A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 33

Author: Minard, John Stearns, 1834-1920; Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Alfred, N.Y., W. A. Fergusson & co.
Number of Pages: 1102

USA > New York > Allegany County > A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York > Part 33

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

(a.) Fidelity to clients-careful preparation of cases and zeal in their prosecution.

(b.) Conscientious in giving advice-always refusing a retainer in cases which he did not believe would win. Ambitious of professional success, rather than anxious to win large fees.

(c.) In speech he aimed to be analytical and logical, rather than florid. His conception of legal points was quick and lucid and he seldom erred in conclusions.

In 1857 Mr. Jones was elected member of assembly from the second assembly district of Allegany county. It was during his legislative term

277

COURTS AND LAWYERS.

that the bill removing the county seat from Angelica "to some point on the Erie railway to be determined by commissioners named in the bill " was introduced and passed, and of which he was the advocate and leader in the assembly. One year's experience in public life was sufficient to satisfy him that the feeble and ephemeral honor to be acquired from a membership in the New York legislature was no adequate compensation for the sacrifice and loss of a good law practice, and which he felt he was still too poor to aban- don, hence his decision to withdraw resolutely from active politics and pub- lic life and return to the more congenial duties of his profession. From that time he has neither sought nor desired public office. During the war of the Rebellion, which soon followed, there was a general suspension of law business throughout the country, and it was during this period that Mr. Jones began to turn his attention to the field of finance. With a moderate accumulation of money he had saved he made judicious and timely invest- ments in pine lands in Pennsylvania and Michigan, all of which proved highly profitable. In later years the development of oil fields in Mckean county, Pa., followed by like surprises in Allegany near his home, opened up a new enterprise from which he reaped a liberal harvest. After retiring from the active practice of his profession, he traveled extensively in his own coun- try, traversing nearly every state and territory. In 1883 he became inter- ested in banking, being one of the organizers and a large shareholder of the First National Bank of Wellsville. He was its vice president until 1891, when he assumed and has since retained the presidency and chief financial management of that institution. Mr. Jones married Sept. 1, 1858, Miss Gertrude Fassett. a lady of culture and refinement, and settled down upon the site of the pleasant homestead in Wellsville where they have since resided.

Hon. Edward D. Loveridge was born in New Milford, Conn., Dec. 11, 1824. He was educated at Trinity College, Conn., afterward taught school in Virginia a few years. He commenced studying law in 1851, was ad- mitted to the bar at Rochester in 1853 and the same year opened a law office in Castile, Wyoming county, where he remained until he came to Cuba in May, 1856. when he formed a law partnership with his brother, Noah P .. which continued for ten years. In Wyoming county Mr. Loveridge was town superintendent of schools. He was supervisor of Cuba for several terms. In 1861 and 2 he was elected to the legislature; was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1864, when Abraham Lincoln was re-nominated for president. January 12, 1869, he was elected president of the Cuba National Bank; which honorable and responsible posi- tion he has since most creditably filled. He is the senior member of the law firm of Loveridge & Leggett, so well and favorably known, and doing an ex- tensive business.

Amos B. Collins was born in Alfred in 1826. He was admitted to the bar in 1853; has held the office of justice of the peace for several terms.

Marcus L. Butler, born in Cherry Valley, Otsego county, Sept. 2, 1824, read law there at J. W. Fowler's law school, and was admitted to the bar at

278

HISTORY OF ALLEGANY COUNTY, N. Y.

Owego in 1851, and located at Whitesville where he has since practiced. In 1855 he was admitted to practice in the U. S. supreme court.

Charles W. Woodworth, born in Rushford in 1822, educated at the com- mon schools and Springville Academy; read law with A. P. Laning and was admitted in 1856, practiced law in Rushford until his death in 1891, part of the time in company with W. A. Stewart, under the firm name of Stewart & Woodworth, and for the last few years with Ralph B. Laning, as Wood- worth & Laning. He was post-master from 1860 to 1884, justice of the peace from 1882, was supervisor continuously from 1865 to 1875 inclusive and later in the eighties, was chairman of the board in 1882 and 1887.

Edgar W. Chamberlain was born in Waterloo, Seneca county, brought up on a farm and educated at the Waterloo Academy. He studied law in part with Hamilton Ward, was admitted in 1857 and entered into partner- ship with Mr. Ward. He has been justice of the peace two terms and presi- dent of Belmont a number of times. In the winter of 1876-7 Gov. Tilden appointed him one of a commission to report on the condition of the lateral canals. The other members of the commission were Hons. Warner Miller of Herkimer, A. B. Waldo of Essex, and William Foster of Oswego county. The lateral canals were abandoned in accordance with the recommenda- tions of the commission. Upon the failure of the First National Bank of Angelica, in 1886, President Cleveland appointed Mr. Chamberlain receiver of the bank. the duties of which office he discharged to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, paying all the depositors and creditors of the bank in full. He is now postmaster at Belmont.

Hon. Henry M. Teller, LL.D., U. S. Senator from Colorado, was born in Granger, May 23, 1830. His father, John Teller, was born in Schenectady, of Holland stock, in Feb., 1800, and came to Allegany county in 1814. He married Charlotte, daughter of Willard Moore, an early settler on the Short Tract road. She was born in Vermont, Aug. 8, 1808, and came to Allegany in 1820. John Teller resided on a small farm west of the Short Tract road from 1827 to 1852, when he moved to Pennsylvania and from there in 1863 to Illinois where he died in 1879. Three of his four sons are lawyers. Henry M. Teller attended the district schools and Alfred University (which in 1866 conferred on him the degree of LL. D.), and Rushford Academy for several years and taught school in Grove. Allen, Oramel. Cuba, Angelica and Catta- raugus county. In 1856 he became a law student of Martin Grover and L. A. Kendall in Angelica, was admitted to practice at Binghamton in January, 1858, and soon located at Morrison, Ill. In 1861 he removed to Colorado and was in active practice of law until elected to the U. S. Senate, Nov. 14, 1876, on the admission of Colorado as one of the United States, from 1864 being in partnership with his brother Willard in the firm of H. M. & W. Teller. Sen- ator Teller cast his first vote for president for Franklin Pierce in 1852, but assisted in forming the Republican party, taking part in the campaign of 1856 in New York and in that of 1860 in Illinois. He has always been active in politics, but the demands of an extensive and lucrative law practice for-

279

COURTS AND LAWYERS.

bade his acceptance of office until he was chosen to represent the new state in the U. S. Senate. At the opening of congress, Dec. 4, 1876, he drew the term ending March 3, 1877, and the Colorado legislature elected him, Dec. 9. 1876, for a six years' term. He served in the senate untill 1882, when he was appointed secretary of the Department of the Interior by President Arthur. He held this office until March 3, 1885, when he again took a seat in the U. S. Senate, having been elected in January, 1885. He was re-elected senator in 1891, his present term expiring March 3, 1897. He has been a leading member of various important senatorial committees, and in 1879 was chair- man of the Teller committee appointed to investigate the elections in South Carolina aud Louisiana. He is a close student of economics, is one of the national leaders of bimetalism, is not in full accord with the Republican party on the financial question and is a moderate protectionist. He has been Grand Master of the Free Masons of Colorado for seven years and has been Grand Commander of Knights Templar. He received the 33d degree in Scottish Rite Masonry in 1856. "Studious, reflecting, laborious and faith- ful as a lawyer, he has acquired a position at the bar second to no one in the west. He is original, and his opinions are based on mature thought. His perseverance is proverbial. Before a jury he is irresistible, while as a jurist his profound knowledge of legal principles and precedents are everywhere recognized." Mr. Teller married in June, 1862, Harriet M., daughter of Packard Bruce of Cuba, N. Y. They have three children now living.

Willard Teller. a brother of Henry M., was born in Granger in 1834. Staying on the farm until 1852 he entered Alfred University for a time. was graduated at Rushford Academy in 1856, and took a classical course at Ober- in College, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1858. He studied law at Angel- ica and was admitted to practice at Buffalo in November, 1859. He located at Olean until 1861, then practiced at Morrison, Ill., until 1864, where he re- moved to Central City, Colorado, and with his brother. Henry M., formed what soon became a leading law firm of the territory. He removed to Den- ver in 1878, and, with Henry M., has offices at Denver and Central City, and enjoys a large practice. He is one of the leading Republicans of Colorado, but has never held office.

Hon. David P. Richardson was born at Macedon. Wayne county. He was a student at the academy at Macedon Centre, and later at Yale, where he was graduated. Soon after he left college, in connection with Rev. Samuel Cen- ter, who was principal, he acted as first assistant during the first year of Angelica Academy. He succeeded Mr. Center as principal. He was ad- mitted to the bar in 1859, having pursued his studies with Judge Grover. At the outbreak of the Rebellion he raised a company of volunteers and joined the 6th New York Cavalry, with which regiment he served over three years on the staffs of Gens. Stoneman, Pleasanton and Deven. After the war he returned to Angelica where he has since resided. He was three years supervisor of his town, the last year being chairman of the board. He was in the 46th and 47th congresses and served with distinction. He was for

280

HISTORY OF ALLEGANY COUNTY, N. Y.

years the senior member of the leading law firm of Richardson, Flenagin & Smith, his partners being the late Hon. C. N. Flenagin and Frank S. Smith. He is now of the firm Richardson & Robbins, his partner being Hon. F. A. Robbins, the present member of assembly from Allegany, and the firm is doing a large business.

