USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York, and its people, Volume II > Part 59
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Fred Manley Thayer married (first) Dec. 15, 1887, Mertie L. Newberry, of Brocton, a daughter of Norman and Annie (Winson) Newberry. One child was born
of this union, Clarence James, who married Margaret Moss, of Brocton, to whom she bore two children, Frederick and Louise. The death of the first Mrs. Thayer occurred May 13, 1915. On June 25, 1919, Mr. Thayer married (second) Martha A. Berry, of James- town, a daughter of H. O. and Mary A. (Newberry) Berry, old and highly respected residents of that city. Mrs. Thayer is a graduate of the Jamestown High School, and studied to become a trained nurse at the Buffalo General Hospital. After her graduation she served as nurse for four years at that institution, and was then retained in charge of the wards for two years longer. She was then appointed nurse at the James- town schools. At the time of the entrance of the United States into the great World War, she volunteered her services in the cause of lier country and was sent to Camp Upton, remaining for a time. Somewhat later, during the epidemic of influenza which raged in the United States army here as well as in the rest of the world, she was sent to Debarcation Hospital No. 3, in New York, where she remained until May 15, 1919.
HENRY LEE CROSS-In every generation we find men in whom ability and a spirit of enterprise pre- dominate and as it were, force them to the front. Well known among the younger generation of citizens of Stockton, N. Y., is Henry Lee Cross, postmaster. Mr. Cross was born in Stockton, N. Y., April 6, 1897, the son of William and Mary Amanda (Rice) Cross. William Cross, a man of retired, leisurely life, reviews a long, active and useful career spent in its entirety in Stockton, where he owned extensive farm lands for many years. To Mr. and Mrs. Cross were born eight children: Pearl, deceased: Minnie, deceased, Hettie, now Mrs. C. D. Stiles, of Stockton; William C., of Brocton; Fred A., a farmer of Ellery; Earl R., residing in Stockton; Seth G., died in France, Oct. 27, 1918, while serving in the United States army during the World War; and Henry Lee, of further mention.
Henry Lee Cross was educated in the schools of his native place, and then worked on his father's farm for a short time previous to his going to Jamestown, N. Y., to serve an apprenticeship to the machinist's trade. After gaining a thorough knowledge of this particular line of business, he returned to his native place and secured employment in a hardware store, continuing until Jan. 1, 1920, when he was appointed postmaster at Stockton by President Wilson. Politically Mr. Cross is a Democrat and takes a lively interest in that phase of public administration which makes for the highest good of the community. He affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a member of the First Baptist Church of Stockton. Mr. Cross is unmarried.
WALTER WHEELER TAYLOR-The business known as the Fredonia Laundry was not originally established by its present owner, Walter W. Taylor, but it was a small enterprise when he first became a partner, and when in 1908, he became sole owner, Mr. Taylor's entire plant was not one-third its present size. The buildings were practically destroyed by fire, Dec. 17, 1919, and when restored the building and equipment
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ALBERT N. CHASE HOMESTEAD CHARLOTTE TOWNSHIP
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were of the best and most modern design. Mr. Taylor is a Chautauqua boy, born in the town of Hanover, his father a farmer of that town.
Walter W. Taylor, son of Cyrus B. and Alma (Wheeler) Taylor, was born in Hanover, Chantanqua county, N. Y., July 12, 1885. He began his education in the district school, and later he was a student at Fredonia High School, and for one year attended the Mechanics' Institute of Rochester, N. Y. His first business position was as a clerk with Henry Leworthy, grocer, and from that position he went to the Fredonia Steam Laundry, a business with which he has ever since been connected. From employee he became owner of one-half interest with George B. Kimball, and in January, 1909, purchased the entire business which he reorganized as the Fredonia Laundry. The business prospered under Mr. Taylor's management, but on Dec. 17, 1919. the plant was partly destroyed by fire. He at once rebuilt and improved the plant, and continues in prosperous operation. Mr. Taylor is a member of the Laundry Owners' National Association and the New York State Laundrymen's Association, is rn independ- ant in politics, and a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church.
Mr. Taylor married, April 10, 1907, Emma A. Gollnitz, and they are the parents of a son, Paul Henry Taylor.
ALBERT N. CHASE-Chautauqua county can boast of more pioneers or decendants of pioneers than any county in the State. Those who came to the county in an early day came with the intention of making it their home and to make homes for their immediate decendants, and they hesitated at nothing honorable or to make any sacrifice to gain their ends. Among those who are decended from these sturdy pioneers is the subject of this review, who for many years has been numbered among Charlotte township's leading agri- culturists.
