USA > New York > Genesee County > Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Genesee County, New York, v. 2 > Part 18
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Covert, James H., was born in Albany, December 18, 1824, a son of Stephen and Sarah Doris Covert. His father came to Le Roy about 1-32, where he followed his trade as a morocco and tanner finisher. He was one of the prominent men in the Presbyterian church and acted for a while as agent for the Genesee County Mutual Insurance Co .; he died in 1-77. James H. Covert was educated in Le Roy and en- tered the mercantile business as clerk in 1842, with Champion Brothers, In 1854 he established his business in Corfu, and in 1860 came to East Pembrobe, where be has been for over thirty eight years. In 1858 Mr. Covert married Mary J., daughter of Col. John Webb; they have one daughter, Ilarnet Grace. Mr. Covert has enjoyed a successful business career and is thoroughly respected in the community where he has long resided.
Gillett, Jerome, was born in Byron, September 2, 1933, a son of Moses Gillett of Byron. Mr. Gillett marrie'l Harrie M . adopted daughter of Abiel Gardner, and they had three sons: Cleveland M., William H. and Clayton R. Mr. Gillett was one of the representative men of his town, and his death, which occurred May 13, 1898, was a loss to his family and all who knew him. He was conservative in char- acter and of sterling integrity. For many years he was proprietor of the hotel at South Byron.
Martin, John S . p.o. Indian Falls, N. Y., was born in Oakfield, Genesee county. N. Y., April 9, 1844 His parents moved to New-tead, Erie county, when he was a boy and he was e licated in the district schools and Lockport High School, and is now following the occupation of farming. October 4. 18is, he married Alzina Rob- erts of Newstead ; they have three children. Laura .1., William E. and John S., jr. Laura A. married Witham Clark of Pembroke, N. Y., and their children are Howard, Ernest and Ora M Wilham E. married Mary Smith of Pembroke. Mr. Martin's father, John Martis, was born in the year 1811, educated in the district schools, and married Laura A Whitey. They had five children. George E., John S., Hiram N., Wallace S. and Mary C Mr. Martin died December 23, 1985, and his widow. Survives at this date, 190. Mis Martin's father, Julius O. Roberts, was born in Nowstead, Erie county, N. Y, in 1>19, received his education in the district schools
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and was a farmer by occupation. He married Polly Avery; they had five children : Azom, Alzina, Alfred, Alice A. and Almira A. Mr. Roberts died September 2, 1862. and his widow February 2, 18-4. Mr. Martin's grandfather was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Martin in his political choice is a silver Democrat. Ancestry of family is Irish, English, Welsh and Scotch.
Porter, George A., p. o. Corfu, N. Y., was born at Holley, N. Y., April 22, 1825. His parents moved to Rochester, N. Y., when he was a boy, where he attended the publie schools and Rochester Collegiate Institute. Ile was a newsboy and sold the Rochester Advertiser, the first daily paper printed in Rochester: he was also an as- sistant to the eity surveyor. He became a railway man, first as fireman, and was promoted to various positions until he became freight receiver on what is now known as the N. Y. C. & H. R. R. R Co. at Rochester. In 155 F be came to Corfu and pur- chased an interest in a general store in company with his brother, Henry P., forming the firm of Porter Bros., which continued until 1842, when he purchased his brother's interest and conducted it on his own a count up to 1886. W. H. Taylor was then taken as partner and the business was conducted by George A. Porter & Co., until 1993, at which time they sold to H. A. Maynard. Mr. Porter now lives a retired life. Io 1857 he married Catherine A Broek of Middletown, O ; they had four children: George B., who was drowned in the Mama River in 1880; Kate M., who died in 1981; Sarah R., who resides at home; and Bertha J., who married Robert R. Rowley of Attica, N. Y., and has two daughters, Catherine aud Hilda. Mr. Porter's father, George A. Porter, was born at Sag Harbor, L. I., about the year 1794, and was educated by his father, who was a school teacher. He was a carpen- ter and eoutractor by occupation, he married Sarah E. Warren of Columbia county. N. Y., and nine children were born to them, five of whom grew to maturity: Henry P., Delia M., George A., Warien S. and Sobeskie T. Mr. Porter died in January. 1953, and his widow in 1877. Mrs. Porter's father, Jacob Brock, was born in Swit- zerland and came to this country when a boy ; he married Catherine King, and they had fourteen children ; both parents are dead Mr. Porter in his political choice is a Democrat.
