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Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott
for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/
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Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott
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History of the Great Lakes
Illustrated, In Two Volumes, Vol. II
Chicago, J. H. Beers & Co., 1899

           [203-204]

                  JAMES H. COUNTRYMAN, a young and  ambitious engineer,
               learned the rudiments of his profession under the
               instruction of THOMAS WELSH, an engineer who was most ably
               qualified to teach that branch of mechanics. As our subject
               was an apt scholar his skill and ability do credit to his
               instructor. He was born in Oswego, N.Y., May 28, 1865, a
               son of WILLIAM and CATHERINE (SINGLETON) COUNTRYMAN, also
               natives of that city. He acquired his education in the pub-
               lic schools of Oswego, attending the same until he reached
               the age of sixteen years.
                  In the spring of 1881 MR. COUNTRYMAN determined to follow
               the lakes for a livelihood, but after a season as cabin boy
               in the side-wheel steamer Ontario, plying on the lake of
               that name, he remained ashore three years as clerk in the
               store of H. L. Hart & Co., of Oswego, undue paternal in-
               fluence having been brought to bear upon him, perhaps. How-
               ever, in 1885, he again essayed the steamboat life, this
               time shipping as fireman on the steamer Walter L. Frost, of
               the Ogdensburg Transit Company, THOMAS WELSH being chief
               engineer. He retained that laborious berth four seasons, but
               in the spring of 1890 was promoted to the engine room as
               oiler, and in 1891 he received his license as second engi-
               neer, and was appointed first assistant on the steamer
               Josephine, where he remained until 1892. He then entered the
               employ of the Crescent line as second engineer of the John
               V. Moran, holding that position three seasons. In the spring
               of 1895 he was appointed chief engineer of the steamer John
               V. Moran, now of the new Union Transit Company, and was in
               charge of her machinery for some time.
                  Socially, MR. COUNTRYMAN is an ardent member of the
               Marine Engineers Beneficial Association No. 43, of Port
               Huron, Mich., and was much gratified when Congress defined
               the status of the marine engineers as officers of American
               vessels, and guaranteed to them the rights enjoyed by any
               other class of American citizens.
                  On January 16, 1896, he was married to Miss NELLIE COY,
               of Syracuse, N.Y., and they now make their home at No. 77
               Breckenridge street, Buffalo, New York.

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