My Genealogy Hound

NOAH W. GOKEY, one of the most prominent of Jamestown’s opulent manufacturers, is a son of Joseph and Rosetta (Berosia) Gokey, and was born March 30, 1833, in St. Lawrence county, New York. Grandfather Berosia was a resident of St. Lawrence county, New York. Joseph Gokey married Rosetta Berosia, and had nine children.

Noah W. Gokey was educated in the public schools of Oswego, New York, and learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed at that place for one year, and then went to Rathboneville, Steuben county, and worked for fourteen years. From there he went to Addison, and remained twelve years longer, and then, in 1877, came to Jamestown. The last five years spent in Addison was in the manufacture of boots and shoes, and when he came to this city, he brought his skilled employees, numbering one hundred and twenty, along. He rented a building and started his works here. In 1881 he built the fine large six-story building, thirty-six by one hundred and twenty feet, now his business home, at the corner of Third and Cherry Streets. They manufacture all kinds of footwear from the finest ladies’ slipper to the coarsest man’s boot, and employ about two hundred hands, and keep seven traveling men in this territory, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa and Michigan. Mr. Gokey is also the owner of the beautiful post-office block, and other valuable real estate in this city. He built the fine brick residence where he now resides, located on the corner of Lake View and Eighth Streets, and it is said to be the most expensive and desirably located home in Chautauqua county, Politically Mr. Gokey is a republican, and one of the staunchest supporters of protection. While an active supporter of principles, he is not a politician, and has never aspired to office. While at Rathboneville he was postmaster for four years, but resigned at the end of that period. He attends the Methodist church, and is one of the most liberal contributors to its maintenance.

Noah W. Gokey married Anna Monroe, who was a daughter of Nehemiah Monroe, and they have three children: William M., married to Hattie A. Marvin, of Jamestown, New York. She is a daughter of Judge Marvin; Clara and George F. Mr. Gokey is a self-made man, who has risen to his present prominence and affluence through superior ability, and in thoroughly understanding his trade. He is a pleasant, affable gentleman, easily approached, and for one with the business responsibilities resting upon his shoulders, which he has, looks remarkably young.