My Genealogy Hound

DELOS J. RIDER, a resident of the town of Hanover, is a son of Robert D. and Lucy (Spencer) Rider, and was born in Herkimer county, New York, August 27, 1824. Zadock Rider (grandfather) was a native of Dutchess county, this State, but removed to Herkimer county, where he took up residence and lived until his death. He followed farming for his livelihood and always shaped his lite in conformity with the highest principles he knew. His marriage with Naomi Seers resulted in the birth of a family of five children, three sons and two daughters. The maternal grandfather, Gideon Spencer, was a native of Connecticut, removed to Herkimer county, and finally, in 1833, made his home in the town of Villanova, this county, where he died at the age of 92 years. He united in marriage with Sallie Warner, and reared a family of four children, two sons and two daughters. In his religious belief he was a member of the Universalist church, and a firm believer in the moral efficacy of obedience to natural law. His occupation was that of farming. Robert D. Rider (father) was born in Herkimer county, September 8, 1799, and emigrated to this county in 1833. His first place of settlement in the county was in the town of Sheridan, near Silver Creek, where he purchased sixty acres of land, only two acres of which were then cleared. Here he spent five years of his life, then moved to Arkwright, and died September 19, 1867. He voted with the Whig and Republican parties, under both of which he was elected to and held town offices. Religiously he belonged to the Baptist church and held the office of deacon for a number of years. Mr. Rider was married first to Lucy Spencer, by whom he had three children: Theron A. (dead); Delos J.; and Sarah T., married to Harry S. Faulkner (deceased). His second wife was Almira Rogers.

Delos J. Rider was joined in marital bonds to Esther C. Emmons, a daughter of Summer Emmons of the town of Arkwright, this county. One daughter was the fruit of this marriage, Naomi T., wife of Charles C. Cole, present supervisor of the town of Arkwright. After the death of his first wife he united in marriage with Clarissa S. Skinner, a daughter of Ralph Skinner, by whom he had two children: Elmer E., at home; and Frank A., married to Hattie Powers, is a farmer living in the town of Hanover.

D. J. Rider was educated in the common schools and at Fredonia Academy, taught school some sixteen years, and has since that time devoted himself to the care and management of his farm of three hundred and ten acres. Politically he is a republican, and as such has held the office of supervisor for the town of Arkwright and other places of trust. He is also a member of the Grange.