USA > New York > Jefferson County > Genealogical and family history of the county of Jefferson, New York, Volume I > Part 40
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While active in business affairs, Mr. Williams is interested in the general progress of his state and nation, and is somewhat active in political councils, acting with the Republican party, though not an aspir- ant for official honors or emoluments. Like others of his family he attends the Episcopal church. He holds high rank in the Masonic fra- ternity having attained the thirty-second degree. He was married in 1886, to Mrs. Ida G. (Merriam), widow of Howard Buckland, of Whitehall, New York. She is a member of the old New England fam- ily, long generally known through the publication of Webster's Diction- ary, and is a highly cultivated and graceful lady, fitted to preside over the handsome home of her husband.
(IX) Frederick McClellan Williams, second son and third child of Preston L. and Pamelia Williams, was born March 22, 1863, at Pierrepont Manor, where he attended the district school until fifteen years old. With the Yankee propensity for business which seems to be highly developed in his family, he set out at that age to make his way in the world. Securing employment on the Rome, Watertown & Og- densburg railroad, he became a baggage master and telegraph operator. In 1882 he went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he continued in railroad work, being operator and clerk in the service of the Minne- apolis & St. Louis railroad company. From 1886 to 1892 he was sta- tion agent of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha railroad at
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Winnebago City, Minnesota. For one year subsequent to this he was traveling passenger agent of the same road, and from 1893 to 1899 was its city passenger and ticket agent at West Superior, Wisconsin.
Mr. Williams became a resident of New York in 1899, and was two years identified with the business of his brother. Frank Williams. In September. 1901. he formed a partnership with W. D. Power, under the style of W. D. Power & Company, since which time this firm has done a successful business in wholesale hay, straw and produce con- mission. Having had a thorough business training Mr. Williams was especially fitted for this undertaking, and much of its success is due to his alertness, energy and business sagacity. He is popular with the trade. and deserving of the prosperity which attends his efforts.
Mr. Williams became a member of the Masonic fraternity in Win- nebago City. He is an Episcopalian in religion and a sound Republican. He was married August 15. 1889. to Miss Marion Elizabeth Payne, a native of Trempealeau, Wisconsin, daughter of Chauncey H. and Nellie R. ( Russell ) Payne. One son completes the family, namely: Edward Payne Williams, horn June 23. 1890. and now a student in high school.
(IX) Frank Williams, third son and fifth child of Preston L. and Pamelia Williams. was born January II. 1865. at Pierrepont Manor, and received an introduction to business at a very youthful age. He attended the local district school until twelve years old, since which time he has made his own way in the world. While boys of his age were enjoying youthful sports he was attending to business and form- ing the habits which have made him pre-eminent in the commercial world. For three years, from twelve to fifteen, he made himself useful in a general store at Pierrepont Manor, and for the next two years was similarly engaged at the village of Ellisburg. Thence he went to Adams, where he acted as janitor of a store, sleeping in the building as watch- man at the same time, while taking a year's course in Hungerford Collegiate Institute in that village. Having fitted himself for a better position, he soon found it in the store of Bush. Bull & Roth, at Water- town, whence he went to Albany to join his elder brother in the pro- (luce trade.
In 1886 Mr. Williams became a resident of New York city, going there to take charge of a branch establishment for his brother. After one year in this connection he went into business on his own account, having associated with himself Robert B. Hungerford, with John R. Van Wormer as a special partner, under the style of F. Williams &
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Company. For a year this firm dealt in produce, hay and straw at Ninth Avenue and Fourteenth street, and for three years thereafter Mr. Williams was associated with Hungerford, Sanford H. Weeks and Emory M. Van Tassel, in the manufacture of oil and flaxseed meal and dealing in hay, straw and grain at the foot of West Eleventh street. At the end of this period the firm was dissolved, and Mr. Williams has continued alone in the wholesale hay and straw trade at the Hay Ex- change, Thirty-third street and Eleventh avenue, during the last four- teen years. His business and name are widely known, thoroughly estab- lished and recognized among the leaders of the United States. . \ genial and kindly gentleman, Mr. Williams enjoys the friendship and esteem of many, and his business success is well deserved. While active in business he is also known in social and club life, and contributes his measure toward the progress of the world. He is a director of the Chelsea Exchange Bank, which does the largest business among hay dealers in New York, and is state vice president of the National Hay Association. A member of the Republican Club, the Jefferson County Society, the New York Athletic Club and Columbian Yacht Club, he takes pleasure in life as he goes along, and thus keeps his forces fresh and is ever alert for business during business hours.
