History of Cattaraugus County, New York, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 57

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On the occasion of the Centennial Celebration of Amer- ican Independence at Olean, July 4, 1876, Judge Hender-

son was chosen chairman of the day, and ably presided over the largest and most enthusiastic gathering that ever assem- bled in Cattaraugus County.

On the 3d of June, 1858, Judge Henderson married Anna M., daughter of Rev. Thomas Morris, who for many years was the rector of St. John's (Episcopal) Church, at Ellicottville, and who now resides in Philadelphia. They have two children, namely,-Mary M., born June 15, 1859; Willie R., born March 10, 1867.

In closing this brief sketch of the life and character of Judge Henderson, it is only necessary to add that in the various walks of life-student, lawyer, judge-the same perfection has characterized his endeavors, and made for him a reputation as enviable as it is well deserved. In his private and domestic life, also, Judge Henderson combines the attributes of the gentleman with the noble qualities of husband, father, and friend. His career has been singu- larly free from ostentation, and it is, perhaps, the absence of vainglorious display that lends a charm to his character, and sustains, despite all obstacles, his ever-increasing pop- ularity.

BENJAMIN CHAMBERLAIN.

Very prominently identified with the early history of Cattaraugus County, and bearing a conspicuous part in its social, civil, and political history, was he of whom we write. He was also a grand example of a self-made man, and from the general results of his active and useful life valuable practical lessons may be drawn.

Benjamin Chamberlain was born in the State of Maine, in the town of Mount Vernon, Kennebec Co., July 31, 1791. When he was ten years of age his parents and family removed to Allegany Co., N. Y., locating in the town of Belfast .* Thus was the early life of Judge Cham- berlain passed in the wilderness of Western New York, with humble parentage, and his lot destined to be cast among the toiling, suffering, obscure, but brave pioneers of that new country. It is scarcely needful to state that edu- cational advantages were extremely limited, schools being scarcely known. The instruction imparted by parents to their own children, or acquired by their own unaided efforts, had to make up for the deficiencies in scholastic training. Stern necessity made this the rule with young Benjamin. He was compelled, by want of both opportunity and means, to start out in life without these or other adven- titious aids.

He left home in March, 1807, when but sixteen years of age, thus early commencing "a career seldom equaled in its leading features among the self-made men of the coun-

* Benjamin Chamberlain, father of our subject (and of Gen. C. T. Chamberlain, of Cuba, N. Y.), was a Revolutionary soldier, being present at Lexington, Yorktown, Bunker Hill, Stillwater, White Plains, Monmouth, Stony Point, and many other scarcely less excit- ing scenes of the struggle for American Independence. At Quebec he was one of the immortal three hundred who scaled the walls, and was there captured and confined in irons, the marks of which he carried to his grave. He was with Washington at Valley Forge, and lost an eye by exposure to the weather. He died at Great Valley, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Feb. 4, 1847, aged ninety-one years and eleven months.

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try. Without money or clothes, except such as were upon his back, barefoot and alone, he went to Olean in search of employment." There he commenced working for Maj. Adam Hoops, the founder of the village, then, and for a long time, known as Hamilton. He labored by the month, diligently, for the space of five years, employed in saw-mills and in lumbering, then almost the only business of the country. This period yielded him small profits, but largely in discipline and preparation for the future. Business chances in such a wilderness, even for men of capital, were rare ; yet young Chamberlain's ambition was to set up for himself. To do this without capital, without friends or in- fluence, surely manifested a brave determination. He felt that his own mind and energies, his stout heart and iron will, would make up for the deficiencies of money and friends. Nor was he mistaken. Associated with Mr. Mckay, since deceased, he erected a saw-mill in Great Valley, and there carried on a successful lumber business all his life-time. But it was not all " smooth sailing,"- the mill was only a short time completed when it was de- stroyed by fire, together with a large amount of sawed lum- ber, by which he lost all he had in the world. He was left without a dollar, somewhat in debt, and his partner was found to be insolvent. Yet, nothing daunted, he deter- mined to go on, greatly encouraged by the warm affection, calm judgment, and wise counsel of his faithful companion. Her faith in the future was supreme. "She called his at- tention to the fact that they were still young, blessed with health and vigor, and that with industry, perseverance, and economy they could overcome the loss they had sustained, and yet secure a competence." He obtained a credit of one thousand dollars of Capt. Henry De Forest, and re- built the mill. This was no small undertaking, when it is remembered that all the iron-work of the mill had to be transported from Pittsburgh, in canoes, on the Allegany River.

