John VALENTINE

The following is a quote from source PBR:

John VALENTINE, a prominent citizen and farmer of Orange County, was born upon the farm in the town of Goshen in which he is now living. He gives his principal attention to dairying, in which brand of agriculture he has been very successful. His buildings are of modern construction, and his beautiful fields, which comprise some 94 acres, class the place among the most inviting to be found in this region of thrifty farms.

Our subject is one of 9 children born to Stephen and Elizabeth (KNAPP) VALENTINE, the former of whom was also a native of this town, and was identified with her best enterprises during his lifetime. He was a man who was loved and esteemed by all who knew him, and his death, which occurred August 3, 1859, when 72 years old, was felt to be a public loss. His wife was also a native of this town, and after surviving him a number of years was placed to rest, December 21, 1872. She was a daughter of John KNAPP, who, with her husband's father, Ananias VALENTINE, was numbered among the landmarks of this region and was a leader in agricultural affairs. John VALENTINE was born February 9, 1820, and received only the advantages of a common-school education, but he was studious and made rapid progress in the acquisition of knowledge. He was brought up to farm life and while yet a lad became thoroughly acquainted with every detail of the work.

When in his 26th year Mr. VALENTINE began to make his own way in the world, though prior to that time he had charge of his father's business for several years, but had not been entirely independent. He had given his attention solely to agriculture, and, notwithstanding the fact that he is now 75 years of age, is very active, still superintending the management of his farm.

January 30, 1845, John VALENTINE married Eliza Bailey WOOD, daughter of Alfred and Rosetta (DUNNING) WOOD, likewise natives of this county. Our subject and wife have only one child, Clara Evelyn, who is the wife of Henry SINSABAUGH, a well known businessman of Goshen. They have always lived at the home of Mr. VALENTINE, and have a bright family of 7 children, namely: John, Mary E., Kitty E., Clara E., Henry, Margery and Kenneth. January 30, 1895, Mr. VALENTINE and his estimable wife celebrated the 50th anniversary of their marriage, and on that pleasant occasion were surrounded by hosts of friends and well-wishers. They are passing their declining years at their lovely home, where they are surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

For 55 years Mr. VALENTINE has been a member of the Presbyterian Church, and his wife for a still longer period. In 1840 he united with the Denton Church on confession, and served as Elder of that congregation from 1850 to 1857. During the latter year he transferred his membership to the Goshen Church, in which he has officiated as Elder since December 21, 1858, and Clerk and Treasurer of the Session since November 7, 1869. He was elected Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church which met in Madison, WI in May, 1880. For 26 years he has been Clerk of the Presbytery sessions, in which capacity he has served with credit to himself. Though not actively identified with public affairs, he is in sympathy with Republican priniples, and for several years has held the clerkship of the school district. In temperance work he is deeply interested, and gives his support to all worthy and progressiveprojects.

Source PBR indicates John never married and died in 1919. It states he became an Elder in 1845 in the Presbyterian Church and held that office for 74 years. At the time of his death, this was a national record. He desired so much to live to be 100 and round out 75 years of service to his church.

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