My Genealogy Hound

ANSYL P. LITTELL, Supervisor of the town of Tyrone, Schuyler County, is one of its most popular officials and prominent agriculturists. He is a true type of the American self-made man, possesses excellent business ability, and by well directed efforts has won prosperity. He is now living on a valuable tract of one hundred acres in the town of Tyrone, which he purchased in the year 1872.

Our subject is the son of David S. and Erva (Childs) Littell, the former of whom was also born in this town, and was in turn the son of Moses S. Littell, whose birth occurred in New Jersey. Mrs. Littell, also a native of this community, was the daughter of Daniel Childs, who was born in one of the New England States. The parents of Ansyl P. were married in the town of Tyrone, where they passed the remaining years of their lives, the mother departing this life in November, 1856, and the father surviving until January 22, 1887, when he was called hence. The parental household included three children, namely: Lewis D., Ansyl P. and Moses E.

Our subject was born in Altay, September 1, 1848, and thus far his life has been passed midst the scenes of his boyhood days. When a lad of fourteen he began learning the trade of a currier and tanner under the instruction of his father, and uncle, Freeman W. Littell. Four years later he had made such progress in the business that he formed a partnership with his uncle, and they continued together for about four years. The connection was then severed, and our subject and his brother Lewis D. purchased the entire plant, operating under the firm name of Littell Brothers. For some five years they carried on a thriving trade in their line, and at the same time owned a general store at Altay. When a division of their combined interests was made, our subject took the stock of boots, shoes and the tannery as his share, and from that time until 1888 carried on the enterprise alone with signal success. That year, however, he decided to locate on the farm which he had purchased several years before, and is now giving his undivided attention to farming. His estate contains one hundred acres of excellently improved land, and from the able manner in which he manages the same he is recognized as one of the successful agriculturists of the community.

Mr. Littell and Miss Eunice R. Prentiss were married at Altay, December 29, 1869. She is a daughter of Ethan W. and Susan E. (Witter) Prentiss, and a cousin of George D. Prentiss, the founder of the Louisville Courier-Journal. Her birth occurred in the town of Tyrone, March 8, 1852, and by her union with our subject she has become the mother of two children: Edith S., born January 13, 1872, and now the wife of Alonzo Ross, of Starkey, N. Y.; and Ethan D., born November 2, 1874.

In the spring of 1894 Mr. Littell was elected to the office of Supervisor, of which he is still the incumbent. He has always taken a very active part in the public affairs of his town, and has been the recipient of nearly all the offices which it has been within the power of his fellow-citizens to bestow upon him. He is and always has been a Republican, and takes great delight in the success of the “grand old party.” Together with his wife and family, he attends the Baptist Church, of which he is a consistent and valued member. Socially he is an Odd Fellow of good standing, and is also identified with the Farmers’ Alliance. His home is a model of all that a home should be, and in him and his family the people of Tyrone take just pride.