at the junction of North Pearl and State streets when it burned and was the first to occupy the new Tweddle building after its completion. He was one of the principal founders of Grace M. E. church, has been a trustee since its organization and president of the board since 1876, and was chiefly instrumental in erecting the present edifice. He is an active Republican and a veteran member of Temple Lodge No. 14, F. & A. M. He has a fine and valuable collection of geological specimens from all parts of the world. In 1858 he married Eliza A. Burbanks, who died in 1871, leaving one son, Frank R., who died in 1894, aged thirty-five. Mr. Davenport married again in 1872 Isabella Wayne, of Iowa.

Davidson, Andrew, was born in February, 1840, in Morebattle, Roxburgshire, Scotland. When six years old he came with his parents to this country and settled in the county of Otsego, N. Y. His father, James Davidson, is still living in the same county at the advanced age of ninety-one. His grandfather, Robert Davidson, also a native of Morebattle, Scotland, possessed considerable poetical ability and wrote several small volumes of "Poems on the Border." His mother's maiden name was Jane Curie, who died in 1885 aged seventy-six years. Both of his parents early united with the Presbyterian church, of which they became prominent members. The boyhood days of Andrew Davidson were passed upon a farm and in attending the common schools. He began teaching school at the age of seventeen, and for some time taught school in the winter months, while he attended the Cooperstown Seminary in the summer, where he was fitted for a collegiate course. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company E of the 121st N. Y. Volunteers. He had previously been commissioned by Governor Edwin D. Morgan to recruit a company for the regiment, which he speedily organized. He received the appointment as second sergeant in Co. E early in September of the same year and went with his regiment to Washington, and after an encampment of a few days at Fort Lincoln marched with the regiment to the front. For the first time Sergeant Davidson and his splendid fighting regiment faced the storm at Crampton's Gap, South Mountain, Maryland. The 121st regiment was left to guard the Gap during the progress of the battle of Antietam. On the 3d of May of the following year (1863) Davidson, now made first sergeant of his Co., while fighting in the battle of Salem Church. Va., was shot through both legs above the knee by a mmnie ball. He was removed to Douglas hospital at Washington as soon as possible where he was treated for his dangerous wounds until he was able to rejoin his regiment at Warrenton, Va., in August of the same year. Upon his return to duty Colonel Upton promoted him to be sergeant-major. On the 29th of February 1864, he was appointed a first lieutenant of the 30th U. S. colored troops then organizing in Baltimore, Maryland. When the regiment was fully organized he was made its first adjutant. Early in the spring of 1864 the 30th colored regiment joined the army of the Potomac and Adjutant Davidson was with it from that time until the surrender of General Johnston at Raleigh, N. C. He was with his regiment in the Battle of the Mine at Petersburg, Va., July 30th, 1864, when some four thousand Union soldiers lost their lives or were taken prisoners. Adjutant Davidson wears a medal of honor, awarded him by the war department under an act of Congress for gallant conduct on that occasion. While stationed at Goldsboro. N. C. after the surrender of Johnston, Adjutant Davidson was appointed aide-de-camp on the staff of Gen. Delevan Bates, commanding the brigade, and soon after was made acting assistant adjutant-general on his staff and promoted to a captaincy. He was subsequently acting assistant adjutant-general and acting assistant inspector-general on the staff of Gen. C. J. Paine, commanding the eastern district of North Carolina until he was mustered out with his regiment in Baltimore, December, 1865. It would greatly exceed the limits of this sketch to follow Captain Davidson through all the battles in which he participated during his services in the war for the Union. We here merely mention the names of these engagements in their chronological order: Crampton's Gap, South Mountain, Md., September 14, 1863; Fredericksburg, Va., December 11-16 1862; Fredericksburg, Va., May 2, 1863; Marye's Heights, May 3, 1863; Salem Church, May 3, 1863; Rappahannock Station, Va., November 7, 1863; Mine Run, Va. November 26, 1863; Petersburg, Va., June 10, 1864, to December, 1864; Mine Explosion, or Battle of the Mine, Petersburg, Va., July 30, 1864; Hatchers Run, Va., October 27-28,1867; Fort Fisher, N. C, December 25, 1864; Fort Usher, N. C., January 13-15, 1865; Sugar Loaf Hill, N. C., January 19, 1865; Sugar Loaf Battery, N. C., February 11, 1865; Coxs Bridge, N. C, March 24, 1865; Johnston's surrender March 26, 1865. Though severely wounded in battles, Captain Davidson came out of the fiery ordeal of war a scarred veteran. A year after the close of the war he carried on a mercantile business until the spring of 1870, when he removed to Cherry Valley and began the study of law in the office of his brother-in-law Judge James W. Barnum. He completed his course of legal studies in the office of Judge Samuel A. Bowen, of Cooperstown, and was there admitted to the bar in November, 1873. In 1874 he became editor and proprietor of the Otsego Republican, published in Cooperstown. He was elected to the State Senate for the term of 1884-5. He served on the committees on finance, miscellaneous corporations, villages and public printing. In March, 1890, President Harrison appointed him first deputy commissioner of pensions. After the resignation of General Raum in the early days of March, 1893, he was acting commissioner of pensions until relieved in the latter part of April following. He then returned to his journalistic work at Cooperstown. On the 31st of May, 1866, Captain Davidson married Miss Altana R. Barnum, eldest daughter of Sylvester W. Barnum, esq., of Middlefield, N. Y. He has three children, Clarence W., now associate editor of the Otsego Republican, and two daughters, Linda W. and Myra B. Captain Davidson is a member of the Presbyterian church at Cooperstown. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Loyal Legion, the Union Veterans' Legion, Medal Legion of Honor, and of the Masons and Odd Fellows. For many years he was chairman of the Republican County Committee, was twice chosen a member of the State Committee, and was a frequent delegate to State Conventions. Captain Davidson was not an applicant for deputy secretary of state, but General Palmer, his friend and comrade, shortly after his election in November, 1893, as secretary of state, tendered him the position, which was accepted, and he entered upon the duties of his office January 1, 1894.

