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Below is a family biography included in Portrait and Biographical Record of Seneca and Schuyler Counties, New York published by Chapman Publishing Co., in 1895. These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary. Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more. There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.
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DAVID C. HILLERMAN. As a business man and as a citizen, Mr. Hillerman occupies a position among the leading residents of Watkins, where he has made his home for many years. He is endowed with strength of character and the moral and mental qualities that place him among those whose citizenship is most valuable to their town and county. His sturdy, practical traits have been advantageous to him in the prosecution of his business affairs, and have brought him a competence. Though not one of the sons of the Empire State, his home has been here since 1825, and he has been a witness of its wonderful growth and prosperity.
A native of New Jersey, our subject was born October 10, 1820, being a son of William and Hannah (Corey) Hillerman. His father, who was a farmer by occupation, removed from New Jersey to New York, settling in Schuyler County. He purchased a tract in the town of Reading, which he improved into a good farm, and upon it he resided until his death in 1845. His wife passed away the following year. He was a highly respected citizen, and a man of strong will power, coupled with force of character and great industry. Of his six children, four were sons and two daughters, and all are still living, with one exception.
David C., who was third in order of birth, was a child of three and a-half years when the family came to Schuyler County. His boyhood years were passed in the town of Reading, and early in life he gained a thorough knowledge of the details of farm life. After the death of his father, he succeeded him in the management of the estate, of which he had the supervision for seventeen years. In 1862 he came to Watkins and engaged in the grocery business for a number of years, but in October, 1878, sold out and commenced in the coal business, which he still carries on. He deals in both hard and soft coal, also in wood, and has built up a large trade.
In 1847 Mr. Hillerman was united in marriage with Miss Chloe, daughter of Augustus Ely, of Hector, Schuyler County. They are members of the First Presbyterian Church, of which Rev. Louis F. Ruf is pastor, and take an active interest in all the enterprises connected with this organization. At present he is serving as Elder of the congregation. At different times he has held local civic offices, among which were those of Justice of the Peace and Road Commissioner. He is a man who enjoys to an unusual degree the regard of his associates and the esteem of those with whom he has business or social relations.
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This family biography is one of the numerous biographies included in Portrait and Biographical Record of Seneca and Schuyler Counties, New York published in 1895.
View additional Schuyler County, New York family biographies here: Schuyler County, New York Biographies
View a map of 1897 Schuyler County, New York here: Schuyler County, New York Map
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