USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York, and its people, Volume III > Part 20
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On Oct. 21, 1913, Mr. Hall married Mildred Griffin, the younger daughter of Frank A. Griffin, then of Pitts- burgh, Pa., and now of Jamestown, N. Y.
Frederick Perry Hall. Jr., third son of Frederick Perry and Lucy ( Mason) Hall, was born April 7, 1891, at Jamestown, N. Y. Completing his studies in the Jamestown public schools, from which he graduated in 1910. he entered Cornell University, where he took a mechanical engineering course, graduating with the class of 1914. He entered the employ of the Salisbury Axle Company, of Jamestown, where he is now the chief engineer. He is a member of the Society of Auto- motive Engineers, and of Crescent Lodge, No. 308, Knights of Pythias.
On June 27. 1916, Mr. Hall married Helen Thompson, the elder daughter of Samuel W. and Emily Thompson, of Jamestown, and to them have heen born Helen Hayden, July 23, 1917, and Frederick Perry, third, Jan. 1, 1920.
COMMODORE THEODORE EDWIN GRAN- DIN-While American trade annals contain records of many men who have been architects of their own for- tunes, there has been no record more creditable by rea- son of undaunted energy, well formulated plans and straightforward dealing than that of Theodore Edwin Grandin, in whose death Jamestown has sustained a loss which will to severely felt for many years. It is impos- sible to estimate at least during their lifetime the value to a community of cych men as the late Theodore Edwin Grandin. The influence which they exert ramifies
through all commercial, financial, and industrial life, ex- tending itself to the entire social economy. Every man from the toiling laborer to the merchant prince receives benefit from them. Bold, aggressive, but cool and pru- dent, farseeing but exact, prompt to the moment in all his engagements, holding his verbal promise as an abso- lute obligation even in trifles. A natural negotiator, yet a more keen listener and a looker than a talker, at work early and late, always coming out right in practical results, he belongs to that class of distinctively American men who promote public progress in advancing individual prosperity, and whose private interests never preclude active participation in movements and measures which concern the general good. His entire life was devoted to the performance of the duties devolved through his associate business interests. He was justly ranked among the most useful citizens of Jamestown.
Theodore Edwin Grandin was born in Jamestown, Chautauqua county, N. Y., Aug. 9, 1844, a son of Daniel H. and Louisa (Waite) Grandin. Daniel Grandin, the founder of the family in America, was born in 1694, on the Isle of Jersey, and came to America when grown to manhood, locating in Monmouth county, N. J., where he made his home until the time of his demise. He mar- ried Mary Thowkmorton. They had a son, Samuel, who was born in Monmouth county, N. J., and died there in 1776. He married Susannah Johnson, by whom he had nine children : Daniel, John, Mary, Samuel, Sarah, Abi- gail, William, Susan, and Elizabeth.
John Grandin, son of Samuel and Susannah , (John- son) Grandin, was born in the town of Freehold, Mon- mouth county, N. J., and died in 1833. He married Catherine Hunt, a daughter of Thomas Hunt. They were the parents of the following children: Samuel, born in 1800, died in 1888; Anna Eliza, born in 1809, died in 1877; Daniel H., of whom further ; Almira, born in 1816, died in 1844; Joseph Osborne, born in 1817, died in 1850; Clara, who married Peter Yost.
Daniel H. Grandin, son of John and Catherine (Hunt) Grandin, and father of Theodore E. Grandin, was born in Monmouth county, N. J., July 2, 1811. He was educated in his native town and there grew to man- hood. He came to Pleasantville, Pa., and there located with his brother Samuel. With him he became the owner of a large tract of land. He remained here only a short time, then moved to Jamestown, N. Y., and formed a partnership with Daniel Hazeltine, and with him became engaged in the wool manufacturing business, continuing in this for some years. Later, under the firm name of Allen & Grandin, their place of business was situated at Brooklyn Square, the name now being Roosevelt Square, where the new Gifford building stands. In this occupation he was very successful, becoming the owner of several buildings. Later they took Jerome Preston into the partnership, and the firm name was changed to Allen, Grandin & Preston, wool manufac- turers. Later Mr. Grandin owned the Old Stone Mill which was located on East First street, and there engaged in the feed and flour business for some years, continuing so engaged up to the time of his death, which occurred Sept. 2, 1893. His remains are buried in Lakeview Ceme- tery. He married, in February, 1839, at Middleburg, N. Y., Louisa B. Waite, born there, a daughter of John Waite. Iler death occurred May 15, 1890, in Jamestown, N. Y.
