USA > New York > Livingston County > History of Livingston County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 79
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 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111
William F. Gelston, a graduate of the University of Michigan, was born in Rushville, Yates county, N. Y., in 1855. He studied law for two years with Lincoln & Conley of Naples, N. Y., and was one year with George Ripsom in Rochester. He was admitted to the bar in 1876, and came to Livonia in 1878.
PHYSICIANS .- Dr. Charles Herbert Richmond graduated from Buffalo Medical University in 1860, and in December of that year came to Livonia to begin the practice of medicine. During the war of the Rebellion he was Surgeon of the 104th N. Y. Volunteers from August, 1862, to July of 1865. He was born in Churchville, Monroe county, N. Y., July 15, 1840.
Doctor Herbert P. Sheldon, a partner with Dr. Richmond, graduated at Buffalo Medical College in 1879, and came to Livonia in September of the same year. He was born in Perry, Wyoming Co., N. V., in 1856.
Doctor J. TenEyck Bettis was born in Albion, Orleans county, in 1846. Graduated from Ham- ilton College, Cleveland, in 1870, and came to Li- vonia in 1871. In connection with his practice he has also a drug store.
Doctor Silas Fayette Staggs, was born in Pan- ton, Vt , July 19, 1847. He graduated at How- ard Medical College, Washington, in 1878, and in October of that year, went to Lakeville, removing from there to Livonia, in September of 1879.
Dr. E. A. Clapp, dentist, began business here two years ago. He was born in Groveland, Liv- ingston county, in 1857.
BANKS .- The pioneer banker here was Daniel Stanley, who opened a bank in the north room of the Baldwin House, in the winter of 1868-'9.
The banking house of Solomon Woodruff and Irving Parmelee was opened in 1869. The next year Mr. Parmelee bought Mr. Woodruff's interest and conducted the business alone until his health failed, when he sold the business to Niel Stewart, October 1st, 1871.
In 1872, Stewart and Co. removed to a fine
suite of rooms built by them for banking purposes, where their bank is now located, and in the rooms which this firm vacated, Solomon G. Woodruff opened a private banking establishment, making the second bank in Livonia.
SOCIETIES .- Livonia Lodge, F. & A M .- This lodge was organized in 1876. The charter officers were :- Francis S. Stevens, W M., Clark Meacher. S. W., J. T. Bettis, J. W.
The present officers are Willard S. Chapin, M. W., Eli Burr, S. W., J. A. Piatt, J. W.
The only newspaper here is the Livonia Gazette, of which for four years Clarence M. Alvord has been editor and proprietor. Under his judicious management it has become one of the leading and most interesting papers in the county.
CHURCHES .- The First Methodist Society was formed in the town of Livonia, somewhere about the year 1817. The exact date is not known, as none of the original members of the class are now living, and none of the earlier records have been preserved. The class when first formed contained about twenty members. Abijah Wright, Isaac Van Fossen, Amos Richmond, and Ruel and Jesse Blake, were members at an early day, and possibly some of them joined when the class was formed. For a number of years Livonia was part of the Bloomfield circuit, and the meetings were held first at Hemlock Lake, and afterwards in the barn and cider inill of Ruel and Jesse Blake. In 1831 a meeting house was built on the farm of Ruel Elake, and the first society of the M. E. Church in Livo- nia was duly organized.
The society continned to worship in the Blake meeting house until about 1860, when a church was erected at Livonia Station, and the society removed to that place. At that time there were about forty members, among whom were such leading men as G. Price, S. Francis, S. Ditts, J. Sanger, and G. Nottingham.
Rev. William H. Goodwin was the presiding EI- (ler, and Rev. H. T. Hancock the preacher in charge. The following named pastors have been appointed to this charge in the order in which they are named :-
Revs. R. T. Hancock, George Wilkinson, Josiah Arnold, William Manderville, T. J. O. Woodin, C. E. Hermans, J. C. Hitchcock, L. D. Chase, D. Leisinring, and K. D. Nettleton,* the present pas- tor, who has been here two years.
During the pastorate of Rev. T. J. O. Woodin, in 1866, the church was repaired and enlarged, at
" To whom we are indebted for the history of this Church.
375
LIVONIA -WAR RECORD.
an expense of about $2.000, and during the pas- toral service of Rev. J. C. Hitchcock, in 187 1, a good parsonage was built at a cost of about $3,600. The church is in a flourishing condition, and has a present membership of one hundred and ten.
