A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 98

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 98

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resident of Friendship. Mr. and Mrs. Reid dispense a generous hospitality in their pleasant home, and are quite extensive travelers, making frequent trips to the south, west and the east.

Walter D. Renwick born in Ontario county, April 18, 1825, came with his father, Adam Renwick, to Cuba in 1826. Educated at Friendship and Alfred Mr. Renwick commenced in 1845 his long career as teacher, teaching 72 terms in Friendship, Belmont, Cuba and Scio, part of the time in Friendship Academy. He was school commissioner of the Southern District of the county six years and town superintendent of Amity four years. Oct. 18, 1853, he married Mrs. Abigail Gorton, daughter of Joseph S. Norton, also a successful teacher. (Her son, Sheri- dan Gorton, Esq. of Smethport, Pa., has been district attorney of Mckean county.) Mr. Ren- wick has 4 children, Ellena (Mrs. Frank L. Dayton). Lizzie (Mrs. W. H. Flint), Walter Norton and Edwin McArthur.

Clarence D. Robinson, son of David S., was born in Ceres, Pa., March 23, 1848. His father was a blacksmith, followed that trade for years in Wirt, settled in Allentown in 1859, where he died Feb. 3. 1888. Clarence D. married, first, Clarissa Howe, second, Mary Goodell, third, Nettie Reed. Commencing business life as a merchant in Allentown, Mr. Robinson was later an oil producer and is both a farmer and a carpenter. He has resided in Friendship since 1883, and was elected assessor in 1892.

Rufus Scott, a native of New Hampshire, came from near Burlington, Vt., to Friendship in 1807, where ultimately four of his brothers, Chester, Waitzell, Justice and another, settled very early. Rufus was a pioneer farmer and a merchant in the little country crossroads hamlet which is now Friendship village. He had a large family and three sons, Alfred, Rufus and Hollis. The latter removed to Hinsdale, Cattaraugus county, in 1835, where Scott's Corners bears his name, and became prominent as a business man and in politics. Rufus was a lum- berman on the Honeoye. Alfred Scott was about 21 when he came with his father to this county. He developed a fine farm out of a tract of the primeval forests. In 1840 he became a hotel keeper at Friendship village, removed to Wirt in 1844 where he was owner of a large tract of land which he transformed into broad cultivated acres, temporarily, however, removing to Bolivar, where for two years he conducted lumbering in California Hollow and was owner of the Lower California mills. Returning to Wirt he resided on his farm until 1870, when, the family circle being broken up by the death of his wife, he made his home among his children until his death, which occurred in Friendship in 1880. He was an Universalist, and a Jefferso- nian Democrat until 1856 when he became a Republican. He married Anna Harrison, a native of Massachusetts and a distant relative of the Presidents Harrison. Their children were Malvina, Warren L., Irene ( Mrs. L. C. Newton), Rufus (see Courts and Lawyers), Russell H., Henrietta, Walter, William H., Charles and Anna.

Solomon T. Scott, son of John the Scotch emigrant, was born in Pittstown, N. Y., married Lucy Washburn, daughter of Daniel, in Saratoga county, and moved westward, locating first in Ontario Co., then in Yates Co., and last, in 1831, in Friendship, where they developed a fine farm from the forest. Mr. Scott died about 1862, aged 88, and his wife about 1858. Joel W. Scott, son of Solomon T., was born Sept. 4, 1824, and when 13 was put out to work for Dr. Dana and for 9 years he labored for him and Levi Pearse, his father receiving his wages. Liv- ing then with his father until 1852 he purchased the homestead which was his home until 1883, when he made his residence in Friendship village. He is extensively acquainted throughout the county as he was a large dealer in stock, and known as one of the county's best farmers. He has been 3 times married, in 1850 to Mary Phillips who died in 1854; in 1856 to Phebe, daughter of Rev. Chester Coburn, who died in June, 1892 ; Jan. 10, 1892, to Mrs. Alice Stout.

