My Genealogy Hound

SARDIUS FRISBEE, a descendant from an old New England family, and one of the substantial, wide-awake merchants of Ellington, is a son of James and Eunice (Harris) Frisbee, and was born at DeWittville,Chautauqua county, on the twenty-fourth day of September, 1839. Subject’s father came from the State of Vermont, of which he was a native, to the county of Chautauqua, New York, when but a mere boy, being accompanied by his mother. He learned the trade of brickmaker and mason and moulded the brick for the first county buildings in Chautauqua county — the old jail and court-house. At this time he was resident at DeWittville, but shortly afterwards moved into the town of Ellery, where he engaged in farming. From Ellery he again removed to Ellington where he lived eight years; he died in 1881, at the age of seventy-one years. In the year 1853 he made a pilgrimage to California, and there pursued the business of brick-making for about a year, when he again returned to the east. On his way back, which was by steamship, via the Isthmus of Panama, he suffered the horrors of shipwreck, but was finally succored and safely landed at New York. James Frisbee was a man of great energy and force of character, somewhat set in his ways, but kindly withal. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian Church at DeWittville, and regarded as conscientious in life and conduct. His wife is still living at Ellington, in her seventieth year. James Frisbee was an ardent, hearty supporter of the Republican party.

Sardius Frisbee was brought up in Chautauqua county, on the shore of the famous lake of that name, and passed his youth in a comparatively uneventful way. He passed through the common schools and also attended the academies at Mayville and Ellington. Upon leaving the academy he taught school for two years, after which he engaged in farming for some six years, and finally, in 1869, purchased his present business stand. From this date, merchandising in its various forms has been his constant occupation. He has a fine general and miscellaneous store, embracing the largest stock of goods in the town of Ellington, which he has successfully and with profit conducted ever since his embarkation.

In 1862 Mr. Frisbee was joined in marriage to Miss Lavantia M., daughter of Horatio N. Barnes, of the town of Ellington. She died in 1872 leaving one child, Cora L., who died at the age of fifteen years. His second wife was Miss Amelia Benedict, daughter of John Benedict, of Ellington, who died in 1884, leaving two children, both sons, John B. and James H., both of whom are still living. Mr. Frisbee was married a third time, in January, 1887, to Mrs. Francelia D. Shannon (nee Hunt) of Leon, Cattaraugus county, New York. By this last union there has been no issue. Mrs. Frisbee had by her first husband a daughter, Inez E. Shannon, who is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, and at present has charge of the music department of Peddie institute, at Highstown, New Jersey.

Mr. Frisbee is a member of the Congregational church at Ellington, and in that church holds the office of treasurer. In political affairs he is an adherent of the Republican party, and held the position of postmaster for a number of years. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W., and present supervisor for the town of Ellington. Mr. Frisbee is a man of sterling worth, exemplary habits and conscientious conduct.