History of Cattaraugus County, New York, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 51

Author: Franklin Ellis and Eugene Arns Nash
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The comparatively insignificant wooden structure in which Smith Brothers commenced business was destroyed by the disastrous fire of 1866, and its place is now occu- pied by a commodious, well-built, and well-appointed brick building of three stories, erected in that year by Mr. Smith, all of which is occupied by the present firm, con- sisting of himself and two of his former clerks.

Though previously a Democrat, the struggle in the nation over human slavery from 1848 to 1854 disgusted him with the subserviency of that party to the behests of the slave-power, and he assisted in the formation of the Republican party, and gave liberally of his money, time, and influence to insure its final success; and when the re- bellion broke out he was thoroughly aroused, and though so far as his business interests were concerned perhaps some- times unwisely bitter, he never spared a copperhead, or allowed those interests to interfere with his denunciation of the rebels and their Northern allies, while during those four dark and bloody years he gave of his money with unsparing hand to sustain the life of the nation.

Though often tempted, he has never entered upon the treacherous sea of speculation, but confining himself to legitimate business he has guided that business with a master's hand, and has reaped the reward which attends in- dustry and application, and fairly won an honorable place among the solid and successful men of the land.

Many of his former clerks in addition to a practical business training have been materially assisted by him, and are now prosperous merchants elsewhere.

His wife, a daughter of Judge Lyman Balcom, of Painted Post, is a lady of culture and refinement, and the

twenty-four years of their married life has bound them more closely in mutual love and esteem, while the length- ening years of her residence in Olean but continue to in- crease the respect and honor in which she is held by a large and continually widening circle of friends.

This sketch would be incomplete and unsatisfactory to its subject without further reference to Erastus H., his brother and former partner, to whose ability and energy he freely ascribes a large part of the success which attended their copartnership in Olean. He was gifted with and exercised a degree of wisdom and fairness not too common among business men, and the geniality and kindness of his social life in Olean is remembercd with pleasure by all who knew him. Upon his retirement from the firm of Smith Brothers he moved to Towanda, Pa., and at its organiza- tion these brothers both became large stockholders of the First National Bank of that place. Erastus H. was shortly after its organization elected president, which post he most acceptably and honorably filled until his death in 1872. He died respected and lamented by all who knew him, and most by those who knew him best.

In conclusion, but with no desire to flatter its subject, the writer of this sketch must be permitted to commend his example to young men, knowing him intimately as he does, and that the habits of strict temperance, industry, and integrity, coupled with a proper degree of economy, followed by Mr. Smith, laid the foundation of and insured his ultimate success.

CORNELIUS H. BARTLETT, M.D.

Although not a native of this county nor one of its pioneers, yet, owing to the professional reputation Dr. Bart- lett has acquired, no history of the village of Olean would be complete without some mention of him. The best years of his life have been devoted, with unremitting assiduity, to the study and acquisition of perhaps the most important of all the learned professions,-that of medicine. The marked success that has attended Dr. Bartlett in his practice is not altogether attributable to his extensive knowledge of his profession, but to a genuine love for it which he has always entertained, and which constituted the principal incentive that led him to the choice of a medical career.

Cornelius H. Bartlett was born at Pine Plains, Dutchess Co., N. Y., May 10, 1825. He is the third son of Nathaniel and Sarah (Waters) Bartlett, the former of whom was a native of Connecticut, and an influential citizen of the place. He was a man of an energetic temperament and great force of character, which qualities are reproduced in his son, of whom we write. He was engaged in the tanning busi- ness at Pine Plains and other places.

