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History of Tompkins, Schuyler, Chemung, Tioga 1879
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Page 315 - Jonathan Collson - Mary Tice Biography
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JONATHAN COLLSON,
son of John Collson, whose history is given elsewhere, was born in
the town of Dorset, Rutland Co., Vt., April 4, 1802. He spent his youth
at home on the farm. He was fifteen years old the spring following his
father’s removal to Pennsylvania, and aided in chopping and clearing land
until the date of his marriage, which occurred Feb. 10, 1822. He chose
for his companion, Mary, daughter of Henry Tice, of Chemung County, who
was one of the first settlers of the town of Baldwin, then Chemung. By
this union there were born eight children, viz., Elizabeth, living at home;
Jerusha, wife of Charles D. Woohouse; William; Mary, wife of Abram Shipman,
of Elmira; Susan, wife of George Woodhouse; Warren; Elmira, wife of Edmund
Woodhouse; and Jonathan. At the age of twenty our subject began life as
a farmer, purchasing 57 acres, and began clearing and improving. He built
a log house, but some five years after exchanged this property for a tract
of 57 acres one and a half miles east of Hammond’s Corners. This he has
added to until he has accumulated about 170 acres.
Mr. Collson is one of the pioneers of this town. He has been commissioner
of highways for two years, and although frequently solicited for other
positions, has declined the honors. His youngest son, Jonathan, is the
present supervisor of the town of Baldwin. Prior to Buchanan’s administration
he was a Democrat. Ever opposed to the extension of slavery, and of free-soil
proclivities, he has been a faithful exponent of Republican principles
since 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Collson have both passed their threescore and
ten, the latter having been born March 10, 1796.