From this time his business prospered. He was largely engaged in lumbering on the Allegany, and for nearly a half- century enjoyed a degree of prosperity and an unbounded credit seldom equaled by any individual. " In conducting his business his office was not alone that of a mere over- seer. His hands were alike familiar with the axe and the oar, and during the earlier years of his career he labored as constantly and as hard as any workman in his employ. In his operations he received essential aid from his wife, who was no less remarkable in her sphere than he in his. While absent at market with his lumber, she directed the manage- ment at home,-employed hands, prepared and dispatched the boards at every freshet, and maintained the same vigi- lant and successful care over the operations of business as though it were her proper place in life. To her should be given a large share of credit for the achievements of her husband, whose vast wealth was the result of their joint industry, intelligence and perseverance." His business in- terests were varied as extensive, embracing not only farming and lumbering, but dealing in lands, mercantile and bank- ing operations,-giving all a personal supervision. He was president and the principal stockholder of the Cuba (N. Y.) Bank.

Judge Chamberlain was prominently connected with the

political history of Cattaraugus County. He held by ap- pointment the office of sheriff in 1820, and from Feb. 12, 1821, to Dec. 31, 1822 ; and in November, 1825, he was elected to the same office, serving until December, 1828. He served as associate judge of the Court of Common Pleas, with Hon. Alson Leavenworth as first judge, and was ap- pointed by Gov. Marcy as first judge of the Common Pleas of Cattaraugus County, Feb. 15, 1833; re-appointed in 1838 for a second term of five years, and again appointed for a third term in 1843. He served until June, 1847. Judge Chamberlain, "to an intuitive knowledge of the motives and character of men, united a sagacity that pene- trated clearly the forensic myths of the bar, enabling him to dispel the legal fogs, sift conflicting evidence, and pre- sent every case in a plain, intelligent manner to the jury. His ' charges' to juries are remembered as models of direct- ness, brevity, and perspicuity ; and, although not bred a lawyer, while on the bench it was often remarked that 'he had it the natural way.'" Politically, he acted with the Democratic party, and frequently was selected as their standard-bearer. In 1852 he was a member of the Elec- toral College of the State of New York, which cast the presidential vote of the State for Pierce and King.

For many years, and at the time of his death, he resided at East Randolph, where his elegant home was the abode of a warm-hearted and generous hospitality.

Judge Chamberlain was active in all efforts of a public character aiming to improve society and advance the stand- ard of morality and education in the community. He manifested a substantial interest in schools, and his liberal contributions to the Randolph Academy are well known in this section. He was the first president of its board of trustees. This institution and Allegany College he aided and encouraged during his life-time to the extent of nearly one hundred thousand dollars, and in his will bequeathed them four hundred thousand dollars more. In grateful recognition of this benevolence, the name of the Academy was changed by act of the Legislature to that of the " Chamberlain Institute."*

Judge Chamberlain possessed an "iron constitution," united to large mental capacity and enduring energy. He had a tall form and commanding presence; yet was affable, and possessed of a ready wit. His name stands not only as a representative man of this county, but as one of the re- markable personages of the State, and one whose memory will be cherished through all the future for the great good he has done.

He died in Ellicottville, Feb. 10, 1868.

FREDERICK LARKIN, M.D.

Among the old residents and prominent scientists of Randolph, Dr. Larkin holds a foremost position. Coming here nearly forty years ago, by his enterprise he has added largely to the material progress and development of the village, having been as extensively interested in real estate here and elsewhere, for the past twenty-five years, as any one within the corporate limits of the village.

* See history of this institution in another portion of this work.

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Frederick Larkin was born in Thompson, Windham Co., Conn., Feb. 12, 1814. His father was Edmund Larkin, a prominent physician and surgeon of Thompson, and a man of the highest respectability and intelligence. Young Larkin was early sent to the district school, where he ob- tained the rudiments of his education, which he has greatly augmented by self-study and observation, both in literary

F. Gaskin

and scientific learning. He studied medicine with his father for some time, but subsequently abandoned it to learn the watchmaker's trade, having considerable aptitude for mechanics. This he followed, at intervals, for a quarter of a century, most of the time having a regular jewelry establishment. He left Connecticut in 1837 and removed to Chautauqua County, where he continued to reside until his removal to Randolph in 1841. He was made professor of physiology of the Randolph Eclectic Medical College, afterwards merged into the New York Central Eclectic Medical College, at Syracuse, which institution conferred an honorary degree of M.D. upon him. The doctor is an eloquent and able lecturer on scientific subjects, particularly physiology and archeology, upon the former of which he once delivered a regular course of sixty lectures of one hour each. He has also written profusely upon these and kindred topics. Dr. Larkin has been twice married, first to Lois Ann Messinger, of Ellery, Chautauqua Co., July 8, 1838, she died in December, 1849. He married his second wife, Minerva C., daughter of Benjamin Wood- worth, June 12, 1850. Five children, two sons and three daughters, were born to them. Ada A., born Dec. 19, 1852 ; married Miles A. Davis, editor and proprietor of the Naples (Ontario County) Record; Fredericka B., born Dec. 14, 1854; Frederick, Jr., born Dec. 24, 1858; Min- nie S. W., born Sept. 30, 1862; Gerrit Smith, born Dec. 12, 1864 ; all living. The venerable mother of his wife resides with him, at the age of eighty-three years.

As an evidence of the doctor's enterprise, we state the fact that he has erected, directly or indirectly, fifteen build- ings in Randolph, many of which remain as monuments to his business capacity and energy.

Politically, Dr. Larkin is a Democrat, an intelligent voter, but not an aspirant for political preferment. He is an avowed free-thinker, believing more in the antiquities and beauties of nature, as shown in geology and archeology, than in religious sectarianism and theological cant. He is candid in his belief, and has held several debates with prominent divines of the orthodox denominations upon the relative merits of scientific research and biblical lore. He is a man of extensive reading and deep study. He is re- markable for going to the bottom of things, and never affirms a proposition that he cannot maintain by logical deductions. He is versatile in the application of his varied knowledge, and is always ready and willing to expound the doctrines he holds, without undue time spent in prepara- tion. He lucidly argues the prominent features of his belief, and no one who hears him fails in recognizing the ideas he wishes to convey. In short, Dr. Larkin is pre- eminently a practical man.

HON. JOSEPH E. WEEDEN.

The retrospection of a busy professional life-one ex- tending over a period of more than forty years-offers an interesting and instructive study. The learned professions have always had a charm for youth when making a life choice, that exists to-day, notwithstanding the laxity that characterizes the admission to practice law or medicine. In the former of these professions the pettifogger is ever present, as the quack and empiric is in the latter. To such an extent was this the case in the legal profession in times past, that a sage philosopher once said, " Never expect law- yers to settle disputes, or justice from the decisions of law- yers." Therefore, when a legal career, the principles of which have been based upon honest judgment, wise counsel, and a desire to prevent rather than to advise vexatious litiga- tion, is presented for criticism on the pages of history, it becomes a pleasurable duty for the biographer, and an in- terest to the general reader. Such a career has been that of the subject of this sketch.

