Biographies
from
The History of Otsego County, New York
1740-1878
D. Hamilton Hurd
Published by Everts & Fariss, Philadelphia
COMSTOCK, Jared - Butternuts
The subject of this sketch was born in New London, Conn.,
Feb. 20, 1792. He was reared upon a farm. His father, Jared
Comstock, was a representative man in his town, and held the
office of justice of the peace for many years, and was also deacon
of the Congregational church for more than thirty years. Young
Jared received such educational advantages as the common schools
afforded. When he was twenty-one years of age he decided to seek
a home further west. In the fall of 1813 he went to Sherburne,
Chenango Co., N.Y., where he was prevailed upon to teach the
village school. He had previously taught three terms in his native
town.
In April 1814, he came to Otsego County, and settled in the town
of Butternuts, where he has since resided. The first few years of
his life here were spent as clerk in Bennett's store. He then
purchased the clothing works of Nathaniel B. BENNETT, and
engaged in carding and cloth dressing. He followed this business
for twenty-seven years. Since that time he has lived a retired life,
devoting a portion of his time to agricultural pursuits.
Feb. 9, 1829, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary SHAW.
They were not blessed with children. Mr. and Mrs. Comstock
enjoyed life together for thirty-five years. She died June 24, 1864,
mourned by a large circle of friends, who had learned to love her
for her many Christian virtues, and her memory is fondly cherished
by her widowed husband. She was a member of the Congregational
church of Butternuts, and an active member of the Ladies' Sewing
society which was instituted to aid in supporting the Home of the
Friendless at New York. Mr. Comstock united with the Congregational
church in January, 1817, and has ever since taken an active interest
in the cause of his Master. He was instrumental in organizing the first
Sunday-school in Butternuts, and drafted the articles of agreement
for the same. Miss WILLIAMS and himself were the first teachers
He has been clerk of the church twenty-five years, and had done much
to foster church and educational interests. He can truly say that life
has been a success with him. He has been a constant subscriber of the
New York Evangelist since its first publication, nearly fifty years.
He has lived in his present residence since January, 1829, which
was built by himself. Mr. Comstock has been a Republican since
the organization of the party.
To such men belong the honor of our fine church edifices, the
establishment of schools, and the present state of society.--
Excerpt from History of Otsego Co., NY, opposite page 116