USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York, and its people, Volume III > Part 76
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Frank C. Myers was united in marriage, Nov. 27, 1895, at Kennedy, N. Y., with Maud Cummings, a daughter of Orrin A. and Mary J. (Taylor) Cummings. Mr. Cummings is a veteran of the Civil War, in which great conflict he served from the beginning to the end with the 9th New York Cavalry, which participated in many battles which made the company famous. Mr. and Mrs. Myers are the parents of the following chil- dren : 1. Stuart, born Sept 5, 1896; attended the local school of Kennedy, and Jamestown High School; dur- ing the World War he was selected to go to the heavy artillery camps at Columbia, S. C., where he was trained for service abroad; while in the service he was pro- moted to the rank of first sergeant, was retained by his superior officers and assigned to commissary duty at Camp Jackson, so continuing until July 25, 1919, when he was honorably discharged from the service of the government ; he is now (1921) connected with the for- eign sales department of the Art Metal Company of Jamestown, 2. Frances Elizabeth, born Dec. 19, 1901, educated in the local school of Kennedy and James- town High School.
JOHN EDGAR PIERPONT, a successful farmer of Cassadaga, N. Y., was born at Rowe, Franklin county, Mass., March 3, 1850, the son of Chauncy and Sarah (Burton) Pierpont. To Mr. and Mrs. Pierpont were born five children: Joseph Watson, Georgina Cato, Martha Ann, Mary Ann, and John Edgar, of fur- ther mention.
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY
John Edgar Pierpont was brought by his parents to Charlotte when a baby. They traveled by boat on the Erie canal. and were eight days making the journey from Troy to Buffalo, then to Dunkirk, from which latter place they drove to Charlotte. Here John E. re- ceived his education, attending the district school, after which he worked on his father's farm for several years, and has always been engaged in this particular line of industry. For the past twenty-five years he has been actively engaged in the manufacture of refined cider, boiled cider. apple jelly and vinegar. His factory is situated in Cassadaga, on Railroad avenue, near the lake. He takes an active interest in the affairs of Cas- sadaga, where he has resided for many years, is a trustee and steward of the Grange, and has held the offices of town collector and assessor. Politically he is a Republican; also president of the Board of Educa- tion for several years.
Mr. Pierpont married Florence Todd, who died July 30, 1915. They were the parents of two children : Flor- ence M., a teacher: Jessie M., at home. The family at- tend the Baptist church of Cassadaga.
WILLIAM FREDERICK KEOPKA-It was aiter a somewhat varied career that Mr. Keopka be- came a resident of Sherman, but the years which have since elapsed, though comparatively few in number, have brought him a fair measure of success in his chosen calling. He has long been known as one of the pros- perous farmers of his community and as a citizen who stands high in public esteem. William Frederick Ke- opka was born Ang. 15, 1872. in the village of West- field, Chautauqua county, N. Y., and is a son of Fred- erick and Friederike ( Riefstahl) Keopka. Mr. Keopka was a laborer and truck farmer: he is still living at the old home, but his wife is now deceased.
William Frederick Keopka was educated in the pub- lic schools of Westfield, and entered early upon the in- defen 'ent work of life. For four years he served as stationary engineer in a sawmill at Westfield, then be- came switchman on the New York Central Railroad at Westfeld. Aiter retaining this position for nine year -. he changed his work, engaging in the meat busines, at Westfield, N. Y., for eight years. Through- n't these changes he was prudent and economical, sav- ing his earnings, and as the years went on accumulat- ing -ufficient capital to purchase his present farm. This was in 1002. The estate comprises 165 acres and since becoming possessor of it Mr. Keopka built a beau- tiful residence on the side of the road opposite the old one, which he now lives in, a tenant occupying the old house. He has built large and commodious outhouses, including chicken houses and workshops, and his live- .t. I con ists of five horses, twenty-five cattle, ten hours an! 'won'. - 've sheep. He has improved 125 acres of hi farm and has the best timber land. In politics, Mr. Kronka i, a Demcerat, but has never desired public nice finding is tine fully occupied with the care of his et: ** He is a member of the Grange.
Mr Kevy'a married. Nov. 20, 1901, Emma Giesler, daughor of Frank W. and Frederica ( Nieman ) Gies- 'er Mr. and Mrs. Kropka are the parents of the fol- I sing children. Irida, attended the district school and the Sherman High School, graduating from the
high school in June, 1920, and is now attending Sherman training class; Frances, educated in the same manner; Herman, attending the district school, and ren- dering much assistance to his father, and Edna, also a student in the district school.
With his fine estate, constantly increasing in value, and his promising family, not to speak of his assured position in the community, Mr. Keopka certainly has a bright outlook upon life.
ALONZO J. MARTIN, respected farm owner in Kiantone township, Chautauqua county, N. Y, has lived the greater part of his life within the county, and has had prominent part in public affairs. He has been su- pervisor for many years, and for twenty-three years has been entrusted with the administration of justice in Kiantone township. Therefore it will be appreciated that he is a man highly regarded by his neighbors. He was born April 3, 1849, in th city of Milwaukee, Wis., the son of Alonzo D, and Clarissa (Jones) Martin.
Alonzo J. Martin received a public school education, and was early in Chautauqua county, N. Y., where he occupied himself mainly by farming. By political al- legiance he is a Republican, and for many years was particularly active in national political affairs: and he exercised much influence in his own district, where his word was respected and his judgment recognized. In local affairs he was especially interested, and for many years served as supervisor. In the administration of justice his record is estimable, and he has continued to hold the confidence of the people of the community for twenty-three years, for during that period he has continuously been a justice of the peace of Kiantone township. He must therefore be a man of fundamen- tally sound judgment, and also a man of honorable, impartial practice. He belongs to the local Grange, and in all things pertaining to the community, or the well-being of the community, he has always been inter- ested and willing to aid in any way that was possible in furthering any local cause.
Mr. Martin married (first) Dec. 19. 1866, at South Argyle, N. Y., Eliza Mary, daughter of Philip J. Bain. She died March 1, 1906, after a married life of almost forty years. On June 26, 1007, Mr. Martin married (second) Alice Spencer.
The commendable industry and worthy public serv- ice of Alonzo J. Martin have been such as to warrant record in this current history of Chautauqua county. He has lived a good life of useful service, honorably and impartially meting out justice. While the war was in progress, he loyally subscribed as much as he was able to the government loans and the various other public subscriptions of war classification, and in many other ways showed that he was whole-hearted in his patriotism. He has ever been of unselfish disposition, and during his association with the people of Chautau- qna county, and particularly with those in Kiantone township, manifested a spirit of generous community interest.
JAMES B. LOWE-For thirty-four years, 1886- 1020, Mr. Lowe has resided upon the farm in section 42, town of Busti, which in the year 1900 became his prop-
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BIOGRAPHICAL
erty by purchase. He is a successful dairy farmer, al- though his farm of seventy-six acres, lying near the village of Lakewood, has been reduced in size through the sale of building lots, the property being very de- sirable for that purpose. Mr. Lowe is a native son of Pennsylvania, his parents, Daniel and Elizabeth (Mar- tin) Lowe, being residents of Lottsville, Pa., at the time of the birth of their son, James B. Daniel Lowe was born in Lottsville, Sept. 8, 1836, and died Ang. 10, 1912. Elizabeth (Martin) Lowe was born in Sugar Grove, Pa., March 10, 1837, is yet living (1921), and makes her home in Busti with her son.
James B. Lowe was born in Lottsville, Pa., July 9, 1862, and was there educated in the public schools. He adopted farming as his occupation and at the age of twenty-three came to his present farm in Busti, Chau- tauqua county, N. Y. Fifteen years later, in 1900, he purchased the farm, and there has passed the last thirty-four years of his life, a dairy farmer.
Mr. Lowe married, in the town of Harmony, Chan- tauqua county, N. Y., Jan. 21, 1886, Carrie Green, born in that town, Jan. 21, 1859, daughter of Alfred and Adeline (Moore) Green, both of Chautauqua county birth. Mr. and Mrs. Lowe are the parents of three children : Alfred G., born Feb. 5, 1887; Elizabeth, born July 5, 1890; and Walter, born April 10, 1906.
HERBERT ELISHA PUTNAM-One of the rep- resentative citizens of Cassadaga, N. Y., is Herbert Elisha Putnam, a member of an old Massachusetts family. His father was Allan Putnam, a farmer and teacher. His mother was Marilla (Smith) Putnam. To Mr. and Mrs. Putnam were born four children: Estelle, wife of Oscar Skinner, of Dunkirk; Clayton S., of Dunkirk; Clesson A., and Herbert Elisha, men- tioned below.
Herbert Elisha Putnam was born in Cassadaga, N. Y., Aug. 11, 1866. His education was obtained in the district schools of his native place and Fredonia Nor- mal School. He has always made his home at Cassa- daga, where he owns 156 acres of land, much of which is under cultivation, and together with this he conducts a large dairy. Politically, Mr. Putnam is a Republican, giving to public affairs the interest and attention de- manded of every good citizen. He has held the offices of school trustee and assessor of the town. He is a member of the Grange.
