ALBERT POLHAMUS, p. 340-341

1888 Portrait & Biographical
Album of Branch County
by Chapman Brothers, Chicago

     


BACK TO 1888 PORTRAIT INDEX
 

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ARTICLE ON ALBERT POLHAMUS

 

The neat and attractive homestead of this gentleman is pleasantly located on a gentle elevation and comprises 120 acres of good land on section 14 in Quincy Township.

Our subject came to Quincy Township in 1850, where he has since resided.  A native of the Empire State, he was born in Ontario County, Jan. 8, 1823, and is the son of Isaac and Anna Polhamus, who were both natives of Dutchess County, N.Y., and who are now deceased.  The parental family included nine children, and being in moderate circumstances, our subject, when a lad of 11 years , left the home roof, and thereafter fought his own way in the world.  For a period of eight years he resided with and labored for a farmer by the name of Colchester Mellon, and after reaching his majority became the employee of Cornelius Dunham, who is now a resident of this county, and with whom our subject remained five years.  During that time a faithful and pleasing girl by the name of Julinett Wiley was also in the employ of Mr. Dunham, and in due time became the wife of our subject, the wedding being celebrated at the home of Mr. Dunham during the holidays of 1849.

Mrs. Polhamus is the daughter of Samuel and Patience Wiley, who were natives of Naples, Ontario Co., N.Y.; the mother died in 1849.  Mr. Wiley is still living, making his home with his daughter and son in St. Joseph County, Mich., and has now arrived at the advanced age of ninety-two yeas.  Mrs. P. was born in Ontario County, N.Y., July 1, 1825.  Of her union with our subject there were born three children, the eldest of whom, Sylvia, died when an interesting young lady of twenty-three; Ida is the wife of John Ryan, of Quincy, and George is at home with his parents.