Joseph E. Weeden was born at Norwich, Conn., July 27, 1809. He was the first-born child of Caleb and Civil (La- throp) Weeden, respectable citizens of Norwich, and subse- quently of Vermont, whither they removed in 1810. Caleb Weeden was a farmer, as his forefathers had been before him, and upon moving into Vermont be settled on a small farm in the town of Chelsea, in Orange Co., and after remaining there about four years, he removed with his family to what is now the town of Pike, in the county of Wyoming, N. Y. He was among the pioneers of that locality, settling in the midst of a wilderness, and almost one mile from any neighbor. The town was literally covered with a forest, destitute of roads other than paths made by clearing away underbrush and winding among the trees. There existed no improve- ments whatever, so that he had to cut away trees to make a clearing to erect his humble log cabin, around which

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he at once proceeded to clear a small farm. On the same day that they removed to their new habitation in the wilderness, a daughter was born to them, being their second daughter and third child. Their son, of whom we write, was prostrated by a severe and prolonged sickness, which at that time it was thought by the physician and friends of the family would terminate fatally ; he recovered his health, but never enjoyed a robust constitution. The facilities for an education were meagre, but the settlers evinced a desire to do all they could for the establishment and maintenance of regular schools. Availing themselves of a log cabin of small size, they converted it into a school- house, and placed in it a young lady teacher, whose educa- tion and capacity for teaching compared favorably with the dimensions of the school-house. It was under such circum- stances that young Weeden commenced his common-school education, he and his sisters going a distance of a mile through the woods daily during the summer. The father and mother having been educated in the common schools of Connecticut, and the father having himself been a teacher, imparted to their children while at home much valuable instruction, and endeavored to inspire them with a love of learning.

After occupying the new home about one year, the mother fell a victim to consumption, and was among the first consigned to the tomb in the rude burying-ground of the new settlement. Thus were the children, at a tender age, deprived of a mother's care, and the father, being in moderate financial circumstances, was obliged to manage matters alone as best he might, and being compelled to de- vote himself almost wholly to the task of providing susten- ance for the family, little time could be spared for their educational advancement, and for several years it was much neglected, especially as there was no school within conve- nient distance. At the age of eighteen young Weeden was allowed a term at a select school taught by Rev. Anson Tuthill, a well-qualified and competent teacher. Prior to that he had assisted his father on the farm as much as his impaired health would permit, with intervals of attendance at the common schools. And from this time until he at- tained his majority, his time was divided between the farm, attending the select school, and teaching a common school. It was at the select school that a foundation for a solid and efficient education was laid. He obtained the rudiments of a classical, and some of the higher branches of mathematics, after making improvements in the English and correcting many of the errors of his earlier education. At the age of twenty-two he commenced the study of law with the late Hon. Luther C. Peck, then of Pike, but more recently of Nunda, Livingston Co. He continued his studies for about five years, supporting himself by intervals of land surveying and teaching school. At the May term of the Supreme Court, held in the city of New York, in 1836, he was ad- mitted to practice in the courts of this State. In the summer of the same year he located in Randolph, for the practice of his profession, where he has ever since remained, and was the second lawyer who settled in that part of the county, the Hon. Geo. A. S. Crooker, then of Connewango, being the first. The state of his health and naturally feeble con- stitution have at times retarded that devotion to business

which might otherwise have been expected, yet his exertions have been attended with more than average success.

On the 27th of September, 1836, he was married to Margaret, third daughter of Gersham and Marion Wait, then of Sherman, in the county of Chautauqua. Five chil- dren have been born to them,-four sons and one daughter : Lyman F., born Sept. 19, 1837 ; married Mary C., daughter of David and Catharine Benson, of Connewango, May 6, 1863. Frances L., born Nov. 10, 1839 ; married George A. Needle, now proprietor of the Parker City Daily, a newspaper published at Parker's Landing, Pa. Henry C., born Feb. 10, 1842; died suddenly by being thrown from a horse, Sept. 12, 1851. Ebenezer L., born March 29, 1845; married Lucelia V., daughter of Capt. George W. and Elvira Watkins, Dec. 4, 1867. Joseph E. Weeden, Jr., born April 7, 1850 ; died Nov. 25, 1862.

Mr. Weeden was one of the original founders of the Randolph Academy (now the Chamberlain Institute), and was a member of the board of trustees until it was trans- ferred to the Methodist Conference and its name changed. He opposed the transfer on the ground that he was unwil- ling that it should be controlled by or managed in the in- terest of a religious sect, claiming that the institution should confine itself to the promulgation of science and literature, entirely free from religious sectarianism and clerical bias, and that such was the intention at the time of the organization.

