USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York, and its people, Volume II > Part 53
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opinion that the educators would not have accepted the teaching under the name of agriculture, and favored the use of the more scientific expression- Nature Study.
In spite of many difficulties which beset the exten- sion work in those early days, the work went on in a strong way. It found immediate response in the hearts of the people, and increased appropriations were readily obtained from the Legislature. "Uncle John" attempted through correspondence to carry the farmer of that time safely through the bewildering information to a clearer conception of the practical application of science to his work. The final strength of the Farmers' Reading Courses reaching thousands of practical men throughout the State is sufficient answer to his effort. The success of Nature Study in the schools was at- tained finally, but difficulties beset on every side. At length 25,000 school children were enrolled, and some years the number of letters from them describing their observations on common plants and animal life about them totalled about 30,000.
During all this time the personal touch of the man- "Uncle John"-played an important part in the work. With diplomatic caution he faced many unexpected obstacles which threatened the endurance of the work- faced them with that sympathy which has brought him so many friends. To those who know him best his own works speak eloquently:
As the time approaches when I am to lay down this work because of having reached the age limit and return to my beloved "Bellwether" and there mark time to the end. I can look back in a perspective way over the events of the past twelve years as I have never done before. I can see how the pioneer promo- ters thought only of the work and never of them- selves or how they would be considered by the public. As for myself I am glad that I have learned to know the heart of a child, and that I have lived to see three score and five years.
During his years with the College of Agriculture, in addition to the work conducted by him as outlined, he lectured and demonstrated all over the State, and was widely known personally to Grange members, horticulturists and farmers everywhere as "Uncle John." He was one of the speakers during Chan- tauqua's Centennial Celebration in 1902, and in Vol. I, pp. 594-599, that address entitled "Development of Agriculture" is preserved. The peroration to that address voices his love for the county to which he came in infancy:
Chautauqua, O! Chautauqua,
I know the frown of your winters, but with your smiles and caresses in leafy June. all is forgiven.
I love your hills and your valleys, your sparkling brooks and the placid waters of your lakes.
I am proud of your founders and your children, your institutions that encircle the earth like beacon lights, and your people who have promoted them.
Finally, when these eyes for the last time shall see the setting sun, may it be in the azure waters of yon- der lake-when the flesh shall turn to mould, and these bones corrode to dust, may it be to mingle with the soil of Chautauqua, the soil I love so well.
After his return to his "beloved Bellwether," "Uncle John" only "marked time" a short three years, then was laid at rest in the soil he loved so well. Under the signature, "Uncle John," he wrote many nature stories, and there is hardly a school child in Western New York who had not the privilege of listening to his talks on Nature Study, he making the scientific subject
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just a plain everyday affair. He wrote many articles for the agricultural publications, and his small fruit farm at Westfield was a genuine and successful ex- periment station. During his latter years he sent most of his articles to the Jamestown "Journal" before their appearance in the agricultural publications for more general circulation. He was sincerely mourned in a much wider circle than that with which he was personally acquainted. "Uncle John" was a member of the Masonic order; master of Westfield Grange, Patrons of Husbandry; and an attendant of the Presbyterian church.
John W. Spencer married (first) Abbie Hart, who died in the town of Sherman. He married (second) May 5, 1892. in Westfield, Violanti Fenner, born in the town of Sherman, Chautauqua county, daughter of Dr. James and Harriet (Barrows) Fenner, her father a physician of Sherman for more than forty years, his career being traced in detail in this work in connec- tion with the life of his son, Byron Fenner. Miss Fen- ner was educated in public schools and Westfield Acad- emy, and for nine years she taught in Sherman, always in the Union School. After her marriage, Mrs. Spencer became deeply interested in her husband's work and joined with him in the study which later brought him into prominence in connection with the College of Agriculture. The fruit farm at Westfield is yet her pride, and she averages thirty tons of cher- ries from her trees. Her little estate, so beloved by her husband, she keeps as he would have kept it, and it is one of the monuments to his memory which she can personally care for, and there she finds her happiness.
AMOS FLINT BLANCHARD, M. D., one of the most popular and respected physicians of Jamestown, Chautauqua county, N. Y., is a native of this county, born on a farm in the neighborhood, Aug. 13, 1864. He is a son of Flint and Sarah Jane (Allen) Blanchard, the former a farmer throughout his life, his death occurring in 1909.
