USA > New York > Genealogical and family history of central New York : a record of the achievements of her people in the making of a commonwealth and the building of a nation, Volume II > Part 73
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Fairbaim, his armor bearer, who took the king by the thigh and placed him in the saddle, although heavily weighted by armor. For this timely assistance and feat of strength, the king amply rewarded him with lands on the border ; gave him the name of Armstrong, and assigned him for crest an armed hand and arm; in the left hand a leg and foot in armor couped at the thigh all proper."
(I) The immigrant ancestor of the Arm- strongs of Jamestown herein recorded is George Armstrong, a descendant of the Scotch family that settled in the north of Ireland. He may have been connected with the Armstrongs of New England, but seems to have been an independent branch in this country. He was born in the north of Ireland and in 1836 came to America with his wife and children, settling in the province of Ontario, Canada. He was a farmer, and a faithful member of the Epis- copal church. He married Eleanor Harper. Children : William, Isabella, Elmer, Thomas Gilbert, of whom further; Amelia, Christo- pher, Nellie, George, Mercy.
(II) Thomas Gilbert, son of George Arm- strong, was born in Ireland, December II, 1835, died in Jamestown, New York, March 30, 1907. When he was one year of age his parents emigrated to Canada, settling at Lis- terville, province of Ontario. Here he grew to manhood, receiving his education in the public schools, and working with his father on the farm. In 1859 he came to the United States, and from that date until within a few years of his death he was actively engaged in railroad construction and operation. During the earlier part of the civil war he was super- intendent of the construction of the Rock Island & Arkansas Railroad, representing an English syndicate. In 1863 he became super- intendent of construction of the Franklin (Pennsylvania) branch of the Erie railroad, and later in charge of the work at Salamanca, New York. In 1871 he was appointed super- intendent of the Meadville division of the Erie, which position he retained until his fail- ing health compelled him to retire from active business. He resided in Jamestown forty years and of him it was said most deservedly that he wore from youth "the white flower of a blameless life." His relations with the men over whom he had charge, as well as with the officials of the Erie and the traveling public, were most cordial, his straightforward dealings and sturdy honesty of purpose win-
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ning him universal respect. He was a de- voted churchman, was warden and vestry man of St. Luke's Episcopal Church at Jamestown and for twenty years superintendent of the Sunday school. While in Salamanca he was one of the organizers and a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church. His naturally strong and manly character was strengthened and ennobled by his christian devotion and association with the church, and made him a man of great influence with his associates.
He married, at Meadville, Pennsylvania, February 28, 1865, Ruth Hale, born in Sugar Creek township, Venango county, Pennsyl- vania, February 13, 1844, daughter of George W. and Mary Jane (Canon) Parker (see Par- ker forward). She survives her husband, a resident of Jamestown, where she has several of her children with her. Children: I. Nellie Jane, born in Jamestown, April 18, 1866; since 1886 she has been a teacher in the Jamestown public schools and is now (1911) principal of the South Side grammar school, 2. Mary Belle, born February 2, 1868, died May 4, 1875. 3. Ruth Eleanor, born March 12, 1871 ; married Dr. Henry William Lang- heim; now in the Philippine Islands, under the auspices of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions. 4. George Thomas, of whom fur- ther. 5. Belle Amelia, born March 17, 1882; married, January 19, 1907, Howard Smith Kelsey. 6. Grace Parker, born February 17, 1886; now a government teacher in the Philip- pine Islands.
(III) George Thomas, only son of Thomas Gilbert and Ruth Hale (Parker) Armstrong, was born in Jamestown, New York, January 27, 1874. He attended the public schools of that city and was graduated from the high school. He decided upon the legal profession and began study in 1893 with the law firm of Booty, Fowler & Weeks. In 1895 he entered Cornell University (Law School) whence he was graduated LL. B., class of 1897. In that year he was admitted to practice in the state courts of New York, and in 1899 to practice in the United States supreme court. He be- gan practice with G. Glenn Worden, the firm being Worden & Armstrong. A year later the firm dissolved, Mr. Worden going to New York City, Mr. Armstrong continuing alone until 1909, when he formed a law partnership with Frank H. Mott, as Armstrong & Mott. The firm is a very successful one, their busi- ness being a general one in its character.
They are attorneys for the Warren Traction Company and other corporations of James- town and vicinity and stand well in their pro- fession. Mr. Armstrong is a member of the Episcopal church; the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks; the Knights of Pythias and Knights of the Maccabees. He is an active Democrat ; has served as secretary and chairman of the Chautauqua Democratic county committee. He was appointed by the late mayor, Emil Johnson, to the office of secretary of the city civil service commission and is also an examiner of the New York state civil service commission. His club is the Jamestown.
He married, in Jamestown, October 4, 1900, Elizabeth Oliver, born in that city, September 14. 1878, daughter of Charles A. and Celes- tia Priscilla (Cook) Breed, and maternal granddaughter of Judge Orswell Cook. Chil- dren: Priscilla, born January 26, 1902; Ruth, January 2, 1904: Elizabeth Breed, Jan- uary 25, 1909.
(The Parker Line).
Mrs. Ruth Hale (Parker) Armstrong is a granddaughter of William Parker, born Jan- uary 27, 1772, died March 3, 1844. He was a farmer of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, later of Venango county, where he settled in 1818 in Sugar Creek township. He married Ruth Dougherty, born in Lancaster county, 1772, died August 27, 1831. Children : I. Mary Ann, died an infant, April 7, 1813. 2. George Washington, born May 29, 1813, in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, died Octo- ber 6, 1889, at the homestead in Venango county, Pennsylvania. He was but five years old when his parents moved to Venango county, and there his after life was spent. He was educated in the public schools and fol- lowed agriculture all his active life. His prop- erty was in the Venango oil belt, which added greatly to its value. He was one of the pros- perous, respected, and influential men of his town. He was a Democrat and held many of the township offices. In religious faith he was an Episcopalian. He married Mary Jane Can- on, born July 17, 1816, died July 30, 1894, daughter of John and Margery (Dean) Can- on and maternal granddaughter of James Dean. Children: i. William C., born March 31, 1842, died August 7, 1888. ii. Ruth Hale, September 13. 1844; married Thomas Gilbert Armstrong (see Armstrong II). iii. Mary
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G., March 9, 1846, died April 30, 1909. iv. Charles B., 1848. v. Henry R., 1850. vi.
Jennie, 1865.
WADSWORTH In the earlier develop- ment of the Genesee country, the Wadsworth brothers, James and General William, played a conspicuous part. Like many more of the first settlers in that region, they were of Yan- kee stock.
James Wadsworth was born in Connecticut in 1767. He graduated from Yale College at the age of 20, and about this time his father died. From the family home at Hartford, Connecticut, James went north to Montreal, Canada, and there taught school a year. The father's estate was then administered and James received for his share something like $15,000, for the time a considerable sum. An uncle with an interest in what was known as the Phelps and Gorham purchase, a land ven- ture, induced the Wadsworth brothers to take 2,000 acres, the cost of which extensive tract in that day was but $160. In the spring of 1790, William (later the General) went by ox team from the old Hartford home to settle on the place at Geneseo, while James pro- ceeded to New York to purchase them an outfit. Proceeding up the river, he had for fellow passenger by sloop the first John Jacob Astor, then on his way to Canada and the northwest to purchase furs. They struck up an acquaintance on the trip which lasted dur- ing life. The brothers made their way through the woods and waters of the primeval wilderness that lay between them and their destination, and were the first settlers at Gene- seo. They built a cabin and bought 4,000 acres more, paying for it fifty cents an acre. In 1796 James Wadsworth was in London, selling lands. An observer of that period says: "No land agent of the Genesee cou'n- try is so successful as James Wadsworth. He sells three times as much as any one else." In that statement, we have an indication of his energy and business qualifications, and of the part he played in the up-building of those parts. He was active also in public affairs. In 1816 he was elected commissioner of com- mon schools. In a story told of him in the "History of Livingston County" is an ex- ample of his energy and liberality. It is to this effect: He won a bet by the election of Polk to the presidency in 1844, when he de-
feated Clay. With this money James Wads- worth conveyed water in log pipes from what was known as Mammoth Spring to Main street, where a reservoir was constructed. He declined office, but did much privately thus for the public good.
His life was uneventful, but full of acts of charity and liberality. The education of the people was one of his hobbies. He was the father of the district school library. That measure he urged upon the legislature as long ago as 1835, which body, yielding to his sug- gestions, passed the first law for that pur- pose. Nor did he stop there, but went on to secure the publication of suitable works for such libraries, and assumed expenses for dis- tricts in his own locality which were never re- paid. He took great interest in the subject of agricultural chemistry and spent consider- able sums to secure the publication of works and tracts on that subject. He is said to have influenced also his friend Astor in the foun- dation of the great public library of New York. The crowning act of his life career was the establishment at Geneseo of the Athe- næum, now known as the Wadsworth Library, with an endowment for its support and im- provement. This institution is free, and the pride of the county.
