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 74
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the district. At fifteen he was sent to Cary's Academy, Cincinnati, Ohio, where he re- mained two years and finished at seventeen, with a term at Fredonia Academy, Fredonia, New York. Then he read law for two years with Waite Brothers, of Jamestown, New York. About this time, his health failing, he engaged in the lumber business on the Alle- gheny and Ohio rivers, in which he was suc- cessful. His father had met with business reverses and it was to repair the shattered family fortune that he was constrained to embark in this enterprise.
In fourteen years, between 1838 and 1852, he acquired a fortune. It was said of him : "He had a genius for business; was a born financier." Public life interested him early. He was supervisor of the home town from 1846 to 1852; in the latter year, he was elected to congress at the age of thirty-three. He was the Democratic nominee. That ended his business career; from this time on, he was in the public service. Two years later he was defeated for congress by the "Know- Nothing" candidate. Then, having reason to change his views by the course of events, he joined the Republican party and was presid- ing officer at its first convention in New York state. To that party he attached him- self and through it rose to high honors. It elected him to congress in 1856, and again and again until 1864. Then he ran against Horatio Seymour for Governor of New York. It was a presidential year, and he led the presidential vote in the balloting by several thousand. His success made him at once a figure of national importance.
As Governor during the last year of the civil war, his energy did much to sustain the hands of Lincoln. Within four days after his inauguration, for example, he had raised the state's quota of troops and sent them to the front. At the close of his term, he was re- elected, over John T. Hoffman. His reputa- tion by this time had spread over the land, and the New York delegates to the Republi- can national convention at Chicago in 1868 were instructed to present his name for Vice- President. On that occasion, Colfax received the vote; but Fenton stood next to him.
The following year the legislature of New York elected him United States senator for the term expiring in March, 1875. As sena- tor he interested himself in questions of debt, taxation, banking and currency-the financial
problem in a word. His speeches on these subjects were regarded as very clear and very able. In 1878 after his senatorial term had expired he still occupied a distinguished posi- tion. That year President Hayes appointed him, with William S. Groesbeck of Ohio, and Gen. Francis A. Walker of Massachusetts, commissioner of the United States to the In- ternational Monetary Conference at Paris. Mr. Fenton was chairman of that commission. On his return from that trip, he was chosen president of the First National Bank of Jamestown, New York, which position he held until his death, which occurred suddenly, at his desk, August 20, 1885. In his home town especially, this death was regarded as a great bereavement. His obsequies were impressive ; the Fenton Guard, named after him, acted as his guard of honor. The Governor of the state, and his staff, and many other distin- guished persons participated in his funeral.
In politics Governor Fenton had a great name as an organizer. He was a careful and methodical man of business and a conscien- tious legislator. His benefactions were num- erous and judiciously bestowed. He con- tributed generously to the support of Syra- cuse University of which he was regent and he was a director of Meadville College and Chamberlain Institute. Personally he was of commanding presence. He was six feet in height, of powerful frame, and gentlemanly in his manner, a man of polish and elegance, kind and courteous, especially to young men, to more than one of whom he rendered timely aid, both in financial and other ways.
Governor Fenton was twice married. His first wife, Jane Few, died two years after their marriage, leaving one child, a girl. By his second wife, Elizabeth Scudder, he had three children : Josephine, who married Frank E. Gifford; Jeannette, married Albert Gilbert Jr., Reuben Earle, who died on his way home from a trip to the Holy Land in 1895, aged thirty years.
Jonathan Gifford came from
GIFFORD the north of England to America, in 1630, with his bro-
Silas.
ther William. He married and had a son
(II) Silas, son of Jonathan Gifford, born 1650, was of Falmouth, Massachusetts. He married and had a son Jonathan.
(III) Jonathan (2), son of Silas Gifford,
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born 1680, was of Falmouth. He married and had a son Silas.
(IV) Silas (2), son of Jonathan (2) Gif- ford, born 1710, was of Dartmouth, Massa- chusetts. He married and had a son Gideon. (V) Gideon, son of Silas (2) Gifford, was born about 1740. He came from Ponagansett, Massachusetts, and settled in Pawlet, Ver- mont, in 1792. He is said to have served throughout the revolutionary war. He was a blacksmith by trade. He married (first) Ruth Butts, of Rhode Island, who died 1796, leav- ing eight children. He married (second) Bet- sey Willey.
