BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

THE LEADING CITIZENS OF MADISON COUNTY

CONTENTS
Preface
Names Index
Portrait Index

   ALLEN S. WHITMAN. In these days of luxurious travelling in finely appointed palaces on wheels it seems incredible that only ninety years ago the greater part of the beautiful State of New York was almost an impenetrable wilderness. But in the year 1800, when the grandfather of our subject, John Whitman, came from Rhode Island to New York, seeking a location for a home, he found that Madison County, then included in Chenango County, New York, was indeed scarcely more than a forest. Yet, being pleased with the country, he secured a tract of land, which is now included in the town of Lenox, fashioned a log house, and, returning to Rhode Island, gathered up his few effects, and with his family came to his new home, and here settled for life. His principal work was felling trees, clearing land, and tilling the soil; and, while meeting with many discouragements, disappointments, and hardships, he still succeeded in wresting from "Mother Earth" a comfortable subsistence, and remained on the farm until his death, at a good old age. He took an active part in building up the country around him, and lived to see the place grow from a wilderness into a well-settled and wealthy community. His son, Franklin M., the father of our subject, was born in Lenox, Madison County, N.Y. He was fortunate in receiving a good education, and in early manhood taught winter school for several terms. He purchased a farm near the old home, and lived there until 1866, spending the last few years of his life in the village of Clockville, where he died at the age of sixty-three. His wife was Miss Mary Stewart. She was born in the town of Fenner, Madison County, daughter of Thomas and Janet Stewart. She now lives in Syracuse. There were four children born to this marriage; namely, Allen S., Charlotte, Zulma, and Netta.
   Allen S. Whitman was born in the town of Lenox in 1836, and was the eldest son. He received his education in the district school of his town and in the academy of Peterboro, Madison County, and, when not in school, assisted his father on the farm. At his marriage his parents moved to Clockville, leaving him in charge of the farm, which became his on the death of his father. It is still in his possession, and comprises two hundred acres, all under splendid cultivation. In 1883 he removed to Oneida, and has become permanently identified with the interests of the village. He is a dealer in hops, also a dry-goods merchant, and is very successful in his affairs.
   Mr. Whitman married Miss Mary Wilcox in 1866. She was born in Clockville, Madison County, N.Y.; and her parents were Alanson and Catherine (Huyck) Wilcox. Of this union there are three children; namely, Florence, Frank M., and Floyd. Mr. Whitman is a Director in the Farmers' and Merchants' hank of his town, also an active member of the Madison County Hop-growers' Association. His political sympathies are with the Democratic party, and his forceful character and intelligence are of great value to the organization.