The Earle family : Ralph Earle and his descendants

Gen.] GENEALOGY. 273
Historical Society. His most interesting contribution to the archives
of that association is his address on Dr. Andrew A. Bartow, and the
discovery by him in this country of the article known as water lime.
Before the construction of the Erie canal water lime was not known
to exist on this continent, and it was supposed that the Roman
cement necessary for hydraulic masonry must consequently be
imported. Just at the time when this cement was most needed in
its construction the lime was discovered on the line of the canal in
Onondaga County, and Mr. Earl demonstrated, by ample documentary
proof, that Dr. Bartow was entitled to the credit of the very
important and valuable discovery.
In all matters pertaining to the history of Herkimer County, or the
families descended from the Palatine settlers of that part of the
Mohawk Valley, Mr. Earl is thoroughly informed. The careful,
patient study of this subject has been on his part a labor of love and
the work of many years.
Mr. Earl resides in the old ancestral home occupied by his grand-
father, Dr. Petry, before the Revolutionary War. He is director
and legal adviser for the Herkimer Bank and the Herkimer, New-
port and Poland Railroad, besides being largely interested, with his
brother, Judge Earl, in the leading agricultural industry of the
county. They have several large dairy farms, and to the management
and improvement of them Mr. Earl devotes much of his time.
Some of his direct ancestors were Quakers, but at an early day he
became interested in organizing an Episcopal Church in Herkimer,
engaged in the enterprise of building a house of worship, and did
much toward its erection. He has ever since been connected with
the Church organization, either as Warden or Vestryman, and has
always contributed liberally to its support.
The children of Samuel Earl were :
2375-1. Isabella J. Earl, b. July 7, 1849; d. Sept., 1868.
2376-2. Lansing Earl, b. Dec. 29, 1865 ; d. April 23, 1868.
2377-3. Robert Earl, b. Dec. 23, 1867.
2378-4. Jennie S. Earl, b. Nov. 12, 1869.
2379-5. William P. Earl, b. Feb. 7, 1874.
2380-6. Ralph D. Earl, b. Sept. 10, 1876.
[1232-5]. Charles 7 C. Earl (Stephen, 6 Pernio William,*
"John,* William, 2 Ralph 1
), son of Stephen and Ruth
35