On Dec. 17, 1891, Mr. Putnam was united in mar- riage with Susannah Johnson, and they are the parents of four children: Ellen Marilla, a graduate of the Me- chanics Institute at Rochester, N. Y., as a dietitian, in which capacity she served eight months in France, dur- ing the late war; Ann Meadmore, a student at Syracuse University; Margaret Haynes; Lorimer Allen, asso- ciated with his father.
Herbert Elisha Putnam is a quiet but potent factor in the many movements which promote the welfare of the community in which he resides. His devotion to his friends and his strict probity in all his business rela- tions, so well known to all his associates, have met with that return of warm personal regard and financial success such distinguishing qualities merit.
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PEARL C. TICKNER-"Meadow View Farm," the home of Mr. and Mrs. Pearl C. Tickner, is a bean- tiful property of 212 acres at Open Meadow, Chautau- qua county, N. Y., inherited by Mrs. Tickner from her father, William Henry Casselman. The farm is of highly fertile land, devoted to general farming, small fruits and standard fruits. Mr. Tickner is a capable, energetic farmer, and has devoted his life to the busi- ness he follows. "Meadow View Farm" is modernly furnished and equipped with machinery and conveni- ences, the house filled with electric devices of many kinds, the work of the son of the house, Leo A. Tick- ner, who has a genius for electricity and machinery. Pearl C. Tickner is a son of Hiram and Lucy D. (Con- ant ) Tickner, his father, born Sept. 5, 1818, in the town of Lock, Cayuga county, N. Y., died Feb. 24, 1901; his mother, born July 11, 1828, in the town of Ripley, Chau- tauqua county, N. Y., died May 26, 1897. Hiram Tick- ner was a mason, and a farmer of the town of Har- mony, Chautauqua county, N. Y.
Pearl C. Tickner was born in Ashville, town of Har- mony, Chautauqua county, N. Y., June 19, 1862. He attended the public schools of the district, and early in life began farming, a business he has since followed with good success. "Meadow View Farm" is a well kept and intelligently cultivated farm, its crops of wheat and hay always heavy, while the orchards and small fruits show the hand of a skilled grower. He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics a Republican.
Mr. Tickner married, Sept. 24, 1889, Kate M. Cassel- man, born at "Meadow View Farm" (which has been her life-time home) in the town of Harmony, Chau- tauqua county, N. Y., daughter of William Henry and Susan (Roof) Casselman, her father born in Tomp- kins county, N. Y., Feb. 2, 1818, died Sept. 22, 1895; her mother, born in Canajoharie, N. Y., Dec. 14, 1818, died Nov. 29, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Tickner are the parents of a son, Leo A., born April 8, 1900. He is his father's farm assistant, thoroughly capable and reliable, has an unusual record in running a threshing machine without a helper, and has filled up the farm house with many elec- trical conveniences.
CHARLES A. ADAMS-If a man whose age is almost identical with that of his estate is, by that fact, entitled to be ranked as one of the agricultural pioneers of the county, then the worthy citizen of Ripley whose name we have just written can undoubtedly claim the honor. While Mr. Adams has never taken any part in political affairs, he has always been a man who could he counted on to do his share in any movement having for its object betterment of community conditions.
Charles A. Adams was born May 20, 1857, near Buf- falo, N. Y., a son of John and Lena (Nale) Adams. When the boy was two years old his parents moved to the farm on which he himself now lives and which was then wild land. Charles A. Adams attended the district schools of Ripley, and has always lived on the old farm, succeeding in the course of time to its ownership. On coming into possession of the land which his father had redeemed from the wilderness, Mr. Adams continued
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the good work by introducing a number of modern improvements. The farm comprises 115 acres devoted to general farming according to the most enlightened methods and having orchards planted by Mr. Adams and his father.
Mr. Adams married, Nov. 10, 1807, at Ripley, Jessie. daughter of W. S. Durlin, of Pittsfield, Pa., and they are the parents of two daughters and one son: Loren A., married Kay Row Scott, and has one child, Mil- dred: Ivan Durlin, now adding to the revenue of his father's farm by carrying on the rabbit business on a large scale; and Gertrude Irene. The only son and the youngest daughter are at home with their parents.
While Mr. Adams has few interests apart from his work as an agriculturist he has, by the results secured by his enlightened energy, helped to maintained high standards of farming and thus to benefit the entire community. He represents the second of the two gen- erations which have made the farm what it is, and it is to be hoped that it will still more richly repay the labors of a third.
MARION ANDERSON-Western New York, and particularly Chautauqua county, is famous for its agri- cultural development and for the intelligent and effi- cient men who have made it one of the greatest wealth producing regions in the United States. Among the capable and progressive farmers of this region, where he has been engaged in the occupation of farming for a number of years, is Marion Anderson, a native of Carroll, N. Y., where his birth occurred May UI, 1883, a son of William and Lena ( Vandenack) Anderson, old and highly respected residents of this region. The elder Mr. Anderson, like his son, was a successful farmer hereabouts and it was on his father's farm that Marion Anderson learned the modern methods in agri- culture which he has so successfully put in application on his own place.
As a child Mr. Anderson worked as an assistant to his father, and during the winter months attended the local public schools, completing his education at the Frew-burg High School of Frewshurg, N. Y. Upon completing his studies at the last named institution, Mr. Anderson devoted his attention entirely to farming, and in the year 1915 became the owner of a fine property. petr Poland, possessed of great natural fertility, and has . rer that time been engaged in the raising of poul- try and fne cattle. This produce he disposes of in the marly market and has developed a large and highly rerimperative trade in this line. In politics, Mr. Ander- in i a staunch Republican and is well known in the
encil of his party, though he is quite unambitious ir poht al preferment and has always consistently a: Med public office of any kind. He is also a well 1 4' 'gur in the social life of the community and is ." with the local lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellow . of Kennedy. In his religion, Mr. Anderson is i inerler of the United Brethren church, and has alwis token an active part in the work of the congre- watton, being a liberal supporter of all philanthropic and Wie. dlent undertakings.
Marion Anderson was united in marriage, June 10, 1/03, at l'oland Center, N. Y., with Edna May Jacobes,
a native of that place, born March 3, 1886, a daughter of John Godfrey and Mary E. (Clark) Jacobes. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are the parents of three children, as follows: Daris Marion, born March 19, 1904; Bessie Marie, born Aug. 7. 1906; and Clifford Ranson, born Oct. 10, 1908.
HIRAM WARREN ANDRUS, who has been one of the successful farmers of Ellington, Chautanqua county, N. Y., was born in the town of Gerry, Chautan- qua county, N. Y., Sept. 17, 1852. He is a son of Cyrus and Clarissa (Thorn) Andrus, and a grandson of Jere- miah Andrus, who came to New York State from Ver- mont in the year 1831, he being a member of an old Vermont family. Cyrus Andrus was born in Middle- town, Rutland county, Vt., July 13, 1813. His wife, Clarissa (Thorn) Andrus, was born Sept. 14, 1824, died March 24, 1914, a daughter of John Thorn, one of the early school teachers of Chautanqna county.
Hiram W. Andrus obtained his education at the old Ellington Academy, and later at the high school. Since completing his studies, he has given his attention to agricultural pursuits. Mr. Andrus is a Republican in politics, and both he and his wife are members of the First Congregational Church of Ellington. He was united in marriage, Sept. 16, 1875, with Nellie Waith, a native of Chantauqua county, N. Y., born April 15, 1854, the youngest daughter of the late George and Helen (Bates) Waith, both of whom were members of English families, being descended on the paternal side from the Rev. William Waith, a native of London, England, and who came to the United States at an early period, and on the maternal side from Joseph Bates, whose descendants came from England. To Mr. and Mrs. Andrus the following children have been born: Herman B., born Feb. 27, 1877. died July 9, 1877: Clair Waith, horn Feb. 20, 1881; Mamie E., born Ang. 8, 1883; Cyrus, born Feb. 29, 1885, died Dec. 5, 1886; Helen B., born May 15, 1889, died June 15, 1907.
MARVIN BISHOP ADAMS-Few regions are so peculiarly blessed by nature with a fruitful soil and favorable climate as that region of Western New York State comprised within the borders of Chantanqna county, and these advantages have been fully appre- ciated and grasped by the enterprising inhabitants who have turned what was originally a part of the vast wilderness which the white settlers found covering the New World into one of its chief garden spots, pro- ducing every kind of fruit and vegetable appropriate to its temperate clime. Although there has grown up here in recent years many great industrial and commercial enterprises, its agriculture still remains the most char- acteristic feature and its fruit growers and farmers are today probably its most important class of citizens. Among the successful agriculturists of the present day should be mentioned Marvin Bishop Adams, of Fre- donia, whose fine farm in the neighborhood of that flourishing town is well known for its high state of cul- tivation and the splendid quality of its many products.
