USA > New York > Genesee County > Gazetteer and biographical record of Genesee County, N.Y., 1788-1890 > Part 59
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Felix Falkner, son of Jeremiah, was born in Leicestershire, England, May 26, 1804. He was a banker. With his wife and two children he came to this country in 1853, locating at Utica, N. Y, where he died in 1887. His wife died in 1880. His eldest son, Joseph G., resides in Utica, and is engaged in the auction and commission business. The second son, Harry H. Falkner, was born in Leicestershire, England, September 7, 1838, and was 15 years of age when he came to the United States. He married, June 16, 1875, Rebecca W. C., daughter of Rev. Henry Stanley, of Le Roy, and they have three children, viz .: Henry S, born March 13, 1876; Rebecca W. C., born October 13, 1878; and Catharine D., born February 22, 1886. All are members of St. Mark's Church. For the past 10 years Mr. Falkner has been engaged in the real estate and fire, life, and accident insurance business, in the latter of which he has been asso- ciated with S. F. Comstock. He represents five large fire insurance com- panies, one life, and one accident (the Travelers).
Benjamin A. Fuller, M. D., born in Providence, R. I., November 17, 1845, was a son of Asa W. and Nancy A. (Woodworth) Fuller. At the age of five years he came to Middlebury with his parents, and received his. education at the academy there. In 1862 he came to Le Roy, entered the office of Gen. F. C. Bissell, read law for three years, and entered and grad- uated in 1865 from the Albany Law School. He was in a law office in New York for three months, but the business not suiting his taste he trav- eled for five years for George W. Bassett & Co. In 1870 he came to Le Roy, studied medicine with his father, and attended the Buffalo Medical College, from which he graduated in 1873. He began practice at Le Roy and Byron Center. In 1877, after his father's death, he succeeded him in his profession, and has since been a successful practitioner here. He married, July 16, 1873, Alice I., daughter of H. O. and Jennie Cowan, who came from England. Mr Cowan was a merchant tailor. Dr. Fuller has a daughter, Clara Louise.
William W. Faunce was born September 29, 1831, in Wheeling, W. Va., a son of Jeduthan L. and Abigail (Davis) Faunce, natives of Ver- mont and Pennsylvania, respectively. Jeduthan L. came with his par- ents to Bethany about 1809 or 'II. When a young man he went to Wheeling, where he married his wife. He was a molder by trade. In
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1832 he returned to Bethany, where he was engaged at farming, running a hotel, and working at his trade. He died in Pennsylvania. He was a son of Eleazer and Melinda (Kendall) Faunce, both of Vermont. Elea- zer Faunce was a blacksmith and settled three miles east of Linden, where he worked at his trade, his wife often assisting him. He served as a drummer in the War of 1812. Mr. Faunce had two sons, Halsey K. and Eleazer, and one daughter, Fannie E. Roe, of Attica. He died in Lin- den. He also run a hotel for many years, and was engaged in hauling lumber from Pennsylvania, which he put into buildings. His father was a Frenchman. William W. Faunce lived in the hotel with his grandpar- ents until 13 years of age, when he went on a farm, and at the age of 15 he entered the store of George Dimond, of Batavia. Returning to Beth- any he attended Bethany Academy, and afterwards learned the trade of wagonmaking. When 19 years of age he came to Le Roy and worked for A. S. Upham and Charles Brindsmade, after which he entered the Eagle Hotel, where he remained two years, when he began business for himself. In 1861 he began the livery business, and soon after purchased the barn where he is now engaged. This was formerly the old stage barn, and is the oldest livery stand in the place. Mr. Faunce served nine years as deputy sheriff, beginning in 1875, and has been constable 15 years. He married Ann M., daughter of Charles Brow, of Dresden, Yates County, and they have one son, George E.
William H. Graham was born in London, Eng., January 10, 1855, a son of William H. and Mary (Grant) Graham, who had three sons and two daughters, of whom William H. was the second. He received his education in private schools, came to the United States in 1883, and lived in New York and Rochester, where he was engaged as a veterinary surgeon. In April, 1887, he came to Le Roy, where he has resided since, giving his entire attention to his profession. His wife was Flor- ence Tidy, of near London, Eng., and they have two sons and two daughters.
