Genealogical and Family History of Western New York, Volume I, Part 82

Author: Cutter, William Richard, 1847-1918
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: New York : Lewis Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 680

USA > New York > Genealogical and Family History of Western New York, Volume I > Part 82

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

"Early settlers, friends and fellow citizens-It is with pleasure that I claim to be one of your number, and regret that I can not be with you to-day. More than half a century have I spent the days, months and years in your midst. In June, 1816, I left Buffalo for the 'rapids' of Chautauqua outlet. Then the Western trail was along the beach of Lake Erie and through the 'Cattaraugus woods.' The day's travel brought up at the old Cash stand. Left in the early morning after breakfasting on catfish and red potatoes. At Canadaway had a good meal at Abel's; at the Cross Roads (Westfield) ate with Perry Ellsworth. At Mayville stopped with Captain Scott over night; thence took passage by cande down the lake, old jolly Tinkham the oarsman and pilot-fare .50 cents

433

NEW YORK.

to The Rapids, then a hamlet consisting of Judge Prendergast's saw and grist mill, and J. & M. Pren- dergast's store, with some small dwellings. Then the time from Buffalo to The Rapids was three days; now from same point less than three hours to James- town with a population of 7,000 to 8,000 where the hum of a busy and varied industry greets and tells of progress. Where once the native Indian roamed a hunter's life, now smiles the blooming field. The school house tells of mental culture; the steeple pointing to heaven admonishes the wayfarer that he treads on Christian ground. May the citizens of our country ever merit the reward held in reserve for the most worthy, is the prayer of

Silas Tiffany, aged 81."

We are indebted to a memoir of Silas Tif- fany read by W. W. Henderson at the annual meeting of the Jones-Hazeltine Historical So- ciety at Chautauqua in June, 1883, for many incidents related in this memorial :

"At the time of Mr. Tiffany's arrival in James- town the area now occupied by the city was largely covered by an unbroken forest of pine. Deer were numerous and bears and wolves not uncommon. The year previous, the village plot had been surveyed and the name Jamestown adopted. Soon after Mr. Tif- fany's arrival he purchased the lot on the northeast corner of Main and Second Sts., running through to Pine St. and erected a large two storied store, to the north side of which he attached a residence. After Mr. Tiffany's marriage it was his residence until 1837, when it was destroyed by fire among seven buildings which burned on the east side of Main St., between Second and Third. Mr. Tiffany's was the second store in town; his first goods arrived in the fall of 1817. His store was first built on blocks, as then was usual. In the spring of 1819 he dug a cellar under it, and under the house, and built foundation walls of stone. These were the first stone walls built in Jamestown."

Mr. Tiffany was the first resident merchant in Jamestown, conducting the business for many years. Aside from his early merchan- dising he was a large manufacturer and ship- per of lumber, running and selling it in Cincin- nati and southern markets. On such an ex- pedition he would buy a saddle horse in Ken- tucky, and make the return trip on horseback. In 1819 he sent for his brother Jehial and took . him into business. They bought the mill privi- lege and one thousand acres of land lying on both sides of the outlet at what was long known as Tiffanyville, and discontinued the store in Jamestown. Silas Tiffany continued to live in Jamestown, but his brother removed to Tif- fanyville. About two years afterwards the brothers discontinued business relations.

Silas Tiffany, on September 20, 1831, mar- ried Lucy, daughter of Elias Hyde, and step- daughter of Benjamin Budlong. Mr. Tiffany 28-W

died June 24, 1874; Mrs. Tiffany survived her husband two years, and died in June, 1876. Mrs. Tiffany was a woman of sterling char- acter. She had for the times received a superior education and was well known for her many accomplishments. Their home, which was shared by five daughters, was characterized by industry, a kindly courtesy and mutual con- sideration, and notable for genial hospitality to a wide circle of friends. Mr. Tiffany was for many years an interested member of Mt. Moriah Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Jamestown.

