BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893
 
 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1039 & 1040

Orange ABBEY, born in Vermont about 1802, came to Randolph from Onodaga county when young and located where L. Carter now lives. He contracted to cut the pine timber growing on the grounds surrounding Chamberlain Institute. He subsequently sold out and located where Allen Archer now lives. He married Mary, daughter of Joseph STANLEY. He sold his place to Reuben Archer and settled on a farm given to his wife by her father and now owned by his son, Jefferson M. ABBEY. He died in Oct., 1877. Mrs. ABBEY survived until April, 1890.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1040

Charles P. ADAMS, son of Edwin and China (PHELPS) ADAMS, was born in Greene, N. Y., Dec 3, 1825, received a common school education, and in 1844 began as a clerk in a general store at Fredonia. He finally settled in Randolph and opened a store with William H. CAMP under the firm name of CAMP and ADAMS. About a year afterward he bought the interest of his partner and conducted a general mercantile business alone until 1866, when his brother became a partner, which relation continued until 1874, when he sold to his brother and was instrumental in organizing the State Bank of Randolph, having held the position of cashier continuously ever since. Aug. 31, 1852, he married Cornelia F., daughter of Judge John CRANE, of Fredonia. Children: Frances, (Mrs. H. R. LEWIS) and Douglas C. Douglas C. ADAMS was born May 31, 1864, received his education at Chamberlain Institute, and is a hardware dealer in Randolph. Sept. 15, 1888, he married B. M., daughter of O. B. CRAVENS.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1040

Theodore E. ADAMS, brother of Charles P., was born in Corydon, Pa., Oct. 26, 1839, became a clerk in a general store in Fredonia at the age of fourteen, and later he spent several terms at Ellington Academy. In 1857 he came to Randolph and was his brother's clerk until 1865, when he became a partner under the name of C. P. ADAMS and Co. Since 1874 he has continued alone. Dec 14, 1865 he married Mary L., daughter of Asahel CROWLEY. Children: Theodora (Mrs. William D. RATHBONE), Percy C., and Florence C.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1040

Frank W. ADAMS was born in Livingston county, Sept. 28, 1842. He was graduated at the "Old Round House" in Le Roy, N. Y., and commenced the sale of dry goods there in 1863 in the firm of MORGAN & ADAMS. In 1880 he sold out and went to Jamestown, N. Y., where he continued in the firm of SCOFIELD & ADAMS until 1887. He then became a general merchant at East Randolph in the firm of ADAMS & BASSETT and is now conducting the business alone. Aug. 9 1871, he married Irene CARPENTER, of Le Roy. They have two sons and a daughter. 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1040

William L. ALEXANDER, son of William and Margaret (McLEOD) ALEXANDER, was born in Port Hope, Ontario, Canada, Aug. 10, 1856, and is of Scotch descent. He attended Toronto University, and received his pharmaceutical education in the Albany Medical College. He became deputy recorder in McKean county, Pa., which position he held about seven years. He studied medicine, and in March, 1885, came to Randolph and purchased the drug and stationery business of D. F. RUNDALL, which he still continues. He is a trustee for the village. Sep. 12, 1883, he married Minnie COLLAR, of Smethport, Pa. They have two sons.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1040

John N. ANGLE was born Feb. 1, 1795, and married, March 11, 1817, Betsey CLARK, who was born Oct. 9, 1797. Children: Nicholas, Eleanor, Almira A. (Mrs. Anthony COVERT), Mary E. (Mrs. Elisha BRACE), Nancy M., Emily, Lucinda, and Phebe J. Mr. ANGLE came to Randolph about 1828. He was assessor and prominent in town affairs. At one time he owned and operated a shingle-mill where Freedon L. Jeffords now is. For a short time he resided in Michigan, but returned thence to Cold Spring, where he died aged 85. 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1040 & 1041

Benson ARCHER came to Randolph from Henrietta, N. Y., in 1824 and resided about two years on lot 48, whence he removed to 100 acres on lot 21, now known as the ARCHER district. He was a river pilot and made frequent trips down the river and also in harvest-time went on foot to Monroe County to labor in the harvest fields. He and his wife were members of the Baptist church and he was its deacon many years. He also served several terms as poormaster. Deacon ARCHER died instantly of apoplexy Nov. 5, 1871. Mrs. ARCHER died as suddenly in 1874. They had twelve children. Rueben ARCHER, their oldest son, was born in Henrietta, N. Y., April 7, 1922, and came to Randolph, attended the common schools, and married Narcissa, daughter of Sylvester CASWELL, Sept. 21, 1848. He eventually owned the homestead in addition to his own home, altogether some 350 acres. He was highway commissioner and died Sept 21, 1876. His widow resides with her only son, Allen ARCHER. They also had one daughter, Etta (Mrs. Russell BRACE), who resides on the homestead. Allen ARCHER was born Sept 7, 1854, was educated in Chamberlain Institute, and April 26, 1888, married Maggie WILLIAMSON. He is his father's successor on the homestead and has added to it until his farm now contains 240 acres. He is a breeder of high grade Durham and Holstein cattle and Shropshire and Oxforddown sheep. 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1041

John ARCHER, son of Deacon Benson, was born Nov. 18, 1833, was educated in the common schools and Randolph Academy, and became a teacher. Jan. 21, 1860, he married Mary J., daughter of Warren H. REEVES, of Onoville, and settled on the farm where Mrs. ARCHER now resides. He dealt in butter and served as school commissioner of the Second District of Cattaraugus County three years, and was superintendent of Indian schools of the Alleghany and Cattaraugus Indian reservations about seven years, holding the position at the time of his death May 4, 1881. He was a magistrate four years and in politics, was a staunch Republican, serving frequently in county conventions. Of his six children five are living: Anson B., of Conewango; Lewis J., of Corydon, Pa.; M. Bertha (Mrs. Herbert H. SHEPHERD), of Fredonia; Roy R.; and Carrie B.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1041

Joshua C. ATWOOD, son of Joshua and Elsie ATWOOD, was born in Hillsborough, N. Y. July 16, 1838. In 1840 his parents emigrated to Kiantone, Chautauqua county. His father was a shoemaker and continued the trade fourteen years. He was also a stone cutter in Boston. In 1852 he removed to Randolph and located where Joshua C. now lives, and followed both stone cutting and farming. Mr. ATWOOD died Nov. 14, 1881. Mrs. ATWOOD died ten years later.

Joshua C. ATWOOD learned the stone cutter's trade of father, but was obliged to abandon it on account of weak lungs. He is now engaged in farming. He is serving his sixth consecutive year as assessor of Randolph. July 6, 1859, he married Kate BUCK, of Cold Spring, and has two sons and two daughters. Mrs. ATWOOD died April 16, 1887.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1041

Charles BARBER, son of Oliver, emigrated first to Westfield, N. Y. and thence to Randolph in 1833, marrying the same year Diana MILES, by whom he had nine children. Mr. BARBER died Jan. 31, 1893. His widow resides with a son in Conewango.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1041

S. J. BENEDICT was born in Danbury, Conn., May 3, 1838. He lost his father at the age of nine years and in early youth began to support himself. He educated himself in the common schools and in Danbury, Conn., and served as an apprentice to the trade of machinist in New Haven, Conn. In 1857 he came to East Randolph and began the manufacture of steam engines, boilers, and machinery, which he still continues.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1042

Henry L. BERRAY, son of Seth and Anna (GOODRICH) BERRAY, was born in Walton, NY June 21, 1812. He is the 13th and only surviving child of 16 children. He came to Randolph with his parents in 1836 from Victor, NY and settle dwith them on lot 47, where he has since resided. His father was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, a brick and stone mason by trade, and died May 14, 1847. The mother survived until Oct. 8, 1860. Henry L. married Rumina SCUDDER, Oct. 3, 1837, and has always been a farmer. He has served as magistrate and assessor. They had 12 children, of whom 10 grew to maturity. One son served in the Rebellion. They celebrated the 50th anniv. of their marriage Oct. 3, 1887. They have, living, 40 grandchildren and 4 gr-grandchildren. Their son, James H. BERRAY, was born July 22, 1850. Oct. 15, 1872, he married Ellen E. BLOOD of Cold Spring, and March 11, 1874, settled in the village of Randolph, where he is extensively engaged in the manufacture of shingles, slack barrel staves, and cider and apple jelly. He is a Republican in politics and has served as constable. He has 6 children, and another died in childhood.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1042

William M. BROWN, son of William M., Sr., a native of Connecticut and finally a settler of both South Valley and Cold Spring, dying in the latter town May 3, 1863, was born in Portland, Chautauqua county Dec. 18, 1830. He early became identified with lumbering enterprises in southwestern New York and subsequently and recently has been quite extensively interested in oil opeations. When a partnership existing between his brother Norman and himself was dissolved he acquired the sole title to a tract of land in Cold Spring, where he pursued farming and lumbering for several years. In 1852 he established a mercantile trade there, which he continued 18 months. Sept. 13, 1855, he married Emeline M., daughter of Madison WOODWORTH, of Cold Spring, and has had 4 children. Mr. BROWN was elected sheriff of Cattaraugus co. in 1870 and for 6 years was supervisor of Cold Spring.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1042

Charles W. BURLEY, born in Oswego co. Mar. 20, 1858, removed with his parents to Conn. and in 1878 the family came to Randolph. With an older brother he purchased of David ABBEY the mills now known as the BURLEY mills, under the firm name BURLEY Bros. They rebuilt the plant and put in steam-power. C.W. bought the interest of his brother in Aug. 1890, and now conducts the business alone, and with Frank WILLIAMS of East Randolph, has purchased a tract of 640 acres of timber land. He also conducts a grocery store. In May, 1886, he married Cora S., daughter of Alonzo CASWELL; children: Adah and Blanche (twins) and Ona.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1042

Hezekiah O. BURT, son of Nathan and Rebecca (HEALY) BURT, ws born in Conewango, Dec. 2, 1823. His father settled in Conewango in 1821 and was a farmer there until his death in 1837. At the age of 24 H.O. began the trade of carpenter and joiner and later he was an expert millwright, and built numerous saw-mills along the Allegheny and its tributaries. Sept. 10, 1861 he married Mary CARD, who was the mother of his only son, Frank C., a farmer in Conewango. In 1863, he settled on his farm, a portion of which he purchased when he was 23 years old, and now has 370 acres. Mrs. BURT died in Nov. 1865. Jan. 10, 1870, he married Mrs. Minerva PHILLIPS, daughter of John FENTON of South Valley; they had one daughter, Mary, born Dec. 19, 2870. In 1873 Mr. BURT and his family returned to East Randolph, where he has since resided. He also deals in oil territory and conducts a store in the oil regions. He has been president of the Cattaraugus County Agricultural Society two terms and was its vice-president and director.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1043

Frederick BUTCHER, senior member of the firm of F. BUTCHER & Son, was born in Ashburton, Devonshire, Eng., in 1835, came to America with his mother in 1851, and learned the trade of clothier of Daniel Hazeltine at Jamestown. In Feb., 1864, he enlisted in the 112th N. Y. Regt. and was mustered in as a musician in the brigade band of the 4th Brigade, First Division, 24th Army Corps, and was discharged Aug. 14, 1865, in Richmond, Va. In June, 1877, he bought the wollen-mills at East Randolph of E. Holdridge and has since then been engaged in manufacturing woolen goods with his son Fred D. Mr. BUTCHER is a good musician and teacher of cornet bands and is the leader of the East Randolph band. In Jan., 1856, he married Almira L. NEWTON. Children: Fred D., Myrta M. (Mrs. H. J. ELLSWORTH), Leo NEWTON.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1043

Elroy V. CARPENTER, son of Warren, was born in Lyndon, N. Y., June 3, 1857. He was educated in Ten Broeck Free Academy and began his business life teaching in the common schools, which he continued eight terms. In 1884 he became a member of the firm of W. CARPENTER & Sons, proprietors of the Carpenter combination of five cheese factories. He has charge of factory No. 2 in Randolph. In company with his brothers Thomas and Samuel he is also engaged in breeding trotting horses. Oct 6, 1880, he married Arabelle, daughter of Jason ADAMS, of Farmersville. They have two daughters.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1043

Robert CARSON, born in Bellefonte, Pa., May 31, 1825, was raised in Akron, Ohio, began his business life as a grocer's clerk at the age of twelve years, and when twenty he traveled and sold gun-powder six ensuing years. In 1850 he went overland to the gold fields of California, where he remained seventeen years. In 1870 he came to Cattaraugus county, where for several years he was a merchant in Steamburgh and Red House. He has resided the past eighteen years in Randolph. In March, 1850, he married Emma JOHNSON, who was the mother of his son, Robert A. CARSON. Mrs. CARSON died in California in 1856. In 1858 he married Catherine E. WOOSTER, of California; children: Blanche, Paul, a graduate of Dartmouth College, and Phillip.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1043 & 1044

Thomas CARTER was born in Connecticut in 1797. In childhood he removed with his parents to Onondaga County, N. Y. His father was a tanner in Fabius, and about 1840 removed to Randolph, where he died in 1854. Thomas CARTER learned the trade of tanner of his father, and married, in Amber, Abi HOTCHKISS. In 1824 he removed to the present site of the village of Cherry Creek and erected a tannery, the second one built in Chautauqua County. In 1827 he sold his property in Cherry Creek and removed to Napoli Corners, where he purchased the improvements, including a primitive tannery, of Mr. Bennett and was a leading business man in Napoli until 1854. He enlarged his tannery, which he sold in 1847 to the original builder, Mr. Bennett, and gradually became a farmer. He was also one of the earliest merchants of the town. In 1854 he sold his large farm and removed to a farm near Oberlin, and now resides in Riceville, Pa.

Ladwick H. CARTER, son of Thomas, was born in Otisco, Onondaga County, Jan 18, 1824, and removed with his parents to Cherry Creek in March following. Reared in Napoli he spent his youth attending the common school and in grinding bark in his father's tannery, and finished his education at the Fredonia Academy. In 1854, he removed to Randolph and engaged in mercantile business until 1873, being also an extensive dealer in lumber. He now gives his attention to his farming interests and also deals in real estate. May 22, 1848, he married Jane A. PERRY, of Centerville, Pa., who was the mother of all his children : Mary E. (Mrs William C. MYRES), Gertrude A. (Mrs Frank STRUNK), Frank P. (deceased), Jennie J. (Mrs. P. H. McCONNELL), Harriet S. (Mrs. Charles BENTLEY, who died July 16, 1889), Carrie Belle (Mrs. J. Clayton MACAPES), and Kitty Jane (Mrs. Harry C. EVANS). Mrs. CARTER died April 9, 1887. March 3, 1890, Mr. CARTER married Ellen, daughter of Henry VAN RENSSELAER, of Randolph.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1044

Joseph CASWELL, born in Henrietta, Monroe County, married there Julia, daughter of John COOK, and there his oldest two children were born. In March, 1826, he came to Randolph with his family and settled on the farm now occupied by Ogden Scudder within the village corporation. Shortly afterward he sold his claim and made a permanent settlement on Sample Hill, where he died. He and his wife were members of the M. E. Church. Their son Alonzo, born Feb 4, 1822, in Henrietta, came to Randolph at the age of four years and has always resided here. In Feb., 1856, he married Samantha NEWTON, who died two years later. March 22, 1859, he married Lapantha S. ARNOLD, of Napoli, who is the mother of his only daughter, Cora S., who married C. W. BURLEY. Mr. CASWELL served six years as assessor and is a farmer on the Jackson Sample homestead, where the first white child was born in town.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1044

Jeremiah W. CHAPMAN, son of Welcome, a pioneer of Conewango, was born about one and a half miles northeast of the village of Conewango, April 22, 1850. Raised a farmer he was educated in the district school and in Chamberlain Institute, and Sept. 9, 1870, he married Mary DE LAND and settled on a farm in his native town, where he resided until 1877, when he removed to East Randolph. Children: William D., Nettie O., Grace L., and Herbert L.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1044

Jesse CHAMPLIN came to Randolph at the age of ten years. A family sketch appears on page 833. (See Robert CHAMPLIN family of New Albion and Robert CHAMPLIN, Jr. family of New Albion, pages 833-4).

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1044

Elisha R. COOK, born in Williamstown, Mass., in 1799, married first, Lydia E. ARNOLD and soon after settled in the west part of Randolph in what is known as the COOK district. In the spring of 1821 his brother Josiah came on foot from Rochester and located a farm in the neighborhood. The next spring Elisha R. came on, cleared a small patch, planted it with potatoes, built a log cabin, and returned to Rochester. In July, 1822, he brought his wife and household goods from Rochester with an ox-team and sled. Mrs. COOK died in 1824, leaving an infant daughter, now Mrs. Nancy SAXTON. His father and step-mother joined him soon after and in 1831 he married Mary NEWTON, a native of Vermont. He was a staunch Democrat and died Nov. 19, 1887. Mrs COOK died Oct 3, 1881. Children: James Henry, who died in infancy; Russel M., born in Dec., 1834, married Phebe KORTRIGHT, and settled where he now resides; and George W., born Oct. 15, 1837, married, June 8, 1859, Sarah, daughter of Hiram GRISWOLD, of Randolph, succeeded his father on the homestead -- children: Nellie E. (who died aged twenty-six), Lottie (Mrs. George TIMMERMAN), Frank A., and Leo. Mr. COOK is a Democrat, and F. & A. Mason and a member of the A. O. U. W.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1044 & 1045

Miles C. CORNWELL, son of Levinus and grandson of Benjamin CORNWELL, who came from England to America and settled in New England, was born Jan. 12, 1831, in Sardinia, N. Y. Benjamin CORNWELL was a peddler. His son Levinus settled in Concord, Erie County, and was a tanner and currier in Springville. He next located in Sardinia, where he built a grist-mill, which was completely wrecked by sinking into quick-sand. He finally abandoned milling and returned to his trade of shoemaking, and was also a farmer. He died in Sardinia about 1879. Miles C. was first a carriage maker, and soon settled in Springville, where he prosecuted his trade several years. He was in Hamburg about three years, and in 1876 he came to Randolph and formed a co-partnership with his son, Eugene CORNWELL, under the firm name of C. CORNWELL & Son. Eugene, his only son, was born in Sardinia, N. Y., Nov. 25, 1854, married Ella C. HULL, in March, 1876, and has two daughters.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1045

