James Smith Dudley
Born: 21 Sep 1826 in Windham, Vermont
Died: 9 Mar 1909 in Constable, New York
James
and his sister Harriet. Probably taken when James was around 20 years old. That
would place this picture to around 1846. This daguerreotype photograph is bound
in a handsome leather case with a cover and clasp. It is the oldest family photograph
located to date. Unfortunately it is suffering from fungus growing on it, which
is characteristics of these old daguerreotypes.
James
Smith, son of Biley Dudley, was born in Windham (Vermont), Sept. 21, 1826. In
1832 when but a small boy, he removed to Franklin county, New York, and was
educated there in the public schools. He engaged in the manufacture of potato
starch, and was also a general merchant and farmer. He became one of the leading
citizens of the town of Constable, and was supervisor and assessor. He was one
of the original members of the Republican party, and in 1856 was one of the
seven men in the town who voted for John C. Fremont for president.
In religion he was a Methodist. He died March 9, 1909. He married, May 20, 1854,
Sarah Maria Hastings, born Feb. 21, 1831, died March 7, 1909, daughter of Joseph
Hastings.
Children:
1. Harvey James, follow link.
2. George K., born June 2, 1861.
3. Eva B., born July 10, 1863; married Sheridan Beebe of Constable.
4. Clara B., born Jan. 9, 1876; married LeRoy E. Buell, of Constable.
(The above information is from NORTHERN NEW YORK -- Genealogical and Family
History of Northern New York: A Record of the Achievements of Her People in
the Making of a Commonwealth and the Founding of a Nation, Volume 1, published
by the Lewis Historical Publishing Company in 1910.
The complete Dudley family history has been transcribed on the following
Web site: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~hubbard/NNY_index/dudley.html)
Photo taken around 1890. Benjamin Harmon Dudley (grandson) wrote on back of this photo in 1952 that he did not remember when his grandfather had a full beard.
(Click on pictures to view/save larger images.)
Photo taken about 1907.