USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York, and its people, Volume II > Part 32
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
123
BIOGRAPHICAL
(III) Matthew Prendergast, eldest child of William and Mehitable (Wing) Prendergast, was born August 5, 1756, at Pawling, Dutchess county, New York, and died at Chautauqua, Chautauqua county, New York, February 24, 1838. He participated in the travels of his father, living for many years in Washington county and at Pittstown, Rensselaer county. He later settled on the west shore of Chautauqua Lake, six miles from Mayville, and took a prominent part in the affairs of the region. At Mayville the Prendergast family built warehouses and stores, and engaged in the mercantile trade. They also built boats for transportation and traffic across the lake. Matthew Prendergast was the first supervisor of the town of Chautauqua after the organization of the county in 1811, serving in that office many years, and was also associate judge of the county. He married (first) Abigail Akin, in Eastern New York, and the children by this union were: Lillian, who married Jared Irwin; Dr. William, of whom fur- ther. He married (second) Anna Hunt, and the chil- dren of the second marriage were: James and Arthur.
(IV) Dr. William (2) Prendergast, only son of Judge Matthew and Abigail (Akin) Prendergast, was born February 28, 1791, at Pawling, Dutchess county, New York, and died at Chautauqua, March 1I, 1857. His childhood was passed in Washington county, and in 1807, at the age of sixteen, came to Chautauqua county. He studied medicine, and when a mere youth served as a surgeon in the American army during the War of 1812. He later practiced his profession at May- ville, and was one of the most respected physicians of his day in this region. He was very prosperous, and at the time of his death owned about one thousand acres of valuable farm land. He was a Whig in poli- tics, and a member of the Episcopal church. He mar- ried, in 1815, Elizabeth Prendergast, a daughter of Martin Prendergast. One child was born of this union as follows, Martin, mentioned below.
(V) Martin Prendergast, only child of Dr. William (2) and Elizabeth (Prendergast) Prendergast, and father of the Dr. William Prendergast of this sketch, was born at Mayville, Chautauqua county, New York. For a number of years he occupied a clerical position in the locality, and later, upon inheriting the old family homestead, turned his attention to agriculture and con- tinued to farm for the remainder of his life. He was a prominent figure in the life of Mayville, and held the office of supervisor of the town for fifteen years. He married Phoebe Holmes, born March 3, 1823, died January 3, 1899, a daughter of Seth W. Holmes, a de- scendant of the same family as Oliver Wendell Holmes, of Oneida county, New York, who later emigrated to Erie county, in the same State, and settled near the city of Buffalo. Still later he came to Mayville, where he remained until 1849, when he went to California; subsequently, he returned and taking his family moved to Illinois, locating near Aurora, where he made ex- tensive land purchases and there died. Martin and Phoebe (Holmes) Prendergast were the parents of the following children: Martha, born August 25. 1842, who became the wife of William M. Wallon; John H., born November 5, 1844, now a resident of Chautauqua, where he owns a farm: William, born May 13. 1848, died April 21, 1852; Helen, born June 4, 1850, died un- married, May 2, 1911; Dr. William, mentioned below.
(VI) Dr. William (3) Prendergast, youngest child of Martin and Phoebe (Holmes) Prendergast, was born March 20, 1854, at Chautauqua, Chautauqua county, New York. He passed his childhood in his native town, and as a lad attended the local public schools. After graduating from the high school, where he was prepared for college, he entered the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, having determined to follow the profession of medicine as a career. From the last named institution he was graduated with the class of 1883, at the same time taking his degree as Doctor of Medicine. He then went to New York City, where he passed the examinations of the Bellevue Hos- pital Medical College. Returning to Chautauqua county, he settled at Mayville and there engaged in the practice of his profession with a high degree of success, continuing the same until his retirement in the autumn of 1910. During that time he made an en- viable place for himself in the confidence and affections of his fellow citizens, and gained a reputation as one of the leading physicians of the region, on account of his knowledge and skill and of the higli sense of pro- fessional ethics he always exhibited. Dr. Prendergast has always been keenly interested in the affairs of May- ville; he is a Republican in politics, but has never been ambitious to hold office, however, and has confined his activities in connection with politics to carefully and intelligently performing his duties as a private citizen. Dr. Prendergast is still in the vigor of manhood, and it is hoped will be spared many years to witness the prosperity of the county he has already done so much for. His life record finds embodiment in the words of Pope:
Statesman, yet friend to truth, of soul sincere, In action faithful and in honor clear; Who broke no promise, served no private end, Who gained no title, lost no friend.