When the subject of this sketch was about two years of age his parents moved to Groton, Tompkins Co., N. Y., and there remained about six years, when they removed to Homer, Cortland Co., N. Y. He obtained his preliminary education at the Groton Academy, and completed his literary course at the Cortland Academy. After leaving the latter institution he entered upon the laudable duties of teaching in the public schools of Homer, in which voca- tion he continued three years. He then directed his atten-

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CHARLES AUSTIN WOODRUFF, M.D., was born at Farmers- ville, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Feb. 7, 1840. When quite young his parents removed to Rushford, Allegany Co., N. Y., where he attended the Rushford Academy. He completed his literary education in 1858, and for the following two or three years he taught school, with marked success. At the breaking out of the Rebellion ho had just attained his major- ity, and was ardent in what he believed was right for the cause of liberty, and was the first in his town to take active measures in getting recruits for the Union army. He induced some eight or ten other young men to join him, and they chose him captain. This small party of heroic young men, sanguine in the buoyancy of youth and the ardor of their patriotism, proceeded at once to arouse the enthusiasm of the citizens. They paraded on horses; went to the woods and obtained a large and beautiful tree, of which they made a liberty-pole; got the ladies interested, so that they made and presented to the little company a flag of the old stars and stripes, which have been the pride of the last century in this " Land of the Free and Home of the Brave." They obtained a speaker to make a fitting oration at the raising of the pole, and amid the booming of cannon and the blaze of bonfires they ran up the national flag, which many of that noble band afterwards fought gallantly to sustain.

At first young Woodruff did not consider it his duty to leave home, rather thinking that those older than himself ought to go; but, many expressing a desire to accompany him, and on the advice of some of his friends, he went, assum- ing the responsibility as a duty greater even than those of self-interest and love of home. They were mustered in at Elmira, under Colonel (afterwards General) Slocum, where they remained some time. Young Woodruff was sent home twice on a recruiting expedition, and each time took a num- ber back with him. He participated in many battles, was thrice wounded, once quite severely at the battle of Bull Run or at that of Malvern Hill. His letters home during his service created great excitement, and many collected at the post-office to hear them read. The descriptions of battles they contained, and the accounts of army life, had a peculiar inter- est to those at home, while the patriotic sentiment expressed in them tended to keep alive the prevalent enthusiasm of those times.

On leaving the army, which he did on account of wounds, and a severe lung disease contracted during his service, young Woodruff commenced the study of medicine, under C. S. Hurlbut, M.D , of Olean, with whom he remained about three years. In 1866 he entered the Bellevue Hospital Medical

College, from which institution he was honorably graduated March 1, 1867, receiving a diploma endorsed by the entire faculty. He also received a certificate of private instruction in auscultation and percussion from Austin Flint, M.D., and a certificate from Alexander B. Mott, M.D., Professor of Sur- gery at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, and also a certifi- cate from R. Ogden Doremus, M.D., Professor of Chemistry and Toxicology of the same institution. These all show that Dr. Woodruff became proficient in the various medical sciences indicated. On returning from New York, Dr. Woodruff purchased the practice of his old preceptor, Dr. Hurlbut, and entered upon the duties of his profession at Olean, where he remained actively engaged until within a year of his death, and practiced some until the March preceding that sad event. He loved his profession and adorned it. He was eminently successful, both as a physician and surgeon, and had he been spared he would undoubtedly have acquired a brilliant reputation.

Dr. Woodruff married Miss E. M. Charles, daughter of John Charles, and niece of Richard Charles, M.D., of Angel- ica. She survives, and is a lady of fine general abilities.

As showing in a slight measure the esteem in which Dr. Woodruff was held, we quote the subjoined obituary notice of him, from the Titusville Sunday Morning News :

" His complaint was lung disease, contracted in the service of the United States. He enlisted early in the war, and was sergeant in Company I, of the Twenty-seventh New York Volunteers. He was wounded in battle by a ball in the left leg, which could not be extracted with safety, and was carried for about ten years and buried with his remains. He participated in several battles, and was wounded three times, on account of which he received a pension, as & partial compensation for his suffering. He enlisted from Rushford, New York, and about eight years ago he came to Olean, for the pur- pose of a medical examination by Dr. Hurlbut, then one of the most skillful physicians who has ever practiced in this part of the country. The doctor became interested in young Woodruff, and gave him an invitation to remain as a student in his office, which was accepted. From close application to study he made rapid progress in mastering the science of medicine, and graduated at Bellevue Medical College, New York, in the class of 1867, with the highest honors. He soon became the successor of Dr. Hurlbut in his extensive practice at Olean. He had a laborious and successful practice of several years, suffering much in the mean time from his wounds and injuries in the army. For about a year past his failing health has prevented his attending to his professional business. Dr. Woodruff was a member of Olean Lodge and Chapter, F. and A. M. He leaves a widow and a large circle of relatives and sympathizing friends, who mourn his death as that of a young man of good qualities of heart, fine attain- ments, and promise of future usefulness and success in life."