Amos Flint Blanchard attended as a lad the district county schools and later came to Jamestown, where he took the high school course. His mother had died when he was quite a small child, but his father was in good circumstances and he was himself ambitious, so that he continued his education much further than most of the country boys of his acquaintance. Upon com- pleting his preparatory studies at the Jamestown High School, he entered Eastman College, in Dutchess county, and there received a military training. During this time he came into association with an uncle, Dr. H. C. Blanchard, who resided in that part of the State, and from him gained so strong an interest in medicine that he determined to follow it as a profession. Accordingly, he entered the medical department of the Buffalo University, where he studied his chosen subject to such good purpose that he was graduated from the institution with the class of 1888 with the degree of M. D. After a preliminary training for one year as an interne in a local hospital, Dr. Blanchard began his professional career at Frewsburg, N. Y., practicing successfully at that place for some twelve years In the year 1900 he came to Jamestown, where
he has since remained, and in that time has developed one of the largest and highest classed clienteles in the region and come to be recognized as one of the leaders of his profession. Dr. Blanchard is a member of a highly intellectual family, whose tastes and abilities have led them naturally into professional careers, one of his brothers being a physician, while one practices law. Another brother is a farmer on the old home farm in the town of Ellicott. He is a prominent figure in fraternal and social circles at Jamestown, and is a member of Mt. Tabor Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and he is also a member of the Chautauqua County and Jamestown Medical associations. He is an independent voter, refusing to ally himself definitely with any political party and preferring to exercise his own judgment, uninfluenced by partisan considerations.
Dr. Blanchard was united in marriage, Oct. 4, 1891, with Eliza Leet, a daughter of William and Harriett (Belden) Leet, old and highly respected residents of Point Chautauqua, N. Y. Two children have been born of this union: I. Morris Leet, who was born in 1892, and attended the public schools of Frewsburg, N. Y., as a child; he afterwards studied in Jamestown, at the grammar and high schools, graduating from the latter with the class of 1909; is now (1920) engaged in the wholesale grocery business; he married Elizabeth Patrick. 2. Harriett, died in infancy.
OSCAR S. GATES-When in 1861 the States of the North and South met in a deadly conflict, which raged four long weary years, Oscar S. Gates, a native son of New York, enlisted in the Union army, and served until hostilities ceased. His residence in Jamestown, N. Y., which began prior to the Civil War, was resumed in 1865, and until his death he was identified with the business interests of that city. The Gates family is of English origin, and the author of the family history traces the lineage of the founder of the Ameri- can branch back to the year 1327, to one Thomas Gates who in that year was residing in Higheaster, county Essex, England. Nine generations are traced from Thomas Gates to Stephen Gates, the founder of the iamily in New England, who came from Hingham, England, to Hingham, Mass., in 1638. The family in England bore arms thus described:
Arms-Per pale gules and azure three lions rampant gardant or.
Crest-A demi-lion rampant gardant or.
The family seats were in Essex and Yorkshire.
Stephen Gates, the American ancestor, settled first in Hingham, Mass., moving thence to Lancaster, in 1656, and later to Cambridge, where he died, in 1682. He married, in England, Ann Hill, who survived him until 1682, dying at Stow, Mass. From Stephen and his three sons sprang a numerous family, descendants being found in many states. Oscar S. Gates sprang from the New York State branch which settled in Saratoga county, Luther Gates, his father, being a carpenter of the town of Half Moon.
Oscar S. Gates, son of Luther and Levina (Sweet) Gates, was born in Half Moon, Saratoga county, N. Y., July 14, 1832, died in Jamestown, N. Y., June 24, 1904.
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He was educated in the public schools of Half Moon and Cohoes, N. Y., and upon arriving at a suitable age learned the machinist's trade, being employed at Troy, N. Y., for several years. He then went West, locating in the State of Illinois, at Moline, where he became well known as a real estate operator during the five years he spent in that city. Mr. Gates then returned to New York State, locating in Jamestown. N. Y., where he was living when, on Aug. 28, 1861, he was mustered into the service of the United States as drum major of the 49th Regiment, New York Volunteer In- fantry, Col. Smith commanding. In 1863 his term ex- pired, and he rëenlisted in the same regiment. He served as drum major of the 49th until the war ended, then being honorably discharged, returned to James- town, having passed safely through the perils of war, although he was once taken prisoner and held for several days. He marched in the grand review held in Washington at the close of the war, then forever laid aside military duties and returned to civil life.
In Jamestown Mr. Gates hecame a manufacturer of inside blinds, locating his mill on the present site of the New Gifford building, there employing about thirty hands. He was very successful as a manufacturer, and continued in business until his death in 1904. He held the respect and confidence of the community in which he lived for so many years, and was considered one of Jamestown's solid, substantial citizens. He was a Re- publican in politics and took an active interest in public affairs, but never accepted office for himself. He was a member of James M. Brown Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and a faithful member of the Unitarian church. His life was a useful one, and at his passing he was genuinely mourned by a very wide circle of true friends.
Mr. Gates married, in Farmington, Pa., Anna E. Northrop, of Farmington, daughter of Merritt Northrop. Mrs. Gates, a school teacher in the public schools in her youth, survives her husband, continuing her resi- dence in Jamestown. She is a member of the Unitarian church, and a lady of many friends. Her only daugh- ter, Jessie, married Elmer Skinner, and has sons, Raymond and Robert, both of whom served in the United States navy during the recent World War. Mr. Gates is buried in Lakeview Cemetery, at James- town.
RICHARD HENRY BAKER-A man of great natural ability, a fine student during his school years, Richard Henry Baker served the village corporation of Jamestown, N. Y., with a public-spirited zeal that rendered him a valuable citizen. He was a son of that sterling patriot, Col. Henry Baker, who was the founder of the family in Chautauqua county.
(1) Col. Henry Baker was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y., in 1797, died in Jamestown, N. Y., July 31, 1863, his last resting place beautiful Lakeview Cemetery. He enlisted in the second war with Great Britain in 1814. serving as a fifer until honorably discharged at the close of the war. In 1817, he located at Fluvanna, in the town of Ellicott, Chautauqua county, N. Y., his entire fortune consisting of his land warrant issued him for war service and fifty cents in cash. The land was located too far away to be available, and, deeming
it of little value, he disposed of it for ten pounds of plug tobacco. But another asset was a knowledge of the shoemaker's trade and this he turned to instant account by opening a shop in Fluvanna. For some years that little shop was his means of support, and it furnished the money with which he engaged in lum- ber dealing, buying logs, and having them sawed into lumber. In 1820 he moved to Jamestown, where he continued the shoemaking business for several years, employing journeymen shoemakers, while he gave his time to the buying of logs and to the performance of his duties as constable, an office he held for several years. In the fall of 1823 he rented the Ballard Tavern, which he ran for eighteen months in company with R. F. Fenton. He entered into partnership with Alvin Plum in 1825, purchased lands and a water-power at the mouth of the Cassadaga, built a saw-mill and operated it for one year, then sold out to Mr. Plum and bought interests in the Barrett & Budlong store, retaining it until 1837. In 1836 he was one of the purchasers of the Judge Prendergast estate, consisting of an immense water-power, saw-mills, grist-mills, 1,500 acres of land, and numerous village lots. In 1847 he became sole owner of the property and until 1849, was engaged in mercantile business with Rufus W. Pier. For many years prior to his death he was the owner of 600 acres of land lying south of the outlet, and in 1850 he built a commodious residence thereon, which he occupied, devoting his time largely to farming. He added to his estate until his residence was surrounded by over 1,800 acres of well cultivated lands. He was a Repub- lican in politics after the formation of that party, abandoning the Whig party, He was a pleasing platform speaker, and became very influential in the party, serving the town of Ellicott for many years as supervisor. In 1824 he succeeded R. F. Fenton as colonel of the Chautauqua County Militia Regiment, and always bore the title of Colonel. He was an ardent Union man, and with his consent three of his sons volunteered for service. During the darkest hours of the Civil War a meeting was held in Jamestown to aid in raising another regiment from Chautauqua county. In response to a call from "Colonel Baker" he re- sponded in words that wrought upon the feelings of his hearers, so full were they of patriotic devotion.
