USA > New York > Chautauqua County > Biographical and portrait cyclopedia of Chautauqua County, New York : with a historical sketch of the county > Part 34
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C HARLES H. STERLING, a son of Henry and Cordelia A. (Clark) Sterling, was born at Atkinson, Piscataquis county, Maine, August 10, 1847, and has made his home in Silver Creek since 1872. Ephraim Sterling (grand- father), of Scotch descent, was a native of New England, and followed the sea in various posi- tions for many years. Having reached the rank
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of captain he made a few profitable trips and then built a boat of his own. While making his first trip in this vessel it foundered, drown- ing himself and oldest son. Henry Sterling (father) was born in Kittery, Maine, in 1820, but eamc to Fredonia, this eounty, in 1857 and engaged in the manufacture of agricultural im- plements and foundry work which he continued for ten years. In 1869 he moved to Westville, Chariton county, Missouri, where he followed farming until June, 1876, when he died. Mr. Sterling was a consistent member of the Meth- odist Episcopal church, and a demoerat, but a modest, unassuming and upright man. He married Cordelia A. Clark, of Maine, in 1844, and had six children. The Sterling family is still living in Seotland ; Lord Sterling being a branch of the tree from which they sprang. Mrs. Sterling is still living and enjoying good health. She is sixty-six years of age, and makes her home with a married daughter, Mrs. M. F. Ives, of southern Illinois, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Charles H. Sterling lived in New England until eleven years old and then came with his father to Chautauqua county. He received his education in the public schools and clerked three years in a store at Fredonia. The ensuing two years were spent learning carriage painting, and in 1868 he went to Iowa where he spent three years employed at carpenter work. In 1871 he returned to Fredonia and in 1872 came to Sil- ver Creek and took a position in Howes & Bab- eock's Grain Cleaning Machine Factory. He was employed in the wood-working department until 1884, and then resigned to accept a place with G. S. Cranson, who was developing a de- vice for scouring grain. Since that date Mr. Sterling has been foreman of the Grain Clean- ing Machinery Factory for the firm of Huntley, Cranson & Hammond, doing, principally, de- signing and drafting.
On November 18, 1872, he married Aliee G. Fuller, a daughter of Benjamin Fuller, of Sil-
ver Creek. This lady died February 22, 1877, leaving a son-Royal L., now fifteen years of age. On February 18, 1880, Mr. Sterling mar- ried for his second wife, Flora Hall, daughter of S. R. Hall, of Perrysburg, Cattaraugus county, New York, with whom he has sinee happily lived.
C. H. Sterling is a member of the Presby- terian church ; of Lodge No. 10, A. O. U. W .; and is a republican, now serving as a member of the school board. He occupied the position of vice-president of the cemetery board but the press of his other business compelled him to re- sign. He is plain spoken and not churlish, but possesses suavity of manner and is a pleasant man to meet. He is a skillful workman and possesses such originality of mechanical ideas that he is a valuable man in the position he oc- cupies. His wife is active in all the enterprises usually engaged in by ladies' societies, and has achieved more than local renown as an artist. In addition to this her literary efforts possess muclı merit.
C HARLES R. COLBURN, a successful farmer and grape culturist, of the town of Westfield, is a son of Zenas and Statira (Gunn) Colburn, and was born at the village of Westfield, in the town of Westfield, Chautauqua county, New York, February 3, 1833. Zenas Colburn was born in Connectieut in 1800, came to the town of Westfield in 1821, and died at Westfield, October, 1874. He was a carpenter by trade and worked in various parts of the county, after which he purchased the farm now owned by the subject of this sketeli, and upon which he resided for two years, when he removed to Westfield, but still cultivated his farm and worked some at his trade. He was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church ; a strong democrat politically, and held several of his town and village offices. Mr. Colburn was twice married. His first wife was Statira Gunn, of Chenango county, who died in 1844,
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aged forty-three years ; aud in 1854 he wedded for his second wife Sophia Hough, of Westfield, who survived him until October, 1889.
Charles R. Colburn grew to manhood at Westfield, where he received his education in the common schools. He commenced life for himself as a farmer on the homestead farm which he now owns. He has been engaged for several years in the culture of the vinc, and has a very fine vineyard of thirty acres. He also raises some stock and grain, and owns a half interest in his father's property at Westfield. Mr. Colburn is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a prohibitionist in politics and a substantial and reliable citizen of his town. He is a member of Summit Lodge, No. 219, Free and Accepted Masons, of Westfield.