In speaking of the personal traits of char- acter of Mr. Tiffany we quote Charles Sterns, himself an early settler long associated with and observant of the men of his time. He says :

"The tall, spare gentleman now wending his way slowly down the sidewalk with a quiet dignity and gentleness of tread denoting the self poised gentle- man of the old school, is Mr. Silas Tiffany. Mr. Tiffany was an original, independent thinker, radical in politics, a Whig previous to the organization of the Republican party, and during the war an earnest, uncompromising Unionist. He possessed a genial, kindly disposition, especially observable in his domes- tic relations. His sympathies were easily enlisted in behalf of those struggling to secure an education; many young men could testify to encouragement and aid received at his hands. His interest in the schools was unabated. For more than three-quarters of a century he had participated in and observed the growth of this country, an eventful chapter in the history of the world, embracing great revolutions in politics, in religion, in science and the arts. A new world of inventions had grown up around him. Toil- some journeys like those of his boyhood abridged to days and even hours."

Mr. Henderson tells us that Mr. Tiffany was an optimist. His faith was liberal, reliant and hopeful; in one of his latest conversations on the subject of the future life, he expressed convictions based on the most exalted ideas of supreme creative wisdom and power. His death took place immediately following the last meeting of the old settlers of Chautauqua county, held in Jamestown. But a few hours before he expired with a smile on his lips, he pleasantly referred to the proceedings of the meeting, repeating a humorous anecdote of the early days applicable to the subject. His going to sleep was like that of "One who wraps the drapery of his couch about him, and lies down to pleasant dreams."

Silas Tiffany was a remarkable man. In all respects a gentleman, handsome, refined and gentle, well read, a fine conversationalist, pure in thought and diction, unassuming, correct,

. -

434

NEW YORK.

beloved of all who knew him. It is not possi- ble to come in contact with a man of his stamp without feeling a fascination more than ordin- ary. He was truly "One of nature's Noble- men." (Revised by L. T. Henderson). (Much of the above sketch is directly from Hazeltine's Early History, Town of Ellicott ).

HENDERSON William Wallace Hender- son was born September II, 1828, at Sinclairville, Chautauqua county, New York, of Scotch and English descent. Mr. Henderson's maternal grandfather, Nathaniel Johnson, a patriot of the war of the revolution, was at Saratoga at Burgoyne's surrender. He was a man of strong intellect, well read, and his children received good educational advantages for the times. The sons and daughters were vigorous physically as intellectually, two daughters and a son attaining the ages of eighty-eight, ninety and eighty-one years, in fair health.

The families of both grandparents were New Englanders, coming from Vermont and New Hampshire to Western New York among the earliest settlers of this region, and were pos- sessed of the sturdy characteristics of the early pioneers establishing homes here. Hannah Johnson and Sylvanus Henderson settled at Sinclairville. Before her marriage, Miss John- son taught one of the early schools in this county, and Sylvanus Henderson as a young man took up timber land and pursued the call- ing of surveyor and builder ; he fought on the Niagara frontier during the war of 1812. He was a devoted Free Mason, master of Sylvan Lodge, Sinclairville, as was his son, W. W., in later years. To quote Judge Abner Hazeltine in his sketch of Freemasonry in Chautauqua County, contributed to the Chautauqua County Centennial History : "At the great excitement that followed 1826, when it was believed by enemies of Freemasonry that it had received its death blow, the lodges and chapters in this county surrendered their charters and jewels and ceased Masonic labor. Most of their rec- ords became scattered or were destroyed, and had it not been for the great care of Judge Foote, Hon. Thomas B. Campbell, and Syl- vanus L. Henderson, of Sinclairville, none would have been preserved."

