Sidney, eldest son of Philip and Amanda (Argersinger) Argersinger (see Philip Argersinger III), was born in Johnstown, New York, November 29, 1846. He was educated in the public schools, and worked on a farm until he was sixteen years of age. At that age he began learning the art of tanning light leathers, such as are used in glove making. He remained at the tannery until he was proficient, and then connected with the glove-making establishment of Jacob P. Miller as glove cutter. He subsequently went with his uncle, P. P. Argersinger, as foreman of his cutting department. In 1882 he was admitted a partner of John H. Decker & Son, his father-in-law, the firm then becoming John H. Decker, Son & Company, manufacturers of a general line of gloves and mittens. He is a capable business man, and thoroughly conversant and familiar with every detail of glove manufacture. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and an elder. In politics he is an Independent. He belongs to lodge, chapter and commandery of the Masonic order, and is past grand master of Cayudutta Lodge, No. 218, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His club is the Colonial. He married, January 8, 1880, Mary L. Decker, born 1856, daughter of John H. and Marian E. (Leonard) Decker, of Johnstown. Child:
- Edward D., born December 10, 1886, educated in Johnstown high school and at Garden City, Long Island; he is engaged in the glove business. He married, April 20, 1909, Mary C., daughter of Henry and Lillian (Sands) Sammons.
(The Decker Line)
John H. Decker was born in Columbia county, New York, and when a young man settled in Johnstown, Fulton county. He married Nancy Rupert, and had children: John H., see forward; Elizabeth M.; George F.; Eleanor B.; William A., and Ann S. The Deckers are one of the oldest families of Fulton county.
John H., eldest son of John H. and Nancy (Rupert) Decker, was born in the town of Johnstown, Fulton county, New York, July 15, 1826, died March 14, 1901. He was educated in the public schools. He grew up on the farm, and followed the occupation of a farmer in early life.
Mr. Decker was one of the pioneer glove manufacturers of Gloversville, where he was associated for many years with Josiah C. Leonard (his father-in-law) as Leonard & Decker. In 1875 he established, in Johnstown, the glove manufacturing firm of J. H. Decker, carrying on business alone until 1888, when he admitted his son, Edward C. In 1882 Sidney Argersinger was admitted, and the firm has since been known as J. H. Decker, Son & Company. The firm manufacture all classes of heavy and medium-weight goods. He was a solid, able and energetic man of business, and held in high esteem. He was one of the first board of directors of the People's Bank of Johnstown, organized December, 1888, began business January 16, 1889. He continued as a director until his death. He was trustee of the district sixteen years, served three terms as trustee of the village corporation, and was for several years president of the board of education. He married, February 8, 1854, Marian E., only daughter of Josiah C. and Mary Leonard, of Johnstown, Fulton county.
Children of John H. Decker:
- Mary L., married Sidney Argersinger;
- Edward C., born in Johnstown, New York, October 26, 1858, married Louise, daughter of Robert Henry, and has Marian I. and Katherine B.;
- Celia A., married, April 14, 1886, Asa J. Browne, born in Mayfield, Fulton county, April 7, 1840;
- Williard H., died at the age of eighteen years;
- Luella C.