USA > New York > Genealogical and Family History of Western New York, Volume I > Part 81
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He married, April 3, 1896, at Newfane, Mattie, born September 25, 1873, daughter of John and Drusie (Corwin) Dowding, of New- fane. John Dowding was born in England. Children : Marjorie, born December 12, 1898; Clifford, February 17, 1901; Dorothy, July 22, 1902; Donald, October 17, 1907.
TROY This branch of the Troy family descends from Patrick Troy, a na- tive son of the "Emerald Isle," and the first of his family to come to the United States. He was born March 17, 1828, in the county of Waterford, Ireland, and until he was nineteen years of age remained in his native country. In 1847 he left Ireland and is next heard from at St. Johns, New Bruns- wick, Canada, where for a year he was em- ployed at any kind of labor that offered. He was very fond of horses, and whenever possi- ble would get a team to drive and care for. In 1848 he came to New York state, settling in Cuba, Allegany county, going from there to Hinsdale. During this period he worked for different farmers of these towns. In 1850 he changed his employment and joined one of the construction gangs, then building the Erie railroad through that section. He afterward lived in Salamanca and Olean, New York. He was an industrious, energetic man, and im- proved every opportunity to better his condi- tion. He retained all the prejudice of his race against the English, and in his native country was identified with the Fenian movement. He was a faithful member of the Roman Catholic church and a Democrat in politics. While working in Cuba he met his future wife, Sarah Gorman, born 1834, died 1864, and in 1853 they were married in Olean, New York. Pat- rick Troy died in Olean, June 15, 1880. Al- though his wife died at the early age of thirty years, she was the mother of his nine chil- dren : John, died in infancy; Mary, died at the age of three years; Edward, of whom further; Sarah Elizabeth, born 1857; John of whom further ; Thomas, Nora, Margaret, married John A. Gaspar, and another child, name un- known.
(II) Edward, eldest son of Patrick Troy, was born in Olean, New York, March 13, 1856. He was educated in the public schools, and in early life worked at farming. In 1881 he began working in a factory making stump- extracting machinery. This he later purchased and operated also a planing mill, having a lum- ber yard in connection, where he continued in successful operation until 1909, when his entire plant was destroyed by fire. Since this serious loss he has been engaged in the buying and selling of lumber in carload lots and also has a large builder's general supply yard. He is a man of energy and is held in universal re-
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spect. He is a Republican in politics, and on May 6, 1910, was appointed by President Taft postmaster of Olean. He has always been active in political life and his appoint- ment met with general approval. His clubs are the City and Hamilton, of Olean. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
(II) John, son of Patrick Troy, was born September 30, 1859. He was educated in the public schools and began business life with W. H. Mandeville, insurance and real estate dealer, with whom he was associated for thirty years. He then began the manufacture of wood alcohol and other chemicals, and later engaged in oil production and natural gas. He is an energetic, successful business man and highly regarded in his city. He is a member of the City and Hamilton clubs, of Olean, and a Democrat in politics. He married, October 9, 1889, Minnie K., daughter of S. K. Hale. Child, William Mandeville, born August 30, 1890.
Douglass Weston, the first mem- WESTON ber of this family about whom we have definite information, married Leila Adams. Children : Abijah, mar- ried Jeanette -; Orrin, of whom further ; William Wallace, of whom further. Both of these brothers, Orrin and William Wallace, were engaged in the lumber business at Port- ville, the plant known as Westons Mills.
(II) Orrin, son of Douglass and Leila (Adams) Weston, married Ann King. Chil- dren : Clara, married A. D. Hastings; Eliza, married Henry Gillett; Wallace.
(II) William Wallace, son of Douglass and Leila (Adams) Weston, married Harriet E. Mesereau. The Mesereau family is identified with the commercial and political interests of Portville, Cattaraugus county, New York. Child, Wallace, of whom further.
(III) Wallace, son of William Wallace and Harriet E. (Mesereau) Weston, was born at Portville, New York, September 15, 1862. He attended the public schools at Portville, then the high school at Olean, after which he took a course in the Rochester Business University. Two years were then passed in the lumber district of Michigan, during which time he kept books in a lumber camp conducted by cousins of himself, and acquired a practical knowledge of the lumber business. Return- ing to New York he took charge of the Wes-
ton Brothers lumber and shingle manufactory, at Westons Mills, in the town of Portville. In 1891 he merged this into a new company and founded the A. Weston Lumber Company, of which he was made secretary and treasurer, and in 1910 president. His home in Portville is one of the finest places in the county, sur- rounded by trees from the virgin forest, thus combining the beauties of architecture with the greater beauties of unspoiled nature. He is a member of the order of Free and Accepted Masons. In politics he is a Republican. He is an elder of the Presbyterian church, and a member of the board of trustees.