William Wallace Henderson, having advan- tage of the schooling of the period, showed from his youth unusual devotion to reading, with the enthusiasm of the born student. He

began early to build up a library which became a large and excellent selection of books as years went on, always a most valued possession of its ardent collector, who gladly shared its enjoy- ment with his friends. His children grate- fully acknowledge an early acquaintance with and love for the best literature and thought, through the accustomed reading and discussion at home. Mr. Henderson's well stored and cultivated mind, his gift for easy and interest- ing discourse, combined with courteous and sympathetic manner, and his broad tolerance and consideration of the rights and opinions of others, made his companionship and advice much sought by old and young alike. Of ex- ceedingly kindly and generous disposition, but entirely unassuming, perhaps few outside his immediate family knew of his contributions and thoughtfulness in helping the unfortunate and needy, as well as his ever ready encourage- ment and assistance in other directions.

With developing tastes toward philosophic and scientific inquiry, Mr. Henderson early became a student of medicine under the tute- lage of Henry B. Hedges, M. D., a graduate of Fairfield Medical College, one of the first instituted in this state. In 1847-48 Mr. Hen- derson was a student of the medical college of the University of Buffalo, which then num- bered among its faculty Frank H. Hamilton, M. D., Austin Flint, M. D., and many other able medical men and scholars of the time. Mr. Henderson finally adopted the profession of pharmacy which he continued for nearly half a century, retiring in 1894. At majority he affiliated with the anti-slavery element of the Whig party, and in 1852 voted with the supporters of John P. Hale for President, with "Free soil, free speech and free men" as the motto. Later he was active in the local organ- ization of the progressive political elements which finally coalesced in the Republican party ; also as member of state committee, and many times as delegate for Chautauqua county in the district and state conventions of the party. He was appointed a postmaster at Sinclair- ville in 1861 under President Lincoln, and continued in office during four successive ad- ministrations. In 1871 President Grant ap- pointed Mr. Henderson collector of internal revenue for the thirty-first district of New York, and after its consolidation with the twenty-seventh district he was reappointed as its collector, with office at Elmira. He credit- ably concluded his public service in this con-

- ...

435

NEW YORK.

nection in 1876 and soon after became a resi- dent of Jamestown, where he was always iden- tified as a prominent and actively interested citizen. For many years Mr. Henderson was a member of the board of education. With Major E. P. Putnam he was associated as senior partner in the firm of Henderson & Putnam, druggists and booksellers, from June 10, 1878, to December 18, 1888, and contin- ued in that business until August, 1894, when he devoted himself to the sale of books and stationery. He was a charter member of the New York State Pharmaceutical Association, president of the Chautauqua County Pharma- ceutical Association, and of the Pharmaceu- tical Association of Jamestown. At its organ- ization in 1886, he was elected a member of the board of curators for the department of pharmacy of the University of Buffalo, which relation was continued during his lifetime.

Mr. Henderson was recognized as an enthu- siastic explorer in fields of philosophic and historical research; had participated in many local antiquarian investigations, the opening of Indian mounds, etc., assisting men from the Smithsonian Institution in their work in this region. He was active in organizing the Chau- tauqua County Society of Historical and Nat- ural Science, and was its treasurer for some years and its secretary from the first, during · twenty-five years, until his resignation from its activities two years preceding his death at the age of eighty-one. Several papers of interest and value were contributed by him to its archives ; he was also corresponding mem- ber of the Oneida Historical Society, one of the oldest in the state, his certificate bearing the signature of Horatio Seymour, its presi- dent at the time.

In 1867 Mr. Henderson was united in mar- riage with Martha Y. Tiffany, memorable for her rare endowments of mind and personality, and her graciousness and beauty were re- flections of a rich spiritual nature recognized by all who knew her. Her gifts as musician and linguist were of no common order. Martha Y. was a daughter of Silas Durkee Tiffany, one of the earliest settlers and business men of the city. Mrs. Henderson's death occurred February 20, 1903. After this time Mr. Hen- derson went to the home of his wife's sister, Mrs. Lucia T. S. Ingraham, in Buffalo, where with his eldest daughter, then and until 1906 employed in the Buffalo Public Library, he re- sided until his death, which occurred Novem-

ber 13, 1910. Two children survive. Lucia Tiffany Henderson, since 1906 librarian of the James Prendergast Free Library, Jamestown, New York, and Nina S. ( Mrs. W. H. Henchey) of Pittsburgh. (Much of this is copied from the sketch in Edson's "History of Chautauqua County" (Merrill, Ed.), 1894; revised and supplemented by L. T. Henderson, 1911).

SCOTT The Scotts of Jamestown, New York, are descendants of Scotch, English and Irish ancestors and trace through unbroken lines to the early Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts and through the Montgomery line back to France and the eighth century. Dr. John Winfield Scott, the present day representative, is a grandson of the emigrant from Ireland, the founder of this branch in the United States.

(I) Robert Scott was born in the north of Ireland at Londonderry. In the year 1800 he came to the United States, landing at Philadel- phia, Pennsylvania. He settled on a farm in Erie county, Pennsylvania, near Harbour Creek, as early as 1812. He cultivated his farm of one hundred acres until his death at the age of seventy. He was a member of the Presby- terian church and a good man. He married a Miss Allen, who survived him, living to the age of eighty years. Children : 1. James, now deceased ; was a carpenter by trade, living at Erie, Pennsylvania. 2. Andrew, a very promi- nent man of Erie, Pennsylvania. 3. Thomas, of Erie, Pennsylvania. 4. John, of further mention. 5. Harriet, married Joseph Moore- head, of Mooreheadville, Pennsylvania. 6. Elizabeth, died in youthful womanhood.

(II) John, son of Robert and (A1- len) Scott, was born on the Harbour Creek homestead, Erie county, Pennsylvania, July 25, 1803, died at Jamestown, New York, April 26, 1873. He was educated in the public schools, and spent his early life on the farm. In 1830, being then aged twenty-seven years, he located in Jamestown, New York, where he started in a modest way manufacturing sash doors and blinds, also owning and operat- ing a sawmill. As his business grew he took a partner, and as Scott & Chandler built up an extensive business. The planing mill products were shipped by flat boats to Pittsburg and other river points and a river freighting trade in other commodities was a prominent fea- ture of their business. He was successful in business but poor health compelled his re-

436

NEW YORK.

tirement. He sold his businesss interests and retired. He was an active member of the Presbyterian church, and one of the builders of the first church that denomination erected in Jamestown. From the time of its organiza- tion until his death he served the congregation as an elder. Both he and his wife are buried in Lake View cemetery. He married Elmina Eddy, born at Pittsfield, Rutland county, Ver- mont, August 30, 1807, died at Jamestown, New York, January 6, 1893 (see Eddy VIII). Children : I. Robert Eddy, born April 30, 1832, died April 12, 1868; married, 1854, Sarah Gardner. 2. An infant daughter born and died October 9, 1836. 3. Lieutenant James Brainard, born October 17, 1837, died January 18, 1863; he enlisted in the Ninth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and served during the civil war, attaining the rank of lieutenant. 4. Dr. John Winfield, of further mention. 5. Harriet Eliza, born Oc- tober 24, 1843, died November 16, 1843. 6. Elmina Isabelle, born July 10, 1846, died Feb- ruary 7, 1848.

(III) John Winfield, son of John and El- mina (Eddy) Scott, was born at Jamestown, New York, February 11, 1840, and with the exception of two years spent in Milwaukee, 1866-68, has been a life-long resident of that city. He was educated in the Jamestown pub- lic schools and academy. Choosing medicine as his profession, he studied one year under the direction of Dr. A. F. Ward, beginning in April, 1863. He then entered Cleveland College of Homeopathy, being graduated M. D. in 1866. He began the practice of his profession in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, remain- ing until 1868. He had built up a good prac- tice and had no intention of abandoning it, but being called to Jamestown on personal business found matters there in such condition that he decided to remain. He closed up his Milwaukee business, and now for nearly half a century has been in continuous, successful practice in Jamestown. While devoted to the tenets of his own school, Dr. Scott consults freely with his brethren of other schools and maintains the most friendly relations with them. He stands high in his profession, and has frequently lectured on medical topics be- fore societies and in hospitals. He is consci- entious and thorough in his methods and has fairly won the respect of his community. He is a supporter of the Republican party, but has no liking for public office. He is a liberal sup-

porter of the Congregational church of James- town, of which his Grandfather Eddy was the first settled minister. He is a member of the Masonic Order, affiliated with Mt. Moriah Lodge, No. 145.

