[This information is from Vol. III, pp. 1149-1151 of Hudson-Mohawk Genealogical and Family Memoirs, edited by Cuyler Reynolds (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1911). It is in the Reference collection of the Schenectady County Public Library at R 929.1 R45. Some of the formatting of the original, especially in lists of descendants, may have been altered slightly for ease of reading.]
(IV) James Pierson Argersinger, son of Philip (q. v.) and Eleanor (Pierson) Argersinger, was born in Johnstown, New York, September 22, 1834, died March 11, 1898, in Johnstown, New York. He was educated in the public schools and Johnstown Academy. After finishing his studies he took an extended tour through the west, remaining in California for four years. Returning to Johnstown, he entered into a copartnership with his brother, Philetus Pierson Argersinger, and engaged in glove manufacture. The firm was widely known in the glove trade, and continues in successful operation to the present day. In 1890 James P. withdrew and retired from active business life. He was connected with many of Johnstown's private and public business concerns, and no man did more to develop and forward the best interests of the city. He was one of the organizers, a member of the first board of directors, and later vice-president of the People's Bank, vice-president of the Fonda, Johnstown and Gloversville railroad, director of the Johnstown Electric Light and Power Company, trustee of Johnstown Cemetery Association, and financially interested in a number of manufacturing companies. He did not neglect his duties as a citizen, but was always an active worker in the Republican party, and for many years chairman of the county committee of that party. He was elected treasurer of Fulton county, and served for a number of years. He steadfastly refused other public office, and repeatedly declined the nomination for congress from his district, although so popular and highly esteemed was he both within and without his party that election was certain. But public life had no enticement for him — his business and his home filled all the needs of his quiet, modest nature. He was a lifelong member of the congregation of the Presbyterian church, which he served as trustee. Hewas a member of the Masonic order, belonging to St. Patrick Lodge, No. 4, Johnstown Chapter, No. 78, and Johnstown Council, No. 57, and Holy Cross Commandery, No. 51, of Gloversville. His social club was the Lotus. His life was a busy, useful one, and his death greatly regretted by all. He married (first) Asenath Matthews; (second) November 30, 1875, at Johnstown, Margaret Stewart, born November 3, 1852, daughter of Judge John Stewart, of Johnstown (see Stewart). Children:
- John Stewart, born September 8, 1876, died September 2, 1897.
- James Pierson (2), November 24, 1878.
- Katherine Stewart, March 21, 1881; married, January 30, 1907, McIntyre (2) Frazier, son of Judge McIntyre (1) Frazier, of Johnstown; they have one child,
- McIntyre Frazier (3), born January 29, 1909.
- Isabelle Judson, November 7, 1883; married, June 30, 1909, Raymond S. Scovil, D. D. S.
- Eleanor Pierson, January 12, 1889.
(The Stewart Line)
The Stewarts are of Norman blood. A gentleman by name Alan, a Norman, accompanied William the Conqueror into England, and obtained by his gift the lands and castle of Oswestry in Stropshire, with the title of Lord Oswestry. His eldest son William became the ancestor of the Earls of Arundel. His second son went to Scotland and became prominent in the service of King David, first, and had large possessions conferred on him by that monarch, including the Barony of Renfrew, together with the office of lord high steward of Scotland. The stewardship became hereditary in the family, and was assumed by his descendants as a surname with the single change of the final letter. Mary Queen of Scots, who was educated in France, wrote her name in French "Stuart," and is responsible for the orthography "Stuart," which originally was Steward and Stewart. This is the origin of the name Stewart, in all its various forms.
Mrs. Margaret (Stewart) Argersinger is a granddaughter of James Stewart, born in Perthshire, Scotland, came to the United States in 1795. He married, in Scotland, Margaret McFarlan. They resided in the towns of Mayfield and Perth, Fulton county, New York, and are buried in the old Perth cemetery. They had four children: Isabella, Margaret, Archibald and John.
John, youngest son of James Stewart, was born in Mayfield, Fulton county, New York, October 30, 1820, died in Johnstown, New York, November 20, 1882. He was educated in the public schools, and developing a taste for learning was permitted to continue his studies at Kingsboro Academy. He now decided upon the profession of law, and at the age of twenty-three, having finished his preparatory study, was admitted to the office of Clark S. Gunnell, of Northampton, where he studied law, and in winter taught school until 1850, when he was admitted to the Fulton county bar. He was at this time an active Democrat, and in 1851 was elected to the state legislature, serving one term. He opened an office in Johnstown for the practice of law, and in 1855 was chosen county judge and surrogate of Fulton county, remaining in that office sixteen years, when he resigned and resumed the practice of his profession in Johnstown. He continued in successful practice until his death. He was a careful, conscientious lawyer, devoted to his clients' interests, and held the position of counsellor and adviser for families in all their ordinary legal affairs, and settled more estates than any lawyer since Daniel Cady. As a jurist he was eminently fair and impartial. His conduct of the surrogate's office was such that he was given repeated re-elections so long as he would accept the office. He was learned in the law and skillful in its application. As a citizen he was loyal and upright, while as a friend he was ever true and steadfast. In 1856 Judge Stewart surrendered his allegiance to the Democratic party, and transferred his support to the new and vigorous young organization that embodied principles that the judge found more in accord with his own views on the slavery question. Henceforth he always acted with the Republican party. This sundering of party ties did not affect his standing or popularity. His old friends stood by him, and at one time he was strongly pressed as a candidate for justice of the supreme court. He frequently declined nominations to congress. When the First National Bank of Johnstown was organized in 1879, he was elected the first president, and continued in that position until his death. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and gave it his loyal support. He was a member of the Masonic order of Johnstown, and of various social organizations.
He married at the "Hall" in Johnstown, February 1, 1848, Catherine Wells, born March 20, 1825, died August 15, 1900, daughter of Eleazer Wells, of Johnstown, a pioneer resident and prominent citizen, and a son of John Wells, of Connecticut. He long owned and operated a grist mill there, and was the owner of a great deal of real estate, including Johnson Hall, the historic seat of Sir William Johnson. He married Amy Akin; and had fourteen children. Children of Judge John and Catherine (Wells) Stewart:
- Catherine, born September 17, 1849, died May 16, 1867; married, December 5, 1866, Henry B. Levingston.
- Margaret, November 3, 1852; married James Pierson Argersinger, November 30, 1875 (see Argersinger IV). She survives her husband, and is a resident of Johnstown. She is a member of the Presbyterian church.
- James, August 29, 1858; married Emmaroy Bradley, of Little Falls, New York.
- Isabelle, May 26, 1863; married, September 19, 1882, John B. Judson; children:
- Margaret Stewart, born August 2, 1883; married, June 20, 1907, Boyd G. Curts, and has
- Isabel Catherine Curts, born February 27, 1910;
- John B. (2), born May 10, 1893.
- Margaret Stewart, born August 2, 1883; married, June 20, 1907, Boyd G. Curts, and has