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WILLIAM H. CONKLIN.

WILLIAM H. CONKLIN was born Dec. 12, 1811, in Greenfield, Sara- toga Co., N. Y., and lived in that town until he was thirteen years of age. In the fall of 1824 his father moved into Western New York, and settled in what is now Wyoming County, in the town of Castile. His father took up a new farm, but worked also at his trade,-making wagons. Working with his father he soon learned to make a good wagon, and by the time he was sixteen years old had the most of that kind of work to do. His opportunities for an education were not very promising, as he only had the privilege of attending district school about two months each winter until seventeen years old, but by dint of application during odd hours and evenings, he acquired education sufficient to pass a rigid examination and obtain a certificate to teach a district school, and commenced teaching the winter he was nineteen years of age. As a measure of his success as a teacher it may be re- marked that, while the average wages for teaching was about fourteen dollars a month, he easily obtained twenty.

At the age of twenty-one years he was elected school commissioner for the town of Castile, and assisted in organizing and arranging the school districts of the town. When the office of commissioner was abolished, he was elected superintendent of schools for the town. He held the office of justice of the peace nearly four terms, until he moved from the place. He also represented the town on the board of supervisors a number of years, and served as chairman of the board.

He was married, Jan. 7, 1835, to Miss Elizabeth Tallman, daughter of Giles Tallman, a farmer and early settler of the town of Castile, and the prosperity of her husband is owing much to her good judg- ment, skill, and economy. They have but two children living, D. C. Conklin, the efficient and popular junior partner of the Conklin Wagon-Works, and Mrs. Anna Conklin Ross, wife of L. P. Ross, Esq., of Rochester, N. Y.

In the fall of 1843 he removed to the village of Castile, and, in the spring following, bought a little place on which was a blacksmith- shop, built a small wagon-shop, and commenced business on a limited scale. He had not much means, but plenty of push and ambition, and had already quite a reputation for making good work, and had an intimate acquaintance with most of the best citizens of the town. He was obliged to enlarge from time to time, until he had a large estab- lishment under his control. He sold extensively in and about Olean, becoming well acquainted with the business men of the place, and at that time marked it as one of the best points for his business in Western New York. Hon. R. White was his first agent in Olean, after his death Justus White, afterwards Cary & White. Mr. Cary is still living, and the firm acknowledge many kind favors from him personally. He finally concluded to remove the works to Olean, and came on here in 1860 and built a shop, and in the fall of that year the machinery and stock were removed, and manufacturing com- menced in Olean, and the business has gradually increased to its present proportions.

It has been no small task to work this business up to its present magnitude; both members of the firm have worked incessantly with-

out rest for eighteen years. Mr. Conklin could most always be found working some one of the machines, when he would accomplish as much or more than a journeyman, besides at the same time attending to all the details of the factory. He is still in vigorous health, found at his place of business daily, and capable of doing a large amount of labor. Mr. Conklin is rather retiring, not fond of show, not seen much on the street or in society. He is quick in his judgment and decisions, and decided in his opinions. He hopes to live long enough to see the works still doubled or trebled, and in a new building of sufficient magnitude, and arranged and equipped according to plans that his long experience has suggested.

DEWITT C. CONKLIN.

DEWITT C. CONKLIN was born June 28, 1837, in the village of Castile, Wyoming Co., N. Y. He is the oldest son of William H. Conklin, and junior partner of the Conklin Wagon-Works in Olean.

He attended the district school in his native village, and was noted for his quiet demeanor and strict attention to his studies. From the district school he entered the select school kept by Davis W. Smith, in the village,-one of the ablest educators and teachers in Western New York at that time.

He left this school with a good English education. The mechani- cal skill and sound judgment developed at this time gave promise of more than common manhood. He was early set to work in his father's office and became a correct accountant, and was soon capable of directing the business of a large establishment. He was taken into partnership when twenty-one years of age, and when it was decided to remove the works to Olean the closing of the business and removing the machinery and stook fell to him, while the senior partner removed to Olean to build and prepare for its reception. His share of this laborious task was performed in a very efficient and satisfactory manner.