Grandin
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BIOGRAPHICAL
To this union were born six children : 1. Olive Cerelle, married John W. Weller, and they were the parents of three children : John Grandin, died in manhood; Mary Louise, secretary of the Associated Charities in James- town, N. Y .; Georgianna, married Edward Stevens, mer- chant of Fredonia, N. Y. 2. Isabella, married A. Brooks Fletcher ; both deceased. 4. Theodore E., of whom fur- ther. 5. Samuel Sherwood, resides in Westfield, N. Y. 6. Clarence Merritt, died in June, 1917, in Buffalo.
Theodore Edwin Grandin, whose name is the caption of this article, received his early education in the James- town public schools, and after being prepared there for college entered the Clinton Liberal Institute, of Clinton, N. Y. Upon concluding his studies at the institute and returning home, Mr. Grandin entered the Grandin Grist Mills, which his father had conducted for many years. Later he accepted a position as salesman in the dry goods store of Andrews & Preston, of Jamestown. He re- mained with this firm some time, then became an operator in the oil fields of Warren county, Pa. After returning to Jamestown he became interested in steamboating, and it was not long before he was one of the most prominent captains of Chautauqua Lake. He owned and commanded the first steamer, "Jamestown," on Chautauqua Lake. In time he became the superintendent of The Red Stack, one of the principal lines of steamboats on the lake, and on account of his reputation as a commander of steam- boats he was known throughout the remainder of his life as Commodore Grandin.
Commodore Grandin took an active interest in ath- letics and boating, as the quoted newspaper article will show :
OLD TIME BOAT RACE RECENTLY RECALLED.
Captain T. E. Grandin rowed against time from May- ville to Jamestown. Picture of Athlete.
The Regatta against time heretofore mentioned took place last Friday. Theo. E. Grandin, Lewis Smith, and A. F. Kent left Mayville at 5 P. M. and three minutes before 8 reached the boat landing at Jamestown. 22 miles in 2:57. This showing is considered by all judges as a great feat.
Back in 1868, on the 30th day of June, Captain Theo- ¿ re E. Grandin raced against time from Mayville dock . u Chautauqua Lake to Jamestown steamer dock on the Chadakoin, a distance of 21 miles in a row boat.
Captain Grandin was a young athlete in those days and a skilled oarsman.
He accomplished the stunt in his skiff named "Rob Roy" in just 3 hours, 9 minutes, and 30 seconds.
The race is called to mind by an excellent photo- graph taken of Captain Grandin in his skiff at the close of the race. It has been presented to E. A. Brooks and in a handsome frame occupies a conspic- uous position in one of the windows at the store of the Brooks News Company. Captain Grandin has changed much since the picture was made, but acquaintances say that the picture "looks just as 'Ted' did in those bygone days."
In 1897 Mr. Grandin retired from the navigation busi- ness, and engaged with his son in the operation of the Old Stone Mill, which had been conducted by his father for many years. On account of his health, however, he could not continue in this occupation, and in 1897 he retired from business life altogether. He died at his home on Allen street, Jamestown, N. Y., Oct. 23, 1905. and is buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Jamestown.
Mr. Grandin married, Nov. 5, 1873, in Jamestown, N. Y., Belle Emily Carpenter, born Feb. 20, 1851, a daugh- ter of Col. Elial F. Carpenter, whose biographical record follows. They were the parents of three children :
Frances Eileen, who died in infancy; Julia Norwood, who died in childhood; and Daniel H., of whom further.
Daniel H. Grandin, only son of Commodore Theodore Edwin and Belle Emily (Carpenter ) Grandin, was born in Jamestown, Nov. 25, 1875. He received his education in the public schools of Jamestown, and after laying aside his text-books became associated with his father in the operation of the Old Stone Mill. On account of his father's ill health, Mr. Grandin took care of the active part of the work, but upon the death of his father, he assumed full charge of the business. The mill was destroyed by fire in 1913, and in the same year he built another, which was located in Falconer, N. Y. This mill is one of the best of its kind, having been installed with all the new improved machines. It is operated under Mr. Grandin's supervision, and is one of the most suc- cessful mills in Chautauqua county. Daniel H. Grandin married Martha Townsend Griswold, a daughter of the late Daniel and Mather (Townsend) Griswold. They were the parents of two children: Daniel Griswold and John.
Commodore Grandin was a member of the various Masonic bodies, including Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 145; Western Sun Chapter, No. 65, Royal Arch Masons ; Jamestown Council, No. 32, Royal and Select Masters ; and Jamestown Commandery, No. 61, Knights Templar. In political affiliation Mr. Grandin is a staunch Democrat, though in local affairs he voted for the men and measures that were for the best interest of all the people.
