My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM H. VAN CLEEF. This part of the Empire State has proved a mine of wealth to hundreds of industrious farmers, who, by dint of hard work and enterprise, have developed the resources which nature so liberally provided. One of this class of residents of Seneca County is Mr. Van Cleef, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of the town of Tyre. He was born on his present estate, which is located four miles north of Seneca Falls, and which is devoted chiefly to the raising of Shorthorn cattle.

Our subject, who was born on the 9th of April, 1857, is the son of William G. and Hannah N. (Greene) Van Cleef, the former of whom was a native of Seneca Falls. Lawrence Van Cleef, the great-grandfather, served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, fighting under General Sullivan during the expedition of that noted General through Seneca County. In 1789 he returned to this section and became the first permanent settler at Seneca Falls. In the fall of that year he was joined by his family, and erected a double log house, one part of which was used as a tavern. He also bore the distinction of erecting the first frame building in Seneca Falls, into which he moved his family in 1794. His daughter, Mrs. Jane Goodwin, was the first white child born in that now beautiful village, and became the mother of Edward and Charles Mynderse. The great-grandfather had trouble with the Indians for a time, but soon succeeded in making them his friends. He constructed a craft to be used in navigating Seneca Lake, and became the main dependence of the people in piloting boats over the rapids. He departed this life in 1830, and was buried where he built his first camp fire, which spot is now contained in the residence property of Horace Silsby, Sr.

George Van Cleef, the grandfather of our subject, spent his entire life in this county. He was born in 1797, and as soon as old enough engaged in agricultural pursuits, following farming until his death in 1844. William G., the eldest child in his family, was born in 1814. He, too, became a farmer, and lived in the town of Seneca Falls until 1860, when he moved to the town of Tyre, where he was living at the time of his death, in 1891. In the councils of the Republican party he became quite prominent, and at different times was the successful candidate for the offices of Assessor and Overseer of the Poor.

To William G. and Hannah N. Van Cleef there were born three children, of whom our subject was the youngest. Lawrence, who is freight agent for the New York Central Road at Niagara Falls, is unmarried; Alice is now Mrs. George Freeland, and makes her home in Seneca Falls. The father of this family was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and socially was connected with the Grange.

William H. received a good education in the district schools, and when eighteen years old began the battle of life on his own account. His first occupation was operating a steam threshing-machine, which he worked for about ten years. He still has his machine in his possession, and when needed it is run by hired help.

Mr. Van Cleef and Miss Mary E. Beach, of Seneca Falls, were married February 25, 1891. The latter was born in the town of Montezuma, Cayuga County, this state, whence she was brought to this section while young. She is well educated, having attended Mynderse Academy at Seneca Falls. Her parents were Bolivar and Ellen (Radford) Beach, and her grandfather, Ezekiel Beach, was one of the oldest settlers in this county.

To our subject and his wife there have been granted two children: Ellen Hannah, born in the town of Tyre, January 22, 1893; and Lawrence W., November 29, 1894. Mr. Van Cleef is a firm Republican in politics, on which ticket he was elected Highway Commissioner of the town of Tyre, overcoming a large Democratic majority. He is a member of Seneca Grange No. 44, at Seneca Falls, and is in other ways prominent in the social affairs of his community. His farm comprises one hundred and thirty acres of land, which, as stated above, is devoted mainly to the raising of Shorthorn Durham cattle.