He was married April 4. 1901, to Miss Elizabeth Bothlick Currie, who was born at Thirty-fifth street and Fifth avenue, and they have a delightful home on St. James Court. Having begun life at a very early age, Mr. Williams has accomplished more than most men at his present time of life, and is able to enjoy rational pleasures to the fullest. His example may be profitably emulated by others, and it is the province of this work to commemorate it.
EARLE. The Early family is among the earliest of New Eng- land, and was early planted in Jefferson county. The name has many spellings in the New England records, such as "Earll, Erl, Erle, and Earl," but that beginning this article is most generally used by its bearers.
(I) Ralph Earle came from England about 1634, probably from Exeter, accompanied by his wife Joan, and settled at Portsmouth, Rhode Island. He is found of record there October 1, 1638, among the fifty-nine accepted inhabitants of the island called " Aqueedneck." He died at Portsmouth in 1678. The records show that he was a large landholder, as many sales are found. In 1649 and 1651 he was elected town treasurer, and in the latter year was overseer of the poor. In 1651 he was assessor, and sold a tenement with eight acres of land
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in that year, and next year sold fifty-two acres near Pawtuxet Falls. He served repeatedly as grand juror, kept an inn in 1655. and joined a troop of horse in 1667, being subsequently its captain. He was one of three commissioners to try Indians on a criminal charge. His chil- dren were: Ralph. William, Mary, Martha and Sarah.
( II) William, second son and child of Ralph and Joan Earle, married ( first) Mary, daughter of John and Katharine Walker, of Portsmouth, the latter a daughter of Widow Walker (see Walker). Three children were born of this marriage, and the second wife was named Prudence, who bore him four children. He died January 15, 1715. and his widow passed away January 18, 1718. He was made a freeman May II, 1658, and was a juryman the same year. In 1668 with William Corey he built a windmill, for which they received a small parcel of land to be held as long as the mill was operated for the public convenience. This was exchanged for other land and was sub- sequently reconveyed in exchange. In 1670 he removed to Dartmouth, Massachusetts, where he possessed over two thousand acres of land. and where many conveyances by him are on record. In 1691 the gen- eral court met at his house instead of at Newport on account of the " distemper." In 1704 and 1706 he was deputy to the general court. His will dated November 13, 1713, have a negro girl, "Kate," to his daughter. His children were: Mary, William, Ralph, Thomas, Caleb, John. and Prudence. The eldest daughter married John Borden, and the youngest was the wife of Benjamin Durfee.
(III) John, youngest son of William Earle, and third child of his second wife, Prudence, was married February 27, 1700, to Mary. daughter of Thomas and Sarah ( Wait) Cook, of Tiverton. He was a landholder and lived near Bristol Ferry, where he died August 12. 1759. being survived by his wife. Their children were: Prudence, Mary, Oliver. Martha, William, and John. Mary became the wife of Job Durfee and Martha married Stephen Brownell.
(IV) William, second son and fifth child of John and Mary ( Wait ) Earle, was born March 28, 1710, in Portsmouth, and was mar- ried May 29, 1740, to Mary Lawton, of Newport. He was a farmer near the head of Westport river, in that part of Dartmouth which was set off during his lifetime as the town of Westport. There he died April 15, 1797. He had two hundred acres of land and one of the best rpral homes of his time. His children were: Lawton. John. Caleb, William, Pardon. Stephen. Robert and Paul.
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(V) Caleb, third son and child of William and Mary ( Lawton) Earle, was born November 12, 1745. in Dartmouth, a twin of Jolin. He was married December 26, 1764, to Elizabeth Brightman, of Dart- mouth, and resided in Westport, whence he removed with his children to Galway. Saratoga County, New York. His children were: James, Prudence, Najor and Arnold.
(VI) James, eldest child of Caleb and Elizabeth ( Brightman) Earle. was born March 24. 1765. in Westport, Massachusetts. As a young man he was engaged in the whale fishery and removed, in 1800, to Galway, New York. He died December 11. 1857, at Pierrepont Manor, this county. He was married May 20, 1787, to Elizabeth Soule, who was born October 13. 1762, and died March 7. 1844, in Westport. Their children were: Hannah, Prudence, Caleb, John, James (died when eleven days old). Nancy, William, James, Alfred ( died about a year old), Eli, Alfred and Elizabeth.