Mr. Adams is a member of a family that has long been prominent in the Pomfret region, and his farm is one of the oldest hereabouts. The family was founded
BIOGRAPHICAL
in Western New York by Bishop Adams, the paternal grandfather of the present representative of the name, who came from Massachusetts at an early date and settled at Van Buren Point, Chautauqua county, taking up about 160 acres of land. At that time the whole region was practically uncleared and was infested with wild animals and Indians so that the life of the pioneer and his family was chiefly composed of hard work and peril but, with the sturdy industry that marked the men of those days, he persevered and eventually cleared and cultivated his property. With the true pioneering spirit, however, he did not long remain to enjoy the results of his labor, but, perceiving what he believed to be a better neighborhood, he removed to Pomfret and there toook up some 321 acres in partnership with a son. This was of course uncleared forest land and the two at once set about clearing it and bringing it under cul- tivation, a great task which they eventually accom- plished. This farm is yet to a large extent in the pos- session of the Adams family, and represents some of the finest agricultural property in the section. One of the sons of Bishop Adams was David Adams, the father of the subject of this sketch. He was but twelve years of age when his father removed to Pomfret, now Fre- donia, N. Y., and made his home there during his en- tire life. He served in the Civil War and married Mary E. Woodcock, one of their children being Marvin Bishop Adams.
Marvin Bishop Adams was born on the old Adams homestead, June 7, 1852. He received his education in the public schools of Fredonia and the celebrated Fre- donia State Normal School. From early youth he has been interested in agriculture and, following in the steps of his forebears, has devoted himself to the culti- vation of the family acres. He is now the possessor of one of the finest farms in the neighborhood, where he raises on a large scale many kinds of grapes and other fruits, as well as various vegetables. In this he has been attended with notable success, the result of his indefatigable industry and his wide knowledge of his subject, as well as an intelligent use of the opportuni- ties of his farm. He finds a large market for his various products in the neighboring communities. In politics Mr. Adams is a Republican and has taken a consider- able part in local affairs, serving for one year as tax collector for Fredonia.
Marvin Bishop Adams married, Oct. 31, 1871, Mar- tha Anne Fry, a native of Rochester, N. Y., from which place she removed to Fredonia when but three years of age. She is a daughter of Alfred and Martha (Taylor) Fry, old and highly respected residents of Fredonia. Mr. and Mrs. Adams are the parents of two children, as follows: I. Ernest Percival, born June 13, 1874, and educated in the local public schools and the Fredonia State Normal School; he married (first) Sadra Carr, by whom he had one child, Rexford, and who died March 14, 1900; he married (second) Lulu Carr, a sister of his first wife, and a daughter of Mary Carr, and they are the parents of two children . Edna Muriel and Lealı Maye. 2. Leah Bessie, born Nov. 5, 1883, educated at the local public schools and the Fre- donia State Normal School, and who became the wife of Clement S. Gillson, to whom she has borne two chil- dren: Wallace Clement and Russell Earle.
DAVID L. ARNOLD-Among the active and prominent citizens of Bemus Point, Chautauqua county, N. Y., who have taken part in the public and agricul- tural life of the community, should be mentioned David L. Arnold, a lifelong resident of the town, and a mem- ber of a family which has long been highly esteemed there. Mr. Arnold is a son of Edward B. and Eliza Jane (Russell) Arnold, the former for many years a prosperous farmer of the region, and from whom the present representative of the name inherited his strong character and high Christian principles.
The birth of David L. Arnold occurred Oct. 8, 1870, in the old family home at Bemus Point, in which he resides to the present day, and as a lad he assisted his father on the latter's farm and attended the local district schools. He thus gained a wide knowledge of general farming methods, and when he had completed his schooling he devoted himself to that occupation as his business in life. In course of time he inherited from his father the old homestead, and since that time has conducted it as a very successful farm, keeping it in the highest state of cultivation so that it has be- come one of the most productive properties of its kind in the neighborhood. Mr. Arnold has displayed as much ability in disposing of his products as in raising them, and finds today a large and growing market for them in Bemus Point itself and the surrounding com- munities. While he has been thus active in his private enterprise, Mr. Arnold has also taken a public-spirited part in the public life of the community, holding for six years the office of trustee of the town, during which time he administered the affairs thereof in a highly dis- interested and conscientious manner and won the ap- proval of all classes and parties there. He is a member of Bemus Point Lodge, No. 585, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a well known figure in the social and fraternal circles of the place. The Arnold family attended the old Universalist church at Bemus.
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