USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York, and its people, Volume III > Part 33
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 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96
-J. K. Evans,
44I
BIOGRAPHICAL
a Congregationalist and attends the First Congrega- tional church in Ellington.
Kloid Stanley Rice was united in marriage, Aug. 24, 1918, with E. Frankie Johnson, a native of Sheridan, N. Y., where her birth occurred July 10, 1892, a daughter of William E. and Cora E. (Aldrich) Johnson, Mr. Johnson a native of Sheridan, Chautauqua county, N. Y., and Mrs. Johnson a native of Hamburg, Erie county, N. Y.
FRANK MATHEWS EVANS, D. D. S .- In view of the fact that he is now postmaster of Fredonia, and ex-president and ex-trustee of the village, the public might almost be expected to become unmindful of Dr. Evans' professional standing were it not that the skill which has brought relief to so many does not allow them to forget it. Dr. Evans is influential in Masonic affairs, and a figure of prominence in the social circles of his home town.
Frank Mathews Evans was born Oct. 29, 1876, on his father's farm near Boston, N. Y., a son of John and Mary (Hatch) Evans. Mr. Evans is now deceased, and his widow resides at Springville, N. Y. Frank Mathews Evans attended local district schools, passing thence to Springville, N. Y., High School, from which he was graduated in 1900. It was Mr. Evans intention to study for admission to the bar, but in 1900 he obtained a position at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, and while there was induced by the prediction of a clairvoyant to turn his attention to dentistry. Accord- ingly, he worked his way through the dental depart- ment of Buffalo University, being obliged to take four years for a three years' course, and in 1905 graduating with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. After working one year in a dentist's office, Dr. Evans came to Fredonia in August, 1906, where he has built up an extensive and lucrative practice.
As a staunch supporter of the principles of the Dem- cratic party, Dr. Evans has been for many years a prominent political worker, and before coming to Fre- donia was well known as a campaign orator, taking the stump as a supporter of William J. Bryan. After serv- ing as president and trustee of the village, he was ap- pointed in April. 1916, postmaster of Fredonia, and his administration has been, as his fellow-citizens can testify, fully satisfactory in every respect. He affiliates with the Masons of Fredonia, the Elks of Dunkirk, and is a member of the Citizens' Club of Fredonia. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of his home town.
Dr. Evans married, Dec. 6, 1905, Mabel, daughter of Randolph and Sarah McWilliams, of Pittsburgh, and they are the parents of the following children : Stanley, Mendal, Charles, and Arthur. All these are in school with the exception of the youngest who attends the kinder- garten. Dr. and Mrs. Evans first met while the former was employed at the Pan-American Exposition in Buff- alo. Frank Mathews Evans is, most emphatically, a man who counts in his community and always on the side of progress, reform and enlightened government.
EARL R. FRISBEE, who has been in independent business as a blacksmith in Conewango Valley, Chau- tauqua county, N. Y., for so many years, and who is
one of the representative, responsible and industrious residents of that section of the county, was born in Poland, Chautauqua county, N. Y., Oct. 25, 1875, the son of George Frank and Eunita (Page) Williams. His father, who by trade was a carpenter, was well known in the district and erected many buildings in that section of the county. He was an industrious, un- assuming, steadygoing man and had many sincere friends.
Earl R. Frisbee, who has taken the name of Myron Frisbee, who adopted him when he was two years old, and with whom he remained until his marriage, went to the Ellington public school in his boyhood, and he had not advanced far into his teens when he was in full work, from morning until night, taking any honest labor that offered. Eventually he became estab- lished as a blacksmith and farrier at Conewango Valley. As such, during the long period he has heen at the forge and anvil, he has come into close contact with most of the agriculturists of the neighborhood, and he is gener- ally held in high regard. And his business has steadily prospered. In political allegiance, he is a Republican, but he has shown, on more than one occasion, that he is a man of original thought, and that he will not follow any party platform blindly. And although he has taken some part in political activities, he has never accepted political office. He does not belong to any fraternal societies, secret orders, nor other organizations of that type, but throughout his life, since he reached adult age, he has been an earnest Congregationalist, conscientious in his observance of Christian duties and principles.
Mr. Frisbee married. March 9, 1898, at Cherry Creek, Chautauqua county, N. Y., Edna M. Hinds, born March 7, 1875, daughter of Thomas P. and Mary M. (Arnold) Hinds. They have two children: Eunice Bell, born May 13, 1903; Myron George, born July 21, 1908.
During the terrible war just ended, Mr. and Mrs. Frisbee took proper and enthusiastic part in the various movements promoted to further the cause, and they contributed substantially to the several patriotic funds.
PETER E. LARSON-There have been few ele- ments in the general life of Jamestown, Chautauqua county, N. Y., so highly valued as that supplied by the large population of Swedish birth or extraction that have made that city their home, members of which have engaged in well nigh every form of activity in the region and become successful financiers, manufacturers, business men, merchants and farmers. Among these there is no name better known than that of Peter E. Larson, who conducts a successful business in the city,
Mr. Larson is a native of Sweden, born March 23, 1861, a son of Peter and Anna (Krestena) Larson, the former an agriculturist in his own land. He was a young man when he came from Sweden to the United States, and it was on July 13, 1883, that he first came to Jamestown to make his permanent home. He had al- ready received a thorough training In agriculture as a lad on his father's farm, as well as an excellent educa- tion in the schools near his native town in Sweden. He is engaged in the sale of milk and cream, and is a much respected figure in the business life of the com- munity. In his religious belief, Mr. Larson is a Sweden-
.
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY
borgian and attends the church of that denomination at Jamestown.
Peter E. Larson was united in marriage, December, :, 183;, with Sophia Grieph, a daughter of John and Anna S. (Erepon) Grieph, old and highly respected residents of Jamestown, and they are the parents of eight chil- dren. as follows: 1. Walter, born Sept. 22, 1888, was educated and grew to manhood in Jamestown; he was drafted into the United States Army, Sept. 30, 1917, and was sent to Syracuse. N. Y., for his preliminary training : from there he went to France and saw active service in the terrible closing campaigns of the World War, taking part in no fewer than five battles. 2. Plenney S., born March 15, 1891 ; he was also drafted, entering the army, July 20, 1918, and three days later, upon his acceptance by the board, was sent directly to Europe, where his training took place ; he remained six monthis abroad and was honorably discharged from the service, Feb. 4. 1919. 3. Elmer E., born Nov. 24, 1892; he received his education in the Jamestown schools, and upon completing his studies secured a position in the post office in Washington, D. C .; his death occurred in Jamestown. March 8, 1916. 4. Anna S., born Nov.24, 1894, died in early infancy. 5. Ruth E., born April 2, 1896. 6. Harry R., born Sept. 30, 1808; he enlisted in the United States navy, Jan. 8, 1918, and was assigned to the task « i carrying our troops to France, crossing the Atlantic no less than eleven times. 7. Esther A., born Feb. 2, 1900. 8. May Dora, born May 9, 1901.
JACOB H. JONES-Many years ago, David Jones came from Wales, Great Britain, and found a home in Prince Edward county, province of Ontario, Canada. There his son, Thomas Jones, was born, and spent his life, and there Jacob H. Jones, son of Thomas Jones, and grandson of David Jones, the pioneer settler, was born. Thomas Jones married Rachel Yerex and both died in Belleville, Ontario, Canada. They were mem- wers of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the father vi. a lifelong farmer.
Ja .b 11. Jones was born near Pictou, the capital of Prince Edward county, province of Ontario, Canada, Aur. 24. 1849. and there he passed the first fifteen years ri his life. He had limited school opportunities and at a very early age became a farm worker. This con- dition reused dissatisfaction in his breast, and he re- ce Ived + leave home, which at the age of fifteen he did Having as a companion a boy but little older than i'mself. Levi Carr, neither having any amount of money. The boy, made their way across the border and reached the United States safely. continuing across New Terk State un''l Jacob H. made his way into Chan- ... . nd found employment with Asel Burn- a farmer of fe town of Arkwright. He received
pohl and he was in the employ of F they rection During the follow- fer ded die'r'et school No. 8 in the town In cefy be entered the employ of Nelson gulas Je later became. After some
. . . to the State of Town, bought a " boundary, and became a grain si: degree of cheese, a trade he had W : cont . After three years in the i:rm : ml | rines and returned East,
going to the oil fields at Bradford, Pa., there remaining one year. His next move was to return to Charlotte, Chautauqua county, N. Y., there purchasing a farm in the Chase neighborhood known as the Crampton Farm, containing 120 acres, Mr. Jones engaged in stock rais- ing and dairy farming very successfully until 1893, then leaving the farm he came to Jamestown and opened up business in the Broadhead building, on what is now Roosevelt square, as a wholesale dealer in butter, eggs, and other produce. He continued that business very successfully for eight years, then sold out and later opened a wholesale fruit business in the Gifford block, which he conducted for two years. He then moved to a location at East Second and Winsor streets, taking in his son Earl C. as a partner, and operating as J. H. Jones & Son, and conducting a retail grocery for five years. Mr. Jones, Sr., then retired from the firm, and bought a tract of ten acres of fertile land which he has since cultivated as a market garden, supplying the local market.
A man of whole-souled generous impulse, Mr. Jones is greatly liked and esteemed in his community, and is a citizen beyond reproach. He is a Democrat in politics, but neither seeks nor desires public office. He is a member of Sylvanus Lodge, No. 303, Sinclairville, and his religions creed is the Golden Rule. Honorable and upright in all his dealings, he is a good exemplifica- tion of the value of that rule and of its practicability.
Jacob H. Jones married, in Charlotte, Chautauqua county. N. Y., in 1875, Celinda Chase, born in that town, daughter of Nelson Chase, and a sister of Albert N. Chase, of Charlotte. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are the parents of five children: 1. Jennie, married E. Jay Harris, superintendent of the Watson Manufacturing Company of Jamestown, and they have three children : Marion, Rachel, and Wilbur. 2. Earl C., now with the Watson Manufacturing Company, formerly his father's business partner; he married Mildred Flagg, and has two chilldren, Flora and Roger. 3. Clara R., who re- sides in Vancouver, British Columbia. 4. Jessie, died . young. 5. Frances Victoria, married J. A. Carlson, a farmer of the town of Ellicott, Chantauqna county, N. Y., and has a daughter, Virginia Mary Carlson. The Jones home is at No. 40 Flagg avenue, Jamestown.
HERBERT DEYO TERWILLIGER-Five years' residence in Fredonia has fully established Mr. Ter- williger in the position of one of her leading business men and most public-spirited citizens. As head of the well known firm of Terwilliger & Salzer, and as the present incumbent of the responsible office of city trus- tre, he requires no introduction in a work of this character.
llerbert Deyo Terwilliger was born March 17, 1883, on a farm in Broome county, N. Y., and is a son of John and Elizabeth ( Adams) Terwilliger. Mrs. Terwilliger passed away in 1917, in Binghamton, N. Y., and Mr. Terwilliger is still living in that place. The education of their son was received in local district schools and at the Binghamton High School. Without waiting to graduate he entered, at an early age, into the seriou work of life, finding employment in a candy factory, where he remained two years. He then became an orderly in the Binghamton City Hospital, his desire
Ty Lawelligen
443
BIOGRAPHICAL
being to study medicine and graduate as a member of the medical profession. Lack of funds frustrated his ambition, but he entered Bellevue Hospital, New York, graduating there, and also at the Mills Training School, in 1904, with the degree of R. N., having worked his way through these institutions. He passed in the same way through the Renard School of Embalming, gradu- ating in 1909. Going then to Binghamton, N. Y., Mr. Terwilliger became an undertaker and furniture dealer, combining the two lines of business until the spring of 1914, when he moved to Fredonia, and formed a partnership with E. J. Salzer under the firm name of Terwilliger & Salzer. They conduct a large furniture store, at the same time carrying on a business as funeral directors.
In civic affairs Mr. Terwilliger has long taken a very active part, and in various forms of war work was an acknowledged leader. In politics he is a Republican, and is now serving his second term as trustee of the town of Fredonia. He affiliates with Eastern Light Lodge, No. 126, Free and Accepted Masons, of Greene. N. Y .; with the Chapter of Greene; and with the Con- sistory and Shrine, of Binghamton. He has attained to the thirty-second degree. He also affiliates with Chautauqua Lodge, No. 382, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Fredonia; Grape Vine Lodge, No. 81, Mac- cabees, in which he is recorder; and belongs to Fre- donia Grange and Citizens' Club. He occupies a seat on the Board of Commerce. His religious membership is in the Episcopal church of Fredonia, in which he holds the office of vestryman and treasurer.
Mr. Terwilliger married, March 10, 1903, in "The Little Church around the Corner," New York City, Josephine Alice, daughter of Gustavus and Pauline (Bowers) Russ, whom he met while serving in Belle- vue Hospital. Mrs. Terwilliger is a graduate of that in- stitution and also of the Renard School of Embalming, and is now her husband's very valuable assistant in his business. Most emphatically is Mr. Terwilliger a self- made man and, equally emphatically, is he a man with a record to be proud of.
GUY W. MILSPAW, who has been recognized as one of the most substantial and influential citizens of Cherry Creek, Chautauqua county, N. Y., for a number of years, is a native of the town of Ellington in the same county, a son of William and Martha (Magee) Milspaw, old and highly respected residents of the latter place. The elder Mr. Milspaw was also born at Ellington, in the year 1847, and there for many years conducted extensive farming operations and was highly successful. He married Martha Magee, a native of Ohio, born in 1845, and one of their children was Guy WV. Milspaw, with whose career we are here concerned.
Guy W. Milspaw was born Oct. 22. 1875, and passed his childhood in his native town of Ellington, where he attended the local public schools and was finally gradu- ated from the high school there. Since that time Mr. Milspaw has been engaged successfully in the milling and feed business at Cherry Creek, where he also makes his home. In politics he is a Republican, but although his talents and abilities amply fit him to hold public office he has never been ambitious for political prefer- ment of any kind, choosing rather to exert his influence as a private citizen. He is a member of the local lodge
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grange.
Guy W. Milspaw was united in marriage on Christ- mas Day, 1901, at Falconer, N. Y., with Jennie A. Bedient, a native of that town, born May 8, 1872, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Erwin Bedient, of Falconer. To Mr. and Mrs. Milspaw six children have been born, as follows: Ray H., born June 19, 1903; Ina B., born 25, 1905; Irwin W., born Oct. 15, 1909; Harry M., born May 15,- 1911; Hazel B., born Oct. 14, 1913; and Lynn G., born July 7, 1916.
SANDERS M. THAYER-No record of the suc- cessful men of Jamestown, Chautauqua county, N. Y., would be complete without mention of Sanders M. Thayer, who has for many years been engaged in the occupations of farming and contracting, and who has now reached a well assured place in the general esteem of the community. Mr. Thayer is a native of the town of Ellicott, N. Y., born Oct. 15, 1858, a son of Manley and Mary L. (Bowen) Thayer, the latter a native of Portland, N. Y. The elder Mr. Thayer was a farmer and builder, and founded the double business of agri- culture and contracting that has been carried on so successfully by his son.
Sanders M. Thayer passed his childhood and early youth in his native region, and after completing his studies at the local schools, which he attended for a number of years, served a period of apprenticeship under the direction of his father. Eventually, upon the death of the elder man, he took over the prosperous business developed by the latter, and since that time has consistently carried on the same, in the conduct of which he has displayed unusual ability as an organizer and executive, and is now regarded as one of the most substantial citizens of Jamestown, which has always been the scene of his activities. As a farmer he has shown a progressive conservatism which has been productive of the most gratifying results, combining in the culti- vation of his farm his own practical experience and that of his agricultural forbears with the more theoretical knowledge evolved by modern science. The same char- acteristics have marked him in his contracting enter- prises, his shrewd grasp of practical affairs heing, per- haps, an inheritance from his old Scottish ancestry, it being from that sturdy stock that the Thayers are sprung. He has always exhibited a public-spirited inter- est in the general welfare of the community, especially in connection with its agricultural development, and is one of the most intelligent and active members of the local Grange. Another characteristic derived from his Scottish forbears is his strong religious convictions and beliefs, and he is one of the stanchest members of the Methodist church of Jamestown.
Sanders M. Thayer was united in marriage, Oct. 15. 1888, at Jamestown with Jessie Denslow, an native of that city, born Aug. 30, 1861, a daughter of Willard T. and Laura Jane (Smiley) Denslow, who were born respectively in Batavia and Ellicott, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Thayer are the parents of two children, as follows : Ralph E., born June 27, 1889, married Isabel Morgan. by whom he has had three children: Ross, Ralph, and Ruth; and Robert L., born Oct. 17, 1896, married Alvida Swanson, by whom he has had two children: Robert, and William.
4-4-4
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY
ANDREW PAUL JONES-At the age of sixty- eight Andrew Paul Jones was called away without warning, his death the result of an accident on the Erie Railroad at Celoron, Chautauqua county, N. Y. His widow, Anna Sophia ( Morgan) Jones, yet survives him, her home also the home of her youngest son. Charles Russell Iones, a cabinetmaker and official of the village of Celoron. The excellencies of the boats built by Andrew Paul Jones brought him local fame, and he is yet spoken of as a builder of good boats and as a good citizen. In his own line of mechanical work the son, Charles R., emulates the example of his father, and in his modern home in Celoron are many articles testi- fying to his expertness as a worker in wood.