Jerome French, son of Elijah and grandson of Gen. French, of Ver- mont, was born October 17, 1825. His father died when he was three years of age, and he lived with John Deming until 21 years old, when he worked for farmers about one year, after which he learned the broom trade. He married Abbey M., daughter of Samuel Bishop, and they have one child, Grace B. Elijah French married Sallie Flint, of Ran- dolph, Vt. He died about 1828, and his wife October 10, 1873, aged 76 years. Samuel Bishop came to Le Roy in 1811, served in the War of 1812, and was the first settler in what is now Pavilion, on the farm now owned by J. R. Bliss and Jay Bishop. The first night of his arrival he slept on a rock. He cleared the farm, lived a bachelor's life for nine years, and finally married Electa Allen, and they had a family of four children, three of whom are living, viz .: Willard W., of California; Car- oline (Mrs. George Roberts) ; and Abbey (Mrs. Jerome French), of Le- Roy. Mr. Bishop died April 14, 1870, aged 85 years, and his wife
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April 8, 1871, aged 70 years. He took an active part in politics, and was a Whig and Republican.
Samuel Gillett, born August 6, 1823, in Orange County, N. Y., is a son of Isaac and Eleanor (Vail) Gillett, who were born in Orange County, he in 1796 and his wife in 1799. In 1843 they removed to Avon, and thence to Stafford, where they resided till their deaths. Isaac Gillett was a man of sterling worth and integrity, and filled several responsible local positions. He reared a family of four sons and two daughters, viz .: Caroline, Samuel, Alsop V., Charles, Frances (Mrs. Van Vleeck), of Shi- loh, Ill., and William, an attorney, who died at East Saginaw, Mich. Isaac Gillett died in 1869 and his wife in 1867. His father, Charles Gil- lett, was born on the Hudson River, and was a farmer in Orange County, N. Y. His wife was Sarah Godfrey, who bore him two sons and four daughters. Samuel Gillett was raised on a farm and received his educa- tion at Montgomery and Chester, N. Y. He began teaching school when but 16, receiving $13 per month. On reaching his majority he be- gan life on a farm, and made his first purchase of 80 acres in 1848, in Stafford. In 1867 he came to Le Roy so that he might better educate his children, and located on the farm where he now resides, about one mile northwest of Le Roy village. Mr. Gillett is an intelligent and sub- stantial farmer, courteous and hospitable, and commands the respect of all who know him. He was married to Susan, daughter of James J. and Huldah (Hudson) Board, and their children are Emily, William, Hudson (deceased), H. M., an attorney at Bay City, Mich., James B., Nellie, Charles, of Sioux City, Ia., S. Frank, Elmer, also of Sioux City, May (Mrs. Ball), Bertha, Gaylord C., and Jesse O. Mr. and Mrs. Gillett are leading and consistent members of the Presbyterian Church.
James B. Gillett, son of Samuel and Susan (Board) Gillett, was born January 26, 1854, in Stafford, was reared on a farm, and received a good common school and academic education. At the age of 18 he began teaching school, which lasted three terms, and at the age of 21 entered the hardware store of Pease & Buell, of Batavia, where he remained three years. In the fall of 1877 he formed a partnership with James Mckenzie, and opened a hardware store the first door east of his present place of business, with about $2,500 in stock. Four years later he moved into the store he now occupies, with Mr. Mckenzie. Mr. Gillett is a first-class business man and has made his business a success. The concern is carried on under the firm name of James B. Gillett & Co. He married Louise, daughter of John and Anna K. Wiss, and has two children, Marian L. and Anna K. Mr. Gillett is a member, of the I. O. O. F.
John W. Grumiaux was born January 17, 1861, in Le Roy, a son of Lewis and Louisa E., who came from France and England, respectively. He received his education in the village of Le Roy, and in December, 1880, engaged as agent for the Buffalo News. Three years later he re- .ceived the agency for the Rochester Union, and worked one year in the
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Western Union Telegraph office. Hethen entered in succession the employ of Chapman & Boak, newsdealers, of J. K. Boak, and of H. J. Goodyear, tobacconist, who occupied a store in the Maloney block. In June, 1885, his father bought out H. J. Goodyear, and conducted the business as. Grumiaux & Son until April, 1887, when John W. became the sole owner. He also purchased the news business of J. K. Boak, April 1, 1888, and opened the store where he is now located, and where he has worked up a successful trade. He has a reading room and a circulating library con- nected with his store, and is the agent for Butterick's patterns.
Patrick Gleason, born in Le Roy, June 18, 1859, is a son of Michael and Mary (Mackey) Gleason, of Tipperary, Ireland, who came to Le Roy in 1848, and lived here until their deaths. The father died in 1872, and the mother in 1889. Their children were Thomas, Catherine, and Pat- rick. The latter received a common school education, and at nine years of age began work in Keeney & Son's warehouse, continuing there until 1886, when he purchased the business of H. E. Walker and began deal- ing in coal, fruits, beans, and all kinds of produce, doing a very extensive business. He married Mary, daughter of Robert and Bridget Flinn.
Bernard Growney, son of Barney and Rose (Fagan) Growney, natives of Ireland, and farmers, was born in September, 1834. Barney died in Ireland, and left five children, viz .: Mary, James, Ann, Bernard, and July. Bernard came to Bergen in 1852 with his mother and the children, and settled on a farm where the mother died. He received a limited education, and October 14, 1861, enlisted at Fort Hill School in Co. B, 100th N. Y. Inf., and was in the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Charleston, and at the siege of Fort Wagner, where he was wounded ; was taken prisoner at Deep Bottom, Va., in 1864, was taken to Belle Isle, Libby, and Salisbury prisons, and was released in March, 1865. He was sent to Wilmington, N. C., thence to Annapolis, and was discharged at Rochester, May 25, 1865. He was also wounded in 1864, when tear- ing up the Petersburg & Richmond Railroad, and at Salisbury in at- tempting to escape from the prison. Since the close of the war he has been engaged in farming, and in 1869 purchased his present place. He married Bridget, daughter of Miles O. and Maria Finn, of Le Roy, who bore him children as follows : James M , Mary L., and Willie (deceased). His present wife is Bridget Carroll, of Wyoming. . The family are Roman Catholics.
John H. Haskins was born in Londonderry, Vt., January 13, 1823, a son of Solon and Sophia (Hasey) Haskins, natives of New Hampshire and Bennington, Vt., respectively. Solon was a farmer, and served in the War of 1812. He came to Le Roy, Genesee County, in 1830, and settled on a farm of 86 acres. In 1838 he located where John H. now resides, and in 1844 purchased Clifford's mill, now known as Haskins's mill, which his sons have since operated. His children were Sophia, Warren P., Mary A. (deceased), John H., Rhoda M., and Orville R. (deceased). Solon Has- kins died April 14, 1865, aged 79. His father, David, came from Eng-
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land and settled in New Hampshire. John H. Haskins received an aca- demic education, and at the age of 21 he began farming, and with his brother operated the mill for a time. From 1865 to July, 1887, Rufus Bartlett was interested in the mill, and since then Mr. Haskins has had full control. Mr. Haskins has served in several town offices. In Feb- ruary, 1863, he married Marion Latham, daughter of William, an Epis- copal minister, who came from England. By this marriage he had one son, now deceased. His second wife was Catharine L., daughter of An- drew Clifford, of Le Roy. They have two children, Frank J. and Mary E. Mrs. Sophia Haskins was a daughter of John Hasey, a Revolution- ary soldier.
