George Henry Countryman

"HENRY AND ELIZABETH COUNTRYMAN.

Henry Countryman was born in the town of Danube, Herkimer Co., N.Y., Mar 7, 1797. He was the third child and first son in the family of George and Rahena Countryman, which consisted of four boys and seven girls. The Countryman family have always been firm believers in the adage, "The rolling stone gathers no moss," and two generations had lived and died in Herkimer previous to the time our subject came to Jefferson County, -- in 1823, George and Rahena were noble specimens of "ye olde folke," and the first and last lessons taught their children were honesty, economy, and integrity. Rahena was sister of the Hon. Robt. Spraker, who was at one time president of the New York Central railroad. Henry remained a member of his father's family, contributing his earnings to its maintenance, until May, 1823, when he came to Jefferson County, in the mean time receiving a limited common-school education, and learning the trade of carriage-making, which he followed during his entire life. He came to this county in indigent circumstances, being compelled to borrow cooking utensils for th use of his family. He purchased one and three-fourths acres of land at Pamelia Four Corners, where he first located; and from this small beginning, by industry, energy, and careful, judicious management, he was able to give his children the advantages denied himself, and amassed a large property, --being the possessor, at his death, of 600 acres of land. He was not only a successful business man, but a kind father, an indulgent husband, and highly esteemed by all who knew him. He died, June 16, 1875, of asthma.

On Oct. 19, 1819, Mr. Countryman was united in marriage to Elizabeth Walrath, of his native town. Mrs. Countryman was an excellent helpmeet, devotedly attached to her husband and children, and was all that is expressed in the terms amiable and intelligent. She passed to a higher existence, deeply lamented. Mr. and Mrs. Countryman were blessed with a family of five boys and four girls, who were early taught the same lessons which had so largely contributed to their parents' success in life, and which has done much towards giving the chidren the honorable positions they enjoy in business and society. Alexander, the eldest, was born in Herkimer county, July 9, 1820, and came to this county with his parents when three years of age. He has always resided at Pamelia Four Corners. He is associated with his brother, Geo. H. in the business of carriage-making, and is also one of the prominent farmers of the town. He married Miss Catherine Smith, daughter of Selah and Catherine Smith, one of the old families of Pamelia. He has three children. Catherine was born March 22, 1823, is the wife of Samuel Zuller, of Pamelia; Geo. H. was born Jan. 1, 1826, and is connected with his brother, Alexander, in the business of carriage-making, and like him, is also a large and successful farmer. He is the present supervisor of the town. He married Louisa, daughter of Ansel and Betsey Mills, who were amonth the first settlers of the town. She died in 1858, and he married Miss Olive Eddy. Louisa was born Nov. 13, 1829, and is the wife of Abram Zuller, a prominent farmer of St. Lawrence county. Ludentia was born Sept. 22, 1831. Lucy E. was born Aug. 21, 1831, and is the wife of Joseph Baum, a prominent merchant of Potsdam, N.Y. Amos B. was born April 3, 1838, and is in company with his brother-in-law, Joseph Baum. Wilson H. was born Aug. 15, 1840, and is one of the wide-awake farmers of the town. Oscar was born Sept. 7, 1843, - deceased. Thus concludes the history and genealogy of one of the old and respectable families of the town of Pamelia; and from such sources the people of today are indebted for what is of worth in the early history of this county." (p. 468)