(VII) Elizabeth, youngest and twelfth child of James and Eliza- beth ( Soule) Earle. was born September 3. 1807, in Westport, and be- came the wife of Ebenezer Williams (see Williams, VII), as elsewhere related.
WAYNE STEWART, now deceased, was a lifelong resident of the town of LeRay, and through many years was an active representa- tive of its agricultural interests. He was born August 16, 1847, upon his father's farm in this town, a son of John and Sophia ( Potter) Stewart.
His paternal grandfather, John Stewart, Sr., was born in 1785, and was the first supervisor of the town of Pamelia in its early days, when the unbroken wilderness confronted the early settlers of Jefferson county. He married Olive Barnes, who was born in Connecticut in 1788, and died at the age of eighty years. They were the parents of seven children, all of whom have now passed away. The parents of . Wayne Stewart were natives of Pamelia township. The father was born there July 2, 1814, and was reared upon the old homestead, while to the common schools of the neighborhood he was indebted for the educational privileges he enjoyed. After attaining man's estate he turned his attention to farming-the occupation to which he had been reared-and throughout a business career he carried on agricultural pur- suits, removing to the old family homestead after the death of his father. There he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1863, when forty-
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nine years of age, while his wife died March 26, 1875. in her fifty-ninth year. She was a member of the Universalist church. She was born in Pamelia township August 23. 1816, and was a daughter of Elisha and Polly (Steel) Potter. Her father was born in Rhode Island, March 8, 1787, became a resident of Hounsfield, and afterward removed to Evans Mills, where he spent his last years upon a farm. His wife, born 1795, died at the age of eighty years, in 1875. In their family were six chil- dren : Mrs. Sidney Cooper. Mrs. Platt W. Devenport. William, Mrs. Rezot Tozer, Mrs. Sophia Stewart. and Samuel T. Potter. Through the Potter family the lineage of Wayne Stewart can be traced back to the beginning of the seventeenth century in English history, while through the Steel and Wolcott families there is an unbroken descent from Roger Wolcott, the first colonial governor of Rhode Island.
Wayne Stewart was one of two children, and upon the home farm he remained through the period of his boyhood and youth. He attended the district schools through the winter months, mastering the studies there afforded as a preparation for higher education, which he received later in the academies at Antwerp and Gouverneur. At the age of six- teen years, on account of his father's death, he began conducting the old homestead farm, and cared for his mother until her demise in 1875. He then removed to Evans Mills, but throughout the greater part of his business career was connected with agricultural interests. After dis- posing of the old homestead he purchased two other farms in the town of LeRay, comprising over five hundred acres of very valuable and pro- ductive land. This property he devoted to general farming and dairy purposes, and he kept fifty head of cattle. One of his properties was the historic Delafolia farm on the bank of the Indian river. In his business he was very progressive and enterprising, keeping abreast with the prog- ress continually being made along agricultural lines. The latest im- proved machinery facilitating his farm work and all modern equipments and accessories were found upon his place. In his political views Mr. Stewart was independent, supporting the men rather than the party, and fearlessly advocating any cause which he believed to be for the wel- fare of the majority. He belonged to the Grange, and was always active and influential in promoting any movement that he believed would re- dound to the benefit of the agricultural class.
In 1872 Mr. Stewart was united in marriage to Miss Wealthy M. Barnes, a daughter of Randall and Mary A. ( Woodworth ) Barnes. Her father was a farmer of the town of LeRay, and died at the age of sixty-
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eight years. Her mother, a native of Oswego county, New York, had a family of five children, of whom three are living: Reuben, who is now a resident of Colorado: Harvey, who makes his home in Boston, Massachusetts; and Asa R., who resides in Auburn, New York. Mrs. Barnes passed away at the age of fifty years. Her daughter, Mrs. Stewart, born in 1849, died in 1879, at the age of twenty-nine years, leav- ing one child. Ada W., who is now deceased. For his second wife Mr. Stewart chose Miss Zerviah L. Davenport, their marriage being cele- brated in 1884 .. She was born April 6, 1852, in Lowville, New York, and is a daughter of Addison Davenport, one of the early settlers of Lewis county. By the second marriage was born one daughter, Mayme. Mr. Stewart, who was spoken of as "a genial, pleasant gentleman, highly respected by all," died at his home in Evans Mills December 30, 1903, in his fifty-sixth year.
