Christian Rector, who owns a good farm in Glenville, N. Y., on the banks of the Mohawk River, was born where he now resides on October 16, 1836, son of William and Susan (Haverley) Rector.
William Rector was a native of this State. Settling when a young man upon the farm his son now owns, he successfully followed agricultural pursuits for the rest of his active period. He took a leading part in public affairs, holding various town offices, and in politics he was a Democrat. He was a Deacon and Elder of the Reformed church. His wife, Susan, was born in the house which her son Christian now occupies. She was the daughter of Christian Haverley, who built the house with brick made upon the farm. She became the mother of three children, namely Anna M., wife of James T. Wyatt, of Glenville; Christian, the subject of this sketch; and Susan Rosa, who is no longer living. William Rector lived to be nearly eighty-five years old, and his wife died at eighty-three.
Christian Rector was reared and educated in Glenville. From his youth upward he has been engaged in tilling the soil, and, succeeding to the ownership of the homestead property of two hundred and seventy acres, he has realized excellent returns as a general farmer. His success is the result of practical knowledge, diligent effort, and sound judgment.
On October 10, 1866, Mr. Rector married Emma Vedder, who was born in Schenectady, June 4, 1845, daughter of Peter and Prudence (Gates) Vedder. Her father was born in Niskayuna, N. Y., and her mother was a native of Schenectady. Peter Vedder was a carpenter and lumber dealer in Schenectady for many years, and the business is now carried on by his sons. He served as Supervisor and Alderman, to which offices he was elected by the Republican party; and as a generous, public-spirited citizen he was accorded the esteem and good will of his fellow-townsmen. In his religious belief he was a Baptist. Peter Vedder lived to be seventy-six years old. His wife died at thirty-nine. He was the father of eight children, namely: Mary C., who is now Mrs. Van Dyke; Emma, who is now Mrs. Rector; Theresa, who is now Mrs. Gilbert; Daniel G., Sharratt G., Albert, William, of Pasadena, Cal.; and Prudence G., who is now Mrs. Betts. Mr. and Mrs. Rector have three children, namely: William, a druggist in Schenectady; Susan R., who married George Koonz, of Glenville, and has two daughters — Mabel and Berdena; and Prudence, who resides at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Rector are members of the Reformed church. Politically, Mr. Rector acts with the Democratic party.