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C. S. Waite

C. S. Waite, who is engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 5, Windsor Township, is a prominent and influential citizen of the community, who has been honored by his fellow-townsmen with many local offices, and has been Justice of the Peace, a position which he has held for the past twelve years. He is descended from a New England family of English origin which was established in America during Colonial days . His grandfather was born in New York, and his father in Vermont in 1802. Having attained to mature years he wedded Miss Lucinda Goodenough, who was born in the Green Mountain State in 1805, and then followed farming until his death, which occurred in August, 1831, in Canada. His widow still survives him and is living in the State of her nativity. Three children were born unto this worthy couple and all yet abide - Horace is married and resides in Lamoile County, Vt., where his brother Hiram G. also makes his home. He too is married.

The youngest of the family and the one in whom the people of Fayette are especially interested is C. S. Waite, whose name heads this sketch. He was born in the Province of Quebec, Canada, in 1830, but when a young lad the family removed to Franklin County, Vt., where the days of his boyhood and youth were spent. Choosing farming as the occupation which he wished to make his life work he embarked upon that pursuit in Lamoile County. Previous to this time, however, his mother had again married, becoming the wife of David Grant, M. D., in 1835. Three children were born of that union: Mrs. Philinda Master, of Franklin County, Vt.; Ora C., who died in 1874, leaving a family; and John W., who is married and resides in Franklin County, Vt. The father died in the Green Mountain State about 1875.

In partnership with his brother Horace, Mr. Waite purchased a farm of about six hundred acres and placed three hundred and fifty acres of this amount under cultivation. Subsequently he sold to his brother and removed to Franklin County, whence he afterward went to Orleans County, Vt., where he purchased land and engaged in farming until 1867. It was during his residence in Franklin County that he was joined in wedlock with Miss Rebecca D. Chamberlin, a native of that State, who was born and reared in the county where their marriage was celebrated in 1855. Her parents are Willard and Louisa (Colton) Chamberlin, also natives of Franklin County and now residents of Caledonia County, Vt. By their union they became parents of three children, but have lost their first-born, Clara, who died in infancy; Flora L. is at home; and Lillian L. is now Mrs. Swale, of Windsor Township.

Wishing to make his home in the West Mr. Waite visited Iowa on a prospecting tour in 1869, and being well pleased with Fayette County and its future prospects purchased an improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 5, Windsor Township. The following year he removed his family to the new home and turned his attention to the cultivation of his farm, which he has since increased by an additional purchase of a forty-acre tract. He has a pleasant residence, tastefully furnished, good barns and outbuildings and many of the conveniences and improvements of the model farm. He has devoted himself assiduously to his business and with most excellent success, yet has found time to give to public duties. He supports the Republican party, and as before stated has held the office of Justice of the Peace for twelve years. He was Township Trustee, for many years has been Secretary of the School Board, a position which he yet holds, and in 1872 was appointed Postmaster of the Windsor post-office. He held that position for ten consecutive years and then resigned in favor of the present incumbent. His official duties have ever been discharged with promptness and fidelity, winning him the confidence and respect of all concerned. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Windsor, and take an active part in the work, doing what they can for its interests and contributing liberally to the cause."