Davis, Charles Edmond, M. D., son of Thomas D. Davis, was born near Montreal, Canada, November 10, 1867, and when young moved with his parents to Waterford, N. Y., where he was graduated from the Waterford High School. He then engaged in the drug business, receiving a State drug license in 1889. He read medicine with Dr. Zeh of Waterford and the late Dr. Swinburne of Albany, and was graduated from the Albany Medical College in 1891. In 1889 and 1890 he was resident physician to the Albany Homoeopathic Hospital and in 1891 he began the active practice of his profession in Albany. Dr. Davis is secretary of the Albany Board of Pension Surgeons, instructor in the Albany Medical College, and a member of the City Board of Health. He served a membership in Co. A, 10th Battalion, N. G. N. Y., and is now a member of the Old Guard of Co. A, and Hospital Steward of the Battalion. He is a member of the Albany County Medical Society, a delegate elect to the New York State Medical Society, a member of Masters Lodge, F. & A. M., Temple Chapter, R. A. M., Flower Lodge, K. P., and the Fort Grange and Albany Camera Clubs, and a member of the board of directors of the last named club.

Dawson, John, late of Cohoes, retired from active business only a short time previous to his death in 1895. At that time he was engaged in the manufacture of knitting needles used here in the hosiery mills. He was born at Nottingham, England, coming to America when nine years old, and a later year to Cohoes. His father was a lace manufacturer, and he brought his machine here but never used it. Mr. Dawson was a skilled machinist and very successful in all his enterprises. He allied himself with one of the first families here when he married Mary, daughter of John Long. They had seven children: William H., Lincoln J., Lizzie, Maria, Frank R., Alice and Herbert G.

Day, Michael J., mayor of Watervliet, is a native of Troy, but a resident here since 1856, when he came with his father, Daniel Day, a well-known grocer of this place. Mr. Day was educated here and at La Salle Institute at Troy. At sixteen years of age he entered the store of William H. Frear of Troy as clerk, remaining there for twelve years, and advancing to the position of head cashier. In 1882 an opportunity presented itself for his engaging in the coal business with James Crummy. The firm is now known as Crummy & Day. Mayor Day, in the year 1882, married Miss Jennie McKeever, and has one daughter, Mary.

Dayton, Lewis W., son of Jesse C. and Carrie L. (Weed) Dayton, was born in New York city, March 24, 1866, and is of English descent, his original paternal ancestor in this country, Ralph Dayton, having come from Bradfordshire, England, in the seventeenth century and settled at East Hampton, L. I. Major Nathan Dayton moved from Long Island in 1800, and settled on a farm near Rensselaerville, Albany county. Lewis W. Dayton's grandfather, Samuel, lived at Rensselareville until 1850, when he moved to Watervliet, now the town of Colonie, and established the old homestead where Lewis W. Dayton now lives. His son, Jesse C, was engaged in business in New York city when Lewis W. was born and moved to Watervliet, Albany county, in 1870. He was a staunch Democrat and represented Albany county as State senator for one term and was supervisor of the town of Watervliet from 1872 to 1878. Lewis W. Dayton was graduated from the Albany Academy in 1884 and spent one year as clerk in the Anchor Iron and Steel Works in Kentucky. He returned to Albany county and engaged in farming in the town of Watervliet until 1895, when he was elected justice of the peace of the town of Colonie. He is a member of the Citizens Corps of Troy and also a member of the Sixth Separate Company, N. G. S. N. Y., and is an active member of the Farmers' League and was its corresponding secretary for two years. Mr. Dayton was very active in the dividing of the town of Watervliet into the town of Colonie and has always been an earnest worker in the Republican party.

De Blaey, Abram, son of Mathew and Maria (Lansen) De Blaey, was born in Ternenzen, Holland, September 5, 1847. In 1854 his parents came to America and in April, 1855, settled in Albany. He was educated in the public schools and learned the trade of shoemaker, which he followed from 1863 to 1888, being a large manufacturer on Broadway for five years. In 1888 he bought the news room at No. 31 State street, where the business is carried on in the name of his wife, H. L. De Blaey. Mr. De Blaey is a member of Capital City Lodge No. 440, I. O. O. F., New York Encampment No. 1, I. O. O. F., and Canton Nemo P. M. No. 1. June 14, 1871, he married Harriet L. Mink, and they have one daughter, Nellie L.

De Freest, Charles R., was born in Troy, N. Y., July 24, 1852, and is a son of David De Freest of North Greenbush, Rensselaer county, N. Y. He attended the public schools of North Greenbush and Troy, and graduated from the Troy High School in 1869. He first engaged as a reporter on the Troy Daily Press, where he remained two years, resigning to accept a similar position on the Troy Daily Times. For a number of years he was the city editor of the same paper. Subse- quently he became editor of the Troy Northern Budget. When the Hon. Edward Murphy, Jr., was elected mayor of Troy, in 1875, Mr. De Freest was appointed city clerk. He was afterward made deputy comptroller and was connected with the Troy city government during Mr. Murphy's mayoralty. For eighteen years he was a member of the Democratic Central Committee from the Third ward in Troy. In 1887 he was made clerk of the Democratic State Committee, which position he resigned in 1896. In 1891, '92 and '93, he held the Assembly clerkship. On January 1, 1894, Mr. De Freest was elected secretary of the Board of Railroad Commissioners and has since held the position with ability and success. He is a vice-president of the Holland Society of New York city, a life trustee of the Young Mens Association of Troy and an active member of a number of social organizations.

Dearstyne, Chester F., was born in Reidsville, Albany county, N. Y., July 22, 1851. He is a son of John Dearstyne and belongs to the old Dearstyne family which was among the first to settle in Albany county. His ancestry is from the same branch as that of the Dearstyne family of Bath-on-the-Hudson, numbering among its members the first settlers of that place who gave their name to the Dearstyne Hose Company. Mr. Dearstyne was educated at Reidsville, and at the age of sixteen he became a clerk in East Berne in the grocery store of Z. A. Dyer, whose daughter he afterwards married. He is therefore a brother-in-law of William S. Dyer, the well known lawyer of Albany. Mr. Dearstyne was employed as clerk by Albert Gallup in the Kimball House, In 1874 he started in the cigar and tobacco business on Washington avenue, taking into partnership five years later, Mr. Isaac B. Cross, recently sheriff of Albany county. In 1883 he engaged in the tobacco business for himself at No. 385 Broadway, where he has done a prosperous business. In 1894 Dr. Dearstyne was appointed superintendent of the Albany county Penitentiary and during his incumbency of that office he has given very general satisfaction and has conducted the institution on an economical basis.

Deitz, Alanson F., was born in the town of Schoharie, Schoharie county, in 1819. He was a son of William D. Deitz, a native of the same place, who was born in 1818. He was one of four sons; Peter, John, Jacob and William, and three daughters, born to Philip A. Deitz, a native of Holland, who settled in Schoharie county about 1808, and became a successful and quite wealthy farmer, owning four farms at the time of his death. His brother, who came with him from Holland and settled in Schoharie county, was with his whole family murdered by Indians during the war of 1813. William A., the father, was a farmer and lived on one of the farms left by his father, and was also very successful. His second wife was Alvina Fanning, by whom he had six children. He died in 1862. Mr. Deitz attended school during the summer until he was sixteen years of age, when he started out for himself with but forty-eight cents. He went to work on a farm for his cousin, following farming for some time, and managed to go to school during the winter. At the age of twenty years he purchased a patent right of a fruit and lard press, which he sold for some time with success. He then carried on a beer bottling establishment for a short time, and in 1871 he engaged in the bottling business in East Worcester, Otsego county, which he sold two years later and removed to Guilderland Center, where he established a small bottling business. In addition to this business he has bought at different times different wood lots, which he has cleared, making posts, rails, lumber, etc. Mr. Deitz is of an inventive turn of mind, having invented and patented at different times several useful implements; among the more prominent was a wire hay binder which he manufactured for six years. In 1885 he established his present bottling works, and in addition to his bottling business he is also interested in the poultry business. He was one of the village trustees of Altamont in 1894, and in the spring of 1896 was elected water commissioner. He is a member of Voorheesville Lodge of Odd Fellows. In 1871 he was married to Mary La Grande, who was born in Guilderland, a daughter of Andrew La Grande. Mr. Deitz was treasurer and deacon of the Reformed church. Mrs. Deitz is a member of the Missionary Society.

Deitz, Charles E., was born in the town of Berne, July 13, 1840, the son of Isaac and Maria (Shufeldt) Deitz, son of Johan Jost A., son of Adam, who was a son of Han Henrich, a native of Switzerland. Charles E. was educated in the common schools and Schoharie Academy and taught school when he was sixteen years old. After leaving the academy in 1857 he was a clerk in the store of his brother-in-law, H. Willsey in Berne. Six years after, upon the death of Mr. Willsey, he and his father purchased the store and stock and continued the business under the name of Deitz & Son. In 1873 Charles E. purchased his father's interest and has continued the business to the present time. In 1867 he married Laura J. Ludden, a native of Virginia, daughter of Rev. A. P. and Marion Caroline (Grove) Ludden and granddaughter of Col. John W. Grove of Virginia. They have had seven children: Stanton L., Rev. Archibald E., Bertha, wife of Everett L. Hevenor, Grace, Leona, Raymond and Marion. Stanton L. married Isabel, daughter of Jacob S. Haverly of Berne in 1895. Archibald E. married, in 1893, Carrie Secor of Rhineheck and has one son, Vernon I. Mr. and Mrs. Deitz are members of the Lutheran church, and he is a Republican. He has been postmaster during every Republican administration from Lincoln's time to the present.

Deitz, Wallace E., M. D., was born in the town of Berne, November 21, 1857. Col. Johan Jost Deitz, his great-grandfather and founder of the family in America, came from Switzerland and was one of the first settlers in the town of Berne, coming there between 1750 and 1760. Jacob, thegrandfather, was born in Berue about 1787. He was a lifelong and successful farmer, accumulating a fine property in the Beaverdam Valley. His wife was Mary Elizabeth Zimmer. John G , the father, was born in Berne in 1836, his early life being spent on his father's farm. In 1878 he removed to Gloversville, N. Y., where he was engaged in the grocery business for about fifteen years, when he retired to the village of Slingerlands, where he died November 17, 1896, and was buried at Pine Grove Cemetery of Berne. His wife was Lydia J., daughter of John H. Engel, of Berne, and they had eight children: Isadora, Wallace E., Laura, Charles F., Elmer, Seward, Carrie, and Adella, of whom four survive. Wallace E. was reared on the farm and educated in the common district school. At the age of eighteen he began for himself, continuing his schooling winters. Urged on by his success in his studies, he was soon enabled to secure a certificate to teach. He was then engaged in teaching and studying until 1877, when he passed the State examination and soon after entered the Albany Medical College, from which he was graduated March 3, 1883. He began the practice of his profession in Howe's Cave, Schoharie county, two years later removing to Berne, where he has since resided, enjoying a large and lucrative practice. He owns a farm, also a saw mill, which he superintends. He is a member of the Albany County Medical Society and the I. O. O. F., Orion Lodge No. 624 of Gallupville, of which he is past noble grand. In July, 1889, Dr. Dietz married Theodora, daughter of David and Louis (Rheinhart) Ball, of Berne. They have an adopted daughter.

Delahant, Michael F., son of Michael, was born October 15, 1852, in Troy, N. Y., and received a public school and commercial education. In 1873 he entered the employ of J. N. Brady, at Cohoes, wholesale and retail dealer in teas and coffee at Albany and Cohoes, and remained there thirteen years, having charge of that branch. In 1887 he took charge of Mr. Brady's Albany store. Mr. Brady died in 1888 and Mr. Delahant continued as manager until May 1, 1893, when he formed partnership with Charles W. Edwards, as Delahant & Edwards and purchased the entire business, May 1, 1896. Mr. Delahant bought out Mr. Edwards's interest and became sole owner of the two stores. He carries on a large wholesale and retail trade in tea, coffee, spices, confectionery, and bakers' and butchers' supplies.

Delehanty, Hon. Michael, son of Daniel and Margaret Delehanty, was born in Ireland, July 12, 1820, came to America with his parents in 1825 and settled in Albany, where his father died in 1845 and his mother in 1847. His father was a merchant and dockmaster here for several years. Mr. Delehanty was educated in the private schools and academy of Albany and when sixteen learned the trade of tin and coppersmith with Whitney & Cluett, with whom he remained five years. In 1841 he established himself in the tin, copper, stove and plumbing business at No. 8 Green street, his partner being William R. Whitney. Two years later he withdrew and started the same business on Beaver street, whence he removed in 1848 to Nos. 36-82 Green street, where the house has since carried on a large general plumbing, stove, furnace, tin and copper trade. In January, 1892, he gave the active management of the business over to his son, John S., who carries it on under the name of M. Delehanty's Son. Mr. Delehanty is a Democrat and was alderman of the old Second (now Fifth) ward four years, supervisor two years, school commissioner eight years, and police commissioner under the capital police system appointed by Governor Hoffman, four years; was unanimously appointed by the Common Council as a life member of the Water Commission. In January, 1892, he was appointed by Governor Flower superintendent of the State Capitol and served until May, 1895. He is a trustee of the Albany Exchange Savings Bank. In 1841 he married Mary, daughter of Charles Quinn of Albany, and their surviving children are Julie, wife of Hon. Edward Murphy, Jr., of Troy; Daniel, lieutenant commander U. S. Navy and supervisor of the Port of New York since 1894; John S., of Albany; William E., of New York city, and Mary F., Francis B., attorney of Albany, and Helen J. of Albany.

Dell, Nicholas J., son of George V. and Julia Dell, was born in Baden, Germany, April 26, 1840. He attended the public schools until he was thirteen years of age and in 1856 came to America, settling in New York city. Here he worked as a tailor, following the trade of his father for three years, when his parents came to America and they moved to Albany, N. Y., where Mr. Dell engaged in the tailor business until 1892. In 1870 he went into business for himself at No. 43 Beaver street, where he continued until 1889; from there he moved to the corner of S. Pearl street and Hudson avenue in the building later occupied by the South End Bank. In 1892 he bought the Belvidere Hotel from Mrs. Zeller and has since conducted one of the best resorts in Albany. Mr. Dell is a member of the Einthracht, and Harmonia Singing societies. In 1864 he joined Co. B, 10th Bat. N. G. N. Y., and he is now a member of the Old Guard; he is also a member of the Burgesses Corps and the B. P. O. K. In 1887 he was elected coroner on the Democratic ticket and reelected in 1890. In 1809 he married Anna K. Von Lehman of Albany by whom he had three children. In 1888 he married Mary K. Hermas of Watertown, N. Y., and they have one child.

Denison, Frederick P., son of Henry E. and Hannah M. (Godfrey) Denison, was born in Berlin, N. Y., October 12, 1857. He is a lineal descendant of William Denison, who was born in England, about 1586, came to America in 1631, and settled in Roxbury, Mass., having with him his wife, Margaret, his three sons, Daniel, Edward and George, and John Eliot, who seems to have been a tutor in the family. Mr. Denison was a deacon of the Roxbury church and died in Roxbury, January 25, 1853. Geerge (son of William), born in 1618. was married first in 1640 to Bridget Thompson, daughter of John Thompson of Preston, Northamptonshire, England, whose widow, Alice, had come to America and was living in Roxbury. The wife Bridget died in 1643. George then went to England, served under Cromwell in the army of the Parliament, won distinction, was wounded at Naseby, was nursed at the house of John Borodell by his daughter, Ann, whom he married and returned to Roxbury, finally settling at Stonington, Conn. He had seven chlidren by his second wife. John (son of George), born July 14, 1646, married in 1667 Phebe Lay of Saybrook, Conn. He was known as Capt. John Denison, held a prominent position in Stonington, and in many ways was a man of mark; he died in 1698. George (son of John), born March 28, 1671, was graduated at Harvard College, studied law and settled in New London, Conn., where he was town clerk, county clerk and clerk of probate; he died in 1720. Daniel (son of George) was born June 27, 1703 and died previous to 1760. Daniel (son of Daniel) was born December 16, 1730, and settled in Stephentown, N. Y., about 1773; he died in 1793. Griswold (son of Daniel) was born August 21, 1765; George T. (son of Griswold) was born March 17, 1795, and lived at Berlin, N. Y.; he died in 1874. Henry E. (son of George T.)and father of Frederick P., was born May 30, 1828. Frederick P. Denison, the subject of this sketch, when a mere boy went into the music store of Cluett & Sons, Albany, where he remained until 1886, when he became organist of the Emmanuel Baptist church. Although one of the youngest of Albany's musicians, he is deservedly counted among the ablest and takes high rank not merely because of his fine natural gifts, but because of his rounded and complete musical culture. When he assumed charge of the Emmanuel choir in 1886, it numbered twelve singers; now there are fifty. To no small degree is he indebted for his present position in the musical world to his association as accompanist with such artists as Albani, Lillie Lehmann, Emma Thursby, Clementine De Vere-Sapio, Camilla Urso. Marie Rose, Mrs. Osgood, Campanini, Adolph Hartigan and many others of equal renown. Amateur opera owes him a debt and his connection with local concerts has added to the esteem in which he is held by the musical community. In the summer of 1886 he took a trip to Europe, where he studied musicians as well as music, and where he acquired that fine touch and artistic equipment of which his friends are so proud. In addition to his being organist of the Emmanuel church, he is conductor of the Schenectady Choral Society, conductor of the Albania Orchestra and pianist of the Albany Musical Association. He is a member of Masters Lodge F. & A. M.

Delehanty, Hon. Michael, son of Daniel and Margaret Delehanty, was born in Ireland, July 12, 1820, came to America with his parents in 1825 and settled in Albany, where his father died in 1845 and his mother in 1847. His father was a merchant and dockmaster here for several years. Mr. Delehanty was educated in the private schools and academy of Albany and when sixteen learned the trade of tin and coppersmith with Whitney & Cluett, with whom he remained five years. In 1841 he established himself in the tin, copper, stove and plumbing business at No. 8 Green street, his partner being William R. Whitney. Two years later he withdrew and started the same business on Beaver street, whence he removed in 1848 to Nos. 36-82 Green street, where the house has since carried on a large general plumbing, stove, furnace, tin and copper trade. In January, 1892, he gave the active management of the business over to his son, John S., who carries it on under the name of M. Delehanty's Son. Mr. Delehanty is a Democrat and was alderman of the old Second (now Fifth) ward four years, supervisor two years, school commissioner eight years, and police commissioner under the capital police system appointed by Governor Hoffman, four years; was unanimously appointed by the Common Council as a life member of the Water Commission. In January, 1892, he was appointed by Governor Flower superintendent of the State Capitol and served until May, 1895. He is a trustee of the Albany Exchange Savings Bank. In 1841 he married Mary, daughter of Charles Quinn of Albany, and their surviving children are Julie, wife of Hon. Edward Murphy, Jr., of Troy; Daniel, lieutenant commander U. S. Navy and supervisor of the Port of New York since 1894; John S., of Albany; William E., of New York city, and Mary F., Francis B., attorney of Albany, and Helen J. of Albany.

Dell, Nicholas J., son of George V. and Julia Dell, was born in Baden, Germany, April 26, 1840. He attended the public schools until he was thirteen years of age and in 1856 came to America, settling in New York city. Here he worked as a tailor, following the trade of his father for three years, when his parents came to America and they moved to Albany, N. Y., where Mr. Dell engaged in the tailor business until 1892. In 1870 he went into business for himself at No. 43Beaver street, where he continued until 1889; from there he moved to the corner of S. Pearl street and Hudson avenue in the building later occupied by the South End Bank. In 1892 he bought the Belvidere Hotel from Mrs. Zeller and has since conducted one of the best resorts in Albany. Mr. Dell is a member of the Einthracht, and Harmonia Singing societies. In 1864 he joined Co. B, 10th Bat. N. G. N. Y., and he is now a member of the Old Guard; he is also a member of the Burgesses Corps and the B. P. O. K. In 1887 he was elected coroner on the Democratic ticket and reelected in 1890. In 1809 he married Anna K. Von Lehman of Albany by whom he had three children. In 1888 he married Mary K. Hermas of Watertown, N. Y., and they have one child.

Denison, Frederick P., son of Henry E. and Hannah M. (Godfrey) Denison, was born in Berlin, N. Y., October 12, 1857. He is a lineal descendant of William Denison, who was born in England, about 1586, came to America in 1631, and settled in Roxbury, Mass., having with him his wife, Margaret, his three sons, Daniel, Edward and George, and John Eliot, who seems to have been a tutor in the family. Mr. Denison was a deacon of the Roxbury church and died in Roxbury, January 25, 1853. George (son of William), born in 1618, was married first in 1640 to Bridget Thompson, daughter of John Thompson of Preston, Northamptonshire, England, whose widow, Alice, had come to America and was living in Roxbury. The wife Bridget died in 1643. George then went to England, served under Cromwell in the army of the Parliament, won distinction, was wounded at Naseby, was nursed at the house of John Borodell by his daughter, Ann, whom he married and returned to Roxbury, finally settling at Stonington, Conn. He had seven chlidren by his second wife. John (son of George), born July 14, 1646, married in 1667 Phebe Lay of Saybrook. Conn. He was known as Capt. John Denison, held a prominent position in Stonington, and in many ways was a man of mark; he died in 1698. George (son of John), born March 28, 1671, was graduated at Harvard College, studied law and settled in New London, Conn., where he was town clerk, county clerk and clerk of probate; he died in 1720. Daniel (son of George) was born June 27, 1703 and died previous to 1760. Daniel (son of Daniel) was born December 16, 1730, and settled in Stephentown, N. Y., about 1773; he died in 1793. Griswold (son of Daniel) was born August 21, 1765. George T. (son of Griswold) was born March 17, 1795, and lived at Berlin, N. Y.; he died in 1874. Henry E. (son of George T.)and father of Frederick P., was born May 30, 1828. Frederick P. Denison, the subject of this sketch, when a mere boy went into the music store of Cluett & Sons, Albany, where he remained until 1886, when he became organist of the Emmanuel Baptist church. Although one of the youngest of Albany's musicians, he is deservedly counted among the ablest and takes high rank not merely because of his fine natural gifts, but because of his rounded and complete musical culture. When he assumed charge of the Emmanuel choir in 1886, it numbered twelve singers; now there are fifty. To no small degree is he indebted for his present position in the musical world to his association as accompanist with such artists as Albani, Lillie Lehmann, Emma Thursby, Clementine De Vere-Sapio, Camilla Urso, Marie Rose, Mrs. Osgood, Campanini, Adolph Hartigan and many others of equal renown. Amateur opera owes him a debt and his connection with local concerts has added to the esteem in which he is held by the musical community. In the summer of 1886 he took a trip to Europe, where he studied musicians as well as music, and where he acquired that fine touch and artistic equipment of which his friends are so proud. In addition to his being organist of the Emmanuel church, he is conductor of the Schenectady Choral Society, conductor of the Albania Orchestra and pianist of the Albany Musical Association. He is a member of Masters Lodge F. & A. M.

Denison, Edward M. John Denison, after being discharged from the army in the war of 1813, came to Albany county from Stonington, Conn., and settled in the town of Knox. In 1818 he married Mary Chesebro, moved to Schoharie county near Cobleskill, went into the wool-carding and cloth dressing business, and raised a family of six children: Gilbert W., Julia A., Mary J., Charles M., Eli and Andrew. In 1831 he returned to Knox and went on a farm; in 1841 his wife died, and his death occurred in 1854. In 1843 Gilbert W. Denison came to Watervliet to work at gardening; in 1847 he married Sarah Swan; then had no children; in 1869 he bought a farm near Newtonville; he died in 1895, and his wife in 1896. Julia never married, but lived with her father, Gilbert, and died in 1892. Mary J. married Petet Chickman and died in 1875, leaving a family of four children. Charles M. went west in 1844, returned in 1858, married Sarah M. Chesebro in 1864, bought a farm in the town of Guilderland; had three children: L. Augusta, Edward M. and William C.: in 1880 he sold his farm, moved to Newtonville to work his brother's farm; in 1885 he bought a farm adjoining his brother's on the east and went into the milk business. Edward M. lived with his uncle until the latter's death, and then bought the farm; in 1885 he married Miss Ida, daughter of Sylvester Pitts of Colonie; by her he has four children. L. Augusta and William C. are with their father. In October, 1896, William C. married Jessie Furgurson. Eli served in the war of the Rebellion, was taken prisoner and died on Belle Island. Andrew is still in Knox engaged in farming.