I know we are called upon to make sacrifices, but thank God we have a country worthy of them. I was willing that my two oldest boys should go when their country called, but I did not want Charley to go. He was too young to endure the fatigue, and I told him so. But he said to me, "Father, you know you enlisted in the War of 1812 when no older than I am now. I want to go and help save the country in this awful time of trouble, and I want your consent." My friends, what could I do? Oh. there was but one thing to do, and I said to him: "Go, Charley; go, and if wounded, don't let it be in your hack. If you will be a soldier, I would rather see you dead than a poor soldier." I have just received the intelligence, so long after the last battle on the James river, that Jim was wounded at Malvern, and taken prisoner, and has had a leg off at the hip, and Charley is in the hospital sick with that dreadful Chickahominy fever, and the last 1 heard of Dick his company was serving the artillery at Yorktown. God only knows whether I shall ever see them again. I do not expect to see all of them. I do so hope that at least one of them will come home. (He stopped for a moment and gazed at the American flag suspended over the platform, and, with tears streaming down his haggard face, he continued). My family is dear to me. It makes me faint to think of losing my boys. But I love my country. I almost Worship that blessed old flag. There must never be
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another flag in any part of the United States as long as a man remains in the North to defend its stars and strips. Raise your regiment, and that quickly. The country needs the men. I have no more sons to give, but I will give more money and keep on giving as long as I have a cent left, and if I had three more sons old enough to bear a musket I would give them, too. We must save that flag.
The old patriot did see "all his boys again," they returning home before his death in 1863.
Colonel Baker married (first) in the fall of 1822, Anna Keyes, who died the following May, He married (second) Aug. 3, 1828, Marie Fish, daughter of Cyrus Fish, one of the early settlers of Chautauqua county. She was born in Otsego county, N. Y., in 1804, died Nov. 19, 1893. Mrs. Baker's paternal grandfather served in the French and Indian War in 1756; her father was a lieutenant in a Connecticut regiment during the Revolution; her mother did a man's work while her brothers prepared to march to Lexington. Her husband served in the War of 1812, and her three sons enlisted at President Lincoln's call. With such ancestry and environment, it is little wonder that she accepted the position as an army nurse in order to nurse her sons, one of whom was ill with a fever, the other severely wounded. She died in her ninetieth year, her last words being: "I'm tired, I must rest awhile." Col. and Mrs. Baker were the parents of ten children, and they had two others which they adopted. This review deals with the career of Richard Henry Baker (Dick), the eldest son.
(1[) Richard Henry Baker was born May 20, 1832, died Sept. 25, 1880, on the train leaving Cincinnati, Ohio, while returning from Colorado, where he had gone for the benefit of his health. He was educated in the public schools, and lived on the old larm until entering the army in 1861. He enlisted at the outbreak of the Civil War, and served in the 9th Regiment, New York Cavalry, ranking as first lieutenant. While he passed through the war without serious wound, his health was impaired, and he was never again perfectly well. After his return from the war until his death he was a resi- dent of Jamestown, a man of fine business quality, greatly beloved. He served several times as village trustee, and the year prior to his death he was presi- dent of the village. He was also active in the old volunteer fire department, was foreman of the Rescue Engine Company, and assistant chief engineer of the department. In politics he was a Republican, and in religious faith a Presbyterian. He died in the prime of life, deeply regretted.
Mr. Baker married, at Jamestown, Dec. 14, 1854, Mary L. Winsor, born in Jamestown, Oct. 20, 1835, who yet survives her husband, aged eighty-four, active, and in possession of all her wonderful faculties. She is a member of the Presbyterian church of Jamestown, a charter member of Jamestown chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, her rights coming through her great-grandfather, Ebenezer Sears, and through Ebenezer Cheney, a soldier of the wars of the Revo- lution and 1812. Mrs. Baker retains her interest in matters historical, and keeps thoroughly informed on current affairs as well. She continues her residence in Jamestown, and is there held in veneration and esteem.