(VI) Caleb, son of Gideon Gifford, was a resident of Dartmouth, later removing to Cambridge, Washington county, New York. He married, November 7, 1782, at Dartmouth, Jedidah Cushman, a direct descendant of Robert Cushman, born in England, 1580-85, a leader of the Puritan exiles at Leyden, Hol- land. With Carver and Martin he organized the expedition in the "Mayflower" in 1620. He sailed in the "Mayflower,". August 5, 1620, in company with the "Speedwell," and was chosen assistant governor. The "Speedwell" becoming unseaworthy, he returned in her to England and took charge of the remaining Puritan band, emigrating with them the next year in the ship "Fortune," arriving at Plym- outh, New England, November 9, 1621. He returned to England in the "Fortune," leaving his son Thomas, a lad of fifteen years, in charge of Governor Bradford. He was cap- tured on the return voyage and held a pris- oner in France fourteen days. He wrote and published a vindication of the Plymouth enter- prise, and made an appeal for Christian mis- sions to the Indians. He was agent for the colonies in Great Britain and obtained a royal charter for territory on Cape Ann. He is supposed to have died in England. He was the leading and most energetic spirit of the Puritans, both in England and at Leyden. He married, at Leyden, 1617, Mary Singleton, of Sandwich, England (second wife). Children by first wife: Sarah; Thomas, born 1608, who came to America with his father in the "Fortune" in 1621 ; he married Mary, dangh- ter of Isaac Allerton ; their son, Eleazer, mar- ried Elizabeth Combes ; their son, James, born in Plymouth, 1709, lived in Dartmouth, mar- ried and had a son Seth, of Dartmouth, New Hampshire, born 1740; his daughter, Jedidah, married, 1782, Caleb Gifford. Children of
Mr. and Mrs. Gifford: Alden, Gideon, Isaac, Theron, Mary, Calista.
(VII) Gideon (2), second son of Caleb Gifford, was born in New Bedford, Massachu- setts, April 18, 1789. He removed to Wash- ington county, New York, with his father, re- maining until the spring of 1828, when he came to Chautauqua county with his family and household goods, making the journey in a covered wagon drawn by a team of young horses. He purchased over three hundred acres bordering on Lake (Chautauqua, the southern portion of which he selected for the site of his future home. The original farm (town of Busti) is nearly all owned by his descendants at this date (1911). The first house built upon the farm was a post and beam house, and was shingled all over the outside with pine-shaved shingles, some of which were ten to twelve inches in width. The nails were cut nails, headed by hand. The door trimmings and nails were brought in the wagon from Washington county. He was surveyor and became widely and favor- ably known throughout Chautauqua county. In the early years of his residence he traveled on foot over a large part of the county in the employ of Mr. Peacock, of Mayville, agent of the Holland Land Company. For a long term of years and until his eyesight failed he spent much time in surveying in the south- ern part of the county, especially in laying out roads and establishing disputed boundar- ies. He married, May 26, 1810, Millicent Cornell, born January 28, 1792. Children: I. Alice, born April 28, 1811, died December, 1890; married, in 1838, Simeon Bentley. 2. Daniel, December 2, 1815, died 1888. 3.
Matthew C., November 29, 1820, died 1866. 4. Mary, 1824, died 1889; married (first) Richard Stoneham; (second) Stephen Hunt. 5. Jane, May 17, 1826; married Washington Palmeter. 6. Walter C., May 8, 1829. 7. Cyrus, August II, 1832, died in Kentucky in 1865.
(VIII) Daniel, son of Gideon Gifford, was born in Cambridge, Washington county, New York, December 2, 1815. He came to Chau- tauqua county with his parents and became a well-to-do farmer of the county. He married Ann M. Sherman. Children: George, married Anna Bisbee, no issue; Charles D., of whom further.