Robert S. Armstrong was born in Fulton county, June 29, 1835. He re- moved to Cuba in 1841, and in 1857 in the office of the late Hon. M. B. Cham- plain commenced the study of law, and while attending the Albany Law School in 1859 was admitted to the bar upon examination at general term. He soon after entered into partnership with Mr. Champlain at Cuba. The partnership continued until Mr. Champlain's death in 1879. At one time the firm was known as Champlain, Armstrong & Russell (the late Samuel M. Russell), and did an extensive business. After Mr. Champlain's death, Mr. Armstrong was for a while associated with Wilkes Angel. He still practices and is now associated with F. M. Todd, the firm being known as Armstrong & Todd.

Omer Olney was born in Scipio, Cayuga county, Jan. 25, 1821. He was educated in the common schools, removed to Granger in 1853; in 1861 read law in the office of Peter Carter at Nunda, and was admitted to the bar at Buffalo in Nov., 1861, at the general term of the supreme court, Richard P. Marvin presiding, Martin Grover, Noah Davis, justices. He is now liv- ing in Topeka, Kansas, having practiced a number of years in Allegany and Livingston counties.

Daniel H. Holliday was born in Burns, Dec. 6, 1837, and was graduated from the Albany Law School in 1861, and has since practiced law at Cana- seraga.

Virgil A. Willard was born at Cuba in this county, Oct. 20, 1838, of New England parentage, but passed part ofhis early life at Sandisfield, Berkshire Co., Mass. When 13 he commenced work in a mill at Belmont (then Philips- ville), and earned money to enable him to attend school several terms at Rushford Academy, and at Friendship and Alfred. After reading law two years with Col. A. J. McNett he attended law school in Albany in 1861 and 2, and was admitted to the bar on examination by the general term of the supreme court in May, 1862. He was a clerk in the quarter master's de- partment of the provost-marshal's office at Elmira in 1863 and 4, and after the war formed a law partnership with Col. McNett at Belmont. This did not long continue, and from its expiration Mr. Willard has been engaged alone in active practice at Belmont. He has been supervisor of Belmont, justice of the peace, and was, from 1887 to 1894, the editor of the Genesee Valley Post, of which he is part owner. He has been master of Belmont Lodge, No. 474 F. & A. M., and master of the A. O. U. W., a fraternal insur- ance association. He was married in 1872 to Miss Mary J. Lanphear, of Alfred, and resides at Belmont.

B. C. Rude was born in Livingston county in 1836, was graduated from Genesee College at Lima in 1858, then for three years taught school. He

SA Fergusson B. Co

Rufus Scott

281

COURTS AND LAWYERS.

read law from 1859 to 1862, and in 1863 began practice at Almond, remaining there four years, then settling in Wellsville. From 1873 to 1875, in addition to his professional duties he edited the Wellsville Reporter. He removed to Florida.

W. F. Bement was born Oct. 23, 1837, in Dryden , Tompkins county. He was a graduate of Rushford Academy. He studied law with N. P. and E. D. Loveridge at Cuba, was graduated from Albany Law University and ad- mitted to practice in May. 1863. He is located at Cuba.

Seth H. Tracy was born Aug. 19, 1835, at Canandaigua. In 1840 his father, Ira Tracy, moved to "Phillipsville " now Belmont, where Seth at- tended the district school in the winter and worked on his father's farm in the summer. He completed his education at Alfred Academy in the spring of 1860 and then read law with Col. A. J. McNett at Belmont. In May, 1863, he was admitted to the bar at Albany. In 1865 he commenced the practice of law at Belmont which he continues. He has been notary public.

Charles N. Flenagin was born Sept. 30, 1839. He received his education at the Genesee Conference Seminary at Pike, Wyoming county, and entered the law office of E. E. Harding at Hume as a student in 1860, and began prac- tice there in 1864. He removed to Angelica in 1874. He was elected to the assembly in 1869, and re-elected in 1870. In 1874 he was elected district attorney, and re-elected in 1877. When in Hume he was on the board of supervisors. For years he was one of the well-known law firm of Richardson, Flenagin and Smith of Angelica,. He died at Angelica, April 30, 1881.

Gen. Rufus Scott, son of Alfred and Anna (Harrison) Scott and grand- son of Rufus, the early settler of Friendship, was born in that town Oct. 8, 1838. His love of education was stimulated by the scant supply afforded by the primitive district schools he attended, and, by the cultivation of close economy, he succeeded in obtaining the advantages of Friendship Academy and Alfred University, and taught district school when 16 and was also a teacher in the academy. A good talker and a ready and a logical debater, in 1860 he "stumped " the county for Abraham Lincoln, and cast his first presidential vote for his electors. He enlisted May 1, 1861, as a private in Co. B. of the 23d New York. shortly after commencing the study of law, served several months in the field, and was sent home on recruiting service for the 85th New York. He secured many enlistments for three companies of that organization, but, finding that probably amicable relations could not be maintained, he declined the offered commission of captain, and in Decem- ber, 1861, returned to his place in the ranks of the 23d, and served there until the spring of 1862. when he was conveyed to Fortress Monroe while on a visit to his friends of the 85th on a two-days' furlough. As he could not return to his regiment, he accompanied the 85th in the historic Peninsular campaign, taking part in nearly every engagement. He was arrested as a deserter May 24, 1862, but, released by order of the brigade commander, continued to follow the active service of the 85th, was severely wounded at

282

HISTORY OF ALLEGANY COUNTY, N. Y.

Fair Oaks and sent to hospital. In August, 1862, he rejoined his regiment and returned to Allegany on detached recruiting service, and August 27th was commissioned major of the 130th New York (1st N. Y. Dragoons). From this time until its muster-out at the close of the war he was prominently con- nected with the extremely brilliant career of this heroic regiment. He was commissioned lieutenant-colonel Dec. 24, 1864, and Mar. 13, 1865, was brevetted brigadier-general "for gallant and meritorious services." (He had been in actions where he was wounded five times-four severely.) Jan. 10, 1866, President Johnson complimented his bravery and ability by an appointment as captain in the regular army, which he declined to accept. After the war he continued his legal studies, was admitted to the bar at Buffalo in May. 1866, and engaged in practice at Belmont as a member of the law firm of Ward & Scott. He was supervisor of Amity several terms, and served as district attorney for two terms from 1868, when he was first elected. His services as speaker in political campaigns were numerous and effective until the weight of private business compelled him to desist. He was prominently connected with the G. A. R. and active in its service until forced to deny himself this pleasure by the reason just assigned. In 1881 on account of failing health largely induced by too much confinement he engaged in oil operations, and in order to be more centrally located for this purpose he made his home in Wellsville in 1883. He is now a large operator in the Allegany oil field, and has been retained in and conducted several important cases of litigation in connection with oil development. He was the New York member of the executive committee that conducted the " Shut-in movement " against the Standard Oil Co. in 1887 by shutting in oil wells and stopping 40 per cent. of the output of the Allegany and Pennsylvania oil fields for a year, during which time the committee drew $6,000,000 from the Standard Oil Co. for the producers. General Scott has been connected since 1885 with the Peerless Carbon-black Co., of Pittsburgh, whose works are located in Mckean Co., Pa. Their product is largely used in the manufac- ture of the finer grades of printing ink. He married Nov. 12, 1864, Mary M. Axtell, adopted daughter of John and Mary A. Axtell of Friendship. Claude R. Scott is their only child. As a citizen, as an attorney, as a business man and as an oil operator General Scott is in the front rank of Allegany's peo- ple. His beautiful residence erected in 1886 is one of the elegant homes of Western New York.

Hon. Seymour Dexter, Ph.B., son of Daniel and Angeline (Briggs) Dexter (see Independence) was born in Independence. Mar. 20. 1841. His education at Alfred University was interrupted in 1861, when he enlisted, April 26th. in Co. K. 23d New York. He faithfully served the two years of his enlistment and then completed his college course at Alfred where he was graduated in 1864. He studied law in Elmira and in May. 1866, was admitted to the bar in Binghamton, and located at Elmira. Associated with various partners he rapidly acquired a large practice, in the spring of 1872 was appointed city attorney, and in the fall was elected member of assembly

283

COURTS AND LAWYERS.

from Chemung Co., the only Republican elected to this position from 1866 to 1883. He declined a unanimous tender of a second nomination as member of assembly. His professional standing had before this been conceded to be in the front rank of his profession in the Southern Tier, and in 1877 he was elected county judge. He held this office by re-election until August, 1889, when he resigned it to accept the presidency and active management of the Second National Bank of Elmira, one of the strongest banks of this strong financial city. which he now occupies. In this position of trust Judge Dexter has shown unusual financial ability and rare business acumen. In 1875 he was made president of the new Chemung Valley Building and Loan Associa- tion. He still holds that office, and the Association has accomplished great good under his management and possesses assets of $340,000. He has taken great interest in co-operative movements, was made vice-president of the New York State League of Co-operative Savings and Building Loan Associations at its organization in 1890, and elected its president in 1890 and 1891. He has acquired fame from his writings on this subject, and in 1889 D. Appleton & Co. of New York City, published his work on Co-operative Associations, which is now an universal authority. He has proven himself an able lecturer and writer on political economy, social science, and other subjects, and is a highly esteemed member of the American Social Science Association. He has been long prominently identified with the G. A. R., has been judge advocate of the State Department, and his name has been con- spicuously mentioned in connection with the highest official place of the national organization. He has been for years a member of the Park St. (Congregational) Church of Elmira. an active worker in its Sunday-school, and an intimate friend of Rev. Thos. K. Beecher, its distinguished pastor. June 17, 1868, he married Eleanor E., daughter of Ebenezer Weaver, of Leonardsville, Madison Co., who graduated from Alfred University in the same class with her husband. They have two sons and two daughters.

Rev. Henry L. Jones, son of Lewis, born in Alfred, Nov. 13, 1828, was prepared for college at Alfred Academy, and, in 1852, was graduated from Union College, and in 1866 was admitted to the bar. For 6 years he was a teacher at DeRuyter Institute, later principal of Richburg Academy one year, from 1860 to 1863 he was school commissioner, then practiced law at Wellsville until April 7, 1891. August, 1891, he was ordained a Seventh-day Baptist clergyman and has since preached at various places.

Zenas H. Jones was born in Coventry, Chenango county, May 12. 1810. In 1832 he came to Scio. later Wellsville, and in 1840 to Wellsville village, where he resided until his death Sept. 14, 1884. About 1841 he commenced reading law " by himself," and shortly after, advised by Judge Martin Grover, he presented himself for examination, and was admitted to the bar. March 26, 1866, he was admitted to practice in the northern district of this state. Mr. Jones was twice elected supervisor, served 32 years as justice of the peace, and was in 1879 elected police justice of Wellsville.

John H. Rumpff was son of Rev. A. Rumpff, and was born Nov. 21, 1838,

284

HISTORY OF ALLEGANY COUNTY, N. Y.

in Saugerties, educated at the public schools of Boston, Mass., and Canajo- harie Academy, read law at Dansville with L. B. Proctor, was admitted to practice June, 1867, at Rochester, and has practiced at Dansville, and at Wellsville since 1879.

William Spargur was born in Eaton in 1836. He attended Hamilton College and in 1862 was admitted to the bar. In 1867 he located in Wells- ville, where he still is in practice.

Frank Brundage, son of Matthew, born in Allen, Jan. 4, 1846, was edu- cated at Friendship Academy, read law in Angelica with Green & Richard- son, was admitted to the bar in December, 1868, opened an office at Angel- ica in 1872, went to Lockport, opened an office, in 1874 was elected district attorney, re-nominated by acclamation and declined, was elected county judge of Niagara county in 1878, served 4 years, then resigned and estab- lished himself for the practice of law in Buffalo.

Henry H. Relya was born in Lee, Oneida county, June 6, 1840. He re- ceived only a common school education, read law with Emulous Townsend at Portageville, and with C. N. Flenagin at Hume, and was admitted to the bar at Buffalo in 1871. In December, 1874, he opened an office in Hume vil- lage, in the spring of 1895 removing his office to Fillmore, where he is now in practice.

William H. Scott, son of Alfred and Anna (Harrison) Scott, was born in Wirt in 1849. He studied law at Belmont with Ward & Scott, was admitted to practice in 1872, located in Friendship where he died in 1883.

Bascom P. Mapes was born in Angelica in 1840. He practiced law for some years at Belmont where he is now engaged in the mercantile business. Has also been school commissioner for the southern district.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 33

Author: Minard, John Stearns, 1834-1920; Merrill, Georgia Drew Publication date: 1896 Publisher: Alfred, N.Y., W. A. Fergusson & co. Number of Pages: 1102

Author: Minard, John Stearns, 1834-1920; Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Alfred, N.Y., W. A. Fergusson & co.
Number of Pages: 1102