USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York, and its people, Volume II > Part 20
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81
To-day is a date of marked significance in the His- tory of Manufacturing in Jamestown from the earliest days of the saw mill and the grist mill and the wagon shop and the cooper shop down to the present time, for within the past few hours William J. Maddox has retired from the furniture manufacturing industry of the city after turning out tables here for a third of a century; the Maddox Table Company, of which he was the founder and the president, has passed into the ownership and control of other local interests. and the Shearman Brothers Company, another old establish- ment, has become one of the largest industries in this community through the acquisition of the Maddox Table Plant. In other words, the story of this business transaction of unusual importance and interest may be told in the statement that the Shearman Brothers Company to-day secured through purchase the stock of William J. Maddox, president, and M. R. Stevenson, secretary and treasurer, of the Maddox Tahle Com- pany, which means that they have bought the hig Mad- dox plant at Harrison and Institute streets.
In closing it may be said that Mr. Maddox has been a true citizen interested in all enterprises which meditated the moral improvement and social culture of the com- munity, and actively aided a number of associations by his influence and means. His leading characteristics might, perhaps, be stated as indomitable perseverance, boldness in operation, unusual capacity for judging the motives and merits of men, strict integrity and un- swerving loyalty. His self-reliance never failed him. always willing to listen to and respect the opinions and theories of others, when the time came for action. he worked for himself and according to his own judg- ment. His accurate estimate of men enabled him to fill the many branches of his business with those who
seldom failed to meet his expectations. His clear and far-seeing brain enabled him to grasp every detail of a project, whatever its magnitude. Ever genial and courteous, he has surrounded himself with faithful friends whose admiration for his abilities is surpassed only by their respect for his sterling qualities and by the affection which his many lovable traits of character never failed to inspire. His life was so varied in its activity, so honorable in its purpose, so far-reaching and beneficent in its effects, that it has become an integral part of the history of Chautauqua county and has left its impress upon the annals of State and Nation.
In this connection the following little chapter of his- tory will be read with interest:
Contrivances for the measurement of time are of such antiquity that the first of such implements are wrapped in the mystery of a forgotten past.
Long before any mechanical form had been invented the sun was used to mark the passing hours with the aid of a pin or gnomon erected so as to throw a shadow accross a graduated arc or dial. This was the earliest known form. Then came the hour glass, or Clepsydra, as it was called, which used a liquid, then the sand glass. The hour glass was not known in England until 886, but had been used in Rome long before. In the year 1291 a clock was built and placed in the yard of the Palace at London. In 1368 a strik- ing clock was erected at Westminster; about 1500, clocks were used in private houses.
Richard Harris first connected the pendulum with clock works about 1641; his method was improved by Huyghens, so that by 1658 there were trustworthy timekeepers. Thomas Thompion. of London, was clock-maker to Charles II. Before his time, clocks were rude in construction. Thompion died in 1713; his remains now lie in Westminster Abbey. He was known as the father of English clockmakers. Thomp- ion was succeeded by Daniel Quare, who lived until 1725, then his work was taken up by George Graham, who continued it until the year 1775, when he passed away. Just previous to this, one James Maddox of Suffolk, was sent to Graham to learn the art of clock making. In about the year 1788 he went to Liverpool to commence the manufacture of clocks and watches. In the year 1790 he had a son born to him, who was named Charles, and after his death Charles continued the business. On Dec. 12, 1818, there was born unto him a son, and he named him Thomas, in honor of Thomas Thompion. He intended to perpet- uate the business through him, compelling him to enter the shop and learn the business, afterwards sending him to Paris to finish.
By this time gold pens were in use and the so-called Diamond point was a secret. For this secret he paid $100 and gave one year of time. After Thomas Maddox returned home, gold pen manufacturing was added to the clock and watch business.
Thomas Maddox, hearing of the great opportunities in America, sailed for that country in 1839, and located in New York City. It is believed that he was the first man to point gold pens in America. In the year 1844 he married Sarah Shippy, and unto them were born five sons and two daughters. Each son was taken
احدى
٠
1
7
Para
一
Juan 7 . Wish
77
BIOGRAPHICAL
in turn and instructed in the art of clock making, but each in turn gave it up and turned to cabinet work.
John Maddox, the youngest son, born in 1861, was his last hope, but he refused to be a clock builder to any extent, but now, after nearly fifty years, he has been moved by the spirit of his fathers, and has made a clock fashioned after the first efforts of his ancestors, and presents it to his brother, William J. Maddox, and may he live long to note the passing hours, and may every one be free from care.
(Signed) JOHN W. MADDOX.
CHARLES F. CRANDALL, of Brocton, Chautau- qua county, N. Y., is one of the most conspicuous figures in the business life of this region and has been for many years associated with the Crandall Panel Company, Inc., which is engaged in the manufacture of panels and other fine wood work, and has a coast to coast trade. Mr. Crandall is a native of Brocton, where his birth occurred July 2, 1868, and as a lad attended the local public school. At the age of twenty- four, in 1892, having completed his studies, he engaged in business on his own account as a dealer in clothing and furnishing goods at Brocton. Two years later, however, he gave up this line in order to take up the manufacture of lumber, in which he dealt, together with hardware. This business, for which there are such great resources in this region, prospered highly under hiis capable management and in 1901 he formed a partnership with W. I. and F. M. Thayer, under the firm name of Brocton Hardware & Lumber Company. He has since become associated with the Crandall Panel Company, Inc., one of the oldest and most im- portant concerns of its kind in Chautauqua county. The Crandall Panel Company was founded about 1875 by Hosea B. Crandall as a grape basket factory. Hosea B. Crandall later admitted as a partner a Mr. Lowell and the firm became known as Crandall & Lowell, an association which continued until the latter sold his interest to Mr. Crandall, who thereupon admitted his son, J. E. Crandall, to the firm, which then became Crandall & Son. Upon the death of Mr. Crandall, Sr., J. E. Crandall carried on the business for about a year by himself and then formed a partnership with F. E. Hatch, after which the firm became known as Crandall & Hatch. At that time the buildings occupied by the concern measured 70 x 44 feet, and had two stories, including a mailing room, 30 x 40 feet, and a store below measuring 60 x 60 feet. Later J. E. Crandall bought out the interest of his partner, Mr. Hatch, and carried on the business alone for several years. An association was then formed with Lester H. Skinner and Orton Smith, and the firm name was changed to the Crandall Panel Company. The concern was then engaged in the manufacture of baskets and panels, the latter product being included in order to keep the business active during the entire year, as the demand for baskets only existed during the grape season. After about one year, Mr. Smith retired and in 1906 Charles F. Crandall was admitted as a partner and the business incorporated as the Crandall Panel Company, Inc. In 1909 the concern removed to the new plant erected by them at the present location, which consisted of a modern fireproof building, measuring 44 x 120 feet, and
including three stories. This factory was equipped with all the modern machinery and devices for turning the rough timber into finished panels. The output of the mill is at present very large and they have a market throughout the United States, the character of their products being of the very highest type. Eighty-five hands are employed in the work of this mill, which forms one of the most important industries in the neighborhood of Brocton. Charles F. Crandall holds the double office of secretary and treasurer, with J. E. Crandall as president, and Lester H. Skinner as superintendent. In 1918 the manufacture of baskets was entirely dropped, owing to the greatly increased demand for panels and similar woodwork, and the plant is now devoted exclusively to turning out this product. The growth of the Crandall Panel Company, Inc., of recent years has been a phenominal one, and the business genius and unusual grasp of practical affairs exhibited by Charles F. Crandall have been one of the chief factors in its development.
Charles F. Crandall has been an exceedingly active figure in many other departments of the life of the community where he lives and has participated promi- nently in local politics here. He enjoys a wide personal popularity, and has served since 1899 on the Chautau- qua County Board of Supervisors as a representative of the township of Portland. The office of supervisor is the highest in the gift of the township and in this respon- sible position Mr. Crandall has exhibited notable talent in public affairs and has proved himself to he a most efficient and disinterested public servant. In Masonry Mr. Crandall is a member of the lodge, chapter, council, and commandery. Besides these Masonic bodies he is also affiliated with the local lodges of the Knights of Pythias, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Charles F. Crandall was united in marriage, Dec. 22, 1894, with Helen Roberts, a daughter of Hanson and Emma (Moss) Roberts, and a granddaughter of T. S. Moss, a prominent man in this community during his life. To Mr. and Mrs. Crandall four children have been born, as follows: Marion, Frances, Emily, and Helen Mae.