Mr. Grandin's entire life had been spent in Jamestown. and those who knew him-and his friends were many- entertained for him the warmest regard. Of large and liberal views in all matters of business, full of enterprise, and believing much in courage and perseverance, he could always be found in the van of every movement looking for the accomplishment of real and practical good. Of extensive acquaintance and very popular socially, charitable to an extent altogether dispropor- tionate to his means, unostentatious in everything, onc of the truest men to his friends that ever lived, and one of the most lenient to his adversaries after the combat was over, he was a man of whom any community might be proud. While in his business career he had passed on to a position of wealth and prominence, he had never neglected the opportunity to assist a fellow-traveler upon his way, his hand being often down reaching to aid one to whom nature, fate or environment had seemed less kindly. His life had, in a large measure, been an exem- plification of his belief in the brotherhood of mankind. He never allowed questionable methods to form a part of his business career, while over the record of his entire life there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. Kindliness and appreciation of the good traits of others had constituted salient features in his career, and his life illustrates the fact of the Emersonian philosophy that to have friends you must be one. When he passed to a better world he left to his son and his children the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.
WILLIAM CARPENTER, JR., late of James- town, Chautauqua county, N. Y., where his death occurred Jan. 28, 1864, and where for many years he was one of the most respected and influential citizens, was a native of the city where he resided so long, the date of
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CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY
his birth being Sept. 7, 1822. He was a son of William Carpenter, Sr., a native of England, who was a victini of one of the press gang crews of those days, and at the age of fourteen was seized and placed upon a British man-of-war and forced into service. Among many ad- ventures that befell him in that service was the final one that brought him to this country and made him a citizen here. The vessel upon which he was an unwilling hand was cruising in American waters, and at one time, when off the coast of Maine, young Mr. Carpenter was sent ashore to cut grass for the ship's goat. He went ostensi -. bly upon his quest, but never returned, disappearing into the interior. For a time he lived in Maine, occupied with such work as he could find, and eventually came to Chan- tauqua county, N. Y., and there located at Dexterville among the earliest settlers of the place. His experi- ence at sea led him to seek employment on the great inland waters of this region, and he was occupied for a time as a master of the rafts that were floated down the river to various points. He also drove the first stage that ran between Mayville and Jamestown. He eventually became himself interested in the lumber business and operated along the Allegheny river, and he was one of the buildlers and later the commander for some time of the first . teamboat to sail the waters of Lake Chau- t. qua. The eller Mr. Carpenter was a very religious man and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and about middle age became greatly interested in the cause of temperance, he and his wife touring Western New York and Pennsylvania, delivering addresses upon the subject and arousing great interest wherever they went. While yet living in Maine, before coming to Chautauqua county, he married Nancy Blake, by whom he had twelve children, one of his sons being Col. Elial Foote Carpenter, a sketch of whom follows, and another William Carpenter, Jr., of this sketch. His death occurred i: 1800, while on a visit to his daughter at Oil City, Pa.
The childhood of William Carpenter, Jr., was passed in his native city of Jamestown, and it was there that he received his somewhat meagre educational advantages, though with the customary ambition and industry of the lads of the period, he made the most of his opportunities. He brean work at a very carly age, and for years was employed in the lumher industry in this region, which was then at the height of its development. He also spent my time during his early youth on a plantation in Ken- tucky, where he occupied a position as a sort of super- Fondant and had many negro laborers under his direc- tion Up y returning to Jamestown, he began work in the axe factory of his brother in law, Charles L. Jefford . the well I own manufacturer of idee tools of James- tost, and while there was mortally injured by the burst- 11g 01 :fcthery wheel, from the effects of which he died the. 1; - te, hour later. Like hi father, Mr. Carpenter o a d . 1. religion man and a member of the Metho- det church and his death wa a truly Christian one. It wa bortly after hi marriage that he became converted ofreach the preaching of the Rev. Mr. Prat, and from that emp to the close of his life he remained a devoted member of the church. In politie Mr Carpenter was a Whwg, and although he wa keenly intere ted in local affer a d fulfilled all hi duties as a good citizen, never wa ambien for political office and confined his activi-
ties to his private affairs. He was an affectionate hus- band and father, and his personal relations with his family and neighbors were above reproach in all par- ticulars.