Livonia Baptist Church .- This Church was or- ganized November 7, 1867. with the following list of members :- Robert Neel, Sr., Mrs. Lucinda Neel, Robert Neel, Jr., Mrs. Laura M. Neel, Mrs. Margaret Neel, Miss Lucinda Neel, John Neel, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Thompson, Hattie Thompson, Alice Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. John Locke, Chas. Locke, Mrs. Laura Locke, Mrs. Henry Smith, Mrs. Lucy Briggs, Mrs. M. Wilkins, Evangeline Norton, Mrs. Pemberton, James McCrossen, Mrs. James McCrossen, Mrs. Elsie Sharp, Rev. E. Sav- age, Miss Naomi Eddy, James Wells, Mrs. James Wells, Mrs. A. W. Gordon, Mrs. Anna Shepard, Mrs. Mary Howe, Mrs. Venus Scott, Louisa Eddy, Franklin Stone, Mrs. Betsey Stone, Mrs. Lyman Smith, Mrs. Theodosia Hart, Mrs. Savage, and Mrs. Brewster.
During the winter of 1867-8 Rev. Mr. Savage officiated as pastor of this new church. On the 29th of April, 1868, the regular organization of the society was formed and A. R. Pemberton, J. R. Hopkins and Robert Neel, Sr., were elected as the first trustees.
The church was recognized May 13, 1868, by the sending of delegates from the churches of Avon, Dansville, South Livonia, Lima, Mt. Mor- ris and Hunt's Hollow. On the 9th of June, 1869, the church was received into membership with the Livingston Baptist Association.
Rev. Mr. Savage, on account of ill health, closed his labors with the church May 31, 1868, and dur- ing the summer of that year the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Mr. Marean, of South Livonia, and occa- sional supplies in the winter, and the prayer meet- ings were held from house to house until March, 1870.
On the 12th of that month Rev. Jacob Gray be- came their pastor, remaining until December 29, 1870. During his brief pastorate the church edi- fice was erected at a cost of some $3,400.
On January 7th, 1871, a call was extended to the Rev. D. B. Purinton to become their pastor, which he accepted and began his labors in Febru- ary, which he continued until September, 1873.
In November of 1873 Rev. J. R. Smith entered upon the work of the ministry here and remained till April Ist, 1877. His successor was Rev. A. M. Duboc, the present incumbent, who began his
labors here in June of 1877. The present mem- bership is one hundred and thirty-three.
SOLDIERS OF THE REBELLION .- Livonia during the late war contributed largely in money and men toward crushing the Rebellion. But very meagre records, however, have been preserved concerning those brave men to whom the town owes so much of gratitude. What is here given has been gleaned chiefly from officers and privates who entered the different regiments, and is therefore fragmentary, but in the main correct.
Commissioned Officers .- Edwin S. Gilbert, Lieu- tenant Colonel, 25th N. Y. Volunteers ; dead.
Edward E. Sill, Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, 136th Regiment N. Y. Volunteers. Now in Rochester, N. Y. Henry F. Sill, Captain, 27th Iowa Infantry.
George W. Sill, Brevet First Lieutenant, First N. Y. Light Artillery.
Justus F. McCoy, Captain, First N. Y. Dra- goons.
Charles H. Richmond, Surgeon, 104th N. Y. Volunteers. Now practicing physician in Livonia.
John Rudd, First Lieutenant, 104th N. Y. Vol- unteers. Killed at battle of Bull Run.
Adam Dixson, Captain, 104th N. Y. Volun- teers.
Oscar Adams, First Lieutenant, 126th N. Y. Volunteers. Killed at battle of Cold Harbor.
Willard S. Chapin, Captain, 136th N. V. Vol- unteers. Now postmaster at Livonia, N. Y.
Almon A. Hoyt, First Lieutenant, 136th N. Y. Volunteers.
Charles P. Woodruff, Captain, - Illinois Vol- unteers.
Shelby Baker, First Lieutenant, 136th N. Y. Volunteers.
Charles L. Peck, Captain, 136th N. Y. Volun- teers.
Hubbard G. Cary, First Lieutenant, 136th N. Y. Volunteers.
John Jack, Lieutenant, 136th N. Y. Volunteers.