JAMES LEONARD WEEKS-As a member of the Chautauqua county bar for many years and as a public official of the city of Jamestown, James L. Weeks attained high professional honor and distinction as a citizen loyally devoted to the city in which his life was spent. He did not seek office, the positions which he held coming to him as the natural result of his consistent interest in the welfare of his city. His administrations of each office filled was marked by steady devotion to those high ideals of citizenship and public service charac- teristic of the man, his record as mayor of Jamestown one in which both he and his friends took justifiable pride. During the last decade of his life he gave him- self too freely to his increasing legal practice, which perhaps was the largest in Chautauqua county, when illness compelled him to desist. He absolutely declined to consider either legislative or judicial preferment, hut he rendered valuable service as a volunteer worker in the direct primary movement, the prevention of cruelty to children, and as a member of the new Child Welfare
1
,
78
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY
Commission, and in all the relations of life, he measured up to the highest standards of American manhood.
James Leonard Weeks, son of Charles E. and Eunice (Woodworth) Weeks, was born at Cherry Creek, Chau- tauqua county, N. Y., June 21, 1862, his parents at that time residents of Jamestown. He died at his summer home, "Sunny Side" near Greenhurst, in the same county, Sept. 7, 1917. He completed the full courses of the Jamestown public school, finishing his high school career with graduation, and as president of his class. He early decided upon the legal profession, but at the time of his graduation from high school in 1881, he was considered too young to enter a law school. He, how- ever, studied law privately, later under perceptors, then entered the Albany Law School, of which he was a graduate, and finally gained admission to the Chautauqua county bar. He practiced law in Jamestown from his admission to the bar until a few months prior to his death, many years of his earlier practice being as a member of the law firm, Bootey, Fowler & Weeks. Later he practiced alone, and still later formed a part- nership with his brother-in-law, Emmett H. Ross, under the firm name, Weeks & Ross, that partnership con- tinuing until dissolved by death. During the last years of his life he handled much of the important litigation of the county, and came to be regarded as one of the leading members of the Chautauqua county bar.
He took part in the defense of several murder trials, and was signally successful. He held to the highest code of ethics in his practice, never resorting to subterfuge or trickery to win decisions regardless of merit, ror did he seek the advantage in the weakness or careless- ness of an opponent. He had abiding faith in the fair- ness of his fellow-men, and in the eternal justice of the courts of his State and Nation. He was appointed city attorney of Jamestown at the beginning of Mayor John- son's administration, and in that capacity passed upon many important legal questions, drew many important contracts, and otherwise rendered important service to the city as legal advisor. Through his close and intimate connection with the affairs of the municipality as city attorney he was considered a logical candidate to suc- ceed Mayor Johnson ; received the nomination and was elected. He served a single term with good results to the city, because he would never compromise upon matters that involved the principles of right and wrong. He declined a renomination.
Brought up under the teachings of a Democratic father, Mr. Weeks followed that example and for a number of years was actively identified with local Dem- ocratic activities. He was the Democratic candidate for county attorney one year, although Chautauqua is over- whelmingly Republican, he made an active canvass and received a flattering vote against John Woodward, later a justice of the Supreme Court of New York. He left the Democratic party when it followed Mr. Bryan in his many vagaries, as then considered, and thereafter was a supporter of the Republican party. He was a member of the New York State Civil Service Commission, of the Jamestown Board of Education, of the Child Wel- fare Commission of Chautauqua, a director of the Chau- tauqua County National Bank, director of the Empire Worsted Mills, and president of the Dahlstrom Metallic Door Company. He was a member of the Chautauqua
County and New York State Bar Associations, and bore the highest reputation among his brethren of the pro- fession. He was one of the original members of the University Club, and one of the ablest writers and most forceful speakers of that organization.
Mr. Weeks was a man of clear judgment and rare ability in matters of business, one whose advice was often sought and rarely violated. He was devoted to . the interests of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, which he ! served as vestryman, and to that broader church which 1 stands for the spiritual development and advance- . ment of the best in mankind. He was devoted to ( his family and to his friends, but above all he was : devoted to the dictates of his own conscience, and stood as adamant for the things in which he believed. i, He had a real love in his heart for children, which ! later in life he was enabled to gratify in his own home. But this love was not exemplified in his own - family circle alone; it was shown in a much broader : sense than that. He took a great interest in the t boys and young men, his service upon Jamestown's Board of Education being purely through a desire to help in the education and development of the youth of his community. He devoted himself unselfishly to the work of the public schools, and took a deep personal interest in the boys and girls of his acquaintance, many of them coming to him for advice and suggestion, and never coming in vain.
He was a member of lodge, chapter and commandery of the Masonic order, his brother Sir Knights of James- town Commandery furnishing as escort on the day of his funeral, while the service in Lakeview Cemetery was in charge of the officers and brethren of Mt. Moriah Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, the impressive ceremonies , of the Masonic burial service following the ritual of the : Episcopal service at the church. Fraternal friends, , legal associates, neighbors, and friends, gathered to pay . their last respects to one whom they knew as a good ! man, one whose life had left his community richer for his having passed that way. As an added mark of respect the offices of the City Hall were closed during the hours of the funeral service.
James L. Weeks maried (first) June 22, 1887, Clara : Kingsbury, who died in 1903, daughter of Judge H. C. Kingsbury, of Westfield, N. Y. Mr. Weeks married [ (second) June 5, 1907, Louise Anna Ross, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Ross, of Jamestown, who sur- vives him with three children: Mary Woodworth, Ross Leonard, and Stanley Allan Weeks, a fourth child, Emmett James, dying in infancy. The family home is at No. 34 Lake View avenue, Jamestown, and a summer residence near Greenhurst, on Chautauqua Lake.
The following resolutions and tributes came to Mrs. Weeks and family together with many others:
At the annual meeting of the Agnes Association, which includes the Agnes Association Home and the Warner Home for the Aged, Oct. 22, 1917, the following resolutions were passed on the death of Hon. James L. Weeks :
In September our legal advisor, Hon. James L. Weeks, died at his home on the Lake, and appropriate resolutions were adopted by the Board of Directors at its last meeting.
Death has removed from our midst Hon. James L. Weeks, who died at his home Sept. 7th. It will be difficult, indeed, for us to replace him. Ail through
79
BIOGRAPHICAL
the years he has served the Association faithfully and well. He secured our charter and admitted all our people into the Warner home, all this without remun- eration, and took care of our legal problems; there- fore, be it
Resolved, That this Association place upon its rec- jorde the high esteem and deep appreciation of his goodness and helpfulness to us and that a copy be isent to his family. He mounted upwards, carefui to tread on no man's hands. He asked little for himself in his simple life and surely when he went into the Great Unknown he found there those riches awaiting him that no man in his wisdom piles up in Heaven, where moths do not corrupt, neither do thieves break through and steal.
(Signed) THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The directors of the National Chautauqua County Bank, assembled in special session, do enact as follows:
The death of James Leonard Weeks occurred at his summer home near this city, after a protracted illness, on Friday, the 7th day of September, 1917, at the age of 55 years, 3 months, 5 days. His entire life was spent in Jamestown. He became a leader of the bar, served one term as Mayor of the city, was for many years an officer of St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal Church, and filled many other positions of honor and responsibility, including that of director of thie insti- tution. To epitomize our sentiments, be it
Resolved, That we regard the death of Mr. Weeks a misfortune to this community. In every relation of life he was admirable. At all pointe of contact with public movements his impress was influential for good. His ideals of American citizenship were exalted and he lived up to their highest expression. As a di- rector of this bank, and a member of the finance com- mittee, he was faithful to the last degree, and he lemployed in the performance of the duties of these positions the ripeness of his legal and business exper- ience and attainments. We shall cherish pleasant memories of our association with him.