William Carpenter was united in marriage, March 10, 1846, at Jamestown, with Sybbel M. Jeffords, a native of Mayville, Chautauqua county, N. Y., a daughter of John and Phebe ( Wood) Jeffords and sister of the late Charles L. Jeffords, the axe manufacturer. Mrs. Carpenter sur- vives her husband, and is one of the best known and loved women of Jamestown, where she is popularly known as "The Grand Old Woman of Jamestown." In spite of her age, having recently passed her ninety-fourth birthday, when many friends called to offer their con- gratulations, she is enjoying good health and her facul- ties are not greatly impaired. She still takes a deep interest in the affairs of the community, as she has always done. She is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church of Jamestown, and is a practical Christian, putting into her everyday conduct the precepts of her religion in a degree seldom seen, and performs her duties with a cheerfulness and zeal which are a part of the highest Christian life. She has been particularly devoted to her children's welfare, and has reared them all to be Christian men and women. To Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter six children were born, as follows: 1. Charles Franklin. who was killed at the age of five years in an accident. 2. Elial Foote, mentioned below. 3. Phebe Wood, who died March 9, 1908, was the wife of Nicholas U. Hiller, deceased, and to this union were born two children : Clyde and Elizabeth. 4. Mary Ida, who became the wife of Alexander Hiller. 5. Charles Jeffords, mentioned else- where in the work. 6. Julia W., who became the wife of Bartie R. Hiller, who was the American Express Company's agent for upwards of thirty years, and died in Jamestown, April 18, 1912, his remains interred in Lakeview Cemetery ; they were the parents of one child, Richard Carpenter Hiller, who is now employed with the Erie railroad at Corry, Pa.
Elial Foote Carpenter, second son of William and Sybbel M. (Jeffords) Carpenter, was born in Westfield, N. Y., Oct. 6, 1849, and was educated at the Jamestown public schools. He was but fourteen years of age when his father met his death in an accident, and the circum- stance forced him to give up his studies and go to work at a very early age. He secured a position in his uncle's axe factory, where his father had worked before him, and there learned the craft of axe making. After a time spent in that establishment, he withdrew from it and started in the same business on his own account. He met with success from the outset, and in 1881 organized the Jamestown Axe and Edge Tool Company in associa- tion with his elder brother, Charles J. Carpenter and John Kofood. Hle was himself the most active partner and worked with the greatest industry towards its de- velopment up to the time of his death, which occurred July 3, 1887, in the prime of his young manhood. Besides his business activities, he was prominent in public affairs in the city and for four years served on the Jamestown Board of Aldermen, being at the time the youngest man on that body. He was a member of the Unitarian church and was a good Christian man who enjoyed the respect and esteem of all his fellow-citizens. He was a mem- ber of Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 145, Ancient Free and
Elias Trote Carpenter,
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BIOGRAPHICAL
Accepted Masons ; Royal Arch Masons; Royal and Select Masters; and Knights Templar.
Mr. Carpenter married, Oet. 16, 1879, at Jamestown, Florence R. Dawley, daughter of Samuel B. and Luey Jane (Cook) Dawley, who survivies him, and by whom he had two children, Clara F. and Ethel H., the latter becoming the wife of David C. Ward. Mr. Carpenter was always especially devoted to his mother, who ten- derly cared for him from childhood to manhood and whom he held in the highest honor and consideration and consulted upon every important move in his career before undertaking it. Nothing could more conspicuously illus- trate the depth of his love and respect for his mother, or throw a clearer light on the manner of man that he was thian the following letter, written shortly before his death, which will form a fitting conclusion to this brief sketch :
Griswold House, Detroit, Michigan. October 17, 1884.
My dear Mother :-
The matter of writing you has been constantly be- fore me, still have been obliged to defer the pleasant duty until the present moment, it being the first favor- able opportunity that has presented itself, and, al- though it may not reach you until my arrival, believe, however. it will be none the less acceptable. Knowing the deep interest, anxiety and kind regard which you possess for your children's welfare, prompted by the pure, sincere and unfailing love of the self-sacrificing mother, which is my privilege and honor to possess and for which I will never cease to be grateful. Its influence has directed all my business transactions in the direction of honesty and integrity. Surrounded as we all are with temptations, and at times debating in our minds whether it is best or proper to do this thing or that, apply the test of mother's approval or dis- approval, be guided by it, and we will at all times be found in the proper place, our conduct such as will raise us in the estimation of the people, strengthen our self-respect, and above all leave us with the pleas- ant reflection of having done right.