Company C, 136th Regiment N. Y. Volunteers. -Willard S. Chapin enlisted as a private in 1862, was mustered in as First Sergeant, and was pro- moted to Second Lieutenant in February, 1863, and again promoted to Captain, September 25, 1863. Served to the close of the war. Is now post-master at Livonia, N. Y.
Almon A. Hoyt, First Lieutenant, was discharged on surgeon's certificate of disability in June, 1864. Died August 7, 1867.
Shelby Baker, Sergeant, promoted to First Lieu- tenant. Now in South Livonia.
376
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
Thomas Boyle, enlisted in 1862. Was wounded at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863. Now in Lima. N. Y.
George F. Briggs, transferred to invalid corps November 15, 1863; whereabouts unknown.
Jonathan E. Britton, enlisted in 1862. Was wounded at Resaca, Ga. Now at Livonia Cen- tre.
Hubbard G. Cary, Corporal, promoted to First Lieutenant in November, 1864. Now in Livonia.
Orlando F. Davis, Sergeant. Now in Land Office of Interior Department at Washington, D. C.
James M. Decker, wounded at battle of Kene- saw Mountain, June 21, 1864.
Monroe H. Annis, Corporal, wounded at battle of Gettysburg, July 3, 1863; transferred to invalid corps November 15, 1863. Now in Michigan.
William E. Dubois was wounded in action at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863; transferred to invalid corps. Now in Geneseo, N. Y.
Peter E. Holt, Sergeant, was wounded March 16, 1865, near Averysboro, N. C. Now at Livonia, N. Y.
John Hammond was taken sick and was dis- charged from hospital in 1863. Dead.
James Henry, whereabouts unknown.
Charles W. Hanna was wounded at Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864. Died in Michigan in 1879.
John Jack. Sergeant, promoted to Lieutenant. Now in Richmond, Ontario county, N. Y.
Walter C. Masten, Sergeant and Adjutant's clerk from 1863 to 1865, when the regiment was mustered out. Now in Kansas.
David H. Martin, now in Michigan.
Thomas McGorman, precise whereabouts un- known.
Thomas Mooney was wounded at Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864; transferred to invalid corps March 27, 1865. Now in Lima, N. Y.
George P. Morey, now a druggist in Indianapolis, Ind
Wells G. Nash was wounded at Gettysburg in July, 1863 ; discharged March 3, 1864, from U. S. hospital. Now in Livonia.
Ammi Perkins was wounded at Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864, died May 16, and was buried on the fickd.
Edward Phelps, now in the West.
Daniel L. Richardson, now in Michigan.
Cornelius Runyan, Corporal. Now in Livonia. Martin N. Runyan, dead.
John B. Ray was wounded at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863. Now in York, Nebraska.
Alfred C. Summers, Corporal, promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant. Died in Peoria, Wyom- ing county, N. Y .; date unknown.
Rocklin Shaw, Corporal; precise whereabouts unknown.
George H. Sanger, Corporal, promoted to Ser- geant. Was wounded at Resaca, May 15, 1864, and died of his wounds July 1, 1864.
Lovette Sherwood. Corporal, wounded at Gettys- burg, July 3, 1863. Now in Nebraska.
Orman O. Sherwood, was wounded at Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864. Now in Conesus, N. Y.
Billa F. Smith, now in Boyne Falls, Charlevoix county, Mich.
Burr Summers, was wounded near Atlanta, Ga .; July 20, 1864. Now in Livonia, N. Y.
James Spees, was wounded in battle at Chat- tanooga, November 23, 1863. Whereabouts now unknown.
Ephraim E. Tiffany was transferred to Invalid Corps some time in 1863. Now in Wisconsin.
John M. Turrill, Corporal, went through all the battles with his regiment. Now in Livonia.
William H. Ward, Corporal, was wounded at battle of Kenesaw Mountain, June 28, 1864, and died of his wounds in general hospital at Jefferson- ville, Ind., August 6, 1864.
William D. Walker. Now in California.
Leman B. Withy, was wounded at Resaca, Ga., had an eye shot out. Was murdered in Avon in 1876, by William Pierson, who gave him poison.
Charles L. Peck, Sergeant, promoted to First Lieutenant, and afterward to Captain. Now in Ohio.
Norman A. Hamilton, whereabouts now un- known.
Irving D. Lindsley, supposed to have deserted from Chancellorsville in May, 1863.
Richard Youells, killed at battle of Gettysburg, July 3, 1863.
John G. Sanger, discharged for disability in November, 1862. Now in Iowa.
Alonzo A. Eddy, discharged for disability, Dec. 29, 1862. Now in Lakeville, Livonia.
Sylvester S. Summers, discharged for disability, January 12, 1863. Now in Michigan.
Chester Gould, discharged for disability, Janu- ary 19, 1863. Now in Conesus, N. Y.
James (or John) Van Valkenburg, discharged for inability, February 2, 1863.
Martin Brennan, discharged for disability, Feb- ruary 25, 1863. Now in Livonia.
377
LIVONIA-N. HARMON FOWLER.
Allen C. Wallace, discharged for disability, March 28, 1863. Now in New Mexico.
Harvey S. Gibbs, drum major, discharged under an order from War Department, January 19, 1863. Now in Michigan.
Myron W. Stoddard, died November 28, 1862, at Fairfax Court House, Va. ; buried in Livonia.
Norman J. Smith, died December 4, 1862, at Fairfax Court House, Va. ; buried at same place. James C. Van Sickle, died and buried Decem- ber 17: 1862, at Fairfax Court House, Va.
William Grills, died and buried December 27, 1862, at Fairfax Court House, Va.
Homer Britton, deserted from regiment at Por- tage Bridge, N. Y., September 28, 1862.
James W. Barnhart, deserted October 2, 1862. Charles McGary, deserted at Portage Bridge, N. Y., September 28, 1862.
Walter Jack, served to close of the war.
Edward O'Brien, now at Hamilton Station, Livonia.
This company was organized August 29, 1862, at Geneseo, and was mustered into the United States service at Portage Bridge, September 25, 1862.
Miscellaneous .- The following is a list of those who enlisted in this war at various times and in various regiments.
Nelson Peabody, 104th Regiment, New York Volunteers. Died in rebel prison.
Stephen Summers, 104th Regiment, New York Volunteers. Now in Pennsylvania.
William Jackson, 97th Regiment, New York Volunteers ; killed.
George Gibbs, 6th New York Cavalry. Sup- posed to have deserted.
William Gibbs, 6th New York Cavalry. Sup- posed to have deserted.
Martin Murphy, 22d Cavalry. Now at Livonia Centre.
Erastus E. Bailey, 22d Cavalry.
William Martin, 13th New York Volunteers. George Burdick, 13th New York Volunteers. Donald McLeod, 104th New York Volunteers. Marvin W. Lindsley, First New York Dragoons. William Meagher, 27th New York Volunteers. John Meagher, 27th New York Volunteers.
George Gilbert, 13th Regiment, New York Volunteers.
Harvey S. Stedman, 22d New York Cavalry.
Addison Masten, 22d New York Cavalry.
Charles Risdon, 13th Regiment, New York Volunteers.
Caleb Purdy, 140th New York Volunteers. Killed.
Samuel B. Coy, 22d New York Cavalry.
Reuben E. Coy, First Mounted Rifles.
Elam Masten, 6th New York Cavalry. George A. Woodruff, 8th Illinois Cavalry.
Patrick Noonan, 140th Regiment, New York Volunteers. Dead.
Orra Gilbert, 13th Regiment, New York Volun- teers.
Charles E. Murray, 13th Regiment, New York Volunteers. Now in Michigan.
John Peck, 13th Regiment, New York Volun- teers. Dead.
John Phalan, 13th Regiment, New York Volun- teers, wounded at first battle of Bull Run.
Adonijah Fellows, 13th Regiment, New York Volunteers. Killed.
John Salsich, 13th Regiment, N. Y. Volunteers.
William Runyan, 13th Regiment, New York Volunteers, afterward veteran in 14th Heavy Ar- tillery.
Isaac Mabury, 104th Regiment, New York Volunteers.
Patrick O'Brien, First New York Dragoons, killed before Richmond.
Peter Ransom, 14th Heavy Artillery.
Paris Rathbun, 22d New York Cavalry.
Dennis Carty, 22d New York Cavalry. Dead.
Isaac Clark, H. J. Trimmer, C. Stow, Jacob Gray, A. Gray, Samuel Affalter, John Peel, Geo. F. King, J. J. White, William White, Edward White, George Davis, Joseph A. Steele, George H. Brown, Michael Rourke, John Conlon, Allen R. Herrington, Patrick Collins, A. G. Milliman, Edward Bloomer, John N. Gilbert, Benjamin Gordon, Charles Hall, Isaiah Stilwell, Caleb L. Chadwick, William D. Hendershott, James Webb, Samuel C. Adams, Michael Calligan, James H. Clark, Edgar F. Thomas, William Compton, Jacob Jackson, Oscar B. Guerin, Edward VanRiper, W. W. Dennis, John B. Stilwell, Charles M. Easterly, Benjamin S. Wilkinson, J. Henry Wemmett, Geo. S. Gregg, James Steele.
-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
N. HARMON FOWLER.
The subject of this sketch is the son of Stephen and Altic (Harmon) Fowler, who in 1800 came on
378
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
to the farm now occupied by their two sons N. Harmon and Stephen B. He was married Dec. 10, 1801, in Richmond, (then Pittstown, ) and had a family of five sons and four daughters.
It was a wilderness country then, and he cleared up and brought under subjection to his sturdy will, a large farm on which he lived until his death, May 10, 1846, his wife having died March 9, 1840.
(N. HARMON FOWLER.)
N. Harmon was married to Clarissa P. Dixon, May 6, 1847. Stephen B. married for his first wife Fidelia Stedman, October 7, 1842, who died Dec. 6, 1850, having borne him two daughters. He was again married May 20, 1851, to Esther A. Stedman, by whom he had seven children, four of whom are now living. These two brothers occupy the fine tract of land that was settled by their father. N. Harmon has no children and his residence occupies a pleasant site about two miles from Hemlock Lake. He inherited the creditable characteristics of his father, and the beautiful sur- roundings of his home testify to the good taste and industry displayed by himself and estimable wife.
HENRY PEASE.
Henry Pease, the subject of this biography, was 'a descendant of Robert Pease, who was born in England, in 1630. The first account we find of him is in the court records of Salem, in the settle- ment of his father's estate, August 27, 1644. We next find historic record of the family in the Revo- lutionary war, in which John Pease bore an active part. In that war the family saw active service, and also in the war of 1812. The parents of
Henry, our subject, were Henry and Huldah T'ilden Pease, who were married in the year 1793, at Sansfield, Mass., where he was born. He moved with his father to Livonia in 1805, being then eleven years old.
On the 19th of March, 1817, he was married to l'olly Gould, by whom he had eight children, four of whom are now living. She died, and he was again married, in 1838, to Rowena Spafford.
Henry Place
Henry C., his third son, was born August 11, 1828, married Hannah B. Hoag, October 14, 1861, and died October 19, 1874.
Henry Pease was a conscientious member of the Methodist church for over fifty years. He was a farmer, carpenter, and known as a kind, generous-hearted man, who never turned his back on the poor, but always took great pains to find out their actual need and attend to their wants. He was a man of noble qualities, honored and re- spected by all who knew him; and at his death many mourned the loss to their community.
BUELL D. WOODRUFF.
Buell D. Woodruff is a grandson of Solomon Woodruff, who was the first white settler in the town of Livonia. The family is of English origin, and the first record we find of it is in Litchfield, Conn., in 1640.
Solomon Woodruff in 1789, with his ritle and knapsack on his back, came alone and on foot to Livonia, where he located on lot No. 32. Here he made a clearing and built a log house, and re- turned for his wife and son Austin, who was then
379
BUELL D. WOODRUFF-HON. LEMAN GIBBS.
three years old. With this small family and house- hold effects in an ox wagon he started for his new home in the Genesee country, the journey occupy- ing six weeks. His nearest neighbors were seven miles distant, at the foot of Honeoye lake. He was the father of five children who reached matur- ity, viz: Austin, Phillip, Jeremiah, Morris and Marina. They all married and settled in the
Photo. by Merrell, Geneseo.
(BUELL D. WOODRUFF.)
county. Austin, the father of the subject of this sketch, retained a part of the old farm settled by Solomon Woodruff, on which Buell D). now lives, and which from various purchases made by the latter now amounts to two hundred and thirty acres. Austin married Julia Smith, of New En- gland, by whom he had ten children, seven of whom are yet living, Buell D. being the youngest son. On the 15th of June, 1855, Buell D. was married to Hortensia V. Harding, of Burns, Steu- ben county, by whom he had three children : Her- bert S., Edward B. and Frank H. His wife died January 19, 1869, and February 26, 1873, he was married to Elizabeth A. Coe.
Herbert, the eldest son of Mr. Woodruff, was married to Lizzie Durkee January 18, 1879. Ed- ward B. was married to Georgie Quackenbush March 10, 1880, by whom he had one child, Em- ma, who is the fifth generation that has resided on this farm within ninety years.
Buell D. Woodruff still resides on the old farm originally settled by Solomon Woodruff, and is a man widely known and respected for his sterling qualities of head and heart. He was elected Jus- tice of the Peace by the Republican party in April, 1875, and Supervisor by the same party April 5, 1881, by 230 majority, it being the largest major- ity given to any Supervisor up to the present time.
HON. LEMAN GIBBS.
Leman Gibbs was born in Litchfield, Conn., Aug. 15, 1788. He was the son of Eldad Gibbs and Esther Riggs, who moved to what is now Li- vonia, in the year 1801. December 16, 1810, he was married to Juliana Stedman, and she having died, he was again married, May 20, 1847, to Bet-
(HON. LEMAN GIBBS.)
sey Stanley. By his first wife he had six children, five of whom are living, as follows-Emeline P., Adna S., Backus S., Leman A., and Manson F.
Mr. Gibbs was present at the burning of Buffalo in 1813, and his military career was a highly hon- orable one, he having entered the army as a fifer and coming out a Brigadier-general. He held nearly all the offices in the gift of the people of his county, from constable to Member of Assembly, having held the position of constable and deputy sheriff before Livingston county was set off, and was the first Side-judge appointed by the Governor. In the year 1854, he was elected to represent the county in the Legislature, and after serving one term was appointed Commissioner to examine pub- lic accounts. The duties of all these offices he performed in an intelligent and perfectly satisfac- tory manner and in his own town stood as a sort of common peace-maker and arbitrator. Being en- dowed with a strong mind and great good judg- ment, his aid and counsel were ever ready for those who were in need of them, and few men are com- petent to fill the position, so long, so honorably, and so honestly filled by Judge Gibbs. He had been a firm, consistent christian for many years, and let his light shine, not only by precept but by example and practice. He died in 1858 at the age of sev- enty years, and it may well be said, that in his death an honest man has left us.
380
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
JESSE BLAKE.
Jesse Blake was the son of Richard Blake, of Litchfield county, Conn., who served as a soldier during the Revolutionary war. The subject of this sketch was born in Litchfield, Conn., August 31, 1773, and was married to Sallie Luddington about 1796, whose father acted as one of Washington's body guard, by whom he had fourteen children, five of whom are now living. In 1798 he "arti- cled" for a portion of lot No. 41 in the town of
(JESSE BLAKE.)
Livonia, then known as Pittstown. He was among the first settlers in the town, coming with his family and household effects on an ox sted in the year 1800. Mr. Blake possessed great powers of endurance, was industrious to a remarkable de- gree, and was eminently fitted for the life of toil and hardships which he had undertaken. At the time of his death he owned four hundred acres of fine improved land. Of the five children now liv- ing, Bradner J. and Richard reside in Livonia, the former being prominent in the political affairs of the town and county. Mr. Blake was a member of the Methodist church, and was also much inter- ested in Masonry. He died Sept. 17th, 1859, his wife having preceded him July 14th, 1841.
RUSSEL R. JACQUES.
Russel R. Jacques, the subject of this biography, was born in the State of Vermont, February 11, 1807. His mother dying in his infancy, his father, Darius Jacques, entrusted him and his sister Caro- line-the only surviving children-to the care of an aunt, Mrs. Williams, in Chenango county, N. Y.
In 1813, he removed with them to the town of Richmond, Ontario county, where he purchased a small farm.
In 1815, Darius Jacques married the widow of Levi Van Fossen, and in the following year moved with his family to what was known as the Van- Fossen Mills.
Russel R., was then nine years old. His father, though a man of collegiate education, gave his son but the educational advantages of the common schools, the higher schools of those days being re- mote and expensive. Being naturally inclined to study he availed himself of the opportunities of the common schools, and at the age of thirteen went
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.