Resolved, That thts minute be recorded in the jour- nal of our proceedings, that as a mark of our regard and respect we in a body attend his funeral.
CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION, Chautauqua, New York.
Office of the President. September 11, 1917.
At a meeting of the Executive Board on September 8, the following resolution was unanimously carried, and I was directed to send it to you with the sincere sympathy of the Trustees of the Institution :
The Executive Board of Chautauqua Institution de- sires to put on record an expression of regret at the F untimely death of James L. Weeks, their appreciation of his unselfish service as counsel for so many years, and their high regard for the ability of mind and heart which he so generously devoted to the interests of the Institution.
(Signed) ARTHUR E. BESTOR.
At a special meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Empire Worsted Mills, held Sept. 11, 1917, the following i resolutions were adopted :
Whereas, It has pleased our Heavenly Father in his wise providence, to take from our midst, our beloved co-worker and member of this Board of Trustees, James L. Weeks; and,
Whereas, We feel most keenly the great loss we have sustained by the removal from our circle of one whose genial nature and integrity, whose wise counsel and foresight, will be sorely missed; be it
Resolved, That we record upon the books of this corporation, and that there be communicated to the relatives of our departed friend, an expression of our deep sympathy for all those who were near and dear to him, and whose tender and loving compan- ionships have been severed.
(Signed) EMPIRE WORSTED MILLS, Per GEO. W. BERQUIST, Sec'y.
The Board of Directors of the Dahlstrom Metallic Door Company, of which Mr. Weeks was so long a member and for so many years the president of the
company, has directed me to respectfully tender you the following resolutions of condolence :
Whereas, it has pleased God, our Father, in Hie in- finite wisdom, to remove from our midst and from all earthly activities our beloved friend, comrade and president, Mr. James L. Weeks, and realizing from the measure of our sense of loss and sorrow the im- mensity of grief and sorrow on the part of yourself, your children, and immediate family; be it
Resolved, That we extend to the bereaved wife, children and immediate family of our departed friend our sincere sympathy in their hour of darkness, and that these resolutione in token of our love and esteem of our departed friend be spread on the minutes of the company's records.
May we venture to pause and reflect upon the full- ness of the life work of our friend who has just left us, his sincerity, kindness, and love so freely bestowed upon his fellow-men and to consider that as the frag- ance of his kindly deeds will remain to sweeten life's burden, Bo let us remember that his spirit is now free from all earthly restrictione in the glorious presence of God, his Father, and Jesus, our Brother, beholding the Majesty he so dearly loved, and who can say but that his influence for help and good amongst us is still active.
In this hour of supreme trial, may God comfort and support you and give you strength and peace. DAHLSTROM METALLIC DOOR COMPANY, By JOHN A. WESTMAN.
From the University Club came these lines :
For many years Mr. Weeks has been a member of the University Club, where he always contributed in a very valuable way to the discussions. We shall miss him, his penetrating understanding of the subjects considered, and his able papers.
To you we extend our very sincere sympathy. ALBERT S. PRICE, Sec'y. (For the University Club).
The National Bank of Westfield, N. Y., said :
The morning paper bringe me the sad news of the death of my warm friend and your dear husband. For years I have known him and loved him. Strange to say, I passed your house yesterday about the hour of his death, and I was then thinking of him. Little did I realize that his life was passing away. Please remem- ber me as one of his dear friends who will miss him more than words can express.
FRANK W. CRANDALL, President.
Public Service Commission :
Only to-day did I learn of the death of my good friend, your husband, whose staunch loyalty and good counsel meant much to me in the years when I sorely needed it. I hasten to express to you my deepfelt sympathy. No words of mine could serve to assuage the grief which is yours, but there must be satisfac- tion in the sweet and useful life he lived and the esteem in which he was held by thousands whom he served
WILLIAM L. RAMSON.
The members of the Jamestown Bar Association mourn the death of :
JAMES LEONARD WEEKS,
the gifted, honorable, and devoted associate who, in faith triumphant, has passed from our mortal ken, leaving behind him the example of a noble and use- ful life.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.