Dr. John N. COWEN, son of John M. and Rachel (SEAGER) COWEN, was born in Conewango, Dec. 23, 1854. Educated in the common school and at Chamberlain Institute, he was a student four years in the University of Michigan and was graduated fro the Dental Department of that institution in 1878 with the degree D. D. S. He commenced the practice of his profession at East Randolph the next fall and in 1884 he settled in the village of Randolph, where he now resides. Dr. COWEN has served on the village Board of Trustees and is one of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Randolph. Oct. 23, 1881, he married Mrs. Emma F. CROWLEY, daughter of John FENTON. She died July 2, 1886.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1045

Sylvester COWLES, D.D., son of Amos and Dolly (FORD) COWLES, was born in Otisco, NY Jan 28, 1804. He was graduated from Hamilton College with the degree of A.B. in 1828, and was ordained by the Onondaga Presbytery on Sept. 5, 1831, after a theological course in Auburn Theological Seminary. He at once began an active ministry in Napoli and continued his labors in Cattaraugus Co. about half a centry. He preached in many of the towns, and organized churches in Randolph, Olean, Portville, and other villages. His alma mater, Hamilton College, honored him with the degree of D.D. in 1874. He was an advocate of temperance and was fond of the natural sciences, especially of geology, of which he gathered a valuable cabinet. He was 3 times married and died in Randolph about 1890.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1045

George COY was born in Vermont April 3, 1799. Feb. 27, 1823, he married Esther TANNER, a native of Mass., who was born Feb. 12, 1798. Soon afterward he came to Cortland, NY where he resided 12 years. In the fall of 1836 he came to Randolph and settled on the farm now owned by George Boyle. In 1865 he removed to this village, where he died June 19, 1868. Mrs. COY died Sept. 3, 1873. Children: Harriet (Mrs. H. N.FENTON), Corinth (Mrs. George WOODWORTH), Mrs. Emily HILLER, Emily M. (Mrs. Hollis MARSH, Rosette (Mrs. J. Z. WANAMAKER), Andrew (deceased), and Frances (deceased).

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1045

Orvan B. CRAVENS was born in Crawford County, Pa., May 21,1835. His father was an expert weaver, and settled on a farm in Randolph, Pa., where he carried on the double occupation of weaver and farmer and was also an auctioneer. He died aged forty-five. Orvan B., at the age of twenty-one, bought the homestead. In Oct., 1862, he enlisted in the 169th Pa. Militia, was discharged in July, 1863, re-enlisted in the 83d Pa. Vols. in March, 1864, and was discharged in July, 1865. He was in the Fifth Corps of the Army of the Potomac and participated in many of its battles. He received a flesh-wound from three buck-shot in his left arm May 8, 1864, which incapacitated him until Aug. 1st. In the fall of 1865 he went to Petroleum Center and engaged in oil producing. In 1871 he began dealing in oil property, which business he still continues. In Oct., 1880, he became a citizen of Randolph, where he still resides. In Sept., 1859, he married Jane LYON of Lyon's Hollow, Pa. She died in Jan., 1865, and in Nov., 1867, he married Mrs. Eliza OAKS; children: Mittee (Mrs. Douglas C. ADAMS), Hattie S., and Orris D.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1045 & 1046

Isaiah CROSS, born in Grafton, N. H., in 1812, came to Randolph with his parents in 1828 or 1830. He purchased a home, where his wife now resides, in 1837, where he died June 23, 1885. Jan. 17, 1838, he married Sally NILES. She died in Feb., 1876, and was the mother of eleven children. Aug. 7, 1877, he married Mrs. Mary (GRIFFIN) WAITE, and they had one daughter.

Asa B. CROSS, son of Isaiah, was born Feb. 22, 1867, and when 22 went to Nebraska, where he was a farmer and dealer in real estate about two years. June 5, 1884, he married Verie, daughter of Alfred PRICE, of Randolph, and settled on the farm where they now live.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1046

The CROWLEY family in Randolph are of New England ancestry. Walter and Mary (TODD) CROWLEY were born in Attleboro, Mass., came with their parents to Vermont while that state was known as New Hamphire Grants, and settled in Mt. Holly, cleared a farm, and raised four sons and three daughters, all of whom eventually came to Randolph. Asahel, their son, born in Mt. Holly, Feb. 14, 1809, came to this town in 1831, where he still resides. The ensuing two winters he taught common schools, being also a lumberman. In 1833 he engaged in merchandizing. In 1835 his brother Addison came from Vermont and in 1836 joined him in business with Joseph Stanley. They conducted a general mercantile trade, erected a large store, and were the largest dealers of the place. They also dealt extensively in cattle and lumber. Mr Stanley retired from the firm about four years later, and subsequently their brother Alvin became a partner. They also manufactured lumber, which they rafted to market down the Allegheny and Ohio rivers. They established a lumber yard at Cincinnati, of which Alvin had charge. They drove cattle to the eastern markets and were extensive farmers and builders. Asahel CROWLEY had charge outside while Addison conducted the store. Asahel CROWLEY married Clarissa M. JOHNSON, of Mt. Holly, in 1836. She was born May 3, 1815. Mr. CROWLEY has seconded all the enterprises for promoting the interests of the town: the bank, the Randolph Academy, the Home for Homeless Children, the railroad, and other institutions.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1046

Addison CROWLEY came to Randolph in 1835 from Mt. Holly, Vt., where he was born March 8, 1811. He taught in the common schools and in 1836 joined in business with his brother Asahel and Joseph Stanley. Addison was interested in the organization of Randolph Academy and a liberal contributor to its stock. He was one of the original incorporators of the Bank of Randolph, was its first vice-president, and is now its president. He also gave his aid and influence to establish the Western New York Home for Homeless and Dependent Children. Now a staunch Republican he was first a Whig and the first year he was in Randolph he cast the only Whig vote in town. In 1855 he called the first Republican caucus held in Randolph and was the only one in attendance. In 1840 he subscribed for Horace Greeley's "Log Cabin" and has had the "New York Tribune" continually since its first issue. He was supervisor in 1846, 1847, and 1854. In 1849 he was sheriff of the county and again in 1855. He was appointed by President Lincoln, postmaster at Randolph and immediately resigned the position when Andrew Jackson assumed the presidency. He was a trustee and treasurer of Randolph Academy. Jan. 10, 1839, he married Mary E. SHATTUCK, of Warren, Pa., who was the mother of his daughter Ella M., who married B. G. CASLER, of Randolph. She was also mother of his son Melvin A., (deceased). Mrs. CROWLEY died in Nov., 1843, and in May, 1851, he married Arvilla M. CHAMPLIN, of Napoli; of their seven children four are living: Addie M. (Mrs. Erie W. FENTON), Kate S. (Mrs. Walter B. SAUNDERS), Jerome A., and Libbie E.. Mrs CROWLEY died Oct. 24, 1887.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1046 & 1047

M. Johnson CROWLEY, son of Asahel, was born in Randolph, Aug. 3, 1841. He attended Randolph Academy and assisted his father as a lumberman, cattle dealer, and farmer. He began business as a merchant in company with A. Wentworth, Esq., at Little Valley, in the fall of 1860. In the spring of 1861 they removed the store to Randolph, where Mr. CROWLEY enlisted in the 64th N. Y. Vols. and was mustered in Sept. 17, 1861, as first corporal of Co. B, being discharged Dec. 30, 1861, upon a surgeon's certificate of disability. He was graduated from Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Cleveland, Ohio, in May, 1863, and became his father's partner in the lumber and cattle business, but again enlisted in the same company and regiment Feb 14, 1865, being detailed on special duty in Elmira. Joining his regiment in April he received a warrant to rank as first sergeant of Co. B from March 1, 1865. He resumed lumber and cattle dealing with his father and alone until 1875, when he retired from active business. Aug. 29, 1865, he married M. Addie, daughter of W. F. WEED, of Franklinville. Their son William A. died Dec 14, 1877.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1047

Hon. Rufus CROWLEY was born in Rutland County, Vt., July 25, 1800. He was a captain of militia, a merchant, and member of the Vermont Legislature. In 1841 he removed to Yorkshire, where he was in the mercantile business with Lorenzo D. Cobb, now of Buffalo, most of the time for seven years. In 1847 he was elected to the Legislature by the Whigs. In 1848 he removed to Randolph, where he resided until his death in 1872. In 1857 he was again elected to the Legislature by the Republicans. For many years he was secretary of the Board of Trustees of Randolph Academy.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1047

Maj. Osmond N. DEXTER, a native of Connecticut, came from Dexterville, Chautauqua County, to Randolph at an early day and erected a blacksmith and trip-hammer shop on Dry Brook in company with his brothers Edward and Frederick, and manufactured axes, hoes, and forks. Later he removed to the farm now owned by his sons Marcus M. and Henry B., and there erected a business in blacksmithing and farming. Later they divided the farm and Major Osmond N. continued the business alone. He died in Feb., 1872. Mr. DEXTER was a superior mechanic, an extensive reader, a Democrat, and quite a politician. He early took an interest in military affairs and rose through all the grades to major, hence his title. He married Rozilla, daughter of Joel SCUDDER, who died in July, 1881. Children: Frances M. (Mrs. J. BUXTON), Albert, Isophene (Mrs. Warren ABBEY), Marcus, Henry.

Marcus DEXTER was born in Randolph, Feb. 19, 1854, was educated in the common schools, and Jan. 16, 1882; he married Bertha SPAULDING, of Randolph. He settled on the homestead in company with his brother Henry and is engaged in farming.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1047

Homer DIXON, youngest son of Daniel, was born in East Randolph, May 12, 1837. He was a natural mechanic and followed the trade of carpenter. In 1860 he embarked in the grocery trade, in which he is still engaged. In Oct., 1867, he married Justina GREEN; children: Mary E. and John Leonard. Mrs. DIXON died Nov. 3, 1874, and Oct. 12, 1888, he married Mrs. Martha (DAVIS) Warren, daughter of Rev. Austin DAVIS. Mrs. DIXON was a resident of Washington eighteen years and much of the time a clerk in the Treasury Department. Miss Mary E. DAVIS is a painter and a portrait artist of more than ordinary ability.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1047 & 1048

Andrew J. DIXON, son of Daniel, was born in East Randolph, Feb. 15, 1830. He, too, is a natural mechanic and began business about 1848 as a carpenter and joiner, which has been his life work. Many of the finest residences in East Randolph are monuments to his skill as an architect and builder.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1048 - 1050

Albert Gallatin DOW was born in Plainfield, Cheshire County, N. H., Aug. 16, 1808, and was the eighth of the ten children born to Solomon and Phebe DOW. The family soon removed to Hartland, Vt., and from there in 1816 to Pembroke, Genessee County, N. Y. Here his boyhood days were spent, his experience in no wise differing from that common to pioneer life. Educational advantages were few, the labor required was severe and exhausting the fare was plain and the clothing scanty, but these external disadvantages and discomforts and privations laid the sure foundations of industry, economy, and self-reliance upon which the superstruction of a successful life has been built. The common school in the log house and three months' attendance at a private school afforded the only training received by him outside the home circle during the ten years spent by him in Pembroke. His father died Nov. 9, 1822, and soon thereafter, in his fifteenth year, he began the battle of life upon his own account and commenced the business career which has continued uninterruptedly for seventy years. After leaving Pembroke he resided in Batavia, Genessee County, one year, and thence removed to Panama in Chautauqua County, where he remained about six months. In 1827 he removed to Silver Creek, which he made his home for about nineteen years. In 1845 he removed to Randolph, where he has since resided continuously for period of forty-seven years. In Jan., 1840, then in his thirty-second year, he entered the hardware business, having George S. FARNHAM as a co-partner. This partnership continued about a year and on its dissolution, Mr. DOW conducted a hardware store at Sinclairville about a year and a half. In the fall of 1842 he resumed the same business at Silver Creek in co-partnership with Horation N. FARNHAM and this continued until his removal to Randolph in 1845. In 1843 he opened a dry goods store at Randolph, his nephew, James NUTTING, being associated with him. This store they conducted as co-partners until 1851. Upon his removal to Randolph in 1845 he opened a hardware store in that village. He continued in this business until 1863, associating his son Warren as a co-partner in 1860. In 1860 he established a private banking business, which, after his retirement from the hardware trade, occupied his entire attention until 1880, when it was discontinued. In October, 1875, his son Charles M. became a partner in the banking business, which from that time until discontinuance was conducted under the firm named of A. G. DOW & Son . In 1881 he organized the Salamanca National Bank at Salamanca, being its principal stockholder and first president, holding that office until his resignation in April, 1890. Since that time he has continued as director of this institution, but has not been otherwise actively engaged in business except to supervise and guard his investments. Such is the brief history of an unusually long and remarkably successful business career. A fine fortune has been accumulated from the slow gains of legitimate business. There has been no sudden rise followed by an equally quick collapse. A steady growth in prosperity has been the result of close application, unremitting industry, sure judgment, and undoubted integrity. Pre-eminently a careful and prudent man, Mr. DOW has always shown a broadmindedness and generosity of disposition which have won the respect and admiration of those who know him best.

Mr. DOW has found opportunity in the midst of engrossing business cares to interest himself in public affairs and to discharge faithfully and well the duties of various public offices. In his political affiliations he was a Democrat until the war of the Rebellion sundered his party ties. Since 1861 he has found his convictions best represented in the principles of the Republican party, and for upwards of thirty years he has been an active and unswerving member of that organization. He was early elected to local office at Silver Creek and commencing in 1848 he was for eight years a justice of the peace at Randolph. He has served as supervisor of the town ten years and in 1863 and 1864 served in the Legislature as member of Assembly from the Second District of Cattaraugus County. In 1873 he was elected State Senator in the Thirty-second District, composed of Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties, and served as such on term (1874-75). In all of these positions he displayed the good sense, broad judgment, and faithful devotion to duty which characterized him in private affairs. In 1850 Mr. DOW joined his neighbors in organizing Randolph Academy, which, continuing under that name until 1866, was then changed to Chamberlain Institute, and has been for upwards of forty years a great power in the intellectual and moral development of western New York. He was one of the original trustees of this school and has held that office uninterruptedly to the present time. He has taken an active part in religious work. In Silver Creek he united with the Presbyterian Church. Upon removing to Randolph he joined the Congregational Church of that village, has never dissolved his relation therewith, and has served it in various official capacities. Oct. 4, 1829, shortly after completing his twenty-first year, Mr. DOW married Freelove, daughter of Wheaton MASON, of Batavia. To them were born five children: James, born July 1, 1830 (deceased); Warren, born Jan. 15, 1833; Sarah, born Jan. 22, 1837 (deceased); Mary (Mrs. James G. JOHNSON), born Jun 12, 1842; Albert G., Jr., born April 17, 1844. Mrs DOW died Aug. 21, 1847, and April 23, 1850, Mr. DOW married her sister Lydia A. This union continued upwards of forty years and afforded a home life of rare happiness. Mrs DOW possessed a strong and winning personality, which gave her great influence over her surroundings. At once tender and forceful, unassuming, and yet full of courage and resources, she gave herself without stint to the service and happiness of others. To remarkable executive faculty she joined the happy power of stimulating other to action. Kind by natural impulse, her unostentatious charities were regulated by such good sense they never demoralized the recipients. Interested in all good works, she exerted a strong influence for truth and right living, and her gracious memory will never depart from the hearts of those who knew her. Her sad and untimely death, June 11, 1891, was occasioned by an accident at a railway crossing near her home in the village of Randolph. To this marriage was given one son, Charles M., who was born Aug. 1, 1853, and upon arriving at majority engaged in banking with his father. He organized the Jamestown National Bank in 1888 and has been the president of that institution from its beginning.

A plain and temperate mode of living has brought Mr. DOW the reward of long life and his eighty-sixth year finds him in good physical health accompanied by unabated mental vigor. He is quietly enjoying the prosperity won by long years of industry, sagacity, and integrity. Throughout his long life he has been plain, unassuming, actuated by honorable motives, sincere in all his dealings, a strong friend, a kind neighbor, and an upright citizen. He has been pre-eminently a just man. Starting in life with no advantages except such as flow from health and inherent integrity, his indomitable purpose to accomplish the tasks set before him what he values more – the respect of the community in which he lives and the friendship of all classes.

Ed. Note: This biography includes a photograph of Albert Gallatin DOW

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1050

Amos DOW, born in Hartland, Vt., May 22, 1811, came to Pembroke, N. Y., with his parents in 1816, where his father died in 1822 and his mother in 1826. After the age of twelve he supported himself and thus early learned self-reliance. At the age of eighteen he opened a shoe shop at Silver Creek. In 1838 he was proprietor of a tannery and shoe shop combined. In 1846, having previously sold his tannery, he changed to mercantile business. He served in Silver Creek as commissioner of schools and about five years as justice of the peace. From 1855 for eighteen years he was a merchant in East Randolph. In 1872, he purchased the private bank of Thomas Chamberlain, which he continued until the fall of 1891. In 1863 he represented Randolph on the Board of Supervisors. In his long and extensive dealing with men his established reputation for sterling integrity is beyond a doubt. In politics he is a staunch Republican and is liberal in his religious sentiments. In 1827 he married Eliza A. GATES, by whom he had five children.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1050

Abraham V. DOXSTADER was born in Johnstown, N. Y., came to this town in Nov., 1836, and cleared a farm of 260 acres. He has been a man of push and perseverance and has contributed liberally to church, educational, and charitable objects. In the retirement of old age he enjoys in his present home in Randolph Village the esteem and confidence of a large circle of friends. He married Ann VEEDER, who died Nov. 25, 1881. Children: Sarah C., Margaret, Alida, George A., and Loraine (deceased).

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1050 & 1051

The EDDY family in America is of English origin and descended from two brothers who came from England in 1630 and settled in Rhode Island. The race in the United States are distinguished as preachers of the gospel. Walton Almy EDDY, son of Job and Fanny (WINSLOW) EDDY, was born in Middlefield, N. Y., Jan. 7, 1821. Job EDDY, son of Zephaniah, was born in Rhode Island, Dec. 6, 1780, and moved with his family to Otsego County in 1794. He married, in Otsego County, Fanny WINSLOW, June 3, 1810, who was born Feb. 17, 1789. He was a farmer and in the fall of 1825 moved to Cherry Creek, Chautauqua County, where he was a pioneer. He died Feb. 6, 1866. His first wife was the mother of his six children, who are all living except the oldest, Barton EDDY. Mrs. EDDY died Feb. 10, 1836. Walton A. EDDY became a carriage maker. March 15, 1843, he married Sarah M., daughter of Thomas BERRY, of Cherry Creek. In August following he settled in Waukegan, Ill., where he opened a shop and prosecuted his trade about four years. He settled in Randolph in 1858, where he has since resided. Mr. EDDY has been a carriage manufacturer and inventor and patentee of several parts for carriages. He devoted his time for seven years to manufacturing a patent carriage seat, his own invention. About 1870. with his son, F. J. EDDY, he built a side-wheel steamboat and launched it on the Allegheny at Cold Spring, christening it the" W. A. EDDY". They ran the steamer down the river, jumped the eight-foot dam at Corydon, Pa., and landed it at Ironton, Ohio, where they sold it. In 1874 he built another, "The Randolph", sixty feet long, in company with C. C. SHELDON (his son-in-law) and his son, and sold it in Louisville, Ky. The same season E. C. Topliff and Chauncey Harding built a similar steamer, "The Cattaraugus", which they sold on the Ohio River in West Virginia. Mr. EDDY is now serving his third term as overseer of the poor. Children: James D., born in Illinois, died in infancy; Evaline, born in Illinois, Dec. 28, 1845, married George LAKE; Clara, born Jan. 24, 1849, at Cherry Creek, married Edward L. PHILLIPS (deceased); Fanny and job (twins), born Nov 1, 1851, at Cherry Creek -- Fanny married Charles C. SHELDON and Job married Ella WALKUP; and Janette B., born in Randolph, Oct. 31, 1863.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1051 - 1053

Hon. James T. EDWARDS, D.D., LL..D.,* was born in Barnegat, Ocean county, N. J., Jan. 6, 1838. His parents were influential, well-to-do people, and among his large connection are many names of men whose influence has been felt as a power in moulding the character of society and the church. James EDWARDS, his great-grandfather, fought with Washington at the time of Braddock's defeat and during the whole of the Revolutionary war, in which he was severely wounded. His parents were Job and Susanna EDWARDS. The former was known as an eloquent local preacher and twice served as a member of the State Legislature. The latter was a woman of unusual force of character and in her earlier years was a teacher. She made sacrifices to give her son a liberal education and always warmly sympathized with his aims. Dr. EDWARDS prepared for college at Pennington Seminary in New Jersey and graduated from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn., in 1860. After graduation he filled the chair of natural science in Amenia Seminary in Dutchess County, N. Y. Having served one year in this institution he took charge of the same department in East Greenwich Academy in Rhode Island. The study of law had many attractions for him, and he decided to make that his profession. Arrangements were made for him to enter the office of Hon. William L. Dayton, of Trenton, N. J., but Mr. Dayton was shortly afterward sent as minister to the court of France. The professor's plans were thus frustrated, and before any new arrangement was made he found the work of teaching so congenial that the idea of practicing law was permanently abandoned. His favorite departments of instruction were the sciences and belles-lettres, and to this work he devoted himself with an unfailing enthusiasm which was contagious and inspiring. Besides training his classes in the lecture-room he was constantly delivering addresses before institutes and teachers' associations throughout the State. For a long time he was a member of the Executive Committee of the State Teachers' Association and at the time of his leaving Rhode Island was its president. He married, in 1862, Miss Emma A. BAKER, daughter of Rev. Charles BAKER, who by her varied accomplishments and unfailing interest in his studies and work has been to him a "helpmeet" indeed. They have three daughters: Grace, Laura, and Florence; the first named is the wife of S. Winsor BAKER, of Jamestown, N. Y.

In the fall of 1862 Professor EDWARDS enlisted as a private in the 1st R. I. Vols., but immediately received from Governor Sprague a commission as second Lieutenant, and was soon after elected first lieutenant of a company composed of members of the Young Men's Christian Association of Providence. Afterward he was made adjutant of the parole camp near Alexandria, Va. While in this position he rendered valuable service by his humane treatment of the paroled prisoners, who, when he entered upon his duties were shamefully neglected. Upon leaving the army he was elected principal of the seminary at East Greenwich. For more than sixty years this school had done excellent work in educating the youth of Rhode Island and other States, but a burdensome debt of $22,000 had for a long time hung over it to the great annoyance of its friends. Through Professor EDWARDS' earnest efforts the entire debt was lifted by subscription. In addition to his duties as principal of the seminary he was elected and served as State senator when he was twenty six years old, being the youngest member of that body. During this session he distinguished himself as a ready debater in and exciting discussion upon the military record and expenditures of the State during the war of the Rebellion. He was elected to the Senate the second time and also chosen presidential elector on the ticket which elected General Grant for his first term, and stumped the State in his support. Professor EDWARDS took and active part in the discussion of the fifteenth amendment, which was carried in the Senate, but defeated in the House, at this session. He was elected the third time to the Senate and made chairman of the Committee on Education. During this session the temperance question was pressed to the front and legislators were compelled to give it attention, whether in sympathy with the cause of not. The professor was an earnest advocate of a prohibitory bill which was triumphantly carried in the Senate, but failed to become a law because of its defeat in the House. He also took an active part in the establishment of the first Normal school in the State. During this session he made a speech upon the "just limitations of the pardoning power" which attracted general attention and exercised a marked influence in effecting a wholesome reform in the use of that prerogative by the governor of Rhode Island.

In 1870 Professor EDWARDS moved to this State to take charge of Chamberlain Institute at Randolph. In 1872, its brick boarding hall, erected at a cost of $50,000, was destroyed by fire, being insured for only $10,000. Through the exertions of Professor EDWARDS and the liberality of its friends it was rebuilt by subscription in less than a year, and stands in its beautiful proportions, free from debt. In 1876 Allegheny College at Meadville, Pa., conferred the degree of D.D. upon the professor and in 1890 he was made Doctor of Laws. He continued at the head of Chamberlain Institute for the long period of twenty-two years, resigning in 1892. During this time 6,000 students were in attendance; 450 graduated from its several departments; and more than 500 certificates were received from the Regents of the State University. There was an average attendance for sixty-three terms of 167 students whose average age for the whole time was seventeen and one-tenth years. Probably there is not a town in Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties which does not contain representatives from this old school. Its patronage during the administration of Dr. EDWARDS was drawn from quite an extended area, often embracing several States. In the educational gatherings of this section Dr. EDWARDS has long been a familiar figure, often lecturing, dedicating school buildings, and engaging in kindred work. As a minister he has preached frequently, being especially called upon for anniversaries, church dedications and funerals. He has been twice elected delegate to the "General Conference," the lawmaking body of the M. E. Church, and three times reserve delegate.

Dr. EDWARDS is an ardent lover of the natural sciences and has endeavored to make these studies of practical value in this region by discussing, at agricultural fairs, farmers' institutes, and conventions, their principles as applied to agriculture. He built the first silo in southwestern New York and showed the wholesomeness and utility of ensilage. He is the author of numerous published addresses and of two volumes entitled respectively "The Grass Family" and "The Silva of Chautauqua Lake." Dr. EDWARDS has been identified with the great Chautauqua movement from its beginning, for most of the time in the three-fold capacity of trustee, professor, and lecturer. For nine years he has had charge of the department of physics and chemistry in the College of Liberal Arts. In the fall of 1891, he was nominated by "certificate" as senator from the Thirty-second District, in accordance with a law passed in 1890 permitting a nomination of senator on the presentation to the secretary of State of the certified names under oath of 500 voters desiring such nomination. Seven hundred and fifty names were forwarded and the nomination was endorsed by a People's convention which met in Jamestown and by the regular Democratic Convention held the same day. He was elected by over 1,000 majority. As chairman of the Committee on Education during the last session he was influential in passing three important bills which bear his name, viz., : The "University Bill,: covering all the higher education in the State; the "Library Bill," which appropriates $55,000, annually to school and township free libraries; and the "School Commissioner Bill", which allows women to vote for school commissioners. Dr. EDWARDS is a many-sided man and the people instinctively regard him as their man. It can not be said that he is a politician. Positions have sought him. He has been called to places of trust by the people because they judged him fitted by intelligence, a broad statesmanship, purity of life, executive abilities, and eloquence as a public speaker to represent them as a lawmaker. He has always taken an active part in public affairs and held the theory that every citizen who enjoys the blessings of a free government should be willing to bear his share of its responsibilities. He is an attractive, scholarly speaker, with an agreeable voice well balanced by a graceful delivery, and always receives a hearty welcome whenever he appears in the pulpit or upon the platform. Senator EDWARDS, in addition to his duties as legislator, holds the position of extension secretary of the Chautauqua system of education. *

1.* By Dr. Theodore L. FLOOD, editor of the "Chautauqua".