On April 16, 1863, Charles R. Colburn uuited in marriage with Celestia Peck, of the town of Portland, and they have one child, a son, Frank B., who is assisting his father. Mrs. Celestia Colburn is a daughter of Asael Peck.
D EWITT G. JILLSON. Successful farmers are, as a rule, intelligent and thoughtful people. An exceptionally bright and entertain- ing example of to what condition a farmer may rise is the gentleman now under consideration. Dewitt G. Jillson is a son of Philander and Elizabeth (Crim) Jillson, aud was born on the farm where he now resides, in Westfield, Chau- tauqua county, New York, November 19, 1849. Philander Jillson was a native of Herkimer county, N. Y., and was born in 1811. Twenty- eight years later, having been married to Eliza- beth Crim, he came to Chautauqua county, and settled on the spot where his son now lives, and clearing from the soil the brush and briars he made in their stead fertile fields, and on the site of tall pine trees he reared buildings-a house, barn and granary. Being of a pushing dispo- sition and having a good business mind, from a small beginning he became one of the most extensive and prosperous farmers in that section.
When he died, in 1873, his estate was valuable and the property extensive. His wife, a gentle Christian lady, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, was Elizabeth Crim, whom he married in 1839, and by whom he had seven children. She died in 1880, aged sixty-two years.
Dewitt G. Jillson was reared a farmer. His education was secured at the public schools and the Westfield academy. Completing his course of instruction he returned to the farm, and has since made it the well-spring from which he has drawn a competence. He now owns the part of his father's farm containing the old homestead, and an additional picce, making a total of one hundred and fifty acres, located three miles south west of Westfield. Supplementary to his farming, Mr. Jillson has a magnificent grape orchard which is a source of much profit.
On May 27, 1872, he married Lidie Hoitink, a daughter of Jonas Hoitink, of Clymer. Mrs. Jillson is-a kind and entertaining woman, a model housekeeper and a superb cook. She is a fitting companion for her husband, aud together they have a happy and beautiful home.
D. G. Jillson is a member of three societies : Lodge No. 219, Free and Accepted Masons ; Lodge No. 3, Ancient Order of United Work- men, and the Grange. He is a hospitable enter- tainer, a social companion, and the friend of every one who deserves his friendship.
C OLONEL ELIAL FOOTE CARPENTER,
the subject of this sketch was born in Jamestown, Chautauqua county, N. Y., May 8, 1826, and died May 18, 1864, near Bermuda Hundred, Va.
He was the third son of William and Nancy (Blake) Carpenter. William Carpenter was born in the city of London, England, aud when a boy was bound out to service, on a British man of war. While serving in the British navy, his ship was wrecked upon the coast of Guinea. With the destruction of his
COL. ELIAL FOOTE CARPENTER,
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vessel, his sea life ended and he came to America, going to the State of Maine; where he married.
The Blakes were natives of New England for many years. When the present site of the prosperous city of Jamestown was a dense forest, William and his wife moved to what was soon after called Dexterville, but now within the limits of the city. Here he resided until his death, which occurred in 1869, while on a visit to his daughter in Oil City, Pa. Mr- Carpenter is described as a small, but stout man, a good story teller and a great favorite with the children. For many years preceding his death, he was a devoted member of the Methodist church of Jamestown. He helped to build the first steam-boat on Chautauqua lake, and for some time acted as Captain. He was the father of twelve children, all of whom are dead except three, viz : Mary Ann Tanner, Emeline Follmer and Laura Stock.
Elial Foote Carpenter was reared in James- town and educated in lier public schools. Soon after leaving school, he went upon a visit to his sister Mary Ann, who resided in Kentucky, and for two years was engaged as the manager of a large tobacco plantation ; but the cruel and inhuman treatment expected by his em- ployer to be shown toward the slaves was more than his nature could bear, and although offered large pay, he resigned his position and returned to Jamestown, where he engaged in the lumber business, buying along the Allegheny River and its tributaries and rafting to Pittsburg, Cin- cinnati and Louisville. He subsequently be- came engaged in the manufacturing of axes at Jamestown, and the breaking out of the war, found him in the oil field of Pennsylvania and one of the then most successful operators. Lay- ing aside the private pursuits of a citizen, lie enlisted August 16, 1861, in the 49th N. Y., Vol. Inf. and was elected 2nd Lieut., Co. K. at its organization. Subsequently, in April, 1862, he was commissioned 1st Lieut. He
participated in the battles on the peninsula under MeClellan, and after the battle of Malvern Hill, he was promoted to be major of the 112th N. Y., Vols., a new regiment then being re- cruited in Chautauqua county. He was eon- stantly on duty with this regiment, and was promoted to be Lieutenant Colonel, January 11, 1863. He was in command of the regi- nient after its transfer to the Army of the James from May 5th to May 16, 1864. He was in action May 8th, at Walthal Junction, and at the battle of Proctor's Creek was mor- tally wounded and died at night. He was a brave man and greatly loved by the men of his command.
Rev. W. L. Hyde, chaplain of the 112th Regt. in his History of the Regt., says of him. "Often have we seen him during a hard day's marching, dismount from his horse and place some weary, foot-sore soldier upon him, and then take the gun of another who was hardly able to drag himself along, and then march most of the day with his mnen. The result was, his men loved and trusted him."
Carpenter Post G. A. R., of Mayville, N. Y., is named in memory of the Colonel. In politics, he was an active worker in the Repub- liean party, and with himself and wife who survive him, were devoted members of the Methodist church at Jamestown.
July 3, 1848, he married Julia A. daughter of John and Phebe (Wood) Jeffords. Three children were born to Col. and Mrs. Carpenter : Belle E. wife of T. E. Grandin ; Franc C. wife of F. A. Brightman ; and Addie J. wife of W. P. Frink. The two former reside in James- town, and the latter in Lewis Run, Pa.
w ILLIAM WALLACE HUNTLEY, in- ventor and manufacturer of wheat, corn and buckwheat cleaning machinery, and one of the most active and successful business men of Silver Creek, is a son of Charles and Polly (Davison) Huntley, and was born one
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mile east of the village of Silver Creek, in the town of Hanover, Chautauqua county, N. Y. Feb. 5, 1831. His ancestors are of New Eng- land origin, and among those sous of Connec- tieut wlio went west before the middle of the present century, was Seth Huntley, the paternal grandfather of W. W. Huntley. He first set- tled in Michigan, but subsequently removed to Iowa, where he died in 1860. One of the sons born to him in his native city of New Haven was Charles Huntley (father) who learned the trade of ship-builder and came in 1829 to Silver Creek, where he followed boat and ship work until 1855, when he went to Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Ten years later he removed to a farm, purchased for him by the subject of this sketch, in Michigan, upon which he died in October, 1890, aged eighty-two years. Charles Huntley was industrious, and, though a good workman, yet never was very successful as a business man. He married Polly Davison, a native of Rutledge, Vermont, and a daughter of Henry Davison, who, at sixteen years of age, was present at Burgoyne's surrender, with his father Col. Daniel Davison, one of the bravest of the "Green Mountain Boys," who then commanded a regiment of State militia, and served throughout the Revolutionary war. Col. Davison (maternal great-grandfather) cap- tured a pair of large iron steelyards at Bur- goyne's surreuder, which have descended down through his family until they are now in the possession of the subject of this sketch.
W. W. Huntley was reared on the farm of his grandfather, Henry Davison, until the death of the latter in 1840. He received his education in the schools of Silver Creek, which he attended for a few years in the winter seasons, while the summers were spent on the lakes and in the ship-yards. He worked at carriage building for one year and then was en- gaged at blacksmithing at intervals, besides working on houses, railroad bridges and mills. In 1853 he and his elder brother, Albert, pur-
chased a small sailing vessel with the intention of permanently engaging in the transportation of freight on the lakes, but the low freight rates of that year cost them all that they had invested in their vessel, and so disgusted them that they left the lakes. This apparent ill-for- tune was the controlling circumstance that drove Mr. Huntley from an obscure life on the lakes and shaped his subsequent well-known career as a manufacturer. In 1858 he com- menced working for E. Montgomery & Co., who were the first parties to establish the man- ufacturing of smut machines in Silver Creek, and while working for the first named firm he also built patterns for W. R. Greenleaf, an en- gine builder of Silver Creek. In 1861 Mr. Huntley invented his bran duster, known all over the world as the Excelsior, and in 1862 sold one half interest in the patent, when ob- tained, to Alpheus Babcock for the amount of $80.00, or the cost of obtaining it. This Ex- celsior Bran Duster was manufactured by Mr. Huntley in the shops of E. Montgomery & Co., at Silver Creek, until the close of the year 1865, when the firm of Howes, Babcock & Co., took possession by purchase from E. Montgomery & Co., January 1, 1866, Mr. Alpheus Bab- cock, Huntley's partner in the manufacture, being one of the members of the purchasing firm. Mr. Huntley continued manufacturing in the same shops until 1868, when he built new shops of his own, which are known now as the Excelsior Works, and owned by Aug. Heine. In 1869, Mr. Alpheus Babcock sold his interest in the patent to Frank Swift, who in 1870 sold the same to A. P. Holcomb. Very soon after this, Mr. Huntley commenced to construct a Middlings Purifier, which proved a great success, and has been one of the original machines to work out the manufacture of new process flour, known all over the world as the very best brand ever produced from wheat, and for this result the world is indebted to Mr. Huntley as much, if not more than any other
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man living. Messrs. Huntley & Holcomb in 1872 sold one-third interest in the Excelsior Works, and patents to Aug. Heine, when the firm became Huntley, Holcomb & Heine, which firm continued until 1882, doing a large busi- ness in the manufacture of Bran Dusters, Ex- celsior Middlings Purifier and the importation and selling of the Excelsior Bolting Cloth, at which time Mr. Huntley sold his interest of one-third to Holcomb & Heine. About one and one-half years after this, Mr. Hcine bought out Mr. Holcomb, and now owns and conducts the shops alone, and still manufactures the Ex- celsior Bran Duster, together with other mill- ing specialities. In 1883, Mr. Huntley bought of Mr. Heine the entire stock and business of importing the Excelsior Bolting Cloth, and as- sociated with himself in the business, Mr. C. G. Hammond, and these gentlemen now con- duct the business under the firm name of Huntley & Hammond, and they have estab- lished a branch house in Minneapolis, Min., besides having stocks to sell from in St. Louis, Missouri ; Portland, Oregon ; and in the provin- ces of Canada, and do a yearly business of over $100,000. In 1861 and 1862 Mr. Huntley as- sisted Mr. Alpheus Babcock in the remodeling of his smut machine, and they together brought out the best smut machine on the market at that time. In 1863 Mr. Huntley assisted Messrs. E. Montgomery & Co., in the remodel- ing of their smut machine, in which instance it was largely improved by them. In 1863 Mr. S. Howes returned from the scat of war on the Potomac, and, late in the season, became associa- ted with Mr. Alpheus Babcock in the manuu- facture of the Babeock smut machine, the firm being known as Howes, Babcock & Co., Mr. Norman Babcock, a brother of Alpheus becom- ing a partner at the same time Mr. Howes was admitted. In 1864, a purchase of the Mont- gomery shops and the patents was consummated by Howes, Babcock & Co., they taking posses- sion on the first day of January, 1866, at which
tinie Alpheus and Norman Babcock together with Mr. Huntley, combined the best clements of the Babcock Smutter and the Montgomery Smutter together in one machine, and the firm of Howes, Babcock & Co., called it the Eureka Smut Machine.
Mr. Huntley was granted by the Patent Of- fice, at different dates, two patents on the Ex- celsior Bran Duster, four patents on the Mid- dlings Purifier, one patent on a sieve, one pat- ent on a machine for testing rotating parts (or bodies) and two patents for improvements on smut machines and one on a ship's rudder.
Mr. Huntley has never had any political as- pirations, but has been since 1860, a strong supporter of the political party that saved the nation from disruption by the Rebellion, and is a strong protectionist in his views. He has served six years as one of the village trustees, and two consecutive years as president of the village of Silver Creek ; during which two years there were a steam fire engine and hose- cart bought for the village. Mr. Huntley, being president at the time, organized a fire de- partment, which has since proven one of the finest fire departments in western New York. In honor to Mr. Huntley, the Hose Company assumed the name of " Huntley Hosc No. 1."
In 1886, Messrs. Huntley & Hammond pur- chased one-half interest in the business of man- ufacturing buckwheat machines, from G. S. Cranson & Son, and, by the retirement of G. S. Cranson, now own two-thirds of the immense factory, which is now one of the largest of its kind in the world, and known as the Monitor Works, the business being conducted by the firm of Huntley, Cranson & Hammond. At the time of purchase by Huntley & Hammond, these works were only employing cight men, but under the new firm their orders began to increase, and they were compelled to enlarge their works, and added to the different kinds of grain cleaning and buckwheat machinery which they manufactured, until now they employ a
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force of 80 men, pay $60,000 yearly in wages and send out over 1,500 machines per year, and their yearly sales amount to over $150,000. Many of their machines have either been in- vented or improved by Mr. Huntley, and they now manufacture the following patented ma- chines: Cranson's Wheat Scouring, Polishing -and Separating Machines; Cranson's Buck- wheat Scouring, Polishing and Separating Ma- chines ; Cranson's Corn Sconring, Polishing and Separating Machines ; Cranson's Roller Buckwheat Shucker ; Monitor Dustless Receiv- ing and Elevator Separator ; Monitor Dustless Milling Separator ; Monitor Dustless Malt and Barley Separator ; Monitor Malt and Barley Scourer ; Monitor Oat Scourer ; Diamond Dust- less Corn Sheller and Separator ; and Diamond Corn Sheller. Mr. Huntley receives orders for his machines from all parts of the United States and from England, Australia and New Zealand.
