"John Stafford, born October 16, 1768, removed with his parents to Albany, where he probably was apprenticed to his brother-in-law, Thomas Spencer, as he seems to have
early conducted a business in copper, brass, pewter and tin. He is mentioned as a merchant in 1793, and probably occupied the store adjoining his brother Spencer. In 1797 John and Spencer Stafford were partners, carrying on the above branches very extensively at 45 Court street. Jan. 18, 1798, John Stafford advertises for sale at 33 Court street, oils, codfish, tar and steel.
Mr. Stafford was residing in Greenbush when he married, June 24, 1793, Margaret, daughter of Hugh Denniston of Albany. After her death in 1799, he gave up business and went to sea...He suffered shipwreck and lived upon a barren island, sleeping under an upturned boat and subsisting upon seals.
In December, 1802, he appears, as has been before stated, as a partner of his brother, with whom his connection continued until 1815. Thereafter until his death he was of the firm of Stafford & Weed, the latter, Edward Weed, being his brother-in-law.
His first wife Margaret (Denniston), born July 4, 1769, died April 17, 1799, leaving one child, Margaret, born Jan. 16, 1799. In 1804 he married for his second wife, Margaret White of Ballston, Saratoga Co., NY. She died 1805, leaving one child, John born June 22, 1805. He married Aug. 27, 1807, a third time, Catherine, daughter of Smith Weed of Stamford, CT. She was born April 5, 1784, and died Oct. 8, 1860...Mr. Stafford built his fine residence corner Lydius and Franklin Streets about 1810 and died there Oct. 12, 1819, of consumption"