He married, October 30, 1868, at Manistee, Michigan, Louisa L. Conover, born at Mil- waukee, Wisconsin, August 3, 1846, daughter of Samuel S. Conover, born at Victor, Ontario county, New York, November 10, 1818, died at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August 2, 1898, and is buried in that city. He was an extensive dealer in real estate of Manistee, Michigan, and before that sheriff of Milwaukee county, Wisconsin. He was a member of the Method- ist Episcopal church and a Democrat in poli- tics. He married Lydia ( Montgomery) Powell. born November 21, 1816, in Ellisville, New York, died May 3, 1889, daughter of Hugh and Rachel (Rose) Montgomery (see Mont- gomery III), and widow of David Powell. Children of Samuel S. and Lydia (Montgom- ery-Powell) Conover: 1. John Alva Conover, deceased. 2. Hannah Didama Conover; mar- ried William G. Parsons, whom she survives; a resident of Ashville, Chautauqua county, New York. 3. Louisa Lucinda Montgomery Conover ; married Dr. John Winfield Scott. 4. LaMira E. Conover, married Hooker Ellis, whom she survives, a resident of Jamestown. Only child of Dr. John W. and Louisa L. Montgomery (Conover) Scott: Jane Wino- gene, born September 30, 1871, married Au- brey D. Hiles, a highly esteemed business man of Milwaukee. They have two adopted daugh- ters: Aroline, born August 4, 1906, and Cath- erine, born September 10, 1907.

(The Eddy Line).

The Eddys of America claiming early colo- nial ancestry descend from Samuel Eddy, of Plymouth Colony, Massachusetts.

(I) William Eddye, A. M., vicar of the church of St. Dunstan, of the town of Cran- brook, county of Kent, England, a native of Bristol, was educated at Trinity College, Cam- bridge, England, and was vicar of Cranbrook from 1589 to 1616. He married, November 20, 1587, Mary Fosten (daughter of John Fosten, died September, 1573), who died July, 1611, leaving an infant, Nathaniel, who sur- vived his mother nine days. In 1614 Mr. Ed- dye married Elizabeth Tayler (widow), and in the same year she had a daughter, Priscilla. On November 23, 1616, he died and was buried

John W. Scott m. il.

NEW YORK

1. .i interests and

one of the wonders mination erected

e si :ved de congrega !!!

un tary. He married Eroina cd, butland county. Ver-

1807. die, 21 Jame down,

. I bert Eddy, born April 30. Ant 12, 1808, married, 1854,

( ardne: 2. An infant daughter been ched October 9. 1830. 3. I ieutenvat Mit . Prapard. boro October 17, 1837. died j. may 18, 1303; he arfind 9. the Ninth Kaart. Com whata Volunteer Cavalry. at vad imin the end war attaking the rick of la utenant. 4. Dr. Jela Wanted, of f. sauf mention. 5. Harriet Baza, hogy (- tabor 24, 1843. died November 16, 1813. 6. Elimina Tabele. bera Juh 10, 1846, d'ed Feb- : uary 7, 1x ;8

( III) J. m Wanneld, son of John and El- mina ( Eddy ) Scott, was born at Jamestown, New York, February 11, 1840, and with the exception of two years spent in Milwaukee, 1800-08, has been a wie-long resident of that civ. He was educated in the Innestown pub- se school and academy (having medicine : his profession. he stablen da year under the director of Dr. A. E Mail, beginning Te thet naturali cleveland .i.m. pathy. I'm: graduated R &b. The agent the practice of his . 7. 1. a Miwaukee, Wistener i. remain- He had built up a good pri - the and Jal no intention of abandoning it. but leung called to Jamestown on personal business found matters there in such condamn that he decided to remain. He closed up his Milwaukee business, and now for nearly balt. a century has been in continuous. it'll "tice in Jaime town. While lowas I to the his own

it gous with profession and ocai topics be- Hle is consci- a method: and has 'n- community. He . an party, but has

·At:

it is a liberal sup-

factu of the Cons : - gatic nal church o low n. of which his Grandfather En : first settled minister He is a men ,. Macome Order, attilated with ME Lodge. No. 115.

i. married, October 30. 1868. it Miclagan. Louisa I. ( onever, bern Market, Wisconsin. August 3. 1842. . of Samuel S. Conover, born at Victor conEL. NEW York. November 10, 1 at wil aukce, Wisconsin. August 2. ! ' Is buried in that city. He was an dealer in real estate of Manistee. . "': and before that sheriff of Milwauk + Wisconsin. He was a member of the ' ist Episcopal church and a Demottar tica. He married Lydia ( Montgomer: ) born November 21, 1816, in Ellis" Vos died May 3. 1880, daughter ... and Radad ( Rose ) Montgomery (. . petery lle, and window of David Children of Samuel S. and Lydia (: ery- Powell , Corover. I. John Alva deceased. 2. Hi orth Didama Conov. ned William C. Parsons, whom she sat .. a resident of Ashiville, Chautauqua New York a Louisa Lucinda Mon." Conover : mirred Dr. John Winfield S. LaVera E Corover, married Work! when she survives, a resident of fame. Only d'al !! of Dr. John W. and i.our Montgomery . Conaver ) Scott: Jane !! gene, born Seon mber 30, 1871. marri ! brev D. Hiles, a light esteemed busin- of Milwaukee. They have : so adopte : ters Aroline, boru August 4. 1906, ani ( . erine, born September 10, 1907.

( The Eldy Line).

The Fais of America claiming rail . . pial ancestry descend from Samuel Ed .. i bymouth ( wiony, Massachusetts.

(I) William Edile, A. M, vicar of . church of St. Du-tan, of the town of \ . : brook, county of Kent, England. a na. .. Bristol, was educated at Trinity College ( . bridge, England, and was vicar of Crantr. from 158 to 1016. He married, Nova" 20. 1587. Mary Foster (daughter of 1. Fosten, died September. 1573), who died ). 16, 1, leaving an infant, Nathaniel, whe vived his mother nine days. In this Mr. ; dye married Elizabeth Taylor ( widow ), art. the same year she had a daughter. Priscilla. . November 23, 1616, he died and was bu. ....

John W. Scott m.il.

437

NEW YORK.

in Cranbrook churchyard, but where therein is not known. He was a gentleman of much merit and order and a faithful clergyman to his parishioners. The financial affairs of the parish were, through his instrumentality, placed on a better footing than before, and all its loose registers, dating back from 1588, were collected, arranged, and by him properly entered in a new parchment book. He beauti- fully engrossed about eighty of its pages, and illuminated three title pages-one for births, another for the marriages, and a third for the deaths. This book is now (1881) to be seen at the vicarage. Children of William Eddye: I. Mary, born September, 1591. 2. Phineas, September, 1593. 3. John, March, 1597. 4. Ellen, August, 1599. 5. Abigail, October, 1601, died May 20, 1687, in Charlestown, Mas- sachusetts. 6. Anna, May, 1603. 7. Elizabeth, December, 1606. 8. Samuel, of whom further. 9. Zacharias, 1610. 10. Nathaniel, July, 1611. II. Priscilla, 1614.

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

Genealogical and Family History of Western New York, Volume I, Part 82

Author: Cutter, William Richard, 1847-1918 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: New York : Lewis Historical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 680

Author: Cutter, William Richard, 1847-1918
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: New York : Lewis Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 680