Albert N. Chase was born in Charlotte township, Dec. 12, 1853, and is descended from one of the best known New England families. The founder of the family in Chautauqua county was Stephen Chase, who was born in 1775. He settled in the town of Arkwright, and there, purchasing land, soon became one of the best known pioneer farmers of that section of the county. He spent his life in this township, and his death occurred in 1843. Stephen Chase married Bethia Madison, who was born in March 1775, and died in 18.41. Their children were: I. Sally, born July 15, 1795. and married Abraham Lewis. 2. Candace, born March 15, 1797, and married Amos Abby. 3. George, born Aug. 9, 1799. 4. Nelson, of whom further. 5. Selinda, born March 20, 1807, and married Hiram Brigham. 6. Hiram, born Aug. 10, 1810. 7. Prudena, born May 14, 1812, and married James Rundell. 8. Electia, born Oct. 17, 1815, and married Munson Brownson. 9. Ward, born May 28, 1820.
Nelson Chase, son of Stephen and Bethia (Madison) Chase, was born Aug. 28, 1804, in the town of Ark- wright. He received his early education in the schools of that period, and after laying aside his text books he took up the stone cutter's trade, but later discon- tinued this occupation and took up agricultural busi-
ness. He purchased a tract of about 100 acres of land, in Charlotte township, near the town of Arkwright. Some time after, he purchased about 250 acres of land, which he added to his farm. During the many years he lived upon his farm he built a nice house and numerous outbuildings, improving it in so many ways that at the time of his death it was considered one of the best farms in Charlotte township. Mr. Chase died Dec. 29, 1889, and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, at Sinclairville, N. Y. In politics he was a staunch up- holder of the Democratic party, and a firm believer in its principles. In religious affiliations he was a Univer- salist.
Nelson Chase was united in marriage with Clarinda Chase, of Rochester, N. Y., who was born June 26, 1814, a daughter of Stephen and Clarinda (Holbrook) Chase. Mrs. Nelson Chase died March 13, 1885, and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Sinclairville, N. Y. To this union were born the following children : I. Selinda E., born July 1, 1831, who married Jacob Jones. 2. Stephen, born Sept. 30, 1833. 3. Millissa A., born Feb. 16, 1836, and who married, Sept. 1, 1857, William Penhollow. 4. Hannah J., born March 18, 1837; she was a school teacher and a milliner, and her death occurred in April, 1911. 5. Merrilla S., born June 18, 1842; she married Benjamin Cook. who died Jan. 9, 1912. 6. George W., born Feb. 18, 1845, whose death occurred Oct. 6, 1890. 7. Francis M., born Oct. 18, 1847; he was a farmer in Gerry township, and died in 1910. 8. Albert N., of whom further. 9. Ruby, born July 22, 1856.
Albert N. Chase, son of Nelson and Clarinda (Chase) Chase, received his early education in district school No. 8, of Charlotte township. He assisted his father upon the farm, and after his father's death he and his brother, Francis M. Chase, took full charge of the homestead. They soon had the farm in a pros- perous condition, and it was not long before they were able to add more land to it. They added such improve- ments to it as were necessary and now Mr. Chase is operating a farm of about 430 acres of the best im- proved land in the township.
Politically, Mr. Chase is a Democrat, but in local affairs he votes for the men and measures that he thinks are for the best interests of the people. He has never cared for office, preferring to let his home and business take the first place in his mind. He is a member of the Charlotte Center Grange, No. 669.
Mr. Chase was united in marriage, Nov. 10, 1874, in Charlotte township, with Evaline Champlin, who was born in Cherry Creek township, a daughter of Jesse and Maranda (Crandall) Champlin. Mrs. Chase is a woman of truly refined nature, a devoted wife and mother, and is known throughout Charlotte township for her many deeds of kindness to those in distress, as well as her activities in social circles. To Mr. and Mrs. Chase five children have been born: I. Bert Nelson, who is an agriculturist in Charlotte township, and who married Agnes Cross, a daughter of Luther Lake Cross, whose biography appears upon other pages of this work; they are the parents of six children: Gerald, John, Ruby, Merrilla, Fanny, and Jane. 2. Allen J., who is a farmer in Arkwright township: he married Josephine Christie, and they are the parents of
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two children, Harold and Altea. 3. Stephen, also a farmer in Arkwright township; he married Eunice Christie, and they are the parents of five children: Millard, Harriet, Albert, Justine, and Walter. George, who is a farmer in Charlotte township: he married Lula Stevens, and they are the parents of three children: Carol, Leon, and Doris. 5. Julia, who married Ben Lewis, an agriculturist in Charlotte town- ship, and they are the parents of four children: Mar- vin, Evaline, Nellie, and Elsie.
