History of Castile, (Wyoming County) New York United States of America

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Biographies:

Athelston Gaston, representative, was born in Castile, N.Y., April 24, 1838; son of Edmund W. and Phylinda (Bristol) Gaston; grandson of Ebenezer Gaston; great-grandson of David Gaston, both born at old Stockbridge, Mass., and a descendant of Dr. Alexander Gaston who was born in Ireland in 1714. The family originally emigrated from France to Ireland during the Huguenot persecutions. At the age of sixteen he removed to Pennsylvania, where he received a common school education and then engaged in farming until 1873, when he became a manufacturer and dealer in lumber. He was mayor of Meadville, Pa., in 1891, and again in 1892-95. He was president of the Cassadaga Lake Free association at Lily Dale, N.Y., 1888-99. He was a Democratic representative from the 26th Pennsylvania district in the 56th congress, 1899-1901, having also the endorsement of the People's party.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Charles Willis Needham, lawyer and educator, was born in Castile, N.Y., Sept. 30, 1848; son of Charles Rollin and Arvilla (Reed) Needham. He was graduated from the Albany Law school in 1870; was married, Nov. 2, 1870, to Caroline Mary, daughter of Charles S. Beach of Castile, N.Y., and removed to Chicago, Ill., in 1874, where he practised law until 1890. He drafted the charter of the Chicago university and was a member of its first board of trustees. He removed his practice to Washington, D.C., in 1890; was elected dean of the Schools of Law of Columbia University, Washington, D.C., 1891, and professor of law at Columbia university in 1897. He organized the School of Comparative Jurisprudence and Diplomacy at Washington, and in 1897 was chosen its dean and professor of common law, transportation and interstate commerce. In June, 1901, the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred upon him by the University of Rochester, New York.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor