Sturgess, David Wakeman
Birth
David Wakeman Sturgess was born in Delaware county, June 13, 1815, the son of George Sturgess.
Education
Occupation
David Sturgess was a farmer and carpenter, spending most of his life at his trade. In 1844 he moved to the town of Knox, where he spent his remaining days. David W. Sturgess was prominently identified with the Republican party in his town, but never an aspirant for office. He owned the farm now owned by Charles E. Sturgess, and formerly owned by his father-in-law, Nathaniel Swan.
Marriage & Children
David W. Sturgess married Melinda Swan, daughter of Nathaniel Swan. Their children were:
- Charles E. Sturgess
- Nathaniel Sturgess
- Adelia Sturgess
- Sarah Sturgess
- Isadore Sturgess
- Eugene Sturgess
Death
David Wakeman Sturgess died in March, 1867
Obituary
Additional Media
Sturgess, Charles E.. a well known landmark and patriot in the Northern army in the war of the Rebellion, was born in the town of Knox, June 17, 1846, on the farm he now owns and occupies.
George Sturgess, the grandfather of Charles E., was torn in Delaware county, N. Y., a descendant from one of four brothers who migrated from England to America in an early day. George spent his life as a farmer in Delaware county and lived to be a very aged man; he was the father of ten sons and daughters.
David, the father of Charles E. Sturgess, was born in Delaware county, June 13, 1815. He was a farmer and carpenter, spending most of his life at his trade. In 1844 he moved to the town of Knox, where he spent his remaining days. He was prominently identified with the Republican party in his town, but never an aspirant for office. He owned the farm now owned by Charles E. Sturgess, and formerly owned by his father-in-law, Nathaniel Swan. His wife was Melinda, daughter of Nathaniel Swan, and their children were Charles E., Nathaniel, Adelia, Sarah, Isadore and Eugene. He died in March, 1807, and his wife survives him and resides on the home farm with her son.
Her father, Nathaniel Swan, was a prominent man in the town of Knox, and did much toward building it up. His place of business and residence has ever been known as Swan's Corners, where he owned 600 acres of land, a hotel, store, blacksmith shop, and also a large potash factory. In stature he was of medium height and weighed about 165 pounds, but herculean in strength; he would pick up a 400 pound weight from the ground and place it in a wagon, or pick up a barrel of cider from the ground on to his knees and drink from the bunghole. He lived to be ninety-five years old and was perfectly healthy to the morning of the day of his death, which occurred in December, 1872.
Charles E. Sturgess attended the common schools and was graduated from the Knoxville Academy. He remained on the farm with his parents until July 38, 1862, when yet a lad of but sixteen years he answered his country's call for troops and enlisted in Co. K, 7th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and served three years, participating in all the battles of his regiment; the principal engagements being the battle of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania. North Anna River, Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg, being in the famous bayonet charges of the two latter battles. At the battle of Deep Bottom he was captured and confined in Libby prison one month, when he was transferred to Belle Island prison, where he endured terrible sufferings for two months, from the effects of which he has never fully recovered. After his return home he engaged in farming and teaching during the winter months; this he followed for a number of years, always making his present residence his home. In politics he is a Republican, having served two years as town clerk and elected and re-elected ten successive years to the office of justice of the peace, the last year resigning the office. He has also filled the office of school commissioner for the Third district of Albany county for three years. He is a member of Michael H. Barckley G. A. R. Post of Altamont, N. Y. December 31, 1868, he married Nancy E., daughter of John and Elizabeth (Kane) Quay, and their children are Louie, Edith, Bertha, Ada, Rosco and Lottie.
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