Russell H. Scott, son of Alfred and Anna (Harrison) Scott, was born Nov. 8, 1840, in Friendship, where he attended the common schools, and assisted in the farm labor. At the age of 20 he enlisted in the 85th Regt. N. Y. V., as a member of the regimental band and was with it until discharged Aug. 1, 1862. He re-enlisted in 1865 as a member of the brigade band. November 12, 1864, Mr. Scott married Martha, daughter of David and Susannah McCormick, and in 1873 he settled on the farm where he now resides. He has 2 sons, Alfred and Ralph.

Don C. Scott, son of Wm. H. and Helen (Purple) Scott, was born in Friendship, Sept. 14, 1869. He descends from the numerous family of Scotts who early settled in Friendship. He attended Friendship academy, then as a musician accompanied various theatrical troupes through all the United States and Canada. He finally became a photographer through his artistic tastes cultivated by his experiences with a kodak. He made his first professional sitting July 8, 1894, and has now an assured position as an artist and a fine gallery. He married, Dec. 22, 1892, Rowine Wellington of Presque Isle, Maine.

W. L. Smith, D. D. S., son of Simeon B. and Minerva E. (Mix) Smith, was born June 25, 1867. He was a student of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn., and was graduated from the dental department in 1891. The same year he located in Friendship, where he is now in practice. In 1892 he married Lizzie Oliver of Wellsville, one child Oliver. Stephen R. Smith,

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grandfather of W. L., born in Berlin, N. Y., married Hannah Baker, and settled in Alfred in 1826 or 7. They had 7 children. Simeon B. was born in 1832, married Minerva E. Mix, and had 4 children of whom survive Ida A. (Mrs. A. Hood) and Dr. W. L. Smith.

William Stevens, born in Berkshire Co., Mass., July 4, 1808, married Hannah Hosley, settled in Friendship in 1834 as a shoemaker, had children : Nancy E. (Mrs. Asahel Sprague), Helen (Mrs. Wesley Lambert), Arthur, Alice (Mrs. George Young), and Frank. Mr. Stevens died Nov. 24, 1868, his wife April 12, 1881.

Benj. Stickney from Boston, Mass., came here about 1823, located two miles north of the village. He was a Harvard graduate and son of a wealthy Boston merchant. He married Sarah Van Horn and had nine children. The youngest son, Lewis, born Feb. 20, 1841, served from 1861 to 1863 in Co. B, 23d N. Y. Vols., and in 1866 married Sarah, daughter of David and Lavinia (Cooper) McGibeny of West Almond. Is a farmer and member of Hatch Post G. A. R.

William H. Stillman, son of Clark G. and Electa (Howard) Stillman, was born in Norwich, Ct., July 31, 1828. In 1829 his father moved to Ceres where they lived until 1840, when Mr. Stillman moved to Wisconsin. In 1849 William H. Stillman came to Genesee and worked at shoemaking until 1862, when he enlisted in Co. C, 85th N. Y. Vol. April 21, 1864, he was cap- tured at Plymouth, N. C., taken to Andersonville prison, was kept there until November, then went to Charleston, S. C., and after remaining 4 weeks was taken to Florence, S. C., and re- leased March 1, 1865, and discharged June 6, 1865. From 1885 Mr. Stillman was a citizen of Friendship. In 1854 he married Susan Tanner of Genesee. They had 5 children. She died July 5, 1887. His second wife was Mrs. E. R. Clark. Mr. Stillman was assessor of Friendship 3 years, prominent in the G. A. R. circles and adjutant of the post.