(IX) Charles D., second son of Daniel Gif- ford, was born in the town of Busti, Chau-
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tauqua county, New York, on the homestead farm of his father and grandfather, July 16, 1846, died there December 18, 1903. He was educated in the Jamestown schools and fin- ished his education at Chamberlain Institute, at Randolph, New York. He spent his early years on the farm, but after finishing his studies taught school for about three years. He then became an agriculturist and was one of the most successful and prominent farmers of Chautauqua county. He was especially noted as a breeder of fine cattle, making a specialty of Durhams and Jerseys. His fine horses, stock and the abundance of his crops were of especial note in agricultural circles. His farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres was beautifully located along Lake Chau- tauqua, near the summer resorts of Celoron and Lakewood, while its close proximity to the Erie railway station and the electric cars made it one of the most desirable as well as most beautiful properties in Western New York. The modern house he built is now the residence of his widow (19II). He took a deep interest in the Patrons of Husbandry, was a charter member of Union Grange, of which he was master, also was a member and master of Pomona Grange. He was an ex- president of the Kiantone Farmers' Club, and for a long term of years was an active mem- ber and a director of the Chautauqua County Agricultural Society. At the time of his death he was a director of the Farmers' and Me- chanics' Bank, of Jamestown. He was an attendant of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics a Republican. Although al- ways interested in public affairs and keenly alive to his duties as a citizen, he would never accept public office, although for a short time he consented to serve as assessor. He was a man of high honor and strict integrity, broad and liberal in his views, and always lent his efforts and influence for the better- ment of his community. He was honored and respected in his town and had many warm friends.
He married, September 22, 1869, Clemen- tine Jeanette Hitchcock, of Ripley, New York (see Hitchcock IX). Children: I. Marion, born January 30, 1871; married, June 26, 1895, Melville Maltby Martin, now connected with the Erie Railroad Company ; child, Will- iam Gifford; they reside on the home farm. 2. Elmer Corydon, born January II, 1873; was educated in the Jamestown public schools,
finishing his studies with a course at James- town Business College. He is a modern farmer and conducts a successful business. He is a member of Union Grange, Patrons of Husbandry; the Knights of Pythias; and a Republican in politics. He married Pearl E. Terry, born May 4, 1873, daughter of Jay L. and Nettie Bates Terry, of Sinclairville, New York. Children: i. Louise Jewell, born Au- gust 19, 1904; Charles Jay, June 9, 1907; Corydon Daniel, February 15, 1910.
(The Hitchcock Line).
This family originally came from Wiltshire, England, where it had been numerous since the days of William the Conqueror. Anciently there were two families bearing coats-of-arms. From these the name spread to other parts of England, one branch settling in Warwick- shire. There were several emigrants of the name among the early settlers in America: Thomas and William Hitchcock, who settled in Virginia ; Matthias, Luke and Edward, who settled in New England. This branch de- scends from Luke Hitchcock, who came from Fenny Compton, Warwickshire, England, and settled in Connecticut. He was living in Weth- ersfield in 1646, and died there November I, 1659. It is said he was very friendly with the Indians, who in return gave him a deed for the land now covered by the town of Farmington. His deed was clear and valid, but so little thought of at that early day that his wife used it to cover a pie in the oven and it was destroyed. Luke Hitchcock was a shoemaker by trade and had a shop and residence near the center of the town. He was selectman in 1655-56. He married Eliza- beth, sister of William Gibbons, of Hartford, Connecticut, who came from Fenny Compton, England, and who left a bequest in his will to his "brother Hitchcock." She survived him, as she did her two subsequent husbands; died April 25, 1695. Children : : John, Hannah, Luke.
(II) Deacon John Hitchcock, son of Luke Hitchcock, was a deacon of the church at Springfield, Massachusetts. On May 19, 1676, he was wounded in the fight at Turner's Falls, one arm shot through, the other broken. He married, September 27, 1666, Hannah Chapin. Children: Hannah, John, Samuel, Luke, Na- thaniel, David, Jonathan, Sarah.
(III) Samuel, son of Deacon John Hitch- cock, was born in Springfield, Massachusetts,
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August 21, 1672. He settled in New Milford, Connecticut, where he joined the church, No- vember 17, 1716. He married, November 17, 1695, Sarah Weller, born in Deerfield, Massachusetts, daughter of John and Mary (Alford) Weller. Children: Samuel, Jona- than, Sarah, Esther, Deborah, John, Hannah. (IV) Captain John (2) Hitchcock, son of Samuel Hitchcock, was born in New Milford, Connecticut, September 28, 1716. He was justice of the peace, captain of militia and representative to the state assembly. He and and his sons were grantees of the town of Hinesburg, Vermont. He married (first) Sa- rah Barnum; (second) Sybil Sherwood; (third) Mrs. Rebecca Buel. Children by first wife: Isaac, Asahel, Eunice, Abigail, John. By second wife: Zina, John. By third wife: Sarah, Buel, Hannah, Ebenezer.