SAMUEL ARTHUR BALDWIN-A patent attor- ney who, during twenty-five years of successful prac- tice, has won and kept the entire confidence of the legal fraternity and the public-at-large. That this is a cor- rect description of Mr. Baldwin his fellow-citizens of Jamestown would unanimously bear witness, and they would also testify that he is a public-spirited member of the community, ready to cooperate in all that he deems calculated to further its advancement, and that he is, moreover, a most enthusiastic religious worker.
(I) Samuel Baldwin, grandfather of Samuel A. Bald- win, lived at Atwater, near Ravenna, Ohio, and was a farmer and carpenter.
(II) Rev. Curtis C. Baldwin, son of Samuel Bald- win, was a pastor of a Congregational church at Ridgeville, Northern Ohio, and subsequently spent eight years in a pastorate at Sullivan, Ohio. He had grown to manhood in that State, receiving a prepara- tory academic education, and then teaching for ten years in different schools. For three years he studied theology under the preceptorship of Dr. Walker, of Mansfield, Ohio. Mr. Baldwin married Martha J., daughter of Samuel Smith, a farmer who lived near Mansfield, and their children were: Samuel Arthur, mentioned below; Ella B., wife of Garret A. Johnson, of Sullivan, Ohio; Emily B., wife of Edward T. Huntington, a merchant of Benzonia, Michigan; and
12.1
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY
Jeannette B., wife of William S. Jeffries, of Jones- ville, Wisconsin. Mr. Jeffries is president of the Mer- chants' and Mechanics' Bank, and he and his wife are the parents of three children. Mr. and Mrs. Hunting- ton also have three children, and Mr. and Mrs. John- son have had twelve children born to them, only two of whom have died, rearing to manhood eight sons. The death of the Rev. Mr. Baldwin occurred in 1884, and was mourned as that of a man whose example had always given added force to his pulpit utterances.
(III) Samuel Arthur Baldwin, son of Rev. Curtis C. and Martha J. (Smith) Baldwin, was born Decem- ber 24, 1850, at Ridgeville, Ohio, and attended the Ben- zonia Academy, afterward entering Oberlin (Ohio) Academy, and graduating in 1884. He took a select course in college. In 1890 he received from the theo- logical department of the university the degree of Bachelor of Divinity, specializing for Young Men's Christian Association work. In 1891-92 he held the position of general secretary at the Warren (Penn- sylvania) Association, and was the originator of a can- vass for the erection of a new building, the plan of which he designed. In 1892 he was secretary at the Middletown (Ohio) Association, and there he suc- ceeded in rearing and completing a new structure. His devotion to the work, however, impaired his health and he was forced to seek restoration in change of occupation amid new scenes.
In 1894 Mr. Baldwin became a patent attorney, being already a competent draughtsman and adding to this qualification the large amount of special study required for success in the new business. In 1894 he opened an office at Jamestown, where he has ever since continu- ously practiced his chosen profession, not only acquir- ing a lucrative clientele, but also, at the same time, building up an enviable reputation. In taking up his residence in Jamestown, Mr. Baldwin had in view the restoration of his health for which the elevated situation, the purity of the water, and conditions in general seemed peculiarly favorable. The selection proved to be equally fortunate for his health and his business. Not only has he saved many patents for in- ventions of different clients, but his advice in regard to placing patents on the market and to financing them is extremely valuable and much sought. Throughout these many years his practice has steadily augmented and is still on the increase. As an Independent in politics, Mr. Baldwin fought valiantly for prohibition. He is a member of the First Congregational Church, in which he has for eighteen years held the office of deacon. Since 1912 he has served as clerk of the church, having previously, for a number of years filled the position of assistant clerk.
Mr. Baldwin married, June 5, 1894, at Jamestown, Lizzie M., daughter of Joseph and Lucy Eddy Thomas. He was, for an extended period, engaged in foreign work at the Young Men's Christian Association, and during the last twelve years he and his wife have con- ducted studies and lectures for the benefit of the Al- banians, a people in whom Mr. Baldwin has long taken a special interest. The man whose career we have endeavored, in this very imperfect outline, to delineate, possesses unusual energy and initiative com- bined with great strength of purpose, and to these
qualities, which render success almost a "foregone conclusion," may undoubtedly be traced the abundant fruition of his labors.