Mr. Chase is a well preserved man of sixty-six years and as the result of his life of enterprise and industry he is to-day the owner of a well improved agricultural prop- erty. His life demonstrates what can be accomplished by a man of determination and energy, who resolutely sets to work to achieve success. In this country where opportunity is unhampered by caste or class, all may win prosperity if they have but the determination to do so, and are not afraid of earnest labors, and the life record of Mr. Chase should serve to encourage and inspire others.
NEWCOMB LESTER LOUCKS-When New- comb Lester Loucks came from Canada he was an expert mill-wright, and in Corry, Pa., he found his first employment in the United States, but the mill in which he was working was sold to a party who moved it to Mayville, Chautauqua county, N. Y., Mr. Loucks going along and putting the mill in operation. From Mayville he went to Ross Mills, in the town of Gerry, and there he became a successful lumber manufacturer, well known in the trade. He was a man of powerful physique, this fact making his peculiar death still more mysterious. He accompanied a Chautauqua county excursion to Niagara Falls, was seen on the train end of Kennedy station, and not again until five days later, when his body was found in the weeds beside the railroad track not far from the station. The years have brought no solution of the mystery, and the manner of his passing must always remain a matter of conjecture.
Newcomb Lester Loucks was born about 1830, in the Province of Ontario, Canada, and about 1867 came to the United States, settling at Corry, Pa., there remain- ing employed as a mill-wright in a large lumber manu- facturing mill, owned by a Mr. Wilder. Later Mr. Wilder sold his mill to a Mr. Havens, who moved it to Mayville, N. Y., Mr. Loucks going to Mayville, where he put the mill in operation, and ran it for Mr. Havens for two years. He then moved to Ross Mills, town of Gerry, Chautauqua county, N. Y., there oper- ating a saw mill for Joel Partridge, of Jamestown, for a few years. He then bought the plant from Mr. Part- ridge and began business under his own name. He continued a successful lumber manufacturer until his death, employing many men and running the mill to capacity. On Aug. 29, 1878, returning from the excur- sion, as previously told, and after being seen at the Kennedy station, he was never again seen alive. He was a large, broad-shouldered man of handsome ap- pearance, six feet four inches in height, a good citizen, a devoted husband and father, very popular with his employees. He was an expert mill-wright, and thoroughly master of the lumber business in the manu- facturing branch.
Mr. Loucks married, in April, 1867, at Petersborough, Ontario, Canada, Elizabeth (Partington) Getting, born in Eversham, Worcestershire, England, March 27, 1834, daughter of John Partington, and widow of John G. Getting, the last-named also born in England. John G. Getting later came to Canada, where he was engaged in the construction of the Grand Trunk Railroad, dying . in Petersborough, in March, 1866. After the tragic and untimely death of her husband, Mrs. Loucks, with the help of her sons, operated the lumber mill at Ross Mills, but later she moved to Jamestown, where she had her home on Fulton street for several years. She then purchased a tract of 70 acres in Lakewood, near Jamestown, which she and her son cultivated until 1910. Mrs. Loucks then returned to Jamestown, where she yet resides at her home on Jefferson street. She is an octogenarian in years, but enjoys the best of health and has full possession of all her faculties. She is the managing head of her own home, and of such kindly, genial disposition that her friends are many, and her hospitality, freely tested, has never found its limit. She is a member of St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal Church, and retains her lifelong interest in church work. She is a member of the Young Women's Christian Asso- ciation; an auxiliary member of the Young Men's Christian Association; member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union of Falconer, N. Y. She has seen deep sorrow, but her life has been full of good works, and she has brightened the paths of others by her example of Christian fortitude, as displayed in her daily life. Mrs. Loucks is the mother of seven children : 1. William John, a resident of New York City ; 2. Sarah Jane, married Jerome Carle, both de- ceased ; 3. John, now engaged in the lumber business in Spokane, Wash .; 4. Elizabeth A., married Everett Hunt, of Jamestown; 5. Thomas, a real estate dealer of Jamestown; 6. George, a resident of Philadelphia; 7. Margaret, married General Erastus R. Lampton, of Asheville, N. C., both deceased.
WILLIAM W. PICKETT-Among the successful business men of Stockton, N. Y., is William W. Pickett, owner of a hardware store and also a large dairy farm camprising 174 acres. His entire life has been spent in Stockton and Dewittville, and wherever substantial aid will further public progress it is ever freely given.
William W. Pickett was born in Stockton, N. Y., Oct. 23, 1872, the son of the late Whitfield and Jeanette (Harris) Pickett. He received his education in the grammar and high schools of Mayville, and then worked for some time on his father's farm, later buying a dairy farm and for six years manufactured cheese at Stockton. At the end of this time he engaged in the grocery business, but at the end of a year and a half he entered the hardware business in which he is still interested, and at the same time is owner of a large dairy farm, aforementioned. Mr. Pickett is past master of the Grange, member of the Stockton School Board, and at the present time, 1920, is serving as town clerk. A Republican in politics, he gives, by means of his vote and influence, loyal support to all measures which he deems calculated to promote the public welfare.
On Oct. 25, 1893, William W. Pickett was united in marriage with Blanche King, daughter of Lucius G.
James S. Mc Callum
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and Florence A. (Morrell) King. To Mr. and Mrs. Pickett has been born one child, Linnette, wife of Mark L. Kelley, of Stockton, and they have two children, Hazel and Florence.
LOUIS WILLIAM COLLINS, who holds a high place today among the prominent merchants of James- town, Chautauqua county, N. Y., where he has a sport- ing goods establishment at No. 340 East Third street, was born in this city, Aug. 6, 1891, a son of J. B. and Mary (Powers) Collins. The elder Mr. Collins, who is now deceased, was one of the early merchants of Jamestown and is survived by his wife, who still makes her home here.
Louis William Collins received his education at the grammar and high schools of this city, and graduated trom the latter with the class of 1910. He then secured a position with the Jamestown Art Metal Company, where he worked for a while, and later with the Shear- man Brothers, lounge manufacturers. Still later he worked for the Crown Metal Company and learned the trade of metal manufacture in all its details. During school vacations Mr. Collins had also worked on the vessels which plyed Chautauqua Lake. In 1915, having saved a considerable portion of his earnings, he es- tablished his present business at No. 340 East Third street, where it remains at the present time. Here he dealt in sporting goods of all kinds, bicycles of all sorts, etc., and gradually increased his business until at the present time he handles practically everything in the sporting and kindred lines, including tennis goods, baseball, football, basketball, skating and other equipments, as well as guns and ammunition and gymnasium goods. He also deals in camping outfits, sundries and novelties appropriate to his different lines, and handles safety razors and fountain pens. He has a large supply of all kinds of bicycles always on hand and is agent for the following concerns : The Excelsior, the Crescent, Pierce-Arrow and Rambler bicycles ; the Briggs & Stratton and also the Johnson motor wheels. Mr. Collins has just put into operation a retail merchandising system. For many years Mr. Collins has taken a keen interest in out-door sports and pastimes of all kinds and is himself an expert amateur bicyclist. He was captain of his high school football team when it won the championship of Western New York, and was also captain of the All Jamestown Football Club for two years. He held a position on the high school and Y. M. C. A. Basketball and Baseball teams, and has always been active in promoting athletics among the young men and boys of the com- munity. For many years he was a member of the Spiral Basketball Team, which represent the city of James- town. He is a member of the Young Men's Christian Association, and is one of the best workers in their athletic department. In his religious belief he is a Roman Catholic and attends the church of SS. Peter and Paul at Jamestown. He has been active in local public affairs, having served as ward committeeman for one term. He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Mr. Collins is unmarried.
JOHN L. WILLETT-As yardmaster and agent of the Pennsylvania Railway Company, Mr. Willett is one of the best known men in Mayville and it would be no
exaggeration to say that he is one of the best liked. With the fraternal interests of his community he is prominently identified, and as a citizen is held in the highest esteem.