Andrew Paul Jones was born in Sweden, March 31, 1842, died in the village of Celoron, Chautauqua county, N. Y., Oct. 12, 1010. He became a skilled mechanic, and for several years after coming to the United States he was engaged with his brother as a carriage builder, continuing in that business in Jamestown from 1870 until 1802. He then opened a boat livery at Burtis Bay on the shore of Chautauqua Lake, which he conducted until his accidental death, eighteen years later. During the Civil War. Mr. Jones enlisted and served one year in the United States navy. He allied himself with the Republican party, the Grand Army of the Republic of Jamestown. and the Swedish Methodist Episcopal church ..
Mr. Jones married, in Jamestown, in 1878. Anna Sophia Morgan, born Ang. 31, 1847, in Sweden, daughter of Charles and Mary (Larsen) Morgan. Mrs. Jones continues her residence in Celoron. She is the mother of two sons: 1. Clayton M., born Oct. 2, 1879, a mem- ber of the Chautauqua county bar, practicing in James- own, his law office in the Fenton building: he married Aimee Cedarquist, and has two children: Marietta and Clayton M., Jr. 2. Charles Russell, born Nov. 5, 1884. was educated in the public schools and graduated from the Jamestown High School and after finishing his studies learned the cabinetmaker's trade, which he still follows : he has taken a deep interest in Celoron village affairs, and has served as tax collector, village trustee, assessor, and for the past three years treasurer of the Ca -on Ile e Company : he built the home in Celoron, new occupied by his widowed mother and himself.
ELMER C. GIFFORD-The auto industry, that M.+ flourishing and aggressive of modern enterprises, ha no more energetic representative in Chautauqua grov than the citizen of Jamestown whose name the hi viranber has just written. Mr. Gifford in influentially as isted with the financial interests of his community ard : well known in fraternal and social circles.
Einer C. Gifford was born Jan. 11, 1874. in Busti, Ciach Mua county, N. Y., and is a son of Charles 1). sad Clementine J. (Hitchcock) Gifford. The death of " Gifford occurred in 1903, and in 1918 Mrs. Gifford ed away The education of Elmer C. Gifford was -removed in local grammar and high schools and was supplemented by a course at the Jamestown Business Calage I'mtil the spring of 1916 he worked on the Gifford homestead. This farm was purchased from the Helland Land Company and is devoted to general dairy work and the breeding of cattle. The estate originally
consisted of 200 acres, but has been reduced by the sale of nine farms, leaving only about 40 acres for the use of the owners.
In 1016 Mr. Gifford engaged in the auto business as agent for the Interstate Company. In May of the same year he bought land and, in association with Albert G. Johnson, erected a building containing a showroom and service station. The venture proved successful and Mr. Gifford, in association with L. B. Parker, now con- trols the agency for the Buick, Chevrolet, and Haynes automobiles, and the Case tractor and Stewart trucks, for Jamestown and the surrounding territory. Mr. Gifford has been for sixteen years a director of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank.
In politics Mr. Gifford is a Republican, but has never been active in public affairs. He is a member of the Auto Dealers' Association of Jamestown, belongs to the Grange, and affiliates with the Knights of Pythias. His only club is the Rotary.
Mr. Gifford married, Sept. 20, 1890, Pearl Terry, daughter of Jay Terry, and they are the parents of three children : Louise, Charles, and Corydon. Mr. Gifford has one sister, Mrs. Marion G. Martin, of Jamestown.
Elmer C. Gifford has certainly proved a most valuable reenforcement to the auto interests of Chautauqua county. Undoubtedly he will do much to make the in- dustry flourish in Western New York.
EMMETT W. ALEXANDER-Hugh Alexander, grandfather of Emmett W. Alexander, of Lakewood, N. Y., came to Chautauqua county from the State of Ver- mont and settled in the town of Harmony. There he followed the occupation of farmer and there his son, Daniel Alexander, was born, who settled on a farm at Blockville, in Harmony, and there spent the remainder of his days. He married Charlotte Scofield, also horn in the town of Harmony, and they were the parents of Emmett W. Alexander, now of Lakewood, N. Y., a merchant and an esteemed citizen.
Emmett W. Alexander was born at the home farm in Blockville, Harmony, N. Y., June 10, 1850. He re- ceived his education in the public schools of his home town. Ile began his business career as a farmer, but later became a contractor. He settled in the village of Lakewood, where he is engaged in business as a retail coal dealer. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and for twenty-nine years, 1801-1920, has been a member of Lakewood Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
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.