FRANK EDWARD SHEARMAN-The title of "an upright manufacturer" is one of the most honor- ahle that can be borne by any business man. It is a distinction won in a warfare, and against temptations that exist only in the career of a manufacturer. Not many come through a protracted course unscathed and untainted, and it is an occasion for congratulation that the commercial history of Jamestown shows a long list of merchants who have honored their occupation by pure lives and honest dealing. The instances are not numerous in which the man of birth is also a man of business ; seldom do we find the distinctive traits of an old, illustrious line combined with the typical attributes of the modern, progressive man of affairs. That this rare union of qualities exists in the personality of Frank E. Shearman, a prominent manufacturer of Jamestown, New York, his fellow-citizens can testify.
The name Shearman is a synonym for intellectual power, political honors, glory in war and high achieve- ment in constructive statesmanship. It is derived from the original occupation of the family, when they were cloth dressers, or "shearers" of the cloth, and the family which was located in Dedham, Essex county, England, as early as 1635, continued the family occu- pation. The name was also given to sheep shearers, and thus the name has another derivation. In New England there are two distinct families of the name, one descended from William Sherman, and the other Henry Shearman, to the latter of which F. E. Shear- man traces his descent. The arms of this family are:
Arms-Or a lion rampant sable charged on the shoulder with an annulet for difference, between three oak leaves vert.
Crest-A sea-lion sejeant argent guttee de poix fumes or.
Frank E. Shearman was born in Jamestown, New York, December 12, 1857, a son of Rufus Pratt and Sophronia M. (Neff) Shearman, well known residents of Chautauqua county, New York. Rufus P. Shear- man was a harness maker by trade, but later in life be- came a furniture manufacturer, at which occupation he continued until his demise, which occurred in Sep- tember, 1894. Frank E. Shearman received his early education in the Jamestown public schools, and after laying aside his text books, made his debut in the business world as a shipping clerk, in the Jamestown Bedstead Works, serving from 1874 to 1877, then spent thirteen years in the Bradford, Pennsylvania, oil district. In 1880 he became associated with the Shear- man Brothers Lounge Factory, as shipping clerk. By hard work and perseverance he gradually worked his way up until in 1892 he was made a partner in the firm. In 1901 the company was incorporated and the name changed to the Shearman Brothers Company, manu- facturers of upholstered furniture. Mr. Shearman be- came president of this company in 1902, and continues in that position up to the present time.
In political affiliations Mr. Shearman is a stanch Democrat, but has never held office with the exception of chairman of the Democratic County Committee of
.
125
BIOGRAPHICAL
this county in 1890-91-92. He was also a member of the Municipal Hospital Commission in this city for two years. Fraternally Mr. Shearman is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, and is a member of the Knights of Columbus Council, of which he was grand knight for three terms. Mr. Shearman is also a de- voted member of Sts. Peter and Paul's Roman Catho- lic Church of Jamestown, New York, in which he and his family are active in all matters pertaining to its support and benefit.
In Jamestown, on June 20, 1883, Mr. Shearman was united in marriage with Catherine Derry, a daughter of William and Catherine (McGurn) Derry, promi- nent residents of Jamestown, New York. To this union were born seven children, as follows: I. Lulu Cleveland, born May 23, 1884: married, September 28, 1909, Louis M. Partridge, resided in Jamestown, and they are the parents of two children: Althea M. and Catherine S. 2. Frank E., Jr., born September 26, 1886: married, October 19, 1914, Hazel Griffin; resides in Jamestown. 3. Florence Mary, born Sep- tember 15, 1888. 4. John Carlisle, born August 16, 1892; married, September 5, 1916, Florence Johnson; resides in Jamestown. 5. William Roger, born July 2, 1896. 6. Catherine, born August 16, 1900. 7. Rich- ard, born March 27, 1902.
In concluding this article will say that Mr. Shear- man is one of the best known and most popular men in the community. He is a man of the most genial and open nature, and that sort of cheeriness which one in- instinctively turns to and feels that it flows from a charitable heart, a manly, courageous and gentle heart. It has been said of him by a friend that people turn naturally to his kindly, sympathetic personality as flowers to the sunlight, and this indeed is an apt illus- tration of the manner in which strangers are impelled to make his acquaintance and this acquaintance is speedily turned to friendship that does not fail. Chari- table out of all proportion to his means, many people have cause to bless him. Never has he failed to give a helping hand to those who stumble on the rocks of discouragement and failure along the path of life.
The occupation that Mr. Shearman has engaged in has brought him into contact with a great number of men in every station in life and has acquainted him with the motives that spring from human natures be- yond the range of many, making him at once tolerant of his fellows and filling his memory with a thousand tales and episodes that are ever at his tongue's end and makes him a most delightful comrade. His home life too is an ideal one, and he has proved himself no less a loving husband and father than a true friend, a good neighbor, and a model citizen.
JAMES IRVING FOWLER-Jamestown, New York, suffered a loss that is without remedy in the death of James Irving Fowler, the dean of the bar of that city. He passed into life eternal, October 21, 1918, while still in the full possession of his faculties, even at his advanced age of eighty years, his death having come suddenly from heart failure at his home on Me- chanic street. Mr. Fowler's personality was an un- usually attractive one, impressing all with whom he came in contact with a sense of his high ideals and
loyalty to his chosen profession. His home life was a most beautiful one, his devotion to his wife being fre- quently commented on; his friendships were sincere and lasting, for, though a genial man, he never rushed into an intimacy until well assured of its trustworthi- ness. A striking feature of his temperament was his love of children, and he almost always carried a supply of candy as gifts to those who were fortunate enough to be acquainted with him; many of them will recall little favors that from time to time he had bestowed upon them, his generous nature prompting numerous acts of this kind, unknown to the public. Mr. Fowler's character is well described by a poem written by John Greenleaf Whittier, "In Memory of J. T. F .: "
IN MEMORY OF J. T. F. Small respect for cant and whine Bigot's zeal and hate malign, Had that sunny soul of Thine.
But to thee was duty's claim Sacred, and thy lips became Reverent with one Holy Name.
Therefore, on thy unknown way, Go in God's peace! We who stay But a little while delay.
Keep for us, O friend, where 'ere Thou art waiting, all that here Made thy earthly presence dear;
Keep the human heart of thee, Let the mortal only be Clothed in immortality.
James Irving Fowler was born at Chestertown, Warren county, New York, April 15, 1838, the son of Charles S. and Elizabeth (Baker) Fowler, of that vil- lage. Here he lived during his childhood, evincing even in those early days a fondness for study, seeing which his parents sent him to Fort Edward Institute, near Saratoga, where he acquired the preliminary foundation for his later efforts. This was followed by a course in the law school of Oberlin College in Ohio, from which he graduated. But even though he had obtained an education which most young men would have deemed quite sufficient, Mr. Fowler further de- veloped his mental capacity by continued reading. of which he was extravagantly fond. His friends fre- quently went to him for information upon some ab- struse subject, knowing full well that his deep reading would make him an authority worthy of consideration. His library is quite extensive; among his many books may be found works upon art, science and subjects of a highly intellectual degree, some of them being master- pieces of standard authors, his taste in literature being of a very high order. His knowledge of fine bindings led him to make a collection of some rare and unusual editions, some of them showing the selection of a con- noisseur. Mr. Fowler was a constant reader upon many subjects, and notwithstanding his age his eye- sight was remarkable.
Shortly after graduating from Oberlin College, Mr. Fowler went to Jamestown, obtaining a position as clerk in the law offices of Cook & Lockwood. at that time the leading legal firm of the town. Subsequently, about 1866, he entered into partnership with the late Edward R. Bootey (afterward District Attorney of Chautauqua county), the firm becoming known as Bootey & Fowler. Both were men of ability and the
126
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY
partnership proved to be a great success, continuing for nearly twenty years. Then, in 1884, James L. Weeks was admitted into the firm, the name being Bootey, Fowler & Weeks, and it became one of he most widely known and prosperous law firms in Chau- tauqua county at that period. In 1896 Mr. Bootey re- tired from the firm to enter into partnership with Frank S. Wheeler, but this only continued four years, as Mr. Bootey died in 1900. Mr. Fowler and Mr. Weeks continued their associations until 1906, when the firm of Fowler & Weeks dissolved partnership. Mr. Weeks died in 1917, leaving Mr. Fowler the last surviving member of the former active firm. A year later, Edward R. Bootey, Jr., the son of Mr. Fowler's first partner, became associated with him, their offices being in the Arcade building, removing in January, 1918, to the Wellman building. Mr. Fowler had given up active practice, but continued to retain his desk in their office, where he highly valued the friendship of his young colleague, without any professional cares whatever. While he had been regarded by the legal fraternity as one of the ablest lawyers in that section of the State, he very seldom appeared in court, prefer- ring to act in the capacity of counsellor to his clients. Mr. Fowler was one of the charter members of the New York State Bar Association and of the Jamestown Bar Association. He was not a seeker for public office of any kind, and concerned himself but little with poli- tics, though frequently urged to do so by his con- freres in the earlier years of his career. In the last few years he preferred to pass the evening of his life in the full enjoyment of his home and the companion- ship of his cultured and devoted wife, Mrs. Laura (Wheeler) Fowler, to whom he was married in 1864 at Schroon, New York.