He married, September 15, 1887, Emma M. Kintcel, born January 8, 1864. Children : Edith H., born March 20, 1890; Dorothy V., July 18, 1892 ; Douglass W., March 13, 1899.
MILLER This family under the varied spellings, German, Dutch and English, forms one of the very largest groups of lineal and related families in the United States. They came from all lands and settled everywhere. Every country had a Mill and a Miller. They have been prominent in every department of our country's develop- ment. One hundred and fifty of the name are entered on the rolls of New York soldiers serving in the revolution. In the professions, business, politics, agriculture, and commerce they are equally numerous and prominent. These things being true it can easily be seen how difficult it is to trace the line with refer- ence to one particular family, where early fam- ily records have not been preserved.
The Miller family, of German Valley, New York, whose descendants settled in Mont- gomery county, New York, springs from John Henry Miller, or Mueller, born in the village of Niedermastahn in the Zweibrucken Palati- nate, May 22, 1728, came to America, landing at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ; died February 9, 1819. He is recorded as a "Schuldieur" (school teacher). He married, April 3, 1755, Marie Catherine Moelich. They settled in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, near New Germantown. He was town clerk of Tewks- bury for thirty-one years; had four children. A descendant, Jacob W. Miller, became a prominent lawyer and United States senator from New Jersey. The first settler, Jacob Miller, was a son of this immigrant and was the first of the family to settle in Montgomery county, New York.
1.
Clas Miller
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(II) Jacob, son of John Henry Miller, set- tled in Montgomery county, New York, where he attained the great age of ninety-four years. There were several of his name served in the revolutionary war from Albany and Tryon counties (Montgomery being erected later), and as his life covered the revolutionary period he may have been one of them. One Jacob Miller served in the Second Regiment of the line commanded by Colonel Van Cortland ; one in the Third Regiment, under Colonel James Clinton; one of the Third Regiment, Albany county militia, under Colonel Philip P. Schuy- ler, and one in the Twelfth Regiment, under Colonel Jacob Van Schoonhovene. Adam Miller, who was of the same family as Jacob, was at the battle of Oriskany, under the brave General Herkimer, and was shot through the hand. Another brother, John, was in the same battle. Jacob Miller was a farmer and cleared a homestead from the virgin forest. He mar- ried a Miss Putnam, of the Mohawk Valley family of that name, who have been identified with the development of Montgomery county since its foundation. Children : Daniel, Doro- thy, Polly, Sarah and John.
(III) Daniel, son of Jacob Miller, was born on the Miller homestead in the town of Glen, Montgomery county, New York, about the year 1800, and died on his farm in Royalton, Niagara county, New York. He left Mont- gomery county in 1831 and with his wife came to Royalton, where he engaged in farming. He married Mary Cress. Children: Adam, died in Orleans county ; Laney, also deceased ; Ben- jamin, died in Michigan; Andrew, died in Newfane, New York; Eva, married Norman Vincent and removed to St. Louis, Michigan ; Mary, deceased, married Charles A. Newell, of Niagara county ; Peter D.
(IV) Peter D., son of Daniel Miller, born in Montgomery county, New York, November 12, 1820, died in Niagara county, New York, November 1, 1895. He came to Western New York with his father in 1831; after a short stay in Orleans county, they removed to Niagara county, where later they purchased the Jaffrey farm on the New Creek road. In 1842 Peter D. Miller bought another tract of one hundred and ten acres in the same locality which they cleared and brought under cultiva- tion. Daniel and Peter D. Miller were the first to engage in fruit growing to any great extent, their orchard of twelve acres of apple trees being the first and largest in the county.
In 1886 Peter D. purchased a one-half interest in what is now Newfane Basket Manufactur- ing Company. He devoted his time to this business and to farming until his death. He was a devoted, zealous member of the Meth- odist Episcopal church, one of the early found- ers, chief supporters and a trustee of the Sec- ond Methodist Church of Newfane. The farm which he cleared from the wilderness is now owned by his son, Charles J. He married (first) Louisa Mather ; (second) Tamar Math- er ; (third) Mary Coulter. Child of first wife is deceased. Children of second wife: Alice L., married R. D. Wilson, of Newfane; Carrie, married George D. Bixler, of Newfane. Child of third wife: Charles J.