(V) Asahel, son of Captain John (2) Hitchcock, was born in New Milford, Con- necticut, September 16, 1740, died May 6, 1829. He moved from Connecticut to Kings- bury, Washington county, New York, where in 1795 he was justice of the peace. He mar- ried (first) Hannah Collins; (second) Mrs. Anna (Beach) Northrop. Children of first wife: Collins, Prudence, Noble B. Child of second wife: Hannah Ann.
(VI) Collins, son of Asahel Hitchcock, was born September 9, 1767. He settled in Cam- bridge, Washington county, New York, where he married and had issue.
(VII) Oliver, son of Collins Hitchcock, was born about 1795, in Washington county, New York. He learned the trade of carpen- ter, and when a young man came to Chau- tauqua county, where he followed his trade for several years. He later purchased a farm of eighty acres between Westfield and May- ville, on which he resided until death. He was a regular attendant of the Methodist Episcopal church, and took a great interest in church affairs. He married Elvacinda Hunt. Children : Alzada, Emery, died young ; William, Corydon.
(VIII) William, son of Oliver Hitchcock, was born in Chautauqua county, New York. He was educated in the public schools, and became one of the successful farmers of his county. He owned a farm of one hundred and twenty acres at Ripley, on which he re- sided until death. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a Republican. He was a man of energy, good business ca-
pacity and bore a most excellent character for uprightness and fair dealing. He married Maria Gorsline, born 1821, died 1900, a de- voted wife and mother. Children: I. Clem- entine Jeanette, of whom further. 2. Cor- nelius, died aged four years. 3. George W., born in the town and county of Chautauqua, New York, January 24, 1854; he was post- master of Ripley and operated a feed mill. He married (first) Ida Perry ; (second) Mary A. Cochran. Children by first marriage: Martha N. and Laura H.
(IX) Clementine Jeanette, only daughter of William and Maria (Gorsline) Hitchcock, was born in the town and county of Chau- tauqua, New York. In 1855 her parents re- moved to Ripley, where she was educated in the public schools. She married, September 22, 1869, Charles D. Gifford (see Gifford IX). She survives her husband and resides on the beautiful farm on the shores of Lake Chau- tauqua. Her daughter resides with her, while her only son resides nearby. Mrs. Gifford is a member of the Congregational church and interested in church affairs. She is a woman of good business ability, and dispenses a charming hospitality to her many friends and acquaintances.
LAIDLAW The Laidlaws of Ellicottville, New York, descend in the third American generation from illustrious Scotch ancestors. The first of the family to come to the United States was Gilbert Laidlaw, who with his wife, Mar- garet Lamb, and five children. came from near Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Scotland, in 1851. He settled first near Rochester, New York, where he purchased a farm which he culti- vated until 1852. He then moved to Cattarau- gus county, settling in Franklinville, where he bought a farm of one hundred and fifty acres which he cleared, brought under cultivation, and made his home during the remainder of his life. This locality has ever since been known as the Laidlaw district. Margaret, his wife, died soon after the settlement in Cat- taraugus county. Gilbert died in 1863. Chil- dren: William G., Robert, James, Agnes and Betsey.
(II) William Grant, son of Gilbert Laid- law, was born near Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Scotland, January 1, 1840. died in Ellicott- ville, New York, August 19, 1908. He came from Scotland with the other members of his
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family in 1851, and to Franklinville, Cattarau- gus county, New York, in 1852. He had re- ceived good school advantages in Scotland, but after coming to Cattaraugus he could only attend school during the twelve winter weeks, but there was a most excellent school in the district, taught by well educated men, where he became well grounded in the common and gave some time to the higher branches. He procured an elementary geometry which he studied at home. During these youthful years he assisted in clearing the farm and in all the different kinds of work incidental to bringing new land under cultivation. When quite well grown he hired out to a neighboring farmer for six months, receiving twelve dollars per month. In the fall of the same year a private school was started in Franklinville by Mr. Kimball, which he attended, and in the follow- ing winter secured a school and began teach- ing at a salary of twenty dollars per month. For several terms he attended a private school studying the higher branches, Latin, Greek, etc., part of the time teaching a class in the school. He taught in all three winters, and about 1860 began the study of law with Judge Samuel S. Spring, at Franklinville. In the summer of 1861 a party of young men from Olean and Hinsdale were making preparations to enlist in the United States navy. He had become strongly anti-slavery in his views, the family newspaper having always been Horace Greeley's New York Tribune. He joined the party, went to New York City, enlisted, and was assigned to the "Montgomery." He saw hard fighting in southern waters, serving on the "Cincinnati," and rose through several promotions from landsman to ordinary sea- man, able seaman, and captain of the fore- castle. He was honorably discharged May 15, 1865, returned to Franklinville, began keeping house, and again resumed his studies with Judge Spring.