John L. Willett was born July 25. 1857, at Lawtons Station, on the Jamestown and Buffalo branch of the Erie railway, and is a son of Homer and Betsy (Sherman) Willett. His educational opportunities were limited, and at an early age he found employment with the railway company, working at various stations as telegrapher, baggage master, and in other capacities. In 1881, he came to the village of Chautauqua as agent there, and on Sept. 20, 1882, was appointed agent at Mayville, in which office he has ever since been con- tinuously retained. He has now entire charge of yards, freight and passenger trains and everything connected with the business of the railroad. In politics, Mr. Willett is a Republican, always ready to do his part toward promoting the betterment of conditions. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, affiliating with Peacock Lodge, No. 696, Free and Accepted Masons, and past master of Peacock Lodge, and belongs to Dunkirk Commandery, Buffalo Shrine and Consistory. He is past high priest of Westfield Chapter, No. 239, Royal Arch Masons, and past district deputy of the Fortieth Masonic District; also past patron of the Eastern Star. He is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church.
Mr. Willett married, Sept. 3, 1878, Arena, daughter of William and Jane Zillafro, of Franklin, Pa., and they became the parents of a son and a daughter: William Homer, born Dec. 25, 1885, now deceased; and Rata Emma, graduated from Mayville schools and Swarth- more College, class of 1911, with degree of Bachelor of Arts ; married Andrew G. Cornell, and assists her father in his office. Mrs. Willett passed away on Nov. 6. 1918.
It is now nearly forty years since Mr. Willett was appointed agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Mayville, and he is to-day the oldest agent in point of continuous service in Chautauqua county. Is not this a record in which he for himself and his friends for him may take a just and laudable pride ?
JAMES SHAW McCALLUM-A public official never requires any introduction to his fellow-citizens, whether of his own or the opposite party, and if by his conscientious performance of duty he merits and re- ceives the esteem and approval of all law-abiding men, his hands are strengthened not by partisans only, but also by true friends. That this is the case with Mr. McCallum, sheriff of Mayville, his entire community can convincingly testify. He has for years been active in political life, and has filled with credit more than one local office of trust and responsibility.
William W. McCallum, father of James Shaw Mc- Callum, was born near Glasgow, Scotland, and in 1875 emigrated to the United States, settling in New York State, and removing from time to time from one place to another. In Scotland Mr. McCallum had been man- ager of cooperative stores, and had also conducted a grocery store of his own. He came to the United States expecting to establish a chain of stores, but his com- paratively early death frustrated the fulfillment of his ambition. He married, in Glasgow, Margaret Shaw, a native of Lanarkshire, Scotland, and they became the
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parents of three sons and one daughter. Mr. McCallum died while still a young man, and his widow married James Metcalf, by whom she had three children.
James Shaw McCallum, son of William W. and Mar- garet (Shaw) McCallum, was born July 29, 1875, in Glasgow, Scotland, and at the age of five weeks was brought by his parents to the United States. They lived first in Dunkirk and then in Hornellsville, N. Y., return- ing to Dunkirk, and then settling in Jamestown, where James Shaw attended the public and high schools. He was then employed for one year in a grocery store, and for another year in a dry goods store, after which he learned the printer's trade with the Journal Printing Company, remaining in their service from 1893 to Jan. I, 1919, when he was elected to his present office. For a time he represented the Barnhart Brothers and Spindler Type Foundaries in this neighborhood.
For many years Mr. McCallum has taken an active part in local politics, always on the side of the Re- publicans. He served six years in the Common Council of Jamestown, being first appointed by the mayor to fill a vacancy and then twice elected. He resigned in order that he might be free to accept the office of sheriff, to which he was elected in November, 1918. His ad- ministration has, in all respects, been such as to more than justify his constituents in their selection. The fra- ternal and social connections of Mr. McCallum are very numerous. He affiliates with Mt. Moriah Lodge, No. 145, Free and Accepted Masons ; Westfield Chapter, No. 239, Royal Arch Masons; Jamestown Commandery, No. 61, Knights Templar; Ismailia Temple, Ancient Ara- bic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and is a mem- ber of Eagles' Temple, having been president at the time of the erection of the structure. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is enrolled in the Typographical Union, having held all the offices in the organization, and belongs to the United Commercial Travellers and the Jamestown Club. He is a member of St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal Church of Jamestown.
Mr. McCallum married, July 14, 1898, at Jamestown, Alice Maud, born at Fairport, N. Y., daughter of John C. and Mary Louise (Woodworth) Ketchum. Mr. Ketchum was born at Webster, N. Y., and was engaged in the clothing business. His wife is a native of Massa- chusetts. Mr. and Mrs. McCallum are the parents of one son, Clarence Ketchum, who served in the Navy during the World War, having trained at Great Lakes, United States Navy.
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