(V) Charles J., only son of Peter D. Miller and his third wife, Mary (Coulter) Miller, was born on the old homestead in Newfane, Niagara county, New York, July 28, 1865. He was educated at the Lockport Union school, graduating in the class of 1886. He then en- tered Cornell University, whence he was grad- uated, class of 1890. After finishing his col- lege course he returned home and for two years engaged with his father in farming. He is still the owner of the old family homestead which is known as the Meadow Brook farm, devoted to fruit growing and breeding of thor- oughbred Guernsey cattle. In 1892 he became manager of the Newfane Basket Manufactur- ing Company (incorporated in 1885). He has been actively connected with the company ever since and is now (1911) treasurer and general manager. This is one of the successful in- dustries of Niagara county and has always been a prosperous, well-managed enterprise. He has other and varied business interests; is a large stockholder of the Newfane Hardware Company, half owner of the Walker Coal Company, and interested in other minor con- cerns. Mr. Miller is a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity of Cornell, and is class secre- tary of his graduates class, 1890, of the uni- versity ; the University Club, of Buffalo; the Buffalo Automobile Club; Red Jacket Lodge, No. 646, Free and Accepted Masons; Ames Chapter, No. 88, Royal Arch Masons ; Genesee Commandery, Knights Templar, and Ismailia Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a trustee of the Second Methodist Episcopal Church, and an Independent in politics. He married, April 6, 1892, Lottie J., born 1868, daughter of Jesse O. and Helen (Dwight) Lockwood, of Olcott, New York.
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The Johnson family of James- JOHNSON town, New York, herein re- corded, descend from Doras- tus Johnson, born June 14, 1800, died April 3, 1881. He was a prosperous farmer of Oneida county, New York, owning a fine estate lying along the Mohawk river. Here he spent the earlier part of his life, prominent and respect- ed. In 1830 he sold his farm and for thirteen years lived in Cattaraugus county, New York, later settling at Pine Grove (now Russells), Warren county, Pennsylvania, where he lived a retired life the remainder of his days. He was a Universalist in religious belief. He married, January 11, 1821, Bathsheba Cum- mins, born February 2, 1802, died August 5, 1874. Children: 1. William, born September 24, 1821 ; a veteran of the civil war. 2. Tru- man W., born April 17, 1823. 3. Edwin F., July 25, 1824. 4. Abel, April 10, 1826. 5. Samuel McCoon, of whom further. 6. Selina B., April 24, 1829; served in the civil war, and died from disease contracted in the army. 7. Ira W., born September 3, 1834; he was color bearer of his regiment, and was killed at the battle of Fredericksburg. He fell literally rid- dled with bullets, the flag he bore rendering him a conspicuous target. 8. Dora (or Dorcas), born August 17, 1836. 9. Calvin, born July 14, 1842 ; a veteran of the civil war.
(II) Samuel McCoon, fifth son of Dorastus and Bathsheba (Cummins) Johnson, was born in Herkimer county, New York, January 10, 1828. He was two years of age when his par- ents removed to Cattaraugus county, New York, which was his home until he was fif- teen years old. In 1843 his father removed to Warren county, Pennsylvania, where he purchased a farm. Here Samuel remained until his marriage, working for his father. After leaving the farm he worked in the lum- ber woods for a time, then purchased a tract of pine timber, which he cleared and manu- factured into lumber, shipping the product of his sawmill down the river to more southern markets. With the profits derived from this deal he purchased a farm at Pine Grove, Penn- sylvania, which he cultivated for nine years, then exchanged it for a sawmill and a tract of timber land. He was engaged in the lumber business until 1865. In 1867 he purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty acres at Rus- sells (Pine Grove formerly), on which he re- sided until June, 1891, when he removed to Jamestown, where he has since lived a retired
life. Mr. Johnson and his family are members of the Theosophical Society, and believers in all things good, but not bound by any creed or form of religion. He is liberal in all his views, both religious and political. He is of quiet, domestic tastes and is highly regarded in his community. He married, September 22, 1850, Elizabeth Adelaide Cook, born in Ohio, Sep- tember 3, 1831, going to Pennsylvania when a young child, a daughter of William and Esther Forbes Cook. William Cook was born in Ohio, where he spent his earlier life engaged in farm- ing and teaming. About 1839 he removed to Warren county, Pennsylvania, where he en- gaged in general teaming and farming. He purchased a farm and a tract of timber which for several years he was engaged in converting into charcoal, for which he found an abundant market at Pittsburgh and Buffalo. After a prosperous career in Warren county he sold out and removed to Westmoreland county, Virginia, remaining there seventeen years, and then returned to Warren county, where he died. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married (first), in Ohio, about 1830, Esther Forbes, born about 1808, died 1838, daughter of Eliphalet and Elizabeth Forbes. Children : 1. Elizabeth Adelaide, born 1831 ; married Samuel McCoon Johnson. 2. George, born 1833; enlisted in Union army during the civil war for one year; at the ex- piration of his term he reenlisted and served during the entire war ; now a resident of Kane, Pennsylvania. 3. Esther Jane, born February 10, 1835, died 1871. 4. William Madison, died in infancy. William Cook married (second) Phebe Widdefield. Children : Lydia Ann, Cor- delia Maud, Phebe Eveline, Sarah Lucinda, Alice Amanda, William Wallace, Julia Maud, Charles Emory, Thomas Emmett.
