The historic John C. Hamlin Mansion
Grand Home on 900 Block

photo credit:  Dona Fizzel Cooper Collection
2000AD photo of J.C. Hamlin Mansion (today)

JOHN C. HAMLIN
Henry Hamlin's younger brother

   John C. Hamlin, hardware merchant, Smethport, son of Orlo J. Hamlin, was born March 4, 1836, at Smethport, McKean Co., Penn., where he was educated and where, in 1865, he opened the first store exclusively for hardware, a business he is still engaged in.  In 1857 he married Charlotte M. McCoy, daughter of Dr. W. Y. McCoy, one of he first practicing physicians of Smethport, which union was blessed with three children:  William O., C. Aline (now Mrs. Dr. Lewis H. Robinson, of Brooklyn, NY) and Mary E. (now Mrs. Charles Bosworth, also of Brooklyn, NY).  William O. married Miss Julia Lightbody, and is also a resident of Brooklyn.  Mr. Hamlin is a member of McKean Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 388; of Bradford Chapter, R. A. M., and Trinity Commandery, K. T.  He is a Democrat, but not a politician, devoting his time and energies to business cares.  He and his family are members of St. Luke's Episcopal Church.  The foundation and prosperity of the church afford an example of the reward of twenty years of untiring labor by Mr. and Mrs. Hamlin, who maintained the Sunday school and church affairs in general, from 1857 to about 1880, when St. Luke's had grown to be a strong parish, and since then it has become one of the largest and most flourishing in the county.
taken from History of the Counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, ©1890, J.H. Beers & Co., Publishers

We used land records to confirm John Hamlin's ownership.  This home would later be the Lindholm residence and the Donald Herzog residence.

Smethport Losses A Business Man The Mckean Democrat October 31, 1912 John Cogswell Hamlin departed this life Friday Morning, October 25, 1912. This community was filled with sorrow and a sense of loss to learn Friday last of the death, at Wellsville, N.Y., of Mr. J. C. Hamlin; one of the oldest and most highly esteemed citizens of this place, whose whole life has been spent in Smethport. He was born on March 4, 1836, and for over fifty years has been in active business life, having opened the first store exclusively for hardware, in 1865. In 1857 he married Charlotte M. McCoy, who survives him; there united lives have been extended over a period of fifty-five years. Three children, Mrs. Charles Bosworth, Mrs. J. L. Robinson, and Mr. W. O. Hamlin are living in Brooklyn, N. Y., and one brother Hon. Henry Hamlin, and one sister, Mrs. Pauline King, in Smethport. The funeral services were held at St. Luke’s church Saturday last at 2:30 p.m., The Rev. W. E. Van Dyke and the Rev. J. H. McCandless officiating. The interment was in Rose Hill cemetery. The history of McKean County, published in 1890, says of him: “Mr. Hamlin is a member of McKean Lodge, No. 388, F. & A. M., of Bradford Chapter of Trinity Commandery. K.T. He is a Democrat, but not a politician, devoting his time and energies to business cares. He and his family are members of St. Luke Episcopal Church. The foundation and prosperity of this church afford an example of the reward of twenty years of untiring labor by Mr. and Mrs. Hamlin, who maintained the Sunday School and church affairs in general, from 1857 to about 1885, when St. Luke’s had grown to be a strong parish, and since then has become one of the largest and most flourishing in the county.” The character of Mr. Hamlin was shown in a few prominent traits, which blended in a harmony, displaying integrity, loyalty, sincerity, charity. His word was truth; his statements reliable in every transaction; his integrity was one of the chief assets in his business. He was loyal in his relations; in his faith and duty. Sincerity marked him, a man without pretense or deceit frank and genuine. And, best of all charity enfolded all; the charity which “thinketh no evil;” the disposition to think well of others; the “good will” of a good heart, of the man who lives largely in his affections. His humble, faithful Christianity life, as measured by the one true standard, was a success, reserving the reward of righteousness. His Christian faith was positive, and his Christian life practical. He was the oldest communicant in St. Luke’s church, and one of the wardens for the last thirty-three years, never tiring in his work for that church, and rejoicing in its influence for good, and ingathering for God. The name and memory of this sturdy and devout Christian man will abide in the church, and in the community. “May he rest in peace, and may light perpetual shine upon him”

J. C. Hamlin Residence 2006

Photo Credit: Seth Queen 2006