USA > New York > Genealogical and Family History of Western New York, Volume I > Part 89
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Dirck Bensen was originally from Gron- ingen, but was for a time resident of Amster- dam, Holland, where he married Catalyntje, daughter of Samson Berck. He came to America about 1648. In 1649 he was of New Amsterdam (New York). He died in Al- bany, New York, January 6, 1659, leaving issue.
( II) Captain Johannes Bensen, son of Dirck and Catalyntje (Berck) Bensen, was born February 8, 1655. In 1689 he resided at Claverack, New York, and was appointed in March of that year captain of a company of militia, when an attack was expected from the French and Indians. In 1690 he removed to Harlem, New York, where he died. He mar- ried, February 2, 1680, Lysbeth, daughter of Teuwes (Matthew) and Helena Van Deusen, and left issue.
(III) Johannes (2), son of Captain Johan- nes (1) and Lysbeth (Van Deusen) Bensen, was born May 29, 1701. He settled in Bergen county, New Jersey, after his marriage, May 24, 1724, to Elizabeth, daughter of Gerrit Ly- decker, of Bergen county, New Jersey.
(IV) Daniel, son of Johannes (2) and Elizabeth (Lydecker) Bensen, was born about 1731. He settled at Tappan, New York, and lived in Paterson, New Jersey. He served in the revolution. Married and had a son Dan- iel (2).
(V) Daniel (2) Benson ( as the name is now spelled), son of Daniel (1) Bensen, was born in New Jersey, in 1771, died March, 1838. He removed to New York state, settling in Genesee county, thence to Monroe, finally locating permanently in the town of Conewan- go, Cattaraugus county, where he took up land (lot nine), built a log house and cleared a farm, on which he lived until death. He mar-
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ried Rachel Doremus ; children : Peter B., of Randolph, the last survivor; David, Garry, Cornelius, Peter D., John, Jane and Rebecca.
(VI) John, son of Daniel (2) Benson, was born in New Jersey, July 25, 1800, died in Conewango, Cattaraugus county, New York, July 6, 1863. He settled in Conewango on the lot adjoining his father (lot ten), taking up land there, which he cleared and brought un- der cultivation. He became one of the sub- stantial, influential men of his town, and was held in the highest esteem. He was a member of the Baptist church, and until 1860 a Demo- crat, then voted for Abraham Lincoln for president, and ever after acted with the Re- publican party. He married Millie Helms, born in Genesee county, New York, May 23, 1806, who survived him, dying February 22, 1879. Children: 1. Maria. 2. Marcus J., of East Randolph ; married Loraine Huntington ; child, Cora, married William Noyes, and has daughter, Adeline. 3. Matilda, married Ed- win Nutting; children : i. Ida L., married El- ton Rich. ii. Eva. iii. Edwin. 4. William H., member of Company H, Third Wisconsin Cavalry, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, 1862; wounded in battle and died. 5. Sophrona E., married Orrin Smith; children: Addison and Millie, married Martin King, and has Eliza- beth. 6. Martin V., of further mention. 7. Marvin, died 1861.
(VII) Martin V., sixth child of John and Millie (Helms) Benson, was born in Cone- wango, Cattaraugus county, New York, June 28, 1839. He was educated in the public school, finishing his studies at Randolph Acad- emy. He enlisted in the first regiment raised, which was disbanded before being mustered in. His health was very poor for several years, and he taught school at intervals, eight terms in all He then began the study of law with Jen- kins & Goodwill, later with Alexander Shel- don. He then attended Albany Law School, from which he was graduated, and February 18, 1871, admitted to the bar. He at once began the practice of his profession in East Randolph, New York, continuing alone until 1896, securing a lucrative practice. In the latter year he formed a law partnership with Johnson V. Goodwill, which continued until the death of his partner. He has since then practiced alone. He was supervisor for the town of Conewango for twenty-five years, eleven of which he was chairman of the board. He possesses bound copies of the supervisor's
reports and is an authority on town history of Conewango. He was for several years justice of the peace and actively interested in all pub- lic concerns. He was one of the organizers and was chosen the first president of the Peo- ple's State Bank, of East Randolph, an office he has held twenty-one years. He has always been a strong temperance man and a devoted friend of the cause of education. He is a man of strong character, decided views, and has always held the esteem of his townsmen. He is a Republican in politics and an active, efficient supporter of his party. He is an able lawyer and gave to his clients faithful service, and in all his dealings with his fellowmen has observed the strictest integrity. He is a member of Randolph Lodge and Salamanca Chapter of the Masonic Order, and also affili- ated with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. He is trustee and vice-president of the Western New York Home for Destitute Chil- dren at Randolph, New York.
He married (first), June 18, 1868, Lucy- ette E., daughter of Archibald and Emily C. Merrill. She was born in Concord, Lake county, Ohio, July 23, 1845, died October 17, 1878. She was a woman of graceful person- ality, a devoted wife and a sincere Christian. She was active and public-spirited, always ready to do her part in life, and meeting all social demands made upon her. She joined the church in youth and was ever faithful to her vows. Children : 1. Mildred, died in 1876. 2. Grace E., married Ernest P. Moore. Mr. Benson married (second), February 3, 1881, Ette R. Bowen.
COWING This name in early records was used interchangeably with Cow- en, both forms prevailing some- times in the same family. John Cowen, of Scotland, was a resident of Scituate, Massa- chusetts, in 1656. He married Rebecca, widow of Richard Man. There is no record of the coming of a Cowing to Scituate, yet the vital records show a great many were born, mar- ried and died there, many more by name Cow- ing than Cowen. The inference is that John Cowen was the emigrant ancestor of both Cowens and Cowings. This makes it impossi- ble to trace any particular line, especially as the records are meagre and widely scattered that refer to Cowing or Cowen. The earliest mention of the name in New York state is in Yates county, of James Cowing, born 1740,
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in Plymouth county, Massachusetts. He was a shoemaker, but followed the sea more than his trade. He made great quantities of shoes for the Continental soldiers, taking his pay in government paper, which was never re- deemed. He did not grumble, however, as the cause of liberty prevailed. He first settled in Saratoga county, then in Ontario county, five miles west of Geneva, and in 1830 a son James settled in Yates county, where he died in 1840, aged seventy-two. He had two wives and twenty children. No doubt James and Thompson Cowing came from the same stock, and the strong probability is that James (1) was the grandfather of Thompson Cowing, and perhaps James Cowing (2) was the father of Thompson, as he was the father of eleven children.
(I) Thompson Cowing (probably son of James (2), born 1768, and grandson of James Cowing. (1), born 1740) was born in the state of Massachusetts, in 1794, died in Busti, Chau- tauqua county, New York, at an advanced age. If he descended as is believed, his early man- hood was spent in Saratoga, Ontario and Yates counties, New York. In 1839 he came to Chautauqua county, settling in Busti, at what is now the noted summer resort on Lake Chautauqua, Lakewood. Here he purchased a tract of two hundred and twenty-five acres and devoted his after life to its cultivation. He was a successful, prosperous farmer, well known and much respected. He was a Whig in politics. He married Salome House. Chil- dren : Charlotte, John, Charles, Samuel, James, Marietta, Fordyce B., married Katherine Strunk, children : Herbert O. and Leonard G .; Ransom F., of whom further; a daughter, died in infancy.
(II) Lieutenant Ransom Fuller Cowing, son of Thompson and Salome (House) Cow- ing, was born in Chesterfield, Massachusetts, October 25, 1832, died October 19, 1909. He was a small boy when his parents settled in Chautauqua county, New York, where he at- tended the public schools, and in earlier man- hood worked for his father on the farm. After leaving the paternal roof he purchased a farm on Lake Chautauqua, at what is now the village of Lakewood, one of the most beautiful and popular summer resorts on the lake. Here he spent his after life tilling his farm, and for thirty years was in the employ of the Erie Railroad Company as baggage trans-
fer agent, a connection being made at this point between trains and lake steamers. As the place grew in importance, his farm came into demand for building lots, the greater part of the village of Lakewood being built on the old homestead. A goodly share, however, yet re- mains, on which his widow and sons reside. At the outbreak of the civil war he was one of the first to offer his services to the gov- ernment. He enlisted in Company F, Ninth Regiment, New York Cavalry, as a private, served three years and three months and was honorably discharged. He was promoted ser- geant, orderly sergeant and lieutenant, promo- tions won for "gallant and meritorious services on the field of battle." At Brandy Station, Vir- ginia, his right arm was shattered by a burst- ing shell. During his military service he was engaged in sixteen battles, and earned every advance in rank. The Ninth was a hard- fought regiment, and its history up to the time Mr. Cowing was wounded is also his rec- ord. In war or peace he played well his part. He was progressive and broadminded, of most pleasing, striking personality, affable and kind- ly hearted; the friend of all. His influence in his village was very great, and always ex- erted for good. He was a member of the United Brethren church, and in politics strong- ly Republican. He married, at Flatbush, Long Island, Martha A. Duryee, born there July 24, 1834, who survives him, a resident of Lake- wood, New York. She inherits from her French ancestry the vivacity of that race, and although now in her seventy-eighth year is a most interesting and entertaining conversa- tionalist. Her mind is well stored with the best in literature, and history and art are her familiars, while keeping fully alive to the im- portance of current events. She is moreover most domestic in her tastes, spending her years between the homes of her children. Her bright and cheerful nature makes her a favor- ite everywhere. She is a daughter of Jacob, and granddaughter of Cornelius Duryee, born in France. Jacob Duryee came to New York City at the age of seventeen years, and se- cured a position in the New York custom house, holding his position there until he was sixty-one years of age. His brother Cor- nelius was also employed in the custom house all his life. Jacob was a devoted member of the German Reformed church, of Flat- bush, Long Island, his home. He married Nel-
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lie -, and had nine children, two of whom are living, Ellen G., married Spencer Crabb, and Martha A., married Ransom Fuller Cowing. Two sisters, Jane and Mary A., died aged respectively eighty and eighty-four years. Both married and had families. A brother, Stephen, is buried in Greenwood cemetery, Brooklyn. Children of Ransom F. and Martha A. Cowing: I. Ransom Thompson, of whom further. 2. Nellie A., born 1867; educated at Jamestown high school, and until her marriage a teacher in the public schools; she married James H. Houser, a wholesale grocer, of Meadville, Pennsylvania ; children : Gertrude, Harold and James.
(III) Ransom Thompson, only son of Ran- som Fuller and Martha A. (Duryee) Cowing, was born in Flatbush, Long Island, January 18, 1862. He was educated in the public schools of the town of Busti, Chautauqua county, New York, finishing his studies at Jamestown Union School. He has spent almost his entire life a resident of Lakewood, New York, his present home being the old homestead founded by his father when a young man. For a few years, while in the employ of the Erie Rail- road Company, he made his home in Meadville, Pennsylvania. In earlier life he assisted his father in the baggage-room at Lakewood. In 1884 he entered the employ of the Erie Rail- road Company as brakeman. In 1887 he was promoted freight conductor and in 1907 pas- senger conductor, running between Meadville, Pennsylvania, and Salamanca, New York, and Meadville and Buffalo. In 1910 he resigned after a service of a quarter of a century. He is now engaged in the retail coal business at Lakewood, with yards and storage plant near the Erie station. He was elected justice of the peace of the town of Busti, November 7, 1911, for a term of four years. He is a Republican and a member of Hall Post, Sons of Veterans, Jamestown; of Lakewood Lodge, No. 268, I. O. O. F., and Division No. 32, Order of Railroad Conductors.
He married (first) Mattie Stewart, died 1885; (second) Elizabeth Crouch, died 1897; (third) Charlotte, born in Jamestown, Janu- ary 26, 1868, widow of Frank Gates, daughter of Isaac A. and Sarah J. (Thompson) Stoner. By her first marriage she had a son, Leon Gates, resident of Olean, New York. Child of Ransom T. and Charlotte Cowing : Ransom Theodore, born January 26, 1908.
(II) Fordyce B. Cowing, son COWING of Thompson (q. v.) and Sa- lome (House) Cowing was born in East Jamestown, Chautauqua county, New York, and died November 10, 1890, aged forty-eight years. He was educated in the public schools, completing his studies at the old Jamestown Academy. He was reared a farmer, and worked with his father on the Busti homestead. He purchased the old "Hut- ton farm," in Ellicott town, originally the old "Baker farm," the tract comprising one hun- dred and sixty-nine acres of highly fertile land, probably unexcelled in the whole county for productiveness. The farm is still owned by his family. He was a very successful man of business and one of the best-known men in town. He was an attendant of the Baptist church, and a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. During the civil war he enlisted and served in Company F, Ninth Regiment New York Cavalry. He married, January 10, 1867, Katherine Strunk, born in Ellicott, Chautauqua county, March 29, 1845, daughter of William H. and Jane Ann (Van Vleck) Strunk. William H. Strunk was born in 1807, son of Jacob and Elizabeth Strunk. He came with his parents to Ellicott in 1816. and in 1817 settled on the homestead farm. three miles northwest of Jamestown. He mar- ried, in 1834, Jane Ann Van Vleck. They had ten children, eight of whom married, and all settled not far from the homestead. Children of Fordyce B. and Katherine Cowing : Herbert O. and Leonard G.
(III) Herbert O., eldest son of Fordyce B. and Katherine (Strunk) Cowing, was born on the Busti homestead, Chautauqua county, New York, July 6, 1869. He was educated in the public schools of Jamestown, graduating from the high school, after which he finished with a course at Jamestown Business College. His boyhood days were spent on the farm, where he developed a great love for the horse. He chose farming for an occupation, but later gave it up and established a livery business in Jamestown. After two years he purchased the stables of William Person. After another year of successful business he formed a partnership with Edward Green and Nelson Rushworth, who were also in the livery business. The con- solidation of the three interests gave them the largest livery business in the county, if not in all of Western New York. Their busi-
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ness includes a complete blacksmithing de- partment, a wagon building and repair depart- ment, as well as their regular livery business. Mr. Cowing is a judge of a good horse, loves him and uses him right. He has owned some noted ones, and takes his greatest pleasure in the blooded trotter. He is a good man of busi- ness and a successful one. He is a Repub- lican in politics and served on the Ellicott board of highway commissioners. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has the proud record of never having used intoxicants or tobacco. He is of the strictest integrity and holds the full respect of his fel- lowmen.
He married, September 17, 1891, Florine Adella, born April 15, 1870, daughter of Van- ness Walkup. Children: Fordyce Walkup, born April 6, 1894; Mary Catherine, Feb- ruary 12, 1899; Margaret Florine, July 21, 1901.
Vanness Walkup, father of Mrs. Herbert O. Cowing, was born in Jamestown, New York, November 26, 1839, son of George and Marinda (Andrews) Walkup. He was en- gaged in the oil business, and now lives retired at Busti Corners. He is a member of the Methodist church. He is a veteran of the civil war. He enlisted as a private in the 118th Regiment Illinois Volunteers, in July, 1862; was elected sergeant of Company A, pro- moted to orderly sergeant in 1863, and in 1865 to second lieutenant. He participated in the engagement at Chickasaw Bluffs, Mississippi, under General Sherman, and in that at Ar- kansas Post, Arkansas; wintered at Young's Point, Louisiana; took 'part in expedition against Vicksburg, serving in division of Gen- eral P. J. Osterhaus, and fought in battles of Thompson's Hills, Port Gibson and Champion Hills, Mississippi, where the company lost among others the captain, first lieutenant and first sergeant; also served in battle of Black River, and entire siege of Vicksburg, and after the surrender of that stronghold went with General Sherman in the expedition against Jackson, Mississippi. Returning to Vicksburg, Lieutenant Walkup's command was mounted and transferred to the Department of the Gulf, and performed scouting duty through Louis- iana and Mississippi. At Bayou Teet, Louis- iana, his company was engaged against a su- perior force of the enemy, and only escaped capture by use of their sabres, of which arm
the enemy was destitute. Lieutenant Walkup's service amounted to three years and three months, and he was mustered out at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, September 1, 1865, several months after the close of the war. He married, December 23, 1863, Mary M. Strunk, daugh- ter of Henry and Jemima (Ward) Strunk ; she died October 8, 1881.
(III) Leonard G., youngest son of Fordyce B. and Katherine (Strunk) Cowing, was born on the old Cowing homestead in Busti, Chau- tauqua county, New York, August 24, 1872. His early life was spent on the farm, and his education received in the Jamestown schools. He was graduated from the high school, class of 1888, finishing his studies with a course at Jamestown Business College. When the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank of Jamestown was organized he secured an appointment as head bookkeeper, being then but seventeen. He held that positon five years. In 1894 he purchased one-half interest in the Chautauqua factory of Curtis & Page, taking Mr. Page's place in the firm, which continued as Curtis & Cowing. After three and one-half years of successful business fire destroyed their plant and the firm dissolved. For a short time there- after Mr. Cowing was bookkeeper for the Chautauqua Furniture Company, then for a period of five years was in charge of the of- fice and books of the Jamestown Brewing Company, resigning to fill a similar position with the Veneer Door Company, remaining with the latter three and one-half years. On April 1, 1909, he effected the organization of the Standard Table Company, of which he was elected the first president. This company has had a most successful existence and has become one of the leading industrial companies of the city. They manufacture dining-room tables exclusively. Mr. Cowing is a man of fine executive ability, which, coupled with his years of manufacturing experience, renders him a valuable head of the business. He is an active Republican and a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal church. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is treasurer of Jamestown lodge. He is also a member of the Royal Arcanum. He is held in highest esteem in his city, where practically his whole life has been spent.' He married, at Frewsburg, New York, October 11, 1893, Min- nie, daughter of Charles and Mary (Nichols) Duff.
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This branch of the JOHNSTON-YATES Johnston family descends from Scotch and English ancestry, and have been residents of Chautauqua county many years.
Dennis Johnston, son of Theodore and Thir- za (Cutler) Johnston, was born in Harmony, Chautauqua county, New York, January 21, 1845, died in Jamestown, New York, June 22, 1884. He was educated in the public schools of Harmony and Panama, and remained on the farm until he was sixteen, then took a position as clerk in a store at Panama, where he remained three years. He came to Jamestown where he was for some years clerk for the firm of Andrews & Preston. After leaving them he engaged in the insurance busi- ness, later was general agent for the Howe Sewing Machine Company for Western New York and Pennsylvania. He maintained gen- eral offices in Buffalo and for six years was very active and successful. He returned to Jamestown, where until ill health forced his retirement he was associated with the Breed Furniture Company, first as bookkeeper, then as superintendent of the furniture department. His death occurred two years after his retire- ment. He was a devoted member of the Meth- ódist Episcopal church, of which he was a steward; secretary of the Sunday school, and for several years taught a young men's Bible class. He also held membership in the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and the An- cient Order of United Workmen. Politically he was a Republican. He was a man of high character and held in universal esteem.
He married, at Jamestown, August 17, 1871, Mary, daughter of John Schermerhorn and Selina (Jones) Yates. At the time of his death Mr. Johnston was erecting a residence on Fulton street. His widow completed the building and resided there for twenty years, conducting a private school until 1903. She is a woman of fine education, was a most successful instructor, and numbered among her pupils many of the prominent people of Jamestown. In 1905 Mrs. Johnston sold the Fulton street house, and in 1909 purchased her present residence at No. 306 East Sixth street. Children : Ralph Dennis, born January 27, 1874, died February 22, 1893; Florence T., born August 14, 1877; she was specially edu- cated in music at the New York College of Music, and is now a most efficient and success- ful teacher of her art in Jamestown.
Henry Jones Yates, son of John S. and Se- lina (Jones) Yates, and brother of Mary (Yates) Johnston, was born in Jamestown, September 23, 1842, died January 18, 1897. He was educated at Jamestown Academy and spent his early life in that city. April 26, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Seventy-sec- ond Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry, the first company to leave Jamestown for the front during the civil war. He was promoted corporal before the company left Jamestown; first sergeant, May 2, 1862 ; second lieutenant of Company G, same regiment, January 7, 1863; first lieutenant Company D, same regi- ment, May 10, 1863; adjutant, March 1, 1864. He saw much hard service and earned his pro- motions through gallant and meritorious con- duct on the field of battle. He served during the siege of Yorktown, was in the battle of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks and the seven days' battle before Richmond and during the retreat ; suffered defeat with the Army of the Potomac at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, was with Meade and the victorious Army of the Potomac at Gettysburg, Locust Grove, Mine Run (where he was in charge of Company C) and at the Wilderness fights, where he was ad- jutant of the regiment. He received a wound in the right shoulder at Williamsburg, and at the battle of the Wilderness was severely in- jured and shot through both shoulders, May 6, 1864. He was honorably discharged from the service, June 19, 1864, while still suffering from his wounds, his term of enlistment hav- ing expired. He returned to Jamestown, where in May, 1869, he was appointed postmaster by President Grant, holding this office until Feb- ruary, 1873. He was elected justice of the peace of the town of Ellicott in that year, and in April,. 1886, was elected police justice of Jamestown, which position he held until his death. In 1881 he was elected coroner of Chautauqua county, serving six years through successive re-elections. He was a gallant sol- dier, a trusted official and a just judge. He was active in the Masonic Order, belonging to Lodge and Chapter. He belonged to John Brown Post, Grand Army of the Republic, the Union Veteran Legion and in 1895 was admit- ted a companion of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion.
He married, at Jamestown, June 20, 1867, Julia Harper Blinn, born at Maurisana, near New Orleans, Louisana, November 29, 1845, only daughter of Rev. Henry Goodwin and
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Mary LePage (Pierce) Blinn, and grand- daughter of Henry and Lydia (Goodwin) Blinn, of Camden, New Jersey. When four years of age her parents moved to Jamestown, New York, where the Rev. Mr. Blinn was pas- tor of the Presbyterian church until the death of his wife in 1850. Julia Harper was then adopted by Colonel Henry and Maria Fish Baker. Rev. Mr. Blinn married (second) Frances, daughter of Dr. Alfred Gray. After several pastorates Rev. Mr. Blinn settled in Cambridge, New York, and was living there at the time of his death, although he died in Jamestown, July 14, 1894, while visiting his daughter, Julia H. Children of first wife: Julia Harper, married Henry Jones Yates; William Henry, born 1847, died unmarried, 1876. Children of second wife: Kate, de- ceased; Alfred, deceased; Frank.
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