Hiram W. Hascall, a leading and influential lawyer and a politician, was born December 18. 1812, in Le Roy village. His parents, David and Sarah (Walden) Hascall, came from New England to Genesee County in 1808, and located one mile north of the village, and latter set- tled on 100 acres one-half mile west of Le Roy, where they resided for many years. They afterwards moved to the village, residing on Clay street until their deaths, at the age of 85 and 89, respectively. David Hascall in early life was a school teacher. He served in the War of 1812. Being a man possessed of more than ordinary intelligence and in- fluence, he was an honored and respected citizen, and always took an active and prominent part in all movements for the advancement and improvement of his community. He served in several respon- sible local positions for many years. He reared three sons and two daughters. David was a son of Jeremiah Hascall, who was born in Con- necticut and came to Genesee County in 1805, locating on 100 acres where S. C. Wells now resides. He served as justice for many years, and died here at the age of 96 years. He married Hannah (Nichols) Nichols, who bore him five sons and five daughters, the sons being Jeremiah, David, Amasa, John, and Augustus P., all of whom were men of considerable prominence, and some attained considerable distinction in the State and Na- tion. John served in the Assembly ; Augustus P. served as judge and represented his district in Congress. Gen. Milo Hascall, of Goshen, Ind., was a son of Amasa. Hiram W. Hascall was reared on a farm and re- ceived a good common school and academic education. At the age of 20 he began the study of law in the office of Gates & Hascall, of Le Roy, and was admitted to all the courts of the State. In 1855 he was elected clerk of Genesee County, which position he filled for two terms, and in 1864 he was appointed collector of internal revenue. Three years later he was appointed postmaster at Le Roy, serving as such for 16 years. During the war he was appointed by President Lincoln commissary of sub- sistance, with rank of captain. Mr. Hascall is a man of strong convic- tions. He has always taken an active and prominent part in the polit- ical affairs of his county and State, and has always wielded a powerful influence in shaping and molding the work of his party. Energetic and unflinching in his zeal for the success of Republicanism, he has al-
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ways commanded the confidence and respect of his party. Mr. Hascall has been twice married, first to Harriet Hinsdale, of Le Roy, by whom he had two children, Alice C. and Laurence H. He married for his second wife Mrs. Amanda A. Champion. The mother of Mr. Hascall was a daughter of Nathan Walden, a native of Connecticut, who was a soldier in the war for independence. He was captured, and impris- oned in an old church in New York city for nearly a year. He was a prominent farmer near Bloomfield for many years, and died in Le Roy, aged about 90 years. His wife was Mercy Egleston, who lived to about .the same age.
George H. Holmes, born May 7, 1840, where Mr. Vary now resides, is a son of Harry and Susan (Cole) Holmes, who were born in 1799 and 1803, respectively. Harry Holmes was a farmer in early life, and during his latter years was engaged in the stone business in this county, where he was one of the early pioneers, settling in Le Roy in 1815. George H. Holmes, one of a family of four sons and four daughters, received a com- mon school education, and worked at the stone business until 27 years of age, since which time he has been extensively engaged in the stone trade for himself, having at times as high as 90 men at work quarrying and 40 men cutting. During the busy season he has shipped as many as 50 car loads per week, about 25 car loads going to Buffalo. He was doing all the heavy stone business in this section for about five years. He is now, and has been for a number of years, extensively engaged in lime burn- ing, operating two kilns and making about 700 bushels per day. Mr. Holmes enlisted in August, 1862, in Co. I, 129th N. Y. Inf., and at Balti- more the regiment was transferred to the 8th N. Y. H. A. and garrisoned for many months at Forts McHenry, Federal Hill, Carroll, and Marshall. He was detailed to remain at Baltimore six months, and later joined his regiment at Petersburg, Va. He participated in the engagements at Deep Bottom and Weldon Railroad, and thenceforth in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged to the close of the war. He became noted in his regiment for his accuracy in directing and landing mortar shells. In February, 1865, he was promoted sergeant, and in June fol- lowing received his discharge at Rochester, N. Y., as commissary ser- geant. He located where he now resides in July, 1882. November 28, 1861, he married Caroline M., daughter of John and Lorana (Payne) Buck- ley, who were born in Mendon, Monroe County, and Turin, Lewis County, respectively, and who were among the early settlers of Stafford and Le Roy. Abraham Buckley was a soldier in the War of 1812, and reared six sons and five daughters. Mr. and Mrs: Holmes have three children, Eva, Frank H., and Parley M. Mr. Holmes is related to Thurlow Weed.
William R. Halbert was born in Glasgow, Scotland, September 14, 1819. His parents, William and Elizabeth (Russell) Halbert, were born in Edinburgh and Glasgow, respectively. William Halbert was a stone- cutter by trade. In May, 1827, he came to America, landing at Quebec,
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and shortly after came to Utica, N. Y., where he was employed in the New York mills as a weaver. His wife and six children left Scotland in May, 1828, and were eight weeks on the ocean and six days coming from New York city to Utica. About 1840 with his family he moved to Middlesex County, Canada, and located on a farm of 100 acres. He was. a leading member of the Presbyterian Church, and was an elder for many years. He died at Ailsa Craig, Canada, aged 86 years. He had nine children, viz .: a son who died at Albany when the family was on their way to Utica, William R., Mary (Mrs. Alexander Henderson), deceased, Margaret (Mrs. Ross), Elizabeth (Mrs. Henderson), Jane (Mrs. Hover), Bethiah (Mrs. Wyllie), Caroline (Mrs. Menzie), and Isabella (Mrs. Forbes). William R. Halbert received a common school education, and lived three years in Canada. In 1843 he came to Le Roy, and worked two and one-half years by the month. He married, March 17, 1852, Ellen E., daughter of Linus and Nancy (Wilcox) Pierson, who came from Killing- worth, Conn., to Genesee County about 1808, and first settled in Ber- gen, and later at Churchville, where he died. He was a soldier of 1812, and a farmer. Mr. Halbert's first wife died at the age of 53. He located where he now resides in 1853, and where he has a beautiful and pleasant home. He is a good neighbor and citizen, and respected by all who know him. He and his wife are active members of the Presbyterian Church.
Thomas P. Hedden, born in Stafford, December 2, 1839, is a son of Thomas and Ann (Perryman) Hedden, of Devonshire, Eng., who came to Stafford about 1828, and settled where he resided until his death, in 1845. His wife died in 1870. They had eight children. Thomas P. was educated at Genesee and Wyoming Seminary (Alexander). At the age of 21 he studied law with R. Ballard, and taught school three win- ters. In 1867 he was admitted to practice, and in 1877 was elected district attorney of Genesee County for one term. He has been justice of the peace ever since his admission to the bar, except while serving as district attorney. He married Emily M. Hill, who bore him two chil- dren, Cornelia A. and Thomas P. His second wife was Mrs. Henrietta Kenyon.
Livingston D. Howell, son of Leonard D. and Elizabeth A. (Wells) Howell, was born in Bethany, February 28, 1853. His father, a farmer and quarryman, came to Le Roy in 1854. About 1873 he opened the quarry now operated by L. D., and shipped stone quite extensively, at times as many as 30 car loads per week. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. B, 100th N. Y. Vols., as sergeant, participating in all the battles with his regiment. He was with Gen. Butler on the peninsula, received two wounds, and was made lieutenant, when he resigned. He creditably filled several town offices, was successful in all business transactions, and died in 1888, aged 60 years. He was a son of John M., an early settler of York, and the father of eight children, and whose father came from New Jersey. Livingston D. Howell was reared on the farm, received a com-
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mon and academic education, and assisted his father in his business. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Jerome and Fannie (Howell) Wheelock, of Cuylerville, N. Y., and their children are Fannie B. (deceased) and William L.
Andrew Harsch, of Wurtemberg, Germany, was born August 3, 1842, a son of Andrew and Barbara (Hensler) Harsch, who came in 1854 to Syracuse, where they resided until their deaths. He enlisted in Co. B, 149th N. Y. Inf., and was discharged on account of ill health soon after the battle of Gettysburg. He reared four sons and four daughters. Jacob enlisted in a regiment of cavalry and was killed at the battle of Silver Springs, Va. His other sons were Andrew, Gottleib, of Syracuse, and John (deceased). Andrew was raised in Syracuse, began work at the age of 13 years in a cigar factory, and came to Le Roy in 1870 and worked for Moses Yale on Bank street. In 1872 he opened a cigar factory in the Starr block, and in 1873 located in his present store and factory. Oc- tober 7, 1863, he married Sophia, daughter of Joseph Obermiller, of Syra- cuse, and they have 10 children living, viz .: Sophia, Barbara, Libbie A., Andrew F., Lana, Tillie, Clara, Ida, Hubbard H., and William F. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., of the Stafford Benefit Association, and of the Southern Tier Masonic Association
Mrs. Huldah Hubbell, born in New York. was a daughter of Thomas and Christina Burgess. He was a farmer in Western New York, and had two sons and eight daughters. Mrs. Hubbell first married Porter, son of James T. and Delilah (Robinson) Burroughs, who was born in Hannibal, N. Y., and came to Pembroke with his parents. He moved to Steuben County, Ind., where he resided a few years, and died there, when Mrs. Burroughs, with her children, returned to this county. Her children are Alonzo, of Michigan; William A., of New York; and Anna M., who. married Lucius Loomis. William A , who enlisted in the 8th N. Y. Art., lives in Pembroke, and married Frances Madison. For her second hus- band she married James Hubbell, a farmer, who came to Le Roy in 1873. and died in 1876.
William Heaman, a native of Devonshire, Eng., was born November 8, 1856; a son of Richard and Sarah Heaman. He came to Le Roy in 1880, and has since resided here. He is engaged in the manufacture of custom boots and shoes. He married Mary Garrish, of Devonshire, and they have two children, Willie and Annie.
Thomas Heaman, son of Richard, was born in Devonshire. Eng., Oc- tober 17, 1865, came to America in 1882, and settled in Le Roy as a blacksmith. He opened a shop on Mill street, January 1, 1890, where he is doing a successful business. He married Jane Mooney, of Le Roy.
Charles Hogan, born May 11, 1826, in County Carlow, Ireland, was reared on a farm and had a common education. In July, 1849, he landed in New York city, came to Auburn, and engaged in farming a short time, when he went to Ohio. In April, 1850, he came to Le Roy, and in 1853 began work for the N. Y. C. & H. R. Railroad, where he was
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soon made track superintendent, which position he has faithfully filled ever since. His first wife was Ann Wolf, of Ireland, whose children were Charles H., a railway engineer at Buffalo, and Mary Thomas. His second wife was Mary Lawler, and their sons are John, of Niagara Falls, and Edward, of Batavia. His daughter, Kittie, aged 10 years, is by his last wife.
Seth Harris, son of Daniel and Mary (Paddock) Harris, was born April 9, 1815, in Le Roy. He received a common school education, was a lieutenant of militia, and was one of the substantial and leading farmers of the town. He married Elsie, daughter of Elijah and Dimmis (Kneeland) Crocker, and their children were Mary (Mrs. Ward), Elijah, Emeline C. (Mrs. Bulkley), Jane (Mrs. Kingdon), and Phebe. Elijah Crocker (son of Simeon) and his wife were born in Norwich, Conn., came to Le Roy in 1816, and located on 140 acres where the widow of Seth Harris now resides. Mr. Crocker died lacking 13 days of being 90 years of age. He had three children, viz .: Eliza, who married, first, a Mr. Van Allen, by whom she had one son, Edward W., and second, a Mr. Elderkin, by whom she has one daughter, Eunice (Mrs. Phillips); Emeline, who died at the age of 12 years; and Elsie, now the widow of Seth Harris. Will- iam Harris was born May 14, 1825, where he now resides. He received a good common school education, and at the age of 23 began business for himself at Lime Rock. After his father's death he returned to the homestead, where he now resides. He has been thrice married. His first wife was Aseneth Crouch, who died without issue. His second wife was Emeline, daughter of James Chase, of Pavilion, and their two chil- dren were William H. and Carrie R. James Chase was born in Albany County, N. Y., and moved to Allegany County, thence to this county. The third wife of Mr. Harris was Mary, daughter of Froman Winnie, by whom he has three children : Emma, Nellie, and Daniel. Mr. Harris has served three years as excise commissioner, and for the past three years has served as assessor. He is a son of Daniel and Mary J. (Paddock) Harris, natives of Middletown, Conn , who came to Genesee County in 1810, and settled on 100 acres where William now resides. When Daniel first came to the county he exchanged one bushel of wheat for a yard of factory cloth, and continued this until he had enough to make a suit of clothes-the finest he had ever worn. This was made from flax and wool, which was spun by his family. He had 14 children, and raised five sons and seven daughters, the sons being Daniel, Seth, William, James, of Cleveland, and Elijah, the latter of whom is a professor in Amherst Col- lege.
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