Children of Samuel McCoon and Elizabeth A. Johnson : 1. Esther Agnes, born September 26, 1851; married Martin Howard. 2. Ida Inness, born September 22, 1853; married S. H. Briggs. 3. William Russell, of whom fur- ther. 4. Everett Dorastus, born March 31, 1857 ; married May Everett ; resides at James- town. 5. Ira Herman, born June 17, 1863; married Jennie Marsh; resides at Falconer, New York. 6. Calvin Murray, born Novem- ber 26, 1867; married Blanche Jones ; resides at Jamestown.
(III) William Russell, eldest son and third child of Samuel McCoon and Elizabeth A. (Cook) Johnson, was born in Warren county,
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Pennsylvania, July 5, 1855. He was educated in the public schools and spent his early life on the farm. He learned the blacksmith's trade, and in partnership with his brother established and conducted a shop in Russells, Pennsyl- vania, for a term of eighteen years. In 1893 Everett D. withdrew from the business and settled in Falconer, Chautauqua county, New York, and in 1894 William R. joined him, and they again became partners. They established a real estate and insurance business, which they successfully conducted until 1911, with office in Falconer for many years, and later removed their main office to Jamestown. During these years the brothers have developed some fine suburban properties, notably Linden and Maple Springs, as well as handling a great deal of real estate business in Jamestown, Falconer, and farm properties in the county. William R. has now admitted his son and continues busi- ness at No. 101 East Third street, Jamestown. He is a man of fine business ability, and is an authority on real estate values. He was made a Mason in Warren, Pennsylvania, but on com- ing to Falconer (his present home) joined Mount Moriah Lodge, Free and Accepted Ma- sons, of that village. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a Re- publican. He married, at Warren, Pennsyl- vania, September 30, 1880, Jessie Isabel Clark, born in Warren, September 7, 1860, daughter of James and Mary Eliza (Stevens) Clark. She was educated in the Warren high school and has always taken a leading part in tem- perance and educational work. She early con- nected with the Women's Christian Temper- ance Union, and while living in Russells was president of the local Union. Since coming to Falconer she has continued her work, serv- ing as president of the Union there four terms. For over twenty-five years she has been a member of the Ladies' Aid Society, and a valuable worker. She has also taken a deep interest in the public schools, and for the past nine years has been a capable and efficient member of the school board of Falconer. She is a member of Mount Sinai Chapter No. 132, Order of the Eastern Star, of Jamestown, and a supporter of all good causes. Child: Roy Clark, born at Russells, Warren county, Penn- sylvania, March 29, 1882; educated in the public schools of Russells and Falconer, and is a graduate of Jamestown Business College.
He began his business career as bookkeeper in the First National Bank of Falconer, and be- came assistant cashier. After two years there he resigned to take the same position in the First National Bank of Jamestown. In 1911 he resigned his position after eight years of service, and is now associated with his father in the real estate business. He is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to lodge and chapter. He married, at Falconer, New York, August 10, 1907, Adelia, daughter of Leroy Hooker.
(The Clark Line).
James Clark, paternal grandfather of Jessie Isabel (Clark) Johnson, was born in Scotland, where he married Jean MacPherson. He was a member of the Scotch Presbyterian church, and of the Masonic order. He emigrated to America about 1832 from Alvie, Scotland, and settled in Warren county, Pennsylvania, at Glade, now called East Warren. He owned a farm of two hundred acres, part of which is still owned by descendants, the remainder hav- ing been sold as building lots. He retained his church and lodge memberships after coming to the United States, taking always a deep inter- est in the welfare and progress of both. Both James and his wife lived to be nearly eighty years old. They are buried in Oakland Ceme- tery, Warren, Pennsylvania. Children : I. Isa- bel, married William Kitchen; had issue, of whom James and John survive. 2. John, mar- ried Eliza McMullen ; has sons, Kenneth and William; family reside at Warren, Pennsyl- vania. 3. Lewis, died at St. Louis, Missouri ; married Laura and had a son, Lewis (2), killed in the Philippines. 4. Alexander, married Mary Falconer ; now resides at Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania. 5. James (2), of whom further. 6. William, deceased ; married Mary Brown ; child, Wilhelmina.
James (2), son of James (1) and Jean ( MacPherson) Clark, was born in Alvie (or Alvia), Scotland, December 23, 1831. He was educated in the schools of his native town until reaching the age of fourteen years, when he came to the United States with his parents. He spent his youth on the farm at Glade, War- ren county, Pennsylvania, later embarking in the lumber business. He established a sawmill and planing mill in Warren, where he con- tinued in prosperous business for many years. He later became interested in banking and en-
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joys the distinction of being one of the oldest bank directors in the county, and is vice-presi- dent of the Warren Savings Bank. He is also interested in the Pennsylvania Gas Company. He is a Republican in politics, and has served in the Warren city council and on the school board. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic order. He married, at Warren, Penn- sylvania, November 2, 1858, Mary Eliza, born March 30, 1839, daughter of Simeon Glen and Sarah (Barras or Barrows) Stevens. Simeon G. Stevens was born in Glens Falls, New York, June 25, 1795, died in Warren, Pennsylvania, November 29, 1874. He was a hardware mer- chant in Warren for many years, and one of the most prominent men of that city in his day. He married Sarah Barras (or Barrows), born November 7, 1818, daughter of William and Sarah (Sinclair) Barras (or Barrows). Will- iam, born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, January 5, 1798, married Sarah Sinclair, born December 20, 1795. Children of Simeon G. and Sarah Stevens: 1. George, born June 14, 1834; enlisted in Union army; served in the civil war, and never was heard from after- ward; is supposed to have been killed in battle. 2. Jane Elizabeth, born February 1, 1837 ; mar- ried William Gerigan. 3. Mary Eliza, born March 30, 1839; married James Clark (2). (See children forward). 4. William B., born April 10, 1841 ; died January 5, 1843. 5. Will- iam B. (2), born February 26, 1845; died at Randolph, Virginia. 6. Ida L., born April 17, 1847 ; died June 24, 1849. 7. Henry G., born March 22, 1853; married Alice Newbury. 8. Ida L. (2), born April 17, 1857; married John Monroe.
Children of James (2) and Mary Eliza (Ste- vens ) Clark : I. George Lewis, born April 27, 1859; married Dorothy -; child, George Lewis (2) ; family resides at Mt. Gilead, Ohio. 2. Jessie Isabel, born September 7, 1860; mar- ried William Russell Johnson. 3. Lucy Alice, born September 27, 1862; married John Wes- ley ; resides at Warren, Pennsylvania. 4. Ed- ward Alexander, born December 11, 1863; married Addie Horrigan; child, James Clark Horrigan ; family resides at Warren, Pennsyl- vania. 5. Fred Charles, born August 29, 1868; resides at Warren. 6. Anna May, born May 18, 1873; married Frank Henry Grunninger; resides at Warren; child, John Edward. 7. Archie James, born June 2, 1875; married Maud Graham; resides in Warren; child, By-
ron Graham. 8. Ethel Eloise, born April 30, 1877; married Carl Campbell; resides at Mus- cogee, Oklahoma ; children : James, Kathleen, Arthur and Mary.
TIFFANY Of the Dr. Benjamin Tiffany branch of the Tiffany family in America, Silas, eldest son of James and Ruth (Durkee) Tiffany, was born in Hanover, New Hampshire, January 25, 1792, though the family home for many years after was in Randolph, Vermont. The grandfather, Dr. Benjamin Tiffany, served both as private and sergeant, and was a sur- geon in the command of General Stark, dur- ing the revolutionary war. James Tiffany, father of Silas Tiffany, moved to Western New York in the early days, and had one of the finest farming properties in this part of the state, at Darien Center, Genesee county. Silas Tiffany took part in the defence of Buf- falo against the British in 1812.
As a youth, devoted to study, Silas Tiffany desired to take a college training, but frail health prevented; however, after preliminary schooling, he continued his scholarly habits, becoming accomplished and well-read, partic- ularly in the classics. Shakespeare, in which he was deeply versed, was ever a delight to him, and was often quoted in his uncommonly interesting and genial discourse. In 1816 Mr. Tiffany came to Jamestown, Chautauqua coun- ty. From an existing sketch we quote much of the subsequent material. Silas Tiffany was among the earliest of Ellicott's substantial set- tlers, and for the fifty-eight years of his resi- dence was one of Jamestown's most important citizens. The incidents of his journey hither are related by him in the following letter, read at a meeting of old settlers at Fredonia in 1873.
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