After Mr. Fowler's death a meeting of the James- town Bar Association was called to take appropriate action upon the passing away of a member so highly regarded and respected. The following tribute to his character was unanimously adopted:
James I. Fowler was a citizen of sterling character and worth, a lawyer of high integrity and a man of stainless honor. He embodied in his personality and practice the highest ideals of the legal profession, and left a memory and reputation which will ever be a source of inspiration to his brethren of the bar. Not only was Mr. Fowler an able and upright lawyer, but he took an intelligent interest in public affairs; not only was he learned in the law, but he had an Inti- mate acquaintance with the best in the literature and philosophies of the world; and most pleasant are the recollections of many of the younger attorneys of Jamestown of the days when it was Mr. Fowler's habit to read and often to recite some of the best passages of poetry and forensic eloquence. Inde- pendent in thought and action, kind and generous at heart, loyal to his clients and his convictions, James Irving Fowler reflected honor on the profession to which he devoted the active years of his life, and leaves an untarnished name.
He was a scholar, and a ripe and good one; Exceeding wise, fair spoken and persuading; Lofty and sour to them that loved him not;
But, to those men that sought him, sweet as summer.
A man of high intellectuality and broad, charitable mind, Mr. Fowler was the finest type of citizen ; honest, never self-seeking, generous and kindly in his views, a liberal contributor to local charities, though never per- mitting his beneficence to be blazoned forth to the pub- lic, preferring to abide by the command, "when thou
doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right land doeth." Mr. Fowler was a member of the County Historical Society from its organization, as is also Mrs. Fowler.
Mr. Fowler's death removes the last connecting link between the firm of Bootey, Fowler & Weeks, of sev- eral decades ago, then lawyers of prominence, with the legal profession of to-day. At his funeral services the legal profession was largely represented, his fellow- townspeople being present in large numbers to show their respect to Mr. Fowler's memory. At the close of the services a beautiful poem by James Russell Lowell was read by Dr. Taylor, an old friend of Mr. Fowler, indicative of the sweet character of Mr. Fowler:
The longer on this earth we live And weigh the various qualities of men, Seeing how most are fugitive, Or fitful gifts, at best, of now and then, The more we feel the high stern-featured beauty Of plain devotedness to duty.
Steadfast and still, nor 'fraid with mortal praise,
But finding amplest recompense
For life's ungarlanded expanse,
In work done squarely and unwasted days.
His was the true enthusiasm that burns long,
Domestically bright,
Fed from itself and shy of human sight,
The hidden force that makes a lifetime strong,
And not the short-lived fuel of a song.
Nodest, yet firm as Nature's self; unblamed Save by the men his nobler temper shamed: Never seduced through show of present good By other than unsetting lights to steer New-trimmed in Heaven, nor than his steadfast mood More steadfast, far from rashness as from fear, Rigid, but with himself first, grasping still In swerveless poise the wave-beat helm of will.
Quiet completeness, life without a fall
From faith or highest aims, truth's breachless wall, Surely if any fame can bear the touch,
His will say "Here" at the last trumpet's call,
The unexpressive man whose life expressed so much.
HARRY BENJAMIN LYON, D. D. S .- The ap- pearance of the name of Dunkirk's newly elected mayor is sure to be greeted with enthusiasm by his loyal fellow-citizens. This is the more confidently to be ex- pected by reason of the fact that this is the second time that Dr. Lyon has filled the office of the city's chief executive, his election now constituting a striking proof of the trust and approval inspired by his former administration.
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.