2. * Dr. EDWARDS, since the sketch was written, has been appointed president of the McDonough School for Boys at Baltimore, Md., founded in 1875 by John McDonough, who left $1,000,000 to educate poor boys. The professor took charge of this institution in August, 1893, and makes his home there.

Ed. Note: This biography includes a photograph of James T. EDWARDS

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1053

Herbert J. ELLSWORTH, son of Stiles B. and Victoria (JENKS) ELLSWORTH, born in Conewango, June 23, 1865, received his education in Chamberlain Institute, and commenced business as a salesman in his father's store. A Democrat in politics he was elected town clerk of Conewango when he cast his first vote and was postmaster there in 1887, at the age of twenty-two. May 11, 1891, he bagan business in East Randolph in the sale of groceries and crockery. Jan. 10, 1888, he married Myrta, daughter of F. BUTCHER.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1053

Samuel EWING was born in New Jersey in 1788. He served an apprenticeship at coach making and married Margaret MORFORD. He removed to Rochester as early as 1816 and later resided in Victor several years. About 1830 he came to Randolph and settled on the east line of the town where Joseph Macapes now lives. He was first an old line Whig and later a Democrat, and was an active politician. He was supervisor, assessor, highway commissioner, and town superintendent of schools and served two years as county superintendent of schools. He also served as justice of the peace and assessor in Ontario County. He practiced land surveying in Cattaraugus County. Mrs. EWING died in Jan., 1881, and Mr. EWING in Jan., 1885. His son Joel was born March 31, 1830, married a daughter of George WILLIAMS, and is also a land surveyor.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1053 & 1054

Simeon FISHER, born in Wardsboro, Vt. in 1793, came to Randolph in the fall of 1839 and engaged in the manufacture of chairs, being the first in that line in Randolph. He continued till his death in 1854. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and several years a magistrate and town clerk. His oldest child, Lucy Celinda, born in 1817, married Orton NUTTING in 1839

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1054

Davis B. FOSKIT, born in Madison county, N. Y., Feb. 22, 1808, removed with his parents to Homer, N. Y., and in the fall of 1827 came to Randolph, where he was a farmer and a lumberman. About 1834 he married Sally CROSS. 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1054

Dallas FOY, son of David, was born in Poland, N. Y., July 29, 1844. Educated in the common schools and Randolph Academy he was reared a farmer, and Aug. 21,1864, he enlisted in Co., G, 13th N. Y. H. A. Joining his regiment near Portsmouth, Va., he did garrison duty until the close of the war, and was discharged June 22, 1865. Feb. 15, 1882, he married Rose S., daughter of Ansell GOODSPEED, and settled on a farm in Randolph. They have a son and a daughter.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1054

Horace H. FRENCH, son of Harrison and Almira (SWEENEY) FRENCH, was born in Russell, Pa., May 16, 1835. His father was bon in Hopkinton, N. H., and came to Chautauqua, N. Y. His mother was born in Massachusetts. He began business as a merchant and lumberman in East Randolph and engaged in the latter occupation at Cold Spring in 1859. He enlisted in Co. F, 64th N. Y. Vols., Aug. 20, 1861, and was promoted sergeant. He was disabled by illness and served as a recruiting officer with headquarters at his home in East Randolph. He participated in the battle of Chancellorsville, where a shell bruised his shoulder. At Gettysburg he lost his right arm by a wound from a mini-ball, which caused its amputation, and was in the hospital about eight months, being discharged Jan. 28, 1864. He was orderly-sergeant when he was wounded and after his discharge was commissioned (brevet) second lieutenant by Gov. R. E. Fenton. Upon his return in February he was elected collector and constable of Randolph and has served six years as deputy sheriff of Cattaraugus county. He has been an extensive operator in oil. March 28, 1860, he married Mary S., daughter of Archibald C. MERRILL, of East Randolph. They had an only daughter, Mabel V., who died March 9, 1882.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1054

Ephraim F. GILES was born in Pawlet, Vt., May 18, 1813. He married Maria JENKS, of Schroon, Essex county, N. Y., Jan. 1, 1843. March 27, 1843, he came to Randolph and was "the village blacksmith" thirty-one years. Since then he has not pursued any regular avocation. Mr. GILES has a remarkably retentive memory and is especially prominent for originality and eccentricity. He is an independent thinker. During his forty-eight years' residence here, he has visited Jamestown only twice, East Randolph, one and a half miles away, but four times, has never been in Steamburgh, has never seen the Allegheny river, and has never rode on any of the railroads in Cattaraugus County. In his younger days he had the reputation of being a first-class wag, and was never known to be outdone in stories of the Baron Munchausen kind. He has been the author of half a dozen such books that have never been printed. On one of his four visits to East Randolph he purchased a broom of E. McManus, agreeing to pay for it the next time he came to his store. He did not visit that village for years and not until Mr. McManus had left it. Now at nearly four-score years he is an oracle on the events which have transpired in Randolph since he came here. His mind is clear and his health is good. Mrs. GILES died Dec. 8, 1859. Children: Lydia M. (Mrs. C. S. EDWARDS), of Syracuse; James M.; Delia, widow of Adelbert GATES, who died of disabilities incurred in the Civil War; Agnes (Mrs. W. F. INGRAHAM), of Jamestown; and Walter F., a popular salesman in Randolph

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1055

Ansell GOODSPEED was born in Warsaw, N. Y., April 9, 1828. His father, Oliver GOODSPEED, was a farmer. At nineteen years of age Ansell was an apprentice to the trade of tanner and currier. In 1851 he married Phebe CRAWFORD, of Java, N. Y., who was the mother of a son and a daughter. In 1856 he removed to Napoli, where he was a farmer three years. He then removed to East Randolph and resumed his trade as a currier. In 1878 he bought a small farm in Randolph (Mud Creek District), where he has since been a farmer. He served Napoli as assessor. Mrs. GOODSPEED died March 24, 1880. Oct. 30, 1883, he married Mrs. Cordelia (RICE) WAIT.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1055

Gilbert O. GORSLINE, born in New Haven, Vt., in 1810, removed at the age of nine years to Salt Point (now Syracuse), N. Y., and resided with an older brother about a year, when the latter died. He was apprenticed to the trades of tanner and currier and shoemaker and in 1829 came to Randolph and purchased the Latham tannery (the first erected in town), where he carried on all his trades until about 1836. He was then a lumberman in Napoli (now Cold Spring) about three years and ran his lumber down the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers to Cincinnati. He started the first raft from the bridge over the Little Conewango at Randolph village. In 1839, he became a farmer in the Cook neighborhood in Randolph. He subsequently sold that and settled on the farm his son Wallace now occupies. Mr. GORSLINE has been highway commissioner, assessor, school commissioner, and constable. Feb. 1, 1829, he married Adaline R., daughter of William SEELEY, of Batavia, N. Y. Children: William Wallace, born Feb. 18, 1836; and Gilbert O., Jr., born July 3, 1839. Colonel McCunn, was drill-sergeant of the post at Elmira, went to the front with the 35th N. Y. Inf., and after the first battle of Bull Run was on the staff of General Wadsworth as bugle major. He was transferred to the staff of General Patrick and also served on the staffs of Generals Pope, McDowell, King, and Hooker, and was discharged at the close of the war. He is now a farmer. Sept. 6, 1868, he married Marguerette HALLENBACK, who was the mother of all his children – three sons and one daughter. She died May 6, 1883. May 4, 1886, he married Mrs. Eva DAWSON, of Cattaraugus.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1055 & 1056

Philemon HALL, born in Guilford, Conn., about 1772, was a cook in the Revolutionary War. He married, in his native town, Mary PARMALEE and a year or two later removed with an ox-team and sled to Bloomfield, N. Y. and located on his father's claim of 150 acres given to him for service in the Revolutionary War. He was there a farmer and later a hotel keeper in Bloomfield village, where he was burned out. In 1820, he settled in the southwest corner of Napoli. In 1822, he built a saw-mill on the location now occupied by the grist-mill of Enoch Holdridge. About 1824, he built a grist-mill on the same dam and near the saw-mill. He brought the few irons from Bloomfield and the mill-stones were wrought from a pebble rock in Great Valley. Mr. HALL carried on quite a business. He died in 1857 and was succeeded by his sons, Joel, Horace, Amos, and Erastus, of whom only Erastus, an octogenarian, is living. He was born in Bloomfield, N. Y., May 24, 1809 and is a natural mechanic. As a millwright he has built numerous mills in western New York and in Canada. He invented and patented a shingle-mill, and is now the senior member of the firm of E. HALL & Co.. In sept., 1827, he married Emeline RATHBONE, who has been his helpful companion sixty-four years. Children: Lyman, Milo, Henry, Philander (a soldier in the Civil War), and Mary (deceased, who married Jefferson, a nephew of Judge CHAMBERLAIN.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1056

Amos A. HALL, son of Horace and grandson of Philemon HALL, was born in Napoli, May 24, 1837, one of twelve children. Sept. 4, 1860, he married Frances JONES. In Aug., 1862, with three brothers, he enlisted in Co. E, 9th N. Y. Cav. Oct, 1, 1863, he received a severe wound from a mini-ball in his right knee joint and amputation of his leg was necessary. He was transferred to the general hospital at Central Park, where he remained until he was discharged Aug. 23, 1864. In 1865, Hon. Enoch HOLDRIDGE, postmaster of East Randolph, resigned in favor of Mr. HALL, who held the position until displaced by Grover Cleveland. During this service he became a jeweler and afterward conducted a jewelry store sixteen years. His wife and son Lewis C. succeeded him. He died April 4, 1888. Children: Fred A., of the firm of HALL & WATERS, harness makers in East Randolph, Lewis C., Cora L., George W., and Charles P. HALL Brothers (Lewis C. and George W.) are clothing dealers.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1056

John HAMMOND, son of Jared and Hannah (BENNETT) HAMMOND, was born in Ridgebury, Pa., Nov. 17, 1832. His father, a native of Connecticut, was a farmer. His mother was born in Pennsylvania. John was raised a farmer and enlisted in Co. G, 171st Pa. Vols., in Oct., 1862. He joined his regiment at Suffolk, Va., and was discharged as corporal Aug. 8, 1863. In June, 1864, he settled permanently in Randolph, where he has since been a druggist, tinsmith, and manufacturer and dealer in the Willard & HAMMOND Champion milk-pan. Since discontinuing the latter business he has been engaged in producing oil in McKean County, Pa. May 5, 1880, he married Harriet HANSON of Gloversville, N. Y.; they have one son, Rex.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1056 & 1057

Albert HELMS, a native of Otsego County and the oldest of thirteen children, was born June 13, 1796. At the age of sixteen he was a soldier in the War of 1812 and was present at the battle of Sacket's Harbor. He married Asenath, sister of Freedom JEFFORDS. In 1826 he came from Rush, N. Y., to East Randolph, where he resided until his death Feb. 28, 1889. When he settled here he purchased a tract of wild land and at once began to convert the pine trees into lumber. He was also for years a merchant and a manufacturer of potash and pearlash. Late in life he was a farmer. Mr. HELMS had three children by each of his three wives: Mortimer A., Emily A., Romina L., Asenath M., Eunice R., Mary A., Adelbert H., Cordelia, and Gaylord. Adelbert H. HELMS was born in East Randolph, where he now lives, Nov. 22, 1842. In 1864, he enlisted in Co. G, 9th N. Y. Cav., and served to the close of the war. He is a carriage and ornamental painter, grainer, and sign writer. Recently he has done some fine landscape painting. He is a trustee of the village, to which position he was elected in 1888, and is the secretary of the Board of Water Commissioners. May 1, 1865, he married Eliza J., daughter of Chauncey C. HELMS. They have one son, Clair A., born July 6, 1877.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1057

T. Frank HINES, born in Evans, N. Y., Dec 3, 1844, early learned the tinsmith's trade, and served in the Union Army three months. He followed his trade as a journeyman eighteen years. In 1880, he opened a general hardware store in East Randolph, which he continued a year and a half, when he sold and came to Randolph. In 1885, he bought the tin shop of his employer, George Mason, and a year later purchased the general hardware store of B. G. Casler, which he conducted alone until Sept., 1888. He then formed a partnership with C. W. TERRY under the firm name of TERRY & HINES. In May, 1890, he purchased the interest of Mr. TERRY. In Feb., 1874, he married Ida WHEELER, and had three children. Mrs. HINES died Sept. 25, 1887.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1057

Chauncey C. HELMS and his brother, Christopher C. HELMS, came from Monroe County, N. Y., to East Randolph and built a saw-mill and grist-mill. They contracted for several hundred acres of wild land and also had a pearl and pot ashery in operation before 1830. Christopher C. died in 1830 and Chauncy C. conducted the business alone. In 1832, he built another dam farther down and put a double saw-mill. He was a leading merchant and was supervisor of Randolph in 1834 and 1835. He died in Nov., 1866. Byron and Christopher C. HELMS, sons of Christopher C., early became lumbermen and Byron was a competent river pilot. Later they were manufacturers and dealers in lumber and were partners in lumbering and farming, which they conducted twenty-two years. Byron HELMS is now proprietor of the Commercial House. Christopher C. is a farmer, liveryman, and owns the Brooklyn House.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1057

The HOBART family in America is of English origin and descended from Edmund HOBART, who landed at Charlestown, Mass., in 1633. Abel Bradford HOBART, of the eighth generation from England, and a son of William, was born in Potter, N. Y., Feb. 6, 1798. He married in East Bloomfield, Feb. 6, 1822, Marana, daughter of Thaddeus and Elizabeth (DOUD) STANLEY. She was born in Goshen, Conn., July2, 1796, and died in Randolph, May 3, 1872. Soon after his marriage he removed to Phelps, N. Y., where he carried on the business of tanning leather about five years. He moved thence to Napoli, where he resided twenty years. He lived in Carroll, N. Y. three years and in Randolph Twenty-two years. Here he was a deacon of the Congregational Church fifteen years, when he resigned. For many years he was employed as colporteur in the distribution of Bibles. He died at Le Roy, N. Y., while on a visit, Sept 6, 1871. Children: Homer Harrowby, Elizabeth H. (widow of Florentine F. MIGHELLS), Harlton S., Ellen E., Helen Wooster, Huldah M., Harlo D. S., and Howland Bancroft.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1057 & 1058

Hon. Enoch HOLDRIDGE, eldest son of Rev. PRICE and Lydia (ROBINSON) HOLDRIDGE, was born in Nelson, N. Y., Aug. 29, 1818. His father, a pioneer preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, settled in Napoli in 1832. He traveled hundreds of miles through forests, storms, and sunshine. Enoch came to East Randolph in 1838, and worked for Capt. Amos HALL one year at $12 per month, and continued with him about fifteen years, transacting a large amount of business along the Allegheny, Ohio, and Mississippi Rivers. He has been engaged on his own account in lumbering, farming, and merchandizing, and now owns with his son Ernest D. the "upper grist-mill" in East Randolph, located on the site of the first grist-mill of the place erected by Philemon HALL in 1824. Mr. HOLDRIDGE also has a half-interest in the Randolph Mills in East Randolph Village. He married Sarah, daughter of Jeremiah and Mary MAYBEE. She is the mother of his three children: Josie, born Feb. 22, 1846, wife of Rev. W. W. WOODWORTH; Gertrude, born April 26, 1849, died Dec. 27, 1852; and Ernest D., born May 20, 1856. The latter was educated in Chamberlain Institute, engaged in teaching, and began the study of law, but was obliged to abandon it on account of ill-health. Enoch HOLDRIDGE was first a Whig and joined the Republican Party at its organization. He has received many political honors. He has served the town of Conewango as justice of the peace twenty-one years, supervisor eight years, and in 1872 was member of Assembly. In 1861 he was appointed postmaster of East Randolph, and voluntarily resigned in 1865 in favor of the veteran soldier, A. A. Hall, who lost a leg in battle. He has served as a trustee of Randolph Academy and at the organization of Chamberlain Institute was elected trustee, which position he still holds. He has been an efficient, honorable, and upright man and officer.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1058

George HUBBARD, son of William C. and grandson of Dr. H. H. HUBBARD, of Springville, N. Y., was born in Randolph, May 6, 1854. His mother was Adaliza, daughter of Daniel THURSTON, one of the pioneers of Randolph. Nov 5, 1879, he married Isabel L., daughter of Orris McCULLOUGH, of Evans, N. Y., and settled on a farm. He also manufactures and deals in lumber and wood.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1058

Spencer E. HUBBELL, son of Eli and Mary (HUXLEY) HUBBELL, was born on the HUBBELL homestead Nov. 7, 1844. His father was a pioneer of Conewango. In the spring of 1863, he removed with his parents to Randolph and was a student in Chamberlain Institute until he was graduated in 1867. He began business as a merchant in Randolph Village, but abandoned it about 1870 on account of failing health. In 1867 he married Maryette E., daughter of Abel MERCHANT, one of the first pioneers of Napoli. When he left his store in Randolph, he purchased the MERCHANT homestead of his father-in-law, and added to it fifty-five acres, making a farm of 220 acres, which he still owns. He removed to it and remained there until Dec., 1888, when he purchased a stock of general merchandise of Adams & Co. in East Randolph, where he is now a merchant. Mr. HUBBELL was secretary and treasurer of the Axeville cheese factory six years and treasurer and salesman of Spring Valley Factory six years. He served Napoli as supervisor in 1887 and 1888, and held several minor town offices. In politics he is a staunch Republican. He is a member of the M. E. Church, superintendent of the Sunday School at Napoli, and is now a steward and trustee of the Church of East Randolph.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1058

William B. HUGHES, son of Isaac B. and Sarah (HINDMAN) HUGHES, was born in Jefferson County, Pa., Dec. 11, 1847. His father was a farmer. He learned harness making, and manufactured and dealt in harnesses, horse furnishing goods, etc., until the fall of 1890. He enlisted in the Union Army in 1864 and was discharged at the close of his term of enlistment. He has always been a Republican and an active worker in that party. He was prominent in East Randolph, where he resided twenty years, and was elected one of the Board of Trustees, when the village was incorporated. In the Republican County convention held in Sept., 1891, he was the nominee for sheriff and was elected by a majority of 1,450 votes. Feb. 22, 1872, he married Sarah DAVIS, of Mansfield, daughter of Robert DAVIS.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1058

Jonathan C. HURD, born in Bridport, Vt., March 24, 1824, received a good English education, and began business as a clerk in a general store. In 1845, he came to East Randolph, where he has since resided. He purchased a tract of pine timbered land and engaged in lumbering four years. In 1847, he was elected constable, which kept him employed until 1853. In 1853, he opened the first drug store in East Randolph with his brother-in-law, Dr. A. B. PARSONS, and has been a druggist most of the time since. Mr. HURD was originally an old line Whig and joined the Republican party at its organization. He was deputy sheriff eight years. From 1870 till 1877, he was in the dry goods trade in East Randolph, and thence removed the business to Sawyer City, Pa., where he still continues a general store. He has also bought largely of farmers' live stock, and produce. In 1871, he was one of the organizers of the State Bank of Randolph, and has been most of the time one of its directors. He is a member of the Congregational Church of his village.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1059

Hon. Erastus S. INGERSOLL, son of Peter and Lois M. (SMITH) INGERSOLL, was born in Ellington, N. Y., on the 24th of April, 1837. He obtained his education in the common schools and in Ellington Academy and taught district schools from 1856 till 1860. He began merchandizing at Cattaraugus in 1860 and continued until 1865; since then he has been a merchant in Randolph, and since 1880 has had a branch store at Kennedy, N. Y. He has always been a Republican and has several times represented his district as a delegate at State conventions. He has served seven years as supervisor of Randolph, was trustee of the Chamberlain Institute twenty years and three years president of it Board of Trustees, and chairman of a committee to erect a building in place of the one burned in 1872. He was the chairman of a committee to erect the buildings for the Western New York Home and has since been one of its trustees; he has been several times president and trustee of the village of Randolph. Mr. INGERSOLL was elected to the Assembly of the State Legislature in 1886 and served on the Committees on Claims, Indian Affairs, and Joint Library. He was re-nominated for the position by acclamation and elected by a plurality of 756 votes. He was placed on the Committee of Ways and Means, was chairman of the Committee of Roads and Bridges, and a member of the Committees on Public Health and Joint Library. Aug. 22, 1860, he married Lizzie J., daughter of N. CHRISTIE, Esq., of Cattaraugus. Children: N. Christie, born May 9, 1868, and Ralph E., born July 19, 1877.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1059

Liberty JEFFERDS, son of Matthew and Salla (HELMS) JEFFERDS, was born in Rush, N. Y., April 18, 1813. His father died in 1819 and his mother removed to East Randolph during his boyhood. He married, first, a daughter of Robert HELMS, who was the mother of his son Lucian, a lumberman in Sheffield, Pa. His second wife was a daughter of Eldred BENTLEY, of Chautauqua County. Mr. JEFFERDS settled in East Randolph and was there engaged many years in manufacturing and dealing in pine lumber and hand-made pine shingles, which he rafted down the Allegheny and Ohio rivers. Later he was a farmer and lumberman in Randolph and Cold Spring about twenty years. He now resides with his son, Lyman JEFFERDS, in Tyrone, Pa. Mrs. JEFFERDS died Nov. 30, 1887. Children: Cordelia (Mrs. Joseph ARNOLD); Freedom L., born in Randolph, Dec. 23, 1838; Marcus, of Pennsylvania; Delilah (Mrs. Charles KIRKPATRICK); Lyman; and Lydia (Mrs. Marion PICKARD). Freedom L. JEFFERDS was raised a farmer and lumberman. Sept. 13, 1863, he married Clarinda, daughter of Samuel FOY, an early settler of Napoli. Mr. JEFFERDS now owns and conducts the JEFFERDS steam mills near the east line of this town, where he manufactures annually from two to three million feet of lumber. He also conducts a farm of fifty acres.

Freedom JEFFERDS was a native of Monroe County, N. Y., and one of a large family of children. His father was a prominent man in that county, being familiarly known as Judge JEFFERDS. Freedom JEFFERDS, one of the younger sons, married, in 1848, Lurancy D. WILLARD, of Attica. N. Y., and soon after settled in East Randolph, where Mr. JEFFERDS was engaged in the mercantile business in company with Horace H. HOLT, the firm name being HOLT & JEFFERDS. In 1848, having been in partnership with Mr. HOLT since 1840, Mr. JEFFERDS sold his interest in the store to Merrick NUTTING and soon moved onto a tract of timber land in Cold Spring, where the village of Steamburgh now stands. Large mills were at once erected. Lumbering was followed as a business for a number of years and the land upon which he had settled in a few years developed into a splendid farm, where he resided until his death. Mr. JEFFERDS followed this line more or less during the remainder of his life, farming being looked upon by him as an unremunerative "side issue". The lumber, as fast as sawed, was drawn to the Allegheny river and there rafted and run to Cincinnati for market. Freedom JEFFERDS was one of the most prominent men in the town of Cold Spring and well known throughout the county; he was an ardent Democrat and never neglected an opportunity to further the interests of his party, though he was in no sense a politician; he was active in educational interests; measures for the material improvement of the town always met with his hearty approval, and if financial aid was needed in the furtherance of any project his name was always found at the top of the subscription list. He gave lands upon which to build a hotel and stores in Steamburgh and subscribed liberally toward the erection of suitable buildings. He was one of the original stockholders in the Randolph Academy and Female Seminary, and freely gave a right of way across his farm to the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad Company and materially aided that corporation in the building of their line. J. C. Calhoun, the auditor of the Railroad Company, was a close friend of Mr. JEFFORDS and a frequent guest at his home. During the war he was an enthusiastic supporter of the Union cause and was largely instrumental in causing resolutions to be passed authorizing money to be raised for volunteers and to provide means for the support of their families; the action of the town authorized bounties of from $150 to $600 per man. Mr. JEFFERDS represented the town of Cold Spring on the Board of Supervisors in 1856, 1857, 1860, and 1863. He was a charter member of the Conewango Lodge, No. 340, I. O. O. F., instituted at east Randolph in 1850. In the latter years of his life he was agent for the Devereux Land Company and disposed of large quantities of land held by that company in Cold Spring and surrounding towns. He was a man of many friends, of imperturbable good nature, and a practical joke was one of his chief enjoyments. His old-time friends, to this day, relate many a lively story of his pranks and side-splitting escapades. He was charitable to a fault and many a poor family has cause to bless the liberal heart and hand of Freedom JEFFERDS. He was not a church member, though he contributed liberally to the church, and was never known to use an oath. He succeeded in obtaining a competency and had about concluded to retire from actual business, but while yet full of plans for the future welfare of his family, and the consideration for his own comfort, he was stricken with an incurable disease, and, suffering much pain, he passed away in the prime of his manhood, leaving a widow and four children surviving him.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1060

Owel M. JEFFERDS, son of Freedom and Lurancy D. (WILLARD) JEFFERDS, was born in Steamburgh, Feb. 20, 1854, received his education in Chamberlain Institute, and commenced business as a druggist in East Randolph, where he was engaged five years. He was teller of the State Bank of Randolph five years until Sept., 1887. He was railway postal clerk from Hornellsville to New York from Sept., 1888, until May 1, 1890, when he resigned to accept the position of editor of the "Courant" at Randolph. In Aug., 1877, he married Emma J. HARDING, of East Randolph; children: Lamont A. and Wynne I.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1060 & 1061

Marcus Hamilton JOHNSON, son of James G. and Sophia (STONE) JOHNSON and brother of Hon. James. G. JOHNSON, was born in Olean, Oct. 21, 1809, and is credited with being the first white male child born within the limits of the city of Olean. Through his long business career he was a merchant in Ellicottville and Randolph. He was supervisor of Randolph in 1847, and appointed treasurer of Cattaraugus Co. by the Board of Supervisors in 1841 and again in 1842, was elected to the Assembly in the fall of 1843 and reelected in 1847, and was appointed in 1855 United States Indian agent for the State of New York and held the office four years. Feb. 12, 1833, he married Sophronia WILLOUGHBY and has had one son, James G., an attorney in Randolph.

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1061

Bela R. JOHNSON, son of Gile and Millie (RICH) JOHNSON, was born in Dayton, N. Y., Jan. 11, 1843, was educated in the common schools supplemented with a few terms in the academies, and