JOHN E. JONES, M. D., an active member of the medical pro- fession at Evans Mills, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, April 17, 1872, and is of Welsh lineage.
His paternal grandfather, John W. Jones, was born in Wales in 1815, and there passed his life. His son, John W. Jones, father of Dr. Jones, was born in Wales in 1842, and after arriving at years of ma- turity came to this country and located in Ilion, New York, where he was employed by the Remington Arms Company. Thence he went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he followed the carpenter's trade for some time. In 1877 he established his home in Rodman, New York, where he con- tinued for three years, and in 1880 he went to Watertown, where he resided until 1893. At that time he removed to Buffalo, where he has since been actively identified with building interests. He married Alice A. Robinson, who was born in Rodman, New York, in 1845, a daughter of Erastus Robinson, one of the early settlers of that locality. There her father resided through many years, and passed away at the age of seventy-six. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eliza Bovee, was born in Herkimer county, New York, in 1820, and by her marriage be- came the mother of three children: Candace, who is now the wife of Augustus Yerden, living at Pierpont Manor; Mrs. Jones ; and George, who makes his home in Rodman, where his mother is also now living. To Mr. and Mrs. John W. Jones were born five children: John E .; Edward, a prominent practicing physician of Buffalo ; Charles, Frederick and Arthur, who reside in Buffalo. Patriotism has been one of the
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strong characteristics of the family, as has been manifest in the crises of American history. At the time of the civil war six of the relatives of Dr. Jones were soldiers in defense of the Union, and one fell on the field of Gettysburg, Lieutenant Melvin Bovee having been killed while bravely defending a position of importance there on the third of July, 1863.
Dr. John E. Jones accompanied his parents on their removal from Cleveland, Ohio, to Watertown, when about five years of age, and the following year entered the public school, in which he continued his course of study until he was graduated from the high school with the class of 1891. Following his graduation he determined to make the practice of medicine his life work, and to this end entered the office of Dr. O. C. Eastman of Watertown, who directed his reading for two years. On the expiration of that period the family removed to Buffalo, and Dr. Jones completed his studies in the University of Buffalo. He received practical training as a physician in the medical and surgical departments of the General Hospital at Buffalo, and on retiring from that position he located at Evans Mills, where he began practice as the successor of Dr. L. E. Jones, whose office and residence he purchased in 1896. He has a large practice in LeRay and adjoining townships, and his knowledge of the science of medicine is comprehensive and accurate, for he has supplemented his college training by extensive reading and investigation. He belongs to the Jefferson County Medical Society, and is court physi- cian of Court No. 1552, I. O. F., of Evans Mills. He likewise belongs to Pisgah Lodge of Evans Mills and to Watertown Chapter of the Ma- sonie Order, and is senior deacon of the lodge at Evans Mills. His political allegiance is given to the Democracy, and he is now serving as health officer of the town of LeRay.
In 1893 Dr. Jones was married to Miss Lottie Mcore, who was born in Pulaski, Oswego county, New York, in 1875, a daughter of Anson and Eretta Moore of that place. Her parents still reside there and Mrs. Jones is their only living child. To Dr. Jones and wife have been born three children: Everett J., Ethel M. and Alice.
WILLIAM PEIRCE FREEMAN, one of the leading farmers of the town of Champion, New York, a progressive and enlightened citizen, is a descendant of New England ancestors.
His grandfather, Barney Freeman, born October 10, 1774, moved from Canaan, Connecticut, to Delaware county, in this state, where he
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died November 3, 1808. His widow, whose maiden name was Anna Peirce, and whose birth occurred October 4, 1778, returned with her children to Canaan, Connecticut, where she died shortly afterward. They were married January 2, 1798, and were the parents of six chil- dren, as follows: 1. Daniel, born September 24, 1798; he studied for the ministry and was ready to preach when his death occurred on Octo- ber 6, 1827. 2. Lois, born January 2, 1800, became the second wife of Willard Knowles, and died in Oneida county in February, 1862. 3. Ed- ward D., born February II, 1802, was for many years a teacher at Troy, New York, passing his last days in Schenectady, where he died August 26, 1874. 4. Orrin, born April 13, 1804, died in Litchfield county, Connecticut, June II, 1869. 5. Silas, born March 3, 1806, mentioned at length hereinafter. 6. Laura, born April 11, 1808, died May 10, 1808.
