USA > New York > Genesee County > History of the Genesee country (western New York) comprising the counties of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates, Volume IV > Part 59
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After finishing his work in South America Mr. Taylor returned to the States and was married in Canaseraga, in January, 1861, to Miss Cornelia Clark, a daughter of Chauncey and Harriet D. Clark. In referring to his service in the Civil war the Daily Reporter of November, 1883, wrote as follows:
"At that time the clouds of advancing rebellion were hanging dark and threaten- ing over the land, soon to burst. Mr. Taylor was a true southerner. With Alexander Stephens he believed in the right of states to secede, but deplored and even doubted
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such a policy. But the storm came, and, with his faithful bride of but a few months, Mr. Taylor went to his Virginia home, joined the fortunes of the Southern Confeder- acy, and followed them loyally to the end. The rise and fall of the tide of fate or fortune either in war or peace, could never dampen the ardor of O. P. Taylor. His energy and activity were never less in adversity or against odds than when fairer promise beckoned onward. He was brave, daring and gallant as a soldier, made up of that unyielding metal of determined resistance which so long prolonged the war against the crushing odds of superior force, and which with him in after years, in pleasanter pursuits, won for him substantial success in the arena of business. He was wounded in the first battle of Manassas and brought away memorable scars-memoirs of the sad and eventful struggle. Mr. Taylor was not disappointed at the result of the war. Better than his comrades he understood the vast resources of the north in men and means, and he accepted the situation without debate and without regret. Im- mediately after the close of the struggle in 1865 he returned to Canaseraga, New York, where for several years he engaged in the manufacture of cigars."
In 1870 Mr. Taylor established his business in Wellsville and success attended his activities as a manufacturer. He was the first to recognize the possibilities that lay in the development of the great mineral resources of Allegany county and in 1878 prevailed upon the citizens of Wellsville and the adjoining town of Alma to search for oil. As a result of his efforts the Wellsville & Alma Oil Company was formed and a test well was put down on lot 26 in the town of Alma. This was known as the Wild- cat well, the derrick being surmounted by a stuffed wildcat. Some gas and traces of oil were found but at a depth of ten hundred and fifteen feet the thin stratum of oil rock showed nothing in paying quantities. Some of the company were discouraged but Mr. Taylor never lost hope, sacrificing much in his search for the elusive oil. His next venture was the Pikeville No. 1 on lot No. 118 at Alma. The work was completed in November, 1878, but nothing of a paying nature was found, and the Wyckoff well in the winter of 1878-79 was failure number three. Finally came the Old Triangle well No. 1, which was completed in June, 1879, and proved to be a well of about five barrels daily production. This well was the turning point in Mr. Taylor's career and the short five years of his connection with oil production served to give it an impetus that has resulted in the development of an industry which in later years has brought untold wealth to the residents of this region. His life was so interlinked with the discovery of crude oil in this section that he was known as the Father of the Allegany oil field and a monument is now being erected to his memory by the oil producers of the state. Mr. Taylor died at his Pleasant street home in Wellsville, on November 17, 1883, at the age of forty-five years, and the following tribute was paid him by the late Enos W. Barnes, who was one of his warmest friends and stanchest supporters :
"The reader of today does not have to be told of the relation which Mr. Taylor bore to the rapid subsequent development of the Allegany oil field. It is as familiar as household words. To him belongs, as has been fairly admitted, the credit of the development of this fruitful field. It required just his persistent pluck and persever- ance and he triumphed where a thousand others would have failed. The faithful wife never for once forsook him. In an hour when, in the Wyckoff venture, business men and friends shook their heads and refused further aid to what they believed was worse than fruitless search, Mrs. Taylor parted with her watch, obtaining the trifling further aid necessary to prove the existence of a most promising oil sand, and which caused her husband to push on to success. Her heroic devotion in the gloomy hours of doubt and disaster won for her a name not to be forgotten, and ever to be admired and emulated.
"Mingled with the multitude of pressing business cares, Mr. Taylor could readily find time to turn aside to the relief of others, and even to give attention to public affairs. In the midst of his struggle with the fortunes and fatigues of oil develop- ments, he was elected president of the village of Wellsville, and gave close and compe- tent attention to the duties of that office. In 1881 he ran as the democratic nominee for member of the assembly. The county was heavily republican and there was no earthly hope of overcoming the majority, yet he ran four hundred and seventy-nine votes ahead of his ticket, and came out of the contest with marked credit.
"Death has drawn the curtain down upon an eventful and busy life in this instance. Mr. Taylor will be missed and mourned in a truthful and conspicuous sense. He was kind of heart, generous of impulse, true to his friends, devoted to his family, and ever ready 10 relieve distress. A genial disposition, even when the horizon of business and speculation was gloomy and full of apprehension, won for him a heartiness of respect and appreciation, which will live green in the long years to come. It seems almost impossible that. he has gone, and we know that his place
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cannot be filled. But the elements of his brain and body were literally worn out- exhausted. He forgot to stop and rest. The swift running wheels of his human machinery he failed to oil or to allow the journals to cool. He could not find the time. But at last Nature could bear the strain no longer, and in the presence of a devoted wife and children and of tried and true friends, after a lingering but not painful illness, and with his mind unimpaired to the last moment, at eight o'clock on Saturday, with the closing year, the closing week, the closing day, the wheels stopped-the light went out."
Mrs. Taylor, with the two sons, William and Charles, and the daughter, Anna, who afterward became the wife of Grant Duke, continued residents of Wellsville and the mother remained in the old home until her demise, which occurred September 15, 1913. She was born in Canaseraga, July 18, 1841, and was seventy-two years of age at the time of her death. She was a member of and earnest worker in St. John's church, of which she was a faithful attendant until illness confined her to her home. Her days were filled with unostentatious acts of charity and kindness and her many admirable traits of character made her greatly beloved.
Charles Orville Taylor was eight years old when the family settled in Wellsville and here he attended the public schools, laying aside his textbooks to assist his father in the oil fields. He acted as camp cook and worked on the first well drilled in Alle- gany county, aiding his father until the latter's death. He was working for the Stand- ard Oil Company when they constructed the first pipe line from Olean to the Atlantic coast. He became an independent producer in 1881, when nineteen years of age, and after his father's demise operated his wells in addition to his own. In 1884 Mr. Taylor became an assistant in the dental office of Dr. J. J. Wilson, under whom he gained a clear understanding of the scientific principles underlying the profession, and opened an office for the Doctor in Belmont and another in Friendship, New York, but has never engaged in practice. In 1890 Mr. Taylor purchased property in the vicinity of the first oil well drilled in the Petrolia district. He worked his leases in the Petrolia district until 1904 and then went to South America, in company with his brother, William O. Taylor. A number of local capitalists had formed the Diamond King Mining Company for the exploitation and development of the gold and diamond mines in the interior of Brazil and the two brothers had invested practically all of their funds in the undertaking. After landing at Rio de Janeiro they traveled to Curralinho via the Dom Pedro Railway, which their father had completed in 1860, and from that point made the journey on muleback to Diamantina, a distance of ninety miles. Charles O. Taylor had charge of the shipping of the machinery to the mines, which were situated one hundred and fifteen miles from a railroad, in a wild and almost inaccessible section of the country. He remained in Brazil for nine years and returned home but once during that period. In 1913 he resumed his operations in the oil fields of Allegany county, continuing active in that work until 1919, when his health became impaired and his efforts are now confined to the supervision of his oil properties, from which he receives a substantial income. An astute, farsighted business man, he quickly perceives the possibilities as well as the difficulties of a situa- tion, and in the management of his affairs displays the keen sagacity and executive ability which are characteristics of the family.
On the 6th of January, 1890, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Mabel N. Norris, a daughter of Richard and Helen Norris. Mr. Taylor is an Episcopalian in religious faith and his political support is given to the democratic party. He is an honorary member of the Oil Producers Association of New York State and belongs to the Elks Lodge in Hornell. He is a member of the Brookland Club and hunting and fishing have always been his favorite sports, although of late years he has not been permitted to enjoy these pleasures as frequently as formerly. The spirit of the father has descended to the sons, who have lived up to worthy standards, and the influence which Mr. Taylor has exerted upon his community has been of the highest order.
EDWARD RUTHERFORD. 1
In the practice of law Edward Rutherford of Belfast, Allegany county, New York, has always combined a keen interest and activity, as a republican, in the affairs of his party. Since 1907 Mr. Rutherford has been deputy clerk of the state assembly at Albany, New York, and in the intervals between legislative sessions devotes himself to his other interests. He was born June 26, 1860, in the township of Allen, Allegany county, the son of Joseph H. and Annis G. (Franklin) Rutherford. His father was
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a farmer in the township of Allen, later for seventeen years was president of the Bank of Angelica; and his grandfather, William M. Allen, was an early settler in New York state. Mr. Rutherford started his career with the advantage of an ex- cellent education, having attended the Genesee Valley Seminary at Belfast, New York, the Friendship Literary Academy at Friendship, New York, and the Albany Law School at Albany, New York, graduating from the latter institution in 1884. He began the practice of law at Angelica, New York, in partnership with A. J. Hibbard of Dansville, New York, and remained in Angelica one year, after which he went to Belmont, New York, having been appointed clerk of the surrogate court. Later on Mr. Rutherford located in Buffalo, New York, where for twelve years he was engaged in the practice of law and in the real estate business. In 1902 he moved to Belfast, where he has a good local practice in the law, and since 1907 has filled the position of deputy clerk of the assembly at the state capital. Mr. Rutherford is a member of the Allegany County Bar Association and of the New York State Bar Association. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic order and belongs to the chapter.
On February 27, 1889, Mr. Rutherford was married to Nana B. Norton of Friendship, daughter of David and Elizabeth Norton. Mrs. Rutherford is now de- ceased. One son, Edward, Jr., was born to Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford. He is now with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company in New York city; also one daughter, Jose- phine E., who is a teacher and resides in Rome, New York. Mr. Rutherford was mar- ried again on September 28, 1922, Mrs. Mae B. (Norton) White of Belfast, becoming his wife.
GEORGE ALBERT BURRIS.
George Albert Burris is classed with Elmira's leading realtors, and his life his- tory is an interesting one, indicating what may be accomplished when determination, diligence and courage lead the way. Self-reliance and independence were evident in his early youth, developing a strength of character, and a strong and vigorous man- hood, that has enabled him to cope with the problems of life, and find for them a ready and accurate solution. He was born in Iola, Kansas, April 7, 1882, the son of George and Anna Catherine (Egbert) Burris, and he is the youngest of five chil- dren, and the only son.
George Albert Burris attended school in Horseheads, New York, and at an early age began providing for his own support. He has followed several occupations, begin- ning as a young boy, in a shoe factory. Subsequently he had charge of two ware- houses on the dock in Buffalo, New York, was with the Tompkins County National Bank for six years, and afterward was employed as a bond salesman. In 1911 he embarked in the real estate business in Elmira, choosing a business well suited to his talents, and which has enjoyed a rapid growth. He now employs seven salesmen, and is a recognized leader in the line in which he specializes. He is thoroughly informed concerning property values, and displays keen sagacity in placing his investments.
Mr. Burris has two sons, George Albert, Jr., and James Swarthout, both of whom are attending the public schools. Mr. Burris is an influential member of the Elmira Real Estate Board, and was its first president. He also belongs to the National Association of Real Estate Boards, the New York State Association of Real Estate Boards, the Farm Brokers Association of New York State, the Elmira Chamber of Commerce, and the Chemung County Farm Bureau. Mr. Burris is a Mason and belongs to the Elmira Country Club and the Masonic Club. His labors have been a direct agency in the upbuilding of the city, and in winning success he has also gained the esteem and confidence of his fellowmen, for he has made the "square deal" a principle of his life, never deviating from the course dictated by conscience and good judgment.
CHARLES EDGAR WHITCOMB.
Standing on the porch of his home Charles Edgar Whitcomb, farmer, of Belvi- dere, Allegany county, New York, can see a broad expanse of acres which he calls his own and of whose productiveness he is proud. Looking over his family tree Mr. Whitcomb sees a line of distinguished ancestors that are cause for greater pride than all his acres, men who have made the Genesee country the garden spot it is today, and brought it from a state of natural wildness into one of ordered culture. Mr.
GEORGE A. BURRIS
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Whitcomb was born April 22, 1863, in Belmont, Allegany county, the son of Silas Hale and Jane V. (Pitt) Whitcomb, who were married on April 2, 1850. Mrs. Whit- comb was a daughter of William and Elizabeth Vincent Pitt, of English descent. Silas Hale Whitcomb was born April 15, 1826, in Washington county, New York, and died on November 5, 1897. The paternal grandfather of Charles Edgar Whitcomb was Jeriah Whitcomb, who had married Rhoda Norton. Jeriah Whitcomb was a lumberman and farmer in Washington county. He and his wife, with their son Silas Hale, then four years old, moved to the Genesee country about 1830 and located near Belmont, in Allegany county. Their son was educated in the common public school in Belmont, and in 1859 became identified with the Church Estate. He removed to Geneseo and became manager of the Big Tree Farm, being employed by General James Wadsworth, in 1863. Later on Silas Hale Whitcomb returned to Belmont and was employed by Richard Church, in the lumber, real estate and oil business, until 1882, when he removed to Belvidere and lived on a farm until his death. He had the repu- tation of being one of the best timbermen in western New York. Mr. Whitcomb was a member of the Masonic order, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter and commandery, was a republican in politics and a member of the Protestant Episcopal church in religion. He was the father of two sons, Eugene Pitt, who resided in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he died on August 2, 1924. He was widely known in oil and gas circles as president of the Union National Gas Corporation; and Charles Edgar.
Charles Edgar Whitcomb acquired his education in the district public schools and at Friendship Academy, and since leaving school has been a farmer near Belvi- dere. Among his other landholdings he owns his father's farm at Belvidere. Mr. Whitcomb is interested in the public affairs of his community and takes an active part in them. In 1889 he was elected justice of the peace of Belvidere and held the office until 1912. He served eight years as superintendent of highways, and in the fall of 1923 was elected supervisor. In his political views he is in accord with the repub- lican party and votes its ticket. Fraternally he is a member of Belmont Lodge, F. & A. M., in Belmont; Wellsville chapter in Wellsville; De Molay Commandery in Hor- nell, and Ismailia Temple Mystic Shrine in Buffalo. Mr. Whitcomb is a member of the Belmont Club, which is the same as a chamber of commerce, the Belmont Rod and Gun Club and the Brooklyn Club, the latter being a rod and gun club. He is greatly interested in fishing and hunting, is a deep student of local history, is proud of his lineage and has many old relics, maps, pictures, etc., that would delight the heart of any antiquarian.
Mr. Whitcomb was married on October 19, 1889, to Mary E. Crosby, daughter of Joseph Y. and Sarah Leilous Crosby of Belvidere, who were settlers near Angelica, New York, in 1830. One son has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Whitcomb, Eugene Crosby Whitcomb, born July 14, 1891, who now resides in Kane, Pennsylvania, where he is manager of a gas plant for the Manufacturers Gas Company. He married Marie Lane of Belvidere, New York, and they have one daughter, Marie Jean.
BENJAMIN SIMEON DEAN.
Benjamin Simeon Dean, one of the prominent attorneys of Jamestown, is a native of Cattaraugus county, New York, born in the village of Randolph, May 10, 1860. His father, Philo Norman Dean, was born in Lockport, New York, and his mother, whose maiden name was Rosella S. Fisher, was born in Wardsboro, Windham county, Vermont. They both came to Randolph in childhood, there grew up and were married. Philo N. Dean operated a shoe factory in Randolph for many years, and also conducted a retail store there.
The greater part of Benjamin Simeon Dean's life prior to 1897 was spent in newspaper work. He attended the district schools of Randolph until he was about twelve years old, when he entered the office of the Randolph Register to learn the printer's trade: After serving an apprenticeship of three years he went to Emlenton, Pennsylvania, and found employment with the Emlenton Register. There he rose to the position of foreman of the composing-room and later became a partner in the firm of Sampson, Kittell & Dean, publishers of the Register. In 1880 he withdrew and went to Olean, New York, as city editor of the Olean Daily Times. After a short time on that paper he changed to the Olean Daily Herald, of which he was city editor until 1884. He then returned to Randolph, where he became a member of the firm of Roberts & Dean, which purchased the Register, in the office of which he had learned his trade. For about a year he was active in the management of this newspaper, but
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in 1885 he came to Jamestown to accept the city editorship of the Daily News. Not long after this he purchased the News and conducted it until 1897, when he sold it to engage in the practice of law.