Griswold, William, p. o. Le Roy, N. Y., was born in the town of Le Roy, October 30, 1819. His father, Julius Griswold, was a native of Connecticut, and came to Le Roy in 1813. 11e was a shoemaker ; afterward a farmer. He married Laura Thwing. His death occurred June 23, 1830. Wilham Griswold was educated in the common schools and has always been a farmer; he served as highway commissioner for six years. Mr. Griswold married Lucinda Bannister, and their children were Mary E., Francis M. and Thankful. Mrs. Griswold died in 1539, and Mr. Griswold then mar- ried Frances, daughter of Henry Il Hull; they have four children: Antoinette J., Paul W., Blanche and Grace. Mr. Griswold is one of Le Roy's progressive farmers, an intelligent, public spirited citizen He is of kind and amiable disposition and enjoys the universal respect of the community where he has so long resided.
Brodie, Mrs. John, p. o. Fort Hill, N. Y .- John I. Brodie was born in Scotland. and came to Genesee county about 1947, where he engaged in farming. He married
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
Helen, daughter of John Robertson, a native of Scotland, and they were the parents of Helen, Frances, Thomas, John, who died in July, 1998; Josephine, Jennie, and David, all three dead. Mr. Brodie died in May, 1894. Mr. Brodie was one of the rep- resentative farmers of Le Roy, a good citizen and a fine specimen of the Scotch race. He always took an active interest in the affairs of the town.
Wolcott, Albert W., p. o. Le Roy, N. Y., was born in Oakfield, N. Y., May 3, 1847. His father, William Wolcott, was a native of Oakfield and was a farmer. William Wolcott was supervisor of the town for fifteen years and president of the board of trustees of Cary Seminary. He married Elmira Whitney, and died in 1880. Albert W. Wolcott was educated in Cary Seminary and since leaving school has been a farmer. He served as assessor for three years. He married Lillian G., daughter of Watson Benham; they have three children: Ruth L., Alice A. and William A. Mr. Wolcott is a successful farmer. He is a good citizen and has always taken an active interest in church and school matters.
Wells, Schuyler C., was born in Poultney, Vt., February 6, 1840. His early life was spent upon his father's farm and at the age of fifteen he assumed its manage- ment. At the same time he pursued his studies at Troy Conference Academy, lo- cated in his native town, where he received a thorough business education. In his early days Mr. Wells displayed a natural fondness for drugs and medicines, and in 1866 came to Le Roy, where a copartnership was formed with his brother-in-law, Dr. S. L Hooker, under the firm name of Hooker & Wells. They purchased Medical Hall and conducted an extensive drug business for three years, when the partner- ship was dissolved. During that time he applied himself to the study of medicine and gave special attention to observing the effects certain formule had on the human system. About this time Mr. Wells obtained a patent on a pail ear and an eave- trough ; to manufacture these he sold his interest in the drug business and formed a copartnership with James P. Kneeland. He afterwards sold his interest in the firm and again entered the drug trade, devoting himself to the perfection of his formula. which he soon put on the market under the name of " Shiloh's Family Remedies." This was in 1871, and in 1963 he sold his drug business to F. T. Wilcox aud devoted his entire time to the introduction of his remedies, soon becoming one of the most extensive manufacturers of proprietary medicines in the United States and Canada. In 1877, to accommodate his growing business, Mr. Wells erected a four-story brick building on Church street, and in 1892 was obliged to erect an addition, doubling the eapacity of the plant. The same year he sold a one-third interest to his brother, the late George H. Wells, the business being conducted by S. C. Wells & Co. ; this arrangement continued until 1992, when the copartnership was dissolved by mutual consent, George II. Wells retiring. Shortly after the sad death of Mr. Wells's brother, he announced his determination to arrange his affairs in such a way that his family would be protected in case anything should happen to him. With him the conception of an idea was closely followed by its materialization. To accomplish his purpose, in February, 1897, he organized a stock company, the principal stockholders being his own family; his widow is now president of the company. In 1850 Mr. Wells purchased " Dreamland," comprising 180 acres on East Main street, and after erecting one of the han Isomest residences in town, built one of the largest stock
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barns in the United States, together with a fast half-mile track and a covered eighth- mile track. Ileorganized the New York State Trotting Horse Breeders' Association and was its first president, Mr. Wells was one of the original incorporators of the Le Roy Salt Co., but sold his interests in ISS9. He was also one of the trustees of Ingham University. He was a trustee of the M. E. church, and when the new church edifice was erected he was made chairman of the building committee. To overseeing the construction of the building he devoted much time, and it is due largely to his energy and enterprise that the project terminated successfully. Mr. Wells was nat- urally of a genial temperament. He was disposed to make friends with all of his acquaintances and always sought to have his friendship for others reciprocated. In September, 1865, Mr. Wells married Anna E. Hooker, daughter of S. P. Hooker, president of the bank at Poultney. Vt., and a leading manufacturer; they had three children: Mrs. M. J. Root of Buffalo, Anna H. Wells and S. Carl Wells. Mr. Wells died July 21, 1898. Pohtically be was always a Republican.
Lawrence, Edwin L., p. o. Lehigh. N. Y., was born in Erie county, N. Y., August 3, 1831, and came to live with his foster father, Benjamin Lawrence, on the home- stead when six years old. Mr. Lawrence had the name of the boy changed from Cady to Lawrence by the Legislature. He was educated in the district schools and has always followed farming and is now living a retired farmer He has married twice: first, to Abigy. !! Hoyt of Batavia; they had three children. Carrie E., Morris B. and Frederick E. Carrie married Frank Day; they have three sons: William, Edwin and James. Morr.s B. married Nancy Booth of this locality, and is the farmer at home. Frederick E. resides at home. Mrs Lawrence died in 1968, and in 1870 Mr. Lawrence marred Eliza Reed, who bore him eight children Emma. Edna. Hettie, Jennie, Decuis Berty, Lee and Fay. Emma married Benjamin Ward of Pembroke; they have three children: Clarence, Howard and Gladdis. Edna married Walter Prince. Dennis married Martha A. Francis. Mr. Lawrence's
father, Morris W. Cady, was born in Windsor, Vt., May 6, 1782; he married twice ; first. to Elizabeth Thomas of his native place; they had four children. Helen M .. George W .. Edwin L. and Oscar T. M.s. Cady died in 1-37, and for his second wife he married M-s Tenny; they have one daughter. Marette. Mr. Lawrence in his political choice is a sound Jackson Democrat. Ella P. Vosberry was the name of his second wife before ber adoption. Ancestry of children by first marriage Eng- hsh and German: the children of second marriage English and Dutch.
Samson, John P., manager the Le Roy salt works, was born in Le Roy, February 24, 1861, a son of Russel L., who came to Genesee county in 1822 from Vermont, where he was born in 1-17. He came with his father, Caleb Samson, who was a cooper and carried on business here for a number of years. Russel was apprentice 1 to the jeweler's trade with H N Stanley, and at the end of his apprenticeship bought out his employer and conducted the business till his death, which decurred October 15. 1876. He was captain in the State militia for a number of years and hisconimis- sion, which is signed by Gov. Walham II. Seward, is now in the possession of John P. Samson: he also has the apprenticeship papers which required him not to - play cards, gamble, or use his employer's money; not to frequent taveras or any other
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
places of public resort, nor otherwise absent himself day or night from his master's service without his leave." He received $30 for the first year and $5 additional for each succeeding year for five years. After serving the term he received a certificate of good moral character and a man capable of taking charge of business, He was a captain in the 195th Reg. of Infantry, with rank from July 10, 1839, signed by Will- iam H. Seward, and was honorably discharged March 11, 1843. The family came from England in 1629; Caleb Samsou, the grandfather, was born January 19, 1792, married Fannie Raze May 2, 1814, and came to Le Roy in 1822; died in Ypsilanti, Mich., December 10. 1522. John P. Samson was educated in Le Roy Academie In- stitute, and upon the death of his father left school and assisted in conducting his father's jewelry store till 1-55, when he entered The Le Roy Salt Co.'s office as book- keeper. On the death of A E. Miller, on August 28, 1992. he was made manager of the concern, which position he has since held. This is one of the largest concerns of its kind in the east, averaging 125 employees, with a plant of a capacity of 1,500 barrels per day, with eleven wells. The salt is shipped all over the continent. Mr. Samson is a man well fitted for his responsible position and under his management the business is yearly increasing. He is a director in the Citizens' Bank; a director in the Le Roy Power and Milling Company and Hydraulic Electric Company. He is senior warden in Olive Branch Lodge No. 39. F. & A. M., an active member and director in Oatka Hore Company, and a member and trustee of the Presbyterian church. In 1991 he married Mary L. Olmsted of Le Roy; they had three children: Paul, Henry and Mary. Mrs. Samson died May 21, 1896.
Briggs, William J., was born in Fort Wayne, Ind., November 5, 1840. His father, John Briggs, was a native of Rensselaer county and came to Genesee county with his parents, William and Christiana ( McGowan) Briggs, in 1826. John Briggs mar- ried Mary Cornelia Burnham William J. Briggs was educated in Batavia. He married Susie, daughter of William Il. Davis; they have four children. George A., William D., John R. and Atta Laura. Mr. Briggs is one of the practical and suc- cessful farmers of his town, taking an active interest in school and church matters, and he is recognized as a man of good character and sound judgment.
Ball, Frank W., was born in Le Roy, November 7, 1862, a son of Samuel A. and Falla (Sherman) Ball. The family are of English descent; John Ball settling in Watertown, Mass., in 1630, later moving to Concord, and the Ball family of New England are descendants from this family. About 1,500 persons came over at the same time. His son John was killed in King Philip's war, September 10, 1675. Joseph Ball was chosen hog constable of Worcester, Mass., in 1765, when fifteen years old, also in 1737; tithingman in 1775, and 1780; surveyor of highways and col- lector of taxes in 1780-41; deer reeve in 17%1; and received one vote for heutenant- governor at a meeting of the freeholders and inhabitants of Worcester, Mass., in 1750. There were but fifty-three votes cast. He was on the muster roll of a company of minute and militia men, which marched from Worcester to Cambridge on the alarm of April 19, 1775. John Adams, another ancestor, made the first purchase of land in Ontario county, N. Y , consisting of 1,200 acres; they were among the very first set- tlers of that county. The grandfather, Isaac Ball, was a farmer and an early settler
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in Ontario county, in 1796. Samuel A. Ball, his son, came to Genesee county from Adams Basin in 1952, and settled in Le Roy. He was a painter by trade, which he worked at during the summer and in a saw mill in the winter; this he followed up till about 1862, when he went to work for A. T. Drake, grocer, as clerk, and worked his way along, saving his earnings and in 1871 formed a partnership with C. H. Briscoe, the firm being Ball & Briscoe, which continued until 1873, in Churchville, Monroe county. Mr. Ball sold out his interest and returned to Le Roy and opened a store of his own, which he continued successfully until his death, which occurred on December 9, 1557. He was a valued citizen and a good business man. His widow survives, with three children. Jennie M., Frank W. and Charles H. Frank W. was educated in the district schools and Le Roy Academic Institute and in 1876 entered his father's store; since his father's death the business has been carried on under the estate, with Frank W. as manager, who is a thorough business man and has one of the best stocked stores in the village, with a fine trade. Ile is now sery- ing his second term as trustee of the village and has been justice of the peace for four years. He is treasurer and trustee of the Presbyterian church ; treasurer and trustee of Le Roy Chemical and Hose Co. for eight years; treasurer Firemien's Benevolent Association five years, treasurer of the Republican Club three years ; secretary of the E. K. O. R. nine years; commander of the K. O. T. M two years, and is identified with other societies of Le Roy. He is a member of the 1. O. O. F. 1n 1895 Mr. Ball married Mary R Gillett; they have two children: Helen G. and Mary E.
Lay, John F., was born in Batavia, May 1, 1822. His father, George W. Lay. was a native of Catskill. N. Y., aud was graduated from Hamilton College in 1817. He came to Batavia and stu hed law with Phineas L. Tracy, and was admitted to the bar in 1820. He married Olive, daughter of John Foote in 1821; in 1822 was appointed captain of the ffith Cavalry by Governor Clinton; in 1-23 judge advocate by Governor Yates of the 4th Brigade of Cavahy ; was county treasurer from 1825 to 1831; member of congress 1832-36; in 1810 elected from Genesee county to the State Legislature and appointed chairman of the Canal Committee; and appointed U. S. chargé d'affaires to the Court of Norway and Sweden in 1842-15; he died in 1860 in his sixty-third year. John F. Lay was graduated from Vale College in ISH and admitted to the bar in 1814. He was a trustee of Union School in 18;1-80, was one of its building committee and acted as superintendent of its construction for two years. He is vice-president of the Batavia Cemetery Association and president of the Drainage Commission of Batavia. He has always been interested in the growth and progress of his town, and his satisfactory performance of public duties, his use- fulness and uprightness of character, have won for him the respect and confi lence of his fellow townsmen.
Johnson, Uri, was born in Elba, December 11, 1832, a son of Tracy ard Lois (Baker) Johnson. He was educated in the district schools and in 1-01 married Isabelle, daughter of Mr. MeCarroll ; they have four children. Tracy, George, Stephen and Frances. Mr. Johnson is a farmer ; in 1872 he purchased a part of the Dunham track, and has made farming a success. Ile has served as highway commissioner four years. He is an energetic and public spirited man with wide acquaintance.
