The village of Cobleskill, Schoharie county, New York, has been for nearly half a century the home of the Dow and Tator families, while Schoharie county has been their home for over a century. Henry Tator was a farmer of Mineral Springs, New York. He married Christianna Barnes. Children: Peter, John H., of whom further; Cornelia, Elizabeth, Eva Ann and Rebecca.
(II) John H., son of Henry and Christianna (Barnes) Tator, was born at Mineral Springs, New York, 1830, died June 6, 1907. He was educated in the public schools, and for many years followed the business of a farmer.
He removed to Cobleskill where he became prominent in the village. He organized the First National Bank of Cobleskill and was president until his death. He was administrator of many estates, and transacted a great amount of business of that nature. He was the soul of honor and commanded the respect and confidence of all. He was a man of benevolent impulse and turned no worthy applicant for help away empty-handed. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a liberal supporter of all village charities. He was a Democrat in politics and was influential in the party. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph and Eva (Borst) Shafer, granddaughter of George and Elizabeth (Barner) Schafer, and great-granddaughter of Judge George Shafer, of Mineral Springs, New York. Eva Borst, mother of Elizabeth (Shafer) Tator, was daughter of Henry and Betsey (Barner) Borst, also of Mineral Springs. Children of John H. and Elizabeth Tator:
- Ida T., married DeWitt Clinton Dow, of whom further;
- Martin L., married Kittie Prime and died without issue.
DeWitt Clinton Dow, son of Daniel and Nancy (Beekman) Dow, and son-in-law of John H. Tator, was born in the town of West Fulton, Schoharie county, New York, August 24, 1852, died in the village of Cobleskill, same county, October 25, 1910. In 1867 his parents removed to Cobleskill where his father engaged in mercantile life. De Witt Clinton was educated in the public school, later took a course at Albany Business College, where he was graduated in 1869. After leaving school he was employed for two years as clerk in his father's store, the firm being Dow & Westfall. In 1871 he entered the employ of the First National Bank of Cobleskill and was thereafter connected with that institution. He served as clerk for four years; in 1875 was elected cashier, holding that position until the death of the president, his father-in-law, John H. Tator, June 6, 1907; he was then elected president, holding that office until his death. He was also one of the organizers of the National Bank at Middleburg and Sharon Springs, holding the office of vice-president in both institutions. He was everywhere known in business and financial circles as a man of probity and exceptional ability. He was interested in every department of village and county affairs, and in many local enterprises. He was active in the affairs of the Cobleskill Agricultural Society; the fire department; the church and other local societies. Politically he was a Democrat and active in party management. He was well known among the leaders of his party and in 1895 was the Democratic candidate for state treasurer. In 1889 he was elected treasurer of Schoharie county and re-elected in 1892. For twelve years he served as trustee of the Village corporation and for six years was president. During these six years the village was provided with a complete system of water works, sewerage and electric lighting, improvements which he endorsed and promoted. He was a member of the Masonic order and an attendant of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is buried in Rural cemetery, Cobleskill. He married, May 26, 1874, Ida T., daughter of John H. and Elizabeth (Shafer) Tator, of Cobleskill, who survives him, a resident of Cobleskill. Children:
- Florence, married Levi A. Patterson, resides in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, and has daughter Elizabeth.
- DeWitt Clinton, Jr., married Myra Borst; children: Beatrice and John.
- Elizabeth, died aged about sixteen.