Dickey, William J., superintendent of the Cascade Mills of Cohoes, is a son of John Dickey, a contractor who came from the north of Ireland and settled here at a very early period of the history of Cohoes. His death occurred in 1878 at the age of sixty-seven, but his memory lives in the hearts of his fellowmen as one who left nothing undone that would advance the welfare of residents here. Mr. Dickey has spent a lifetime in the mills, having first began to work there at the age of thirteen years. He was first employed by Hon. C. H. Adams in his woolen mill, and from the foot of the ladder has steadily reached its most responsible position. He was for nine years superintendent of the Egberts Woolen Mill, then operated by Mr. McDowell, and when the latter erected the Cascade Mills, he was given the superintendency. Mr. Dickey has been connected with the fire department for twenty-five years, and was fire commissioner for four years, treasurer for nine years of the Hitchcock Hose Co., and captain for ten years of the same.

Dixon, George, was thirteen years of age when his father, Robert Dixon, died leaving him to gain his own livelihood. Thus entering upon a life of toil and privation which developed in him those excellent habits and those which distinguish him as a man. He went into a mill near his birthplace, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he was born in 1827. There he began in a humble way his life work. Being courageous and energetic, he soon left the hardships of youth behind him, and advanced rapidly. In 1858 he came to Cohoes and for ten years took charge of the weaving department in Harmony Mill, Nos. 1 and 2. Since that time he has been superin- tendent of No. 3, the largest mill in the United States, having 140,000 spindles and 1,500 employees. Yet Mr. Dixon in his busy life that followed found time for social and political duties, serving as school commissioner for six years; he is also director of the Savings Bank. Mr. Dixon in 1849 married Mary C. H. Thompson of Pleasant Valley, by whom he had four children. George E., the elder, is superintendent of schools in Cohoes.

Dodge, William T., president of the Cohoes Saving Institution, and for more than thirty years the leading insurance agent of the city. Mr. Dodge was born in Berlin, Vt., in 1839. He was of Pilgrim ancestry, inheriting the sterling qualities of heart and hand characterizing those founders of a noble race. He is emphatically a self-made man, though so trite a phrase does bare justice to a bank president who began with a common school education, and who spent his early manhood on the farm where he was bom, and later as a factory operator. Mr. Dodge became a resident of Cohoes in 1852, and in 1860 he married Miss Sarah Maria Steenburg, who left at her death in 1883, one daughter, Carolina Jane Dodge. In 1855 he embarked in business in the flour and feed line, and in 1862 in insurance and real estate business, and has for not less than twenty-eight years occupied his present office at Mohawk and Ontario streets; for nearly forty years he has been a member of the M. E. church. He was deputy sheriff of Albany county from 1873 to 1875, and alderman from 1878 to 1880. In 1873 he was elected a trustee of the Cohoes Savings Institution, and in 1877 a director of the National Bank of Cohoes.

Don, William G., son of John G. and Julia (Crew) Don, was born in Albany, N. Y., March 29, 1854. He attended Professor Luther's school on Eagle street and Folsom Business College, after which he worked for the Van Rensselaer estate and as tally boy for Clark, Sumner & Co., lumber dealers, where he rose to the position of clerk. In 1876 he went to work for Thomas S. Murphy as bookbinder. In 1894 Mr. Murphy died and in March, 1895, a new company was formed, Thomas S. Murphy & Co. which Mr. Don was elected treasurer, and which office he now holds. Mr. Don active in the politics of the Republican party at the time of the late John F. Smyth and was a charter member of the Capital City Club in 1868, and is also a member of the Unconditional Club. In 1883 he married Harriet S. Cochrane of Ogdensburg, N. Y., and she died the same year.

Downs, J. Murray, is a son of James H. Downs, who settled in Albany about 1855, and Mary B. Murray, his wife, whose father was a prominent contractor in the capi- tal city. He was born in Albany, July 9, 1873, was graduated from the High School in 1889, and from that time until 1892 held a clerkship in the State Law Library. Meanwhile he read law with Reilly & Hamilton, was graduated from the Albany Law School in 1893 and was admitted to the bar in February, 1894. He remained in the office of his preceptors as managing clerk until April 1, 1895, when he formed a copartnership with Hon. Robert G. Scherer, as Scherer & Downs, which still con- tinues.

Downs, Michael B., one of the leading politicians of Cohoes, represents the Fourth ward in the Albany County General Committee. He is a Democrat, and his first public office was that of commissioner of police in 1888, which he filled with efficiency four years. In 1895 he was elected one of the four coroners of Albany county, which position he at present occupies. Mr. Downs was born at West Troy in 1854. When two years of age he removed with his parents to Lock No. 8 Erie Canal, in the town of Watervliet. He received his education at St. Bernard's Parochial School and St. Patrick's School, West Troy. He also attended St. Joseph's Academy of Troy for a short time. In 1870 he moved with his parents to Cohoes, where he engaged in business as clerk for his father, who opened a canal grocery and provision store at Lock No. 9, Erie Canal, which he conducted for nineteen years. He is a member of St. Bernard's church, a member of the Young Men's Sodality, of which he was prefect and treasurer for four years. He is ex-president and treasurer of St. Bernard's Sunday School Teachers' Association, charter president of Talevera Council No. 411 C. B. L. and treasurer of Division No. 1 A. O. H., Cohoes.

