SHATTUCK, William 1784-1871

SHATTUCK, HART, BEARCE, ISRAEL

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 12/9/2024 at 17:56:01

The following was first published in the Randolph REGISTER, and copied by the Penn Yan CHRONICLE, in which place we believe Mr. Shattuck was an early settler. He will be remembered by the older citizens of Warren and especially Elk township, for his nobility of character and kindness to all:

Another Christian patriot gone to his rest. Wm. Shattuck, Esq., of Coldspring, Cattaraugus county and State of New York, departed this life March the 14th, 1871, in the 87th year of his age. The place of birth, Guilford, Vermont.

At the age of nine years he emigrated with his father to Seneca county, N.Y., then a new country, and after improving the means of education then at command, he studied law and was admitted to the bar, which profession he followed successfully for twelve years at Penn Yan, Yates Co., N.Y.

He volunteered as a private soldier in the war 1812, was under Gen. Harrison while in upper Canada, and for special services rendered, was brevetted quarter master of all the militia force in that quarter. He was appointed master in chancery, Captain of an artillery company, and had a Colonel's commission offered him - which he declined to accept - and at the age of thirty-seven he embraced Christianity and united with the Friend Quakers, and consequently relinquished his profession of law, military and also Free Masonry on account of conscientious scruples*.

It is proper to say in this connection, that when the schism in the church occurred - he took sides with neither party - not giving his name to either.

In 1842 he removed from Warren Co. Pa., to Randolph in Catt. Co., N.Y. It was at or about this time that the writer of this memoir became acquainted with friend Shattuck, and from that time to the time of his death we were very familiar friends.

He was a contributor to the Ellington HERALD, and other temperance and abolition papers. In 1843 he wrote and published a small volume entitled "Antidote for infidelity, superstition, sectarian bigotry, violence and oppression." He was a vigorous writer, a logical debater, and always had a ready answer to meet an question relative to any one of his propositions. He was a warm advocate of all the reforms of the present age, such as temperance, abolition, both of slavery and masonry, and various other wrongs.

He had been thrice married, and leaves a numerous family that mourn his loss, but not as those ho have no hope. He was a kind and affectionate husband and father, an obliging neighbor, and friendly to all.

And for the satisfaction of relatives we would state that he retained his mental faculties until the close of life - perfectly composed, and wished for the time to come when he would be with his Heavenly Master. His heart was stirred for justice and truth. He has in is clean record and blameless life left an example to his friends and to mankind.
COM.
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*About this time he removed to Warren Co. Pa., where he established quite a colony of Friends at Oak Hill, in Elk township, and was long and extensively engaged in land purchasers from the State and selling to Settlers over a large portion of the county of Warren and adjoining counties which is now known as the "Oil Region." Indeed he was the most energetic and successful pioneer in opening and settling that then neglected and physically forbidding region, since and now so important in its productions and resources.

~Warren Mail, Saturday, September 9, 1871; pg 3 (Warren, PA)

Notes:
-Burial is in Randolph cemetery, Cattaraugus Co., NY
-His daughter Aurilla (Shattuck) Israel & her husband John Israel were early settlers in Allamakee co. IA. William's widow, Maria (Hart) Shattuck, lived for some years with their granddaughter Maria (Israel) Bearce in Waukon. It is unknown if William Shattuck ever actually lived in Allamakee, but it is very likely that he visited family there ... perhaps for extended visits. See Military Records - War of 1812 for more information on William Shattuck.

War of 1812 records (scroll to Shattuck)
 

Allamakee Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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