Although Mr. Dean did not enter the legal profession until he was about thirty- seven years of age, he soon acquired a high standing at the bar. This was due to his careful preparation, and his experience as a journalist brought him into touch with many fine points of the law, which fact has proved to be of great advantage to him in practice. Upon his admission to the bar in 1897 he opened an office in Jamestown, where he has built up a lucrative business, being counsel for a number of the city's leading business enterprises. Among these may be mentioned the Salisbury Axle Company and the Auto Parts Company of Peru, Indiana, in which he is a director. He has also served as corporation counsel of the city of Jamestown, and was a mem- ber of the constitutional convention of the state of New York in 1894, which made the present constitution of the state.
Mr. Dean cast his lot with the republican party upon attaining his majority and has always taken a keen interest in public and political matters. For some time he was a member of the Jamestown board of health. He is a member of the University and Saturday Night Clubs and has served as president of all.
On June 27, 1883, was solemnized the marriage of Benjamin S. Dean to Miss Emyle C. Blasdell, daughter of Richard and Laura (Cook) Blasdell of Gowanda, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Dean have one daughter-Bonny Blasdell Dean, now a teacher in the Jamestown high school. Richard Blasdell was born in Canada, but came to Gowanda, where for years he was proprietor of a hotel, and where Mrs. Dean was born.
HARRY EDWARD HUNTINGTON.
Harry Edward Huntington is well qualified by experience and ability for the responsible position of general passenger agent of the Buffalo, Rochester & Pitts- burgh Railway Company and comes of a family whose members have long been prominently identified with transportation activities in both the east and west. He was born July 23, 1869, in New Lisbon, Wisconsin, a son of George E. and Helen L. (Smith) Huntington, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of Buffalo, New York. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Huntington went to Wisconsin and the father subsequently became connected with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail- road, devoting his efforts to railroad operation until death terminated his labors. There were seven children in the family: George R., now deceased, who was president of the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railway Company, with headquar- ters in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Fred C., superintendent for the Northern Pacific Railroad; Mrs. J. W. Chamberlain of St. Paul, Minnesota; Mrs. H. P. McMaster of Jamestown, New York; Harry Edward, of this review; and Mrs. I. V. Gedney and Mrs. C. W. Sawyer, residents of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Harry Edward Huntington began his education in New Lisbon, Wisconsin, and continued his studies in Minneapolis, Minnesota, completing his high school course in that city in 1886. He attended the University of Minnesota for a time and then obtained a position with the "Soo" Line, of which his brother was later president, and worked for that road until 1899, when he entered the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Later he was connected with the Cleveland offices of the Erie Railroad Company and since 1908 has been in the service of the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh Railway Company, as general passenger agent, with main offices in Rochester. He has a detailed knowledge of the work intrusted to his care and his department functions with precision, accuracy and efficiency.
In May, 1893, Mr. Huntington was united in marriage to Miss Lillian Baker, a daughter of Dr. Findlay Baker, a prominent physician of Minneapolis. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Huntington, Lois, was born in that city. She is now the wife of E. B. Donaldson of Minneapolis, and they have a son, John, born April 1. 1920. in Boston, Massachusetts. Mrs. Huntington's death occurred on June 23, 1924. in this city. She was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal church, and took a prominent part in all church affairs. She was also an active member of the Woman's City Club. Mr. Huntington is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal church of Rochester and faithfully adheres to its teachings. He is a Mason and also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He is one of the progressive members of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce and also belongs to the Rotary. Ad. Automobile, Yacht. Washington. Rochester, Genesee Valley and Monroe Golf Clubs. Mr. Huntington possesses a genial nature and enjoys
HARRY E. HUNTINGTON
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the social amenities of life. His rise in the business world indicates that he has chosen a field well adapted to his powers, and proven ability has placed him in the important office which he now fills.
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