Claude J. Makepeace, owner of the store, told today the story of their connection with the business life of Plessis and of some of the changes that have taken place during the almost three-quarters of a century. Claude J. Makepeace, born May 1, 1878, finds the life of a rural merchant not without its compensation of which the city merchant has no knowledge.

“My grandfather, Solomon Makepeace, was one of the early pioneers of Jefferson county, coming into the north country at the early date of 1802 from Worcester, Mass.,” Mr. Makepeace said. “They were of English descent, was our family, Grandfather first made his home near Perch Lake, but later moved into Alexandria, taking farm lands not far from Browns Corners. I think he was about 22 when he came into Jefferson county and if I remember correctly, came with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Makepeace. Grandfather married Jane Cronkeit. He lived to the good old age of 89.

“My father, Solomon Makepeace, born May 17, 1837, was named from his father. He sailed the lakes for four years and in 1862 enlisted in Company F., 10th New York Heavy Artillery and came out of the war with the rank of Corporal. He had married Lucinda Forbes in 1858.

“When he was honorably discharged from the army in 1864, he associated himself with Mr. McAllister under the firm name of Makepeace & McAllister. Later the firm name was Makepeace & Augsbury. During this time they were in the stone building at the corner of Main and Wall street where that well known business leader, Jason Clark, was so long a merchant and land agent for LeRay.

“In the year 1883 father decided to have his own store and came to this opposite corner and located here. We have been here every (sic) since, only this is a new building to replace the old one which burned some years ago. I worked for father, and on Jan. 1, 1902--35 years ago, I began business here with my brother, Frank. Later, in 1933, I took over the entire business.