My Genealogy Hound

LYMAN CRONKRITE has been successfully engaged in farming for many years, and through his arduous exertions he has gained a place among the efficient, respected agriculturists of Schuyler County. The tract which he now owns is very productive and well cultivated, and upon it have been placed all the improvements of a model estate. Not only has he identified himself thoroughly with the farming interests of this section, but by his genial, affable manners he has won many friends among the people of the locality.

In the town of Urbana, Steuben County, N. Y., the subject of this sketch was born November 23, 1829. At the age of twelve years he moved with his father, Henry Cronkrite, to the town of Orange, Schuyler County, where he attended the district schools for a few years. When twenty years of age he entered Starkey Seminary, where he spent one winter. In the summer following he went to Lima Seminary, where he conducted his studies for two years. On completing his education, he taught a few terms of school, and later was employed as a clerk in a store about two years. On account of ill-health he was obliged to seek outdoor employment, and so left the store and assisted in the cultivation of the home farm. For a number of years he taught school during the winter months, while in summer he worked on the farm.

At Milo, Yates County, N. Y., Mr. Cronkrite was united in marriage with Miss Mary Longwell, who was born May 13, 1836, in Bath, Steuben County, this state, whence she accompanied her parents to Yates County. From the time of his marriage, which occurred June 11, 1864, until 1868 our subject continued to reside in Yates County, but during the latter year they removed to Schuyler County and settled in the town of Orange, where they are well known for hospitality and good works.

The political views of Mr. Cronkrite have brought him into affiliation with the Democratic party, and he is an earnest upholder of its principles and policy For nine years he has been Assessor of the town, and for sixteen years was the popular Justice of the Peace, discharging the duties of that responsible office in a highly satisfactory manner. Through his habit of systematic reading, and his travels, which have extended into many of the states, he has become familiar with the customs and peculiarities of the people of different localities. Public-spirited and progressive, he is always among the first to favor any advanced step in the county, either in agricultural circles or educational affairs. For a number of years he has been School Trustee, and in this position has rendered efficient service. He is a man whose career has been above reproach, and whose honesty and uprightness have never been questioned.