In the fall of 1866 he was admitted to the bar and began practice in his home town. His practice really began before his admission, for he had prior to that time tried numerous cases in the justice's court, generally with Judge Spring on the opposing side. In the fall of 1866 he was elected school commissioner for the first district of Cattaraugus county, serv- ing three years. In the spring of 1869 he moved to Ellicottville, where he formed a law partnership with Judge Allen D. Scott, later admitting his brother-in-law, James D.
McVey, to the firm. In April, 1871, he was appointed by President Grant assessor of in- ternal revenue, holding until the following year, when he resigned. In the fall of 1871 he was elected district attorney of Cattaraugus county, served three years, was reëlected, and served another term. In 1873 Mr. McVey was elected surrogate of Cattaraugus county, and the next year moved to Franklinville. In 1875 Mr. Laidlaw's partner, Mr. Scott, was elected county judge, and Mr. Laidlaw con- tinued practice alone; he later admitted a former law student of his, S. R. McNair, to a partnership, a connection that existed many years. In the fall of 1886 he was the success- ful candidate for the Republican party for congress, and served in the Fiftieth Congress on the claims committee, to which he was ap- pointed by Speaker Carlisle. In 1888 he was elected to the Fifty-first congress, and ap- pointed chairman of the committee on claims, by Speaker Reed, the political complexion of the house having changed. This was a very important committee, dealing with claims in- volving vast amounts of money and intricate points of law. Upon the expiration of his congressional career Mr. Laidlaw returned to Ellicottville and the practice of his profession with his son, continuing until his final retire- ment in 1908. His was a strong character, possessing all the Scotch attributes of te- nacity, loyalty, honesty and thrift. His num- erous canvasses for office and his legal prac- tice caused him to travel much in his district, and as "Uncle Billy" he was known to all. He was learned in the law and a skillful practi- tioner. As district attorney he prosecuted all criminals without fear or favor, while in politi- cal life he served first his country's needs, then his constituents. No man could buy him, none intimidate him. He served his adopted country well in war and peace, and was loyal to his adopted state and county. He was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, and interested in local associations and societies.
He married, September 1, 1864, Elizabeth, born June 21, 1838, died February, 1904, daughter of William and Margaret (Dow) McVey. Children: 1. Gilbert William, born July 23, 1868; educated in the public schools, Chamberlain Institute, Cornell University (Theological), finishing at the private school conducted by Bishop Lawrence, of the Protest- ant Episcopal church. He studied theology under the bishop for two years, then was or-
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dained to the priesthood of the Protestant Episcopal church. He was rector of Protest- ant Episcopal churches at Fall River and Mid- dleboro, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Is- land, and is now (19II) associate rector of St. Paul's Episcopal church, at Chicago; un- married. 2. Archibald M., of further mention. 3. Clarence Scott, born September 15, 1874; educated in public schools; was in ill health for several years, during which he lived on the farm, engaged in light work, fitting his physical condition. He took up clerical work and so engaged with the National Packing Company, of Richmond, Virginia; unmarried.
(III) Archibald McVey, son of William Grant Laidlaw, was born in Ellicottville, Cat- taraugus county, New York, April 17, 1871. He was educated in the public schools and Alfred University. He pursued a course of legal study under the direction of his father, and in June, 1900, was admitted to the bar. During his years of study he taught in the public schools. He began practice with his father, who admitted him a partner under the firm name of W. G. & A. M. Laidlaw. This association continued until the death of the senior partner in 1908, since which time A. M. Laidlaw has conducted the business alone. He has been elected supervisor four times, serving seven years, resigning before the expiration of his last term. He is a Re- publican in politics, and a member of the Epis- copal church, which he serves as clerk of the vestry.
He married, July 14, 1897, Helena M., born November 25, 1871, only child of Edwin S. and Elizabeth (Brooks) King, and grand- daughter of Alanson and Charlotte (Mun- ger) King; maternal granddaughter of Ma- rena and Anna Minerva (Kimball) Brooks. Children : William King, born April 24, 1900; Archibald McVey (2) King, September II, 1905.
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