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Schlenker, Jacob, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, February 25, 1838, and came to the United States in 1852, settling in Orangeville, Wyoming county, N. Y. In 1858 he came to Dutavia and in 1864 entered the employ of R. O. Holden & Son, remaining with them until October 10, 1897. In that year he established his present business and at the present time is one of the leading merchants of Batavia. In 1880 Mr. Schlenker married Carrie Kirchgraber; they have four children: Charles, Anna, Clara and May. Mr. Schlenker is one of the self-made men of Genesee county, and by active interest in the well-being and progress of his adopted town, an upright life and worthy deeds, has merited and received the respect of his acquaintances.
Cleveland, John. p. o. East Pembroke. N. Y., was bora in Le Roy, Genesee county, N. Y., October 16, 1835, educated in the public schools and has always been a farmer. He came to Pembroke with his parents in 1956, and married, on November 19. 1999. Mrs. Harriet Waterman of East Pembroke: they had two daughters: Jeunie M. and Emma M. Jennie M. married, in June, 1844, Charies F. Hickox of Alexander, N. Y., who is a farmer and produce merchant, they have three children John C., Grace M. and Mary V. Emma MI. resides at home. Mrs. Cleveland had two chil- dren by her first busband. Charles, who is a resident of Pembroke, and Laura, who resides with her father. Mrs. Cleveland died in January, 1880. In March, 1891. Mr. Cleveland married Roxena Rogers. Mr. Cleveland's father, Simon D. Cleve- land, was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., in 1809, and at the age of three years removed with his parents to Le Roy, where he was educated in the district schools and followed the occupation of farming. In 1933 he married Jane Youngs of Le Roy : they had three children Mary A , who died at the age of twelve; John, and Will- iam, who resides in Nebraska. MIrs. Cleveland died in 1863, and Mr. Cleveland in 1959. John Cleveland has been justice of the peace three terms of four years each : in his political choice he is a sound Republican. The family attend the Presbyterian church and ancestry of family is English and Dutch of New England origin.
Standish, Mrs. Mary E., p. o. Corfu, N. Y .- The late Asher Lane, father of Mrs. Standish, was born in Steuben county, N. Y., in the year 1812, educated in the schools of his day and carried on the harness and saddle business many years. June 16. 1833, he married Hannah Scott, who was born in Schoharie county, N. Y. ; they had three children: Cornelius, who died in infancy; Nellie L., now MIrs. MeDonald of Corfu; and Mary E., who was born in Montgomery county N. Y. Mary E. married three times; first to Peter Ormerod, who was born in England, and died in April. 1815; second. in Isi7, to Jonas Banton of Pembroke, formerly of Madison county, N. Y., who died May 15, 1991; and third, on November 26, 1495, to George K. Stan- dish, of North Java, Wyoming county, N. Y. Mrs. Standish's material grand- father, Robert Scott. was born in Fishkill, N. Y., June 24, 1769, educated in the schools of that day and was a farmer in Sharon, N. Y. He married Mary Grantier; they had ten chibiren John, Mary, Elizabeth, James, Hannah, Henry, Cornelia, Phoebe, Zachariah an 1 Lychia Mr Scott died May 15, 1851, and his widow July 5, 1856. This family - descended from King William III of England. King William III was the father of Anneke Jans, who settled in New York on a farm on which the
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wealthiest part of the city is built; Trinity church and some of the most costly buildings are on it. The land is leased and cannot be sold, as Anneke Jans willed it to her heirs forever. Robert Scott's mother was Hannah Van Tassel before she married, and she was great great-granddaughter of Auneke Jans. Mary E Stan- dish is the seventh generation from King William.
Lake, Charles B., p. o. Pembroke, N. Y., was born in Saratoga county, N. Y., October 25, 1532, educated in the common schools and moved with his parents to Wyoming county and later to Darien, Genesee county, in the spring of 1845, and to Pembroke in 1949. Mr. Lake conducted a saw mill on his father's farm for ten years and is now one of the town's thorough farmers; the homestead which he now owns was bought by his father in 1450. January 1. 1862, Mr. Lake married Martha A. Redman of Pembroke, and through her efficient help aud his industry, integrity and sobriety, they made a fine property. Mr. Lake's father, Godfrey Lake, was born in Rhode Island, January 30, 1799, educated in the schools of his day, and was a millwright by trade, and also was a farmer. He married Maria Angle of Saratoga county. N. Y. ; they had five children. Emeline, fra A., Charles B., Sidney A , and Harriet M. He died November 4, 1872, and his wife August 3, 1952. Mrs. Lake's father. David A. Relman, was born November 17, 1799, and was educated in the district schools He married Martha Barrill, a descendant of Lord Burrill of Wales, England; they had thirteen children, Mrs. Lake being the fifth child. Mr. Redman died March 23, 1873. and his wife May 9, 1869. Mr. Lake has been chairman of the Republican Committee, and is a sound Republican.
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