Mary L. (Winsor) Baker is a daughter of Colonel Samuel Bigelow and Anna (Sears) Winsor, her father
a resident of Jamestown for sixty-eight years. Colonel Winsor was born in Eaton, Madison county, N. Y., Sept. 29, 1805, died in Jamestown, July 7, 1888, son of Abraham and Sophia (Bigelow) Winsor. He married, Aug. 25, 1831, at Jamestown, Anna Sears, born at Kian- tone, Chautauqua county, N. Y., Aug. 29, 1815, died in June, 1892, daughter of William Sears, who was born at Dover, V't., Feb. 29, 1788, and died at Kiantone, N. Y., Aug. 10, 1827. William Sears married, in Dover, Rhoda Cheney, born there April 21, 1787. In 1811, with their household goods, loaded upon a sled drawn by a yoke of oxen, they made the journey from Dover to Chautauqua county, N. Y., Mr. Sears becoming a large land owner, and prominent in the public life of the county. The church at Kiantone is built on land donated by his widow, Rhoda (Cheney) Sears. Wil- liam Sears was a son of Ebenezer Sears, a Revolu- tionary pensioner from Massachusetts, application made Aug. 16, 1832. Rhoda (Cheney) Sears was a daughter of Ebenezer Cheney, also a Revolutionary soldier, and it is through these two patriots that Mrs. Mary L. (Winsor) Baker, of Jamestown, gains her Daughters of the American Revolution membership.
Children of Col. Samuel B. and Anna (Sears) Win- sor: I. William S., born Sept. 6, 1832. 2. Ruby C., born May 16, 1834, married Hiram Hazzard. 3. Mary L., who married Richard Henry Baker. 4. Henrietta Maria, born Dec. 15, 1837, died Jan. 22, 1878; she mar- ried Capt. Samuel J. Bailey. 5. Angeline Brooks, born Aug. 8, 1843. 6. Woodley Chandler, born June 6, 1845. 7 Clinton Brooks, born July 4, 1847; married, Sept. 19, 1871, Emma Eugenia Van Sycle. 8. Helen Augusta, born Oct. 30, 1851. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Winsor resided in Jamestown, where on Aug. 25, 1881, they celebrated the golden anniversary of their wedding day. Col. Winsor was a colonel of the old 162d Regi- ment, New York State Militia, and both were members of the Jamestown Methodist Church. Children of Richard Henry and Mary L. (Winsor) Baker: I. Wil- liam Henry, born Sept. 4, 1856, died Sept. 30, 1874. 2. Lewis Hall, born July 24, 1858; married Ada Hall, and resides in Jamestown. 3. Charles Hugh, born Dec. 28, 1860, died Nov. 11, 1882. 4. Samuel Winsor, of further mention. 5. Frederick James, born Aug. 26, 1871 ; married, Sept. 9, 1902, Elizabeth Marie Cady, and resided for a time at Mckeesport, Pa., but now lives in Atlanta, Ga.
(III) Samuel Winsor Baker, fourth son of Richard Henry and Mary L. (Winsor) Baker, was born in Jamestown, June 7, 1864, died at his home in his native city, Jan. 6, 1916. After completing public school study he entered the office employ of the Jamestown cotton mills, going thence, after several years' service, to the Jamestown Axe Works. He continued his connection with that company and its successor, the American Axe & Tool Company, being assistant to Manager Fred T. Powell for a number of years prior to the destruction of the factory by fire. Although the James- town factory was never rebuilt, Mr. Baker continued his connection with the American Axe & Tool Com- pany, going first into Pennsylvania, and later into Mas- sachusetts, where he became superintendent of one of the company's largest factories. Eventually, he was elected secretary of that company, a position he held
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until he was induced to return to Jamestown to take charge of the interests of the Gurney Ball Bearing Company, and as general manager and treasurer of that company. Mr. Baker was in a large degree responsi- ble for its success. He was a man of clear mind and broad vision, possessing keen business perception, and the ability to both plan and execute.
Mr. Baker was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, which he served as elder, was a director of the Young Men's Christian Association, an active member of the Board of Commerce, was a governor and treasurer of the Jamestown Club, and a member of the Masonic order. For five years he served in the New York National Guard as a private of the old thirteenth Separate Company, and for many years was a member of the Jamestown volunteer fire department.
Mr. Baker married, June 18, 1890, Grace Ella Edwards, daughter of Dr. James T. Edwards. Child- ien: Richard Edward, born Sept. 6, 1892; Dorothea, born Feb. 4, 1896; and James, born in Nov., 1906. The family home is at the corner of East Second and Church streets, Jamestown. Mr. Baker is buried in Lakeview Cemetery. This record of three generations of Bakers in Jamestown is one of interest and value. All were men of ability, integrity and honor, and all held responsible positions in business, church and social life. Mrs. Mary L. (Winsor) Baker, of equally prominent family, survives both her husband and son, and is a connecting link between the long ago and to- clay.
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