He was married, Nov. 5, 1859, to Miss Hester Fuller, a young lady of good education, and daughter of Elijah Fuller, a prominent farmer near Castile village. They have three children. He moved with his family to Olean, late in the fall of 1860. Mr. Conklin is a hard worker. During a number of years after he came to Olean he acted as engineer, and at same time would run some one of the machines, doing nearly the labor of two men, and there are but few men that accomplish as much business daily as himself. He takes upon him- self the book-keeping, shipping work, ordering and assorting up stock, also the financial matters of the works, all of which he performs with excellent ability.

He is now in his early prime, affable and courteous, and lives some- what retiring; not inclined to show off, with a temper extremely even. Clear from the habits of the use of tobacco or intoxicating liquors, popular as a man in every respect, the pride of his friends, and idol of his family.

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ElerBrooks

JAMES H. BROOKS,

elder son of Judge James Brooks, was born on the old homestead in the town of Olean Nov. 16, 1818. In the days of his youth the country was comparatively new, so that his opportunities for learning were meagre. He attended the district schools, however, and there ob- tained the rudiments of an education, which one term at Smethport Academy and subsequent self-study and observation largely aug- mented. He spent most of his life at farming and lumbering, the latter of which he followed more or less for forty years, generally with good success.

On the 15th of September, 1846, he married Harriet L., daughter of Barnabas Hastings, Esq., of Sardinia, Erie Co., N. Y. She was born Sept. 27, 1820. They have raised an interesting family of four children, of whom the two sons are deceased. Their names, with the dates of their births, are as follows :

Willard H., born Nov. 8, 1847; died Dec. 13, 1863. He was a promising youth, and in him was reproduced a spark of the old patriotism that his great-grandfather, Cornelius Brooks, the old Revolutionary hero, possessed, for on the breaking out of the Rebel- lion he, when not more than fifteen years of age, wanted very much to accompany his uncle, Colonel Enos C. Brooks, to the front.

Mary E. was born Sept. 11, 1849. Married Frank C. Burlingham Sept. 1, 1875.

Luella K., born May 21, 1854. Married Charles S. Hubbard April 2, 1877.

James T., born Aug. 11, 1860; died Sept. 19, 1860.

Mr. Brooks has always been an advocate and strong supporter of the temperance cause, as his respected father was before him. He is an active and zealous member of the Presbyterian Church, of which he at present occupies the position of elder.

In politics Mr. Brooks is a Republican, but has never sought po- litical preferment. In 1859 he was elected to the office of coroner, and several terms has served as one of the assessors of his town; also as an inspector of election.

In 1877, Mr. Brooks became proprietor of the Olean Pottery, which he has since conducted with considerable success. This is decidedly one of the chief manufacturing interests of Olean, and is more fully noticed in the history proper of Olean, under the head of " Manufac- turing Interests."

In public as well as in private life, the chief characteristics of Mr. Brooks have been his enterprise, industry, and integrity. No man can successfully impugn his honor, and his name is above reproach. Faithful to every trust imposed in him, constant in his friendship, and true in his dealings with his fellow-men, he occupies a promi- nent place in the estimation of the people, and an honored position among the best citizens of the place.

COLONEL ENOS C. BROOKS,

third son of Judge James and Betsey Brooks, and grandson of the well-known and prominent pioneer Cornelius Brooks, was born in the town of Olean, Sept. 4, 1823. He received the principal part of his education at the public schools, finishing his literary studies at the Lima Seminary, at Lima, Livingston Co., N. Y. Immediately after leaving the latter institution he turned his attention to the study of law as a profession, and on Sept. 4, 1850, entered the law-office of Roderick White, of Olean, and three years thereafter emerged forth,

an applicant for legal recognition. Accordingly, on September 4, 1853, he passed the necessary examination at the general term of the Supreme Court, held at Angelica, and was admitted to practice. He continued actively engaged in his profession until 1856, in which year his library and office effects were destroyed by fire. He then served one term as deputy sheriff of Cattaraugus County.

June 16 1853, he married Miss Margaret A. Hill, of Olean, by whom he had three children, namely: Ida J, born Nov. 12, 1855; married, Oct. 30, 1878, to Asa C. Couse, of Maine, Broome Co., N. Y. James E., born June 12, 1858, and died Aug. 11, 1865. Maud D., born Jan. 10, 1869.

Politically, Colonel Brooks started out in life as a Democrat, cast- ing his first ballot for James K. Polk. On the organization of the Republican party he espoused its principles, and remained a member of it until 1872, when he voted for Horace Greeley for the Presidency.

At the breaking out of the Rebellion, in 1861, Colonel Brooks at once took an active part in its suppression, and continued until the close of the conflict to do all in his power to sustain the Union that his forefathers fought to inaugurate. We subjoin a brief sketch of Colonel Brooks' military history.

In 1853, Colonel Brooks was commissioned major of the 64th Regi- ment New York State Militia. On Aug. 17, 1861, his regiment was accepted as a part of the quota of the State, and on the 28th of No- vember following he was regularly mustered in. The organization and recognition of that regiment was due to the exertions of Colonel Brooks, who, through its varied service, remained with it until wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862.

Among the engagements in which the colonel participated might be mentioned those of Seven Pines, May 31, 1862; Fair Oaks, June 1, 1862; Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862. After this battle Colonel Brooks had an attack of typhoid fever, and was obliged to ask for a leave of absence for thirty days. At the expiration of this he returned, and met his regiment at Arlington Heights, Aug. 29, 1862 ; then marched through Maryland, and participated in the battle of South Mountain ; then led the advance from South Mountain to Antietam, commanding the regiment. After the battle of Antietam moved on to Loudon Heights, near Harper's Ferry, at which place, his gallant conduct in prior engagements having been favorably reported, he received his commission as lieutenant-colonel; after which he continued with his regiment and went with the Army of the Potomac, under General Burnside, commander-in-chief. He took an active part in the battle of Fredericksburg, where he was dangerously wounded by a ball passing through his left shoulder, Dec. 13, 1862. He received a leave of absence until April, 1863, and was then assigned to duty as provost- marshal of Western New York, under General Diven, at Elmira, and by him appointed inspector of draft for eleven Congressional districts. He continued in that position until January 8, 1864; was afterwards placed on duty as commandant of Barrack No. 1, at Elmira. On May 4, 1864, reported to Washington, and was honorably discharged. On December 28 following he was made Commissioner of Enrollment, and so continued until the close of the war.

In the fall of 1867, Colonel Brooks was elected county clerk. He is now serving his second term as a justice of the peace. From February, 1876, to March, 1877, he served as clerk in the State-prison in Clinton Co., N. Y. In these positions he has exercised sound judgment and a desire to fulfill the duties incumbent upon him; and that he succeeded is shown by the general satisfaction evinced by the people at large.

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HISTORY OF CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NEW YORK.

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tion and energies to the study of medicine, entering the office of Ashbel Patterson, M.D., with whom he remained four years, excepting a short period which he spent in the office of Prof. Caleb Green, M.D. He subsequently attended a regular course of therapeutical and clinical lectures at Buf- falo, and afterwards entered the medical department of the Geneva College. He received his diploma in June, 1849, and immediately entered upon the practice of his profession, locating at Summerhill, Cayuga Co., N. Y., where he re- mained about four years. In May, 1853, he removed to Portville, and soon secured an extensive and lucrative prac- tice. In June, 1876, he permanently located at Olean, where he had many patrons. Not only has Dr. Bartlett a large general practice, but so fully does he enjoy the confi- dence of his fellow-practitioners that he is frequently called in consultation at all points within a radius of thirty miles. The doctor keeps pace, by reading and study, with the sci- entific advancements that have been made in medicine of late years. He takes pleasure in scientific researches, and is always well supplied with the current medical literature.

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History of Cattaraugus County, New York, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 51

Author: Franklin Ellis and Eugene Arns Nash Publication date: Publisher: Number of Pages:

Author: Franklin Ellis and Eugene Arns Nash
Publication date:
Publisher:
Number of Pages: