History of Chautauqua County, New York, Part 96

Author: Edson, Obed, 1832-; Merrill, Georgia Drew, editor
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Boston, Mass. : W.A. Fergusson
Number of Pages: 1068

USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York > Part 96

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We are privileged to extract from a manuscript history of the street rail- way company of Jamestown, written by C. R. Lockwood, Esq., the following concerning Mr. Broadhead and his sons :

We remember the elder Mr. Broadhead as an industrious and persevering mechanic, early at and late from his work, making every moment count for something in building for himself a position for honesty and industry. In the social world he was regarded with favor, and in the church looked upon as among the faithful and substantial. Favoring local industries and edu- cational interests, his contributions for them were to the fullest extent of his ability. * Hall, Broadhead & Turner erected Jamestown's first alpaca mills in 1873. Whoever will read · the records of intervening time, will find something of merit resting upon the ability, persever- ance and home-respect of Mr. William Broadhead. Had his efforts been changed, as he was solicited to do, from Jamestown to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia or New York, what of Jamestown ? Today we are prospering in population, in business importance and position more than dollars and cents can represent, through the efforts, love of home and firinness of character of Mr. William Broadhead. Older inhabitants are ready to verify this, the records of our departed village and present city show it, and competing municipalities admit it. * *

* Though con- trolled by different owners, both of the worsted mills of Jamestown, with all their wealth and importance, owe their origins to this one man, and the unwritten history of Jamestown will reward with its memory and unreserved respect him who has been and yet remains its benefactor.

J. H. Clark.

طلبة المالية

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The employes of the Broadhead Mills, October 27, 1887, through Edward Appleyard, Joseph Appleyard and Richard E. Toothill, committee, presented Mr. Broadhead with an elegant engrossed memorial from which we extract :

At a time of life when most men would have sought repose, and quietly retired to enjoy the means which their prudence and industry had provided, you were inspired with an ambition worthy of a young man, and rose up to do a great work that has justly immortalized your name, and placed you at the front as an organizer, administrator and benefactor. To your indomitable will and courage the now famous worsted interests of Jamestown owe their origin, and an impe- tus has been given to other industries through your personal influence, while the conspicuous business blocks of this city tell of the forecast of your brain and the strength and enterprise of their founder. Nor is it amiss to repeat what the Evening Journal said, that you " had put up more buildings, and been instrumental in establishing more big industrial plants in this city than any other man." These are facts that will forever be a part of the history of this young city, and, because of these things, we today pay you this tribute of respect. The interest you have always taken in those in your employ evinces a nobility of character which becomes more mani- fest as the years go by. To give employment to as many as possible has been your endeavor, and, to your honor be it said, that in each and all of them you take a personal interest.

Mayor Green concluded his address to the visiting Sons of St. George in July, 1894, thus :

I cannot, however, close this talk to Englishmen without saying a word of one who came from the little island over the sea that once claimed so many of you as her worthy sons. Com- ing as he did, over 50 years ago, when little more than a boy in years, his stock in trade was a strong healthy English body, an active brain, sound common sense, untiring industry, and a will, a determination that would not fail. For the first few years after his coming the anvil rang from the vigorous blows of his strong right arm. During this time he wooed and won a beautiful woman who was in full accord with all his efforts and all his ambitions. Meanwhile his brain was actively planning for the future. The blacksmith shop could not hold himn always. Other avenues of industry opened ; opportunities were grasped ; one enterprise after another was successfully conquered, each more extensive than its predecessor, and each demon- strating more clearly his superior business ability and foresight. Many of the dwellings upon our hillsides and many of the business blocks upon our streets are the result of his efforts. Fac- tories giving employment to hundreds of people were erected by him and his sturdy sons, our street railway harnessed the lightning at their behest, and numerous other enterprises were given life and vigor through their assistance. And during all these years this man was the same cheer- ful, quiet gentleman that he is today ; generous, unobstrusive, and yet as fearless as he is just, a man who, like the patron saint of your worthy order, would die for his convictions. Some- time, when justice shall write the history of Jamestown and of its benefactors, and shall inscribe their names, the history of their good deeds and of their efforts resulting in our growth and prosperity where future generations may read, one man will then be given the credit belonging to him, one name will stand out bold and clear, it will be the name of him who was once the young Englishman, and is now the loyal American, William Broadhead.

JOSEPHUS H. CLARK.

It is the province of the historian while recording the progress of events to make note of those individuals who for long years have been identified with this progress and in varying ways have contributed to the development of the community. Josephus H. Clark is one of the oldest manufacturers of James- town, if not of the county, and one who for over half a century has been actively engaged in building Jamestown the city from Jamestown the country hamlet and village. He was born in Petersham, Mass., December 1, 1819, and

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was son of Joseph and Lavinia (Torrey) Clark. Until he was ten years old he resided in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. In 1830 his widowed mother with her five children came to Carroll, and after two years of farm labor in that town, Mr. Clark entered the employ of Eber Keyes in a sinall foundry at Dexterville. During the three years he passed there he became conversant with the several branches of foundry work. In 1835 he com- menced work in the foundry of Daniel S. Williams (then Williams & Swift) and from that time with the exception of two years passed in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and New Orleans, he has been continuously engaged in business in Jamestown. Becoming a member in 1841 of the firm of Steele, Ward & Co., in a foundry located near the present site of the Hazzard Shoe Factory, in 1843, upon the dissolution of that firm, he became the partner of Mr. Williams in the firin of D. S. Williams & Co *. From that time Mr. Clark has been engaged in business in the same location and the same buildingt, and for many years his promptitude was such that a clock could have been regu- lated by his comings and goings. Such industry, care, method and attention as Mr. Clark devoted to his work could have but one result-financial success.

An " old line " Whig and Republican in politics, Mr. Clark has been a frequent delegate to county and congressional conventions. He has had much to do with the making of this city. As long ago as 1859 or 1860 he was elected a member of the board of trustees of the village of Jamestown, and was in office for ten consecutive years, and president of the board during the eventful years of the civil war. He was chosen a member of the board of education in 1870, held that office twenty-one years, and for fifteen years of the time was president of this board. He has, consequently, been con- nected with the great development of the schools of the city, as in 1870 the only school houses now in use were the small one on West Third street, and the central part of the High School building. Mr. Clark has been a trustee of the Baptist church for forty years, and a member of the building com- mittee that erected the present model church. He is also a member of the Chautauqua Society of History and Natural Science. In all of the various positions he has held Mr. Clark has shown the promptness, accuracy, method, system and wise conservatism so characteristic in his successful business life. During his twenty-one years service on the board of education, he was present at all meetings save four, and his associates in all offices held his counsels and aid as most valuable factors. He has ever been a quiet, unostentations

*In May :845 D. S. Williams & Co., dissolved partnership, and after sometime the firm became Williams & Barrett, Mr. Clark acting as superintendent from the dissolution of the first firm. In 1850 Mr. Williams became sole owner and died a year later. In the fall of 1851 Mr. Clark and Josiah Lincoln purchased the busi- ness, conducted it as Clark & Lincoln, until P. O. Sherwin became a partner and the firm was Clark, Lincoln & Co. Mr. Clark later purchased Mr. Lincoln's interest, the firin becoming Clark & Sherwin until May, 1857. Since then Mr. Clark has been sole proprietor.

+This foundry has been a feature of Jamestown. Not only foundry work but stoves, wood-working machinery and mowing machines have been manufactured here in a quiet way, steady employment being given to from ten to twelve workmen.

Cave & Clark

٤- الكتومدي

€

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citizen, doing much good in an unpretentious manner, and enjoying the con- fidence and esteem of the people. He married, July 13, 1851, Jane E., daughter of Moses and Betsey (Forbush) Marsh.

MRS. JANE E. CLARK.

Mrs. Jane E. Clark, president of the Women's Christian Association since its inception, is a native of New England, born at Sutton, Massachusetts, March 10, 1821, a daughter of Moses (Cushman) Marsh and Betsey (For- bush) Marsh. The Forbush family is of Scotch ancestry, and intermarried with many old and notable families of New England. Mr. Marsh moved his family to what is now the village of Panama, in this county, in 1824. Here he was a prominent citizen, was the first postmaster, built the first framed house in the village, to which he gave the name, and was much interested in town affairs. He died of cholera in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1833. Mrs. Marsh was à woman of great strength of character, and, it is said, possessed the gift of oratory to a remarkable degree. She died in 1837 .* From the time of Mr. Marsh's death, his children had ample opportunity to cultivate the Scotch characteristics inherited from their mother. Jane moved to Massachusetts, where she remained some years, received a good education, returned to Chau- tauqua county in 1839, where she taught school in Jamestown and in the vicinity for several years.

In December 1839, she united with the Baptist church of this city, and in the month of September, 1893, only three who were then members survived. She was soon enrolled among the teachers of the Sabbath school, and for forty years was one of its most faithful workers, her scholars being usu- ally young men, her classes averaging sixteen in number. The vast amount of good accomplished by her faithful instruction during all these years, wlio can estimate ? July 13, 1851, she married Josephus H. Clark, and in him she found an able and willing coadjutor in all her charitable works. He heartily cooperated with her in her plans for the betterment of humanity with his ample means. From time to time, they have made a home in their house- hold for more than twenty-five young men, enabling them by their aid and care to obtain a good education, and these beneficiaries have done honor to their benefactors by becoming good, worthy and even prominent citizens. Mrs. Clark has been connected with many of the benevolent societies of the church, village and city ; she was secretary of the Foreign Missionary Soci- ety of the Chautauqua Baptist Association for fifteen years ; during the civil war she took an active part on the committee for the aid and relief of soldiers ; was president of the City Mission for two years ; a member of the Woman's

*A daughter, Mary Louise, the first female child of Panama, was born July 16, 1827, married Prof. Jesse G. Nash. 'They have given their lives to teaching, and are now in Sherman, Texas, where they established the Sherman Institute. Mrs. Nash's devotion, talent and adaptability for her work is fully demonstrated by the . results.

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HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.

Christian Temperance Union here from its foundation, and its president for many years, and as a marked evidence of her ability as a presiding officer may be noted the fact that, in 1882, at the organization of the Reform Club she was made its president. She was one of the constituent members of the Political Equality Club of Jamestown, is a member of the Chautauqua Society of History and Natural Science, and by request prepared and read a paper at the July meeting in 1894. Mrs. Clark gave a course of lectures one winter at her house to the young men of her Sabbath-school class. This she was fully equip- ped to do, asshe had always been a diligent reader of classic and historical works, and her lectures evinced much knowledge of the growth, development and influence of ancient and modern literature. These are but a part of lier activi- ties, but it will be seen that her life has been mostly devoted to Christian and benevolent work, and when, September 8, 1884, she called a meeting and was chiefly instrumental in the organization of the Woman's Christian Associa- tion, it was only giving " honor to whom honor is due " when she was elected its president. This office she has since held, and proved hier fitness for the position by the rare executive skill, energy and ability with which she has governed its affairs. She has made it a success, extended its influence and increased its branches from one to six. The secretary says in one of the annual reports : " The faithfulness of our beloved president, and her zeal in all duties appertaining to her office, is ever a stimulus to all associated with hier. In the years she has been president of the association, only twice has she failed to preside at all its meetings, and her untiring energy has helped largely to the great work established. In all of its industries and charities she is personally interested."

Mrs. Clark was born to leadership. She posesses ability, discrimination, tact and promptitude, and although always firm when it is a question of right or wrong, yet she is conciliatory and ready to yield her opinion if necessary to accomplish good results. During the years (over ten) since the Woman's Christian Association was organized, peace has ever prevailed in the counsels and multifarious labors of its one hundred members. When we add to this record the statement that Mrs. Clark in all her labors and aspirations has ever been dominated by her love to God and humanity, we give to our readers the secret of her wonderful power for good and the key to her success.

COL. ELIAI. FOOTE CARPENTER.

Among the gallant defenders of our country's flag in the civil war, many men achieved more distinction and won greater honors than did Colonel Elial Foote Carpenter, but it is doubtful if any man in all that vast army of patriot soldiers did his duty more faithfully, valiantly or cheerfully. Stalwart, robust, enduring, he was a splend d type of physical manhood, while he pos- essed the mental and moral characteristics that distinguish the nobler type

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of martial heroes. He was born in Jamestown, May 8, 1826. His father was an Englishinan, born in London, who when a boy was bound out to service on a British man-of-war. The vessel on which he served was wrecked off the coast of Guinea. His seafaring life ended with the destruction of the vessel, and he sought his fortunes in America, settling in Maine, where he married a Miss Blake, a member of an old New England family. When the site of the present prosperous city of Jamestown was a dense forest, William Carpenter and liis young wife came here and located in what was soon after called Dexterville, now East Jamestown. Here their children were born and reared, and here their lives were passed. Twelve children were born to them, three of whom survive, Mary Ann Tanner, Emeline Folliner and Laura Stock. Mr. Carpenter helped to build the first steamboat that floated on the waters of Lake Chautauqua and was for a time its captain.

Elial Foote Carpenter was their third son ; he was educated in the pub- lic schools of Jamestown, and soon after leaving school went on a visit to one of his sisters who resided in Kentucky. Here he passed two years as manager of a large tobacco plantation. Not finding this occupation con- genial he resigned his position, returning to Jamestown, where he engaged in the lumber business, buying along the Allegany river and its tributaries, and rafting to Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Louisville. He married July 3, 1848, Julia A., daughter of John and Phoebe (Wood) Jeffords. Their children were Belle E. (wife of Capt. T. E. Grandin), Franc W. (Mrs. F. A. Bright- man), Addie J. (Mrs. W. P. Frink) *. Soon after his marriage Mr. Carpen- ter became associated with his brother-in-law, Charles L. Jeffords, in the manufacture of axes. When the oil excitement began in Pennsylvania he turned his attention to prospecting, and the outbreak of the civil war found him one of the extensive and successful oil operators of that day.

Hearkening to his country's call to arms, he laid aside his pursuits as a private citizen, and enlisted August 16, 1861, in the 49th Regt. N. Y. Vol- unteers, and upon the organization of the regiment was elected second lieu- tenant of Co. K. In April, 1862, he was promoted to first lieutenant. He participated in the battles of the Peninsular campaign under McClellan. Upon the organization of the 112th regiment it was decided that its staff officers should be men of tried ability and military experience. Lieutenant Carpenter was transferred from the 49th to the 112th, made major, and soon promoted to be lieutenant-colonel of the regiment, and for some time prior to his death was in its active command. The first battle in which this regiment was actively engaged occurred on Friday, January 30, 1863, near . Suffolk, Va. From this time Colonel Carpenter was at the front almost con-

*Mrs. Carpenter was a woman of rare strength of character and thoroughly devoted to her family. After Colonel Carpenter's death, care for her daughters absorbed all other considerations. She lived to see them in pleasant homes of their own, and to receive their unstinted ministrations of tenderness and love when sickness and suffering came upon her. She died January 31, 1894.

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stantly with his regiment with the exception of four months passed in recruiting service, and the hardships endured, the heroic achievements of the 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, Colonel Carpenter was in constant command. At the battle of Drewry's Bluff, near Bermuda Hundred, his regiment was ordered to the right wing of the army to support General Heckman who was in desperate straits. This was between four and five o'clock in the morning, and a thick fog so obsenred the vision that they had to grope their way. When they arrived at the point where General Heckman's troops should have been, not finding them, Colonel Carpenter sent Lieutenant Hedges forward to recon- noiter ; he soon fell into the hands of the rebels. As he did not return, Colonel Carpenter, anxious about his fate, putting spurs to his horse rode forward to see what had become of him. Chaplain Hyde says : " The fog was so thick that it was impossible to see objects clearly, but all at once he found himself within the lines of a rebel brigade, who rose up on all sides of 'him and demanded his surrender. Instead of surrendering, he wheeled his horse and retreated, at the same time ordering his men to fall back. He was followed by a perfect shower of bullets, one of which struck him in the side, passing through his lungs, but he was saved from capture by his horse, which bore him to the rear. He received all the care and attention it was possible to bestow upon him, but in vain ; the wound was fatal, and on the morning of May 18, 1864, two days after he had received his death wound, his spirit passed away from earth at a farm house where he had been carried by his devoted followers." Col. Carpenter was a member of the M. E. church, and a sincere Christian. He had no fear of death, but expressed his sorrow at leaving his wife and family, and also satisfaction that by the sacrifice of his life he had saved that of hundreds of his soldiers.

All his soldiers loved and trusted him. Had he surrendered when ordered to do so he would have been taken prisoner, his life probably spared, but his regiment would have moved forward to terrible carnage. He thought only of saving them. He succeeded, but his own life was the cost. One of his comrades said of him : "He was one of the bravest and truest soldiers the country ever had to defend her flag, and bnt for his untimely death he would have stood among the major generals of the volunteer service with a record that one might well be proud of." Such expressions from those who knew him best give some glimpse of the character and qualities of the man.

"Not in his battles won, Tho' long the well-fought fields may keep their name,

But in the wide world's sense of duty done,

The gallant soldier finds the meed of fame ; His life no struggle for ambition's prize, Simply the duty done that next him lies.

Elias Foste Carpenter.

BEdurands

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HON. JAMES T. EDWARDS, D. D., LL. D.

Hon. James T. Edwards, D. D., LL. D.,* was born in Barnegat, Ocean county, N. J., January 6, 1838. His parents were influential, well-to-do peo- ple, and among his large connection are many names of men whose influ- ence has been felt as a power in monlding the character of society and the church. James Edwards, his great-grandfather, fought with Washington at the time of Braddock's defeat and during the whole of the Revolutionary war, in which he was severely wounded. His parents were Job and Susanna Edwards. The former was known as an eloquent local preacher and twice served as a member of the state legislature. The latter was a woman of un- usual force of character, and in her earlier years was a teacher. She made sacrifices to give her son a liberal education and always warmly sympathized with his aims. Dr. Edwards prepared for college at Pennington Seminary in New Jersey, and graduated from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn., in 1860. After graduation he filled the chair of natural science in Amenia Seminary in Dutchess county, N. Y. Having served one year in this institution, he took charge of the same department in East Greenwich Academy in Rhode Island. The study of law had many attractions for him, and he decided to make that his profession. Arrangements were made for him to enter the office of Hon. William L. Dayton, of Trenton, N. J., but Mr. Dayton was shortly afterward sent as minister to the court of France. The professor's plans were thus frustrated, and before any new arrangement was made, he found the work of teaching so congenial that the idea of prac- ticing law was permanently abandoned. His favorite departments of instruc- tion were the sciences and belles-lettres, and to this work he devoted himself with an unfailing enthusiasm, which was contagious and inspiring. Besides training his classes in the lecture-room, he was constantly delivering ad- dresses before institutes and teachers' associations throughout the state. For a long time he was a member of the executive committee of the State Teachers Association, and at the time of his leaving Rhode Island was its president. He married, in 1862, Emma A., daughter of Rev. Charles Baker, who, by her varied accomplishments and unfailing interest in his studies and work, has been to him a " helpmeet " indeed. They have three daughters : Grace (Mrs. S. Winsor Baker, of Jamestown), Laura and Florence.

In the fall of 1862 Professor Edwards enlisted as a private in the ist R. 1. Vols., but immediately received from Governor Sprague a commission as second lieutenant, and was soon after elected first lieutenant of a company composed of members of the Young Men's Christian Association of Provi- dence. Afterward he was made adjutant of the parole camp near Alexandria. Va. While in this position he rendered valuable service by his humane

*By Dr. Theodore L. Flood, editor of the Chautauquan.

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treatment of the paroled prisoners, who, when he entered upon his duties, were being shamefully neglected. Upon leaving the army he was elected principal of the seminary at East Greenwich. For more than sixty years this school had done excellent work in educating the youth of Rhode Island and other states, but a burdensome debt of $22,000 had for a long time hung over it to the great annoyance of its friends. Through Professor Edward's earnest efforts the entire debt was lifted by subscription. In addition to his duties as principal of the seminary, he was elected and served as state senator when he was 26 years old, being the youngest member of the senate. During this session he distinguished himself as a ready debater in an exciting discussion upon the military record and expenditures of the state during the war of the Rebellion. He was elected to the senate the second time, and also chosen presidential elector on the ticket which elected General Grant for his first term, and stumped the state in his support. Professor Edwards took an active part in the discussion of the fifteenth amendment, which was carried in the senate but defeated in the house, at this session. He was elected the third time to the senate, and made chairman of the committee on education. During this session the temperance question was pressed to the front, and legislators were compelled to give it attention, whether in sympathy with the cause or not. The professor was an earnest advocate of a prohibitory bill which was triumphantly carried in the senate, but failed to become a law because of its defeat in the house. He also took an active part in the estab- lishment of the first normal school in the state. During this session he made a speech upon the "just limitations of the pardoning power," which attracted general attention and exercised a marked influence in effecting a wholesome reform in the use of that prerogative by the governor of Rhode Island.

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History of Chautauqua County, New York, Part 96

Author: Edson, Obed, 1832-; Merrill, Georgia Drew, editor Publication date: 1894 Publisher: Boston, Mass. : W.A. Fergusson Number of Pages: 1068

Author: Edson, Obed, 1832-; Merrill, Georgia Drew, editor
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Boston, Mass. : W.A. Fergusson
Number of Pages: 1068