Silas Freeman, the fifth child of Barney and Anna Freeman, was born March 3. 1806, in Delaware county, this state, and grew up in Canaan, Connecticut, where he attended the public school until fourteen years of age. From that time until he was twenty-one years old he served an apprenticeship to the trade of clothier, or cloth weaver and finisher. In 1828 he located in Champion and bought a cloth mill on Townsend creek, south of the "State Road," which he operated for some years. Soon after his arrival he acquired a farm of sixty acres on the "State Road," which he occupied and tilled, also carrying on the cloth business at the mill. About 1845 he sold out and moved to Carthage, where he operated a carding machine and spent a short time in a saw- mill. He moved in 1870 to the farm now occupied by his son, on Cham- pion street. the residence occupying a commanding eminence, overlooking much of the towns of Champion and Wilna. He was a very industrious man, of high character and universally respected. He died December 31. 1884. and his remains were deposited in Hillside Cemetery, near Champion village. For many years he was deacon of the Congregational church at Champion village, and during several campaigns he was one of only five in the town of Champion who voted the Abolition ticket. Naturally he joined the Republican party upon its organization. He served the town several terms as assessor, and was faithful in every relation of life. He was married February 14, 1833, to Nancy Colton, daughter of William and Hannah (Dorwin) Colton, early settlers of Gouverneur, New York, where Mrs. Freeman was born. They were natives of Connecticut and Vermont, respectively. Four children were
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given to Silas Freeman and wife: William P., mentioned hereinafter ; George C., who resides in Sherman. Texas: Frances Maria, who is the widow of the Rev. William Graves, who was a resident in the southern part of the town of Watertown, at the present time ( 1904) of Adams Centre: and Silas Augustine, who is a farmer in the town of Leyden, near Constableville, Lewis county. The mother of these children died September 28. 1895.
William P. Freeman was born December 20, 1833. in the town of Champion. He attended the district school, a select sehool at Cham- pion and Bush's Academy at Carthage. He partially prepared for col- lege by his studies at home, while engaged during the day in the duties of the farm. In 1856 he matriculated at Yale College as a sophomore, and graduated with high standing in 1859. He was especially strong in mathematics and political economy. but his elose application had undermined his health, and he was obliged to return to the farm to re- cuperate his vitality. Soon after he entered the office of John Clark, at Watertown, to pursue a course in law, but this was broken off by the advent of the civil war in the land. His patriotic spirit could not brook the insults to the flag, and he immediately enlisted as a private in the Tenth New York Heavy Artillery, Company K, and served with it three years. After one year he was promoted to second lieutenant, and sub- sequently to first lieutenant. During much of his service lie was on de- tached duty, acting as artillery instructor in three of the forts about Washington. He participated in the last fight at Petersburg, April 2, 1865, and was soon after discharged.
Returning to Champion, he purchased a farm and since 1878 has occupied his present residenee, and cared for his father and mother in their old age. The stone house in which he resides, which constitutes one of the landmarks of the town, was built by his mother's uncle, Will- iam Dorwin, about 1823. Mr. Freeman's farm embraces three hundred and thirty-six acres, on which is a large "sugar bush." from which he produces from two thousand to five thousand, five hundred pounds of maple sugar per annum. He also operates a large dairy, using the milk of forty cows. With inherited Yankee genius, he is original and has perfected several labor-saving devices now in daily use. Among these are enormous windmills which are used for grinding feed and various other purposes. These are placed above his large barns, and are visible from distant points.
Mr. Freeman is an active member of Champion Grange, and is
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widely known in that connection, as well as for his progressive ideas, frequently announced in the press and on the lecture platform, pertaining to political economy. In politics he is an independent Republican, bound by no machine organization, and has always avoided official station, though competent to fill any. The principles of the Republican plat- forms appeal to him, as they did to his father, hence he calls himself a Republican. His wife is an active member of the Methodist Church, the services of which he attends with her, and he also contributes liberally to its support.
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