In 1804, he married Naomi Walcott, of East Windsor, Connecticut, a woman of taste, intelligence and congenial disposition. In 1833 General William Wadsworth, his bro- ther, died without children and James Wads- worth inherited his estate. In 1843 his health began to decline. He tried a change of cli- mate, but without result. Returning to Gene- seo, he died, June 7, 1844, aged 77 years. Mr. Wadsworth, we are told by one who knew him, was dignified but courteous. His con- versational talents were great. He was com- plementary to his brother, the more intellectual of the two. He was the "inside" man of their partnership, William, the "outside." General James Samuel Wadsworth, who served the north gallantly during the civil war at Chan- cellorsville, Gettysburg, and other engage- ments, and was killed in the battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864, was the eldest son of James Wadsworth.
(VIII) Isaac (2) Eddy, son of EDDY Rev. Isaac (1) Eddy (q. v.), was born October 22, 1800, died
1873. In early life he was a merchant
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of Jamestown, New York, later purchased and cultivated a farm now a part of that city. He was a Whig, later a Republican, and a con- sistent member of the Congregational church. He married Ann Howe, born 1800, died 1891. Children: Myron Winslow, of whom fur- ther; Isaac Webster, Elizabeth Ann, Cory- don W.
(IX) Myron Winslow, eldest son of Isaac (2) and Ann (Howe) Eddy, was born in Genesee county, New York, January 1, 1826, died March 15, 1889. He was two years of age when his parents moved to Jamestown, New York, where he was educated and grew to manhood. He learned the trade of car- penter, and during his earlier life followed that trade as an occupation. He later en- gaged in farming, owning a good farm of eighty-eight acres at Oak Hill. After his marriage he was proprietor of a hotel in May- ville. During the civil war he served as Uni- ted States deputy provost marshal, having headquarters at Dunkirk. For five terms he was deputy sheriff of Chautauqua county. He was a Republican and took an active part in county politics. He was a member of the Congregational church.
He married, June, 1852, Louisa Marie Sher- man, born at Sherman's bay, Busti, Chautau- qua county, New York, December 28, 1826, died January 27, 1898, daughter of Merritt and Laura (Barnes) Sherman. Children: I. Fred Sherman, of whom further. 2. Willis C., born October 14, 1857; married Rose Hawkins and had Luella Louisa, Gwendoline and Lura Mabel. This family resides at Au- burndale, Massachusetts, where Willis C. is engaged as a printer. 3. Charles Sumner, born August 19, 1860; for thirty years asso- ciated with the B. F. Goodrich Rubber Com- pany of Akron, Ohio, now living retired; he married Ellen , and has a daughter, Ethel N., married Maurice Toomey, son, Da- vid E.
(X) Fred Sherman, eldest son of Myron Winslow and Louisa Marie (Sherman) Eddy, was born in Jamestown, May 7, 1853. He attended "old No. 1" school, passing from there to the high school. He began business life as a bookkeeper with E. A. Dickerson, remaining two years. For the ensuing two and one-half years he occupied a similar posi- tion with the Proudfit Clothing Company. He spent the next three years in Cleveland, Ohio, engaged in bookkeeping. He then returned to
Jamestown, becoming clerk of the Sherman House, a position he most capably filled for seventeen years. Following his experience at the Sherman House came a series of short engagements of similar nature in Olean and Salamanca, New York, Adrian, Michigan, and in Ohio, returning to the Sherman House. He was clerk of the Lakewood Hotel three sea- sons, then for eight years in the employ of R. H. Johnson. On September 25, 1905, he embarked in the retail tobacco business in Jamestown, which he still continues at the corner of East Third and Pine streets. Mr. Eddy is a member of Mt. Moriah Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Jamestown, belongs to the Congregational church and is a Republican in politics.
He married, October 24, 1888, Harriet Eli- nore Meek, born at Fostona, Wood county, Ohio, August 6, 1863, daughter of George and Hannah Meek. Child, a daughter, died in infancy.