On November 24, 1854, he united in mar- riage with Mary Chapman, of Onondaga county, New York.
W. W. Huntley has been identified with the progress of Silver Creek since 1848. He is fully imbued with the New England spirit of enterprise, which has infused itself so largely and with such beneficial results into the social and business life of New York and the great West.
C HAUNCEY G. TALCOTT. A farmer, and one of the national guards who or- ganized a company and helped to repel Lee at Gettysburg, is Chauncey G. Talcott, who is a son of William D. and Persis Brandgee (Gage) Talcott, and was born in Silver Creek, Chall- tauqua county, New York, October 6, 1834. Until the coming of William D. Talcott to Sil- ver Creek in 1831, the family had lived in Con- necticut since 1632, that being the date when an Englishman named John Talcott landed at Bos- ton, Mass., and then went to Hartford, Conn. He soon after acquired a large tract of land.
One of the patentees named in the charter of Charles the First, granted to Connecticut, 1662, and it was the foundation of the wealth owned by later members of the older family. The Tal- cott mountains were named for a member of the family, probably for Gov. Joseph Talcott, who was one of the early governors of the colony- from 1724 to 1741. David Talcott was our subject's grandfather and he spent his life in his native State. His son, William D. Talcott (father), was born in Glastonberry, Connecticut, on March 3, 1811, where he lived until he at- tained his twentieth year. In 1831 he set ont for Buffalo but after reaching it remained only a short time and then went to Jamestown, this county. A few months later he went to Silver Creek, arriving November 2d, where he bought a home and resided until he died December 15, 1880. By trade he was a liarness maker and saddler, which he followed at this place until 1839 when he began lumbering, ship building, etc., continuing this business until 1876. Wil- liam D. Talcott was a man of magnetic influ- ence; with good judgment and rare perspica- city, and conducted his business in a systematic manner. Politically he trained with the demo- crats, and held the offices of superintendent of highways, school trustee and supervisor of the town of Hanover. He was a liberal contributor to the cause of Christianity, and in 1856 be- came a member of the Presbyterian church. Five years later he was created an elder of his church, the duties of which he filled with honor and Christian humility until he was called to join the great congregation above. Sabbatlı- school work especially was the recipient of his attention and generosity. In 1833, he married Persis Brandgee Gage, a native of Winfield, Madison county, this State, where she was born in 1814, but when three years of age her pa- rents, Asa and Nancy (Brace) Gage, brought her to Silver Creek. Mrs. Talcott died August 7, 1878. They were the parents of seven children, six sons and one daughter : Chauncey G., Wal-
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lace W. and William S. reside in Silver Creek ; Asa G., lives in Buffalo; Walter makes his home at Sandusky, Ohio ; and Mrs. Elizabeth (Talcott) Harroun, of New York city. Mrs. Talcott was a woman possessing rare motherly characteristics and enjoyed the peace of a genu- ine Christian spirit. She was a devoted mem- ber of the Presbyterian church at Silver Creek, New York, and her body is laid away to rest in Glenwood cemetery, Silver Creek. Coming from the renowued English family of Gage, the best blood of that country flowed in her veins. Viscount Gage, an old Irish nobleman, belonged to the same family and she was closely con- nected with our own Revolutionary hero, Gen- eral Gage.
Chauncey G. Talcott was reared at Silver Creek and after graduation in the public schools he was sent to the Brockport Collegiate Insti- tute, and later, in 1856, he graduated from Bry- ant & Stratton's business college, at Buffalo. Being thus fitted by education as well as natural endowments for business, he walked out in life and began as an accountant for a lumber firm in Toledo, Ohio, but after a stay lasting one year he went into his father's service, keeping the ac- counts of his large lumber and lake transporta- tion business. In the fall of 1858 he entered into partnership with his uncle, John H. Tal- cott, the firm name being Talcott & Co., and their business in wool and tanning. The part- nership continued for twenty years and was dis- solved in 1878 by mutual consent. Since that time Mr. Talcott has been engaged in farming and dealiug in live stock and real estate. The beautiful home where he resides is but a small portion of his property holdings. In 1859 he organized a company of national guards and was made its first licutenant. In 1863, when tlie Confederate army invaded Pennsylvania, Mr. Talcott was commissioned captain of the company and took it to Gettysburg, but after the rebel army was repulsed they returned home, having seen about one month's active service.
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