So far this trip has been exceptional in one respect, that of affording me an opportunity to see and hear some of the noted men of the day. Have had the pleas- ure of shaking hands with both James G. Blaine and General Logan, the former at Saginaw last night and the latter at Cincinnati Saturday night. The prominent positions which these men occupy ought to act as a strong incentive to every man, beginning as they did at the bottom of the ladder. In regard to business it is extremely dull, but the general opinion is that it will revive a trifle after the November election. Have had some good promises made me in regard to trade for next season and hope in the near future that it will turn out to have been one of the most profitable trips I have made. I know, dear Mother, I have your prayer and best wishes for success, and it strengthens and stimulates me to put forth every effort. We are gaining steadily step by step and are doing better than a great many in our line. Give my love to all. Say to brother Charlie that I offer an apology for not writ- ing to him. but my time has been closely occupied and that he will take the will for the deed and a promise to do better in the future.
There are many things I wish to say to you but will forbear with the exception of this one statement. I fully realize our position and that our success depends entirely upon ourselves, for we have as good a start as any young men could have who haven't money. Of course competition is sharp. but nothing worth hav- ing in this world comes without an effort; if we would wear the crown we must bear the cross. I know we can succeed in building up a large and profitable busi- ness, and to that end let us put forth every effort and, dear mother, may we all be spared to see your wishes and ambition gratified. in that of seeing your two sons honorable and respected men and their efforts crowned with success in establishing with their own hands a large and profitable business.
With best wishes and kindest regards to all, I am your affectionate son. (signed) ELIAL.
COLONEL ELIAL FOOTE CARPENTER- There are men whose memories are always green in the minds of those who knew them; whose personalities are
so vivid that the recollection of them is fadeless; men of whom we cannot say, "They are dead," because their life still throbs in the hearts that loved them. To this class of meu belonged Col. Elial Foote Carpenter, for many years prominent in the commercial and social eireles of the city of Jamestown and State of New York, and who still lives as one of the signal men in our coun- ty's history whose name and record can never be for- gotten by the people of Chautauqua county.
Col. Elial Foote Carpenter was born in Jamestown, May 8, 1826, the third son of William and Nancy ( Blake) Carpenter. He was reared in Jamestown and educated in her public schools, and soon after leaving school went on a visit to one of his sisters who resided in Kentucky. HIere he passed two years as manager of a large tobacco plantation, but the cruel and inhuman treatment expected by his employer to be shown to the slaves was more than his nature could bear, and although offered large pay he resigned his position and returned to Jamestown, where he engaged in the lumber business, buying along the Allegheny river and its tributaries, and rafting to Pitts- burgh, Cincinnati and Louisville. He subsequently be- came engaged in the manufacturing of axes at James- town, and the breaking out of the war found him in the oil fields of Pennsylvania.
Hearkening to his country's call to arms, he laid aside his pursuits as a private citizen and enlisted, Aug. 16, 1861, in the 49th Regiment, New York Volunteers, and upon the organization of the regiment was elected second lieutenant of Company K. In April, 1862, he was pro- moted to first lieutenant. He participated in the battles of the Peninsular campaign under Gen. MeClellan. Upon the organization of the 112th Regiment it was decided that its staff officers should be men of tried ability and military experience. Lieut. Carpenter was transferred from the 49th to the 112th Regiment, made major, and was soon after promoted to be lieutenant-colonel of the regiment, and for some time prior to his death was in active command. The first battle in which this regiment was engaged occurred on Friday, Jan. 30, 1863, near Suffolk, Va. From this time Col. Carpenter was at the front almost constantly with his regiment, with the ex- ception of four months passed in recruiting service, and the hardships endured, the heroic achievements of the 112th, and the important duties they performed is part of the history of that ever memorable struggle. After the transfer of his regiment to the Army of the James, Col. Carpenter was in constant command. At the battle of Drewry's Bluff, near Bermuda Hundred, his regi- inent was ordered to the right wing of the army to sup- port Gen. Heckman, who was in desperate straits. This was between four and five o'clock in the morning, and a thiek fog so obscured the vision that they had to gropc their way. When they arrived at the place where Gen. Heckman's troops should have been, not finding them, Col. Carpenter sent Lieut. Hedges forward to recon- noiter ; he soon fell into the hands of the rebels. As he did not return, Col. Carpenter, anxious about his fate, putting spurs to his horse, rode forward to see what had become of him. The fog was so thick that it was im- possible to see objeets clearly, but all at once Col. Car- penter found himself within the lines of a rebel brigade, who rose up on all sides of him and demanded his sur- render. Instead of surrendering, he wheeled his horse
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