Biography

1802 - 1866

Hon. Timothy Ives was born in or near Beecher's Island, Tioga County, PA, Feb. 6, 1802 and died in Coudersport, October 8, 1866 at the age of 64. Most of boyhood spent of Crooked Creek, in his native county where he enjoyed only the few advantages of an education which a common school at that day afforded. While still a boy, his father became insane, by which his son was cast upon the world with no heritage save his own inherent energies.
About the age of 20 he taught a district school. In 1823 he married Miss Marta Andrews and the same year moved into the township of Bingham where he lived until May, 1826, when, having been appointed County Treasurer, he came to Coudersport, at which time this village consisted of a single dwelling house and Commissioners' Office. Afterward he was Justice of the Peace, then Postmaster, and next Associate Judge which office he held for nine successive years.
In 1846 was elected Representative in the State Legislature. Two years after, was elected State Senator. At expiration of this term, was appointed Superintendent of the Portage Rail Road which position he held two years. As a Railroad contractor, he built, in company with James McElrath, ten miles of the NY and E.R.R. east of Deposit, NY. Also built several miles of R.R. near Waynesboro, VA, and seven miles of the Sunbury and Erie R.R. not far from Emporium. He was one of the first projectors of this last mentioned R.R. He also took and completed quite a large contract on the Pittsburgh and Erie Canal.