Dreis, L. Theodore A., son of Anthony and Catherine ((Geimer) Dreis, was born in Albany, N. Y., January 24, 1868. He was educated in the public and private schools and at the age of eleven years was apprenticed to W. H. Slingerland & Sons, civil engineers, with whom he remained eighteen years and in addition carried on quite extensively the real estate and insurance business. August 1, 1896, he went with the Albany, Helderberg and Schoharie Railroad, with whom he is at present. He is secretary of Co. D, 10th Battalion, N. G. N. Y., and was for three years financial and corresponding secretary of the Capital City Club and is at present. In 1895 he represented the Capital City Club at the convention of the National League of Republican Clubs at Cleveland, Ohio, as delegate. He is at present orator of Germania Council No. 110, C. B. L., recording secretary of the City Club and president of the Young Men's Society of the Holy Cross church and was the organizer of that body. He has been for four years the Republican president of the Third district of the Second ward, and at the last primary was re-elected by a vote ot 64 to 25. He is also a prominent member of the Republican League. That he is prominent among the young men is assured by the great esteem he is held in and in society he is a prominent figure. Invititions are refused owing to the surplus of meetings.

Drislane, William E., was born in Tarrytown, N. Y., in 1851. He received his education in the public schools of Ulster county and in 1875 went into the grocery business for himself in Newburgh, N. Y. He also started branch stores at Tarrytown, Sing Sing, Poughkeepsie and Peekskill, and in 1884, having given up his branch stores he removed to Albany, N. Y., where he opened a grocery store at No. 147 South Pearl street. In 1886 he bought the old Jewish Synagogue property at Nos. 153 to 159 South Pearl street, and after overhauling it started a grocery store there. In 1890 he opened another grocery in the old Music Hall where he carried on a very successful business until January, 1894, when the property was destroyed by fire. Mr. Drislane then purchased the old Female Academy property on North Pearl street, which he thoroughly overhauled, putting in a new front and opened for business there June 15, 1894. His first year's business in Albany amounted to $50,000 and last year's to $350,000. He has seventy-five people in his employ.

Droogan, Cornelius J., son of Cornelius and Mary (Brown) Droogan, was born in Albany, N. Y., December 24, 1867. He attended the Christian Brothers' Academy, from which he was graduated in 1865, and the Manhattan College in New York city, from which he was graduated in 1888 with the degree of A. B. , and from which he received the degree of A. M. in 1890. Mr. Droogan also completed the course at the Albany Law School in 1889, and has enjoyed an extensive practice in Albany since then. He is a member of the Dongan Club, the Catholic Union and the Catholic Club of New York.

Dugan, Daniel J., son of George and Mary Dugan, was born in Greenbush, N. Y., July 25, 1872, and from the age of two years was reared in the family of his uncle, William Steele of Albany. After finishing his education in the Albany High School he began the study of law in the office of Judge Peter A. Stephens and was admitted to the bar September 14, 1895. Since then he has been engaged in the active practice of his profession.

Dugan, Patrick C., son of James and Jane (Lowry) Dugan, natives of Ireland, was born in the town of Wright, Schoharie county, March 10, 1867. His father came to America in 1851. Mr. Dugan was reared on a farm, taught school winters and was graduated from the Schoharie Academy in 1884. He continued teaching until 1886, when he began the study of law in the office of Stephen L. Mayham, then county judge of Schoharie county and now a justice of the Supreme Court. He was admitted to the bar of Albany November 30, 1889, and on December 1 formed a copartnership with C. W. Hinman, which continued two years in Schoharie. February 22, 1893, he came to Albany, where he has since been in active practice. He has had much experience in criminal law, and as a Democrat has been active in campaign work. September 1, 1896, he married Agnes H., daughter of John J. O'Neill of Albany.

Duggan, Edward J., son of Matthew and Fannie (Welsh) Duggan, was born in Albany, March 11, 1857. He received his education in the public schools, Thomas Newman's Private School, Christian Brothers' Academy and Masson College, Canada. He started in life in a New York grocery house, where he remained only a few months. He removed to Albany and after seventeen years successfully spent in both the wholesale and retail grocery business, he is now the owner and proprietor of a large store on Hudson avenue. He is a member of the Catholic Union and Knights of Columbus. In 1861 he married Mary F. Kearns.

Dumary, T. Henry, was born in Troy, N. Y., November 5, 1855. He is a son of Charles Dumary and Margaret Parr, whose father, Richard, came to America from England in 1820 and was a descendant of Thomas Parr who lived to the ripe old age of 152. Mr. Dumary was educated in the Troy public schools, after leaving which he went into the employ of the Albany City Iron Works and the Jagger Iron Works of Albany, where he had charge of the outside department and where he remained six years. He then associated himself with Anthony N. Brady in the general contracting business and remained with him for twelve years. For the past two years Mr. Dumary has been a contractor of sewer and street work and has handled some very large contracts, particularly the Beaver street sewer, the largest in Albany. For six months in 1896 Mr. Dumary did work amounting to $250,000. He is a member of Temple Lodge F. & A. M., Capital City Chapter R. A. M., Dewitt Clinton Council R. & S. M. and is past commander of Temple Commandery. He is also a member of all the A. & A. Rite and is presiding officer in two bodies, and has been elected to receive the thirty-third degree at Boston, Mass., in September, 1897. Mr. Dumary is also a member of Albany Lodge B. P. O. E. He began his service as a public servant when very young, having been from ten to thirteen years of age unanimously elected messenger to the Troy Common Council and Board of Education. April 27, 1880, he married Carry B. McCann, daughter of Henry McCann, a well known civil engineer and explorer, of Hudson, N. Y., who met his death exploring in South America. They had three children: Janette, Robert A. and Henry.

Dunn, James, a resident of West Troy since 1873, was born at Kingston, N. Y., in 1843. His earlier years were spent at boating on the canals, largely in coal traffic between Homesdale, Pa., to New York ports up the Hudson; he was thus engaged for about four years, and then started a boarding stable at No. 80 Broadway, which he conducted for five years. In 1878 he sold out the stable and opened a grocery at No. 3518 Second avenue, dealing chiefly in furnishings for boatmen and kindred lines.