This branch of the Carl-
CARLSTROM strom family in America was founded by Carl Peter Carlstrom, born in Lilla Salshult, Kors- berga, Sweden, in 1832. He was the son of Johannes Nilson Carlstrom, born in 1801, and Stine (Jones) Carlstrom, born in 1793; and had one brother, Johannes Carlstrom, born in 1834.
(II) Carl Peter Carlstrom was educated in the district schools of his native land, after which he learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner which he followed in his own country for many years, becoming prominent in his calling and doing contracting work. In the fall of 1878 he emigrated to this country, ac- companied by his eldest son, John; landing here in November, he located at Jamestown, New York, where he found work at his trade. Owing to business depression, however, he soon removed to Youngstown, Ohio, finding employment in the iron works there for a short time, after which he returned to James- town, resuming his old trade, which, in con- nection with cabinetmaking, he followed for the remainder of his life. After he had firmly established himself in this country, he was joined in April, 1879, by his wife and the remainder of his children, making their home in Jamestown and attaining prominence in the community. The family are now among the most well known and respected citizens of
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this place, alike in social, religious and politi- cal circles, and lend their beneficent influence to its advancement and progress in which their interest is keen, Mr. Carlstrom having been a member of the Swedish Mission Church, and in politics a leading Republican. He died Oc- tober 21, 1902, universally esteemed and mourned.
Mr. Carlstrom was married in his native country to Louise Catherine Carlson, born at Sologard, Nye, Sweden, February 13, 1843, and died in this country, March 12, 1902, a few months prior to the death of her husband. Their children :
I. Jennie, who was born at Sologard, Nye, Sweden, November 21, 1863; came to America with her mother in April, 1879; mar- ried August Erickson, July 5, 1884. Children : Mabel, deceased; Iver W., Irene, Lloyd, Le- vern. The family resides at No. 102 Broad- head avenue, Jamestown, New York. 2. John A., born at Hester, Baxheda, Sweden, July 6, 1866; came to America with his father in 1878, and is now a member and director of the John J. Mitchell Garment Cutting School in New York City, and is editor of their trade journal; his residence is at Flushing, New York. He married, April 20, 1892, Anna Penny, who died October 8, 1911. One son, Claud, was born to them. 3. August Eduard, born at Hammarsdal, Korsberga, Sweden, November 26, 1870 ; came to America with his mother and sisters in 1879, and is now fore- man of the machine floor of the Watson Manufacturing Company, Jamestown, New York. He married Alma Anderson, born Oc- tober 23, 1877, and they have two children, Elton and Bernes. 4. Anna E., born at Kallas, Nye, Sweden, February 22, 1877; she came to America in 1879 with her mother, and January 1, 1903, was married to Edward J. Donelson, one of the most respected mer- chants and business men of. Jamestown ; they have no children. 5. Ellen M., born at James- town, New York, February 18, 1882; mar- ried Algot Larson, September 22, 1909, and one son was born to them in 1911. 6. Rey- nold Frederick, see forward.
(III) Reynold Frederick, youngest child of Carl Peter and Louise Catherine (Carlson) Carlstrom, was born at Jamestown, New York, December 21, 1885. He passed his early years in his native city where he at- tended the public schools. His business ca- reer was begun at the bottom of the ladder,
as he started as an errand boy in the depart- ment store of Jones & Audette ; he remained with this firm for two years, when he con- nected himself in the same capacity with the Proudfit Clothing Company, working himself up through the various branches of the mer- chant tailoring business until he became an assistant cutter after an engagement of four years with this company, which is distin- guished as being one of the oldest and best houses in this line in Western New York. He then went to New York City, taking a general course of instruction in the cutting of men's garments, after which he went to Springfield, Illinois, in the capacity of cutter for the firm of Thornberry & Danner, re- maining with them for about eighteen months, and resigning in order to accept a similar position with the firm of Edward Olson, 200 Broadway, New York City. After this he did work in the same line at New Haven, Connecticut, and for two years associated himself with William Casel, of Youngstown, Ohio.
He then became cutter for Charles Ep- stein, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, where he remained for about a year and a half, re- signing and returning to Jamestown, New York, to enter into business for himself. In January, 1911, he formed a partnership with Mr. Enoch C. J. Swanson, establishing the firm and business of the Interstate Woolen Mills Company, custom tailoring, and making a specialty of fifteen dollar suits and over- coats, doing a general line of gentlemen's tailoring.
The firm has built up a large busi- ness and won a reputation for high grade work, having offices and show rooms in the New Gokey Building, and shops in the Union Building on West Third street; twelve jour- neymen are also regularly employed. Mr. Carlstrom, who is the head of the firm, has proved himself a most enterprising and suc- cessful young business man, winning for him- self and the house which he has established the commendation and esteem of the entire community. He is a member of the First Lu- theran church, and stands well in social cir- cles ; in politics he is a member of the Re- publican party.
Mr. Carlstrom married, in Warren, Ohio, August 21, 1909, Elva Theodora, daughter of Vicrus and Rachel (Cook) Ellis, and was born at Elmira, New York.
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ROBERTS This family was planted in England many generations ago and has been borne by men high on the roll of fame. In the United States this branch is of recent settlement. William Roberts was born in England, emi- grated to the province of Ontaria, Canada, where he died at Brantford in 1870. He mar- ried, in England, Ellen Hicks. Children, all born in Brantford: Robert N., of whom further ; John, born 1866, died 1876; William, born 1868, now engaged in the printing busi- ness in Lockport, New York.
(II) Robert Nathaniel, eldest son of Will- iam and Ellen (Hicks) Roberts, was born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, October 3, 1864. His education was obtained in the schools of Fort Erie, Ontario; Gasport, New York ; Port Huron, Michigan; Lockport, New York. He learned the art of type setting and printing, working in different places. In 1872 he es- tablished for himself in Lockport, where he is now (19II) in successful publishing business. He organized and is treasurer of the Roberts Brothers Printing Company, job, book and newspaper publishers, and secretary and treas- urer of the Lockport Journal company. The Journal is an influential county paper, devoted to the interests of Niagara county and the city of Lockport. Mr. Roberts is a man of wide experience and capability and is highly esteemed by his friends and associates. He is a Republican in politics, and has made The Journal an outspoken, fearless advocate of Republican principles.
Mr. Roberts served efficiently for nine years as supervisor from the third ward of Lock- port, and in 1907 was appointed postmaster by President Roosevelt. He is secretary of the Niagara County Agricultural Society, and has other interests and affiliations. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church ; Niagara Lodge, No. 375, Free and Accepted Masons, and in 1901 was elected master; is a member of Ames Chapter, No. 88, Royal Arch Masons: past grand of Cataract Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and past grand inside guardian of the Grand Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the state of New York.
He married, March 1, 1887, at Lockport, Sarah E., born in England, December 25, 1864, daughter of William Sipson, a musician, who came to the United States about 1873 and located in Lockport. Children: E. Wes-
ley, born 1889; Harrison E., 1892 ; Florence, 1893 ; Olive W., 1897.
The name of Fenton has dis- FENTON tinction in Chautauqua county as that of one of the pioneer families, and in the Empire state as that of one of her eminent sons, one of the most notable of her national representatives in civil war times, and during a considerable period after, a rival of Seymour, and competitor, within party lines, of no less a figure than Roscoe Conkling himself.
(I) The first of the Fentons on this side of the water came from England in the year 1635, a very early and primitive day. He was the great-grandfather of Governor Fenton, and settled in Connecticut. On the distaff side, according to the authorities, the Gover- nor's ancestry was Scotch-Irish.
(II) Roswell Fenton, who, at the age of thirty-four, in 1769, moved from Connecticut to Hanover, New Hampshire, and subse- quently to the state of New York, was a son of the immigrant and grandfather of Gover- nor Fenton.
(III) George W. Fenton, son of Roswell Fenton, was born in New Hampshire, De- cember 30, 1783. He grew to manhood, how- ever, in New York. In 1804, at the age of twenty-one, he left the paternal roof to seek his fortune in the region which was then known as "the west." He went to Philadel- phia, thence to Pittsburgh, and from there down the Ohio to Louisville, Kentucky ; after which he taught school in Pennsylvania for a time. In 1806 he married Elsie Owen, daughter of John Owen, a soldier of the French and Indian war and of the revolution. a native of Windsor, Connecticut, who died in 1843, aged one hundred and eight years. The Governor's stock it will be seen is storied and revolutionary. George W. Fenton married in Carroll and built a log cabin there on the southern side of the Chautauqua outlet. He was a very intelligent man, and followed the business of farming successfully the rest of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Fenton had the fol- lowing children: Roswell O., George W. Jr .. William H. H., John F., and Reuben E.
(IV) Governor Reuben E. Fenton, son of George W. Fenton, was born in the little log cabin above mentioned as built by his father, July 4, 1819. He went to school in his boy- hood, in the little old log school house of
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