My Genealogy Hound

EDWIN O. BOLYEN, one of the leading lawyers of Schuyler County, is a resident of Watkins, and is at present occupying the responsible position of District Attorney. Though young in years, he has already achieved note-worthy success at the Bar, and the future years will doubtless bring him increasing honors in his profession. Having, with the exception of the period devoted to his studies, spent his entire life in this county, he has gained an extensive acquaintanceship among its residents, and is known as an able and rising attorney.

Simeon C., father of our subject, was born in this county, whither his father had removed from Connecticut. While he resided upon a farm and engaged to some extent in its cultivation, much of his time was given to the carriage business. In the home where for many years he had resided, he passed away in 1885. His wife, Paulina, who died December 10, 1894, was a daughter of Sidney Douglass, a descendant of Scotch ancestry and an early settler of Tompkins County, N. Y.

Born in the town of Catharine, this county, January 13, 1863, Edwin O. Bolyen is second among three children. His brother, Sidney D., is a merchant in the village of Alpine; his sister, Blanche, is the wife of Judson Pratt, who lives in the town of Catharine. Our subject passed his boyhood days on the old home place, and after the good old New York State fashion was put into the public schools as soon as his years permitted. His literary education was completed at Cook’s Academy. In August, 1885, he entered the law office of Hon, O. P. Hurd, of Watkins, to begin the study of law, which he afterward continued with Cole Brothers, in this village. Later he entered the Albany Law School, from which he was graduated May 23, 1889, and then returned to Watkins to engage in professional labors.

Forming a partnership with Cole Brothers, under the firm name of Cole, Cole & Bolyen, our subject embarked in the practice of law. Fremont Cole, at one time a leader of the Republican party in the southern tier of states, was a member of this firm, and when he was Speaker in the New York Assembly, Mr. Bolyen was his private secretary. In 1890 he was elected District Attorney, which position he has since filled. In the Republican party he is an active worker, and his defence of its principles is at all times able and thorough. For some time he has been a member of the Republican County Committee, and is now (1895) its Chairman. He is recognized as one of the able lawyers of the county and as an eloquent and logical speaker before court and jury.

Socially Mr. Bolyen is a Mason and belongs to Jefferson Lodge No. 332. He is also an Odd Fellow, and is Past Grand of Canandidasaga Lodge No. 196, and is identified with the Improved Order of Red Men No. 210. In religious connections he is a member of the Episcopal Church, and has served as one of the directors of the choir.