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Boston: Biographical Review Pub. Co., 1894
Page 18
JOEL ALLIS, a prosperous and well-known farmer residing on his one-hundred-and-thirty-acre farm in the town of Lenox, where he was born in 1851, is a son of Vinal Allis, who was born within half a mile of this place, April 16, 1816. The father of Vinal was Joel Allis, a native of New England, born February 12, 1769. He married Sarah Lee, of Massachusetts, and they became the parents of eleven children, -- six daughters and five sons, -- of whom Vinal was the youngest. Their names and dates of birth are as follows: Electa, born December 29, 1797; Polly, January 9, 1799; Sarah, September 9, 1800; Milton, November 18, 1802; Asa, January 8, 1805; Sophia, November 25, 1806; EMily, September 25, 1808; Bertha, February 10, 1811; Eber, November 25, 1812; Russel, December 22, 1814; and Vinal, the father of our subject. The mother of these children died November 28, 1820; and the father was again married, and died about 1851 near Rochester, at the home of his son, Asa. He was a farmer by occupation and a quaker in religion, and, although of moderate means, leaving but a small estate at his death, was a man universally honored and respected for the excellence of his character.
Vinal Allis was brought up on the farm, and at the age of thirty-one was united in marriage to Maryette Lee, who was born in this place June 30, 1815. The marriage took place on the 20th of May, 1847, on our subject's present farm, where they lived the remainder of their lives. They reared three children, namely: Joel, of whom we write; Josephine, wife of Edward Farr, a hardware merchant of Canastota; and Emma, wife of Martin Fancher, a farmer of this town. Vinal Allis died June 8, 1865, his wife surviving him ten years, and dying may 19, 1875. They were buried on their farm, where Mr. and Mrs. Lee, the maternal granparents of our subject, are also sleeping. The former of these, Joseph Miles Lee, was a native of New England and a son of Sherebiah Lee, who was born in England November 5, 1747, and died here January 31, 1843. The maiden name of his wife was Esther Miles. She was born March 13, 1743, and died January 31, 1833, just ten years to a day before her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Lee were the first settlers in this part of the county, and were the parents of a family of six sons and one daughter. Their son, Joseph Miles Lee, was born July 13, 1784, and died November 18, 1847. He married Mary Crittenden, who was born December 17, 1786, dying October 12, 1859. Their marriage occurred about 1808; and they were the parents of six children, -- one son and five daughters, the son dying when an infant. Grandfather Lee left a farm of two hundred and sixty acres, of which the present farm of our subject formed one-half. At the time of their settlement here the country was new, and the nearest market was Albany, one hundred and twenty-five miles away. They were upright and religious people, and greatly liked and respected for their many sterling qualities. Their daughters were as follows: Fidelia, who died in infancy; Maryette, the mother of our subject; Esther; Fidelia (2d); and Calista, who died in childhood.
Joel Allis, the subject of this biographical sketch, was reared at home, and accustomed to farm life and work from his youth up. He received a good common-school education, but was prevented from completing his studies at the academy by sickness, being subject to periodical attacks of severe headache. He was united in marriage May 30, 1879, to Miss Cornelia Harp, daughter of M.C. Harp adn his wife, formerly Mary S. Clarke, both of the town of Lenox. Asa B. Clarke, the father of Mrs. Harp, was a native of New England and a merchant and speculator by occupation. His death occurred in Canastota, to which place he had removed after retiring from business. Mr. and Mrs. Allis have one son, Floyd V., a bright, intelligent boy of thirteen, well advanced in his studies and always prompt in his attendance at school, although living a mile and a quarter away.
In September, 1891, Mr. Allis lost his barn by fire, supposed to have been caused by a tramp. He erected soon after on its site his present fine, large barn, 40 x 60, with a stone basement, the total expense amounting to about #1,500. He is now engaged in general farming, and makes some butter, keeping from six to eight cows. He is energetic and practical, acquainted with the latest and most approved methods of agriculture, and has achieved gratifying success in his calling.
In political matters Mr. Allis is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a Master Mason. He and his estimable wife occupy a high place in the regard of their fellow-citizens for their many sterling qualities, and are representative of the best citizenship of their State and county.
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