Alvin Plumb

Alvin Plumb (September 6, 1802 – May 13, 1877) was an American businessman and politician. He served two terms in the New York State Assembly (1833, 1836), representing Chautauqua County, New York. He built the first steamship to navigate Chautauqua Lake.

Biography

Early life and career Plumb was born on September 6, 1802, in Paris, New York. He went with his brothers, Joseph, and Ralph, to Fredonia, Chautauqua County in 1816. Starting in 1820, he served as a clerk in stores in Rochester and Geneva, attending school at the academy in Geneva. He then conducted business as a merchant in Jamestown and was a manufacturer of pearl ashes starting in 1824 and then in Mayville beginning in 1825. He sold his store in Jamestown in 1831 to Charles R. Harvey. He was also involved in the milling business in the area.

Plumb was appointed Postmaster for Jamestown on June 8, 1841, in which he had to resign when he was elected County Clerk, serving until December 5, 1843. He served 3 terms as clerk. He served as Town Supervisor for Westfield in 1848 and 1852.

Later life After his service as clerk, Plumb lived in Westfield. Plumb was a supporter of the temperance movement and an abolitionist. On August 4, 1871, the steamboat Chautauqua was to land at Mayville when the boiler exploded and killed 8 people. Plumb was severely injured.

Plumb died on May 13, 1877 at the age of 74.

Electoral history