Judge Josiah Utter, son of Josiah and Mary (Ketchum) Utter, was born in Delaware Co. In 1809 his father brought his family to Friendship where he passed his life. Josiah, Jr., received the educational advantages of the common schools only and engaged in farming. Elected a justice of the peace he soon attracted attention by his decisions and was kept in this office 25 years, and was appointed by the governor judge of the county court, holding that position three terms. He was an early Freemason, and an active Democrat until 1856, when he became a Republican. In 1819 he married, and had II children. He died in 1877, his wife in 1886. Lewis Utter, oldest son of Judge Josiah, was born Sept. 27, 1820. He has always been engaged in farming in this, his native town. Owns a farm of 150 acres, has held offices of highway com- missioner, assessor and collector. He has always been a Republican. He married in 1851 Sophia, daughter of Justice Scott. Three children : Ellen (Mrs. Chas. L. Blossom of Hinsdale), Elizabeth (Mrs. M. L. Middaugh), Fred L. who resides with his father.

A Miner Wellman, son of Col. A. J. and Kate (Miner) Wellman, was born in Friendship, Nov. 13, 1866, was graduated from Yale University in the class of 1888, and the same year entered the employ of the First National Bank of Friendship. In January, 1890, he became its cashier and now holds that position. He married June 28, 1893, Hattie Prior Baldwin of Saxton's River, Vt. They have a daughter, Kathryn Ivel. Mr. Wellman is a Baptist and Republican.

William Wightman was born in Herkimer Co .. Oct. 31, 1823. His father, Dyer Wight- man, was a soldier of the War of 1812, and son of Zerubbabel, a soldier of the Revolution who attained to 105 years of age. In 1828 Dyer Wightman came to Steuben Co., with wife, Phebe A. Ormsby, and family. William learned and pursued harness-making until 1864 when he enlisted in the 85th N. Y., was corporal, and served until the close of the war. With this exception he has carried on harness-making at Nile since 1849 in the same shop. Is member of Hatch Post, G. A. R., and has been its chaplain since 1891. He married in 1849 Amelia Enos, daughter of Harry. Three children. Harry Enos, son of Joseph and Amelia (Holcomb) Enos, was born April 14, 1805, in Sheffield, Conn. In 1867 he married Sarah, daughter of Abram Crandall and made his home on the farm he then purchased where he now resides. His wife died Dec. 9, 1883. Both were Seventh-day Baptists. Children : Sarah A. (Mrs. Henry Rogers of Genesee), dec., Amelia (Mrs. Wm. Wightman), Antoinette (Mrs. Edward Potter of Independence) dec., Henriette (Mrs. Samuel T. Burdick).

Alvan Richardson, who passed the last years of his life as a resident of Friendship, was earlier a prominent citizen of Wirt. His portrait and biographical sketch appears in connection with the history of that town in this volume.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

HON. ASHER W. MINER.

Hon. Asher Wetmore Miner descends from the Connecticut Miners whose first American ancestor was Thomas Miner, who, born at Chew Magus, England, in 1608, came to America 1630, settled in New Lon- don 1645, was a most prominent man in Eastern Connecticut until his death in 1690. The name dates back to about 1350 when Edward III. bestowed it upon "Henry the Miner " of Mendippe Hills, Somersetshire, for his prompt efficiency in furnishing the King's escort as he embarked on that famous invasion of France in which he won the noted battle of Crecy. Mr. Miner was son of Absalom and Mary (Gorton) Miner, and was born Dec. 15, 1814, in Brookfield, Madison county, and in 1829 came with his parents to the wilderness region now developed into the charming town of Friendship. (His father was born at Guilford, Conn., and his mother in Rhode Island.) The journey was attended with more of difficulty than would now appertain to a journey around the world. The young lad met the difficulties of pioneer life with self-reliant courage, acquiring a practical education at the primi- tive schools, and at the home fireside, under the teachings of his religious parents, the principles of a Christian faith, broad, deep, humanitarian, which ever inspired and controlled his actions through a long and useful life. The environments of his youth tended to form a strong, self-restrained, well-balanced character, the hardships and dangers stimulating his innate energy, independence, industry and frugality, until in manhood he combined the best elements of a successful business life with rare soundness of judg- ment and keen financial ability. In his twenty-third year, Sept. 21, 1837, he married Electa R., daughter of Dea. Samuel S. and Lydia Carter, a lady em- inently fitted for a helpmeet for him .* In 1844, Mr. Miner became an ex- tensive lumberman at Richburg, and soon engaged also in merchandising. He was successful. His business relations brought him into the best social circles in an extensive area, and he won the leading men to a personal regard that uniformly developed into warmest friendship. In 1860 he made his

* Mrs. Electa R. (Carter) Miner was born at Victor, N. Y., Nov. 20, 1819, and came with her parents to Friendship in 1823. She was more than an ordinary woman. In the 55 years of her wedded life thousands of friends and strangers passed in and out of her presence and bore loving testimony to the simplicity, sereni- ty and kindness that were innate parts of her nature. Baptist by birth and education she was a mother in Israel to the Friendship church. To her the sisters first came for counsel and aid, and under her roof the Baptist minister and missionary found warmest welcome. Her liberality claimed the good of all sects as her brethren, numbering many of them as warm friends, and by her amiability and charities she illustrated the virtues that all sects hold in equal esteem. "For a woman to live a long life like Mrs. Miner, employing the intimate and confidential service of many domestics and others, and to have them all pay warm tributes of love and admiration to her, is the highest test of character and the highest flight of eulogy." For many years the Miner homestead, " Welcome House ", was the center of the social manifestations at Friendship, and here her great motherly heart lovingly poured its choicest treasures upon the circle of children and friends and dis- pensed a regal hospitality to " the strangers within her gates." When she died in October, 1892, the whole community was wrapped in gloom.

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home in Friendship and never after changed his residence. He now had many lines of business activity, but he was a natural financier and became largely interested in banking. In 1870 he was elected president of the First National Bank of Friendship (which he aided in organizing in 1864) and held that position until his death, May 30, 1892. He was a stockholder and a di- rector in the First National Bank of Cuba, First National Bank of Salaman- ca, First National Bank of Franklinville, Citizen's Bank of Arcade, and First National Bank of Exeter, Neb. He was a stockholder in the First National Bank of Olean, and in other banking institutions. He was one of the larg- est operators in the Allegany oil field, and realized much wealth from his investments in this direction. He was a strong Republican in politics, held many positions of local trust in his party, stood high in its councils, repre- senting it frequently in county and state conventions, and in 1888 was a member of the Electoral College from New York. His Republicanism came from his intense patriotism. Many a soldier's heart was cheered by him, many a veteran can tell of kindly remembrance, and the magnificent sol- dier's monument crowning Mt. Hope cemetery, erected by his munificence, is a perpetual memorial of his loyalty. He was public spirited in all matters and expended thousands of dollars to advance the growth and importance of his village and town. With his death the Baptist society lost its chief pillar. His purse was ever open to its demands and he discharged every yearly deficit with ostentatious generosity. He paid one-half the cost of erecting the beautiful church, and his wise counsels and fatherly sugges- tions were important factors in the prosperity of the denomination. In the home circle was most completely shown the loving intensity of his nature. He was a tender and devoted husband, an affectionate father and a most gracious entertainer, ably seconding his charming wife in her charming hospitality. Without children, and with hearts overflowing with parental affection, they lavished it upon the children of others. They adopted three daughters, who are now Mrs. Kate M. Wellman, Mrs. Myra E. Corbin and Mrs. Ella Lockwood. These were given the recognition, the rights, and the affection of real children, and they returned the love they received in full measure. Mr. Miner's private gifts were many and munificent to individu- als, to churches and to schools. The soldiers' monument cost $5,000, the new church received $14,000, and Cook Academy was given in no stinted measure. Among the bequests in his will were these : to the Baptist church $3,000 and a cancellation of $2,000 indebtedness held by him, to Mt. Hope Cemetery Association $10,000 and a cancellation of a large indebtedness, to Rochester Theological Seminary $5.000, to the Baptist Home Mission Society $5,000, to the Baptist State Convention $5,000, to Cook Academy $3,000, to the Home of the Friendless, New York city, $3,000. Mr. Miner was one of the plain people, who sympathized deeply with all men as long as they re- spected their own manhood. With wise and discriminating liberality the truly needy found in him one ready to listen to their appeals and take their cases into helpful consideration. His acquisition of wealth was largely

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achieved by following his early formed habits of persevering diligence, strict economy and thoughtful investigation, and he was a notable specimen of the American growth which starts from poverty and develops into wealth, statesmanship, wide personal influence and financial control. When he was stricken down with heart disease on May 30, 1892, Memorial Day, one of the strong men of Western New York passed away, and the sun never set on a sadder day to his personal friends.

HON. ABIJAH J. WELLMAN.

Col. Abijah Joslyn Wellman, son of Dr. Jonas and Keziah (Joslyn) Well- man, was born at Friendship, N. Y., on the 6th of May, 1836. His father was born in Vermont in 1799; removed to Friendship in 1829; was an eminently successful physician, and died in 1844 in the prime of manhood and in the midst of a highly useful career. Col. Wellman engaged in mercantile busi- ness in 1855, before he was of age, in banking in 1860, and in lumbering in 1864, in all of which pursuits he was actively engaged up to the time of his death, June 8, 1889. In 1882 he invested heavily in the oil business and was a large and successful operator in the Allegany oil field. At the organiza- tion of the First National Bank of Friendship in 1864 he was chosen its cashier, which position he held continuously to the time of his death. The great success of this firm and reliable banking institution is due largely to his wise judgment and financial ability. In September, 1861, he was ap- pointed captain of a company of volunteers, recruited by himself, and which subsequently became Company C, 85th N. Y. Vol. At the organization of the regiment he was appointed major. His comrades in the army bear witness at once to his soldierly and patriotic zeal; his determination to magnify his office and not let his office magnify him; and his incessant care for the rights and comfort of the individual soldiers. He rose to the rank of lieutenant-colo- nel, March 14, 1862; was soon entirely in command of his regiment. Under the hot fire of the battle of Fair Oaks, May 31st, where he was leading his regi- ment, he received a double wound in the head, and for more than 26 years carried a conspicuous scar as a reminder of that memorable and desperately fought engagement. By reason of disability resulting from this wound, he was honorably discharged March 24, 1863, with the rank of lieutenant- colonel, and the privilege of re-entering the army at any time with the same rank. Colonel Wellman exhibited the forethought, the fertility of resource and the quick adaptation of ends to means, that mark the successful states- man, and his services were demanded for public office. For seven succes- sive years, commencing in 1866, he was supervisor of Friendship and the last three years of the time was chairman of the board of supervisors. In 1872 he was a delegate to the national Republican convention at Philadelphia that nominated Grant and Wilson. In 1873 he was elected state senator from the 30th senatorial district, which then comprised the counties of Alle- gany, Wyoming and Livingston. His service in the senate continued from

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1874 to 1877. He was assigned to four committees, being a member of the one on banks and internal affairs of towns and counties, also chairman of those on militia and state prisons. In the latter capacity he had much to do with the framing of the legislation relating to reform in the state prison sys- tem under the amended constitution, which resulted in a change very favor- able to the revenues of the state. Mr. Wellman was the leader and stay of the Baptist church of Friendship; was long one of its trustees and its clerk; was deacon for 14 years. He was Sunday school superintendent for 24 years, and bore the expenses of the school with lavish outlay. He was a benefactor of Cook Academy, of Rochester Theological Seminary, and of numberless other objects of Christian aid and charity. Colonel Wellman married, Sept. 17, 1863, Kate, daughter of Hon. Asher W. Miner, who, with four children, A. Miner, Blanche, Roy and Guy, survive him. A son, Ray- mond, died suddenly some years since just as he was entering a promising manhood. Thus briefly is recalled the public life, military and civic, of one of God's noblest men. In whatever he undertook, he showed not only far-see- ing and practical wisdom, but a pertinacity of will that never yielded, a pa- tience in investigation that never wearied, a system and order that brought others to his standard of efficiency. He had an integrity that was never questioned, a loyalty to home, family and friends that was never excelled. He was faithful to every trust and left the rich legacy of a pure and stainless record.

" We see him as he moved,

How modest, kindly, all accomplished, wise,

With what sublime repression of himself.

And in what limits, and how tenderly ; Not making his high place a lawless perch

Of winged ambition, nor a vantage ground

For pleasures: but through all this travel of years, Wearing the white flower of a blameless life."

STEPHEN W. COLE.

The Coles were among the early families in America. In 1637, James Cole was an inhabitant of Plymouth, Mass., and was granted lands on the south side of Leyden street. Cole's Hill, Plymouth, probably takes its name from John Cole who was there in 1699. The Pilgrims who died in the winter of 1620-1 were buried on that hill, and the survivors planted corn over their graves that the Indians might not perceive how their number was diminish- ing. Members of this family subsequently removed to Scituate, Plympton and other towns in Plymouth county. The Coles were early in the eastern part of Connecticut, and Ambrose Cole who died in Norwich in 1690 came from Scituate, Mass. A branch of the family settled in Hopkinton, R. I., and here, Dec. 7, 1814, Stephen Welcome Cole was born. His parents be- longed to that plain, intelligent and very worthy people known among them- selves as Friends and to the outside world as Quakers, and when, at the age of four, Welcome was left fatherless, the mother showed wonderful qualities

I Cole

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of intelligence, industry and parental care in the bringing up of her nine children so that they should be fairly well educated for the arena of life. Welcome received the advantages of a two years' course at the noted Friend's School at Providence, R. I., and it never had a more attentive or receptive student. He chose civil engineering as his profession and in 1835 was employed on the first projection of the Erie railway and was one of the civil engineers whose skill and labor established a feasible grade for the passage of the iron horse through the almost unbroken wilderness of the Southern Tier. Mr. Cole purchased a farm of 700 acres in Cuba about four miles from Friendship, and marrying in New London, Conn., July 27, 1839, Elizabeth L., daughter of Rowse B. and Ruth (Morey) Browning, he brought his young bride thither and made this farm his home until 1867 when he re- moved to Friendship. (On her mother's side his wife descended from one of the earliest families of Newport, R. I.) Their children were Stephen W., Jr., born Dec. 26, 1842, died in Rochester, March 11, 1864, and Sands, born April 6, 1848, died Aug 3, 1879. Mr. Cole survived his youngest son but three months, dying Nov. 5, 1879. Mrs. Cole later married Peter B. Reid, and is still living, one of the best types ever existing of the warm-hearted, generous, noble women of the pioneer period. She can look back and in her recollections trace step by step the transformation of this county from a forest wilderness to a smiling series of farms, gardens, villages and other manifestations of the highest civilization. Mr. Cole possessed a winning personality with great kindliness of heart, and rare business sagacity. As a farmer his untiring energy early gave marked results in abundant crops and choice herds, and fortune smiled upon his labors. About ten years previous to his death he sold the farm on which he had so long resided and purchased the Levi Pearse farm two miles west of Friendship village which was his home until his death, which occurred while he and his family were boarding at the American House in Friendship. During his residence at Friendship he aided many a poor man in building a home, and was one whom such sought for counsel and advice. His circle of acquaintance extended far and wide and among all classes, and by his death the public, and especi- ally the Congregational church, of which he was an exemplary member, suffered a great loss. He was a man of wonderful strength and endurance, of fine and cultivated intelligence. He could accomplish the work of two ordinary men and yet keep in touch with the best literature and the current events of the day. This great activity was combined with unswerving in- tegrity and purity of character, and the world was truly better for his having lived.

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A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 98

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