Durant, Fayette B., was born as Pittsford, Vt., in 1848, and was educated in the grammar and high schools of Troy. He has been associated with James Roy & Co., of Watervliet Mills, since 1875. Previous to that time he had engaged in the insurance and real estate business, having resigned in 1873 from a position as teller in the National Bank, at West Troy, where he had been employed for eight years. He was also for three years in the Central Bank at Troy, where his father, William C. Durant, carae in 1855. He is a foundryman and in 1858 engaged in that business at West Troy, where he is still located.

Dwight, Harvey Lyman, son of Harvey A. and Mary I. (Burton) Dwight, was born in Albany. N. Y., September 14, 1871. He is descended from an old line of ancestors, the first of whom in this country being one of the settlers of Dedham, Mass., in 1634. Mr. Dwight received his education in the Albany Academy and was graduated from that institution in 1888. He then entered into business with his father at No. 117 Pier, Albany, where he is now employed. December 5, 1889, he enlisted in Co. A, 10th Batt., N. G. N. Y., and so well did he acquit himself as a soldier, that he was very rapidly promoted. December 3, 1891, he was appointed a a corporal; January 25, 1892, a sergeant; and on June 5, 1893, he was appointed adjutant of the Tenth Battalion.

Dwyer, Martin J., M. D., son of William and Katharine (Dalton) Dwyer, was born in Liberty, Sullivan county, September 1, 1859. His father was a railroad contractor and farmer. He graduated from the old Liberty Normal Institute in 1876, taught school three terms, read medicine with Dr. William S. Webster of Liberty, and the late Dr. Jacob S. Mosher of Albany, and in September, 1880, entered the Albany Medical College, from which he graduated in March, 1883. On competitive examination he received an appointment as house physician and surgeon in the Albany City Hospital and served eighteen months. In November, 1884, he began active practice in Albany. He is a member of the Sullivan and Albany County Medical Societies and a physician and surgeon to the St. Vincent's Male and Female Orphan Asylums, and was one of the organizers. He is a member and examiner of the Knights of Columbus, a member and examiner of the C. M. B. A., and life member and the organizer of the Albany Catholic Union and its first vice-president. On January 23, 1895, he married Elizabeth Magdalene Johnson of Boston, Mass.

Dyer, William S., son of Zebediah A. and Lucy Esther (Gallup) Dyer, was born in the town of Berne, Albany county, March 19, 1863. James Dyer, great-grandfather of William S., was one of five brothers who came from England, date unknown. He married Mary Marcy of the family of Governor Marcy, by whom he had nine girls and five boys. James served seven years in the Revolution died in 1833, and was buried in Whipple Cemetery. Bradbury, son of James, was born in Massachusetts and went to Jefferson, Schoharie county, with his father at the age of twelve and later to the town of Knox, Albany county, where he bought the Van Vranken farm, after living for a time in Shingle Bush, Schoharie county, where Zebediah A., the father of William S., was born. Zebediah A. was supervisor of the town of Berne during 1858 and 1859, and at two different periods was school commissioner of the towns of Berne, Rensselaerville and Westerlo. He was active in politics, being a prominent Democrat, and a lawyer. Lucy Esther Gallup, mother of William S. Dyer, the subject of this sketch, was the daughter of Nathaniel Gallup, who was the eighth in descent from John Gallup, who came to America from the parish of Moslerne, County Dorset, England, in 1630. Nathaniel Gallup, great-grandfather of William S. Dyer, married Lucy Latham, daughter of Capt. William Latham, who was second in command at the massacre of Fort Griswold, where he was severely wounded. William S. Dyer attended the district schools until he was fourteen years of age and in 1879 removed to Albany. He graduated from the Albany High School in 1883 and was one of the commencement speakers. In the fall of the same year he commenced the study of law in the office of Stedman & Shepard. and remained four years with them and their successors, Stedman, Thompson & Andrews, meanwhile attending the Albany Law School, from which he was graduated in 1886. He was admitted to the bar in the same year. In the fall of 1887 Mr. Dyer opened an office at No. 110 State street, Albany, and was attorney for Col. Walter S. Church, the owner of the Van Rensselaer manorial cases covering portions of Albany and Rensselaer counties. Mr. Dyer remained with Colonel Church until his death, just prior to which he had formed a partnership with his brother in-law, Jacob L. Ten Eyck, under the firm name of Dyer & Ten Eyck. This firm has been for several years located at Nos. 80-83 State street. Mr. Dyer is past master of Berne Lodge No. 684, F. & A. M., and an affiliated member of Masters Lodge of Albany, and from 1886 to 1893 was president of the Albany High School Alumni Association. For many years he has been a member of the Albany Press Club. He was for several years a health commissioner of the city of Albany.

Dyer, Zeb A., is a son of David S., a grandson of Bradbury, and a great-grandson of James Dyer, an Albany county farmer and a Revolutionary soldier. His mother was Louisa Bell. The family were early settlers of Berne, Albany county, where Zeb A. Dyer was born December 1, 1860. He received a common school education in that town and in Albany, learned the trade of cigarmaker and was graduated from the Albany State Normal School in 1882. He then taught school in Berne and Guilderland and meantime read law in Albany with John B. O'Malley, and was graduated from the Albany Law School and admitted to the bar in 1885. He at once began active practice in the office of Isben Hess, then collector of internal revenue, and in May, 1893, formed a co-partnership with Henry S. McCall, which still continues. He is a leading Democrat, a member of the Democratic General County Committee and has been a delegate to several political conventions, including the judicial convention of 1891 which nominated Hon. D. Cady Herrick for justice of the Supreme Court. He is a member of Ancient City Lodge, Temple Chapter and De Witt Clinton Council of Masons; past noble grand of Friendly Union Lodge No. 381, I. O. O. F., of Slingerlands; a member of New York Encampment, I. O. O. F., and of the Albany Press and Acacia Clubs; and a charter member of the Albany Club. In 1889 he married Jessie L., daughter of John R. Adams, of Delmar, Albany county, and they have one son, John Adams Dyer.



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