He has never been an aspiring politician, but has always taken an interest in prominent political issues. He acted with the old Whig party during its life, and was a member of the lower house of the State Legislature in the year 1847. This was a long session, continuing about eight months of the year, the then recent adoption of a new State . constitution rendering a large amount of legislation neces- sary in order that the statutes might conform thereto. He was placed upon some important committees, among them one for dividing the State into Senatorial and judicial dis- tricts, which division substantially remains to this day. After the dissolution of the Whig party, he united with the Republicans, with whom he continued until after the close of the war, when he disagreed with some of its prin- ciples, and especially with its policy towards the South and the colored people, and since that time has acted with the Democrats. In 1840 he was appointed by Gov. Seward to the office of Supreme Court commissioner. Under Gov. Young he was appointed loan commissioner for Cattaraugus County, has held the office of justice of the peace, and several minor offices in the town government.

After a long and busy professional life, Mr. Weeden still manages and practices law, in connection with Elias L. Matteson, under the law firm of Weeden & Matteson, and is generally considered an able lawyer, a good advocate, and a conscientious adviser. The success that has attended him during his professional career has been due to untiring energy, constant industry, and close application to business. His personal integrity is irreproachable. He is not a member of any sectarian organization, but is found among the vast and increasing multitude of free-thinkers, whose investigations of the relative merits and consistencies of science and theology, are awaking an interest that is be- coming as general as it is important.

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ERASTUS S. INGERSOLL.

Fifty-five years ago, when the present town of Conne- wango was for the most part a dense and unbroken wilder- ness, and when the influx of emigration was quite small and the arrival of a pioneer was an important event, Peter Ingersoll, who was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., in 1799, settled in this town, where he remained for about two years, and then became a resident of the now town of Ellington, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred March 5, 1871. He became at an early period intimately identified with

ERASTUS 8. INGERSOLL.

the interests of his town and county, and was highly re- spected by his fellow-pioneers, holding several important offices, which he filled with fidelity to the trusts imposed on him. He was married to Lois M. Smith who, by her endowed intellect and excellence of Christian character, largely influenced the home of the family.

Erastus S. Ingersoll, a son of the above parents, was born at Ellington, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., April 24, 1837. He was educated at the Ellington Academy, and followed teaching school during the years 1856-59. He entered the store of A. F. Kent, of Jamestown, in 1860, with whom he remained about a year. From the latter part of 1860 to 1865 he was engaged in mercantile business at Cattaraugus, in connection with N. Christie, his father-in- law, under the firm-style of Christie & Ingersoll. In April, 1865, he removed to Randolph, and there continued the dry-goods business, first in connection with his brother, under the firm-title of E. S. & C. P. Ingersoll, which partnership having expired prior to 1873, he has continued in the same business alone since the latter date.

Mr. Ingersoll is a man of enterprise, and has erected several of the better stores and residences of the town, and has always lent his aid and influence to the improvement of the village in which he lives. His opportunities for the

general advancement of the material prosperity of the place have been greatly enhanced by his connection with the municipal government of the village, having frequently been elected one of its trustees, and several times its president. .

On the founding of the Chamberlain Institute and Female College, in 1865, he was elected one of the trustees of that institution, and holds that position at the present. At the erection of the buildings, after the fire in 1872, he was appointed a member of the building committee and was chosen the secretary and treasurer of that body. He was president of the board of trustees during the years 1874- 76, and was succeeded in that position by Judge W. H. Henderson.

In politics Mr. Ingersoll has always been a Republican, and the party honored themselves by electing him super- visor for the town of Randolph, in 1876, and keeping him in that office the two following years, he being the present incumbent.

On the 22d of August, 1860, Mr. Ingersoll married Miss Lizzie J., daughter of N. Christie, Esq., of Catta- raugus, one of the most respected and influential business men of that part of the county. They have two children, viz., N. Christie Ingersoll, born May 9, 1868; Ralph E., born July 19, 1877.

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History of Cattaraugus County, New York, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 57

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: