^§yjETVERJJgy YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Bought with the income of the ALFRED E. PERKINS FUND D. E. WAGER. OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE A Descriptive Work on Oneida County NEW YORK EDITED BY DANIEL E. WAGER -d 3 THE BOSTON HISTORY COMPANY, PUBLISHERS 1896 PREFACE. There are few sections of this country that are richer in historical ma terial than the one of which this volume treats. Especially is this true in its relation to the old wars for supremacy between the French and the English, and the war of the Revolution. Stirring events then took place within the borders of what is now Oneida county, in which stately figures took part And in those struggles for supremacy the Indians who once populated the valley of the beautiful Mohawk were a conspicuous element. One of the historical battles of the Revolutionary war was fought on Oneida county soil — a battle upon the issues of which many writers contend turned the success or failure of the attempt of the colonists to secure their independence. Neither is the history of this locality in later years, during which settlement, growth, and development marched forward to present advanced conditions, without interest. To properly set before the reader a brief record of the long and bloody strife that at last culminated in the triumph of American independence, was a labor of love on the part of the late Daniel E. Wager, of Rome, and the last important literary undertaking of his busy life. That he was eminently qualified for the great task, no one who knew him well will dispute. Persons unaccustomed to literary and historical labor can scarcely comprehend the difficulties attending the preparation of such a work as this ; but no one will doubt the painstaking care, the unflagging patience in research, and the appreciative value of sources of information, brought to task iv PREFACE. by the author in his unwearied efforts to produce a historical work that would be a monument to himself and of great value to the people of Oneida county. It was most fortunate that his work was so nearly completed before he was stricken with his last sickness. He was given liberal assistance in the preparation of the histories of the various towns and the chapters devoted to modern topics, by persons skilled in that class of work. The compiling of the vast list of personal sketches, also, was in other hands than his ; and it is confidently believed that this department of the work, a feature never before attempted in this county, will be considered of the greatest value. CONTENTS. PART I. CHAPTER I. PRELIMINARY HISTORY _ i_5 CHAPTER II. 1754-1756.— FORT BULL, Etc 5-12 CHAPTER III. 1756-1758.— OSWEGO.— HERKIMER _ 13-17 CHAPTER IV. 1758-1760.— FORTS STANWIX AND SCHUYLER 17-21 CHAPTER V. 1760 TO AUGUST, 1777 _ 22-32 CHAPTER VI. 1777.— SIEGE OF FORT STANWIX.— BATTLE OF ORISKANY 32-52 CHAPTER VII. 1783-1788.— EMIGRATION WESTWARD ..'. 53-62 CHAPTER VIII. 1788.— TOWN OF WHITESTOWN.— GREAT INDIAN TREATY 63-74 CHAPTER IX. 1789-1792--,- , „-,.-,.. ,-,„-- r----, 75-93 vi CONTENTS. CHAPTER X. COLONIAL LAND PATENTS - - - 93-126 CHAPTER XI. PHYSICAL FEATURES OF ONEIDA COUNTY 126-133 CHAPTER XII. DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTY - 133-141 CHAPTER XIII. 1788-1806.— FORMATION OF ONEIDA COUNTY 141-155 CHAPTER XIV. 1806-1812 - - 155-160 CHAPTER XV. THROUGH THE WAR OF 1812 161-175 CHAPTER XVI. 1814-1819.. 175-184 CHAPTER XVII. 1820-1830 ._' 185-192 CHAPTER XVIII. 1830 TO THE CLOSE OF THE CIVIL WAR 192-198 CHAPTER XIX. 1866 TO THE PRESENT 199-208 CHAPTER XX PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS.. 209-215 CHAPTER XXI. CANALS AND RAILROADS 215-228 CONTENTS. vii CHAPTER XXII. THE BENCH AND BAR OF ONEIDA COUNTY 229-247 CHAPTER XXIII. MEDICAL SOCIETIES AND PROFESSION OF ONEIDA COUNTY. ..248-260 CHAPTER XXIV. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 260-278 CHAPTER XXV. THE CITY OF UTICA 278-371 CHAPTER XXVI. THE TOWN OF ANNSVILLE. 372-379 CHAPTER XXVII. THE TOWN OF AUGUSTA... _ 379-393 CHAPTER XXVIII. THE TOWN OF AVA 393-396 CHAPTER XXIX. THE TOWN OF BOONVILLE 396-407 CHAPTER XXX. THE TOWN OF BRIDGEWATER .. 407-414 CHAPTER XXXI. THE TOWN OF CAMDEN - - 414-426 CHAPTER XXXII. THE TOWN OF DEERFIELD 426-432 CHAPTER XXXIII. THE TOWN OF FLORENCE 432-437 viii CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXXIV. THE TOWN OF FLOYD _ ____ 437-445 CHAPTER XXXV. THE TOWN OF FORESTPORT _ 442-445 CHAPTER XXXVI. THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND 445-460 CHAPTER XXXVII. THE TOWN OF LEE _ 460-469 CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE TOWN OF MARCY ___. 469-473 CHAPTER XXXIX. THE TOWN OF MARSHALL _. 473.479 CHAPTER XL. THE TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD 479-191 CHAPTER XLI. THE TOWN OF PARIS 491-505 CHAPTER XLII. THE TOWN OF REMSEN _. 506-511 CHAPTER XLIII. THE TOWN OF ROME 511-533 CHAPTER XLIV. THE TOWN OF SANGERFIELD 533-543 CHAPTER XLV. THE TOWN OF STEUBEN 543-552 CONTENTS. ix CHAPTER XLVI. THE TOWN OF TRENTON .- 552-566 CHAPTER XLVII. THE TOWN OF VERNON _. 566-579 CHAPTER XLVIII. THE TOWN OF VERONA 579-588 CHAPTER XLIX. THE TOWN OF VIENNA _ 588-596 CHAPTER L. THE TOWN OF WESTERN. 596-603 CHAPTER LI. THE TOWN OF WESTMORELAND _. 603-614 CHAPTER LIT THE TOWN OF WHITESTOWN _ 615-636 PART II-BIOGRAPHICAL. BIOGRAPHIES -- 1-215 PART III-FAMILY SKETCHES. FAMILY SKETCHES 1-382 INDEXES --.- - - 383 CONTENTS. PORTRAITS. Abeel, James S., Capt., facing 176, Part Ablett, Robert facing 627, Part Adams, Silas facing 579, Part Allen, Bion Pemberton, M.D., facing 43, Part I Anthony, Jesse B facing 173,Part I Babbitt, John L facing 161, Part I Bagg, M. M., M.D facing 350, Part Bailey, E. Prentiss facing 355, Part Ballou, Walter facing 401, Part Barrows, Samuel J facing 46, Part I Birdseye, Rufus P facing 365, Part Bissell, Gordon N facing 130, Part I Booth, Wilbur H facing 178, Part I. Boyle, John W facing 38, Part I Brewster, Amos F facing 582, Part Brown, Calvin facing 584, Part Butler, John Milton.... facing 363, Part Butler, Morgan facing 483, Part Capron, Seth, Dr facing 136, Part I Chad wick, sr., George W., facing 170, Part I Chadwick, jr., George W., facing 172, Part I Chamberlain, Ephraim. facing 326, Part Cloher, jr., William H., facing 166, Part I Coggeshall, H. J facing 198, Part I Comstock, Cal vert., bet. 122-123, Part I Comstock, Edward, bet. 122-123, Part I Conkling, Roscoe facing 242, Part Costello, P. C bet. 420-421, Part Costello, P. H bet. 420-421, Part Coxe, Alfred C facing 230, Part Cromwell, Stephen facing. 414, Part Curran, Edward facing 288, Part Darling, Charles W... facing 132, Parti Denio, Hiram facing 237, Part Dickinson, Albert M. ..facing 357, Part Dorrance, D. G., facing 566, Part Douglass, James A facing 392, Part Draper, Virgil facing 109, Part I Dunham, George E facing 356, Part I Dunmore, Watson T. _ .facing 232, Part I Dwight, Benjamin W.. facing 272, Part I Ethridge, Alfred facing 102, Part II Farman, Henry .facing 386, Part I Farwell, Samuel facing 292, Parti Faxton, Theodore S. ..facing 344, Part I Flandrau, Thomas M., facing 117, Part II Foster, Henry A .facing 238, Part I Frisbie, Willard J facing 419, Part I Graham, Edmund A... facing 227, Part I Hagedorn, Henry facing 563, Parti Hall, Benjamin facing 148, Part II Harvey, Edwin A facing 423, Part I Haselton, J. S _ .facing 532, Part I Helmer, Robert J facing 406, Part I Hieber, John C.,. facing 67, Part II Hunt, James G., M.D.facing 18, Part II Hunt, Myron W., M.D., facing 157, Part II Huntington, Edward.facing 110, Part II Hutchinson, Charles W., facing 211, Part I Jenkins, Timothy facing 570, Part I Jones, Thomas S facing 233, Parti Kellogg, Spencer facing 304, Parti Kernan, Francis facing 243, Parti Kingsley, W. J. PI, M.D., facing 128, Part II Laird, Frank F., M.D. .facing 64, Part II Lamb, Harrison facing 93, Part II Lawton, Elon J facing 115, Part II Lee, Arthur D facing 605, Part I Lewis, Ladd J ...facing 486, Part I Locke, William P facing 540, Parti Loomis, Jon J facing 10, Part II McGuire, Philip facing 444, Part I Mann, Newton facing 100, Part II Middleton, Robert facing 368, Part I Millar, Charles facing 370, Part I Miller, Addison C facing 56, Part II Munson, Alfred .facing 302, Parti CONTENTS Munson, Edmund.... .facing 367, Part I Nicholson, Charles A. . facing 145, Part II Nock, Thomas G facing 125, Part II North, Edward facing 271, Parti Osborn, Amos O. facing 16, Part II Owen, Philip facing 201, Part II Penfield, Thomas D. ..facing 29, Part II Perry, Josiah ...facing 60, Part II Philo, Charles H facing 488, Part I Prescott, Cyrus Dan.. facing 127, Part II Ralph, George facing 320, Part I Reid, Christopher C, M.D., facing 119, Part II Rogers, Publius V facing 362, Part I Sanger, Jedediah facing 64, Part I Sanger, William Cary. facing 181, Part II Sayles, Joseph I facing 120, Part II Scott, Isaac R facing 31, Part II Scripture, W. E facing 197, Part II Scudder, Samuel O.. .facing 114, Part II Searles, James H facing 131, Part II Seaton, Albert P facing 159, Part II Seymour, Horatio facing 304, Part I Smith, J. Arthur, V. S., facing 36, Part II Soper, Albert bet. 112-113, Part II Soper, Arthur W...bet. 112-113, Part II Spencer, James D facing 594, Part I Spencer, Joshua A facing 239, Part I Stoddard, Davis Curtis, facing 74, Part II Stryker, John facing 105, Part II Studor, George M facing 443, Parti Tower, Reuben .facing 537, Parti Trevvett, Edward facing 146, Part II Utley, David ..facing 108, Part II Utley, Squire facing 538, Part I Wager, Daniel E frontispiece Wardwell, Daniel facing 97, Part II Warren, David A facing 580, Part I Weaver, Fred G facing 430, Part I Wells, John B facing 296, Part I West, M. Calvin, M. D., facing 104, Part II Whiffen, Isaac ..facing 168, Part II White, Canvass facing 82, Part II White Hugh facing 81, Part II White, William M facing 89, Part II Wiley, George H facing 308, Part I Willard, Garry A facing 403, Part I Williams, Abijah J facing 280, Part I Williams, Elliott S facing 458, Part I Williams, Robert S... facing 163, Part II Wilson, Claude, M.D.. .facing 6, Part II Woodruff, Arthur C... facing 416, Part I OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. CHAPTER I. PRELIMINARY HISTORY. Those who do not clearly understand the preliminary history of this part of New York, nor fully appreciate the important part it has played in shaping the destiny of the country and determining whether we should be a part of the English speaking people or under the domina tion of France, it is essential to go back far enough in the past to ob tain a bird's-eye view of the condition of affairs on this continent when England and France were struggling for its mastery. Not far from a century before the footsteps of the white man pressed the soil of what is now known as the Empire State, there dwelt along the borders of the Mohawk river and so on westerly to within the sound of Niagara's eternal roar, a powerful race of Indian statesmen and warriors, called by the French, the " Iroquois1 Confederacy," by the English, the Five and later the Six Nations. Their names and location, commencing at the Hudson and going westerly, were as follows : The Mohawks, the Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas and the Senecas. The easterly boundary of the Oneidas was a line extending from the north to the south bounds of New York and nearly on a line between the present counties of Oneida and Herkimer. The westerly boundary was on a line running from the north to the south bounds of the State, passing through or near " Deep Spring " (Manlius, in Onondaga county,) ' The meaning of the word is thus explained : Their people, when making a speech or any emphatic declaration, generally concluded with the words, "I have said it." So the French characterized them as the "the people who say, Iro," or "1 have said, Kaue," hence Iro-quois. 1 2 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. but making a detour far enough to the west to include the whole of Oneida Lake within the domain of the Oneidas. In 171 2, or there abouts, the Tuscaroras came from North Carolina and were adopted as ~the Sixth Nation, and assigned occupancy of lands within the territory of the Oneidas, mostly in what is now Chenango county. In primitive times,' when the savages roamed at will over this entire continent, and their routes lay entirely by Indian paths and trails and by bark canoes over the water courses, it is easy to see that between the east and, the great west, the water route by the Hudson and the Mohawk to what is now the site of Rome and then by a short carry of only a mile or so overland to Wood Creek, and thence down that stream to Oneida Lake, and by that outlet and Oswego River to Lake Ontario, and- so on to the great lakes of the west and the head waters of the Mississippi River, would be the shortest, most convenient and expeditious of any that could be selected ; so, too, in later times, when the white men were pushing their trade and settlements into this region, before the age of canals, railroads, or common roads even, this same route, traversed by larger boats and by commerce and by more dangerous munitions of war, was selected by imperative necessity. A glance at the map, will show that the location of the Oneidas was more favorable than any of the other nations ; the scenery within the territory was magnificent, the soil proved to be rich and productive, and by reason of the topography of the country, and the course of the streams, the Oneidas, by means of their light and fleet canoes, could easily glide by water into the do mains of the other nations. The territory of the Oneidas was the summit level, or the great divide, from which streams flowed in every direction. As with the Oneidas, so with Oneida county ; it is perhaps pardonable to say, that in the galaxy and in the setting of the counties, she is indeed the central gem. England and France commenced explorations and settlements on this side of the Atlantic (1609) about the same time. The former in New England and southerly along the Atlantic seaboard ; the French taking. possession of Canada and the St. Lawrence, pushing their discoveries to the Mississippi, and down the sullen tide of that stream to the Gulf of Mexico, before 1700 occupying Louisiana. Along these routes from Canada to the head waters of the Mississippi and down that river, the PRELIMINARY HISTORY. 3 French had established a chain of trading posts, missionary stations, and forts, sixty in number, with a view of ultimately surrounding the English and driving them into the ocean. Each nation tried to woo and to win the friendship of the Iroquois Confederacy; the French in a great measure by their Jesuit missionaries, who, with their religious zeal, endeavored to jmbue the Indians with love of the French nation as well as with a love of the Savior, and hatred of the English. As before in cidentally stated, the members of this Confederacy were skilled in diplomacy, brave and fierce in battle, and powerful in union. They were important factors in determining the result of the conflicts between France and England in the struggle of over a century, for supremacy in America. The skill, bravery and power of that Confederacy were near their zenith when Champlain, the daring French explorer, sailed up the St. Lawrence and founded the city of Quebec in 1609; when the English discovered Cape Cod and explored the Atlantic coast ; about the same time when Capt. John Smith made the settlement at James town ; when Hendrick Hudson sailed up the Hudson; when the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, and that influence and power continued and went on increasing during the years in which the two European nations were fighting for supremacy in America and until that Confederacy, or a majority of its members, made the fatal mistake of linking their for tunes with the English in the struggle of the American Colonies for independence. When that struggle ended the Six Nations as a Con federacy (called the Romans of America) ceased to exist, and their power and influence vanished from the land as effectually as if they had never been. It does not, however, fall within the design nor the scope of this work to give anything more than an outline sketch of those Six Nations, nor to do more than to briefly mention such historical facts as seem to be required in order to better understand the history in hand. The portage at Rome was called by the Indians " De-o-Waim-Sta," signifying the place where boats are carried from one stream to another. The Dutch called it " Trow Plat," and the English in early times called it " the Great Carrying Place," to distinguish it from the " Little Carrying Place," where boats and their cargo were carried around the rapids of the Mohawk at what is now Little Falls. It may be of inter est to state in this connection that in Washington county in this State 4 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. there is another Wood Creek, called by the French, River au Chicot, (or river of logs), which flows into Lake Champlain, and that between that stream and the Hudson is a portage of six to ten miles, which in early times was also called " the Great Carrying Place," and students of history in this locality sometimes become confused in reading of Wood Creelc and the Great Carrying Place where the tragic . events around Lakes George and Champlain are described in the old French war and the war of the Revolution. In later times the portage at Rome was called the " Oneida carrying place," as it was within the territory of the Oneidas, and that name prevented it from being confounded with any other carrying place. In 1693 Albany county was formed and extended to the west bounds of the province and so continued until 1772. It was one of the original ten counties of New York. Prior to 1755 the territory within Oneida1 county was without a his tory. It was scarcely mentioned, except perhaps incidentally. It 1705 the Oriskany Patent was granted and in that the Oneida carrying place is mentioned. In 1725 it is again mentioned in a peti tion to the Assembly relative to the Indian trade; and again in 1736, when the Assembly is asked to erect forts at this carrying place. Those three are the only places where this locality is found to be especially mentioned in history. Nevertheless, this route was traversed by In dians, by traders and others, and was well known by the men of that period. A fort was erected at Oswego in 1727 and men and materials went over this route to erect it. After its erection, Indians usually went there in May with their furs and remained until the last of July to dis pose of them. In the summer of 1725, fifty-seven canoes went from Albany over this route and returned with 738 packs of beaver and deer skins ; it was estimated that 1 50 hogsheads of beaver and other fine furs and 200 hogsheads of dressed deer skins were exported annually from this country. The above sufficiently indicates the importance of this route, and that the French and English were very anxious to control the Indian trade and the influence of the Confederacy. It must also show that this por- 1 It will be observed that the name, Oneida county, is used in this work long before it was organized with its present boundary. 1754-1756— FORT BULL, Etc. 5 tage was of immense importance, and that forts were essential to guard and protect it. This becomes more apparent when it is borne in mind that a dense swamp covered with cedar and undergrowth, with a soil too miry and porous to uphold a person, extending alongside of the whole length (four miles and more) of this carrying place, and two miles in width, forming a barrier as formidable as a solid stone wall of those dimensions ; and that if this portage could not be crossed, a cir cuit of several miles must be made to the south through the unbroken wilderness. This impassable swamp continued in existence until the fore part of the present century. Neither history or tradition gives the dates of the erection of the first forts on the Oneida Carrying Place. The first full and reliable account of forts at this point is given in Paris Document XII, obtained by our State government from the archives in France, which account appears jn the next chapter, including an account of the destruction of Fort Bull. In 1736 the New York Assembly was petitioned, as before stated, to erect a fort at this point, and was shown the necessity for it ; but there is no account as to what action, if any, was taken under that petition, nor as to when the first fort was erected at this carrying place ; nor is there any previous plan for the construction of a fort here, until that of Fort Stanwix in 1758; although it is undisputed there were forts at this place as early as the spring of 1756. CHAPTER II. 1754-1756.— FORT BULL, Etc. In 1754 and 1755 war was in progress in America between the French and English, each struggling for the mastery of the country. In the last named year vigorous measures were planned by the English to drive the French from their strongholds on the borders of the Eng lish possessions. Among other plans three expeditions were that year set on foot by the English, one of which was for the capture of Fort Du Quesne (now Pittsburgh); another against Ticonderoga and Crown 6 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Point, commanded by Sir William Johnson ; the other to be commanded by General Shirley, to go from Albany up the Mohawk, over the port age (now Rome) to Wood Creek, thence via Oneida Lake to Oswego, there to rendezvous, and thence west by a journey of five or six days by boat across Lake Ontario and capture Niagara. The latter, with Fort Du Quesne, were the keys to the valley of the Mississippi. The expedition against Fort Du Quesne was a miserable failure, and resulted in the killing of Braddock, who commanded it. Sir William Johnson won a battle at Lake George, resulting in the death of Dieskau, the French commander ; but that success was only temporary. Early in the summer of 1755 General Shirley made preparations to go to Oswe go via Oneida Carrying Place. Seventeen hundred beeves, to feed the men and supply the troops at Oswego, were started on foot from Al- 4 bany and driven by the land route up the valley of the Mohawk ; the probabilities are, that on reaching Stanwix village in Rome, the route was followed past what is now the Custodial Asylum (old county house), thence to Oneida and around Oneida Lake to Oswego, or through Westmoreland, as such a body of cattle could not be taken in the bateaux of those days by the water route. Col. John Bradstreet, with six months provisions and stores costing the government $3,000, started for Oswego, went by the same water route and crossed over the portage between Mohawk River and Wood Creek. Governor De Lancey, writing in August of that year to the home government, highly complimented Colonel Bradstreet for his energy, and says that in three hours time the latter crossed the pprtage with his' men, provisions, bag gage and whole supply train, and with as little time as was usually con sumed in getting one bateau and its cargo over that portage. Two regiments of raw provincials soon after left Albany by the same route, followed by General Shirley with 200 regular troops, the whole, about 1,500 or 2,000, to congregate at Oswego with a view to move on and capture Niagara. To the northward fifty miles away was Fort Frontenac (now Kingston), then garrisoned by 1,400 French troops, ready to swoop down upon Oswego, if General Shirley ventured to move towards Niagara. General Shirley took with him to Oswego six brass 12 pounders, one brass 18 pounder, and seven iron six pounders. His whole force reached Oswego the last of August, but not the needful pro-* 1754-1756— FORT BULL, Etc. 7 visions and stores. His journey up the Mohawk, over the Oneida Car rying Place, thence to Oswego, is graphically and poetically described by that elegant historian, Dr. Francis Parkman, in Vol. I of his history on Montcalm and Wolfe. He says : They left Schenectady, passed Fort Johnson, the two villages of the Mohawks, the German Flats, and left behind the last trace of civilized man. They rowed 60 miles up the Mohawk through a. wilderness, and reached the Great Carrying Place, which divided the waters that flow to Lake Ontario. Here now stands the city which the classic zeal of its founders has adorned with the name of Rome. Then all was swamp and forest, traversed by a track thatled to Wood Creek, which is not to be con founded with the Wood Creek of Lake Champlain. Thither the bateaux were dragged on sledges and launched on the dark and tortuous stream, which, fed by a decoction of forest leaves that oozed from the marshy shores, crept in shadow through depths of foliage, with only a belt of illumined sky gleaming between the jagged tree tops. Tall and lean with straining towards the light, their rough gaunt stems trickling with perpetual damps, stood on either hand the silent hosts of the forest. The skeletons of their dead, barkless, blanched and shattered, strewed the mud banks and shal lows ; others lay submerged like bones of drowned mammoths thrusting lank white limbs above sullen water ; and great trees, entire as yet, were flung by age or storms athwart the current, a bristling barricade of matted boughs. There was work for the ax as well as for the oar, till at length Lake Oneida opened before them, and they rowed all day over its sunny breast, reached the outlet and drifted down the shallow eddies of the Onondaga, between walls of verdure, silent as death, yet haunted every where with ambushed danger. It was twenty days after leaving Schenectady when they reached the mouth of the Oswego river, and Lake Ontario greeted them stretched like a sea to the pale brink of the northern sky, while on the bare hill on their left, stood the miserable Fort of Oswego. The foregoing pen picture of the route will give but a faint idea of the Wood Creek and its surroundings of 140 years ago, and but dimly outlines the difficulties attending travel over this route in the early days of the colony. The heavy trees wliich lined the banks of Wood Creek and the massive ones which fell across the stream, rendering navigation slow and toilsome, indicate why it was thus named. General Shirley dare not stir from Oswego towards Niagara. The disheartening news of Braddock's death, the failure before Crown Point, his Indian allies deserting him, the winds and storms of autumn, and the fear of an ap proach of the French from Fort Frontenac, paralyzed Shirley and he remained helpless at Oswego until the last of October, when he returned to Albany by the same route he traversed two months before, leaving 700 men at Oswego. The campaign of 1755 was now closed, and nothing gained by the English. The country for many coming months 8 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was wrapped in snow and little else could be done by the contending forces, except the guarding of forts or lonely blockhouses, or scouring the forest in small war parties. But preparations were being made by both sides for a more vigorous campaign the next year. The English planned for the campaign of 1756 as for the year before, and in addition to clear the French vessels from Lake Ontario and obtain complete command of that lake. The French strengthened all of their fortifica tions and laid plans to capture Oswego. It does not clearly appear in history whether or not the French were fully advised of the condition of the Oneida Carrying Place, and the number or condition of the Eng lish forts upon it. Certain it is, however, that the French were deter mined to investigate and destroy whatever was there, to better enable them to capture Oswego. It was known by the French that Oswego was supplied by the English with troops, munitions of war, and provis ions from Albany by the water route via Wood Creek and Oneida Lake, and if the Oneida Carrying Place could be captured or rendered use less, a great point would be gained. The best, and probably the only, way for the French to reach it in those days, was by the route they took. In March, 1756, M. de Lery left Montreal with a force of French and Canadian Indians 362 strong, of which 103 were Indians, went across the country through what are now St. Lawrence and Lewis counties, to strike this portage. They left Montreal, came up the St. Lawrence on the ice to La Presentation (called by the Indians, Oswegatchie, now Ogdensburgh), waded through deep snows, forded or crossed on ice or logs Oswegatchie, Black, and Mohawk Rivers and other swollen streams and lost their way in the forest, led astray either by accident or design by their Indian guides. They were fifteen days on the journey, two days wholly without food, and most of tljem came near perishing from cold and fatigue. It is not easy at this late date to locate the route of that expedition across the country. The general course of Indian travel in the forest was to avoid hills and keep near streams and in valleys. Not unlikely that expedition struck Black River at or near what is now Carthage in Jefferson county, followed up the valley of that stream to the vicinity of what is now Boonville, and down the valley of the Lan- singkill and the Mohawk to Rome. They reached this locality some hours before daylight, on the morning of March 27, 1756, and remained 1754-1756— FORT BULL, Etc. 9 until four in the morning ; at that hour they resumed their march, much weakened by hunger and fatigue, and at half past five in the morning reached the head of the carrying place, towards the Mohawk. The scouts in advance brought to De Lery two Englishmen who were going from Fort Bull along the portage (supposed to be what is now Dominick street, Rome, or near it). They were threatened with death if they concealed the truth or told a falsehood. They said the fort nearest to Wood Creek was Fort Bull, named after the captain then in command, and had a garrison of 66 soldiers ; that in this fort was a considerable quantity of provisions and munitions of war, and that the fort was con structed of heavy pickets, fifteen to eighteen feet above ground, doubled inside to a man's height, and the fort was nearly in the shape of a star ; that it had no cannon, but a number of grenades which had been sent on by Sir William Johnson from down the Mohawk, who had received news of this expedition through friendly Indian runners ; that fifteen bateaux were to leave that evening for Oswego, loaded with supplies ; that at that moment sleigh loads were going along the portage from the Mohawk to Wood Creek with nine bateau loads; that the fort on the Mohawk River side of the portage was of much larger pickets and well planked, having four pieces of cannon and a garrison of 150 men, com manded by Captain Williams, whose name the fort bore [This was Capt. William Williams of Sir Wm. Pepperell's regiment ; he was a native of Massachusetts. His regiment was disbanded in Dec, 1756; he died in 1787.] They said they had not been in that fort and hence did not know whether or not there were provisions in it. This account of the expedition, taken from the archives in Paris, and published in the Documentary History of N. Y. and in XII of Paris Documents, goes on to say: At ten in the forenoon the savages captured 10 men, who were conducting sleighs loaded with provisions from the Mohawk side of the portage to Wood Creek at Fort Bull. They stated in addition that 100 men arrived the preceding evening from down the Mohawk, who, it is said, were followed by a large force sent on by Sir William Johnson. While De Lery was distributing the captured provisions among his troops he. was told that a negro who accompanied the sleigh loads had escaped, taking the road to Fort Williams, on the Mohawk, and that it was apprehended that Captain Williams from that fort would sally out to attack the French force. De Lery thereupon resolved to forthwith, and in great haste, attack Fort Bull, where he was assured the greater part of the provisions and stores were. The Indians were reluctant 10 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. to join in the attack, but favored an immediate return to Canada. Some 20 Indians, however, started with De Lery to attack Fort Bull, while the rest remained to guard the road and provisions and prevent an advance from Fort Williams. The orders were for the detachments to move rapidly, without firing a shot or making noise, and -seize the guard on entering the fort. When near the fort and without being discov ered, the Indians, in their eagerness and excitement, gave a whoop ; then De Lery ordered an advance on double qt»°ck n order to carry the gate of the fort before it could be closed, but the garrison had bare time to close it. Only 6 Indians followed the French on this attack; the others pursued some six of the prisoners who tried to escape. De Lery set some men to cut down the gate, and called upon the comman der of the fort to surrender, which he refused, and answered defiantly by throwing a hand grenade and a fire of musketry [a brave and loyal officer], and throwing a quantity of grenades; the French and Canadians ran .it full speed to the fort, got possession of the port holes, and through these fired at those inside. In about an hour the gate was cut down, and the French rushed in with shout= of "Vive le Roi " and put every one ,to the sword they could lay hands on. One woman and a few soldiers were fortunate enough to escape. The powder and other stores were thrown into the creek ; one of the magazines caught fire, and as it could not be extinguished, orders were given to retire as quick as possible. There was hardly time to do this when the fire communicated to the powder, which blew up at three points. The ex plosion was so violent that portions of the debris was thrown at some distance, and wounded some, and in great danger of killing the whole force. News was brought that a sortie from Fort Williams was being made, whereupon De Lery rallied his forces and caused bombs, grenades, bullets, and all the provisions that could be found thrown into the stream, and which>were stored in fifteen loaded bateaux, and then set out to meet the sortie ; but he learned that the Indians had repulsed it, having killed seventeen men. De Lery then moved with his force and encamped' in the woods three-quarters of a league away. The Fort Bull prisoners were then ex amined, and it was learned that Sir William Johnson had sent notice to all the posts of De Lery's rumored coming, but it was regarded impossible on account of the rigor of the season. Fort Bull is situate near a creek. Fort Williams on the Mo hawk. The carrying place from one fort to the other is about four miles long, over a pretty level country, though swampy in some places. No mention was made of Fort Craven, from Which it may be right fully inferred that this -fort did not then exist, although it seems well authenticated that it once stood on the Mohawk near the bend of that stream and below where the railroad bridge of the New York Central now crosses the river. The French commander estimated that over 40,000 pounds of powder were burned or thrown into the water, besides balls, bombs, grenades, clothing, provisions and other stores. It was a great loss to the English. Fort Bull covered about an acre of ground, was in the shape of a star and inside were a well and magazine, and the whole enclosed by pickets, 1754-1756— FORT BULL, Etc. 11 as above stated, and surrounded by a ditch into which water could be easily turned from Wood Creek when necessary. Its shape is yet (1896) plainly discernible, although 140 years have elapsed since its destruc tion. For years past the curious and students of history have taken from the bed of Wood Creek close by the fort a large number of balls and other relics. In September, 1893, the location of Fort Bull and the events connected with its history were duly celebrated by proces sions, speeches, etc. De Lery, after his victory, retreated by rapid marches to Canada, taking the route, as near as can now be ascertained, over the country towards Cape Vincent, reaching Lake Ontario in seven days, where he was met by a convoy of provisions in bateaux and proceeded down the St. Lawrence to Montreal.1 The loss of the English is stated at ninety, men, of whom thirty were prisoners. In connection with the destruction of Fort- Bull, an extract from the narrative of Robert Eastburn, published in 1758, is of interest. Mr. Eastburn was born in Eugland in 17 10, and when four years of age was brought to this country by his parents. Robert had six children, and was a blacksmith by trade. In 1756 he, with thirty other mechanics, came from Philadelphia to what is now Rome, probably under the call of General Shirley for men to escort provisions over the carrying place and down to Oswego, as will be hereafter detailed. They reached this point March 26, 1756, on their way to Oswego. Fort Williams being full, he says they took up quarters in the " Indian House." It is diffi cult to say where that was, but possibly on or near the site of Sink's opera house. He goes on to say : About 10 o'clock the next day, March 27, a negro came running down the road and reported that the sleigh-men who were transporting loads over the carrying place were all taken prisoners. Captain Williams thereupon sent a sergeant and twelve men to ascertain if the report was true. I, being at the Indian House, asked to go along, and I did. When we had advanced a quarter of a mile, a man was shot down. I got behind a large pine tree and shot two of the enemy. I then ran, -got into a swamp, and by reason of the snow, the enemy tracked and captured me. They stripped me of my hat and clothing, so that I had nothing left but a flannel vest without sleeves. They put a rope around my neck, bound my arms fast behind me^ put a long band around my body and a large pack on my back, struck me on the head a severe blow and drove me before them through the woods. Seventeen or eighteen prisoners were soon added. In the meantime the enemy determined to 1 See route of Belletre's expedition, 1757, in next chapter, 12 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. destroy Fort Bull, which they soon effected, all being put to the sword, except five, the fort burned, the provisions and powder destroyed, when they retired to the woods and joined their main body. As soon as they got together, having a priest with them, they fell on their knees and returned thanks for their victory. The enemy had sev eral wounded men with them, which they carried on their backs; besides which about fifteen of their number were kiiled, and of us about forty. It being near dark and some Indians drunk, they marched only about four miles and encamped ; the Indians untied my arms, cut hemlock boughs and strewed around the fire, tied my band to two trees with my back on the green boughs by the fire, covered me with an old blanket and, lay down across my band, on each side, to prevent my escape while they slept. Sunday, March 28, rose early and the commander ordered a hasty retreat towards Canada, for fear of Sir William Johnson. After seven days march we ar rived at Lake Ontario, where I eat some horse flesh. One of our men being so weak he could not keep pace, was killed and scalped. I was almost naked, traveling through deep snow and wading through rivers as cold as ice. The narrative goes on further to say they were taken down the St. Lawrence to Montreal and thence farther back into Canada ; that he finally went to England and after an absence of a year and a half he returned to his family in Philadelphia, who had mourned him as dead. It will be observed that the only forts mentioned in the foregoing are Forts William and Bull and that the former was the larger fort. It has been generally supposed that Fort Bull was the larger and more for midable one. CHAPTER III. 1756 TO 1758. —OSWEGO.— HERKIMER. The destruction of Fort Bull did not dampen the efforts of the Eng lish to strengthen the forts at Oswego, which they had occupied since 1727. General Shirley was at Albany, and his favorite plan was to strengthen Oswego and from that point later on to attack Niagara. He continued in the spring and summer of 1*756, even after Fort Bull was destroyed, to supply Fort Williams and send supplies, munitions of war, and troops by this route to Oswego. Having no troops to escort and guard his provisions along the route, he invented the novel plan of taking into his pay 2,000 boatmen gathered from all parts of the coun- 1756-1758— OSWEGO— HERKIMER. 13 try, dividing them into cpmpanies of fifty, eached armed with a gun and a hatchet, and placing them under command of Lieut-Col. John Bradstreet. Not unlikely Robert Eastburn and his associates helped to make up this escort in March, 1756, when he was captured and Fort Bull destroyed, as narrated in the previous chapter. In May, 1,100 French troops prowled around Oswego to cut its communications with Albany ; nevertheless, Bradstreet safely conducted into Oswego a convoy of provisions and military stores, and July 3 set out on his return with his empty boats. He fell in with the French about nine miles from Oswego and several engagements took place, in which Bradstreet had the final advantage and returned to Albany with his empty boats. The French returned towards Frontenac and encamped at or near what is now Sackett's Harbor, or in the vicinity of Black River Bay. General Shirley continued his efforts to reinforce Oswego-, when the astounding news came to him that he was superseded in command. It was an nounced that Col. Daniel Webb would be sent to America, followed by General Abercrombie, who in turn was to be followed by the Earl of Loudon ; Shirley to resign to Webb, the latter to Abercrombie, and the latter to Loudon. Notwithstanding this news, Shirley continued his efforts in the direction of Oswego. Webb and Abercrombie arrived in June, Loudon in July, 1756. It was the general understanding among the English that the French were preparing to attack Oswego from the direction of Frontenac, and the attack in May on Bradstreet was con firmatory of this understanding. In July a French commander with 700 men had gone from Frontenac and joined the French troops near Sackett's Harbor, as before stated. On the 21st of July Montcalm and the French governor of Canada left Montreal and by eight days of hard rowing up the St. Lawrence, reached Fort Frontenac. A French engineer had secretly reconnoitered the forts at Oswego and returned with the report that success was certain. On the 4th of August, 1756, all was ready; 3,000 men were destined for the enterprise. Montcalm embarked at night from Frontenac and crossed over to Wolf Island with a portion of the troops and on that island were hidden all day, embarking again in the evening. They joined the other troops at Sackett's Harbor, the next morning at 7 (August 7). On the 8th all were united at the bay. On 14 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the gth, covered by the universal forest, a portion of the force marched in advance to protect the landing of the troops. Montcalm followed, coasting the shore in bateaux and at midnight of August ioth landed within a mile and a half of Oswego. The English knew nothing of the coming army until in the morning, when a reconnoitering canoe discov ered the invaders. There ' were three forts at Oswego, and after three or four days hard fighting, all were captured and 1,600 troops sur rendered to the French, The latter destroyed the forts, burned the vessels on the stocks, destroyed such provisions as they could not carry away, and made the place a desert. Then the army decamped loaded with prisoners and spoil, crossed over to Fort Frontenac, descended the St. Lawrence to Montreal, hung the captured flags in the churches and sang Te Deum in honor of their triumph. This detailed account of that capture is given, as it had much to do with the subsequent history of this part of the country and in shaping its destiny. In the mean time, the plans of Shirley to reinforce Oswego were continued. On the I2th of August Webb was sent from Albany with a regiment of troops up the Mohawk, thence to go to Oswego via Oneida Carrying Place. He had scarcely reached the Carrying Place when the stunning news came to him of the disaster at Oswego, accom panied by the alarming rumor that Montcalm with a force of 6,000 was en route for Oneida Lake and Wood Creek. Webb took fright, felled trees in Wood Creek so as to impede the coming of the French, burned Fort Williams on the' Carrying Place and beat a hasty retreat down the valley of the Mohawk. His conduct on this occasion, as well as his action at Lake George, has caused his name to come down in history as either a coward or a very inefficient Officer. The destruction of Fort Williams and the conduct of Webb left this part of the country defence less, and exposed the Valley of the Mohawk and the territory of the Six Nations to the attacks of the French, and tended strongly to win over to the latter the friendship of the Iroquois Confederacy. The war between the French and English continued around Lake Champlain and at other points, but not in this vicinity or in what is now Oneida county. The French did not, however, cease their efforts to learn the condition of the Oneida Carrying Place, and of the route between Oswego and Albany. In 1757 a French spy was sent over 1756-1758— OSWEGO— HERKIMER. 15 this route to obtain information for his government. His report, with other valuable documents, are published in the Colonial History of New York. He started from Oswego and went up Oswego River to Oneida River, the outlet of Oneida Lake, and then to Wood Creek. The lake is about twenty-one miles long and several miles wide ; the distance from the mouth of Wood Creek to Fort Bull, following that crooked stream, is about twenty-seven miles and about one- half that distance in a straight line. The distance from Oswego to Fort Bull is 108 miles, and it took a loaded boat five days, and about three and a half to go the other way. In low water a loaded boat could not go from Oneida Lake within a mile and a half of Fort Bull ; it must be partly unloaded and the boat return for.the remainder of the cargo The narrative of the French spy, goes on to say : Wood Creek is full of sinuosities, narrow and sometimes embarrassed with fallen trees. Its navigation is difficult when the water is low. Fort Bull was burned in * 1756, and was situate on the right bank of Wood Creek. From Fort Bull to Fort Williams is one league and a half. This is the carrying place across the height of land. The English had- constructed a road there, over which all carriages passed, and the English were obliged -to build a portion of the way from Fort Bull because of the marshy ground ; mear a "small stream [Stony Creek] a fort had been begun [Fort Newport, site of late U.S. Arsenal, now now bath tub factory] but not finished. It was to be intermediate between Forts Bull and Williams on the summit level. Fort Williams was on the right bank of Mohawk River, at the east end of the carry ing place ; it was abandoned and destroyed by the English in 1856 [De Lery's ex pedition]. Leaving Oswego is a road over which the English drove cattle, on the border of Oswego River, to Oneida Lake, and around to Oneida village, and they can go to Forts Bull and Williams. [This is probably the route over which Gen. Shirley drove his beef cattle to Oswego in 1755, as mentioned in a previous chapter.] From Fort Williams to Herkimer is thirty-six miles. The road follows on the right bank [south] of the Mohawk ; leaving Fort Williams there is a road north of the river but it can be traveled only on foot or horseback ; there is another road which joins that [at Stanwix village probably] by which horses and cattle pass from Her kimer to Oswego. This road is bad for about four leagues [Whitesboro]. The country is marshy, and carriages travel it in winter and during summer, and it can be easily passed on horseback at all times, though in some places there is a great deal of mud. After these four leagues, carts can easily go to Fort Herkimer. Five leagues this side of Fort Herkimer, are the forks of two roads.one of which to the left leads, by fording the river, to the Palatines village [village of Herkimer.] The forts on the carrying place being destroyed in 1756, the French had easier access from Canada to the English settlements down the Mohawk valley. In the fall of 1757 a French expedition under Belletre 16 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. left Kingston and on the 12th of November, 1757, made an attack about three in the morning on the forts and Palatine settlements (now the village of Herkimer, formerly Fort Dayton), murdering the settlers and destroying the property. The question is, which route did that ex pedition follow ? The histories of Herkimer county say that it went via Black River; if this be correct, it must have followed the valley of the stream and struck West Canada Creek above Herkimer village not far from " Hess Rifts," where some authorities say, Walter Butler crossed at the time he was killed, on his way back to Canada in 1780, after his Johnstown invasion, when pursued by Colonel Willett. The French spy who gave the account of the itinerary from Oswego to Albany, above quoted, writes as follows of Belletre's expedition : He went from the mouth of La Famine river 30 miles below Oswego, ascended that river four leagues [12 miles] and leaving it on the left, and followed the path leading to Oneida lake, which he left on his right, and came to the level summit to Fort Williams, [at the Oneida Carrying Place], He forded three rivers, the water being very high, during the four days he was going from La Famine to Fort Will iams,- from 24 to 30 leagues [77 or 90 miles.] The soil is soft only in the latter part of the season, the country is fine and but few mountains. It has always been an unanswered point in history as to the location of river La Famine. Some maps and authors locate it as Chaumont Bay ; others at the mouth of Salmon River ; some at Henderson Bay ; some in Ellisburgh. The French spy places it thirty miles from Oswego, which would locate it near the mouth of Sandy Creek in the town of Henderson, Jefferson county ; following up that stream twelve miles, would reach Adams, and the distance from the starting point to Fort Williams (now Rome) is about seventy-five miles, as stated by the French spy. Again, the description of the route would closely resemble the route from Henderson to Rome, and the three rivers crossed might have been, and quite likely were, Salmon River, Mad River and Fish Creek, all large and turbulent streams at times in those days ; that route might have led through Adams, Lorraine, Boylston, Redfield and Flor ence. It will be observed that the Itinerary of the spy makes no men tion of a single fort standing in 1757 at the carrying place, and only those of Forts Bull and Williams which had been erected and were de stroyed the year before. Nothing is said of Fort Craven, although the latter, on the site of it, is shown on the topographical map in the next 1758 TO 1760-FORTS STANWIX AND SCHUYLER. 17 chapter. That partisan and bloody attack of Belletre closed the cam paign of 1757. CHAPTER IV. 1758 TO 1760.— FORTS STANWIX AND SCHUYLER. In 1756 William Pitt, the first Earl of Chatham, became Prime Min ister of England. For more than two years the English in America had acted so much like children that the Indians were disgusted, while the activity of the French tended to win the admiration and alliance of the Iroquois Confederacy. This condition of affairs in the colonies had greatly troubled the English people. When Pitt came into power he bent the energies of his great mind to produce a change. It was to wards America that he turned his heartiest efforts. He had in view the driving of the French from their Canadian possessions, and his first step in that direction was the capture of Louisburg, next Du Quesne and then Ticonderoga. To capture the latter Abercrombie went in June, 1758, from Albany to Lake Champlain, and with him went Colonel John Bradstreet (afterwards General Bradstreet and part owner of Cosby Manor) and Marinus Willett (the then future hero of Fort Stanwix), then eighteen years old. That expedition was a disgraceful fizzle, and Colonel Bradstreet, indignant at the unnecessary failure, obtained from his superior officer permission to take 3,000 troops and go back to Albany, and- via Mohawk River and Oneida Carrying Place to Oswego, .thence to attack Fort Frontenac. This scheme was kept secret from all but the leading officers. On reaching Albany they hastened in boats up the Mohawk, and reached the carrying place about the first of Au gust. Here they found General Stanwix with 6,0oo troops, whither he been ordered a short time before to erect a formidable fort in place of those destroyed. On this expedition went also the following, who sub sequently became famous in the history of their country, viz.: Nathaniel Woodhull, a major, subsequently a general in the Revolutionary army, and the first president of the provincial congress ; Horatio Gates, then 3 18 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. a captain, subsequently a general, who captured Burgoyne in 1777 at Saratoga; James and George Clinton, the former general inthe Revo lutionary army, the latter the war governor of New York, the former then twenty-two, the latter nineteen years old. Bradstreet began with his usual vigor to transport his men and his munitions of war across the portage and to clear Wood Creek of the numerous trees with which General Webb had obstructed it two years before. A dam was built across the creek near the late U. S. Arsenal site to raise the water and aid in floating the boats down that stream. Two weeks were occupied in these preparations, and these movements first indicated to the troops the direction they were to take. The troops started from the carrying place August 14, reached Oswego in six days, and after resting there a few hours, started for Fort Frontenac, On the evening of the twenty-fifth the fort was reached, and in three _days it was captured. On arriving at the site of Fulton, Oswego county, on their return, the men were three . days in dragging the boats around Oswego Falls, and so excessive was the labor and so great the fatigue that nearly 100 deaths occurred at that point, and when Fort Bull was reached about one-half the men were unfit for duty. It required four days to transport the boats and stores from Wood Creek to Mohawk River, and the men were so completely exhausted that, according to Smith's Colonial History, 500 died and were buried at the carrying place. The cause is attributed to the haste in cooking the food and the bad water of Wood Creek and the great fatigue of the men. The troops reached this point on their return September 10, 1758, and that very night young Willett was taken sick, and was confined to his tent until November by a dangerous illness. Before that summer was over it was evident that a fort was needed at this carrying place, and hence General Abercrombie gave orders to build one, detailing Gen. John Stanwix to superintend its construction. While General Abercrombie was at Lake George in the summer of 1758, he wrote to General Stanwix two letters under dates of July 16 and 23, 1758, directing that the fort should be built forthwith at the Oneida Carrying Place. Under date of July 27th, General Aber crombie writes a third letter to General Stanwix on the same subject, in which he says : 1758 TO 1760— FORTS STANWIX AND SCHUYLER. 19 Having been told that you had been obliged to encamp your troops at Schenectady through the reason of the present shallowness of the Mohawk River, where it is said you cannot even get up light bateaux, which will have prevented your forwarding the tools and materials necessary for building at the Oneida Carrying Place, the post or fort I directed by my letters of the 16th, and 23d, should be forthwith built there and having been since advised, instead of that post or fort, to build one more exten sive, pursuant to a plan laid before me, I have accordingly sent that plan to Lieut. Williams, now at Albany, with directions, if his health should permit, to undertake the same immediately, to join you and set about it ; my reason for sending him is, that he is acquainted with that part of the country, and accustomed to the method of working in it. . General Stanwix asked the opinion of Captain Green on a plan of a fort to be built at the carrying place, and that officer answered as fol lows : Heads of the ordered Plan : A good post to be made at the Oneida carrying place, capable of lodging 200 men in the winter, and 3 or 400 men in the summer for its defence, with logs — a parapet of such thickness as the engineer shall think necessary according to the situation. A ditch to be made to serve to thicken the parapet — barracks to be made under neath the rampart, with flues of the chimneys to come through the top. The square will be the cheapest form to be made use of for this work. The bastions in like manner can be made use of for storehouses or magazines. In the square may be made lodging for officers, and the rest of the quadrangle clear — the whole to be logged. And opposite the officers "barracks, may be made a storehouse for the deposit of Indian goods. By a good post — I understand to be meant such a one, as will contain with ease, the said number of men, to be executed in such a manner as to protect them from a coup-de-main, and to be of such a size as will admit of a proper defence by such a garrison — the exterior side of such square, cannot' possibly be less (if so little) than 300 feet which procures but a very small defence from its flank, and will make an ex terior circuit of logging of nearly 1,420 feet by at the least of 14 feet high, according to the situation ; and in order to admit of barracks under the rampart, to which the retaining and braceing log works, as well as the log work fronting the interior area, must of course be considered, as likewise the log work to cover the barracks, store houses, and magazines that are proposed to be made under the ramparts of the cur tains and bastions, by which it will appear that the greatest part of the rampart round this post must be formed and supported with log work. As to the thickness of the parapet, being informed cannon may be brought by the enemy, it cannot be less than 12 feet, if so little, 18 feet being the standard in such cases. The rampart for the maneuver of cannon, and likewise to admit of a reasonable breadth for the barracks underneath, cannot be less than 20 feet. The breadth and depth of ditch must be considered in proportion for the earth wanted to form said parapet, and to cover the logwork of the proposed barracks. 20 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Magazines and storehouses to be made under the rampart. The exterior circuit of Fort Edward is nearly 1,569 feet, and as I am informed took nearly two seasons to complete it. Fort Stanwix was begun August 23,' 1758, by the troops under Gen eral Stanwix, and nearly finished November 11, 1758; it cost 60,000 pounds sterling. The ground where the fort was built was nineteen feet higher than the swamps and low land, and descended gradually west ward towards Fort Newport (late U. S. Arsenal). It is supposed that Dominick street follows the route of the old carrying path, except that in those years that path went to the east, or left, of what was then Fort Newport (late U. S. Arsenal). Fort Stanwix was bounded east, north and south by what are now Spring, Liberty, and Dominick streets. An indentation in the ground commencing on the west bounds of George Barnard's late residence on Dominick street, and running northerly to Liberty street is where ran the westerly ditch of the fort. The capture of Fort Frontenac by Bradstreet, followed by the taking of Louisburg and Fort Du Quesne by the English in November there after, closed the campaign in 1759. A fleet was to sail up the St. Law rence to besiege Quebec and Ticonderoga, and Crown Point and Niagara were to be captured. With the latter only this narrative has to do, as it more immediately concerns Oneida county. Either in 1758 or 1759 (authorities disagree as to the year), a mud fort was erected on the present site of Utica, on the south bank of the Mohawk River, in the block bounded by Second street and Ballou Creek, close by the tracks of the N. Y. C. R. R., a little easterly of the railroad depot. An Indian path leading from Oneida Castle, and one from the Oneida Carrying Place, met or crossed each other at the foot of what is now Genesee street in Utica; one path kept on the south side of the river down the valley ; another forded that stream where those paths met, and led down the Mohawk on the north side, and another diverged (as supposed) and led to the Black River valley and thence north. This fording place was considered a good site for a fort and one was accordingly erected, as before stated ; it was surrounded by palisades and ditches, and was probably intended more as a place of rest and a moderate protection to the inmates, than as a formidable work of defence. It was named after Peter Schuyler ; authors disagree whether it was that Peter who was an uncle of Gen. Philip Schuyler of the Revolution, or another Peter 1758 TO 1760— FORTS STANWIX AND SCHUYLER. 21 Schuyler. That fort went to decay soon after the Revolution, and seems not to have been an important fortification. General Prideaux and Sir William Johnson were charged with the ex pedition against Niagara. They were instructed to go up the Mohawk in May, 1759, with 5,000 troops, to leave a strong garrison at Fort Stanwix, establish a post on the east end of Oneida Lake (the Royal Block House, now Sylvan Beach, town of Vienna) and one at the west end of the lake (Fort Brewerton), descend the river to Oswego, leave nearly one- half his force there and proceed with the remainder to at tack Niagara. These orders were accomplished, and the troops pass ing up the Mohawk probably stopped for a while at Fort Schuyler (Utica) on their way west. Niagara was besieged, General Prideaux was killed, the fort captured by Sir William and the whole region of the upper Ohio fell into undisputed possession of the English. In the mean time the French forts around Lakes George and Champlain fell into the hands of the English, and in September Wolfe captured Que bec. These victories practically assured Canada to England, although the war in Canada continued for two or three years longer. In 1760 a final campaign was ordered by the British government to drive the French forces which had converged around Montreal from Canada. One English army was to proceed from Quebec, another from Lake Champlain, and a third from Albany, up the Mohawk via the Oneida Carrying Place to Oswego, thence over Lake Ontario to and down the St. Lawrence. General Amherst commanded the last, consisting of 4,000 English regulars, 6,000 Provincials, and 600 Indians under Sir William Johnson. With this army, and who went over this route,' were General Amherst, the commander-in-chief; Gen. Thomas Gage, com mander of the British forces around Boston at the time of the Revolu tion ; Colonel Haldimand, subsequently governor general of Canada ; General Bradstreet, Israel Putnam, later a general in the army of the Revolution. In September of that year the English forces converged at Montreal, where the French army had been driven, and the French were compelled to surrender, and all Canada passed into the hands of the English.2 1 The vestige of a part of an old military road near Lairdsville, in the town of Westmoreland, is yet visible ; said to have been the road over which some of AmhersVs men traveled on that ex pedition. 2A brief sketch of General Stanwix may be of interest to the reader in this connection. He 22 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. CHAPTER V. 1760 TO AUGUST, 1777. The history of Oneida county, prior to 1 760, is mainly written in war and bloodshed. Aside from the Indian trade carried on over its terri tory, nothing of a peaceful character prior to that year was transacted within its borders. The routes across it were traveled by hostile forces, infested by scalping parties lurking in ambush, and lined by forts erected for protection and defence. Not a road was laid out, not an acre of land cleared, not a tree felled, not a building erected for any object other than of, or for, a warlike purpose. The "old French war " was in progress in 1760 and continued for several years thereafter; and up to that date not a person with a view to a settlement had located within its limits. The first settlers within the county were Johannis entered the army as early as 1706. In 1752 he was governor of Carlisle, in the north part of Eng land, which city he then represented in parliament. In 1756 he was appointed colonel of the 60th Royal regiment, went as a volunteer to America, and was put in command of the southern dis trict of America and made his headquarters at Carlisle, Penn , during 1757 ; in December of that year was made brigadier general. In 1758, having been superseded by General Forbes, General Stanwix .proceeded to Albany, where he was ordered by General Abercrombie to proceed to the Oneida Carrying Place, there to erect a fort, as heretofore stated, and which in his honor was named Fort Stanwix, by which name it has come down to us in history, notwithstanding the efforts on the part of the Americans during the Revolution to give it the name of Fort Schuyler. By reason of this attempt and of its being so called in official dispatches, and in some histories, this fort has been at times confounded with the Fort Schuyler at Utica ; the latter fort has been called " Old Fort Schuyler." In 1759 General Stanwix returned to Pennsylvania ; he repaired the old Fort Du Quesne, changed to the name of Fort Pitt, site of the present city of Pittsburgh. On his return to England he was appointed lieutenant governor of the Isle of Wight ; he married a second wife in 1763. In 1765 he was ordered to Ireland, and in December, 1766, in crossing the sea to take his seat in the English parliament, the vessel in which he was a passenger and all on board, including his wife and only daughter were lost. A singular lawsuit grew out of the death of his family. By a stipulation on his marriage it was agreed that in case he survived his wife, the personal estate was to go in a certain direction, and if his daughter survived both husband and wife, then in another line. The case was brought into chancery and the lawyers in the case made ingenious arguments as to the " survival of the fittest," and as to the probabilities which could buffet with the waves and death longest, the old, the middle aged, or the young. The questions were so intricate and difficult of decision, the court advised a compromise by an equal division of the property, which was agreed to by the parties. In the north part of England is the city of Carlisle, from which General Stanwix wasa member of parliament at the time of his death. One of the suburbs of that city is a hamlet named "Stanwix," 1760 TO AUGUST, 1777. 23 Reuff (anglicized John Roof) and wife. He was born January g, 1730, in the city of Durlach, Suabice, Germany, and January 13, 1759, mar ried in that city and both came to this country. In October of that year they landed in the city of Philadelphia. Soon thereafter they pushed their way onward to New York, up the valley of the Mohawk, past the Palatine settlement at German Flats and early in 1760 we find them located at Fort Stanwix. Not unlikely the location of the Ger man Palatinates along the Mohawk and up as far as Herkimer induced those persons to come so far into this wilderness region. Fort Stanwix was erected about a year and a half before, and wheri Roof and wife came it was garrisoned by British troops and was likely to be the theater of active military operations, or the route for the passage of hostile armies. Mr. Roof erected a logJiouse on or near the banks of the Mohawk, opened trade with the Indians, and as time progressed, furnished board and lodgment for boatmen and for those who assisted boatmen across the carrying place, and for those who crossed this por tage to trade with the Indians. Their nearest neighbors, aside from the garrison, were thirty miles away, and here this newly married couple commenced the battle of life, the pioneer settlers of Oneida county. Mr. Roof leased or purchased by contract, of Oliver De Lancey, a portion of Oriskany Patent, just east of the river, the present site of Factory Village ; this land he cultivated, in due time erected barns, filled them with produce, and before the war of the Revolution was a thrifty, pros perous business man. Unto him while at Fort Stanwix the following children were born: John, born August 28, 1761 ; Susannah, born August 9, 1766; Martyn, born February 2, 1776; Barbara, born Oc tober 30, 1771 ; Adam, born May 16, 1773. It will thus be seen that this family were permanent settlers, for they lived at that fort until driven out by the siege of Fort Stanwix in Au gust, 1777. John, the first born, was baptized when Sir William John son and Captain Nicholas (afterward General) Herkimer were present, the latter acting as godfather. When sixteen years old, John entered the army under General Herkimer, was by the side of the latter when shot in the leg at the battle of Oriskany, and also present when that leg was amputated and the general died. The father was captain in Colonel Mellon's force of 200 Massachusetts men and under Colonel Gansevoort 24 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. at the siege of Fort Stanwix. The son Marty n was baptized by Rev. Samuel Kirkland, the well known divine and Indian missionary ; three other children were born unto Mr. Roof at Canajoharie, after his family sought safety in that locality, subsequent to the beginning of the war. From the best attainable accounts Bartholomew Brothock(Brodock) was the next comer after Mr. Roof. He came from down the valley, and after the Revolution located in the town of Vienna, where descend ants of his yet reside. Soon thereafter the following families were found located around the fort clearing up small patches of ground, trading with the Indians, and assisting boatmen up and down the river and over the carrying place, viz : William Kline, Thomas Myers, John Steere (or Steeve), William Quinn, Stephanes De Grow, and one Reg- gins, and others, about a dozen families in all. In the Documentary History is a letter from Eleazer Wheelock, who had charge of a charity school at Lebanon, Conn., for the education of Indian youths, to Sir William Johnson. The letter is dated August 20. 1762, and it says that, '" one Reggins, lives at Fort Stanwix, but is doing business at the Royal Block house at the mouth of Wood Creek at the east end of Oneida Lake [now Sylvan Beach], and has in his employ a young boy of sixteen years by the name of George Haxton, and the latter would like to attend school, but his obligations to Reggins and the violent op position of the latter prevent." The writer asks for the assistance of Sir William. These families continued around Fort Stanwix until driven down the valley by the Revolutionary war, as will be more fully stated hereafter. On March 12, 1772, Tryon county was taken from Albany county by a north and south line which ran nearly through the center of Schoharie county ; all west of that line in New York was in Tryon county (named in honor of William Tryon, then governor of the province). The next settlement in Oneida county, after the one at Fort Stanwix, was at Deerfiekl Corners. In 1773, George J. Weaver (spelled Weber) Mark Damuth (sometimes called Damoot and by the. English Dame- wood), and Christ Jan Reall, located at the corners at Deerfield, built a log house and commenced to improve the land. That was in Cosby's Manor, which was sold the year before by the sheriff of Albany county for quit rents, to Philip Schuyler, for the benefit of himself, Gen. John Bradstreet and others. 1760 TO AUGUST, 1777. 25 The settlers around Fort Stanwix seemed to be doing a thriving busi ness for those times, and to be acquiring considerable property. From old documents found in the possession of Jelles Fonda, of Caughnawaga (see history of State Patents), at his death, it would seem as if those located around the fort considered they had in 1773 a monopoly of the carrying place, of the price of travel, and of carriage of goods. The following are among the documents referred to : Caughnawaga [Fonda], 29 January, 1773. We the subscribers do agree that William Kline and Christian Reel shall have a wagon to ride over the carrying place, and work as we do ; and shall have a full share of a wagon's riding and payment for the same during their good behavior, ac cording to an agreement made this 29 day of January, 1793. Jelles Fonda, Johannes Ruff, Anthony Van Veighton, William Kline, Thomas Maires, Christ Jan Reil, Bartholomay Brodock. Present — Daniel Steele, Richard Caller, John Seere. Fort Stanwix, March 3, 1773. Sir: — This morning we met together at Mr. Stephanes [Stephanes Degrow's] and has agreed about the price of the riding at this place, which is 20 shillings to Kennedy [Canada] Creek, and likewise from there the same to the Indian field [perhaps Shoe maker's at Mohawk], and from the common Carrying place 18 shillings to Kennedy Creek, coming and going. Thomas Mearse, Johannes Ruff, William Kline, Stephanus De grow. P. S. — The short carrying place is 4 shillings, and from the Indian field to New port is six shillings. The following letter was from Mr. Roof to Jelles Fonda : . Fort Stanwix, April 23, 1773. Sir: — Your favor rec'd the 20 inst. ; the next day I sent them to plow with my servant and my plow as I want the seed in the ground as soon as possible. I want no pay for it, only they must help me and I them ; the riding [carrying persons, likely] is beginning to be pretty smart, therefore I want to have done with plowing. We have made a new sluice and it is in good order. The traders make complaint in regard to paying 4 shillings over this place, but as to Kanady Creek, I hear they seem to be easy about the price. They threaten to get other wagons here, but that we care nothing about ; for I am not afraid, one wagon this year will clear as much two last year. The foregoing will indicate what was going on in this county 120 years ago. Thus affairs moved on hereabouts, no great, if any, addition being made to the settlers in the county before the Revolution ; and none, so far as history chronicles, outside of Fort Stanwix and Deer- field. Political, affairs, in the colonies, were approaching a> crisis. The French 25 OUR COUNTY AND -ITS PEOPLE. had been driven from the Canadian possessions, and England was seek ing to tax and otherwise oppress her colonial subjects in America beyond endurance. The spirit of liberty, especially among the Angli cized people in the colonies, was fully aroused and hardly a decade had passed before a war was again threatened in the colonies, #nd more formidable than the old French war. The battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill in 1775 set the country in motion. The news from be- leagured Boston stirred up the people to the wildest extent and enthu siasm. Indians were on the war path and scattered colonial settle ments were wiped from the face of the earth. The Declaration of In dependence July 4, 1776, solidified the sentiment of the colonial patriots in favor of a separation from the mother country. Early in that year matters assumed a very warlike aspect. The various forts in the Mohawk Valley were garrisoned, and although Fort Stanwix was in the midst of a wilderness, thirty miles from civilization, yet it was consid ered the key to the western country, and to the Mohawk Valley from the west. General Washington at an early day had called the attention of General Schuyler to this fort, the importance of this carrying place, and the necessity of repairing and garrisoning it. In the course of 1776 Congress directed General Schuyler to put the fort in a state of defence, but nothing was done to it that year. The settlers remained around the fort as in years before, but war parties began to move. In the summer of 1776 a friendly Oneida Indian was hunting north of Deerfield Corners and while thus engaged came upon a party of Tories and Indians who were very particular in their inquiries as to the white settle ment at the corners. The Oneida Indian gave evasive answers, and the party proceeded in the direction of the settlement. As soon as out of sight the friendly Indian made a detour and hastened to apprise the whites of their danger. Being acquainted with the woods, thickets, hills, swamps, and streams, he reached the settlement and gave warning to the whites, who barely had time to hide their scanty furniture in the woods. The women and children in a wagon, and the men on foot, beat a hasty retreat down the valley. The war party came, found the settlers gone, set fire to and burned the buildings, and the town of Deerfield was again a deserted wilderness. The only settlers then left in Oneida county was those who yet remained around Fort Stanwix.. 1760 TO AUGUST, 1777. 27 Colonel Dayton was in command of the fort of that name (now Herki mer village) in 1776, and he was ordered to take charge of Fort Stan wix and repair it. The fort had gone greatly to decay, the pickets rotted off, and the earthworks much out of repair. It seems that Col. Elias Dayton l was at Fort Stanwix in the summer of 1776 and he was the one who changed the name to Fort Schuyler; that name clung to it in part during the war, and in that way it has often been confounded with Fort Schuyler at Utica ; Colonel Dayton was superseded in the year 1776 in command at Fort Stanwix by Colonel Elmore of the State service. In April, 1777, Col. Peter Gansevoort, then twenty- eight years of age, of the State service, was appointed to suc ceed Colonel Elmore by an order of General Gates dated April 26, 1777. On reaching Fort Stan wix Colonel Gansevoort found the ditches nearly filled up, maga- ' zine and barracks gone to ruin and the works untenable and in no condition for defence. He had but a small number of men and it was rumored there was to be an attack by the British during the summer. In May Col. Marin us Willett, then thirty-seven years old, and near Peekskill, was ordered with his regiment to join Colonel Gansevoort ; he started from Fort Constitution, opposite West Point, with his regiment in three sloops, reached Albany in three days, thence in boats up the Mohawk and arrived at Fort Stanwix May 29, 1777. When Colonels Ganse voort and Willett reached Fort Stanwix, the work of repairing com menced in earnest. The French engineer employed turned out to be wholly incompetent. Instead of repairing the works after the manner of their original construction, which would have been comparatively a Colonel Dayton was grandfather of William L. Dayton, of New Jersey, minister to France under President Lincoln, and who ran for vice-president in 1856, on the ticket with John C. Fremont. Peter Gansevoort, jr. 28 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. easy, he sent out to the swamp large parties to cut pickets, which when brought to the fort with so much labor were found to be seventeen feet long, seven feet longer than required, and instead of putting them in the center of the ditch, as formerly, they were put in the covert way. A building for barracks was erected outside of the fort. Another blunder was that the port holes in the pickets did not correspond with the em brasures of the fort. The upshot of the matter was, the engineer was arrested and sent down the valley to General Schuyler. It was not until into July that this was done. The British plan of the campaign for 1777 was for General Burgoyne to go from Canada with an army of 7,000 men up Lake Champlain, cross over to the Hudson River at Fort Edward, down that stream to Albany and there unite with General Howe, who was to come up the Hudson with his forces, and those two armies meet St. Leger with another army, which was to go via Lake Ontario, Oswego River, Oneida Lake, Wood Creek, capture Fort Stanwix, and proceed down the Mohawk and overrun and wipe out the settlements in the valley. That plan was formulated in England, and the forces started in the spring of 1777 to execute it. If it had been successful it would have been the death knell of American independence, as it would have separated the New England from the other colonies, as was the plan, and trampled under foot the patriots of the Mohawk Valley — among the most vigilant, the most brave, the most alert and active, of any of the settlements in the thirteen colonies ; but the British authorities had not duly considered, nor given proper weight to, the part Fort Stanwix might, and was to act in this contest They did not seem to have taken into account that it was possible for St. Leger to fail before this fort ; but to have assumed it was to be taken and the valley overrun as a matter of course. And now the time was approaching when within the borders of Oneida county were to be enacted scenes, and in which history was to be made, of momentous import ; history concerning not this locality alone, but involving the destiny of a nation, and hence it is not an exaggeration to say that the result of the siege of Fort Stanwix was the turning point in the Revolutionary conflict and assured independence to the colonies. General Burgoyne had charge of the Champlain expedition He came from England in the spring of 1777, and in June went up Lake Cham- 1760 TO AUGUST, 17,77. 29 plain and in due time reached the Hudson River with an army of 7,000 men. It was not fully known in early summer to the colonies as to the general plan of the English campaign ; but as the season advanced, ru mors thickened, and savages prowling around Fort Stanwix, picking off all they could see, indicated the trend of events. Under date of June 26, 1777, Colonel Gansevoort wrote to General Schuyler as follows : I am sorry to inform you that Captain Gregg went out gunning yesterday morning, contrary to orders, and about 10 a. m. Corporal Madison was killed and scalped and Captain Gregg shot through the back, tomahawked and scalped and left for dead ; but he survives. He saw two Indians. Under date of July 4 Colonel Gansevoort writes again, as follows : The soldiers are constantly at work sending out parties of observation, felling the timber into Wood Creek, clearing the road to Fort Dayton, which in many parts is impassable, and at the same time prosecuting the works, are objects of great impor tance. 150 men would be needed speedily and effectually to obstruct Wood Creek ; an equal number necessary to guard the. men at work in felling and hauling timber. The number of mimical Indians increases. Yesterday a party of 40, supposed to be Butler's emissaries, attacked Ensign Spoor with 16 privates, who were out cutting turf three-quarters of a mile from the fort; one soldier was brought in dead,' and in humanly mangled ; two brought in wounded ; Mr. Spoor and six privates are missing. Our provisions are greatly diminished by reason of the spoiling of the beef; .it will not hold out six weeks. Our stock of powder is too little. On the 3d of July, about noon, Colonel Willett chronicles in his nar- native that he was startled from hjs siesta by the report of musketry ; hastening to the parapet he saw a little girl running with a basket in her hand, while the blood was trickling down her bosom. It appeared that the girl, with two others, had been picking berries not forty rods from the fort (about where now stands the freight house of the N.Y. C. R. R.) and were fired upon and two of the number killed. The girl who es caped was but slightly wounded. One of the girls killed was Katy Steers, twenty years old, daughter of one of the settlers ; the other was the daughter of an invalid British officer, and was entitled to a position in the Chelsea hospital, but had preferred to remain in the cultivation of a small piece of land around Fort Stanwix than to again cross the ocean. Quite likely this invalid was the patentee of Sumner's Patent (see history of that patent), and this murdered girl his daughter. The storm was thickening and rapidly approaching, full of evil por- 30 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tents; by the middle of July Indians were prowling around the fort with murderous intent, and it became necessary to house the cattle within the fort, to send the families down the valley for safety, and for none of the garrison to venture out except in good sized parties and well armed. At this time the garrison consisted of 550 men, but they were only partially supplied with provisions, powder, and munitions of war. Boats, however, with men and supplies, were daily expected to arrive from down the valley. On the 30th of July a letter was received at the fort from Thomas Spencer,1 a friendly half- breed Oneida, an Indian interpreter, that in four days the king's troops would be at the fort. On the first of August, 1777, the walls around the fort were repaired ; the parapets nearly raised ; the embrasures made on three sides of the bas tions ; horizontal pickets extending over the ditches from the embank ment, and the perpendicular pickets were erected around the covert way, and the gate and bridges made secure. The sally port was on the east side of the fort towards the river ; the covert way was on the opposite side (westerly); the drawbridge on the southerly side towards Dominick street. On the northeast corner or bastion of the fort, towards St. Peter's church, were three guns ; on the northwest corner, towards the City Hall, four guns : on the southeast corner towards the river, four guns, and on the southwest corner three guns, and there was. the flag staff. On the side (northerly) towards Liberty street, were the soldiers' quarters ; on the east and south sides, the officers' barracks and in the southeast corner the magazine constructed of the seven feet cut off from the seventeen feet logs procured for pickets. Between the fort and the river the land was mainly cleared of trees, but the ap proaches from that direction were deemed difficult if not impassable by reason of the morass. A deep broad ditch encircled the fort, fifteen to . twenty feet wide at the top, sloping to the bottom, and eighteen to twenty feet deep. In the center of the ditch were heavy perpendicular pickets, sharp, pointed at the top. Another row of horizontal pickets projected from the ramparts over the ditch. Between the fort and what is now the Erie Canal, the land was cleared, and so it was westerly most of the way between the fort and Wood Creek. August ist an express 1 He was killed afterwards at the battle ef Oriskany. He was the one who went to Canada on a secret mission in the spring of 1777, and brought the news of the British plan of the campaign for that year. 6 1760 TO AUGUST, 1777. 31 arrived at the fort with the news that the boats coming up the Mohawk were near at hand. On the 2d of August in the afternoon, the boats with supplies and 200 men under Colonel Mellon (Mass. troops) reached the landing, just as a detachment from St. Leger's forces appeared in sight ; all of Colonel Mellon's men reached the fort except the man who commanded the boats, who by reason of his dilatoriness, was taken prisoner. An hour's difference in time might have entirely changed the result of that siege. There were now 750 men in the fort, provisioned for six weeks, with plenty of ammunition for small arms, but a scanty supply for the large guns, with nine rounds for each for the same period. The main body of St. Leger's forces was near at hand, con sisting of less than 500 troops outside of the Indians, and 1,000 of the latter; some accounts place the number of the enemy from 1,000 to 2,000- men. The siege commenced at once, while the parapets had to be finished by the garrison exposed to the fire of the enemy. Early in the year 1776 a regiment was raised in Connecticut, under authority of the Continental Congress, to serve for one year from April, 1776. It is known as Colonel Elmore's regiment. Col. Samuel Elmore and most of his company officers recruited their men in Connecticut, and 'to some extent from regiments which had served in the north. Some of the officers belonged in New York and a few in Massachusetts, and men were recruited from both of those States. Col. Samuel Elmore was from Sharon, Conn.; X,ieut.-Col. John Brown was from Massachu setts (both appointed by Congress) ; Maj. Robert Cochran was from New York (probably from Westchester county). The regiment took the field in July, 1776, under Gen. Philip Schuyler, and on August 25 marched from Albany up the Mohawk Valley. Capt. David Smith's company was on duty at German Flats, Capt. Lathrop Allen's company was in garrison at Fort Dayton (Herkimer), Capt. William Satterlee's company in garrison at Johnstown, Capt. Joel Dickenson's company (of which Robert Cochran was captain until he was promoted to be major) in gar rison at Fort Dayton, Capt. Theodore Woddbridge's company, Capt. Albert Chapman's company, Capt. Robert Walker's company, and Capt. Jeremiah Parmalee's company (four companies) marched on to Fort Stanwix and were in that fort and its vicinity until they broke up in the spring of 1777, when their term of service expired. Most of the offi- 32 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. cers and a number of the men re-entered the Continental service in the Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York lines. Captain, Satterlee was from Massachusetts, Captain Cochran from New York, and the re mainder of the captains from Connecticut. It is, or has been, generally supposed this regiment was at Fort Stanwix during its siege. This supposition is not well founded. The regiment at that fort during the siege in August, 1777, was the Third New York regiment, of which Colonel Gansevoort was colonel, and Col. Marinus Willett lieutenant- colonel. In addition there were 20b Massachusetts men under Colonel Mellon (of Colonel Weston's regiment) who arrived at the- fort the day the siege was commenced by St. Leger (August 2, 1877), and barely reached the fort before the advance force under Brant and Colonel Bird arrived. April 26, 1777, Colonel Gansevoort was appointed by General Gates to succeed Colonel Elmore, and May 18, 1777, Colonel >Willett was ordered to proceed from opposite West Point to Fort Stanwix, as lieutenant-colonel, with his regiment, the Third New York. CHAPTER VI. 1777— SIEGE OF FORT STANWIX— BATTLE OF ORISKANY. This chapter embodies an account of events which in their results more vitally affected the destiny of this county and of the nation than any others in their history. The territory embraced in this county was more than a century ago the theater of passing events which then and there practically decided the question whether the thirteen American colonies then struggling for independence were to continue as depend encies of Great Britain, or were to become the first, and probably the only, republic on this continent. Within this territory the battle was fought and won which practically settled that question; hence it is fair to assume that the student of local history will desire to be informed in detail of each step in the progress of events which gave this county of ours such paramount historical interest. In a former chapter is outlined the plan of the British for their cam- 1777— SIEGE OP FORT STANWIX— BATTLE OF ORISKANY. 33 paign of 1777. With the Burgoyne movement up Lakes Champlain and Gebrge, across the country to the Hudson and down that stream until the army met its fate on the field of Saratoga, this Volume has very little to do. But the expedition of St. Leger from La Chine, near Montreal; up the St. Lawrence to Lake Ontario, and thence to Oneida Lake and Wood Creek to Fort Stanwix, with the purpose of meeting Burgoyne at Albany, is of the greatest local importance and historical interest. Sir John Johnson was with this expedition, and a copy of his Orderly Book is before the writer. This Orderly Book was captured by Colonel Willett when he made his sortie, at the siege of Fort Stanwix. The troops to accompany the expedition were of the 8th regiment and of the 34th, each of 100 men, Sir John Johnson's regiment, 133, and, as was intended, 342 Hanau Chasseurs. In the Orderly Book, date of June 20, 1777, is this order : Forty-eight batteaux to-be delivered to the Royal Regiment (8th), 45 felling axes, and 3 broad axes ; 75 felling axes and 2 broad axes to the 34th regiment. The 8th regiment to take 440 barrels of provisions, allowing 10 bbls each for 44 batteaus ; the rum or brandy to be put for security in the officer's boats. The 8th reg't to be com pleted with 14 days provisions, commencing Saturday, June 21st. On the 2 ist is this order: Forty boats to contain 400 bbls of provisions, and 7 of rum ; the remainder to be left at St. Leger's quarters. Lieutenant- Colonel St. Leger was to command and accompany this expedition, and Sir John Johnson and Colonel Claus, his brother-in-law, subordinates. Colonel Claus, under date of October 16, 1777, after the expedition was over, wrote to the home government as follows : On the 23d of June I set out from La Chine near Montreal. The Brigadier was getting the artillery boats ready to take in 2 sixes, two 3's, and four cohorns (being our artillery for the expedition) was to follow the day after, and proceeded for an island destined for our rendezvous in the entrance of Lake Ontatio, called Buck [Carleton] Island, in company with Sir John Johnson and his regiment. In my way thither I collected a body of 150 Missagues [a Huron clan of Indians] and 6 nation of Indians. The foregoing Indians the Brigadier intended should accompany him on an alert to Fort Stanwix by a short cut thro' the woods from the mouth of the Sal mon River, about 20 miles from Oswego, in order to surprise the garrison, and take it with small arms. Between 60 and 70 leagues from Montreal, the reconnoitering party I sent to Fort Stanwix returned and met me with 5 prisoners (one lieutenant) and 4 scalps, having defeated a working party of 16 rebels as they were cutting sods 5 ' 34 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. toward repairing and finishing the old fort,i which is garrisoned by upward of 600 men — the repairs far advanced and the rebels expecting us, and were acquainted with our strength and route. The Brig, was about 15 leagues in our rear ; on reach ing Buck island, he admitted our artillery was insufficient, if the rebels intended to defend themselves in their fort. Here he had opportunity of sending for a better train of artillery. He was, however, still on the alert. We arrived at Buck island July 8th. This expedition remained at Buck Island until the 19th of July, On the 17th an order appears on Sir John's Orderly Book for forty days- provisions for 500 men, by which it is argued by the British authorities that not more than 500 men, Indians and all, were with St. Leger until he reached Oswego, where an addition of Indians was made to his force. On the 18th of July the Orderly Book had the following entry: The 8th and 34th regiments will receive 10 boats each for their men and 20 days provisions; the officers allowed a proper portion for their baggage on their way to Oswego. The corps of Canadians will move at same time and carry 20 days provis ions for 500 men. The advance corps to carry 6 days provisions in bread and pork, to shut any possibility of want of provisions from delay, &c. The artillery to carry 20 days provisions for their own detatchment. The artillery, the chasseurs, officers and Rangers of the Indian department and Canadians, to hold themselves in readi ness to embark at 4 in the morning, to-morrow. There is a hiatus in the Orderly Book from the above date until after Oswego was reached and passed, and until July 31st, when Oswego Falls (Fulton, Oswego county) was passed and the troops ready to pro ceed in boats up the Oswego River. The letter of October j6, 1777, from Colonel Claus, is continued as follows : The Brigadier set out from Buck Island July 19, for Salmon river, I having been ordered to proceed to Oswego with Sir John's regiment and a company of chasseurs, lately arrived, there to convene and prepare the Indians to join the Brigadier at Fort Stanwix. I reached Oswego July 23d, and there found Brant, who informed me that his party of 300 Indians would be there the next day ; and that having been more than two months upon service, were destitute of necessaries, ammunition and some arms. July 24th I rec'd an express from St. Ledger at Salmon river to repair there with what arms and vermillion I had, and wished I would come prepared for a march thro' the woods. I had no arms nor vermillion, but I prepared to go upon the march, and was ready to set off when Brant came to my tent and told me, that as no person was there to take care of the Indians with him, he apprehended that in case I should leave them, they would become disgusted and disperse, which might prevent the rest of the 6 nations to assemble, and be hurtful to the expedition, and begged I 1 This was the party that captured Ensign Spoor, mentioned in Colonel Gansevoort's letter of July 4, 1777, in a former chapter. 1777— SIEGE OF FORT STANWIX— BATTLE OF ORISKANY. 35 would first represent these circumstances to the Brig, by letter. The Brig, had men tioned by letter to me, that my going was chiefly intended to quiet the Indians with him, who were very drunk and riotous; Capt. Tice, the messenger,, informed me that the Brig, had ordered a quart of rum apiece, which made them beastly drunk, and in which case, it is not in the power of man to quiet them; so I mentioned these suggestions to him of Brant; upon which, and finding the Indians disapproved of my going, the Brig, came away from Salmon river, and arrived at Oswego the next day, with the companies of the 8th and 34th regiments and about 250 Indians. On the 26th of July the expedition left Oswego with the purpose of meeting at Three River Point such other Indians as were expected to join. On the 31st, after reaching Oswego Falls, around which it re quired three days to transport the baggage and guns, the following entry was made in the Orderly Book : The detachment of the Royal artillery, and the company of Canadians are to take in their loading immediately ; each Capt. boat to carry 4 bbls — 10 lieut. boats 5 bbls each, private boats 6 each, and to hold themselves in readiness to embark at 2 P. M. There is no entry in the Orderly Book after the above date. After leaving Oswego St. Leger sent in advance a small derachment of thirty men of the regular troops under Colonel Bird (who was killed in the battle of Oriskany), to proceed to Fort Stanwix, cut the com munications of the garrison with their friends down the valley, and cap ture the supply boats then on their way to the fort with supplies. From the diary of Colonel Bird, which was captured by Colonel Willett on his sortie from the fort, as detailed later on, the following entries are taken : Tuesday, July 29, 1777 After going 2 miles and no savages coming up, waited 2 hours for them. Sixteen Senecas arriving proceeded to 3 Rivers ; waited there 2 hours ; 70 or 80 Indians came up ; they had stolen 2 oxen from the droves of the army, and would not advance, but stayed to feast. I advanced 7 miles farther with out them — in all 19 miles. Wed. , July 30. Set off next morning at 6, having waited for the savages till that time, tho' none arrived. Ordered the boats to keep 70 rods behind each other — half of the men keeping arms in their hands, while the other £ rowed; ordered that if any of the boats were fired upon, the men should jump ashore. Rowed all night, encamped at Nine Mile Point. [Probably Bernhard's Bay. It is evident that Colonel Bird expected an ambush.] Thursday, July 31st. With 27 Senecas and 9 Hurons, joined Mr. Nair's ' party. ,Many savages being with us, we proceeded to Wood Creek, a march of 15 miles. Friday, Aug't 1st. The savages hinted an intention to send parties to Fort Stan- 1 Killed at the battle of Oriskany. 36 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. wix, but to proceed no farther in a body. I called a council of the Chiefs, and told them of my orders to go to the fort, and if they would not go with me, I should take the white men and go ; the Hurons said they would go with me. The Senecas said it was their way to proceed with caution. I told them I would wait until next morn ing at daybreak, and then certainly go. They said they would send out large scouts to prepare the way; accordingly 18 or 20 set off this evening. The Indians were very insubordinate and intractable, demonstrat ing the embarrassment that often arose in attempting to employ them with regular troops. It was . owing to the acts of the Indians that Colonel Bird was prevented from reachi«g the fort in time to intercept and capture the supply boats, as narrated in the previous chapter. On Saturday, the 2d of August, Colonel Bird reached the fort and imme diately wrote back to St. Leger, who had arrived at Nine Mile Point. He wrote that no savages would advance with him, except two of the Six Nations. " Twelve Hurons came up two or three hours after I had left; those with the scout of fifteen, I mentioned in my last, are suffi cient to invest Fort Stanwix, if you favor me so far as not to order me to the contrary." St. Leger at once replied as follows : You will observe that I will have nothing but an investment of the fort ; and to enable you to do it with greater effect, I send Brant with his Indians to re-enforce you; and. in case the enemy observing the discretion and judgment with which it is made, should offer to capitulate, you are to tell them, you are sure I am well disposed to listen to them. I leave here at 11 this a. m. and shall reach the entrance to "Wood Creek (15 miles) early in* the afternoon. The foregoing extract indicates how confident St. Leger was of suc cess and how little he realized the terrible earnestness of the garrison and of the colonies. Not unlikely he had heard so much from the tory leaders of the imbecility and cowardice of the " rebels," and of their willingness to lay down their arms and join the king's troops, if they dared, he expected to capture the. fort without firing a gun. After St. Leger left Oswego the expedition was " shadowed " all the way to Wood Creek by friendly runners from the Oneidas, who kept the garrison daily and almost hourly advised of the progress of the ad vancing foe. When Wood Creek was reached the enemy, found the channel completely blocked by trees fallen into it by orders of Colonel -Gansevoort. A hundred and fifty of the garrison were fourteen days in cutting down those trees, thus forcing St. Leger's troops to travel through the forest by an Indian path. In his report of the expedition 1777— SIEGE OF FORT STANWIX— BATTLE OF ORISKANY. 37 St. Leger says that it took no of his men nine days to clear Wood Creek of the trees, and that before he could get his cannon and muni tions, with seven days' provisions, from Oneida Lake to the fort, he had to cut a road through the woods sixteen miles long, and that it took two days to do this. On Saturday, August 2d, the fort was formally invested by Colonel Bird and by Brant, who had been sent in advance of the main body. On Sunday forenoon following, St. Leger and the remainder of the forces reached the site of Fort Bull at the lower landing of Wood Creek. At that point the troops fornied in line and marched to the upper landing, the site of the old U. S. Arsenal. From that point to the fort was an open plain in full view of the soldiers on the rampart. , The first heard by the garrison was martial music and then the columns appeared in sight. The garrison was paraded on the ramparts to watch the com ing of the enemy. Onward they marched, deploying as they approached, while the Indians spread themselves out on the flanks, with feathers fluttering in their head-gear and tomahawks glistening in their hands, their yells at times drowning the sound of the bugle and the drum. The bright scarlet uniforms of the regulars, taken out fresh that morn ing, the banners and flags waving in the air as the march proceeded, the shimmer of the rifles in the sun and the precision of the military tread of the trained soldiery, were all calculated to strike terror to the hearts of the garrison. But the spectacle, had a contrary effect. They knew they need not expect mercy at the hands of the invaders, and that they must defend to the last extremity the fort entrusted to their charge. The garrison watched in silence the oncoming of the foe. Not a gun was fired, not a shout of defiance was heard, and stillness reigned. It was Sabbath, and the silence of the garrison compared with the so lemnity of the day. The men on the ramparts were intent upon count ing the number of the besiegers. A flag of truce was sent into the fort by St. Leger demanding surrender, which was promptly refused. The 4th and 5th of August were occupied by St. Leger in cutting out a road and getting his cannon from Oneida Lake. On Monday, the 4th, active hostilities began. During that day and the next Indians concealed themselves behind stumps and trees to pick off those who were on the ramparts making repairs. Both. evenings were passed by the Indians in 38 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. spreading themselves through the woods, crossing the river and encir cling the fort, making the nights hideous with their yells. It was un certain what would be attempted in the dead of night by the savages in their greed for scalps, and hence the garrison took no rest. ^ St. Leger established his headquarters on the eminence now occupied by St. Peter's church, 600 yards northeast of the fort, and there he planted his cannon, with which he intended to drive out the garrison or batter down the walls of the fortification.1 Over the brow of the hill, where the batteries were placed, the camps and tents of St. Leger were located, within easy distance of the cool spring of water which then and for half a century thereafter gushed forth from the hill side and formed the small stream that flowed past and near the fort ; this stream has passed into history as " Spring brook." Following down the Mo hawk and near the bend in the river below where the railroad bridge crosses it, Sir John Johnson with his tories and chasseurs was posted, while between that en campment and the fort, and on both sides of the river, Brant and his Indians were located with license to roam at will through the woods surrounding the fort. A part of St. Ledger's troops were encamped on Wood Creek near the site of the United States arse nal. It will thus be seen how effect ually the garrison was surrounded by the implacable and savage enemy. On the evening of Tuesday, August I, the sentinels on the ramparts observed that a large body of the Indians and some of Sir John's forces were moving in the direction of Oriskany along the edge of the woods, Joseph Brant. 1 On the 27th of August, after the siege was abandoned, St. Leger wrote in a letter from Os wego to General Burgoyne as follows : " It was found our cannon had not the least effect upon the sod work of the fort, and that our royals had only the power of teasing, as a six-inch plank was a sufficient security for their powder magazine, as we learned from the deserters." 1777— SIEGE OF FORT STANWIX— BATTLE OF ORISKANY. 39 and early the next morning other men from Brant's and Sir John's camps were seen hurrying eastward. The cause of these movements was involved in mystery to the garrison. It had been known for a couple of weeks down the valley that St. Leger was on his way to in vest Fort Stanwix, via Oswego and Wood Creek. In July General Herkimer issued a proclamation stating that the enemy was at Oswego 2,000 strong and calling upon all healthy able-bodied males between sixteen and sixty years, to assemble at Fort Dayton (now Herkimer vil lage), with a view to march and meet the enemy when they approached. On the 4th of August about 800 had assembled at Fort Dayton and on that day began their march, keeping on the north side of the Mohawk and that night camping on that side of the river. The next day the troops forded the river at Genesee street, Utica, and proceeded to a point between Whitesboro and Oriskany, where they camped for the night. As soon as General Herkimer started from Fort Dayton, Molly Brant, a former housekeeper and mistress of Sir William Johnson, sent a swift Indian runner to her brother Joseph at Fort Stanwix with the news of Herkimer's advance. This act explains the cause of the move ments of the Indians and Sir John toward Oriskany on the evening of the 5th and early in the morning of the 6th. On the evening of the 5th General , Herkimer sent three messengers (Adam Helmer, John Da- muth or Demoot) and a third person (name not known) to General Gansevoort with intelligence of Herkimer's approach and that he was already at or near Oriskany. It was expected that the three men would reach the fort early the next morning and their arrival was to be an nounced from the fort by three successive discharges of cannon, which it was believed would be heard at Herkimer's encampment, upon which the latter would move on and, acting in co-operation with the garrison, scatter the besiegers and enter the fort. At break of day on the morning of August 6, Herkimer and his men were astir ready for the march and anxiously waiting for the signal guns, but none was heard as early as was expected. The woods on the route were infested with unfriendly Indians and scouting parties and the messengers were obliged to be extremely cautious. They had to make a detour to the south and reach the fort through the dense cedar swamp described in a former chapter, so that they were greatly delayed and did 40 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. not arrive at the fort until between 10 and n o'clock in the forenoon. 1 The concerted signals were promptly fired, but at that time matters of fearful import were taking place between Herkimer's forces and those under Brant and Sir John Johnson. General Herkimer and his officers waited for hours for the signal guns. Some of the latter urged a for ward movement without waiting longer. General Herkimer doubted the wisdom of such a course and opposed it. Colonels Cox, Paris, and others grew clamorous and manifested great impatience, while Herki mer urged them to remain until the signal guns were heard. A con sultation was held, high words ensued, and General Herkimer was ac cused of being a coward, and charged with being a tory, like one of his brothers in the tory army, and with having brothers-in-law who sym pathized with the side of the crown. Stung by these accusations the phlegmatic temper of the Mohawk Dutchman was quickened beyond control and the brave general gave the order, " march on." The troops gave a shout when the order came and on they pushed in files of two, in great haste, preceded by an advance guard, and with a guard on their flanks, but not with that order and care requisite in marching in the woods when liable to meet hostile Indians at every step. The march continued until about ten o'clock. Two miles west of Oriskany was a deep ravine, which is still plainly visible, marshy at the bottom and a dozen rods in width, extending from the south northerly toward the Mohawk, directly across the route by which Herkimer and his men were advancing. Over this ravine was a narrow causeway or corduroy road, to keep the men out of the mud and water ; the advancing line of the hurrying troops had descended the eastern hill, crossed this causeway, and was ascending the western hill ; the baggage wagons were crossing the ravine, followed closely by Colonel Visscher's regiment, which brought up the rear, when the guards on both the flanks and in front were sud denly shot down by an unseen foe and the forest rang with the war whoop from the throats of more than a thousand savages. The greater part of Herkimer's forces now found themselves in the midst of a formidable ambuscade. Sir John Johnson's troops were in front and the Indians on each side of the advancing line, so arranged as to encircle ' St. Ledger in his letter to Burgoyne of August 27 says, "the garrison being apprised of Herki mer s march by four men who were seen to enter the fort in the morning through what was thought an impenetrable swamp, I did not wait for the advance." 1777— SIEGE OF FORT STANWIX- BATTLE OF ORISKANY. 41 sides and rear, as soon as the attack was begun in front. But the In dians were so excited and impetuous that they would not wait for the whole force to cross the ravine, nor for the attack to commence in front. 1 The position for the ambuscade was exceedingly well chosen. The ravine was deep and narrow,- crooked somewhat like the letter S, in a dense forest, difficult to cross, and the ambuscade laid on the high ground west of the ravine. Had the Indians waited for an attack, the whole of Herkimer's forces would have been encompassed within the enemy's lines like a victim within the folds of an anaconda. As it was, the In dians closed the gap in the rear (at the east), which shut out from the circle the baggage and ammunition wagons, just descending into the, ravine from the east, and also shut out Colonel Visscher's regiment, still, further in the rear. Thus separated the regiment turned and fled towards and down the river, 2 and were pursued and many of them killed by the Indians, though not unlikely they fought well. The troops surrounded fought bravely and desperately ; they neither asked for nor gave quarter. They were thrown into disorder and confusion and threatened with annihilation. The savages were concealed behind trees whence they fired and darted forward to make certain death by the use of th.e tomahawk to those whom the bullet or the arrow had not killed. The many hand to-hand conflicts cannot be recorded here. General Herkimer was wounded below the knee early in the engagement and, his horse was killed under him. His saddle was placed against a beech tree (the location of which is still pointed out, a rod or so from the present highway, on a rise of ground), j&nd there with steel and tinder he lit his pipe, and smoked calmly through the tumult of the battle while; giving orders to his men. The men were falling like leaves about him.. He saw the Indians shooting from behind trees and then rushing for ward with the tomahawk ; this bloody work was stopped by orders of General Herkimer to place two of his men behind a tree, one to load. while the other fired. For nearly an hour the battle, raged .with fury 1 St. Ledger in his letter says, " the impetuosity of the Indians is not to be described. . On the sight of the enemy, forgetting the judicious disposition formed by Sir John and agreed to by' themselves, which was to suffer the attack to begin with the troops in front, while they should be on both flank and rear, they rushed, hatchet in hand, and thereby gave the enemy's rear an op portunity to escape." 2 See Irving's Life of Washington; Stone's Life of Brant ; Simm's Frontiersman. 6 42 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and fierceness, the forest resounding with the yells of the savages, the roar of guns, and the shrieks and groans of the dying. Then came on a terrific rain storm, the sky was blackened with clouds, the wind blew a gale, the thunder roared, lightning flashed and rain fell in torrents. The storm separated the combatants and for ah hour there was a lull in the struggle. In the mean time each side made a new disposition for the conflict to be renewed at the end of the storm. The provincials took possession of an advantageous position, formed themselves into circles back to back and thus awaited for the coming of the foe. The strife was renewed and again the fighting was terrific. Men seized each other by the throat or hair, stabbing with knife or bayonet and dying in each other's grasp. Some parts of the conflict could hardly be called a battle ; it was more like a butchery in a slaughter-pen. During the battle guns from Fort Stanwix were heard (probably those of Colonel Willett, when he made the sortie at 3 P. M.). The Provincials took courage, the Indians were alarmed and withdrew from the field, leaving Herkimer and his men in possession. During the thunder storm the enemy had taken some' of their wounded and the papers captured from General Herkimer, to the camp at Fort Stanwix. Sir John, by a ruse, attempted to deceive Herkimer's men. After the firing at the fort some of Johnson's Greens put American hats on their heads and approached from the direction of Fort Stanwix as if they were friends. The ruse was well nigh successful for the capture of some of our men, but it was detected in time to be exposed and thwarted. The firing at the fort conveyed to Sir John and the Indians at Oriskany intelligence that their presence was needed by St. Leger, and they ac cordingly retraced their steps to Fort Stanwix. Indian runners from the fort had also apprised Sir John of Col. Willett's sortie. Sad and mournful indeed was the return down the valley of those who survived the bloody battle of Oriskany — among the hardest fought and bloodiest'on record, considering the number engaged. It is calculated that about 2,000 were engaged, and that each side lost from 160 to 200 men. The Provincials constructed litters on which they conveyed their wounded ; some forty or fifty were borne away in this manner, among whom was the brave Herkimer. The Indians were in the foremost of the fight, where they were placed to shield the tory troops, and they 1777— SIEGE OF FORT STANWIX— BATTLE OF ORISKANY. 43 suffered accordingly. General Herkimer was taken to his own dwelling two miles east of Little Falls, then occupied by John Roof's family* the first settler at Fort Stanwix in 1760, but who had to drop down the valley when the fort was besieged. When General Herkimer was shot at Oriskany the wound was dressed by Dr. William Petrie,' of Herki mer, grandfather of Judge Robert Earl, late of the Court of Appeals. After General Herkimer's removal to his home he was attended by another physician and his leg unskillfully amputated above the knee by a French surgeon. He died August 16, just ten days after the battle. And thus ended the ever- to be- remembered battle of Oriskany. Harold Frederic, in his impressive story, "In the Valley," has painted in vivid colors the true significance' of that conflict. He says: It was not until much later — until definite news came not only of St. Leger's flight back to Canada, but the capture of the whole British army at Saratoga — that the men of the Mohawk began to comprehend what they had really done. ' To my way of .thinking they have ever since been unduly modest about this truly historic achievement. Thus it happens that the great decisive struggle of the whole long war for independence — the conflict which, in fact, made America free — is suffered to pass into the records as a mere frontier skirmish. Yet, if one will but think, it is as clear as daylight that Oriskany was the turning point of the war. . . . The essential feature of Burgoyne's plan had been that this force (which we so roughly stopped and turned back in the forest defile) should victoriously sweep down our valley, raising the tory gentry as they progressed and join him at Albany. If that had been done, he would have held the whole Hudson, separating the rest of the colonies from New England; and having it in his power to punish and subdue first the Yankees, then the others at his leisure. Oriskany prevented this ! Coming as it did at the darkest hour of Washington's trials, and the colonies' despondency, it al tered the face of things as gloriously as does the southern sun rising swiftly upon the heels of night. Burgoyne's expected allies never reached him ; he was compelled in consequence to surrender, and from that day there was no doubt who would in the long run triumph. Therefore, I say, all honor and glory to the rude, unlettered, great-souled yeomen of the Mohawk valley, who braved death in the wildwood gulch at Oriskany that Congress and the free colonies might live. The same storm that separated the combatants on the Oriskany battlefield delayed Colonel Willett in making his sortie from Fort Stanwix to attack the enemy's camps. At 3 P. M. the storm subsided and Colonel Willett prepared to make the sally. The account of this sortie was furnished by Willett himself to the Connecticut Courant and > Dr. Petrie was himself wounded in that battle and could not attend the general down the valley. Skenandoah, the Oneida chief, fought in the battle on the side of Herkimer ; .he lived until 1816 and died at the age of 110 years. 44 Our county and its people. was published in that paper August 25, 1777; it is also embodied in " Willett's Narrative," prepared by Colonel Willett and published in 1 83 1. The account says: The men within the fort were paraded in a square and the intelligence of Herkimer's coming was communicated to them. Colonel Willett, who was to lead them, went down into the esplanade and addressed the, men substantially as follows: ¦ ' Soldiers, you have heard that General Herkimer is on the march to our relief. The commanding officer feels satisfied that the tories and Queen's rangers have stolen off in the night with Brant and his Mohawks to meet him. The camp of Sir John is therefore weakened. As many of you as feel willing to follow me in an attack upon it, and are not afraid to die for liberty, will shoulder your arms and step out one pace in front." Two hundred men obeyed the impulse, almost at the same moment; fifty or more with a three-pounder were soon added. As soon as the storm was over the men issued from the sally port at a brisk pace and rushing down on Sir John's camp, carried it at the point of the bayonet, drove the enemy into and across the river, and captured a large amount of army stores, destroyed all the provisions, brought off fifty brass kettles, more than 100 blankets, a quantity of muskets, toma hawks1, spears, ammunition, deer skins, and five colors. Colonel Willett then attacked and scattered the Indian camp, and on his return to the fort along the west side of the river, St. Leger pro ceeded from his headquarters across the Mohawk [into " Factory Vii- ' lage "] to fire from an ambush into Colonel Willett's men ; but they were soon dispersed. Colonel Willett brought in twenty-one wagon loads of captured articles, and as to the five captured flags, they were run up on the flagstaff, underneath the United States flag, then and there improvised for the occasion, accompanied by cheers from the garrison that rqight have been heard at Oriskany. On the 4th of June, 1777, Congress resolved, "That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternated red and white ; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." This resolution was not officially promulgated until September 3, 1777, although it was published in the newspapers a month before. The news of the adoption by Congress of this regula tion flag had doubtless reached the fort in this far-off wilderness, and the garrison hastily improvised a flag from such materials as were at hand— the white from the shirts of soldiers ; the blue field from a cam- » Colonel Claus writes as follows of this capture : "They took away the Indians' packs with their clothes, they having gone in their shirts, as naked to action, and when they returned thev had nothing to cover themselves with at night against the weather, and nothing in our camp to supply them, until we got to Oswego, three weeks later. 1777— SIEGE OF FORT STANWIX— BATTLE OF ORISKANY. 45 let cloak which Colonel Willett captured at Peekskill in the preceding March, and the red, as stated, from a red petticoat captured at the same time. This was the first flag, the emblem of the nation- to-be, unfurled to the breeze on this continent. This flag should not be confounded with the State flag which accompanied the 3d regiment of General Gansevoort at Fort Stanwix, and which was present at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown four years later. There were, as has thus been shown, two great events which took place in this locality on the 6th of August, 1777, — the battle of Oris kany, in a large measure the turning point in the Revolutionary strug gle, 'and the raising of the first flag of the embryo republic. In the afternoon of August 7 a white flag from the enemy approached the fort, escorted by three officers, with a request that they might enter with a message from St. Leger. Permission was granted and accord ing to the custom they were first blindfolded and then conducted into the dining room of the officers, where the windows were darkened and candles lighted, the table spread with some light refreshments, the bandages removed from the messengers' eyes, and they were then re ceived by General Gansevoort. The principal officer made known his errand, the purport of which was, a demand for the surrender of the fort, accompanied by intimations that if surrendered the prisoners would be treated humanely; but if taken by force, St. Leger would not hold himself responsible for the cruelty of the Indians Colonel Willett was deputed to reply, and no one was better qualified. He said in sub stance : This garrison is committed to our charge and we will take care of it. After you get out of this fort, you may turn around and look at its outside, but never expect to come in again, unless you come as prisoners. I consider the message you have brought a degrading one for a British officer to send, and by no means reputable for a British officer to carry. For ray own part, I declare that before I would consent to deliver this garrison to such a murdering set as your army, by your own account, consists of, I would suffer my body to be filled with splinters and set on fire, as you know has at times been practiced by such hordes of women and children killers as belong to your army. These sentiments were re-echoed with applause by all officers present and by the garrison. A cessation of hostilities for three days was then agreed upon. As nothing was heard from down the valley since the 46 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. battle of Oriskany, the garrison began to be uneasy. They needed more ammunition and might soon need provisions. Sir John Johnson proposed to St. Leger to march down the valley with about 200 men, Colonel Claus to join him with a body of Indians ; but St. Leger could not spare the men and disapproved. As it was, the tory, Walter N. Butler, went down the valley to rally his tory friends and was captured, as hereafter narrated. A consultation was held in the fort as to sending Colonel Willett down the valley for assistance. The siege was mean while progressing and measures were taken by St. Leger to approach the fort by sapping ; two parallels were formed, the second of which brought him near the edge of the glacis, but the fire from the fort ren dered further progress difficult, although he had reached within 150 feet of the works. On the 9th of August St. Leger sent a written message again demanding the surrender of the fort, to which General Gansevoort replied that " It is my determined resolution, with the forces under my command, to defend this fort to the last extremity, in behalf of the united American States, who have place me here to defend it against all enemies." Matters were now getting serious and on consultation of the officers of the garrison, it was deemed advisable to send Colonel Willett down the valley for assistance, knowing his great popularity among the patriots of that section. Accordingly, at 10 o'clock on Sunday night, August 10, Colonel Willett and Lieutenant Stockwell, carrying a small quantity of crackers and cheese, stole silently out of the sally port and started without blankets or baggage, on their perilous mission. The usually traveled route down the river was on the south side ; but that route at this time was a dangerous one as it was liable to be infested with lurking savages. They therefore crossed the river into " Factory Village " by crawling on a log, and when over the stream they were in a dense forest in pitch darkness. In rambling about they lost their way and bearings and became alarmed by the barking of a dog not far away. They discovered they were near an Indian camp, and stood per fectly still beside a large tree for hours, not venturing to move less - they should be discovered. Thus they remained until the morning star appeared. From the account which Colonel Willett published in his "Narrative" in 1831, their course was taken northerly, following the 1777— SIEGE OF FORT STANWIX— BATTLE OF ORISKANY. 47 Mohawk, sometimes wading in the river, sometimes on one side and sometimes on the other, so as to conceal their trail. For several hours they pursued this route and then turned easterly to strike the Mohawk settlements. When night came they dare not strike a light, fearing to attract the notice of prowling Indians, and so camped in the thicket without light, fire, blankets or covering. At peep of day they were on their feet again, although weary and lame from the day's travel and night's chill. Yet they kept on their journey, now proceeding more southerly, and about 9 in the morning they struck a heavy windfall where were growing large quantities of ripe blackberries. With this fruit and the crackers and cheese, with spirits, they made a hearty breakfast. Simm's Fron tiersman says, that years before the Revolution a hurricane arose in the western part of Oneida county, swept through the forest in an easterly direction across the pres ent towns of Camden and Trenton, and entering Herkimer county at a place called the " Dugway " near Poland, passed onward through Russia, Norway, and Salisbury, extending a distance of fifty or sixty miles in length with a breadth of sixty to one hundred rods, and so great was its fury that almost every tree in its course was uprooted. Its traces were visible more than half a century afterwards and a portion of the ground over which it passed is to this day called " The Hurricane." Willett and his companions must have passed northerly of Floyd and Trenton and struck " the hurricane," having climbed mountains, waded streams and penetrated an unbroken forest the whole distance of sixty or seventy miles. After their breakfast they observed the sun and the points of the compass and without other helps steered for, and about 3 P. M. reached, Fort Dayton (now Herkimer village). On their arrival it was ascertained that General Schuyler had ordered pPSoG; > ' "ps ¦Sm I 1 ¦ ' ^3==r; } WgsS/R F ' '¦ -S?^.. ¦y ¦;.'¦''¦-¦ ¦. : ' ' ^ ' ~d% ^§5*^ '" ./. '/-/'. 'M0$' ¦ * 1 "7 jfjffl !'\ , " ii§t*: ¦ 'v 4a wMm |s&£,' ~-f >'%$§&& B88;^ ^^1 S?=^ Marinus Willett. 48 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. a brigade of Massachusetts troops, stationed some ten miles above Albany, to the relief of Fort Stanwix, and that Gen. Benedict Arnold was to be in command. Having rested one night, Willett and Stock- well started the next morning on horseback for Albany to meet the troops and interview General Arnold. They met the same evening and it was then learned that the 1st New York Regiment was also on its way to Fort Stanwix. As stated on a preceding page, Walter N. Butler went down the valley after the battle of -Oriskany to stir up the tories. The " faithful " were summoned to meet him on Friday evening, August 15, at the house of one Shoemaker, near what is now Mohawk ; he was one of the the king's justices of the peace. Colonel Weston, who commanded at Fort Dayton, heard of this clandestine meeting and sent a detachment of soldiers to arrest the tories. The assemblage was completely sur prised and all arrested just as Butler was in the midst of his harangue. Among the number were fourteen white soldiers, the same number of Indians, and one Han Yost Schuyler. Although the latter was a nephew of General Herkimer and of weak mind, he was yet a devoted tory. General Arnold ordered a court martial to try Butler and Schuyler as spies, for being found within the American lines. Colonel Willett was appointed judge advocate and the two were convicted and sentenced to be executed. General Arnold approved the sentence and ordered the execution to take place next morning. Han Yost Schuy ler's brother and his widowed mother, Elizabeth Barbara (Herkimer) Schuyler, hastened to General Arnold to intercede for the pardon or reprieve of Han Yost. As the latter was half-witted, a well known tory, and as the Indians always entertained towards those of weak minds a feeling of superstitious awe, General Arnold conceived the idea of using Han Yost to frighten away the besiegers of Fort Stanwix. In the mean time the garrison had not heard a word from down the valley since the battle of Oriskany, nor from Willett and Stockwell since they left the fort on August 10, and as St. Leger was pushing the siege with vigor and had approached by sapping nearly to the ditch, the situation of the garrison was alarming. Provisions and ammunition were getting low and in this extremity General Gansevoort came to the deliberate conclusion that if no succor came, he would make a sally at night and 1777— SIEGE OF FORT STANWIX— BATTLE OF ORISKANY. 49 cut his way through the enemy's camp, or perish in the attempt. The Indians under Brant were also getting uneasy and discouraged and it was with difficulty that St. Leger kept them from leaving. Suddenly on the 22d of August, the garrison saw the besiegers break their camps in great haste and confusion, leave their tents with a great part of their artillery, camp equipage and baggage, including St. Leger's writing desk, and flee precipitately towards Wood Creek, over the route they had traveled in a far different manner twenty days before. General Arnold's ruse had worked like a charm. It was this : Han Yost was to hasten to Fort Stanwix with the story of his capture, trial, and sen tence, and of his escape, showing bullet holes in his clothes as evidence of his narrow chance, and relating that Arnold with a large army was on the march and near at hand. The mother and brother offered to be retained by Arnold as hostages, the latter to be executed if the ruse failed. It was a complete success, for Han Yost and those with him so well dissembled and acted their part that the Indians were ready to be lieve and to run. But St. Leger doubted. When Han Yost was asked the number of the troops, he shook his head mysteriously and pointed to the leaves of the forest, as indicating the number of the troops. The story had the desired effect, the Indians could no longer be re strained and without them St. Leger was helpless. All fled and took boats at Oneida Lake, while at the first opportunity Han Yost re turned to Fort Dayton and his brother was released. General Arnold a»d his troops arrived at 4 P. M. August 23, and with four brass field pieces, banners displayed, drums beating, and music playing, marched into the fort amid the booming of cannon, the roar of musketry, and the cheers of the garrison. And thus ended the siege of Fort Stanwix, which placed the seat upon American inde pendence. St. Leger, with his scattered forces, hastened to Oswego and thence to Montreal ; from there he proceeded to Lake Champlain and Ticon deroga, with the purpose of joining Burgoyne ; but in that region also matters had suffered material change, to the discomfiture of the British. Burgoyne had gone southward, left Lake Champlain and George, crossed over the Hudson River, severed his connection with his base of supplies, and was foiled in his attempt to capture other supplies at Ben- 50 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. nington. By reason, among other things, of the murder and scalping of the beautiful Jane McCrea, the yeomen of the country were rising and were in between Burgoyne and his line of Canada communications, thus placing him between two fires, instead of placing Gates and Schuy ler between St. Leger and Burgoyne, as they had intended. Within two months thereafter Burgoyne and his army were captured (October 17, 1777), on the fields of Saratoga, and the British gave up control of the Hudson, and New York was redeemed. These and other victories, beginning at this lone fortress in the far- off wilderness, sent a glow of joy throughout the colonies, paved the way for France in less than four months thereafter to acknowledge our independence, and justly entitled the territory now within, Oneida county, where the battle of Oriskany was fought and Fort Stanwix successfully defended, to be ever remembered by a patriotic and a grateful people. During the siege, John Roof's buildings afforded shelter to the enemy, and hence were destroyed by General Gansevoort, who gave a certifi cate of the destruction to Mr. Roof, that he might receive reimburse ment from the government; but nothing was ever obtained by him. Colonel Willett did not return to the fort ; he did good service elsewhere in the Mohawk Valley. General Gansevoort remained at Fort Stanwix during 1778, except ing during occasional absences. The Indians during the year were prowling about the fort more or less, shooting any of the garrison that was found outside of the works. The inaction of the garrison made the men restless and discontented and desertions were frequent ; from the fore part of April, 1778, there had deserted from the fort three sergeants two corporals, twenty privates, one bombadier, and two gunners. In the fore part of August of that year five more deserted and were fifty miles on their way to Canada when they were intercepted by friendly Indians and returned to the fort. A court martial was held and the five deserters werfe tried, convicted and sentenced to be shot. On the day of the sentence, six more deserted from the fort. After this, while a party which had been sent down for cattle were returning, six more deserted and were not captured. The sentence of the five was carried into ex ecution August 17, 1778, at the head of the regiment. In five days 1777— SIEGE OF FORT STANWIX— BATTLE OF ORISKANY. 51 two more deserted. The emissaries of the enemy had much to do with this. In the spring of 1778 these emissaries were at work in the fort to ascertain its strength and betray it. The traitor, one Geake, was discovered and arrested just as he was on the point of deserting to the British ; he was tried and sentenced to be executed, but execution was delayed. In November, 1778, Colonel Van Schaack, with his regiment was ordered to Fort Stanwix and the old regiment was transferred else where. In the fore part of 1779 Colonel Van Dyke was in command at the fort, and in February Captain Graham was in charge. Those of the Six Nations who adhered to the crown made their head quarters in the country of the Senecas, and thence made raids into the valleys of Mohawk, Wyoming and Schoharie. Washington, Schuyler, Clinton and others felt that a country which furnished so much aid and comfort to the enemy should be thoroughly devastated) and accordingly the memorable " Sullivan" campaign of 1779 was planned to include an invasion of the country of the Onondagas, Cayugas and Senecas. Those nations possessed large fields of great productiveness, extensive gardens and orchards, and lived in frame houses, raised peaches, pears, apples, plums, melons, cranberries, squashes, grapes, beans, tobacco and corn, in great profusion. This Indian country embraced some fifty or sixty towns and all were in a prosperous condition. An expedition was planned to go into that country via Canajoharie and Elmira and the inland lakes. As preliminary, an armed force of 600 started in April of that year, in charge of Colonels Willett and Van Schaack from Fort Stanwix, via Wood Creek and Oneida Lake, for the Onondaga country to lay it in waste. This expedition left Fort Stanwix April 18, and was gone eighteen days, traveled 180 miles, and thoroughly ac complished its work, burning buildings and destroying cattle and grain. In August of that year the expedition which has passed into history as the " Sullivan expedition" penetrated the country of the Senecas, left destruction in its track and substantially broke the backbone of the Confederacy. More than forty towns were burned, which included 700 buildings, 160,000 bushels of corn were destroyed, gardens were laid waste, 1,500 fruit trees were leveled to the ground, cattle were killed or driven away, and the inhabitants compelled to flee to Canada. The army found the Indian country a garden and left it a desert. 52 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. William Colbraith was a captain in the Sullivan expedition ; he was the first sheriff of Herkimer county, and the first one of Oneida county. His residence was about half way between the business portion of Rome and the "village of Stanwix." For the raid of Sullivan, Brant and Sir John Johnson and the Butlers paid the Mohawk valley in kind. The garrison in Fort Stanwix in 1780 was not of much practical use. In the spring of 1 78 1 , by reason of floods in the river and fire, the fort was ruined and abandoned. Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown in October, 1781, practically ending the war. In February, 1783, Colonel Willett was sent by Washington from the Mohawk valley via Fort Stanwix and Wood Creek to capture Oswego by surprise. The expedition crossed Oneida Lake on the ice ; the snow was very deep and the expedition was not successful. When Colonel Willett returned to Albany he heard the joyful news proclaimed by the clerk by the ringing of the city bell. And now, after seven long years, peace reigned again in the land. The valley of the Mohawk had suffered more than any other like extent of country in the whole thirteen colonies. Statistics show that in this valley during the war, 700 buildings were burned, 1,200 farms left un cultivated, thousands of horses and cattle killed or stolen, millions of bushels of grain destroyed, 354 families abandoned their homes, 613 persons deserted to the enemy, 197 killed at their homes, 121 taken cap tives, 300 women made widows, and 2,000 children made orphans. This valley has justly earned the appellation of " the dark and bloody ground." At the close of the war General Washington and Governor Clinton, with other officers, made a tour up the Hudson and the Mohawk to Fort Stanwix, thence over the portage to Wood Creek and Oneida Lake, and thence to the head waters of the Susquehanna and to Otsego Lake and return. Both became owners of land in Oneida county, in Westmore land and New Hartford. 1783 TO 1788— EMIGRATION WESTWARD. 53 CHAPTER VII. 1783 TO 1788— EMIGRATION WESTWARD. The " old French War," the travel up the Mohawk and through New York, the trade with the Indians, the early settlement around Fort Stan wix from 1760 to the summer of 1777, the siege of that fort, the battle of Oriskany, and the war of the Revolution, all gave Central New York a prominence in the history of the country, not surpassed by that of any other section in the thirteen colonies. These historical facts made the territory of the Oneidas (now Oneida county), its streams, location, scenery, soil, its beauty and fertility, as familiar as " household words," to the people down the valley of the- Mohawk, but more especially to those of the New England States, whose men had been in trade, travel. and war through 1 this section. The Revolutionary war had closed bnt a few months before men past middle life, with large families, broke up their old homes in New England and made theirway on foot, in ox carts, and by canoes up the Mohawk, to found new homes and make perma nent settlements in the region now marked by the boundaries of Oneida county; overleaping the Mohawk settlements and pushing their way into the wilderness thirty miles westward from the nearest neighbor and habitation, they commenced anew the battle of life, to fell the forest, clear up the land, till the soil, erect log cabins, and to eventually make the wilderness to blossom like the rose ; and in place of the forest, the savage, and wild beasts, make it the abode of a civilized and an enlight ened race and to be occupied by cultivated fields, by towns, villages and cities. Peace was concluded in September, 1783; the United States armies disbanded in December thereafter and in March, 1784, emigra tion commenced its course from New England to flow towards the set ting sun and to settle in the former territory of the Oneidas. In April, 1783, Congress issued its proclamation announcing a cessa tion of hostilities. In the summer of that year Washington visited that 54 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. locality. July 1 5 he wrote from his headquarters at Newburgh, to Gen eral Schuyler, saying he had entertained a desire to visit the northern part of the State, and that he had made an arrangement with Governor Clinton to make a tour and reconnoiter those places where the most remarkable posts were established, and the ground which had become famous by the war in 1777, and that he should set out by water on the Hudson July 18, and proceed to Albany. Under date of July 16, 1783, Washington wrote to Congress to the same effect and mentioned his intention to visit Ticonderaga, Crown Point, Lake Champlain, Fort Stanwix, etc. General Washington made the tour to Lake Champlain by the Hudson ; he then returned to Schenectady, and thence went to Fort Stanwix. On his return trip he reached Newburgh August 5 ; that day he wrote to the president of Congress snyir : My tour northward and westward to Fort Schu) ler (Stanwix) and my movements having been pretty rapid, my horses which had .ot yet arrived would be so much fatigued they will need several days rest. He writes further : 1 have directed ten months' provisions for five hundred men to be laid up at Fort Herkimer and ordered Colonel Willett to repair the roads and remove obstructions in the rivers, build houses for the reception of the provisions and stores at the " carry ing place " [Fort Stanwix] between the Mohawk and Wood Creek. At that time the cessation of hostilities was awaiting the action of the two governments, with a view to peace. In October, 1783, General Washington wrote from Princeton to an old friend (Chevalier Chas- telleux) as follows : I have lately made a tour to Lake Champlain and returned to Schenectady ; thence I proceeded up the Mohawk to Fort Stanwix and crossed over to Wood Creek. I then traversed the country to the eastern branch of the Susquehanna and viewed Otsego Lake and the portage between it and Canajoharie. History does not record with exactness whether the Father of his Country made this trip up the Mohawk by water or on horseback, but it is presumable the latter, as General Washington says in his aforesaid letter to Congress, his horses are much fatigued, and besides, on foot or on horseback was the only way he could have gone from Oneida Lake to Otsego Lake. Nor is it mentioned where he stayed over night on his route to Fort Stanwix, nor the names of those who accompanied him- 1783 TO 1788— EMIGRATION WESTWARD. 55 Campbell's Annals of Tryon County says he was accompanied by Gen eral Hand and many other officers of the New York line. In the spring of 1784 emigration commenced., The first to start from New England was Hugh White. He had been selectman of Middle- town, Conn., from 1779 to 1783, and was commissary in the army of the Revolution during a portion of the war. He became part owner of the Sadequahada Patent, along with Zephaniah Piatt (father of Judge Piatt), Ezra L'Hommedieu, and Melancthon Smith, and by an arrange ment between them, the owners were to meet on the patent in June, 1784, at the mouth of Sauquoit Creek (Whitesboro), and divide the land among themselves. Mr. White started from Middletown in April or May, 1784 ; at that time he was fifty- one years old and had eight chil dren. Four sons, one daughter and a daughter in-law, accompanied him on his journey up the Mohawk. One of the sons, with two yokes of oxen, preceded him by land to Albany, where they met, and thence with the teams, they kept even pace with the bateau up the Mohawk. As the party proceeded they found on their way many farms, which had been devasted and abandoned and the charred remains of buildings, all of which told a sad and fearful tale of the ravages of war and the suffer ings of the inhabitants of the Mohawk valley. At a vacant farm known as " Shoemaker's," near the present village of Mohawk, in Herkimer county, the party stopped to plant corn. It was a thoughtful measure, inasmuch as the pioneers were going to a region covered with a forest. This "Shoemaker's," was the same place where Walter N. Butler, Han Yost Schuyler and others were arrested just after the battle of Oriskany, as narrated in a forme chapter. Tho time the party was thus engaged in planting corn was about May 20, 1784. While thus engaged, an other party of pioneer emigrants on their way up the Mohawk from Connecticut passed the White family, and became in fact the first actual settlers in Oneida county. The names of those comprising the second party will be given later on. When the corn was planted, the White family moved on and arrived at Whitesboro June 4, 1784; another ac count says June 25. That summer Hugh White built a log house and a log barn, partitioned the land with the other owners, cleared off a few acres, and then returned to " Shoemaker's " in the fall, to gather the crop of corn planted in the spring. It was a good yield. In January, 56 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1785, Mr. White returned to Middletown for his wife and other son and the two daughters and then came back to his new home in the wilder ness. For years thereafter all of the State west of Utica was known as the "Whitestown Country." It is glory enough for all future genera tions to be thus honored, aside from other honors so nobly earned, so rightly deserved, and so worthily bestowed. The persons who passed the White family at " Shoemaker's," as before stated, were James Dean, Andrew Blanchard, and Jedediah Phelps. They started from Connecti cut in April, 1784, and reached Schenectady May 3, and thence pro ceeded via Mohawk River, Fort Stanwix and down Wood Creek to a point near its junction with Fish Creek where they arrived May 13, 1784. The Oneida Indians had the year before given to Mr. Dean a tract of land two miles square, with the right to make the selection any where in their territory. He selected the tract within what is now the town of Vienna, north side of Wood Creek, about a mile from its junc tion with Fish Creek. It was an unfortunate selection, as it turned out. Mr. Phelps was a silversmith and brass founder and he intended to en gage in that business, and to manufacture rings and brooches for the Indians and Indian trade. Mr. Dean erected a log house close by Wood Creek, and Mr Phelps built a log shop near by for his business ; they made a small clearing and then and there commenced the first actual settlement of Oneida county, after the Revolution. At that time Mr. Dean was unmarried and not quite thirty- six years old. Mr. Phelps was thirty- one, had a wife and two children, the oldest six and the other four years of age. Andrew Blanchard eventually located in Kirkland, and in 1788 was married in that town to Anna Cook. In the same year that Hugh White located at Whitesboro, and Dean and Phelps in Vienna, the three families, Damooth or Damuth, Real, and Weaver, who had settled in Deerfield in 1773 and were driven out in 1776, came back to Deerfield Corners and located, bringing with them George Damuth. All of these families had seen service in the war of the Revolution and all were true patriots. Mark Damuth (who came in 1773) was captain of a company ; Mr. Weaver (or Weber) was taken prisoner near Herkimer by a band of tories and Indians and taken to Canada, and for nine months was confined in prison in Quebec, and so closely that he did not for that time see the sun, moon, or stars. From Quebec he was 1783 TO 1788- EMIGRATION WESTWARD. 57 taken to England and there detained two years. Descendants of those and other Weavers who came to Deerfield yet reside in Deerfield and in Utica and are prominent citizens; worthy sons of patriotic sires. Real Creek, which empties into the Mohawk opposite Utica, received its name from that Jan Christian Real whose house stood upon its banks when it was burned by the Indians in 1776. The next thing of importance, in the order of time, which occurred within the present limits of Oneida county was a treaty with the Indians at Fort Stanwix. The State and National governments were not as yet in good working order, and the relations of each towards the various nations of the Iroquois Confederacy were not well defined or agreed upon. The Indian commissioners in behalf of the State of New York were trying most of the summer of 1784 to get a council of the Six Nations convened, with a view to treat with them. In the mean time Congress was moving in the same direction and for a similar purpose. The Indians kept aloof arad were adverse to treating with a State, but generally disposed to meet " thirteen fires " and hold a treaty of peace jointly with them. The State and National authorities were seemingly but not actually in collision with each other. The ist of September, 1784, the State Board of Commissioners met at Fort Stanwix deputies from the Mohawks, Cayugas, Onondagas, and Senecas. The Oneidas and Tuscaroras held back, but after a while deputies from those two nations came in. It was October 22, 1784, before a treaty was made, and then only as to giving up captives and regulating boundaries. Brant, Red Jacket (a Seneca chief), and Cornplanter, and Governor Clinton, La Fayette and others were present, and also other notable per sonages. Red Jacket made a fiery and eloquent speech against the Indians ceding any of their lands. Brant left before the session was concluded to go on business to Canada, and nothing particular was ac complished except to fix the western boundary of the Six Nations. No land was ceded. The United States commissioners were Oliver Wolcott, Richard Butler, and Arthur Lee. That treaty was made with the United States, and none with the State, and it, was the first treaty made by the Six Nations with the United States after the war. In 1785 there joined the "Whitesboro Colony" Amos Wetmore and Lemuel Leavenworth, from Middletown, and possibly Nathaniel Loomis 8 58 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and Roswell Goodrich in that same year. Mr. Wetmore had a large family and located east of Sauquoit Creek ; he had been in the Revolu tionary war. In the spring of 1785 Mr. Dean and Mr. Phelps found the waters of Wood Creek rose so high as " to drown them out." They were obliged to seek refuge in the garret of the house, on account of the rise of the water, and by means of a ladder placed on the outside descend into a boat and row to Mr. Phelps's shop to cook their meals. That would not answer their purpose, and so Mr. Dean that fall obtained the consent of the Oneidas to make another selection. This time he selected a tract in what is now the town of Westmoreland, ever since known as "Dean Patent." He returned to Connecticut, and in 1786 married and came back in that year with his wife, both on horseback. In the mean time Mr. Phelps, in the spring or summer of 1785, also changed his location by moving up stream to Fort Stanwix and building a log house and shop on the banks of Wood Creek, near the site known thirty years later as " the United States Arsenal." When he came to Fort Stanwix, Mr. Phelps said there was but one other white man here (and he a Frenchman, living with the Indians). Mr. Phelps carried on his trade and business at that location for about fifteen years thereafter. July 4, 1786, a third child was born unto him; three other children were born unto him in this new home. About 1800 he moved to what is now the town of Verona and in 1802 was elected its first supervisor, and was re-elected in each year thereafter until 1808. In 18 19 he re moved to Orleans county, and died there in 1849 at the age of ninety- six years, with a mind quite clear for one of his years. He was the first settler of what is now Rome, after the Revolutionary war. A grandson of his married a sister of the mother of Mr. Harvey S. Bedell, a Roman. In 1786 a survey of Cosby Manor and a map of it were made by John R. Bleecker, son of Rutger Bleecker, one of the owners. On that map appear two log houses located near the ford across the Mohawk on the east side of Genesee street, and one house on the west side of that street. * Improvements had also been made a little further westward, somewhere between the present lines of Broadway and State streets- and there were also improvements near the present eastern limits of • Bagg's Pioneers. 1783 TO 1788— EMIGRATION WESTWARD. 59 Utica. The occupant of the house nearest the river, on the east side -of Genesee street, was John Cunningham, his neighbor beside him being George Damuth. l Bagg's Pioneers says : " The resident on the op posite side of Genesee street was Jacob Chrisman. The settler towards the west was McNamee, and the clearings on the eastern borders of the city were designated as those of McNamee and Abraham Boom." Moses Foot, who settled in Clinton in 1787, while on his way there, slept in the log house belonging to John Cunningham, one of these early settlers, who informed Foot that he (Cunningham) had half an acre cleared in 1785. Hendrich Salyea was another settler there in 1787. The father of Pomroy Jones, who passed through Old Fort Schuyler (Utica) in Janu ary, 1787, to Dean Patent, says there were then three log houses at Old Fort Schuyler. The foregoing settlers around Fort Schuyler were not permanent ; they were men mostly engaged in boating, or in the Indian trade. The house, above mentioned as being occupied by Jacob Chris man, west of Genesee street, must have been occupied in March, 1788, when Whitestown was formed, by William Cunningham, for the line be tween that town and Herkimer "crosses Mohawk River at the ford- ing place near the house of William Cunningham, leaving the same house to the west of that line;" so that act of 1788 says. It is not possible at this late day, and with the scanty material at hand, to locate the exact date, nor the priority of their coming to Oneida county, of those who came along in 1785, 1786, and 1787. The United States census of 1790, elsewhere published, will tell very nearly who were here on the first Monday in August, 1790. It is pretty well established that those whose names have been already given were in this vicinity as stated. It is also pretty certain that about 1786, Gen. George Doolittle came from Middletown to Whitesboro, and there located ; he was twenty-six years old, yet he had served in the Revolutionary army ; he became a prominent personage in Oneida county. Along about 1785 there also came to Deerfield another colony of emigrants from down the valley, viz. : Peter, Nicholas, and George Weaver, George Damuth, Nicholas and Philip Harter. Nicholas Harter married a daughter of Capt. Mark Damuth. When Nicholas Harter was a lad he was perfectly familiar with all of the paths 1 See note at the end of this chapter. 60 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and Indian trails which led up the Mohawk, and across1 the country to Canada via Black River, or via Oneida Castle to Oswego. Both of the Harters and the Weavers were in the Revolutionary war, as were about all of the Mohawk Dutch. Nicholas died July 25, 1854, aged ninety- four years. It will be borne in mind that in 1786 Cosby Manor was brought into market, and that Oriskany Patent was divided and parts sold, and many other patents had been granted ; and that Baron Steuben, Colonel Willett, George Washington, Governor Clinton, and other notable per sonages were owners of land in Oneida county ; and hence the foregoing were inducements for settlers to locate in this part of the State. Most of those lands were about that time offered to settlers. The next settlers in what is now Oneida county, came from Con- necticut in 1785 or 1786, and located in the shadow of Fort Stanwix. They were all related to each other by blood, or connected by mar riage. Their names were as follows: Willett Ranney, sr., with a family of eleven children, all grown to maturity, and the most if not all mar ried ; Seth Ranney, one of the sons, with wife and children, located northeast of the present Rome court house on or near the site of the late residence of G. N. Bissell. Willett Ranney, jr., another son and his family ; also Nathaniel Gilbert and David I. Andrus, both of whom had married in the Ranney family, and had been in the war of the Revolu tion. In January, 1787, there came Captain Nehemiah Jones, father of Pomroy Jones, and also Ephraim Blackmer at same time from Berkshire county, Mass., and located in Oneida county. Mr. Blackmer came in advance with a horse team, bringing the families ; Mr. Jones followed with an ox team, with beds, provisions, and clothing. Mr. Blackmer had a wife and two children ; Mr. Jones a wife and one child. They settled upon Dean's Patent in Westmoreland. Both had rendered service in the Revolutionary war. That same winter and in the spring of 1787, Joseph Jones and Joseph Blackmer, jr., came from Berkshire county and settled on Dean's Patent, and perhaps also William Dean, brother of James. Isaac Jones, a soldier of the Revolution, came from Berkshire county, Mass., in 1787, and for a short time located in Clin ton in this county and then moved to Westmoreland. Joseph Jones, brother of Isaac, came to Westmoreland from Berkshire county, Mass.j 1783 TO 1788— EMIGRATION WESTWARD. 61 in the spring of 1787 and located near Lairdsville. In the same year there located in Kirkland, Moses Foot and family, Barnabas Pond, James Bronson, Lewis Sherman, and Solomon Hovey ; and possibly the same year Ludlim Blodgett, Timothy Tuttle, Samuel Hubbard, Randall Lewis, Cordial Storrs, John Bullens, and Captain Cassety. 1 Before Whitestown was organized as a town (March 7, 1788) there was living therein, and near Fort Stanwix, William Colbraith (or Col- breath). The year he came cannot now be stated. He was captain of a company under Peter Gansevoort, in the Sullivan expedition of 1779 against the Indians in the western part of New York. He was the first sheriff of Herkimer county in 1791, and then resided near Fort Stan wix, as above stated. He was also first sheriff of Oneida county, in 1 798. He cannot be traced further. In the spring of 1787 Gen. Oliver Collins, with his wife and two chil dren, came from Connecticut and settled , upon the Middle Settlement road, leading from Whiteboro to Middle Settlement. While in his 'teens he enlisted in the Continental Army and rendered faithful service during the war; he was at the battle of Saratoga under General Gates. He cames from the war a sergeant. There was another settler in what is now -Oneida county prior to the time Whitestown was organized into a town, named Archibald Arm strong. He located at the junction of Wood and Canada Creeks, in what is now the town of Rome. He was great grandfather of Jonas W. Armstrong of Rome, and of William C. and David Armstrong of Anns- ville ; he was twice married ; his first wife was a sister of Heinrich Starring, a prominent personage in the Mohawk valley in the Revolu tion, and the first judge of Herkimer county when that county was formed in 1791. That Armstrong came originally from Pennsylvania, later from down the Hudson, and still later from the Mohawk valley. Oh the 26th of August, 1775, the Tryon county militia was organized into four battalions, and that Archibald Armstrong was second lieuten ant in the 8th company of the 4th battalion, of which George Herkimer (brother of the general) was captain, and Han Yost Herkimer (another brother of General Herkimer) was colonel. This was in the German Flats and Kingsland district. On the25th of June, 1778, new appointments were 'Jones's Annals. 62 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. made, and the nine companies organized in August, 1775, were reduced to seven in about eighteen months of active war. The name of Herki mer entirely disappeared from the rolls after the battle of Oriskany The most of the loss was sustained in this battle. It is traditionary in the family that Archibald Armstrong served in the army during that war, down the valley. The military records at Albany show that a man by the name of Archibald Armstrong was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, in Captain Telford's company, in a regiment belonging to Orange county, under command of Col. John Hallern ; also, that a person of the same name was in Capt. Abraham Westfali's company belonging to a regiment in Dutchess county, under command of Col. Albert Pawling; also in Capt. James McBride's com pany belonging to the 2d regiment of Ulster county, under command of Lieut-Col. Jacob Newkirk: also in Capt. Richard Baily's company of the Orange county regiment under command of Lieut. -Col. Henry Wisner, or Col. John Hathern, and that those persons were employed in actual 1 The Damooth, Demoot, Demuth, and Teymouth (or Damewood, as anglicized) family, as the name was variously spelled, seems to be nearly extinct in the male line ; but very few of that name can now be found in this section. They were prominent in the valley of the Mohawk in the war of the Revolution and fought bravely on the side of the colonies, and* suffered severely by reason of their activity on the side of the cause they had espoused. John Jost Teymouth (or Damuth) was born in 1700 and in 1757 was living at Little Palls, and owned land there. He went to Deerfield in 1773, but was driven out in 1776 and returned to the German Flats. His son, Capt. Mark Damuth, was born in 1730, and in 1773 went to Deerfield and was also driven out, as stated in a former chapter. In 1777 he was captain of Rangers, was shot through the arm, taken prisoner October 29, 1780, at German Flats, near Fort Dayton (Herkimer). He was at the battle of Oriskany and his name is recorded in the list furnished at the Oriskany Centennial Celebration in 1877. He returned to Deerfield in 1784. A daughter married. Col. Nicholas Harter, an old and aged resident of Deerfield and of Utica. George Damuth is supposed to have been a brother of Cap tain Mark, of the Palatine District, before the Revolution, but in 1784 went to Deerfield with Mark. In 1786 he lived at " Old Fort Schuyler," and in 1787 leased two hundred and seventy-three acres of land of Rutger Bleecker, one of the proprietors of Cosby Manor. He died before 1790, leaving a widow and a number of sons. One of the sons was a boatman in the employ of John Post, a merchant, tavern keeper, and trader at Old Fort Schuyler in 1790 ; another son remained with his mother on the farm of Peter Smith ; another son went to Sackett's Harbor ; George Da muth, another son, was called "Old Yare," was a boatman, and when an infant was captured by Indians, who cut his ears and put a ring in his nose. When eighteen years old he escaped and and served in the war of the Revolution. At one time an Indian threw a knife at him, which en tered his body and which he bore until he reached his home. After the war he lived in Deer field ; he married a daughter of Jacob Chrisman, an early settler at Fort Schuyler. The late Da vid Gray, of Marcy, when a boy, remembered " Old Yare." with his riinked ears and the ring in his nose. George was living as late as 1832 ; he was buried at Herkimer. In 1775 George Damuth- was adjutant in the 9th Company, 4th Battalion of the regiment of which Han Yost Herkimer (brother of the general) was colonel. The descendants of the Damuth family are scattered ; some went to Onondaga county, some to Wisconsin, and some to Missouri. The male members are 1788— TOWN OF WHITESTOWN— GREAT INDIAN TREATY. 63 CHAPTER VIII. 1788— TOWN OF WHITESTOWN— GREAT INDIAN TREATY. By an act of colonial Legislature, passed March 24, 1772, Tryon county was subdivided into six " Districts " ; Kingsland District was on the south side of the Mohawk River and was west , of Little Falls ; the German Flats District, north of the Mohawk River and west of Little . Falls. March 28, 1773, the names of the Kingsland and the German Flats Districts were exchanged, one for the other. April 3, 1775, the " old England District " was formed and embraced part of Herkimer county, and nearly what is now Otsego county. As before stated, April 2, 1784, the name of Tryon county was changed to that of Montgomery. By an act passed March 7, 1788, the State of New York was divided into sixteen counties, and those counties subdivided into towns, instead of " districts," as formerly. Montgomery county was subdivided into nine towns ; all that part of the county and of the State lying westerly of a north and south line running across the Mo hawk River at the fording place near the house of William Cunning ham, at Old Fort Schuyler, leaving that house to the west of the same line, and bounded north and west by the north and west bounds of the State, and south by the State of Pennsylvania, was erected into the town of " Whitestown." The house of William Cunningham then stood near the foot of, and on the west side of, Genesee street, Utica, midway between Water and Whitesboro streets, as before noted. The town thus formed was named after Hugh White, the early pioneer, and covered an area nearly equal to half of the State, including 12,000,000 acres of land with the navigable headwaters of the Mohawk, the Delaware, the Susquehanna and Ohio Rivers, the chain of small lakes in Centraland Western New York, the Genesee River and the cataract of Niagara on nearly extinct ; quite a number are yet alive of the female line. In 1789 there was a Mr. Demuth living in a log house, on the site of St. Peter's church, where St. Leger planted his batteries at the siege of Fort Stanwix in 1777. 64 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the American side, and the territories of five of the Six Nations, and with a frontage on the great lakes and rivers of at least four hundred miles in length. From this year may be fairly recorded the beginning of the great emigration westward. In 1788 there was also living at " Old Fort Schuyler " Philip Morey and his three sons, Solomon, Richard and Sylvanus, all of whom were from Rhode Island, also Francis Foster. In March, 1788, there came to the same place Maj. John Bellinger, from down the valley. He was at the battle of Oriskany, and was at the side of General Herkimer when the latter was shot. In that same month and year Jedediah Sanger, who subsequently became a power in Oneida county, came from Jeffries, in New Hampshire, and located in what is now the village of New Hartford. He was then thirty three years old, with a wife and several children, but without pecuniary means, as he had recently lost his property by fire. He was born on the 29th day of February, and consequently he had a birthday only once in four years. He purchased one thousand acres of land in one body, for fifty cents an acre, which purchase included the whole of the present village of New Hartford ; subsequently he became an extensive land owner. In the year 1788 Samuel Laird came from Berkshire, Mass., and located in Lairdsville, in Westmoreland, and soon after began housekeeping in a log house. In that same year there came to that town Peletiah Rawson and John Blair; Joseph Farwell located in what is now Bridgewater, and also came to the same town Ezra Parker. It is believed that the persons whose names have been given as settlers in each year from and includ- 1784 to 1788, included all, or nearly so, who located in what is now Oneida county prior to the time Whitestown was organized in March, 1788. Not unlikely other persons squatted in the county during the above period', but were not here as permanent settlers. Elkanah Watson, an extensive traveler in this country and abroad, and a close observer of the course of events, was in this Whitestown country in 1788 and again in 1 791,, and left a published journal of his observations. His views of the prospect of a canal in the near future, connecting the waters of the Mohawk River with those of Wood Creek, the fertility of the soil and the great possibilities in the near future of this part of the country are of great interest. He writes under date of September, 1788, as follows: 1783— TOWN OF WHITESTOWN— GREAT INDIAN TREATY. 65 I forded the Mohawk at old Fort Schuyler [Utica] alone and both shores were alive with savages. As there was no tavern here, and but a few scattering houses, I proceeded to an old German log house on the margin of the river and interceded for something to eat. After much difficulty I pervailed upon an ill-natured German woman to spare me two ears of green corn and some salt The road was as bad as possible, obstructed by broken bridges, logs and stumps, and my horse at every step sinking knee deep into the mud. I remained one day at Judge White's log house, the founder of the settlement, and slept in his log barn, with horses and other ani mals. Whitesboro is a promising settlement in the heart of a fine tract of land and just in the transition from a state of nature into civilization. The settlement com menced four years ago; log houses are already scattered in the midst of stumps, half burned logs, and girdled trees. I observed the log barns were well filled. A few years ago land might have been bought for a trifle ; now lands bordering on the river have advanced to three dollars an acre. Settlers are continually pouring in from the Connecticut hive, which throws off its annual swarms of intelligent, indus trious and enteprrising emigrants — the best qualified of any men in the world to overcome and civilize the wilderness. They already estimate three hundred brother Yankees on their muster list, and in a few years hence they will undoubtedly be able to raise a formidable barrier to oppose the intrusions of the savages. At Orisk any I passed two hundred Indians, the remnant of that once powerful confederacy. On ascending a hill west of Oriskany, I approached the place where the intrepid General Herkimer was driven into a fatal combat in August, 1777. Just before I reached the sanguinary battlefield, I met two Germans, familiar with its incidents. They conducted me over the whole ground ; they informed me, a number of the slain were never interred ; in corroboration of the fact, I noticed numerous human bones strewn upon the surface of the earth.1 Soon after leaving this consecrated spot, and alone in the woods, I was in the midst of a band of Indians, as drunk as lords ; they looked like so many evil spirits broken loose from pandemonium, wild, frantic, almost naked, and frightfully painted, they veiled, whooped and danced around me in such hideous attitudes that I was seriously apprehensive they would end the farce by taking off my scalp. On my arrival at Fort Stanwix, I found the whole plain around the fort covered with Indians of various tribes, male and female. Many of the latter were fantastically dressed in their best attire, in the richest silks, fine scarlet clothes, bordered with gold fringe, a profusion of brooches, rings in their noses, their ears slit and their heads decorated with feathers. The object of this treaty is to procure a cession from the Indians of territory lying west of Fort Stanwix, extending to the Great Lakes. Contemplating the position of Fort Stanwix at the head of bateau navigation on the Mohawk, and within one mile of Wood Creek, and thence west to Oneida Lake and connecting ' On the first settlement of this section of the country, many skeletons were found yet bleach ing and uncovered, and a number of the first settlers met and gathered aU that could be found and undistinguished between friend and foe, they were interred in a common grave. The party consisted of persons from Rome, Westmoreland and Whitestown. Judge Joshua Hathaway, of Rome, was the first to move in the matter, and a number of cart loads of bones were thus col lected and buried. Judge Hathaway and his father and six brothers were under General Stark at Bennington. — [Jones's A i"«lg of Oneida County. 9 66 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. with Lake Ontario, I am led to think it will in time become the emporium of com merce between Albany and the vast Western world. It was calculated that at the time the town of Whitestown was formed it contained less than 200 inhabitants; that included all within the State west of Genesee street, Utica. East of that street and south of the river was in the town of German Flats ; north of the river in the town of Herkimer. In the mean time serious trouble was brewing with " land grabbers," those who were trying to obtain from the Indians the lands in Central and Western New York. The State Constitution of 1777 forbade the purchase of the fee in the lands of the Indians by individuals, reserving the right to the State alone. To evade this and to come into possession of the lands, an association of individuals called the " New York Gen esee Land Company" was organized in the winter of 1787-8, composed of some eighty or ninety persons, who were wealthy and influential. At the same time a branch company was organized in Canada. This company obtained of the Six Nations a lease for nine hundred and ninety-nine years of all their lands; this lease was to evade the consti tutional provision as to the conveyance of the fee of the lands. In March, 1788, John Taylor, of Albany, was appointed agent or superin tendent of the New York Board of Indian Commissioners, and in that month he was sent to the Indian country to counteract the unlawful proceedings of the " Lessees." He learned thai the latter had sent fourteen sleigh loads of goods to the Indian country ; that one hundred and sixty families had arrived at Tioga, on their way west to settle on the Indian lands. But those families learned the State was going to oppose the " Lessees," and hence hesitated in going further. Governor Clinton issued a proclamation warning purchasers against the actions of the "Lessees," and sent messengers to all of the Six Nations, warning them also of the fraud being practiced upon them. It was a formidable organization, embracing men of wealth and political influence. Gov. George Clinton met the whole matter with energy and promptness and urged upon the Legislature the adoption of decisive measures to coun teract the plans of the " Lessees." In March, 1788, an act was passed authorizing the governor to disregard all contracts made with the In dians not sanctioned by the State, and to cause all persons to be arrested 1788— TOWN OF WHITESTOWN— GREAT INDIAN TREATY. 67 who had entered upon the Indian lands under such contracts and to be driven off by force and the buildings destroyed. Governor Clinton or dered Samuel Clyde, the sheriff of Montgomery county, and the fust one appointed after the war (which county then extended to the west bounds of the State), to disperse intruders and burn their dwellings. A military force was called out and the orders were strictly executed. One of the prominent settlers and co operators of the " Lessees " was taken to New York city in irons upon a charge of high treason. Thus baffled, the "' Lessees " determined to meet the State officials at Fort Stanwix, where the treaty was to be held in September, 1788, and by lobbying prevent the treaty being made. The governor took the field in person, backed by all the official influence at his command ; yet it was difficult for him for a time to effect anything The 1st of Septem ber, 1788, was fixed as the period of the treaty. Active preparations for it were going on through the preceding summer. In all of the In dian villages the " Lessees " had their agents and runners or Indian traders at work. The preparations at Albany and New York, on the part of the State officials, were formidable. A sloop came up from New York with Indian goods, stores for the expedition, marquees, tents, and specie for the purchase money (which was obtained after much trouble). On board of the sloop were those who resided in New York city and many others ; among them Count Monsbiers, the then French minister, and the Marchioness de Biron, his sister, who were going to attend the treaty out of curiosity. The commissioners and the retinue, goods and baggage, going up the Mohawk, started August 23, in bateaux built expressly for the occasion, and arrived at Fort Stanwix August 28. A wild and romantic scene presented itself.1 Theveteran soldier. Governor Clinton, pitched his marquee and was as much the gen eral as if he had headed a military expedition. Among his associates in the commission and his companions were Egbert Benson, afterward attorney- general of the State; General Gansevoort, defender of Fort Stanwix ; William Floyd, one of the signers of the^ Declaration of In dependence; Ezra L'Hommedieu, and Rev. Samuel Kirkland, the missionary. Among the noted Indian speakers, and who signed the treaty, were 5 Turner's Phelps & Gorham Purchase. 68 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Skenandoah, who lived to be one hundred and ten years old ; Peter Otsequet, who was sent to France by La Fayette and there educated, and to whom a patent of one thousand acres was granted in Westmore land ; Paulus, an Oneida chief (after whom Paulus Pond, in edge of Lewis county was named), and many others who had been conspicuous in the Revolution and became the leading men of our then young State. They were surrounded by the camp fires of the numerous representa tives of the Six Nations numbering thousands, who had been attracted to the spot, some from interest, some from curiosity ; but by far the larger proportion of them had been attracted from their scattered wil derness homes by the hopes and promises of presents, feast, and carousals. Indian* traders and speculators from all their localities, with their showy goods and trinkets and plenty of " fire water," were upon the ground with their goods for sale to the Indians when they received the money for their lands. Some of the " Lessees " had preceded the governor and were in the crowd secretly endeavoring to thwart the objects of the council. Governor Clinton ordered in writing John Livingston, the ring leader of the " Lessees," to leave in three hours, and to retire forty miles from the fort. After this Governor Clinton organized a court of inquest and took affidavits of all that had taken place on the part of the " Lessees." Finding that the Senecas were holding back from the coun cil and that many of the head men of the Cayugas and Onondagas were absent, and that a counter gathering was being held at Geneva by those in the interests of the " Lessees," where liquor was dealt out freely, and where the Indians were told if they went to Fort Stanwix, Governor Clinton would either cheat them out of their lands or fall upon them with an armed force, Governor Clinton sent thither messengers who undeceived most of the Indians after they had recovered from their beastly state of intoxication. It was the 8th of September before the different nations were so far represented as to warrant the council to proceed to business. On the 12th the treaty with the Onondagas was completed and the deed of cession of most of the lands executed. The consideration was one thousand French crowns in money, in hand, and two hundred pounds in clothing, and an annuity of five hundred dollars forever. The presents were give,n and friendly speeches made. [This treaty was ratified June 16, 1790, at Fort Stanwix; on which occasion 1788— TOWN OF WHITESTOWN— GREAT INDIAN TREATY. 69 the State bestowed five hundred dollars as a gratuity."] Negotiations with the Oneidas followed, September, 1788, which concerned the lands within what is now Oneida county, and continued for days, accompa nied by speeches pro and con, propositions made and rejected, until at last a deed of cession was agreed upon and executed by the chiefs, a number of women signing the deed. The substance of that deed and the consideration are given in the chapter relative to land patents. The deed bears date September 22, 1788. The council had continued for twenty-five days. This treaty is known as the " Oneida Reservation." The father of the author of the "Annals of Oneida County" came to Oneida county in January, 1787, and he said that then there were three log houses at " Old Fort Schuyler " (Utica), seven at Whitesboro, three at Oriskany, four at Fort Stanwix, and three at Westmoreland, most of them mere shanties or huts. It has been heretofore stated that the Ranney family came to Fort Stanwix in 1785-6. Willett Ranney, senior, located in a log house northwest of the present Rome court house, on or near the site of the late residence of Gordon N. Bissell, on Stanwix street. Twenty eight years ago the author of this history received a letter from a great granddaughter of Mr. Ranney (she then residing at Theresa, Jefferson county). She narrates what she heard from her grandmother (a daughter of Willett Ranney, senior). She thus wrote: I have often heard my grandmother, Mrs. Samuel Jarvis, daughter of Willett Ran ney, senior, tell of her early life at Fort Stanwix. She was a little girl when her father moved there, probably eleven or twelve ; she was born in Middletown, Conn. April 2, 1773. I have often heard her tell of assisting her mother baking bread at the time of the treaty with the Indians, at Fort Stanwix, in September, 1788 ; the bread was baked at her brother's, Seth Ranney's house, where many barrels of flour were stored to be baked into bread for the use of those expected to attend the treaty. The oven was on the outside of the house; it was a large one and kept running night and day in baking bread some days before the treaty. There was also stored in the barn near by a quantity of liquor, and as it was feared the Indians might get it and thereby become furious and massacre the people, Willett Ranney, senior, with a few others went to the barn and poured the liquor on the ground. That treaty and its results were among the most important events in the history of Oneida county. Following, as it did, so soon after the dividing of the State into counties, and the said division of the counties into towns, and the organization of " Whitestown," its tendency was to give a great impetus to immigration and to make Oneida county what it has become. 70 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Thus in brief has faded away the power of that once famous Indian confederacy. They were a wonderful people ; banded together by prin ciple of unity not unlike that which holds together this union of States, they loved liberty, were proud spirited and haughty, and scorned sub mission to foreign control. They had the ability to cope in council with the most skillful diplomats, and the eloquence of their addresses chal lenged comparison with many who boasted of their civilization. They were indeed a powerful and a gifted people. It was at this treaty of 1788, that Governor Clinton in his speech to the Indians, said that after the treaty was over, all would " indulge in innocent mirth and pleasure." -After all had feasted and the payments and presents were made, Gov ernor Clinton proposed that a foot race take place among the Six Nations, each nation to select its swiftest runner, and the rnce was made over what is now Dominick street, and extended from Mohawk River to Wood Creek. The governor placed a bag of gold of two hundred and fifty dollars on the top of a flag staff at the river, that to be the starting point, and the footmen to run to Wood Creek, turn a stake, and the one who reached the flag staff on the return to have the gold. Each nation re tired to select its runners, except the Oneidas. That home tribe, according to Indian etiquette (Fort Stanwix being within its territory), awaited for the selections to be first made by the visiting tribes that were from abroad. The other tribes soon returned with five stalwart, athletic young men, tall in stature and symmetrical in form. The Oneidas then retired to make their selection. Powlis, the war chief, had been in his day one of the fleetest runners in the confederacy, and he had a num ber of stalwart sons, grand representatives of his lofty stature and agile movements. Outsiders supposed that one of these would be chosen to represent the Oneidas. But the tribe passed by these and others of the like, and with great unanimity selected a slender boy of fifteen years — a mere stripling — the youngest son of Powlis — his parents' darling, with his mother's form and wiry make up. The selection of one so young and slim to run a long race with formidable competitors, and taken, too, from a tribe that could boast of its powerful braves, greatly surprised all, and provoked a quiet laugh among the Indians of the other tribes. But this laugh was quickly suppressed, as it might be construed discourteous to their brothers, the Oneidas. The boy was called by the whites 1788— TOWN OF WHITESTOWN— GREAT INDIAN TREATY. 71 "Little Paul," was the pet of the tribe, and his being the pet was sup posed by the other tribes to account for the selection. Not so with the Oneidas. They had better reasons than favoritism, for they knew the staying qualities and fleet movements of the lad. Preparations were promptly and fully made for the race. The course was on what is now Dominick street, smooth and gently rising from east to west. The road was staked in quarters, and a horseman accompanied the runners to see that all was fair play. The course was straight, and there was no con tention for the inside track. The runners stood side by side, in the order of the location of their tribes, the Mohawks first. The head of " Little Paul" scarcely reached the shoulders of the majestic Mohawk, and he presented a striking contrast with the other contestants in the field. Each bore on his head a badge of distinction. Little Paul wore a feather, a single white plume, stuck in his straight shining locks, which were as glossy and as black as the wing of a raven. All being- ready, they start at the tap of a drum, and on they rush. They wore mocca sins, but otherwise were stripped nearly to the skin. Every eye is fixed on the competitors, as they and the horsemen push madly forward for the farthest stake at Wood Creek. Not a word escapes from the inter ested spectators, nor do the runners make a sound, save that made by their moccasined feet and panting breath. The Mohawk leads and the Oneida boy brings up the rear. Evidently the latter is taking it easy, holding his best efforts in reserve He passes over the ground as lightly and as lithely as a fox, and quite swiftly too, yet he, is considerably be hind all the rest, but the others are running at the top of their speed. The boy is so far behind that it looks as if he would be distanced, and those of the other tribes find it hard work to repress their mirth. But the Oneidas maintain their gravity and apparently stolid indifference. They know he will show his best on the home stretch. The runners are gradually approaching the farther goal, and Little Paul draws gently on his reserve force and thereby lessens the distance between him and the forward competitors. The horseman has kept his steed on a keen gallop all the way, to keep abreast of the runners. The Mo hawk is ahead, the others at his heels, and the Oneida a little behind. As the stake at Wood Creek is reached the racers turn it almost in a body, and now begins the fierce struggle on the home run. Little Paul 72 ' OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. again draws on his reserve force and gains on the Mohawk, who leads all the rest, and before the first quarter stake is reached Little Paul passes all but the Mohawk. The latter strains every nerve; perspiration stands out in beads on his swarthy frame, while his veins look like whip cords. The little Oneida " lets out another link," and soon is abreast of the Mohawk and the two run side by side. The latter feels the lad close at his heels, and hears the cheers of the spectators at the other end of the course. He must have felt that their sympathies are with the youngster. Not a word is uttered by either of the racers as, for a little distance, they run side by side. The Mohawk struggles bravely, as for life, but in vain. Little Paul has too much endurance and nimbleness of foot for his tall competitor, and before the halfway stake is reached the Oneida shoots ahead, and all of his competitors are behind. Then it was that he gave a whoop of triumph as shrill as that of a panther, which-resounded through the forest, was heard by the large concourse who witnessed the struggle, and was echoed back with a will. With his five competiters the race was over, but the boy had just begun to bound and fly. The arrow parting from its bow was scarce swifter than his flight, as he now seemed determined to distance the swiftest of the racers, and to show what he could do. He flies as on the wings of the wind, and the spectators partake of his ambition and enthusiasm. When he is within twenty rods of the home goal they went forward to meet the victor, and with the wildest cheers and excitement take him in their arms and bear him aloft in triumph to the home stake. The com peting tribes were as enthusiastic as the rest, and none bestowed higher praise or received Little Paul with greater admiration than the van quished. Governor Clinton presented the prize and congratulated the victor and his tribe in a complimentary speech. The Oneida chief died about 1818, and his remains were carried from the "meadows" near Taberg to Oneida Castle on the shoulders of members of his tribe, some 200 following in the proceession. Col. T. G. Halley, then of New Lon don, relates to the writer seeing that funeral procession. He well knew the sons of old Powlis, and remembers their return from Wisconsin some thirty or more years ago on a visit and to ascertain if they or their rtribe did not yet own lands in this vicinity. But their rights had all been extinguished. " Powlis Pond," in the edge of Lewis county, was named 1788— TOWN OF WHITESTOWN— GREAT INDIAN TREATY. 73 after that chief, as that was one of his favorite resorts. Little Paul suc ceeded to his father's title. About 1830 the family removed to Green Bay in Wisconsin. Here may be a proper place to again briefly refer to the Iroquois Con federacy and to the nations which composed it and which exercised such a powerful influence in New York for two hundred years or more. The ori gin and date of the formation of that confederacy are involved in obscurity. It is supposed to have been formed between the years 1400 and 1 500, and was composed of five and from 1712 and onward of six nations. It is unquestioned that when the confederacy was at the height of its power, its members were able to cope in battle, in diplomacy, in council, and in oratory, with the best and most skilled of the civilized nations. But " fire water," the advancement of civilization, and entanglements with European powers eventually disrupted the confederacy and proved the ruin of that people. The Sullivan expedition of 1779 broke the back bone of the confederacy and completed its disruption and overthrow. The Mohawks, under the influence of the Johnson family, took sides with the British in the American Revolution, with hardly an exception, and as a result all fled to Canada at the termination of the war. The Oneidas and Tuscaroras sympathized with the Americans ; the remain ing nations sided with the English. England made a treaty of peace with her colonies, acknowledging their independence, but making no provision or stipulation for her Indian allies. Those of the latter who had fought against the colonies were in effect a conquered people and had no claim upon the new republic. The latter had a legal right to confiscate and appropriate the Indian lands without compensation ; but that has never been the American policy. Not conceding an absolute ownership of the lands to the Indians, yet a right of occupancy by them has been recognized, and as politic to acquire such lands by purchase or treaty. Upon that theory have the State and National governments acted. After the first cession of lands by the Indians, and especially after the treaty of 1788, the Six Nations were quite disposed to sell their lands to the white men. They clearly saw that their own power and influence were gone and that they were at the mercy of the white race. The latter have pushed their way across a continent, and the red men have disappeared like frost beneath the summer sun. In New 10 74 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. York, where the Six Nations were once supreme, their power and influ ence have withered away, and a few scattered reservations are all that now remain of their landed possessions, and those at the sufferance of the white people. The valley of the Mohawk, Wyoming and Cherry Valley, made red with the blood of our patriotic ancestors, can never be forgotten nor obliterated from American history ; yet, the remembrance of what the Iroquois Confederacy once was can never fade away, nor the intel lectual greatness of its chiefs, warriors and statesmen be forgotten so long as so many of the lakes, streams, and places are stamped with their names upon the pages of history. Ye say fhat all have passed away, The noble race and brave ; That their light canoes have vanished From off the crested wave ; That mid the forests where they roamed There rings no hunter's shout, But their name is on your waters — Ye may not wash it out. Ye say their cont_like cabins That clustered o'er the vale, Have disappeared, like withered leaves Bef&re the autumn gale ; But their memory liveth on your hills, Their baptism on your shore, Your ever-living waters speak Their dialect of yore. 1789 TO 1792. 75 CHAPTER IX. 1789 TO 1792. The fact that the Indian title to lands in Central and Western New York was adjusted ; that the counties of the State were subdivided into towns; that the "Holland Land Company" and Phelps and Gorham had purchased millions of acres of land in the western part of the State and settlers were going thither, all tended to induce emigration into New York. The further facts (which have already been briefly alluded to) that "Whitestown" was organized as a town, and that George Washington, Gov. George Clinton, Col. Marinus Willett, Baron Steuben, William Floyd, Judge John Lansing and other prominent personages owned lands in Oneida county ; while Cosby Manor, Oriskany, Fonda, Steuben, and other patents and tracts were thrown upon the market and most of the patentees or owners were pushing sales and making extra efforts to attract settlers, all had much to do in the permanent settlement of what is now Oneida county in the years of which we are writing. Under the general election law of February, 1787, general elections were ordered to be held in the State on the last Tuesday in April in each year, and the polls at an election might be kept open not exceed ing five days. By an act of April 17, 1822, the time for holding gen eral elections was changed to the first Monday in November in each year, and to be held for three successive days, including the first day. By an act passed April 5, 1842, the time of holding general elections was changed to the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday in each year, and to be held for one day only. By the act of March 7, 1788, divid ing the State into counties and subdividing the counties into towns, town meetings were ordered to be held on the first Tuesday in April in each year. Before any town meeting or general election was held in the town of Whitestown, as organized under the act of March 7, 1788, Ontario county was taken from Montgomery county by an act passed January 27, 1789. 76 OUR COUNTY AND ITS 'PEOPLE. That same year (1789) there came to Fort Stanwix from Wethers- field, Conn., Ebenezer Wright, senior, with a wife and six children; he was then forty-seven years old and had been a lieutenant in the Conti nental army. He was father of Benjamin Wright, who afterward be came the noted engineer and surveyor. About the same time, but later, came Thomas, the brother of Ebenezer Wright, senior, with a wife and ten children. These two brothers married sisters ; Thomas was fifty- one years old. The two brothers lived near Fort Stanwix until 1790, when they "leased" land in Wright Settlement and located there. Both of their names appear in the United States census of 1790. In the year 1789 the following persons located in the places as mentioned below : At Old Fort .Schuyler, William Alverson (father- in-law of Theodore S. Faxton), Peter Smith, father of Gerrit Smith ; in the town of Paris there located in 1789, Captain Rice, Benjamin Barnes and son, and John Humaston, Stephen Barrett, Aaron,. Adam and Abel Simons (three brothers) ;' in Westmoreland, Joseph Black mer, senior, and Benjamin Blackmer, John and Nathan Townsend. The latter was owner of one of the slaves in town as shown in the United States census of 1790. That year or the next there located in Westmoreland John Vaughn and Josiah Stillman. All of the foregoing had served in the Continental army. In 1789 there located in Bridge- water Ephraim and Nathan Waldo ; they came the fore part of March in that year. At the time of their coming snow was a foot and a half deep, which increased to four feet, and the cow, two yokes of oxen, and a horse they had with them had to be supported entirely upon browse.2 Asa Beckwith and his four sons, Asa, Reuben, Walcott, and Lemuel, pushed their way in 1789 up the Mohawk beyond Fort Stanwix, and located near North Western. They were the first settlers in that region. The same year Henry Wager, then twenty five years old, who had been married five years, located near Westernville, upon a farm on which now resides his two granddaughters. Mr. Wager came from Columbia county ; he was a prominent citizen of the town and for twenty- four consecutive years from 1800 was its supervisor. He was father of 1 Jones's Annals. ' Jones's Annals. 1789 TO 1792. 77 David Wager, a prominent lawyer and state senator at Utica, grand father of Gen. H. Wager Halleck and Bishop Whipple. It is not easy to give the names of all the settlers in Oneida county prior to 1790. The United States census of that year, elsewhere pub lished, is supposed to show all who were in the county, or rather in the town of Whitestown, on the first Monday of August, 1790, the time the census was taken. Jones's Annals of Oneida County state that Ezra Parker, Ephraim and Nathan Waldo located in Bridge water in 1789; and that John and Sylvester Butler and Asa Shepard settled at or near Sauquoit in that year ; and that in March and April, 1789, the families of Benjamin Barnes, junior, John Humaston, and Aaron, Adam, and Abel Simmons located the same year on Paris Hill. None of those names appears in that census. It is an historical fact that Ephraim Webster, Asa Danforth, junior, and Comfort Tyler were all located in what is now Onondaga county (then Whitestown) as early as 1786, yet none of those names appears in that census. The first town meeting in Whitestown was held Tuesday, April 7, 1789, at the barn of Hugh White at Whitesboro. The following town officers were elected : Supervisor, Jedediah Sanger ; town clerk, Elijah Blodgett; assessors, Amos Wet- more, James Bronson Ephraim Blackmer; collector, Oliver Collins; poormasters, Hugh White and Moses Foote; commissioners of highways, George Doolittle, Jede diah Sanger, Ephraim Blackmer; constables, Jedediah Phelps, Joseph Sowle, Solo mon Butler, Amos Kellogg, Nehemiah Jones, and Alexander Parkman ; overseers of roads, Gilbert Willett, Amos Ives, Ebenezer Butler, junior, Alexander Parkman, Joseph Jennings ; fence viewers, Lemuel Leavenworth, Rice Hawley, Lemuel Cook, Seth Ranney, Barnabas Pond; pound keepers, Ebenezer Butler, junior, and Daniel C. White. The first general election in Whitestown was held, commencing at Cayuga Ferry the last Tuesday of April, 1789, thence adjourned to Man- lius, thence to Fort Stanwix, and closed at Whitesboro. The town meeting for the town in 1790 was held at the barn of Captain Needham Maynard, on the Middle Settlement road. Before all of the electors had voted, all not having arrived, the polls were opened and those who had come voted, and the polls were then closed and the votes counted and officers declared elected. Later comers objected to this and in sisted upon voting and having the polls opened. A vote was taken, the 78 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. first election declared void, and then the meeting adjourned to the next day and a new election was held. The two town clerks signed the cer tificate of the election' of the second day. The same officers in the main were elected on the second day, except Jedediah Sanger was elected supervisor, in place of William Colbraith ; Ashbel Beach, town clerk in place of Elijah Blodgett. Prior to 1810 town officers were elected by viva voce vote. By an act passed March 29, 1 809, it was provided that "all town officers after March 1, 1810, shall be chosen by ballot." Au gustus Porter (who became county judge of Niagara county), on his way to that section in May, 1789, has left on record the following: I assisted iu navigating one of the two boats, called bateaux, each navigated by four men. Leaving Schenectady we proceeded up the Mohawk to Fort Stanwix. In passing Little Falls of tho Mohawk, the boats and their contents were transported around on wagons. At Port Stanwix, we carried over a portage of about one mile to the waters of Wood Creek. The creek all'ords but litllo water from the portage to its juncture with the Canada Creek, seven miles west of Fori Stanwix. At the portage [near the United States Arsenal |, there was a dam near Wood Creek for a saw mill, which created a considerable pond, This pond, when tilled, could bo rap idly discharged and on the Hood thus suddenly made, boats pressed down the stream which empties into Oneida Lake, and through that lake and its outlet. Prom tho time we left Fort Stanwix, until we arrived at Geneva, we found no white person, except at the juncture of Wood and Canada Crooks, where a man lived by the name of Armstrong, That was the Archibald Armstrong heretofore spoken of, Jared Broughton settled in the Genesee country in 1790, He and his wife and two children and a younger brother, started in a sleigh from Stockbridge, Mass , in February of that year, and went via Sche nectady and Old Fort Schuyler. From his published reminiscences, the following extract is made : At Utica there was a small frame store of old John Post |wcst side of (lenesse street near Whitesboro street |, an Indian trader, and a large log house kept as a tavern. There were one or two families, the Hlaekmers, al Westmoreland. Two or three families between Utica and Westmoreland ; Esquire Black mot's was tho last house until wo arrived at Oneida Castlo. It was but a wood road. At Oneida Cas tle there was a Dutchman who had hired an Indian house to accommodate travelers. We arrived there about midnight, and found no lodgings except on tho lloor, all the beds being occupied by emigrating families, The road was very bad; we got our sleigh stuck, which hindered us a day. No settlement between Oneida Castlo and Onondaga Hollow. At the latter place Comfort Tyler, Ephraim Webster, and his squaw wil'o, and Colonel Danforth resided. The latter kept a tavern. 1789 TO 1792. 79 Early in the spring of 1790, Nathaniel Sanborn, with his wife and two young children, went from one of the New England States to the Genesee country, via Old Fort Schuyler. From the published remin iscences of hers the following extract is made : The last house where we slept was at Old Fort Schuyler, until we reached the end of our journey in the Genesee country. There was then at Old Fort Schuyler one log house. It was crowded with boatmen from Niagara; we spread our bed upon the floor for myself, husband and children, and the wearied boatmen begged the privilege of laying their heads upon its borders. After that, we camped wherever night overtook us. Anorher early settler in the Genesee country, in 1 791, in the pub lished reminiscences of his journey via Old Fort Schuyler, and overland through Westmoreland, has left the following record : On the 15th of February, 1791, I left Albany on my route to the Genesee country, via the valley of the Mohawk. The Genesee country was then =0 remote and so very little known, I could not prevail upon the owner of the sled I had hired to go farther than Whitestown. The road as far as Whitestown had been made passable for wagons ; but from that to the Genesee country, it was little better than an Indian path, just sufficiently opened to allow a sled to pass, and the most impassable streams bridged. At Whitestown I was obliged to change my sled ; the Albany driver would proceed no further; he found that for the next one hundred and fifty miles we were delayed not only to take provisions for ourselves and our horses, but also blankets as a substitute for beds. After leaving Whitestown we found only a few straggling huts scattered along the path at the distance from ten to twenty miles, and they affording nothing but the convenience of fire and a kind of shelter from the snow. On the evening of the third day' s journey from Whitestown, we were agreeably surprised to find ourselves on the east side of Seneca Lake, which we found perfectly open and free from ice as in June. At the session of Congress held in the winter of 1789-90, Congress passed a law authorizing the first census of the United States to be taken. The act was passed March 1, 1790, and directed an enumera tion of the inhabitants to be taken in the summer of 1790 of the several States in the Union. That census showed the population of Ontario county (formed in 1789) to be 960 persons, including all of the sur veyors and attendants, and all then within that county. The popula tion of Montgomery county as then constituted was '28,848, as shown by that census The population of all of the territory between the fording place on the Mohawk River at Old Fort Schuyler and Ontario county was one thousand eight hundred and ninety-one. That census further showed the population of the State to be 324, 1 27, an increase of 80 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. over 85,000 since 1786, and such increase was mainly in the northern and western parts of the State. The settlers along the valley of the Mohawk were largely of German descent, intermixed with immigrants from the New England States, and especially since the Revolution, had people from New England settled in that valley,; but more particularly had they peopled the central and western part of the State, so that the inhabitants of those parts of the State were almost wholly of the Yankee element when this census was taken, and rapidly increasing thereafter. A copy of this census, which included the town of Whitestown as then constituted, has been obtained from the department at Washington and appears in this chapter. It shows the names of heads of families in the town, with the number of free white males of sixteen years old and upwards in each family, including heads of families, and the num ber of free white males under that age in each family ; the number of free white females in each family under sixteen, and the number of slaves The list as procured from the department was not arranged in alphabetical order, but it has since been so arranged and also classified according to the towns in the county as they now exist, as near as can be at this late date. Jacob Morris was the enumerator. ' Some of the given names could not be deciphered. It must be borne in mind that when this census was taken the town of Whitestown included all of the State between the Genesee bridge at Utica and Ontario county. Number of free white males of 16 and upwards 689 Number of free white males under 16 _ 443 , Number of free white females _ 749 Number of slaves _ ___ 3 Number not included in above __ 7 1,891 The respective owners of each of the three slaves in Whitestown were Nathaniel Townsend, of Westmoreland, and Zenas Gibbs and Charles Putnam, residences unknown. Those marked residence un known probably resided in what is now Onondaga county. Following are the lists ; 1789 TO 1792. 81 NAMES OF MALE HEADS OF FAMILIES— CENSUS OF 1800. Bridgewater. Farewell, Joseph. Deerfield. Damewood (Damoth), Richard, Fanning, William, Shearman, James. Kirkland. Bullen, David, Bullen, John, Blodgett, Rufus, Blodgett, Elijah, Blodgett, Ludim, Blanchard, Andrew, Butler, Ebenezer, Butler, Ebenezer, jr., Butler, Salmon, Bristol, Eli, Bristol, Joel, Carpenter, William, Cassady (Cassety), Thomas, Curtis, Jesse, Catlin, Jessie, Cook, William, Eastman, Peter, Ellenwood, Hannaniah, Foot, Moses, Foot, Luther, Foot, Ira, Foot, Bronson, Ferguson, Samuel, Ferguson, Samuel, jr., Fancher, Thomas, Gridley, Abraham, Gridley, Jobe, Hubbard, Thomas, Hovey, Solomon, Kirkland, Samuel, Kellogg, Amos, Marsh, John, Marsh, Samuel, Marsh, Asa, Marsh, Theodore, 11 Marsh, Stephen, Munroe, Theodore, Markham, Stephen, Merrell, Caleb B., Pond, Barnabas, Stebbens, Judah, Stebbens, Judah, jr., Tuttle, Timothy, Willard, Lewis, Willard, Rufus. New Hartford. Blair, Joel, Bushnell, Stephen, Blodgett, Solomon} Beach, Ashbel, Cook, Trueworthy, Collins, Oliver, Gaylord, Jotham, Gurney, Bezelial, Hale, Memon, Haminway, Isaac, Higby, Joseph, Ives, Amos, Jennings, Joseph, Jewett, Samuel, Kellogg, Jesse, Kellogg, Jalob, Kellogg, Frederick W. , Kellogg, Freeman, Kellogg, Aaron, Kellogg, Solomon, Kellogg, Stephen, Miller, Amoch, Olmstead, Ashbel, Olmstead, Gamaliel, Risley, Allen, Risley, Elijah, Savage, Guideon (Gideon), Staples, George, Sanger, Jedediah, Seward, Nathan, Wells, Samuel, Williams, Thomas, Williams, Ezekiel. 82 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Paris. Coolage, Charles, Barnes, Benjamin, Barrett, Stephen, Barrett, Isaac, Davis, Elijah, Fowler, Reuben, Griffin, Kirkland, Hopkins, Elias, Kellogg, Phineas, Lummas (Loomis), Ladoc, Plum, Joseph, Porter, Raphel, Rice, Hezekiah, Rice, William. Rome. Armstrong, Archibald, Andrus, David, Colbreath, William, Demont, Joseph, French, Jasper, Fellows, Roswell (Rozel), Gilbert, Nathaniel, Knight, Daniel W., Phelps, Jedediah, Perkins, Silas, Robbins, Ephraim, Ranney, — eth (Seth), Ranny, — illett (Willett), Ranny, James, Smith, Bill, Wright, er (Ebenezer), Wright, as (Thomas). Steuben. Sizer, Samuel. Utica. Alberson, (Alverson) Uriah, Bellinger, John, Brown, Daniel, Christman, Jacob, Clark, Aaron, Harris, Joseph, Morey, Solomon, Morey, Sylvanus, Nutting, Simeon, Post, John, Potter, Stephen, Parser, Jason, Rust, Samuel, Sailes, Darius, Saule, Joseph, Smith, Peter, Smith, Nathan, Smith, James, Wells, Arnold. Vernon. Brownson, Solomon. Western. Beckwith, Asa, Beckwith, Reuben, Wager, Henry. Westmoreland. Blackmer, Ephraim, Blackmer, Joseph, Blackmer, Joseph, jr., Brigham, Stephen, Brigham, Lyman, Blair, John, Collins, Samuel, Cone, Walter, Chittington, Gerard, (Chittenden, Jared) Dean, James, Dean, Jonathan, Dean, William, Gleason, Solomon, Gleason, Joseph, Griffin, Natheeneil, Jones, Nehemiah, Jones, Joseph, Laird, Samuel, Laird, John, Lummas (Loomis) Nathan, Lummas, (Loomis) Isaac, Parkman, Alexander, Phelps, Silas, Phelps, Jacob, 1789 TO 1792. 83 Phelps, Joseph, Rogers, Simeon, Smith, Amos, Smith, Elijah, Stillman, Samuel, Stillman, John, Townsend, Nathaniel. Townsend, John. Whitestown. Badcock, (Babcock) David, Barnard, Moses, Brainard, Jeptha, Beardsley, John, Doolittle, George, Ensign, Samuel, Ferguson, James, Goodrich, Rosel, (Roswell), vHolt, Justice, (Isaac), Kane, Elisha, Leavenworth, Lemuel, Maynard, Needham, Pool, Simeon, Root, Joseph, sr., Steel, Seth, Seymour, Uriah, Towny, John, Whitmore, (Wetmore), Amos, Whitmore, (Wetmore), Parsons, Wilcox, Ozias, White, Hugh, White, Hugh, jr., White, Daniel C. , White, Ansel, White, Joseph, White, Philo, Wilson, John, Winch, Samuel. Litchfield, Herkimer Co. Angier, John, Norwich, Herki7ner Co. Fowell, (Farwell, Dr. ,) Isaac, Persons ^ivhose. Precise Localities are Unknown.' Arnold, Hopkins Allen, Gideon, Allen, John, Allen, Jeremiah, Ames, Robert, Austin, Nathaniel, Allen, Thomas, Arnold, David, Ailworth, Philip, Allen, Isaac, Atwater, Asaph, Brannan, Seabury, Barnard, Samuel, Belnap, John, Blodgett, Joseph, Ballard, Luke, Blount, Samuel, Barnes, Asa, Barker, Simeon, Brown, Levy, Badcock, (Babcock) Jonathan, Briggs, William, Bronson, Asiel, Clary, William, Cone, Osias, Cutter, Joseph, Cook, Samuel, Cook, Selah, Cook, Samuel, Cleveland, Gardner, Cergil, James, Collister, James, Coughlin, John, Coughlin, John, jr., Crandle, John, Case, Benjamin, Dunn, Joseph, Drury, Josiah, Davis, Joshua, Dewey, Elias, Eno, John, Fortune, Enoch, Fisk, Abraham, Graves, Nathaniel, Groves, tine (Valentine), Graves, Jacob, Gibbs, Zenas, Guile, Elijah, 84 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Rush, Elijah, Stanley, John, Smith, John, Steel, James, Shaw, Samuel, Sails, George, Sails, Jeremiah, Scott, Ezekiel, Sheldon, Stephen, Smith, James, Sanford, Jonah, Smith, James, Smith, Benjamin, Smith, David, Smith, Ebenezer, Satchell, William, Shifferd, Samuel, Smith, Theodoric, Shurman, lmer, Shurman, dediah, Tillotson, John, Thompson, Zebulon, • Tryon, Thomas, Tyler, Ashbel, Tuller, James, Thompson, James, Tuttle, Samuel, Weston, Jonathan, Willy, Bezihal, Wood, Joseph, Wright, omon, (Solomon), Webster, Daniel, Webster, David, Whipple, Israel, Whipple, Calvin, Wood, Thomas, Wilson, John, jr., Wilcox, David, Wright, Gabriel, Wright, Samuel. Gridley, eadorus, Gillett, Timothy, Hall, Barnabas, Humphrey, Noah, Hall, Jonathan. Hale, Thomas, Hayden, Jonathan, Huggins, William, Higgins, Edward, Hulvert, Joshua, Hubbard, Baxter, Hawkins, Widow, Hawkins, David, Harrison, Elisha, Howard, Stephen, Hawley, Rice, Hammond, Benjamin, House & Pearce, (?) Ingram, Joseph, Johnstone, sa, Keltz, Philip, Kelsey, Nathan, King, us, Meyer, , Merriman, Christopher, Mills, Kanah, Mclntire, James, Morse, Joshua, Nurse, Jonathan, Noyes, Amos, Newell, Elisha, .Peters, Benjamin, Paine, Joshua, Putnam, Charles, Parks, Robert, Parmalee, Amos, Perry, George H., Potter, Sheldon, Pryor, Azariah, Root, Simeon, The next year after the foregoing census was made, and in less than two years after Ontario county was taken from Montgomery county, the Yankee element in the latter county demanded another division, while the German population opposed it, but the Legislature, in Feb ruary, 1 79 1, formed four new counties, taking Herkimer from Mont- 1789 TO 1792. 85 gomery county and naming it in honor of Gen. Nicholas Herkimer, who fourteen years before received his fatal wound in the bloody battle of Oriskany. Herkimer county as thus formed included not only its present territory, but extended westerly to Ontario county and north erly to Canada. It was provided by the act that the Courts of Common Pleas and General Sessions of that county " should be held in the church in the town of Herkimer." That church stood diagonally across the street from the present court house in Herkimer village. The site selected for a court house in the county was the present one, and work was soon commenced on the building. At that early time county and many other local officers were appointed by a council composed of one senator from each senatorial district and called a Council of Appoint ment, which had its headquarters in Albany. The first appointees of officers for Herkimer county who then resided in what became Oneida county, were as follows : Jedediah Sanger, New Hartford, and Hugh White and Amos Wetmore, of Whitesboro, side judges ; Jonas Piatt, of the latter place, county clerk, and William Colbraith, who then re sided on the road from Fort Stanwix to what is now the village of Stanwix, in Rome, was made sheriff. Mr. Sanger moved into New Hartford in 1788 and became a promi nent man, as elsewhere appears in this volume; the same may be said of Hugh White. Amos Wetmore settled in Whitesboro in 1786 and was a leading citizen there. Jonas Piatt, a young lawyer of twenty- one years, settled in Whitesboro in 1 790, was seven years clerk of Herkimer county, and clerk of Oneida county from 1798 to 1802 ; was elected to Congress in 1798, State senator in 1809, and in 1814 was appointed one of the judges of the old Supreme Court, which office he held until 1 82 1. William Colbraith was a jolly Irishman, had been in the war of the Revolution and was captain of a company in Sullivan's army in the expedition against the Senecas in 1779; before 1790 he had settled in Rome on the road before mentioned. In 1793 a law was passed authorizing the courts in Herkimer county to alternate " between the court house in the town of' Herkimer, and such place in the town of Whitestown as said courts should order." Accordingly the January term of the Herkimer court of 1794 was held in an " unfinished meeting house," in what is now New Hartford. 86 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. That was the first court of record held in what is now Oneida county. It was on that occasion, when the court was about to adjourn by reason of the intense cold and absence of fire in the unfinished meeting house, that Sheriff Colbraith cried out, " Don't adjourn, jedge ; take some gin from this jug [which was passed up to the bench] and it will keep you warm ! " The court did not adjourn. From and after that date and until Oneida county was formed the courts of Herkimer county alternated between Herkimer village and " the school house near Hugh White's in Whitestown." That school house stood on or near the site of the present town hall in the village of Whitesboro. When Oneida county was formed William Colbraith was appointed sheriff and held the office until December of that year. History and tradition are silent as to his life and career after that date. In April, 1792, the town of Whitestown was divided, and the towns of Mexico, Paris, Peru, and Steuben created from it. In 1794 Onon daga county was taken from Herkimer. In 1795 San gerfield was taken from Paris. On March 4, 1796, Rome and Floyd were taken from Steuben, making the present year (1896) Rome's centennial year. In 1797 Steuben was again divided and the towns of Steuben, Leyden, and Western formed from it. In March of the same year the town of Trenton was formed from the town of Schuyler, and on the same day Bridgewater was set off from Sangerfield. In less than four years after Onondaga county was taken from Her kimer, the Yankee element of the latter county again sought a division. Although the county seat was in the village of Herkimer, the enter prising and uneasy citizens had pushed their abodes into the wilderness and settled in what are now Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties, and were demanding a new county for their convenience and to meet the existing exigencies. Elkanah Watson made the following entry in his journal in 1788, while on a visit to Fort Stanwix : Settlers are continually pouring in from the Connecticut hive, which throws off its annual swarms of intelligent, industrious and enterprising emigrants, the best qualified to overcome and civilize the wilderness. They already estimate 300 brother Yankees on the muster list, and in a few years hence they will undoubtedly be able to raise a formidable barrier to oppose the incursion of the savages, in case of another war. This entry was made just ten years before Oneida county was formed. 1789 TO 1792. 87 When the Legislature convened in January, 1791, Gov. George Clinton called the attention of that body in a speech1 to the great in crease, and to recommend a new apportionment of the representatives in the Legislature and a new division of senatorial districts Scattered settlements had been made westerly as far west as Oneida Lake and into the Genesee country, and northerly up the Hudson toward Lake Champlain The governor took occasion in that speech to state the abo\K facts, and to state that the country bordering on those regions had been explored by an enterprising people, and at that early day in the history of the State to suggest that facilities ought to be afforded for cleaning out the obstructions in the Mohawk River, and of cutting a canal across the portage at Fort Stanwix between the Mohawk and Wood Creek; and also of opening the communication between the upper Hudson and Lake Champlain. The action of the Legislature on this branch of the speech will appear in the chapter on canals. The great influx of population into what was in 1790 the western part of Montgomery, and largely composed of New England people, added to the large increase in the State as shown by the census of 1790, excited a great desire on the part of the Yankee element for a division of Montgomery county and the formation of one or more additional counties out of it. The county seat was at Johnstown, and it was a great inconvenience for those then residing in what are now Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Jefferson and Lewis counties, and even Herkimer county, to go so far to attend jury and other duties which called them to the shire town. Strenuous efforts were made in 1790 to procure a division of Montgomery; but there was much opposition to it, mainly from the German element The petition in opposition to the measure bears date December 29, 1790, and contained 400 names, most of them descendants of the old Palatinates,2 but push and enterprise prevailed and on the 16th of February, 1791, an act was passed for the formation of Herkimer, Otsego, and Tioga counties from the then county of Montgomery. The county of Herkimer in the main included then its ' Prior to 1823 the governor addressed the Legislatures by speeches on all matters now com municated by messages. The-Constitution of 1821 provided that the governor should communicate by message. Gov. Joseph C, Yates, the first governor elected after the adoption of that Consti tution, was the first governor to send in a message. 2 See Judge Hardin's History of Herkimer County. 88 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. present bounds and also Hamilton county, and in addition the territory west to Ontario county and north to the north bounds of the State. No United States consus was taken of Herkimer county while it retained its then boundaries. The act of 1791 forming Herkimer county pro vided that the Courts of Common Pleas and of General Sessions of that county "should be held at the church in the town of Herkimer" — the present site of the Dutch Reformed church in the village of Herkimer. The judges and justices of those courts and the supervisors of the several towns of the county of Herkimer were authorized " to select a site for the court house and jail." The site thus selected is the present one in the village of Herkimer ; the jail was placed underneath the court house. Whitestown while a part of Herkimer county was never its county seat, although county courts were held occasionally in Whites- town while it was a part of Herkimer county. Hendrick Starring, of the town of Schuyler, was the first county judge ; he was a farmer of strong sense, quite a character in the country, was a survivor of the battle of Oriskany and had suffered in the Revolution. Jonas Pratt, a young lawyer in Oneida county, and who settled at Whitesboro in 1790, was appointed county clerk; William Colbraith, whose location was near Fort Stanwix, was sheriff. Hugh White, of Whitesboro, was one of the side judges.1 Work on the court house at Herkimer was soon commenced and the court house and jail were in due time completed. In connection with this brief sketch of the organization of the county and the appointment of its officers, it may be of interest to call the at tention of the curious to the act of February 22, 1788, passed at the same session of the Legislature which divided the State into counties and subdivided into towns, provided that " no person, little or great, shall sit upon the bench with the justices in the sessions, upon pain of fine and imprisonment, and said justices are hereby charged that they do not suffer any person to sit with them on the bench in their session, contrary to the intent of this act." Under the English law certain of the nobility were allowed to sit upon and occupy the bench of judges during the session of the court, even though such of the nobility were on trial (for a minor offense), and this law was to prevent any such in- 1 Local officers were then appointed by the "Council of Appointment," .composed of a senator from each senatorial district. 1789 TO 1792. 89 terference with justice ; it shows how jealous the people of the colonies were of kingly rule, and of everything that tended to encroach upon their rights or liberties. In this connection, although anticipating events and publishing them out of chronological order, it may be well to note the construction of the Great Genesee Road from Utica through to the Genesee country. As early as' 1790 William and James Wadsworth located on lands in what is now Livingston county, at Geneseo. They cut a wood road, along the route above mentioned, the " great Indian trail," but as trav elers remarked, it was not much better than an Indian path. March 22, 1794, an act was passed appointing Israel Chapin, Michael Myer, and Othniel Taylor, commissioners, to lay out and improve a road, to begin at old Fort Schuyler and to thence run in a lineas nearly straight as the situation of the country would admit to Cayuga Ferry, or to the outlet of Cayuga Lake ; thence to the settlement at Avon in the Gen esee country. The road to be laid out six rods wide, but not necessary to open and improve the road to over four rods in width ; the sum of £600 appropriated for opening and improving said road, and the further sum of £1,500 was appropriated, as should not be otherwise appropriated at the end of the session, for making and improving the remainder of said road. The road was laid out, but not much of anything else was done, for travelers as late as in June, 1797, still represent the road as h'ttle better than an Indian trail. On the ist of April, 1796, a law was passed appropriating £500 in amending the " Great Genesee Road " where it ran through the Oneida Reservation ; and the further sum of £500 to amend said road through- the Onondaga and Cayuga Reser vations. On the 28th of March, 1797, a law was passed for the open ing and improving roads direct through the western, northern and and southern parts of the State, authorizing the raising by three suc cessive lotteries of $45,000, of which $13,900 was to be used for the opening and improving said Genesee road from Old Fort Schuyler to Ge neva. Work commenced in earnest on this highway, so that on Sep tember 30, 1797, a stage started from Old Fort Schuyler and arrived at Geneva in the afternoon of the third day. This road was simply of earth, and low swampy places were crossed on logs, called "causeways." But emigration westward was pushing on rapidly, and the settlers were clamoring for a better road. 12 90 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. John Maude who passed through Utica in 1800, on a visit to Niagara Falls, has left the following record of Old Fort Schuyler : Utica, ninety-six miles from Albany, Schwartz Hotel, excellent house, and miser ably kept, built by Boon & Lincklaen, agents for Holland Land Company [New England house on Whitesboro street], Utica is in the present town of Whitestown and contains about sixty houses. No genteel family except Colonel Walker, who resides a short distance east of the village. The Great Genesee Road turns off at this place. An act has lately passed making it a turnpike road to Genesee and Can- andaigua, a distance of one hundred miles. The expense is estimated at $1,000 per mile. The inhabitants of Utica subscribed to finish the first mile ; they formed 20 shares of $50 each, which shares they afterwards sold to Col. Walker and Mr. Post for 44 cents on the dollar, who have finished the first mile ; the river here is narrow and shallow; no fish; 7 boats at the wharf; heard a bull frog; groves of sugar maple, a tree very common here. On the ist of April, 1800, an act was passed incorporating " the Seneca Road Company," who were to build a road to start from the tavern of John House in the village of Utica, and run through to the court house at Canandaigua. John House kept a tavern at the foot of Genesee street. The incorporators were Col. Benjamin Walker, Jede diah Sanger, Charles Williamson, Israel Chapin, and such pthers as chose to be associated with them ; the turnpike to observe as nearly the line of the State road as the nature of the ground would permit. The capital stock was to consist of 2,200 shares of $50 each ($1 10,000). Toll gates were required to be erected at a distance of not less than ten miles from each other. The rates of toll were as follows : At each gate for every wagon with two horses, not more than 12^ cents, and not more than three cents for every additional horse used in any wagon, cart or carriage ; for every one horse- cart, six cents ; for every coach, four wheeled pleasure carriage or pleasure wagon with two horses, 25 cents, and three cents for every additional horse ; for every chair or pleasure carriage with one horse, I2>£ cents, and for every additional horse, six cents ; for every cart drawn by two oxen, eight cents, and for every additional yoke, three cents ; for every saddle or led horse, ' four cents ; for every sled traveling the above road from December 15 to March 1 5 in each year, one half of the tolls above demanded for car riages ; for every score of cattle, six cents ; for every score of sheep or hogs, three cents and so in proportion ; provided those who use wagons or other carriages the wheels of which shall exceed the width of nine 1789 TO 1792. 91 inches shall not pay above two thirds of above rates. Those going on Sundays to and from public worship, going to their common labor on their farms with their cattle or teams, or returning ; or to mill for family purposes, etc., or going or returning from funerals went free. The Mohawk Turnpike and Bridge Company, between Albany and Utica, was then in running order. This Seneca road was pushed ahead rap idly and it gave new life to Utica, while it produced an opposite effect upon Rome, its then rival. Thereafter the route west was by the Mo hawk to Foft Stanwix, then over the portage to Wood Creek and down that stream to Oneida Lake and so on to Lake Ontario, or across the country west from Oneida Lake. The Seneca Turnpike shortened the distance to the Genesee country and opened a new and more expe ditious mode of travel and attracted settlers along that route. Thirty years ago Thomas Walker informed the author that the opening of the Seneca Turnpike, and the refusal of Dominick Lynch, of Rome, to sell his land by absolute deed and his determination to give only leases, induced Mr. Walker to remove his newspaper, the Columbian Gazette, to Utica, and also influenced other settlers in the same direction; those two points gave Utica the start and Rome a set- back. The first mail to Utica was conveyed in 1793 by Simeon Pool, under an arrangement with the post-office department authorizing the trans portation of mail from Whitestown to Canajoharie, a distance of fifty miles, the inhabitants along the route paying the expenses. The post- rider was allowed twenty-eight hours to make the trip, and the same to return. This contract passed into the hands of Jason Parker and he for a time carried the mail on horseback, his wife sometimes taking his place. At that time there was no 'post-office at Utica; the nearest was at Whitestown, where Dr. Elizur Moseley was the first postmaster. A letter to the post-office department as to when the post-office was estab lished at Whitestown, brought back the reply that a fire had destroyed the earlier records, but that it appears from the records that Elizur Moseley was postmaster in 1795 and continued such until 1825, when he was succeeded by William G. Tracy. Mr. Moseley had been longer in that service at that time than any other postmaster in the United States. On the 31st of March, 1801, the Oneida Turnpike Road Com pany was incorporated by the Legislature, with the purpose of construct- 92 . OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ing a turnpike from the " dwelling house of Jonathan Dean, in the town of Augusta," through the Oneida and Stockbridge Reservations to the "dwelling house of John Lincklaen in the village of Cazenovia." An other early road which was laid out about 1 806 from Rome to Lake On tario. On April 18, 181 5, this highway and the one from Fish Creek to Rome and thence " to the village of Rotterdam " (now Constantia), were named in an act providing for taxation for their improvement. Benjamin Wright was appointed to assess the tax. By an act passed March 31, 1804, Jason Parker and Levi Stephens were given the exclusive right of funning stage wagons from Utica to Canandaigua, under pertain restrictions, for seven years from June 1, 1804. Two trips were to be made each week ; no more than five cents per mile could be charged each passenger, and no more than seven full grown persons to be taken at once in the stage, without the consent of all on board. Between June 1 and October 1, the trip was to be made in forty- eight hours. The mail leaves Whitestown every Monday and Thursday at 2 p. m., and proceeds to Old Fort Schuyler the same evening; next morning starts at 4 o'clock and arrives in Canajoharie in the evening, exchanges passengers with the Albany and Coopers town stages, and the next day returns to Old Fort Schuyler. Fare for passengers four cents per mile, fourteen pounds of baggage gratis ; one hundred and fifty pounds weight rated the same as a passenger. Mr. Parker without doubt found his business meager in profits, for he petitioned the Legislature for aid (in association with other proprietors) in January, 1797. He was joined not long afterward by Moses Beal, and in 1802 they advertised that "a stage for the conveyance of the mail, and those who wish to travel by stage, will start from Utica to Onondaga twice a week." Other stage lines were put in operation, in many of, which Mr. Parker was interested. Other prominent Oneida • county men who were conspicuous in early transportation business were T. S. Faxton, S. D. Childs, John Butterfield, Joshua Ostrom, Baker & Swan, J. Wetmore & Co., Powell & Parker, and others, the headquarters of most of them being in Utica. As travel increased and more capital was available for investment, stage lines were extended in length, and in 181 1 we find Powell ?& Parker, Baker & Co., Parker & Powell, Hos mer & Co., and Landon & Co., announcing a line from Albany to Ni agara Falls. Their advertisement is quaint and indicates the existing opposition of different proprietors : COLONIAL LAND PATENTS. 93 N. B. — The public will observe that this is the only line which reaches the Falls and that the stages of the speculative oppositionists who impose on travelers by assuring them that their stages extend to Canandaigua or Niagara Falls go no farther than Utica ; but that the present line of stages will afford them a safe and direct passage either to Utica, Canandaigua, Buffalo, or the Falls, without subjecting the passengers to the trouble of applying to another stage for conveyance. Fare from Albany to Utica, $5.50; from Utica to Geneva $5; Utica to Canandaigua, $5.75; from Canandaigua to Buffalo, six cents per .mile. In the fall of 1816 Parker and his associates were running stages three times a week between Albany and Canandaigua, by way of Auburn, Skaneateles, Onondaga, Manlius, Cazenovia, Madison, and Cherry Val ley ; the trip was made in two days. CHAPTER X. COLONIAL LAND PATENTS. In this connection, a sketch of land patents in this county, may not be out of place. It is a fundamental principle in the English law, and has been from time immemorial, that the sovereign is the original proprietor of all the land in the realm, as well as of that in all of the colonial dependencies, and the true and only source of title. All titles to land in the colonies passed to individuals from the crown, through the colonial or proprie tary authorities. Notwithstanding this fundamental English principle, that government conceded to the Indians certain rights in the soil, at least those of occupancy, which it was at least politic to extinguish be fore granting patents to individuals. In the early history of the colony it was the practice to issue instructions to the colonial governor to grant lands, with the consent of the council, " reserving moderate quit-rents, as he saw fit, and to have the patents recorded in the 'colonial office of the secretary of the colony." But it was not until after the appoint ment of Governor Fletcher in 1692, and the rascality practiced in his five years of mal- administration, that attention was called to the loose ness of those instructions and trie power that the governor possessed in 94 OUR COUNTY AND ITS' PEOPLE. the matter. During his governorship he made a fortune of forty thou sand pounds and granted away to a few individuals threes-fourths of the lands in the colony. By his corrupt recklessness he came near ruining the colony by granting lands without reserving proper quit-rents, there by depriving his government of an immense revenue and nearly driving the Indians to the side of the French by reason of taking their lands without treaty, purchase, or pay. He granted to a minister of Albany a tract seventy six miles in length and twelve in breadth (about 620,000 acres) extending through what is now Washington county into Ver mont, reserving as quit-rent only one raccoon skin yearly. Another tract was granted to the same minister and another person of fifty miles in length and two in breadth on the northeast side of the Mohawk, con taining about 130,000 acres, which included three of the Mohawk In dian castles, and reserving as quit-rents one beaver skin yearly for the first seven years and eight beaver skins yearly thereafter ; some authors say this grant extended from Amsterdam to Herkimer ; others from Fonda to Frankfort. Another patent on the east side of the Hudson River was granted, four by twenty-nine miles in extent, containing from 500,000 to 600,000 acres, reserving yearly as quit rent one otter skin. Many other patents of like import were issued, and the colonial Legisla ture of 1698 annulled them ; but as such annullment had to be approved by the home government, a long and bitter controversy was carried on for years, finally resulting in their annullment, the issuing of more stringent instructions to the governors, and the adoption by the colonial council of more rigid measures. It, therefore, became the rule and the practice that patents should issue for only 2,000 acres (later for 1,000 acres) to one person. This was evaded by including just as many persons in the patent as there were subdivisions of 2,000 (or 1,000) acres. These persons were always the friends or the tools of the real party in interest, and when the patent was issued it was transferred by them to the interested party. The rule and practice were established to require the would-be purchaser to apply in the first instance to the colonial authorities for leave to purchase the Indian title. If leave was granted a treaty was held with the Indians, an Indian deed obtained, frequently for a trifling consideration, and then the colonial authorities' issued a warrant to the surveyor- general to survey the land claimed to COLONIAL LAND PATENTS. 95 have been purchased. Here again the Indians were often cheated as to the quantity of land they alleged they had sold. A map of the land was made, accompanied by field notes, and both filed. The attorney- general was then directed to prepare a patent, which was submitted to the governor and council and if approved, was engrossed upon parch ment, sealed and recorded, and sent to England to be approved and ex ecuted by the sovereign authorities. Under this system grossly fraudulent practices prevailed, and some who were high in colonial authority were deeply engaged in defrauding the Indians of their lands and the government of quit-rents. If was custom - ary to reserve in the patents all gold and silver mines, a certain sum for quit-rents payable annually, and in some cases large trees for masts for the navy. In some cases the patent was granted direct by the sover eign, as in the cases of the '* Royal Grant" to Sir William Johnson in 1769, of 66,000 acres, he having first extinguished the Indian title. From and including 1705 to 1773 the government granted within what is now Oneida county, seven land patents, and two others partly in this county and partly in Herkimer, of over 170,000 acres. The patents which were wholly or partly in what is now Oneida county, issued be fore the Revolution, were as follows : Oriskqny Patent.— -The first patent of lands in what is now Oneida county, and the second one in the State west of Albany, was issued April 18, 1705; it included over 32,000 acres in two parcels. The boundaries of one parcel commenced at the junction or Oriskany Creek with the Mohawk and ran up that creek a distance of four English miles, and back into the woods a distance of two miles on each side of the stream. The other parcel was on both sides of the Mo hawk River, commencing at Oriskany Creek and running up the river a distance of two miles on each side to the Oneida Carry ing Place (now Rome and formerly Fort Stanwix); thence of the same width on each side of the " Indian path " which leads over that carrying place between Mohawk River and Wood Creek to a swamp then located at what is now known as West Rome. The patentees were five in number, viz.: Peter Schuyler, George Clarke, Thomas Wenham, Peter Fauconnier, and Robert Mompeson, to each one- fifth. The patent required the annual payment of ten shillings as quit- rents, 96 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. to be paid on each Lady Day to the- receiver of customs in the city of New York. All gold and silver mines were reserved to the govern ment. Why such easy terms were obtained for so great a tract of land will be more apparent later on when the names and official positions of the patentees appear The patent is in what are now the towns of. Floyd, Marcy, Rome, Westmoreland, and Whitestown. The respective patentees parted with their undivided interests by deed, will or inheri tance, but the patent was never sold as a whole, nor divided, from the time it was granted in 1705 until after the Revolution, a period of eighty years. Peter Schuyler, one of the patentees, was the first mayor of Albany in 1686, a member of the colonial council from 1692 to 1720, and in 1709, while president of the council, was acting governor of New York, In 1 69 1 he was made commissioner of Indian affairs and held the office many years. In 17 10 he went to England, taking with him several Iroquois chiefs to show Queen Anne what strong allies she had on this continent. The queen presented Mi-. Schuyler with a silver vase as a token of her regard. He was great uncle of Philip Schuyler, of Revo lutionary fame. The Schuyler and Livingston families were connected by marriage, and at the time of the Revolution William Livingston, the war governor of New Jersey, and his sister, Alida Hoffman, were the owner of Peter Schuyler's one -fifth share of- the patent. George Clarke came to this country in 1762, and landed in Virginia. His wife was Anne Hyde, a relative of the royal family of England and a cousin of Lord Cornbury, who was appointed that same year by his cousin, Queen Anne, governor of New York. In 1703 Mr. Clarke was appointed secretary of the province of New York, and held the position until 1736. Tw,o years after his appointment as secretary his Oriskany patent was obained. In 1736 Clarke became acting governor and con tinued as such until 1843. His son George was made secretary of the colony in 1738 and acted as such until 1778, excepting two years. In 1745 Governor Clarke went to England, having accumulated a fortune of over 100,000 pounds. On his way home he was captured by French cruisers, but was afterwards released and received indemnity for his capture from the English government. His wife died in New York city and was buried in Trinity churchyard. He died in England in 1759, _ COLONIAL LAND PATENTS. 97 at the age of eighty-four years, and is buried at Cheshire. He left two sons, Maj. Edward Clarke and George Clarke, jr. By his will Governor Clarke devised his interest in the Oriskany Patent to his son George, who, at the breaking out of the American Revolution, went to England. . By the will of the latter, made in 1776, he devised his interest in the patent to his two grandnephews, George and Edward Clarke, grandsons of Gov. George Clarke's son, Maj. Edward Clarke. Soon after 1 Tj6 George Clarke, jr. (the secretary in 1738), died unmarried. Maj. Edward Clarke (Governor Clarke's son) died before the death of George, jr.; Edward Clarke, one of the devisees of George Clarke, jr., left one son, George Hyde Clarke, grandfather of that George Clarke who was latterly so well known in Otsego county and Oneida. county, and who died at Richfield Springs a few years ago ; he was the last George Clarke who owned an interest in the Oriskany Patent. Those two grandnephews of George Clarke, jr., devisees of part of the Oriskany Patent, resided in England and were minors during the Revolutionary war, and their property in this country was saved to them through the treaty between the two govern ments covering cases where the owners had remained abroad and taken no part in the war. George Hyde Clarke left one son, named George, who was father of the George Clarke who died at Richfield Springs, as above stated. In December, 1791, Edward Clarke, the grandnephew of George Clarke, jr., and the father of George Hyde Clarke, released his interest in the Oriskany Patent, or placed it in trust for his benefit, to the said George Hyde Clarke, grandfather of the George Clarke who died at Richfield Springs. Ge.orge Clarke, father of the last above named, came to New York in 1789, but returned to England ; came over again in 1797, went back to England, and again came over in 1807 and remained. In 1835 he erected the imposing Clarke mansion, " Hyde Hall," at the head of Otsego Lake. He had a large estate in England as well as in this country. He willed his in terest in New York lands to his son George before mentioned. The father was twice married ; by his first wife he had five children, and by his second wife (relict of Richard Fennimore Cooper, eldest brother of the novelist) he also had five children, George, above named, and a daughter, widow of Duncan C. Pell ; the others died minors. That an idea of Governor Clarke's wealth may be gained it may be stated that 13 98 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. at his death in 1759 he owned in this country, in addition to his riches in England, the following lands: One- ninth of Nine Partners Patent of 40,000 acres in Dutchess county ; one-half of the Corry Patent of 25,000 acres in Schoharie and Montgomery counties ; one-half of the Oot- houdt Patent of 13,000 acres in Otsego county ; one-third of four other tracts in Otsego and Delaware counties ; one-half of Cherry Valley Patent of 7,000 acres ; one-quarter owner of a patent in Greene county, near Catskill ; and owner of lands in Vermont and in what are now Fulton and Washington counties, making in all over 60,000 acres. The share and interest of the Clarkes in the Oriskany Patent remained in that family until 1887, a period of over 180 years, when it passed from George Clarke into other hands. Thomas Wenham, another patentee of the Oriskany Patent,- was in 1705 a merchant in New York city, colonel of the king's troops at Fort George, receiver of customs in 1702, and associate judge of the Supreme Court. He died in 1709, childless, and his property descended to his two sisters ; one of the sisters married a Mr. Smith and their only child was Rev. George Wenham Smith, who inherited not only his mother's property, but that of his mother's sister, both of whom died intestate. After the Revolution, Rev. George Wenham Smith sold his interest in the patent (the one-fifth of Thomas Wenham, the patentee) to Gov. George Clinton, who in 1786 owned that interest. Peter Fauconnier, another patentee, was receiver of customs from 1702 to 1707, and held other positions. His interest in the patent passed to James De Lancy, lieutenant governor of the colony in 1753- 4 and 1757-60. His was among the proudest and most influential fam ilies of New York. On his death his son James succeeded to the es tate and held one.fiith interest in the Oriskany Patent at the time of the Revolution ; as he adhered to the crown his property was confiscated by the State of New York He went to England in May, 1775, and died there in 1800, aged about sixty- eight years. Roger Mompeson, before his coming to this country in 1703, was twice member of parliament and once recorder of Southampton. In 1703 he was in this country and appointed judge of admiralty, and in 1704 was chief justice of New York and New Jersey; in 1705 (when he became one of the patentees) he was member of the council, and in COLONIAL LAND PATENTS. 99 1784 was chief justice of Pennsylvania. He remained chief justice of New Jersey until 1710, and of New York until his death in 17 1 5. He is described by Governor Hunter as a lawyer of ability and a good judge. By Judge Mompeson's will, made in 17 12, but not filed in the surrogate's office until 1741, he devised to his wife Martha, his one- fifth interest in the Oriskany Patent. She conveyed her interest there in in 1734 to John Chambers, after whom Chambers street in New York city was named. Stie died childless in 1763, after having been twice married succeeding the death of Judge Mompeson. In 1735 John Chambers conveyed to Gov. George Clarke one-half of Chambers's in terest in the Oriskany Patent, and willed the other one-half to his three relatives, James, Frederick and Augustus Van Cortland. James willed his interest to Augustus and died, and Frederick made the same dis position of his property, so that Augustus Van Cortland owned one- half of one fifth (or one-tenth) of the patent. George Clarke and Augustus made a division between themselves, in which the ground whereon now stands the Oriskany monument fell to Van Cortland. The boundary line is only a few rods from the monument. It was before Judge Mompeson and a jury that the celebrated trial took place, in 1707, of Rev. Francis Mackenzie, a Presbyterian clergyman, for preach ing 'without having a license from the Bishop of London. He was acquitted. The foregoing facts as to the genealogy of the Clarke family, and the connecting links in the chain of title of the Oriskany Patent, the writer obtained from the lips of George Clarke in 1890, not long before the death of the latter at Richfield Springs. In 1779 the Legislature of New York passed a law confiscating the property of fifty nine persons, three of whom were married women. Among the number was James De Lancy, the owner of one fifth of the Oriskany Patent. Commissioners were appointed to partition confis cated property, and in 1786 the Oriskany Patent was divided into allot ments and lots and divided among the five owners. The part which fell to De Lancy was set off to the State. To pay the expenses of the par tition, a parcel of 697 acres was surveyed, which included Fort Stanwix and the " carrying place," now covered by the business portion of the city of Rome ; that parcel was sold at auction in March, 1786, and was 100 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. bid off by Dominick Lynch for 2,250 pounds. It formed the nucleus of Mr. Lynch's later purchases, which he designed for a city site to be called " Lynchville". Cosby 's Manor. — After the issuing of Oriskany Patent nearly thirty years elapsed before another patent was granted for land in what is now Oneida county. The next patent granted was Cosby's Manor, the is suing of which was thus brought about : In 1725 Nicholas Ecker and other German associates of his obtained a license from Governor Burnet, of New York, to treat with, and buy lands from, the Indians on both sides of the Mohawk west of Little Falls. Ecker and his associates ob tained a deed of the Indians of two parcels covering what later became Cosby's Manor. Nothing was done under these deeds for nine years thereafter, and not until William Cosby became governor of New York colony in 1732. He landed in New York city April 1 of that year, and in August thereafter assumed the duties of governor. He had married a daughter of Lord Halifax against her father's will, as she was much superior to Cosby in social rank. This marriage gave Cosby an ad vantage at court and procured for him positions which he otherwise could not have obtained. He came to New York with a bad reputation for ability and honesty. Soon after he became governor he was in volved in violent controversies with other branches of the government and incurred the bitter hatred of many of those whom he came to gov ern. His administration was among the most stormy and turbulent of his times. It was at his instigation that Zenger, the publisher of the second newspaper issued in New York, was prosecuted for libels on the governor and tried in 1735. Chief Justice De Lancy, who presided at the trials, was a devoted friend of Cosby and he overruled all of the objections that William Smith, sen., counsel for Zenger', raised on the trial, and finally debarred Smith from practicing at the bar. Zenger was thus left without counsel, as no New York lawyer dared to under take his defence. In this emergency he and his few friends secured the services of Andrew Hamilton, an eminent member of the bar of Phila delphia. Hamilton was then eighty years old ; he came on to the de fence and after a bitter contest Zenger was acquitted by the jury, in spite of the hostility of the chief justice. Hamilton's eloquent and suc cessful defence of Zenger has passed into history as one of the great COLONIAL LAND PATENTS. 101 events of the time. The verdict of acquittal was received by Zenger's friends with tumultuous cheers, and in their excitement they carried on their shoulders from the court room the venerable counsel who had made such a magnificent plea and defence in behalf of the freedom of the press^ On page 146 of Lossing's history of the Empire State is a graphic picture of that memorable scene. All the title which Ecker and his associates acquired by the Indian deeds was transferred to the persons hereafter named, and on January 2, 1734, the latter acquired a patent, or rather two patents. The lands thus acquired on the same day are situated about one-half in what is now Herkimer county, and about one-half in what is now Oneida county; the western boundary is the Sauquoit Creek so as to take in a part of the creek, and the tract is about three miles wide on each side of the Mohawk, and includes about 43,000 acres. The lands in Herkimer county were patented to John Lyne and eight asso ciates; those in Oneida county were patented to Joseph Worrall and ten associates; nine of the patentees in each patent were the same. Six days after the issuing of these two patents, both parcels were con veyed to Gov. William Cosby and have ever since been known as Cosby's Manor. It was provided in the patents that the patentees should cultivate three acres in every fifty within three years thereafter, and that all pine trees fit for masts for the royal navy, and all ores should be reserved. A quit- rent of two shillings and six pence for every 100 acres was to be paid annually to the government receiver in New York city. No quit-rents were to be paid, however, for thirty- eight years thereafter, and the lands were sold for those quit-rents in 1772, as will appear further on. In 1735 Governor Cosby made his will, devising to his son William that part of the manor lying south of the Mohawk, and to his son Henry that part lying north of the river, and all the rest of his lands in America to his wife, Grace Cosby. He made no provision for his only daughter. Through the management of the mother, that daughter became the wife of the Duke of Grafton, who later in life was a prominent figure in English politics. After a sickness of fifteen weeks Governor Cosby died in New York city March 10, 1736, and historians say, "universally detested." He was buried in Trinity churchyard and his will was proven in that city. In June, 1736, 102 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. his widow sailed for England and never returned. She left Sir William Johnson her agent. The son Henry was the next one to die after his father, intestate and unmarried. The son William died next, unmarried and insane, and both sons before 1761. The daughter died about 1791. The widow, through her agent, sold the land north of the riyer for 6,000 pounds to Oliver De Lancy, Goldsboro Banyar, James Jauncey, and Peter Remsen. That was the parcel devised to the son Henry and was sold as containing 2 1 ,000 acres. By the correspondence between the parties, as found in the Documentary History of New York, it was dis covered that there were two prior unpaid mortgages on the lands thus sold, and also quit-rents since the time Governor Cosby became the owner; and further, it was claimed that instead of 21,000 acres, there were only 18,000. It does not appear from that correspondence how the difficulty was settled Mrs. Cosby was clamorous for money, say ing she was " needy." She died in 1767. As no quit rents were paid, proceedings were taken in 177 1 to sell the whole manor for back quit- rents, and it was sold by the sheriff of Albany county July 4, 1772, at the Albany court house. The Herkimer county land was bid off by Nanning Vischer, as containing 19,000 acres. The Oneida county land was bid off by Philip Schuyler for himself, John Bradstreet, arid Rutger Bleecker, and the heirs of John M. Scott. The records of Oneida county show that in 1793 Mr. Schuyler bought of the Cosby heirs all of the lands in the manor south of the river, for $10,000. In the sheriff's deed to Schuyler, a strip of land of 1,284 acres, next to the Bayard and Coxe Patents, was omitted, and this subsequently gave rise to serious difficulty, the forty claimants (Jedediah Sanger, Philip Schuy ler, Rutger Bleecker and others), invoking the aid of the Legislature in 1 8 10 and again in 181 1, and commissioners were appointed to adjust the differences. In Vol. V of Peters's' U. S. Supreme Court Reports, and in Jones's Annals of Oneida County, and in Bagg's Pioneers of Utica, will be found a sketch of the long litigation which took place between Martha Bradstreet and Utica owners relative to lands in that city which Martha claimed in the manor. Samuel A. Talcott, Daniel Webster, and other eminent counsel were engaged in the case, and although Martha in part managed her own case, and was as well versed as to the facts and in COLONIAL LAND PATENTS. 103 many of the points of the law as were trie-lawyers themselves, she was never successful. The writer of this remembers many anecdotes and incidents of that trial in Utica, related by William Tracy, Judge Grid- ley, and others who heard part of the trial, of the skill and ability of Martha in the part she took in the proceedings. Sadequahada Patent. — The next patent granted of -lands in what is now Oneida county, after Cosby's Manor, was a tract of some 6,000 acres, called the Sadaquahada Patent (Sauquoit), sometimes called the " Morris Tract." It was granted June 25, 1736, to Frederick Morris and others. At that date Mr. Morris was secretary of the colony, in which office he succeeded George Clarke, one of the patentees of Oriskany Patent, and hence he was in a good position to obtain titles to lands. A glance at the Onei'da county map shows that this patent nicely fits in between Oriskany Patent and Cosby's Manor, and that it runs up the valley of the Sauquoit Creek to what is now Coxe's Patent. It is also on the north side of the Mohawk and is bounded northerly by Holland and Sumner Patents. Parts of Marcy, New Hartford, and Whitestown are, in Sauquoit Patent. At the time of the Revolution Hugh Wallace was owner of Sauquoit Patent and half of Sumner Patent ; he adhered to the crown and by the act of 1779 was one of the fifty- nine persons attainted of treason and his property confiscated. For a time he was confined as a political prisoner to the limits of Middletown, Conn., but later was allowed to escape. He and Robert Yates (after wards judge from 1777 to 1790, and chief justice of the Supreme Court of New York from 1 790 to 1798) were personal friends. To preserve his silver plate from loss, valued at 1,500 pounds, Mr. Wallace placed it in charge of Mr. Yates, and the latter, for its greater security, sent it on board of a vessel. The vessel was captured by American cruisers and divided among the captors as a lawful prize. After the war Mr. Wal lace returned to Ireland, his native country, and died in Waterford in 1788. The purchasers of that patent, after its confiscation, where Zeph- aniah Piatt (father of Jonas Piatt), Ezra L'Hommedieu, Melancthon Smith, and Hugh White. It was arranged among the proprietors that they should meet on the tract to divide it in the summer of 1784. Mr. White came on from Connecticut and arrived at Whitesboro in June of that year; he was then fifty- one years old and had a large family who came later. 104 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. " Line of Property." — The encroachments made by the white men upon Indian lands while New York was a colony, created serious dis turbances between the two classes and finally led up to, and resulted in, the treaty in the fall of 1768 at Fort Stanwix by which a boundary line was established by the English government and the various Indian tribes. That treaty was attended by representatives from a number of the American colonies, by chiefs and representatives of various Indian tribes, and by squaws and children as well. Sir William Johnson rep resented the English government and was the principal manager and speaker on that side. Some 2,000 persons were present and the gath ering continued about two months. There was not much difficulty about the line, outside of New York ; but there was great difficulty in agreeing on the line in what is now Oneida county, and it required all the eloquence, art, making of presents, and shrewd management of Sir William to accomplish the agreement. The line, as agreed upon, starts at the mouth of Wood Creek in Rome, opposite the mouth of Canada Creek, and extends thence for twenty-two miles and sixty-four chains in a direct line through the towns of Westmoreland and Kirkland (over College Hill), and Marshall and Paris to the Unadilla River in the north west corner of the town of Bridgewater, and so on by various courses and distances to the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers and beyond. This line has ever since been known in history as " The Line of Property." That treaty cost the English government over 10,000 pounds. After the line was established it seemed to incite the taking out of other patents, for within less than three years thereafter, six patents were granted in what is now Oneida county, embracing 160,000 acres of land. Servis Patent. — The next patent after Sauquoit Patent was Servis Patent of some 2,000 acres, mostly in Trenton, granted February 28, 1769, to Peter Servis and twenty four others, but really for the benefit of Sir William Johnson. Peter Servis was a relative of the first wife of Sir William and twenty-four of the other patentees were his tenants or hired retainers. Jones's Annals of Oneida County states that after the patent was issued Sir William made a great feast, roasted an ox, and when the patentees were " in a happy mood," procured an assignment of the patent to himself. Before the death of Sir William in 1774 he had conveyed away about half of the patent, as recited in his will. His COLONIAL LAND PATENTS. 105 executors, as provided by the will, sold the remainder (about 13,000 acres) but to whom cannot be ascertained ; and, besides, his title deeds in - time of the Revolution were buried in the ground near Johnstown by his son, Sir John, and when recovered after the war were so mouldy as to make the writing illegible. In a litigation concerning some of the- lands, as it appeared, a deed or patent to Sir William was once in exist ence, and on proof of loss, the court allowed parol proof to be given of the deed or patent and the contents. The records of Oneida county show that as early as 1 793 John Kelly, of New York, owned 2,000 acres in the southwest corner of Servis Patent, next to Holland Patent, and partly in Trenton and partly in Marcy. It is called the " Kelly Tract " in the deeds and on the Oneida county maps. It was subdivided in 1793 into twenty- two lots by William Cockburn, surveyor. The rec ords do not show who conveyed .to Kelly. Not far from 1790 Gerret Boon and others owned the Servis Patent, excepting the Kelly Tract, and other lands for the Holland Land Company. The records do not show who conveyed to Boon and others. In 1798 Peter Kemble, father- in-law of General Thomas Gage, purchased of Kelly the Kelly Tract. In 1795 the remainder of the Servis Patent was divided into 191 lots by Calvin Guiteau, surveyor. Kelly died in 1801. Holland Patent. — On the 20th of March, 1769, 20,000 acres, partly in Steuben, Trenton and Marcy, were granted to Henry Fox, Lord Holland. This is in no way connected with the Holland Land Com pany, as some suppose. Lord Holland was born in 1705 and the Fox family for more than a century stood prominent in position in English history ; when young, Lord Holland was a gambler and a spendthrift, but later in his life he became influential in politics. He died in 1774, and his son Stephen, who succeeded to his titles, died a few months thereafter. Richard Henry Fox was then about a year old, was grand son of Lord Holland and succeeded to the property. About 1795 the trustees of the will arid of the property conveyed Holland Patent to this grandson, and the latter, in November, 1796, conveyed the property to Seth Johnson, of New York city, and Andrew Craig, of Cambridge, Mass., which conveyance is recorded in the Oneida county clerk's office. When this patent was granted it was supposed to contain about 20,000 acres, but on a survey made in 1797 by Moses Wright, then of Rome, it was found to contain 21,230^ acres ; it was divided into 212 lots. 14 106 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Gage's Patent. — On July 6, 1769, a tract of 18,000 acres, wholly in Deerfield, was granted to Sir Thomas Viscount Gage, then of New York city, formerly the tory governor of Massachusetts, and it was called Gage's patent. Quit-rents, all gold and silver mines and all timber fit for masts were reserved. Sir Thomas Gage came to America with Gen eral Braddock in 1755 and was at the battle of Fort Du Quesne, and with General Amherst in 1759 in the expedition against Ticonderoga, and with General Wolfe at Quebec when that city surrendered to the English, and he was then appointed governor of that city. In 1763 he was made commander-in-chief pf the British forces in North America, and in 1770 lieutenant-general. His home was in New York city until 1774, where he lived in a large double dwelling, numbers 67 and 69 Broad street, which was surrounded by elegant gardens. In that year he removed to Boston and assumed administration of civil and military affairs in Massachusetts ; as commander he was succeeded by Sir William Howe in 1775, and Gage went to England in that year and died there April 2, 1787. He was very odious to, and unpopular with, the American Whigs ; the provincial Congress in 1775 declared Gen. Thomas Gage " an inveterate enemy of his country, disqualified from serving the colony and unworthy of confidence." General Gage, while in Boston, offered pardon for all the rebels except Samuel Adams and John Hancock. As before stated he married a daughter of Peter Kem ble, who espoused the American cause. This daughter died in 1824 at the age of ninety years. The records of Oneida county show that in March, 1.788, one Jacob Lally, a mariner, for 5,900 pounds, conveyed Gage's patent to Peter Kemble. Where Lally got his title the records do not show ; perhaps from General Gage, so as to escape forfeiture. The records further show that on August 10, 1794, Henry Lord Vis count Gage conveyed this patent to Peter Kemble, his grandfather, for 1,991 pounds 5 shillings. That deed recites that Gen. Thomas Gage In July, 1786, made his will, devising all of his property to trustees to con vey to said Henry, which they did on August 4, 1794, and said Henry conveyed as above to his grandfather, Peter Kemble. In 1 803 Alex ander Enos, jr., subdivided into -lots the north part of the patent, and Calvin Guiteau the south part. General Gage was the first military, and the last royal, governor of Massachusetts. He was personally es- COLONIAL LAND PATENTS. 107 teemed, but particularly odious to the Whigs of the Revolution. As showing how time softens the political asperities of political animosities it may be stated that in 1862 the Legislature of Massachusetts passed a resolution requesting and authorizing the governor of that State to re ceive a portrait of General Gage and place it in the State library ; and it was so done, and thus the portrait hangs, instead of its original, which the Whigs of 1775 would gladly have seen hung in the same place, or anywhere else, 1 20 years ago. The granddaughter of that Peter Kem ble, who had married General Sumner, offered this portrait to the Mas sachusetts library. Will the time ever come when the portraits of Jefferson Davis and Gen. Robert E. Lee will hang in the State library of Massachusetts ? Sumner Patent. — In the northwest corner of what is now Marcy is a tract of 2,000 acres of land granted May 2, 1770, to Hezekiah Sumner, reserving gold and silver mines and trees for masts, to be free of quit- rents the first ten years, and after that to be subject to the annual quit- rent of 2s. 6d. for every 100 acres. This tract has ever since been known as the Sumner Patent. The patentee was a subaltern officer, re tired on half- pay. It is believed he was the officer in charge of the British stores of Fort Stanwix at the time of the Revolution, and whose daughter was shot by the Indians in July, 1777. In fifteen days after he got the patent, for twenty-five pounds he conveyed it to Hugh Wal lace and Goldsboro Banyar. As the former adhered to the crowd his property was confiscated and his interest in the patent was sold in April, 1796, to John Clayton. The latter in a few days thereafter sold to John Kelly — the same who owned the Kelly Tract in Servis Patent. Judging by Kelly's will he must have been a queer personage. He made Alexander Hamilton, John V. Henry, Robert Troup, Peter Kem ble, Goldsboro Banyar, Simeon De Witt, Egbert Benson, and Richard Harrison, all notable persons, his executors, and provided that his prop erty should be held in trust, and his half interest in the Sumner Patent was to be conveyed in 1 805 to his son, John J., on the express condition that the latter behaved himself properly, soberly, justly and honestly, and neither turns drunkard, or horse racer, nor plays cards, dice or any other unlawful games ; and also provided he does not become a de bauchee or a vagabond. Kelly owned interests in other patents, which 108 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. he disposed of by his will in a similar manner. The patent eventually was owned by Gov. George Clinton, and in 1814 was subdivided into twenty-two lots by Benjamin Wright for the heirs of Mr. Clinton. Coxe Patent. — The next patent in this county was dated May 30, 1770, to William Coxe, Daniel Coxe, Rebecca Coxe, John Tabor Kempe, then attorney- general of New York, and Grace (Coxe) his wife. The Coxe family at that time were the descendants and heirs of the Dr. Coxe, of London, who became in 1696 owner of the patent granted to Robert Heath of lands south. This patent of 1 770 was in consideration of re lease by the patentees of the Heath Patent. The Coxe Patent in Oneida county embraces 47,000 acres and is bounded by the whole length of the Line of Property, and includes parts of the towns of Westmoreland, Whitestown, Kirkland, and New Hartford, and some of Rome. For the first ten years the patent was to be free of quit- rents. John Tabor Kempe adhered to the crown and his property was confiscated. In 1783 he went to England and there died. After the Revolution the patent was divided into seven grand divisions. General Washington, Governor Clinton, and Colonel Willett owned large tracts of land in this patent. The first division in Rome is known as the " Fan Lots," by reason of its shape. Bayard, or Freemason. — Partly in this county, but mostly in Herki mer county, is a patent of land of 50,000 acres, granted June 12, 1771, to William and Robert Bayard, and fifty- three others. It is called the " Bayard, or Freemason Patent " — why the latter name is not known, unless because the patentees, or most of them, were Freemasons. The Indian deed was obtained in 1766, but the patent was not issued until the date above given. At the time of the Revolution several of the patentees adhered to the crown and by the act of attainder of 1779 those disloyal persons were attainted of treason and their property con fiscated. John Weatherhead was one of that number ; he was an ex tensive importer in New York city. William Bayard, another owner, at first sympathized with the colonies, but later went over to the British and departed for England ; the property of both of those was confisca ted. Bayard died in England in 1804, a very old man. April 11, 1787, an act of the Legislature was passed reciting that said patent be fore the Revolution had been surveyed into lots by Thomas Palmer and COLONIAL LAND PATENTS. 109 Beriah Palmer for the patentees, but as the land was not actually divid ed, and that by reason of the death of some of the owners, the attainder and removal of others, it was impracticable to make a division without a new survey, which would be attended with great expense ; therefore the Legislature appointed commissioners to make partition of the lands agreeable to the survey of said Palmers, and to ballot for the lots to be drawn and owned by the respective owners. Fonda's Patent. — This was the first patent in Oneida county granted in New York after the Revolution. It was granted Jan. 31, 1786. It was then in Montgomery county. Jelles (or Giles) Fonda was the pat entee and lived in Caughnawaga (now Fonda), and was an active busi ness man. He was a major in the British service under Col, Guy John son, but in the Revolution was an active supporter of the colonists in the struggle for independence, for which he and his family incurred the bitter enmity of Sir John Johnson and his followers. In the fall of 178 1 when Sir John raided his old neighborhood in the Mohawk Valley, the father of Jelles Fonda, then eighty- four years old, was forced from his bed in the night, taken to the Mohawk River, tomahawked and scalped and left on the bank of the stream. Jelles Fonda had been engaged in the Indian trade at Caughnawaga, where he had a store and had extended his trips and his trade to Fort Stanwix, Oswego and Niagara, and be came man of wealth for those times. When the war broke out he had upon his account books over $10,000 of accounts, most of which he lost. The patentee was State senator eight years and county judge of that county. The patent was issued on condition that within three years a settler for each 500 acres should be located on the land. The land of this patent is mostly in Rome and Floyd, with some in the town of Western, and there was quite a rush of settlers to those towns as the three years period approached its close. The Oneida county records show that in 1786 Mr. Fonda sold portions of his patent as follows: an undivided one-eighth to John Lansing, jr., who was afterwards chief justice and chancellor of New York ; an undivided one-eighth in 1788 v/as sold to each of the following: Gov. George Clinton, William Floyd (one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence), Stephen Lush, and John Taylor. In 1787 the patent was surveyed into 100 lots by James Cockburn. The owners gave perpetual leases, reserving an an- 110 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. nual wheat rent, so much per acre, payable in Albany. That was then the easist way for -the settlers in a new country to pay the rent and for their lands. Each year loaded teams with wheat for rent wended their way down the valley, stopping over night at the country taverns, the teamsters generally taking with them their own provisions and oats for their horses. The usual wheat rent was "18 bushels good merchant able winter wheat for each 100 acres." Fort Bull is in lot 98, very near the line of the Oriskany Patent. That lot fell to the share of George Clinton and later to Mr. L'Hommedieu. Jelles Fonda died about 1792. Oothoudt Patpnt, Henry Oothoudt, Patentee. — Soon after the close of the Revolution there was a great rush of settlers to the " Whitestown country." In 1786 in the northern part of what is now Oneida county, nearly 100,000 acres were granted in various patents. One of the con ditions of the patent was that the patentee should within three years procure a settler for each 500 acres, as before alluded to. That proviso stimulated the activity of the patentee to place his lands in the market and at a low price. The most northern patent in Oneida county granted that year was one of 16,052 acres to Henry Oothoudt. About one -half of the town of Ava is in that patent, and it also includes parts of the towns of Lee and Western. In the same year a patent of 1,900 acres was granted to Mr. Oothoudt, called " Oothoudt's small patent," which lies easterly of and alongside of the large patent. Mr. Oothoudt was a resident of Catskill and a person of prominence. In 1775 and 1776. he was a delegate tp the provincial Congress, and in 1779 and 1780, mem ber of assembly from Albany county. He was one of the three com missioners of forfeitures under the attainder act of 1779 and in 1789 was a delegate to the United States convention to form the United States Constitution. About 1790 he sold out most of his lands to vari ous persons. In the northwest corner of the large patent, and includ ing Ava Corners, 1,237 acres were sold to Daniel Hall, and the tract is marked on the county map, " Hall." In 1795 that parcel was subdi vided into twelve lots. In November of that year James Caldwell, of Albany, who bought " Johnson Hall " in Johnstown, was owner and he conveyed the tract to Ezra Adams and Michael Hahn, and subsequent deeds so refer to it. The patent is not on record in Oneida county nor COLONIAL LAND PATENTS. Ill are the intermediate deeds to Cadwell. East of the Hall or Cadwell purchase is a tract of 750 acres deeded by Mr. Oothoudt to Nathan Rosco, Isaac Knapp, and William Wiltsey, which is on the Blankman map of 1894 marked " Knapp, Rosco & Co." In 1701 Andrew Clarke was owner. No deeds are on record prior to Clarke's, which recite the former conveyances. South of the last parcel is the "Carpenter lot" of 1,000 acres in said patent, conveyed by Mr. Oothoudt in 1790 to Benja min and Dayid Carpenter ; the deed to them is not recorded. South of and next to the Carpenter lot is a tract of 1,100 acres conveyed Feb ruary 22, 1790, by the patentee to Piatt Rogers and called the " Rogers lot." In May, 1795, Rogers conveyed to Melancthon Smith. South of that parcel are 1,000 acres called the "Van Tine lot," conveyed by the patentee to Robert Van Tine February 20, 1790. South of the Van Tine lot and in Western, are 1,800 acres which Mr. Oothoudt deeded to Nicholas Boeram, called " Boeram's purchase." It was divided into twelve lots by Benjamin Wright. South of the aforesaid tract deeded to Hall, is a parcel of 1,350 acres deeded by Oothoudt to Nathan Rosco and Isaac Knapp, marked on said county map as " Rosco & Knapp." South of that parcel are 200 acres deeded to Daniel Ter Boss, marked on the map as " Ter Boss tract." In 1800 Ter Boss deeded to Andrew Hunter and to two others. The county records show nothing of deeds prior to the one from Ter Boss South of the Ter Boss lot and in the town of Lee is a parcel of 2,150 acres designated on the county map as the " Cooper tract," and sometimes as the " Mappa tract," and also in deeds as the " Boone lot." In 1795 it was subdivided into sixteen lots by Calvin Guiteau. In 1790 it was deeded to Thomas Palmer by Mr. Oothoudt, but that deed is not recorded. Prior to 1 800 the Holland Land Company became the owner of this tract and of 100,000 acres in Oneida county, and as Cooper, Mappa, and Boone had each and all been connected with that company, that fact may account for the above different designations of the lot. There was left of the above patent a parcel of 4,432 acres, mostly in Lee and partly in Ava and Western. In 1793 Mr, Oothoudt caused this to be divided into twenty-six lots. In July, 1795, he sold it to David Tallman; in December of that year the latter sold one half to Robert Bowne, and in July, 1796, he sold the other half to Bowne, so that it took the name of " Bowne's purchaser" 112 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. That is east of the Mappa tract and includes West Branch. Mr. Oothoudt conveyed other parcels in that large patent, but none of his deeds are on record. Chief Justice Ambrose Spencer, as the county records show, owned 300 acres in 1833, near the " Bates place," in Ava. Machin Patents. — Seven patents of lands in Oneida county, aggre gating over 57,000 acres were granted to Thomas Machin in the years 1786, 1787, and 1788. The first one of 2,400 acres is partly in the town of Steuben and partly in Western. December, 1787, Machin sold this patent and by sundry mesne conveyances it passed into the hands of Charles Tillinghast. The intervening deeds were lost without being recorded and on application to the Court of Chancery, an order was made by that court appointing trustees to receive from Machin a deed of the patent, for benefit of Tillinghast, to take the place of the lost deeds, and in 1804 such a deed was executed by Machin, as appears by Deed Book eleven in the cPunty clerk's office ; hence this patent is some times called in the deeds, "the Tillinghast tract." In 1786 another patent of 2,400 acres next west of the Tillinghast tract was granted to Machin. In 1787 he conveyed it to Simeon De Witt, who for fifty years was surveyor-general of this State, and hence in many of the deeds it is called the " De Witt tract." This tract includes Frenchville and North Western. In 1795 the patent was subdivided by Benjamin Wright into fourteen lots. In 1787 another patent of 2,400 acres was granted to Machin next west of the one last described and most of it west of the Mohawk. Machin sold the tract to Thomas and William Burling, of New York city. In some deeds it is called the " Burling tract." In 1780 those two gentlemen conveyed 900 acres of the patent to Samuel Dean, of New Castle, in Westchester county. On March 3, 1786, a patent of 2,096 acres in Western and next east of 'the Banyar Patent, was granted to Machin. In July of that year he con veyed it to Peter Nestle, and three years later Leonard Fisher, "surgeon barber," of New York city, was owner of a large portion of said patent, and hence it is sometimes called the " Fisher tract." In August of the same year a patent of 1,600 acres in the town of Lee, next west of the Banyar Patent, was granted to Machin. In July, 1787, he conveyed it to James Giles and the latter conveyed to Joseph COLONIAL LAND PATENTS. 113 Bloomfield, of New Jersey. The latter had been governor of that State, member of congress, and attorney- general, and had seen much service and suffered severely in the war of the Revolution and was stationed at Fort Stanwix. He was cousin of the late John W. Bloomfield, of Rome. In April, 1793, Mr. Bloomfield sold the patent to his brother- in-law, Joseph Mclllvane, and hence it is often called the " Mclllvane tract" In the spring of that year John W. Bloomfield, as agent for Mr. Mclllvane, came to this region on horseback to look after that tract. From Whitesboro he was accompanied by John Youngs, a brother-in- law of D. C. White, son of Hugh White. They examined the land and also explored adjacent lands; they purchased of George Scriba 6,000 acres nearly all in Lee and since called the " Six thousand acre tract." Scriba sold to John Hall and others nearly 4,000 acres, called "the four thousand acre tract" In April, 1795, George Huntington, of Rome, purchased of Scriba 2,000 acres in Lee, called " the two thousand acre tract" Mr. Bloomfield returned to New Jersey via Wood Creek, Oneida Lake and Otsego county, and reached home after an absence of three months. In that year he took up his residence at Taberg, and in 1812 removed to Rome, where he died in 1849 at the age of eighty-four years. In May, 1787, a patent of 15,360 acres was granted to Machin in Ava and the south part of Boonville called the " Gore patent" In June, 1788, a patent of 31,360 acres, lying partly in Forestport and ex tending into Herkimer county, was granted to Machin, thus making over 57,000 acres granted to him within three years. Thomas Machin, patentee of the above described lands, was born in England and came to New York in 1772. He was a skilled engineer and surveyor and during the Revolution rendered valuable services under the direction of Washington and Governor Clinton to the American cause, in placing obstructions across the Hudson at West Point and other places on that river to impede the passage of the British. He died in Charleston, Montgomery county, in 18 16, at the age of seventy- two years. He had a son named Thomas, who also became a noted surveyor. He died in Albany in 1875, at the age of ninety years. Steuben Patent. — Baron Frederick William Steuben came to this country in the war of the Revolution and rendered valuable service to the American cause in disciplining troops. The United States jgave 15 114 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. him a pension of $2,500 yearly. The Legislature of New York by an act passed May 5, 1786, recited that Baron Steuben had rendered very essential service to this State, therefore the Land Commissioners were directed to issue a land patent to the Baron, of one fourth of a township, equal to 16. OOO acres, without fee or reward. A patent was issued to him June 27, 1786, which lies mostly in the town of Steuben, as shown on the Oneida county map. In 1 790 the Baron went upon the tract, erected a log house, and in it, with a few do mestics, he lived until his death, November 28,1794, at the age of sixty-four years. He was buried at his own request in the center of a five-acre parcel of woodland ; in 1872 a monument, erected at his grave by citizens, mostly German, was finished. "After life's fitful fever he sleeps well :" How sleep the brave who sink to rest With all their country's wishes blest ; When spring with dewy fingers cold, Returns to deck the hallowed mold, She there shall dress a sweeter sod, Than fancy's feet have ever trod. Dean's Patent. — An act of the New York Legislature, passed May 5, 1786, directed the Land Commissioners to issue letters patent to James Dean on the Line of Property and on Oriskany Creek, two miles square, of 2,560 acres. That tract is in the town of Westmoreland, near Lairdsville. Mr. Dean was born in Connecticut and in early life was destined as a missionary to the Indians, and when twelve years old was sent to live with an Indian missionary in Broome county in this State, who was then laboring with a branch of the Oneida tribe. He soon became master of the Indian tongue and so perfect was he in that Baron Steuben. COLONIAL LAND PATENTS. 115 language that it was said he was the only white person who spoke the language so perfectly and fluently that he could not be detected as a white man. He became such a favorite with the Indians that a female of the Oneidas adopted him as her son. He subsequently graduated from Dartmouth College. In 1774 he was^sent by the Continental Congress to ascertain the views of the Six Nations as to the then im pending war of the Revolution ; he rendered valuable services to his country in that war. During most of the war period he was stationed at Fort Stanwix and Oneida Castle. By his efforts and those of Rev. Samuel Kirkland, the great body of the Oneidas were induced to re main neutral during the struggle. In the siege of Fort Stanwix and the battle of Oriskany, in August, 1777, Mr. Dean was absent down the valley, but he returned with General Arnold when the siege was abandoned, August 22. He always had the confidence of the Oneidas, For his services they gave him a tract of land two miles square. He chose for the location a tract on Wood Creek in what is now Vienna, and in the spring of 1784 he came from Connecticut to settle on the land. He remained there about a year, but found the location too wet, which fact he communicated to the Indians, and in 1785 he left it. The Indians agreed that he might make another choice in any place on the west of the Line of Property, and he accordingly located near Lairdsville, as before stated, in the fall of 1785, and the State ratified the grant in the next year. He became judge of the old Oneida Com mon Pleas and was twice member of assembly. He died in 1823, aged seventy- six years; one of his daughters was the wife of Joshua A. Spencer, an eminent member of the Oneida bar. The deed to James Dean from the sachems and chief warriors of the Oneidas, dated August II, 1785, recites that it is by consent of the nation and for great and important services by Dean, and as a token of the esteem and affection borne him by the Oneidas. The patent from the State bears date Feb ruary 6, 1787. Kirkland Patent. — On the 5th of May, 1786, an act was passed di recting a patent for 640 acres to be issued to Rev. Samuel Kirkland, in a square form, and to be bounded by a tract to be issued to James Dean, and one to be issued to Abraham Wemple ; one-half of the 640 acres to be to Mr. Kirkland in fee and the other half in trust for any 116 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. minister who might be employed by the Oneidas. In 1846 the Oneidas agreed to release their half of this patent from the trust. The treaty of 1788 recited that lands were intended for G. W. and J. T. Kirkland, and therefore an act was passed February 25, 1789, authorizing the Land Commissioners to issue a patent of one square mile to J. T. Kirkland, and one of the same to G. W. Kirkland, and a patent of two square miles to Rev. Samuel Kirkland and his heirs, the whole to be contiguous to, and bounded on, the Line of Property and adjoining the patent granted to Abraham Wemple. The Kirkland Patent is in the town of Kirkland, southwest of Clinton. Rev. Samuel Kirkland is too well known in history as a minister, a missionary to the Indians, be loved by the Oneidas, and a friend to the colonies in their struggle for independence, to require further notice He was founder of the school out of which grew Hamilton College ; he died in 1808 at the age of sixty- seven years. G. W. and J. T. Kirkland were his sons. Brotherton Tract. — Before the Revolution there were remnants of various tribes of Indians in New Jersey, some on Long Island, and some in New York. At the treaty of Fort Stanwix in 1768, as to the Line of Property, the commissioners from New Jersey bought of the Oneidas some 30,000 acres for the benefit of those remnants. Some settled on the tract purchased and a minister was furnished them. The tribes were remnants of the Mohegans, Narragansetts, Pequods, Mon- tauks. etc. In 1786 Rev. Samson Occum was preaching there. He was a highly educated and talented Indian. In the treaty of Septem ber, 1788, as to the Oneida Reservation, it was provided that the tract reserved for the New England Indians, where Rev. Samuel Occum preached, should be respected. He had been to England, preached before King George III, and the latter presented him with a gold- headed cane, and the first pulpits in that country were open to him. February 25, 1789, an act of the Legislature confirmed the grant there tofore made by the Oneidas by the name of " Brother Town," and a township with this name was formed and officers elected until about 1 83 1. Being composed of different tribes, they spoke only the English language and in time lost their Indian pride and respect and became dissipated and demoralized. They sold out from time to time their in terest in the land and moved to Green Bay. This tract is partly in Kirkland, but mostly in Marshall. COLONIAL LAND PATENTS. 117 New Petersburgh. — In 1794 Peter Smith, father of Gerrit Smith, leased of the Indians a tract of 60,000 acres, partly in Augusta and partly in Madison county. It took the name of New Petersburgh. Banyar Patent. — Partly in Lee and partly in Western, and next east of the Mclllvane tract, are 5,000 acres of land granted by patent to Goldsboro Banyar July 11, 1786; it was subdivided into fifty lots in 1793> by William Cockburn and son, and C. C. Broadhead. Mr. Banyar was a prominent personage in his day and largely interested in lands in this State. He was born in London and came to America in 1738, locating in New York city. In 1746 he was deputy secretary of state, deputy clerk of the colony of New York, and deputy clerk of the Su preme Court. In 1752 he was register in chancery and in the next year judge of probate (Surrogate's Court). When the Whigs of New York city in the Revolution assumed power he removed to Rhinebeck on the Hudson. It was doubtful with which side he sympathized dur ing the war, so closely did he keep his counsels. Before the attack on Esopus (now Kingston) in October, 1777, Sir Henry Clinton sent a messenger with a sealed letter to Mr. Banyar ; when the sealed answer was opened by Mr. Clinton it simply read, " Mr. Banyar knows noth ing." In 1767 he married a daughter of Mr. Martin, then postmaster- general, a widow of Judge Appey, judge advocate. After peace in 1783 he went to Albany and took an active interest in all that concerned internal improvements He, Elkanah Watson, and General Schuyler were commissioners to report on the feasibility of constructing a canal (the Inland canal) from the Mohawk River through Rome to Wood Creek. He visited this region with those men and they made a report which is published in the Documentary History of New York. In the late years of his life he became totally blind and was led about the streets by a colored servant. He died in Albany November 15, 1815, at the age of ninety- one, leaving a large fortune. His son Goldsboro died in New York city in 1806. Lansing Patent. — On September 12, 1786, a patent of 2,000 acres was granted to John Lansing, jr., and Stephen Lush, and subdivided into twenty lots. It was called Lansing Patent No. 1, and is in the north part of the town of Western, next east of the Curtenius Patent. One of Stephen Lush's daughter was the wife of Henry G. Wheaton, a 118 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. noted lawyer of Albany John Lansing, jr., was a prominent man in the State and rendered valuable service to his country in the Revolu tion. He had been a member of the convention that framed the first United States Constitution ; was mayor of Albany, judge of the old Supreme Court of this State from 1790 to 1798, chief justice from 1798 to 1801, chancellor of New York from 1801 to 1814. His death is in volved in mystery. He left his hotel in New York city, December 12, 1829, to go to Albany on a boat up the Hudson, and was seen as he left the rotunda of the hotel, but never afterwards, nor was his body ever discovered. In the autobiography of Thurlow Weed it is stated that years afterwards he was informed as to how the chancellor was murdered and the motive for the deed ; but Mr. Weed was not at liberty to give the facts. Next east of the Banyar Patent, and in the town of Western, is a patent of 2,000 acres granted Stephen Lush September 12, 1786, and subdivided into fifteen lots ; it is next south of the Boeram and Taylor Patents. Next south of the Curtenius Patent is a patent of 2,000 acres granted September 12, 1786, to John Lansing, jr., and divided into twenty lots. Partly in Steuben and partly in Western is a patent of 2,000 acres granted to Lansing and Van Schaack September 12, 1786, and divided into twenty lots, next south of Lansing Patent No. 2. North of No 2 and next to the town of Boonville, partly in Western and Steuben, is a patent of 2,000 acres granted to John Lan sing, jr., L. Theal, and Quick, subdivided into twenty lots, granted September 12, 1789, called Lansing Patent No 3. In September, 1788, a patent of 2,000 acres was granted to Richard Lush and Dr. Stringer, in the town of Western, next south of Lansing Patent No. 1, divided into twenty lots Curtenius Patent. — On September 21, 1786, a patent of 2,000 acres was granteid to Peter Curtenius and Jonathan Pearse, lying in the town of Western next to Boonville and called the Curtenius Patent ; it was divided into twenty lots in 1793 by William Cockburn. Mr. Curtenius was born in New York city, always resided there and was a wealthy merchant Besides this patent he owned thousands of acres in Oswego county which he purchased of George Scriba, the patentee. He was member of assembly in 1804 and in 1806; was appointed by President Jefferson marshal of the southern district of New York and held that COLONIAL LAND PATENTS. 119 office until 1812, when he was appointed by President Madison and continued until 1814. Mr. Curtenius died about 1817 and .the next year his widow with five children and two others by a former wife, moved to Whitesboro that the children might there be educated. She purchased the residence of Arthur Breese, the first surrogate of Oneida county (the former residence of Gideon Granger) ; a granddaughter of Mr. Curtenius became the wife of the late Edward Brayton, of Utica. A daughter of Mrs. Curtenius married William Wolcott ; another daugh ter became the wife of William S. Wetmore, a grandson of one of Whitesboro's pioneer settlers; she became a widow in 1846 and died a few years ago, having resided in that village about seventy years. Remsenburgh Patent. — There is a patent of 48,000 acres lying partly in Oneida county and partly in Herkimer county, granted December 28, 1787, to Henry Remsen. J. G. Klock and George Klock and John Van Sice. They had presented a petition to the Legislature stating these lands had been conveyed to them by deed dated May 28, 1 766, and now on record in the office of the secretary of state. An act was passed May 5, 1786, authorizing a patent to issue of any ungranted lands, unlocated, in one parcel, if such a large parcel could be so located, etc. A patent was thereupon issued. Willett Patent. — On the 15th of September, 1786, a tract of 1,500 acres was granted to Col. Marinus Willett: of lands lying partly in the town of Steuben and partly in Boonville. The name of Colonel Willett as the heroic defender of Fort Stanwix is too well known to require further mention, except that he died August 23, 1830, a few weeks past his ninetieth birthday, and the fifty-third anniversary of the day the siege of Fort Stanwix was abandoned. Scnba's Patent. — In August, 1791, John and Nicholas I. Roosevelt, merchants of New York city, purchased by contract of the State some 500,000 acres at the price of three shillings and one penny an acre, lying partly in Oneida county, but mostly in Oswego county. The easterly boundary of this tract commences at the junction of Canada and Wood Creeks, in Rome, runs up the former stream and Fonda and Oothoudt Patents to Macomb's Purchase, being on the northern bound ary of Oneida county. It includes what are now the towns of Anns- ville, Camden, part of Ava, Florence, part of Lee, part of Rome, and 120 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Vienna, in Oneida county. Besides the Roosevelts, and Franklin and Robinson, George Scriba was interested in this purchase and on April 7, 1792, they sold to Scriba, and on December 12, 1794, a patent was issued to the last named man ; this has ever since been known as the Roosevelt Purchase, or Scriba's Patent. In 1793—4 Benjamin Wright subdivided this patent into twenty-four townships and great lots. Mr. Scriba gave a name to each township, but in their reorganization only one in this county (Florence) retains the name given it by him. Town ship No. 1, named Fulda, is the northwest part of the town of Lee and the northeast part of Annsville. Township No. 2 is parts of Rome and Lee, and was named " Unden." Township No. 3 is the northwest part of Annsville and was named " Solingen." Township No. 4 included the west part of Florence and was so named. Township No. 5 included the west part of Camden and was named '' Linley." Township No. 8 included the east part of Camden and part of Annsville, and was named " Bloomfield," after the late John W. Bloomfield. Township No. 9 included the east part of Vienna and was called " Embden." Township No. 10 included the west part of Vienna and was named " Edam." Soon after his purchase Mr. Scriba commenced making im provements, built a store, saw and grist mills in Constantia, which he named " Rotterdam," and nearly 100 years ago he built a two-story frame dwelling on the shore of Oneida Lake at that place, into which he moved ; this house is yet standing. He sold off the " Munro Tract " on the share of the lake ; sold large tracts to Alexander Hamilton and others; sold in December, 1794, to John W. Bloomfield and others the Six Thousand Acre Tract north of Lee Center in Lee ; to John Hall and others the Four Thousand Acre Tract in the same town, and the Two Thousand Acre Tract in the same town to George Huntington in April, 1795, as before described. A tract of 7,147 acres he laid out on the north shore of Oneida Lake, which includes Cleveland, Bern- hard's Bay, and Constantia, and called it " Scriba's Location." In the town of Annsville is a tract of 1,254 acres which he laid out and called "Scriba's Reservation;" it includes Glenmore, north of Taberg. Mr. Scriba was a New York merchant, a German, and at the time of his purchase was worth a million and a half of dollars. But his great pur chase made him " land poor " and he died in Constantia a poor man, on COLONIAL LAND PATENTS. 121 August 26, 1836, at the age of eighty four years; his remains were buried in that village. He left an only child, Frederick Scriba, who died years ago, leaving a widow, now residing in the old homestead ; she has a son, George Scriba. Franklin and Robinson Tract. — In January, 1795, George Scriba sold from his patent 75,000 acres, partly in Lee and Annsville, and a part in Ava, with some in Oswego county, to Abraham Franklin and William Robinson; it is known as the Franklin and Robinson Tract, and is some times called the " Quaker Tract," those persons being Quakers. It is recited that said parties were interested in the original contract of pur chase commonly called " Roosevelt Purchase," and that they had paid their share of the purchase. Muller Tract. — Franklin and Robinson mortgaged twelve lots (37 to 48, both inclusive), as surveyed by Benjamin Wright, making 1,615 acres, to Rembrandt Muller. That parcel extends north past Point of Rock and into Ava, east of the Fish Creek Reservation, to the county line. The mortgage was foreclosed and the premises sold on April 1, 181 1, and bid off by Muller ; since then the land has been known as the Muller Tract. That Muller was father of Adrian H. Muller, of New York city, so well known in connection with auction and real estate sales there. The latter died in October, 1886, aged eighty- four years. Sargeant' s Patent. — John Sargeant was a native of New Jersey, at tended Yale College and graduated therefrom in 1729. He became a tutor in that college, but relinquished his plans and was ordained minister in August, 1734, at Deerfield, Mass., and was then a missionary among the Stockbridge Indians in that State. He died July 27, 1749, at the age of thirty- nine years, leaving three children; the youngest was named John and he afterwards became a minister. In 1775 young Sargeant took charge as missionary of the mission school of Stockbridge Indians. In 1785 he removed to New Stockbridge and took charge of a church there, where he passed six months of each year. In 1796 he moved his family there and continued his labors among the Indians in this new home until his death, September 8, 1824, aged seventy-seven years. A monument at his grave in Vernon, near his former home, states that he was missionary for thirty-six years. By an act passed April 1, 1796, the Land Commissioners were directed to issue a patent a mile square, ad- 16 122 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. joining land called New Stockbridge, for John Sargeant, Minister of the Gospel, who resides among the Indians at that place. That patent is located a little to the southwest of Vernon Center. Oneida Reservation. — In the description of the Line of Property on a previous page of this chapter, an account is given of the cession by the Indians of all lands (except some reservations) lying east and south of that line. That was the first cession of lands by the Indians to the gov ernment within what is now Oneida county, and included about two- thirds of the present area of the county. After the Revolution and on June 28, 1785, a treaty was made at Fort Herkimer, with the Oneidas and the Tuscaroras, by Governor Clinton and Indian commissioners, under which the lands of the Oneidas occupied by the Tuscaroras, lying between the Unadilla and the Chenango Rivers, were purchased for $11,000. After this the Tuscaroras moved to the land of the Senecas, On the 22d of September, 1788, a treaty was made at Fort Stanwix by the Oneidas and representatives of the State, by which the former • ceded all of their lands in New York State (except as hereinafter stated); the main and larger part thus reserved has passed into history as the Oneida Reservation. The line of that reservation commenced on Wood Creek opposite the mouth of Canada Creek, where the Line of Property begins, and runs thence along the easterly line of the towns of Verona, Vernon and Augusta ; along the southerly line, or nearly so, of the latter town, and so on westerly until it intersects a line due north to " Deep Spring" in Manlius, on the east line of what is now Onondaga county ; thence by the nearest course to Canasaraga Creek, and thence via Oneida Lake and Wood Creek to the place of beginning; the Oneidas to hunt and fish forever in all the ceded territory. There was also reserved to the Oneidas one half a mile square at the distance of every six miles along the north bounds of Oneida Lake ; also the lands half a mile in breadth on each side of Fish Creek. This cession by the Oneidas was made subject to the rights of the Brotherton Indians, under Samson Occum, and the Stockbridge Indians (a tract of two by three miles). The State was to pay the Oneidas for the cession, $2,000 in money, $2,000 in clothing and other goods, and $1,000 in provisions, with $500 towards building a grist mill and a saw mill at their village ; and to an nually thereafter on June ist, pay at Fort Stanwix $600 in silver, or in COLONIAL LAND PATENTS. 123 clothing and provisions as the Oneidas might elect. The State was also to grant to John Francis Perache a tract of land at the Line of Property, two miles square, in satisfaction of what the Oneidas had agreed to give Perache for an injury done him by one of their nation; and further, the State was to grant to John T. Kirkland, and also to^G. W. Kirkland, other lands as a compensation for other lands which the Oneidas had in tended for those persons ; also to grant to Peter Penet certain lands for services rendered by him to the Oneidas, the tract to be ten miles square. (A tract ten miles square, qalled "Penet Square," was set off in Jefferson county for. this purpose.) This treaty was written on parchment two feet square, with thirty- five seals of the parties, and appended to it is a string of wampum made of blue and white beads strung upon deer skin cords. This belt is about two inches wide and nearly two feet long. The document was placed in the office of the secretary of state for preservation. The above reservation included what is known as the Wood Creek Reservation. April 26, 1832 a law was passed authorizing a sale of the latter reservation. The Oneidas became divided among themselves on religious matters, one party taking the name or the " christian party," and another the " pagan party." In 1 805 a partition of the lands was made, by which the pagan party took those east of Oneida Creek. In February, 1809, the pagan party sold their lands to the State, which extended from Oneida Lake to Mud Creek, which empties into Oneida Creek south of Oneida Castle ; a few reservations were made. This tract has passed into history as the " first pagan purchase." In 1807 the christian party deeded a part of their tract to the State, and in 1 809 the "Fish Creek Reservation " was sold to the State, comprising about 7,500 acres, ex cepting a few reservations. From time to time the Oneidas sold to the State and to individuals all of their lands, including their right to the Stockbridge and the Brotherton tracts. A patent was issued to Perache in 1789, in pursuance of the treaty of 1788. The lands are in West moreland north of Spencer settlement. Wemple Patents. — By an act of the Legislature passed May 5, I786> a Patent of 640 acres was granted to Abraham Wemple, to be located next to James Dean's Patent and next to the Line of Property. The patent was issued February 5, 1789. April 1, 1796, an act was passed 124 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. reciting that Abraham Wemple had aided the Oneidas while refugees at Schenectady, during the late war ; that a patent of one* mile square be issued to Abraham Wemple, out of the lands purchased in 1795 of the Oneidas. That patent was issued in March, 1798, and the lands are situated in the town of Vernon, near the village. Van Epps Patent. — The same act of 1796 wliich granted the patent to Wemple, ordered one to be issued to Abraham Van Epps, of two miles square, and it was so issued and included Vernon village. The act recites that Van Epps had aided the Oneidas and made advances to them. The father of Van Epps was a fur trader. After the Revo lutionary war he again embarked in the business, but was plundered in Canada and his death remained a mystery. Young Van Epps took up the business in 1784 and came from Schenectady up the valley. In 1785 he located at Oriskany and there began trading with the large body of Oneida Indians then located there. About 1787 he settled in what is now Westmoreland. After he received his patent he moved upon it ; he died in 1844 at the age of eighty- one- years. He had a store in Westmoreland and was the first merchant in Vernon. Baschard's Location. — In the town of Vernon, to the southeast of Vernon village and extending to and including Vernon Center, is a tract of 4,911 acres, granted to T. L. Whitbeck and others (see Oneida county deed of books, No. 6), called Baschard's Location. Its history is as follows: On June 27, 1786, a patent for 4,883 acres was granted by the State to " Bass Chard," Samuel Hatch and others of the Isle La Mott, in Lake Champlain. In the difficulties between New York and Vermont, that island was ceded to the latter State, and the New York Legislature, by act passed April 11, 1796, authorized a patent to the above patentees, or their assigns, for any unappropriated lands in New York, in lieu of the said island The parties located their lands in Vernon, as above stated, and hence the name of the " Location." About 1797 a company of wealthy farmers from Connecticut bought a part of this patent, a part of the Van Epps Patent, and a part of the Sergeant Patent, laid out a town plat six miles square and sold to actual settlers. Bleecker Patents. — By a treaty made with the Oneidas the State agreed to grant a patent of lands to John I. Bleecker, for lands which COLONIAL LAND PATENTS. 125 the Oneidas had agreed to give him, and on February 25, 1789, a patent called " Bleecker's South Patent," was issued ; it lies in the town of Vernon, next south of Dean's Patent. By the same act another patent a mile square was ordered to be issued to Bleecker for further compensation for his faithful services ; this patent is called " Bleecker's North Patent," and is located in Westmoreland next to the Line of Property, and next northerly of Dean's Patent. Otsequette Patent.- — An act was passed March 18, 1791, directing a patent of 1,000 acres to be issued to Peter Otsequette, of the Wolf tribe of the Oneidas, for Otsequette's use for life and the issue of his body. That tract is in Westmoreland, next to Dean's Patent and Bleecker's North Patent. Otsequette was a noted personage, was one of the chiefs who signed the treaty at Fort Stanwix in September, 1788, was highly educated and when a youth was taken to France by La Fay ette and placed in the French schools where he remained seven years. He could speak French with great fluency and recite with thrilling effect from the tragedies of Racine and Corneille. And yet he possessed Indian tastes and instincts and would drink whisky from a keg and whoop like the lowest savage In February, 1820, an act- was passed reciting the death of Peter Otsequette (who died in 1792), and that Anthony was his only surviving child and entitled to one-half of the benefits of said patent, and that George and Henry Hill, infant children of a deceased daughter, are entitled to the other half; and Anthony, desirous of surrendering his half to the State upon being paid $300 and $42 annuity, it was enacted that those sums be paid and a release taken ; in March, 1821, the share of the Hill children was disposed of in the same way. Lawrence, or Smith Patent. — On December 23, 1793, a patent was issued for 1,896 acres to Melancthon Smith. The parcel is in Rome and includes Green's Corners, or Greenway, as now called. The con tract was made in 1791 for three shillings and seven pence per acre. It was divided into lots by C. C. Broadhead, surveyor. Mr. Smith was a prominent man in his day, was largely interested in lands, was a mem ber of assembly for New York and member of the Provincial Congress. > Before 1800 he sold the land to Jonathan Lawrence, a merchant of New York, and hence it is sometimes called the Smith Patent and sometimes 126 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the Lawrence Tract. Mr. Lawrence usually leased the land for lives. Mr. Lawrence died intestate before 1816 and in that year his heirs par titioned the property among themselves. McKesson Patent. — In Westmoreland and including Lowell, a patent of 4,080 acres was granted to John McKesson, of New York ; it was contracted to him for three shillings, six pence per acre. A patent was issued to him May 20, 1795. He died September 18, 1798, intestate, leaving no children and his real estate descended "to his brothers and sisters, five in number. In 1801 the patent was partitioned among them ; it was called the " two- mile tract," and was supposed to contain 2,000 acres. Adgate's Patent. — In 1761 Matthew Adgate, of Columbia county, purchased of the State by contract, a parcel of land in the north part of this county, estimated to be 45,000 acres, for two shillings six pence per acre. It is known as Adgate's Western Tract, and lies next to Ma comb's Purchase. A patent was issued January 30, 1798. Another tract called Adgate's Eastern Tract, of 40.000 acres, was owned by Adgate, lying partly in Oneida county and partly in Herkimer county. In 1794 Benjamin Wright surveyed the western tract into lots west of Black River. Mr. Adgate was member of the convention that formed the first United States Constitution, and member of assembly. CHAPTER XI. PHYSICAL FEATURES OF ONEIDA COUNTY. The oldest land on this continent was a V-shaped ridge which appeared above the vast waters then covering all of North America. This ridge stretched from a point north of Lake Ontario, northeast to Labrador, and northwest to the Atlantic Ocean, and belongs to what is known in geology as the Azoic Age, or the Archaic Rock. It was upheaved at a time previous to the existence of life on the earth and is now found overlaid in places by a series of layers of sedimentary rocks in which are found fossil remains of the lowest forms of animal life. PHYSICAL FEATURES OF THE COUNTY. 127 This series of sedimentary, rocks, up to a certain point, constitute what is known in geology as the Silurian Age, and in it is embraced the terri tory beginning at the north shore of Lake Ontario and extending to a point in the southern part of Oneida county where the series closes with what is known as the Oriskany Sandstone. The Silurian rocks were formed mainly by the decomposition and gradual disintegration of the older rock mentioned, and the washing down of the material thus produced into the sea. In the course of the passing ages sufficient of this material was thus deposited and slowly hardened into stone, to form the lowest and oldest layer of the series, which was succeeded by another, and so on to the uppermost. A later upheavel tilted these vast layers of rock and lifted their northern edges above the waters, giving the layers a dip towards the south, at the same time driving the waters southward and forming a new shore. In other words, these tilted rock layers lie upon each other like the shingles on a roof. As these layers of sedimentary rock came into being and their edges appeared above the waters to the northward, the shore of the great ocean moved southward, each succeeding layer forming a step in the progression, until the first appearance of the Niagara limestone is reached at Oneida Lake. About this time a great upheaval occurred to the eastward and southward, in the region of what is now Maryland and West Virginia, which cut off from the main body of water several great inland seas, one of which covered the territory which now constitutes that part of this State lying south of a line drawn from Oneida Lake to Niagara Falls. The waters of this sea. thus cut off from the main ocean and having no larger rivers flowing in to increase their volume, slowly evaporated under the heat of the sun, depositing the minerals which they contained, and thus forming, with the clay and impure limestones of the muddy bottom, the rocks of the Salina Period. It is believed by good authorities that after the close of the Salina Period the rocks of that series probably remained for a long time at the surface of Central and Southern New York. During this time the older granitic rocks toward the north were being disintegrated and ground up ; and when the great convulsion occurred which ushered in the Devonian Age (next above the Silurian), this sandy material was washed down into the bot tom of the new-formed sea, and re-hardened into the layer now known 128 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. as the Oriskany Sandstone. When the Devonian sea became calm, the layers of the Onondaga Limestone were deposited at its bottom by the carbonic acid gas of the heavy atmosphere uniting with the lime held in solution by the water. This sea finally became shallower and was Subsequently filled up by the Hamilton shales. In the territory now embraced in Oneida county there is an outcrop of nearly every formation from the lower (the Archaean) to the Carbon iferous (see diagram). Thus, beginning with the primary rocks of the Adirondack region, there occur as we go south, the great limestone sys tem known as the Trenton formations, containing wonderful fossil re mains ; then the Utica Slate ; the Lorraine Shales, or Hudson River Group ; the Oneida Conglomerate ; the Medina Sandstone; the Clinton Group ; the Niagara Shale and Limestone ; the Onondaga Salt Group ; the Helderberg Limestone ; the Oriskany Sandstone ; and the Hamil ton and Chemung shales and sandstones. Of these several formations, the Trenton Limestone, the Utica Slate, the Oneida Conglomerate, the Clinton Group, and the Oriskany Sandstone received their names from their remarkable development in Oneida county. It is probable that the Adirondacks were uplifted before the formation of the sedimentary rocks began, and that they are part of the earliest uplift on the globe. The outcropping formations of the State of New York represent the Archsean, the Silurian, the Devonian and partly the Carboniferous Ages (see diagram). In the Archaean no animal life is known to have existed, and there is no positive evidence that vegeta tion had yet appeared on the earth. In the Silurian the Invertebrates appeared, and plants of the Algae ; in the Devonian, various fishes are represented and some new forms of vegetation ; in the Carboniferous, amphibious animals made their appearance, and other plant life, among which were those that contributed largely to the formation of the coal beds, The thickness of the sedimentary rocks in this State, above the Archaean, is about 13,000 feet, and it rapidly and greatly increases as we proceed southward. The celebrated Potsdam sandstone lies directly upon the primary forma tion and contains a fewforms of animal life ; as we come upward these in crease both in species and in individuals, until the Trenton Group is reached, which is largely composed of animal remains, particularly in its PHYSICAL FEATURES OF THE COUNTY. 129 upper strata. The picturesque gorge of West Canada Creek at Trenton falls is cut for three miles through the Trenton limestone to a depth of from 60 to 100 feet, offering to the naturalist a most prolific source of rare and beautiful specimens of extinct life. Black River, in the northeastern part of the county, runs very nearly on the line dividing the primitive from the secondary formation ; on the east is the granite rock and on the west the Trenton limestones. The outcrop of the Tren ton rocks covers an area in Oneida county of 100 or 150 square miles. Extensive quarries have been and are worked. The thickness of the Trenton limestone in Oneida county is about 300 feet, while in the Appalachian Mountains it reaches 2,000 feet. In geology the Trenton Period includes the Black River and Trenton Limestones, the Utica Shales and Slates, and the Hudson River and Cincinnati groups of Limestones and Shales. The Utica Shale overlies the Trenton and Black River formations and extends in a narrow band along the Mohawk valley, reaching a thickness of 15 to 35 feet at Glens Falls, 250 feet in Montgomery county, and about 300 feet in Oneida county. It out crops in Boonville, Steuben, Western, FJoyd, Trenton, Rome, Marcy, and Deerfield. It has no value for building purposes. Succeeding this is the Hudson River group, known as the Hudson River, Pulaski, and the Lorraine Shales, which is similar in character to the Utica shale and like that abounds in fossils. It is found in the towns of Boonville, Ava, Western, Lee, Annsville, Whitestown, and Utica, and extends down the Mohawk valley on its southern side to the Hudson. This closes the Lower Silurian Age, and is succeeded by the Upper Silurian, as shown in the diagram, which includes the Niagara, Salina, Lower Helderberg, and the Oriskany formations. The Niagara group includes the Medina, the Clinton, and Niagara subdivisions, while the Medina includes the Oneida Conglomerate and the Medina Sandstone. The Oneida Conglomerate is a pebbly sandstone or grit and extends through the towns of Florence, Camden, Annsville and in a narrow strip into Herkimer county, where it disappears. Its thickness is from 20 to 120 feet. In Ulster county it reaches 500 feet in thickness and the celebrated Esopus millstones are manufactured from it. The upper formation of the Medina epoch is the well known valuable Medina sand* 17 130 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. stone, which from a great thickness in the western part of the State, gradually becomes thinner to the eastward and disappears in the "central parts of Oneida county. It is found in Camden, Vienna and Rome. Above the Medina stone appears the Clinton Sandstone, which ex tends from Schoharie county westward through Herkimer and Oneida counties and on westward across this State through Canada and Michi gan. In Oneida county it has a width of six to ten miles, and Oneida Lake lies wholly within the formation ; its thickness in this county is from ioo to 200 feet, and it has been quarried to some extent for build ing purposes for which it is superior. Iron ore is found in this forma tion. Overlapping the Clinton is the Niagara formation, which extends from Herkimer county through Oneida in a narrow belt, outcropping in the towns of Paris, Kirkland, and Vernon. While very thin in this region, it increases in thickness to the westward, being about 88 feet at Niagara Falls. The Niagara rock abounds in fossils. Next above the Niagara is the Salina Period, or Onondaga Salt Group, which affords the brine of the salt supply. From a thickness of 700 to 1,000 feet in Onondaga county, the rock grows thinner to the eastward, and is only a few feet thick at the Hudson The formation is almost destitute of fossils. The Lower Helderberg, which is next above, ex tends across this State. It is known also as the Waterline Group, be ing a bluish, impure limestone of thin layers. It abounds in fossils. The Upper Helderberg extends as far west as Ontario county, but is very thin, although it reaches a thickness of 400 feet in eastern New York. In Oneida county it passes through the towns of Paris, Marshall, Augusta and Vernon. The uppermost rock of the Silurian Age is the Oriskany Sandstone, which extends from Central New York, in the Oriskany neighborhood, southwestward along the Appalachians and spreads out in the Missis sippi valley ; it thins out towards the Hudson River. Dana says that " in New York it consists either of pure siliceous sands, or of argillaceous sands. In the former case it is usually yellowish or bluish, and some times crumbles into sand suitable for making glass. The argillaceous sandstone is of a dark brown or reddish color, and was evidently a sandy or pebbly mud." During the formation of this rock sea weeds were not PHYSICAL FEATURES OF THE COUNTY. 131 uncommon and traces of terrestrial animals have been found. The number of fossils discovered in the Silurian reaches far into the thou sands, among which are many varieties of the Trilobites. The Devonian Age, or Age of Fishes, is next above the Silurian, as shown in the diagram, and includes the Corniferous, the Hamiltonian, the Chemung, and the Catskill Periods in the order named. The first two divisions of the Corniferous Period thicken towards the Hudson River and one of them, the Schoharie Grit, may possibly reach Oneida county. The upper divisions, the Onondaga and the Corniferous Lime stones exist in this county, the first outcropping in Sangerfield, and the last named near Waterville. The Corniferous abounds in fossil plants and animals, and the remains of vertebrates, in the form of fishes, appear first in America in these rocks. Above the Corniferous Period comes the Hamilton, which includes the Marcellus, Hamilton, and Genesee Shales. The Marcellus is a soft argillaceous rock ; the Hamilton (so named from the town of Hamilton, Madison county) consists of shales and flags, with some thin limestone, and is extensively used in Utica and many other places for walks and other purposes. The Genesee shale is a blackish, bituminous shaly rock overlying the Hamilton. Next above comes the Chemung Period, which includes the Portage and the Chemung groups. The former consists of shales and laminated sandstones and does not appear in the eastern part of the State. The Chemung covers a large part of southern New York, but neither that nor the Catskill is developed in Oneida county. The Carboniferous Age, next above the Devonian, and its several for mations, are not found in this State, except in the lower portions (the sub carboniferous), and therefore need not be further described in these pages. The topography of Oneida county presents a variety and beauty of landscape that has attracted the attention not only of the early ambi tious agriculturist in quest of a favorable location to establish his home, but also of the artist and the poet seeking subjects for the canvas and the song. The fame of the valley of the Mohawk has traveled far and the swelling hills that border it possess equal natural beauty of another order. From northwestwardly to southeastwardly extends the broad 132 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. valley of the beautiful river, the lowest pass through the Appalachian mountain system, and one of the most fertile sections of this State. Northward and southward from the valley rises a broken and hilly re gion, in the southern part lying in ridges extending north and south and divided by' streams and ravines ; northward of the valley the sur face rises abruptly to a height of 800 to 1,200 feet and spreads out in a nearly level plateau, except as broken by the ravines of streams. The height of this part of the county culminates In "Penn Mount," in the town of Steuben, which rises 1,727 feet above the sea, the height of the Mohawk above tidewater at Albany being 427 feet. The highest point south of the Mohawk is locally known as " Tassell Hill," from a Dutch man named Van Tassel who lived near it ; it is near the joining four corners of the towns of Marshall, Sangerfield, Bridgewater, and Paris, and is approximately 1,800 feet above the Mohawk at Rome. The northeastern part of the county extends into the borders of the great northern wilderness. Oneida county is well drained, the Mohawk ris ing upon the north border of the county, flows southerly to Rome and thence southeast to the eastern bounds of the county. Its principal tributaries from the north are Nine Mile Creek and Lansing Kill, and from the south, Sauquoit and Oriskany Creeks. East Canada Creek forms a part of the east boundary of the county and Black River flows across the nprtheast corner. The western and southwestern parts are drained by Wood Creek (flowing west into Oneida Lake), Fish Creek, Mad River, and Little River. Included in the towns of Vienna and Verona is a part of Oneida Lake, probably about 57,000 acres. In the northeastern part are several small lakes and ponds which are further described in the town histories. The soil of the northeastern part of the county is derived from the disintegration of the primitive rocks before described and is light and sandy. In the central part it is a sandy and gravelly loam and alluvium of great fertility. The highlands south of the Mohawk have a soil com posed of clay and sandy and gravelly loam, well adapted to pasturage. Minerals of value are confined to the lenticular clay iron ore of the Clin ton Group, bog iron ore in the swamps near Oneida Lake and possibly magnetic ore in the northeastern part. Waterlime and gypsum have been quarried to a limited extent, and marl and peat have been found DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTY.. 133 in some places. Nearly all of the territory of the county was formerly covered with a heavy forest of valuable timber which was of consider able value to the pioneers. CHAPTER XII. DESCRIPTION OF COUNTY By an act passed April 10, 1792, the town of Whitestown, then in Herkimer county, was divided and the towns of Westmoreland, Steuben, Paris, Mexico, Peru, and Whitestown formed therefrom. These towns embraced substantially the following territory : The town of Westmore- and, in the main its present boundaries, and in addition the town of Verona and part of Vernon. Steuben, its present boundaries and the towns of Ava, Boonville, part of Annsville, Lee, Western, Floyd, and Rome in Oneida county, and a large part of the territory in what is now Jefferson and Lewis counties. Paris, the present territory of the town, and Bridgewater, Kirkland, Marshall, and Sangerfield in Oneida county, and portions of the terri tory in what are now Chenango and Madison counties. Mexico was an immense town and has been justly styled " the mother of towns," It included as thus constituted the present counties of On ondaga and Cortland, all of Oswego lying west of the east bounds of the Military Tract and a line drawn from the mouth of the Caneseraga Creek through Oneida Lake to Ontario, which line would strike a point near the northwest corner of Williamstown in Oswego county. Febru ary 26, 1796, the town of Mexico was reformed and the second Mexico included all of what is now Oswego county east of Oswego River and north of Oneida River and Lake and including the towns of Camden, Florence and Vienna and part of Annsville in Oneida county, and most of the towns in Jefferson and Lewis counties lying west of Black River. Peru embraced all of Whitestown, in Herkimer county, lying west of 134 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the town of Mexico as first formed, bounded westerly by Ontario county and northerly by Lake Ontario. It was that territory lying west of the present counties of Onondaga and Cortland. The western bounds of the townships of Homer, Tully, Marcellus, Carnillus, Lysander, and Hannibal in said Military Tract, being the eastern bounds of the town of Peru, and the westerly bounds of the town of Mexico, as first organ ¦ ized. All of the remainder of the town of Whitestown was constituted a town by itself and named Whitestown ; which remainder included the present towns of Whitestown, New Hartford, Augusta, and part of Vernon, and the city of Utica. • In 1792 the first bridge over the Mohawk in Oneida county was erected on the line of Second street. It was swept off in a few months and in 1794 a new one at the foot of Genesee street was constructed. Judge Vanderkemp was a pioneer settler in and became a prominent citizen of the town of Trenton. In 1792 he journeyed from Kingston up the Hudson to Albany and thence up the Mohawk to Old Fort Schuyler, thence to Fort Stanwix, crossed over to Wood Creek and down that stream to Oneida Lake and so on to Oswego. He writes as follows : Although the Mohawk becomes navigable for bateaux at no great distance from Cohoes, all merchandise nevertheless is thus far carried by wagons from Albany to Schenectady (16 miles) whence these are conveyed in bateaux for about 100 miles, including one mile portage at Little Falls, via Fort Stanwix. Here is a carrying place of one mile to Wood Creek, which empties it waters, after it is joined by Can ada and Fish Creeks, in Oneida Lake; as handsome, as rich in fish, as any lake in the western world. Our government has passed a law to clear the navigation from the Mohawk to the Hudson. So much is certain that it is resolved to open the carry ing place between the Hudson and Wood Creek, and to clear the latter from any obstructions. Fort Stanwix must become a staple place of the commodities of the west stored there from the fertile lands bordering the lakes and rivers and Old Fort Schuyler, nearly the central part of intercourse between the north and west, trans formed in an opulent mercantile city, where future Lorenzos will foster and protect arts and sciences; where the tomahawk and scalping knife shall be replaced by the chisel and pencil of the artist, and the wigwam by marble palaces. Our canals open an early communication between the lakes Ontario and Oneida, which is possible, and can thus be executed. Go on, then, and dig canals through the western dis trict and be not afraid that a single hair shall be hurt on the head of its inhabitants by the waves of Lake Erie. Dare only to undertake the enterprise, and I warrant the success. . . . I rode to ; Schenectady from Albany, and passed a few hours with the Rev. Romeyn, one of the most learned and eminent divines of the Reformed Church in DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTY. 135 this State. He assured me that fifteen hundred families passed by his house during the winter of 1791 to various parts of the western lands; while I was informed by another credible witness that during the winter of 1790, within 40 miles of the river point, where the rivers of Onondaga, Seneca, and Oswego are joined [Three River Point west of Oneida Lake] two hundred and forty yokes of oxen had been counted. . . Now I was in Herkimer, passed slowly through the German Flats. Col. Starring was the man with whom I intended to dine, if it was obtainable ; al though his honor was at the time a Judge of the Common Pleas, thus high in civil and military authority, yet he kept a public house. The Col. was gone to meeting ; his barn was the place of worship. I went thither ; the assembled congregation was very numerous; our Lord's supper was celebrated with decency, and as it appeared to me, by many with fervent devotion. Four children were baptized by Rev. Mr. Rosenkrantz. After service, the congregation flocked to the Col.'s house and used sparingly some refreshments. The weighty principle with many was, that now (inasmuch as George Clinton was elected Gov.) the court house should be fixed at Herkimer. Near Old Fort Schuyler I crossed the Mohawk, and took my tea at John Post's; reached Whitesborough about evening, and stopped at the house of Judge White, the father of this flourishing settlement. Gov. Clinton had favored me with a letter of introduction to Jonas Piatt, then county clerk. I met on the road to Whitesborough a group of Oneida Indians, some of them on horseback, others walk ing and jumping; the one with a bottle, another with a jug or small keg of rum ; for the most part, merrily jolly ; some deeply soaked by the beverage, distilled from the cane. Their numbers increased as I approached near Whitesborough. There I saw about 200 of every age and of both sexes, around their fires near the road, eating, drinking, smoking, singing, laughing, all of them in perfect harmony. The occasion of this unusual concourse was, they came to receive the corn from the State, which had been stipulated in one of the articles of the late treaty; they soon changed this corn (a large part) for money, and that for silk handkerchiefs, linen, &c. Judge White was commissioned to distribnte the corn. He is a man between 50 and 60, middle stature, corpulent and of acomely appearance. The roads are daily improving, as evidenced from the fact that while I was here, Mr. and Mrs. Livingston came to visit their son-in-law, Jonas Piatt, from Pokeepsie, in their own carriage in 4 days. There is scarce an acre of land for sale in Whitesborough. Mr. Elizur Moseley [the first physician, the first merchant, the first postmaster of the place and the second sheriff of Oneida county] paid $150 for 3 acres, for a building spot. About two miles from Whitesborough I crossed Oriskany creek, where many Oneida Indians resided in former days. I had advanced but a few steps when my attention was fixed on a number of skulls, placed in a row on a log near the road. I was informed by work men that this place was the fatal spot on which the murderous encounter happened between Gen. Herkimer and his sturdy associates and the Indians and English. Where the brave and gallant soldier did fall, I was shown a tree, on which was closely carved something resembling a man's head intended to represent this in trepid warrior. About noon on Monday, I arrived at Fort Stanwix. Baron De Zeng was employed in laying out a kitchen garden. He gave me a cordial reception, and introduced me to Col. Colbraith [then sheriff of Herkimer county], a revolutionary soldier. We partook of some refreshments ; my horse was turned out on luxuriant 136 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. I pasture grounds. Baron De Zeng is a German nobleman, descended from a noble family in Saxony and arrived in America during the revolutionary war. He mar ried a respectable lady in New York and intends to begin a settlement in this vicinity. The soil here is not much different from Whitesborough. By digging 10 and 12 feet, often deeper, leaves are found perfectly preserved, and branches of trees, large pieces of timber are discovered. I saw several samples of all these when a well was dug for Col. Colbraith.1 While at Fort Stanwix a large bateau of furs came from the west; two yokes of oxen drew the furs over the portage. This was the second cargo within a week. From these examples, it may be conjectured what riches the waters of Oneida lake may carry on to Fort Stanwix, if obstruction should be re moved. Salmon river and Fish creek, are in the spring full of salmon ; an Oneida Indian with his spear took 45 salmon in one hour, another, 65 in one night, and an other 80. The eel of Oneida lake is equal to the best in the Holland market; in the waters hereabouts, are also pike, pickerel, catfish, lobster, turtle, swordfish, whitefish, etc. Scarce a day passes, in which not two, sometimes three, bateaux arrived whose destination was towards the Genesee lands. We met daily with groups of 5 or 6 on horseback in search for land, with intention, if succeeding, to move on with their families the next winter, or following spring; while every day someone wanted to buy of us land, of which we did not own a single inch. During the time I tarried here, a large bateau with furs, arrived from the west ; two yokes of oxen drew it over the portage ; this was the second cargo within one week. We arrived at Fort Bull, three miles distant — or rather where that fort once stood. There came up a great rain storm, with thunder and lightning; we proceeded rapidly, and discovered after a few minutes a light in a small cottage. It was that of Widow Armstrong on the corner of Wood and Canada creeks, 7 miles from Fort Stanwix — the part of land where Roosevelt Purchase [Scriba's Patent] begins. As we are now engaged in dry ing our clothes by a good fire and Mrs. Armstrong is preparing our supper and couches, I must allow you a little rest before I offer you my rough sketch of the skirts of that noble tract, once the heritage of the Oneidas. On Sunday we bid adieu to the good widow Armstrong, who left nothing undone which was in her power to render her homely cottage comfortable to us. About 3 miles from her house a small swift running stream empties into Wood creek from the south. From thence we proceeded to a place called " Oak Orchard" [close by lots 11 and 12 Wood Creek Reservation, south side of Wood Creek in town of Verona], Ere long we arrived at a singular neck of land, about a mile in length, and so small that hy standing, we discovered the water at the opposite side. This was a tedious circumnavigation in deed. We might have passed it in a few seconds if a passage had been cut through. Not far from this spot we discovered a clearing, extended towards the F'>h creek, on the north, known by the name of Captain Phillips and "Dean's improvements." [This was at the southwest corner of lot 112, Scriba's Patent, on the north side of Wood Creek in the town of Vienna, and about a mile or so before Wood and Fish Creeks unite; it is where James Dean and Jedediah Phelps settled in 1784, as before t 1 These evidences are confirmatory of the theory, that from Oneida Lake to Little Falls was> once one large continuous body o£ water, and that the gap at Little Palls is the outlet to this lake, where the water broke away in early ages. DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTY. 137 narrated]. We left our canoes to look at the land ; it was low and flat near the bor ders of the creek, and had the appearance of being annually overflowed ; Wood creek increased in width, and had the appearance of a handsome river. We were sur prised to see a little after sunset, nine fires in a semi-circular form on the lake. The fires were made by the Indians spearing eels. They are usually 2 or 3 in a canoe. A catfish was brought in by a fisherman that weighed 10 pounds ; we afterwards ob tained one of 24 pounds ; some have been taken of 40 and 45 lbs ; but those of the largest size are brought from Lake Ontario. . . At the end of Oneida lake we met Judge John Lansing of the Supreme Court, and Morgan Lewis, Atty. Gen. of the State, who went to attend the circuit court in Ontario county. We returned to Wood Creek, where we met Abraham Lansing and Jelles Fonda. It was 2 P. M. be fore we arrived at Widow Armstrong's cottage. In an instant the kettle was hung on the fire to boil our fresh salmon. We made ourselves an ample compensation for our frugal repast at breakfast. Amos Fuller who resides now (with his family) at the Widow's until he should be successful as he said, in purchasing a farm in this neighborhood ; he informed us that men from Mass. had been looking over the land and were willing to give £1,000 for a township of land and to have 35 families settled upon it in 2 years. Fuller tackled his horse to our canoe and dragged it to Fort Bull. The widow Armstrong mentioned herein was the second wife and the widow of Archibald Armstrong, heretofore spoken of. Be tween 1789 and 1792 this Archibald Armstrong died and was buried on the east side of the highway which leads to New London from the junction of Wood and Canada Creeks. She returned down the valley and in 1805 Nicholas Armstrong, son of Archibald, became one of the early pioneers of Annsville and settled on the " Indian meadows" in that town ; he and Dan Taft and Adam P. Campbell were the first' settlers of Annsville. On July 10, 1793, the first newspaper west of Albany was established at New Hartford, and called the Whitestown Gazette. Its proprietors were Jedediah Sanger, Samuel Wells, and Elijah Risley. Its printer was Richard Vanderberg. After a while it was discontinued, but was re-estab lished in May, 1796, Samuel Wells, proprietor, and William McLean prin ter. In the same year of 1793 the erection of the first church in Oneida county was begun at New Hartford ; it was the meeting house where the first court of record was held in the county. In January, 1794, the Western Centinel was established at Whitesboro by Oliver P. Eaton, who was fitted out by Mr. Swords, of New York city, for that purpose. In 1793 John W. Bloomfield, who was then twenty-nine years' old and had been married four years, came on horseback from Burlington, 18 138 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. N. J., to visit this part of the State. He became a1 large landholder in this county, was the first supervisor of Camden (1799), after whose wife, Ann, the town of Annsville was named. He died in 1848 at, the age of eighty-four, and in that year was written out by B. J. Beach the fol lowing reminiscences of his trip, taken from his lips; Mr. Beach was his grand nephew : 'in the spring of the year 1793 I came to New York State for the first time. Mr. Mclllvane, of Burlington, N. J., had purchased 1,600 acres of land in the present town of Lee from Joseph Bloomfield, then governor of New Jersey [the Mclllvane tract], whose title was derived from Thomas Machin [or Matchin], the original patentee, and the conditions of the patent werq, that a certain number of settlers should be established upon the land within a limited time. I set out on horseback in tfie early part of April, 1793, went up on the west side of the Hudson river, thence to Esopus and Albany, and to Schenectady. Of this place the Dutch had at that time full possession, and I believe there was not a single English inhabitant. I went up the Mohawk on the south side ; the flats were under full cultivation, and not divided by fences ; the road was open and ran directly through the fields of grain and grass. I crossed the Mohawk at Little Falls, and continued on to Fort Schuyler [Qtica] which was a few rods lower down the river than the site of the present (1848) R. R. depot ; about where the depot now stands, was the only house, with one ex ception, within the present limits of the present city of Utica. There was already a large clearing of 200 acres, but I was unable to get food either for myself or horse, and was obliged to continue on without stopping to Whitesboro. This was the prin cipal settlement — the headquarters of civilization in what is now the county of Oneida. Here was the office of the county clerk of Herkimer county, kept by Mr., afterwards Judge, Jonas Piatt; here was the most western post-office in the State.1 The tract known as Scriba's Patent, had been contracted to the Messrs. Roosevelt at 7 cents an acre, and George Scriba, a merchant of New York city, in company with 4 or 5 others, were assignees of the contract. At Whitestown, I agreed with Mr. Young, who resided there, and a son-in-law of Judge White, and the founder of Youngstown, Ohio, and who was a surveyor, to go with me to point out the boundaries of the lands, and was to look after and assist me in the explora tion. We came together to Fort Stanwix, where there was a tavern kept by John Barnard, a little northeast of the present Rome court house— a tenant of Dominick Lynch. The carrying business, between the Mohawk river and Wood creek, was brisk, and the tavern was crowded constantly with boatmen and emigrants. In this house, occupying a part of the bar room and of the bar with his goods, was George Huntington, then a young unmarried man, who that spring opened the first store in Fort Stanwix. Wood and myself went over to the Mclllvane tract, and also explored the tract since known as the " 6,000 acre tract," lying between the Mclllvane land and Fish creek reservation. That reservation was £ a mile wide on each side of that stream, from Oneida lake, to, or near to, its source. Finding the land very good, a company was formed to purchase of Mr. Scriba 4,000 acres, and to extend it to 6,000 1 This would indicate that there was a post-office at Whitesboro as early as 1793. DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTY. ' 139 acres, if we thought proper. The price was 12 shillings an acre, and Daniel C. White and myself received a joint deed. After further exploring, we concluded to extend the purchase to 6,000 acres; the additional 2,000 was however divided be tween Young, White and myself. After this I went down Wood creek in one of the. small boats, used in conveying goods. In the same boat was a Frenchman who a year ago, had made his escape from France, carrying a nun, whom he had stolen from a convent in that country. He had married her, and for the purpose of security had taken up his residence upon an island of about 30 acres in Oneida lake, about 3 miles from shore; now called Frenchman's Island. It is opposite the village of Rotterdam, now Constantia. He built a log hut upon it, and mainly supported his wife and himself by fishing. This man remained on the island until 1796, when the troubles in France, having subsided, he returned to that country. He loaded his boat with wife and clothes, and went up Wood creek and down the Mohawk and the Hudson, all the way in his boat, and in New York city, Mr. Scriba aided him with funds to go to France. I staid at Rotterdam one night, where Mr. Scriba had made a considerable of a settlement. We went to Oswego, which the British yet held. After my return to Fort Stanwix, I set out on my return to New Jersey, via Old Fort Schuyler, New Hartford, Bridgewater, Unadilla, Cooperstown ; thence to Fort Plain, down the south side of the Mohawk to Schenectady and Albany, crossed the Hudson and reached the village of Hudson July 4, 1793. Here I was tired and took a boat, shipped myself and horse to New York, and reached Burlington July 10, after an absence of nearly 3 months. Work was begun on the Herkimer jail, and in January, 1793, a law was passed authorizing the supervisors to raise £1.000 to defray the expenses already incurred in the erection of those buildings. By the same act the county courts were authorized to alternate " between the court house in Herkimer, and such place in the town of Whitestown, as said courts should order to be entered on the minutes." In pursuance of the above act the January term of 1794 of the Common Pleas was held at an unfinished meeting house in the village of New Hartford, Judge Starring presiding. This was the first court of record held in what is now Oneida county. It was at that term of court of which the story is told of Sheriff Colbraith, a jolly Irishman. The day was bitterly cold, the meeting house insufficiently warmed, and along in the after noon the court directed the crier to adjourn for the day. A jug of spirits had been in use by some of the bar to aid them in keeping warm, and as the sheriff heard the order to adjourn, he seized the jug and holding it towards the bench, cried out : " Oh, no, Judge, don't adjourn yet ; take a little gin, Judge ; it will keep you warm. 'Tain't time to adjourn yet!" And suiting the action to the word, he passed the jug up to the court. The court did not then adjourn. After that term 140 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. those Herkimer courts alternated between Herkimer and the log school house near Hugh White's, which stood on or near the site of the pres ent town hall. On March 5, 1794, Onondaga county was taken from Herkimer. March 5, 1795, the town of Cazenovia was formed from parts of Paris and Whitestown, and three towns were formed from Sangerfield. March 4, 1796, the town of Steuben was divided and the towns of Floyd and Rome erected from its territory. March 10, 1797, the then town of Steuben was divided into three towns of Steuben, Western and Ley- den. March 24, 1797, Trenton was taken from the town of Schuyler, and by an act passed on the same day, Sangerfield was divided and Bridgewater formed from its territory. From a series of letters written by a man prior to 1800 and published in the Documentary History of New York, the following extracts are made : The first settlement of the Genesee Country, was attempted by Oliver Phelps in 1789. By the census taken in 1790, it appeared that Ontario county contained 960 inhabitants, including all travellers, surveyors and their attendants. To remedy the inconvenience for want of roads, the legislature passed an act in 1797, authorizing the raising of $45,000 by lotteries, towards the construction of a road from Old Fort Schuyler to Geneva. The inhabitants through which the road passed made a volun tary contribution of their services and subscribed 4,000 days' work, which they per formed with fidelity and cheerfulness. The State Commissioners were thus enabled to complete the road of 100 miles, opening it 64 feet wide and paving with logs and gravel, in the moist parts. Hence the road from Old Fort Schuyler to Genesee river, instead of being as in June, 1797, little better than an Indian path, was so far improved, that a stage started from Old Fort Schuyler September 30, and arrived at the hotel in Geneva in the afternoon of the 3d day with 4 passengers. This line of road being established by law, not less than 50 families settled on it in the space of 4 months after it was opened. It now bids fair to be one continuous settlement to Geneva, in a few years. All last winter 2 stages, one of them a mail stage, ran from Geneva and Canandaigua to Albany, weekly; 3,000 families came into the Genesee country in the winter of 1797-8. Land which 6 years ago could not be sold for 25 cents an acre, is now reckoned cheap at $10 an acre. The cost of the following is given: A good log house with 2 rooms, if made by hired men will cost $100; a small log house, 20 feet square will cost $50 ; 1 yoke of oxen $70 ; a cow $15 ; farming uten sils at first $20 ; an ox cart $30. This is the least any family can do with. During the summer months, sloops are constsntly passing from New York to Albany ; they generally run the distance in 2 days, and sometimes in one ; Utica is 96 miles from Albany, and the road here is intersected by the Great Genesee Road ; you will find a well settled country to Geneva. I will now give you an idea of the route. From Old Fort Schuyler to Samuel Laird's tavern [Lairdsville] on the Great Genesee Road 1788 TO 1806— FORMATION OF THE COUNTY. 141 is 10 miles. To Abraham Van Epps' [Vernon village] near the Oneida Reservation, 6 miles. To Wemple's in the Oneida Reservation, 6 miles. To the Deep Spring [in Manlius] 11 miles. CHAPTER XIII. 1788 TO 1806.— FORMATION OF ONEIDA COUNTY. When the American colonies became independent of Great Britain, the State of New York held more than 7,000,000 acres of wild, unculti vated and unappropriated lands. A number of patents of lands had been granted prior to 1791 ; as to those in Oneida county, see the chap ter on State patents. Those were patents comparatively small in amount, and but few sales had been actually made, considering the amount of land in the market. The State being in want of funds and all well- wishers of the growth and prosperity of the State being desirous to in duce settlements in the wilds of New York, favored more numerous and extensive grants, as it was agreed, thereby the patentees would be influ ential in inducing settlers to take up lands. Accordingly in 1791 over 5,000,000 acres were disposed of, for the sum of $1,030,433. Among the sales was a parcel of 3,635,200 acres to Alexander Macomb, for eight cents an acre, in the northern part of the State, it being on the northern boundary of Oneida county. Another parcel of 500,000 acres was sold to J. I. and Nicholas Roosevelt (Scriba's Patent) for three shil lings and one penny an acre, mostly in Oswego county. Other parcels were also sold, some for two and some for one shilling an acre. Such large sales, especially the Macomb Purchase, created a great deal of excitement at the time and serious accusations were made against the commissioners of the land office, especially as the prices of the different parcels were so different The upshot of it was, the sales were confirmed and there was no real belief that anything dishonest had been practiced. The above is not strictly a part of the history of Oneida county, but it is placed in this connection as showing the influence those sales had in attracting to this region a large class of settlers and hastening the organization of Oneida county. Settlers had pushed their way into 142 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Redfield and other parts of Oswego county and into what are now the counties of Jefferson and Lewis, and quite numerously into this county, so that the clamor for a new county was much greater than it had been seven years before, when Herkimer county was formed. On the 15th of March,- 1798, a new county was formed from Herkimer, and at the suggestion of a resident of Whitesboro, it was named after that nation of the Iroquois Confederacy whose territory the new county was to occupy. By the act creating Oneida county, it was provided that there should be held in said county a Court of Common Please and General Sessions of the Peace, three times in each year, to commence and end as follows : The first term to begin the third Tuesday of May [then next] and may continue till the Saturday following inclusive. The second term to begin the first Tuesday in September, and may continue until the Saturday following inclusive; and the third term to begin the last Tuesday of December and end on the Saturday following inclusive. Nothing was contained in said act to prevent the judges and justices adjourning on any day previous to Saturday in any of said weeks, if the business of said courts permitted the same. It was further provided that said terms of the court should be held at the school house near Fort Stanwix in the town of Rome in said county. That school house was erected in 1795 and stood at the southwest corner of the West Park, across Park street from the present city hall building. It was made lawful to confine Oneida county prisoners in Herkimer county jail, until a jail in Oneida'county was erected. The justices of the Supreme Court were not required to hold a Circuit Court in Oneida county in the year 1798, unless in their judgment they deemed it proper and necessary. Oneida, Herkimer, and Otsego counties were constituted a district for the prosecution of offenses, under the charge of the assistant attorney- general. It was provided that the court house and jail in and for Oneida county should be erected within one mile of Fort Stanwix, as the surpervisors of the several towns in the county should designate. Three members of assembly for the county were to be elected. The first meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the county was to be held at said school house on the last Tuesday of May, 1798. The following were the first county officers : First judge, Jedediah Sanger, of New , Hartford ; side judges, Hugh White, of 1788 TO 1806— FORMATION OF THE COUNTY. 143 Whitesboro; David Ostrom, Utica, George Huntington, Rome, James Dean, of Westmoreland; sheriff, William Colbraith, Rome; county clerk, Jonas Piatt, Whitesboro ; surrogate, Arthur Breese, Whitesboro. The following were appointed assistant justices: Amos Wetmore, Needham Maynard, and Elizur Mosely, Whites boro; Thomas Cassety, Augusta; Garret Boon, Boonville; Adrian Vanderkemp, Trenton; Peter Colt, Rome, and Henry Mc'Neil. For justices of the peace, James S. Kip, James Steele, Mathias Hurlbut, James Sheldon, Jared Chittenden, Joseph Jennings, Reuben Long; Ithamer Coe, Jesse Curtiss, Kirkland Griffin, William Blount, James Kinney, Ephraim Waldo, Thomas Converse, Joseph Jones, Daniel Chapman, Ebenezer Hawley, Abram Camp; Joshua Hathaway, Jesse Pierce, Mathew Brown, jr., Daniel W. Knight, Samuel Sizer, Ebenezer Weeks, William Olney, Henry Wager, John Hall, Isaac Alden; Joseph Strickland, Samuel Royce, John W. Bloomfield, Benjamin Wright, Luke Fisher, Jonathan Collins, John Storrs, D. C. I. De Angelis, Stephen Moulton, Abel French, Daniel J. Curtiss, Samuel Howe, Rozel Fellows, Rudolph Gillier, Medad Curtiss, John Townsend, Abial Linds ley, G. Camp, Alexander Coventry, and John Bristol, (48). The first Court of Oyer and Terminer for Oneida county was held on June 5, 1798, by James Kent, justice of the Supreme Court, at the aforesaid school house, assisted by George Huntington, side judge of the Common Pleas, and by Thomas Cassety and Elizur Moseley, assist ant justices. The next Oyer and Terminer was held on the second Tuesday of September, 1798, at the school house. The first term of the Common Pleas was held at the said school house on the third Tues day in May, 1798, present Jedediah Sanger, firstjudge, and George Hunt ington and David Ostrom, side judges. Thomas R. Gold, Joseph Kirkland, Arthur Breese, Joshua Hathaway, Erastus Clark, Joab Griswold, Nathan Williams, Francis A. Bloodgood, Rufus Easton, Jonas Piatt, and Medad Curtiss having been theretofore admitted as attorneys to the Herkimer Common Pleas, were at that term of the court admitted to the Oneida Common Pleas. The first Circuit Court held in Oneida county was also at the same school house on the second Tuesday of September, 1798, by Hon. John Lansing, chief justice of the Supreme Court. Previous to May, 1802, the county courts were held at the Rome school house. For over 200 years the office of justice of the peace has existed in New York. Before the Revolution justices were appointed by the colonial Governor and Council ; after the Revolution by the Council of Appointment: As many were appointed in each county (not by towns) as were deemed necessary " to keep the peace." In colonial times they 144 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. were called the " king's justices." Under the first Constitution of New York in 1777, justices held their office at pleasure of the appointing power, but the commissions must issue at least every three years. Jan uary 30 1787, an act was passed providing " that every county in this State, good and lawful men of the best reputation and who were known to be no maintainers of evil or barrators, shall be assigned under the great seal, from time to time, justices to keep the peace in the same counties." By an act passed April 11, 1808, suitors- (except in the case of sickness) were not allowed to have attorneys appear and advo cate for them; this act was repealed in 1810. In 1813 it was enacted that in every county in this State, " fit and discreet men should be- ap pointed to keep the peace." By the State Constitution of 1821, boards of supervisors and'the Court of Common Pleas were authorized to act together and appoint justices of the peace, who were to hold office for four years, and to appoint as many, in each town as should be provided by law. April 17, 1826, an act was passed submitting to the people an amendment to that Constitution, authorizing the electors of the sev eral towns, at the annual election (not town meeting) to elect justices of the peace. That amendment was adopted. An act was passed May 4, 1829, authorizing justices to be elected at town meetings, four in each town. On the organization of the county the same act creating Oneida county provided, that part of the town of Frankfort included within Oneida county was added to and made a part of the town of Whites- town ; and all that part of the town of Schuyler included in Oneida county was erected into the town of Deerfield ; and all that part of the town of Norway within Oneida county was erected into the town of Remsen, and the town of Augusta was erected from all that part of Wrritestown bounded westerly and southerly by the county of Che nango, easterly by the Brothertown Reservation and Paris, and north erly by the southernmost " Great Genesee Road " ; and the remainder of Whitestown lying within the Oneida Reservation was annexed to Westmoreland. By an act passed April 3, 1798, "Old Fort Schuyler" was incorpo rated into the village of Utica. An act passed March 13, 1799, direct ing the then clerk of Oneida county to deliver to the Herkimer county 1788 TO 1806— FORMATION OF THE COUNTY. 145 clerk all records, books, and papers appertaining to the clerk's office of the latter, excepting deed and mortgage books, and as to those they were to be retained by the Oneida county clerk and he to give a certi fied copy of them to be recorded in Herkimer county, so far as they re lated to Herkimer county lands. Those record books are yet in Oneida county clerk's office. A fire in 1804 in the Herkimer county clerk's office destroyed all the books, papers and records then in that county clerk's office, By an act passed March 15, 1799, the town of Mexico was divided and the town of Camden was erected out of the portion taken off. Camden then contained what are now the towns of Annsville, Camden, Vienna and Verona. In 1799 the third newspaper was started in Oneida county, at Rome, called the Columbian Patriotic Gazette. Its first issue was dated August 15, 1799, and Thomas Walker and Ebenezer Eaton were its proprietors. The Gazette in 1803 was removed to Utica. On March 14, 1800, Redfield was erected into a town from Mexico. It will be remembered that when. Oneida county was formed it included the present counties of Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence, and that part of Oswego county lying east of the Oswego River, and also Oneida Lake. An act was passed April 7, 1800, authorizing. the Board of Supervis ors of Oneida county at their annual meeting in the next May, to raise $3,000 to build a jail in Oneida county, pursuant to a petition of the supervisors ; and the prisoners were to be removed to said jail when the sheriff of the county reported that it was finished. Nothing indi cates where the jail was to be built nor who was to authorize its con struction. The law of 1798 organizing Oneida county provided for the erection of a court house and jail within one mile of the school house at Fort Stanwix, as the supervisors should designate ; and that county courts then named should be held at that school house ; yet the act did not provide where the Circuit Courts of Oyer and Terminer should be held, nor where the county clerk's office should be located and its reports' kept, nor where other county buildings should be located. At that time there were three persons residing in different localities within the county, men of influence, who had large landed interests to be bene- 19 146 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. fited by the erection of the county buildings and the designation of the county seat, viz.: Dominick Lynch, of Rome, Jedediah Sanger, of New Hartford, and Hugh White, of Whitesboro. The first named was a resident of New York city, but he owned a large acreage of lands at the " Oneida Carrying Place " ; Judge Sanger was a large land owner at New Hartford, and Judge White at Whitesboro. Judge Sanger had large political influence, but it is not recorded that he donated, or offered to donate, a site for any of the county buildings. Mr. Lynch in 1796 mapped out for a village plot the territory then owned by him, which included what is now the business portion of Rome city, and he divided it into village or city lots, gave it the name of Lyncfiville, and engrafted upon his tenure system " durable leases " for a term of years (except in a few instances), instead of conveyances in fee. By a deed of convey ance Mr. Lynch on the 2 Ist of May, 1800, conveyed to the Board of Supervisors of Oneida county the East and West Parks and the sites now occupied by the court house and jail, for the use of these buildings, and also provided that all on the east side of James street should be laid out and appropriated for the purpose of building and erecting, and to the use of the court house and jail, and that all the part west of James street, for the purpose of building and erecting a church and school house thereon, which church and school house shall be established and built according to the direction of a majority of the freeholders of the town of Rome, for the benefit of all the inhabitants of said town. About the time that deed was given, individuals erected on the site now occu pied by the jail a wooden structure for a jail one story high, made of hewn timber, flattened and dove- tailed together so that it was a firm and substantial structure for those times. The timber was blocks of wood one foot to eighteen inches in thickness and two and one-half feet long That was before the site for a court house and jail was fixed, and it was doubtless erected in view of Mr. Lynch's deed and to influence the offi cial location of those buildings. In 1800 the second United States census was ordered to be taken. It was ordered to be commenced on the first Monday in August and to be completed within nine months thereafter. Indians not taxed were omitted from the lists. The enumeration was to be made as of the first 1788 TO 1806— FORMATION OF THE COUNTY. 147 Monday in August, 1800. That census shows the population in the respective towns then comprising Oneida county as follows : Town. Formed in Population. Augusta, ..1798,-- 1,593 Bridgewater, 1797... 1,061 Deerfield 1798 1,048 Flo5*d, 1796,.--- 767 Leyden,. 1797 . 622 Mexico, _ 1796...... 246 Paris, 1792, 4,721 Remsen, 1798 . __ 224 Rome 1796 _1,497 Steuben, 1792, 552 Trenton,... 1797, 624 Westmoreland, .1797 1,493 Whitestown .1788 4,212 Total ....18,665 An act was passed March 30, 1801, making it lawful for all officers of Oneida county to confine their prisoners in the jail in Herkimer county, until a jail is erected in Oneida county ; and that as soon as the sheriff of Oneida county shall deem the jail directed to be built in that county sufficiently finished for the safe keeping of prisoners, the same shall from thence be the jail of Oneida county, arid the sheriff shall so remove his prisoners. At the December term of the Common Pleas of 1 80 1, Sheriff Broadhead reported the jail at Whitesboro was completed, and that authorized prisoners to be removed there under the act before mentioned. On the 3d of April, 1801, the State Legislature divided the State into counties, making the boundary of Oneida county more definite as follows : All that part of the State bounded easterly by the county of Herkimer, northerly by the County of Clinton, and by the northern bounds of this State, from the most westerly corner of the County of Clinton to a place in Lake Ontario where the said northern bounds shall be intersected by the new pre-emption line aforesaid, con tinued due north ; westerly by the line last mentioned to the south bank of Lake Ontario; and southerly by the counties of Cayuga, Onondaga, and Chenango, and the southern bounds of the patent granted to William Bayard and others, called the " Freemasons' Patent." Under an act passed April 7, 1801, describing the divisions of the 148 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. various counties into towns, the following were named as the then ex isting subdivisions of Oneida county: Bridgewater, erected from Sangerfield March 24, 1797 (annexed to Oneida county April 4, 1804) Deerfield, erected from Schuyler (then Herkimer county) March 15, 1798. Trenton, erected from Schuyler (in Herkimer county) March 24, 1797. Paris, erected from Whitestown, April 2, 1792. Whitestown, erected March 7, 1788. Remsen, erected from Norway (in Herkimer county) March 15, 1798. Floyd, erected from Steuben March 4, 1796. Steuben, erected from Whitestown April 10, 1792. Western, erected from Steuben March 10, 1797- Leyden, erected from Steuben March 10, 1797 (taken into Lewis county when it was erected, in 1805). Rome, erected from Steuben March 4, 1796. Camden, erected from Mexico (now Oswego county) March 15, 1799- Redfield, erected from Mexico March 14, 1800 (taken into Oswego county when it was erected in 1816). Watertown, erected from Mexico March 14, 1800 (taken into Jeffer^ son county when it was erected in 1805), Champion, erected from Mexico March 14, 1800 (taken into Jefferson county in 1805). Lowville, erected from Mexico March 14, 1800 (taken into Lewis county in 1805). Turin, erected from Mexico March 14, 1800 (taken into Lewis county into 1805). Mexico, erected from Whitestown April 10, 1792, as part of Her kimer county, and taken into Oswego county in 18 16 Westmoreland, erected from Whitestown April 10, 1792. Augusta, erected from Whitestown March 15, 1798. Of this list of twenty towns seven are now in other counties, as noted. To the remaining thirteen have since been added thirteen others, be sides the city of Utica, the erection of which was as follows : 1788 TO 18O6-FORMATI0N OF THE COUNTY. 149 Annsville, formed from Lee, Florence, Camden and Vienna April 12, 1823. Ava, formed from Boonville May 12, 1846. Boonville, formed from Leyden (Lewis county) March 28, 1805. Florence, formed from Camden February 16, 1805. Kirkland, formed from Paris April 13, 1827. Lee, formed from Western April 3, 181 1. Marcy, formed from Deerfield March 30, 1832. Marshall, formed from Kirkland February 21, 1829. New Hartford, from Whitestown April 12, 1827. Sangerfield, formed from Paris March 5, 1795. Utica, formed as a town from Whitestown April 7, 18 17. Vernon, formed from Westmoreland and Augusta February 17, 1802. Verona, formed from Westmoreland February 17, 1802. Vienna, formed from Camden April 3, 1807 (as Orange). The first attempt to divide Oneida county after its erection was dis cussed in the early years of the century and in 1804 assumed tangible form. Three delegates were chosen from each of the towns most inter ested in the project and they met on the 20th of November, of the year named, at the house of Freedom Wright, in what is now the town of Denmark {Lewis county). The usual contention for the location of the county seat of the proposed new county ensued among the delegates and it was found impossible to come to an agreement. The problem was finally solved by a proposition to erect two new counties instead of one, and application was made to the Legislature to this effect. The result was the passage of the act of March 28, 1805, erecting Lewis and Jefferson counties. This left Oneida county with substantially its present territory and all of the present county of Oswego lying east of Oswego River, which was taken off on the 1st March, 18 16. On the 6th of April, 1801, the Legislature appointed Thomas Jenkins and Hezekiah L. Hosmer, of Saratoga, and Dirck Lane, of Rensselaer county, commissioners for designating the place for a court house and jail in Oneida county ; and said commissioners by said act, to repair to the county, as soon as may be after May ist, and after exploring the county, to ascertain and designate a fit and proper place therein, for erecting said building, having respect or reference to a future division 150 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of the county ; and it was provided, that in the o'pinion of any two of said commissioners, the building erected for a jail in the town of Rome by individuals of the same county, shall be at a proper place and duly constructed for the purpose aforesaid, then in that case, the supervisors of said county were directed to audit the accounts of such individuals for erecting said jail and allow such just sum therefor as might with reasonable economy have been necessarily expended upon the same building, and thereupon draw an order or orders in favor of such indi viduals upon the county treasurer of Oneida county for same ; and it was further provided, that if said commissioners or any two of them shall agree and designate any other place than that at which the said building for a jail is so erected, as a fit and proper place for such court house and jail, and file a certificate with the county clerk, then and in that case it shall and may be lawful for the said supervisors, and they are required to appoint one or more commissioners to erect a jail for said county at the place designated, to be constructed upon such plan and in such manner as said supervisors shall prescribe. And the supervisors were required by said act to audit and pay the accounts of such commissioners in erecting said jail; provided, that in case the commissioners above named, or any three of them, shall not be able to agree upon a place for said court house and jail, it shall then be their duty to nominate an additional commissioner to associate with them in discharging said trust, and the determination of any three of them to be final. It was further provided by said act, that the building erected, or to be erected, for said jail and so designated, shall be the jail of said county, and as soon as said building shall, in the opinion of the sheriff of Oneida county, be finished in such manner as to confine his prisoners, it was made lawful for such sheriff to remove his prisoners in his county to such jail. It was further provided, that in case the jail was not selected which the individuals had erected, then the supervisors were directed to audit and pay the accounts of said individuals for erecting said jail. Mr. Hosmer, one of the commissioners named, was member of con gress from Columbia county in 1797 98. Mr. Thompson was county judge of Saratoga county in 1791, member of congress in 1797-98, and 1788 TO 1806— FORMATION OF THE COUNTY. 151 a member of the State constitutional convention in 1801. Mr. Lane was a member of assembly from Rensselaer county in 1809. Following dates in chronological order as far as practical and con venient, it need be stated that on April 7, 1801, the counties of the State were subdivided into towns, and that the towns in Oneida county in that year were as follows : Augusta, Bridgewater, Camden, Champion, Deerfield, Floyd, Leyden, Lowville, Mexico, Paris, , Redfield, Remsen, Rome, Steuben, Turin, Trenton, Watertown, Western, Westmoreland, and Whitestown (20). Matters in reference to locating the court house and jail were ap proaching a crisis and Hugh White bestirred himself. On the 20th of June, 1801, he conveyed to the Board of Supervisors of Oneida county one acre and fifty-three rods of land in Whitesboro, on the corner of the road leading to Utica and the one leading to Middle Settlement, for the sole and exclusive use of a court house and " gaol " (as that word was then spelled), for said county buildings to be erected thereon, and for no other use, cultivation or improvement whatever, except for a public parade or common forever ; subject to the express condition that the said supervisors shall erect and set up a good and sufficient fence around said grounds and keep the same in repair ; and in default, said grant to become void. Said deed was acknowledged before Arthur Breese, master in chancery, September 28, 1801, and recorded the same day. As before stated, Sheriff Broadhead reported to the court in De cember, 1801, that the jail was completed sufficient for prisoners. It was constructed similar to, if not exactly like, the Rome jail ; the cor ners fastened by pins (like the jail in Rome). The structure is now used as a residence ; the court house is now used as a town hall. When those buildings ceased to be used for the original purposes, the prop erty reverted to the heirs of Hugh White, the grantor. In a chancery partition and sale of property, Hon. Philo White, a descendant of the donor, became the owner, and he in 1 860 donated the old court house for a town hall to the village and town for public purposes; and he also donated or dedicated the public green in front for similar uses and purposes to the same municipal bodies. An act was passed February 20, 1802, authorizing and directing the supervisors of Oneida county to levy $539 for the purpose of complet- 152 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ing the jail in said county. It is not said which jail, but the one at Whitesboro is presumably the one. On March 3, 1802, the county of St. Lawrence was taken from Oneida county. On February 17, 1802, the towns of Verona and Vernon were formed of parts of the towns of Augusta and Westmore land. On April 1 of the same year the towns of Leyden, Mexico and Watertown (then in Oneida county) were divided and the towns of Adams, Brownville, and Rutland, now in Jefferson county, were formed from their territory. An act passed February 22, 1803, divided the towns of Champion, Lowville, Mexico, and Turin, and the new towns of Ellisburgh, Harris- burgh, and Martinsburgh were formed therefrom ; .and by an act passed on the same day, all such parts of the Steuben Patent as were pre viously included in the towns of Remsen and Trenton were annexed to the town of Steuben. Prior to 1802 all the courts in Oneida county were held at the school house near Fort Stanwix ; in that year they were held at the school house ne'ar Hugh White's in Whitesboro. By an act passed April 6, 1803, the courts of Oyer and Terminer and the Circuit Courts in Oneida county were authorized to be held either in Rome or Whitesboro, at the discretion of the justices of the Supreme Court ; and the courts of General Sessions of the Peace and the Common Pleas in and for said county were required to be alternately held between Rome and Whites- town. And the same act provided, that the commissioners appointed by the supervisors of the county for building the jail in said county were directed to cause the doors of the jail lately built at Rome to be made complete, and the supervisors were directed to audit and pay the ac counts. On February 26, 1803, an act was passed authorizing the su pervisor of Oneida county to raise $500 for finishing and completing the jail at Whitestown. The following shows the towns of Oneida county in 1803, the number of residents and non-residents, the names of the supervisors, and the aggregate valuation in each town : 1788 TO 1806— FORMATION OF THE COUNTY. 153 SUPERVISORS AND TOWNS. 1. Jedediah Phelps, Verona 2. Daniel Kelley, Lowville 3. Sheldon Parmelee, Augusta... .. 4. Gershom Hinckley, Jr., Remsen 5. Joseph Jones, Westmoreland... 6. Jesse Curtis, Paris . .'. 7. Henry Huntington, Rome 8. Geo. Doolittle, Whitestown 9. Samuel Wetmore, Vernon 10. Nathan Sage, Redfield 11. Henry Wager, Western 12. Isaac Brayton, Deerfield 13. Henry Coffeen, Watertown 14. Asa Brayton, Martinsburg 15. Silas Southwell, Leyden 16. David Coffeen. Rutland 17. Samuel Sizer, Steuben 18. Eleazer House, Turin 19. Noadiah Hubbard, Champion... 20. Jacob Brown, Brownville 21. Jarvis Pike, Floyd 22. Lewis Graves, Harrisburg 23. Nicholas Salisbury, Adams 24. Reuben Hamilton, Mexico 25. John Humaston, Camden 26. John Storrs, Trenton 27. Asher Flint, Bridgewater CO CO 0) •3 1 CO •d a IU o Pi a fc Z 107 28 161 224 7 53 24 171 17 758 .28 248 25 600 6 160 9 55 17 252 30 181 16 163 24 53 13 183 42 129 18 143 25 145 7 93 16 124 6 142 25 110 9 120 12 121 45 194 29 158 17 187 12 be be < $ 48,129.0041,300.0082,271.00 57,544.00 211,223.00 403,139.00 189,748.00 705,113.00 65,966.0052,537.50 127,043.00240,532.00 46,412.10 45,418.80 287,885.77 29,734.0075,209.11 279,824.00 27,263.00 484,856.75 149,332.00 54,006.0083,455.37 628,071.00129,499.00 116,250.70145,441.00 By an act passed March 24, 1804, the towns of Adams and Mexico, then in Oneida county, were divided, and the towns of Harrison, Malta, and Williamstown formed out of such division. February 16, 1805, the town of Camden was divided and the town of Florence formed therefrom. And now the time was near at hand when it was self-evident that the county of Oneida was to be divided and one or more counties formed from the territory detached. The settlement in what are now Jefferson and Lewis counties, and in the town of Redfield and contiguous terri tory, placed the inhabitants of those localities at a great inconvenience in going to Rome for a county seat, as the settlers in Oneida and Herki mer counties had suffered in going to Johnstown and later to Herkimer for county seats, before Herkimer and Oneida counties were or- 20 154 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ganized. In 1804 the excitement ran high. The towns of Redfield, Champion, Watertown, Brownville, Lowville, and Martinsburgh aspired to be county seats. The first two named did not expect the honor if two counties were formed. At Redfield Square was quitea settlement, made prior to 1800. The leader there was Capt. Nathan Sage; he had been in the Revolution, commander of the war vessel Middletown, six teen guns and one hundred men, and came from Connecticut about 1795. At Champion was Judge Noadiah Hubbard, father of the late Judge F. W. Hubbard, of Watertown. He went in 1797 from Steuben in Oneida county, with a number of others, to settle on the new town ship now known as Champion, and to act as agent for the two owners (Champion and Storrs). He started in the fall, went down Black River to Carthage, then known as Long Falls ; thence across the country eight to ten miles through an unbroken wilderness to Champion. There were also in 1804 settled at Champion three young lawyers, in expecta tion that it would be selected as the county seat, viz. : Moss Kent, Egbert Ten Eyck, and Henry R. Storrs. Mr. Kent was brother of Chancellor Kent and land agent for land owners ; later assemblyman and congressman from Jefferson. Mr. Ten Eyck was later county judge and member of congress and of the Assembly; he was later the father-in-law of the late Judge Mullin. Henry R. Storrs was son of one of the proprietors of the township and went from Whitesboro to Champion ; when that town did not become a county seat he returned to Whitesboro, became one of the most eloquent jury lawyers in the State, judge of Oneida county and member of congress four terms. At Watertown was Henry Coffeen, the first county clerk, and a host of other strong men. At Brownville was Gen. Jacob Brown, who settled there in 1799 and was agent for Le Ray. He, like Colonel Willett, was of Quaker origin, yet both became military heroes, Colonel Willett in the Revolution, and General Brown in the war of 1812. At Lowville was Judge Stow and at Martinsburgh General Martin, both with large landed interests to be benefited by the location of the county seat. All of these men, as well as most of those who settled in the " rural dis tricts" early in the present century, and seventy- five or even fifty years ago, were generally remarkable men. " They were giants in those days." Those in this county whose names readily come to memory, without 1806 TO 1812. 155 consulting records, are such men as Judge Amos Woodworth of Florence; Caleb Goodrich and Richard Hurlburt, of Boonville; Judge Israel Stoddard, of Camden the " king of the Fish Creek nation," who carried th,e towns of Camden, Annsville, Vienna, and Verona in his pocket ; Delos De Wolf, of Bridgewater ; " King" David Moulton, of Floyd ; Hiram Shays and the Prescotts, of New Hartford ; John D. Leland of Deerfield ; Aaron Stafford, of Sangerfield ; Judge Truman Enos, and Pomroy Jones, of Westmoreland ; David and Squire Utley, and the Wagers and the Braytons, of Western; Israel S. Parker, of Vienna.. Well, the outcome of the division of Oneida county was that two counties were taken off, Jefferson and Lewis; the one named after the then president of the United States, and the other after Morgan Lewis, then governor of the State. The county seat for Jefferson was located at Watertown ; the one for Lewis at Martinsburgh. The act incorpo rating those counties passed March 28, 1805 ; and by the same act the town of Boonville was formed from that of Leyden which remained in Oneida county. CHAPTER XIV. 1806 TO 1812. On March 21, 1806, an act was passed dividing the town of Mexico, then in Oneida county, and forming the town of Fredericksburg (now Volney, Oswego county) from a portion of the territory. On the 2d of April, 1806, an act was passed authorizing the Board of Supervisors of Oneida county to raise $4,000 for the purpose of build ing the court houses in the county, one to be erected near the jail at Whitesboro, and one near the jail at Rome. These two court houses were erected- accordingly and completed about 1807. Both were built of brick. The one at Whitesboro is still standing and is now used as the town hall ; over the front door is a marble tablet bearing the inscription, " Erected in 1807." The court house in Rome was erected at the same 156 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. time and was destroyed by fire March 15,1 848. At the time of the fire there were three prisoners in the jail (two men and one woman), and one of the prisoners was first to give the alarm ; he stated the smoke found its way into his room, and seemed to come from the roof of the jail, and the fire had made such headway when first discovered, it was evident the jail could not be saved ; the court house was forty feet westerly from the jail, and between the two buildings was a wooden build ing ; that was torn down to save the court house, but of no use. The prisoners were removed and Mrs. Calvin Washburn, the jailor's wife, was sick in bed ; she, too, was carried to a place of safety. The west wind was blowing furiously, and carried burning cinders and shingles to near dwellings, and also to the roof of the M. E. church, which then stood in close proximity. A burning shingle was carried by the wind to the spire of that church and lodged above the dome and set it on fire. A number of men went up the steeple on the inside, and Albert Soper, more venturesome than the rest, broke a hole through the top of the dome, and went to the outside, and at that dizzy height, with one hand clung to the edges of the loose tin with which the dome was covered, and with the other hand and a tin dipper, dashed water on and put out the fire. A number of old residents remember that fire ; but nothing was so vividly impressed on their memories, as they related to the au thor the story of that fire, as that daring, fearless adventure of Albert Soper. A sketch and a picture of Mr. Soper, appear elsewhere in this volume. It is supposed both court buildings were very much alike, if not exactly the same, and smaller than the present Rome court house. Where the brick were made which were used in the buildings is uncer tain. They were brought from Albany via the Mohawk River. John Healt came to Rome in 18 16 from Herkimer county. His son, David W., now over seventy-five years old, and John Healt's daughter, Sarah, now over eighty, relate that they often heard their father say that he helped pole the boats up the Mohawk from Albany which carried those brick ; that their father in those days did much of that kind of work and that his shoulders were as raw as a piece of uncooked beef, caused by the pole resting against them while pushing boats up the stream. When the Rome court house was burned in 1848, Woodman Kimball, an old Rome contractor, had the job of building the present Rome court house 1806 TO 1812. 157 and the right to the old brick. The brick were used by him in erecting the dwelling which was his, and which now stands on the corner of George and Court streets. February 20, 1807, the town of Williamstown, then in Oneida county, was divided and the town of Richland formed, and a part added to the town of Redfield. By an act passed April 3, of the same year, the town of Camden was divided and the town of Orange was formed from it. On April 6, 1808, Orange was changed to the town of Bengal, and on April 12, 1816, that town was changed to the present town of Vienna. On April 8, 1808, the town of Williamstown in Oneida county was again divided and the town of Constantia was erected. In February, 1808, an act was passed authorizing the governor of New York to distribute military stores in different parts of the State, and among other places Rome was designated as the depository of 700 stand of arms. The records of Oneida county clerk's office show that in June, 1809, Dominick Lynch deeded to the State by gift a parcel of land now occupied by St. Peter's church in Rome, on the road leading to Floyd. The premises were 98 by 200 feet and were to be used for a deposit for military stores ; and when for three years they ceased to be used for that purpose, the land was to revert to the grantor. A brick building with a stone foundation was erected about 1809 or 18 10 and used by the State for storing arms until 1822. On May 22 of that year that building was destroyed by fire, after which the arms not burned were removed to the U. S. Arsenal, then on Wood Creek, Rome, now the bath tub factory. On March 19, 18 10, an act was passed directing the supervisors of Oneida county to raise money not exceeding $1,000 forthe purpose of completing the court houses in the county. April 5, 181 1, the town of Fredericksburgh, Oneida county, was divided and the town of Scriba was formed from its territory, and the rest of the town of Fredericksburgh took the name of Volney. March 1, 1816, the towns of Constantia, Mexico, New Haven, Red- field, Richland, Scriba, Volney, Williamstown (all then in Oneida county), and Hannibal in Onondaga county, were formed into a new county named Oswego. Whatever other changes were subsequently made in the towns of Oneida county will be described in the history of 158 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE! the respective towns. The matters contained in preceding chapters relative to the formation of Oneida county show how it happened that our county was given two court houses and two jails — in fact two county seats. Members of the local bar half a century ago, whose memories went back a quarter of a century farther, stated to the author that they re membered when stocks and the pillory were in use in this county for the punishment of minor offenses. Hamilton Spencer, son of the late Joshua A. Spencer, stated that among his early recollections of Whites boro jail, was seeing a man in the stocks standing in the court house yard for some minor offense. The stocks were made of' two upright posts and a platform on which the offender sat, while his legs were thrust through two holes in a board in front of the platform, and there fastened. The pillory was similar except that the offender's head and arms were put through the board in front. The late Harmon Pease and Hon. Philo White, of Whitesboro, related seeing in their younger days the stocks in the court yard in that village, about midway between the court house and Main street. By an act passed March 24, 1787, punishment for petit larceny by whipping was authorized, not to exceed thirty-nine lashes in one day; and whipping posts were in use and in jail yards after the American Revolution ; but by an act passed March 26, 1796, that mode of pun ishment was abolished. By an act passed February 7, 1788, forcer- tain offenses and in certain cases the offenders were ordered " set in the pillory for the space of one hour, in some town or public place, where the offense was committed." Cooper, in his " Pioneers," describes the punishment of Leather Stocking, in what is now Otsego county, by placing him in the stocks. That old Indian hunter and trapper, whose domain was the boundless woods, and who never knew what fear, con finement, or restraint was, was humiliated beyond measure to be thus deprived of his liberty, even for one hour. February 23, an act was passed authorizing convicted offenders to be placed in the stocks for two hours for drunkenness, profane cursing and swearing, and similar offenses. This mode of punishment was abolished in this State about the time of the adoption of the Revised Statutes, not far from 1830. 1806 TO 1812. 159 April 30, 1890, Congress authorized for certain offenses against the United States, that the offender should be punished by whipping, not to exceed thirty-nine lashes in one day. February 28, 1839, that mode of punishment was abolished by Congress, as was the pillory and the stocks. It is understood that Delaware is the only State in the Union where the whipping post is retained. It is a matter of interest, as well as astonishment, to read in this enlightened age of the various offenses which were punishable by death in England as late as 1806. There were 160 of them, of which the following are a part : Treason, murder, arson, rape, counterfeiting coin, falsifying judicial records, hunting in the night in disguise, writing threatening letters to extort money, pull ing down toll gates, assembling to produce riots, smuggling, marrying a couple except in church without a license from the Archbishop of Canterbury, wandering as gypsies for thirty days, burglary in the night, stealing from the person over twelve pence, stealing fish, hares, or rob bing on the highway, soldiers or sailors found begging without pro ducing testimonials of their discharge from service. A British soldier who had lost a leg in the battle of Oriskany, or a sailor an arm fighting against Paul Jones off the coast of Gr.eat Britain, was liable to the death penalty if found begging, without producing evidence of his discharge from service ; and in addition to the punishment the offender might be dragged to the place of execution at the heels of horses, or disemboweled while alive, or quartered and the parts nailed up in a conspicuous place( or his skeleton left to rot on the gallows, or his hands and ears cut off and his nose slit, or be branded on the hand or cheek, before execution. With such barbarous laws existing on the statute books of England, is it a wonder that some of the minor punishments should have found their way into the laws of the colonies and remained there for years after we became separated from the mother country ? March 26, 18 10, Congress authorized the third United States, census to be taken, the enumeration to begin on the third Monday in August in that year. For convenience the fourth census of 1820 is also here given, and also the votes for governor in each of those years. In 18 10 Jonas Piatt, who then resided in Whitesboro, was one of the candidates for governor, which may account for the large vote he received in this county ; his majority was 377 in the county, but he was defeated in the 160 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. State by 7,514. Mr. Clinton's majority in the State in 1820 was only 1,457. Following is the record of votes in each of those years in the towns then in Oneida county : -Population. - 1810. 1820. ,— Governor, 1810.^ o QQ ,— Governor, 1820.- B 3 p.S a u% to O Augusta Boonville Bridgewater Bengal (Vienna) Camden Constantia Deerfield - 1 Floyd _.. Florence Fredericksburgh Mexico . . . Paris •_ : Remsen . _ Redfield Richland Lee Rome Steuben _ Sangerfield Trenton Verona Vernon Westmoreland . . Whitestown Williamstown .. Western... Scriba Utica 2,004 393 1,170 454 1,132 153 1,232 970396 "845 5,418 489 362947 2~6631,105 1,324 1,5481,01-41,5191,135 4,912 562 2,416 328 2,7711,294 1,533 1,307 1,772 2~346 1,498 640 6,707 912 2,1863,5691,4612,011 2,6172,4472,7072,7915,219 2~237 2^972 150 15 63 4668 7 6299 33 5 61 187 19 54 73 100 83 44 459888 48 161 34 255 200 52 8825 110 19 552829 6 61 465 14 3 79 8257 133 8253 102 93 372 48 25 66 24 3520 3372 16 129 123 964426 41 782095 103 64 134 1625 104 36 86 149166 976141 430 31 32 140 51 142133 95 196 135 260 3224 .108 122 Whatever Oneida county history there is from this period down to the close of the war of 1812 is so closely interwoven with that war that it is difficult, as well as unnecessary, to treat it separately. A brief sketch of that war, in which Oneida county figures, is given in the next chapter. THROUGH THE WAR OF 1812. 161 CHAPTER XV. THROUGH THE WAR OF 1812. With the close of the war of the Revolution the long-harassed inhab itants of the Mohawk valley turned to peaceful vocations, intent only upon providing homes for themselves and their children ; and before the loud alarms of war again resounded through the land fifteen years later, marked and important changes had taken place in the territory of which this work treats. Many settlers had come in and at various points formed the nucleus of hamlets, usually where mills were built ; forests fell before the pioneer's axe leaving clearings around every log house that year by year extended their boundaries and gladdened the owner's heart with larger crops ; early mills were built and primitive stores were opened where the settler and his family could procure their limited sup plies without the long journeys of the first years ; schools and churches were established and roads opened in many directions, making it possi ble for distant neighbors to meet for social and other purposes and ren dering communication with mill and store more easy. But this prog ress was slow and followed only upon arduous and unremitting toil and many hardships. It will be correctly inferred that the first settlers in the Mohawk val ley were a patriotic band ; it could scarcely be otherwise after their pro longed and bitter experience at the hands of the enemy, in whose ranks had fought a considerable number of their former neighbors and ac quaintances — the so-called tories. When the war closed there was shown a disposition on the part of many of the tories to return to the State and occupy their former homesteads. This prospect called forth from the Whigs the most emphatic protests and practical opposition. At a meeting of the inhabitants of the Canajoharie and Mohawk dis tricts, proceedidgs were enacted that demonstrated in the most remark able manner the feelings of the patriots towards their recreant neigh- 162 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. bors. After recounting in a preamble the barbarities of the tories the following was adopted : Therefore, Resolved unanimously, That all those who have gone off to the enemy, or have been banished by any law of this State, or those who we shall find tarried as spies and tools of the enemy, and encouraged and harbored those who went away, shall not live in this district under any pretence whatever ; and as for those who have washed their faces from Indian paint, and their hands from the innocent blood of our dear ones, and have returned either openly or covertly, we hereby warn them to leave this district, before the 20th of June next, or they may expect to feel the just resentment of an injured and determined people. This document is dated May 9, 1783. Similar and more extended resolutions were adopted at a meeting held in Fort Plain on the 7th day of June, 1783. The patriotism of the people would not even tolerate the name "Tryon '' as applied to the great county embracing a large part of the State, and it was changed to Montgomery on the 2d of April, 1784. The reader has learned in the preceding chapter that the territory of Oneida county presented characteristics that would be sure to attract settlers as soon as guarantees of peace was established. No land fairer than the Mohawk valley exists anywhere, and the natural features of other parts of the county are little less attractive. Hence, when peace settled down upon the country, the pioneers came in rapidly, many of them having become to some extent familiar with the region during the Revolution. Whitestown and Vienna each received its first settler i 1784, Rome in 1785, Westmoreland about the same time; in 1786 there were a few houses in the vicinity of Utica, and in 1788 New Hartford was first settled, while Kirkland had received her earliest pioneer in the previous year. Steuben, Paris and Western were settled in 1789, Floyd in 1790, and before the middle of that decade nearly or quite all of the towns of the county had welcomed their pioneers.1 Between the close of the war and the first year of the present century almost all of the ter ritory of the county (including the colonial patents) had been granted in land patents which are described in Chapter X. The progress that had been made in the valley was recorded by Capt. Charles Williamson, an English land agent, who made a journey from Schenectady westward in 1792. He said: 1 This, of course, leaves out of consideration the settlements of Fort Stanwix and Deerfield described in Chapter V. THROUGH THE WAR OP 1812. 163 After leaving Schenectady I traveled over a most beautiful country eighty miles to Fort Schuyler (old Fort Schuyler, the site of Utica), where I forded the Mohawk. This extent was the scene of the British and savage cruelty during the late war, and they did not cease while anything remained to destroy. What a contrast now ! Ev ery house and barn rebuilt, the pastures crowded with cattle, sheep, etc., and the lap of Ceres full. I next passed through Whitestown. It would appear to you, my friend, on hearing the relation of events in this western country, that the whole was fable; and if you were placed in Whitestown or Clinton, ten miles west from Fort Schuyler, and could see the progress of improvement, you would believe it en chanted ground. You would there view an extensive, well built town, surrounded by highly cultivated fields, which spot in the year 1783 was the ' ' haunt of tribes " and the hiding-place of wolves, now a flourishing, happy situation, containing about six thousand people. Clinton stands a little south of Whitestown, and is a very large, thriving town. After passing Clinton there are no inhabitants upon the road until you reach Oneida, an Indian town, the first of the Six Nations. It contians about five hundred and fifty inhabitants, Elkanah Watson from whose journal of 1788 we have already quoted in Chapter VIII made another journey in 1791, accompanied in the lat ter by Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, and kept a voluminous diary, from which some pertinent quotations will be of interest in this connection. He left Albany on the ist of September, and after noting events and places in his travels to this vicinity, he writes as follows under date of September 8 and later : September 8. — A pleasant sail of ten miles this fine morning brought us to Old Fort Schuyler. Here we were joined by General Van Cortlandt and Mr. Bayard, who were waiting for us, which completes our number to thirteen. From Little Falls, thus far, the river is nearly competent to inland navigation, with the exception of a serious rapid, and a great bend at the German Flats, called, Wolf -riff, which must be subdued either by a cut across the neck of land, upwards of one mile, or by removing the obstructions. An Indian road being opened from this place (now Utica) to the Genesee country, it is probable that the position at Fort Stanwix and this spot will become rivals as to the site of a town, in connection with the interior, when it shall become a settled country. If, however, the canals should be constructed, I think Fort Stanwix will take the lead at a future day. Such was my impressions when there in 1788. Since that only a few houses and stores have been erected here, also a tolerable tavern to administer comfort to the weary traveler, which I experienced the want of three years past. In the afternoon we progressed thirteen miles, meeting many obstructions in conse quence of the cruel conduct of the hew settlers (who are wonderfully increased since I was here), filling the river with fallen trees cut on its margin, narrowing it in many places, producing shoals where the deepest waters had been accustomed to flow, and impeding the progress of our boats. We pitched our camp on the right bank of the river, in the midst of woods. All hands fell to work, soldier-like. We soon had a 164 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. roaring fire and the tents pitched, — open on one side to the fire, and closed at each end with canvas. We found an excellent substitute for feathers, laying our buffaloes on hemlock twigs ; although the ground was extremely moist, we were effectually protected from any inconvenience. We enjoyed a pleasant night, with ten times more comfort than we could in the miserable log huts along the banks of the river. September g. — At noon we reached Fort Stanwix, to which place, with some aid of art, the river continues adapted to inland navigation for boats of five tons burthen. Emigrants are swarming into these fertile regions in shoals, like the 'ancient Isra elites, seeking the land of promise. We transported our boats and baggages across the carrying-place, a distance of two miles, over a dead flat, and launched them into Wood Creek, running west. It is a mere brook at this place, which a man can easily jump across. In contemplating this important creek, the only water communication with the immense regions in the West, which are destined to bless millions of freemen in the approaching century, I am deeply impressed with the belief, considering the great resources of the State, that the improvement of our internal navigation cannot much longer escape the de cided attention of our law-makers, and more especially as it is obviously practicable. When effected, it will open an uninterrupted water communication from the immense fertile regions in the West to the Atlantic. But more of this as I advance in my travels. The situation of Fort Stanwix appears destined to become a great city. It lies in an open plain, — healthy, and exactly at the point where the eastern and western waters unite. There is a large clearing about the old fort, with two or three scatter ing houses. No progress has, however, been made since I attended the treaty here in 1788, although the plan of a city is now contemplated. September 10. — This morning our bateaux began to descend Wood Creek, with the aid of a mill-dam which had been filled just above. Some of our party at the same time descended by land on a tolerable wagon road to Canada Creek six miles. Although aided by the sluice, we progressed with infinite difficulty. In many places the windings are so sudden and so short, that while the bow of the boat was plowing the bank on one side, her stern was rubbing hard against the opposite shore. In some places our men were obliged to drag the boats by main strength, and in others the boughs and limbs were so closely interwoven and so low as to arch the creek completely over, and oblige all hands to lie flat. These obstacles, together with the sunken logs and trees, rendered our progress extremely difficult, often almost impracticable. From a superficial view of this important creek, it appears to me the great difficul ties may be surmounted,— First, by cutting away all the bushes and trees on its banks; second, by cutting across the necks, and removing all sunken logs and trees; and, lastly, by erecting substantial sluices or inclined planes at given distances, so as to continue a head of water from sluice to sluice. This creek in its present state may be considered a natural canal, from ten to twenty feet wide. Bateaux which ascend the creek, and frequently the descending boats, at this sea son, are dragged by horses traveling in the water. This is a work of incredible fatigue and difficulty. The accession of Canada Creek more than doubles the size of Wood Creek. THROUGH THE WAR OP 1812. 165 September n. — Last night and this day we were inundated by heavy rains, which our tent was unable to repel; in consequence we were all exposed in the most uncom fortable manner. In the intervals of showers we amused ourselves by catching fish. Salmon, Oswego bass, catfish, chubs, trout, pike, are the fish common in this river. Salmon are sometimes caught at the mill-dams, near Fort Stanwix. September 12. — At 2 o'clock we reached the royal block-house, at the east end of the Oneida Lake. The innumerable crooks and turns in Wood' Creek carried us to every point of the compass. Should the Western canals be ever attempted, I am per suaded this creek may be shortened at least one-third. The lands on each side of Wood Creek are low, and heavily timbered with beech, maple, oak, elm, linden, and, near the lake, some white pine. Bears are plenty, and. deer scarce. At two miles from the lake the river suddenly widened, and we took to our oars. Fish Creek, one mile nearer the lake, falls into Wood Creek from the north, and is about one hundred feet wide. Thence to the lake the stream is bold and spacious. We caught a catfish as large as a common-sized cod, measuring five inches between the eyes. September 13. — This morning we wrote home by a boat coming from the West loaded with hemp, raised at the south of Cayuga Lake. What a glorious acquisition to agriculture and commerce do these fertile and extensive regions in the West pre sent in anticipation ! And what a pity, since the partial hand of nature has nearly completed the water communication from our utmost borders to the Atlantic Ocean, that art should not be made subservient to her to complete the work ! Immediately after breakfast we embarked, doubled a point of land, and entered the Oneida Lake with our sails filled to a light easterly breeze. The lake opened to our view, spreading before us like a sea. We glided smoothly over its surface, and were delighted with a charming day. On the south is the Oneida Reservation, at present inhabited by the Oneida nation of Indians. The country lies flat for eight or ten miles, and then swells into waving hills. On the north it is generally low, but heavily timbered. This lake is thirty miles long, and from five to eight broad. We are now sailing parallel with the Ontario Ocean, which I hope to see, and at least enjoy in delightful anticipation the prospect of a free and open water communication from thence to the Atlantic, via Albany and New York. Near the west end of the lake are two small islands, on one of which resides a re spectable Frenchman, who came from France a few years since, and has voluntarily sequestered himself from the world and taken up his solitary abode upon this island, with no society but his dogs, guns, and library, yet he appeared happy and con tent. This lake is extremely turbulent and dangerous, a small breeze producing a short, bobbing sea, in consequence of its shoal waters. The bateauxmen commonly hug the north shore as safest, as well as more direct from point to point. On that side these points project less into the lake than on the south shore. The wind soon rose to a brisk side gale, which occasioned such a dan gerous agitation as obliged us to make a harbor at Twelve-Mile Point, near which we noticed two large bears walking along the shore in majestic confidence. We trolled with our lines and caught some bass. The day concluded with heavy rains and a violent squall.' In spite of our tents we were much wet and suffocated with smoke. 166 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The territorial divisions of Montgomery county prior to the erection of Oneida county, have been described as far as necessary for the pur poses of this work, in former chapters. On the 15th of March, 1798, an act was passed by the Legislature dividing the county of Herkimer and erecting from its territory the new counties of Chenango and Oneida, The new county of Oneida included all of what are now the counties of Oneida, Lewis, and Jefferson, and all that part of Oswego county lying east of Oswego River: The territory of St. Lawrence county also appears to have nominally been included, but it was provisionally annexed to Clinton county in 1801, and erected into a separate county on March 3, 1802. The town of Sangerfield was included in Chenango county, but was annexed to Oneida county April 4, 1804. At the beginning of this century the population of New York State had reached 589,000, of which total about 60,000 dwelt in New York city. Albany was a considerable community, while at Utica, Rochester and Buffalo the foundation had been laid for the present thriving cities. At Oswego the incipient commerce of the great lake was beginning its growth, and salt from Salina was passing eastward through the Mohawk valley. Development through Central New York was early stimulated by improvement of the old waterway so frequently mentioned in the previous chapters by the Western Inland Lock and Navigation Com pany. This improvement consisted of the construction of a canal with locks around the rapids at Little Falls, the opening of a canal from Rome to Wood Creek, connecting thence with Oneida Lake, and the improve ment of navigation facilities in the Oswego and the Seneca Rivers. The work was completed in 1800 and many early settlers in this county, carrying their families and household stores, traveled over this route, and until the opening of the Erie Canal it was of vast commercial im portance to the whole State. In 18 1 2 the firm of Eri Lasher & Co. were running during the season a weekly line of boats from Schenec tady for Cayuga, Seneca Falls, and Oswego, which, with the use of wagons kept constantly in readiness, enabled them, as they advertised, to " transport from Albany to any part of the western country either by land or water whatever property might be directed to their care." In the mean time the east and west turnpike were considerably im proved, as described in Chapter IX. THROUGH THE WAR OF 1812. 167 Early in the century began the acts on the part of England and France which resulted in another war. Through orders issued by Great Britain and deerees made by Napoleon, all American commerce in neu tral ships with either of those nations was suspended. American sailors were claimed as British subjects and seized on American vessels, the right to board such vessels for this purpose being one of the unjust claims set up by Great Britain. These and other outrages continued until forbearance was exhausted. Late in October, 1807, Congress opposed this action by laying an embargo on all vessels in United States harbors. This measure, necessary as it may have appeared as a gen eral policy, was disastrous to the mercantile and shipping interests of the whole country. The embargo act was supported by a large par.t of the Democratic party, and as strongly opposed by the Federalists. On June 1, 18 12, President Madison sent a confidential message to Congress in which he reviewed the causes of complaint against Great Britain and called upon that body to decide whether they would act upon their rights and as duty dictated, or remain passive under accumu lating injustice. It was well known that the president favored prompt retaliation. By one party he was urged by* ridicule as well as threats to declare war, while the other bitterly opposed such a policy. Mad ison's message was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, which, on June 3, made a report favoring the president's views and ac companied by a bill declaring war with Great Britain. An attempt was made to include France in the declaration, which failed. After much debate and amid great excitement throughout the country, Con gress passed the bill on July 18, and the president signed it. On the 19th the president issued a proclamation announcing the fact and call ing on the people of the country to support the government in 'its war policy. Although, of course, the settlers in Oneida county felt a deep interest in the approaching conflict, their inland situation relieved them to a great extent from the special anxiety that existed on the seaboard and at lake ports. At Oswego and Sackett's Harbor, for example, excitement ran high and was reflected to the people of this county) All along the northern frontier the inhabitants realized that war meant the destruction of their developing lake commerce and its many attend ant blessings, while they could not escape the conviction that the ap- 168 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. proaching struggle meant bloodshed and desolation at their very doors. Oswego was still directly and closely connected with Oneida county and the whole valley by the old waterway so frequently mentioned, and memories of the Revolution and the bloody scenes witnessed along its line were still comparatively fresh. Full details of the Oneida county men who took part in this war can not be obtained. It is known that after the close of the Revolution the militia force of Montgomery county comprised five regiments, consti tuting one brigade, of which Frederick Fisher was commander. Be tween this time and 1812, reorganizations and changes were fre quent. In one of these, made about 1791, a troop of horse was formed of which Jonas Piatt was commander, while John Franks commanded a company of artillery. At the breaking out of the war, or very soon thereafter, there was a general reorganization and exten sion of the militia, in which many Oneida county men joined. Great Britain again sought to enlist the services of the Six Nations and the Canadian Indians, but failed in the attempt. A council was held in Buffalo on the 6th of July, 1812, where speeches were made by the great Seneca chief, Red Jacket, and by representatives of the govern ment, and a policy of neutrality decided upon by the Senecas, who promised also to influence the Mohawks to adopt the same course. The Indians evidently soon foresaw where their interests lay and by the year 1814 the American forces were augmented by large bodies of the Iro quois and other nations. Military preparations were made and minor events occurred on the northern frontier in 1812. Provisions were early made for a naval squadron on Lake Ontario, in view of the facility with which the British could occupy its waters for offensive demonstrations. At each end of the lake was an important military gateway through which the enemy could send expeditions to act upon water or land. At the beginning of the conflict the only armed vessel on the lake was the Oneida, but all available craft were soon purchased by the government and armed. Commodore Chauncey made his headquarters at Sackett's Harbor in the fall of 1812, and with several vessels blockaded Kingston, Canada, until the ice closed it in. Late in the autumn, in anticipation of an at tack upon Ogdensburg, Gen. Jacob Brown was sent thither, where he THROUGH THE WAR OF 1812. 169 arrived October ist. He was none too early, for on the next day a flotilla of British vessels with about 750 men from Prescott attacked the place. They were soon repulsed. Some time in 18 12, the first de tachment from Oneida county went to Sackett's Harbor under com mand of Colonel Bellinger. This detachment was accompanied by Major Samuel Dill, of Rome. Joshua Hathaway, of Rome, was appointed quartermaster- general of the State and ordered to the same post. On the 22d of June, 1812, four days after war was declared, two expresses passed through Utica and Rome, with news of the war declaration, and on the 13th of August a company of flying artillery, 139 strong, from Lancaster, Pa., passed through Utica and Rome, on their way to the frontier. In the fall of 18 12 the militia of Oneida county were called out and ordered to Sackett's Harbor, and the 157th regi ment, known as the Rome regiment, commanded by Col. John West- cott, of Rome, marched to that post. Among the officers were Lieut- Col. Joshua G. Green, Captains Rudd, Fillmore, Church, Grannis, Hinckley and Peck, and Adjutant Samuel Beardsley, Paymaster Jay Hathaway, a Roman, and Surgeon Henry H. Smith. ' In September, 18 12, a body of 800 drafted men from Albany camped in Utica for a week, and during their stay the number was increased to 1,600, with drafted men and volunteers. They were from the eastern and southern counties of the State, were under command of General Dodge, and were wholly undisciplined and committed many petty depredations. About the 20th of September the 5th United States Regiment, recruited in Maryland, under command of Colonel Milton, passed north They were insolent to their officers and clamorous for their long overdue pay. On the 22d of September two companies of light artillery from Baltimore and Philadelphia, marched through Utica and Rome, north, and on the 30th ninety sailors passed through on their way to Sackett's Harbor. On the 5th of October, 150 men, including the crew of the John Adams, under command of Lieutenant Pettigrew, with fifty wagons, camped in Utica twenty- four hours, and then left for Buffalo. They are credited with thefts and other depredations. On the day of their departure, 1 30 more men with twenty wagons passed through. On the ioth of October, 130 United States marines passed 1 Jones's Annals of Oneida County. 22 170 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. through Utica, their neat uniforms and soldierly bearing in marked con trast to the looks and acts of the militia volunteers. On the 13th and 14th other bodies of troops passed through the county. On the 24th of that month the 23d. United States Regiment arrived at Utica from Al bany. They started out 300 strong, but had lost some by desertion. They also were demanding their back pay and $2 was given to each man with a double allowance of liquor. On the 27th they resumed their march for Buffalo. At about the same time 130 artillerymen passed through Utica, and with the coming on of winter several de tachments were quartered in and around Utica and New Hartford. On the 16th of February, 1813, Baltimore volunteers to the number of 190, under Captain Moore, broke in the door of the hotel and took possession. On the 6th of April a detachment of 1 50 light horse came to Utica from Sackett's Harbor, having left that post on account of scarcity of provisions ; and on the 13th of the same month 150 more arrived. On the 24th and 25th about 500 soldiers were in Utica, and 100 sailors belonging to the famous frigate, Constitution, halted at Deer field Corners. The latter departed for Sackett's Harbor, having come from Boston to Utica in wagons. Following them came 500 horse and foot soldiers who passed on towards Buffalo. During April and May movements of other bodies of troops through the country were numer ous and frequent. On the 14th of May the high grounds above the village of Utica were covered with tents. On the 15th and 16th not less than 900 men are reported as passing through from Massachusetts, and four days later left, accompanied on their march by a body of dis mounted cavalry. All were dissatisfied with their rations, their pay and their duties. On the 23d of May about 500 men, mostly from the 21st United States Regiment, slept in Deerfield barns, grumbling like the rest and dissatisfied with the war. On the 26th a column of from 500 to 1,000 men passed Utica, and about the 15th of June 300 of the 14th , United States Regiment arrived at the village, with a rifle company. In the latter part of this month and the forepart of July the town was thronged with sailors on their way to Sackett's Harbor, and on the 19th of July 270 men from the 3d and the 25th U. S. Regiments were in Utica. On the 22d a salute was fired there in honor of the arrival of Gen. Henry Dearborn. THROUGH THE WAR OF 1812. 171 These many military movements need not be followed further. They continued through the year, and as the war progressed were varied by the passage of British prisoners On the 3d of November Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry was in Utica and was given a public dinner. These brief chronicles are derived from the diary of Dr. Alexander Coventry, of Utica, and are sufficient to indicate the fact that the inhabitants of Oneida county were kept on the alert as to the progress of the war and its bearing upon their own locality. During the year 181 3 Sackett's Harbor was the chief depot of military and naval supplies on Lake Ontario and presented a tempting prize for the enemy. About noon of May 28, 1813, Sir James L. Yeo, com manding the British squadron, arrived off Sackett's Harbor from Kings ton, with six armed vessels and forty bateaux carrying more than 1,000 troops. The harbor was feebly protected and a prompt assault would have resulted in its capture ; but the appearance of a few American gun boats transporting a regiment to its relief, frightened away the enemy. An attack was, however, made on the following day, and fearing cap- -ture, the Americans burned stores worth $500,000. The British, see ing the hurrying to and fro of the people on the land, fled in disorder to their vessels and the whole squadron sailed away. Sackett's Harbor was not again molested. In the month of June several armed vessels of the British appeared off Oswego harbor. They opened fire on Fort Ontario, then occupied by a small garrison. Anchored in the harbor was the American vessel, Growler, of three guns. She replied vigorously, as did also the fort batteries, and after a brief cannonade the enemy retired. In 1 8 12 a brilliant young naval officer, twenty-seven years old, had charge of a fleet of gun boats in New York harbor. In 18 13 he was called northward, served a short time on Lake Ontario under Commo dore Chauncey, and was then given command of an armed fleet of nine small vessels on Lake Erie. This young officer's name was Oliver Hazard Perry. His flag ship was the Lawrence. On September 10 he encountered the British squadron and after a desperate and bloody battle the enemy was defeated with a loss of 200 killed and 600 pris oners. Perry announced his victory to General Harrison by sending his famous message " We have met the enemy and they are ours." 172 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Operations were also active on the Niagara frontier during 1813 and culminated on the last day of the year in the burning of Buffalo and Black Rock, a deed which the British justified by the previous burning of Newark, on the other side of the river, by the Americans. It was during the year 1816 that the United States government com pleted the arsenal in Rome, commenced in 18 14, to which reference has already been made. A State arsenal had been built prior to 18 10, on the site of St. Peter's church in Rome, and which was burned May 22, 1822. The United States arsenal, with its officers' quarters, magazines, and workshops, was quite a pretentious establishment and was erected under superintendence of Major James Dalliba, of the ordnance depart ment. The arsenal property was sold in 1873 to Mudge & Ames and converted into a knitting factory. Early in 18 14 it was evident that the British intended a more vig orous prosecution of the war. The victory of the allies over Napoleon had relieved from European service thousands of English soldiers, and early in the summer nearly 1 5,000 of Wellington's bronzed veterans were sent over to Canada. The inhabitants of this State received this news with deep concern. During the winter and spring the military author ities on both sides of the St. Lawrence and the lakes made preparations for a determined struggle, with Lake Ontario as the prize. Commander Chauncey was adding largely to his fleet at Sackett's Harbor, which was finally armed with guns and provided with stores sent from Albany by way of Mohawk, Rome, Wood Creek, Oneida Lake and down the Oswego River to Oswego, whither they were transported by water. This armament was delayed at Oswego Falls, and there were also large quantities of military stores accumulated at Oswego With all these valuable and much needed supplies feebly protected and with Commodore Chauncey practically tied up at Sackett's Harbor awaiting their arrival, an auspicious opportunity was presented to the British for an attack on the important post of Oswego. They promptly availed themselves of the opportunity. No sooner had the ice left Kingston harbor than Sir James Yeo sailed out with a fleet of eight war vessels, several other fighting craft, and a force of about 3,000 men, with Oswego as his destination. As soon as General Gaines (Edmund P.), then in command on the land at Sackett's Harbor, learned that a fleet was pre- THROUGH THE WAR OP 1812. 173 paring to sail from Kingston, he sent Colonel Mitchell with five artillery companies, about 300 strong, armed as infantry, to Oswego with orders to protect the threatened stores at all hazards. Mitchell arrived at Fort; Ontario on April 30, 18 14, and found a wretched state of things — only five rusty guns on the ramparts and dilapidation and ruin on all sides. The assault of the British was made on the 5th and 6th of May. Their fleet anchored half a mile from the fort on the 5th and a force attempted to make a landing; but the prompt and effective defense of Colonel Mitchell and his troops sent the enemy back to his vessels in shattered boats, and the fleet sailed away. Not so on the 6th. Under similar circumstances the fleet returned and the British, outnumbering the Americans two to one, effected a landing, and in spite of a deter mined and heroic defense, drove the garrison to retreat. The enemy fortunately did not pursue, and it is doubtful if they knew of the val uable stores, large quantities of which had been secreted in the vicinity. The British loss was somewhat larger than the American. Five promi nent citizens of Oswego were captured and taken to Kingston, but were soon after released. Strange as it seems under the then existing cir cumstances, the British did nqt occupy Fort Ontario, and it remained without another garrison until 1838. The sound of the cannonading of the battle was heard for miles around, causing intense anxiety. There were Oneida county men present at Oswego and the inhabitants of the county shared in the general apprehension. The stores and munitions were finally safely delivered at Sackett's Harbor. On the 31st of July Commodore Chauncey sailed up the lake from Sackett's Harbor, blockaded Kingston and vainly endeavored to draw Sir James Yeo into action. With the completion of a man-of-war of 1 12 guns in that port in September the American commander pru dently returned to Sackett's Harbor, where the building of two first- class frigates was begun ; they were never finished. When the ice closed in on the lake, the war had ended on the northern frontier. Other principal military operations of the year 18 14, ending with the final victory of General Jackson at New Orleans, January 8, 18 15, were those at Fort Erie July 3, and August 13-15; at Lundy's Lane July 25 ; on Lake Champlain and at Plattsburg September 1 1 ; at Chippewa October 15, and the victories of Decatur and others at sea: 174 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. A treaty of peace was agreed to between commissioners of the United States and those of Great Britain, at Ghent on December 24, 18 14, and ratifications were exchanged at Washington February 17, 181 5. The treaty provided for the mutual restoration of all conquered territory, and for three commissions — one to settle the title to the islands in Pas- samaquoddy Bay ; one to lay out the northeast boundary of the United States as far as the St. Lawrence, and the third to run the line through that river and the lakes to the Lake of the Woods. Other minor mat ters were embraced in the treaty. The reception of the news in this country spread joy throughout the land," reaching New York city Feb ruary 11, 18 1 5. Banquets and illuminations followed, not alone in the metropolis, but in many principal villages and cities. No one can now tell us of what he saw in the small villages of Oneida county when the news of peace came slowly northward ; but we may well believe that in proportion to numbers of population, the joy and exultation of our peace-loving settlers were demonstrated with the same enthusiasm dis played elsewhere through the country. The following list of officers is copied from the rolls on file in the office of the county clerk at Utica. From a note at the bottom of the roll it would appear that a part of them belonged to the Third Brigade: Brigadier-Generals.— -Oliver Collins, Joseph Kirkland, Henry McNeil. Colonels. — William Stone, Caleb Clark. Majors. — James Dodd, Samuel Dill, David Curtiss, Gardner Avery, James Lynch, Eleazer Dickinson, Theodore W. Sill (Artillery), Jonathan Tower, John Westcott. Captains. — Francis Brown, Amos Wetmore, William Hubbard, Gurdon Caswell, Fortune C. White, Orrin Gridley, John Harris, Joseph Stone, Asa Bullock, James Gardiner, Jacob Hovey, Timothy L. Bacon, Ichabod Davis, Samuel Shepherd, jr., Edward Grannis, Zimri Howland, G. Chamberlain, Rice Austin, Benjamin Rudd, Peleg Matteson, Asa Baker, Daniel Butts, Joshua Northrup, Edward Grannis, Ed ward Fuller, Ichabod Cole, Enos Githert (Artillery), John Wright (Cavalry). Lieutenants.— Amos Woodward, Bradford Seymour, Salmon Laird, Nathan Rose, Seth Hastings, Henry Bingham, Stephen Leonard, Bridge Wakefield, Samuel Com stock, Nicholas Smith, Albion Smith, W. B. Savage, Abram Catlin, Abel Dewey, James Lynch, Rollin Blount, Chester Andrews, Nathan Eells, A. Earms, John Z. Hartwell, Edward Allen, Dan Bosworth, Calvin Church, Arunah Wright, Jos. A. - Clark, J. C. Greene, Ezekiel Clark Seth Langdon, Gates Peck, A. Spencer (Cav alry), Paul Taft (Cavalry), Charles Wyhe (Artillery), Levi Green (Artillery). Ensigns.— Abel Downey, Job Herrick, Saml. Comstock, Frederick Kellogg, Bar nabas Cook", Rollin Blount, Oren Betts, Wm. B. Savage, James Sage, A. W. Gridley, 1814 TO 1819. 175 Amasa Rowe, Job Herrick, Calvin Pierce, Eliphalet Hotchkiss, Reuben Daggett, Roswell P Hayes, A. W. Gridley, Abel Mosher, Abram Young, Jared Vining, Am asa Hinckley, Jonathan Tibbitts, Hazel Lathrop, Ely Wheelan, Joseph Hallock, William Parker, Aaron Smith, Simeon Fuller. Cornets. — Job Williams, Joel Parker. Adjutants. — Timothy L. Bacon, William Williams, Jonah Bacon, Joshua Bushnell. Quartermasters. — Jonah Bacon, Silas Judson, Waitstill Wolcott, Warren Kent. Paymaster. — Jesse Doolittle. Surgeon. — Roswell P. Hayes. Surgeon's Mate. — Zenas Huntington. Brigade Inspector. — Richard Sanger. Names of officers on file in the county clerk's office belonging to the One Hundred and Fifty seventh Regiment New York Militia in 1818: Colonel John Westcott; Lieu tenant-Colonel, Benjamin Rudd; Major, Joshua G. Green; Surgeon, George Brown; Quartermaster, B. B. Lansing; Paymaster, B. B. Hyde; Adjutant, Robert G. Clark; Captains, Wm. Tallcott, Jonathan Tibbits, Joseph Hallock, David Hill, Simeon Fuller; Lieutenants, John Bailey, James Snyder, James Knox, Milton Bird, Abner Chase; Ensigns, Chester Hayden, Peter Hartwell, James Powell, Benjamin Wig gins, Harvey Phelps. Officers of the rifle company attached to the One Hundred and Fifty-seventh Reg iment, 1818: Captain, Archibald T. Frink; Lieutenant, J. Hathaway; Ensign, Amos Flint. Part of the officers of the Seventy-second Regiment, 1818: Lieutenant-Colonel, Ichabod Davis; Major, Henry Sheldon; Lieutenants, Aaron White, Andrew Bill ings, Eusebius Ball; Ensigns, Stephen Brooks, Matthew Buck; Surgeon, Jeremiah Carrier. CHAPTER XVI. 1814 TO ^819. When the war of 1812 had been in progresss nearly two years, the United States government commenced the erection of United States arsenals in the States for the manufacture of gun carriages, machines, ammunition, and military supplies, and for the deposit of those articles. The one at Watervliet, in Albany county, erected in 18 14, was and is the most formidable, outside of the city of New York. On the ist of March, 1814, the government purchased of Dominick Lynch in Rome, N. Y, a parcel of land on the southerly side of Dominick street, extend- 176 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ing from that street (then known as the Sackett's Harbor road) southerly to the then Inland Canal. October 9, 18 15, the government bought of Mr. Lynch other grounds adjoining the above on the south side of that road for arsenal purposes, and also a parcel on the northerly side, oppo site, for a site for the residence for the officers in command. July 4, 1 8 16, the government purchased other lands on both sides of said roads, for the same purpose as above. The work of constructing the arsenal buildings was commenced in 1814, and was completed in 1816. This was the first and only United States arsenal erected in Oneida county, or of one near.er than Albany and the Madison Barracks at Sackett's Harbor in 18 16 and 18 19 D. W. Flagler, brigadier- general and chief of ordnance at Washington, has kindly furnished the author the follow ing facts relative to this Rome arsenal, and the officers in charge of it at various times : The total cost of the land and buildings, as completed in 1816, was $36,078.61. The work of construction was under the supervision of James Dallaba, who com manded the arsenal from August 5, 1813, to February, 1816. [He was a brother-in- law of the late B. N. Huntington, of Rome.] The records in the department show that no moneys were expended for ordinary repairs after 1816, until 1838, when there was an expenditure of $1,124.38. Again from 1838 to 1842 there were no expendi tures, except for ordinary repairs, but between 1842 and 1851 there were consider able improvements amounting in all to $6,164.85. The following are the officers who commanded the Rome arsenal, and the dates of their commands: Major James Dallaba, August 5, 1813, to February, 1816; Third Lieutenant John Hills was stationed at the arsenal as an assistant, March 2, 1815, and Third Lieutenant James Simonson, September, 1816 ; Lieutenant Richard C. Pomeroy, February, 1816, to April, 1817 ; Capt. D. T. Welch, April, 1817, to January, 1821; Lieutenant John W. Thompson, June, 1821 to January, 1825; Lieutenant J. H. Cooke, April 29, 1826, to 1827 ; Lieutenant A. D. Tompkins, March, 1827 to 1828 ; Lieutenant of Artillery James S. Abeel, x April, 1828 to 1833 ; Lieutenant H. S. Mallory January 1834, to November, 1836; Military Storekeeper S. Perkins, December, 1836, to December, 1837 ; Lieutenant and Captain James S. Abeel, military storekeeper, January. 1838, to March, 1855. On May 7, 1855, in obedience to instructions of the war department, Captain Abeel turned over the arsenal to Captain Delos B. Sackett for a recruiting station. Captain Sackett left the arsenal with his command August 21, 1855, and from that date until 1862. there was no officer stationed at the Rome arsenal, in com mand of the same; but the arsenal was under the control of the commanding officer of Watervliet arsenal at West Troy, N. Y. J. Molinard, military storekeeper, 1862 to 1863; Captain James S. Abeel, military storekeeper, June, 1863, to February, 1870. February 16, 1870, the arsenal was again turned over to the commanding 1 A sketch of Captain Abeel is elsewhere published in this volume. JAS. S. ABkFL. 1814 TO 1819. 177 officer of the Watervliet arsenal, who remained in charge of the same until the arsenal grounds south of Dominick street were sold June 2, 1873, to Jerome L. Mudge. Mr. Mudge sold to the Mudge & Ames knitting works. In 1891 the premises southerly of Dominick street became and is now (1896) the property of R. M. Wilson, who is extensively engaged in the manu facture of bath tubs. The premises where the brick dwelling is, north of Dominick street, in 1883 became and is now the property of Leopold Hower, senior, and Leopold Hower, junior, as a residence. The arsenal at Rome was erected and used simply as a depository of military stores. In the magazine was gunpowder only, sometimes as much as twenty tons. In the basement of the arsenal were saltpeter, bomb shells, cannon balls, grape and cannister shot, cartridges, flints, boxes of sabres, cavalry pistols, cartridge boxes, belts, holsters. In the second story in cases, in racks, were muskets, carbines, sabres, pistols, and base and snare drums and bugles. On the third floor were swords, sabres, and swabs used for cannon. There were in sheds, cannon, twenty-five immense guns, two brass pieces, captured from the English at Sackett's Harbor in 18 1 3. In the laboratory rockets were made, and in the repair shop was the polishing wheel, where arms were kept bright. The map shows the other buildings on the grounds, and their use, on each side of the road. Some ten to a dozen men were employed looking after the arms and keeping them in order, and were subjected to stricter discipline than ordinary laboring men. John B. McHarg, of Rome, the only man now living who was employed in the arsenal as early as 1830, furnishes the foregoing information. His father, James McHarg, came from the Watervliet Arsenal to the Rome Arsenal in 18 18. Here is as good a place as any, to make mention of the cold summer of 1 8 16, characterized as "the year without a summer." It was not confined to Oneida county, but extended over most of the Northern and Eastern States. In fact, it has passed into history as the coldest year ever known in the United States and Europe. The month of May in the New England States was unusually cold for the season, buds and fruits were frozen, cornfields were again and again replanted, until deemed too late. June was the coldest ever known in that month in 178 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. that latitude ; frost and ice were common. In Vermont snow fell to the depth of ten inches, seven in Maine, three in the interior of New York State, and one in Massachusetts. In a town in Vermont a flock of sheep belonging to a farmer had been turned out as usual to pasture. On the 17th of June a heavy snow fell, the cold was intense and the owner started at noon for his sheep. Night came, the storm increased and he did not return. The next morning the family started for help, the snow had covered up all the tracks and not until the end of the third day did they find the man, on the side of the hill with both feet frozen an unable to move. Farmers built large fires around their corn fields to keep them from freezing. Coming down to Oneida county, old residents who were old twenty-five years ago and remembered the cold summer of 18 16, informed the author that there were frosts in Oneida county every month that year ; corn which had come up was cut down by the frosts in June. The fore part of the month the nights had been unusually cold, and on the 6th of June it snowed in all parts of the county ; in some places snow fell to the depth of several inches. But little corn, wheat and potatoes were raised that year. Wheat was $3 a bushel; corn $1.50. Jones's Annals of Oneida County mentions that cold summer and relates the story of four children in the town of Annsville, residing in the neighborhood of " Cold Hill Bridge," over Fish Creek, attending school three miles distant ; one boy was nine, the other six, the other two of the four were girls, about the same a'ges; they usually walked to and from school. The youngest girl was the only one who had a pair of shoes ; none of them had stockings. On the 6th of that ever- to- be- remembered June, the four children were punctual at school in the morning. At 2 P. M. the weather had become so cold the teacher concluded to dismiss the school and send her scholars home. About one- quarter of a mile from the school house a family, resided, and the four children mentioned passed that way on their way home, but when they got there the inmates were absent, and the house was locked. Snow was falling fast and it was already two inches deep. The oldest boy had on his father's roundabout. He took the six year old boy on his back, put the little fellow's feet in the pockets of the roundabout and directed the two little girls to go ahead as fast as they could, and when tired sit down and rub each other's bare 1814 TO 1819. 179 feet until he came up. When the large boy came up to the girls, he put the boy down from his back, took the large girl on his back, who had no shoes, and the boy and the small girl pushed on. When within forty rods from home, the father heard the cries of the children, and hastened to their aid. The feet of the larger boy were so lacerated with sticks and stones and frozen on the way, that it was several days before he could go out. Such were the sufferings of many who became pioneer set tlers in the country. On the 4th of July, 1817, the opening ceremonies of commencing work on the Erie Canal were observed in Rome, a little to the south west of the then United States Arsenal. The following account is taken from the newspapers of the dates as named below, and hence the account may be considered authentic : [From the Utica Gazette, July 15th, and New York Columbian, July 18th. 1817.] An intention to celebrate the anniversary of American Independence, at the vil lage of Rome, on the Fourth of July instant, having been announced in the public papers, and the preparation of the Canal Commissioners being in a state of suffi cient forwardness, an engagement was made by the Hon. S. Young (the only com missioner present), and the committee of arrangements, to unite with this joyous festival, the commencement of the excavation of the Grand Erie Canal. Accordingly on that day, at sunrise, a large lumber of citizens, accompanied by the commissioners and engineer, assembled and proceeded to the place appointed on the line of the canal. The Hon. Joshua Hathaway, of Rome, on the part of the citizens present with a few pertinent observations delivered the spade into the hands of the commissioner, by whom it was delivered to Judge Rich ardson, of Cayuga county, who had entered into the first contract for constructing a portion of the canal. The contract bore date June 27, 18 17. Judge Richardson said : " Fellow Citizens : — We have assembled to commence the excavation of the Erie Canal. This work, when accomplished, will connect our Western Inland Seas with the Atlantic. It will diffuse the benefit of internal navigation over a surface of vast extent, blessed with a salubrious climate and luxuriant soil, embracing a tract of country capable of sustaining more human beings than were ever accommodated by any work of the kind. " By this great highway unborn millions will easily transport their surplus produc tions to the shores of the Atlantic, procure their supplies, and hold a useful and profitable intercourse with all the marine nations of the earth. The expense and labor of this great undertaking bear no proportion to its utility. As nature has 180 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. kindly afforded every facility, we have all the moral and physical means within our reach and control. Let us, then, proceed to the work, animated by the prospect of its speedy accomplishment, and cheered by the anticipated benedictions of a grate ful posterity." Judge Richardson then broke the earth, and was followed by the citizens, and his own laborers, each vieing with the other in this demonstration of the joy of which all partook on that interesting occasion. Thus, accompanied by the acclamations of the citizens, and the discharge of can non from the United States Arsenal, has been struck the first strbke towards the con struction of a work, which, in its conception, will unite Erie with the Hudson ; the West with the Atlantic ; which will scatter plenty along its borders; carry refinement and civilization to the regions of the wilderness, and ever remain a proud and useful monument of the enlightened views of its projectors and of the wisdom and mag nanimity of the State of New York. The foregoing account from the Utica Gazette and the Columbian makes no mention of Governor De Witt Clinton being present at the ceremonies, and awards to Judge John Richardson the honor of shovel ing the first spadeful of earth. Jones's Annals of Oneida County awards that honor to Hon. Joshua Hathaway, of Rome, and it is so inscribed on the tombstone of Judge Hathaway in Rome cemetery. History records (E. H. Roberts's History of New York) that Governor Clinton was present, and that be entered upon the duties of his office only three days before. Further, the late Judge Henry A. Foster informed the author of this work, that when he (Judge Foster) was senator in 1828, Governor Clinton informed him (Judge F.) that he was present at those ceremonies and stated that to him (the governor) really belonged the honor of casting the first spadefub of earth. On the 21st of October, 1819, the channel of the canal between Utica and Rome, was filled with water from Oriskany creek, and on the next day a boat named the ' ' Chief Engineer," in honor of -Judge Benjamin Wright, made a trial trip from Rome to Utica. A military band and a number of citizens were on board, and they were received by the Uticans by the ringing of bells, the firing of cannon and the applause of the multitude. On the 23d of the same month, that boat returned to Rome with • a company of 70 ladies and gentlemen, among whom were Governor Clinton, General Van Rensselaer, the canal commissioners, Colonel Lansing, Judge Morris S. Miller and Judge Benjamin Wright. The boat was 61 feet long, 7^ feet wide, a cabin at each end, and each cabin 14 feet in length, with a fiat deck between the two cabins. At 9 that morning, the excursionists embarked at Utica for Rome, amid the ringing of bells, the firing of cannon, and the shouts of the people. In 40 minutes the boat reached Whitesboro, and at 1 p. m., arrived at Rome. All along the route, the canal banks, the fences, the trees and the buildings, were crowded by an eager, curious and excited multitude, to witness the novel sight. At 3 p. m. the boat 1814 TO 1819. 181 started from Rome on its return trip, and reached Utica a little before 8in the even ing. In the spring of 1820 the canal between Utica and Montezuma was open for busi ness, and about the middle of April of that year the first boat of the season, and the first packet which ever run on the Erie canal, started from Utica. for Montezuma. The boat was the ' ' Chief Engineer ;" it left Utica early in the morning of Thursday, having on board John T. Clark, (afterwards state engineer,) Mayor Burse, (or Buss,) John B. Pease, then sheriff of Oneida county, (father of the late Harmon Pease,) and others. It reached Rome about 1 p. m. and took on board Henry A. Foster, (now ex-Judge Foster, and who is my informant,) Colonel John WestCott and his son, Simon Matteson and his brother, Clark Matteson. Jesse Matteson was captain. About 5 pm. that boat reached Brandy Brook, in the town of Verona, and there was obliged to remain until Friday afternoon, owing to the low state of the water in the canal, by reason of a break. That night (Friday) the boat reached a point in the town of Sullivan in Madison county, and there remained all night. Saturday night the boat and its company reached "old Real's tavern" in the town of Manlius in Onondaga county, and there remained over night, and Sunday night the party reached " Corinth" (now Syracuse.) Some twelve to fifteen horses were taken along, to distribute along the route to be used as packet horses and for a change. Portions of the way oxen were used to draw the boat along. The return trip was made a little quicker, and the party reached home in time to vote at the general election, then held the last of April, at which De Witt Clinton was elected governor over Daniel D. Tompkins. On the 20th of May of the same year an excursion was made by the " Chief Engi neer" and "Montezuma" from Utica to Seneca river, and among the excursionists were Governor Clinton, the canal commissioners, and a large party from Utica, Whitesboro, Rome, and other points. In June, 1820, the ' Erie Canal Navigation company" advertised that 100 miles of the canal was open from Utica westward, and that boats left Utica Mondays and Thursdays at 9 a. m. and and reached Canastota at 7 p. m., and that the fare was $4 including meals. In the same year that the work was commenced on the Erie Canal, President James Monroe made a partial tour through the Northern States. It is not definitely known whether he passed through Oneida county or not, but it is thought he did not. The object of the tour was to inspect the military condition of the northern frontier. He came up the St. Lawrence River as far as Ogdensburgh ; there he was met August i, 1 817, by Gen. Jacob Brown and others, escorted over, the country to Rossie, Antwerp, Leray and thence to Watertown. He proceeded from there to Brownville and to Sackett's Harbor, which place he reached August 4. There he was received with military honors and a brief address and on the 6th he embarked on board the United States brig Jones, bound for Niagara. 182 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. It has been incidentally mentioned in a previous chapter that the Rome jail, which was erected. before 1800, was destroyed by fire in 1817. That fire was an incendiary one, set by the prisoners confined therein, and occurred August 19, 18 17. There were a number of prisoners in the jail at the time, and some five of them attempted to escape by set ting fire to the jail. The flames, however, got under such headway be fore being discovered by outsiders, that many of the prisoners came near to death by suffocation. It was some time before the doors were opened. They all crowded to the door, through a small crack in which a little fresh air came, and where they crowded each other and struggled and fought for a breath of air and for life. One of the prisoners, Elisha Green, was killed in the struggle, or died of suffocation. When the doors were opened the prisoners were so much exhausted as to make it difficult to revive them. They were laid out in the open air upon the grass and as they revived their agony and contortions were dreadful. One of the prisoners, John J. Sundown, an Oneida Indian, was alive some twenty-five years ago, living at Oneida. Five of the prisoners who were implicated in the offense of setting the fire were indicted for arson at the December term of the court held by Judge Piatt at Whites- town in 1 8 17, and tried at the same term. Their names were John Harris, John Denny, James O'Brien, David Linus, and Roswell T. Pratt. Denny and Linus were Oneida Indians. Denny was in jail under an in dictment for an assault with intent to kill; Pratt under an indictment for passing counterfeit money. Harris, Linus and O'Brien were in jail under sentence to the State's Prison for three years for grand larceny. The prisoners were defended by T. R, Gold and F. C. White, of Whitesboro. All of the five indicted persons were convicted, the penalty of which was death, and were sentenced to be hung the 2d (Friday) of February, 181 8. Apollos Cooper, of Utica, was sheriff and John Westcott, the Rome jailor. The coffins were made for the prisoners and a gallows erected for the five. The day of execution was in midwinter and old residents gave to the author a quarter of a century ago an account of the burning of the jail, the scene presented by the suffocating prisoners, and the looks of the gallows and the crowd that came to witness the execution. Men, women, and children, came in sleighs, on horseback, and some on foot, from all parts of the county, some of the way through 1814 TO 1819. 183 woods, and breaking roads and starting the night before and riding all night so as to be on hand in time to witness the execution. There was a large gathering of people, but on the day of the execution and a few hours before the time fixed, there came from the governor a commuta tion of the sentence of death penalty to imprisonment for life. De Witt Clinton was then governor of the State. Being thus deprived of wit nessing the hanging, a number of persons clubbed together, erected a gallows of their own in a little piece of woods near the present St. Joseph's church, close by the Central Railroad, and there hung the five prisoners in effigy. One of the spectators froze his feet by standing so long in the snow to witness the spectacle. It has been stated in a previous chapter that on the organization of Oneida county in 1798 Jonas Piatt, of Whitesboro, was the first county clerk. That office he held until he was succeeded February 2, 1802, by Francis A. Bloodgood. The law had fixed the site of the court houses and jails in this county, but not the site of a clerk's office, and hence the clerk could keep the records in his own private office, as the clerks did until a law was passed fixing the site of the county clerk's office. Mr. Bloodgood resided in Utica, on Whitesboro street, a little westerly of what fifty years ago was the hotel known as the " McGregor House," and later the " Dudley House." His office was on the same street a little westerly of his residence. By successive appointments Mr. Bloodgood held the office until February 23, 1813, when he was suc ceeded by Abram Camp, who held the office until March 16, 181 5, when Mr. Bloodgood was reappointed. April 5, 18 16, an act was passed authorizing the county to raise $2,000, to construct a fire-proof build ing for a county clerk's office to be erected in Utica. Charles C. Broad- head, Francis A. Bloodgood, and Joseph Jennings were appointed com missioners to locate and purchase a site, and contract for the erection of the building. The site selected was on Whitesboro street, not far from the place where Mr. Bloodgood had kept his office. April 11, 1817, the Legislature authorized the raising of an additional $1,000 to com plete the building. The county clerk's office was kept there until 1849, when it was removed to its present location on Genesee street. The manner of the change occurred after this wise : Prior to the State Con stitution of 1 82 1 there were five judges of the Supreme Court in this 184 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. State. Each of those judges held Circuits and Courts of Oyer and Terminer, and together acted as an appellate court. The General Terms were held prior to 1818 in Albany and New York. The clerks of those courts were wholly different from the county clerks and from the clerks of our present courts. April 14, 1820, an act was passed authorizing the holding of the October term of the General Term (that was held in New York) to be held at the Utica Academy. That building was erected in 18 18, and as there was no court house in Utica prior to 1850, courts were frequently held in that academy. It was in the second story of that building the famous McLeod trial took place in October, 1841. It was probably through the influence of Judge Jonas Piatt, who was from 18 14 to 1823 one of the judges of the Supreme Court, that that the October general term was authorized to be held in Utica The October teim of 1820 was the first time that court was held there, and the judges who held the term were Ambrose Spencer, W. W. Vanness, Joseph C. Yates, John Woodworth and Jonas Piatt. Among the emi nent lawyers in attendance at that term of the court were Martin Van ' Buren, T. A. Emmett, Elisha Williams, A. Van Vechten, Daniel Cady, John V. Henry and Thomas Oakley, then attorney- general. Not far from 1820 a story and a half building was erected on the site now occu pied by the county clerk's office on Genesee street and for the clerk's office of the old Supreme Court. The State Constitution of 1846 abol ished the old Supreme Court and the clerks went with the court. An act was passed January 29, 1848, authorizing the Commissioners of the Land Office to convey to Oneida county the premises of the old supreme court clerk's office on Genesee street, and the State to receive in ex change the site of Oneida county clerk's office on Whitesboro street. Those conveyances were executed. 1820 TO 1830. 185 CHAPTER XVII. 1820 TO 1830. An event of great historical importance in and to Oneida county took place on October 23, 1819. It is well worthy of a place in this history, as thereby the narration of facts which now rests only on newspaper publications can be preserved in a more enduring form. The account of this event is from the Utica Observer of October 26, 18 19, and is as follows : On Saturday, October 23, 1819, his Excellency Governor Clinton ; Gen. Van Rennsalaer ; Messrs. Holly and Seymour, canal commissioners ; Mr. Wright, engi neer of the middle sections of the Erie Canal ; Messrs. White, Bates and Jarvis, -assistant engineers, and Mr. Agent Barton, together with the Rev. Dr. Blatchford, of Lansingburgh ; and Mr. Stanbury, of Albany ; Mr. Bunner, of New York ; Judge Miller, Mr. Williams, Mr. Clark, Mr. Van Rennsalaer, Mr. Bloodgood, Mr. Lansing, Mr. Childs, Mr. Walker, and many other gentlemen of the village of Utica, and its vicinity; the sheriff of Oneida county, Colonel Westcott and the Hon. E. Hart and P. G. Childs, senators of the Western District, started in a canal boat from the east ern extremity of the middle section, on an excursion of curiosity, and experiment, for Rome. The dam at Oriskany Creek having been finished and the bars of earth adjoining it having been removed, so as to admit the passage of a boat; a. depth of two and one-half feet of water had been let into the canal on the Thursday preceding. The first admission of water into a canal is always attended with great solicitude. It is the ultimate test of the accuracy of the levels, and affords most important references as to the solidity and fidelity with which the banks have been constructed, and the sufficiency of the feeders. One of the jobs east of Oneida Creek, not being entirely completed, it was deemed expedient to prevent the water extending further west on the Rome summit than Wood Creek aqueduct, a distance of eighteen miles; and it was known that the quicksands at Oriskany Hill presented more cause of alarm than is anywhere else to be found on the section. A number of men had been stafioned on the bank at that place to watch the effect and motion of the waters as they accu mulated, and to arrest as quick, as possible the progress of any evil that might arise. The waters moved gently on from Oriskany Creek, the great feeder of the eastern end of the level, towards Utica, swelled around Oriskany Hill to the intended depth, and were not observed to produce any threatening indications on the banks for sev eral hours, when at about one o'clock on the morning of Friday, a breach was sud denly effected at a place where a drain had been very recently filled up. At the 24 186 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. place of this drain, the natural surface of the ground was two feet below the bottom of the canal. Of course when,the water was two and one-half feet deep along the line in gene ral, there was here a pressure of four and one-half feet head. But this pressure would have produced no injury, if due care had been taken in raising the bottom of the canal, and breaking in the sides of the drain, and puddling the earth required in closing it. By the activity and energy of Mr. Brown, assistant engineer, and Messrs. Brainard, Miller, Chapin and Simpson, contractors, the breach was soon repaired, so that by noon on Friday, the waters were again allowed to enter the canal ; and before daylight on Saturday, they filled it for eighteen miles to the depth of near three feet. On the morning of this, day, therefore, the party above men tioned commenced their excursion. The scene was novel and most interesting, con sidering the circumstances of our country, the great benefits sure to result to us from internal trade, the intelligence of our citizens to perceive and appreciate these benefits, their virtues and public spirit to make the necessary permanent appropria tion beforehand, the influence on all our best sympathies, which cannot fail to be most extensively produced by such easy, pleasing, and economical means of general intercourse, as are furnished by navigable canals, and in the construction of our great work, not only in the light of its exceeding utility, but as introducing through out the ample territories of our National Empire, a spirit of action and persevering internal improvements ; it is believed, that the records of social life, do not afford a scene more interesting: Amidst the cheers and shouts of almost the whole neighboring population, the ringing of the church bells in Utica, and the patriotic tunes of a band of music on board, the boat was put in motion. It was drawn by one horse, by means of a rope eighty feet long, of which one end connected with the whippletree, and the other with a hook secured to the boat, a little distance from the bow, on the towing path side. And everybody was surprised to see the ease with which a single horse moved on, at the rate of four miles an hour, drawing a boat with from 70 to 100 pas sengers continually on board. The agitation of the waters in the canal, in conse quence of the motion of the boat, was not such as to induce the fear of much injury to the banks, and when the whole depth of the waters is let in, it will be much less. At a short distance from the place of starting, on the line of the canal, there is an embankment over Nail Creek, twenty-one feet in height above the natural surface of the ground, and thirty-two rods long, under which is constructed a large semi circular culvert of stone for passing the waters of the creek under the canal into the Mohawk River below. The arch of the culvert has a span of five feet, and the whole structure looks stable and well adapted to its object. In a canal the triumph of art is most apparent where the navigation is carried high over the neighboring land ; this embankment was therefore regarded with great complacency. In thirty-six minutes we had passed near three miles, and reached the east end of an embankment about 130 chains long across the valley of the Soedaqueda (Socke- voit) Creek. The creek itself is passed by an aqueduct 260 feet long, connected with the embankment. This aqueduct consists of two abutments, with the necessary wing walls, and seven piers of solid masonry. And this stone work supports a trunk six teen feet wide, consisting of timber and plank, for the water of the canal to occupy, 1820 TO 1830. 187 and a towing path of plank eight feet wide for the horse to travel on. There is an angle in the embankment where it connects with the aqueduct, at each end ; but the connection is so contrived as to admit of an easy passage in both directions, and the whole work appears strong and well-planned. Passing westerly, this embankment is terminated by excavation through the beautiful plateau of land which constitutes the site of the village of Whitesborough. All the way to this place many hundreds of spectators had followed the boat on the banks of the canal, very frequently filling the air with their animating cheers. Arrived here, the bells of Whitesborough be gan to ring, a salute was fired from a road bridge, by a detachment from Captain Mann's company of artillery, and the whole village arrayed itself with the most lively demonstrations of curiosity and joy upon the banks of the canal. Some of the . passengers in the boat gave place to the ladies and gentlemen of Whitesborough ; and the Rev. Mr. Frost, with his wife, Mr. Gold, with two of his daughters, Mr. Sheriff Pease, Judge Young, Mr Sill, Mr. White, and several other persons came on board. When the boat came in sight of the place where the breach in the bank had occurred, about twenty hardy looking workmen, who had not quite completed the necessary preparation, sent up a shout of welcome, more cordial and contagious than ever before echoed through the woods of the Mohawk. The pond in the Oriskany Creek, above the dam, is about thirty rods wide, and the towing path bridge is not yet made across it, it was necessary to move the boat over it, by setting poles ; this was effected in nine minutes ; when, after taking Colonel Lansing on board, with Mr. Green and several others, and being greeted by the ringing of the factory bell, and the acclamation of a multitude of spectators, the passage was continued, while the little girls were seen throwing flowers and green sprigs into the boat. Oriskany to Rome the canal is laid chiefly through swamps. In several places the depth of digging is from eight to ten feet; and from four miles below Rome the northern bank is all the way westerly to that place, raised fourteen feet above the bottom of the canal, with a view of protection against the floods of the Mohawk. The depth of the excavation, the size of the guard-bank, the apparent security of the whole canal, with the regularity of its straight lines, and the beauty of its curves, gave all the passengers great delight. At the bridge across the canal, in the swamp, a little southwest of the hotel in Rome, the passage westward was ended, after having been extended a few chains more than fifteen miles. The officers of the United States garrison stationed at Rome, and many of the inhabitants of the village, came to mingle their congratulations with those of their fellow citizens, on the perfect suc cess at the first attempt at navigation on the Erie Canal. Tt was in this vicinity and but two years ago, the fourth of last July, that the first shovelful of earth was ex cavated in the construction of this great work. And it is truly with a mixture of wonder, surprise and the most joyful anticipations, that one now sees so many miles filled with water and navigable ; and learns, that it is almost certain, that the whole middle section, and the side cut from the main trunk to the village of Salina, in all a distance of ninety miles, will be navigable in one month more. An elegant dinner had been provided at Rome, for the passengers, which they were obliged to forego, by the engagement most of them had entered into, of returning that evening. After a delay of forty-eight minutes, during which the party partook of suitable refresh ments, prepared for them in the boat, Mr. Wright and Mr. Bunner debarked, and 188 • OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Mr. Lynch, from Rome, and Alderman Lawrence 'and Mr. Benson, of New York, came on board. The boat set out on the return to Utica, where she arrived ten minutes before eight, without the occurrence of the slightest incident of an unpleas ant nature. ' And if ever deep-felt gladness was exhibited, on the human face divine, it was in universal and full display, throughout this excursion. The boat was built at Rome by Messers. Miller, Chapin and Brainard, contractors, on a neat and con venient model, being sixty-one feet long, eight feet wide and four feet deep, with two cabins, each of which is fourteen feet long, six feet six inches from the floor to The First Boat Built for the Erie Canal. [From an old newspaper print.]. the ceiling, and accommodated with the necessary closets and furniture. She is called the " Chief Engineer of Rome," and carried a flag on this occasion, on which was handsomely painted the American Eagle, and a canal boat with the words ¦' Erie Canal " above and " Inland Navigation" below. In building the boat, taking out the bars of earth near Oriskany and making every other provision for the first experiment of navigating the canal, Messrs. Brainard, Miller and Chapin, Sheriff Pease and Colonel Westcott, have made great and laudable exertions ; and it was easy to perceive that the canal commissioners, the engineer with his assistants, and every other witness and partaker of this expedition, will set down the day on which it occurred as the happiest in their lives. The boat returned to Utica at ten minutes before eight, making the whole time of the trip ten hours and thirty-five minutes. From which .deduct (in all stops) two hours and fifteen minutes, and the whole time of the passage is eight hours and twenty minutes, a distance of more. than thirty miles. A Passenger in the Boat. Other details of the construction of the canal are left for a separate chapter on the subject. The State constitutional convention of 182 1 agreed upon a new Con stitution for the State. Various amendments were made to former con stitutions, among which was a change in the judiciary system ; many offices were made elective which had theretofore been appointive ; an enlargement of the right of suffrage was provided for, etc. The delegates to that convention from Oneida county and a part of Oswego county, were Ezekiel Bacon, Henry Huntington, Nathan Williams, S. S. Breese, and Jonas Piatt. The last two did not approve of nor sign 1820 TO 1830. 189 the Constitution. It was submitted to a vote of the people of the whole State January 15, 16, and 17, 1822, and adopted by the following vote : For, 73,732 ; against, 41,402. The vote in this county by towns is given below, and for convenience the U. S. census of 1830 is put in the same table : Population in 1830. Annsville Augusta Boonville Bridgewater.. Camden Deerfield Floyd ... Florence Kirkland _. Lee Marshall. Paris._ New Hartford. Remsen Rome Steuhen Sangerfield Trenton Utica . _ Verona Vienna __. Vernon Westmoreland. Whitestown Western For. Against, 69 88 59 15 87 15 47 111 95 84 140 41 31 18 126 27 252 299 16 23 222 44 74 4 72 89 108 122 139 90 134 83 73 58 164 219 109 354 126 600 5 263 1.4813,0582,746 1,6081,945 4,182 1,699 964 2,505 2,5141,908 2,7653,5991,400 4,3602,0942,.2723,2218,323 3,739 1,766 3,0453,303 4,410 3,418 A matter of national interest and importance was the visit of La Fayette to this country. He landed in New York, August 15, 1824, after an absence of forty years, and visited every one of the then twen ty-four States of the Union, stopping in most of the large cities. His tour'was a perfect ovation from the time he set foot on American soil until he left Washington for France, September 7, 1825 — over a year. He went up the valley of the Mississippi to the West and came from. Buffalo, most of the way by the Erie Canal (which was completed nearly to Buffalo in the summer of 1825). He reached, Canandaigua on the evening of June 7, 1825, left that village on the morning of the 8th, reached Geneva, where he had a public reception, and left there at 1 P. M., passed through Waterloo, Syracuse, etc., and arrived at Rome about 10 P. M. of June 9. He was met on the canal a few miles west of 190 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Rome by a committee from Utica, Whitesboro and Rome ; a number from Rome were ladies with bouquets. Cols. B. P. Johnson, H. A. Foster, and Ardon Seymour were at the head of the Rome military organizations. The canal boats stopped at the " White House," a short distance southwesterly from the late U. S. Arsenal, where the company landed from the boats and proceeded in a procession, by the light of tallow candles, to the American Hotel, which then stood on the corner of James and Dominick streets. There La Fayette was welcomed by Wheeler Barnes, then a prominent lawyer of Rome. After the recep tion and hand-shaking, La Fayette' and the procession proceeded down James street to the old canal and there took the boat for Oriskany. Rome village was illuminated for the occasion. The distinguished visitor stayed that night with Colonel Gerrit Lansing, at Oriskany, who was under his command at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, in October, 1781. The forenoon of June 10 the company proceeded to Whitesboro. There on a raised platform in front of Jonas Piatt's then residence, the marquis was seated in an arm chair and received the con gratulations of the people and a thorough hand- shaking. He inquired if the good woman (the widow of Hugh White) was still living who made him such a nice johnny-cake ! La Fayette was through Whites boro in 1784 on his way to attend the treaty that was held that year at Fort Stanwix, as narrated in a former chapter ; on being informed that the woman was still alive he called upon her again. Later on he pro ceeded on his way to Utica, accompanied by the reception committee. The following account of La Fayette's visit to this county was published at the time in a Utica newspaper : June 9, 1825, the deputations from the general committee of arrangements at Utica, of which his honor Judge Williams was chairman, accompanied by Colonel Lansing and his honor Judge Storrs, proceeded to Rome to meet General La Fayette. After fitting honors had been paid him both at that place and at Whitesboro the committee proceeded to conduct him hither. The procession was formed at Whites boro ; the general was seated in the barouche accompanied by Judge Williams and preceded by an escort of cavalry commanded by Gen. John J. Knox. The general was followed by a carriage conveying his son, Colonel La Fayette, Colonel Lansing, Colonel Mappa, and Richard R. Lansing. Next succeeded coaches with his secre tary, M. Le Vasseur, the other gentlemen of his suite, and the Utica committee, Judge Storrs, Lieutenant Simonson, and Captain Wright, of Rome. A large caval cade of citizens on horseback riding three abreast followed, and were succeeded by a squadron of cavalry under the command 'of Lieutenant Cone. The procession 1820 TO 1830. 191 moved rapidly and increased as it passed from the accession of citizens. All the way the fences were lined and the houses thronged with people manifesting the utmost eagerness to see the favorite and guest of the nation, When the general arrived at the boundary of the village a salute of twenty-four guns was fired. The procession entered La Fayette street, where the troops under the command of Lieutenant-Col onel Ostrom were drawn up on both sides of the way and saluted the general as he passed. The procession entered Genesee street, the crowd' of eager spectators ac cumulating at every step, and passed the bridge over the canal where a triumphal arch was erected surmounted by a flag labeled " La Fayette, the Apostle of Liberty, we hail thee — welcome!" The procession moved down Genesee street and stopped at Shepard's Hotel, where the general was received on the steps at the front door by William Clarke, esq. , president of the village of Utica, and a speech was delivered by Mr. Clarke followed by a reply from La Fayette. The general breakfasted and dined at Shepard's, and in the interval the ceremonies of introduction and the review of the troops were performed. An immense number of gentlemen of the county of Oneida and the vicinity were introduced to the general, and at 12 o'clock the ladies were introduced, which ceremony occupied nearly an hour, so great was the number whom patriotism, respect, and affection called to the interesting scene. The troops passed in review before the general, who received their salute standing with head uncovered on the steps of Mr. Shepard's front door. At the particular request of La Fayette the chiefs of the Oneidas were invited to meet him, and among them he recognized two whom he knew during the Revolu tionary war. But one of the most solemn and affecting incidents was the interview between the general and the old soldiers of the Revolutionary army. A large .num ber were assembled, some of whom were with him at the attack on the redoubts at Yorktown. The deep and.keen feelings manifested by these venerated men on once more beholding their beloved general, and his frequent exclamatins "Oh, my friend, I know you !" with the impassioned salutations, excited the livliest sympathies of every heart. Over the front door of Mr. Shepard's hotel was placed a splendid transparent painting by Mr. Vanderlip, on which was inscribed in large letters "Welcome, La Fayette." After the general had partaken of a cold collation (the only dinner which circumstances would permit), at which Rev. Mr. Wiley craved the blessing of Prov idence, the general, by particular request of the president of the United States, vis ited the family of Alexander B. Johnson, esq. (Mrs. Johnson being a niece of the president), who with a few ladies of the village received him with the cordiality and respect which all feel. On his return he called for a moment at the house of Arthur Breese, esq., where the Rev. Mr. Galusha delivered him a neat poetical address. The general then paid his respects to the family of President Clarke and was con ducted to the packet boat Governor Clinton, named for the occasion La Fayette, commanded 'by Major Swartout, and which had been fitted in tasteful and elegant style for his accommodation to Schenectady. It was drawn by three white horses, which with their riders had appropriate decorations. At the moment of embarkation a salute of twenty-four guns was fired, and when the boat began to move the citizens congregated on the bridges and banks of the canal rent the air with loud and long continued cheering, which was repeated at intervals until the general had passed 192 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the compact part of the village. At the last bridge, near the residence of the lamented Judge Miller, little boys threw baskets of flowers into the boat as it passed. •The general all the time presented himself to the people and answered their con gratulations with bows and expressive gesticulations. The committee attended him to the bounds of the county and a deputation proceeded with him. CHAPTER XVIII. 1830 TO THE CLOSE OF THE CIVIL WAR. The history of Oneida county to 1866, while devoid to a great extent of important or exciting events, except in connection with the civil war, is a record of continuous growth and advancement in all direc tions. It was a period that witnessed the introduction of railroads, the rapid development of canal traffic, the establishment of plank roads, the formation of four towns in the county, the opening of many highways, the founding or reorganization of several important educational institu tions, and the adoption of other public measures of considerable im portance. The population of Oneida county, which had reached almost 60,000 in 1820, increased to 71,326 in 1830, and to 85,310 in'i840. The act of Legislature of February 21, 1829, erecting the town of Marshall from Kirkland, was followed by another under date of March 30, 1832, creat ing the town of Marcy from Deerfield. Only two other subdivisions of the county were made, those erecting Ava from Boonville, May 12, 1846, and , Forestport formed from Remsen, November 24, 1869, making the number of towns twenty-six, besides the cities of Utica and Rome. An act of the Legislature of April 26, 1830, Incorporated the Rome and New London Turnpike Company, and authorized the construction of a road from the town of Verona to " near the house of Benjamin Potter, in the town of Rome." But methods of transportation were about to undergo a wonderful transformation. The canal had proved to be of immense utility, but a successful rival was coming into exist ence to the eastward. A charter had been granted by the Legislature to the Mohawk and Hudson River Railroad Company 'in April, 1826, 1830, TO THE CLOSE OF THE CIVIL WAR. 193 and this was followed in the next decade by other charters almost with out number for roads in various parts of the State, many of which were never built. The charter for the first railroad to enter Oneida county was granted in 1833 to the Utica and Schenectady Railroad Company, and work was begun on the road in 1834; it was opened for traffic in the summer of 1 836 The incorporation of the Utica and Syracuse Railroad Company was effected in May, 1836, and the road was finished in June, 1839 The original charter of the Rome and Watertown Rail road was granted in April, 1832, but the construction of the road was not commenced until 1848. The Utica and Black River Railroad Com pany was chartered in 1853 and the line was opened to Boonville the following year. These and other later railroads are noticed more in detail in a later chapter. The opening of these early railroads marked the beginning of a new era in Oneida county. They were influential in promoting the material growth of Utica and Rome and in locating and building up various vil lages along their lines, sometimes to the detriment of other nearby busi ness centers. Among the companies incorporated at an early date and which did not. carry out their plans were the Utica and Susquehanna Railroad Company, incorporated April 25, 1832, and the Black River Company, April 11, 1832, to build a canal from Rome or Herkimer to the St. Lawrence. On March 23, 1834, the Utica and New Berlin Mc- Adam Turnpike Company was incorporated, and by an act of June 29, 1832, Oneida and Oswego counties were constituted the 17th Congress ional district. In the mean time the memorable cholera epidemic of 1832 swept over the country and this county suffered in common with others, and espe cially those along the line of the canal over which were then traveling westward hosts of emigrants. In this county the ravages of the disease were greatest in Utica and Rome and are more particularly described in the histories of those places in later pages. Oneida county passed through the financial crisis of 1837-38, with as little loss and suffering, perhaps, as any other section similarly situated. Utica and Rome being at that time without large natural and manufac turing resources, and with limited banking facilities and accumulated capital, felt the stringency severely as elsewhere recorded ; but the ag- 25 194 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ricultural districts were comparatively rich and prosperous, and not only recovered quickly themselves, but aided materially in bringing renewed financial health and activity to the business centers of the county. What may be termed the plank road era began in 1846, when in July the first one in the United States was opened from Salina . to Central Square, Onondaga county. The following list embraces nearly if not quite all the plank roads constructed in Oneida county, with other infor mation concerning them : The Rome and Utica Plank Road Company, authorized November 18, 1847, located m June. 1848; the road was partly surrendered in 1856, and later was wholly abandoned. The New London Plank Road Company was incorporated November 22, 1847; the road was only five and one-half miles long and extended between points in Vienna and Verona. The Rome and Turin plank road was located in 1848, extending from Rome through the towns of Lee and Ava to Turin in Lewis county, and was abandoned in 1855. The Fish Creek Plank Road Company built a road from near McConnellsville to Fish Creek Landing in Vienna. The Bridgewater and Utica Plank Road Company laid out its road in 1848 The Northern Plank Road Company laid out its road in the fall of 1848, extending from Deerfield northward beyond Remsen village ; this was one of the most important of these highways. Its charter expired in 1877 and was not renewed. The Hamilton and Deansville Plank Road Company laid out its road in June, 1848; it was abandoned in 1874. The Utica and Waterville Central Plank Road Company laid out its road in February, 1849, anc^ surrendered its charter in 1854. The Frankfort and Utica Plank Road Company built its road in April, 1849, and abandoned it in 1 86 1. The Russia and North Gage Plank Road Company laid its road in 1849, and surrendered it in i860. The Rome and Madison Plank Road Company laid its road in April, 1850, through Vernon and Augusta, to Madison. The Seneca Plank Road Company built a road on the turnpike bearing its name, and the Waterville and Utica Com pany laid a road in 1848. The Earlville and Waterville Plank Road Company was organized in 1849, and the road was laid between the two points named ; it was abandoned in 1869. The Augusta Plank Road Company was organized in 1852, and built a road which was abandoned about 1869. The Holland Patent and Marcy Plank Road 1830 TO THE CLOSE OF THE CIVIL WAR. 195 Company laid its road in 1850, and the Central Square and Vienna road, laid about the same time, was abandoned in 1855. The Rome and Taberg Plank Road Company was organized March 28, 1854; the road was abandoned in 1871. The WinfiVld and Paris Plank Road Company, organized in 1854, abandoned its road in 1872. The Tren ton and Prospect Plank Road Company abandoned most of its road in i860. For a time many of these useful highways paid profits, but when the planks had to be renewed and railroads came into competition with some, while the condition of the ordinary highways improved, they in many cases failed to pay expenses. The population of the county by 1850 had reached 98,537, and pros perity was everywhere manifest. The great value of manufacturing industries began to be appreciated and the reader of subsequent city and town histories in this work will note what was accomplished to wards their establishment in this county. By an act of the Legislature of March 30, 1846, Oneida county was given four members of assembly, and under another act of May 1 3 of that year it was associated with Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, Madison and Otsego to form the Fifth Senatorial District. The increase in population from 1850 to i860 was comparatively small, it being in the latter year 101,626, about 3,000 more than at the ' beginning of that decade. During that period the county passed through another .financial crisis which was in some respects more dis astrous than the one of twenty years earlier. Two financial institutions in Utica failed, business was greatly depressed in all sections, and anx iety and suffering were generally prevalent through the year 1857. The country at large was now upon the - eve of momentous events. The " irrepressible conflict " for the abolition of southern slavery reached a crisis in the election of Abraham Lincoln for president of the United States, and led to the opening of the guns of Charleston upon Fort Sumter on the 12th of April, 1861. The oncoming of civil war found the people of Oneida county ready with patriotism, men and money to meet its demands. A call was issued signed by nearly 500 citizens for a meeting in Utica as early as February 1, 1861, of " all who believe a real and substantial difficulty exists in the administration of the Federal Government." The meeting was largely attended and many patriotic 196 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. speeches were made. Other similar gatherings were held in other places in the county. The first call of the president for volunteers was made April 15, 1861, for 75,000 militia to serve three months. This was followed by another on May 3, under which and the several acts of ap proval of that summer, a total of over 700,000 men was required. Re - cruiting began at once in Oneida county and what became known as the First Oneida regiment was mustered into the service for two years on May 17, 186 1. It served honorably throughout its term. O.nly four days later, May 21, the Second Oneida regiment, as it was known, was mustered in for two years, and came home with an honorable record. These two regiments were regularly numbered the Fourteenth and the Twenty-sixth. The next call for troops was issued on July 2, 1862, for 300,000 men, which was succeeded by another on August 4 for 300,000 nine months men, and recruiting in Oneida county, which had been quiet for some months, again became active. A large meeting was held in Utica on the 14th of July, where a liberal subscription was made towards a fund for the payment of bounties. This was followed by a special meeting of the supervisors at Rome on the 14th of August, at which a com mittee reported the following resolution : Resolved, That Horatio Seymour, C. H. Doolittle, Francis Kernan, William H. Ferry, William J. Bacon, Edward Huntington, E. B. Armstrong, and Samuel Camp bell, together with L. Rouse, chairman of the meeting, and O, Carpenter, clerk, he appointed a committee to raise upon the credit of the county $162;700, upon county orders, bearing interest, signed by the clerk and chairman. The quota of Oneida county under the last call was about 1,200, and under the foregoing resolution a bounty of $50 was offered to each vol unteer. In that year (1862) the following towns voted the sums named for bounties: Augusta, $1,180; Bridgewater, 12,688.50; Lee, $647; Marcy, $317; New Hartford, $3,400; Paris, $1,600; Remsen, $2,017.50; Trenton, $3,227.62; Verona, $150; West moreland, $1,000. Recruiting under the two calls above mentioned was pushed to the utmost. The third regiment from this county was the 97th, which was organized at Boonville and was mustered into the service at that place on the 1 8th of February, 1862, and served in many of the important battles of the war and was mustered out July 18, 1865. Before this 1830 TO THE CLOSE OF THE CIVIL WAR. 197 regiment was filled, recruiting for the next was under way, and early in August, 1862, the first company of what became the 1 17th regiment, the fourth one from this county, was mustered in. The regiment was mustered in and broke its camp to start for the front on the 22d of August. It was mustered out of the service after a long and most hon orable term, on June 8, 1865, at Raleigh, N. C. Recruiting continued active through the summer and fall of 1862, and the fifth regiment from this county, the 146th, was filled and mus tered in at Rome on the ioth of October, 1862. It saw three years of exceptionally hard service and became known as " the fighting regi ment." It was mustered out at the close of the war, July 16, 1865. A draft was ordered for August 25, 1863, to supply deficiencies in the quotas of the several towns. The draft was held in Utica as an nounced and passed off without trouble of any kind. Meanwhile many enlistments were made in organizations that were partly filled in other localities. Among these were Companies C, D, and E of, the 50th In fantry (Engineers), mustered in September 18, 1861 ; Company B of the 47th Infantry ; parts of Companies D, E, and H of the 68th Infantry, mustered in August, 1861 ; Companies C, E, and I of the 81st Infantry, mustered in September 14, 1861 ; Company H of the 164th Infantry, mustered in November, 19, 1862 ; parts of Companies A, B, C, D, E, and F, of the I92d Infantry, mustered in during the spring of 1865 and parts of companies in many other regiments of infantry, cavalry and artillery, which were were recruited under the several calls succeeding those already mentioned. At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors held December 7, 1863, a resolution was adopted taxing the county a sum sufficient to pay each volunteer $300, amounting to $389,400. This was for the quotas of that year. On the 23d of August, 1864, the board adopted a resolu tion to pay $400 to two year men and $500 to three year men. On the 2 ist of December, 1864, under another call for 300,000 men, the board passed a resolution to pay volunteers $200 for one year; $400 for two years, and $600 for three years. The total amount of county orders issued to December 22, 1864, including interest was $777,939.59. On the 24th of January, 1865, the board adopted a resolution to pay $300, $500, and $700 respectively for one, two, and three year men. 198 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The payments of the county treasurer for 1864 were $651,447.92 ; for 1865, $309,962.19. The following table shows the amount of war bonds issued to the towns in 1865 : Annsville.... $21,750.00 Rome .$72,375.00 Augusta 14,500.00 Sangerfield _ 18,550.00. Ava _ ..18,125.00 Steuben , 14,475.00 Boonville > 32.425.00 Trenton 33,600.00 Bridgewater 13,750.00 Utica 171, 945.00 Camden 31,975.00 Vernon 30,700.00 Deerfield ..17,400.00 Verona : 44,600.00 Florence 27,675.00 Vienna 26,100.00 Floyd 8,000.00 Western 20,350.00 Kirkland 19,575.00 Westmoreland 26,125.00 Lee _ 29,150.00 Whitestown __ 22,950.00 Marcy 18 850.00 C. H. Doolittle 500.00 Marshall 5,075.00 T. Buchanan, jr....- _ 386.03 New Hartford .24,900,00 Paris 26;325.00 $819,176.03 Remsen... 26,850.00 The following is a summary of the bonds issued each year and the amount paid to the county treasurer by the supervisors : Bonds of 1864.- _ _ $129,350.00 Interest on above _ 9,054.50 $138,404.50 Bonds of 1865 _ 864,474.29 Orders of 1864 (extended) 14,900.00 Paid treasurer by supervisors __ 28,407.78 Total $1,046,186.57 Of this amount $973,510 was refunded by the State.1 ¦ For further details of the enlistments from this county and the deeds of Oneida county men in the field, the reader is referred to the State muster rolls in the county clerk's office, to the various histories of regiments and brigades, and to the full account given in the Everts history of the county of 1878. 1866 TO THE PRESENT. 199 CHAPTER XIX. TO THE PRESENT. The condition of the country at large at the close of the Civil war is well remembered by most people of the present generation. The out - ward aspect of material affairs indicated unexampled prosperity. While the "war prices" of all of the necessaries and the luxuries of life were - unprecedentedly high, money on the other hand was extremely plenty. Fortunes of greater or less magnitude had been rapidly accumulated and the current in financial channels everywhere flowed freely. As a consequence, public improvements of various kinds were projected ; railway extension, the founding of new manufactures, and the multipli cation of mercantile houses in this and other counties, all evidenced the high tide of apparent prosperity. Of course much of this outward prosperity was fictitious, resting as it did upon a greatly inflated cur rency, and built up, as it was, during a period of the most extravagant expenditures, now fortunately closed. A reaction was sure to follow, sooner or later. The history of Oneida county since the war must be briefly written, except as it further appears in later chapters. It has been similar to that of almost all other counties in the State. The people united, in spirit at least, with those of the whole North in welcoming peace to the land, and turned with new energy to their ordinary vocations. While general progress and growth have been marked in this county, signifi cant changes have been taking place which constitute a small part of the great social and industrial problems of the time. For example, a glance at the statistics of population at the close of this chapter shows that only eight of all the towns in Oneida county have increased their number of inhabitants since 1870, and these eight only by a small per centage ; all the others have decreased, and of the eight mentioned a part had more population at a still earlier date than 1870, than they have at the present time. All of the eight, excepting Forestport, have 200 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. within their respective limits one or more active villages or industrial centers, which have been sufficient to attract such small gain in popula tion as they have had. During this census period (i 870-1 892) Utica has grown in population from about 28,000 to nearly 50,000, and Rome from 1 1,000 to 14,000. It need scarcely be noted that these facts have been repeated, in some cases in an exaggerated form, in very many of "the Middle and the New England States. It is a part of the great drift of population towards the larger villages and cities. One of the causes of this exodus from the country is the changed condition of agricultural interests which have been brought about since the war, largely through the competition of the products of the great West, and partly through the general depreciation of rural real estate values ; this latter being in turn caused partly by the western competition mentioned and by the gradual return to the business basis that existed before the war. Oneida county is not alone in seeing this remarkable decrease in value of farm lands ; it is a condition that confronts the farmer all through the East, and what will be its ultimate consequences is difficult to determine. At the same time quite important changes have taken place in the character of agricultural products in the county during the period since the war. As the growing of grains became unprofitable, dairying has been followed more extensively ; the butter and cheese of Oneida county have gained a high reputation and Utica has become one of the most extensive cheese markets in the State. As a whole, the farming community in this county is as prosperous as it is in any of the adjoining counties, and much more so than in many other localities. Among the public improvements following the close of the war and in which Oneida county was especially interested was the extension of the Black River Railroad which was carried out between 1862 and 1880, under the presidency of John Thorn, of Utica. It was of large benefit to the eastern part of the county and the city of Utica. The Utica, Chenango and Susquehanna Railroad Company was formed January 11, 1866, the road extending southerly from Utica through the towns of New Hartford, Paris, Marshall, and Sangerfield in this county, and thence on southward. It was opened to Waterville November 14, 1866. During the next two years the road of the Utica, Clinton and Binghamton Company was opened to Oriskany Falls and 1866 TO THE PRESENT. 201 subsequently extended southward. All of these lines were instrumental in developing the districts through which they passed and contributed to the changes mentioned in the beginning of this chapter. The West Shore Railroad was opened through this county in October, 1883, but its influence in this county was not marked excepting in the southwest ern part, as it extends parallel to the New York Central through much of the distance across the county. An act of the Legislature of May 23, 1867, authorized the construc tion of a railroad from Forestport to Bellinger town and a branch by way of Grant's Mills to the west line of Herkimer county ; this road was useful in the prosecution of the large lumber business of that sec tion. By an act of Legislature dated June 11, 1889, the supervisors were authorized to raise by tax the sum of $15,000 to aid in the erection of the beautiful soldiers' monument now standing in the city of Utica. Another act of June 3, 1890, authorized the supervisors to raise by tax such sum as should be necessary to buy a site for a new State Armory in Utica, and the old arsenal property was sold to the State for $25,000. The new armory erected in that city is one of the finest in the State. An act of April 13, 1892, placed Oneida and Herkimer counties in the Twenty fifth Congressional district ; and in the same month another act gave the county two assemblymen, and constituted this county with Otsego and Lewis counties the Twenty- third Senatorial district. The following table gives the population of the various towns of the county from 1800 to 1892, as shown by the census records: POPULATION OF ONEIDA COUNTY FROM 1800 TO 1892. too to 1800. 1810. 1820. 1830. 1840. 1850. 1860. 1870. 1875. 1880. 1890. 1892. 1,4813,058 1,7652,175 2,688 2,271 1,0273,309 1,308 2,837 - 2,2131,260 4,212 1,261 2,7162,067 1,160 4,106 1,258 2,6262,233 1,022 4,063 1,307 2,554 2,1711,0393,9961,218 2,068 1,984 860 3,509 1,073 1,9631,983 828 3,512 1,053 1,598 2,004 2,771 Boonville 393 1,170 454 1,132 153 1,2941,533 2,746 1,608 5,519 1,418 1,061 384 1,772 1,945 2,331 2,820 3,187 3,687 3,538 3,392 3,391 3,675 *Constantia *Champion 143 1,048 1,232 396970 2,346 640 1,498 4,182 964 1,699 3,120 1,2591,742 2,2872,587 1,419 2,249 „ 2,8021,440 2,0452,299 1,2091,276 4,912 2,0982,181 1,1421,280 4,749 2,0822,073 1,115 1,358 4,984 " 1,9541,489 920 1,519 4,852 1,6111,415 842 1,604 4,636 Floyd 767 2,509 2,984 3,421 4,185 300622 *Leyden 2,186 2,514 2,9361,7992,251 3,025 1,857 2,115 2,796 1,687 2,134 2,656 1,451 2,145 2,413 1,418 2,215 2,360 1,4132,276 1,845 1,2132,145 1,9001,458 2,069 Marcy Marsfjail 1,908 240 845 ' 3,599 2,765 1,400 4,360 3,819 2,844 1,6385,680 4,8474,2832,3847,920 4,3953,7622,6706,246 4,0373,575 ' 1,184 11,000 4,3823,593 1,166 12,251 4,3943,573 1,195 12,194 5,0053,2111,099 14,991 4,935 3,1661,233 13,638 4,721 224 1,497 107 5,418 489 2,003 362947 1,3241,105 328 1,548 6,707 912 3,569 ?Redfield 1,143 552 2,011 1,461 2,272 2,094 2,2511,993 ¦ 2,371 . 1,754 2,3431,554 2,5131,261 2,9131,220 3,171 1,223 3,017 1,005 2,836 946 624 440 2,617 3,221 3,178 3,540 3,504 3,156 3,118 3,097 2,709 2,629 •Turin Utica 2,9722,707 2,447 1,307 2,7912,2375.219 8,3233,045 3,739 1,766 3,3032,419 4,410 12,782 3,043 4,504 2,530 3,105 3,4885,156 17,556 3,0895,587 3,4363,292 2,5245,820 22,524 2,9085,9673,4603,166 2,497 4,367 28,804 2,8405,7573,1802,9522,423 4,339 32,496 3,0075,4763,064 2,7522,2444,368 33,914 3,0565,2872,834'2,7442,2644,498 44,007 3,0164,5352,2202,313 1,817 5,155 46,608 '2,937 4,532 2,303 2,333 1,7735,225 1,519 1,014 1,542 1,493 1,135 2.416 4,212 4,912 22,837 1 33,792 I 50,997 1 71,326 85,310 98,537 101,626 110,018 114,335 115,475 122,922 123,756 o awo oa i-3 >a h- 1 CO >-dEg O !-rJf * Note.— The towns of Champion and Watertown were set off with the erection of Jefferson county, in 1805. The towns of Lowville, Leyden, and Turin were set off to Lewis county at the same time; and the towns of Constantia, Mexico, Redfield, Scriba, and Williamstown were set off with Oswego county, in 1816. The town of Bengal is now the town of Vienna. 1866 TO THE PRESENT. 203 A State census, taken at various periods, shows the following figures' for the county: Census of 1814.45,228; of 1825, 57,847; of 1835, 77,518; of 1845, 84,776; of 1855, 107,749; of 1865, 102,713. The succeeding table gives the assessed valuation in the county in 1894 and 1895, which will be found useful for reference, which is fol lowed by a record of the tax and ratio for the same years: Annsville Augusta Ava Boonville Bridgewater Camden _ .. Deerfield Florence Floyd Forestport Kirkland _ Lee __ Marcy Marshall New Hartford Paris Remsen Rome, 1st ward _. 2d ward_ . . 3d ward 4th ward - - 5th ward - . Sangerfield Steuben Trenton Utica, 1st ward. . . 2d ward 3d ward 4th ward . . 5th ward .. 6th ward _. 7th ward . . 8th ward . . .. 9th ward . . 10th ward •¦_ . 11th ward .. 12th ward.. Vernon Verona Vienna Western Westmoreland Whitestown ... -Real Estate. — 1894. 1359,080 651,670 188,350 881,280507,750908,353 688,415 199,055 370,770 163,516 1,632,635 463,940 667,605873,950 1,683,005 1,062,200 361,636965,811854,939 1,388,556 662,405 1,365,800 1,121,415 424,647888,970 1,775,000 1,954,5302,332,1802,459,856 349,420 412,115 1,629,5251,325,765 1,208,575 778,990 1,417,730 900,710962,250 1,709,309 403,939 583,350990,850 2,481,640 Total $43,021,487 $43,320,476 370,330657,125 199,765 876,980 509,250859,740 690,018201,000392,466 162,839 1,684,745 475,040 677,045883,950 1,681,6951,072,000 366,414 963,036857,854 1,387,125 660,115 1,367,6501,333,765 438,480882,420 1,791,500 1,974,450 2,352,3802,487,056 362,720 417,515 1,623,150 1,332,800 1,211,725 790,540 1,429,150 881,785981,725 1,712,084 404,619 590,490991,700 2,535,240 Personal . 1895. 1894. $14,330 47,525 1,200 74,36051,90032,150 17,400 2,300 13,906 120 166,000 9,050 6,600 26,200 129,100103,250 42,080 14,600 160,583 110,210 11,000 81,632 123,000 12,330 39,830 824,785291,447 493,441456,000 2.000 ""2L066 313,500117,875 117,000 94,10032,900 1,050 46,70032,200 207,500 $16,330 52,590 1,050 69,31052,100 62,550 17,400 2,3006,880 120 184,650 '9,750 9,200 27,700 130,900122,600 47,980 14,600 155,833165,772 9,000 102,247123,000 12,500 40,390 817,000293,095 494,941256,000 2,000 ""2lj66o 209,950 117,875 109.000 97,00035,800 1,280 48,950 33,400 206,500 -Total- 1895. $373,410 699,195 189,550 955,640 559,650940,503 705,815201,355 384,676 163,636 1,798,635 472,990 684,205900,150 1,812,105 1,165,450 403,716 980,411 1,015,5221,498,766 673,405 1,447,432 1,244,415 436,977 928,800 2,579,7852,295,9772,82S,621 2,915,856 351,420 412,115 1,650,525 1,639,265 1,326,450 778,990 1,534,730 900,710 1,056,3501,742,209 404,989 630,050 1,023,0502,689,140 $4,342,154 $4,380,943 $47,363,641 $47,701,419 1894. $386,660 709,715 200,815946,290 561,350922,290707,418203,300 399,346 162, S59 1,869,395 484,790 686,245911,650 1,812,5951,194,600 414,394 976,636101,687 1,552,897 669,115 1,469,8971,256,765 450,980 922,810 2,608,5002,267,5452,847,321 2,943,056 364,720417,515 1,644,1501,512,7501,329,600 790,540 1,538,150 881,785 1,079,125 1,747,884 405,899 639,440 1,025,1002,741,740 204 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. RATIO AND APPORTIONMENT. Total Tax — — 1895. 1894. , — Ratio — 1895. 1894. Annsville Augusta Ava Boonville Bridgewater . . Camden Deerfield Florence Floyd Forestport Kirkland Lee Marcy Marshall New Hartford Paris Remsen Rome Sangerfield . . . Steuben Trenton Utica Vernon Verona Vienna Western ...... Westmoreland Whitestown . . $5,246.63 6,682.783.077.42 4,297.175,711.70 12,402.07 9,592.853,347.22 3,980.183,100.44 14,620.89 6,326.307,571.18 8,285.79 16,866.25 9,770.75 5,412.97 68,276.2214,518.02 4,271.40 10,344.98 202,965.81 11,585.36 22,368.80 9,727.018,644.04 10,457.99 27,628.16 $4,696.43 6,042.56 2,792.459,955.58 4,030.65 9,916.297,524.193,013.71 3,661.813,608.09 11,578.03 5,864.285,979.00 8,294.08 13,443.03 8,750.113,577.12 58,655.67 10,178.03 4,047.33 7,596.89 166,847.32 9,814.87 20.147.81 10,191.12 6,764.147,896.23 22,152.99 1405 09551623 .1496 .1020 .1318.1357 ,1662 ,1034 .1894.0729 1337 ¦1106 09200930 0838 13401215 1166 0977 1113105810961283 2401 13101022 1027 1214 0851' 139D .1052 0718 .1075.1063 1482 0916221406191209 0872 ,0741 0732 08631032 08090897 082308700909 1152 2510 105707700807 $525,070.38 $437,019.81 CIVIL OFFICERS FROM ONEIDA COUNTY. Governor. — Horatio Seymour, elected in 1862. John F. Seymour, appointed pri vate secretary to the governor. James McQuade aid-de-camp. State Engineers.— -John T. Clark, November 8, 1853 ; William B. Taylor, Novem ber 5, 1861 ; J. Platt Goodsell, November 7, 1865 ; William B. Taylor, November 7, 1871; Horatio Seymour, jr., November, 1877, engineer and surveyor; Campbell W, Adams, November, 1893. Canal Commissioners.— Henry Seymour, appointed from Onondaga county, March 24, 1819; removed to Oneida county the same year; Ephraim Hart, 1818; S. N. Dexter, 1840 ; Christopher A. Walrath, November, 1875. Canal Appraiser. — Chester Hayden, April 18, 1843. Bank Commissioner. — Hiram Denio, April 10, 1838. Inspector of State Prisons.— "Wesley Bailey, November 4, 1856. Stale Superintendent of Public Instruction.— Abram B. Weaver, April 7, HORATIO SEYMOUR. 1866 TO THE PRESENT. 205 * Regents of the University. — Frederick William, Baron de Steuben, April 13, 1787.; Nathan Williams, January 28, 1817; George R. Perkins, January 30, 1862; Francis Kernan, February 10, 1870; Wm. H.- Watson, February 2, 1881. Principal of State Normal School. — George R. Perkins, January 12, 1848. Commissioner of Public Charities. — John C. Devereux, February 11, 1874. Delegate's to Constitutional Conventions. — 1801, James Dean, Bezaleel Fisk, Henry Huntington; 1821, Ezekiel Bacon, Samuel Sidney Breese, Henry Huntington, Jonas Platt, Nathan Williams; 1846, Hervey Brayton, Julius Candee, Edward Huntington, Charles P. Kirkland; 1867, Benjamin N. Huntington, Francis Kernan, Richard U. Sherman ; 1872, Commission for amending the Constitution, Francis Kernan. United States Senators. — Henry A. Foster, Rome, November 30, 1844; ap pointed in place of Silas Wright by the governor during legislative recess and vacated by the meeting of the Legislature. Roscoe Conkling, Utica, elected January 15, 1867, and served until 1882. Francis Kernan, Utica, January, 1875, served until 1881. Representatives in Congress.— Following are the Congressional districts, with their numbers, which have included Oneida county : Act of March 23, 1797, district number 9, Chenango, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida. Act of March 30, 1802, dis trict number 15, Herkimer, Oneida, St. Lawrence. Act of March 20, 1804, district number 15, Herkimer, Jefferson, (1805) Lewis, (1805) Oneida, St. Lawrence. Act of March 8, 1808, district number 11, Madison, Oneida. Act of June 10, ^812, district number 16, Oneida, part of Oswego, 1816. Act of April 17, 1822, district number 14, Oneida county. Act of June 29, 1832, district number 17, Oneida and Oswego, two members. Act of September 6, 1812, district number 20, Oneida county. Act of July 19, 1851, the same. Act of April 23, 1862, number changed to 21. Act of June 18, 1873, nnmber changed to 23. Act of May 16, 1883, district number 23, Oneida, Lewis. Jonas Platt, Whitesboro, 1799-1801; Benjamin Walker, Utica, 1801-3; Nathan Williams, Utica, 1805-7; Thomas R. Gold, Whitestown, 1809-11, and 1811-13, and 1815-17; Morris S. Miller, Utica, 1813-15; Henry^ R. Storrs, Whitesboro, 1817-19, 1819-21, 1823-25, 1825-27, 1827-29, 1829-31 ; Joseph Kirkland, Utica, 1821-23 ; Sam uel Beardsley, Utica, 1831-33, 1833-35, 1835-37, 1843-44; Henry A. Foster, Rome, 1837-39; John G. Floyd, Utica, 1839-41, 1841-43; Timothy Jenkins, Oneida Castle, 1845-47, 1847-49, 1851-53; Orsamus B. Matteson, Utica, 1849-51, 1853-51, 1855-57, 1857-59; Roscoe Conkling, Utica, 1859-61, 1861-63, 1865-67, 1867-69; Francis Ker nan, Utica, 1863-65 ; Alexander H. Bailey, Rome, 1867-69, 1869-71 ; Ellis H Rob erts, Utica, 1871-73, 1873-75; Scott Lord, Utica, 1875-77; William J. Bacon, Utica, 1877-79; Cyrus D. Prescott, 1879-81, 1881-83; J. Thomas Spriggs, Utica, 1883-85, 1885-87 ; James o. Sherman, Utica, 1887-89, 1889-91 ; and to present time by re-' election. Presidental Electors. — (Appointed by the Legislature from 1792 to 1825.) 1804, William Floyd; 1808, Henry Huntington; 1812, Henry Huntington, James S. Kipp; 1816, Montgomery Hunt; 1820, William Floyd, Henry Wager; 1824, Samuel Hicks. (Elected by districts), 1828, Ebenezer B. Shearman. (Elected on general ticket), 1832, David Moulton; 1836, Parker Halleck; 1840, John J. Knox; 1844, Thomas H. Hubbard ; 1848, William B. Welles ; 1852, Thomas H. Hubbard ; 1856, James S. Lynch ; 206 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1860, Benjamin N. Huntington; 1864, John J. Knox, 1868, James McQuade (did not accept and Morven M Jones appointed to the vacancy); 1872, Samuel Camp bell; 1876, James McQuade; 1880, Patrick H. Costello; 1884, Fredericks. Easton; 1888. John S. Koster. State Senators.-. — Under the first State Constitution Oneida county was a part of the Western district ; under the second Constitution, it was placed in the Fifth district, and under the Constitution of 1846 it was made the. Nineteenth district. 1797-1802, Thomas R. Gold, Whitesboro; 1797-1804, Jedediah Sanger, New Hart ford; 1805-7, Henry Huntington, Rome; 1808, William Floyd, Western; 1809-16, Francis A. Bloodgood, Utica; 1810-13,' Jonas Platt, Whitesboro; 1817-22, Ephraim Hart, Utica; 1823, Samuel Beardsley, Utica; 1825-26, George Brayton, Western, 1827-30, Truman Enos, Westmoreland; 1829-32, William H. Maynard, Utica; 1831- 34, 1841-44, Henry A. Foster, Rome ; 1836-40, David Wager, Rome ; 1846-17, Joshua A. Spencer, Utica; 1848-49, Thomas E. Clark, Utica; 1850-51, Charles A. Mann, Utica; 1851-53, Benjamin N. Huntington, Rome; 1854-55, Daniel G. Dorrance, Florence; 1856-57, Eaton J. Richardson, Utica; 1858-59, Alrick Hubbell, Utica; 1860-61, William H. Ferry, Utica; 1862-65, Alexander H. Bailey, Rome; 1866-69, Samuel Campbell, New York Mills; 1870-71, George H. Sanford, Rome; 1872-74, Samuel S. Lowery, Utica; 1875-76, Theodore S Sayre, Utica; 1877-78, Alexander T. Goodwin. Utica; 1879-80, William W. Rockwell; 1881-82, 1883 to 1896, Henry J. Coggeshall. Member of Assembly. — 1798-99, Abel French, Henry McNeil, David Ostrom; 1800, John Hall, David Ostrom, Nathan Smith; 1800-1, Jesse Curtiss, Abel French, David Ostrom ; 1802, Joel Bristol, Abel French, David Ostrom ; 1803, James Dean, sr., Abel French, John Lay, Aaron Morsej 1804, David Coffeen, Joseph Kirkland, David Ostrom, Abraham Van Epps; 1804-5, Geo. Brayton, Jos. Jennings, Jos. Kirkland, Benj. Wright; 1806, George Brayton, Thomas Hart, Joseph Jennings; 1807, George Brayton, Uri Doolittle, Charles Z. Pratt; 1808, Thomas R. Gold, Henry McNeil, Benjamin Wright; 1809, Joel Bristol, James Dean, sr., David Ostrom, John Storrs, Benjamin Wright; 1810, Levi Carpenter, jr., Samuel Chandler, John Humaston, David Ostrom, John Storrs; 1811, Isaac Brayton, George Doolittle, George Hunting ton, Henry McNeil, John Storrs; 1812, Isaac Brayton, Joel Bristol, Erastus Clark, George Huntington, John Storrs; 1813, Josiah Bacon, Erastus Clark, George Hunt ington, John Lay, Nathan Townsend; 1814, Isaac Brayton, Laurens Hull, James Lynch, Henry McNeil, Theodore Sill; 1815, Theodore Sili, John Lay, James Lynch, Rufus Pettibone, John Storrs; 1816, Isaac Brayton, Jesse Curtiss, James Lynch' Roderick Morrison, Richard Sanger; 1817, David I. Ambler, Wheeler- Barnes, Abram Camp, Martin Hawley, Henry Huntington, Newton Marsh; 1818, George Brayton, Henry Huntington, Joseph Kirkland, Nathan Williams, Theodore Woodruffe;, 1819, (Oneida and Oswego) Ezekiel Bacon, Luther Guiteau, David P. Hoyt, George Hunt ington, Theodore Woodruffe ; 1820, (Oneida and Oswego) James Dean, jr., George Huntington, Henry McNeil, Theophilus S. Morgan, John Storrs ; 1821, ^Oneida and Oswego) Josiah Bacon, Allen Fraser, George Huntington, Joseph Kirkland, William 1866 TO THE PRESENT. 207 Root; 1822, (Oneida and Oswego) Greene C. Bronson, Samuel Chandler, George Huntington,' Peter Pratt, Israel Stoddard; 1823, (Oneida) Uri Doolittle, Thomas H. Hamilton, Jesse Lynch, Henry Wager, Saml. Wetmore; 1824, Joseph Allen, Apollos Cooper, Joseph Grant, John Ruger, Henry Wager ; 1825, Joseph Kirkland, David Pierson, Israel Stoddard, Broughton White, Samuel Woodworth; 1826, Aaron Barnes, Russell Clark, Laurens Hull, Theodore Sill, Israel Stoddard; 1827, John Billings, W. H. Chandler, Benj.' P. Johnson, John Parker, Theodore Sill; 1828, Gardiner Avery, S. Sidney Breese, Thomas E. Clark, Benj. P. Johnson, Eli Savage; 1829, Reuben Bacon, Benj. P. Johnson, Eli Savage, Reuben Tower, Fortune C. White; 1830, Arnon Comstock, Linus Parker, Elisha Pettibone, Eli Savage, Ithal Thompson; 1831, Reuben Bettis, Arnon Comstock, David Moulton, Riley Shepard, John F. Trowbridge; 1832, Nathaniel. Fitch, Lemuel Hough, Rutger B. Miller, David Moulton, Daniel Twitchell ; 1833, Ichabod C. Baker, Levi Buckingham, John Dewey, Squire Utley, David Wager; 1834, Pomroy Jones, Israel S. Parker, Hiram Shays, Aaron Stafford, Ithal Thompson; 1835, Merit Brooks, Dan P. Cadwell, Riley Shepard, David Wager, Amos Woodworth; 1836, Henry Graves, John W. Hale, William Knight, Jared C. Pettibone, John Stryker; 1837, Levi Buckingham, John I. Cook, Lester N. Fowler, Andrew S. Pond; 1838, Russell Fuller, Henry Hear- sey, Fortune C. White, James S. T. Stranahan; 1839, Jesse Armstrong, Ward Hunt, Amasa S. Newberry, Israel Stoddard ; 1840, Nelson Dawley, Anson Knibloe, Charles A. Mann, John F. Trowbridge; 1841, Calvin Dawley, Joseph Halleck, Luke Hitchcock, Nathaniel Odell; 1842, Ichabod C. Baker, Ebenezer Robbins, Horatio Seymour, De Witt C. Stevens; 1843, Dan P. Cadwell, Amos S. Fassett, David Murray, John H. Tower; 1844, Justus Childs, James Douglass, Richard Empey, Horatio Seymour ; 1845, Andrew Billings, Merit Brooks, Calvert Comstock, Horatio Seymour ; 1846, Chauncey C. Cook, Benj. F. Cooper, Daniel G. Dorrance, Russell Fuller; 1847, Nathan Burchard, Abel E. Chandler, Isaac Curry, John Dean. Under constitution of 1846: 1848, Luke Smith, Warren Converse, B. S. Beach, Henry Wager; 1849, Oliver Prescott, N. N. Pierce, J. M. Elwood, C. Stevens; 1850, Wm. J. Bacon, Ralph Mcintosh, R. Frazier, Luther Leland; 1851, Joseph Benedict, Lawrence Rouse, Lewis Rider, Geo. Brayton; 1852, G. D. Williams. C. S. Butler, Henry Sandford, John J. Castle; 1853, D. Gilmore, Amos O. Osborne, Julius C. Thorne, Amos C. Hall; 1854, Jos. Benedict, A. P. Case, D. L. Boardman, James Mitchell; 1855, G. D. Williams, Levi Blakeslee, H. H. Beecher, Daniel Walker; 1856, G. F. Fowler, J. J. Hanchett, T. D. Penfield, Caleb Goodrich; 1857, R. U. Sherman, P. B. Babcock, John Halstead, I. Townsend ; 1858, Henry R. Hart, Wm. J. McKown, Thomas G. Hailey, Reuben Knight; 1859, C. M. Scholefield, Edward Loomis, P. C. Costello, Didymus Thomas; 1860, J. McQuade, Benjamin Allen, Thomas Evans, George Williams ; 1861, F. Kernan, L. T. Marshall, M. L. Kenyon, William Lewis ; 1862, C. M. Scholefield, Eli Avery, T. D. Penfield, Jeremiah Sweet ;_ 1863, A. B. Weaver, D. M. Prescott, Asa S. Sherman, Isaac McDougall ; 1864, A. B.' Weaver, Levi Blakeslee, C. Brodock, J. W. Douglass ; 1865, A. B. Weaver, Lorenzo Rouse, T. D. Penfield, Geo. W. Cole ; 1866, Geo. Graham, Alva Penny, B. N. Hunt ington, Silas L. Snyder ; 1867, L. Blakeslee, Ellis H. Roberts, Geo. H. Sandford, L. W. Fisk ; 1868, W. H. Chapman, Alanson B. Cady, James Stevens, A. Nicholson ; 1869, Eli Avery, A. B. Tuttle, James Stevens, Erastus 'Ely; 1870, S. S. Lowery, 208 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. David M. Miner, St. Pierre Jerred, James Roberts; 1871, G. W. Chadwick, Sidney A. Bunce, Thos. Mulhall, Isaac McDougall; 1872, M. L. Hungerford, E. Beckwith, Geo. K. Carroll, Albert L. Hayes; 1873, N. A. White, H. J. Coggeshall, P. H. Costello, .Daniel Walker ; 1874, G. W. Chadwick, Arthur F. Brown, John J. Parry, G. O. Jones; 1875, R. U- Sherman, Silas T. Ives, Edward Lewis, H. Lillybridge; 1876, R. U. Sherman, S. Gridley, J. H. Flanagan, Walter Ballou ; 1877, Jas. Corbett, Everett Case, Benj. D. Stone, J. Robert Moore ; 1878, Wm. Jones, A. De V. Townsley, Cyrus D. Prescott, Robt. H. Roberts ; 1879, Benjamin Allen, Frank Sang, Thomas D. Penfield, H. D. Grant; 1880, Henry J. Cookinham, James A. Douglass, David Gray; 1881, James Armstrong, David G. Evans, Thomas D. Roberts; 1882, Patrick Griffin, Morris R. Jones, Frank A. Edgerton ; 1883, William Townsend, Clarence E. Williams, Thomas B. Allanson; 1884, Joseph Joyce, Joseph Aekroyd, T. James Owen ; 1885, Henry A. Steber, Lewis B. Sherman, T. James Owen ; 1866, Benjamin Hall, Robert W. Evans, Israel J. _White ; 1887, Benjamin Hall, Robert W. Evans, John C. Davies; 1888, J. Harry Kent, George G. McAdam, George Beatty, jr. ; 1889, Joseph J. Kent, George G. McAdam, Abisha B. Baker; 1890, James K. O'Connor, James L. Dempsey, Russell S. Johnson; 1891, Cornelius Haley, James L. Dempsey, Russell S. Johnson; 1892, Cornelius Haley, Harry S. Patten, Chester W. Porter; 1893, Cornelius Haley, Chester W. Porter ; 1894, Henry P. Hoefler, Joseph Porter; 1895, Henry P. Hoefler, Wm. Cary Sanger. County Treasurers. — Appointed by boards of supervisors until 1846, since which they have been elected for terms of three years. The records are not accessible for this office prior to 1830. 1830-41, Jay Hathaway; 1842-45, A. Bennett; 1846, W. Tracy; 1847-48, E. B. Armstrong; 1849-51, Sanford Adams ; 1852-54, E. H. Shelley; 1855-57, J. Thomas Spriggs; 1858-66, John J. Parry, jr. ; 1867-72, Charles Northrup; 1873-78, William McPherson; 1879-90, John R. Edwards; 1890-93, Charles F. Barnard; 1893-6, William E. Richards. County Clerks. — Appointed up to 1846 and elected since for three years. 1798, Jonas Platt; 1802, Francis A. Bloodgood; 1813, Abraham Camp; 1815, Francis A, Bloodgood; 1821-22, Elisaph Dorchester; 1825, John H. Ostrom; 1831, George Brown; 1834, John D. Leland; 1837, James Dean; 1840, P. Sheldon Root; 1843, Delos De Wolf; 1846, Patrick Mahon; 1849, Alexander Rae; 1852, Richard Hulbert; 1855, Zenas M. Howes; 1858, J. Earl Hulbert; 1861, Daniel P. Buckingham; 1864, Orson Carpenter ; 1867, James C. Bronson ; 1870, Linus R. Clark ; 1873 , James B. Paddon; 1876, Taliesin Evans; 1879, Henry J. Coggeshall; 1882, Arthur H. Ballou; 1885, M. Jesse Brayton; 1888, Frederick D. Haak; 1891, Rouse B, Maxfield; 1894-6, Garry A. Williard. PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS. 209 CHAPTER XX. PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS. The location of the State Hospital (better known as the Utica State Insane Asylum) makes it proper to give in these pages a brief sketch of its history. The act under which it was established was passed March 30, 1836, after discussion of the subject during the preceding five years. The site, embracing about 130 acres of land, was purchased in the sum mer of 1837 at a cost °f $16,300, of which sum the citizens of Utica contributed $6,300. The original plan contemplated four buildings, each 550 feet long, to be erected around four sides of a quadrangle and con nected at the angles by verandas of lattice work. At the close of 1838 $46,881.79 had been expended and the foundations laid after the plans. In the years 1839, 1840, and 1841, appropriations of $75,000 in each year were made. On the 6th of January, 1842, the commissioners re ported the institution ready for occupation, excepting furniture. In January, 1842, the trustees, Messrs. David Russell, W. H. Shearman, N. Devereux, Dr. C. B. Coventry, and T. S. Faxton, reported a system of government for the institution, which was in the main adopted. During that year furniture and apparatus were purchased to the amount of $25,000, and in the following year $16,000 were appropriated for con structing a drain to the river, a water supply, and other improvements. The asylum was opened for patients on the 16th of January, 1843, and during that year 276 were received. The rapid influx of patients led to the abandonment of the original plans, and in 1844 the Legislature ap propriated $60,000 for building two brick wings to extend 240 feet from the main building, and $4,000 for the purchase of additional land. In 1846 $17,000 were appropriated for finishing the wings, $15,000 for furniture and fixtures, $5,000 for the water supply, and $3,000 for other purposes. In 1860, 48 acres of land on the Mohawk flats were pur chased at a cost of $10,880. Various improvements and additions have 27 210 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. been made since that time. On July 14, 1857, the main building was burned, causing a loss of nearly $200,000 ; there were then 470 persons in the building and Dr. L. F. Rose was so badly burned that he died ; a fireman was also killed. In 1893 the care of the insane passed directly to the State and this institution took the name of the State Hospital. , County Poor House and Asylum. — In the early years of the history of this State the various towns were required to care for their own poor. Subsequently the Legislature made laws providing for the erection of a county poor house. While the towns cared for their own poor, it was customary to let out their support to the highest bidder, a practice that was open to the most flagrant abuses. In Oneida provision was made for the support of the poor at large by the purchase of a farm of about 100 acres about the year 1825. Subsequently additions were made until now the county owns nearly 200 acres. The first building erected for the purpose was a cheap two story stone structure, in which the paupers and the insane of the county were kept indiscriminately. In 1859 measures were adopted to provide a better building, in which facilities should be provided for separating the incurable insane from the other inmates. A plan for an asylum was made by Dr. John P. Gray, then at the head of the State Asylum, which was adopted by the supervisors, and in the following year (i860) a new structure was erected at a cost of $18,000, the funds being borrowed of the State for the pur pose. About $1,200 was expended in furnishing the building. To pay this indebtedness the sum of $5,000 was authorized to be raised by the county annually. In 1862-63 a lunatic asylum was erected at a cost of $6,000. In 1869-70 a new asylum was built under supervision of a committee consisting of Harvey Head and E. B. Armstrong, at a total cost of a little more than $12,000, and in 1874 a further expenditure was made on the farm of about $7,000. In 1875 about $5,000 were expended on the farm buildings. In 1876-77 extensive additions and other improvements were made, including a new asylum, which cost about $30,000, a new barn, etc.; the total expenditure at this time was nearly $60,000. In 1893 the asylum part of the property passed to the State, for which the comptroller was required to pay to the county the sum of $104,621, the care of the insane being assumed by the State au- M^cy^eJz^J A-druretc Pt/hlislitaj iEt^raviiij CWX PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS. 211 thorities. Steps were at once taken to erect what is now the County Home, a short distance out of Rome city, which cost over $100,000. Few counties, if any, in the State have now better accommodations for their poor. Oneida County Historical Society. — This society was founded in 1876 by the following persons : Horatio Seymour, president; Charles W. Hutchinson, Alexander Seward, and Edward Huntington, vice-presidents ; S. N. Dexter North, recording secretary; Mor- ven M. Jones, corresponding secretary; Robert S. Williams, treasurer; and William J. Bacon, John F. Seymour, Daniel Batchelor, Richard U. Sherman, and Simon G. Visscher, managers, and Roscoe Conkling, Pomroy Jones, Luther Guiteau, Philo White, Daniel B. Goodwin, Charlemagne Tower, John Stryker, Ward Hunt, Ellis H. Roberts, De Witt C. Grove, Francis Kernan, John H. Edmonds, Michael Moore, Alexander S. Johnson, Edward North, Othniel S. Williams, William D. Walcott, Daniel E. Wager, John P. Gray, John G. Crocker, and Theodore S. Faxton, board of councillors. Following is a list of the first members : Horatio Seymour, Deerfield, N. Y. ; Alexander Seward, Utica, N. Y. ; Charles W. Hutchinson, Utica, N. Y. ; Pomroy Jones, Lairdsville, N. Y. ; Robert S. Williams, Utica, N. Y. ; Ellis H. Roberts, Utica, N. Y. ; M. M. Bagg, Utica, N. Y. ; John F. Seymour, Utica, N. Y. ; E. D. Buckingham, Utica. N. Y. ; S. N. Dexter North, Utica, N. Y. ; Andrew McMillan, Utica, N. Y. ; Harold Frederic, Utica, N. Y. ; M. M. Jones, Utica, N. Y. ; James Benton, Utica, N. Y. ; Francis Kernan, Utica, N. Y. ; Samuel G. Wolcott, Utica, N. Y. ; Joseph E. West, Utica, N. Y. ; S. G. Visscher, Rome, N. Y. ; Richard U. Sherman, New Hartford, N. Y. ; J. L. Earll, Utica, N. Y. ; Edgar O. Wagner, Utica, N. Y< ; P. G. Webster, Fort Plain, N. Y. ; W. H. Christian, Utica, N. Y. ; George Graham, Oriskany, N. Y. ; Matt. D. Bagg, Utica, N. Y. ; William J. Bacon, Utica, N. Y. ; De Witt C. Grove, Utica, N. Y. The society has maintained an active existence since its formation and~has accomplished a vast amount of good. Through its instrument ality a monument on the Oriskany battle field has been erected, and steps taken towards providing another in honor of Gen. Herkimer. The society has accumulated a great quantity of historical books, docu ments and relics. The late Mrs. James Watson Williams left a fund of $50,000 for the erection of a building for the society to be called the Munson Williams Memorial. Plans were procured from Robert M. Hunt, the eminent architect and one of the finest structures of the kind in the country has just been finished (1896). The first president of the society was Horatio Seymour, who was succeeded by Ellis H. Roberts, and he by the incumbent, Charles W. Hutchinson. 212 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Present Officers.— President,'. Hon. Charles W. Hutchinson; vice-presidents, George D. Dimon, Thomas R. Proctor, Hon. Daniel E. Wager;1 corresponding sec retary, Hon. Chas. W. Darling, A.M. ; recording secretary, W. Pierrepont White, LL. B. ; librarian, M. M. Bagg, M.D. ; treasurer, Warren C. Rowley. Agricultural Society. — The first agricultural society in Oneida county was formed in 1818, under the title of the Oneida County Agricultural Society. Col. Garrett G Lansing was its president and Elkanah Wat son, vice-president. The first fair was held at Whitesboro October 18, of that year, which was largely attended ; addresses were made by Mr. Lansing and Mr. Watson and a grand ball was given in the evening. The premiums given were mostly in cash or silver ware. There are no accessible records as to the after life of this society. The present Oneida County Agricultural Society was organized in 1841, in which' year its first annual fair was held. These continued many years, usually alternating between Utica and Rome Grounds were enclosed in Rome and in 1850 admission was charged to all who were not members. These grounds were the property of Col. E. B. Armstrong and comprised ten acres. From a date soon after the close of the war the fairs were all held in Rome. In 1872 the society became joint owner of'Riverside Park with the Rome Riverside Park Driving Association, and in 1878 the agricultural society purchased the entire property. The park encloses about, 50 acres and has an excellent driv ing track and commodious buildings. New York State Cheese Manufacturers' Association. — It may not be generally known that the first cheese factory in the United States was put in operation in Rome, Oneida county, during the war, by Jesse Williams. To this man is given much of the credit of founding a sys tem of dairying which has been of incalculable benefit to the agricultu ral communities, and to none more than the region of which Oneida county forms a part. Interest in the work of Mr. Williams increased, and on January 6, 1864, a meeting of dairymen was held in Rome, where a Dairymen's Convention was organized with the following of ficers : President, Jesse Williams, of Oneida County ; vice-presidents, Lyman R. Lyon, Lewis; L. Warner, Ontario;. Daniel Smith, Montgomery; A. L. Fish, Herkimer; Alonzo Peck, Madison ; D. W. Maples, Cortland ; M. R. Stocker, Otsego ; Geo. . 0. 1 Died April, 1896. PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS. 213 Morn, Erie; D. H. Goulding, Chautauqua; A. D. Stanley, Jefferson; Alfred Buck, Oneida; Dwight Ellis, Mass.; A. Bartlett, Ohio; secretaries, B. F. Stevens, Lewis; Geo. W. Pixley, Oneida. Representatives were present from sixty-nine cheese factories, and resolutions were adopted organizing the New York State Cheese Man ufacturers' Association. At the second annual meeting this association was merged in the American Dairymen's Association, an organization extending throughout the United States and Canada. It is an unqual ified honor to Oneida county that this great and useful association found its inception here. Horatio Seymour was its president many years, and addresses and essays have been given at the annual meetings by men eminent in dairy work from various parts of the country. The Central New York Farmers' Club. — This association of farmers was organized in Utica January 21, 1870, at which meeting a commit tee was appointed to prepare a constitution and by-laws. The follow ing persons were elected officers : President, Hon. Samuel Campbell, of New York Mills; vice-presidents, Horatio Seymour, of Deerfield; John Butterfield, of Utica; Henry Rhodes, of Trenton; Morgan Butler, of New Hartford; M. Quinby, of St. Johnsville; Harris Lewis, of Frankfort ; S. T. Miller, of Constableville ; Josiah Shull, of Ilion ; Stephen Thomas, of Cassville ; recording secretary, T. D. Curtis, of Utica ; corresponding secretary, W. H. Comstock, of Utica; treasurer. L. L. Wight, of Whitestown ; librarian, Wm. Ralph, of Utica. Besides these a board of eight directors was chosen, to serve from one to four years respectively. Meetings of the club were held twice each month for discussions, reading of papers, etc. The organization has accomplished a vast amount of good for its members and others. Oneida County Farmers' Alliance. — This association, comprising prominent farmers of this county, was organized at a meeting held in the Utica court house March 13, 1878, at which a committee was ap pointed to prepare constitution and by-laws. Meetings were to be held alternately in the various towns of the county, for the discussion of gen eral agricultural topics and particularly to promote legislation and awaken interest in freight charges, taxation, and kindred subjects for the improvement of agricultural interests. The Utica Board of Trade. — The subject of forming boards of trade for the sale of dairy products was discussed in the winter and spring of 1 87 1, and on March 6 a meeting was held in Little Falls, where a reg- 214 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ular market was maintained, at which preliminary action was taken. At another meeting held April 14 new articles were prepared and added to the constitution and by-laws and the New York State Dairymen's Asso ciation and Board of Trade was organized. The first transactions under this organization between buyers and sellers took place on May 1, 1871, when 2,000 boxes of cheese were offered. This was the first interior board of trade organized for the sale" of cheese and butter in the United States. In February, 1871, a call was issued for a County Dairymen's Association, which should " frequently and practically discuss the sev eral questions that naturally arise during the dairying season." The first meeting was held at Bagg's Hotel March 1, 1871, and an organiza tion effected under the title of the National Dairymen's Club ; T. D. Curtis was elected president. The next meeting was held March 17, when a constitution and by-laws were adopted. The first sale day was May 29, although the original plan of the club did not anticipate any connection with establishing a market. The club was governed by a carefully prepared code of regulations. At the/annnal meeting of 1875 the name of the organization was changed to The Utica Dairymen's Board of Trade and the original purposes of the club were largely abandoned. The marketing of dairy products in Utica soon became very large, increasing from about 40,000 boxes in 1871, to 100,000 in 1873 ; 155,000 in 1874, and over 200,000 in 1877. This board has accomplished more for the best interests of dairymen in Oneida county than any other influence. The Oneida County Bible Society. — The inception of this society dates back to 1810, when, on the 15th of November, the Oneida Bible Society was organized in the Presbyterian church in Utica. That was six years before the organization of the American Bible Society. A constitution was adopted at that meeting, the first article of which could not be repealed and was as follows: "The object of this society shall be the distribution of the Holy Scriptures in the com mon version, without note or comment." The earliest officers were Jonas Platt, president; Rev. Asahel S. Norton (of Clinton), vice pres ident ; Rev. James Carnahan (Utica), secretary ; Rev. Amos G. Bald win, treasurer. There were also sixteen directors. In 1849 the consti tution was revised and the name of the society; changed to Oneida CANALS AND RAILROADS. 215 County Bible Society. The county has been several times thoroughly convassed by agents or members of the society with a view to discover and supply every family not having the Scriptures with a copy. Annual meetings have been held, with the exception of the years 1833 to 1836 inclusive. The good accomplished by the society cannot be estimated. CHAPTER XXI. CANALS AND RAILROADS. CANALS — Nothing has contributed so much to the growth and pros perity of New York State as its canal system. It greatly enhanced the value of farming lands, enriched the farmer, the merchant, the mechanic, the laboring man, and in fact all classes of persons, and largely in creased all kinds of business. It is not easy to specify in detail the various and numerous methods by which this State and its citizens have been benefited by our canals, or to summarize in figures the untold wealth and prosperity which have been thereby added to the county. At an early day shrewd observers and far-seeing statesmen predicted an auspicious future to the country, and particularly to New York, if the natural waterways leading east and west could be connected by short canals, and trade, travel and commerce thereby find a cheap and expeditious transportation between the seaboard and the western lakes ; but even the most sanguine, the most earnest and enthusiastic never looked far enough ahead to believe that there was in store such a glori ous future as was actually realized. As early as 1724 Cadwallader Colden, surveyor-general of New York, suggested plans for inland navigation. In 1761 General Schuyler, while in England, witnessed the construction of a canal, which to him was suggestive of improve ment of the Mohawk, and the construction of canals around the rifts, shallows and rapids, of that stream, and across the portage at Fort Stanwix ; on his return to America he urged that scheme. Taking the 216 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. hint from General Schuyler, Sir Henry Moore, governor of the colony of New York in 1768, presented the same views to the Legislature. In 1772 Christopher Colles lectured on the subject, and in 1784 went over the same route and presented to the Legislature an elaborate re port in favor of the plan. In 1783 George Washington, when he visited Lake Champlain and also Fort Stanwix, as narrated in another chapter* gave expression to his earnest views in the same line of thought. Next came Elkanah Watson, an ardent supporter and earnest advocate of in land lock navigation. Extracts from his papers elsewhere published in this volume show • what a rosy view he entertained of that project. Governor George Clinton was also an earnest advocate of the measure, and on his recommendation the Legislature passed an act, March 24, 1 79 1, authorizing the Land Commissioners to cause to be explored and survey to be made, at a cost not to exceed one hundred pounds, of the ground between the Mohawk River and Wood Creek at Fort Stanwix and also between the Hudson and Wood Creek in Washington county, and to estimate the expense that would attend making the canals for lbaded boats to pass, and to report the same to the Legislature. On the 30th of March, 1792, the Legislature incorporated two companies for lock navigation purposes, one called the " Northern Inland Lock Navigation Company," to connect the waters of Hudson River with Lake Champlain; the other the "Western Inland Lock Navigation Company," to connect the waters of the Hudson with Lake Ontario ' and Seneca Lake ; the latter company to improve Mohawk River, Wood Creek, and cut canals where needed along that route. August 14, 1792, the directors of the company appointed a committee consist ing of General Schuyler, Elkanah Watson and Goldsboro Banyar, to examine the state of the Mohawk River to Fort Stanwix and across the portage to Wood Creek. That committee commenced its labors Monday, August 20, accompanied by Moses De Witt, a surveyor, and proceeded in a bateau up the river. In the report made by them in September thereafter to the directors, a minute account is given of the rapids, rifts, impediments and obstructions in the river from Schenec tady to Little Falls, a distance of fifty- three miles. At this point,, a canal must be cut mostly through solid rock, of three-quarters of a mile; the height of the falls here is reported at thirty- nine feet two inches. CANALS AND RAILROADS. 217 The distance from thence to Fort Stanwix is placed at forty-five miles with no serious impediment to navigation, except at Orendorf's and Wolf's Rifts, east of Herkimer, and these not hard to overcome. Across the portage at Fort Stanwix to Wood Creek a canal must be cut through swamp and level ground. The water in the Mohawk about two feet higher than the water in Wood Creek. The length of the canal at this portage is placed at 5,352 feet. The estimate of the cost of this canal was 3,000 pounds. The estimate of the work at Little Falls, including five locks, was 10,500 pounds; and the whole expense from Schenec tady to Wood Creek was estimated at 39,500 pounds. It was estimated that the expense of removing the timber obstructing Wood Creek from Fort Newport (late U. S. Arsenal) to Oneida Lake, would be about [,000 pounds. The committee reported that the water in Wood Creek was very low at that time, and that General Schuyler descended that stream in a bateau and found the obstructions down to Fort Bull quite trifling ; but that the creek was so shallow the bateau could not have passed without the aid of the water collected in Dominick Lynch's dam on the creek (near where Edward Evans's brewery now stands). From Fort Bull to Canada Creek the rapids were reported as many and sharp, with little water, and the obstructions from timber trifling. From Can ada Creek was water sufficient for half a mile, but after that navigation was greatly impeded to Oneida Lake by timber in the creek, as well as by many short turns. Wood Creek was a very crooked stream and many isthmuses had to be cut to make navigation easy or practicable. Work was commenced at Little Falls in 1793, upon the following plan: A canal at that place 4,752 feet long, of which 2,550 feet was through solid rock ; upon it were five locks with a total rise of forty- four and one-half feet. Another canal of one and a quarter miles long with a lock at Wolf Rift, German Flats. A canal one and three- quarter miles long at Fort Stanwix ; and four locks on Wood Creek with a total depth of twenty five feet. The work had to be stopped in 1794 for want of funds. It was reported to the Legislature (and so recited in the act of March 31, 1795) that only 743 shares of the stock of the Western Company had been taken, and that 240 shares had been forfeited. That act authorized the State treasurer to subsbribe for 200 shares of the stock in behalf of the State, and those shares were so sub- 28 218 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. scribed for. The work was then resumed and pushed ahead, so that boats first passed the canal and locks at Little Falls November 17, 1795, and on that day and the next eight large and 200 small boats were passed, at a total toll of 80 pounds, 10 shillings, exclusive of nine that passed free the first day. The chambers of the locks were 74 by 12 feet and allowed boats of thirty two tons to pass ; but other impedi ments limited boats to a burden of ten or eleven tons. Light boats could go from Schenectady to Fort Stanwix and back in nine days, but the larger boats required fourteen days to make the round trip. In 1795 Wood Creek was cleared of obstructions and thirteen isthmuses were cut across, shortening the channel seven miles. April 11, 1796, an act was passed reciting that, as the waters of the Mohawk and Wood Creek were about to be connected by means of a canal and locks at Fort Stanwix, the State advanced to the Western Company, for naviga tion purposes, 15,000 pounds, to be paid in January, 1803, and to be secured by bond and mortgage of the real estate of that company at Little Falls; and also loaned the company a quantity of powder (one and one-half tons). In 1796 boats passed through to Oneida Lake and the work in 1797 had cost $400,000, of which the State had paid $72,- 000. The great cost required high tolls, and in 18 12 only 300 boats passed, with 1,500 tons, at Little Falls. In 1808 the company gave up its rights, west of Oneida Lake, and in 1820 sold out to the State, when the work on the Erie Canal was in progress, for $152,718.52. The foregoing facts as to the cost and progress of this work are taken from the report of William Weston, who came from England to superintend, as engineer, the construction of these inland canals. The canal through Rome, which connected the Mohawk with Wood Creek, commenced at that rivef, about a mile east of the business por tion of the city of Rome, on the northerly side of the highway leading to Stanwix Village (formerly Newville), and across that road from and opposite places known 100 years ago as the William Colbraith (first sheriff of Oneida county) place ; later the Dr. Stephen White place ; later the House place, and still later the Phineas Abbe and Robert Mc- Cutcheon place. At that point of starting is yet standing a frame dwell ing, one and a half stories high, said to have been erected before 1800 by one George House, and occupied by him as the lock tender, and CANALS AND RAILROADS. 219 later by William Riley. The canal crossed that highway as shown by the indentation in the ground, to where the present Erie Canal is, and followed the present route of the last named canal until George street is reached. There it diverged from the present course of the Erie Canal and ran parallel with but nearer Dominick street than the Erie. An indentation in the ground and in the rear of the tier of the lots which front on Dominick street westerly of George street, indicates where the inland canal ran ioo years ago. It connected with Wood Creek near where the U. $. Arsenal was erected in 1815. There was a lock or gate at each end of this canal, viz.: one at the Mohawk and one at Wood Creek. About midway of the length of this canal was a feeder to aid in supplying it with water. From the Mohawk nearly opposite Old Fort Stanwix, a ditch was cut (starting near River street) and followed a route nearly parallel with, but easterly of, the present Black River Canal, and so on near the site of the present brass and copper mill, and on southerly to the inland canal. Old residents dis agree as to the exact route of this feeder. Some locate it as above, while others say, that while it started as above, it went towards Fort Stanwix until it struck the channel of " Spring Brook " (now the route of the Black River Canal) and followed that course until its waters were discharged into the inland canal, and that near " Lock No. 1 " of Black River Canal was a bridge over that feeder (a little southerly of the present Dominick street), and under that bridge was a gate to regu late the flow of water in the feeder. The boats up the Mohawk and over this water route to Oneida Lake were at first from thirty-five to forty and fifty feet in length, and were pushed forward by long poles, set against the banks or bottom, of the water ways, and the other end against the shoulders of the boatmen. Four men on each side of a boat were able to make from eighteen to twenty miles a day upstream, and much, more down the current. These were flat bottomed boats with a plank around them for boatmen to walk on ; the usual weight was four and a half tons. Later these boats were worked by oars and a mast and. sail, and could make six miles an hour against the current. The journey from New York to Albany as late as 1807, took two to five days, at a cost of $6 to $10 for each passen ger, including board. For bulky freight the charge was forty cents a 220 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. hundred pounds. Up the Mohawk freight was conveyed from Schenec tady to Utica for seventy-five cents per hundred. From Utica to Oswego the distance was 113 miles and took nine days. This water route turned out to be expensive and large tolls had to be imposed. The result was that land transportation was a formidable rival. In No vember, 1 804, the Albany Gazette says : A wagon load of wheat was brought by four yokes of oxen from Ontario county to Albany, a distance of 230 miles. The wheat was bought for 62£ cents a bushel, and sold for $2. 15£. It took 20 days to go and return. Erie Canal. — It is uncertain who first originated the idea of construct ing a waterway through Central New York which subsequently cul minated in the Erie Canal. The early efforts were directed via Mohawk River, Wood Creek, Oneida Lake, and by the rivers to Lake Ontario. About 1800 Gouverneur Morris suggested ideas regarding a plan of connecting Hudson River with Lake Erie, and in 1803 he sub mitted the outlines of such a project to Simeon De Witt, then surveyor- general of the State, but the latter looked upon it as visionary. Mr. De Witt told James Geddes, a learned surveyor of Onondaga county, of the chimerical plans of Mr. Morris. Mr. Geddes did not so consider it, and the latter conferred with ^fesse Hawley on the subject; the result was that Mr. Hawley, between October, 1807, and April, 1808, wrote.a series of articles for publication in an Ontario county newspaper, in favor of Mr. Morris's scheme. This and other early ideas were crude and not well digested, and seemed to favor an inclined plane from Lake Erie eastward, by which the water was to be sent to the Hudson. As the geography and topography of the western part of the State became better known, more enlarged and practical views were developed. Judge Jonas Pratt, State senator from Oneida county from 18 10 to 1 8 14, says : As to the merit of the first design of a canal from Lake Erie to the Hudson, it be longs in my opinion exclusively to no person. It was gradually developed to the minds of many who were early acquainted with the geography and topography of the west ern part of the State. Some twenty-five years ago Benjamin H. Wright, a Roman, a son of the noted engineer, wrote a series of articles for the New York Observer as to the "origin of the Erie Canal," in which much valuable informa tion is given and in which the son justly claims that his father should CANALS AND RAILROADS. 221 be placed, if not in advance, in the foremost rank of those to whom the gratitude of the country is due. Judge Benjamin Wright, the noted engineer, was an assemblyman in 1807-08 (as he had been a number of years before) from Oneida county. He was a room mate at Albany that year with Joshua Forman, a leading member from Onondaga county. Judge Wright was a subscriber to Rees's Cyclopedia, then being published ; one number was just issued, which had the subject " Canals," and Judge Wright and Mr. Forman one morning discussed that subject, resulting in an agreement between them, that on the mor row Mr. Forman should introduce a resolution in the Assembly, for the survey of a canal route from Lake Erie to the Hudson, the resolution to be seconded by Judge Wright. The latter had had great experience in land surveying all through this and the northern parts of the State, and he had also surveyed before 1800 more than one hundred miles of the Erie Canal route. Under his supervision the locks on Wood Creek had been constructed, when the Western Inland Canal was built in 1794-5. The resolution for a survey was passed in February, 1808, and $600 appropriated, to be under the supervision of Simeon De Witt. Mr. Wright and Mr. Geddes in fact made the surveys and the favorable re port made by them attracted universal attention. That resolution for a survey was the first legislative action taken in favor of the Erie Canal. In 18 10, on motion in the Senate, of Senator Jonas Pratt, of Oneida, commissioners were appointed to explore the whole route for a canal. In 181 1 an act was passed to provide for internal navigation of the State. June 19, 18 1 2, the commissioners were authorized to borrow $5,000,- OOO with a view to build a canal through the State. The war of 18 12 suspended further operations. On the return of peace the canal project was revived with great earnestness and yet met from the beginning with bitter opposition. It was characterized by its opponents as " Clinton's great folly," or " Clinton's big ditch." In 18 15 a large public meeting was held in New York city in favor of the canal, which was addressed by Governor Clinton, Jonas Platt and others. In 18 16 a board of canal commissioners was created by the Legislature, and in the spring of 18 17 the law was passed authorizing the canal to be constructed: The act passed the Senate by a vote of eighteen to nine, and the Assembly by a vote of sixty-four to thirty-six. It passed the Assembly April 15, 222 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1 8 17 (the last day of the session), and the contract for the middle sec tion,^ from Seneca River to Utica was let in June, 1817, to John Rich ardson, of Cayuga county, and work commenced at Rome, July 4, as elsewhere stated. October 22, 18 19, the first boat passed from Utica to Rome, and what is chronologically narrated in another chapter need not here be repeated. Most of the canal through Oneida county ran through a boggy morass. The length, width and almost impassability of the " Rome swamp" have been described in another chapter. Dr. O. P. Hubbard, now of New York city, was a resident of Rome from 1 8 10 to 1828. He is now in the neighborhood of ninety years of age, yet he has a retentive memory and a mind as clear as spring water. He writes to the author as follows : The swamp from east of Rome to Syracuse was so full of water the grubbing could only be done when the ground was frozen. In the winter of 1817-18 this was done from the House faTm, near Stanwix (formerly Newville) to Wood creek, and the first spadeful was taken ont at the crossing of Wood creek July 4, 1817, and which I saw, and I have the recollection that Joshua Hathaway did it. Am I right? What is the record in the newspapers of that date? Wild Irish bog trotters from West Ireland, cutting out the trees the width of the canal track, were set to work knee deep in the wet muck ; they could wear no clothing but a flannel shirt and slouch cap, and there were no tools that could be used. Shovels and spades were out of the question and a rectangular side-board wheelbarrow equally useless. Jeremiah Brainard, a Roman and a contractor, invented a wheel barrow made of ash, a smooth, elliptical right and left basin, from which the muck slid out instantly. Some one (his name ought to go into history) invented a spade blade at 4^x14 inches, sharp to cut roots, long, straight cross handle, that removed a layer £ to an inch in thickness with great dispatch. It was a weird sight to see on a long line, both sides of the canal, hundreds of these wild Irishmen at work. Saturday nights in their board shanties, "fighting drunk," and contractors had to go in and club them right and left to quiet them. Whisky and ague and fever did their legitimate work on great numbers. I have seen teacher Mathews, of the old school house on West Park, without a hat, long hair flying, scream ing " Murder!" and running up James street, from the old canal bridge to get out of the way of a half dozen of those fellows, each with a paving stone or shillelah in hand. The Erie Canal was finished in the fall of 1825, having taken over eight years in its construction. Its completion was duly celebrated. A flotilla of boats left Buffalo in the canal October 26, 1825, on board of which was Governor Clinton and other noted passengers. Water was let in and tidings of the start was proclaimed by the firing of cannon placed at distances along the route, and thus the news was sent onward CANALS AND RAILROADS. 223 to New York city. It took an hour and twenty minutes to make the communication from Buffalo to New York by sound. All along the route the boats were greeted by ringing of bells, firing of guns, and the acclaim of enthusiastic people. The Erie Canal is a State institution, but inasmuch as Oneida county has figured conspicuously in its history it did not seem as if anything less could be said of it than has been incorporated in these pages. In this county Jonas Platt and Benjamin Wright lived, both active workers for the canal. Here also lived John B. Jervis, who commenced his career as an axe man on this canal and a pupil of Mr. Wright, was en trusted by Henry Seymour, canal commissioner, with important duties in the progress of the work, and became a noted engineer. The con tract which embraced the larger part of the route through . Oneida county, was the first contract let. In Oneida county the first'work was done and the opening ceremonies observed. The first section of the canal put in operation was in Oneida county, and here the first boats were run. The first canal collector, George Huntington, was in this county, and the first canal tolls paid were in this county by Capt. John Westcott, on a raft of timber. Chenango Canal. — The project of connecting the Erie Canal at Utica with the Susquehanna River at Binghamton was authorized February 23, 1833, at a time when the older canal was proving itself to be of the greatest utility, and when canals were projected on scores of routes ' through this State. Work on the Chenango Canal, as it was named, began in July, 1834, and was finished in October, 1836, at a cost of $2,782,124. About twenty miles of the ninety- seven are in Oneida county, passing from Utica through New Hartford, Kirkland, Marshall and a corner of Augusta. This canal was for some years of consider able importance to this county, especially to the city of Utica for the transportation thither of coal from Pennsylvania ; but the oncoming railroads eventually rendered it almost useless and it was abandoned. Black River Canal. — This was another of the numerous canal proj ects of New York State, only a few of which went farther than discus sion. The first legislation upon the subject was the passage of an act April 22, 1834, authorizing a survey from Rome to the foot of High Falls in Lewis county. On April 19, 1836, an act was passed providing 224 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. for the construction of the canal on this route, with a feeder from the Black River at Forestport. Work was soon afterward begun and after many delays the canal was opened to Port Leyden in 185 1. A dam was later constructed at the head of the Long Falls, at Carthage, on Black River, by which navigation on that stream was made practicable forty two miles to the High Falls where the canal connects. The whole distance of navigation is ninety miles. The length of navigation on the canal and the river is seventy- eight miles. While this canal was for some years a source of benefit to Oneida county, in the expansion of its markets, its utility largely disappeared with the construction of the northward railroads. Railroads. — The first railroad in the State of New York extended from Albany to Schenectady and was opened for business in October, 183 1, under a charter to the Mohawk and Hudson River Railroad Com pany. This was the first railroad in the United States authorized to carry on a general transportation business in freight and passengers. In 1833 a charter was granted to the Utica and Schenectady Railroad Company, and work was begun on the road in the fall of 1834; it was completed in the summer of 1836, at a cost of $20,000 a mile. In 1834 the Auburn and Syracuse Railroad Company was organized. During these and the succeeding five years the Legislature was besieged for railroad charters in all parts of the State ; the politics of the State turned largely upon the railroad question. A spirited and prolonged contest arose over the route of the Utica and Syracuse Railroad. At that time (1836) the whole line between Utica and Syracuse, excepting about fifteen miles, was a swamp and much of it an unbroken wilderness. The site of Oneida village was a wilderness, boasting only a saw mill and one or two dwellings. The village of Canastota was only a small hamlet. Of the twenty- five rail road commissioners, Oneida county had seven, Madison county four, Onondaga county seven, and seven were from the State at large. The two routes in contemplation were the one finally adopted, passing to the northward through Rome, and the other was far to the southward, following nearly a direct line between the two termini. The commis sioners were divided, naturally enough, as the interests of their localities ditcated. The contest was finally ended by the adoption of the Rome CANALS AND RAILROADS. 225 route. The capital stock of the company was $800,000 and the commis sioners organized by the election of Henry A. Foster, president, and I. S. Spencer (brother of Joshua A.) secretary. Subscription books were opened in Syracuse, Canastota, Utica and Albany, on July 19, 20 and 21, 1836, and nearly two and a half millions were subscribed outside of New York city. The first election of directors was held in Syracuse September 22, 1836, and the following were elected : Henry Seymour, David Wager, Henry A. Foster, David Moulton, Samuel French, John Wilkinson, Oliver Teall, James Beardslee, James Hooker, Isaiah Townsend, Miles W. Bennett, and Charles Stebbins. Henry Seymour was elected president, and Henry A. Foster, vice president ; Vivus W. Smith, secretary ; M. S. Marsh, treasurer ; Aaron Burt, sec retary. Surveys were at once commenced and in December, 1837, the company began advertising for proposals for various parts of the work and materials. Within fourteen months after the work was placed under contract the road was finished ; it was built most of the way on piles, which system was the invention of E. P. Williams, of Utica. He was engaged in the construction of the first railroad in the State and subsequently went South and there perfected his system. The piles were soaked in salt for their better preservation, and provision was made for resalting them when necessary. This railroad was fully completed the last of June, 1839, and cost $700,000. On June 27 the first train of cars reached Rome from Utica, and was the cause of great rejoicing. On July 3d the company began taking pay for passage and freight and the receipts for many successive days were over $600 each day. On the 14th of July a grand excursion was given. The Sentinel of July 9 boasted that its editor, in company with others, left Rome at 4 p. m., arrived at Syracuse, and after staying there an hour and a half, returned and reached Rome at 1 1 r. M., and that among the number was Judge Foster, who went west on the first canal boat On July 10 the com pletion of the road was duly celebrated, a train load of passengers going over the road from Albany to Syracuse, which was met at various points by large crowds of spectators. In the same week of the com pletion of the road its stock sold for 10 per cent, advance. The New York Central Railroad Company was chartered April 2, 1853, and was formed by the consolidation of the Albany and Schenec- 29 226 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tady, the Schenectady and Troy, Utica and Schenectady, Mohawk Valley, Syracuse and Utica, Rochester and Syracuse, Rochester, Lock- port and Niagara Falls, Rochester and Buffalo, and Buffalo and Lock- part companies ; of these the Mohawk Valley and the Syracuse and Utica direct roads were not built. The New York Central road was merged into the New York Central and Hudson River Company in 1869. The Utica and Black River Railroad Company was formed January 29, 1853, under the name of the Black River and Utica Railroad Com pany. The road was opened to Boonville December 13, 1854, and to Trenton January 1, 1855. On May 9, 1861, a reorganization was ef fected, the bondholders exchanging their bonds for a new issue, and the following board of directors was elected: John Thorn, president; James Sayre, A. J. Williams, Martin Hart, Charles Millar, Edmund A. Graham, John Butterfield, Isaac Maynard, Thomas Foster, Dan P. Cadwell, Russell Wheeler. Plans for extensions were adopted and promptly carried out under the energetic efforts of the president and his co-workers. In 1867 the road was extended to Lyons Falls ; in 1868-9 to Lowville; in 1869-70 to Carthage, and from there to Phil adelphia in 1 87 1— 2, where it absorbed the Black River and Morris town road. In 1872 the Carthage and Watertown road was leased by the company ; two years later an extension was made to Sackett's Harbor; in 1874 connection was made at Theresa Junction with the Clayton and Theresa road, which was taken underlease; in 1878 the line was extended to Ogdensburg. On the 14th of April, 1886, all of the roads of this company were leased to the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg company for seven per cent, on its capital stock. On the 14th of March, 1891, all the lines of the latter company passed under control of the New York Central. The Rome Watertown and Ogdensburg Railroad was originally char tered under the name of the Watertown and Rome Railroad in April, 1832 ; it was revived May io, 1836 and May 6 1837 ! extended May 17, 1845, and again April 28, 1847. Work on the road was begun in Rome in November, 1848, and it was opened to Pierrepont Manor May 28, 1 85 1 ; to Watertown September 24, 185 1 ; to Chasumont Novem ber 20, 185 1, and to Cape Vincent in, April, 1852. The name was <~^{'^^/' ^ZsL CANALS AND RAILROADS. 227 changed in 1861. The shops of the company were long located at Rome, but finally removed to Oswego. The final disposition of the road has been noted above. Utica, Chenango and Susquehanna Valley Railroad. — Agitation pre ceding the formation of this company continued through two or three years, two plans being under consideration for reaching Sherburne ; one by way of Clinton and Hamilton, and the other following the Sauquoit to its source and thence down the Chenango to Waterville and thence to the destination. Measures were finally adopted to open up both of these lines ; a road was built from New Hartford to Clinton and con nected by horse car with Utica, after which the company waited developments. Meanwhile the other proposition was forwarded. In November, 1865, a committee on survey reported in favor of a road along the Sauquoit to a point beyond Clayville whence a branch should ¦extend to Waterville, thence passing near Hamilton and on to Sher burne ; while another going through Bridgewater, Winfi eld and Rich field, should reach Colliersville on the line of the Susquehanna. Each branch was to be subsequently extended. At this time, in January, 1866, the company was formed with the above title, and subscriptions were made and town bonds issued sufficient to insure commencement of work on the road,- which was done in July of that year. The road was finished in 1 870 and in that year was leased to the Delaware, Lacka wanna and Western corporation. Utica, Clinton and Binghamton Railroad. — This company was 'formed in August, 1862, to construct a horse or steam road " from the village of Clinton through the town of New Hartford and city of Utica into the town of Whitestown, to the village of Whitesboro, or New York Mills, or both." The capital stock was only $23,000. By the fall of 1863 rails were in place and horse transportation was begun between Utica and New Hartford. By the ^summer of 1866 a horse road was open to Whitesboro and a road for steam power from New Hartford to Clinton was operated with a dummy. In December, 1867, being now opened to Deansville, the company was reorganized and the capital raised to $1,000,000. Work was energetically prosecuted and the track was laid to Oriskany Falls in 1868 and to Hamilton in 1870, whence a three mile extension connected it with the Midland road, The line to 228 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. New Hartford was still unfitted for steam, and a new road was constructed at a cost of nearly $400,000 (of which Utica furnished $200,000) and completed in 1871. The steam road was leased in the year after its completion to the New York and Oswego Midland, which company went into a receiver's hands in September, 1873. In .1875 thewhole passed into control of the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company. New York and Oswego Midland Railroad. — Articles of association for this company were filed January 11, 1866, and the road was opened for traffic in 1872. It has been of little importance in Oneida county, passing only through the towns of Vienna and Verona, and skirting Vernon, m the extreme western part. To those towns it gives an outlet and more accessible markets. The Rome and Clinton Railroad is a short . line of twelve miles ex tending from Rome to Clinton, where it connects with the former Utica, Clinton and Binghamton road. It was opened in the latter part of 1 87 1, and was intended primarily as a coal road. It went with the other lines to the Delaware and Hudson Coal Company. The New York, West Shore and Buffalo Railroad. — This company was chartered June 14, 188 1, the original capital being "$40,000,000. The road was opened from Weehawken to Syracuse October 1, 1883, and to Buffalo January 1, 18^4. On October 2, 1885, judgment of fore closure and sale was entered in the Supreme Court of this State, and the property was sold to three joint tenants who immediately leased it to the New York Central. Passing across Oneida county as it does nearly parallel to the Central, its influence has not been large in any direction. THE BENCH AND BAR. 229 CHAPTER XXII. THE BENCH AND BAR OF ONEIDA COUNTY. The time was when the Bench and Bar of Oneida county occupied a very conspicuous and honorable position among those of the various counties of the Empire State — more conspicuous, more honorable, per haps, than it does at the present day. In Oneida county " there were(legal) giants in those days," the record of whose lives is a story of triumph over pioneer obstacles, brilliant achievements at the bar, and frequent culmination in high judicial or political station. Such records in all their fullness would fill a volume. Much of this is already in print from the valuable writings of Hon William J. Bacon, David E. Wager, Dr. M. M. Bagg, and others. For the purpose of this work we can only briefly note the careers of a few of the more noteworthy lawyers and judges who have passed away, leaving for the future historian and biographer the task of recording the story of the lives of those who in later years and at the present time have made and are making for themselves names to be remembered in this profession. The formation of the early courts of this county, the erection of the court buildings, and other kindred subjects have been adequately treated in earlier chapters of this work. Following this page are complete lists of the judicial officers of the county from its organization in 1796, as far as it is possible to obtain them. Supreme Court of Judicature. — This court was established by act of the Legislature May 6, 1691, and was recognized by the first State Constitution ; the convention which adopted it reorganized the court May 3, 1777. Justices of the Supreme Court from Oneida county have been as follows : Chief Justices — Greene C. Bronson, March 5, 1845 ; Samuel Beardsley, June 29, 1847. Puisne or Junior Justices. — Jonas Platt, February 13, 1814; Samuel Beardsley, February 20, 1844. 230 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Circuit Courts. — The Constitution of 1821 divided the State into eight circuits corresponding with the senatorial districts. Circuit judges also held a Court of Oyer and Terminer at the same time and place with" the Circuit, or otherwise, as they chose. This court was abolished by the Constitution of 1846. The following were circuit judges from Oneida county : Nathan Williams, appointed April 21, 1823; Samuel Beardsley, April 12, 1834; Hiram Denio, May 7, 1834; Philo Gridley, July 17, 1838. Court of Appeals. — This court was established under the Constitution of 1846, to succeed the Court for the Trial of Impeachments and the Correction of Errors, as far as related to the correction of errors. The convention of 1867-8 reorganized this court and on account of accumu lation of business before it, a Commission of Appeals was created in 1870, which continued until 1875, to which was assigned a large amount of business and thus relieving the original court. In 1888 the Constitu tion was amended so that when the Court of Appeals should certify to the governor that public interests were suffering from the accumulation of causes on the calendar of that court, then the governor might designate seven justices of the Supreme Court to act as associate judges for the time being of the Court of Appeals, thus forming a second division of the court. This -amendment was submitted to the people at the general election of that year and was ratified. The following persons from Oneida county have been connected with this court: Judges — Hiram Denio, appointed November 7, 1857; Ward Hunt, appointed No vember 7, 1865. Associate Judges — Alexander Johnson, appointed December 29, 1873. Commissioners of Appeals — Ward Hunt, July 5, 1870 ; Alexander S. Johnson, Jan uary 7, 1873. Supreme Court. — The old Supreme Court was abolished by the Con stitution of 1846, and a new one established having general jurisdiction • in law and equity. The State was divided into eight judicial districts qi which the Fifth is composed of the counties of Oneida, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Onondaga, and Oswego. By a legislative act passed April 20, 1870, the general terms of the Supreme Court then existing were abolished and the State was divided into four departments, with a presiding justice and two associates in each department, appointed by ALFRED C. COXE. THE BENCH AND BAR. 231 the governor. The following have been Supreme Court justices from Oneida county : , Philo Gridley, six years, appointed June 7, 1847; William J. Bacon, November 8, 1853, reappointed November 5, 1861 ; Charles H. Doolittle, November 2, 1869 ; Milton H. Merwin, appointed in place of Doolittle, deceased, and elected November 8, 1874, and re-elected. Court of Common Pleas. — This court was in existence through the colonial period and down to 1846, and consisted of judges and assistant judges, the number varying in different counties. The judges were ap pointed by the governor and Senate for five years. Following is the list for Oneida county : 1798, March 22, Jedediah Sanger, of Whitestown, first judge ; Hugh White and David Ostrom, of Whitestown, James Dean, of Westmoreland, and George Hunting ton, of Rome, judges. 1801, January 28, Silas Stone, of Lowville, judge; August 21, Messrs. Sanger, White, Dean, Ostrom, and Huntington, reappointed, with Thomas Hart additional. 1802, March 13, Nathan Sage and Henry Coffeen, of Red- fieid. 1803, March 31, Needham Maynard. 1804, April 3, Chauncey Gridley; July 3, Messrs. Sanger, Dean, Ostrom, Huntington, Sage, Coffeen, Maynard, and Gridley, reappointed. 1805, February 15, Messrs. Sanger, Dean, Sage, May nard, Ostrom, Coffeen, and Gridley, reappointed; and, March 25, Samuel Dill, and, April 8, Apollos Cooper, additional. 1808, March. 22, Messrs. Sanger, Dean, Gridley, Sage, Dill, Cooper, reappointed, and Joseph Jennings and Jarvis Pike, ad ditional. 1810, March 5, Morris S. Miller, first judge ; Jedediah Sanger, Henry Mc- McNeil, of Paris; Abram Camp, of Whitestown, and Timothy Wood. 1813, Febru ary 23, Morris S. Miller, James Dean, David Ostrom, Henry McNeil, George Bray ton, Richard Sanger, Jesse Curtiss, Gerrit G. Lansing, Benjamin Wright, John Storrs, Peter Pratt. 1814, April 5, Messrs, Miller, Dean, Ostrom, McNeil, Curtiss, Lansing, Wright, Storrs, and Pratt, reappointed; Levi Carpenter, jr., and Frederick Stanley, additional. 1815, April 15, M. S. Miller, Joseph Jennings, Solomon Wolcot, Prosper Rudd, Daniel Ashley, Peter Pratt, James S. Kip, Sherman Barnes, Thomas Hamilton, Asahel Curtiss, Charles Wylie, Joseph Grant. 1818, April 24, Messrs. Miller, Wylie, Grant, and Hamilton, with Ezekiel Bacon, additional. 1821, March 21, Messrs. Miller, Grant, and Hamilton, with Truman Enos and Joshua Hathaway, additional. 1823, February 3, Messrs. Miller, Enos, Hathaway, and Grant; Samuel Jones, additional. 1824, November 22, Samuel Beardsley, first judge, in place of M. S. Miller, deceased. 1825, March 9, Henry R. Storrs. 1826, April 5. James Dean, in place, of Truman Enos, elected to State Senate. 1828, February 5, Messrs. Hath away, Grant, and Jones, reappointed. 1830, January 15, Chester Hayden, first judge; Israel Stoddard. 1831, April 8, Reuben Tower, of Sangerfield, in place of James Dean, term expired. 1832, February 10, Nathan Kimball, of Augusta, vice R. Tower, resigned. 1833, February 6, John P. Sherwood, of Vernon, and Arnon Comstock, of estern vice Jones and Hathaway, terms expired. 1835, January 23, Chester Hayden, of Utica, first judge, and Israel Stoddard, reappointed. 1837, Feb- 232 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ruary 21, Nathan Kimball, reappointed. 1838, February 2, Pomroy Jones, of West moreland, vice]. P. Sherwood, resigned; March 9, Arnon Comstock, reappointed. 1840, February 2, Fortune C. White, of Whitestown, first judge, vice Hayden ; April 14, Seth B. Roberts, of Rome, vice Stoddard. 1843, February 10, Chester Hayden and Amos Woodworth, of Florence, vice Messrs. Kimball and Comstock ; and Pom roy Jones, reappointed. 1845, February 21, P. Sheldon Root, of Utica, first judge, vice White; April 14, Ebenezer Robbins, of Lee, vice Roberts. 1846, May 12, Othniel S. Williams, of Kirkland, vice Hayden. County Courts. — These courts were created by the Constitution of 1 846. Associated with the judgcare two justices of the peace from among the justices of the county who hold Courts of Sessions. P. Sheldon Root, elected June, 1847. George W. Smith, elected November, 1859. Joel Willard, elected November, 1867. Alexander H. Bailey, elected November, 1871. William B. Bliss, elected November, 1874. William B. Sutton, November, 1880., Isaac J. Evans, November, 1886. Watson T. Dunmore, November, 1892. Special Judges. — The Constitution authorizes the Legislature to provide for the election of a county officer to perform the duties of county judge in case of inability or vacancy, and to exercise such other powers as may be provided by law. The^ following have acted in Oneida county : David E. Wager, elected November, 1852i George Harrison, elected November, 1855. Kiron Carroll, elected November, 1861. George H. Lynch, elected November, 1867. William B. Bliss, elected November, 1870. Robert O. Jones, appointed to fill vacancy, 1874. Robert O. Jones, elected November, 1875. Wm. H. Bright, Novem ber 1878. David E. Wager, November, 1880. Isaac J. Evans, November, 1883. Watson T. Dunmore, November, 1889. Rodolphus C. Briggs, November, 1892-6. Surrogates. — This office has met with less change since early times than other in the judiciary. In all counties having population of less than 40,000 the office is combined with that of county judge. The surrogates of Oneida county have been : Arthur Breese, March 19, 1798 ; Joshua Hathaway, March 23, 1808 ; Erastus Clark, February 23, 1813 ; Joshua Hathaway, March 16, 1815 ; Greene C. Bronson, April 13, 1819; Joshua Hathaway, February 19, 1821; Henry A. Foster, March 31, 1827; Alanson Bennett, January 12, 1831 ; Henry A. Foster, January 27, 1835 ; John Stryker, August 22, 1839 ; (down to this time surrogates were appointed ; the constitution of 1846 made the office elective.) Othniel S. Williams, June, 1847 ; Henry M. Burchard, November, 1855; Josephs. Avery, November, 1863, and re-elected to 1877 ; Stephen H. Van Dresar, November, 1877 ; William B. Bliss, November, 1883 ; William H. Bright, November, 1889; H. W. Bently, (appointed) June 11, 1894; Frederick M. Calder, elected November, 1894. The following have held the office of Special Surrogate: Ralph Mcintosh, elected - T-~ -: ^ _7 " ->£^t^s ^^j-j^-^T THE BENCH AND BAR. 233 November, 1852; Nelson B. Stevens, November, 1855; Ralph Mcintosh, November, 1858 ; David T. Jenkins, November, 1861 ; Eugene Stearns, November, 1867 ; Theo dore Avery, November, 1870; Henry J. Cookinham, (elected) November, 1873; Marcus D. Raymond, March, 1874; Elliott S. Williams, November, 1875; Emmett J. Ball, November, 1878; John D. F. Stone, November, 1884; Herbert C. Sholes, No vember, 1887; Elliott O. Worden, November, 1893-96. District Attorneys — The original title of this office was assistant attorney general, and there were seven districts in the State, the office being filled by the Governor and Council during their pleasure. The office of district attorney was created April 4, 1801. In 1818 each county was made a district. From 1796 to 1801 Oneida county formed part of the Ninth district, with Herkimer and Otsego counties. From 1 80 1 to 18 18 it" was in the Sixth district with Chenango, Herki mer, Lewis, Otsego, Madison (from 1808) and Jefferson (from 1805 to 1808). The district attorneys for Oneida county since 18 18 have been as follows : Nathan Williams, 1818 ; Samuel Beardsley, 1821 ; Hiram Denio, 1825 ; Ichabod C. Baker, 1834; Timothy Jenkins, 1840'; Calvert Comstock, 1845; Roscoe Conkling, 1850, appointed vice Comstock resigned; Samuel B. Garvin, 1850; J. Thomas Spriggs, 1853, appointed vice Garvin resigned; Henry T. Utley, 1853; Jairus H. Munger, 1856; Hiram T. Jenkins, 1859; Daniel Ball, 1868; Daniel C. Stoddard, 1871; Milton D. Barnett, 1877; William A. Matteson, 1883; Thomas S. Jones, 1886; George S. Klock, 1892. Sheriffs. — Under the first constitution this office was filled by the Council of Appointment annually, but no person could hold the office for more than four successive years. Under the Constitution of 1821 they were elected for three years. William Colbrath,1 March 19, 1798; Elizur Moseley, December 31, 1798; Charles C. Broadhead, November 5, 1800; James S. Kipp, November 10, 1804; Benajah Merrill, February 21, 1807; James S. Kipp, February 8, 1808; Benajah Merrill, February 26, 1810; James S. Kipp, February 5, 1811; Apollos Cooper, March 16, 1815; John B. Pease, February 9, 1819 ; John E. Hinman, February 13, 1821 ; John E. Hinman, No vember, 1822; David Pierson, November, 1825; John E. Hinman, November, 1828; Samuel M. Mott, November, 1831; Erastus Willard, November, 1834; Lyman Curtis, November, 1837; David Moulton, November, 1840; Theodore S. Faxton, Decem- 1 Qr Colbraith. 3Q 234 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ber 19, 1842; Israel S. Parker, January 11, 1843; Palmer V. Kellogg, November, 1844; Lester Barker, November, 1847; John R. Jones, November, 1850; Hugh Crocker, November, 1852; Calvin Hall, November, 1855; William -J. McKown, November, 1858; Hugh Crocker, November, 1861; David B. Danforth, November, 1864; George F. Weaver, November, 1867; Lewis Gaylord, November, 1870; George Benedict, November, 1873; Frederick G. Weaver, November, 1876; Francis X. Meyers, No vember, 1879; Thomas D. Penfield, November, 1882; John Batchelor, November, 1885 ; Thomas Wheeler, November, 1888 ; John C. Schneider, 1892 ; Van R. Weaver 1894. BIOGRAPHICAL. Jonas Platt settled in Oneida county in 1791, the first attorney in the county, locating at Whitesboro, and his name first appears in the public records of 1798. He undoubtedly rose rapidly, both in his profession and in the estimation of the people, for he was elected to the State Senate in 1809 by the Federalists, and in 18 10 was a candidate for gov ernor. In 1 8 14 he was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of the State, which office he filled until the new Constitution of 1821 threw him out. After his retirement from the bench he resumed his law practice with success, at first in this county, later in New York city, and finally in Plattsburg. Judge Platt has been memorialized as a " finished gentleman, who dispensed for many years a graceful hospitality " at his home in Whitesboro, and a man of integrity and fair ability. Thomas R. Gold was an able and very early lawyer to settle in this county, establishing himself in Whitesboro in 1792. Judge Bacon wrote of him as follows : His habits of industry were incessant and untiring and continued to the very close of his life ; and this he illustrated as well in his public as in his private life, for there was/ no more diligent Member of Congress or of the State Senate, no one more capable of mastering a subject or defending a measure on which he had set his heart. His reputation at the bar was high. . . He argued more causes in the old Su preme Court than any lawyer in central New York. Mr. Gold was elected to the Senate in 1796 and re-elected; to the Council of Appointment in 1801 ; to the Assembly in 1808, and to Congress in 1812, serving two terms. One of the earliest lawyers of prominence to settle in Oneida county was Nathan Williams. He was born in Williamstown, Mass., Decem ber 19, 1773, and came to this county as early probably as 1797. In THE BENCH AND BAR. 235 the following year he was admitted to practice in the Court of Common Pleas, and soon advanced to the front rank of the profession. Locating in Utica, he was conspicuous in the organization of Trinity church, was president B, of the village and of the Manhattan Bank. He was district attorney of the Sixth district in 1801-03 and of Oneida county in 1818- 21; was representative in Congress in 1805-07; and member of as sembly in 1 8 16, 1818, and 18 19. He was also a member of the Con stitutional Convention of 1821. He was appointed in April, 1823, to the responsible office of circuit judge and held the position for many years. " As a judge," says his biographer, " his addresses were fer vently moral. Few men could attend his court in any capacity and not obtain instruction in the duties of life and encouragement for their culti vation." Every part of his life was filled up with something to render his memory dear to his kindred and honored by his country. At the age of sixty years he resigned his office of circuit judge and a few months before his death he removed to Geneva upon receiving the appointment of clerk of the Supreme Court. His death occurred Sep tember 25, 1835. Erastus Clark was born in Lebanon, Conn., May li, 1763, and located in Utica in 1797, having begun practice in Clinton in 1791, Great industry, unflinching integrity and good ability soon gave him a prominent position. He was many years a village trustee and presi dent ; was twice elected to the Assembly, and a trustee under the original charter of Hamilton College. He was especially active in promoting charities, and died November 7, 1825, leaving a record of a useful life. Samuel Beardsley was a native of Hoosick, Rensselaer county, N. Y., and was born February 6, 1790; his parents removed to Otsego county while he was an infant. After attending the district school, where he was a hard student, he taught for a time, and then began studying medicine in Cherry Valley. After witnessing several court trials in Cooperstown, he became fascinated with the law, and having' there made the acquaintance of Judge Hathaway, of Rome, was invited to study in the judge's office. No better preceptor could have fallen to his lot. He was admitted to practice in due time (18 15) and began in Watertown, but one year later he settled in Rome, where he had as a 236 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. partner James Lynch, and afterwards was alone. In February, 1 821, he was appointed district attorney of this county, which office he held one year. In 1822 he was elected to the State Senate, but in the arrange ment of the classes by lot, he served only one year and in 1823 located in Utica as partner of Thomas S. Williams. In March, 1823, he was appointed U. S. attorney for the Northern district of New York, and held the office until 1830, when he was elected to Congress by the Democrats ; to this high office he was given three subsequent elections — 1832, 1834, and 1842. In 1835 upon the resignation of Nathan Will iams as judge of the Fifth circuit, Governor Marcy nominated Mr. Beardsley to the position, and his nomination was confirmed. But when he signified his intention of resigning his seat in congress, Presi dent Jackson personally urged him to remain ; he finally consented. In 1836 he was appointed attorney-general of the State, and when his term term expired in 1838 he resumed practice. Having been again elected to Congress, he withdrew in 1844 to accept the appointment of justice of the Supreme Court. On the retirement of Chief Justice Greene C. Bronson, in June, 1847, Judge Beardsley succeeded him in that high station. After retiring from the bench he practiced in the higher courts a year or two in New York, though he kept his residence in Utica. He died May 6, 1830. "I think it could be safely said," remarks Judge Bacon, "there was not at the close of his life a more thoroughly read and firmly grounded lawyer in this State, nor one whose opinion carried greater weight with the courts. " "I think," says Governor Seymour, "that he evinced his highest qualities in statesmanship. In public life he was bold, invasive, and self-reliant, and showed that he had resources and inventive genius to meet the varying exigencies of passing events. Here he sought no authorities, nor did .he lean upon the assertions or opinions of others. I have known many of the prominent men of our land, and none of them excelled him in powers of acting upon the public mind or in the high qualities demanded for leadership. His correct views of life, business and public morals kept him from falling into question able positions. His bearing, person, and mind fitted him to command and he always had a strong power over those with whom he acted ; those who may have differed from him felt the force and strength of his antagonism." As a private citizen he was exemplary in all the charities and amenities of society, both civil and religious. "I know of no one," remarked Governor Seymour, "who contributed more, by speech and example, to form and enforce the unwritten laws of just moral recti tude. No one did more to elevate the tone of morals in this city or to keep up the standard of good conduct and just dealings." HIRAM DENIO. THE BENCH AND BAR , 237 A man who rose to prominence at the bar, and especially as a judge, was Greene Carrier Bronson, who was born in Simsbury, Conn., in November, 1789. His educational opportunities were limited, but he richly endowed himself by reading and study in after life. He re moved with the family to Peterboro N. Y., and studied law in Vernon with John P. Sherwood. He was admitted to practice in due time and soon became a worthy associate of the great lawyers of his time in this county. In April, 1819, he was appointed surrogate of Oneida county and filled the office two years. Elected to the Assembly soon after ward, he there proved himself gifted in debate. At first a Clintonian in politics, he later turned to the Bucktails, and from that time was identic fied with the " Hard" section of the Democratic party. In 1824 he settled in Utica and soon became partner with Samuel Beardsley, with whom he remained during his residence in that place. In February, 1829, Mr. Bronson was elected attorney-general of this State and filled the office by re-election until 1836, residing meanwhile in Albany. In •January, 1836, he was elevated to the Supreme Court bench, and in March, 1845, became presiding judge of that court. Two years later he was made one of the judges of the Court of Appeals, and continued ' such until his resignation in 185 1. ''In the department of judicial duty he was justly pre-eminent and his opinions are models of excellence. In conciseness and perspicuity of expression, in terseness and directness of style, in compactness and force of logic, in sturdy vigor of intellect, and in the stern sense of justice," Judge Bronson has been by com petent judges declared unsurpassed. Removing to New York after re tiring from the bench, he was appointed collector of the port in 1853, and in 1851-59 was elected counsel for the city, which position he held until 1863. Stricken with paralysis, he died September 3, 1863. Hiram Denio was born at Rome May 21, 1799. He received an academical education and began the study of law in the office of Joshua Hathaway. In 18 16 he settled in Whitesboro, studying in the office of Storrs & White, where he remained until 1821. In that year he be came a partner of Wheeler Barnes in Rome, and in October, 1825, was appointed district attorney to succeed Samuel Beardsley. He held that office nine years and performed its duties with credit. Meanwhile in July, 1826, he removed to Utica and joined with E. A. Wetmore to 238 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. form the firm of Wetmore & Denio. In May, 1834, Mr. Denio was appointed a second judge for the Fifth circuit, thus beginning a long and honorable judicial career. About 1836 he became a member of the firm of Denio & Hunt (Ward Hunt) which occupied the front rank. In 1833 he was appointed to fill a vacancy on the bench of the Court of Appeals and twice afterward was elected to the same position, closing his career in 1866. His death took place October 19, 1868. It has been written of Judge Denio as follows : With the cast of mind eminently judicial, with studious habits that never wearied, with conversance with the principles as well as the letter of the law seldom surpassed, and with integrity never questioned, he deserves to rank with the magnates of the bar of the county and the State ; as a judge of the Court of Appeals his decisions are accepted as standards and as models. He was not a man to . startle observers by brilliance and eccentricity. His prudence, his common sense, his thorough consci entiousness were his marked characteristics. In every sense he was a good judge and in some respects his associates have pronounced him among the best and fore most that ever sat upon the bench of our highest tribunal. One of the foremost lawyers of Oneida county (though not a native) was Henry A. Foster, who settled in Rome in 1819, coming from Os wego where he had already begun his studies. He had also studied in Cazenovia, N. Y., and- at Onondaga Hill. In Rome Mr. Foster made himself conspicuous in many cases while he was yet a student. In 1822 he was admitted to the bar and within three hours after his admission was assigned to defend a person indicted for petit larceny, second of fense. That trial was before Judges Joshua Hathaway, Truman Enos and Samuel Jones. Samuel Beardsley was district attorney. By a new line of argument on the question of the relative punishment for first and second offenses, Mr. Foster secured the acquittal of the prisoner. This case gave him extended reputation. He early became active in politics and in 1826 was nominated for the Assembly, but was defeated with the others of the ticket. In 1827 he was appointed surrogate and held, the office until 1831. In 1830 he was elected State senator. He was trustee of Rome village several years and supervisor four years. In January, 1835, he was again appointed surrogate, resigning in 1837 to begin his congressional career in Washington, to which body he was elected in 1836. In 1840 he was elected to the State Senate and re signed near the close of the term to accept appointment as U. S. sen ator to fill a vacancy. In April, 1853, he was appointed U. S. district HENRY A. FOSTER. JOSHUA A. SPENCER. THE BENCH AND BAR. 239 attorney for the Northern district of New York. In 1863 he was elected judge of the Supreme Court for a term of eight years. In all of these highly honoiable stations Judge Foster sustained his reputation as leg islator, judge, and attorney. He was strong in every branch of his pro fession and as a judge was recognized as able and impartial. William Johnson Bacon was born in Williamstown, Mass , February 18, 1803, received excellent early educational advantages, and came to Utica with the family in 181 5. Entering Hamilton College he gradu ated in 1822. He immediately began the study of law in the office of Gen. Joseph Kirkland, and after three years with him, studied one year in Judge Gould's law school in Litchfield, Conn. He was admitted to practice in 1824, but soon joined with Samuel D. Dakin as owners and editors of the Sentinel and Gazette. Two years later he returned to his practice and soon acquired a good business. In the fall of 1853 he was elected judge of the Supreme Court of the Fifth district, and by re election he continued on the bench sixteen years. After that he did not practice in the courts. Judge Bacon is remembered as a careful and painstaking lawyer, and especially strong in cases requiring ac curacy, learning and sound judgment. On the bench in decisions abounding in strong thought and deep learning, and in language and forms of expression the most forcible and elegant, he attained high repute. His integrity was unquestioned and his fairness and impar tiality unswerving. Judge Bacon was elected to the Assembly in 1850, and in 1876 was sent to Congress. He also filled very many station's of trust in corporations and on the boards of various institutions, in all of which he was unfailing in his duty. He died July 3, 1889. Among the foremost of the men who have shed lustre upon the bar of this State was Joshua Austin Spencer. He was born at Great Bar- rington', Mass., May 13, 1790, removed to Lenox, Madison county, when eighteen years old, and to Utica at the age of thirty-nine years. He soon rose to a leading position in the bar of Oneida county, when that bar was celebrated for its ability. Although his early educational opportunities were extremely limited, his indomitable energy and the strength of his intellect carried him to a commanding position. After serving a period as clerk in a store, and another term as a carpenter's apprentice, he took up the study of law with his elder brother. Soon 240 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. .afterward he enlisted in the army for the war of 1812 and was ap pointed orderly sergeant of Horse Artillery and served his term at Sackett's Harbor. In 18 14 he married Clarissa Phelps of Lenox, who died leaving two young children. He married, second, Electa Dean. After his admission to the bar he practiced for a time with his brother and in 1829 formed a partnership with William H. Maynard and settled in Utica. Mr. Maynard died in about three years and the burden of a large business fell upon Mr. Spencer ; he was fully able to carry it. He rapidly gained distinction as a jury lawyer and as such met with uniform success. In 1841 he was appointed United States attorney for the Northern district of New York, which office he held until 1845. Ifl that year he was elected to the State Senate, two years of his term being taken off by the Constitution of 1846 His labor on the Judi ciary Committee was arduous and beneficial. In 1848 he was elected mayor of Utica. For the duties of these political stations he took no respite from his profession and was identified with scores of cases which had a State or National reputation. Outside of his profession he rep resented sterling manhood and exalted citizenship in the broadest sense. He was a profound believer in Christian religion and active and generous supporter of the cause of education. His death took place April 25, 1857. Joshua Hathaway, the first lawyer to settle in Rome, was one of seven sons, who, with their father, took part'in the battle of Bennington and other wise shared in the Revolution. He had reached his sixteenth birthday only three days before the battle. Ten years later he graduated from Yale College, studied law, was duly admitted to practice and in 1795 settled at Fort Stanwix. After the organization of Oneida county and at the first term of the Common Pleas he was admitted at that court. In 1798 he was commissioned one of the justices of the peace for the new county and was also appointed the first county treasurer, which office he held until 1802. About 1810 he was appointed by President Madison as the second postmaster of Rome, which office he held twenty-? six years and until his death. In 1808 he was appointed surrogate of the county, the first Rome citizen to hold that office, and the second incumbent. He held the place until 1813 when he was displaced by political changes. He was again appointed in 18 1 5, continuing in the THE BENCH AND BAR. 241 office four years, and in 1821 was appointed for the third time and held the office to 1827 ; at the same time he was appointed dne of the side judges of the Court of Common Pleas, was reappointed in 1823 and again in 1828. It is recorded that he filled all of these positions with dignity, integrity aed fair ability. Judge Hathaway died in December, 1836. William H. Maynard was a prominent early attorney of Oneida county and a native of Conway, Mass. Soon after his graduation he located at New Hartford to study law in the office of Gen. Joseph Kirkland. In 181 1 he purchased of John H. Lathrop his interest in the Utica Patriot and at once assumed its editorship. This connection he continued until 1824. In January, 1825, he was made village attorney and was also for a time law officer of the Utica Insurance Company. In 1 8 1 8 he was ad mitted to practice in the Supreme Court. His first partner was Samuel A. Talcott. He rose rapidly in his profession and was soon employed in most of the .heavy litigation in the courts of the county. In 1819 when Clinton was nominated for governor, Mr. Maynard left the Fed eral party and joined others in support of Tompkins. With the change in tone in the Patriot it lost subscribers and alarmed its owners and led to the establishment of the Sentinel. When the Anti- Masonic party came into existence, Mr. Maynard joined its ranks and in 1828 was elected by it to the State Senate, where he served from 1829 to 1832 inclusive. He was an able legislator and largely instrumental in secur ing the construction of the Chenango Canal. During his term in the Senate he continued active in his professional labor. He was a promi nent factor in the politics of his time and a lawyer of exceptional ability. Samuel Austin Talcott was born in Hartford, Conn., December 31, 1789, and graduated from Williams College in 1809. At about the same time he married and locating in Whitesboro, he began law study with Thomos R, Gold. He began practice in Lowville, but removed to Utica in 1816 and formed a partnership with William H. Maynard. When Gen. Joseph Kirkland soon afterward Removed from New Hart ford, leaving a vacancy, Mr. Talcott settled there. In February, 1821, he was appointed attorney- general of the State, when only thirty two years of age. He took up his residence in Albany during his term of office and thence removed to New York where he practiced until his 31 242 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. death, March 19, 1836, having scarcely reached middle life. By his contemporaries and other later writers, Mr. Talcott is recorded of one of the most eminent lawyers that ever practiced in this State. Acute of intellect, with a wonderful memory, with all the attributes that constitute the great orator, he sprang into prominence like a meteor — and, alas, vanished in a similar manner. He was engaged in nearly every important case tried at the Circuit and later appeared frequently before the Supreme Court. With all his great gifts he had a foolish vanity under which he sought to make it appear that his talent was merely inspiration and that his greatest efforts were spontaneous for the occasion. While this weakened respect for him, it did not in the least lower the character of his triumphs at the bar. The later years of his life were marred by excessive indul gence in stimulants which undoubtedly shortened his career. Roscoe Conkling, the distinguished lawyer, politician and. orator, was born in Albany October 3, 1829, and after receiving an academic edu cation began law study at the age of seventeen in the office of Spencer & Kernan, Utica. He early manifested evidence of his great natural ability as a speaker and his fitness in other respects for a political leader, About the time of his admission to the bar when about twenty-one years old, he was appointed by the governor to fill a vacancy in the office of district attorney of Oneida county. Here he showed excep tional ability and received the Whig nomination for the office for the succeeding term ; he was defeated. Plunging with ardor into law prac tice, he rose rapidly in his brilliant legal career. In the examination of witnesses and in argument before juries he exhibited great power and genius, while his tenacious memory enabled him to store his mind with a wealth of legal lore. In 1858 he was elected mayor of Utica ; in 1859 he was elected to Congress, and from that date onward to 1881 he was chiefly occupied with public affairs. In 1867, while still a member of the lower House he was chosen Senator from New York, and was re elected in 1873 and 1879. He was a trusted adviser of Grant and an earnest supporter of Lincoln's war policy. In the important legislation of all that period he was conspicuous and influential. The last few years of his life were spent in practice in New York, In 1873 he was offered by Grant the chief justiceship of the U. S. Supreme Court, and the mission to the Court of St. James, both of which he declined. He died in New York April 18, 1888. The following estimate is from one who knew Mr. Conkling well : farm east of the Cor ners. In July, 1803, he formed a partnership with Dr. Samuel Wol cott, and each built a house on Whitesboro street, Utica. The partner ship continued to 1807, after which Dr. Guiteau practiced alone. He was skillful and highly esteemed. • He died about the year 1823. Dr. Luther Guiteau, of Trenton, was brother of Francis. Dr. David Hasbrouck was a native of Ulster county, N. Y., and at tended medical lectures in New York. He settled in Utica in 1804, and formed a partnership with Dr. Coventry, combining the sale of drugs with his practice, which was confined mainly to a few of the lead ing families. He was the first secretary of the County Medical Society, ' and about 18 1.5 removed to Kingston; but he died in Schenectady in October, 1813. One of the earliest and best remembered surgeons of this county was Dr. Amos G. Hull. He was practicing in New Hartford as early as 1798, and in 18 10 made the announcement that he had opened a place for the sale of mineral waters in Utica next to the Coffee House. He also manufactured and sold hernial trusses in large numbers after 1817. He was the first president of the Medical Society, was an influential Methodist and a good citizen. H& removed to New York not long after 1821. Dr. Thomas Goodsell settled in Whitesboro in 18 10 and began prac tice with Dr. Seth Capron, who was already established there. Dr. Goodsell was a.< native of Connecticut, born in 7une> I77S. studied near his birthplace, practiced some years in Woodbridge, Conn., and from there went to Philadelphia where he attended lectures at the University of Pennsylvania and was licensed in 1809. Not long after his settle ment in Whitesboro he removed to Utica and soon acquired a large business. He was thoroughly educated in his profession and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from Yale and was a permanent mem ber of the State Medical Society. He lived until his eighty- ninth year and died January 11, 1864. A lon'g resident and a very successful physician of Utica was Dr. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 253 John McCall, who was born in Hebron, N.Y., December 25, 1787 He was thoroughly educated in Columbia College and with private medical instructors, one of whom was the noted Dr. Valentine Mott, upon whose recommendation Dr. McCall secured a position in the army in 1812, being assigned to the 13th Regiment. He was at the battle of Queens - ton and later, after receiving the rank of surgeon, was at the capture of Fort George. In the summer of 1815 he left the army and took up practice at Deerfield. After 18 18 he was a partner with Dr. Alexander Coventry and with Dr. Charles B. Coventry, son of Alexander. In later years he practiced alone until his death Octobers, 1867.. Very conservative in practice. Dr. McCall relied much upon careful nursing of patients and the recuperative efforts of nature. He had a very large business and was honored with various professional stations in societies and otherwise. From 1826 to 1853, when he removed elsewhere, Dr. Peleg B. Peck- ham was a successful and respected physician jn Utica. He gave most of his attention to family practice, was little employed as a surgeon, and attended strictly to his professional duties. He was one of the foremost in the organization of Grace church. Dr. Charles B. Coventry has already been mentioned. He practiced successfully in Utica for nearly fifty years, graduating at Fairfield in 1825. He held a lectureship in Berkshire Medical College, Pittsfield, three years from 1828, and in 1832 was sent by the Utica Common Council through the eastern cities to study the nature of cholera in an ticipation of its appearance here. He was lecturer in the Geneva Col lege after 1839, which institution he aided in founding, and in 1846 be came similarly connected with the Buffalo Medical College. He was one of the first board of managers of the local insane-asylum ; president of St. Luke's Hospital and Home, a warden in Grace church, and was otherwise honored by the profession and his fellow citizens. He died February 23, 1875. Dr. William Morris, born in Columbia county in 1806, graduated with honor at the Medical College in Massachusetts, and settled in Utica in 1832. He soon made a large circle of friends and gained a large practice. He had two sons, one of whom succeeded him in business. Dr. Daniel P. Bissell was born in Randolph, N. Y, May 27, 1802, 254 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and graduated from Yale Medical College in 1826. He began practice in Livingston county, N. Y., and held the office of canal commissioner from 1842 to 1848. In the mean time he settled in Utica where he practiced with Dr. Goodsell and afterwards alone. He was delegate to the Democratic National Convention in i860, and for a time manager of the State Hospital for Insane. He was an active and public spirited citizen. Dr. Nicoll H. Dering, who had long been in successful practice in New York city, removed to Rome in 1842, where he acquired a large practice. In 1847 he settled in Utica, and by his wide experience, cour teous manner, and upright character, gained the confidence of the com munity and a large business Dr. Daniel G. Thomas, a native of Dutchess county, gained his med ical knowledge by study, and by attending lectures at Fairfield and in Philadelphia, practiced in Norwich, N. Y., for a time and went thence to New Hartford and from there to Whitesboro, where he attained promi nence. In 1848 he settled in Utica as partner with Dr. C. B. Coventry; this continued until i860, when he became associated with his own son. He was a prominent member of the County Medical Society and held the various offices therein. He was a skillful physician and much re spected. His death took place March 26, 1880. Dr. John P. Gray was a physician belonging in a certain sense to this county, whose reputation in connection with treatment of the insane was unlimited. He was born August 6, 1825, in Center county, Pa., and received his medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania in 1848. Two years later he was chosen junior assistant in the Utica In sane Asylum, where he passed the remainder of his life. He passed through the higher grades and in July, 1854, was elected superintend ent of the asylum. Under his able management the institution became a model one in every respect. He introduced many reforms, some of which were radical and attracted widespread attention. He achieved greati celebrity as an expert on insanity and was called long distances to give evidence in court. As a writer and lecturer on insanity he was also widely known. His death occurred November 29, 1886, Dr. William Russell was born in Glasgow, Scotland, June .25, 1821, and settled in Oneida county with his family in 1832. He graduated THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 255 from the Berkshire Medical College in 1848, and soon afterward began practice in Utica where he soon reached the front rank of the profes sion. He served as president of the County Medical Society, was a per manent member of the State society and a member of the American Medical Association; he was also on the staff of both the Faxton and St. Lucy's Hospitals. He had a very large practice, especially in ob stetrics. He died June 27. 1890. Dr. Isaac H. Douglass, a successful physician in New Hartford and Utica many years, was born in New York city November 26, 1808, studied medicine with Dr. Pomeroy in Utica and at Fairfield, and prac ticed some years in Bucyrus, Ohio, settling in Utica in 1857. He was admirably equipped by nature for the duties of the sick room, while his medical knowledge was broad and clear. He gained a large practice. He died March 13, 1884. Dr Jacob Hunt was born in Hillsdale, N. Y., in 1810, and in 1814 was brought to Westmoreland by his parents. He graduated at Fair field in 1836, practiced in Lowell, .N. Y., until 1853, when he settled in Utica. He became remarkably successful in the treatment of fevers, was a life- long member of the Methodist church and was in active sym pathy with temperance and other reforms. Dr. Edwin Hutchinson was a surgeon of high repute, born in Utica in 1840. He was a Yale graduate and studied medicine with Dr. John McCall and at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. He served as surgeon of the 137th Regiment in the war, receiving his de gree after his return. He enjoyed a large practice in surgery and eye and ear treatment until near his death, which took place October- 19, 1887. The Homceopathic Profession. — The first physician who prac ticed in this school of medicine in Oneida county was Dr. Erastus Humphrey, who opened an office in Utica in the winter of 1843-44. About a year later he was joined by his son, Frederick Humphrey. The elder Dr. Humphrey was a native of Canton, Conn., born in 1784, and received his diploma from the State society there in 1808. Two years later he removed to Marcellus, Onondaga county, N. Y., where he met with success, but removed to Auburn in 1823. There he be came known as a skillful and successful physician ; was several years 256 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. president of the Cayuga County Society and some years surgeon in the State Prison. In 1840 Dr. Horatio Robinson came to Auburn, having gained some knowledge of homoeopathy and having with him a small quantity of remedies. He sought to convert Dr. Humphrey, but with out success, and was left in temporary charge of the business of the latter while he made a trip to New York, but with no idea that homoe opathy would be tried on his patients. But immediately upon Dr. Humphrey's1 departure, Dr. Robinson " sent for more pills and another book (Dr. (J. Jeans's Practice of Homoeopathy) and opened fire on all comers with the little pills." And the sick were cured or helped. As a consequence Dr. Humphrey began the investigatibn and study which soon made him a radical homceopathist, and ultimately one of the most successful practitioners. He removed to' Syracuse in 1842, and in the following year to Utica. He practiced there until 1847, when here- moved to New York, leaving his business with his son and Dr. Samuel Stewart. He died in 1848. Dr. Erastus A. Munger was born in Copenhagen, Lewis county, N. Y., February 12, 181 3. He began studying medicine with Dr. S. G. Haven, in Waterville, and after attending lectures at Fairfield obtained in 1834 a license from the Oneida County Medical Society (allopathic), He began practice in Sauquoit and in the fall of the same year entered Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and graduated in March, 1835. He began practice immediately in Waterviile and there passed most of his life. He became an exponent of homoeopathy in 1843 and was emi nently successful in its practice. He was the first president of the Oneida County Homoeopathic Medical Society and in 1844 was presi dent of the New York State Homoeopathic Society. Leverett Bishop was born in Guilford, Conn., in 1791 and removed to Paris, Oneida county, in 1808.. He received his diploma from the Oneida County Medical Society in 18 15, and in the next year settled in Sauquoit, where he practiced most .of his life. He joined the homoeo pathic ranks in 1843-4 and was ever after a close adherent of that school. Samuel W. Stewart was born in North Argyle, Washington county, N. Y., in the year 1800 and graduated at Fairfield. He practiced in New Haven, Oswego county, and at Bridgewater several years, and in THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 257 1833 removed to Clinton, N. Y. In 1845 he became a convert to the homoeopathic school, and in 1847 removed to Utica where he remained until his death June 20, 1854. His standing as a physician in either of the two schools was high. He was a partner with Dr. J. C. Raymond from about 1850. The latter was born in Troy in 1823 and studied with Dr. Munger and received his diploma from the county society in 1849. Embracing homoeopathy he received a diploma from the Ho moeopathic College of Pennsylvania in 185 1. He removed westward in 1877. Dr. L. B. Wells, a native of Pompey, Onondaga county, where he was born October 8, 18 10, graduated at Fairfield in 183 1. He prac ticed one year with Dr. Batchelder in Utica, from which time he was in Onondaga county until July, 185 1. He was converted to homoeopathy in 1846, and formed a partnership with Dr. Raymond, Utica, in 1850. He held the positions of president in both the county and the State societies, and in 1848 was made a member of the American Institute of Homoeopathy. It will be correctly inferred that the new school of practice met with the same opposition in Oneida county that it encountered elsewhere ; it was bitter and long continued. But soon after the formation of the two partnerships above mentioned, and through the accession to its ranks of many theretofore leading physicians of the old school, a rapid change in public sentiment began in Utica and soon extended to sur rounding villages. The physicians of whom brief notices have just been given were men of character and their example inspired the public with confidence and their brethren with respect. These conditions led to the formation of the old Central New York Homoeopathic Medical Society, the first meeting of which was held in Mechanics Hall, Utica, in June, 1849. There were present Drs. Samuel Stewart, Leverett Bishop, J. L. Kellogg, E. A. Munger, N. Stebbins, and F. Humphrey. The society was formally organized and a committee on by laws appointed. The second meeting was held January 7, 1850, when the constitution was adopted. Subsequent meetings were held in Syracuse several years, until the society was reorganized ; it is still in existence. The Oneida County Homoeopathic' Medical Society was organized October 20, 1857. The preliminary steps were taken at a meeting held 33 258 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. in Dr. Wells's office in Utica on the 6th of that month. It was then de cided to invite the homoeopathic physicians of Herkimer county to unite with those of Oneida county in organizing the society. This measure was carried out, and the first regular meeting of the society was held in the office of the mayor in Utica October 20, 1857. The following physi cians were present: Drs. John A. Payne, L. B. Wells, J. C. Raymond, W. H. Watson, Thomas F. Pom eroy, H. E. Dykeman, of Utica; E. A. Munger, of Waterville; H. M. Paine, of Clin ton; and W. B. Stebbins, of Little Falls. On motion of Dr. Watson, a temporary organization was effected by the appointment of Dr. J. A. Paine as chairman. Dr. J. C. Raymond stated the object of the meeting to be the formation of a county homoeopathic medical society, in accordance with an act of the Legislature, passed April 13, 1857. Drs. Watson, Raymond, and Munger were appointed a committee to prepare a constitution and by-laws for the society. Dr. E. A. Munger was the first president, Dr. Stebbins the first vice-president, and Dr. Pomeroy the first secre tary and treasurer. The following physicians signed the original constitution of the society, giving the dates of their admission : ¦ Oct. 20, 1857, E. A. Munger, Waterville ; L. B. Wells, Utica ; J. C. Raymond, Utica ; Thomas F. Pomeroy, Utica; William H. Watson, Utica; H. E. Dykeman, Utica; J. A. Paine, Utica ; H. M. Paine, Clinton ; Wm. B. Stebbins, Little Falls. A. A, Mason, Knox Corners, June 22, 1858; D. D. Loomis. Bridgewater, Oct. 19, 1858; Leverett Bishop, Sauquoit, June 31, 1859; Silas Bailey, Utica, June 21, 1859; C. Judson Hill, Utica, June 21, 1859; Woodward Warren, Deerfield Corners, June 21, 1859; S. O. Scudder, Rome, June 21, 1859; M. M. Gardner, Holland Patent, Oct. 18, 1859 ; Nathan Spencer, Winfield, Jan. 19, 1860 ; Hiram Hadley, Boonville, Oct. 16, 1860; J. W. Moyer, West Schuyler, June 19, 1861 ; Harrison Willis, Clinton, June 19, 1865; Gaius J. Jones, Holland Patent, Oct. 16, 1866. The following roll embraces the names of members subscribed to the constitution and by-laws adopted Oct 15, 1 861: Nathan Spencer, G. A. Gifford, W. B. Stebbins, J. C. Raymond, Leverett Bishop, Silas Bailey, L. B. Wells, J. W. Mower, Abram Guiwits, J. Younglove, Wm. Landt, H. M. Paine, Wm. H. Watson, S. O. Scudder, G. W. Bailey, M. M. Gardner, John A. Paine, E. A. Munger, Woodward Warren, George B. Palmer, L. B. Waldo, D. D. Joslin, C. Judson Hill, G. J. Jones, A. B. Southwick, Aug. E. Zeitler, C. H. Thomp son, David W. Vander Burgh, Selden H. Talcott, Arthur M. Woodruff, M. O. Terry, C. E. Chase, L. L. Brainard, H. J. Spencer, C. A. (Jsborne, Arthur Beach, Randall Lamont Spencer, W. Estus Deuel, Hiram Hadley. Following is a list of those who have held the offices of president and secretary- treasurer of the society from its organization to the present time : THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 259 1858, E. A. Munger, Thomas F. Pomeroy; 1859, J. A. Paine, H. M. Paine; 1860, Leverett Bishop, H. M. Paine; 1861, Wm. H. Watson, H. M. Paine; 1862, Wm. B. Stebbins, H. M. Paine; 1863, J. C. Raymond, H. M. Paine; 1864, L. B. Wells, H. M. Paine; 1865, Hiram Hadley, M. M. Gardner; 1866, S. O. Scudder, M. M. Gard ner; 1867, C. J. Hill, G. J. Jones; 1868, L. B. Wells, H. Willis; 1869, E. A. Munger, H. Willis; 1870, M. M. Gardner, G. A. Gifford; 1871, N. Spencer, G. A. Gifford; 1872, L. B. Wells, D. W. Vander Burgh ; 1873, E. A. Munger, D. W. Vander Burgh ; 1874, J. C. Raymond, M. O. Terry; 1875, Selden H. Talcott, M. O. Terry; 1876, Woodward Warren, C. E. Chase; 1877, E. A. Munger, C. E. Chase; 1878, Silas Bailey, C. E. Chase; 1879, M. O. Terry, C. E. Chase; 1880, A. B. Southwick, C. E. Chase; 1881, L. L. Brainard, C. E. Chase; 1882, F. F. Laird, C. E. Chase; 1883, W. G. Allen C. E. Chase ; 1884, R. L. Spencer, C. E. Chase ; 1885, J. Devillo Moore, C. E. Chase ; 1886, F. Leggenhager, C. E. Chase ; 1887, W. W. Dewing, C. E. Chase ; 1888, N. C. Scudder C. E. Chase; 1889, S. A. White, C. E. Chase; 1890, C. E. Chase, Clara Barrus ; 1891 , R. F. Tousley, Clara Barrus ; 1892 , M. McMaster, C. G. Capron ; 1893, C. G. Capron, E. B. Guile; 1894, C. G. Capron, E. B. Guile; 1895, C. G. Cap ron, N. C. Scudder; 1896, C. G. Capron, N. C. Scudder. It is proper that a few other early and prominent homoeopathic phy sicians of the county shall be briefly noticed here. Dr. S. Z. Haven was born in Chesterfield, N. H., September 6, 1794, was licensed in 1821, and practiced in Waterville in 1835. Three years later he settled in Utica. practiced in the old school eight years, when in 1846 he changed to the new. In 1849 he removed to Buffalo. Dr. John A. Paine was born in Whitestown July 10, 1795, studied medicine in Clinton, and graduated from Yale in 1825. His practice was in Oswego county, in Paris, Oneida county, Newark, N. J., Albany, and- Utica. In 1865 he returned to Newark and in 1871 removed to Illinois. He was made a convert to homoeopathy in 1843, was a successful practitioner and was elected to various honorary positions in the county and State societies. He died in 1871. Dr. H. M. Paine was his son and studied with his father and graduated from the Uni versity of New York, He practiced ten years in Clinton, aside from which his work was confined to Albany. Dr. Hiram Hadley was born in Weare, N. H., May 26, 1800, and studied at Fairfield, graduating after a four years' course.. He prac ticed in New Hampshire and in Herkimer county until 1851, when he settled in Boonville, where he entered upon the practice of homoe opathy. He died March 13, 1876. Dr. John L. Kellogg was a native of Manlius, Onondaga county, where he was born in 181 1. He graduated from Middlebury College, 260 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Vt, in 1837, practiced in Chenango county until 1840, when he settled in Bridgewater. He continued there until 1857, when he removed to Chicago. He was converted to homoeopathy about 1847. Dr. Thomas F. Pomeroy was born in Cooperstown, N. Y., May 11, 1 8 16, graduated from Union College in 1835, and from the Cleveland, Homoeopathic College in 1853. He practiced six years in Utica, whence he removed to Detroit. CHAPTER XXIV. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. The Regents of the University of this State were incorporated in 1787, and in their report for 1793 they called attention to the benefits likely to accrue from the establishment of schools in various parts of the State. "The mode of accomplishing this desirable object," said the report, " we respectfully submit to the wisdom of the Legislature." At the opening of the session of 1795, Governor Clinton thus alluded to the subject in his message : While it is evident that the general establishment and liberal endowment of acad emies are highly to be commended, and are attended with the most beneficial conse quences, yet it cannot be denied that they are principally confined to the children of tht opulent, and that a great portion of the community is excluded from their im mediate advantages. The establishment of common schools throughout the State, is happily calculated to remedy this inconvenience, and will therefore engage your early and decided consideration. These were the first: steps taken towards the establishment of the common school system of the State. On the 1 ith of January, 1795, the Assembly appointed a committee of six to consider the school sub ject, and on February 19 they reported "An act for the encouragement of schools," which became a law on the 9th of April. This act appr67 priated $50,000 annually for five years, for the general support of com mon schools, which sum was at first apportioned to the several counties according to their representation in the'Legislature'; later it was appor tioned according to the number of electors for member of assembly, and EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 261 to the several towns according to the number of taxable inhabitants The act provided for the .election of not less than three nor more than seven commissioners in each town, who should have supervision of the schools in each town. The inhabitants in different sections of the towns were authorized to meet for the purpose of procuring "good and suffi cient schoolmasters, and for erecting and maintaining schools in such and so many parts of the town where they may reside, as shall be most convenient," and to appoint two or more trustees, whose duties were defined by the act. The public money paid to each district was to be apportioned by the commissioners according to the number of days of instruction given in each of the schools. Provision was made also for annual returns from all districts, towns' and counties. Lotteries were early instituted by the State for the support of schools, first in 1799, when $100,000 was to be raised, $12,500 of which was to go to academies and the remainder to common schools. Again in 1 801 an equal amount was raised, one-half of which went to common schools. On the 2d of April, 1805, an act was passed providing that the net proceeds of the sale of 500,000 acres of unappropriated State lands should be made a permanent fund for the support of schools, the avails to be invested until the interest amounted to $50,000, when an annual distribution of that amount should be made By February, 1807, re ceipts for the school fund in the treasury had reached $151,115.69. In 181 1 a law was enacted authorizing the governor to appoint five commissioners to report a system for the organization of the common schools. The commission consisted of Jedediah Peck, John Murray, jr., Samuel Russell, Roger Skinner, and Samuel Macomb. Their report, made February 14, 1812, was accompanied by the draft of a bill em bodying the main features of the common school system as it existed until 1838. One feature of the bill was, that each county should raise by tax an amount equal to that apportioned by the State, Following is a brief outline of the system : That the several towns in the State be divided into school districts, by three com missioners elected by the citizens qualified to vote for town officers, that three trus tees be elected in each district, to whom shall be confided the care and superintend ence of the school to be established therein ; that the interest of the school fund be divided among the different counties and towns, according to their respective popu- 262 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. lation, as ascertained by the successive censusesof the United States ; that the propor tions received by the respective towns be subdivided among the.districts into which said towns shall be divided, according to the number of children in each, between the ages of five and fifteen years ; that each town raise by tax annually, as much money as it' shall have received from the school fund; that the gross amount of moneys received from the State and raised by the towns, be appropriated exclusively to the payment of wages of teachers ; and that the whole system be placed under the superintendence of an officer appointed by the Council of Appointment. Gideon Hawley was made the first superintendent of common schools and held the office from 1813 to 1821. In his first report (1814) he called attention to the fifth section of the law under which it was a possibility that a single town in a county might receive the. whole of the public money for that county ; and to other provisions giving each town the choice of complying with .the law arid receiving its benefits and bearing its burdens, or of refusing such compliance. Under these pro visions many towns had refused compliance with the act, to the great detriment of the system. The superintendent suggested that it be made obligatory upon the towns to comply with the act, and also on the Boards of Supervisors to levy on the respective towns a sum equal to the sum " which shall be apportioned to such towns out of the public money to be distributed." These suggestions were promptly carried out by amendments to the act. The founding of this school system was an educational movement of the greatest importance and its benefits became at once apparent. In his second report (1815) Mr. Hawley said: But the great benefit of the act does not lie in any pecuniary aid which it may afford. . . It consists in securing the establishment of common schools wherever they are necessary ; in organizing them on a suitable and permanent foundation ; and in guarding them against the admission of unqualified teachers. In his sixth annual report the superintendent renewed his recom mendation before made, for a revision and consolidation of the existing school laws. On the 19th of April, 18 19, accordingly, the Legislature re-enacted the "act for the support of Common Schools," making the various amendments suggested by Mr. Hawley. To him is given the honor and credit of having done more than any one person in the founding of the common school system in this State. John Van Ness Yates was secretary of state and superintendent ex officio of common schools from 1821 to 1826, the separate office of superintendent of EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 263 schools having been abolished by the Constitution of 1821. The Con stitution, provided, also, " the proceeds of all lands thereafter to be sold, belonging to the State, with the exception of such as might be reserved for public use or ceded to the United States, together with the existing school fund, were declared to constitute a perpetual fund, the interest of which should be inviolably appropriated and applied to the support of the common schools." Azariah C. Flagg held the office of secretary of state and superin tendent of schools from 1826 to 1833, and was succeeded by John A. Dix (1833-39), during which period great improvements were made in the details of the school system. In 1827 the sum annually distributed to the various districts was increased to $100,000; in 1837 it was $110,000. On the 13th of April, 1835, an act was passed which laid the foundation of district school libraries; it authorized the taxable in habitants of each district to impose a tax of not more than $20 the first year, and $10 each succeeding year for the purchase of a district library. Under this act libraries were established in very many dis tricts of the State and the resultant benefit is beyond estimate. In 1838 $160,000 were added from the annual revenue of the United States deposit fund to the amount to be apportioned among the various school districts. In the following year the number of districts in the State was 10,583. The increase in the number of districts from time to time is shown as follows: 1798, 1,352 districts; 18 16, about 5,000; 1820, 5,763; 1825, 7,642; 1830, 8,872; 1835, 9,865. On the 4th of February, 1839, John C. Spencer was appointed sec retary of state and superintendent of common schools, and he con tinued in the office until 1842. He advocated several changes in the system, the most important being, perhaps, the county supervision of schools by regular visitors. These visitors reported to the superin tendent, and one of the results of their early reports was the plan of appointing county superintendents, which went into effect in April, 1843, and resulted in a great improvement in the general character of the schools. The office was abolished March 13, 1847, during which period the following held the office in Oneida county : Elon Comstock, Julius C. Thorn, Hosea Clark, Stephen Moulton, William S. Wetmore. In his annual message of 1 844 Governor Bouck treated largely the school question, stating among other things the following : 264 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The substitution of a single officer, charged with the supervision of the schools of each town, for the board of commissioners and inspectors formerly existing, in con nection with the supervisory and-appellate powers of the several county superintend ents, as defined by the law of the last session, seems to have met with the general approbation and concurrence of the people. Samuel S Young was secretary of state and superintendent of schools from February, 1842, to February, 1845, when he was succeeded by Nathaniel S. Benton, who continued until 1847, when the new Consti tution was in effect. The subject of Teachers's Institutes was first brought forward in the Tompkins County Teachers' Association in the fall of 1842, and the first institute was held in Ithaca April 4, 1843 ; they soon became a powerful auxiliary in elevating the teacher's profession. A persistent and nearly successful attempt was made t© engraft upon the new Constitution of 1846 a free school system for the State. The section under which it was to be accomplished was the following: The Legislature shall provide for the free education and instruction of every child of the State in the common schools, now established , or which shall hereafter be established therein. This section was adopted by a vote of 57 to 53, and a provision was then added directing the Legislature to provide for raising the necessary taxes in the districts to carry out the plan. The convention then ad journed for dinner. After reassembling the school article was referred, on resolution, to a committee of one with instructions to strike out the the last two sections relating to free schools. This was done and the provision for the establishment of free schools was defeated. On the 13th of November, 1847, the Legislature passed an act abol ishing the office of county superintendent of common schools, direct ing appeals authorized to be made by law to be made to the state superintendent, and the annual reports of the town superintendents to be made to the county clerk. This measure was adopted largely in response to populor clamor, and was in many respects temporarily disastrous to the welfare of the schools. Reports of town superintend ents were often superficial and incomplete, while they were "wholly in capable of supplying the place in the system which had been assigned to the higher class of officers." On the 15th of December, 1847, the various statutes relating to com- EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 265 mon schools were consolidated into one act, with such amendments as seemed expedient; town superintendents were to hold their office two years ; the library law was modified so that library money in any dis trict might be used for teachers' wages, with the consent of the state superintendent, provided the number of volumes in the library had reached a certain proportion to the number of children, etc. Christopher Morgan v/as state superintendent of schools and secretary of state from 1847 to 1851, when he was succeeded by Henry S. Randall, who held the office until 1853. In the message to the Legis lature of 1849 Governor Fish expressed his belief " that the restoration of the office of county superintendent would be productive of good to the school system." He recommended two measures, either of which would improve the situation : First. The repeal of chap. 358, laws of 1847, restoring the office of county superin tendent, and making it elective by the people. Second. The election of a superintendent in every Assembly district, except in the city of New York, and the cities which now have, or shall hereafter have, a city superintendent, or board of education, to manage their school affairs. The superintendent then reviewed the situation as to the problem of free schools which was before the people. On the 26th of March, 1849, the Legislature passed the " Act establishing Free Schools throughout the State." For its provisions in detail the reader must be referred to . the statutes. Oneida county gave a majority in favor of the act of 4,595, with 2,91 1 against it. The practical application of this system met with wide spread and intense opposition from the first, and it soon became apparent that a demand for its repeal would have to be met. At the annual election in the fall of 1850, therefore, the people voted upon the question of its repeal, and the majority in favor of repeal was 46,874, in forty-two of the fifty-nine counties of the State ; in the remaining seventeen counties the majority against repeal was 71,912, leaving a majority of 25,088 against repeal. Thus the beneficent free school system was permanently established. The majority in favor of repeal in Oneida county was 897. The number of districts in the State reported in 1850 was 11,397, and the number of children taught was 735,188. The number of dis tricts in 1895 was 11,121. 34 266 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. In 1 860 there were in Oneida county 412 districts. There are now (1895-6) 371 districts. In 1856 the provision of the law of 185 1 appropriating annually $800,000 was repealed and a tax of three quarters of a mill on the dollar of real and personal property substituted for payment of teachers' wages, and the rate bill was continued ; the school commissioners to be elected by the Boards of Supervisors. A law was passed in 1853 providing for union free schools, authoriz ing the inhabitants of two or more districts to elect trustees and levy a tax on the property in the united districts for the payment of teachers' wages and other expenses. The general school law was revised in 1864, and in 1867 the rate bill was abolished and a tax of one and a quarter mills on the dollar of valua tion substituted. The earliest attempt at establishing schools after the settlers began to locate was made in Whitestown, as early as 1785-86, on the east side of Sauquoit Creek, in the neighborhood occupied by the Wetmore and Leavenworth families. Schools were opened in Westmoreland about 1793, and in Rome at least as early as 1800. They were also in ex istence in Utica some time before the commencement of the present century, probably 1790. The earliest buildings were of logs, with an immense fireplace and stone chimney at one side or end, and the seats were made of slabs, into the rounded sides of which legs were inserted, two at one end and one at the other, in holes bored with a two-inch augur. Unfortunately the records of these primitive schools are almost totally lost, but such as are preserved are set forth in the several town histories herein. Hamilton Oneida Academy. — This was the earliest important educa tional movement in Oneida county and one of the earliest in the State west of Albany. Samuel Kirkland was the founder, and it was the out growth of his desire to educate the Indians under his missionary care. He conceived his educational plan as early as 1790 and in 1792 had matured it so far as to include in his project a system of primary schools for native children and an academy for English youth and a selected number of older Indian boys. Three of the primary schools were established and continued several years. It was his intention to place EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 267 his academy near what was then the boundary between the white set tlement and the Indian lands, and his plans received general approval. The charter for the academy was obtained in 1793, and having received valuable aid from Alexander Hamilton, the name " Hamilton Oneida Academy,'' was adopted for the institution. Following is the preamble to the charter : Whereas, Samuel Kirkland, Jonas Platt, Eli Bristoll, Erastus Clark, Joel Bristoll, Sewall Hopkins, James Dean, and Michael Meyers, by an instrument in writing, under their hands and seals, bearing date the 12th day of November, in the year of pur Lord 1792, after stating, among other things, that they are founders and benefactors of a certain Academy in Whitestown, contiguous to the Oneida Nation of Indians, in the county of Herkimer, in the State aforesaid, who have contributed more than one-half in the value of the real and personal property aud estate collected and appointed for the use and benefit of said Academy, did make application to us, the said Regents, that the said Academy might be incorporated, and become subject to the visitation of us and our successors, and that we would signify our approbation that Alexander Hamilton, John Lansing, Egbert Benson, Dan Bradley, Eli Bristoll, Erastus Clark, James Dean, Moses Foot, Tnomas R. Gold, Sewall Hopkins, Michael Myers, Jonas Platt, Jedediah Sanger, John Sargeant, Timothy Tuttle, and Samuel Wells, named in the said application, and their successors, might be a body corporate and politic, by the name and style of the Trustees of Hamilton Oneida Academy. In April, 1793, a subscription paper was put in circulation, headed by gifts from Mr. Kirkland of 300 acres of land on lease " the product to be applied towards the support of an able instructor," ten pounds in money and fifteen days' work. Other contributions, very liberal for the times, were made, the money amounting to nearly 170 pounds. The site chosen for the academy was about midway between the present " South College " on the campus and the chapel. The corner stone was laid by Baron Steuben in July, 1794, and the frame raised in due time. Failure to collect the necessary means caused a cessation of the work for nearly two years, and it was feared the project would have to be abandoned. But the zealous missionary never lost faith, and by unremitting efforts and the aid of others in collecting funds, enough was secured to inclose the building. Early in 1798 a large room in the south end of the second story and two smaller rooms on the first floor were finished and the two chimneys in frdnt were built. After further reverses and delays, the building was finally completed. It was three stories high and 90 by 38 feet in size. Mr. Kirkland had the privilege 268 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of seeing the institution opened and work in progress, under able in structors. In the year previous to the opening of the school Mr. Kirkland brought from Oneida several of the most promising Indian boys, clothed them like the white boys, committed part of them to the care of Eli Bristol and provided for the rest of them in his own family. They did not take readily to the restraints of civilized life and by the end of the year it was necessary to let them go back to their former haunts ,In 1797 Rev. John Niles, a graduate of Yale, took charge of the academy as the first principal. After three years ill health forced him to retire from the position: Rev. James Murdock, afterwards an emi- inent professor in several colleges, was associated with Mr. Niles one year. Rev. Robert Porter, also a Yale graduate, became principal of the academy in September, 1801, and retained four years. Seth Nor ton, brother of Rev. Dr. Norton, assumed the position in the fall of 1805, and excepting one year, held the place until 18 12, when the in stitution was raised to the rank of college and he was appointed pro fessor of languages. In order to obtain a charter for Hamilton College, as the successor of the academy just described, and to obtain a grant from the Legislature of $50,000 for its endowment, it was necessary to raise by subscription another $50,000. This task was undertaken by Rev. Caleb Alexander, and through his energetic labor a sum was raised which, with the value of the academy property, was equal to $52,844.64. The charter was granted May 22, 1812. The trustees immediately completed the un finished portion of the academy and put the property in good condition. The first faculty chosen were as follows : Rev. Azel Backus, D. D., of Bethlehem, Conn., as president; Rev. Seth Norton, professor of languages ; Josiah Noyes, M. D., professor of chemistry ; and Theodore Strong, tutor. The doors of the college were opened for students October 24, 181 2, and regular recitations commenced on the 1st of November following. Dr. Backus was inaugurated pres ident December 3, 1812, in the Congregational church at Clinton. He died after four years of service, December 28, 18 16. His successor was EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 269 Rev. Henry Davis, D. D., an alumnus of Yale College, He had been professor of languages in Union College, and at the time of his election here was president of Middlebury College, and had also been recently elected president of Yale, to succeed the eminent Timothy Dwight. He deliberately preferred Hamilton and was installed as president in the fall of 1 8 1 7 and continued in his office sixteen years. He died at Clinton March 7, 1852, at the age of eighty- two years. He was succeeded in the presidency of the college by Rev. Sereno E. Dwight, D. D., a son of Timothy Dwight, who, owing to ill health, resigned after two years' service. Rev. Joseph Penney, D. D., a graduate of Dublin University, was elected in the fall of 1835 and resigned in 1839, when he was suc ceeded by Rev. Simeon North, D. D., then professor of languages in the college. During Dr. North's term of office of eighteen years, the affairs of the institution prospered greatly. At the time of his inauguration the treasury was almost empty, but it was soon replenished, the number of students increased, new buildings were erected and new professor ships created. President North was succeeded in 1858 by the Rev. Samuel Ware Fisher, D. D., then of Cincinnati, and a graduate of Yale. He was distinguished as an eloquent preacher, and he continued in office to July, 1866. -He was succeeded by the Rev. Samuel Gilman Brown, D. D., LL. D., a graduate and professor of Dartmouth: This urbane and, scholarly man served the college until 1 881, when he retired to a res idence in Utica, where he died in November, 1885. During his admin istration were erected the president's house, and the new Library Hall. The Rev. Henry Darling, D. D., LL. D., became president in 1881 and died in office in April, 1891. Under his term the numbers of the classes largely increased. North College and the Cabinet were rebuilt and en larged, and under the generosity of Horace B. Silliman, LL. D., of Cohoes, the college received its beautiful and complete Y. M. C. A. building. " Old Middle " was remodeled in 1891 into a noble modern gym-, nasium. This work was liberally provided for by Messrs. Arthur W. Soper, M. S., of New York, and Alexander C. Soper ('67) and James P. Soper, of Chicago, as a memorial of their father, the late Albert Soper, of Chicago. 270 , OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The second story of the building, in one hall, is used for a track- room and for the practice cage of the baseball battery. The third story, which includes under its truss roof the former fourth story, is the Gym nasium proper. The building is lighted with gas, well warmed, and thoroughly equipped. There is a physical director, who is also a phy sician, and is competent to prescribe proper exercises for each student. As a memorial of the late John Newton Beach, jr., sometime a mem ber of the Class of '94, a beautiful arbor was last year built by his father, John Newton Beach ('62) of Brooklyn. It is a most attractive structure, of native rough^hewn limestone, ceiled with Georgia pine in natural finish, and cedar- shingled,. The interior walls, window seats, and walls, are all of stone. The seats are of oak timber. The structure measures 20 by 18 feet and spans the walk, at the head of "Sophomore Hill," and about five rods above the site of the old arbor, commanding picturesque glimpses of valley and hill. At considerable expense the Hamilton College waterworks system has just been installed, providing in the main buildings suitable con veniences and with the utmost sanitary care. The Gymnasium is now furnished with adequate bathing facilities. Help against fire is assured by an ample two and a half inch stream of eighty- five pounds pressure. Excellent fire apparatus has just been presented by John M. Butler, A. M. ('48) of Utica. The site of the college is exceptionally fine The air is pure and dry, and the prespect is one of great natural charm. The college stands upon a broad plateau, three hundred feet above the valley and nine hundred feet above the sea, the hills rising high in the background to still wider prospects. It faces the sunrise and over looks the beautiful valleys of the Oriskany and the Mohawk, and the noble ranges of hills beyond. The harmonious landscape, the retired elevation, and the historic scene, furnish an environment of ideal fitness for the training of large thought and high purpose. The campus occupies a portion of the original government grant to Samuel Kirkland, which lay a little west of the Line of Property, fixed November 5, 1768, by treaty at Fort Stanwix between Sir William John son and the Six Nations. The intersection of the highway (at the mid- V^L. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 271 die of "Freshmen Hill") by this treaty line is marked by an enchiseled- stone erected by the Class of '87. An examination of the catalogue of 1895 shows the names of seven teen professors in actual service. The departments are various and thoroughly equipped. The new Latin scientific course allows large expansion in the study of the laboratory sciences. The Library is steadily growing under an nual appropriations and friendly gifts and already includes 34.000 vol umes and 13,000 pamphlets. The Litchfield Observatory, so long under. the directorship of the late Dr. C. H. F. Peters, has won world wide celebrity for the college. Forty- eight asteroids were discovered here, and other original and still more important work has been done. A consultation of the triennial catalogue will show the line of distin guished and able men who have been graduated at Hamilton, or who have setved in its faculty, and upon the Board of Trustees. Its classi cal graduates number 2,180. Of these 845 have entered the ministry; 530 the law; 350 teaching, 113 medicine, 75 journalism. The gradu ates have always been in demand as keen, practical, and honorable men. The present freshman class ('99) numbers fifty-nine men. The president is Melancthon Woolsey Stryker,1 who was elected in August, 1892, succeeding Professor Edward North, who was appointed acting president April 20, 1891, after the death of President Darling. Professor North, since his election in 1843, has given instruction in the Greek language and literature to fifty-two successive classes. He is widely known in the educational world and is a member of a large number of prominent historical and scientific societies. 1 Melancthon Woolsey Stryker was born at Vernon, Oneida county, January 7, 1851. His father was Isaac Pierson Stryker, then pastor of the Vernon Presbyterian church; his mother, Alida Livingston Woolsey, daughter of Com. Mel. T. Woolsey, U. S. N., and granddaughter of Mel. Lloyd Woolsey, an officer in the Continental army. He was the second child of seven and the eldest son. He prepared for college at the Rome Academy, and entered Hamilton with the Class of '70 in July, 1866. He graduated in 1872, and from Auburn Theological Seminary in 1876. Ordained by Presbytery of Cayuga May, 1876, as pastor of Calvary church, Auburn ('76-78), pas tor at Ithaca 1878-1883; at Holyoke, Mass., 1883-85; and of Fourth church, Chicago, Ills., 1885-1892. Called to be the ninth president of Hamilton College, August, 1892, entering upon his .duties in November, and inaugurated January, 1893. He received the degree of D.D. from both Hamilton and Lafayette in 1889, and LL. D. from Lafayette in 1892. He is the editor of various hymn books —chiefly of Church Song (1890). He has published two volumes of verse, Miriam (1888), and 272 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Hamilton has never been wealthy and is not now, but it may well be questioned whether for the size of the investment — the " plant " — any other college has rivaled the quality of its product. Its roots strike deep into the history of Oneida county and the State of New York. The whole central region of the State is rightly proud of this venerable, persistent and thorough school. The roll of its statesmen, publicists, orators, financiers, editors, authors, pastors and professors is long and lengthening. Clinton Grammar School. — In 1813, one year after the Hamilton Oneida Academy had been made a college, the friends of education in Clinton made an effort to raise $3,000 with which to erect a new acad emy. This effort failed, but in 18 15 a stock company was organized, the members of which were to own the proposed academy property and receive whatever dividends might accrue from the rent of buildings and grounds. When the necessary amount had been subscribed the build ing was erected, 40 by 26 feet in size and two stories high, on a site given by David Comstock in exchange for four shares of stock. The building was of brick and in later years was considerably improved. In 1858 Prof. Benjamin W. Dwight opened Dwight's Rural High School, and which was conducted by him with great success until 1863, when he retired from its management to devote himself to literary work. Under his charge the Rural High school enjoyed a reputation second to none in the State. His father, Dr. Benjamin Woolsey Dwight, was treasurer of Hamilton College for nineteen years until his death, May 18, 1850. After Hamilton Oneida Academy was closed, and before Hamilton College was opened, a classical school was taught by Rev. Comfort Williams, assisted by Moses Bristol, in the second story of the building since occupied by Judge Williams as a law office, and was moved the following year to a building on College street, and taught by William Groves., The next year it was reopened in its original place, and taught by George Bristol. Among the pupils of this year were Mark Hopkins Lattermath (1895); also Essay on the Dies Irce, with versions (1892); the Letter of Jaraes the Just (1895), Hamilton, Lincoln and other Addresses (1890), and numerous articles, and sermons. He married, September, 1876. Elizabeth, daughter of the late Rev. Simon S, Goss, of Auburn, N. Y, The children of this marriage are Goss Livingston, Alida, Robert McBurney (born and died 1883), Lloyd Paul, and Evelyn. BENJAMIN W. DWIGHT. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 273 (since president of Williams College), Charles Avery and Horace Bogue. In the fall of 1816 Rev. Joel Bradley assumed charge of the school, in the new brick building on the " Flats." He was succeeded in a year or two by Rev. William R. Weeks. The female department of this school was probably organized in 181 7, with Mary Hayes as the first teacher. In the fall of 1820 Mr. Weeks resigned and was succeeded by Clark Avery, who in September, 1822, was followed by Orlando Kirtland. In 1825 Isaac Wilmarth accepted the post and was succeeded about a year later by Joseph S. Bosworth, who continued two years. In 1828 the school was placed under the care of the Board of Regents. The principals succeeding Mr. Bosworth have been : Noah Cushman, Leicester A. Sawyer, Salmon Strong, John C. Underwood (late United States district judge for Eastern Virginia), Mr. Hickok, Joseph W. Hubbard, Henry Kendall (since a secretary of the Board of Home Missions of the Presbyterian church), Erastus C. Williams, Edward S. Lacey, Edward North (now of Hamilton College), Edward P. Powell, Henry P. Bristol, Gilbert Wilcoxen, Ambrose P. Kelsey, and Rev. Isaac O. Best. In 1866 the grammar school and the high school were incorporated together, the high school building having been burned. This school had formerly been known as the Rural High School, and later it be came the Clinton Military Academy. On the 2d of September, 1875, the institution was opened as a boarding and day school for boys under the old charter name of Clin ton Grammar School, and continued its prosperous existence. It was conducted from 1878 to 1890 by I. P. Best and^then closed. The building is now occupied for business purposes. Whitestown Seminary. — In 1827 an educational institution was founded at Whitestown which was at the first called the Oneida Acad emy, and afterwards the Oneida Institute ; it was established under the auspices of the Oneida Presbytery. A farm was connected with it on which the students were required to do manual labor. Among the stockholders in this school, and the donors for its benefit, are found the names of many of the prominent early citizens of this vicinity. The first instructors were George W. Gale and Pelatiah Rawson. Twenty- seven students were instructed the first year, and forty acres of land were cultivated and good crops produced. The institution prospered 35 274 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and in 1834 had about 140 students. At this time Rev. Beriah Green was called to the presidency of the institute and was an enthusiastic worker ; but ere long during the anti-slavery agitation which prevailed here, he denounced the Oneida Presbytery as guilty of the crime of slave-holding and with three others withdrew from that body and formed the Whitesboro Association ; a new Congregational church was organized under a creed to suit Green, and a wide gulf of alienation opened between the Oneida Institute and its original patrons. A remedy for this state of affairs was at hand. In 1841 the Free Will Baptists opened a denominational school in Clinton, called the Clinton Seminary. It was a prosperous institution and when it finally needed more commodious quarters it removed to the buildings of the Oneida Institute and placed itself under the care of the Regents of the University. The change was made in 1844, anc* in 1845 a new charter was issued to the school under the name of the Whitestown Seminary. Prosperity followed, the attendance rising from 173 in 1844 to 317 in 1854, and during the second decade increased to 522. In addition to the amount paid at the original purchase, a subscrip tion of $25,000 was raised in i860 and the subsequent years for mate rial improvement, and it is estimated that the entire amount expended for such purchases, including the generous gift of William D. Walcott, esq., for the erection of Walcott Hall, is more than $50,000. Among the principals of the seminary appears the name of Rev. Daniel S. Heffron, A. M., who was in charge in 1845 and 1846, and a member of the Faculty from 1841 to 1848. He was also a member of the Board of Trustees from 1 843 to 1 869 ; eight years the clerk and fifteen years the presiding officer of the, board. He was for several years superintendent of public instruction in the city of Utica. Samuel Farnham, A. M., was principal from 1846 to 1853. Pro- fessdr James S. Gardner was in 1 848 a senior in college, and at the same time a teacher in Whitestown Seminary. His connection with the institution extended through a long term of years, and his name has become an honored one, both as a teacher and socially. This seminary continued prosperous until recent years, when the establishment of a higher class of union and graded schools caused its decline. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 275 Clinton Liberal Institute. — A careful history of this institution was prepared by Rev. S. P. Landers for Gridley's History of Clinton, from which the following is condensed : The ministers and delegates from the several associations comprising the Universalist Convention of the State of New York met at Clinton May u, 183 1. There a committee consisting of Rev. Stephen R. Smith, D. Skinner and A. B. Grosh, was appointed to fully consider and report on the subject of " establishing a literary institution in this State not only for the purposes of science and literature, but with a particular view of furnishing with an education young men designing to study for the ministry of universal reconciliation." On the ist of June following the central association met at Cedar- ville, Herkimer county, when the subject was brought forward and resolutions adopted : 1. Approving the recommendation of the State Convention respecting a literary institution. 2. That it be located at Clinton. 3. That a Board of Trust be appointed. 4. Contains the number and names of said board. 5. That Joseph Stebbins and John W. Hale, of Clinton, David Pixley, of Man chester, Timothy Smith, of Augusta, and Ezra S. Barnum, of Utica, constitute an executive committe with usual powers. 6. That Joseph Stebbins be treasurer. 7. That sister associations be solicited to unite with us in promoting the objects herein contemplated. * Numerous associations throughout the State responded to the acts of the State convention, pledging themselves to aid in every practicable way the project of establishing such- a school at Clinton. One of the principal causes of this effort to found a school on liberal principles in theology was (what seemed to be) the sectarian character and the prose lyting influences on students made in the various academies and col leges of our country. The first report of the executive committee, dated Clinton, Aug. 20, 1 83 1, in explaining to the public the object of the contemplated sem inary, says, among other things, that " it is not to be sectarian. On the contrary, while it is deemed all important that the young mind should be strongly impressed with the pure morality of the gospel, we wish to leave the responsibility of indoctrination to the natural guard ians of youth." 276 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. A preliminary school for males was opened November 7, 183 1, on College street, which was taught by George R. Perkins, afterwards of Utica. The female department was commenced November 21, 1831, in a house on the east side of the Green, and was taught by Miss Burr; in the following May it was opened in the new building erected for it by Miss Philena Dean. The stone structure for the male department was built in 1832. The honor of founding this institution is given largely to Rev. Stephen 'R. Smith, who was many years a preacher in Clinton. Joseph Stebbins made the largest of the first subscriptions and otherwise aided Mr. Smith. At the opening of the school in the stone building, De cember 10, 1832, the faculty were Rev. C. B. Thummel, principal and professor of languages ; George R. Perkins, professor of mathematics ; E. W. Manley, assistant. In the first year 108 pupils attended. The institution was chartered in 1834 and in 1836 passed under care of the Regents of the University. Mr. Thummel was succeeded in 1838 by Rev. Timothy Clowes, LL.D., and Miss Meech, then preceptress, by Miss L. M. Barker. Rev. J. T. Sawyer was made principal of-the female department in 1845, and hdd the position about fifteen years. The building erected for the female department was made possible largely by his efforts. Owing to the belief that the school could be more economically con ducted, and other causes, the institute was removed to Fort Plain, N. Y., in 1879. The buildings were occupied several years by Rev. Mr. Owens, rector of the Episcopal church, and a school called " Richland Hall." Since then they have been given up to other purposes. Houghton Seminary (Clinton). — In the year 1854 Miss Louisa M. Barker (before mentioned as at the head of the female department of the Liberal Institute) established the Home Cottage Seminary, in a building standing on an eminence south of Clinton village. She effi ciently conducted the institution until 1861, when she sold it to Dr. J. C. Gallup. He changed the name of the school to Houghton Seminary, in honor of his wife, Mrs. Marilla Houghton Gallup, the associate princi pal. The grounds, originally comprising eight acres, were later en larged to twenty and the school buildings and other facilities improved. In 1880 the seminary passed into the hands of A. G. Benedict, A.'M., EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 277 a man who is thoroughly equipped for his position. The school is pros perous and worthy of support. Cottage Seminary (Clinton). — After retiring from the Home Cottage Seminary, Miss Barker opened this institution as a family or boarding school in 1861 with accommodations for fourteen boarders. She died while conducting this school and it passed to Miss Annie Chipman, who had long been the associate of Miss Barker. This school has always maintained a standard of excellence^that places it among the best of the kind in the State. It is beautifully situated, splendidly equipped, and conducted on a plan that renders it an ideal home, morally and relig iously, for young girls seeking an education. Subjects for study have been so chosen and arranged that those whose school days are com paratively limited, will secure most valuable helps for the demands of practical life without further study, while others, who are to go to the college or the university, will find here exactly what they need in prep aration, the certificate of this seminary securing admission to Wellesley, Smith and other similar institutions without examinations. For the past ten years or more the seminary has been conducted by Rev. Chester W. Hawley, assisted by a competent corps of instructors in each de partment. Its principal is himself a man of thorough education and experience and well qualified for his responsible position. Young Ladies' Domestic Seminary (Clinton). — In 1832 Rev. Hiram H. Kellogg founded an institution with this name, in which he proposed giving young ladies who desired it, certain kinds of labor to perform, by which the cost of their education might be reduced. He erected and furnished a building and opened his school in the spring of 1833. The school was full from the first and the building had to be materially en larged in the first year to accommodate the demand upon it. The full amount charged for board and tuition never exceeded $120 a year, and the school was patronized by many wealthy families, as well as by those who gladly availed themselves of its economical features. In 1841, Mr. Kellogg having been elected president of Knox College, in Illinois, sold his seminary to an association of Free Will Baptists (see foregoing his tory of Whitestown Seminary). The Baptists continued the school for three years on a different plan, after which it was conducted for a time by Pelatiah Rawson as a private school, and then closed. Mr. Kellogg 278 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. returned to Clinton, when the property came back in his hands, and made some effort to revive the school, but in 1850 permanently aban doned it. CHAPTER XXV. THE CITY OF UTICA. The site of the city of Utica is a part of Cosby's Manor which is fully described in Chapter X. The original settlement on the site took the - name of Old Fort Schuyler from the military work which was con structed there during the French and Indian war. It was designed to guard the fording place of the Mohawk and was situated on the south bank of the stream a short distance southeast of the present intersection of Second street and the Central railroad ; it was an earth embankment surrounded with palisades. The topography of the region around the site of Utica ; the intersection there of the old Indian path from Oneida Castle with the path along the river side leading to the portage at Rome ; the fording place of the Mohawk, and its convenience of access from the outlying settlements in the region, all contributed to make the locality an attractive one to pioneers. Hence, in spite of the absence of water power, of valuable stone to quarry, of rich minerals, and with a wet marshy soil along the river, settlers early chose the vicinity of the old fort as a site for a village. They could not then foresee its later importance. Fort Stanwix (Rome), the head of navigation on the Mohawk, and also Whitesboro, for some years had brighter prospects than Utica, and carried on a larger business in river transportation ; and probably the settlers expected, at the most, to only make it a good landing place whence goods could be easily transported to other near by points. In the year 1786 Cosby's Manor was surveyed by John R., son of Rutger Bleecker, and a map was made on which appear two houses near the ford, on what is now the east side of Genesee street, and one on the west side. Some improvement had been made a little farther THE CITY OF UTICA. 279 westward and also near the present eastern limits of the city ; otherwise the region was covered with an unbroken forest. The occupants of the two houses on the east side of the road were John Cunningham and George Damuth, and on the west side lived Jacob Christian. To these was added, by 1788, Hendrich Salyea. The settler towards the west was named McNamee (of whom very little is known), and the clearings to the eastward were designated as those of McNamee and Abraham Boom. Damuth had leased from Rutger Bleecker 273^ acres on lot 94, for twenty- one years, at one shilling an acre yearly, the first pay ment to be made July 28, 1793. Damuth assigned his lease and prob ably died before 1790, and Cunningham sold his lease and improve ments to John Post before 1793. Abraham Boom in 1790 obtained from Gen Philip Schuyler a life lease of the land on which he had set tled, and after the death of his son William disposed of it to the Christ- mans. Hendrich Salyea, who had a lease from Bleecker on lot 93, of .the same date as Damuth's, sold to John Post September 18, 1789, and improvements made by him on a strip adjacent to the other tract he sold to Peter Smith for five pounds on March 15, 1790. He then " squatted " on lot 90 in a log house on the north side of the present Broad street, and in the same year sold out to Matthew Hubbell. Settlers who arrived in 1788 were Maj. John Bellinger who came in March through four feet of snow. He and two others of his family were in the battle of Oriskany. He built a temporary hut at what is now the corner of Whitesboro and Washington streets and lived in it four months. This was succeeded by a small frame house, and later he built a large one nearly opposite in which he entertained travelers until his death in 1815. According to Jones's Annals there were at this time living there Philip Morey and his sons, Solomon, Richard and Sylvanus, as squatters on lot 97, and Francis Foster on lot 96. In 1788 Uriah Alverson settled at what is now West Utica, with his son William, then nineteen years old ; and probably in the same year came that remarkable man, Peter Smith, father of Gerrit Smith, He had been in mercantile trade below Little Falls and was still a minor when he settled at Old Fort Schuyler. There he built a log store which stood on or near the site of Bagg's Hotel. He soon built another near the lower end of Main street, and later erected a two- story dwell- 280 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ing, corner of Main and Third streets. His later residence was on Broad street, beyond the gulf, attached. to which was a large farm, and there his son Gerrit was born. Peter Smith removed to Peterboro in 1806. In the spring of 1 790 John Post and his family came up the river by boat from Schenectady and made the purchases before mentioned. A traveler passing through in the previous summer noted that Post was then finishing his house. This was probably the first frame house built in Oneida county. It stood on the west side of what is now Genesee street, near Whitesboro street. When his house was finished he opened a store in it, entertaining travelers at the same time. In 1791 he built a separate store near his house. As his trade extended he abandoned tavern keeping and became a prominent merchant and shipper, running several of the flat boats so largely used on the river. He also ran three " stage boats," chiefly for passengers, having oil-cloth covers and seats. On July 13, 1792, he purchased 89^ acres which included what is now the heart of the city. In 1790 there came to the settlement Capt. Stephen Potter, a veteran officer of the Revolution, and his son-in law, Benjamin Plant. Matthew Hubbell also came in 1790 and bought out Salyea, as before stated, for which he paid at the rate of $2.50 an acre. Benjamin Ballou settled here in 1790, with his family of grown children ; he had a lease in 1797 of 126 acres on lot '92. In July, 1 79 1, Thomas and Augustus Corey purchased 200 acres on lot 95 and resided early on the site of the brick house now standing on the northeast corner of Whitesboro and Hotel streets. In 1795 they sold out and left the place. Peter Bellinger purchased in that year 150 acres on lot 89 in the gulf and there lived until his death. In 1792 Joseph Ballou, brother of Benjamin, from Exeter, R. I., came with his wife, two sons and a daughter, via the Sound and the Hudson and up the Mohawk. He settled on lot 94 (the George Damuth lot before mentioned). In the summer of that year (1792) steps were taken to build a build a bridge' across the Mohawk, through a petition to the Legislature dated October 24, and signed by eighty- three persons. Of these twenty-one are known to have been residents of Old Fort Schuyler, or near by. The bridge was raised the sum- Brtg-tyEGmihama bitmNV THE CITY OP UTICA. 281 mer preceding on a Sunday, so the settlers would be at leisure to assist. In 1793 Gurdon Burchard, a harnessmaker, came with his wife from Norwich, Conn., and occupied a lot on Whitesboro street. In 18 10 he gave up his trade and opened a tavern nearly on the site of the Dudley House. The year 1794 saw considerable increase in the settlement. Prom inent among the newcomers was James S. Kip, long a conspicuous member of society, who bought of the Bradstreet executors lot 96, of about .400 acres, embracing what is now a very valuable part of the the city. He settled, however, on a leased farm on lot 93, including the site of the fort, where he built a store near the eastern end of Main street, made a landing near the mouth of Ballou's Creek, built a pot- ashery, etc. Joseph Pierce, father of Joseph, jr., John and Parley, lived in 1794 on a part of Mr, Kip's first purchase ; he was a Revolutionary soldier and in 18 10 built the coveredbridge over the river which succeeded the two earlier ones. He afterward lived in Deerfield. Other settlers of that year were Thomas Norton, who hadJbeen a sea captain ; Dr. Sam uel Carrington, who carried on a drug business and was made postmas ter in 1799; Stephen Ford, a merchant who failed and left the place; Aaron Eggleston, a cooper ; John Hobby, ' a blacksmith, brother of Epenetus and Elkanah ; Thomas Jones, another blacksmith, and Simon Jones, still another. Moses Bagg, of Westfield, Mass., who obtained four acres of Joseph Ballou, and began blaoksmithing on Main street a little east of the corner of the square ; his house, br shanty, stood on the corner and small as it was, he opened it to entertain travelers. Soon afterward he erected a two-story frame building on the same site. John House came and opened a public house on the northeast corner of Genesee street and the public square. Jason Parker came in 1794 and began his long career by serving as postrider from Whitestown to Canajoharie; in the following year he began running a stage from Albany to Old Fort Schuyler. During the remainder of his long life Mr. Parker, alone or with others, carried on a very extensive trans portation business, as recorded in another chapter. Apollos Cooper, who in 1794 built the rear part of the house on Whitesboro street where he passed his life, bought, April n, 1795, 117 acres of great lot 282 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 96. William Inman, an Englishman, obtained in 179$ of Rutger Bleecker two leases of lands on lot 104, in all 103 acres, and soon after made his home on the north side-of Whitesboro road. He was foremost in founding Trinity church and was father of Henry Inman, the distinguished .painter, and of William and John. Watts Sherman is recorded as a carpenter in 1795, but later he be came a leading merchant. Dr. Alexander Coventry, a Scotchman who came to America in 1785, settled first as a farmer and physi cian at Hudson, N.Y., and later lived in Romulus, Seneca county, came to Old Fort Schuyler in 1796. He engaged with John Post in mer cantile business, but soon gave it up for his profession, at the same time following farming and fruit-growing. He was a good physician and a prominent citizen; he died December 9, 1831. Talcott Camp, a merchant, came in the fall of 1796, bringing goods ; returned east, and in the next spring brought his family. At this time Fellows & Clark (William Fellows, Silas Clark) were extensive merchants for that time, on the north side of the Whitesboro road ; Nathan Williams and Erastus Clark, the earliest lawyers, were established in their busi ness, and Francis A. Bloodgood delivered the 4th of July address in 1797, and afterwards became distinguished. Col. Benjamin Walker, born in England in 1753, came to New York while young and warmly espoused the American cause in the Revolu tion. He became an intimate friend and sort of secretary for Baron Steuben, and was prominent in the founding of Trinity church, and built for himself a mansion at the eastern end of Broad street. He died January 13, 1818. Bryan Johnson, another Englishman, settled here in 1797, beginning as a merchant on the Whitesboro road. He soon commanded a, large trade and later his son, A. B. Johnson, came over and joined him in business. The father retired in 1809, soon after his son attained his majority. Maj. Benjamin Hinman, a native of Connecticut, and a Revolutionary soldier and officer, settled at Old Fort Schuyler in 1797 or 1798, kept a public house a few years in Deerfield and finally resided on Main street. Rev. John Hammond was living here in 1797 on the square a little below Bagg's tavern. He preached at various places in the vicinity.' THE CITY OF UTICA. 283 Samuel Hinman was a carpenter from Barre, Mass., and, later from Albany, settled here with his son John, built a brick hotel on Whites boro street for the Holland Land Company, which was finished' in 1799, and made plans for and built Trinity church. Richard Kimball bought, January 2, 1797, seventy acres on lot 96, of Jedediah Sanger. It lay on the eastern side of Genesee hill and was occupied as a farm by Mr. Kimball until 1804. The time had now arrived when the settlement was to have a regular village organization and the name that it has since borne. It is a tradi tion that the inhabitants gathered at Bagg's tavern where the subject of a name was discussed, and after a number had been proposed it was agreed to write several on slips of paper from which the first one drawn should be adopted. Thirteen were according written and the first slip drawn bore the name of Utica, which was the choice of Erastus Clark. The act of incorporation was passed April 3, 1798. The records of the corporation for the first seven years are lost, having been burned in the fire of December 7, 1848 ; a like fate also befel the early records of Whitestown. It is known that Francis A. Bloodgood was treasurer in 1800 and 1 80 1, and Talcott Camp in 1802 ; also that the first free holders' meeting under the charter of 1805, the trustees were present, but who they were cannot be told. There was a fire company in 1 804, who were thanked by the trustees for their efforts at the fire in February which burned Post & Hamlin's store. The founding of the first newspaper in the village took place in 1798, when the Whitestown Gazette, established four years earlier at New Hartford by William McLean, was removed by him and the name changed to the Whitestown Gazette and Cato's Patrol. In 1 803 he sold out to two of his apprentices, Messrs. Seward and Williams and went back to New Hartford. In this paper John C. Hoyt announced in November, 1798, that he had begun business as a "taylor, opposite Bagg's Inn, Utica." In 1798, also, Thomas Skinner and Nathan Will iams were in the village and soon afterward were partners as attorneys. In relation to the holding of large tracts of land on the site of the village by non-residents, who would lease but would not sell, and the obstacle to rapid settlement thus presented, Dr. Bagg in his history of Utica, quotes an early resident as follows : 284 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The inhabitants always entertained a very hopeful opinion of their village, and real estate was in more request and at higher prices than in the surrounding villages. This was much induced by the withholding from saleof the Bleecker estate, which covered a large part of Utica. On November 2, 1795, Thomas and Augustus Corey sold to the Holland Land Company 200 acres on lot 95, a part of which was after wards commonly known as the hotel lot. Within the next two or three years the company built thereon a large brick hotel, to which allusion has been made. It was not only the first brick house in the village, but the first of its size in the county and probably in the State west of Albany. Its site was on Whitesboro street, in a swampy place. The building was a square three- story structure, with a four-sided roof, and is still standing. It was opened December 2, 1799, by Philip J. Schwartze. Soon afterward Hotel street was opened southward from the hotel. By this time the rapid settlement of the " Genesee country" and the Military Tract was attracting westward throngs of pioneers, most of whom passed through Utica. In the Annals of Albany it is stated : In the winter of 1795 1,200 sleighs loaded with furniture and with men, women, and children passed through Albany in three days, and 500 were counted between sunrise and sunset of February 28th of that year. All of them were moving west ward. The taverns in the village were numerous in proportion to the num ber of inhabitants, and they were well patronized. The settlement was still chiefly confined to a single street (Main), the western end of which was called the Whitesboro road. A few settlers were located on the lower end of Genesee street, with others scattered about the vicinity. Among the arrivals in the village in 1800 may be mentioned the following : Charles C. Brodhead, a prominent early surveyor, who was sheriff in 1800 and surveyed the eastern section of the canal, Albany to Rome, in 18 16. In July the firm of Kane & Van Rensselaer (Archibald Kane, Jere miah Van Rensselaer) advertised that they had " opened a house in Utica, where may be had a general assortment of dry goods and gro ceries on moderate terms." This firm already had a large establishment at Canajoharie, where Mr. Kane remained, his partner settling in Utica, where he became prominent in business, religious and social affairs. THE CITY OF UTICA. 285 Jesse Newell began business in 1800 with George Macomber as painters and glaziers, in which they were followed by Mr. Newell's son, and in recent years by his grandson. In 1801 the^ names of Aylmer Johnson, brewer ; Martin Dakin, clerk; James Ure, brewer; Bela Hubbard, tanner ; Dr. FrancisJ. Guiteau, jr., Abraham Walton, Capt. James Hopper, Ebenezer B. Shearman, and Daniel Thomas, a merchant, appear for the first. Dr- Guiteau was descended from the Huguenots, was a son of a physician of Lanesboro, Mass., settled in Deerfield in 1792 and in 1803 formed a partnership with Dr. Solomon Wolcott, as druggists and practitioners. Each built a house on Whitesboro street. Calvin Guiteau, the early surveyor, and Dr. Luther Guiteau, both of whom lived in Oneida county, were brothers of Dr. Francis J. Dr. Wolcott came from Williamstown, Mass., where he had acquired some property and married. Capt. James Hopper had commanded vessels in the English merchant service, and when he settled in Utica he bought land on the southern borders of the village which ultimately made him* wealthy. He was father of Thomas Hopper. ¦ Ebenezer B. Shearman early became interested in the manufacture of cotton goods and glass, for the sale of which his store was the agency. He aided in founding a cotton factory in New Hartford, the first one in the county, and with his brother, Willet H„ were leading members of the Oneida Glass Factory Company at Vernon. A few persons of the Welsh race were settled in Utica in or before 1801, and ere long they began to come in large numbers, ultimately forming a large and eminently respectable part of the community. The farmers among the early comers settled on the rich hillsides of Remsen, Trenton and Steuben, while mechanics stopped in the villages. Among them were several excellent builders. Of the early Welsh arrivals in Utica may be mentioned Elder Abraham Williams, Joseph Harris, Daniel Morris, David Reed and sons, the James family, Watkin Powell, Samuel George, and others. In 1802 John C. Devereux, a native of Ireland, settled in Utica and the family became one of the best known and most popular in the county. His first business advertisement under date of November 8, 1802, states that he had " opened an assortment of dry goods and groceries at the 286 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. store lately occupied by John Smith." Associated with him as clerks or partners were his brothers, Luke, Nicholas and Thomas. In 1821 John C. and Nicholas built the well known Devereux block where they had a large warehouse and store. In briefly noting the arrival of prominent persons in Utica from 1802 to the introduction of the second charter in 1805 we find that John H. Lothrop, lawyer, farmer, editor, merchant, and banker, assumed the editorship of the Whitestown Gazette and Cato's Patrol (before men tioned) in 1803, changed its name to the Utica Patriot and settled in the village to conduct the journal ; he also served as deputy in the office of the Supreme Court clerk. Having later sold his paper he removed to New Hartford in 181 1, where he practiced law five years, when he was appointed cashier of the Ontario Branch Bank in Utica. Ira Merrell, who learned the printer's trade with William McLean and published1 Lothrop's paper for a time in company with his fellow apprentice, Asa hel Seward, became well known as a printer and publisher. Thomas Walker was another printer who came into Oneida county and with Ebenezer Eaton founded the Columbian Patriotic Gazette in Rome, August 17, 1799. In March, 1803, he removed it to Utica, called it the Columbian Gazette and supported Jefferson for president. The first Utica number was dated March 21. In 1825 he sold the Gazette to Samuel D. Dakin and William J. Bacon, by whom it was consolidated1 with the Sentinel under title of the Sentinel and Gazette. They had already bought the Patriot, thus uniting the first three newspapers pub lished in the county. The Patriot, mentioned as having been published by John H. Lothrop, was purchased of McLean in 1803, by Asahel Seward and Ira Merrell, and conducted under the names of Patriot, Patriot and Patrol, and Utica Sentinel. Mr. Seward retained an interest in its publication until 1824, in connection at different times with Mer rell, William Williams, and William H. Maynard, when it passed to Dakin and Bacon, as stated. In 1806 Mr. Seward established a book printing plant and bindery and later a bookstore. Within a year after his arrival Samuel Stocking erected a building on the east side of Genesee street which was known as Mechanics Hall, and there established his hat shop. In 18 16 he removed to the brick store on Broad street where he remained permanently. THE CITY OF UTICA. 287 Abraham Varick, jr., settled in Utica in 1804. He was a lawyer, but was better known as agent of the Holland Land Company, a manager of manufactories and a dealer in real estate. In September, 1804, he bought the Kimball farm at the head of Genesee street for $5,000, mapped it and sold it in lots. Other settlers of this period to whom only very brief reference can be made were David Ostrom. a Revolutionary soldier, who became county judge and also was landlord of the Coffee House, a Well known hostelry on the site of the Devereux block. Dr. Marcus Hitchcock, who studied medicine at New Hartford with Dr. Amos G. Hull and practiced in Utica, carrying on also a drug store with Dr. John Carring^ ton. Hugh Cunningham, who, with a partner, opened a store in 1804 and in 18 10 built a store for himself on the corner of Genesee street and the square. Isaac Coe, the first village treasurer under the charter of 1805, and an enterprising citizen until 1810. Abijah and Anson Thomas, who came in 1804 and were many years prominent in business affairs. Dr. David Hasbrouck, who came in the same year and prac ticed to about 18 1 5. Enos Brown and Daniel Stafford, hardware dealers in 1804; William Tillman, a cabinetmaker; Ara Broadwell, a mason and contractor ; Alfred and Solomon Wells, carpenters, and Elisha Rose, blacksmith. In August, 1804, Walton, Turner & Co. took a store below Bagg's and also began a large forwarding business. Up to 1 80 1 the only existing and continuous religious society was that which was organized at Whitesboro in 1793 under the title of the United Society of Whitestown and Old Fort Schuyler, over which Rev. Bethuel Dodd was settled August 21, 1794. The services were held about two-thirds of the time at Whitesboro and the other third at Fort Schuyler, but after a few months they were discontinued at the latter place, chiefly because there was no public place of worship. This difficulty was removed in 1797 by the enlargement of the school house on Main street. In 1804, and possibly a little earlier, Mr. Dodd preached in Utica half of the time, and when he was elsewhere sermons were usually read by Talcott Camp, Hiel Hollister, Solomon P. Goodrich, and others, As the years passed, other churches and schools were added, as de scribed further on. • The early growth of the village is shown in the fact recorded by Judge 288 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Jones in his Annals, that in 1794 there were about ten resident families in the place, while in 1796, according to Morse, the number of houses was thirty seven, which in 1798 had increased to fifty. Two years later Maude made the number sixty, and the population in 1801 is given by another as 200. ¦ In 1802 Rev. Mr. Taylor found here nearly ninety houses, and Dr. Dwight gives the number as 120 in 1804, with many stores and other buildings. All these were situated on Genesee, Whites boro, Hotel, and a portion of Seneca streets. In 1805 not more than two brick stores had been erected. The corduroy road which had ex tended from between what are now Broadway and Washington streets, in a winding way to New Hartford, had ere this been abandoned for the more direct turnpike continuous with Genesee street. While the in habitants were more or less transient, there was on the whole an unusual amount of intelligence and good morals. Many of the settlers were far above the average in this respect and some of them were college bred. ^Tne?. 6tf£~^ C&tZScuns cS^m-SU^r-" &AluoJi&\sUjlS^i^^ THE CITY OF UTICA. 289 Whitesboro and New Hartford still surpassed Utica, and Rome at least equaled it. The courts were held in Whitesboro, drawing thither a coterie of lawyers and attracted business generally. The soil of much of the present thickly settled parts of the city was still being tilled by farmers ; what is now the Second ward was famous for large crops of wheat. Almost no manufactories existed ; William Smith was making wrought nails on the east bank of Nail Creek, and there was a small cut- nail shop on the south side of Main .street a little east of the square, which was succeeded by another on Genesee street operated by Mr. Devlin. Ure's and Inman's breweries were in operation, and there were four tanneries. Abijah Thomas had his wagon shop and Samuel Stock ing his hat factory. A few other small shops comprised all the manu factures of that day. As a center for mercantile trade the village was active and was beginning to draw custom from a wide extent of terri tory. The Welsh settlers had the only church edifice, but Trinity was in process of erection. The village had its burial place and in 1806 a deed of the premises was obtained from Stephen Potter. The improvements thus far made and the growth of the village in population finally prompted the citizens to procure a new charter, which was done under date of April 9, 1805. Under this the bounds of the village on 'the east were fixed as the limits of the city now exist, while those on the west were extended to the west line of lot 99. The charter made the freeholders a body corporate, with power to raise by tax not to exceed $1,000 in one year for public buildings, fire expenses and necessary improvements. Five trustees were to be elected annually in May, and they were given authority to fix the price of bread, assess taxes, appoint twenty-five firemen and make laws for the government of the corporation. A treasurer and a collector were to be appointed, who were to receive pay for their services. At the first annual meeting the following trustees were chosen : Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, jr., Na than Williams, Francis A. Bloodgood, Jerathmel Ballou,1 and Erastus Clark. Isaac Coe was chosen treasurer, and Worden Hammond, col lector. It was resolved to raise $300 by assessment for various public 1 Theodore P. Ballou, born March 18, 1808, was a son of Jerathmel Ballou, the pioneer. After some yftars of service as a clerk he engaged in the lumber business, owned large mills at Pros pect, and erected the Ballou block ojj the site of his tattler's store. He died February 28, 1887, 37 290 OUR OOUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. expenses. Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, jr., was appointed president and D. W. Childs, clerk. A fire company was organized, of which Benja min Paine, a fashionable tailor, was an early captain, and in which Moses Bagg was an early officer. The owner of every dwelling, store or work shop was required to keep hung therein one or more leather fire buckets, to be used for no other purpose than the extinguishment of fires. In July it was determined to dig three public wells to supply the village with water ; the lower one of these on Genesee street gave excellent water and was kept open a number of years. The firemen held monthly meetings, and a night watch was established as indicated in the follow ing document dated December 10, 1805 : We, the subscribers, esteeming a Night Watch in the village of Utica as necessary to guard us against the dangers of fire, do hereby associate ourselves for that pur pose, and mutually pledge our honor to each other to act during the winter ensuing as good and faithful watchmen, under the direction and superintendence of the Trustees of said village. This paper was signed by ninety- eight persons, who were organized in squads of five or six and took turns in patrolling the village streets. This system continued until 18 IO, when paid watchmen were provided. Of the village in 1807, a traveler named Christian Schultz, jr., wrote as follows : It contains at present about 160 houses, the greatest part of which are painted white, which gives it a neat and lively appearance. Foreign goods are nearly as cheap here as in New York, which, I presume, is owing to the merchants undersell-, ing each other ; for this, like all other country towns, is overstocked with shopkeep ers. Most of the goods intended for the salt works are loaded here in wagons and sent on overland, a distance of fifty miles. The carriage over this portage is fifty cents a hundred weight. About this time Moses Bagg, jr., relinquished mercantile business and took charge of the tavern- that had been conducted by his father. It was a two-story building on the corner of Genesee street and the square. In 1812-15 he built on the site of the old tavern the central part of the brick hotel which bears his name, and later added to it on each side. This he conducted with brief intermissions until 1836, when it was sold to a company. During the summer of 1808 Broad street was opened, and in the next year a lot for an engine house in the rear of Trinity church was donated THE CITY OF UTICA. 291 by the agent of the Bleecker family. In the same year the following were adopted as public streets : First and Second streets from Broad to the river; Third street from Main to Broad and thence to be continued to the intersection of the road to Slayton's Settlement ; and Water street from First across Genesee to Hotel street. Baggs Hotel in 1815. Progressive men now began to turn their attention to the establish ment of manufactures, and in February, 1 809, the Oneida Glass Fac tory Company was incorporated with a capital of $100,000, which continued in successful operation until 1836. The need of banking facilities soon began to be felt, and a branch of the Manhattan Bank of New York was established here in 1809, and the Utica Bank in 18 12. The first was organized by Montgomery Hunt, with Henry B. Gibson, teller and bookkeeper. The directors for 1810 were William Floyd of Western ville ; James S. Kipp, Francis A. Bloodgood, Solomon Wolcott, John Bellinger, Thomas Walker, Apollos Cooper, Marcus Hitchcock, Henry Huntington, of Rome ; Nathan Smith, Ephraim Hart, then of Clinton, and Nathan Williams, who was president. With one exception these men left this bank in 18 12 to take an interest in the Utica Bank. The Manhattan existed until 18 18. The bank of Utica was incorpo- 292 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. rated June i, 1812, and began business on the 8th of the following De cember. The capital stock was placed at $1,000,000, but it did not in reality exceed $600,000. Its first president was James S. Kipp ; Mont gomery Hunt, cashier ; Henry B. Gibson, teller. At the first annual election Abraham Van Santvoord succeeded President Kip as director and Henry Huntington as president. Thomas Walker succeeded Mr. Huntington in 1845, and he was followed in 1863 by Benjamin N. Hunt ington. In 1876 Publius V. Rogers, then cashier, was chosen presi dent and held the office until his death, when he was succeeded by Charles B. Rogers, then vice-president. In 1 810, a subscription was started to provide a watch for the year, and another for the purchase of a new fire engine. Several new streets were adopted, and a map made by Mr. Broadhead for the Bleecker heirs, shows all the streets parallel to Broad as far up as South as they now exist. The village was prospering, and the local paper of October 9 said that " a small triangular lot on the corner of Genesee and Whitesboro streets has been sold at the rate of $300,000 an acre, which same land twenty-five years ago might have been purchased for $1 an acre." The village now contained 1,650 inhabitants and 300 houses. The freeholders' meetings were now, and had been for a few years, held in Mr. Dixon's school house. The only event of importance was the arrival of the new engine, and the appointment of a committee to select a site for an engine house near the store of Hugh Cunningham. The firemen were cautioned to test the new engine weekly and to keep the old one in repair. An English traveler, J. Mellish, passed through the village at this time and made notes of what he saw, from which we quote as follows : The village lots are from fifty to sixty feet front and one hundred to one hundred and thirty deep and sell for from $200 to $1,000. The out-lots contain twelve acres and $500 is asked for them. House rent for mechanics is about $60 to $100; wood $1.25 per cord, flour $8 per barrel, potatoes two shillings per bushel, turnips thirty- one cents, cabbages four cents each, beans sixty-two cents per bushel, onions seventy-five cents,' beef, mutton, and veal five cents per pound, venison four cents, fowls nine cents each, 'ducks two shillings, geese four shillings, turkeys five shillings, butter one shilling, cheese seven cents, hog's lard six cents, beer $5 per barrel, whisky twenty-five cents per gallon, boarding $2.50 per week. In 1812 it was voted to build a market house on the public square SAMUEL FARWELL. THE CITY OF UTICA. 293 between Bagg's tavern and the store of John C. Devereux, at a cost of $300. This location did not please everybody and within a few weeks efforts were made to find a more satisfactory site. In July a meeting of the people was held to reconsider the action of the annual meeting on this subject ; the vote to repeal such action was lost. The market was built and in November ordinances for its government were adopted. The war with England was now precipitated and no village in the interior of the State, perhaps, saw more of the activity resulting from it than Utica. Thousands of soldiers from all quarters passed through the place, many of them stopping for longer or shorter periods, as fully described in Chapter XV. The local company under command of Capt. William Williams, which had been the pride of the village, en tered the service, and in the latter part of February, 18 13, about sixty volunteers were enrolled at Utica, forming a company which was at tached to the 134th Regiment. Among the prominent names of men who had some share in that war are those of Nathan Seward, Thurlow Weed, Nathan Williams, John E. Hinman, Nicholas Smith, Thomas Skinner, in the land service and Samuel Breese and William Inman, of Utica; John G. Young, of Whitesboro ; Antill Lansing, of Oriskany ; and Edward and Benjamin Carpenter, of Whitesboro, in the navy. The first provision for sidewalks in the public proceedings is found in the records of 18 14, though possibly temporary walks had been laid before that. It was in 18 14 also that the village authorities issued cor poration bills on account of the scarcity of currency. These bills were made payable at the Manhattan Branch Bank, which had agreed to ac cept them, and were all in fractional currency. The first Utica directory was published in 18 17, containing a list of the inhabitants, occupying eighteen small pages, and a census. No other directory was issued until 1828. Utica now contained 420 dwellings and a population of 2,861. For various reasons a new and broader charter was demanded and it became a law on the 7th of April, 18 17 ; but before considering its features let us quote from Dr. Bagg's history a description of the Utica of 1816, and note further some of the arrivals of leading citizens before that date. Dr. Bagg wrote as follows : 294 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Standing on Deerfield Hill four or five miles away, the country below you seems like a level swamp covered with forest, the clearings being scarcely discernible. Be yond the river you perceive the houses on the hill at Utica and ,an extensive opening in the vicinity. Directly south and west nearly one-third of the country is denuded of wood. To the southeast there are only small patches of clearing. Coming down toward the plain you discern the more conspicuous features of the village. Two church steeples enliven the scene, the Presbyterian and the Episcopal, which stand like sentinels guarding the approaches on the west and the east, the latter rejoicing in a pointed spire, the former equally happy in its rounded cupola. As you cross the dyke you see plainly before you and towering above their fellows the imposing York House on the right and its closely contesting rival. Bagg's Hotel, directly in front. Having passed over the bridge you are at once within the heart of the settle ment, the very focus of the town. For the limits of Utica at the time I treat of were mostly confined between the river and the Liberty street road to Whitesboro; from the square as a cetuer they spread westward along Whitesboro street to Potter's bridge and eastward along Main and Broad to Third street. The course of Genesee street was pretty thickly lined with stores — a few residences only being here and there interspersed — as far upward as Catherine street, beyond which private houses predominated over business places, and these were scattered in a straggling way even to Cottage street. The roadway was guiltless of pavement and the mud at times profound. The sidewalks were paved, if such it might be called, but the pave ment — of flagging, of cobble, of gravel, or of tan bark, as suited the convenience or the taste of the householder — bore little resemblance to the modern conventional sandstone. '-Stately but graceless poplars stood in unbroken row from Bleecker street to the hill-top." On the west Genesee had no outlet higher than Liberty street, and on the east none above Catharine, for through Bleecker was known by authority it was neither fenced nor housed and was only a path to pastures beyond. The buildings on its business part were mostly wooden and of moderate size and preten sion. A few were of brick. On the hill were the spacious grounds and beautiful houses of Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, Arthur Breese, and Alexander B. Johnson. In Whitesboro. street were the Bank of Utica, the Manhattan Branch Bank, and the York House as well as the inns of Burchard and Bellinger. 'This was the Wall street of the village ; it harbored several stores and was more populous than any other except Main, containing probably nearly as many inhabitants as it now does. Hotel, in proportion to its length, was quite as thickly peopled. Seneca, Washington, and Broadway reached only to the Liberty street road, Broadway bringing up at the elegant stone mansion of James S. Kip, while Washington conducted passengers no farther than the Presbyterian meeting-house. The public square contained the town pump and the market-house. Main street was lined with the comely residences of prosperous citizens, and was terminated by the Methodist chapel and the pleasant home and grounds of Judge Miller. Broad street was occupied as far as the line of Third street, but contained only a small fraction of its present number of buildings. Between it Whitesboro and upper Gen esee the best dwelling-houses of the village were unequally distributed. John street had here and there a residence, which in all reached a little higher than Jay, while . beyond were the rising walls of the academy and in the rear of this two tenements on Chancellor Square. The faint attempts of Catharine to rival its fellow below THE CITY OF UTICA. 295 were effectually crushed when stakes were planted along side of it to mark the course of the future canal. This settled it's fate and consigned it the rank it has held ever since. Water street, now robbed of its importance, was nearest of all to the then channel of commerce, and besides its houses for storage aad forwarding was also the home of a few well-to-do folks. Thus, as it appears from the directory, while the buildings of Genesee were in num ber 157, of Whitesboro 84, of Main 67, of Broad 59, of Hotel 84, of Catharine 20, and Water as many, Seneca had 15, no other street more than 10, and the rest but half or less than half of that number. Of those running eastward not one is named above Catharine. "Cornhill was a forest from South street to the New Hartford line. Another forest skirted the gardens on the west side of Genesee, came down the slope to the present Fayette, and extended west to the Asylum Hill." When the commis sioners in the following year ran the line between Whitesboro and Utica, from Jewett's farm to the county line on the east, and to the river on the north they were obliged to fell trees so as to see their flag. Going back to 1805 to continue personal notes of early citizens, we find that Rudolph Snyder, a prosperous cabinetmaker was established in the village ; and others of that date were James A. and Lynott Blood good, ironmongers; Seth Dwight, merchant and hotel keeper; John Barton, watchmaker ; Benjamin Payne, tailor ; William Hayes, earthen ware maker ; William Baxter, gardener and baker, and progenitor of numerous later Uticans ; Samuel Hickox, builder of the Cayuga bridge, and B. B. Rathbun, who achieved an unenviable notoriety in Buffalo In 1798 John Post had received into his household his nephew, Abraham Van Santvoort, who eventually became his successor in the Mohawk River transportation business. He announced in 1806 that he had commenced the storage and forwarding business to and from Schenectady, Albany and New York and any part of the western country. He was associated with Eri Lusher between Utica and Schenectady and with David Boyd from there to Albany. Other resi dents of 1806 were Jonathan Child, teacher, and afterwards first mayor of Rochester ; Bennett Bicknell, cabinetmaker and . later a prominent politician of Madison county ; Henry Kip, brother of James, ropemaker ; two brothers Oudenarde ; John Culver, carpenter ; Thomas James, wagonmaker, and John Queal, shoemaker. Several men of considerable prominence came in 1807. Peter Bours, at first a hardware merchant, was active in organizing the Utica glass factory, started at Glassville (so-called) in the present town of Marcy. Stalham Williams, who had been a clerk and a merchant in the village, 296 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE: was appointed collector on the middle section of the new canal. He wasf employed by the Messrs. Devereux, and when they opened a sort of unchartered savings bank on Bleecker street, Mr. Williams had charge of it, and when the Savings Bank was organized he was appointed its secretary and treasurer. The establishment of Bagg & Camp started in 1807. John Camp, son of Talcott Camp, had been a clerk for Williams, and two years after the latter had associated himself with Moses Bagg, he bought the interest of Mr. Fellows and the new firm was formed. Later the firm was John Camp & Brothers. A public meeting was held in the hotel on the 3d of September, 1808, to take into consideration the policy of petitioning the president to sus pend the operation of the embargo. The petition was proposed by Jonas Platt and was forwarded, but the reply, received six weeks later, was not encouraging. Arthur Breese, who had settled at Whitesboro in 1794 and was partner of Jonas Platt in law business, removed to Utica in 1808 to take the position of Supreme Court clerk. On the death of the first presi dent of the Ontario Branch Bank he held that office for a time ; he left numerous descendants. Others who became residents in the period we are considering, and who can only be mentioned, were Eliasaph Dorchester, teacher, bank clerk, assistant on the Columbian Gazette, founder of the Utica Observer, and again a teacher; Henry B. Gibson and Montgomery Hunt, already mentioned'as prominent in banking affairs; Seymour Tracy, attorney; James Van Rensselaer, merchant, for whom was erected the brick row on the southerly side of Liberty street between Hotel and Seneca; Thaddeus Wakeman, capitalist ; Daniel' Stafford, packet boat captain ; Joshua Ostram, who ran stages in competition with Jason Parker; William Whiteley, who made musical instruments down to 1850; Shubael Storrs, watchmaker; Robert McBride, mason and builder; William Penniman, tanner ; Thomas Thomas, mason ; Joseph Simon, furrier ; John Robinson, blacksmith ; Joseph S. Porter, a popular jeweler ; Alfred Hitchcock, druggist; Erastus Cross, a marble cutter; Riley Rogers, gunsmith ; John Bradish, connected with the clerk's office of the Supreme Court; Ezra S. Cozier, a hatter of 1812, who was seven years village trustee and treasurer of the city, died of cholera in 1832; THE CITY OF UTICA. 297 Barent Bleecker Lansing, second son of Col. Garret G. Lansing, who was cashier in the United States Bank and the Oneida Bank ; Thomas Rockwell, teacher and thirty-four years bookkeeper in the Ontario Branch Bank ; Ezra S. Barnum, long connected with various local public offices; John E. Hinman, served honorably in the war of 1812, was deputy sheriff under James S. Kip, and afterwards sheriff, mayor of the city three years and otherwise prominent ; John Welles, keeper of the Coffee House at one period ; Amos Gay, landlord ; Comfort Butler, saddler and long in charge of the Utica Museum ; William Jones, long the official surveyor; John H. Ostrom, village attorney, and further noticed in a later chapter ; Briggs W. Thomas, merchant and clerk in the Oneida Bank ; Ezekiel Bacon, a man of political and judicial prom inence in Massachusetts, a member of, the firm of Alexander Seymour & Co., associate judge of the Court of Common Pleas, nominee for Con gress, etc. ; William Clarke, lieutenant in the army in 1812, and long manager of lotteries in Utica while they were countenanced by the law ; Ephraim Hart, a successful merchant, manufacturer, and State senator ; John H. Handy, merchant ; Robert Shearman and Edward Vernon, mer chants; Andrew Merrell, publisher of the Western Recorder and of various books; Zenas Wright, William Geere, and Collings Locke, leather dealers ; Flavel Gaylord and his brother, Edwin, looking-glass makers ; William Blackwood, brass founder ; Nathan Stevens, carpenter ; Elisha Lovett, grocer. In the years 181 5-16 the sum of $1,000 was voted for village ex penses, the limit then authorized by the charter. When the second charter went into effect in 1805, the annual expenses were about $200, which sum was gradually increased to $1,000. During these twelve years many improvements were made, particularly in streets and side walks. One or two additional churches were established, the First Pres byterian in 18 13, and the Methodist in 18 15. School facilities were ex tended in various directions, as described further on, and at the same time the material interests of the village made satisfactory progress. The third charter, adopted April 7, 1817, erected Utica into a town, its boundaries remaining the same as before. The village was divided into three wards. The president of the village was to be appointed annually by the 38 298 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Governor and Council of the State, and received compensation in fees for permits to tavern keepers, butchers and others to the amount of $250, or a salary of that amount. Two trustees were chosen from each ward, a supervisor, three assessors, and two constables ; other subordi nate officers were appointed by the trustees. The trustees were em powered to raise not exceeding $1,500 for annual expenses, and as commissioners of highways, had control of street and sewer improve ments. The first president under the new charter was Nathan Will iams. Among the ordinances and regulations put in force by the trus tees were those for the regulation of groceries and victualing houses ; for the prevention of nuisances ; establishing the assize and inspection of bread ; in relation to preventing and extinguishing fires ; and in re lation to a night watch. A fire warden and a fire engineer were to be appointed for each ward, and the wardens were to examine buildings at least once a month to learn if chimneys, fireplaces and stoves were in safe condition. From the two fire companies then in existence were detailed ten men to act as a hook and ladder company. Four watch men were to be appointed by the trustees, two of whom were to patrol the streets in the thickly settled parts, while the other two remained in the watch house. While during the existence of the third village charter, a period of fifteen years, the growth of Utica in population was steady and health ful, it was not at all remarkable ; from nearly 3,000 it increased to some what less than 10,000, with a commensurate growth in its various in dustries and institutions. In the fall of the year 18 19 the Erie Canal, begun in July, 181 7, was so far advanced between Utica and Rome as to be navigable, and on the 22d of October the first boat made a pass age between these two places ; it was a packet boat called the " Chief Engineer." On the following day the boat returned to Rome having among her passengers the governor of the State, the canal commis sioners, and about seventy men and women from Utica and its vicinity. The embarkation was celebrated with ringing of bells, firing of cannon and was witnessed by a large crowd. In 1820 steps were taken to open a new road above the canal and extending westward from Genesee street in continuation of Bleecker street. After overcoming much vexatious opposition the object was accomplished in 1823 in the opening of Liberty street. THE CITY OF UTICA. 299 In 1 82 1 the market, which had long been a source of contention and which had been banished to Water street, was sold to Daniel Thomas for $50. In 1822 the first paving was done on Genesee street from the canal to the south line of Whitesboro and Main streets, and in October Frank-? lin street was opened. In 1823-4 many street improvements were made, among them the paving of parts of Liberty, Catharine, Broad and Genesee streets ; Pine street was opened and in the latter year John street was paved. Water street was extended, and a sewer was built on the east side of Genesee street from opposite the clerk's office to Hotel street, from John street to a connection at Main street with the one before opened down Gene see street, on Burnet street, on Charlotte from Elizabeth to Bleecker and on Bleecker from Burnet to Genesee. In 1824 a new engine house was leased from the president (William Clarke), and the lot in rear of Trinity church, which had been in use for the purpose, was sold to the church. A committee was appointed to confer with Apollos Cooper for six acres of land for a burial ground. Eight watchmen were now needed to guard the village nights and Ara Broadwell was armed with full power as a fire inspector. The tax for general expenses was fixed at $1,137.25. General La Fayette made a tour of the State, in 1825 and visited Utica, and was accorded a grand reception. At Shepard's Hotel the general was received by President Clarke, who made a speech to which La Fayette responded. A military review followed, with a reception to citizens and ladies. The building and opening of the Erie Canal has been described in an earlier chapter. It was opened to admit water at Black Rock on the 26th of October, 1825, which was Wednesday. , Early on the fol lowing Monday the distinguished officials and citizens who arrived on the boats were received at the court house, where an address was de livered by Judge Ezekiel Bacon. Governer Clinton made a happy re sponse. But the canal had been navigable through a section including Oneida county four or five years earlier, and exerted a wholesome in fluence before the entire waterway was opened. As an evidence of the rapidity with which the canal was brought into use and of the great ISOO OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. change made by it in the mode of transportation from those before employed, it may be stated that the number of canal boats arriving in Albany during the season of 1823 (before the whole canal was open) was 1,329; in 1824 it was 2,687; m 1825, 3,336; and up to Septem ber 6th of 1826, it was 4,380, which number it was estimated would be increased to 7,000 before the close of navigation. The history of Utica during several years succeeding the opening of the canal shows that a spirit of enterprise and hopefulness had grown strong in the community, and progress and improvement were rapid until the panic of 1837. It seems to have been more difficult, however, to preserve order than it is now, according to the size of the place. From six to eighteen watchmen were employed a number of years. Early in 1826 it was resolved by the board that the watch should be continued " provided they would receive orders on the treasurer pay able when there were funds." It is little wonder that they objected, and they were discharged, at least temporarily, at the next meeting, In this year the clerk for the first time was voted a salary of $50. Pav ing was considerably extended. Chancellor Square was improved, and a hook and ladder company and eighteen fire wardens were appointed. In 1827 a village attorney was for the first time appointed in the per son of Robert Van Rensselaer. In April action was taken which re sulted in the division of the village into four wards, the regulation of elections, and empowering the trustees to raise $3,000 and $1,000 in each of the succeeding five years for a market. This action followed upon the circulation of a petition which was signed by about two- thirds of the freeholders. A committee was appointed who selected a lot on the corner of Bleecker and Back streets and purchased it for $1,000. In January of the next year the market committee were instructed to receive proposals for the erection of a market building. At a special meeting in February it was resolved to accept the plans of Mr. Colling and the committee was authorized to build at a cost of $40,000. A public meeting was held in February at which a committee of five was appointed to co-operate with the authorities in raising $2,000 for the purchase of a fire engine and hose. This action was prompted in part by the occurrence of two destructive fires. Ordinances were adopted defining the fire limits of the village and making more stringent regu- THE CITY OF UTICA. 301 lations for caring for streets, the suppression of gambling, and keeping cattle out of the streets. Steuben Square was laid out and improved, Rutger street was opened to First street, South street was extended from West to'* Steuben, and many ether streets were improved. In 1828 the market had been completed and in June a committee was appointed to establish a code of regulations for its government. Annual rent of stalls was fixed at $45 for eight feet stalls, $40 for seven- feet stalls, and $35 for six-feet stalls. No meat was to be sold else where in the village. The basement was devoted to a vegetable market. meats on the first floor, while in the second story was the council room of the trustees. The market continued in existence until about 1845. The fire department was reorganized and William Williams appointed chief engineer; E. Z. Cozier, first assistant; Abraham Culver, second assistant; Moses Bagg, T. S. Faxton, B. B. Lansing, John E. Hinman, James Platt, Spencer Kellogg, R. R. Lansing, and Kellogg Hurlburt, five wardens. The gulf of Ballou's Creek in the eastern part of the village was con verted into a canal basin in 1828-29. This was called by its builders, the Public Basin. In 1829, on the 22d of July, a resolution was adopted that a sum adequate to the expense be "appropriated for the construc tion of two engine houses and one hook and ladder house, the same to be constructed so as to be capable of being removed from one extremity of the village to the other without injury to the buildings." It is probable that this measure was not carried out, as in November , of 183 I a com mittee was authorized to buy the lot on the corner of John and Cath erine streets for $1,500 and procure plans for an engine house and a school house and contract for their erection by June 1, 1832. Street improvements were extensive between 1829 and the adoption of the city charter in 1832. An act of Legislature dated February 3, 1831, reorganized the fire department, making it consist of a chief, two assist ants, eight fire wardens, and four companies numbered consecutively from one, and a hook and ladder and a hose company. Already there was discussion of the project of incorporation as a city. On November 1 1 a resolution was adopted by the board that a public meeting be called on the following Monday evening at the court house, to consider this and other matters of importance. 302 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Utica was not yet a very large community, but the inhabitants were progressive and had abundant faith in the future of the place. The population was nearly 10,000 (it was 10,183 in 1835); ten churches had been organized and most of them were in existence ; the schools were far advanced ; measures were about to be adopted for beginning the construction of the Chenango Canal ; the first railroad was about to be incorporated, and leading citizens felt that they were justified in seeking the benefits of a city government. But before taking up this important change it is incumbent to notice further some of the more prominent additions to the population under the last village charter. In 1 8 17 James and Walter L. Cochrane, sons of John Cochrane, who was director-general of hospitals in the Revolutionary army, came to Utica and were prominent in social affairs. Charles Hastings and An drew Merrill opened a new bookstore at 40 Genesee street in 1817, added a circulating library and from 1824 published the Western Re corder. Jared E,. Warner began in the drug business in 1812 and his store was long and honorably known. Theodore Sedgwick Gold was a merchant of this period and a literary character of ability. He edited the Oneida Whig a few years and in 1837 was mayor of the city. Henry Seymour, _a native of Onondaga county, where he was a suc cessful merchant, came to Utica soon after his appointment as canal commissioner in March, 1819, and lived there the remainder of his life. From 1816 to 1819 he was State senator; in 1820 was elected to the Assembly and in 1822 was again sent to the Senate. In 1833 he was appointed mayor of Utica. He died August 26, 1837. James Sayer was many years a successful hardware merchant, served as director in the United States Branch Bank, the Ontario Branch Bank and the Oneida National Bank, and was president of the latter at his death. Others of 1821 were Levi Cozzens, inn keeper and lumber dealer ; the four Thurber brothers, for the most part bakers, of whom Philip was also a hardware dealer ; Jabez Miller, baker ; Edward Bright, brewer ; Elisha Wells, shoe dealer ; Robert Jones, grocer ; Otis Whip ple, Cyrus Grannis, and Elisha Backus. At a little later date Alfred Munson became a resident and was long a foremost citizen, largely connected with public works and later in developing manufactures in the village, promoter of the Mechanics' As- THE CITY OF UTICA. 303 sociation and the water works, and the largest benefactor of Grace church. Among the early employees of Jason Parker & Co., the great stage proprietors, was John Butterfield. Later he engaged in transportation business by himself and long kept the leading livery in the city. He was connected with boating on the canal and Lake Ontario, was prom inent in establishing plank roads and took a large interest in the early express business. He was one of the first to foresee the future useful ness of the telegraph and with others organized the first company to construct lines across this State. He built the Butterfield House and the Gardner block and in 1865 was mayor of the city. He died No vember 14, 1869. Holmes Hutchinson was village surveyor in 1824, in which capacity he served until 1835, when he was made chief engineer on the Erie Canal, performing the duties of the office until 1841 and during the en largement. Michael McQuade1 was conspicuous in local politics, held many offices from collector to mayor and was alderman of the First ward, where he was practically supreme. Others of -this period were Horace Butler, merchant and forwarder ; Jonathan R. Warner, hatter ; Chester Gris wold, canal weighmaster, and Henry White, grandson of the founder of Whitestown. Milton Boynton and Truman Parmalee were partners at this time in dry goods trade, and Mr. Parmalee became a leader in the promotion of Sunday school work. About 1829 Alrick Hub bell was deputy sheriff under John E. Hinman. He acted several years as the efficient chief engineer of the fire department, was alder man in 1841 and mayor in 1856-7; in 1858-9 he was State senator and was director of the Utica and Black River Railroad. Others who should be mentioned of about 1824 were Israel Tiffany, clerk 1 The name of Michael McQuade has been often met with in the History of Utica. His eldest son was James McQuade, born April 27, 1829. He was a clerk and afterwards an officer in the Bank of Utica and in 1851 was made assistant clerk of the Assembly. He was in the Board of Supervisors in 1855 and 1856 and was conspicuous in the Fire Department. In 1860 and again in 1870 he was elected mayor of the city. In 1859 he was elected to the Assembly, and on the day following the firing on Fort Sumter offered himself and the Citizens' Corps, of which he was then captain, to the government for two years. They were assigned to the 14th Regiment, of which he was elected colonel. Serving honorably in the field he rose to the rank of brevet brigadier-gen eral. He was presidential elector in 1856 and was prominent in 1882 as a candidate for lieutenant- governor. He died March 25, 1885. 304 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. for H. & E. Phinney in Cooperstown, who came to Utica to super intend their establishment opened here. As bookseller he remained to 1868. Harvey Barnard, dealer in wall paper, succeeded by his sons.1 Abraham Shepard, landlord of Bagg's, the United States and the Coffee House ; Richard Sanger, landlord of the Clinton, National, Franklin and the Coffee House; Thomas Midlam, landlord and grocer- George S. Wilson, prominent in Sunday school work ; Henry Ivison, who came to Utica with his father and learned bookbinding, with Seward & Williams, and became later a large publisher in New York; Thomas Davis, watchmaker ; Stafford Palmer, Charles Churchill, An drew O. and Norman Downer, all connected with the lumber trade or its manufacture; John F. Vedder, dealer in leather; Elisha Cadwell and Samuel L. Perkins, grocers ; William G. Allyn and John S. Joslin, marble workers; Vistus Balch, copper-plate engraver, and the follow ing printers who were apprenticed in Utica at about this time : Henry Day, brother-in-law of George Dutton ; William Swain, who founded the Philadelphia Ledger and the Baltimore Sun ; James O. Rockwell, a gifted poet and editor of the Providence Journal ; Francis M. Hill, an other poet, who edited the Kingston (Ca.) Chronicle and was mayor of Kingston ; O. N. Worden, editor of the Louisberg Chronicle, Penn sylvania ; Edward P. Wetmore, brother of Edmund A. Wetmore, a publisher of Cleveland and Cincinnati ; William Schram, for thirty- one years with the Poughkeepsie Eagle ; Edward Bright, editor of the Baptist Register ; and others. Spencer Kellogg, long a leading merchant, was a native of Williams town, Mass., and settled in Utica in 1824, first with S. H. Reynolds, then with his son, Palmer V.,2 and later with other persons. Andrew S. ' Charles E., Horace and Harvey Barnard were sons of Harvey and succeeded to his business in the wall paper trade. The first named was alderman two terms and in 1870 was mayor of the city. He was also prominent in the volunteer Fire Department, a member of the Citizens Corps and a trustee of the Cemetery Association. He died May 4, 1888. Harvey Barnard was an active member of several civic associations and evinced a keen interest in municipal affairs. The only public office he held was supervisor, declining many other proffers of public station. He was a member of the old Columbian Artillery and of the Citizens Corps. His death took place Novem ber 2, 1878. 2 Palmer V. Kellogg was a son of Spencer Kellogg, the merchant of 1825, and in 1832 became a partner of his father. Ten years later he was associated with James Rockwell and still later with his son Charles C. About 1858 he began the extensive manufacture of clothing, which was mostly sold in Chicago, in which business he had as partners John I-I. Prentiss and James K. Hitchcock. Mr. Kellogg and Prentiss went to Chicago in 1809. While in Utica Mr. Kellogg was somewhat prominent in Whig politics and held the offices of supervisor, sheriff and United States marshal. £^-^£* fr&Zf&&Jisi&&b-0j\S>^ THE CITY OF UTICA. 305 Pond at about this time became associated with Ephraim Hart in the foundry business and later with Robert Higham in the Vulcan Works at West Utica. Others first noticed in 1825 are A. & S. Lightbody, leather dealers*; Hastings & Co.., grocers ; Matthew Codd, brewer ; S. A. Sibley, tinsmith ; N. F. & J. Vedder, and Peter McDougal, leather dealers. Alfred Churchillvwas a new- coming hotel keeper of 1827. He was at first an assistant and soon a partner of Moses Bagg, where he re mained to 1836, at which time the hotel passed to a stock company of which Mr. Churchill was a member, and he continued to conduct it until his death, January 10, 1865. Thorn & Curtis now bought out Charles Morris in the forwarding business on Jay street, which continued to recent years. Other names of 1827 are Simon V. Oley, shoemaker; Abram Williams and Robert Latimore, merchant tailors; William B. Gray, saddler; J. McElwaine, livery ; Ransom Curtis, general merchant. Gardner Tracy came to Utica from Lansingburg, where he had been prominent in politics and conducted a paper. Here he began printing and bookselling. He was a man of high character and widely respected; he died May 25, 1849, and was succeeded by his son George. Elisha A. Maynard was a printer of 1828, who was a partner with Mr. Dauby in the Observer, and the merchants of these closing years of the village existence were Cooper & Ellis, Cornelius Swartout, William W. Backus, John R. Ludlow, F. K Boughton & Co , John Latimore, Alfred Hunt (Stocking & Hunt), Benedict & Roby, Chauncey Rowe, William J. Buck (Dana & Buck), E. S. Comstock, Jonas Fay ; while among mechanics who were new-comers were Philo Curtis, Joseph D. Daniels, Ebenezer Leach, H. S. Bradley, Benjamin F. Brooks ; Richard Hunt ington, silversmith; Noah White,1 potter; S. H. Addington, stoneware manufacturer ; C. O. Nye, carpenter ; Sylvester Doolittle, boat builder ; Walton & Hardaway, saddlers; Morgan James, lastmaker; J. D. Ed wards, painter ; Z. & P. Lyon, E. W. Blake, merchant tailors ; John 1 Noah White and family settled in Utica in 1828. He was a potter by trade and with his son, Nicholas A., formed a business connection with Samuel H. Addington, who owned a pottery where the present West Utica Pottery now stands. Mr. White and his son soon bought out Mr. Addington and for nearly fifty years N. A. White was prominently connected with the works. In 1851 he was a member of the Common Council, in 1858 of the Board of Supervisors, and in 1873, was elected to the Assembly. He cfied August 9, 1886. 39 306 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Hale, Isaac Bond, masons ; John Mairs, tinner ; Mulford R. Bond, shoe maker and afterward grocer and hosemaker ; Benjamin Arnott, shoe maker; John B. Harrington. Elisha M. Gilbert began about this time as a dry goods dealer and in 1832 took up the leather business, at first with John Williams. He was prosperous and acquired wealth ; was a director in the Bank of Utica, and donated the chapel to the Westminster church. He died March 16, 1868. Another leather dealer who now embarked in long continued business was Edward Curran, who was successful until his death, June 27, 1858. Chauncey Palmer, a carpenter, settled in Utica in 1825, and was en gaged as a builder for fifty- five years. He erected a part of Bagg's Hotel, the Herald building, the Dudley Triangle, the Globe Mills, and many important structures. With Lewis Lawrence he operated the planing mill put in motion by Philo C. Curtis and for thirty-five years had a foundry in connection with his carpenter shop. He died June io, 1884. Another prominent and esteemed carpenter was John J. Francis, whose parents were children of early Welsh settlers in Utica. William D. Hamlin, who probably first came to Utica in 1822, was a successful wagonmaker, a director and second vice-president of the Second National Bank and president of the water company. Moses T. Meeker was another coachmaker who afterwards dealt largely in iron and coal and acquired wealth. He died September 19, 1874. Joseph Shearman, nephew of Ebenezer Shearman, came to live with his uncle when fourteen years old, and about 1830 engaged in dry goods trade ; later he was a partner with his uncle and they remained together till 1840, when both sold out and engaged in cotton manufac ture at New Hartford, which the nephew continued until 1865 retaining his Utica residence. As merchants should be mentioned Sylvester Aylsworth, Haynes, Lord, C. Holgate, Ezra Dean, Oliver Obear, Herring & Whiting, Thomas Perkins, John Baxter, Leonard & White, and perhaps a few others who were in business when the village became a city.1 1 Daniel Crouse, long a leading Utica merchant, was born in Montgomery county April 29, 1805. With his brother John he was in business in Canastota until 1853 and afterwards alone until 1860, when he established a wholesale grocery in Utica, of which his son, D. N. Crouse, for a time had the management; this became one of the foremost houses of the kind in the city. He was a pro- THE CITY OF UTICA. 307 The reader who has learned in the foregoing pages something of the personal characteristics and material achievements of so many of the fathers of Utica, will find in the two preceding chapters devoted to the legal and medical professions (as well as in Parts II and III) still further biographical notes of men who were conspicuous in Utica prior to 1832. It has been considered important to give liberally of space to these per sonal records of early settlers, who with their descendants have made the city what it is, for it will be impracticable to follow in detail the records of later generations, except as they will necessarily appear in the further history of the city at large and its various institutions and industries. The principal officers of the village under the last two charters have been as follows; those under the first charter (1798-1805) having been lost with the records : 1805 — Trustees, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, jr. , Nathan Williams, Francis A. Blood good, Jerathmel Ballou, and Erastus Clark. Isaac Coe was chosen treasurer and Worden Hammond collector. Of these Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, jr., was elected president, and D. W. Childs, clerk. Talcott Camp was the retiring clerk. 1806 — The foregoing officers all re-elected. 1807 — The same, excepting the substitution of John Hooker for Francis A. Blood good. Erastus Clark, president. 1808 — Morris S. Miller, Jerathmel Ballou, John Hooker, Nathaniel Butler, and John Bellinger. Morris S. Miller, president. 1809 — Talcott Camp, president ; Solomon Wolcott, John Hooker, Jerathmel Ballou, John Bellinger. 1810— Talcott Camp, president ; John C. Hoyt, John C. Devereux, Rudolph Snyder, and Abraham M. Walton. ( 1811 — Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, Talcott Camp, Frederick White, John C. Dever- gressive citizen, active in municipal affairs and director in the Second National Bank. He died September 28, 1877. James Dutton, a native of Lebanon, Conn., established a dry goods store in 1832, one year after his arrival in Utica. He was long in trade and was successful. He lived many years in New Hartford, was a member of the Presbyterian church and a respected citizen. Edward T. Manning, a native of Ireland, came to Utica in 1850 and eventually became one of the largest dry goods dealers in the city. Hugh Glenn became his partner April 1, 1879, and about a year later Mr. Manning retired to engage in real estate and insurance with Henry Hop- son. He died February 23, 1883. Thomas Hosmer Wood settled in Utica prior to 1837 and in that year was followed by his brother, George W. Wood. They engaged in the hardware trade and later were together in the operation of the City Furnace. George W. Wood was especially active in the First Presbyterian church. Thomas H., after the death of his brother, became the head of the firm of Wood, Roberts & Co., but after some years of business prosperity he retired and gave his time to the indulgence of his taste in cultivating and adorning his grounds, the promotion of the Art Association, the study of architecture and kindred occupations. He died in Paris, France^January 14, 1874. 308 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. eux, and E. B. Shearman ; as treasurer John C. Hoyt in place of Mr. Shearman, thus. exalted to a trusteeship. 1812 — At the charter election held on the 15th of May, 1812, there were but four trustees elected on the first ballot, viz. : Talcott Camp, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, E. B. Shearman, and Morris S. Miller. Frederick White, of the former board, had left the village and Mr. Devereux was dropped for reason which we may surmise.. Mr. Miller was, however, excused from serving and, on a fresh ballot for two, Bryan Johnson and Thomas Skinner were elected. Mr. Johnson also asked to be excused, when Arthur Breese was elected to the vacant place. 1813 — Trustees, Talcott Camp, president; Moses Bagg, Montgomery Hunt, Seth Dwight, and Ebenezer B. Shearman. John C. Hoyt was the treasurer. 1814 — Trustees, Talcott Camp, president ; Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, Nathan Will iams, Killian Winne, and Samuel Stocking. J. C. Hoyt was continued treasurer and Jbhn H. Ostrom, clerk. ,. 1815 — Trustees, Abraham Van Santvoort, Augustus Hickox, Gurdon Burchard, Jason Parker, and William Geere. Mr. Van Santvoort was subsequently chosen president. 1816 — Trustees, Rudolph Snyder, president; Ezra S. Cozier, Augustus Hickox, Gurdon Burchard, and William Geere. 1817 — Under new charter. The first president appointed under this charter was Nathan Williams, and at the first election held under it there were chosen as trustees Ezra S. Cozier and William Williams from the First ward, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer and Abraham Van Santvoort from the Second ward, and Erastus Clark and John C. Hoyt from the Third ward. The assessors elected were Moses Bagg, David P. Hoyt, and Thomas Walker. Benjamin Walker was chosen supervisor and Ezra S. Barnum and Joshua Ostrom constables ; John H. Ostrom, clerk ; E. S. Barnum and Benjamin Ballou, collectors ; Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, overseer of the poor ; Judah Williams, treasurer; Frederick W. Potter, poundmaster; Benjamin Hinman, Aaron Eggleston, and Jason Parker fence viewers; James Hooker, gauger; Benjamin Ballou, superintendent of highways. 1818 — Trustees, First ward, Ezra S. Cozier and John E. Hinman; Second, Abra ham Van Santvoort and Enos Brown ; Third, Rudolph Snyder and Marcus Hitch cock. 1819 — Ezra S. Cozier, William Williams, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, jr., David P. Hoyt, Gurdon Burchard, Rudolph Snyder, Wm. Alverson. 1820 — Trustees, E. S. Cozier, John E. Hinman, James Hooker, Abraham Culver, Ezekiel Bacon, and Thomas Walker. Rudolph Snyder was appointed president by the State council on the resignation of Judge Williams. 1821 — Ezra S. Cozier, president; Benjamin Ballou, jr., John Baxter (1st ward), James Hooker, John Handy (2d ward), Thomas Walker, David P. Hoyt (3d ward). 1822 — Trustees, Benjamin Ballou, John Baxter, Ezekiel Bacon, Richard R. Lan sing, Thomas Walker, and David P. Hoyt. Ezra S. Cozier was the president. 1823— Benjamin Ballou, James Hooker, Ezekiel Bacon, Daniel Stafford, Thomas Walker, Jesse W. Doolittle. John H. Ostrom, clerk. 1824 — William Clarke, president; Benjamin Ballou, James Hooker, Ezekiel Bacon, James Lynch, Thomas Walker, Nicholas Smith. i?£ef-£riCZ!>l>£S&zfrzst3,JJf*7 JV 2 Y wwwr l ggjgggjg imimiiHMmuitt THE CITY OF UTICA. 309 1825 Trustees, Benjamin Ballou, Riley Rogers, William H. Maynard, Charles Morris, Nicholas Smith, and John R. Ludlow. Capt. William Clarke remained the president. John H. Ostrom was still clerk. 1826 — President, Ezra S; Cozier; trustees, John E. Hinman, Riley Rogers, Abra ham Culver, Amos Gay, Nicholas Smith, John R. Ludlow: assessors, Benjamin Ballou, John Bradish, David P. Hoyt; treasurer, Thomas Walker. 1827 — E. S. Cozier, president; trustees, John H. Ostrom, Augustine G. Dauby, Abraham Culver, Thomas Colling, Amos Gay, Chester Griswold, Augustus Hurl burt, Nicholas Devereux. 1828 — President, William Clarke; trustees, John H. Ostrom, James- Platt, Abra ham Culver, Thomas Colling, Chester Griswold, Augustus Hurlburt, Nicholas Dev ereux, R. R. Lansing. 1829— President, Capt. William Clarke; trustees, John Williams, R. B. Miller, Abraham Culver, Thomas Colling, Andrew S. Pond, Sylvester Doolittle, Robert McBride, Asahel Seward. 1830 — President, Ezra S. Cozier; trustees, John Williams, Chester Griswold, Thomas Colling, Rudolph Snyder, Sylvester Doolittle, A. S. Pond, Robert McBride, R. B. Miller. John G. Floyd was clerk and attorney. 1831 — The last election as a village were as follows: President, Ezra S. Cozier; trustees, John Williams, E. S. Comstock, Thomas Colling, T. S. Faxton, A. S. Pond, Sylvester Doolittle, Rober McBride, R. B. Miller; assessors, Benjamin Ballou, Zenas Wright, Augustus Hulburt, Adam Bowman ; treasurer, Thomas Walker ; clerk and attorney, John G. Floyd ; surveyor, John Fish. The act to incorporate the city of Utica was passed by the Legisla ture February 13, 1832. The first section prescribes the bounds of what shall hereafter be known as the city of Utica. These bounds are as follows : Beginning at a point on the south side of the Mohawk River where the division line between lots number 90 and 100 in Cosby's Manor strikes the said river; thence running southerly in the said division line to a point fifty chains southerly of the great road leading to Fort Stanwix ; thence south 53° east to the easterly line of the county of Oneida ; thence northerly in the said county line to the Mohawk River ; thence westerly up the middle of the said river to the place of beginning. Subsequent sections of the act incorporate this district as a city ; divide it into four wards corresponding to the heart of the first four of the pres ent time ; declare that its officers shall be a mayor, twelve aldermen (three for each ward), four justices of the peace, a clerk, a supervisor, a treasurer, an attorney, one or more collectors, four assessors, three con stables, and authorize the appointment by the council of certain other officers ; name the first Tuesday in March as the date of the annual election ; declare that the aldermen shall be elected by the people and prescribe the mode of election and the qualification of the electors, one 310 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of which was the possession of a freehold estate of the value of $250 over and above all incumbrances ; that the mayor and other officers were to be elected by a vote of the council, who were to fix their com pensation, excepting only that of the mayor, which was to be $250. Other acts related to the levying of taxes for the expenses of the city, which were placed at $8,000, but if this sum was found insufficient it was subject to increase on the consent or petition in writing of a ma jority of the taxpayers ; to the powers and duties of the council and the various officers, etc. The new Common Council met March 12, 1832. The names of the aldermen were as follows: Ephraim Hart, Rudolph Snyder, John Will iams, Charles A. Mann, Ezra S. Barnum, Augustus Hurlburt, Robert McBride, Harvey Barnard, Chauncey Rowe, John A. Russ, John H. Ostrom, and Rutger B. Miller. The oath of office was taken and John H. Ostrom appointed clerk pro tem. A mayor was then elected by bal lot, Joseph Kirkland being chosen the first mayor of Utica. Aldermen Hurlburt and Rowe were appointed a committee to wait on the mayor, who came in and took the official oath. Other officers were then bal loted for with the following result : Clerk, Thomas Colling ; treasurer, Ezra S. Cozier; attorney, David Wager; street commissioner, John McElwaine; police constables, Samuel Hall, Thomas Parmelee; sur veyors, John Fish and E. O. Baily. Aldermen Hart and Mann were appointed a committee to procure a seal. Aldermen Mann, Snyder, and Ostrom and the mayor were made a committee to report a code of by laws, police regulations, and rules for the government of the council. This committee reported accordingly and the report was accepted ; the new ordinances were read before the board at intervals during the en* suing few weeks and were finally adopted in April. Five watchmen were appointed, and in March Levi Ballou was chosen as beadle and a scavenger was appointed for each ward, On the 9th of April a committee was appointed to sell the free school lot on Catherine street and buy another suitable for common school and fire purposes ; the lot was sold to John R. Bleecker for $300. On the 15th of May it was resolved that the street commissioner be authorized to expend not to exceed $300 on repairing roads ¦ Aldermen Miller, Hart, and Hurlburt were made a committee on the expediency of buy- THE CITY OF UTICA. 311 ing a town clock. June ist it was ordered that " two bells be rung for the accommodation of citizens " — Presbyterian and Episcopal. In the first year of the city's history a demon of disease, the Asiatic cholera, swept over the country, ravaging cities especially and gen erally following lines of navigation. Utica suffered in common with other large communities, but not with the severity of many sea and lake ports. At a meeting of the council June 18, 1832, the follow ing was adopted : Whereas, The council has received information that the Asiatic cholera has recently appeared in Canada, and there being just grounds to fear that in a short time it may reach this city, and the common council deeming it incumbent on them to adopt such measures as may be best adapted to prevent the introduction and spread of such disease, therefore, Resolved, That Drs. Goodsell, McCall, Coventry, Peckham, and McCraith, be and they are appointed (with the council) as a Board of Health. That said Board are hereby authorized to make such regulations as they may deem expedient to prevent the introduction and spread of disease and to preserve the health of the inhabitants of the city. Dr. Goodsell was made president of the board and through its effi cient and timely action the mortality was materially reduced and suf fering was greatly relieved A temporary hospital was erected in August near the old weigh lock east of the city, fifty bushels of lime were purchased for the use of the poor, and early in July a day of fasting and prayer was appointed. The quarantine limits on the west were fixed at Johnson's Basin, and on the east at Miller's basin. A nuisance committee of two in each ward was appointed and Joseph Kirkland and Dr. Coventry were made a committee to publish daily the condition of the health of the city. About the 15th of August Samuel Hall, John Dickey, Chauncey Phelps, John Y. Pierce, John Cooper, and William Fay were designated to aid the Board of Health, their duty being to care for the removal of the sick and the burial of the dead. The last record of the minutes of the Board of Health is under date of August 13, but their labors did not cease at that time. On September 14 Dr. F. B. Wales, physician in the hospital, resigned and received resolutions of thanks for his labors. At one period during the height of the epidemic the academy was used as a temporary hos pital. Great alarm existed and large numbers fled from the city, some 3,000 persons leaving for various points in the country. The number 312 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of deaths from August 12 to August 28 was 51 ; cases, 172. By Sep tember 10 the deaths numbered 75 ; cases, 206. On September 11 the Board of Health announced that no further danger existed and people could safely return to the city if reasonable precautions were taken. September 25 the local papers published that " the city was never more healthy and not a case of cholera had occurred since its last issue." ^ The following resolutions are both self-explanatory and significant: Whereas, Certain individuals now in our city are disturbing the peace of the good citizens thereof, by circulating sentiments which we deem demoralizing in, themselves and little short of treason toward the government of our country. Resolved, That we, the common council of the city of Utica, regard the agitation of the question of Negro Slavery as it exists in the Southern States of this Republic to be highly inexpedient at the present juncture of 'our National affairs; and that it can only tend to keep alive the dying embers of internal discord, which we fondly hope and believe will soon be entirely extinguished if not disturbed by the zeal of misguided philanthropists. This is the first public expression in opposition to the work of Abolitionists in the city which we find, and will be further alluded to a little later on. The Utica and Schenectady Railroad was now before the public and subscription books were opened in Utica on June 17, 18, and 19, 1834, and the citizens took about $4,300,000 of the stock. On the last named day a committee was appointed to designate the city terminus of the road. The report stated that " it shall terminate on the square (so- called)." General prosperity had reigned since the opening of the Erie Canal, but the first influences of the approaching financial crisis of 1836-7 were now beginning to be felt. There was a need of more extensive banking facilities in the city and as early as 1834 it was stated in a local journal that " money was never more scarce and local banks were discounting no paper." The Young Men's Association of the City of Utica was founded in February, 1834, its chief objects being the mutual improvement of its members by establishing a reading-room, library, a society for debating, and courses of lectures. James Watson Williams was the first presi dent ; Milton D. Parker and Henry R. Hart, vice-presidents ; William Tracy, corresponding secretary ; James Knox, recording secretary ; THE CITY OF UTICA. 313 Ward Hunt, treasurer. For several years it had a vigorous life, but internal discord and partisanship destroyed it, a result that was perhaps hastened by the founding of the Utica Mechanics' Association. September nth a committee reported that a different method of pay ing for pavements should be adopted and recommended heavier assess ments on real estate. About this time the practice of borrowing money to meet current expenses, a practice that sooner or later seems to over take all cities, began in Utica, when $3,000 were borrowed for that purpose. November 27 it was resolved that the city will furnish a jail lot if the supervisors of the county will erect a building. In the year 1833 Rev. J. N. Danforth, agent of the American Coloni zation Society came to Utica and invited the public to meet him in the Dutch Reformed church on Broad street on the evening of December 21. Several meetings were held between this date and January 10, 1834, and speeches were made to the following resolution : Resolved, That the meeting deeply deplores the unfortunate condition of the colored population of this country and commends to the zealous support of the philanthropist and the Christian the American Colonization Society, as tlje instrument under Provi dence which is best calculated to alleviate the condition of the free negro and secure the ultimate emancipation of the slave. The burden of the discussion fell chiefly upon Mr. Danforth and Rev. Beriah Green, then president of the Oneida Institute at Whitesboro, though several others participated. It continued two weeks, most of the meetings being held in the First Presbyterian church, which was regularly crowded. Much of the speaking was radical in the extreme and intense feeling was generated in the cpmmunity. It was a period when abolition was agitated by only comparatively few, but those few were persistent in advocating their cause and unlicensed in their de nunciation of slavery. The excitement caused by the subject in other communities had led to the introduction in the Utica council of the res olution before quoted. On September 3, 1835, a public meeting was held in thecourt room of "the citizens of Utica who are opposed to the proceedings of the abolitionists," at which resolutions denunciatory of the agitators were adopted. Soon afterward the Utica Anti-slavery Society issued a call for a State convention to be held in the city Octo ber 21, for the purpose of forming a State society. This proceeding 40 314 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was opposed at another public meeting held September 3. The Com • mon Council did, however, grant by a vote of seven to four the request of the society to hold the convention in the court room. This was done October 16, and on the next day this action was denounced in a large public meeting, which adjourned to the 21st. On the 20th another meeting was held in the court room in behalf of free speech and the right of the people to peacefully assemble, while disavowing all sym pathy with the Abolitionists. This meeting was considerably disturbed by intruders and was prematurely adjourned. Prominent among the opponents of the Abolitionists were many leading citizens without party distinction ; they sought only peace in the city and the preservation of the laws, fearing the city would become the theatre of violence and law lessness which had already been witnessed in other places. The meet ing of the 2 ist was held for the avowed purpose of preventing the assembling of the convention in a building " erected by the voluntary contributions of the citizens for better and different purposes," as the resolution expressed it. Resolutions were adopted to the effect that agitation of the slavery question was mischievous and wrong; that the delegates to the proposed convention would be regarded only as in truders, after they had been requested to stay away, and that if disorder and violence followed their coming, " upon them would rest the whole blame and responsibility." A committee was appointed of twenty-five members to go before the convention, report the proceedings of this meeting and 'respectfully urge the dissolution and departure of the con vention. This Was done and the committee returned and reported that they had found the convention assembled in the Bleecker street church, had read the resolutions before it, and that after a short delay the con vention had adjourned. Following is the dispassionate account of what followed, from Dr. Bagg's history : The appearance of the committee was an incentive to whatever rowdy element was present in the church, as well as on the outside, to create a disturbance ; there was much noise, some threats of violence, hymn books and other missiles were tossed about, and some personal assaults, in one of which Spencer Kellogg's coat was torn from his back. Meanwhile an immense crowd gathered in the streets. While the committee were still in the church a sudden disturbance occurred on the borders of this crowd, and there was a swaying of the multitude toward Genesee street. This was caused by a lot of roughs who broke through the crowd with the ladder of one of the hook and ladder companies, The ladder was raised against THE CITY OF UTICA. 315 the church and two men sprang up it. Then some one started hurriedly into the church, crowding his way as best he could, and informed the assemblage of the im pending danger, and soon Charles A. Mann, then agent of Charles E. Dudley, of Al bany, the owner of the building, came upon the porch of the church and asked the crowd to disperse,' telling them that the building was private property. He begged of them to respect it and protect it from violence. The men on the ladder then came down. The excitement was intense and it was remarkable that a destructive riot did not follow. Strangers were denied admittance to all the taverns on the street and to many of the stores, or were indiscriminately hustled out into the rain, which had begun to fall. A cannon was brought out and fired as a signal of triumph, the abolition convention having adjourned. In the assemblage within the church was Gerrit Smith as a spectator. When the necessity of breaking up the convention became apparent he invited the people to go home with him, where they would find a warm welcome. About 400 accepted the invitation and the work of the convention was finished at Peterboro, The foregoing is a cool and dispassionate account of that event and is based upon what was given in a lecture on the history of the Bleecker street church, by Thomas W. Seward, an eye-witness of the proceedings at the church. On the 24th of June, 1836, the fire department was asked to recom mend a suitable person for chief, and R. B. Miller was appointed, July 1. In the same month the engine on Division street was removed to Hotel street. On the 23d of September a committee was appointed to report "upon the expediency of paving Genesee street with wooden blocks." Cars now began running on the new railroad and were liberally patronized. In August the Clinton House was demolished to clear the site for the Mechanics' Hall, and a contract for the erection of the new building was let to James McGregor. It is a noticeable fact that an unusual number of new streets were opened in 1836, which was, doubtless, one of the features of the speculative and inflated condition that had for some time been gaining ground through out the country. Landowners laid out their property into lots and sales were active. On the 13th of January, 1837, a committee of five was ap pointed to confer with a Deerfield committee upon the expediency of annexing a part of that town to the city. The report was favorable and was considered in a public meeting held in February. The annexation of a part of New York Mills was also agitated, both measures indicating the prevailing desire for extension. The tide was rising ; banks multi plied in various parts of the country and their managers, with large re sources within their reach, engaged heavily in real estate and other speculations, indulged extravagantly in luxuries, thus aiding in turning 316 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the heads of the more conservative. Prices of land and goods were greatly inflated, money was plenty, easily obtained and as readily spent. Usurious rates of interest prevailed, as high as three to five per cent, a month being frequently paid, the apparent anomaly being caused by the fact that many were led into borrowing at enormous rates of interest in the hope that the use of the money thus obtained would yield them great profits. In this manner almost the entire community was drawn into the whirlpool of speculation and an era of financial frenzy followed. Tracts of land which even at this late day are not considered very de sirable. residence or business property, were mapped and sold over and over at constantly advancing figures, until the crash came. The mort gage record in the county clerk's office reveals a long list given by one man as securities for the purchase of " lots" which in fact lie within the bounds of New Hartford or beyond the limits of Utica on the east. Some persons saw the oncoming storm and protected their holdings or sold them in time; but many were wholly bereft of judgment and clung to the impossible theory that money could be actually created by such operations, and were overwhelmed. The general crash was finally pre cipitated by President Jackson's "specie circular," requiring all pay ments for public lands that had been easily absorbed in the West, to be made in specie, and the withdrawal of deposits from the United States Bank. In Utica the general demand for a greater volume of circulating medium and larger banking facilities began several years before the speculative era, as before intimated, and manifested itself in repeated efforts to organize the Oneida Bank. When the day of general disaster arrived a meeting was called in Utica at which a resolution was adopted that a public meeting should be called at once to consider the question of the suspension of specie payments by the local banks. The meeting was held on the 16th of May, 1837. A resolution was adopted ex pressing confidence in the banks and the belief that their notes would be paid. The suspension followed, as it had generally throughout the State. There was much ruin and distress, and many, especially among the young business men, were financially stranded. Flour sold in Utica at one time for $10.50 a barrel, higher by one dollar than the New York quotation, and for a few days there was not a barrel of it in the city. The force of the panic finally passed and early in 1838 the banks be- THE CITY OF UTICA. 317 gan resumption. A local paper said on the 8th of May : " The banks of the city have for some time paid specie on all demands, and they issue their own notes without reserve." In that year the general bank ing law was passed which exerted a powerful influence in restoring public confidence. Utica did not recover from the effects of the panic as rapidly as many places, but the reaction in the country at large in augurated an era of prosperity in which the city shared. Mercantile operations improved, building progressed, and some new manufactures were projected. On the 31st of March, 1837, the city suffered from the most destruc tive fire it had yet experienced. It broke out at 2 o'clock A. M. over the jewelry store of C. V. Brooks, on the east side of Genesee street north of Broad street, destroyed the whole block on Genesee street down to the square, every building on Broad street as far east as John, and all the buildings on the west side of John to the square, excepting the brick store of Thomas E. Clark, corner of Main and John, John E. Hinman's store on John, and the fire proof building of E. B. Shearman & Co., in rear of their Genesee street store. On the west side of Gen- essee street, every building was burned from the store of Stocking & Hunt down to Whitesboro street. The flames were finally checked a short distance up Whitesboro street. On the 24th of May, 1839, a company was organized called the Utica Fire Bucket Company No. 1, with sixty members, each of whom was required to furnish himself with two buckets to be kept at his residence. On the 26th of June of this year the committee on fire department was authorized to sell engine No. 7 and on the 12th of July were authorized to buy a new engine at not to exceed $800. In the following year the records show that the following fire companies were in existence: Clin ton, Hardenbrocke, Fulton, Lafayette, Neptune, Mechanics, Mohawk, Eagle, Osceola, a hook and ladder company, and the bucket company. Alrick Hubbell was chief. Osceola company was organized in 1840. and was No. 9. and No. 7 was removed to the engine house in West Utica. From the treasurer's report for 1841-42, published in the spring of the latter year, it would appear that the expenses of the city were $11,734.96. 318 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The close of the first decade of the history of Utica as a city found the place with a population of about 13,000 (it had 12,782 in 1840) and with evidences of general prosperity visible in all directions. But it was in debt, as most cities are, whether large or small. In February,- 1842, the Gazette said: Our city affairs are now in peculiar condition. Deeply in debt, with a revenue en tirely inadequate to allow of a hope that it can ever be met from ordinary means, we need all the ingenuity and financial knowledge that can be possessed by one Board of Aldermen to devise some means of relief. The creation of political capital was perhaps the object of this para graph, at least partially, for the debt was then less than $5,000, outside of bonds. The following statement shows the city indebtedness for the ten years succeeding its incorporation : 1833,11,366.17; 1834, $2,316.54; 1835, $2,500; 1836, $2,292.05; 1837, $3,492.86, 1838, $3,500; 1839, $3,600; 1840, $3,590; 1841, $1,592.64; 1842, $3,246.87; 1843, $4,458.24. In February, 1843, the council resolved that application should be made to the Legislature for a charter amendment authorizing the coun cil to raise the annual sum of $10,000 for city expenses, or else for a special act under which a tax could be laid with which to pay off the city debt. On the 23d a public meeting was held at which it was re solved to submit the whole question to a citizens' committee, who would report at a subsequent meeting; the committee appointed were E. A, Wetmore, Spencer Kellogg. Hiram Denio, Robert T. Hallock, Thomas Colling, Martin Hart, and Horatio Seymour. The result of this action was the recommendation that application be made to the Legislature for authority to borrow on bonds for three years $3,500 for the payment of liabilities exclusively. The same committee also recommended that future work on streets, bridges and roads and the street lighting be let on contract to the lowest bidder ; that the city watch be reduced in numbers, and that in future no appropriation be made except as au thorized by the charter. Steps were taken in November of that year for the division of the Third and Fourth wards, the establishment of a recorder's court, and the election of a supervisor from each ward. These changes were made in the following year. An era of retrenchment and economy began. The history of the city from this time to the breaking out of the last THE CITY OF UTICA. 319 war may be briefly told. The population in 1850 was 17,565 ; in 1855 it reached 22,169, a period of unexampled growth ; and in i860 it was 22,529. Institutions and industries had multiplied and the city had the reputation of bejng not only one of the most beautiful of the interior cities of this State, but also one whose future was among the brightest. In 1845 the place contained the following manufactories: Two grist mills, five iron works, one oil cloth factory, three tanneries, two brew eries, one ashery, two saw mills, and had a total manufactured output of $236,811 in value. The plank road era was now inaugurated, as described in Chapter XVIII and added another element of prosperity to the city. At a special meeting of the council held January 21, 1844, a com munication was received from E. H. Broadhead asking permission to procure legislation incorporating a water supply company for the city. This was granted and on March 2ia resolution was adopted urging the passage of the water bill. On March 31, 1848, the Utica Water Works were incorporated, with capital stock of not less than $30,000 nor more than $100,000. James Watson Williams, Nicholas Devereux, Alfred Munson, Andrew S. Pond, Charles A. Mann, Horatio Seymour, Silas D. Childs, Willard Crafts, and Thomas Hopper were the trustees. A gas company was also incorporated in that year. A local paper of June 30, 1847, SSL*d '¦ Our city is beginning to feel sensibly the influence of the newly awakened spirit of enterprise which has induced the investment of a portion of the capital of her citi zens in manufactures, in her present prosperity, and the prospect which is opening for her future advancement in wealth and population. In 1849 the project of erecting a city hall was before the public, but was postponed temporarily. An arrangement was finally agreed upon under which the city should pay $24,000 and the county $12,000 and the supervisors took action accordingly. A bill passed Congress pro viding that the United States should pay $12,000 for a perpetual lease of one third of the building, the former action of the supervisors having been found to be illegal. The question of site was settled in 185 1, 417 votes being cast in favor of the one on the corner of Pearl and Genesee streets, against 173 for "the Thorn and Maynard lot" on Genesee street. The court house and jail were also erected in 185 1. Complaint 320 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. having been made of a lack of school accommodations, a vote was taken in the charter election for and against new school houses, resulting in a very large majority in favor of six new school houses, costing nearly $20,000. It was detetmined early in 1852 that $10,000, the sum at that time being raised annually for city expenses, was wholly inadequate, and it was resolved to procure a change in the charter raising the amount to $15,000. Nothing was accomplished, however, in this direction until 1853, when the amount was raised to $12,000. Agitation began in 1853 of the project of building what became the Utica and Black River Railroad.1 The first organization of the company was effected at a meeting at Bagg's Hotel on the 25th of January. In March of this year there were two incendiary fires, and two men were arrested for the crime. Evidence developed the fact that there was in the city a regularly organized gang of conspirators who had habitually started fires in such places as they fancied would enable them to escape detection. They met in saloons and on street corners and coolly discussed where and when they should next burn a building. This remarkable state of affairs attracted attention throughout the State, and led to a more liberal equipment and rigid discipline of the fire de partment which had then recently been placed on a paid basis. The year 1854 witnessed a special election on August 17 at which 135 votes in favor and 100 against the project of erecting a city hospitaf and workhouse near the corner of Mohawk and South streets were cast, and the extension of the city limits on the west by the width of one great lot and on the south by upwards of a mile. The city was then to be divided into six wards with two aldermen from each. The city was now growing fast and also getting deeper in debt. On the 9th of November the mayor invited the taxpayers to meet him at the court house on the 13th to consider the condition of the city treas ury and the propriety of disbanding the existing fire department. At the meeting the mayor stated the purpose of the meeting and said that 1 James S. Lynch was born in New York April 3, 1833, and came to Utica in 1639. He resided here with the exception of about nine years until his death, April 3, 1889. Employed most of the time in the Ontario Bank as clerk, teller, and cashier. He was also made treasurer of the Black River Railroad. In 1850 and 1853 he was a member of the council and in 1856 a presidential elector. ~sr? J^jSTS^ &!^&Z&aiK>7rijz ^¦jS&a-.SV^ ^k) /fcO/JU THE CITY OF UTICA. 321 " the seeming conclusion has been reached that the whole burden [of taxation] had been induced by the weakness or wickedness of your pub lic servants." After presenting several items of expense that must be met and long discussion, a committee of five was appointed to take the whole subject in hand and report at a future meeting. The report, made January 16, 1856, showed the total indebtedness including the Black River Railroad bonds, to be $304,047.60, and it was estimated that $6,328 would be needed to take the city through the fiscal year. The report continued that if the suggestions of the committee were fol lowed they believed that the ordinary annual expenses would not ex ceed $16,000. The tax levy of 1855 was almost $50,000, the great increase of the few preceding years having been caused by the exten sion of school facilities, and building the city hall and the hospital. After making various recommendations for charter amendments the committee and meeting adjourned to January 21, when a public meet ing was held and the proposed amendments were voted upon, nearly all of them favorably. The principal changes were, the raising of $6,300 and $1,000 for a hose depot at once; the mayor to have the appoint ment of the commissioner, surveyor, watch, and police constables ; to abolish the office of marshal ; to have only one official paper ; making the treasurer's salary $600 ; appropriating $4,000 for the City Hospital ; granting more power in the opening of streets; and dividing the city into school districts of 100 scholars each. All of these changes and other minor ones were soon embodied in charter amendments. At the first meeting of the new council of 1857, when the resplution was offered to determine which bank should receive the treasurer's de posits, under the charter amendment, the resolution was laid on the table. At the next meeting it was called up, but the announcement was made that this particular amendment was no longer in force, a bill repealing it and restoring the treasurer's former salary of $800 having been passed and signed that day. When these proceedings' became known there was intense excitement. A citizens' meeting was called, but before the hour set for it, the cheap political device of filling the room with partisans was resorted to and the organization of the meet ing was captured. A gathering of the indignant citizens was then held at Mechanics Hall, where a police guard was established, At this 41 322 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. meeting the mayor presided, assisted by every living ex- mayor as vice-presidents. Speeches were made by many prominent citizens, a resolution was adopted for the restoration of the repealed amendment, and a committee appointed to attend to it. The section was restored to the charter in 1858. In 1857 the memorable financial panic overwhelmed the country. Utica was then a thriving and prosperous city and her citizens shared in the general feeling of independence and over- confidence in the future which was universal. The surrounding country had reached an advanced condition ; the farmers had largely paid for their lands ; plank roads had been built in many directions to the doors of farm houses and over them were easily drawn the products that were ex changed for cash in the city. The tide of prosperity brought its own destruction ; business of all kinds was excessively overdone ; railroads and other large undertakings were projected in all parts of the coun try ; the banks in many of the States inflated the currency beyond necessity or prudence, and a crash followed. In the fall of this year specie payment was suspended in New York city, which was followed by similar action by local banks. Money had never before been so scarce, and no paper was so good as to secure discount. The Ontario Bank and the Bank of Central New York failed, causing much ruin and distress. The hard times continued through 1858—9, and the Common Council appointed a committee to take action for the relief of the poor. The year i860 found the city again with a large current indebted ness. In his inaugural of 1861 Mayor Grove expressed himself very forcibly upon the importance of keeping expenses within the amount authorized. The debt was $12,000, for which there were no resources, and something had to be done. To prevent a recurrence of such a state of affairs in future the following iron clad proviso was incorporated in the charter, and so remains to the present time : Sec. 3 of Chapter 24, Laws of 1861 In case any alderman of the said city shall vote for any appropriation or for the expenditure of any moneys not authorized by the charter of said city or by some law, or in violation of any of the provisions of law, every such alderman shall be liable to a penalty of $100, to be sued for and re covered in any court with costs, by and in the name of any citizen of said city. And in case the common council of said city shall contract any debts after the first Tues day of March in any year and before the first Tuesday of March thereafter, which shall remain unpaid for one month after the last mentioned day for want of sufficient THE CITY OF UTICA. 323 funds in the treasury to pay the same, or in case the common council shall authorize any expenditure for any purpose in such year, exceeding the amount which the said council are authorized by law to raise for such purpose, the aldermen voting for the contracting any such debt or to authorize any such expenditure shall be personally liable to each and every party entitled to payment ; the city of Utica shall not be liable to pay the same, nor shall the common council credit or pay any debt so con tracted or expenditure so made. And now the cloud which was to envelop the country in civil war could be seen upon the horizon, " no bigger than a man's hand." The events which took place in Oneida county during the great struggle for the maintenance of the Union have been given in detail in their proper place in the chapters of county history earlier in this volume. As far as relates to the city, it responded ardently and promptly in every in stance to the calls of the government for men and means for the prosecution of the war, and the streets were constant scenes of military activity. A meeting was galled for February i, 186i, of all " who be lieve a real and substantial difficulty exists in the administration of the Federal government." The meeting was held with Ward Hunt in the chair, and speeches were made by John F. Seymour, C. H. Doolittle, Hiram Denio, Ward Hunt, Roscoe Conkling, E. H. Roberts and others, and a series of resolutions was adopted pledging support to the gov ernment. President Lincoln passed through the city on the 18th of February, and made a brief address from the car platform, to which Mr. Hunt responded. During the war public improvement was largely abandoned. Every energy of the people was turned into military channels. to promote the enlistments necessary to fill the quotas under the various calls for troops. Changes were made in the police force through charter amend ments in 1 860-61, and provision made for wiping out the floating debt. In March, 1862, the salaries of the new police force were fixed at $40 per month for the chief and his assistants, and $35 for the members. In 1862 the former State Armory was completed on the old market lot, which had previously been deeded to the State for the purpose. The corner stone of the present new armory was laid in 1893 and the build ing was finished in December. 1895. The site cost $28,000, the build ing $50,000, and the county expended about $10,000 more in furnish ing, etc. In May, 1864, the first steam fire engine was introduced, and 324 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the act creating the Utica Police Commission was passed April 17, 1866- the first police commissioners were Hawley E. Heath, Joseph Shearman William N. Weaver, and William W. Long. In the same year the amount authorized to be raised annually for city expenses was raised to $25,000, and ^I 5,000 was raised for the fire department, of which $7,250 was for two new steamers, and $6,000 for 3,000 feet of hose At about the same time the city was bonded $5oo,ooo'in aid of the Utica, Che nango and Susquehanna Valley Railroad. It was a period of great prosperity. The war was over, money was plenty, and public improvements and extensions, as we have seen, were prodigally inaugurated. A local paper gave the following sums that were expended in the several wards for buildings in 1867- First ward, $134,500; Second, $52,300; Third, $795,600; Fourth, $538,300; Fifth, $147,500; Sixth, $65,400; Seventh, $222,450. Building opera tions continued several years with great activity and it was believed that the future of the city was brighter than ever before. In the Her ald of January, 1869, was published a list of buildings just finished or in course of erection to the value of more than $750,000. The population was nearly 30,000. To improve the water supply, the company agreed to lay twelve miles of mains in 1868 and build a new reservoir of 50,- 000,000 gallons capacity, and the city agreed to pay $10,000 annually for its supply. The year 1870 was marked by various important amendments to the charter, changes in the fire department, and the creation of additional wards in the city. The Eighth ward was taken from the Fifth and the Seventh and the Sixth was divided, creating the Ninth. The proposed charter amendments were placed before a committee in January com posed of one from each ward, consisting of Francis Kernan, A. S. John son, P. V. Kellogg, De Witt C. Grove, E. H. Roberts, T. J. Spriggs, W. J. Bacon, and D. P. White. The amendments may thus be sum marized : To give the recorder power to try violations of the city ordinances ; providing that only a synopsis of the reports of city treasurers be published in the newspapers; giving the council power, to appoint the city attorney and the overseer of the poor, and making the term of the city clerk three years ; (only the last of these provisions was adopted ;) organizing a new Board of Health with the mayor as president ; rais ing the amount of the city fund to $40,000; providing for more prompt payments of THE CITY OF UTICA. 325 funds by the collectors to the treasurer ; giving the council power to appoint police men, making the strength of the force twenty, and giving the mayor power to dis miss members for cause ; compelling the street railroad companies to do certain pav ing along their lines; giving the council power to open new streets without reference to the location of buildings on the line ; giving the council power to enforce the proper connection to be made with sewers and gas and water pipes ; divesting the council of power to order a pavement to which two-thirds of the poperty owners along its line object (which is still the law) ; ordering the council to raise annually not less than fl5,000 nor more than $25,000 with which to redeem the bonds in aid of Utica and Black River Railroad Company; and a few other minor changes. These were, in many respects, radical alterations, and generally served a good pur pose in the government of the city. There had been opposition to the police commission ever since its organization and efforts were made to abolish it. A resolution to this end was offered in the council this year which raised a storm in the' board, and at the next meeting, March 23, " a special meeting," twenty policemen were appointed with John Baxter chief and John R. Healy, assistant. This proceeding was decided illegal by the mayor and city attorney, requisite notice not having been given to the members of the board. The majority of the aldermen met in the Mansion House, while the mayor and the minority gathered at the regular place and sent first messages and then officers commanding the aldermen to attend the meeting. This was not heeded. The chief of police was then directed to place the room in the Mansion House in a state of siege. At eleven o'clock the landlord sent for the sheriff to protect his guests. The re corder soon appeared and ordered the besiegers to disperse. By this time the mayor and others had reached the hotel and they refused to obey the recorder, who departed to obtain a warrant for their ar rest. At 12:30 the sheriff arrested the chief of police and officers G. W. Miller, G. W. Keating, and Thomas Higginson and took them to the recorder's office. The ground was taken by the mayor and his ad herents that, although they were in the minority, they could compel the majority to act ; the recorder shared m this opinion. The majority finally went to the council room where they promptly carried a motion to adjourn. The record of these proceedings was expunged at the next meeting, April 1, and the former action making police appoint ments was reaffirmed and the number of the force raised to twenty- four. 326 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. A similar struggle was soon enacted over the fire department, grow ing out of an effort on the part of Mayor McQuade and his friends to place the department on a paid basis. Early in May the department disbanded and made a farewell parade. On the 20th a commission was appointed to report on a new organization. Nothing was accomplished and during the entire summer various committees attempted to^reor- ganize the department on an acceptable basis, but failed, and in Octo ber companies were formed substantially on the volunteer plan. In February, 1872, measures were adopted for a better water supply. Three propositions were submitted by the company, under one of which the city was to pay the company $100,000 as it might be needed by them, and the company would then build a new and ample reservoir and at the same time reduce the annual charge to the city to $5,000. This proposal was accepted, and Francis Kernan, Ward Hunt, and Ephraim Chamberlain were appointed to procure the necessary legisla tion. In 1873 the site of the U. S. Government Building was selected on Broad street, where^ it was afterwards erected, and in the latter part of the year measures were adopted under which the new jail was built on Bleecker street. In February, 1874, Chief Engineer Wesley Dimbleby was removed from office, whereupon four of the five fire companies re fused to serve longer. This resulted in March. in the disbandment of Rescue, Tiger, Friendship, Neptune, Washington, Franklin, and Rough J and Ready companies, which joined in another farewell parade. On March 28 their resignations were accepted by the council and a tem porary new organization was made. May 7 the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners met and reappointed Mr. Dimbleby chief and on the 28th the department was placed on a paid basis and has so remained. In June the new police force was organized. An ineffectual attempt was made in January, 1875, to secure a repeal of the act establishing the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners and soon afterwards a bill was drawn and submitted to popular vote placing the control of these departments in the council. ,The mayor and clerk failed to give proper notice of this meeting, and it was meagrely at tended by a few leading citizens and non-tax payers, who voted to ap prove the measure. In November charges were brought before the E-m-hECWllamsllSroW v^^>t>c/z,^a^K) THE CITY OF UTICA. 327 mayor against the Fire and Police Commissioners relating to misappro priating of funds, selling city property and general unfitness (or office. The result passed into history as " The Famous Investigation." In October, 1876, the mayor called attention to the condition of the station- house and recommended the building of a new one on land owned by the city, corner of Pearl and Washington streets. The building was erected in the following year. The last twenty years of the city's history needs only a summary in this place, as the details of its progress are largely embodied in subse quent pages. Some of the more important charter amendments of this period were one of 1883, authorizing the Police Board to appoint twenty-five policemen ; in lieu of a Recorder's Court there was estab lished* in 1882 a City Court having civil and criminal jurisidiction, and the number of justices of the peace was reduced to two ; the term of the treasurer was made two years and he was required to have an office in the City Hall. In 1886 the fund for Police and Fire Departments was increased to not exceeding $60,000. In 1889 the paving fund, which at first was placed at $20,000 and afterwards increased to $35,000 was raised to $50,000. From this fund was to be paid one- third of the cost of paving, the remaining two-thirds to be paid by property owners on the streets improved. In 1890 a change in the charter made the mayor's term of office two years instead of one, required him to keep his office in the City Hall and provide a clerk, and largely increased his powers arid responsibili ties in various minor matters. A later act gave the aldermen $300 each, annually. Other important legislation of the period authorized the building of an engine house on Washington street for a chemical, the borrowing of $36,000 for constructing an iron viaduct over Ballou's Creek on Rutger street, and granting permission to the Baxter Tele graph & Telephone Company to erect poles and wires in the city. This company was soon superseded by the Central New York Telephone Company Another charter amendment extended the northern bounds of the city by taking in a strip of land from Deerfield of nearly half a mile in width, reaching from opposite the western point of the original city line to a point some distance north of the northern point of Hub- bell's bend in the river. 328 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The past decade has seen the development of an extended street railroad system. In 1886 the Utica Belt Line Railroad Company was organized and immediately began the construction of a new system extending to all important parts of the city. In December of the same year the company leased from the Utica, Clinton and Binghamton Rail road Company its line to Hartford and the New Hartford and Whites boro line to the latter village. This was followed by the extension of the latter line to New York Mills. In the same year the company ob tained a franchise to lay the South street and Blandina and the West Belt lines. This system embraced twenty i- three miles of track. In August, 1889, steps were taken resulting in the introduction of electric ity as a motive power. In 1883 the Government Building was finished, which cost $484,000 and about the same time the handsome and costly structure of the Young Men's Christian Association was erected. The observant reader of the foregoing pages will not fail to notice that the city of Utica is now passing through an era of advancement and progress in various directions never before experienced. Manufactur ing operations, which supply much of the business life-blood of commu nities, have been considerably extended ; large tracts of beautifully situ ated land in the suburbs have been opened up and improved forresident districts of the better class ; electric lighting throughout the city, the construction of ample sewers and the many other improvements, which contribute to the modern thriving community, have all received the active attention of the various administrations and of leading citizens gen erally. PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS. Churches — The existence of what was known as the " United Society of Whitestown and Old Fort Schuyler" down to the year 1801 has al ready been described. The next church to which attention must be given is Trinity, which dates from 1798. This parish was named "The Rector, Wardens, and Vestrymen of Trinity Church, Utica," and for a time was under charge of Rev. Philander Chase, its founder. After a brief period and when the Presbyterian minister of Whitesboro had been engaged to hold regular church services, the meetings of the Episco- THE CITY OF UTICA. 329 palians were discontinued and the society seemed to have slumbered until 1803, when a reorganization was effected as described further on. By this date the membership of the United Society, before mentioned, had increased to twenty, and the congregation was incorporated Novem ber 15, 1805, with the following trustees: Jeremiah Van Renssaleer, Erastus Clark, Talcott Camp, Apollos Cooper, Benjamin Ballou, jr., Benjamin Plant, John C. Hoyt, Nathaniel Butler and Solomon P. Good rich. On the 5th of January, 1805, Rev. James Carnahan was or dained pastor of the United churches. His place of worship in Utica was at first in the school house on Main street and then in the new Trinity edifice until the society built its own church. On February 3, 18 13, the United church was divided, fifty-seven of its members with two etders, being constituted a new church with the title of the First Utica Presbyterian Society. On the following day Rev. Henry Dwight, who had temporarily supplied the pulpits in both Utica and Whitesboro, was installed pastor of the Utica society. About six weeks later Rev. John Frost was installed over the Whitesboro church, thus establishing the independence of the two societies. The first church building was erected on a lot donated by John Bellinger, corner Washington and Liberty streets, and was finished in the summer of 1807. To accom modate the growing membership the building was elongated in 1815. In 182 1 a session room was built on Hotel street, which was also used for the Sunday school ; a second story was added to this building four years later. Rev. Samuel C. Aiken who was installed pastor February 4, 18 1 8, in 1824 was given an assistant in the person of Rev. S. W. Brace. For a time he preached alternately with the regular pastor and then in the session room, where a new society was formed May 6, 1824, as described further on. A few months later it was determined by the mother church to erect a new edifice. For this purpose liberal subscrip- scriptions were obtained and in the summer of 1826 the foundations were laid twelve feet north of the old one for a brick building 72 by 106 feet with a steeple 208 feet high ; session and Sunday school rooms were provided in the basement. This beautiful church stood until January 13, 185 1, when it was burned in an incendiary fire. A new and a still more beautiful structure was promptly erected on the corner of Wash ington and Columbia streets, and dedicated October 19, 1852. With 42 330 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. extensions made to the chapel and the Sunday school room and addi tions of a church parlor, kitchen and pastor's study, the edifice is still in use. Three of the Utica churches are offshoots from this one, and four others now extinct also sprang from it. The first Sunday school west of Albany was organized by five young ladies of this society. In Decem ber, 1890, the session established a mission Sabbath school in the west ern part of the city, known as the Highlands Mission, since organized into the Highlands Presbyterian church. The Second Presbyterian church, before mentioned, was organized with twenty-seven, members on May 6, 1824. Near the close of that year Rev. Samuel W. Brace was established pastor. In the spring of 1825 steps were taken for the erection of the building, the contract for which was given to Samuel Farwell. The building was completed in the summer of 1826, was dedicated August 24, and was first known as the Bleecker Street Presbyterian. After a number of years of financial struggle a memorable revival took place in 1838. The society was dis solved as a Presbyterian organization in 1840. Aftej the abandonment of the church edifice, it was used for a short time by a Congregational society. It became the property of Charles E. Dudley of Albany and was then vacant until September, 1843, when it was hired by Rev. Joshua H. Mcllvane. He soon gathered about him a congregation, started a Sunday school, and within three months after its organization the church was self-sustaining. On July 23, 1844, sixty- one persons organized the Westminster society and Mr. Mcllvane was installed as pastor. Soon after this the church owned by the Universalist society on Devereux street was purchased and occupied. After being consider ably improved it was a few years later destroyed by fire. In 1855 the present beautiful edifice at the head of Washington street was finished and occupied. Westminster is the parent of two other societies in Utica, Bethany and Olivet. The former is an outgrowth of the first Sunday school organized in East Utica, where a lot on the corner of Albany and Lansing streets was donated by Mrs. Harriet C. Wood ; there a frame church was built in 1869 by Mrs, Sarah A. Gilbert and her three daugh ters. The Olivet Sunday school was established February 27, 1876, by workers in the Westminster society, and a chapel was built near the corner of Square and Miller streets, which was opened on June 11 of THE CITY OF UTICA. 331 that year. On April 26, 1887, Rev. F. W. Townsend was installed pastor. In August of that year a lot was bought on Howard avenue and on September 15, 1889, the corner stone of the present stone structure was laid. The building was dedicated April 12, 1891. The Memorial Presbyterian church at West Utica was organized February 10, 1868, and was the outgrowth of a Sabbath school which had been maintained there since 1848. A chapel was erected on Court street and dedicated December 15, 1867. Rev. J. W. Whitfield, who had acted as missionary- of the school, was installed pastor. In 1883 a lot adjoining the chapel was purchased and the,re Theodore S. Sayre erected the present beautiful church as a memorial to his father. It was dedicated January 25, 1884. The Elizabeth Street Presbyterian mission (colored) was organized under the auspices of the First Presbyterian church. In 1869 a chapel was built at 23 Elizabeth street, which was called Hope chapel. Ser vices were regularly held by the colored people and the general direction of the church affairs remains with the First church. The Bethesda Congregational church was organized on the ist of January, 1802, as a Congregational or independent church by the Welsh families of the vicinity. It has ever since had an uninterrupted exist ence. The first minister was Rev. Daniel Morris, who came from Phil adelphia early in 1803 In 1804 a small frame house was built on the corner of Washington and Whitesboro streets. In 1865 a portion of the congregation withdrew and established a church of their own, which was called the Second Congregational. They purchased the old Grace church on Columbia street, and called Rev. James Griffiths to the pas torate. In 1 87 1 the two societies reunited and built a new brick edifice at 108 Washington street at the some time taking the name Bethesda. Plymouth Congregational church was organized September 18, 1883, as a result of the previous labors of Rev. Edward Taylor, D. D., of Binghamton. Services were temporarily held in the Council chamber and in Dobson's Hall, Oneida Square, until 1884, when the society pur chased a residence property, on Plant street, near State, which included a frame cottage and a brick dwelling. On that lot a wood chapel was erected and first occupied in January, 1885. The Reformed Protestant (Dutch) church in Utica resulted from 332 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. evangelical labors of John P. Spinner, of Fort Herkimer, in 1801, and of Rev. Mr. Labagh who visited the field about 1820. Services were held by these men in private rooms, in the Baptist' church, in the old Methodist church and in Washington Hall until about 1828, when Rev. John F. Schermerhorn came to the field and in June, 1830, the Broad Street church was finished. On October 26, 1830, the Reformed Dutch Protestant church was organized. In 1 863-1 871, a new church was ^erected on the corner of Genesee and Cornelia streets. Rev. Isaac S. Hartlee, D. D., was pastor from November, 1 871, to September, 1889, and during that time the church was burned and rebuilt. Trinity church (Episcopal), organized as already mentioned in 1798, was imperfectly maintained by lay reading for about five years, and it was not until 1 803 that steps were taken toward building a church edi fice. In that year John R. Bleecker, of Albany, in fulfillment of a promise to the religious society who should first undertake the erection of a church^ gave the society a lot on the corner of Broad and First streets., When about $2,000 had been subscribed the building was commenced, but it was 1806 before it was so far completed as to be consecrated. It was finished in December, 1810. The first officers of the church were Abraham Walton and Nathan Williams, wardens; William Inman, Charles Walton, John Smith, Benjamin Walker, Samuel Hooker, Aylmer Johnson, James Hopper and Edward Smith, vestry men. The first pastor was Rev. Jonathan Judd, who preached from 1804 to 1806 alternately here and at Paris Hill. The first regular rec tor was Rev. Amos G. Baldwin, 1806* to 18 18. Through the influence of Col.' Benjamin Walker the Countess of Bath, England, in 1808 gave the church 265 acres of land in Eaton, Madison county. It was not of much benefit to the church and was sold for a small sum in 181 5 ; at about the same time Trinity Church, N. Y., gave the society four lots in New York city, the income of which has been of great benefit. In 1833 the edifice was lengthened twenty feet by extending the front and rebuilding the tower. Grace church (Episcopal), incorporated May 21, 1838, was originally a portion of Trinity parish. Rev. Albert C. Patterson was chosen rec tor in April, 1839. A lot was leased on the corner of Broadway and Columbia streets for ten years and there a church was built, which was THE CITY OF UTICA. 333 opened in August, 1839. Between 1850 and i860 the present church site was purchased and a new church erected ; the tower was not com pleted until 1870 and the spire in 1875. The latter was erected by the late Mrs. James Watson Williams as a memorial to her father and her husband. The late Alfred Munson gave $10,000 toward the purchase of the lot and $5,000 toward building the church. The entire cost of the edifice was $120,000. Between 1884 and 1888 a vestry, choir and Bible class room and a study were erected adjoining the church, and in 1890 a new and beautiful chancel was substituted for the old one ; all these were gifts of the late Mrs. Williams. Calvary Episcopal church began its corporate existence December 15, 1850, as a result of the services of Rev. Beardsley Northrup, in a small school house corner West and Eagle streets. The lot on which the old church now stands was secured and there the first church was erected and twice enlarged. At a later date the lot on South street op posite the old church was purchased as a proposed site for a new church. This plan was abandoned and the property was sold in 1869 and a site on the corner of Howard avenue and South street was pur chased. There the new church was built and finished in the fall of 1872. The church was consecrated January 18,' 1884. St. George's church (Episcopal) was authorized by Bishop De Lancey and the diocese in 1862 to replace the former parish of St. Paul's, organized in 1849 and allowed to die out. The corner stone of the church was laid May 5, 1862, on State street near Cottage. The church was consecrated June 7, 1864. St. Luke's Memorial church (Episcopal) began as a mission of Grace church in 1869 in a room of St. Luke's Home for Aged Women. In the following year a lot adjoining the Home was donated by Truman K. Butler and there a handsome stone church was erected and con secrated October 18, 1876. The church rectory, 192 Columbia street, was purchased in 1886. . In 1 87 1 the late Evan R. Goodwin and the late Philip Herbert in augurated a movement for the establishment of Episcopal services in East Utica. Services were held in a private room, the worshipers taking the name of The Mission of the Good Shepherd, and later the Memorial Church of the Holy Cross. Rev. Edward Z. Lewis was the 334 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. first pastor, continuing until his death in 1874. A frame building was erected on Mohawk street, which was afterwards moved to the lot pur chased on Bleecker street and enlarged. On October 9, 1890, the corner stone of the new stone church on Bleecker street was laid by the Rt. Rev. F. D. Huntington. Methodist services were held in the little village of Utica from the time the first sermon was preached by Freeborn Garrettson in 1792. At first the members of this faith were attached to a class which met in a small church on the road to New Hartford. In 1808 Solomon Bronson, a man of influence living near that church, was converted and began holding meetings in Utica in a building back of the line of Genesee street, which was used as a school house. About the same time, 1808, Rudolph Snyder built for the society a small one- story house of worship beside the shop of his brother Jacob, which stood on the corner of Elizabeth street. This was occupied about six years. In 1815 Utica was made a station in the recently formed Oneida district of the Genesee Conference. Rev. Benjamin G. Pad dock was appointed preacher and a powerful revival followed. The society was now incorporated under the title of the First Methodist Episcopal church in Utica. A brick church was built on the north side of Main street, a little west of Ballou's Creek, which was dedicated August 16, 1816. In 1825 the chapel on Bleecker street was built and dedicated February 22, 1827. In 1832, a class having existed in West Utica for some time, a church was erected. The class was considered as a part of the Bleecker street society, and owing to embarrassments the property was eventually sold. In 1847 a new society was formed in West Utica under the name of the State Street Methodist Episcopal church. By the burning of the State Street church, February 3, 1867, a consolidation of the Bleecker Street and State Street societies was effected under the name of the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Utica. The first pastor was William Reddy, under whose pastorate the present edifice on the corner of Court street arid Broadway was built. The chapel was finished and dedicated February 28, 1869, and the church was dedicated February 2, 1871. In September, 1852, the South Street Methodist Episcopal church was organized and a church erected on South street, which was dedi- THE CITY OF. UTICA. 335 cated in the spring of 1853. In 1869 a parsonage was built on a lot adjoining the church. The church itself has since been extensively improved. The First Free Methodist church was organized August 7, 1863, by Rev. D. W. Thurston with forty-eight members from the South Street church. Services were held in Morgan Hall, corner South and West streets until 1865 and a wooden church was erected on the corner of South and Miller streets. When the growing congregation needed larger accommodations the present brick church was erected in 1880 81 at 30 Chatham street. For some time previous to 1867 members from the First M. E. church conducted a Sunday school in West Utica. Immediately after the burning of the State Street church a chapel was built corner of Court and Stark streets and in May, 1886, the Dryer Memorial M. E. church was organized. In 1890 an addition was built on the west side of the church for Sunday school and evening services. In 1880 Rev. W. F. Hemenway organized a class on Kossuth ave nue, and meetings were held in private rooms until 1882 when a hall was hired corner of South and Albany streets. In 1883 a frame church was erected on a lot donated by Francis 'Kerr an, corner Nichols and Lansing streets. In 1884 the society became a regular charge and on March 31 was organized as the Centenary Methodist Episcopal church. A parsonage was built near the church in 1891. In February, 1830, a few Calvanistic Methodists took letters of dis missal from a church in Remsen, and David Stephens was authorized to organize them into a Welsh Calvanistic church in Utica. This was done in March, 183 1, under the title of the " Moriah Welsh Calvan istic Church." In 1831 a church was built on Seneca street, which was replaced by a larger one in 1847. This property was sold in 1882 and the present church was built on Park avenue corner of Dakin street. The church has a mission Sunday school and is liberally supported by Welsh citizens. The Coke Memorial (Welsh Methodist Episcopal) church was formed about July 1, 1849, with twenty-seven members. The old Cambrian Hall was used for services several months and on May 1, 1850, the so ciety purchased a building on Washington street known as the Com- 336 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. mercial Lyceum, and fitted it up for worship. This property was sold in May, 1885, and the lot purchased on the corner of Hopper and Union streets. There the corner stone of the new building was laid in August, 1886, and the edifice was dedicated in the same month of 1887. From 1849 to 1854 the First Church of the Evangelical Association (German Methodist) belonged to the Mohawk Circuit. In 185 1 Rev. F. Herlan, then preaching in Deerfield, desired a transfer to Utica, and in the same year an old school house on Garden street was bought and used for services down to 1858, when the present church edifice was erected. The Welsh Baptist church is one of the oldest in Central New York, and had its origin September 12, 1801, when twenty-two persons of Welsh descent met at the log house of John Williams on the road oppo site State Hospital and formed a church. It is known as the First (Welsh) Baptist and is the parent of the Broad street (now Tabernacle) church. In 1806 the congregation built the church near where the canal now intersects Hotel street. This building was moved when the canal was opened to the site of the present church on Broadway. This society was long prosperous but in late years has decreased in numbers on account of the services being held in the Welsh language. In 18 19 seventeen members of the Welsh Baptist church were dis missed at their own request to form an English church, calling it the Second Baptist. Rev. Elijah F. Willey was called and assumed the pastorate in November of that year. A frame church was soon erected on Broad street; this was superseded by a brick edifice, which was dedicated September 28, 1848. In June, 1864, the society voted to vacate this house and remove to a more central location. In October, 1864, a lot on the corner of Hopper and King streets was purchased and a fine stone edifice erected. It was dedicated in September, 1866, The name '' Tabernacle Baptist church " was adopted October 1 1, 1 864'. A new chapel was built on the property adjoining the church and ded icated October 4, 1889. In December, 1837, th-e Tabernacle Baptist church appointed a com mittee to conduct religious worship in West Utica until the following May. March 21, 1838, eleven persons met at the home of Edward Wright and organized the Bethel Baptist church of Utica. During the THE CITY OF UTICA. 337 first year of their existence they built a church on State street, which was dedicated August 7, 1839. On January 1, 1845, it was determined to rent the Bleecker street church, built by the Second Presbyterian society. ' This was purchased in February, 1847. In April, 1862, steps were taken for the enlargment of the church and property was purchased in the rear for Sunday school purposes. This property was all sold in the fall of 1886 to the Y. M. C. A., and a lot was purchased on the corner of Rutger and West streets, where, on June 29, 1887, the corner stone of the new brick church was laid. On the fiftieth anniversary, March 22, 1888, the name Park Baptist church was assumed. The Ebenezer Baptist church was incorporated in August, 1836, in which year a lot was purchased on Columbia street and a frame build ing erected. The Emanuel Baptist church was organized January 29, 1890, with forty-two members. A house of worship was soon erected on the corner of Eagle and Dudley streets. It was dedicated free from debt March 12, 1890. The Zion Evangelical Lutheran church (German) was organized May 15, 1842, at its place of meeting, the "Old Bethel" on Fayette street, West Utica. There were forty-six charter members and the services were held in the German language. A church was built on Columbia street, and dedicated September 28, 1844. This was burned Feb ruary 28, 1 8 5 1 . This site was sold to the Catholics and the present church built on the corner of Cooper and Fayette streets. A day school building was erected in 1870 on Columbia street. On March 25, i860, the church just described resolved to establish a German mission in the southeastern part of the city. A lot was do nated and a small building thereon was consecrated in August of that year as St. Paul's Lutheran church (German). Under the pastorate of Rev. 0. Kaselitz, beginning in 1880, the church building was nearly destroyed by a storm and the present edifice was erected on the site. This calamity placed the society under a burdensome debt which was finally paid off by the self-sacrifice of the members. The Evangelical Lutheran church of the Redeemer was organized December 27, 1878. Services were first held in the M. E. chapel, corner Court and Stark streets, and in the summer of 1881 an old malt 43 338 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. house lot on Columbia street was purchased and a stone chapel erected. This was followed by the building of the present church, which was occupied May 17, 1885. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran church (German) was organized August 21, 1 88 1, at a meeting in a private house, where it was determined also to form a day school and a Sunday school. The day school was com menced in St. Patrick's school building on Columbia street, and on March 12, 1882, property was purchased on Hamilton street and the house there standing was remodeled for church purposes. The present brick church was built in 1 886 and dedicated December 1 2. The Evangelical Lutheran church of the Holy Communion was or ganized as a result of the missionary labors of Rev. Gustavus A. Bierde- mann in Southwest Utica, begun in the fall of 1887. The frame church on the corner of Sunset avenue and Mulberry street was built in the winter of 1887-88. In 1854 Rev. Valentine Miller, of the Moravian church, came to Utica by request and began holding services in private houses. A small frame church corner Cornelia and Cooper streets (formerly Luth eran) was purchased and on July 2, 1856, the Moravian church was or ganized. A new brick church and parsonage was built on the old site in the summer of 1891. The Moravian mission on South street is a branch of this church and was organized in April, 1882. In February of the following year a chapel for the mission was built on South street. A Utica newspaper of November, 1825, announced that Mr. Thomp son would preach in the Court House on Sunday, November 20, and the Universalists of the village were requested to meet at the same place on the following evening for the purpose of organizing a society. Accordingly, " a number of persons, believing in the doctrine of God's impartial and universal love," met and organized the first Universalist society of Utica. Forty-two persons signed the constitution. In 1828- 30 a church was erected on Devereux street, but the society became financially involved, and the property was sold. In 1848 services were recommenced in Mechanics' Hall and a new society was ' organized named the Central Universalist society, commonly known as the Church of Reconciliation. A brick church was erected on Seneca street near Genesee and completed in 185 1. In 1877 this building was extensively repaired and a new chapel was erected. THE CITY OF UTICA. 339 The services of the Second Universalist, or the Church of our Father, begun in- May, 1888, in the Mary street school house. In October of that year a chapel was built on Bacon street, where services where held in the afternoon by Rev. C. E. Rice until July, 1889. In 1890-91 a lot was purchased on Bleecker street and the present brick church was erected thereon. The first priest whose name is found connected with the Roman Catholics of Utica was Rev. M. McQuade, then pastor of St. Mary's church, Albany. Between 181 3 and 18 16, when the diocese of New York, to which Utica belonged, was without a bishop, he came occa sionally to this district and said mass. The first notice found of church services in Utica was in 18 19 when Rev. Michael O'Gorman, who had been assigned to Northern New York, met the adherents of this faith in the academy on the ioth of January. Mass was celebrated and a ser mon was preached in the evening. On the 15th of March the Catho lics were invited to attend service conducted by Rev. Mr. Farnon on the following Sunday. On May 24 it was announced that " Rev. Mr. Farnon, who is now established rector of the western district, has re turned from a circuit through said district and will perform divine ser vice at the academy on the 30th 'inst." These were the initial steps which led to the formation of St. John's church, the early membership of which was scattered over a large territory. The first trustees of the church were John C. and Nicholas Devereux ; James Lynch of Rome and later of Utica; Francis O'Toole, of Augusta, and another person from Johnstown. The resident congregation did not exceed thirty, but they as well as many Protestants contributed liberally toward building a church on a lot corner of John and Bleecker streets donated by Judge Morris S. Miller and wife. The building was promptly begun and was dedicated August 19, 1821, by Rt. Rev. Bishop Connolly. It was not entirely completed until two years later. The first rectory, which was superseded by the present one, was built in 1824. In 1825, when Rev. John Shannahan was pastor, there were only sixteen Catholic families in Utica. Through the generosity of John C. Devereux, the Sisters of Charity were brought to Utica about 1832 and have performed their unselfish labors in the city ever since. In June, 1836, the corner stone of a larger church edifice was laid and the building was finished during 340 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. that year. This edifice sufficed for the congregation for about thirty years, when, under the pastorate of Rev. Thomas Daly (i 858—1878), it became apparent that larger accommodations were needed. The St. John's Building Association was thereupon organized to "aid the pastor in raising funds, and the corner stone of the present handsome church was laid June 27, 1869; the building was finished in 1871. Under Father Daly's administration the Christian Brothers opened an orphan asylum in a part of the school building of the Assumption Academy March 25, 1862. These accommodations becoming inadequate, a - large building was erected in 1869, corner Rutger street and Taylor avenue, now known as St. Vincent's Male Orphan Asylum. This insti tution is described in later pages. St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church (German) was organized in 1842 by Rev. Joseph Prost. They first worshiped in a frame building on Fayette street, purchased by the congregation. The society prospered and in 1855 a two story brick school building was erected. In 1890-91 a convent was built on Fayette street for the use of the school sisters. St. Patrick's Catholic church was organized March 17, 1850, the natal day of the patron saint. Services were first held in the building on Columbia street, which is now a part of the St. Elizabeth's Hospital. Soon after the arrival of the first pastor, Rev. Patrick Carraher, a lot wat purchased on the corner of Columbia and Huntington streets, and on July 30, 185 1, the corner stone of a brick church was laid. This building was burned November 9, 1889, and services were held in an old school house near the church site. In March, 1886, the church property was sold on a mortgage to Father Carraher and its affairs went into litigation. Later it passed into the possession of the parish, and in 1895 a new brick church, costing about $54,000, was built on the old site. It was consecrated December 8th of that year. The present edifice of St. Mary's Catholic church (German), corner South street and Taylor avenue, was purchased from the German Luth eran church in 1870 by the first pastor, Rev. G. Veith. The building has since been greatly extended, a rectory added, and connected with it are a parochial school and three benevolent societies, the Society of St. Boniface, the Society of St. Aloysius, and the Society of St. Stanis laus. THE CITY OF UTICA. 341 In April, 1877, the bishop of the Diocese authorized Rev. Luke G. O'Reilly, then assistant in St. John's parish, to organize a new parish of that section east of Genesee street and south of South street, to be known as the Church of St. Francis de Sales. Meetings were first held in a school house and within a year the building on Steuben street, near South, was purchased and remodeled for the use of the parish A suitable site was finally obtained for a church on the corner of Eagle street and Summit avenue, and ten years from its organization the society had completed a beautiful brick building and parochial resi dence. In 1886 a Sunday school was established in the old school building on Mary street, which was soon changed to a Catholic school. In May, 1887, a new Catholic parish was formed of the section east of Mohawk street, and called St. Agnes. Rev. John J. Toomey, former assistant at St. John's, was appointed pastor, and steps were taken toward the erec tion of a church. A lot was secured at the corner of Blandina street and Kossuth avenue, and the corner stone of the building was laid in July, 1887. The first Hebrew congregation in Utica was organized in 1848, Rabbi Ellsner leader, and worshiped for a time in rooms on Hotel street. In 1852-53 the congregation was reorganized with Rabbi Rosenthal, pas tor, and built a small synagogue on Bleecker street. In 1870 a syna gogue was built on Whitesboro street and chartered under the name of the House of Jacob. In 1882 this was sold to Solomon Griffiths and July 22 the church on Seneca street was bought from the Moriah Welsh church and has since been used. On December 7, 1888, Levi Lyons, Elias Marulsky and David Roth- stein purchased from the city a school house, corner of Whitesboro and Washington streets. A congregation was soon gathered and January 5,. 1889, an organization was effected under the name of the House of Israel. Extensive repairs were made to the building in the year 1889 CHARITABLE AND BENEVOLENT INSTIUTIONS. One of the most important of the benevolent institutions of Utica is , the Utica Orphan Asylum, the history of which begins with the estab lishment of the Female Society of Industry in October, 1826. It was 342 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. composed of seventy members, who paid six dollars each, annually in either cash or needle work, and in January, 1828, they began to raise a fund for founding an orphan asylum. The officers were Mrs. Sophia Bagg, president and treasurer, and Mrs. Ann Breese, secretary. By the fall of 1833 a fund of $3,000 was accumulated. A charter was drawn and a public meeting held January, 7, 1830, at which a constitution was adopted and women officers chosen, with the exception of tfiree men, to act as an advisory committee. .Further subscriptions were solicited and housekeeping was begun in November, 1830, in a building on the north east corner of John and Catherine streets. In May, 1833, the family removed to a house near the southeast corner of Chancellor Square. The financial panic of 1837 almost caused the abandonment of the institu tion, but in December, 1842, a general meeting was held, the old con stitution was approved, and it was determined to apply for an extension of charter containing provisions for the admission of half-orphans. The asylum was reopened on Broadway, east side, in May, 1845. I*1 '846 the lot No. 312 Genesee street was purchased with the proceeds of two fairs and in June, 1847, a building was begun, which was finished in May, 1848. A large number of gifts and legacies were soon received by the institution, culminating with the legacy of $34,000 left by Alfred Munson conditioned upon the raising of $10,000 within five years of his death, for the purchasing of suitable grounds of not less than three acres, the balance remaining to be expended towards the erection of a new building. This condition was fulfilled in 1855 and the legacy was made available in i860. Meanwhile Benjamin F. Jewett donated to the society three acres of land on the corner of Genesee and Pleasant streets. On the 30th of May, i860, the corner stone of the new building was laid and it was finished in the summer of 1861. Since that time the asylum has done incalculable good in the city. Among the larger gifts to the institutions were $9,000 by Augustus White ; $25,000 from Silas D. Childs and a similar gift from his widow ; $17,000 from Francis Ramsdell; $4,850 from B. F. Shaw; $5,000 from Mrs. Alfred Churchill; $10,000 from Jonathan R. Warner; and $5,000 from Nich olas F. Vedder. St. John's Female Orphan Asylum was incorporated March 18, 1848, and was the ultimate result of an application made in 1834 by John C. THE CITY OF UTICA. 343 and Nicholas Devereux to the Sisters of Charity to conduct a Catholic asylum and day school in Utica. The support of the institution was largely contributed by the Messrs. Devereux until its incorporation, since which time the work of the Sisters and their friends has made the building what it now is. The structure fronts 140 feet on John street, 200 feet deep and is four stories high. The school is supported by St. John's parish. The St. Vincent Male Orphan Asylum, incorporated April 21, 1862, and connected with St. John's church, has already been mentioned. Its affairs were at first directed by the Brothers of the Christian schools, while its finances were controlled by a board of managers. The Broth ers resigned in April, 1876, when the board assumed entire charge, and the institution was incorporated under the title of " St. Vincent Protect orate and Reformatory for Destitute Children in Oneida and Adjacent Counties." About the end of the year the property was sold at auction and was purchased by Right Rev. Bishop McNierny, who recalled the Christian Brothers in January, 1877. In August, 1885, the Christian Brothers purchased the property and reincorporated it under the name of St. Vincent Industrial School. The building was at once largely im proved and equipped with various machines for practical instruction. In the winter of 1872-73 a meeting was held in Trinity rectory where steps were taken toward founding an institution for infirm and destitute children, under the direction of the Episcopal denomination. In May, 1873, the House of the Good Shepherd went into operation'in a tene ment on Blandina street. It was controlled by eleven trustees and six managers. Subscriptions were solicited through the use of which, on the 8th of June, 1875, a commodious house corner Bleecker and East streets was formally opened. The building has since been greatly en larged and improved and several lots added to the grounds. It is sup ported chiefly by gifts from its friends. On November 19, 1866, a charter was granted to the " Home for the Homeless in the City of Utica," the object of which was the support of aged, indigent or infirm women. The Home was opened in May, 1867, in a building on Whitesboro street, opposite the State Asylum. About this time Theodore S. Faxton offered to give $20,000 toward the erec tion of the Home, provided a like sum should be subscribed by January 344 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. i, 1869 The sum of $26,000 was raised by that time and the founda tion for the building laid on two acres of land donated by Mr. Faxton on Faxton street. In December, 1870, B. F. Jewett and his sisters donated four lots to the Home adjoining the original site. The build ing cost $30,000 and was opened December 6, 1870. In 1879 a new building was added at a, cost of $6,000. The institution is under the management of thirty- seven women, from whom its officers are chosen, In 1880 Jason G. Coye made a bequest to the Home of $55,000, and in 1 89 1 a second addition was made to the institution. The Faxton Hospital was erected in 1874—75, wholly at the expense of Theodore S. Faxton, its founder. In June, 1875, he placed the in stitution under the management of a board of trustees created a few years earlier, who retained it until 1878. A medical and surgical staff was appointed, nurses engaged and the sick were received. The de mands upon the Hospital not meeting the anticipations of its founder, the trustees in 1878 placed the institution under a board of forty women managers. By them the second and third floors of the building were devoted to the reception of aged men, the lower one being used for the sick. The institution was thus made not only a hospital but a shelter for those who are left helpless in their declining years. In February, 1882, was incorporated the Home for Aged Men, gifts having already been received of $1,000 from the late A. J. Williams, $500 from Miss Jane E. Kelly and $1,000 from the estate of Mrs. Geo. S. Green. Later it was decided to admit aged men and their wives, and in the early part of 1890 a lot on Sunset avenue was secured on which was erected a commodious structure at a cost of $35,000. It was opened July 15, 1891. St. Elizabeth's Hospital and Home was organized December 12, 1866, by Mother Bernardine of the charitable order of St. Francis. The first patient was received in a small building on Columbia street, owned by the Franciscan Fathers, to which was added two other buildings within two years through the generosity of Thomas B. Devereux. In 1868 the old buildings were removed to make room for St. Joseph's church and the Hospital was transferred to a large house a few doors west. A dispensary for the outdoor poor was opened in 1871. The Hospital is under the supervision of the Sisters of the order of St. Francis, and is not con nected with any church. Afljanc Mflislnii-g 8;J.agTaj[uig Co UewToTk THE CITY OF UTICA. 344a While not a county institution, the Masonic Home at Utica may properly be noticed here. The nucleus of the great fund with which the Masonic Temple in New York city was built, was a subscription of one dollar made in 1842 This was followed by others until a little more than $300 was subscribed, when a memorial signed by IOO breth ren was presented to the Grand Lodge. An act of incorporation was passed April 21, 1864, the object of the corporation being stated as the building and maintaining of a Masonic Hall in New York city, out of the income of which asylums and schools should be built for the relief of worthy indigent Masons, their widows and orphans. The act and its amendments gave the corporation power to hold property to the amount of $5,000,000. In 1870 the fund had grown to $340,000, and within the next five years the finest Masonic structure in the world was built in New York city. A heavy debt was incurred under which the fraternity of the State struggled for fourteen years. In 1885 Frank R. Lawrence was elected Grand Master and through his systematic, ear nest and business like methods, the debt of nearly a million dollars was extinguished in. 1889. The fraternity now saw a prospect of the early erection of the Home. The question of location was a perplexing one, the competition among various cities being very active. After much discussion and various generous offers of land, the Grand Lodge resolved to limit the time for receiving proposals for the location to September 15, 1888, and a committee was empowered to immediately thereafter visit the various localities and make a selection. The result of it all was the purchase of v/hat had been the Utica driving park, near the city of Utica, containing 160 acres of land, beautifully situated. The property was valued at $75,000; of this the owner, Charles W, Hutchinson, donated $25,000, the city of Utica $30,000, and the Grand Lodge paid $20,000. The West Shore railroad donated a quarter of an acre of ground and five additional acres were purchased for $750. In 1889 the name of the institution was changed from asylum to " Masonic Home and School." The plans originally contemplated a building to cost not more than $100,000, but in 1890 this sum was in creased to $150,000. On August 27 of that year the plans of archi tect William H. Hume, of New York, were adopted, and on October 27 eighteen bids were opened for the erection of the building. The contract was let to Dickinson & Allen of Syracuse, at $134,000 About $5000 was subsequently added. Dockage property, furniture and fix- 3445 OUR COUNTY AND ITS FEOPLE. tures and all expenses finally made the cost of the Home, $175,000. More than this sum was in bank to the credit of the trustees. The ceremonies of laying the corner stone were conducted by John W. Vrooman, who succeeded Mr. Lawrence as Grand Master on May 21, 1 89 1. The number of eminent craftsmen present, the military escort, and the general magnificence of the pageant made this one of the memorable Masonic gatherings of the century. Work progressed on the building through that and the following years, and considerable delay was caused by the failure of the contractors, compelling the trustees to finish the work themselves. It had been the intention to dedicate the Home on July I, 1892, but the delay made it necessary to change the plans and October 5 was selected. Again there was a great ' gathering of the fraternity to participate in the inspiring ceremonies. Irrespective of the departments of Masonry, 8,524 Master Masons took part in the proceedings. Thirteen Commanderies, and seventy-three Chapters of Royal Arch Masons, with their officers, preceded the Master Masons. In the words of the historian of the Grand Lodge, " The enthusiasm of the occasion marked a notable event'in the history of Free masonry in the State of New York. The Utica Home is the monument of Masonic charity." In June, 1893, the trustees reported that the total cost of the Home and appurtenances to that date was $230,685.18. The balance in bank was $155,572.55. The Grand Lodge instructed the trustees to set aside each year thirty per cent, of the net receipts of the fund as a revenue fund, until such revenue fund reached $300,000. Past Grand Master Jesse B. Anthony took charge of the Home as superintendent in February, 1893, with Mrs. Anthony as his assistant. No better selection for this important position could have been made. The first inmates were received on May 1, 1893. In the hallway of the building are three tablets, one of which was erected in honor of M. W. Frank R Lawrence, for his unselfish labors; a second one commemorates the laying of the corner stone and the dedication of the building, while the third bears the following inscription : This Asylum for the Aged and Infirm Brother, the Destitute Widow, and Helpless Orphan, was Erected A. D. 1891-1892, by the Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, under the Supervision of the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund. Edward B. Harper, John Stewart, Jerome E. Morse, Horace L. Green, Alexander T. Goodwin, George Hayes, George H. Wiley, Herman H. Russ, Trustees. William H. Hume, Architect. THE CITY OF UTICA. 345 St. Luke's Home was incorporated December 23, 1869, as the re sult of a suggestion made two years earlier by Rev. E. M. Van Deusen, D. D. Truman K. Butler in the fall of 1869 offered the use of an un furnished building then in course of erection, rent free for eighteen months, with the condition that if the project proved practicable he would then give a deed of the property. The object of the institution was stated as "The establishing and maintaining in the city of Utica of a refuge for the poor and friendless members of Grace Church parish in Utica and such others as the Board of Managers may think entitled to its benefits." The Home was opened and it was soon found that a hospital was necessary, and September 1, 1870, a double two-story brick dwelling adjoining the Home was purchased of Mr. Butler. The Hospital was opened July 9, 1872. In 1875 a lot owned by the city, west of the Hospital, was purchased and in February, 1883, Mr. Butler conveyed to the corporation the lot used as a lawn. In 1886 a new brick building was erected, costing nearly $14,000, and in June, 1887, the dwelling No. 305 Whitesboro street was also purchased. The prop erty is clear of indebtedness. In January, 1888, the name St. Luke's Home and Hospital was adopted, and in the same year " The Lancas ter House" was fitted up for the use of nurses. A school for nurses was established in 1878. The first medical director was chosen in 1880. The City Hospital was erected by commission in 1856 at the expense of the city and it was intended for a' workhouse. Two years later it was made a hospital, under the superintendence of the poormaster, who was superseded by the Board of Charities upon its creation in 1873. The building is of brick, three stories high, on the corner of South and Mo hawk streets, and surrounded by extensive grounds. A physician ap pointed by the Board of Charities is in daily attendance.' The Board of Charities just mentioned consists of six commissioners, one half of whom are elected by popular vote and one-half appointed by the town auditors. To this board in Utica are intrusted all the ordi nary powers and duties of the poormaster and they serve without com pensation. The board appoints a clerk who acts as the paid and author ized agent in administering the city charities. The clerk is aided by a secretary. This system has been found to be far superior in every way to the former administration of poormastsrs. u 346 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. In addition to the foregoing benevolent organizations, Utica has a Woman's Christian Association, organized in 1870, which owns the "Georgia Porter Memorial" building, costing $10, 000. The associa tion was incorporated April 15, 1886, and accomplishes a vast amount of good. There is also in the city St. Joseph's Infant Home, the Indus trial Home, the Homoeopathic Hospital, and the Utica Dispensary or ganizations. Schools and Libraries. — The first school in Utica of which any thing is now known was kept in a building on the south side of Main street, between First and Second streets. The reader has already learned something of the various secular and religious meetings that were held in that old building in the earlier years. The teacher in 1797 was Joseph Dana, who was succeeded by a Mr. Clark and he by Roswell Holcomb about 1804. Gideon Wilcoxson taught in 1805. In 1807 Jonathan Child kept a school for a short time in the Welsh church cor- of Washington and Whitesboro streets. In 1808 Eliasaph Dorchester was teaching there, while David R. Dixon occupied the building on the site of Grace church, which served as a school house and also for the meetings of the village trustees. During the years 1810 and 1811 Thomas Colling taught in that school, and in the year J813 a private school, called the Juvenile Academy, was kept in the third story of a building on the north corner of Broad and Genesee streets. The first teacher was Henry White, who was succeeded by S. W. Brace and he by Obed Eddy in the year 18 16. In 1 81 3 nineteen citizens of Utica asked the Regents of the Uni versity to incorporate an academy in their village. A charter was granted March 28, 1814, naming the following trustees: Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, Arthur Breese, Talcott Camp, David W. Childs, Fran cis A. Bloodgood, Bryan Johnson, A. B. Johnson, Thomas Skinner, Thomas Walker, Apollos Cooper, Solomon Wolcott, Anson Thomas and Ebenezer B. Shearman. Mr. Van Rensselaer was chosen president, Mr. Walker, treasurer, and Mr. Shearman, secretary. A fund was raised by subscription and when $1,600 were obtained the trustees accepted their charge, and in June, 1815, requested Rev. Jesse Towns- end to take charge of the institution ; he was then teaching a gram mar school in the village and remained with the academy about two THE CITY OF UTICA. 347 years. In 1816 a committee of citizens proposed to the trustees to aid them in erecting a building, which would serve as " An > Academy, Townhouse and Court House," and a new subscription was started. The usual contest as to the site followed and it was finally decided that every subscriber of $5 or more should have a vote for either of the two proposed sites, one of which was the one finally adopted and the other on Genesee street. The vote polled showed a majority of 222 in favor of the site adopted. The subscription amounted to $5,- 000, to which was added other minor pledges, and the building was erected and completed in the summer of 1818. It was a two -story brick edifice 50 by 60 feet in size. In August of that year Rev. Sam uel T. Mills, a Presbyterian clergyman, was appointed the first precep tor at a salary of $800, and in October a Mr. Whiteside was chosen assistant for six months, with compensation at the rate of $300. In January, 18 19, William Hayes was employed to teach writing and arithmetic at $50 a quarter of eleven and one-half weeks. There were three classes of pupils, one of whom paid $5, one $4 and one $3 a quarter. In 185 1 the trustees determined to sell to the county for a court house the John street front of the academy, on condition, in ad dition to a pecuniary consideration, that the release of the remainder' should be obtained from the original grantors and from the city. This was finally consummated. Mr. Roberts's place was for a short time occupied by a Mr. Newcomb and next by a Mr. Kenget. In April, 1852, a committee of the trustees was appointed to confer with the school commissioners to effect an arrangement under which the offices of superintendent of schools and principal of the academy might be united ; such arrangement was carried out and was the last act of the trustees under the old charter. In May, 1853, by act of the Legisla ture, the school commissioners became the trustees of the academy, , thus preserving the venerable charter. The new organization was ef fected in February, 1854, when Edmund A. Wetmore, chairman of the school commissioners, was chosen president and Daniel S. Heffron, superintendent of the schools, was made secretary. Since that date the academy has remained a^part, and the head, of the public school sys tem. Under that arrangement Mr. Weld, a graduate of the university, was appointed principal, with three women teachers as assistants. He 348 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. resigned in the winter of 1857 and was succeeded by George C. Saw yer, A.B., a graduate of Harvard, who for nearly forty years has re mained the efficient head of the institution. The first act of the Legislature in relation to a free school in Utica was passed April 27, 1817. Section 28 of that act vested in the trus tees of the village " All the property of the Twelfth district of Whites- town," which then included Utica, for the use of a free school. In the same year the trustees erected a building and employed Ignatius Thomp- son to teach for three months from the first Monday in December, at $40 a month. This building was of two stories, stood 'on the south side of Catherine street, nearly opposits Franklin, and was afterwards known as the Lancaster School. The Lancaster system was introduced in 18 19 when Andrew L'Amoureux was the teacher. He remained until 1824, when he was succeeded by Roswell Holcomb. Rev. Joseph Carter be came principal in 1828 and the school was reorganized. About 150 pupils were in attendance and the school was flourishing. Mr. Carter was succeeded by Eliasaph Dorchester, who remained some years and was assisted by Susan Wright. An act of Legislature passed in 1830 gave the trustees of the village power to establish schools at their pleas ure and distribute the public money as they thought best. In April of the following year a committee of the trustees was appointed to sell the free school lot on Catherine street and to buy another suitable for school and fire purposes. The school was next kept in the session room of the Second Presbyterian church, corner of Charlotte and Elizabeth streets, In 1 83 1 the school district was established in the eastern part of the vil lage and a school located on the corner of East and Linden streets. A third public-school was added in 1834, with Abraham Yates, principal, In April, 1828, an infant society was organized, the object of which was to give care and instruction to the infant poor, thus relieving their parents during the day. Mrs. Moses Bagg was the first directress and Mrs. R. M. Crowley the preceptress. In 1829 a similar institution, called the Pattern Infant School, was started under the patronage of Jesse W. Doolittle. Each of these received in 1832 an appropriation of $92 from the council. During the period thus far considered private schools in the village were numerous. Among them was one established about 18 19 by Am- THE CITY OF UTICA. 349 brose Kasson on the corner of Whitesboro and Division streets. Will iam Sparrow opened a classical school, but soon left it for the principal- ship of the academy. In 1824 Elisha Harrington taught a school and was aided by his sister. The Utica High School, afterwards known as the Utica Gymnasium, was founded as a boarding school for boys in 1827 by Charles Bartlett and flourished successfully for about eight years. He had previously conducted a select school on Washington street, which he turned over to Isaac Wilmarth. For the High School he leased a house and farm at the lower end of Broad street which had formerly belonged to Dr. Solomon Wolcott. The farm was placed under charge of the brother of Charles. There was an annual attendance at this school of over forty, the expense to each being at first $200 an nually, afterwards reduced to $150. Mr. Bartlett had the assistance of a number of eminent men as teachers, and among the students were many who became conspicuous in later years. Another successful educational institution established a few years later than Mr. Bartlett's was the Classical and Commercial Lyceum of Messrs. Phillips and Kingsley. Mr. Phillips was soon succeeded by Mr Bailey. The school was situated on the east side of Washington street, between Whitesboro and Liberty, and continued to about 1840. Another classical and commercial school was begun in 1832 on what is now Blandina street by John Williams, who conducted it for forty one years and until his death in 1873. A little later, about 1835 to J838, William Barrett presided over the school on Genesee street, a little below Blandina. Two other schools of that period for ladies were con ducted, one by Miss Dickens and the other by Miss Bowen. The earliest school for ladies exclusively was in existence in 1806 by Solo mon P. Goodrich, a bookseller, but little is known of it. About 18 18 a young ladies' school was opened by Montgomery R. Bartlett, which met with success, but was not long lived. A school of the year 1822 was taught by Madame Despard on Broad street ; she gave more atten tion to French, music and deportment than to English branches. Rev. William Woodbridge, a veteran teacher, conducted a young ladies' school in 1824 and later, on the northwest corner of John and Catherine streets, which was patronized by many of the best families of the place. Charles C. Everts, aided byhis wife and three assistants, opened a school 350 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. on Whitesboro street in 1826, which was successfully conducted a num ber of years. In the York House, nearly opposite, Rev. Samuel Whit- tlesee and wife established a boarding school in 1828. In 1833 their school was situated on the corner of Genesee and Pearl streets, while Samuel McLauren succeeded them in the York House. While many of these schools for girls were in a high degree credit able, the people of Utica eventually felt that an institution was needed which would give to their daughters as good educational facilities as was enjoyed by their sons in the academy. Public interest was aroused on the subject, a stock company was formed and the Utica Female Academy was chartered April 28, 1837, with a board of trustees com prising twenty-one leading citizens. In the same year four lots lying between' Washington street and Broadway with the buildings thereon were purchased at a cost of $6,300. The school was first opened in what was known as the United States Hotel, corner Genesee and Pearl streets. In December, 1838, the number of students was 168 and dur ing that and the following years a three-story brick academy building, 50 by 100 feet in size, was erected. The first principal was Miss Urania E. Sheldon; she was succeeded August, 1842, by Rev. James Nichols and wife, who were followed in June, 1844, by Miss Jane E. Kelley, who continued until 1865. The academy building was burned March 27, 1865, and the present handsome structure was erected on the site in 1869-90 at a cost of $75,000. In 187 1 Mrs. E. S. Hammill leased the building and conducted the school until the summer of 1875, when she was succeeded by the present principal, Mrs J. C. Piatt. As " Mrs. Piatt School " the institution has an extended reputation for thorough and careful training of pupils. Returning to the history of the public schools, it is found that in 1843 they were in a deplorable condition ; the city owned only three indiffer ent school buildings and hired three or four, in all of which about 1,100 children sought instruction. The Board of Commissioners of that year, consisting of Rudolph Snyder, Hiram Denio, Spencer Kellogg, Robert T. Hallock, Francis Kernan, and James Watson Williams, immediately inaugurated a thorough reorganization ; they greatly improved the old school buildings, soon began the erection of new and better ones, and adopted a graded system, extending upward from the primary depart- THE CITY OF UTICA. 351 ment through the ward schools and the advanced school to the academy. In 1850 Daniel S. Heffron, a man well fitted for the position, was ap pointed superintendent of schools. From the meagre accommodations in existence at that time the school facilities increased before 1868 (the date of the first published report of the commissioners) to twelve school houses of various grades, besides the academy. The list embraced the following: the Advanced school building, corner Elizabeth and Char lotte streets, completed in 1847 on a l°t donated by John R. Bleecker; this building has been considerably enlarged and improved ; the Hamil ton street and Steuben street schools, built in 185 1 ; the Blandina street and Aikin street schools, begun in 1852 ; the Catherine street school, built in 1855; the Whitesboro street school, erected in 1853; the Al bany street and Lansing street schools, built in 1858 ; the Court street school, built in i860, and the South street and Francis street schools, in 1867. These were all good brick buildings, two stories in height, and similar in design. The Albany Street school was burned in 1893 and rebuilt in 1896. On the morning of May 13, 1865, the Utica Academy and its con tents were destroyed by fire ; the school was temporarily continued in the Court House. The commissioners took immediate steps toward re building and enlarging the grounds and obtained possession of a lot corner Academy and Bleecker streets. There in the autumn of 1867 was completed the present handsome and commodious structure. On the 13th of July, 1867, Mr. Heffron resigned his position as sup erintendent of schools, after a period of seventeen years of faithful ser vice, and was succeeded by Andrew McMillan. The latter was a man whose natural and acquired qualifications made him pre eminent for the position, and under his watchful care and unremitting labor the schools of Utica rapidly advanced to their present high standing. His annual reports, published since 1868 are at the service of all interested persons and are model works of their kind. In May, 1869, St. Patrick's Parochial school, occupying a brick build ing on Columbia street, was organized as one of the city public schools. In 1870 the commissioners purchased the Welsh Congregational church and remodeled it for school purposes, and in 1870 and '71 the large brick school building, corner of Miller and Leah streets, was erected, 352 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The Union Street school was erected in 1874. The Court Street school house was enlarged in 1878 to double its former capacity' and otherwise improved. The following year the Lansing Street school house was similarly enlarged and improved. In 1880 a new and commodious school building was erected on the corner of James and Kemble streets. To accommodate the increasing population in the eastern part of the city a school site extending from Blandina street to Mary street, near Jefferson avenue, was purchased in 1879. Thereon was erected in 1881 one of the finest brick school structures in Central New York. In 1888 tho old landmark known as the Washington Street school was sold and the proceeds devoted to building the spacious brick and stone structure on Whitesboro street, known as school No. 1 8. Faxton Hall, in which Faxton school is located, was built in 1868. Mary street school was erected in 1882-83; school No. 19 in 1892; school No, 20 in 1893; and school No. 21 in 1896. Prof. Andrew McMillan resigned at the close of the school year 1892 and George Griffith, Ph. D., the present efficient superintendent, suc ceeded to the position. The present (1896) Board of School Commis sioners consists of Horatio S. Moore, chairman ; John E. Carberry, John B. Jones, John E. Brandegee, John C. Schreiber, and John H. Siemers. George C. Sawyer, A. B., is principal of the academy and Herbert J. Pease is principal of the Advanced school. About 190 teachers are employed in all the schools of the city. Libraries. — The first public library in the village was incorporated March 5, 1825, undor the title of the Utica Library, and was opened in the following July with 1, 100 books. It was owned by shareholders and controlled by a board of twelve trustees. There were 400 shares, of three dollars each. The librarian was Justus Rathbone, who attended for the drawing of books once in each week. Within a few years the number of volumes increased to 2,500, and the library was removed from Mr. Rathbone's office on Broad street to the Mechanics' Association Building. No record of this library exists after 1837. When in the year 1838 $55,000 of the income of the U. S. Deposit Fund was directed to be distributed to the school districts of this State for the purchase of library books, Utica received her share, and a free library was established. By legislative act of 1 842 this library was placed THE CITY OF UTICA. 353 under the control of the school commissioners. Their first report showed 1,700 volumes on hand. The library was located over the Central N.Y.' Bank on Franklin Square, and Francis Grosvenor was the first librarian and continued to act until 185 1. In 1865 the library had 4,000 vol umes ; in 1868, 5,000; in 1873, about 6, OOO. In 1856 the library was removed with the Superintendent's office to the City Hall building where it remained until the completion of the present library building in 1878. This building stands on Elizabeth street, and is admirably adapted to its purposes. By a bequest by Theodore S. Faxton made in 1 88 1 the library came into possession of $2,500 for the purchase of additional books. In 1885 the librarian's report showed that there were on the shelves a little over 10,000 volumes In the present year (1896) this number has increased to over 21,500. The Press of Utica. — The first newspaper printed west of Albany in this State or in Oneida county was the Whitestown Gazette, which be gan July 11, 1793, in New Hartford- The publication was suspended in the following winter but was resumed in May, 1796, William McLean being its printer and shortly afterward its proprietor. In July, 1798, he moved his office to Utica and changed the title of the paper to the Whitestown Gazette & Cato's Patrol. The second paper in the county was the Western Centinel, first issued in January, 1794, in Whitesboro; it was discontinued a few years later. In February, 1 804, Mr. McLean sold his paper to John H. Lothrop, who changed its name to the Patriot, and one year later to the Utica Patriot, which title it retained until 1 8 16. William H. Maynard succeeded Mr. Lothrop as editor and pro prietor in 18 1 1. On January 1, 1815, Seward & Williams began the publication at Utica of the Patrol, which was united with the Patriot January 2, 18 16, under the name of the Utica Patriot and Patrol. It was issued semi- weekly for about a year, and then weekly until 1821. The prospectus gives the proprietors as Asahel Seward, William H. Maynard, and William Williams. The Utica Sentinel appeared in place of the Patriot and Patrol on March 31, 182 1. This change in the name was brought about through an alteration in the politics of the editor who abandoned the Clintonian party. The Sentinel announced that it was " printed by Ira Merrill for William Williams editor and proprie tor." The establishment was sold to Samuel D, Dakin and William G, 45 354 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Bacon and by them united with the Columbian Gazette, May 6, 1825, under the title of the Utica Sentinel & Gazette. In 1828 S. D. Dakin became sole editor and owner, and in 1829 sold out to his printers, Northway & Porter. The paper was published semi- weekly until Jan uary, 1829. In 183 1 Rufus Northway became sole proprietor and The odore S. Gold succeeded Mr. Dakin as editor, continuing until the es tablishment of the daily paper in 1842. The Columbian Gazette, which was united with the Sentinel, was first issued in Rome, August 17, 1799, by Thomas Walker and Ebenezer Eton, under the title of the Colum bian Patriotic Gazette. It was removed to Utica March 21, 1803. In January, 1830, the American Citizen was united with the Sentinel and Gazette. On August 7, 1832, the Utica Intelligencer, started Febru ary 2, 1826, by William Tracy, also joined the Sentinel and Gazette. E. S. Ely and Joseph H. Buckingham were at different times editors of this paper. The American Citizen, just mentioned, first appeared June 8, 1 830, with George S. Wilson, editor and proprietor. The Eliicidator, Organ of the Anti-Masonic party, was started August 7, 1829, by Be riah B. Hotchkin, who edited the paper until January 1, 1833, when he was succeeded by Samuel P. Lyman. William Williams became pro prietor of the paper January 1, 1830. It was consolidated with the Sen tinel and Gazette May 20, 1834, under the name of the Oneida Whig, " R. Northway, printer and publisher." The Whig was published by Mr. Northway and his associates until October 12, 1853, when it was sold to Lyon & Arthur, J. M. Lyon, editor, and the name changed to the Weekly Gazette. On July 25, 1856, it was transferred to N. D. Jewell, C. J. Radford, editor, and called the Weekly Gazette and Courier, con tinuing thus to January, 29, 1867, when its subscription list passed into possession of Ellis H. Roberts, purchaser of the Utica Daily Gazette, with which it had been associated since 1842. , The Utica Daily Gazette was the first daily paper published in Utica, excepting the Morning News, which lived about three months in 1842 under management of Lyon & Arthur. The Daily Gazette was started by Rufus Northway, proprietor of the Oneida Whig, February 4, 1842, Richard U. Shearman was editor the first year and was succeeded by Ezekiel Bacon for about two months. Alexander Seward became editor and joint proprietor May 1, 1843, and under the firm name of R. North- E. PRENTISS BAILEY. THE CITY OF UTICA. 355 way & Co. it was published until the fall of 1853. Dr. H. C. Potter, who was associate editor from November 1, 1847, and sole editor from May 1, to September 23, 1850, became part proprietor with Northway & Seward on the latter date. The establishment was sold to Lyon & Arthur October 12, 1853, and J. M. Lyon became editor. N. D. Jewell bought them out July 25, 1856, and continued the publication with C. J. Radford, editor, until January 29, 1857, when the name and good will was purchased by Ellis H. Roberts and united with the Morning Herald. Meanwhile in November, 1847, the publication of the Oneida Morn ing Herald had been begun by Robert W. Roberts, .Richard U. Shear man and Edwin R. Colston. The last named withdrew in 1848 and Mr. Shearman in 185 1, when Ellis H. Roberts became editor and proprietor, a position which he capably filled until 1872. In that year he associ ated with himself his nephew, H. L. Roberts, and S. N. D. North, under the firm name of Ellis H. Roberts & Co. Mr. North withdrew from the firm in 1885. Financial difficulties accumulating through a series of years culminated in 1890, in the appointment of a receiver for the pub lishers of the Herald, Mr. Roberts, then assistant U. S. treasurer of New York, being agreed upon for that position. The affairs of the old firm were soon adjusted and in October, 1890, the plant was sold to the Utica Herald Publishing Co., which was organized with Joseph R. Swan, pres ident; Titus Sheard, of Little Falls, vice-president, and Fred H. Wienke, secretary. The latter was made business manager, and John H. Cun ningham, editor. Throughout all its changes and embarrassments the Herald has retained its distinction as one of the leading Republican or gans of this State and has given entire satisfaction to its large Central New York constituency. The first number of the Utica Observer, long one of the strongest and most popular Democratic daily journals in the State, was first issued by Eliasaph Dorchester January 27, 18 17. Within two years thereafter the paper was transferred to Rome and its name changed to the Oneida Observer ; but it soon returned to Utica and resumed its former title. The burning of the Observer files renders it impossible to give a detailed history of the early life of the paper. Between 1820 and i860 such men as Augustine G. Dauby, C. C. Griffiths, E. A. Maynard, John P. Bush, John F. Kittle, Arthur M. Beardsley, Joseph 356 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. M. Lyon and Dewitt C. Grove were successfully connected with its management. Mr. Grove was sole owner of the Observer from 1853 to 1867, was mayor of Utica at the^ time of the breaking out of the Rebellion and was a prominent factor in city affairs. He came to the Observer through its consolidation with the Utica Democrat in 1852. The Democrat was started by John G. Floyd in 1836 and was success fully edited and published by Edward Morrin, Jarvis M. Hatch, Ben jamin Welch, jr., Welch & Grove and Dewitt C. Grove. The new firm of Lyon & Grove came to an early, end in 1853, Mr. Lyon retiring, and John B. Miller was employed as editor for several years. Mr. Grove then became editor and so remained until 1883, his connection with the paper covering a period of thirty years. During all that period saving a part of the first year, E. Prentiss Bailey was associated with him edi torially and became his business partner in 1867. Several years later the firm of Grove & Bailey was succeeded by a corporation with a capital stock of $84,000. The ownership remained the same except that Theodore P. Cook was admitted as stockholder and trustee. So it remained until ill health compelled the retirement of Mr. Grove, whose shares was purchased by Mr. Bailey and the corporation title changed to E. P. Bailey & Co.; at the same time Thomas E. Clarke was ad- mitte as part owner. The entire Observer plant, with about $1,000,- OOO worth of surrounding property, was destroyed by fire March 2, 1884. The loss to the corporation was a heavy one, but it resulted in their building on Franklin street their present handsome and commo dious structure, which contains a modern newspaper plant, perfect in all its features and equipped to produce the large edition which goes daily out to the Observer's constituents. The first number of the Utica Daily Press was issued March 13, 1872, by a combination of practical printers, who had joined in a strike in the Herald office. It was first published in a job printing office on Colum bia street, but a few days later removed to an office of its own on Seneca street. In the following May another removal was made to No, 7 Broad street, whence it went into its new building, No. 7 Main street, in November, 1891. After various changes in the stockholders anew company was organized in February, 1883, including some of the lead ing and professional men of the city. In February, 1885, a majority of GEORGE E. DUNHAM. A. M. DICKINSON. THE CITY OF UTICA. 357 the stock passed to Otto A. Meyer and George E, Dunham, the latter being made president and the former secretary and treasurer. At this time F. A. Eastman, who had edited the paper about two years, re signed, and Mr. Dunham, who had previously acted as city editor, took the chair. Mr. Meyer continued as business manager, a position which he had already held about two years, and F. W. Bensberg became a stockholder and took charge of the mechanical department. The Press is independent in politics, enterprising in the quest of news, is ably edited throughout and has from the . first enjoyed an excep tionally large circulation. Its new building is a model of its kind and is equipped with a first-class modern newspaper plant; The Sunday Tribune was founded in May, 1877, by Dennis T. Kelly and T. F. Baker. It was the first- Sunday publication in the city and was successful from the start. The present proprietor, H. E. Deven- dorf, became interested in the fall of 1877 and sole owner in 1883. Early in 1878 the office was removed to the corner of Broad and John streets, where the facilities of the establishment were soon outgrown. Later it was moved to its present quarters in Broad street. The Utica Saturday Globe was founded May 21, 1881, by William T. and Thomas F. Baker. The circulation grew so rapidly that en larged quarters were obtained three times before its permanent home in Whitesboro street was built in 1886 Two enlargements- were neces sary here, the first in 1887, and the second in 1892, each doubling the former capacity. Since the completion of the last the. Globe doubtless occupies more room than that devoted exclusively to the publication of any newspaper in the State. It is probably the best and most complete newspaper plant in the State outside of New York city, among its equipment being a new multi-colored press,' set up in 1896. The cir culation during 1891 averaged' 165,354 copies and on occasions has risen to 269,175 and 268,536. A. M. Dickinson is managing editor; associate editors, Timothy H. Sweeney, Hugh P. McCabe. Fred G. Reusswig, Byron B. Merrill, and five assistants. x The Utica Daily Union was first issued October 12, 1895, by an as sociation of fifteen persons, thirteen of whom were printers from other papers. The corporation was known as the Union Publishing Company of Utica, Andrew Keiner being president, Enoch M. Chase, secretary, 358 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and E. L. Mainwaring, treasurer and general manager. It was the first one- cent paper started in Utica. The Utica Sunday Journal was started October 14, 1894, by the Journal Publishing Company, consisting of John A. Neyenhouse, John M. Dolan, and Thomas D. Cahill. Measures were adopted in 1853 to establish a paper in Utica for the German element. Charles Bierbauer, Frank Sang, John Hahn, J. W. Wasmer, A. Brendle, Joseph Leutheuser, Joseph Faass, Paul Keiser, Fred Koelbel and others formed a stock company and started a paper called the Central New York Demokrat. The first printers were two men from New York city, named Timm and Brand, and Dr. Soden was the first editor. The paper was issued twice each week and after about two years passed to possession of Paul Keiser, who changed its name to the Oneida Demokrat. J. C. Schreiber became the editor under Paul Keiser's management in i860, the paper then being a weekly. In 1865 Mr. Schreiber bought the establishment and made the paper again a semi- weekly. He changed the name to its present title, The Utica Deutsche Zeitung and Oneida Demokrat and later issued it three times a week. On April 1, 1891, the establishment passed into the control of a stock company of which Mr. Schreiber was president and John C. Fulmer secretary and treasurer. The paper has been ably con ducted and widely read by the Germans The Utica Volksblatt was started by the present editor and proprie tor, Henry Kruempel, on September 6, 1887. It is issued weekly, and is the only German Republican newspaper in Oneida county. Y Drych (The Mirror), the only Welsh weekly newspaper in the United States (1896), is published in Utica, by Thomas J. Griffiths, at 131 Genesee street. The paper was started in New York city in 1851 by J. M. Jones, who conducted it until 1854, when he sold it to a com pany, and the late John W. Jones was employed as its editor. After a time the editor became the proprietor. He moved the paper to Utica about i860, and this city has since been its home. The late J. Mather Jones purchased it not long after its removal, and John W. Jones re tained the position as editor and T. B Morris was associated with him. The journal gained popularity rapidly, and was widely circulated among the Welsh people. In 1869 J. Mather Jones and John W. Jones went THE CITY OF UTICA. 359 to Arvonia, Kansas, to establish a Welsh settlement there, and J. C. Roberts came on from New York in March of that year to manage the paper, which position he has since retained Mr. Morris remained to assist him for a„while, but soon went to Scranton, Pa., to edit the Baner America. John W. Jones made a short stay in Kansas, and returning- continued his connection with the paper. He was often absent for ex tended periods. He made several trips to the old country, though up to the time of his death, which occurred in October, 1884, he was em ployed on the paper and wrote for it. He was a prominent man among the Welsh. With them he was very popular and by them he was much respected. J. Mather Jones remained in Kansas from 1869 to 1872, and continued to own Y Drych till his death, in December, 1874, when the paper passed into the hands of T. J. Griffiths, who is now its enter prising and successful proprietor. Joseph W. Nichols was associated with Mr. Roberts for about eight months in 1870; then G. H. Hum phrey for some years from 1885 ; and now (1896) Benjamin F. Lewis, late of the Utica Herald. In 1877 Mr. Griffiths bought the Baner America, which had been running nine years and had a circulation of about 2,000. In 1890 he bought Y Warg (The Press) which had been published in Pittsburg since 1871 ; and in 1894 the Columbia (started in Chicago, 1888), was' merged in Y Drych, which is now alone in the field with a circulation of about 12,000 It aims to be a family paper. It has all the Welsh news carefully edited and condensed. Contributions are frequently sent in and the best are published. Editorial comment on current events is provided, and in short, it is made just such a paper as pleases all who can read Welsh Y Drych has the largest circulation in Penn sylvania, and other States follow in this order : Ohio, Wisconsin, New York, Vermont, Kansas, Illinois, and so on through the list, for there is no State nor Territory that is without at least a few copies of Y Drych. It goes wherever there are any Welshmen. Y Cyfaill (The Friend), a Calvanistic monthly magazine, founded in 1857, has been published by J. C. Griffiths from the office of Y Drych since i860. It is printed in Welsh. Y. Wawr, a Baptist monthly magazine, was established in January, 1876, by Rev. Owen Griffiths, the present editor. 360 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The Cambrian, a monthly magazine published in English in the in terests of Welsh Americans, was started in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1880, and moved to Utica in December, 1886. This and Y Wawr are printed by J. C. Griffiths. ' • The Utica Advocate, weekly, was started by Horton & Deane in 1894 and is now published by Bantham, Folkes & Co. Besides the foregoing there are or have been several publications in Utica with special purposes. The Church Eclectic, a monthly maga zine of church literature, was formed March 1, 1873, by Rev. W. T. Gibson, D.D., then rector of St. George's Church. A monthly paper called the Christian Worker is issued by the Women's Christian Association, and devoted to the interests of charities of the city. The Gospel Messenger, organ of the Episcopal church in Western New York, was founded in 1827 in Auburn by Dr. John Churchill Rudd. About the year 1846 Dr. Rudd removed with his paper to Utica, where he died April 15, 1848. Bishop De Lancey succeeded to the ownership and turned it over to Rev. Dr. William A. Matson as editor and proprietor who continued down to i860. Rev. William T. Gibson, D.D., then assumed the same position, which he continued until January, 1872. The new diocese of Central New York having been set off in 1868, the Gospel Messeuger was removed in January, 1872, to Syracuse, was merged with the Church Journal in November of that year, which a few years later was in turn merged in the present Churchman. The American Journal of Insanity was founded in what is now the Utica State Hospital in 1844 and has been continued under the offices of the various superintendents until the present time. The Evening Telegraph was founded as an independent daily paper May 1, 1 85 1, by T. R. McQuade & Co., the company being James Mc- Iver, who was editor. He was succeeded in 1856 by James McQuade, who acted until 1861 and was followed by Henry W. Chase. In the fall of 1863 the paper v/as purchased by F. A. Crandall, who soon sold out to D. C. Ritchie. ^ The publication ceased its existence in 1865. Other publications, which had a brief existence were, the Christian Magazine, 1814-15, published by Congregational and Presbyterian THE CITY OF UTICA. 361 ministers; The Christian Repository, 1822-28, a monthly printed by William Williams; The Western Recorder, 1823-28, published by Mer rell & Hastings ; The Baptist Register, a weekly started by Rev. E. F. Willey and Elon Galusha and removed in 1855 to New York city; The Utica Evangelical Magazine, later called the Magazine and Advocate, edited by Adolphas Skinner in behalf of Universalism, 1827-31 ; The Western Sunday School Visitant, 1826-28; The Friend of Man ; The Teetotaler; The Mechanics' Press ; The Uticanian ; The Mothers' Magazine, 1833; The Club, by Henry Goodfellow, 1814-15 ; The Woman's Era, started by Charles M. Curry and M. Stanislaus Murphy in May, 1895, and published by them until April, 1896; and the Parish Record, issued by Trinity Church. Banking and Manufactures. — It is an acknowledged fact that the city of.Utica of to-day rests upon a financial foundation more stable and sound than those of the majority of the large communities of the coun ¦ try. This position has not been reached, however, without bitter lessons of experience, struggles to avert disaster, and periods of monetary stringency that threatened to overwhelm the business .of the place From the consequences of the well known financial " panics," as they are called, which have afflicted the country, Utica has suffered more than many of her sister cities. There are good reasons for this, and they lie chiefly in the facts that apart from her location in the midst of • a rich agricultural region, she possesses no natural sources of wealth, and that she has no large water power, from which in early years might have been cheaply developed a large manufacturing industry. J The beginning of banking operations in Utica dates from the arrival of Montgomery Hunt in 1 809, who was sent hither by the Manhattan Bank of New York to organize a branch of that institution. This he did and began business in a small building standing back from the west line of Hotel street, a little south of Whitesboro. In July, 1809, the lot on the corner of those streets was purchased and a brick bank building erected. Mr. Hunt's only associate was Henry B. Gibson, who acted as teller and bookkeeper. The institution existed until 1 8 1 8 and appears to have been prosperous. 1 Until after about 1845 there were almost no manufacturing operations in Utica, while Whites- town, New Hartford, Clinton, Paris, Oriskany, and Waterville were the sites of flourishing estab lishments. 46 362 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Iu February, 181 1, a call was published for those interested in a bank in Utica to meet at the hotel. This step resulted in the incorporation of a Bank of Utica,1 June i, 1812, which began business on the 8th of the following December, on the west side of Genesee street; in 1813 it was removed to the brick building on Whitesboro street, next east of the hotel, and there remained until February, 1854, when it was removed to its present location. The capital stock was placed at $1,000,000, but in reality it did not exceed $600,000 and on the renewal of its charter in 1832 it was fixed at the latter sum. Since the expiration of the sec ond charter in 1850 the business has been carried oh by an association under the State law. The presidents of this bank have been James S. Kip, a part of one year; Henry Huntington, until 1845 i Thomas Walker, until June, 1863; Benjamin N. Huntington, until 1876; when Publius V. Rogers, then cashier, was chosen president. On his death in July, 1895, Charles B. Rogers succeeded to the office. On the first of September, 1865, this bank was organized under the national system, becoming the First National Bank of Utica. The Oneida National Bank was incorporated May 13, 1836, and be gan business in November of the same year with a capital stock of $400,000. Augustine G. Dauby was the first president and Kellogg Hurlburt the first cashier. The stock of the bank was in great demand and subscriptions to the amount of about $1,000,000 were soon made." On Sunday night, November 20, 1 836, preceding the morning proposed for opening business the bank was robbed of $108,000 in cash and $8,500 in drafts. The theft was perpetrated in the early morning after the watchman had gone home. The two thieves went to Canada where they purchased farms and other property. They were subsequently arrested ; one of them was convicted and about $50,000 in property was recovered. Though this loss was a severe one, the bank made a redis tribution of stock and soon became financially strong. On the ist of July, 1865, it went under the national system, becoming the Oneida National Bank. Succeeding Mr. Dauby, who held the office of presi- 1 Timothy O. Grannis came to Utica and about 1832 entered the Bank of Utica as clerk, after wards rising to the ppsition of teller. In 1838 the Bank of Central New York was organized and Mr. Grannis acted as teller and later as cashier. July 1, 1863, the T. O. Grannis & Co. Bank was opened to business, at first under a State charter and later as a private institution. Mr. Grannis was a worthy and enterprising citizen, was long connected with Trinity church and later with Grace church and was alderman in 1849. He died May 19, 1883. Ingbi/M.WittaimSBroUT %MM^ THE CITY OF UTICA. 363 dent only about three months, Alfred Munson was chosen in December, 1836, and continued until his death, May 6, 1854. Charles A. Mann succeeded, continuing to his death, January 20, i860. In June of that year James Sayre was chosen ; he died April 24, 1877, and on the 6th of July following A. J. Williams was elected, and held the office until his death in August, 1888. In November of that year R. S. Williams was elected and still holds the position. The handsome bank building owned by the institution was erected in 1 886-87. The legislative act incorporating the Utica City Bank bears date April 8, 1838, but the organization was not effected until September 1, 1848. The original capital was $125,000, which was increased May 1 1, 1849, by $75,000, and in January, 1888, was raised to $400,000; the bank began business at 37 Genesee street. In 1862 property on the corner of Genesee and Catherine streets was purchased and the next year a suitable building was erected. This was burned in the destructive fire of March 2, 1884. Temporary quarters were then occupied until May, 1885, when it removed to its present building. In May, 1865, the bank was reorganized under the national system.. Hiram Denio was its first president and was succeeded, Septembers, 1859, by Jared E. Warner; he resigned January 10, 1878, and was succeeded by Isaac Maynard, who died February 23, 1885. February 7 of that year Charles S. Symonds, the present incumbent, was elected. The Oneida County Bank1 was organized in 1853 with a capital of $125,000, which has always remained the same, and began business in its present quarters. The first president was Ira B. Cary, who died in 1855, and was succeeded by Judge Charles H. Doolittle, who served u til his death in 1874. In June of that year Francis Kernan was elected and held the office until August 2, 1887, when John Milton Butler was chosen. Mr. Butler came to Utica to enter this bank in 1853 and was made its cashier in 1855. The institution has always maintained its credit and has passed through the various financial panics almost unscathed. 1 Stephen Sicard, born in New York in 1835, was reared in Utica and from 1854 to 1865 was in the Oneida Bank as clerk and later as teller. In the latter year he became a member of the firm of H. H. Hurd & Co., wholesale grain dealers, in which he continued to his death, November. 5, 1890. He was secretary of the board of trustees of the Female Academy, at one time was cap tain of the Citizens Corps, and for many years was director of the Oneida Bank. 364 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The Second National Bank' was incorporated December 10, 1863, and began business at 75 Genesee street in February, 1864. The first officers were William J. Bacon, president; Theodore S. Faxton, vice- president ; William D. Hamlin, cashier. A few months later Mr. Fax- ton was chosen president and held the office until his death in 1881 ; he was succeeded by Edward S. Brayton, who continued until his death in 1887. William M. White was then elected to the office and. held it until his death in January, 1896, when Thomas R. Proctor was chosen. J. R. Swan is vice president and D. A. Avery, cashier. The original capital stock was $300,000 and has always remained the same. In 1 82 1 the Legislature granted a charter for "A Bank for Savings in the City of Utica." No further action was taken until 1839, when, on the 26th of July, a charter was granted to the Savings Bank of Utica. The institution was promptly organized and began business on May 18 of that year in the office of Nicholas Devereux. The charter limited the deposits to $500,000 and each depositor $2,000. John C. Devereux was elected -president, Thomas Walker, vice-president, and Stalham Williams, secretary. At the second meeting May 8, 1839, a c°de of by-laws was adopted, and Mr. Williams was appointed treasurer of the bank, an office which he held thirty-four years, until his death in 1873 at the age of ninety- nine and one- half years. In 1842 an act was passed authorizing the bank to loan $5,000 on personal security instead of $3,000 and another act of i860 extended the limit of deposits to $1,000,000. This amount was increased in 1864 to $2,000,000; in 1869 to $3,000,000, and in 1871 to $5,000,000. The Central City Savings Institution was incorporated June 20, 185 1, and failed in 1873. The National Savings Bank of Utica incorporated March 22, 1865, was merged later with a branch of the People's Safe Deposit and Savings Institution of the State of New York, incorporated May 14, 1868. This institution became bankrupt early in 1872. The failure of the two institutions caused some distrust among the depositors of the Savings Bank of Utica, which culminated in a run on the bank in the latter part 1 George R. Thomas, son of Daniel Thomas of Utica, was born January 8, 1823. After being employed in several banks, the longest in the Rome Bank, where he was teller and cashier until the expiration of its charter, he settled in Utica in 1864, and with E. S. Brayton and others organ ized the Second National Bank and was cashier until his death, July 25, 1887. Through the confi dence reposed in him he filled many positions of financial trust. THE CITY OF UTICA. 365 of December of that year ; this run continued for about twenty days and during a portion of the time was heavy, but when it ended the institu tion had on hand in its vault about $500,000 in currency. Since that time the policy of this bank has been to exclude the deposit of moneys held for business and commercial purposes. In 1851 the store on the east side of Genesee street, near the corner of Bleecker, was taken by the bank and used until 1869, when it was sold and the lot corner Genesee and Fayette streets was purchased and the handsome bank building, since occupied, was erected thereon. The presidents of the bank have been John C. Devereux, Thomas Walker, Hiram, Denio, Edmund A. Wetmore, Hon. William J. Bacon, Ephraim Chamberlain, and since the latter's death in September, 1895, William Blaikie. Rufus P. Birds.eye has been treasurer and secretary of the board of trustees since Decem ber, 1894, succeeding Addison C. Miller. A. D. Mather & Co.(Asaph D. Mather and Joshua Mather) established a private banking house in Utica in March, 1866 ; the business was continued until the death of A. D. Mather in April 8, 1880, when the firm was constituted of Joshua and Charles W. Mather. The business continued as a private bank to 1 890, when it was organized as a State bank with a capital of $200,000. Joshua Mather was made president, Charles W. Mather, vice-president, Eduard Bushinger, cashier. At the present time Charles W. Mather is president, William C. Marsh, vice- president, and Eduard Bushinger, cashier. The Commercial Travelers' Mutual Accident Association of America, with headquarters in Utica, was incorporated March 19, 1883, the founder being Edward Trevvett, who drafted its constitution and by laws, and who has served as the secretary and treasurer since July, 1883. Henry D. Pixley has been its only president. This is the largest acci dent association, in the world of a distinct class of men, all its members being or having been bona fide commercial travelers. The Homestead Aid Association of Utica was founded by the late Edward Curran in February, 1884, and represents assets aggregating more than half a million dollars. Mr. Curran was its president until his death in June, 1894. In January, 1895, George D. Dimon, then vice- president, was elected president, and he was succeeded in January, 1896, by Hon. Watson T. Dunmore. The association has an invested capital of nearly $700,000. 366 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. MANUFACTURES. . Utica during much of its history has been noted for its manufactures. Its situation near the head of Mohawk navigation and its consequent convenience as a place for the receipt and distribution of goods from the east, and the return of the products of agriculture from a rich and wide reach of country gave it a start as a fit place for commerce. And in commerce its people were largely employed. But the lack of water power suitable for the driving of factories and mills, at a period when such power was wholly relied on, forbade that its industry and its cap ital should be directed to manufacturing. There were of course the usual complement of shoe shops, tin shops, chair, cabinet and wagon makers. There were tanners, iron founders, and nail makers. To wider and more aspiring methods of gain, and pending the period of the more developed uses of steam, Utica was by its site wholly denied. Among its business men there has never been alack of enterprise, but its manifestations were seen in the conduct of each one's private affairs. As wealth increased other fields were sought wherein to invest the sur plus products of industry ; and with thought and hands busy at home, capitalists have added to their store while helping to build up towns at a distance in which they had small cause for personal concern. Nearer home they shared in the stock of some of the mills of the Sauquoit, and when in 1810 a factory was projected at Oriskany, over one-third of its subscribers, representing one-fifth of the capital, were dwellers in Utica, the bulk of the capital having been obtained at the east. Space can be spared here for only a brief record of the founding of some of the important manufacturing industries of the village and city as follows : The Oneida Glass Company, incorporated in February, 1809, with a capital of $100,000. The works were located at Vernon, but the cap ital was mostly from Utica. The factory was operated with moderate success until 1836, when the company closed its affairs. In 1820 Seth Peckham of Troy began the manufacture of plows and other implements on Catherine street. This was the nucleus of the later large stove foundry of J. S. & M. Peckham,1 now conducted by ' John S. Peckham, born in Rensselaer county October 3, 1803, lived in Utica from his youtH. In 1828 he succeeded to the plow factory of his uncle, Seth Peckham. In 1835 he, with his half; ED.VIUND MUNSON. THE CITY OF UTICA. 367 Edwin arid Frank Peckham and W. C. Walker. Another foundry was started, in- 1 822. by Ephraim Hart which was the parent of the large establishment now under the management of H. Gilbert Hart, grandson of Ephraim, and Clarence B. Crouse.' A grist mill, was started, using the current of the Mohawk River, in 1823 ; the second grist mill, known as the City Mill, to be supplemented with power from the waste water from the canal, was built not long afterward.by Rutger B. Miller. What is known as the Central New York Pottery, Charles N. White, manager, is descended from two industries in that line, one founded by Justin Campbell, in 1826, and the other by Brayton, Kellogg & Doolittle in the following year. The latter was soon after leased by Noah White, who subsequently purchased it From him it passed to' his son> Nich olas A. White,»and thence to the latter's son, Charles N. White. The present large establishment of Munson Bros,, foundry, machine shops and manufacturers of mill machinery, had its origin in 1823, when Alfred Munson began the manufacture of buhr mill stones on the corner of Hotel and Liberty streets. In 1830 Martin Hart became a partner in the business and several years later this firm dissolved and a new one was formed by Alexander B. Hart and Edmund Munson. This firm was succeeded by Munson Bros, in 1868.2 The Vulcan Works, now the Utica Steam Engine and Boiler Works, was erected "in 1832 by Philo C. Curtis, father of Philo S. About three years later the business passed out of his hands, but came back' to him in 1861. One year later Philo S. Curtis bought out his father. brother, Merritt, formed the firm of J. S. & M. Peckham, which continued a successful business until his death. May 2, 1879. He was a Whig and a Republican in politics, possessed an active public spirit and. labored in many ways for the advancement of the city. The Utica Mechanics Association, the Art Association and other institutions were largely indebted to him for such prosperity as they enjoyed." 1 Henry R, Hart, son of Ephraim and a partner with him in the iron foundry, was well known for his activity in promoting the welfare of public institutions, his generosity and genial person ality. He was captain of the Citizens Corps and active in the Mechanics Association and in the Pire Department. He died in 1868, aged fifty-seven years. 2 Edmund Munson, born in Litchfield county, Conn., May 2, 1805, learned the milling business with his father, and in 1829 built a flouring mill with four pairs of French Buhr stones made by himself. In 1835 he settled in Utica and was employed by his uncle, Alfred Munson, as superin tendent of his business. In 1847, with Alexander C. Hart, he formed the firm of Hart & Munson, mill furnishers, which continued until 1869, '¦when it was exchanged for one with three sons, con tinuing until his death, March 14, 1872. Mr. Munson secured several valuable patents for devices in connection with his business, A sketch ot him appears on a subsequent page of this volume. 368 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The first planing mill in Utica was started by Philo C. Curtis, which soon passed to Chauncey Palmer and Lewis Lawrence. In 1834 they began making sash, doors and blinds by steam power. These articles had already been produced by Truman B. Dixon, using horse power. The business of Palmer & Lawrence passed to Downer & Kellogg and later to Mr. Kellogg alone, the present firm being Charles C. Kellogg & Sons Co Other lumber working establishments were those of Met- calf & Dering, started in 1861, and of Edward F. Downer & Son. The manufacture of oil cloth1 has long been carried on in Utica, hav ing been started in 1832. by J. D. Edwards; it soon passed to Dr. Theodore Pomeroy and Thomas R. Walker and later to Theodore and George D. Pomeroy, son and grandson of the original proprietor. The manufacture of ready made clothing in Utica began about 1836 by James B. Martin and was continued later by the brothers Yates, whose sister Martin married This industry has since been represented by such establishments as that of William Taylor & Co., successors to the Yates business ; Rockwell, Rhodes & Miller, successors to the busi ness of Henry J. Wood ; Roberts, Butler & Co., successors to the busi ness started by Charles A. Yates ; Owen, Pixley & Co , succeeding P. V. Kellogg & Co. ; the firm of Owen, Pixley & Co , dissolved in 188$ and in its place were organized the firms of H. D. PixleyN& Son and Owen Bros., both extensive manufacturers. Other large establishments were H. H. Cooper & Co., Crouse & Brandegee, Utica Clothing Co. The decade between 1840 and 1850 saw an awakening of the indus trial spirit in Utica. A company to operate the Utica Steam Woolen Mills was organized February 27, 1846; the property passed to A. T. Stewart of New York city under judgment sale in 1869. After a long and successful existence the business was closed up in December, 1877. What is now the Globe Woolen Mills originated as the Utica Globe Mills, in 1847. After various vicissitudes this great establishment passed' under the management of Robert Middleton in 1857 and an era of prosperity began. The capital, which was $70,000 at first, was in- 1 William B, Jackson, a native of Westport, Conn., began business life in New York city and in 1852, on account of ill health settled in Forestport, where he carried on a lumber business. In 1864 he removed to Utica, and for about ten years was a partner with Theodore Pomeroy in the manufacture of oil cloths. He was a director in the Second National Bank, trustee of St. Luke's and Faxton Hospitals and a warden in Grace church. He died December 28, 1890. iTm.huEQ Wfflums tBro.0 THE CITY OF UTICA. 369 creased in 1868 from its earnings to $300,000. In 1886 a large worsted mile was added to the plant. In the height of its prosperity this mill has employed about 1000 operatives, and has manufactured the finest cloths made in this country. The Utica Steam Cotton Mills were established in February, 1848, under an agreement dated January 11, 1847, made by the following persons as trustees : Theodore S. Faxton, Silas D. Childs, Alfred Mun son, Charles A. Mann, Edmund A. Graham, Andrew S. Pond and Horatio Seymour. The first mill was erected in 1848 and in 1850 be gan the manufacture of wide cotton goods.1 The lower mill was erected and put in operation in 1870 and the No. 3 Mill, which is connected with No. 1, in 1880-81. Extensive additions and improvements were made in 1890-91. The Mohawk Valley Cotton Mills, established in 1880 for the manu facture of sheetings different in texture from those made by the fore going mills, are under the same executive management as the Utica Steam Cotton Mills. The capital stock is $500,000. The Skenandoa Cotton Company was organized in 1882 with a capi tal stock of $200,000, which was afterwards increased to $300,000 and later to $600,000. The plant is a large one, having a spindlage of about 55,000, and about 500 operatives are employed in the manufac ture of hosiery yarns. Othermanufacturingindustries2in the city worthyof mention, but which can only be alluded to in the briefest manner, are the following: The 1 William Wolcott settled in Utica about 1840, coming from Whitesboro, where he located in 1811 when seventeen years old. He early displayed unusual business talent and was a long time general agent and superintendent of the factory of the Oneida Manufacturing Society. He was associated in business with Benjamin S. Wolcott, his brother, in the New York Mills, and after coming to Utica superintended the building of the Utica Steam Cotton Mills, one of the best of its kind in the country. He was thirty years a director of the Bank of Utica, was a director of the Savings Bank, a director of the aforementioned mills, and a member and elder in the Reformed church. He died November 8, 1859. 2 John G. Marklove, an English organ builder, came to New York city in 1850 and thence to Utica. He thoroughly understood his trade and successfully carried on a manufactory of excel lent organs. He was drowned at Scarboro, Me., August 21, 1891. Edward D. Buckingham, born at Saybrook, Conn., February 22, 1818, learned the trade of cabinetmaking, at which he worked in various places and finally in Waterville in this county. There he established a piano factory and made instruments which gained an excellent reputation. Failing in the financial crisis of 1857, he removed to Utica, bought the stock of William H. Dutton and was long a head of a successful music and art store. He was a public spirited citizen and influential in promoting the general welfare of the city. He died suddenly in May, 1891, 47 370 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Pheonix Iron works of Cyrus F. Palmer, started#in 1852 by his father Chauncey Palmer. The extensive foundry, stove and furnace manufac tory, founded by Joel C. Bailey1 about 1842 and now carried on by Russel Wheeler & Son. The Carton Furnace Company, manufacturer! of hot .air furnaces, invented by John Carton,2 who began their manu facture in 1847. The locomotive head light factory of I. A. William.' & Company, founded in 185 1 by Irvin A. Williams, patentee of the head light made by the firm. The Utica Steam Gauge Company, founded by E. A. Wood in 1861. The Utica Pipe Foundry Company, organized in 1889 under the presidency of Charles Millar for the manu facture of cast iron pipes,- etc. Mr. Millar is also at the head of a manufactory of lead pipes. The Utica Knitting Company, reorganized in December, 1891, to operate the works started in 1863 by S. S. & J. L. Lowery. This company manufactures exclusively childrens' knit underwear. Another manufactory similar in character to the above is that of Wild & Devereux, which firm was formed in 1874 and took the business formerly started by Charles Stewart and John Wild. The firm erected a new mill in 1880. The scotch cap factories of the Mohawk Valley Cap Factory Company (a business which was begun at New Hartford in 1868), the Empire Scotch Cap Factory, organized in 1887 by Bayliss and C. F. Crandall, and the A. V. Lynch Scotch Cap Fac tory, which began operations in 1885. The Utica Burial Case Com pany, incorporated in April, 1890, with a capital of $90,000. Besides these the manufacture of ladies' and misses' shoes is carried on quite extensively in Utica, and there is also a very extensive brewing inter est, with various other industries of a minor character. The following is a list of mayors of the city of Utica from its incor poration : 1 Joel C. Bailey, son of an early settler of Whitestown, located in Utica in 1842 and purchasec the Eagle Furnace on Columbia street. There alone and with his son-in-law, Russel Wheeler, hi manufactured stoves until his retirement in 1856. After the early failure of the Globe Woolei Mill, Mr. Bailey purchased it and became president of the company; he was also interested in thi steam woolen and the steam cotton mills. He was long a deacon and influential in the Bleecke: street Baptist church, and died February 23, 1882. 2 John Carton, a native of Dublin settled in Utica when twelve years old and learned the cop persmith's trade. He became a partner with O'Neil & Martin, continuing such-till 1845. He wa; afterwards in business alone and was very successful. He was a director in the Oneida Bank a trustee of the Savings Bank and of the Female Academy and was otherwise honored in varioui ways by his fellow citizens, ir-° T>y£ uW-Jbams iJlroKf a^^ iQRN 16 0 DIED 1590. THE CITY OF UTICA. 371 1833, Henry Seymour; 1834-5, Joseph Kirkland; 1836, John Ostrom; 1837, Theo dore S. Gold; 1838, Charles P. Kirkland; 1839-40, John C. Devereux; 1841, Spencer Kellogg; 1842, Horatio Seymour; 1843, Frederick Hollister;1 1844, Ward Hunt; 1845-46, E. A. Wetmore ; 1847, James Watson Williams ; 1848, Joshua A. Spencer, 1849-50, Thomas R. Walker; 1851-52, John E. Hinman; 1853 Charles H. Doolittle; 1854, John E. Hinman; 1855, Henry H. Pish; 1856-57, Alrick Hubbell; 1858-59, Roscoe Conkling; 1860, Calvin Hall; 1861-62, Dewitt C. Grove; 1863, Charles S. Wil son;8 1864, Theodore S. Faxton; 1865, John Butterfield; 1866, James McQuade 1867, Charles S. Wilson; 1868, J. Thomas Spriggs; 1869-70, Ephraim Chamberlain 1871, Miles C. Cumstock ; 1872, Theodore F. Butterfield ; 1873, Charles K. Grannis 1874, Theodore F. Sayre; 1875, Charles W. Hutchinson; 1876, Charles E. Barnard 1877, David H. Gaffin; 1878, James Benton; 1879, John Buckley; 1880, J. Thomas Spriggs; 1881, James Miller; 1882, Francis M. Burdick; 1883, Charles A. Doolittle; 1884, James S. Sherman; 1885-87, Thomas E. Kinney; 1888, Henry Martin; 1889, Samuel J. Barrows; 1890-91, 3 Alexander T. Goodwin; 1891-93, Thomas Wheeler; 1894-96, John C. Gibson. 1 A man who had a somewhat remarkable career between 1830 and 1850 was Frederick Hollis ter. From position of clerk in the drug store of John Williams he became his partner and later his successor. An active business ambition took Mr. Hollister outside of legitimate trade, and in 1840 he bought the mill of Isaac Mason at Chec.kerville; there he suffered loss by fire of about $40,000, but rebuilt with improvements. In 1842 he bought property at Clayville and built the Empire Mill; at these two points he expended nearly $500,000. His expectations were not realized, and in 1851 he failed with liabilities of about $1,800,000, causing loss and distress to many indorsers and persons of small means, who had intrusted him with their savings. He was alderman in 1838, mayor in 1843, and originator of the Bridgewater plank road, the first that led out of the city. After his failure he removed to New York and died there December 18, 1863. 2 Charles S. Wilson, born in Scotland in 1809, came to New York in 1830 and soon after to Utica. From 1832-1848 he was teller of the Bank of Utica and afterwards with others organized the Utica City Bank, becoming its cashier. A Democrat in politics, he was alderman three years, and in 1859 was nominated for mayor. He failed of election, but when Roscoe Conkling not long after ward resigned that office to enter Congress, Mr. Wilson was appointed to the vacancy by the council. In 1863 and again in 1867 he was elected mayor. He died July 30, 1884. 3 In 1890 the mayor's term of office was extended to two years. 37'2 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. CHAPTER XXVI. THE TOWN OF ANNSVILLE. This town is one of the northern tier of Oneida county and lies a little west of the center. Its territory includes a large part of numbers i, 2, 3, and 8 of the township divisions of Scriba's patent, as seen on the map in Chapter X. Scriba's sale of 75,000 acres to Franklin & Robinson included a part of the territory of this town. A part of the eastern and the southern boundaries of the town are formed by the respective branches of Fish Creek ; the east branch, after leaving the boundary, flows across the southeast part, while the area is well drained otherwise by Furnace Creek, Miller's Creek, Fall Brook and Glenmore Brook. These streams are rapid, were formerly filled with fish, and supplied water power for the early mills. Fall Brook takes its name from the falls where it empties into Fish Creek, the upper one of which is fourteen feet high, the middle one fourteen, and the lower one sixty feet. The volume of water is now small excepting in times of flood. The town contains 36,316 acres, and received its name in honor of the wife of John W. Bloomfield, its first settler. What have been called " the meadows" in this town were formerly occupied by a part of the Oneida nation. About the time of the old French war a party of Canadian Indians located at the Fish Creek forks, where the fishing was excellent, but they were driven out by the Oneidas. The surface of Annsville is broken by ridges'and rolling swells running east and west - and gradually rising towards the north. The soil is clayey in the south part and sandy, gravelly and stony in the north. Although not organized as a town until comparatively recent date, the territory of Annsville was settled early. In April, 1793, John Bloomfield (of whom the reader of earlier chapters has already learned something) came from Burlington, N. J., and settled on the site of Taberg, making his first improvement on the place afterwards occupied by Dr. Beach. On his way in he stopped at Old Fort Schuyler and went THE TOWN OF ANNSVILLE. 373 thence on to Fort Stanwix (Rome), arriving there on the same day with George Huntington. A little later he proceeded to his large purchase at Taberg, and soon built a saw mill and a grist mill ; these were of great utility to the early settlers in that region. Mr. Bloomfield and his heart strong wife found only a boundless wilderness to welcome them around their new home. Their only visitors for a long time were occasional Indians, and they were not always the most desirable callers. While the Oneidas had a settlement at the forks of Fish Creek, according to the "Annals," they frequently brought salmon to Mr. Bloomfield for his table. Seeing him weigh the fish they soon learned that they received more money for heavy than for light ones. Soon afterwards, while dressing some fish, Mr. Bloomfield found them filled with small stones. Complaint to the chief put a stop to such practices. On another occasion, when Mrs. Blcomfield was alone in the house, an Indian came in and asked for liquor, which she refused. He persisted in his demand, saying he knew she had it in the house. She still refused him, when he drew a knife with which he threatened her and drove her into a corner, hoping to frighten her into compliance with his demand. In this he failed ; she called to some one to call Mr. Bloomfield from his work, and the discomfited savage turned and fled. The Indian ever admires bravery, and the next day Mrs. Bloomfield received from her late visitor a fine saddle of venison as an evidence of his appreciation of her firmness. The Indians were all thencefor ward her friends. Wild animals, too, were numerous, annoying and sometimes dan gerous, all through that region in the early years. Elias Brewster, who came from Connecticut, settled in what is now Annsville in 1806, having then lived in the town of Western since 1790. He began clear ing his land in 1806 and in April, 1807, located his family on his pur chase, where he had built a rude cabin ; the snow was five feet deep at the time of his removal. He soon had a few cattle and hogs on his place and bears made eternal vigilance the price of keeping them safe. The bears also made havoc in his cornfield, and in the second year of his residence there a large black hog belonging to a neighbor who had settled about a mile away, also found its way to the same crop. Mr. Brewster's fences were not pretentious and he often had to drive away 374' OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the hog. One evening he thought he heard the animal in his corn/and he sent his little boy to drive it away. The boy had been on similar errands before and had no scruples about collecting ammunition in the shape of stones for his onslaught. A volley or two at the black animal caused it to retreat, climbing the tree fence with surprising agility. When the boy returned he told his father it was no use trying to keep the animal out as it would climb a fence like a cat. The father sus pected the facts, and when the boy told him further that when he stoned the hog it raised up on its hind feet to fight, he knew that the lad had driven off a big bear. Saying nothing he reconnoitered the place the next morning and found ample evidence that he was right. Setting spring guns the following night, a bear weighing 400 pounds was killed. Settlement in the north part of the town also began early and by 1803 several families had penetrated that region. In June of that year four brothers, Benjamin, Jonathan, James, and Abraham Morton came in from Springfield, Mass.; Abraham arrived ahead of the others, driving an ox team. He settled on the farm occupied in recent years by 0. F, Simmons ; the other brothers settled in the same neighborhood, Benja min on the farm subsequently occupied by Jonathan Stanford (and later by Wm. Houston), whose father (Jonathan, sr.) married Benjamin Morton's daughter and took the farm when the latter located in Taberg, The settlement of Jonathan and Samuel Stanford was made in 1805, two years after the Mortons came. Peter Abbott, from Windham, Vt„ settled in the north part of the town in 1806. He was a Revolutionary veteran and a personal ac quaintance of Major Andre. Two of his sons served in the war of 1812, and Captain John F. Abbott and Harvey Abbott, well-known citizens of the town, were also sons of Peter, the pioneer. Daniel Miller, from Granville, Mass., settled in the north part of the town in 1804, on the farm subsequently occupied by John Whiffin. His brother, Eliakim Miller, came to the town in 1 8 14, purchased the farm and lived there until his death. Daniel lived for a time in Lee and in Taberg, and then removed to Ohio. A son of Eliakim served in the war of 1812. Squire Fairservice was another early settler, and did not long remain ; THE TOWN OF ANNSVILLE. 375 he located on the flats below the Jervis mill. Being a noted fisherman he enjoyed life there until the disappearance of the salmon from Fish Creek, when he removed to Wisconsin. Adam P. Campbell and Nich olas Armstrong came in and settled on the meadow about 1806. Dan Taft settled early near the site of the later tavern of Vincent Taft, and had sons Lyman and George, who were well known citizens. As these men and their associates labored in clearing their farms, others made use of the water power on the streams by the erection of saw mills and the manufacture of lumber in large quantities ; while others still established the necessary mercantile stores for the supply of the people, built grist mills, founded schools, opened the roads, etc. There were at one time twenty-one saw mills in the town, twelve shingle mills^four lath mills, four turning shops, two stave mills, a wool carding machine, a blast furnace, two cupola furnaces, and two tanneries, a large part of these industries being at Taberg. Only three saw mills now remain. Very many of these, particularly of the saw mills, have disap peared with the clearing away of the forests. The village of Taberg took its name from a town in Sweden, and is situated on the east branch of Fish Creek, and has good water power. The OneidaTron and Glass Manufacturing Company,' originated in 1809, began operations here and gave the place its name. The first blast was made in 181 1 and a good product was made. Hollow ware was afterwards manufactured for a time, but finally the product was confined wholly to pig iron of fine quality. The business was finally closed up. A grist mill was built below the McConnellsvilie station prior to 1854 by David Pike for a man named Mills, and a small settlement gathered about it. It long ago disappeared. The tannery at Taberg was orig inally built by Jotham Warden, and was burned several times and rebuilt, the last time by D. B. Danforth ; it finally passed to James A. Terrill & Co., of Boston. The last to operate it was Spencer Owen, and it was closed up in 1893. In 1874 Wilson & Draper built a planing mill, a grist mill and butter tub factory at Taberg. The planing mill was last operated by John F. Draper: Hiram Thorne built the first saw mill at Glenmore, and a custom grist mill was afterwards established, around which gathered a small 376 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. hamlet. This mill and a saw mill and cider mill has been operated a number of years by Robert G. Jones. Many Irish settled in that vicin ity. The post-office was opened here between 1850 and i860, with (probably) Alfred Blenis as the first postmaster. John L. Ward ran the grist mill at Taberg last, succeeding Robert Ward, who had it several years. Thomas J. Flanigan built a new grist mill in 1895. Mr. Ward has placed a planing mill in his grist mill. One of the first schools in the town was taught in a log building in the north part of the town, east of where Jonathan Stanford lived. This was in 18 12 -13, and the teacher's name was Fannie Hatch. In the same winter Rachel Hill taught a school in Taberg ; in the following winter the house that had been occupied by John W. Bloomfield, who had removed to Rome, was used for school purposes, Dr. Ashley being the teacher. The first frame school houses in the north part of the town were built in 1820, one in the Miller and one in the west district There are now in the town eighteen districts with school house in each. What is now the Blossvale post-office, in the south part of the town, was formerly located in the edge of Vienna at what was called Pine Corners and went under that name. It was removed to Taberg station on the railroad and given the name Blossvale, from the prominent family of settlers there of that name. John Bloss was the first postmaster. A little hamlet has grown up around the station. F. and I, J. White are merchants here and the latter has built and keeps a hotel. Aside from the sweet corn which is raised in considerable quantities - for the several canning establishments, the farmers of the town are turning their attention to dairying more than in former years. There are now two cheese factories in the northern part, one at Taberg, one at Glenmore, and factories for limburger cheese at Cold Hill and on the State road. The canning industry is large and factories are carried on, two at Taberg, one of which is by G. H. Wilson and the other just now in volved in the Fort Stanwix bank failure ; one at Blossvale by F. & I. J. White. The hotel in Taberg formerly owned by J. J. O'Connor was sold about a year ago to Alexander McCabe and burned in April, 1896. Peter A, Coyle bought a hotel of John Ferguson fifteen years or more THE TOWN OF ANNSVILLE. 377 ago, which burned a few years later and was rebuilt and subsequently sold to 0. L. Peck in 1893 ; he died within the present year (1896), and the house is conducted by his widow. Another hotel, built about two years ago by J. F. O'Connor, was sold to Charles Light, who now con ducts it Of the merchants of Taberg, John J. Dooley began trade in 1884. His store was burned, when he built his present one and carries on an extensive business. Henry Silvernail has been in business several years, succeeding W. J. Lasher who was in trade many years. G. H. Wilson is in business, succeeding George Lake; he was preceded by Daniel Beekman. At the upper end of the village James H, Ferguson carries on business in the store built by him many years ago. His brother Samuel was formerly a partner with him. . Dr. O. S. Kenyon, who has been in practice many years, has a drug store. W. B. Graves is in business in a building that was formerly a hotel kept by W. W. Barber, Charles Coventry, Patrick Kelly and David Barry suc cessively. Mr. Graves was preceded by Clarence Joslyn, and he by A. J. Brewster. A store is kept at Glenmore by R. R. Jones, and a hotel by Peter Riley. The date of the act constituting the town of Annsville is April 12, 1823, when the territory was set off from Lee, Florence, Camden and Vienna. The first town meeting was held March 2, 1824, when the following officers were chosen : Supervisor, Benjamin Hyde; town clerk, John Segar; assessors, John Bloss, James Hart, Dan Taft ; collector, Edminster Harrison, jr. ; overseers of the poor, Increase Bartlett, Peter Abbott, jr. ; commissioners of highways, Daniel Griswold, Zachariah Tompkins, John Paddock; .constables, E. Hammond, jr., Eben S. Bartholomew, R. R. Jones; commissioners of schools, Eliakim Simons, Gilbert H. Hull, William Clover; inspectors of schools, Joseph C. Bloomfield, Benjamin Hyde, jr., Marshal F. Fairservice ; poundmasters, Barker Cobb, Asher Miller. This list embraces many of the prominent settlers in the town during the first quarter of the present century, which is supplemented by the names of many more in the following list of those who have held the office of supervisor, as far as it is accessible, from the town organization to the present time : 1825-27, Joel Northrop; 1829-31, Israels. Parker;1 1832 to 1853, records missing; 48 378 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1854, Thomas B. Allanson ; 1855-56, Alfred Blenis ; 1857-62, Thomas B. Allanson ; 1863, David Beekman; 1864, Benjamin F. Secor; 1865, Thomas B. Allanson; 1866, George W. Brown; 1867-68, Benjamin F. Secor; 1869-70, David B. Danforth; 187l| William G. Cornwell ; 1872, A. J. Brewster ; 1873, Ambrose Bloss ; 1874, Wm. H Nelson; 1875, Wm. C. Armstrong; 1876. George H. Wilson; 1877, Wm. H. Nelson; 1878-79, Thomas B. Allanson; 1880, James Dounnend; 1881, G. R. Stedman; 1882-^ 83, I. J. White; 1884, W. H. Nelson; 1885-86-87, James H. Fergerson; 1888-89, William H. Nelson; 1890, G. R. Stedman; 1891, George W. White; 1892-93-94-95-96| John J. Dooley. Annsville has always been, and always must be, largely an agricul tural community ; as such it is now among the best of those similarly located in the county. The opening of the Midland Railroad along its southern border, with the station of Taberg (Blossvale post-office) only a few miles from Taberg village, gives the farmers reasonable access to markets with their surplus products. Among the leading farmers of the town, past and present, may be mentioned Ambrose Bloss, George W. White, William C. and David Armstrong, William Houston, Simeon Harris, William R. Armstrong, Patrick Cooney, Edward K. and G. R. Stedman, John Finn, Jacob Sauer, Horatio Evans, Chauncey White, Alvin Webb, Patrick Gubbins and Hiram Hillman. The first regularly organized church society in this town was doubt less the Baptist, in Taberg, which was formed February 17, 1831, with twenty members, and Rev. Samuel Bloss, pastor. During the next ten years the membership increased, but after that date it declined and in March, 1846, the society disbanded. A reorganization was effected January 23, 1847, and in 1848 the membership was fifty-six, with Rev. P. P. Brown, pastor. The first frame church stood on the site of the later parsonage and was built soon after the . formation of the society. The present church was erected about 1864. Methodist services were held early in the town, but the organization of the society at Taberg was not effected until 1838, when nine mem bers joined for that purpose. A frame church, afterwards sold to the Cath olics, was built in 1839. The present brick church was erected in 1875-7 at a cost of $8,000. Methodist services were held in the school house at Glenmore for twenty years before the society at that place was organized. Preaching was often heard from the ministers settled at Taberg. A society was finally organized (1876) and a frame church built which was dedicated in February, 1877. THE TOWN OP AUGUSTA. 379 The large number of Irish who have come into this town in compar atively late years, taking the places of early settlers, led to the holding of Catholic religious services, which were conducted a number of years in a small frame .church north of Glenmore and a mile from the present church. Rev. Father John Ludden, from Florence, was the first pastor. The new church was erected in 1875-6. The Catholic society of Ta berg began holding regular meetings in 1876, and soon had a resident pastor in Rev. P. McNulty, under whom the old Methodist church was purchased, as before stated. These societies are both prosperous. A branch of the Congregational church of Camden was formed in Annsville in 1820, and meetings were held in the two school houses in the north part of the town. After some years of usefulness the .society ceased its existence. A Presbyterian society also had an existence for some time in Taberg and built a church. It ultimately passed out of existence. The table printed on page 202 gives the population of the town in various years when a census was taken. CHAPTER XXVII. THE TOWN OF AUGUSTA. This town lies on the southwestern border of Oneida county, contains an area of 16,763 acres, and was formed from the old town of Whites- town March 15, 1798, coincident with the formation of Oneida county, when it was enacted : That all that part of the town of Whitestown, bounded westerly and southerly by the county of Chenango, easterly by Brothertown, and the town of Paris, and north erly by the southernmost great Genesee road shall be and hereby is erected into a separate town by the name of Augusta. And that the first town meeting shall be holden at the dwelling house of Timothy Pond, jr., in said town. The town was named after Gen. Augustus Van Horn, who promised to give Thomas Cassety a new military hat if it was so named. Augusta was the eleventh of the towns in the county in date of 380 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.. organization. The town includes a part of the Peter Smith tract of 60,000 acres, described in Chapter X, and the reservation of the Stock - bridge Indians. The southeast corner of the Smith tract was the south east corner of the town. The territory of the town lies on both sides of Skanandoa Creek, the highlands rising on each side of the valley and known as East Hill and West Hill. Oriskany Creek flows through the extreme southeast corner. The soil is clayey and sandy loam and is fertile. As soon as Peter Smith obtained his tract of land he began leasing subdivisions for twenty- one years, and by the year 1797 most of the lands of the town were leased. In 1795 and 1797 these leases were confirmed by the Legislature, the lessees becoming patentees. The first settler in this town was a man named Gunn, who in 1793 built a log house near where Peter Stebbins afterward lived. The sec ond house was built by Benjamin Warren where he lived many years. His son, William F., died in the spring of 1895 ; Lyman Warren, his brother, lives near Newell's Corners, is eighty-four years of age, and has been a prominent citizen for forty years. Others settlers of that year were David Morton, John Alden, Ichabod Stafford, Joseph and Abra ham Forbes, and their families, twenty- three persons in all. In 1794 a considerable number of pioneers came in, among them Isaac and Benjamin Alleny Amos Parker, James Cassety (or Casety), Francis O'Toole, Ozias Hart, Abel Prior, Thomas Spafford, Ezra Sax- ton, and Abiel Linsley. Parker was a Revolutionary soldier, and is said to have been the tallest man in the army, and stood on the right of the line at the surrender of Cornwallis. His descendants live in the county. Thomas Cassety was a son of James, who was a captain in the British army in the 1756 war ; he refused to take up arms against the colonies in the Revolution. After the peace of 1760, James went to Detroit as an Indian trader and there Thomas was born. For firing at an officer of the crown sent to arrest his father, Thomas was in danger and fled from Detroit and took refuge among the Western Indians, where he was adopted into a tribe and took an Indian wife. After the close of the Revolution he returned to civilization and settled at Oriskany Falls in 1794. The place was early called "Cassety Hollow." There he built the first saw mill in 1794-5 an^ a g"st mill in 1796, the latter THE TOWN OF AUGUSTA. 381 in company with Peter Smith. He afterwards bought Smith's interest giving back a mortgage. Reverses overtook him, the mortgage was foreclosed and Mr. Cassety was reduced to poverty. His death took place August 14, 1831, from taking accidentally a dose of sulphuric acid. Capt. James Cassety, his father, died in Augusta May 23, 1822, aged eighty-four years. Francis O'Toole served the English cause three years, came to this country and lived two years with the family of Col. Thomas Seymour in Hartford, Conn. He was long supposed to be an ordinary specimen of untutored Irishman, but when he replied sharply in Latin to his em ployer's son, who was home from Yale and was making his knowledge of that language conspicuous, he appeared in an entirely new light. He and his family were much respected, but the name is not now repre sented in the town. In 1796 Abraham and Alexander Holmes settled on the east hill, while Oliver Bartholomew, Deacon Philip Pond, William Martin, Stephen Crosby, Archibald and John Manchester, Robert Wordes, and John Goodhue settled in other parts of the town in that year. Some of them had already done work on their places. There was no road worthy of mention down to this date except the one from Clinton to Madison, which passed through Augusta. In the fall of this year the grist mill was so nearly complete that it could be used ; it was, of course, a great convenience and relieved the settlers of their previous long jour neys to Clinton or Madison to get their grinding done. There are a very few descendants of the pioneers thus far named living in the vicin ity. A daughter of Alexander Holmes married Rowland Clark, now living near Augusta Center. J. Reynolds settled probably in 1795 and became a respected citizen ; he has descendants now in business at Oriskany Falls. Five families came to the town together in the spring of 1797 from Washington, Litchfield county, Conn., and settled on what has been known as Washington street. Among them were Robert Durkee, New ton Smith, Joseph Hurd, and Sheldon Parmalee. Benjamin and Joseph Durkee, and David Curtis, from the same place, came in during this year, and settled on " Washington " street, which runs south from the Center. There are descendants of some of the Durkee families still 382 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. living in the town. Joseph Durkee was town clerk for twenty-four years after the organization of the town. An effort was made in the Legislature in 1797 to organize the town, but it failed from the fact that there were not enough freeholders to fill the various offices, as required by law, the settlers being still lessees under Peter Smith. The organization as effected in the next year, as already stated, and at the first town meeting, held the first Tuesday in April, 1798, at the house of Timothy Pond, jr., the following officers were elected : Supervisor, Col. Thomas Cassety ; town clerk, Joseph Durkee (who held the office until 1822); assessors. Ezra Sexton, David Brewer, Simeon Williams, Joel Hull; commissioners of highways, Michael Hinman, Ichabod Stafford, Philip Pond; con stable and collector, Frederick Putnam; overseers of the poor, James Cassety, Abiel Linsley; inspectors of schools, Francis O'Toole, John Smile, Sheldon Parmalee; fence viewers, Justus Markham, William Martin, Charles Putnam, Oliver Barthol omew. These officers started the simple machinery of the town government and aided in the establishment of schools and churches. At the time of the organization of the town the statutes required that the oaths of town officers should be taken before a justice of the peace, or other proper officer, without fee or reward. Colonel Cassety was a justice for Herkimer county and was probably the only one at that time in the town. He administered the oath of office as supervisor to himself, and certified that the oath was taken before himself, as shown in the records. The first justice of the peace elected for Augusta at town meeting, was Nathan Kimball, chosen in 1830; prior to April 17, 1826, they were appointed ; by an act passed in 1826 they were elected at the general elections; May 4, 1829, they were made elective at town meetings. Mr. Kimball settled in the town in 1804 and was subsequently judge. The town meeting of 1801 adjourned to meet the following year at the house of Seth Holmes, who lived on the west side of the road ascending the hill from the south from Vernon Center ; but the erection of the town of Vernon in February, 1802, took Mr. Holmes's house into the new town and no town meeting was held that year, the officers being appointed by three justices of the peace. A town house was built at the Center in 1805, and after two removals was finally left in its original situation. THE TOWN OF AUGUSTA. 383 The early inhabitants of Augusta gave earnest attention to religious matters, and it is recorded that a Methodist minister preached a sermon in the town as early as 1794, which was the first public religious service in the town, unless some of the missionaries visited the locality at an earlier date. The Presbyterian chufch at Augusta Center was organ ized with nine members on the 7th of September, 1 797, in the log school house built in that year, where many early gatherings for various pur poses were held. This' church was organized in the Congregational faith, with the following members : Isaiah Gilbert, Experience Gilbert, Benjamin Durkee, Thomas Stafford, Lucy Stafford, Ezra Saxton, Abiel Linsley, and Anna Linsley. The first deacons were Abiel Linsley, and Isaiah Gilbert, and the first settled pastor was Rev. John Spencer, who began his services in 1804. He had been a Revolutionary soldier and removed from Augusta to Chautauqua county in 1807 and died there. This church held its meetings for several years in private dwell ings and in the school house, and from 1805 to 18 16 in the town hall. In 18 16 a substantial frame church was erected, which was extensively repaired in 1844. The church has always enjoyed a good degree of prosperity and is still in existence. The Methodist church which formerly existed at the Center was or ganized as early as 1802, at which time there were two classes in the town, one of which was on the east hill, where Riley Shepard built the old chapel in 18 19. The chapel was occupied until 1840, when a new one was built at the Center. The society ultimately closed its ex istence. The Baptists formed a society very early on the east hill, but it en dured for only a short time. The first school, as far as known, was taught in the log school house just mentioned as built in 1797. It stood on the west side of the road leading north from where William Bridge lived. A school house was built at the Center as early, or earlier, than 1805,. in which year the town meeting is recorded as held in it. Other schools were provided as the settlement increased and various neighborhoods demanded until 1834, when steps were taken to found an academy. About $2,100 were raised for the purpose and a commodious building was erected at the Center and the school commenced. It was a successful and benefi- 384 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. cent institution for many years. In 1840 about $400 were raised and expended for a library and apparatus and the academy was incorpo rated. The building was of stone and is still standing, but is not used for school purposes. The schools of the town have always been care fully fostered by the people. The town is now divided into eleven school districts, which include union schools at Oriskany Falls, organ ized in December, 1892, and at Knoxboro, organized in 1876. Meanwhile the more material interests of the town were steadily ad vancing. The nucleus of a village gathered at the Centerj where a Mr. Adams began selling goods in a small way in 1798, in the dwell ing of Ichabod Stafford. He began building a store on lot 17, but failed before it was finished. Abiel Linsley was an early merchant at the Center and for a time was associated with Samuel Chandler. The company failed and W. H. Chandler in 1806 formed a partnership with his brother under the style of Samuel Chandler & Co. Although thus interested in the store, W. H. Chandler did not settle there until 1808. The brothers continued in business until 18 18, when W. H. Chandler became sole proprietor and so continued until February 25, 1835, when his store was burned. Elisha Carrington had a small store in early .years at " Bartlett's" afterwards Newell's Corners. At Augusta Center, where is located the oldest post-office in the town, a tavern was kept in the first years of the century by Jared Moss, which was burned down about 1820. Another was erected on the site and occupied for a time as a public house and later as a dwelling. Other small taverns were established at different times and one is now conducted. Winthrop H, Chandler was one of the first merchants at this place and held the office of postmaster for many years, the office being in his store. Henry M. Hawley was a later merchant and postmaster. Wayne C. Russell is the incumbent of the office and the only merchant in the village. ' The picturesque site of the village of Oriskany Falls, with its valua ble water power, also attracted early settlers and business men. The building of the early mills at this point by Colonel Cassety has been noticed. Another early settler near the Falls was Andrew McMillan, who located at Newell's Corners in 1798, and afterwards lived many years on the hill west of Deansville. He was father of the late Andrew McMillan, former superintendent of the public schools of Utica, who THE TOWN OF AUGUSTA. 385 died in 1 892 ; there are no descendants of this family now in this town. Elisha Fowler, son of Elisha, was born in the town of Paris in 1793, re moved to Augusta in 1816, and settled at the Falls in 1821, was promi nent in the dry goods and grocery business and operated a distillery on the site of the brewery. The old Cassety grist mill stood about on the site of the later foundry and machine shop and was carried away in a heavy freshet about the year 1807. A tannery was established at the Falls by Aaron Burley as early as 1 8 16, who some years later changed it to a custom grist mill and distillery, which was burned. The post- office was established in 1828,, with David Murray, postmaster. While these and other improvements were in progress at the several hamlets of the town, settlers came rapidly into .the outlying districts, the forests fell, lands were cultivated, and attractive homes were founded throughout the town. The State of Connecticut continued to send her hardy Yankees into Augusta, and it is said that in 1847 of forty- eight families living on the road running north and south through its center, eighteen were from Litchfield county in that State, while many others were from other counties in the same State. Josiah Cook, from Otis, Conn., settled in town in 1799, with his family of thirteen children, twelve of whom with their families located in this town. It was from this family that " Cook's Corners," now Knoxboro, was named. Abner Ranney, from Blandford, a Connecticut town adjoining Otis, settled in this town early, and lived to be 101 years and five months old ; he was father of twelve children. Elisha Shepard, another early settler, was from Blandford, as were the Knox family, with the exception of J. J. Knox. John J. Knox came to Augusta in 1811 ; he was born in 1791, and died in 1876. John Jay Knox, one of his sons, was born in 1828, and died February 9, 1891. He was prominent in public affairs ; from 1866 to 1873, he was in charge of the mint and coinage correspond ence of the Treasury Department ; was deputy comptroller of the cur rency five years, and comptroller five years. He was honored with the degree of LL; D. by Hamiton College. Knoxboro received its name from the father of John Jay, who established a store there in 181 1, which was carried on by members of the family many years. He also ¦established a brewery about 1820, to "keep folks from drinking" ; it was 49 386 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. sold to New York men and is not now in operation. John J. Knox had two other sons, all prominent men ; but of the three most widely known were Revs. W. E. Knox and Charles E. Knox. The former was pastor for several years of the Presbyterian church at Watertown, N. Y., then at Rome from 1848 to 1869, and at Venice from the latter year to his death in September, 1883. He was a strong man in the ministry and everywhere he was placed. Rev. Charles E. Knox was also an able divine. J. C. Knox and others established the " New York Lock Com pany" in 1 86 1 and manufactured locks several years. James C. Knox was the first postmaster after the office was established in about 1850; the name was officially changed in 1863. The present postmaster is Fred Onyan. Charles Putnam, from Stonington, Conn., settled very early in Oneida county, first for two years at Clinton, whence he removed to a 400- acre farm situated a mile and a half northwest of Oriskany Falls. There he built the first barn in the town. He was a veteran of the Revolution and father of Frederick Putnam, who settled in the town the next year after his father came. Sidney Putnam, son of Frederick, died in 1883, leaving a very large estate. - An early physician in this town, and probably the first, was Dr. Johnson, who settled at the Center in 1797, and died in 1806 or 1807. Dr. Nathaniel Rose began practice here in 1803 and lived on the place where he died in 1839. Eli Botsford became a student with him in 1 8 19, practiced for a time with his preceptor, and in 1827 began prac tice at Knoxborq ; in 1845 ne removed to the Center. Dr. Hooker and Dr. Richards were early physicians at the Center, and Dr. Edmund .Allen settled there in 1820. Preceding Dr. Botsford at Knoxboro were Drs. Usher and Hastings, and Dr. Seabury M. Higgins settled there in 1846. Dr. John S. Livermore began practice at Oriskany Falls in 1822; Dr. Bishop in 1827; Dr. A. W. Marsh in 1828-9; Dr! D. C. Worden in 1833, and Dr. Edward Trask in 1835. Later physicians at the Falls were Drs. T. H. Cox, and Dr. W. E. Babcock. Dr. Charles Munger has been in practice at Knoxboro more than twenty- five years. Early in the year 1 797 two brothers, Joab and John Farman, sons of John and Rebecca (Chamberlain^ Farman, came from Bath, N. H., to Paris, Oneida county, N. Y Joab purchased lands in that town, which jS3T»-„y.V . "A- >-;.»««¦ ^ {fu>^<^TS^(fs QpCL^7 THE TOWN OF AUGUSTA. 387 he sold in 1800 and 1804. In 1804 he moved to Ellisburg, Jefferson county, N. Y., where he died October 11, 1864, in his ninety- eighth year. His first wife, Rebecca (Powers) Farman, died in Paris, July 6, 1806; and he married in the same place, August 27, 1807, Abigail Whitney. Of his thirteen children, five were born in Paris, viz. : Wealthy, October 28, 1797; Belara, September 20, 1799; Martha, De cember 17, 1801 ; Erastus Ingerson, April 14, 1805, and Joab, jr., July 3, 1806. John purchased 235 acres of land on the Oneida Reservation, in the north part of the town of Augusta ; his deed was dated Decem ber 17, 1797; and the land was situated a little east of the farm owned and occupied, for many years, by the late Walter Powers. John died in Oppenheim, N. Y., February 18 12, while on his way to his home from Albany, where he had been to market his wheat. Another brother, Moody Farman, then a young unmarried man, came with John to Augusta. After his marriage he lived till 1820 at Vernon Center, and then moved to Jamesville, Onondaga county, N. Y. He was a mill wright, and died from the result of a fall, while building a flouring mill, in the then village of Rochester, N. Y., September 27, 1825 Roswell, Samuel and Simpson Farman, who were also brothers of Joab and John, came to Oneida county with them, or soon afterwards ; Roswell resided in Vernon until 1806, when he removed to New Haven, Oswego county, (then Mexico, Oneida county), when he died October 17, 1839, >n his seventy-fifth year. Samuel and Simpson resided some years in West moreland, and then moved to Jefferson county. Samuel died in Ellis burg in that county, December 20, 1849; an233>'m 1880, 2,171; in 1890, 1,984 and in 1892, 1,983. J. A. DOUGLASS. THE TOWN OF AVA. 393 The principal officers of the town for 1895 are the following : Supervisor, James A. Douglass; town clerk, Charles F. French; justices, E. S. Hamblin, E. Bartholomew, Frank French, Jay Fairchilds; assessors, Lewis Porte. Fred Wasmuth, Isaac Richmond; highway commissioner, John Van Evra; collector, Arthur Barton ; overseer of poor, William Beck. CHAPTER XXVIII. THE TOWN OF AVA. This town lies in the central part of the northern tier of the county, and is one of the minor towns as well as next to the last one in date of organization. It was set off from Boonville by an act of the Legislature May 12, 1846, and embraces a little more than 22^000 acres. A large part of the territory of the town was included in the Machin and the Adgate patents, as shown on the map in Chapter X, with a smaller part in the Scriba patent, and small grants to others. The surface of the town is high and rolling, and the soil productive and composed of gravelly loam. The western boundary is Fish Creek, and through the town flow the headwaters of the Mohawk, with several small brooks. Tributaries of Black River find their source in the town, and in early years especially, when the volume of all small streams was much larger than now, good water power was found in many parts of the town, upon which was built the numerous early saw mills. The territory of Ava was settled early, considering its situation, the pioneer, Ebenezer Harger, having located there in 1797 or 1798, re moving from Whitestown where he had been about a year. His settle ment was made about a mile east of the site of Ava Corners. He was soon followed into the town by Zephaniah and Abner Wood, and prob ably in 1800, they wejcomed as neighbors Philo Harger, Benjamin Jones, Lemuel Wood, and Justus Beardsley. Salmon Bates became a settler in or before 1800, and opened his house as a tavern, the first in the town. In the following year Benjamin Jones built the first saw mill, at which time there were said to be only nine residents. 50 394 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Eli Mitchell located in Western in 1803, where their daughter Jerusha was born the next year. About 1807 they removed to Ava and settled on the farm afterwards occupied by their son, Eli T. Mitchell, in the southeast part. Rickersori Kenyon was another early settler in that neighborhood, south of the Mitchell place, and Joseph Hunt settled near the site of the Corners. About 1800 Daniel Buck settled in the northeast part of the town, on the farm occupied in recent years by his son, Jonathan Buck. The latter was born on that farm in December, 1804, and passed his life there. About a mile northeast of the Buck farm Isaac Knight settled just before the beginning of the century; he was from Rhode Island. This farm was occupied in recent years by Fenner Rockwood. Remember Kent built a saw mill northwest of this on Moose Creek, which was operated many years. As early as 1801 Philo Harger and Benjamin Jones built one of the first saw mills in the town on the east branch of the Mohawk. The first white child born in the town was Chauncey Harger, born in March, 1801. The pioneers of Ava lived in an isolated situation, distant from the main thoroughfares of travel, and passed through many hardships that were escaped by those of other localities ; but they persevered, cleared their farms, learned lessons of self-reliance, and reared their descendants in such a manner that they became good citizens. Children received such education as was possible under the circumstances ; those in the eastern part of the town were compelled for a number of years to go to Boonville, while others went to the log school houses that gradually came into existence. Religious services were held in the dwellings of the settlers for many years before a regular church organization was effected. Many of the pioneers belonged to the Society of Friends, and they built an early church, which was the only one in the town for years. The act organizing the town directed the first town meeting to be held " on the 4th Tuesday in May, 1846, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, at the house of Joshua Coleman, in said town." At that meeting the following officers were chosen, the list comprising a number of the prominent settlers who located in the town prior to 1850: Supervisor, Henry Capron; town clerk, Horace Hoyt; justices of the peace, Sam uel Jones, Truman Harger, John Cronk, Jeremiah Rowley; collector, Ezekiel R. THE TOWN OF AVA. 395 Preston; assessors, Jonathan Buck, David Rankins, Ephraim S. Adams; superin tendent of schools, Horace A. Buck; commissioners of highways, Nathan Shippy, Artemus Young, Daniel Edgerton; overseers of the poor, Samuel Hunt, Hiram Cronk; constables, Nathan R. Tiffany, Noah Nelson, John S. Bush, Archibald Mc Donald ; sealer of weights and measures, Horace Hoyt. The early road that was cut through from Fort Stanwix to the French settlement on Black River passed through this town, and in the central part a settlement gathered at what became and now is Ava Cor ners. There a post-office was established early, through the effort, as it is said, of a man named Bancroft, who secured a title formed by re versing his own name to Croft Ban. It is not wonderful that such a name did not endure, and later gave place to Ava (the name of the capital of the Burmese empire, Asia), and upon the organization of the town in 1846, it very appropriately took the same name. Ava Corners is a small village where has been carried on one or two stores, a hotel, and various shops. It is connected by stage with Rome. The first hotel was built by a Mr. Kingsbury, on the site of the later hotel ; the secon'd one was partly built in the summer of 1850, but it passed to Morse & Shaver, who finished it and kept it a number of years. A store is kept by F. E. Castle, who has been in trade several years, suc ceeding W. S. Bushnell. Pohl & Smith have carried on a store about four years, prior to which A. Hurlbut, now a merchant of Boonville, was with Mr. Pohl. G. D. & V. F. Pohl established here a foundry and machine shop where they have manufactured largely curd mills, agita tors, steam and gasoline engines, and other articles. The foundry part of their works burned in April, 1896. H. G. Wickman has a wagon shop in the place. Some of the former merchants of the place are Silas Morse, Nathan Tiffany, Fred Hammes, Frank Edgerton and Walter Bushnell. The farming community is now engaged to a considerable extent in dairying, and there are now six cheese factories of all kinds in the town. Some of the leading farmers of Ava, past and present, are A. and H. Hurlbut, Gideon Vary, Charles Castle, N. C. Vary, James Thomas, Asa W. Owens, Orsemus Tiffany, John J. Adams, J. B. Adams, Lincoln Wood, Jedediah Edgerton arid P. A. Flint. Mrs. Samuel Hurlbut, who is now eighty-four years old, lives with her son on the place where she was born, and is the oldest living resi dent. She was a daughter of Justus Beardsley. 396 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. There have been a good many German settlers in this town, and they have always had religious meetings, and finally effected an organization which erected a church in school district No. 9. It was completed about 1 86 1. Methodist services were held in school houses and dwellings for years before the formation of the present society in 1868. The pretty church was built in the following year. The schools of the town are well cared for, the number of districts, with school houses, being nine, as it has been for many years. Following is a list of those persons who have held the office of super visor in Ava from its organization to the present ; a list containing about fifty of the prominent citizens : 1847, Henry Capron; 1848-49, Horace Hoyt; 1850, Henry Capron; 1851-52, Silas C. Morse; 1853, Horace Hoyt; 1854-55, Walker Adams; 1856, Reuben Knight; 1857, Peter A. Flint; 1858-59, Henry E. Shaver; 1860, Samuel Hunt; 1861, Stephen L. Bates; 1862-64, Jedediah Edgerton; 1865-66, James H Capron; 1867, Samuel Hurl but; 1868, Selden Palmer; 1869, Silas C. Morse; 1870-71, John M. Edgerton; 1872, Peter A. Flint; 1873, Selden Palmer; 1874, Smith M. Capron; 1875, Silas C. Morse; 1876, James H. Bellinger; 1877, Luke Jones; 1878-79, Gideon Vary; 1880, James M. Bellinger; 1881-83, John M. Edgerton; 1884, Menzo Fox; 1885, William A. Lyman; 1886-87, Menzo Fox; 1888, Nathan C. Vary; 1889, Henry Harris; 1890, N. C. Vary; 1891-93, Henry Harris ; 1894-96, Charles Knight. For population of the town in the years when a census has been taken see page 202. ' CHAPTER XXIX. THE TOWN OF BOONVILLE. The town of Boonville is situated on the northern border of Oneida county and is among the largest of the towns, its area being 43,985 acres. Within its territory are included parts of Adgate's and Matchin's patents, as shown on the map herein. Black River flows in a north westerly direction across the eastern part of the town and the head waters of the Mohawk, Black River and Fish Creek are found within its borders. Black River Canal enters the town near the southwest THE TOWN OF BOONVILLE. 397 corner, passes northerly through the village of .Boonville and enters Lewis county from the northern part of this town. A feeder to this canal extends from Boonville village to the village of Forestport. The surface of the town is uneven, rising in places in considerable hills. The soil is generally sandy and in many places the land is thickly dot ted with great boulders. The original forest in this region was princi pally a dense growth of pine and spruce, which was a source of a large lumber industry in the early years of the history of the town. The fact that the Holland Land Company purchased a large tract of land in Oneida county at an early day has already been recorded in another chapter of this volume. A considerable part of their purchase lay in what is now Boonville, and Gerrit Boon came here to act as agent in the sale of the company's lands. From him the town took its name. Permanent settlement began in this town in the spring of 1795 when Andrew Edmunds came in to act also as agent in the sale of lands either for the Holland Company direct or under Mr. Boon. A number of men were employed by him in making improvements, among which were the building of a saw mill and the commencement of a grist mill. On account of the accidental burning of the quantity of lumber intended for the latter mill, its comple'Lion was delayed until the following spring. The water power and other natural features of the locality were at tractive to settlers, and in 1796 quite a number came in. Among them were Luke Fisher and his son, Phineas, Silas and Martin Southwell, Asahel and Ezekiel Porter (who located on the west hill), Aaron Will ard (who settled on the site of the village), Jacob Springer, Jeptha King, Hezekiah Jones and son, a Mr. Stockwell and three young men named King. Many of these were employed by the Holland Company, while others selected farms, made clearings in the forest and began the erec tion of their humble homes. In that year (1796) the Holland Company built and opened a store on the site of the village, which was the first one in the town. It stood on what is now the southwest corner of Main and Schuyler streets, was in a one story frame building and was kept by a Mr. Storms. It was afterwards sold to Schuyler & Post who carried on business there more than forty years. In the fall of the same year the company built a tavern on the corner on the site of the stone building owned in recent 398 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. years by J. M. Lewis. There Capt. Andrew Edmunds opened the first public house in the town, and soon around these pioneer business places gathered the nucleus of a hamlet. A post-office was established early and Peter Schuyler was probably the first postmaster ; he came in from New Jersey and for a time lived in Trenton. In early years a mail post route extended from Utica to Ogdensburg. Among the early mail carriers was Jerry Kingsbury who later went to Alabama. Dr. Samuel Snow settled in Boonville about 1796 as the first phy sician. He began keeping a tavern in 1808. Small-pox broke out in the settlement in 1799 and Dr. Snow inoculated many for the disease. Other very early physicians were Drs. Samuel Bass and Nathan North. Aaron Willard, before mentioned, settled on or near the village site and built the first house between Boonville and Leyden in 1796 ; it was replaced by a frame building in 1812. Jacob Rogers, a native of Ston- ington, Conn., and later from Springfield, Mass., brought his family to Boonville in March, 1796; he was a shoemaker and tanner and had worked for the Holland Company in the previous year. In 1799 he established a tannery which he operated several years. Ill health com pelled him to give up the business and he settled on a farm. He was prominently connected with the early militia, and his son Julius was born in the village in 1799 and there passed his long life. When Jacob Rogers first came in John Burgess and Hezekiah Jones were occupying a log house, and he stopped with them until his own rude dwelling was completed ; it was situated on Moose Creek, and in that neighborhood Mr. Rogers built his tannery. * Jotham Snow came from Worcester, Mass., and settled in Boonville in 1804; he had lived in Leyden five or six years previously. The farm on which he located is now the property of George Tubbs. His son, S. E. Snow, born in 1804, was a long-time merchant in the village. Deacon John Nichols settled within the limits of the village cor poration about 1805, on the farm occupied twenty years ago by Will iam Higby, which is now leased to a tenant. Timothy and Thomas Jackson located here about 1807; Pelatiah Ballou was also an early settler. Elias Kingsbury, and his brothers, John, Jerry, and Elijah, and their cousin, Archelaus Kingsbury, settled in the town within about three years from 1796 ; they were all from New England. Israel Kings- THE TOWN OF BOONVILLE. 399 bury, son of Elias, long a respected citizen of the town, as also were others of the family. The first birth of a white child in what is now Boonville was a daugh ter of Jacob Springer, and the first deaths were those of Mr. Truman and Mr. Darrow; it is not positively known which of the two died first. The first couple married were Henry Evans and Elizabeth Edmunds, the latter a daughter of the pioneer. The eastern part of the town was not settled until comparatively re cent years. Jacob Hayes located there in 1823 on the farm afterwards occupied by his son Jonas. George Hilts settled on the next farm north, and Ahaz Thayer and Ziba Kingsbury to the south. Levi Hillman was an early settler and one of the first assessors. Elisha Grant was another pioneer and was chosen the first collector of the town. Job Fisk and John Post settled prior to 18 16 and both held the office of supervisor in early years; the latter located in the village. The names of many other prominent citizens will appear as we proceed. The town of Boonville was erected from the town of Leyden March 28, 1805. Its territory was originally included in Whitestown, from which it was taken to form a part of Steuben, and in 1797 became a part of Leyden. The first town meeting for Leyden was held at the house of Andrew Edmunds April 4, 1797, and the following officers elected, among whom were a number of early comers to what later was made Boonville : Supervisor, Andrew Edmunds; town clerk, John Stormes; assessors, Asa Brayton, Jacob Rogers, Phineas Southwell ; constables and collectors, Jared Topping, Levi Hillman ; poormasters, Bela Hubbard, Luke Fisher ; commissioners of highways, Asa Lord, Reuben King, Elisha Randal ; roadmasters, Sheldon Johnson, Isaac Southwell, Eliphalet Edmunds, Amasa King, Archelaus Kingsbury ; fence viewers, Lilly Fisher, Asahel Huff (Hough?), Timothy Burgess; poundmasters, Charles Otis, Joshua Preston. * Boonville territory, it will be noticed, got most of the officers. The supervisors of Leyden from 1797 to 1805 were as follows: 1798, Andrew Edmunds ; 1799, Phineas Southwell ; 1800, Asa Brayton ; 1801, Phineas Southwell; 1802, Asa Brayton; 1803, Silas Southwell; 1804 John Dewey; 1805, Peter Schuyler. The usual regulations were voted in the early town meetings, among them being a ten dollar bounty for wolf scalps taken on »the west side of 400 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Black River, and six cents for henhawks' heads ; these bounties were voted at the last election in Leyden before Boonville was set off. The first election of officers for Boonville was held at the house of Josoph Denning April 22, 1805, and the following officers were chosen, the list embracing several pioneers not before mentioned : Supervisor, Joseph Rogers ; town clerk, Aaron Willard ; assessors, Levi Hillman, Jotham Snow, Isaac Knight ; constable and collector, Elisha Grant ; poormasters, Luke Fisher, Job Fisk ; commissioners of highways, Pelatiah Ballou, Pliny Morgan, Ebenezer Wheeler; fence viewers, Lebbeus Ford, Daniel Buck, Ebenezer Wheeler; poundmaster, Pliny Morgan; pathmasters, George Dibble, John G. Post, Isaac Knight, Elijah Kingsbury, Josiah Hurlburt, Pelatiah Ballou, "John Combs, Archelaus Kingsbury, Benjamin S. Jones, Abner Wood, Hezekiah Turner. Following is a list of the supervisors of the town with the years of their election from its organization to the present time : 1806, Peter Schuyler; 1807, Job Fisk; 1808-9, John Post; 1810-21, Martin Southwell ; 1822-24, John Dewey ; 1825, Martin Southwell ; 1826-29, Henry Graves ; 1830, John Dewey; 1831-36, Henry Graves : 1837-39, Philip M. Schuyler; 1840-44, Stephen Ward ; 1845-46, William S. Jackson; 1847-51, Nelson C. Grant; 1852-53, William S. Jackson; 1854, Joseph R. Tharratt; 1855-56, William H. Cole; 1857-58, J. Earl Hurlbert ; 1859, Justus V. Kent; 1860, Griffith J. Griffiths; 1861, Joseph R. Tharratt; 1862-64, George B. Anderson; 1865-67, Samuel Johnson; 1868-69, Evan J. Evans; 1870-71, Nathaniel Sargent ; 1872, Robert Wilson ; 1873, Samuel Johnson ; 1874-75, Robert H. Roberts 1876-78, H. Dwight Grant; 1879-80-81-82, Job W. Fisk; 1883, Charles N. Bush 1884-85, Francis A. Willard; 1886-87, G. Clinton Ward; 1888-89-90, W. W. Roberts 1891-92-93-94-95, Elbridge Palmer ; 1896, H. Dwight Grant. The situation of Boonville in such that the inhabitants at the time of the war of 18 12 felt the deepest interest in that conflict. This fact is indicated by the following proceedings which took place at a special town meeting held July 18, 1812 : Voted, That the town of Boonville send to the Governor of the State of New York for arms and ammunition. Voted, That the surplus moneys in the hands of the town clerk, amounting to seventeen dollars and sixty-eight cents, shall be appropriated to pay the expense of transporting arms and ammunition. Voted, That Captain Ebenezer Wheeler, Lieutenant George Manchester, Pelatiah Ballou, Ezra Adams, and Peter Schuyler, Esqs. , be a committee to carry the above- mentioned business into effect. The patriotism thus displayed was again active when the government was threatened in the war of the Rebellion. No town in Oneida county was more active and enthusiastic in supplying volunteers for the army, and Boonville village was made the rendezvous of the 97th Regiment. WALTER BALLOU. THE TOWN OF BOONVILLE. 401 The building of the Black River Canal and the Black River Railroad, both of which pass through this town, gave it an impetus in growth, as well as shipping facilities that have been of great benefit. The farming community has kept pace with other localities in the county and tilled the lands with a fair degree of profit. In recent years dairying has been brought forward successfully and numerous cheese factories con tribute to the large gross product of the county. A general act for the incorporation of villages was passed by the State Legislature, December 7, 1 847, and the village of Boonville was incorporated under the provisions of this act in 1855, with the following described boundaries, viz.: Commencing at the northwest corner of Elisha Scovil* s land (in the said town of Boonville), and running thence south two degrees west 3718 feet to the centre of the street designated on the map accompanying the petition as Ford Street ; thence south 18° 24' east 2583 feet; thence south 85° 41' east 5693 feet to the southeast cor ner of William Higby's land; thence north 4° 15' east 1412 feet to the centre of the Boonville Plank-Road, or Main Street on said road ; thence north 84° 2' west 811 feet ; thence north two degrees east 4505 feet to the northeast corner of W. Tuttle' s saw mill lot; thence north 88° west 5973 feet to the place of beginning, containing Eight Hundred Fifty-two and 4-10 acres of land. The following were elected the first president and board of trustees, of the village in 1855: William Higby, president ; Archibald Bamber, Joseph R. Tharratt, James Hyland, Charles N. Bass. The following is a list of the presidents from its incorporation down to the present time : 1855, William Higby; 1856, Charles N. Bass; 1857, Lewis Holdridge; .1858, Will iam F. Owens; 1860, James Hyland; 1861, Thomas N. Manchester; 1862, Thomas Bamber; 1863, Archibald Bamber; 1864, Job W. Fisk; 1865, Charles N. Bass; 1866- 67, Chauncey W. Colton; 1868, J. R. Tharratt; 1869, Walter Ballou; 1870, J. F. Manchester; 1871, Walter Booth; 1872, Williams F. Owens; 1873, Joseph 'R. Thar ratt; 1874, Henry W. Bentley; 1875, Ephraim Owen; 1876, Henry McCluskey; 1877, Henry McCluskey; 1878 William Comstock; 1879, W. Ray Tanner; 1880-81, Robert H. Roberts; 1882-83, Charles F. Rice; 1884-85, David Karlen; 1886, George M. Sawyer; 1887, Walter Ballou ; 1888, James H. Capron; 1889-90-91, Henry W. Bent- ley; 1892, John Ready; 1893-94, Edgar Hughes; 1895, Jerry Buckley; 1896, Frank W. Smith. Boonville village has long enjoyed the reputation of being one of the most active and enterprising places in this county. Its situation in the midst of a large and prosperous farming district and' its position as the 51 402 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. business center of many small villages and hamlets supplied it. long ago with elements of growth and prosperity peculiar to itself. Following the establishment of the first business interests here, which have been described, the erection of the well known Hulbert House took place in 1 8 19 by Ephraim Owens. About twenty years, later it was purchased by Richard Hulbert, who raised the substantial stone structure another story and added considerably to it on the west side. It has ever since been a noted hostelry and has satisfactorily catered to thousands of guests. The house was taken in April, 1883, by George Beck who succeeded George May. The Park Hotel was built by George Marcy ; it is now the property of Charles Pratt and is leased to Dennis Leary. The Central Hotel was built by Matthew Siter, and is owned and conducted by Jerry Buckley. The American Hotel is owned by Mrs. Jacobs, whose husband built it, and is leased to George Youngs. About the year 18 17 Ephraim Owens built a saw mill and a grist mill on Mill Creek about on the site where the Sargent mill and chair factory now stand. The old grist mill was long ago taken down and the name Boonville Mills which it and the small mill bore has been transferred to the Boonville Mills now owned by Mrs. M. J. Davis widow of William Davis. In 1 878 S. C. Thompson & Co. built a steam flouring mill which they have operated ever since. A third grist mill is conducted by A. H. Barber. A foundry and machine shop was established in 1850 by Titus Powers who soon afterward sold out to Holdridge & Gilbert. It afterwards passed to Gilbert & Sawyer and finally closed up. Norton & Avery established a saw and planing mill in 1875, in which business is now conducted by Lewis Siter. The firm of Norton & Avery had carried on the same business in an earlier mill south of the village, which was burned. A tannery was established about 1824 by Ephraim Owens, sr., who did so much for the advancement of the industrial' interests of the vil lage. This tannery changed hands several times and in 1849 passed to Samuel Johnson, who carried on the business many years. 'The tan nery was situated on Mill Creek and subsequently burned. A tub, churn and barrel factory was built by J. L. Mather on Mill G. A. WILLARD. THE TOWN OF BOONVILLE. 403 Creek many years ago and later was sold to W. R. Davis. He carried on the business several years and transferred it to Jeremiah Lints, who continues the business. Many years ago a foundry was established by C. H. Jillson. It was changed into a sash and blind factory which was operated by John M. Fisk, who carried on the manufacture several years, and in 1868 trans ferred it to Rice Brothers ; it is now operated by C. F. Rice. A large wagon factory was established in 1830 by Burton Tuttle in the building now occupied for the same business by E. L Woolley, who succeeded the firm of Tanner & Woolley. Other firms who carried on the business there were Noyes & Whiting and Fisk & Burgess. Tanner & Woolley took the business in 1857. What is now the chair factory of Sargent Brothers was established by their father, N. M. Sargent, in 185 1, on Mill Creek, for the manufacture of wooden chairs. Among the prominent merchants of the past were Archibald Bamber, William F. Owen, William H. Cole, John M. Lewis and Thomas Man chester, all of whom are deceased, and John and Philip Owens, Joel T. Comstock, Owens & Diefendorf, and Nicholas Schweinsberg. Dr. Samuel Bass dealt in drugs many years ago, and was succeeded by his son. The oldest merchants of the present are Edward Richards, Job W. Fisk and Eaton Snow. The village has at the present time about thirty merchants of all kinds. The first newspaper published in Boonville was the Boonville Ledger, which was started by James H. Norton in March, 1852, who was suc ceeded by E. Kent. In March, 1855, the establishment was purchased by L. C. Childs & Co., who changed the name of the paper to the Black River Herald and published it until March 8, 1862, when they sold to H. P. Willard. He successfully conducted the business and ultimately took in partnership his two sons, Francis A. and Garry A. Just before the death of H. P. Willard, the sons assumed the establishment and carried on the business as Willard Brothers. In 1891 Gary bought his brother's interest and has since conducted the paper alone. While un der the management of Mr. Willard he changed the name of the paper to the Boonville Herald and it so continues. The Herald is a progressive and able country weekly, independent with Republican leaning, and enjoys the confidence of the public. 404 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The Boonville Record was founded August 15, 1892, by C.J. Don nelly. He published the paper until November 22, 1895, when it was purchased by Harry H. Griffith and I. Gilbert Sawyer, both of whom are practical printers and enterprising and successful editors and pub lishers. The Record is Democratic in politics. The earliest schools in this town were undoubtedly taught at the village. The first one of which there is definite knowledge was taught here by Miss » Lydia Buckley, afterwards Mrs. John Post. This was about 1802 and the school was in a private house at the corner of Schuyler and Post streets. A log school house was built about 1807 on what is now West street, where a Mr. Higby, from Turin, and Nathan Wheeler taught in early years. Before this school building was erected a frame structure had been built for the joint use of a school and town hall purposes. This building was afterwards burned. In 1817a stone school house was erected near the site of S. C. Thompson & Co.'s bank. In the eastern part of the town was an early log school house, built about 1822, and in that part a frame school house was erected a little later and was afterward removed to near Hawkinsville. In Boonville village a stone school building was erected previous to 1850 The Un ion Free School district was established in 1879 and the excellent school is now under Charles H. Warfield, principal, with nine assistants. The town now has eighteen school districts with a school house in each. It is not known just when the first provision was made for protection against fires in the village, but it was very early. A fire company was organized and Cataract engine purchased. In September, 1856, the cor poration purchased of the company this engine and all apparatus and property for $1,560. In the same year an engine house was built and two reservoirs constructed. The property of the fire department now consists of the old engine, one steam fire engine, a hook and ladder apparatus, with ample hose and other appurtenances. Efficient com panies have charge of each of these divisions. Boonville is amply supplied with banking facilities. The First Na tional Bank of Boonville was established as the Bank of Boonville in 1866, with a capital of $75,000. J. R. Tharratt has been president of the institution from its organization. S. C. Thompson & Co.'s Bank was founded at Constableville, Lewis THE TOWN OF BOONVILLE. 405 county, in June, 1867, by Schuyler C. Thompson, and was removed to Boonville in 1872. The members of the company are S. C. Thompson, S. A. Johnson and E. S. Thompson. The Boonville, Union Agricultural Society was organized in 1871 and leased the grounds of the Boonville Driving Park Association (which was organized in the previous year), and for a number of years it held fairs with a reasonable degree of success ; but the organization ultimately declined and finally went out of existence. In 1888 the Boonville Fair Association was formed as a stock company and has since held success ful annual fairs. / Boonville village has within the past few years been especially fav ored through the benefaction of one of its former citizens, Cornelius B. Erwin. He was born in the village but left before he reached his ma jority, finally locating in New Britain, Conn., where he organized the great firm of Russell; Erwin & Co., and accumulated a fortune. Upon his death he left a will which bequeathed $10,000 to an association to be formed under State laws for a public library building; $2,500 for a library, and $18, OOO as a maintenance fund. In 1886 the Erwin Library and Institute was organized with John M. Whipple, Robert H. Roberts, Frank A. Willard, Leander W. Fiske, and William Bamber directors and trustees of the fund. In 1896 a building was erected in native limestone, at a cost of over thirteen thousand dollars. In 1891 a library was purchased and now a free public library with a public reading room is maintained with an annual circulation of over six thousand books. Besides these inestimable gifts, Mr. Erwin gave $20,000 to the vil lage for improvements of its park : $10,000 to the cemetery association ; $10,000 to the Baptist church, and $5,000 to the Presbyterian church. These funds have been, or are being, judiciously expended to the great benefit Of the place. The little village of Hawkinsville had its inception in the settlement about 1824 of Sterry Hawkins, David Porter, and Moses Johnson, who joined in the building of a saw mill on Black River. In the next year they built a grist mill. The saw mill was destroyed in a freshet in 1869. A carding mill was established about 1830 by Stephen Hawkins, which ceased operations many years ago. Alexander Murray built a tavern several years after the first settlements were made on the site of the later 406 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Mechanics' Hotel. Platt Rogers, a shoemaker, settled about the same time with the others named and was succeeded in his business by Simeon Hayes. The post-office here was opened not far from 1850, with Sterry Hawkins postmaster. A chair factory was built and oper ated first by Jacob Hilts and Sterry Hawkins ; it has passed through various hands, and is now operated on a small scale. A large tannery was established east of the village in 1852 by William Anderson's sons. For many years it did a large business and was last operated by George Anderson. The first regular store was opened about 1838 by Whitman Buck, though goods had-been sold in temporary places before that time. He was succeeded later by D. Hayes. The present merchant is Oscar Hayes. The Union Hotel was built in 1867 by Matthias Munz, who kept it a number of years. The general business of the place has de clined in late years. Alder Creek is a hamlet and post-office in the southeast part of the town, with a station about a mile distant on the railroad. The business interests at this point have always been small, § and at the present time a store is kept by R. J. Helmer, and another by John McClusky. The hotel is kept by G. S. Thurston. The first religious society organized in Boonville was called the Con gregational church of Boonville, which was formed in 1805 through the efforts of Rev. David or Daniel Smith, a missionary. At a later date it took the Presbyterian form. The frame church was built about 1861, previous to which year services were held in the old Union church erected in 1827. The church has been much improved in recent years and is in a properous condition. The Boonville Baptist church was organized February 3, 1810,. by Elder John Upfold, with seventeen members. The first pastor was El der Timothy Day. Up to 1826 the meetings were held in the village school house or in private dwellings ; in that year a frame church was erected, which was used until displaced in 1866 by the present brick edifice. The Methodist society at Boonville was organized about 1820 In 1827 a union church was built by the Presbyterians, Methodists and Universalists. Some years later the Methodists disposed of their inter est to the Presbyterians and about 1836 built their frame church ; this R. J. HELMER. THE TOWN OF BRIDGEWATER. 407 was used until 1873, when the present brick edifice was erected. The old church is now in use for stores and a printing-office. There is also a small Methodist society at Langsing Kill. The German Lutheran church at Boonville was organized in 1869 with Rev. Mr. Heinle as pastor and only five members. The first frame church was leased in 1872, the meetings previous to that being held in halls. A church has been erected in recent years. Trinity Episcopal church of Boonville was organized as a parish about 1855 by Rev. Edward H. Jewett, who was the first rector. The present brick church edifice was erected within a few years. There is a Roman Catholic society at Boonville, which has erected a frame church, and another at Hawkinsville which was organized and built its church about 1 860. The German Lutheran church at Hawkinsville was organized about i860 and its church erected in the next year. The original member ship was forty with Rev. Mr. Classen pastor. The Methodist Episcopal church at Hawkinsvillle was organized about 1866, and built a frame church soon afterward. There is a Presbyterian church at Alder Creek, which has a frame church and has kept up its meetings and been supplied by pastors from Forestport and elsewhere. The church used many years ago by a Bap tist society here, passed to the Methodists. CHAPTER XXX. THE TOWN OF BRIDGEWATER. Although it is the smallest town in Oneida county, containing only 14,820 acres and containing the least number of inhabitants, its settle ment in Bridgewater began within five years after Hugh White took up his residence in Whitestown. Bridgewater is in the extreme southeast corner of the county and was formed from Sangerfield March 24, 1 797, seven years after the first settlement was made. The accompanying map shows that its eastern portion was a part of the Bayard patent, de- 408 ^ OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. scribed in Chapter X ; its western part a portion of town 20 of the Chenango Twenty Towns, while a small diagonal tract in the northern- central part was in Coxe's patent. The headwaters of the Unadilla River flow through the central part of the town and receive numerous tributaries. The valley of this stream is about a mile wide toward the north part, narrowing as it extends southward. The surface of the re mainder of the town is broken and hilly, the elevations rising in the east and the west to from 500 to 600 feet above the valley. The soil in the east part is rich gravelly loam and in the west is clay. Limestone is quarried to some extent in the northeast part. Cedar swamp exists along some of the streams. The date of first settlement in Bridgewater is in slight dispute. Judge Jones gives the following version in his "Annals: " In March, 1789, Farwell, in company with Ephraim Waldo and Nathan Waldo, removed their families from Mansfield, Connecticut, to Farwell's Hill. They came by way of Albany, up the valley of the Mohawk to Whitesborough, and from thence by the way of Paris Hill to Bridgewater. From Paris Hill they were obliged to make their road as they progressed, following a line of marked trees. Their team consisted of a yoke of oxen and a horse, and the vehicle an ox-sled. They arrived on the 4th of March. The snow at this time was about one and a half feet deep, but soon increased to the depth of four feet. They had two cows, which, with the oxen and horse, subsisted until the snow left upon browse alone. Upon their arrival they erected a shanty in the most primeval style. Four crotches set in the ground, with a roof of split bass-wood overlaid with hemlock boughs, with siding composed of coverlets and blankets formed the first dwelling-house ever erected in the town of Bridgewater. The three families continued in this miserable apology for a house until midsummer, when two of them, having more comfortable dwellings provided, removed to them, while the other remained for a year. Farwell's home was of logs, built ' upon the hill where he commenced the previous season. About three years afterwards he erected the first frame house in town. On another hand, Charlotte Ives made the following statement to the editor of the Evarts history of the county in 1877-78 : In 1789 Jesse and Joel Ives, cousins, came to this town to look for land, and selected the place northwest of the village of Bridgewater, upon which Miss Ives now re sides. These men were under 21 years of age at the time and unmarried. In 1790 they came back to their claim and made a clearing upon it of twelve acres, and erected a log house In the spring of the same year Thomas Brown located on the site of Bridgewater village, where he built the first log house in town, and was the first actual settler within its limits. With him came his wife, and Miss Margaret Lines, and Joseph Farwell. In 1791 the first frame houses in town were built by Joel and Jesse Ives. Those erected by the former have long since succumbed to the THE TOWN OF BRIDGEWATER. 409 beating of the elements: the barn built by Jesse Ives is still standing, and the kitchen of his old house is now the front part of the dwelling of Miss C. Ives. It has been somewhat remodeled. Before the Cherry Valley road was constructed the highway passed between Jesse Ives' house and barn. The last-named person removed to Whitesboro' April 1, 1800, just ten years after he had located on his place in Bridge- water. He retained the old place, and in 1832 removed back to it, but returned to Whitesboro in 1845. He died in 1862, at a ripe pld age. Joel Ives died on his place in 1804. His daughter, Mrs. Julia Scott, is now living at the village with her son, Willard J. Scott. Abner Ives, a. younger brother of Jesse, came a year or two after the others had settled, he being married at the time. When the Ives family came they made the trip from Connecticut on sleds drawn by oxen, and were but scantily supplied with the necessaries and comforts of life. Other residents of the town have asserted that the Waldo families did not come into the town until about 1793, which is directly in contradic tion of Judge Jones. These differences in dates cannot now be settled any more conclusively. Ezra Parker .settled very early in the north part of the town and opened his house as a tavern. A Mr. Lyman came in about the same time, and a few years later erected a frame structure in which was after wards kept a tavern long known as Parkhurst's Tavern. The building is yet standing at North Bridgewater. According to the Annals, Major Farwell in 1790 built a saw mill on the west branch of the Unadilla about three- fourths of a mile below its junction with the Tianadara Creek ; it was doubtless the first saw mill in town. In 1792 Ephraim Waldo built a store and a blacksmith shop on Farwell's Hill, which were also the first of the kind in town. A grist mill was erected the same year by a Mr. Thomas. As early as 1797 a school house was built a mile north of North Bridgewater, near the tavern of Ezra Parker, where the first school was taught by a man whose name is lost in the past. Schools were also opened very early in the Farwell neighborhood, and elsewhere in the town, as would be expected from a knowledge of the character and former homes of the pioneers. The town has now eight school districts, with a school house in each. So, also, we would look for early churches. The Congregational society was organized March 8, 1798, with thirteen members, which must have included almost the whole settlement. A church was built in 1805 two miles north of the village near the center 52 410 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of the town. Meetings were held there until 1834 when a division took place, as noted further on. The first town meeting followed closely upon the town organization and was held April 4, 1797, at the house of Col. Thomas Convers, as stated in the records. There the following officers were elected, the list embracing a number of additional settlers who must have located in the town before the beginning of the century : Supervisor, Thomas Brown, esq. ; town clerk, Aaron Morse ; assessors, James Kin- nee, esq., Eldad Corbit, and William Morgan; overseers of the poor, Ezra Parker, John W. Brown, and Alexander Tackles; road commissioners, Levi Carpenter, jr., Job Tyler, and James Benham, jr. ; constable, John Mitchell ; school commissioners, Asher Flint, Thomas Brown, esq., and Jonathan Porter; collector, John Mitchell; fence viewers, Ebenezer Barker, Joseph Moore, Abijah Babcock. The usual town laws were adopted for the simple government of the community, among them being one for the building of a pound " near the house of Epaphras Moody. Chose Joseph Moore trustee and com mittee to build such pound, and likewise pound keeper." The town meeting for 1798 was held at the house of Asher Bull. On the ist of March of that year the following persons paid $5 each for inn keepers' licenses : John W. Brown, Timothy Andrews, Ezra Paiker, and Joseph Farwell. The following list gives the names of all the supervisors of the town from the beginning and, of course, includes many of the early prominent citizens : 1798-1800, James Kinnee, esq.; 1801-2, Job Tyler; 1803, Asher Flint; 1804-6, Peabody Fitch; 1807-13, Daniel Rindge; 1814, Samuel Jones, jr.; 1815-17, Willard Crafts; 1818, Oliver Brown; 1819-21, Samuel Jones; 1822, Willard Crafts; 1823, Sardius Denslow; 1824, James A. Rhodes; 1825-26, Sardius Denslow; 1827, Willard Crafts; 1828, Samuel Jones; 1829, Peleg Brown; 1830-31, Absalom L. Groves ; 1832- 35, Laurens Hull; 1836, Levi Carpenter ; 1837, Peleg Brown; 1838, Theodore Page; 1839, JohnF. Trowbridge; 1840, James A. Rhodes; 1841-42, Peleg Brown; 1843-44, Oliver R. Babcock ; 1845, Oliver B. Brown ; 1846, Milton Converse ; 1847, John South- worth; 1848, Everett Lewis; 1849, Samuel De Wolf ; 1850, Elisha Baker; 1851-54, Peleg B. Babcock; 1855, Nehemiah N. Peirce, 1856, Elisha B. Brown; 1857, William N. Southworth; 1858-60, Peter B. Crandall; 1861-2, Albert A. Steele; 1863-64, Milton Converse; 1865-6, J. Jerome Budlong ; 1867-69, Nehemiah N Peirce; 1870-71, Albert N. Bort; 1872, William Foote; 1873-4, A. N. Bort; 1875, Gould H. Parkhurst; 187f- 77, Newton Sholes; 1879-80, Wm. N. Southwick; 1881-82, Nehemiah N. Peirce; 1883-4; Geo. W. Palmer; 1885, Samuel Williams ; 1886-7, David S. Wood; 1888, Geo. N. Greenman; 1889-90, Robert J. Williams; 1891, Henry Robinson ; 1892, Chas. D. Woodworth; 1893-95, Henry Sarn; 1896, Wm. Walsh. THE TOWN OF BRIDGEWATER. 411 Among other early settlers in the town was Frederick Peirce, father of Nehemiah N. Peirce, one of the prominent citizens of the town, who came from Mansfield, Conn., originally, and settled in Bridgewater in 1796. He was then unmarried and accompanied a family named Gurley, with whom he lived for a time ; their home was a little north of Bridge- water village. Mr. Peirce, practiced surveying and was one of the early justices of the peace ; he laid out many of the early roads. Abraham Monroe was an early settler and kept a public house on the place owned in recent years by John Tuckerman. Stewart Bennett, a blacksmith located on the well known Kirkland farm which he sold to Stephen Kirkland, who came from Saybrook, Conn., in July, 18 16. There was then a small frame house on the place ; it was occupied long by the two brothers, Asa P. and Nathaniel Kirkland. Asa, and Oliver Babcock, from North Stonington, Conn., wereamang the first settlers on the hill which took its name from them. Asa came in 1797 and located on the farm in the edge of Paris afterwards owned by George Chapman, and adjoining the one in Bridgewater whereon Oliver Babcock settled in 1799. Martin Babcock, a younger brother, came in 1807 and settled on the farm afterwards occupied by his son, C. H. Babcock. Roland Stiles had settled prior and made improve ments on that farm. Martin and Oliver Babcock served in the war of 18 1 2, the former at Ogdensburg and the latter at Sackett's Harbor. Major Anthony Rhodes, father of James A. Rhodes, came into this town in the summer of 1 791 and purchased of Judge Sanger 500 acres of land, a part of which his son subsequently occupied. After building a log shanty on his place, he returned to his home in North Stonington, Conn., and in the next year made his permanent settlement in Bridge- water. He was a veteran of the Revolution. His son was born in 1 790, and passed a long and honorable life in this town. Major Rhodes' wife used to relate the circumstances which induced her husband and herself to remove to this town. Her brother, -Captain Oliver Babcock, came this way at some time during the Revoiution with a small band of Connecticut soldiers. They proceeded from Schenectady to what is known as the " Carr Farm,'' in Otsego county, and thence up the Unadilla and down the Oriskany to Fort Stanwix. On the way they camped on the very ground which was afterwards selected by Major Rhodes for a home. Captain Babcock mentioned the place to his brother-in law after his return to Connecticut, and the latter came out and bought it, and he and his wife are now buried upon it, 412 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. On Esquire Rhodes' farm are a number of apple-trees which grew up at the spot where Captain Babcock and his party bivouacked. They probably sprang from seeds thrown down by those men, as they undoubtedly procured apples at the Carr farm. One of the trees is now ten feet in circumference. 1 Major Rhodes was accompanied into the town by John W. Brown and* his brother, the former of whom settled on Babcock Hill and the latter at the forks of the Unadilla ; and by Dr. Daniel Avery and John W. Collins. John Rhodes, brother of the major became a settler in town soon after his brother came, and purchased a large tract of land. A little hamlet grew around Babcock Hill and a post-office was established in 1845, w'th John M. Champion, M. D., postmaster. The mail was brought by carrier from Cassville in the town of Paris. Other early postmasters were David Palmer, Clark Green, Mills Barnet, James Johnson, Lewis J. Tripp, Gould Benedict, John P. Babcock, and others. Edward L. Austin was postmaster in 1894 and had held the position about twenty-five years. A hotel was built on the hill in 1 8 12 by Asa Babcock, who kept it until his death. The first store was kept by P. Mott ; there is no store or hotel at the Hill at the present time. The active growth of the village of Bridgewater began about 18 10, after the construction of the Cherry Valley Turnpike, a noted early east and west thoroughfare, which passed through this place. Previous to that time the principal settlement was on Farwell's Hill, half a mile farther south, near the county line. At that point there were at one time two stores, two taverns, a post-office and some shops. Levi Bost wick built what was later known as the Hibbard House about 18 12, and was its landlord a number of years. The building was subsequently greatly enlarged and improved, and finally passed to A. C. Hibbard, who died a few years ago ; the house is now conducted by E. F. Saunders. A brick building opposite was built early for a hotel by Harvey Cur- , tis, who kept it many years. Abner Ives was an early merchant on the site of what become Wilson's Hotel. Platt Herrick changed the store to a hotel and occupied it for a period. It finally passed to William Wilson. Among other past business men of Bridgewater have been A. M. Perkins, deceased; Frank Mallory, who had a hardware store in what 1 The Everts History of Oneida Co., 1878. THE TOWN OF BRIDGEWATER. 413 is now the Cottage Hotel. Present merchants are Rising Brothers, Charles W. Stoddard, Thomas Carter. Bridgewater has had a number of professional men of prominence among whom were John Ruger, De Witt C. Littlejohn, and Leander Babcock, attorneys ; and Drs. Laurens Hull and Daniel Avery, who located at Bridgewater village about 1804; Dr. Avery was a settler as early as 1793, in the Babcock Hill neighborhood. Dr. H. P. Whitford has been long in practice in Bridgewater and is the only physician now in the place. North Bridgewater is a hamlet on the Utica and Chenango division of the D., L. & W. Railroad, where a post-office was established about 1850, with Elisha Baker postmaster. Gould T. Parkhurst kept a tavern here in early years, which house was afterwards conducted by John Golden. There is now no hotel or store at this point. Among the leading farmers of this town in the past may be men tioned Frederick G. Bobbins, James Thorn, Elisha Brown, S. Brown, James A. Rhodes, Giles Scott and Alvah Penny, all of whom are dead. Prominent farmers of the present day are Newton Sholes, William Henry Brown, Francis D. Penny, William H. Briggs, Gershom Schaul, James B. Tuckerman and Willard J. Scott. When the division before mentioned was made in the old Congrega tional church of Bridgewater, a new society of that denomination was formed at the village, by whom a new church was at once erected ; it was greatly repaired and improved and an organ added in 1876. The church is still fairly prosperous. The Baptist church of Bridgewater was organized July 12, 1826, with sixteen members, and Rev. Amasa Smith as the first settled pastor; he remained about ten years. The first church built by the society stood on the hill a little west of the village and was erected in 1826. In 1840 it was removed nearer to the center of the village and extensively im proved. The building was burned about 1863, at which date it was being used by the Methodists. At the same time a few Episcopalians were holding services in a small building owned by them, and an agree ment was reached by the three sects under which this building was moved to the site of the burned church for the general use of all three. This arrangement was carried out. An Episcopal society is still main tained. 414 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. A Universalist society was formed in this town quite early and built a church in 1834 in the south part of the village. The first pastor was Rev. L. D. Smith. This society still exists. CHAPTER XXXI. THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. This town is situated on the western border of Oneida county, near the northwestern corner, and includes in its present area the whole of township 7 and about half of township 8 of Scriba's patent. (See map herein). The town was formed from the great town of Mexico on the 15th of March, and then included what was then Florence (set off February 16, 1805), Vienna (set off April 3, 1807) and a part of Annsville which was taken off in 1823, leaving Camden with -its present area of 31,438 acres. The west branch of Fish Creek flows through the town towards thesouth- west and unites with Mad River near Camden village, the latter stream flowing down from the north. Little River forms part of the southern boundary and joins'Fish Creek near the southeast corner of the town. These streams are rapid, in many places- furnishing excellent water power which has been extensively utilized. Many, small tributaries con tribute to drain -the town. The surface is rolling, gradually rising towards the north where it is broken into a hilly region. The soil is a sandy loam, gravelly and stony in some places and generally suitable for grazing. Good building stone are quarried in some places. The settlement of this town began in 1796-7, probably, with the ar rival of Judge Henry Williams. Jesse Curtiss had already been in the town and built a saw mill, but he did not permanently settle until later. It is probable that other families came in with Judge Williams or about the same time, but if so they returned for their families, remaining away through the ensuing winter. Among the earliest arrivals were Levi Matthews, Daniel Parke, Seth and Joel Dunbar, Aaron Matthews, Thomas Comstock, Jesse and Elihu Curtiss, Samuel Royce, Noah and STEPHEN CROMWELL. THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. 415 Andrew Tuttle, Benjamin Barnes, sr., and his son Benjamin, Philip Barnes, Israel Stoddard and a Mr. Carrier. Of these Judge Israel Stoddard came into the town in 1793 and purchased a farm on which was a small house. He then went back to his former home for his family, returning with them in 1799. He was astonished to find a funeral in progress in his house, over the bodies of a Mrs. Bacon and her child who had been drowned while crossing Mad River in a canoe. These were the first deaths in the town. Noah Tuttle, mentioned above, located half a mile southwest of the village site. His son Daniel, born April 22, 1788, was the first white male child born in the town, and the first birth of a white child of either sex was a daughter of Judge Williams. The marriage of Elihu Curtiss and Anna Northrup was the first in town. Mr. Curtiss died in January, 18 15, at the age of fifty- nine. Jesse Curtiss erected the first frame house in the town and owned ten acres of land in what is now the heart of the village, and in cluding the mill privilege on Fish Creek. There he built a saw mill just above the site of the grist mill and made other early improvements. He died in 1821 at the age of eighty eight years. About 1800 Manning Barnes, from Connecticut, settled on the site of West Camden, and built a log house on the site of the later hotel and afterward added to it a frame portion. Being requested to entertain many travelers and settlers, he made his dwelling a public house and kept it as such many years. He was accompanied into the town by his brothers Whiting and Lyman Barnes, who took up farms and afterward brought on their father, Zopher. Other sons of Zopher Barnes were were Zopher, Street and Pliny. The family has been prominent in the history of the town. Elijah Perkins came from Connecticut in 1803 and settled in the south part of the town where James Nisbet lived in recent years. He brought with him besides his wife, two sons, Elijah and Woodard. The former and his brother Lyman served in the war of 18 12. Wood ard Perkins was a farmer on the road between Camden village and West Camden. A school was being taught on the site of Camden village in 1803, in a frame building, which was probably built a few years earlier. About 1810 a school house was built in the Perkins district, where Clark Cro- foot taught ; he lived in Florence and a part of that town was included 416 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. in the district. In Manning Barnes's log house at West Camden a school was kept soon after the war of 1812 by Rachel Hungerford. After this schools multiplied rapidly. Measures were early adopted by the pioneers to establish a church, which resulted in the organization of the First Congregational church of Camden February 19, 1798, by Rev. Eliphalet Steele, pastor of the church at Paris Hill. The organization was effected at Paris, and in cluded the following eight members : Benjamin Barnes, sr., and his wife Thankful ; Philip Barnes and Laura, his wife ; Marshal Meriam and Ben jamin Barnes, jr., all of whom were dismissed from Mr. Steele's church. Rev. Joshua Johnson, of Redfield, preached the first sermon. A little rivalry in early years between the so-called east and west villages led to the withdrawal from the First church of a number of members, and the organization in 1803 of the Second Congregational church in the west village. The two were united in 1815, under the name of the Union Congregational church of Camden. According to the agreement, meet ings were to be held in the Second church one-fourth of the time. A building was erected and enclosed in 1807, and furnished with rough benches; it was not finished until 18 16, was repaired in 1836 and burned in the great fire of June 22, 1867. The present church was erected imme diately afterward. Eldad Smith came to this town from Connecticut in 1800 with an ox team and was two weeks on the way. He settled east of West Camden and was the father of S. L. Smith. John Bryan came from Watertown, Conn., about 1805, driving a yoke of oxen and a horse, and bringing his family. He settled on the Taberg road in the east part of the town. His daughter married Amos D. Mix, father of J. W. Mix. Col. Israel E. Stoddard came to the town in 1798 and in the follow ing year went back and brought in his family, settling about two miles north of Camden village, where his son Israel E. now lives. A year or two later he sold out and located one- half mile north of the village on the farm owned by his son John N. He died there April 4, 1859. His children were Cyrus, Samuel, Mrs. Huldah B. Judson, Joanna P., Martha P., Israel E., Cynthia C, and John N. John D. Penfield was born on a farm north of the village in 1813, where his father settled, arid is probably the oldest living native of the A. C. WOODRUFF. THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. 417 town. He located in the village in 1836, where he has long been con nected with the milling business and prominent in all public affairs (See biography and portrait in this volume.) Joel Dunbar settled a little west of the village on the Mexico road, where he had the old Dunbar mill. He was a brother of Horace Dun bar, and died December 31, 1827. Other very early settlers who can only be briefly mentioned were Allen Sperry, father of Clark, Anson, Andrew and Sherman Sperry, who settled on Sperry, or Wolcott Hill ; the Prestons, Caleb, who died in February, 1813, and Abner (died November 24, 1833), William R. (died August 4, 1834), and Noah (died April 4, 1835). It was from these and others of the name that Preston Hill took its title. Heman Byington, who settled on a farm one-half mile from Camden village and had sons, Rufus and Ira; he died in September, 183 1. Henry Peck, who settled on Wolcott Hill, and died February 24, 1833. Deacon Bennet Cobb, settled on the Taberg road, where H. Giles now owns, and 'died April 8, 1870, aged eighty- four years. Sylvanus Wilson lived on a farm about two miles north of the village, and died March 17, 1833. Seth Dunbar, father of Horace and Edwin S. Dunbar. Dr. Whitman V Ransom, died November 3, 1817. Jonah Sanford, died November 15, 1824. Oliver Cook, died Decmber 30, 1838, at the age of eighty-three years. Isaac Stone, died November 2, 1839. Bar tholomew Pond, a Revolutionary soldier, who died in 1850 at the age of ninety five years. Martin Stevens, died in 1832. Andrew Tuttle, died October 19, 1829. Lemuel Warner, died July 23, 1824. Will iam S. Spencer, died August 23, 1831. Eliphalet Johnson, died March 2, 1 8 18. Elijah Bailey, died in August, 1838. Other names will ap pear in the official list and accounts of industries, etc. These men and their descendants laid the foundation for the later prosperity of this town. As a farming community it has been pros - -perous, a considerable dairy interest having been developed in recent years. There are now several cheese factories in the town. The open ing of the Rome and Watertown Railroad through the town, and later the E., C. & N. road gave the inhabitants excellent facilities for reaching the markets, and inaugurated a marked impetus in Camden village, under which it sprang into prominence a§ gne of the most active and 53 418 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. i most enterprising communities of Central New York, While many other towns have stood still or retrograded in population, Camden has steadily advanced. From 2,114 m 1835, it reached 3,187 in i860 and in 1892 had 3,675. The number of school districts with school houses is fourteen, as it has been for many years.' Camden village was incorporated May 2, 1834, and the first election of officers took place June 27 of that year, resulting as follows : Humphrey Brown, president; Lyman Curtiss, Hubbard Tuttle, Am mi Hinkley, and Aaron Stone, trustees ; Rufus Byiugton, David Johnson, and George Trowbridge, assessors; Martin H. Stevens, collector; Robert H. Burr, treasurer; A. Trowbridge, clerk. Following is a list of the presidents of the village from that time to the present : 1835, .Humphrey Brown; 1836, A. Stone; 1837-8, A. Trowbridge; 1839-40,. Richard Empey; 1841, A. Trowbridge; 1842, Lyman Curtiss; 1843, H. Tuthill; 1844-46, Jefferson Colton ; 1847, Edwin Rockwell ; 1848, William R. Paddock'; 1849, Baldwin Tuthill; 1850, R. Empey; 1851-53, A. W. Ransom; 1854, Thomas D. Penfield; 1855, Joshua H. Tracy; 1856-57, Ambrose Curtiss; 1858-59, A. W. Ransom; 1860, A. Curtiss; 1861, J. Munroe; 1862-63, A. Stone; 1864, Stephen Cromwell; 1865-66, Thomas D. Penfield; 1867-68, Stephen Cromwell ; 1869, P. H. Costello; 1870, Stephen Cromwell; 1871, George Abbott; 1872, P. H. Costello; 1873-74, Thomas D. Penfield; 1875, Benjamin D. Stone; 1876, A. J. Stone; 1877, Lewis J. Conlan; 1878, John G. Dorrance; 1879-80, Robert Frazier; 1881, E. A. Harvey; 1882-83, Eugene H. Conant; 1884, J. C. McDonald; 1885, Egbert More; 1886, Robert Frazier; 1887-88, Thomas D. Penfield; 1889-90, B. D. Stone; 1891, A. C. Woodruff; 1892, W. H. Stansfield; 1893. Theron A. Farnsworth: 1894-95, D. T. Wood; 1896, T. A. Farns worth. Camden village has long been the center of a large manufacturing interest. In 1832 James Barber and Horace Mclntyre established the first foundry. About five years later it was sold to G. W. and Josiah Wood, and Albro Phelps. During their proprietorship the foundry was burned. Meanwhile, in 1859 the &rm °f Tripp & Fifield established the Eagle foundry and machine shop on Fish Creek. The Wood foundry was not rebuilt after the fire', but the firm acquired the Fifield foundry and began business there, the members at that time being Wood Brothers and Percival, William G. Percival having acquired an interest in the business with Augustus and Henry Wood, sons of G. W. Wood. Later, in 1894, a stock company was formed with a capital of $24,000 in which I. D. West was a member. One of the chief articles of manu facture is turbine water wheels. W. J. FRISBIE. THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. 419 In the early history of the town there were, of course, numerous saw mills built on the various streams, which were kept busy in cutting up the timber of the forests which covered the land. As these disappeared many of the mills fell in to disuse. A saw mill has existed continuously for many years in the village and is now operated by Herbert Giles, who took it recently from A. Raymond who had owned it for many years. It was built very early and probably by Timothy Wood. An other mill is located about a mile northwest and outside the corporation which is run by Walter Russell. It was owned years ago by H. S. Waterman who sold it to Curtiss Covill and he transferred it to Mr. Russel. Another saw mill known as the Dunbar mill is on Fish Creek and was long owned by Horace Dunbar ; it was last operated by George Swanson. A woolen factory was established in early years by John Norton ; it was burned, and the same fate was shared by a second which was erected. C. T. E. Huyck then built the third one, which was operated many years after 1866. It was finally converted into a planing mill by Wakefield & Gardner, and is now operated by George Dana. Another planing mill was built by Storie & Hammond about 1839. In 1844 Cyrus Allen purchased a half interest arid in 1850 became sole owner. It was subsequently burned and rebuilt, arid in 1891 was pur chased by Lewis Perrin who now uses it for the manufacture of desks. The planing mill now run by Horace Rush* was built by D. P. Cox about 1853, was burned ten years later and. rebuilt by Cox & Stone. The firm afterwards became Stone, Williams & Co. and later Williams & Rush, Jacob Rush being the partner. Mr. Williams retired and Horace Rush succeeded his father. The Camden Knitting Company carries on one of the largest and most important industries in this section. It had its origin with Willard J. Frisbie (see biography and portrait elsewhere in this work) and Will iam H. Stansfield, former successful dry goods merchants in Camden, who in 1883 established a knitting factory of small capacity in the build ing now occupied by the Corbin Lock Company. Their business in creased and in 1887 they started a yarn factory on the premises formerly occupied by the tannery of P. & P. Costello. In this branch of the in dustry Charles F. Kendall had an interest and it was carried on under 420 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the name of Charles F. Kendall & Co. The old building burned in March, 1893, but meanwhile, in 1^91, the knitting industry was removed to the same locality, where new and commodious brick buildings were erected and the name Camden Knitting Company adopted. About 200 hands are employed chiefly in the manufacture of ladies' and children's ribbed underware. The same company have factories in Syra cuse and in Utica. The tannery above mentioned was established in 1 847 and was long an important industry ; but the disappearance of bark led to its final extinction. A still earlier tannery was operated by Reuben Bettis and afterwards by Orange Dayton. What are known as the Grove Mills, on the east side of the river, were built by John Lambie and Levi Wilcox just before i860. From them they passed to James P. Owen and quite recently from him to Thomas Jackson. The building of the first saw mill here by Jesse Curtiss has been de scribed. A distillery formerly existed below the saw mill and a grist mill was erected an the site of the present Camden mill. The latter was built by Lyman Curtiss on the site occupied by the old one erected by his father, Jessev This property was acquired by Thomas D. Penfield (see biography and portrait elsewhere in these pages) and Thomas Stone and was operated by them until i860, when Mr. Stone died. The mill was conducted by the surviving partner until 1867, when Benjamin D. Stone, son of'Thomas, acquired an interest, the firm name continuing the same. One of the most prominent industries of Oneida county is the chair works of F. H. Conant's Sons. This business was established in 185 1 by F. H Conant, who is succeeded by his sons, E. H. and George F. .Conant. About 175 hands are employed. The firm of Stark & Boehm began the manufacture of wagons and sleighs in Church street in 1864. In 188 1 Mr. Boehm retired and in the fall of that year James Stark bought his present shop of J. P. Owen, who had previously carried on the same business there for about ten years. The firm of Boehm Brothers was formed and now carry on a large busi ness in the same line. Camden has for many years been the center of a large canning indus- "-?«>v-«rf ^ ,jKramob,n.rV t-nqr-fpsed. >ry J K Camp S-Z?, THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. 421 try, devoted to the preparation of sweet corn for the market. This business is also extensive in other parts of the county. The first factory in the county was established at Camden about 1855 by the Edgett Broth ers, and ten years, later J. W. Mix began the business and for a number of years was extensively engaged. Godfrey & Stoddard built a factory in 1878 on Mad River, which subsequently burned. The Camden Pack ing Company was formed and established two factories, one a mile and a half west of the village, which had been built in 1874 by J E. Woods, and the other below the village, built by Stephen McCall in 1872. The latter was operated in 1872 by S. S. McCall & Co., and in 1874 by J P. McCall & Co. It was then taken. by the Camden Packing Company. A factory was built by James Gerow in 1878, and within a few years of that time others were started by Godfrey & Stoddard, Pliny Phelps,, Byron Phelps, W. I. Stoddard, and Paddock Brothers. The factories now in operation are those of Tuttle & Stoddard, east of the village, and that of L. P. Haviland. The Corbin Cabinet Lock Company began a branch of its industry in Camden in 1891, its principal business being the manufacture of gov ernment furniture for post-office equipment. The wood work only is done here, the other branches being located at New Berlin, Conn. The press of Camden village is most worthily represented by the Ad vance-Journal, a local independent newspaper of high character and in fluence. The first newspaper in the village was the Camden Gazette, started by E. C. Hatton in 1842. A few years later it passed to E. M. Higbie and closed its existence under him. The next paper was the Northern Light, which shed its effulgence on the world only a short time. Ira D. Brown published it six months in 1852, when Merritt & Stone took it, and employed N, B. Stevens as editor. In 1853 this paper was succeeded by the Camden Courier, E. O'Farrell, proprietor ; this paper had only a brief existence and was followed by the Camden Free man, started by Wesley Henderson and suspended in 1863. In March, 1864, Jairus H. Munger established the Camden Journal and continued its editor and proprietor until his death in 1878. Meanwhile in 1867 the Camden News was started by Giles '& Franklin, which was removed to Coxsackie a year later. On July 24, 1873, W. C. Stone established the Camden Advance, which he successfully conducted until January, 422 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1885, when he bought out the Journal (above described) and consoli- dated the two papers under the name of the Advance-Journal. In 1887-88 Mr. Stone built the brick block in which he is now located adapting it for a modern country newspaper, and a book and stationery store, both of which he now conducts. The Camden Library Association was formed in 1891 by a number of women of the village. The first president was Mrs. E. T. Pike and the first secretary Miss Tessie M. Durr. The present president is Mrs. J. G. Dorrance and the secretary and librarian is Mrs. E. C. Case. About 1,300 volumes have been accumulated and pleasant rooms fitted up in the new Town Hall. The institution is accomplishing much good. Some of the men and firms who have been conspicuous in Camden mercantile business during the past half century are Frisbie & Stansfield dry goods ; J. G. Dorrance, .general store ; C. Curtiss & Son, F. & F. Fifield (later Fifield & Dorrance) ; G. S. Wetmore, drugs ; E. A. Har vey, grocer; W. C. Carman, grocer; Orth & Tracy, clothiers; Olmsted & Meacham, clothiers ; Samuel B. Hinckley (father of Briggs T. Hinck ley), Ammi Hinckley, Don A. Gatchell, and E. A. Harvey Later and present prominent merchants in various lines are Williams & Norton, George H. Smith, A. G. Robson, W. H. Dorrance & Son, L. Hornung, D. Crimmins, G. J. Williams, W. I. Stoddard, D. E. Kennedy, C. O. Biederman, Chas. E. Hendley, C. A. & A. C. Phelps, Robert Aird, B. A. Curtis, Charles E. Orr, Charles J. Durr & Co., S. L. Harding, J. N. Nichols, W, E. Tiffaany, Briggs T. Hinckley. The first hotel in the village was kept by Elihu Curtiss on what is now Minor avenue, and it is said that the old well of the house is now under the foundation of the Whitney House. The house stood about one- half in what is now the street, and was opened as early as 1803. Jeffer son Colton kept an early hotel about on the site of Churchill & Tibbit's market ; he is remembered as a fine type of the old-time landlord. His house was called the Park Hotel, and was burned June 22, 1867. The Seymour House was an early hotel and stood on the site of B. D. Stone's residence; it was burned about i860. Another hotel was early in ex istence at the lower end of the village. The Commercial Hotel was built about ten years ago by John Olden, who kept it until his death a year later. He was succeeded by Morse E. A. HARVEY. THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. 423 & Farmer, and others. The present proprietor, C. L. Roberts, pur chased the property six years ago. The Whitney House was built by Moses L. Whitney, who had pre viously kept the ,Park Hotel, and was kept by him about five years. The present proprietor, D. J. Crimmins, bought it in 1876, and practi cally rebuilt the house. The Empire House was built by William Moses after a former house on that site had been burned. The present proprietor, P. E. Malone, took the house in 1889. The Erwin House is k;pt by M. G. Ronan. A bank was in existence in Camden under the State law in early years, of which Gen. Lyman Curtiss was at one time president. This institu tion failed previous to the war of the Rebellion, and Hastings Curtiss then opened a banking house about i860, which passed to the proprie torship of Curtiss & Carman ; they failed in 1876. The private bank of D. G. & J. G. Dorrance was established in 1876 and continued as such until January, 1880, when it was made the First National Bank of Camden, with a capital of $50,000. D. G. Dorrance continued president of the bank until, his death, on March 26, 1896, and , the office has not yet been filled. (See biography and portrait in this work.) J. G. Dorrance has been cashier from the first. Edwin A. Harvey is vice-president, and Daniel G. Dorrance, son of J. G., is assist ant cashier. The entire village of Camden is now embraced in Union Free School district No. 1, and a commodious brick building .built in 1855, on the site' of the one burned two years earlier, accommodates the pupils. A high school and academic department have been inaugurated, below which there are nine grades. Following is the Board of Instruction in 1895-96; D. D. Van Allen, M. A., principal; Frances J. H. Van Allen, preceptress; asso ciate teachers: Misses Sarah Davis, Clara E. Curtiss, Emma Gardner, Josephine Lewis, Nellie I. Moore, Minnie Sanford, Lelab J. Sanford. The Board of Education consists of the following: Mr. John M. Young, president; Counselor A. C. Wood ruff, secretary; Robert Allen, B. A. Curtiss, D. G. Dorrance, M. A., G. F. Morss, James P. Owen, Benj. D. Stone, Geo. J. Williams. Camden village street lights consisted of oil lamps until 1888 when the Camden Electric Light Company was formed, with M. P. Osborne, manager. He is now practically the owner of the plant which was put 424 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. in operation, and the streets are properly hung with large incandescent lamps. Public water works were established by the village corporation in 1886, water being brought from Emmons Brook, giving about 175 feet head. About fifty hydrants are placed in the streets and mains laid throughout the principal streets, making an effective agency for extin guishing fires. The village was bonded for $40,000 to build the system. A fire engine had long been owned in the village, for which a company was organized in 1839, of which Samuel B. Hinckley was captain. The engine was bought at about the same time. A hook and ladder com pany was organized in 1857, and in the following year A. J. Stone was chosen chief engineer, and two assistants. From that time forward the department was kept on an efficient basis. When the water system was placed in operation the engine was sold. The two most notable fires in the village occurred June 28, 1856, and June 22, 1867. In the latter three churches were destroyed, a hotel, and a number of stores on Main street. A handsome opera house was completed in 1894 by a stock company at a cost of over $20,000. In 1894 the .village was bonded for $10,000 for a new town hall. It is a handsome brick structure and accommodates the fire department, the library, a large hall, offices, etc. The small village of West Camden is situated in the northwest part of the town on the railroad. The early settlement here of Manning Barnes, and the opening of the tavern have been described. Wilburt Barnes opened the first store in the place and continued in trade a num ber of years; he was a son of Manning Barnes. The post-office was established in 1832, with Merrit Munson, probably as the first post master. A small mercantile business has existed here many years and at the present time a store is kept by J. C. Leigh. The saw mill and chair factory is carried on by Mott Brothers, and another chair factory estab lished by A. S. Gibson, is now operated by Cummings Brothers. The next church organized in Camden succeeding the one described on a preceding page was the Methodist Episcopal. A class was formed in the town before 1805, consisting of seven persons, and another a THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. 425 little later at West Camden. The Methodist Episcopal society of Cam- deh was organized in 1820 and in 1831 Camden was made a station. A frame church was built in 1852 and rebuilt in 1889. A Wesleyan Methodist church was organized prior to 1840, but disbanded in 1854. A Free Methodist society was organized in August, 1887, and pur chased the frame church formerly owned by the Wesleyan Methodists. It was remodeled in 1895. The first Presbyterian church in Camden was organized in Septem ber, 1867, with thirty-two members who were dismissed from the Con gregational church for the purpose. The first meetings were held in Curtiss Hall. The corner stone of the present brick church was laid June 30, 1868, and it was dedicated in March of the next year. The total cost was about $18,000. Trinity Episcopal church of Camden was organized about 1842 with Rev. E. D. Kennicott the first rector. The frame church was erected which was one of the three burned June 22, 1867, and the present brick edifice was built immediately afterwards on the site ; its cost was about $8,000. The Baptist church of Camden was constituted in 1839. In 1844 if became a branch of the society at North Bay and was finally absorbed by the latter. A Baptist society was organized in early years at Hills- boro in the west part of the town, which subsequently disbanded. On December 30, 1870, the First Baptist church of Camden was organized at that place and a frame church was built in the following year. The second Congregational church at West Camden was organized November 5, 185 1, with sixteen members, and Rev. Samuel Sweezey, pastor. He had preached there for some time previous. A frame church was erected in 1858. This building was also occupied by the Methodists of that place. St. John's Catholic church of Camden was formerly affiliated with St. Mary's of Florence, under which it was a mission for many years. The church society acquired the old Methodist edifice which it used until re cent years when a new frame building was erected. Following is a list of supervisors of this town from its organization to the present time : 1800-1, John W, Bloomfield, esq. ; 1802, John Rogers; 1803-5, John Humiston- 51 426 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1806-8, Israel Stoddard; 1809-10, Elihu Curtiss; 1811-12, Phineas Tuttle; 1813-16, Seth Dunbar; 1817-24, Israel Stoddard; 1825, Seth Dunbar; 1826-28, Israel Stod dard; 1829-31, Seth Dunbar; 1832, Israel Stoddard; 1833, no record; 1834, Lyman Curtiss; 1835, Garrit Smith ; 1836, John Smith; 1837-38, Samuel B. Hinkley; 1839, Seth Dunbar; 1840, Don A. Gatchel; 1841^2, Junius Woods; 1843, Samuel b! Hinkley; 1844-45, Horace Dunbar; 1846-47, Ambrose Curtiss; 1848-49. Edwin S, Dunbar; 1850, George W. Wood; 1851-53, Thomas D. Penfield; 1864, Edwin S. Dunbar; 1855, Jairus H. Munger; 1856-57, Horace Dunbar; 1858, Alfred Chamber lain; 1859, Thomas D. Penfield; 1860, Albert Bickford; 1861, Thomas D. Penfield; 1862, Pliny Phelps; 1863-66, P. C. Costello; 1867-68, Henry S. Waterman; 1869-70,' Benjamin D. Stone; 1871-72, Curtis J. Wright; 1873-74, Spencer J. Upson; 1875-76^ B. A. Curtiss; 1877-82, Thomas D. Penfield; 1883, Benjamin D. Stone; 1884-85| Chauncey M. Phelps; 1886, Thomas D. Penfield; 1887-88, Jabez Ford; 1889-9o| , Andrew W. Craig; 1891-92, Orson C. Woods; 1893-95, W. H. Gifford; 1896, William S. Peck. CHAPTER XXXII. THE TOWN OF DEERFIELD. The town of Deerfield lies near the center of the eastern boundary of Oneida county. Its surface is mostly a high plateau rising from 6oo to I, OOO feet above the Mohawk. A broad intervale extends along the river opposite Utica, parts of which are sometimes overflowed. In the northeast part the surface descends abruptly to West Canada Creek, which forms the boundary of the town in that direction. The soil on the flats is a rich alluvial loam, while on the hills the loam is intermixed with gravel and slate. To the northward of the Mohawk flats rise the noted " Deerfield Hills," from which is viewed a landscape of the greatest beauty, while the scenery in other parts of the town is pictur esque and grand. Beyond the Deerfield Hills is the valley of Nine- Mile Creek, which rises in this town and flows westward into Trenton. Reall's Creek rises near the center of the town and flows into the Mo hawk at Utica. The reader must be referred back to Chapter VII for an account of the settlement in this town before the Revolution (1773) of George J. Weaver (originally Weber), Mark Damuth, and Christian Reall. They THE TOWN OF DEERFIELD. 427 sympathized with the colonists in the struggle for independence, for which offense their settlements were burned in the summer of 1776, and they were driven from their homes, as already described. But these families remembered their homes in the wilderness, and after the cessation of hostilities, in 1784, made their way back to the desolate scene and again began work. In the following year they were joined by Peter, Nicholas and George Weaver (distantly related to the first pioneer), George Damuth, and Nicholas and Philip Harter, who settled in the same neighborhood. (See Chapter VII.) The Weaver family was a long and prominent one in the town, and the first white male child born here was a son of George M. Weaver and grandson of George J. He was born January 15, 1787, and died in 1877 at the age of ninety years. In the "Annals" is found the fol lowing account of an incident in which he was the principal figure : In 1792 the first bridge was erected over the Mohawk between Utica and Deerfield. To insure more help it was raised on Sunday. George M. Weaver — son of George J. Weaver — and his wife, with their little son, . . were on their way to the raising and when about half-way from the Corners to Utica, and some twenty or thirty rods above the present MacAdam road, their dog treed a bear. Mr. Weaver left his wife and son with the dog to keep the animal up the tree, while he returned for his gun. The peculiar barking of the dog had apprised the inhabitants of ' ' Old Fort Schuy ler " that valuable game was on foot, and a number of them arrived with their guns at about the same time that Mr. Weaver returned. Four or five shots were made in quick succession, and poor Bruin's life paid the forfeit for his temerity in approaching so near the site of an embryo city. George M. Weaver was father of Hon. A. B. Weaver, a leading citizen and member of assembly. In the third generation was Jacob G. Weaver, another prominent citizen who was several times elected supervisor. Nicholas Harter was a shoemaker, and Philip was a blacksmith. They owned adjoining farms ; Nicholas mingled shoemaking with farming, and died July 26, 1854, in his ninety-fourth year, leaving his son Richard on the homestead. Philip followed his trade and died about 1808. Timothy Smith came in from Worcester, Mass., in March, 1800, and settled with his family on what became known as Smith's Hill. His family then consisted of his wife, four sons and a daughter. One of his sons was Pratt Smith, who passed his life in the town and died 428 OUR .COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. in March, 1874, at the age of eighty-six. A son of Pratt Smith was Giles, who was long a prominent citizen, supervisor, etc. The accompanying map shows that the town of Deerfield originally comprised a large part of Gage's patent, a small part of Cosby's Manor, most of the Sadaquahda patent, and part of Oriskany patent (see Chap ter X ) The town was organized under an act of Legislature dated March 15, 1798, which also erected the county of Oneida. From its original area was taken the town of Marcy on March 30, 1832, leaving Deerfield with its present area of 22,500 acres. The first town meeting for Deerfield was held at the house of Ezra Payne, an early settler, April 3, 1798, where the following officers were elected, the list embracing a large number of prominent pioneers: Supervisor, Dr. Francis Guiteau; town clerk, Isaac Brayton, jr.; justices of the peace, Abram Camp, James S. Kipp; assessors, Daniel Biddlecom, Ebenezer Stew ard, Phineas Camp ; commissioners of highways, William Hallock, Calvin Guiteau, Hazard Sherman ; pbormasters, Olney Pierce, Ezra Payne ; constables, Heh Foot, Wm. Hallock, Samuel Wells ; overseers of highways, Rev. Oded Eddy, Ezekiel Will- ington, Olney Pierce, Hazard Sherman, Joseph Tylor, John Warren, William Hal lock, James Wilson, James Briggs, David Hadcock, Ebenezer Steward, John Jonson; poundmasters, Hazard Sherman, Phineas Camp, Wm. Hallock, Nicholas G. Weaver- While these early settlements were being made and the simple gov ernment of town affairs being established, settlers were coming rapidly into Whitestown, the bridge was built across the river to the site of Utica in 1792, roads were surveyed, and general progress was made. Calvin Guiteau was a pioneer and a surveyor, and many of the early roads were laid out by him ; he came to the town about 1 792, when his brother, Dr. Francis Guiteau, jr., also arrived. (See chapter on the Medical Pro fession— XXIII.) The first road laid out, according to the records of March 16, 1799, is described as follows : Beginning at the place where . . of Utica road intersects the County Road, on the north side of the Mohawk River, and continuing on the line of lots 14 and 15, twenty chains beyond the Dwelling House of Eldred Edwards; to be two rods in width (that is one rod on each side of the line). Calvin Guiteau, Hazard Sherman, and William Hallock were then road commissioners. Another road record May 10, 1 799, was thus described : Beginning near Hazard Sherman's house, on the line between Lots Nos. 14 and 15, as they now run ; frora thence Northerly until it intersects the back road. Said line is in the middle of the Road, and is four rods wide. THE TOWN OF DEERFIELD. 429 Returning to early settlements it is found that Dr. Alexander Cov entry, who settled in Utica in 1796, came over into Deerfield previous to 1804, retaining an office in Utica. He purchased a farm and divided his time between agriculture and his profession. (See Chapter XXIII.) His son, Robert Coventry,- was born on the homestead in 1807 and passed a long life in this town. Meanwhile settlement extended into the northern part of the town in the neighborhood of North Gage, many of the new comers being of Scotch ancestry. Among them were the families of John Smith, the Walkers, McKays, and a family named Blue, of whom Duncan Blue was the pioneer. In 1798, when Dr. Francis Guiteau was supervisor, licenses were granted to the following persons : Jabez Stewart, James Fluskey ; in 1799 to Ezra Payne, Philip Harter, Isaac Brayton, jr., Hazard Sherman, and Guiteau & Pierce; in 1800 to Bennett Rice, Isaac Brayton, jr., Philip Harter, and George Tisdale, all of whom were of course early settlers. Jacob H. Schermerhorn, born in Rensselaer county, came in from Montgomery county before 1802 and purchased over 200 acres in the north part of the town but did not then remain. In 1803 his eldest son, Uriah, and a slave family named Jackson, came to the place, and in March, 1804, were followed by the father's family. The house after wards occupied by his grandson, William Schermerhorn, was built by the pioneer in 18 12, and was the first frame house in that part. Jacob H. Schermerhorn died May 8, 18 13. Cornelius Schermerhorn, of North Gage, was his son, and another son was Daniel, who volunteered in the war of 1 8 12. Jacob H. Schermerhorn built a saw mill on West Canada Creek in 1805, which was washed away two years later.' In 18 19 the sons, Daniel and Cornelius, built a tannery near North Gage and car ried on shoemaking in connection, doing a prosperous business. About the year 1807 the first school in this town was taught in a log building near J. H. Schermerhorn's place. Stuart Cummings was one of the very early teachers here. By an act of the Legislsture passed April 5, 1-8 10, commissioners were appointed to lay out a road from Deerfield to Boonville. Iaaac Heatherington settled in Deerfield with his family about 1808, 430 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. on the road from North Gage to Utica. He built an early saw mill on Nine-Mile Creek, on the site of the later mill of Amasa Salisbury; the first mill was burned. Isaac was father of William Hetherington. Joseph Cox settled in this town in 1809, coming from Schuyler, Her kimer county. He was father of James Cox and died May 15, 1855. Peter Walker was the son of thepioneer in the north part of t,he town named Alexander Walker, who located there in 1803. In the town has been developed in recent years a very large dairy interest and there are now ten or twelve cheese factories, while large quantities of milk are sold in Utica. Gardening for the city trade is also a considerable industry. Among the leading farmers of the town, past and present, are Van R. Weaver (now sheriff of the county), Geo. B. Anderson, George H. Crossman, Frederick G. Weaver, A. B. Weaver, Earl Clapp, Giles Smith, Lewis B. Gillett, William W. Biddlecom, Isaac Buchanan, Stephen Northrup, John W. Smith, Thomas Burton, Lyman Marsh, Robert Coventry, and William M. Wells. One of the earliest industries in this large agricultural town was the making of brick on the flats where grew up the little village of Deerfield Corners, and the business has continued down to the present time. This industry has been of immense advantage to the city of Utica, and has supplied a large part of the brick for that city. The clay is of ex cellent quality and seven or eight yards have at times been in simulta neous operation, The settlement at the Corners increased in magnitude and the road between the place and Utica became nearly all built in. Stores and hotels were opened and considerable business carried on. The post-office was opened about 1855 with the name " Deerfield," and Joseph Oster, post master. One of the long time merchants here was Henry W. Kasson, who started in business here as early as i860 and was succeeded by his son, C. H. Kasson, the present merchant. Another store is kept by Jesse Anert, Union Hotel, one of the older public houses, is kept by Mrs. Katherine Anert, who succeeds her husband. The Washington Hotel is conducted by J. H. Huss. E. T. Hamert is a wagonmaker and John Hofmeister, blacksmith. The factory of the Utica Paper Novelty Company is located here and turns out a large quantity of paper pails, grocers' packages, etc. A steam saw mill two miles east of the Corners is operated by John Smith. THE TOWN OF DEERFIELD. 431 The post-office at North Gage, with this name, was established about'i83i, with Daniel Schermerhorn postmaster ; he was soon suc ceeded by Dr. Stephen F. Fenton. During the war Archibald C. Blue built and managed a cheese factory here, the first in the town. In 1 87 1 the North Gage cheese factory was started by a stock company. Later it passed to the Schermerhorn brothers, In early days, when travel was quite extensive in this direction, there were public houses and stores at this point. Deerfield Corners was the home of the Second Baptist society organized in Oneida county, its formation being effected in 1798, and a church built soon afterward a little east of the Corners. Elder Oded Eddy was the first pastor, and continued twenty-four years. The frame church was built in 18 1 2, and has been several times improved. In 18 1 5 the cemetery adjoining the church was laid out on land given by Gen. John G. Weaver, whose wife was the first person buried there in 181 1. In later years many Baptists have attended church in Utica but a society is maintained. Episcopal services were begun in Deerfield about 1874 under a mission from Whitesboro, and a church was built seven years later. The society has kept its existence since. St. Peter's Roman Catholic church was organized and its church built in 1872, under the pastorate of Rev. Father Eis. The Union church (Presbyterian and Baptist) at North Gage, was built in 1830; the first Baptist pastor»was Rev. David Pratt and the first Presbyterian, Rev. William Goodell. The following list of supervisors of this town from the beginning con tains the names of very many prominent citizens not already men tioned : 1799-1800, Dr. Francis Guiteau; 1801-10, Isaac Brayton, jr. ; 1811, Calvin Guiteau; 1812-18, Isaac Brayton ; 1819-23, Dr. Alexander Coventry ; 1824, John G. Weaver ; 1825, Amasa Rowe ; 1826-27, John D.Leland ; 1828, Jacob Edic ; 1829-31, John D. Leland ; 1832, Amasa Rowe; 1833-40, Calvin Hall, jr. ; 1841, Ambrose Kasson ; 1842, Luther Leland; 1843-44, Jacob G. Weaver; 1845, Richard Harter; 1846-47, Jacob G. Weaver; 1848, Luther Leland; 1849, John G. Webster; 1850-51, George F. Weaver; 1852, William D. Schermerhorn; 1853, John D. Leland; 1854-55, Calvin Hall; 1856-57, William H. Green ; 1858-59, William Haddon; 1860-61, George F. Weaver; 1862, John C. Blue; 1863, Luther Leland ; 1864, tie vote, — no supervisor recorded ; 1865, William McSor- ley; 1866, no vote recorded; 1867, George F. Weaver; 1868, Job Sayre; 1869, no vote 432 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. recorded; 1870, Nicholas Hicks; 1871-72, Frederick G. Weaver; 1873-74, Malcolm A. Blue; 1875, Nicholas H. Hicks; 1876, Frederick G. Weaver; 1877, Giles Smith ; 1878-9^ N. H. Hicks; 1880-84, Van R. Weaver; 1885-6, Archibald M. Blue; 1887-89^ Alfred C. Shaw; 1890-91, N. H. Hicks; 1892-94, Van R. Weaver; 1895, John R. Do'nafield' 1896, Charles J. Wood. CHAPTER XXXIII. THE TOWN OF FLORENCE. Florence lies^in the extreme northwest corner of Oneida county and has an area of 33,473 acres. It was wholly included in Scriba's patent as township No. 4 and a part of No. 3. The surface of the town is roll ing and lies from 250 to 300 feet above the Rome level. Mad River flows southeasterly across the town and receives the waters .of many small streams. The west branch of Fish Creek also finds a part of its source in the southwest part of the town. Considerable water power is developed by these streams. The soil in most parts of the town is light and stony and considerable parts are still covered with forest. William Henderson, of New York city, purchased township No. 4 of the Scriba patent, and in order to promote settlement upon his tract he offered a bonus of fifty acres each to persons who would locate on his land and become permanent settlers. This offer was accepted by Amos Woodworth, John Spinning, and a man named Turner, and perhaps by others not now known. Mr. Woodworth located in the fall ofi8oi about half a mile from the north line of the town. John Spinning set tled about the same time on the old State road east of the site of Florence village, and both began improving their property. Clark Crawford and his father, whose name is not now known, came into the town soon after the three pioneers, and were followed about the same time by Azariah Norton and Norrnan Waugh; all of these located in the south part of the town. Benoni Barlow, Ebenezer Bar low, Ambrose Curtiss, Ephraim Wright, Joseph Olcott, and Benjamin Youngs settled very early in the Florence Hill neighborhood. Nathan Thomson visited the town in 1801, but did not remain per- THE TOWN OF FLORENCE. 433 manently until his second visit, May 6, 1802, when he brought in his family and settled on the farm afterwards occupied by his son, Aaron H. Thomson. The father built a log house a little east of the later dwelling, and there opened a tavern which he kept many years and was succeeded by his son, just named. When Mr. Thomson first came to the town it is recorded that there was only one house between that of John W. Bloomfield, at Taberg in Annsville, and the one occupied by John Spinning, two miles east of Florence village, " a distance of about twelve miles by the route then traveled. Other settlers who came into Florence before the war of 1812 were Asa Jenkins, the first supervisor, Eliakim Simons, Samuel Stanford, Daniel Dye, James Angell, Amos Wilcox, Salem Town; Jonathan Mor ton, Ansel Lovejoy, Imri Case, and others. The town of Florence was set off from Camden under an act of the Legislature dated February 16, 1805. From its original area a small portion was taken off and annexed to Annsville in 1823, leaving it with its present dimensions. The act creating the town authorized the hold ing of the first town meeting at the house of John Spinning, on the State road on the first Tue'sday in April, 1805 ; but the records show that it was held on March 5, of that year. There the following officers were elected : Supervisor, Asa Jenkins ; town clerk, David Young ; assessors, Benoni Barlow, Eliakim Simons, Daniel Dye ; collector, Joseph Olcott ; poormasters, Ephraim Wright ; Abraham Morton; commissioners of highways, Samuel Town, John Spinning, Eph raim Wright ; constables, Joseph Olcott, James Angell ; fence viewers, Ansel Love joy, Imri Case, Lemuel Spinning, Jonathan Morton ; pathmasters, Azariah Orton. Jared Olcott, Norton Waugh, David Kellogg, Amos Wilcox, Salem Town, Asa Jen kins, Daniel Dye. The first marriage ceremony performed in this town was that uniting Benjamin Wilcox and Betsey Waugh, in 1803. The first birth was a child of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Crawford. Job Dawley, father of Calvin, settled in town prior to the war of 18 12, and located on the farm occupied in later years by Robert McFern, and near his son's late residence. Calvin Dawley went to Sackett's Harbor twice during the war, and passed a long life in town. A. C. Dawley is a son of Calvin. Anthony Empey, sr., was an early settler, first on the Calvin Dawley 55 ¦ 434 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. place, coming about 1811— 12. His son, Anthony, jr., laid out the little village of Empeyville, and the family built an early saw mill near by, Boardwine Dyer afterwards built a grist mill which ultimately passed out of use. Other early settlers were Hiram Fellows, John Cropper, Elijah Blake (a surveyor), and Abel Smith. While these pioneers and their successors were clearing up their lands and building their homes, they did not neglect the educational and moral welfare of the community. Schools were early established, but the records give almost ho information regarding them. The number of districts into which the town had been divided in i860 was eleven; this had been increased in 1878 to seventeen, three of which were joint dis tricts. There are now in the town fourteen districts, with good school buildings. Among other settlers in this town who have been prominent as farm ers and otherwise are David Young, Benoni Barlow, and Charles Curtiss in the west part; Eliakim Simons in the north part; and others yet to be mentioned. The first church society organized in Florence was the Congrega tional, at Florence Hill, under date of December 16, 18 16. There were only ten members at the first, but the society soon joined the Presby tery, and by January, 1829, there were sixty-nine communicants. Gerrit Smith gave the church a site, a lot for a burial place and aided in the erection of the church building, which was begun in 1825 and finished two years later. From about 1835 the society declined in numbers and finally lost its separate identity. A Methodist class was organized about 18 15 on Florence Hill where a small society of that denomination still exists. Another class was formed about 1820 three miles below Florence village, which prospered a number of years'; while at about the same time a class was formed at the village, which was soon organized into a society and built its church in 1833. This society has ever since prospered. The church building has recently been improved. Some of the prominent citizens of the town who came in at a later date than those already mentioned were Simon Davis, Charles Curtiss, Safford S. Delano, Varnum Dunton, Daniel G. Dorrance, John Downs, and others whose names appear in lists of officials and in Part III. THE TOWN OF FLORENCE. 435 The growth of Florence village began early and was fostered to some extent by Gerrit Smith, the Madison county philanthropist. He had built a blacksmith shop in 1822, and in the following year Thomas Evans, formerly of Peterboro (Madison county), and father of Horatio J. Evans, settled in the hamlet and began work at his trade of black- smithing in Mr. Smith's shop. Other mechanics were also induced by Mr. Smith to settle here, as well as men of other avocations and profes sions, and the little village seemed to have a bright prospect. Roger Maddock, a former Peterboro merchant, was among those sent by Smith; he bought out a small store which had been kept by a Mr. Norton, and at the same time acted as Mr. Smith's agent. Mr. Smith also purchased the grist mil! at the village, which had been erected not long previous. The mill now here is run by Z, L. Tompkins. Ezra Graves established a tannery some time prior to 1828. He removed away soon afterward. Another tannery was started in 1832 by James S. T. Stranahan, through the agency of Mr. Smith. This tannery was burned and another was erected by Lewis Rider, which ultimately passed to Terrill Brothers, of Boston, and was burned about 1875, after doing a vast business for a number of years. Another tannery in the village was carried on by John Sliter, while W, W. Graves manufactured fine upper leather in his tannery, and operated the grist mill. It will be seen that the tanning interest has been by far the most imporatant industry in Florence ; but with the disappearance of bark the business has greatly declined. It is now represented only by the Graves tannery, which is operated by H. A. Seymour, son-in-law of W. W. Graves. A saw mill is now situated a little above the village and is run, by C. Wilmot. A large hotel was built in 1825 by James Cleveland, founder of the village of Cleveland, Oswego county. This building was subsequently burned. There are now two hotels, the Grove Hotel, by Clark Brothers, and a comparatively new house, built and kept by John Riley. Rens selaer Lament formerly kept a hotel here. It is not known in just what year the post-office was established, but in 1823 it was located at the tavern of Asa Barnes, two miles above the village, and he was postmaster. It was removed to the village about 1830. There has always been a small mercantile business at Florence village. 436 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Among the former merchants of the place were J. S. T. Stranahan Daniel G. Dorrance, whose son is now banker in Camden, Simon Davis Junius A. Cowles. Stores *are now kept by J. Orr, Daniel 0'M,ara, and John F.. Clark. This village, like many others in the county, is not so prosperous in a business sense as it was in former years, for reasons that are apparent. The town is fairly prosperous as an agricultural district, mixed crops being successfully cultivated by many progressive farmers. Dairying has received increasing attention in recent years, and there are now four cheese factories in the town. The Baptist society of Florence village became connected with the Oneida Baptist Association in 1828, having been organized some years prior to that year. The society then had a membership of twenty- four; this number had increased to sixty-four in 1835. The society built a church, and in 1833 opened a school for the education of young men, on the now popular plan of combining mental and manual labor and study. A large three story stone school building was erected in 1834; but neither the school nor the church was permanently prosperous. The church declined and the building finally passed to a small Congregational society, previously mentioned. The school building was purchased by a Catholic society about 1845, was changed over for its new purpose and has ever since been used by that organization. The post office at Empeyville is named East Florence, and was origin ally located at the corners near the Thomson farm ; Charles B. Thom son was probably the first postmaster. The office was removed to the little village in April, 1863, The business interests of this hamlet are small. The saw mill which has existed many years is run by James Keating, and A., C. Dawley and James Bonner are merchants. The following are the supervisors of Florence from 1806 to 1896, in clusive : 1806-7, Asa Jenkins ; 1808, Samuel Stanford ; 1809-13, Asa Jenkins ; 1813 (special election), Samuel Stanford; 1814-23, Benoni Barlow; 1824-28, Calvin Dawley; 1829- 32, Amos Woodworth; 1833-34, Simon Davis; 1835-36, Charles Curtiss; 1837-38, Safford S. Delano; 1839-30, Amos Woodworth; 1841, Nathan Thomson; 1842, Var num Dunton; 1843-44, Anthony Empey, jr.; 1845-46, Daniel G. Dorrance; 1847, Watson Sammon ; 1848-50, Aaron H. Thomson ; 1851-52, John Downer, jr. ; 1853-54, Rensselaer Lament ; 1855, Junius A. Cowles ; 1856, Lewis Rider ; 1857-58, Cornelius THE TOWN OF FLOYD. 437 Sirapkins; 1859, Aaron H. Thomson; 1860-61, Lewis Rider; 1862-63, Michael Mc Laughlin;' 1864-66, A. H. Thomson; 1867-68, A. D. Rider; 1869-70, Stoddard Love land- 1871^77, Edward Fitzgerald; 1878-79, Humphrey Courtney; 1880-81, Edward Fitzgerald; 1882-83, Daniel O'Mara; 1884-85, Humphrey Courtney; 1886-87, John Daly; 1888-89, Aaron Clough; 1890-91-92, John F. Clark; 1893-94-95-96, William Clark. CHAPTER XXXIV. THE TOWN OF FLOYD. The town of Floyd was erected from Steuben on March 4, 1796, when Western was also a part of Steuben. Floyd received its name in honor of Gen. William Floyd, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and a large land owner in this, town and in Western. General Floyd settled in Western in 1803, and remained there until his death. He was instrumental in the development of this, region and gave material aid to the early settlers. (See history of Western). The territory of Floyd was included largely in the southeast corner of Fonda's patent, while the southern portion and the eastern portion were in the Oriskany and Holland patents respectively. The town lies just east of the center, its southern limit touching the Mohawk at the junction of Nine- Mile Creek with the river; tributaries of both these streams find their sources within this town. The surface consists of the Mohawk in tervale in the south, a sandy plateau farther back, with the Floyd hills in the northern part. The soil is generally productive and many fine farms are seen in the town. A large number of the thrifty Welsh set tled early in the northern part of Floyd and have aided materially in its development. In late years a considerable dairying interest has taken the place of earlier agricultural crops. The town has an area of 20,650 acres. Settlement in Floyd began several years prior to the formation of the. town, with the advent of Capt. Benjamin Pike about 1790. He had a son, Jarvis Pike, who came in early, possibly with his father, and took a lease from General Floyd of a lot north of Floyd Corners under date of October 26, 1793. He was supervisor from 1801 to 181 1. 438 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Contemporaneous with Benjamin Pike's settlement was that of Stephen Moulton, jr., a musician in the Revolutionary army, who lived to the age of ninety-one years and died February i, 185 1. As early as February, 1795, the different members of the Moulton family, from Stafford, Conn., had settled in this town. As before men tioned, Stephen Moulton, the younger, was among the earliest settlers. Within five years after his arrival, his father, Stephen Moulton, and four other sons, Salmon, Joseph, Benjamin, and Ebenezer, had moved into the town. The Moulton family were among the staunchest Whigs of the Revolution in the land of " steady habits," and sacrificed much in the cause of their country. Salmon was taken prisoner on Long Island, and suffered all the horrors of a confinement in the " Sugar House," a place more noted for the suffering of its inmates than the " Black Hole " of Calcutta, because more protracted. Mr. Moulton was kept so short of provisions that he and his compatriots used to chew pieces of the oak staves of the sugar casks left in their prison, for the little nutriment they contained. His father, Col. Stephen Moulton, was afterward taken prisoner (as is understood) at Fort Washington, and there confined. After a tedious confinement in the " Sugar House," Salmon was paroled to leave for Fort Washington, and soon after, both father and son were paroled to go to their homes.1 Stephen Moulton, sr., was elected the first supervisor of Floyd and the family has been a prominent one in the town. William and Nathaniel Allen and James Chase came in at about the same time with the Moultons, and were soon followed by Elisha Lake, Hope Smith, and^two brothers named Howard ; Mr. Smith was father of Stephen R. Smith, who became a popular ^Universalist preacher. David Byam, James Bartlett, and a man named Putney settled very early in the north part of the town. The first town meeting was held in the spring of 1796, at the house of Samuel J. Curtiss, another early settler, and Stephen Moulton, sr., was chosen supervisor, and Moses Coffeen, town clerk. The town rec ords for 1797 are missing. The supervisors of the town from 1798 to the present time excepting from 185 1 to 1863, of which year, the records are missing, have been as follows : ' Jones's Annals. THE TOWN OF FLOYD. 439 Abel French held the office of supervisor in 1798-99; Jarvis Pike from 1800 to 1811; Nathan Townsend, sr., in 1812; Ephraim Robbins from 1813 to 1819; Nathan Townsend again in 1820-21 ; Ephraim Robbins again from 1822 to 1824; Salmon Pel- ton from 1825 to 1832; David Moulton from 1833 to 1837; Samuel C. Brooker, 1838- 39; David Moulton«1840-42 ; Hosea Clark, 1843-44; David Moulton again from 1845 to 1851; 1863, Alonzo Denison; 1864-66, Philip A. Hale; 1867, George W. Davis; 1868, David Moulton; 1869-71, William A. Davis; 1872-73, David Moulton; 1874, Thomas D. Roberts; 1875, Wm. A. Davis; 1876, T. D. Roberts; 1877, Matthew J. Bar ker; 1878, Charles A. Ward; 1879-80, M. J. Barker; 1881, Orris B. Tripp; 1882-83, J. Henry Powell; 1884-85, Philip J. Baker; 1886, Owen J. Evans; 1887, J. Nicholas Jacobs; 1888-90, J. W. Potter; 1891, Griffith D. Thomas; 1892, G. M. Soule, 1893- 95, P. J. Baker; 1896, Griffith W. Jones. It is noteworthy that very early in this century Floyd was the residence for a time of Israel Denio, father of the distinguished Judge. Hiram Denio, who is elsewhere noticed in this volume. Israel Denio was a son of Aaron Denio, who was a Revolutionary vet eran, and was born in Deerfield, Mass. Learning the blacksmith trade, he married in 1791. Ester Robbins, daughter of John Robbins (another Floyd pioneer) and in 1795 settled in what is now the town of Floyd, about a mile south of the late farm of Alfred Robbins. There was born in 1796 his daughter who became the wife of Joseph Kirkland. About the year 1797 Mr. Denio removed to Wright Set tlement, in the town of Rome, and there followed his trade many years. He later worked at other points and died in 1846. His son Hiram was born in the town of Rome in May, 1799. John Robbins, mentioned above, came from Bennington, Vt., into Oneida county in 1790, locating at first in the town of Rome near New- ville. Finding fever and ague prevalent there he removed into what is now Floyd and settled near the town line on the farm occupied in recent years by his grandson, Alfred Robbins. The father of the latter was Henry Robbins, who passed his life and died in Floyd. Samuel Dyer was an early settler, who spent several years on a farm in this town and removed to Marcy. He was a man of excellent char acter, and is doubtless the one referred to in the following extract from the diary of Rev. John Taylor, a missionary who passed through this region from Massachusetts in 1802 : August 2.— Started for Floyd ; rode 11 miles to a Captain Rice's. Preached in the evening. I know not what remarks to make upon the inhabitants of this town ; a half dozen excepted, they seem to be the fag-end of man in disorder and confusion 440 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of all kinds. The Baptists have some regularity, but the Methodists are producing the scenes which are transpiring in Kentucky. Women here, Methodists, pray in their families instead of ye men, and with such strength of lungs as to be distinctly heard by their neighbors. I had almost as many nations, sects, and religions pres ent to hear me preach as Peter had on the day of Pentecost. In this town there is' an excellent character, — Esq. Dier; he tells me that Clinton has given commissions to five men for justices in this place, one of whom is a renegade Irishman, without character and without prayer, and another has no Bible in his house. In fact, this is a most miserable place as to inhabitants. The land is good, too good for such in habitants. It is more than probable that some of the statements of this mission ary were unjustifiable under the circumstances ; they certainly do not indicate a Christian spirit. Coming westward from older settled locali ties to encounter the rude scenes of life in the wilderness, with many privations that may have touched his own person harshly, this mission ary appears to have little understood or appreciated the situation. It is very certain that the pioneers of Floyd no more deserved the obloquy of this itinerant, than those of any other similar locality in the early years. Captain Nathan Townsend settled in 1801 in the southeast part of the town, on a farm which had been purchased by Gov. George Clin ton, and where a "squatter" named Turner Ellis had previously lived. Mr. Townsend was supervisor in 1821, and had a son of the same name. He was father of Ingham and William F. Townsend. Thomas Bacon and Samuel Cummings were early settlers on Floyd Hill, the locality being known for a time as " Bacon's Hill." Asa Clark settled on the Hill about 1805. He served as a teamster in the war of 18 1 2 and was father of A. S. Clark, one time postmaster at Floyd Corners. Robert Nutt and his son David came into the town about the begin ning of the century and both lived and died in the town. The father was a Revolutionary soldier. David's son, Austin A., was born in Floyd in 1800. Samuel Denison settled in town in 1800, and about the same time came James Chase, Latham Denison, and others. An epidemic of dysentery swept over the settlement in the summer of 1796,. during which the wife of Col. Stephen Moulton and three children of his son died, all within a week. Nathan Thompson was the second person to die in the town, and was killed by a falling tree. THE TOWN OF FLOYD. 441 Benjamin Gardner came from Rhode Island and settled in Floyd about 1804, with his father, Amos Gardner. Benjamin served in the war of r8i2 ; his wife was a daughter of Eli Kent, who was five years old when her parents came into Oneida county in 1795 and settled in the edge of the town of Rome. In that neighborhood but within the Floyd town line settled early three families named Kilborn, and Israel Denio, before mentioned. It was probably one of these Kilborns who taught a very early school, about the winter 1795-6, in the Kent neigh borhood in the town of Rome. A school was taught as early as 18 10 in the Nutt neighborhood. The town was later divided and subdivided into districts which numbered eleven in i860. There are now nine dis tricts, with good school buildings. One of the earliest churches in this town was built as a Union church at the Corners, where for a number of years services were held as opportunity offered by Methodist, Baptist or Presbyterian ministers or missionaries. Free Methodists and Episcopalians occasionally occupied the church in later years, until finally the services were confined mainly to the Methodists. A Baptist society was organized on the Hill in 1807, and for many yeaas was prosperous. It finally declined and went put of existence. Camroden post-office and the little hamlet of that name is situated about three miles northerly from Floyd Corners, where numbers of Welsh settlers located and gave it the peculiar name. The, post-office was established in 1872. Here is located a Methodist church society organized about 1840, who built their present church about 1866; ser vices where held previous to that time in the building that was subse quently used for the post- office and residence of R. M. Williams. The' Welsh Congregational church at Camroden was originally under Presby terian authority and was organized about 1834. A church was erected north of the present building, which was built in 1854. Besides the post office and hamlet at Floyd Corners (the post-office having the name of Floyd), there is a post-office called East Floyd in the eastern part of the town. The saw mill here is operated by P. J. Baker, who is postmaster. The little village of Floyd Corners is in the southern central part of the town, whese a post-office was established in early years, with Benja- 56 442 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. min Pike postmaster. There has always been a small mercantile busi ness here, the store at present being conducted by M. J. Barker, who has been a merchant for twenty- five years. He waspreoeded during many years by P. A. Hale. G. W. Martin has a second store. The hotel which has long been conducted is now in charge of S. A. Thorp. The first hotel here was kept by Capt. Benjamin Pike. The first cheese factory tn this town was built in 1862 by T. D. Rob erts. There are now three, and one for the manufacture of limburger cheese. Some of the leading farmers of this town, past and present, are Germaine Soule, Ingham Townsend, and his brother William F., Thomas D. Roberts, H. M. Hemenway, William Jones, O. B. Tripp, Frank Tripp, Thomas H. Vandenhoff G. D. Thomas, Robert Evans, Charles H. Owen aud John Evans. CHAPTER XXXV. THE TOWN OF FORESTPORT This is the northeasternmost town in Oneida county and its territory includes in the southern part a small section of the Remsenburgh patent, all of the Woodhull tract in its central portion, and the Adgate eastern patent in the north part, as shown on the map. Black River forms its southern boundary, while many small streams flow through parts of the town, and numerous lakes and ponds exist in the northern part; among these are Long Lake, White Lake, Otter Lake, and Deer and Round Ponds. Big and Little Woodhull Creeks flow southeasterly across the town and into Black River. The surface of the town is elevated from 1,500 to 2,000 feet above tide and is much broken by hills and ridges. The soil is mostly a light sandy loam, suitable for the ordinary farm crops, and hops have been raised to some extent in the central part. This town has only a brief history, either as a civil organization or as to its settlement. Lying in the outskirts of the great northern wilder ness, its forests were not penetrated until comparatively recent years, and most of its dwellers have in some way been associated with the G. M. STUDOR. THE TOWN OF FORESTPORT. 443 leading industries of lumbering or tanning. Foresport was erected from Remsen November 24, 1869, and the first town meeting was held in Forestport village on the 1st of March, 1870, at which time the follow ing officers were elected : Supervisor, Harry Weed; town clerk, Charles E. Barber; justices of the peace, Daniel Nugent, Judson W. Rockwell; assessors, Stephen Millard, Thomas Ryan; commissioners of highways, Christopher Herrig, John Bellinger ; collector, Thomas J. Alliger ; poormasters, Philip Studer, John Lindsey ; constables, James H. Jackson, Henry Herrig, Asaph Learned, William Elthorp,, George Thurston ; inspectors of election, Giles C. Hovey, Edward Coughlin, Cephas Weeks ; sealer of weights and measures, James McKenzie. Following is a list of the supervisors of the town from its organiza tion to the present time : 1870-75, Harry Weed; 1876-80, Timothy Coughlin; 1881, Evan R. Jones; 1882, Roselle Putney ; 1883-4, A. B. Baker; 1885, Oscar F. Huber; 1886-93, F. X. Sulzman; 1894-96, J. B. Coughlin. The building of the great dam at Forestport by the State in 1849-50 to create the feeder for the Black River Canal, stimulated settlement at that point, and the lumber business was soon acrive. A man named Smith built on the west side of the river the first saw mill there, and the first dwelling on the east side of the river was built by Alfred Hough. Truman Yale had settled there about 1840 and carried on a chair, fac tory, the first industry in the place. A hotel was opened in 185 1 by Anson Hayden, and a store was opened early on the west side of the river, in the town of Boonville, by Loren Miller. This was the first store, and the first one on the east side was established by Enos S. Howard while the canal feeder was being constructed. The place was at one period known as Williamsvills, when the post-office was located at Woodhull, which is now practically a suburb of Forestport. The office was finally removed to Forestport and given that name, with Alfred Hough, postmaster. It is now the only post-office in the town. George Hovey settled permanently in Forestport in 1847, having visited the locality some years before. A school was opened about 1840 in the hamlet, since which time the town has been subdivided into more districts, having now ten. Forestport village now has a graded school, with David R. Lloyd, principal, and two assistants. Among other early and prominent settlers in this town may be men- 444 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tioned Gen. Jonathan A. Hill, who located here in 1867, after having won high military distinction in the war of the Rebellion, and became associated with Thomas E. Proctor, of Boston, in carrying on a great tannery at Woodhull. An early grist mill in Forestport was erected and carried on by Hough & Hulburt, and a later one was built by Philip McGuire. These mills are now operated by George Farley and C. M. Bingham, both of whom have been in the business many years. ^ As the lumber business developed, large mills were erected at various points, among those now in operation being Denton & Waterbury, Forestport Lumber Company, Syphert & Herrig, James Gallagher (all in Forestport village), and those of W. R. Stanburgh, a mile out ; Joseph Ano, four miles east; Henry Nichols and Jerry App, on Bear Creek. A pulp mill was built in 1888 by H. Nichols and a shingle mill by Frederick Brown The Adirondack Lumber Company is located at White Lake, where a chair factory is operated. The hotels at Forest port are the Getman House, built about eight years ago by Charles Getman ; the American by Michael Doyle ; the Clinton House, built by Robert Boyle, and George Buckley's hotel. Merchants here are Den ton & Waterbury, Boyce & Downing, George R, Ainsworth, who bought out W. R. Stanburgh, Henry Nichols, Herbert Helmer. Older merchants, now gone, were S. F. Traffarn and Hough & Hurlbut. The village has an active fire department and in 1891 purchased a Howe combined chemical and water engine. A graded school is maintained with three teaehers. ; At Woodhull the large tannery formerly operated by Proctor & Hill is not now in use. A planing mill is operated. by Charles Hayes, and a store is kept by the Woodhull Lumber Company. The Central Hotel is kept by Cornelius Breen ; the Hasney House by R. J. Monihan, and the Forestport House. The Presbyterian society, organized as the Presbyterian church of Forestport, Alder Creek and White Lake, built its frame house of wor ship in 1 88 1. Prior to that services were held in the school house, in the M. E. church and in Temperance Hall. Rev. William N. Cleveland (brother of President Cleveland) was the first pastor and remained about ten years. PHILIP MCGUIRE. THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 445 The Catholic church was organized and its church built fourteen years ago. It is in charge of the society at Boonville. An Episcopal society has been in existence here many years. CHAPTER XXXVI. THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. Although it was organized at a comparatively recent date, the town of Kirkland is in many respects one of the most important in Oneida county. It was organized under an act of the Legislature passed April 13, 1827, and then included what is now the town of Marshall, which was set off in 1829. In 1834 a small section was annexed to New Hart ford, and in 1839 a small part of Paris was annexed to Kirkland. The town now embraces an area of 19,716 acres, and received its name in h.onor of the Rev. Samuel Kirkland, the noted missionary. It lies in the interior of the county, south of the center, and its surface is divided into two general ridges by the Oriskany Creek which flo'ws northeasterly- through near the center. The hilly uplands rise 200 to 500 feet, often with steep declivities, presenting in many places scenery of picturesque beauty. The soil is generally a rich calcareous loam, well adapted to fruit growing, which has been extensively followed. Along the shores of Oriskany Creek are rich alluvial deposits. Iron ore of good quality has been found in the town, and in past years thousands of tons were annually shipped to distant furnaces by the Chenango Canal. Good building stone is quarried near Clinton village. The town is noted throughout the State for the number and high character of its .educa tional institutions. The settlement of this town was begun on the 3d of March, 1787, by Moses Foote and seven families. The event is commemorated on a stone now standing in the park at Clinton village by the following in scriptions : Moses Foote, Esq., in company with seven other families, commenced the settle ment of this village March 3, 1787. 446 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The north face has the following : Nine miles to Utica. Moses Foote, James Bronson, Luther Foote, Bronson Foote Ira Foote, Barnabas Pond, Ludim Blodgett, Levi Sherman. Mr. Foote and a few other persons had visited this locality in the fall of 1786, and James Bronson came in February, 1787, passing the night of the 27th of that month under shelter of the roots of a tree on what is now Clinton Green. Five of the eight families mentioned were from Plymouth, Conn., whence they had a- few years earlier migrated to German Flats. In coming to their later home they followed what was known as the Moyer road, which followed a part of the Indian trail from Buffalo to the Mohawk valley. That road brought them to Paris Hill, where they turned northward. After some discussion the party located the site of their settlement on the site of Clinton village. The family of Solomon Hovey is thought by some to have come in with those pioneers; if he did not, he followed them very closely, and his wife was the first white woman to come into the town. The summer of 1787 found thirteen families living on the Oriskany, and this number had in creased to twenty, this addition including the families of John Bullen, Salmon Butler, James Cassety (see history of Augusta, herein) William Cook, Samuel and Noah Hubbard, Amos Kellogg, Aaron Kellogg, Oliver Porter, Randall Lewis, Cordial Storrs, Caleb Merrill, Levi Sher man, and Judah Stebbins. The settlement was formed on a road extending north and south from the house owned in recent years by Marshall W. Barker to the house of Seth K. Blair. Each family was given two acres of land on this street for a building lot, and in the course of a year eight acres additional were set off for each family, adjoining the first assignment in each case. These pioneers cleared some of their land, planted crops, and named their set tlement in honor of the governor of the State, Clinton. They labored under the privations and inconveniences common to the first settlers in many other localities ; they carried their corn on foot or horseback to the mill at Whitestown, built in 1788, over a narrow trail, six miles, until a little later they joined their labor and cut out a road wide enough for teams. Soon afterward Colonel Cassety built a grist mill on the east bank of the creek, near the site of the bridge on College street, and in the same year a saw mill was built a few rods above. This saw mill THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 447 property is now owned by E G. Coleman and the grist mill by Van Buskirk & Co., and known as the Clinton Roller mills. During the summer of 1788 about twenty new families were added to the settlement, among whom were the Rev. Samuel Kirkland, George Longford, Timothy Tuttle, Benjamin Pollard,' Zadock Loomis, Theodore Manross, Andrew Blanchard, Silas Austen, Joshua Morse, Elias Dewey, and Joseph Gleason. When the lands now covered by this town were first selected by Captain Foot and his party, it was supposed that they had never been surveyed, and were not embraced within the limits of any patent. They considered themselves ' squatters,' presuming that when the land came into market they could claim it by pre-emption right. What, then, was their surprise, on exploring and clearing up the forests, to find lines of marked trees, and on further inquiry to learn that they had settled upon Coxe's Patent, ' a tract of land granted by the colony of New York, May 30, 1770, to Daniel Coxe, William Coxe, Rebecca Coxe, and John Tabor Kempe and Grace, his wife.' Their settlement was found to be located on ' the two thousand and sixteen acres tract,' by which. descriptive name it was long known to the older inhabitants and surveyors. This plot was bounded on the north by the farm now owned by Henry Gleason, on the east by David Pickett's, on the south by Seth K. Blair's, and on the west by the Oriskany Creek. On further search it was found that this tract had al ready been divided into twenty lots of nearly equal size, and that the proprietors had oftered it as a gift to any colony of twenty families who would take it up and occupy it as a permanent settlement. At once our settlers hoped that they might enjoy the benefit of this generous offer; but the patentees, learning that their lands had already been occupied in ignorance of their proposal, refused to make the gift, and required the squatters to buy the land at the rate often shillings an ¦ acre. Ac cordingly, in the summer of 1788, Captain Foot was sent to Philadelphia to purchase the whole tract on the best possible terms; and eventually the several lots were parceled out at cost among the different settlers. The triangular piece of land which afterwards became the site of the village was called the 'handkerchief lot,' from its resemblance on the map to a half handkerchief, and was bought by Captain Foot. * The first death in the town occurred in the spring of 1788, when Miss Merab Tuttle, seventeen years old, a daughter of Timothy Tuttle, was drowned in Oriskany Creek ; the sad event cast a shadow of gloom over the little community. On account of loss of the records of this town prior to 1866, the list of supervisors can be given-only from that year, as follows : 1866-7, Charles Kellogg; 1868-9, Henry S. Armstrong; 1870-2, Elliott S. Williams; 1873-4, Silas T. Ives; 1875, Anthony N. Owston; 1876, Henry N. Gleason; 1877-78, Henry C. Earle; 1879-81, Robert W. Evans; 1882-83, Lathrop N. Brockway; 1884- 1 History of Kirkland (1874) Uy Rev. A. D. Gridley. 448 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 87, Andrew L. Williams; 1888-89, Thomas W. Onyon; 1890-93, George E. Norton; 1894-95, Amos Armstrong; 1896, Willard G. Pickert. Within the boundaries of Kirkland are included the Kirkland patent, a part of the tract of the Brothertown Indians, a part of Cox's patent. This latter section mad,e the early settler considerable trouble, as de scribed a little further on. (See also Chapter X, and the map of patents).' The first marriage in Kirkland was celebrated in 1788, when on the same day Elias Dewey and Anna Foote, and Andrew Blanchard and Mary Cook were united. Mr. Dewey built a house on the site of the Judge Williams residence of recent years. Roger Leverett and Eliza beth Cheesebrough were also married in that year, in a log house that stood on the road to Utica, east of Slocum's bridge. The first child born in the town was Clinton Foote, who died before reaching manhood ; the second was Fanny Kellogg, daughter of Amos Kellogg and later the wife of Orrin Gridley ; the third was Julius Pond, born July 26, 1789. Among the settlers who arrived in 1789 was Jesse Curtiss, who in the fall of that year built the third frame house in town, the first having been erected by Timothy Tuttle, and the second by Ebenezer Butler, jr. These three were all built in 1789. Other setttlers of the year were Timothy Pond, Eli Bristol, Joel Bristol, Jonah Sanford. Samuel Curtiss, John Curtiss, Ebenezer Butler, Theodore Gridley, Bartholomew Po d, Rufus Millard, William Marsh, and William Carpenter. While Capt. Moses Foote brought to the town the first horse, it was soon stolen by Indians, and the next ones were brought in. 1789 by William Carpenter and Nathan Marsh. It is a local tradition that these men started on hoseback for Albany, and at the same time Jesse Curtiss and Bartholomew started on foot, and that the footmen reached their desti nation some hours ahead of the horsemen. In 1789 the families who had settled in this town encountered an en emy which they had not anticipated, in a period of famine. It seems incredible that actual want of food could have existed, but when the difficulty of communication with distant points, where crops had not failed, is considered, the situation may be better appreciated. The stock of flour and potatoes was exhausted and many were compelled to live THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 449 on wild game and such nuts and wild vegetables as they could find. At last a party of men started for Fort Plain in Montgomery county, in search of flour or other food. There they found a friend in Isaac Paris, who loaded a small flat boat with flour and meal and sent it up the Mohawk to the mouth of Oriskany Creek, where it was transferred to a log canoe, which the settlers had made and who were there to meet the returning party. The canoe and its load were worked up the creek to near the village, where the welcome food was taken, in carts to the set tlement. Mr. Paris received his pay for the flour and meal in ginseng root, for which he could find a ready market. All that territory was then a part of Whitestown, it will be remembered, and when in 1792, a new town was to be erected which would include what is now Clinton, he was honored by giving it his name — Paris. In 1792 Thomas Hart settled in Clinton and opened a. store in com pany with Seth Roberts in a building erected by Ebenezer Butler, in which the latter had carried on trade. In 1793 Judah Stebbins built the first two-story house in the town. It was in the Hart store, to which business Ephraim Hart (son of Thomas), had succeeded prior to 1801, that the first burglary in the town was committed. Mr. Hart had col lected about $1 800 in silver, and an Irishman named Samuel McBride, who must have learned of the treasure, broke into the store and carried it off. He was very soon captured and most of the money restored to the owner. The thief escaped from the place of confinement, started north and traveled till morning, when he found a hollow stump about ten feet high near Middle Settlement, into which he descended to hide until night again came on. But the misguided burglar found a prison more secure in the stump than where he was first confined. After nearly losing his life he did finally get out, but only to fall into the cus tody of his pursuers. He was tried and sentenced to State prison for fourteen years. The pioneers of Kirkland and that vicinity found many Indians of the Oneida nation, the Stockbridge and the Brothertown tribes, and for a number of years their figures and faces were perhaps more familiar to the settlers than those of their own white neighbors. Many incidents of interest are recorded of the intercourse between the natives and the pioneers, for which space cannot be spared in this volume. (See Grid- 57 450 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ley's History of Kirkland, and Jones's Annals of Oneida County.) The Indians were friendly as a rule and in some instances were contributors to the comfort of the settlers. It was among these Indians that Rev. Samuel Kirkland passed a large part of his life in efforts to Christianize them. He established the first permanent Protestant mission in the country of the Six Nations among the Oneidas in July, 1766, and from that time until the beginning of the present century was a prominent figure in this history of this region. He was a graduate of Nassau Hall, Princeton, N. J. (1765), and in the previous year, when he was twenty- three years old, had made a visit to the country of the Six Nations. His life among the Indians was replete with incident and its history reads like a romance. When Mr. Kirkland settled among the Oneidas in this town, he built for himself a dwelling for which he cut the timber and dug a cellar with his own hands. His garden was on ground afterwards used for the. same purpose by Hon. Timothy Jenkins. He was con nected with the army as chaplain during a part of the Revolutionary struggle, and was conspicuous and acted as interpreter in the great Buffalo treaty of 1784. In October, 1791, he removed his family to the land granted him by the Indians and the State, and as far as he was able continued his labors among the Oneidas through the remainder of his life. His death took place February 28, 1 808. His funeral was held in Clinton and his remains were buried on his own land and near his dwelling. His remains, with those of others of the family, were ex humed and reburied in the college cemetery October 31, 1856. Three sons and three1 daughters were born to him. Two of the sons died young and unmarried. Dr. John Thornton Kirkland, president of Ham ilton College, left no children. Of the daughters, Jerusha, the eldest, married John H. Lothrop, of Utica, in 1797 ; Sarah married Francis Amory, of Boston, in 1804; and Eliza, the youngest, married Rev. Ed ward Robinson, D D., in 18 18, then a professor in Hamilton College, and subsequently known as an Oriental traveler, and professor in Union Theological Seminary of New York city. Mr. Kirkland's greatest act of usefulness was, perhaps, the founding in 1793 of the Hamilton Oneida Academy, at Clinton, which was the direct parent of Hamilton College. A history of this and the many other prominent educational institutions of this " educational emporium of Oneida county " is given in Chapter XXIV. THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 451 Hamilton Academy was advanced to the rank and dignity of a col lege in 1812, and in the following year the Clinton Grammar School was founded, as fully described in Chapter XXIV. The well known Clinton Liberal Institute was established in 1831, and was .followed in the next year by the Young Ladies' Domestic Seminary, all of which were forerunners of others which have been described. As to the early common schools of the town, there is little that can be recorded. The following brief sketch was prepared by Gains Butler for the Gridley history and should be preserved : The first building erected in Kirkland for the purpose of a common school stood on the east side of the village green, upon the spot now occupied for a similar pur pose. It was a frame building, one story and a half high. This was afterward re moved, and now (1873) stands on the' north side of Kellogg Street, and is occupied by Mr. James Hughes. The original school-house was succeeded by a brick building. The bricks used in this structure were made on the farm of Gideon Cole, now owned by James Elphick and Dr. G. I. Bronson. In the spring of 1840 this house, having become somewhat dilapidated, was sold at auction for some $300, and soon after wards the present frame building was erected on or near the same spot. It is worthy of note that a Mr. Fillmore, brother of President Fillmore, was one of the early teachers in this school-house. It was originally a very general practice to measure the lot by the size of the school-house, as if a sufficient margin for a play-ground was land thrown away. The school house on Utica Street was built on a steep bluff, at an angle on two sides of some 45 degrees, with not one spare foot of ground. A school was sustained on this spot for many years, but a bright light one evening many years ago showed that the old building was being reduced to ashes. The first school-house in the eastern part of Kirkland, near Mr. Pickett's, was built by a Mr. Willard, at the contract price of $150. Low price and poor work. It was attempted to warm the building in winter by a Russian stove, of which Dr. Backus said, "One might as well warm his feet by a tombstone." Another and bet ter building was afterwards put up on the same site, but ere long it went up by fire, and the district itself was dissolved. The Franklin district is a large and populous one. The first school-house was destroyed under circumstances bordering on the ludicrous. It may suffice here to state that for a certain cutaneous disease sulphur was regarded as the best remedy, and that, in order to its being well rubbed in, a large fire was considered necessary. Well, the boys were not in a condition to put it out. District schools were opened early in other parts of the town, such names as the " Brimfield Hill district," the " Chuckery district,'' the "Manchester district," and the "Post Street district " being some of those applied to the several divisions. In i860 there were seventeen 452 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. districts iii the town. The number at the present time is fifteen, with a school house in each. While these various extensive and effective measures were being adopted to provide for the education of the young of the town, religious organ izations were established. It is recorded that the first religious meet ing held in Kirkland convened on Sunday, April 8, 1787, in an un finished house belonging to Moses Foote, in Clinton. Mr. Foote opened the meeting with prayer, and Caleb Merrill, who lived near Middle Settlement, read a printed sermon. Other similar meetings were held in various places until a church organization was effected. Rev. Sam uel Eells, of Branford, Conn., visited Clinton in November, 1788, held services and performed baptisms. In August, 1791, Rev. Dr. Edwards, then pastor of the North church in New Haven, Conn., came to Clin ton and organized a Congregational church with thirty members. A few weeks later " The Society of Clinton " was organized with eighty- three members. Rev. Asahel Strong N3rton, of Chatham, Conn., was called as the first pastor, and was paid a salary of " one hundred pounds, lawful money." He served for the same pay for twenty years, and visited other parts of the town, preaching in school houses, dwellings and barns. A log building was erected on the village common in 1792, and there meetings were held. This was torn down in 1796, and the school house was used for worship, until a church was built. This was partly accomplished in that year, but the building was not finished until 1 80 1. It stood in the park, facing the south, and was 65 by 48 feet in size. A bell was hung in the square tower in 1804, which was cast by Capt. Timothy Barnes in the village — a product of one of the earliest industries. The church is remembered as " the old white meet ing house." A new church was erected of stone in 1835-6, on the south side of the park, and was burned July 10, 1876, when the pres ent handsome edifice was erected at a total cost of about $40,000. After a period of about seventy years in the Congregational faith, the Presbyterian form was adopted and the church became connected with the Utica Presbytery. The first Methodist class was formed in 18 18, and that and other churches are described a little further on. During the period in which were established the above mentioned organizations for the moral and educational welfare of this, town, many THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 453 of the early manufacturing industries were founded, which for a time made it a center of considerable business. The breeding of fine-wool sheep was successfully followed in Oneida county at an early date and Kirkland people engaged extensively in the work. This led to the formation of companies for the manufacture of woolen cloths, among which was the Clinton Woolen Manufacturing Company, which erected a factory in 1810. After a few years of profitable operation, the busi ness declined after the close of the war of 1812, largely through com petition of English goods. Broadcloths were made at this factory which sold during the war as high as $12 a yard, and other kinds of cloth in proportion. The property ultimately passed to the proprietors of Clark's Mills and was used as a cotton factory, as described further on ; the post-office at this point has the name of Clark Mills. Amos Kellogg built a fulling mill in Clinton prior to 18 10, on the east side of the creek on College street. He sold out to Clark Wood, who removed the machinery to the north side of the road to make room for a carding machine which was set up on the site by Owen & Bennett. About the year 1813 a nail factory was established by Silas Buttrick and others, near the site of the grist mill ; this was soon closed. The building of the first grist mill has been mentioned ; it stood on the east side of the creek, just above College street. Another was erected by Simon Nelson at a later date' on the site and in 1878 was occupied by William Healey. An early flouring mill was built about forty rods above the Farmers' 'Mill, which was afterward moved down the stream and rebuilt under the name of Hart's Mill, and finally took the name of "Farmers' Mill." About 1800 a small grist mill was built a little east of Manchester (Kirkland P. O) by a Mr. Sherman. A Mr. Parks, an early settler, began the erection of a mill below Manchester and ex pended consideral money on a raceway ; but his prospects of profit in it were cut off by the erection of a mill about 1 802-3 by Nathan and Ebenezer Thompson at Clark Mills. These men had also a saw mill and a carding machine. The saw mill was burned in 1881. The first saw mill in the town was established by Bronson Foote in 1788, and had several successors in different parts. One was at the upper end of the Dug- Way; another, built by Mr. Bliss, where the chair factory of 454 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. S. P. Landers was- built in 1861, and another by Ralph W. Kirkland a little below the Franklin Iron Works. Still another saw mill was on a stream known as Sherman Brook, near the eastern bounds of the town ¦ it was owned by Judah Stebbins and Zadock Loomis, while farther down that stream was a grist mill owned by Timothy Barnes and his sons ; the latter was sold and converted into a distillery.' Still farther down the same stream was the saw mill of John Bird, and below that one by Thomas Warmele. In 1794, a deed was made by Mr. Bliss to Woodruff & Kinney, for a dike to be cut from his mill-pond (near Mr. Landers' present factory) through his land to the pres ent location of the shop. The water-course having been dug, a trip-hammer-shop was built for making scythes, hoes, and for common blacksmithing. After a few years Manross & Wicks became the proprietors. They sold one-half of the shop to Charles Faber, who made nail-hamniers. The next proprietors were Porter & Kelsey who made hay-forks. After them came Mr. Wells, who made staves. The next proprietors were Biam and Hiram Davis, who manufactured sash, blinds, and doors. The next owner was James Stewart, who made Excelsior shavings, and carried on the business of upholstery. During its occupancy by Colonel Stewart, Mr. H. H. Jones manufactured axes to some extent. Succeeding Colonel Stewart came Messrs. Cooke & Case, who, during the war of the Rebellion, when cotton was high, dressed flax. Soon after this they turned their attention to the making of cotton batting. Asa Marvin started a hat factory in Clinton about 1834 on the west corner of College and Franklin streets, which continued some years. Woodbury & Kinney made scythes quite early near the Farmers' Mill, and Timothy Barnes cast bells, as before mentioned. The first pottery was established by Erastus Barnes, near College street ; he used an ex cellent clay found near Manchester and did a large busihess ; he was succeeded by John B. Gregory. Brick making has been largely carried on, the first ones being made by Dr. Abel Sherman, on Utica street; other yards were established in various places. Among the numerous tanneries which were established and which have all passed away were those of Theophilus Redfield, near the foot of College Hill ; of John Shapley, in the hollow east of the village of Clinton ; of Rufus Hayes, and another by Bangs & Dillow on Utica street. A small factory was established about 1830 by a Mr. Hurd on, a stream' between Clinton and Deansville for making of German silver spoons ; the proprietor afterwards began counterfeiting coin and fled THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 45& the country Lewis Pond and Andrew Pond each established a small furnace for working scrap iron quite early, but neither continued long in operation. The Manchester Manufacturing Company was chartered in 1815, with capital stock of $100,000, its purpose the establishment of a cotton fac tory in this town. The works were put up by Thomas R. Gold, Theo dore Sill and John Young, and the limited machinery of those days put in. The weaving was done by hand by families over a large extent of territory: After the introduction of the power loom, the business was revolutionized, but continued successful. In 1831 the factory was en larged and new machinery including ninety six looms added. The fac tory was burned in 1854 and not rebuilt. The Clinton Iron Works occupied the site. The mining of iron ore in Kirkland has already been alluded to. The richest beds in town were discovered early on the farm of the late James D. Stebbins, and the ore was so near the surface that it was turned up by the plow. The ore was taken out of town many years and worked into pig iron. In 1852 the Franklin Iron Works went into operation, the company having been formed in 1850, with a capital of $16,000. The works were built during 185 1, and had a capacity of six to ten tons a day. The capital not being forthcoming, a new company was formed . in 1852, in which Alfred Munson, of Utica, and Mr. Tower took an in terest, the capital being increased to $32,000. The works were started with success and were afterwards greatly enlarged. In 1864 the prop erty passed to a new corporation, and the capital stock was increased to $100,000. The first stack produced 100 tons per week; in 1869-70 a new stack was built with a capacity of 160 tons per week. In 1871 the old stack was rebuilt. Quite a hamlet gathered about these works and a post-office opened under the name Franklin Iron Works. The works closed down in 1893. The Clinton Iron Company was formed in November, 1872, with a capital stock of $1 00,000. The works were erected in the following year at Manchester, and work was commenced in 1874. Operations were suspended in 1876, but started up £igain and continued with more or less success until 1893, when they closed down. At Kirkland is located the plant of the Kirkland Canning Co., and the Kirkland Cream ery, both of which are successfully operated. • 456 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. In the summer of 1846 a cotton factory was established in the ex treme northern part of the town by Ralph, Eneas P. and A. B. Clark from whom the hamlet that subsequently gathered there took the name of Clark Mills, the name also applying to the post-office at that point. The first factory was finished in that year and in April, 1849, m- looms were put in operation. At a later date the old woolen factory at Clin ton and the Peckville Mills were purchased, and the business rapidly in creased. A mill for making batting' and rope was also established. In 1873 the mills changed proprietorship. In 1891 this factory was changed to a plush factory, in which foreign capital is chiefly interested. The post-office was established about 1852, with H. W. Bettis, post master. A large brick structure was erected for a boarding house, stores were opened and the place became quite an active center. With the changes that have taken place in agriculture in this town, as in most others, and the larger attention given to dairying, cheese factories came into existence. The first company was formed at Man chester in 1862, with Benjamin Barnes, president; George W- Pixley, secretary ; E. C. Lewis, treasurer. The business was successful, and another factory was established in the " Chuckery " district in 1864, and a third at Franklin in 1866 by Thomas T. Sawyer, jr. There are now three factories in the town. Among the prominent farmers of the town, past and present, may be mentioned : Amos P. Gridley, James D. Stebbins, Simeon Gunn, Marshall W. Barker, William B. Havens, Hiram G. Hart, James O. Gridley, George Bristol, Col. John H. Tower, R. J. Billingham, John Foote, A. P. Armstrong, William C. Billingham, James Burns, Henry C. Earle, Charles Baker, Warren Ely, Henry Gleason, Herbert Case, Harrison Griffin, H. H. Miller, and P. M. Miller. The south part of the town is still largely devoted to hop raising. Along the railroad line considerable milk is now produced for shipment. The village of Clinton was incorporated April 12, 1843, by which time it had become a very active and enterprising place. Three years later the first newspaper was established, when the Clinton Signal was issued on July 10, 1846, by X,. W. Payne. To meet the suggestions of some of the Senior class of the college in 1848 the paper was changed to an eight-page quarto form and the name called the Radiator. The former style and name were taken in the following year. The paper THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 457 suspended in 1852. Mr. Payne and Ira D. Brown soon afterward es tablished the Oneida Chief, which continued with some changes in ownership for several years; in 1856 it was sold to Francis E. Merritt, who sold a year later to Galen H. Osborne, who changed the name to the Chief and Courier. Osborne sold to M. D. Raymond in August, 1859, who continued it to May 1, 1875, when it passed to J. B. Sykes, and the name changed to the Clinton Courier. It is now published by J. B. & H. B. Sykes. It is a progressive and ably edited journal. In 1852 amonthly agricultural paper was started in Clinton called the Northern Farmer, the publisher was T. B. Miner. In 1854 it was issued in connection with the Farmer (another monthly), and in January, 1856, the Rural American was added. Soon afterwards both editions of the Farmer were dropped and the Rural American continued to 1868, when it was removed to New Jersey. In 1845 Orrin Gridley established the Kirkland Bank in Clinton, and on his death in April, 1847, it passed to his son, Albert G. Gridley, who conducted it until the fall of 1854, when it was closed and its affairs set tled. In 1862 the Lincoln Bank was established with William H. Mars ton, president, and Henry M. Burchard, cashier ; it was closed in June, 1864. A banking house was opened by George Bissell & Co in Jan uary, 1866, with Philip J. Hart, cashier ; it was closed in August, 1868. The Clinton Bank was established January 19, 1870, by Bunce & Dun bar; from them it passed to Hill & Elliott, and since 1884 has been conducted by C. E. Hayes & Co. The post-office in Clinton was opened January 1, 1803, with J. Sim mons, postmaster. Julia H. Bronson has held the position for the past twelve years. In 1891 the village voted to organize a Union school. In the next iyear a modern and commodious school building was erected at a cost of nearly $50,000, and is designated as Clinton Union School and Academy. The old Park Hoiise was erected at about the beginning of the cent ury, and continued in use as a hotel more than three-quarters of a century. The Clinton House, a fine brick hotel, was erected in 1873 by J. H. Tower. On the site of this hotel stood the old Clinton House, built by Joseph Stebbins probably between 18 18 and 1 820, and long a popular hotel; it was burned in 187 1. < . 58 458 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Among the prominent former merchants of the village were Major- General Comstock, Benoni Butler, Peter Fake, " Deacon" Gridley, Dr. Charles Barrows (drugs). James T. Watson -and John Marsh have been in business since 1858, and R. C. Osborn since i860. Following is a list of those who have held the office of village presi dent since 1875, in which year Hiram C. Everett held the position: 1876, William C. Bartlett; 1877-82, James J. Scollard; 1883-5, Andrew W. Mills ; 1886-7, E. S. Williams ; 1888-90, James I. Scollard ; 1 891-2, E. S. Williams ; 1893-6, E. B. Woolworth. A fire company has existed in Clinton from early times. A reorgan ization of the fire department was effected in 1873 and maintained until the establishment of the village water works in 1882-3. Since then the Smythe Hook & Ladder company and the Osborn Hose company, with Francis Tasker chief, have constituted the equipment for extin guishing fires. In the spring of 1796 Bartholomew Pond, who then owned what has been known as the Royce farm, donated to the Society of Clinton (before described) an acre of land to " be used as a burial yard." This lot constitutes the southeast corner of the present cemetery. About the year 1805 the grounds were enlarged by the addition of the north ern and eastern parts, which were deeded to the society by Samuel Royce. The Rural Cemetery Association act of the Legislature was passed in 1847, an<^ in the summer of 1854 an association was formed under it in Clinton. Grounds now forming the Clinton Cemetery were selected and purchased for $3,220. The lot comprises about twenty- eight acres and has been handsomely, laid out. The care of the old cemetery was in 1862 passed over to the new one. The post-office at Manchester (Kirkland post-office) was established about 1815, when the Manchester Company before described erected their mills The first postmaster was probably Robert Converse. At about the same time Robert Eells opened a store, and a few shops and taverns with a hamlet of dwellings soon gathered about. In the early days at one time there were three public dwellings there, one a half mile east, and eleven on the road between here and Utica. The first, one opened at Kirkland was kept by Justin Little as early as 1805, and the next one by David Pixley, >sr., who settled there about 1805. The E. S. WILLIAMS. THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND, 459 latter was closed thirty or more years ago. Charles Hart was an early merchant and his old store is now used as one of the two hotels. David, Charles and Isaac Pixley were early merchants. The store is now kept by Thomas Joy, who is postmaster. Besides this post-office, and the one at Clinton, there is one still re tained at Franklin Iron Works, and one at Chuckery which was estab lished in 1895. The Methodist class which has been mentioned as having been formed at Clinton in 18 18 belonged to the Westmoreland circuit, and preach ing was begun in the village in 18 19. Dr. Joseph Cornell located in the village in 1831 and in company with Walter Gillespie purchased a site for a church; it was built in 1832, repaired in 1849 and again in 1867 in its present form. The Universalist society of Clinton was an outgrowth of the one at New Hartford, organized in 1805. In 1821 the Clinton society began an in-, dependent existence and built a brick church, largely through the liber ality of Joseph Stebbins. It was designated a Free church and the people worshiping in it were called the Free Church Society of Clinton. Methodists and Baptists used it to some extent in its early years. The society took its title as the First Universalist Society of Clinton in June, 1 83 1. Rev. Stephen R. Smith, its founder, was the first pastor. A new church was erected and dedicated October 12, 1870 at a cost of about $18,000. The College church (Presbyterian) was organized in the college April 20, 1825, and continued until 183 1, when it was dissolved. In Decem ber, 186], it was reorganized and has continued a prosperous existence since. The Baptist church of Clinton was organized September 21, 1831, with seventeen members. A church site was soon purchased and the present church was built at a cost of $2,000. It was subsequently re modeled at a cost of $6,500. St. James Episcopal church, Clinton, was the outgrowth of services held between 1841 and 1850 by Bishop De Lancey. In 1854 a Sun day school was organized, and services were held by various pastors, but not continuous, until May, 1862, when the parish was organized. The corner stone of the church was laid on the 5th of June, 1 863, and the 460 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. s building was finished in March, 1865. It was consecrated in January, 1869. A Sabbath school was started at Kirkland in 1817, soon after the establishment of the cotton factory. Later meetings were held in the brick school house, where various pastors held services until 1834, when a church edifice was erected. About the same time a society of the Congregational faith was organized. St. Mark's Episcopal church at Clark Mills, was an outgrowth of religious services held in the school house there in 1862, by Rev. Russell Todd. The corner stone of the church was laid on June 6, 1863, and the parish was incorporated in November of that year. There were then forty communicants. A Methodist society has been organized here, and their new church has just been completed (1896). St. Mary's Roman Catholic church, Clinton. — Rev. William C. Cough lin made his first professional visit to Clinton January 6, 185 1, and cele brated the first mass in a dwelling on the 14th of that month before a congregation of sixteen members. The present church edifice was begun in May, 1852, and finished and dedicated October 25, 1854. A parochial residence was built on Marvin street in 1872. The church is prosperous. CHAPTER XXXVII. THE TOWN OF LEE. This town lies just north of the center of the county and embraces in its territory parts of townships 1 and 2 of Scriba's patent, and small sections of the Oothoudt, and the several smaller subdivisions clearly shown on the map of patents herein The area of the town is 27,771 acres. The west branch of the Mohawk flows across the northeast corner, and the east branch of Fish Creek forms a part of the western boundary ; other small streams give the town good drainage and water. The surface is rolling and moderately hilly, rising from the lowlands THE TOWN OF LEE. ' 461 gradually to a height of 500 to 80a feet above the canal level at Rome. The soil is a clayey, sandy and gravelly loam, in some places very* stony, but generally productive. This town was erected from Western April 3, 181 1; Western from Steuben, March 10, 1797, and Steuben from Whitestown April 10, 1792. The town was reduced to its present area by setting off a small part to Annsville in 1823. Settlement began early in this town. On the 8th of March, 1872, the 60th anniversary of the first town meeting was celebrated at Lee Center, which resulted, among other things, in the preservation of much valuable local history which might otherwise have been lost. An ad dress was delivered by Hon. Anson S. Miller, then of Rockford, 111., in which he reviewed the early settlement of the town as follows : ' The first settlement in what is now Lee was made on the west side of the Mohawk River, near the present site of Delta, by Esek Sheldon and his sons, Stephen, Reuben, and Amasa, in 1790. Stephen built the first house, a little logcabin, between Potash Brook and the house afterwards built by Israel Stark. The father and the other brothers took up land on the flat west of the Mohawk, next above the land known as the Bugby place, just north of the road leading from Delta to Lee Center. At this angle in the roads under the hill was erected the first school-house in the town of Western, now Lee. . It was a small, log house, with a Dutch fireplace, stick chimney, and slab-roof and seats. Joshua Northrup, a young surveyor, scarcely eighteen years old, was the first teacher. He settled in what is now Western, and was a mag istrate there for many years. About the time of the Sheldon settlement, or soon after, David Smith and his sons, David and Russell, came to the Mohawk country, near Delta, described by a writer of that time as " away up the Mohawk country be yond Fort Stanwix, inhabited only by bears, wolves and Indians." David Smith.jr., built a saw mill there soon after, which he subsequently sold to Judge Prosper Rudd, who came into the country from Franklin, Mass., with Eliza, his wife, and his sons, Jabez F. , Benjamin, and Wyllis, and his daughter, wife of the late Captain Gates Peck. Judge Rudd soon added a flouring mill, with o'ne run of stone, and a carding machine, which were a great convenience to the country. The flouring mill has been 1 1n attendance at this celebration were the following natives of Lee: Samuel Nisbet, Henry Hall, John Shaver, Asa Starr, Asahel Castle, Albert J. Wilkinson, Nathaniel Kenyon, Orrin Ken yon, Lewis Barnes, Walton Worden, D. G. Drummond, A. W. Cornish, Capt. Asa Fillmore, Ly man Sexton, Albert J. Wentworth. Besides these there were present William Parke, Stephen Allen, and Nathaniel Kenyon (the last above named) were among the original voters in the town . Pour other original voters were then known to be living but were unable to be present; these were Nathaniel Wood, A. B. Pease, Joseph Kenyon, and Tillotson Ross. Those natives of the town who were present from other localities were the following: George Hovey, of Herkimer county; Col. E. B. Armstrong, of Rome; Henry Twitchell, of Pulaski; Dr.' H. N. Porter, of New York Mills; Smith Miller and Philetus Laney, of Annsville; Dwight Waterman, of Whitesboro; Calvert Comstock, of Rome; Anson S. Miller, of Rockford, 111. This list includes, of course, many of the early settled families in the town. 462 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. greatly enlarged and improved by Eliakim Elder, Anson Dart, and Elisha Wals- worth. Soon after came 1790 Dea. Nathan Barlow, 'and Lydia, his wife, late the widow #of Joseph Miller, of Granville, Mass., and mother of Smith, Eliakim, Dan, and Luther Miller, pioneer settlers. They cut the first wagon-path from the residence of Ros well Fellows, on the road running from Fort Stanwix to Elmer Hill, . a mile and a half, to their residence in Lee Centre. In 1792, Colonel Alpheus Wheelock and Rachel, his wife, a famous female physi cian, settled at Elmer Hill, and about the same time Edward Salisbury and his seven sons, Nicholas, Edward S., Enon, Alexander, Lodowick, De Estaing, and Smith settled near Delta. Nicholas, the father of Mrs. Abigail Rudd, wife of Colonel Ben jamin Rudd, was the first resident on the Bugby place, next south of Esek Sheldon's. Edward S. took land further up the Mohawk River, on the west side, near what be came the residence of Silas Morse. Another early settler, Otis White, father of Moses T., Willard, Otis, jr., and Israel, took up land in the same neighberhood. Edward Salisbury, sr. , settled with his other sons on the land since the farms owned by Adtn and Rensselaer Sly, on the road from Delta to Lee Centre. The Sheldons, Smith, Wheelocks and Salisburys emigrated from the State of Rhode Island. Hezekiah Elmer and Elizabeth his wife, and his sons Andrew, Eliakim,. Hezekiah, and his daughters, subsequently the wives respectively of Dr. Enoch Alden and James Ben edict, came from Connecticut at that early day, and settled near what is known as Elmer Hill. Colonel Wheelock opened the first tavern west of Fort Stanwix at the Hill. In 1792 the inhabitants near Delta were joined by John Spinning and his sons, John, jr., Daniel, and their brother-in-law, Luther Washburn, and sons, Martin, Rufus, Freeman, Luther, jr., and Calvin; also their relative, Benjamin Crittenden. These were from the State of Vermont. Crittenden was the first settler on the-land afterwards the home of James Baker, father of Miles and Lorenzo D., where Daniel Twitchell subsequently resided. Near this time Deacon Andrew Clark, father of Joseph Clark, grandfather of Mrs. Stokes, built a house near Nisbet's Corners. Ephraim Ballard was the first settler on the Nisbet farm, and Abiel Kenyon lived near. Matthew Clark and Jonathan Bettis took the land afterwards occupied by Hazzard Steadman. Joseph Hale and his brother were the first residents on the land sold by Simeon Gunn to Alban Comstock, and Frederick Sprague took up the land adjoining, on which Colonel Wheelock subsequently built a large frame house, after wards occupied by John D3'e, Peter Husted, John Shaver, and others. Smith Miller built the Mallory House, in which the Rev. Lorenzo Dow was mar ried with Margaret (Peggy). Holcomb, the younger sister of Mrs. Miller. Early in the settlement of what is now Lee, James Young and Hannah, his wife, and his sons, James, Jr., Benjamin, David, and Alvan, and a, number of daughters, emi grated from Lee, Mass., and settled a half a mile south of Lee Centre. Deacon John Hall had previously located on land near Mr. Young, which John Smith purchased of Hall, now owned by William Graves. There was a neighborhood west frora Lee Centre, known as Brookfield Settlement, where West Waterman, William Lany, Tillotson Ross, and Messrs. Fish, Walker, Hitchcock, and others, from Brookfield, Mass., settled. Dan Taft settled on the State road, towards Taberg, and Tom Law rence settled on the west branch of the Mohawk at an early day. The land in Lee was mainly embraced in four patents, which cornered on the south side of Canada THE TOWN OF LEE. 463 Creek, where Ezra Hovey afterwards had his garden. Fonda's and Oothoudt's Pat ents were lease-land. Jellis Fonda sold much of his exte.nsive patent to Stephen Lush, of Albany, and other land dealers, for ten cents per acre. The other patents were Scriba's and Banyar's. There were other lands in what is now Lee, known as Matchin's, Boon's and Mappa's tracts. Apart of Scriba's Patent, known as'the 6,000-acre tract, in township No. 1, afterwards known as Fish Creek Settlement, and a part of the 4,000 acre tract, in township No. 2, were sold to Daniel C. White, John W. Bloomfield, John Hall, George Huntington, and others. Some of the early settlers on the 6,000-acre tract were Charles Ufford and John, his son ; Ephraim Pease, and Arvin B. , his son ; Elam Pease ; Jotham Worden ; Jesse Sexton and his sons, William and Amasa; David Webster; Gideon Perry and his sons, Freeman and Gideon B. ; James Eames and his sons, Simeon N., Lewis, George, and Daniel; George Cornish, with his sons, Hosea and George; Asahel Castle and his sons, John J., and others; Roswell Spinning, the son of Benjamin Spinning; Joseph Park and his son, Joseph, Jr. ; Daniel Park, and the sons of Jacob Park, Elisha, Abijah, and William; Oliver Armstrong, father of Wheeler, Jesse, Enoch, and Earl ; Deacon Samuel Wright and his wife Vienna, and his sons, Will iam B., Arunah, Eben, and Samuel, Jr., and his nine daughters, originally from Connecticut, settled on this tract ; James Wood and his sons, Amasa and Nathaniel ; Ephraim J. H. Curtis; Apollos King; William Taft with his sons, Paul and Shays, who first settled near Luther Miller, on land afterwards owned by Adonijah Barnard, where George Sheldon afterwards resided; and many others settled on the 6,000- acre tract. The lease-land proved to be a great curse to the town. What is the town of West ern, once embracing Lee, dates back one year before the settlement of the Sheldons. Henry Wager, Asa Beckwith and his sons, Asa, jr., Lemuel, Reuben, and Wolcott, came to the Mohawk country in 1789 ; and soon after Josiah Church and his sons George, Brayton, Jonathan, Ivan, Allan, Frazier; Joshua Northrup; Jabez Halleck and his sons, Joseph and Jabez, Jr. ; William Cleveland ; Daniel Paddock and sons ; Otis White and sons; William Olney; Daniel and Robert Felton; and other well- known citizens settled on the Mohawk, above Fort Stanwix. In this early settlement the people built the first bridge across that river. It was back of the residence of Dr/ Zenas Hutchinson, near Elmer Hill, where John Treadway, Anson Dart, and George Williams afterwards lived. The river here was narrow, with a high bank on the south. The bridge had only one set of stringers, and there was not a stick of hewn or sawed lumber in it. At this time all this region was in the town of Whites- town. One of the first mills built on the Mohawk River was erected by Roswell Fellows, Smith and Luther Miller. It stood in the notch or little gulf nearly opposite where John Barnard afterwards built a mill. The water was raised by a wing-dam. Sub sequently, General William Floyd, who bought a large tract of land at an early day on the upper Mohawk, built a mill on that stream near what is now Westernville, and erected a saw-mill and grist-mill on Canada Creek,1 a, few miles below Lee Centre. At the first settlements in, what are now Western and Lee, and before the 1 Authority of Jones's Annals. 464 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. erection of these' mills, the early settlers got their grain ground at Wetmore's on the Sauquoit, and other distant places. The gigantic William Remington is said to have carried on his shoulders the flour of two bushels of wheat from Wetmore's, mill near Whitestown, to his residence in what is now Lee, without resting. Very few of the roads at this time could be used for wagons, and journeys were therefore made on horseback or one foot. Henry Wager and Asa Beckwith, Jr. , walked to German Flats, and there procured one, bushel each of seed-potatoes, which they brought home on their shoulders. The first saw mill built in Lee was the one erected in 1791 or 1792,, by David. Smith, on the Mohawk in the village of Delta. The second one was built in 1 796, by John Hall and Smith Miller, on the Canada Creek at Lee Center. The first grist mill in the town was built by Gen. William Floyd in 1796, on Canada Creek south of Lee Center and near the Rome town line Another was built at Lee Center in 1798 by Thomas and William Forfar, settlers from Scotland. A third mill was erected on the Mohawk previous to 1800 by Luther and Smith Miller and Roswell Fellows a few miles from Fort Stanwix. The grist mill at Lee Center was built by Ezra Hovey, not far from the site of the old Forfar mill, and is running in about the same condition that it has been in for many years by P. B. Scothon. Near the old Lee post-office a grist mill was in operation previous to 1812, built by David Bryan. The grist mill and saw mill here on the old site are now operated by Frank Hyde. Of the proceedings which led to the division of the town of Western and the erection of Lee, and the first election of officers, Judge Miller said : 1 In 1811 and previous the people of Western had discussed the question of dividing the town, and a committee consisting of James Young and Joshua Northrup, both emigrants from Lee, Mass. , acted as a committee for getting an enabling act to divide the town. The act was passed by the Legislature, attended to in the Senate by Jonas Platt, then a senator, and in the Assembly by George Huntington, then a member from this district. The name " Lee" for the new town was inserted at the request of Messrs. Young and Northrup. The question of division was determined at the next town meeting of Western (1811), at the house of Silas Morse. George Brayton was chosen moderator, and after the election of officers for the ensuing year, the crowd of voters, finding the house too small for their accommodation, re tired to the yard, where a division was agreed on with great unanimity. Henry Wager, from Western, John Hall, from Lee, and George Huntington, of Rome, were chosen commissioners to fix the boundaries, with Benjamin Wright as surveyor. The boundaries were harmoniously agreed on, and Lee remained under Western till the 3d of March, 1812, when the first town-meeting was held in the old West school- THE TOWN OF LEE. 465 house, the only framed one in the town, the first building north of Luther Miller's and about three-fourths of a mile southeast of Lee Centre, at the road-crossing near which the late John Calvin Capron resided. James Young was elected supervisor and West Waterman town clerk ; Jesse Dut ton, Earl Fillmore, and Joseph White, assessors ; John Hall and Dan Taft, overseers of the poor; Jotham Worden, Dan Taft, and Thomas E. Lawrence, commissioners of highways; George Hawkins, Samuel Hall, and Zebediel Wentworth, constables; Adonijah Barnard, Dan Taft, and Asahel Castle, fence-viewers. There were then 22 road districts in the town, and overseers were duly chosen. Justices of the peace were at that time appointed by the State executive for the county, and there were no inspectors of common schools till 1816, when the justices of the peace — Jesse Dutton, James Eames, and Joseph White — appointed Dr. Jonah B. Burton, Eleazer Bushnell, Simeon N. Eames, William B. Wright, George Hawkins, and Samuel Hall such inspectors. In 1813, James Young was re-elected supervisor and West Waterman town clerk. The town meeting was held' at the school-house before described, which answered in that day as a school-house and for religious and political meetings. Nearly all the officers elected in 1812 were re-elected except the assessors and collector. Charles Ufford, Luther Miller, and Charles Ladd were chosen assessors, and Simeon N. Ames, collector. In 1814, John Hall was elected supervisor and James Young town clerk. General election: Nathan Williams, Republican, for member of congress, 89 votes; Thomas Gold, Federalist, for member of congress, 43 — Republican majority, 46. These elec tion returns are certified by James Young, John Hall, Luther Miller, Charles Ladd, and Charles Ufford, inspectors of election. The pioneers of Lee were people who believed in educating their children and they early adopted measures to provide the means. The first school house, the one in which the first town meeting was held, was situated southeast of Lee Center. School was first taught there about 1798 by Elijah Blake. The first school in the neighbor hood of Delta was taught by a daughter of Prosper Rudd, who after wards married Gates Peck ; the latter kept the first winter school in that region on Elmer Hill in 1804, and had an attendance of -over eighty. Miss E. A. Peck, a daughter of Gates Peck, was also a suc cessful teacher in the town. Rev. Thomas Brainerd, for thirty years pastor of the old Pine Street, church, Philadelphia, was an early and be loved teacher in Lee ; in- the winter of 1823-4 he taught in the Dutton district, where Albert Barnes had previously taught.. So successful was Mr. Brainerd that in the following winter the trustees of the larger district at Lee Center secured his services. Mr. Brainerd afterwards taught in Rome. Among the long list of names of male teachers in 466 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. this town are found those of such later eminent men as Hiram Denio Anson S. Miller, Rev. Dr. Albert Barnes, and Rev. Dr. Gideon B. Perry, with many others of lesser fame. For the past half century the town has had seventeen school districts, with good school buildings as a rule. The Union Free School building at Lee Center was built in 1872, and the first principal was Prof. William P. Robinson. The present principal is Frank Niess, who has one assistant. A library was established very early in the century at Delta, called the Union Library of Lee and Western. This was succeeded by the one established at Lee Center by the Harmony Library Association in March, 1820. The trustees were Dr. Elijah Ward, Charles Ufford, William Lany, Thomas E. Lawrence, and James Young. A resolution stipulated that the library should be kept " within one mile of the North Meeting- House, in the town of Lee." James Young was librarian until his death in 1836, and many prominent citizens interested themselves in its welfare. The library was permitted to go to decline not long after the death of Mr. Young. There are and have been for many years six post-offices in Lee, around some of which is gathered, a hamlet or village. The oldest one is Lee, in the extreme southwest corner of the town, on the State road. Jesse Matteson, if not the first, was one of the very early postmasters, and kept a public house. There had been one or two earlier taverns at that point, but there has never been much business there. William Fisher is the present postmaster, and the factory of the Lee Canning Company is located here. A post-office was early established and still continues, called Stokes near the eastern town line south of the Center, where a little hamlet gathered, with a hotel and shops. This post-office was removed i,n 1827 to Lee Center, but was not long, if at all, discontinued at the former place. Charles Stokes was the first postmaster at that point, and when the office was removed he became the first postmaster at Lee Center, while James M. Husted was the next one at Stokes. Lee Center has been an active little village and is connected daily by mail and express lines with Rome. When Charles Stokes removed hither he established an ashery, having previously operated one at Stokes ; he also opened a Store on the site of the brick block erected by A. A. Cornish in 1878. THE TOWN OP LEE. 46? The old Stokes store was built by William and Abijah Park, and leased , to a Mr. Sherman who kept the first store in the place. Eleazer Bush nell, and others succeeded as merchants. A tannery was established at this place in 1830-31 by Asa Adams ; it was a small affair and was sold to Asa B. Sexton. Later it passed to Eames & Smith, who conducted it successfully. It burned in i8$8, and was not rebuilt. A large tan nery was put in operation here about 1871 by a Boston firm, and a great business was done ; it was afterwards burned in 1876 and not re built. George and Aaron Stedman began their foundry about 1840; it was discontinued many years ago. The Lee Center House is now kept by John Bowman, and C. B. Hitchcock has another hotel. The present stores of the village are kept by Carl Simon, who has been many years on his present site, where he succeeded A. A. Cornish ; he is also post master. Henry J. Hitchcock, in trade since 1868 at his present place. W. H. Wyman, millinery, Mrs. Ingalls, grocery, Merritt Knight, cloth ing, and James R. Rogers, who succeeded Reuben R. Richmond. David Swanscott has a large lumber business with a steam mill in Lewis county. The village of Delta is situated in the extreme southeast corner of the town, on the Mohawk and is partly in the town of Western. Anson and Oliver Dart, brothers, settled there early and gave the place its name. About the year 1834 Anson Dart built the grist mill and called it the Delta Mills; it was subsequently burned. In the same year two men named Catlin and Hartoon, brothers-in-law, built a brick store. Prior to 1828, probably, a post-office was established at Newbernville (Elmer Hill) with Andrew Elmer, postmaster. In 1834 it was removed to Delta, the name changed, and Franklin Peck appointed postmaster. He was a son of Gates Peck, the pioneer. Daily mail communication was established with Rome. In early years Moses Hall built and oper ated a distillery, over the Western line, which afterwards passed to Horace Putnam. Another was built by Jared C. and Elisha Pettibone ; this was later converted into a cheese factory. These factories increased in number in late years, as the dairy interest grew, until there are now fourteen in operation. The town is now a leading one in Central New York in dairying. A. J. Sly operates a saw mill at Delta, and the old carding mill is carried on by W. C. Bacon. Frank Herington has a store. 468 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Point Rock is a post office in the extreme northwest corner of the town, and takes its name from a precipitous rocky point between Fish and Point Rock Creeks. The place was long a considerable lumber center for some years, with a store, a tavern and a few dwellings. D. C. Smith and Charles Wick are the present merchants. West Branch is a post-office and a s"mall hamlet in the northern part, with a grist mill, owned in 1878 by the Wyman Brothers, and a tavern. There was formerly a carding mill here. The grist mill is still in opera tion. A store is kept by G. A. Simon, and a second one by Julius Haynes. Lorena is a post-office which has been established in the southern part in recent years. The first religious society organized in Lee was the Congregational, which dates back to 1797. The first pastor was Rev. James South- worth. The congregation was ministered to by several missionaries during a period of years, and long used the school house for its services. It built a church about a mile south of Lee Center, and ultimately changed to the Presbyterian form. It ceased its existence long ago. The Union Ecclesiastical Society at Lee Center was formed in 18 19, and a church was soon erected on land furnished by William Park. The Congregational Society wishing to have a church for their exclu sive use, built a structure on the Hall farm. The members of the Union society held somewhat liberal views, and in later years the church was repaired and remodeled and used by the Universalists. This church is still standing and used as needed by any denomination. Methodist services were held early in this town and in 1876 the pres ent society at Lee Center was organized and a handsome edifice built, Rev. James Stanton was the first pastor. There is also a small Metho dist society at Lee, another at Point Rock, and still another south of Lee Center, called the Lee Valley church. The Methodists held meetings at Delta as early as 1838 and a soci ety was organized, possibly earlier than that year. The present church was built in 1843. A Friends' Meeting House was built many years ago near West Branch. The society has erected a new building in recent years. Following is a list of the supervisors of Lee from its organization to the present time : THE TOWN OP MARCY. 469 1813, James Young, jr. ; 1814-16, John Hall, esq.; 1817-20, William Park; 1821, Rudolph Devendorf,— Mr. D. removed, and William Park was elected at a special town meeting to fill vacancy; 1822-32, William Park; 1833-40, Daniel Twitchell; 1841-42, James N. Husted ; 1843, Freeman Perry ; 1844-45, Lyman Sexton ; 1846-47, John J. Castle,; 1848, Jeram Chesebrough ; 1849, Mansir G. Phillips ; 1850-53, Charles Stokes; 1854-55, Charles E. Frazer; 1856, Elias Spencer; 1857, Charles Stokes; 1858, Asaph B. Sexton; 1859, Elias Spencer ; 1860-61, Henry J. Hitchcock; 1862, Thomas J.Brown; 1863-65, Andrew Davidson; 1866-68, Isaac McDougall; 1869, Andrew Goely; 1870, Julius H. Sly; 1871, Jay Capron; 1872-75, Curtis B. Hitchcock; 1876, Thomas J. Brown (resigned and Elisha A. Walsworth elected to the vacancy) ; 1877- 78, James Eames; 1879-80, Eli S. Bearss; 1881-82, Henry J. Hitchcock; 1883-84, Charles E. Fraser, jr.; 1885-86, A. J. Sly; 1887, H. C. Wyman; 1888, George E. Hollenbeck ; 1889, S. Mason Smith ; 1890-93, Albert Krebs ; 1894, Mason N. Went- worth ; 1895-96, D. C. Smith. The foregoing list extends our memoranda of prominent settlers and citizens and includes many of the leading men of the town. CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE TOWN OF MARCY. The town lies in the eastern central part of Oneida county upon the north bank of the Mohawk. Nine-Mile Creek flows across the north west corner and numerous small streams afford drainage into the Mo hawk. The surface is made up of a wide intervale along the river which is rich and productive farming land. From this rises a rolling and ir regular upland to a height of 300 to 500 feet above the valley. The soil on this upland is a rich sandy and gravelly loam; that of the valley an alluvial deposit. The former Utica and Black River Railroad crosses the town in a northerly direction, with a station at Stittville, a hamlet on the Trenton line, and another at Marcy. The town includes in its territory parts of the Sadahquada, the Oris kany, the Holland and Fonda's patents, as shown on the map herein. Settlement was begun in Marcy by John Wilson, who came from Windsor; Vt., in 1793, with a large family of children and located on a farm half a mile east of Mine- Mile Creek; the place was occupied in recent years by William Richards. There he cleared several acres and 470 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. built a log house; but he was taken ill and died in the fall of the year in which he arrived ; this was the first death in the town. The home stead was taken in charge by the elder children. Mr. Wilson was the sixth of nine sons of Thomas Wilson, who came over from Ireland ' eight of these nine sons joined the Continental army early in the Rev olutionary struggle. Early in 1794 James Wilson, the seventh son in this family, came into Marcy, and settled in a large log, house, eighteen feet square, on Nine- Mile Creek, near its junction with the Mohawk, This house had been built by a Dutchman named Tull, who also con tinued there with his family, making in all twelve inmates. In the fol lowing spring Wilson purchased an unimproved lot about a mile north of Oriskany village, where he became a successful farmer. In 1794 also the fourth and fifth sons of Thomas Wilson (Isaac and Jacob) set tled in the town in the same neighborhood where their brother James first stopped. None of the early settlers is left in that locality. The early settlements in Marcy were mostly made along the river. Among them were the Camp and Carey families ; but aside from a comparatively few families, the larger part of the territory was settled later. Anthony W. and Jonathan Wood located in the town in 1816. Jeremiah Sweet came in early, as did also the Weaver and Edic fam ilies. William Mayhew settled at Marcy post-office about 1820. Early in the history of the town Welsh settlers found their way into the central and northern parts and their numbers increased until they constitute by far the larger part of the population in that district. Among the early comers were Joseph Ellis, Evan Jones, and Ellis Owens. They are generally successful farmers and thrifty and useful citizens. The first town meeting in Marcy was held May 1, 1832, " at the school house near Samuel Camp's." Isaac Bronson, a justice of the peace, presided, and the following officers were elected : Supervisor, John Newell; assessors, Samuel C. Baldwin, Dan P. Cadwell, Harvey Foot; commissioners of roads, John F. Allen, Nathaniel Kent, Joel Hale; collector, John Cavana; commissioners of schools, Hazen E. Fox, Horatio N. Cary, Jeremiah Sweet; inspectors of schools, , Jonathan Sweet, James Dikeman, Ezra Simmons; overseers of poor, Samuel C. Baldwin, William Potter; constables, Joseph Ward, George W. Miller, John Cavana, Phineas Sherman, jr. ; sealer of weights and meas ures Anthony W. Wood; justices of the peace, William R. Miller, Ezra Simmons, Conrad Raymer; town clerk, Milton Dyer. THE TOWN OF MARCY. 471 Among other settlers in Marcy may be mentioned Samuel Baldwin, the first supervisor, Nathaniel D. Bronson, Milton Dyer, John Cavana, Jonathan Sweet, Jeremiah Sweet, James A. Dikeman, Clark Potter, David Babcock, Amos C. Hall, William H. Hale, Henry Edic, George B. Robbins, Ebenezer Lewis, William E. Clark, and others, all of whom have been prominent and instrumental in advancing the welfare of the community. The first school in Marcy was probably taught before the beginning of the century, in the Wilson neighborhood. As early as 1816 there was a school house there', which showed by its condition that it had stood many years. The town was gradually subdivided and in i860 it had ten districts. The present number is eleven, with good school houses. A post-office bearing the name of this town was established prior to 1836 in the southwest part of the town, on the river road." Albertus Hibbard was the first postmaster and was succeeded by William May hew, sr., who was appointed by President Van Buren. The office was then removed to its present location at Marcy station. A post-office was established in January, 1878, at Edic's Crossing, in the southeast part of the town and named Maynard, with i Ephraim V. Horn, postmaster. Stittville is a hamlet in the north part on. the Trenton line and is noticed in the subsequent history of that town. The Union Society of the Methodist Church in Marcy was incorpo rated by. vote February 4, 1839, and the church was organized in the same year, with the following names on the register : David Babcock, Samuel C. Baldwin, W. Barnard, John Burton, Stephen Briggs, Anthony Bradt, Amos Cleaver, John Cleaver, Horace Dyer, Milton Dyer, Jacob Edic, David Gray, T. Gray, George Hicks, George Hazard, John Hazard, William Hill, John I. Jones, Walter King, William R. Miller, Jeremiah Sweet, William Sher man, Freeborn Sweet, Samuel Steward, Robert Start, Abram Weaver, John White and Thomas White. This list contains the names of many families who came into the town at a comparatively early date. The church was erected in 1839, and a parsonage the same year. The lot on which the church was built as well as the burial lot were donated by Jacob Edic. Rev. Mr. Cass was the first pastor. .Previous to this organization and in 1824, the Rev. 472 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Mr. Frost, pastor of the Presbyterian church in Whitestown, had rec ommended to the Marcy people the services of a local Methodist preacher named Gibson, and he came and held services in the school house. A revival followed, and a class was formed, which was the nu cleus of the latter church. The Berean Baptist church, at Marcy Station, was organized early in 1844, under Elder William H. Thomas, who became the first pastor. The membership at the end of the first year was seventy- three and the church was soon erected. Welsh Presbyterian Church. — A society of this denomination was formed in 1854 under Rev. John R. Griffith, who long continued its pastor. A frame church was built in school district No. 11. The soci ety has had continued existence since, but no regular pastor is em ployed. A number of members of the Welsh Presbyterian congregation left it soon after its formation and organized a Methodist society, building a frame church in the northeast part of the town. It was subsequently burned and the existing church erected on the site. Services have gen erally been held by supplies. In that part of the town also a German Methodist society was organized with a small membership and a frame church built. In the southeast part of the town a Welsh Presbyterian church was formed before 1815, and built a church. This was subsequently re moved and converted* into a cheese factory and in ,1858 the present church was erected. The membership has always been small.. From 1833 to 1896, inclusive, the following named persons have served as super visors of the town : 1833, Samuel C. Baldwin; 1834-35, Milton Dyer; 1836-38 Con rad Raymer; 1839, Samuel C. Baldwin; 1840-41, Nathaniel D. Bronson; 1842-43, James A. Dikeman ; 1844-46, Hazen E. Fox ; 1847-48, Clark Potter ; 1849, Jeremiah Sweet: 1850, Amos C. Hall; 1851-52, Clark Potter; 1853, James A. Dikeman; 1854, David Babcock; 1855, William H. Hale; 1856, David Babcock; 1857, Clark Potter; ¦1858-59, Edward T. Marson; 1860, James Cavana; 1861-62, Henry Edic; 1863, George B. Robbins; 1864-65, Ebenezer Lewis; 1866-67,: Michael Van Hatten; 1868-69, William E. Clark; 1870, David T. Jenkins; 1871, Charles J. Edic; 1872, James Cavana; 1873-75, Charles J. Edic; 1876-77, David T. Jenkins; 1878, William Marson; 1879-80, William E. Jones; 1881, Amos L. Edic; 1882, Thomas Watkins; 1883-84, Mortimer M. Mayhew; 1885-86, Alexander E. Morgan; 1887, John R. Pugh; 1888-92, Mortimer M. Mayhew; 1893-95, Charles H. Clark; 1896, John W. Potter. Marcy is almost wholly an agricultural district and its history is a THE TOWN OF MARSHALL. 473 brief record of peace and a reasonable degree of prosperity. There has never been any manufacturing of account within its bounds, though a glass factory was established in the. northeastern part during the war period of 1812-15, where a poor quality of window glass was made for a time; but the discovery of better sand on Oneida Lake caused its re moval thither. A few saw mills were built in the early years, but nearly all have passed away. In comparatively recent years the farmers have turned more and more of their energies to dairying ; cheese factories have been established to such an extent that during one period the busi ness threatened to be overdone, as far as this locality was concerned. Powell's saw and grist mill are in the northwest part of the town on Nine Mile Creek, and Clark & Whittaker have mills on the same stream. There is now no store or hotel in the town. CHAPTER XXXIX. THE TOWN OF MARSHALL. This town lies in the southern central part of Oneida county, the southwest corner touching Madison county. The surface is a hilly up land,, the hills rising from 200 to 300 feet above the valleys. Oriskany Creek flows northerly through the western part. The soil is a fertile sandy loam. A small part of the village of Waterville (in Sangerfield) is included within the limits of this town, but is treated in the history of Sangerfield. The town includes within its area of 19,322 acres a large part of the tract once belonging to the Brothertown Indians, with a small triangular tract in the northeast corner from the Coxe patent. (See map.) The Brothertown Indians were composed of remnants of several New Jersey and Long Island tribes, and were invited by the Oneidas to come and live on their territory; the State also aided in their collection and removal. They settled on the well known tract mostly within what is now Marshall, and soon took up the English language. While living here they reached a comparative degree pf civilization, The last of 60 474 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. their number left this locality about 1850. Among those who settled here previous to the Revolutionary war were David Fowler, Elijah Wampy (or Wampe), and John Tuhi, grandfather to one of the same name who was executed in 18 16. Those, however, who located at that time left soon after the war began, through fear of the Indian tribes which had espoused the loyal cause, and returned to New England. They planted potatoes before they went away, and left them growing in the field, and on their return some six years later found them still pro ducing. In 183 1 a portion of them sold out and emigrated, to Green Bay, Wis. During their sojourn in what is now Marshall they acted under a regular township organization. Their town clerks from ,1795 to 1843 were Elijah Wampy, David Fowler, jr., William Coyhis, Christo pher Scheesuck, Thomas Crossley, Jacob Dick, William Dick, jr,, James Fowler, jr., Daniel Dick, David Toucee, R. Fowler, James Kiness, Simon Hart, James Wiggins, and Alexander Fowler, some of whom held the office a number of years, and James Kiness the longest term of all. By an act of the Legislature the people of Brothertown were to meet on the first Tuesday in April of each year to elect their town officers. The peace- makers presided at these meetings, and were authorized to give notice of special meetings. The elective officers were a clerk, two overseers of the poor, two marshals, three fence- viewers, a poundmaster, and overseers of highways. The office of peace-maker corresponded with that of justice of the peace, the posses sor being entitled to affix " Esquire" to his name. These officers were appointed by the governor and Senate. The following persons served as superintendents of the Brothertown Indians, viz. : Samuel Jones, Ezra L'Hommedieu, Zina Hitchcock, William Floyd, Thomas Eddy, Bill Smith, Thomas Hart, Henry McNiel, Uri Doolittle, Asahel Curtis, Joseph Stebbins, William Root, Nathan Davis, Austin Mygatt, Samuel L. Hubbard, Elijah Wilson, Samuel Comstock. Prominent among the peace makersfrom 1796 to 1843 were the Fowlers, Johnsons, Scheesucks, Tuhis, and Dicks. In 1801 the Brothertowns sent John Tuhi, sr., John Scheesuck, sr., Jacob Fowler, and Henry Cuchip as delegates to treat with the Western Indians. In a few instances marble slabs were placed at the graves of the Brothertowns by their friends, The inscription on two of these are the following : THE TOWN OF MARSHALL. 475 John Tuhi, Esq., died December 14, 1811, aged 65 years. Esther Poquinal, A Member of the Mohegan Tribe of Indians, A Practical and Exemplary Christian, aged 96 years. Asa Dick, esq., and his brother, members of the Narragansett tribe, were influential* men among the Brothertowns. Dickville, just above Deansville, was named for the former, who built a mill there, and founded a settlement, which grew to quite respectable proportions, but upon his death lost its prestige, and is now a suburb of Deansville. The old red grist mill at Dickville was built about 1807-8, and has long been removed. The incident of the capture and escape of Colonel Heinrich Staring is related in the history of Kirkland. The colonel was appointed first judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Herkimer county upon its organization, and many laughable incidents are related of him while hold ing that office. The first settlement made by white men in the town of Marshall was probably that of David Barton, in 1793, on that part of the Brothertown tract sold to the State. Warren Williams came in soon afterward and settled on a farm, which he sold to Elder Hezekiah Eastman, who re ceived his deed from the State in 1795. This farm was afterwards oc cupied by Horace H. Eastman. Capt. Simon Hubbard and Levi Barker were among the earliest settlers. The first birth in the town was that of Col. Lester Barker, who was sheriff of the county in 1847—48. Isaac Miller settled in the town about 1795, when his son, Isaac, was three or four years old. The family located at Hanover and there the pioneer passed the remainder of his life. He was the first supervisor of the town. His grandson, also named Isaac, became a successful farmer a little way north of Deansville in the town of Kirkland. Joel Green was an early settler on " Hanover Green," and near the home of Isaac Miller, sr. In the year 1795 John Dean, a Quaker, was commissioned by the Friends in New York city, to labor among the Brothertown Indians as a missionary. He came on to Marshall and Kirkland and began his work. After two years he returned, but came on again at the urgent request of the Indians, bringing with him his wife and son, Thomas Dean, who was then nineteen years old. They lived in a log house, and in 1799 the wing of what became the old Dean homestead was built; the main part of the building was erected in 1804. John Dean contin- 476 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ued his labor with the Indians until near his death, which took place in 1820 ; he is buried in Deansville. Some years before his death his son Thomas had been chosen by the Indians as their agent and counselor. In 1809 Thomas Dean married Mary Flandrau, sister of Thomas H Flandrau, an early lawyer of this county. Thomas Dean had charge of the removal of the Brothertown Indians to Green Bay, Wis., where he was instrumental in securing for them a tract of 64,000 acres of land. He spent ten winters in Washington and the intervening summers in Green Bay, in his efforts to bring his plans to completion. Upwards of 2,400 Indians were removed to the west. He is remembered as an un selfish, honest and generous man who gave up many years of his life to this work, for which he was very inadequately remunerated. He died in June, 1842, at the age of sixty-three years. In 1 80 1 Daniel Hanchett, John Winslow, Thomas Winslow, and Ward White erected a forge near the center of the town on the site of the hamlet that became known as Forge Hollow. They manufactured iron from ore, and in succeeding years other iron-working establish ments were started there, in which castings were made, scrap iron worked, ete. All these interests long ago went out of existence. A man named Putnam was one of the earliest settlers at that point, and Elder Tremain and Timothy Burr were early comers. James Melvin was an early settler in Marshall. His son, Ira J., was born here in 1805 and became one of the successful settlers of the town. Settlement at what became known as Hanover (the post office taking the name of Marshall) began early, and the post office was established about 1824, with Dr. Levi Buckingham postmaster. A tavern was kept there by Newman Gridley about 1813, and when Dr. Buckingham settled in the place in 1816 he built a store on Hanover Green and en gaged in trade with Henry Hawley, who had previously carried on business at Forge Hollow. The doctor sold out to his partner, who con tinued the business many years. The first store opened in the town was kept by Isaac Miller. The post-office at this point has been aban doned. Other settlers of a comparatively early date were Jared J. Hooker, Charles Smith, Silas Hanchett, Calvin Parker, Lorenzo Rouse, E. B. THE TOWN OF MARSHALL. 477 Barton, Anthony Peck, Marinus Hubbard, Ashby K. Northrup, James J. Hanchett, Silas Clark, Oscar B. Gridley, Charles B. Wilkinson, and others whose names will appear. In early years there were a few saw mills and asheries in this town, but their usefulness long ago ceased. There is no manufacturing of account carried on, and the mercantile business is mostly confined to Deansville. The farming community is reasonably prosperous, large quantities of hops having been grown, and from which in many of the passing years a large revenue was derived. Dairying has in recent years attracted more attention than formerly. The town supports excellent schools and is divided into ten districts. The number of children attending school in 1895 was 281. Among the more prominent farmers of this town, past and present, are Elephas Barton, Adonijah Day, Hubert M. Rouse, S. S. Whitney, John G. Bennett, Ansel Hanchett, Joseph S. Barton, Daniel Conger, David Gallup, Julius A. Day, and Charles A. Hovey. Deansville is a pretty village in the extreme northwest corner of the town, and takes its name from the Dean family before noticed. It has the only post-office in the town. When the Chenango Canal was con structed through this town, as described in Chapter XXI, it gave the inhabitants considerable encouragement, and readier access to distant markets. The village of Deansville is on the line of the canal and most of its growth dates from that time. What was formerly the Utica, Clinton and Binghamton Railroad passes through the village and is, of course, of greater utility than 'the canal ever was. William Northrup settled in the village in 1833, and the post office was established about the same time, with Thomas Dean postmaster. , The name of the post- office was changed in 1894 to Deansboro. John Wilmott opened the first store in a building erected by himself, and in which George B. and Orville B. ' Northrup (sons of William) were in trade in later years. George Barker was the second merchant in the place, and built the store occupied later by Fairbank & Van Vechten. Royal M. Northrup, brother of William, kept a hotel in 1849-50 on the Utica and Clinton plank road, then just completed ; it was situated half a mile north of Deansville, over the Kirkland line. William Northrup probably kept the first hotel in the village ; it stood on the site of the later Hamilton 478 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. House, and was burned. The Hamilton House was built by William Hamilton in 1875-6. A hotel was kept at one period by Harvey Cur tiss. The old grist mill at Deansville was built by Asa Dick about 1836. It was afterwards converted into a distiliery and operated by a stock company. Still later it was changed back to a grist mill. The Deansville Cemetery Association was organized about i860, and owns a fine tract of about three and one-half acres in the town of Kirk land, just north of Deansville, which has been laid out with excellent taste. A Congregational church was organized in the town of Marshall June 14, 1797. It was located at Hanover and. took the name of "The Hanover Society." The membership embraced seven males and seven females. A church was erected for the society in 1801, and about forty years later was rebuilt. The society prospered for many years but eventually declined and was finally disbanded. The First Baptist church of Paris, which was within the present limits of this town, was organized July 6, 1797, only a short time after the organization of the Hanover society. Elder Hezekiah Eastman had preached here in the previous year and possibly earlier, and was the first pastor of this church. He continued until 1809. The society was dis* banded in 1832, when a part of its members united with the Baptist church in Clinton, then recently formed. The Methodists 'had a class in this town as early as 1803, which was supplied with preaching bi-weekly by Westmoreland circuit ministers, A society was organized in 1828, and in 1837 tne church in Deansville was erected on a site donated by Thomas Dean ; the building was first occupied in 1842 ; it was extensively improved in 1883 and soon after ward burned. It was rebuilt in 1884. A Universalist Society had an existence of many years at Forge Hol low, but is now extinct. The town of Marshall was organized from Kirkland February 21, 1829, and the first town meeting ordered held at the house of George Tinker on the first Tuesday in March of that year. It was so held and the following elected as the first officers : Supervisor, Isaac Miller, esq. ; town clerk, Levi Buckingham ; assessors, Charles Smith, Jared J. Hooker, Thomas Lyman ; overseers of the poor, Silas Hanchett, James Cawing; commissioners of roads. Joseph Page, John Lapham, Horatio ^ THE TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD. 479 Burchard; commissioners of schools, Calvin Parker, Lorenzo Rouse, Henry L. Haw ley; inspectors of schools, Truman E. Lyman, Ichabod R. Miller, Joseph P. East man ; , constables, Bernard Banker, William W. Bulkley, Pardon Tabor ; collector, William W. Bulkley ; poundkeeper, Isaac Miller, esq. ; fenceviewers, Hosea Adding ton, Hamlin D. Corbin, Zadock Cutler, Seth Bath, jr. Following is a list of the supervisors of the town from its origanization to the present time : 1830, Isaac Miller, esq. ; 1831-33, Levi Buckingham ; 1834, Eliphas B. Barton ; 1835, Thomas Lyman ; 1836, Levi Buckingham ; 1837, Anthony Peck ; 1838-39, Marinus Hubbard; 1840-42, Thomas Dean ; 1843, Joel K. Greenslit; 1844-46, John Dean; 1847-19, Horace H. Eastman; 1850, Ashby K. Northrup; 1851, Eliphas B. Barton; 1852-53, James J. Hanchett; 1854-55, Silas Clark; 1856-57, Oscar B. Gridley; 1858- 59, Charles B. Wilkinson; 1860-64, Lorenzo Rouse; 1865,John S. Mowrey; 1866-67, SethW. Peck; 1868, R. Wilson Roberts; 1869, Seth W. Peck; 1870-74, Joseph F. Barton; 18.75-76, R. Wilson Roberts; 1877-78, Spencer F. Tooley; 1879, J. F. Bar ton; 1880-83, Julius A. Day: 1884, A. D. Van Vechten; 1885-86, Julius A. Day; 1887-8, L. D. Edwards; 1889-90, Spencer F. Tooley; 1891-93, Marshall B. Peck; 1894-96, Philip Fuess. CHAPTER XL. THE TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD. New Hartford was the last town formed from the once great town of Whitestown, and was erected April 12, 1827. The name had many years earlier been given to the village and was retained for the town. The territory of New Hartford was mainly included in the Bayard and the Coxe patents, as shown on the map herein, and embraces at the present time 16,941 acres. An act of Legislature was passed April 26, 1834, which added to New Hartford a small section of Kirkland. Pre vious to November 22, 1855, the little village of Clark's Mills lay partly in four towns — New Hartford, Kirkland, Westmoreland, and Whites- town ; but an act of Legislature of the above date small portions of three of those towns were annexed to Kirkland, placing all of the village in that town. (See history of Kirkland.) The surface of New Hartford is level or gently rolling, except in the extreme east part where there is a low range of hills. The soil is a rich 480 OUR COUNTY AND ITS, PEOPLE. calcareous loam. Sauquoit Creek flows northerly through near the center of the town and with its branches affords sufficient drainage. That stream in early years supplied large water power and was an influ ence in the establishment of the extensive manufacturing interests of the town ; but in later years the volume of water has decreased and steam power has been placed in many of the factories. Through the influence of Judge Sanger, the pioneer in the town, the old Seneca turnpike, con structed in 1800, passed through the- village of New Hartford, giving the place a considerable impetus and making it for a number of years an active rival , of Utica. The course of the Erie Canal through the latter village wrought the change that made Utica a city and New Hartford its suburb. The Chenango Canal, and what was -the Utica, Clinton and Binghamton Railroad cross, parallel, the northern part of the town, and the Utica and Chenango division of the D., L and W. Railroad follows up the valley of the Sauquoit, with a station at New Hartford village. Previous to 1788 Col. Jedediah Sanger, born in Sherburne, Mass., probably, February 29, 1752, had purchased 1,000 acres of land lying about equally on both sides of the Sauquoit, and in March of that year he came on to his purchase and began making improvements. He had agreed to pay fifty cents an acre for his land, and it included the site of New Hartford village. Within the year mentioned he sold the part on the east side of the creek to Joseph Higbee for one dollar an acre. Higbee's tract was afterward*s found to contain 600 acres. Colonel Sanger was, as seen, thirty-seven years old when he came to New Hartford ; he had received only a common school education and had kept a small store in Massachusetts. In May, 1771, he married Sarah Rider, by whom he had four children. In 1782 he removed to Jeffries, N. H., and purchased a large farm, and kept both a store and a tavern in his dwelling. In 1784 his dwelling and contents were burned, rend ering him bankrupt. Hearing of the " Whitestown country," he deter mined to seek a new home, and in 1788 he made the change as stated. He later paid all of his indebtedness to his eastern creditors. In 1796 he erected the first grist and saw mills on the outlet of Skaneateles Lake, now in the beautiful village of Skaneateles, Onondaga county. He was one of the active and leading partners in the Paris Furnace, which was erected in 1800, and went into operation in 1801. In 1805 he was engaged in the manufacture of cotton. THE TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD. 481 He spent eleven winters in Albany as a member of the Senate and Assembly, to each of these bodies having been elected by the people. He was the first supervisor of Whitestown, and held the office for tljree successive years. He was appointed first judge of Oneida county upon its organization, and held the office until 1810, when he resigned, as by the#constitution and laws his age (sixty years) disqualified him from holding that office. 1 Judge Sanger was thrice married, the last time to Fanny Dench, Oc tober 3, 1827. He died June 6, 1829, and is buried in the village cem etery. Oliver Collins settled, it is believed in 1739, on a farm on the Whites boro road a short distance from Middle Settlement, where he passed the remainder of his life ; he was quite prominent in local, civil, and military affairs and bore the title, " General." A native of Connecticut, he served in the line of that State as sergeant during the Revolution. Soon after his settlement here he was commissioned captain of the militia company, and subsequently rose step by step to the rank of gen eral. In this capacity he called out the militia under him and marched to Sackett's Harbor where he served in 1 8 14. The militia under Gen eral Collins numbered nearly 3,000, of whom 2,500 were from Oneida and Herkimer counties. The service and quarters at Sackett's Harbor were very trying on the raw troops, . and many deserted. After the close of the war, and when General Collins returned he ordered a court martial for the deserters. In spite of determined opposition the court was held in Utica, and the offenders were ordered to have all their back pay stopped and be drummed out of camp as far as Deerfield Corners to the Rogue's march. The sentence was executed. General Collins retired to his farm and there died August 15, 1838. John French settled in New Hartford, coming from New Hampshire, about 1792, on the farm afterwards occupied by his son John, who was born on that place in 1797. The father died February 25, 1839. Na than Seward located about the same time on the farm adjoining Mr. French's on the east. He was subsequently interested in the Capron cotton factory north of New Hartford village. Capt. David Risley, a Revolutionary veteran, with his brother, Allen, and Truman and Webster Kellogg, settled very early south of New Hartford village and west of what is now Washington Mills. They „. ' Jones's Annals, bl 482 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. built a shanty and began making other improvements. v There was no grist mill of much accqunt, if indeed there was any at all, nearer than twenty or thirty miles in Herkimer county, and these pioneers, and probably others, resorted to the well-known method of pounding their grain into coarse meal in the top of a hollowed hard wood stump. Soon after his settlement Captain Risley built and opened a small store on his place ; it was a log building, and he also built a log tavern which was a popular stopping place for travelers. Later he built a large frame store, which became extensively patronized by the pioneers. This building was later removed to Washington Mills where it was used as a dwelling. Among others who settled south of the village of New Hartford, ac cording to French's Gazetteer, were two families named Olmstead, and the Seymour, Hurlburt, Kilborn, and Montague families. Henry Blackr stone, also, migrated to this town prior to the erection of the county, and settled east of Washington Mills on the farm afterwards occupied by his son,' Alfred. His first journey hither was made in company with Zenas Gibbs and Ashbel Tyler, with an ox team. The Gibbs farm was owned in late years by his grandson, Gould G. Morton. Nehemiah Ensworth came into the town in the fall of 1791 and in the following spring settled on a part of the 500 acre lot on which Mr. Gibbs and Mr. Blackstone had located. Mr. Ensworth's brother, Elihu, came in with him ; the latter was father of Ezra Ensworth. Very soon after the first settlement was made in this town, steps were taken for the organization of a church. A meeting was held in a barn belonging to Judge Sanger, in New Hartford, on the 27th of August, 1 791, and there the Presbyterian church was organized with thirteen members. It was organized under the Congregational form, but was changed to the Presbyterian in 1802. The first trustees were Jedediah Sanger, Needham Maynard, Uriah Seymour, first class; Capt. James Steel, Lieut. William Stone, Jesse Kellogg, second tlass; Capt. John Tillotson, Capt. Joseph Jennings, Capt. Nathan Seward, third class. Rev. Dan Bradley was the first pastor. It was proposed at a meeting that he be given " ten acres of land near Colonel Sanger's old log house as a settlement," and if this land was not of the value of $200, that amount should be made up to him ; he was then to have $160 a year MORGAN BUTLER. THE TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD. 483 salary, $60 of which should be in cash and the remainder in produce. This probably did not satisfy Mr. Bradley, for at the next, meeting it was resolved to " give Mr Bradley $200 in cash as a settlement, and one hundred pounds current money of the State of New York annually as a salary — one- third in cash, the remainder in produce at the cash price, and thirty Chords of good firewood annually, as long as he con tinues to be our minister; accepted." On March 5, 1792, the trustees agreed with Colonel Sanger to build them a church at a cost of " seven hundred pounds." The church was mainly built in 1793, though it was not entirely finished until 1796; it was the first church building erected in the State west of Herkimer. The lot on which it stood was donated by Judge Sanger, who also gave a lot in Sangerfield for the benefit of the society. Among those who settled west of the village were Ashbel Beach,. Amos Ives, Solomon Blodget, Salmon Butler, Joel Blair (the last three at what is known as " Middle Settlement "), A. Hill (who located on the farm owned for many years by Oliver Sandford, esq.), Wyman; and Stephen Bushnell. On the road leading from Middle Settlement to Whitesboro was Joseph Jennings. East of the village of New Hart ford were Messrs. Higbee, Seward and French. To the south of the village the settlers were more numerous. Eli Butler, a resident of Mid dletown, Conn. — the same place whence came Hugh White, the first permanent settler in the county — arrived in what is now New Hartford in 1789, and settled on the farm afterwards owned by his grandson, Morgan Butler, the house of the latter being just within the corporate limits of the village. Mr. 'Butler had been to this region in the year 1785, and purchased farms for three of his sons — John and Sylvester in Paris, and Ashbel in New Hartford. He had a family of four sons and seven daughters, and the daughters and one son, Eli, jr. (father of Morgan Butler), accompanied him here in 1789. Eli was his youngest son, and remained on the farm settled by his father in New Hartford until his death. The farm included three hundred acres. Of the early schools in this town very little can be learned, the terri tory being a part of Whitestown until a comparatively recent date. It is known, however, that there were early schools taught in the village of New Hartford. x 484 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The reader has already found an account of the establishment in New Hartford of the Whitestown Gazette in New Hartford village in June, 1796, by Charles McLean ; it was the second newspaper in this county, and was removed to Utica in 1798. (See history of Utica). On the farm of Zenas Gibbs, before mentioned, iron ore was early discovered, where an ox had thrown some dirt out of a ditch with his horns. Further prospecting developed considerable deposits and the ore was shipped in large quantities to furnaces in Paris, Litchfield and Franklin. The industry finally declined, and is now abandoned. The following list of names and dates of death has been collected from the grave stones in the old cemetery in New Hartford, and is worthy of preservation for reference and to add to the list of early set tlers in the town : Elder Ithamar Parsons, died July 24, 1828, aged 78 years. Mabel, his wife, died Jan. 22, 1812, aged 57 years. Eli Butler, died April 19, 1802, aged 61 years. Mrs. Rachel Butler, died Sept. 1, 1805, aged 62 years. Ashbel Butler, died March 2, 1829, aged 63 years. Truman Kellogg, died Nov. 5, 1821, aged 56 years. Lois, wife of Thomas Gaylord, died May 2, 1806, aged 57 years. Abel Wilcox, died Jan. 13, 1836, aged 80 years. Experance, his wife, died June 10, 1811, aged 58 years. Eunice, wife of William Palmer, died April 5, 1810, aged 21 years. Jabez Winchester, died Sept. 10, 1838, aged 71 years. Lucretia, his wife, died Aug. 16, 1834, aged 54 years. Deacon Ebenezer Cook, died March 29,' 1813, aged 67 years. Abigail, his wife, died Jan. 14, 1814, aged 70 years. , Samuel Wells, died Oct. 7, 1803, aged 41 years. Dolly, his wife,- died Feb. 9, 1854, aged 89 years. Mrs. Abigal Grosvenor, widow of Captain Seth Grosvenor, of Pomfret, Conn., died Aug. 2, 1816, aged 65 years. Lucy, daughter of Allen and Lucy Risley, died Sept. 14, 1803, aged 6 years. Jacob Hart, died Jan. 17, 1812, aged 58 years. Jane, wife of Charles McLean, died June 15, 1827, aged 21 years. Captain Elisha Newell, died Nov. 10, 1799, aged 66 years. Betsy H., wife of Amos Hull, M. D., died Sept. 11, 1798, aged 21 years. Elizabeth, wife of Amos Hull, M. D., died Oct. 1, 1802, aged 28 years. Eunice, wife of Ambs Hull, M. D., died Aug. 5, 1812, aged 33 years. Uriah Lathrop, died April 13, 1814, aged 41 years. " Mrs. Clemens, relict of Jacob Sherril," died Aug. 8, 1820, aged 83 years. Esther, wife of Joseph Allen, died July 30, 1816, aged 67 years. David Risley, died Aug. 24, 1834, aged 68 years. THE TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD. 485 Cynthia, his wife, died May 26, 1845, aged 76 years. Salmon Goodrich, died Dec. 18, 1842, aged 85 years. King Strong, died April 15, 1854, aged 71 years. Daniel Eels, died July 17, 1851, aged 94 years. Martha, his wife, died May 26, 1834, aged 73 years. Theodosia Eels, his sister, died Dec. 7, 1850, aged 96 years. Ebenezer Dickinson, died May 5, 1845, aged 73 years. Prudence, his wife, died Dec. 29, 1863, aged 90 years. Jotham Gaylord, died Feb. 5, 1807, aged 58 years. Esther, his wife, died March 14, 1838, aged 87 years. Ozias Wilcox, died Dec. 4, 1838, aged 73 years. Betsy, his wife, died Aug. 23, 1831, aged 55 years. Ebenezer Dickinson, Sr., died Dec. 24, 1824, aged 89 years. Mabel, his wife, died March 13, 1827, aged 89 years. Rhoda, wife of Abel Andrus, died Dec. 20, 1828, aged 84 years. Simeon Hatch, died Feb. 26, 1853, aged 86 years Rebecca, his wife, died Aug. 29, 1836, aged 68 years. Lois, wife of Arthur Perry, died Aug. 11, 1819, aged 56 years. Mrs. Ruth Seward, died April 21, 1810, aged 81 years. Mrs. Sarah Lane, died Feb. 26, 1799, aged 47 years. Colonel Nathan Seward, died Nov. 9, 1815, aged 57 years. Martha, his wife, died March 24, 1838, aged 80 years. Samuel Abbott, died May 28, 1814, aged 27 years. Sally, his wife, died Oct. 22, 1817, aged 23 years. Bethuel Norton, died Sept. 11, 1814, aged 74 years. Lois, his wife, died April 11, 1828, aged 85 years. Hart Norton, died Sept. 7, 1837, aged 62 years. Lois, his wife, died March 19, 1813, aged 38 years. Susan, his wife, died March 9, 1837, aged 49 years. Ashbel Mallory, died Feb. 1, 1856, aged 83 years. Mary, his wife, died Nov. 23, 1854, aged 74 years. Gideon Savage, died Feb. 26, 1833, aged 82 years. Sarah, his wife, died June 9, 1840, aged 82 years. Leonard Goodrich, died Dec, 27, 1837, aged 65 years. Susan, his wife, died Feb. 20, 1859, aged 84 years. Rhoda, wife of Samuel Hecox, died Oct. 29, 1807, aged 53 years. William Trowbridge, died April 13, 1814, aged 26 years. Louisa, his wife, died July 4, 1813, aged 25 years. Andrew Miller, died Sept. 30, 1820, aged 41 years. David Miller, died June 2, 1865, aged 80 years. George Peacock, died June 23, 1824, aged 75 years. Elizabeth, his wife, died May 20, 1820, aged 44 years. Thomas Thornton, died Nov. — , 1826, aged 81 years. Rachel Thornton, died Dec. 29, 1816, aged 63 years. Abigail, wife of Baul B. Prior, died Jan. 14, 1808, aged 27 years. Hunting S. Pierce, died March 12, 1826, aged 34 years. 486 . OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Thomas Dana, died Aug. 31, 1817, aged 95 years. Martha, his wife, died Sept. 14, 1795, aged 67 years. Ezekiel Williams, died Aug. 30, 1849, aged 94 years. Sarah, his wife, died April 9, 1813, aged 55 years. Nancy, wife of Lewis Sherril, died July 18, 1822, aged 38 years. The first town meeting in New Hartford was held April 24, 1827, at the house of King Strong, and the following officers were elected : Supervisor, Eli Savage; town clerk, Samuel Dakin; assessors, Ashbel Mallory, Stephen Fitch, Thomas R. Palmer; commissioner of highways, Abel Mosher, C611- ings Locke, Truman Kellogg ; overseers of the poor, Joshua Palmer, Edward Black- stone ; collector, Isaac G. Stratton ; commissioners of common schools, Daniel W. Randall, Charles Babcock, Warner Wadsworth; inspectors of schools, Proctor C. Samson, Zedekiah Sanger, James McElroy. Following is a list of the supervisors of the town from its organiza tion to the present time ; the -list includes the names of many of the prominent citizens of the town in its comparatively recent history: 1828-30, Jesse Shepherd; 1831, Ashbel Mallory; 1832-35, Olliver Prescott, jr., 1836-40, Frederick Kellogg; 1841-42, James Brown; 1843-45, Josiah S. Kellogg; 1846^7, Oliver Prescott; 1848-50, John French; 1851-52, James Rees; 1853, Hiram Shays; 1854-55, Gould G. Norton; 1856-57, John French; 1858, William Huxford; 1859-61, John B. Winship; 1862-64, George W. Chadwick; 1865-68, James Arm strong; 1869-70, Henry S. Rogers; 1871, Oliver R. Babcock; 1872, Joseph P. Rich ardson; 1873, John B. Winship; 1874, Oliver R. Babcock; 1875, Timothy W. Black- stone; 1876 Porter S.'Huntley; 1877-79, John C. Roby; 1880-81, R. Abiram Smith; 1882, Richard M. Davis; 1883, John W. McLean; 1884, R. A. Smith; 1885-86, Charles H. Philo; 1887, Johnson C. Dewhurst; 1888, John M. Porter; 1889, Ralph Lee; 1890, George Benton; 1891-95, Albert P. Seaton, 1896, Ladd J, Lewis. The village of New Hartford was incorporated in 1870, by a vote of 32 to 9 In the next year the boundaries of the villag'e were slightly changed so as to make Sauquoit Creek the easterly village limit. A post-office was established in the village at about the beginning of the century. Dr. Calvin Sampson was one of the early postmasters and held the office many years. Manufacturing began early in the village. A man named Butterfield established a factory for making ingrain carpets early in the century, his product being claimed as the first of the kind made in this State; he removed later to Oriskany. The first cut nails made in the State were also probably manufactured here by Jonathan Richardson, father of Joseph Richardson. Mr. Richardson died in 1838. A tannery was e^-txz^ THE TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD. 487 early established by Thomas and Ezekiel Williams, west of Sauquoit Creek and north of Genesee street. Another was built nearer the creek by Stephen Childs, where a large product was turned out. Messrs. Reed & Allen established a factory for the manufacture of cotton yarn, batting, etc., under the name of the Half- Century Manufacturing Com pany. Their building was burned after it had passed to possession of Armstrong, Baker & Company, and the latter firm then located in what had been the Childs tannery, above mentioned, where they established a large knitting factory. This burned and the present factory of this company was erected. A paper mill was built here early by Samuel Lyon, who came from Vermont early in the century. It stood above the later cotton factory and was afterwards removed next to the grist mill, which Mr. Lyon had purchased. The business long ago disappeared. A door and- sash fac tory was formerly operated by A. Sweet, in which J. C. Roby after wards established a batting factory. The building was burned and on the site was erected the present factory of Devine Brothers, who manu facture buffing wheels extensively. The New Hartford Cotton Manufacturing Company was organized and erected its main building about 1815-16, under the management of Samuel Hicks. The south addition was built in 1838 by a "company formed about that time. The factory is operated by water and steam power, and was burned and rebuilt in brick. It is still operated by the New Hartford Cotton Manufacturing Company — John W. McLean, president ; William M. Osborn, vice president ; James Irish, secretary and treasurer. This company was organized in 1870, with a capital of $150,000. They purchased the mill from John Adams who had ope rated it since before the war: The product is what are known as bunt ings and about 150 hands are employed. There are two factories for canning corn in the village, one operated by the New Hartford Canning Company, and the other by the Excel sior Canning Company. S. F. Sherman is superintendent of the first and William M. Osborn of the other. General stores are kept by F. N. Russell and George Ireland, and Joseph Killian has a hardware store. Enoch Morris carries on harness making. The hotel long known as the Entwistle Hotel is kept by Mrs. 488 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Fred Durrenbeck ; the Williams House by H. A. Williams, and the Myers House by D, F. Myers. The village constitutes Union Free School district No. i, and an ex cellent school is taught, with Frank B. Spaulding, principal, arid five teachers. The town is now divided into eighteen school' districts with a school house in each. Butler Memorial Hall was erected in 1889 for the use of the village and contains the post-office, a hall and various offices. It was donated to the place by the late Morgan Butler. The presidents of the village of New Hartford have, been Charles McLean, 1870- 71; James Armstrong, 1872; James Campbell, 1873; Richard U. Sherman, 1874-75; John B. Winship, 1876-9; 1880-1, James Armstrong; 1882, Luther W- McFarland; 1833, Albert P. Seaton; 1884, James Harris; 1885-7, Albert P. Seaton; 1888-9, James Armstrong; 1890, Jerome M. Seaman; 1891-2, James Armstrong; 1893-5, Jerome M. Seaman; 1896, George W. Reed. The village of Washington Mills is situated on Sauquoit Creek about two miles above New Hartford. Frederick Hollister was a business man of Utica, who had been associated in the drug trade there in what was known as " the checkered store." Isaac Mason had established a mill on the site of Washington Mills, which Mr. Hollister purchased in 1840. This was burned and rebuilt by him, and was also painted in colors, giving the local name of " Checkerville " to the place. The second mill, which was of stone, was also burned, with little insurance, and the loss was heavy. But Mr. Hollister had unbounded energy and the firm of Hollister & Stanton built again a large frame mill, to which was given the name " Washington Mill." This ultimately became the property of -A. T. Stewart of New York and is still owned by his estate ; it is idle. The post-office was established here between 1840 and 1850, and Adna Ingham was one of the earlier postmasters holding the office fifteen years. A hoe and fork factory was established here in 1865 by Babcock, Brown & Co. ; the firm was afterwards Huntley & Babcock. The product for some years reached $100,000 annually. The property is now owned by the Utica Tool Co., in which C. H. Philo and Ladd J. Lewis are prominent, and a successful business is carried on. A cotton factory was built in district No. 2, at this town, by Dr. Seth Capron, of Oriskany, the Sewards, of Utica, and others, about ^^^^^/V^^^> THE TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD. 489 1814-15 ; Dr. Capron was the leader in the enterprise, which became known as the Capron factory. The property ultimately passed to E. B. Sherman & Co., and a little later to C. C. and H. M. Taber, cotton brokers in New York. This firm took the factory about 1865, and carried it on successfully. It finally passed to the Utica Cotton Com pany and continues in operation. William H. Cloher is superintendent. In early years there was a paper mill and a saw mill at this point. erected by Seward, Kellogg, and others. They, have passed away. A knitting mill was established a few years ago by the Capron Knitting Mill Co. William H. Cloher islargely interested in this business. The post-office here is named Capron. A store is kept by Joshua Hagan. Chadwick's Mills post-office is a hamlet in the extreme south part of the town, and is a station on the railroad. Manufacturing began here as early as 1809, when Abner Brownell, John Chadwick, and Ira Todd built what was long known as the Eagle Cotton Factory. Chadwick and Brownell purchased the water power, which had been located by C. E. Macomber. The members of the firm were from Otsego county. Mr. Todd afterwards removed to Utica. The later cotton factory was established in a stone building three stories high, with G. W. Chadwick, proprietor, and became known as Chadwick's Mills. Both steam and water power were used. The property passed to the control of the Chadwick's Mills Cotton Co., more than twenty years ago. Benjamin Groff is superintendent. George W. Chadwick, son of George and grandson of John, is still prominently interested in the industry. At Willowvale is a small settlement taking its name from the quan tity of willows along the creek ; it is in the southern part of the town. A large foundry and machine shops were established here and owned by Rogers & Spencer. A small saw mill was also operated there. The machine shops were burned in 1 868 and not rebuilt. The Utica Willowvale Bleaching Company has an establishment here which has been in successful operation a number of years. A store is kept by M. F. Jordan. The New York Upper Mills of the New York Mills Manufacturing Company (Whitestown), are in the north part of this town, and will be described with the other mills of that company in the history of Whites- town. A grist mill was early built here, long afterwards knpwn as the 62 490 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Buhr Stone Factory. There has always been a small mercantile busi ness done here, with a few shops. It will be seen from the foregoing pages that this town has been one of the most important manufacturing districts in Oneida county ; and whils its proximity to Utica has prevented its assuming any mercantile importance, it has nevertheless contributed largely to the wealth of the county. Its agricultural interests are also large and important, some of the best farms in the county being situated within its limits. Dairying and milk producing for Utica is quite largely followed in recent years, and fruit growing is also an important industry. Market gardening is .also extensively carried on. The second church organized in New Hartford was of the Universalist faith and was called the Universalist Society of Whitestown. It was the result of pastoral labor begun in 1805 by Rev. Nathaniel Stacy. A small church was built in 18 1 5 and occupied many years, after which it was used by the Baptists, and subsequently burned. The society became extinct long ago. The Friends meeting house in New Hartford was erected in 1820, through the efforts of Rev. Peleg Gifford, a noted Quaker minister, who preached in New Hartford twenty years. He was a pioneer and owned a farm two miles southeast of New Hartford : it is said he surveyed the highway between New Hartford and Utica. The families of this faith have almost disappeared from the community. St. Stephens's church (Episcopal), New Hartford, was organized Sep tember 1, 1824. Judge Sanger gave a lot for a church building and in his will left an annuity' of $250 to aid in supporting a minister. The church was erected in 1825, and has since been improved. A Baptist church was organized at New Hartford previous to 1840, as a branch of the one at Whitesboro, but it was dissolved in 1844. Meetings were afterwards held in the old Universalist church and else where. The site of the present church was bought, the building erected and dedicated in August, 1856, a reorganization having been effected in the previous year. The old church was abandoned and a new brick edifice erected a few years ago on a new site, -corner of South and Mill streets. The Methodist Episcopal society at New Hartford was organized THE TOWN OF PARIS. . 491 before 1850, the first pastor being Rev. Richard Cooke. A church was soon erected, which was displaced by the present one, erected about 1875. A Free Will Baptist society was organized at Washington Mills in i860 by Elder G. H. Ball, with twenty-five members; meetings had been held a few months previous to that date. The church building was erected for a Union church on land deeded by Frederick Hollister, but it did not prosper and the Baptists purchased the building and re moved it to its present site. CHAPTER XLI. THE TOWN OF PARIS. Paris as originally constituted embraced a large area. It was set off from Whitestown April 10, 1792, and included what are now the towns of Brookfield, Hamilton, and part of Cazenovia (in Madison county), Sherburne (in Chenango county), Sangerfield, all of which were set off from it in 1794, and Kirkland, which was set off April 13, 1827 ; a still further tract was added to Kirkland in 1839, leaving Paris with its pres ent area of 18,641 acres. The town received its name from Isaac Paris, a merchant of Fort Plain, who in a time of scarcity and distress in 1789, generously supplied them with corn and other food on liberal credit. Paris lies on the eastern border of the county and near the southeast corner. Nearly the whole of the western half was in Coxe's patent and the remainder in the Bayard patent, as shown on the map herein. The surface is very hilly, with deep intervening valleys. The highest eleva tion in the county is Tassel Hill (so called from a Dutchman who settled there) in the' extreme southwest corner of the town, which rises 2,100 feet above sea level. The summit of what was the Utica and Chenango Railroad is near the line between Paris and Marshall, and is a little more than 1,000 feet above the station at Utica. This locality consti tutes a part of the watershed to the northward and southward of the State. Paris Hill rises 840 feet above Sauquoit. The Sauquoit Creek 492 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. flows northerly through the town east of the center, and in a distance of six miles descends nearly 400 feet, affording excellent water power. The soil of the town is a sandy calcareous loam. The town has been noted for its manufactures. The first town meeting in Paris was held April 2, 1793, at the house of Moses Foot in Clinton, and the following officers were chosen : Supervisor, David Ostrom, esq; town clerk, Henry McNiel; assessors, Joshua Holiburt, Joel Bristol, Dan Chapman, Benjamin Barnes, Ithamar Coe, Joseph Far- well, William Babbott ; commissioners of roads, Amos Kellogg, Simeon Coe, Stephen Barrett; poormasters, Timothy Tuttle, Levi Sherman; constables, Jesse Curtiss, Amos Dutton, Nathan Marsh; fence-viewers, Barnabas Pond, Joseph Plumb, Borden Wilbur, Joshua Preston ; poundmaster, Amos Kellogg. The first settler in this town was Maji Amaziah Royce, who located near Paris Hill in 1789, on the old road from Sauquoit to its intersec tion with the Oxford turnpike, north of Paris Hill. In December of that year John and Sylvester Butler, and Asa Shepard settled on the same road about half a mile v/est of Sauquoit ; while in the same month Phineas Kellogg settled in the valley and was followed to the same locality the next spring by Theodore Gilbert and family, who who located at the Burning Spring, West Sauquoit. The first settler on the " Moyer Road " between Sauquoit and Paris Hill was William Babbitt in 1790. In the next spring Lieut. Spencer Briggs became the first settler at East Sauquoit, and at the same time Simeon Coe located on the Moyer Road east of Sauquoit. Capt. Abner Brown settled in the spring of 179 1 at West Sauquoit and his son Kendall, born July 5, 1 79 1, was the first male child born in Sauquoit. To the Paris Hill region Benjamin Barnes, sr., and his son of the same name, and John Humaston, followed Mr. Boyce within a few weeks, and Henry McNeil settled early in that vicinity ; he became a prominent citizen, served in the Legislature, first in 1798, and taught school early at Paris Hill. Luther Richards became a settler in that vicinity about 1792 ; he was father of William Richards. Aaron Simons and his brothers, Adam and Abel, came in here early from Rhode Island and located west of the village of Paris Hill. Darius Scovill and his sons, Isaac, Seabury and Edward, located about 1801, coming from Water- town, Conn. Isaac Scovill was father of J. V. H. Scovill, long a prom inent citizen at Paris Hill. At this point it is proper to quote the fol- THE TOWN OF PARIS. 493 lowing paragraphs from a historical sketch of Paris Hill written many years ago by Hon. Lorenzo Rouse : My knowledge of the early history of Paris is, of course, somewhat limited as to personal observation, my first acquaintance with it having commenced in the spring of 1816 that is, twenty-seven years after the first settlement was made, which was at Paris Hill and vicinity. The first settlement made in the town was in 1789. The first settler at Paris Hill was Captain Royce ; soon after him came Benjamin Barnes and son, Stephen Barrett, Abel Simmons, sr., John and Sylvester Butler, and others who settled near. None of these, however, settled at the present village, but in the vicinity. Tradition says that one of the earliest settlers, if not the earliest, at Paris Hill proper was Colonel Tuttle, who was quite a land-owner on the east side of what is now " the Green," Indeed, he gave the east half of the Green for a public park, other parties giving the west half for the same purpose. Tradition further says that in Colonel Tuttle's day a large pine-tree was standing in the upper part of the park, or green. The colonel caught and tamed a young bear, which he used to pet very much. When winter came on the bear disappeared, and the colonel felt the loss deeply, — was inclined to think some one had shot or stolen it, — but on a sunny day in March the bear was discovered coming out of a hole in that pine tree, and he returned to his master, who was greatly rejoiced thereat ; he had been hibernating. The first church erected in 1791, was a plain, barn-like looking structure, innocent of paint;1 and in fact never was finished off inside. After its erection settlers began to come in rapidly, and Colonel Tuttle persuaded the people to sell the building to him, and to build larger, both of which they did. He then removed the first build ing to the rear of his house, and converted it into a barn. The new church was located near the center of the green, nearest the west side, and was reasonably capacious. The Episcopal church was erected in 1797. That, too, was a very plain structure, and unpainted. In 1818 it was removed to the west of the church lot, and the present structure was erected. Val. Pierce was the builder, assisted by his brother ; also by Roderick White and others. Russell Brooks, Eli Gilbert, and the Saxton boys did the plastering. The old structure, after its removal, was fitted up and occupied (with sortie additions) by Rev. William R. Weeks as a residence and school building. Afterwards Chester Cook bought it and occupied a part as a dwelling and the rest as a saddle and harness shop. It subsequently took fire and was burned. The Methodist church stood on the road going towards Clinton, east of the present burial ground. It had a good congregation when I first knew it ; had its regular services by a circuit preacher, and had a number of zealous members. The society afterwards became extinct, and the church was taken down about 1850. Paris Hill was the third or fourth settlement in order of time in the original town of Whitestown, and being the farthest south was generally known as the " South Settlement." When the present village began to manifest itself it was known as "Shax's Borough," but after the new town had been organized, and named Paris, it gradually assumed its present name of Paris Hill. When I first saw the place, nearly sixty-two years ago, and for a few years after, it was a more important point than at present, and a place of much more business. 494 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. It had three churches,, two taverns (as they were then called), two stores, two black smith shpps, two saddle and harness shops, several carpenters' and shoemakers' shops, one wagon shop, one spinning wheel maker's shop, two tailors' shops, two asheries or potash establishments, and two cooper shops for the making of barrels to be used for pork, cider, potash, and for whisky, the latter being manufactured on the premises now occupied by J. Van Valkenberg. The whisky was mainly sold to the farmers in the vicinity, at from twenty-five to thirty cents per gallon. No doubt there were other manufacturers' shops not recollected, but Chester Cook's silver plat ing shop must not be overlooked. A turnpike, running through the village for some years, connected the place, and all south and southwest of it, as far as Oxford, with Utica, by means of intersecting the Seneca Turnpike at New Hartford. A toll-gate stood a little north of the Episcopal church. The turnpike, not proving a profitable investment, soon shared a fate similar to that of the plank road, which succeeded it at a more modern date, and was abandoned, to the stockholders' loss. A grist mill was standing when I first knew the place, on the east side of the road, opposite a portion of the present Episcopal cemetery. It was originally intended to be operated by horse-power, the horses to travel on the inner circumference of a large wheel, nearly or quite thirty feet in diameter. This wheel revolved with an axle, or shaft, which furnished the motive power to the machinery. The builder of this novel grist mill was a Mr. Simister. The working of it proved too destructive to horseflesh to be profitable, and it was therefore abandoned. Subsequently an at tempt was made to utilize the building by putting in a steam apparatus, but as the construction of stationary steam engines was then but little understood, that plan' was also abandoned, and the building was demolished about 1820. Sixty years ago the green was very convenient as a parade ground, two, and some times three, military companies mustering for parade and inspection at the same time — usually the first Monday in June, the 4th of July, and the first Monday in Sep tember. The two or three companies strove to outdo each other in the precision and skill of their evolutions. In some cases a battalion consisting of six or seven com panies assembled there. In .one instance, at least, the whole regiment met there in September for " general training," as it was called. Among the prominent individuals residing in the village at that time may be men tioned General Henry McNiel, ex-judge and the member of assembly; Elnathan Judd, M. D., the leading physician of the place; Theophilus Steele, esq., the town clerk; Samuel H. Addington, merchant and justice of the peace, and Martin Haw ley, landlord and land-owner. Esquire Addington's store was then the building on the west side of the green, with a brick front, now converted into a blacksmith shop. It was previously occupied as a store by Stanton & Hawley. The house north of it, on the corner, was owned by Major Hawley, and was used as a hotel or tavern. A curbed well was directly in front of it, in what is now used as a traveled roadway. Other prominent citizens living in the vicinity of the village, but not in it, were Capt. John Wicks, John Strong, Ephraim Walker, Timothy Hopkins, Deacon Bailey, Adam and Abel Simmons, Captain Ebenezer and Esquire Charles Smith, Esquire Uri Doolittle, David Stiles* Fo'bes Head, Jonathan Head, Abiel Saxton, Luther Richards, and several others. The succeeding merchants at Paris Hill were Hay wood & Blair, Steele & Wicks, Tompkins & Doolittle, Mott & Reynolds, Andrew Mills and Jesse E. Thompson. THE TOWN OF PARIS. 495 General McNiel was postmaster from time immemorial, but always had the busi ness done by a deputy — usually a merchant or innkeeper. He was removed about 1830, under Jackson's administration, and Germond Mott was appointed in his place. In the earlier days the people were content with one mail per week, and that was carried by the "post-rider" on horseback, he delivering the Utica newspapers to subscribers on his route at their doors, carrying them in his "saddle-bags," and the letter mail in his pockets. This method of carrying the mail continued till about 1820, when the post-rider changed his conveyance to a one-horse wagon, thus secur ing higher pay, and occasionally a passenger. Soon after a mail stage was started, with one pair of horses, making two trips each way per week ; afterwards three, and finally daily trips each way, with four horses. George W. Head, the late prominent Utica business man, formerly kept a store at the Hill. David Kelly followed and was succeeded by David Addington. There are now two stores, kept by G. T. Graham and Burrett & Hinckle. Other early settlers in this part of the town were Stephen Barrett, Luther Richards, Fobes and Jonathan Head. A post-office was early established, with Henry McNeil as postmaster. Capt. Uri Doolittle, Capt. Gideon Seymour, Eli Blakeslee, Jesse and Dr. Gurdon Thomp son, were also early settlers here. Justus and Julius Munson, Isaac Welton, Erastus Weber, John J. Wicks, Leander Richards, Lysander, and Harvey Head, John Bailey, and William Richards were prominent farmers south of the Hill, and Anson Hubbard, William Burrett Abram Bartlett, the Walker, Hecox, Porter and Smith families north. There were two distilleries early at the Hill, one by Samuel Adding ton and one by a Mr. Haywood. George W. Head was a noted mer chant here many years and was succeeded by Porter C. Huntley ; Daniel Kelley and William Wooden were also former merchants. In recent years the business of the place has not been large Other prominent farmers of the town not already named, and who have passed away were Deacon Charles Allen, Stephen Chapman, Elias F. Green, Chauncey S. Butler, Stephen Thomas, Joshua P. Tompkins, and Erastus Webber ; some of those of later date are J. M. Risley, Charles H Thomas, C. L. Chapman, O. D. Head, H. W. Anderson, Freeman Bartlett, Samuel G. Ryder. Clayville. — This is an incorporated village situated on the Sauquoit Creek southeast of the center of the town. The place was originally called Paris Furnace, and a post-office was established with Col. Gard ner Avery postmaster ; he was succeeded by Deacon Joseph Howard. 496 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. "Judge" Eliphalet Sweeting was the pioneer here in 1800 and began building the Paris furnace on the site of the lower Millard works. Colonel Avery came in the year 1801 and took charge of the com pletion of the furnace and management of the business. A Mr. Hill built the first log house for a boarding house, and Thomas built the next one in 1802. Colonel Avery erected his residence in 1810, and about the same time Judge Sweeting built his and erected a saw mill on the site of the Empire Woolen Factory. Joseph Howard had al ready built a brewery and a grocery near by and Mr. Scollard erected a tavern opposite and west of the furnace ; this was long kept by Horace Luce and was ultimately converted into a residence by David Millard. Colonel Avery built a saw mill about 18 10 opposite his residence, which burned a few years later and he built another on the site which stood until recent years. In 1822 he erected a carding mill a little above, which was long operated by 'Squire Albert Barnett, who came to the village about that time and passed his long life here ; his father, . James Barnett, was a pioneer of the town, and William Barnett, brother of Albert, and father of Mills and William H. Barnett, was long a prominent citizen. The second merchants at Clayville were Bacon & Collis. To them William Barnett sold the Sweeting saw mill which he had acquired, and on its site they began the erection of a woolen factory, which passed to Frederick Hollister and was finished by him in 1842-3. Present mer chants are J. S. Green, O. M. Buchanan, James A. Jordan, and C. L. Chapman & Son. David J. Millard, born in 1804, came to the Sauquoit valley early in the century with his father, Charles Millard. On the site of the old Quaker factory at Sauquoit the father and his brother Amasa placed in the machine shop trip hammers and began manufacturing scythes in a primitive manner. David J. learned the trade of wool sorting and by evening study obtained a good education. He later became agent for the Furnace factory at South Sauquoit and about 1840 removed to Clay ville and with his brother Sterling A. engaged in manufacturing scythes, hay forks, etc., on the site of the Cobb & Robinson shovel factory, which was built in 18 14 and converted into a scythe shop by Davis & Bowles in 18 18. Sterling A. Millard soon withdrew from the THE TOWN OF PARIS. 497 business and erected his scythe works farther up the stream. The Millard scythes were probably the best made in the whole country and attained wide celebrity. David J. Millard was a leading citizen of the town and was supervisor several years. The S. A. Millard works were sold on a mortgage held by the Oneida County Bank, March 6, 1896, and bid off by J. M. Butler, president of the bank, who has since be come sole owner. The works are now running full time, manufacturing forks, hoes and rakes. The D. J. Millard works, which formerly existed under the style of the Paris Furnace Company, were sold by the same bank March 17, 1896, were bid off in the same manner and also passed to Mr. Butler. Until quite recently this plant was used for the manu facture of axes under the name of the Hubbard, Babcock, Millard Ax Company, and is now temporarily idle. One section of the plant is rented to the Pratt Chuck Company, which is in successful operation. When Frederick Hollister came to Clayville from Utica, as before noted, he purchased the partly built woolen factory, and finished it and put it in operation. He also bought largely of lands which included water power and furnished building lots, opened a street across the creek at the upper mill and northward along the foot of the western hillside to intersect the main road at the old carding mill ; this road he named Canada street, and thereon he built seventeen double tenement houses, and about the same number on the west side of the old main road; he built also a block of stores near the upper mill. In 1843 he began the erection of the large stone factory, which was ready for the machinery in the fall of 1844. It was used for a great Henry Clay meet ing, which has led to the statement that the great statesman was pres ent; this is not true, but Clay did visit the place five years later. Mr. Hollister built also a frame block for stores and a hotel (the Hollister House, later the Murray House), and a gas manufactory for lighting the mills. About the same period David J. Millard opened a new street and built houses and made other improvements. The operations of these two men advanced the place from a hamlet to a thriving village, and drew other business enterprises hither. A machine shop and foundry was established, two other hotels were opened, and various shops and stores followed. The crash from this abnormal growth came in 1850 with the failure of Mr. Hollister. " Millardville," above, how- 63 498 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ever, continued active for some years, but ultimately shared the same fate. The woolen factories were run for short periods afterwards. In January, 1861, the Empire Woolen Company was organized, with James J. Murray, president; George Innis, vice-president; and A. J. Williams, treasurer. This company purchased the entire woolen factory plant and made the necessary repairs and changes to put it in operation. Soon afterwards Mr. Murray died and A. J. Williams purchased his in terest and also that of Mr. Innis, leaving the property in control of Mr. Williams and his four sons ; the company was reorganized with A. J. Williams, president; A. G. Williams, vice-president ; and these two with I. A. Williams, James H. Williams, and N. A. Williams, trustees. The capital was made $250,000. Further improvements were made and a successful business inaugurated. The Union school in Clayville was opened in 1 871, and in 1876 a large two story brick school building was erected at a cost of $6,000. Clayville was incorporated in 1887 and the first officers were elected in September of that year. W. J. Millard served as president until the fol lowing March, and was then re-elected for one year. He was succeeded by C. B. Gormond, and in 1890 A. J. Rhodes was elected and has served ever since. Sauquoit. — The earliest settlers on the east and west sides of the creek where grew up the little villages of East and West Sauquoit have been briefly mentioned. In early years the west part became known as •' Savage's Corners," and the east part as " Methodist ..Corners," and " Bethelville." When the post-office was established in 1820 (with Ho bart Graves, postmaster) the place was officially named Sauquoit. Mr. Graves was a merchant in the easl.village, and a few years later the post- office was removed to the other side and Stephen Savage made, post master ; he was succeeded in 1832 by his son, Frederick S. Savage. The earliest settlers were followed by William Babbitt, William M. Winship, David Ostrom, Captain Abner Bacon, Charles Cooledge, Zenas Merrill, and Camp Parmalee, in or near the west village; while on the east side settled Lieut. Spencer Briggs, Baxter Gage, and on the hill, Simeon Coe, Elisha Wetmore, Moses Campbell, jr., and Elkanah Hewett, and northeast of the village, Josiah Hull, Nathan Robinson, Moses Camp bell, sr., and Howe Nichols, At South Sauquoit came in 1789-90, THE TOWN OF PARIS, 499 Titus Gilbert, sr., AUyn Gilbert, and Theodore Gilbert, 2d, and Ephraim Davis. This particular locality was early known as " Davis's Forge," or " Farmers' Factory." Captain Bacon first kept the tavern in the valley, and the first store was kept by Drs. Dick and Jack Perkins, who were succeeded by Judge James Orton; he added a store and sold out to Stephen Savage in about 1806 Mr. Savage built a store about 1812 on the southwest corner of the Presbyterian church lot; he also owned the grist mill at one time and in partnership with Naaman W. Moore established the paper mills. His old store was later kept by R. E. Kaple, Peter Kneaskarn and Solomon Rogers. The old Savage hotel was kept in later years by Paul R. Miner, Stephen Medbury, and Joseph Mason, and was burned April 5, 1862, and rebuilt by Mr. Mason on the present site. The first merchant at East Sauquoit was Martin Hawley, and Henry Cram opened a store soon afterwards. Mr. Hawley removed to Paris Hill and was succeeded by Hobart Graves, later by Hobert Graves, jr., who had for partners at different periods, John Milton But ler, William W. Hickox and Ezra C. Southard. Other merchants were Mills & Hale, Solomon Rogers (with different partners), J. M. & A. Gray, sons of Jordan Gray, Erastus Everett, M. L. Hungerford, Davis & Day, Birdsall & Hull, William H. Royce, James Moulton, Miller & Nichols, and others. In 1828 Austin Graves built the hotel at the Burning Spring, South Sauquoit, designing the establishment for a watering place. After pass ing through several hands it was burned in March, 1859. Major Will iam Gere built the first tannery at East Sauquoit, which a few years later passed to Josiah Mosher who, with his sons, George W. and S. Emerson, operated it some years. Major Gere afterwards operated the tannery built by John Curtiss. These have passed out of existence. Major Gere was also a partner with A. Jenks in an oil mill at South Sauquoit. Deacon Abijah Hubbard manufactured wagons many years opposite the tannery, and a little south of his shop was the organ fac tory of Oliver Prior, who was a pioneer in the invention of the early reed organs. Other shop keepers in the two villages were Asahel Cur tiss, Ezekiel Hawley and General Gates, saddlers ; the Royces, James Seaton, Gebrge and Daniel Griggs, H. Norton Robinson, John Olm stead, Major Gere, Zabine Luce, Samuel Robbins, George Tinker, M. L. 500 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Antisdel and Samuel Cheeney, shoemakers ; Stillman Wells, Nehemiah Walton and David Loring, cabinetmakers : D. Sheldon Marsh, Hiram and Titus Gilbert, Roswell Eastman, George W. Holman, Alpha Smith and John Seaton, millwrights ; Daniel Wells, Captain Knight, T. L. Switzer, blacksmiths ; U. T. Harvey, Elkanah Hewitt, A. L. White, Daniel Bacon and Benjamin Allen, tailors. At one time there were eleven distilleries in this town, four at Cassville, two at Paris Hill, one at Holman City, and a brewery at Clayville. John Butler was the pio neer distiller. Among early physicians in town were Amos G. Hull, Elnathan Judd, Seth Hastings and David Larrabee, at Paris Hill; Dick and Jack Perkins, Spaulding Pierce, Leverett Bishop, Rufus Priest, Aaron B. Bligh, Jeremiah Knight, Ansel and Asa Tyler, C. N. Palmer and C. A. Ostrom, at Sauquoit ; Barzilla Budlong at Cassville, where some of the others also practiced. William L. Mould, an Englishman, came to this town early and for a few years operated the " Farmers' Factory Mill," between Sauquoit and Clayville. His sons, W. F. Mould & Brothers, bought the grist and saw mills of Henry Gilbert January I, 1853, and made extensive repairs and improvements. What was known as the Friendly Woolen Com pany was formed about 1812 by a company of Quakers who came to Sauquoit, purchased the Abner Bacon saw mill which they rebuilt and added other shops. They then built a woolen mill and began its opera tion. It did not prove remunerative and the property passed to Thomas Dean. In 1824 it was purchased by Kellogg Hurlburt, Abner Brownell, and John Chadwick (who were then proprietors of what became the Chadwick Mills in the edge of New Hartford). They converted it to a cotton factory and changed the name to Franklin Mill. In 1827, after one year's operation, the firm divided and Hurlburt and Brownell con tinued the business. Later, in 1877, while being conducted by Mr. Brownell's sons, the factory was burned and not rebuilt. Between 1840 and 1845 A. Brownell & Co. built a cotton factory just below Sauquoit village, which was operated at the same time with the Franklin Mill. In 1873 the machinery was removed and the Sau quoit Silk Manufacturing Company was organized, which put in new machinery for the manufacture of certain silk products. Nearly 100 hands were employed and the factory was prosperous many years. It THE TOWN OF PARIS. 501 was closed in 1895 while being operated by Stelle & Son, who had long been connected with the business. An academy was established in Sauquoit, by raising a fund by sub scription, and a contract made with L. W. Thomas to properly fit up the building, the school to be held meanwhile in the basement of a church. It was intended that the academy should be an advance upon the select school that had been held in the upper story of the old school house. A meeting of the subscribers to the fund was held April 9, 1844, and seven trustees were elected. The building was in due time occupied. The teachers were Professor Barber, assisted by his wife and Miss Kate Tuttle, with Miss Kittie Roberts, music teacher, and George W. Eastman, teacher of penmanship and bookkeeping. At the winter term of 1845-6 the school opened with 200 scholars. Professor Barber subsequently went to Texas and the school declined until 1 850, when Rev'. Moses E. Dunham assumed its management and brought it back to its former standard. After his departure another period of decline came on and the building needed repairs. In 1 866 the people raised another fund of about $1,700, put the structure in good repair and en gaged Aaron White as principal. The school now opened with over 200 scholars ; but this prosperity was not steadily maintained, and vari ous teachers were employed in efforts to keep the institution alive: In 1878 the building was again repaired and T. H. Roberts engaged as principal. Under his management a fair degree of success was attained. The institution was merged in the Union School in March, 1895. Cassville. — This village is in the southern part of the town and near the junction of the two railroads. The first settlers here were Amasa Burchard, Elias and Mark Hopkins, and Eleazer Kellogg, who came in 1803. The post-office was established about 1830 under the name of Paris Hollow, with Dr. Aaron Bligh postmaster. The name was changed to Cassville in 1835. Elias Hopkins built a saw mill here, on the site of the present grist mill. Amasa Burchard soon after built the present grist mill on the site of the former one, and in 1804 erected a carding mill on the site afterwards occupied by the tub factory and later by a cheese factory. The settlement gradually extended up the bluff southward and a distillery was built on each side of the road up the bluff, one by Thompson Snell and the other by Marsh & Stanley. 502 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Michael Foster erected a tavern which was subsequently torn down, and Norman Merrill, the merchant, built his residence on the site. East of the village, at Richfield Junction, the railroad station, considerable busi ness is carried on. Among the prominent settlers and residents of this part of the town may be mentioned Nathan Randall, who settled north of the village in 1807; he was father of Abel and Bishop T Randall. The Monroe and the Brownell families were prominent settlers in this vicinity. George Smith and R. A. Webb built a tannery and carding mill in 1826 on the south branch, which long ago disappeared Farther down the stream stood an early saw mill, and below the road to Paris Hill Grove W. Bagg manufactured farmers' implements about 1850. John, Joseph and David Budlong were pioneers north of the village. Deacon Charles Allen settled about 1 799, and James Rhodes about the same time. The Budlong family had many descendants and has con tributed much to the advancement of Cassville. Calvin A. Budlong built an early store in Cassville, conducted it many years and was suc ceeded by Norman Merrill, who continued in trade to 1889, a period of forty years. This old store is now conducted by U. L. Loomis. Mr. Budlong built and kept a second store after he sold out to Merrill, and was succeeded therein by Thomas H. Hughes, and he by Abner Sea man in 1876. Bentley & Roberts are now in that store. Lorenzo Palmer was another early merchant. Justus Childs settled in Paris about 1831 and was an extensive farmer east of Cassville, and a prominent citizen and officeholder. West of Cassville Roswell Cossitt was a pioneer distiller and his sons, Stephen and Miles, were prominent farmers. Asa Stanton, Val Pierce, Isaac Walton, and others settled on the Paris Hill road. Holman City. — This is a hamlet east of Clayville where considerable business was done in early years, when it bore the local title of " Log City." In 1798 Seth Leonard Cutler settled here and started a shop for turning wooden bowls, at the same time working at carpentering. After he moved away Lenthel Eells had a saw mill on the site of Cutler's fac tory, where J B. Davis and his son made hubs in later years. In 18 12 David Holman settled here and built a grist mill, a saw mill and later a clover mill ; the latter was converted into a distillery which was operated many years by George Briggs ; it was finally burned. The grist mill THE TOWN OF PARIS. 503 declined after the burning of the distillery, and William H. Le Roy and Jeremiah Wells built on the site a shop for making draw shaves; hoes were also made there. It was afterwards changed into a batting factory, and later into a cabinet factory, passing through various hands in the mean time. Early stores were kept here by William Holman, George Briggs, and others. In 1830 Tunis V. Le Roy, sr., a skilled mechanic, invented the first upright power drill and began its manufacture here in 1839 J it was an important industry. Hops have been raised in this town to a considerable extent, but not as largely as in some adjoining towns. In later years attention has been more largely given to dairying and the production of milk for shipment to New York. This has been made possible by the building of the Utica and Chenango Valley Railroad through the town in 1869, and later the branch to Richfield Springs and on southward. The town is now divided into thirteen school districts with a school house in each. Following is a list of supervisors of this town from its foundation to the present time : 1794, David Ostrom; 1795, George W. Kirkland; 1796-97, Jesse Curtiss; 1798, Thomas Hart; 1799-1805, Jesse Curtiss; 1806-07, Isaac Miller; 1808-17, Jesse Curtiss; 1818, Ebenezer Griffin; 1819, Henry McNiel; 1820-23, Jesse Curtiss; 1824-27, Othniel Williams. The act dividing the town and creating Kirkland was passed April IS, 1827, and a second election was held for Paris, at which Henry McNeil was chosen supervisor; he was re-elected in 1828. 1829, Jared P. Todd; 1830,- Henry McNiel; 1831, Theophilus Steele; 1832, Jeremiah Knight; 1833-34, Jared P. Todd; 1835-37, Constant H. Wicks; 1838, Jeremiah Knight; 1839-43, Naaman W. Moore (William Gallup was elected justice of the peace in 1839, and held the office fifteen years); 1844, George M. Brownell; 1845-49, David J. Millard; 1850-51, Sterling A. Millard; 1852-53, William S. Bartlett; 1854-55, Eli Avery; 1856, William Gallup ; 1857, Justus Childs; 1858-59, Barzilla Budlong; 1860-62, Harvey Head; 1863-64, F. S. Savage; 1865, D. J. Millard; Mr. Millard resigned on account of ill-health, and Harvey Head was appointed to fill vacancy; 1866, Eli Avery; 1867, Eli C. Green; Mr. Green resigned, and Samuel B. Rhodes was elected at a special meeting to fill vacancy ; 1868-70, Harvey Head; 1871-72, Martin L. Hungerford; 1873-75, Harvey Head; 1876-77, William F. Mould; 1878-79, Harvey Head; 1880-81, A. J. Rhodes; 1882-83, Seth W. Smith; 1884-87, Charles L. Marshall; 1888-91, Dr. David A. Barnum; 1892-96, Charles L. Marsh. The first settlers of Paris had scarcely become located in their wilder ness homes before they took steps to form a churdh. A meeting was held at the house of Timothy Tutde in Whitestown on August 29, 1791, where Solomon and Sibil Wright, Timothy Tuttle and his wife Mehit- 504 , OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. able, and Reuben Fowler, under direction of Dr. Jonathan Edwards, of New Haven, Conn., acting as moderator, formed the " Second Church of Christ in White's Town." The first pastor was Rev Elipha let Steele, who was installed July 15, 1795 ; -he continued until October, 1817. This church has had an uninterrupted existence and during a part of its career was one of the most prosperous in the county. In later years it was governed under the Presbyterian form. St. Paul's Episcopal church, Paris Hill, is the oldest of that denomi nation in this State west of Johnstown. A meeting was held February 13, 1797, of which Gideon Seymour was chairman, at which the follow ing were chosen the first vestrymen of the new society : Uri Doolittle, Benjamin Graves, Peter Selleck, Epaphroditus Bly, Selah Seymour, Thomas Stebbins, George Harden, Noah Humaston, and Silas Judd. The name adopted was St. Paul's Church in Herkimer county. The first minister was Rev. Robert Griffith Wetmore, who performed bap tisms on November 14, 1797 ; there is no evidence that he remained in the parish. Other early pastors who preached occasionally were Revs. Father Nash, Philander Chase, John Urquhart, Mr. Thatcher and Mr. Judd. From 1809 to 18 14 Rev. Amos G. Baldwin preached here a quarter of his time, in Utica one half, and a part of the remainder in Fairfield. The frame church at Paris, Hill was built in 1818 ; but there was an earlier and smaller one, built about 1800, and used later as a dwelling. The Presbyterian church at Sauquoit was organized at the house of Abner Bacon in January, 18 10; but an attempt had been made and preliminary steps taken to perfect an organization in 179^. Between that year and 18 10 meetings were held in the school houses. The final organization comprised 26 members, and in the spring of 1810 Rev. Ezra Woodworth began preaching as stated supply. In August of that year the first steps were taken towards providing a church building, and in the spring of 18 1 1 a site was selected on the east side of the creek and the foundations laid. The site was then changed to the lo cation of the present church. The building was not entirely finished until 1814, but was used in its unfinished condition. It stood until 1843 when it was demolished and the present building erected. • The date of the formation of a Methodist class at Sauquoit is lost in THE TOWN OF PARIS*. 505 the past ; but a church was in existence which was much out of repair in 1816. In later years it was largely improved and used as an acad emy. The present brick church was built in 1842. The Baptist church at Cassville was organized sometime between 1820 and 1830 and a frame church was erected This was subsequently burned and the present substantial edifice erected on the site in 1868. A Presbyterian Society existed at Cassville at one period and built a church in the year following the erection of the old Baptist church. The society passed out of existence. The Clayville Presbyterian society was organized by nine members who were dismissed from the Sauquoit church for that purpose in 1856. In September, 1858, a subscription was started to collect funds for the building of a church, which resulted in the erection of the present building. The first regular pastor was Rev. M. E. Dunham. The society owns a parsonage. . St. John's Episcopal church, Clayville, was incorporated July 9, 1849, with 21 members. Services had been held about two years previously and funds raised for the building of the handsome brick edifice, which was finished in 1849 at a cost of nearly $20,000. Rev. William Baker, then preaching for St. Paul's church at Paris Hill, preached here in 1847, once each month. The first wardens were John Wicks and Ezra Brown. The site for the church was deeded by the Empire Mills Company. The Methodist Episcopal church at Clayville was organized about 1863, and has continued a prosperous existence since. St. Patrick's Catholic church, Clayville, was built in 1864 and ded icated in 1865. The first Catholic pastor- who visited the place was Father Patrick Carraher, many years before the building of the church. The church was organized by Rev. Father Coughlin of Clinton, who was succeeded by Father O'Reilly. The parish is large and thriving. 64 506 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. CHAPTER XLII. THE TOWN OF REMSEN. Until recent years this town occupied a large area in the extreme northeast corner of Oneida county, much of which was covered by the original forest. Remsen was reduced to its present area of 23,364 acres by the erection from it of the town of Forestport in 1869. Most of the territory of the present town was included in the Remsenburgh patent; a small section in the south part was in the Servis patent, and another small section in the west part in the Steuben tract, as shown on accom • panying map. Remsen was erected simultaneously with the formation of Oneida county (March 15, 1798), when it was set off from Norway, Herkimer county, and named after Henry Remsen, one of the original patentees. Black River forms the northern boundary of the town, and Canada Creek the southeastern boundary ; it is further watered by Cin cinnati Creek, Baker Brook and small tributaries. The surface of the town is well elevated and generally hilly and broken, while the soil is a light sandy loam. A very large portion of the inhabitants of this town are of Welsh descent. ' Settlement began in Remsen previous to the formation of the town, with the arrival of Shubael Cross from Massachusetts, who in March, 1794, came on westward, left the Mohawk at Utica and with his family turned northward into the forest. He made a line of marked trees along the Cincinnati Creek through the site of Remsen village, and- halted and built a log cabin at what became known later as Burritt's Mills, and afterwards as Bordwell Settlement, now Porpoise Glen. Mr. Cross was an energetic pioneer and he soon had a piece of land cleared, and built later a wind-power grist mill This was followed by the erec tion of a saw mill, both of which were of great utility to the settlers in that section. Mr. Cross took a cold from getting wet in the creek, lost his mental balance, and finally died, his death being, probably, the. first jn the town, THE TOWN OF REMSEN. 507 In 1795 three more families came into the town ; these were John Bonner, Barnabas Mitchell and Amos Bull. Mr. Bonner was an Eng lishman, but came in from Vermont and settled on the lot afterwards owned by Jenkin Jones ; later he moved west. Mr. Mitchell settled on land afterwards owned by his son Milo Mitchell, and his daughter Polly, who became Mrs. Van Slyke, was the first white child born in the town. Amos Bull settled on the tract which was long known as Bull's Com mons, and later as the Camp farm ; discouraged with the land and his prospects he removed to Floyd, where he died. These pioneers were soon followed into the town by Ephraim Hollis ter, father-in-law of Judge Storrs, who followed brickmaking, and who was elected the first supervisor of the town. Stephen Hutchinson and a Mr. King located in the to'wn about this time, and a daughter of the latter and her husband were probably the first persons married in the town, about the year 1800. Mr. King kept the first public house. It is recorded that the first religious service of a public character was held in Mr. Hutchinson's barn on what became known as the Price farm ; he was the first overseer of the poor of the town. The site of Remsen village was settled early by Peter Becker, who built a small log cabin on his hundred-acre lot, afterwards selling the property to Deacon Platt, of Steuben. The log cabin was soon after ward burned. About the same time Joseph Brownell purchased the 100 acre lot on which the upper tavern was built. He was one of the first three road commissioners of the town. He soon sold out to Oliver Smith and left the town ; Gershom Hinkley, a practical surveyor, was elected road commissioner in his place. It was on the farm of the latter at Fairfield Corners that the first school house in the town was built. James Smith and his son Joab came into the town about 1795, and the father opened a tavern in 1797 on the place afterwards occupied by Captain Root; the son died at Sackett's Harbor in the war of 1812. At about this time the families of Jacob Dayton, Nathaniel Rockwocd, Solomon Gillett, Perez Farr, Ebenezer Dodd, William Platt, Philip Scott (the first physician in town and an early town clerk) and Rev. Edmund Tefft, the first resident minister, settled in the town. The names of other early comers appear further on. 508 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. This town and those adjoining it in the eastern part of the county are very largely settled by Welsh. The first of this nationality to locate here was David Jones, but it is not known in just what year he came. Steuben and Trenton, adjoining, already contained a large number of these thrifty citizens. Mr. Jones took up the so called Billings lot, on the Steuben road. In the year 1803 Broughton White and his brother- in-law, Lemuel Hough, came in from the town of Steuben, and Mr. White subsequently opened a small grocery in a log building on the site of the later store in Remsen village ; it was the first mercantile estab lishment in the town, and Esquire White's chief returns for his goods were ashes. He sold out, after making further improvements, to John Mappa and Jacob Belticher, who in turn transferred it to Heman Ferry, The eastern part of the town remained substantially a wilderness un til a number of years after settlement had progressed in the western part. It bore the local designation of " Ninety- six," and the first set tlers came in there about 18 16. About the year 1808 the Welsh fam ilies of David Manual, John James, Griffith I. Jones, John Owens, and Hugh Hughes, all from Wales, settled in the town, and were succeeded by many others who with their descendants contributed largely to the prosperity of the community. It is recorded that Griffith O. Griffiths, of Remsen village, now deceased, was the first Welsh child born in this State west of the Hudson River. It is unfortunate that the earliest records of this town are lost, but it is known that the first town meeting was held in the year of the town organization (1798), in the log dwelling of Samuel Howe, at Cross Set tlement ; Mr. Howe was the first justice of the peace of the town. The list of supervisors of the town, however, is complete, through the record in the Jones Annals ; they are as follows : 1798, Ephraim Hollister; 1799-1808, Gershom Hinckley; 1809-1819, Broughton White; 1820-21, James Sheldon; 1822-23, Zalmon Root; 1824-25, Luther Conkling; 1826-28, Lemuel Hough; 1839-34, Henry R. Sheldon; 1835-38, Mather Beecher; 1839-43, Evan Owens; 1844, Thomas R. White; 1845, Obadiah J. Owens; 1846, Griffith O. Griffiths; 1847, Andrew Billings; 1848^9, William H.. Thomas; 1850-54, Evan Jones; 1855, Joseph H. Montague; 1856-58, Didymus Thomas; 1859, Samuel Lamb; 1860-61, John J. Vaughn; 1862, William H. Owen; 1863, James Mitchell; 1864, William H. Owen; 1865, Morgan Owen; 1866-67, Silas Moore; 1868, William A. Thomas; 1869-72, James Mitchell; 1873-74, Evan G. Williams; 1875-76, Richard R. Jones; 1877-78, John R. Thomas; 1879-80, Evan G. Williams; 1881-82, William THE TOWN OF REMSEN. 509 G. Griffith; 1883-85, John S. Kent; 1886-87, William A. Thomas; 1888-89, William J. Jones; 1890-91, David H. Jones; 1892-93, Griffith Morris; 1894-95, B. H. Kent; 1896, Clinton R. Thomas. The foregoing list adds considerably to the record of names of early as well as later settlers in various parts of the town, and also indicates to what a large extent the region is settled by Welsh who are worthy of holding responsible positions. Silas Kent was another who was among the very early pioneers of Remsen, and here his son Chester was born January i, 1802, and became a prosperous citizen. William Rob erts settled in the town in 1820 on the old State road, with his wife and two sons, Robert and Hugh, both of the latter having been born in Wales. They became prosperous farmers. Milo Mitchell, son of the pioneer, Barnabas, became one of the most successful farmers in the county; he was born in Remsen October 26, 1797. He built the first cheese factory in this town and the second one in the United States, and held several town offices. The family history of many other prom inent settlers in Remsen is given in Part III of this work. The first school house in this town has been mentioned as situated at Fairchild Corners. The first meeting of the inhabitants for school pur poses was held on the 4th of September, 18 13, when districts were formed and the first district school house was built on the following year. The first trustees were John Platt, Lemuel Hough, and Ezra Green. In December, 18 13, it was voted that "Broughton White be instructor- of said school for this winter." Austin Ward was another early school teacher, and also taught singing. The first school house was a frame building and stood in the upper part of the village. New districts were gradually formed until in i860 there were fourteen. After the erection of Forestport the number was reduced to eleven, in cluding two joint districts in connection with that town and Trenton. There are now ten districts with school houses and twelve teachers are employed. An academy was founded in Remsen village many years ago, which prospered for a peripd, but finally declined and closed its existence. The settlement of Remsen village gradually increased in numbers and it became a center for the large lumber business of the town. The construction of the Black River Railroad through the place gave it an 510 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. impetus and the business interests developed rapidly. William Platt who settled here in 1795, built the first small mill on the site of the later one. John G. Jones erected a carding mill in early years on the creek some distance below the village. The ruins are still visible. In later years A. C. Herron built a grist mill in which either steam or water power could be used. This was afterwards occupied as a butter tub factory. It is still standing and used for shops. Among the early merchants of the village were William and Heman Ferry; the latter removed to' Utica and the former to Michigan ; he was father of Thomas Ferry, U. S. senator from that State. Dr. Bill erected a part of what became the Dawson Hotel at an early day ; he removed to Ohio. He was the first physician in the village and practiced many years. Horace N. Bill, once editor of the Roman Citizen, was his son. Remsen village was incorporated in 1845 an^ on the first Tuesday in May of that year an election was held and the following officers were chosen : John Smith, Andrew Billings, Griffith B. James, trustees ; Thomas R. Hawley, G. B. James, Morgan Owens, assessors; Mather Beecher, fire warden; L. Evan Jones, clerk ; John T. Griffiths, treasurer ; Josiah Griffiths, collector. A fire company was appointed by the trustees on the 19th of July, 1845, consisting of the following men: George P. Bridgeman, Morgan Owens, John Edmunds, Owen E. Jones, William L. Williams, William E. Lewis, Thomas Jones, Edward James, Henry Crosby, Griffith J. Griffiths, Isaac W. Roberts, Delos Bearhyte, A. H. Doty, Francis Prindle, Seth Wells, jr. The grist mill is operated by Richard Bros., and stores are kept by R. G. Griffith, R. O. Griffith, O. R. Griffith, and Owen J. Roberts ; D. S. Davies has a jewelry business and T. L. Morgan, tailoring. The Bristol House is kept by Brant & Gansway, succeeding on March 1, 1896, Friend Bristol. The Pierce House is conducted by Pierce Dines. John H. Williams also keeps a hotel. At Bordwell Town, as it is kuown, is a saw mill run by Menzo Bordwell, and what was formerly the tannery is now used by the Porpoise Lace Company, who started in the fall of 1895. The election in the village in 1846 was declared illegal through some informality, and the officers of 1845 held over. The trustees from that time to the organization under the new charter were as follows: THE TOWN OF ROME. 511 1847, Z. D. Root, Mather Beecher, Isaac W. Roberts ; 1848, G. A. Yeomans, N. C. Phelps, O. J. Owens; 1849, F W. Buckingham, J. H. Smith, Z. D. Root; 1850, Morgan Owens, Fred E. Hale, Jonah Griffith: 1851, no record; 1852, William E. Owen, Griffith O. Griffiths, Josiah Griffith ; 1853, Griffith O. Griffiths, John R. Jones, Robert P. Williams; 1854, Morgan Owen, James Owens, William W. Thomas; 1855, no record; 1856, A. C. Herron, Griffith O. Griffiths, Didymus Thomas; 1857, no record ; 1858, Henry W, Roberts, Delos Bearhyte, R. P. Williams ; 1859, Morgan Owens, S. Douglas, D. Bearhyte; 1860, G. O. Griffiths, William W. Thomas, Will iam E. White; 1861, D. Bearhyte, W. H. Williams, W. S. Evans; 1862-63, same as 1861; 1864, G. O. Griffiths, J. Mitchell, John D. Griffiths; 1865, James Mitchell, Morgan Owen, Josiah Griffith ; 1866. Richard R. Jones, William H. Williams, Rob. e'rt W. Roberts; 1867-68, no record; 1869, John P. Samuel, Robert W. Roberts, Hugh Hughes; 1870, William W. Thomas, Evan G. Williams, Rowland Anthony. There is no record for 1871. In 1872 a new charter was obtained under the general law, and the following officers for that year were elected: President, Dr. R. H. Wig. gins; trustees, Joseph Roberts, R. W. Roberts, "Jink" Jones. The village presi dents to the present time have been as follows: Dr. R. H. Wiggins, 1872-75 ; Joseph I. Francis, 1876; R. W. Roberts, 1877-80 ; 1881-83, record missing ; 1884-86, Robert W. Roberts; 1887, George E. Pugh; 1888-91, Owen R. Griffith; 1892-93, Robert R. Griffith; 1894-96, R. R. Jones. The village has an excellent graded school, with two teachers. At one period there were twelve churches in this town, most of them Welsh. The number is now reduced to five. These are the Baptist at Remsen, which was formerly a Welsh Congregational and burned in 1892, and was rebuilt aud changed to a Baptist in February, 1894. The Methodist Episcopal church in the village and the Calvinistic M. E. church have had a long existence, and the Welsh Calvinistic society, a mile and a half east of the village, is an old one. CHAPTER XLIII. THE TOWN OF ROME. Four years after the then large town of Steuben was set off from the great town of Whitestown (1792) and on the 4th of March, 1796, the town of Rome was erected from Steuben. The town of Floyd was formed at the same time, which with Rome took all of the southern part of Steuben. Rome occupies nearly the center of Oneida county, and 512 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. i its territory was almost wholly included in the Oriskany and Fonda's patents, as seen by the map herein. The Mohawk. River flows south easterly through the eastern part of the town.; Wood Creek flows west through the northwest part while Fish Creek forms the northwest boundary. Canada Creek flows north across the western part of the town. The surface of the town is nearly level, and in the western part are extensive swampy tracts, to which reference has been made in early chapters of thisv work. The soil is a highly productive gravelly loam. The inhabitants of the town met in their first town meeting at the dwelling house of Ebenezer Claflin, on the first Tuesday in April, 1796, and there elected the following officers : Supervisor, George Huntington; town clerk, Ebenezer Wright, jr. ; assessors, Chester Gould, Gershom Waldo, Daniel W. Knight; overseers of the poor, Thomas Wright, William Walsworth ; commissioners of highways, Bill Smith, Elijah Wells, Caleb Reynolds; constables, Samuel Reynolds, David Waldo; fence-viewers, Asa Tyler, Matthew Brown, John Williams; collector, Samuel Reynolds; poundmasters, Nathan Thompson, Matthew Brown; commissioners of schools, Chester Gould, Sheldon Logan, Abijah Putnam. Besides the election of these officers, the usual regulations for the simple government of the new town were voted. The settlement at Fort Stanwix long prior to the Revolution by John Roof and a few others has been already described in an earlier chapter, He made his settlement in 1 760, two years after the fort was built, and remained until driven away by the siege of the fort in 1777. His first son was also named John and was born August 28, 1762, without doubt the first child born in what is now Oneida county. When the Roof family were forced to abandon the improvements they had made they left their possessions in charge of one Conrad, who was afterward killed in the fort. The buildings were all finally destroyed, to prevent their occupancy by the enemy, and Colonel Gansevoort gave Roof a certificate that the property destroyed was worth 800 pounds. The family were never reimbursed for their loss. The vicinity of Fort Stanwix was probably without inhabitants after the siege, until 1784. In May of that year Jedediah Phelps and James Dean located within the limits of what is now the town, of Vienna. They built a log house and a shop, and in the latter Mr. Phelps carried THE TOWN OF ROME. 513 on his trade as silversmith. A flood in the spring of 1785 practically dislodged them and Mr. Dean removed to what is now the town of Westmoreland, while Mr. Phelps located at the fort, where he remained until after 1800. After continuing work at his trade two years and passing a few years on the Oneida Reservation, he located as early as 1-806 on a large tract of land near the site of Verona village. A few other settlers came to Fort Stanwix in 1785-87 ; it is recorded by Judge Jones in his Annals that his father told him that in 1787 there were five houses there. Ebenezer Wright brought his wife and six children to Fort Stanwix in 1789, and soon acquired 196 acres of land at what became known as Wright Settlement. In 1790 settlers came in. quite rapidly. In 1795 a grist mill was built on Wood Creek near the old arsenal site, which was a great convenience to the pioneers. In 1796 the Clark and the Hin man families settled on the Whitesboro road ; Silas Matteson, grand father of the late O. B. Matteson, settled about the same time on what was the county poor farm, and Thomas Selden, jr., grandfather of the late N. Hyde Leffingwell, came at that time. In 1790 John Lansing, jr., who owned large tracts of land in the northern part of Oneida county, leased to the following five persons 100 acres each, all the leases being dated in June : To John Wright, son of Thomas Wright, one of the early settlers of Rome, what has been known as the Gates place, fifty acres, and fifty on the opposite side of the road known as the Waters place; to Moses Wright, brother of John, 100 acres next north of the latter, lying on both sides of the highway ; to Asa Knapp the next 100 acres on the north ; to Elijah Weeks 100 acres north of Knapp, mostly on the west side of the present highway and extending down to the Mohawk; to Jasper French (before mentioned), a surveyor, 100 acres mostly on the east side of the highway. The rent for these lots was to be eighteen bushels of wheat, payable in Albany. By that year (1790) leases had also been granted in the Wright Set tlement to the following: Seth Ranney, David I. Andrus, Nathaniel Gilbert, Rozel (or Roswell) Fellows, Ebenezer Wright, jr., Willett Ran ney, jr., Benjamin Gilbert, John Wright, Moses Wright, Asa Knapp, Jasper French, Elijah Weeks, Elijah Root, Chester Gould, and Elisha Walsworth, 514 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Thomas Wright, Willet Ranney, sr., and Bill Smith probably accom panied Ebenezer Wright in 1789, when he came on to make his settle ment. Smith at first located near- the fort, but as early as 1800 was living on the road to Floyd, and later on the Peter Williams farm. In 18 10 he kept a small store on Dominick street in Rome. David I. An drus and Nathaniel Gilbert came into the town either the same or the following year, and in 1791 lands were leased in the Wright Settlement to Dyer McCumber and Abner Pitcher. Other early comers previous to 1800 were Colonel D. W. Knight, about 1790; Jesse Childs, about 1792; Joseph Otis, 1793 ; William West, 1793; Edward Simmons, 1793; Calvin Hurd, about 1794; John Simons, and Jonathan Brainard, 1794; Daniel W- Lamb, John and Daniel Ashby, about 1795 ; Rufus Barnes (father of Rev. Albert Barnes), 1795. ; Israel Denio (father of Judge Hi ram Denio and of Israel and C. D. Denio, of Rome), about 1797; Cor nelius Van Wormer, Zaccheus Abell, Abiather Seekill, Peter Lampman, "Pigeon" Palmer, Luke Usher, and Benjamin Taylor, about 1800. Some brief details of the settlement of these pioneers are at hand. Jesse Childs lived at the fort a short time and then located on a farm north of Ridge Mills, east of the Mohawk, in the Selden neighborhood. About the same time that he located there the families of Solomon, John, and David Williams came in from Connecticut, and with Daniel Ashby and William Brewster, from Groton, Mass., settled north of the Ridge. Da vid I. Andrus lived at the Wright Settlement before 1800, and held a lease for 138 acres of land near the Ridge from George Clinton, made in 1790. He operated a distillery before i8„00 at the Ridge and about 1804 moved, to Jefferson county. The three Williams brothers settled on land on the Mohawk a short distance above the Ridge Mills. David had served in the army at the fort and was familiar with the locality. His youngest son was Jesse Williams, who has been elsewhere mentioned as the orignator of the cheese factory system in this country, Solomon Williams was great-grandfather of B. W. Williams, a former postmaster of Rome.' Joseph Otis came from Fort Ann, N. Y., in 1793 and settled in the Selden neighborhood ; with him were Lot and Simeon Fuller, who located in what is now Steuben. Mr. Otis was among those who responded to the extra inducements offered by the owners of the Fonda patent to bring in settlers, and came with his young wife and THE TOWN OF ROME. 515 entirely without means. A road had been surveyed and opened two years earlier from the Ridge via what became known as Penny street northerly towards the covered bridge. In July of that year (1793) a road was surveyed by Moses Wright, as an extension of the one just de^ scribed, which extended to the covered bridge over the Mohawk, going around the hill and nearer the river than the present road. On the op posite side of the river from the bridge stood a mill at that time owned by Roswell Fellows. Asa Kna'pp lived on what has been known as the Philander and Philemon Selden place. Mr. Otis assisted Benjamin Wright in the survey of thousands of acres of land. Rufus Barnes was a shoemaker by trade and a tanner. In January, 1796, he purchased an interest in a lease from Henry Wilson on Penny street and built a log house, and about 1801 built a shoe shop and a tannery on the place. Near the Barnes place lived Israel Denio, who was a blacksmith ; his father-in-law, John Robbins, settled as early as 1791, and came from Bennington, Vt. His coming to this locality was doubtless an induce ment to Mr. Denio to follow him. The latter located at first in what is now the town of Floyd, near the Rome line, and about 1797 removed to the Wright Settlement, where he built a blacksmith shop; he followed his trade at several different points in the vicinity. His son, Hiram, who was to become eminent at the bar, was born in May, 1799. (See Chapter XXII.) Others who settled early in the Wright neighborhood were Gideon Butts and Grant Wheat about 1802, on what was called Canterbury Hill; John Butts in 1803; Daniel Kirkland, son of Joshua, about 1807, and the latter came in about 181 1; Hazel Lathrop about 1807; and Daniel Butts, Samuel and Asa Smith, Zacheus Abell, Samuel Williams, and Asa Colburn (the latter with his family) all came in early and con tributed by their toil to change the wilderness into a beautiful and pro ductive country. Thomas Selden, jr., from Stamford, Conn., came about 1796, and set tled on half of a 100-acre tract which John Lansing, jr., had leased to Jasper. French. Mr. Selden was grandfather of the late N.'Hyde Lef- fingwell, of Rome, and after he had purchased Mr. French's improve ments he returned to Vermont for his family, bringing them and his aged parents back into the wilderness in the winter of 1795-6. Thomas 51$ OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Selden, sr., the aged father, walked the whole distance, though the roads were very bad, driving cows and oxen ; the women and children rode in a sleigh. Thomas, jr., built a frame house about 1800 and with Roswell Edgerton and John Ely, engaged largely in building and con tracting. It is believed they built the early grist mill of Col. Samuel Wardwell at the Ridge, the " red mill" for Mr. Lynch and the factories at Factory Village, a suburb of Rome. Roswell Edgerton came from the same neighborhood as the Seldens and settled on the road leading to Delta. Dr. Elijah Clarke was a pioneer physician in the Wright .Settlement neighborhood, coming as early as 1794; until about 18 12 he practiced over a large territory. On what is known as Canterbury Hill in that neighborhood, other early settlers were Joshua Kirkland, who was liv ing there in 181 1 ; John Butts settled about 1803 ; Col. D. W. Knight about 1790; Gideon Butts about 1802 ; Daniel Kirkland, son of Joshua, about 1807 ; Zaccheus Abell, Samuel Williams, Asa Colburn, Daniel Butts, Samuel and Asa Smith, and Abiather Seekill. Of these Gideon Butts was the pioneer on the hill and Grant Wheat was next. The lat ter walked from Connecticut in 1801, carrying his gun and fifty pounds in a pack. Several of these settlers took part in the .war of 1812, mostly at Sackett's Harbor. Joseph Otis came on from Fort Ann, N. Y., in March, 1793, arid set tled in the Selden neighborhood ; it will be noted that this locality was then in what is now Steuben. With him came Lot and Simeon Fuller. The then owners of Fonda's patent were at that time surveying it into lots, placing them in market, and offering extra inducements to settlers with limited means. Mr. Otis was among those who responded, and came on almost entirely without means, a young man, with his second wife, a lady but nineteen years of age, and a year- old daughter by his first wife. About two years before a road had been surveyed, worked, and traveled from the Ridge, via what is now "Penny street," northerly towards the covered bridge, ending near the present residence of Ariios M. Potter. In July of the same year (1793) a road was surveyed by Moses Wright, intended as a continuation of the above highway, to the present covered bridge over the Mohawk, running around the hill and nearer to the river than it does at present. The road was changed THE TOWN OF ROME. 517 within a few years. Mr. Otis moved into the dwelling of Willett Ran ney until his own log house could be built. Mr. Otis aided Benjamin Wright in making surveys of thousands of acres of land in this part of the State and in fixing the boundaries of Oneida, Oswego, Jefferson and Lewis counties. "Between Mr. Otis and the Fellows mill also settled early William Brewster, Daniel Ashby and Dea. Daniel W. Lamb. About 1793 David, John and Solomon Williams settled on the Mo hawk a short distance above Ridge Mills. David Williams had served in the Fort Stanwix garrison and like many other soldiers, was doubt less attracted hither by what he had seen of the country at that time. John Williams died in 1848, aged ninety ; David in 1837, aged eighty- six, and Solomon in 1852, aged ninety-eight. The latter was grand father of the late B. W. Williams, and Jesse Willianjs, the founder of the cheese factory system, was the youngest son of David. Roswell Fellows, before named, probably made his settlement as early as 1790, at which time there was no road farther north than his loca tion, except the Indian trail. A few years later and before the year 1800, Mr. Fellows, Hope Smith (a settler in that vicinity) and Luther Miller built a grist mill on the Mohawk a mile or more east of Mr. Fel- lows's place and opposite what was long known as Barnard's Mills. The latter mills were built by Mr. Fellows prior to 1793, on the west side of the Mohawk, and near the site of the covered bridge. Later on John Barnard, the enterprising Roman, bought the mill, and hence the name. A saw mill was also located there and quite a thriving business center gathered around in the early years. The pioneers of Wright Settlement and its vicinity carried their grain to Whitesboro before the building of these mills. As early as 1800 Dr. Thomas Hartwell lived on a farm of 100 acres on the road to Whitesboro about three miles east of the city. He was father of Dr. J. P. Hartwell who practiced, and kept a tavern on the road to Delta on the corner of two roads, one of which ran easterly to the Mohawk River at the site of the covered bridge. This corner is about a mile southerly of Elmer Hill. About 1800 Nathan Peggs settled on that corner and kept a tavern. He was father of Deacon Richard Peggs of Rome. Timothy Wood was next in this tavern and was followed by Josiah Tallmadge. 518 OUR COUNTY AUD ITS PEOPLE. Opposite this corner and before 1800 Roswell Fellows, great-grand father of the late B. W. Williams, of Rome, kept a tavern ; this was the second tavern north of Fort Stanwix. In the western and southwestern parts of the town early settlers were Richard Brown (1801), J. B. Green, Jonathan Williams, Daniel W. Haz ard, Daniel Williams, Amos Scofil, John C. Brewster, Lyman Thayer, Richard Brown, jr., Joseph King, Eleazer Dunham, Ephraim Covel, and others. In tracing the history of Rome village it is necessary to describe what is known as the Expense Lot. This was a tract originally em bracing 397 acres and bounded as follows : Commencing on the south side of the Mohawk, and not far from Mr. Parry's brick yard; thence running southwesterly towards the poorhouse, about 240 rods; then northwesterly about a mile, towards Canal Village ; then northeast about 150 rods, towards St. Joseph's church, passing south of that building, and crossing the track of the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad at Henry street, and up that street to near the track of the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg Railroad, where Expense street extended would cross it ; thence north up that street to a point about half-way between Court and Embargo streets ; thence easterly, crossing the blocks diagonally, and passing near the house of Mr. Charles Keith, on the corner of Court and Washington streets, and so on diagonally across West park to James street; and thence nearly down Park alley, and crossing the Black River Canal near the bathing- house of H. W. Barnes, and So on to the Mohawk ; then following that stream down to the starting point. On the 29th of November, 1875, the agents for the Expense Lot pub lished a notice that on the 9th of January, 1786, they would meet "for the purpose of attending to the balloting for, and drawing by lot" the several parcels surveyed. At that meeting there were present the com missioners and agents, with Judge Visscher and Jelles Fonda. In the drawing made at that time the De Lancey one- fifth was set off to the State, one of the parcels thus disposed of being a tract of 960 acres in the northwest corner of the patent embracing with other lands the Rome cemetery and most of the farm formerly owned by Asa C. Huntington and later by Dr. H. H. Pope ; also another parcel of 460 acres east of Factory Village. The portion of the city site east of Washington street and next north of the Expense Lot was set off to William Livingston and Alida Hoffman, 460 acres, and included the old burying ground, the sites of the Presbyterian church, the court house, St. Peter's church, THE TOWN OF ROME. . 519 the East Park, and Factory Village. The portion west of Washington street and north and west of the Expense Lot, including West Rome, was set off to those claiming under George Clarke ; and the portion of the Rome swamp, south of the Expense Lot, and between that line and the county house, was set off to those claiming under Thomas Wenham. On March 17, 1786, the Expense Lot was put at auction and bid off by Dominick Lynch, a New York merchant, for 2,250 pounds. This was his first purchase in this vicinity — the nucleus of the Lynch estate in Rome The price paid by Mr. Lynch for the Expense Lot was then consid ered large, but he evidently saw the prospective importance of the place. In July, 1786, he added to his purchase the 460 acres set off to Livingston and Hoffman, and in the next year he bought of the Corn- missioners of Forfeiture the 460 acres east of Factory Village whi'ch had been set off to the State. Other parcels bought by him previous to 1800 increased his holdings to about 2,000 acres. Mr. Lynch laid out the village site as early, probably, as 1796, giving it the name Lynch- ville (see map of 18 10). The name Rome was not applied to the place until some years later and under precisely what circumstances is not now known. Mr. Lynch adopted the very objectionable plan of giving perpetual leases for his lots, instead of deeds of sale, and in case the annual rents were not paid the land was to revert to the owner. On July 30, 1796, twenty-eight lots were leased to the following persons: Matthew Brown, jr., Michael McGrath, Sheldon Logan (what is now the Empire Block), Joshua Hathaway (" Elm Row"), and John Barnard, the latter leasing twenty-two lots on Dominick street. Three years later, in 1769, the site of the Merrill Block and other premises were leased to George Huntington perpetually, at an annual rent of twelve bushels of wheat, payable May 1 of each year. It is possible there were also other leases in Lynchville where the rent was to be paid in grain. It will be remembered that settlement on the site of the village had already begun. When Ebenezer Wright came in 1789 there were two log houses on the road to Newville, in one of which lived William Col braith, the first sheriff; a log house near the old arsenal site in which Jedediah Phelps lived, and two other log houses ; the only frame house stood near the site of the G. N. Bissell residence, and a log house near 520 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the site of the old St. Peter's church. The Ranney family, Bill Smith (before mentioned), and a Dutchman named Dumont, lived near the fort. A man named Armstrong lived at the junction of Wood and Canada Creeks. These were all the houses then constituting Rome. In-. 1793 John Barnard kept a tavern near the site of the old Baptist church, and in the spring of that year George Huntington came to the place, bringing a small stock of merchandise which he began selling in Barnard's tavern. Mr. Barnard was an enterprising man and secured the good will of Mr. Lynch. He engaged quite largely in early build ing operations, but finally became involved, made an assignment and in 1799 conveyed to Caleb Putnam seventy-two acres of land, most of which was composed of the so called " pepper- corn lots." These lots lay in the southern and swampy part of Mr. Lynch's purchase, and one of them was usually given as a bonus to persons who leased more valu able lots. The rent named for each one was " a pepper-corn payable on the first day of May in each year, if lawfully demanded, for the term of ten thousand years, and after that twenty cents annually for each lot." The land conveyed to Putnam by Barnard is now very valuable, extend ing south from the Erie Canal and including the site of the railroad station. On his land Mr. Putnam built the first tannery in this region, which did considerable business. Mr. Putnam was killed by an accident in 1819. Soon after his purchase Mr. Lynch began making various improve ments to enhance its value and render it attractive to settlers. In 1804 he built a dam across the Mohawk above the the dam of the Inland Canal, and opened a raceway to the river on such a course that it dis charged its waters into the river at the other side of "the bow" where the old red mill was erected in the same year. About 1810-12 Mr. Lynch built a woolen factory where the soap factory of Brodock & Co. stood ; it was burned in 18 17. Previous to 1820 he built a cotton fac tory farther down the race-way, which was burned in 1849. A saw mill built in the same vicinity in 1863 and a wrench factory in 1865, were both subsequently burned. The building occupied by Mr. Lynch as a residence when he was here, and by his son James previous to 1 810, stood where H. K. White re cently lived. It was a large square frame structure and occupied the THE TOWN OF ROME. 521 space which had been covered by the southeast corner of Fort Stanwix. The Lynch dwelling was burned about 1825. Quite early in the cen tury Mr. Lynch built as many as thirty- five tenement houses in the village, stores multiplied, taverns were opened and various kinds of shops accommodated the inhabitants. Previous to 1800 a public house called the Rome Coffee House was built and was kept in that year by Solomon Rich; he was succeeded about 1804 by Parker Halleck, who was a tailor and worked in his bar room. The Masons had a lodge in the upper rooms. In 1839 the lower part of the Coffee House was con verted into stores. What became the site of another hotel of early date was first occupied by a two story frame house, the site of the later Northern Hotel ; Judge Beardsley lived there about 1820 ; it was burned about 1838 and J. M. Orton, a cabinet maker, built on the site a part of the structure which was purchased about 1850 by Jacob Stevens and converted into a hotel ; after being called by him the Fremont House and later the Tremont House, it finally took the name of the Northern Hotel. Among the prominent early settlers and business men of Rome vill age may be mentioned the following : George and Henry Huntington, Alva Mudge, R. S. Doty, P. B. Langford, Frank De Ryther, David Utley, C. Grosvenor, Glen Petrie, J. & E. B. Armstrong, Dr. H. H. Pope, J. D. Ely, J. B. Bradt, G. N. Bissell, N. H. Leffingwell, B. B. Hyde, the Wardwell Brothers, Daniel Cady, Jeptha Matteson, Rufus Keeney all of whom were men of character and determination, whose capacity for business, united with their public spirit aided in the up- - building of the place and the development of its resources. Water was supplied to the early inhabitants from town wells, one of which was situated in the intersection of James and Dominick streets, and another at Washington and Dominick ; still another at the corner of James and Embargo streets. On the site of the later American block, corner of Dominick and James streets, was early a three story frame hotel built previous to 1800 ; it was transformed into stores about 1843, after having been conducted by many different landlords. In 1 799 Cicero Gould kept a tavern in a building next to the site of the Presbyterian parsonage. About the year 1800 John Barnard built a two story hotel on the 522 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. site of the present Stanwix Hall ; while on the south part of that site Nathaniel Mudge, sr., had a grocery as early as 1812. Among those who kept the tavern in early years were Benjamin Hyde, sr., Enos Gil bert, Elisha Walsworth, Thomas Ford, John A, Ford, who gave it the name, Stanwix Hall, and in 1843 erected a brick building on the Mudge premises. Since that time a hotel has always been kept there and has passed through various hands. On the site of the Merrill block, corner of James and Dominick streets, a store was kept as early as 1804 by a Mr. Devereux. Norman Judd carried on a pottery as early as 181 3, some distance from the west side of James street. George and Henry Huntington operated an ashery in early years, and Elijah Worthington built a hat factory about 1822. Previous to 1820 there was not a building of any kind south of the canal between the New York Central Railroad and the poorhouse, the whole space being covered with a swamp Through it a road had been constructed on a causeway. In 18 17 the Legislature granted a charter to Jeremiah B. Brainard and Isaac G. Green and their associates to con struct a toll turnpike across the swamp on that route. The road was built and began taking tolls October 20, 18 19. In 18 19 Mr. Brainard built the tavern long known as the Mansion House, and as other build ings sprang up in that vicinity on account of the opening of the canal, the locality became known as Canal Village. The Mansion House was the first building erected on the south side of the canal, and the second one was built the same year and extended across the canal ; it was used as a warehouse (the first one in Rome), and later as a brewery by John O'Neil ; it was subsequently burned. The so-called " Canal Cof fee House" was built in 1824 by^ Daniel Whedon, and in 1826 John O'Neil erected a grocery building west of the Mansion House. In the same year Hiram Whedon built the first dwelling in that locality. Dur ing the first ten years of the existence of Canal Village its growth was slow, but the change in the route of the canal in 1844 called away from the locality its Yankee element, and it then immediately and rapidly began to fill up with foreign population. The opening of the canal and later of the first railroad througn the village gave it a marked impetus, as seen by the census figures further on. The village of Rome was incorporated in 18 19, and the first election THE TOWN OF ROME. . 523 held on the first Tuesday in June of that year. The following officers were elected : ' Trustees, George Huntington, Charles Wylie, Joshua Hathaway, Pliny Darrow, Belah C. Hyde; assessors, William Wright, Samuel Beardsley, Arden Seymour; clerk, Benjamin P. Johnson ; treasurer, Arba Blair ; collector, Archibald T. Funk. The usual village ordinances were adopted, and the machinery of the civil government ran along without serious interruption through the later years. In 1853 the village was divided into three wards, that portion east of James street being the First ward ; and west of James street and south of Liberty the Second ward ; and west of James and north of Liberty street the Third ward. The village was governed by five trustees until 1832, after which three trustees were elected for each of the three wards, over whom was chosen a president. The presidents from that time until the organization of the city were as fallows : 1853, Alanson Bennett ; 1854, B. J. Beach ; 1855, Marquis L. Kenyon ; 1856-63, George Barnard; 1864, David Utley; 1875, E. B. Armstrong; 1866, George Barnard, jr. ; 1867 and 1868, James Stevens ; 1869, Edward L. Stevens. Rome was incorporated as a city under an act passed February 23, 1870. The following is a list of the mayors elected from that time un til the present : 1870, Calvert Comstock; 1871 to 1874. George Merrill; 1875 and 1876, Samuel B. Stevens; 1877 and 1878, Edward L. Stevens; 1879 and 1880, George Barnard; 1881 and 1882, Edward L. Comstock; 1883 and 1884, Frederick E. Mitchell; 1885 and 1886, Edward Comstock; 1887 to 1890, James Stevens; 1891 and 1892, E. Stuart Williams; 1893 and 1894, Samuel Jillett; 1895 and 1896, W. J. P. Kingsley. Following are the principal officers of the city for the year 1896: W. J. P. Kingsley, mayor; Charles Carmichael, recorder. Aldermen : First Ward, Edward H. Walworth, Adelbert F. Sayles, James H. McLean ; Second Ward, George M. McLaughlin, Joseph Reh, Frederick Lewis ; Third Ward, Alois Mertz, James H. Grogan, William J. Cramond; Fourth Ward, George Erhardt, Henry S. Wetherbee, Charles T. Hayden; Fifth Ward, Lyman A. Martin, Oswald P. Backus, Abram W. Honsinger. The earliest religious society in Rome was organized in Wright Set tlement at a meeting held September 28, 1800, though a preliminary meeting was held a few days earlier at which four persons signed a con fession of faith ; they were Joshua Hathaway, Ebenezer Wright and Grace, his wife, and Daniel Wv Knight. At the second meeting nine 524 OUR C6UNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. other persons were added to the roll. The little society prospered and was incorporated in January, 1802, the first election of trustees taking place on January 1 1, resulting as follows : Daniel W. Knight and John White, one year ; Benjamin Wright and Oliver Smith, two years ; Clark Putnam, three years. The title chosen was " The First Religious Soci ety of Rome." There was no regular pastor over the society for the first six years of its existence, but services were held frequently,, as shown by different subscription lists for the payment of ministers. In October, 1807, Rev. Moses Gillett was installed pastor of the church, after which year the pulpit was regularly occupied. Down to that time services had been mostly held in the school house on the park. In De cember, 1 806, a subscription was started to raise money with which to build a church edifice. A sufficient fund having thus been assured a lot was purchased for $180 on Court street, and there the church was erected. In January, 1831, a second church was organized, which was united with the first one in June, 1847. The building of the. second society stood on Washington street and was sold to the Welsh Metho dists. Rev. Dr. James H. Taylor, the present pastor of this society, succeeded Rev. Peter Stryker, D. D. The Baptist church was organized at Wright Settlement in December, 18 10, with seventeen members, and Elder Dyer Starks was the first pastor. The corner stone of the present church edifice was laid Sep tember 13, 1826, and the present handsome stone edifice was erected in 1872-3. In 1870 Rev. H. H. Peabody assumed the pastorate of the church and has occupied the pulpit ever since. Zion Episcopal church was organized August 15, 1825, and Rev. Algernon S. Hollister took charge of the little flock. The lower story of Masonic Hall, corner of Washington and Liberty streets, was leased for eight years and there services were held. This lodge room was purchased by the church in 1833 and enlarged and fitted up for church purposes. It was occupied until 185 1. In 1850 the lot on the corner of Liberty and Washington streets was purchased and there on Sep tember 5, 1850, the corner stone of the present church edifice was laid; the building was consecrated in September, 185 1. The building was enlarged in-1867. ^n 1885 a handsome stone memorial hall was erected to the memory of Rev. Mr. Clarke. The latter was succeeded Febru ary 1, 1 88 1, by John H. Egar, the present pastor. THE TOWN OP ROME. 525 St. Peter's Catholic Church was organized and the building of the old edifice begun in 1838; the structure was completed in 1840, under the labors of Rev. Father William Beecham He remained with the church more than forty years and until his death in March, 1876. He was suc ceeded by Rev. Father A. Murphy, and still continues. In 1893 was commenced the erection of the magnificent stone edifice on James street, which is to cost $150,000. St. Mary's Catholic church. — German Catholic priests came to Rome in 1845 and after two years' labor took steps toward the erection of a church. In 1848 a wooden building was erected on tha corner of James and De Peyster streets. The first resident pastor was Rev. Florian Schwenninger. On May 18, 1 871, the corner stone of a brick church was laid on the lot on the north side of Liberty street ; this building cost over $20,000. First M. E. church — The first Methodist class formed in Rome was in 1799 on the Turin road three miles north of the village. The first preacher here was Rev. Jonathan Newman, who came about 1791. In 1803 the class moved over to the Ridge and joined with the Methodists there in worship. In Rome village a class was formed prior to 1 820, and worshiped in a school room in the American block. In 1824 a church building was begun near the court house, which was finally and after great effort completed in 1829. It was enlarged in 1850 and there the society worshiped forty years The present brick edifice was com pleted in September, 1869, at a cost of about $45,000. The first trus tees of this society were Oliver Greenwood, Preston H. Grover, Joshua Hathaway, Stephen White, George Walsworth, Jeremiah Steves, and William Penfield. The present pastor is Rev. David S. Pierce. The Liberty Street Methodist church was organized in 1863, as the Court Street church, with Rev. P. H. Wilds, pastor. In 1879 the church property on Court street was exchanged with the Welch Con - gregationalists for their Liberty street property. A Free. Methodist church was organized in about 1870, and occupied a building on Embargo street. The Welch Calvinistic Methodist church was organized in 1847 an^ formerly occupied a frame building which had been used by the Second Congregational Society. A few years since a brick edifice was erected on North Washington street. 526 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. St. Joseph's Protestant Episcopal (German) church was organized by the German families living in Canal Village in 1840, under the name of St. Mary's church and purchased a lot on the corner of James and De Peyster streets. Owing to internal differences over a site for a new church another society was organized in 1871 called St Joseph's. A site on Ridge street was purchased in April of that year and the pres ent brick edifice built under the administration of the present pastor,- Rev. Bernhardt Werner. In December, 1876, the congregation trans ferred their allegiance from the Roman Catholic to the Protestant form. Trinity German Lutheran church was organized in 1848, and the church edifice erected in 1853. The first pastor was Rev. Mr. Wetzel. In the spring of 1893 the church was rebuilt at a cost of about $3,400. St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church was organized in 1869, and soon erected their frame church building on North Madison street. Rev. Charles A. Wiegel has been pastor for twenty years past. The Welsh Congregational church has been -alluded to in mentioning the Court Street M. E. church. The organization was effected and the exchange made for the Courfstreet property in 1879. Rev. M. M. Hughes is pastor and services are held in Welsh and English. The First Universalist church was organized about 1837 and long held meetings in the court house. In 185 1 the Masonic hall, which had been fitted for, church purposes by the Episcopalians, was purchased. Regular preaching has not always been maintained. The first public school house in Rome was built on the southeast corner of the park, and in it were held some of the early courts, as re lated in Volume I. That building was used for school purposes until about 18 19, when it was removed and a frame school house erected on the site of Zion church. This was burned some years later and the Liberty street school succeeded it. The first schools outside of the vil lage of Rome were in the Wright neighborhood, where a log school house was built prior to 1800. About 18 16 another school house was' built on Penny street. Shadrach Hathaway was the first teacher, as far as known, in the old school house in the park, within the walls of which a number of scholars attended who afterwards became eminent men. There is no available data from which to compile a detailed history of THE TOWN OF ROME. 527 the schools of Rome from about 1820 down to the incorporation of the Rome Academy. This institution was founded in 1835 and was re incorporated by, the Regents of the University March 15, 1849. The three- story brick structure was built in 1849, anc^ ls st'H ,n use- 1° 1850 the Liberty street school building was erected. This building was extensively improved and enlarged in 1891. In 1853 an appropriation of $300 was made for the improvement of the school building in Canal Village, which had been meanwhile erected. The present building, corner of Ridge and James streets, was built in 1868. The free school system was not adopted in Rome until 1869, although efforts were made on several occasions in earlier years, beginning with 1861. The change was finally effected under the following resolution, which was adopted at a meeting held July 3, 1869: Resolved, That a Union Free School be established within the bounds of school district No. 5 in the town of Rome, pursuant to the provisions of chapter 555 of the laws of 1864, and the amendments thereto. The old academy was adopted as the academical department of this district, and the property was transferred to the Board of Education. The academy opened in 1869 with ninety- seven pupils, In 1870 the Liberty street school was thoroughly repaired, and in September the second and first floors were occupied, the third floor having been abandoned as dangerous. In 1891 the building was again improved and the top floor fitted up and occupied by the 7th and 8th grade scholars ; a fire proof tower was. erected by which to reach this floor. In January, 1871, the Thomas street building was first occupied ; it was erected in the previous year. In 1872 the academy was thoroughly repaired and the seating capacity increased to 200. In the fall of that year a reorganization was effected and the advanced pupils of the Lib erty street school were transferred to the academy. In 1874 a site was purchased on the east side of South James street, on which was a building which was remodeled in the interior and fitted up for school- purposes. It was opened with a school in the fall of 1874 In January, 1875, the new school building on Third street in East Rome was opened and the old one on Dominick street was transferred to the Common Council for fire purposes. In 1876 the building in West 528 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Rome was repaired and improved, and the capacity imcreased to eighty pupils In 1890 a lot and dwelling were purchased on South James street in which a school was opened. The present superintendent of schools is W. D. Manro, who assumed the office August 1, 1893. The Board of Education is Dr. T. M. Flan drau, Edward Comstock, William R. Huntington, Albert H. Golley, Jerome Graves, William H. Van Wagenen. A fire engine was purchased for the village probably in the early years of the century, but the exact date is lost in the past. A second one was bought in 1825, and on the 6th of June of that year the trus tees of the village appointed twenty citizens members of a fire company. Fire company No. 2 was formed in May, 1827, comprising fourteen members, to which were added twelve more in August. The Rome fire department was incorporated by the Legislature April 12, 1855. In 1866 the first steam fire engine was purchased which cost, with a large supply of hose, etc., about $8,000. Iu 1867 a second steamer was purchased. The first of these was sold to the Rome locomotive works and in May, 1884, a new steamer was purchased at a cost of $3,400. In April, 1896, the other old engine was traded for a new Clapp & Jones steamer. The fire and police commissioners for 1896 are Thomas G. Nock, Willey L. Kingsley, Howard C. Wiggins, T. J. Mowry. Leonard Briggs is acting chief of the fire department, and Michael Hagerty is chief of police. The Rome water works were established in 1872 and are owned by the city, bonds having been issued to the amount of about $172,000 for the purpose. The plant comprises two horizontal, double action pumps, with a capacity of eighty-four gallons per revolution. The usual press ure is about fifty pounds to the square inch, but this can be greatly in creased. The water is elevated sixty- five feet into a reservoir twenty- one feet deep and 297 feet in diameter, with capacity of 9,000,000 gallons. There are now about 2,00b consumers, and the pressure is such that there is very little need for fire engines. The water works are in charge of the Water and Sewerage Commission, comprising in 1896, W.J. P. Kings- ley, ex-officio, chairman, John S. Baker, H. S. Bedell, A. R. Kessinger, and J. S. Haselton. H. S. Wetherbee is superintendent. A sewer system has been inaugurated during the past year, under THE TOWN OF ROME. 529 a law passed in 1893 authorizing the issue of bonds to the amount of $240,000. The post-office in Rome was established about 1798, with Matthew Brown, jr., postmaster. He was succeeded by Joshua Hathaway in 1 8 10, who held the office until his death in 1836. His son, Jay Hatha way, then took the office until 1849, when R. G. Savery was appointed. He was succeeded in 1852 by A. J. Rowley, who was followed in 1857 by Daniel E. Wager. E. H. Shelley succeeded him in 1861, who was displaced in 1866 by S. P. Lewis. Mr. Shelley was re- appointed in 1867, and was succeeded in 1870 by B. Whitman Williams. The next postmaster was S. M. Palmer, who was succeeded by James D. Corcoran, and he by William E. Scripture. The present official is Charles H. Dunning, who succeeded Mr. Scripture, December 1, 1893. Rome has in the past possessed excellent and liberal banking facilities. The oldest bank now in existence is the First National, which was in corporated as the Rome Exchange Bank in 185 1, and began business in August of that year with R. B. Doxtater, president, and F. H. Thomas, cashier. It was organized as a national bank in 1865, with a capital of $100,000, J. G. Bissell has been president since 1889; William R. Huntington, vice-president. The Central National Bank was organized in 1854 as the Oneida Cen tral Bank, and changed to a national bank in 1865, with a capital of $100,000. It failed in December, 1894, and is now in the hands of Jim Stevens, receiver. The old bank of Rome flourished many years prior to 1863, when its charter expired and its affairs were closed up. The present Bank of Rome was organized under the State law in 1875, with a capital of $100,000. W.J. P. Kingsley was elected president and still holds the office. R. M. Bingham, the first vice-president, was succeeded by Ed ward Comstock. Samuel Wardwell is cashier. The Fort Stanwix National Bank was organized as a State bank in 1847, and began business with David Utley, president ; W. W. Nellis, cashier ; H. G. Utley, teller. It was changed to a national bank in 1865 and after a long and honorable career, was wrecked early in 1896, through bad management of its president, George Barnard. Its affairs are being closed up while this work is in press. 67 530 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The Rome Savings Bank was organized in 185 1, and has enjoyed public confidence and support ever since. Henry Braton was the first president; Andrew C. Betts, vice-president ; B. J. Beach, secretary; Henry D. Spencer, the present president, was elected in 1891 ; Wheeler Armstrong, first vice- president ; A. P. Fuller, second vice-president; C. F. Barnard, secretary and treasurer. The Oneida County Savings Bank was organized on May 1, 1869, with Samuel B. Stevens, president ; Alfred Ethridge, vice-president; G. Harrison Lyn,ch, secretary and treasurer. The first chief officers are Owen E. Owens, president; T, D. Roberts, first vice president; F. L. Roth, second vice-president ; John R. Edwards, secretary and treasurer. The first newspaper in Rome was the Columbian Patriotic Gazette, which was established in 1799, the first number bearing date August 17 ; its founders were Thomas Walker and Ebenezer Eaton. The latter left the paper early in 1800 and Mr. Walker continued the publication until 1804, when he removed it to Utica. (See history of Utica.) The second paper in Rome was the Oneida Observer, which was founded by E. Dorchester in 18 18. He removed hither from Utica, where he was publishing the Utica Observer. In 18 19 he returned with his paper to Utica, and continued its publication there. The Rome Sentinel, one of the best of the interior journals of this State, dates its ancestry back to the Rome Republican, which was first published in February, 1825, by Lorin Dewey. .In June, 1828', a paper called The Republican was started by J. P. Van Tice, who later changed its name to the Oneida Republican. In 1830 these two papers were consolidated, and in 1831 E. Moon became the proprietor and changed the name to the Rome Telegraph. After several changes in ownership it passed to R. Walby in 1838 who changed its name to the. Democratic Sentinel, and Calvert Comstock was made editor. In 1840 L. D. Dana became editor, and in 1845 H- F- Utley and S. W. Morton became owners and changed the name to the Rome Sentinel. In September, 1846, Mr. Morton sold his share to A. J. Rowley, and in 1847 Mr. Utley sold his interest to A. J. Rowley & Co. ; the company was Cal vert Comstock, and the editor was Elon Comstock. In 1850 Mr. Rowley became sole proprietor, On July 15, 1852, the Daily Sentinel was THE TOWN OF ROME. 531 started by Calvert and Elon Comstock. In October, 1854, C. & E. Comstock sold half of the establishment to D. E. Wager and D. C. Row ley. In July, 1 86 1, Wood & Larwill became owners of the establish ment, and continued until December, 1863, when it passed to Warren & Beers. In June, 1864, the concern became the property of Franklin D. Beers and Augustus C. Kessinger, who have successfully conducted it for more than thirty years. The papers are Democratic in politics and leaders of the party in this section. In July, 1835, a newspaper was established at Vernon, Oneida county, called the Vernon Courier. In 1840 it was removed to Rome, and its name changed to the Roman Citizen, C. B. Gay editor, and H. N. Bill proprietor. J. K. Kenyon, J. P. Fitch, Alfred Sandford, George Scott, G. H. Lynch, A. D. Griswold, and A. C. Sandford were successively in terested in its publication. In October, 1854, A. Sandford became sole proprietor. In 1855 the office was burned, but Mr. Sandford soon after resumed publication. In 1866 E. E. Carr purchased an interest in the paper, and the firm of Sandford & Carr continued until February, 1884, when the veteran Mr. Sandford sold his interest to Ernest E. Byam, who continued as Carr &Byam. InJune, 1887, Mr. Carr sold out to Clark Briggs, The firm of Byam & Briggs continued to January 1, 1896, when Mr. Briggs purchased his partner's interest and has since continued sole pro prietor. The Citizen is Republican in politics and exerts a powerful influence in its district. The Rome Republican was founded by J. J. Guernsey in 188 1, as a weekly Republican newspaper. It was successful under the energetic management of its proprietor and in 1895 a tri-weekly issue was estab lished. E. E. Payey acted as editor in association with Mr. Guernsey until April, 1896, when he was succeeded by J. M. Burke. The Harness Gazette is a very successful trade journal which is pub lished monthly by T. J. Mowry. It was founded in 1886, by T. J. Mowry and H.B.Maxwell. January 1, 1889, the Harness Gazette Company was incorporated, the entire stock being held by Mr. Mowry. Rome has acquired a fair reputation as a manufacturing center and has now in successful operation within her borders several very impor tant industries. The jRome Brass and Copper Company is in a sense the successor of the Rome Iron Works, which company was established 532 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. in 1866. In 1878 the manufacture of brass was taken up and in 1887 the working of copper was begun. The name of the company was changed to its present title in October, 1891, with S. O. Scudder, presi dent ; William R. Huntington, vice-president ; J; S. Haselton, secretary and treasurer. Upon the death of Mr. Scudder, Mr. Huntington was made president and W. J. P. Kingsley, vice president. Nearly 400 hands are employed in making brass, copper and German silver sheets wire, rods, tubes, etc. The Rome Merchant Iron Mill was founded in 1870, with John B. Jarvis, secretary and treasurer. In 1886 a reorganization was effected under the present name and management. The output of the mill is about 12,000 tons of merchant iron annually. Jim Stevens is president ; Samuel B. Stevens, vice-president ; Charles. W. Lee, secretary and treasurer ; Samuel Southall, superintendent. The New York Locomotive Works were founded in 1881 and a large business was carried on until 1892, when the general depression and other causes led to the placing of the works in the hands of a receiver, In 1893 a reorganization was effected under the name of The Rome Locomotive and Machine Works, with Thomas H. Stryker,, president ; William B. Isham, vice-president; Edward Comstock, secretary and treasurer. The capital was placed at $150,000 in stock and the same sum in first mortgage bonds ; these bonds have been reduced since to $75,000. The establishment is still in the receiver'sx hands, but its affairs are being rapidly put in shape for future large operations. Other Rome industries which have been instrumental in adding to the prosperity of the place are the works of R. M. Wilson, manufacturer of solid copper bath tubs, tanks, closets, etc., established in 1891. The Adams foundry and machine shops, established in 1835 ; the factories of the Rome Textile Company -and the Rome Steam Knitting Mills. The cot, crib and chair factory of Carpenter & Dyett, established in 1886. There are post-offices in the town of Rome at Ridge Mills, the set tlement of which has been described ; at Green's Corners, about three miles west of Rome city, and at Stanwix, on the Erie Canal east of Rome. There has been a little mercantile business conducted at these points, and a few shops, but most of the trade in late years is diverted to Rome. J. S. HASELTON. THE TOWN OF SANGERFIELD. 533 The following is a list of the supervisors of the town from 1797 to the incorporation of the city : 1797,, Abijah Putnam; 1798 to 1801, Thomas Gilbert; 1802, Clark Putnam ; 1803, Henry Huntingtoji ; 1804, George Huntington ; 1805, Clark Putnam ; 1806-7, Thomas Gilbert; 1808, Samuel Dill; 1809, Henry Huntington; 1810-11, Samuel Dill; 1812-13, Bill Smith; 1814, George Huntington; 1815-16, Wheeler Barnes; 1817, George Hunt ington ; 1818-20, Samuel Beardsley ; 1821-22, Rufus Barnes ; 1823-26, Jay Hathaway ; 1827-28, George Brown ; 1829-30, Henry A. Foster ; 1831-32, Numa Leonard ; 1833- 34, Henry A. Foster; 1835-36, Jesse Armstrong; 1837-38, Harold H. Pope; 1839-40, James Merrill ; 1841-42, Adam Van Patten; 1843-44, Enoch B. Armstrong; 1845-46, Giles Hawley; 1847, John Niles; 1848-19, Alfred Ethridge; 1850, Allen Briggs; 1851, Benjamin N. Huntington; 1852-53, Stephen Van Dresar; 1854, Bradford C. Dean; 1855-58, Giles Hawley; 1859-60, Alfred Ethridge; 1861-68, Giles Hawley; 1869, Enoch B. Armstrong. CHAPTER XLIV. THE TOWN OF SANGERFIELD. This is one of the two southernmost towns in Oneida county, and is bounded on the west and south by Madison county. It was formed from Paris March 5, 1795, and originally included what is now Bridge- water, which was set off March 24, 1797. Sangerfield remained a part of Chenango county until April 4, 1804. It includes a greater part of what was township No. 20 of the Chenango " Twenty Towns." The surface is mainly a hilly upland rising from 700 to 800 feet above the Mohawk. It is watered by the east branch of the Oriskany and the west branch of the Chenango Creeks. Along the latter stream is what is known as the Great Swamp, extending from near Waterville to the southern border of the town, and averaging a mile or more in width. Much of this has been cleared of its forest, drained, and converted into meadow. The soil of the valleys is a rich alluvium and on the hills is a gravelly loam. For many years this town has been noted for its large acreage of -hops. In the year 1-882 the price of hops exceeded a dollar a pound. While this brought comparative wealth to many of the in habitants, it was in the main disastrous ; producers thereafter based 534 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. their calculations to a large extent upon a continuance of such prices and when they were forced to sell in^later years for a fraction of that sum, much financial distress was caused. It is stated that at one time there was only one farm in the town that was not to a greater or lesser extent devoted to hop growing. Under the depression and low prices of the past three years the acreage has been considerably reduced The town has been noted for the proportionately large number of noted men in political, educational and business life that have left its borders. This town was surveyed under a law of February, 1789, arrd within the next two years it was purchased of the State upon speculation, chiefly by Jedediah Sanger (from whom it takes its name), Michael Myers, and John J. Morgan ; large parts of it were subsequently leased in perpetuity. The price paid for the purchase was a little over three shillings per acre. The first town meeting was held April 7, 1795, and the following officers elected : Supervisor, David Morton ; town clerk, Thomas Brown ; assessors, Joseph Farwell, Daniel Brown, and Ezra Parker; constables and collectors, Jonathan Porter and David Chapin; overseers of the poor, Oliver Norton and Thomas Converse; com missioners of highways, Timothy White, Saul Smith, and Oliver Norton ; pathmas- ters, Jonathan Palmer, Eldad Corbet, John W. Brown, James Kenny, Eri Brooks, Philip King, Asahel Hunt, Jesse Ives, Roger W. Steele, John Phillips, Thomas Stephens, Oliver Eagur, Zerah Phelps, Joel Blair, Solomon Williams, Benjamin White, John Stone, Joseph Putney, Moses Bush, Elias Montgomery, .and Thomas Hale ; fence-viewers, Ezra Parker, Joel Blair, Nathan Gurney, Uri Brooks, and David Norton, esq. The first settlement in this town was begun by Zerah Phelps, who in the fall of 1 79 1 sent a hired man to build a log house on lot 42, of which he had previously become the owner. This house stood about a mile northeast of Sangerfield Center. Mr. Phelps was from Green woods, Mass. About the ist of March, 1792, Mini vera Hale and his wife, and Nathan Gurney and his wife and babe moved into the town from New Hartford. They brought in oxen and the snow being very deep, their journey in some parts was a very difficult one. They were a whole day making the last four miles, driving the oxen tandem. Mr. Hale had bought land adjoining Mr. Phelps, and Mr. Gurney bought lot 40, on the site of Waterville village ; a part of this lot was later owed by Aaron Stafford. They passed a few weeks in the house of THE TOWN OF SANGERFIELD. 535 Mr. Phelps, until their own log dwellings could be erected. In the month of April following Benjamin White settled on a part of lots 30 and 40, the farm that was later occupied by Amos Osborn. A number of other pioneers came in that year. Phineas Owen and Nathan Gur- ney's father settled on lot 40 ; other arrivals were Sylvanus Dyer, Asa hel Bellows, Nathaniel Ford, Henry Knowlton, Jonathan Stratton, and a Mr. Clark. Mr. Clark had aided in surveying the town in 1789. These settlers met with disaster the first year through a heavy frost which destroyed their corn crop, and also served to keep away other settlers. According to the Jones Annals, Mr. Clark had his leg crushed by a falling tree in May, 1792, and Mr. Hale started in quest of a phy sician. He found Dr. Guiteau at Old Fort Schuyler, and returned with him over the long journey; but the doctor would not treat the injury without other medical aid, and Dr. Petrie, at Herkimer, was sent for. These two, with Dr. Elmer, of Paris, amputated the injured limb. It was an example of the privation and danger under which many pio neers lived on account of their distance from medical aid and the absence of roads In July, 1792, a daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Phelps, which was the first birth of a white child in town. The Phelps family soon removed to Batavia. The first male child born was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Hale, named Seneca, born January 20, 1793. On February 9, 1793, Col. David Norton and his family arrived in town from Arlington, Vt.,Nand he became a leading citizen. He was the first supervisor, the first justice of the peace, the first captain of militia in the town and later a colonel, and the first postmaster after the office was removed to the Center. He was foremost in all good works. His daughter Hannah married Sylvanus Dyer, which was the first wed ding in the town ; the date was October 30, 1793. With better crops and prospects in 1793, the following year (1794) saw a considerable influx of settlers. Daniel Brown, Saul Smith, Thomas King, Daniel King, Solomon Williams, Samuel Williams, Jus tus and Ebenezer Hale, and Benjamin Dewey were among the new comers. In the same year the two Hales opened the first store in the town in their dwelling house, and were also the first to furnish accom modations to travelers. Ebenezer Hale built the second frame house in the town, Zera Phelps having erected the first one. In the summer of 536 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1794 Polly Dyer taught the first school in Colonel Norton's house. In the following year the sum of the school money appropriated to this town by the Board of Supervisors of Herkimer county was forty-five pounds. Schools afterwards multiplied rapidly as their need was felt. The town was named in honor of Col. Jedediah Sanger, as before stated, in return for which it is said that he agreed to present a cask of rum at the first town meeting and fifty acres of land to the first church denomination which should first build a house of worship. Many of the first settlers desired that the town should be called New Lisbon and when Sangerfield was chosen they manifested their displeasure by applying the name of New Lisbon to the Congregational society which was organized soon afterward, thas securing Colonel Sanger's bounty for a church bearing the rejected title. The rum was duly presented and twenty-five acres of land each given to the Baptist and Congrega tional societies ; these tracts were part of lot 45. In September, 1796, Dr. Stephen Preston came into the town as the first resident physician. He practiced here more than thirty years and was also justice of the peace many years. Daniel Eells, sr., settled in that part of Sangerfield now included in Bridgewater in 1796, but in the following year removed to New Hartford. In 1793 Judge Sanger built the first saw mill in town on the site of Waterville, and in the following year Benjamin White, the second set tler at that place, built the second mill. In 1796 Mr. White built the first-grist mill, long known as White's Mills. Other early settlers at Waterville are noticed a little further on. Among the prominent farmers of past years were John Monroe, Delos Terry, Orin Kellogg, Philander Havens, Lyman Jewett, William C. Conger, Horace Locke, Jedediah Sanger and others. Other leading farmers are G. W. Allen, John C. Mason, C. B. Mason, Charles H. Jewett, S. A. Clark, W. Cary Sanger, Walter J. Bennett, C. L. Terry, and Charles G. Havens. Waterville village is situated on the northern line of the town about one fourth of its territory extending into the town of Marshall. It early gave indications of becoming an active business center. The mills which have been mentioned as in operation there before the beginning of the present century drew around them other manufactures, stores '--y*? ^T.^ «l!flw™14J5>ff.W>' ^€Ls^^ y^^y^ - THE TOWN OF .SANGERFIELD. 537 were opened and progress was rapid. The settlement of Sylvanus Dyer was made in 1799, when he came from the Center and opened the first store in a house at the west end of the village and also kept a tavern. Two men named Brown and Hewett, who had kept a store on the road to Oriskany Falls, opened a store here in 1801, and Robert Benedict established the third one soon afterward. Amos Osborn came from Fairfield county, Conn., to Waterville in 1802 and built the first distillery in the place near White's Mills. He purchased Mr. White's farm in 1810, for which he paid $30 an acre ; he afterwards bought a second farm near by, paying nine gallons of gin per acre. Both of these farms were within the present limits of the village corporation, and Mr. White's house was the first frame dwelling erected in the village. Mr. Osborn operated his distillery thirteen years. Justus Tower settled in Waterville in 1802 and built a house and a grist mill. In 1803 he built the White Mills and operated both. A freshet in April, 1804, carried away all the dams of the place, and Mr. Tower and John J. Williams., jr., were drowned. The Towers were from the town of Hingham, Plymouth county, Mass., and first located in the town of Paris. There were four brothers — Jeduthan (grandfather of Reuben and of Charlemagne Tower), Jus tus (father of Horace D. Tower), John and Jotham. John Tower was the father of John Tower, at one time proprietor of the Clinton House at Clinton. Jotham was the youngest of twelve children. Justus Tower was but thirty- seven years of age at the time of his death. He built a store in Waterville, and after his death Jotham Tower stocked it with goods, repaired the grist mill, which had been badly damaged by the freshet, and carried on both in company with Justus Tower's widow. Horace D. Tower, son of Justus, lived a long life1 in Waterville. His younger brother, Henry Tower, was for some years in the distilling business with J. and R. Bacon, merchants of the place, who purchased the stock of goods left by Justus Tower at his decease, and carried on the store for thirty years or more. (See biography of Reuben Tower in this volume). The post-office at Waterville was established in 1806, with Amos Muzzy, postmaster ; he was succeeded by Col. John Williams, under 538 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. whose administration it was removed to the Center, a little over a mile southward; this was done in 1808 and the name changed to Sanger field. It was brought back and opened under its present name in 1823. Previous to that time the place had been locally known as "The Huddle." In 1802 ,the settlement had thirty-two dwellings and about 200 inhabitants. From that- time forward the village grew rapidly. A tannery was established very early by Col. John Williams, who was also an early tavern keeper. Chauncey Buelf afterwards became his partner in the tannery and finally purchased it arid began boot and shoe- making in connection -with it. The buisness increased in later years and a firm was formed under the name of C. Buell, Son & Co., which employed at one period nearly 100 hands and sold goods at wholesale over a wide extent of territory. Colonel Williams,' who started this tannery, also established an earlier one in the southwest part of the town. Amos Osborn established a distillery in 1802, and several others were operated for a time in different parts of the town, but generally on a srhall scale. The one just mentioned was used in later years as the Cold Spring Brewery. The latter was operated until 1894 when it was abandoned. The grist mill operated in recent years, was built by Jotham Tower about 181 5 on the site of the White Mills. Justus Tower built another grist mill in 1802 which was transformed into a paint factory in 1869 , by Terry & Gridley. The Sangerfield cotton factory was built in 18 16 by the Sangerfield Manufacturing Company. Henry B. Clarke afterwards obtained a con trolling interest arid operated it until 1830, when Goodwin & Bacon , purchased it and changed it to a woolen factory. In 1837 J- A. Ber- rill took the building and established a foundry and machine shop, afterwards taking his son into partnership. They carried on the busi ness many years. The plant was taken in 1895 by McLean & Co., who succeeded Brace Beardsley. Paint mills are made, in connection with the other business. The Waterville Wooden Novelty Works were established in 1895, for the manufacture of various household articles. Waterville has had several newspapers, the 'first one being the Civil SQUIRE UTLEY. THE TOWN OF SANGERFIELD. 539 and Religious Intelligencer, started in 1815 by Joseph Tenney ; the name was changed in 1825 to the Sangerfield Intelligencer, and ten years later it was moved to Fabius, N. Y. The publication of the Oneida Standard was commenced in Waterville in 1833, but it was soon after ward removed to Utica. The Waterville Advertiser was begun in 1851 by R. W. Hathaway. In 1855 the Waterville Journal was started by A. P. Fuller & Co., C. B. Wilkinson, editor. It was discontinued in March, 1856. In 1857 the publication of the Waterville Times was commenced by McKibbin & Wilkinson, who continued it until i860, and sold out to J. H. Yale. On November 8, 1866, the paper passed into the hands of R. S. Ballard. James J. Guernsey bought the es tablishment in 1870, and continued to July, 1 881, when he was suc- ceedee by Histed & Cutter (William L. Histed, Frank J. Cutter) who continued to June, 1882. Mr. Histed then retired and Mr. Cutter con tinued to April, 1887, when W. S. Hawkins & Co., (Dr. Claude Wilson) purchased the plant. This firm continued one year when Mr. Hawkins bought his partner's interest. In 1884 Patrick Loftus and Milton Barnum started a four page weekly called the Reflex. A little later W. S. Hawkins purchased the paper and in 1887 he consolidated the two papers, the name Waterville Times being continued. The paper is an excellent representative of progressive country journalism. The Waterville Y. M. C. A. is a thriving institution and publishes a small weekly called " Waterville's Young Men." Some of the early public houses have been mentioned. What became the American hotel was built about 18 15 by Jonathan Hubbard and was afterwards extended and improved. There were three public houses in the village before that. The store occupied in 1802 by Robert and Hudson Benedict was afterwards converted into a hotel and became known as the Park House. M. B. Crossett built the Commercial House in 1875. The first bank in Waterville was established in 1838 under the State law and was changed to a national bank in 1865. Among early stock holders of the old bank were Stanton Park, Josiah Bacon, Amos Osborn, Julius Candee, Samuel Goodwin, D. B. Goodwin, Charlemagne Tower, Julius Tower, David L. Barton, E. B. Barton, Henry Tower, Horace Bigelow, Isaac Hovey. Daniel B. Goodwin was president of the na- 540 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tional bank until 1888, when he was succeeded by William B. Goodwin. The latter was cashier until the above change was made, when he was succeeded by Samuel W. Goodwin. William B. Goodwin served as president until 1894, when Samuel W. Goodwin was chosen, and W. L. Race was made cashier. Charles Green & Son established a private bank in 1872, and in 1875 it was removed to Utica and continued until 1884. The firm was then changed to Charles Green, Son & Co., O. W. Kennedy and J. W. Hayes joining in the business. In 1891 the bank was removed back to Water ville, and the firm became Charles Green, Son, Brainard & Co., through the purchase of the interest of Mr. Hayes by I. D. Brainard. Waterville was incorporated April 20, 1870, and at the first charter election Daniel B. Goodwin was elected president ; E. H. Lamb, George Putnam, E. S. Peck, trustees ; Horace P. Bigelow, treasurer. The suc cessive presidents of the village have been George Putnam, elected 1872; held the office to 1877; D. Smith Bennett, 1878; Reuben Tower, to 1883; E. C. Terry, 1884; Reuben Tower, to 1886; A. R. Eastman, 1886; I. D. Brainard, 1887-88; F. H. Coggeshall, 1889-90; W. W. Waldo, to 1896, succeeded by F. H. Coggeshall. The village has an excellent fire department, owning a steam fire engine, ample hose and apparatus, with a company for both the engine and hose cart. The village is on what was the Utica, • Chenango and Susquehanna Valley Railroad, the opening of which took place in November, 1869, giving a marked impetus to the business growth of the place. Among the lead ing business men of the village are the following : O. E. Wood, general store, who succeeded C. R. Nash in 1896; P. H. Landers, succeeded W. F. O'Connor in 1895 ; S. S. Bissell succeeding W. J. Bissell's Sons, drugs; William Jones, succeeded Jones & Marvin in 1893, drugs; D B. Collins, clothing, began in 1890; Beers & Davis, succeeded William D. Jones in 1893, wall paper, paints, etc.; E. G. Brown, drugs; A. H. Wilber, clothing, and many minor business establishments Many new business blocks of modern character have been erected in recent years, and aside from the general depression incident upon the low price of hops, the village is in a thriving condition. One of the largest industries of the kind in the whole country is car ried on here by the New York Hop Extract Company, organized in W. P. LOCKE. THE TOWN OF SANGERFIELD. 541 1870. In April, 1873, W. A. Lawrence was elected superintendent. J. R. Whiting became sole licensee of the company for extracting from hops under patents, and soon afterward become president of the com pany. In 1875-76 the business was removed from New York city to Waterville, the center of the hop district. A large plant was erected with capacity of extracting 20,000 pounds of hops per day. Here an immense product of acknowledged purity is made and finds a market throughout the country. One of the oldest permanent industries in this county is the drain tile and brick manufactory of P. B. Haven & Son, which was founded in 1812 by John Haven, who came in from Connecticut From primi tive methods of early times this business has advanced until now it is conducted on the most modern and successful lines. In 1836 P. B. Haven, son of John, took possession of the works, made many improve ments in methods and about 1855 added the drain tile industry, Two years later an iron tile machine was put in and in 1864 A. G. Haven, son of P. B., became a partner with his father. Horse power brick and tile machinery was used until 1880, when a modern outfit driven by a forty horse power boiler was introduced. Since then every valuable device has been added for the production of brick and tile. Twelve hands are employed. The schools of this town are in excellent circumstances, there being in 1895 twelve districts with school houses, and a prosperous Union school in Waterville. The building was erected in 1872. at a cost of $20,000. The whole number of children attending the schools of the town in 1895 was 790. There are now three post-offices in this town ; Waterville, Sanger field and Stockwell, the latter having been established in the southern part of the town, at the place known as Stockwell Settlement, with C. D. Marsh, postmaster. The post-office at Sangerfield has been in ex istence since early years, Col. David Norton holding the office of postmaster from 1808 to 1829, when he died. There has always been a small mercantile business there and a few shops. The first church society in Sangerfield was the " Society of Lisbon, Sangerfield," formed about the beginning of 1796, as the outgrowth of efforts made in 1794 to found a Congregational society and secure 542 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. regular preaching. Services were regularly held from January, 1795, to March, 1797, with occasional preaching. The Society of Lisbon was formally organized March 15, 1797, with eighteen members; the first settled pastor was Rev. James Thompson. A house of worship was erected in 1804, on the village green at the Center, the land con stituting the green having been conveyed to the society in October, 1796, by David Norton, Ebenezer Hale, Justus Hale, and Oliver Nor ton. In 1823 the society divided and about one half organized the First Presbyterian church. 'The church was removed in 1824 a little to the north, and in 1846 it was demolished and the present one erected. In after years the Congregationalists at the Center attended the church at Waterville and the old church was occupied by an Episcopal mission, services being held in connection with Stockwell Settlement, Oriskany Falls and Augusta Center. The Baptist church at Waterville was organized in December, 1798, and the first preaching was by Elder Peter P. Roots; the first settled pastor was Elder Joel Butler, who began in 1799. In 1800 a church was built on the green, the land having been granted by Benjamin White. In 1877 the church was extensively improved and its career has been one of prosperity. The First Presbyterian church at Waterville was organized May 19, 1823, with twenty persons from the first Sangerfield church, as before stated. Rev. Evans Beardsley was the first stated supply, and in 1824 Rev. Daniel C. Hopkins was installed the first pastor. The first church building was erected on the green in 1823 ; it was sold to the Method ists in 1844, and a frame church built" on the site now occupied by a handsome brick edifice which was erected in 1872, at a cost with the lot of $37,000. The church is active and progressive. Grace church (Episcopal) Waterville, was or^inized in 1840, and Rev. Fortune C. Brown was the first rector. In 1842 the church was erected which was afterwards transferred to the Welsh Congregational society, and in 1854 the present church was built/ The Methodist Episcopal society at Stockwell was formed in 1843, and the old Presbyterian church building was purchased. This was sold in 1848. In April, 1847, the second Methodist society was organized and the present churchjbuilt at the Settlement. In 1857 Waterville was THE TOWN OF STEUBEN. 543 organized as a separate Methodist society, it having previously been in a circuit, with other places ; it was made one of three appointments under charge of Rev. F. W. Tooke — Waterville, Sangerfield and Stockwell. Thejrame church in Waterville was built in i860. The Welsh Congregational church at Waterville was organized in 1852, and occupied the church sold to them by the Episcopal society. St. Bernard's Catholic church in Waterville was organized about 1850 and has grown to a large congregation, and has a substantial church. The town record's are incomplete from 1797 to 1800 inclusive; after that year the list of supervisors and their years of service is as follows : 1801, Amos Muzzy; 1802, Oliver Norton; 1803-4, Justus Tower; 1805, Benjamin White; 1806-9, Oliver C. Seabury; 1810, John Williams; 1811, O. C. Seabury; 1812, Josiah Bacon ; 1813, O. C. Seabury ; 1814-20, Josiah Bacon ; 1821-23, Reuben Bacon ; 1824-27, Samuel M. Mott; 1828, Josiah Bacon; 1829-31', Samuel M. Mott; 1832, Reu ben Bacon ; 1833, John Mott, jr. ; 1834, Erastus Jeffers ; 1835, Levi D. Carpenter ; 1836, Erastus Jeffers ; 1837-40, Horace Bigelow; 1841.-42, Julius Tower; 1843, Horace "Bigelow. 1844, Otis Webster; 1845, Amos O. Osborn; 1846, Erastus A. Walter; 1847-48, De Witt C. Tower; 1849, John W. Stafford; 1850-51, George W. Cleveland; 1852-54, James M. Tower; 1855, Edwin H. Lamb; 1856, Hull Page; 1857-62, Platt Camp; 1863-76, James G. Preston; 1877-80, Marion B. Crossett; 1881, Horace P. Bigelow; 1882-84, George W. Cleveland; a special election was held in December, 1884, and George Beach was elected to succeed Mr. Cleveland, deceased; 1885, George Beach; 1886-90, Reuben Tower; 1891, Lewis D. Edwards; 1892-96, Charles M. Felton. CHAPTER XLV. THE TOWN OF STEUBEN. This town was set off from Whitestown on April 10, 1792, and its area has been several times slightly changed. The towns of Floyd and Rome were taken off in 1796, and Leyden (now in Lewis county) and Western in 1797. Small parts of Western and Remsen were annexed in 1803^ and a small section was set off to Remsen in 1809, leaving the town with an area of 26,126 acres. The, town takes its name from Baron Steuben, the- account of whose patent of 16,000 acres is given in Chapter X ; the larger portion of that patent is included in this town, 544 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. with a part of the Holland patent in the southern part, and small sec tions of other tracts in the western part, all shown on the map herein. The Cincinnati Creek forms a part of the eastern boundary and the town is well watered by several small streams which flow into that creek or into the Mohawk or Black Rivers'. The soil is a gravelly loam well adapted to grazing. Stone quarries from which good building stone have been taken, have been worked. The surface of the town is the highest of any north of the Mohawk and is much broken .by lofty hills and deep valleys, particularly in the northern part, where hills rise to a height of from 800 to 1,200 feet. Starr's Hill, so named from Capt. David Starr, an early settler upon it, was long considered the highest land in the county, but it is now settled that this distinction belongs to an eminence in the southern part. From the top of Starr's Hill most beautiful views are obtained, extending over Oneida Lake on the west, to Rome and Utica to the southward, and taking in the Black River valley on the northeast. Other high points in Steuben are Bowen's Hill, so called from a seaman of that name who lived there in early years; Dutch Hill, which took its name from the fact that numerous Dutch families settled on and around it; and Penn Mount. ' These with their intervening valleys give a variety of picturesque scenery that is not excelled in the county. As the town of Rome was embraced originally in Steuben, the first town meeting was held at Fort Stanwix, " at the house lately occupied by Seth Ranney, on the first Tuesday of April, 1793," as given in the town records. There the following officers were chosen, the list includ ing several of the pioneers of what is now Steuben, though most of them were from near Fort Stanwix : Supervisor, Roswell Fellows; town clerk, Jedediah Phelps; assessors, Abijah Put nam, Henry Wager, David I. Andrus, Samuel Sizer, Abel French ; commissioners^ roads, Hezekiah Welles, Daniel W. Knight, Ebenezer Weeks; overseers of the poor, Thomas Wright, Reuben Beckwith ; constables, Samuel Dickinson, Edward S. Salis bury, Jasper French; collector for the west side of Mohawk River, Samuel Dickin- som; collector for east side of same, Edward S. Salisbury; pathmasters, Clark Put nam, Benjamin Gifford, Alpheus Wheelock, Abiel Kinyon, Lemuel Beckwith, Stephen Sheldon, Frederick Sprague, William Walsworth, James Ranney, William West, Joseph Biam, Thomas Parker, Ebenezer Bacon, Samuel J. Curtis, Charles McLen, Simeon Woodruff. David Starr, Isaac Lathrop; fence-viewers, Jonathan Waldo, Bill Smith, Asa Beckwith, Abraham Brooks, Ephraim Potter ; poundmaster, Thomas Wright, THE TOWN OF STEUBEN. 545 The second meeting was voted to be held "at the new dwelling-house of Roswell Fellows." After the subdivision of 1796, setting off Rome and Floyd, the town meeting of 1797 was held, according to the records, at the " house of Silas Fowler, that of the late Baron Steuben, Dis- ceased." The distinguished services of Baron Steuben in the war of the Revo lution are well known and need not be recounted here. In partial recognition of such services, the State of New York granted him in 1786 a tract of 16,000 acres of land, the territory of which constitutes a large part of what is now the town of Steuben. The baron died No vember 28, 1794. Between the date of the land grant to him and his death, he passed his summers on his patent and his winters in New York. During this period he leased his lands as he had opportunity, usually in 100 acre tracts at from ten to twenty dollars for each hun dred acres, and at the time of his death there were about twenty fami lies residing on the patent. On the 4th of July, 1790, he gave a dinner to all the people on his lands and neighboring settlers. It is recorded that wherever he found a worthy soldier he would present him with a farm of from 40 to 100 acres. It was his purpose to erect a large man sion on his possessions, but his death prevented the consummation of his plans, and the building of a. log house and other minor improve ments was all that he was able to accomplish. Previous to his death he had directed that his remains should be buried in the forest that he had begun to love so well. His wish was carried out, and his aide- de- camp and adopted son, Colonel Walker, reinterred them where they now re pose and deeded fifty acres of land to the First Baptist Society of Steu ben, on condition that five acres including the grave of the baron, should be fenced and kept in a state of nature. In 1824 a plain monument was erected over the grave, which was replaced in 1870-71 by the im posing one which now marks the resting place of the patriot. The first person to take up a permanent residence in what is now Steuben was Samuel Sizer, who about 1789 came in to take charge of the improvements contemplated by Baron Steuben. In the spring of 1792 Capt. Samuel Fuller, a veteran of the Revolution, located on the Steuben patent and brought in his family early the following year. He was father of Major Russell Fuller, a prominent citizen who several times 546 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was elected supervisor. Capt. David Starr, also a Revolutionary sol dier, settled on the hill which bears his name, having taken a durable lease from Baron Steuben. Several of the early settlers had borne arms under Steuben and they naturally sought homes near his own. Capt. Joseph Ingham came from the Bermuda Islands and settled in Steuben in 1800. The remains of his wife who died January 17, 1804, are buried on the top of Starr's Hill, where lie also the remains of Will iam Davies and his wife. Daniel Barnes came to the town in 1794, from Middletown, Conn., built a house and made other improvements on the farm owned in recent years by John Griffiths on Starr's Hill ; he then went back for his family, returning to his settlement in the spring of 1795. He was a Revolutionary soldier. Among other settlers in the neighborhood of Starr's Hill were Noadiah Fairchild, and Joel and Samuel Hubbard, from Middletown, Conn. In 1793 Noadiah Hubbard tobk the contract for constructing the canal locks for the Western In land Navigation Company at Little Falls. He had first settled at Whitestown about 1791, where he made the first brick and the first lime. He located in Steuben about 1792, and removed to what is now Jefferson county in 1798. Elisha Crowell was also an early settler in the Starr's Hill neighborhood. The first settler at what became Steuben Corners was Stephen Brooks, who came from Connecticut about 1791 and located on the place sub sequently owned by his grandson, John W. Brooks. A son of Stephen Brooks, named Stephen, jr., born in 1791 or 1792, was probably the first white male child born in this town. Moses Adams came in from New Marlborough, Mass., and settled in 1 793 on the farm afterwards owned by Allen Clark ; he afterwards removed to the farm occupied in recent years by Rowland Evans, east of Steuben Corners. His son Aaron, born in June, 1796, served in the war of 1 8 12, as did also his father. Among the very early settlers of the original town of Steuben then including Western (see history of Western and Remsen) were repre sentatives of the thrifty Welshmen so many of whom have found homes in Oneida county. Prominent among these were the Griffiths families, from one of which sprang Griffith O. Griffiths, who was born in Steu ben in 1796, and died in April, 1878, He was a contributor to the THE TOWN OF STEUBEN. 547 press and was well informed on local history, and previous to his de cease he wrote the following interesting account of Welsh settlements : In the month of March, 1795, about twelve families took their leave of their native country and embarked on board the noble ship that bore them safely across the Atlantic, and they arrived in New York after a passage of fourteen weeks. After a short stay in New York, five of the said families, namely, Griffith Rowland, William Williams, Evan Owens, Hugh Roberts, and Owen Griffiths, making in all about eighteen persons, left the city of New York, and started for some more favorable portion of the country, for the purpose of forming a settlement. They embarked on board a sloop, and came up the Hudson River to Albany, from there by iand to Schenectady, where they chartered a bateau, and wended their way up the crooked Mohawk, making very slow headway, until at length they arrived at the present city of Utica, which then contained one frame building, and eight or ten log cabins. The only hotel was kept in a log house located where Bagg's Hotel is now situated. During their stay at Utica, they concluded to go to the town of Steuben, in Oneida county 1 which is situated about twenty miles from Utica. In a few days they pre pared for their journey by chartering a wagon drawn by four oxen and a horse to lead. Into this wagon they packed all their materials, children, etc., and were soon on their way to their new home. Such was the situation of the roads in those days that from five to seven miles was all they could make in a day. Leaving Utica early in the morning, they reached the foot of Deerfield hill the first day, where they were obliged to stay over night without any accommodation but the great wilderness, and the canopy of heaven to cover them, and the rain pouring down during the whole night. Each one having to select his own 'lodging, if they succeeded in getting alongside of a log or tree they thought they were doing well. One heroine, with her infant, about three weeks old, got under the root of a tree that had turned up by force of the wind, where she supposed she was secure from the elements. But when daylight came she found, to her surprise, that her infant was richly adorned with ringlets formed of the American — not free — soil, which had found its way quite plentifully in the ridges formed by the flesh around her neck and arms, etc. Next morning, after wringing the water from their clothes, they soon prepared for, their day's journey. After considerable struggle and toil, they succeeded in reach ing a log shanty that was erected and occupied by some jobbers that were engaged in clearing land at a point about one-half mile north from South Trenton. They were very kindly received and cared for, when they got a good night's rest after a hard day's travel of five miles. The third day they reached Trenton village, four miles farther north, where they found some settlers, and were of course accommo dated. The fourth day, 15th September, 1795, they made out to reach their place of destination, which is in the vicinity of the yellow store, in the town of Steuben, where they found five or six families of Americans, who had preceded them the year pre vious, and who were very kind to them, sharing with them their hospitalities until they were able to support themselves. Their first object was to select suitable locations, which they did within the range of about one-half mile, where they were soon at work felling trees and building their log cabins, which were their only recourse for habitations. They had to resort 548 OUR COUNTY AND ITS. PEOPLE. to the elms for a covering for their houses, as well as for a part of their furniture such as tables, bedding, etc. Their sofas were made by splitting a basswood log into parts, turning the flat side up, and driving four pegs into the round or bottom part, which answered for legs. Their French bedsteads were made by driving four posts into the ground, laying cross- sticks on to them, then finishing off with elm -bark for the bottom. In some instances they would select a building spot where they could find a large maple or birch, which they felled, using a part of the body for one side of their dwelling, leaving the large stump in the centre, which was used for a table. The remainder of their furniture to correspond. During the first years of their resi dence in their new home there was no grist mill nearer than Whitesboro, some twenty miles distant, and but one horse in the town, which was owned by the Americans, and was used as a common carrier to carry grist to the mill. There being no road most of the distance, except a path through the woods, with marked trees for guide-boards, the settlers were frequently overtaken by night, and so dark was the forest that it was with the greatest difficulty that they found their way out. But the old gray was always true to her trust, and so well acquainted with the road they gave her the rein and bid . her go, the driver holding on her tail behind if there chanced to be more than one of the settlers along. Their only chance was to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, thus successfully finding their way out of the woods. ' The next summer a grist mill was built and in operation within four miles of the settlement, which dispensed with further difficulty of that nature. Owingjo the great distance they had come, and the many difficulties they had to contend with, their limited means had become nearly exhausted. Consequently the men were obliged to leave their wives and children to guard their castles, while they were seeking employment to obtain means to support themselves and families. During their absence the women were frequently annoyed by wild beasts, which were then quite numerous. Their howls during the night were fearful, and even in the day time Mr. Bruin would frequently be seen prowling around, seeking whom he might devour ; and sometimes would be successful in catching a porker, even in the door- yard, and walk off in triumph. In the year 1796 the first Welsh child was born in town, or in Oneida county, or even west of the Hudson, as far as can be ascertained, who still lives in the vicinity with his family. His wife is the infant mentioned as being secured under the roots of the upturned tree during the first night of their travel from Utica. Thus they remained in their solitary condition without the comforts of life or the means of grace, until the latter part of 1798, or early in 1799, when they were joined by several others whom they had left at New York. Among them were Deacon William C. Jones, William Griffiths, Robert Griffiths, John Parry, William P. Jones, etc. , most of whom were professors. They soon on their arrival established a prayer meeting, which was held at the dwelling-house of William C. Jones. Although neither of the first settlers spoken of were professors of religion, still they were brought up under the immediate influence of the religion' of Jesus Christ, and they had become very much attached to it, and were taking quite an interest in the cause. As evidence of this fact I would here mention one incident, which some one may profit by. At the time the first prayer-meeting was to be held, one of the mothers THE TOWN OF STEUBEN. 549 was living at service eight or nine miles distant from the settlement. Such was her attachment to the good cause, and anxiety to be present at the organization of the first prayer meeting among the Welsh in their new home, that she walked all the way on foot through the wilderness, carrying her infant, who was about four months old, in her arms. What a -contrast between the past and present ! At the present day it is often too much of a task to even cross the street on a dark night to attend such meetings. After this they continued to hold their meetings every Sabbath, until the year 1801, when there was quite a large immigration into the settlement. During the fall of that year Rev. John G. Roberts came from Ebensburg, Pa., and settled among them, when he preached the first Welsh sermon to quite an audience for a new country, which had convened at the dwelling-house of John Jones, situated on a part of the estate of Robert Thomas, deceased. After this they continued to assemble every Sabbath to hear the word of God. Also, they held their weekly or class meetings regularly, most of the time at the house of William C. Jones, although there was not any regular church organization until the year 1804, when they formed a union church, with Rev. John G. Roberts for their pastor. A part of the members were formerly from the Calvinistic Methodists, and a part from the Congregational church. So they remained together, in union and love, for many years, under the pastoral charge of Rev. John G. Roberts and Rev. William G. Pierce. During the summer of 1804 they built a log meeting-house on the site of the present stone church. It was rather late in the fall of that year before it was com pleted ; perhaps as late as the 1st of November before it was opened. As it was also intended for a school-house as well as for spiritual instructions, the school was com menced about the 1st of December, and -continued, until Christmas night, when, by accident, the house was consumed -by fire, with all its contents. Nothing daunted, the inhabitants went to work in the summer of 1805 and erected a frame building on the same location, which was soon finished ready for use. It was used until it was removed to give place to the present splendid stone church. In the mean time there was quite a settlement in the city of Utica. They also had formed a church, which was first under the charge of Rev.' Daniel Morris, assisted by Revs. Evan Davis, John Roberts, etc. During the summer of 1806, Rev. Howell R. Powell visited the Welsh churches at Utica and Steuben, and advised them of the advantage of forming an association, or cymanfa; which was done, and their first meeting was held at Utioa in September, 1806, and at Steuben the following week. The ministers who took part at the first were Daniel Morris, Evan Davis, and John G. Roberts, of Steuben, assisted by an English divine, whose name is forgotten. Thus commenced the annual conferences of Steuben and Utica, which have been kept up with so much zeal to the present day. The following year Rev. Howell R. Powell was present, and took conspicuous part in the conference and preaching etc., and continued to attend every year with the greatest punctuality for twenty-five years. The first Welsh Batpist church was organized in Steuben in the year 1806, on the arrival of Rev. Richard Jones from Philadelphia, who had the pastoral charge of the said 'church for many years. Although the first church was organized as above, one Morgan Williams had been in the habit of preaching occa- sionallyto a limited numberin different localities, but there was no constant preaching until the year above mentioned. They soon went to. work to build a house of wor ship on the site of their present house. 550 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. About the year 1800 the family of Thomas Thomas, another Welsh- man, settled in this town. He had been a sailor and was a victim of the British press gangs. He afterwards lost his right leg in an engage ment withxa French ship ; this occurred in 1796, and he was taken to Halifax, thence to Greenwich Hospilal, and finally married and returned to America. He died at the age of eighty- seven years, and was the last survivor of the Welsh pioneers of this town. His sons, William H., Charles M., Didymus and John T., became prominent citizens of Remsen. Daniel Thomas, brother of Thomas Thomas, beeame a set tler in the town about 1806. He was a stone cutter and his son T. D. Thomas was a well known farmer in the town. Joel, Chester and Sal mon Porter, brothers, settled in the town about 1808. A daughter of Joel became the wife of Daniel Barnes, before mentioned. Chester Por ter was a shoemaker, and many years served as justice of the peace. The family of John Roberts came from Wales about 1800, and William Francis about 181 8. William Lewis, long a prominent citizen of Steu ben, was born in Utica in 1813, and was a son of William, a native of Wales, who immigrated in 1800. The son came into Steuben prior to 1820, the year in which his "father died in New Orleans. Mr. Lewis held the office of supervisor thirteen terms, and in the fall of i860 was elected to the Assembly. Timothy Griffith was an early settler, and his son, John R., was born in town in September, 1817. Both father and son became examples of the excellent citizenship of the town. On a monument in the cemetery at the stone church is this inscrip tion : Rev. Robert Everett, D. D., was born January 2, 1791, at Cronant, Flintshire, North Wales. A minister of the gospel for sixty years, and editor of the Cenhadwr for thirty-five years. Died February 25, 1875. Dr. Everett lived near Remsen village, but in this town. He had acquired considerable literary reputation before coming to this region, and came' to America in 1823, as pastor of the Welsh Congregational church in Utica, where he remained nine years. After terms of preach ing in other places he settled in Steuben in 1838, as pastor of two churches, one near where he lived and one four miles away. In Janu ary, 1840, he issued the first number of the Cenhadwr, a religious monthly, which he continued to edit till his death. It was printed at The town of steuben. 551 first in Utica, later in Remsen and finally at his residence. Several books were published by him, and his entire life was given up to good woiks. His wife was Elizabeth Roberts, sister of Henry Roberts, of Utica, father of the firm of Henry Roberts's Sons. Richard R. Roberts, sr., came to Steuben in 1818. He and his wife were natives of Wales. He died in 1842. His son of the same name was a well known citizen of the town. Owen Owens, another Welsh citizen, settled in town in 1824. His sons, John C. and Charles, were among the leading farmers of the town, owning at one time about 1,000 acres, and carrying on a cheese factory. Religious and educational institutions were founded early in this town, as would be expected from the well known character of the pioneers. A school was taught before 1800 in the Starr's Hill neighborhood, by Dr. Earl Bill, who lived afterwards in Remsen village ; he taught only one winter. About 1807 a young man named Smith taught in the same neighborhood. Moses Adams taught a school near the site of Steuben Corners prior to 1 800, and Aaron Adams was a teacher after he reached a proper^ age. The town was early divided into districts and the early log school houses were gradually displaced by better frame structures. There were thirteen districts in the town in i860 and the number remains the same, with a school house in each. The whole number of children attending school in 1894 was 184. In Mr. Griffiths's account mention has been made of the early Welsh meetings. The Welsh Baptist church was organized in 1800 and was in charge at the first of Rev. Morgan Williams and is the society which has charge of the lot containing the grave of Baron Steuben, before mentioned. The Welsh Congregational church, called Pen y mynidd, -is an off shoot from an old Union church of early days. About 18 16 two Bap tist societies built churches in the town,, which they subsequently agreed to convert one into a Union church and the other into an academy. The latter stood a mile east of Steuben Corners and did not continue long. The old Union church was occupied for a time by Methodists also, but in 1855 the church was built by them at Steuben Corners and the society has since kept up its existence. Besides these three churches 552 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. there are four other Welsh congregations in different parts of the town. There has been very little village life in this town. Steuben Corners is a hamlet southwest of the center, where a post-office was established about 1825 with Aaron Adams postmaster. Previous to this time mail was received from the office at Remsen. A small mercantile business has always been carried on here, with the usual complement of shops. A store is now conducted by Otis Ferguson, and a saw mill operated by William Weaver. r There are two other post-offices in the town, East Steuben in the extreme eastern part, and Steuben valley. The supervisors of the town of Steuben, from 1794 to 1878 have been the following persons, viz. : 1794-95, Roswell Fellows ; 1796, William Olney ; 1797, Samuel Sizer ; 1798, Noa diah Hubbard; 1799-1803, Samuel Sizer; 1804, Samuel Potter; 1805, Samuel Sizer; 1806-12, Thomas H. Hamilton ; 1813, Jabez Burchard ; 1814-30, Thomas H. Hamil ton; 1831-32, Rugsell Fuller; 1833, Henry Slocum; 1834-35, Russell Fuller; 1836, Henry Slocum-; 1837-38, Alfred Gillett; 1839, Russell Fuller; 1840, William N. Steuben; 1841, Russell Fuller; 1842, Henry H. Hamilton; 1843, Lester B. Miller; 1844-47, Russell Fuller; 1848-51, William Lewis; 1852-53, Saul U. Miller; 1854, William Lewis; 1855, Joseph I. Francis; 1856, William Lewis; 1857, Alfred H. Gil lett; 1858, Lewis Everett; 1859, Saul U. Miller; 1860-61, David H. Williams; 1862, Thomas H. Jones; 1863-66, William Lewis; 1867-68, Lewis Everett; 1869-70, Morris W. Morris; 1871-73, William Lewis; 1874-75, Lewis J. Lewis; 1876, Leon ard E. Adsit; 1877-78, John E. Owen. After the foregoing list was prepared and before it was completed to date, the town records were burned. CHAPTER XLVI. THE TOWN OF TRENTON. This town had an existence of one year before Oneida county was formed. Trenton was erected from the town of Schuyler, then in Herki mer county, on the 24th of March, 1797. Its 27,292 acres embrace almost the whole of the Servis patent and a large tract of the Holland patent in the western part ; both of these patents are described in Chap- THE TOWN OF TRENTON. 553 ter X, and the accompanying map shows their boundaries in relation to this town. Trenton lies on the eastern side of Oneida county about in the center from north to south. West Canada Creek forms a part of its eastern boundary, as it does also the boundary of the county at that point. "Cincinnati Creek flows through the northern part and Nine Mile Creek through the southern part. The surface of the town is hilly and broken, rising in places from 400 to 600 feet, and the streams have many cascades and falls, chief of which is the celebrated Trenton Falls on the West Canada Creek. The soil is a sandy and clayey loam ad mirably adapted to grazing. The Trenton Falls have acquired more than a local reputation and the grand and picturesque scenery in that vicinity is not excelled in Central New York. The upper fall is called Prospect Fall, where the water has a descent of twenty-four feet. A short distance farther down the stream it becomes very narrow and the tumultuous waters plunge through the gorge in wild confusion. Into this gorge there is no place of easy descent until the Summit House is reached, from which point the boiling rapids continue until the so-called Cascade of the Alhambra is reached, a waterfall of matchless beauty. Below this the waters spread out in foamy level, only to enter another gorge farther down in which is the Mill Dam Fall of fourteen feet. Below this the scenery of the battlemented rocks and crags, along the feet of which plunges the imprisoned stream, is magnificent. The High Fall comes next and is not only beautiful in itself, but is surrounded with scenery of the most picturesque loveliness and grandeur. Farther down is the beautiful Sherman Fall, and below that is the Village Fall, after leaving which the waters flow onward in placid peace. The total descent of the five separate falls is about 200 feet, within a distance of half a mile. Tren ton Falls is a popular resort and was, first prominently brought into notice by John Sherman, who conducted the first hotel for visitors, erected in 1822, as noticed further on. The first town meeting in Trenton was held in the village of Olden Barneveld, as Trenton was first named, on the 4th of April, 1797, at the house of Thomas Hicks, and the following officers were chosen : Supervisor, Adam G. Mappa; town clerk, John P. Little; assessors, Thomas Hicks, - Cheney Garrett, David Williams ; commissioners of highways, Peter Schuvler, David - 7P 554 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Stafford, William Miller ; overseers of the poor Gerrit Becker, Peter Garrett ; col lector, Daniel Bell; commissioners of schools, Peter Schuyler, John Hicks, David Williams; constable, Daniel Bell, Jacob P. Nash, Solomon Gillett; fence-viewers, Gerrit Boon, William Johnson, Solomon Gillett; poundmasters, Jacob T. Smits, James Holibert ; overseers of highways, on road to Fort Schuyler, Francis Adrian Van der Kemp; on road to Steuben, Joseph Brownell; on road to Canada Creek, David Corp ; on road to Fort Stanwix, Abner Matthews ; on road to White's Town, Jonathan Graves. The first settlement made in this town was by Gerrit Boon, who came from Holland, and has already been mentioned in a previous chapter as ' the pioneer to make improvements in the town of Boonville. Mr. Boon came into Trenton in 1793 from Old Fort Schuyler, marking trees along his route, and halted on the site of the villlage of Trenton. Here he foresaw the building up of a thrifty settlement and he gave it the name of Olden Barneveld. Mr. Boon came as one of the several agents of the great Holland Land Company, which owned vast tracts of land in this State. After faithfully serving his employers in this country a few years he returned to his native country and died there. He was a man of ability and integrity. He built a frame house on the village site, which was subsequently removed across the road, was enlarged and still stands. John C. Owens occupies it. A stone dwelling was built on the Boon place and the property is now owned in the Wicks family. Mr. Boon also attempted to build a dam and a stone grist mill on the Cincinnati Creek, the ruins of which are still visible ; he did not suc ceed in making his dam permanent, and abandoned it for another site farther up the stream. Mr. Boon was not practical, apparently, in some directions and certainly was not conversant with many features of the new world. It is said that when he first saw maple sap flow and sugar made from it, he was enthusiastic and resolved to go into the business and follow it the year round. Col. Adam G. Mappa and his family followed Boon from Holland and Mr. Mappa succeeded the latter as agent of the land company. Within a year or two Francis Adrian Vanderkemp and his family, also from Holland, came here to reside. Mappa and Vanderkemp became close friends here, as they had been in Holland. Vanderkemp was im prisoned in Holland for taking part in the revolution of 1786, but was ransomed, and on his arrival in this country settled first at Esopus and afterwards on an island in Oneida Lake. His son, John J. Vander- THE TOWN OF TRENTON. 555 kemp, was the first clerk in the land .company's office here under Colonel Mappa, and later became the company's chief agent with headquarters in Philadelphia. Dr. Luther Gujteau, whose name has been frequently mentioned in earlier chapters of this volume, was born in Lanesboro, Mass., and settled in Trenton in 1802, where he practiced his profession until his death in 1850. He was succeeded in his practice by his son of the same name. Their old office is still standing in the village. It was in 1802 that Rev. John Taylor visited this -part of the coun try and wrote a report of his journey. Under date of August 3 he states that " at Trenton, six miles east of Floyd, he put up with Rev. Mr. Fish, from New Jersey, who was employed part of the time by the people of the town, and rode as a missionary the remainder." The next day Mr. Taylor wrote: "Trenton, 17 miles north of Utica. In this place there is no church formed. A majority of the people are Presbyterians ; the remainder are Baptists and persons of no religion, and a few Methodists." He then adds: ''I visited a school of 50 chil dren, who have a good instructor." In this early school house the people met for religious worship ; the Rev. Mr. Fish mentioned was probably the first preacher in the town and the first pastor of the church organized at Holland Patent in 1797, as noticed further on. About 1803 Rev. John Sherman became pastor of the Unitarian church at Trenton, organized in 1803. In 1812 Mr. Sherman founded an academy in the village, which he successfully conducted a number of years and educated a large number of scholars. He was a finely edu cated man, an eloquent preacher and a writer of ability. He was en raptured over the falls and their surroundings, and believed from the first that the locality would eventually become a popular resort. He therefore purchased of the Holland Land Company in 1822, sixty acres of land including the first fall (which took his name), and built on the site of the later hotel a small structure which he called Rural Resort. This house was at first only opened for day visitors and guests, but in 1824 Philip Hone and family, and Dominick Lynch (the pioneer of Rome) and his family came from New York and insisted on remaining over night. During the visit Mr. Hone asked the preacher why he did not build a larger house and make it known to the public. The answer 556 OUR COtJNTY AUD ITS PEOPLE. was another question whether. Mr. Hone ever knew a minister who had any money. The result was a tender of a loan to Mr. Sherman by Mr. Hone of $5,000, which was accepted and the Trenton Falls House was erected. Rev. Isaac B. Pierce succeded Mr. Sherman as pastor of the Unitarian church and acceptably served the congregation for twenty- five years. From a Centennial address delivered in Trenton July 4, 1876, we quote the following paragraphs of important early history of this town: You have living in your neighborhood a man who was born before any white man ventured to think of settling here,- — Vincent Tuttle, of Holland Patent. He was born in 1790, and now, eighty-six years old, with a firm step and sound memory, he is here to celebrate with you this centennial Fourth of July. He came here in March, 1804. He tells me that at that time the clearing was only as far as the place where the Prospect Railroad Depot now stands ; that all north of that, including the ground where Prospect Village now is, ' was covered by a dense forest ; that he helped cut the road towards Prospect, m front of Mr. Wm. Perkins' land, in 1807; that the village of Prospect was laid out by Colonel Mappa in 1811 , and by him named Prospect;; and that when he came here Colonel Adam G. Mappa resided where we are now assembled, but in the frame house built by Gerrit Boon; that in 1809, the Holland Land Company built, at a cost of $13,000 this stone mansion, which has witnessed many assemblages of distinguished people; that in 1804 the stone grist mill on the flat was in good order, but the dam had been carried away by a flood. This mill was built by Boon, at the expense of the Holland Company, to save the settlers the time and labor and difficulty of walking to Whitesboro' to get flour. The location of this dam and mill proving unfortunate, the Holland Land Company abandoned it, and built a new grist-mill on the Cincinnati Creek, a few rods below the location of Parker's present foundry, at the foot of the first fall below the bridge. This company also built a saw mill on the site of the present saw-mill. These mills the Holland Land Company sold to Peter Schuyler, who owned and ran them sev eral years, and then sold Out to James Parker, an important and early settler, who occupied and ran the mills many years, day and night, doing a large business, cus tomers coming from Steuben, Remsen, and Boonville to have their grist ground. The farmers then raised their own wheat and had it for sale. But until a grist-mill was built here they could obtain no flour without walking from here to Whitesboro. The road was impassable in any other way. There was no flour then to be purchased at stores. The whole community was intensely excited about the grist-mill. They could not run the risk of the old location ; that must be abandoned, and a reliable mill built at once. This was done, and thereby a great trade was brought to Tren ton. Tailors and boot and shoe makers had no shops, but went from house to house mending and and making up for the year. The women of the county carded by hand the fleeces of wool clipped by the farmers. They spun and made yarn, and then by hand-looms, such as is worked to day by ¦ Mrs. Perkins, at Prospect, they wove their own dresses, which lasted for years, and were handed down from the mother to the youngest child ; and the farmer sowed flax, and when it was broken THE TOWN OF TRENTON. 557 and made ready for the spinning-wheels, the women took it and made all their linen for household uses. - You can readily imagine, therefore, what a blessing to the women was a carding and fulling-mill ; and so there was rejoicing in this land when, in 1806, a man by the name of Ensign put up a carding and fulling mill on the Cincinnati Creek, just above the foundry. The falls on the creek opposite the Prospect Depot are sometimes called Ensign Falls, — after the builder of this carding and fulling mill. ' He sold out to Timothy Powers, who built new and larger works, and did a great deal of busi ness for several years. His carding-mill stood where the present foundry is located. The first male child born in the town was a son of James Parker, already mentioned ; he was named Adam, after Colonel Adam Mappa, although many supposed he was called Adam because he was the first man. George Parker, another son of James Parker, was the father of Messrs. Parker who now own the foundry. He was a very ingenious mechanic. He learned his trade with Shubael Storrs, a watch-maker in Utica, and then returning to Trenton, built a foundry on the Cincinnati Creek, just above the present foundry. This was subsequently turned into a grist-mill, which was a short lived affair, and the build ing now remains unoccupied. Mr. Tuttle informs me that in the fall of 1804 Captain John Billings and Mr. James Douglas, of Westfield, Massachusetts, came to Trenton. They were merchants, and by marriage related to one another, and to Dr. Guiteau. They were both Demo crats, and could live in harmony, and they entered into a partnership which lasted several years. Mr. Billings was appointed postmaster in 1805, and held his position about fifty years, and accounted for every cent of the receipts of his office. He was born in 1781, and died in 1863. The grandfather of Mr. James Douglas was a native of Scotland. He became a planter on the island of Jamaica. He had two children, a. son and a daughter. His son, Thomas James Douglas, at the age of eighteen, and in the year of 1758, came to America, with two servants, landing at Providence, Rhode Island. He engaged in the Revolutionary struggle with Great Britain, holding the commission of major in the army. He corresponded with General Washington, and also with other offi cers, and this correspondence is still extant: His son, James Douglas, was born at Westfield, Mass., in 1778, and, as I have already mentioned, came here in the fall of 1804, with Captain Billings. They were strongly urged to stop at Utica, but the hill sides about Utica were very wet, while the lowlands were subject to the overflowings of the Mohawk River, and they decided to come here. Mr. Douglas died in 1851, leaving a widow ,and sons and daughters, who survive him. Captain Billings held a commission in the war of 1812, and went with his company to Sacket's Harbor. For thirty years Mr. Douglas and Captain Billings were asso ciated in business, and when they dissolved partnership the new firm was Douglas & Son. About 1810 there were five stores at Trenton, which were carried on by the following persons : Mappa & Remsen, Chapman & Cooper, Billings & Douglas, Brooks & Mason, and Mr. Griswold. At that time there was no village of Prospect. There was Remsen, but no store there ; Holland Patent, but no store there ; Russia, but no store there ; and thus the trade of that part of Herkimer county, and all this part of Oneida county, was tribu tary to your village, and some of your trade came over from Martinsburg. 558 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Mr. Tuttle states that Colonel Thomas Hicks built the house in which Dr. Guiteau now resides. Colone1 Hicks was an influential and active citizen, and an earnest Federalist. The house in which Judge Vanderkemp resided Mr. Tuttle thinks was built by him. This is quite likely, but the original poor, thin, cold building cannot now be recognized in the pretty and comfortable cottage occupied by Mr. Silsbee. From 1816 to 1871 Mr. Tuttle owned 164 acres of land, which "included all of Tren ton Falls on the west side of Canada Creek up to Fanning's (now Perkins') south line, except the first, or Sherman's Fall. He gave for it, in 1816, from $20 to $25 per acre, and sold it, in 1871, to Mr. Moore, for $100 per acre ; but Mr. Moore occupied the land twenty years before he purchased it. Mr. Tuttle states that prior to 1832 those who wished to see the Falls used to stop at the Backus Hotel, — now Mr. Skinner's house, — in your village, and then go to the ravine by a path across the fields and through some gates. About the year 1822, Joseph Bonaparte, who then lived in New Jersey, gave some money to Mr. Backus to blast out some of the rock in the ravine, so as to make a safe walk up to the first fall. Bonaparte was delighted with the beauty of the falls, and predicted that they would be of great note ; and to-day Mr. Moore's register will show the names of visitors from all parts of the world. Among the first settlers, Judge John Storrs held the office of supervisor eleven years, Peter Schuyler ten years, and William Rollo eighteen years. When we look back upon the early settlers, we wish we had the time to give the name and history of every one ; but they number be tween two hundred and three hundred as early as 1804. Pascal C. J. De Angelis came over from the old country in his boy hood, took part in the naval service of the Revolutionary war, and was captured by the British and confined in Dartmoor prison. After the war he built and commanded a vessel in the merchant service. Becom ing acquainted with Mr. Johnson, one of the proprietors of the Holland patent,1 he was persuaded by his friend, Mr. Fisk, to join with him and and a Mr. Hubbard in the purchase of one-quarter of the Holland patent. They all came in during 1797. A receipt dated October 12, 1797, is for the sum of one hundred and twenty dollars from P. C. J. De Angelis for improvements and buildings, and is signed by James Hulbert. The building was a log house on land afterwards occupied by W. W. De Angelis as a garden. Mr. Fisk built the first frame house and Judge De Angelis the next; the latter was built in 1800. The Vincent Tuttle mentioned in the foregoing quotations came with his father, Daniel Tuttle, from Long Island to Norway, Herkimer county, in 1794 and settled near the site of Prospect village in 1804. 1 The Holland Patent was named after Lord Holland, and should not be confounded with any of the lands of the Holland Land Company. THE TOWN OF TRENTON. 559 The son settled after attaining his majority on a farm between Pros pect and Trenton and there passed most of his life " He engaged in early years in the distilling business, during which he had a contract for producing 250,000 gallons of spirits for the army. He also carried on a store at Trenton Falls. Thomas G. Hicks, father of Col. Thomas Hicks, came from Rhode Island about 1781 and located in Utica. He soon afterward removed to Trenton village, where he built the house afterwards occupied by Dr. Guiteau, in which he kept the first hotel in the place. A year later he removed to a farm at South Trenton and made improvements. He was a carpenter by trade, and was the first captain of militia from this town and was colonel of the 72d Regiment ; he went to Sackett's Harbor during the war of 1812. Previous to the war of 18 12 the Utica and Remsen turnpike, which became better known as the Black River road, was constructed under direction of Col. Thomas Hicks. Isaac Curry kept a hotel about a mile and a half south of South Trenton and there was located a toll gate. Mr. Curry, was a leading early citizen and held several offices. Cheney Garrett was a partner of Colonel Hicks in building operations. According to the Jones Annals, the fiist settlers in the south part of the town were Colonel Hicks. John Garrett and his two sons, Cheney and Peter, Edward Hughes and Hugh Thomas; others were Ephraim Perkins, John Curry and his two sons, Elias and Isaac, Owen Morris, Lemuel Barrows, Jedediah Brownell, Lucas Younglove, and James Francis. These settlements were made between 1792 and 18 10. John Garrett was a soldier of the Revolution and became owner of 104 acres from the land company on the north of Nine Mile Creek, for which he paid $4 an acre. Hicks bought 200 acres a half mile north of Garrett, paying $4.50 an acre. He later built a hotel at Trenton. Peter and Cheney Garrett returned to Utica after their father's settlement, but about 1802 came back to South Trenton, Cheney locating on his father's place and building the house afterwards occupied by his son, John P. Garrett. Peter bought a farm three- quarters of a mile south from South Trenton, the place later occupied by his son Jedediah. John Curry was from Scotland, and married a sister of John Post, the Utica pioneer, with whom one of his sons was an early clerk ; it was 560 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. through the latter's influence that his father moved here from Ballston. He purchased ioo acres of the land company at South Trenton; at $5 an acre. About 1807 Isaac, the son, built a hotel a mile south of South Trenton, which in later years was known as the Joy place. James Francis emigrated from South Wales and settled at South Trenton about 1806, where he purchased a small farm a half mile northeast of the village and built a log house. Edward Hughes came over from Wales about 1802, lived in Philadelphia three years and then settled at South Trenton, where he bought fifty acres at $8 an acre ; his place was a short distance south of the village site. These pioneers were endowed with determination and industry and they founded schools and churches, built mills, opened stores and shops and laid the foundations for the prosperity -that , has been enjoyed by their posterity. A post-office was established at Trenton village about the beginning of the century and soon a little settlement gathered about which fore shadowed the later village. Dr. Luther Guiteau was postmaster for a time, and was succeeded by John Billings, his brother- in-law, who set tled here in 1804. Taking the office in 1805 he kept it about sixty years and at his death was the oldest postmaster in the United States. He was succeeded by Griffith Pritchard. Elizur Skinner settled near the village about 18 to, removed to South Trenton where he kept a public house a year, when he returned to Trenton village during the war of 18 1 2 and kept the tavern four years that was occupied in late years by G. L. Skinner. This hotel was built by Judge John Storrs. Peter Remsen opened an early store in the village and Douglass & Billings another. By the year 1819a considerable hamlet had grown up and on the 19th of April of that year the village was incorporated under the original name of Olden Barneveld. Reincorporation was effected April 26, 1833, under the present name and with slightly different bounda ries ; these boundaries have been twice changed, first in' April, 1864, and again in April, 1870. The records under the first incorporation are not in existence. Previous to 1868 the village was governed simply by a board of trustees numbering six in the early years, five for a later period, and still later four. Since 1868 a president of the board has been chosen, the list embracing the following: 1868-69, Daniel French; 1870, Hugh H. Jones; 1871, Levi Wheaton; 1872, Daniel THE TOWN OF TRENTON. 561 French; 1873-76, Albert S. Skiff; 1877-79, William Boullian; 1880, H. S. Stanton; 1881, J. B. Watkins; 1882, D. French, jr. ; 1883, J. B. Watkins; 1884-85, James Reeve; 1886-88, John C. Owens; 1889, D. H. Roberts; 1890-91, T. J. Lewis; 1892-93, John Hughes; 1894-95, D. H. Roberts; 1896, John E. Dublin. A library was founded in the village in 1874 under the name of the Trentonv Library Association, which title was afterward changed to the Barneveld Library Association. A subscription was collected of about $100 and a number of books, and a room was furnished for the purpose. The collection increased until about 240 volumes were gathered when on the 17th of March, 1875, the library was burned. A meeting was held and a revival of the library determined upon ; another subscription was started and so liberally were contributions made that within two months 350 volumes were collected and before the close of that year the number was increased to more than 1,200 volumes. A building was now needed and subscriptions were reeeived for the purchase of a site, and the collection of funds was continued until about $1,200 was col lected, when on July 27, 1877, the corner stone of a building was laid. The building is of stone and cost with the site about $1,700. Some of the former business men of Trenton are Daniel French, still living, who came in 1837 and started in the meat market business in 1842; Billings & Howe, James Douglass & Son, Egert & Pritchard, Levi Wheadon and John Evans. The firm of Bevin & Dublin were in trade and dissolved, J. E. Dublin opening a store and C. C. Bevin an other; Barker & Plumb started where Mr. Bevin now is, and were succeeded by F. F. Potter. Other present merchants are J. J. Lewis, Alger & Barker, formerly R. Alger & Son, and before, them William Robertson; G. H. Skiff, furniture, William Bouillian, many years in the drug trade, and E. French & Son, market and grocers. The grist mill is operated by F. A. Goodman, formerly by S. R. Sizer and still later by Israel Jones. The saw mill about a mile out the vil lage is operated by Austin Mcintosh, and near it in what was the Parker foundry, is the fish rod factory owned by George A. Clark & Co. of Utica. , For many years past there have been two hotels in Trenton. Tlje Dawson House has been kept for thirteen years by George W. Dawson ; it has been a hotel site for a great many years. The Brooklyn House is kept by Herbert Griffith, 71 562 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The village of Holland Pateni takes its name from the large tract of land of more than 20,000 acres, granted to Henry, Lord Holland, by the British crown. He sold the tract to Seth Johnson, Horace Johnson, and Andrew Craige, who employed Moses Wright to survey it into lots of about 100 acres each. Seth Johnson was a native of Middletown, Conn., born in 1767, and died while on a visit to Holland Patent De cember 8, 1802; he was the first person buried in the burial ground which he had given to the settlers for that purpose. At the time the Johnsons came on the patent they found Noah Simons making a sur vey and claiming to be the owner of it. There was some litigation in later years to support those claims, but it failed. A few families moved upon the tract previous to 1797, having made purchases of Simons; among these are Rowland Briggs, Eliphalet Pierce, Eliphalet Coates, Benjamin White, and a few others, who made repurchases of the real owners. Soon after the Johnson and Craige survey they sold a quarter of the patent to Bezabel Fisk, Pascal C. I. De Angelis, Hezekiah Hul bert, and Isaac Hubbard, who drew shares for their several locations, after selecting two lots each. This formed a nucleus for the subsequent settlement. Mr. Hulbert died in 1800, and Mr. Fisk died early, both deaths occurring in Connecticut. Mr. De Angelis died in Holland Pat ent in 1839, at the age of seventy-six years; and Mr. Hubbard died in Ohio at the age of ninety- nine years. The post-office here was estab lished probably about 1805. Hobart Hall Academy was incorporated in 1839, with Mr. De Angelis as president, and a building was erected and the school commenced. For a number of years it was quite sue cessful, but it finally gave way to the graded schools and the building was then used for that purpose. In 1876 Watson Williams built the large brick hotel called the Clarendon, principally to accommodate the many guests that in recent years have sought this quiet and health- promoting place. This house is now kept by I. D. Thompson. A store is kept by John Ei Jones (formerly Jones & Owens), and by William McClusky (formerly White & McClusky), and M. M. Brown. A' grist mill between this village and Stittville is' operated by Thompson & Goodman. This village is the home of the author of successful books, writing under the nom-de plume of Betsey Bobbett, HENRY HAGEDORN. THE TOWN OF TRENTON. 563 The enterprising village of Prospect is situated in the northeast part of the town on the West Canada Creek. Its name is said to have been given it by Col. Adam G. Mappa, who, with a surveying party, laid out the village. Standing upon the eminence overlooking the valley of the creek and surrounding scenery, he exclaimed, " What a beautiful prospect ! " Hence the name. Phineas Watkins was an early settler of this town near what has been called Birch Ridge ; his son George opened the first store in Prospect, in association with John Owens; this was in 1823. Mr. Watkins had previously taught school in the village. A saw mill was built early on the Herkimer county side of the creek by John G. Squires, and another on the Trenton side which was long operated by George Watkins. Watkins and Owens continued in part nership until 1830. Mr. Watkins was conspicuous in building up the place. Judah Crosby settled about the beginning of the century a mile north of Prospect, and there his -son, Smith Crosby, was born in July, 1803. The latter was long a well known citizen and built the Union church in the village. George Watkins erected a grist mill after he had got his saw mill in operation ; it has been run ever since, with changes in its interior. The grist mill here is now operated by Henry Hagedorn ; there is no saw mill in operation. The large tannery once carried or by Lewis J. Griffith was burned and not rebuilt. The post-office at Prospect was established probably as early as 181 5. About 1825 Clark Hoyt built what became known as Union Hall, a large hotel in the upper part of the village. This property is now the property of Henry Hagedorn and is conducted by James Murphy, jr. The popular Dodge House is conducted by William Hodge. What was formerly known as Goshen Hall, and McMaster's Hall, in the lower part of the village, was probably built in early years by Porter Davis; it is now owned by James Sherman, and conducted as a hotel 'by Fred. Hubbard. Stores are kept here by C. B. Hodge, Charles Walters, John R. Williams and George H. Worden ; the latter has been in trade here thirty years, and is a grandson of Isaac Worden, who came here in 1794 and settled a half mile from the village site. The early settlement by the Garretts and others at South Trenton has been described. Cheney Garrett kept a public house for twenty years in what was later the dwelling of his son; it was built in 1801. 564 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The first store in the place was kept by Hugh Williams, a native of England. Mr. Garrett built a saw mill on the creek as early as 1797 and a grist mill, a clover mill, a flax mill, and a peppermint distillery were later put in operation. A brick yard was established about 1837 by H. W. and J. P. Garrett. The post-office of South. Trenton was originally established three miles south of the village on the Utica road • the one at. the village was opened about 1822 with Daniel Schermer horn as postmaster. A store is kept by E. D. Wheeler where John Mallory was formerly in trade and was succeeded by Robert Isaacs. A man named Rowley was in trade here as early as 1837. The hotel is kept by Lewis Smallenberge -, and a small grist mill is run by Charles Sy'pher. The first store at Trenton Falls was probably that of Romeo W. Mar shall, who was doubtless the first postmaster also. The store was in operation about 1820 and not far from 1825 the post-office was opened.- A grist mill was built about 1822 by Henry Conradt, and a saw mill was also started in early years. The grist mill is operated by William Morgan, and Charles Morgan has a store. The two hotels are owned by Mrs. Maria Moore, widow of Michael Moore. Gang Mills (post-office, Hinckley) is in the extreme northwest part of this town, and has long been a large lumber center. Almost half of the hamlet is, in Herkimer county. On the Trenton side is the post- office, a box factory run by Butts & Co., a large saw mill by the Glens Falls Lumber Company ; a store by Prentice & Willoughby and an other by Lamb & Smith. In the southwest corner of the town is a hamlet called Stittville, which has had a post-office since about 1851'. William Grant was the first postmaster. A small mercantile business has always been conducted there, and a few shops. A knitting factory was established in 1878; it is now operated by Hackett & Atwood. A store is kept by Fred. Gauss and another by Ellis D. Jones. The first church in this town, the Presbyterian at Holland Patent, founded in 1797, has already been mentioned. A church of this de nomination was also organized at Trenton village at an early date, but it finally declined and passed out of existence. Rev. Dr. Harrower preached alternately at the two places. The early records of these THE TOWN OF TRENTON. 565 churches are lost. In 1812 a Congregational church was formed at Holland Patent by Rev. Elijah Norton, to which Dr. Harrower minis tered after a few years. On the 2d of January, 1821, these two churches (the Presbyterian and the Congregational) united under the title The Church of Christ in Holland Patent. A Baptist church was organized at Holland Patent March 26, 18 12, with sixteen members, under the pastorate of Elder Joel Butler. A small church was built in 18 13 This was succeeded in 1840 by the stone church. The " United Protestant Religious Society " was formed at Trenton village in 1803, and dissolved in 181 1. The Christian church was or ganized in March, 1806, with Rev. John Sherman, pastor. These organizations were succeeded by the Reformed Christian (or Unitarian) Church of Trenton Village. A house of worship was early erected and is still in use. A Unitarian congregation was formed early at Holland Patent, which was ministered to in connection with the one at Trenton. it is not now in existence. St. Paul's Episcopal church, Holland Patent, was organized June 21, 1821, with Rev. Henry Moore Shaw, rector, and James Wetmore, and Abraham Diefendorf, wardens; Aaron Savage, Seth Wells, Robert McArthur, Samuel Candee, Bryant Yoings, John P. Warner, Samuel White, and Aaron White, vestrymen. There are also at Holland Patent a Welsh Methodist and a Welsh Congregational church Neither has a large membership nor a regular pastor. The pulpit of the former is supplied by Rev. Thomas T. Evans. The Methodist Episcopal church, Trenton village, was organized as 1840, and built its frame church in 1847. In 1841 a Union Society was formed at Prospect, which built a church and dedicated it in January, 1842. The property was afterwards deeded to a Methodist society, and the building was used by them and the Free Will Baptists many years. The latter society was organized in 1857. A. society of Close Communion Baptists was organized at Prospect about 1820, which afterwards was merged with the Free Will society. There is a Welsh Calvanistic church, organized about' 1857, and a Moriah Welsh Congregational society, organized in 1863, at Prospect, both of which have church buildings. 566 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. A Baptist church was formed at Trenton Falls about 1833, with thirty- nine members. Besides these there is a Welsh Methodist church at South Trenton. The supervisors of this town, from 1798 to 1896, inclusive, have been as follows, viz. : 1798-1800, John Storrs; 1801, Peter Schuyler ; 1802^10, John Storrs'; 1811, Rowland Briggs; 1812-29, William Rollo; 1830-32, Ithia Thompson; 1833-39, John Storrs; 1840, Isaac Currey; 1841, Israel F. Morgan; 1842^5, Henry Rhodes; 1846, Luther Guiteau, jr.; 1847, Henry Miller; 1848-49, Aaron White; 1850-51, John N. Billings; 1852, John Candee; 1853, Reuben W. Fox; 1854, Elam Perkins; 1855-58, Orville Combs; 1859-64, Delos A. Crane; 1865-70, Henry Broadwell; 1871-73, Delos A. Crane; 1874-76, J. Robert Moore; 1877-78, Jacob J. Davis; 1879, Griffith Wheldon; 1880, S, B. Atwood; 1881, Norton Wolcott; 1882-83-84, Lester G. Waufiil; 1885-86- 87, Thomas J. Lewis; 1888-89-90, R. R. Isaac; 1891-92-93, George R. Farley; 1894-95-96, H. A. Pride. CHAPTER XLVII. THE TOWN OF VERNON. This town lies on the southwestern border of the county and was formed from parts of Westmoreland and Augusta on Feb. 17. 1802. It retained its original area until 1836, when a small part was set off to Stockbridge, Madison county, leaving Vernon with an area of 23,710 acres. Within the limits of the town is included the territory of the Van Eps, Wemple, Baschard, Bleecker and Dean patents; the territory was within the original Oneida Reservation and a part in the Stock- bridge tract ; these divisions are shown on the map herein. Oneida Creek forms most of the western boundary of the town, and Skanandoa Creek flows northward across the town. The surface is rolling and the soil an excellent quality of gravelly and clay loam, underlaid with lime stone, waterlime and gypsum No town in the county possesses greater fertility than this. The first town meeting was held at the house of David Tuttle on the first Tuesday in April, 1802, and the usual officers were chosen. Sam uel Wetmore was elected supervisor ; Josiah Patten, town clerk. Mr, &nj2-a -v Ed by J K~ Camp • Al.** THE TOWN OF VERNON. 567 Wetmore held the office of supervisor nine years and was succeeded by Mr. Patten, who remained in the office until 1819. He was succeeded by John P. Sherwood. In 1830 James Kellogg. The town records previous to this date are lost. The list of supervisors from 1831 is as follows : 1831-33, Nicholas Dyer; 1834, James Kellogg; 1835-36, Josiah W. Jenkins; 1837, John P. Sherwood; 1838, David Pierson; 1839-40, John P. Sherwood; 1841, Levi T. Marshall; 1842, Austin B. Webber; 1843, Salmon Case; he resigned and Charles Kilbourn was elected to the vacancy ; 1844, Erastus W. Clark ; 1845, Salmon Case ; 1846, Fitch Howes; 1847-48, David Pierson; 1849-50, Hiram D. Tuttle; 1851, Josiah Case; 1852-54; Orson Carpenter; 1855, Eusebius W. Dodge; 1856-57, Orson Car penter; 1858-59, Sidney A. Bunce; 1860-63, Henry Wilson; 1864, Sidney A. Bunce; 1865-66, Henry Wilson; 1867-68, Thomas Butterfield; 1869-70, Edward W. Williams; 1871-72, William Marson; 1873-75, James Markham; 1876, Orson Carpenter; 1877, A. DeV. Townsley; 1878, A. Pierson Case; 1879-80, Charles Scoville; 1881, Orson Carpenter; 1882-83, F. A. Cody, jr.; 1884, J. B. Cushman; 1885-86, Morris S. Miller, jr.; 1887-89, Charles H. Phister; 1890, John F. Morrison; 1891-92, Elliot J. Norton; 1893-96, James M. Brown. Settlement in Vernon was begun by Josiah Bushnell, who located about 1794 on the northwest corner lot of the Bleecker patent, coming in from Berkshire county, Mass. He brought with him his wife and four children, one son and three daughters ; the youngest daughter died in 1795. before the arrival of any other settlers. When the Oneida Reservation was sold at auction in August, 1797, and the several pat ents were granted, settlement progressed rapidly, and within two years every farm was taken up by sturdy pioneers, mostly from Massachusetts and Connecticut. The Baschard patent was by far the larger of those within the town and the following is a list of the first settlers thereon : Rev. Publius Bogue, Deacons Hill and Bronson, Samuel Wetmore, David Bron son, Levi Bronson, Seth Holmes, Anson Stone, Asahel Gridley, Heman Smith, Eliphaz Bissell, Adonijah Foot, Stephen Goodwin, Seth Hills, Eli Frisbie, James De Vc-tie, John De Votie, Samuel Austin, Ezra Stannard, Matthew Griswold, Joseph Frisbie, David Alvord, Levi Thrall, Asahel Wilcox, Russell Church, Abijah P. Bron son, Thomas Spencer, Stephen Carter, Benjamin Carter, Levi Marshall, Seth Mar shall, Harvey Marshall, David Tuttle, Huet Hills, Elijah Webber,' a Mr. Bush, and a Mr. McEwen. These settlers were nearly all from the towns of Winchester and Tor rington, Conn., and they laid out a plat of six acres in a parallelogram which became the site of Vernon Center. Surrounding the Green were lots of one acre each, and a number of the settlers located on them, 568 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Around this Green all Protestant religious organizations were given permission to build churches. Asahel Gridley, mentioned above, built the first grist mill in the town, on the Skanandoa Creek a little west of Vernon Center ; he was father of Hon. Philo Gridley, one of the Supreme Court judges of this State. The second grist mill was built a little later at Vernon village by Abram Van Eps. The first settlers on the Sargent patent, which was a mile square and a little southwest of Vernon Center, were Rev. John Sargent, the patentee, Zenas McEwen, Ezra McEwen, and a Mr. Martin. On the Oneida Reservation the early settlers were Gideon Skinner, Ariel Law rence, Samuel Shed, Thomas Gratton, William De Land, Nathan Carter, Thomas Tryon, a Mr. Spalding, David Moore, Josiah Simons, a Mr. Grant, Joseph Doane, Ezra May, a Mr. Kellogg, William Mahan, Stephen Page, Ebenezer Ingraham, Sylvester Crocker, Chester May, Jonathan Graves, Augustus and Philo Soper, Ashbel Norton, Charles Dix, Rufus Vaughan, William Wright, Samuel Cody, a Mr. Kelsey, Mr. Raymond, Jacob Hungerford, Joseph Bailey, a Mr. Ailing, Mr. Haseltine, Mr. Carpenter, and Jedediah Darling ; these were mainly in the eastern part of the town. The settlers in the west and southwest part were James Griffith, Ebenezer Webster, Elisha Webster, Eli Webster, Russell Webster, Allen Webster, a Mr. Freeman, Capt. William Grant, Dr. Samuel Frisbie, Joseph Stone, Eliphalet Hotchkiss, Joshua Warren, Calvin Youngs, Simon Willard, Andrew Langdon, and Edward Webber. In the north part settled Amos Brockway, a Mr. Cole, Moses Upham, Aaron Davis, Jonathan Blount, Thaddeus Brookins, Joseph Day, Robert Frink, Stephen Campbell, Jonathan Ney, Calvin Huntington, Luther Huntington, and a Mr. Cook. The early settlers on the Van Eps patent were Abram (or Abraham) Van Eps, the patentee, Richard Hubbell, Gershom Hubbell, Benjamin Hubbell, Gad Warner, Benjamin Pierson, David Pierson, Josiah Patten, William Root, and Elihu Root. Richard and Gershom Hubbell were twin brothers, as also were Calvin and Luther Huntington. Richard Hubbell was the first settler on the Van Eps patent, locating in 1 794-5 in what is now the north part of Vernon village. THE TOWN OF VERNON. 569 The first marriage in this toton was that of Aaron Davis and Amy, daughter of Josiah Bushnell ; it occurred before 1798. The first white child born in the town was Edward Marshall, son of Levi Marshall, the date being April, 19. '799 The father of Abraham Van Eps was a fur trader at Schenectady. After the close of the Revolutionary war he took a lot of valuable property to the Canadian shore of Lake Ontario, where he was plundered by Indians and refugees; he never returned and his fate is unknown. Abraham was born in Schenectady in 1763, and in the spring of 1784 passed through what is now Oneida county before the arrival here of either Judge Dean or Judge White, on his way to Niagara with fur traders' goods. Returning in the fall he found along the old military road through the site of Whitesboro village the begin ning of improvements by Judge White and his sons. Mr. Van Eps established a trading station at the mouth of Oriskany Creek in 1785, where lie traded till about 1787, when he moved into the town of West moreland and built a log store on Judge Dean's farm. About 1792 he erected a building north of the site of Westmoreland furnace in which he kept house, having married a Miss Young of Schenectady, and also sold goods ; thus he was both the first merchant in the county and in the town of Westmoreland. When his patent was granted in Vernon he at once built a store in what is now the eastern part of Vernon village. In the same building Gershom Hubbell kept a tavern a short time. Mr. Van Eps built a dwelling there in 1798, moved into it, opened his store and thus became the first merchant in the town of Vernon. He was successful, but in 1809 removed to Schenectady. In 1829 he re turned to this town, his wife having died in 1828, and married Miss Sarah Underhill. He died in 1841, after a long and very useful life- Some of the early roads in this town received local names ; for exam ple, a part of the Seneca turnpike east of Oneida Castle was called Turkey street, said to have been so named from the fact that some of the early settlers went in the night to Oneida Castle and stole some turkeys be longing to the Indians What was called Cooper street runs parallel with and a mile or more north of the Seneca turnpike, and was so named from the number of early coopers settled there. Hovel, or Webster street, be gins about two miles west of Vernon village and leads southward to 72 570 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Sargent's patent. The first title came from the " hovel" style of some of the early dwellings along this road, while the residence there of five Websters was sufficient to name it Webster street. The first school in this town was taught at the Center by a Mr, Sessions, in a log school house, The first'frame school house was built at Vernon village soon after 1798 and was used also as a church for a number of years. As the inhabitants increased in numbers, the town was. subdivided into districts, the number of which in i860 was twelve; at the present time there are ten, with school houses. The village of Oneida Castle is situated partly in this town and partly in the town of Lenox, Madison county. A considerable hamlet gath ered here in early years. The first public house was kept by John Otis on the site of the later lower hotel. East of this' house previous to 1824 Stephen Parkhurst kept a small tavern; in the year named he moved the building opposite to the so- called' White House and kept it as a hotel eight or ten years. About 1833 he built the White House. This is still standing, but is unoccupied. The present hotel of Luke H. Coon was built by him in 1887 on the site of an older one which he had kept more than ten years. Another hotel is kept by John Don ovan, called the Central, The post-office was established prior to 18 18 and George Baldwin, an early lawyer, was made postmaster ; he was succeeded by Stephen Parkhurst, who held the office twenty years and was followed by Tim othy Jenkins. The first store in this village was that of Andrew Van Alstine, who was succeeded by Thomas Hooker. The stone store was built about 1834 by Elphalet Hotchkiss, on the site now covered by S. D. Bridge's store. Timothy Jenkins, just mentioned, was a prominent citizen, an excellent lawyer, and practiced in Vernon village from. 1825 to about 1832, when he removed to Oneida Castle and there passed the remainder of his useful life. Stores are now kept by S. D. Bridge and Chester Martin. The Brid e store was built by Rufus Peckham. The earliest physician in this place was Dr. John Morrison, who sub sequently removed to Wisconsin. Other prominent physicians of the place were Drs, Hurlburt G. Wetmore, Martin Cavana, and A. P. Dodge, TIMOTHY JENKINS. THE TOWN OF VERNON. 571 An academy was started early in the village by one of the Bronson family, who taught in it for a time. It declined in later years and was merged in the Union school. This school is continued in the academy building and is in charge of J. H. Kales, principal, and two assistants. A branch of the school is maintained at the Community with three teachers. Oneida Castle was incorporated May 26, 1841. and the following were elected the first officers : Robert Perry, Rufus Peckham, Horatio Stevens, H. G. Wetmore, Nathan F. Graves, trustees; James Tomlinson, clerk; Daniel Lamb, collector and treasurer ; Timothy Jenkins, John Smith, and Stephen Parkhurst, fire wardens. A reincorporation was effected under the general State law of 1870 on the 22d of December, 1872, and the first election under that charter was held January 1 1, 1873. The following were elected : President, James B. Avery; trustees, John Klock, J. L. Bridge, C. H. Wells; treas urer, H. Luce; collector, L. Budlong; clerk, M. L. Carr. The village officers for 1896 are: President, E. B. Beebee; trustees, Amos Joslin, James Taylor, Stephen Goodnow; collector, Daniel E. Teale; treasurer, Charles Hitchcock ; clerk, George R. Morrison. Mr. Morrison is also postmaster. Among the past tradesmen of this village were Horatio Stevens, Newman Schofield, Van Eps Hotchkiss, and others. The village of Vernon began its existence as a hamlet very early in the century. The beginning of mercantile business here by Mr. Van Eps has been described. A post-office was established early in, the history of the place. Hezekiah and Asa Ames, brothers, built a card ing and fulling mill early, ard a dwelling which afterwards became the Empire House. Samuel Gay kept a tavern probably as early as 1813 in a building that in later years became the residence of A. Judson. A public library was founded in the little village in 1806, which continued probably to 181 1. Salmon Case came to the village in 1813 and lived here all his life; he died in 1871. He opened a store and long carried on a successful business. He was the first cashier of the Bank of Vernon, was twice elected supervisor of the town, and was otherwise honored. Benjamin Pierson, who came to the place about 1800, and Thomas Williams, sr., were also early and prom inent citizens of the place. The latter operated a large tannery in the 572 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. southeast part of the village which ultimately burned and was not re built. He also carried on shoe and harness making. Vernon village, was incorporated on April 6, 1827, and the first election of officers was held on the third Tuesday in May of that year resulting as follows: John P. Sherwood, Thomas Williams, Luke Hitchcock Salmon Case, Robert Richardson, trustees; Henry Y. Stewart, John Stevens and Ira Kirtland, assessors; J. H. Collins, treasurer. Mr. Sherwood was afterward chosen president of the Board and Timothy Jenkins, clerk. The officers for 1896 are F. Martin, president; J. J. Bartholomew, George Lewis, Ard Johnson, trustees. The grist mill in this village was built for Mr. Van Eps in early years, the first millwright being Robert Richardson. The latter also estab lished a brewery here, and at one time the Granger brothers had a fac tory for making glass bottles. A window glass factory was carried on at one time by Willett Sherman for a stock company ; both of these industries were removed from town. Other past industries were a manufactory of scythe rifles and a drain til,e factory. The grist mill is now operated by J. J. Bartholomew. A canning factory is run by the Curtis Canning Company. An academy was opened here in 1833 chiefly through the efforts of Salmon Case. It was incorporated and started with good prospects. Until 1876 the institution had a fair degree of prosperity, but in that year it was merged into the Union school of the village and its prop erty was transferred to the trustees. Soon after the incorporation of the village the " Vernon Village Fire Company " was organized. A small hand engine was already owned, which with additions of hose and other apparatus continued in use until 1833, when a new company was organized and in 1840 a new engine was purchased and an engine house erected. This outfit sufficed until 1872 when another and better engine was bought. It is still in use and a fire company and hose company are maintained. The Bank of Vernon was organized in 1839 w*tn a capital of $100,- OOO. John J. Knox was the first president and Salmon Case, cashier. The stone bank building was erected in the same year. In 1865 the bank was changed to a national band. Josiah Case succeeded Mr, THE TOWN OF VERNON. 573 Knox as president in 1862, and Salmon Case was succeeded as cashier by T. F. Hand, and he by Everett Case in 185 1. The present presi dent is A P. Case, and D. B Case is- cashier. The founding of the Vernon Courier many years ago and its later removal to Rome have been described in another chapter of this vol ume. The village remained without a newspaper until the spring of the present year (1896). Rev. H. A. Howard established the Search light, a monthly publication, in December, 1895, and continued it to May, 1896, when the Vernon Times, succeeded it, with Curry & Mur phy publishers and editors. The Times is a sprightly folio and is re ceiving liberal support. Present stores are kept in this village by C. H. Pfister, George P. Langford, and a tin and stove store by William Hyden. J. A. Ott is postmaster. The hotels now. in existence are the Vernon House by William Zim- mer, the Lewis House by G. H. Lewis, and the West Shore House by William Kernan. The old Hubbell tavern (afterwards the Pierson) was the first one in the place. In 1 878 it was enlarged and improved. Samuel Gay kept a hotel as early as 1813 and was succeeded by other landlords in the building that subsequently became the residence of A. Judson. A hotel formerly known as the Empire House was built for a dwelling by Hezekiah and Asa Ames, brothers. Shelburn Ives owned and occupied it many years. The Ames Brothers also had a carding machine and fulling mill on Scanandoa Creek. The laying out of the village plat of Vernon Center by the pioneers has already been noticed. A post office was established here soon after the war of 1812, and Pitt Cody was among the first, if not the first, .postmaster; he kept the office in his shoe shop. His father was Sam uel Cody, a justice of the peace. Elisha Pettibone kept a hotel, which was built early in the history of the place. A second one was built be fore Mr. Pettibone completed the changes which he made in his house, on the site of the Methodist parsonage. Mr. Pettibone opened his house January 1, 18 18, after which the .other house was closed as a hotel. Mr. Pettibone also operated a distillery north of the village many years. A store was kept as early as 1 8 1 8 opposite the hotel by Syl vester Herrick. Other former merchants were Elihu Foot, John Pil- 574 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. cher, Josiah Foot, Alpha Church and Willis Walters. Stores are now kept by Elliot Norton, who succeeded his father, Alson Norton, and another by George Earl. Charles Dix came with his family, a wife and five children, from' Wethersfield, Conn., to Vernon, in 1802. He purchased a tract of land in the extreme south part of the town, a portion of which is still owned and occupied by his granddaughter, Mrs Gay Henry Rodemore. His new home was in a picturesque, narrow valley, with his lands extending up the hills on either side. Adjoining, on the north, was the Oneida Indian Reservation, whence formerly a considerable quantity of beads were washed down the ravines of the hill side. The Indians were buried in shallow graves with their beads and other ornaments. The writer still has a string of beads that he picked up at this place more than fifty years ago. Mr. Dix brought with him sufficient means to give him at once an independent financial position. He built a tannery and shoe- shop, and later a rope walk and flax mill, and in the early part of the century this little valley, where there is now only a lone farm house, was a busy place The Indians made almost daily visits, and bread and other food was often given them, which they ate, sitting in groups near the dwelling of Mr. Dix on the logs that had been drawn for wood to be used in the great fireplaces of the time. They were always peaceable and friendly, except occasionally when intoxicated by liquors furnished by the; whites. Charles Dix was born in Wethersfield, Conn., November 8, 1764, and died in Vernon, N. Y., July 13, 1850 He was a descendant in the fourth generation of Leonard Dix, one of the original settlers of Weth ersfield. He married, March 5, 1786, Prudence Wells, daughter of John Wells, a descendant in the fourth generation of Thomas Wells, also one of the original settlers of Wethersfield (1635), and the first colonial treasurer of Connecticut, and afterwards secretary, deputy governor and governor of the colony, and for twenty- three years one of the judges of the General Court, and the writer, and one of the enactors, in 1642, of the severe statutes that hav,e given rise to the tradition of the exist ence of a criminal code, commonly known as the " Blue Laws." Charles Dix removed from Wethersfield to Torrington, Conn., in 1786 ; where, according to the published history of that town, he built THE TOWN OF VERNON. 575 its first tannery; he returned to Wethersfield in 1795, and moved 'to Vernon, N. Y., in 1802. Children of Charles and Prudence (Wells) Dix: 1, Lydia, botn April 6, 1787, in Torrington, Conn., died August 27, 1870, in Vernon, N.Y. ; 2, William, born June 7, 1789, in Torrington, Conn., died March 19, 1876, in Dover, Mich.; 3, Erastus, born April 15, 1791, in Torrington, Conn., died in 1844, in Ausable Forks, N. Y. ; 4, Ara, born July 14, 1793, in Torrington, Conn., died September 4, 1826, in Vernon, N. Y. ; 5, Martha (Patty),1 born December 12, 1 796, in Wethersfield, Conn., died December 23, 1863, in New Haven, N. Y. ; 6, Hannah, born De cember 8, 1799, in Wethersfield, Conn., died February 27, 1848, in Stafford, N. Y. ; 7, Charles, born May 1, 1802, in Wethersfield, Conn., died March 8, 1862. in Le Roy, N. Y. ; 8, Samuel, born July 14 1805, in Vernon, N. Y., died March 27, 1807, in same place ; 9, Eli Richard, born October 6, 1807, in Vernon, N. Y., died August 18, 1852, in same place. The first religious society in this town was of the Congregational form and was organized at Vernon Center in 1803. It subsequently changed to -the Presbyterian form and has so remained. Rev. Mr. Bogue was the first pastor who was followed by Rev. Calvin Bushnell, who preached here and in Vernon village until 1817, when he was set tled at the latter place. The first church building was erected in 18 12 and was rebuilt in 1839. The " Mount Vernon Presbyterian Society " was organized at Ver non village in 1805, taking its name from the then commonly used title for that village. The frame church was built by subscription in 181 5, and was extensively improved in later years. Rev. Calvin Bushnell, before mentioned, remained with the church until 1829, aad was suc ceeded by Rev; Aaron Gunnison. The Baptist church at Vernon village, was organized in October, 1807. The church edifice was built many years ago and is still in use in remodeled form. This society has always had a vigorous existence. The Methodist Episcopal church at Vernon Center was formed in 1 Martha, daughter of Charles and Prudence (Wells) Dix, married, in Vernon, N. Y., March 8, 1814, Zadok Farman, son of Roswell and Abiah (Hutchins) Farman. Their second son, Henry Far- man, horn March 14, 1823, in New Haven, Oswego county, N. Y., has resided at Knoxboro, Oneida county, N. Y., for over fifty years. (See sketch on another page of this work). 576 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1826, and in 1828 the society built its frame edifice. In 1850 the spire was demolished by lightning and afterwards rebuilt. The Methodist church at Vernon village was organized about 1830, and soon afterward built its church in the northwest part of the corpo ration. The building was moved to its later location in 1839, and the society has always been active and zealous. A Unitarian Congregational society was formed in March, 1841 and the church building near the Oneida Community's factories, formerly used by the Indians, was removed to the village of Vernon, and dedi cated in September, 1842. The society finally passed out of existence. A Presbyterian society, was formed at Oneida Castle not long after 1840, and a church built at a later date, meetings being held at first in the school house. The old chujch was used until 1884, when a new edifice was erected. OneidaCommunity — The property of this celebrated organization is largely in the town of Vernon. The community was founded in 1847- 8 by a company of so called Religious Perfectionists, under leadership of John Humphrey Noyes. The lands where the Community settled were fertileand well- watered. They bought of the State a part of the Oneida Indian Reservation. This land had never been subject to private ownership. The Indians held it in common. Near the center of this tract of Indian land, and about midway in the mouth of the valley was a beautiful plateau of sev eral acres in extent, near the Oneida Creek, but rising about a dozen feet above the adjacent land. It was a natural garden spot. On this plateau the Community reared its primitive mansion — a wooden struc ture built mainly of hemlock lumber, cut in the neighborhood and sawed in their own mill. Here they afterward built a larger Community home of brick, and surrounded it with beautiful lawns and flowers, shrubbery and trees. Since 1863 their grounds have been noted as among the most beautiful in the State, and have been visited and admired by thousands. The Community soon after its settlement here began fruitgrowing. One of their prominent business men, Henry Thacker, a man with a clear head and practical mind, was an enthusiast in this line. He brought a stock of fruit trees with him when he joined ; he set out THE TOWN OF VERNON. 577 orchards — apple, pear, peach, cherry and plum ; he planted straw berries and raspberries; he imbued the Community with his confidence and enthusiasm. The winters of Central New York are cold, with oc casional falls of temperature to 200 or more below zero. The Com munity were obliged after experiments to abandon peach, cherry and plum culture as uncertain. In other fruits, especially strawberries, they had success. Gradually the farmers around them caught the fruit growing fever. They inquired as to the Community methods of culture, and put them into practice, and ultimately made the Oneida region famous in strawberry growing. In 1854 Mr. Thacker began canning and bottling fruits in a small way for family use. The art was learned from a member of the North American Phalanx in New Jersey. His success led the ^Community to encourage him to further experiments. In 1855 a few dozens of toma toes and plums were canned for the market and sold in Syracuse, Os wego and other neighboring cities. From this small beginning a large business grew. Other manufacturing businesses also grew up in the Community in much the same way, notably the Newhouse Steel Trap business. Sewell Newhouse, an accomplished hunter and trapper, and trapmaker joined the Community. He soon converted the Community to his own en thusiasm for making Newhouse's superior steel traps, for trapping all kinds of fur bearing animals, from the rat and muskrat to the grizzly bear. A quantity was made and put on the market. They were in troduced to fur dealers and hardware men, and through them to trap pers all over the country. Demand for them sprang up and grew faster than the Commnnity could supply. A great business was the result. The whole continent, from the Gulf of Mexico to Hudson's Bay, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific, has for over thirty years been mainly supplied with steel traps from the Oneida Community factory. They still lead in the business, distancing all competitors, both in, quality and popularity of their traps. In 1866 a beginning was made in a small way in the manufacture of sewing silks and machine twist. This busi ness has also grown to large proportions, and the goods placed on the market by them are among the best of American make. In 1877-8 the manufacture of silver-plated table ware was begun, and is now a, 73 578 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. leading business. The factories of the trap and silk businesses are located at Sherril], Oneida county, a mile and a quarter north of the home buildings, on the New York, West Shore and Buffalo Railway. The canning factory is near the home buildings. The table ware works are at Niagara Falls, N. Y. In 1879 the Community receded, in compliance with the wishes of the surrounding public, from the practice of their peculiar doctrines of Social Communism, and in 1880 it was re-organized as a joint stock company, under the name of the Oneida Community, Limited. Their social life is now similar to that of surrounding society. The joint stock company carries on the leading business of the old Community. The large domain of over 500 acres, lying in both Oneida and Madison counties, is kept nearly intact. The farm is a beautiful one, under good cultivation. The grounds are still well kept. The goods put on the market by the Oneida Community had an un rivaled reputation. The Oneida Community, Limited, inherit that reputation and aim to increase it. In 1879 the Oneida Community, having exhibited for thirty- three years a harmonious and prosperous form of society in which the private ownership of both property and persons was abolished, peaceably re solved itself into a joint stock company. The shares in the large prop erty which had been accumulated by their industry were divided, with out any litigation, among the members of the Community, the amount allotted to each individual being proportioned to the number of years of service. There was no distinction at the settlement. The women shared equally with the men and the children born in the Community were given an annuity. The five flourishing businesses established by the Community have been continued without interruption, and afford a profit in dividends which support the original members in comfort. The younger people intermarried on the dissolution of the Communistic form of society, and have made happy families. Mr. Noyes died in 1 886, and his followers have refrained from any attempt to form small Communities. The chief agricultural product of Vienna in the past has been hops, but in recent years the dairying interest has successfully competed for precedence, and with the prospects of prevailing depression in the SILAS ADAMS. THE TOWN OF VERONA. 579 hop market, is likely to become the leading industry. Among the prominent farmers in the town who have passed away were Nicholas Dyer, Harlem Norton, and J. L. Stone. Some of the leaders of the present time are Silas Adams, J. F. Morrison, the Markham brothers, Merrick Webber, Neil Duross, and Ira Snell. CHAPTER XLVIII. " THE TOWN OF VERONA. The town of Verona is situated on the western border of Oneida county, centrally north and south, and originally constituted a part of the Oneida Reservation, the territory of which was sold at auction in August, 1797. The town was erected February 17, 1802, from West moreland. The western boundary is formed by Oneida Creek and Oneida Lake, and its northern boundary by Wood Creek. Other smaller streams, among them Stony Creek, are tributary to the two larger creeks and lake. The surface south of the Erie Canal is rolling, while the northwestern part is level with a slight slope towards the lake, by which it was undoubtedly once covered ; the soil here is a rich allu vial and was covered by a dense forest of the ordinary hard woods, with some hemlock and cedar. The town has an area of"^ 1,796 acres. > The Verona Springs, that have attained considerable local celebrity, are situated in the southeast part of the town. This spring was known to the Indians, by whom it is said to have been called " the medicine spring." The water was used ±0 %some extent from the time of the early settlements in this region; but it was^ not until about 1830 that the spring was brought into public notice. In 1850 Dr. Seymour Cur tiss established a water cure. Some years later Dr. Nelson Hunt and his wife, Mrs. A. A. Hunt, M. D., took the establishment and success fully conducted it. Many boarders, both patients and others, were accommodated and many were greatly benefited. The boarding house is still open under the supervision of Mrs. Hunt. The analysis of the spring water is as follows : o8ti OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Grains. Uncombined Acids or Bases Sulphate of lime _.. 63.189 'Grains Carbonate of lime 38.473 Silicic acid _ 588 Chloride of calcium. ._ _._ 82.609 Sulphuric acid 37.170 Chlorideof magnesium ... 27.109 Chlorine 418.411, Chloride of sodium 562.891 Carbonic acid _ _ 10.047 Chloride of potassium 4.057 Hydro- sulphuric acid _ 8.870 Chloride of lithium . . .... 2.375 Lime _ _ 89.271 Silicic acid _ .588 Magnesia _ 11.424 Potassa 2.562 Soda 298.487 Lithia 83R Grains in one imperial gallon.. 781. 291 Total :..._ .878.668 Gases in Solution. — Sulphuretted hydrogen 25.55 cubic inches. Settlement began in this town in 1791 with the arrival of George A. Smith. He reached Judge Dean's public house in Westmoreland on Christmas eve of that year, and on the following day started with his family through the deep snow and the dark forest for th'eir wilderness home in Verona. They did not reach their destination until January 1, 1792, although they were within the town limits a few days earlier. Mr, Smith was prominent among the early settlers, and died about eleven years after his arrival. His daughter, Eve, born March 25, 1795, was the first white child born in the town. After a considerable interval, the second pioneer arrived in the per son of Asahel Jackson, from Berkshire county, Mass., who came in May, I- 1796, and at the mouth of Wood Creek built a dwelling where he kept a public house for boatmen Mr. Jackson died about ten years lafer and his widow continued the tavern another ten years, and married a man named Eggleston. At the time of Jackson's settlement, Mr. Smith was his nearest neighbor, eighteen miles distant. In either 1796, or early in 1797,3 Frenchman and his bride came into the town and located at what became known as Oak Orchard, on Wood Creek. His name was La Whiten de Wardenon, and both he and his wife, whose name was Celeste, were reputed members of dis tinguished families, while romatic tradition credited them with fleeing from their native land to escape opposition to their marriage. Arriving in America it is known that De Wardenon, who had invested his for tune in foreign merchandise and brought it over with him, lost most of his property and then sought a home in the wilds of Verona. A child DAVID A. WARREN. THE TOWN OF VERONA. 581 was born to the twain, which died in 1797 — the first death in the town. The parents were grief stricken and having nothing from which to con struct a coffin, the little one was buried in its cradle. When the work men on the Inland Canal were digging there a few years later, the re mains of the cradle with its skeleton were unearthed. The temporary settlement in this town of Jedediah Phelps in 1798 has been described in an earlier chapter. He had located at Fort Stan wix in 1784. A considerable number of settlers came on in the spring of 1798, many of them locating in the southern part of the town where they had previously bid off lands at the auction sale of tracts in the Oneida Reservation. Among the arrivals of that year were the fol lowing : Russell Brooks, Martin Langdon, Noah Langdon, Samuel Avery, Joseph Eames. John Bosworth, Oliver Pomeroy, Ithamar Day, Eleazer Ellis, Fisher Ellis, Stephen ¦Benedict, Jabez Loomis, Jonathan Warren, John Tilden, John R. Todd, Levi Skin ner, Lieutenant Billington, Peter Whelan, Robert Robbins, Rodman Clark, Caleb Clark, Solomon Bishop, Moses Brown. The following came in either 1798 or not long after: Simeon Parsons, Joseph Couch, Benjamin Blackman, Achus Rathbun, ' Artemas Brewer, Nahum Joslin, Elias Cagwin, Daniel B. Cagwin, Dr. Alexander Whaley, Joseph Green and Gideon Todd. The first framed house in town was built by Robert Robbins. Settlement progressed rapidly, excepting in the northern and north western parts. These sections filled up faster after the opening of the middle section of the Erie Canal. Among the pioneers living in the town in 1802-4, aside from those previously mentioned are the follow ing : Eli Whelan, Eleazer Ellis, Alexander Beebe, John Bozworth, Oliver Pomeroy, Keeler Starr, Dan Bozworth, Noah, Joseph, Martin, and Reuben Langdon, Daniel Hall, Nathan Ellis, Thaddeus Wilson, Calvin Giddins, Robert Robins, Thomas G. Day, Ebenezer Loomis, Jabez Loomis, Simeon Parsons, Obed Williams, Enoch Hitchcock, Richard Brown, Thomas R. Clark, James Bewel, John Gray, Joseph. Eames; and in 1805, Stephen Clark, Ephraim Robbins, Samuel Pratt, Achus Rath- bun, Constant Bozworth, Samuel Whaley, Dr. Alexander Whaley, Elias Cagwin. Abel Gillete came from Hartford county, Conn., in 1806 and settled on a farm east of the site of Verona village, where his son, Justus E. Gillett afterwards resided. Noah Leete settled a mile and a half south of Verona village in 1809 and with later members of the family became prominent in the town. Solomon Bishop, from Whitingham, Vt, set- 582 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tied first in Westmoreland in 1797, and moved to Verona in 1803 locating finally on the farm where his grandson, Calvin W. Bishop resided in recent years. The latter was the youngest of eleven children of Calvin Bishop, son of the pioneer and .who passed his long life in the 'town. Achus Rathbun, a Quaker, settled in the town in 1802, and was father of Wells Rathbun, who passed a long life here. Orville Elmer, L. D. Smith, Henry Bissell, Peter Whelan, John Bosworth, Alexander Enos, and others who will be mentioned, were prominent settlers of this town. Eliphalet Frazee was the first settler on the site of Durhamville, in the northwest part of the town, where he located in 181 1. Shubael Brooks was the first pioneer at Verona village, in the fall of 1797, ?nd Dr. Brundage, the first physician in the town, settled there very early. Dr. Alexander Whaley, father of Dr. James Whaley of Rome, and grandfather of the present Dr. James H. Whaley, also of Rome, was an early practitioner in Verona, and was a conspicuous man in his profession, and a leading citizen. He lived to the age of nearly ninety- two years and died in Rome. Samuel Whaley, brother of Dr. Alexander Whaley, was also long a resident in Verona. The first town meeting in Verona was held on March 2, 1802, at the house of Martin Langdon, half a mile west of the site of Verona village, and the following officers were elected : Supervisor, Jedediah Phelps; town clerk, Eleazer Ellis; assessors, Martin Lang don, Peter Whelan, Caleb Clark; collector, Stephen Benedict ; poormasters, Jonathan Warren, Noah Langdon; commissioners of roads, Isaac Weld, John Bosworth, Alex ander Enos ; constable,' Stephen Benedict ; overseers of highways, Reuben Langdon, ' David Shed, George Seton, Simeon Parsons, Isaac Weld, Thomas R. Clark, Eleazer Ellis, Squier Holmes, Eliel Nichols, Park Adams; fence viewers, Jedediah Phelps, Caleb Clark, Jabez Loomis; poundkeeper, Joseph Eames. Following is a list of the supervisors of this town from 1803 to the present time : 1803-6, Jedediah Phelps; 1807-19, Stephen Benedict; 1820, Joseph Grant; 1821, Stephen Benedict; 1822-23, Joseph Grant; 1824-25, Stephen Benedict; 1826, Alex ander Whaley, M. D. ; 1827-31, Nathaniel Fitch; 1832, Ichabod Hand; 1833, Alfred Patten; 1834-37, James J. Carley; 1838, De Witt C. Stevens; 1839, James O. Gates; 1840-41, Justus E. Gillett; 1842-43, Alfred Patten; 1844, no record; 1845-46, James S. Whaley; 1847, Willet Stillman ; 1848-49, Thomas G. Halley ; 1850, Archibald Hass; 1851, James S. Whaley; 1852, no record; 1853, Solomon P. Smith; 1854, Calvin Bishop ; 1855, no record ; 1856, Martin Tipple ; 1857-58, Orson Foote ; 1859-60, Sal mon Tuttle; 1861-6 i, George Benedict; 1863-64, J. Platt Goodsell ; 1865-66, George AMOS F. BREWSTER. THE TOWN OF VERONA. 583 H. Sanford; 1867-69, Henry S. Stark; 1870, Willard H. Bennett; 1871-73, Henry S. Stark; 1874, Delford Patten; 1875-76, William Williams; 1877-78, Henry S. Stark; 1879-83, Gottlieb Merry; 1884-85, Jacob F. Gettman; 1886-89, Carl T. Siebel; 1890- 91, Joseph M. Palms; 1892-95, H H. Miller; 1896, Hugo Keller. Records of the early schools of the town are not in existence, but it is probable that the first ones were taught on or near the site of Verona village. One of the very early ones was at Blackman's Corners and another at what is now Verona Station. A select school was kept sev eral years near what was known at the Bishop place, first by a Mr. Ayres and afterwards by Miss Phelps. The town has now twenty- six school districts that have school houses in the county. Verona village constitutes a Union Free School district, for which a handsome school building was erected in 1895 at a cost of $4,500. A principal and three teachers are employed. There is also a Union Free School at New London, a hamlet on the canal in the eastern part of the town, where a neat two story brick school building was erected more than twenty years ago. The village of Durhamville constitutes a Union Free School district and has a good graded school. As an agricultural district Verona has always ranked high among the towns of Oneida county. Miscellaneous crops were grown in the early years, and later hops were largely cultivated. In more recent years, dairying has come into greater prominence and at the present time may be considered the leading industry. There are eight cheese factories in the town, which take the milk of about 3,500 cows and manufacture 200,000 pounds of cheese annually. Among the prominent farmers of Verona, past and present, may be mentioned E. E. Brewer, Charles A. Pratt, Charles P. Frisbie, I. L. Amann, J. J Loomis, D. Patten, William M. Peckham, Charles H. Warren, W. B. Osgood, R. H. Barber, J. H. and Thomas Dunn, Martin Stevens, G. W. Frisbie, and others. The first settlement of the site of Verona village in 1797 has been described. The place is situated on the road from Rome to Oneida Castle, and was known in early years as Hand's Village, taking that name from Capt. Ichabod Hand, who long kept a popular public house here. A hotel was built on the corner in 1830 by Calvin and Harrison Bishop, brothers. There was an earlier hotel built and conducted by James Clark. His brother, George Clark, owned the first store in the village ; this was in the first decade of the century. The post-office was estab- 584 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. lished very early and one of the pioneer postmasters was a tailor named Hess, who kept the office in his shop in the western part of the village. There are at the present time two hotels here, kept respectively by A. Hinman and F. C. Phelps. The present merchants are C. E. Crandall & Son, who have been in business many years. H. M. Leete bought out the store of A. B. Webber in 1842, conducted it successfully many years and was succeeded by his son, R. B. Leete ; the present firm is R. B. Leete & Son. W. H. Kline deals in agricultural implements. Gottlieb Merry is the present postmaster. The Oneida Canning Com pany has a canning factory on the railroad near the station. Verona Station is a little westward from the village, where a small business has been carried on since the opening of the railroad. H. H. Miller is the present merchant and postmaster here and H. C. Arnott conducts a hotel. The village of Durhamville is situated in the southeast part of the town and is a station on the Midland railroad. The canal passes through it, and in former years it was a place- of considerable business impor tance. In 181 1 Eliphalet Frazer made the first settlement here. The village took its name from Eber Durham, who located here in 1826, coming from Manlius. There were then only four log houses on the site of the village, indicating that its later growth was due largely to the canal. Mr. Durham leased the surplus water from the canal and used it for power purposes. This right was abolished some years later. A tannery was early operated here, a foundry, and several mills, all of which have disappeared. In 1845 De Witt C. Stephens built a glass factory at Durhamville and operated it a few months, when it passed to Fox, Gregory & Co., who had a factory at Sand Lake, N. Y. The firm became Fox & Son, who successfully carried on the business many years. During one period sixty to seventy hands were employed, 15, OOO/ to 20,000 bushels of sand, 1,000 bushels of salt, 100,000 pounds of German clay and 20,000 pounds of Jersey clay, and 2,500 tons of coal and 1,500 cords of wood were used annually in these works. After the formation of the United Glass Company, which controls most of the glass works of the country, this factory passed under its control and in pursuance of the policy of restriction of product, was closed down in 1890. CALVIN BROWN. THE TOWN OF VERONA. 585 A pipe factory was established here in 1877 by E. N. & G. F. Kelsey, which was successfully operated about ten years. The village suffered severely from fire in 1886 and again in 1888, and this factory was part of the property, destroyed. It was not rebuilt. There is now no manufacturing in the place aside from a steam grist mill built in 1893 by Hugo Keller, who also conducts one of the two stores in the place. The other is kept by Maher & Son. Hotels are kept by Albert Felts, Dennis Megan, and Jacob Schwartz. What are known as the Dunbarton Glass Works are situated on the canal about four miles northerly from Durhamville. This was also at onetime an extensive establishment, employing over fifty hands and turning out 30.000 boxes of glass annually. It went under control of the United Glass Company and was closed down in 1890. There is a post-office, but no business at Dunbarton. The hamlet of New London is situated on the canal in the eastern part of the town, where Ambrose Jones was the first settler in 1824. He afterwards removed to Vienna. A post-office was established about 1825. Boat building was formerly extensively carried on here and it was a shipping point of importance. A store is kept by R. B. Wright & Son and hotels by Thomas Drummond and George P. Wright. Rathbunville, better known in later years as Verona Mills, which is the name of the post-office, is in the extreme eastern part of the town, where settlement was commenced in 1802 by Achus Rathbun, a Quaker. He was a worthy citizen, as also were later members of his family. His son. Solomon Rathbun, became proprietor of extensive business establishments, including a large flouring mill, a store, and a woolen factory. The grist mill was burned, and the present one has been owned and operated many years by Williams & Bennett A store is kept by E. Lea. Higginsville is a postal hamlet, George B. Fitch, postmaster, on the canal a little northerly from Durhamville, and was built up on the strength of canal, traffic. A small mercantile business has been con ducted there and stores are now kept by Frederick Wendt and Charles Ackerman. One of the cheese factories is also located here. A hotel is kept by Anthony Berical. State Bridge is a post-office on the capal near Durharnville. A sfore 74 586 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. is kept by , Webb Potter and a hotel by Michael Dunn. Other hamlets in the town are Tilden Hill in the northeast part, where Merritt Clark settled in 1798 and kept a small store. John Tilden, from whom the locality took its name, came in 1800. It is now no more than a farm neighborhood. Sconondoa, in the extreme northwest corner, on the creek of that name, was the site of an early cotton factory, operated by Samuel S. Breese, and discontinued about 1845, P'sn Creek is a post-office and hamlet on the Midland Railroad near the shore of Oneida Lake, with a small collection of houses and shops. A store is kept by John Roberts Stacy's Barn is a postal hamlet on the canal where Ephraim Jordan and Thomas Jordan are residents, and near by Captain Weismantel and Henry Leight carry on mercantile business. A Congregational society was formed in this town August 5, 1803, by Revs. Peter Fish and Timothy Cooley, missionaries, one of whom was of the Congregational and the other of the Presbyterian faith. The number of members of this society was twenty- three. In November, 1806, a religious society was organized "to provide the privileges of the gospel for themselves and families," and sixty five heads of families signed the agreement. In the fall of 1805 a Methodist preacher held a revival at Lowell, in Westmoreland, which spread over into this town- and about forty were added to this church. The first pastor was Rev. Israel Brainard, installed September 23, 1807. A church was built early two miles east of Verona village, and in 1828 the society divided and a second Congregational church was formed, which built a house of worship in the village. This condition continued until 1837, when the two societies reunited and thereafter occupied the church in the village. The building has been at various times improved, and the congregation now worship in the Presbyterian faith. The Methodist church at Verona village was organized as a separate station in 1833. Previous to that time it was connected with the old Westmoreland Circuit, for which a church was erected in 1830. Since that time it has been extensively improved, especially between 1868 and 1870. The society also owns a parsonage and has a vigorous ex istence. The first church organized on or near the site of Duarhamville was THE TOWN OF VERONA. 587 the Baptist. In 1812 Eliphalet Frazee, the first settler there, joined with Benjamin Newcomb, Dyer D. Ransom, Roswell Barker and a few others, and began public religious worship ; this was continued to 18 15, when they organized a church with twelve, members. > Mr. Newcomb was the preacher most of the time until 18 19, and in that year was ordained the pastor. In 1883 a church was erected which is still in use, but has been much improved in later years. Durhamville was many years ago a missionary station of the Episco pal church, and meetings were held between i860 and 1880 in the old Presbyterian church building, that society having declined and ceased to hold services. This building was taken down in 1886, removed to State Bridge by the Methodists in that vicinity and there rebuilt. It is still used by that society. The Episcopals built their present church on the Presbyterian site in the year last named. The Methodist Episcopal church at New London, was in existence prior to 1843, in which year they purchased a building moved it and fitted it for worship. This was used until 1888, when the society bought of the Lutherans in the Churchville neighborhood near Verona Mills, a church building and removed it to New London, near the site of the former one. The adherents of the Lutheran faith had erected two buildings near Verona Mills, one of which is now used by them and the Baptists in union. A Methodist society was organized at Durhamville prior to 1850, and is still in existence. The church of the Franciscans, near Durhamville, was erected nearly or quite forty years ago, soon after the organization of the society. The church was placed in charge of the Franciscan Fathers of Syracuse. In 1808 the families of Daniel Williams and his brother Joshua, num bering about twenty- four persons, and living near Rathbunville, but in the town of Rome, formed themselves into an organization " for re ligious improvement and Sabbath worship;" this association was the nucleus of the later Seventh Day Baptist organization, which was formed in 1820 with fifty-one members. A reorganization was effected in 1828 as the "First Seventh Day Baptist Society of Rome and Verona." A house of worship was erected in the next year. Services continued un til 1837, when the Second Seventh Day Baptist church of Verona was 588 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. organized at Durhamville with forty- o'ne members. They built a church a mile east of Durhamville in 1850. In 1879-80 a church was erected near Higginsville and dedicated in January, 1880, as a Presbyterian church. It is now used as a Union church. There was formerly a Baptist church at Higginsville and another at Verona depot. CHAPTER XLIX. THE TOWN OF VIENNA. The town of Vienna is situated on the western border of Oneida county, upon the north shore of the eastern end of Oneida Lake. The east branch of Fish Creek forms part of the eastern boundary, and Wood Creek a part of the southern. Other smaller streams are numerous, some of which have supplied good water power. In the southern part the surface is comparatively level, and some of it low and marshy ; in the northern part it is broken and hilly. The soil is generally sandy, with alluvium along Fish Creek. Good building stone have been quarried in the east part and bog ore has been found in the marshy section along the lake. The original pine and , hemlock forest that covered much of the territory developed a large lumber interest in early years. Vienna was formed from Camden April 3, 1807, with the name of "Orange." On the 6th of April, 1808, the name was changed to " Bengal," which title was retained until April 12, 1816, when the present name was adopted. A part of Annsville was set off in 1823, leaving Vienna with an area of 38,102 acres. The town includes what were townships 9 and 10 of Scriba's patent and is part of the Nicholas Roose velt grant ; the latter not complying with the terms of sale, a large share of his purchase was resold to George Scriba, and the remainder, which included the territory of this town, was acquired under chancery proceedings by Gen. Alexander Hamilton, John Lawrence, and John THE TOWN OF VIENNA. 589 B. Church. The early records of the town are lost, depriving us of much of its history down to 187 1. , The first settler in the town was Ephraim Church, who located prob ably in 1797 on the farm owned in recent years by William Bailey and John Humaston. He afterwards sold out to a Mr. Jarvis Isaac Cook came probably in the same year with Church, and Timothy Halstead, the third settler, in 1798 or 1799. The latter built the first frame house and was the father of Henry N. Halstead who passed his life in the town. Mr. Halstead was from the town of Trenton, and the next year after his removal from there to Vienna he was followed by Eliphalet Pierce from the same town. Others who came into the town about the beginning of the century were Luther Fisher, Alexander and Jonathan Graves, John Tully, Peter Gibbons, Isaac Babcock, a Mr. Kilbourne, and a Mr. Smith, a blacksmith. Two children of Luther Fisher were about the first to die in the town and Alexander Graves was killed very early in a saw mill at McConnellsville. Mr. Gibbons settled about 1803 half a mile below McConnellsville, on a farm afterwards owned by Alanson Tuttle. Jonathan Graves built the first frame barn and Mr. Gibbons the second on this farm.' Luther Pike settled in 181 5 on the road between McConnellsville and North Bay ; he was father of David Pike. Andrew Palms located above McConnellsville prior to 18 12 and took part in that war. Oramon Tuttle, who settled first in Camden, re moved to this town in 181 5 and settled a mile above McConnellssville, where his son afterwards lived. John Wheelock, who served seven years in the Revolutionary war, father of Otis Wheelock, settled in 18 13 near Fish Creek, where his son subsequently lived ; the latter came into the town in 1814 with his brother Curtis. At the time of his arrival the settlers were few and nearly the whole town was covered with a heavy growth of hemlock. At that time George Haskins, the first settler on' Fhm Creek in that vicinity ; Roswell Seeley, next above the the Wheelock place, Enoch Strong, Elisha Risley, and possibly a few others were living in the southeast part. Samuel Sawyer lived near Otis Wheelock's late residence and was the first settler west of the Humaston place ; the latter kept a tavern on the main road to Rome near the bridge over Fish Creek. William and John Paddock were early settlers just above Vienna post-office, or 590 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. " South Corners," as it has been called. This place in 1813 had a tavern kept by Rufus Kinne, and quite a settlement gathered about it. Eliakim Stoddard, who had settled in Camden in 1799, removed there in 1803 and lived five years on the site of the present tavern, which is opposite the old stand. He was the first supervisor of this town, but returned to Camden in 1808. Silas Jewell settled in the southwest part of the town in 18 17 ; he came from Massachusetts. Later he lived at West Vienna village. These pioneers and others mentioned further on and in Part III of this volume, were instrumental in transforming the wilderness into the succeeding prosperous farming region. The clearing of the forest gave them and many others an ample field of toil for many years. Sawmills were built at every available point and at one time there were thirty- seven in operation in the town. Most of these have disappeared and it. is now almost impossible to locate them. Wild beasts were numerous and very troublesome in early years, and many stories have come down of encounters with them. Wolves were " thick as blackbirds," as one old resident stated, down to the time when the canal was finished, and sheep suffered. The following anecdotes of early hunting experiences are from Jones's Annals, the Halstead referred to being the late Henry N. Halstead: Messrs. Halstead and Fisher, on a certain occasion, were hunting bears. They started one in a swamp on the lake shore, and after following it a short distance, and in passing a place made hollow by the roots of a tree partly turned over, Mr. Halstead broke through to his armpits, when out sprang the bear. They succeeded in killing it and left, but had not proceeded more than eighty rods when they found where the she bear and two small cubs resided, under the roots of another fallen tree. They effecteda dislodgment of the old one, who shared' the same fate as its mate, and secured the two little, now orphan*, cubs. It was a very cold day, and to preserve the lives of the little fellows Halstead placed one in his bosom, and Fisher the other in his pocket. They were, however, so little inured to the cold, that be fore the hunters reached home they were both dead. Our hunters, however, con soled themselves with the reflection- that they had four less of those troublesome neighbors than in the morning. v After Mr. Eliakim Stoddard had removed to Camden, he and one of his neighbors started to go to the widow Jackson's for salt, each with a yoke of oxen and a sled, as it required this amount of team to draw through the woods, where there was no road or track, their supply of this necessary article, — a barrel each. They struck the lake shore, aud while making their way on the beach saw,-directly in their path, as they supposed, a fine greyhound. As they neared the animal they discovered that, in- THE TOWN OF VIENNA. 591 stead of a hound, it was a wolf, which, from its famished appearance and the dispo sition it showed to stand its ground, they concluded intended to satisfy its craving appetite at their expense. All the weapons they had, offensive or defensive, were those necessary accompaniments of all woodsmen — their axes. After a consultation it was decided to proceed, and try titles to the right of way with the wolf, and fur ther, that upon no consideration was either to throw his axe, but to retain his hold on it at all events. As_they came nearer the wolf it commenced an angry growl, and was evidently at the point of springing on them when the neighbor let fly his axe, without at all disabling the animal, and the only perceptible effect was to ren der it more savage. Mr. Stoddard, now seeing that he must rely solely on his own resources, stood on the defensive until the wolf had got within striking distance, when, with a well-aimed blow, he laid his adversary at his feet, and by a quick repe tition deprived him of life. In 1800 a Frenchman from New York came to this town on a hunting expedition. He was possessed of the two most necessary articles to the hunter, a valuable dog and a good gun. He stopped at Barnard's Bay, and his first essay was in hunting deer. He went into the woods, and had not proceeded far before his dog discovered what Mons. Crapeau supposed to be a fine deer in a tree-top. He shot at the ani mal, wounding but not disabling it. It leaped from the tree, and on reaching the ground was grappled by the dog. A furious fight ensued, but the dog was, how ever, soon put hors du combat, when our hunter thought it time to interfere to save the life of his favorite. He had nothing but his unloaded gun, and valuable as it was it did not come in competition with the life of the hound. The first blow broke it in two at the breech, without in the least stunning the doubly infuriated animal, now disposed to make fight with both master and dog.- Our hero, naught intimi dated, and having a good club in the breechless gun barrel, gave a lucky blow which broke the " critter's " back. This rendered the contest far less doubtful, and the deer's life was soon taken by repeated blows. The Frenchman now started for his boarding-house to tell his wonderful feat in deer killing, while poor Tray, too badly wounded to accompany him, was left with his fallen foe. Arriving at his home, the hunter soon spread the news of his good fortune, when all hands repaired to the woods to assist in bringing home the venison. At the place of the exploit, instead of a deer, a monstrous panther, measuring nine feet from " tis to tip," lay stretched before them, while the leaves and bushes gave indubitable proof of the fierceness of the death struggle. The first school in this town was taught by Lyman Mathers in 1803-4 a short distance below McConnellsville, in a log house then owned by Isaac Cook. In the neighborhood of Fish Creek Landing an early school was taught by Phebe Barker, in a log house built by a Mr. Graves, which was afterwards in 1807 purchased by William Covell, who had built a new house while the school was in progress in the other. In 1815—16 Otis Wheelock taught a school in a log house that stood near his late residence. A few years earlier than this a brick 592 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. school house was built at the " South Corners," and there were a few other log school houses in the town. In i860 the town had nineteen districts; the number at the present time is nineteen, with a school house in each The village of North Bay is situated on a beautiful- site on the north shore of OneiJa Lake." It is a station on the former Midland Railroad and has become well known as a summer resort. One of the most act ive founders of the place was Henry J. Myer, who erected the first hotel there on the site of the late Phalen House. This hotel was burned. He also built the later Tremont House and many other of the early struct ures in the pla e. The Myer hotel was changed to the Frisbie House and subsequently burned. James A. Wooden built the Phalen House in 1873. Alexander Rae was also one of the early and active promoters of the village, and also his brother James. The first store in the place was opened by James Louden, whose brother Joseph carried on busi ness at a later date. Other prominent merchants havet been Dexter Nichols, who was in trade many years, and John Thdmpson Henry Woodward, now in business, is an old merchant and the present post master. The post-office was established about 1840, previous to which the mail for the village was obtained at Vienna. The first postmaster was Hiram Higby who opened a store where Joseph Louden was in trade. After the opening of the Black River Canal in 1851 the village grew rapidly and beeame a shipping point of considerable importance. Canal boat building was also carried on extensively, The saw mill now run by Aaron Bushnell stands about where one has been in existence many years. The gristmill is now owned by Mrs. De Long. The present North Bay Hotel was built by Josiah Cleveland and is owned and kept by Peter Cole. The property was in the Cleveland family many years. Since this place has become somewhat noted as a summer resort, a number of hotels have been built at the beach. Among these are the Butler House, built and kept by George Butler; the Brayton House, by Michael Brayton, and a house kept by John Fiddler, Vienna village is situated in the eastern part of the town and is a sta tion on the railroad. It was early known as Parker's Corners, and later as South Corners A tannery was established here at an early day by Rufus Kinne who operated it many years and sold to Rufus Sawyer, THE TOWN OF VIENNA. 593 from whom it passed to Walter K Cook. The business has been aban doned. Elias Humaston built a carding mill here about 1 8 16, operated it a number of years and was succeeded by several others; the business was finally abandoned. Mr. Humaston also built a small grist mill near the village at an early day. The only grist mill now is. a small feed mill by Kinney & Meays. J. H. Meays runs the saw mill and also a store. Another store is kept by Mrs. J. C. Brick. One of the earliest saw mills here was built by James Cook, who sold it to his brother Walter. A hotel has always been maintained here and is now kept by M. J. Bailey. The post-office was established prior to 1813 and a Mr. Parker carried the mail through from Utica on horseback and later with a wagon. Rufus Kinne was one,of the early postmasters and perhaps the first. The village of McConnellsville is situated in the north part of the town on Fish Creek. It takes its name from Joseph McConnell, an early settler at this point. A post-office was established here about 1 8 12, in which William Smith was probably the first postmaster; he was suc ceeded previous to 18 14 by Friend Morse. Joseph McConnell became a settler in October, 1814, and was also one of the early postmasters, as was also Dean Wood. Isaac Cook built the first tavern in the vil lage, which he sold to Ambrose Jones. Mr. Cook also sold goods in the early history of the place, but the first merchant of much impor tance was Harvey Smith ; another was a Mr. Brookins. A store is now kept by Lansing Tuttle. The old Cook tavern was a double log building and long ago disappeared. The hotel on the old site is now kept by Theodore Christian. A saw mill was built here in 1801 which was owned by a company composed of William Smith, Timothy Hal stead and others. The mill was erected by Mr. Hammill, who also built the next year the bridge over Fish Creek on the Rome road, William Smith built a grist mill about 1804. The saw mill is now oper ated by Charles Harden and has been for many years. Another saw mill near by is carried on by Hubbard Bros., on a site where there has been a mill many years. It was and now is operated by Lansing Tuttle. A small wintergreen distillery was established here more than twenty years ago, which is now operated by Theodore Christian, who is also postmaster. A large chair factory was established here about ten years ago by C. Harden & Son, and is now operated by the son, F. S. Har den. Nearly forty hands are employed. 75 594 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. A canning factory was established many years ago by Lansing Tuttle. A large one of later years is carried on by Theodore Christian. West Vienna village is situated on the north shore of Oneida Lake in the southwest part of the town, and is a station on the Midland Railroad. Silas Jewell was one of the first settlers here, coming in about 1822, and built the hotel; it is now closed. John Bedell came here from Greene county, N. Y., and settled on a farm. He built the first store in the place in 1838, in the building afterwards occupied as a dwelling by Jacob King. There is only one store, which has been kept many years by Zenas J. White. Eliphalet Jewell was an early settler at this point and built a grist mill before 18 17, and a man named Merrill soon afterward built the saw mill. The newer grist mill was built by J. H. Bedell and with the saw mill is now operated by J. C. Mace. The old grist mill is now the property of Le Roy Page, son of Ira Page. Fish Creek Landing is a hamlet to the southward of Vienna village, which was in former years a place of considerable importance as a ship ping point for lumber, -.etc. Before the railroad was opened through this town most of the lumber from a large section was brought here for shipment by boats on the lake. GeOrge Covell was one of the earliest settlers in this vicinity, coming in 1807 from Berkshire county, Mass. He was accompanied by his brother William. In the succeeding June John Babbitt, a Revolutionary soldier and father of Mrs. George Covell, came in and settled. At that time there were only three other families in that vicinity — Elisha Freeman, a Mr. Buell and Mr. Graves. The latter sold out to William Covell, while Buell sold to John Babbitt. All the business at this point long ago disappeared. Sylvan Beach, the noted summer resort which is partly in this town and partly in Verona, has gained a wide reputation within the past fifteen years. It is located at the east end of Oneida Lake. Many years ago some of the members of the Oneida Community went there for the summer, leased some land and erected temporary buildings ; this was the inception of the settlement there, L. C. Spencer at a later date opened a small grocery for the accommodation of fishermen and hunters who began to visit the locality. At a still later date a citizen of Oneida purchased the most desirable tract of about two acres which he sold within a few years for $3,200, clearing $3,000. L. C. Spencer JAMES D. SPENCER. THE TOWN OF VIENNA. 595 built the public house called Forest Home which is now kept by his son-in-law, F. B. Randall. Other hotels that have rapidly come into use to accommodate the crowds of summer patrons are the Algonquin, built by Stoddard & Garvin; the Hotel Oneida, the Sylvan Beach Ho tel, the Oneida Lake Hotel, the Lake Beach Hotel, the Riverside Hotel, and the Sportsman's Home, built in 1895. Several small steamers are kept busy at the place during summer months, and C. C. Clifford keeps a store and is postmaster. Some of the prominent farmers of this town, past and present, are : Joseph Halstead, father of John, Chauncey and George Brodock, Lansing and Isaac Seeley, Otis Wheelock, Lansing Baker, Peter Coats, son of James, John and Allen Nichols, the Yager family, James Brown Daniel and William Bagnell, George W. Matthews, William Wright, John B. Dixou, Nathan Auchard, Henry Nash, Lucius Haskins, Edward McCormick, William Rae. John Hall, Eaton Beach, J. J. Dickinson, George Myers, Henry Manchester, Joshua Parker, and others. The Methodist Episcopal church at McConnellsville was the out growth of preaching in early years by Revs. Stoddard and Westcott, and the formation of a class ; the services were held in the school house. The present frame church was built in 1832, and the timbers for it were hewn by David Pike. It was thoroughly rebuilt in the interior and much improved on the outside in 188 1. The Baptist church at North Bay was formed not long prior to 1 840 and was admitted into the Oneida Baptist Association in September, 1841. The first pastor was Elder Samuel Bloss. The frame church was built not long after the organization of the society. The building was considerably improved in 1895. The Methodist church at North Bay was in the West Vienna circuit in 1858, and there was a small organization previous to that date at which time Rev. J. H. Buck was in charge. In later years the society became a separate charge. The frame church which has been in use many years was improved and repaired in 1894. There is also a Meth odist church at Elpis, in the northwest part of the town, which has at times been served by the pastor of this church. St. John's Catholic church at North Bay was organized in 1837 by Rev. Father Beecham of Rome, and the frame church was built at about the same time. The society has had an active existence ever since. 596 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The supervisors of this town from 1871 are as follows: 1871, Eri Kinne ; 1872, Zeno Dorland ; 1873-4, Henry Nicholas ; 1875, S. A. Covell, jr. ; 1876, John H. Meays; 1877-78, S. A. Covell; 1879-80, John H. Bedell;, I88I-82! John P. Mattoon; 1883-84, Charles Harden; 1885-88, James H. Flanagan; 1889 Albert L. Covell; 1890-95, James H. Flanagan; 1896, Albert S. Annis. CHAPTER L. THE TOWN OF WESTERN. This town is situated north of the center of Oneida county, and con tained. within its territory a part of the Fonda patent of 40,000 acres, which was purchased of Jelles Fonda, the patentee, by John Lansing, jr., George Clinton, William Floyd and Stephen Lush, and also part of the Oothoudt, Banyar and Machin patents, as shown on the map in this volume, The town is well watered by the Mohawk, the Lansing Kill, Stringer's Creek, Big Brook and other small streams. Aside from the valley of the Mohawk and small tracts on some of the other streams, the surface of the town is very hilly. The soil of the, valley is a fertile al luvium, which is very productive, while on the highlands it is loam and very .stony in places, but good for grains and grazing. The town of Western was settled several years before it was set off from Steuben, and the pioneers were much hampered, as they were in other localities, through their inability to buy and secure permanent titles to the land. The patentees adopted the pernicious plan of leas ing the land either in perpetuity or for three lives, receiving certain an nual rentals. Western was erected from Steuben, March 10, 1797. It then in cluded what is now the town of Lee, which was set off in 181 1. The first town meeting was held at the house of E. (probably Ezekiel) Shel don, on the 4th day of April, 1797, and the following officers elected: Supervisor, John Hall; town clerk, George Brayton; assessors, Asa Beckwith, jr., Daniel Spinning, Charles Offord; collector, William Satchell; poormasters, Joshua Wells, Nathan Barlow ; commissioners of highways, John West, Daniel Reynolds, Daniel Eames ; constables, William Satchell, Richard Smith ; fence-viewers Lemuel THE TOWN OF WESTERN. 597 Beckwith, Ezekiel Cleveland, Martin Miller; poundmaster, Jonathan Swan; com missioners of schools, Isaac Aldin, Edward S. Salisbury, Jonathan Swan. The supervisors of this town since 1798 have been the following per sons, viz.: 1798-99, John Hall; 1800-24, Henry Wager, esq, ; 1825-31, Benjamin Rudd; 1832- 33, Arnon Comstock; 1834, Hervey Brayton ; 1835-39, David Utley; 1840, Henry Wager, jr., 1841-48, David Utley; 1849-51, George Hawkins; 1852-54, Griffith W. Jones;' 1855-57, John Hawkins; 1858-60, Squire Utley; 1861-62, Squire W. Hill; 1863-69, Nathaniel D. Bronson; 1870, Joseph French; 1871, Nathaniel D. Bronson; 1872-73, Joseph French; 1874-75, Ephraim Dillenbeck; 1876-77, Joseph French; 1878, J.V. Gue; 1879-80, Seymour Jones; 1881-82, Frank White; 1883-84, John O. Jones; 1885, Seth Cornish; 1886-87, R. H. Hews; 1888-89, W. F. Pillmore; 1890, D. E. Dillenbeck; 1891, W. C. Merrick; 1892, D. E. Dillenbeck; 1893, Williom F. Pill- more ; 1894-96, C. Frank Floyd. This list contains the names of several of the pioneers. The first per manent settlers in the town were Asa Beckwith and his four sons, Asa, jr., Reuben, Wolcott and Samuel. They located on the Mohawk River and were the first settlers in this county north of the Mohawk, their nearest neighbors being for some time at Fort Stanwix. But they were not long alone. The fertile lands along the Mohawk were attractive and other settlers came in rapidly. Henry Wager followed closely upon the first settlers and became a prominent citizen ; held the office of su pervisor twenty- four years, and was otherwise honored by his towns men. George Brayton and Jonathan Swan (the latter an uncle of Gus tavus Swan, now of Westernville), settled on the site of the village of Westernville, and opened the first store in town, on the site where mer cantile business has been carried on ever since. Mr. Swan afterwards removed to Aurora, N. Y., and the Braytons continued in business, as described further on. David Utley was the first permanent settler on the site of North Western (three miles north of Westernville), where he purchased 200 acres of land about 1795. It was the farm afterwards occupied by his son, Squire Utley. (See biography in this volume.) A man named John Clear had squatted on a part of this farm about a year before Mr. Utley came in. He had no title and Mr. Utley permitted, him to retain, and remain on, fifty acres of land, so that he might get a start, and at a later date Mr. Utley purchased the land back from him. Jonathan Waldo built a saw- mill here in 1800 and a little settlement 598 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. gathered about. One of the earliest settlers in the Hillside section (now Leila post-office) was a Mr. Gillett ; and David Sweet settled there at an early day, and kept a tavern in 1 805-6. In the neighborhood known as Frenchville, between Westernville and North Western, the first settlers were Jonah and Hezekiah Wells, father and son, who located previous to 1795. The neighborhood .took its name from a family named French who settled there; among them was David French. David Hill settled in Western about 1800, bought a farm, and took part in the war of 18 12 at Sackett's Harbor. His son, Henry R Hill, was born in Western, February 11, 18 14, and became a prominent citizen, and operated the third cheese factory in Oneida county. Levi White, with his son Otis, came into Oneida county from Con necticut in 1795. Moses Y. White, son of Otis, was born in Western in 1796, and passed a long and useful life there; he was a deacon of the Presbyterian church for twenty years. The Halleck (formerly Hallock) family has been prominent in the town of Western. The ancestor of the family was Peter Hallock, who emigrated from England to New Haven, Conn., in 1640. Deacon Jabez Halleck (spelled with an " e ") was born on Long Island in March, 1761. Through the influence of General Floyd, he settled in Western in 1799. He was one of the founders of the Presbyterian church in Westernville in 1818, and lived to the great age of 102 years, dying September 17, 1863. Joseph Halleck was the oldest son of Deacon Jabez, and came to Oneida county with his. father. He married Catherine, daughter of Henry Wager, the pioneer, and they had thirteen children. He served as lieutenant in the war of 18 12, served as magistrate thirty years, and was member of assembly in 1841. He died June 22, 1857. Among their children was Henry Wager Halleck. the distinguished general in the Civil war, who was born in Western,. January 16, 18 14. He at tended Union College and in 1835 went to West Point Military School, where he graduated in 1839. His later career in the service of the government is familiar. At the outbreak of the Rebellion he was ap pointed major general, and placed in command of the Western Depart ment. In July, 1862, he was appointed general-in-chief of the United THE TOWN OF WESTERN. 599 States army, succeeding General McClellan. He served in that capacity until March, 1864. In April, 1865, he was placed in command of the Military Department of the James, with headquarters at Richmond. The following August he was transferred to the Pacific coast and in March, (868, to Louisville, where he died January 9, 1872. Gen. William Floyd, one of the signers of the Declaration of Inde pendence, and a large land owner in Western, settled here in 1803. He was born in Long Island, December 17, 1734. He was a member of the Provincial Assembly, and in 1774 was a delegate from this province to the first Continental Congress. In 1777 he was elected senator. In October, 1778, he was elected member of congress by the State Legis lator and reappointed in 1789. The British victory on Long Island caused the family to flee to Connecticut, where they remained nearly seven years. He was of course a conspicuous figure in the early his tory of the town, and many anecdotes are preserved in the Jones Annals and elsewhere of his career. He died August 24, 182 1. William Floyd, grandson of the general, was born in New York city and removed to Western in 1816, where he attended to his grand father's affairs until the death of the latter. He was for a time in a store at Westernville, and passed the remainder of his long life there. General Floyd built a large frame house in extensive grounds, which was completed in 1804, and is still in good condition, and now occupied by Julia Floyd, daughter of the grandson of the general. Other early settlers of this town were J6hn Hall, Benjamin Rudd, Arnon Comstock, David Brill; Jeptha Brainard, Chester W. and Joel Porter. Westernville is the principal village in this town. Mercantile business was carried on here, succeeding the old firm of Brayton & Swan, by H. M. & G. Brayton, sons of the Hon. George Brayton. This was for many years the only store of note between Rome and Boonville. Brayton & Ely were later merchants on that site, the latter of whom (Erastus Ely) is still living. Still later the establishment was conducted as a union store, and is now occupied by Thomas R. Rees. A second store is kept by John O. Jones & Son. The hotel at the lower end of the village, on the site of a still earlier one, was rebuilt by George Hawkins, who had then kept it for some 600 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLfi. years. After his death it was kept for a time by his widow. It is now in the hands of T. L. Crill. The Westernville Hotel at the upper end of the village has been kept for sixteen years by Charles Bork, who suc ceeded Charles Wentworth, son of Eliphalet Wentworth, who had also kept it. The post-office was established as early as 1812, with George Brayton, postmaster. He officiated a long time, and his sons, Henry and Milton, were also in charge of the office in later periods. The little village of North Western was partially, at least, an out growth of the Black River Canal, although a small hamlet had gathered about the grist mill and saw mill of Jonathan Waldo already described. The present mill is on the site of the former one, and was built about 1840 by Paul Macomber. It is now operated by Thomas Candee. Abram Horton runs a saw mill which is owned by John O. Jones, and another is operated by Jerome V. Gue. who has also manufactured cheese boxes, etc. While the canal was being constructed, one of the Bissells of Rome opened a small store here for the benefit of the labor ers. David Brill kept the first store of importance. He settled on a farm in 1831, managed the second cheese dairy in the town, the first one having been owned by Robert Michel. Mr. Brill eventually pur chased most of the land formerly owned by David Utley (including the village site), moved upon it in 1844, and laid out village streets. He also built the Half Way House about 1850, the first hotel in the village, which was subsequently burned. In the same year Ira Waldo built the Northern Hotel. Charles' Wauful is the present landlord ; two other small houses are kept here. A tannery was in existence many years ago, but it was abandoned and burned. The neighborhood called Frenchville had a shoe peg factory and a saw mill in former years, established by a man named French ; but at the present time no business of any kind is carried on here. Hillside (now the post-office of Leila) is situated on the Mohawk above North Western. The grist mill which has existed here many years is now a part of the estate of Michael Hogan who previously op erated it. A store is kept by Walter Cummings. There are two other post-offices in the town — Big Brook and Dun Brook. What was probably the first r,egular school in the town was taught in Westernville at about the beginning of the century. As early as 1805-6 THE TOWN OF WESTERN. 601 Amy Williams taught here in a frame school house.. A change was made in the district and a later school was taught near the residence of Henry Wager. Westernville village is now Union Free School District No. 12, the principal of which is Harmon Van Annan ; he has one as sistant. Anong the prominent farmers of this town past and present, may be mentioned Henry Wager, Francis and Stewart Van Dresar, sons of Ezra Van Dresar, John W. Harris, Samuel Aukin, S. M. Nisbet, son of Robert Nisbet, John Warcup, James Boyd, James Olney, Asa Beckwith, David and Lemuel French, Asa Carmichael and the Wells family. Under the management of the many excellent farmers of this town, the dairying interest has in recent years, become a prominent industry. At the present time there are four cheese factories in operation. In the old cemetery in the rear of the Presbyterian church at West ernville, among themany memorials of the dead are those bearing rec ords of fhe following : William Martmdale of Petersham, Mass. , came to Oneida County in 1817 ; died Feb., 12, 1870, aged 92. Lydia, his wife, died Jan. 12, 1851, aged 74. Henry Wager, died Aug. 9, 1840, aged 76. He was one of the first settlers of this county, having lived on the farm where he died 'over fifty years. — Inscription. Letitia, his wife, died March 29, 1839, aged 74. John Hawkins, died 1810, aged 40. Bridget, his wife, died March 19, 1853, aged 71. Joseph Halleck, Esq., died June 23, 1857, aged 73. The above Joseph Halleck, son of Jabez Halleck, and grandson of Major Peter Halleck, of Southold, Long Island, N. Y , was born at Southold, October 16, 1784, and emigrated to Oneida County, with his father, in the fourteenth year of his age.— Inscription: Catherine Wager, his wife, died Feb. 20, 1868, aged 73. Rev. John Arnold, died April 24, 1872, aged 91. Deacon Jabez Halleck, died Sept. 17, 1863, aged 103. Sarah, his wife, died Nov. 29, 1834, aged 72. Rebecca, his wife, died April 10, 1861, aged 89. Jabez Halleck, jr., died Aug. 20, 1873, aged 74. Achsa, his wife, died Feb. 21, 1841, aged 42. Joseph Parke, died Feb. 6, 1833, aged 87. William Cleveland, died July 24, 1833, aged 67. Elizabeth, his wife, died Nov. 8, 1832, aged 61. Ezra Clark, died Aug. 21, 1867, aged 84. Lydia Parke, bis wife, died Feb. 21, 1862, aged 73. 76 602 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Jacob Wiggins, died Sept. 30, 1839, aged 79. Freelove, his wife, died June 8, 1827, aged 56, John Smith, died Sept. 14, 1873, aged 91. Mary, his wife, died Oct. 5, 1849, aged 62. David Hill, died July 11. 1856, aged 77. / Laura, his wife, clied Dec. 30, 1866, aged 78. Orange Hayden,' died July 31, 1872, aged 79. Polly, his wife, died Aug. 31, 1849, aged 56. Ephraim Potter, died Aug. 16, 1832, aged 72. Elizabeth, his wife died April 29, 1830, aged 66. John Paddock, died Dec. 28, 1866, aged 82. Polly, his wife, died April 21, 1840, aged 52. David Fanning, died June 17, 1826, aged 49. Elizabeth, his wife, died May 24, 1830, aged 58. James Boyd, died Sept. 2, 1870, aged 90. Mahetable, his wife, died March 21, 1833, aged 50, John Ely, native of New Jersey, died April 14, 1842, aged 66. George Brayton, died March 5, 1837, aged 65. Sarah, his wife, died May 8, 1841, aged 64. John Swan, died June 12, 1849, aged 82. Mary, his wife, died Jan. 26, 1859, aged 86. John Harris, who was an elder in the Presbyterian church from 1826, died August 10, 1860, aged 75. James Olney, died Feb. 22, 1862, aged 78. Lucy, his wife, died June 4, 1876, aged 86. William Olney, esq., died Dec. 22, 1846, aged 90. Mary, his wife, died Dec. 13, 1818, aged 57. Aaroc Ismond, died April 7,, 1813, aged 51. Nathaniel Turner, died June 8, 1830, aged 84. Mary, his wife, died Sept. 23, 1826, aged 78. Seth Church, died Dec. 20, 1852, aged 73. Clarissa, his wife, died Dec. 28, 1850, aged 65. Ruth Park, died May 6, 1873, aged 93. The first religious organization in the town of Western, was formed in 1798 by the Baptist denomination, with about sixty members. It was in existence many years, but never had a regular settled pastor, and finally became extinct. Succeeding this organization the Methodists formed a society and have established several churehes. Two of these were near " Big Brook" post-office, each with a small membership. The Methodist Episcopal church at North Western was built about 1839, the organiza tion of the society having taken place at the same time. At Westernville a Methodist church was built about 1855., which was THE TOWN OF WESTMORELAND. 603 extensively improved within a few years past. It has maintained a progress of interest. A Welsh Methodist society was formed in the northwest corner of the town in early years and a frame church was built in 1877. The Presbyterian society in Westernville was incorporated in 1818, the organization having been effected on August 15 of that year. The old union church built in 18 17 had then a large debt laying over it, and the property including' the old cemetery in the rear was purchased by George Brayton, who deeded it to the society. That church has been in use ever since, but has undergone extensive changes, remodeling and other improvements. The original membership of this society was fifteen For three-quarters of a century past this society has had a prosperous existence. CHAPTER LI. THE TOWN OF WESTMORELAND. The town of Westmoreland lies south of the center of Oneida county, and was set off from Whitestown on April 10, 1792. When Oneida county was organized in 1788, a small portion of Whitestown was added to Westmoreland ; this originally included the town of Verona and a part of Vernon, both of which were taken off in 1802. A small tract was set off to the town of Kirkland in 1855, leaving Westmoreland with its present area of 25,741 acres. The western part of the town was in cluded in the original Oneida Reservotion, from which tracts were granted to Dean, Bleecker, Wemple, and others. The eastern part of the town is in the Coxe patent and a small portion of the Oriskany pat ent lies in the northeast corner of the town, as shown on the map here in. James Dean located his tract in the fall of 1786, taking a deed of it from the Indians. After naming the Indians who signed the deed, the document proceeds as follows : Sachems and Chief Warriors of the Oneida Nation— By and with the advice and consent of the said Nation, in Consideration of the great and important Services 604 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. rendered to us by Mr. James Dean, our Friend and Brother, and as a Token of our Esteem and Affection for him, have given and granted, etc. This deed was confirmed by the State on the 6th of February, 1787, according to an act passed May 5, 1786. By this same act, also, Wemple's patent was granted, comprising one mile square of land, to be located south of Dean's. It will be noticed that Mr. Dean settled on his patent before the sale was ratified by his deed. He was confident, doubtless, that this would be done, and accordingly set forth with his brother, Jonathan Dean and the wife and children of the latter, for their new home. That woman, Mrs. Eunice Dean) was the first white woman to settle in the town of Westmoreland. They of course encountered many hardships and it is recorded that for six weeks, neither she nor her family tasted bread. Their principal food was meat and fish, which were plenty. Imme diately after James Dean's marriage he returned with his wife and began housekeeping. The old Dean homestead was occupied in recent years by John L. Dean, son of Luke C. Dean, and grandson of the judge. Another son of the judge, John Dean, lived a short distance south of the homestead, on the farm afterwards owned by his son George. Judge Dean's daughter, Electa, became the wife of Joshua A. Spencer, the early and eminent Oneida county lawyer and judge. Soon after his arrival Judge Dean constructed a hand grist mill on the creek, to which he attached a small water wheel, which saved sub sequent hand labor. Although it was a small affair, it was probably the first example of a grist mill in Oneida county. Silas Phelps came into this town in the fall of 1786 and built a log cabin on the lot adjoining Jonathan Dean's on the east. He came from New Marlborough, Mass., and was followed in January, 1787, by Ephraim Blackmer and Nehemiah Jones. The general surface of the town of Westmoreland is rolling or hilly, and the soil is very fertile. It is watered by the Oriskany, Dean's Creek and other small tributaries to these creeks and the Mohawk. Iron ore has been found within the town in considerable quantities, and used in the numerous furnaces that have been operated in that vincinity The minutes of the first town meeting are lost, but it known that Capt. Isaac Jones was chosen supervisor and Alexander Parkman, town ARTHUR D. LEE. THE TOWN OF WESTMORELAND. 605 clerk. The following is a list of the supervisors of the town from its organization to the present time : 1794, Captain Isaac Jones; 1795 James Dean; 1796, not given; 1797, Dan Chap man ; 1798-99, James Dean ; 1800-1803, Joseph Jones ; 1804-1805, Jared Chittenden ; 1806-15, Roderick Morrison ; 1816-17, Thomas Holbert, jr. ; 1818, Roderick Morrison ; 1819, Thomas Holbert, jr. ; 1820-23, Roderick Morrison ; 1824-33, Truman Enos ; 1834-35, Warren Converse ; 1836-38, Parker Halleck ; 1839-40, James B. Drummond ; 1841, John Niqholson ; 1842-43, Pomroy Jones ; 1844, Almon Beardsley ; 1845-46, Warren Converse ; 1847-48, James J. Curtiss; 1849, John Park; 1850-51, Zenas M. Howes; 1852, Jonathan Rose; 1853-54, John Wylie; 1855, Jeptha Skinner; 1856, Abel B. Buell; 1857, Arthur F. Brown; 1858, Joseph L. Mansfield; 1859, Grant Adams; 1860, Morris W. Halleck; 1861, John Wylie; 1862, John B. Nicholson; 1863, Nehemiah F. Metcalf; 1864, Jacob J. Massy; 1865, Nehemiah F. Metcalf; 1866-68, John L. Dean; 1869-71, Philander Shedd; 1872-76, Joseph K. Schuyler; 1877-79, William S. Fuller; 1880-82, William Brill; 1883-85, Ezra A Knapp; 1886-89, Thomas J. Olney; 1890-91, Fred S. Brill; 1892-93, Hiram S. Kellogg; 1894 (elected for two years), Arthur D. Lee ; 1896-98, Andrew J. Pine. Relative to the settlement of Judge James Dean, the following is quoted from the Annals of Oneida County : James Dean, the first settler of Westmoreland, was born at Groton, Connecticut, in the month of August, 1748. Of his early. youth nothing is known, excepting that he was destined as a missionary to the Indians, and at the age of twelve years was sent to reside at Oquago, on the Susquehanna', with an Indian missionary named Mosely, who. was then laboring with a branch of the Oneida tribe, located at that place. He soon became master of the Oneida tongue, and was adopted by a female native as her son. To this mother he ever manifested an ardent attachment. His acquisition of the language was of great use to him and his country in after life. Learning it when thus young, while the organs of speech were flexible, he was en abled to speak the language most fluently. The Oneidas said he was the only white person whom they had ever known who could speak their language so perfectly that they could not at once detect him, although he might be hid from view, but him they could not detect. How long he resided in Oquago is unknown, but in those few years, under the instruction of Mr. Mosely, he fitted himself to enter college. He was a member of the first class which formed and graduated at Dartmouth. His freshman year in that institution was before the completion of a building for 'the use of the students, and the class used to study and recite in a rude shelter formed by placing slabs against the" trunk of a large prostralte pine. In this poor apology for a college dormitory young Mr. iDean studied and slept the first summer he spent in his collegiate course. He graduated just previously to the commencement of the war of the Revolution. In 1774 the leading citizens of each colony were endeavoring to ascertain the sen timents of all classes of people relative to the portending contest ; and the peculiar fitness and qualifications of Mr. Dean recommended him to the Continental Congress, , then just assembled, as a suitable person to ascertain- those of the Indians in New 600 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. York and Canada, and the part they would probably take in the event of a war with the mother country. In order to disguise the object of his mission, it was arranged that he should assume the character of an Indian trader, and he was accordingly furnished with such goods as were then carried into the Indian country for the pur poses of trade. He was also for that purpose furnished with letters, invoices and other papers from a well-known house in Boston, then engaged in the Indian trade. Thus fitted out, he commenced his expedition to the Six Nations and their branches and the tribes connected with them, living in Canada. In the course of his travels in Lower Canada, he was arrested by the British authorities as a spy, and taken to Quebec, where he underwent a most rigid examination. His self possession was equal to the crisis, and aided by his papers he secured his release. For his services the Oneidas gave Mr. Dean atract of land two miles square, the title to be confirmed and ratified by the State. This was probably in 1783. He chose for its location a tract upon the north side of Wood Creek, in the present town of "Vienna. In the spring of 1784 he left Connecticut, in company with Jedediah Phelps and Andrew Blanchard, to commence the settlement of his land. The day of start ing is not known, but they left Schenectady the 3d of May, and arrived at Wood Creek the 13th. Without knowing it, they undoubtedly passed Judge White while he and his son were engaged upon the Shoemaker farm in planting their crop of corn. After Mr. Dean and his party arrived at Wood Creek, they built a log house and a shop for Mr. Phelps, who was a brass founder and silversmith, and intended to work for the Indians. During the summer they made a small clearing, and although now covered with a second growth of timber, it still retains its name of " Dean's place. In the spring of 1785 the place became inundated to such an extent that for three weeks they were obliged to live in the garret of their log cabin, and for the purpose of cooking their meals they descended from their loft into -a canoe by a ladder, and then rowing to the shop, used the forge as their only fireplace above high-water mark. On the subsiding of the water the party were fully satisfied that the selection was an unfor.tunate one, and unfit for the commencement of a settlement. Mr. Dean stating this to the Indians, they agreed he might change the location to any point upon the west side of the " line of property," between Brothertown upon the Oris kany and the Wood Creek. He selected his land so as' to include the falls of the creek, since known as Dean's Creek. To render such location certain, the survey — as appears from the description of his patent — of the east line of the patent com menced in the creek, and thence ran north and south to the north and south bounds of the tract. He located his patent in the fall of 1785, and settled upon it in Febru ary, 1786. At this time hevwas unmarried, but in the fall of that year he visited Connecticut, and was married to Miss Lydia Camp on the 11th of October. Mr.. Dean's energies were now directed to clearing a farm, inducing settlers to re move to his patent, and in building mills for their accommodation. Success crowned his efforts, and it was but a few years before every lot offered for sale was "taken up " by an actual settler. In January, 1787, Ephraim Blackmer, esq., and Captain Nehemiah Jones removed from Berkshire Co., Mass., to Dean's Patent. Esquire Blackmer came in advance, with a horse- team, bringing the families, consisting of their wives, Esquire Black- mer's two children, and Captain Jones' one, some beds, bedding, and clothing, while Captain Jones followed more slowly with an ox -team, with such furniture and pro- THE TOWN OF WESTMORELAND. 607 visions as were supposed necessary to commence housekeeping among the Indians, as their New England friends were pleased to term the location of the settlers in Deansville. Esquire Blackmer stayed the last night of his journey at Oriskany, a distance of about ten miles from Judge Dean's. The next morning he took, to use the teamster's phrase, an early start, that is, before sunrise, well knowing it would consume the whole day to travel the distance, and wishing to get through before dark. Probably they would have looked incredulously at the idea of a railroad's being constructed in the then next half -century, over a part of their route, carrying passengers at the rate of fifteen, twenty, t and even thirty miles per hour.' There was no road on any part of the distance, nor track, except that of the Indian snow shoe, which rather impeded their progress than otherwise. It was a bitter cold day, the snow about eighteen inches deep. By dint of untiringperseverance our travelers had, by a little past the middle of the day, kenned their way to the spot near where the village of Hampton now stands. In crossing the creek a little north of said village, the stream being but partially frozen, the sleigh unluckily turned over, turn ing the women and children into the water, the youngest, a child of Mrs. Jones, less than one year of age, going completely under water. Happily, the water was not ' deep enough to endanger them from drowning. In a few minutes they were all safe on shore, but in such a plight! or, I might have said, "in such a pickle!" the women and children to a considerable extent drenched in water, without a shelter or fire nearer than Judge Dean's, a distance of about four miles, which would cost more than that number of hours to reach, with the thermometer, if one could have been consulted, ranging near zero. Would not our modern delicate females rather shud der at the thought of being placed in such a situation, and under such circumstances? But our settlers had no idea of being disheartened or discouraged. "Necessity is the mother of invention." Fortunately the" chest of bedclothes had escaped the drenching. The seats were removed from the sleigh, and dry clothes spread over the bottom of it. The women and children then placed themselves on them, the brandy-jug was then introduced, and each one drank what he could bear, without being too far intoxicated, and some two quarts of it sprinkled over them. In those days alcohol was used to keep people warm in winter and cool in summer. A' large amount of dry bedding spread over them completed their arrangements for the rest of their journey. After the firsthalf-hour all fear of freezing gave way to the equally disagreeable one of suffocation. First the water, and then the brandy, caused such a profuse perspiration that our travelers could not liken the appearance of their sleigh to anything more appropriate than a -traveling coal pit. To conclude, they, all safely arrived at Judge Dean's a little before dark. This Capt. Nehemiah Jones had been a soldier in the Revolutionary army, lived to the age of seventy- nine years, and died December 19, 1838. He was father of the Hon. Pomroy Jones, who passed his long life in Oneida county. The latter was one of a company of soldiers who served in the war of 18 12 and has honorably perpetuated his name through the authorship of the well known Annals of Oneida County. 1 Sixty to seventy miles an hour in 1896. 608 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The Ephraim Blackmer before mentioned married Mary, sister of Captain Jones. Mr. Blackmer died in ^February, 1796, and his was the first Masonic funeral ever held in this county. Not long after 1787 Isaac Jones, who had been engaged during most of the Revolutionary period in transporting military stores, located in Clinton, and moved soon afterwards to Westmoreland. He died in the town of Vernon in 1808, and was the first supervisor of this town. His brother, Joseph Jones, came to Westmoreland in the spring of 1787, and lived for many years at Lairdsville. He was supervisor four years, justice of the peace more than twenty years, and postmaster and town clerk. He died in Vernon in 1835. Another veteran of the Revolution who settled in this town in 1790 was Capt. Stephen Brigham ; still another who settled in the same year in the southwest part of the town was John Townsend, from whom the level lands in that locality were called* the Townsend Flats. Joseph Blackmer, sr., was father of Ephraim already mentioned, and of Joseph, jr.; the latter removed from this town in 1808 and died in Monroe county in 1848 Roderick Morrison, a Revolutionary soldier and a native of Hebron, Conn., came to Westmoreland in 1797. For fifty years he was a prominent citizen, held the office of supervisor fifteen years ; was many years a justice of the peace and member of assembly in 18 16 He died. in 1843. William Dean, a younger brother of Judge Dean, came into the town probably in the spring of 1787 with a large family. In 1788 Samuel Laird came from New Marlborough, Mass., and settled on the site of Lairdsville, and soon afterwards opened a public house in his log building. For some years this was one the most noted taverns west of Albany. In that year also came Pelatiah Rawson and Deacon John Blair ; the latter was the first to settle in the town outside of Dean's patent Several years previous to 1 800, Jared Chitenden, a native of Con necticut, and, a Revolutionary soldier, settled in Whitestown. A few years later, and previous to 1800, he located in Westmoreland, where he became prominent. He held the offices of supervisor and justice of the peace. Capt. Phineas Bell, another Revolutionary veteran, and THE TOWN OF WESTMORELAND. 609 one of those who suffered in the Sugar House prison on Long Island, became a settler. He died May 13, 1845. Other arrivals of the year 1789 were Nathaniel Townsend, Benjamin Blackman, Capt. John Vaughan, Josiah Stillman, Nathan Loomis, Adonijah Strong (Mr. Strong bought his place of Nathan Loomis, built a house and barn and afterwards sold it to Captain Peabody. The transaction was the cause of a long and lengthy litigation). Joshua Green, John Morse, Daniel Seeley, and a Mr. Blodgett came also in 1789. The latter was the first settler on the site of Hampton (West moreland) village, where Elijah Smith and Samuel Starr also were set tlers Such distinguished men as Gov. George Clinton and Gen. George Washington were large land owners in this town, and a num ber of deeds are in existence transferring their lands to purchasers. Some of these were given to John Baxter, Joseph Blodgett, Daniel Babcock, Asa Turner, Stephen Hutchinson, John, Babcock and Ebe nezer R Fitch, all in Westmoreland. The first settler on McKesson's patent in the north part of the town, including the site of Lowell village, was Stephen Stilson, who located in 1802. Doddridge Loomis, John Tuttle, whose farm included the site of Lowell, Zebulon Tuttle, Caleb Thurston, Adams and David Stilson, all probably came in that year, 1802. In the following year Sullivan and Abel Brigham, Silas Rice, Isaiah Shedd, Joseph Perkins, Ezekiel Miller, James Hempstead, Amos Smith, Nathan and Park Adams, all settled in that section in 1803. In the northeastern part'of the town the early settlers were Sherman Patterson and his sons Thomas and Josiah, Isaac Goodsell, William and Ebenezer Cheever, George and Consider Law, Elijah Waters, Thomas Barnum, Ebenezer, Ephraim and Haman Besse, George Williams, Al fred Richardson, Samuel Bailey, John Nicholson, Henry Hallock, Peter Doolittle, Captains Lay and Lee, and the Peckham, Bicknell and Barker families, all of whom came in the last years of the last century and the early years of the present one. On and near the road between Hamp ton and Hecla Furnace, Walter Cone, William, Josiah and Jonathan Patton, John Bowen, Stephen Hutchinson, Stephen Brigham and Daniel Babcock were the early settlers. East of Hampton the first comers were Chester Stillman, Samuel Collins, Benjamin Waters, Nathan Thompson, and John Baxter. 77 610 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Judge Dean built the first -saw mill in town in 1787 or '88, and a grist mill a year later. These mills succeeded the hand mill before de scribed. The first run of stones used in the grist mill were made from a large granite rock found near Samuel Laird's dwelling by Edward Higbee. Mr Higbee soon afterwards built another grist mill on the same stream in the eastern part of the town. The first death in this town was that of Orin Jones, an infant son of Capt. Nehemiah Jones, who died March 20, 1778. As no coffin could be procured it was buried in the sleigh box, in which they had removed from Massachusetts, Esquire Ephraim Blackmer making out of it a very decent coffin. The first death of an adult was that of Peletiah Rawson, who resided about half a mile east of the Hecla Works, who died very suddenly in the summer of 1789. The first marriage was that of Samuel Hubbard, of Clinton, and Miss Mary Blair, eldest daughter of Deacon John Blair, who has been mentioned. The cere mony was performed by Rev. John Sargeant, the Indian missionary, March 25, 1790, in the log cabin of the settler, which stood near the first frame house, on the Hampton road. After the Rev. Mr. Bradley was settled he married the following persons at the dates given : Octo ber 17, 1793, Mather Bosworth and Bathsheba Deming; February 24, 1794, Daniel Williams and Levina Hovey; May 8, 1794, Peter Pratt and Dolly Smith; August 17, 1794, Samuel Cornwell and Hannah Finney; November 12, 1794, Asahel Porter and Abigail Smith. Very probably these were the only marriages in the town during the first eight years of its settlement, Westmoreland village is situated in the eastern part of the town, and for many years was called Hampton. Confusion arising from the fact that there was another post-office of that name in this State, the name of the post-office was changed to correspond with that of the town. A. L Fitch is postmaster. Some of the former merchants and tradesmen of the village were W. J. Brockett (now of Rome), Benjamin Stevenson and J. L. Clyde (firm of Stevenson & Clyde), N. F. Metcalf, tinner, Dr. Beckwith, drugs, etc. Thomas Hughes has a general store which he has conducted for over twenty years, succeeding A. F. Brown ; Nathan F. Graves and E. J. Carr also have general stores. Arthur D. McEntee carries a hardware stock on the site formerly occupied by Townsend & Bliss and later by Smith Brothers. THE T0W2T OF WESTMORELAND. 611 The old hotel which was kept many years by various landlords was closed April i, 1896. The only hotel is the Monroe House, kept by John Monroe. There has been little manufacturing here, aside from the early saw mills in the vicinity, until the establishment of the Westmoreland Malleable Iron Company. In 1850 Smith, Buell & Co., erected and started this plant and continued its successful operation. In 1857 Mr. Buell withdrew and removed to Oriskany, and James M. Clark became president of the company. Several changes took place in the constitu tion of the company and in the spring of 1 896, F. M. Metcalf and E. C. Metcalf purchased all- the stock of the company not already held by them and are sole owners. From seventy- five to 100 hands are em ployed on general malleable iron production. Schuyler & Lattimore (J. K. Schuyler, a former successful farmer and cheesemaker and Fred. Lattimore) carry on a large coal and lum ber trade. Mr. Lattimore is town clerk and station agent on the rail road. Lairdsville, the site of the early settlement of Samuel Laird, is a ham let and post-office in the northern part of the town. Laird's log hotel and a later one kept by Isaac Jones gave this little place considerable prominence in the days of the old stages. The post-office was estab lished about 1820 through the efforts of Judge Dean and Pomroy Jones. The first postmaster was probably Salmon Cushman, who was then landlord of a public house. With the building of canals and railroads, the activity of the place declined, and the only business of the place is a store kept by George Steele. What has been known as Hecla Works is situated in the northern part of the town. Here the Westmoreland Furnace was estab lished in 1800, by Russell Clark, Joel Bradley, Bradford Seymour, Asa Seymour, Isaac Seymour (brothers) and George Langford. Ore was used that was found in that vicinity, but its quality did not prove as good as had been anticipated, and in later years it was brought from Verona and elsewhere. The business finally declined through competi tion and the foundry was converted into a grist mill and saw mill. These are now operated by T. J. Olney. Frank Wilson is postmaster and conducts a general store. The post-office was opened in 185 1. 612 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Lowell is a hamlet in the northern part of the town, with stage con- nectien with Rome. The post-office was established many years ago under the name of Republican, and the hamlet was' long called Andover. There has always been a small mercantile business here and a store is now kept by Charles Cleveland. A fire in September, 1875, burned a store and the old brick Union Hotel. Bartlett is a post-office, with Mark Cheney, postm.ister, and a station on the Rome & Clinton Railroad The post office was opened in 1871 and the place was named from the then "president of the railroad. Dix post office is also situated on the railroad, but has no business interests. The town of Westmoreland comprises an excellent agricultural dis trict. Hops have been extensively raised in past years, but the great depression in prices of this product has already caused a decline in the quantity grown. Dairying is a prominent industry and will be further developed. Among the leading farmers of this town may be mentioned A. D. Groves, Amos Barnes, David Parks, Halsey Stillman, all deceased, and David Bryden, H. H. Tyler, C. H. Tyler, Malachi Ellis, C. S. Lyman, William Poyle, S. P. Graves, Samuel G. Smith, William Jones, A. L, Fitch and others. The first school in this town was taught in a log school house which was built as early 1792, a short distance west of the site of Lairdsville. The teacher was Calvin Butler. An aunt of Pomroy Jones also taught there. From the Jones Annals the following is taken : In 1793 a log school house was built in Lairdsville, and some time in 1794 a teacher was hired for a year. He was competent, and his pupils advanced rapidly, but after seven or eight months of his year had elapsed it was discovered that he was intem perate, and that he was occasionally partially intoxicated in school hours. For sev eral days, upon one occasion, he carried, about one of his eyes all the hues of the rainbow, received in a drunken brawl at a neighboring public house. In the spring of 1795, a. number of the patrons of the school believing that such examples to their children should be no longer tolerated, a meeting was notified to take the matter into consideration. The meeting was a protracted one, part of the district strongly advocating the continuance of the school, while the other part were tenacious for dismissing a teacher whose walk before his pupils was so irregular. The arguments pro and con having been exhausted, it was found upon taking the vote upon the mo tion for dismissal that there was a tie. The vote not being carried to dismiss the teacher, the advocates for continuing the school moved an adjournment, which was THE TOWN OF WESTMORELAND. 613 carried, and they dispersed to their homes. Not so with the opponents of the school. Some of the leading spirits passed round the word to their friends to remain after the adjournment. They did so, and, after the teacher's friends had all left and were out of sight, they carried out the books and stationery to a secure place, and then kindled a fire in the building, and did not retire until the destroying element had so far progressed as to preclude all possibility of its being quenched, thus most effectu ally dismissing the drunken school teacher. In the winter of 1819-20 school was first taught in the neighborhood of the Friends' settlement — their meeting-house, completed that fall, being used as a school house, and the teacher being one of their society — Abigail Tucker. Daniel Peckham now living in the vicinity, then nineteen years of age, attended that school. East of this, at " Nicholson's Corners," a school was taught shortly before or soon after; another had been kept at Bartlett previous to either of these. , In Hampton village a school house was built between July and Oc tober, 181 1, which was the second one in the place. It stood, accord ing to the records, " between the meeting house and the northwest cor ner of the green ; the north side of said house on the line of James Lee- worthy's south fence, partly standing on the green, remainder on Lee- worthy." There are now seventeen districts in the town with a school house in each. A "society for the maintenance of the ordinances of the gospel" was organized in this town on September 5, 1791, probably through the efforts of Revs. Bingham and William Bradford, missionaries from Con necticut. That society had fifty-five members and January 28, 1792, elected Josiah Stillman, Isaac Jones, Jo'.in Blair, Stephen Bingham, Samuel Collins, Silas Phelps and George Langford, trustees. A new covenant was adopted January 17, 1793, to which were signed eighty- one names. A dispute having arisen over a site for a church edifice, two were built, one at " Hampton," (as the village was long known), and the other on South street in the northern part of the town. The former was erected in 1798 and the other within a short time, and was sold in 1803 to the Methodists. The First Congregational church of Westmoreland was organized in September, 1792, and celebrated its centennial anniversary in 1892. 614 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. For more than a hundred years it has maintained an active existence, An Independent Congregational society was formed at Lowell about 1820 and a church built about 1824. After a few years of activity the numbers declined and in 1850 the building was sold and taken down. A Methodist Episcopal Society was organized soon after 1795, and services were held at intervals by itinerant preachers, meeting in private houses until 1803, when they purchased the South street church as be fore stated. This was used until 1835, when an edifice was erected at Westmoreland village and another at Lairdsville. Both of these socie ties are still in existence. A Baptist church was organized March 17, 1803, the fifth one of this denomination in Oneida county, its predecessors being at Whitestown, Deerfield, Paris and Sangerfield. From the old society sprang in later years, the Second Westmoreland church, and those at Vernon, Vienna, and Clinton. Ora Butler was the first pastor of the old society, begin ning in 1804. It finally became extinct. The Second Baptist church was organized February 21, 1818, and is located at Bartlett. A small church was built in 18 19. In 1836 some of the members of this society withdrew and organized the Old School Baptist church, north of Bart lett, which built a frame church. This society went out of existence, ' but the former one continues. Gethsemane Episcopal church, Westmoreland, was organized in 1842, and for a time was supplied with preaching by Rev. Stephen McHugh, of Oriskany. Rev. Mr. Spaulding was a late pastor and had charge of the De Lancey Institute, a school near Westmoreland mineral spring, The church of this society was erected in Westmoreland in 1858. A Methodist society was organized at Lowell many years ago, and built a modest frame church. This was in use until 1895, when the present new edifice was erected. What is known as the Friends' Meeting House was built in 18 19, soon after the organization of a society by John Wright, Lawton Barker (who were the first settlers in that neighborhood) and the family of Nathan Peckham. Alfred Richardson and wife settled there early. In 1852 Mary A. Peckham, wife of Daniel Peckham, was settled as the first " recommended minister." The first frame meeting house was in use until 1872, when the present one was erected. THE TOWN OF WHITESTOWN. 615 CHAPTER LII. THE TOWN OF WHITESTOWN. This town was formed by an act of the Legislature passed March 7, 1788, with the following boundary: Easterly by a line running north and south to the north and south bounds of the State, and crossing the Mohawk river at the ford near, and on the east side of the house of William Cunningham, and which line was the western boundary of the towns of Herkimer, German Flats and Otsego ; southerly by the State of Pennsyl vania, and west and north by the bounds of the State. William Cunningham's house was situated on the west side of Gene see street Utica and near its foot. These boundaries therefore show that the original Whitestown comprised nearly half of the area of the State, and that it is eminently entitled to the appellation of the mother of towns. Upon the formation of Oneida county in 1798 the limits of Whitestown were extended eastward about two miles to the present line of Herkimer county. Meanwhile the town was divided in April, 1792, and the towns of Westmoreland, Steuben, Paris, Mexico, and Peru erected. On March 5, 1795, parts of Whitestown and Paris were taken to form the new town of Cazenovia, and when Oneida county was formed that part of the town of Frankfort which came within its limits was annexed to Whitestown. From this territory Augusta was formed and the re mainder of Whitestown within the Oneida Reservation was annexed to Westmoreland. On April 7, 18 17, the town of Utica was erected from Whitestown, and on April 12, 1827, the town of New Hartford was formed from it, leaving Whitestown with an area of about thirty square miles The Mohawk River forms the northeastern boundary of the town, and into it flow the Oriskany Creek across the central. part of the town, and the Sauquoit Creek across the southeast corner ; other smaller streams give the town good drainage Southwesterly from the Mohawk extends a broad and level intervale, from which the surface of the town 616 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. rises perhaps a hundred feet and stretches back in a rolling upland, fer tile and picturesque. The reader has learned in early chapters of this volume of the stirring and tragic events which took place far back in the past on the territory of this town, giving it historical importance greater than almost any other locality in Central New York. The battle of Oriskany alone, considered by many as the turning point in the great struggle of which it was a part, and the scene of which is now marked by an imposing shaft, was sufficient to give the region an immortal name. In this con nection it" will surprise some to learn that an attempt was made long be fore permanent settlement was begun in the town to manufacture salt here. The journal of the Committee of Safety of this State records under date of February 7, 1777, that a committee was appointed to take steps towards starting the manufacture of the great necessity, a sample of which was furnished them. Of the water of certain springs at Oriskie, about ten miles to the eastward of Fort Schuyler (Stanwix), and reported that, from information, it appears to the committee that nine gallons of water will make two quarts of salt. Resolved, That said committee devise ways and means to make further experi ments in order to ascertain the quality of said water at Oriskie ; and if they are of the opinion that salt can be manufactured to advantage, that they proceed, without delay, to procure materials and employ proper persons to carry on the same. It is probable nothing was ever accomplished in this direction. It is a notable fact that the first permanent settlement in this State west of the German settlements on the Mohawk River, v/as made on the present territory of Whitestown. The fame of the beauty of this region and the fertility of its soil had been carried eastward by the offi cers and soldiers of the British army in the old French and Indian war, as well as, by those of the Revolution, and early turned the attention of hardy pioneers in this direction. The first permanent settler was Hugh White and we can do no better than quote the following story of his coming from the Jones Annals : Hugh White removed from Middletown, Connecticut, in May, 1784vand arrived in what is now Whitestown on the 5th of June. He came by water to Albany, crossed by land to Schenectady, where he purchased a bateau, in which he made passage up the Mohawk River to the mouth 'of the Sauquoit Creek. His four sons, a daughter, and daughter-in-law accompanied him. When he left Middletown he sent one of his sons with two yokes of oxen by land to Albany, who arrived there about the same THE TOWN OF WHITESTOWN. 617 time as did his father. As the family proceeded up the Mohawk in the boat their teams kept even pace by land, and when they arrived at Shoemaker's, a few miles below Utica, on the south side of the river, they found many of the farms in that vicinity unoccupied, and the charred remains of dwelling houses and outbuildings told a fearful tale of the ravages committed by the Tories and savages. Judge White, looking to the means for the future subsistence of his household, stopped at this place, tilled one of the vacated fields, and planted it with corn. At the proper season the father and sons returned from their new home at the mouth of the Sau quoit and hoed this field of corn, and in the fall they were repaid for their labor with a bountiful crop. It was harvested and brought up in their boat. Judge White was born February 15, 1733, making him fifty-one years of age at the time of his removal. It was not, therefore, the ardor and restlessness of youth that induced him to emigrate, but that spirit of enterprise and perseverance which looked forward to the future prosperity of himself and family. The precise time at which he arrived at the place where the field of corn was planted cannot now be ascertained, but it was just before "pinkster" (Whitsunday), a movable feast which comes six weeks after "paas," or "poss," — i. e., Easter day, — which would bring his arrival there at about the 20th of May. Immediately after the Revolution Judge White became one of the purchasers of Sadaqueda Patent, jo.intly with Zephaniah Platt, the father of the late Judge Jonas Platt, Ezra L'Hommedieu, and Melancthon Smith. By an agreement between the proprietors it was agreed that they should meet on the land in the summer of 1784, and make a survey and partition. Upon the arrival of Judge White at the mouth of the Sauquoit, a bark shanty was erected for a temporary residence. During the summer the patent was surveyed into four sections, and the particular section of each owner was decided by lot. The section drawn by Judge White being all inter vale, he purchased of Smith the lot drawn by him in its rear, which extended to the south line of the patent upon the hill. By this last purchase the judge became the owner in all of about fifteen hundred acres, comprehending all the land on both sides of Sauquoit Creek, from the corner formed by the road to the Oneida factories, and the Utica Road where Lewis Berry resided for many years in Whitesboro', and ex tending back on the hills morethan a mile from the village. After the judge had obtained this division and purchase, he at once proceeded to locate a site for a dwelling. The place selected was upon the bank which forms the eastern termination of the village green in Whitesboro', and about six rods southerly from the Utica road. The house erected was peculiar. He dug into the bank so that the lower story was underground, and then the upper was built in true primi tive log house style. The ridge pole for the support of the roof was upheld by forked trees, cut and set in the ground, and the roof was composed of slabs, split for that purpose from logs. This was the first house erected on the Indian and military road between Old Fort Schuyler (Utica) and Fort Stanwix. With the arrival of several relatives of Mr. White, from Middletown, with others who were induced to come on, the new settlement of Whitestown soon became a stirring neighborhood and the central des tination and stopping place of most of the later New England pioneers 78 618 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. to the west. They were a hardy and a fearless band, and faced the hardships and dangers of their wilderness home with fortitude and hero ism. The nearest mill was then at Palatine, forty miles away ; the for ests were overrun by wild animals, and danger from the Indians at the close of the Revolution was feared and .with reason. But Mr. White's sagacity and his fair treatment of the natives soon made them his firm friends. On one occasion, it is recorded, a chief demanded of him as a test of his confidence, that he would permit the chief to carry to his wigwam a little granddaughter then playing about the house and keep her until the next day. The child was entrusted to him, and tow ards the close of the following day, when the mother had become al most frantic with fears of treachery, the little one was safely returned decked out with Indian ornaments and garments. This incident is said to have been instrumental in creating friendship and confidence be tween the settlers and the natives. In any event Judge White himself became extremely popular with the Indians and after much solicitation on their part, they made him a member of the Oneida nation. This carried with it a share of the salmon caught at the first fishing of the season at Fish Creek. The judge and several of his sons were duly notified in the spring following his adoption and attended the fishing, where he and each member of the family received their share of the salmon. It will be seen that very much of the food of these pioneers was for a time the fish of the streams and the game of the forest. The Indians and tories had destroyed all stock, and grain had not yet been grown. But these conditions did not long continue, and many new settlers were, induced to migrate by the samples of wheat, corn and oats sent east by Judge White, and by his enthusiastic commendation of the Mohawk valley. The grain early^ grown by the community was much of it pounded in the well known stump mortar, rather than carry it the long journey to mill. After a long and useful life Judge White died April 17, 18 12, at the age of seventy-nine years. His familiar title was acquired through his appointment to the office of judge upon the formation of Herkimer county, and he held the position also in Oneida county. He was twice married, but his ten children were all by his first wife. His eldest son, THE TOWN OF WHITESTOWN. 619 Col. Daniel Clark White, accompanied his father to Whitestown and was father of the first white female child born in Oneida county ; she was Esther White, born March 15, 1785. She became the wife of Henry R. Storrs, an eminent attorney of this county, a judge and mem ber of congress. (See biography of White Family in Part II). Hugh White, jr., third son of the judge, served honorably in the Revolution, accompanied his father to Whitestown, but removed to Shrewsbury, N. J., and there died. The fifth son, Philo White, was a merchant in Whitestown and at Tioga Point. Fortune Clark White, son of Daniel C. White and grandson of the judge, was born in Whitestown July IO, 1787. He became a lawyer and was five years first judge of Oneida county. He died in 1866. Canvass White, son of Hugh White, jr., served in the army in the war of 18 12, was one of the early engineers on the Erie Canal; he died in Florida. Philo White, LL.D., son .of Philo andjjrandson of the judge, was born in Whitesboro June 23, 1799. He was liberally educated and worked a few years in the office of Columbian Gazette in Utica. In 1 820 he went to North Carolina where he was editor and owner of the Western Caro linian, and later of the North Carolina Standard in Raleigh. From 1837 to 1844 he was paymaster in the U. S. navy. He removed to Wiscon sin early in its territorial existence, where he held high political station. In 1854 he was made minister to Ecuador, where he remained until 1858. He died in Whitesboro. Jonas Platt was an early settler in Whitestown, settling at Whitesboro prior to 1791, in which year he was appointed clerk of Herkimer county. Upon the organization of Oneida county he was made the first clerk ; was elected to the State Senate in 1809, and in 18 14 was appointed judge of the Supreme Court of New York. As a lawyer and judge he gained high repute. He finally removed to Plattsburg and died there. Gen. George Doolittle was among the Whitestown pioneers. He had served in the Continental army in the Revolution and was a shoemaker by trade. Locating in Whitestown in 1786, he engaged in tanning, currying and shoemaking. He was the first brigadier-general of militia in Oneida county, was supervisor of the town more than twenty years, and served in the State Legislature. He died in 1825. 620 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Thomas R. Gold was a very early comer to Whitesboro, and for many years stood among the first lawyers in Central New York. He represented this district in Congress six years and from 1796 to 1800 was in the State Senate. He was prominently identified with the found ing of the First Presbyterian church. Reuben Wilcox, a veteran of the Revolution, came from Middletown, Conn., about 1791, and settled in the neighborhood of Whitesboro. He purchased a farm a mile west of Jeptha Brainard, paying two shillings an acre. His wife and two daughters came on with him, their slender store of goods being drawn by an ox team. They were the parents of Reuben and Morris Wilcox, both of whom passed long lives dn the town. Col. Gerrit G. Lansing, who served with distinction in the Revolution, came into the town in 1802 and purchased 400 acres, including the site of Oriskany village, the early existence of which was largely due to him. Among other settlers in the town may be mentioned William G. Tracy, Seth Capron, John Green (who purchased 400 acres on the south east side of the creek at Oriskany and was father of a family of several sons), William M. Cheever, Benjamin S. Walcott and his family, Capt. Needham Maynard, Dr. Elizur Moseley, Alvan Bradley, Uriah Stevens, and many others of whom sketches are found in Part III of this volume, The poll of the first general election for Whitestown was opened at Cayuga, and adjourned from there to Salina villege, thence to Rome, and closed at Whitestown. These adjournments were necessary to ac commodate the voters who were scattered over the great town. As the town records were burned on Tuesday, December 17, 1 861, we can only adopt the language of the Jones Annals in describing the proceedings of the first town meeting, as follows : The first town meeting held in the district (town) of Whitestown was convened at the house of Capt. Daniel C. White, in said district, on Tuesday, the 7th day of April, 1789, "agreeable to warning,'' and "it being more convenient," the meeting adjourned to the barn of Hugh White, esq., at which time and place they "pro ceeded as followeth: 1st, chose Col.' Jedediah Sanger supervisor; 2d, chose Elijah Blodget town clerk ; 3d, chose Amos Wetmore first assessor ; 4th, chose James Bron son second assessor ; 5th, chose Ephraim Blackmer, third assessor ; 6th, chose Oliver Collins collector; 7th, chose Hugh White, esq., and Capt. Moses Fort poormasters ; 8th, chose George Doolittle, Jedediah Sanger, and Ephraim Blackmer commissioners THE TOWN OF WHITESTOWN. 621 of highways; 9th, chose Jedediah Phelps, Joseph Sowle, Salmon Butler, Amos Kellogg, Nehemiah Jones, and Alexander Parkman constables; 10th, chose Major Gilbert Willett, Amos Ives, Ebenezer Butler, jr., Alexander Parkman, Joseph Jones, Joseph Jennings, overseers of roads; 11th, chose Lemuel Levenworth, Rice Haw- lev Lemuel Cook, Seth Ranney, Barnabas Pond, fence-viewers; 12th, chose Ebe nezer Butler, jr., Daniel C. White, poundkeepers ; 13th, voted to let swine run at large, yoaked and ringed ; 14th, voted that the supervisor appoint the place for hold ing the next annual meeting. Then that said meeting be dissolved." The second town meeting in Whitestown was held at the barn of Captain. Needham Maynard, on the road leading from Whitesboro to Middle Settlement, April 6, 1790. The following persons were elected: Major William Colbraith, supervisor; Elijah _ Blodget, town clerk; Joshua Morse, Capt. Daniel C. White, Lieut. Isaac Jones, Col. Jedediah Sanger, Rozel Fellows, assessors; Oliver Collins, collector; Capt. Amos Wetmore, Capt. James Cassety, overseers of the poor; Capt. Moses Foot,, James Dean, esq., George Doolittle, commissioners of highways; Samuel Ensign, Bill Smith, Rufus Blodget, Solomon Kellogg, Joseph Jones, constables; Silas Phelps, Sramuel Laird, Raphael Porter, Samuel Wells, Samuel Winch, Ashbel Beach, Amok Miller, William Satchel, Darius Sayles, Jedediah Phelps, overseers of high ways; John Tillotson, John Barsley, George Langford, Aaron Kellogg, fence- viewers ; Lemuel Levenworth, Barnabas Pond, pound-keepers. "Voted to reconsider the whole votes that have been received as null and void, when the inspectors adjourned the meeting till tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock." "Wednesday morning at ten o'clock April 7, 1790, met according to adjournment. Chose first, Jedediah Sanger, supervisor ; second, Ashbel Beach, town clerk ; third, Joshua Morse, Capt. Daniel C. White, Lieut. Isaac Jones, Ensign John Tillotson, and Ebenezer Wright, assessors; fourth, Oliver Collins, collector; Capt. Amos Wet more and James Br'onson, overseers of the poor; James Dean, George Doolittle, John Tillotson, commissioners of highways; Samuel Ensign, Bill Smith, John Bullen, Hezekiah Rice, Joseph Jones, Nathaniel Townsend, constables; Silas Phelps, Samuel Laird, John Young, Joseph Farewell, Samuel Wells, Samuel Winch, Jason Parker, Ashbel Beach, William Clarey, Amok Miller, Seth Steel, William Satchel, overseers of highways : John Barsley, Lemuel Levenworth, Barnabas Pond, pound- keepers." It is of course impossible now to say how many of these early officers were resident in what is now Whitestown, but many of them were. At the town meeting in 1791 Colonel Sanger was elected supervisor ; Ash bel Beach, town clerk ; Ebenezer Butler, collector ; James Wadsworth, Trueworthy Cook, Jeremiah Gould, and some others, overseers of high ways. On account of the burning of the records, we can'give the list of supervisors back to 1862 only, as follows: 1862, George Graham: 1863-64, Samuel Campbell; 1865-66, George Graham; 622 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1867-68, Robert B.Soules; 1869, George Graham; 1870, R. B. Soules; 1871, George Graham; 1872, Charles L. Balis; 1873, George Graham; 1874, Charles L Balis; 1875-76, Lyman L. Wight; 1877-80, Seward W. Baker; 1881, Edward Kernan; 1882-83, Joseph Ackroyd; 1884-88, Robert A. Jones; 1.889, William S. Reeder; 1890, R. A. Jones ; 1891-92, Robert Jamison ; 1893, Federick L. Black ; 1894-96, George rl! Graham. One of the first important duties of Judge White and some of his associates was to provide mills for the new community, which would save them from the necessity of long journeys or laborious pounding of grain in a stump mortar. The first mill in Oneida county was built in 1788 on Sauquoit Creek, on the Whitesboro and Utica road. Judge White, Amos Wetmore and John Beardsley were associated in its erec tion and it was long known as Wetmore's mill. It was a great boon to the pioneers. , A saw mill was built in the same year. 1 A military spirit was manifested early by the citizens of the town, and within a few years from the arrival of Judge White it was deemed expedient to raise a company of militia. Gov- George Clinton was ap plied to for commissions for the necessary officers, and he informed them that if a company of thirty men was enrolled the commissions should be forthcoming. The names were soon procured, and the names of the prospective officers were forwarded by the advice of Colo nel Staring, who commanded the regiment to which the company was attached. William Colbraith, the first sheriff of Oneida county, was chosen captain, and Daniel Clark White, ensign. Both of these officers rose to higher stations in the militia. Whitesboro was an important point until after the war of 1812, and a number of citizens joined the army and navy. Among those who received appointments as midship men in that war from this town' were Samuel Breese, William Inmany Antle Lansing and Edward and Benjamin Carpenter, A religious society was formed in Whitestown in 1786, and a minister was employed in the person of Rev. Dr. Hillyer, of Orange, N. J. This was the first religious society formed in the State west of Albany. The first regular church was of the Presbyterian faith and was organized at a meeting held April 1, 1793, in Judge White's barn. A constitution was drawn by Thomas R. Gold, Aaron Clark, George Doolittle, Jonas Platt, Stephen Potter, Joseph Root, Reuben Wilcox, and David Will iams. The name adopted was "The United Presbyterian Societies of THE TOWN OF WHITESTOWN. 623 Whitestown and Old Fort Schuyler." The society was soon incorpo rated with the following trustees: Jonas Platt, Joseph Root, Thomas R. Gold, Amos Wetmore, David Williams, John Post, Elizur Mosely, Stephen Potter, Enoch Story, Reuben Wilcox, Arthur Breese, Erastus Clark, and Silas Clark. Of these Messrs. Post, Potter, and perhaps others, resided at Old Fort Schuyler (Utica), and the others in Whites- town. Rev Bethuel Dodd was the first settled pastor and preached his first sermon in the public house of Col. Daniel C. White, on August 20, 1794. Mr. Dodd died here April 12, 1804, and his funeral was held in the new church which was built in 1803 and dedicated a short time be fore his death. Prior to that time for ten years meetings were held in houses, barns and schools houses. The second pastor was Rev. James Carnahan, who continued until October, 181 2 The old church was dis placed by the present brick edifice in 1834, which has been extensively improved. The society was divided in 1813, fifty-seven members going with the Utica society In March, 1830, forty-four members were dis missed to form a church at New York Mills, and in 1832 the organization of the Oriskany society took away fifty members. In December, 1837, fifty- nine withdrew and formed a Congregational society in Whitesboro. The village of Whitesboro increased rapidly in population during the first ten years after the first settlement, and for a considerable period it was a rival of Utica and of Rome. One of the earliest merchants of importance was William G, Tracy, who carried on a large business and bore the reputation of being an honest man. In January, 1794, the Western Centinel was founded in Whitesboro by Oliver P. Eaton ; it was the first newspaper in Oneida county and lived about six years. It is further described in another chapter of this volume. On the 9th of April, 181 1, was passed an act incorporating the " Village of Whitehall Landing." This name, however, did not seem to suit a majority of the citizens of the place, and, after further discussion of the subject, an act was passed March 26, 18 13, entitled " An Act to vest certain powers in the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Village of Whitesborough, and for other purposes." The bounds of the village were fixed, and Section 1 read as follows : Be it enacted by the people of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, that the district of country comprehended within the following bounds, 624 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. to- wit: Beginning on the south bank of the Mohawk River, at the mouth of the Sadaqueda Creek; thence running southerly on the west line of Cosby's Manor to a point opposite^ the southerly line of the lot on which stands the Oneida Cotton Factory ; thence northwesterly along said line, and to the southwest corner of the house-lot of Arthur Breese ; from thence northerly to the intersection of the road leading from the house of Jesse Dodge to the old Genesee road; from thence northerly until the line strikes a point on the west side of the main road leading from Whitesboro' to Rome, where the west line of the Sadaqueda Patent intersects said road ; thence northerly on the line of said point to the Mohawk River; thence down said river to the place of beginning, shall continue to be known and distinguished as the Village of Whitesborough. No trustees were chosen under this act, and that having been deemed just reason for the act becoming invalid, a third act was passed February 23, 1821. reviving the old charter, and reincorporating the " village of Whitesborough." The Erie Canal was then just completed through the village. A fourth act was passed April 23, 1829, amending the previous charter, no village officers having been in the mean while elected. May 1, 1847, an act was passed amending the eastern boundary of the vil lage — changing it to Sauquoit Creek. The first village officers, elected June'i5, 1829, were the following, viz: Trustees, S. Newton Dexter, Benjamin S. Walcott, Alvan Brad ley, Willard Camp, William Eels ; treasurer, Jesse C„ Wetmore ; col lector, Samuel B. Ferguson. S. Newton Dexter was appointed president, John Stryker village clerk, and Lewis Berry street commissioner. At a meeting of the board, June 26, 1829, a code of by-laws was read and adopted. It has already been noted that in early years, from 1802 to 1850, Whitestown was one of the two half shires of Oneida county, and in 1 802 and thereafter courts were held alternately at the two places. The building of the court house and jail has been fully described. The jail was finished in 1801 and the court minutes for December of that year contain the following entry : Charles C. Brodhead, sheriff of this county, having informed the court thatin pur suance of a law passed the last session he had accepted of and actually removed his prisoners to the gaol lately built for the county in the village of Whitesboro', it is therefore ordered that from and after the second day of January, one thousand eight hundred and two, instead of the present liberties of the gaol in and for the county of Oneida, as established by the rules of this court, the following shall be and are hereby established for the liberties of the gaol of said county, to wit: (here follow the boundaries) containing three acres of land, agreeable to a map thereof on file, and made by Robert Bordwell. THE TOWN OF WHITESTOWN. 625 The lot in the village on which the court house and jail were built was donated for that purpose by Hugh White, the original proprietary settler, on the condition that the realty should revert to him or his heirs in the event of a removal of the county seat from the village. The con tingency finally occurred, and in the absence of Philo White, later a re sident of the village, the buildings were sold under a decree in chancery for partition among the heirs. On the return of Mr. White in 1859, at which time he took up his permanent residence there, the case was laid before him. As it was evident that his grandfather's intention had been that the donation of the ground to the public should be irrevoc able, Mr. White took the necessary steps to secure the property, and in i860 donated it to the town and village for their use as a town hall and council chamber. The conditions of this conveyance provided that the portion of the Public Green infront of the edifice should be improved and taken care of, and afterwards Mr. White donated the remainder of this Green, on condition that the municipal authorities should improve it by laying out walks, etc., and make it a park for the free admission of promenaders, "and the exclusion of all cattle, and the like." He after wards erected a neat fence around the open portion of the lot, and re served the right to keep the plat free from weeds and rubbish. The corporate authorities inclosed the Green with a neat and substantial fence which was subsequently removed, and the present park, with its shade- trees and grass-plats, adds much to the natural beauty of the village. The early settlers planted shade-trees along both sides of the main street of the village, and these, grown tall and large, their branches almost interlocking, are stately sentinels along the broad way, which is lined with elegant dwellings and beautiful lawns. The " Old Court House " has been repaired to a considerable extent, and, aside from its uses as a town and village hall, it is the place of many public meetings and social gatherings. Whitesboro was a place of much business when the settlement at Old Fort Schuyler (now Utica) was scarcely worthy of notice ; but by subsequent enterprises being established at the latter place, and from various causes which helped to build it up, Whites boro became finally a beautiful suburb of the flourishing city of Utica. The first post office was named Whitestown and was established as early as 1796. Dr. Elizur Moseley was the first postmaster and held 79 626 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the office many years. He was probably the first physician to perma nently settle in the village. In 1798 he was appointed sheriff of the county, and later he was an assistant justice. Some of those who held the office of postmaster in later years were~W. A. Hobby, Dr. Whiting Smith, Wm. C. Champlin, Alvin Bradley, William O. Merrill, John G. Crain, Charles E. Smith, Ellis Ellis, and others. The present postmaster is Edward Kernan. Whitesboro has had a fire department since 183 1, if not before, and two years later there is record of the purchase of an engine of some de scription which cost $150. An engine was also kept at Yorkville, which was used at Whitesboro as occasion demanded and it was finally purchased by the latter village Other apparatus was bought from time to time, and in 1876 a Silsby rotary steam fire engine was purchased at a cost of about $1,200. This with hook and ladder apparatus are still in use. There is very little existing record from which to compile an account of the schools of this town. The destruction of the town records ren ders the task an impossible one. For many years the town was divided into thirteen districts, with a school house in each. Twelve districts are now reported, with a union free school in both Whitesboro and Oriskany. The following fragment was written some years ago by Leander S, Wood, of New York Mills, and is worthy of preservation: The strip of land lying on the east bank of the Sadaqueda Creek, from its mouth to the distance of three miles, was settled immediately after the settlement of Whites boro, by the Wetmores and Leavenworths. Within its limits are now included the villages of Yorkville and New York Mills, the upper part of the latter being in the township of New Hartford. Very soon after the settlement was made a school dis trict was organized, embracing the whole of the above and some adjacent territory, and a school opened. Soon another district was organized, embracing the extreme southern portion of this, with some more adjoining territory, which now forms the flourishing district at the Upper Mills — that is Nos. 3 and 4 in New Hartford. In 1826 the New York Mills district, or No. 4 District of Whitestown, was taken from the original district, and some twenty years after the Yorkville district, or Dis trict N°- 6, of Whitestown, was taken off, thus leaving the original district, No. 3, of Whitestown, with about 100 children of school age. This includes New York Mills, No. 1. There are now flourishing schools in all four districts, employing regularly six teachers. Whitesboro Union Free School has been under the care of the ROBERT ABLETT. THE TOWN OF WHITESTOWN. 627 Regents since December, 1891. The principal is Frank B. Van Or- mun, under whom are six teachers. The trustees are Rev. M. E. Dun ham, George H. Haynes and William Gates. ¦ Among the early manufactures of Whitesboro was a tub and churn factory established in 1824 by Watkins & Griswold in the upper part of the village. It was transferred to Ellis & Co. in 1840, and was burned in 1844. A new factory was built in the lower portion of the village and the business was carried on by Watson, Ellis & Co. until 1873, when the firm again became Ellis & Co. The business was abandoned some years ago. The manufacture of weaver's reeds was begun here in 1858 by James Brierly, and is still continued by his sons, William and Gilbert. Several tanneries have had an existence in or near the village, but they have all disappeared with the failure of the bark supply. The last one was established by William Benedict in 1850. A saw and planing mill was started in 1869 by Williams & Co., who carried on a successful business many years in the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds and specialties. The mill finally passed to Denton & Waterbury, who are now operating it. Sutton & Quigley began the manufacture of furniture more than twenty years ago. The firm soon became W. B. Quigley & Co. The business was continued on a large scale until the present year, when the concern went into the hands of a receiver. Business is now con ducted under the name of the Quigley Furniture Company. B. T. Babbitt's Whitesboro Iron Works were established in i87i,and extensive brick buildings erected. A general foundry and machine business was carried on and about one hundred hands were employed for a time. John Leroy Babbitt accepted the superintendency of the of the works in 1874, which position he has since retained. He has served the village several terms as trustee and one term as president. The Anchor Knitting Mill was started in 1890 by Robert Ablett, in the old seminary building, which he purchased of the Ellis estate. The business has been very successful, and large additions have been made to the building. The product is knit underwear in cotton and wool and about 250 hands are employed. General stores are kept in Whitesboro by G. A. Kirkland and H. H, 628 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Victory. Edward Pickett is in the hardware trade, and James Kelly sells boots and shoes. The two hotels are the Central, kept by John Moehle, and the Park House, kept by Corbitt & Goodwin. The hamlet and post-office of Yorkville lies between Whitesboro and New York Mills and is substantially a continuation of the latter. It was here that the first grist mill was built, as before noted, but it long ago disappeared. There has always been a small mercantile business done here, and at the present time John N. Cole carries on an extensive business. Robert Cooper has a general store, Charles P. Stone con ducts a millinery business, and G. M. Relyea a hardware store. The village of New York Mills is known throughout the State as the site of the celebrated cotton mills bearing that name. Benjamin Stuart Walcott was a native of Cumberland, R. I., and was a descendant in the fifth generation from Capt. Jonathan Walcott who resided in Salem from 1655 to 1669. Benjamin Stuart Walcott was born July 27, 1755, and became engaged in the erection of cotton mills for himself and others. Early in 1808 he was invited by Dr. Scott Capron, who with others contemplated the erection of mills in Whitestown, Oneida county, to come here and superintend the work. Mr. Walcott was at that time one of the proprietors of the mill in his native place and also of the mill at Rehoboth, and was personally engaged in managing the mill at Cen tral Falls. Associated with him was his son Benjamin S. Walcott, jr., who was left in charge of the latter mill while the father came on to Whitestown. Arriving here in May, 1808, a partnership was at once formed under the name of Walcott & Company. Mr. Walcott returned to Rhode Island in 1809, his place in Whitestown being occupied by his son, Benjamin S. Walcott, jr. The father was a man of excellent natural abilities, with inventive genius of a high order. He died in Seekonk, Mass., May 15, 1824. His son, just mentioned, was born in Cumberland, R. I., September 29, 1786. By act of the Legislature March 17, 1809, the factory in Whitestown had its agents, superintend ents and workmen exempted from serving as jurors ; this is probably the only instance where such action was taken by the Legislature. This cotton factory was the first one established in this State. On the 9th of March, 18 10, the members of the firm of Walcott & Company were incorporated under the title of the Oneida Manufacturing Society. THE TOWN OF WHITESTOWN. 629 From 1808 to 1825 there was no communication with Albany except by team, and in winter cotton and supplies were hauled from New York at a cost of one dollar per hundred pounds. After the opening of the canal a boat owned by this company transported for years goods to Albany and returned with cotton and supplies. In 18 13 Benjamin S. Walcott, jr., in connection with Gen George Doolittle, whose daughter he married,' organized the Whitestown Cotton and Woolen Mill. This company at once occupied the grist mill known as the Buhr Stone Fac tory, which was in operation until 1878, when it was taken down. In 1839-40 there was erected near this building a mill of stone, now known as Mill No. 3. In 1825 Mr. Walcott still further extended his opera tions by forming a partnership with Benjamin Marshall, a wealthy mer chant of New York, under the style of Marshall & Walcott' In this year another factory was erected which now forms part of the group of the New York Mills. On the 1st of June, 1839, Mr. Marshall sold to Benjamin S. and William D. Walcott part of his interest in the middle and upper group of mills, the lower group being owned and operated by them and for about forty five years afterwards by the Oneida Man ufacturing Society. On the 1st of January, 1847, Mr. Marshall con veyed his entire remaining interest in the mills and business to Benja min S. and William D. Walcott. On the same date Benjamin S Wal cott conveyed a part of his interest to his second son, Charles D. Wal cott, and at the same time William D. and Charles D. conveyed a part of their interest to Samuel Campbell, the firm at that time consisting of Benjamin S., William D., and Charles D. Walcott and Samuel Camp bell. Its style was the New York Mills. Charles Doolittle Walcott was born in Whitestown September 14, 1818. He was placed in charge of the upper mill and thus continued until his death September 15, 1852. On -the ist of May, 1856, Benjamin S. Walcott sold his interest in the upper mill to William D. Walcott and Samuel Campbell and on the same day they formed a new copartnership under the style of Walcott & Campbell, but retaining as the trade mark of their fabrics, the New York Mills. On the 12th day of May, 1856, Benjamin S. Walcott, William D. Walcott and Samuel Campbell, executors under the will of Charles D. Walcott, deceased, conveyed the interest of his estate to Will iam D. Walcott and Samuel Campbell, Benjamin S. Walcott died Jan- 630 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. uary 12, 1862, in his seventy-sixth year, leaving a high reputation for business ability and lofty moral principles. In 1870 Samuel R. Campbell and W. Stuart Walcott, sons of the two members of the firm, received each an interest in the business. Samuel Robert Campbell, son of Samuel Campbell, was born in New York Mills village May 27, 1838. He was well educated and at the age of eight een years entered the machine shop of the New York Mills to learn the machinist's trade. After becoming thoroughly familiar with the con struction and operation of cotton machinery he was successively placed in charge of different departments of work and in i860 was appointed superintendent of the middle gioup of mills now known as Mill No. 2. In 1865 by the advice of his father he went to Europe for about four years. He was United States consul at Geneva, Switzerland and, at Munich, Bavaria, and learned to speak French, Spanish and German with facility. After traveling extensively he returned and resumed his active connection with the business. William Stuart Walcott, son of William D. Walcott, was born at New York Mills February 1 1, 1843. He was liberally educated and at the outbreak of the Civil war he volunteered in the 76th Regiment and was commissioned second lieutenant of Co. B. Inconsequence of illness he resigned after one year of service and returned home. In the upper group of mills he worked in the different departments until he was fitted for the active business of cotton manufacturing. In 1865 he was ap pointed superintendent of that group of mills. The business of the upper two groups of mills was continued under the style of Walcott & Campbell nearly twenty-eight years. During the same period that of the lower group was conducted as the separate interest of the Oneida Manufacturing Society, by the same men as trustees. On the 1 2th of February, 1884, a charter having been obtained January 22, 1884, to a corporation under the style of The New York Mills, the whole property pertaining to the three establishments was conveyed to the said corpor ation by one deed, the grantors being William D. Walcott, and Samuel Campbell, owners of the upper two '.roups of mills, and the Oneida Manufacturing Society by its surviving trustees, W. D. Walcott and S. Campbell. The corporation was organized by the election of Will iam D. Walcott, president ; Samuel Campbell, treasurer ; Samuel R. THE TOWN OF WHITESTOWN. 631 Campbell and W., Stuart Walcott, secretaries. Mr. Campbell was at one period greatly interested in raising blooded cattle and with W. D. Walcott was the owner of the finest herd of short horn cattle in the world. Samuel Campbell died September 22, 1885. He was dis tinguished as a manufacturer, an efficiect promoter of all good works. He served in the State Senate with ability and credit ; his mental qualifi cations were unusual and his manhood true on all occasions. He was sympathetic, hospitable, and firm in his friendships. He was the natural leader of the community, beloved and trusted by all. On the death of Mr. Campbell his son, Samuel R., was elected treas urer of the New York Mills and continues in the office. The business of this great company continued without other notable event until the death of the president, William D. Walcott, which took place April 1, 1890. The Utica Herald spoke of him as follows: He was ever the true friend of the educational interests of this section, he appre ciated the influence of educated minds, and was ever ready to contribute to any cause which had for its object the culture of the people. During the war for the Union his patriotism was manifested in liberal contributions to the equipment of the officers and men who volunteered and in assisting and caring for their families. In 1881 the beautiful Walcott Memorial Presbyterian church was erected. In 1862 his father left $10,000 for building a church and the son contributed $20,000 to complete the edifice. Mr. Walcott was superintendent of the Sunday school and had been a member of it more than sixty years. He was a notable type of the Christian gentle man. His abilities were large, he had the power to grasp the details of a great busi ness, so that his judgment was unerring upon all questions that came before him in relation to it. W. Stuart Walcott was elected president of the corporation upon the death of his father, in which office he still continues. As heretofore in dicated these mills are in three groups. Mill No 1, the lowest down on the stream is nearly on the site of the original Oneida Mill. That structure was of wood and 65 by 35 feet in size, three stories high. It was burned about the year 1813, and a larger and more substantial structure of stone erected on the site. In 1879 it was determined to replace it with a mill better adapted to modern machinery. In order that business might not be interrupted the new mill was erected in rear of the old one; it was finished in 1880, and fully equipped with the best of machinery. Its product is standard shirtings a yard wide. , The original New York Mill was extended northward in 1852, uni form in height with the old structure. In 1884 another extension was 632 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. made in th; same direction The mill, or range of mills, now known as No. 2 has an aggregate length of 5 12 feet, and is still devoted to the manufacture of fine shirtings. The original mill of the Whitestown Cotton und Woolen Manufactur ing Company was superseded in 1840 by a mill of stone 220 feet long and 40 feet wide, three stories; it is now known as Mill No. 3, and its product is cottonades-and similar fabrics. Adjoining this on the north is Mill No 4, erected of brick in 1870, 250 by 67 feet, five stories and attic. In it are manufactured sheetings of all widths and superior quality. The village that has grown up around these mills is a community of employees, and is a model of temperate and thrifty prosperity. No where in the United States can be found a factory village which excels New York Mills in the quality of its homes, the excellence of its schools, the prosperity of its churches or the contented intelligence of its people. John P. Campbell, oldest son of Samuel R. Campbell, is superin tendent of the middle group of mills. He took a course in mechanical engineering at Cornell and afterwards made a tour of Europe. Return ing he worked in the various dedartments of the mill to gain a thorough mastery of the business. The oldest son of W. Stuart Walcott is Frederick C. Walcott, who is superintendent of the upper group of mills. He graduated from Yale University in 189 1 and after a foreign tour returned and took a course of practical work in all departments of the mill, according to the tra ditions of the family for five generations. George H. Warner, son-in law of the late Samuel Campbell, is su perintendent of the lower group of mills and the bleachery. General stores are now kept in the village by E. W. Jones and John J. Langdon. Reese & Williams, Joseph Hepworth, Joseph Ackroyd, Paul Wagner and A. McCarthy conduct groceries ; Robert Fraser is dealer in dry goods and M. E. Hastings in hardware. The founding of the village of Oriskany by Col. Gerritt G. Lansing has been noted. Born in Albany December 11, 1760, Colonel Lansing entered the army, at the beginning of the war, and served until its close; was presenr at several important battles, and at Yorktown, under Colonel Hamilton, he led the forlorn hope as lieutenant. In 1802 this THE TOWN OF WHITESTOWN. 633 gallant soldier and true gentleman of the old school settled at Oriskany, and lived there on his pension and his patrimony until his death, on the 27th of May, 1831. Both in the army and after his removal to Oneida county, Colonel Lansing was distinguished for his high integrity and his patriotism, as well as for his ability and his enterprise. His wife was a daughter of Col. Edward Antill, an Englishman by birth, but an officer of the Revolutionary army high in the confidence of General Washington. After her husband's death, she lived in Utica until her own death, on the 24th of August, 1834. She possessed in an emi nent degree the qualities that adorn true womanhood. Colonel Lansing purchased 400 acres of land extending southwest from the Mohawk and on the northeast side of Oriskany Creek. About 1 8 10 he erected a grist mill on the site of the later mill and near by built a'saw mill. This property afterwards passed to the Bleeckers, who built the stone mill. The machinery was put in by B. E. Williams of Oriskany, whose brother was agent for the Bleeckers at the time. These mills were ultimately burned. An early manufacturing industry at this place was the factory of the Oriskany Manufacturing Company, which was incorporated in 181 1. It was established to aid in rendering " this country independent of Eng land for a supply of clothing," consequent upon the scarcity occasioned by the war of 18 12. Among those who were identified with the under taking were Seth Capron, Jonas Platt, Thomas R. Gold, Newton Mann, Theodore Sill, Nathan Williams, William G. Tracy, De Witt Clinton, . Ambrose Spencer, John Taylor and Stephen Van Rensselaer. Gerritt G. Lansing was made president of the company. Buildings were promptly erected, and according to the Annals of Judge Jones " the satinetts made by this company sold readily at $4 a yard, and their broadcloths from $10 to $12 a yard; but to counterbalance these prices, for the first four years after they commenced operations they paid an average of $1.12 per pound for their wool." Over 100 hands were em ployed and the product reached 1 00,000 yards annually. After various successes and periods of reverse the company closed its business in 1854, after which the buildings were purchased by A. B. Buell and adapted for a furnace. After carrying on this business for a time he put in cot ton machinery. This factory passed to Thomas Wood and eventually 634 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the machinery was taken out. The firm of H. Waterbury & Sons was formed in 1880 and was later incorporated under the style of the H. Waterbury & Sons Company, for the manufacture of paper makers' felts. They bought the property above described of the Wood estate • a part of the buildings had been temporarily occupied by the Oriskany Malleable Iron works (which see). The business of the Waterbury com pany is large and successful. The Oriskany Malleable Iron Company, limited, originated with H. C. Buell and a Mr. Merriman, who began business in the old factory above described. Later the company built their present large works on the canal. The company was incorporated in 1 879 ; George Gra ham, president ; W. P. Locke, vice president ; George H. Graham, sec retary and treasurer. The capital is $41,000. About 125 hands are employed. T. F. Walbran established a knitting mill in 1891, for the manufac ture of men's half hose ; twenty hands are employed. The post office in Oriskany was established prior to 1821, with Colonel Lansing, postmaster ; the present official is George A. Baer. A frame school house was erected here about 18 12, where school was taught in 18 16 by David Wood. The village now comprises Union Free School District No. 1, with R. W. Hoffman, principal; he has three assistants. The present school building, erected in 1892, cost over $13,000 and stands on the old school site. The mercantile firm of Sweet & Baer is composed of Herman Sweet and George Baer, who carry a general stock. Another store is kept by M. M. Carbitt. S. D. Jones has an excellent drug store, and Leonard Cross a hardware store. There are three hotels in Oriskany, kept respectively by M. N. Carr, D. G. Snyder, and Skelly Brothers. Walesville is a hamlet in the southwest part of the town, on Oriskany Creek, where considerable manufacturing has been carried on. A cot ton mill was formerly operated here by the Clark Mills Cotton Com pany, which was many years ago stripped of its machinery and aban doned. A paper mill was established many years ago and has been operated most of the time since ; it is now in the hands of Hoffman & Thompson, who are doing a large business principally in the manu- The town of whitestown. 636 facture of different grades of manila paper. The hotel is kept by C. W. Snyder, and a small store by J. Hall. A wadding mill was formerly operated here, but was burned many years ago. Coleman's Mills is a hamlet on Oriskany Creek near the center of the town, where a saw and grist mill are operated by William S. Reeder, who also has a store. A small shoddy mill is carried on by W. N. Chrisman. At what was known as Pleasant Valley, a mile above Oriskany, was formerly the woolen factory of the Dexter Manufacturing Company. It was a large establishment and began operations in 1832. Fine grades of cloth and shawls were made. It was burned many years ago and not rebuilt. The first Baptist minister to visit this town was Rev. Stephen Par sons, who came from Connecticut early in 1796. In June of that year he came again and on the 1 8th of that month organized the First Baptist society with seven members. Caleb Douglass was chosen the first clerk and deacon and was, in January, 1802, ordained elder and the second pastor of the church. In March, 1803, six members were dismissed to form a church at Westmoreland. This society has ever since maintained an active and vigorous existence and celebrates its cen tennial this year. The church edifice has recently been furnished with with new windows and otherwise improved. St John's Episcopal church of Whitestown was organized chiefly through efforts of S. Newton Dexter, and Rev. Benjamin W. Whitcher was appointed the first deacon in 1844. In 1853 Philo White, then residing in Wisconsin, met in New York city Rev. William A. Matson, who solicited him for aid to build a church in his native village. Mr. White made a liberal subscription and the corner stone of the edifice was laid June 19, 1855. St. John's parish was organized August 1, 1844. The society has continued its existence to the present time. 'A Methodist class was formed in Whitesboro in connection with New York Mills in November, 1876. The legal organization was effected in December following with about forty members. A building was pur chased and fitted up for services. The present beautiful brick edifice was erected in 1891. The Methodist church of New York Mils was first organized in 1826, 636 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. -meetings having been previously held in various places in the village. It was the outgrowth of a class formed in the previous year by Rev. William N. Pearne, who was then bookkeeper in the mills. The hand some brick church was built about 1872, its predecessor having been burned in the previous year. The society is prosperous. As early as 18 18 a Presbyterian Sabbath school was started in New York Mills by Ezra Wood, a member of the Presbyterian church at Whitesboro. Benjamin S. Walcott took an active interest in the wel fare of the school and the succeeding church, as before related. The Presbyterian society was formed in March, 1830, with forty-four mem bers from the church at Whitesboro. The first elders were Benjamin S. Wolcott Ambrose Coan and Ezra Wood. The first pastor was Rev. George Foote, installed March 23, 1831. A frame church was built about that time and was burned in February, 1834. A brick bpilding was erected on the site. The erection of the present memorial church occurred in 188 1. The Welsh Congregational church at New York Mills was formed about 1852, and a frame church erected in the north part of the village. St. Peter's Episcopal church, Oriskany, was incorporated in May, 1830, under the administration of Rev. Marcus A. Perry. The brick church was erected in 1833-4 and has several times been remodeled and improved, the last time about ten years ago. The Presbyterian church, Oriskany, was organized August 14, 1831, with thirteen members. A frame church was finished and dedicated December 30, 1835. The first pastor was Rev. Samuel Wells, who was installed March 9, 1836. A Methodist church was formed at' Oriskany in early years and a frame edifice built by them ; this was afterwards used by a Welsh Methodist society. The former organization is still in active existence. A Methodist church had an early existence at Coleman's Mills, but is now extinct. A Baptist church was formed at Walesville in 1850, with Elder John M. Shotwell in charge. A small church was erected soon after the organization. The society is still active. BIOGRAPHICAL. BIOGRAPHICAL. EDMUND MUNSON. The original American ancestor of the subject of this memoir, and the founder of ths family in the New World, was Thomas Munson, a carpenter by trade, who became a resident of Hartford, New Haven, Conn., as early as 1637, in which year he participated with Mason's army in the Pequot war. He was subse quently commissioned as a lieutenant, and in recognition of his services was granted 100 acres of land in the present city of Hartford. He became a prominent member of the colony, serving as selectman, as deputy to the General Assembly, as town treasurer, as captain, etc., of the militia, as adjuster of estates, etc. He died May 7, 1685, aged seventy-three. His only son, Samuel,, was one of the founders of Walling- ford, served as selectman, as rector of the Hopkins Grammar School, as town treas urer, as an officer in the militia, etc. He died in 1693, being the father of ten children. He had a son Samuel, who had a son Waitstill, who had Samuel, who had Ephraim, who had Samuel, who was the father of the subject of this sketch. Ephraim enlisted in the Revolutionary army, but served only a few months, and was a carpenter, millwright, and mill owner, residing in Barkhamsted, Conn. Samuel, the eldest son of Ephraim, was born August 17, 1777, resided in Barkhamsted, and died May 20, 1844. He owned a grist mill, a saw mill, and a large farm, represented his town in the General Court five sessions, being in the Legislature in 1816, when the Blue Laws were abolished, and served as justice of the peace in 1824 and 1825. November 13, 1800, he married Hannah, daughter of Whitehead Howe, of Center Hill, Conn., who died February 9, 1854. Their children were Ephraim, born August 22, 1801, who assisted his uncle in Utica in the manufacture of millstones, married Phebe daughter of Rev. Ozias Eells, first pastor at Barkhamsted, and died December 7, 1826; Edmund, the subject of this memoir; Laura (Mrs. Owen Case), born July 14, 1808, died March 12, 1871 ; Hannah (first the wife of Dr. David Phelps and afterward Mrs. Ezekiel Hosford), born in 1816, died February 12, 1858; and Whitfield Talley rand, born May 6, 1812, died May 22, 1883. Edmund Munson was born in Barkhamsted, Conn. , May 2, 1805, and during a few years of his youth received the slight advantage of a district school education. At the early age of fifteen he entered his father's mill, where he received the rudiment ary instructions which laid the foundation of his subsequent usefulness and success in business life. In 1829 he built a flouring mill in his native village comprising four runs of stone, which he1 made. . Six years later he left Connecticut with the in- 4 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tention of moving to Peoria, 111. , but upon reaching Utica, then a most prosperous community, decided to remain and become a permanent resident. This was in 1835. His uncle, Alfred Munson, had settled in Utica in 1823, and established the first French buhr-millstone manufactory in this country. Edmund Munson was made superintendent of this establishment, which at this time had developed into exten sive proportions. In the spring of 1842 he removed to Brownville, Jefferson county, where he supervised the erection of a large flouring mill, equipped with six sets of stone, which was then considered one of the best mills in the State. Returning to Utica in the spring of 1847 he formed a partnership with A. C. Hart and engaged in the mill-furnishing business, which became one of the largest enterprises of the kind in the country. August 7, 1849, he received letters-patent for a turn-table for balancing and finishing millstones, and July 19, 1853, he was granted letters-patent for an improvement in hangings for millstones, known as Munson's patent eye-driver and spindle. Both these appliances proved inestimably valuable, and their necessity has ever since been universally conceded. An extension of the latter patent was obtained July 18, 1867. April 3, 1860, he had patented a portable mill, which is recognized as one of the best inventions achieved for the milling public. The suc cess of this appliance is attributed to the fact that in its construction Mr. Munson had in view a mill which would grind all sorts of grain, plaster, starch, hydraulic cements, etc. The firm of Hart & Munson was dissolved in 1869, and Mr. Munson associated with himself in the mill-furnishing business, his three sons, Edmund, jr., Alfred H., and Counteil, under the style of Munson Brothers. This firm has ever since con ducted a large and prosperous business. The extensive works on Broadway include a millstone manufactory and a machine shop, both well arranged and commodious, As a manufacturer and inventor Mr. Munson made it a life study to attain the highest possible perfection in mill machinery, and whatever point he aimed at was invariably reached. He was pre-eminently practical, but also manifested a keen enthusiasm in his plans and experiments, and the two qualities won for him his great success. The perfection and durability of the manufactured article were equally a theme of admiration. In stature he was well proportioned and of venerable appear ance, his large, noble-looking head, his regularly formed and highly expressive features, indicating that natural intelligence and force of character which dis tinguished the man. He was a critical observer of events, thoroughly informed in business, courteous in all his intercourse, and ranked among the foremost of our American manufacturers. He was kind, considerate, hospitable,' and enterprising, charitable towards all, and an enemy of none. No man ever won a fairer reputa tion. During a long and successful business life he accumulated a handsome com petency, but left to the community a better heritage than wealth in the record of an honorable career. He was an earnest believer in the faith of the Universalist church, a constant attendant upon its public service, and died in Utica on the 14th of March, 1872. Mr. Munson married, first, May 10, 1829, Miss Elizabeth -Stuart, who was born July 24, 1812, and who died July 20, 1887. She was a granddaughter of Waitstill Munson, » grandson of the Waitstill mentioned in the beginning of this article. They had three children; Henry E., born July 28, 1880, died October 80, 1837; BIOGRAPHICAL. 5 Ephraim, born June 2, 1832, died August 31, 1837; and Hannah Wetmore, born September 10, 183', who married June 9. 1849, Edward Wendell Crosby, a manufac turer of Albany, N. Y. October 13, 1838, Mr. Munson married, second, Miss Sarah Gardner, who died November 25, 1872. They had five children ; Helen Elizabeth, born November 30, 1840, died April 15, 1862; Sarah L., born February 20, 1842, who married Dr. W. G. Tucker, of Cooperstown, N. Y., and, second, William H. Blodgett, of the Treasury Department at Washington; Edmund, born December 26, 1844, in Brownville, N. Y. ; Alfred Hooper, born February 14, 1846 ; and Counteil, born Feb ruary 22, 1849. EDWARD NORTH. Edward North, fourth son of Reuben and Huldah (Wilcox) North, was born in Berlin, Conn., March 9, 1820, and belongs to the eighth generation from John North, one of the original proprietors and settlers of Farmington, Conn., in 1653. He united with the Second Congregational church of Berlin, December 4, 1831. His preparation for college began with Principal Ariel Parish, of the Worthington Acad emy in Berlin, and was completed in 1837 with Rev. Salmon Strong, principal of the Clinton Grammar School. He was graduated from Hamilton College in 1841, with the Valedictory Oration. He began the work of a teacher as principal of the Clin ton Grammar School, and was one year a private tutor in the family of Roswell Colt, of Paterson, N. J. In December, 1843, he was elected Dexter professor of Greek and Latin in Hamilton College, as the successor of Professor J. Finley Smith. In 1862 he was elected professor of the Greek language and literature, and Rev. William N. McHarg was elected professor of the Latin language and literature. In 1869 the resignation of Professor McHarg was followed by the election of Rev. Abel G. Hopkins, who still occupies the Latin chair. In 1844 Professor North received the degree of A.M. from the trustees of Brown University; in 1869 the degree of L. H. D. from the Regents of the University of the State of New York ; and in 1887 the degree of LL. D. from the trustees of Madison (now Colgate) University. Since 1852 Professor North has been one of the five trustees of the Clinton Gram mar School; since 1855 a trustee of the Clinton Cemetery Association, and necrolo gist of the Society of Hamilton Alumni. He has edited a dozen editions of the " Cal- alogus Collegii Hamiltonensis" and has had charge of the department of " Alum- niana" in the Hamilton Literary Monthly, since that periodical was founded in 1866 In 1865 he was president of the New York State Teachers' Association ; in 1865 he was elected one of the nine ruling elders in the Presbyterian church in Clinton, and has been twice sent to the General Assembly as a commissioner from the Utica Pres bytery, viz.. in 1870 and 1876. He has also been a commissioner of Auburn Theo logical Seminary for three terms. Since 1870 he has been secretary of the Epsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa in Hamilton College. In 1866 he was president of the associated Chapters of the Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity. In 1871 Professor North visited Athens as the companion of Hon. John M. Francis, then United States minister to the kingdom of Greece. In 1874—75 he was chairman of the executive committee of the University Convocation. He is a member of the 6 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. New York Historical Society, the Albany Institute, the Oneida Historical Society the American Philological Association, the American Philosophical Society, the Hel lenic Philological Syllogos of Constantinople, and other similar associations. He has delivered addresses or read papers before the Oneida Historical Society, the Na tional Teachers' Association, the University Convocation of the State of New York the Albany Institute, the American Institute of Instruction, the New York State Agricultural Society, the New York State Teachers' Association. In 1864 he deliv ered the Annual Poem before the Society of Hamilton Alumni. Since January, 1881, he has been, one of the trustees of Houghton Seminary in Clinton, and since June, 1881, one of the twenty-eight trustees of Hamilton College. After the death of President Darling, April 20, 1891, Professor North was appointed acting presi dent of Hamilton College by its Executive Committee, a most unwelcome office, in which he, however, continued to officiate until his successor, Dr. M. Woolsey Stryker, was elected in the fall of 1892. Since his election in 1843, Professor North has given instruction in the Greek lan guage and literature to fifty-two successive classes, and upwards of 2,000 students, many of whom in the later classes have been sons of those who were students in the earlier classes. An army of men in every walk of life have profited by his broad learning and culture and remember him with respect and love. He has been aided and encouraged in his work by many substantial tokens of good will, notably by the prize funds received from the relatives of the late Col., Henry H. Curran, '62, of Utica; the late Martin Hawley, '51, of Baltimore, and the Hon. Chauncey S. Truax, '75, of New York city. Professor North was married July 31, 1844, to Mary Frances Dexter, only daughter of Hon. S. Newton Dexter, of Whitesboro. She was the mother of five children, and died May 27, 1869, aged forty-six years and ten months. Her four surviving children are : 1. Mrs. Laura Dexter (North) Reed, who was married July 29, 1874, to Rev. Dr. William Reed, now pastor of the Memorial Presbyterian church in Troy. Their children are Ruth Dexter Reed, Edward North Reed, Laura Lansing Reed, and Sarah Allen Reed. William Vanderheyden Reed, born May 17, 1889, died January 12, 1890. 2. Simon Newton Dexter North, now secretary of the National Association of Wool Manufacturers, Boston, Mass , was married July 8, 1875, to Lillian Sill Com stock, daughter of Hon. Calvert Comstock, of Rome. Their children are Edward North, Gladys North, Eloise Comstock North, and Dexter North. 3. Edward Simeon North. 4. Mary Hulda North. 5. James Summerville North, born May 10, 1861 ; died May 10, 1863. CLAUDE WILSON, M. D. Dr. Claude Wilson was'born January 6, 1850, in Palmer, Mass., where his father, Rev. Thomas Wilson, was pastor of the Congregational church, but afterwards removed to Stoughton, Mass., where he was settled for twenty years. He then be- CLAUDE WILSON, M. D. BIOGRAPHICAL. 7 came pastor for fifteen years of the Congregational church in Eaton, Madison county, N. Y. Claude, his eldest son, fitted for college in the High School at Stoughton, in its first class, that of 1867. He then entered Amherst College, and graduated with the class,of 1871. For the next succeeding three years he taught in the Asy lum for the Blind in Columbus, Ohio. He then decided to adopt the medical pro fession and thereupon entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, and graduated from that institution in March, 1876. He was induced by friends to settle in Waterville, and his first and last professional work was done there. He was then a bright young man of broad and thorough education and equip ment for successful work in his profession, and above all possessed the qualities of mind and character that won the confidence and respect of the people with whom he had elected to make his home. Therefore he at once entered into a prosperous prac tice, and through the twenty years of his professional life there was the recognized leader among the physicians. He was endowed with a kindly heart and Christian manhood, that always made his personality felt along the higher plane that leads to the betterment of one's condition in life, and just to this degree too, he was conscien tious and honorable in his professional life, rendering the kind of service that made him all the more missed when he ceased to administer to the physical ills of those who sought his aid. In social life he enjoyed the same degree of esteem from his fellow townsmen and associates. In business channels he had the fullest confidence of the community. At the time of his death, which occurred on April 22, 1896, he was a director in the National Bank of Waterville and a member of the Board of Education. He was a valued and influential member of Sanger Lodge, F. & A. M. and the Waterville Council of the Royal Arcanum. He was also an active member of the Pickwick Club, and rendered valuable aid to the educational and literary advancement of Waterville. Dr. Wilson had one brother, Daniel W. Wilson, who resides in Chicago, and ore sister, the wife of Rev. James F. Pettee, who is a missionary in Okayama, Japan. Rev. Thomas Wilson, the father, now resides in Waterville. June 5, 1877, Dr. Wilson married Anna Atherton Hodges, daughter of Leonard" and Jane (Atherton) Hodges, of Stoughton, Mass. Mr. Hodges was a large manu facturer and influential citizen of that place. Mrs. Wilson received her education in her native State. Possessing a brilliant mind and a broad education and culture, she became not only a good wife, but an enjoyable companion for her husband. Five children have been born to them, all of whom survive : Anabel, Janet, Mar garet, Claude and Leonard. SILAS ADAMS. Silas Adams was born in the town of Vernon, July 4, 1809. His education was received at the common schools of Vernon, where he turned to the best account pos sible the advantages afforded by those crude institutions of learning. His education did not stop, however, at the quitting of school for his active mind and eager desire for further knowledge found opportunity for acquiring broader practical education 8 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. as he made his way under difficulties through life. His early days were spent upon his father's farm, and it was through those years that the habits of thrift and in dustry were established that have since contributed so largely to his marked success in his chosen life occupation. He was the next oldest of a family of six children. His father, Isaac Adams, was born in Shutesbury, Mass., in 1779, and at the age of twenty-one came to Oneida county settling in the town of Sangerfield. In 1806 he married Eunice, daughter of Abram Webster, of Lebanon, N. Y. They soon after removed to Vernon and were first among the settlers to adopt the industry of dairy farming, an occupation they pursued for forty successive years. By his untiring in dustry Mr. Adams was foremost in changing the then wilderness into productive fields, from which he accumulated a large estate. He died in December, 1860, and his wife, who had been as faithful and devout in all things that went to build up and improve the community in which they lived, died in August, 1874, In early life Silas Adams purchased a farm in the southwestern part of Vernon, upon which he lived twenty years. Then selling that property, he bought what was known as the " Indian Butternut Orchard farm," situated near Oneida Castle, where he still resides. This place he soon transformed into one of the finest farms in the country, and one of the pleasantest residences along the Seneca turnpike between Oneida Castle and Vernon village. Mr. Adams is still active and vigorous and takes great pleasure in conducting this large fruit and dairy farm. As the result of his keen judgment, coupled with energy, he has amassed a considerable fortune, standing among the first successful farmers in the county. Mr. Adams married for his first wife, in 1834, Alvira Snow, of Vernon. She died in 1860. His second wife was Frances O. Allen, of Oneida, whom he married in 1862. She survived sixteen years, dying in 1878. For his third wife Mr. Adams married in 1887, Amanda Tobey of Virginia, who is still living. Mr. Adams has had four sons, two of whom are living. Seymour F., the eldest, and one of the surviving sons, born July 3, 1839, is a successful lawyer in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated at the University of Albany Law School in 1861, and was admitted to the bar the same year. He served with distinction in the war of the Rebellion. At the close of the war he returned to this State and engaged in the practice of his profession. He was sub sequently district attorney of Lewis county, which office he resigned and located in Cleveland, O. Charles T. , the second son, was born August 29, 1840. He also served three years during the war. After his return he was for a time in business in Cleveland, but soon engaged in the mercantile line in Ottawa, 111. He finally removed to Howard, Kan., where he built up a large business. He died there in 1881. Silas Hobart Adams, the third son, was born January 15, 1845. He was graduated from Hamilton College and then entered the Rochester Theological Seminary to prepare for the ministry, but before completing his course he was stricken with pneumonia and died in 1870, thus ending what promised to be a brilliant career. Francis Eugene, the fourth son, was born May 6, 1852. He was educated at Whites- town Seminary and Amherst College, from which institution he graduated in 1878. After completing his education he wen't to the Sandwich Islands and held a profess- BIOGRAPHICAL. 9 orship in the Honolulu College for three years. In 1881 he returned to the United States and lived for a time in Humbolt, Iowa. He removed in 1890 to Pomona, Cal ifornia, where he is now engaged in fruit raising. HENRY FARMAN. Henry Farman, of Knoxboro, is a native of the town of New Haven, Oswego county, N.Y., where he was born March 14, 1823. He was the second son of Zadok Far- man, who lived in the town of New Haven from the time he was fifteen years of age until his- death, which occurred April 9, 1854. Roswell Farman, father of Zadok and grandfather of Henry, came from Bath, N. H., in 1803, to the town of Augusta, where he resided only three years. He then, accompanied by his oldest son, Zadok, went to Oswego county, undergoing much hardship and suffering great distress and loss of property while struggling to establish a home. Roswell Farman died in New Haven October 17, 1839. Zadok Farman, father of Henry, married in 1814 Martha Dix, daughter of Charles Dix of Vernon, Oneida county. She died in New Haven December 23, 1863. They had six children, Henry, the subject of this sketch being the second. The others were Charles Dix (taking the latter name from his mother's maiden name), born November 11, 1820; Elbert Eli, born April 23, 1831; Samuel Ara, born December 6, 1835, and two doughters, one who died in infancy and the other at the age of nineteen. Elbert Eli Farman is one of the foremost men of our time. He has for years been eminent as a jurist and diplomatist, and has been honored by appointment to some of the most important posts within the gift of the president of the United States. He was formerly diplomatic agent and consul general at Cairo, Egypt, and subsequently judge of the mixed Tribunals or International Courts of that country. Besides this he has served with marked ability in many other State and National offices. The Farmans have an ancestry that goes back in this country to 1674, when Robert Fore man (as the name was then spejled), settled near Annapolis, Md. He was a planter there in the early history of that State. What Henry Farman has accomplished in his life forcibly demonstrates what can be achieved against many discouraging difficulties, when the right sort of metal and character dominates and guides one's course. He attended the common school of his native town and at the age of twenty taught his first term of school at that place. In the spring after attaining his major ity he came to Knoxboro and entered the employ of Riley Shepard as a farm hand, the wages being §10 per month, for a period of six months. After completing this service he returned to New Haven and taught another winter's term of school. The next spring found him back on Mr. Shepard's farm where he worked another season. At this early period in this career he resolved to lay by at least one hundred dollars a year, a principle he has rigidly followed through all his life, only the sum increased as his accumulations became larger. Mr. Farman continued to teach for seven winters, the times being those when he ' ' boarded around " and took care of the school house himself. In the mean time he was acquiring knowledge of books and business and law, which in face of his struggle to get on required study and perseverance in no small B 10 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. degree. This knowledge has, however, stood him in good stead during the years since that time, for he has been legal adviser for scores of people in his adopted town and has been entrusted with the settling up of numerous estates, many of which have been large and required keen judgment and the most careful management to guard and protect the interest of those concerned. Mr. Farman was also justice of the peace for two terms, and his decisions on cases brought before him were so cor rect and equitable that no appeal from them was ever taken. Besides all these he has been notary public for forty years. By his energy and industry he has accumulated a large property, not only in realty, but also in bank stocks and vari ous other lines of investment. In the mean while Mr. Farman has never neg lected opportunities in the interest of charity. This has been evidenced both in respect to individuals and church societies. He was one of the most zealous sup porters of the Methodist Sdciety of Knoxboro and has twice, largely at his own ex pense, enlarged and improved the Augusta cemetery, He has all through life been an earnest Republican in politics and has been.active in the councils of the party both in the town and county. While Mr. Farman has been devoted to business he has also found time for study and travel. He has traveled extensively through Europe and the Orient, visiting Egypt, Pompeii, and many other hisioric places. He now pos sesses some rare. paintings and alabaster pieces, procured while in Florence. He married Fanny Shepard, daughter of the late Hon. Riley Shepard of Knox boro. They have had three sons, two of whom are dead. Samuel H., the surviving son, married, in June, 1892, Lena B. Whitcomb, of Knoxboro. They now reside at that place and have one daughter. JON J. LOOMIS. Jon J. Loomis was born in the town of Vernon, May 6, 1826. He was educated in the district schools and Oneida Castle Academy. He taught school nine terms, was a clerk in a general store for a time, then, in company with a Mr. Burhans, he manufactured sole leather two years in Lewis county. He next went to Brooklyn as a clerk:, and was for two years with Potter Palmer, of Chicago ; in 1856 he returned to Verona and has been engaged in hop growing and general farming since. ' In 1859 he married Annice Ferguson, of Otsego county, N. Y., by whom he had one daughter, Lizzie M. , who married John S. Leonard, and has one daughter, Annice. Mrs. Loomis died in 1865, and in 1876 he married Jane P. Owen, of Wisconsin, by whom he has one son, John R. , who is a student at school. John Loomis, his father, was born .in Columbia county in 1789. He married twice, first to Catherine Plass, by whom he had one son, William, who died in 1862. She died in 1814. In 1815 he married Betsey McDonald of his native county, and they had three children: Cath erine (died in 1879), Eli (died in 1890), and Jon J. The family came to this county in 1820. Mr. Loomis died April 24, 1873, and his wife October 12, 1882. The grandfather, John Loomis, was born in Connecticut and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Loomis's father, John R. Owen, was born in Anglesea, North Wales, Great Britain, January 8, 1815, and came to the United States when a young man locating pear Rome, in 1836. In 1843 he married Elizabeth Jones, sister of Thomas and JON. J. LOOMIS. BIOGRAPHICAL. 11 Benjamin Jones, of Rome, N. Y., by whom he had two children: William E., who is the largest individual stock dealer and shipper of Wisconsin ; and Jane P. Mr. Owen died in 1893 and his wife in 1849. The family are of English, German, Scotch, and Welsh descent CALVIN BROWN. Calvin Brown was born in Rome. N. Y. , September 24, 1826. He was educated in the district schools and Oneida Castle Academy, and is a farmer by occupation. February 27, 1850, he married Mary J. Morton of his native place, by whom he had eight children: Alice J., Sarah F., Leander M., Eleetra L., Lizzie A., Minnie, Emma G., and Ernest C. Mrs. Brown died August 24, 1867, and April 7, 1869, Mr. Brown married Elilabeth Hillock, of the town of Vienna, by whom he had five chil dren: Eunice H., Carrie E., J. Edward, Maria E., and Luther G. Mr. Brown's father, Chauncy Brown, was born in the town of Coventry, Conn., December 29, 1793, and came to this count}- with his parents in 1800. He married Eleetra Talcott, by whom he had six children: Leander, Gregory, Calvin, as above, Eleetra L., Luther M., and Albert B. Mr. Brown died in December, 1878, and his wife in 1872. Mrs. Brown's father, James Hillock, was born in the north of Ireland in 1795, and came to this continent when a young man. He married Catherine Wiseman, of his native country, by whom he had eight children: Edward, Robert, Ann, James, John, William, Elizabeth, as above, and Thomas. Mr. Hillock died in Canada, and the balance of this family came to this State in 1837. Mrs. Hillock died in 1854. Mr. Brown's grandfather, Richard Brown, owned the Brown homestead in Rome as early as 1796. The ancestry of the family is English, Irish, and Scotch. JAMES D. SPENCER. James D. Spencer was born in Amsterdam, Montgomery county, N. Y. , December 27, 1813, and when two years of age his mother moved to Providence, Saratoga county, where he was educated in the common schools. When thirteen years of age his mother died, he was taken to West Monroe, Oswego count)-, where he stayed with his oldest living brother, and at fifteen years of age became a clerk in a general store. He has married three times, first to Freelove Raymond, by whom he had four children: Reuben J., Lyman C, Houghton A., and Millie A., who died at thirty years of age. For his second wife he married Elizabeth Fisher? by whom he had two children: Catherine, who died at four years of age, and B. Lamont. Mrs. Spencer died in 1886, and for his third wife he married Mrs. Margaret A. (Raymond) Williams. Mr. Spencer has resided near Sylvan Beach fifty years, and is the original owner and founder of Sylvan Beach. He began life virtually an orphan boy, and through industry and good judgment has secured a competency. The Raymond family is one of the oldest families, dating back to the fifth century. 12 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. WILLIAM P. LOCKE. William P. Locke was born at Waterville, where he still resides, April 28, 1842. He was one of a family of eleven children, ten of whom grew to man and woman hood. One of these is now in Louisville, Ky., one in California, one in Pierre, S. D., one in Ithaca, N.Y., two in the Black Hills, and three in Waterville, viz.: Mrs. A.J. Hale, George N. Locke, and W. P. Locke, the subject of this sketch and portrait herewith presented. Horace P. Locke, the father, came to Waterville in 1809, being then only four years of age. He was born at Peterboro, N. H. , October 26, 1805. His father had died soon after Horace P. Locke was born, so that he had gone to live with an aunt and uncle, Captain Ford. Captain Ford, in 1809, came to Sanger field and bought of the government a farm, about one mile east of Sangerfield Center. Horace P. remained with the Fords till the Captain's death, when the farm fell to him. Mr. Locke continued to carry on the farm until he finally returned to Water ville, where he died. He married in 1825, Mary Gilmore, mother of the twelve children. Besides this she bore her share of the struggle in developing the farm and accumulating the property. She died in 1872. The Locke.s were descended from William Locke, of Stepney Parish, London,. Eng land, who came to this country in 1634, when only six years old. He came alone on the ' ' Planter, " at least with only friends to care for him. He settled in Massachusetts where he spent his life. William P. Locke, after completing his education, remained at home till 1866, at which time he married Helen F. Bates, daughter of John W. Bates, of Utica, N. Y. He received his education at the Clinton Liberal Institute. About this time Mr. Locke bought a farm adjoining the homestead, and a little later bought of his father the latter place. These farms he still owns, besides several others in the county, the product from them being mostly hops. From 1865 to 1889 Mr. Locke was engaged in hop-buying, carrying on an extensive business in that line during most of those years. He was at one time the largest hop producer in the State, and has pi present about seventy acres devoted to that industry. His enter prises are not all confined to this county or State either, for he is largely interested in grape culture in Florida, and a member of the Ponce de Leon Wine Co., at Moul trie, near their vineyards.- In addition to this Mr. Locke, in 1889, was one of a company to build the large hotel at Pierre, S. D., known as the " Hotel Locke," the finest hotel in that thriving young city. This place has since become famous the world over on account of the mineral springs connected therewith. The government has for some time had a similar well at the Indian school about two miles distant, which became a mecca for invalids as the curative properties of the water became known. The influx to this place was finally prohibited by the government, and this led to the putting down of the well in the town. The water stands at nearly 100 degrees and possesses such healing powers for skin diseases, rheumatism, kidney and liver troubles, that hundreds now visit it every year. The hotel is a large structure, accommodating several hundred guests. 'Mr. Locke is an ardent Republican and takes an active interest in the party's welfare. They have had four children, two of whom are now living, viz. : Emma B. and Edward G. i BIOGRAPHICAL. 13 JAMES A. DOUGLASS. Tames A. Douglass is a native of Oneida county and has spent his life within its borders. He was born in the town of Floyd, October 23, 1837, and his early days were spent on his father's farm, the winters finding him an attendant at the district school. After quitting the district school he entered the Whitestown Seminary, re maining at that institution for some time. He then took a short course at the Al bany Normal School, after which he adopted the occupation of teaching, being engaged in the school of his native town, also Stockwell, Sangerfield, and finally from 1863 to 1866 as principal of the Oriskany Falls public school. The vacations in the mean time were spent at farm work, and thus by prudent foresight and energy the foundation was laid for what has since proved to be a successful business career. His father, George Douglass, was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., where his parents resided for a short time. His mother, wife of Daniel Douglass, died when George was in infancy, so that the grandfather, Captain Fuller, brought him up. He married Lusina Ward, a native of Floyd. After occupying their farm for more than twenty- five years they moved to Holland Patent, living there until Mr. Douglass's death, which occurred May 1, 1891. His wife survived him one year, and died at Oriskany Falls June 5, 1892, at the age of seventy-eight. While acting as principal of the Oriskany Falls school in 1864 James A. Douglass married Elouis M. Bush, of Sangerfield. She, too, was a teacher, having been edu cated at a private school in Waterville and at Cazenovia Seminary. They both con tinued to teach at the Falls for the next two successive years, when Mr. Douglass retired from the school and bought a large warehouse on the bank of the old Che nango Canal, engaging in the lumber and produce business. In 1867 he entered into partnership with E. A. Hamlin, under the firm name of Douglass & Hamlin, the firm carrying the same line of business till 1877. At that time Mr. Hamlin retired from the firm, the business having since been conducted by Mr. Douglass. In 1883, in company with Herman Morgan, he bought the old Oriskany Falls brewery which had a wide reputation for its line of product. This partnership con tinued till 1894, when Mr. Douglass purchased the interest of Mr. Morgan and is now carrying on that business with his various other industries. In 1888 Mr. Douglass built a large canning factory which is now conducted under the firm name of C. L. Douglass & Co. (the C. L. Douglass being the son). Mr. Douglass has been married twice. His second wife, whom he married in 1892, was Mrs. Flora Hubbard Smith, of Chittenango, Madison county, N. Y. Through all his career Mr. Douglass has been an ardent Republican and has been active and in fluential in both town, county and State politics. He has, too, been honored by his party with many offices of importance. He has been president of his village, a mem ber of the State Legislature and since 1890 has represented his town in the Board of Supervisors. As a member of that board he has shown himself to be one of the most competent representatives the town has ever had. That this has been recog. nized is evidenced by the fact that the board elected him its chairman in 1893, and in 1891 and 1892 chairman of the miscellaneous committee and chairman of the build ing committee in 1893 when the sale of the old county house buildings at Rome 14 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and a new site bought and new buildings erected. It was due mainly to his busi ness sagacity that this sale at a large figure was brought about, and new and much more elaborate structures built for an amount considerably less than what was received for the property sold. With him an office is a public trust in the strictest sense. Mr. Douglass has had two children, one son, Clinton L., born January 3 1869, and Anna L, born July 13, 1870. She died December 26, 1885. REUBEN TOWER. Reuben Tower, agriculturist, was born in Waterville, Oneida county, N. Y., Jan uary 17, 1829. He is of the seventh generation from John Tower, who emigrated from Hingham, in Norfolk, England, and settled in what is now Hingham, Massachusetts, in 1637; and whose long line of descendants had been eminent, first in conspicuous services in wars with the Indians; the French and Indian war and the Revolution; and in sub duing the wilderness,, as well as in various lines of business, science and the learned professions. Reuben Tower, father of the subject of this sketch, was born at Rutland, Mass., February 15, 1787. He married Deborah Taylor Pearce, of Little Compton, Rhode Island, February 15, 1808, at Paris, Oneida, county, N. Y., and settled in Sanger field, Oneida county, N. Y. He died at St. Augustine, Florida, March 14, 1832. His business was that of a general merchant, and his life was marked by an in terest in all concerns of public welfare and the development of his adopted State, especially in the projection and completion of the Chenango Canal. He was an hon orable and able member of the New York Legislature of 1828. His family embraced eight children, of whom the eldest was Charlemagne, a grad uate of Harvard College in the Class of 1830, and a distinguished lawyer and capi talist of Philadelphia. Reuben, the youngest son, commenoed his educational career at old Oxford Acad emy and continued his preparation for college with three years at Phillips Exeter Academy at Exeter, N. H. He was admitted into the Freshman Class at Harvard University in 1848, but illness forced him to abandon his university career at the close of his sophomore year. He then turned his attention to business affairs, and before he was twenty-one years of age was conducting a flourishing enterprise in the manufacturing of alcohol and also fattening cattle, and his business ability and success are well indicated by the fact that at twenty-five years of age, he had accumulated a capital of $23,600. A natural love of agriculture led him to direct his energies and mind toward the science of land tillage, and there is no phase of agriculture that has not engaged his attention, and no department in which he has not achieved success. As a stock breeder his reputation is well nigh national, and he has raised herds of blooded cattle, and a score of high bred horses, that would do credit to a Kentucky stock farm, the colts selling at from $400 to $2,000 each. One permanent mark of his enterprise as an agriculturist is worthy of conspicuous mention, namely, the splendid reservoir and system of water works which he con- BIOGRAPHICAL. 15 structed on the farm of Charlemagne Tower, over which he had supervision. This system of water works is far superior to that which supplies the adjoining village. The reservoir covers two and two-thirds acres of ground, with an average depth of seven and one Lalf feet, and attracts many visitors. But while Mr. Tawer has achieved a high reputation as an agi iculturist, he has made an impress upon the village of Waterville that shall herald his name for many generations. Indeed, so long as the village exists it will proclaim his spirit of enter. prise and advancement in its streets and environments Here truly, he has made himself a part of Oneida county, and set his seal upon it. His fellow citizens , could not but see the value of a man both educated and prac tical and they elected and re-elected him president of the village of Waterville for a long series of years, and during all this he threw the same energy and zeal into his official duties that he always manifested in his private affairs.. He was not satisfied to perform simply absolute and routine duties. The point with him was, not how little he could do, but his constant anxiety was to plan and perfect some new methods of benefiting the village. One street required filling, another needed cutting down. another to be curbed ; none were neglected. Some changes and repairs were costly ones, but the progressive village president did not wait for public funds to be pro • vided. He gave more from his own private purse than he asked from the village treasury, and also furnished many laborers from his own individu.-il force. So it came, that the handsome village of Waterville -bears testimony throughout its length and breadth, to years of vigilance and self-sacrifice on the part of a presi dent who had striven, not always without opposition from weli-meaning fellow- townsmen, to improve and beautify the place, which shall forever hold his name, in the grand "Tower Avenue " that owes its attractive length and breadth, as well as its name to him. But it was not in the welfare of the corporation alone, that he took delight. Citi zens of Waterville to-day attest that nothing seemed to give him so much pleasure as to see the working men come in on Saturdays and get their pay. Mr. Tower is a Democrat in politics and was elected to the office of Supervisor of Sangerfield five successive years, and always by large majorities, notwithstanding the party vote was very close. It was a striking case of the office seeking the man, for Mr. Tower never solicited a vote, nor pulled a wire, and yet he sometimes re ceived a two-thirds majority. His services on the Board of Supervisors were on the line of economy, good legislation and honest work. A leader among Democrats, he was awarded a prominent place in the board, where his rare judgment, sterling integrity, and genial temper were thoroughly appreciated and fully recognized. Not only was he appointed on the most important committees, but as a special evidence of the high regard of his fellow-members, he was, at one time, the recipient of a handsome and valuable gold headed cane from the board. With no self vanity to gratify, with none of the petty views of the small politician, he despised every form of wickedness and meanness, and his friends consider the intrinsic worth of his dignity and ability deserving of almost any office. Mr. Tower's residence is the most interesting feature of Waterville to visitors, and one's attention is immediately drawn to it by its famous "chime of bells." His reception room is nearly one hundred feet long, forty feet wide, and fifteen 16 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. feet high, with Axminster rug of wondrous size, nearly hiding the hard wood floor. Beautiful wainscoting in massive paneled oak extending half way to the lofty ceiling from the sides of the roorm Costly pictures adorn the walls, not the least prized of which are half a dozen, representing high bred horses of his own raising. The room is heated by a mammoth fire-place, of pressed brick, the expense of which must have been fabulous. Here huge birch logs blaze on andirons of "ye olden tyme." Windows set high in the walls invite views of neat outbuildings, yard, fields and village street, while from the observatory, which crowns the building, one holds the vast expense of Oriskany Valley within his easy scope. The bell tower is one hundred and three feet in height, and its "chime" of .ten large bells makes the music' of the village, and wafts the time to all the country for miles around. The smallest bell weighs three hundred and seventy-five pounds, the largest one over a ton. This tower is also embelished with the large illuminated dials of a village clock, w-hich strikes both the quarters and the hour, with echoing melody. The social characteristics of Mr. Tower are admirable. In family relations his attachments are most ardent, and there is always a charming atmosphere of geni ality and good spirits in his presence and conversation. Faithfulness to duty and steadfastness in friendship are traits in his character that have ever won the admi ration of all. A cultured man of superior intellect, he is .generous both in mind and heart, liberal in his estimate of his fellow men and kindly just in all his dealings with them. Gifted with a fine presence, and natural, easy dignity, he is a grand type of the thorough gentleman. AMOS O. OSBORN. Amos O. Osborn was born December 12, 1811, and is sixth in descent from his English ancestor Richard, who came from England to Hingham, Mass., in 1635 and went from there to New Haven, Conn., in 1639 where he became a free planter and shared in the division of land in 1643., His father, Amos Osborn, born November 30, 1764, was a native of Trumbull, Fair field county, Conn. He came to Waterville in 1802, where he engaged in distilling, and in 1810 purchased the farm, part of lot 39, where he and his son have ever since lived, of Benjamin White, who in turn had bought it of Col. Marinus Willet, one of the original proprietors. He was a man of industry and integrity, which with frugal living and wise management of affairs brought him a handsome competence later in life. He married Rosanna, a daughter of Benjamin Swetland, a soldier of the Rev olution. Of the six children born to them Amos O. , the fourth, is the only one now living. He received his early education in Waterville and at the private school of Rev. Ely Burchard at Paris Hill. Later he went to Hamilton, which had already become a noted school centre, and after fitting there, was for two years a member of the class of 1836 of Yale College. After leaving college he studied law with his brother-in-law, the Hon. Levi D. Carpenter, of Waterville, and with Judge Joshua Spencer of Utica. In the fall of 1837 he was admitted to the bar, and soon after ^"J"-ave.d by .jK.Campbt'Ltr*' c^gieu^^ BIOGRAPHICAL. 17 opened an office for the practice of his profession in Westfield, Chautauqua county, N. Y. After two years he returned to Waterville to engage in the same profession. Mr. Osborn was a Whig in politics and has always been an ardent supporter of the Republican party. In the years 1845 and 1846 he was elected supervisor and for thirteen years was atjustice of the peace while his party in Sangerfield was greatly in the minority. He also represented his district and was a useful member of the two-session Assembly in 1853. For forty-five years he was a director in the Bank of Waterville. In 1840 he was one of the original incorporators of Grace church, Water ville, and for fifty-three years has been its senior warden and a most liberal sup porter. In 1853 he with his father-in-law, Deacon Joseph Moss of New Berlin, Che nango county, N. Y., built at their own expense its rectory. It was by his suggestion and effort that the Waterville Cemetery Association was formed and it has been greatly by his aid that it has since become one of the finest village burial grounds in the State. Mr. Osborn has been its president and chairman of its executive committee ever since its incorporation. The diary kept during the ninety days at sea of a journey to Australia in 1855 and 1856, at which time he circumnavigated the globe, and the notes of places visited both in Australia, on the Continent and in this country, show his quick habit of observation and the readiness with which he grasped and made use of points of special interest. Throughout all his life Mr. Osborn has been a student in literature and the sciences and a man of extensive research and learning. His large and well selected library, chiefly of books of reference and works on science, shows his ardent love of nature which has ever found in tree or flower, bird, insect or rock, something to study and admire, so ithat his life, seemingly one of leisure, has been a very busy and a very happy one. He has been much interested in geology and his studies and discoveries in that line have been of special interest and value to science. His collection of fos sils is extensive and especially full from the series of rocks in his own neighborhood. He has also devoted much time and attention to the historical study of his own town. He prepared the chapter on the town of Sangerfield in Judge Jones's Annals of Oneida county, and has in preparation a fuller history, not yet published, in which are genealogical notices of over three hundred of the early settlers of the town which he has studied and arranged with great care. While thus untiring in self -develop ment he has been greatly interested in the advancement of Sangerfield, especially earnest in his views of right and law that should govern corporations and municipal ities as well as individuals. His genial smile and cordial manner, his generous aid in case of need, his quick response of sympathy in joy or sorrow, his unvarying in terest in the welfare of the public as well as its individual members, his public spirit always manifest in everything promising progress or improvement, have won for him the respect and esteem of the public in the community which gave him birth and which has strengthened and grown with his advancing years. He is a life member of the American Museum of Natural History of the State of New York ; a life member of the New York Agricultural Society ; a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science ; a life member and fellow of the Geological Society of America and a life member and councilor of the Oneida His torical Society. Mr. Osborn married for his first wife on May 23, 1838, Harriet N. , youngest daugh- 18 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ter of the late Joseph Moss and Rhoda Griffith qi New Berlin, Chenango county, N. Y. She died March 27, 1861. Four daughters were born to them. Rosanna, who died in early childhood; Rosalie, wife of the artist Albert Bierstadt; Mary, wife of Charles C. Hall of New York, and Esther, the only one now living, the wife of Will iam G. Mayer of the U. S. Navy, and later a leading lawyer in Cincinnati, Ohio. On July 1, 1863, Mr. Osborn married for his second wife. Adaline, youngest daughter of the late Ellis Morse and Adaline Bagg of Eaton, Madison county, N. Y. JAMES G. HUNT, M. D. The ancestry of Dr. James G. Hunt, of Utica, belongs to the " Northampton line " and is traced backward through several generations to Rev. Robert Hunt and Jon athan Hunt, who emigrated to America from Northampton, England, in the year 1660, and settled in Connecticut. It is claimed by many of the family that there were four (some say three) brothers who came to this country together. Jonathan afterward settled in what is now Northampton, Mass. , and Rev. Robert in the town ship of New London, Conn. Among their descendants was Timothy Hunt, who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution under General Abercrombie in an attack on Fort Ticonderoga, and who finally located in Tryon county (now Florida, Montgom ery county), N. Y., where he died. During the Revolutionary period Timothy Hunt and his family were among the sufferers by the Tories and Indians under the lead ership of William Butler and Joseph Brant, a Mohawk sachem. On the morning of November 12, 1778, after the Indians had accomplished the destruction of Cherry Valley ' and the surrounding country, they finally reached the settlement of Chuck- tenunde Creek in the town of Florida. Mr. Hunt's buildings were burned and most of his stock was killed, the remainder escaping to the forest, while himself and family were saved by concealing themselves in a neighboring ravine, closely filled with elders, willows, and thick underbrush. His wife, Susanna Vermilia, was of French descent, and of their ten children — five sons and five daughters — Isaac, who was born in Florida, Montgomery county, married Polly Kinney, of the same place. Rev. Robert Hunt, 2d, son of this Isaac and grandfather of Dr. James G., was born in that town November 25, 1792, being one of twelve children. He married Margaret Johnson, of Columbia, Herkimer county, N. Y., and began preaching in the Free Will Baptist denomination as soon as he reached manhood, first in Warren, Her kimer county, and afterward in Columbia, Schuyler Lake, Whitmantown and South- ville. In 1852 he removed to Troy, O., and in 1853 to China, Wyoming county, N. Y. , where he remained twelve years. His health failed and he subsequently made his home in Hudson, Mich. In 1871 he came to the home of his son, Dr. Isaac J. Hunt, of Utica, where he died December 7, 1872. Rev. Robert Hunt had ten "children, five of whom were sons, and all of them became physicians. One of these, Dr. Isaac J. Hunt, father of Dr. James G., was born in Warren, Herkimer county, N. Y. , March 27, 1820, and married Mary, daughter of John Ingersoll, a farmer and manufacturer of Ilion , Herkimer county, N. Y. He was graduated from the Castleton (Vt.) Medical College, became a successful physician, and practiced his profession BIOGRAPHICAL. 19 for nearly thirty years in the city of Utica, wheYe he died January 25, 1875. He had two sons: Dr. James G., the subject of this sketch, and Loton S., who was born in Utica in 1852, read law and was admitted to the bar, and was appointed by Presi dent Harrison United States consul to Guelph, Canada, whence he was subsequently transferred to Palmerston, Ontario, Canada, where he still resides and officiates in that capacity. Dr. James G. Hunt was born in Litchfield, Herkimer county, N. Y., on the 21st of June, 1845. His boyhood experience was not materially different from that of a large majority of American youths, though he was fortunate in being able to devote nearly the whole of his early life to study. Beginning with the district school he continued until he was graduated from the Utica Free Academy at a comparatively early age. Shortly afterward he became assistant bookkeeper in the Ilion Bank at Ilion, N. Y., and remained there for a year or more, until 1866, when he accepted a desirable position in the Utica post-office. In 1867 he went to Buffalo as bookkeeper for Andrews & Whitney, with whom he remained one year. Returning to Utica in 1868 he began preparation in his father's office for the profession that was to be his life work. Indeed it may be said that he grew up surrounded by the atmosphere of the medical profession. After about four years of industrious study under the careful instruction- of his father he entered the medical department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he took two courses of lectures and a course in the laboratory of analytical and applied chemistry. These were followed by a third course in the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, from which he was gradu ated on the 13th of March, 1871. At the time of his graduation one 'of the daily papers spoke of him as follows : "He received the largest number of diplomas for clinical instruction in medicine and surgery from the Quiz Association connected with Jefferson Medical College of any one in his class." During the same year (1871) he attended a course of clinical lectures in the Philadelphia Hospital (Blockley), and also a course of lectures in anatomy, operative surgery, bandaging, and fractures in the Philadelphia School of Anatomy. Returning to Utica Dr. Hunt entered immediately into practice in association with his father. This partnership continued until 1874, since which time he has practiced alone, meeting with an unusual degree of success. In attempting to note the ele ments of this success it may, perhaps, be justly said that they consist chiefly of a thorough knowledge of his profession, gained by persistent and judicious study, supplemented by constant reading of the later developments that have been re corded throughout the range of medical literature, coupled with a temperament and manner which happily fit him for his work. His capacity for professional labor is almost unbounded, and he never spares his energies in his devotion to his duties. Dr. Hunt's professional standing, as well as the position he occupies in the com munity, may be judged to a certain extent by the various calls that have been made upon him to stations of honor and responsibility. He is a member of the Delta Phi Society, Iota Chapter of the University of Michigan, 1869, and of the Jefferson Medical College- Alumni Association, 1871 ; was made a member of the Oneida County Medical Society on October 7, 1872; is a member of the Utica Medical Library Association and was its president in 1886 ; was elected a member of the Oneida County Microscopical Society on June 19, 1881 ; is a member of the American 20 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Medical Association and the New York State Medical Association, and was chosen a member of the American Public Health Association on December 7, 1880; was ap pointed by Gov. A. B. Cornell as commissioner of the State Board of Health and served from 1880 to 1885; is physician to and one of the incorporators of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, organized February 1, 1881 ; is a life member and trustee of the Utica Mechanics Association ; was appointed sur geon of the Board of United States Pension Examiners on March 30, 1889; was made a trustee of the Utica Female Academy on February 6, 1888, and still holds that position ; and is a director of the Globe Woolen Mills. Dr. Hunt has also taken a deep interest in fraternal organizations and is prominent as a Mason, having taken the 32°, and is also a member of the Mystic Shrine, and an Odd Fellow. It is much to his professional credit that he was chosen a surgeon for t;he Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company in 1885, The New York, Ontario and Western Railway in 1886, and is acting in that capacity at the present time; he also held a similar position on the New York, West Shore and Buffalo Railroad from 1886 to 1889. On May 2, 1891, he was elected a member of the National Associa tion of Railway Surgeons and on March 8, 1892, a member of the New York State Association of Railway Surgeons. He was physician and surgeon in charge of the Masonic Home at Utica from its opening until two years ago, when a medical staff was formed, since which time he has been chairman of the executive committee of the staff. He has also filled the posts of chief surgeon in Faxton Hospital (1880 to 1886) and surgeon at St. Luke's Hospital (1883 to 1893) and St. Elizabeth's Hospit al (1888 to 1894), and is now surgeon on the staff of Faxton Hospital. He has held the rank of first lieutenant in the 44th Separate Company National Guard and assistant surgeon of that organization, and was president of the Utica Citizens Corps in 1886, 1887, and 1888. It is just to say that in all these various positions Dr. Hunt has shown his fitness and capacity for the capable discharge of their duties, and earned the respect and esteem of those with whom he has been associated. In politics Dr. Hunt is a Republican. In November, 1873, he was appointed, by Gov. John A. Dix, coroner of Oneida county to fill a vacancy and was elected to that office three consecutive terms, serving in all nearly ten years. On June 12, 1874, he was appointed health officer of the city of Utica, in which capacity he served most efficiently for nearly twenty years. In passing the Civil Service examination for that position the Albany Evening Argus of August 18, 1885, said: " Health officer Hunt, of Utica, was one of the three highest who passed the Civil Service examination, his standing being 92 9-10 out of a possible 100. The doctor is an adept at determin ing knotty questions, and his brilliant record is~no more than might be expected." Other newspapers, in commenting at length upon his record as a health officer, etc., said: "As health officer he ranks among the first in the State of New York." " He has also contributed largely to the annual reports of the State Board of Health articles of great interest ou public matters. Among his best efforts in this respect is his report as chairman of the Committee on Public Institutions in the first annual report of the State Board of Health of New York for the year 1880. This is a very lengthy report, and the doctor presents the results attained in one of the largest and most useful public buildings, the New York State Hospital, in a very BIOGRAPHICAL. 21 able and scientific manner, touching upon the system of ventilation, heating, drain age, and water supply." In the second annual report of the State Board of Health of New York, for the year 1881, as chairman of the Committee on Public Institutions, Dr. Hunt is thus spoken of in the introduction : "He presents an outline of results of personal in- , spection and exact inquiry into the present condition and sanitary wants of school- houses, as shall fitly serve the purposes of the board to institute and induce needed sanitary improvements 'in our school houses and in the schools themselves, and at the same time to suggest and stimulate local concern in' this matter." "His lectures to the school of nurses at St. Luke's Hospital, of Utica, for the past number of years have been very instructive to the nurses, and have been read by thousands of those who have made public- health a study ; he is known far and near throughout the United States on all questions pertaining to public health." In 1887 Dr. Hunt was strongly urged for the mayoralty of the city of Utica, and received the unanimous nomination of the convention, but for personal reasons was compelled to decline the honor. On the 28th of January, 1874, Dr. Hunt was married to Miss Ella R. Middleton, daughter of Robert Middleton, president and superintendent of the Globe Woolen Company of Utica. They have four children : Gertrude May, Mabel Lillian, Robert Middleton, and Ella Louisa. ISAAC R. SCOTT. The Scott family from whom the subject of this sketch is descended was founded in America by three brothers who came from Scotland and first settled in Boston, Mass. , in the seventeenth century. One of them finally located in Bellingham, Mass. , while the other two went with Roger Williams to Rhode Island and took up land on the Blackstone River. Their descendants have for generations been prominent fac tors in the civil, social and commercial life of New England and are numbered among the most progressive and substantial citizens. Larned Scott, son- of Nathaniel and the father of Isaac R. , was born in Cumberland, R. I. , and became a mill architect and engineer of considerable note. He erected many of the older mills in New England, among them being one in Uxbridge, Mass., the Atlantic Delaine Mills in Providence, and Lonsdale mill No.' 3 in Lonsdale,. R. I. In 1832 he moved with his family to Lonsdale and established a machine shop, and there his wife, Joanna C. Clark, a native of Cumberland, R. I., died in 1833. His death occurred in Provi dence in 1852. They had three children : Isaac R. of Utica, and William L. and Mary, both deceased. Isaac Raze Scott, eldest son of Larned and Joanna C. (Clark) Scott, was born in Cumberland, R. L, August 5, 1817, and inherited the sturdy and thrifty traits of character that distinguished his ancestors. He received a common school education in his native town and in addition, while the family were in Lonsdale,, attended an academy in Wrentham, Mass., for a period of six months. As a boy he showed 22 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. great aptitude for mechanics, and during the intervals of school and work spent much time in the shop of his father. This sort of play, this fondness for the use of tools, helped him to acquire under his father's eye a practical knowledge of mechan ical wcrk before he began to learn his trade. About 1835 he entered his father's shop and commenced the active application of his trade of machinist, but the next year went to Woonsocket as foreman in the repair shop of one of the textile mills. In the spring of 1839 he went to Newton Upper Falls, Mass., to take charge of the repair shop of a plant then known as the Eliot Mills, a cotton manufactory, where he rem ained until October, 1844. Soon after going there hemade the acquaintance of Otis Pettee, whose shops were shortly destroyed by fire. Mr. Pettee then bought the Eliot mills and Mr. Scott's sphere of action was greatly enlarged, he having been made foreman of the shops and placed in charge of the work of erecting new ma chinery as well as doing repairing. In 1844 he became mechanical agent of the Boston Manufacturing Company at Waltham, Mass., where he remained for twenty- eight years, or until 1872. This company, besides manufacturing cotton, then built machinery and did considerable repair work, and after about two years in charge of the machine shop Mr. Scott was made superintendent of the entire plant. In 1860 he became the agent, succeeding Ebenezer Hobbs. When Mr. Scott first went to the company the plant consisted of 11,000 spindles, while thebleachery had a capacity of two tons of coarse cotton cloth per day ; the stock was valued at about $600 per share, par $750. When he left it the plant contained 43,000 spindles, the bleachery and dye house had a capacity of fourteen tons of a greater variety of product per day, and the stock could not be bought for less than $1,410, the par value in the meanwhile having been raised to $1,000 from the earnings of the mill. He gave the directors six months' notice of his desire to resign ; at their request this was extended a month and the board sent him a most complimentary letter besides presenting him with a check for- $5,000. During the next ten years Mr. Scott made Waltham his home, enjoying more pleasure than ever, before in his life, yet remaining pretty active, serving as an ex pert before the courts on mechanical cases, particularly those connected with water works, and in this capacity he was employed by the city of Boston for one year. Immediately after resigning the agency of the Boston Manufacturing Company he constructed the Waltham water works under contract. On the 14th of March, 1882, Mr. Scott came to Utica to erect and superintend the equipping of the first mill of the Skenandoa Cotton Company. This mill, known as No. 1, had 10,000 spindles, running altogether on hosiery yarns, and upon the completion of the work Mr. Scott, who, in the opinion of one of the directors (a man widely known in cotton- mill circles in this country and in Europe), was one of the most successful mill man agers he ever met, was invited to take the entire management of the plant. Mill No. 2 was completed in 1887 and contains over 13,000 spindles; No. 3 was built in 1893 and contains more than 25,000 spindles: the entire spindlage of the plant is about 51,600 spindles. The original capital of $200,000 has been increased to $600,000. To Mr. Scott's practical ability and active management as superintendent is largely due the wonderful success of this great corporation. He is a man of wide experience, and is one of the oldest and ablest active mill managers in the country. From the BIOGRAPHICAL. 23 first he has given his attention to the practical operation of the mill and until 1893 performed the entire work of supervision alone ; he was then given an assistant in the person of D. W. Gray, formerly of Lonsdale, R. I. Mr. Scott also attends to the buying and selling, and in performing this work travels on an average 1,000 miles each month. His entire life has been spent in mills, and by close application to the practical mechanical parts of his work, and later to the business end, he has steadily advanced through every stage to the highest post in his calling. His career has been one series of successes, and all have been attained by his own efforts. He possesses a natural inclination for mechanics and an ambition to master every detail. These qualities, combined with great executive ability and sound judgment, and a rare power of concentration, led him eventually into his present position — the man ager of a mill erected and equipped under his superintendence, attending to the practical operation of the plant, and buying everything that goes into it and selling its product, which amounts to over a million dollars annually. To combine these duties certainly calls for a rare combination of intellect and ability, and this ability, in all its strength, in a man seventy-nine years of age, is extremely rare. In politics Mr. Scott was originally a Whig and since about 1856 he has been an unswerving Republican. He cast his first vote for William Henry Harrison for president in 1840. During the war, while a resident of Waltham, Mass., he took an active part in rais ing a company of volunteers and served as chairman and treasurer of the committee which had, charge of the recruiting. Twice he visited this organization in the field and looked after its interests during its term of service. He is a member of Fort Schuyler Club of Utica, and since taking up his residence here has manifested a keen interest in the welfare and advancement of the city. Mr: Scott was married in December, 1838, to Miss Sarah A., daughter of Robert and Patty Whipple, all natives of Smithfield, R. I. They have had two children : Edward S. Scott, of Rogers, Ark., and Mary C, who married William S. Hall, of Perth Amboy, N. J., and died in 1895. WATSON T. DUNMORE. The ancestry of Hon. W. T. Dunmore, of Utica, dates back to the colonial period, and for several generations has occupied a prominent sphere in the history of their respective communities. His paternal grandfather, Larry Dunmore, jr. , son of Larry Dunmore, sr., of Scotch descent, was born near Johnstown, N. Y., about 1770, and married Irene Fairchild, daughter of Matthew Fairchild. About 1793-94 they were living in Canandaigua, where five children were born, viz. : Lovisa, about 1796; Larry, jr., 1798; John, 1800; Ann, 1803; and Irene, 1805. Soon after the birth of the latter the family returned to Johnstown and subsequently removed to Duanesburg, Schenectady county, where Matthew, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1812. They had in all ten children who grew to maturity, the others being Kate, George, Sherman and Jane. Of these George Dunmore became an early and a prominent missionary to Turkey. On the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion he returned to America, became chaplain of the 1st Wisconsin Cav., 24 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and was killed in Arkansas in the first engagement of his regiment. Larry Dun more, the father of these children, served at Sackett's Harbor in the war of 1812, and afterward moved his family to Auburn, Susquehanna county, Pa., and thence to Rush, an adjoining town, where he established a family homestead. He died in the State of New York. Matthew Dunmore, the son above mentioned, died in 1863, on the old farm in Rush, which he purchased when he was fifteen years of age. He was one of the substantial men of the town and served for several years as a justice of the peace. He married Sarah S. James, who died in May, 1847. Their children were Evander, deceased ; Delphine (Mrs. Norman Sterling), of Meshoppen, Pa. ; Ar- villa (Mrs. James R. Hay), deceased; and Watson T., the subject of this sketch. On his mother's side Judge Dunmore is descended from David James, of Welsh ancestry, who served eight years in the Revolutionary war, being honorably dis charged June 5, 1783. He enlisted as a private in Capt, John N. Cummings's Com pany, 2d Battalion, 2d Establishment, New Jersey Continental line, and served with the New Jersey brigade in the Indian campaign in Western Pennsylvania in 1779. He also served as private and sergeant in Capt. Cyrus D'Hart's Company, 2d Regt., New Jersey Continental Line, was in the Virginia campaign in 1781, and was at the battle of Yorktown, Va.. and the surrender of Lord Cornwallis in October, 1781. Besides this' he participated in the battles of Three Rivers, Brandywine, German- town and Monmouth, and remained in the army until the close of the Revolutionary war, when he received a badge of merit for eight years' faithful service. He died July 18, 1834, aged seventy-seven years, six months and twenty days, and was buried on the 20th in the Presbyterian churchyard in- Deerfield, N. J. On December 6, 1784, he married Philothea Watson, and of their children David, jr., was born Octo ber 26, 1785, and died in Philadelphia, Pa., November 5, 1816; Thomas Watson was born October 20, 1777 ; and Lewis Mulford was born September 15, 1789. Thomas Watson James, the father of Mrs. Sarah Dunmore, was married September 2, 1812, to Hannah Smith, and their children were: William W., born July 28, 1813, died January 29, 1815; Sarah S., born February 28, 1815; David, born April 10, 1817; Thomas S., born February 17, 1819; Hannah Maria, born February 7, 1821 ; Lewis M., born January 2, 1823, died December 81, 1827; Abijah S., born October 2, 1824; Caroline Loiza, born January 29, 1827; and Theodore C, who occupies the home stead in Auburn, Pa. Mr. James moved on to a farm in the town of Auburn, Sus quehanna county, Pa. , and died there, the homestead being still in the family. He was an early settler and prominent in the history of Susquehanna county, where he was one of the most substantial farmers. When he first came there he walked to Wilkesbarre, fifty miles, for his mail. A number of his descendants have become prominent in special fields, notably a grandson, Arthur, who is a professor in Wes leyan University in Connecticut; Rev. David M. James, D.D., for twenty-five years a prominent Presbyterian clergyman of Bath, Pa.; George W., another grandson, is principal of the public schools in Wilkesbarre; Benton E., a third grandson, was formerly superintendent of schools of Susquehanna county, and is now principal of the High school at Montrose, Pa. ; Rev. W. H. James, D.D., for more than twenty- five years a Presbyterian clergyman in Springdale, Ohio; and Thomas A., still an other grandson is a leading physician in Wilkesbarre. Hon. Watson Thomas Dunmore, the youngest of the four children of Matthew and BIOGRAPHICAL. 25 Sarah (James) Dunmore, was born in Rush, Susquehanna county, Pa., March 28, 1845, and inherited from his ancestors those sturdy and thrifty characteristics which distinguished the race. He prepared for college at Wyoming Seminary in Luzerne county, Pa., and in the fall of 1868 entered the sophomore class of Wesleyan Uni versity at Middletown, Conn., from which he was graduated with the degree of B.A. in 1871, with membership in the Alpha Delta Phi society. Two of his classmates were Hon. Theodore E. Hancock, the present attorney-general of the State, and Rev. A. P. Palmer, pastor of the South Street church, Utica. Leaving college he taught school for a time, being principal of the High school in Bradford, Vt. , for two years. He then read law in the office of Hon. Roswell Farnham, ex-governor of Vermont, and was admitted to the bar of that State in June, 1874. In the following autumn he became principal of the gYaded school in Susquehanna Depot, Pa., and during his first term there he was invited by the people of Hornellsville, N. Y. , to come to that city as superintendent of their schools. At the close of the term he ap plied for and received a release and accepted the position offered him in this State, which he ably and satisfactorily filled until t,he end of the school year 1875. As a teacher Judge Dunmore attained an excellent reputation and met with unusual suc cess, and at the same time acquired a valuable practical knowledge of both books and human nature ; but his inclination was the practice of law, for which he was peculiarly adapted and fitted. In the fall of 1874 he had entered his name in the Law School of Hamilton College and was graduated from that institution with the class of June, 1875, keeping up his studies, as was the rule in those days.iin the leis ure of his active duties. In 1875 he came to Utica and formed a copartnership with Smith M. Lindsley, under the firm name of Lindsley & Dunmore, which continued about seven years. Following this he practiced alone and in various partnerships until May 1, 1888, when the firm of Dunmore & Sholes was organized. On March 1, 1893, this became Dunmore, Sholes & Ferris, which still continues. Judge Dunmore has always been an active Republican, and fias frequently con tributed to the success of his party. In 1886 he was elected special county judge and served in that capacity for three years, when, in 1889, he was re-elected for an other term of three years. In the second election he led his ticket in the county by about 200 votes, receiving 1,500 majority, which was the highest received by any candidate, the lowest being beaten by over 2,000. In 1892 he was elected county judge of Oneida county for a full term of six years beginning January 1, 1893. In these capacities as well as in all others he has officiated with dignity, credit, and sat isfaction, and has won the esteem and confidence of not only his constituents, but the public at latge. As a lawyer he ranks among the foremost practitioners of Cen tral New York. As a jurist he has evinced sound judgment, a clear grasp of legal complications, rare executive ability, and a thorough knowledge of the law. Out side of his profession, however, he is not without honors. He has always taken a keen interest in the welfare and prosperity of Utica, and is prominently identified with many of its leading institutions. He was one of the organizers in February, 1884, of the Homestead Aid Association of Utica, which is now one of the largest local associations in the State, having an invested capital of between $600,000 and $700,000. As attorney he has always directed its legal affairs, and for a time served as one of the directors. In January, 1896, he succeeded George Dimon as president 26 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and- in this capacity he is ably guiding the association along the lines of public bene faction and general usefulness, especially to the wage-earner and home-builder, whom it is designed most to assist. Judge Dunmore is also a director in the Utica Knitting Company, was one of the founders of the Utica Business Men's Associa tion, and was one of the organizers of the State League of Building and Loan Asso ciations, of which he was the first treasurer, an office he held for several years. -He was president of the League in 1892, and a member of its executive committee from the organization until after he was elected county judge, when professional and other duties compelled him to resign. He was a representative of the New York State League to the World's Congress of Building and Loan Associations held at Chicago in 1894, and was one of the five Americans selected to prepare an address to that congress on the subject of building and loan association work. The judge's efforts in elevating and placing these enterprises on a sound financial basis have been signally successful, and rank him among the foremost promoters of building and loan associations in the country. Judge Dunmore also takes an active interest in fostering and promoting fraternal, benevolent, and social organizations, and is himself a member of several of them. He is a Knight Templar, holding membership in Utica Lodge No. 47, F. & A. M., Oneida Chapter R. A. M., Utica Council R. & S. M., and Utica Commandery No. 3, K. T. He is also a member of Oneida Lodge, No. 70, I. O. O. F., a past noble grand, and for several years its treasurer; also of Tri-Mount Encampment, No. 24, I. O. O. F. , in which he has held all the chairs. He is a member of Excelsior Lodge K. P. and of Fort Schuyler Club, and a charter member of Fort Schuyler Lodge, R. A. Both he and his family are members of Westminster Presbyterian church. Judge Dunmore was married on July 9, 1878, to Miss Minnie E. Goodier, daughter of Jonathan and Clarissa (Treadway) Goodier, of Utica. They have six children: James S., Watson T., jr., Clara T., Russell G., Earl W., and Delia. ARTHUR C. WOODRUFF. Arthur Cleveland Woodruff, son of Dr. Hurlbert H. and Calista (Abbott) Wood ruff, was born in the village of Camden, Oneida county, N. Y., June 13, 1851. His maternal grandfather, Eben Abbott, held the commission of captain and major in the War of 1812,, and soon after 1840 settled in Camden, where he died. Dr. Wood ruff was a graduate of Trinity College, Hartford, Conn., and began the practice of medicine in North Salem, Westchester county, N. Y., whence he removed in 1850 to Camden, where he opened the first drug store in the village. He practiced his pro fession here with marked success, and also temporarily in Washington, D. C, for a time, and died in Camden on November 2, 1881, at the age of fifty-six. His wife's death occurred here November 27, 1895, in the sixty-eighth year of her age. Arthur C. Woodruff was educated in the public schools and academy of his native village, in Union Academy in Belleville, N. Y., and was graduated from Lowville Academy in 1870. Immediately after completing his literary studies he entered the office of the late Hon, George K. Carroll, in Camden, and read law there until BIOGRAPHICAL. 27 his admission to the bar at Buffalo general term June 1.3, 1873. He then formed a copartnership with his legal preceptor under the style of Carroll & Woodruff, which continued for three years. Mr. Woodruff then practiced his profession alone until 1883, when his brother, Eben C, was admitted to the bar and became his law part ner under the name of A. C. & E. C. Woodruff. This partnership continued success fully until January 1, 1895 when it was dissolved. Since then he has practiced alone. Mr. Woodruff is a prominent member of the Oneida county bar and has always enjoyed an extensive professional business. As a lawyer he has been almost in variably successful, and as counselor and legal adviser he has won the confidence and respect of a large clientage. He has always been a staunch Democrat. In pol itics he early became a prominent and an influential factor, especially in his native village, which, although Republican, has frequently placed him in positions of trust and responsibility. He was village magistrate for twelve successive years, president of the village in 1891, member of the water commission five years, anil village trus tee several terms, and for the last fifteen years a member of the board of education, of which he is now the secretary. He was one of the originators of the Camden Opera House Company, in which he is a stockholder, and for the last twenty years has served as vestryman of Trinity Episcopal church. Mr. Woodruff has always taken a deep interest in the advancement and prosperity of the village of Camden, favoring such important public improvements as the water works, electric light, town hall, etc., and to all matters affecting the general welfare he lends his unquali fied support. Public spirited and enterprising he is in every respect a prominent and an influential man. On Christmas Day, 1880, he was married to Miss Theresa A. Carroll, daughter of his legal preceptor, Hon. George K. Carroll, and Caroline F. Linkfield, his wife, by whom he has two sons : George Carroll, born February 9, 1885, and Laurence Abbott, born November 25, 1888. George K. Carroll was a leading lawyer in Camden for about twenty years, a member of Assembly, and a prominent factor in the Demo cratic politics of Oneida county. STEPHEN CROMWELL. Stephen Cromwell, for more than forty years a prominent lawyer of Camden, was born in Carlisle, Schoharie county, N. Y. , September 18, 1815. With a limited com mon school education he left home at the age of seventeen to seek his fortune in the West, and for two years was employed on the Mississippi river steamboats. He spent another two years in the South and then went to Ohio, where he read law with his brother, teaching school at the same time as a means of gaining a livelihood. He was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1842, but in the following year returned to New York and in 1844 was admitted to the courts of this State. He then located perma nently in Camden, Oneida county, and entered the office of D. Minor K. Johnson, to whose legal business he soon succeeded. For more than twenty years* he had as his partner lvers Monroe, a former law student. Mr. Cromwell continued in the active practice of his profession until 1887, when he retired, being succeeded by George F. 28 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Morss, also a former student. He built the house on the corner of Main and North Park streets in Camden in 1860 and died there July 7, 1895. Mr. Cromwell was a prominent member of the Oneida county bar and conducted an extensive professional business for many years. He was well versed in the science of the law, possessed a good analytical mind and a wonderfully retentive memory, was a student and a scholar, and seldom lost a case in the appellate courts. In this latter respect he was very successful. He was blunt in argument and of a nervous temperament, and before a jury lacked the expression and tact which his talents really warranted and demanded. But as an office lawyer and counselor he had no superior in the county. He won the respect and confidence of all with whom he had professional relations, and among a wide acquaintance was highly esteemed for his many excellent qualities of head and heart. He was a staunch Republican and in local politics became quite a prominent factor, yet he never sought nor had any desire for public preferment. He served as village president and trustee and as a member of the board of education served several years each, and always supported and encouraged every movement which promised benefit to the community. He was identified with the tanning industry in West Amboy, Oswego county, and with his son was at one time heavily interested in the salt and lumber business in Saginaw, Mich. He was also connected with the old Camden Bank. A devoted churchman he. was for over forty years a vestryman of Trinity church, Camden, in the prosperity of which he took great pride. He traveled extensively, visiting nearly every State in the Union, and was well informed on all matters of general interest. January 1, 1845, he was married to Miss Jeannette Gifford, daughter of Elihu and sister of H. W. Gifford, of West Camden, Oneida county, who bore him three chil dren : James G. , of Glen Ellen, Cal. ; William, deceased ; and Charles,* who died in infancy. She died January 27, 1884, and on September 12, 1887, he married Mrs. Susan (Brownell) Owens, of Utica, who survives him and resides in the Cromwell homestead in Camden. ROBERT ABLETT. Robert Ablett, of Whitesboro, strikingly represents the type of men in this country whose mental force and keen sagacity have, in the material sense, made themselves and, too, the leading industriesof the United States. He possesses that element which rarely fails of success ; he has a thorough grasp of his business in every detail, every branch and step has been learned by careful study and experience, and these backed up by energy and rigid business habits. He began life a poor boy, with whatever of success that might come, to be carved out by his own personal efforts. Mr. Ablett was born February 22, 1839, in Easton, Washington county, N. Y., but only the first five years of his life were spent at that place. His parents then moved to Schaghticoke, Rensselaer county, and a little later to Cohoes, in Albany county. The son, Robert, re ceived his education in all these towns during the period of residence thereat, till he was sixteen years of age. Then he began on a self-supporting basis, with an ambi tion that stimulated him through a long term of apprenticeship. His first service was in the cotton mills in Schaghticoke, where he learned the business of making cotton THOMAS D. PENFIELD. BIOGRAPHICAL. 29 fabrics. He was the third in a family of eleven children, a fact which may have had some influence in the matter of his ambition to thus early in life become self- dependent. His parents, Daniel and Mary Ablett, came from England and settled in Easton, as stated above. They have ever since been identified with the agricul tural interests of that part of the State, and are now residing in Cohoes. Robert Ablett continued for several years in service in the cotton mills at Cohoes ; then he became connected with a large knitting mill, operated by the Troy Manufacturing Company of Cohoes, in which he acted as superintendent till 1881. This long experience made him thoroughly familiar with every detail of the business. At that time he went to Little Falls, N. Y., and formed a company under the style of Ablett, Mac- kinnon & Co. and started the Anchor Knitting Mills. This enterprise proved eminently successful through the years up to 1887, when the other members of the company having retired, Mr. Ablett conducted the business in Little Falls until 1889, when he moved the same to its present location. One hundred hands were employed in the making of men's, ladies' and infants' underwear. At that time the village of Whitesboro offered him strong inducements to move there and engage in the same industry. As a result of this he bought the main building which formerly comprised the Whitestown Seminary, and a little later removed- his business from Little Falls. The building was a large structure, yet the growth of his business has compelled him to make several extensive additions thereto to keep pace with the increase. It is said to be now one of the most complete and best equipped mills in the State. The special line of goods manufactured consists of ladies', children's and infants' under wear, for the making of which 250 operatives are employed. Mr. Ablett's thorough knowledge of the business, together with his sagacious business methods, has carried him through the depressed times with remarkable success. In politics Mr. Ablett is an ardent Republican, giving to the party his earnest influence because he believes in its principles. Has repeatedly been elected trustee of the village and is now serv ing in that capacity. Socially, he is "pleasant and courteous, enjoying the respect and esteem of all who come in contact with him. In 1860 Mr. Ablett married Caroline D. Murray, a native of England. They have had two sons and daughter, Lillie Adelia the only one surviving. She married Charles A. Powell, of Little Falls. Mr. Powell is associated with Mr. Ablett in business. THOMAS D. PENFIELD. Hon. Thomas De Milt Penfield, son of Fowler and Jane (De Milt) Penfield, was born in the town of Camden, Oneida county; N.Y., November 22, 1813, and there are still visible on a hillside about two miles west of the village the ruins of a small log cabin which formed his birthplace. His grandfather, Jesse Penfield, of English de scent, entered the Revolutionary army at the age of seventeen and distinguished himself by serving over seven years, participating in the battle of White Plains and many others; afterthe war he removed from Connecticut to Camden, N.Y., where he lived to a good old age. Fowler Penfield, second son of Jesse, took part in the War of 1812, serving as waiter to Colonel Johnson at Sackett's Harbor. In 1807 he mar- 30 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. rid Jane De Milt, a native of Cow's Neck, L. I., who came to Camden with her par ents very early in this century. She was of French and Holland descent, of the families bearing the names of De Milt and Wormsley, who fled from the persecu tions instituted against the Christians and landed on Manhattan Island in the days of New Amsterdam. Benjamin De Milt, a member of her family and a man of un bounded liberality, donated an extensive library and a large sum of money to the Mechanics' Library of New York city, while his maiden sisters bequeathed much of their estate to benevolent institutions and a dispensary in New York bears their name. Fowler and Jane Penfield first settled in Oneida county on a farm two miles west of Camden village, the present Carleton farm on the Mexico road, where Thomas was reared and educated. Fowler Penfield subsequently moved to West chester county. Thomas De Milt Penfield spent his youth upon the parental acres, where he ac quired those sterling traits of character, those well-rounded habits of thrift and self- reliance, which have marked his long and eventful career. Before he reached his majority he came to Camden village to learn the trade of boot and shoemaker, which he followed several years. In 1837 he took up his residence in Main street on the site he has ever tince occupied and in 1850 he built his present dwelling. In 1854 he purchased of Gen. Lyman Curtis, ex sheriff of Oneida county, his interest in the flouring and grist mills in Camden and became a partner of F. H. Conant, who, two years later, sold out to Thomas Stone, a brother-in-law of Mr. Penfield. This firm, styled Penfield & Stone, continued business until the death of Mr. Stone in 1861. A'few years afterward Hon. Benjamin D. Stone, a son of Thomas, became a partner and ever since then the firm has carried on large and successfnl milling operations under the name of Penfield & Stone. About 1848 he was made one of the superintendents for the construction of the Rome and Oswego plank road, and for two years after its completion had charge of that portion between Rome and the " Checkered House" in Williamstown. In politics Mr. Penfield has always been an ardent and consistent Democrat, and for many years was an active and influential leader in the councils of his party. He was elected school commissioner of Camden in 1842, served as justice of the peace for eight years and as justice for the Oneida General Sessions two years; and be tween 1851 and 1886 represented his town eleven terms on the Board of Supervisors, serving one year as chairman. Although a staunch Democrat he was elected super visor in a stronghold of Republicanism, and as a member of the board distinguished himself by invariable fairness and unswerving fidelity to his constituents. His con scientious labprs won for him universal approval and a wide circle of acquaintances and friends in both parties. In 1879, when not serving as supervisor, he was one of a committee of four appointed by the board to visit every town in the county and equalize the assessed valuation of real estate. His colleagues in this important labor were Harvey Head, Col. Nehemiah Pierce, and Mr. Evans, one from each of the four assembly districts. In 1856, 1857, 1862, and 1879 he was elected to the Assembly, where he served one year as chairman of the committee on villages and as member of such important commixes as those on canals, on commerce and navigation, etc. He was a War Democrat, noted for his independence and the courage of his con- BIOGRAPHICAL. 31 victions, and on one occasion was the only Democratic member of the Legislature who voted in favor of a resolution for amending the United States Constitution prohibiting slavery in the States, which resolution was enacted into a law in April, 1865, when eleven of his party colleagues voted with it. His patriotism, his sense of justice, his conviction of duty, and his great admiration for Lincoln made him steadfast in upholding the Union and the war policy of the government. He served four years in the Assembly, and at one time was offered the chairmanship of the committee on canals, but declined in favor of John Snow, of Madison county. Dur ing the civil war of 1861-65, Judge Doolittle, Samuel Campbell and Mr. Penfield were appointed a committee to raise troops for the Union army, and through their personal efforts and at their own expense raised two regiments in Oneida county, one of which was commanded by Colonel Jarred. Mr. Penfield was for many years prominently identified with Oneida County Agricultural Society and served one term as its president. He was town commissioner of highways four years, president of the village nine terms, and chairman of the Board of Water Commissioners for three years. In 1882 he was elected sheriff of Oneida county and served a term of three years, and while acting in that capacity executed in August, 1883, at the old Mohawk jail in Utica, the notorious William Henry Ostrander, whose trial for the murder of his brother created considerable excitement throughout the country. During the erection of the new town hall in Camden in 1894-95 he was chairman of the building committee. In 1872 he was nominated for Congress by the Democratic convention, with the assurance of election, but refused to go upon the ticket. Mr. Penfield, from a poor, industrious boy, has lived a career of marked usefulness and activity and become a substantial citizen of large means and varied interests. He is emphatically a self-made man, endowed with rare ability, perseverance, and energy, and now at the age of over eighty-two is well preserved in body and mind. He was long a prominent factor in the local and county Democracy, which honored him with several important offices, but probably his last public acts are embodied in the service he rendered as chairman of the building committee of the new Camden town hall, in which he takes great pride. He has been a member and trustee of the Camden M. E. church many years and was for a time chairman of the board of trus tees, especially during the erection of the M. E. parsonage in 1890. Public spirited, enterprising, and benevolent, always good natured, kind hearted, and liberal, he has ever manifested a keen interest in religious, educational, agricultural, and busi ness matters and in the prosperity of his town and village, which have always been his home. He was a warm personal friend of Gov. Horatio Seymour and also of Gov. Lucius Robinson, who spoke of him as a " man who always voted on the right side." September 6, 1837, Mr. Penfield married, first, Joanna P. , daughter of the Rev. Eliakim Stoddard, a local Methodist preacher and father of the M. E. church in Cam_ den ; he was born in Connecticut in 1779 and died here in 1860, after a long and use. ful ministerial life. She was born in Camden on June 6, 1811, and. died in 1854. Their children were Samuel D. 1st, born September 3, 1839, died aged two years; and Samuel D. 2d, born November 28, 1844, died October 15, 1877, leaving one daughter, Joanna Stoddard Penfield. In 1855 Mr. Penfield married, second, Miss Lucintha Curtiss Stoddard, a cousin of his first wife and a daughter of Judge Israel Stoddard, of Camden. They have one son, Israel Stoddard Penfield, born June 17, 1857. 32 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. JOHN B. WELLS. John Breed Wells, the youngest of five children — four sons and one daughter— of Henry and Sophia (Breed) Wells, was born in Colchester, Conn., August 24, 1816. His father was born in 1776 and died in 1845. His mother's death occurred in 1852. About 1820 the family moved to Stockbridge, Berkshire county, Mass., where the boyhood of the subject of this memoir was passed on a farm and in attending the district school. His early advantages were necessarily limited, yet in the alternat ing routine of farm work in summer and of study during the winter months he acquired not only an enduring physique, but the rudiments of a practical education, both of which in a measure fitted him for the subsequent duties of an active business life. He inherited those thrifty characteristics of native New Englanders and be came imbued with an enterprising spirit, and while yet a mere youth decided upon a commercial career. At the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to the firm of Owen & Hurlburt, extensive paper manufacturers of South Lee, Mass., and entering the general supply store of this firm remained with them for seven years. Here he re ceived a valuable business training and imbibed those principles which invariably characterize the successful man. On reaching his majority he purchased of his employers the stock of goods contained in this store and profitably conducted the business for one year. But his enterprising spirit and excellent judgment led him into larger fields of activity, which he was eminently fitted by nature and experience to fill. In 1839 Mr. Wells made a trip to the Western Reserve, a portion of the State of Ohio, where his father and older brothers had settled on a large tract of land. Not finding an opening in the mercantile line in that frontier region he returned to Utica, where his cousins. A. L. & R. H. Wells, were engaged in the dry goods busi ness at No. 76 Genesee street. Mr. Wells entered their employ and remained for two years. In 1841 he formed a copartnership with Lewis Bailey of Utica, under the firm name of Bailey & Wells, and carried on a successful dry goods trade for five years, the first two in Auburn, N. Y., and the remainder in Utica, where Mr. Wells permanently settled in 1843. In Utica their store was located at 88 Genesee street. In 1846, the partnership having expired, Mr. Wells started in business on his own account at the same location, and in 1856 moved to the store No. 56 Genesee street, in the Marble block, then newly built. In 1865 he removed to 79 Genesee street, where the original store was in 1871 extended back to Franklin street to accommo date his constantly increasing trade. In 1879 what was known as the " Boston Store " adjoining on the north and in 1886 the old Buckley & Co. stores on the south became vacant, and Mr. Wells promptly extended his business and occupied both establishments, taking Nos. 77, 79, and 81 Genesee street and Nos. 11, 13, and 15 Catharine street. In these commodious quarters the business has since been con ducted, and for many years it has enjoyed a foremost place among the largest dry goods concerns in Central New York. In 1865 John S. Capron became a partner under the firm name of J. B. Wells & Co. and in 1873 Edward L. Wells, the only surviving son of Mr. Wells, was admitted, the firm being since known as J. B. Wells, Son & Co. On May 9, 1893, the firm sustained a serious loss from fire, the interior of the store being almost completely burned out.' The loss aggregated nearly $150,- BIOGRAPHICAL. 33 000, but the firm quickly recovered and soon opened another stock more valuable than the one destroyed. Mr. Wells's business experience covered a period of more than half a century, fifty years being spent in Utica. He was a man of unswerving integrity, honorable, up right, and conscientious, and never was a breath of suspicion aimed against him. He bore throughout life an untarnished reputation and a name that was universally respected. His unceasing kindness to his employees, his warm friendship and active interest in their welfare and advancement, his noble and self-sacrificing example, and his treasured advice and words of encouragement are enduring monuments to his devotion, fidelity to principle, and correct judgment.' He was emphatically a self-made man, his education beyond that afforded by the small district school being self-acquired. He attended this common school only four months of each year dur ing four or five winters, yet by persistent reading and study during such leisure moments as he occasionally obtained from the hours of labor he stored his retentive mind with valuable information, and this together with critically observing people and events enabled him to successfully cope with men whose early educational ad vantages greatly exceeded his own. He owed his success to his individual efforts. Endowed with marvelous energy, with an almost unlimited capacity for work, with excellent judgment and sound common sense, and with a nature which was both broad and companionable, he won the utmost esteem and confidence, and displayed in his daily rounds a comprehensive grasp of detail and thoroughness of purpose which distinguished him in all the affairs of life. He was a firm friend, a safe coun selor, and a generous employer. In his business dealings he was always honest, honorable, and just, and the confidence and respect that were accorded him are glowing tributes to his exemplary career. Mr. Wells did not confine his time and talents solely to the dry goods business, but devoted a large share of his attention and means to the benefit of his fellow citi zens, He was prominently interested in several large corporations, either as an officer or as a stockholder, and brought to these the same clear judgment, energy, and ability that characterized the conduct of his personal affairs, He was one of the founders and incorporators and the largest stockholder of the Skenandoa Cotton Company in 1882, and served as its vice-president until 1886, when, on the death of A. J. Williams, he was elected president. This enterprise was started with a capital of $200,000 and with a mill two stories high, 275 by 100 feet, erected for the purpose. The equipment consisted of about 10,000 spindles and other necessary machinery for the manufacture of fine hosiery yarns for the use of manufacturers of knit goods. So successful did the venture prove that in 1888 the capital stock was increased to $300,000 and another two story mill, equal in size to the first, erected. In 1892 the capital was again increased to $600,000 and a third mill, three stories high, 850 by 100, added, thus giving the company a plant of nearly 55,000 spindles and a product ive capacity five times as large as the original. The company has paid regular divi dends, and besides expending more than three-quarters of a million dollars on its plant has accumulated a handsome surplus, and its stock commands a high premium. The success and permanent usefulness of this enterprise are in a large measure due to the sagacity and business ability of Mr. Wells, who not only gave his best efforts to its development, but invested heavily of his means at a time when its future was 34 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. anything but promising. He stood by it when others were timid and boldly advo cated a progressive policy, and by his courage and persistence demonstrated the soundness of his principles, which he insisted should be applied to the conduct of the business of the company. As president he ably guided its affairs from 1886 until his death, when the concern had secured an enormous business and a very strong financial condition. He was also a stockholder in the Mohawk Valley Cotton Mills, the Utica Willowvale Bleaching Company, and the Utica Steam Cotton Mills. For ten years he was a director in the First National Bank. In the progress and develop ment of these important institutions he labored with a zeal that was both marvelous and inspiring. But it was as a public benefactor, as a citizen who was intensely and unselfishly- interested in the welfare of the community, that Mr. Wells won a warm place in the hearts and affections of not only his associates, but of all who knew him. He was intimately identified with various charitable and religious organizations of Utica, and gave to these self-sacrificing devotion and substantial support. He was a member of the First Presbyterian church from the time of his settlement in Utica in 1843 until his death, and served it as an elder for thirty years and as a deacon for ten years. He was a liberal contributor to the Young Men's Christian Association, and from 1887 until his decease served as president of its board of trustees. In the con struction of the handsome Y. M. C. A. building on the corner of Bleecker and Char lotte streets he was particularly interested, his gifts to it surpassing those of anv other citizen. , He gave liberally to his own and to other churches, to missionary and educational enterprises, and for many years maintained a missionary in western fields. In all movements for improvement or reform, in benevolent and charitable work both in the city and elsewhere, he was especially generous. He contributed freely to asylums and hospitals, and from 1887 until his death officiated as treasurer of the Home for the Homeless. The corner-stone of his prosperity was industry, watchfulness, and honesty. His uncompromising integrity, prudence, sagacity, and tact won for him a brilliant rec ord in all the affairs of life. He was public spirited, progressive, and conscientious, and above all a true gentleman. He died in Utica November 27, 1891, and from friends and business associates from all parts of the country came tender, touching letters of condolence, letters which spoke volumes for the exalted esteem and reverence in which the memory of Mr. Wells was held. The several institutions with which he had been connected also passed appropriate resolutions, expressing in glowing terms the appreciation of his personal qualities and business ability. Dur ing the hour of his funeral many of the business houses of the city were closed". The obsequies were conducted by Rev. R. L. Bachman, D. D., who said: " He was not a man of many words, but of many and good deeds." Mr. Wells was married in Lyme, Conn., on October 18, 1841, to Miss Roxanna Hill Lee, daughter of a Presbyterian clergyman .who preached for many years in the church on Grassy Hill in the town of Lyme, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Oliver Brown. She was born in Lyme, April 12, 1818, and died in Utica January 10, 1879. Their children were Mary Louise, John H. (who died in Utica November 17, 1865, aged eighteen), Helen E. , Edward L. , and Anna S. Helen Elizabeth, the second daughter, was born June 21, 1850, was married at Utica on April 5, 1893, to BIOGRAPHICAL. 35 Dr. Eugene Grove Carpenter, of Cleveland, Ohio, and moving with her husband to the latter city died there on August 25th of the same year. She had been for many years a member of the First Presbyterian church- of Utica and a teacher in its Sun day school ; she had also been a teacher in the LTtica Orphan Asylum Sunday school and for a time a member of the board of managers of the Home for Aged Men and Couples. Edward L. Wells was born in Utica March 1, 1852, was graduated from the Utica Free Academy in 1870, and in September of that year entered his father's dry goods establishment, with which he has ever since been connected. He is a director in the First National Bank, the Skenandoa Cotton Company, the Stand ard Harrow Company, The Roberts Wicks Company, and Utica Mechanics Associa tion, and is president of the Olympian Knit Goods Company, all of Utica, and the Yonkers North End Land Company, of New York. ELLIOTT S. WILLIAMS. Mr. Williams was born at Clinton, Oneida county, N. Y., July 5, 1845. His father, Othniel S. Williams, moved to. Clinton in 1814. His mother is Delia Avery, daughter of Dr. Charles Avery, for many years' a professor in Hamilton College. The line has been traced to Sir William de Aliot, who entered England with William the Con queror in 1066. Mr. Williams prepared for college at Dwight's Rural High School in Clinton. Heentered.Hamilton College when eighteen yearsof age under the presidency of Dr. Fisher and was graduated in the class of 1867. At the close of his college term he entered the law office of his- father, Othniel S. Williams, and graduated from the Hamilton College Law School under Dr. Ellicott Evans in January, 1868. In 1870 he was elected supervisor of the town of Kirkland wliich office he held for three years. In 1880 he was appointed assistant treasurer of Hamilton College under the late Publius V. Rogers, of Utica, and held the position for a number of years, and until Dr. Thomas B. Hudson was chosen treasurer of the college. He has held the office of trustee of the village of Clinton a number of times and for a number of years was chosen president of the village board. He succeeded his father as a director in the Utica, Clinton and Binghamton, and the Rome and Clinton Railroads, and held the office of secretary of the Clinton Cemetery Association for ten years and upward, of which organization he is at present a trustee. Mr. Williams has also acted as one of the water commissioners for the village of Clinton for a number of years. Mr. Will iams was early elected a member of the Board of Education of his native town, and has always taken a deep interest in the work of that body, which has resulted in a thorough and complete free school system for Clinton, with one of the most con venient and -finest school building's in the State, a result for which the people of Clinton may be and-are justly proud. In February of the present year Mr. Williams was chosen president of the Board of Education to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Charles M. Everett, esq. In March, 1896, he was elected to the office of justice of the peace for the town of Kirkland, and is also at the present time police justice for the town of Clinton. Mr. Williams had charge and care of the work attending the celebration of the 36 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. centennial exercises of the village of Clinton in July, 1887, when President Cleve land visited Clinton, the success of which celebration is still fresh in the minds of the people of Oneida county. He has always resided in Clinton and since leaving college has devoted his time to the practice of law and to the insurance business. He has always taken great interest in the village of Clinton, constantly speaking in its favor, extolling its beauties and advantages and healthfulness as a place of resi dence and the great inducements held out by it as a centre of education. J. ARTHUR SMITH, V. S. J. Arthur Smith, V. S., was born and reared in the town of Westmoreland, Oneida county. He now owns and occupies the homestead of both his father and grand father. They came to the town in 1842 and purchased the farm lying southwest of Rome in the most fertile and attractive part of the county. They came from Chester, England, and were from the most intelligent and thrifty stock of that country. James Smith, father of the subject of this sketch and portrait herewith, was also a veteri nary surgeon before coming to this country, having attained an advanced standing in the profession, being a member of the Royal- College of Veterinary Surgeons of London. He continued in the practice during his life in Westmoreland and was counted one of the most successful in Oneida county. He was well known throughout ' a wide region of territory. Besides this he was among the foremost farmers of the State. He was industrious, prudent and prosperous, and moreover an upright, respected citizen. His ideas of thrift in farming, which had been a part of his education in England, were applied in the same line here, with the result that he made and developed one of the finest and most valuable farm properties to be found among the many attractive farm realties' in the town. He was also an exten sive dealer in horses, and invested considerable money in the business. He married Mary Ann Gypson, of Westmoreland, by whom he had three sons, Willard R., Charles G., and James Arthur. Willard R. is a resident of Buffalo, N. Y, and Charles G, is in business in Chicago. Dr. James Smith, the father, died in 1891 ; Mrs. Smith, his wife, is still living. Dr. J. Arthur Smith was born on this homestead Mry 11, 1861, where he has spent the greater part of his life. He received the rudiments of his education at the district school in Westmoreland and afterwards took a course at the old Whitestown Semi nary. Subsequently he attended the New York Veterinary College with the view to continuing the profession in which both his father and grandfather had achieved success. He has therefore grown up in the practice, aud this long experience and thorough knowledge of the science has given him the foundation for his unusual suc cess. But in addition to this he carries on the farm with quite as much or more ability as those who devote themselves to that one industry. Dr. Smith is an earnest Republican in politics and always takes a deep interest in the party's behalf. J. ARTHUR SMITH. BIOGRAPHICAL. 37 TIMOTHY JENKINS. The Hon. Timothy Jenkins was a native of New England, a descendant from the hardy, conscientious, devout first settlers of that seminal part of our country. He was born January 29, 1799, in the town of Barre, State of Massachusetts, of parents whose genealogy showed them to be allied to the early Puritans of Plymouth. They were farmers, and intended for their son no other occupation in life, It was their wish that he and his only brother should own and till the same farm which had been bequeathed them by their father. Ere he had attained his sixteenth year his father had been removed by death. From that day he was left to maintain him self, mark out and pursue his own plan of life. He soon determined to seek a higher intellectual culture, to penetrate some of the regions of science andlearning of which he had, in his elementary studies, caught some glimpses. At the age of eighteen Mr. Jenkins removed to Washington county, this State ; there he resided two years, attending the academies at Salem and White Creek. During that time he devoted himself assiduously to the attainment of classical and scientific learning. He then entered upon and pursued for three years the honorable employment of school teacher, in the prosecution of which he was continually extending and perfecting his acquaintance with several sciences and classical literature. At that time he com menced the study of law, the practice of which he had determined should be the profession of his life. Afterwards, having prosecuted his legal studies the required term under two distinguished lawyers in Utica, Mr. Jenkins was admitted to the bar in 1825. Soon after he opened an office in the adjoining village of Vernon, and m 1832 he removed and settled himself at Oneida Castle, where he continued to live till his death. From that time until his death, which occurred December 24, 1859, he was con stantly engagedin an ever-increasing legal business, extending into adjacent counties, and often into more distant parts of the State. In 1840 Mr. Jenkins was appointed the prosecuting attorney of Oneida county, and he held that responsible office five years. During his term of service the criminal business of the county was unusually large, but his onerous duties were discharged with signal ability, and to the entire satisfaction of his legal brethren and of the people generally. For ten years, under the appointing power of the State, Mr. Jenkins held the office of attorney to the Oneida Indians, and to this remnant of a once noble tribe of the aboriginals of our country he faithfully extended the benefits of his talents and in fluence. In 1844 he was elected a representative to the Congress of the United States ; also in 1846, and again in 1850. During those six years in that exalted but often desecrated station, Mr. Jenkins served his constituents, his State, the republic, and the cause of humanity with a fidelity to principle and independence of party that gained for him universal respect, and made him a still greater favorite of the people. He is believed to have been one of those who devised the ' ' Wilmot Proviso." If he did not originate the measure he was early in the counsels of those who did. He supported it with great earnestness, although he knew it was displeasing to many of his own party. Mr. Jenkins was from early life a Democrat in his political belief ; he nevertheless opposed the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, which repealed the Mis- 38 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. souri Compromise. In 1856 he joined the Fremont movement, and ever after acted with the Republicans. Mr. Jenkins was delegate-atJarge to the convention which met in Philadelphia in 1856 to form the Republican party. Mr. Jenkins was a man positive in intellect, disposition, and in heart. He com menced life under disadvantageous circumstances, but there was no man who en joyed more entirely the confidence and respect of the whole community. He was highly distinguished for his learning and industry in his profession, his great per sonal resolution and perseverance,, and he maintained aposition in the very first rank at the bar. Although not an orator as that term is generally understood, his speeches were always sound, logical and to the point, and in the preparation of his causes he had no superior. In his religious convictions he was earnest and decided, and took a prominent part in the formation of a Unitarian society in Vernon and the erection of an edifice. To those who knew him slightly he appeared cold and distant, but a better acquaintance showed him genial and communicative, with a heart brimful of love and kindness to all. In 1822 Mr. Jenkins was united in marriage with Miss Florilla Tuttle, of Vernon, which marriage was terminated by the death of the wife about a. year afterwards. In 18 "9 Mr. Jenkins married Miss Harriet Tuttle, a sister of his deceased wife, who still survives him. She was a sharer of his earlier struggles and a partaker of his later successes. By his second marriage he had four children: Charles M., also a lawyer, who died aged twenty-six; Hiram T., also a lawyer, who died in 1868, aged thirty-five ; he was also district attorney of Oneida county for three terms ; Florilla. Mrs. W. J. Hickox, and one, Albert, who died in infancy. JOHN WELLINGTON BOYLE. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, August 6, 1851, John Wellington Boyle was brought by his parents to this country in his infancy, and nearly his entire life has been passed in Utica an d vicinity. He is the youngest child of John and Elizabeth (Sharpe) Boyle. The father had been thoroughly trained in the cotton industry, and on reaching America found employment at New York Mills, where the family settled, and where the mother, a woman of great strength of character and rare personal attainments, died in 1868. During his childhood the boy attended the public schools of the village, but at the close of the civil war when labor was in demand and wages high, he obtained a posi tion in the cotton mills, and while accumulating the means for further education, acquired also that habit of persistent effort and industry which has been so potent a factor in his subsequent success. As soon as his means warranted he entered Whites- town Seminary, and was fortunate in being enrolled as a pupil of that institution during the most flourishing period in its history. He then commenced the study of the law in the office of Doolittle & Swan, in Utica, and subsequently entered the Albany Law School, pursuing his studies in term time and working through the vaca tions until 1872, when he graduated. On attaining his majority he was admitted to the bar and returned to Utica to enter upon the practice of his profession. vj£^^sJ?I>frfi&£2»7.:?gj2J-?A.-'y " BIOGRAPHICAL. 39 For the first three years he was associated with the firm of Waterman & Hunt, but since 1875 he has practiced alone, making a specialty of corporation and commercial law, and counting among his clients numerous corporations and some of the oldest and most reliable firms in the State. He has also been connected as attorney or counselor with many well-known cases, notably the Woodford litigations, growing out of the burning of the village of Canastota, which remained in the courts thirteen years, and proved one of the most stubbornly fought legal battles in the history of Central New York. It drew into its several trials some of the best forensic talent in the State. As attorney for the plaintiff Mr. Boyle eventually won every point in volved and secured verdicts aggregating about twenty- seven thousand dollars. It is in railroad litigation and affairs, however, that he has been especially promi nent and successful. In 1886 the street railways of Utica, formerly operated by the Clinton and Binghamton Company as horse railroads changed hands, and Mr. Boyle became connected' with the management as attorney for the new company. After securing valuable franchises, extending the old lines and constructing new ones throughout the city, the controlling interest in the Utica Belt Line Street Railroad Company was, in 1889, sold to a New York syndicate, one of the conditions of the sale being the immediate equipment of the property with electricity. Mr. Boyle, as vice-president and general counsel under the new management, still continued to represent the local minority interest. Early in 1890 the change of motive power in all its details was completed; but this was accomplished only after many serious obstacles and innumerable injunction cases had been successfully met and defeated, in all of which Mr. Boyle bore an active and prominent part, displaying tact, skill, excellent judgment and large executive ability. But the road under the control of non-resident owners had become financially involved, and in January, 1892, its embarrassments culminated in the appointment of a receiver. At this juncture Mr. Boyle again came to the front. With the interests of the road itself at heart, as well as those of the Utica stockholders whom he represented, he most skillfully piloted the property through its many legal complications and financial difficulties, and in August, 1894, successfully effected a favorable and satisfactory re organization. His services-now met with their merited reward in. his election to the presidency of the reorganized company, and by his appointment as trustee of the entire property for a term of years, which positions he still holds, and whose duties he discharges with pre-eminent success. It is due to his tireless energy and un swerving faith in the future possibilities of Utica and the Belt Line property, that the city possesses to-day an electric railway system second to none in the State. In politics Mr. Boyle has always been a Republican, and while devoting but little time to the subject, he is. nevertheless regarded a shrewd adviser in political affairs. An excellent judge of human nature he quickly knows men and with almost unerring accuracy discovers their actuating motives. For a modern politician, however, he perhaps possesses too much boldness, individuality and independence of character. Mr. Boyle is prominent in Masonic circles, having been for three consecutive terms elected Eminent Commander of Utica Commandery No. 3, K. T., and for seven years prior to December, 1895, was Illustrious Potentate of Ziyara Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and declined a re-election to that position on account of pressing business duties. By special act of the Legislature of 1894, New York, he was made 40 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. one of the incorporators and a trustee of the Imperial Council, Nobles of the M. S. for North America. He is also a member of its committee on jurisprudence and law. Mr. Boyle was married in February, 1879, to Miss Harriet E. Combs, daughter of Lucius and Sarah (Holmes) Combs, of Whitesboro. THEODORE S. FAXTON. The ancestor of the Faxon family in America was Thomas Faxon, a native of England, who came to Massachusetts with his wife and three children before the year 1647. He was a man of means, and represented Braintree in the General Assembly in 1669. From him descended (V) Richard, (2) Josiah, (3) Thomas, (4) Thomas, and (5) Thomas. Thomas Faxon (4), son of Thomas and Ruth (Webb) Faxon, was born in Braintree, Mass., February 19, 1724, and died in Deerfield, Mass., in June, 1792. He married Joanna Allen, daughter of Abijah and Joanna (Bolter) Allen and a descendant of Samuel Allen, the immigrant. He was a private in Capt. Joseph Stebbins's company of Col. David Wells's regiment in 1777, and also in a body of six months men from Deerfield, Mass., in 1780. His son Thomas (5) was born in Braintree, Mass., February 19, 1755, settled as a farmer and shoemaker in Conway, Mass., and moved thence about 1802 to Whitestown, Oneida county, whence he removed about 1822 to York, Livingston county, N. Y., where he died January 3, 1827. He was married, first, to Rachel, daughter of Isaac and Rachel (Sheldon) Davis, of Somers, Conn. She was born April 15, 1756, and died in Con way, Mass., in January, 1794. Their children were Fanny (Mrs. Justus Sackett), Alpheus, Rachel (Mrs. Ira Cook), Abigail (Mrs. John Parsons), Mary (Mrs. Willard C. Conkey), Isaac Davis, and Theodore Saxton. Mr. Faxon married second, Debo rah, daughter of Prince and Jane (Delano) Toby, of New Bedford, Mass. They had eight children, of whom Thomas J., Emily, Ezra T., Josiah G., and an infant daughter, deceased, were born in Whitestown. Theodore Saxton Faxton ' was born in Conway, Mass., January 10, 1794, and was the youngest of seven children of Thomas and Rachel (Davis) Faxon. His early educational advantages were limited to the common schools of the period, supple mented by six months at Clinton soon after taking up his residence in Utica in 1812. , In 1813 he became a driver on the stage, and for four years, except the previously mentioned six months, held the reins of a four-in-hand every day. After 1817 he mounted the box only occasionally, yet such was his acknowledged skill as a reins- man that on occasions of ceremony, or when something extraordinary was required, he was invariably selected to do honor to the service. When Lafayette visited Utica in 1825 Mr. Faxton secured six dashing gray horses, harnessed them with silver- plated harness, borrowed the old Van Rensselaer carriage, and drove to Whitesboro, where the distinguished guest was to be received. After General Lafayette had left the boat and entered the carriage Mr. Faxton felt, as he expressed it, grander than 1 According to a History of the Faxon family Theodore S. Faxton was the first to insert the " t " in his name; he adhered to this style of orthography in writing his name throughout life. BIOGRAPHICAL. 41 Napoleon. After the year 1817 he had charge for a considerable period of a portion of the stage business of Jason Parker and a little later was offered an interest in the concern on the condition that he should pay for his share as fast as the profits would permit. In 1822 he "became a partner, together with Silas D. Childs, in the firm of Jason Parker & Co. Notwithstanding the competition of the new Erie Canal the stage business through Central New York continued very large for a number of years, and at the death of Mr. Parker in 1828 there were eight daily lines running through Utica east and west and four lines north and south. The firm successfully managed this vast and intricate business for ten years after the death of the senior member, and Messrs. Faxton and Childs continued in partnership some time longer. Together they erected the Exchange building on the site of the old Canal Coffee House, and collected the rents of this, the Eagle Tavern, and other real estate which they held in common. Mr. Faxton also joined with John Butterfield, Hiram Green- man, and others in running a line of packet boats on the Erie Canal, and in connec tion with Alfred Munson and associates he organized the first American line of steamers on the River St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario, and for several years was one of the managing directors. He was one of the originators of the Utica and Black River Railroad, paid a larger subscription than any other man, and for a long time served most efficiently as president of the company. Mr. Faxton always took a just pride in developing the village and city of Utica, and through various enterprises contributed largely to its material prosperity. He gave the 'first $100 to found the Utica Mechanics Association and held the office of president several terms. With Willett H. Shearman and Anson Dart he was one of the commissioners who completed the erection of the Utica State Hospital (then the State Lunatic Asylum) in 1843, and in 1852 was chairman of the building committee of the First Presbytarian church. He was also one of the originators of the Utica Water Works Company, the Utica Steam Cotton Mills, and the Second National Bank, and served the last two named corporations as president ; and was interested in the Globe Woolen Mills, of which he was president from April, 1856, until his death. In 1845 he became a conspicuous factor in developing and adapting to wider use the then greatest invention of the century, the telegraph, and in this respect he will forever merit particular credit. From the very first he was attracted to the possibilities of the wonderful invention , and soon after the success of the first line from Baltimore to Wash ington he visited the latter city for the purpose of personally investigating ' for him self and the few others who shared his confidence. He had learned from experience in his Telegraph line of stages — a line fitted out by his company to carry a small number of passengers at the greatest possible speed, and which had been so popular that every seat was spoken for days in advance of departure — that men loved speed and would encourage and patronize the fastest stages, the fastest boats, and the fastest means of transmitting intelligence. While absent he secured the right to establish a telegraph line between New York and Buffalo, the owners of the patent to have one-half of the stock of the company when the line was complete. On his return to Utica he united with John Butterfield, Hiram Greenman, Mr. Livingston, Mr. Wells, and others, and formed a company with a capital of $200,000, and with himself as president and superintendent, in which capacity he continued to act for seven years. The company strung the first wire between New York and Buffalo ; it F 42 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was of copper and cost about $60 per mile. His attention was called to the wire fence which had been in use on Colonel Walker's grounds for twenty-five years, and he ooncluded that if iron was good for fences for such a length of time it would also do for telegraphing purposes. The copper wire was taken down and sold for enough to put up the two iron wires, which cost only $18 per mile. Mr. Faxton labored hard against much opposition to make the enterprise a success, which it proved to be. He never took a very active part in politics, but was frequently called to positions of honor and trust. He was a trustee of the village of Utica in 1831, and served as alderman of the city in 1836 and as mayor in 1864. In 1848 he was a delegate to the Whig National Convention which nominated Zachary Taylor for president. In 1842 he became sheriff of Oneida county, but held the office only a few weeks when he was displaced by the governor purely for political reasons. His enterprise, public spirit, and generous benefactions not only built up stage, packet, steamboat, railroad, and telegraph lines', banks, manufactories, etc., which have added wealth and pros perity to Utica, but established other monuments which perpetuate his name and honor his memory. These are the Old Ladies' Home on Faxton street, Faxton Hos pital, and Faxton Hall at the junction of Varick and Court- streets for the education of the children of factory operatives by day and night. He was the founder of each of these ; and also of Faxton Lodge, No. 697, F. & A. M. He was a man of strict in tegrity, of marked sociability, and of great kindness of heart, and was possessed of unusual business and executive ability. Mr. Faxton was married on August 21, 1828, to Irene Miller Alverson, daughter of William and Chloe (Starr) Alverson. She was born in Utica June 14, 1802, and died April 29, 1868. Mr. Faxton's death occurred November 30, 1881. ALBERT M. DICKINSON. Albert Morton Dickinson, was born January 10, 1861, in the county of Hastings, Ontario, Canada. His parents were Americans, his father. John A. Dickinson, be ing a native of Utica, N. Y., and his mother Lima B. (Reynolds) Dickinson, having been born in Michigan. Albert M. Dickinson was educated at the Newburgh Acad emy at Newburgh, Ont., and learned the printer's trade at an early age. From 1878 to 1881 he taught school with much success on the Bay of Quinte and at Switzerville, Ont. In May, 1881, Mr. Dickinson married Joanna N. Dickson, of the Bay of Quinte district, and they have three children. In November of that year he removed to Utica, N. Y., where for a few months he was employed on the Utica Herald. In March, 1882, he left the "Herald" and became one of the founders of the "Press," doing local work for that paper. In the fall of the same year Mr. Dickinson ac cepted a position on the staff of the Saturday Globe, then in its infancy, where he has remained ever since, working his way up round by round until in 1888 he became its managing editor. Mr. Dickinson is a true knight of the pencil, is ever ready to trail a cyclone, to in vestigate the ravages of flood or fire, and mingle with bandit men in searching out material for " specials" to his paper. His style of writing is graphic, and his port- B. P. ALLEN, M. D. BIOGRAPHICAL. 43 rayal of scenes and incidents excites the interest of his readers and holds their at tention. Mr. Dickinson was one of the two newspaper men from Central New York who visited the scene of the Johnstown flood immediately after the disaster. He was present at the capture, trial, and execution of Frank Almy, the infamous New Hampshire bandit and murderer. He has tested the mystic powers of negro voodooism in the south and spent several weeks among the White Caps of Kentucky and Indiana during the reign of terror in those States. And on those and other topics of note he has given to the constituents of the " Globe " from time to time the benefit of his rare experiences. Mr. Dickinson is an Odd Fellow and a member of the Utica Typographical Union. BION PEMBERTON ALLEN, M. D. Dr. Bion Pemberton Allen, of Oriskany, is one of the young physicians of Oneida county, who, by his thorough knowledge and conscientious methods, backed up by a large amount of native ability, has already taken an advanced place in the profes sion. He is abreast of the times in all the latest ideas and developments in the science of medicine, and brings to its aid a careful well trained mind. All these qualifications have contributed to the marked success which he has achieved. Dr. Allen was born at Oriskany Falls, Oneida county, December 22, 1866. He was born and raised to manhood on his father's farm, and there imbibed the princi ples of industry and energy, which are as essential to a successful physician as to any Other calling. He is a son of Emmet J. Allen, who has all his life been actively identified with the agricultural industry of the county. He too is a native of Oris kany Falls, being a son of James H. Allen, an old and prominent citizen of the county. The ancestry originally came from English stock and were among the early settlers in New England. Emmet J. Allen married Florence E. Holmes, daughter of Leonard and Betsey (Parlin) Holmes, of Oriskany Falls. They have five sons and three daughters, Dr. Allen being the second in order of birth. He was educated at the public school in Oriskany Falls and Fairfield Seminary. At eighteen he began teaching, his first experience being in a district school in the town ; then for one year he taught in the Union graded school in Oriskany Falls, and the following year was principal of the Westmoreland village school, By this time he had concluded to adopt the medical profession as his life work, and with that end in view entered' the medical department of the University of Vermont, remaining there through one term. The opportunity for a more thorough education seeming to be better at the University of Pennsylvania, therefore he shifted to that institution in the fall of 1890, and spent three years there, graduating in 1893. After passing the New York State medical examination in June of that year he, in July following, went to Oriskany and entered into partnership with Dr. George R. Taylor, the leading physician of that place. This partnership continued until November, 1894, when Dr. Taylor re tired from the partnership and moved to Clinton, N. Y. This left Dr. Allen the only resident physician in the village, thus placing upon him a responsibility which many physicians of much longer experience would hesitate to assume. But his success has 44 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. been achieved in this field which demanded skill and ability ; and this has made him popular and esteemed by all who have come to know him. He is always courteous and obliging, with a kindness of heart so necessary to a true family doctor. Dr. Allen is an active member of the Oneida County Medical Society, and also the Medi cal Library Association.- His portrait presented herein indicates a keen, earnest mind that will give to his clientage the benefit of good judgment and honest service. THOMAS S. JONES. Thomas S. Jones, one of the leading trial lawyers of the city of Utica, is a son of Samuel T. Jones, a well-known farmer and landscape gardener, and was born in Boonville, Oneida county, N. Y., August 23, 1840. He was educated in the public schools of his native village, at Whitestown Seminary, and at Fairfield Academy. At a comparatively early age he decided upon the law as a profession, for which he was well qualified by nature. He read law in the office of George W. Smith and later with H. R. Hadley, both of Boonville, and was graduated from the Albany Law School in 1862, being admitted to the bar of New York in the same year. Im mediately after his graduation he commenced active practice in Forestport, Oneida county, but a few months afterward returned to Boonville, where he formed a co partnership with Hon. Walter Ballou under the firm name of Jones & Ballou. This partnership was dissolved in 1872 and Mr. Jones became a partner of Hon. Henry W. Bentley, who was afterward elected to Congress and also surrogate of Oneida county. In January, 1887, Mr. Jones removed to Utica and associated himself in practice with William Townsend, under the firm name of Jones & Townsend, and on January 1, 1896, Joseph Rudd, jr., was admitted under the style of Jones, Townsend & Rudd. Mr. Jones has been for many years an ardent and active Democrat, and has fre quently been the standard bearer of his party. He represented his district on the Democratic State Committee during the years 1881, 1882, and 1883. He was twice elected district attorney of the strong- Republican county of Oneida, first in the fall of 1886 by a majority of 73 and again in November, 1889, by the handsome ma jority of 2,200. He won the reputation of being a vigorous prosecuting officer and was conspicuous in a number of noted trials. During Ms two terms as district at torney he secured the conviction of two persons indicted for murder in the first de gree, and both were executed. He also prosecuted and convicted the noted train robber; Chael Roark, who attacked and shot Express Messenger Leak on the West Shore Railroad. Roark received the maximum sentence for robbery in the first de gree, which was twenty years. During this period Mr. Jones was also retained by the American Express Company to assist the district attorneys of Wayne and Her kimer counties in prosecuting another notorious train robber, Oliver Curtis Perry. In all these capacities as well as in the capacity of a lawyer Mr. Jones has demon strated rare ability and a thorough knowledge of the law, and in every case his duties have been discharged with great credit and satisfaction. At present his time is devoted principally to the trial of cases and especially to the practice of fire in- BIOGRAPHICAL. 45 surance law. He is one of the recognized leaders of the Oneida county bar, and locally takes a keen interest in all public affairs. He is an Odd Fellow and a Royal Arch Mason. October 7, 1874, Mr. Jones was married to Miss Mary Clarke, daughter of Fred erick T. and Mary (Taylor) Clarke, of Boonville. She died April 11, 1895, leaving one son, Thomas S. Jones, jr., born November 6, 1882. HENRY HAGEDORN. Henry Hagedorn, of Prospect, Oneida county, was born November 15, 1838, in Hamilton county, N. Y. His home was in Morehouseville, where he spent most of his life up to 1878. The district school at Morehouseville supplied the foundation for his education, and a subsequent course at the Prospect Academy completed his school-life. At the age of twenty-two he decided to learn the carpenter's trade, for at that time the building and progress of the northern part of New York was active. Mr. Hagedorn became one of the leading contractors and builders in that section, a business which proved both profitable to himself and satisfactory to those with whom he did business. In 1863 Mr. Hagedorn regarded New York city as a more advantageous point in which to carry on his line of work, so he removed to that city and entered into build ing and pattern making on a large scale. This continued profitably for three years, when he sold out and returned to Morehouseville. He then remained in the latter place till 1879, when a change in business affairs took him to Prospect, where he has since resided. At that time he bought the Watkins grist mill property and at once assumed active control of the plant. Although a new experience Mr. Hagedorn readily adapted himself to the new conditions and requirements which resulted in his building up one of the best mill properties in the northern part of Oneida county. The mill in 1886 was destroyed by fire, but Mr. Hagedorn at once replaced it with a complete Munson Bros.' milling outfit, so that it is now one of the leading mills of the county. Besides this Mr. Hagedorn owns the Bagg Hotel at Prospect, which is well suited for a haven for those seeking a summer outing. Mr. Hagedorn isa Democrat, and has been an earnest, consistent supporter of the party's principles. For several years he represented his town in the Board of Super visors, and for many years was a prominent member of the County Committee, be sides the many delegations of which he formed an important part. Mr. Hagedorn has, however, retired practically from political work, choosing i ather to devote his whole energies to his growing, prosperous business. He does step aside, though, in the interests of the Red Men, for to that organization he is a devoted member, always zealous in aiding its advancement. Mr. Hagedorn's father was also Henry Hagedorn, who came from Germany and settled in Morehouseville in 1837, being one of the early farmers there. He died in 1868. His wife was Margaret A. Mesloh, a native of the kingdom of Hanover, Ger many. She died in 1890. Henry Hagedorn, subject of this sketch, was one of three children born to them, Andrew and Helen being the others. 'Andrew died at More houseville in 1891. Helen married' Thomas Williams, of Grey, N. Y. 46 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Mr. Hagedorn married, in 1877, Amelia Colwell, of Ohio, Herkimer county. They have one daughter, Catherine, who is living at home. SAMUEL J. BARROWS. The first American ancestor of the subject of this sketch was John Barrus, who came with his wife Anna from Yarmouth, England, in 1637, and settled in Salem, Mass. His and several succeeding generations rendered the name Barrus, but like many other family names has become Americanized into Barrows, which has pre vailed for the last hundred years. John Barrus, by his second wife, Deborah, had three children : Joshua, Beniger, and Ebenezer, and died in Plymouth, Mass. , in 1692. Ebenezer Barrus married Elizabeth Lyon, settled in Attleboro, Mass., and was the father of Abraham, wh6 was born there February 11, 1714. Abraham Barrus removed to Cumberland, R. I., where all his children, nine in number, were born. In 1765 he moved to Richmond, Cheshire County, N. H. His son, Jeremiah Barrus, was born in Cumberland, R. I. , October 17, 1756, married Prudence Shafter on De cember 4, 1783, lived mainly in Richmond, N. H., had nine children, and fought in the ranks of the Continental army at the battles of Bunker Hill, Trenton, Princeton, and Bennington. He was the last of the Revolutionary soldiers who died in the town of Richmond, his death occurring October 25, 1850, at the age of ninety-four. He was a member of Capt. Oliver Capron' s militia company from Richmond, N. H., which joined Col. Ephriam Doolittle's regiment, being commissioned at Cambridge June 12, 1775. The roll of this company appears in the return there of October 6, 1775, when stationed at Winter Hill in Cambridge, and may be found in the Adju tant-General's office in Boston, and is probably the only record of the company now extant. The company, soon after this return was made, returned to their homes, with the exception of some who enlisted in the Continental army, among whom was Jeremiah Barrus. Mellen Barrows, son of Jeremiah and father of Samuel J., was born in Warwick, Franklin county, Mass., February 29, 1786, but spent his early life with the family in Richmond, N. H. He served in the war of 1812, being stationed at Portsmouth, N. H. , and drew a pension for many years before his death, as did also his father for services in the Revolution. August 12 1810, he married Lucy, daughter of Ichabod and Chloe (Kempton) Whipple, jr., of Richmond, whose great grandfather, Nathaniel Whipple, came there from Cumberland, R. I., in 1767. About 1815, after the last war with Great Britian had closed, Mellen Barrows moved with his family to McDonough, Chenango county, N. Y., where he died October 31, 1877, and where his wife's death occurred about 1875. He was a farmer, a staunch Democrat of the Jeff ersonian school, a man of decided character, and liberally en dowed with the ennobling qualities of native New Englanders. His wife was an exemplary Christian woman, and both were highly respected in the community where they spent most of their active lives. Hon. Samuel Jones Barrows, son of Mellen and Lucy (Whipple) Barrows, was born in the town of McDonough, Chenango county, and spent his boyhood on the parental farm, helping his father and brothers in all kinds of work pertaining to farming un- : -*=¦> J^^ETaZZI>!>&ilMns *3. ZS-ic ./V BIOGRAPHICAL 47 til he reached his majority. He was the youngest of five sons and represents the sixth generation of his family. His education was obtained at odd intervals in the district and select schools of his native town, and the knowledge thus acquired was supplemented by a few months in the Academy at Norwich, N. Y. When twenty- one he taught a district school in an adjoining town for a short time, and in 1848 came to Utica to read law in the office of the late Hon. Joshua A. Spencer and Hon. Francis Kernan. He had decided upon entering the legal profession at a very early age, but the determination formed when a mere lad was carried out by him only after the utmost self-sacrifice and constant effort. His father being in moderate cir cumstances he was obliged to practice economy and rely solely upon his own re sources. He was admitted to the bar at the Utica General Term in 1851 and after wards acted as managing clerk in the office of the late Judge Ward Hunt for one year. In 1852 he entered actively upon the practice of his profession in Utica, where he has ever since resided, and where he has attained the reputation of being one of the ablest lawyers in the county. As attorney and counsellor he has been uni formly successful, and probably no practitioner has lost a smaller number of cases, a fact which well illustrates his long professional career. Mr. Barrows was elected city attorney for the city of Utica in 1853 and held that office for one term. He also served as attorney and counsel for the board of excise of the county of Oneida from 1857 to 1870, when the law was changed from county to town and city boards. He held the office of corporation counsel for the city of Utica for five consecutive terms, from March, 1879, till March, 1884, being first ap pointed by a Republican and afterward by a Democratic council, and it is to his credit and ability as a lawyer that the city, while he was its counsel, never paid any damages or costs in any action which he defended. Mayor James Miller, in his valedictory on retiring from office in March, 1882, said: "It is sufficient in reference to the corporation counsel to state that the city has not lost a suit which he has con ducted. The amount expended for costs and fees during the three terms he has held the position was $176.17. Duringthe preceeding three years it was $4,250.72. These figures require no comment." The costs and expenses of ruuning the office during the five terms of Mr. Barrows's incumbency amounted to about $256. After the ex piration of his term of office the Sunday Tribune said: "It is an undisputed fact that he was the most successful corporation council that the city has ever had." In 1889 he was elected mayor of the city of Utica on the Democratic ticket and held that office one term. , During that term many noteworthy public improvements were made or inaugurated. Asphalt pavements costing over $150,000 were laid, iron pipe was laid under the Erie canal in West Uticaat an expense of about $8, 500, the Third and Seventh wards sewer outlet in West Utica was constructed at a cost of about $50,000, the motive power of the Utica Belt Line Street railway was changed from horse to electricity, and the abandoned Chenango canal lands were sold for $23,236, leaving about $6,000 above expenses with which to deepen Nail creels, build some bridges and replenish the city fund. The total amount of public improvements during his term as mayor was about $270,000, and in all of these Mr. Barrows labored unstint- ingly for the best interests of the city and its future welfare. He manifested a pro gressive spirit, a thorough knowledge of municipal affairs, and an honest desire to give an able, economical, and business administration. That his efforts have proven 48 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. \ successful are evident, for time has demonstrated the soundness of his advice and the efficacy of his achievements. All these offices came to Mr. Barrows unsought, and after serving for the periods mentioned, he declined re-election or appointment. He retired from official life to devote his entire attention to the general practice of the law and resume those professional duties which had been temporarily interrupted. He was elected a member of the Oneida Historical Society April 25, 1887. He has been twice mar ried, his present wife being Mrs. Isabella Grace Lowery, daughter of John Gourley, deceased, late of Ogdensburg, N. Y. ROBERT MIDDLETON. Robert Middleton, president of the Globe Woolen Company, of Utica, is the third son in a family of eight children born to Robert and Marjory (Burnett) Middle- ton, both natives of Aberdeen, Scotland, and was born in that university city on the 25th of May, 1825. His father, who was a manufacturer while in Scotland, came to America with his family in 1839 and settled in Middle Granville, Washington county, N. Y., where he spent the remainder of his life as a farmer, dying in 1876, aged eighty-six years. His wife's death occurred in 1856 at the age of fifty-two. They were liberally endowed with those Scotch characteristics of probity and respect ability which invariably distinguish the race, and transmitted to their children those attributes of thrift and frugality that enabled them to lead unusually successful lives. The educational advantages which Robert Middleton enjoyed were confined to the common schools of Granville, N. Y. , where he made the best of his opportunities until he reached the age of eighteen. He then spent six years in the employ of the Lowell Carpet Company, of Lowell, Mass. , and the succeeding seven years as as sistant superintendent of the mills of the Merrimac Woolen Company. In these capacities he acquired not only a wide practical experience, but found an occupation which he liked, and which was the foundation of the life-work in which he has been more than ordinarily successful. He familiarized himself with every detail incident to the manufacture of woolen fabrics and thoroughly learned each branch of the business. In April, 1857, he was invited to visit the Utica Woolen Mills with the view of accepting the agency of the same, and after a personal interview with the late Theodore S. Faxton, then president of the company, and an examination of the mill property, he was engaged as agent and superintendent and entered upon his duties as such upon the 10th of May, 1857. He has ever since been connected with this establishment, and to him is mainly due the success of the company. The Globe Mills, as they were then called, had been in existence for several years, as re lated in an earlier chapter of this volume, but as a business enterprise they had been unsuccessful. In 1854, just before the approach of the severest financial struggle the country has ever experienced, the company failed and the stockholders were assessed ninety-eight per cent, to pay outstanding debts, and the mill was sold at auction. On August 1, 1855, a new company was organized under the name of the Utica Woolen Mills. The panic of 1857 having been safely passed through a BIOGRAPHICAL. 49 prosperous season began, and under the able management of its president and Robert Middleton as agent' the mill gained large profits for its shareholders, paid the first dividend it had ever made, and established a repute for its fabrics that was second to none in the country. The capital, which had been $70,000 in the begin ning, was in 1868 increased from the earnings to $300,000; new buildings were erected and the old machinery wholly replaced; and the name was changed to the Globe Woolen Company. Mr. Middleton's excellent practical qualifications and his natural executive ability found ample scope for exercise, and he gave his best energies to the upbuilding of the company. The product was greatly improved in quality under his skillful direction, and other reforms were inaugurated which soon placed the concern on a firm and permanent foundation. The product of the mills was formerly sold by commission houses, but on January 1, 1864, a salesroom was established by the com pany in New York city and the entire product, amounting to $1,200,000, is sold from there. When Mr. Middleton assumed charge of the mills the output was not more than one-fifth the present quantity, while the quality of the goods manufactured has advanced still more rapidly, and at the present time cloths are made that are hot excelled in the country. On September 6, 1871, the entire property of the com pany was destroyed by fire, but the mills were at once rebuilt and in 1886 a worsted mill was added to the plant. It is eminently proper to state that the stockholders of the company attribute a large share of the credit for the success of their mills to Mr. Middleton, who for nearly forty years has devoted his time, his great execu tive ability, and his best energies to their management. In 1868 his son, Walter D. Middleton, entered the offices of the company in a subordinate capacity, and has risen by various promotions to the superintendency, which position he now fills. On January 19, 1882, Mr. Middleton succeeded the late Theodore S. Faxton as president, which office he has since held, and during the remainder of the lifetime of Mr. Faxton he was Mr. Middleton's faithful friend and trusted adviser. Outside of his regular business connections Mr. Middleton is a public spirited citizen. He possesses a large fund of general information, and has always will ingly and liberally aided every movement for the good of the community. For many years he has been prominently connected with the local banking interests and with various private business undertakings, all of which are the gainers through his counsel and material participation. In politics he is a staunch Republican, but throughout life has held himself aloof from active work in political fields. He is a man of the strictest integrity, courteous, affable, and sympathetic, broad-minded, charitable, and keenly alive to the needs of the community. During his long and successful career inthe manufacture of woolen fabrics he has not only won the con fidence and respect of his business associates but the esteem of all with whom he has come in contact, and especially of those in his employ, who owe him many a debt of gratitude for valuable counsel and advice. Mr. Middleton was married in 1849 to Miss Lucy Ann, daughter of Ira Cummings, of Greenfield, N. H. She died August 26, 1882, leaving four children: Walter D., superintendent of the Globe Woolen. Company; Ella R., wife of Dr. James G. Hunt, one of the leading physicians and surgeons of • Utica ; Mary, wife of Fred erick Gebhard, of Jersey City, N. J. ; and Florence, wife of Dr. Charles W. Pil grim, superintendent of the State Hospital at Poughkeepsie, N. Y, 50 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE, PUBLIUS V. ROGERS.1 Publius Virgilius Rogers was born at Antwerp, Jefferson county, N. Y., Decem ber 30, 1824. He was the eldest child of Ralph Rogers, M. D. , a native of Acworth N. H., who removed in early life to Antwerp, N. Y., and soon afterward to Water- town, Jefferson county, N. Y. Dr. Rogers received his medical education in the Medical College at Fairfield, N. Y. , and practiced medicine at Antwerp until 1833 when he removed to Watertown, N. Y., where he was a leading member of his pro fession up to the time of his decease, February 21, 1872, in the eightieth year of his age. Mr. Rogers's mother, Sarah Corse, was a native of Duxbury, Vt. She died at Watertown, N. Y., September 19, 1875, in the seventy-third year of her age. Publius V. Rogers was a lineal descendant of Thomas Rogers, who was one of the 105 immigrants in the Mayflower. Through a grandmother he was a descendant of John Alden and Priscilla Mullens. Among his ancestors in the Province of Massa chusetts Bay were many influential pastors and preachers. One of his ancestors was Capt. James Rogers, a vigorous Indian fighter. Captain Rogers removed to Nut- field, N. H., as Londonderry was then called. For two or three generations his family resided there until their removal to Acworth, N. H. One of his maternal ancestors was Captain Corse of the British Army. Many of the Corse family were officers and soldiers in the colonial wars. An ancestor of Mr. Rogers, Elizabeth Catlin, was the wife of James Corse, a scout. Mrs. Corse lived at Deerfield, Mass., and was captured with her daughter by the Indians. She died in captivity on her way to Canada, leaving one daughter, who married and died in Canada, and two sons. Four ancestors of Mr. Rogers served their country in the Revolutionary war. Three of them were officers of the army. -Publius V. Rogers received his elementary education in the schools of Antwerp and Watertown. One of the teachers of his boyhood at Watertown was the late Judge Charles Mason. He was afterward a student in the Watertown Academy, while the late Judge Mullen was its principal. He was prepared for college in the " Black River Literary and Religious Institute " of Watertown, under the instruction of the late Rev. Dr. James R. Boyd. He entered the sophomore class of Hamilton College in 1843 and was graduated in 1846. Among his classmates in college were the Rev. Isaac H. Brayton, afterwatd a lecturer in Hamilton College and a professor in the College of California ; Henry P. Bristol, tutor of Hamilton College and father of Prof. George P. Bristol of Cornell University ; John N. Hungerford, a member of Congress, trustee and benefactor of Hamilton College, and a prominent banker at Corning, N. Y. ; Gustavus A. Kellogg, son of the late Hon. Spencer Kellogg, of Utica ; Dr. Horace Lathrop, tutor in Hamilton College and long an eminent physi cian in Cooperstown, N. Y. ; Perry H. Smith, of Chicago, in memory of whose be neficence the library building of Hamilton College is named ; Alexander Spaulding, justice of the Supreme Court in New York city. Of Mr. Rogers's work in college- one of his instructors writes with discrimination and emphasis: " While Mr. Rogers was one of the youngest of his class, his manliness and maturity of character were beyond his years. He was prompt and faithful at the post of duty. His mind and 1 Contributed by Rev. Anson J. Upson, D. D., chancellor of the University of the State of New York. BIOGRAPHICAL. 51 attainments were well balanced, so that the outcome of his under- graduate studies was a well-rounded, generous culture." Soon after his graduation Mr. Rogers began the study of law in the office of Skin ner & Brown at Adams, N. Y., spending an hour each day in bookkeeping at the Hungerford Bank. , Afterward, he continued his legal studies in the office of Judge George C. Sherman at Watertown. During the summer of 1848 he took part in the survey of the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg railroad. On the organization of the Watertown Bank and Loan Company by Judge Sherman, January 1, 1849, Mr. Rogers was placed at the head of its management as cashier. He filled this position very acceptably for some months, and in September, 1850, was appointed cashier of Fort Stanwix Bank at Rome, N, Y., and in September, 1853, cashier of the Bank of Utica. This appointment was due largely to the influence of the late Hon. Hiram Denio. In the litigation of certain cases in which the Fort Stanwix Bank was a party, Judge Denio had observed the thorough knowledge of banking and of the laws appertaining thereto which Mr. Rogers possessed. When the directors of the Bank of Utica decided to appoint a new cashier, on his recommendation Mr. Rogers was elected. The appointment of so young a man to be the principal manager of so old and influential a bank, having so large a capital and so many stockholders and customers, was a very high compliment to the ability, integrity, and trustworthiness of Mr. Rogers. Soon after entering upon his official duties the new cashier discov ered that the capital of the bank had been impaired to the extent of one-sixth of its amount — $100,000. With the concurrence of the directors he had the courage to suspend the payment of dividends until this loss should be made good. Under his administration the capital was gradually restored to its full amount ; and since its restoration the bank has paid semi-annual dividends with the regularity of the periods and has accumulated a surplus of $400,000^ That Cashier Rogers fully met the expectations of the directors was shown by his election as president of the bank in 1876, as the successor to Benjamin N. Huntington, of Rome, N. Y. Throughout a long life he maintained his early reputation for financial ability and strict integ- rsty. For a continuous period of forty-two years he was cashier or president of the First National Bank of Utica. Guided by his sound judgment, and under his able administration, the bank became a permanent source of sure income to its many stockholders, and a very important factor in the business affairs of Central New York. With a mind peculiarly adapted to the banking profession, supplemented by collegiate and legal training and business experience, Mr. Rogers, in his financial work, exemplified, to a high degree, inflexible integrity, wise sagacity, persevering industry, and a keen intelligence. As a financial adviser of individuals and institu tions his advice was frequently sought and was as highly valued as it was freely and generously given. In the business community his standing was very high and most enviable. How widely he was identified with the business interests of Utica and Central New York will appear from a simple enumeration of the corporations with which he was influentially connected. From 1872 to 1895, when he died, he was a director and from 1875 to his death he was the treasurer of the Utica Water Works Company. From its organization to his death he was a director and vice-president of the Mo. hawk Valley Cotton Mills. For many Jyears he was a director in the Utica Steam 52 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Cotton Mills, the Skenandoa Cotton Company, and the Utica Willowvale Bleaching Company. For some years Mr. Rogers was also a director in the Utica Gas Light Company. In all these business relations for more than forty years it is the simple truth to say he deserved and received many tokens of respect, confidence, and friendly regard of his business acquaintances. It has been truly said of him by one who knew him well that "he was the soul of honor; he dealt fairly with every man. Such positions as he occupied required the exercise of wise judgment and often firm ness; yet so courteous was he, and so kindly, that, while seldom receding from a position once taken, he gave no offence to rankle as the result of a necessary refusal. In all financial matters he was thoroughly informed, and his conclusions, carefully reached, were usually right, and were so accepted by those who had sought his guidance." But the activities of Mr. Rogers's life were not limited to business affairs, numer ous and important as were these, requiring, as they did, continuous and laborious attention ; he was, besides, generous and helpful in many directions. His benefi cence was self-sacrificing. During the Civil war he was treasurer of the Soldiers' Aid Association, which raised by subscription a large sum of money to provide for the families of those who had gone to the front. The distribution of this money in small amounts required carefuLattention. As. treasurer of the fund to aid sufferers in Nebraska he was equally pains-taking and public spirited. As a trustee of the Utica Art Association he did much to promote the success of the fine art exhibitions which, in successive winters, gave so much enjoyment and culture to the citizens of Central New York. Mr. Rogers was actively interested in the organization of the Fort Schuyler Club, serving as one of its governors for several years, and as its president from 1889 until his decease. For'many years he was a trustee of the Home for the Homeless, succeeding Judge William J. Bacon as president of that most beneficent charity. For twenty-five years Mr. Rogers was a faithful and useful trustee of the Reformed Dutch church, and was one of the committee who had charge of the erec tion of the present edifice on Genesee street after the former house of worship, on the same site, had been destroyed by fire. In 1881 Mr. Rogers was appointed by the governor and Senate of the State of New York one of the managers of the Utica State Hospital for the Insane, and in 1885 he was elected president of the board as the successor of the Hon. Samuel Campbell. For nearly fifteen years he served the State in this high and most responsible office. It was for him no sinecure. He visited the institution nearly every week, and through personal inspection and conversation with the superintendent and other offi cers he gained an intimate knowledge of its condition. To the financial affairs of the Bank of Utica, or to his own business transactions, he gave no more careful' at tention. As chairman of the building committee for many years he supervised new work and extensive repairs. He was seldom or never absent from a monthly meet ing of the managers, even when his health was endangered by his attendance. He was a model presiding officer, observant, patient, and impartial. "The aggregate of the hours thus spent in this beneficent work, without other reward than the con sciousness of discharging honorably a public duty, would be months if they could be counted." During his service in the board the hospital was investigated several times by a legislative committee. "The investigators" were often simply profes- BIOGRAPHICAL. 53 sional politicians, spoilsmen, to whom it was inconceivable that so much time and valuable service could be given to the institution, gratuitously, by managers actu ated only by benevolence and public spirit with no selfish, ulterior purpose. They did their utmost to excite suspicion and to discredit the management. This indig nity was very trying to a sensitive high-minded gentleman like Mr. Rogers. Rather than submit to it he might have resigned his office. But conscious of the rectitude of his motives, with a high sense of duty, and exhaustless patience although by nature keenly sensitive, he could endure more than most men. "He could hear much and say little." Every investigation increased public confidence in the man agement of the hospital. So that when Mr. Rogers appeared officially before the governor or the Legislature to present its wants, his statements were never doubted. After the death of the eminent Dr. John P. Gray, who had been the successful superintendent for thirty-five years, it was natural that changes in the management of the institution should be proposed. These proposals excited opposition. But so ready was President Rogers to recognize needful changes required by the growth of the hospital, such was his tact and good sense, and such was his acknowledged fore- ' sight, that serious difficulties were prevented, and the increasing needs of the insti tution were provided for wisely, A graduate of Hamilton College in 1846, for nearly fifty years he enjoyed the ad vantageous results of early collegiate training. He appreciated thoroughly the ad vantages of a collegiate education to a business man. He had no patience with those who depreciated or denied them. One day, in his office, when the writer of this article said to him that he was giving much time and anxious thought to the college, he replied, with moistened eyes: "There is not a week in which I do not realize in my business here the value of my college training. I use here the same mental processes in which I was trained there. I can never do too much for the col lege." This appreciation and these grateful feelings made him so ready to serve the college as trustee for twenty-six years, from 1869 to 1895, and to hold the office of treasurer from 1880 to 1887. As treasurer he gave to the institution the benefit of his long financial experience and his executive ability at a time when its pecuniary affairs required special care. This he did absolutely without compensation. It was this grateful loyalty to the college which induced him, as a member of the executive committee of the trustees, to give so much of his time to its meetings held in his office. He attended to every duty and accepted every responsibility, in this connection, willingly and cheerfully. As a financial adviser his judgment was of the highest value to the college board of trust; and his membership in the board greatly strengthened the confidence Of the alumni and friends of the college in the wisdom and integrity of its management. He never forgot the friends of his youth and the associations of his college days. He did not think that such remembrances were un manly. He never lost his interest in the Sigma Phi fraternity, of which he was a member. In the University Club of New York, of which he was a member, he found many congenial associates. It is very pleasant to his friends to remember that dur ing the last week of his life he so greatly enjoyed the reunion of old friends at the college commencement of that year, and rejoiced with them in the assured stability of the college and in its rapidly increasing prosperity. Mr. Rogers was too sincerely patriotic to take no interest in public affairs. He 54 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was a Republican, but not a partisan. Though ready to serve the public in many ways, he would never accept political office. He greatly enjoyed foreign travel, twice spending some months abroad, but he found his highest happiness in his home and in his family. There, his sympathy, his kindness, his gentleness, and his hospi tality were unfailing. For nothing in his public and private life was he more re markable than for his dignified and gracious courtesy. This was his distinctive characteristic. The directors of the First National Bank of Utica knew him inti mately for years, and their official announcement of his decease is evidently as sin cere as it is sympathetic. In this announcement they use these tenderly significant words : ' ' That through life he bore himself as a high-minded citizen, a cultivated gentleman, a kind neighbor, and a loyal friend, all who have ever known him do bear their sorrowing testimony." Mr. Rogers had not enjoyed robust health for some years, yet the end of his earthly life came suddenly at the last. He died at his home in Utica, July 2, 1895. It was ordered providentially that the clergyman wHo had been his intimate friend since his college days, who had' officiated at his marriage and in the baptism and marriage of his only son, should also be permitted to officiate in the funeral services. September 11, 1861, Mr. Rogers was married to Miss Elizabeth J. Butler, daughter of the late Chauncey Sage Butler, of Sauquoit, N. Y. His wife survives, as does also his only son, Charles Butler Rogers, who has succeeded his father as president of the First National Bank of Utica and as a manager of the Utica State Hospital. Charles B. Rogers was married January 31, 1894, to Miss Susan Brayton, of Utica. Mr, Rogers left also a sister, Mrs. Murray, of Watertown, N. Y., and two brothers-in-law, John Milton Butler and Charles A. Butler, and a sister in-law, Miss Henrietta Butler, of Utica. EPHRAIM CHAMBERLAIN. Ephraim Chamberlain was nearly fifty years prominently associated with the leading manufacturing interests of Utica. Coming here a friendless boy of twenty he gradually rose to the highest and most honored spheres of citizenship, and throughout a useful career enjoyed universal respect and esteem. His paternal an cestors emigrated from England to this country about the middle of the seventeenth century and settled at what is now Biddeferd, Me. In the line of descent at least six generations have had an Ephraim among them, and through those bearing that name from the original immigrant to the subject of this memoir there has passed from generation to generation a small souvenir, which is valued by the family as a precious heirloom. Clark Chamberlain, his father, came from New England at an early day and settled in Burlington, Otsego county, whence he removed with his family about 1829 to the adjoining town of Pittsfield. Ephraim Chamberlain was born in the town of Burlington, Otsego county, on the 2d day of January, 1825, and when about four years of age moved with his parents to Pittsfield, where he lived until 1841, attending in the mean time a common school, receiving some private tutelage, and finishing his education with an academic course of two terms. By dint of perseverance and constant application, by studying at BIOGRAPHICAL 55 night under the flickering rays of a candle, he secured a better knowledge of the ordinary English branches than many boys of the day acquired, and having com pleted his schooling at the age of sixteen he entered upon the active duties of a business life. He first became a clerk in the country store of his uncle, Ephraim Chamberlain, at West Edmeston, Otsego county, where he remained until 1845, when he came to Utica as a clerk in the canal collector's office. He continued in that capacity until 1849, excepting one year spent in the employ of a dry goods store in the city. In February, 1849, he entered upon the duties of bookkeeper for the newly organized Utica Steam Cotton Mills, of which the late Alfred Munson was the first president. This corporation had been formed in January, 1847, with Theodore S. Faxton, Silas D. Childs, Alfred Munson, Charles A. Mann, Edmund A. Graham, Andrew S. Pond, and Horatio Seymour as trustees, and the legislative act creating it took effect February 17, 1848. The first building was still unfinished when, late in the latter year, Mr. Chamberlain applied in person to President Munson for the position, and after giving his references and answering some questions left with the impression that his chances for securing it were very slight indeed because of the numerous applicants who had preceded him. But a few weeks later he was offered the place, which he accepted, thus connecting himself with » corporation with the success of which he was ever afterward associated. In 1854 Mr. Chamberlain was appointed treasurer of the company and in 1859 be came also its secretary, and continued in these two capacities for many years. Under his efficient management the financial affairs of the concern were conducted upon, a sound and prosperous basis, and to him is largely due its long career of suc cess. In 1882 he was elected a trustee, in 1889 the vice-president, and in January, 1890, president, which latter office he held until his death on September 17, 1895. He administered the duties of these several positions with the highest efficiency, won the entire confidence of all his associates, and made the establishment one of the most profitable of the kind in the State. His business ability was universally ac knowledged, his integrity was r.ever questioned. He was a man of great force of character, enterprising, public spirited, and just, energetic, and companionable. He was one of the incorporators and an original director of the Mohawk Valley -Cotton Mills and the Utica Willowvale Bleaching Company, and became secretary and treasurer of both corporations. He was the oldest member of the board of trustees of the Utica Savings Bank, having been elected to that position in 1866 ; in 1875 he was elected its second vice-president, in 1888 first vice-president, and in 1889 succeeded the late Judge Bacon as president. He was also for many years a director and vice-president of the Oneida National Bank. In politics he was a lifelong Democrat. He was a member of the Common Council from the old Third'ward in 1856-57 and in 1869 was elected mayor of the city of Utica, being for several years before his death the oldest living ex-mayor. His life was one of rare completeness. He possessed the highest attributes of citizenship, and proved that one born amidst humble surroundings may reach the loftiest pinnacle of usefulness and successful attainment. Mr. Chamberlain was first married on June 20, 1850, to Emma L. Green, of New Berlin, N. Y., who died December 7, 1858. September 13, 1860, he married, sec ond, Theresa W. Carpenter, of New York city, who with one son, Frederick G., and 56 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. a grandchild, Priscilla Chamberlain (born May 15, 1887), survives him. His eldest son, Frank C, died,in 1885 while engaged in business in New York. Frederick G. Chamberlain was formerly secretary and assistant treasurer of the Utica Steam Cot ton Mills and assistant treasurer of the Mohawk Valley Cotton Mills. ADDISON C. MILLER. Addison C. Miller was the son of Dr. Sylvester Miller, and was born in Lowville, Lewis county, N. Y., November 12, 1831. He was educated in Lowville Academy and afterward read law with William Collins, and was admitted to the bar January 1, 1854. The following year he came to Utica, where he formed a law partnership with John H. Edmonds, which continued until 1872, when Mr. Edmonds retired. January 1, 1877, Frederick G. Fincke was associated as a partner, and November 1, 1887, John E. Brandegee became a member of the firm, the name being changed to Miller, Fincke & Brandegee. In November, 1892, Mr. Miller retired, except as counsel and was succeeded by his son, Charles A. Miller. Mr. Miller was largely interested personally in the leading manufactures of the city of Utica. He was counsel for the Globe Woolen Company from its organiza tion and a trustee from 1875. He wds also a trustee of the Utica Steam Cotton Mills from 1866 until a short time before his death. He was one of the incorporators of the Mohawk Valley Mill, which was ,-founded in 1880. He was also a stockholder in the Skenandoa Yarn Mill and the Utica Water Works Company, and a stockholder and trustee of the Utica Female Academy. He was a member of the Forest Hill Cemetery Association and one of its board of trustees for many years. From 1868 Mr. Miller had been a trustee of The Savings Bank of Utica. Stalham Williams was treasurer of this bank from 1839 until his death in 1875, when Mr. Miller was chosen treasurer, a position he held up to the time of his death. As financial adviser and counselor Mr. Miller superintended the erection of the Utica Orphan Asylum, and the funds of the institution, which, at the time of his resignation in 1888, amounted to$163,000, were always entrusted to him for investment. Mr. Miller was in party faith a Republican, but was too thoroughly devoted to business affairs to be caught in the whirlpool of professional politics. He was on one occasion defeated for mayor, Mr. Miller was ever deeply interested in the welfare of his city and its institutions. In 1873 he was chosen a member of the first Board of Charities which Utica had, and in the following year he was re-elected for a full term of three years. A contem- . porary said of him, " he was a man of strict integrity and honor in every way." Mr. Miller displayed marked ability in various branches of business life during an active career of more than forty years in Utica. He was a successful lawyer and banker, and one of the prominent manufacturers of the State. As a lawyer he was grounded in the law and practice in surrogates' courts, and many of the large estates of the county which appeared on the records of that court during the past thirty years were entrusted to his care for settlement. It is but a just tribute to his memory to say that, whether as guardian, trustee, or manager, he was as suc cessful and conscientious in the management of the property of others as in the con- •ae^ ^fc'y!£T^sr/^i^aM3S-£^5>-a BIOGRAPHICAL. 57 duct of his own affairs. Mr. Miller died in Utica on the 18th of December, 1894, widely esteemed and respected. April 29, 1863, Mr, Miller married Miss'Cynthia J. Brayton, daughter of Hervey Brayton, of Rome. His wife and one son, George H. , died in 1890. He left surviv ing three children : Charles A. , Howard C. , and Theodora, also a sister, Mrs. Mary L. Wood, all of Utica. CHARLES H. PHILO. Charles Henry Philo, son of Elisha and Phoebe (Newell) Philo, was born in the town of Frankfort, Herkimer county, N. Y., October 3, 1845, and is a lineal descend ant of John Fillow, a French Huguenot and a colonial settler of Connecticut before 1700. Elisha R. was born in Genesee county, N. Y., October 23, 1812, and died at West Frankfort, Herkimer county, November 9, 1864. His wife, Phoebe, a native of Frankfort, died in Washington Mills, Oneida county, in 1884, aged sixty-eight. Her father, Edward Newell, was a soldier of the War of 1812, and her mother died in Utica, N. Y., at the great age of 103. Charles H. Philo is the fourth in a family of nine children, all of whom are living, and was educated in the district schools and at Whitestown Seminary. His father was for many years engeged in canal boating and it was but natural that the subject of this sketch should first seek that employment. When only eleven years of age he began active canal life, which he followed summers until his father's death in 1864. Afterward he was engaged in boating alone until 1872, when he sold his boats and moved to the town of New Hartford, Oneida county, where purchased a farm and stone quarry. Three years later he sold the farm and purchased the old stone store at Washington Mills, where he carried on a successful general mercantile business for eight years. Meanwhile he bought his present farm of 120 acres in the south east corner of the town, where he has twenty acres of hops and also conducts a large dairy business. In 1885 Mr. Philo purchased an interest in the Utica Tool Company, located at Washington Mills, and has since been connected with that successful enterprise, being now the treasurer. This business was founded at Unadilla Forks, N. Y. , by Henry H. Babcock, in 1840, when he began the manufacture of hoes by hand on an anvil. Later Charles B. Brown and others became interested with him under the firm name of Babcock, Brown & Co. In 1865 the concern was moved to Washington Mills in the town of New Hartford, Oneida county, where the works were enlarged and forks and rakes added to the production. In 1871 Porter S. Huntley and Mr. Babcock, under the firm name of Huntley & Babcock, became the sole owners and continued the business until 1883, when the Huntley & Babcock Agricultural Com pany, Lmtd., was incorporated. This name was changed to the Lewis & Babcock manufacturing Company in 1887 and that to the present Utica Tool Company in -1892. The works cover an area of ten acres and employ from seventy-five to 100 skilled mechanics, while the mechanical appliances and equipment of the factory are such as to insure rapid and perfect production, which is shipped throughout the United States and to all parts of the world. The Utica Tool Company H 58 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. has a world-wide reputation as manufacturers of the best grades of coke, 'coal, i oyster, manure, spading, barley, hay and- stone forks; planters', cotton! street, mortar, field, onion, weeding, meadow, sprouting and cultivator hoes; turf' edgers, walk cleaners, ice chisels, coal, garden and lawn rakes, potato hooks, manure drags, clam hooks, corn knives, floral sets, garden cultivators, hollow tine forks, self- closing fruit and vegetable supports, etc. The active management of the company's affairs is under Charles H. Philo and Ladd J. Lewis, treasurer and secretary respect ively, and both representative and influential business men. Mr. Philo is an active Republican, and has held the office of town clerk of New Hartford, was for six years postmaster at Washington Mills, and for two years served the town as supervisor. For several years he has been a valued member o'f the Board of Equalization for the county. In all these capacities he has distinguished himself for his thorough business management and executive skill and ability. He is public-spirited, enterprising, and progressive, and takes a keen interest in the welfare of the community. No worthy object escapes his liberal support and encouragement. He is a member of Amicable Lodge, No. 664, F. & A. M., and of the M. E. church, both of Washington Mills. Mr. Philo was first married in December, 1869, to Miss Lina, daughter of Nathaniel Hulser, of Frankfort, N. Y., who was drowned in the Hudson River by falling over board from his canal boat in June, 1871. She left a daughter who died in infancy soon afterward. In September, 1873, he married, second, Miss Mary J., daughter of Nicholas and Mary Ann (Sterling) Staring of Frankfort, and they have six children: Lena E., Lotta R., Virgie E., James O, Grace A., and Addie S. ROBERT J. HELMER. Robert J. Helmer was born in the town of Boonville, Oneida county, N. Y., May 13, 1847. He was a son of Adam Helmer, one of the oldest residents of the town, His farm stretched aver a wide area of the southern part of the town, being one of the best developed valuable farms in the northern part of Oneida county. He was one of Oneida county's prosperous agriculturists, from whjich he accumulated a large estate. His wife was Catherine Bargey of Frankfort, Herkimer County, N. Y. They had two sons, George H. and Robert J., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Adam Helmer died in 1884 and his wife in 1890. George H. , the son, also died in 1881. The Helmers originally came from Germany, and were frugal, industrious, and upright in character. Jacob Helmer, the father of Adam, came from Herkimer county (where Adam was born)" into Oneida county in the earliest days of its settlement, giv ing many years of his life to improving the land. Robert J. was educated at the Whitesboro Seminary and Fairfield Military Institute. The next two years were spent in teaching in the town of Boonville. Then with Benjamin Beynon he entered into business at Alder Creek, conducting a general store. This busi ness connection continued ten or twelve years when the death of Mr. Beynon terminated the copartnership. Mr. Helmer bought the interest of his partner and carried on the business in the same place for the next five years. At that time, BIOGRAPHICAL. 59 1886, he built a larger store better adapted to his largely increased trade. From that time forth -Mr. Helmer was recognized as one of the leading merchants of the northern part of- the county. He was conservative, careful and withal conscien tious and straightforward in business affairs. At the time of his death in May 8, 1896, he was engaged in several lines of business in connection- with the other line. The saw mill at Alder Creek was one of the adjunct enterprises which he conducted with marked success. Although Mr. Helmer had never been an office holder he was always one of the staunchest and, at the same time influential, members of the Democratic party. He devoted much time to advancing its interest in the town and county. In 1875 Mf. Helmer married Sophia L., daughter of John T. and Mary (Owens) Jones, of the town of Steuben. Mrs. Helmer was one of eight children, five of whom are now living: Ellen, Louisa, Ann and Margaret. Mr. and Mrs. Helmer have had one son, George Cleveland, and one daughter, Maude Louise, who is a graduate of the Boonville High school. ARTHUR D. LEE. Arthur D. Lee is one of the men of Westmoreland who has made his own way successfully in a material sense, but has been active and influential in the general advancement of his town's best interests. When a young man he learned the car penter's trade, serving his apprenticeship with R. E. Lee, at that time one of the lead ing contractors and builders of Rome, N. Y. This service continued through a, period of three years, at the end of which time the subject of this sketch returned to his native place where he has continued more or less actively in building and car penter work since. ' He was born in Bartlett, Oneida county, January 25, 1845, and received his early education at the common school, supplementing this with a course at the Whitestown Seminary. The Lees are among the oldest and most conspicuous residents in Westmoreland. Nathan Lee, grandfather of Arthur D , came from Connecticut in 1806 and settled in the town and engaged in farming till his death, which occurred in 1845. The early records of the town show that he was one of the most important factors in the permanent advancement of the community. Isaac B. Lee, his son, born in 1819, is the father of Arthur D. Lee, and has also been identified with the agricultural industry of Westmoreland. He now owns the old homestead which Nathan Lee bought at the time of his coming here in 1806. He married Harriet Lay, of Rome, who died in 1885. They had three sons, of whom Arthur D. is the oldest. The others are Newell D. , now living in Westmore land, and Damon A., a resident of Alabama- Rowland Lay, grandfather of these three named and father of their mother, was one of, the hotel men of note in the early history of the county. He, during the period of the Erie canal construction, kept a hotel near Stanwix, where from time to time he entertained many men of high social and official standing. He also at one time owned all of the land upon which the city of Saratoga is now situated. They have all been people of upright character, industry and successful financiers. ¦ Arthur D. Lee has always been an ardent Republican who has devoted a consider- 60 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. able time to the party's interest in the town and county. This service has been recognized and appreciated by the citizens, for he has been honored with several im portant political trusts. He was for several years made a member of the county committee, and for two years represented his town in the Board of Super visors. While there Mr. Lee was one of the most zealous members in watching and caring for the interest of his constituents. In 1895 he was made chairman of the judiciary committee, and was on the committee on footing the assessment roll, and on that of the county buildings, State loans, and ratio and apportionment, besides that of coroners and physicians. Mr. Lee married Nettie C, daughter of Samuel A. and Jane (Richardson) Isbell of of Westmoreland. Mr. Isbell was for many years extensively engaged in contract ing in the town of Westmoreland and surrounding towns. He built a saw mill at Bartlett, and carried on a large lumber trade, using a good part of the manufactured product in the construction of work under his own supervision. During the years he was also directing a part of his energies to farming, with the success which always follows intelligent, industrious effort. . He accumulated a large estate, yet devoted a considerable amount to charities, and aids to deserving people. They had three daughters, of whom Mrs. Lee was the second. The others were Hattie P., who died at the age of nineteen, and Jessie I., who married Mr. Joseph Burrell of Westmoreland. Mr. Isbell died in 1893 and his wife in 1885. In the matter of societies Mr. Lee has given his whole interest to the Masonic fraternity, in which order he is active and influential. Mr. Lee has one son, Warren Isbell Lee, who is a student at Hamilton College. JOSIAH PERRY. Josiah Perry, the eldest of five sons of Rev. Owen F. and Jane (Powell) Perry, was born- in Remsen, Oneida county, N. Y., March 22, 1851. His father, a native of North Wales, Great Britain, came to America in 1847, and for about forty years was the beloved pastor of the Baptist church at Bardwell near Remsen. He still lives in the village of Remsen. The mother was a daughter of John and Nancy Powell, early settlers of the town of Trenton, Oneida county, coming from Connecticut stock. Their children, besides the subject of this sketch, were Newton Perry, who died in Kansas in 1887 ; Rev. George Powell Perry, pastor of a flourishing Baptist church in Provi dence, R. I. ; Lincoln Perry, a successful merchant in Boonville, N. Y. ; and John 0. Perry, of Utica. Josiah Perry spent his boyhood on his father's farm and-in attending the district schools at Remsen. In these two spheres he received a thorough rudimentary train ing, and both acquired and inherited those thrifty traits of character which distin guish the successful man. He subsequently spent one term at Fairfield Seminary, afterwards attended the State Normal School at Cortland, also Madison (now Colgate) University, and after completing his education taught school for a time. In 1874 he entered the office of Risley, Stoddard & Matteson, of Utica, as a student at law, and was admitted to the bar at the Utica General Term in 1877. The same year he began the active practice of his profession in Utica, where he has since resided. In BIOGRAPHICAL. 61 1881 he became the junior member of the law firm of Risley, Brown, Quinn & Perry,. and thus continued until Mr. Brown was appointed State Dairy Commissioner and Mr. Quinn removed to New York city, when the firm name was changed to Risley & Perry. This copartnership was dissolved in February, 1892, and Mr. Perry has since practiced alone. Mr. Perry has been for several years a prominent and influential factor in the Re publican party of Oneida county. He is an orator of -ability, a pleasing, forcible speaker, and on the platform commands the closest attention. In 1886 he was the Republican candidate for district attorney of the county of Oneida, and was defeated by only seventy-five votes. He was corporation counsel of the city of Utica in 1891 and 1893, and in this capacity rendered valuable services to the public. He is a careful and conscientious student, and as a lawyer is one of the strongest advocates of the Utica bar. His defense of the Chinaman, Fong Yon, charged with murder in the first degree, gave him celebrity as a skilled criminal lawyer, while his connection with many other noted trials has given him a wide reputation. He is a member of Faxton Lodge, F. & A. M., of Skenandoah Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Impe rial Council, R. A. , and of the Arcanum Club. He is also a prominent member of the Cymrogyddion Society, an organization for the promotion of Welsh literature and music which conducts the famous "Eisteddfod" held at Utica every New Year's Mr. Perry was married first in November, 1878, to Miss Ella Williams, daughter of Hugh Williams, of Utica, who died in November, 1883, leaving one daughter, Edith. In December, 1888, he married for his second wife Miss Nellie Gaylord, daughter of ex-sheriff Lewis Gaylord, of Rome, and they have one son, Josiah Gaylord Perry, born August 4, 1895. GEORGE RALPH. George Ralph was the only son of George and Harriet (Cooper) Ralph, and was born in Schenectady, N. Y., on the 11th of November, 1826. His mother died in his native town and in 1839 he came to Utica. He received a common school education, and early developed those sterling traits of character which marked his after life and made him the successful man of affairs. His first venture in business was in Bing hamton, N. Y. In 1859 he removed to Elmira and engaged in brewing ale as a member of the firm of Bevier, Briggs & Co. These enterprises gave him a valuable experience and also proved successful in a financial way. In 1862 he returned to Utica and with his father founded the Columbia Street Brewery, which was after ward consolidated .with the Oneida Brewery, then owned by Stephen Thorn and Francis Midlam, the building being erected in 1832. The new firm was styled Ralph, Midlam & Co., and in 1874 was succeeded by George Ralph, jr., & Co., the company consisting of Mr. Ralph's three sons, Dr. William L., George Frederick and Henry J. This name was retained until 1886, when the Oneida Brewing Company was incorporated with Mr. Ralph as president, George Frederick Ralph, as treasurer and manager, and Henry J. Ralph, as secretary. Mr. Ralph remained at the head of the ~ concern until his death on February 2, 1889, when he was succeeded as president by 62 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. his son, Dr. William L., who has since served in that capacity. The business man agement has been most ably administered by George Frederick Ralph, who still holds the above named offices, and also that of secretary. Henry J. Ralph withdrew from the company in 1889. Mr. Ralph was one of the best known brewers in the country, having been engaged in the business upwards of forty years. He was highly esteemed and respected by his contemporaries and served as president of the Oneida County Brewers' Associa tion from its organization until his death. He was a man of great force of character, energetic, prompt, and enterprising, and forcibly impressed his strong personality upon every project with which he was connected. He was possessed of rare business ability, was exact in every detail of his work, and persevered until he was successful. The predominating traits of his character were his unswerving integrity, truthful ness and candor. He abhorred hypocrisy, duplicity, and deceit in every form, and by his honesty and straightforwardness commanded the respect and confidence of the community in an unusual degree. His frequent charities were always unostenta tious. He was" long a member of the Utica club, and his loyalty to friends made his friendship something more than a name. In the Masonic fraternity Mr. Ralph was especially prominent. He was one of the oldest members of Utica Lodge No. 47, F. & A. M. , and was its master in 1869-70. He was also a member and in 1871 high priest of Oneida Chapter, R. A. M., a mem ber of Utica Commandery No. 3, K. T. , and a charter member of Yahnundahsis Lodge of Perfection, A. & A. S. R. He was a prominent member of Oneida Lodge No. 70, I. O. O. F., and of Tri-Mount Encampment, and occupied all the chairs and impor tant positions in the order. Mr. Ralph took an active interest in these fraternal organizations, and especially in the location of the Masonic Home in Utica, to which he was one of the largest contributors. He was interested also in the advancement of the city, and by his enterprise aided materially in its general welfare. He was a lifelong Democrat, but eschewed politics, as he had no taste nor desire for public life, yet in all matters pertaining to municipal government he gave a loyal citizen's support for the good of a, common cause. He was often urged to accept political office, but invariably declined, preferring to give his attention mainly to his large business interests. Mr. Ralph was married in 1850 to Miss Mary Catharine Wells, of Holland Patent, Oneida county, who with their three sons previously mentioned survives him.' She is descended from an old and respected Connecticut family. Dr.*William L. Ralph, their eldest son, was born in Holland Patent, June 19, 1851; George Frederick, the second son, was born in Holland Patent on May 29, 1853; and Henry J., the third son, in Elmira, N. Y., May 30, 1861. All three live in Utica. George F. was mar ried April 14, 1875, to Miss Cornelia Marion, daughter of Sylvester Wallace and Cornelia Augusta (Chevalier) Barnes, and has three children: Cornelia Chevalier, George Arthur, and Wilbur Booth. PHILIP McGUIRE. Philip McGuire, of Forestport, Oneida county, died Octobor 15, 1894. There was no man in Forestport and few in the county, in fact, who had more thoroughly im- BIOGRAPHICAL. 63 pressed the community with their character and usefulness His life of unusual sue-1 cess had been so gradually developed that he had grown to be a marked business man without ostentatious demonstration or slow in the conduct of his large ¦ and varied business affairs. Philip McGuire began life a poor young man, with nothing but his own merits as a resource. He possessed honesty, ambition and strong capa bilities which, against many obstacles won for him more than an ordinary achieve ment of success. He came from Ireland to this country at twenty years of age and engaged at farm work at Johnstown, N. Y., for about two years. He then went to Hawkinsville, town of Boonville, where he served two years as a laborer in a tannery. This was followed by a year's experience in' lumbering at Lyon's Falls, N. Y. It was immedi ately after this experience that Mr. McGuire settled permanently in Forestport and entered into the lumber business, at first on a moderate scale. This was about 1863, He was born February 2, 1837, and was therefore about twenty-six years old when he began his business career at Forestport. For the first three years his line of in dustry was confined mostly to the getting out of bark and logs. Later in 1866 he began getting out spars, which were shipped by canal to New York and sold for ship masts and similar uses. This proved to be profitable business and was contin ued during his life. Ill addition to this he, in 1874, built the grist mill on the east side of the river at Forestport, which he conducted in connection with a large feed store. At the end of three years he sold the mill to W. R. Stanburgh, and in 1881 built another on the west side of the river. This latter mill he conducted till 1886 when he sold ' it to George Farley. Soon after this Mr. McGuire built near the village a large- wood pulp mill, which proved to be one of the stable manufacturing industries of the town. This property was sold in 1896. In 1890 Mr. McGuire built a cheese factory at Forestport which he operated until his death. In 189- he purchased a tannery at Bardwelltown in the town of Remsen, which he also operated until the time of his death. Besides attending to these many enterprises he yet found time to accept in 1889 the contract for building the State dam on the Black River above Forestport. This involved the expenditure of over $45,000. In the mean while he built and put in ope ration a large hub factory, the mill owned since 1893 by the Forestport Lumber Com pany. These various industries furnished .employment to a large force of men and contributed in a large degree to the prosperity of Forestport and vicinity. His various lumber interests grew to such an extent that at the time of his death he owned 50,000 acres of timber land, extending many miles north from Forestport. • And aside from these Mr. "McGuire derived great pleasure from carrying on his large farm of 300 acres, lying adjacent to the village. On this farm he kept as many as 125 cows and twenty-five horses, with large numbers of stock fatted for the market. It was his large capacity to carry on at the same time the many different business enterprises that brought his marked success and made him more valuable to the community in which he lived. He was always an earnest Republican and took a keen interest in the party's success. He never sought office because his mind and time were occupied with business affairs. In 1864 Mr. McGuire married Mary A. Coughlin, daughter of John and Catherine 64 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Coughlin, of the town of Boonville. Mrs. Coughlin died in 1891; Mr. Coughlin is still living. Mr. and Mrs. McGuire have had seven children: Anna, Catherine, Mary, Frank, Grace, Frances, and Bertha. Anna died- in 1882. Frank was educated at Manhat tan College, and Mary, Grace, and Frances are graduates of St. Peter's Academy, Rome, N. Y. - FRANK F. LAIRD, M. D. i This gentleman, one of the foremost homoeopathic physicians of Utica, was born on the farm known as the " Old Townsend Homestead," situated between the "towns of Trenton and Floyd, Oneida county, April 15, 1856, being the youngest child of William O. and Sarah A. Laird. He is a great-grandson of Samuel Laird,, for whom Lairdsville, N. Y., was named, and whose father came from Scotland to New Eng land in the early history of this country. Samuel Laird was a native of New Marl boro, Berkshire county, Mass., but moved to Lairdsville in 1788 with his son Salmon, grandfather of 'the Si. bject of this sketch, then seven years of age and there died May 21, 1820. William O. Laird, son of Salmon and father of Dr. Erank F., became a dentist,, married Sarah A. Townsend, of Floyd, Oneida county, and at the advanced age of seventy-eight is still actively engaged in the practice of his pro fession. The doctor's maternal ancestors originally resided in Rainham Castle, County Norfolk, England. His great-grandfather, Nathan Townsend, came to Oneida county from Hancock, Mass., in ,1801, and was one of the first settlers in the town 'of Floyd, where his son William was for twenty-four years a justice of the peace, renowned for "having peaceably settled more quarrels than he made." Dr. Laird inherited the sturdy characteristics and native energy of his New Eng land ancestry, and during his boyhood life on the farm acquired those habits of thrift, frugality, and activity which mark the successful man. He pursued his pre paratory studies at Whitestown Seminary, where' he completed the course in 1873. While in that institution he took constant tuition in elocution under H. Sam Dyer and Rev. John R. Lewis, and won prizes in declamation and oratory which distin guished him as a thorough scholar, /talented and ambitious. In the fall of 1873 he entered the Freshman class of Hamilton College, where, during the course, he was appointed first-year prize speaker and won the first prize in essay-writing ; secured the first honorable mention in essay-writing during the Sophomore year; won the Hawley medal for excellence in classical studies in the Junior year; and in the Senior year was appointed to represent Hamilton at the Inter-Collegiate Oratorical contest held in the Academy of Music, New York city, in January, 1876, winning the second consecutive victory for his college. He was graduated in June, 1877, being the third in his class, with membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Society of "honor-men," and delivering the class-day oration. He received the degree of A. M. in course from Hamilton College in 1880. Dr. Laird pursued the study of medicine under the supervision of his brother, Dr. William T. Laird, one of the leading- physicians of Watertown, N. Y., and was graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College at Philadelphia in 1880, taking the r jf^^-^l.P^&Zfcx^j? tS^^iSs-s. rf> ^^ BIOGRAPHICAL. 65 highest general average save one (that of Prof. W. B. Van Lennep) ever obtained at that institution, and winning the position of valedictorian of his class. He imme diately began the practice of his profession in Ogdensburg, N. Y. , but in the follow ing autumn located in Augusta, Me. There the climate proved too severe, and in the spring of 1881 he removed to Utica, where he has ever since resided. Dr. Laird very soon won a foremost place among the medical men of the city and rapidly built up an extensive practice. He has been uniformly successful and to-day ranks with the leading practitioners of homoeopathy in Central New York. As a citizen he is widely respected, enterprising and progressive, and manifests a keen interest in the welfare of the community. He is medical director of the Commercial Travelers Mutual Accident Association of America, and of the Homoeopathic Hospital ; is a member and ex-president of the Oneida County Homoeopathic Medical Society, was elected first vice-president of the Homoeopathic Medical Society of the State of New York in 1889 and served by ap pointment as chairman of its Bureau of Materia Medica for three years. He be came a member of the American Institute of Homoeopathy in 1887. He is a fluent speaker, always ready in debate, and was orator on the occasion of the Masonic Jubilee held in Utica in April, 1890. Dr. Laird is a successful general practitioner and particularly skillful in treating the diseases of children, in which he has wide experience. In the application of homoeopathic remedies he rejects Hahnemann's theories of immaterial dosage, believing that the curative efficacy of a drug is confined to the limit of materiality. He has been a frequent contributor to current medical journals and transactions of articles of great value, which have attracted considerable attention and favorable comment. Among his contributions to the department of Materia .Medica are " Physiological Action of Belladonna in its Relations to Homoeopathic Therapeutics," "Analytical Studies of Hydrastis," " Lycopus Virginicus," "Guaiacum," "Ammo nium Muriaticum," and "Naphthalin." His contributions to the department of Clinical Medicine include "The Reflex Symptoms of Phymosis," " The Aetiology, Pathology, and Treatment of Diabetes Insipidus," " Lithaemia, Its Aetiological and Pathological Relations," "The Therapeutics of Spinal Irritation," and "Obscure Reflex Symptoms in Chronic Diseases." In 1883 Dr. Laird married Miss Annie C, daughter of the late Hon. W. B. Tay- or, of Utica, ex-State engineer. She died May 21, 1895, leaving two children, Frank T. and Mary Louise. June 23, 1896, he married for his second wife Miss Ella M. Pixlee, of Seattle, Wash. GEORGE M. STUDOR. George M. Studor was born in Hawkinsville, town of Boonville, Oneida county, January 23, 1857. Jacob Studor, his father, came from Germany in 1852, and settled m the above place. He engaged in the lumber business and continued in that line for the succeeding seven years. Like most thrifty, industrious Germans Mr. Studor made his labor in the lumber country result profitably to him, so that at the end of that time he had accumulated considerable of a nucleus for a start in business in I 66 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the New World. He also had the courage then to move farther north to White Lake and buy a farm in the then almost wholly undeveloped North Woods. He cleared and improved there one of the- finest pieces of farm realty in the northern part of the State. He became one of the foremost citizens of that part of Oneida county, being identified with every movement looking to the improvement and building up of the community. He was one of those who founded the German Lutheran church at White Lake Corners, and throughout his life was one of its most liberal supporters. His family, for a time, made up a good part of its congregation. Mr. Studor pros pered in his agricultural pursuit, becoming one of the leading men financially as well as religiously and socially. His wife was Elizabeth Snider, also of German birth. They had six children, namely, Philip, Lena, Henry, Elizabeth, Sarah and George M., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Studor died in 1887 and his wife in 1885. George M. Studor was educated at the district school and at the Poughkeepsie Business College. At the age of twenty- six he began business on his own account by purchasing a large farm at White Lake Corners. Besides this he has since carried on the livery business in connection with the farm, both the business enterprises having proved successful in no ordinary "degree. Mr. Studor is an ardent Republican and is always active in advancing the party's best interest. Few conventions or councils have been held in the past ten years in which Mr. Studor has not been a factor. In 1892 he was chosen by Speaker Husted as his private messenger, a posi tion he was well qualified to fill. In 1892 Mr. Studor married Helen, daughter of James Goodrich of Lewis county, N. Y. They have one of the finest residences in the northern part of the State. RUFUS P. BIRDSEYE. - The Birdseye family in America had its origin in the person of John Birdseye, who came from England to Stratford, Fairfield county, Conn., in the early days of thatcolony. HefinallyremovedtoMiddlefield, Conn., anddiedin 1694, agedseventy- foup; leaving two children, John, jr. , and Joanna. His wife was Phillippa, daughter of Rev. Henry Smith, of Weathersfield, Conn. John Birdseye, jr., was born in Strat ford March 28, 1641, married Phebe, daughter of William Wilcoxson, December 11, 1669, and died January 9, 1697. Joseph, their fifth child, was born February 22, 1681, married Sarah, daughter of Ambrose Thompson, and died June 25, 1757. Their children were Dinah, Joseph, and Rev. Nathan. Rev. Nathan Birdseye was born on Lord's day, at noon, August 8, 1714, married Dorothy, daughter of Rev. Thomas Hawley, of Ridgefield, Conn. , April 17, 1739, and died January 28, 1817, aged 103 years, five months, and nine days. His wife's death occurred September 21, 1807, atthe age of eighty-eight. Ezra Birdseye, their fifth child, was born in Stratford, Conn., January 28, 1749, married Phebe Curtis, and died December 28, 1832. Their third child was Ezra, jr., who was born at Stratford, May 19, 1773, married Lovina, daughter of Joseph and Anna (Clement) Martin, of Martinsburg, Lewis county, N. Y., April 14, 1797, and died in Trenton, Oneida county, November 5, 1830. He was probably the first to manufacture silk hats in Trenton, and successfully carried on that business there during his active life. His fifth child, Joseph Birdseye, was born BIOGRAPHICAL. 67 in that village September 17, 1813, and learned and followed his father's trade. In 1833 he came to Utica, where he subsequently settled with his family, where he man ufactured hats and caps for many years for the wholesale trade, and where he died March 30, 1887. He was married August 80, 1839, to Helen E. , daughter of Asa and Theodocia Pomeroy, who survives at the age of seventy-nine. Rufus Pomeroy Birdseye, only son and child of Joseph and Helen E. (Pomeroy) Birdseye, was born in Trenton, Oneida county, August 17, 1842, and came with his parents to Utica, where he spent his youth attending the public schools and academy of the city. Leaving the academy, where he had shown great proficiency in mathe matics and the English branches, he went to New York and entered the canal trans portation office. Two years later he returned to Utica and became bookkeeper for R. V. Yates & Son, wholesale clothiers, and subsequently held similar positions with H. J. Wood & Co. and Oatley Brothers. Afterwards he was bookkeeper for Rey nolds Brothers, shoe manufacturers, for a time, and in April, 1871, entered the Sav- ¦ ings Bank of Utica in the same capacity. Here he has risen by promotion to teller, to assistant treasurer April 30, 1879, to secretary of- the board of trustees (July 31, 1889, and treasurer in charge December 26, 1894, and still holds the last two named positions. He was elected a trustee of the bank in 1888 and has since been a valued member of the board. Mr. Birdseye has been connected with the bank a little more than twenty-five years, and during that period he has established a reputation for being one of the ablest financiers in Central New York. Under his thorough and efficient management as treasurer this old institution, chartered in 1839, has never been in a better condition nor exerted a wider usefulness in the community. Mr. Birdseye- is a prominent member of the Fort Schuyler, Arcanum, and Masonic Clubs and the First Presbyterian church of Utica. Heisa32° Mason, holding mem bership in Oriental Lodge, No. 224, F. & A. M. , and the Scottish Rite bodies, and in politics is a staunch Republican. He takes a lively interest in public affairs and in the progress and welfare of the community, and liberally encourages all worthy and benevolent enterprises. On April 9, 1867, Mr. Birdseye was married to Miss Sarah Elizabeth, daughter of James F. and Eunice (Wendell) Crosby, of Albany, N. Y. They have two sons, both born in Utica, viz. : James Crosby Birdseye, born October 29, 1869, and Philip Wendell Birdseye, born April 5, 1874. JOHN C. HIEBER. John C. Hieber, senior member of the firm of John C. Hieber & Co., the leading wholesale dry goods dealers of Utica, was born in Bopfingen, Wurtemberg, Ger many, December 23, 1837, and received a good practical education in the national schools of his native country. In June, 1852, when a boy of but fourteen years of age, he came to America to seek a wider field for the exercise of those talents which subsequently formed the chief elements of his business career. He was thoroughly imbued with the fundamental ideas of liberty and freedom, with ambition, progress and advancement, and with characteristic energy turned his hand to the first employ ment that was offered. He went to Johnstown, N. Y., and worked at dressing buck- 68 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. skins for about one year. In 1853 he came to Utica and for three years was em ployed as a clerk in the retail grocery store of A. D. Mather & Co. These occupa tions enabled him to become acquainted with customs and habits in the land of his adoption, and also to develop that patriotic spirit which has ever since been a pre dominating factor in his commercial and other relations. In 1856 he returned to Johnstown and learned the trade of glove-cutting which he followed there during the next four years. He returned to Utica in 1860 and became a salesman in the dry goods house of E. T. Manning & Co., the predecessors of Hugh Glenn & Co., with whom he continued until 1864. In these various capacities Mr. Hieber developed a rare business ability and won the entire confidence of his employers and associates. At the same time he gained'a wide experience and a thorough knowledge of business affairs which combined to form the proper base for the career upon which he was now to enter. In 1864 Mr. Hieber, in partnership with William Gries, under the firm name of William Gries & Co., engaged in the retail dry goods trade in Utica, This name was changed in 1867 to Gries & Hieber, and in 1869 Mr. Hieber purchased his partner's interest. He then formed a copartnership with John A. Roberts, under the style of John C. Hieber & Co. , and continued the business until 1871, when the firm sold out. A reorganization was then effected under the name of Hieber, Roberts & Jones and at once engaged in the wholesale dry goods trade, which proved a success from the start. In 1874 Mr. Hieber purchased the interests of his partners and thus became sole owner; soon afterwards, however, he formed a partnership with David E. Williams and William O. Hewitt under the name of John C. Hieber & Co. This continued until 1881 when Mr. Hieber again became sole proprietor of the constantly growing business. In 1882 the present firm of John C. Hieber & Co. was organized, the individual partners being Mr. Hieber, David E. Williams, J. Frank Day and Isaac O. Roberts. Mr. Hieber' s business career covers a period of thirty-four years, all of it being spent in Utica. Coming to this country a stranger, without money or friends, but with great energy, courage and laudable ambition, he has by his own efforts forged ahead and stands to-day among the foremost merchants of the State. He is pre eminently a self-made man. His success is due chiefly to indefatigable idustry, in domitable perseverance, close attention to details and great executive ability." By practicing economy he was enabled to start in business for himself at a time when others endowed with less foresight would have been content to work for nominal salaries. He had carefully studied human nature and the elements of business affairs and with characteristic zeal had grasped those principles of trade which invariably lead to successful ends. As a retail dealer he met the needs of the public with commendable enterprise, and in this capacity added to his already large experi ence. In the wholesale line he found a wider field for the exercise of his business ability, his native energy and his enterprising spirit. To him was mainly due the success attained during the earlier years of the firm, and to him is almost wholly due the building up and continuance of the largest and most complete dry goods estab lishment not only in Utica and Oneida coanty, but in Central New York. In 1893 he built the present handsome and commodious brick block on Main street for the exclusive use of the business. BIOGRAPHICAL. 69 Mr. Hieber has always taken a keen interest in public affairs and in the prosperity of the city, but his1 extensive business interests have never admitted of his accepting political office. He is public-spirited and progressive, and above all patriotic, and is one of the foremost citizens of Utica. He is a member and for several years has been a trustee of the English Lutheran Church of the Redeemer and is also a well-known Mason, holding membership in Oriental Lodge F. & A. M. and Oneida Chapter R. A. M. He is also a charter member of the Business Men's Exchange of Utica. On September 22, 1862, Mr. Hieber was mar/ied to Miss Barbara Neeger, daugh ter of George Neeger, of Marcy, Oneida county. This union has been blessed with nine children, of whom six are living, Theodore W., Eugene A., George M., Lena, Flora E., and Matilda C. Theodore W., and Eugene A. are associated with their father in the business. LADD J. LEWIS. Ladd John Lewis was born in the town of Orangeville, Wyoming county. N. Y., December 22, 1845, and is the third child and eldest son of John L. and Lois (Squier) Lewis, natives of Rhode Island and this State respectively. Members of the Lewis family were somewhat prominent in the Revolutionary war, one of whom was a member of General Washington's staff, and have always borne active parts in local affairs. The lineage dates back to 1661, when John Lewis settled in Westerly, R. I., coming there presumably (which is quite well verified) from Wales via Boston and Newport. The line is as follows: 1' John, 2 Samuel, 3 Jonathan, 4 Jonathan, 5 Jonathan, 6 Moses, 7 John Ladd, and 8 Ladd John. John Ladd Lewis (7) was born in ExeteT, R. I., May 1, 1811, in the same house in which was born his father and grandfather. This historic homestead was built about 1740 by his great-grand. father, Jonathan Lewis, of the fourth generation in America, and is still standing and occupied as a residence. John L. died January 24, 1889, in Johnsonsburg, Wyom ing county, N. Y., having been a resident of that town (Orangeville), except one year, since 1818. His wife Lois, born near Fosterville, Cayuga county, August 27, 1819, was a daughter of Gurdon and Dolly (Foster) Squier, and is living in Warsaw, N. Y. Jonathan Foster, father of Dolly (Foster) Squier, fought at Bunker Hill in the Revolutionary war, while her husband, Gurdon Squier, served, prior to their mar riage, in the war of 1812, being taken prisoner by the British at Queen ston with General Scott, carried to Quebec, and exchanged. Dolly (Foster) Squier lived to be almost ninety-nine years of age. She was three times married, Lois (Squier) Lewis being a daughter by the second marriage. John L. and Lois Lewis had six chil dren, all of whom attained maturity, married, and had families. Ladd J. Lewis spent his boyhood and youth on the parental farm, helping his father during the summer months and attending the district school during the win ters. The homestead was small, and when he had reached the age of fifteen the younger sons were old enough to render such assistance as was necessary to carry on the place. He therefore sought and obtained employment by the month, and for four summers worked for farmers in the neighborhood. His winters were spent in school, one term being passed in Genesee Seminary at Alexander, N. Y. Before 70 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. reaching the age of eighteen he began teaching school and continued during three winter terms. When twenty, being desirous of a practical business education, he entered Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and was graduated therefrom in 1865. Early in the year 1866 he became shipping clerk and assistant bookkeeper for S. A. Millard & Co. , manufacturers of agricultural implements at Clayville, Oneida county, with whom he remained until the fall of 1869. Mr. Lewis then moved to Grand Rapids, Mich., and accepted a position as cashier and bookkeeper for Henry S. Smith, a manufacturer of agricultural implements, with whom he was admitted to partnership in 1873 under the firm name of Henry S. Smith & Co. Mr. Lewis early became identified with the school interests of that city and in 1876 was elected in a strong Democratic ward, a member of the Board of Education, consisting of seventeen members including the mayor. He was asso ciated with that body for six years, or three successive terms, and for two years served as its president. While officiating in that capacity he twice refused the nomi-\ nation for mayor of the city and once declined an election to the State Assembly. These honors, coming as they did entirely unsought, and when he was but thirty-one years of age, well illustrate Mr. Lewis's high standing in the community and the esteem and confidence in which he was held by his fellow citizens. He had won the respect of not only the adherents of his own party, the Republican, but of his political opponents as well, and was conspicuous for his impartiality, honesty, integrity, and uprightness. In 1884 Mr. Lewis sold out his business interests in Grand Rapids and removed to New Hartford, Oneida county, where he has since resided. Here he had purchased an interest in and in the fall of 1883 became one of the incorporators of what is now the Utica Tool Company,1 located at Washington Mills, and from that time until the present has served either as its treasurer or secretary, holding now the latter office. Here he has become prominently identified with the town, of which he was elected supervisor March 3, 1896. Prior to this he served for six years as a member of the Board of Education of the village of New Hartford. He is a member of Amicable Lodge, No. 664, F. & A. M., of Washington Mills, of Imperial Council, No. 70, R. A., of Utica, and of the New Hartford Presbyterian church. Mr. Lewis is a generous promoter of every project having the welfare and advancement of the community at heart and is actively interested in town and public affairs. For several years he has been engaged in preparing a genealogy of his family and after much research has traced the lineage back to 1661, as previously mentioned. He has a large amount of valuable matter relating to the subject which he expects soon to have published. Mr. Lewis was married on September 22, 1870, to Miss Alice M., daughter of Sam uel S. and Samantha Bailey (Gill) Eldridge, of Warsaw, Wyoming county, and they have had six children: Ladd J., jr., Nellie L., Alice Louise, and Frances E., who are living, and Helen L., and Eldridge E., deceased. 1 A sketch of this industry appears in the article devoted to Charles H. Philo, which see. BIOGRAPHICAL. 71 EDWARD CURRAN. Edward Curran, a life-long citizen of Utica, was not only a prominent business man, but a public benefactor whose memory will forever illuminate local annals and shed its wholesome influence upon coming generations. His paternal grandfather, Henry Curran, was born in Millnisgay, Ireland, the youngest child of Dennis and Ann (Weldon) Curran, and was reared and bred a tanner. About 1780 he married Ann Kelly in his native village, and some years later emigrated to America, pur chasing an unbroken farm in Williamstown, Oswego county, N. Y. , and settling thereon about the year 1800. There his son Edward, father of the subject of this memoir, was born November 10, 1803. The country then was an almost unbroken wilderness, and after several years of persistent toil and no little adversity incident to frontier life the family removed to Lansingburg, N. Y., where during the next years their fortunes were retrieved. Thence they returned to the original farm in Williamstown, where the pioneer Henry died August 20, 1860, aged nearly 100. He was a member of the Methodist church and lived a consistent Christian gentleman. He had ten children, of whom Edward, sr. , was the youngest. The latter learned the trade of tanner and currier in Waterford, Saratoga county, and when nineteen came to Utica as foreman in charge of the large tannery of David P. Hoyt. where he remained several years. In 1829 he formed a co-partnership with Hon. Alrick Hub bell and commenced business for himself. The firm of Hubbell & Curran continued successfully as dealers in hides and leather until March 1, 1855, when-Mr. Curran purchased his partner's interest and 'carried on the establishment until his death on June 27, 1856. Edward Curran sr. , married first, Amanda Minerva Hamilton Bart lett, daughter of Robert and Esther (Reed) Bartlett, who was born in Boston, Mass., January 13, 1807, and who died in Utica December 31, 1837. They had five children : Celia Frances, born April 26, 1829 ; Charles Carroll, born October 9, 1830, died Sep tember 9, 1858; Amanda Maria, born February 1, 1833, died November 13, 1838; Edward, the subject of this sketch; and Horatio Bartlett, born October 2, 1837. Mr. Curran married, second, May 7, 1839, Mary, daughter of George and Chloe (Sweeting) Langford, and a native of Westmoreland, Oneida county. Their children Were George Langford, born March 10, 1840, of Utica; Henry Hast ings, born September 27, 1841, who left Hamilton college in 1861 to enlist in the 146th N. Y. Vols., was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, and was killed at the battle of the Wilderness May 5, 1864 ; Philip Clinton, born June 28, 1843, who in August, 1861, after completing his sophomore year in college, enlisted as sergeant in Co. B, 146th N. Y. Vols., was discharged on account of ill health March 11, 1863, and died in Utica December 17, 1877 ; Mary Langford, born March 9, 1846 ; and John Elliott, born May 25, 1848, who became a magazine writer of considerable note, and died in Englewood, N. J., May 18, 1890. Edward Curran, the fourth of the five children of Edward and Amanda M. H. (Bartlett) Curran, was born in Utica, N. Y. , February 25, 1835, his father's home at that time being on Main street, near the site of the present New York Central depot. His education was obtained in the advanced school and academy of the city, at the De Lancey Institute in Hampton, and at the Ellington (Conn.) Academy. On leaving the latter institution he entered Hamilton College, from which he was graduated 72 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. with high honors, and with membership in Alpha Delta Phi, in 1856. It was his in tention to enter the ministry, for which he was peculiarly fitted by nature, but the death of his father immediately after his graduation materially changed his plans. The old hide and leather business founded by Edward, sr. , in 1829 was at this time carried on under the firm name of Curran & Son, the junior partner being Charles C. Upon his father s death Mr. Curran went into the store, forming the firm of Edward Curran's Sons, a name that has ever since been retained. After the death of Charles C. in 1858 another brother, George L. , succeeded him and still continues the business. The house has always handled hides, leather and shoemakers' findings. It is one of the oldest and best known in the State, and among the most interesting landmarks of the. city. Its business operations have from the first extended not only through out New York, but into adjoining States and the West, and to the various details Mr. Curran brought an intimate knowledge, rare executive ability, and great energy. In his dealings he won universal confidence and respect, and was always regarded as a man of the strictest integrity and uprightness of purpose. But it was outside of his commercial relations and among the people of his native city that Mr. Curran left the most indelible impress of his true character and manly worth. He was best known and appreciated by those who were the least aware of his private business affairs, for in these he was largely brought into contact with • men at a distance. At home he was pre-eminently a public benefactor, taking a lively and an active interest in all important projects which promised general ad vancement and permanennt good. He was a stockholder and director in the First National Bank and from 1888 until his death its vice-president, and was also a trus tee of the Utica Savings Bank and a member of its executive committee. In all these capacities he manifested a rare knowledge of financial affairs and ably assisted in directing them. Mr. Curran was the founder of the Homestead Aid Association of Utica, one of the largest and most successful, organizations in the country for the benefit of the local wage-earner and home-builder. The idea of developing this field was suggested to him by F. Leroy Smith, who was familiar with its operations in other eastern cities, but the inception, maintenance, and success were due to his indomitable efforts and sagacious management. He was its father, its prime mover, and its watchful guard ian, and upon him during the first ten years of its existence devolved the heaviest duties and proper direction. To its development he devoted his best efforts, and that they were entirely unselfish is evidenced by the fact that they were without re muneration or hope of reward other than that which came from doing good. In its interests he labored early and late ; he was its staunchest champion ; his advice and counsel guided its affairs and the actions of his associates' ; and often he advanced payments for wprthy men who through misfortune were unable to make them them selves. The association was organized by himself and others in February, 1884, and he served as its president from that time until his death, performing much of its de tail work, and conscientiously guarding its ever growing interests. He contributed numerous articles in its behalf to local. newspapers which were widely copied by journals devoted to savings and loan organizations. The association has now an invested capital of $700,000, and during its career has proved inestimably valuable to many a small property owner. In the prayers that have gone up from the large BIOGRAPHICAL. 73 number of little homes which this noble man's labor builded there is a volume of un written gratitude and reverence, which in the hearts of those benefited is a living monument to the memory of the association's founder. It was one of Mr. Curran' s chief ambitions to make others happy. _ To the poor and unfortunate he unostentatiously gave liberally and cheerfully of his not over abundant means, and in this respect no man enjoyed a brighter record. He was well known for his charitable acts, and equally well known for his kindness, consid eration, and good deeds. He was a wise giver, possessing a keen discrimination between the worthy and unworthy. In 1880 he was elected a charity commissioner, an office to which he was three times re-elected, and served with signal ability and universal satisfaction. In this capacity he resolutely stood for economy, but as firmly for justice and right. He was one of the founders and president of the Utica Free Dispensary, one of the first officers of Faxton Hospital, and secretary of the Home for the Homeless at the time of his death. He was also a member of the ad visory board of the Woman's Christian Association, and the first president of the Young Men's Christian Association, with which he was long actively and prominently identified. During the early history of the last named institution he was not only its guiding officer, but one of its chief and most liberal supporters. Mr. Curran was always fond of athletic sports, and at one time the firm established on the top floor of their place of business a finely appointed gymnasium, where they were wont to admit schoolboys in considerable numbers, and where he often participated in their exercises with the keenest enjoyment. He was a member and for several years an elder of Westminster Presbyterian church, and was actively interested in its Sunday school. His devotion to church work was akin to that displayed in the interests of charity, and his influence in both was of the purest, noblest, and most elevating character. He was one of nature's noblemen, a man whose Christian spirit spoke in his deed and action— a model citizen, a kind, affectionate husband, and an indul gent yet firm father. In politics he was a staunch Republican, but steadfastly refused to accepted polit ical office. Without his solicitation he was often urged to go upon his party's ticket, particularly for mayor of Utica, but he invariably declined. He was appointed by Governor Cleveland and confirmed by the Senate without opposition as one of the trustees of the Utica State Hospital, but declined the honor on account of other duties. In 1884 he was appointed a member of the board of civil service examiners at Utica. He was a member of the Oneida Historical Society and on June 6, 1890, was elected a member of Epsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa of Hamilton College. He died in Utica, where he had spent his entire life, on the 4th of June, 1894, widely mourned and universally respected. His remains were interred in the family lot in Forest Hill Cemetery. Touching resolutions, glowing tributes to his memory, were passed by every organization with which he had been connected, and in addition scores of letters were received by the family from persons all over the country, each bearing a tender encomium of his rare worth and high personal character. Mr. Curran was married on October 20, 1864, to Miss Lucy Helen Doolittle, who was born in Utica October 26, 1836, and who survives him. Her father, Charles R. Doolittle,1 was born in Whitestown, August 4, 1799, and died in Utica October 9, ' Gen. George Doolittle, father of Charles' R., was born in Wallingford, Conn., June 13, 1759, J 74 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1841. Her mother, whose maiden name was Abigail Pickard Obear, was born in Beverly, Mass., March 26, 1811, and died in Utica July 27, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Cur- ran's wedded life was peculiarly a happy one. Their home was the center of tender ness^, affection, and Christian influence, and from its sacred precints radiated those virtues which elevate and inspire men to noble action. They were the parents of two sons: Richard Langford Curran, born September 26, 1865, who is engaged in the general advertising business in New York city; and Sherwood Spencer Curran born September 12, 1867, who is secretary of the Homestead Aid Association of Utica, succeeding William P. Carpenter on the latter's death in May, 1895. DAVID CURTIS STODDARD. The first of the Stoddard family in America was John Stoddard, who appears on record as a landowner in Westfield, Conn., as early as June' 18, 1645. Two years before this he had married Mary, daughter of Nathaniel Foote. Their descendants became conspicuous in the civil and commercial life of New England, and for gener ations were acknowledged leaders in the affairs of their communities. From them descended Aaron Stoddard, the great-grandfather of David C. , who was born July 15, 1739. He enlisted in Capt. Bezaleel Beebe' s company from Litchfield, Conn., and served in the Revolutionary war until his death on January 12, 1777. His only son, David Stoddard, was born in Litchfield November 15, 1773, was married in 1793 to Dorcas Kent, and in 1803.moved to DeRuyter (now Otselic), Chenango county, N.Y., where he engaged in farming and also in buying and driving cattle. Dorcas, the wife of David, died in Otselic October 11, 1830, while his death occurred in Groton, N. Y. ,-May 5, 1848. Their son, David D. Stoddard, was born in Litchfield, Conn., October 1, 1795, and was married in Otselic, N. Y., on October 19, 1823, to Mary Salome Warner, who was born in Ballston Springs, N. Y., August 15, 1795. David D. Stoddard was originally a Whig, in politics, but very early became an active abo litionist, and in 1840 cast the only vote of that party in his town. In November, 1859, he moved to Mazeppa, Minn., where he died June 1, 1870. His wife died there in 1878. Their children were William Harmon, born September 12, 1824, deceased; Albion, born February 14, 1826, of South Shore, S. Dak.' ; Eliza Ann, born October 29, 1827, died in 1892; Salome. Jane; born July 13, 1829, of Mazeppa, Minn.; David Curtis, the subject of this sketch; Lyman, born January 19, 1833, killed in the army enlisted at the age of seventeen, in response to Washington's first call for troops in 1776, in the 8th company, Capt. Joseph Churchill, 3d battallion, Connecticut line, and served in and about New York and Long Island, being caputured by the British in the retreat September 15, 1776. On May 1, 1778, he re-enlisted in the 6th Conn. Regt., regular line, raised to serve three years or during the war. He was with the main, army under Washington at White Plains and during the year 1779 served on the east side of the Hudson River, participating in the battle of Stony Point July 15th. Three or more of his brothers also enlisted in the Revolutionary army. January 1, 1783, he was made adjutant. About 1787 he removed to Whitestown and became the first com missioned officer of militia in Oneida county. He died here February 21, 1825. He married Grace, daughter of Capt. Amos Wetmore, a Revolutionary soldier in Colonel Comfort's regiment Con necticut line. She was born in Middletown, Conn., December 3, 1766, and died in Whitestown August 27, 1836, being the mother of twelve children. D. C. STODDARD. BIOGRAPHICAL. 75 December 28, 1862; Mary Caroline (Mrs. Charles Duncan), born October 17, 1834, deceased; Emily, born June 8, 1838, died January 7, 1854; and Charlotte, born August 18, 1843, died August 21, 1849. David Curtis Stoddard was born August 3, 1831, in the town of Otselic, Chenango county, N. Y., upon a farm his father had subdued from the primeval forest, and which was surrounded in part by the same unbroken wilderness. It was a rough, hilly, stony country — hard to clear of timber and hard to cultivate afterwards — producing not bountifully in the best seasons, and very scantily often, with long cold and severe winters in which was consumed all the product of the summer. Educational facilities were very scant in quantity and quality ; the school-house was half built and poorly furnished ; seats were made of slabs or planks, unplaned and without backs ; the stove or fireplace was supplied with wood, green and just cut and hauled from the forest, which the fire refused to feed upon, but the well-seasoned and oft used rod of the master often supplied the heat the fire should have made. It was under these circumstances that he received what education this school could give; but when grown to a young man he added to this three or four terms at select or private schools, with two terms in an academy, so that at nineteen years of age he commenced the teaching of these district schools in the winters. These advant ages only resulted in fairly perfecting him in the common branches of learning without the benefit of a higher culture. Books were scarce, and but for the little district library just before established, would have been few indeed, as those hard working men and women had to struggle for bread and c6uld spare nothing for books. What books could be reached he thoroughly read and they have been of great advantage to him, but he has always felt the want of an early education, and the want of books of general information at that time in his life. In early manhood he became a Whig in feelings and at majority cast his first vote for General Scott in the presidential election of 1852, and at each election sustained itby his vote until its disappearance in the Republican party, which he has sup ported and sustained till the present time. In January, 1853, he commenced to study law in the office of Hon. Sidney T. Holmes, the county judge of Madison county, and finished his studies and was admitted to the bar at Utica, N. Y. , in January, 1853, commencing at once the practice of law at that city, which he continued until Sep tember, 1861, After the first battle of Bull Run and the call for 500,000 volunteers immediately thereafter, although knowing nothing of military matters, like thousands of other young men in those stirring times, he resolved to do what was in his power to aid his conntry to put down that cruel rebellion against the best government the world had then seen. He associated with George Klinck and John S. Hunt (son of Hon. Ward Hunt) to recruit and have mustered into service an artillery company, which was done in the short time of two weeks, and, on the organization the company, was chosen and then commissioned second lieutenant of said company which formed Co. E of the 2d N. Y. H. A. Vols., and was soon afterwards commissioned first lieutenant in place of Hunt. Early in the next November this regiment was at the front and formed part of the garrison of the chain of forts defending Washington from the south side of the Potomac River, where it remained (except taking part in the battle of Second Bull Run) drilling, making forts and perfecting itself as a regiment until 76 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. May, 1864, when it had 2,000 men in its twelve companies of first-class officers, and soldiers, it was ordered to join General Grant in that celebrated campaign against Richmond ; and the dead bodies of these brave men were left upon every battlefield from the Wilderness to Appomattox Court House. On arriving at the front the regiment was attached to and formed a part of the First Brigade (commanded by Gen. Nelson A. Miles, now commander-in-chief of the U. S. A.), First Division (commanded by Gen. Francis C. Barlow), Second Corps (commanded by Gen Winfield Scott Hancock), all then and ever since celebrated as brave and superior officers. He served with this company and regiment, participating in all its battles, long marches and hardships until his discharge in October, 1864, by reason of expiration of term of service, and during his whole service in the army was not obliged to go to a hospital. In August, 1864, he received a commission as captain in the regi ment, but his health being temporarily impaired by the hardships of that summer, he declined to muster under it and was honorably discharged after three years of service. Returning to his family and home his health improved rapidly and with strength came the desire to return to the army. He could not content himself with business, and in December, receiving a commission from the secretary of war as first lieutenant in the 1st Regt. U. S. Vet. Vols. (Hancock's Corps), he again en tered the service and was stationed at Utica to recruit veteran soldiers who had served at least two years and were physically sound ; and during the following win ter recruited 150 veterans who were mustered into the service and formed part of the 20,000 veterans which General Hancock was authorized by the war department to raise throughout the United States and to command in the field. Early in March he was ordered to join his regiment, then serving in the Shenandoah Valley, and on arriving immediately took part in an expedition against General Mosby, the celebrated guerrilla of the Blue Mountains of Virginia, and here he heard the last hostile bullet in a short skirmish with this brave and daring leader. After the sur render of Lee his regiment was sent to the Wilderness to collect the bones of the unburied dead of that fierce struggle and bury them, mark the graves of the dead there and at Spottsylvania Court House, and then returning to Washington was the guard inside the prison at the execution of Mrs. Surrat, Harold and others fof the assassination of the lamented Lincoln. In July he was ordered to Baltimore and promoted to be captain of Co. C of the same regiment. He was in command of Fort Federal Hill and Camp Distribution in that city, and was honorably discharged at the muster out of service of his company and regiment in February, 1865. Returning to Utica, after long and valiant service in the army, Mr. Stoddard re sumed the practice of law, and in 1871 formed a copartnership with Edwin H. Risley, which continued until 1884. Since then he has practiced his profession alone. Having been elected in the fall of 1871 he qualified and entered upon his duties as district attorney of Oneida county on January 1, 1872, and served in that capacity for a term of three years. Among the many important trials which he conducted'as prosecuting officer was that of Josephine A. McCarthy for shooting and killing Henry H. Hall, of Ogdensburg, while riding in a Genesee street car in Utica. This was one of the most celebrated cases in the criminal annals of the State and lasted three weeks, and out of it grew the indictment, trial, and conviction for libel of the editor of the Daily Bee for printing an attack upon the presiding justice. In 1878 Mr. BIOGRAPHICAL. 77 Stoddard was candidate for surrogate on the Republican ticket, but owing to an organized effort to carry the office to Rome he was defeated by Stephen Van Dreaser by a very small majority. After this he retired permanently from politics and devoted his attention wholly to his profession, in which he has won brilliant achievements and a wide reputation. Mr. Stoddard is a member of Utica Lodge. No. 47, F. & A M. , and Oneida Chap- tor, No. 57, R. A. M., and a charter member of Yah-nun-dah-sis Lodge of Perfection Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. He is also a charter member of Post Bacon, No. 53, G. A. R., and has served as its quartermaster and commander two terms each. For a time he was judge advocate-general on the staff of General Barnum, Department Commander State of New York. He has always taken a lively interest in public affairs, and in the progress and prosperity of the city of Utica, where he occupies a prominent place both as citizen and lawyer. July 13, 1859, Mr. Stoddard was married to Miss Sarah B., daughter of Leonard Gibbs, of Utica. She was born in Boston, Mass., in 1833. Their children are David Curtis, jr., born March 6, 1862, and George Lyman, born May 26, 1869, both of Utica. THE WHITE FAMILY. In preparing the history of the County of Oneida it becomes necessary to outline briefly the history of the White family, and the proprietary settlement of this county by this family and the development of the commerce of the State through its water ways by Canvass White, one member of the family, and a similar development of its commerce by railroads by William Clark Young, another member of the family ; and in fact the family's continuous association with the growth and development of Cen tral New York ever since the original settlement here, June 5, 1784. The family trace their descent from Elder John White, one of the first settlers of Cambridge in Massachusetts, of Hartford in Connecticut and of Hadley in Massa chusetts. Elder John White landed in Boston, Mass., on the good ship Lyon, Sep tember 16, 1632, and his home lot was on the street called " Cowyard Row" not far from Gore Hall, where the beautiful library building of Harvard University now stands. The standing of the family was that of the well to do middle class, their home life in England had been one of comfort, and their departure for this country was on account of religious intolerance- John White and his family moved, as one of the followers of the Rev. Thomas Hooker, to what is now the city of Hartford, Conn., where he assisted in founding the settlement, and where he died in 1684 about the age of eighty-one years. He held several offices of importance, such as magistrate, selectman, member of the General Court (Legislature), and lived an active, useful and Christian life, respected by all who knew him. He was the founder of a numerous family, many of whose members became prominent and influential factors in civil, social and business af- 78 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. fairs. His descendants, without exception have held high rank in their respective communities, and are numbered to-day among the most patriotic and useful citizens. ¦ HUGH WHITE. Hugh White, the pioneer settler of Whitestown, was the fifth in descent from Elder John White above mentioned; he was born in Middletown, Conn., January 25, 1733, and married Mary Clark of the same town, by whom he had ten children, two daughters dying in infancy, and his five sons and two daughters came with him and settled Whitestown. Hugh White served during the Revolutionary war as a quartermaster, and in that capacity, with the self sacrificing devotion of the many heroes in that first struggle of the country for national independence, expended his fortune for the maintenance of the army, receiving in its place continental paper money that became worthless in his possession. At the close of the Revolutionary war he joined in the purchase of Sadaquada Patent with Zephaniah Platt, Ezra L'Hommedieu, Melancthon Smith and General William Floyd, the last being one of the signers of the-Declaration of Independence, and Mr. White was sent to make the preliminary settlement and survey of the new purchase. The trip was made from Albany up the Mohawk River in flat bottom boats, which were propelled by means of poles. When they reached German Flats, a few miles east of Utica; where there was a small clearing, they halted long enough to plough the ground and plant corn, and then proceeded up the river until they reached the mouth of the Sauquoit Creek, where they landed and a clearing was at once started from the mouth of the creek, toward the present site of the Whitestown village square; that fall they returned to German Flats and harvested the corn which they planted in the spring time, and the following spring Mr. White and his sons were joined by their wives and families, and the settlement of Whitestown was completed. The Legislature, by an act passed March 7, 1788, among other things, created the town of Whitestown in the county of Montgomery. This town was laid out on a magnificent scale ; its boundary was a straight line crossing the river a short distance below Genesee street bridge at a log house then standing there, and running thence due north to the river St. Lawrence, and also due south to a small stream near Penn sylvania, and down that stream to the Pennsylvania line, all parts of the State lying west of that line were constituted the town of Whitestown. It contained more than twelve million acres of land, the navigable waters of the Mohawk, the Delaware, the Susquehanna and the Ohio rivers, the Salt Springs of Onondaga, the chain of the Finger lakes and the Oswego river, the entire valley of the Genesee, with its upper and lower falls, and also the grand cataract of the Niagara. Its frontage of great lakes and rivers was not short of four hundred miles in length. After the ar rival of the judge's family, and his children and their families, he purchased of Will iam Floyd his interest in Sadaquada Patent, the various interests having been allotted to the partners in the enterprise by lot, and General Floyd's portion being that on the east side of the Sauquoit creek where is now situated the village of Yorkville and New York Mills. The price paid for this land by Mr. White was three pipes of wine, wliich was sent to the general at his house in Western, a short dis- BIOGRAPHICAL. 79 tance from Rome, but the general having no bottles in which to place the wine at that time, sent to England and had the bottles blown with his initials and the date, and some of these bottles are now in possession of the descendants of the general in the old mansion at Western, At the time of Hugh White's arrival the Indian complications on the frontier were in a very delicate condition, the Indians having been under large pay from the English, and hostility focused against the settlers during the entire war. It needed a pecul iar strength to gain their friendship and trust. Hugh White was a fearless, yet cautious leader, and exerted a powerful and wholesome influence upon the entire community. He was especially a firm friend of the Indians who had possessions on all sides for miles around, it being the home of the Six Nations, and the Iroquois Confederacy. Forewarned of the craft and treachery of these tribes, he sought to conciliate their good will by frankness and fair dealing, and by unaffected assurances of friendship for the well being of their tribes, oft times accompanying these pro fessions by kindly offices and with gifts judiciously distributed to their women and little ones. Yet a latent incredulity seems to have clouded the leading chief of the Confederacy, Han Yerry, as to the sincerity of these friendly advances, and on one of his frequent visits to the family of the patriot of the Pale Faces, this chief asked to be allowed the favor of carrying an interesting little girl, a granddaughter of Judge White's, home to his squaws at their tribal wigwam as they would be delighted to see and handle the papoose of the Pale Faces. Defining that the crafty purpose of the chief, was to obtain a hostage as a pledge of the good favor of the Whites' friendly regard toward the natives of the forest, the judge decided that the child should go ; the mother was, of course, frantic at the bare idea of her tender offspring being carried off by the savages, and the father of the child, Joseph White, son of the judge, protested that the shock would be either the death of his wife or drive her into lunacy, but the judge was firm in his purpose, and told his son that the child must go, and it was intimated to his son that he should lock up his wife until the child be brought back. The child was carefully carried off by the chief who pledged his. word to bring her back on the morrow. The grief of the mother can be better imagined than described, and it was a night of anxiety to her and her husband, and most of the following day wore away without bringing relief to their doubts whether the child would ever be restored to them alive. It was not until the sun was on its western decline and near the horizon setting across the pathway leading over the bluff from Oriskany, that the chief with a retinue of chiefs and squaws, were discovered wending their way along the forest trails in all their native dignity, and with them the beautiful little waif perched high on the chief's shoulders decked out in all the splendor of barbaric feathers and wampum, and thus decked the little hostage was safely restored by the elated chieftain to its mother. The heroine of this adventure afterwards married Captain Ells of Whitestown. This policy of Judge White's triumphed, and he and his neighbors ever afterwards enjoyed the unswerving friendship of the Indians whose deeds of kindness to the settlers are matters of history. It was this incident that gained for the white people the entire confidence of their untutored neighbors, and perhaps no white man who lived among the Six Nations at this time shared their confidence more widely or ex ercised a more, civilizing influence over them than Judge White. His active sym- 80 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. pathies for them and neighborly offices dispensed to their tribal households, begot their full confidence in him as a man, a neighbor and a counsellor. There was one other incident, however, that perhaps entitled him to the above influence more than his implicit trust and confidence in the fairness of the Indian dealings, and this was the solution of a question as to his muscular fitness for their highest tribal distinction ; and as a test of his manliness in this regard they chal lenged him on one occasion to wrestle with their champion athlete. In view of his prestige, he could not do otherwise than accept the challenge, and the trial came off in due time. The judge was past fifty-six years of age and had been quite an athlete in his youth, but of late years had not had his hand in at trips, and besides he was inclined to be corpulent, weighing about two hundred and fifty pounds, though nearly six feet in height. He was ever noted, however, for his alertness of mind and motion, and to this he was mainly indebted to a victory over his more agile combatant. Immediately after they had fairly clinched, the judge by a quick and skillful trip, succeeded in throwing the Indian. As he saw him fall ing, in order to prevent the necessity of ever making another trial of his powers or of receiving any new challenges, he managed to fall with his whole weight upon the Indian which drove all of the breath out of the poor fellow's body, and it was some moments before he could get up; at length he slowly arose, shrugged his shoulders with an emphatic, "Ugh! You good fellow, too much." The judge was never called on again for a test of his strength. The Oneida Indians were so pleased with his prowess, that at the suggestion of Skenandoah, Han Yerry and another Indian called Good Peter, they, together with the other chieftains, appeared at the residence of the judge, and with much pomp and mystery, , he was duly adopted into the Oneida tribe of Indians, with all the rights of perpetual succession. One of the Oneida customs was their annual visit to Oneida lake and Fish creek for the tribal catch of salmon ; this Judge White attended on one occasion after his adoption to the tribe, and ever after that during his life a portion of the catch was set aside and sent him on account of his tribal privileges. Hugh White was not a seeker of public position, but he was appointed justice, of the peace ; afterwards the governor appointed him one of the judges of the county, and he served several years as such judge with approbation and honor. The town that he founded was the gate-way to what was known as the garden lands of New York State, and the prominence of Judge White soon drew aroundhim in the village the leading clergymen, lawyers and merchants, and it was well rec ognized for years that the bar of the town of Whitestown was the most distinguished bar west of Albany. Judge White was the master spirit of Whitestown, and at one period there were living no less than fifty-five grandchildren of this Whitestown pioneer. He having apportioned his land into seven farms, five for his sons and two for his sons-in-law, dividing them in distances from his own home at the eastend of the Whitestown Green according to the age of the child to whom they were given. He retained the title of these farms in himself until his death. They were located on what is now known as Hart's Hill. He died on the 16th of May, 1812, and was buried in the Whitestown Cemetery on an eminence overlooking the Mohawk valley, and the town of his settlement; the following is the inscription from his tomb stone: JuJl 0k~f BIOGRAPHICAL. 81 Here sleep the remains of Hugh White Who was born 5th Feb. 1733, at Middletown, in Connecticut, and died April 16, 1812. In the year 1784 he removed to Sadequada, 'now Whitestown; where he was the first white inhabitant in the State of New York west of the German settlement on the Mohawk. He was distinguished for energy and decision of character, and may be justly regarded as a patriot who led the children of New England into the wilderness. As a magistrate, a citizen and a man, his character for truth and integrity was proverbial. A hundred years after Judge White's settlement in Whitestown, the advent was deemed so important by the Oneida Historical Society that they erected in June, 1884, on the village green, a granite shaft to commemorate the first settlement of Whitestown by Hugh White and family. » The generation succeeding the pioneer's children were so occupied in overcoming the crudities of the wilderness that it does not become necessary for us to take up their history with any particularity until the succeeding generation when we find five grandsons of the pioneer worthy of especial mention in the county ; one of them, the HON. HUGH WHITE, was born in Whitestown, December 25th, 1798 ; he was seventh in lineal descent from the Elder John White, and was a son of Hugh White, Jr. , the third son of the pioneer who was for three years a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was for a while on board of a privateer. Hon. Hugh White was a worthy descendant of the illustrious founder of Whitestown. He inherited in full measure the noble charac teristics of the race. He was upwards of six feet in height, weighed about 250 pounds, with a flashing black eye and strong manly bearing. His earlier education in the common schools was interspersed with hard labor on the parental farm, and this occupation in those days meant labor such as the present generation scarcely comprehend. He remained at home enjoying a quarter's schooling each winter until 1819, when he commenced a continuous routine of instruction, partly under the counsel and encouragement of his elder brother, Canvass White, who was at the time of his death the leading engineer in the construction of canals, and who was the originator of the Croton water system for New York City. Hugh White prepared for college under the guidance of his distinguished brother, Canvass, and was graduated from Hamilton College in 1823, after the customary four years in a full classical course. After graduating at Hamilton College, he fitted for the bar in the office of Col. Charles G. Haines of New York city, having as a fellow student John A. Dix. He soon turned his attention, however, to business pursuits, and in 1825 ' was located in Chittenango, engaged in the manufacture of a water lime called 82 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. White's Water Proof Cement, it being the first cement made in America; this he afterwards manufactured at Rondout in Ulster county ; later he built up the Rosen- dale Cement Works where "he manufactured much of the cement used on the Croton Aqueduct. He was also largely interested and engaged in the development of the water power of Cohoes on the Mohawk. In 1844 he was chosen representative to Congress where he served three terms. He was then active with the Litchfields, D. B. St. John, Gov. Hunt, John Stryker and others in building the Michigan South ern and Northern Indiana Railroads which were carried to a successful conclusion. In 1830 he moved to Cohoes, Saratoga county, where he resided until his death, which occurred October 6, 1870. . Mr. White was also engaged in other enterprises of a manufacturing and business nature. He took and executed "large private con tracts, and followed agricultural pursuits somewhat extensively all his life. He was a man of strict integrity, honest, upright and broad minded, and won honorable dis tinction ; he was persistent in pursuit of a purpose, though impassionate in his man ner of obtaining it. He conscientiously respected the rights and privileges of others and aided many a struggling man on the road to success and prosperity. No person ever left a fairer name or a more unblemished record. He was of a frank and patri-1 otic nature, always acted with the Whigs and Republicans, and while in Congress, though not gifted as a parliamentary debater, yet he exercised an -important influence on legislation in the House and held prominent places among the committees. As a climax to his legislative career, it was well understood in Washington that on his retirement from Congress he was to be appointed United States minister to Spain, but the early demise of President Taylor, and the succeeding of Vice-President Fill more to the presidency, disappointed him and his friends and supporters. Hugh White was born a business man, his plans were broad and comprehensive, his mind was analytical, and his intellectual grasp of methods was marvelous; he was persistent and practical, and was possessed of an indomitable will with rare ex ecutive talent ; he was also experienced as a financier He was president of the Saratoga County National Bank at the time of his death. In religion he was a life long Presbyterian, and was a liberal benefactor and an active promoter of all public enterprises. Mr. White was married in the thirtieth year of his age, to Maria Mills Mansfield, daughter of William Punderson Mansfield of Kent, Conn. She was a lady of much education and refinement and of exemplary womanly graces, a mother, helpmate and friend in the highest sense of the. terms, and died in July, 1888. Only two children survive them; a son, William Mansfield White, whose sketch appears in this volume, and Isabel, wife of Hon. W. W. Niles, a prominent lawyer of New York city. CANVASS WHITE. Adapted from "Lives and Works of Civil and Military Engineers of America," by Charles B. Stuart, C. E., 1871. The most conspicuous of the grandsons of Pioneer White was Canvass White, also a son of Hugh White above mentioned, and an elder brother of Hon. Hugh White just above spoken of. He was born in Whitestown, Oneida county, September 8, 1790. His mother was Tryphenia Lawrence of Canaan, Conn., of Puritan descent, and from his Puritan parents he derived those traits of integrity, indefatigable BIOGRAPHICAL. 83 industry, and purity of character of which his public life was so distinguished an example. Canvass White had a feebleness of constitution that caused his early years to be a constant struggle between disease and health. His mother was a delicate lady un used to the rough exposure incident to pioneer life, and died when he was ten years old. At an early age he began to display a talent for invention and a genius for improvements that resulted in the construction of several domestic and agricultural implements, which were in use for many years on the paternal homestead and in the neighborhood. His minority was spent mainly oh his father's farm, with such ad vantages only for acquiring an education as the very limited common schools of that period afforded; and it was not until the winter of 1813 that an opportunity occurred for him to pursue those studies essential to success in the profession he had chosen. In February, 1803, he entered Fairfield Academy and there studied mathematics, astronomy, chemistry, mineralogy and surveying until he completed the course, after which he continued these studies under Dr. Josiah Noyes, of Clinton, N. Y. At the age of seventeen he became a clerk in the store of Colonel Carpenter, where he remained until the spring of 1811, during which period he gained the entire confidence of his employer and became a general favorite with all his acquaint ances. At this time, his health became precarious, a sea voyage was advised as a means of restoration. He' therefore shipped as super-cargo on board a merchant vessel bound for Russia, and did not return until October, 1812. The captain, while in Russia, remained ignorant of the declaration of war and commencement of hos tilities between the United States and'Great Britain, and took in an assorted cargo and sailed for Hull, England. He was unaware of the war until they entered the English port, when they were made prisoners and their ship and its cargo seized. For some unexplained reason the captain and crew, however, were released, per mitted to discharge: their ship, take in another lading, and continue their "homeward voyage. The ship had scarcely cleared the mouth of the H umber when a violent storm and high tide drove them ashore, leaving the vessel, when the tide receded, sixty rods from the sea. An inspection of the bottom of the ship disclosed the fact that much of the planking was completely rotten. Young White advised that new planks be substituted and a channel opened through the sand that would admit the tide to the stranded boat. A few days later the ship was on her way to New York, where she arrived in the latter part of September. Mr. White's health was materially improved by the voyage, and. on his return he again entered the employ of his former patron and friend, Colonel Carpen ter, where he remained until the spring of 1814 when, having raised a company of volunteers, he was commissioned lieutenant in Colonel Dodge's regiment, and took part in the assault and capture of Fort Erie, opposite Buffalo. While in occupation of the fort, with his command, he was severely wounded by a shell fired from the enemy's redoubt half a mile distant. Soon after his recovery an opportunity occurred for revenging himself on the enemy. A reconnoitering party from the British camp was discovered in an adjacent wood, and Lieutenant White was sent with his com mand to capture or disperse them. He succeeded in capturing the whole party, kill ing and wounding several before they surrendered. He remained with his regiment until the expiration of their term of service, when he returned home and resumed his studies. 84 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. In the spring of 1816 Judge Benjamin Wright was forming a corps for prosecuting the surveys of the Erie Canal. Mr. White solicited a position and was engaged by Judge Wright as one of his assistants. During this and .the succeeding season he was employed in taking the levels westward from Rome. In this duty he acquitted himself so well that he very soon won the esteem of the chief engineer, between whom and himself there ever afterward existed a firm and unbroken friendship. About this time he made the acquaintance of Gov. De Witt Clinton, who was highly pleased with his personal qualities and professional abilities. At this early day the knowledge of canal construction among the engineers of the country was very lim ited, and Mr. White, at the earnest solicitation of Governor Clinton, determined to visit England for the purpose of examining public works and procuring the most im proved instruments in use. In the autumn of 1817 he carried out this determination and made a careful examination of the canals of the United Kingdom, traveling for this purpose more than 2,000 miles on foot. He returned the next spring, bringing instruments and accurate drawings of the most important structures on those works, and much valuable information for the benefit of the State in the construction of its canals. About this time there was much discussion on the subject of lock construc tion, some favoring wood, and others stone, or a combination of the two. It was finally decided, however, to build stone locks, using quick-lime mortar for the ma sonry, and pointing the joints with hydraulic cement, then imported at great cost from England. Mr. White soon discovered a valuable lime rock near the route of the canal in Madison county, which, after repeated experiments, he converted into a cement equal to the imported, and at much less cost to the State. For this discov ery he obtained a patent, but permitted its use under the promise of the canal com missioners that a just compensation should be allowed, not only for it, but for his expenses and services while abroad. The commissioners, however, failed to obtain the necessary authority from the Legislature to fulfil their promise, notwithstanding the recommendations of the governor and other officers of the State. Gov. De Witt Clinton, in a letter to a committee of the Legislature in 1824, said "that Mr. White had been of great use in his operations as an engineer, and that his skill, industry, and integrity in that department furnish strong recommendations to the favorable notice of the State." Judge Wright stated before the same committee: "I have no hesitation in saying that the discovery of hydraulic cement by Mr. White has been of incalculable benefit to the State, and that it is a discovery which ought, in justice, to be handsomely remunerated." Mr. Flagg reported from the same committee " that Mr. .White, a principal engineer, had made this discovery after repeated ex periments and received a patent in 1820, and that he introduced it at great expense amidst the doubts and fears which operated against its use." The Canal Commissioners, in their report of February, 1820, say: "Between the Seneca and Genesee Rivers Canvass White, engineer, had the' charge of a party which has been engaged for several months in leveling over and' surveying different routes for the canal line. These labors he has performed much to our satisfaction, and having presented a view of them to a meeting of our Board held in October, at Utica, we -thereupon decided in favor of the route originally explored between these rivers in the year 1816." The canal through, and eight miles east of Utica was com pleted in the fall of 1820, Canvass White being the resident engineer. In 1820 Messrs. BIOGRAPHICAL. 85 Wright (principal) and White (acting) engineer, explored the country thoroughly from Little Falls to the Hudson, and pronounced impracticable the route from Schnectady connecting with the Hudson at Albany, and located the line via Co hoes and Troy. This location was finally fixed upon by Mesrss. Wright, Geddes and White. Early in the spring of 1822 Canvass White was sent to lay out the Glens Falls feeder, and in that year he planned and directed the building of the lock and dam between Troy and Waterford, until the 8th of June, when William Jerome took charge.- Judge Wright, in a letter to Dr. Hosack in December, 1828, says : " Here it is proper that I should render a just tribute of merit to a gentleman who now stands high in his profession and whose skill and sound judgment, as a civil engineer, is not surpassed, if equalled, by any other in the United States. The gen tleman to whom I refer is Canvass White, Esq., who commenced as my pupil in 1816 by carrying the target; he took an active part through that year and through 1817. In the fall of the latter year he made a voyage to England on his own account, and purchased for the State several leveling instruments, .of which we stood much in need. He returned in the spring and brought with him much valuable information, which he has usefully developed, greatly to the benefit of the State of New York. To this gentleman I could always apply for counsel and advise in any great or diffi cult case, and to his sound judgment in locating the line of the canal, in much of the difficult part of the route, the people of this State are under obligations greater than is generally known or appreciated." Simon Guilford, who was Mr. White's assistant civil engineer, related the follow ing incident: "When that portion of the canal along the Mohawk River between Little Falls and Canajoharie was completed, and the supply of water was turned in, owing to a very porous soil over which a considerable portion of the canal was made, the supply proved inadequate, which was fully realized as the first boat passed. The question was as to how the difficulty was to be overcome. Mr. White replied, ' A feeder must be obtained from the river at this place ' (a few miles above Fort Plain), and on being xasked how long it would take to build a dam across the river, 900 feet long, so as to raise the water nine feet above the ordinary surface, he replied, 'A few weeks.' The dam was completed in sixty days, inclusive of a side-cut and bridge connected with it." Mr. White's professional success, scrupulous integrity, and modest demeanor, in all transactions of life, won for him the enduring esteem of all with whom he was associated. For these admirable qualities of mind and heart he became widely known, and as a consequence frequent and urgent offers were tendered him for en gineering services in other States. He continued, however, in the active discharge of his duties as an engineer on the Erie Canal until it was so nearly completed that his place could be supplied from his assistant engineer, when he succeeded Loammi Baldwin as chief engineer on the Union Canal in Pennsylvania. He continued in that position until the latter part of the summer of 1826, when, in consequence of a severe illness contracted while conducting the surveys of the canal west of the Sus quehanna River, he returned to Philadelphia, and resigned his connection with the company. Meanwhile he had been called to- New York to examine the sources of supply for pure and wholesome water for the city. He reported that, for the present need of the city, and its probable requirements for twenty years thereafter, a suffi- 86 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. cient supply could be obtained from the Rye pond and the Bronx River in West chester county, " but after the city should extend to one-third the surface of Manhat tan Island it would be necessary to add the Croton River to their other resources." The report was accompanied with full details, and strongly impressed the city gov ernment with the importance and feasibility of the project. While engaged upon these two enterprises he was solicited to take charge of the works of the Schuylkill Navigation Company, which were then in course of construc tion. After making a rapid survey of the ground and the plans of the company he suggested alterations and recommended the .employment of Captain Beach as their chief. Mr. White continued as consulting engineer until the work was completed, and was at the same time consulting engineer for the Delaware and Chesapeake Canal, Judge Benjamin Wright being the chief engineer. The success and reported profits of the Erie Canal gave an impetus to canal construction in that day that would have resulted in a system of artificial internal navigation as universal as our present railroad system could the capital necessary for the purpose have been ob tained. Projects were started in various parts of the Union, and a pressing demand was made upon the time of the few engineers then in the country. The citizens of Hartford conceived the project of improving the navigation of the Connecticut River, and the Windsor locks were built by Mr. White as chief engineer. Careful financial men were led away by the prevailing spirit of the time, and large amounts were expended upon impracticable enterprises. Among these was the Farmington Canal, constructed from New Haven to Farmington and thence up the Farmington Riyer, "as money could be found to prosecute the work." Mr. White was applied to for plans and surveys, and for an opinion of the value of it when completed; he furnished the former and remained consulting engineer during the construction of of the work, but frequently expressed an opinion adverse to the success of the canal, which ultimately proved correct. In the spring of 1827 he was appointed chief en gineer of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, and resumed the construction of a canal along the Delaware River from Easton, Pa., to navigable waters below. This project had been inaugurated in 1825 for the purpose of increasing the com pany's facilities for shipping coal from Maunch Chunk to Philadelphia, and a canal one mile in length, with five locks and a large basin at Maunch Chunk, had been built. Mr. White prosecuted the work with such diligence that the first boat passed through the canal in July, 1829. At that time the LehighCanal was the most capa cious work of the kind yet undertaken in the country, and was considered a bold project. In the summer of 1825 Mr. White was appointed chief engineer of the Del aware and Raritan Canal. He organized a party for preliminary surveys and placed it under the immediate charge of John Hopkins, one of the most trusted assistants. This work was discontinued in the fall after the location of about twelve miles, and was not resumed again until the spring of 1831. The construction of the canal from the Delaware to the Raritan Rivers was attended by many difficulties and met many obstructions, all of which were successfully overcome. In the prosecution of this important work Mr. White always acknowledged with becoming gratitude the gen erous and wise course of Commodore- Robert F. Stockton, who took an active interest in the success of the enterprise. In the autumn of 1834, when this work was nearly completed, Mr. White's health was so much impaired that his physician advised him BIOGRAPHICAL. 87 to seek a more genial climate. He sailed soon after for St. Augustine, Florida, where he died within a month after his arrival. His remains were returned to New Jersey and lie buried in the church yard at Princeton, where his family resided at the time of his death. Mr. White was personally popular with all who were favored with his acquaint ance. General Bernard, a French engineer in the service of the United States, re marked of him, "that as a civil engineer he had no superior; his genius and inge nuity were of a surprising magnitude; his mild and gentle ways, his sweet and amiable temper, his modest and retiring manners," won universal respect and con fidence. When the project of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was first set on foot and an engineer was wanted for its construction, Henry Clay said: "Get Canvass White; no man is more competent; no man more capable; and while your faith in his ability and fidelity increases, your friendship will grow into affection." Mr. White, in his day, stood at the head of American canal engineers, and his strength lay in his cool, practical judgment. The comprehensive nature of his mind, through which, at a glance, he grasped the salient points of a subject, and his systematic habit of arranging details, enabled him to accomplish an extraordinary amount of professional work. In stature he was five feet nine and one-half inches, and weighed from 145 to 165 pounds. The most prominent and striking feature in the general contour of his person was an unmistakable impress of genius, modesty and amia bility. WILLIAM CLARK YOUNG. It seems rather strange to chronicle that another grandson of the pioneer White should have been as instrumental in the development of the railroads of the State of New York and adjoining States as Canvass White was instrumental in developing the canals of the State. In fact William C. Young, born November 25, 1799, and a son of Mary Stone White, a daughter of Hugh White, .the pioneer, and who married John Young, the founder of Youngstown, has been as instrumental as any man in the State in the practical development of railroading. He received his education in Whitestown, at taining some knowledge of Latin, geometry and surveying, aside from the ordinary schooling of the period. At sixteen years of age he was assistant surveyor of the Is lands of Lake Ontario for the State of New York ; the next year a rod man locating the Erie Canal and participating in the ceremony of "ground breaking " for the work at Rome July 4th, 1817 ; the next year he was a cadet at West Point in a class of 125 mem bers, and graduated No. twelve in his class in 1822. After four years given to army life he resigned June 30th, 1826, and engaged in superintending the locating and constructing of railroads in New York State. In 1831 while making the survey of the Saratoga and Schenectady Railroad, Mr.' Young proposed and practically intro duced the present system of supporting car rails on the road bed, and introduced the use of cross ties in lieu of the stone blocks and foundations which formerly sustained the strip of railroad iron in place ; the advantages gained by this method in ex pediting the work and lessening the cost of construction were so obvious that its general adoption was immediate and constituted a marked advance in the his tory of railroad construction. He was subsequently appointed chief engineer of construction and superintendent of the Utica & Schenectady Road, which 88 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. he completed after sixteen years of unremitting toil. In 1849 he was made chief engineer of the Hudson River Railroad, which ran between Albany and New York city, and although the original surveys had been made by a man of no less prominence than J. B. Jervis, and on Mr. Jervis' retirement from the position of chief engineer, he had enjoined upon the management that under no cir cumstances should the line of road be altered, nevertheless the ability, energy and common sense of Mr. Young, together with the estimates showing a less cost, en abled Mr. Young to re-survey and re-locate two-thirds of the road. On the com pletion of the road in October, 1851, Mr. Young was elected president of the Hudson River Railroad Co. He resigned the position the following January, as his profes sional duties in out door work were more to his taste than the confinements of rout ine work in the office. He had already spent twenty-one years of his life (from 1831 to 1852) in locating and constructing the three roads above mentioned, aggregating in length about 250 miles. In 1852 he was called upon by the president of the Panama Railroad Company to complete that road across the Isthmus of Panama, which he undertook and while there nearly died of the fever, so had to withdraw from the Isthmus. In 1855 Mr. Young had charge of the western branch of the New York & Western Railroad from Rochester to Buffalo, some 200 miles of road, and a monthly disbursement of $150,000, which he continued in charge of for about two years and then resigned. There were numerous other important railroad surveys with which William C. Young was connected, and it must be taken into considera tion that in his connection with the building of the Hudson River Railroad from New York to Albany, it was looked upon in his day as the most foolish venture pos sible, as it was in direct competition with the Hudson River the entire distance, the theory being, that railroads might pay in countries where it was impossible to operate canals, but they never could pay in direct competition with water ways. Mr. Young, speaking of his cousin, Canvass White, said: "On his return from England he brought with him the instruments for laying out canals, the plans and the design for the canal boats and became the most practical man in canal making; and with Judge Wright co-operated in making much of the Erie Canal." It is fairly evident from the work of these two men, that one was as instrumental in the developing the water ways of the State as the other in developing the steam power of the State. Mr. Young died in December, 1894, having been for four years prior to his death the oldest living graduate of West Point, and entitled by reason thereof to deliver the annual address. PHILO WHITE. Another grandson of Hugh White, the pioneer, was Philo White, who was the son of Philo White, son of the pioneer. He was born in Whitestown June 23, 1796, and after attaining his early education at Whitestown Seminary, and having spent some years in a printing office in Utica, he removed to North Carolina in 1820, where he located at Salisbury, Rowan county, and became the editor of the Western Caro-. linian, which he conducted until 1830, when he was appointed U. S. Navy agent for the Pacific station. Returning home in 1834, he established the North Carolina Standard at Raleigh, and was elected State printer, Philo White removed to Wis consin at an early period of its territorial existence and fixed his residence at Racine. "£ iV £ki#u&i?' BIOGRAPHICAL. 89 He was the editor of several newspapers at different periods. In 1847 he was chosen one of the Council of the Territorial Legislature, and in the following year was elected to the Senate of the State Legislature. As chairman of the Committee of Education he shared largely in devising the present system of public instruction in that State. At a later period he acted in the founding of Racine College under ¦ the auspices of the' Protestant Episcopal church of that diocese. In 1852 he was chosen one of the presidential electors of Wisconsin. In 1849 Mr. White was ap pointed United States consul to the Hanseatic republic of Hamburg, and resided there for one or two years. In 1853 he was appointed by President Pierce United States minister to Ecuador in South America, and in the autumn of that year went with his family to Quito, the scene of his diplomatic duties; receiving from the president the highest office in his gift, which is literally true, as the geographical location of Quito in the Andes is 10,000 feet above the level of the sea, and there is no other city of national government that is conducted at such a high altitude. Mr. White was of medium height, 5 feet, 7 inches, and slight build ; remarkably active in his habits ; his conversation somewhat rapid, but gracefully intoned and full of pleasant recollections and acute observations. Mr. White returned to Whitestown in 1858, and in 1860 donated to the town the original plot of ground which was donated by his grandfather, Hugh White, as a site for a court house and public green, which through some technicality of the original deed had reverted to the heirs; and the citizens in addition to accepting the gift placed in the hall an oil portrait of Philo White He died in Whitestown, February 15, 1883, at the age of eighty-six years. FORTUNE C. WHITE. Another grandson of Hugh White, the pioneer, was Hon. Fortune Clark White, son of Col. Daniel Clark White. He was born in Whitestown, N. Y. , July 10, 1787. He was a prominent lawyer in the county of Oneida, having studied law in the office of Judge Jonas Platt, and for nearly half a century maintained a prominent position in the most brilliant bar west of Albany at that day. He was elected the first chief judge of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Oneida county from 1837 to 1843, and attained a high reputation as a jurist and an able expounder of the law. Endowed with a commanding presence and a proclivity for marshal display, he was a member of the New York State militia, serving in two campaigns in the war with Great Britain in 1812, being in command of a company at Sackett's Harbor in 1813, and aide-de-camp to General Collins in 1814. He was twice a member of the Legislature. He died at Whitestown August .27, 1866, leaving four sons and one daughter. WILLIAM MANSFIELD WHITE. William Mansfield White, son of Hon. Hugh White and Maria Mills Mansfield White, and a great-grandson of Judge Hugh White, the founder of Whitestown, was born in Waterford, Saratoga county, N. Y., July 8, 1833. He was a worthy representative of the Whitestown pioneer, and bore with distinction the ennobling 90 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. characteristics of his race. When twelve years of age he was sent to Galway Academy, then under the charge of Prof. Charles Durkee, a leading educator at that time. In the autumn of 1846 he entered the Military School of Professor Kinsley at West Point, where he spent three years. There the drill of body and mind was most thorough, and the morals of the school elevating and religious, Soon after leaving that institution he entered the Sophomore class of Hamilton Col lege, from which he was graduated in 1854. His father owned Sweet Briar Farm in the town of Ossian, Livingston county, N. Y. , and here Mr. White spent his vacations and resided during his early married life. Mr. White was married on January 22, 1863, to Anna Maria, daughter of the late William Constable Pierrepont, of Pierrepont Manor, N. Y., the ceremony being performed by the Rt. Rev. Bishop De Lancey. She died- in Utica, on September 22, 1884. Mr. White came to Utica on the 1st of September, 1882, chiefly to. give his large family the benefit of the excellent' educational advantages to be had in this section where his ancestors had figured prominently through a period from its earliest settlement, and near which a part of his boyhood had been spent at Hamil ton College. It is a rather curious coincidence that Mr. White in coming to Utica in September, 1882,4 with his five sons and five daughters, arrived ninety-eight years after the original settlement of Whitestown by Hugh White, the pioneer, who arrived June 5, 1784, with his five sons. It was but a very short time after Mr. White took up his residence in Utica, that he was looked upon as one of her leading ' citizens, and.as the most charitable man in Utica. His magnificent physique was a fitting covering for the noble and generous heart it contained. His nature was that of our highest idea of a nobleman, a man too ennobling to even allow a dishonest thought to enter his mind, and whose sympathy with those afflicted with earthly troubles was so great that if an idea pf their needing assistance reached him he did not wait to be asked, but went out of his way to give it without the asking. People quickly came to know him as a broad-minded, progressive, generous and noble man, vigorous and sound in body; he became identified with various local busi ness interests, and became a guiding spirit in each and all. In January, 1889, he was elected without his knowledge a director in the Second National Bank, and on the death of its president, Edward S. Brayton, he was unanimously elected to the presidency, a position he held during the remainder of his life. Under his management the present handsome block, which is one of the finest banking buildings in Central New York, was built in 1893 and 1894, Mr. White being the leading member of the building committee. He was vice-president and one of the organizers of the Utica Pipe Foundry ; a director in the Utica and Mohawk Street Railroad Company ;-a director in the Jefferson County National Bank of Watertown; and from 1871 until his death a director in the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg Railroad Company, being one of the oldest officers of that corporation. After the death of his father-in-law, the late William C. Pierrepont, as one of the executors of the Pierrepont estate, he had the active charge and management of this large landed property in Northern New York. He was an active member of the Oneida His torical Society, and for several years served as its first vice-president. When the village of Whitestown celebrated its Centennial anniversary, June 5, 1884, he was selected to preside, and aided in erecting a monument on the village green to com memorate the event. BIOGRAPHICAL. 91 In politics Mr. White was an ardent Republican, casting his first vote for John C. Fremont for president, and for some time was a prominent political factor in the southern tier of counties during his residence at Sweet Briar Farm. He never de sired public office, however, but frequently acted as a delegate to State and other conventions of his party. He was pre-eminently the leading layman of the Episcopal church of Central and Western New York, and for thirty years served as delegate to diocesan conventions, and for fifteen years attended the general councils. He was warden of Trinity church, Canaseraga, and at Zion church, Pierrepont Manor, succeeded his father-in- law as warden there. On coming to Utica he was chosen vestryman of Grace church, and upon the death of Lucius C. Childs, became warden in his place. He was a member of the standing committee of the Central New York Diocese, and was appointed lay reader by Bishop Huntington. At one time he was p trustee of Hobart College. He was president of the New York State Agricultural Society ; and ex officio trustee of Cornell University. He was a liberal supporter and for several years president, of St. Luke's Home and Hospital, and in the spring of 1895 was ap pointed one of the managers of the Utica State Hospital. He was also a director of the Utica Female Seminary ; president of the Utica Country Club ; also a member and for three years one of the board of managers of the Fort Schuyler Club. In all of these positions he served with great credit and ability, and won the respect and confidence of every one with whom he came in contact. He was the soul of honor, frank, generous, kind and courteous, hospitable and benevolent, and a friend and promoter of charities, hospitals, churches, educational and business enterprises. He was pre-eminently a model citizen, public spirited, enterprising and successful, and enjoyed a wide acquaintance and a host of warm friends. In his own home, however, he found his chief enjoyment, and it was his devotion to his family which was. perhaps the strongest trait of Mr. White's charac ter. His care of his children, his interest in their welfare, the indelible impress of his cheerful nature and his constant utterances imbuing them with the purest sense of manhood. He loved freedom and progress, and in all the affairs of life he attained a degree of success and perfection that is seldom equaled. He died on the 2d of January, 1896, survived by his eleven, children, six being sons and five daughters. The oldest, Hugh, now the active manager of the Pierrepont landed estate in Northern New York, and a director of the Utica Pipe Foundry ; William Pierrepont, a graduate of the Utica Free Academy and of the Columbia Law School, a practicing attorney in Utica, a director of the Second National Bank, recording secretary of the Oneida Historical Society, secretary of the Fort Schuyler Club, and secretary of the Oneida County League for Good Roads ; Anna Maria; H. Lawrence, a director and assistant superintendent of the Utica Drop Forge and Tool Company ; Florilla Mansfield ; Mary Pierrepont ; Cornelia But ler; Isabel; De Lancey Pierrepont; Charles Carroll; and John Dolbeare; the last four of whom are at schools preparatory for college. Mr. White was of a commanding and perhaps austere appearance, being fully six feet in height, with very broad shoulders, and weighing 250 pounds. His hair was brown and his eye blue, and he always wore a smooth face. 92 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.. EDWIN A. HARVEY. Edwin Augustus Harvey was the only child of Ambrose and Sophronia (Brace) Harvey and was born in the town of Vienna, Oneida county, January 27, 1842. He descended from an old Connecticut family whose members for several generations were honored citizens of East Haddam, and from a family which has furnished gov ernors of the States of Wisconsin, Kansas and New Hampshire, a general of the U. S. army, and several justices of State Supreme Court. Thomas and Jane (Hunger ford) Harvey lived and died in East Haddam. Their fourth child was Robert, who was born there December 26, 1731, and who had by his wife Rachel a son Jonathan, born January 28, 1761, who enlisted in the Revolutionary army at the age of sixteen, rose to the rank of a sergeant and afterwards became a Baptist minister. Jonathan married Fannah Burdick and had children as follows: Jonathan, jr., born December 18, 1793; Sylvanus, born June 17, 1795; Silaborn October 15, 1798; Elnathan, born May 9, 1801; Asa, born April 30, 1803; Ambrose, born October 30, 1805; Robert, born April 16, 1809 ; and Morris, born July 20, 1810. Of these Jonathan, jr., Elnathan, Robert and Ambrose came to the town of Vienna when young men and spent the remainder of their lives as farmers in Oneida county. Ambrose Harvey was a native of Frankfort, N. Y., and died in Camden, Oneida county, February 18, 1876. July 15, 1840, he married Sophronia, daughter of Rial Brace, an early settler from Connecticut on Preston Hill in the town of Camden. She was born here February 16, 1810, and died January 16, 1886. Edwin A. Harvey was reared on his father's farm in Vienna, and spent his sum mers in agricultural pursuits and his winters in attending the district school. In these alternating occupations he acquired not only a robust physique and a sturdy constitution, but habits of thrift and a fund of practical knowledge which proved in dispensable in after life. These elements, combined with inherited characteristics of a high order, enabled hi,m to engage in business enterprises of more than ordinary importance. He left school at the age of eleven years, but remained on the farm until he was fifteen, with the exception of a short period spent in the employ of Rev. Elijah Gaylord, at that time a manufacturer of hand rakes in Camden. From that time and until 1864 he was engaged in various occupations, including three years in a shingle mill. In 1864 he came to Camden and with L. S. Sanford engaged in the produce and grocery business. Twelve months later he purchased Mr. Sanford's interest and successfully continued the -business aloneuntil 1894, when he sold out and retired to private life, largely on account of ill health. To his stock of groceries Mr. Harvey soon added a complete line of drugs and combined the two with success and profit. Mr. Harvey was a licensed pharmacist and during one year was elected president of the Oneida County Druggists' Association. Mr. Harvey started in business with comparatively no capital, but by industry and careful management he succeeded.in accumulating a competency. He was emphati cally a self-made man. From a farmer's boy with limited advantages he became one of the largest real estate owners in Camden, and several handsome blocks and dwellings, mainly erected by him, are the result of his enterprise. In politics he was an ardent Democrat, but his varied business interests generally HARRISON LAMB. BIOGRAPHICAL. 93 prevented him from accepting public office, though often urged to do so by his fellow- citizens. Locally, however, his public spirit led him into several positions of honor. He was for eight terms a trustee of the village of Camden and for several years a valuable member of the Board of Education. He was for four years a mem ber of the Board of Water Commissioners and during the-whole of that period acted as treasurer of the board. He was also for a number of years treasurer of the village and for some time was a trustee of the M. E. church, of which he became a member in 1872. He was at one time actively engaged in the manufacture of canned goods in Camden, being a member of the firms of Harvey & Newland and Harvey & Godrey. He was a prominent member of Philanthropic Lodge, No. 164, F. & A. M., and for fourteen years was its treasurer. He was also for a number of years a trustee of the Camden Cemetery Association. Mr. Harvey was elected vice-president of the First National Bank of Camden Jan uary 12, 1885, to which office he was annually re-elected and filled at the time of his death. In the welfare and prosperity of the village, in educational, religious, and all moral movements, Mr. Harvey always took a deep and frequently an active interest. He was public spirited, enterprising, and liberally encouraged every worthy project. As a citizen he took a just pride in the advancement of the community, and as a large property owner he generously supported those enterprises which promise the largest amount of good. His loyalty -to home interests was most commendable. He died in Camden, July 6, 1896. The Utica Daily Press of July 7, said of him : ' ' Mr. Harvey was a man of the strictest integrity and honesty, of a kind and generous dis position, as many who have received substantial aid from him in their necessity will remember. To those in his employ he was firm, but courteous, and he always treated them as though they were his equals and deserving" of his respect. To his family he was the kindest of husbands and most affectionate of fathers. He was of a jovial disposition and an interesting conversationalist." Mr. Harvey was married on the 30th of March, 1861, to Miss Caroline P., daughter of Artemus and Parthenia (Cain) Peck, of Camden, and they had five children: Clara Augusta (Mrs. William I. Stoddard), Mary Sophronia (Mrs. Selden L. Hard ing), Edwin Clinton (a law student with Jones, Townsend & Rudd, of Utica), Mil dred Edwina, and Chester Danforth, all residents of Camden. HARRISON LAMB. Harrison Lamb was a son of Silas Lamb, who came from Massachusetts in 1812. He resided for a short period in Otsego county, but finding the prospect there unin viting he concluded to push on further west. By means of the mode of travel of those days he made his way to Stockbridge, Madison county, where he settled and engaged at farming until 1836. He was a pioneer in the town of Stockbridge and 94 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was one of the foremost citizens in developing and aiding in the progress of his adopted town and county. He was descended from English stock and his imme diate ancestors had resided a sufficient time in New England to endow him with traits of industry and frugality, and these coupled with good management con tributed to his success in his chosen field'Of work. In 1836 Mr. Lamb removed to Scriba, Oswego county, where he lived until his death in 1857. He married Lucene Pratt, also a native of Massachusetts, who shared his hard ships and devoted her energy to the bringing forth a successful result. She died on the same day as did her husband, and they went to their final rest in the same grave. Harrison Lamb, the subject of portrait, was the fifth child in a family of ten, and was born in 1813. He received his education at the common schools of Stockbridge, and when his school days being ended he apprenticed himself to a clothier, of whom he learned the trade of cloth making." After learning his trade Mr. Lamb engaged in the business of cloth manufacture at Saloam, Madison, and continued in that line until he was thirty years of age. He then bought a farm in his native town which he carried on with marked success until 1880. At that time he retired from active work and removed to Oneida Castle, where he now resides. While a. resident of Madison county Mr. Lamb was prominent and earnest in all matters pertaining to 'the advancement and improvement of his town and county. He has always been held in the highest esteem by all who have had his acquaintance. Mr. Lamb has been married three times, his third and pres ent wife being a native of Lenox, Madison county, where she was born in 1829. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Fox. She married a Mr. Bridge, who died some years prior to her marriage to Mr. Lamb in 1880. Mr. Lamb has three children, two daughters and one son. His daughter Harriet E. married J. F. Holdridge, now living in Stockbridge, and Mary A. married J. F. Morrison, a prosperous farmer at Sherrill, Oneida county. BENJAMIN W. DWIGHT. Among the foremost educators of the last generation in the State of New York Benjamin Woodley Dwight was unquestionably one of the ablest and most success ful. He possessed in a remarkable degree the element which, combined with other qualifications, made him a master molder and developer of the student mind. He was a man of large mind and broad education, with keen perceptibilities and the faculty of inspiring the scholars with whom he came in contact with a zeal that car ried them resolutely into the work in hand, and over all the obstacles to success. His heart and mind and energy entered into the labor as only those can who have a natural adaptability as an instructor. Those who were so fortunate as to come un der his instruction in school life became imbued with his enthusiasm -to such a de gree that they carried it with them out into the various walks of life. He had the reputation among them of being the " livest " teacher that ever led a class. Biographical. 95 Mr. Dwight was born at New Haven, Conn., April 5, 1816. He graduated at Hamilton College in the class of 1835, and the same year entered the New Haven Theological Seminary to prepare for the ministry. He completed his course there in 1838 and the following year returned to Hamilton College as tutor, which position he occupied till 1842. He then went to Joliet, 111., where by great effort he founded the Presbyterian church, remaining there two years. His desire to teach was so strong, however, that he resigned his pastorate and came east to Brooklyn, where he established Dwight's High School. This he conducted with signal success from 1846 to 1858. Clinton was then as it is to-day an educational center, with the additional stimulus of beautiful environments, the gift of nature. Mr. Dwight decided to return to Clin ton and establish a school. Therefore in the fall of 1858 he opened Dwight's Rural High School. His reputation as a teacher insured him success from the start, and from that time to 1863 Dwight's Rural High School was one of the leading educa tional institutions of the State. Prof. Dwight had in the mean while been an earnest, indefatigable worker in the field of literature, and the time found him with such an amount of this kind of work on hand, he retired from the school to devote himself to literary work. The school then passed into the hands of Prof. David Holbrook. Prof. Dwight was the author of several noted works in various fields of thought. His work on Modern Philology is one of the standard text books of the time. " Higher Christian Education," "Woman's Higher Culture " and the " True Doctrine of Divine Providence" were among the later publications. Beside these he wrote a history of the Dwight family, also one of the Strong family, the latter being that of his mother. He received the degree of Ph. D. from Columbia College. His father was Dr. Benjamin Woolsey Dwight, born at Northampton, Mass., Febrbary 10, 1780. He graduated at Yale College in 1799 and received his medical education in Philadel phia. Physical disability, however, prevented him from actively prosecuting his professional work, so he entered into business in New Haven. He married, in 1815, Sophia Woodbridge, daughter of Rev. Josephand Sophia (Woodbridge) Strong. They later moved to Catskill and in 1831 to Clinton. Dr. Dwight was for nineteen years treasurer of Hamilton College. He died May 18, 1850, and his wife, Sophia (Wood- bridge) Dwight, died December 3, 1861. Prof. Dwight married Charlotte S. , daughter of Townsend and Ann Norris Parish of Oyster Bay, Long Island. Mrs. Dwight was educated at Willoughby, Ohio, and was subsequently for several years principal of Ingham University at Leroy, N. Y. She is a lady of broad intellect and extensive culture. She has one daughter, Bertha Woolsey, who is at home, WILLARD J. FRISBIE. f James and Julia A. His Willard James Frisbie, youngest child and only son of James and Julia A. Fris bie, was born in the town of Camden, Oneida county, N. Y., April 14, 1848, His 96 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. parents were of English descent and of New England lineage, and lived in Camden for many years. His father died in 1864 and his mother April 29, 1895, agedre- spec' ively sixty-four and eighty-four. He received his education in Camden Acad emy, and immediately after leaving that institution entered the banking-house of A. Curtiss & Carman in Camden village, where he remained about seven years, filling the positions of clerk, bookkeeper and teller. He then formed a partnership with William H. Stanfield, under the style of Frisbie & Stanfield, and engaged in the retail dry goods business in Camden, which was successfully continued from December 1, 1873, to April 1, 1884, when they sold out to C. A. & A. C. Phelps. In 1881 the firm of Frisbie & Stanfield commenced the manufacture of knit goods, and in 1883 built the factory now occupied by the Corbin Cabinet Lock Works in Cam den village. In 1887 they purchased the old Costello tannery property and water- power on the south side of Fish Creek and converted it into a woolen-yarn mill, and in March, 1891, their entire establishment was moved to these premises. On the latter date the firm adopted its present style of the Camden Knitting Company. The third partner in the concern is Charles F. Kendall, a practical man, who has been identified with the business from the start and as an active member since 1891. The firm manufactures ladies' and children's ribbed underwear, making a specialty of ladies' combination suits, and from modest beginning has built up a trade which extends throughout the United States. About 175 operatives are employed. In 1893 the firm established a branch in Syracuse, N. Y., known as the Syracuse Knit ting Company, which manufactures large quantities of knit goods, the resident manager being Mr'. Stansfield. In December, 1895, the Kendall Knitting Company was incorporated with a capital of $50,000, the board of directors being Charles F. Kendall, president; William H. Stansfield, vice-president; George A. Frisbie, secre tary; Willard J. Frisbie, treasurer, and Charles A. Byington, resident manager. This corporation was named in honor of Mr. Kendall, and began active operations on January 1, 1896, in Utica, where the old Bailey, Scotch Cap factory in Broad street, was fitted up for the purpose. The company employs about 200 hands. Mr. Frisbie has been a life-long Republican, and for two terms served as village trustee. He is a prominent and representative business man of Camden, a liberal contributor to all local movements of a public nature, and takes a lively interest in the prosperity and welfare of his native town and village, which has always been his home. He was one of the originators in 1893 of the Camden Opera House, be came one of its heaviest stockholders, and has continuously been a member of the board of directors. October 18, 1870, Mr. Frisbie was married to Miss Emma S. Phelps, daughter of Albert Phelps of Camden, and they have two children: George A., a graduate of Colgate Academy, and Ruth L. DANIEL WARDWELL. BIOGRAPHICAL. 97 DANIEL WARDWELL. The Wardwell family in America descends from a name prominent in the early days of the Massachusetts colony and in Revolutionary times, and numbers among its members many representatives who have been conspicuous in State and Nation. William Wardwell, who was born in England in 1604, immigrated to this country with the Pilgrims and became a member of the first Congregational church of Bos ton, which was organized in 1633. His son Urial, born in February, 1639, settled in the town of Bristol, R. I., in 1681, and married Grace Giddings, by whom he had a son John, who married Phebe, daughter of Samuel Howland, on October 11, 1741. Samuel Howland was born in Bristol, R. I., May 24, 1686, and on May 6, 1708, was married by Rev. Mr. Sparhawk to Abigail Cary. Mr. Howland's father, Jabez, born in 1649, was a very active and enterprising officer under Captain Church in King Philip's war, and in 1681, after the conquest of Mount Hope, settled in Bristol. He was a son of John Howland, who married Elizabeth, daughter of John Carver, the first governor of Massachusetts. John Howland and Governor Carver were both members of the immortal band of Pilgrims who came over in the good ship Mayflower and landed on Plymouth Rock on December 22, 1620. The children of John and Phebe (Howland) Wardwell were John, born in. June, 1742, married Sally Swan; Nathaniel, born March 29, 1744; Joseph, born March 21, 1747, married Betsey May; Phebe, born January 23, 1749, married James Smith ; Susannah, born January 15, 1751, married Daniel Gladding; Mary (Mrs. Sanford Munroe and afterwards Mrs. Jonah Smith) and Elizabeth, twins, born January 6, 1753; Samuel, born April 25, 1755; Tabitha, born November 25, 1757, married Samuel Bosworth; Daniel, born March 29, 1760, died at sea; Allen Cary, born June 5, 1752; and Allen, born March 1, 1765, married Abigail Smith. Of this large family Joseph, the third, served in the General Assembly of Rhode Island in 1803. An ardent patriot during the Revolu tion his name appears in a list of subscribers to a fund raised by the people of Bristol, R. L, for the relief of the sufferers in Boston caused by the enforcement of the Bos ton port bill. Samuel, the eighth, was a member of the Rhode Island Assembly in 1791-93, 1793-97, 1809, and 1810, or nine years in all. Subsequent assemblymen bearing the name were Nathaniel in 1821-23, Hezekiah C. in 1849-51, and William T. C. in 1870-71 and 1875. The latter was State senator in 1872. Samuel Wardwell, above mentioned, father of Judge Daniel Wardwell, enlisted at the age of twenty in the Rhode Island militia and served two years in the Revolu tionary war, being taken prisoner by the British and confined in a prison ship in New York. After the war he became prominent in the military service of Rhode Island. In June, 1794, a charter was granted to the Bristol Train of Artillery, the charter members being Mr. Wardwell, William De Wolfe, Samuel V. Peck, and John Bradford, and at the first election of officers on April 7, 1796, Samuel Wardwell was chosen captain with rank in the militia of lieutenant-colonel. This company, by its charter, was made independent of all regiments ; when in active service it was to be under the command of the governor of the State only. Its members, which, exclusive of officers, "must not exceed sixty-four in number," were exempted from bearing arms or doing military 'duty in the militia of the State. In 1797 two brass field- pieces, said to have been captured from the British at the surrender Qf Burgoyne, H 98 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. were presented to the company by the State, " to be fired on all public occasions," ^and they are still used for the purposes specified. Col. Samuel Wardwell, under the firm name of Bourne & Wardwell, was also prominently identified with the commerce of Bristol prior to the beginning of this century. The firm owned at one time forty- two vessels and for many years carried on an extensive shipping business. The year Oneida county was formed (1798) Colonel Wardwell purchased in one body 4,000 acres of land in the town of Ellisburg (now Jefferson) then in the county of Oneida. This purchase included the site of the present village of Mannsville. In 1812 he set tled at what is known as the ' ' Ridge " in Rome, N. Y. , where were then located a grist mill and saw mill. There he purchased 285 acres of land, tore away the old grist mill and erected a new pne (on the site of the Rome water works), which stood until 1868. In 1815 he^sold forty acres and the business part of the " Ridge Mills" to David Driggs, and the remainder of his land to the grandfather of the late Dr. M. Calvin West. The children of Col. Samuel and Lydia (Wardwell) Wardwell were Nathaniel, born September 20, 1778, married Dolly Fales, and died in Ellisburg, N. Y., November 16, 1857; Nancy, born September 25, 1780, married John M. Bourne, and died at Providence, R. I., in 1856; Jonathan, born January 30, 1783, died at sea in 1805; Sarah, born January 21, 1785, married Thomas Peckham ; Lydia, born September 10, 1786, married Allen Smith ; Samuel, born June 14, 1788, married Hannah Monroe, and died at Mannsville, N. Y., in 1857; Mary, born November 28, 1789, married Joseph C. Wood, and died at Ellisburg, N. Y., in June, 1819; Daniel the subject of this memoir, hereafter mentioned; Henry, born July 9, 1792, was made lieutenant on board the privateer "Yankee" in October, 1814, in the war of 1812-15, and died at Havana, Cuba, in August, 1816 ; Abby, 1st, born September 17, 1793, died in in fancy; Abby, 2d, born December 81, 1794, married Henry Wright; and three who died in infancy. Hon. Daniel Wardwell was born in Bristol, R. I., May 28, 1791, was graduated from Brown University in his native State in 1811, and in 1812 removed with his father to Rome, Oneida county, where he entered the law office of Judge Joshua Hathaway, one of the pioneer lawyers of Fort Stanwix. In 1813 Mr. Wardwell be came a student in the office of Gold & Sill, of Whitesboro ; in 1814 he was admitted to the Court of Common Pleas in Jefferson county; and in January, 1815, he was admitted to the Supreme Court as attorney. In those years he was residing in Adams and Ellisburg, looking after the large landed interests and other property of his father in that part of Jefferson county. In 1816 he became a resident of Rome village, where he practiced his ' prof ession during that year and 1817. He then re turned to Jefferson county and remained until 1821, when, in January, he was ad mitted to the Supreme Court as counselor. Early in 1821 he opened a law office, in Utica and in August was admitted as counselor to the U. S. District Court. In 1822 he took up his permanent residence in Mannsville, N. Y., where he and his brother- in-law, Major H. B. Mann, erected a large cotton factory, which was totally de stroyed by fire in 1827, when just ready to begin operation. Its destruction entailed a loss to the owners of $10,000. In 1824 Mr. Wardwell was appointed by Governor Yates side judge of Jefferson county, where he was elected to the Assembly in 1825, 1826, and 1827. In 1826 he BIOGRAPHICAL. 99 caused considerable commotion in Albany, New York, and the river counties by in troducing and advocating in the Assembly a resolution favoring the removal of the State capital to Utica or some other central point. In 1828 there was great political and anti-Masonic excitement in this State. Gen. Andrew Jackson was running for president, De Witt Clinton for governor, and Judge Daniel Wardwell for State sena tor all strong Masons high in the order. It was one of the anti-Masonic years. The State was then divided into eight districts, with four senators from each district, and one senator was elected in each district every year. The Fifth district then comprised the counties of Oneida, Jefferson, Herkimer, Lewis, Madison, and Oswego. The term of Charles Dayan, of Lewis county, as senator, expired, and in 1828 Judge Daniel Wardwell and William H. Maynard, of Utica, were opposing nominees. Mr. Maynard was one of the brightest legal luminaries of the Oneida county bar ; the anti-Masons endorsed him; and as Judge Wardwell was never afraid to "wear his principles on his coat sleeve," he was defeated by about 300. In return the Jefferson county congressional district elected him to Congress for three successive terms, be ginning in 1830. He had as his colleague during his entire congressional service his first fellow law student, Hon. Samuel Beardsley, with whom he retained a warm personal and political friendship for many years, especially during Andrew Jackson's stormy administration, of which they were staunch supporters, both being warm personal friends of the president. Judge Wardwell was elected for the fourth time from Jefferson county in 1837, and that year was a member of the committee on ways and means. In 1860 he removed to Rome, where he died, universally respected, in March, 1878. In politics Judge Wardwell was a staunch Democrat of the Jacksonian school until the division of the Democracy in 1848, when he affiliated with the "Free Soil " wing. In 1856 he was a delegate to the Pittsburg convention which nominated John C. Fre mont for president, and ever after was as firm a Republican as he had been a Dem ocrat in the palmy days of " Old Hickory." Judge Wardwell was not a legal advo cate, nor did he engage to any extent in the argument of causes in courts; but he was a good, sound lawyer and a safe counselor, one whose judgment and legal advice were sought after by a large clientage and always relied upon as entirely safe to fol low. He was widely known and esteemed, not only for his profound knowledge of the law, but also for his many attributes of head and heart. His integrity was never questioned. As a legislator he always labored conscientiously and unceasingly for the interests of his constituents and fully merited the trust and confidence which he received at their hands. He was kind, generous, and indulgent to the poor, a friend whose advice and counsel were often sought, and a man upon whom was placed the utmost reliance. Judge Wardwell was married at Whitesboro, N. Y., on July 20, 1815, by the Rev. John Frost, to Miss Hetty Mann, daughter of Hon. Newton Mann (whose sketch ap pears in this work). She was born at Attleborb, Mass., December 16, 1796, and died at Mannsville, N. Y., September 28, 1858. Their children were Abby Mann, born April 11, 1817, married Robert B. Doxtater, and died in 1884 (Mr. Doxtater was the first superintendent of the Rome and- Watertown railroad and held that position until his election as president of the Michigan Southern railroad ; while riding over that line, attending to his duties, he was stricken with apoplexy, and died suddenly at La Porte, 100 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Ind., May 15, 1853, aged thirty-nine years, at the early dawn of a bright and auspicious future); Henry, born July 11, 1819, deceased; Newton Mann, born February 12, 1821, married, first, Elizabeth Jones,, deceased, and second, Mrs. Antoinette (Waite) Sutton • Samuel, born November 14, 1822, admitted to the bar in 1847, married Mary A. Stillman in 1848, and now cashier of the Farmers National Bank of Rome ; Julia Doolittle, born January 13, 1828, died June 11, 1831; Charles Carroll, born December 4, 1829, died May 7, 1859 ; William Wilberforce, born January 15, 1834, married in January, 1860, Elizabeth W. Smith, and now a leading hardware merchant in Rome ; John How land, born December 29, 1837, married Cornelia Comstock; and Edward Herbert, born April 28, 1841 married, first, Josephine ..Hitchcock, of Utica, deceased, and second her sister Harriet. October 4, 1859, Judge Wardwell married for his second wife, at Adams, N. Y., Letitia W. Smith, who survives him and resides in Rome. NEWTON MANN. The family of this name in America descends in an unbroken line from William Mann, youngest child of S'ir Charles Mann, who was born in England in 1607. At a. very early day in the history of the Massachusetts colony William Mann immi grated to this country and settled in Cambridge, where he married, first, Mary Jarred in 1643 and, second, Alice 'Tiel on June 11, 1657, and where he die'd.in 1662. Rev. Samuel Mann, his only son, was born there July 6, 1647, was grad uated from Harvard College in 1665, and soon afterward was ordained to the min istry and settled oyer the Congregational church in Wrentham, where he remained until his death, May 22, 1719. He is recorded as both a "learned minister and a great man," and was the paternal ancestor of Horace Mann, the celebrated New England educator, whose statue graces the State House in Boston. May 19, 16(3, he married Esther Ware, of Dedham, and among their children was Samuel, jr., who was born August 18, 1675, married Zipporah Billings, and died in 1732. Samuel Mann, jr., had thirteen children, of whom the youngest son, Dr. Bezaleel Mann, was born at Attleboro, Mass., June 15, 1724, and died there October 3, 1796; his wife, Bede Carpenter, died in 1793. Dr. Mann was an eminent physician and amassed large wealth. He was an active and influential patriot during the Revolu tionary war, a member of the Committee of Safety, judge of the Superior Court of Attleboro, and a member of the committee to report upon the first constitution sub mitted to the people of Massachusetts." His children were Dr. Preston Mann, a graduate of Brown University and a skillful physician in Newport, R. I., where he entertained Washington and La Fayette during the Revolution ; Dr. J. Milton Mann, also a graduate of Brown University, a physician in Attleboro, Mass., and later in Troy, N. Y., and drowned in the Hudson River; Mary, who married Josiah Draper and was the mother of Virgil Draper, whose portrait and biography appear in this work; Dr. Herbert Mann, a graduate of Brown University, surgeon on the privateer General Arnold during the Revolutionary war, and frozen to death at sea; Newton Mann, the subject of this memoir, subsequently mentioned ; and Eunice, who mar- NEWTON MANN. BIOGRAPHICAL, 101 ried Dr. Seth Capron, who was graduated from Brown University, studied medicine with her father, and served- in the war of the Revolution. Newton Mann was born in Attleboro, Mass. , in 1770, and inherited all the noble attributes of mind and body which distinguished his scholarly ancestors. He early imbibed those underlying principles of manhood that characterize the respected citizen. His education was obtained in his native town, where he remained till about 1806, when he came with Dr. Seth Capron and his family and the widow of Dr. J. Milton Mann and her children to Whitesboro, Oneida county, N. Y., for the purpose of engaging in the manufacture of cotton goods, which Dr. Capron had closely studied in New England. With Dr. Capron, Benjamin S. Walcott, Theo dore Sill,1 and Thomas R. Gold, he at once organized a stock company and erected on Sanquoit Creek, on the site of the present New York Mills, the first cotton factory in this State. Mr. Mann was the principal stockholder. The Oriskany Woolen Mill was subsequently incorporated with a capital of $200,000 by Chief Justice Am brose Spencer, Jovis Platt, William G. Tracy, Thomas R. Gold, Theodore Sill, Mr. Mann, and De Witt Clinton. This company imported large numbers of merino sheep from Spain, many of them costing as high as $600 and $1,000 each. These sheep were kept in the vicinity of the village, mainly on the opposite side of the Mohawk River, -and one of their farms was called " Mount Merino." The com pany continued business several years and prospered until the peace of 1815 opened our markets to a flood of importations Before the year 1825 Mr. Mann withdrew from both enterprises and moved with his family to Mannsville, Jefferson county, a village named from his son, Major Herbert B. Mann, who in partnership with Judge Daniel Wardwell (whose portrait and biography appear in this work) erected a large cotton mill there, which was burned in 1827, when ready to begin operation. There Newton Mann resided the remainder of his life, dying April 11, 1860, at the age of ninety years. Mr. Mann was an old line Whig of pronounced convictions, but never sought nor accepted public office. An uncompromising Abolitionist himself he was a warm per sonal friend of Gerrit Smith, Alvin Stewart, and other noted anti-slavery advocates, and during- the great abolition movement which swept over the country prior to the Rebellion he was a powerful and an active factor. For many years he was in timately acquainted with the " underground railroad ;" his house in Mannsville be came a noted "station," and he personally assisted in passing large numbers of slaves on to Canada. He was a devout Christian and a member of the Congrega tional church, and throughout life manifested a lively interest in all charitable and benevolent objects, to which he liberally contributed. Kind-hearted, enterprising, and sagacious he merited and retained the confidence, respect, and esteem of his fellowmen and bore the highest reputation for honesty, integrity, and moral upright ness. He was a good business man, a shrewd investor, and an able financier, and realized handsome profits from his various investments. Mr. Mann was married in 1795 to Miss Abigail, daughter of Josiah Maxcey, grand daughter of Lieut. Josiah Maxcey, of Attleboro, Mass., and sister of the Rev. 1 Theodore Sill married Eliza, daughter of Dr. J. Milton Mann, and they were the grand parents of Edward Comstock, of Rome, whose portrait appears in this volume. 102 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Jonathan Maxcey, D.D., successively president of Brown University, Union College, and the College of South Carolina. She was born in Attleboro in 1766 and died at Mannsville, N. Y., November 17, 1860. Lieut. Josiah Maxcey, an officer in the old French war, was the owner of a slave named Cassar, whose . tombstone is standing in the graveyard at North Attleboro, Mass., and upon it appears the following epitaph, which has been reproduced in most of the magazines of the country: Here lies the best of slaves, Now turning into dust; Cassar, the Ethiopian, craves A place among the just; His faithful soul has fled To realms of heavenly light, And, by the blood of Jesus shed, Is,changed from black to white; January 15th he quitted the stage, In the 77th year of his age. 1780. Mr. Mann was a person of magnificent appearance, endowed with a large but graceful physique, and in stature represented almost perfect manhood. Well- developed, dignified, and of elegant and commanding physical proportions, he was a typical gentleman of the old school. The likeness of him reproduced in this vol ume was taken when he had reached the age of eighty-five. At his wedding in 1795 he wore a blue broadcloth coat with crimson velvet collar falling below the point of the shoulders, a drab waist-coat and knee breeches, silk hose, low shoes with buckles containing French paste stones, and hair braided m a cue and powdered. His bride was attired in a peach-blow satin dress trimmed with brocaded satin, blue satin petticoat, peachblow silk, hose, white slippers, and lace. These were elegant but not unusual costumes for those early days, and indicate the high and dignified posi tions their wearers occupied in society. Mr. and Mrs. Mann's married life of sixty- five years was an uninterrupted course of domestic peace andhappiness. Their love and affection were simple, pure, and ardent, unmarred by the slightest infelicity, and graced by a constant and consistent devotion as beautiful as it was enduring. They were almost inseparable, especially during the latter years of their lives, and always found the highest enjoyment in each other's society. Their children were Major Herbert B. , who married Julia Doolittle and was the father of the late Dr. John Preston Mann, the celebrated specialist of New York city ; Hetty, who ma/ried Judge Daniel Wardwell, whose portrait and biography appear in the present volume; and Abby Maxcey, who married Dr. Roswell Kinney, of Mannsville, N. Y. ALFRED ETHRIDGE. Alfred Ethridge was born in Little Falls, N. Y., July 29, 1817, and is of English descent. His father, James Ethridge, was a hat manufacturer in Little Falls, sub sequently a farmer in the town of Herkimer, and latterly a hat maker in Herkimer village. Alfred Ethridge left home at the age of nine and spent four years on a ALFRED ETHRIDGE. BIOGRAPHICAL. 103 farm ; he was then at home for three years and the following year began learning the cabinet maker's trade. He then became a clerk in a grocery store in Utica at $5 per month and board, but after one year accepted a clerkship with Dygert & North- tup, merchants, of Frankfort, N. Y., where he remained four years. During the next two years he was manager in charge of the store of Root, Berry & Co., in that village — a firm having large contracts on the Erie Canal enlargement. At the end of that period he formed a partnership with his old employer, Willet Northrup, under the style of Northrup & Ethridge, and continued the mercantile business over which he had presided as manager until 1844. During his early career Mr. Ethridge's edu cation was necessarily limited to the practical affairs of life. He spent very little time in schools. Thrown upon his own resources, without a dollar, but endowed with pluck and native energy, he forged ahead and succeeded in accumulating a little capital. With this and his natural qualifications he engaged in business, which from the first proved generally successful. In 1844 the firm of Northrup & Ethridge removed their goods to Rome and started trade on the east side of James street, just south of the canal, where they were burned out in January 1856, when the copartnership was dissolved. Mr. Ethridge succeeded to the business and opened a store on the northeast corner of James and Dominick streets, known as the Merrell Block, where he continued till about 1865. In the latter year he erected the present Ethridge block, on the corner of Dominick and South Washington streets, and moved into it. After several years Ackley P. Tuller became his partner under the style of A. Ethridge & Co., and later Erwin C. Carpen ter was admitted to the firm. In 1875 Mr. Ethridge's eldest son, Franklin A., was given an interest and soon afterward the name of Ethridge, Tuller & Co., was adopted. January 1, 1879, the firm dissolved, Messrs. Tuller and Carpenter retir ing. The concern was reorganized by Mr. Ethridge and his son, Franklin A., under the style of Alfred Ethridge & Co., and two years later a younger son, James M., was admitted. Since then the firm has remained unchanged. The business as originally started consisted of a general assortment of goods for the retail trade. Finally a jobbing business was gradually built up, and about 1875 it became exclu sively a wholesale industry, with groceries, canned goods, coffees, etc., as leading specialties. Their trade has developed from modest proportions until now it reaches out into a wide area of the State and into adjoining States. Mr. Ethridge was originally a Whig and later a Republican, and for many years took an active part in local politics. For a time he was a member of the board of supervisors, but otherwise never accepted public office. He was elected supervisor against a strong Democratic opponent in the Democratic stronghold at Rome. He always manifested a keen interest in the advancement of the city and contributed in various ways towards its material prosperity, and especially to charitable and benevo lent objects. Enterprising, sagacious, and public spirited, he has throughout a long and successful career retained the confidence and respect of every one with whcm he has had business or social relations. He was one of the founders and directors of the Merchants Iron Mill, and for several years was interested in many other corpora tions. Mr. Ethridge was married November 5, 1851, to Miss Abby Murdock House, whose father, Leonard, son of Eleazer and Abigail (Moseley)" House, was born at Glaston,- 104 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. bury, Conn., August 24, 1787, and died at Houseville, N.'Y., December 23, 1879. Her mother, Louisa Murdock, was born in Sandgate, Vt., January 12, 1788, married Mr. House on December 28, 1809, and died at Houseville, N. Y., July 6, 1870. Mrs. Ethridge was born July 10, 1824. Mr. and Mrs. Ethridge had four children: Frank lin Alfred, Isabella (born April 1, 1856, died February 29, 1872), James Murdock, and George. M. CALVIN WEST, M. D. The West family, of whom the subject of this memoir was a worthy representative, is of English origin, and for generations imbibed the noble characteristics of their mother country. John West, sr. , born in Shaftsbury, Vt, April 25, 1770, settled in the town of Western, Oneida county, N. Y., in 1790, and there his son, John, jr., was born December 26, 1796. In 1816 the family moved to Rome, N. Y., where the pioneer John died July 28, 1834. His wife, Harriet Stephens, whom he married January 26, 1792, was born in Connecticut on November 11, 1768, and died August 21, 1818. They had ten children, four sons and six daughters, of whom John, jr., was the fourth child and- oldest son. November 26, 1821, John West, jr., married Mary J., daughter of John Driggs, who was born in Stafford, Conn., January 22, 1800, and who died January 30, 1882. Mr. Driggs came to Rome in 1804 and en gaged in -the manufacture of woolen goods, having a satinet factory at "Ridge Mills,'' and also operated grain and lumber mills until his death in 1855. Mr. West died February 6, 1860. Dr, M. Calvin West, youngest son of John jr., and Mary (Driggs) West, was born in Rome on the 11th of September, 1834, and obtained his education in the- district schools and Rome Academy, graduating from the latter institution at the age of eighteen. For a few years thereafter he assisted his father in agricultural pursuits, but his inclinations soon took a professional turn. In 1857 he went to Hagerstown, Ind., and read medicine in the office of his paternal uncle, Dr. Calvin West.1 In 1860 he was graduated with the degree of M. D. from the Medical Department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and during the following year continued his scientific and clinical studies with his uncle at Hagerstown. In the fall of 1861 he began the active practice of his profession in Floyd, Oneida county, where he remained .until 1863, when he settled permanently in Rome. While in Indiana he was a, prominent member and for a time president of the Wayne County Medical Society, and prepared and read before that body a practical paper on " Hypodermic Injection," which was published in the Cincinnati Lancet. He was an active mem ber of the Oneida County Medical Society, a delegate to the New York State Med ical Society, a member of the New YorkState Medical Association, and a permanent member of the American Medical Association. In.1865 and 1866 he was one of the 1 Dr. Calvin West, born in Western. Oneida county, August 9, 1806, became a prpminent phy^ sician in Indiana and a surgeon in the Union army in the war of the Rebellion, and died at Hagers town op, August 25, 1863. M. CALVIN WEST, M. D. JOHN STRYKER. BIOGRAPHICAL. 105 faculty of Rome Academy and delivered a series of lectures on physiology and kin dred subjects. Dr.' West was a physician' of high standing and rare ability, and enjoyed an ex tensive practice. He possessed a cheerful and restful personality, an underlying current of humor, a keen discrimination, a large fund of information, and a sense of justice which carried the weight of conviction. Tenacious of friendship and en dowed with great kindness of heart, he won universal respect and the confidence of all with whom he came in contact ; careful, shrewd, and wise in business affairs he was generally successful in everything he attempted. He early won professional recognition from his associates and esteem from all classes of citizens and held them to the end. His advice and counsel were often sought. He was thoroughly iden tified with the prosperity and advancement of the city of Rome and always took a lively interest in public affairs. In July, 1881, he was made a member by Mayor Cotnstock of the first board of fire commissioners and in October following he was elected a commissioner of the Rome free schools, and held each position three years, being president of the board of education a part of the time. He was physician to the county poor house during the term of Superintendent Theodore S. Comstock, was long a director in the Central National Bank, and in January, 1891, became president of the Rome and Carthage Railroad Company, a position he held at the time of his death, which occurred in Rome on October 20, 1891. He was also a member of Rome Lodge, No. 266, I. O. O. F., and trustee of the First M. E. church of this city. Dr. West was married November 6, 1861, to Miss Felicia H. Williams, daughter of Jesse Williams, the father of the cheese factory system in America and the proprie tor of the first cheese factory in Oneida county. Their children were Olive D., Jessie J., Dr. Calvin B., F. May and Florence Mary. Dr. Calvin B. West, born in Rome, March 29, 1867, was graduated from the Rome Academy in 1885 and from Phillips Academy at Andover, Mass., in 1886, spent three years in Amherst College, and was graduated with the degree of M. D. from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city in 1893. After filling the position of house physician and surgeon to the Paterson General Hospital one year he came to Rome in August, 1894, and began the active practice of his profession. JOHN STRYKER. In the early history of New Amsterdam the name of Stryker appears somewhat conspicuously in connection with numerous offices of trust and responsibility. It is found in the lists of high sheriffs, and in government councils as well as in business and commercial enterprises, and invariably commanded wide respect and confidence. Originally of Holland Dutch etymology, Van Strycker, it came in time to be Americanized and contracted into Stryker, the form under which several genera tions have flourished and prospered. Very early in the settlement of New Amster dam Jan and Jacobus Gerritson Strycker, Dutch burghers, obtained a grant of land on Manhattan Island, and from them descends the families bearing, the name in this W 106 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. country at the present time. The line from Jan (1) is Pieter Strycker (2), Jan Strycker (3), Pieter Strycker (4), John Stryker (5), Daniel Perrine Stryker (6), and John Stryker (7), the subject of this memoir. October 25, 1673, Jan Strycker (3) was chosen captain of a company that was raised in the town of Midwout (Flushing), to respond to the call for troops issued by Governor Stuyvesant to 'resist the encroachments of the British. In 1773 John Stryker (5) was commissioned captain of a troop of light horse cavalry in Somerset county, N. J., and when the Revolutionary war broke out he offered his services to his native State. He fought with his company all' through the Revolution. In 1863 his lineal descendant, John Stryker, jr., became a captain of New York State volunteers in the war of the Rebellion. Daniel Perrine Stryker (6), a merchant in New York city, married Harriet Pierson and had three sons and two daughters, of whom the last two and one son died young. Those who attained maturity were Jbhn (7) and Rev. Isaac Pierson Stryker. The latter is a retired Presbyterian clergyman residing in New Jersey and the father of Melancthon Woolsey Stryker, president of Hamilton College. Hon. John Stryker (7) was born in Orange, N. J., December 7, 1808. His father died a few years later and at the age of seven his mother brought him to Whitesboro, Oneida county, N. Y., where he received his education in the local academy. He began active life as a clerk for William G. Tracy, a leading merchant of Whitesboro, but soon developed decided inclinations for a professional career. He read law with Thomas R. Gold and later in the office of Storrs & White, and was admitted to the Oneida Common Pleas in 1829, before he had reached his majority. In the same year he came to Rome, N. Y. , and formed a copartnership with Allanson Bennett. Sub sequently he was associated in the practice of law with Hons." Henry A. Foster, Calvert Comstock, Charles Tracy, B. J. Beach, George H. Lynch, and others. In 1835 he was elected member of assembly. In 1837 he was appointed surrogate of the county and held that office ten consecutive years, or until the constitution of 1846 made it elective. In 1847 he discontinued the practice of law, in which he had been very successful, and thenceforward devoted his attention to building ' up railroads and other important enterprises. He was one of the original movers in ~ the Utica and Syracuse railroad project, was the first attorney for the company, was one of its directors until the lines were consolidated, and was largely instrumental in securing its location through Rome and in defeating the attempt to locate it through the southern part of the county. Afterward he was closely identified with many railway lines, including the Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana, the Terre Haute and Alton, and others, pushing them to completion and placing the corporations upon a sound working basis. He was engaged extensively in railroad operations until the fall of 1867, when he suffered a stroke of paralysis. He died at his home in Rome on April 30, 1885. Mr. Stryker was a shrewd business man and investor, one of the foremost railroad financiers of his time, and intimately associated with such noted men as Samuel J. Tilden, Erastus Corning, Dean Richmond, and others in railway projects. His counsel and advice were regarded as reliable, his word was as good as his bond. A man of great business capacity and of unswerving integrity he retained through life the respect and confidence of every one who knew him. He was heavily interested in numerous local corporations and landed investments, and being public spirited and BIOGRAPHICAL. 107 enterprising always took a just pride in the prosperity of the city. He was one of the founders of the Rome Locomotive Works, one of the incorporators and a director of the Merchants Iron Mill, a director in the Rome Iron Works, and one of the originators and for some time president of the Rome Gas Light Company. He was a director in several banks and for many years officiated as president of the old Bank of Rome. He was 'one of the founders of the Deaf Mute Institute of Rome, and was espe.ially active and influential in securing the Black River Canal and in changing the course of the Erie Canal for the benefit of the city. In politics Mr. Stryker was a life-long Democrat, and during many years enjoyed a wide and intimate acquaintance among all the noted politicians of the United States, and especially among -such men as James K. Polk, Gov. William L. Marcy, Governor Seymour, Governor Bouck, Edwin Croswell, Silas Wright, and other equally prominent statesmen of the country. He was remarkably familiar with political history. His shrewd management as a leading politician was manifest far and near, especially in the county of Oneida, where he practically controlled his party's operations. He was long the center of the famous "Rome Regency," which represented the principal Democratic influence in this section in its time. But he did not seek office ; he pre ferred to manage politics and direct his party's movements, for which he had a natural taste and ability and in which he was eminently successful. He probably attended more district, county, state, and national conventions than any other man of his day in New York. He was a delegate to twelve state and four national con ventions and for ten years was a leading member of the Democratic State Commit tee. In 1867 he ran for Congress against the late A. H. Bailey and was defeated in a Republican stronghold by a very small majority. Mr. Stryker was a great reader, and was at all times thoroughly posted, and possessed a wonderfully retentive memory, especially in political affairs. Genial, kind, and generous by nature he was a liberal benefactor to all religious, charitable, and educational objects, and for twenty years was one of the wardens of Zion Epis copal church of Rome. He was the architect of his own fortune and wisely em ployed it for the advancement of his city. His family homestead, which he erected about 1839, occupies the northeast corner of the historic site of Fort Stanwix and stands wholly or partly on the site of the old blockhouse. In 1839 Mr Stryker married Miss Frances Elizabeth Hubbard, daughter of Hon. Thomas Hill Hubbard, of Utica. [Mr. Hubbard was the first surrogate (in 1809) of Madison county, deputy attorney-general of the district comprising the counties of Oneida, Otsego, Chenango, Herkimer, and Lewis in 1816-18, district attorney of Madison county in 1818-21, member of congress six years, and presidential elector in 1812, 1844, and 1852.] She died April 17, 1891, aged seventy five years. Their children were John, deceased; Phebe, of Rome; Harriet P., wife of Edward H. Butler, a banker, and ex-state treasurer, of Detroit, Mich. ; Grace, wife of Rev. E. Bayard Smith, rector of Trinity Episcopal church, of Troy, N. Y. ; and Thomas Hubbard Stryker, of Rome. 108 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. DAVID UTLEY. The Utley family is of English extraction, and for several generations imbibed those sterling habits of thrift and frugality which characterized native New Eng enders. David Utley, sr., father of the subject of this memoir, -was born in Con necticut, and came from Dutchess county, N. Y., to the town of Western, Oneida county, about the year 1795, guiding himself through the wilderness from Fort Stanwix by the aid of a. compass and blazed trees. An ambitious pioneer, though broken in health, he managed to clear a farm and died there when comparatively a young man. David Utley, son of David, sr., was born of Quaker parentage in Western on February 12, 1802, and spent his youthful life upon the parental acres, attending the district schools as opportunity afforded. He remained, a farmer, in that town until 1847, and for fifteen consecutive years served his townsmen as supervisor. In this latter capacity he was one of the influential members of the board and retained the confidence and respect of all with whom he came in contact. In 1847 he became a permanent resident of Rome, where he originated and founded the Fort Stanwix (now the Fort Stanwix National) Bank, which' commenced business in December of that year on the corner of James and Dominick streets. Mr. Utley was elected its first president, a position he held by re- election until it became a national bank in 1865, when he was chosen to the same office in the reorganized institution, and served in that capacity until his death on June 20, 1882. He was succeeded by his son, Harmon G. Utley, who had entered the bank as teller in 1847 and subsequently became also its vice-president. Mr. Utley was one of the ten founders of the Rome Exchange Bank and served as a director of that institution and its successor, the First National Bank, for many years. He was also a director for some time in the City Bank of Oswego and in the Rome & Watertown and Mobile & Ohio Railroad Companies, and was largely instrumental in securing the location of the R., W. & O. Railroad shops in Rome. He was one of the founders and long a director of the Rome Iron Works and Merchants Iron Mill and for many years a member and ves tryman of Zion Episcopal church. Mr. Utley was widely recognized as an able financier and occupied a prominent position among leading bankers of Central New York. He was closely identified with various measures which owe a. large measure of their success to his personal direction or valued counsels. He was shrewd, sagacious, and somewhat prophetic, a man of excellent business ability and sound judgment, and a powerful factor as a banker, and in local financial affairs. Unostentatious, quiet, and mild-mannered, but firm and decided in his opinion, he was a close student of human nature, a good diplomatist, a man of even temperament, and a prosperous and influential citizen. He took a keen interest in the welfare of his city and was always a liberal contrib utor to charitable and benevolent objects. A life-long Democrat he never sought public office, yet in Western he was pressed forward by his townsmen year after year to the highest elective position within their gift. Mr. Utley was married, first, to Miss Amy Beckwith, daughter of Lemuel Beck with, the first settler in 1789 of the town of Western, Oneida county, where she died leaving four children, of whom George P. and Harmon G. (of Rome) survive. His second wife was Miss Catherine Marsh, of New York city, who died without issue. DAVID UTLEY. VIRGIL DRAPER. BIOGRAPHICAL. 109 VIRGIL DRAPER.' The first American ancestors of the Draper family were James Draper and Miriam Stansfield, his wife, of Heptonstall Parish, Vicarage of Halifax, Yorkshire, England, who came to thi% country and settled in Roxbury, near Boston, Mass., about 1650. James Draper was a son of Thomas and was made a freeman of Roxbury in 1690. The line of descent from Thomas to the subject of this memoir is as follows: (1) Thomas, (2) James, (3) Jamefs, (4) James, (5) Josiah, (6) Josiah, and (7) Virgil. James Draper (3) was born in Roxbury in 1654, married Abigail Whitney, of Dedham, Mass., February 18, 1681, and died April 30, 1698. He was a soldier in King Philip's war jn 1675. James Draper (4), son of James (3), was born in 1691, married, first, Rachel Addis and, second, Abigail Child, and died in 1768. He was captain of the Trained Bands of Militia in his district. Josiah (5), son of James (4) and Abigail (Child) Draper, was born in Stoughton, Mass., September 12, 1727, and married Sarah Ellis. Their son, Josiah (6), was born in Dedham, Mass., October 14, 1753, and died in Attleboro, Mass., May 17, 1819. He married Miss Mary Mann, daughter of Dr. Bezaleel Mann, of Attleboro, and sister of Newton Mann, whose portrait and biog raphy appear in this work. September 25,1778, he enlisted as a drummer in Captain Plympton's company of Medfield, Mass., volunteers, and served ' creditably in' the war of the Revolution. He had thirteen children, of whom Virgil was the eighth. Virgil Draper, born in Attleboro, Mass., January 4, 1789, inherited all the sturdy characteristics of his long line of worthy New England ancestry, and besides was liberally endowed with those native attributes which make the successful man. He acquired his rudimentary education in the public schools, of his birthplace, interspers ing it with a practical experience which proved "valuable in after life. In 1806 he came to Whitesboro, Orieida county, N. Y., to live with his maternal uncle, Dr. Seth Capron, and immediately entered the newly established cotton mills there to learn the manufacture of cotton goods in all its branches. The principal owners of these .mills were Dr. Capron and Newton Mann, and in them Mr. Draper remained until 1822, when he came to Rome, N. Y., as superintendent of Dominick Lynch's mill. About two years later he went to Stittville, Oneida county, and established a cotton mill, which he sold out in. 1827. Returning then to Rome he purchased the Lynch waterpower and mill property at what is known as " Factory Village " and engaged in the manufacture of cotton goods on an extensive scale, having also a general store in connection with the establishment. He continued this business with marked suc cess until about 1840, when he retired. In 1827 he also purchased the property on the corner of Spring and Dominick streets, where the Lynch residence had stood and which was in 1825 destroyed by fire, and erected the present dwelling, which is occu pied by his daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. H. K. White. The Lynch house was the first structure built on the historic site of Fort Stanwix after that mil itary stronghold had been demolished, and which embraced the site where the Draper homestead now stands. Mr. Draper always manifested a lively interest in the growth and prosperity of Rome, to which he liberally contributed through various important enterprises. He was one of the founders of the Fort Stanwix (now the Fort Stanwix National) Bank and served as its vice-president until his death, which occurred in Rome on April 6, 110 ' OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1867. He was heavily interested in Rome real estate and numerous business proj ects, which materially promoted the general welfare and advancement. He was always a conspicuous figure in local elections and in political affairs, not for the pur pose of seeking office, for that he steadfastly refused, but for the good of his party and town. Originally a Whig and subsequently a Republican he was one of the few who contributed towards and procured the establishment of the Roman Citizen as a Whig newspaper in 1840. He unflinchingly stood by his convictions, and possessed a keen discrimination between right and wrong. He was a constant attendant of the Presbyterian church and required the same regular attendance of his family. Firm in friendship, cautious in expressing opinions, an earnest advocate of temper ance, and a man of strict integrity, uprightness of character, and singleness of pur pose, he was successful in every sphere of life. He was a man of few intimate friends but to those he was closely attached. Starting without a dollar he accumu lated by his own industry an ample fortune, and in every respect was a self-made man. He married Miss Eliza Holmes, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Bullard) Holmes, of Attleboro, Mass. , who died July 3, 1872, in the eightieth year of her age. They had three children- Frances, born December 1, 1822, married Joseph A. Dudley (died in 1884), an early and prominent druggist and business man of Rome and later a whole sale druggist in New- York city, and died in 1872; Mary, who married, first, Henry S. Hill (died in 1854), a druggist of Rome, and second, Henry K. White, of Spencer & White, one of the oldest dry goods merchants in this city; and Julia H., who mar ried her second cousin, Sidney R. Kinney, grandson of Newton Mann, who was en gaged in the drug business, in Rome until his death in 1861. Mr. Draper's three sons-in-law— Messrs. Dudley, Hill, and Kinney — occupied one after another the same drug store and dwelling house, and all were representative business men. EDWARD HUNTINGTON. The first American ancestor of this branch of the Huntington family of which there is any authentic record was Simon, who spent his youth in Windsor, Conn., but removed to Norwich in 1660, where he passed the remainder of his life. Ben jamin Huntington, one of his descendants and the grandfather of the subject of this memoir, was born in Norwich, Conn., April 19, 1736, graduated from Yale in 1761, and soon became a prominent lawyer in his native town. He was a member of the Continental Congress in 1780-84 and 1787-88 and in 1789 was chosen from Connecti cut to the first Congress of the United States. From 1781 to 1790 and from 1791 to 1793 he was a member of the Upper House of the Connecticut Legislature ; in 1784 he became the first mayor of the city of Norwich, an office he held till he resigned in 1796. In 1793 he was appointed judge of the Superior Court and served in that capacity until 1798. During the Revolutionary war he rendered valuable service to the State and was a member of the convention held at New Haven for the regula tion of the army. On one occasion, in the absence from home of Judge Huntington, his patriotic wife, in response to a pressing call on the part of the army, sent all EDWARD HUNTINGTON. BIOGRAPHICAL. Ill ' their bedding and available clothing to the heroic soldiers, supplying their place on the bed by blankets cut from carpets on the floor. His son, George Huntington, was born June 5, 1770, and was married May 21, 1794, to Hannah Thomas, of Nor wich, Conn. He came to Whitestown, Oneida county, in 1792, and in 1793 removed to Rome (then Fort Stanwix), where in partnership with a brother, Henry, he estab- ¦ lished the first store at Fort Stanwix, now Rome, opening their goods for sale in the tavern of John Barnard, which stood just northeast of the present court house. Both were natives of Connecticut. In 1794 George Huntington built a frame store and dwelling on Dominick street and the firm continued mercantile business till about 1816. He was the first supervisor of the town of Rome in 1796, and held that office also in 1804, 1814, and 1817. In 1798 he was appointed one of the first side judges of the Common Pleas for the new county of Oneida, and was reappointed in 1801 and 1804. In 1810 he was elected to the Assembly and in 18;3 defeated for the office of lieutenant governor on the Federal ticket. In 1815 and again in 1822 he ran for State senator, but was defeated. He was elected to the assembly in 1818, 1819, 1820, and 1821, and from 1797 to 1819 officiated as collector for the Western Inland Canal. He was trustee of Rome village in 1820, 1821, 1822, 1826, and 1827, and died, universally respected and esteemed. September 23, 1841. He reared a family of eight children, of whom Edward was the youngest. Hon. Edward Huntington was born in Rome, June 23, 1817, and died here April 17, 1881. He prepared for college at Oliver C. Grosvenor's school, but failing health compelled him to abandon the idea of a collegiate training and turn his attention to civil engineering for the sake of outdoor exercise. In this occupation he found an ample field for the development of his talents and the congenial employment of his native energy. He afterward spent some time in Cuba, where, with Benjamin H. Wright, he was engaged on railroad surveys. Returning to Rome he became one of the engineers on the Utica and Schenectady Railroad and in 1839 was made chief of a corps of engineers employed on the enlargement of the Erie Canal, with headquar ters at Fort Plain. Upon the death of his father in 1841 he resigned this position and returned to Rome to look after the large landed and other property comprising the estate, which with his own interests commanded his attention ever afterward. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1846 and rendered valuable service in that important body. He was also for several years president of the vil lage of Rome. In 1855 Mr. Huntington was elected president of the Rome Savings Bank to suc ceed the late Hervey Brayton and held that position until he resigned in 1878. Upon the death of Robert B. Doxtater in 1863 he was made president of the Rome Ex change (now the First National) Bank and officiated in that capacity until his de cease. He was one of the prime movers in organizing the Rome Iron Works Com pany in 1866 ,and served as its president till his death. He was also largely instru mental in forming the Merchants Iron Mill, of which he was continuously a valued trustee. In all benevolent and charitable enterprises Mr. Huntington was ever a foremost participant and in every movement which promised benefit to the com munity his name was conspicuous. He was one of the moving spirits in founding the Central New York Institution for Deaf Mutes in Rome in 1875 and was a mem ber of its board of trustees from the organization until his death. He was also a 112 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. trustee of the Rome Cemetery Association, a director in the Rome & Clinton Rail road Company, and for many years a director and vice-president of the First National Bank of Utica. Mr. Huntington always manifested a deep interest in educational matters and was especially prominent in establishing the Rome Academy, of which he was long a trustee. He was also influential in organizing the Rome free school system and be- * came a member of the first Board of Education, a position he filled with singular ability and universal satisfaction. He was a faithful friend of and identified with the Young Men's Christian Association from its inception, being its first president and a. member of its board of directors until his death. Throughout life he was a prominent member of the Presbyterian church. Edward Huntington was first a Whig and later a Republican, a man of quiet and retiring disposition, and neither sought nor desired public office, yet he never shirked responsibility. He discharged every duty with an impartiality and fearlessness born of love of right and justice. He was a man of strict integrity, unswerving fidelity, and of great uprightness of character. A devout Christian, a life-long friend of popular education, a staunch supporter, of the moral and public welfare, he was ever a generous promoter of all projects which promised advancement to the community. He had the best interests of Rome at heart, and contributed of both time and means toward building up the city and furthering its prosperity. He was widely respected and esteemed, and retained the confidence of all with whom he came into contact. Being heavily interested in real estate and numerous business enterprises he was one of the largest taxpayers, and in every capacity his counsel and advice carried the prestige of conviction. September 4, 1844, Mr. Huntington was married to Miss Antoinette Randall, daughter of William Randall, of Cortland, N. Y., who survives him, as do also a son and four daughters. ALBERT SOPER. Albert Soper was the eldest son of Philander and Jerusha Martin Soper, and was born in Rome, in February, 1812. His father had settled in Rome about 1809, hav ing emigrated from Long Island. His mother had emigrated from Rhode Island about the same year. Albert grew to manhood on the farm of his father, attending the common school winters, and finishing his education at Mr. Grosvenor's Academy. At the age of eighteen he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for several years. A little later he began contracting, and while thus employed built the first planing mill erected in Rome. His earliest partner was Adam Van Patten, who was succeeded by William Simmons, an extensive lumber yard having been added to the business. The financial storm of 1857 forced the firm to assign, and Mr. Soper continued as manager of the business for the assignee till 1865, when he removed to Chicago, when with characteristic energy he threw himself into the flood of lumber develop ment and was soon on top. The firm name was Park & Soper until 1878, when Mr. ~- ¦¦¦¦--.:¦;-;-. -._- = _-.-,-. ¦ -:- 2Uz*£- z7^^ 2uoscribe for stock to build the Utica and Black River Railroad and was one of its first directors, holding the office until his decease. He was the first chairman of the committee of organizers and a director of the Utica and Chenango Valley Railroad, and was 6onnected for several years up to 1860 with the Utica Globe Woolen Company, being one of its directors and president. In 1860 he sold hi:.', interest in the Utica Globe Woolen Company and with two other capital ists purchased the Empire Mills at Clayville, N. Y , which had been laying idle for many years. They started the mills with the old machinery and began to manufac ture entirely army overcoatings. After the war they put in new machinery and ran the mills on fine cassimeres and worsteds and other goods, which obtained a ready sale. A short time afterward he bought out his two partners and associated with him in the company his four sons, Aras G. Williams, Irviu A. Williams, James H. Williams, and Norman A. Williams. Before his death two of his sons, Aras G. and Norman A. Williams, died. After his death Irvin A. and James H. Williams were the only directors remaining, Irvin A. Williams being its president. Abijah J. Williams was a man of great industry, of unquestioned integrity and uprightness of character, and was fully capable of grasping and executing large plans, usually with success. He always gave close personal application to business. Because of his long and successful business career, his business qualificatfons, and his sound judgment on financial and commercial matters of importance, his counsel was often sought in the companies with which he was connected and to whose pros perity he contributed so materially. Public spirited, enterprising, and benevolent he took a just pride in the city's advancement and was thoroughly identified with its every interest. In politics he belonged to the old Whig party and was always a high tariff advocate. In later years he affiliated with the Republicans, but never took a very active part in political affairs. In 1849 he was elected the first alderman from " Cornhill," which composed a portion of the Fourth ward, and which is now the Seventh, Tenth, and Twelfth wards of Utica. He felt a deep interest in the welfare. of the city and contributed largely to it' and its charitable institutions. In military matters he also won honors, becoming a colonel in the old State organization. He was one of the eight body guard selected from the State militia to escort General La Fayette from near the Oriskany battle-ground to Whitesboro when that distin guished veteran visited this country in 1825, the year the Erie Canal was opened. Mr. Williams was married at Whitesboro by Rev. John Frost, on November 4, 1824, to Miss Mary Billington, who was born at Stone Arabia, N. Y. (a place of Revolutionary fame a short distance below Little Falls), on March 26, 1805,, and who 140 6UR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. died in Utica on January 2, 1882. Mr. Williams died in Utica on July 27, 1886. Mrs. Williams's mother, whose maiden name was Margaret Waggonor, was also a native of Stone Arabia and a member of the Waggonor family who fought with General Herkimer at the battle of Oriskany, in which two of her brothers participated. Mar garet Waggonor married Peter Billington. His father, Samuel Billington, was killed at the battle of Oriskany and was one of the four Committee of Safety of Tryon County who volunteered as privates and were all killed on the battle-field. Mr. and Mrs. Williams had four sons: Aras G. Williams, of Brooklyn, N.^Y., at one time sheriff of Kings county, who died in 1880 ; Irvin A. Williams, the well known loco motive headlight builder, of Utica; James H. Williams, who has carried on the manufacturers' supply business founded by his father in Utica, and Norman A. Will iams, who was at the time of his death in 1879 connected with his brother James H. under the firm name of J. H. & N. A. Williams in Utica. The family home and residence of Mr. Williams in Utica was on the corner of Rutger and Steuben streets and was torn down in 1894 to make room for the new State armory, which now oc cupies the site. Irvin A. Williams was born in Oriskany, Oneida county, June 9, 1829, came with his parents to Utica in April, 1841, and when eighteen began to learn his trade, wood turning, and afterwards the trade of machinist, in his father's shop. In 1851 he com menced experimenting for the building of a locomotive head light. He continued a long series of experiments, both in the shop and on the locomotives while in motion on the railroad, and perfected his lamp and brought out a model, for which he ob tained his first patent in October, 1854. Continuing the business and making further • improvements another patent was granted to him October 27, 1857, and still another on April 29, 1862, for a circular hollow wick burner to burn coal or kerosene oil in the locomotive head light. This burner is now in general use in all circular wick house lamps, and has superseded all other burners for locomotive headlights. This patent was contested by suits in the United States courts and the patent office, at great expense, for eighteen years, but Mr. Williams triumphed over every point. Since then he has received several other valuable patents for further improvements on his headlights. He is universally recognized as the pioneer locomotive headlight inventor and manufacturer in America, and is thoroughly and practically conversant with every branch of the business. In 1881 he took his son, Charles I. Williams, into partnership, under the firm name of I. A. Williams & Co., and in 1893 his youngest son, Aras J. Williams, entered the firm, which still retains the same name. The plant comprises the five-story brick building on Blandina street, previously men tioned, and the sales extend throughout the world wherever the American type of railroad locomotive is used. ( I EDMUND A. GRAHAM. Edmund Augustus Graham, son of Levi Pawling and Elizabeth (Banks) Graham and grandson of Lieut. Daniel and Catherine (Decker) Graham, was born in New York city in October, 1802, and died in Utica, N. Y., January 27, 1889. He was of BIOGRAPHICAL. 141 mingled Scotch and Huguenot descent, and inherited those sturdy characteristics which made his ancestors conspicuous as loyal and honored citizens. Daniel Graham was a lieutenant in an Ulster county regiment in the Revolutionary war. Levi P. was educated in Columbia College and began the study of law with the famous Samuel Jones in New York, but his health failed and he gave himself to business as commercial agent in Havana and elsewhere in the West Indies for New York mer chants. He finally returned to his home in Newburg, Orange county, afterwards removing to Western New York and died at the age of ninety-four. Edmund A. Graham spent the first five or six years of his life in the metropolis. The family then removed to Newburg, where he received an academic education until twelve years of age. Afterward for about two years he mingled farm work with attend ance at school. His father was a friend of such men as De Witt Clinton, Daniel D. Tompkins, and Aaron Burr, and the lad became acquainted with all these. He was invited by Burr to go to New York and enter his office for the study of law, but Mrs. Graham objected, and he went instead at the age of fifteen to Ogdensburgh, N. Y., under the care of his uncle, Louis Hasbrouck, who was a prominent lawyer in part nership with Judge Fine and also postmaster. Mr. Graham entered the post-office and soon had full charge of the mails, and during his leisure read law in the office of Hasbrouck & Fine, where he had a fellow student named Preston King, who was destined to become politically famous. Young Graham had a natural preference for the law and in due time was admitted to the bar. He at once began a profitable law practice in Ogdensburg, having clients in New York, Albany, and Troy as well as at home. He was made the attorney of the Bank of Ogdensburg, of which he was a director, and also became agent for David B. Ogden to manage and sell large tracts of land in the town of Oswegatchie. He was clerk of the village in 1826, 1831, 1833, and 1834, and in 1830 was one of the originators and a director of the company which ran the first line of American steamers on the River St. Lawrence and the lakes. This enterprise was for a long time maintained in no small part by such Utica capi talists as Alfred Munson, Samuel Farwell, John Butterfield, and Harvey Barnard, whom Mr. Graham enlisted with himself, and it is a tradition worthy of record that the first steamer of the line was built from his designs. While in Ogdensburg he was prominently connected with the old State militia and became division judge advocate with the rank of colonel. In 1838, owing to the dangerous illness of his father-in-law, Judge Apollos Cooper, Mr. Graham removed to Utica to manage the judge's large estate, which task he com bined with his law practice. Judge Cooper's farm, which Mr. Graham laid out in streets and lots, extended from the Mohawk River to Cornelia street and from Gene see street quite a distance west. The homestead still stands, somewhat altered, in Whitesboro street. The present generation can scarcely appreciate the services ren dered by Mr. Graham and his assistants, who, in 1845, entered upon an investigation of the feasibility of introducing manufactures by steam into the city of Utica. The lack of water-power was keenly recognized. The statutes then forbade corporations with a larger capital than $100,000, while the use of steam required greater invest ments The city's population had decreased from 12,000 to 10,000, and increase of manufacturing was relied upon to turn the tide. At a public meeting Spencer Kel logg, Andrew S. Pond, and Mr. Graham were appointed a committee to visit New 142 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. England and report on the subject. Their report started both the woolen and cotton factories within the city. Mr. Pond favored the organization of a company for woolen manufacture and the Utica woolen mills were built, but were not successful. Messrs. Graham and Kellogg recommended investments in cotton in preference and the Utica Steam Cotton Mills have for nearly fifty years confirmed the wisdom of their choice. In order to permit the use of capital to the amount necessary, and to get rid of full liability on the part of the stockholders, Mr. Graham drafted what be came the general manufacturing law of 1848, but hard labor at Albany during two legislative sessions was required to secure its passage. The chief work of raising the capital for starting the cotton mills devolved upon Alfred Munson, Theodore S. Fax- ton, Silas D. Childs, and Edmund A. Graham, all of whom met with many difficul ties before success was assured. Mr. Munson was elected president of the company and Mr. Graham was chosen secretary as well a director. Upon the latter fell the task of drawing the contracts and making many of the purchases. He continued to give attention to the mills, became one of the largest stockholders, and for many years prior to his death was president of the company. Mr. Graham was one of the most zealous and influential promoters1 of the original movement in behalf of the Black River and Utica Railroad. His acquaintance with Northern New York enabled him to see the need of the line, and to render important service in its organization and construction. The struggle between Rome and Utica for the northern alliance constitutes an interesting chapter of local history, in which a compromise was offered by Rome to the effect that the railroad project be aban doned by both cities. " Mr. Graham, in co-operation with other citizens, devoted much^ time to the enterprise in behalf of Utica, and subscribed $5,000 to the stock, which was all lost. He was attorney and counsel for and a director in the original company until the foreclosure of the mortgage, and he held the same positions until 1884 in the corporation which bought the property. For a long period he was vice-president of Utica and Black River Railroad Company and acted as president for three or four seasons while Mr. Thom was abroad. He gave personal attention to the building of the road from Lyons Falls to Carthage and Philadelphia. For several years he owned and conducted in Sauquoit the mill for the manufacture of white paper pre viously operated by Savage & Moore, but the introduction of wood pulp brought changes which finally closed that establishment. During the fifty years of his residence in Utica Mr. Graham's career was one of honor and continuous business success. The number of positions of trust to which he was called was many, and he was faithful in all of them. He was one of a com-. mittee to prepare amendments to the city charter, and at his suggestion a provision to make aldermen personally liable for excessive expenditure was enacted. He was one of four commissioners appointed to secure the site and build the city hall. In 1847 he was elected a director of the Oneida Bank (afterward the Oneida National Bank) and survived every one of his associates of that time. From 1853 to 1872 he was one of the managers of the Utica State Hospital and gave to that institution . great care and attention. He was long a director and for some time vice-president of the Utica Gas Light Company. Confirmed in St. John's church. Ogdensburg, he was an earnest and consistent churchman, and was one of the organizers of Grace church, Utica, whichjie served for many years as vestryman and warden. As BIOGRAPHICAL. 143 chairman of the committee he superintended the enlargement of the old church and was one of the building committee for the present edifice. Later he was a member of the vestry of the mother church, Trinity. He was often a delegate to diocesan conventions and a trustee of the fund for the support of the episcopate. Politically he was first a Democrat, but after the Charleston convention of 1860 became an ardent supporter of Mr. Lincoln, and ever afterward was a zealous and steadfast Republican In 1848 he was nominated by the Democrats for the Assembly, but was defeated owing to divisions in the party and his refusal to give pledges on the excise question. As a lawyer Mr. Graham was well grounded in the principles of his profession. He was careful in his preparation and accurate and persistent in his work. He was connected with several great litigations. In the long contested Bradstreet cases, which involved a large amount of property, he was the attorney who studied out the law and dug out the facts, and was instrumental in carrying the cases to a successful nd. His business was largely in chancery, in the equity side of the Supreme Courts, at general terms, and in the Court of Appeals, and his railroad cases were important and numerous. Mr. Graham won an unquestioned reputation for integ rity. He was an excellent neighbor, a faithful friend, and a useful and enterprising citizen. Unostentatious and patriotic he was diligent in business and scrupulously honored all obligations. The record of such a life as his is its own best commentary, and the community in which he lived for half a century reve'res and honors his memory. Mr. Graham was married in 1835 to Miss Cornelia, only daughter of Judge Apollos Cooper, of Utica, who survives him. They had two children; Louise Cooper (Mrs. Samuel E. Schantz), and Edmund Banks, who died in 1885. [Judge Apollos Cooper was a lineal descendant of John Cooper, who sailed in the Hopewell for America in 1635, first settled in Lynn, Mass., was made a freeman in Boston in 1636, soon removed to Southampton, L. I., and was one of the twenty heads of families who formed the association for the settlers of Southampton in 1627. Southampton was the first town settled by the English in the State of New York. John Cooper was also one of the founders of the New England States. In 1794 Judge Apollos Cooper purchased from James S. Kipp 115 acres of land, being a part of Cosby's Manor, now a part of the city of Utica. A small house was on the land, but the judge added to it, and the dwelling that is still standing on Whitesboro street, near Liberty, presents as to the building the same appearance as when Judge Cooper resided there, which he continued to do until his death in 1839. It was never as pretentious as many others, but partook something of the stern simplicity of its Puritan founder. The old orchard which surrounded the house until quite recently has disappeared, but for many years, in its time of flower and fruitage, it was a thing of beauty as well as a landmark. The Cooper farm extended from the river on the north to Genesee street at its junction with Cornelia on the southeast, which street the judge named for his only daughter. The farm covered most of the city now comprised in the Third ward. Judge Cooper was one of the enterprising pio neers of Central New York. In 1793 he left his" birthplace in Southampton, L. I., "poled" up the Mohawk River and Fish Creek to Oneida county, and in 1784 settled "at old Fort Schuyler." He was judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and held 144 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. many offices of public trust. A former resident of Utica recently spoke of him as follows: " Of the men who one hundred years ago, in 1794, came from the east and drove their stakes at Old Fort Schuyler, there w.as one among them — Apollos Cooper — whose influence through himself and his posterity has been sovereign all through your history, and even to the present day is benignly felt. To Apollos Cooper we owe the life and fame of one of the brilliant lawyers for whom Utica has been re nowned." Mrs. Graham, the judge's only daughter, is believed to be the oldest na tive born resident of Utica. From early youth she was one of the chief promoters of that noble charity, the Utica Orphan Asylum, and for nearly forty years its first directress, resigning that position but a few years ago.] REV. DAVID A. WARREN. Rev. David A. Warren was born of New England stock and English ancestry on the Warren homstead in the town of Verona, Oneida county, May 3,' 1799, and died there in February. 1860. His father, Jonathan, was one of the first settlers in all that section, and served as a soldier in the war of 1812. There amidst the primeval forests the lad was reared to maturity, obtaining such education as he could at the district schools and developing a sturdy constitution in laboring on the parental farm. His advantages were limited, yet he acquired through his own native energy a valuable fund of knowledge and rose in the community to a foremost position. He read law and was admitted to practice, but subsequently became a Presbyterian minister. In expounding the truths of the Bible and the doctrines of Christianity his talents were brought into full play, and he won a warm place in the hearts of his hearers. ' Mr. Warren was a consistent Christian, and by his exemplary life and poweTS of eloquence turned many a person into paths of uprightness and usefulness. He was charitable, kind and benevolent, just in all his actions, energetic and methodical in all he undertook, regardful of the rights of others, though fearless in expressing his convictions, and zealously encouraged all worthy movements. In the law as well as in the ministry he won both success and respect. His children who survived were Charles H., Joseph H., sr., James Sayre, and Mrs. Elizabeth Barbour. Joseph H. Warren, sr. , was born on the homestead in Verona about 1834, received a public school education, and first engaged in farming. Later he went to New York city and became a business partner with his brother, James Sayre Warren, who for eight years was president of the American Wall Paper Manu facturers' Association. He enlisted in Co. K, 97th N. Y. Vols., in , the war of the Rebellion, was promoted first lieutenant, was confined in the hospital at Washing ton, D. C, and was afterward honorably discharged on account of ill health. He died in 1870. He was married in Paris, France, to Miss Marcella Walsh, of New York city, and they had one son, Joseph H., jr., who was born in New York, August 2, 1854, was educated there and in Paris, France, and on August 21, 1895, married Miss Dorothea Richardson, of Ottawa, daughter of Hugh Richardson, chief Judge of the Northwest provinces of the Dopiinion of Canada- - O , UU t v/l c~-£t*r£ The history of Clinton for over forty years was closely identified with Mr. Will iams's life and labors. He was deeply interested in all that pertained to local annals and village improvement. He made almost the first start in recording the beginning of local history in a lecture on the "Early History of Clinton." He contributed much toward the growth of the village, encouraging building and improvements, and opening new streets. In all that concerned the moral and material welfare of Clinton his advice and efforts were of great importance. His interest in the church, college, and school was constant and practical, nor could any considerable enterprise be carried on without his co-operation. Mr. Williams took a strong position from the first in his chosen profession, of the dignity and importance of which he had a very high conception. His motto was "Strive to do everything in the best possible manner." With a weak voice, a deliberate manner, never losing himself in passion or attempting flights of oratory, without much power before a jury, yet none of his associates surpassed him in mental acumen, in thorough knowledge of his case, and in clear and exact definitions of law. No case was ever so trivial as to be slighted, nor did he ever enter the court room with a carelessly prepared brief. It was the testimony of a prominent member of the Oneida county bar that he was singularly BIOGRAPHICAL. 155 careful as well as felicitous in his choice of language to be used before the court. The habit of his mind was calm and judicial. He was not the advocate so much as the judge. Though a man of intense convictions and strong feelings, his profes sional relations were always marked by a dignity and courtesy which it is common, unfortunately, now-a-days, to speak of as belonging to the " old school." In 1879, in connection with the very important business of the Midland Railroad, Mr. Will iams was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States. For the last twenty years of his life Judge Williams was actively engaged in railroad enter prises. He was one of the most laborious promoters of the building of the railroad from Utica to Smith's Valley, its point of junction with the Midland. The road from Utica to Smith's Valley was completed in 1870. Mr. Williams was a director in 1866, vice-president in 1868-69, and from 1869 until his death in 1880 was its presi dent. During all these years his burden of responsibility was very great, taxing extremely his health, time, legal skill, and pecuniary means. Except for the pow erful advocacy and able guidance of Mr. Williams the business interest of this road could never have been so safely conserved nor so wisely settled. It is more than probable that the unremitting labor of mind and body in connection with the settlement of this delicate and important business made those serious inroads upon his health which resulted in his death on May 20, 1880. Judge Williams was a man of the highest business integrity and honor. Not a farthing intrusted to his care was ever lost. He maintained the interests of others even to the prejudice of his own fortune. His judgment was wise and safe, his in terest in the public good unselfish. From his wide and generous interest in all pub lic concerns, and owing to his familiarity with local history, he was often called upon to deliver addresses on public and anniversary occasions. His addresses in connec tion with the " Dedication of the Clinton Cemetery," the dedication of the Perry H. Smith Library Hall, the dedication of the Kirkland Monument, and the dedication of the Stone Church were, each one of them, models in point of propriety, literary form and historical knowledge. As a lawyer, a scholar, a citizen, a practical phil anthropist, Judge Williams's life left a marked impress upon his generation, and upon the moral and material interests of the community in which he- lived and died. DANIEL GORDON DORRANCE. The Dorrance family, from which the subject of this memoir descends, is of Scotch ancestry. About 1720 two brothers, Rev. Samuel and James Dorrance, who were born in Scotland or in the North of Ireland of Scotch parents, came to America and settled in Voluntown, Conn. Rev. Samuel had received the honors of the University of Glasgow in 1709 and had been licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Dunbarton in 1711. He was pastor of the church in Voluntown until December 12, 1770, and died November 12, 1775, aged ninety years. James came to America with his wife Elizabeth, and their son Samuel married Rebecca Gordon, September 27, 1764, who died at the age of ninety-five. Samuel and Rebecca (Gordon) Dorrance had several children, among whom were John and Samuel, jr., twins, born in 156 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Hampton, Conn. , June 19, 1778. This John Dorrance became a prominent physician. In 1806 he moved from Windham county, Conn., to Peterboro, Madison county, N. Y., where he died October 11, 1857. In 1810 he married Mary Thompson, who was born March 14, 1783, and died July 2,1872. She was a daughter of Alpheus Thompson, a Revolutionary soldier. Hon. Daniel Gordon Dorrance, son of Dr. John' and Mary (Thompson) Dorrance, was born in Peterboro, Madison county, March 13, 1811, and spent his early life upon a farm and as clerk in a general store in his native village. He inherited those sterling traits of thrift and frugality which characterized his New England ances tors, and combined with these a laudable ambition to forge ahead and take ad vantage of every opportunity. When nineteen, having finished a district school education, he entered Cazenovia Seminary and for about two years pursued medical studies with a view of becoming a physician, but he soon abandoned this profession, preferring a mercantile life. In 1832 he went to Florence, Oneida county, to manage the store of J. S. T. Stranahan and Gerrit Smith, and in this capacity completed the commercial training which ever afterward made him conspicuous in business affairs. In 1837 he. engaged in trade as a country merchant in Florence and successfully con tinued there until 1859,. when he removed to Oneida Castle, in the town of Vernon, where he died March 26, 1896, aged eighty-five. Mr. Dorrance was for many years extensively interested in real estate, not only in New York, but also in Western States, owning and handling large tracts in various sections of the country. From 1840 to 1859 he was the land agent of Hon. Gerrit Smith. The grounds occupied by his residence in Oneida Castle comprised a portion of the site once occupied by Rev. Samuel Kirkland, who came as a mission ary to the Oneida Indians in 1766. The old mission house formerly stood near a corner of his garden. .Mr. Dorrance was one of the fourteen organizers and incor porators of the Fort Stanwix Bank, of Rome, in 1848, and served as a member of its board of directors until his death, being the last survivor of the original company. He was one of the organizers and continually the president of the Oneida Savings Bank at Oneida, was long a director, vice-president, and president of the Oneida Valley National Bank at Oneida, and was the founder of the banking firm of D. G. & J. G. Dorrance, of Camden, and president of their successor, the First National Bank. As a financier he possessed unusual sagacity and foresight, and to him is largely due the success attained by the institutions with which he was connected. Endowed with thorough knowledge of business affairs, honest, careful, and con servative yet enterprising, he won universal confidence, and was regarded as one of 'the most eminent bankers of the county. He was public spirited and progressive and quite heavily interested in various other enterprises, especially in manufactur ing. He was a director in the Rome Brass and Copper Company at Rome and president of the Westcott Chuck Company, one of the leading industrial concerns at Oneida. In politics Mr. Dorrance was originally an old line Whig and an ardent admirer of Henry Clay, and affiliated with the Republicans upon the organization of that party in 1856. He was very active in political affairs and a staunch supporter of his, party's principles, working zealously at the polls until within two or three years of his death, when his age and health compelled him to seek retirement. He was post- MYRON W. HUNT, M. D. BIOGRAPHICAL. 157 master and supervisor of Florence for several years and in 1846 represented his dis trict in the Assembly. In 1854 and 1855 he served as State senator. As a legisla tor he attained that eminence which is characterized by unswerving faithfulness to constituents and strict fidelity to public interests. He was a member and trustee of Cochran Memorial Presbyterian church of Oneida Castle at the time of his death, and always led a consistent Christian life. His benefactions were numerous and far reaching. He liberally supported all worthy movements and was recognized as a most useful citizen. Mr. Dorrance was married in March, 1837, to Miss Ann Sparrow, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Palen) Sparrow, of Florence, Oneida county. His wife and her parents were natives of Shropshire, England. She died December 17, 1891, aged seventy-seven, leaving three' sons and two daughters: John G., William H., and Daniel G., jr., all prominent business men of Camden, N. Y. ; Mary A., wife of Dr. M. H. Bronson, of Lowville, N. Y. ; and Sarah E., wife of Hon. Charles L. Knapp, also of Lowville. ¦ MYRON W. HUNT, M. D. Myron W. Hunt, M. D., was born on the family homestead at Lairdsville, in the town of Westmoreland, Oneida county, N. Y., on the 24th of March, 1857. His ancestors were New Englanders, who for several years had exerted a notable influ ence in the civil and business life of the colonies. Capt. William Hunt, the grand father of Dr. Hunt, was born in Vermont, but removed in early life to Sharon, Conn., where he followed the trade of tanner and currier. In the winter of 1813-14 he moved with his family to Westmoreland, Oneida county, where he settled upon a farm on which he died in 1843, at. the age of seventy-three. Here he followed both tanning and farming. Coming here when the couutry was new he experienced all. the privations incident to pioneer life, but he never faltered in the hard work neces sary in clearing his farm and prosecuting his trade. .Soon after his arrival he was called with his company to Sackett's Harbor, where he was stationed as captain dur ing the war of 1812-15. The sword he carried on that occasion is now in the posses sion of his grandson, the subject of this sketch. Captain Hunt was a man of more than ordinary ability. Endowed with a rugged constitution he possessed talents of high order and a mind as vigorous as it was broad and comprehensive. He exerted a large and wholesome influence in the community, where he was highly respected for his many excellent qualities. Being a member of the Methodist church he took a deep interest in all religious matters and liberally encouraged every movement which advanced the cause. His home was always open to the old circuit riders — those itinerant preachers who formed such an important factor in frontier life three- quarters of a century ago. He married Betsey Calkins, a native of Sharon, Conn., who died on the homestead in 1848, aged seventy-three. She was a woman richly endowed with the sterling characteristics of New Englanders, and like her husband wielded a marked influence in the community. Of a lovable disposition, kind, benevolent, and charitable, she was especially the friend of the sick and needy, to 158 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. whom she ministered with a liberal hand. Their children were William, who died in Kansas; Elijah, a merchant, who died in Lowell, Oneida county; Rev. Isaac L. a prominent Methodist clergyman and presiding elder, who died in Adams, N. Y. at the age of eighty-six; Dr. Jacob, born in Hillsdale, Conn., in 1811, died in Utica in April, 1887; Luther E., father of Dr. Myron W. ; Rev. Ward W., a graduate of Hamilton College, class of 1843, and a noted clergyman, who died in Adams, N. Y. at the age of seventy-four ; Polly (Mrs. William Potter), who died in Westmoreland ¦ Betsey (Mrs. Joseph Havens), who died in Clinton, N. Y., in 1875, aged seventy- seven ; Hettie (Mrs. Lowden Brainard), who died at Lairdsville in 1890, aged-eighty- nine ; and Almira (Mrs. George Gardner), who died in Lowell, Oneida county. Of these Dr. Jacob Hunt became a well known physician and surgeon. He practiced for twenty yearsjn Lowell, N. Y., and in 1852 settled in Utica. He was a prominent member of the Oneida County and New York State Medical Societies, a delegate to the American Medical Society, and twice a delegate to the General Conference of the M. E. church. Luther E. Hunt, father of Dr. M. W., was born on the homestead at Lairdsville on May 17, 1814, and spent his entire life there, dying April 9, 1895. He was educated in Cazenovia and Fairfield Seminaries, and when nineteen became principal of the Rochester public school, which position he filled several years. He held a similar position in Oswego until his health failed, when he returned to Lairdsville and en gaged in the manufacture of brooms. He was a staunch Republican, took a deep in terest in local affairs, and enjoyed the respect and confidence of the entire com munity. He was one of the oldest members of Hampton Lodge F. & A. M. at the time of his death. In 1846 he married Harriet M. Warner, of Amsterdam, N. Y., who was born in Cambridge. N. Y., May 27, 1821, and who died April 11, 1895, two days after her husband. She was a prominent member of the M. E. church, a consistent Christian throughout life, and a devoted wife and loving mother. They had five children, of whom three survived them, viz: Dr. "Myron W., of Holland Patent; S. Olin, of Lairdsville; and Minnie L., who was born November 6, 1861, and who died April 16, 1895, making the third death in the family within a period of one week, all of pneumonia. Dr. Myron W. Hunt spent his early life on the family homestead and in attending the district schools. In 1875 he was graduated in the classical course from Whites- town Seminary and subsequently pursued his preparatory studies at Fort Edward Collegiate Institute. Later he entered the class of 1879 of Syracuse University, but did not complete the course, having decided in the mean time to adopt medicine as a profession. In the fall of 1878 he entered the office of Dr. William M. James, of Whitesboro, where he pursued his studies with that thoroughness which has charac terized all his undertakings. Later he read medicine with Dr. Albert Van Da Veer, a noted surgeon of Albany, and was graduated from the Albany Medical College on March 4, 1882. He immediately went to Burlington and took the spring course at the University of Vermont, graduating therefrom in June of that year. Afterward he took a special course in diseases of the heart and lungs under Dr. George M. Garland, of Boston. In the fall of 1883 he began the active practice of his profession in Stittville in the town of Trenton, Oneida county, and in May, 1888, moved thence to the village of Holland Patent, in the same town, where he has since resided. :*^\ A. P. SEATON. BIOGRAPHICAL. 159 Dr. Hunt has successfully built up an extensive general practice and stands well among the leading physicians of Oneida county. He is a prominent member of the Oneida County Medical Society and out of-town physician to Faxton and St. Eliza beth's Hospitals of Utica. He has also been health officer of the town of Floyd for several years. In politics he is an ardent and active Republican, and in the councils of his party is one" of the recognized local leaders. In the fall of 1890 he was elected coroner of Oneida county by, a majority of 118, and three years later was re-elected to this office, running ahead of the ticket. During his two terms, or nearly six years, as county coroner he has had much important work, his territorial jurisdiction being the largest in the county. Dr. Hunt has been a member of the Board of Education of Holland Patent since 1888 and is chairman of the teachers' committee. He is an honorary member of the 117th regiment N. Y. S. V , a member of Remsen Lodge, No 677, F. & A. M., member of Utica Lodge No. 33, P. B. O. E., and a charter member of Trenton Lodge, No. 577, I. O. O. F., and Holland Patent Lodge, No. 352, K. of M. He was a charter member and one of the organizers of Holland Patent Lodge, No. 291, K. of P., is district deputy chancellor commander of the 66th district Knights of Pythias, and was the organizer and is past chief councillor of Stittville Council, No. 279, Order of the United Friends. He also organized Oriskany Council, No. 291, O. U. F. , and has taken a deep interest in the advancement of. the order. Dr. Hunt is a public-spirited citizen, active in all worthy enterprises, and is actively identified with the prosperity of his town and county. He stumped the counties of Herkimer and Oneida in 1892 and has delivered numerous addresses before patriotic and other gatherings. He has been a delegate to county, district, and State political conventions, and in every capacity has manifested that loyalty and patriotism and public spirit which characterize the respected citizen. He is vestryman of St. Paul's Episcopal church, Holland Patent, and a member of the United Friends Club of New York city. On August 7, 1884, Dr. Hunt was'married to Miss Frances A., daughter of Joseph D. Newton, of Lowell, Oneida county, and they have two sons: Newton L. , born October 20, 1885, and Isaac L., born April 16, 1891. ALBERT P. SEATON. Albert P. Seaton is the youngest child of John and Alice (Hopkinson) Seaton and was born in Utica, N. Y., October 1, 1844. John Seaton was born in Yorkshire, England, March 17, 1809, and served a seven years' apprenticeship at the tailor's trade in Leeds. He was married in Hull to Miss Alice Hopkinson and in 1832 came to America, locating first in Quebec, Canada. In 1833 he settled in Utica, where he very soon entered the employ of Z. & P. Lyon, merchant tailors, with whom he remained eighteen years. In the spring of 1850 he removed to the town of New Hartford and engaged in farming on East Hill, about one and one-half miles east of the village. Here he spent the remainder of his active life, and here his wife died in October, 1878, at the age of sixty-eight. In the spring of 1879 he removed to the village of New Hartford, where his death occurred ™ June, 1885. Mr. Seaton was a 100 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. man of sterling character, a strong Whig and later an ardent Republican, and a prominent member of St. Stephen's Episcopal church, which he served fcr many years as vestryman. He was especially active in church work, and always took a keen interest in the welfare of the entire community. He had six children: Sarah and Maria (twins), who died in infancy; Sarah, 2d, who married Edward B. Stevens and resides in Utica; Anna Elizabeth, the wife of Thomas Rigney, both deceased; and John W. and Albert P. of New Hartford. Albert P. Seaton removed with his parents to New Hartford in- 1850, when he was six years old, and here in the common schools he received his education. Inheriting the sturdy characteristics of his parents he made the best of his limited means and advantages while a youth, and on the farm gained a rugged constitution, which has carried him through a most successful career. In 1861 he began learning the ma chinist's trade in the Remington gun factory at Ilion, N. Y., where he remained until 1865, becoming in the mean time a sub-contractor. His skill as a machinist had now attracted the attention of his associates and he was invited to go to the Oneida Community and accept a position in the establishment which had started for the purpose of manufacturing machinery for the new silk factory there. He con tinued in this capacity about two years, when he returned to Ilion, and became a contractor in the Remington works. In the spring of 1870 he returned to the pa rental farm in New Hartford, where he has since been engaged in farming and in the milk business. In the spring of 1879, his mother having died, he removed with his father to the village, where he now lives, occupying a valuable farm lying partly within the corporate limits. Mr. Seaton has been an active and influential Republican for many years, and has frequently been called by his party to positions of trust and honor. In 1881 he was elected highway commissioner and served one term. He was president of the village of New Hartford for five years between 1882 and 1888, and for about seven years served efficiently as a member of the Board of Education, being its president from August, 1890, until the spring of 1891, when he resigned to accept the office of su pervisor of the town. He was supervisor from March. 1891, until March, 1896, or for five successive years, and was chairman of the board in 1894 and 1895. In all these positions Mr. Seaton officiated with ability and great credit. He has been very act ive in political affairs, and has frequently been a delegate to county, district, and State conventions. In all public matters and in the general welfare of the commun ity he takes an active interest, and liberally encourages every movement worthy of a loyal citizen's support. He was one of the organizers 1 and treasurer of the New Hartford Leather Company during its existence, and for several years served as vestryman of St. Stephen's church. On September 6, 1875, Mr. Seaton was married to Miss Jennie E., daughter of Franklin F. and Caroline Brooks, of Utica. She died February 8, 1895, at the age of forty-two, leaving six children: Alice E., John F., Carrie M., Albert P., jr., Jen nie E., and Franklin F. JOHN L. BABBITT. BIOGRAPHICAL. 161 JOHN LEROY BABBITT. John Leroy Babbitt was born at Utica, N. Y. , May 17, 1835. When a child he re moved with his parents to Susquehanna county, Pa. , where his father followed the occupation of peddler, which kept him from home the greater part of the time. His mother was a seamstress, and was employed wherever she could find work for her needle; as a result, the boy, John L., was deprived of a permanent home, and lived about at different places and with different people, doing such light work as his age and strength permitted, and obtaining but little schooling. At the age of fifteen, in company with a cousin , he started west, crossing Lake Erie on the sidewheel steamer Mayflower from Buffalo to Monroe City, Mich. From the latter place he walked fourteen miles to an Indian settlement, where he obtained employment at farming and lumbering. After a limited period at this labor he attended the Union School at Tecumseh, Lenawee county, Mich., and later applied himself to learning the machinist trade at the same place. Having finished his course of instruction and practice in the machine shop, he was employed first by the Michigan Southern Railroad Company, then by the Terre Haute, Alton and St. Louis Railroad Company, and finally by the New York and Erie Company. In 1860 he went to New York city, where he became the chief en gineer in the immense soap factory of his uncle, B. T. Babbitt ; here he remained for three years, and then accepted the position of chief engineer for the Glen Cove Starch Company, at Glen Cove, Long Island. For eleven years he satisfactorily filled this place, during which time he was appointed by the governor of the State steam boiler inspector for that congressional district, comprising the counties of Queens, Suffolk, and Richmond. In the spring of 1874 Mr. Babbitt came to Whitesboro as superintendent of the iron works which his uncle, B. T. Babbitt, had established there, a position he still ' holds. ' Mr. Babbitt has proved himself a useful citizen in the village of his adoption in every way and has won the esteem and confidence of his fellow men. He has served the village of Whitesboro as trustee for several terms, and as president for one term ; he has been trustee of the United Society of Whitestown several years, also president, and for a short time deacon. In 1893 he was chosen the first presi dent of the Homestead Aid Association of Whitestown. Notwithstanding the disadvantages and hardships of his early life, and a lack of those opportunities which give to youth a hopeful view of the future, Mr. Babbitt proved his natural abilities by the sturdy energy and restless ambition to succeed which have characterized His career from boyhood to middle age. Mr. Babbitt was married on June 2, 1869, to Miss Lorinda L. Potter, who was born at Gibson, Pa., December 21, 1836, and educated at Hartford Academy, Sus quehanna county, Pa. They have had two children: Willie T., born at Glen Cove, Long Island, November 27, 1871, died August 2, 1872; and Benjamin Talbot, born at Whitestown, N. Y., October 9, 1874, who is now a student at Cornell Univer sity in the class of '97, he having won a scholarship in that institution at a com petitive examination. David Babbitt, father of John L., was the oldest son of Nathaniel, of Paris Hill, V 162 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Oneida county. He was born in 1806, and died at Brockwayville, Jefferson county, Pa. , January 29, 1868. He married Miss Emma Parmenter, born at Westminster, Windham county, Vt., in 1804; she died at Whitesboro, July 19, 1889. John L. was their eldest son ; they had one daughter, Frances Emma, born August 23, 1838, and died at Gibson, Pa., June 13, 1844. John L. Babbitt and his son, Benjamin Talbot, are the only male descendants left to bear the family name, made a household word for many years by B. T. Babbitt. Among the first grievances that led to the Revolutionary war was the duty im posed on tea; the opposition to this tax culminated in a public meeting, November 29, 1773, which resolved " that the tea should not be landed, that no duty should be paid, and that it should be sent back in the same vessel." Vessel after vessel arrived in Boston harbor, and finding they could not unload, desired to return with their cargoes to England; but Governor Hutchinson refused to grant them permission to pass the castle. Agitation increased, and a large meeting was held December 18, 1773, addressed by Josiah Quincy. In the evening the question was put, "Do you abide by your former resolution to. prevent the landing of the tea ? ' The vote was unanimously in the affirmative. Application was again made to the governor for a "pass." After a short delay his refusal was communicated to the assembly. In stantly a person in the gallery, disguised as an Indian, gave a " war whoop." At this" signal the people rushed out and hastened to the wharves About twenty per sons, in the dress of Mohawk Indians, boarded the vessels and. protected by the crowd on shore, broke open 342 chests of tea and emptied their contents overboard. Nathaniel Babbitt, the great-grandfather of John L., was the hero of the war- whoop and one of the twenty " Mohawks" at the celebrated "tea party." His three sons, Nathaniel, jr., Benjamin and William, all served in the Revolution. William and Nathaniel, jr., settled in what is now the town of Paris, Oneida county, about 1792. Nathaniel married Miss Betsey Holman and settled near Holman City, and at one time was a blacksmith at Paris Hill and afterwards kept a tavern in East Sauquoit in the house now occupied by Asher Gallup, and later worked in the Farmers' Factory Oil Mill, where he received a painful injury by the falling of a mill stone on one of his legs. His children were David, George R. , Benjamin Tal bot, Rebecca Howard,- Betsey Gilson and Polly Spaulding. Benjamin T., the millionaire soap manufacturer, and proprietor of extensive machine shops at Whites boro, is the only descendant of a Paris pioneer who has attained to a colossal fortune. genealogy of the babbitt family. 1. Nathaniel Babbitt, a resident of Boston, Mass., a soldier of the Revolution and the hero of the " war whoop " of the "tea party " in Boston harbor, December 18, 1773 His sons were Nathaniel, jr., William and Benjamin, also Revolutionary sol diers throughout the war. 2. Nathaniel Babbitt, jr., married Betsey Holman, daughter of David Holman, came from Middlesex, Conn. , about 1792, and settled near Holman City. Their chil dren were David, George Reed, Benjamin Talbot, Betsey, Polly and Rebecca. 3. David Babbitt, born in Paris, N. Y., in 1806, married Emma Parmenter, daughter of Charles Parmenter of Vermont in 1832. He died at Brockwayville, ROBERT STANTON WILLIAMS. BIOGRAPHICAL, 163 Pa. Tanuaiy 29, 1868. His wife was born at Westminster, Vt., in 1804, and died at Whitesboro, X. Y., in July, 1889. and is buried at Gibson, Pa. Their children were John Leroy and Frances Emma. 4. John Leroy Babbitt, born May 17, 1835, at Utica, N.Y., married at Gibson, Pa., Tune 2, 1869, to Lorinda L. Potter, daughter of JBuel G. and Lydia Potter. Frances Emma, born at Utica, X. Y., August 23, 1838, died at Gibson, Pa., June 13, 1844, and buried at Gibson. 5. Willie T. Babbitt, born in November, 1871, at Glen Cove, X. Y., died August 2, 1872. at same place; buried at Gibson, Pa. Benjamin Talbot, born August 9, 1S74. at Whitesboro, X. Y. ROBERT STANTON WILLIAMS. Robert Stanton Williams, youngest surviving child of CoL William and Sophia Wells Williams, was born in Utica, September 10, 1828. After the sale of his book store Colonel Williams removed in 1836 with his family to Tonawanda, X. Y. , to take charge of an estate of which he was part owner in connection with Henry Hunting ton of Rome. Whatever childhood in a Western village may be to the imagination its reality in the case of Robert S. Williams was not sufficiently attractive to have crowded his memory in after years with many recollections of the place. Having passed his tenth birthday he was placed with Henry Ivison (his father's former ap prentice in the Utica book-bindery), at that time a prosperous booksel'er in Auburn. An agreement was made under which the boy was received in the family of his em ployer and allowed to pay for the cost of board and schooling by doing odd jobs in the store and learning the book-binder's trade. Bnt the strain of over-many duties presently told on his health, and by the summer of 1842 he was compelled to seek the rest and change of country life. During the two following years he lived on the farm of his uncle, James Wells, at New Hartford, where with his brother Edward he became aquainted with the approved methods of Oneida county fanning. In 1844 he went to Brooklyn, where his brother Dwight was living, and there attended school for a term. Returning in the winter to Auburn he re-entered Mr. Ivison's employ, remaining with him until September, 1846. The appetite for learning was not yet appeased in spite of this hopeful opening in a business career. He entered the Cortland Academy at Homer, then under the management of Samuel B. Wool- worth, afterward secretary of the Regents of the University of the State of Xew York, and in this institution he remained until March. 1848 nearly completing his preparation for college. After a year spent in Utica he received an appointment July, 1849) in the railway mail service as route agent between Albany and Buffalo. The work was fatiguing in the extreme, and railway travel in that day was not only tiresome, but rendered dangerous by frequent accidents. Early in 1852 he resigned his position t-» attend bis brother James dur ing a fatal illness, which terminated in March of that year, and with his return to his native city begins Mr. Williams's permanent and intimate association with its progress and interests. Without marked predilection for any particular 164 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. occupation it was perhaps an accident at first that secured him a place as bookkeeper in the City Bank, but the choice once made was most fortunate for the exercise of his abilities to the best advantage. Emphatically masculine, robust, and sane, accomplishing his ends by shere force of honesty, of being in the right rather than by mere cleverness, he soon won from those who could best judge his course that confi dence and respect which constitute the necessary moral capital of every successful banker. While in his subordinate position he lost no opportunity of improving his technical knowledge. To this end, when one of his senior fellow clerks became restless by being kept long after banking hours, he induced him as a favor to teach him the method used in his department, and was soon able to take care of part of his and all of his own books, while his friend prolonged his restful sessions in the pur suit of literary fame. This sort of devoted diligence earns its reward even outside of the region of moral fiction. The directors of the Oneida National Bank had, it may be inferred, a pretty definite conception of his working capacity when they in duced him to enter their employ in October, 1854, the same month in which he was married. During his term of forty-two years, the longest service of any individual in this bank, Mr. Williams has passed successively through all its grades and concerned himself heartily in its welfare. After a few months in the position of bookkeeper he was made teller in February, 1855 ; from this, in 1863, he was promoted to the chair of managing cashier and at the same time elected a director. As cashier he con ducted for nearly a quarter of a century the affairs and policy of the bank, which he has retained in his control during his term as president, an office given him upon the death of A. J. Williams in 1886. With increasing years have come multiplying opportunities for good and faithful service in many fields. His performances in the business and industrial community have lately been on a larger scale, but they are of a piece with his early work and have fitly crowned it with success. To examine these in detail would carry us into almost every important industrial concern that Utica has known during a genera tion. Before them all in his own estimation would come the First Presbyterian church and Sunday school, the church of his father, whose successor he has been, both as ruling elder and Sunday school superintendent. In the work.of establishing mission branches in Deerfield and East and West Utica he has displayed the same practical zeal which characterized both his parents as Christian laborers among their fellow citizens. His interest in educational matters has engaged him actively in be half of both public and private schools. Soon after the destruction by fire of the Utica Female Academy, in 1865, he was elected a trustee (a position he still holds) and placed upon the executive committee in charge of erecting the new building. As an expression of the committee's foresight and faithful stewardship the building is more successful, perhaps, than as an aesthetic ornament to the town. In the progress and success of the school itself, with which Mr. Williams has ever since been closely associated, he takes the liveliest satisfaction, a good part of which comes from his personal share in calling Mrs. Piatt to her felicitous and effective career as its principal. He was elected in 1870 a public school commissioner, serving three years, at a time when the board exercised its discretion in deciding upon the text books and studies within its jurisdiction. Among other innovations he advocated teaching music in the public schools, and secured for this end the permanent employ; BIOGRAPHICAL. 165 ment of a qualified teacher. During two terms as alderman, from 1874 to 1878, Mr. Williams labored for economy in the management of municipal matters, and, though on the minority side of the council, succeeded simply by strength of integrity in car rying out some reforms of lasting benefit. His measures as chairman of the finance committee dealt with the things of a technical rather than of a general interest, but in his resolute effort to raise the City Library from a mere assortment of juvenile literature to be a medium of substantial benefit to the whole community he won the thanks of every citizen. He was one of the incorporators of the Utica Public Library and has served as president since its organization. He also strongly advocated and assisted in the change from a volunteer to a paid fire department. His active con nection with local politics terminated in 1878, when he became a candidate for the mayoralty. He accepted the nomination, as he declared in a card announcing his determination, " with considerable reluctance and at some personal sacrifice, solely in behalf of strict economy and honesty in every branch of city government." His defeat was almost wholly due to bis unwillingness to bind himself by pledges of any sort to political managers, who were so impressed with his fearlessness and inde pendence as to prefer to see a candidate of the opposite party elected. Mr. Williams has also served as one of the railroad commissioners for the city of Utica, being ap pointed in 1871 under the law of 1869 providing for the municipal aid of railroads. In this capacity he assisted in the issue of $200,000 in bonds of the city of Utica, in aid of the Utica, Clinton, and Binghamton Railroad, and was elected in 1872 a director of this road to represent the city's interest. In 1881 he was made secretary and treasure of the company and has, since its reorganization, been prominent in its management. He is also a trustee of the Savings Bank of Utica. The list of business organizations in which Mr. Williams has been more or less directly concerned is much too long for comprehensive notice ; there remains space to indicate only a few, to the success of which his judgment and energy have largely contributed. Since 1879 he has been on the executive committee of the Utica Ceme tery Association, which induced the association to buy the tract of 150 acres adjoin ing Forest Hill Cemetery when it could be procured at a reasonable figure, thus adding to its beauty and insuring room for its enlargement for many years. In 1895 he was elected vice-president of the association. Upon the first introduction of the Edison telephone, in 1879, Mr. Williams, with others, organized a company for providing telephone service within a fifteen-mile circuit about Utica. The license for five years obtained by this company was in 1882, in connection with similar licenses held by four other companies, voluntarily surrendered in exchange for a perpetual license from the Bell Telephone Company covering a territory of twelve counties in Central New York, and a new compEny was formed known as the Central New York Telephone and Telegraph Company with a capital of §500,000, of which Mr. Williams was made president. Another project which originated at about this time (1880), when after the resumption of specie payment money was com. paratively plenty and capital sought employment, was the " Mohawk Valley Cotton Mills," a company for the manufacture of cotton cloth. In association with Messrs. T. K. Butler, Ephraim Chamberlain, Addison C. Miller, P. V. Rogers, Nicholas E. Kernan and others, the scheme was promptly started and Mr. Williams elected vice-president. In 1885 he was elected president of the company. The call for such 166 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. legitimate rnd promising investments being still greater than the supply the " Skenandoa Cotton Company" was organized in 1881 by nearly the same gentlemen to manufacture yarn. Its success has been due principally to its reputation for mak ing the best possible quality of goods, and in the second place to its practice of sell ing directly to consumers. Still a third venture of this sort, the ' ' Utica Willowvale Bleaching Company," originated under the same auspices in 1881 and likewise num bers Mr. William^ among its directors. On the death of Mr. Chamberlain in 1895 Mr. Williams was elected president of the Utica Steam Cotton Mills, one of the largest and most successful corporations of the kind in the country. The same year he became a director in the Globe Woolen Company, of Utica. This is but the bare enumeration, indeed, of some of the chief lines of his activity, omitting from the list many, other movements, like those of the street railways, the gas and water works, the Oneida Historical Society, etc., in which he has at one time or another borne his share of the risk or effort. His private library, one of the largest collections in the city, is the accumulation of many years and represents pretty accurately the subjects of general and particular interest with which he has stored his mind. Mr. Williams was married in 1854 to Miss Abby Ober, eldest daughter of Charles R. Doolittle, and they have had three children who attained maturity — two sons and a daughter. The eldest son, George Huntington Williams, was graduated from Amherst College in 1878, received the degree of Ph. D. from Heidelberg University, Germany, in 1883, and at the time, of his death, July 12, 1894, was professor of inor ganic geology at Johns Hopkins University, president of the Society of American Geologists, a member of the U. S. Geological Survey, and the author of more than sixty boooks and papers on subjects connected with his profession. The youngest son, John Camp Williams, is now vice-president and general manager of the West ern Tube Company, of Kewanee, 111., a concern that employs from 1,400 to 1,800 men in the manufacture of iron and steel pipe. WILLIAM H, CLOHER, JR. William H. Cloher, Jr., eldest son of William H. Cloher, sr., and Mary Conlin, his wife, was born in the town of Kirkland, Oneida county, October 24, 1852, and has been all his life identified with cotton manufacturing. His father, who was born in Pittsfield, Mass., in 1827, came to Kirkland in September, 1852, and now resides in Utica. He was well educated, became a noted penman, and won many prizes in the Spencerian system, even to wresting on one occasion the championship of the State of New York from' Paul D. May. William H. Cloher, jr. , as a mere lad, not only supported himself, but became one of the chief supports of the family, which consisted in all-of four sons and a daugh ter. He was schooled in the practical operations of weaving, etc., and the experi ence thus gained made him both self-reliant and progressive. When only eight years of age he took a position in the New York Mills. Later he went to work in the Utica Steam Cotton Mills, where, on account of his small stature, a platform was W. H. CLOHER, Jr. BIOGRAPHICAL. % 167 built to enable him to reach the machine. Here he earned $1 per day, his wages being regularly paid over by him to his mother for the support and education of the younger children. In 1862 his father enlisted in the army and remained about three years, and during this period young Cloher administered to the family's needs and also finished his own studies in the public schools of Utica, graduating from the ad vanced department. His ambition was precocious, yet his energy and good judg ment, combined with a determination to master every detail, led him while a lad iuto useful and promising fields of activity. With unusual foresight he saw great possibilities in the cotton industry, in which he had already obtained a limited ex perience. Leaving school when less than fourteen years of age he entered the em ploy of the Utica Cotton Company at New Hartford, or Capron, as the locality is known, and received at first 37^ cents per day. His object was to begin at the bot tom and work up, mastering every detail of the various grades of manufacture and acquiring that practical knowledge which was deemed essential to success. He soon rose to the position of overseer of the carding room and thence through the several departments of cotton manufacturing to assistant bookkeeper and in charge of the store, which at that time was an important auxiliary to every large factory. These latter positions he accepted with the view of thoroughly fitting himself for the post of superintendent and manager. Later he became chief bookkeeper of the entire establishment and in 1876 was appointed assistant superintendent. In 1882 he was made agent and manager, which position he still holds. In the same year he tore down the old mill and erected the present substantial brick structure, filling it with the most approved machinery for the manufacture of various kinds of cotton fabrics. The concern employs about 250 operatives. When Mr. Cloher accepted the agency and management of the Utica Cotton Com pany in 1882 he was reported by the Cotton and Wool Manufacturers of Boston to be the youngest man who ever took charge of a cotton mill of that magnitude in the country. That he has worthily discharged the important trust and great responsi bilities is evident from the fact that the value of the property has increased fourfold, while the quality and quantity of the product has been proportionately augmented. Tho company consists of William P. Taber, president, and Henry M. Taber, treas urer, both of New York city, and Mr. Cloher, and as illustrating the confidence re posed in the subject of this sketch it may be stated that these officials seldom visit the establishment and never take an active part in the business, affairs. In 1891 Mr. Cloher became a heavy stockholder and director in the company. As manager of the establishment he has won a wide and enviable reputation, and the record he has made is. one of which any man might well be proud. He has passed by successive promotions through every branch of the manufacture, mastering in each position every detail, and learning by practical experience the needs and requirements of the entire business. While filling the position of chief bookkeeper he spent his leisure in learning telegraphy and shorthand and became quite an expert in these branches. This illustrates his studious turn of mind and shows how carefully and profitably he has utilized his advantages. Mr. Cloher is also interested in various other enterprises. He was instrumental in securing a postoffice at Capron under President Harrison's administration and was appointed the first postmaster, which office he still holds. He also secured a station 168 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. there on the New York, Ontario and Western Railroad and is the agent. He was one of the founders and incorporators in January, 1893, of the Capron Knitting Com pany, of which he is the treasurer, his brother Charles E. being president and super intendent. This establishment manufactures men's underwear and employs about fifty hands. The firm of Henry M. Taber & Co., of New York does an extensive business through the Utica Cotton Company in storing cotton at Capron for supply ing mills in this vicinity and throughout the State, and all this passes through Mr. Cloher's hands as agent. Mr. Cloher was also one of the founders and is vice-presi dent of the New Hartford Canning Company, organized in 1883, whose goods have a wide reputation. He is vice president of the Electric Manufacturing and Supply Company of Utica and was one of its originators. He is an extensive owner of real estate, is interested quite heavily in various other enterprises, and is one of the foremost business men of Utica and New Hartford. Public spirited and progressive, endowed with wonderful energy, possessing sound judgment and keen foresight, he takes an active part in furthering and encouraging all worthy projects and liberally sustains those institutions which elevate and educate the masses. He is a thinker, not an imitator. His efforts are directed into channels which promise the greatest amount of general good. Mr. Cloher is a 33° Mason, and has always manifested a deep interest in the fra ternity. He is a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 224, F. & A. M., and pf Oneida Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M., and of the latter has been for several years a trustee. He is a member of Utica Commandery, No. 3, K. T. , and served as its commander in 1890 and 1891. He was the youngest man ever elected commander of this body. In the location of the Masonic Home in Utica he bore an active part and contributed liberally for the purpose. He is a member of the Fort Schuyler, Masonic, and Ar canum Clubs of Utica. In politics Mr. Cloher is an active Republican of the stalwart type, and in the days of Conkling was an ardent admirer of that eminent statesman. He is one of the town auditors of the city of Utica and for four years served as a member of the equalization committee of the county. He now holds the appointment under Gov; Levi P. Morton as one of the Board of Managers of the State Custodial Asylum at Rome. He has often been a delegate to local and State political conventions and alternate to the Republican National Convention, and for some time served as county committeeman. His interest in politics is akin to that manifested in all his business ar.d other relations. He is enthusiastic, progressive, and a man of unswerving in tegrity, and at all times a loyal and enterprising citizen. Mr. Cloher was married, first, on October 18,- 1876, to Miss Caroline E., daughter of Harve^ Strong, of Laurens, Otsego county. She died April 13, 1888, leaving one son, William Strong Cloher, born April 10, 1888. He married, second, September 1, 1892, Miss Alice De Etta, daughter of John M. Graham, of Utica, and they have two children: Lois De Etta and an infant son. ISAAC WHIFFEN. Isaac Whiffen was born in Kimbolton, Huntingdonshire, England, October 10, 1817, and died in Utica, N. Y., June 24, 1889.- He received his education mainly in 'Z7-y- Qj^-^c-^^£S. — - BIOGRAPHICAL. 169 his native country, where as a lad he developed those sturdy characteristics which mark the successful man. His elder brother, Uridge Whiffen, a gentleman of schol arly attainments, had become professor of Greek and mathematics in Bartlett's high school in Utica, and this led the family to emigrate to America and settle in this city in September, 1832, when Isaac was scarcely fifteen years of age. But he soon left Utica and shipped on a whaling steamer, remaining away three years, mainly for his health. Returning to Utica he engaged in the milk business with his brother John. In 1843 he established a meat market on the corner of John and Jay streets and here he laid the foundation for his successful business career. He remained on these corners, in trade, until his death, and the business was continued there by his sons till April, 1893, a period of fifty years. ' Mr. Whiffen, at the time of his death, was the oldest butcher and meat dealer in Utica, and was known all over the State. At first he confined his operations to the retail trade. Gradually, however, an increasing wholesale business was added, the two branches being combined with unusual success. In 1886 he admitted his sons, George I. and B. Allen, to partnership, under the firm name of Isaac Whiffen & Sons, and upon Mr. Whiffen' s death in 1889 they succeeded to the business, taking the present firm name of Isaac Whiffen' s Sons. In 1892-93 they erected on Bleecker street, opposite Chancellor Square, a large and commodious brick block, into which they moved in April, 1893, occupying the entire lower floor. Here both wholesaling and retailing of meats are carried on extensively, and here the business, established on the corner of John and Jay streets fifty-three years ago, has an appropriate home. As a citizen Mr. Whiffen was energetic, enterprising, and public spirited, and dur ing his long and successful career won universal respect and confidence. He was a man of unswerving integrity, true to his convictions, steadfast in his friendship, and unfailing in the discharge of his obligations. Plain, substantial and honest, he was a model citizen, and always took a just pride in advancing the welfare of the com munity. He was one of the organizers and for many years a director of the Utica and Mohawk street Railroad Company. Early in life he became interested in farm ing, and was a charter member of the Central New,York Farmers' Club. He was also a prominent member of the Central New York Agricultural, Horticultural, and Mechanical Association, and a life member of the Utica Mechanics Association. He was dne of the oldest members and at one time president of St. George's Society, long a member of Utica Lodge, No. 47, F. & A. M. , and a member and president of the Utica Curling Club. In politics he was an active and influential Republican, but never sought and only twice accepted political office. He served one term as canal collector, and in 1885 was appointed a police and fire commissioner of the city of Utica, but after about one year resigned. Mr. Whiffen was charitable, broad- minded, honorable, and industrious, and by every one was held in high esteem. November 25, 1841, Mr. Whiffen was married to Miss Elizabeth Seaton, who sur vives him. She was one of the eleven persons who founded the Bethel (later the Bleecker street and now the Park) Baptist church of Utica. They had nine children, of whom six are living, viz.. Charles B., George I., B. Allen, and Edward U.. of Utica; Mrs. W. H. Gibson, of Rochester, N. Y. ; and Mrs. U. M. Whiffen, of Rock Island, 111. . v 170 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. George I. Whiffen, born June 24, 1856, was educated in the Utica public schools and academy, and at the age of seventeen entered his father's meat market. He is trustee and treasurer of the Park Baptist church, a member of Imperial Council R. A., and a charter member of the Arcanum Club. November 7, 1883, he married Miss Carrie A., daughter of Charles Reed, of Utica, and they have one child, Mar- jorie G. B. Allen Whiffen was born August 26, 1858, received his education in the Utica public schools and academy, and on leaving school entered his father's business. He is a member of Imperial Council R. A., and of the Arcanum Club. June 17, 1891, he married Miss Anna N. , daughter of Henry B. Beckwith, of Utica. Edward U. Whiffen was born August 11, 1844, was educated in the public schools and academy of Utica, and remained with his father until 1870, when he went to Canada and engaged in the lumber business, continuing successfully until 1890. He then removed to Louisiana, Pike county, Mo., and carried on a lumber trade until March, 1896, when he sold out and returned to Utica. In 1867 he married Miss Susan L. Brazie, of Utica, and they have four children: Harry I., Fannie A., Flora L. , and Frank A. GEORGE W. CHADWICK, Sr. Hon. George W. Chadwick was born in Sauquoit, Oneida county, June 16, 1825, ane died at Chadwick's, in the same county, December 4, 1885. He was of English parentage. John Chadwick was born in Oldham, Lancashire, England, January 5, 1783, came to America early in this century, and first settled in Providence, R. I,, where he married Betsey Snow. They soon removed to Toddsville, Otsego county, N. Y., where Mr. Chadwick entered the employ of the Union cotton factory. He was a practical manufacturer of great skill and gave his whole time and attention to the details of the business. In the summer of 1813 John Chadwick, Abner Brownell, and Ira Todd came from Toddsville to what is now Chadwick's, Oneida county, bought both of John Greenleaf's " powers," removed the old saw mill to the upper end of the present village and converted it into a dwelling, and founded the Eagle Cotton factory. They purchased of Benjamin Merrill and Matthew Yale a strip of land along the creek to give sufficient power and built a frame cotton mill on the site of the present stone structure. A little farther east they erected a machine shop. This plant they called the Eagle Mills, a name it still bears. Some years afterward the firm dissolved ; Mr. Todd returned to Otsego county and in 1825 Mr. Brownell removed to Sauquoit and founded the Franklin factory. Mr. Chadwick remained sole owner of the Eagle mills and from time to time put in new and improved ma chinery, this materially increasing the business capacity. In 1843-44 extensive ad ditions were made and filled with costly machinery, and at night on June 24, 1844, when the builders were putting on the finishing toubhes, the plant was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. The labors and accumulations of years were lost, there being not one dollar of insurance. The present substantial stone mill was soon built on the site and equipped throughout with the latest machinery and GEORGE W. CHADWICK, SR. BIOGRAPHICAL. 171 appliances. John Chadwick was a man of great executive ability and integrity, prompt in business, and one of the foremost pioneer manufacturers of the Sauquoit valley. Early in his career he visited England and brought back a quantity of large wooden engraved blocks, which were used in printing calicoes. Later he purchased the pioneer Coe farm, where Hon. G. W. Chadwick was born. He was kind hearted and charitable and freely aided English immigrants to procure employment. He died at Chadwicks, a place named in honor of the family, March 12, 1858 ; the death of his wife occurred there April 1, 1867. Their children were Sally (Mrs. Alanson A. Butler), who died in 1893; Betsey, who died unmarried; Mary (Mrs. George Fisk and afterward wife of Hon. Eli Avery), who died February 22, 1878 ; John, deceased, who married Jane Tarpenny; Abigail (Mrs. William Harrison Boyd), deceased; Thomas, who died unmarried; Jane, who also died unmarried ; and George W, George W. Chadwick attended Sauquoit Academy and was graduated from Caz- enovia Seminary, and during his active life was connected with mills founded by his father. He first became a partner in 1843-54, when extensive alterations were in augurated, and after the old plant was burned down he supervised the erection of the present stone factory, to which he succeeded as owner upon his father's death in 1858, and which he successfully managed from 1844 until his own death in 1885. He brought to the management of the factory a thorough practical knowledge of every detail, and by his great business ability and native enterprise kept its product up with the times and instituted many important improvements. Energetic, progres sive and far-sighted, he won not only success as a manufacturer, but the confidence and respect of all who knew him. Like his father, he was a man of strict integrity, prompt, sagacious, and public spirited. ' In 1882 the establishment was incorporated under the name of the Chadwick Mills Cotton Company, with a capital of $250,000, and with Mr. Chadwick, president; C. A. Butler, vice-president; W. H. Kershaw, secretary ; and Benjamin Groff. treasurer. Upon Mr. Chadwick's death in Decem ber, 1885, Mr. Groff was elected president and treasurer, and on July 1, 1892, he was succeeded by George W. Chadwick, jr.., who still serves in these positions, Mr. Kershaw still retains the office of ¦ secretary. (See biographical sketch of George W. Chadwick, jr.) Mr. Chadwick was interested iff various other enterprises, and always took the part of a prominent and loyal citizen. He was one of the founders of the Utica Willowvale Bleaching Company and served as its president and general manager until his death. The establishment and success of this corporation was largely due to his energy and able guidance. He was its chief promoter and was instrumental in placing it upon a sound business basis. He was one of the originators and con tinuously a member of the board of directors of the Oneida National Bank of Utica, one of the promotors and first directors of the Utica, Chenango, and Susquehanna Railroad, and one of the incorporators of the Sauquoit Valley Cemetery Association, which he served as president until his decease. In beautifying and improving this cemetery he always took a deep interest, and contributed materially to its welfare. In politics he was a staunch Republican. He served as supervisor for several years, and represented his district in the Assembly in 1871 and 1874. On one occasion he was the nominee on the Stalwart wing of the Republican ticket for member of Con gress, but was defeated with. his associates. During the war of the Rebellion he was 172 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. a member and treasurer of the local war committee and actively assisted in raising men for the front. In religion he was an Episcopalian, and for several years served as vestryman and- warden of St. Stephen's church, New Hajtford. He was espe cially the friend and an active promoter of education. He was a member of Oriental Lodge F. &-A. Mi, and Fort Schuyler Club, Utica, and an honorary member of the Utica Citizens Corps. Mr. Chadwick was married on November 5, 1855. to Miss Mary Ann, daughter of Absalom and Lucy (Scofield) Wrigley, of Oldham, Lancashire, England. She came to America with her mother in 1848, and settled in what is now Chad wicks, where' she has since resided, the house she now occupies being erected by her husband in 1881. In 1890 she built and donated to the parish St. George's Memorial church, Chadwicks, at a cost of upwards of $11,000. This was given by her as a memorial to her husband. They had two children: George W., jr., and Lucy V. GEORGE- W. "CHADWICK, Jr. George W. Chadwick, Jr., only son and eldest child of Hon. George W. and Mary Ann (Wrigley) Chadwick, was born on his father's stock farm near Washington Mills, Oneida county, August 17, 1870, and came to the village of Chadwicks when seven years of age. He was educated at Sauquoit Academy .Whitestown Seminary, and St. John's Military Academy at Manlius, Onondaga county, where he won the first drill prize. He was graduated from Holbrook's Military Academy at Sing Sing, N. Y., with the class of 1885, and there received honorary mention in the prize squad. Returning home he entered his father's mills with a view of learning every detail of the manuf acuture, which he did, acquiring a practical knowledge of both the business and operating departments. On July 1, 1892, he succeeded Benjamin Groff as pres ident and treasurer of the Chadwick Mills Cotton Company, incorporated in 1885, which positions he still holds (see biographical sketch of George W. Chadwick, sr.) The property owned by this company covers an area of about 100 acres, of which upwards of fifteen are occupied by buildings, including some thirty residences. The motive power is both steam and water, and about 200 hands are employed in the mills, the annual output being about 5,000,000 yards of unbleached cotton sheeting, which is sold from New York' city throughout the United States. It is one of the largest and most successful plants of the kind in the country, and one of the oldest manufacturing establishments in Central New York. Under Mr. Chadwick's able guidance it has continued the career so long maintained by his father and founded by his grandfather eighty years ago. Mr. Chadwick is also president and treasurer of the Chadwick Manufacturing Company, incorporated by him and associates early in 1896, for the purpose of man ufacturing at Chadwicks the Chadwick two-wheelers, a cart invented and patented by Charles E. Chadwick, the secretary and general manager, which has attained almost a world-wide reputation. The business was originally started in Olean, N. Y., by Charles E. Chadwick, in 1886. Since 1891 he has greatly improved and perfected these noted vehicles, which the company, the sole owner of all the patents, is manu- GEORGE W. CHADWICK, JR. 0 t^JL^^JSiL- BIOGRAPHICAL. 173 facturing on an extensive scale and in a variety of styles. George W. Chadwick, besides attending to the financial affairs of this company and managing the great cotton mills, is also president and one of the originators of the Metropolitan Medicine, Company of New York city, president of the Central New York Branch of the New York Building and Loan Association, and one of the organizers and vice-president of the Utica Highland Driving Park Association. He was also secretary of the old New Hartford Leather Company, which he helped to organize. Mr. Chadwick was for several years one of the best known athletes in Central New York, and in various contests won many gold and silver medals and other prizes. He is a member of the Syracuse Athletic Association, the Manhattan Athletic Club of New York city, the Elks Cycling Club of Syracuse, the Utica Cycling Club, and the Athletic Club of the Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia. He is a member of Syra cuse Lodge No. 31, B. O. E., Utica Lodge Knights of Honor, Jubilee Lodge Sons of St. George, and Samuel Campbell Council R. A. , and is vice-commodore and one of the organizers of Oneida Division, Volunteer Life Saving Corps of New York, mem ber Oneida County Sportsman Association, and the Triton Gun and Fishing Club of Canada. He has also been prominent in military affairs, serving at one time as adjutant of the 28th Separate company N. G. N. Y., of Utica. In politics he is an active Republican and was delegate to the State convention at Saratoga in 1894 which nominated Levi P. Morton for governor. For two years he was a county commit teeman and during that period a member of the executive committee. He was chairman of the New Hartford town committee for three years, and has frequently sat in local conventions as a delegate. December 13, 1888, Mr. Chadwick was married to Miss Marie Louise, daughter of Edward R. and Louise Norton, of Utica, and granddaughter of Dr. Norton, one of the early prominent settlers of Clinton, N. Y. They have one daughter, Marguerite. JESSE B. ANTHONY. Jesse Barker Anthony, past grand master of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York and superintendent of the Masonic Home at Utica, was born in Troy, N. Y., December 16, 1837, and is of English descent. His ancestors, on coming to America, settled in Rhode Island, whence his grandfather, Jesse Anthony, came with his family to Easton, Washington county, N. Y., and later removed to Troy, where with his sons he established a general wholesale and retail mercantile busi ness and afterward engaged in the foundry line and manufacture of stoves, being among the earliest in Troy to carry on thai branch of industry. John Anthony, father of Jesse B., was born in 1816, and was married in Troy to Mary Ann Gibeny, of that city. He was associated with his father in the mercantile and foundry busi ness, and on retiring from those pursuits was engaged for several years in real estate operations in the city, being prominently identified with its business interests and prosperity and for many years a member of the city council. He removed to the State of Delaware in 1865 and died there in 1890. Jesse B. Anthony, received a fair common school education, and when sixteen be 174 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. came a clerk in a wholesale grocery store, where he remained until he reached his majority. In 1859 he formed a copartnership with Charles E. Dusenberry, and un der the firm name of Dusenberry & Anthony became the successors of J. M. Bogardus & Co. , in the wholesale coffee and spice trade. The firm continued until 1876, car rying on a large, successful, and increasing business. From 1876 to 1879 it was J. B. Anthony & Co. In the latter year H. O. Dusenberry retired and Mr. Anthony ¦ continued as sole owner. Mr. Anthony was one of the organizers of the Troy Steam Heating Company, formed with a capital of $75,000 for the purpose of supplying steam for heating from a central point. He was president until 1880, when a new company was organized and he retired. He was also for many years a director of the Union National Bank of Troy. He gave close application to his business affairs, and brought to their management ability and executive energy of a high order, He was characterized for his sterling integrity, his indomitable perseverance, and his public spirit, and during a long mercantile career won both success and respect. It is in the Masonic fraternity that Mr. Anthony is most widely known. He was made a Mason in King Solomon's Primitive Lodge, No. 91, F. & A. M., Troy, N. Y., February, 23, 1860, and after filling the offices of senior deacon and senior warden was, in 1867, chosen as its worshipful master, occupying the position for three con secutive years. In 1873 he was appointed district deputy grand master of the twelfth Masonic district, holding the office for two years. While serving in this capacity he was elected as the representative of the district in the constitutional convention as sembled at Syracuse, N. Y. , for the purpose of revising the constitution of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. At the annual sessions of the Grand Lodge in June, 1875, he was unanimously elected senior grand warden, in 1879 deputy grand master, and in 1880 grand master. As the head of the craft of the Empire State his administration of the affairs of this vast jurisdiction was one of ability and marked success, and he retired from the office wtih the good will, of all the representatives. It was his privilege, besides officiating in other public ceremonials of a similar na ture, to lay the foundation stone of the Egyptian Obelisk in Central Park, New York city, October 9, 1880, delivering the address upon that occasion. During his official term occurred the Centennial of the Gf"and Lodge of the State of New York in June, 1881, and he delivered the historical address on that occasion at the meeting held at the Academy of Music, New York city; and the facts embodied therein have been widely copied throughout the United States by the various Grand Bodies. He re ceived the capitular degrees in Apollo Chapter, No. 48, R. A. M., Troy, N. Y., in December, 1860, and after serving as captain of the host one term and principal sojourner two terms, was elected in 1872 as its high priest, filling the position for five consecutive years and retiring therefrom at his own request. In the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of New York he was appointed grand lecturer, holding the office for two terms. He received the Orders of Knighthood in Apollo Commandery, No. 15, Troy, September 2, 1863, and after filling the office of prelate for four consecutive years was elected as its eminent commander, and after two years' service retired in 1876. He received the degrees in the Cryptic Rite in Bloss Council, No. 14, R. & S. M., Troy, March 15, 1861, and after filling various subordinate positions was elected as thrice illustrious master. In the year 1862 he received the grades of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite up to the 14th and subse- BIOGRAPHICAL. 175 quently, about 1871, in Albany Sovereign Consistory, Albany, N.Y., was made a 32° Mason. At the institution of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite bodies in the city of Trov he became one of the charter members of Delta Lodge of Perfection, Delta Council of Princes of Jerusalem, and Delta Chapter of Rose Croix of Troy, and was for many years the presiding officer of those bodies. In 1874 the Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction conferred upon him the 33° and created him an honorary member of that exalted body. He was also for many years the grand potentate of Oriental Temple Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Royal Order of Scotland in the United States, having received the degree in May, 1878, at Washington, D. C. He is an honorary member of several Masonic bodies outside of the city of Troy, the same having been conferred not alone as a reward for special labor, but also as a mark of respect and esteem as a man and a Mason. He has been active and prominent in all the Masonic enterprises of the city of Troy, and done much toward the advancement of Masonry in that city. At the erection of the new Masonic Temple in Troy, in 1872, he was one of the most earnest workers in the completion of that enterprise, was selected as the orator on the occasion of the laying of the corner stone August 2, 1871, has been secretary of the Troy Masonic Hall Association since its incorporation in 1871, and also honored with various offices of trust in the Masonic bodies of Troy. He is also chairman of the committee on correspondence for the Grand Lodge and Grand Commandery of the State of New York. Mr. Anthony was appointed superintendent of the Masonic Home in Utica upon its completion, assumed his duties there in 1893, and is -now in charge of that insti tution. This home has its nucleus in a resolution brought before the Grand Lodge of the State of New York by Greenfield Pote (grand tiler), James Herring (grand secretary), and others, in 1842, when Mr. Pote contributed the first silver dollar for the purpose of "founding an asylum for worthy aged Masons, their widows and orphans." This memorial officially reached the Grand Lodge June 8, 1843. More than forty years passed before the affairs of the proposed Home took definite shape. In May, 1888, after several years spent in determining the location, the Utica Driv ing Park, known as the county and State fair grounds, on the eastern edge of the city of Utica, was selected and purchased, the owner donating §25,000. the city 830,000, and the Grand Lodge 820,000. The tract comprises 160 acres; the West Shore railroad donated a quarter of an acre and five additional acres were purchased for §750. In 1889 the name was changed from "Asylum " to " Masonic Home and School," and in 1890 the original cost of the proposed building was increased from $100,000 to 8150,000. In 1890 a contract was let for §134,500, to which 85,000 were subsequently added. On May 21, 1891, the corner stone was laid amidst tile greatest demonstrations in the history of the craft, John W. Vrooman, grand master, officiat ing. The building was formally dedicated October 5, 1892, the addresses being delivered by Past Grand Master William Sherer and Grand Master James Ten Eyck. In June, 1893, the trustees reported that the total cost of the Home and appurten ances to date was $230,685.18, with a balance in the bank of §155,572.55. The first inmates, two in number, were received on May 1st of that year. At the present time (June, 1896,) the Home contains 158 inmates, and a school is being built for the 176 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. use of the inmate orphans. Under Mr. Anthony's able superintendence the institu tion has reached the highest aim of its promoters, and is not only a monument to the craft of the Empire State but a substantial memorial to the fraternity of Utica and Oneida county, among whose benevolent objects it will ever hold a foremost place. Mr. Anthony has also attained a merited eminence in Masonic literature, having contributed much that is valuable to the craft and invaluable to historians. Among his noteworthy publications is a Review of the Transactions of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York from 1782 to 1852. He is also the author of a History of King Solomon's Primitive Lodge, No. 81, F. & A. M., of Troy, from 1842 to 1892, together with a sketch of Free Masonry in the city of Troy from 1796 to 1842. As a ritualist and worker in the various Masonic bodies he stands high in the estimation of the craft, and his earnestness and fervency impress his hearers with the beauties of the institution. He is active and prominent in all Masonic enterprises, and is one of the most illustrious members of the order. In 1859 he married Miss Catherine A., daughter of John M. Bogardus, of Troy, N. Y., and their children are M. Alice (Mrs. William McKip Morris), of Groveville, N. J., and Jessie May (Mrs. Knowlton Mixer), of Buffalo, N. Y. MORGAN BUTLER. Morgan Butler was born in the town of New Hartford, Oneida county, June 7, 1807, and died in the village of the same name August 3, 1892. He was a lineal descendant of Deacon Richard Butler, who came from County Essex, England, with the so-called Hooker company in 1632 and settled in Newtown, near Boston, Mass. Before 1639 Richard and William Butler, the latter being a brother of the deacon, moved with Rev. Thomas Hooker to Hartford, Conn., where William died, leaving no children. From Deacon Richard descended Eli Butler, grandfather of Morgan, who started in the spring of 1789 to visit his old neighbor, Judge Hugh White, the pioprietary founder of Whitestown. Before returning to Middletown, Conn., he purchased lands in what is now the town of Paris, Oneida county, on which he settled three of his sons, Ashbel, John, and Sylvester, in the fall of that year In 1792 Eli Butler, sr., came with his son Eli and settled permanently upon the farm in New Hartford that has ever since remained and still is in the possession of the family. It is located one mile south of the village, and is one of the most valuable and beautiful farms in Oneida county. The dwelling is located in the village one- half a mile from the -Hill. It was purchased from Solomon Kellogg, the deed being dated April 17, 1795. Eli, sr., was captain of cavalry in the Revolution ary war, and died April 19, 1802. He was born in Middletown, Conn., January 26, 1740, married Rachel Stocking, of the same place, and had four sons and seven daughters', of whom only Sylvester, John, and Eli have descendants living in Oneida county. Eli, jr.. father of Morgan, was born in Middletown, Conn., March 28, 1779, came with his father to New Hartford in 1792, and upon the latter's death in 1802 inherited the homestead. In 1806 he, married Rachel, daughter of Truman Kellogg, and died in 1832, when fifty-three years of age. BIOGRAPHICAL. , 177 Morgan Butler, the eldest son of Eli and Rachel (Kellogg) Butler, was twenty-five years of age when his father died and the farm came into his possession. He re mained on the homestead until 1890, when he came to the village to reside. He was widely known as a progressive farmer and as a public spirited citizen. Nothing new in the line of farming appliances escaped his attention or was refused a trial, He owned the first mowing machine brought into Oneida county, and an unbroken meadow of forty acres lying in front of the house was the scene of many large and wonderful gatherings to witness the then novel method of cutting grass. He became the agent of the machine and sold large numbers of them throughout the country.- Other kindred appliances, such as the hay rake, the tedder, the field loader, the barn fork, etc., found in' him their first patron in this locality. His chief fancy in farming was for fine cattle, of which he was an expert judge, and in which he dealt largely. So deeply was he interested in agriculture, and so widely was he known in this respect that when the Central New York Farmers' Club was organized in 1870 he was honored with the vice-presidency, and upon the death of its president, Hon. Samuel Campbell, Mr. Butler succeeded to that office, which by successive re-elec tions he held until his decease. Mr. Butler was a man of noble contentment, and one whose active spirit and -en terprise led him into numerous spheres of benefaction. From early life until death- cut short his usefulness he entered with enthusiasm into the affairs of the com munity. During his youth and young manhood the State militia was an important factor in every neighborhood, and the meadow in front of his father's house was long the favorite parade ground. Here was aroused and developed the military spirit which made him a member of that organization while yet in his teens. When eighteen years old, as bugler of his company, he accompanied the troops to Oriskany and with them formed a part of the escort to General La Fayette on the occasion of that distinguished veteran's visit to this country in 1825. Mr. Butler was always identified with the affairs of the town and liberally encouraged every movement which promised benefit to the community. He was a man of tireless energy, enter prising, progressive, and benevolent, a kind and generous neighbor, a sympathetic friend, and a wise counselor and adviser. Upon his father's death he purchased the interest of the heirs in the homestead and assiduously devoted his life to farming, an occupation he both loved and honored. He was characterized for his integrity, for his sound judgment, and for his progressive methods, and throughout his life he en joyed universal respect and esteem as well as the entire confidence of all with whom he came in contact. He was content to do the duty he found at his door, and sought no advancement through politics or public station. He did much that was commendable, much that was worthy of emulation, and set a most excellent exam ple. He spent his career ,in New Hartford; he loved the place and its people, and his fortunes were identified with theirs. An enduring illustration of this fact is offered in the Butler Memorial Hall, the erection of which was commenced by him in 1889. The structure, including the lot, represents a cash gift to the town of about $20,000, and was formally presented to New Hartford by. him on May 1.3, 18f0, less than three years before its honored donor's death. It is a handsome brick building, located on Genesee street in the center of the village, and contains not only a large hall for general assemblies, but offices for the town and village officers and post- 178 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. master, a reading room, a library, etc. An excellent library was furnished by Mr. Butler's sisters. The remainder of the property constituting this magnificent gift was paid for and donated by Mr. Butler himself. It is governed by a board of seven self -perpetuating trustees created under a special act of the Legislature, and is the only institution of the kind in the county. In a tribute to his memory the board said of him : "Morgan Butler ended his earthly career on the 3d day of August, 1892, at the patriarchal age of eighty-five years. Born in the town of New Hartford at an early period in its settlement, of parents distinguished for industry and probity, and living all bis days at the place of his birth, he was identified with every interest of the town, and his death leaves an open gap in the community like that which would fol low the disappearance from the physical landscape of one of our grandest hills. He was a man of tireless energy, enthusiastic in all his pursuits, and looking to the benefit of his -fellow men rather than to his own grandizement. A farmer by in heritance and taste, the tillage of the soil was his best recreation, and he always took the lead in improved methods. He had no vague or visionary theories, but with a quick and keen perception of true principles he came readily to right con clusions, and it was always safe to follow where he led. To his intelligent example is due in a great degree the pre-eminence which his town holds in agriculture. The benefits of his work are not confined to home limits. In all things pertaining to his chosen calling he was a recognized authority in county and State. He had no greed for wealth, for power or fame, but was content to keep the even tenor of his way by a life of daily usefulness unmarred by shams or vain show. He was generous in his benefactions to worthy objects; he was charitable in his judgments, and he was just to all men. He was a king and safe counsellor, and one who heeded his advice never had occasion to regret he had sought it." In politics Mr. Butler was very independent, though he generally voted with the Republicans. He never held any office except that of assessor for one term. He was baptized a Presbyterian, but later was confirmed in St. Stephen's Episcopal church, New Hartford, and for many years served it as senior warden and treasurer. His interest in the welfare of this body was akin to that manifested in all his work or undertakings. Mr. Butler was married February 10, 1841,- to Miss Marianne Howard, daughter of Rufus and Nancy (Hungerford) Howard, who survives him. They had' no children. She was a native of Litchfield, Herkimer county, where her father was an early and prominent settler. She is -also a sister of Gen. Rufus Lombard Howard, of Buffalo, N. Y. WILBUR H. BOOTH, M. D. Wilbur Hiram Booth, M. D., is a son of Hiram and Catharine (Wheeler) Booth and was born in Huntington, Fairfield county, Conn., December 11, 1852, his ancestors having settled in Stratford, Conn., early in the seventeenth century. He received his preparatory education at the Connecticut Literary Institute in Suffield BIOGRAPHICAL, 179 and the Providence Conference Seminary at East Greenwich, R. I., and early in life decided upon medicine as a prbfession. After leaving college he entered the medical department of Yale and was graduated therefrom with the degree of M. D. in June, 1874, being valedictorian of his class. In the following October he became house surgeon in the New York Charity Hospital and served in that capacity with ability and credit until April 1, 1876, when he came to Utica, where he has since resided. Dr. Booth, upon coming to Utica, began the active practice of his profession and rapidly won a foremost position among the leading physicians and surgeons of the city. His genial personality as well as his recognized professional ability soon made for him a wide circle of friends, while his contemporary practitioners accorded him that eminence which talent and skill always inspire. For several years he has made general surgery a specialty, a sphere in which he has acquired high distinction, not only in Utica and Oneida county, but throughout Central New York. In this branch he has built up an extensive practice, one of the largest ever enjoyed by a Utica surgeon. He also became thoroughly identified with the city's institutions and its prosperity, and took a deep interest in all that pertained to the public wel fare. For one year he had charge as surgeon of St. Elizabeth's Hospital, with which he has ever since been prominently connected. He was formerly consulting surgeon to Faxton Hospital and the Utica Orphan Asylum and is now senior surgeon to St. Luke's Hospital. For six years he was a member of the Board of Health of the city of Utica and has recently declined to serve another term in that 'capacity. He is a member of the New York State Medical Society ; the New York State Med ical Association, the Oneida County Medical Society, and the American Medical Association, and a member and formerly president of the Utica Medical Library Association. He was also United States examining surgeon for pensions for four years. Dr. Booth was one of the first surgeons to advise the removal of the appendix vermiformis for inflammation of that organ, and he successfully performed this ope ration in June, 1876. He was also one of the first operators to revive the then out of date, but now very successful operation for stone in the bladder, known as the high or supra pubic operation. Dr. Booth has contributed various articles covering a wide range of medical and surgical literature to many of the leading medical journals of the country, and is a recognized authority on a number of subjects pertaining to the profession. He is public spirited, progressive and benevolent, a generous supporter of all worthy movements, and as a citizen takes commendable pride in the advancement of the community. July 10, 1878, Dr. Booth was married to Miss Sarah Leah Lynch, daughter of James S. and Sarah Adams (Johnson) Lynch, of Utica. She died in Florida on the 15th of February, 1882. JEDEDIAH SANGER. Hon. Jedediah Sanger will ever occupy a conspicuous place in the history of Oneida county, not only on account of his prominence as a citizen, but because of his Iso 6Ur count Y aNd Its People. sterling qualities of manhood, his eminence as a leading pioneer, and his foresight in planting in the community a standard of culture and enterprise which exists at the present day. He was a descendant of Richard Sanger, who came to Hingham, Mass., about 1636. His father, Capt. Richard Sanger, was a member of the Pro vincial Congress which convened at Cambridge on the 1st day of February, 1775, and also one of the gentlemen comprising the "committee from every town and district in the county of Middlesex and Province of Massachusetts Bay, held at Con cord in the same county on the 30th and 31st days of August, 1774, to consult upon measures proper to be taken at the present very important day."1 The Rev. Dr. Sanger, great-grandfather of Col. William Cary Sanger, of Sangerfield, wasabrofher of Judge Jedediah Sanger. Judge Jedediah Sanger was the ninth of ten children of Richard and Deborah Sanger, and was born in Sherburne, Middlesex county, Mass., February 29, 1751, 2 "consequently he had a birthday but once in four years." He received a common school education, interspersing his studies with work upon the farm. In March, 1788, he arrived, the first white settler, in what is now the town of New Hartford, Oneida county, where he had purchased a thousand acres of lan'dlyingon both sides of Sauquoit creek, which divided the tract about equally. Upon this he at once began making improvements. His purchase included the whole of the site of the present village of New Hartford. Under the judge's able management the immediate country was rapidly settled with a class of enterprising and intelli gent men and women. He was the foremost man in all this section. In March, 1789. a year from the time he made his first improvements, he brought his family to his wilderness home, and the same year he erected a. saw mill. In 1790 he built a grist mill, which was used for the purpose for nearly a century. Judge Sanger possessed a master spirit of energy and decision, and was a man of strict integrity. Endowed with wonderful perseverance, imbued with the sterling principles of honesty and uprightness, he won universal respect and esteem and left a name which will forever grace the annals of local history. He was a man of in domitable enterprise. In 1796 he erected, through an agent, the first grist and saw mill on the outlet of Skaneateles Lake,, now in the beautiful village of Skaneateles, Onondaga county. He was also one of the active and leading partners in the Paris furnace, which was erected in 1800 and went into operation in 1801. In 1805 he en gaged in the manufacture of cotton.' The town and village of New Hartford owed much to his efforts, and his death was greatly deplored. In politics Judge Sanger belonged to the school then known as Federalist. He spent eleven winters in Albany as a member of the Senate and Assembly, having been elected to both of these bodies by the people. He was the first supervisor of Whites- ' town and held the office for three consecutive years. He was appointed first judge of Oneida county upon its organization and served in that capacity until 1810, when he resigned on account of the age limit. He died June 6, 1829, and upon his monu ment in the village cemetery was placed the following inscription : "Sacred to the Memory of Hon.' Jedediah Sanger, who died June 6, A. D., 1829. 1 See History of Sherborn and Holliston, by Abner Morse, and Journals of the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts. 2 Jones's '' Annals of Oneida County." Must have been 1752 to be a leap-year. WILLIAM CARY SANGER. BIOGRAPHICAL. 181 The founder of New Hartford. His charities are widely extended, and his munifi cence has reared and supported several edifices devoted to the service of his Maker. His virtues are indelibly impressed upon the hearts of his countrymen." The members of his family raised a cenotaph in St. Joseph's Episcopal church, New Hartford, with this inscription : "Sacred to the memory of Jedediah Sanger; born Feb. 29, 1751, died June 6, 1829. ' He, being dead, yet speaketh.' " Judge Sanger was married, first, in May, 1771, to Sarah Rider, by whom he had four children- She died September 26, 1814, and on August 31, 1815, he married Sarah B. Kissam, who died April 23, 1825. October 3, 1827, he married, third, Fanny Dench, who survived him and died in May, 1842. WILLIAM CARY SANGER. Col. William Cary Sanger, of Sangerfield, Oneida county, descends from Rich ard Sanger, who came to Hingham, Mass., about 1636. His great-great-grandfather was Capt. Richard Sanger, a member of the Provincial Congress which convened at Cambridge on February 1, 1775. His great-grandfather, the Rev. Dr. Sanger, was a brother of Hon. Jedediah Sanger, the first settler of the town of New Hartford and first judge of Oneida county, whose portrait and biographical sketch appear in this volume. Dr. Sanger was graduated from Harvard College in 1771 and his portrait is in Memorial Hall of Harvard University. The Rev. Zedekiah Sanger, son of Dr. Sanger and grandfather of Col. William Cary, was graduated from Brown Univer sity and became one of the early settlers of New Hartford, N. Y., where his son Henry was born. Henry Sanger, when a young man, went to New York city and became a successful merchant. He held many positions of trust and responsibility. He married Ma"ry E. Requa, a descendant of a -Huguenot family who came from New Rochelle, France. Col. William Cary Sanger, son of Henry and Mary E. (Requa) Sanger, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., May 21, 1853, and was graduated from Harvard University in 1874. He received the degree of M. A. from the same institution in 1875 and the degree of LL. B. from Columbia College in 1878. He studied law in the office of Evarts, . Southmayd & Choate, and after practicing .his profession for a few years made his home in Sangerfield (so named in honor of Col. Jedediah Sanger when the town was founded in 1795), where he has a large farm. Colonel Sanger is prominent in military circles and has been a member of the Na tional Guard of the State of New York for many years. He was at one time major of the 13th Regiment and is now assistant chief of artillery of the State with the rank of colonel. He has written several articles on military subjects, all of which had the true ring of high merit. He has also taken an active interest in politics. He represented the second assembly district of Oneida county in the State Leg islature in 1895 and 1896, and in this capacity he won distinction as an able and conscientious advocate of the people's rights. He is also vice-president of the New York State Agricultural Society and the representative of the society from 182 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. his district. Colonel Sanger takes a deep interest in all public matters and liberally encourages every good movement. Public spirited, progressive, and energetic he is noted for his patriotism as well as for his activity in furthering the general welfare. As a writer he has won laurels of rare distinction ; as a soldier he ranks among the best disciplinarians of the State; as a public officer his efforts have been character- ized by faithfulness to duty; as a citizen he is loyal, enterprising, and highly es teemed. V , Colonel Sanger was married on February 23, 1892, to Miss Mary Ethel Cleveland Dodge, daughter of Gen. Charles Cleveland-Dodge, of New York city, granddaugh ter of Hon. W. E. Dodge, also of New York, and a descendant of John Haynes, the second colonial governor of Massachusetts and the first colonial governor of Con necticut. They have three children: William Cary, jr., Henry Lawrence, and Mary Ethel. SPENCER KELLOGG. The ancestry of Spencer Kellogg, the subject of this memoir, dates back to the early settlement of New England, where several of the members distinguished them selves in civil, military and commercial life. Lieut. Joseph Kellogg came to Con necticut from England probably in 1651, and joined the church in Hartford on Octo ber 9, 1653. In 1662 he moved to Hadley, Mass., where he died in 1707, aged eighty years. As lieutenant he led the men of Hadley in the Falls fight in May, 1676. On May 9, 1667, he married Abigail Terry, daughter of Deacon Stephen Terry, of Dor chester, Winsor, and Simsbury. She was born in Simsbury, September 21, 1646. Lieutenant Kellogg left fourteen children, of whom Nathaniel was married on March 28. 1692, to Sarah Boltwood, granddaughter of Robert Boltwood, one of the original settlers of Hadley. Their son, Nathaniel Kellogg, jr., born September 26, 1693, died August 6, 1770, became a noted surveyor, and was made a lieutenant in 1748. He served as selectman of Hadley most of the time from 1735 to 1761. He married Sarah Preston, and their son, Joel Kellogg, born in 1724, was married in 1748 to Joanna Clark, and died at Whateley, Mass., October 22, 1798. Levi Kellogg, son of Joel, was born in Hadley, M,ass. , October 8, 1760, was married on August 30, 1782, in Northampton, Mass., to Cynthia Wright, and died in Utica, N. Y., January 30, 1848. His wife was born September 3, 1764, and died in Plainfield, Otsego county, October 19, 1813. They were the parentsof Spencer Kellogg and several daughters. Levi Kellogg was drafted in the summer of lri76, when only fifteen years of age, as a soldier in the Revolutionary war from Northampton. He served four months under Capt. Oliver Lyman and Colonel Dyke. In 1777 he was under Capt. Simeon Clapp. He then volunteered and served in the same company and regiment under Colonels Tup per and King and Captains Fairchild, Porter and Strong, until the surrender of Burgoyne. Late in life he drew a pension. About the year 1800, or before, he moved to Plainfield, Otsego county, N. Y. , and settled on a farm. Spencer Kellogg, the only son of Levi and Cynthia (Wright) Kellogg, was born in Williamstown, Mass., September 19, 1786, and died in Utica, N. Y., Decembeer 31, 1871. When a small boy he came with his parents from Williamstown to Plainfield, BIOGRAPHICAL. , 183 Otsego county, where he was reared on a farm and received a common school edu cation. Endowed with qualities of a high order he early manifested an aptitude for business pursuits, and for several years prior to 1824 he was engaged in the general merchandise business in Plainfield. Here he acquired the rudiments of that mercan tile training which won him eminent success in after life. In 1824 he removed to Utica and for a lcffig time conducted a large dry goods trade with remarkable energy. His first partner was S. H. Reynolds. Later he was associated with his son, Palmer Vose Kellogg, and with others. He was also prominently identified with other enter prises of importance. He was largely instrumental in the building of the Utica and Black River railroad, and was one of its first board of directors. He was also one of the prime movers in inaugurating steam manufactures in Utica. In these as well as in other movements for the advancement of the city's material interests he took a foremost part and contributed both means and influence. No man's enthusiasm and public spirit exceeded his in its constancy and application, and none took deeper pride in the general welfare. In politics Mr. Kellogg was an old line Whig -and an ardent admirer of Henry Clay, and afterward became a staunch Republican. He was also a strong abolition ist and an active promoter of non-slaver)' principles. He held various local offices, and in 1841 was mayor of the city of Utica. He was especially prominent in relig ious circles, being an invaluable member, elder, and trustee of the First Presbyterian church, and taking also an active part in its Sunday school and Bible class as long •as his age and health permitted. He was for many years a beloved- Bible teacher, and signally illustrated a Christian spirit, not only in his words, but by his deeds. He sought earnestly the correction of prevailing evils and the redress of wrongs. His strength of mind, his boldness and indomitability, and his power of execution presented him to strangers chiefly as the embodiment of force, and his friends rec ognized him as personifying delicacy and sensibility. He was affectionate and more tender of heart than irresistible of hand. During the cholera epidemic of 1832 he devoted his time, energy, and sympathies to the suffering and dying and to comfort their afflicted families, and on one occasion took some bereaved daughters to his own home. Throughout a long and useful life, replete with good deeds and kind acts, and uniformly successful from every point of view, he lived as a model citizen, er- joying universal respect and esteem, and winning the confidence and approbation of his fellow Mien. Mr. Kellogg was married in Plainfield, Otsego county, on October 7, 1810, to Miss Margaret Stewart Palmer, daughter of Vose and Celinda (Stewart) Palmer, who was born in Plainfield, Conn., June 18, 1791, came to Plainfield, N. Y. , with her parents when very young, and died in Utica May 29, 1876. Their first home in Utica was on Whitesboro street ; later they built and occupied the brick, house on the south side of Court street, near Cornelia ; and still later they erected the dwelling on Genesee street, now owned by their son, Charles C, and where both their deaths occurred. They had nine children : Palmer Vose, who died in Chicago, 111.; Levi, who died aged four; a daughter who died in infancy; Cynthia S. (Mrs. James Rockwell), of Utica ; Levi Spencer, who died at the age of twenty ; Mary A. (Mrs. James K. Hitch cock), who died in. Orange, N. J., February 21, 1896; Gustavus A., who died in 1850; and Charles C, and Sarah S. (Mrs. Frederick W. H. Sheffield), both of Utica. 184 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Charles C. Kellogg was born in Utica September 2, 1828, was educated at Ham ilton College, and became a partner of his brother Palmer V. in the mercantile business. He subsequently engaged in the lumber business, founding the present firm of Charles C. Kellogg & Sons' Company. -Mr. Kellogg has been for many years one of Utica's most prominent business men. CHARLES MILLAR. Charles Millar was born in Greenwich, England, March 9, 1808, and received a good education in the parochial schools of London. In 1835 he came to America and first located in Williamsburg, near New ^ ork city, whence he removed in 1839 to Utica, where he spent the remainder of his life. He had been educated as an archi tect and master builder, and here he at once commenced business in that line, secur ing large and important contracts. He erected many of the most prominent of the older buildings in Utica, among which were the court house, the Mohawk street jail, the Tibbitts block, several public schools, and John Thorn's residence. , His career as a contractor and builder continued successfully for about seventeen years. From 1857 to 1860 he was the agent and manager of the Utica Screw Company. When he assumed charge of its affairs the company, suffering from the prevailing financial depression, was virtually bankrupt, but through his efforts it rapidly recovered and became such an important competitor that the American Screw Company, of Provi dence, R. I. , offered to buy its stock at par, which, contrary to Mr. Millar's advice, was accepted by the directors. The soundness of his views was subsequently con firmed by the advance of the Providence company's stock many hundredfold. In 1861 Mr. Millar was made superintendent of the Utica and Black River Railroad, which position he held six years. He laid the foundation of the future prosperity of that important line, and made many improvements in the property, notable among which was the filling of the immense trestle work at Trenton, N. Y., a work of great magnitude, occupying several years and requiring several million yards of sand and gravel. His management of the affairs of the company was so energetic and char acterized by such good judgment that the road was enabled to pay its first dividend. In 1861 he had purchased the wholesale tin, plumbing and steamfitting business which he continued to conduct until his death, and to which he commenced to devote his whole attention in 1867, when he resigned his position as superintendent of the railroad. In the latter year he erected the Millar building in Genesee street in Utica, and here has since been conducted one of the most extensive establishments of the kind in the United States. In 1866 he admitted his son, Henry W. Millar, to full partnership, under the firm name of Charles Millar & Son. The business continued to grow rapidly. The firm became extensive manufacturers of cheese and butter- making apparatus and many of the appliances were Mr. Millar's invention. This . machinery was sold all over this country and large quantities were shipped to Europe, Australia, Canada, and South America. In 1883 the firm commenced the manufac ture of lead pipes in Utica, which proved a success from the start. A large factory and warehouse on Main street was erected brick mason and plasterer by trade. In 1851 he located in Western and worked at his trade until the breaking out of the civil war, when he enlisted in Co. G, 2d N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and after two years service died of brain fever in a Washington hospital. William M. was reared in Western from eleven years of age, and was educated in the common schools. He has followed various occupations, including clerking, boating on the canal, farming, merchandising, and since 1881, has conducted a tin shop at North Western. In 1873 he married Martha, daughter of John and Catherine (Casler) Van Buskirk, of Western. He is a mem ber of the F. & A. M. , R. A. M. , and K. T. , has been town clerk of Western and served as justice of the peace sixteen years. In politics he is a Democrat. Nicholas, Henry, M. D., was born in London, England, October 28, 1826, son of Rober and Jane Nicholas, who settled in Oneida county in 1833, first in Utica, where Mr. Nicholas worked at shoemaking a few months, and then in Whitestown, where he followed farming. Henry married Rhoda Ann, daughter of Daniel and Nancy Redway, and they have two children: Elbert J., deceased, and Annie R., who is the wife of Frank A. Whittemore, and to them have been born six children: Ola A., wife of C. D. Sole, Elbert Nicholas, Hattie, Carrie Estella, Clarence F., and Hattie M., deceased. Henry attended Hamilton Academy, and the Monroe Academy of El bridge, and then studied with Dr. Hiram Hoyt of Syracuse. He was graduated from the Geneva Medial College, and commenced practicing in North Bay in 1856. He is a member of the Oneida County Medical Society, the Vienna F. & A. M. Lodge No. 440, and of the Baptist church. He has been town clerk two years, and twice represented the town in the Board of Supervisors. Nichols, Henry, was born in Winters, Holland, in 1845, son of Christ Nichols, who came to America and settled in Forestport in 1857, and followed various occupations, spending the remainding days with his son. He married Anna Oonk, by whom he had eight children : John, Garrett, Hannah, Jennie, Henriette. Catherine, Dora and Henry. Mrs. Nichols died in January, 1881, and he died in May, 1886. Henry Nichols, at twelve years, began at common labor, and by his industry and integrity, has made himself what he is ; he at eighteen, learned the turner's trade, which he followed until he was twenty-five, when he engaged in the lumber business, pur- FAMILY SKETCHES. 23 chasing his present farm of 300 acres, and saw mill of about 1,000,000 feet yearly capacity. He now owns between 6,000 and 7,000 acres of timber land, all of which he has obtained through his own exertions. He devotes one of his farms to dairy produce, keeping about forty-five cows, besides other stock. In 1892 he erected the Adirondack and St. Lawrence Hotel at White Lake, and which he now rents. He was elected four successive terms as commissioner of highways, and is a member and one of the trustees of the Masonic order, and has an interest in the Masonic Hall in Forestport. In .1875 he married Sarah Stell, who was born in Forestport, a daughter of Philip and Lena Stell, of Germany, and they had three children : Albert, who died at the age of fourteen ; George, who died at the age of twelve ; and Lena. Mrs. Nichols died in 1885,' and he married for his present wife, Sarah E. , daughter of Zara and Mary J. Putney, of Forestport, by whom he has two children : Edith and Arthur. Owen, John, was born in Boonville, in 1825, of Welch and German ancestry. At twelve years of age, he went into the store of Peter Schuyler, and three years later to New York city as a dry goods salesman. His first independent business venture, was when he was nineteen years old, when he established the firm of Burns & Owen. In 1845 he came back to the town of his birth, and for twenty-five years, conducted a general store, and lumber business, with branch houses at Oriskany Falls, and .Hamilton, and in 1865 erected a woolen mill at Oriskany Falls. Since 1870, he has been identified with the clothing trade, with headquarters at Utica, and in 1874 established a large and magnificent store at Indianapolis. Personally, Mr. Owen is most genial and unassuming. Phelps, Pliny, was born in the town of Camden, January 21, 1816, son of Benjamin Phelps, who was born in the town of Simsbury, Connecticut, in 1782. He came to the town of Camden in 1803, and cleared a farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres. He married Sallie Parke of Connecticut, and they were the parents of seven children. Pliny Phelps was educated in the district schools of Camden, and has been mostly engaged in farming and lumbering. He has also been a carpenter and builder, and has erected a great many buildings in the town of Camden. He mar ried Nancy, daughter of John Robinson of Vienna, and they have five children: Byron, William, Adelia, Sophia, and Jennie. Mr. Phelps was commissioner of high ways in 1859, '60 and '61, and supervisor in 1862. In politics he is a Republican. Roberts, Daniel J. , was born in the town of Trenton, Oneida Co. , A. D. , 1833, July 8, being the youngest child of the late John J. and Mary Roberts, who came from North Wales and settled in Oneida county in 1819. Their children were Owen J., Mary, Ann, Jeanette, Jane, and Daniel J., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Roberts learned the trade of carpenter and joiner and became a contractor at the age of twenty-three, and followed the trade many years. After a tour of two years to the Pacific coast he returned and married Laura, daughter of the late William W. and Mary Prichard of the town of Remsen, Oneida county, by whom he has two daugh ters, Mary E., and Margaret M. In politics he is a Republican, and has served his town as highway commissioner eight terms. He is now living at Hinckley, N. Y. Pillmore, William F., was born in Western, Oneida county, September 19, 1853, a son of William and Catherine (McAlpine) Pillmore, and is of English and Scotch 24 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. parentage. He was reared on the farm h'e now owns and occupies, educated in the public schools and Cazenovia and Whitestown Academies, and has always followed farming as an occupation. July 4, 1877, he married Louisa, daughter of Christian and Margaret (Bienz) Stahl, of Western, by whom he has seven children : Chester C, Leonard R., Ina E., Tina L., William Roy, Bertha M., and an infant daughter. Mr. Pillmore is a member of the F. & A. M. , has served three terms as supervisor of Western, and in politics is a Republican. Pillmore, Johnson, was born in Western, Oneida county, N.Y., January 23, 1848, a son of William and Catherine (McAlpin) Pillmore, natives of England and Scotland, respectively. William, who was born in 1821, was a son of William and Sarah (Row- botham) Pillmore, and came to America in 1833, and has spent nearly all of his life in Western, where he still resides as a retired farmer. His wife, Catherine, was a daughter of William and Sarah (Johnson) McAlpin, natives of Scotland, and lately of Boonville. Mr. and Mrs. Pillmore are the parents of eight children: Sarah (Mrs. Evan Owens), Johnson, William, Mary (deceased), Frank, Robert, David, and Ed ward (deceased). Johnson Pillmore was educated at Rome Academy, where' he spent four years under the preceptorship of M. C. West, the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, from where he was graduated in 1872, and College of* Medicine and Surgery, Cincinnati, 0., class 1871-2. He began the practice of his profession in the hospitals of the latter city, and in 1873 located at Delta, where he has "since resided and built up a lucra tive practice. November 13, 1872, he married Sarah, daughter of William and Martha (Evans) Reese of Western, formerly of Wales, and to them were born two children: Catherine E., and Susie B. For his second wife he married Mary, daugh ter of Alfred and Sophronia (Rogers) Utley of Western, and they are the parents of two children: George U., and Sarah S. Dr. Pillmore is a member of the Methodist church, the F. & A. M., and Oneida County Medical Society. In politics he is a Democrat. Tradition links the family history of the Pillmores with that of Rev. Joseph Pilmore, one of the traveling preachers sent to America in 1769 by John Wesley. Potter, John H., was born in Lewis county in 1852, son of Stephen Potter, who was born in the town of Boonville in 1810, and he was one of five children born to John and Amy Potter. John Potter, grandfather of John H. Potter, was a native of Rhode Island; he was a farmer and came to Oneida county, where he settled in Boonville in 1805. He was a great reader, and well informed on all subjects, and lived to be ninety-seven years of age, and his wife to be eighty-six years of age. Stephen Potter was a carpenter and farmer, and did a great deal of contracting and building. He lived in Lewis county many years, and is now residing with his son at West Branch, Oneida county, N. Y. He married Esther Harris, by whom he had eight children: Jerome, William, Norman, John, Almeda, Amy, Jeanette, and Gertrude. His wife died in 1890. John H. Potter was educated in the common schools, and at twenty years of age engaged in farming at Forestport, which he still continues ; and in addition to his farming he has conducted a fire insurance busi ness. He has served as town constable, collector, poormaster, and is now serving his fourth term as justice. He is a member and one of the organizers of the S. F. I., of which he was commander. In 1872 he married Mary, daughter of FAMIEY SKETCHES. 25 Anthony and Mary Parsons, of Leyden, N. Y., who died in 1895, leaving three chil dren: Lizzie, wife of Fred Stephon of Boonville; Florence and Walter, who are all members of the Presbyterian church. Roberts, Thomas D., was born in the town of Deerfield, August 24, 1825, son of David M. and Eleanor Roberts, who came to Deerfield in 1820. He was one of five children: David E., Thomas D., Robert M., John B., and Mary. His father, David M., helped to build the Erie Canal and after his settlement in Deerfield followed farming, and was active in religious work. Thomas D. Roberts married Anne H. , daughter of David Isaacs, of Utica. He was engaged in cheese-making for twenty- one years, after which he engaged in farming. He was elected supervisor of the town of Floyd in 1873-4-7, and to the Assembly in 1880-81. He is president of the Farmers' Insurance Company of Westernville, and director of the Farmers' National Bank of Rome, also vice-president of the Oneida County Savings Bank. Rogers, Stephen, was born in Western, March 12, 1836, son of James and Eve (Frank) Rogers, natives of Montgomery county, N. Y., who settled in Western about 1830 and engaged in farming, where they resided until their death. Their children were Angeline (Mrs. Alfred Waldo), Andrew, Harriet, John J., Louisa, Stephen, and George. His paternal grandfather, Francis Rogers, also a native of ' Montgomery county, N. Y., was an early settler of Western, and a farmer by occu pation. Stephen Rogers was reared and educated in Western, where he has always resided, and is a farmer by occupation. He is a member of the M. E. church, and politically is an advocate of prohibition. Rinkle, David, was born in the town of Steuben, N. Y. , May 9, 1826, son of Law rence Rinkle, who was born in the town of Schuyler, N. Y., December 11, 1777, the only son of Lawrence Rinkle, sr. His grandfather, Lawrence Rinkle, was a native of Alsace, Germany, and was engaged in farming. He came to America before the Revolutionary war, and joined the army under General Herkimer, and was killed in the battle of Oriskany, August 11, 1777. Two years later the mother, while in search of a calf in the woods, with two neighbors, was fired upon by Indians; her companions were killed and she taken prisoner, and transferred to the Genesee country on foot. She was held prisoner for three years until the close of the war, when she was escorted to her home, where she had been mourned as dead. Law rence jr., was born after his father had been killed, and in early life learned the blacksmith trade, and later engaged in farming. In 1826 he came to Oneida county, where he became prosperous and owned considerable property. In politics he was a staunch Democrat, and was a great reader of German and English litera ture. His first wife was Catherine Yuker, by whom he had eight children, and his second wife was Catherine Lints, and they have two children: Jacob and David. He lived to be ninety-three year's of age. David Rinkle was educated in the district school, and spent his life on his present farm of 140 acres in Boonville, where he moved in 1849. In 1849 he married Eliza, daughter of Henry and Miriam (Denslow) Shott, by whom he has two children: Rowena, wife of George Farley of Forestport; and Dr. La Fayette Rinkle of Boonville. Rees, Thomas R. , was born in Westernville, Oneida county, August 18, 1856, a son of William and Ann (Jenkins) Rees, natives of Wales, and is of Welch aud i 26 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Scotch extraction. His parents came to America about 1854, and settled in Western ville, where the father, who was a blacksmith by trade, followed that vocation up to his death, which occurred May 24, 1894. His children were Thomas R., William Warren (deceased), and Sarah J. Thomas R. was reared in Westernville, educated in the common schools and Cazenovia Seminary, and began life as a teacher, which he followed for two years, after which he served as clerk in a general store for four years. In 1881, with C. P. Remore, he purchased the Westernville Union Store, which was conducted under the firm name of Rees & Remore up to 1888, when he purchased his partner's interest and has since conducted the business alone. In 1885 he married Ida A., daughter of John D. and Lucy Sloat, of Canastota, N. Y., by whom he has one daughter, Vera M. Mr. Rees is a supporter of the Presby terian church, has always taken an active part in politics, and is a staunch Repub lican. Smith, George H., was born in the town of Camden, July 4, 1846. His father, Samuel L. Smith, was also born in this town, and was one of its prominent farmers. He married Amanda Munson, of West Camden, by whom he had five children. George H. was for a number of years clerk in the store of J. G. Dorrance, but in 1876 started for himself, conducting a general store, carrying a full line of dry goods, groceries, etc. He married Caroline, daughter of J. E. Simmons, by whom he had four children: Edwin L. , Lucy H., Florence M., and Wilbert B. Sporie, Charles, was born in Western, August 24, 1864, a son of David and Susan (Anken) Sporie, natives of Berne, Switzerland, who came to America in 1834 and located in Steuben, Oneida county, where the father spent five years as a farm hand, and in 1860 purchased the farm in Western, now occupied by our subject, where he engaged in farming and in the manufacture of Swiss and limburger cheese, and where he died. His children who grew to maturity were Katie (Mrs. Samuel Galle), Eliza (Mrs. Michael Surbeck), Adeline (Mrs. Charles Weismiller), Rosa (Mrs. Henry Bahr), and Charles. Mr. Sporie died December 20, 1885, sixty-two years. Charles Sporie was reared on 'the homestead, where he was born and which he now owns and occupies, and like his father is a farmer and maker of limburger cheese. March 5, 1890, he married Clara, daughter of Philip and Catherine Miller, of Floyd. Mr. Sporie is a member of Trinity Lutheran church of Rome, and in politics he is a Re publican. Swan, Gustavus, was born in Western, September 1, 1828, a. son of Jonathan Swan, and Lydia Bradford Butts, his wife, who was a direct descendant of Governor Bradford, who came over in the Mayflower, 1620. The Swan family, two sons and three daughters, came from New Hampshire about the beginning of the present century, and settled in Western, where they lived and died, excepting one of the sons, Jonathan, who removed to Cayuga county, and died there about 1825, John Swan, great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Newport, R. I., emigrated to New Hampshire, and served his country through the war of the Revo lution as a soldier from that State. Gustavus Swan early became connected with the telegraph system of Prof. Morse, and had charge of the offices at Rome and Rochester, N. Y., from 1845 to 1849, when he removed to New York, where he re mained unil 1878, and was prominently identified with the growth of and extension FAMILY SKETCHES. 27 of the magnetic telegraph and railroad interests. In 1861 he married Mariette, sec ond daughter of Charles W. Copeland, a civil engineer of eminence, and since 1878 they have resided in Western. Stevens, Walter T., was born in the town of Camden, July 3, 1839. His father, Martin H. Stevens, was born in Connecticut, in 1806, and came to the town of Cam den in 1829, and settled on the land where the village now stands. He was a cabi netmaker by trade, which business he followed up to 1860. Walter T. was educated in the district schools of Camden, and in 1860 engaged in the furniture and house furnishing business, which he followed up to 1893, when he sold to Williams & Nor ton, who conducts the same at this time. Mr. Stevens now lives a retired life. He married Irene, daughter of Orson Norton, of Camden, by whom he has one daughter, Mrs. Robert A. Tuft, wife of Rev. Robert A. Tuft, of Brooklyn. Mr. Stevens is a prominent Mason in Camden Lodge, No. 164. Warcup, John, was born in Floyd, Oneida county, August 31, 1833, a son of Robert and Hannah (Simpson) Warcup, natives of Yorkshire, England. His father was the youngest son of a wealthy English family, and in 1827, to better his fortune, came to America, and soon after located in Oneida county, stopping for periods more or less in Utica, Floyd and Rome, up to 1850, when he removed to Western, where he re mained until his death, which occurred November 29, 1883, aged seventy-nine years. His children were Matthew, John, Margaret (Mrs. Francis Van Dreasar), Thomas, and Mary (Mrs. John W. Medlew). John Warcup was reared in Oneida county, and educated in the common schools and Rome Academy. He has always followed farming as an occupation, and since 1850 has resided in Western. In 1864 he mar ried Cynthia, daughter of William H. Harrington, of Rome, by whom he had six children: Stanley, John Olin, Robert J., Frank, William H., and Thomas B. Mr. Warcup was for twelve years in succession a member of the executive committee of Oneida County Agricultural Society, president of the society in 1881, president of the State exhibition of butter and cheese held at Rome the same year, and in politics he is a Republican. Studor, George M., was born in Boonville, N. Y., in 1857,, son of Jacob Studor, one of three sons (Jacob, Michael, and Philip) born to Michael Studor, a farmer. Jacob and Michael came to America in 1853, the former coming to Hawkinsville, where he remained seven years, employed as a lumberman. From there he moved to White Lake and engaged in farming. His wife was Elizabeth Shidner and their children were Philip, Lena, Henry, Elizabeth, Sarah, and George M. Mr. Studor died in 1887 and his wife in 1885. George M. Studor was educated in the district schools and the Poughkeepsie Business College. At the age of twenty-six he began as a farmer and liveryman on his present site of 200 acres ; his principal livery business is in transferring sportsmen and hunters who go to the Adirondacks. He has also devoted some time to lumbering and dealing in fine carriage horses. Mr. Studor has served as assessor several years and has often been elected delegate to county and district conventions. The winter of 1887 he spent in Albany as private messen ger for Speaker Husted. In 1892 Mr. Studor married Helen, daughter of James Goodrich, born in Lewis county. Mr. Studor is a man of enterprise and is promi nently identified with the political welfare of his town and county. 28 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Stone, Walter C, was born in the town of Mexico, Oswego county, N. Y., Decem ber 27, 1847, the oldest son of Benjamin S. Stone, who was born in Vermont and came to Mexico in 1825, where he has been engaged in the hardware trade for many years. Mr. Benjamin S. Stone is now at the head of the firm of B. S. Stone & Co. Walter C. was educated in the Mexico Academy, from which he was graduated in 1867. He has been engaged in the newspaper business for about twenty-five years; He purchased the Canastota Herald in 1871, which he edited until 1873, when he came to Camden and established the Advance, a local paper in that village. Since 1878 he has also conducted a stationery and book store. In 1872 Mr. Stone married Sarah C. Hosley, of Canastota, by whom he had four children: Benjamin H., Ralph W., Robert C, and Bessie. Benjamin H. is in business with his father. Mr. Stone is secretary of the Camden Opera House Company, has been a member of the Board of Education and is now serving his third term as city father. He is a member of the K. of P. and the Royal Arcanum. Sippell, William D., was born in Boonville, Oneida county, N. Y., December 4, 1856. His great-grandfather, Peter Sippell, was a soldier of the Revolution, and a resident of the town at a very early period in its history. His grandfather, and his father, Peter B. Sippell, are well remembered as men of sterling integrity, lifelong residents of the town. William D. Sippell was educated in the schools of the village, finishing at the Dorchester Street High School of Montreal, where he spent the last school year, and was graduated with rank which would have entitled him to enter the second year's course of McGill University of that city. Returning to Boonville he read law with Hon. Henry W. Bentley, and was admitted to the bar January 6, 1882. He never entered upon the practice of his profession, as having become in terested in the business of insurance through a partnership with Hon. A. L. Hayes, he found that line of work more congenial to his taste. The local agencies of Hon. A. L. Hayes and of Brinckerhoff C. Tharratt at Boonville were consolidated by him as purchaser, and he has since for many years conducted the largest and most success ful insurance agency of Boonville and adjacent towns. He has never held public office other than trustee of the Board of Education of Union Free School, district No. 1, of Boonville, to which he was elected August 5, 1890, and of which he is still a member. April 23, 1879, Mr. Sippell married Jennie C, daughter of William H. Cole, of Boonville, N. Y. She died April 5, 1890, leaving a son and a daughter of the marriage. March 9, 1892, he married his present wife, Mrs. Antoinette M. Fin- layson, daughter of W. W. Harris, of Boonville, N. Y., with whom, and his two children, Frederick W. and Clara M., he now resides at No. 41 Schuyler street. Stedman, R. Willett, was born in Lee, February 15, 1854, son of George W. and Lydia J. Perry Stedman, natives of Connecticut and New York, respectively, who were among the pioneers of Western, and later of Lee. Hazard Stedman was born April 2, 1777, son of Trustum and Penelope Stedman, was a farmer by occupation, and a soldier in the war of 1812. He died March 18, 1864. George W- was born in Western, July 23, 1822, a resident of Lee from boyhood, and a farmer by occupation. His wife was a daughter of Robert and Lydia Wilkinson Perry, of Lee, and they were the parents of seven children : R. Willett, Amelia M. (deceased), Charles E. , E. Mae. M. Frances (Mrs. G. E. Teeple), Aziel G. (deceased), and Hattie L. (Mrs. F. C. York), Mr. Stedman died April 18, 1891. R. Willett was reared on the homestead in Lee, FAMILY SKETCHES. 29 of which he is the owner, was educated at Lee Center Union Free School, and began life as a teacher, following that occupation ten years, and since 1879 has been en gaged in farming in Lee, having bought the Curtis Spinning farm, where he resides. March 13, 1879, he married Lucy C, daughter of Hugh and Mary Munsell Kenyon, of Annsville. Mr. and Mrs. Stedman are members of the Methodist church. He is a member of the P. of H., P. of I., and Order of the World. He is a Republican, and has held town offices continuously for nineteen years, and is now serving his first term as justice of the peace, and of ninety-seven judgments rendered by him in 1894, but one was appealed to a higher court, which sustained his opinion. Statnburg, William Riley, was born in Brookfield in 1827. In the spring of 1851 he left Deansville and located in Forestport without a cent in money or any other means. He first obtained employment in a saw mill, but soon after his employer failed and he was unable to secure compensation for'his labor ; he then went out and chopped wood in the winter and worked in the mills summers for nine years, until he was able to erect a small mill on Pine Creek, which he conducted for a short time when he sold it and returned to Deansville and engaged in hop farming for nine years. He afterward sold the farm and returned to the scene of his early struggles ¦ and purchased what is now known as the Stamburg grist mill, which still remains his property; he also engaged in the lumber business and built a mill on the Big Woodhull Creek, the property now known as the Meeker mill, with an annual output of three or four million feet ; he soon after sold this mill, but in 1883 again became its owner. About this time Mr. Stamburg erected a large mill in the village of Forest port, and his business so increasing that water-power was found too slow and steam was substituted, and with all his enterprises furnishing employment to about 100 men. He also owned and conducted a general store in the village, and is one of the largest real estate owners in that section of the country. He also owns 3,000 acres of timber land, and owns and conducts a farm of 140 acres. In June, 1892, he lost his large Forestport mill by fire, thus throwing out of employment a large number of men. In 1893 he sold his store. In politics Mr. Stamburg is a Republican, was assessor for six years, and has filled other offices. He is a member and treasurer of the Masonic fraternity. October 1, 1856, he married Louisa S. Hovey, daughter of George and Sybil (Sweet) Hovey, and they have one adopted child, Bertha Ann. Seymour, Henry A., was born in the town of Redfield, Oswego county. His father, Alphonso H. Seymour, was born in the same town and county, and is a miller by trade, and is now manufacturing shingles in the State of Washington. He married Sarah, Allen, by whom he had four children: William, Ella, Bertie, and Henry A., who has conducted a tannery in Florence for thirteen years, in which he is still engaged, making a rough upper leather, and is a thorough business man in this line. He married Olive, daughter of the late William Graves. Simmons, Cyrus C, was born in the town of Annsville, N. Y., July 25, 1838. His father, Oran F. Simmons, was born in Paris, N. Y., July 28, 1811. He married Betsey, daughter, of Ira Robinson, by whom he had six children : Alma C. , Ira A. , who enlisted in the 146th N. Y. Vols., and was killed in the service, Rosanna, Olive J., Ezra D., and Cyrus C, who was educated in the district schools of this town and remained with his parents until he was thirty years of age, when he started in life 30 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. for himself. He married Elnora C, daughter of H. T. B. Hannay, bv whom he had five children: George G., Delbert, Fayette E., Rollo O., and Benjamin C. In 1861 Mr. Simmons enlisted in Co. A, 97th N. Y. Vols., and served eleven months. He is a member of Ballard Post No. 551, and in politics is a Republican. Teachout, Asa, was born in Western, November 16, 1818, a son of Isaac and Anna (Tubbs) Teachout, natives of Dutchess county, N. Y., who settled in Western about 1800, where Mr. Teachout engaged in farming and resided until his death at the age of seventy-seven. Mr. and Mrs. Teachout were the parents of fourteen children: Lydia (Mrs. Isaac Teachout), Ruth (Mrs. Benjamin Chapman), Franklin, Olive (Mrs. Jerome Clark), Catherine (Mrs. David Blasier), Sally (Mrs. Henry Hart), Abram, Betsey (Mrs. John Dillenbeck), Cyrus, Asa, Cynthia (Mrs. John Sterrett), Harvey, James, and Diana (Mrs. Isaac- Blasier). Asa was reared in Western, and in early manhood went to Philadelphia, Jefferson county, N. Y- , where he was employed on a farm eleven years, and then engaged in farming on his own account in Western, in which he continued until 1881, when he retired. He married Sarah, daughter of Henry Blasier, and to them have been born ten children, six of whom grew to ma turity: Horace, Emma (Mrs. Martin Ruppert), Elmina (Mrs. Reuben Grimes), Will iam, Sarah (Mrs. George Kelley), and Ella (Mrs. Henry Morehouse). For his second wife he married Mrs. Eliza H. (Lewis) Dillenbeck of Western. In politics Mr. Teachout is a Democrat, and has served twelve years as assessor of Western. Tuttle, Rufus, was born January 26, 1843, and married Francelia, a daughter of Edmond and Julina Yager of this,, county, and they have one child, Carrie, who mar ried George J. Zimmerman of Detroit, Michigan. August 7, 1862, Mr. Tuttle en listed in Co. H, 117th Regt. N. Y. Vols., and was mustered out June 28, 1865. He acted as corporal, and retained the same gun throughout the war, and was in every battle in which the company took part, and was never wounded or taken prisoner. He is actively interested in school affairs. Tanner, W. Ray, was born at Fairfield, Herkimer county, N. Y., June 23, 1822, son of Alva Tanner. The American ancestors of Mr. Tanner settled in Rhode Isl and. His paternal great-grandfather, Ebenezer Tanner, was a somewhat celebrated captain in the merchant marine of colonial days. When nineteen years of age Mr. Tanner engaged in the manufacture of carriages, first locating at Fairfield, jobbing at various points, Middleville, Lee-, etc., until 1852, when he settled in Utica, .but,. owing to failing health, returned to Fairfield, and in 1857 located permanently at Boonville in partnership with E. G. Wooley. This firm did a large business until Mr. Wboley's death in 1891, when Mr. Tanner disposed of his interest in December, 1892, and now lives a retired life. Tuttle, Lansing, was born in the town of Vienna, February 14, 1835, son of Lent and Catherine (Hosmer) Tuttle, and grandson of Oramon, who was one of the ear liest settlers of the town of Paris. Mr. and Mrs. Lent Tuttle' s children were Lan sing. Abi Collins, Rufus, Alta, Sophia, and two deceased. He followed farming and lumbering. Lansing married Julina, daughter of David and Sallie Yager, and they have one son, Hiram R. , who married Emma Ashpole, and their children are Grace, Lansing, and Margaret. Mr. Tuttle was appointed postmaster in 1875, and con tinued in that capacity for twelve years, FAMILY SKETCHES. 31 Tuttle, Noah, was born in the town of Vienna, August 12, 1842, son of Oramon and Eliza (Bennett) Tuttle, who settled in this town about 1816, coming from Connecti cut. Oramon Tuttle's first wife was Abi Barnes, who bore him the following chil dren: Emily, Sallie, Daniel, Lent, Mary, Alma, Thankful, Sophia, Nancy C, Oramon, jr., and Mary Nancy. Oramon followed surveying, farming, and lumbering. He was a member of the Presbyterian church of Camden, and very active in church work. Noah married Marietta, who was born in a log house near North Bay, daughter of Aaron and Mary Ann (York) Bushnell. They have had two children : Johnnie Griffith, and Janie Eliza, deceased. In early life, Noah followed farming, but is now one of the firm of Tuttle & Co. , who are engaged in the corn canning works. - August 7, 1862, he enlisted in Co. H, 117th Regt. N. Y. Vols., as corporal, and was mustered out June 28, 1865. Vary, Gideon, was born in the town of Stephentown, Rensselaer county, N. Y., December 29, 1824, son of Nathan and Ptioebe (Carrier) Vary. His grandfather, Samuel Vary, settled in Dutchess county, prior to the Revolutionary war, and emi grated to Rensselaer county ; and his grandfather, Amasiah Carrier, was also a pio neer of Rensselaer county. Nathan Vary came to Oneida county in 1840. He was a Federalist, and voted for Washington ; and later a Whig, and voted for Henry Clay. He died in 1850. Gideon Vary has always been successfully engaged in farm ing. He bought and cleared twelve acres, and has added to it, until he had 500 acres, 100 acres of which he sold in 1894. He is a Republican, and has been justice for twenty-four years, and supervisor of Ava for two years. In 1846 Mr. Vary mar ried Jane, daughter of Daniel E. Edgerton of Ava, who died in 1893, and he is now married to Erminie Leader, of Utica, N. Y. He has reared and educated two sons of his brother Samuel, who died in Michigan: Nathan C, who is engaged in farm ing at Ava; and Ezra, who was for twelve years teller of the Farmer's Bank in Rome, N. Y., and now a manufacturer of knit goods at Rome. Mr. Vary is a mem ber of the Baron Steuben Lodge, No. 264, F. & A. M. Vandawalker, Milton, was born in Western, November 8, 1843, son of Abram and Lucinda (Neaskern) Vandawalker, both natives of Oneida county. His paternal grandfather, John A. Vandawalker, formerly of Schoharie county, N. Y., was a pioneer farmer of Western, where he lived and died. His maternal grandparents, Henry and Nancy (Putnam) Neaskern, formerly of Schoharie county, N. Y., were pioneers of Augusta, Oneida county. Abram Vandawalker spent all his life in Western, where he engaged in-farming, and cleared and improved the farm now oc cupied by his son, where he died. His children were Cordelia (Mrs. Charles Wesley Teachout), Jane (Mrs. John Betzinger), Milton, and Caroline (Mrs. David Paddock). Milton Vandawalker was reared on the old homestead, where he has always re sided. He received a common school education, and has always followed farming as an occupation. In 1879 he married Nettie, daughter of James and Susan (Eddick) Paddock, of Steuben, by whom he has one daughter, Susie N. In politics Mr. Van dawalker is a Republican. Van Dresar, Steward, was born in Western, April 12, 1844, a son of Ezra and Mary J. (Steward) Van Dresar, both natives of Western. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Van Dresar, was a resident of Western, and son of James Van Dresar, one of the 32 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. pioneers, of Western, and of Holland Dutch descent. His maternal grandfather, Jonathan Steward, of Scotch parentage, was also one of the first settlers of Western. Ezra Van Dresar, father of Steward, was born November 30, 1814, and died in Western, January 23, 1892. He was a successful and prosperous farmer and accumulated a competency. His children were Francis and Steward. Steward Van Dresar was educated in the common schools and Whitestown Seminary. He began life as a teacher, teaching eleven winters in succession, farming summers, and is now one of the leading farmers of Western. April 6, 1876, he married Cor nelia, daughter of Levi and Adelaide (Van Vorhis) Crill, of Western, by whom he has one son, Arthur. Mr. Van Dresar is a member of the M. E. church, of which he is trustee, and is also a member of the P. of I., and politically is a Republican. Van Dresar, Francis, was born in Western, August 23, 1838, a son of Ezra and Mary J. (Steward) Van Dresar. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Van Dresar, was a resident of Western, a son of James Van Dresar of Holland Dutch descent and a pioneer of Western. Jacob Van Dresar's wife was Peggy Clark, daughter of Matthew Clark, of Irish parentage, a soldier of the Revolution, and pioneer of Western. The great-great-grandfather, Thomas Selden, participated in the war of the Revolution, and also the French war, and was among the first to form the first religious society in Rome, Oneida county. Ezra Van Dresar was a life-long resident of Western and a prominent and successful farmer. "Francis Van Dresar was reared in Western, where he has always resided, and now owns and occupies the old home stead of 167 acres, and is a prominent and enterprising farmer. In 1859 he mar ried Rose Ellen, daughter of Alexander and Esther (Boyd) Bowman, of Rome, by whom he has seven children living: Ann (Mrs. Charles W. Mason), Frank E., Jane, Ezra, Alexander, Maria (Mrs. Will E. Stone), and Ruth. Mr. Van Dresar was a soldier in the late Civil war, enlisting August 12, 1862, in Co. D, 117th N. Y. Vols., was wounded in the right foot at the battle of Chapin's Farm, near Fort Gil more, September 29, 1864, and was honorably discharged from the service July 8, 1865. He is a member of the M. E. church, and in politics is a staunch high tariff Republican. He was in every engagement of the regiment up to September 29, 1864, never applied for a pension, and never joined any secret oath bound lodge, be lieving such to be detrimental to the free institutions of America, and not in har mony with the teachings of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Van Horne, Nicholas, was born in the town of Stark, Herkimer county, N. Y,; April 14, 1854, son of Walter and Eliza Van Horne, who are residents of Herkimer county, N.Y. He married Ida Countryman, of Poland, Herkimer, N. Y., December 18, 1878, daughter of John I. and Elizabeth Countryman, and they have two children : Leda E. and Victor C. Van Horne. He first engaged in the cheese business in Salisbury Corners, Herkimer county, N.Y,, in 1876; has since worked at Van Hornes- ville and the town of Ohio, Herkimer county, and in the town of Avoca, Steuben county, N. Y., and located permanently at North Bay, town of Vienna, Oneida county, N.Y. , in 1880, buying the cheese factory at that place in 1881, and has for the last twelve years been salesman and treasurer of the factory and in 1883 was elected collector of the town on the Republican ticket of which party he belongs, and for the last four years has bought cheese for the export trade, and on May 10, 1895, he passed the Civil Service examination at Albany and on July 15, 1895, was appointed FAMILY SKETCHES. 33 milk expert and agent of the agricultural department, and he is a member of Vienna Lodge No. 440, F. & A. M. Whiter, Hiram A., was born in Boonville, Oneida county, in October, 1861, son of Abram V. Whiter, one of two sons born to Meltire Whiter. Abram V. Whiter has spent his life as a boatman, lumberman, and farmer. He was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in Company I, 117th N.Y. Vols., and was twice wounded. He married Nancy Smith, daughter of John Smith, a soldier in the war of 1812, by whom he had these children: Helen, deceased, Esther and Hiram. In 1871 they re moved from Boonville to Forestport, where they now reside. Hiram A. Whiter was educated in the district schools, and when seventeen years of age he purchased hie time of his father and began lumbering in the woods by the month, and later took logging contract jobs, which he followed until 1889, when he traveled in the interest of the Singer Sewing Machine Company for three years. In 1892 he opened an undertaking establishment in Forestport, which he now conducts with success. In politics he is a Republican and served as constable for several years. He is a mem ber of the Masonic Lodge, No. 809, of Forestport, and is senior deacon. In 1885 Mr. Whitney married Ermina M., daughter of Thomas Pilbean, by whom he had these children: Roscoe, Charles died in 1888; Vernon and Clarence. H. A. Whiter isa member, class leader and steward and vice-president of the Epworth League of the M. E. church at Forestport. Mrs. H. A. Whiter is also a member of the M. E. church. Woods, Orson C, was born in the town of Camden, Oneida county, N. Y., Decem ber 24, 1831. son of Junius Woods, who was born in New Haven, Conn., and came to the town of Camden about 1799 with his father, Samuel Woods, also of Connecti cut, and engaged in farming. The grandfather was in the Revolutionary war nearly eight years. Junius Woods was in the war of 1812. He married Deidamia Cook of Camden, and they were the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living. Orson C. was educated in the Camden schools, and is a farmer by occupation, now owning a farm of ninety acres improved land. August 30, 1862, he enlisted in the 146th N. Y. Vols., and served for about three years, being on detached 'duty. He married Louise Torrey of Camden, adopted daughter of Daniel Bickford, and they have four children: Lizzie M., now Mrs. H. D. Curtis, Albert J., Nellie B., and Henry S. In politics Mr. Woods is a Republican, and has been town collector two terms, also supervisor two years. He is a member of the Congregational church of Camden, the Camden Grange, and the J. Parsons Stone Post, No. 482 G.A.R. White, I. J., was born in Oneida county, N. Y., May 2, 1846, a son of the late Israel White, who was born in the town of Western, Oneida county, N. Y. Israel White came to the town of Annsville when twenty- two years of age. He married Abigail F. Taft, by whom he had six children. His ancestors came from Massa chusetts. I. J. White was educated in Annsville and the Whitestown Seminary. He then followed farming until 1887, at which time he entered into partnership with Frank White, establishing a corn canning factory at Blossvale. They continued in partnership until January, 1895, since which time I. J. White has conducted the busi ness alone. He also owns and conducts a general merchandise store in Blossvale, and owns a factory at Williamstown, Oswego county, N. Y. Mr. White is now 34 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. erecting a hotel at Blossvale, which will contain twenty rooms, and will also run a livery. He married Etta O., daughter of James Ellis, of the town of Annsville, by whom he has two children ; I. G. and Abigail O. Mr. White was supervisor of the town in 1882-83 and was elected member of assembly in 1885. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Ward, G. C. , was born in Westchester county in 1863, son of James Ward. G. C. Ward is a man prominent in both business and political circles, and held in high esteem by his fellow men. After he became efficient in engineering, he spent two years at Andover, Mass. , and was afterward employed as an engineer on the Adiron dack and various other railroads. He also had charge of the building of a large bridge at Ogdensburgh. Mr. Ward is a staunch Democrat, and has held many posi tions of responsibility. He was for five years superintendent of canals, and also supervisor for two terms. He was married to Katie, daughter of N. Sohwienburg, by whom he has one daughter, Louisa. Warfield, Prof. C. H., A. M., was born in Prattsburg, in 1867, son of M. F. War- field, then a druggist there, and captain of a company in the late war. The family is of English ancestry, and first settled near Baltimore, Md., in 1632, where their posterity still retains the original homestead. Mr. Warfield graduated at Franklin Academy in Prattsburg, at fifteen years of age, with a Regents' classical diploma. After a four years' course at Hamilton College, he graduated in 1889, with the high est honors at the disposal of his alma mater, and became instructor in mathematics in the Florida State Seminary, at Tallahassee, Fla., and then was for two years principal of the Union School at Bergen, N. Y. He assumed the principalship at Boonville in 1892, where his ability is highly appreciated. Webb, Alvin, was born in Delaware county, N. Y., May 22, 1844, son of the late Paul Webb, who was also born in Delaware county. The family came from Vermont to Delaware county in 1819, and the father was a shoemaker by trade. He married Ester, daughter of John Mott, by whom he had four children : Alison, Maria, Ester, deceased, and Alvin, who was educated and reared in Delaware county until he was fourteen years of age, when they moved to Oneida county. His business was princi pally farming all of his life, and now owns a farm of 140 acres. He married Nancy, daughter of Adam Campbell, by whom he had nine children : Fred A., Kate E., Eva L. , Alice I., Alson H., Arthur S., Clarence (deceased), Grace M., Flossie M. Mr. Webb is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of the Grange. Walker, Peter, is a native of Deerfield, N. Y. , where he was born in November, 1823, son of Alexander and Annie (McKercher) Walker. Mr. Walker was a native of Scotland, and came to Deerfield in 1802, and in 1803, settled on land now owned by his son, Peter Walker, near North Gage, where he died in 1848. Mrs. Walker was a native of Saratoga county and her father, Mr. McKercher, came from Scotland to Saratoga, county in pioneer days; anii she died in 1875. The paternal grandfather, Gilbert Walker, lived and died in Scotland. Peter Walker was reared on the farm, and took charge of his parents in their old age, and he has always resided on the home farm of 156 acres. He keeps af dairy of thirty-two cows. In 1850 he married Mary, daughter of Duncan Blue, of Deerfield, by whom he had two children : James A., who died in 1878, at twenty-seven years of age, and John K., who was born in FAMILY SKETCHES. 35 1855, and he married Maria, daughter of Malcolm A. Blue, and he works the home farm. White, Caroline. — Moses T. White, deceased, was born in Western, July 12, 1796, a son of Otis and Mercy (Comstock) White, and grandson of Levi White. His father and grandfather were natives of Rhode Island, who settled in Western prior to 1795, and were farmers by occupation, both of whom died in Western. Moses T. White cleared and improved a good share of the farm now occupied by his daughter, Caro line, where he settled in early manhood, and where he died in 1876. In 1819 he married Phoebe, daughter of Otis and Phoebe (Edmunds) Phillips, of North Adams, Mass., and their children were Mercy (Mrs. Edwin Brainard), Otis P., Orson, Julina, Phoebe R., Israel, Belinda, Caroline, Moses T., and Franklin. Mr. White was a member of the Presbyterian church of Westernville, and of the Masonic fraternity, was justice of the peace of Western for some years, and politically was a Republican. Of the above named children only three at this date, 1896, are living. Orson died in California near Stockton, in 1853, Mercy, in Oneida, 111. , in 1887. The others died in Western. In a field above the house on the farm adjoining on the east, that of the late Moses T. White, stands a large and aged white ash tree, consisting of two trees grown together, one much smaller than the other, and twisted partly around the larger. This tree to Mr. White was pleasantly associated with the memory of his grandfather, Levi White. When a child, he was one day walking with him through this field, which then was probably partly or wholly covered with trees ; coming to these two, standing so near together, the grandfather bent the smaller one around the larger, and remarked " This will make a good scythe snath for somebody some day." The tree has outlived for many years the use .of the snath as a handle for the scythe that cuts the meadow grass, and now his children's children's children love to visit it, and they call it "The Twisted Tree." Walters, James N., was born in Russia, Herkimer county, November 27, 1824, son of William and Fannie Walters," whose children were James, N., David A., Susan Smith (deceased), Celia Newman, William W. and Irwin -M., all natives of Her kimer county. James N. married Mary E. , daughter of Frederick E, Kiesinger, of Oswego, by whom he has two children: William J., of Guthrie, O. T., and Charles F., of Prospect, N.Y. James N. started for himself as a millwright in Pearl Mills of Oswego in 1847. In 1848 he built the lumber mills of Hinkley & Ballou at Hinkley, N. Y., and'at its completion assumed the position of superintendent, which position he held until 1890, since which time he has lived retired at Prospect, N. Y. He is actively interested in the town and county affairs, has held the office of postmaster many years, and was elected supervisor of Russia, Herkimer county, in 1866, 1867, 1868, and 1869. Wood, John W., was born on the farm where he now lives, son of Anthony and Laura S. Wood, who settled on the farm about 1823, and whose children were Ellen (deceased), wife of James Sweet ; Henry C. (deceased) ; Laura (deceased) ; Rev. Abel S. ; John W. ; and Matilda R. , wife of Edward Wagner. Anthony Wood was a private contractor, and the latter part of his life followed farming. He was active in all affairs of his town, also educational work, and was very active in church work. Under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal church he contributed to the Syracuse 36 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. University, and was a founder of the Marcy M. E. church. John W. married Jennie C, daughter of Daniel Knowlton, by whom he has had four children ; Minnie E., Clara M. (wife of William A. Markwick), May N., and A. Wayne. Mr. Wood is engaged in farming. Walker, Henry J., was born in the town of Deerfield, Oneida county, November 20, 1852, son of the late G. W. Walker, who was born in New Hampshire, February ' 2, 1823, and came to Oneida county when the country was new, settling in the town of Deerfield, where he assisted in clearing a farm. He married Mary Pugh, of North Wales, and moved to Camden, where he bought a farm and lived there the remainder of his life. They had five children: M. P., Sarah J., Emma, Nellie B., and Henry J., who was educated in the district schools, after which he engaged in farming, which business he conducts an a scientfic principle, and is also a large dealer in stock, raw furs, etc. , and owns a farm of 270 acres. He married Emma, daughter of Elias Chapman, by whom he had four children: Oatley, Sarah, Bessie and Lloyd C. Mr. Walker has been prominent in 'politics, has held the office of collector, and at present is justice of the peace. In politics he is a Democrat. Warcup, Edwin S. , was born in Westernville, November 28, 1864, a son of Matthew and Mary J. (Smith) Warcup. His paternal grandfather, Robert Warcup, was a native of Yorkshire, England, who came to America in 1827, locating in Oneida county, and for many years was a resident of Western, where he died. His maternal grandfather, John Smith, was also a native of England, and a resident of Floyd, Oneida county, for many years. Matthew Warcup, father of Edwin S., is a native of Oneida county, is a carpenter by trade, and resides in Westernville. He has three children: Edwin S., Preston, and Sylvia (Mrs. William Mudge). Edwin S. was reared in Westernville where he has always resided. He was educated in the pub- , lie schools, is a tinner by trade, and has been engaged in business for himself at Westernville since 1892. He is a member of the M. E. church and politically is a Democrat. Marsh, Thomas, was born in the town of Rome, Oneida county, October 20, 1861, son of James and Elizabeth (Harvey) Marsh, natives of Canterbury, England, who settled in this county in 1855. He was reared to manhood in the town of Lee, educated in the common schools, is a farmer by occupation, and has lived on the farm where he now resides since 1889, though owning a farm of 141 acres near the old homestead. December 25, 1883, he married Carrie D., daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Fillmore) Golly, by whom he had three children : Two daughters, Lillie, and Ethel, also a son, Earl T., who died February 3, 1894. Mr. Marsh is one of the representative farmers of Lee, a member of the M. E. church, a member of P. of H, and politically is a Democrat. Comstock, Gastin E., was born in Williamstown, Oswego county, May 27, 1823, and was educated in the district schools of Williamstown and Florence, after which he engaged in farming, which has been his principal occupation, and now owns a farm of 260 acres in the town of Florence. He married Betsey, daughter of Oliver Davis, of Florence, by whom he had eleven children: Roxcy Ann, Herbert G., Perla E., Sylvester D., Ella A., Cora B., Iann A., Allace M., Caroline G. Henry O., Hattie. FAMILY SKETCHES. 37 Hamlin, Joseph Eugene, was born on the farm where he now resides, July 6, 1848 son of Joseph Sprague and Delia (Willard) Hamlin. The latter have eleven chil dren: Charles W., C. Louise Hall, Edward Augustus, Maria C. Gosnell, Joseph E., Frederick H., George Thomas, Mary Adelaide, William G., Frank Melvin and David West. Joseph S. Hamlin was born in the town of Trenton, Oneida county in 1810. Joseph Eugene Hamlin married Louise, daughter of Henry J. and Mary (Strickland) Wetmore, by whom he has four children : Annie Gertrude, Willard De- Lancy, Mary Ethel and Genevieve Adelaide, all natives of this county. Mr. Ham lin is interested in church and educational interests, also town and county affairs. He has been assessor for the past seven years, and is engaged in farming on the old homestead. Ellis, Thomas T., was born in the town of Western, N. Y., November 15, 1853, son of John and Ellen (Griffith) Ellis, who came from Wales and settled in Remsen in 1845. Their children were: John, jr., Jennet Catherine, wife of Griffith Thomas; Ellis; Ellen, wife of Griffith Evans; Jane, wife of William T. Hughes; William and Thomas T. John Ellis, sr., was a grain and dairy farmer by occupation, and was active in religious and educational affairs. Thomas T. Ellis married Mary Anna, daughter of John W. and Annie Elizabeth Jones, by whom he has four children : Nellie, Jennie, Lizzie and John Elmer. Nellie and Jennie attend the Holland Pat ent Academy. Mr. Ellis is engaged in farming, and is active in the promotion of the schools of the town. The family are members of the church at Camroden, N.Y. Kilts, Andrew, was born in Ava, Oneida county, N. Y., June 27, 1831, son of Jacob and Elizabeth Kilts. Andrew Kilts was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools of Ava and Lowville Academy.. He has worked some at the car penter trade, being a natural mechanic, but farming has been his principal occupa tion. He has a farm of 120 aores and makes a specialty of sheep husbandry. In 1881 he married Mary M. Hugunine, of Western, by whom he had four children, one living, May C, who was born June 27, 1888. Mr. Kilts is a Republican in politics, and has been commissioner of highways and assessor. He is a member of the Boon ville Grange. Babcock, E. C, M.D., was born at Oriskany Falls in 1872, son of Welcome E. Babcock, who was a prominent physician at Oriskany Falls, and grandson of Wel come A. Babcock, who was also a practicing physician at Oriskany, and examining surgeon at Utica through the Civil war. E. C. Babcock, choosing the profession of his father, and grandfather, at eleven years of age he went to Madison, and in 1888 entered Colgate University, where he took a three years' scientific course ; thence to New York Homoeopathic Medical College in 1891, from which institution he gradu ated in 1894, with a standing of ninety-seven per cent. He now holds diplomas from New York Homoeopathic College and Hospital, and from New York University. Upon coming to this place, he resigned position as physician to the Central and Yorkville Dispensaries, surgeon to the Hahnamann Hospital, and to the New York Homoeopathic Medical College. He makes surgery a specialty, and had charge of the surgical clinic at college dispensary during the last year. Taylor, George, was born in Boonville in 1834, where he is a prominent farmer, 38 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. held in high repute in both business and social circles, and is one of the seven chil dren of John Taylor, a farmer from Rhode Island, who settled in Boonville in 1817 purchasing 100 acres of land for $600 in what was then a bleak wilderness. George Taylor received his education in Boonville, devoting his time since to agricultural pursuits and the manufacture of cheese, for which he has received special orders from consumers in San Francisco, Cal., and London, England. He now has his home where the late Amos Tyler resided, and whose daughter, Helen E., he married in 1874. Her father, Amos Tyler, was a native of Woodstock, Vt., and cousin of ex- President Tyler, came here in 1850, his death occurring in 1878. Mr. Taylor's sym pathies are with the Republican party. He and his wife are members of the Presby terian church. They have one son, J. Albert, aged twenty years, who is possessed of marked dramatic ability, and who is now manager of the Empire Specialty Co., a variety show touring Northern and Central New York. Jackson, W. H., is a descendant of an old family identified at an early period with the history of Boonville. His father, William Stuart Jackson, was born in Boonville in 1815 and was a farmer by occupation. In politics he was a Democrat, and was supervisor of the town for several years. He was a member of the Masonic order, of which he has been master. He died November 9, 1887. W. H. Jackson was also born at Boonville in 1853. In 1876 he married Flora E., only daughter of William H. Cole of Leyden, by whom he had four children: Jennie Laura, aged eighteen gradu ated from Boonville Academy in 1893 and has since become a successful teacher ; William Carroll, aged seventeen, is taking the agricultural course at Cornell Univer sity ; and two daughters who died in infancy. Mr. Jackson has officiated as master of the local grange for three years, of which his daughter Jennie was secretary for two years. He occupies the old homestead of 200 acres just north of the village of Boonville and is a prominent and successful farmer. Adsit, Leonard E., was born in the town of Steuben, on the farm and in the house where he now lives, in 1842, son of Erastus Adsit, who was born in Columbia county in 1802, one of ten children, born to Stephen Adsit of Columbia county. Stephen was a son of one of three brothers, who came from England before the Revolutionary war. He was a farmer, and came to Steuben, where he purchased the farm now owned by Leonard E., in 1805. He cleared a good portion of it, and here spent his last days. He participated in the war of 1812. Erastus Adsit spent his life on the homestead, which he purchased of the heirs after his father's demise. He was a Whig until 1862, when he became a Democrat, and was well known as " Squire Adsit," having been justice for twenty-four years, and always took an active interest in town and county affairs. He married Parmelia, daughter of Daniel Tripp, who was born in Oneida in 1801, and by whom he had four children: Mrs. Alzina Fuller, of Iowa; Mrs. Susan Mcintosh (deceased) ; Stephen W., of Steuben; and Leonard E. Mrs. Adsit died in 1875, and Mr. Adsit in 1886. Leonard E. has spent his life on the homestead to which he has added forty- five acres. His principal occupation is dairying, and he has been auctioneer for the past twenty-five years. He is inter ested in the bee culture, also a dealer in agricultural implements, and is the owner and agent of the telephone office, known as Adsit Station, which is located on his farm. He is now treasurer of the Steuben Cheese Association. He has served one term as supervisor, and eight terms on board of equalization, also commissioner of FAMILY SKETCHES. 39 highways and poormaster. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Remsen Lodge; United Friends of Stittville and the Grange Lodge in Holland Patent. In 1866 he married Ellen, daughter of Nicholas Suits, who was a native of Western, N. Y. They have one child by adoption, Mrs. Jesse Bennett. Owen, F. W., was born at Albany in 1860. The late Ephraim Owen, his father, was born in Boonville, and was pne of the most enterprising citizens of that town. He married Aurelia Riggs of this place, by whom he had three children : Frank, Jennie, and James (deceased). Mr. Owen died in 1877, aged fifty-six ; and he was brother of John and Philip Owen. Mr. Frank Owen was educated at Trinity Col lege, and upon the completion of the collegiate course, became associated with the canned goods business. He is secretary and treasurer of the Turin Canning and Pickling Co., having their factory at Turin, and office at Boonville. Porter, Chester Winfield, was born in the town of Western, Oneida county, Sep tember 3, 1861, a son of Joel and Ann A. (French) Porter, natives of Oneida and Montgomery counties, respectively. His paternal grandfather, Chester Porter, a native of Connecticut, was a pioneer of Steuben, Oneida county, and was a tanner and shoe manufacturer. His paternal grandfather, a native of Massachusetts, was a woolen and shoepeg manufacturer. Joel Porter, father of Chester W. , taught school in early manhood, but most of his life was spent in farming and cheese manufactur ing, and he died in' Western, March 2, 1895, aged seventy years. Chester Winfield Porter was educated in Syracuse Classical school and Syracuse University, and was graduated from the latter in 1884. He began life as an agriculturist and cheese manufacturer, in which he still continues, having been associated with his father until the death of the latter. In 1892-93 he served as member of assembly, representing the Third and Second districts of his county, respectively, and acquitted himself of his duties to the general satisfaction of his constituents. Mr. Porter is a supporter of the First M. E. church of Western, is a member of the I. O. O. F. , and Psi Upsilon Fraternity, and politically is a Republican. Kent, John S., was born in Remsen, on the farm he now owns, December 18, 1841, son of Silas Kent, who was born in Remsen, July 7, 1808, the fifth of seven children born to Silas Kent, a native of Connecticut, born in 1787, son of John, son of Silas, of Connecticut, of Scotch ancestry. Silas Kent, father of John S., from five to sixteen years of age was reared by an uncle, when he returned to the homestead, which he and his brother, Chester, conducted for eleven years. They cleared a large amount of land, cut the timber and made it into potash, and bought two other farms; he then purchased a farm of 400 acres, where he resided until 1870, when he sold the farm to his son, John S., and removed to the village of Remsen, where he now re sides, the only surviving member of his father's family. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Evan Thomas, by whom he had nine children. His wife died in April, 1878. John S. Kent remained on the farm with his father until he was twenty-eight years of age, when he purchased the farm, which then contained 600 acres and paid for said farm $16,630, 180 of which he sold, but has since purchased two more farms of 133 and 100 acres, and is the most extensive farmer in the town, and also conducts a large dairy of forty cows. In politics he is a Republican, has served as assessor three terms, supervisor three terms, and has often been elected delegate to County 40 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and District Conventions, also a member Equalizing Board Oneida county, 1895. In 1869 he married Naomi, daughter of Robert Roberts, of Remsen. She died in 1884, and he married for his second wife, Mary C, daughter of John G. Hughes, of Rem sen, by whom he had two children: J. Grant and Clara May. Crandall, Enos T., was born in Westmoreland, Oneida county, N. Y., in 1832. His grandfather^ Lewis Crandall, a native of Dutchess county, wasa farmer and carried provisions to Sackett's Harbor during the war of 1812. About 1797 he came to Oneida county, settling in Westmoreland, where he purchased 300 acres of land. He married Clara Shute, by whom he had four children. He died in 1875 aged 100 years and four months, and his wife died at the age of sixty-five years. William Crandall, father of Enos T. , was born in Westmoreland in 1800 and was a carpenter, noted for his fine workmanship ; he also farmed some in early life. He was captain of a company of State militia. His wife was Laura Church and their children were Lowell, Ann, Enos T., Charles, Willard (deceased), Jason, Orville A., Irvin, and Winifred S. Mr. Crandall died in 1850 and his wife in 1891, aged eighty-five years. Enos T. Crandall, at the age of ten years, left home and engaged in farm work, but, being a natural mechanic, he later followed carpentry for many years. In 1860 he removed to Boonville and five years later purchased a farm and saw mill, conducting them both successfully until 1880, when he removed to his present site, where he purchased a saw mill and 325 acres of land and engaged extensively in the manufac ture of hard wood and lumber. He has also since 1889 conducted a grocery store and in 1891, through his efforts, the post-office of Enos was established with Mr. Crandall as postmaster. He has served as justice of the peace for many years, com missioner of highways, and has been a school trustee for twenty-five years. He has been a Mason for thirty years. In 1857 Mr. Crandall married Mary, daughter of William and Sarah Shephard, all natives of Manchester, England, who came to the United States in 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Crandall have two children : Ella B. , wife of Charles Miller; and George W., all of whom live in the immediate vicinity. Mrs. Crandall died January 13, 1896, aged sixty-one years. Rice, Charles F., was born in Paris, in 1835, son of E. D. and Sally A. (Chapman) Rice, of Eastern birth, who settled on a farm in Paris at an early date. They had four children, three of whom are now living. After the completion of his education at the Albany Normal School, he engaged in teaching, for several years in local schools and with good success. In 1856 he entered the employ of S. A. Millard at Clayville as shipping clerk, and in 1863 he engaged in the lumber business, renting a mill on Black River, and in 1867 purchased of J. M. Fiske the present business, manufacturing of sash, blinds, doors, mouldings and a general lumber business, which he has built up into a very important industry, now employing eight people. He married Sarah A. Lee, who died July 29, 1885. Her son Charles died when six months old and before his mother ; he died July 28, 1872. Inl887 he married for his second wife Eliza Reynolds, by whom he has one son, Henry H. Rice, who was born in 1891. Mr. Rice has been a member of the Board of Education six years, and has been president of the board of trustees, and is much esteemed as a citizen. Powell, J. L., was born in Lanesboro, Mass., in 1780, and moved to Trenton in 1801. He was twice married; first to Nancy Peck, by whom he had three children: FAMILY SKETCHES. 41 Melancthon, George and John. His second wife was Margaret Hulburt, by whom he had eleven children : Nancy, Sophia, Hulbert, James, Frederick W. , Jane, Joseph P., Helen, Henry W., William and Francis. John L. Powell was engaged in teach ing and farming. He was educated at Williams College and took a great interest in educational affairs, William Powell, the youngest son, was born December 7, 1829, and was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Curtis Hinman, by whom he had two children : Fannie Elizabeth and John Curtis. He afterward married Ann Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Miller, an old resident of this town. Lawrence, A. W., was born at Lee, Oneida county, in 1829, son of Edward T. Lawrence, a millwright, and his mother is a daughter of the late Abner Wood, a well known pioneer settler of Ava. In October, 1853, A. W. Lawrence went to Bed ford, Va., on a visiting and hunting trip on the Blue Ridge Mountains. From Oc tober 2, 1854, to May, 1855, he was proprietor of a hotel in Lee, whence he went on a farm in Leyden, Lewis county, for a year ; he then followed carriage painting for a year. In May, 1858, he went to Chicago, where he was employed at railroading ; returning in 1859, he became proprietor of the Moose River Hotel, where he remained eighteen years, and then removed to Boonville where he has led an active life as a mechanic. He is a member of the Republican party, and has served as deputy sheriff three years, the sole policeman of the village of Boonville for fourteen years, and town constable for twelve years. In 1854 he married Susan M. Meeker, who bore him two children : Alice (dece'ased) and Estella R. He was married in 1869 to his present wife, Jessie M. Hazard, who is a descendant of an old pioneer family of New Hampshire, by whom he has three children : Edward T. , J. Minnie, and Loua M. Kennedy, Michael, was born in Ireland, December 2, 1815, son of Michael and Mary (Wailings) Kennedy. Michael Kennedy, jr. , settled in New York Mills, Oneida county, June 27, 1841, and was followed in 1842 by his mother, where they lived until 1851 when they moved to Marcy. He married Sarah, daughter of George Pad- ley, by whom he has four children : Elizabeth Gates, Sarah A. Morris, Mary and Joseph. In early life he was employed as a general laborer, but since his residence in Marcy has been engaged in farming. He is a member of the Farmers' Club of Oneida county, and has a farm of 168 acres, with 3,000 rods of ditching. Cook, Caspar I., was born in Vienna, N. Y., June 7, 1838. His father, Andrew Cook, a grandson of Captain Andrew Dillenbeck who was killed at the battle of Oriskany, August 6, 1777, and grandson of John Cook who also participated in the battle of Oriskany, and son of John I. Cook who served in the war of 1812 as captain at Sackett's Harbor." Andrew Cook settled in Vienna about 1823, coming from Palatine, Montgomery county, N. Y., where he was born November 11, 1880; died at his home in Vienna December, 1893. He married Jane E. Covell by whom he had seven children: Betsey C, John, George, Charles, Caspar I., Joseph A., and Verena J. Joseph A. enlisted in Co. C, 50th N. Y. Engineers, and served three years; Cas par I. enlisted December 14, 1851, in Co. C, 81st Regiment, N. Y. S. Volunteers, and received a 1st lieutenant's commission in 1864, and a captain's commission January 1, 1865; discharged June 22, 1865; is now a member of Constantia Post No. 519, and was married February 18,. 1866, to Julia E., daughter of Elijah and Prudence Wat- 42 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. rous of Bolton, Conn., by whom he had four children: DeWitt C, a graduate of Rome Academy, class of 1889, who also attended Cornell University one year, and in 1891 received an appointment in the pension office in Washington, where he at tended the evening sessions of Columbian University for three years, but was pre vented from finishing the course on account of failing eyesight; J. Carlotta, and M. LeVanch, graduates of Rome Academy, class of 1891 ; Jessie Watrous, a graduate of Rome Academy, class of 1895. Halstead, Charles N., was born in Verona, August 2, 1849, adopted son of Joseph and Betsey (Cook) Halstead. The grandfather, John P. Halstead, who was a farmer and lumberman, and furnished the lumber for and built all the locks in the Oneida Lake Canal, which intersected the Erie Canal at Higginsville, married Phila White, by whom he had twelve children : Nathaniel, John B. , Joseph, Clark, Laurie, George, Sarah, Louisa, Morris, Emily, Nelson, and Maria. Joseph Hal stead was justice of the peace for many years, and was engaged in the mercantile business at Fish Creek Landing, and took a very active part in improving the town and county. Ward, John L. , was born in the town of Annsville, June 25, 1856, son of James and Martha Loaks Ward, who was born in England and emigrated to the United States in 1846 and settled in this town, where he took up sixty acres of land and cleared a farm. When the war broke out he enlisted in the 81st N. Y. Vols., Co. I, and was wounded at Cold Harbor, from which he died before reaching home. He had seven children: Eliza, Mary, Elizabeth, Giles C, Robert, JameSj and John L. , who was educated in this town, after which for fifteen years was engaged in the livery and express business, which he afterwards sold to the Taft Bros. He is now engaged in farming and in running a grist mill in Taberg village, with a capacity to grind 500 bushels per day. He married Cornelia, daughter of Rufus Taft, by whom he had these children: Flossie G., Lorna A., and Harrison Morton. Mr. Ward is a Republican in politics, and was commissioner of highways for two years. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum. Walters, Charles F., was born November 8, 1859, son of James N. and Mary E. Walters. In 1879 he engaged in the general merchandise business at Prospect, in company with C. B. Hodge, but in 1881 he sold his interest and entered the general merchandise store of T. B. Balou, at Hinckley, of which he was manager for five years. In 1886 Mr. Walters started a general merchandise store at Prospect, which he has conducted to the present time. He is a member of Remsen Lodge, F. & A. M., of Trenton, Oneida Chapter No. 57, of Utica, I. O. O. F., of Trenton, and I. O. R. M., of Prospect. He married Helena B., daughter of James an'd Betsey Dickson, of Antwerp, Jefferson county, N. Y., by whom he has three children: James D., Mary E., and Charles F., jr., all natives of Oneida county. McClusky, Henry, was born at Boonville in 1845, son of John McClusky, who was born in Ireland, and who without capital came to this country and settled in Boon ville, N. Y. He succeeded in clearing a farm of sixty acres, to which from time to time he made many additions. He was a conscientious man, for a long time elder of the Presbyterian church, of which he was one of the founders. His wife, Mary Cummings, was also of Irish birth. Henry McClusky spent his boyhood days on FAMILY SKETCHES. 43 the farm, which is now in his possession. He is of the undertaking establishment of Bateman & McClusky, with which business he has been connected since 1888. After finishing his education at Whitestown Seminary, he engaged in the lumber'business at Forestport, thence to Boonville, and entered mercantile business with his brother James, where he remained about ten years, dealing principally in groceries. In political life he is popular, and has held positions of trust and prominence, and was postmaster under Hayes's and Garfield's administrations, also president of village in 1876 and 1877. ? He is prominent in Masonic circles, was master of Boonville Lodge No. 165, F. & A. M. , for three terms, and maintains associations with the church, with which his father was so closely identified. For five years, he has held the responsible office of secretary of the Boonville Fair Association. In 1890 he married Ida Tallcott of this place. Prendergast, Rev. E. R. , was born in Syracuse in 1862, son of Edward R. Prender- gast, a jobber of clothing, and prominent as a man of great intellect and ability. He inherited his scholastic attainments, and was a graduate of Dublin Academy. Until his death in 1869 he was trustee and treasurer of St. John's Cathedral for three years, and was superintendent of St. John the Baptist church, also promoter and founder of St. John's Cathedral school. He was organizer and captain of the Mili tary Guards, called out to quell the riot at the occasion of the "Jerry Rescue," and for many years he was agent for the old steamship line from Ireland. E. R. Pren- dergast's boyhood was spent in Syracuse, and in 1873, he entered Manhattan College near New York, where he remained six years; then entered St. Joseph's Seminary at Troy, N. Y., remaining there five years, where his ordination was celebrated in 1884. His first charge was at Whitesboro where he remained till January, 1888. He came to Boonville in 1888, and in 1891 the degree of A. M. was conferred from Man hattan College. Father Prendergast is a man of great ability, and much esteemed outside of his own parish. Johnson, Samuel, was born near Burlington Flats, Otsego county, in October, 1811, son of Jared Johnson, a farmer of English ancestry. When twenty years of age, he came to Paris and engaged in the tanning business, which was his occupation through life. For eight years he acted as clerk in the well known hide and leather house of Hubbell & Curran of Utica, from 1841 to 1849 ; then came here, where he > has been a tanner for forty years. In 1889 he was burned out, and has since retired from active labor. As a politician, he was originally a Free Soil Democrat, but in 1856 united his interests with the Republican party at its organization. For four years he was supervisor of his town. He first married Sarah S. Campbell of Rome, who died in 1864, leaving two children ; Mrs. J. S. Haseldon, whose husband is superin tendent of the Rome Brass and Copper Co. ; and one son, Walter B. Johnson, super intendent of the Rome Manufacturing Co. His present wife was Sarah L. Stevens, by whom he had one daughter (deceased). Whiter, Andrew J., was born near Oneida Lake, in the town of Vienna, Oneida county, N. Y., February 9, 1837. When about fourteen years of age, 1851, he with his two brothers, Abram and Hiram, together with their parents, Meltiah and Lydia Whiter, removed to Hawkinsville, Oneida county, N. Y. His father was then em ployed in a saw mill owned and operated by the late Benjamin Kipp ; while thus 44 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. employed he had the misfortune to have his right hand and arm terribly mangled with a saw, which resulted in his death in about six years afterward. During this time and thereafter the support of the family was furnished by Mr. Whiter and his younger brother Hiram. In the year 1859 he purchased a farm of 110 acres one mile east of Hawkinsville, in the town of Boonville, N. Y. . September 10, 1860, he was married to Miss Ellen J. Johnson, daughter of Elijah and Cyntha Johnson, who was born August 3, 1841, at Frankfort Hill, Herkimer county, N. Y., at which place she resided until the time of her marriage. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Whiter, namely; Albert C, Frank W., Alice E., all of whom are now living. Mr. Whiter was a canal boatman by occupation until the year 1865, at which time he re tired to his farm where he has since resided, devoting his time to the best interest of his home and his surroundings. In politics he is a Democrat, much interested in the public welfare. He was appointed several times as inspector of election. Also he was a Democratic nominee for assessor and highway commissioner at different times. Mr. Whiter is widely known and esteemed by all. Kent, Justus Vinton, was born at Remsen in 1827, son of Ezekial Kent, who came to this place in 1829, settling about two miles south of Boonville, where he engaged in farming, yet devoting much time to public affairs. He was a- man of prominence, and officiated as assessor for many years. He married Laura Dayton, of an old Connecticut family, who were early settlers in Remsen, by whom he had eleven children. His father was Capt. John Kent, who was well remembered for his zeal and patriotism, and who achieved much fame in the Revolutionary war. Ezekial Kent died in 1861. In 1848 Justus V. Kent married Louise Owen, daughter of John Owen, by whom he had eight children, six of whom are now living. He has a farm of ninety acres, in the suburbs of the village, adjoining Erwin Park. He also has charge of the Summit Hotel, which he entered in 1890. This hotel is beautifully located, commanding a view of the Adirondacks, and of the adjacent territory. Parks, Perry, was born on the farm he now owns in the town of Camden, March 14, 1842, son of Marshall F. Parks, who was born in Connecticut. Marshall F. came to Camden in an early day and took up the farm now owned by his son Perry, which consisted of 200 acres, about 125 acres of which were improved. He married Eliza Hall of Connecticut, whose parents were among the first settlers of Oswego county, by whom he had six children: Daniel, Joshua, Hannah, Sarah, Perry and Clara, only four of whom are now living. Perry Parks was educated in the town of Cam den, and is now engaged in farming on the old homestead. He married Ella, daugh ter of Henry Hall, of Annsville, by whom he had one son, Charles, who resides on the farm with his parents. Scoville, Samuel T. W., was born in the town of Camden, N. Y., October 17, 1842, son of Riley Scoville, who was born in Connecticut and came to Camden in 1840. He was a farmer by occupation, which line of business Samuel Scoville has followed for some years. Mr. Scoville married Maria Upson, of Camden, by whom he has one son, Riley A. He is an enterprising and thrifty business man and in politics is a Democrat. Phelps, C. A., senior member of the dry goods firm of C. A. & A. C. Phelps, was born in Camden, June 21, 1856. He was a farmer and corn packer up to twelve years FAMILY SKETCHES. 45 ago, since which time he has been in the mercantile business. They purchased the stock and good will of Frisbie & Stansfield, and have now the leading business in that line in Camden. Albert C. was born in this town, and they have always been associated together in business. Tripp, Franklin, was born in Floyd, December 27, 1831, son of Isaac Tripp (who married Mary Brooker in 1812), and he was one of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters : Henderson, Septimus, Savinah, Julia Ann, Isaac, jr., William, Mar quis De Lafayette, Helen, Franklin, Jeanette and Orris B. Isaac, sr., was born in Dutchess county, December 17, 1792, a son of William Tripp, who served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war (and was consequently a pensioner till his death). Will iam moved with his family to Floyd, Oneida county, when Isaac was quite a small boy. His. other children were Stephen, William, Mary and Clara. Isaac settled permanently in Floyd, and being possessed of an energetic disposition, progressive ideas, and strong business capacity, naturally his influence was felt in the town and in his surroundings. He served as assessor for many years. Was cotemporary and intimately associated with General Floyd (after whom the town was named, and who was then a resident of the town of Western). One of his sons, Isaac, jr., settled in Utica as a lawyer; three settled in Cortland county, one in Cayuga, while Frank lin and Orris remained on the old homestead with additions thereto. Franklin mar ried Carrie, daughter of David and Mary Fulmer of the town of Steuben. They have two children who are at present pupils at the Holland Patent Academy. (Orris married Esther, daughter of Hugh and Sally Jones also of Steuben). They are both farmer s. Evans, John, was born in the town of Floyd, March 25, 1842, son of Owen and Rose Evans, who settled in Floyd about 1831. They had six children: Jane (de ceased), John, William (deceased), Owen J., Mary Jane (deceased), and Charles H. Owen J., jr., is a farmer and is active in the development of the town. John Evans married Libbie, daughter of William W. and Catherine Jones, by whom he had one child, Mary Jane, who died October 9, 1884, aged seven years. Mr. Evans is a dairy farmer. He served as collector for the town one term. Vanderhoof, Thomas J., was born in the town of Floyd January 25, 1837, son of Nathaniel and Susan (Soule) Vanderhoof, who was born in Wellstown in 1805, whose father came from Vermont and was a soldier in the war of 1812. Nathaniel settled in Oneida county in 1830; he had five children: Frances, Catherine, Thomas J., MaryE. and Nathaniel, jr. Nathaniel Vanderhoof, sr., wasa captain of artillery in the State militia, and Francis was a drummer. Nathaniel, sr. , was engaged in farm ing and also worked at weaving and shoemaking and was commissioner for many years. Nathaniel, jr., was first corporal in Co. B in the Fifth Oneida, 146th Regt., and after several engagements in battle was wounded and died in the hospital at Falmouth May 16, 1863. Thomas J. married Sarah A., daughter of Austin and Malinda Nutt, by whom he has two children : Olive and Mary, and one, Henrietta, deceased; he engaged in farming at twenty-seven years of age, and is active in town and educational affairs. Pepper, Edwin J., was born in Oswego county, N. Y., February 3, 1845. He mar ried Nancy, a daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Lewis) Paul, by whom he has four 46 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. children: Cora E., wife of Fred Wickham, Roscoe H., Bertha H., and Arthur M., all natives of Floyd. He studied law in Cape Vincent, N. Y., and which, at the present time, he practices in the justice court of the county ; although his chief occupation has been farming. He enlisted August 24, 1868, in Co. G., 20th N. Y. Cav., and was mustered out July 31, 1865, and served as a non-commissioned officer. He be longs to Post Hunt, No. 510 of Holland Patent, and has been commander and junior vice-commander of the same. He is the present justice of the peace and has held most of the elective offices of the town. He is trustee of the Floyd Methodist Epis copal church aud contributed liberally at the rebuilding of the same. Ulrich, Simon, was born in Massachusetts, April 2, 1887, son of Simon and Kather- ine Ulrich, who settled in Floyd about 1842. Their children were Katherine, Simon, Elizabeth and Mary. Simon Ulrich, sr., in early life followed the weaver's trade in Germany. He moved to Massachusetts, where he engaged in burning charcoal and worked in an iron furnace. In 1842 he came to Floyd, since which time he has fol lowed farming. Simon Ulrich, jr., married Grace, daughter of Joseph Wintemeyer, by whom he has six children: Simon J., Joseph A., Katie M., Mary T. , Frank T., and Albert L., all born in Floyd. Mr. Ulrich' s chief occupation has been farming, and he is also interested in school work. Golly, Andrew, was born on the Golly homestead in the town of Lee, March 4, 1814, son of Joseph and Ann (Jardin) Golly, natives of County Tyrone, Ireland, who settled in the town of Lee in 1811, where they cleared and improved a farm from the . wilderness and died there. Their children were Eliza J., John, Andrew, Mary A., Joseph, Martha, Jardin, William, Benjamin, and Esther. Andrew has spent the most of his time in Lee, and owns two hundred acres of land, a part of which is the Golly homestead. In 1854 he married Ellen, daughter of John and Mary (Cummins) McClusky of Boonville, and they were the parents of six children Frank, Albert, George, Eliza (Mrs. Fred S. Fish), Mary, and Margaret. Mr. Golly is one of the oldest native residents of Lee. In politics he is a Democrat, and has held the office of supervisor, Willson, Merritt N., was born in town of Lee, Oneida county, May 14, 1854, son of Wright and Lydia (Tracy) Willson, both natives of Lee. His paternal grandparents, Roswell K. and Susan (Tyler) Willson, and maternal grandparents, Frederick and Chloe Tracy, were natives of Massachusetts, and all pioneers of the town of Lee. Wright Willson, father of Merritt N., was born in 1817, still resides in the town of Lee, and by occupation is a farmer. Merritt N. was educated in the Union schools of Lee Center and Rome Academy, and was graduated from the latter in 1875. In 1877 he began the study of law with Hon. Edward L. Stevens of Rome, was admitted to the bar in 1880, and in September of the same year established himself at Lee Center, where he was located until November 12, 1895, when he sold his resi dence in Lee Center and purchased a residence at No. 416 William street Rome, N. Y., where he has since been located. His office is No. 103 S. James street. November 5, 1882, he married Edith C, daughter of John C. and Jemima (Kniskern) Brown, of Oriskany Fall?, Oneida county, by whom he had four daughters: Maud J., Mabel S., Mary B., and Edith A. Mr. Willson is a member of Roman Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 228, of Rome, the Rome Council No. 150, the Royal Arcanum, P. of I., aud K. of R., and in politics is a Republican. FAMILY SKETCHES. 47 Parsell, Charles D., was born in Western, December 8, 1858, a son of Alanson and Mary A. (Bullock) Parsell; the former was born in Ulster county, N. Y., in 1815, and came with his father to Parish, Oswego county, N. Y., in 1824, and the latter in Norway, Herkimer county, N. Y., in 1825. About 1837 Mr. Parsell settled in West ern, where he worked at the carpenter and joiner trade until his death, January 31, 1892. He was twice married, and his first wife was Eliza Shott, by whom he had two children : Martha (Mrs. Silas Ball), and Parisade (Mrs. Russell M. Frazer). His second wife was Mary A. Bullock, by whom he had two children, of whom our sub ject is the only survivor. Charles D. was reared in Western, and educated in the common schools, Rome Academy and Holland Patent High School. For seventeen winters he taught school and worked at the carpenter trade with his father in the summer, and since 1882 has been engaged in the manufacture of cheese, averaging about 100,000 lbs. annually. November 22, 1882, he married Lizzie A., daughter of Owen D. and Eleanor (Jones) Jones, of Lee, by whom he has three children: Bessie A., Anson Dudley and John C. Edic, Alson A., was born in Marcy, N. Y., October 8, 1858, son of Amos L. and Clista R. (Payne) Edic. Amos L. was a native of Marcy, son of Jacob and Esther (Levensworth) Edic, very early settlers, in the town of Marcy. Mrs. Clista (Payne) Edic was a native of Deerfield, and a daughter of Edward Payne, who came from Vermont in 1820, and settled on the farm in Deerfield where Alson A. Edic now re sides. Amos L. was engaged in farming in Marcy for many years, and also survey ing, at which he still works, having taken up his residence in Utica, since the death of Mrs. Edic, which occurred in 1876. He was supervisor in Marcy, and also held the office of town clerk and justice of the peace ; and he is a member of the Masonic lodge. Alson A. Edic was educated at Whitestown Seminary, and has always been engaged in farming. In 1880 he settled On Payne Farm in Deerfield, where he still resides. The farm consists of 209 acres and he keeps thirty cows. In 1882 he mar ried Hattie M., daughter of John and Almena (Irons) Penner of New York Mills, by whom he has three children : Allie L. , Willie and Florence. White, George W., was born in the town of Annsville, January 9, 1844 son of Israel White, who was born in the town of Western, Oneida count}'. This family was among the first to settle in this section of the county, and have generally en gaged in farming. George W. was educated in the schools of Annsville, Whitestown Seminary and Eastman's Business College. He was for some time connected with the American, Wells Fargo, and United Express Companies in Kansas City, but since 1873 has devoted his time to farming, owning a farm where he now resides of 120 acres, besides several other farms in this county. Mr. White is a Republican in politics, was elected supervisor in 1891, and luis held other minor offices in the town. He married Ella L., daughter of Calvin M. Waterman, by whom he had seven chil dren: Byron E., Georgie B., Edna M., Amy O., Ella I., Marjory A., and Hazel I. Bemister, Alfred, was born in England, June 10, 1845, son of Stephen and Mary Ann Bemister, who came from England, and settled in Marcy about 1849, and whose children were Ann, Eliza, Harriet, Alfred, Stephen, Henry, John, Emma, Josephine and Nettie. Stephen Bemister was a self-made industrious man, and was engaged in farming. Alfred Bemister was assessor of the town for three years, and a veteran 48 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of the late Rebellion. October 23, 1861, he enlisted in Co. A, 14th N. Y. Vols., and served about twenty months ; May 20, 1863, he enlisted in Co. F, 44th N.Y. Vols., and was transferred to Co. K, 146th N.Y. Vols. He was wounded at the battle of Gaines Mills, and was three months in the hospital at Philadelphia ; he was also wounded in the battle of the Wilderness, from which at present he is suffering the injuries. Mr. Bemister belongs to the McQuade Post No. 14, of Utica, Van Hatten, Michael, was born in France, May 10, 1828, son of Lewis and Mary A. Van Hatten, who settled in the town of Deerfield, Oneida county, in the fall of 1832 and whose children were Michael, Lewis, Mary Ann, Charles, Delia, John, Magdalane, and Francis. Lewis Van Hatten was engaged in farming and was actively interested in both church and educational affairs and was much respected by all his acquaintances. Michael Van Hatten settled in the town of Marcy in 1852, married Maria R. Hersdel by whom he had ten children: Frances R., wife of John Eaton, Francis L. (deceased), Francis M., Mary L.', wife of George Kunkel, Jeanie M.) wife of Fred M. Seavy, George E. , Lewis A., Annie V., Charles L., and Clara E. In early life Mr. Van Hatten was engaged in farming and school teaching, later years in farming, saw mill and as auctioneer. He was supervisor in 1866 and 1867 and has been highway commissioner for many years, letting the contract for the first stone bridge that was built in Marcy in the year 1857 ; also built the first stone road in said town in 1881-2 and has held several minor offices. Hicks, John W., was born hear where he now resides, April 24, 1842, son of Will iam, jr., and Mary (Wright) Hicks. His grandfather, William, sr., came from Eng land and settled here about 1824; he engaged in pioneer farming, and was known as Judge Hicks, who accumulated considerable wealth and was a large land owner. William, jr., was prominent in all affairs of his town. John W. was one of nine children: Sarah Martha (deceased), Mary E., John W., Annie M., Thomas J. (de ceased), Agnes L. (deceased), James S. (deceased), George E. and Fred H. He married Harriet A. , daughter of George and Nancy Powell, by whom he has one child, William P. He has been elected assessor for the past nine years. He is a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church at Oriskany, and belongs to the Oriskany F. & A. M., No. 799, and has been junior warden of the Hampton Lodge No. 347, also senior master of ceremonies, and senior deacon. Of the United Friends, he h'as been chief councilor for four years, and delegate to the Grand Council. He is , also a member of the Marcy Grange, Patrons of Industry, and now holds office of county vice-president and past president of the Stittville Lodge No. 315 ; and of the Grand Orient of Stittville. He is a director of the Black River Fish & Game Asso ciation, and is also its vice-president. William Hicks married Carrie J. Bolton, and they have one child, Alice Alma. Ritchie, Thomas, was born in Scotland, September 15, 1819, son of Rev. Daniel and Margaret Ritchie, who settled in Oneida county in 1829, and whose children were Daniel, James, ( harles, Thomas, Isabelle, Margaret, Harriet and Jane. The Rev. Daniel Ritchie was a carpet manufacturer by trade, and which he followed for the greater part of his life. His preaching he did without reward. He was an honest, industrious man, and interested in all things for the good of his fellowmen. His sons, Daniel! James, and Charles, were engaged in business in the Southern and FAMILY SKETCHES. 49 Western States, where they reside. Thomas Ritchie married Mehitable, daughter of William and Lois Hill, who settled in Marcy in 1811, by whom he has two sons: Ward T. and Franklin W. Olney, George B., was born in Western, December 7, 1852, a son of George J. and Harriet (Brill) Olney, grandson of James Olney, who was born October 26, 1783, and who married Lucy Burt, and great-grandson of William and Mary (Myers) Olney, who were among the pioneers of Western, and is a lineal descendant of Thomas Olney, of Hertfordshire, England, who settled in Calem, Mass., in 1635, where he followed his profession of surveyor, and filled many positions of trust. He was the founder of the Olney family in America. In later life he left Salem on account of religious persecution and went with Roger Williams to Providence, R. I. On No vember 6, 1793, a deed was executed by Thomas'and William Burling, merchants of New York, conveying to William Olney the first real estate owned by the family in Oneida county. It consisted of 1500 acres of land in the tract known as the Thomas Machin patent, in what is now the town of Western; then a part of Herkimer county ; consideration, 600 pounds sterling. This tract joined land laid out for Jelles Fonda. The deed was acknowledged before John Ray ' ' One of the masters in chancery for the State " and is still in possession of the family. George J. Olney, father of George B., was born in Western, February 28, 1821, where he has spent all his life engaged in farming. He was twice married, first to Harriet, daughter of Ezra and Lydia (Parks) Clark, of Western, by whom he had one daughter, Harriet (Mrs. Frank White). His second wife was Harriet, daughter of John Brill, of Saratoga, N. Y. , by whom he had three children: George B., Willard, and Minnie (Mrs. Charles Pill more). George B. Olney was educated in the public schools and Whitestown Sem inary, and since 1880, has been a member of the firm of Olney & Floyd, manufac turers of canned goods, with factories at Westernville and Delta. December 10, 1879, he married Amelia, daughter of Joseph and Ruth (Carey) Hill, of Western, by whom he had two children ; George J. and Max H. Curtiss, Hiram L., was born in the town of Camden, February 18, 1859, a twin son of Linus Curtiss (mentioned elsewhere). Hiram L. has been a man of health and vigor, always pushing ahead in life, and was educated in the district schools, where he built a foundation for a useful man and successful farmer. He married Ida E., daughter of Charles F. and Hannah M. Green, of Florence, and granddaughter of Asa Kelsey, the oldest resident in that town, he now being ninety-five years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Curtiss were the parents of four children: Olive M., deceased, Leila E., Christine M. , and Ward L. Mr. Curtiss and wife are members of the Cam den Grange, No. 354, P. of H. , also of the Congregational church of West Camden. Farnsworth, Theron A., one of Camden's prominent business men, was born in Hermon, St. Lawrence county, September 13, 1851. His early life was spent on the farm, and at the age of fourteen moved into the village, where he was educated in the common school of that place and Lowville Academy. Since leaving school he has been in the mercantile and manufacturing business, and is well known in North ern New York. He became a manufacturer of post-office supplies in 1882, which business he now superintends for the Corbin Cabinet Lock Company, in their branch • factory at Camden. In politics Mr. Farnsworth is a Republican, and has held sev- e 50 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. eral government appointments ; was president of the village of Camden in 1893, and is now serving a second term. He is a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Royal Arcanum Lodges in Camden. Dorrance, John G., was born in the town of Florence, Oneida county, December 17, 1837, and is one of the leading business men of Camden. Daniel G. Dorrance, his father, was for many years the leading merchant in Florence, and first settled there in 1832. John G. is one of a family of five children living. He located at East Troy, Wis. , in 1856, where he was engaged in the mercantile business until 1865, when he came to Camden. Here he commenced trade again in what was then known as the old " Trowbridge Store," located on the corner of Main and Mexico streets. In May, 1876, he established a private bank under the name of D. G. and J. G. Dorrance. This bank was succeeded in January, 1880, by the First National bank of Camden. Mr. Dorrance has been cashier of this bank since its organiza tion. He was married February 5, 1861, to Miss Ellen E. Brown of Oneida, N. Y., by whom he had two children", Daniel J. (teller and assistant cashier in the bank of Camden), and Mrs. Davies, wife of Deputy Attorney-General John C. Davies of Camden, N. Y. In politics Mr. Dorrance is a Republican. In June, 1895, he was appointed by Governor Morton to the office of commissioner of State Prisons for the Fifth Judicial District, for the term of five years. Flanders, Thomas, was born in Vermont, October 23, 1841, one of ten children of Moses and Maria (Towle) Flanders, of Vermont. Thomas Flanders has resided in this town and Vienna since 1865, and now owns a farm of 100 acres in the town of Annsville, and runs a dairy of thirty cows. In 1861 he enlisted in the 8th Vt. Vols. , served for a period of four years, and was engaged in the battles of Cedar Creek, at the siege of Port Hudson, and the battle of Winchester. He married Jane, daughter of George Husted, by whom he had two children: Myrtie and George. Mr. Flanders is a member of Ballard Post, G. A. R., No. 551, of which he was officer of the day for three years, and is also a member of the Masonic frater nity. In politics he is a Republican. Lehr, Charles M. , was born in Ava, Oneida connty, N. Y., November 3, 1854, son of George and Catherine (Yourdon) Lehr, he a native of Germany, and she of Ava, N. Y. The grandparents came to America when George was three years of age, and settled in Ava, where they lived and died. He was a soldier in the French war. George Lehr was reared on a farm. He was a Republican in politics, and was justice of the peace for twenty years, highway commissioner, assessor, etc. He died in 1878, and his wife in 1871. Charles M. Lehr settled on the farm of 100 acres he now owns in 1881, where he keeps about twenty cows. In 1882 he married Annie, daughter of Owen and Esther Humphrey, of Ava, by whom he had four children: Susan, Myron, Esther and George. Mr. Lehr is a Republican in politics, and has been collector, highway commissioner, etc. Kilts, Jacob, was born in Ava, N. Y., September 5, 1829, son of Jacob and Eliza beth (Zolver) Kilts, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1828, and settled in Boonville. They were among the first settlers in Ava, and took 120 acres of land, which they cleared, and engaged in farming. In Germany Mr. Kilts was a cabinet maker. He died in 1872, and Mrs. Kilts died in 1874. Jacob Kilts, jr., worked for FAMILY SKETCHES. 51 thirteen years at the carpenter trade, and has since been engaged in farming. In 1865 he bought a farm of 150 acres in Ava, where he has since resided. In 1861 he married Humility Daniels, by whom he has five children: William A., hotelkeeper at Redfield, N. Y. ; Emma J. , wife of Byron L. Edgerton, of Annsville, N. Y. ; Homer J, a manufacturer at Rome, N. tY. ; Carrie E., wife of Frank Lock, a mechanic at Redfield, N. Y. ; and Warren R., who is living at home. Mrs. Kilts died May 25, 1885. Mr. Kilts has been justice of the peace and constable for seven years. Blue, Malcolm A., was born in Deerfield, N. Y., January 27, 1822, son of Alexan der and Christa (McVean) Blue, natives of Scotland. Alexander Blue came to Deer field with his parents, Malcolm and Flora Blue, in 1803. Mrs. Blue came with her parents, Peter and — — McVean, who settled at Johnstown, Genesee county, where they died. Alexander Blue was a carpenter by trade, but spent the latter part of his life on the farm. He was town school superintendent and road commissioner. Mrs. Blue died in 1822, and Mr. Blue married the second time. He died in 1872. Mal colm A., at the death of his mother, was adopted and reared by Daniel McKay, who was an early settler on the farm where Mr. Blue has always resided, except four years in the banking business, and he is now president of the bank at Poland. Mr. Blue has given his attention principally to farming, and has owned about 816 acres of land, 320 of which he has deeded to his sons. He has been supervisor and road commissioner seven years. In 1847 he married Maria, daughter of Isaac and Mary Hetherington (who died in August, 1887), farmers of Deerfield ; and Mr. Hethering- tqn was a native of England. Mr. and Mrs. Blue have three children : Arch. M. and Grant A., who are both engaged in farming and in the manufacture of cheese, also dealing in stock; and Maria, wife of 'John K. Walker. The family are Presby terians. Carleton, Charles, was born at Clingara, County Meath, Ireland, December 25, 1820. He was the oldest child of James and Eleanor Carleton, to whom six children were born, five of whom came to the United States. His mother's maiden name was Raymond, and she was one of a numerous and prosperous family. His parents were natives of Ireland, followed the occupation of farming there and afterwards came to America. It was Mr. Carleton's fortune to have first seen the light of day in one of the most historic and romantic places in Ireland. The Hill of Tara, the ancient capital of Ireland, was to the north in sight of his home. There remains to the present time there the ruins of the ancient palace of the Ard Ri or the High King of Ireland. Among the evidences of Tara's former greatness is found the ruins of the legislative hall in which laws for the Irish nation were once made; the ruins of the Military School and of the National Court House, which was in its day the court of last resort in Ireland. To the northeast of his home and about three miles distant was the famous Dangan castle, in which the Duke of Wellington was born. To the north was the famous Boyne River. About twenty miles down the stream from Tara is the battlefield were on July 1, 1690, was fought the famous battle of the Boyne. It was there that the Irish army under James II of England received its death blow. It was on the bank of this old stream that Mr. Carleton attended the little country school and with his little companions many times ran away from school and went swimming in the Boyne River, The little ivy covered 52 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. church which Mr. Carleton attended, tradition had it that it was the church attended by Dean Swift's ancestors. Mr. Carleton came to the United States in 1849 and in 1870 married Henrietta Deering, by whom he had two children : Ella M. and Will iam. He has always been engaged in the business of lumbering and farming and so has his son. He is now the owner of 700 acres of land. Syphert, William E., was born in Forestport, N. Y., in 1862, son of William Syphert (Seif ert), who was born in Jauer, Germany, in 1821. William Syphert is a miller by trade, and upon coming to America in 1853 he went directly to Hawkins ville and engaged in working in a saw mill. From thence he went to White Lake and in 1854 to Forestport, where he followed lumbering and farming and ran gang saws in mills for many years. He married Augusta Fredericka Hennich, of Ger. many, who died in 1869. Their children were Augustus, Paulina, Herman, Robert, William E., Charles, and Mary E. William E. was educated in the district schools and at the early age of eleven began life as a canal driver and when a little older he became a steersman, which vocation he followed until eighteen years of age, when he began lumbering and for twelve years rafted spar and pile timber ready for the canal to go to New York city. In 1891 he entered into partnership with Albert Har- rig and engaged in the lumber and long timber business. In the spring of 1895 they erected a pulp wood mill, and saw mill from which they send a boat load a day; they also furnish a large amount of logs for a Utica lumber firm. They own a tract of 2,000 acres of timber land. In 1891 Mr. Syphert married Rosetta E., daughter of Michael and Catherine Fischer, of Buffalo. He is a member of the Masonic frater nity, Urial Lodge, No. 908, and Mrs. Syphert is a member of the Lutheran church. Stannard, J. R., was born in the town of Western, May 19, 1853, son of John L. Stannard, the scion of an old Scotch English family, who migrated from Massachu setts to this county when it was a vast wilderness. Mr. Stannafd's mother, Betsey Hill Clark, is the descendant of an old Connecticut family who settled in the Mohawk valley soon after the Revolutionary war. Her grandfather, Ichabod Hill, was body guard to General Washinton and served with distinction throughout that memorable contest, while her father, Ezekiel Clark, was a soldier, in the war of 1812. After at tending several terms at Holland Patent Academy and Whitestown Seminary, Mr. Stannard taught school in Western and Boonville with marked success until March, 1883, when he, removed to Boonville and began his career as a merchant, dealing in pianos, organs, sewing machines, musical merchandise, school supplies, books, sta tionery, etc., a business which he has successfully conducted since and which has assumed large proportions. In politics Mr. Stannard is a Democrat and a great admirer of President Cleveland. He was one of the organizers of the Anti-Snap movement in 1893, and a delegate to the Syracuse Convention in May of that year. After Cleveland's re-election he became a candiate for postmaster and demonstrated his popularity by winning the prize over several candidates, some of whom were as sisted by some of the ablest politicians in the county and State. He took possession of the office March 6, 1895, and at once entered upon the work of improving the service by putting in one of the finest outfits in the State, one that Boonville is justly proud of. That he will make an ideal postmaster is predicted by those who know him best. April 7, 1881, he married Irene Van Voorhis, of Steuben, and has one son, FAMILY SKETCHES. 53 Leland, born January 15, 1894. Mr. Stannard isa charter member of Summit Lodge, No. 246, I. O. O. F. Wilson, Robert, was born at Thompson, Windham county, Conn., October 16, 1829, son of Robert Wilson, a linen weaver of Irish birth, who came to America in 1818 at the age of forty-two; after spending ten years in the New England States, he settled in Boonville in 1829, and engaged in farming; he died November 2, 1856. He was a man of rare inteligence, and possessed a well cultivated mind. Robert Wilson, jr. . is a man possessed of highly respectable abilities, and whose character is one worthy of emulation. He acquired his education with but little aid, by inflex ible purpose, and untiring application. Bred to the occupation of a farmer, he has always followed that pursuit. He is a member of the M. E. church. In politics he was a Whig, but united with the Republican party at its formation, was supervisor in 1872, and for the last eight years has voted with the Prohibition party. He mar ried Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Hayes, September 10, 1851, by whom he had four children, but none survived early infancy. Clefford, Daniel B. , was born in Stephentown, Rensselaer county, N. Y. , April 8, 1838, son of Peter C. Clefford and Charlotte L. Clefford, who settled in Rome in 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Peter C. Clefford had nine children: Christopher E., Daniel B., Watie E., Guilford D., Clifton C. (deceased), Chancellor C, Perry C, Lottie and Huldah, of whom the latter seven were born in the town of Rome. Mr. Clefford was a farmer and a public spirited and charitable man and a large owner of real estate in Rome and Vienna ; also a farm in Scott township, Johnson county, Iowa. He died December 30, 1893, aged eighty-one years, five months and thirteen days. Daniel B. Clefford married Julia A., daughter of the late Nehemiah and Sarah A. Halladay, January 4, 1859, by whom he had four children, Watie M. (deceased), Julia Blasier, Pearl E. and Clara E. In early life Mr. Clefford taught school in winters but has always been engaged in farming and has made a success at that business and now owns and conducts three farms. He is interested in educational affairs. Though a life long Democrat he never would accept of any town office. He belongs to Vienna Lodge No. 440, F. & A. M., and now holds the office of treasurer, and is vice-pres ident of Plains Lodge, No. 339, P. of I. of North America. Jones, William Jay, was born near South Trenton, June 20, 1832, son of Jacob and Mary Jones, who came from Wales about 1818 and were engaged in farming. Their children were Margaret, John, Hannah, David, Thomas and William Jay. Mr. Jones helped to build the Welsh M. E. church, and used to go twelve miles to church on foot. He also cut the first tree on the road where William Jay now lives. Pre vious to building the church meetings were regularly held at his house for many years. He was a strong anti-slavery man and among the first Abolitionists in the place ; he became a Free Soiler and then a Republican. He wished to see the sin of slavery wiped out before his death, but he died April 9, 1859. His wife died Decem ber 25, 1870. ' At fifteen years of age, William Jay started for himself as a laborer on a farm, and is now engaged in farming. He married Mary L., daughter of David Winston, by whom he has three children: Jacob H., David Cephas, and W. Herbert. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Trenton, and of which he has served as trustee, secretary, steward, and treasurer. He is a strong Prohibitionist. His wife, Mary L. Winston, died January 17, 1893. 54 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Johnson, Stephen Albert, was born in Constableville, Lewis county, N. Y., May 23, 1840. He attended the local schools, also private schools at Lockport and Fre- donia, N. Y. Being in Philadelphia at the time of the outbreak of the Rebellion, he enlisted in the 3d (afterwards the 72d) Regiment of that State among the first of the three years men; and was in the battle of Ball's Bluff and the battles of the Penin sula campaign. At the battle of Antietam he was severely wounded and soon after honorably discharged. He then went West n,nd engaged in the nursery business at New Albany, Ind. , with his brother, Senator F. C. Johnson, of that State. At the time of the Morgan raid he was chosen captain of a company in the 8th Indiana Regi ment and served throughout the campaign. In 1865 he returned to Lewis county, and in June, 1866, he maried Emeline, daughter of Schuyler C. Thompson, by whom he had three children, two sons and one daughter.. The eldest son, Franklin C, a young man of bright literary attainments, died at Nice, France, in January, 1895. The younger son, William Schuyler, is now in the bank with his father. S, C. Thompson & Co.'s Bank was founded in 1867. Mr. Johnson became its cashier and has been in the banking business ever since, being now, and since the death of Mr. S. C. Thompson, in 1879, the senior member 6f the firm. He was for many years a member of the Board of Education of the Boonville Union. Free School and Academy, and is one of the wardens of the Episcopal church at that place. Mr. Johnson's ancestry on both the paternal and maternal side is of the Colonial Puritan, stock. Thomas Johnson came from Yorkshire, England, and settled at New Haven, Conn., in 1638. His son, William, was one of the original proprietors of Walling- ford, Conn., founded in 1670, and there the family lived for several generations, being large land owners and prominent in government and military affairs. De scendants of William Johnson still own land near Wallingford, which has been in the family since its purchase from the Indians. Jacob Johnson, son of William ¦ (1694-1749), was a member of the Colonial Assembly several terms, and was a man of large wealth. ' Capt. Andrew Johnson, son of Jacob (1702-1757), served during the Indian and French wars; while Capt. Hezekiah Johnson, his son (1732-1810), was a soldier of the Revolution, and served from the Lexington alarm until the close of the war. Belcher Johnson (1767-1837), son of Capt. Hezekiah, removed to New York State in 1790 and settled at Salisbury, Herkimer county, where his son, Horace Johnson, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1799, and in 1822 married Eliza Pratt. Shortly after this he settled at Constableville, Lewis county, and en-, gaged in the tanning business. He was commissioned captain in the militia by Governor De Witt Clinton in 1826. He died at Boonville, January 10, 1885. Mr. Johnson is descended through both of his parents from the Merriman family of Con necticut, who for several successive generations were prominent in the Colonial gov ernment, and held military commissions in the Indian and French wars; also from the Sedgwick family of Massachusetts, the first ancestor in this country being Major General Robert Sedgwick, who was a distinguished and trusted officer under Cromwell, and a charter member and captain of the "Ancient and Honorable Artillery Co. , of Boston," the first military company formed upon this continent, and which possesses its identity to this day. In Mr. Johnson's family there is an unbroken line of military service from the Pequot war to the war of the Rebellion. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, also of the "Society of Sons of the American Revolution" and of the " Society of Colonial Wars." FAMILY SKETCHES. 55 Chrestien, Theodore, was born in the town of Rome, February 26, 1847, son of Martin and Margaret (Rougert) Crestien. Theodore married Emma, a daughter of William H. and Matilda Carnrile, and they have four children: William Alfred; Kittie, wife of William Brewster of Annsville ; Alice ; and Edith, all of whom are natives of Oneida county. At the age of twenty-four he engaged in business as a distiller of oil of wintergreen, which he followed ten years, then he went into the canning business, in which he engaged about six years, when he associated himself with the firm of Tuttle & Co., who are still in business. In 1878 he was elected jus tice of the peace, which office he holds, at the present time. He was one year justice of sessions, and served two terms as postmaster under Cleveland's administration. He is a member of Vienna Lodge No. 440, F. & A. M., of which he has been master twelve years. Brown, James, was born in the town of Floyd, Oneida county, January 29, 1837, son of John and Jane Brown, who came from Dutchess county and settled in Floyd in 1826. Their children were Harriet, Charles Henry, James, Thomas, William H. , and Betsey Ann, all natives of this county. Charles Henry was a veteran of the late war. James married Susan Faulkner, daughter of William and Harriet Faulk ner, by whom he had three children ; Hattie Jane, Charles E. , and William G. William G. Brown was graduated from Union College in 1895 ; and is now studying law at Albany. He also spent three years at Cazenovia Seminary. Susan, wife of James Brown, died January 1, 1870. For his second wife James married Helen, daughter of William and Eliza Bowman, by whom he has one child: Nellie E. James and his father followed farming and boat-building, and have been actively in terested in educational affairs. James has been highway commissioner two terms, and also loan commissioner. Hudson, Joel, was born in Stockport, County Cheshire, England, January 29, 1840, son of Thomas and Mary (Cheatham) Hudson. His mother with four children came to America in- 1854 and located in Rome, where she resided until her death in 1862. Her children were Henry, Joel, Sarah M. (Mrs. Jacob Groff), and Martha, deceased. Joel Hudson was reared in England and Oneida county, N. Y. He received a com mon school education, and began life as a farm laborer, which he followod until 1864, when he purchased a farm of ninety-three acres in Lee, which he sold and now owns two adjoining farms in the same town, comprising 145 acres. In February, 1864, he married Sarah, daughter of William and Alvira (Dunbar) Robinson, of Lee, by whom he Jhas one daughter, Edith (Mrs. Frank Aff olter). Mr. Hudson started in life with nothing, and by his own efforts has secured a competency. He is a mem ber of the F. & A. M. Mrs. Alvira Robinson will be eighty-five years old the 19th day of May, 1896. She has three daughters living: Sarah Hudson Stokes ; Samantha Rector, Utica; Mary Perkins, Lee Center. Jones, Owen E., was born on the farm where he now resides. His father, William Jones, was a farmer by occupation. He and wife were very active in church work. He married Eleanor, daughter of John and Mary Edwards. William Jones settled in Utica, coming from Anglesay, North Wales, about 1832, and to Floyd in 1841. Mr, and Mrs. William Jones had eight children: John J., Mary S., Catherine, Ellen Roberts, William J., Hugh W. (deceased), Owen E.. and Jane A., all of whom are 56 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. residents of this county except John, who is in .Canastota. Owen E. married Sarah J., daughter of Even T. Jones, of Pickett, Wis, by whom he has two children: Edith Ellen, and Emrys Tutur. Mr. Jones is a farmer by occupation, and is active in town affairs. He is a charter member of Camroden Patrons of Industry and has held all the offices in the I. O. G. T. Lodge ; also of the Sabbath school and is now secretary and deacon of the C. M. church. Davis, Pratt M., was born in Deerfield, N. Y., December 3, 1849, oldest son of John H. and Ellen M. (Smith) Davis, natives of Deerfield. The grandparents, Rowland and Margaret (Roberts) Davis, were natives of Wales, and came to America about 1817, settling near Deerfield Corners. Mr. Davis died in 1853, and Mrs. Davis in 1846. The great-grandfather of Pratt M. , Jonathan Davis, was a miller and con ducted a large grist mill in Wales. In early life John H. Davis was engaged in gen eral mercantile business at Deerfield. This he gave up and engaged in farming un til his death in September, 1885, at the age of sixty-four years. Mrs. Davis is still living and resides on the farm. Pratt M. was reared on the farm, and has always been engaged in farming. He conducts the home farm of 110 acres, and also has fifty acres of his own on which he resides. December 3, 1890, he married Mary A., daughter of Charles S. and Mary (Jones) Balcom of Redfield, Oswego county, by whom he has three children: Ella I., born March 10, 1892; Charles R., born Septem ber 28, 1893, and Alta Mary, born April 4, 1895. Dorrance, W. H., was born in the town of Florence, Oneida county, July. 18, 1844. He is one of nine children, and was educated in the district schools of Florence and Whitestown Semieary. He has for twenty-five years been engaged in the hardware trade, and now conducts one of the largest retail hardware stores in Camden, known as W. H. Dorrance & Son. He married Emma Fifield, of Camden, by whom he had four children: Franklin F , John P., Bertha and Anna. Mr. Dorrance is a Repub lican in politics. Nelson, William H., M. D., was born in the town of Westmoreland, Oneida'county, N. Y., April 25, 1830, son of Elijah P. Nelson, who was born in Stillwater. The grandfather, Moses Nelson, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and was an eye witness of the murder of his mother by the Indians. Elijah Nelson married Mary, daughter of Joseph Wallace of Rome, formerly of Rensselaer county. They had three children : George W. , M. D. , Mary E. and William H. The latter began read ing medicine with Dr. J. V. Cobb, of Rome, and later graduated with honor from the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, Pa. In 1857 he began practicing in Taberg; where he is at the present time. He married Mary L. Wheelock, by whom had three children: Charles W., a farmer; William W., a doctor, a graduate of the University of the City of New York ; and Stuart W. , also a graduate of that institu tion, now a physician in the Kings County Hospital. Dr. William H. Nelson was acting assistant surgeon in the late war, and supervisor of the town of Annsville in 1874, '78, '84, '88, '89. He is a member of the N. Y. State Medical Association, American Medical Association and the Oneida County Medical Society. Clark, John F. , was born in the town of Florence, August 2, 1861. He was the son of Thomas Clark, who was born in Albany, July 4, 1835, and came to the town of Florence when one year of age with his father, Mathew Clark, who was born in FAMILY SKETCHES. 57 Ireland. It is said that the grandmother of our subject was the first Irish woman in thetownof Florence. Thomas Clark, who wasa farmer by occupation and still resides in the town, married Rose Morris, of Ireland, and to them have been born nine chil dren, six of whom are living: Peter, Mary, William, Lizzie, Fannie and John F. Peter and William are proprietors of the Grove Hotel; William is serving his third term as supervisor. The subject of our sketch, John F. , was educated in the schools of Florence and for the past twelve years has been one of the leading merchants of the town, doing a general county business. In politics he is a Democrat. In 1888 he was elected supervisor and served three terms, was town clerk two years and is now serving as postmaster. In 1890 he married Anna C. Crowley of Oswego, a Normal School graduate, who was principal of the Florence village school for five years.. Two children have been born to them, one of whom is living, Rose Marie. Taft, Rufus, was born in the town of Annsville, N. Y., May 12, 1831, son of Lyman and Betsey (Storey) Taft. The grandfather, Daniel Taft, came from Connecticut and settled in this town when it was a wilderness, as early as 1806. Rufus Taft was educated in the town of Annsville, and was for many years a boatman, but is now engaged in farming, owning a farm of ninety-six acres, most of which is improved'. In 1861 he enlisted in the 81st N. Y. Vols., served until the close of the war, and was in many noted battles, such as Petersburg, Cold Harbor, etc. He married Clarissa A., daughter of David Putnam, by whom he had four children: David H. , Cornelia N., Genevieve and Frank M., who, in connection with his oldest brother, David H., conducts a prosperous livery business and stage route in Taberg village and sur rounding towns and villages. Mr. Taft is a member of Ballard Post, No. 551, G. A. R., and in politics is a Republican. Smith, Clarence D., was born in Rome, May, 31, 1865, son of Daniel and Cleore (Peck) Smith, grandson of Daniel, and great-grandson of Arnold Smith, a native of Rhode Island, who settled in Steuben, Oneida county, about 1800, where he engaged in the merchandise business and operated a potash factory. He later removed to the town of Western, where he engaged in farming, and finally located in North Bay, N. Y. , where he died. Daniel Smith, his son, was a farmer nearly all his life in the towns of Steuben and Western, and died in the town of Rome, at ninety years of age. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and one of the few who adhered to Masonry after the Morgan feud. Daniel, his son, and father of Clarence D. , was born in Steuben, September 15, 1815, began life as a carpenter and joiner and at thirty years of age engaged in farming in the town of Rome, where he died June 18, 1884. He was identified with the State militia twenty-five years, and most of that period was cap- tian of a company of artillery. His wife, a native of Rome, was a daughter of Capt. Gates Peck, a veteran of the war of 1812, who came from Norwich, Conn., to Rome in 1803, a granddaughter of Phineas Peck, who served in the Revolutionary war, marched from Norwich, Conn., at the Lexington alarm, served under Generals Sul livan, Gates, and Count D'Estaing and was present at the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga, and a descendant of Deacon Henry Peck, who, in 1637, sailed from England in the ship Hector, and settled in New Haven, Conn., on land, a portion of which is still owned by his descendants. Clarence D. was reared in Rome, educated in the public schools, began life as a farmer, in which he is still interested, and is also engaged in milling and dealing in all kinds of agricultural implements in the 58 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. village of Delta. He is a member of the P. of H. His grandfather, Capt. Gates Peck, named the present village of Delta. Wolfe, George, son of George Wolfe, was born in Deerfield, Oneida county, N.Y., October 12, 1840. He was reared on a farm, and has always followed farming and market gardening. In 1872 he married Barbara Geerer, of Utica, by whom he has one daughter, Henrietta M. Mrs. Wolfe died in 1881, and he married for his second wife, Mary Reusswig, daughter of William and Katherine Reusswig, of Utica, by whom he has two sons: William G. , born in 1885, and George E., born in 1886. Amann, Magdalen. — The late Anthony Amann was born in Alsace, France, No vember 4, 1835, and came to the United States September 25, 1855. He was edu cated in the schools of his native place, and in the evening schools in Vernon, N. Y. He was a bootmaker by trade in his early life, and afterwards engaged in farming, in which he was very successful. April 14, 1863, he married Magdalene Stoltz, of the town of Vernon, formerly of his native place, who came from Alsace, France, with her parents when a year old, by whom he had seven children : John, who died at fourteen years of age; Mary R. , who died at seven years of age; Joseph N, who died in infancy ; Francis A. ; Theresa J. ; Magdalene K. ; and Mary W. Francis A. married Elizabeth M. Quarty, and they had five children : Josie, who died in infancy ; Mary M. ; Florence L. ; John J. ; Anna M. Theresa J. married Lewis Ritter, of Oneida, and they had four children: William J., Frederick D., Mary R., and Louis. Mr. Amann died March 10, 1887. Mrs. Amann's father, John Stoltz, was born in Alsace, France, September 26, 1817. He was educated there and came to the United States when about twenty years of age. After a time he returned to his native place and married Mary E. Stoltz, and returned to the land of his adoption. They had seven children: Magdalene, as above, Rachina, Francis, John, Joseph, Lewis, and Lawrence. Mr. Stoltz was a. blacksmith by trade, and afterwards a farmer. He died January 13, 1892, and his wife December 7, 1888. The ancestry of the family is German and French. Lowe, Charles, was born near London, England, December 6, 1839. He was partly educated there, and came to the United States in 1850, locating at Pratt's Hollow, Madison county, N. Y. When seventeen years of age he went to Norwich, Chenango county, where he learned the tanner's trade, and in 1864 he came to Oneida, where he worked for Hon. George Berry for fifteen years, most of the time as foreman. In 1877 he purchased the David and Hezekiah Brooks farm, improving it in many ways, erecting a new residence, barns, and fences. October 25, 1860, he married Mary J. Manchester, of Pratt's Hollow, by whom he had seven children: Nellie I., Roscoe C, Fenton E., Cora M., George E., Libbie J., and Jesse E., who died in infancy. Nellie I. married. John B. Williams, now of Denver, Col., and they have one son, Paul L. Cora M. married George Clark, of Oneida, N. Y., and they have one son, Charles L. Fenton E. is a resident of Quincy, Mass. Mr. Lowe's father, Thomas Lowe, was born at the old Jiome in England, in 1810. He married Elizabeth Thaxter, of Elson, by whom he had nine children : John, William, James, Charles, as above, Robert, Walter, Septimus, and Sarah and Elizabeth, twins. The family came to thef United States in 1850. Mrs. Lowe died in England about 1848, and for his second wife Mr. Lowe married Sarah Barnes. Mr. Lowe died FAMILY SKETCHES. 59 in 1872. Mrs. Lowe's father, William Manchester, was born in Rhode Island. He was educated there, and married Catherine Oderkirk, of Hoosick, by whom he had thirteen children, only two of whom are now living: Mary J., and James. Mr. Man chester died in 1836, and his wife in 1861. Mr. Lowe has been a member of Oneida Lodge, No. 270, F. & A. M., since 1867, of which -he was master in 1895. He has held the office of assessor six years. The ancestry of the family is English on both sides. Hicks, William Harrison, was born in Western, Oneida county, August 28, 1824, son of Alpheus and Mary (Lane) Hicks, natives of Massachusetts and New York respectively. His paternal grandfather, David Hicks, was one of the four original settlers of Western, where he located in 1788 and cleared and improved a farm from the wilderness, and there he died. He assisted in building a bridge across the Mo hawk River, this side of Albany, near Elmer Hill in Western, in 1798, also assisted in organizing the First Baptist church in Steuben, now called Western, was an ex torter and deacon in this church. He brought a bushel of potatoes on his back through the wilderness from Whitesboro to his home, a distance of fifteen miles in 1789. He married Mary Sprague. Alpheus Hicks was born in 1775, and from thir teen years of age lived on the old homestead in Western, where he died in 1861. During the war of 1812 he was in the service of the United States in the transporta tion of provision and other necessaries for the Federal army. He married Mary, daughter of George and Hannah (Wiggins) Lane, a descendant of the Lanes who came over in the Mayflower in 1620. Her father assisted in throwing the tea over board in Boston Harbor, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Mr. and Mrs. Hicks were the parents of thirteen children, nine of Whom grew to maturity: Han nah, Ephraim, Jacob, Isaac, Mary, Sarah, John, Eliakim, and William H., of whom the latter and Sarah are the only survivors. William Harrison Hicks owns the old homestead in Western, where all but fifteen years of his life has been spent. Since 1884 he has resided in Delta. In September, 1855, he married Angeline E., daughter Alfred and Rhoda (Denison) Martin, of Floyd, Oneida county, N. Y. Yerdon, James H., was born in the town of Boonville, N. Y., the son of John, who was born in Canajoharie, Montgomery county, in 1822, the youngest of four sons and five daughters born to Henry I. and Elizabeth (Castler) Yerdon. Henry I. was the son of John, great- grandfather of James H. of Mohawk Dutch ancestry, a soldier in the Revolutionary war, where he was badly wounded. He was a farmer by occu pation and spent his life in Montgomery county. Henry I. was a carpenter by trade and spent his last days in Boonville, living with his son John, where he died in 1858. His wife died in the town of Canajoharie, Montgomery county, in 1825. John, father of James H., came to Boonville in March, 1837, at the age of fifteen and worked in the lumber woods for his brother-in-law at |5.00 per month. Seven years later he purchased 100 acres of timber land and began lumbering and farming, and later added thereto until he owned 425 acres. He has also been engaged in the saw mill business, but since 1889 has been retired from the more active work, leasing hislarger farm and conducting the smaller one. In 1846 he married Lovina, daughter of Jacob Bellinger, by whom he had four children: Mary E., Emma A. Jackson, James H., Mrs. Addie Wollaber. James H was born July 6, 1854, in a log house just a short distance north of the present house that marks the place, which was erected the 60 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. same year that he was born, located five miles south of Boonville village, on the west side of the Lansingkill and Black River Canal. Received a limited education in the common schools, assisting his father in lumbering and farming until he was twenty-one years of age. February 14, 1878, he married Alice C. , daughter of George H. Wollaber, of Steuben, to which town he moved and engaged in farming. He owns 170 acres of land and carries on general farming, but is especially interested in the breeding of Holstein-Friesian cattle. Mr. and Mrs. Yerdon are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, he having been Sunday school superintendent sev eral seasons, trustee and steward. March 3, 1896, Mr. Yerdon was elected for a term of two years, to represent his town as supervisor. Van Buskirk, Marcus, w,as born in Western, December 11, 1829, a son of John and Catherine (Casler) Van Buskirk. His paternal grandfather, Lawrence Van Buskirk, of Holland Dutch descent, was among the pioneers of Floyd, Oneida county, where he engaged in farming and where he died. His maternal grandfather, Marcus Casler, was a pioneer farmer and blacksmith of Western. John Van Buskirk, father of Marcus, was a native of Floyd, and in early manhood settled in Western, cleared a farm, and assisted in building the Black River Canal. He was for several years prominently identified with the quarry interest of the county, being superin tendent of several stone quarries, and lived for many years on what is now known as the Stephen Rogers farm. His children were Marcus, Martha (Mrs. William Norton) and Martin. Marcus Van Buskirk was reared in Western, where he has always resided. lHe followed boating on the canal for twenty-five years, and has since been engaged in farming. March 28, 1850, he married Hannah, daughter of William and Phoebe (Brooks) Whipple, pioneers of Steuben, by whom he had two children (twins): Henry T. and Helen H., both deceased. Mrs. Van Buskirk is a member of the M. E. church. Mr. Van Buskirk is a Democrat in politics, and has been commissioner of highways two years. McClements, James, was born October 20, 1843, in the town of Ballykelly, County Down, Ireland ; his parents, Grace and Robert McClements, were well to do farmers and had nine children. James, the eighth child, at the age of seventeen came to America where he became a butcher. After working a year at the butcher business he enlisted as a soldier in the 16th N. Y. Vols., Co. H. From exposure while on duty he contracted ailments which resulted in deafness and chronic diseases for which he is now pensioned. After returning from the war he continued the butcher business and also worked in the Globe Woolen mill of Utica as a weaver, and in 1882 com menced farming. In 1871 married Charlotte Simmons, by whom he had nine chil dren: Roberts., W. J., George, James S., Grace E., George E., Charles S., Albert F. , Francis Harvey. Of the nine children, two have died, George and Grace E. McClements. Robert S., W. J. and James S. have attended the Whitesboro and N. Y. Mills schools. James and Robert have attended the Utica graded schools. In 1891 Mr. McClements removed to Marcy, where he now resides. He is active in educational and religious works. Chrestien, Martin, was born in France, September 22, 1819, son of Joseph and Mary Ann Chrestien, and was one of three children, Nicholas and Mary Ann being the other two. Martin came herein 1842, and was followed by his father in 1848. FAMILY SKETCHES. 61 He married Margaret, daughter of Francis N. and Annie Rougert, who were among the early settlers of the town of Rome. Their children were Augustus, Theodora, Hattie Lynch, Frank, Alfred Louisa, Olive Harding, Charles, Edward, Adelaide, and Mary. In early life Martin was a weaver by trade, which he followed until he settled in Oneida county, when he engaged in farming, and from 1866 to 1892 kept the hotel at McConnellsville, but has now retired from business. He has been an active Democrat, and was elected overseer of the poor, serving two terms. Benton, Eugene C, was born at Sherburne, Chenango county, N. Y., March 23, 1846, son of Sylvester C. and Fannie A. Benton, who settled in this county about 1852, and who have three children : Emerette C. Reed, Lucretia A. Simmons, and Eugene C. Benton. Sylvester Benton was a painter and carpenter by trade, and is now living retired. He was a veteran in the late war and belonged to the 117th Regt. N. Y. Vols., enlisted as a teamster and returned as a wagonmaster. He is a mem ber of Post Bacon of Utica. Eugene C. married Kate M., daughter of Henry and Mary Ann Peek, by whom he has four children : Henry E., Eugene C, jr., Fannie and Samuel M. Mr. Benton learned the painter's trade at twelve years of age; he also clerked for several firms, and was interested in the manufacture of bricks ; but late years has been engaged in farming, dealing' in produce and the breeding of fine Jersey cattle. Henry E. attended the Colgate University of Hamilton, N. Y. Mr. Benton belongs to the Orient Lodge No. 224 F. & A. M. of Utica, N. Y., also Wash ington Chapter No. 212 of New York city. Towsley, Dr. William Dealton, was born in Oneida county, December 14, 1856. In 1857 his parents moved to Sandy Creek, Oswego county, N. Y., where he spent his boyhood days on the farm and attended the district schools, and later became a , pupil in the Union High School of Sandy Creek, where he remained one year, and then entered Pulaski Academy, where he spent three years. After teaching school two winters at Port Ontario, N. Y., entered the office of Dr. Frank S. Low, of Pulaski, and began the study of medicine. In 1878 he entered the University of New York City, from which he was graduated with honors "March 8, 1881, and be gan practicing at South Richland, N. Y. In the spring of 1887 he located in the ¦ thriving village of Camden, where two years later he erected a fine residence at No. 135 Main street. In June, 1881, he was elected a member of the Oswego County Medical Society, and in 1887, a member of the Oneida County Medical Society. While a resident of South Richland he was postmaster and coroner of the county. April 27, 1881, he married Jennie, the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Calkins, of Dexter, Jefferson county, and they have one daughter. Dr. and Mrs. Towsley have been members of the Methodist church many years. Paddock, Daniel, was born in the town of Steuben, Oneida county, N. Y., Febru ary 20, 1834, a son of James Paddock, who was born in the town of Western, April 12, 1804. James Paddock was a farmer and always resided in the towns of Steuben and Western. He married Susan Edick, of Herkimer county, N. Y., by whom he had ten children: James, H., Mary A., Daniel, Loleyann, Joseph, David, George, Philo, Susan, and Nettie. Daniel Paddock was educated in the town of Steuben, then engaged in farming, now owning a farm of eighty acres of mostly improved land and has a small dairy. Mr. Paddock married' Maria, daughter of Uriah Fitch, 62 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of Steuben, _by whom he had three children: Albert,' a farmer; Esther, wife of Andrew Balcom; and John E„ at home. The family are members of the M. E. church. Schilz Peter, jr., was born in the town of Deerfield, N. Y., August 19, 1864, son of Peter and Margaret (Servatius) Schilz, natives of Germany. The grandparents, Christ and Mary (Snyder) Schilz, were farmers of Godendorf, Kraes Tries, Helen- bach, Germany. Mr. Schilz came to America in May, 1857, and settled in Deerfield, where he engaged in farming, and in 1891, retired to Utica, where he now resides. He was reared and educated in Germany and served in the army. Margaret Ser vatius Schilz was born in Koblentz, Naevit, Germany. She came to this country in 1838 with her parents, John and Catherine Servatius ; they settled in West Utica, where some of the family still live and where she (Margaret) lived until the age of twenty-three, when she married Peter Schilz and went to reside in Deerfield, in which place they stayed until 1892, when they went back to Utica, where she died in February, 1896. Peter, jr., was reared on the farm in Deerfield, and commenced business in the sash and blind factory in Utica, where he was engaged for three years; and then- was in the grocery of William Rim for five years. He was next engaged in the box factory, where he met with a severe accident, which resulted in the loss of a hand. In 1891, he engaged in the hotel business at Deerfield Corners, being proprietor of the Union House. In 1895, he erected a building for town hall, and for the use of the Deerfield Fire Co., of which he is a member. In 1891, he married Mary A., daughter of David B. (a native of Deerfield, who was born Feb ruary 10, 1827), and Julia (Monaghan) Jones, who was born in Ireland in 1827. The parents of Mr. Jones were David I. and Catherine (Jones) Jones, who came from Llannwellyn, near Bala, Maireonydd Sir, North Wales, to Deerfield. They settled on, Smith Hill and were farmers. He died February 15, 1884, aged ninety-two years, and she died August 28, 1868, at the age of seventy- four years. The parents of Mrs. David D. Jones were Thomas and Mary (Martin) Monaghan, of Ireland. Mrs. Jones came to America forty-seven years ago and was employed in the home of Horatio Seymour for twelve years. Mr. Jones was a carpenter, by trade, and all over the town his handiwork can be seen, About the last large job that he did was the erection of the Deerfield street car barn. He learned his trade at the age of twenty- four, and up to the time of his death was continually in the employ of Geo. F. Weaver & Sons, who always found him honest and faithful. His father, David I. Jones, came to Deerfield at the age of thirty ; this place at that time was nothing but a wilderness and swamp lots. A few who had cleared land here in the valley forthem- selves' urged him to stay here, but he did not seem to think much of our now beau tiful valley of the Mohawk, so went farther out and settled on Smith Hill on a farm lying between two gulfs. The house is old-fashioned and built of logs, and was sit uated about half a mile back from the main road ; just before the house is a deep gully, which makes it quite a picturesque little place, with the road winding down on the one side across the little stream, and up on the other into a large yard. The house is still standing, but not in the same place as then: it is northeast of there. The picture of the house is now in the family. Mrs. Schilz has it painted on a slate which was used by her cousin, Owen J. Roberts, when a schoolboy on Deerfield Hill, but which in reality belonged to her father when he was a. schoolboy, and so it is FAMILY SKETCHES. 63 doubly dear to her. The painting was done by a very dear friend of the family (Mrs. Geo. W. Rapelye), now of Staten Island, daughter of David Richards of Utica, who formerly lived on Smith Hill, and who at the present time is owner of a part of Mrs. Schilz's grandfather's farm. Mr. Schilz is a Catholic, and a member of the C. M. B. A. No. 55 of Utica, and of St. Anthony's Sick Benefit Society. ¦a Harrig, Albert, was born in New London, Oneida county, in 1867, son of Michael Harrig, who was one of five sons born to John Harrig, a native of Germany. Michael Harrig was a boatman on the Erie Canal, owning and conducting his own boats. His wife, Mary Morreall, was born in Oneida county, daughter of Joseph Morreall, who was killed in the war of the Rebellion, and by whom he had three children : William, Albert and Frank, who was drowned in Forestport. Mr. Harrig died in 1870, at the age of forty years, and after the death of the father and husband, Mrs. Harrig removed to Forestport, whore she provided for her family, un,til they were old enough to provide for themselves. She later became the wife of W. G. Sands of Forestport. Albert Harrig, at the age of twelve years, engaged as driver on the canal; when sixteen was promoted to steersman, and four years later, he purchased a boat and began for himself. In 1889 he, in partnership with William Syphert, engag*d in the lumber business, getting out spar timber in the winter, which they shipped to New York city in the summer. In 1892 he left the canal, and engaged exclusively in the lumber business, and in 1893 they purchased the stage route be tween Alder Creek and Forestport. In the spring of 1895 they erected the present pulp mill, from which they ship six boat loads a week of forty cords each. They own a 1,200 acre tract of timber land, and in connection with their pulp wood business, they furnish a Utica lumber company with logs ; by contract they also ship a large amount of spar timber to New York city. Mr. Harrig has served as excise commis sioner, town committeeman, etc., and is member and junior deacon of the Masonic fraternity, Uriel Lodge No. 809, of Forestport, and is also a member of the S. F. I. In 1892 he married Estella, daughter of Daniel and Anna Briggs, a native of Forest. port, by whom he has one daughter, Denzil Lena. Studor, Philip, was born in Alsace, Germany, in 1842, son of Jacob Studor. Jacob Studor with his brother Michael came to America in 1853. The former to came Haw kinsville, where he remained seven years, employed as lumberman. He removed to White Lake and engaged in farming, where he spent his remaining days. He married Elizabeth Snyder, by whom he had seven children: Philip, Lena, Jacob, Henry, Elizabeth, Sarah and George. He died in 1881 and his wife in 1878. Philip Studor began for himself when seventeen years of age, and spent eight years as employee in a saw mill, after which he purchased a stage route from Hawkinsville to Boonville, which he conducted for a year. In 1868 he removed to his present farm and hotel, where he is proprietor of the Studor House, and which he has largely improved, making it a very desirable retreat for summer resorters, fishermen and hunters, and his farm and wood land contain 200 acres. For some time he was interested in the spile and long timber business. He has served as road commissioner and poormas ter, and through his efforts in 1880, a post-office was established at White Lake Corners, and of which he has been postmaster ever since. In 1875 he married Addie, daughter of Randolph and Phoebe Evans of Lowville, by whom he has three children : Mabel, Ray and Anita. 64 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Nichols, Dexter E., was born in Vienna, March'5, 1848. His grandfather, Allen Nicholls, came here from Vermont about 1798. John H., father of Dexter E., mar ried Catherine Yager, by whom he had three children: James R., Elnora, and Dexter E. Mr. Nichols married for his second'wife Margaret Seaton, by whom he had six children : Theodore M. , Marcelia, Hattie, John, Nellie, and Nettie. Mr, Nichols has always followed farming, and was interested in educational and religious affairs. He enlisted in the 81st N. Y. Vols., and was active in recruiting his regiment. Dexter E. married J. Eliza, daughter of John B. and Emma Ann Halstead, and they have one adopted child, Sarah. In early life Dexter E. attended school at Utica and at Whitestown Seminary, after which he taught school eight years; was engaged in selling musical instruments and sewing machines five years. In 1883 he started in general merchandise and has been town clerk two years. Kinne, Eri, was born in Vienna, October 15, 1834, son of Hiram and Eliza Kinne, who settled in the town of Vienna in about 1800, and their four children were born on the place where Eri now resides. Hiram Kinne died August 29, 1844, and Mrs. Eliza Kinne died March 3, 1870. Eri Kinne married Lydia L., daughter of George and Rebecca Remington. When nineteen years of age Eri learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1857, when he entered the general merchandise busi ness at Vienna, which he followed for ten years. In 1872-3 he had an appointment in the canal superintendent's office at Rome, and in 1875 he was bookkeeper in the commission business for H. Morse & Co., No. 16 Central wharf, Buffalo, and in 1880-1-2 he was engaged in the general merchandise business at Vienna with J. H. Meays. He followed farming from 1882 to 1887, when he entered the employ of the E., C. & N. Railroad and National Express Company as agent at Vienna. In 1868 he was elected supervisor, which office he held four years, and from 1875 until 1892 he was justice of the peace, has also been railroad commissioner for two terms, and notary public from 1891 to date. Harden, Frank S., is a native of Oneida county, and a son of Charles Harden. He married Olive, a daughter of Martin and Margaret Chrestien, and they are the parents of three children: Charles, Clarence, and Harry, all of whom are natives of this county. Frank S. is a charter member of McConnellsville Lodge, Order of the World. In early life he followed lumbering, contracting, and building, but is now engaged in the manufacture of chairs. Strewn, George W., was born in Lee, Oneida county, August 10, 1864, son of John and Rosena (Ubelheart) Strewn, natives of Berne, Switzerland. John Strewn came to America in 1849 and located at Lee Center, Oneida county, where he worked at the cooper's trade for eight years, after which he purchased the farm now occupied by his estate, cleared and improved it, and in 1875 he purchased the farm now occu pied by George W. , where he lived until his death, which occurred September 5, 1890, aged sixty-three years. His wife died April 21, 1891, aged fifty-five years. They were the parents of twelve children, nine of whom grew to maturity: Rosa (Mrs. Charles F. Meyer) ; Mary (Mrs. Enoch Pritchard) ; Julia (Mrs. Samuel Krebs) ; Emma (Mrs. Rudolph Jenny); John A., who married Matilda Zimmer, by whom he had one daughter, Lillie M. ; George W. ; Clara ; Frank B. ; and Isabel. George W. was reared in Lee, where he has always resided. He was educated in the common FAMILY SKETCHES. 65 schools, and is now engaged in farming. He is one of the enterprising and public spirited citizens of Lee, a member of P. of I., K. of S. F. I., and P. of H., and in politics is a Democrat. Jones, Seymour, was born in Steuben, Oneida county, February 1, 1834, a son of of Hugh W. and Sarah (Smith) Jones, both natives of Steuben. His paternal grand parents, William R. and Mary (Mendith) Jones, natives of Wales, were among the pioneers of Steuben, and cleared a farm from the wilderness, where they died, Hugh W. Jones, who was born February 14, 1809, was a cooper by trade, which he followed up to 1845, and then engaged in farming until he retired on account of age, and has spent all his life in Steuben and Western. He married Sarah, daughter of Henry Smith, a pioneer of Steuben, by whom he had ten children, seven of whom survive: Seymour; Mary (Mrs. Sanford Oaks); Henry; Catherine (Mrs. Joseph Brown); Esther (Mrs. Orris Tripp); Lydia A. (Mrs. John Maydole); and William. Seymour Jones was educated in the common schools and Whitestown and Holland Patent Academies, and on attaining his majority engaged in farming until 1860, after which he engaged in merchandising in Steuben for eight years. In 1869 he located at North Western and engaged in the same business nine years, erected a tannery there in 1871, which he operated until 1890, and has also been engaged in farming since 1883. December 25, 1859, he married Julia A., daughter of Saul U. and Catherine (Adams) Miller, of Steuben, by whom he has two children: Gary M. and Anna K. Mr. Jones is independent in politics, and has been supervisor of West ern two terms. Harris, John W., was born in Westernville, Oneida county, August 2, 1819, son of John and Mary (Sheldon) Harris, natives of Sharon, Conn., and Providence, R. I., respectively. His paternal grandfather, David Harris, was a prominent builder of his day, and for many years a resident of Lansingburg, N. Y. He spent the later years of his life in Westernville, where he died. The maternal grandfather, Jariies Sheldon, a native of Providence, R. I., was among the pioneers of Remsen, and for many years was agent of the John Brown tract in the Adirondacks. In early life he was a distiller of essential oil. John Harris, father of John W., was born February 14, 1785, came to Trenton, Oneida county, in 1793, and served an apprenticeship at the tanner and currier trade. He located at Westernville in 1814, where he embarked in business for himself, in which he continued for twenty years, *when he sold out and in 1835 located on the farm now occupied by his son, John W., where he died August 10, 1860. His children were Mary (Mrs. Gustavus S. French) ; Emeline (Mrs. Horatio Castle); Abbie M. (Mrs. Freedom French); and John W., our subject, who has always been a resident of Western, where he engaged in farming, and has lived on the old homestead since 1835. Mr. Harris is a member of the Presbyterian church, of which his father was an elder for many years. He has been president of the Oneida County Farmers' Insurance Company, and in politics is a Republican. Jones, Richard R., was born in Sarnfollteyra, North Wales, April 25, 1850. He received his early education in Wales, where he afterward taught in the National School for two years. He came to' the United States in 1870, where he attended school, fitting himself for a business life, in which he has been successful. He learned the boot and shoemaker's trade, which he followed a short time. He was in l 66 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the Western States for a short time and since 1882 has been engaged in the mercan tile business in Glenmore, in the town of Annsville, Oneida county. He married Ellen Hopper, of Janesville, Wis. He is a Republican in politics, was justice of sessions for six years, also justice of the peace for nine years, and at present is notary public. He is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., Rome Lodge No, 266, Stanwix Encampment, No. 73, and Canton Stanwix, No. 3. Grayes-, William B., was born in the town of Vienna, Oneida county, in January, 1853, the only surviving child of William H. and Minerva (Wade) Graves. This family was among the Puritans who came to Connecticut, emigrating to this country when it was quite young. William B. was educated in the schools of Annsville and Whitestown Seminary, and since 1882 has been engaged in the mercantile business in Taberg. He is a prominent business man and stands high in the political field as a staunch Republican, and was school commissioner from 1888 to 1891. He married Elma, daughter of Peter Flanigan, of North Bay, by whom he had three children : Celia M. , born February 1, 1885; Bessie, born January 10, 1887; and Elma A., born in December, 1890. Mr. Graves is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of Lee Center Council of Royal Arcanum. He was elected member of assembly in 1895 and was one of the eighty-four that voted for the Raines Bill. His ancestors were among the early settlers in the towns of Annsville and Vienna, moving here in the latter years of the last century. " Scott, Walter F., was born in the town of Annsville, April 18, 1859. His father, Otis Scott, was born in Deerfield, and came to the town of Annsville in 1840. He was an extensive farmer and lumberman, always being a man of high standing in the town where he resided. He married Julia, daughter of John Bloss, of whom Blossvale derived its name, by whom he had one child, Walter F., who was educated in this town and Whitestown Seminary, after which he engaged for some time in farming and owns a farm of 200 acres. He is an active Republican in politics, and was in New York city for two years, in the office of the subtreasurer of the United States. He married Adelia; daughter of N. B. Taft, of Taberg, by whom he has four children : Otis, Pauline, Northrup and Howard. Reed, Leonard R., was born at Turin, Lewis' county, N. Y., November 26, 1832, son of Joseph M. Reed, who was born at Chester, Vt. , February 5, 1802, of English ancestry, and settled at Turin in 1825. Besides being a farmer, he was an expert mason, and carried on this trade with his farm work. He was prominent in both political and religious circles, and captain of a company in the militia. He has been an active worker and a deacon in the Baptist church for nearly forty years. After his residence in Turin he came to Martinsburg, thence to Leyden, and thence to Boonville in 1864, purchasing a farm of Albert E. Jackson, one mile north of Boon ville village. He married Lois Marsh Seymour, who was born at Hartford, Conn., January 14, 1805, by whom he had eight children. He departed this life July 19, 1881. Leonard R. Reed completed his academic education at Lowville, and March 3, 1858, he married Sarah E. Goodrich of Martinsburg, Lewis county, by whom he had one daughter, Ella A. , who married Elroy C. Hall, a Leyden farmer ; she died at twenty-seven years of age, leaving a son, Clifton Reed Hall, who now resides with his grandparents. Mr. Reed and wife are members of the Presbyterian church and are highly respected citizens. FAMILY SKETCHES. 67 Bellinger, Henry H.', was born in Forestport, N. Y., August 29, 1855, son of John, who was a native of the Mohawk country, and Elizabeth (Merville) Bellinger, a native of German Flats, N. Y. The village of Enoch was originally called Bellin- gertown, taking its name from the grandfather of Henry M. He was a pioneer there, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. John Bellinger was engaged in farming at Forestport, where he lived and died, and was also a noted trapper and hunter, and cleared a farm at Forestport. Henry M. was engaged as a farm hand at Lowville nine years. He then came to Ava, and after working for H. J. Lewis one year, rented the farm for seven years, and in 1891, bought the farm in Ava, where he now resides. He kept a dairy of ten cows, and made choice butter. In 1875 he married Jennie Congdon of Forestport, by whom he has three children : Bertha, Hattie and Leon. Mr. Bellinger is a member of the Boonville Grange. Wells, Albert B., D. D. S., was born in the town of Trenton, N. Y., June 1, 1833, son of Ira and Abigail Wells. Ira was a son of Elisha Wells, who settled in Trenton about 1800, and was engaged in general and pioneer farming. He was known as Captain Wells, and his children were Chester, Ira, Elizabeth G. , Nancy, and Mary. Ira Wells was also engaged in farming. He married Abigail Austin, by whom he had three children: Albert G., Chester, and Austin. By his second wife, Patty Hemingway, he had one child, Henry H. Albert B. married Dora E., daugh ter of Gardner Townsend, by whom he had three children: Alberta, deceased, Gardner T., deceased, and Ira G. Mr. Wells was a student of Dr. A. N. Priest from 1857 to 1860, and from 1861 to 1864 he practiced in Connecticut. Since his marriage, September 15, 1864, he practiced in Holland Patent. Ira G. was graduated from- the Pennsylvania Medical College in 1894, and was associated with his father in business. Alberta was a graduate of Albany Normal School, and died October 30, 1887. Albert Wells died March 19, 1896. Witherstine, Willard, was born in the town of Steuben, N.Y., in 1843, son of Will iam, who was born in Herkimer county in 1820. He was a son of John Witherstine, whose father, John, was a native of Germany, and a soldier in the Revolutionary war. John., jr., was a farmer by occupation, and came to Steuben in 1828, settling in a forest, where he later cleared a farm. He married Catherine Harter, by whom he had nine sons and three daughters. He lived to the age of ninety-two years and seven months, and died in 1863. His wife died at the age of sixty-three. William Witherstine has always been engaged in farming in the town of Steuben, where he now lives. In 1841 he married Catherine, daughter of Platt Weed, of Steuben, by whom he has had three children : Matilda (deceased), Willard, and Lavina, wife of Oscar Hall, of Egypt, N. Y. Willard Witherstine was educated at the common schools and Rome Academy, and at eighteen years of age he began to teach school, and also engaged in farming. In 1866 he purchased his first farm of fifty acres, to which he has added 150 acres, and he is principally engaged in dairy farming. In 1866 he married Clarinda Stannard, by whom he had four children: Minnie (de ceased), Winnie (deceased), Frank, aid Edith. Haven, A. G., was born in Sangerfield, N. Y., September 23, 1846, son of P. B. and Elizabeth (Putnam) Haven. His grandfather was John Haven, a native of Connecticut. Mr. A. G. Haven has been engaged in the brick manufacturing busi- 68 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ness all his life. In 1865 the firm of P. VB. Haven & Son was formed; P. B. Haven began the business in 1835. A. G. Haven was a charter member of the Waterville Grange, and justice of the peace of the town of Sangerfield. In 1869 he married Frances M. Bartholomew, by whom he has two sons: George B. and Sherman W, George B. is a professor in the Institution of Technology in Boston, Mass. Sher man W. is a student at the Auburn Theological Seminary, preparing for the ministry. Osborn, William, was born in Sangerfield, May 9, 1809. As a boy he worked in his father's store and taught school for two winters. At the age of twenty-seven he was one of the commissioners for distributing the stock of the Oneida National Bank. In 1837 he went to Michigan to join an emigrating corps to locate the line of the Michigan Central Railway, and in 1841 he returned to Waterville and engaged in farming until 1845, when he sold his farm, excepting ten acres for a homestead, and went to Missouri, where he took an interest in the contract for building the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, a contract amounting to $6,000,000, and they completed the railroad in 1849-50. He then organized the company to build the flat country railroad to Council Bluffs. In 1865 he took the contract to construct the central branch of the Union Pacific Railroad, extending from Atchison 100 miles west. All of his railroad contracts were of large magnitude, and were carried .through most successfully by him. In 1830 he married Amelia Waldo, by whom he had one son and six daughters. Hanchett, Julian A., was born in the house where he now resides, May 18, 1838, son of Ansel D. and Mary (Peck) Hanchett. Ansel D. was born April 4, 1815, He has spent his life in Marshall, and has been engaged in farming. His father, Silas Hanchett, was one of the early settlers in this part, and was a native of Vermont. Mrs. Hanchett died January 27, 1892. Julian A. was one of three children : Julian A., L. M., and Mary E., now Mrs. W. H. De Viney. Mr. Hanchett has been engaged in farming all his life, and has been a prominent hop grower for thirty-five years. He is at present one of the excise commissioners, and is one of the leading farmers of Marshall. Barton, J. F., was born in the town of Marshall, Oneida county, N. Y., June 16, 1823. His father, Eliphaz B. Barton, was a native of Granby, Mass., and one of the early settlers in this section of the country, coming here about 1797. He married Polly M. Barker, a native of this county. J. F. Barton has been a farmer all his life, and has always taken an intelligent interest in the affairs of his town, and was super visor for six years. Cady, A. B., was born in Sangerfield, in 1836, son of A. B. and Harriet (Terry) Cady, natives of Herkimer county and Sangerfield respectively. He was a mechanic, and became a prominent builder in Waterville, nearly all of whose fine buildings he erected, including the Candee block, Buell's shoe factory, the National Bank, the school buildings, etc. He has been trustee of the village, water commissioner, and chief engineer of the Fire Department. Reed, John J., was born in Marcy, N. Y., January 11, 1840, son of John and Sarah (West) Reed, -natives of Rensselaer county. John Reed came to Marcy over seventy years ago, and was in the war of 1812. He died at the age of seventy-one, while FAMILY SKETCHES. 69 Mrs. Reed lived to be ninety-four. John J. Reed spent a great deal of his early life in Brooklyn, N. Y., and has been in Waterville for twenty-seven years, during which time he has been engaged in the liquor business. Roberts, R. Wilson, was born in the town of Augusta, N. Y., August 8, 1840, and came to Waterville with his parents in 1841. He is a son of Thomas and Irene (York) Roberts. Thomas Roberts was a' native of Wales. He was twice married ; his first wife dying in 1845. He died in 1882, and his second wife, Sarah Jones Roberts, in 1878. R. Wilson Roberts is engaged in milling and farming, in which he is success ful. In politics he is a Democrat, and stands high in his party, which has offered him nominations for assemblyman and senator, besides electing him supervisor of Mar shall in 1868, 1874, 1875 and 1876. He was also trustee of the village of Waterville in 1875. Conger, Daniel, was born in the town of Sangerfield, and has been a resident of Sangerfield and the village of Waterville all his life. He is and has been for forty- eight years a dealer in hops. He was connected with the promotion and building of the Utica and Chenango railroad, and is at present one of its directors. He has been a director of the National Bank for thirty years, of which he has been vice- president since 1884. In 1851 he married Polly Janes, by whom he had one son, De Witt, who is a resident of Waterville. She died in 1884, and Mr. Conger married his present wife, Keokee Smith, in 1892. Preston, Medina, M. D., was born in Sangerfield. He studied medicine with his father, graduating in 1865. He practiced medicine at Sangerfield until 1891, when he moved into Waterville. He is United States pension examiner, and has been overseer of the poor. He has the oldest medical library in Oneida county, which contains some very rare and valuable old books. His grandfather, Dr. Stephen Preston, was the first physician in Sangerfield, and his father also being a physician, the Preston family has been represented in this town, by a physician for over a cen tury. Dr. Stephen Preston was born in Ashford, Conn., December 29, 1767. He came to Sangerfield in 1790 and died February 28, 1835. He married Clarissa Loomis, who was born in 1772, and died February 24, 1831. Dr. Medina Preston, sr., was born in 1793, and died in 1874, and he married May Gove, who was born May 16, 1805, and died March 21, 1876. The Preston family is one of the oldest in San gerfield, and has always been prominent in public affairs. James G. Preston, brother of Dr. Preston, is now a resident of Utica, and was supervisor of Sangerfield for fourteen years. Dr. Preston is a notary public and registrar of vital statistics of the corporation of Waterville, and health officer. Morgan, Albert C, D. D. S., was born in the town of Madison, Madison county, N. Y., son of John and Lucretia (Hazzard) Morgan. He was educated at Cazenovia Seminary, and then learned dentistry, studying at Norwich, N. Y. He practiced dentistry for sixteen years, ten of which were in Waterville, N. Y., two in Wiscon sin, one in Chicago, 111., and one in Carthage, N. Y. He now devotes his attention to the interests of the Local Anaesthetic Company, of which he is president. This company makes a speciality of Denlofine, a preparation for painless dentistry, and minor surgical operations, which was invented by Dr. Morgan. The company's office is at 1 and 3 Union Square, New York, N. Y. , and also branch office in Utica, 70 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. N. Y., the only dental office west of New York using this process. The Utica office is in charge of Dr. Morgan himself. In 1881 Dr. Morgan married Gertrude Fuller of Lowville, N. Y. , and they have two sons and three daughters. Utley, Henry T., was born in the town of Western, Oneida county, March 3, 1821, son of Squire and Clarissa (Tallmadge) Utley, natives of this county. Heny T. Utley was educated at the old Oneida Institute at Whitesboro, the Clinton Liberal Insti tute, and Cazenovta Seminary. He then took up the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1846. He practiced in Rome until 1857, and during that time was dis trict attorney for three years. In 1857 he went to Dubuque, Iowa, and remained five years. He left there and came to Waterville, because of the depression in busi ness caused by the war, and when the war had closed, he found himself in the pos session of a fine practice in Waterville. Mr. Utley married for his first wife, Eliza Carmichael, who died leaving one daughter, Mrs. Samuel Nicklin of Newcastle, Pa. He afterwards married Mary, daughter of Aaron Stafford, one of the prominent res- > idents of Waterville. Bennett, C. H., L. D. S., was born in the town of Kirkland, January 22, 1841, son Julius and Charlotte (Griffin) Bennett, natives of Connecticut. His father is dead, but his mother is still living at the age of eighty-two, and her residence at West moreland is probably the oldest house in that part of the country, and was built by her father, William Griffin, one of the early settlers: Dr. Bennett was educated in this county, and studied dentistry in Waterville, beginning in 1865, and he has had his dental offices here since that time. In 1868 he married Anna C. Terry of Sanger field. Dr. Bennett is' a member of the Masonic frateanity, both of the Blue Lodge and Chapter ; also oftheY.M. C.A., Pickwick Club and G. A. R. He enlisted in 1861 in Co. B, 81st N. Y. Regiment, and served thirteen months, subsequently he enlisted in the navy, and served on the U. S. gunboat Grand Gulf. He is also a member of the life saving corps, of which he is captain, on Oneida Lake, where he has a sum mer residence, and a private yacht, " Water Witch." Buell, C. E., is a native of Waterville, and a member of the firm of Buell & Son, shoe manufacturers. This business was established in 1837 by Chauncey Buell, grandfather of C. E. Buell. C. E. Buell and his father came into the business in 1862, and in 1883 the present firm was formed. They do a large manufacturing business, employing 115 hands and turning out 350 pairs of shoes daily. Mr. Buell is a prominent Mason and master of the lodge in Waterville, and is also a Knight Templar. In 1889 C. E. Buell married Clara G. Andre, a native of Saginaw, Mich. Bigelow, H. P., was born in the house where he now resides in Waterville, son of Horace Bigelow; a hat manufacturer in Waterville an'd Julia A. (Porter) Bigelow, daughter of Noah Porter of New Hartford, N.Y. He was graduated from the Ham ilton College in the class of 1861, and December 28, 1887, he married Pauline C. Mayer of Cincinnati, by whom he has two children: Frederick and Frieda. Mr. Bigelow was treasurer in the village of Waterville for a number of years, and was supervisor of the town of Sangerfield for a term. He is a member of the Pickwick Club and of the Patrons of Husbandry. Mayer, W. G., was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was educated in the public scnools of that city, the United States Naval Academy, and the University of Cin- FAMILY SKETCHES. 71 cinnati, from the law department from which he graduated in 1875. Mr. Mayer was engaged in the practice of law in Cincinnati fourteen years, and came to Waterville in 1889. After graduating as midshipman from the Naval Academy, he spent eight years in the naval service, during which time he was twice promoted. In 1880 he married Esther L., daughter of Amos O. Osborn, of Waterville, by whom he has three children: Ada, Rosalie and Amos. His father, Frederick J. Mayer, was a na tive of Wurtemburg, Germany, and came to America in 1849. He belonged to the Revolutionary party in Germany, and on that account came to America. He was prominent in politics in Cincinnati ; was county commissioner for Hamilton county, Ohio ; postmaster of Cincinnati by appointment of President Lincoln ; and was a trustee of the Cincinnati Hospital for twenty-five years. He was also county treas urer of Hamilton county for four years. He died in 1882. Mr. Mayer's mother died in 1883. He is president of the Pickwick Club and is a member of the Board of Edu cation, Board of Health and Board of Library Trustees in Waterville. Haviland, L. P , was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., December 6, 1848, son of Lyman Haviland, who was born in Connecticut. L. P. was educated in Brooklyn, and his long experience as a manager of the canning business has given him a great knowl edge of that business, until at this time he is known as a thorough expert, and now conducts one of the largest canning factories of Oneida county, which is located at Camden, the old plant of John Mix. In 1866 James Day started business, but the plant was destroyed by fire in 1868. Mr. Day rebuilt the factory, which Mr. Haviland now owns, where he turns out canned goods in large quantities. He is president of the Board of Water Commissioners, and in politics he is a Repub lican. Steates, Andrew, was born in Keil, Baden, Germany, December 1, 1848. His father died when he was a child, and he came to this country with his mother in 1854. They lived for a few years at Deerfield Corners, Oneida county, N. Y. , when they removed to New Jersey, but in 1862 returned again to Deerfield Corners. Andrew had but little opportunity for schooling, attending for a few terms the pub lic schools. He worked, as a youth, at various trades, cigarmaker, carpenter, baker, and wood polisher, working at the latter trade for the firm of Lennebacker & De Long in the city of Utica for nineteen years. In February, 1884, he formed a partnership with William F. Ryan, and they started a wood polishing business on Bleecker street. Two years later they established a furniture business ; success at tended their venture, and in June, 1894, the firm opened its fine establishment at 219-221 Bleecker street. June 26, 1870, Mr. Steates married Mary Merringer, of Deerfield Corners, by whom he had seven sons, of whom two, Andrew W. and Fred H., are living. Mr. Steates is a member of Skenandoah Lodge, I. O. O. F., Orien tal Lodge, F. & A. M. , Knights of Honor, Utica Maennerchor, and treasurer of the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Company. He is a member of the Tabernacle Baptist church. Agne, Jacob, jr., was born in Utica, N. Y., March 15, 1859, son of Jacob Agne, who was a native of Rhine, Bavaria, having been born near Zweibriiken within a few miles of the spot where the French' attempted to cross the Rhine during the Franco-Prussian war, and Margaret Schlamp, who was born in the province of 72 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Darmstaat, near Bingen on the Rhine. Jacob Agne, jr., was educated in the pub lic schools of Utica and studied architecture with William H. Hamilton of that city. He worked with builders for two years and was then associated-with A. I. Simmons, the architect, for three years, perfecting himself in the practical work of his pro fession. He then established a -business for himself and in a few years had attained distinction as an architect, especially in the designing and construction of residences and school buildings. Among the more notable structures designed by him are the Oneida County Home at Rome, the Home for Aged Men, the Martin office building and the German Music Hall at Utica. Mr. Agne has been chairman of the Excise Board of Utica and in 1894 was appointed a member of the City Civil Service Com mission by Mayor Gibson. January 26, 1894, Mr. Agne married Katharine, daugh ter of Henry Roberts, the hardware merchant of Utica, by whom he has one son, Henry Roberts. Mr. Agne is a Mason, a member of the Royal Arcanum and a Fel low of the American Institute of Architects. Biddlecome, William D. , son of William W. and Catherine (Steel) Biddlecome, was born at Deerfield, Oneida county, N. Y., November 30, 1857. His father is a farmer, and still resides on the family homestead in Deerfield. William D. was educated at the Utica public schools, Whitestown Seminary and Hamilton College Law School. He was elected school commissioner of the first district of Oneida county in 1881, and re-elected in 1884. He has practiced his profession as a lawyer at Utica since 1888. Mr. Biddlecome is a Republican in politics, and was secretary of the Republican County Committee several years, also chairman of the Executive Committee of the County Committee in 1894. Mr. Biddlecome is a. Mason, and a member of Utica Lodge, No. 47. He has never married. Goodier, Lewis Edward, was born in the city of Utica, March 23, 1857. His father was Jonathan Goodier, a native of Litchfield, Herkimer county, whose father, Aaron Goodier, an Englishman, settled there in 1794. His mother was Clarissa Sill Tread- way, a native of Connecticut and descendant of an old Middletown family. The subject of sketch attended the public schools of the city, graduating from the acad emy in 1873, entered Yale College and received the baccalaureate degree in 1877. From Hamilton College Law School he was graduated as Bachelor of Laws in 1878. He was connected with the law firm of Lindsley & Dunmore from 1878 to September, 1881, when, with David C. ^Wolcott, he formed the partnership of Goodier & Wolcott, which conducted a general law business in the Parker block and the Arcade until the death of Mr. Wolcott in July, 1895. His office is now at No. 65 Arcade building. Has never held office and has not been a candidate except at the charter election of 1886 when he was the nominee of the Republicans for special city judge and met de feat with the rest of the city ticket of his party. He is an enthusiastic national guardsman and has been connected with the military organizations of the city since 1878, when he joined the Utica Citizens Corps. Was active in the movement which carried that organization in the fiftieth year of its existence into the National Guard as the Forty-fourth Separate Company of the State troops, in 1887, and has been its commandant since March, 1888. He served with his company at Buffalo for eight days during the railroad strike riots in 1892, and has been on several occasions as signed to the command of battalions of Nationnl Guard troops at the Camp of In struction maintained by the State at Peekskill. He married Miss Jane Estelle North- FAMILY SKETCHES. 73 rop in 1882, and has four children: Chester Jennings, Lewis Edward, Mabel Estelle and Helen Munn. Grant, John H., was born at Liberty, Sullivan county, N. Y., June 15, 1857, son of Daniel and Mary (Howell) Grant. Daniel Grant was a contractor and farmer. John H. was educated in the schools of Afton and Bainbridge, N. Y. He studied law with Alexander Cumming, at Binghamton, and was admitted to the bar at Albany in January, 1883,. and commenced the practice of his profession in the city of Utica the following February. Mr. Grant is studious and one of the most promising of the younger members of the Oneida county bar. March 6, 1889, he married Libbie Yale, of Bainbridge, N. Y. Mr. Grant is a Mason. Nutt, Albert, was born in Floyd, August 2, 1842, son of Austin and Melinda Nutt, Austin Nutt was born in Floyd, in 1800, a son of David Nutt, who came here with his family among the early settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Austin Nutt had nine children : JohnM., Austin, Portus, Hiram, Richard W., Edwin, Albert, Sarah, and Melvina. Albert Nutt married Annie, daughter of John O'Brien, by whom he has one child, Ella M. He is engaged in general farming and dairying. He has served as town collector. Smith, Giles, was born in the town of Florence, Oneida county, April 20, 1863, son of William Smith, who was born in the same town, and was a farmer up to his death, which occurred in 1880. He married Martha, daughter of Daniel Wilson, one of the old families of Annsville, by whom he had six children : John, Giles, Roena, Eunice, Charley and Myron. Giles was educated in the town of Camden, and has since been engaged in farming and owns a farm of eighty-nine acres in the town of Cam den. He married Minnie C, daughter of Jacob Zimmerman. Mr. Smith is a mem ber of the Camden Grange and in politics is a Republican. Berical, Anthony, was born in Alsace, France (now Germany), January 20, 1844, and came with his parents to the United States when about two years of age, locat ing in the town of Rome, Oneida county, where he was educated in the district schools. He was a boat owner on the canal for several years, but has been a small farmer and hotel keeper at Higginsville for the past twelve years. In 1869 he mar ried Adelia Dunn, of the town of Verona, by whom he had five children: William W., Edward G., Mabel A., Agnes M., Anthony E. (deceased), and Vivien L. Will iam W. married Cora Lepert, of this town. Mr. Berical's father, Anthony Berical, sr., was born at the old home in 1810. He married Catherine Augustine, of his native place, by whom he had nine children: Christina, Theresa, Anthony, George, Lawrence, Joseph, Michael, Ferdinand, and Francis. Mr. Berical died in 1894. Mrs. Berical's father, Dennis Dunn, was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1806. He was twice married, and for his second wife he married Adelia Daley, of County Cork, Ireland, by whom he had nine children: Mary A., Walter W., Adelia, Thomas, John, Catherine, Edward, Agnes and Theresa. Burback, Joseph H., was born in the town of Verona, in a log house, near State Bridge, May 26, 1854. ¦ He was educated in the district schools, and is by occupaticn a farmer. October 14, 1880, he married Margaret E. Kennedy, of this town, and they have one adopted son, James William. Mr. Burback's father, Florence Bur- back, was born in Alsace, Germany, October 20, 1821, and was educated there. He 1 74 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. married Mary Fox, and came to the United States and located near Higginsville, Oneida county. He carried the mail twenty-one years. They had eight children: Mary, Joseph H., Carrie, Peter P., Alanson, John H., George, and Leo, who died in infancy. Mr. Burback died November 4, 1892. Mrs. Burback's father, Thomas Kennedy, was born i'n Ireland, December 22, 1815. He was educated there and came to the United States in 1845, where he engaged in farming. He married Eliza Gleason of this town, formerly of Ireland, by whom he had seven children : Margaret E., Nora A., Michael J., Mary A. (deceased), Thomas A., Theresa M., and Frances J. Mrs. Kennedy died in 1867. The ancestry of the family is French, German and Irish. Allen, George H., was born in Cleveland, Ohio, December 29, 1857, son of W. J. and Laura A. (Hoyt) Allen. He was reared on a farm and at the age of seventeen started to learn the trade of furniture finisher. At the end of five years, not seeing all he could desire for a lifework at his trade, he started out as commercial traveler in the interest of the house he worked for as a finisher of furniture, for which con cern he traveled three years. At this time connecting himself with some of the lead ing furniture manufacturers of Grand Rapids, Mich., he continued his road life, covering the entire United States and Canada in the interest of the houses he rep resented. While so engaged, seeing the need of a really good furniture polish, he formulated one calling it " Cedarine." By advertising it in a small way its merits soon won for it considerable trade. In 1891 Mr. Allen organized the Cedarine Mfg. Co. with a capital stock of $25,000, for the purpose of pushing the sale of Cedarine and gave to this company all his energies as its secretary, treasurer and general manager. The fact that to-day Cedarine is recognized as the standard piano and furniture polish in America, being shipped to every State and Territory in the Union and steadily working its way to the front in England, whither Mr. Allen went in 1895 to introduce it, attests to what purpose his efforts have been given in the in terests of the company he organized and now serves. In 1884 Mr. Allen married Mary E., daughter of Rev. Dwight Scovel, by whom he has one son, George H., jr. At present Mr. Allen is a member of the Board of Education and a sewer commis sioner. Burdett, Miner E., was born at Oriskany Falls, N. Y., December 31, 1841. His father; David M., was born in the town of Brookfield, Madison county, N. Y., in January, 1811, and was of New England parentage. At the age of twenty-two he came to Oriskany Falls and was engaged in teaching school for a number of years, after which he interested himself in agriculture which he continued until his death, November 6, 1880. He served as school commissioner, supervisor four years, was elected to the State Legislature in 1870-71 ; also was railroad commissioner at the time of his death. He married Arabell Willard of Oriskany Falls, N. Y., who was born December 25, 1820. and still survives him. They had six children: Ellen L., E. Burdett, Jennie M., Charles E., Willard M., and Minnie F. ; all except the last named are still living. E. Burdett was educated at the public School at Oriskany Falls and was engaged in farming with his father until the latter's death ; is still in the same pursuit on the old homestead and has been prosperous. He married Eliza beth, youngest daughter of Charles B. and Sophia Kinney of Madison, N. Y., where she was born September 3, 1847. They had six children : Charles D. , born October FAMILY SKETCHES. 75 24, 1872; Jennie M., born May 1, 1875; Ralph K., born January 17, 1877; Harry V., born December 19, 1878; Dana M., born March 6, 1881 ; and Wilford, born February 19, 1884. Baker, A. E., was born at West Monroe, Oswego county, in 1838, son of Samuel P. Baker, one of the early settlers Of Oswego county, who was originated from an old New England family, and was colonel of a militia regiment and justice of the peace for twenty years. A. E. Baker received his education at Mexico Academy. His first business was in 1862, when he came here with James Armstrong and established a knitting mill, which has proved a successful enterprise. In 1867 he married Cor delia, daughter of Capt. J. P. Richardson, the. well-known provost-marshal of the early war days. They have two sons: Joseph Richardson and Edwin Carlos, both of whom are graduates of Hamilton College, and who are now reading law, with the intention of making it their chosen profession. Hubbard, Edward, was born in the town of Kirkland, on the farm where he now resides, June 16, 1836. His father, Anson Hubbard, emigrated from Connecticut, with his father, John Hubbard, when eleven years of age. They cleared a farm of 150 acres, living in a log cabin for five years, after which they built a frame house, part of which now stands to their memory. Their ancestors came over on the Mayflower. Anson Hubbard married Abigail Tompkins of Paris, Oneida county, by whom he had seven children, Edward, now being the only one living. Edward Hubbard received his education in this town, and married Caroline, daughter of Will iam C. Burrett, of the town of Marshall, by whom he has three children: Will iam A., Grace and Charles. Hovey, George I., was born in Deansville, March 6, 1871, son of Charles and Amelia (Skinner) Hovey. His grandfather, Isaac Hovey, came to this place in 1848, where he was a physician and prominent man of his day. George I. was educated at the Cazenovia Seminary and Syracuse Commercial College, and outside of this college life his residence has been in Deansville. In November, 1892, he married Eva L. Skinner. In March, 1893, he was elected justice of the peace, which office he now fills with much ability. He is also interested in educational affairs, and was elected a member of the Board of Education in August, 1894. Jones, Thomas F., was born in Wales, March 30, 1851, and came to the United States when five years of age, with his widowed mother and two sisters. They first settled in Bridgewater, Oneida county, later moving to Chuckery, town of Kirkland. When twenty-two years of age Thomas F. engaged in farming, and in 1885 purchased the old Jones homestead in Chuckery, where he now lives. He married Alice Woodin, of Kirkland, by whom he had three children: Eva M., Alta L., and Francis M. ~ Mr. Jones is a member of Amicable Lodge, Free & A. M., No. 664, and of Sau quoit Grange, of which order his family are also members. Ronspees, Herman, was born near Berlin, Germany, November 30, 1856. He was educated in their schools, and came with his parents to the United States when four teen years of age. He learned the blacksmith's trade in Rome, which business he has carried on successfully eleven years in Higginsville. He was elected town clerk of the town of Verona in 1892, and was re-elected in 1894. February 27, 1884, he married Louise C. Baker of this town, by whom he had two sons: W. Clarence and 76 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. John F. Mr. R'qnspees's father, Charles F., was born at the old home in Germany in 1826. He was educated there and was a blacksmith by trade. He married Henri etta Splitgerber of his native place, and came to the United States in 1870. They had four sons: August, Herman, as above, Charles, and Gustave. Mr. Ronspees died in 1876, and his widow resides with Herman. Mrs. Ronspees's father, Daniel Baker, was born in Germany about 1831, and came to the United States with his parents when fourteen years of age, locating in Utica. He married Eliza Ague, by whom he had four children: Louise C, as above, William P., Frederick E., and Henry L. Mr. Ronspees is a member of New London Lodge No. 420, F. & A. M. Walker, Aaron C, was born in Yorkshire, England, May 8, 1841, son of Thomas and Elizabeth Walker, who came to the United States in 1842. Thomas Walker first worked out, then hired a farm, and finally purchased one through his own efforts. He is now retired, living in the village in comfortable circumstances ; is in good health, and in his eightieth year. Mrs. Walker died in 1855. Aaron C. Walker was educated at the district school in Westmoreland, after which he engaged in farming, which he still continues, conducting the old homestead, which he bought of his father. Mr. Walker married L. Eunette Bicknell, granddaughter of Elder James Bicknell, one of the prominent men of the county, by whom he had ten children : Giles B. , Glen A., M. Ellen, Thomas M., Edith E., Mary J., Grant Eugene, Frank S., who are still living, and Ruth I. and Eva E. (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Walker and Giles B.Walker are members of the Methodist church in Westmoreland. Mr. Walker is a staunch Republican, and actively interested in the success of his party. This family is among the representative agricultural families of the county. Burr, Henry A. , was born at New York Mills, N. Y. , March 9, 1859, son of William and Sarah Burr. William Burr was born in 1823, and has always been engaged in farming, and he and his wife are both living in good health at New York Mills. Henry A. Burr was educated partly at New York Mills, and partly at Whitestown Seminary, after which he was engaged in the office of the Quigley Furniture Co. He entered the coal business July 1, 1888, under the firm of Haynes & Burr. This firm is located on the Erie Canal, and have remarkably good facilities for receiving coal, also for storing and housing it. Their business extends through Whitesboro, New York Mills, and "the adjacent territory. The firm is now composed of F. D. Haynes and Henry A. Burr, and the business is one of the representative interests of Whitesboro. He married Rachael C. Reese of Whitesboro, by whom he has two children Helen and William Richard. He has been postmaster of Whitesboro for four years, being appointed under President Harrison, and holding over two years under President Cleveland. He is also interested in the Whitesboro Canning Co., of which he is one of the directors. Brayton, Mrs. Frances A. — The late Stephen H. Brayton was born at Newport, Herkimer county, January 12, 1845, son of Stephen and Sarah Brayton. Stephen Brayton was engaged in farming in Herkimer county. Stephen H. was educated at Utica and Poughkeepsie, and then engaged in farming, at which he has always con tinued. He conducted a farm in Deerfield, and was a man highly respected as one of the representative agriculturists of that pTace. He married Frances A., daughter of George F. Weaver of Deerfield, N. Y. , by whom he has two children : Helen A. FAMILY SKETCHES. 77 and Stephen H. Mr. Brayton died in Deerfield, March 29, 1892. Mrs. Brayton and her children are members of the Presbyterian church at Whitesboro, Allen, Fred C, was born in Oneida county, N. Y., August 6, 1868, son of Alonzo and Nettie Allen. Alonzo Allen died in 1888. The grandfather, Charles Allen, came from New England. October 12, 1892, Fred C. Allen married Maggie Pugh. He owns a fine farm of 130 acres in the town of Paris, near Cassville. Clark,. Charles W., was born at Palmyra, Wayne county, N. Y., December 23, 1858, son of James Clark, a native of Cranbrook, England, who was born July 16, 1825, and at the age of twenty-one came to Waterville, Oneida county, N. Y. , where he engaged in farming ; after seven years residence there, he moved to East Hamil ton, N. Y., where he bought a large farm, and after a few years' residence there, he removed to Palmyra, where he still engaged in farming ; after residing six years there, he returned to East Hamilton, where he has since resided. He served in the late Rebellion, and is now a leading member of the G. A. R. In August, 1851, he married Maria Rogers, of Hubbardsville, Madison county, who died at East Hamil ton, in May, 1888. Charles W. Clark received his education at East Hamilton, Waterville Union School and Academy, Hamilton Union School, Eastman's Busi ness College, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., from which institution he graduated in April, 1884. In 1878 he took up his residence at Oriskany Falls, and was engaged as clerk and bookkeeper in a hardware store for eleven years. He has been an active worker in the Republican party, and March 16, 1889, he received the appointment of post master at Oriskany Falls, and held the position nearly five years. He has held many minor offices, and is also a 32d degree Mason. He was for two years engaged with A. T. Davis, under the firm name of Davis & Clark, in the general mercantile business, and now in the insurance business, and has been clerk of the village of Oriskany Falls since March, 1893. February 25, 1885, he married Mary H. Greer, of Pitcher, Chenango county. Beach, John J., was born in Augusta, N.Y., July 25, 1838, son of Jacob Beach, who was born in Connecticut, August 14, 1805, and came to Augusta in 1820, where he engaged in the agricultural industry. September 21, 1824, he married Laura A. Doolittle, who was born in Greene county, N. Y. , in 1808, and died May 27, 1882. In connection with his farm interests Mr. Beach was engaged as a carpenter, joiner and builder. He died May 30, 1882. John J. was educated at the old Augusta Academy, and after his school days he rented the farm of his father, upon which he still lives, later buying it, and has occupied and conducted it since. In 1860 he mar ried Ann M. Morrell, of Rome, N. Y. and she died in 1885, leaving three children: Almond D., born July 16, 1861; Flora A., born September 22, 1863; and Ina S., born March 3, 1868. June 21, 1888, he married Mrs. Julia (Lewis) Vaughn, who was born in Leray, Jefferson county, July 5, 1849, by whom he has one child, Foster J., born July 10, 1891. Wheeler, Prof. William H., was born in the town of Stockbridge, N. Y., July 19, 1864, son of Hibbard Wheeler, who was also born in Stockbridge, in 1835, and Jeanette (Royce) Wheeler, who was born in Pinckney, N. Y., in 1845. Hibbard Wheeler was a noted hop grower of Madison county. He died December 7, 1894, and Mrs. Wheeler is now living on the old homestead at Munnsville, N. Y. Prof. 78 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. William H. Wheeler has been principal of the Knoxboro Union School since 1892. He received his education mostly at the Cazenovia Seminary, from which institution he was graduated in the academic course in 1886, after which he taught school for one year, and then engaged in farming for one year ; after which he engaged with a surveying party for one year. In 1890 he took charge of the Munnsville school and remained in that position two years, and in 1892 he assumed the principalship of the Knoxboro school, where he is still engaged. He married Harriet La Munion, who was born in Stockbridge, February 14, 1873, and was educated at Gloversville, N. Y. Her father, Abel La Munion, was born in Stockbridge in 1849 and died there in 1891. Mrs. Wheeler is now engaged in teaching with her husband, having charge of one of the departments of the school. Burleson, William Jay, was born in the town of Stockbridge, N. Y., February 19, 1845, son of Ira Burleson, a native of Rhode Island, where he was born March 22, 1809. He was an early- settler in Augusta, having come with his parents in 1818. In early life he removed to Stockbridge, where he followed the occupation of a farmer until ten years before his death, at which date he changed hisresidence to Vernon, where he spent the rest of his life. He married Sarah Jakeways, of French descent, who was born in the town of Augusta in November, 1810, and died in Stockbridge August 6, 1855; and Mr. Burleson died April 18, 1881. William J. Burleson came to the town of Augusta in 1867. He lived in Vernon during the early part of his life, except a short time spent in Stockbridge with his parents dur ing his childhood. He received his education at the Augusta and Stockbridge schools, after which he bought the farm which he now occupies, on the summit of the road leading from Knoxboro to Valley Mills. January 24, 1871, he married Lucretia Stanford, of Annsville, N. Y., daughter of Hiram and Lucy A. Stanford, who was born April 7, 1851, and was educated at the school in Annsville. They have four children: Charles E., born January 12, 1873; Lena I., born January 19, 1877; Frank J., born February 29, 1881 ; and Mary L., born May 1, 1884. Van Evera, Virgil E., was born in Knoxboro, N. Y., September 20, 1851, and has been identified with many interests in the village. His father, Philemon Van Evera, came from Montgomery county, and settled in Knoxboro in 1848. He was born December 15, 1825, and for thirty years, after taking up his residence in this place, carried on a boot and shoe establishment. He gradually developed an exten sive business in that line of goods, at that time purchasing the Howard House, which he conducted for several years, and retired about two years ago. His wife, Olivia Shepard, was born in Canada, February 25, 1826, and died at Knoxboro, April 26, 1869. After receiving his educatfon at Knoxboro and Augusta Academy, Virgil E. at once entered his father's establishment, and continued actively there for ten years, when he bought the interest of H. P. Pond, his father's partner, and with his father conducted the business for five years. Business having prospered, he be came sole proprietor, buying his father's interest in the stock, and enlarged the busi ness opening a general store on larger scale. He then conducted it for a period of nine years, when he sold to M. F. Smith & Sons, and entered into partnership with his father in the Van Evera House, the name having been changed from Howard House, and he is now conducting the house alone, and the hotel has a history dating back for more than seventy years. He married Ella A. Lewis, a native of Knoxboro, FAMILY SKETCHES. 79 who was born February 24, 1854, by whom he has two daughters : Lena O. , born August 17, 1876; and Floy R., born September 1, 1877. Whitford, H. P., was born in Canterbury, Conn., October 45, 1826. Was educated at Bridgewater Seminary, and Clinton Liberal Institute. Studied medicine in Ham ilton, N. Y., graduated in medicine from Eclectic Medical Institute, Cincinnati, O., February, 1860. Shortly after March, 1860, began practice in Bridgewater, and has been a successful practitioner. Dr. Whitford has been a resident of Bridgewater since March, 1842. Has been twice married ; his first wife being Miss Melissa Har rington, by whom he had two children: E. P. Whitford, M. D., now of Westboro, Mo., and Miss L. R. Whitford, of St.- Paul, Minn., a trained nurse, a graduate from Cook County Hospital, Chicago, 111. His present wife is Jennie (Doty) Whitford. Dr. Whitford's father was also a native of Canterbury, Conn. , and his mother, Lucetta (Tillinghast) Whitford, was the daughter of Rev. Pardon Tillinghast, of Rhode Island. Dr. Whitford served four years as justice of peace, and has also served as health officer for a number of years. Butler, Mrs. Marianne H. — The late Morgan Butler was born June 7, 1807, son of Eli Butler, who came from Middletown, Conn., with his father in 1792. His death, which occurred August 3, 1892, removed from Oneida county, one of its oldest, most generous and best known citizens. He was a man of commanding presence and splendid physique, and was a devout man and a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal church, being one of its wardens and treasurer for many years. Among his many benevolences which most evince his generous nature and noble character, is his gitt to the townspeople, the Butler Memorial Hall, a monument built during his lifetime. This beautiful structure was erected in 1889 ,at the cost of $15,000, and though advanced in years, the giver personally supervised the building daily, which resulted in a building complete in every part. His mother, Mrs. Rachel (Kellogg) Butler, was the daughter of Truman Kellogg. He took great pride in carrying on the farm of his ancestors, which had remained in the family over 100 years, and personally superintended the farm till eighty-two years of age. Being possessed of great energy and enterprise, he was progressive and took a lively interest in the improve ments of agricultural machinery, and became a model American farmer. With his sixty years' experience of agricultural life, he was a valuable member of the Central New York Farmers' Club, and assisted at its organization, and was the beloved and venerable president at the time of his death, having been annually elected by a unanimous vote for five years, and as vice-president for fifteen years. In 1841 he married Marianne, daughter of Rufus Howard, of Forestport, sister of Gen. Rufus Lombard Howard, of Buffalo, N. Y. Taft, George H. , was born in Oswego county, son of Nathaniel and Lydia (Simpson) Taft. He enlisted in 1862 in Co. A, 110th N.Y. Vols., and served until the end of the war. He served in the Nineteenth Army Corps under General Banks, and after the war he took up his trade as builder and mason, which he has followed ever since. In 1872 he came to Waterville, and with his brother did a great deal of important building all over the county, including the opera house and Ayers blocks at Earlville, the opera house at New Berlin, N. Y. , and the County Home at Rome, etc. He is a prominent Grand Army man, and is a Royal Arch Mason. He has been commander 80 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of the post eight years, and trustee of the village of Waterville. Alphonse Taft, secretary of state under Garfield, was a member of the family. In 1868 he married Helen M. Peaslee, by whom he has two children: Fred P. and Vira. Fred P. Taft is a physician in Rothsay, Minn. Wickwire, C. M., was born in Hamilton, N. Y., in May, 1857, son of Jarit Wick- wire, a native of Connecticut, where the family had lived for over a century. His ancestors were soldiers in the war of 1812 and in the Revolutionary war. His mother was Orissa Eason. C. M. Wickwire was educated in the Hamilton public schools and Madison University, and studied law with Judge Joseph Mason and Hon. D. G. Wellington, as well as in the Albany Law School. He was admitted to the bar at the General Term of the Supreme Court at Albany and practiced law in Hamilton for some time, but came to Waterville in 1892. Mr. Wickwire is a prominent Mason, and is a member of Sanger Lodge No. 129, F. & A. M., at Water ville ; has been district deputy grand master of the 17th Masonic district, and is one of the grand trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund of State of New York, who have in charge the Masonic Hall of New York city and the Masonic Home in Utica, and the large fund connected with the same. In 1883 Mr. Wickwire married Louise Parker, daughter of N. W. Parker of Hamilton, who was a prominent politi cian ; he was a large manufacturer and State contractor, and was superintendent of the Chenango Canal. He died in 1893. Martin, Leander, was born in Ephratah, N. Y., August 24, 1836, and came to Stittville in 1855. He was educated in Holland Patent, and learned the currier's trade. Mr. Martin volunteered in the late Civil war, and went to the front with the 146th Regt. N. Y. Vols., serving until mustered out "by the close of the war, and was in the battles of Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon R. R., Five Forks, Chapel House, White Oak Road, and Appomattox. Mr. Martin was promoted to sergeant and also was brevetted lieutenant, and, although taking part in some of the fiercest battles of the war, had the rare good fortune of escaping without a wound. After the war Mr. Martin bought his present farm. Mr. Martin has made many improvements, and one that is worthy of note is a strikingly handsome barn, hardly equaled on any farm in the county. Mr. Martin married for his first wife Sarah E. Wiser, by whom he has one son, Fred L. Mrs. Martin died February 27, 1892, and Mr. Martin married for his second wife Mrs. Elizabeth Egert. Mr. Martin is a member of Hampton Lodge, No. 347, F. & A. M., also G. A. R. Post, No. 47. Barns, Henry D., was born in Wes'tmoreland, January 11, 1844, youngest son of Capt. Amos Barns. Henry D. Barns attended the district school and high school, and finished his education at the Whitestown Seminary. He then learned the car penter's trade, and now conducts a building business, and has put up a number of buildings throughout the county. He has been road commissioner, and is a member of the County Committee. Mr. Barns is a staunch Republican, and takes an active and efficient interest in the success of his party. April 2, 1874, Mr. Barns married Anna M. Dbdge, of Glen, Montgomery county, N. Y. He is one of the rep resentative citizens, and active business men of the township of Westmoreland. Merriman, Mrs Emma, — George S. Merriman was born in Lowville, Lewis county, FAMILY SKETCHES. 81 » August 29, 1838. He came to Westmoreland about 1867, where he was always en gaged in farming, buying the place when he first came to Westmoreland now con ducted by, his widow. He was a prominent Democrat, and a very active and influ ential citizen. He married Emma Cleveland, daughter of Ward Cleveland of Sodus, Wayne county. He died February 26, 1890. Mrs. Merriman has three children: Hattie, Ward and Mabel. There was one son of Mr. Merriman' s by his former mar riage, George Merriman. This farm is among the largest in the township, and is , operated and conducted entirely by Mrs. Merriman, who keeps the farm in cultiva tion, superintending it in every department. This farm is notable for being one of the largest in the county, and being conducted by a lady. Avery, Joseph S., was born in Fairfield, Herkimer county, August 7, 1826, sdn of the late Prof. Charles Avery, LL. D., who was born in Munson, Mass., July 29, 1795, and for thirty-four years was professor of chemistry in Hamilton College. Joseph S. Avery was graduated from Hamilton College in 1848. He studied law in the office of the late Hon. O. S. Williams. He was postmaster for three years (1857-9). In 1864 he was elected surrogate of Oneida county, an office which he held for three successive terms, fourteen years in all (1864-78). He was an expert in testamentary law, and administered the responsible duties of the office with unquestioned fidelity and satisfaction. After 1878 and until his death, Mr. Avery had his law office in Utica. In politics he was a strong Democrat up to 1860, when he avowed himself a Lincoln Republican, and continued active and earnest in that party during the rest of his life. On May 8, 1856 he married Jennie M. Wilcox, of Middle- Settlement. From this marriage one daughter was born, Isabella, now the wife of Rev. Theodore A. Allen of Mendota, 111. From this marriage there are four children: Josephs., Dorothy, Ruth, and George E. Mr. Avery was justice of the peace for several years and president of the village of Clinton for ten years. He was for many years, an officer in the Presbyterian church, active in its interests and conspicuous for his charities. He died at Clinton November 14, 1895. Ferris, Reynolds, was born in Otsego county, N. Y. , February 27, 1816, son of Zadock Ferris, who was also born in Otsego county, where he resided until his death. He married Polly Houcks. Reynolds Ferris is one of six children, and started for himself when ten years of age. He learned the mason's trade, which he followed for several years, after which he engaged in farming, and also worked on the Che nango Canal, but now lives retired in the village of Franklin, in the house where he worked as a mechanic over fifty years ago. He married Lucy M. Smith, of Marshall, February 15, 1843. Mills, Andrew W., was born in the town of Kirkland, November 30, 1836, son of Andrew' and Marilla (Wetmore) Mills, who were both born in this county. Andrew Mills came to this county in 1802, when the county was new, where he engaged in farming, and continued until his death. They had four children : Charlotte L., An drew W., Harriet (deceased) and E. Delos. Andrew W. Mills attended the district schools until fifteen years of age, when he entered the Whitestown Seminary and later the Cazenovia Seminary, and was at Fort Plain one year, after which he began reading law with Judge Williams of Clinton; then entered the law department of Hamilton College, and was admitted to the bar in 1861. Since then he has been in 82 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. active practice in this village and Utica. He was the means of the Rome and Clin ton railroad being built of which he was a director, and was secretary and treasurer for years ; also of the Utica, Clinton and Binghamton railroad, and wps commissioner for the bonding of the town when these roads were constructed. He is an active worker in the Telegraph and Telephone Co. of Central New York. Mr. Mills, mar ried Mary E. Foote, daughter of Noel Foote, of this town, by whom he has four children: Mrs. Cora E. Larrabee, wife of Charles D. Larrabee, who is assistant post master at Clinton ; Charles A. Mills, Herbert F. and Fred W. Mr. Mills is a mem ber of the Masonic fraternity; also member of Utica Commandery No. 3, K. T., and Ziska Temple Nobles of the Mystic Shrine ; in politics he is a Democrat. Bryden, Edward N., was born in the village of Clinton -, October 10, 1869, son, of George and Mary (Norton) Bryden, and was reared in the city of San Francisco, Cal., where his father was one of the leading draymen. His mother is a descendant of the Rev. Ashel Strong Norton, who was pastor of the Presbyterian church in Clinton for forty years, and who was also one of the founders of Hamilton College. Edward N. Bryden has traveled over a great part of the country, and was at one time engaged in the lumber business at Oklahama. He is now engaged in the dry goods business in Clinton, being one of the leading firms in the town. He is a member of the Smyth Hook and Ladder Co. and Skenandoah Club. Nichols, George A., was born in Kirkland, February 26, 18 .5, -on the homestead which was cleared by his ancestors, and has been handed down for five generation?. His great-grandfather, Jacob Nichols, purchased this property at a low figure, and he could have purchased the land at the same price where the village of Clinton now stands. His father, Cyrus Nichols, married Mary, daughter of Capt. Chester Par- melee, who served in the war of 1812, by whom he had three sons: C. P., R. L., and George A. George A. Nichols was educated in the district schools, and is owner of the farm purchased by his father in 1860, and where his father died in 1891. He married Sarah Armstrong of this town, who died December 16, 1890. He married for his second wife Mrs. Flora Searles, of New Haven, Oswego county, widow of Herbert Searles. ' She had one daughter, Lena, who was married to Wm. C. Bur- nans, of Oswego county, January 23, 1895. Billingham, Richard J., was born in Whitestown, March 4, 1835, son of William R. Billingham, who was born in Yorkshire, England, August 8, 1792, and came to the United States in 1832. He settled in Whitestown where he worked at his trade as shoemaker ; this he followed for about fifty years. He came to the town of Kirkland in 1852. He married Mary, daughter of John and Polly Bellinger, by whom he had three children : Richard' J., William C, and Anna E. Richard J. Billingham at twenty-two years of age worked a farm on shares, and in 1861 he bought a farm, and is now the owner of several farms in this town. In 1875 he engaged in buying hops, which business he continues. He was elected road commissioner in the years 1873 and 1874. Mr. Billingham married Jane Laville of Whitestown, by whom he has four children: Armenia, Christopher H., Fred G., and Charles A. Babcock, Dr. Henry E.«was born in the town of New Scotland, Albany county, N. Y., in 1827. His education was obtained in the district schools and the Westerlo Academy. He then began the study of medicine with Dr. S. Ingraham, of his native FAMILY SKETCHES. 83 town, and graduated from the Albany Medical College in 1855. He is a member of the New York State Medical Association. He has practiced in Albany, Greene, Saratoga, Wayne, and Oneida counties with success. In 1853 he married Elizabeth Winston, of Westerlo, Albany county, by whom he has two daughters: Ruby E., and Alice. The doctor's father, David, was born in Albany county, and married Hannah Vannatten, by whom he had one son, Henry E. David Babcock died when Henry E. was a child. The family is of English and Dutch descent. Castle, Charles C, was born near Chatham, Mass., June 7, 1828, and came with his parents to East Lebanon, N. Y., when four years of age. He was educated in the common schools, and from ten years of age followed the canal for forty years. He is also a farmer. He was elected road commissioner on the Democrat ticket in the spring of 1890, and has held the office continuously since ; he also served his district as school trustee. He has been trustee of the church at Higginsville, and was in strumental with others in erecting a new church and school house. November 7, 1847, he married Lydia J. Downes, of the town of Verona, by whom he had two sons:' Charles H. and Hollis Y. Charles H. married Matilda Reeves, of Rensselaer county, N. Y., and they have two children. Hollis Y. married Carrie Mehrhoff, of this town, and they have four children: Charles D., Hugo, Ethel M., and Ruth. Mr. Castle's father, John Castle, was born at the old home in Massachusetts in 1803. He married Lucinda Crane of his native place, by whom he had six children : George A., Lewis S., Charles C. , as above, Ruth M., Harriet E. , and John H. The family came to this locality in 1832. Mr. Castle died in 1868, and his wife in 1893. Mrs. Castle's father, Walter Downes, was born in Shropshire, England, about 1794, and came to the United States when twenty-one years of age. He married Catherine Suits, of Stone Arabia, and they had five children : Walter, Mary, Peter, Lydia J. , as above, and Catherine. He died in 1860, and his wife in 1849. Mr. Castle is a mem ber of New London Lodge, No. 420, F. & A. M. Beardsley, Backus A., was born in the town of Sangerfield, December 3, 1816, son Rev. Evans and Hannah (Magoon) Beardsley. Evans Beardsley was a Presbyterian minister, and came from Vermont to Sangerfieid in 1815. His father, Gershom Beardsley, was a native of Connecticut, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Backus A. Beardsley spent six years of his active life in farming, and two years in the patent right and stove business in Wisconsin and Illinois. He then returned to Waterville and engaged in the foundry business until 1887, when he disposed of it to his son, B. B. Beardsley. Mr. Beardsley married Cornelia Pangman, and they have four children living: Brace B. Beardsley, Mary B. Foster, Grace Mott, and Cornelia Beardsley. Mrs. Beardsley died September 9, 1893. Mr. Beardsley was a delegate to the first Republican convention in Rome, and was appointed deputy col lector during the war, which office he held for three years, when he resigned. The original William Beardsley and Mary his wife came from Stratford-on-Avon, Eng land, and settled in Stratford, Connecticut, and from him the Beardsleys have de scended. Brockway, William H. , was born January 6, 1856, son of Thomas and Eliza Brock way. The family dating back to 1660, settled in Lyme, Conn. Lathrop Brockway came to the village of Clinton in the fall of 1811, and in 1812 bought and settled upon 84 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. a farm, where he resided up to his death. He early identified himself with the agri cultural, educational and religious interests of the town, and died at Clinton, Octo ber 17, 1879, and Thomas H., his son, now resided on the old farm. William H, Brockway is one of seven children, and was reared on the farm owned by his grand father, Lathrop Brockway. He was identified with the Franklin iron works, and received the appointment of postmaster at that place. February 17, 1875, he married Sarah Boon, who was born January 6, 1855, and by whom he has seven children: Harry Lathrop, Mabel Eloise, Flora May, Robert Clinton, William Frederic, Carl Watson, and Sarah Hazel. W. H. Brockway is one of the representative men in Clinton village, and has been engaged in buying hops, which business he still follows, and he is prominently connected with the Masonic fraternity. Cruikshank, J. Robert. — George C. Cruikshank was born in Deerfield, February 21, 1850, son of Robert M. and Elizabeth (Pearce) Cruikshank. The grandparents, David and Mary (Stephenson) Cruikshank, were natives of Scotland, and emigrated to Ireland; and thence to Salem, Washington county, N. Y., in 1807, after which they came to North Gage, Oneida county. They both died at Deerfield, he in 1847, and she in 1855. Robert Cruikshank was a native of North Gage, Deerfield, and was a manufacturer of edge tools. In 1844 he bought 250 acres of land and en gaged in farming. He is a Republican, and was assessor and road commissioner. He died in 1886. Mrs. Cruikshank was a native of Newport, Herkimer county, and she died in 1855. George C. was educated at Whitestown Seminary, and taught for a few terms. For three years he run an express route from Poland to Utica, but his principal occupation has been farming. He has the homestead farm. In 1875 he married Rachel, daughter of John and Christina Herpy of Ohio, Herkimer county, by whom he has three children: J. Robert, May, and Milton. Mr. Cruikshank has been assessor for two terms. Hallenbeck, William A., was born in Greene county, N. Y., November 81, 1832, son of Abraham and Rachael Hallenbeck. William A. settled at Fish Creek Land ing about 1847, where he started at blaoksmithing, which he followed for five years, then engaged in boating for six years, after which he went into the commission busi ness at Buffalo, where he remained for eight years, since which time he has fol lowed farming. He married Agnes, daughter of Edward and Sarah Maddock, by whom he has nine children: Sarah Maria Brodock, Cataline Smith, James V., Nellie Agnes Howe, Casper W., Almeda Lyon, Matilda French, Mary Elizabeth Oliver, and Isabelle. Mr. Hallenbeck has been very active in educational interests, and is a member of Vienna Lodge, No. 440, F. & A. M. ; and also a member of Camden Chapter. Dunham, George Earl. — Mr. Dunham is best known in Oneida county through his connection with the Utica Daily Press, which, from anything but an auspicious be ginning, has become one of the leading and most prosperous papers in Central New York. The Press was started in March, 1882, by printers who had left the Herald two days before aud whose facilities were decidedly limited. The first number had four small pages by no means of attractive, appearance. Mr. Dunham went with the Press the following July and at one time or another has held every situation on the editorial staff. In 1886 he became president of the company and editor of the paper FAMILY SKETCHES. 85 and has continued in these positions ever since. At the same election T. R. Proctor was chosen vice-president and Otto A. Meyer secretary, treasurer and business man ager. The improvement and growth of the Press have been steady and permanent, till now it enjoys the largest circulation in its field. Mr. Dunham was born at Clay ville, April 5, 1859, the only child of Moses E. Dunham, D. D . Ph. D., and Harriet (Hughston) Dunham. He was graduated at Whitestown Seminary in 1875 and Ham ilton College in 1879, the youngest member of his class at both institutions. He was for a year a clerk in the office of Edwin Baylies at Johnstown, N. Y., one of the ablest law writers of his time, and the author of Baylies' " Questions and Answers," Baylies on " Guaranty and Suretyship " and other standard works. In 1880 he was admitted to practice law and became a member of the firm of Baylies & Dunham. The firm did much work in the line of law book writing, being employed on various of William Wait's publications and several other legal books. A year later Mr. Dunham returned to Oneida county to become vice-principal of Whitestown Semin ary, of which his father was principal. In 1882 he came to Utica as a reporter on the Press and has since remained with that paper. In 1888 he was appointed a manager of the United States Hospital for the Insane and was reappointed by Governor Flower and three years later by Governor Morton. He was appointed by Mayor Kinney chairman of the Utica Electric Light Commission and served three years. He was elected a trustee of Hamilton College in 1891 and was re elected in 1895. Mr. Dunham married Helen L. Jones of Utica, January 9, 1884. They had one child, a daughter, who died in infancy. Lewis, Elias, was born in Steuben, N. Y., in November, 1852, son of William Lewis who was born in Utica, N. Y., in 1812, and grandson of William Lewis, a native of Wales who came to the United States in 1800, and died in New Orleans in 1820, at thirty-two years of age. William, jr., was reared by relatives. When a young man he taught school, later engaged in farming, and has resided in Steuben since he was eight years of age. He was active in gathering recruits during the war and was commissioned by Governor Seymour to secure colored recruits in Virginia in 1861. He was an assemblyman, and introduced and worked for the bill which resulted in an appropriation of 1500.00 made by the government for a monument to perpetuate the memory of Baron Steuben. He was for forty-four years justice of the peace, and for thirteen years supervisor, also filled many other offices and was well liked and prosperous. He was married three times, his first wife being Catherine, daugh ter of William R. and Mary Jones, by whom he had two children, one of whom died in childhood ; the other, Mary, died in Williamsburg, Iowa, in October, 1894. Oc tober 31, 1840, Mr. Lewis married for his second wife, Jeanette, daughter of Elias and Berry Williams, who immigrated in 1830 and located in Steuben. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis had nine children, five of whom grew to maturity: Washington, Martha, wife of R. H. Hews, M. D., of Rockwell City, Iowa, Laura E., wife of T. W. Evans Price, of Rockford, 111., who died April 22, 1891, aged forty-six years, and Elias, as above. For his third wife Mr. Lewis married Mrs. Margaret Davis, of Remsen, N. Y., who still survives. Mr. Lewis retired to Remsen, where he died in 1892. Elias Lewis was educated in the district school and Whitestown Seminary, and remained with his father until the latter retired, and since then he has conducted the farm. In 1891 he purchased the farm where he now resides, and also is the owner of another 86 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. farm of 290 acres. Mr. Lewis has filled the offices of town clerk and supervisor. In 1877 he married Margaret, daughter of William P. Thomas, of Steuben, by whom he has seven children ; Price, Clara, William, Jeanette and Sarah (twins), and Ethel, and the oldest, a daughter, died when sixteen months months old. Dewey, Charles M., was born in Deerfield, N. Y., June 17, 1833, son of Selotus and Mehitable (Roberts) Dewey, natives of Connecticut, who were among the first settlers in Deerfield. They took 450 acres of land and cleared a large farm. Mr. Dewey died January 31, 1844, aged fifty-eight years, and Mrs. Dewey died Novem ber 30, 1855, aged sixty-three years. Charles M. has always been engaged in farm ing in Deerfield, and settled on the farm of 220 acres in 1866. In 1859 he married Jane, daughter of Jacob and Abigail (Cute) Rudd, of Marcy, by whom he had four children: Zettie J., wife of John C. Davis, a farmer in Deerfield; Aldis M. , who died at the age of twenty-nine years ; Cora E. , wife of William R. Harvey, a cheesemaker in Saint Mary's, Elk county, Pa,: and IdaM., wife of Frank Donnafield of Deer field. Mr. Dewey is a Republican, and has been assessor and road commissioner. They attend the Presbyterian church, Smith, Giles, was born in Deerfield, N. Y. , August 30, 1825, only son of Pratt, a native of Taunton, Mass., and Elenore (Wheeler) Smith, a native of Dutchess county, N. Y. His grandfather, Ephraim Wheeler, came from Holland, and was a pioneer of Dutchess county. His paternal grandfather, Timothy Smith, came from Massa chusetts, and was one of the first settlers at Deerfield, settling on Smith Hill. He removed to Jefferson county where he died. Pratt Smith was engaged in farming in Deerfield, and died at the age of eighty-six, and Mrs. Smith died in 1870, at the age of seventy. "Mr. Smith was one of the founders of the Union church at Deer field. He had a 400 acre farm in Deerfield, N. Y., and land in the' West In 1853 Giles Smith married Eliza, daughter of Lewis and Mary Cole, of Rensselaer county, N. Y., by whom he had three children: Pratt G., a merchant at Utica; Mary, wife of M. T. Jones, of Utica; and Elenore, wife of Marshall Brown, a commission mer chant in Brooklyn. Mr. Smith is a Republican in politics, and has been assessor and supervisor of Deerfield, and is at present road commissioner. Mr. Smith has been one of the most successful farmers in the community, having taken an active inter est in the business, and owns a large farm in the best part of the town. Mrs. Smith died in October, 1891. Crosby, Anson T., was born in Deerfield, N. Y., December 16, 1828, son of Isaac, a native of Norway, and Mary (Fox) Crosby, a native of Ohio, Herkimer county, N. Y. The grandparents, Isaac and Mary Crosby, came from Saratoga and settled in Norway, where Mr. Crosby was killed by the cars. Isaac, jr. , came to Deerfield when twenty-five years of age and took up 269 acres of land, where he cleared a home, remaining until he retired to Chatfield, Filmore county, Minn., where he died at the age of seventy-three, and Mrs. Crosby died at the age of sixty-five years. The great-grandfather Crosby was a soldier under Gates at Saratoga ; and the great grandfather Fox was at the same battle under Burgoyne in the Revolutionary war. A. T. Crosby was educated at Whitestown Seminary, and has always been engaged in farming and keeps a dairy of twenty Holstein cows. He has been justice of the peace for several years. In 1857 he married Margaret Holmes, by whom he has five FAMILY SKETCHES. 87 children: John D., a druggist at Long Island; Lottie E., wife of John Cook, a wheat grower in North Dakota ; Mary, wife of Charles Green, in the sash and blind factory at Torrington, Conn. ; Emily C, wife of James Fuller, a farmer in Deerfield, and Edith N. , a teacher in Yorkville. Ackerman, Charles, was born in the kingdom of Hanover, Germany, April 23, 1837. He received a mercantile education there, and came to the United States at the age of sixteen and became a clerk in a grocery in New York city, where he re mained for two years. He came to Verona in 1855 and has been engaged in the general merchandise business most of the time since. In 1863 he married Theresa Berical, of Verona, and they have five children: Allie, Eugenia, Gustave, Arthur, and Clara. Allie married Eugene C. Dunham and resides in Auburn, N.Y. Eugenia married Robert W. Potter, of State Bridge. Mr. Ackerman enlisted in Co. E, 26th N. Y. S. Vols., and was promoted along the line from corporal to adjutant and was honorably discharged May 28, 1863, at Utica, N. Y. In February, 1864, he joined the 2d United States Veteran Volunteers as first lieutenant, after a rigid examina tion by a military commission, serving in that regiment for two years. He was post adjutant for six months at Albany, N. Y. ; was honorably discharged June 18, 1866. John Ackerman, his father, was born at the old home in Germany and married Wilemena Fitler, by whom he had six children: Matilda, Charles, Louis, William, Allie and Gustave. Mr. Ackerman is now in business with Mrs. Rachel B. Stark, under-the firm name of Ackerman & Stark, at Higginsville, N. Y. He is a member of Joseph H. Warren Post, No. 615, G. A. R., and of New London Lodge, No.'420, F & A. M., of the town of Verona. The family is of German and French descent. Wendt, Frederick S., was born in Lewis county, N. Y., October 6, 1852. He was educated in the district schools and in his early years was a farmer. October 30, 1878, he married Lottie J. Armstrong, of Higginsville, N. Y, , by whom he had three chil dren: George A., Frederick W. and Florence M. (twins). Mr. Wendt since 1880 has been engaged in the general merchandise business and has recently become inter ested in the coal business. In 1887 he was appointed justice of the peace to fill a vacancy and in 1888 was elected to a full term and has served continually since. William C. Wendt, his father, was born in Mecklenbergh, Germany, about 1823. He married Caroline Runge, of his native place, by whom he had ten children : Freder ick S., Augustus, William, Albert, Charles, Minnie, Frances, Pauline, 'Emma, and Annie. They came to the United States in 1851, locating in Lewis county, N. Y. William H. Armstrong, Mrs. Wendt's father, was born in Utica, N. Y., February 15, 1828. He was educated in the common schools and is now carrying on a general blacksmithing business at Durhamville, N. Y. He followed the canal for several years. In 1852 he married Amanda M. Morse, of Higginsville, N. Y. , by whom he has one child, Lottie,. J., now Mrs. Frederick S. Wendt. Mr. F. S. Wendt is a member of New London Lodge, No. 420, F. & A. M., and Mrs. Wendt is a member of the East ern Star, Visha Chapter, O. E. S. Merry, Gotleib, was born in Baden, Germany, in 1843 and came with his parents to the United States in 1851, locating first in Toledo, Ohio, coming to the town of Verona, N. Y., in 1852. He was educated in the public schools and the Business College of Utica, N. Y., and is a cheesemaker by occupation and owner 88 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE, of the Merry Cheese Factory, which manufactures into cheese two and one-half million pounds of milk, annually. For the past three years he has been manager and superintendent of the Oneida Canning Co., of Verona. He is also president of the Board of Education; they have just completed a fine school edifice in that district. March 7, 1870, Mr. Merry married Sarah McGann, of this town, by whom he has seven children: Fred H., S. Alice, Ellen S., George G., H. Seymour, Wilson J., and C. Lester. Frederick J. Merry, his father, was born at the old home in Germany in 1811. He married Christina Winnie, by whom he had nine children ; Jacob, Ann, Sophia, Frederick, Gotleib, Conrad, Peter, Charles, and Michael. He died in 1852. Mr. G. Merry was elected supervisor in 1879 and served until 1884. He began life empty-handed and has been the architect of his own success. Frisbie, Charles P., was born in Harwinton, Litchfield county, Conn., October 18, 1830, and came with his parents to this town in 1836, where he was educated in the district schools and Vernon Academy. September 25, 1855, he married Sarah A. Sage, of the town of Verona, N. Y., by whom he had two children: Emily S., and George R. Emily S. married Julian E. Taft, of this town, and they have two children; Charles F., and James. George R. is a resident of Bloomington, 111., in the employ of the Soper Foundry Factory Company. Mr. Frisbie's father, John Frisbie, was born in Connecticut, in 1797. He was educated in the schools of his day, and was a salesman when a young man, and afterwards a farmer. He mar ried Hulda Nobles, of his native State, by whom he had ten children : Noble W., Eliza B., Charles P., as above, Mary A., Enos, George W., Henry, John W., who died in infancy, Jeannette, and Caroline. He died in 1847, and his wife March 1, 1889. Mrs. Frisbie's father, RosNvell Sage, was born in Massachusetts, September 6, 1789, and was educated there. He was a carpenter and afterwards a farmer. Sep tember 12, 1810, he married Mercy Enos, by whom he had five children: Caroline E., Chauncey S., Emily F., Dorliskie, and Sarah A., as above. He served in the war of 1812, and died April 17, 1879, and his wife October 17, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Frisbie are members of the Presbyterian church, of which he was trustee for twelve years. The ancestry of the family is Scotch and English. Weaver, Frederick G., was born in Deerfield August 7, 1843, son of George F. and Margaret A. Weaver, natives of Deerfield. George F. was a successful business man as farmer and brick manufacturer. He was a Republican in politics and was supervisor for a number of years; was elected sheriff of the county in 1867. He died in 1889 and Mrs. Weaver died in 1888. Frederick G. Weaver was reared on a farm and was educated at Utica schools and Fairfield Seminary. He commenced his busi ness career with his father in the manufacture of brick, in which business he is still engaged, being in partnership with his brother, Charles C. Weaver. They do an extensive business, and in 1893 turned out seven million brick. Mr. Weaver is also engaged in farming. In 1872 he married Sarah J. Budlong of Schuyler, Herkimer county, by whom he has seven children. He is a Republican in politics ; has been supervisor of Deerfield three terms and was elected sheriff of the county in 1876, and was the Republican nominee for the office of senator in 1895. He is a member of Lodge No. 54, F. & A. M. He is president of the Deerfield and Utica R. R. Co. since its incorporation in 1889, and a director of the First National Bank of Utica, N. Y. FAMILY SKETCHES. 89 Broadbent, Frank, was born in Manlius, Onondaga county, N. Y. , May 28, 1855, son of Giles Leon Broadbent, a native of England, who came to America when about nineteen years of age. He was a machinist by trade and was engaged in different woolen mills in this State for many years. His wife, Mary Haynes, was born in the town of Western, N. Y. , daughter of Solomon and Amanda Haynes. They had but one child, Frank. Mr. Broadbent died in 1868, from injuries he received while alighting from the cars. His wife survives him. Frank Broadbent first engaged in farm work, and when seventeen years of age learned the trade of cheesemaker, in which he has been engaged in various factories throughout the county. He was cheesemaker for the Steuben Association in the town of Steuben for eight years. During the years 1892-3 he owned a half interest in the Willow Grove cheese factory in the town of Trenton. For a time he owned a factory on Floyd Hill in the town of Floyd, and in 1893 he purchased his present farm of 203 acres, on which he conducts a dairy of thirty cows, and having a factory in addition to this on his farm, he also manufactures cheese. In 1876 he married Estella E., daughter of Hiram G. and Mary E. (Dustin) Bullock, who was born in the town of Western. They have six children: Leon G., Robert A., Homer F., Frank A., Lester F. and Erwin J. Mr. Broadbent is a member of the F. & A. M. Spencer, Lyman C, second son of James D. Spencer, was born in West Monroe, Oswego county, N. Y., March 17, 1841, and came with his parents to Sylvan Beach when he was two years old. His education was received in the public schools, and his early life was spent on his father's farm. He erected the first hotel on Wood Creek outlet on Oneida Lake, on the Vienna side of the creek (it is now known as the Forest Home), which he conducted seventeen years, but it is now conducted by his son-in-law, Frederick B. Randall, of Oneida, Madison county. The Spencer family have done much towards the growth and prosperity of Sylvan Beach. Sep tember 2, 1865, Mr. Spencer married Marian Keohane, who was born in England, by whom he had four children: Alice E., Lillian F., L. May, and L. Ernst. Alice E. married Frederick B. Randall, of Oneida, N.Y., and they have four children: Lyman F, Harriet M., Spencer B., and Marian A. Mrs. Spencer's father, James Keohane, was born in England. He married Marian Scammel, of London, England,_by whom he had nine children: P. Henry, Marian E., Peter, Nellie, Catherine, Anna C, Eliza, John D., and Theresa. Mr. Koehane died September 2, 1867. Mr. Spencer is a member of Sylvan Beach Lodge, No. 326, I. O. O. F., of which he has been treasurer four years. Spencer, Reuben J. . oldest son of James D. Spencer, was born in West Monroe, Oswego county, N.Y., August 27, 1838. and came to this town with his parents when about four years of age. He was educated in the public schools, and is a real estate dealer, and assists his father in superintending and developing the same at Sylvan Beach and vicinity. April 27, 1864, he married Amy Maxfield, of this locality, by whom he had one son, James D., who died in infancy. Mrs. Spencer died in 1883, aid November 5, 1890, he married for his second wife Inez E. Poppleton, of this town, by whom he had one daughter, Ada M., bom April 10, 1892. Mr. Spencer is a member of Sylvan Beach Lodge No. 326, I. O. O. F. , and has also been president of the village since it was incorporated in 1887. Mrs. Spencer's father, James Popple ton, was bom in this town in 1833. He was educated in the district schools, and was 1 90 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. a farmer by occupation and later a grocery merchant. He married Mary Kelly, of this town, by whom he had three children: Ada E., Inez E., and John F. Mr. Pop pleton died in 1856, and Mrs. Poppleton married Newton Poppleton, and they had two children: Mary E., and Matilda. Mrs. Poppleton died in 1890. Sawtelle, Washington Sewall, was born in Sidney, Me., August 3, 1827, son of Major Amaziah and Malinda (Black) Sawtelle, who had eight children : Washington S. married Caroline Amelia, daughter of William T. and Mary (Wright) Fowler, by whom he had six children: Chester W., Vergie, Clarence, Marion, and Mary and Charles A. (deceased). Washington S. attended school at West Point and at seven teen years of age enlisted in the Mexican war, 5th Regiment, Company D, and served one year and five months. He was taken prisoner at Vera Cruz and was confined for five months at Cordoba and Orizaba, when he escaped and joined his regiment. He was one of the fourteen who made the ascent of Mt. Popocatepetl. He first came to Utica in 1850, and in 1856 he published the Mohawk Valley Register at Fort Plain. By profession he is an artist and painter. He is an extensive traveler, having trav eled over the United States, Canada, Mexico and Cuba. He made an overland trip to California before there was a railroad to the western country. He is now living a retired life. Shoewalter, Joseph H., was born in the town of Verona, N. Y., February 15, 1846, and was educated in the district schools and Oneida Seminary. He has followed the canal thirty-one years in all, twenty-five years as boat owner, being known as Captain Shoewalter, but is now living a retired life. December 29, 1868, he married Ella A. Shattuck, of this town. Mrs. Shoewalter died July 8, 1882, and January 2, 1889, he married for his second wife, Ida E. Dunn, of this town. His father, Henry Shoewalter, was born in Bavaria, Germany, August 11, 1811, and came to the United States with his sister in 1839, finally locating in the town of Verona, where he was a tailor and afterward a farmer by occupation. He married Mary Poplet, of this town, by whom he had one son, Joseph H., as above. Mr. Shoewalter died January 5, 1883, and his wife May 18, 1851. Mrs. Shoewalter's father, Dennis B. Dunn, was born in Kings County, Ireland, in 1837, and came to the United States with his grandfather in 1844, and was educated in the district schools of Verona. He married Mary Hyland, of this town, by whom he had thirteen children: Francis A., Ida E., as above, Udella, Rose A., Catherine, Dennis P., Marsella C, Sarah A., Theresa, Jennie E., William J., Lucy M., and Anna S. Calder, Hon. Frederick Manwell, elected surrogate of Oneida county in 1894, was born in the village of New York Mills, Oneida county, N. Y., March 20, 1861, son of John and Margaret (Huton) Calder. He was educated in the public schools and was graduated from Whitestown Seminary in 1878 and from Hamilton College in the class of 1882. He studied law with P. C. J. De Angelis, at Utica, N. Y., also with the firm of Miller & Fincke, of that city, and was admitted a member of the bar in June, 1884, after which he was managing clerk for Miller & Fincke for three years, when he opened an office on his own account in the Mann building in the city of Utica, and won for himself in a short period an extensive and valuable clientage. Judge Calder was chairman of the Republican County Committee in 1891-92, and in 1892-93 was corporation counsel of the city of Utica. June, 17 1891, he married FAMILY SKETCHES. 91 Elizabeth N. Holbrook, of Utica, by whom he had one son, Frederick Holbrook Cal der. Judge Calder is an Odd Fellow and Mason, and a member of the Fort Schuy ler, Arcanum, and Masonic Clubs. Coleman, George, was born in Ava, N.Y., November 25, 1834, son of Phineas and Bersheba Coleman. Phineas Coleman was a native of Rome, N. Y., and Mrs. Cole man a native of Hoosac, Conn. Mr. Coleman was an early settler in Ava, where he died in 1876, and Mrs. Coleman in 1863. The father of Phineas was a farmer at Lockport, and a pioneer of Rome. George Coleman has spent most of his time at the trade of carpenter and joiner. In 1852 he married Catherine Handly, daughter of Patrick Handly, by whom he had five children : Maria, John, Will, Frank, and Mary, who died in infancy. Mrs. Coleman died in January, 1891. In 1867 Mr. Cole man bought a farm in Ava, which is conducted by his son Frank, who, in 1887, mar ried Cora, daughter of Patrick and Margaret Nolan, natives of Ireland, who came to America in 1845, and settled at Little Falls, where Mrs. Nolan died in 1868. Mr. Nolan is a carriage manufacturer at Brockville, Ontario, Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Coleman have had four children : Charles W. , who died at the age of seven years, Frederick P., George F. and Emerson S. Dorrance, Daniel G., jr. (third son of Hon. Daniel G. Dorrance of Oneida Castle, N. Y.), was born in the town of Florence, Oneida county, N. Y. , February 28, 1850. In 1859 he removed with his father's family to Oneida Castle in the town of Vernon. He was educated in the schools of Oneida Castle and the Oneida Seminary and was graduated from Hamilton College in the class of 1872. After leaving college he set tled in Camden and engaged in the mercantile business ; but since 1885 has been in the employ of his father at Oneida Castle as confidential clerk, although retaining his residence in Camden. In 1876 Mr. Dorrance married Ellen, daughter of the late John Lambie, a prominent farmer of Camden. Their children are Ella M., Bessie L., James G., and Harold S. Mr. Dorrance is prominently connected with the offices of the village and town, being a justice of the peace and a member of the Board of Education and is also one of the stockholders in the First National Bank of Camden, N.Y. Keller, Hugo, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, March 26, 1845. He came to the United States in 1862, first locating in New York. His purpose in leaving his native land was to enlist in the Union army, and early in 1863 he enlisted in the 16th Cavalry, N. Y.' State Vols., under Col. Armstrong in the Shenandoah valley, and served until October 1, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. After the war he was engaged as a clerk in a grocery store for one year, then learned the baker's trade, which he followed four years. In 1870 he located in Durhamville, Oneida county, N. Y., and first served as a grooery clerk, but in 1874 began business on his own account as a general storekeeper, and was also in the milling business. He married Julia Schotthamer, formerly of his native place, by whom he had six chil dren: Frank, Herman, who has purchased the mill from his father and is conduct ing the same, Adelaide, Hugo, jr., Julia, and Sophia. Mr. Keller has filled the office of trustee of the village. He is a member of Oneida Lodge, No 270, F. & A. M., of On«ida, N. Y. He is also a member of John R. Stuart Post, No. 176, G. A. R. De partment of N. Y. 92 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Macomber, Jay, was born in Western, March 25, 1848, son of Theophilus W. and Sa\ ah A. (Bugbee) Macomber, both natives of Oneida county. His paternal grand father, Abner Macomber, formerly of Dutchess county, N. Y. , was among the pio neers of Western, settling on Quaker Hill, where he cleared and improved a farm. In later life he removed to Tug Hill, Lewis county, where he died. Theophilus Ma comber, father of Jay, was born in Western, August 12, 1815. He is a cooper by trade, and has also worked as a sawyer and carpenter, but has lived a retired life since 1890. His children were Calista(Mrs. Martin Van Buskirk), Nelson, Jay, Dick, and Sarah C. (Mrs. Horace Gillett). Jay Macomber was reared in Western, where, with the exception of ten years that he spent in Lee, he has always resided. For nineteen years he was engaged in cheesemaking, was manager of factories in Lee, Western, and Steuben, and since 1893 has been engaged in farming. In 1880 he married Elma, daughter of Jerome V. and Clarissa (Keech) Gue, of Western, by whom he has two children: Fred J. and Clara B. Mr. Macomber isa member of Baron Steuben Lodge, F. &A. M., No. 264, Fort Stanwix Chapter, No. 153, R. A. M., Lee Center Council, No. 1225, R. A. In politics he is a Democrat. Ferris, Timothy Harvey, one of the most energetic of the younger members of the bar of the city of Utica, was born in the town of Russia, Herkimer county, N. Y., September 4, 1871, son of Charles S. and Gertrude (Terry) Ferris. He was edu cated at the district school in Russia and at Prospect village school, but at the age of fourteen he was compelled to give up his studies on account of ill health, and worked on his father's farm for a time. During the winer of 1888-89 he took a course in banking and bookkeeping at the LTtica Business College. He taught the district school at Russia for two terms in 1889. In January, 1890, he commenced the study law in the office of Charles G. Irish, where he remained for a 3-ear and a half, during a portion of which time he acted as assistant secretary of the Merchants' & Manufac turers' Exchange. He afterward pursued his legal studies with Dunmore & Sholes, and was admitted as an attorney and counselor in February, 1898. The following March Mr. Ferris was taken in as partner, and the firm became Dunmore, Sholes & Ferris. September 1, 1895, he organized the N. E. White Company, of Utica, N. Y., wholesale grocers, feed, grain, and produce dealers, with a capital stock of $25,000, and was made its president which position he still occupies. His father having died he also manages the home farm at Russia. Mr. Ferris takes a keen interest in politics, and was a member of the Democratic County Committee of 1894. In 1895 he ran for State Senator in the Utica district as an Independent Democrat. He is unmarried. Cunningham, John Howard, editor-in-chief of the Utica Herald, wields a facile pen. His leaders are always dignified in tone ; the language is forcefully used, and the point aimed at is sharply defined. Under his management the Herald remains as before the leading organ of the Republican party in Central New York. Mr. Cunningham was born in Ithaca, Tompkins county, N. Y., November 29, 1848, His parents, American born, were of Scotch descent. Mr. Cunningham was educated at Ithaca Academy and Hamilton College. From the latter he was graduated in the class of 1866. After leaving college he taught, as vice-principal, in the Waverly In stitute, at Waverly, N. Y., and afterward was principal of Chester Academy" at Chester, Orange county, N. Y. In 1868 he joined the editorial staff of the Herald, FAMILY SKETCHES. 93 as news editor, and has remained on that paper since, excepting the years 1871-72. He became its chief editor when, in 1891, the paper was transferred to The Utica Herald Publishing Company. May 27, 1869, Mr. Cunningham married Annie, daughter of Edward German (deceased), of Utica, by whom he had two children : Carl German, and Frederick Haines. Mr. Cunningham is a member of the Fort Schuyler and the Arcanum social clubs, of Utica. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1865. Constable,. James, the architect, is a son of the late John Constable and was born at Constableville, Lewis county, N. Y. He was educated in a military school in Connecticut and also three years in Europe; he studied civil engineering at Cam bridge, Mass. In 1868 he became assistant engineer in building the Newark (N. J.) aqueduct, and later was assistant engineer on the construction of the Orbisonia Iron Works at Orbisonia, Pa., and afterward he was engaged in engineering in the South and West. He was afterward assistant superintendent of the Glendon (Pa.) Iron Works for nearly eight years, during which period he devoted himself almost wholly to the'building and construction of extensive works and the construction of many buildings. About 1888 he removed to Utica, N. Y., and has since devoted himself exclusively to architecture. Some of the buildings designed by him and constructed under his supervision in Utica are the Second National Bank, the Church of the Holy Cross, T. R. Proctor's stables and the remodeling of the Butterfield House. Baker, Thomas F. — The Utica Saturday Globe is one of the phenomenal journal istic enterprises of the country. It was founded in May, 1881, by the business as sociation of the brothers, William T. and Thomas F. Baker. Its success pecuniarily and its growth in circulation as well have been so remarkable as to approach the marvelous. Copies of the paper are weekly sold on the Pacific slope, as far south as Florida, and in Northern Ontario. It is a true monument to the spirit, sagacity and force of the men who founded it and enjoy the fruits of their labors. Thomas F. Baker was born in Hartford, Conn., April 5, 1847. In 1850 his parents removed with with their family to Utica. There, when old enough to go to school, Thomas at tended the Assumption Academy. While yet a lad he worked for a few months in the Washington Mills factory, and began his newspaper career by selling The Utica Observer on the streets. At.the age of sixteen he entered the composing room of the Observer, as an apprentice, and in 1867 he was admitted to the rank of journey man printer. But young Baker was ambitious and anxious to branch out for him self, and in October, 1870, he, with others, established the Utica Daily Bee. It was a brave struggle upward for a time, but the hill was steep and the way rough. The paper was transferred to other parties in 1872, and soon disappeared from the field. Mr. Baker went back to his case, this time in the composing room of the Utica Her ald, and in 1877, in partnership with Dennis T. Kelly, he started the Utica Sunday Tribune, which soon secured and retained a place among the papers of that city. In 1879 he retired to make way for Patrick E. Kelly. In that year he formed the business association with his brother, William T., and founded the Sunday Tribune at Binghamton, N. Y., which they continued for two years, when they returned to Utica and started the Globe. The first issue of the latter paper was published May 21, 1881, from the third story of the Thomas Block, later the Lux building. Illus trations have from the first been one of the features of the paper, the first number 94 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. containing a rather rude wood-cut of Horatio Seymour. Of that issue only 2,000 copies were struck off and only 700 were sold. The supply of advertising was very meagre, but its publishers, like brave mariners, clung close to the course they had marked out before they launched their craft, and finally found the track to summer seas. In 1882 the Globe had removed its quarters to the Kinney Block, on the west side of Charlotte street, and in 1886 it was removed to its present well equipped and imposing edifice on Whitesboro street. Beardsley, Hon. Samuel A.., comes of a race of long lived and vigorous minded men. His father, Arthur M. Beardsley, has been in active practice as a lawyer for more than fifty years. His grandfather, Samuel Beardsley, for whom he was named, was one of the prominent statesmen and jurists of his time. He was appointed United States district attorney for the northern district of New York by President Andrew Jackson in 1823, an office he held to 1830, when he was elected member of congress from the Utica district, re-elected in 1832 and 1834, and again in 1842. He was also attorney-general of the State of New York, associate judge and chief justice of the Supreme Court of the State. In 1834 Governor Marcy tendered Mr. Beardsley an appointment to the bench of the Supreme Court. President Jack son, in the presence of his cabinet, requested the congressman to decline the proffered place on account of the valuable services he could render the country and his party in Congress, and Mr. Beardsley yielded to the president's importunities. Samuel A. Beardsley was born in the city of Utica, N. Y. , December 1, 1856, and was educated in the Utica public schools and Williston Seminary at East Hampton, Mass. He studied law in his father's office, the firm being Beardsley, Cookingham & Burdick, and was admitted to the bar in 1879, at which time he became a member of this firm. In 1884 this partnership was dissolved, and father and son united forces under the firm title of Beardsley & Beardsley. Mr. Beardsley was elected special city judge of Utica in 1886, and city judge in 1888, which he resigned four years later to accept the appointment of State railroad commissioner which was ten dered him by Governor Flower. Mr. Beardsley- was chairman of the Democratic County Committee in 1886-87-88, and was also State committeeman from his con gressional' district and secretary of the Democratic State Committee from 1889 to 1893. Mr. Beardsley married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Hopper, of Utica, by whom he had three children. He is a Mason. Richards, Edward, was born in Deerfield, N. Y., April 2, 1836, son of Richard D. and Mary (Jones) Richards, natives of Wales. David Richards came from Wales to Deerfield about 1820, where he engaged in farming, and here lived and died. About one year later Richard D. Richards came to, Deerfield and built a saw mill in partnership with a John Davis; they continued in partnership until said Davis's death which was caused by the falling of a tree which struck him. Then Richard D. Richards rebuilt the mill and continued iu the business till his death. He was a Whig, and was for several years assessor of the town. He died in 1854 and his wife in 1888. Edward Richards was reared on the farm, and has always been en gaged in farming, excepting three years at the carpenter trade. He has a farm of 128 acres, and keeps about seventeen cows. In 1892 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Even and Ann (Roberts) Jones, natives of Wales. Mrs. Jones's father, Even Roberts, was about the first settler at Turin, Lewis county. He first bought land at FAMILY SKETCHES. 95 Whitesboro, whence he removed to Turin, and engaged in farming, milling and mercantile business, being an active, energetic man. Mr. Jones's father, Jacob Jones, died in Wales. Mr. Jones was a miller at Turin, but spent his last days in Pennsylvania. Roser, Charles, was born in Lewis, Lewis county, N.Y., July 10, 1861. His father, Henry Roser, was a native of Germany and came to America in 1849, settling in Ava, where he engaged in farming. He married Catherine Schwaub, who came to America in 1852, daughter of George and Louise Schwaub, who lived and died in Germany. Charles Roser was educated at West Leyden, and has since followed farming, now owning a farm of 125 acres, on which he keeps about twenty-five cows. In 1885 he married Amelia, daughter of Frederick and Barbara (Ruby) Gerwig, of New London, both natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Roser have two children : Winifred, born September 12, 1886; and Emerson, born September 2, 1890. Morgan, William A,, was born in Connecticut May 16, 1824, son of Israel F. and Lucy (Stoddard) Morgan, who settled in Trenton about 1828. Their children were Clarissa S., Austin A,, Israel F., Lucy A., William A., and Jane Elizabeth. Colonel Morgan, as he was usually called, was born December 11, 1792, and in his early life was engaged in farming. Living in Connecticut at the time of the war between England and the United States in 1812, and belonging to a military organization, he was called out to prevent the landing of British troops at New London. In 1840 he purchased the grist and saw mills, store and farm at Trenton Falls of Gardener Sherman, which he managed in company with his oldest and youngest sons until his death October 14, 1842. He was at one time supervisor of the town of Trenton and took an active part in the organization of the Trenton Falls school district. His sec ond son, Col. Israel F., jr., remained on the farm in South Trenton where he first settled until his death, October 30, 1861. His granddaughter, Mrs. L. G. Wanful still lives on the same farm. William E. married S. Marie, daughter of Col. Timothy H. Ferris, of Herkimer county, N. Y., by whom he had six children: William C, Harvey Ferris, Elizabeth B. , Bela Brewster, Israel F. (deceased), and Austin A. (deceased). Mr. Morgan was one of the builders of the present school house at Trenton Falls, also with the help of his sons, young boys at the time, built the dam across the West Canada Creek, which has stood the annual freshets for which that stream is noted for more than twenty years and furnished power to operate the mills. It is in the management of these mills since the death of his father and brother that he is best known. Mr. Morgan arrived at manhood at the period when all young men were re quired by law to do military duty, and was commissioned first by Gov. William L. Marcy as paymaster, then adjutant, and by Gov. Silas Wright as major, all of which he still has in his possession. Wilmarth, Mrs. Margaret. — The late Isaac Wilmarth was born in Deerfield, August 2, 1830, son of Scott M. and Marcy Wilmarth. Scott M. Wilmarth was born on the farm now owned by Mrs. Margaret Wilmarth, September 22, 1793, and died April 14, 1879. Mrs. Marcy Wilmarth died February 10, 1857. The grandparents, Isaac and Rhoda (Mason) Wilmarth, were natives of Rhode Island, born January 10, 1768, and April 10, 1772, respectively ; and they came from Rhode Island and settled on the farm now owned by Mrs. Wilmarth in 1792. The father of Mrs. Rhoda Wil- 96 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. marth, Philip Mason, was a native of England and came to America. Isaac Wilmarth, only brother of Scott M., was a graduate of Hamilton College, and was the first Bap tist missionary from the United States to France. Isaac Wilmarth, our subject, was a graduate of Whitestown Seminary. He engaged in farming, market gardening, and also beekeeping, making a specialty of the latter. He was justice for eighteen years. September 22, 1852, he married Margaret, daughter of Roland and Margaret Davis, a pioneer of 1817, by whom he had five children: Josephine, wife of Rev. E. D. Mason, a Baptist minister of Cottage City, Mass. ; Roland S. , who died at one year of age ; Robert, a physician in South America ; Isaac Judson, living at home ; and Evan geline, wife of Alfred Coram, of Utica. Since Mr. Wilmarth's death, his wife has conducted the farm of about 120 acres. Hayes, Charles R., was born in West Turin, Lewis county, N. Y. , in 1868, son of Matthew Hayes, a native of Germany, born in 1821. Matthew Hayes was a shoe maker and came to America in 1841, going directly to Lewis county, where he pur sued his trade for twenty years. He then engaged in farming, where he now re sides. He has served as justice of the peace for twenty years. He married Cather ine Haller, a native of Germany, and their children were Henry, who was drowned in Woodhull in 1893 ; William, and Charles R. Mrs. Hayes died in 1886. At the age of fourteen years, Charles R. began to learn the millwright's trade and has suc cessfully followed it up to the present time. In October, 1892, he came to Forestport and engaged as manager of the Woodhull Lumber Company, but in 1894 he went into business for himself and erected a turning and planing mill and engaged in the lumber business. In 1890 Mr. Hayes married Caroline, daughter of Michael and Adeline (Croup) Miller, of Leyden, Lewis county, N. Y. , by whom he has one child, Harry. Snow, Arch. B., was born in Boonville, January 30, 1841. His father, S. E. Snow, was also born here January 1, 1809, and is to-day the oldest inhabitant of local birth. Mr. Snow's paternal ancestors were from Massachusetts, and he was an active par ticipant in not less than twenty battles in the Civil war. He first enlisted in 1861, in Co. I, 97th Regt. , was soon promoted to corporal, then to first sergeant, then to lieu tenant, and in 1865 received commission as captain. He was disabled by a shot in ' the face at Gettysburg, and was captured while acting as aid-de-camp at Weldon Railroad in 1864, remaining a prisoner of war at Libby, Salisbury, and Danville prisons for six months. Mr. Snow is now a dealer in boots and shoes at Boonville, and in 1881 he married' Jennie Muller, by whom he has two children : Archibald and Martha. He was the charter commander of Wheelock Post, No 97, G. A. R. , and is of high rank and degree in the Masonic fraternity. He has had a varied experience beyond the lot of most men of his age. We quote the following from a short bio graphical sketch in the Grand Army Journal: "For many years, under the stage name of A. A. Armstrong, he acted in the best theatres of the United States, Canada, and the British West Indies, and as a dialect actor, personator of quaint character parts, and high class vocalist, obtained an enviable reputation." During the past three years he has taken a prominent place among monologue entertainers, and as a humorist, sensational reciter, and descriptive vocalist, ranks with the best. His fun is infectious, and the moral tone of his entertainments is high and pure. His "Ran dom Recollections of the Field and Camp fire," in Grand Army entertainments have FAMILY SKETCHES. 97 been a great success, and of late there has been a growing demand for his services at church society entertainments. He also contributes much valuable historical material to the local press, and an occasional war-story from his pen finds ready sale. Fitzgerald, Edward, was born in St. Johnsville, Montgomery county, N. Y., in June, 1839. His parents were born in Ireland, and came to the United States in 1830 and first settled in Albany, whence they came to Utica, and in 1840 to the town of Florence. Mr. Fitzgerald was a farmer by occupation and cleared a farm of about one hundred acres, where he resided until his death. Edward Fitzgerald is one of five children. He acquired a good education and taught school in the town of Flor ence for several years and is a farmer by occupation, now owning a farm of ninety acres. He married Hannah, daughter of David Barry of Seneca county, N. Y., and to them have been born ten children: Ella, Maud J., Lulu E., Katie B., Mary A., Margaret T., Agnes L., Grace B., Evangeline, and Edward, jr. Politically Mr. Fitzgerald is a Democrat, and in 1871 was elected supervisor of the town, which office he held for nine years, was collector for two years, and has held the office of justice since 1891, and was re-elected justice March, 1896, for the term of four years ; he has also held the office of inspector of election for several years. He has held some town office every year since he became a voter, Cruikshank, James M. , was born in the town of Deerfield, N. Y., November 29, 1840, being the eldest son of James and Malintha (Reed) Cruikshank. His father, James, sr., was of Scotch-Irish descent, and in 1807, when seven years of age, emi grated from Ireland with the family, and came to the town of Deerfield where the family located and purchased a farm of seventy-five acres. In 1837 James, sr., was married to Malintha Reed, a native of Deerfield. He purchased his father's farm and engaged in farming, and subsequently increased his farm to 250 acres on which he resided until his death April 24, 1877. His wife died March 16, 1884. On March 31, 1863, James M. was married to Mary A., daughter of David and Elizabeth Evans, natives of Wales, who came to America and located in Deerfield, where she was born May 8, 1841. Afterward they removed to Newport, Herkimer county, where he purchased a farm, on which they resided until their death. He in February, 1879, aged seventy-eight years. His wife September 18, 1890, aged eighty-seven years. In 1863 James M. settled on the farm where he now resides. They have four chil dren: Fred J., born May 19, 1864, and was married to Cora E., only daughter of William and Eliza Kane of Newport, N. Y., March 10, 1886, and is at present en gaged in farming at Newport, N. Y. ; Edgar C, born October 9, 1865, was married to May, only daughter of Dr. Seavy of Poland, N. Y., September 17, 1890. He has been in the mercantile business for ten years and is now general agent for " The Poland Union," at Poland, N. Y. ; Millard S., born August 1, 1867, graduate of Fairfield Academy, and for seventeen terms has been a teacher in the schools of the county, and is at present in possession of the same farm bought by his grand father's father' ninety years ago; Avis E., born October 10, 1870, wife of Benjamin L. Ford, who is engaged in the mercantile business at Newport, N. Y. In politics Mr. Cruikshank is a Republican. He has occupied various positions of public trust in his town. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cruikshank have been for many years members of the Presbyterian church of North Gage, 98 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Flint, James H., was born in Ava, December 6, 1857, son of Peter A., who was born in Montgomery county, N. Y., January 8, 1820, and Catherine (Walradt) Flint, a native of Otsego county. His grandparents, John R. and Lana (Yerdon) Flint, were both natives of Montgomery county ; and his great-grandparents, Robert C. and Mary (Bartlett) Flint, were pioneers of Montgomery county, and they spent their last days on the Flint homestead in Ava. John R. came to Ava in 1841 and bought a farm of 370 acres, and he died in March, 1891, at the age of ninety-four, and his wife died in 1885, at the age of eighty-five. Peter A. Flint was reared on the farm and has made farming his principal occupation ; but having united with the Metho dist Episcopal church in 1851, he was given license to preach in that church, has been local minister since. He sold his farm of 180 acres to his son in 1895 and has retired. He has been supervisor for several years, and assessor for nine years. In 1882 James Flint married Amelia E. Pohl, by whom he has one son, Clarence, who was born September 25, 1883. Mr. Flint commenced farming in Lewis county, and in 1887 he rented the farm of 213 acres of Sarah A. Wood, in Ava, and has a dairy of thirty to thirty-five cows. He also has the homestead farm of 182 acres, where he keeps twenty-two cows. In politics he is a Democrat, and has been excise com missioner, and is now assessor. O Mara, Daniel, was born in the town of Florence, November 3, 1855, son of Pat rick O'Mara, who was born in Ireland, and came to the United States in 1851, and settled in Florence, where he has worked at his trade, as blacksmith. He married Mary Horrigan, who was born in New York State, and they have been the parents of eight children : Daniel, William, deceased, John, Michael, Joseph, George, Mary, and Kate. He is engaged in the undertaking business in the village of Florence, and is also one of the leading merchants of the town, carrying a full line of gro ceries, crockery ware, etc. In politics Mr. O'Mara is a Democrat and in 1881 was elected supervisor of the town, which office he held for three terms, was appointed postmaster in 1884, and served through Cleveland's first administration. At the present time he is justice of the peace, having held that office since 1886. He was instrumental in getting the telephone system in the town and village of Florence. He married Ella, daughter of Richard Willis, who was among the first settlers of the town, and their children are John R. and Mollie. White, Charles M., was born on the farm whore he now refsides, November 25, 1817, son of Aaron and Rhoda (Bagg) White. Aaron White settled in the town of Marcy about 1810, and was followed by his father. Samuel, from Middletown, Conn. Samuel's children were Aaron, Nancy Gitteau, Elizabeth Perry, Sophia, Walter, and Laurie Buck. Aaron White had two children : Charles M. and Martha White Fuller. Aaron White followed farming and at one time was the largest distiller of pepper mint in the United States. He was colonel of the N. Y. State Militia, and was su pervisor of his town for several years. His (C. M. White's) grandfather was in the Revolutionary war, also his great-grandfather. Wood, Mrs. Permelia I., is the widow of Horace Wood, who died in Deerfield, in 1868, son of Calvin and Sarah Wood of West Schuyler, Herkimer county. Mrs. Wood is the daughter of Franklin (a native of Massachusetts) and Phoebe (Brown) Whitney, a native of Connecticut. Her grandfather was a pioneer of Herkimer FAMILY SKETCHES. 99 county, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Franklin Whitney came to Deerfield in pioneer days, where he cleared a home. He kept a tavern on the farm now owned by Mrs. Wood, and also owned a large tract of land and was engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Wood had four children: Julia, who died June 9, 1895; Murray, a butcher at Schuyler, N. Y. ; Horace, a farmer of White Hall, 111. ; and Charles, who conducts the home farm, and has a dairy of twenty cows. Franklin Whitney was a captain in the war of 1812, and died in 1845. Lloyd, David R., son of Richard and Winifred Lloyd, was born in Wales in 1824. He was one of six children: Evan, John, Mary, William, Catherine, and David R. In 1854 he settled in Utica. There he married Sidna, daughter of Lewis Owen, by whom he has had eight children : Winifred (deceased, wife of William D. Edwards) ; Mary, wife of John P. Jones; Harriet, John Lemuel, William, David R., jr., and Evan H. After leaving Utica, where he resided for some time, he became engaged in farming. He now resides on what is known as the Fox farm, two miles from Holland Patent. Mr. Lloyd is a deacon in the Bethany Presbyterian church, of which he has been trustee. Evan H. is employed by the N. Y. C. R. R. as sten ographer and typewriter at Utica. David R., jr., was graduated from the State Normal School at Qneonta and is teaching at Forestport, N. Y. William, after tak ing a course in music, is engaged in giving vocal lessons. Thomas, Evan T., was born in the town of Steuben, Oneida county, N.Y., August 25, 1833, son of Thomas J. and Ann (Jones) Thomas. Mrs. Thomas was a daughter of John F. and Mary Jones, who settled in Trenton about 1800. John F. Jones was a private in the war of 1812. Thomas J. Thomas settled in Trenton about 1825, and in 1828 he married and moved to Steuben. They had three children: Capt. John T. , who enlisted in Co. F, 117th Regt., N. Y. Vols., and was killed January 15, 1865, at Fort Fisher, N. C. ; Evan T., and Maria (deceased). Evan T. Thomas married Priscilla, daughter of Meredith H. and Jane Meredith by whom he had four chil dren: Anna, John, Clarence D., and Jennie (deceased). His wife died in 1874. He was married December 22, 1875, to Ann, daughter of John O. and Jeanette Roberts, of Remsen. In 1857 Mr. Thomas engaged in the limestone and quarry business near Remsen, and in 1869 he removed to Prospect, where he has since been engaged in the same business. He has always been interested in educational and church work. Wilson, Benjamin F., was born in the town of Newport, Herkimer county, N. Y., November 11, 1819. He was educated in the common schools and has always been a farmer. He came with his brother George to the town of Westmoreland in 1841, and March 7, 1849, he married Susan F. Brewster, of the town of Verona, by whom he had eight children: Emma J., George B., Alice C, James H., Frank B., Herbert E., Julia C, and Seymour E. Emma J. married William H. Soper, and they have two children : Alice L. and Willard P. George B. married Anna Maycock, and they have three children : Minnie, George H. and Henry B. Alice C. married William Brewster, and they have two daughters: Maud and Susan. James H. married Lulu Palmer, of Verona village, and they have seven children: Benjamin W., William, Dwight. George, Hubert, Nellie, and Irving. Frank B. married Emma Soper. Herbert J. married Emma Youngs, and they had two daughters: Susan and Flora. 100 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. He died January 2, 1891. Julia C. married H. Wylie > Adams, and they have two children: Henry and Ruth. Seymour E. married Ellen J. Huminston, and they have one daughter, Florence V. Mrs Wilson died September 1, 1890. Mr. Wilson's father, John Wilson, was born in the town of Thompson, Conn., September 16, 1780 and was educated in the schools of his day. He married Sarah Wheaton, who was born July 12, 1782, in Swansea, Conn. They had twelve children: Lyman, Nancy A., Simon W., Sally, Ruth, Harriet, John, George, Benjamin, who died in infancy, Benjamin F., as above, Lanard K., and Samuel S. Mr. Wilson died December 16, 1873. Mr. Wilson's grandfather, John Wilson, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Perry, Gilbert, was born in Franklin county in 1855, son of Frank Perry, who was born in Canada in 1830, son of Martin, who was a laborer. Frank Perry was a farmer and woodsman, and came to Franklin county about 1845, where he still re sides. He married Betsey Farmer, by whom he had one child, Gilbert, who at tended the district school and was brought up to lumbering. When sixteen years of age he began for himself and when eighteen years of age took his first lumber con tract. From 1878 to 1888 he was employed as foreman under a superintendent in the lumber woods, and during 1888 acted as superintendent, putting in a stock of 21,500,- 000 feet of lumber. In 1889 he was sent to Oneida county and the Adirondacks prospecting for timber, the result of which was the purchasing of 93,000 acres of land by a syndicate, and the following year he came to Forestport as superintendent of a logging crew. He built the first logging camp on Black River and began operations with twenty-five men, the next year he entered into contract with the Forestport Lumber Company to clear Black River Valley of the lumber timber. In 1894 he took another contract of Denton & Waterbury to clear from a large tract of land the timber amounting to 400,000,000 feet and to deliver the logs at their mill at Forest port ; these two later contracts he is still operating on. Mr. Perry owns a farm in Franklin county and one in Forestport, where he now resides and which he superin tends. He is an active, enterprising business man, and to him is due the opening of the Black River country. In 1892 he put in a general store in Forestport and in 1895 erected a store at North Lake, which he stocked with general merchandise. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. In 1877 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Charles Camp, of Franklin county, by whom he has three children : Violet, May and Jane. Krebs, Albert, was born in Annsville, October 12, 1858, a son of Samuel and Rosanna (Yutzler) Krebs, both natives of Switzerland. His father, who was a cabi netmaker and cheesemaker by trade, came to America in the early fifties, and for a short time lived in Lee, and then removed to Annsville, where he engaged in farm ing for eight years. He then conducted a Swiss cheese factory at Blossvale about three years, and later operated a cheese factory at Lee State Road for two years, and since 1869 has been a resident of Lee, on the farm he now occupies, engaged in farming and the manufacture of Swiss and Limburger cheese. During the late Civil war he was a member of Co. F, 146th N. Y. Vols. , and after serving nearly a year was honorably discharged on account of disability. Mr. and Mrs. Krebs were the parents of seven children, five of whom survive: Samuel, jr., John F., Albert, Ed ward F. , and Susan K. (Mrs. Jacob Abbuhl). Albert was reared in his native coun- FAMILY SKETCHES. 101 try and educated in the common schools and Utica Business College, from which he graduated in the spring of 1882. The following year he conducted a Swiss cheese factory at Lee State Road, and has since been engaged in the business at home, be ing associated with his father and brother. He married, October 16, 1893, Hattie M., daughter of Cornelius J. Western of Boonville. He is a member of F. & A. M., Royal Arcanum, S. F. I., and P. of H. In 1888 he was appointed justice of the peace to fill a vacancy; and elected the following spring for a full term, and resigned in 1889 to accept an appointment of supervisor to fill an unexpired term, and was subsequently elected to the same office four successive terms, one year being placed at the head of the Republican and Democrat tickets. Mr. Krebs is a Democrat. Miller, Dr. Frederick Munger, was born in Clinton, N. Y., November 22, 1868, son of George L. and Cornelia (Foote) Miller. George L. is a native of Oneida county, sou of Phineas C. and Mary E. (Munger) Miller. Phineas C. is a native of Hanover Green, son of Isaac Miller, who came from Middleville, Conn, to Hanover Green about 1775, being one of the first settlers there. He took up 400 acres of land and cleared a home. In 1809 he went to Deansboro, where he died about 1840. Mrs. Cornelia (Foote) Miller was a native of Vernon, N. Y., daughter of Daniel B. and Eliza M. (Yale) Foote, who were early settlers of Vernon, where they came from Norfolk, Conn. George L. Miller was reared on a farm, and engaged in the mer cantile business in Clinton. He then went on the road as a commercial traveler, and settled in Utica in 1881, and in 1891 took up his residence at Deerfield. Dr. Frederick Miller was educated at the Clinton Grammar School and Utica Academy ; he was for one year at the University of Maryland, and two years at Long Island College Hospital, and he was graduated from the Long Island College Hospital in the spring of 1891, after which he commenced his practice at Deerfield; he also has an office in Utica. He is health officer of Deerfield and Marcy. He is a member of Shenandoah Lodge, I. O. O. F. In 1891 he married Marie A. Tefft, daughter of Dr! Charles B. Tefft of Utica, by whom he had two children: Charles Tefft, who died at the age of sixteen months, and Frederick M. Pratt, Charles A., was born in Verona, N. Y., in 1849. At the age of twelve he went to live with his uncle, N. J. Blackman, and attended the district schools. The early years of his life were devoted to dairy farming on a large scale and he also did a large lumbering business, together with the manufacture of cider and vinegar in company with his uncle. Mr. Pratt now owns the Summit View Stock Farm, where he makes a specialty of breeding the best strains of trotting horses. Among the best ones he has developed are Repetition 2:14J; Bon Homie, 2:17J; Charley Green, 2:19J, etc. Mr. Pratt has held the position of highway commissioner for six years. May 7, 1874, he married Mary L. Beck, formerly of Herkimer, and they have three sons: Jay H., W. Spencer, and Nahum B. Jay H. Pratt is actively en gaged in the horse business with his father. Mr. Pratt's father, William, was born in the town of Westmoreland, November 29, 1823. He married twice, first to Sarah M. Blackman, by whom he had three children: one died in infancy, Charles A., and Herbert W. Mr. William Pratt died January 22, 1891, and his wife died February 19, 1864. Mrs. Charles A. Pratt's father, Jacob Beck, was born in Germany, in March, 1830, and was educated in their schools. He came to the United States when eighteen years of age, first locating in Herkimer county. He married Elizabeth 102 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Brandenstein, a native of Germany, by whom he had seven children: MaryL., William, Caroline, Oliver, Julia, Frances, and Elizabeth. The family came to the town of Verona in 1854. The family is of English, Scotch and German descent. Potter, Carroll C, was born on the farm where he now resides, September 18, 1832, son of William and Angeline (Briggs) Potter, who settled in Marcy about 1824. They had eight children: Caroline Mattison, John, Betsey Fox, Carroll C, Roderick, Mary Ann Wilcox, Angeline and Henry J. William Potter was a farmer by occupation, and held the office of justice and assessor for about thirty years. He was also active in educational and church work, and helped to build the first school house in dis trict No. 5, in the town of Marcy in 1832. He also helped to organize the Baptist society, and was trustee at the time the church was erected in 1842. Carroll C. Potter married Sarah S., daughter of Hiram Getman. Mr. Potter has been justice of the peace for twenty years, and was appointed postmaster at Marcy in 1868. He was captain in the 41st Regt., 21st Brigade, 6th Division, N. G. S. N. Y. Mr. Potter has been connected with the School Board since 1857, and has been an officer of the church for twenty-five years, also takes an active part in agricultural societies, and is a member of the New York Central Farmers' Club. He is a secretary of the State Good Road's Committee, also a member of the County Good Roads Society He is a member of Marcy Grange, Utica F. & A. M., Lodge No. 47, and of Oneida Chapter of Utica. Shaw, Henry W., was born in Sheffield, England, September 25, 1830, son of John and Ann (Ashforth) Shaw, natives of England, who came to Albany, N. Y., in 1831, and in 1832 came to Deerfield, where they engaged in farming. His maternal grandfather, George Ashforth, was a cabinet maker at Vernon Center; and his paternal grandfather, John Shaw, was overseer of land estate in England, who in old age came to America, where he died at the age of ninety-four years. Henry W. has been engaged at railroading for ten years ; at the carpenter trade for twenty years, and was collector of toll on the Deerfield and Utica road, for three years. In 1857 he married Helen Sweet of Schuyler, who died in 1887, leaving one daugh ter, Cora A. In 1862 Mr. Shaw enlisted in Co. C, 117th, 4th Oneida Regt. and was honorably discharged May 10, 1864, because of disability. He is a charter member of Post McQuaid No. 14, G. A. R. Ballou, Ellis, was born near Boonville, in 1842, son of Ellis Ballou, also a native of that place. His grandfather, Peletiah Ballou, came from Rhode Island. Ellis Ballou, jr., was educated at Boonville, after which he engaged in farming, and now owns a farm of 170 acres. He is a Democrat in politics, and was highway commis sioner in 1882, and in 1884 was elected assessor. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. In 1875 he married Agnes Sester, of a French family of Boonville, by whom he had one daughter, Mary A. Brewer, Edward E., was born on the homestead in the town of Verona in 1840. He was educated in the common schools and Vernon Academy, and is by occupation a farmer. He is also a dealer in hay. In 1863 he married Melia Eigabroadt, of the town of Vernon, by whom he had two sons: James E. and Charles E. James E. is a prominent attorney in Oneida, N. Y. , and married Clara Swift, of Warren, Conn., by whom he had two daughters: Helen and Grace. Charles E. is a fireman on the FAMILY SKETCHES. 103 N. Y. C. & H. R. R.R. He married Lizzie Mahaney, of Vienna. Mr. Brewer's father, Morris P. , was also born here July 3, 1812. He was educated in the public schools and Hamilton College at Clinton, and was a farmer by occupation. He married Caroline E. Sage, by whom he had five children : James A., Theodore R., Edward E., as above, and Mercy E., now Mrs. John Merrill, of Toledo, Ohio, and Morris P. Mr. Brewer's grandfather, Artemus Brewer, was born in Massachusetts, about 1776. He married Electa Hall, by whom he had six children. He died in 1863, and his wife about 1858. Mrs. Brewer's father, Peter G. Eigabroadt, was born at Palatine Bridge, Montgomery county, N. Y., April 28, 1792. He married Lena Garlock, of his native place, and came to this county in 1840. They had thirteen children: Mary, Nancy, Elizabeth, Washington, David, James, Alonzo, Walter, Peter, Diana, William, Charles, and Amelia. Charles was a soldier in the late war, in the 3d N. Y. Vols., and died at Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Md. Peter was a soldier in a Wis consin Regiment, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. Mrs. Brewer's father was a soldier in the war of 1812. Her grandfather, Adam Garlock, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was in the battle of Oriskany. Bowen, John, was born near South Trenton, Oneida county, N. Y., April 2, 1851, son of William and Ann Bowen, who came from England and settled in Trenton about 1843. In early life William Bowen was a laborer, but later followed farming. His children are William E., Thomas, Elizabeth, John, Lydia, and Hannah. John Bowen married Carrie, daughter of Thomas and Maria Theobold, by whom he had one child, Fred W. Mr. Bowen is active in education, schbol and church work, and is also interested in town, county, and national affairs. He is a charter member and president of South Trenton Patrons of Industry, and has held other minor offices. Coventry, Robert, was born in Deerfield, N. Y. , on the farm he now owns, Au gust 19, 1837, son of Robert and Lydia (Barnes) Coventry, natives of Deerfield. His maternal grandparents were Aaron and Lucinda Barnes. Aaron Barnes was born at Lanesboro, Mass., March 16, 1781, and came to Deerfield in 1818; where he died March 25, 1852 ; and his father, Joseph Barnes, was a captain in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Coventry's paternal grandfather, Dr. Alexander Coventry, was born in Scotland, August 27, 1876, son of Capt. George Coventry, a soldier under George II in the French war. He studied medicine at Glasgow and Edingburgh, and in 1785 settled at Hudson, N. Y., where he engaged in the practice of medicine and farming. In 1796 he removed to Utica,. where he also practiced. In 1804 he engaged in fruit growing in Deerfield, where he took up his residence, but also continued his practice in Utica ; he died in 1831. Robert Coventry was born in Deerfield, February 7, 1807, and was engaged in farming in Deerfield, where he died February 15, 1888. Mrs. Coventry died December 27, 1885. Robert Coventry, jr., was educated at Whites- town Seminary, and November 18, 1863, he married Catherine, daughter of Reese and Jane (Jones) Lewis of Deerfield, N. Y., by whom he has three children: Helen, born September 26, 1864; Thomas L., born December 10, 1867, of the Utica Press; and Lydia Jane, born May 13, 1869, wife of Dr. Woodruff of Joliet, 111. Hughes, John W. , was born in Remsen, Oneida county, January 17, 1842, son of William and Catherine (Roberts) Hughes, natives of North Wales, who came to America in 1841, locating in Remsen, where they remained two years and then 104 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. removed to Henderson Harbor, Jefferson county, N. Y., thence to Wisconsin, and in 1845 located in Rome, where the father engaged in street contracting and speculat ing in real estate, and where he resided until his death, which occurred June 16, 1894, aged seventy-four years. He had four children, of whom John W. was the only one to reach maturity. John W. was educated in the public schools of Rome, and dur ing the late Civil war was a member of Co. B, 146th N. Y. Vols., enlisting August 26, 1862, served eighteen months, and was in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chan cellorsville and Gettysburg. Since 1867 Mr. Hughes has been engaged in farming, and has been a resident of Western since 1877. In 1867 he married Ann, daughter of Owen O. and Jeanette Evans, of Constableville, N. Y., by whom he has five chil dren surviving; one, Kittie, died young; those living are Jeanette, Elizabeth (Mrs. Hamilton), Grace, Catharine and William. Hemenway, Henry M., was born in Marcy, February 17, 1817, son of Nathan and Martha D. (Bruce) Hemenway. He was one of nine children: Louise, Susan, Patty, Henry M., James, Aurelia, Janette, Martha D. and Margaret. He married Mary, daughter of Austin and Maria Fuller, by whom he has one child-, Helen M., wife of Allison Holland. At the age of sixteen he left home and hired as a farm hand to Reuben Fox, near Holland Patent, where he remained until twenty-one, when he married and took on shares the farm of Aaron White of that place. When twenty- five he bought the farm in Floyd on which he has since resided. Mr. Hemenway was at one time captain in the State National Guards and is a descendant on the maternal side of the ancient Scottish family of Bruce. About 1660 his third great grandfather, Thomas Eames, settled in Framingham, Mass., and was early chosen selectman. His house was burned by the Indians February 1, 1676, his wife killed with some of his children and others taken captive. The massacre was committed by twelve Indians headed by Nitus. The actors did not long escape the hands of justice. Nitus was killed March 27 at Marlboro by a party of English under Lieutenant Jacobs, and his wife sold. Annecocken was dead before the close of summer. August 12 a warrant was issued by Thomas Danforth, magistrate, for the arrest of Joshua Assunt, John Dublet, William Jackstraw and two of his sons, also Jackstraw's wife, all of them Monguncog Indians. " Jackstraw and his two sons were examined by Mr. Danforth, to whom they confessed the act. The three were com mitted to prison with, probably, the others, and tried September 18 and three were executed on the 21. Porter, George L., was born at Boonville in 1851, son of Erastus C. Porter, who was also born at Boonville, and whose father, Ezekiel Porter, was a pioneer settler at the present homestead, where in the year 1810 he built the second frame house erected in that locality. Erastus C. Porter was twice married, having two children, one son and one daughter by his first wife who died in 1838 ; in 1842 he married Jane Kent, by whom he had two children, all of whom are now dead except George L., the subject of the present sketch. In 1886 Erastus C. Porter died aged eighty-one years; he was a man of sterling worth and energy and was respected and hon ored by all who knew him; his wife died nine years later aged eighty-three years. George L. Porter devoted his life to farming where his ancestors resided be fore him, and has done much to beautify the place by building a handsome residence and new barns and out buildings. In 1872 he married Sarah Reynolds, by whom he has four children: Charles E., Walter J., Frank and Le Roy. FAMILY SKETCHES. 105 Roberts, Mrs. Emma J., is the widow of the late Hon. R. H. Roberts, who died in 1888, aged fifty-one years. He was born in Wales in 1837, and came to America when two years of age. In 1870 he married Emma J., daughter of Spencer Pitcher, of Boonville, by whom he had three children: Anna Lena; Robert H., a law student in the office of Hon. H. W. Bentley; and Emma J., who died in 1874. In 1865 Mr. Roberts engaged in building oil tanks in the Pennsylvania oil regions, but afterward retailed wagons, cutters, etc. He was elected supervisor in 1874 and 1875, and was sent to the Assembly in 1877. In 1883 he represented Oneida county in the State Senate. Latterly his allegiance was given to the Democratic party. Soule, Germain M. , was born in Floyd, son of Nicholas and Mary E. (Burlison) Soule, who had two children: Minnie E. and Germain M. Nicholas Soule is a native of Oneida county, son of Thomas E., who came from Connecticut about 1800 and was a carpenter by trade. Germain M. Soule married Libbie, daughter of Earnest and Dora (Dussel) Brueckner, by whom he has two children ; Nicholas G. and Almira D.. In 1888 Mr. Soule engaged in the mercantile business at Floyd in which he con tinued for two years. He has since been engaged in farming and dealing in agricul tural implements. He was elected inspector of election, appointed town clerk and in 1892 was elected supervisor. For the last two years he has been highway com missioner. He is a member of Oriskany Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 799; O. U. F. of Stittville ; Floyd Grange ; and is president of the Patrons of Industry. Sargent, Foster, was born at Sterling, Mass., in 1849, son of N. M. Sargent, who was of English descent, and was born at Lancaster, Mass., in 1813. He came here in 1851 and established the industry of chair manufacturing, one of the important features in the development of the town. In 1857 he purchased the plant of the Tuttle estate, which covers seven acres and furnishes employment for many men. He married LydiarA. Roper, by whom he had four children : Augustus W. (deceased), Nellie, M. Foster, and Frank L. His death in 1884 was universally regretted by the community, with which he had been so closely identified for so many years. Foster and Frank L. Sargent then formed a copartnership styled N. M. Sargent's Sons, and fully maintain the reputation earned during the lifetime of the founder of the enter prise. Foster Sargent has always been engaged in the above enterprise. He first married Nettie Rohda, who died January 13, 1889, and afterward married Hattie E. Hubbard of Gregg, N. Y., by whom he had one son, Walter Sargent. N. M. Sar gent represented the town two years in the Oneida county Board of Supervisors, and at various times was trustee of the village ; Frank Sargent the junior member of the present firm was born at Boonville August 22, 1853. He married Miss Anna Monna- han, by whom he has one daughter, Anna May, and one son, Frank Harvey Sar gent; he is the business manager of the firm of N. M. Sargent's Sons. Swartwout, Leander, M. D., was born in Pamelia, Jefferson county, N. Y., April 30, 1842, son of Enoch and Sally Swartwout. Leander Swartwout was educated in the district and select schools of Jefferson county, and in 1861 entered the Fairfield Academy. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. C, 121st Regt. N. Y. Vols. , and was discharged in 1863. In 1864 he again entered the Fairfield Academy, where he graduated. He taught school for forty terms, and in 1878 he entered the Albany Medical College, where he graduated in 1880, and since which time he has practiced in Prospect. He 106 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. is a member of the Oneida County Medical Society, and was once its president, and for three years was a delegate to the New York Medical Society and is a member of same, and he was also coroner for three years. He married Sarah E. C. Northrup, by whom he had three children: Anna K., Addie F., and George A. He married for his second wife, Mrs. Mary'E. Hibbard, by whom he has four children: Kate L., Caradori, Manuela, and Ruth. He is a member of the Remsen F. & A.M., I.O.O.F., and I.O.R.M. of Prospect, and also of the Thomas Post, of which, he was commander for several years. Dorn, Samuel, was born in Ava, Oneida county, in 1845, son of Charles Dorn. Charles Dorn was born in Baden, Germany, and settled in Ava at the beginning of the century. He was a farmer, and a man of great natural ability, as was evidenced by the long yet ultimately successful litigation with the town of" Ava, which he had concerning an unjust taxation imposed upon him. Samuel Dorn gained his educa tion at Ava, much of which was acquired by personal research and investigation. He owns a farm in Chenango county of 100 acres, and one here of 300 acres ; the principal product is potatoes, raising from 2,000 to 4,000 bushels annually for the past twenty years, and which is shipped by Mr. Dorn himself to New York. In 1876 he married Angeline Sprague, who was born in McDonough, Chenango county, and was the granddaughter of Joseph Sprague, who came from Massachusetts and settled on the farm now owned by Mr. Dorn, when the entire country was a vast wilderness; the nearest grist mill being twenty miles away." They have two sons: Frank, aged nineteen, at present operating a gasoline engine; and Jacob, aged fourteen. Mr. , Dorn is president of the board of directors of the Grange store of Boonville, and is a prominent granger ; he is also a Republican, but has no proclivity for office. Potter, John W. , was born on the farm where he now resides, October 17, 1859, son of John and Sarah (Wilcox) Potter ; and John was a son of William Potter, who settled in this county about 1826. John W. was one of two children ; the other, Cora S., wife of James B. Weaver, of Fonda, la. John Potter was engaged in farming ; was active in town and county affairs, and was interested in educational work. John W. Potter married Mary E., daughter of Evan D. and Elenor Jones. He has been very active in public affairs; was assessor of Floyd from 1884 to 1887, 'and also supervisor in 1888-89-90 ; and was elected supervisor of the town of Marcy March 3, 1896, for two years. He was very active in the church and Sunday-school of the Marcy Baptist church. Mr. Potter was master of the Marcy Grange No. 620 and member of Oriskany Lodge No. 799, F. & A. M. Lockwood, Andrew J., was born in Berlin, Rensselaer county, N.Y., February 13, 1846. His father, Cornelius Lockwood, was a farmer, charcoal maker and lumber man, born in Rensselaer in 1806, son of John Lockwood, of Walton, Delaware county, N. Y. His mother was Asenath Hornocker, born in Stephentown, Rens selaer county, in 1814. In 1859 they removed to Forestport, where Mr. Lock- wood died in April, 1890, aged eighty-four years, and Mrs. Lockwood died in February, 1892, aged nearly seventy-eight years. The other children born to Cornelius Lockwood and wife were: two who died infancy; Jane Elizabeth Crop- sey, married in 1852, died April 1, 1882; James E., died February 21, 1882; Cor- FAMILY SKETCHES. 107 nelius, of Utica; Adelia died aged two [years, then Andrew J., the subject of this sketch ; Henry, living at White Lake, N. Y. ; Catharine M. Griffith, at White Lake ; Lewis of Forestport; and Amaziah, of New York city. January 1, 1864, when nearly eighteen years of age, Andrew J. Lockwood enlisted in Co. F, 117th N. Y. Vols., and went out as a recruit, but was later transferred to the 48th Regiment, his principal battles being Swift Creek, Drury's Bluff, Bermuda Hundred, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Fort Fisher, Fort Anderson, campaign of the Carolinas and Bennett House. Since the war he has been actively engaged in lumbering and farming, owning two farms, and devotes his time to dairy farming. He has served as poor- master and assessor of his town, and is now serving in the latter capacity. He is now commander of the Henry Walker G. A. R. Post No. 181 of Forestport. In De cember, 1866, he married Mary J. Drextel, by whom he has had seven children: Olive A. Betsinger, of the town of Western; Solon A., deceased; Victor V., married and has two sons, Earl V. and Andrew J., jr.; Chloe H., deceased; Edith L. Cas ler, of Forestport ; Mary A. ; and Royal H. , deceased. Mrs. Mary Lockwood died September 22, 1893, and his present wife, to whom he was married December 6, 1894, is Maria La Moine Kirkland, who was born in Whitestown June 13, 1863, daughter of James B. and Amy Jane (Carpenter) Kirkland, of Forestport, N.Y. Armstrong, William C. , was born in Annsville, Oneida county, April 11, 1830, one of eleven children of George and Adelia (Walrath) Armstrong. He was educated in this town, and is now the owner of a fine farm of 200 acres, dairying being his principal business. He married Sarah Campbell, of Annsville, by whom he had six children: George, May, Willie, Alice, Sarah, and Kittie. Mr. Armstrong is a Democrat in politics, was supervisor of the town in 1875, and has been assessor six years. Dodge, E. C, was born at Carthage in 1842, son of Clark Dodge, a noted banker of Boonville, and who first engaged in wagon manufacture at Carthage, where he was president of the Carthage Exchange Bank, and was also a retail druggist and builder there. In 1866 he established the Bank of Boonville, which, after passing through various financial vicissitudes, was reorganized in 1876, as the First National Bank of Boonville. C. E. Dodge was engaged in the retail drug business at Carth age, which business he resumed in Boonville, where he came at twenty-four years of age. For many years he has been cashier of the bank, with which his father was so closely identified throughout his life. In 1876 he married Cassie Donnelly, daughter of Bernard Donnelly, esq. Davis, John J., was born in the town of Florence, October 4, 1859, son of Thomas Davis, who was born in England, and came to the United States when twenty-one years of age, first settling on Florence Hill, where he engaged in farming, which business he followed until his death, which occurred in 1872. He married Mary Hodson, of England, by whom he had ten children. John J. was educated in the district schools of Florence, after which he engaged in farming, and now owns 107 acres of land, mostly improved. He married Dora, daughter of Wilbert Upson, of Camden, by whom he had on child, Frances Louisa, deceased. Mr. Davis is a mem ber of Camden Grange, and in politics is a Democrat. Halstead, John, was born in Holland Patent, January 12, 1824, son of Joseph and 108 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Sarah Halstead, whose children were Warren, Luther, Mary, Martha, John, Harvey, Jane, and Edmund R., who was killed in the war of the Rebellion September 17, 1861. Joseph served in the war of 1812, and his father, Joseph, in the Revolutionary war. John Halstead married Clara A., daughter of George S. Parked and they have two children : Ella, wife of Fred H. Lillibridge, and May, who married Edwin K. Leonard. In early life Mr. Halstead engaged in farming, lumbering, and milling, but lately has given most of his time to the manufacturing of paper. In 1856 he was elected to the Assembly. He has held the office of supervisor for two years. Hainault, Rev. Francis J. , was born in the city of Oswego, N. Y. , August 15, 1855, one of five children of Francis and Helen (Slaven) Hainault, who were natives of Canada, and came to the United States about 1850. Francis J. attended St. Mary's Parochial School, where he began the foundation of his educational life, and after wards the public schools of Oswego. On account of the closing of the High School in 1872 he became a student of Falley Seminary, Fulton, N. Y., from which he grad uated in classics and sciences. From L'Assomption College, near Montreal, he graduated in philosophy at the head of his class in 1875, and was ordained to the priesthood in the Grand Seminary of Montreal, Laval University t on December 21, 1878, receiving the degree of S. T. B. He has filled many prominent charges, among which having been chaplain of prominent Onondaga county institutions, and has been rector of St. Patrick's church, Taberg, N. Y., nearly twelve years. Jones, Robert H., was born in the town of Marcy, November 3, 1851, son of Evan D. and Eleanor Jones. Robert H. Jones married Delia M., daughter of Harrison J. and Mary A. Sweet, whose ancestors came to Oneida county in 1797, and by whom he has one daughter, Gertrude E. In 1868 he engaged in carpenter work, which he followed for four years; he then engaged in cheesemaking for three years, since which time he has followed farming. He is interested in educational matters, also town and county affairs. Jones, John R., was born in Remsen, Oneida county, in 1855. He is the eldest of three children of Richard Jones, and is of Welsh ancestry. Richard Jones was born in Wales in 1822, and married soon after coming to America in 1854, Ellen Williams, also a Welsh descendant. They first settled in Boonville at farming, and continued that occupation until 1880, when he died, much loved and respected by all who knew him. John R. Jones follows successfully in the business of his father. In 1882 he married Clara L. Van Voorhis, by whom he has three children: Herbert J., Glenn Howard, and Beulah I. Keeler, Miles L., was born in the town of Florence, November 4, 1837, son of Nathaniel Keeler, who was born in Saratoga county, N. Y., September 4, 1792, and removed to Madison county in 1810, and in 1835 came to the town of Florence, where he engaged in farming until 1856, when he came to the town of Camden, where he died in 1873. He married Lydia Hall of Madison county, N. Y., and they were the parents of four children: Emily, Parnel, Henry J., and Charles B. For his second wife he married Amanda, daughter of Elijah Gaylord, and they were among the first settlers of Florence. To them were' born two children: Miles L., and Walter E. , who are farmers in Camden. Miles G. was educated in the towns of Camden and Florence, and has followed farming, teaching school in the winter. For his first FAMILY SKETCHES. 109 wife he married Louisa W., daughter of Daniel Peck of Camden, and they were the parents of three children : Lena J., Mable A. (deceased), and Alta J. For his second wife he married Sophia, daughter of Pliny Phelps of Camden, and to them have been born one son, Henry P. In politics Mr. Keeler is a Republican, and has held the offices of town collector and assessor for nine years. He is a member of the Camden Grange. Pillmore, John, was born in Yorkshire, England, May 14, 1830, a son- of William and Sarah (Rowbotham) Pillmore. In 1836 he came to America with his mother, a widow with eight children: George, Jane (Mrs. William Floyd), William, Mary (Mrs. Pardon Macomber), Robert, Thomas, John, and Sarah (Mrs. Thomas A. Shirley), who located in Western. John was reared in Western, and in 1849 he crossed the plains to California, where he remained eight years successfully engaged in mining. In 1857 he returned home and in 1866 purchased the farm in Western which he still retains, but resides in Rome. In 1860 he married Margaret, daughter of Daniel D. and Mary (Young) Van Alstine of Danube, Herkimer county, N. Y., and they have three children: Charles, of Western, Fred, and Grace, of Rome. Mr. and Mrs. Pill more are members of the Methodist church. In politics he is a Republican. Tradi tion links the early history of the Pillmores with that of Rev. Joseph Pilmoor, one of two of the first traveling preachers sent to America in 1769 by Rev. John Wesley. Capron, James H., was born in Ava, Oneida county, N. Y., July 11, 1828, son of Henry and Betsey (Kent) Capron, he a native of Western and she of Lewis county, and grandson of John and Jemima (Martin) Capron, who were pioneers of the town of Western, coming there from Rhode Island. From Western they removed to Lee, where they died. Henry Capron spent his life as a farmer in Ava. He was a sol dier in the war of 1812, and died in 1875. His wife died in 1873. In politics he was a Republican, and was supervisor and justice for many years. James H. Capron was reared on the farm. He has made a success of farming, now owning farms of about 1,200 acres, and keeping a dairy of about 160 cows. He is a Republican in politics, and has been superintendent of schools of Ava, also supervisor of the town. In 1867 he moved to Mankato, Minn., 'and remained one summer. In 1868 he re moved to Boonville, where he has since resided, taking an active part in all public matters. He was for several years an active member of the Board of Education, the board of village trustees and president of the village. In 1855 he married Maria L Cagwin, by whom he had one son, Henry, who died November 11, 1886. Mrs. Capron died December 31, 1859, and February 10, 1864, Mr. Capron married Hetta Brinckerhoff, of Boonville, by whom he has two sons: Benjamin A., a lawyer of Boonville, who married Anna Jackson; and Ambrose C, who resides on the home farm, and married Maud Douglass, of Boonville. Mr. Capron is a member of the Odd Fellows. Pugh, William E., was born in the town of Remsen, August 21, 1847, son of Evan Pugh, who was born in Wales in 1804, one of four sons born to Evan Pugh, who came to America in 1813, bringing his family with him, and settled in Remsen on wild timber land, where he cleared a farm and became prosperous. He was a carpenter by trade and lived to be over eighty years of age. Evan Pugh, father of William E., was a carpenter and wagon maker by trade, but later engaged 110 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. in farming, first purchasing forty acres of land, to which he added until he owned over 200 acres. He was active in politics and held several town offices for eighteen years, and was deacon in the Baptist church for twentv-five years. He married Ann Jones, by whom he had six children : Richard, t arah, Elizabeth, Hugh, Cath erine and William E. He died in 1877, and his wife in January, 1893. William E. was educated in the district schools in Remsen, and when twenty-one years of age began for himself. After his father's death he rented the homestead of the heirs, cared for his mother until her death, and in 1889 bought his present farm of sixty- two acres, on which he carries on a dairy business, and is also interested in the breeding of Holstein cattle and has a fine herd. In 1887 he married Mary J., daugh ter of Richard and Ellen Hughes, by whom he had three children : Anna, Richard and Sarah. Thomas, Griffith D., was born near Camroden, N. Y , March 39, 1847, son of Rich ard and Jane Thomas, who settled here about 1832. They have fourteen children : Evan, Jane, Griffith, John, Margaret, William, Samuel, James, Owen, Richard, Thomas, David, Gomer, and Edwin. Richard was engaged in early life in farming, but later in cheese making. He was public spirited and active in town affairs. Griffith Thomas married Nancy L., daughter of John Abell, by whom he has two children. Fred R. and Gertrude L. He worked for his father until 1870, when he purchased his father's interest in the cheese factory, which he has since conducted. He was supervisor in 1891, and trustee of the Westernville Presbyterian church, and director of the Farmers Insurance Co. of Oneida county ; also secretary and treasurer of the cheese factory, which makes about 185,000 lbs. of cheese per year. Meays, John H., was born in Vienna, November 30, 1840, son of Thomas and Mary Jane Meays, who settled in the town about 1839. Thomas married Mary Jane, daughter of Barton Palmer, who was a pioneer of Trenton Falls, and they were the parents of four children: Helen Butler; John H. ; George Barton, who enlisted in the 14th N. Y. Vols. , and was shot while on picket duty and died in Emery Hos pital ; and Annie E. John H. married Minerva, daughter of Charles Case of Alle gany county, and they have three children : Barton C. , Orson H. , and Mary M. He is a member of Vienna Lodge No. 440, F. & A. M. , and of Sylvan Beach Lodge No. 336. I.O.O.F. He was supervisor of the town of Vienna for one term. Shirley, Thomas A., was born in Steuben, Oneida county, February 33, 1888, a son of John and Ann (Grimmit) Shirley, natives of Warwickshire, England, who came to America in 1826 and located in Utica, where the father, who was a wheel wright, worked at his trade, also in Steuben, for several years, later engaged in farming, and in 1841 removed to Western and worked at his trade up to his death, which occurred in 1868, aged eighty years. His children were Hannah, William, Sarah (Mrs. J. P. Savage), John, Elizabeth (who married S. W. Savage), Thomas A., Jennie, and Mary1 (Mrs. James Smith). Thomas A. was reared in Western from eight years of age, and since attaining his majority has been engaged principally in farming, though for thirteen years followed boating on the Black River and Erie Canal. December 27, 1855, he married Sarah, daughter of William and Sarah (Rowbotham) Pillmore, of Western, and has four children living: Eliza (Mrs. E. S. Grower), Jennie (Mrs. F. J. Grower), Lucia and Fred. Mr. Shirley is a member of FAMILY SKETCHES. Ill the M. E. church, has been justice of the peace of Western four years, and politi cally is a Republican. Coughlin, John B., was born in Forestport, N. Y., in November, 1867, son of Timothy Coughlin, who was born in Canada in 1832, and who was one of five chil dren born to John and Catherine (McGuire) Coughlin, both natives of Ireland. John Coughlin, grandfather of John B., now resides with his daughter, Mrs. McGuire, in Forestport, and is over ninety years of age. Timothy Coughlin was a farmer and lumberman, and sold great quantities of spile and spar timber. He served six years as supervisor, also as collector and road commissioner. He married Mary Bennett, a native of Ireland, by whom he had five children: John B., Edward, Mary, Elizabeth and Frank. Mr. Coughlin died in 1892, and his wife in 1874. John B. Coughlin received his education in the district schools, and at seventeen years of age engaged in farming and lumber business, which he followed for seven years, after which he engaged as timekeeper on the A. & St. L. R. R., during its construc tion. In 1891 he engaged in the lumber business, taking contracts, in which busi ness he is now actively engaged ; and he owns considerable property in Utica. Patten, Delford, was bom in the town of Verona, N. Y., in 1838. He was edu cated in the public schools and Cazenovia Seminary', and has always followed the oc cupation of farming. February 17, 1878, he married Charlotte A. Stewart, of Oneida, Madison county, and they have one son, Robert B., who is a farmer at home. Mr. Patten's father, Alfred Patten, was born in Manheim, Herkimer county, N. Y., in 1796. He was educated in the schools of his day, and was a farmer by occupation. He married Ann Benedict, of Richfield, Otsego county, N. Y. , by whom he had four children : Lafayette, Robert, Delford, as above, and Barbara A. He was a colonel in the State militia, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. He died June 6, 1873, and his wife September 5, 1875. Mrs. Patten's father, George Stewart, was born near Blaranathel, Perthshire, Scotland, in 1792, and came to the United States with his parents when twelve years of age, locating in Madison county, N. Y. He married twice, first to Miss Mercy Grose, by whom he had two children : Daniel and Elizabeth. For his second wife he married Jane Stewart, of Johnstown, Fulton county, by whom he had five children: Catherine M., John G., Alexander J., Char lotte A., as above, and Jeanette S. He died November 6, 1875, and his wife No vember 16, 1889. The ancestry of this family is English, Dutch and Scotch. Weber, A. H., was born in Utica April 8, 1860. His father. Christian Weber, was born in Germany and came to America when a boy, locating in LTtica, where he now resides. His mother, Mary Louisa Hartman, died in 1869. A. W. Weber was edu cated in his native city. In 1874 he removed with his parents to Washington county, la., where he lived upon a farm until 1881, when he returned to Utica and entered the employ of John Kohler, the West Utica dry goods merchant, until the spring of 1889, when he came to Waterville, establishing a fine clothing business. In 1884 ne married Anna M. Simmerer of Utica, by whom he has one son, Ralph E. Weber. Mr. Weber is a Republican in politics and a member of the First Presby terian church, and of Sanger Lodge No. 129, F. & A. M. Mills, E. Deloss, was born in the town of Kirkland, Oneida county, N. Y., July 8, 1844. He was a son of Andrew and Marilla (Wetmore) Mills, both natives of Oneida 112 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. county. Andrew Mills came to Oneida county in 1803, being one of the pioneers in the town of Kirkland. Mr. Mills at once engaged in agriculture, in which pursuit he devoted his life, accumulating considerably property as a result of his industry and energy. E. Delos Mills was one of a family of four children, namely: Charlotte L., Andrew W. , Harriet and the subject of this sketch. Harriet died some years ago, Mr. Mills spent his early life on the farm and there acquired an extensive experience in hop culture, which he has since turned to account in a business way. Since 1877 he has been engaged in hop buying, carrying on a large business. He received his business education at the Utica Business College, aud that together with his practical experience has enabled him to conduct a successful business. Outside of business affairs Mr. Mills is especially active in the Masonic fraternity, having been honored by that body with many important offices. He was made a Mason in 1867 and was chosen master of Clinton Lodge in 1876 and 1777 ; again in 1889, 1890 and 1891. In 1895 he was again elected and is still serving in that capacity. He is also a member of Oneida Chapter R. A. M. , No. 57 of Utica, and of the Rome Commandery No. 45 K. T. Mr. Mills married Louisa, daughter of William Jones, of Newville, Herkimer county. They reside in Clinton. Brooks, W. A., was born on the same street on which he now lives, December 8, 1834, and worked on a farm until twenty-one years of age, when he learned the trade of carpenter. In 1869 he engaged in the saw mill business, which he has successfully conducted ever since. In 1872 he married Sarah L. Brown, by whom he has one daughter, Mrs. Wayne E. Small. Mr. Brooks's parents were Morgan and Lu cretia (Adams) Brooks. His grandfather, Roger Brooks, was a carpenter, and erected the first two story house in Utica. This house was erected for his brother, Barnabas Brooks, who was the first jeweler in Utica. Mr. Brooks has to-day an old- fashioned rule, once the property of Roger Brooks, and also a knee buckle made by Barnabas Brooks, besides other valuable heirlooms. His grandfather, Roger Brooks, came from from Blandford, Mass., and settled in the town of Nelson, Madison county. He has been collector of the town of Marshall, and is a member of the Grange at Waterville. He makes lumber, shingles, cider, etc. , and is noted for his hop cowls, of which he has made more than any man in the world. Day, Julius, was born in Deansboro, N. Y., May 3, 1841, son of Adonijah, a native of Burlington Flats, Otsego county, and Sophia (Titus) Day, a daughter of Billy Titus. His grandfather, Adonijah, was a native of Connecticut. Julius Day was for some time engaged in the produce business, but lately has given all of his atten tion to farming. He was supervisor of the town of Marshall from 1879 to 1884, and again in 1886, making six years in all. He also held the position of town clerk, be fore bei ig supervisor. In 1877 he married Mary, daughter of Thomas P. and Mary Ann Young, by whom he has three children: Walter Julius, Nellie and Hattie. Mr. Day is one of the most highly respected men in Marshall, and is regarded as a lead ing man in many ways. Sanford, Mrs. Helen B. — The late Hon. George H. Sanford, son of George and Louisa Gibbs Sanford, was born at Sanford's Ridge, in the town of Queensbury, N. Y. , in 1836, and a year later removed with his parents to Glens Falls, where he remained until he was thirteen years of age, enjoying such educational advantages FAMILY SKETCHES. 113 as the place afforded. At thirteen years of age he removed to Albany, where he found employment as receiving and shipping clerk with Mead, Burnham & Co., wholesale lumber dealers, and, with the exception of one year spent at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, at Troy, N. Y., remained in their employ for seven years. During three winters of this time he was lumbering on his own account in Greene county, N. Y., and Potter county, Pa. When twenty years of age he went to Syra cuse and engaged in the lumber and salt trade, combining with it the manufacture of lumber at Saginaw, Mich. , and locating pine lands in the productive pineries of that State. He was connected with one of the pioneer companies, organized in 1858, to bore for salt water in the Saginaw Valley. In 1861 he married Helen (Breese) Stevens, only granddaughter of the late Hon. S. Sidney Breese, of Oneida county, N. Y. In 1862, having acquired a competence, he removed to Oneida county, where he remained until the time of his death. He was appointed president of the Oneida Savings Bank, and director in the Oneida Valley National Bank and Rome and Clinton Railroad Company. He also about this time re-embarked with his younger brother, David, in the lumber business at Rome, N.Y. In 1864 and again in 1868 he was delegate to the National Democratic Conventions. In 1865-66 he was elected super visor of his town by solid majorities. In 1867 he was nominated for State senator, and ran ahead of his ticket; was elected to the Assembly in 1866, afld to the Senate in 1870-71. He died at his residence November 25, 1871, being the third member of the Senate of 1870-71 smitten by death during his term of service. O'Toole, Frank W., is a recent successor to the formerly well-known firm of O'Toole & Finnegan, boot and shoe dealers. Mr. O'Toole was born in Waterville, son of John and Ann (Clarke) O'Toole, both of whom are living in Waterville. He was educated in Kirkland Hall, Clinton, N. Y. , and has been identified with the trade for some eight years. Whitney, Col. S. S. , was born December 2, 1814, son of Jared and Patience (Husted) Whitney. His grandfather, Samuel Whitney, was one of the early settlers in Kirk land, and took up the farm which Colonel Whitney still owns. Mr. Whitney lived on a farm until twenty one years of age, when he learned the trade of carpenter, and in which he was engaged for twenty-five years, after which he resumed farm ing. He was colonel of the 140th Regiment in the 13th Brigade, 20th Division of the N. Y. State militia, and is one of the oldest and most highly respected residents of Oneida county. Bangs, G. R., was born January 3, 1831, son of Dennis and Roana (King) Bangs, who settled in Pleasant Valley, and lived there for fifty years. G. R. Bangs engaged in farming up to 1891, when he sold his place to Colonel Sanger, and moved to Wa terville. In 1877 he married Frances M. , daughter of Nicholas and Marietta (Green) Edwards, by whom he has one daughter, Florence M. Nichols Edwards, son of Elijah and Catherine Van Buren Edwards, was born August 5, 1809, at Kinderhook, N. Y., and was a direct descendant of Martin Van Buren. He lived to be eighty -five years old, and came to Waterville when nine years of age with his parents, who settled upon the farm now owned by the Charlemagne Tower estate. In 1839 he went to live upon the eminence where he spent the remaining fifty-five years of his life, only changing from the old house to the new. At middle age he was possessed 114 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of a fine property ; a man of strong character and striking individuality, and during all his long life was distinguished for his sterling honesty and Christianity. Chapman O. B., was born August 3, 1873, son of C. L. and Mercy S. (Tompkins) Chapman. He was educated in Winfield Academy and the New York School of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated in April, 1894. He then purchased the drug business in Clayville, which he has conducted under the name of C. L. Chap man & Son, the senior member being his father. His grandfather was Willard Chapman and his great-grandfathor was John Chapman. His maternal grandfather was Joshua Tompkins, and maternal great-grandfather was Nathaniel Tompkins. Barnum, D. A., M. D,, was born in the town of Paris, N. Y., April 16, 1845, son of David H. and and Narina (Budlong) Barnum. His great-grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The Barnum family originally came from Connecticut. Dr. Barnum was educated at the common and select schools and Fort Edward Insti tute. He studied medicine with Dr. Budlong, and was graduated from the Albany- Medical College in 1865, having taken his degree before he was of age. He was appointed assistant surgeon to the Sixteenth N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and was in the field with his regiment for six months. Immediately after the war he began the practice of his profession in Cassville, where he has since maintained his office, and has risen to a front rank in his profession. He is a member of the Oneida County Medical Society, The Medical Society of the State of New York, and of the Medical Association of the State of New York. He was supervisor of the town of Paris from 1888 to 1892, and is chairman of the Democratic County Committee, which position he has filled for six years. In 1876 Dr. Barnum married Catharine Rhodes, of Os wego, N.Y., who was the youngest daughter of Benjamin Rhodes, one of the pioneers of the town of Bridgewater, N. Y. , where she was born. Griffiths, Lewis G. , was born in the town of Russia, Herkimer county, November 26, 1854, son of William C. and Jane Griffiths, who came from Wales and settled in Russia, where Mr. Griffiths was employed in the tannery business. He moved to New Hartford, Stittville, and then to Prospect, where with his son he engaged in the tannery business, which they followed until his death, July 31, 1882, at fifty-four years of age. Mr. Griffiths and his son, Lewis G., were both members of the Remsen Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 677, Oneida Chapter No. 57, Utica Commandery No. 3, and Lewis G. is a 32d degree Mason; also a member of the I. O. R. M. No. 221, of Pros pect, and I. O. O. F., of Trenton, and was treasurer of the Remsen Lodge, F. & A. M. , from 1880 to 1885. After his father's death he conducted the tannery business until it burned, since which time he has lived retired. Wood, A. E., was born in Cooperstown, Otsego county, July 29, 1865, son of Will iam H. and Mary (Smith) Wood. His grandfather, Robert Wood, was a native of Kent, England, and came to America in 1836. A. E. Wood was educated in the Cooperstown Union School and Academy, ^and the Clinton Liberal Institute at Fort Plain, N. Y., from which he graduated in 1885. After a short time at the carpenter's trade, he engaged in the mercantile business in Cooperstown, and in 1886 he went to Hubbardsville, and in 1888 came to Waterville, where he is interested in the mer cantile business, and is also senior partner of the firm of A. E. Wood & Co., job printers. In 1888 he married Eva Terry Nash. Mr. Wood is an enterprising young FAMILY SKETCHES. 115 business man, and was for two years clerk of the corporation. He served three years on the Republican county committee, and is secretary of the Grange. On January 18, 1896, he purchased the stock of general merchandise of his father-in-law, C. R. Nash, and is now conductiag the finest arranged dry goods, grocery and boot and shoe store in the village of Waterville ; his store is called the Palace Store and is justly named. Barton, D. W., was born on the old homestead in the town of Marshall, in 1835, son of Eliphaz and Polly (Barker) Barton. His grandfather, David Barton, came to the town of Paris from Granby, Mass., prior to 1800. He walked all the way, and began a clearing ; he also carried wheat on his back from Utica, and planted it with an ax among the stumps, and he was a pioneer from that part of the county. David Barton's father, David Barton, was a captain in the Revolutionary war. The principal occupation of D. W. Barton's life has been farming, and for thirty years he was engaged in growing seeds for prominent houses in New York and Philadel phia. He was also the pioneer of the commercial fertilizing business in Oneida county, and followed that twenty years. In 1861 he married Mary A. Oliver, by whom he has two children: Mrs. Eva Barton Miller, and Gertrude M. Barton. Bartholomew, James J., was born at Vernon Center, October 5, 1854. His father, James Bartholomew, was born in the town of Kirkland, N. Y., in 1793. He served in the war of 1812, having the rank of corporal, and at the close of the war returned to his native town and engaged in farming, and subsequently moved to Vernon Cen ter. Charles Bartholomew, grandfather of James J., came from Farmington, Conn., where his ancestors had lived since coming to this country. He was a participant in the Revolutionary war, serving in several expeditions, first under Colonel Douglass in New York, and then at Albany, being there at the time of the advance of General Burgoyne. The Bartholomews came from a long line of English ancestry. James Bartholomew married for his first wife, Ruth Cushman, who died January 24, 1851, and in 1853 he married Lucy E. Stockwell, who died October 16, 1876, James Jay being a child by the second marriage. Mr. Bartholomew died in Deansville in 1877. James Jay attended the school at Vernon Center and the Vernon Academy, and when thirteen years old he engaged as clerk in the store of S. Case's Sons at Vernon, where he remained eleven years. After spending one year with S. C. Hayden & Co. at Syracuse, N. Y., he returned to Vernon, and entered into the management of the large flouring mill of Joel H. Hills, and a few years later came into full control, which he still continues. In 1878 he married Mary H. ,. daughter of J. H. Hills, by whom he has two children: William Van Hills and Lucy Hope. Cunningham, James, was born in Stewarton, Scotland, January 24, 1844. He was educated in his native town, and has been engaged in the manufacture of Scotch caps all of his life. He came to America in 1880 and settled in Utica, at which place he was engaged to start and conduct the cap factory of D. W. Northrup & Co. After two years of service there, he removed to Oriskany Falls and established the business of Hatheway & Reynolds, which he conducted for one year, after which he with W. F. Boynton carried on the same line of manufacturing till 1889. In that year James Cunningham & Son entered into partnership for the manufacture of Scotch caps, and are now conducting a large and prosperous business. His father 116 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was also a manufacturer of Scotch caps in Stewarton, Scotland, where he was born in November, 1815, and died at Kilmarnock, Scotland, in 1888, at the age of seventy- three. His mother was Susan McQueen, also a native of Stewarton, Scotland, born in 1818, and died at Kilmarnock, in 1864. James Cunningham was married in Stew arton, to Mary Boyle, born June 9, 1842, and died at Oriskany Falls, December 2, 1892. They had ten children, five of whom are deceased. Four of the five sons now living are engaged with their father ; David being an active partner with his father, and who, in 1884, married Nettie Clay of Oriskany Falls. Mr. James Cun- nningham is a Royal Arch Mason, having received his thirty-second degree while in Scotland. April 2, 1894, he married Elizabeth Black, a native of Danbury, Conn. Haynes, George H., was born in Marcy, N. Y., December 31, 1840, son of Na thaniel and Eliza Haynes. Nathaniel Haynes was born in Connecticut, and settled in Marcy where he conducted a farm until his death in 1886. Mrs. Haynes died in 1845. George H. Haynes was educated in Marcy, and then engaged in farming, and was also engaged as a carpenter and builder for nineteen years ; he then en gaged in the railway mail service for over seven years, after which he engaged in the canning business which he has since continued. He conducts a canning factory in Whitesboro, where he is engaged in canning corn, which he ships largely through the Eastern and part of the Western States. He is one of the school trustees of the town, to which he was elected twelve successive years, and was re-elected at the last election, and he was village trustee for three years. Mr. Haynes married Sarah Whitten, daughter of Daniel Whitten of Whitesboro, by whom he has two children : Mae E. and Fred D. He belongs to the Oriental Lodge F. & A. M. of Utica. Jones, Evan W. , was born in New York city, February 6, 1847, son of Evan and Margaret Jones. Evan W. was educated in Utica and Whitestown Seminary, then began clerking in New York Mills, at which he continued until he entered business for himself. He is proprietor of one of the principal stores in New York Mills, and carries a varied stock of merchandise, such as is to be found among the best class of general stores. Mr. Jones married Charlotte J. Adams of New York Mills, by whom he has one daughter, Mary E. Jones. He is a member of the F. & A. M., be ing a member of all the bodies from the Blue Lodge to the Shrine. Law, George C. , was born in Westmoreland, N. Y. , October 10, 1828, son of George W. and Harriet (Blakslee) Law. George W. was born January 27, 1800. He was engaged in farming in Westmoreland, and died in March, 1881. His wife, Harriet B. , died in 1876. George C. was educated partly in Westmoreland, at the academy at Hamilton, and at Walworth, Wayne county, N. Y. He first taught school in the town of Deerfield in 1847, then in Spencer Settlement, and also taught in Westmore land, what is now called Bartlett, and he was town superintendent of schools in Westmoreland, from 1850 to 1853. He also taught one term in Lisbon, 111. He was also engaged in farming at Westmoreland until 1857, when he went West and ton-' tinued farming until 1861, when he engaged in the hardware business in Wisconsin. He returned to Whitesboro in 1864 and engaged in the coal business. In 1866 he bought out the lumber business of John Waite, and associated himself with Robert Gibson and C. F. Rayner, and afterwards with George and W. B. Williams, and con tinued with them until 1873. His health failing at that time, he was obliged to dis- FAMILY SKETCHES. 117 continue business, and sold out to Messrs. Williams. Since then he has been en gaged in office work, having an agency for real estate and insurance business, and he also represents the largest coal business in Whitesboro. He married Betsey An- tonette, daughter of Rev. Amasa S. Curtis, then of Westmoreland, by whom he has three children: Ellen J., Eugene H., and Harriet R. Mr. Law is deacon of the Baptist church at Whitesboro. Langley, Henry A., was born at Rome, Oneida county, N. Y., April 30, 1860. His father, Henry Langley, was born in Northamptonshire, Eng. , December 25, 1834, and in 1855 came to this country and settled at Rome, N. Y., where he engaged in farming. In 1885 he removed to Oriskany Falls. He married Adaline Champney, who was born in Rome in 1828, and died in April, 1876. Henry A. Langley was educated at the Rome public schools and Whitestown Seminary. In 1881 he engaged for a time in cheesemaking, and in 1884 went to Oriskany Falls, and, with no ex perience and less than five dollars in cash, embarkef! in the mercantile line, having a general store; after two years of success in this line, Mr. A. T. Davis, of West Eaton, N. Y., bought a half interest and entered into partnership under the firm name of Langley & Davis. In 1889 they purchased the old Hicks woolen mill and commenced the manufacture of cassimeres and flannels; this mill burned January 27, 1894. In 1892 Mr. Davis retired from the firm and was succeeded by Nathaniel Tompkins, of Whitestown, N. Y., which partnership lasted one year, when Mr. Tompkins also retired. After the mill was rebuilt the manufacture of cassimeres was discontinued and Mr. Langley has since carried on successfully the making of woolen yarns, sweaters, hosiery and novelties. All through the depression in business Mr. Langley, by careful management, kept the business moving, until to-day he has one of the most successful trades in the State. June 16, 1886, Mr. Langley married Hattie L. Cross, daughter of John C. Cross, who died August 9, 1894. Latus, W. W., was born in the town of Bridgewater, N. Y., September 12, 1857, son of George and Sarah (Stokes) Latus. George Latus is a native of England, and came to America in 1832, settling in New Jersey. From there he moved to Frankfort, N. Y., and then to Utica, and from there he went to Bridgewater, where he reared his family. Mrs. Latus, his wife, was also a native of England, and first settled in New Jersey. She then moved to Albany, then to Canada, and then came to Bridgewater. The progenitor of the Latus family in America, was Henry Latus, grandfather of W. W. Latus. W. W. Latus spent the first twenty-one years of his business life on a farm, and then engaged in the milling business. He learned his trade in the mill he now owns, between Clayville and Richfield Junction, and which is an important factor in the manufactory life of the Sauquoit valley ; and he he has conducted the business, as proprietor, for the past nine years with marked success; being not only an able and enterprising business man, but also very popular with his patrons and public at large. In 1878 Mr. Latus married Elizabeth Walsh, of Bridgewater, by whom he has eight children : William, George, Ida, Elizabeth, Catherine, Mary, Genevieve, and Margaret. Martin, Pliny F., was born in Salem, Washington county, September 4, 1822, son of Adam and Almira (Fitch) Martin. The family originally came from Connecticut, 118 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and Adam Martin was engaged in the harness manufacturing business. He died in June, 1826, and his wife, Almira F., died in Whitesboro in August, 1875. Pliny F. Martin has always been engaged in the hotel business, and from which he retired in 1892. He married Sarah A. Baker, by whom he has one child, Abbie Martin. Mr. Martin is now married to his second wife, Delia Fitch, by whom he has two children: Katherine and James. Mr; Martin has retired to Whitesboro, where he has one of the best located farms in the county; and he is enjoying the rest, to which his long, active and successful business career entitles him. Miller, Philip, was born in Columbia, Herkimer county, N. Y. , June 6, 1825, son of William J. and Nancy (Haner) Miller. The occupation of his life has been farm ing ; but he spent four years as a mechanic, and taught school during the winters for twelve years. In 1865 he settled on his present farm in the town of Paris. He first married Phoebe Buck, of Vermont, who died leaving one son, Clifton Park Miller; and he married for his present wife, Phoebe E. Campbell, by whom he has three children: John, Mary, and William. In politics Mr. Miller is a Republican, and has . taken an active interest in the success of his party. He has been assessor of the town of Paris for seventeen years, and has just entered upon another term of three years and was a member of the Board, of Equalization of Oneida county fcur years. He is regarded as one of the leading men of the town. Tripp, George L., was born in Bridgewater, N. Y., February 7, 1873, son of Milton and Jennie Cole Tripp, of that town. His grandfather, Ira Tripp, is still living at Babcock Hill and he was one of the pioneers of Bridgewater ; he was born in the town of Broom, Schoharie county, February 14, 1818, and moved to Bridgewater when fifteen years old. George L. learned the harness maker's trade, and in the spring of 1895 purchased the harness business of C. O. Biederman, which he is now conducting, and popularity in the community, coupled with his superior business abilities, insure him undoubted success. Terhune, W. L. , is a native of Newark, N. J. ,- and was educated there. He first commenced the business of a manufacturing jeweler, but after following it for one year, he engaged in the book and stationery business in Milwaukee ; from there he went to Texas, and in 1875 he returned to Newark, N. J., and engaged in the hop business, removing to Waterville in 1877. In 1880 he married Alma J. Foster of Middleville, Herkimer county, N. Y. , by whom he has one daughter, Edith D. Terhune. Mr. Terhune's father, James J. Terhune, was also a native of New Jersey, as was his grandfather, William Terhune. The family is an old New Jersey family, and have been in the State for generations. His mother is Margaret (Lefferts) Ter hune, a native of New York State. His father is dead, but his mother is still living at the age of eighty years. Mr. Terhune is a member of the Masonic fraternity, ,and of the Royal Arcanum. In the latter he has held many important offices, includ ing district deputy and member of the grand council. He is also a director of the Y. M. C. A. in Waterville. His father was county clerk of Essex county, N. J., from 1855 to 1860. Underwood, Frederick G., was born in Utica, N. Y., September 15, 1852, and was educated, in the public and advanced schools of Utica. He was a carpenter and joiner in early life. He has been married three times, first, to Hattie L. Jones, by FAMILY SKETCHES. 119 whom he had two children: Ralph W., who died in his second year, and Mabel L., who resides at home. For his second wife he married Estella C. Marsh, of Herki mer county, N. Y. She died October 29, 1888, and for his third wife he married Jennie W. Myers, of Utica, by whom he had one son, Stanley. Mr. Underwood's father, Gilbert F., was born in Utica, N. Y., about 1823. He was well educated, and had various occupations, merchant, farmer, etc. He married Eliza A. Thurston, of Herkimer county, by whom he had three children: Frederick G., .as above; Will iam L., and Flora A. He died about 1880, and his wife in 1881. Mr. Underwood came to Oneida in 1884, and is now a resident of the town of Verona. He is a dealer in hides, pelts, skins, tallow, bones, and also carries on a general rendering es tablishment and manufacture of fertilizers. He is a member of Oneida Lodge, No. 270, F. & A. M., of Eumenia Lodge, No. 296, I. O. O. F., and has held all the of fices except treasurer and secretary, and is also one of the trustees He is a mem ber of Adieno Encampment 115, of which he is degree master, and has passed through all the chairs; also a member of Canton Oneida No. 34, and is major of 3d Battalion, 1st Regiment. He is a member of Mizpah Lodge, D. of R., No. 84, and president of the National Protective Legion, No. 73. Wetniore, Major Ezra P., was born in Whitestown, December, 8, 1820, son of Ezra and Susan (Palmer) Wetmore. Ezra Wetmore was born in Middletown, Conn., about 1782, and came to Whitestown when four years of age. He was the son of Amos Wetmore, who came here in 1786, and bought 400 acres of land of Governor Trumbull of Connecticut, and brought his family here the following year. Amos Wetmore was a cooper by trade, and his son Ezra conducted a saw mill and was also engaged in farming. Ezra F. Wetmore was educated at the common school and Whitestown Academy, after which he engaged in teaching school winters, and en gaged in farming in the summers. April 20, 1861, he volunteered in-the 26th N. Y. Vols., and was elected captain of Company F. He went to the front where he was promoted major, afterwards lieutenant colonel, and colonel by brevet. The regi ment arrived in Washington, June 21, 1861, and went to Alexandria, where they constructed Fort Lyon in the winter of 1861-1862, and garrisoned it until May 4, when they went to Fredericksburg, Va. After various maneuvers covering the period May 4 to August 9, the regiment participated in the battle of Cedar Moun tain, under Brigade General Tower and General John C. Ricketts of McDowell's Corps. After the battle the regiment remained in the vicinity of the Rapidan four days, during which time they had been flanked by the enemy and were compelled to fall back to the Rappahannock, where they were engaged with the Confederates for three days, when the army fell back on the field of the second battle of Bull Run, and during this period they were in the battle of Thoroughfare Gap, and constituted the rear guard of McDowell's Corps. On August 30 the regiment participated in the second battle of Bull Run, and September 1, the battle of Chantilly. During this period of nine days, the 26th Regiment was under constant fire from the enemy's guns, and lost heavily. In the second battle of Bull Run the regiment was thrown into the enemy's lines, and a hand to hand contest ensued in which the regiment lost three captains. They fell back to Centreville, and on September 5, in a skirmish at Hall's. Hill, the enemy was driven back. On September 14 they fought the battle of South Mountain, ascending an almost perpendicular height, driving the rebels from 120 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. position, and following them up met them at the battle of Antietam on September 17. The regiment, was on the march from this time until the battle of Fredericksburg, in which it participated December 13, 1862. On May 3 the regiment arrived on the battle field of Chancellorsville, in which fight they took part, and captured detach ments from the enemy about equal to their own number. At night hearing a noise, Major Wetmore called for officers to reconnoiter, and none volunteering, he took three- men himself and they captured a prisoner, and while he was returning alone with him to camp, they came across four others whom the major marched into the Union lines. Major Wetmore was commanding officer in the battles of South Moun tain, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and although he was under constant fire, and participated with his regiment in the hottest scenes of the war, he was never wounded, although struck by balls, when his equipments saved him from injury. At the roll call of Fredericksburg, there were only forty men and officers to respond. On May 29, 1863, the major was mustered out of service (his term having expired in April). Since that time the major has been engaged in farming. He married Rosanna Walker of Whitestown, by whom he has two children: W. E. Wetmore, M.D., a physician practicing in Utica; and Elizabeth J. Wetmore, Major Wetmore has in his possession a sword presented to his grandfather, Amos Wet more, for meritorious service in the war of the Revolution. Wilson, Charles M., was born in New York Mills, January 25, 1849, son of Mat thew, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and Annie (Young) Wilson, a native of Paisley, Scotland. Charles M. attended the public school of New York Mills, and then en tered the mills in 1859. He has been engaged with the New York Mills Company ever since, having served during the administration of three generations, and in ¦ nearly every department of the several mills of the company. In the lower or No. 1 Mill he started the first loom, and he also started the first Lyall positive motion loom in the No. 3 Mill. He is at present assistant superintendentent of the No. 2 Mill. Mr. Wilson married Irene Comstock of Williamstown, Oswego county, N. Y., by whom he has two sons, Charles Herbert, and Edward Comstock Wilson. He is an ardent and influential Republican, but has always declined to become a candi date for political office, though he has served nine years as a trustee of the school. He is a member of Oriental Lodge No. 224; Oneida Chapter No. 57, F. & A. M. ; and Utica Commandery No. 3. Walbran, T. F., was born in Floyd, N. Y., August 20, 1859, son of William J. and Lucy A. (Armstrong) Walbran. William J. Walbran was born in Yorkshire, Eng., and came to the United States when thirteen years of age, and settled in Whites- town, and went thence to Floyd where he married and engaged in farming. He afterward removed to Oriskany, where he was treasurer of the Oriskany Malleable Iron Works until his death, which occurred in 1885. T. F. Walbran was educated at the Whitestown Seminary and at the Utica Business College, after which he en gaged in clerking. He afterward bought a grist mill, and also run a store, after which he engaged in the manufacture of hosiery, in which he still continues. He married Grace Hale, of Howell, Mich. Mr. Walbran is a member of the F. & A. M., Oriskany Lodge, No. 799. Wilcox, Lucy B., was born in New Hartford, N, Y., daughter of Samuel and Abi- FAMILY SKETCHES. 121 gal (White) Wilcox. Samuel Wilcox was born in Middletown, Conn., in 1781, and came to Whitestown when eleven years of age with his father, Abel Wilcox, and when they came to Whitestown, there was only one log cabin in what is now the city of Utica. They came from Middletown with two teams consisting one of horses, and the other of oxen ; and all of their household goods were conveyed by these teams, and they settled in that portion of Whitestown, which is now New Hartford. Abel Wilcox built a log cabin. He found clay on his land, and being a mason, he made brick, and constructed five houses, and four of them are still standing as they were originally built, while one has been remodeled. Samuel Wilcox was a mason by trade, and also conducted a farm during his lifetime. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox had seven children: Julia Ann (deceased); Lucy B., living in Whitesboro; George C. (deceased) ; Susan E. (deceased) ; Henry W. , living in Winsted, Conn. ; Edward L. (deceased) ; and Samuel, living in California. Henry W. married Hannah E. Wil cox of Goshen, Conn., and they have one son, Edward H. Wilcox. This is one of the historic families of Oneida county who has done pioneer work, and contributed largely to the growth and present prosperity of the county. Young, George, was born in Clinton, N. Y., March 6, 1867, son of James B. and Isabella (McLean) Young. James B. was the general superintendent for the Clark Mills Co. until his death in 1871. George Young' was educated in the public school of New York Mills, after which he engaged in work in the mills, and then went into the office, where he worked up to the position of chief bookkeeper for the company, to which position he was appointed in 1890. He married Albertie Seelye, daughter of Ambrose G. Seelye of Westmoreland, N. Y. , by whom he has two children : Mil dred B. and Marjorie S. J. Mr. and Mrs. Young are members of the Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Young is a clerk of the board of elders and secretary and treas urer of the board of trustees. Suters, William, was born in Hastings, England, September 29, 1835, and came to America in 1856, and settled in Waterville where he learned the trade of carpenter and builder which he still follows ; during this time he has constructed many of the finest residences and other buildings in Waterville besides doing considerable work at Rome, Albany and Middletown. Mr. Suters is a Mason and was master of Sanger Lodge No. 129 F. & A. M. , three years, and six years high priest of Warren Chapter No. 22 R. A. M. ; also is on his third term as regent of Waterville Council, Royal Arca num. He has also been trustee of the village, president and chief of the Waterville Fire Department. In 1870 he married Amelia Excell, by whom he has four children : William Franklin, Harry Excell, Cora May and Bessie Amelia. Stone, Alexander I., was born in the town of Augusta, N. Y., August 31, 1827, son of Samuel Stone, who was born in Guilford, Conn., August 31, 1776, and was de scended from English parents. He was a weaver by trade, and followed that occu pation while in Connecticut, but devoted his time to farming after taking his resi dence in Augusta. He came to New York State, and settled for a time in the Catskills, near the Hudson River, and after three years spent therek he moved to Wellstown, Hamilton county, and finally in 1880, went west to the town of Augusta, settling on the East Hill. He married Mary Wells, of Wellstown, N. Y., who was born April 10, 1781, and died in Augusta, September 19, 1836. Mr. Stone died De- 122 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. cember 20, 1850. Alexander I. Stone received his education at the district school at Stockbridge, after which he assumed the occupation of a farmer, which he has since continued. July 7, 1852, he married Mary J. Chadwick, who died April 3, 1855, leaving one son ; he afterwards married Lavina J. Perkins, who died August 4, 1881, and his present wife is Mrs. Abbie M. Matthews of Augusta. Mr. Stone came to the farm he now owns in the spring of 1854— a historic place, as it was first owned by Francis O'Toole, the educated Irishman, who spoke fourteen languages; and from the fact that the Indians returning to Canada from the Wyoming massacre halted at a small stream on the north boundary of the farm to wash the scalps of their victims. Here A. I. Stone reared and educated his four sons and only surviving daughter, the latter becoming the wife of John Fletcher Davis, a contractor of Buffalo. The eldest son, Hon. J. D. F. Stone, was elected city judge of Utica in 1896 for four years. The other three sons seem content to follow the occupation of their father. - Weller, W. H., was born in Oneida county, January 8, 1867. His father, Thomas Weller, is a native of Kent, England, and his mother, Mary E. (Curry) Weller, is a Canadian by birth, and of Scotch descent. He took a course in the Clinton Gram mar School, and then studied law with S. S. Judson of Vernon, and was admitted to the bar in December, 1891. He immediately opened an office in Waterville, and is already recognized as one of the rising young lawyers of the county. He was clerk of the village of Waterville in 1894, and is a member of the Pickwick Club, and San ger Lodge No. 129, F. & A. M. Grannis, William E., was born in the town of Kirkland, September 5, 1836, son of Andrew D. Grannis, who was born in the town of Floyd, Oneida county, in 1811. The family came from Vermont, and Edward Grannis, grandfather of William E., was captain in the war of 1812. They came to this county in 1790 being one of the first settlers in the town of Floyd, where he remained until his death in 1856. An drew D. Grannis came to this town in 1833, engaged in farming which he continued till his death in 1883. He married Betsey, daughter of William Carpenter, by whom he had five children, three of which are now living: Adelaide Allen of Lewis county ; Mrs. Julia Howard of Oklahama; and William E. Grannis. William E. Grannis was educated in the Clinton Liberal Institute, his father being one of the first grad uates of the institution, after which he engaged in farming. He married Lucinda, daughter of John Pease of Utica, by whom he had one daughter, Louise, wife of David Owen of New Hartford. Mrs. Grannis died .in 1891, after which he married his present wife Dora, daughter of Conrad Roemer, of New Hartford. Mr. Grannis is a member of the Clinton Grange, and also of Oneonta Lodge, No. 466, F. & A. M. Gleason, Henry N., was born in the town of Kirkland, May 14, 1828, in the house built and occupied by the father and on the same farm as was his father, Orsemus Gleason, who was born October 14, 1792. The grandfather, Solomon Gleason, came to this town in 1788 from Brimfield, Mass., where he took,up the farm that has re mained in the family ever since. Henry N. Gleason is one of the foremost men in Kirkland, ancL, is interested in the Kirkland canning factory, and is treasurer of the creamery company. He was elected supervisor of the town of Kirkland in 1876, and was a director of the Oneida County Agricultural Society twenty-five years. He dealt quite a little in cattle and other stock for a number of years, and owns 120 FAMILY SKETCHES. 123 acres of the homestead place. Mr. Gleason married Susan, daughter of Ezra Clark of Kirkland, of the family which established Clark Mills. i Salisbury, John H., was born in Otsego county, January 1, 1828, son of John H. and Catherine Salisbury. John H., sr., was born in Albany county, April 16, 1784, and his wife, Catherine Richens, in Schoharie county, August 18, 1788. The family moved to what was then the Oneida Factory, now the village of New York Mills, on December 9, 1830, where they lived in the same house over thirty years; and where Mrs. Salisbury died in 1853, and Mr. Salisbury in 1858. John H., jr., has worked for the New York Mills Company for forty-three years, having charge of the repairs and machinery at mills No. 3 and No 4. He married Mary L. Gardner of New York Mills, by whom he has five sons; George W., an engineer and machinist; Charles H., a Baptist minister at Towlesville, N. Y. ; Frank, who is living at home; Herbert, who is a florist; and Albert N., a telegraph operator ^.nd station agent. Waterman, Charles, was born in New Berlin, Chenango county, December 8, 1816, son of Joseph and Polly (Ritter) Waterman. Mr. Waterman has resided in Oneida county since 1832, while he has been on his present farm for the long period of fifty. five years. He married Clarissa, daughter of Eddy and Lucy (Ruso) Arnold, by whom he had six children: Charles H., De Witt C, Andrew Jackson Davis, John C, Clara A. Waterman Arnold, and Mrs. Timothy Thornton. Mr. Waterman has accumu lated his property entirely by his own ability and has lived a successful and honor able life. Hawkins, W. S., was born in Malone, Franklin county, N. Y., son of William H. and Prudence (Miles) Hawkins. His father was a Methodist minister, and his mother was a daughter of Joseph Miles of Potsdam. W. S. Hawkins was educated at Potsdam Normal School and Syracuse University, from which he was graduated in 1883. He began his course in 1875, but broke off to return to Potsdam, where he started the St. Lawrence Herald, and conducted it for four years, after which he re turned to college. He taught school in Trinity Hall, Washington, Pa., having charge of the boys' preparatory department for one year, when he took a position on the Syracuse Herald, and after one year he went to the Rome Sentinel, and finally to Waterville in 1885. He purchased the Reflex and in 1888 purchased the Times, and incorporated the two into the present Waterville Times. In June, 1890, he married Lucia C. Candee, daughter of the late William B. Candee. Daggett,_A. W., was born September 8, 1851, son of George and Emily Daggett. He lived on the farm until seventeen years of age, when he engaged in the railway business, and has been an agent on the D., L. & W. R. R., for twenty-five years, twenty-three of which have been spent in Bridgewater. The firm of Daggett Bros. is composed of A. W. and George H. Daggett, and has been in existence for ten years, and they do an extensive business in coal and mill products. In 1808 he mar ried Carrie Wheeler, by whom he has one daughter, Mildred. Mr. Daggett is one of the most widely known and leading men of Bridgewater, and was elected president of the village in 1894, he being the first president. Green Alvin, L., was born in Paris, Oneida county, N. Y., May 25, 1841. His father, Elias F.' Green, was born in Sangerfield, Oneida county, N. Y., September 124 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 17, 1806, and died November 30, 1892, in the town of Paris, where he had spent most of his life. Lodowick Green, father of Elias F., was one of the early settlers in the town of Sangerfield, having settled in that town in the year 1801. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Alvin L. Green is a lineal descendant of John Green, an Englishman, who came to America in 1663, and took the oath of allegiance to the State of Rhode Island in the year 1671. The sons in direct descent from him are Benjamin, John, Philip, Elder Elisha, Lodowick, Elias F. and Alvin L. Mr. Green is one of the representative farmers of the town of Paris. He was married in Plainfield, Otsego county, N. Y., March 9, 1870, to Sarah E. Ripley, daughter of Samuel and Hannah Ripley, by whom he has one son, Harry E., who was born October 10, 1877. Foote, John B. , was born in the town of Westmoreland, May 3, 1841, son of John B. Foote, who was born in North Adams, Mass., in 1807, and came to the town of Westmoreland in the year 1835, where he continued to make it his home. He was a graduate of Williams College, in Massachusetts, and then studied theology under Dr. Kirk, after which for some time he traveled, preaching holiness. He married Mary Patton, by whom he had these children: John B., Mary E., Samuel G., Ade line L. and Noyes, a namesake of the founder of the Oneida Community, he being a personal friend of the father. John B. Foote, jr., was educated in Westmoreland and the Clinton Liberal Institute, after which he engaged in farming, owning a dairy in connection with his farm, and is at the present time president of the Kirk land Creamery Company. He enlisted in 1862 in the 117th N. Y. Vols., Co. C, serv ing until the close of the war. He married Gertrude, daughter of O. W. Dodge, of Vernon, by whom he has three children: Orville D , Clayton E., and Louise D. Mr. Foote is a member of the G. A. R. Post, No. 227 and grange. Warner, Seth H., was born in the town of Marshall, Oneida county, N. Y., De cember 30, 1833, son of- Willard Warner, who was born in Onondaga county, and came to the town of Marshall in 1830, and settled on the farm which he purchased in 1835, where he remained until his death. This family is of Welsh descent, and emigrated to this country quite early. Willard Warner married Clarissa Parker, of the town of Marshall, by whom he had four children: Albert R., a Methodist min ister; James P., a merchant at Franklin Iron Works; Edgar F., deceased; and Seth H., who was educated in the town of Kirkland, also attended Whitestown Seminary, after which he engaged in farming, now owning a farm of eighty-three acres, all improved land. He married Lucy I. Kinne, of the town of Marshall, by whom he had four children : Willard, of Kansas; James E., of Fulton county, N. Y. ; Clara E., wife of B. W. Hamlin ; and Amelia K. , wife of Harris Wood. Bronson, James C, was born in the village of Clinton, November 22, 1836, son of Dr. Gerritt I. Bronson, who was born in this village in 1804, and whose ancestors were from Middlebury, Conn. James Bronson, who dates back for five generations, was the first white man to sleep on what is known as Clinton Greens. Dr. Gerritt I. Bronson, was a practicing physician in this village for over fifty years. He mar ried Phebe, daughter of Jesse Curtis, by whom he had four children : James C. ; Julia H., who is postmaster in Clinton village; Arthur, who died when young; and Arthur a prominent lawyer, now deceased. James C. Bronson was educated in the FAMILY SKETCHES. 125 Academy and Liberal Institute of which he is a graduate. He was connected with John E. Elliott in the mining business, and was county clerk in 1868, 1869 and 1870. He was also supervisor of the town, and town clerk, and enlisted in 1861 in the Fifty- seventh N. Y. Volunteers, where he went as first lieutenant, and returned colonel. He lost his arm in the battle of Deep Bottom, Virginia, August 14, 1864. Norton, Adelbert E. , was born in Vernon Center, August 22, 1866, son of Eben A. Norton, also a native of Vernon Center, who was born January 16, 1836, who has been engaged in the milling and lumber business, and is now interested with his son in the manufacture of spring bed frames at Augusta, N. Y. He married Emma J. Hartwell, who was born at Sangerfield, October 23, 1831. Adelbert E. Norton attended the Vernon Center school, also the Clinton Grammar School, and upon the completion of his course returned home and at once became interestedin the saw mill and lumber business, In January, 1890, he bought the saw mill and factory, established more than eighty years ago, at Augusta, and has since conducted it under the firm name, A. E. Norton & Co. Mr. Norton married Alma J. Westcott, a native of Augusta, who was born March 9, 1865, and by whom he has two children : Ethel A. and Ina E. Mr. and Mrs. Norton are both members of the Augusta Cen ter Presbyterian church. Easingwood, Arthur L. , was born in England, October 4, 1859, and came to .the United States in 1880. where he settled in Utica, and remained for two years, work ing at his trade as carpenter and joiner. He came to the village of Clinton in 1882, where he has resided ever since. He has become prominent in the affairs of the vil lage, and has been a contractor and builder, erecting some of the fine residences now standing here. He married Harriet B. Kick, daughter of Peter and Mercy Kick of College Hill, by whom he has one son, Albert H. Mr. Easingwood is treasurer of the Clinton Lodge No. 169 F. & A. M. Hamlin, Edwin S. , was born at Chittenango Falls, Madison county, N. Y. , April 15, 1836, son of Lewis Hamlin, who was born on the Catskill side of the Hudson River in 1796, and was engaged in farming all of his life. Lewis Hamlin with his father came to Sullivan, N. Y., where he remained about five years.; thence to Chit tenango Falls, and in 1846 to the town of Cazenovia, near New Woodstock, where he resided eleven years ; returning then to Perry ville, where he lived until his death. He married Desire Hulbert, of the town of Butternuts, Chenango county, who died at Chittenango Falls, in 1844. Edwin S. received his education at Chittenango Falls, New Woodstock, and Cazenovia Seminary. He finished at the age of seven teen, and engaged on a farm for a time; he then spent several years in the West, and returned in 1861. He then engaged in the milling and lumber business at Perry- ville, N. Y., which he carried on till 1877, when he disposed of his lumber interests, and devoted himself to the grist mill which he had purchased. In January, 1884, he bought what was known as the farmer's mill at Oriskany Falls, and is -now carrying on a large and successful milling business, having remodeled and. supplied the latest roller process for making flour. September 1, 1863, he married Mary E. Ehle of Perry ville, by whom he has three children: DeL. B. Hamlin, who was born Septem ber 21, 1868; Lena F„, born June 7, 1870; and Edwin P., who was born June 29, 1875. DeL. B. Hamlin is a dealer in flour and feed at Waterville, Oneida county, N.Y. 126 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Morrow, James E., was born in Georgetown, Madison county, N. Y., July 1, 1833, and received his education at the Georgetown schools and at a boarding school in Richmondville, Schoharie county. His father, William Morrow, was born in Ireland ' in 1800 and came to this country with his uncle when four years old. He followed farming all his life and died in Augusta in 1877. He married Elizabeth Butler, who was born in Westmoreland in 1806 of English parentage, and died in Augusta in September, 1858, by whom he had nine children. James E. Morrow moved from Georgetown to Augusta with his parents at the age of sixteen and has resided in town forty-seven years ; lived on the farm he now owns thirty-five years. In 1854 he married Lura A. Beach, born in Augusta December 20, 1832. Her father, Jacob Beach, was born in Norfolk, Conn., August 17, 1805, lived in Augusta about seventy years, and died May 31, 1882. His wife, Lura Ann Doolittle, was born in Jewett, Greene county, N. Y., May 24, 1808, died May 27, 1882, only four days between their deaths. There were seven children born to them, one of whom went to war and was killed at the battle of Chapin's Farm. To James and Lura A. Morrow were born four children: Flavilla Elizabeth, born November 17, 1855, died May 25, 1874; Will iam Beach, born January 17, 1858, married Ida Strong (daughter of Warren G. Strong), October 12, 1881. He is now a physican in Delaware county, N. Y. ; Cora Amelia, born September 12, 1864, married John P. Hipwell, a farmer of Augusta; Lucius Palmer, born December 8, 1873, died April 4, 1875. BarnS, Capt. Amos, son of Nathaniel and Nancy (Pendleton) Barns, was born in Westerly, R. I., February 13, 1799. He was of English origin, his father's ancestors having come to America within a few years after the settlement of Plymouth, stay ing awhile in New England, then settling at Amagansett, Long Island. An authen tic history is known as far back as 1675 which is the date of the birth of Isaac Barns. On his mother's side he was the seventh in line from Major Bryan Pendleton, who was born in England in 1599, and settled in Sudbury, Mass., previous to 1734, where in after years he held several important civil and military offices. Captain Barns was the fourth child and youngest son of a family of eight children, all of whom he survived. His boyhood home was upon the bank of the Pawcatuck River, within sight and sound of the ocean, and he grew up with a great love for the water and early became an intrepid swimmer and a daring and skillful sailor. When little less thyn thirteen years old he went on a voyage to Norfolk, Va., as one of the hands on board the vessel. He was an eye-witness of the bombardment of Stonington, Conn., on the 10th of August, 1814, and saw the coming and the sailing away of the discom- fitted English fleet. At the age of eighteen he was apprenticed to learn the cabinet maker's trade, but soon after serving his time of three years, he again went to sea. In 1820, and 1821 he was at the South Shetland Islands in the Antarctic Ocean en gaged in seal-fishing. While there he had some thrilling and perilous adventures, among them being that of falling into a crevasse when crossing alone one day one of the glaciers with which those islands are covered. By dint of good luck, perse verance and the aid of his sealing club he worked his way out and duly reported him self in camp, somewhat battered and bruised from the fall and effort of getting to the surface again. For many years he was the sole survivor of the crew of one hun dred men that manned the fleet of five vessels on the voyage. In June of the fol lowing year he was near the Arctic Ocean in the sloop Alonzo (Capt. Acors Barns). FAMILY SKETCHES. 127 For several years he was in the coasting trade, buying cargoes of the farmers along the Connecticut shore and up her rivers, and taking them to Charleston, Norfolk, Baltimore and other southern parts where he exchanged them for the products of those regions, selling those in turn in New York city. During the last four years of his sea life he was engaged in running a packet for freight and passengers between Stonington, Conn. , and New York. January 13, 1823, he married Margaret Dickens (daughter of a Revolutionary soldier), who was born May 81, 1801. Eleven children were born to them: Sylvester, Matthew, Franklin, Susan, Arthur (deceased), Mar garet, Lydia, Sarah (deceased), Harriet (deceased), Caroline and Henry D. In Sep tember, 1833, Captain Barns settled in Oneida county, and in February, 1834, pur chased the farm and residence in Westmoreland which was his home till he died, and where he very successfully followed the vocation of farming. In politics he was a Republican and always took a lively interest in the affairs of the nation, and gave liberally of his means to promote all good works. From 1850 to 1854 he was post master at Westmoreland. Mrs. Barns died January 27, 1872, after a married life of fifty years. Captain Barns died May 30, 1894, aged ninety-five years. Fitch, Norman, was born in the town of Verona, N. Y., November 7, 1807. He was educated in the schools of that day, and has always been a farmer. In 1872 he married Keziah Joslyn, of this town, by whom he had four children : Harrison E., Jesse B., Eliza M., and Eunice F. Jesse B. married Louise Brandon, and they have one daughter, Fannie E. Eunice F. died at seventeen years of age. Mrs. Fitch died in 1839, and for his second wife Mr. Fitch married Lena M. Young, of this town, by whom he had two children: N. Warner, and Fannie E., who married George Kozenstein, of this town, but are now residents of Hancock, Delaware county, N. Y. Mr. Fitch's father, Nathaniel Fitch, was born in Windham county, Conn., in 1779, and was educated there. He married Asenath Brown, by whom he had four chil dren: Eliza, who died in infancy, Norman, as above, Maria, and Jesse B. The three last were born here. The family came to this State and town in 1807, where they erected a log house. Nathaniel Fitch was assessor and supervisor of the town, also member of assembly. He died in 1865, and his wife in 1846. Mrs. Fitch's father, Peter Young, was born in Alsace, France, in 1796. He was educated in their schools, and married Lena Bowers, of his native place. They came to the United States in 1830 and located in the town of Verona. They had seven children, one of whom died in infancy ; Lena M. , as above, Michael, George, Elizabeth (who were born in Alsace, France), Margaret, and Peter. Mr. Young died in 1866, and his wife in 1864. The ancestry of the family is English and French. Canfield, M. T., was born at Pittsford, N. Y., in 1844, son of Lewis Canfield, and later a jeweler, in Binghamton, N. Y. M. T. Canfield spent his boyhood in Fremont, Ohio; at sixteen years of age he was apprenticed to a watchmaker at Jamestown, N. Y., where he served four years. Disliking the trade at that time he traveled for two years for a Cleveland manufacturing company. At the age of twenty-two he resumed his work at Columbus, Ohio, and in 1869 went to Memphis, Tenn. , continuing his trade for four years. He then spent a year at Muskegon, Mich., and two years at St. Louis, Mo., thence to San Francisco for one year, and one year at Los Angeles, wherein 1877 he married Susan Dixon, of Utica. After his marriage he returned to San Francisco, where he was engaged in business for four 128 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. years and then came to Utica, where he is at present a prominent jeweler. Mr. Canfield is held in high repute in both business and social circles and is an efficient trustee of the Presbyterian church, and member of Oneida Historical Society. Adams. Elbridge R., was born in Lowville, N. Y., August 9, 1837, son of Dr. Ira Adams, one of the leading physicians of Lewis county, who was born in Cavendish, Vt., August 25, 1792. Dr. Ira Adams was graduated from the regular school, but later adopted the homoeopathic method of treatment, and followed it the re mainder of his active professional life, being the first doctor of that faith in the county. He married Arzelia A. , daughter of Judge William Root, of Carbondale, Pa., who was born in Utica, N. Y., June 8, 1801, and died in December, 1887. Dr. Adams died at Stow's Square, Lewis county, in 1856. E. R. Adams was educated at Lowville Academy, and entered Union College in 1857, graduating in the class of 1861 with Phi Beta Kappa honors; after which he taught two years in Lowville Academy. He was then school commissioner of the Second School Commissioner district of Lewis county for three years. He subsequently read law three years with Charles D. Adams, of Lowville, and Starbuck & Sawyer, of Watertown, and was admitted to the bar, October 7, 1869. On account of failing eyeysight he abandoned the practice of law, and finally returned to his former occupation of teaching. He was then ten years principal of the Lee Center School, and taught two years in the old Whitestown Seminary, coming from that institution to Vernon in 1885, where he is serving as principal of the Union School. In 1890, through his influence, the school was changed to a graded school. In 1870 he married Anna C. Mealus, who was born in Holland Patent, N. Y., January 9, 1838, by whom he has three children: Fred R., Lillian May, and Bertha A. Mrs. Adams was educated at Turin, and Fairfield Seminary. Seiter, George, was born March 14, 1845, in France, near the city of Strasburg and the River Rhine, Germany, and came to America in 1847. His father, a carpenter, settled in Utica and engaged at his trade ; but having a desire to own a saw-mill, he bought at Little Black Creek, ( While quite young George found he inherited his father's desire for a saw mill and machinery. In 1869 his father died, and two years later he came to Boonville where he invested in real estate on the corner of Main and Church streets and built a block of stores and the Globe Hotel, which he still owns. For some twenty years he conducted a grocery store and ran the Globe Hotel for about three years ; while in business he often found himself called- upon to draft plans and build so in 1890 he bought the tannery site of Samuel Johnson, a fine water power about a stone's throw from the depot, where he built a saw mill and a rustic home, where he enjoys life with his wife and children, of which he has seven: Mary Anna, John Mathias, Rose Helen, Julia Barbara, George, jr., Joseph Aloysius, and Norbert Milton. In 1895 he added steam to the mill, which gives ample power at all times, and he expects to manufacture lumber, shingles, lath, etc., also to do planing,' turning arid scroll sawing. Sturdevant, Oliver W., was born in Augusta, Oneida county, N. Y., December 27, 1835. His education was received in the public schools and Cazenovia Seminary. ' For several years he was engaged in teaching the district schools and in Onondaga FAMILY SKETCHES. 129 Academy, which position he left in the spring of 1862 to enter Hamilton College. About this time there came an urgent call for>volunteers, and he enlisted as a private in Co. E. , 44th N. Y. Vols. He participated with his regiment in the first battle of Fredericksburg, the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, besides some less important engagements. At Gettysburg he was in the brigade which held the " Round Top " against Longstreet's charge on the 2d of July. While a member of this regiment he was promoted to corporal and sergeant. In October, 1863, he was ordered before General Casey's examining board in Washington, and was appointed by President Lincoln to a captaincy in the Tenth Regiment of U. S. Colored troops, November 3, 1863. In this regiment he was engaged in the advance up the James River, May 4, 1864, under General Butler. He was on the provost guard at City Point under General Patrick during the winter of 1864-65, and was ordered to the front in time to be in the first brigade which entered Richmond after its evacuation by the Confederates. Shortly after this regiment was sent to Corpus Christi, Texas, and thence to Galveston. At this place Captain Sturdevant resigned his commis sion April 6, 1866, and received an honorable discharge. Returning to his former home he was soon after appointed principal of the leading public school of Oneida, and after several years' service therein was elected school commissioner of the First district of Madison county. While holding this office he was called to the principal- ship of Onondaga Academy, which position he occupied for sixteen years, resigning it in 1888. While engaged in this work in 1883 he received from Hamilton College the honorary degree of A. M. On retiring from Onondaga Academy he was ap pointed assistant conductor of Teachers' Institutes of the State of New York, which position he held for about two years when he retired, and now resides on his farm in Verona on the Rome and Oneida road. In April, 1865, he married M. Isadore Willard, only daughter of Erastus Willard, at one time sheriff of Oneida county. She died in May of the following year. April 2, 1868, he married Elizabeth H. Rog ers, of Oneida, N. Y. Mr. Sturdevant's father, Dudley Sturdevant, was born in Connecticut in 1800, but at an early age removed with his parents to the town of Augusta in this county. In 1840 he removed to the homestead which our subject still owns and occupies. He was educated in the common schools of his day. He married Mary A. Swan of this town, by whom he had seven children: Caroline L., Edward Y., Ellen L., Oliver W., as above, James W., John E., and Theodore F. Mr. Sturdevant died in 1864, and his wife in 1885. Mrs. Elizabeth H. Sturdevant, the wife of our subject, is the daughter of David Rogers, who was born in Oxford shire, England, in 1814, and was educated there. He married Rhoda Hull of his native place. Their children were Elizabeth H., as above, Anna M., and John H. The family came to the United States in 1849 and settled at Oneida, where Mrs. Rogers still resides. Mr. Rogers died in 1868. Hanna, Col. Nathaniel, one of the early settlers in Oneida county, was born in Ireland, near Dublin, of Scotch parentage, in 1717 ; he emigrated to this country in 1781, settling in Cambridge, N.Y. ; he came to Oneida county about 1787 and located himself on a farm about two miles west of Clarks Mills. He died in 1803 and was buried in the Evergreen Cemetery on South street, which at that time adjoined the first Methodist church built in the town of Westmoreland. He served his mother country as colonel of dragoons in the seven years war on the Continent, 1756-1763, 4 130 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and afterwards as sheriff of Kings county. He was a man of massive frame, and was long remembered by the early settlers as an expert horseman. His daughter Sarah married James Tompkins, a native of Ireland, born in 1762, died in 1828 ; came to this country in 1781 and to Oneida county about 1787. He bought a farm located on the Oriskany Creek a short distance below Clark's Mills. He took his conveyance from General Washington, and the penmanship was in the hand of Clinton, the general's private secretary, The farm is now owned by Mrs. E. Langdon. The purchase was made prior to the era of highways, and Indians were his daily visitors. His house was the headquarters of Methodism, and Bishop Asbury and Lorenzo Dow with his wife Peggy often slept at his house, and thundered the law in the old church on South street. Mr. Tompkins's daughter Eleanor married Francis Watson, a native of England, who was born in 1794, and died in 1871 ; he purchased the homestead, on which he lived until about 1856. His son, Col. James T. Watson, an old resident of Clinton was born in 1830 ; he established a drug store in Clinton in 1858 which is now conducted by one of his sons. He received his military commis sion from Governor Hoffman, and was active in the State service for many years. For several years he has been president of the Westmoreland Cemetery Association, and has filled several other positions of trust with honor; he is an enthusiastic sportsman with gun, rod, or sail, and the latchstring of his cottage, Bontekoe, Thousand Islands, always hangs outside for all his friends. Jackson, John T. — John Jackson's father was John Jackson, born in Boonville in 1830, and died October 9, 1857. His mother, Harriet Pitcher, was born in Boonville February 13, 1832, and they were married February 24, 1852; they had two sons; Roscoe N., born July 7, 1856, and John S., born November 6, 1857. His grandfather, John Jackson, of Herkimer, married Hester Neely and came to Boonville in 1817. She died in September, 1881, and her husband in 1829. Their children were Abra ham, Jerome, Silas, Andrew, John, Jane and Ann. Abraham and Silas are living in Wisconsin, and the others are dead. Roscoe N. Jackson married Minnie With- ington of Adams, and is now a physician in Faribault, Minn. John S. Jackson was born in Boonville, November 6, 1857 ; he has always been engaged in farming and owns 130 acres which is devoted to dairy products. In 1878 he married Cora Bell Talcott of Leyden, Lewis county, N. Y. ; she was born in Leyden in 1859, and there lived until her marriage, November 6, 1878. They have three children : Pearl S., born October 23, 1881 ; Edith H., born October 1, 1885; Vere T., born December 23, 1890. Tripp, Orris B., was born in Floyd April 27, 1838, son of Isaac and Mary (Brook) Tripp. Isaac Tripp was born in Steuben, and was a pioneer farmer, active in both town and county affairs ; he was assessor in the town of Floyd for many years, and at one time the Democratic candidate for county superintendent of the poor. Will iam Tripp, grandfather of Orris B., was a Revolutionary soldier and drew a pension for the same. His father, Job Tripp, was a soldier in the French war and also took an active part in the Revolution, being commissary to General Gates, and trained the horse that Arnold road at the battle of Saratoga. Orris B. Tripp was the young est of ten children, and was educated in the district schools of his town and at the Utica Academy. He married Esther Jones in 1874, daughter of Hugh W. and Sally Smith Jones; they had one son in 1890, now deceased. He engaged in general FAMILY SKETCHES. 131 farming at twenty-one years of age ; held the office of justice of the peace three terms (twelve years) ; represented the town in the Board of Supervisors in 1881 ; has been active in public affairs and private enterprises. Though not a communicant of any church he is a staunch believer and liberal supporter of the Christian religion. He is an extensive reader of history and of current events, enjoying fiction as well. He resides in the same house in which he was born, and has never moved but once, and then he took his house with him about a mile to an adjoining farm. He is a reliable, upright citizen, and his standing in his town is evidence that he has not lived in vain. Adams, Justus B., son of John J. Adams, was born in Boonville December 10, 1832. In 1868 he bought a farm of 116 acres where he keeps a dairy of sixteen to eighteen cows. In 1868 he married Rhoda, daughter of Elisha and Lenda (Burdick) Scofield of Jefferson county, by whom he has three children: Pearl E., Dewey J., Lillie B. Justus B. and his wife are members of the Friends church. John J. Adams was born in Ballston, Saratoga county, February 13, 1801 ; he came to Boonville in 1805. He married Betsey Corwin, by whom he had six children: Ezra J., Azubah B., Eli J., Justus B., Jesse T. and Clarissa E. John J., his wife, and all the children were Friends, except Clarissa E. John J. died in 1882, aged eighty-one ; Betsey, his wife, died in 1836, aged thirty-six. Ezra Adams, father of John J., was born in Con necticut in 1770 ; he married Betty Beardsley, by whom he had four children : Irena, John J., Polly and Azubah. Ezra Adams came into Oneida county about the year 1800 and followed surveying; he used to have two white men and two Indians to assist him. He bought a tract of land lying east and west from Aya Corners ; the tract was three miles long and 200 rods wide — 200 acres — and in the year 1805 he with his family moved and settled about two miles west of where Ava post-office is now. He died in 1823, aged fifty-three, and Betty, his wife, in 1805, aged twenty- nine He married Lydia Dewey for his second wife, by whom he had seven children : Clarissa, Ezra, Josiah Dewey, Julia L., Ephraim Sherwood, Polly and Walker, who was one year and one day old when his father died. They all lived- in Ava or Lee for about fifty years after their father's death. Julia L. (Townsend) is stillliving and keeping house in her eighty- third year. Root, Oren, was born at Syracuse, N. Y.,. where his father was principal of Syra cuse Academy, May 18, 1838, and his family moved to Clinton in January, 1850, when the elder Root was elected professor of mathematics in Hamilton College, which position he held for thirty-two years. In 1852 Oren entered Hamilton Col lege in the class of 1856, a boy fourteen and one-half years of age, the youngest member of the class. After graduation Mr. Root taught for a time, and finally took up the study of law, being admitted to the bar of Wisconsin in 1858. From 1860-62 he was tutor in mathematics in Hamilton College, leaving that position to become principal of Rome Academy. His next field of action was the West, where he oc cupied the chair of English in the. University of Missouri for five years. In 1871 he resigned to become superintendent of the newly organized schools of Carrolton, Mo. Two years later Professor Root became principal of Pritchell Institute, Glasgow, Mo. While here, in obedience to a strong impulse, he decided to enter the ministry, taking charge of two struggling and divided churches, in addition to his school duties, and here his great ability as an organizer proved of inestimable value. But 132 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the strain of the added cares" proved too much even for his great endurance, and he was obliged to give up active duty for a time. In 1880, his health fully restored, he was called from the West to assist his aged father, whom he succeeded the following year as'professor of mathematics. Professor Root had now been in the West fourteen years. His experiences had been varied and often severe. He was teacher, lawyer, prin cipal, superintendent, and pastor. The training thus received has manifested itself in later years in Professor Root's work in college. His mind was broadened, trained, and made ready for work. He had acquired knowledge that could only have been obtained in the rough and more trying life of the West. He had found a certain readiness and push, a fearless determination, and willingness to lift and carry burdens which has enabled him to become a power in his chosen work and place. Professor Oren Root has taught mathematics in Hamilton College for fifteen years, with great zeal and ability. As an instructor, Dr. Root is forcible, clear and thorough. As an orator, Dr. Root is held in repute far and wide. His utterances are pithy and powerful, his rhetoric is easy and finished; his discourses replete with illustration, and persuasive in their effects. His hearers move with him, and there is a seriousness and substantiality in and through it all, that only comes of fixed purpose and strong conviction. His experience and knowledge of life make him a leader of more than ordinary power. Scollard, Clinton, was born September 18, 1860. He is the only son of Dr. James I. and Elizabeth S. Scollard. He graduated from Hamilton College in 1881, with a record for high scholarship. After teaching rhetoric and oratory for a year or two in the Brooklyn Polytechnic, he entered' upon a post-graduate course in advanced English at Harvard University. In 1886 he went abroad, and in 1887 he made a tour of several months in the far East. Upon his return he was called to Hamilton as instructor in English literature. He was mrrried July 3, 1890, and spent his honeymoon in Europe. In 1891 he was elevated to the chair of English literature at his alma mater. This he held till 1896, when he resigned to devote his time wholly to literature, in which field he has attained unusual fame for a young man. He has published several volumes of poetry which rank with those of the best writers in that line. While still an undergraduate at Hamilton, Mr. Scollard's poetical efforts began to attract attention. The college periodicals of that date contain many clever verses from his pen. Knox, J. Theodore, was born in Knoxboro, N. Y., December 13, 1845, and came from the family that founded the village bearing the name. They were among the prominent citizens in the town of Augusta, and instances became conspicuous, among the clergy and financiers, in a larger field. His grandfather, John J. Knox, came from Montgomery county in 1811 and settled at the place which later became Knoxboro. James C. Knox, father of J. Theodore, was born at Knoxboro Novem ber 29, 1818, and spent his life there, engaged in active and successful mercantile and manufacturing business; he died July 16, 1894. Octobers, 1844, he married Mary E. Whiteley, who was a native of Utica, born December 3, 1818, who is still living on the old homestead in Knoxboro. J. Theodore received his education at Dwight's Rural High School in Clinton and at the age of sixteen entered his father's store as clerk and bookkeeper, and in 1865, although only twenty years of age, entered into partnership with his father, which contineed until 1881 ; at that time selling to FAMILY SKETCHES. 133 his father the interest he held in the store, having in the mean time engaged in the general insurance business, which he still continues besides conducting the affairs of his farms. Mr. Knox has held the office of town clerk for two terms, and in 1881 received the nomination for the Assembly. February 20, 1873, he married Lucy Anna Barbour, of Pittstown, Rensselaer county, who was born August 7, 1848, and received her education at North Granville, and Temple Grove Seminary ; her father, Rev. P. Barbour, was then pastor of the Presbyterian church of Augusta. They have three children : Mary Barbour, born March 10, 1883; Ruth Agnes, born November 6, 1886 ; William Curtis, bom May 3, 1889. Williams, Arnon George, was born in Westmoreland, July 8, 1818, son of George and Rhoda (Beckwith) Williams. George Williams was a native of Massachusetts, and came to Westmoreland about 1816, where he conducted a farm. He then went to boating on the canal, but afterwards resumed farming until his death in 1850. Arnon George Williams was educated in the district schools, then learned the black smith's business, after which he went to the Groton Academy in Tompkins county, where he prepared for college. He entered Hamilton College in 1842, graduating in 1845, having gained a collegiate education through his own efforts, teaching school at intervals. After graduating from college he went to teaching in the Delancey In stitute at Westmoreland where he taught two years, and then went to Walworth Academy where he occupied the position of principal for two years; from here he went to Fayetteville where he served as principal for. five years; thence to Vernon, serving years ; after which he returned to Delancey Institute, also serving as principal a term of years. On returning to Westmoreland he bought the Springs buildings and property connected with them; he later bought the Hallock farm, which he ran in connection with the Institute, which has been known as the Delancey and Williams Institue. After some years he gave up teaching and turned his at tention to cultivating his farming property. Mr. Williams is a staunch Republican, contributing his best efforts to the support of his party, but has never sought a political office. He has been justice of the peace and loan commissioner. Mr. Will iams married Jane B. Pratt, of Castile, Wyoming county. Mr. Williams's career has been one of remarkable activity. He has been one of the foremost educators in the county, and was one of the principal men in forming the town Agricultural Society, which ran for ten years successfully ; he was also one of the organizers, and first master of the grange in this town for four years. Mr. Williams has always been at the head of the educational work, and foremost in everything connected with the inter ests of the farmers, and is first vice-president of the Farmers' club. Jessup, Benjamin T., was born in Colchester, Delaware county, N. Y., April 13, 1813, son of Abraham and Phoebe Jessup, also of Colchester, N. Y. Mr. Jessup's ancestors came to this country in 1642. He went to New York at sixteen years of age, and was engaged in business there for fifty-eight years. Fifty years of this period, he was engaged in the manufacture of paints and oils, and was one of the pioneers in that business, and was the first to prepare zinc paint for painters' use. In 1887 he retired entirely from business, and bought the S. Newton Dexter place in Whitesboro. Mr. Jessup married Emily C, daughter of Robert Johnson, of Middletown, Conn., by whom he had four children : John C, Robert J., Henrietta, 134 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. married to Edgar P. Glass of Syracuse, and Benjamin A. of Brooklyn, N. Y. His second wife is Mary E., daughter of John Tunbridge, of Utica. v Wilson, William H., was born February 5, 1849, son of Henry W. and Adelia S. (Draper) Wilson. Henry Wilson was the son of James Wilson, who built the present homestead residence and purchased the present homestead farm, in 1792, coming here with Judge White, and being one of the earliest settlers in the township. Henry W. lived here during his lifetime. William H. Wilson was educated at Whitestown Seminary, after which he engaged in farming on the old homestead farm, where he has always resided. Mr. Wilson isastaunch Republican and takes an active interest in the success of his party. He married Emma J., daughter of E. Chauncey Lewis, a farmer of Kirkland. This is a sketch of one of the oldest and best known families in the township of Whitestown. On his mother's side, the family are descended from the Draper family, who trace their descent back to 1620. Race, Chester A., was born in Greene, Chenango county, N. Y., son of George T. Race and Margaret A. Race. His grandfather, Derrick Race, came from Connec ticut and settled in Greene, when it was a vast wilderness. Chester A. was educated in Chenango county and settled in Norwich and from there came to Walesville. Mr. Race is a carpenter and builder and also engaged in farming. He married Jane Whiting, by whom he had two children : Jesse, and Georgie. Mrs. Race died in 1872, and he is now married to Ella Brooks, by whom he has four children: Charles, Arthur, Carrie and Bertie. Mr. Race and wife are members of the Baptist church at Walesville, and Mr. Race is a staunch Republican and takes an active interest in the success of his party. Hawkins, James S., was born in Canada, December 23, 1822, and came to the United States with his parents when a year old. He was educated in the district schools in various places, and has been a boat builder by occupation. March 23, 1843, he married Jane E. Pratt, of Rome, N. Y.,by whom he had eight children, two of whom died in infancy: Delos A., Salome M., Udell R., Addie M., Frances E., and Sarah J., all of whom are married. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins have thirty-one grand children. October 18, 1861, Mr. Hawkins enlisted in Co. K, 97th N. Y. S. Vols., re- enlisted January 4, 1864, and participated in the following engagements: South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Rac coon Ford, Battle of the Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spottsylvania Court House, North Anna River, Bethsaida Church, White Oak Swamp, in front of Petersburg, and the Weldon Railroad, where he was taken prisoner August 19, 1864, and was in Libby and Salisbury Prisons, was exchanged and returned to his company May 6, 1865. He was honorably discharged June 9, 1865, from Navy School Hospital. He is a member of Joseph Warren Post, of Verona, N. Y., No. 615, G. A- R-, Department of New York. , Burrell, Joseph, was born in England October 12, 1844, son of Thomas and Mercy Burrell, who came from England to Westmoreland in 1854. Thomas Burrell then engaged in farming, at which he continued until his death in May, 1895. Joseph was educated in the district school, after which he also engaged in farming, and at the outbreak of the late Civil war he volunteered and went to the front with the 117th New York Infantry, participating in the following battles: Suffolk, Va., bom- FAMILY SKETCHES. 135 bardment ot Fort Sumter, S. C, Seabrook and John's Island, Swift Creek, Va., Drury's Bluff, Bermuda Hundred, Cold Harbor, Petersburg Mine Explosion ' Chapin's Farm, Darbytown Road, Fort Fisher, N. C, campaign of the Carolinas! and Bennet House, N. C, and was honorably discharged June 8, 1865, at Raleigh, N. C, by reason of the close of the war. This regiment participated in an unusual number of engagements, in all of which Mr. Burrell participated, never being absent from his regiment during the whole three years of their brilliant record, and he was fortunate enough, though participating in some of the hottest engagements of the war, to not receive a wound.' After the war he returned to Westmoreland and en gaged in farming, at which he continues. He married Jessie I. Isbell, daughter of S. A. Isbell, of Westmoreland, by whom he has one daughter, Hattie L. Tuttle, Frank J.— Salmon Tuttle was born in the town of Camden, Oneida county, N. Y., August 12, 1815. He was educated in the common and select schools, and has since been engaged on the canal and in lumbering and farming. He has been married twice, first in December, 1843, to Emily Page, of New London, and they had one son, Albert G. Mrs. Tuttle died July 8, 1845, and July 1, 1847, he married Sarah A. Bailey, of the town of Vienna, by whom he had four children: Flormond B., Zopher J., Volsey B., who died in infancy, and Frank J. Mr. Tuttle's father, Zopher Tuttle, was born in Connecticut, February 4, 1776, and came to the town of Salisbury. Herkimer county, when a young man. He married Betsey B. Beasley, formerly of Connecticut, by whom he had six children: Hannah, Polly, James, Delight, Salmon, as above, and Zopher. The great-grandfather of Frank J. , Daniel Tuttle, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Salmon Tuttle has resided on the homestead sixty years. Frank J. Tuttle was born on the homestead June 13, 1861, and was educated in the public schools, and has since been engaged in farming and speculating. He married Flora E. Kent, of Leyden, Lewis county, by whom he had one daughter, Laura K. Mrs. Tuttle's father, Phineas Kent, was born in Leyden, May 22, 1826, and was educated in the schools of that time. He married Maria Smith, of the town of Lee, by whom he had five children: Flora E., as above, Nellie S., Lena B., Hattie M., and Grace A. The ancestry of the family is of New England stock, of English extraction. Lyman, Charles Simeon, was born in Westmoreland, N. Y. , September 10, 1846, son of Simeon and Amanda Colton (Howard) Lyman. Simeon Lyman was born in Connecticut and came to Westmoreland in later years, where he engaged in farming and also ran a saw mill. He died August 10, 1868. Amanda Lyman, his wife, was born in Starkey, N. Y. Charles S. first attended the district school, then Hampton Spring Institute, and afterwards the Whitestown Seminary. He then engaged in clerking and afterwards was in the mercantile business at Westmoreland. He is now engaged in farming and conducts the homestead farm. Mr. Lyman was post master under Mr. Harrison's administration and was road commissioner for four years. He married Clara Bedient, of Westmoreland, by whom he has three children : Mary A., Fannie E. and C. Herrick. Mr. Lyman, and his father before him, have always been representative citizens of Westmoreland. Eells, Charles W., was born in the town of Kirkland, July 15, 1819, son of Robert Eells, was born in Middletown, Conn., and came to the towns of Kirkland and 136 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Whitestown in 1815. Their ancestors were from England. Robert Eells married Rebecca, daughter of Simeon Hatch of New Hartford, by whom he had three chil dren : George K. and Henry (deceased), and Charles W. Charles W. Eells was edu cated in the town of Westmoreland, and graduated from Whitestown Academy. He engaged in farming and now owns a farm of forty acres. He married Mary A., daughter of Orrin Prior of Kirkland, by whom he has three children: Elizabeth, Martha and Theodore. Marshall, Charles L., was born in the town of Paris, April 21, 1853, son of Charles Leander and Caroline (Mould) Marshall, and whose ancestors came from Connecti cut. He learned the trade of carpenter, and since 1876 has been superintendent of the o:.tside work (buildings and repairs) for the Empire Woolen Co. at Clayville, a position his father held before him. Mr. Marshall is one of the most prominent men in the town of Paris, and at present supervisor of the town, a position he has held since 1891. He is a member of the Blue Lodge, chapter and commandery, and of the shrine. He is also past master of Sauquoit Lodge No. 150. In 1879 he married Helen S. Bishop. He has been treasurer .of the Sauquoit Valley Cemetery Associa tion since 1882. Gouge, -Frederick H., the architect, of 26-27 Winston Building, Utica, N. Y., was graduated from Hamilton College in 1870. His early education was acquired at a district school and the academy at Rome, N. Y. In 1871-72 he practiced civil engi neering in Fulton and Herkimer counties and on the Bound Brook Railway line in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In 1873 he formed a partnership with William H. Miller, at Ithaca, N. Y., for the practice of the profession of architecture. In 1876 he removed to Utica, where he opened an office and resumed work as an architect. Mr. Gouge was born in Trenton, N. Y., May 5, 1845, son of Jacob Gouge, a farmer. The farm on which his grandfather, also named Jacob Gouge, settled at Trenton in 1796, is still retained by the family. His mother, Laura (Powers) Gouge, was a de scendant of the Burlingame and Grinnell families of Connecticut. October 25, 1881, Mr. Gouge married Abbie P. Moore, of Trenton Falls, N. Y. , by whom he had three children : Julia Sherman, Laura, and George Frederick. Mr. Gouge is a member of the American Institute of Architects and has been president of Western New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects for two terms. Among the notable buildings designed by him are the First National Bank, Utica City National Bank, Sayre Memorial'church, Park Baptist church, the St. Francis De Sales church in the city of Utica, the Cayuga County Savings Bank at Auburn, and the Colgate Gymna sium at Colgate University. Mr. Gouge is a member of the Fort Schuyler and Arca num Clubs. The late John Edward Elliott, descendant of John Elliott, the apostle to the In dians, was born in the town of Marshall, January 1, 1821. He was the son of Ed ward Elliott, who was born in Connecticut and came to the town of Marshall in 1820, where he engaged in farming. He married Betsey Fairchild, of Connecticut, by whom he had four children. At the age of ten John with his parents came to Clin ton, where he lived until his death, July 6, 1880. He was educated in the Clinton Academy, after which he engaged in mining business for over thirty years, and was the owner of several iron mines in this State and Canada. He was contractor for a FAMILY SKETCHES. 137 part of the Utica, Clinton & Binghamton Railroad and largely interested in the street railroad of Utica. He was supervisor of the town of Kirkland three times. Married in 1853 Lovina, daughter of Calvin Kellogg, by whom he had two sons: Frank A. , of Clinton, and Edward, of Utica. Hayes, E. N., was born in Boonville, Oneida county, N. Y., September 23, 1851. His father, the late John P. Hayes, was also born in Boonville. Mr. Hayes assumed control of the retail trade in the grocery line in 1868 at the death of his father. In 1876 he married Ella J. Brinckerhoff, by whom he had four children: Eugenia, Rena, Harold and Laura Eugenia ; the oldest died in 1879. Mr. Hayes still continues the business which he assumed at the death of his father; he takes an active interest in piiblic affairs and has served his townsmen for several years in positions of trust. At the present time Mr. Hayes is acting as assistant superintendent Section 1 of the Black River Canal. Graham, Joseph E., was born in Paris, Oneida county, in 1819, and is a representa tive of a family who settled in Oneida county before the beginning of the century. His father, William Graham, came here in 1796 and cleared a large farm. Joseph _ E. is one of the foremost farmers of Oneida county. By his own efforts he gained an education, graduating from Sauquoit Academy in 1841 ; he then taught the Wil- lowdale school one term, after which he attended the De Lancy Institute at Hamp ton one year and taught school many years. He began farming in Madison county but subsequently came back to Paris. In 1845 he married Caroline E. Hecock, whose grandfather was one of the first settlers here. They had one son, Charles W., a promising young man, who was a college graduate and civil engineer, who died at twenty-five years. Mr. Graham is a Prohibitionist and an earnest advocate of the temperance cause. He has held many positions of honor and trust, and has been a member of the School Board for a number of years, which position he fills at present. He is also president of the New York Central Farmers' Club. Barrows, Samuel Jones, is a descendant of the staunch English yeoman stock. His ancestor, John Barrows, came from Yajmouth, England, in 1637, and settled in Salem, Mass. He was married twice, and by his second wife he had three children: Joshua, Beniger, and Ebenezer. He died at Plymouth, Mass., in 1692. His son Ebenezer settled in Attleboro, Mass., and was the father of Abraham, who was born at Attleboro, February 11, 1714, and settled in Cumberland, R. I. Abraham was the father of Jeremiah. Jeremiah was the father of Mellen, and from Mellen came Samuel Jones. Abraham Barrows removed from Cumberland, R. I., to Richmond, Cheshire county, N. H., in 1765. Mellen Barrows, the son of Jeremiah, and the father of Samuel Jones, was born in Warwick, Franklin county, Mass. , on the 39th day of February, 1786, and afterwards went with his father to Richmond, N. H. , where he lived for several years and married Lucy Whipple, the daughter of Ichabod Whipple, jr., on the 13th day of August, 1810. Her great-grandfather, Nathaniel Whipple, also moved from Cumberland, R 1., to Richmond, N. H., in 1767. The father and mother of Samuel Jones moved from Richmond, N. H., to McDonough, Che nango county, N. Y., in about 1815, where they lived and died at a good old age, in which town the subject of this sketch Was born. Jeremiah Barrows, the grandfather of Samuel Jones, fought in the ranks of the Continental army at the battles of 138 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Bunker Hill, Trenton, Princeton, and Bennington, and was the last one of the Revo lutionary "soldiers who died in the town of Richmond. He died October 25, 1850. at the age of ninety-four years. The father of Samuel Jones served in the war of 1812 and was stationed at Portsmouth, N. H. Both of these men drew pensions for many years before they died. Samuel Jones was a farmer's boy, and remained on the farm in his native town, helping his father and brothers in all kinds of work pertain ing to that business until he was of age. He was the youngest of five sons and be longs to the sixth generation of his family. His education was obtained at odd in tervals in the district and select schools of the town in which he was born, to which was added a few months in the academy at Norwich, N. Y. On becoming of age he taught a district school for a short time in an adjoining town to where he was born, then went to the city of Utica, N. Y., where he studied law in the office of the late Joshua A. Spencer and Francis Kernan, and was admitted to practice in 1851. He afterwards acted as clerk in the office of the late Judge Ward Hunt for one year, and then opened an office for himself at Utica, N. Y. , where he has ever since resided and practiced his profession. He was elected city attorney for the city of Utica in 1853 and held that office one term. He also held the office of attorney and connsel for the Board of Excise of the county of Oneida for thirteen years, from 1857 to 1870, when the law was changed from county to town and city boards. He has also held the office of corporation counsel of the city of Utica for five consecutive terms, from March, 1879, to March, 1884, being first appointed by a Republican and afterward a Democratic common council ; and it is to his credit and ability as a lawyer that while he was its counsel the city never paid any damages or costs in any action which he defended. He was also elected mayor of the city of Utica on the Democratic ticket, m 1889, and held that office one term. He has been twice married, his second wife being Mrs. Isabella Grace Lowery, daughter of Mr. John Gourlay, deceased, late of Ogdensburg, N. Y. Rice, George W. , is a native of Paris, N. Y. , where he was born in 1843, son of Edward Dana, and Sally A. (Chapman) Rice. His father came from Hartford, Conn., when eleven years old, leaving a tyrannical master to whom he had been bound out to acquire a trade. Here he engaged in farming and became a successful farmer, identified with every interest of the town ; and his death in 1892, at the age of eighty-two years, was mourned as a personal loss by the community. He left three sous: Charles F. Rice, of Boonville ; John C. , a farmer of Florence ; and George W. ; and he also had one daughter, Harriet M., who died at the age of nineteen years. George W. Rice first engaged in building, after which he was associated with his brother in the planing mill business in Boonville for ten years. He also spent two years in Utica as a lumber inspector, and was a builder for ten years. He purchased the coal yards of F. C. Ogden in 1885. He has been called to various positions in the Pres byterian church, and was made deacon in 1891. He was one of the board of trustees of the village for six years, and has been president of the Utica Coal Exchange since 1894. In 1870 Mr. Rice married Lydia M-, daughter of Lorenzo D. Pearce, of this place. Coleman, E. G., was born in Whitestown, Oneida county, October 13, 1840, son of John S. Coleman, who was also born in Whitestown, N. Y. John S. Coleman was engaged in the saw mill business. He married Elizabeth Bellinger, of Whitestown, FAMILY SKETCHES. 139 by whom he had five children. E. G. Coleman was educated in the district schools, then engaged in the manufacture of lumber, doing a wholesale and retail business. He is now one of Clinton's foremost enterprising business men. Mr. Coleman mar ried Sarah W Wetherell, by whom he has five children: Georgianna M., John B., Kittie M., Alice B., Myrtle E. Mr. Coleman is a member of Lodge No. 169, F. & A. M. Martin, Louis M., attorney at law, Clinton, N. Y., was born in Madison, Madison county, N. Y., November 35, 1863, and up to the time he was twenty years of age he worked on the farm for his parents and as a farm laborer for the various farmers in towns of Madison and Hamilton in said county, attending school winters. In the year 1880 he graduated from the Hamilton Union School and Academy, and in 1885 he graduated from the Clinton Grammar School, Clinton, Oneida county, N. Y. In 1886 he took up a permanent residence in Clinton, N Y., and began the study of law in the office of Charles R. Carruth; after one year's experience in the office he accepted the position of teacher in the Franklin School, where he taught for two years, continuing his law studies at odd times. In 1888 he was elected justice of the peace of the town of Kirk'and, and in 1889 became the principal, of the Clinton Public School, where he remained for one and one-half years. In 1889 he married Miss Louise Foucher, of New York city. After being admitted as a lawyer he began the practice of law in Clinton, the 1st day of February, 1890, and is still engaged in practice there, and conducts, with the law business, and insurance agency. He still retains the office of justice of the peace, and is one of the members of the Board of Education of the Clinton Union School and Academy. His father's name is Mar- shalo Martin; mother's maiden name was Lizzie Hankins, all of English ancestry. Young, George A. , was born in the town of Kirkland, December 13, 1825, son of William G. and Polly (Whitney) Young. His father was a builder, and he learned that trade, but engaged in farming forty-three years ago, and is still engaged in that occupation. In 1851 he married Irena A. Miller, by whom he has had five children. Mrs. Young's ancestors were among the early settlers in this town (Marshall), and her great-grandfather, Isaac Miller, came here in 1793. Lee, Arthur Delos, was born in Westmoreland, January 25, 1845, son of Isaac B. and Harriet (Lay) Lee. Isaac Lee was also born in Westmoreland, his father being one of the early settlers of the county. Mrs. Lee was born at Rome and came to Westmoreland with her folks, who were early hotel keepers of the county. Arthur D. Lee was educated partly at Westmoreland and partly at Whitestown Seminary. and then learned the carpenter's and joiner's trade at Rome, where he worked three years. He then came to Westmoreland and has since conducted a building busi ness, having built a number of houses throughout his immediate section. Mr. Lee has always been a staunch Republican and contributed his best efforts to the sup port of his party. Mr. Lee is highly esteemed, has been county committeeman, and at last election was elected supervisor, which office he now holds. Mr. Lee married Nettie Isbell, of Westmoreland, by whom he has one son, Warren I., now being educated at Hamilton Callege, with the object of entering the legal profession. Samuel A. Isbell, lather of Mrs. Lee, was born in the town of Whitestown in 1815. He was one of the most prominent and respected residents of his locality. He took 140 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. a prominent part in the business world, being for over forty years an extensive con tractor and builder of churches, factories and other buildings, and later in life a prosperous farmer and real estate owner. He with his wife, Jane Richardson Isbell, was a devoted Christian and gave liberally to the Bartlett Baptist church, to which they belonged. Mrs. Isbell died in 1885, and Mr. Isbell in 1893. Traxel, George E. — The late Jacob Traxel was born in the town of Ava, Oneida county, N. Y., February 28, 1839. He was educated in the district schools and in early life carried on a blaeksmith business, but afterward engaged in farming. April 16, 1863, he married Barbara Esch, of this town, by whom he had four children: George E., Ella E., Emma J., and C. Amelia. Mr. Traxel died September 4, 1883. Mrs. Traxel's father, Michael Esch, was born in Alsace, France, in 1799, and was educated there. He married Salome Neufer, of his native place, and they came to the United States in 1830, and first located in Trenton, N.Y., but soon after removed to the town of Verona, near New London. They had five children : Michael, Salome, George, Frederic, and Barbara. The ancestry of the family is German on both sides. Sotners, E. M., M. D., was born in Sherburne, N. Y., October 22, 1826, son of Samuel and Betsey A. (Beers) Somers. Dr. Somers was educated for his profession at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, graduating in 1853, and has since been practicing in Deansville. In 1862 he joined the medical staff of the 146th N. Y. Vols., and was with this regiment for some time in the field. In 1853 Dr. Somers married Martha A. Babcock, by whom he had seven children : Dr. E. M. Somers, jr., of the State Hospital at Ogdensburg; Maud, and Walter. For his sec ond wife .Dr. Somers married Hattie E. Hamlin. Dr. Somers was postmaster at Deansville for eight years, from the commencement of Lincoln's administration until the close of Johnson's. Pollard, Grant J., M.D., was born at Deansboro, N. Y., June 2, 1865. His father came from New Hampshire, where he was born April 4, 1829, and died at Deans boro, where he had been engaged in agriculture for more than fifty years. He was a descendant of the New England Puritan stock ; his mother, Adelaide (Jenks) Pol lard, was born at Deansboro in 1840, where she now resides. Dr. Pollard received his education at the Deansboro. graded school and the Kirkland Hall at Clinton, N. Y. He subsequently attended the medical department of the University of Ver mont, from which institution he was graduated in July, 1890. He began practice at Preble, N. Y., and in 1891, located at Oriskany Falls, where he has built up a pros perous and successful practice. Merna, P. , was born in Ireland in 1854 and came to America in 1869. He spent two years in Richfield and Cooperstown and came to Waterville in 1872. He is a prominent contractor and builder and has been actively engaged in this business since 1872. He has a farm in Marshall on which he resides. He is also an extensive dealer in flagging, coping and curbing stone, which he brings from Oxford, and in every way he is an active and successful business man. In politics he is a Democrat, and has been delegate to many conventions. In 1873 Mr. Merna married Mary McHale. Parkinson, T. W., was born at Bridgewater, N. Y., November 9, 1852, son of FAMILY SKETCHES. 141 Thomas and Eunice Parkinson, the former a native of England ; and Mrs. Parkin son's father was one of the first settlers in this part of the county. Thomas Parkin son is the present postmaster of North Bridgewater, a position he has held for the past twenty years. T. W. Parkinson was educated at the Winfield Academy, and the Eastman's Commercial College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. In March, 1876, he mar ried Catherine Roberts, by whom he has two sons: Clarence and Floyd. Mr. Park inson is one of the prominent farmers in the town of Bridgewater, a member of the Equitable Aid Union, and also a staunch Republican. Fitch, A. L., was born in Westmoreland, August 20, 1856, son of E. R. and Jane L. Fitch. E. R. Fitch was born in Westmoreland, April 25, 1805, where he engaged in farming until his death, February 20, 1888. Mrs. Jane L. Fitch was born in Canaan, Conn., and is still living on the old homestead in Westmoreland. A. L. Fitch was educated partly in Westmoreland and partly in Clinton, and then engaged in farming, at which he has since continued and has one of the largest and best farms in the township. Mr. Fitch married Elizabeth Rose of Westmoreland. He is a prominent Democrat, and the present postmaster of Westmoreland, having been appointed by President Cleveland. Gypson, Adelbert G., was born in Lowell, town of Westmoreland, March 10, 1865, son of James H. and Margaret M. Gypson. James H. Gypson was born in Pennsyl vania, March 16, 1828, his wife being of English extraction. He first moved to Marcy, and then settled in Westmoreland. Mr. Gypson has been interested in boat ing, and has always been a staunch Republican. He has been road commissioner, and is a well known farmer of Westmoreland. Adelbert Gypson was educated in Westmoreland, and also in Clinton. He buys and sells farm products through the country, shipping them to the city in large lots. He is a well-known farmer, was also highway commissioner in 1894-95, and a staunch Republican. He is married to Jessie Capron, daughter of Eli B. Capron, of Lowell, Westmoreland, by whom he has two children: Floyd A. and Ola C. Mr. Gypson is a member of the Royal Arcanum, Rome Council No. 150. Cummings, James W., was born in the village of Clinton, December 31, 1866, son of James Cummings, who was born in Ireland and came to the United States in 1845, and isa prosperous farmer in this town. James W. Cummings is one of seven chil dren ; he was educated at Kirkland Hall in Clinton, and at Holy Cross College in Massachusetts in 1886. He began the study of law with Mr. Searl of Rome, and finished at Hamilton College, after which he entered the law firm of Williams & Mc Cabe, was admitted to the bar when twenty-one years of age, and entered into part nership with J. E. McCabe in the practice of his profession under the firm name of McCabe & Cummings, which continued till the death of Mr. McCabe. West, Joseph, was born on this homestead, October 19, 1817. He was educated in the district schools, and was afterward engaged in farming. January 1, 1843, he married Mary Ann Jackson, of this town. Mr. West's father, Joseph West, was born in Grafton, Rensselaer county, N. Y. , June 26, 1790, and came to this county when a young man. He returned to his native county after a period of about three years, and November 12, 1811, married Mary Brock, of his native place, by whom he had nine children: Adilla C, Emily, Joseph, as above, Julia, Benjamin, Arminta, Fran- 142 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. cis, Olive.^and Elizabeth. He died March 11, 1832, and his wife February 20, 1865. Mrs. West's father, Alanson Jackson, was born in Connecticut about 1792. He married Marilla Warner and came to the town of Verona in 1818. They had four children : Noble, Amos, Mary Ann and Julia. He died in 1838 and his wife in 1880. Mr. and Mrs. West are members of the Seven Day Baptist church, of which he has been deacon for thirty years. The ancestry of the family is New England stock, of Welsh, Scotch and Irish origin. Graham, George H., was born in Oriskany, N. Y., May 21, 1843, son of George and Jane Graham. George Graham was born at Whitesboro, N. Y. , in 1811. He has been engaged in contracting, doing work on the canal, and has also been en gaged in railroad building. He has been superintendent on various divisions of the canal, and was supervisor of the township, for which he wasnominated sixteen times and elected eight. He was justice of the peace for over thirty years, and has also been a member of the Legislature, and on the excise commission of the county eight , years, and he has been one of the most prominent men of the township during his life, and although eighty-four years old, is still in good health George H. Graham was educated in Whitestown, after which he superintended at railroad, canal and reservoir building; part of the time he was engaged on the Welland canal, on the New York Reservoir, also on the New York Central R. R. He returned to Whites- town in the fall of 1879 and took charge of the Oriskany Malleable Iron Works, which was started in a small way in a hired shop with $8,000 capital, employing about thirty-five people ; and in seven years they increased the capital stock from $7,000 to $41,000, and constructed the present factory, where they employ on the average of 120 men. This has been one of the successful industries of the county, and Mr. Graham is superintendent. He is supervisor of the town, having been elected for two years. He married Fanny Murphy of Oriskany, by whom he has two children: Jean and Annis, Neal, Austin D., was born near Paris Hill, N. Y., in 1813, son of Martin Neal, who was of Scotch ancestry, and was born in Connecticut. When eighteen years of age he settled in the old town of New Hartford, coming with his father, William Neal, and making the journey with an ox team. He had no capital, but by economy and the exercise of rare business qualities he accumulated a large amount of prop erty at farming. He married Roxy Porter of an old local family. Austin D. Neal had resided on the old homestead until 1895, when he came to live a retired life in the village. In 1852 he married Mary Gilbert, who died in 1867, leaving two chil dren: Mary Adelaide, and Martin Edwin; the latter. is now engaged in farming on the homestead, which comprises eighty-two acres of land. In 1871 he married his present wife, Mary, daughter of Abel Law, by whom he had one child, William Austin, who was born in 1872 and died in 1883. Aylesworth, Rev. David W., was born in Odessa, Ontario, Canada, in 1830, and is a Methodist Episcopal clergyman of New Hartford. He is a son of a lay preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church at Odessa, who was highly esteemed as a man of rare intellectual attainments, and a gifted public speaker. He died in 1890. Rev. David Wi Aylesworth began his education at Odessa, and studied engineering at Bath and Newburg. In 1856 he entered the ministry, completing his education at FAMILY SKETCHES. 143 Ottawa. In 1868 he came to New York State and entered upon his life work of preaching the gospel. He is also an active worker in the interests of the I. O. G. T., and a fluent speaker. Jones, James E., M. D., was born in Otsego county, N. Y., July 17, 1832. He was educated at Whitesboro Seminary, Ann Arbor, Mich. , and Albany Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1855. After practicing four years in Utica, he re moved to Clayville, where he practiced for over thirty years. In 1858 he married Margaret Springer, by whom he has three children : Ida (Jones) Burt, of Utica, N.Y. ¦ AnnaM., a teacher in Utica; and Frank J. Dr. Jones's father, Elias Avery Jones, was bom in Bridgewater, N. Y., in 1809, and his grandfather, Elias Jones, was one of the first settlers in Bridgewater, where he came from Stonington, Conn. Simeon Morgan, an uncle of Dr. Jones's grandfather, was killed at the battle of Groton Heights, and not a few of his ancestors were actors in the stirring events in the early history of the country. His great-grandmother Hunt during the American Revolution narrowly escaped massacre by the Indians, four miles south of Amster dam; she heard. the Indian war-whoop and fled to the woods with her only child, the doctor's grandfather, hiding until her house was burned and the Indians departed. Her husband was absent as a volunteer soldier with the Americans. Cleveland, Charles H., was born in Rome, N. Y., November 14, 1855, son of George and Lucy Cleveland. George Cleveland is a farmer and is still living at the age of sixty-six years. Charles H. Cleveland was educated in Rome and then en gaged in the mercantile business. He was a merchant in Rome for six years ; and was also engaged in farming. He now conducts a general store at Lowell and carries a stock that will compare favorably with any mercantile stock m the town of Westmoreland. Mr. Cleveland married Bertha Cook, of Rome, by whom he has two children: John A. and Gretta M. Overrocker, Enos D., was born in the town of Westmoreland, N. Y., September 15, 1855. He was educated in the district schools, and, with the exception of seven years, has always followed farming. April 16, 1892, he married Elizabeth Deihl, of Vernon Center, by whom he has two children : James, and a baby boy not yet named. Mr. Overrocker's father, Jerome B., was born in the town of Vernon, N. Y., in 1811. He was well educated, and was a farmer by occupation. He married Roxanna Payne of Bloomington Point, Conn., by whom he had nine children: Sidney, James, Lafayette, Frank, Lucinda, Edward, Enos D., as above, a baby not named, and Ida. Mr. Overrocker died in 1886 ; his wife survives and resides with our subject. Mrs. Enos D. Overrocker's father, Ernest Deihl, was born in Germany, and came to the United States when a young man. He married and had seven children by his first wife, and six by his second wife. Mr. Overrocker's brother, Lafayette, was a soldier of the late war. He enlisted August 3, 1862, in Co. H, 117th N. Y. S. Vols., and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. The ancestry of the family is Dutch and German. Williams, Rees G. , son of William E. , was born in Carmaerthonshire, Wales, July 19, 1828, and came to Utica with his parents in 1841. He learned the printing busi ness in the Gazette office, and in 1862, with the late Lucius C. Childs, opened a job room in Franklin Square. Later he was connected with the New York Central Rail- 144 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. road offices, for a time he was foreman of the Observer job room, succeeding Luther M. Kent. In 1866 he engaged in the insurance business as a representative of the Charter Oak Company. This calling he continued until his death, which occurred December 33, 1895. Mr. Williams early identified himself with Masonry and became an ardent promoter of its principles. At the age of twenty-four he was junior war den and was successively promoted until he filled exalted positions in the Grand Lodge of the State. He instituted many lodges and was one of the best known Masons in Central New York. Since 1861 he was connected with the Knights Tem plar and was its commander when it took part in the obsequies of President Garfield in Cleveland. Mr. Williams took deep interest in the history of Utica and was a prominent member of the Oneida Historical Society from its inception. He was a man of engaging personality, remarkably well informed, warmly esteemed and highly respected, and inflexibly honest. Roberts, John C, managing editor of Y Drych (The Mirror), the leading Welsh' paper of the country, was born in Llysfaen, North Wales, June 7, 1840. In 1866 he came from Denbigh, North Wales, to America, and after two and one-half years spent mostly in New York city settled permanently in Utica, where he has ever since (March, 1869) held the position of managing editor of Y Drych. Day, Horace E., was born at West Schuyler, Herkimer county, N. Y., August 31, 1846, son of Horace B. Day, and was educated in the public schools and Utica Free Academy. He has been identified with the Utica Opera House in various capacities since about 1866, when he was placed in charge of the box office. In 1892 he became lessee and manager of this play house, and has conducted its affairs successfully, being well sustained by the theatrical public of the city of Utica. Mr. Day married Kittie M. McKinney, of Utica, and they are the parents of six children. v Weaver, Abram H., was born in Deerfield, Oneida county, N. Y. , June 13, 1849. He was educated at Utica, and has since followed farming. In 1881 he purchased a farm in Marcy. where he resided until 1892, when he took up his residence at Deer field Corners, but still carries on the farm. In 1877 he married Matilda, daughter of Richard and Rachel Harter, natives of Deerfield. Richard Harter was a farmer in Deerfield. He was a Democrat in politics, and was supervisor of Deerfield and jus tice of the peace for a great many years. He died May 3, 1883, aged eighty-three years, and his -wife died April 18, 1860, aged sixty-seven years Mr, and Mrs. Weaver have one daughter, Florence R., born June 20, 1880. Jamieson, Robert, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, son of Alexander and Betsey Jamieson. The family came to the United States in 1865, and Alexander was em ployed in the New York Mills until he died in 1883. Mrs. Jamieson is still living. Robert Jamieson engaged in work in the New York Mills, at which he has always continued. He is overseer of the weaving in Mill No. 1. He is a popular and promi nent Republican, and has been elected supervisor two terms. He married Julia Cash of New York Mills, by whom he has one son, Edward C. Mr. and Mrs. Jamie son are members of the Presbyterian church of New York Mills. Dygart, John HT, was born in Oneida county, N. Y., in 1829. He was educated in the district schools, and January 1, 1853, he married Susan Lansing, of his native county, by whom he had six children; Harriet A., Dennison H., George H., Ida M., FAMILY SKETCHES. 145 Josie F., and Myra M. Peter Dygart, father of John H., was born in Madison county, N. Y., and married Elsie Goodeno, by whom he has three children: John H., Dennison and Maria. Mrs. Dygart's father, Henry Laning, was born February 8, 1808. He married Abigail Coon, of his native place, by whom he had three children : William, Susan, and Harriet. Mr. Laning died January 16, 1890, and his wife July 19, 1860. Mr. Dygart's grandfather, Henry Dygart, was a soldier in the Revolu tionary war. The ancestry of the family is of New England stock, of Dutch origin on both sides. Foster, Ellen M. — Charles Foster was born in Southampton, L. I., in 1797, and was educated in the schools of that day. He was a tanner and shoemaker in early life, and afterward a farmer. He came to Oneida county when twenty-three years of age. He married Rhoda Snow, of Sandisfield, Berkshire county, Mass. , by whom he had nine children : Charles S., Mary S., William A., deceased, Ellen M., as above, an infant daughter not named, James J., George A., William H., and Edward S. George A. graduated from Ann Arbor University, Michigan, as an attorney at law. He enlisted in the 44th, Colonel Ellsworth's regiment and participated in the Seven Days fight in the battle of the Wilderness, was promoted as captain in a colored regiment, was honorably discharged at the close of the war, and is now a resident of Chicago. Edward S. also enlisted in Company C, 117th N. Y. Vols., and was in the Army of the Potomac. He died in Virginia, July 31, 1863, and was buried in the Hampton National Cemetery. Mr. Foster died November 3, 1858, and his wife De cember 36, 1879. Christopher Foster, styled farmer in the shipping list, embarked in London, June 17, 1635, in the Abigail, and moved to Southampton in 1651. Merry, Frederick J., was born in Baden, Germany, December 31, 1840. He was educated in the schools of his native place until he was twelve years of age, when he came to the United States, locating in the townof Verona. He owns a stone quarry, a cheese factory, and a farm. August 16, 1862, he enlisted in Co. L, 1st N. Y. Mounted Rifles, was in the department of the Army of the James, and was honor ably discharged June 11, 1865. March 10, 1875, he married Anna E. McGann of this town, by whom he has three children: William G., Grace C, and Belle S. Mrs. Merry's father, Hugh McGann, was born in 1817, was educated in the common schools and was a blacksmith by occupation. Mr. McGann married Mary Butler, by whom he had eight children: Mary, Emily, Ellen, Mary, Sarah, William, Anna E., and Adelia. He died in 1884 and his wife died April 7, 1896. Dapson, Thomas, was born in Kent, England, April 25, 1831. He was educated there, and is a farmer by occupation. October 21, 1855, he married Sophia Braizer, and came to the United States October 24, 1855, and located in Augusta, Oneida county. Mrs. Dapson died in 1859, and for his second wife Mr. Dapson married Harriet Pankhurst, of his native country, by whom he had seven children: Emma C, Hattie J., Winnifred E., John T., Frank E., George W., and Fred A. The family resided in the town of Vernon ten years, and in the town of Verona since 1874. Mr. Dapson's father, Thomas Dapson, sr., was born at the old home in Eng land in 1808. He was a farmer by occupation, and married Jane Mercer, of his na tive country, by whom he had eight children who grew to maturity; Mary A., Jane, Thomas, Harriet, William, Sarah, Alfred and Eliza. Mr, Dapson died in 1883; his 146 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. wife died in England, Mrs. Dapson's father, William Pankhurst, was born in Kent, England, in 1815. He married Charlotte Law, of his native place, and tbey had five children: Ann M., Harriet, Jane, Elizabeth, and George. Mr. Dapson is a member of Vernon Grange, No._ 638, of Vernon, N. Y. Case, A. Pierson, was born in Vernon, N. Y. , March 22, 1818, son of Salmon Case, who came from Norfolk, Conn., in 1813, and built up a large mercantile business, carrying it on until 1840, when he retired. He, in company with John J. Knox, started the Vernon Bank in 1839, of which for some time he was cashier. Salmon Case was a descendant of John Case, who came from England in 1640 and settled in Connecticut. He was born November 26, 1794, and died in 1871. In 1844 he was the Whig candidate for Congress in Oneida county. A. Pierson Case received his school training at ' ' Dominie" Wicks's school on Paris Hill, Prof. Charles Bartlett's High School at East Utica, and the Vernon Academy. He then entered his father's store at Vernon and for the following thirty-five years was identified with the business, he, with his brother, continuing the business for thirty years after his father's retirement. In August, 1862, Mr. Case enlisted in the 146th Regt. N. Y. Vols., and served until January, 1864, when he was discharged on account of ill health. After his retirement he was for a time interested in the mercantile business. In 1878 he represented the town in the Board of Supervisors. In 1879 he was chosen cashier of the bank, and so continued until 1893, at which time he was elected its president, succeeding Warren G. Strong. ' His mother was Maria Pierson, born in Cazenovia, September 5, 1799, and died in Vernon, March 10, 1885. Mr. Case married Lovina W. Coburn, who was born in Homer, N. Y., December 20, 1820, by whom he had two children: Maria A. and Charles S., who is in the lithographing business in Bingham ton, N. Y. Robbins, Albert W., was born in the town of Augusta, near the village of Knox. boro. His father, Lorenzo Robbins, came to Augusta with his parents in 1813, when he was but two and a half years of age. He was one of a family of nine children ; they were natives of Berkshire county, Mass., where he was born September 6, 1811. In 1840 he married Clarissa E. Guthrie, of Stockbridge, N. Y., who died in 1849. Albert W. Robbins is one of two children, and acquired his education at the Augusta Academy, Mansfield Seminary, Pennsylvania, and the Oneida Seminary. In 1861-2 he taught school, but the Civil war having broken out, he enlisted in the 117th N. Y. Vols., Co. G, and remained three years in the service, receiving in the Drury Bluff battle a severe wound for which he now draws a small pension. After his discharge from the army he returned to Augusta and resumed his farm life", which he still con tinues. He married for his first wife, Eliza Bishop, of Cleveland, Ohio, who died May 23, 1890, leaving one son, Edwin, now a student in Hamilton College. His present wife is Sarah Dudley of Augusta, who was educated at the Augusta Academy, and also the training school for teachers, at Quincy Mass. Keith, Charles B., was born at North Brookfield, Madison county, February 5, 1858, He attended the public school of that place, also the Whitestown Seminary until he was eighteen years of age, when he was made acting station agent of the D., L. 1 His brother, Josiah Case, was president of the bank from 1862 to 1896 ; and his brother. Everett, was cashier from 1851 to 1879, FAMILY SKETCHES. 147 & W. R. R,. at North Brookfield. A short time subsequent to this he received the appointment to a similar position, on the N. Y., O. & W. R. R. at Westmoreland, N. Y., and remained at that place until November, 1878, at which time he was promoted by the same company to the agency at Oriskany Falls, a position he still occupies. His father, Henry P. Keith, was born at Unadilla Forks, N. Y. , July 21, 1829. He early removed to North Brookfield, where he was engaged in farming and milling until he was forty years of age, when he devoted several years to the manu facture of cheese. In 1889 he removed to Oriskany Falls, where he still resides. December 21, 1854, he married Mandana C. Peck, of North Brookfield, who was a native of Henderson, Jefferson county, N. Y., and was born May 3,1833. She is also living. On the first of November, 1883, Charles B. Keith entered in copartner ship with O. B. Abbott, under the firm name of Abbott & Keith, dealers in coal, and continued until the death of Mr. Abbott, in 1894. W. C. Nye succeeded to the- Abbott interest, and the firm has since been Keith & Nye. December 25, 1879, Mr. Keith was married to Hattie E. Kellogg, of Westmoreland. Mrs. Keith was educated at Westmoreland and Whitestown Seminary. They have two children : Harry C. , born June 19, 1882, and Royal B., born April 20, 1885. McPherson, John, was born in Port Glasgow, Scotland, December 13, 1845, ,son of William and Agnes (Crawford) McPherson. William McPherson died in the West Indies at thirty-six years of age, and Mrs. McPherson died in New York Mills in 1881. John McPherson was educated in Scotland and came to New York Mills in 1865, since which time he has been in the employ of the company, and he is carpen ter at mills Nos. 3 and 4. Mr. McPherson is a member of Lodge No. 224, F. & A. M. He married Mary F., daughter of George Burdick of Westmoreland, by whom he has two sons: William Monroe and Roy Burdick. Pattengill, Lucia G. — Charles N. Pattengill was born in New Lisbon, Otsego county, N. Y., December 11, 1820, son of Lemuel Pattengill, a captain in the war of 1812 who was captured by the British and exchanged. Charles N. Pattengill was educated at the Oneida Institute, Gilbertsville Academy and Oxford. He first studied law, and at the same time was engaged in teaching, but after qualifying him self for the bar he'felt that his calling lay in the ministry, which he entered in 1853, his first pastorate being Westville church, Westville, Otsego county. After officiat ing there four years he came to Whitesboro, where he remained ten years before going to Palmyra. He remained there six years, then went to Gloversville for four years, thence to Fayetteville, where he remained about three years. He was naturally a ready and fluent speaker, a man of rare earnestness and power. In the late Civil war his eloquence found a great theme, and, inspired by patriotism, his addresses did much for the Union during that period of great trial. His ministry at Whitesboro was noted for its successful results and the good he accomplished. In Palmyra he worked unremittingly, building a magnificent church, raising the money for this edifice and designing the interior himself. He married Lucia Gregory, by whom he had three children: John Gregory, who died in 1862; Charles Fennimore, who resides with his mother in Whitesboro ; and Lucia Louise who married Levi S. Chapman, a well-known lawyer of Syracuse. Baer, G. A., was born in Oriskany, N. Y., March 2, 1860, son of John and Eliza- 148 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. beth Baer. John Baer was born in Hechingen Hohenzollen,' Germany, October 25, 1813, and came to Oriskany in 1842, where he engaged in the manufacture, of har nesses. He was also engaged in farming, and was proprietor of a hotel. He died in 1882. G. A. Baer was educated in Oriskany, Whitesboro Seminary, and East man's Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., after which he worked with his father. He was engaged for a number of years in commission business, buying prod uce for New York houses. In 1892 he associated himself with H. L. Sweet, and they have a large store in the village of Oriskany, where they keep a complete stock of merchandise of all descriptions. Mr. Baer has been justice of the peace for eight years, is the present postmaster and has been director in the Oriskany Malleable Iron Works for a number of years. He married Mary E. Quinn of Brooklyn, by whom he had four children : Mary, Alma, John, and Helen. Mr. and Mrs. Baer are members of St. Paul's church at Whitesboro. Magill, David B. , was born in Ireland, May 26, 1836, son of James and Elizabeth Magill. David B. came to the United States in 1844, and was educated in the public school of New York Mills, and then engaged in work in the mills. He learned the trade of machinist, which he followed until he volunteered in the late Civil war, going to the front with the 117th N. Y. Vols. He was in all the engagements in which his regiment participated up to the battle of Fort Fisher, where he was badly wounded, losing a leg in that battle. Soon after this the war closed and he was mustered out. When Mr. Magill volunteered in 1862 he was commissioned second lieutenant of, Co. D ; in 1863 he was promoted to the first lieutenancy of the same company ; and was made captain of Co. A in 1864 ; and then promoted brevet major by the secretary of war in 1865, for meritorious services at Fort Fisher ; and also brevetted major by Governor Fenton of New York. Neal, Morris M., was born in Whitestown, N. Y., in 1824, and came to New Hart ford with his parents when one year old. His father, William Neal, was born in the town of New Hartford, Litchfield county, Conn., February 18, 1797, and died Janu ary 14, 1832. His mother, Mary Moore, was born in Whitestown August 2, 1803, and died June 21, 1882. His parents were married November 9, 1823. His paternal grandfather with his family came to this State about 1794 and settled in the south erly part of the town of New Hartford (then the town of Whitestown), about one and a half miles northeasterly of Paris Hill. His maternal grandfather Moore and wife came to this town (then Whitestown) and lived for a time on the premises pur chased by her father, Benjamin Merrill, who came to Whitestown in 1790 and pur chased a quarter section located on the highway from Utica to Bridgewater one mile north of Sauquoit and near Chadwick Mills Cotton Company; this farm was pur chased by Benjamin Merrill for his son Zenas, who came in 1791 and began clearing; he died in 1793, and his father sold out in Connecticut and moved on to the farm in 1794. Morris W. Neal was reared on a farm, and now resides in a house which was erected in 1794; and it is a notable fact that his grandmother traveled through Utica when it consisted of only three log huts. In 1868 Mr. Neal married Sarah Patchin of Paris. Eaton, Elmer E., came to the town of Augusta in 1881, having moved from the town of Stockbridge, where he was born May 15, 1843, and where he was educated. FAMILY SKETCHES. 149 He was a son of Justus Eaton, a native of Connecticut, who came to Augusta with his parents in early childhood. At the age of fifteen his father bound him out to John Porter, where he continued to live until he was twenty-one, at which time. he settled in Stockbridge, where he resided a prosperous farmer until his death, Febru ary 23, 1888. sHis wife, Susan M. Green, was born in Vermont in 1805, and died in Stockbridge, November 12, 1871. The Eatons were of English descent. "Hill Crest Farm," two and a half miles north of Knoxboro, the home of Mr. Eaton, is one of the finest in the town. He married Mrs. Eva (Ranney) Stewart, who was born in Stockbridge, June 30, 1855, by whom he has five children: Lena M., born January 7, 1882; Lillian C, born May 1, 1884; Lottie May, born September 19, 1887; Bernice L, born October 11, 1889, and Merlin E., born August 19, 1892. Mrs. Eaton has one daughter, D. Elizabeth Stewart, who was born July 20, 1875. Bartholomew, Edward J., was born in Augusta, N. Y., October 20, 1850, son of Orlo Bartholomew, who was born in Goshen, Conn., in 1801, and died in Augusta May 7, 1864. He was a minister of the Presbyterian faith, and for twenty-eight years was pastor of the Presbyterian church at Augusta. He was the second pastor the church had, and did more to build up and promote the interest of the society than any other person connected with it. He came to Augusta in 1836, and up to that time had been engaged in farming. November 13, 1836, he married Julia A. Peck, of Skaneateles, N. Y., who came from one of the best known families of that place. She was born May 11, 1813, and died in Augusta, March 21, 1892. Edward J. Bartholomew received his education at the school in Augusta, and after finishing, he taught school for eleven successive winters, devoting his summers to farming. At the age of twenty-four he bought the Sheldon Smith farm near Augusta, where he remained for two years. He then sold out and moved to Madison, N. Y., where he resided for seven, years, still continuing to teach school winters. October 8, 1873, he married Flora Spooner of Augusta, daughter of James Spooner, a prominent farmer of that place. In 1888 they took possession of the Spooner farm, and remained there until 1892, when Mr. Bartholomew moved on to the farm left vacant by the death of his brother, A. P. Bartholomew. Mr. and Mrs. Bartholomew have four children : Florence A. , born December 27, 1875 ; Clara M. , born July. 17, 1878 ; Joseph ine S., born June 23, 1881; and Harry J., born January 12, 1889. Amann, IgnaceL., was born in Alsace, France (now Germany), February 1, 1850. He was educated there and then came to the United States, landing in New 'i ork January 30, 1872, and locating in Verona, where he is engaged in farming. May 15, 1877, he married Josephine A. Schwarz, who came from Philadelphia, Jefferson county, N. Y. , when five years of age. They have five children : Louise V. , Minnie T., J. Albert, Josephine A., and Leona M. Mr. Amann is a member of the Benevo lent Order of the C. M. B. A., No. 60, Rome, N. Y. Anthony Amann, his father, was bofn at the old home in Alsace. He married Theresa Wind, of that place, by whom he had ten children, of whom the following grew to maturity: Joseph, Antone, Salome, Andrew, Nicholas, Mary and Ignace L. Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Amann are dead. Mrs. Amann's father, Joseph Schwarz, was born in Germany in 1824. He married Balbina Becherer, and came to the United States in 1852, going to Utica first, afterwards to Detroit, Mich., and then to Philadelphia, N. Y. They had twelve children: Sabina (who died at sea), Wilhelmina, William A., Joseph E., 150 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Josephine A., John S., Mary M., Francis L., Louisa T., Nettie B., Alvin H., and Emma H. (who died at the age of fifteen). Mr. Schwarz died July 6, 1875. The family is of French and German descent. Bourke, Miles R., was born in the town of Florence, Oneida county, May 1, 1848, son of Thomas and Mary Bourke, natives of Ireland, who came to America in 1836, settling in Florence. In 1851 he moved to Utica where Mr. Bourke worked for a telegraph company, and then for the New York Central Railroad. Miles R. Bourke learned the trade of plumber and hardware business with John Carton of Utica. He was appointed to the Naval Academy by Francis Kernan, but did not serve, owing to lack of physical development. In 1866 he came to Waterville, where he con ducts ageneral hardware and plumbing business. , He is serving his fourth term on the exise board,, and was chief of the fire department one year. He is an active Demo crat and has been delegate to many conventions. He was formerly in the Utica Fire Department, and is an. exempt fireman in that city. In 1880 he married Mar garet Landers, by whom he has four children: John, Miles, Rachel and Frances. Thomas, Charles H., was born on the farm where he now resides, April 17, 1840, son of Stephen and Lucy (Goodell) Thomas. He was born in the first frame house in this part of the country. His mother's family belonged to Montgomery county, N. Y. His father's family were Quakers, and moved from Dutchess county to Her kimer county when Stephen was twelve years of age. There were two brothers, Henry, of Lone Rock, Wis, , and the late Dr. D. G. Thomas of Utica, and one sister who married Capt. Holcomb of Litchfield. About 1830 Stephen became connected with Frankfort Iron Works, being superintendent first, and afterwards, as agent, he traveled all over the State. In 1834 he came to Paris and bought a farm of eighty acres, adding to it until it contained over two hundred acres. He was one of the first to put up a cheese factory inthis section, where his son Charles was cheesemaker for some years. He was an energetic, progressive and successful farmer, and was oiie of the men who rendered efficient aid in putting through the Utica, Chenango and Susquehanna Valley (now D. L. & W.) railroad, being one of the commissioners until his health failed. Both parents died at the age of eighty-seven years, leaving two sons, C. H., andW. J. Thomas of Westmoreland. In 1867 Charles H. Thomas married Frances L. Knight, daughter of Jeremiah Knight, M. D., also of Quaker family, coming from Providence, R. I. He was a well known physician of the town of Paris, also supervisor, and superintendent of schools. Her mother, Lucia(Marsh) Knight, was a lineal descendant of Anne Webster, daughter of Gov. John Webster, and John Marsh, both of whose names are to be found on a fine shaft, erected to the memory of the first settlers in Hartford, Conn. Other members of the family were, later on, first settlers of Hadley, Mass., New Hartford, Conn., and still later of Whitesboro and New Hartford, Oneida county, N. Y. These families were both represented in the wars of 1776, 1812, and the war of the Rebellion. Sergt. Robert Knight and Dr. Arthur Knight, of Sauquoit, served three years in the Union army. The old militia commissions of Capt. Nehemiah Knight, jr., rank of Colonel, "Cranston Blues, R. I." dated 1802, signed by "Gov. Arthur Fenner, Commander in Chief of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations ;" countersigned by " N. Knight, Senator," also the commission of "Lieut. Jeremiah Knight, 140th N. Y. Infantry," signed by De Witt Clinton are still in the possession of the family. Charles and FAMILY SKETCHES. 151 Frances Thomas have three sons: Jeremiah K. of Binghamton, Stephen G., and Irving H., still on the farm. Thompson, Joseph T., was born in Durhamville, N. Y., in 1831. He was educated in the district and select schools, and has since had a variety of occupations ; in earlier years he was a. farmer. He erected and has been interested in the cheese factories of Oneida Castle, and built the first circular saw mill in the town of Verona, near Oneida, where he conducted for fourteen years an extensive lumber business. He started the first ice business in Oneida, and is the originator of several new varie ties of fruit, among them the Columbus gooseberry and the Columbian raspberry, being very valuable additions to the list of small fruits. He is also an inventor and mechanic. February 6, 1861, he married Mary S. White, of Oneida Castle, N. Y., who was born in Potsdam, N. Y., in 1836. Mr. Thompson's father, Joseph Thomp son, was born in Colerain, Mass., September 30, 1791. He was educated in the schools of that day, and came to this county when a young man. He married Betsey Frazee, of Durhamville, N. Y. , by whom he had seven children : Margaret, Betsey, Rachel, Angeline, Joseph T. , as above, Benjamin .F. and Edwin. Mr. Thompson was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was also an officer in the State militia. He died in 1870 and his wife in 1877. Mr. Thompson's grandfather, Joseph Thompson, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and his grandfather Frazee was the first settler in Durhamville, N. Y. Mrs. Thompson's father, Harry White, was born in Rome, N. Y., in 1801. He was educated in the schools of that da}', and was a mechanic by occupation, also a Baptist minister. He married Deborah Jenne, of Shaftsbury, Vt,, by whom he had three children: Henry S., Mary S., as above, and Jenne L. He died in 1889 and his wife in 1881. The ancestry of the family is Scotch on both sides. Barnard, Josiah E., was born in Kirkland, N. Y., October 16, 1834, son of George W. and Phoebe Frances Barnard. George W. Barnard was born May 5, 1806, in Kirkland. Mrs. Barnard was born in Pittsfied, and is still living, being in her eighty- sixth year. Josiah E. Barnard was educated partly in Westmoreland and partly in Clinton, and was connected with the agricultural manufacturing business for about fifteen years in -Madison county, and then he engaged in farming, at which he has since continued. He married Eliza C. Mansfield, of Madison county, by whom he has one child, Frances M. Barnard, who was graduated from Albany Normal School and is now teaching in Tome Institute, Port Deposit, Maryland. Dietche, Henry, was born in Baden, Germany, February 21, 1842. He was edu cated in their schools, and afterward learned the boot and shoe trade. In 1870 he came to the United States,, first locating in Cleveland, Ohio, but in 1871 he removed to Vernon, Oneida county, N. Y., and to New London, N. Y., October 1, 1872, where he is engaged in the shoe and harness business ; he is also an ice dealer. November 1. 1873, he married Elizabeth Ziller, of this place, by whom he had five children : Emma, who died October 28, 1887 ; Nettie, who died October 2, 1887 ; Henry G. , Joseph E., and Lena B. Mr. Dietche's father, Gallus Dietche, was born at the old home stead in Germany. He married Mary Riester of his native place, by whom he had two children: Henry, as above, and Louisa. Mr. Dietche died in 1892, and his wife in 1855. Mrs, Dietche's father, John Ziller, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Ger- 152 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. many, about 1802, He married Margaret Triebel, of Saxony, by whom he had six children: Margaret, George and Elizabeth, twins, Adam, Elizabeth No. 2, as above, and Catherine. Elizabeth No. 1 died young. Mr. Ziller died in October, 1887. The nationality of this family is German on both sides. Daly, William Francis, was born in Utica, N. Y., September 22, 1850. He was the son of Michael and Catharine (Campbell) Daly. At the age of twelve years Mr. Daly enlisted in the army as a drummer boy but only went as far as Willett's Point when he was caught and brought back to school. He remained in school two years and in 1864 again made an attempt to join the northern forces at the front. He reached Governor s Island where he was again caught and brought back. He gradu ated from the Assumption Academy in 1868. He then went west to Dakota and served as scout in the Red Cloud troubles and in several campaigns against the Apaches in Arizona and the Commanches in New Mexico. When the great Mexican leader General Diaz took the field against the then recognized government authori ties, Mr. Daly accepted a command under him aud served with distinction through -the campaign until the surrender of Matamoras. Mr. Daly came north in time to attend the Centennial at Philadelphia. He then returned to Utica and became inter ested in the sale of beef. Mr. Daly was the leader of the little band that ran the first ' carload of dressed beef into Utica from Chicago. Though the western beef is now almost universally used in the east, at that time all the meat dealers of Utica refused to buy outside of Utica, and Mr. Daly's project was ruined. In the year 1880 he again went west to Leadville, Col., but returned the following year to accept a posi tion with the American Express Company. Later he was connected with the Star brewery and served some time as a clerk in the post-office. In 1887 Mr. Daly formed a partnership with J. J. Holland under the name Daly & Holland, manufacturers of barber's supplies and toilet articles. The firm also dealt in wall-paper, window shades, pictures and mouldings. In July, 1894, Mr. Holland retired and Mr. Daly conducted the business alone. After his return from the west he married Miss Catherine C. Venn of Utica, in June, 1877, two children blessing the union, Mark A. and Emma V. Daley. In May, 1881, Mr. Daly was called to mourn his wife's death. On November 19, 1884, he married Katherine Loftus of Constableville, Lewis county, N. Y. Mr. Daly is a genial, whole souled man who is a friend to everybody. It is his special boast, that he has trod every foot of ground on the western slope on horse back. McLean, William Gardner, was born in Stratford, Fulton county, N. Y., June 19, 1868, son of William J. and Margaret J. (Gardner) McLean, of Scotch descent. When fifteen years of age he moved to Utica with his parents where he completed his edu cation. Immediately afterwards he accepted a position in the office of Charles Mil. lar & Son, Utica, dealers in plumbers' and tinners' supplies. In 1889 he came to Waterville as manager of a hardware business owned by Messrs. Millar & Son, and in 1891 purchased the business and organized the firm of W. G. McLean & Co. In 1894 they added a complete line of furniture to their present business. In 1890 he was married to Sarah M. , daughter of the late Stephen Bridenbecker, of the town of Lenox, Madison county, They have one son, Charles William McLean. Parke, Morgan Adelbert, was born in Westmoreland, November 4, 1853, son of FAMILY SKETCHES. 153 David N. and Mary J. (Morgan) Parke. David N. Parke was born in Eaton, Madi son county, in 1820, and came to Westmoreland about 1848, where he bought a farm, clearing part of it himself, and which he conducted until his death, January 32, 1888. Morgan A. Parke was educated at Whitestown, and then engaged in farming on the old homestead farm. Mr. Parke is a staunch Republican, and takes an active interest in the success of his party. Mr. Parke married Jennie S. Armstrong, daughter of Chauncey M. Armstrong of Rome, by whom he has three children : Estella May, Edna Alice, and Ruth Helena. Mr. Parke and wife are members of the Bartlett Baptist church. Smith, Samuel G., was born in Westmoreland, February 3, 1833, son of Richard and Mary E. Smith. Richard Smith was horn in England in 1805 and came to Westmoreland where he settled about 1820. He engaged in farming until 1889 when he retired from active work, and now resides with his son Samuel G. Samuel G. Smith was educated in Westmoreland. He has been engaged in the clothing busi ness in Erie, Pa., and also in Youngstown, and Springfield, Ohio; but he is now en gaged in cultivating his farm in Westmoreland. He married Charlotte P. Camp, daughter of Rev. Riverius Camp of Connecticut, by whom he has had three children : KateS. (deceased), Lizzie J. and Dudley C. Mr. Smith and wife are members of the Episcopal church, and are among the oldest families in Oneida county. Norton, Orlo B., was born in the town of Vernon, Oneida county, N. Y.. July 11, 1832, son of Florris Norton, who was born in Connecticut in 1793, and who was one of the earliest settlers in the town of Vernon, coming to this town when only eleven years of age. He married ¦ Elizabeth A. Curry, who was born in Bangor, Me. , July 22, 1806, and died September 30, 1891. Mr. Norton died February 26, 1876. Orlo B. was educated at the Vernon Center school, after which he returned to the farm where he remained until the war broke out, when he enlisted in the 14th N.Y. Heavy Artillery, but was subsequently transferred to the 6th Heavy Artillery, and served until the close of the war. In 1865 he bought the farm upon which he is now living, and February 13, 1868, he married Edna A. Edgerton, of Waterville, who was bora November 13, 1835, daughter of Guy and Esther K. Edgerton. Mr. and Mrs. Nor ton have four adopted daughters. Mr. Norton is one of the largest farmers in the town of Vernon, and has always been identified with the town's best interests. Morgan, Frank W., was born in the town of New Hartford in 1856, son of Elias Morgan, who was a pioneer farmer here, where he came when twenty years of age from Brookfield, Madison county, where he was born in 1808. For ten years he was in the employment of Morgan Butler, and by strict economy and hard work he saved sufficient money to purchase a farm near New Hartford, where he led a life of indus try and integrity and was highly esteemed by the community, who revere his mem ory as a man and a citizen. By his death in 1881 the Prohibition cause lost one of its most earnest advocates. Frank W. took a course at Utica Business College, and then engaged in farming, owning a farm in the suburbs of this village. In 1893 he married Mary H., daughter of Frank Kunze, an able mechanic, by whom he had two children: Glenn W., born August 31, 1893, and Iva F., born March 8, 1895. Mr. Morgan and wife are both intimately identified with the Methodist Episcopal church ; and he is an able defender of the temperance cause. t 154 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Donlon, Thomas H., was born in the town of Vernon, in January, 1860, son of Patrick and Margaret Donlon, natives of Ireland, and who first came to this country in 1840, and lived for a time in Osceola, Lewis county, N. Y. In 1869 they settled in Vernon, near Sherrill, where they remained during their life. They were pros perous farmers, and by industry accumulated considerable property, leaving at their death two large farms ; one is in Lewis county and the other in Vernon. Thomas H. attended the Sherrill school, and while yet a boy entered the employ of the Oneida Community, being engaged in the trap shop. He there learned the machinist trade in which he became proficient, and while thus employed he invented and got pat ented a nutholder for lumber wagons, also a broomholder, both of which are in extensive use. Soon after this he invented a spring trap which possessed superior qualities over any other in the market. In 1888 he severed his connection with the Community and going to Cortland organized the Cortland Trap Co., where the traps were manufactured. Subsequent important improvements on this led to the sale of his trap to the Oneida Community. At the same time Mr. Donlon re turned to the employ of the Community, in which service he remained one year. Since that time he has brought out several valuable patents, one of which being a new trap, and for the manufacture of which he has organized a new company. Dewhurst, J. C, was born in Willowvale, N. Y., in 1858, son of the late John Dewhurst, a widely-known resident machinist, who came to New Hartford at the age of twenty-five years,' prospered and passed the balance of an active life, near this village as a farmer. J. C. Dewhurst, who was supervisor of this town in 1887, is a prominent architect and builder. Independent in politics, firm in his opinions of right, he endorses and serves the highest interests of citizenship. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum." In 1883 he married Christina Kuhn of this place, by whom ' he has had three children : Bertha, born in 1884 ; Herbert, in 1887 and De Forest in 1889. His religious views are liberal and are summed up in the Golden Rule. Dunham M. Earl, D. D., Ph. D., LL.D., son of the Rev. Moses and Roxana Dun ham, and grandson of the Rev. Samuel Dunham, was born February 6, 1825, in Herkimer county, N. Y. He was kept steadily at school until he was twenty-two years of age, having prepared for college at Cazenovia Seminary and graduated from Hamilton College, in Clinton, N. Y., in the class of 1847. Three years later he took the degree of M. A. in course. After graduating he entered upon the profession of teaching and pursued it steadily for twelve years, holding the position of principal in Berlin Academy for four years and in Sauquoit Academy for eight years. Later in life he was principal of the famous Whitestown Seminary for three years. He was eminently successful in educational work and won a wide reputation as a teacher. In 1859 he entered the ministry, being licensed and ordained by the Presbytery of Utica. For the period of twenty-seven years he held his connection with the Pres byterian church, holding pastorates in some of the most prominent church societies and serving twice as delegate to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America. In 1889 he changed his church relation to the Congregationalists, in which body he was honored with a seat in the National Council, and is now pastor of the Plymouth Congregational church, of Utica, N. Y. During the period of his successful ministry he has received from Union and other universities the degrees of Ph. D., D. D., and LL. D, His life has been an exceedingly busy one, and in addi- FAMILY SKETCHES. 155 tion to his school and pastoral work he has occupied the editorial chair for several years as managing and associate editor of the The Temperance Patriot, The Living Issue, and associate editor of The Temperance Banner, The New York Central News, and other reform papers. His correspondence with secular, religious and reformatory journals has been prolific, and many short and continued stories of his have been published in papers and magazines. He has also written and published two books named respectively Here and Hereafter, and The Philosophy of Prayer, and is busy preparing others; Early in life he entered upon reform work, first as a temperance reformer, and has lectured upon this topic extensively throughout the State of New York and more or less in neighboring States and Canada. His services have been in large requisition for special addresses at school conventions and institutes and other special occasions, as well as at religious gatherings. He was one of the original movers in the prohibitory sentiment iu New York State, and has been hon ored by several nominations for State and National offices. Identified with the Good Templars for years he has held some of the highest offices in the Grand Worthy Lodge, and has been a member of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the World. He has also held high official positions among the Sons of Temperance, the Rechabites, and the Templars of Honor. As a presiding officer he has manifested special ability and has often been elected chairman of State conventions and other gatherings. He was chairman of the New York State delegation in the Prohibition convention at Pitts burg, Pa., which put St. John in nomination for president of the United States. In 1851 he married Miss Harriet U. Hughston, only daughter of James Hughston, of East Guilford, N. Y., a lady of rare abilities. She died in 1859, leaving one son, George F., editor of the Utica Daily Press, trustee of Hamilton College, and one of the managers of the Utica State Hospital. In 1862 Mr. Dunham married Lydia M. Johnston, only daughter of David S. Johnston, of Sydney, N. Y., a lady of culture and refinement, who devotes much of her time and energies to works of reform. Hale and hearty, Mr. Dunham is still in the forefront of the battle, doing an amount of work before which many a younger man would shrink. Miller, Frank P., D.D.S., was born at Camden, Oneida county, N.Y., October 18, 1870 He is a son of Perry B. and Phoebe C. Miller, residents of that place. Mr. Miller is a commercial traveler, an occupation he has actively followed many years. Smith Miller, his father, and grandfather, Dr. Miller, were natives of Connecticut, but came to Oneida county at an early period of its settlement. An ox team and rude cart were the means of conveyance for the family to the new home. He spent his life in Camden, being one of the leading citizens of the town. Dr. Frank P. Miller was reared in Camden and received his education in the public schools of the place. At the age of sixteen he began the study of dentistry with Dr. George P. Manville of Camden. He subsequently entered the Philadelphia Dental College and graduated from that institution in 1891. Dr. Miller then returned to Camden and entered upon the practice of his profession. This he continued successfully till De cember, 1895, at which time he moved to Whitesboro. His proficiency in the science of dentistry has already assured him of a prosperous business in his new home. October 4, 1893, Dr. Miller married Harriet E., daughter of John and Elizabeth Hume, of Camden, N. Y. They have one daughter, now an infant. Tompkins, C. H., was born on the farm where he now resides, February 24, 156 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1856, son of Joshua P. and Angelina (Pierce) Tompkins. His grandfather, Nathaniel Tompkins, was a native of Little Compton, R. I., and was one of the early settlers in the town of Paris, the deed of his farm being dated 1806. C. H. Tompkins has been engaged in farming all of his life. In 1877 he married Jennie Brownell, who died leaving one daughter, Angeline Pierce Tompkins, and in November, 1889, he married Kittie Brownell, by whom he had one son, Nathaniel Tompkins. In politics he is a Republican, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also of the Patrons of Industry. Wasmuth, Theodore, was born in Frankfort-on-the-Oder, Prussia, January 27, 1854, son of Fred Wasmuth, who was born at the same place, October 22, 1826, and came to this country in 1859, settling at Augusta. Fred Wasmuth is a shoemaker and farmer and, with the exception of his two first years in the United States, which were spent in Stittville, Oneida county, has always lived in Augusta. Theodore Wasmuth was engaged in farming at Augusta until thirty years of age, when he moved to Point Rock, town of Lee, where he is still engaged in the same industry. He married Hattie L. Warden of Point Rock, whose father is a farmer at that place. She was born April 4, 1864, and was educated at the Lee Center Union School. They have three children: Evelyn L., born July 10, 1887; Mary Louise, born May 29, 1892, and Otto K., born August 31, 1894. Sayer, James W., was born in England, August 1, 1835. His father was a native of Kent county, England, where he was born April 14, 1797, and came to America in 1840, settling in Westmoreland, N. Y., where he engaged in farming, and con tinued until his death in December, 1871. While in England he married Maria Cloak, who was born in 1798, and died in Westmoreland in 1873. James W. Sayer was one of a family of eight children, five girls and three boys. He was educated at Westmoreland and Augusta, and after his school days, which ended when he was sixteen years of age, he went to- Kendall county, 111., where he learned the black smith trade, and then for several years continued in that place, also Grundy county, and Dwight, 111. He in the mean time bought a farm in that State, conducting the affairs of that enterprise. In 1859 he married Annie C. Bradford of Morris, 111., who died October 5, 1871, by whom he had three children: Lillie A., born September 9, 1861 ; George T. , born February 23, 1864 ; and Hattie A. , born February 35, 1866, who died September 15, 1871. November 30, 1876, he married his present wife, Sarah A. Cackett, a native of England, bj' whom he has two children: Clarence A., born June 36, 1879, and Myron J., born November 12, 1881. Drummond, James, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, November 6, 1840, and came to the United States with his parents when three years of age. They located in this vicinity, where he was educated in the public schools, and afterward became a car penter and boat builder, which business he carries on in connection with his farming. January 19, 1884, he married Eliza A. Johnson, of the town of Lee, by whom he had six children: James, jr., Eliza A., Nellie G., Kittie M., Nettie M., and Volsey T. Eliza A. married Otis Cagwin, of this town. Mrs. Drummond's father, Allen John son, was born in the town of Lee in 1816. He was educated in the schools of his day, and afterward became a carpenter and millwright. He married Julia Mosier, of his native town, by whom he had seven children: Delia, Abner, Mary, Eliza A., FAMILY SKETCHES. 157 as above, Job, Helen, and George. Mr. Johnson died in 1889, and his wife in No vember, 1890. The ancestry of this family is Scotch and German. Smith, Mrs. Angelia E. — Her late husband, Abner E. Smith, was born' in New London, N. Y., August 16, 1838. He was educated there and in the Utica Commer cial College, and was an expert flour examiner and a business man. January 21, 1863, he married Angelia E. Allen, of East Florence, Oneida county, by whom he had two daughters: Ida L., who is a fine artist; and Luella A., a skillful musician, both of Mount Vernon, N. Y. Mr. Smith died June 3, 1894. His father, Abner Smith, was born in Glastonbury, Conn., February 7, 1792, and came to New London, N. Y., November 30, 1817. He married Sally Covill, of this place, by whom he had five children: Catherine E., Horace C, Alonzo G., Herbert, and Nancy C. Mrs. Smith died February 10, 1832, and January 8, 1833, Mr. Smith married for his sec ond wife, Ruth C. Hibbard, who was born here December 23, 1804, by whom he had four children: Sally C, Herbert J., Abner E., as above, and Charles T. Mr. Smith died December 7, 1846, and his wife December 28, 1844. Mrs. A. E. Smith's father, Daniel G. Allen, was bom in Clinton, Oneida county, December 26, 1814. He was educated there until they moved to Camden, where he finished his education. He learned the carriagemaker's trade with Ira Pond, of that place, which business he carried on several years. September 14, 1836, he married Purmelia Robinson, of East Florence, by whom he had two children: Angelia E., as above, and a boy who died in infancy. Mr. Allen died March 5, 1886, and his wife March 12, 1889. Her grandfather, Daniel Allen, was born in Boston in 1772, and died in 1839. The Allen, Robinson and Smith families were defenders of their country, both in the Revolu tionary war and the war of 1812, and also in the Civil war. Mr. Allen and Mr. Smith were members of the Masonic order. Mrs. D. G. Allen was, and Mrs. Smith is a member of the O. E. S. Stone, Hon. John D. F., was born in the town of Augusta, Oneida county, July 17, 1853. He is descended from John Stone, who, with his brother William, was the son of a Hertfordshire, England, divine. Both settled in Guilford, Conn. , in 1639. Miles Stone, a weaver by trade, moved with his family from Guilford to Augusta about 1800 and died there a few years later. Samuel Stone, his son, was a farmer and a local preacher of the Methodist circuit, and in 1798 married Mary Wells. He was born in Guilford, Conn., August 23, 1776, and died in Augusta, N. Y. , Decem ber 5. 1850. Of their eleven children A. Irvine Stone', the youngest, was born August 31, 1827, followed farming and held several town offices, and on July 7, 1853, married first Mary Jane Chadwick, who died April 5, 1855, leaving one son, the sub ject of this sketch. Judge Stone was educated in the public schools of his native town and at Cazenovia Seminary, was graduated from the Fort Atkinson (Wis.) High School in 1875, and then entered the law school of Wisconsin University at Madison, from which he was graduated and admitted to the bar of that State in 1876. The same year he came to Cohoes, N. Y., and read law with James F. Crawford, and was admitted to the bar of New York at the Saratoga general term in the fall of 1878. He then came to Utica, where he has since practiced his profession. He was special surrogate of Oneida county from 1886 to 1889, and January 1 , 1890, was ap pointed clerk of the Surrogate's Court under Surrogate William H. Bright. He held this position until April 1, 1896, when, having been elected, he assumed the duties of 158 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. city judge of Utica. He is a member and ex-secretary of Faxton Lodge, F. & A. M., a member of Oneida Chapter R. A. M. , and a charter member, first vice-president, and one of the trustees of the Masonic Club of Utica. June 11, 1879, he married Anna M., daughter of William S. Jackson, of Utica, and their children are Edith M., Ruth C, Chester A., and Annabel and Isabel (twins). Sholes, Herbert C. , was born in Bridgewater, Oneida county, October 13, 1855. Newton Sholes, his father, married Caroline E. Wood, and afterward moved from Plainfield, Otsego county, to Bridgewater, where he now resides, and where he has long been a prominent citizen, serving as justice of the peace, justice of sessions, supervisor, loan commissioner, etc. Herbert C. Sholes attended the public schools and West Winfield Academy and was graduated from Whitestown Seminary in 1874. In 1877 he entered the office of J. A. & A. B. Steele, of Herkimer, N. Y., as a student at law, and was admitted to the bar at the Rochester general term in October, 1880. In November, 1881, he began the practice of his profession in Clayville, Oneida county, and just three years later removed to Utica, where he has since resided, and where he successfully practiced alone until May 1, 1888, when he formed a partner ship with Hon. W. T. Dunmore, under the firm name of Dunmore & Sholes. March 1, 1893, this was changed to Dunmore, Sholes & Ferris, its present style, by the admission of T. Harvey Ferris. Mr. Sholes is a staunch Republican, and from 1888 to 1890 inclusive, was special surrogate of Oneida county. He is a member of Fax- ton Lodge, No. 697, F. & A. M. , and takes a lively interest in all public matters. November 23, 1886, he married Eliza A., daughter of A. M. Cook, of Evans Mills, Jefferson county, and they have one son, Newton Cook Sholes, born June 6, 1888. Halladay, James, was born in the town of Vienna, Oneida county, N. Y., Novem ber 14, 1846. He was educated in the common schools, and is by occupation a farmer. March 24 1870, he married C. Elizabeth Stooks, of the town of Verona, by whom he had two children : H. Estella, and Sarah E. Estella married Herman A. White, of this town, and they have two children: Herbert H. and Pearl E. Mr. Halladay's father, Nehemiah, was born in Vermont, in 1807, and was educated as a farmer and boatman. He married Sarah A. Brodock, of Vienna, by whom he had seven children: Sarah E., Nehemiah, Julia A., Maria, Almira, Alzina and James. He died in 1888, and his wife in 1874. Mrs. Halladay's father, George A. Stooks, was born in Germany, was educated there, and came to the United States with his parents when sixteen years of age, and located near Boonville, removing later to the town of Verona. He married Catherine Waffel, of this county, by whom he had twelve children, three of whom died in infancy: Jacob W., Hannah, John H., Will iam, C. Elizabeth, Nancy, George B., Frederick and Franklin. Mrs Stooks died June 24, 1894. The ancestry of the family is English and German. Barry, John J., son of Thomas, who came to Utica from Ireland in 1841 and died in 1873, was born in Utica, June 11, 1863, and learned the trade of tin and copper smith, which he followed thirteen years as an employee of O'Neil & Son, the pre decessor of Childs & Jones. In 1888 he opened his present news stand and cigar store on the corner of Genesee and Bleeker streets, where he has since continued with remarkable success. In the spring of 1895 he became a member of the firm of William T. Donnelley & Co., and also engaged in the gent's furnishing business. FAMILY SKETCHES. 159 Mr. Barry is a member of the Royal Arcanum and of the I. O. of R. M., and formerly was quite active in Democratic politics. Young, Israel W., was born in the town of Kirkland, Oneida county, October 17, 1831. He was educated in the public schools, and afterward taught school twenty- four years, but is now engaged in farming in Verona. August 19, 1854, he married Elizabeth A. Williams, of Glanmorganshire, Wales, England, who came with her mother to ,the United States when she was five years of age. They had four chil dren: Helen A., Martha E., who died when twenty-four years of age, and Marcia, who died at eight years of age (twins), and Ella J., who died at nineteen years of age. Helen A. married M. G. Seymour, an M. E. clergyman, Mr. Young's father, John B., was born at the old home, August 30, 1807. He was educated in the schools of his day, and was a farmer by occupation. January 4, 1831, he married Aurelia Fuller, of the same town, by whom he had three children: Israel W., as above, Cynthia J., and Henry C. Mr. Young died June 13, 1892, and his widow resides with her son, Israel W. Mrs. Young's father, David Williams, was born at the old home in Wales. He married for his second wife, Bridget Saunders by whom he had seven children, one of whom was Elizabeth A. Her father died when she was four years of age, and her mother in 1854. Mr. Young's father, John B., was a colonel in the State militia, and Mr. Young himself was captain in the same division at a later day. The family are members of the Presbyte ian church, of which Mr. Young is one of the elders, also superintendent of the Sunday-school. Cooley, Gary W., was born at Newport, Herkimer county, N. Y., March 18, 1841. He was educated in the district schools of Newport and advanced school of Utica. He came to this country with his parents when seventeen years of age, locating in the town of Verona, where he is engaged in farming, also for the last twenty years has been an auctioneer. December 31, 1863, he married Frances D. Wolfe, of this town, by whom he had four children: Wilford B., Arthur S. , Cora A., deceased, and Benjamin L. Arthur S. is a bookkeeper for a firm in San Francisco Cal. ; Wilford B. keeps the King House in Clockville, Madison county, N. Y. He married Emma Sassenbery, of Vernon, by whom he has three children: Cora B., Lawrence M. , and G. Wesley. Mr. Cooley's father, Lyman Cooley, was born in Paris, Oneida county, in 1807. He was a tailor by occupation, arid he married Joanna Jilson, of Martins burg, Lewis county, N. Y., by whom he had six children, two of whom died in infancy: Francis J., Cornelia A., L. Stuart, and Gary W., as above. Mr. Cooley died November 13, 1858 and his wife November 13, 1872. Mr. Cooley's father, John Wolfe, was born in Otsego county, N.' Y., in 1812, and came to this county in 1836, following the blacksmith's trade in Verona village. He married Alvira Marshall, by whom he had four children: Harriet E., Frances D., as above, J. Birney and Julia A. He died in 1876, and his wife in 1883. Mr. Cooley's grandfather, Justin Cooley, was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Cooley is a member of New London Lodge, No. 420, F. & A. M. The family is of New England stock. Cushman, Joseph B. , was born in the town of Verona, N. Y. , in 1838, and has spent the greater part of his life near Vernon village. His father, Morris Cushman, was a native of the town of Kirkland, born in 1809. His ancestors had a distinct line of descent from Robert Cushman, who came to this country on the Mayflower. 160 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Morris Cushman was a prominent farmer in Vernon, and died in Vernon January 10, 1895. He married Janette Loomis, who was born in Vernon in 1810, and died in 1867. After finishing his schooling at the Vernon Academy at thirteen years of age Joseph B. Cushman engaged as clerk in a shoe store in, Utica, where he remained until 1862, when he gave his services to the government as a soldier in the army, raising a company which was a part of the old 146th Infantry known as the Fifth Oneida. He served as captain until 1864, when he was discharged. Upon return ing home Mr. Cushman purchased a farm, where he still remains. He is a Democrat in politics, and has represented his town two terms in the Board of Supervisors, and was clerk of the board one year ; he has also been a candidate for member of assem bly. He is a prominent member of the G. A. R. In 1868 Mr. Cushman married Caroline A. Frisbie, of Vernon, by whom he had two children: Lavonne J., now a teacher at New Rochelle, N. Y. ; and Morris F., a farmer in Vernon. Since 1882 Mr. Cushman has been secretary of the Oneida County Agricultural Society. Breslauer, Theobald, was born in Frankenstein, Silesia, Germany, October 9, 1846, and between 1861 and 1864 served an apprenticeship at glove making, which he suc cessfully followed in the chief cities of Europe for several years, notably in Vienna, Paris, London, and Berlin. In Breslau, Germany, he engaged in manufacturing on his own account for a time. In 1873 he came to America, settled in Gloversville, N. Y., and for about four years pursued his trade in the extensive glove factories of that place. He moved to Utica in 1877 and established his present business, and since May, 1883, has conducted a successful trade at his present location, 182 Genesee street, wholesaling and retailing a full line of gloves and millinery. He is a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 224, F. & A. M., Oneida Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M., and Utica Consistory, No. 2, being a 32d degree Mason, northern jurisdiction. In 1871 he married- Miss Bertha Dann, who learned her trade of milliner in Germany, her native country. Hart, Seth W., was born on the farm where he now lives, December 20, 1830, son of Euratas Hart, who was born in the town of Paris, October 35, 1799. The grand father, Abel Hart, emigrated from Connecticut in 1790, and engaged in farming, which occupation the family has since followed, Seth W. now owning af arm of 145 acres of prosperous land. Euratus Hart married Betsey Walker, of Paris, N.Y., by whom he had eight children. Seth W. received his education in the district school, He married Isabelle, daughter of Dwight Mosher, of the town of Augusta, by whom he had three children : James, Mary, and Susan E. Start, S. William, was born November 31, 1833, in Devonshire, England, son of Robert and Mary, Ann Start, who came to this country when William was about six months old. Robert was a farmer, settling first in Deerfield, and next in Marcy. He then went to Clinton, and purchased a place, retiring from farming, and died in September, 1886, in his eighty-third year. Mrs. Start, his wife, died in 1890, aged eighty-three. William Start engaged in farming, at which he continues, and is a ¦ staunch Republican, taking an active interest in the success of his party. He mar ried Hannah Jackson, of English extraction, by whom he has two sons: William Henry, who is in the wholesale grocery business in Utica; and Lester J., who is em ployed by his brother in Utica. Mr. Start and wife are both active members in the Bartlett Baptist church. FAMILY SKETCHES. 161 Seaman, Jerome M., was born in Oswego, N. Y., in 1846, and is a much esteemed citizen of New Hartford, where he has been a resident for twenty-five years. After acquiring his education at the Dwight & Holbrook Seminary in Clinton, N. Y., he resided with his parents at Clark's Mills, where his father, Hicks Seaman, was superintendent of the Clark's Mills Cotton Manufactory for twenty-five years. In 1862 he went to the war and enlisted as a private in the 146th Regt. N. Y. State Volunteers of Infantry, and by his valiant service and faithfulness he was commis sioned by Gov. Horatio Seymour as second lieutenant of Co. G of that regiment, and afterwards he was again commissioned by. Gov. R. E. Fenton as first lieutenant of the same company, and at the close of the Rebellion he returned with his com pany as its acting captain. Although he was present with his company in every battle in which his regiment was engaged from the time of his enlistment he was never wounded or imprisoned. Previous to his residence here he was employed in the cotton mills at Oriskany, which engagement he entered upon after he returned from the war. He has been superintendent of the weaving department of the New Hartford Cotton Manufacturing Company since his residence here and has held the office of trustee of the village several terms, and was president of the village from March, 1891, to March, 1896. In 1871 he married Anna Elizabeth Reilly of this place. They are worthy and efficient members of St. John's Catholic church of the village and took an active part in founding and organizing its congregation. Scovill, James Van Horn, a direct descendant of the early settlers of the town of Paris, was born at Paris, Oneida county, in June, 1834, only child of Isaac Scovill (who was 'born at Watertown, Conn.) His grandfather, Darius Scovill, came to Paris in 1804. Mr. Scovill received his education at Paris, Clinton, and Cazenovia Seminary. He removed from Paris Hill to New Hartford in 1884, where he pur chased about sixty acres of garden land, which he has devoted to dairy productions, also being a breeder of thoroughbred Jersey cattle, from which his place is known as Jersey-Hurst. He was one of the organizers of the American Dairymen's Asso ciation, of which he is a valued member. He is vice-president of the Central New York Farmers' Club, and has held that position for many years. He is also a life member of the New York State Agricultural Society. June 1, 1882, he married Miss Annie Dewhurst, eldest daughter of Thomas and Anne Dewhurst, of Graefenburg, Herkimer county, N. Y. , formerly of Willow.vale, Oneida county, at which place she was born. The result of the union has been six daughters, namely : Jennie Belle, Bessie Murrow, Cornelia Mae, Helen Eliza, Marianne Howard, and Grace Leona. The late Mrs. Jane Scovill, mother of J. V. H. Scovill, was the daughter of the late Thomas Murrow, and a descendant on her mother's side of the Van Horns of New York; she was the last representative of this old and celebrated family, and Mr. Scovill has in his possession a very interesting document consisting of original rec ords of births in the family of Jacobus Van Horn of New York, whose father, John Van Horn, was one of the earliest settlers of New York city, which information may be found in the Colonial History of New York. The manuscript is beautifully written in Dutch and dated 1732. Lawrence, Lewis H., is the only son of Lewis Lawrence, who was born in the town of Otsego, Otsego county, N.Y., December 21, 1806, and died on Fourth Lake, Fulton Chain, N. Y., September 8, 1886. Forty-eight of the nearly eighty years of 162 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Lewis Lawrence's life were spent in Utica, where he was a distinguished citizen. He was of New England descent and the only son of Daniel and Penelope Law rence, whose four daughters died while Lewis was yet a lad. He spent his early years on the parental farm, At the age of fifteen he went to Franklin, Delaware county, where he spent seven years learning and following the carpenter's trade. In April, 1828, he came to Utica without an acquaintance and with only $3 in money. He immediately engaged in business for himself, and within a very short period was an acknowledged leader among the builders of the city. About 1834 he began the manufacture and sale of lumber, and from that time till 1865 his mills and business were extensive. In 1865 he organized the Utica, Chenango & Susquehanna Valley Railroad Company, became its president and treasurer, gave his attention to the construction of the line, and in 1870 leased it to the D., L. & W. R. R. Co. He then retired to private life and sought rest and recreation in travel, spending thus about three years in this country and Europe. Returning to Utica in 1874 he gave his time to various enterprises of business and benevolence. He was a staunch Repub lican, and unwavering Abolitionist, a strictly temperance man, and a neighbor, a life-long friend, and a firm supporter of Hon. Roscoe Conkling, in whose interest he founded in 1877 the Utica Daily Republican. He was a member of Westminster church and its strong friend, and throughout life a man of large benevolenoe. Jan uary 18, 1828, he married Miss Anna G., daughter of Samuel and Ruth E. Skinner, of Colchester, Conn., who died November 30, 1868. They had two children: Lewis H., who survives, and Charlotte A., who married ex-Mayor Charles E. Barnard, of of Utica, and died April 15, 1886, leaving two children : Charles E. arid Miss A. G. L. Lewis, William D., was born in Utica, N. Y., in 1855 son of Dennis Lewis, a farmer, now of Frankfort, Herkimer county. He graduated from the Whitestown Seminary in 1875, and began teaching in 1872, while yet a student there. In 1878 he came to Washington Mills, where he taught, later canvassing for the Johnson Ency clopedia, also for a life insurance company. In 1884 he engaged in the mercantile business here, and was very successful. He was elected school commissioner for the First district of Oneida county in 1887, filling that office for three years, and proving a most efficient and popular official. In 1891 he sold out the grocery store, and held the position as bookkeeper one year for the Lewis & Babcock Tool Co. He is owner of the Fruit Evaporator at Washington Mills, to which he devotes his attention during the season of operating, and acting as traveling salesman for a Utica house the re mainder of the year. In 1876 he married Emma E., daughter of Pardon Russell, of Frankfort, Herkimer county, by whom he had three children: Charles W., and Earl R., now associated with the evaporator business; and Cora E. (deceased), who died in 1887 at seven years of age. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity and Odd Fellows. Ramsdell, I. J. , was born in Madison county, September 2, 1843, but has been a resident of Oneida county since 1852. In 1865 he married Charlotte A. Ellinwood, by whom he has three children: Rev. Julian E. Ramsdell, an Episcopal minister of Cleveland, Ohio ; Edna A. Ramsdell, and Mrs. Dr. Doolittle, of Bridgewater, N. Y. Mr. Ramsdell learned the trade of wagonmaker when a young man, and was for many years in partnership with his father-in-law, Duras Ellinwood. Since residing in Paris he has been active in politics on the Democratic side, and was appointed post- FAMILY SKETCHES. 163 master at Paris, December 23, 1894. His parents were Riley and Julia (Jackson) Ramsdell. The Ramsdells originally came from Rhode Island to Saratoga county, thence to Madison county, and then to Oneida county. Greene, Albert W., M. D., was born in Northamptonshire, Eng., February 26, 1833, son of William and Sophia Greene, natives of that country, and who came to this coun try when Albert was three years of age, and settled in Fulton, Oswego county, N. Y. William Greene served during the Rebellion in the 147th N. Y. Infantry, participat ing in many of the important battles of the war. Nathaniel Greene, his uncle, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and at its close settled in Savannah, Georgia ; and his grandson was a classmate of Dr. Greene in the medical college. In 1860 Dr. Greene moved to Palermo, Oswego county, and in 1871 was graduated from the Mexico Academy. That same fall he entered Syracuse University, remaining at that institution two years. He subsquently engaged in teaching, an occupation he pursued through seventeen consecutive terms. In 1861 he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, graduating in 1884, and being appointed to a position in the Maryland Woman's Hospital, remained in that position one year. Dr. Green then returned to Palermo and established himself in the practice of his profession, where he built up a very lucrative practice, remaining there until 1894. At that time his health became impaired, so that he retired for a time, and in the fall of 1894 he removed to Oneida Castle, and at once entered upon a successful practice Dr. Greene while in Palermo was active in the Republican politics of the county, serving three years each as member of the county committee, and the Second Assembly district. In the spring of 1895 he was elected president of the village of Oneida Castle, and is now surgeon of the West Shore Railroad. He married for his first wife, Flora Cross, by whom he had three children : Ralph R. , Ray E. , and Nina G. His present wife is Carrie E. Snell, by whom he has one daughter, Edna. Rayhill, James W., son of Patrick, was born in Albany, N. Y., April 17, 1847, came with his parents to Litchfield, Herkimer county, in 1857, and spent his youth on the farm and in attending the public schools, West Winfield Seminary, and Utica Academy. During his academic studies he taught school and read law with Lewis H. Babcock of Utica. He completed his legal education with D. C. Pomeroy & Son and at Hamilton College, and was admitted to the bar at Utica in June, 1875. He then formed a copartnership with John D. Griffith, which continued for three years, and since then he has practiced alone, having in recent years the charge of consider able criminal business. He is a member of Imperial Council, No. 70, R. A. In May, 1875, ne married Addie M., daughter of Alanson Pattengill, of West Winfield, N. Y., and they have one son living, John Wayland Rayhill. Austin, Samuel, was born in Poundridge, Westchester county, N. Y., September 9, 1836, son of Henry and Matilda (Avery) Austin, and is of English descent. He was reared in his native county, educated in the common schools, and served an ap prenticeship at the wheelwright and machinist trade in Norwalk, Conn. In 1855 he came to Western, where he worked at his trade up to 1864, when he purchased the larm where he now resides, and has since been engaged in farming. In 1858 he married Sarah, daughter of Wolcott and Anna (Teller) Dillenbeck, of Western, by whom he had five children, one of whom survives: Anna A. Mr. Austin is a mem- 164 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ber of the F. & A. M., and has been commissioner of highways of Western for two years. In politics he is a Democrat. Hathaway, Gilbert, was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., in 1839, son of Isaac B. and Rebecca (Higby) Hathaway. He was reared in Lewis county, N. Y., educated in the common schools, has always followed farming as an occupation, and since 1870 has resided in Western, on the farm he now owns. His wife was Margaret, daugh ter of Jacob and Agatha (Wellman) Wolfe, of Rome, by whom he had two children living: Levi B. and Herbert H. Mr. Hathaway and wife are members of the M. E. church, and in politics he is a Republican. Wolfe, Jacob, was born in Deerfield, Oneida county, August 28, 1840, a son of Jacob and Agatha (Wellman) Wolfe, both natives of Germany, and a grandson of Jacob Wolfe on the paternal side, and of Joseph Wellman on the maternal side. Jacob Wolfe, father of our subject, came to America about 1833 and located in Deer field, where he worked as a farm laborer for nine years. In 1842 he located in Lewis county and cleared a farm in West Turin, a few years later moved to Western, thence to the town of Rome, where he spent ten years, when he removed to the city of Rome, where he died August 6, 1895, aged eighty-one years. He was the father of eleven children, six of whom survive: Jacob, Margaret (Mrs. Gilbert Hathaway), Henry, Philip, Daniel and Levi. Our subject was reared in Oneida county and has always been a farmer. In 1870 he married Eliza, daughter of Sanford Sampson, of Western, and has four children living: Cynthia (Mrs. Charles Hartson), Walter, Myrtie and Sanford. Mr. Wolfe is a member of the M. E. church, and in politics is a Republican. Hooper, John, was born in Pembrockshire, Wales, April 29, 1837, son of David P. and Margaret (Lewis) Hooper, who came to America in 1852, and after spending one year in Rome, Oneida county, removed to Cattaraugus county, where the father died June 30, 1892. John Hooper was reared in Wales and New York State, and since 1867 has been a resident of Western, where he engaged in farming. In 1867 he married Julia, daughter of Joel S. and Margaret (Roberts) Williams, of Rome, by whom he has five children: Charles and Celia, twins; Joel, Ella, and Emma. In September, 1861, Mr. Hooper enlisted in Co. F, 5th N. Y. Cavalry, and was in nearly all the battles of the Army of the Potomac, also Gettysburg, second Bull Run, Wilderness, and was honorably discharged in October, 1864. Van Wagenen, Lewis B., was born in Lee, Oneida county, November 3, 1839, a son of Wessel B. and Lucy (Husted) Van Wagenen. His paternal grandfather, James Van Wagenen, a native of Johnstown, N.Y., settled with his family in the town of Lee in 1815. He was a blacksmith by trade, makingedge tools, scythes, etc., for the pioneers. In later life he removed to Oil Creek, Pa., where died. His paternal grand father, Peter Husted, w,as a pioneer of Lee and Western, who died on the farm in Western now occupied by our subject. Wessel B. Van Wagenen, father of Lewis B., was born in Johnstown, N.Y. , July 9, 1803, came to Lee with his parents in 1815, and, with the exception of ten years spent in Chautauqua county, N. Y. , has always resided in Oneida county, has lived in Camden twenty years, and has always followed farming as an occupation. In early life he was captain of the militia in the town of Lee for many years. Lewis B. Van Wagenen was reared in Lee and educated in the common and FAMILY SKETCHES. 165 select schools. He has been more or less engaged in farming all his life, and since 1877 has been engaged as agent of the Farmers' Fire and Lightning Insurance Co. , of Oneida, N. Y., of which he and the late Israel White; of Western,- were the found ers, and which has been a success from the start. January 18, 1859, Mr. Van Wag enen married Ann, daughter of Thomas McMullen, of Western, by whom he has six children: Leonora, Edwin, Grant, Julia, Herbert, and Edith. Olney, George B., was born in Western, December 7, 1852, a son of George J. and Harriet (Brill) Olney, grandson of James Olney, who was born October 26, 1783, and who married Lucy Burt, and great-grandson of William and Mary (Myers) Olney, who were among the pioneers of Western, and is a lineal descendant of Thomas Olney, of Hertfordshire, England, who settled in Salem, Mass., in 1635, where he followed his profession as surveyor, and filled many positions of trust. He was the founder of the Olney family in America. In later life he left Salem on account of religious persecution and went with Roger Williams to Providence, R. I. George J. Olney, father of George B., was born in Western, February 22, 1821, where he has spent all his life engaged in farming. He was twice married, first to Harriet, daughter of Ezra and Lydia (Parks) Clark, of Western, by whom he had one daugh ter, Harriet (Mrs. Frank White). His second wife was Harriet, daughter of John Brill, of Saratoga, N. Y., by whom he had three children: George B., Willard, and Minnie (Mrs. Charles Pillmore). George B. Olney was educated in the public schools and 'Whitestown Seminary, and since 1880 has been a member of the firm of Olney & Floyd, manufacturers of canned goods, with factories at Westernville and Delta. December 10, 1879, he married Amelia, daughter of Joseph and Ruth (Carey) Hill, of Western, by whom he had two children : George J. and Max. Paddock, Harvey, was born in Western, on the farm where he now resides, No vember 25, 1815, and is the oldest native born resident of Western. He is a son of Daniel, jr., and Diadama (Selden) Paddock, both natives of the State, the former born March 1, 1794, and his wife, February 5, 1794. His paternal grandfather, Daniel Paddock, sr., a native of Albany county, N. Y., and his maternal grand father, Thomas Selden, a native of Vermont, settled in Rome, Oneida county, in 1797, where the latter resided until his death. Daniel Paddock, sr., remained in Rome about one year, and in 1799 settled in Western, where he cleared a farm on which he lived and died. Daniel Paddock, jr., was reared in Western from five years of age, where he spent his life in farming. He cleared a part of the farm now owned by his son, Harvey, on which he was found dead June 3, 1831, and was sup posed to have been murdered. Harvey Paddock has always lived on the old home stead, with the exception of five years spent in Westernville where he engaged in the hotel business. In 1841 he married Betsey, daughter of Nicholas and Maria (Wagner) Reese, of Western, by whom he has one son, Arden H., who is engaged in farming on the old homestead. Mr. Paddock was commissioner of highways of Western for fifteen years, and in politics is a Republican. Haynes, Archibald M., was bom in Western, April 16, 1831, son of James and Sarah (Thornton) Haynes, natives of Amsterdam and Unadilla, N. Y., respectively. Both his paternal and maternal grandfathers, Abel Haynes and Job Thornton, were pioneers of Western and farmers by occupation. James Haynes, father of Archir 166 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. bald M., was also a farmer, and lived and died in Western. He was the father of two children : Archibald M. and John C. Archibald M. was reared on the Haynes homestead in Western and educated in the common schools. In 1853 he went on the high seas as a sailor, in which capacity he served four years, visiting the principal seaports of North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa, including Japan, since which time he has been engaged in farming in Western. He married four times; first, to Harriet Ford; second to Margaret, daughter of William Logan, of Lee, by whom he had five children : Martha (Mrs. Hamilton Barringer), James de ceased, William deceased, Julius and Margaret; third, to Imogene, daughter of Hiram G. Bullock, of Western, by whom he had four children; Gardner, Henry, Mary and Sarah, deceased ; fourth, to Ida, daughter of Hiram G. Bullock, by whom he had two children : Frank and Wyman. Mr. Haynes is a Democrat in politics, and has been justice of the peace in Western twenty-four years. Fox, Winfield M., was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., September 21, 1850, one of nine children born to Elijah and Eliza (Farewell) Fox. He was educated in the schools of Jefferson county, andthen engaged in farming, which line he followed until twenty-eight years of age. At this time he engaged in the clothing business at Three Mile Bay, Jefferson county, where he remained four years.- He then came to Taberg and engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, which he still con ducts. Mr. Fox married Lucy Whiting, of Three Mile Bay, daughter of John C. Whiting. They have two children : Charles W. and Mildred. Mr. Fox has been justice of the peace four years. He is a member of the M. E. church, Allanson, Thomas B. , was born in England, January 21, 1817, and came to the United States with his parents when fourteen years of age. He was educated in the schools of Lee Center and Annsville, after which he engaged in farming for many years, then in the mercantile business in Taberg for twenty years, after which he was agent for the Taberg blast furnace, but at the present time is unable to. attend to but little business, owing to ill health. He has been a prominent Democrat in this town, al ways taking an active part in all campaigns, and was elected to the Assembly when Grover Cleveland was first elected governor. He was also supervisor for twelve years, and held many other minor offices. He married for his first wife, Mary J. Lymari, of Lee Center, by whom he had one daughter, Jessie, and they also have one adopted daughter, Laura. He married for his second wife, Hannah, daughter of William Ward, who emigrated to this country from England in 1844. Armstrong, David, was born in Annsville, Oneida county, March 9, 1838, and is a son of George Armstrong, of whom an account is given elsewhere. David Arm strong is one of the leading farmers of the town, owning a farm of 255 acres. In his younger days he was on the Erie Canal for twenty years. He married Jane Rich ardson, daughter of William Richardson, of Annsville, by whom he has eight children. Mr. Armstrong is a Democrat in politics, and was assessor of the town for six years. Dooley, John J., was born in the town of Annsville, February 11, 1849, son of the late Thomas Dooley, who was born in Ireland, emigrated to the United States in 1840, and settled on a farm in this town, where John J. was reared and where he worked until he was twenty-one years of age, attending the district schools, where FAMILY SKETCHES. 167 he laid the foundation for his business life. When twenty-one years of age he was elected collector of the town, and under Cleveland's first administration was ap pointed postmaster, during which time he established his present business in the village of Taberg as a general merchant, carrying a full line of goods suitable for country trade. Mr. Dooley was elected supervisor in 1893, which office he still holds, being re-elected for the second term. August 30, 1884, he married Margaret, daugh ter of James Mahar, by whom he had six children: Michael H., James F., Thomas W., Mariette, Margaret and Emmett J. Stedman, Gilbert R., was born July 15, 1842, in the town of Lee, where he lived until seven years of age, at which time his parents moved to the town of Annsville. He was educated in Lee and Annsville. He was a son of Oliver and Sophia (San ford) Stedman, who had a family of nine children : Ellen, Joseph (deceased), Eliza beth, Gilbert R., Ann, Susan, Ida, E. K., and Carrie. In 1861 Gilbert Stedman en listed in the 3d New York Heavy Artillery and served three years, being in the battles of Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania, Deep Bottom, etc. He is now engaged in farming, owning a fine farm of ninety-seven acres. He married Julia daughter of William Streeter, of Annsville, one of the first settlers of the town. They have five children: William, Bertha, Arthur, Jessie, and Frederick. Mr. Stedman was su pervisor of the town in 1883 and again in 1888, was commissioner in 1878, and over seer of the poor in 1885 and 1886. He was commander.of Ballard Post, G. A. R., No. 551, for many years and is now senior-vice ; he is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. Dillenbeck, Douglas E., was born in Western, March 30, 1863, son of Ephraim and Sarah'(Keech) Dillenbeck. His paternal grandfather, Wolcott Dillenbeck, a native of Germany, was a pioneer of Western, where he cleared a farm on which he died. His wife was Anna Tully. Ephraim Dillenbeck, father of Douglas E. , was born in Western, August 35, 1833, lived on a farm until 1866, when he embarked in general merchandising for five years. In 1871 he removed to North Western, where he was engaged in the same business until his death, which occurred July 25, 1892. May 25, 1860, he married Sarah, daughter of James and Mary (Montague) Keech, of West ern, by whom he had one son, Douglas E. , who was educated in the public schools and Cazenovia Seminary, where he was graduated in the business course. In 1882 he located at Frankfort, where he learned the drug business and was licensed by the State Board of Pharmacy in 1884. He then served as clerk of the canal superinten dent at Western and Boonville six years, and since 1889 has been engaged in general merchandising at North Western. December 9, 1892, he married Alice, daughter of James O. and Emogene (Twining) Waldo, of Western. Mr. Dillenbeck isa member of the F. & A. M. , and R. A. , and in politics is a Democrat. Rees, John D., was bora in Pembrockshire, Wales, March 33, 1845, a son of David and Martha (Evans) Rees, who came to America in 1852 and located in Westernville, where the father, who was a blacksmith by trade, embarked in business for himself, in which he continued until his death, which occurred December 31, 1894, aged eighty-four years. He was the father of six children: Thomas, who died in the service of the Union in the late civil war; Edward; John D. ; Sarah (Mrs. Dr. Johnson Pillmore); William, and Margaret. John D, was reared in Western from 168 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. seven years of age. He received a common school education, began life as a farm laborer, later engaged in railroading, and for twenty-five years has been engaged in locomotive engineering, blaoksmithing, and as a machinist. Politically Mr. Rees is a staunch Republican. Albot, Charles T., was born in Bewdley Forest, Shropshire, England, February 11, 1820, son of Charles and Ann (Marshall) Albot. He was educated at Ushaw College, County Durham, and in 1842 came to America and located in Western, Oneida county, where he purchased a farm of three hundred and sixteen acres. In 1844 he returned to England, and in 1845 imported the thoroughbred stallion, Con sternation, which was the sire of many valuable trotters in twelve different States. In 1849 he went to California by the overland route, where he spent three years in mining, and hunting. In 1852 he returned to his farm in Western, where he was engaged in farming up to 1885, when he retired and moved to Delta, where he has since resided, though he still owns a part of the original homestead in Western. He was twice married, first to Margaret Geoghan, and his second wife was Catherine Weiss, by whom he had two sons : George and Charles T. , jr. Sly, Andrew J., was born in Lee, October 36, 1840, son of Adin and Alma (Arnold) Sly, natives of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, respectively, who settled in Lee in 1827, where Mr. Sly engage :1 in farming, living on one farm forty years, when they removed to Delta, and reSided there until his death in 1883. Their children were Eliza F., Ira H., Lydia (Mrs. L. S. Perry), and Andrew J. The latter now owns the old homestead, where he was reared and lived until 1885, when he removed to Delta, and has since been engaged in the lumber business. In 1866 he married Josephine, daughter of Benjamin and Eveline (Reed) Walden of North Adams, Mass. She died in 1885. Mr. Sly is a member of the Methodist church, of which he is a trustee and steward. In politics he is a Democrat, has been supervisor and held other minor offices in Lee. He is a member of F. & A. M., and P. of H. Whittaker, George H., was born at Trenton, N. Y., September 17, 1851, son of Peter and Ann S. (Stevens) Whittaker, who settled at Trenton. They had eight children: Elisha, Calinda, Harriet, Esther, Levi, Sarah, George H., and Elmer. Peter was engaged in farming, and was interested in both church and educational matters. George H. married Ida, daughter of William E. Clark, by whom he had two children: Harry, and Ray deceased. After Mrs. Whittaker' s death, he married Jennie, daughter of Hugh Pugh, by whom he has one child, Howard. At fourteen years of age, Mr. Whittaker engaged in the employ of Clark & Nicholson in the cheese box manufactory. In 1877 he associated himself with Charles H. Clark, and they purchased the interest of Clark & Nicholson, which they have continued to the present time. He is vice-president of the Stittville Canning Company. He belongs to the United Friends, also K. P. Lodge and Floyd Grange. He was collector for one term, and is interested in all town affairs. Thomas, William E., was born in the town of Whitestown, N. Y., June 23, 1847, son of John E. and Mary A. Thomas. The grandfather, Evan D. Thomas, came here from Wales about 1808. He was a farmer, and his children were John E., David H., William R., Sarah Ann, Jessie, Evan D., and Benjamin, all natives of Oneida county. John E. was apprenticed as a wagon maker when eighteen years FAMILY SKETCHES. 169 of age, which business he followed for five years. He then moved to Mankato,' Minn., where he remained ten years, when he came to Marcy. His children were William E., John G., Marion, Sarah Ann, and Robert E. William E. married Car rie J., daughter of Alfred and Mary Weaver, of Deerfield, by whom he had six chil dren: Leroy, Ray, Irving, Annie Mary, William W., and Laurie, .all natives of Marcy. Mr. Thomas is a farmer by occupation, and is also interested in town and county affairs, was highway commissioner three years and collector one year. Marson, Edward M., was bora in the town of Vernon, N. Y., April 15, 1866, son of William Marson, who was a son of Edward T. Marson. William Marson married Laurie L. McNeil, daughter of Miller McNeil, who was born on the farm where he now resides in 1800, by whom he had two children : Edward M. , our subject, and L. Rowena, who died August 25, 1895, wife of Isaac N. Roberts, of Utica, N. Y. Will iam Marson was always interested in the affairs of his town and county, being supervisor of the town of Marcy in 1879 and of the town of Verona in 1870-71. Ed ward M. Marson was town clerk for two years. He married Ellen Nettie, daughter of David C. Roberts, by whom he has three children: William D., Ruth E., and Homer. Jones, Hugh, was born in Wales, April 4, 1850, son of Hugh and Elizabeth Jones. Hugh, jr., settled in Oneida county about 1870, and married Agnes, daughter of Edward German, by whom he has three children: Elizabeth, Jennie and Ada, all born in this county. Since coming to this county he has been engaged in farming, and has a farm of about 125 acres. He is interested in educational work and an active member of the Welsh M. E. church, and is at present trustee. Kunkel, George M. , jr., was born at Whitesboro, August 2, 1862, son of George and Mary Kunkel, who settled in this county about 1855. George, sr., is engaged in farming, and is interested in all affairs of his town and county. George M. Kunkle, jr., is one of ten children: Emma, Leonard, Anthony, George M., Peter, Mathew, Joseph, Mary, Francis, Kittie. He maried Louise, daughter of Michael and Mary Van Hatten. He is a member of St. Peter's church in Deerfield, and is also interested in all public enterprises. Alvord, Clarence E., was born in the town of Trenton, N. Y. , January 4, 1846, son of Butler and Mary (Ward) Alvord, whe settled in Trenton in 1838. He was one of three children : Julian W. (deceased), Clarence E. and Lillian H. (deceased). Butler Alvord was engaged in farming, and was active in both educational and church work. Clarence E. married Fannie, a daughter of Daniel and Susan Sheldon, by whom he had two children: Alice L. and Mary S. Alice L. attends the Holland Patent graded school. Mr. Alvord married for his second wife, Alice Brooker, daughter of Charles and Lavina Martin. He engaged in farming in 1877 on the farm where he now resides. He is a member of the K. P. Lodge of Holland Patent. He has a farm of 150 acres. Jones, Even D. , was born in Wales, April 30, 1833, son of Edward and Ann Jane Jones, whose children were: Elizabeth, Luke and Even D. Even D. settled in Marcy in 1851. He married Ellen, daughter of Robert Williams, by whom he had ten children: Edward, Robert H., Anna, William, Mary, wife of John W. Porter; 170 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Laurie, Elizabeth, wife of George Thomas ; Jeanne, Catherine, wife of William A. St. John, and Martha; also two deceased: Winifred and Henry. Mr. Jones is en gaged in farming, and is active in both educational and church work. He is a charter member of the Marcy Grange. He helped to build the first railroad running through Marcy, and was a passenger on the first train that ran over that road. Jeanne is a graduate of the Oswego Normal School ; Catherine attended the Oswego Normal also the Colgate Academy, and taught school for fwenty terms. Robert H. is engaged in farming. Weaver, Alfred M. , was born in the town of Rome, N. Y. , January 7, 1858, son of Alfred and Mary E. Weaver, who had one other child, Carrie J., wife of William E. Thomas. Alfred, jr. married Lucy, daughter of Joseph and Rachel Paine, by whom he has one child, Everet A. Mr. Weaver is a charter member of the Marcy Grange, and has held the office of trustee, and his wife has held office"most of the time since its organization. Tanner, Levi G., was born on the farm where he now resides, November 14, 1845, son of Levi and Mary Ann (Wilcox) Tanner, who settled in this town about 1840. He was one of four children ; Levi G., Joseph S., Mary E., and Jennie P. Levi, sr., followed farming and cheesemaking, and started the third cheese factory in this county. He was justice of the peace, and a hard-working, self-made man. Levi G., jr., is engaged in farming, owning a farm of about 500 acres. He belongs to Oriskany F. & A. M., No. 799, and is also a member of the Floyd Grange. Powell, Fred R. , was bora in the town of Marcy, June 23, 1866, son of Raymer and Maria (Pickert) Powell. Fred R. was one of two children: Fred R. and Esther. Raymer Powell was engaged in farming, milling, lumbering, etc. He was very active in town affairs, holding most of the town offices. Fred R. married Laurie, daughter of John T. Owens, by whom he has three children: Earl, Maude, and Blanche, all natives of the town of Floyd. Mr. Powell is interested in educational affairs, and is a member of the Patrons of Industry and United Friends. Robbins, George B., was born on the farm where he now resides, July 10, 1830, son of Royal and Sarah (Dodd) Robbins. Royal was a son of Elisha, who settled in Marcy about 1810. George B. Robbins was one of four children: George B., Mary Elizabeth Nolton, Evaline, and Charles. George B. married Mary Nolton, a daugh ter of Daniel Nolton, by whom he has four children : Caroline Johnson ; Ida E., a teacher in the teachers' college of New York city, and also a graduate of the Oswego Normal School; Marion E., and Mabel C. ; also one deceased, Jennie C, wife of Dr. William Jones of Portland, Oregon, and she was a graduate of the Oswego Normal School, and taught four years in the public schools of Burlington, Vt. Mr. Robbins is public spirited, and especially interested in educational affairs. He was elected supervisor of the town of Marcy in 1873. Edic, Henry, was born in the town of Marcy, April 3, 1823, son of Jacob and Isa belle Edic, whose children were James, Emily, Henry, Jacob, William, Isabelle, Louise, Amos, Mary Esther, Charles J., Franklin, John Jacob, Antonette, Isabelle, who were all natives of this county. Jacob Edic in early life was engaged in boat ing on the Mohawk River and later pioneer farming. He was very public spirited, and active in church and educational interests. Henry' Edic married Eliza, daugh- FAMILY SKETCHES. 171 ter of Benjamin and Mary Kipp, by whom he has five children: George Henry, Har riet Eliza, Frederick Charles, Jacob and Emily Maud. Mr. Edic is engaged in farm ing; is active in both church and school work, and has been trustee of the school for many years. He was supervisor in 1861 and 1862, also assessor for many years, and is now living retired. Gaymond, George A., was born in the town of Marcy, May 4, 1869, son of John O. and Elizabeth (Jones) Gaymond, who have five children: William George A., Ira M., Emma and Margaret. John O. settled in Clayville in 1852, and in Marcy in 1855. In early life he engaged in farming, and at which he has since continued. George A. was educated at Whitestown Seminary and studied law; and late years he has been engaged as a commercial traveler. He is a member of the Oriskany Lodge F. & A. M., of Utica, also the Marcy Grange and Patrons of Industry. Horrigan, John, was born in Albany, N. Y., August 8, 1842, son of Patrick Horri- gan, who was born in Ireland, and came to the United States in 1831. He first set tled in New York city, and then came to the town of Florence in 1843, settling on a farm near Morence village. He married Mary McNamara of New York, and they have five children who are living: Mary, John, Bridget, Ellen, and Michael. John is a farmer, and since 1860, in addition to his farming, has engaged in blacksmithing and dealt in agricultural implements. He married Elizabeth Lafferty of Florence, daughter of John Lafferty, and they have a family of seven children : Mary F. , Eva E., Ellen, Louisa, William, and Lillian. Mr. Horrigan was town clerk for two years. In politics he is an Independent. Marsh, John. — James Marsh was born in 'Canterbury, County Kent, England, September 15, 1834. In 1855 he married Elizabeth Harvey, and the same year sailed for America, and located in Verona, remaining there four years, when he removed to the Ridge, town of Rome, where he rented a farm and manufactured cheese for about two years, and later spent five years at Lee Center and the Ridge. In 1866 he purchased the farm of eighty acres in Lee, which is now owned by his son John, on which he made many improvements, including the erection of all the present buildings, and subsequently purchased two other farms in Lee, on which he made extensive improvements in clearing, fencing, and buildings. Mr. Marsh was a thrifty and enterprising farmer. His children were Thomas and John, both prom inent farmers in Lee. In politics Mr. Marsh was a Democrat. He died April 22, 1891. Bowman, John, was bora in Rome, Oneida county, August 12, 1858, son of Fred and Verbena (Light) Bowman, natives of Mechlenberg, Germany. Fred Bowman came to America about 1854, locating at Rome, Oneida county, where he was em ployed five years, and in 1889 removed to Annsville, where he cleared a farm of seventy-five acres, and where he died May 1, 1895, aged sixty-nine years. His chil dren, were Fred, John, Frank, Sophia (Mrs. Charles Regler), and William. John Bowman was reared on the homestead, and received a limited education in the common schools, and after attaining his majority he removed to Canada, where he worked two years as a farm hand, then returned to the homestead, where he re mained until 1885, when he embarked in the hotel business at Point Rock, and re mained there seven years. He then kept the Central Hotel at Rome two years, and 172 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. in 1894 purchased the Lee Center House, which he has since successfully continued, adding extensive improvements, including one qf the finest barns in the county, at an expense of $1,500. May 12, 1885, he married Carrie, daughter of Frank and Caroline Dorn, of Ava, Oneida county, by whom he had three children : John, jr., Carrie and Howard. Wallace, Joseph Franklin, was born in Lee, Oneida county, May 21, 1850, son of John D. and Ann (Countryman) Wallace. His paternal grandparents, John and Catherine Wallace, were natives of Germany, who came to America in 1826, settling in Verona, Oneida county, later removed to Lee, where they died, the former living to 112 years of age. The maternal grandparents, John and Ann (Eygabroad) Coun tryman, were natives of Herkimer county, N. Y., and pioneers of Lee. John D. Wallace, father of Joseph Franklin, was bora in Alsace, Germany, in 1819, and came to this country with his parents in 1826, and on reaching manhood engaged in farming, which business he followed until his death, which occurred in 1880, aged sixty-one years. Joseph Franklin was reared in Lee, educated in the common schools, and his principal occupation has been farming, though he has been more or less engaged in buying and selling stock, Canadian horses, and real estate. As a farmer he has been very successful, and at present is the owner of the old home stead, as well as the farm on which he resides. November 7, 1872, he married Sarah Ann, daughter of Robert and Ann (Thomas) Thomas, of Ava, Oneida county, by whom he has three children living : Mary E., Florence E., and Joseph J. Mr. Wallace is a charter member of P. of I., No. 320, of Lee, and its first president. In politics he is a Democrat, and has been once appointed and twice elected to the office of justice of the peace for Lee. Swancott, David, was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, August 8, 1831, son of Phillip and Jane (Stevens) Swancott. Philip Swancott was a tanner by trade, and came to America in 1839, locating in Western, Oneida county, and followed his trade there and in Madison county for twenty-five years. He died in 1880, aged seventy- eight years. He married for his first wife, Jane, daughter of William Stevens, by whom he had five children : Philip, Jane (Mrs. Charles Hughes) ; David ; Mary (Mrs. John Roberts); and Richard. He married for his second wife, Mary Humphrey, by whom he had six children: William, Lewis, Hannah (Mrs. William Campbell); Margaret; Samuel; and Lucy (Mrs. Edward Stevens). David Swancott came to Western with his father in 1839, and his education was limited to three months in the common school. He began life as an apprentice to the tanner's trade, which business he followed for six years in Western and Lee. In 1860 he removed to Lewis, Lewis county, and engaged in farming three years, when he embarked in lumbering, which business he has successfully followed" in Lewis and Oneida counties, and has been a resident of Lee since 1884. June 27, 1853, he married Diana, daughter of William and Eliza (Hayden) Walters, of Lewis county ,N. Y., by whom he has four children living; Philip; Jane (Mrs. John Miller); Thomas; and Edward. Mr. Swancott is a member of the F. & A. M., and is now serving his fourth term as commissioner of highways, Smith, Dewitt Clinton, was born in Trenton, Oneida county, January, 23, 1854, son of John H. and Martha (Harbeck) Smith, natives of New York and Connecticut FAMILY SKETCHES. 173 respectively. John H. Smith was for thirty years engaged in the hotel business in Oneida county, and in 1860 located on a farm in Lee, residing there until his death, which occurred June 19, 1874, aged seventy years. He was the father of fifteen chil dren, nine of whom grew to maturity: J. Edwin, Fannie (Mrs. Daniel ' Tulloh), George W., Helen M. (Mrs. David Tulloh), Dewitt C, Marian (Mrs. W. S. Bushnell), Jay W., Charles H., deceased, Ella M. (Mrs. Frank Patrick), Frank H., Jerome B., and Gertrude. Dewitt Clinton was reared in the town of Lee, and from six years of age was educated at the Union school at Lee Center, and Rome Academy, after which he began life as a farm laborer and later engaged in cheesemaking, teaching school winters up to 1884, when he engaged as a clerk for one year in a general store at West Branch, and in 1885 embarked in general merchandising for himself at Point Rock, in which he has since successfully continued. He married for his first wife, Lillie A. Yarwood, who died in February, 1876. His second wife was Carrie M., daughter of Sidney and Lovina (Osborne) Lasuer, of Lee, by whom he had two children: Jennie M., and Bertha M. Mr. Smith is a member 6f the F. & A. M., and Royal Arcanum, and is now serving his first term as supervisor of the town of Lee. In politics he is a staunch Republican. Deeley, David, was born in Durhamville, April 13, 1866, son of Thomas and Fan nie Deeley, who came to Durhamville in 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Deeley's children were Ellen, James, George, Jesse, Mary, Thomas, Lesse, William, David, John, Charles, and Eugene, eight of whom were born in Oneida county. Thomas was a glass man ufacturer in Durhamville until 1874, since which time he has been engaged in farm ing. Jesse married Ameretta Hanney, now deceased. He afterward married Lucy Canfield, by whom he has two children: Harry and Winnie. Wyman, Simeon T., was born in West Branch, Oneida county, N. Y., June 3, 1837, son of Winslow and Phoebe Wyman, whose other children were Edward, Samuel, Maryr Sarah, Henry, Daniel, John, Hawthorn, and Martha. Simeon T. Winslowcame from Vermont to the town of Lee with his father, where they engaged in farming, lumbering and milling. He was very active in religious work of the old Quaker style. He married Harriet, daughter of George and Eliza Brown, of the town of Lee, and they have five children: Flora, widow of Charles Bergman, who married Douglas Wheeler; George, Mary, deceased; Lizzie, and Samuel. Mr. Wyman was assessor of the town of Lee for three years. His son, George, is now located at West Branch, and is engaged in blacksmithing. Cook, Albert D., was born in Vienna, N. Y., son of Joseph and Mary (Ayers) Cook. Albert D. married Nancy, daughter of Robert and Amelia Shaver, by whom he has three children: Mary, wife of Elgin A. Post; Elizabeth, wife of Dr. Charles Nicols ; and Harriet, all natives of Vienna. Mr. Cook is postmaster at Vienna, also justice of the peace at the present time. He formerly belonged to Vienna F. & A. M. . No. 440. Chrestien, Alfred B, , was born in Rome, May 33, 1855, son of Martin and Margaret Chrestien, and married Ida A., daughter of William and Mary Long of Madison county, and they have one child, Blanche H. Alfred started for himself as a farmer when twenty years old, which he followed for two years, and then learned the black smith's trade, which he worked at for ten years at Canastota and Bridgeport. He 174 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. then moved to Vienna, and has followed farming and been engaged in the hotel busi ness in McConnellsville ever since. He has been excise commissioner and is treas urer of the fraternal society, Order of the World. Harden, Charles, was born in Verona, November 7, 1828, son of Henry H. and Sarah (Pierce) Harden, and grandson of Ezekiel Harden, who settled here about 1815. Mr. and Mrs. Henry H. Hardeni were the parents of six children: Mary Bird, Charlotte Allen, Henrietta Stone, Julian Dean, Maria, and Charles. Charles married Marcia Jane. He afterward married Caroline, daughter of Eggleston Lamphere, and they have three children ; Frank, Charles deceased; and George. In early life Mr. Harden was a brick manufacturer. He moved to Illinois, where he remained ten years, and then returned to Oneida county and followed farming and lumbering until 1844, when he began the manufacture of chairs. He was supervisor two terms, and highway commissioner for six years. He is a member of Vienna F. & A. M., No. 440. Woodard, Henry M., was born near McConnellsville, February 14, 1831, son of Silas and Almira Nichols Woodard. Henry M. married Ruth Ann, a daughter of Leman Powell, of McConnellsville, and they have one child, Mary A. Woodard. He commenced life for himself running a stage from McConnellsville to Constantia, which he followed until 1880, when he started in the merchandise business at North Bay. He was elected collector in 1862, and also in 1876-77. In 1862 he was elected town clerk, which office he has held up to the present time with the exception of three years, and was postmaster under Cleveland's administration. He is actively interested in educational interests, and is a member of Vienna Lodge, F. & A. M. , No. 440. Bushnell., Monroe. — Aaron Bushnell was born in the town of Lee, November 4, 1808, son of Joshua and Sophia Bushnell, who settled in the town of Rome about 1795 and one year later moved to Lee. Their children were Lura, Lucius, Annis, Harriet, Annis, Filmore, Aaron, Clarissa, Artemissa and Oscar. Aaron married Mary Ann, a daughter of John and Annie York, and they were the parents cf eight children: Alsadia, Clarissa, Lorin, Marietta, Walter, Raymond A., Chester L., and Monroe. Aaron has followed lumbering, boat building aud farming, being one of the earliest boat builders in this section. When the Midland railroad was con structed he was railroad commissioner and plank road inspector, and has been assessor for twenty-one years. He was also active in educational interests, having been trustee for thirty years. Bailey, Capt. Myron J., was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y., January 1, 1834, son of Silas and Sallie A. Bailey. He was born in the town of Paris, son of Silas and Olive Sweetland Bailey, whose children were Eunice, Silas, Timothy, Lyman, Edward, Ora, Abraham, Olive and Almira. The children of Silas, jr., were Jay C, Dorleski, Myron J., and Charlotte. Myron J. married Adelaide M., a daughter of George W. Coville, and a native of the town of Vienna, and their children are Edna E., Gilford D., Myron L., George S. , Lottie V., Charles, jr., and S. Wyman. Capt. Myron J. Bailey has followed farming, and by trade is a carpenter and paper hanger, but has now retired from active business. He enlisted in Company E. , 101st Regi ment N. G. S. N. Y., and was elected captain of Company K, of the same regiment, FAMILY SKETCHES. 175 which commission he now holds. He is serving his second term as assessor, and has been overseer of the poor, excise commissioner and school trustee. He is a member of Vienna F. & A. M. Lodge, 440, of which he is past master, and has been secretary for sixteen years, and has also been senior warden and senior deacon. He belongs to Sylvan Beach I. O. O. F., No. 326, and West Vienna Grange. In 1890 he was appointed State inspector of public works, and was located at Solvay, near Syracuse. Dixon, James, was born near Dublin, Ireland, May 22, 1834, son of John and Katherine Dixon, who settled in this town with their children, Edward, deceased, John deceased, and James, in about 1840. James Dixon married Sarah, daughter of Hiram and Mary Coville, and they are the parents of five children : John, Lucy Katherine, who is a graduate of Cazenovia Seminary and Oswego Normal ; Frank, Mary Clif ford, and Lizzie Pauline, who was graduated from Rome Academy, and is now / attending school at the Oswego Normal. James Dixon is a self-made man, having started in life when fifteen years of age, working on the canal until 1865, when he , moved on the farm where he now resides. He has been collector and is now serv ing his fourth term as highway commissioner, and in 1890 he had an appointment on the State public works. He belongs to Vienna F. & A, M., No. 440. Blasier, Irving, was born in the town of Western, January 11, 1860, son of Ichabod and Elizabeth M. Blasier. Ichabod, son of Henry, was bom in the town of Western, October 12, 1835, and his children were Henrietta, Francis M., Esther E., Celia, Mary, Josephine, Ichabod, jr., Irving, Melvin, Lena, Evert E., Martha, Carrie, Franklin and Charles, of whom the last four are deceased. December 12, 1880,. Irving married Clara L., daughter of Henry L. and Sarah A. Vosburg, and they have one child, Merton Irving. Mr. Blasier was educated in the Winfield Seminary, and when seventeen years of age started in the cheese business. In 1889 he bought a cheese factory at Vienna, and in 1893 he started a canning factory under the firm name of Freeman & Blasier, and they do a business of about $23,000 a year, and make 115,000 pounds of cheese yearly. He is a member of Vienna F. & A. M. Lodge, No. 440. Flanagan, James Henry, was born at West Vienna, December 23, 1854, son of Peter and Mary E. Flanagan. He married Martha Ann, a daughter of Willard Teeling, and to them have been bora three children: Irma, Ida, and Thomas J. James Henry has followed boat building and farming the greater part of his life. In 1874 and 1875 he was elected toWn clerk, and in 1875 he represented the 3d Oneida District in the Assemaly, and in 1885 he was elected supervisor, which office he has held to the present time. In 1889 he was nominated for State senator, and in 1892 he was appointed assistant superintendent of public works, which position he held for over three years. At present he is a member of the State Democratic Committee of the 25th Congressional District. He is a member of Vienna F. & A. M. , No. 440, also of Sylvan Beach I.O.O.F. Wilcox, Frederick D., was born in the town of Camden, October 8, 1839, son of Chester Wilcox, who was born in Connecticut, and came to the town of Camden when a boy, being one of the pioneers of the town, making all of the roads in this section known as the Hillsborough roads. He was a farmer and speculator in cattle. 176 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. He married Rilia Dunbar, of Camden, by whom he had seven children. Frederick D. Wilcox is a farmer, and he now owns a farm of 130 acres in the town of Camden, mostly improved, also one of 102 acres in the town of Vernon, mostly woodland. He married Julia L , by whom he had eight children: Adelbert, Edwin, Jane, Ches ter, Robert, Irving, Olive and Katie. Dana, George W., was born in the town of Camden, October 20, 1863. His father, Walter H. Dana, was bora at South Trenton, and was by occupation a painter. He married Delight Wakefield, by whom he had ten children. George W. was reared on a farm, in which business he spent his early days, and was educated in the com mon schools. For about ten years he has been a member of the firm of Gardner & Dana, manufacturers of sash, doors and blinds, they being among the leading firms in this line in Camden. He married Lillie D., daughter of William Curtis, of Cam den. Mr. Dana is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., and in politics is a Dem ocrat. Gardner, Richard H., was born in the town of Florence, Oneida county, July 14, 1843, son of Peter Gardner, who was born in England, and came to the United States in 1830. He was a minister of the gospel, and continued to live in the town of Florence up to his death. He married Margaret Little, by whom he had nine children. Richard H. was educated in the towns of Florence and Camden. H£ learned the carpenter's trade when a boy, which he still follows. In 1885 he estab lished a sash and door factory in Camden, known as Gardner & Dana. Mr. Gardner married Elizabeth Orr, of New York Mills, and they have one daughter, who is now . a teacher in the Camden Academy. Rush, Horace J., was born in the town of Camden, June 39, 1865, one of four chil dren of Jacob and Amelia Rush, who have lived for many years in the town of Cam den, the father being a carpenter and builder, which trade his son, Horace J. , learned, and through close attention has become a thorough master of the business, until at this time he conducts one of the leading sash and door factories of the town, turning out all classes of outside and inside finish for houses. He married Lena Grant, of Camden. Mr. Rush is a member of the American Mechanics, and in politics is a Republican. Gamble, Frederick S., was born in the town of Camden, July 31, 1861. His father, James H. Gamble, came to Camden about 1850, where he was a merchant for many years, and was also postmaster of this village for thirteen years. Frederick S. is a graduate of Camden Academy, and has been in the boot and shoe business for six teen years, the firm being known as J. H. Gamble & Son. He married Jennie E. Mann, of Camden, by whom he had five children : Etta, Sherry, Carl, Frederick, and Mary, Mr. Gamble is a Republican in politics, and has held the offices of water com missioner, trustee of the village, also treasurer. He is a member of K. of P., and Americam Mechanics. Hayes, Hon. Albert L. , was born at Hawkinsville, in 1847, son of Jonas Hayes, the most prominent farmer of that locality, and whose settlement in the town was at the early date of 1823. He is still living at the age of eighty-six. He married Marinda Harris, who died in 1874, by whom he had five sons. Albert L. Hayes, after com pleting an academic course at Fairfield, began legal studies at Herkimer in 1867. In FAMILY SKETCHES. 177 1870 he was admitted to the bar and began practicing at Boonville. In the investi gations and reformatory legislation which marked the celebrated ' ' ninety-fifth ses sion" of the Assembly, Mr. Hayes was a central figure as one of the judiciary com mittee. He also takes an active interest in the local affairs, and has been a justice most of the time since 1874. Palmer, E. G., was born at Peterboro, N. H., October 19, 1836, son of Benjamin Palmer, and their paternal lineage traces direct to the Mayflower. E. G. Palmer was educated at Northville and Amsterdam, and his first independent venture in mercantile life was at Little Falls, where he engaged in the hardware business. In 1862 he came to Boonville, continuing-the same business for a period of twenty-three years, when he established himself as a florist, at which he has achieved marked success. In 1867 he married Esther Avery of Boonville, descendant of an old New Hampshire family, by whom he has had five children : Burton, Ernest, and Elwin, and also a son and daughter who died in infancy, Mr. Palmer has run the gamut of official life from treasurer and trustee of the village to his present position as super visor, having been first elected to the latter office in 1890. Douglass, J. W., M. D., was born at West Leyden, December 20, 1844, and is a descendant from an old Connecticut family. He is a son of the late Thomas P. Douglass. He began medical research in the office of Dr. Watson, at West Leyden, and in 1874 entered the Long Island College Hospital at Brooklyn, graduating in 1877, and locating at Boonville. Dr. Douglass is a very popular and successful prac titioner, and is now acting health officer. Willard, Garry Aaron. — The Willard family has been known in Boonville since the organization of the town, and Garry A. Willard, who still resides in Boonville, is one of its worthiest descendants. His grandfather, Aaron Willard, came to Boonville from Vermont at the beginning of the present century. His forefathers were numbered among the hardy settlers of this country, and were among the first to enlist under the banners of the Granite State boys, which were carried through the Revolutionary war. Aaron Willard was a farmer by occupation, and industri ously plied his vocation near what is now the village of Boonville, clearing away the virgin forest in order to plant his crops. Among his sons was Harvey P. Willard, father of Garry Aaron. He possessed fine intellectual attainments and scholarly tastes, and his abilities were early recognized. He was educated at the Boonville Academy, and after his graduation and for a period of twenty years, taught school in Kentucky and in various places in this State. In 1861 he purchased the Boonville Herald, which he conducted until his death in 1887. Garry A. Willard was born in 1861, and was the sixth of a family of eight children. At an early age he had mastered the printer's trade, and after his graduation from the Boonville Academy he completed his education at the Clinton, N. Y. , Grammar School. Returning to Boonville he took a position in the Herald office, mastering the details of every department until, in 1891, he purchased the paper and became its sole responsible head. Since that period the paper under his management has grown until to day, the Herald plant is almost metropolitan in its character, and the paper is extensively circulated through out Oneida, Lewis, and Herkimer counties. A sturdy, never-swerving Republican, of pleasing address and of the courage of his convictions at all times, Mr. Willard 178 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. could not well escape the notice of those high in the councils of his party. In 1891 he was appointed postmaster by Presjdent Harrison and served a full term, and, un til his successor was appointed by President Cleveland, giving the best of satisfac tion and making the office rank among the highest in its class. In 1895 he became the candidate of his party for county clerk, and was elected by the handsome major ity of 3,500. His prominence in local affairs and the confidence reposed in him by the people of Boonville is best attested by the fact that he was chosen president of the Board of Education in 1892 and re-elected in 1893, 1894 and 1895. In 1884 Mr. Willard married Julia H., eldest daughter of C. W. Colton, one of Boonville s best known merchants. One child, a daughter, blessed their union, and the family resi dence on Schuyler street is one of the handsomest in this village of lovely homes. Smith, Frank W., was born in Whitesboro, N. Y., in 1852, son of James Smith, who emigrated to this country from Dearborn, Eng., in 1840. Frank W. Smith first engaged in dealing in sewing machines at Utica, where he remained for twelve years. In 1892 he established his present extensive business on Main street, Boon ville, known as the Conservatory of Music, where he has an extensive stock of pianos, organs, and sewing machines. He also carries a large stock of fishing tackle and sporting goods. Mr. Smith is an influential member of I. O. O. F., and of the G. A. R. Post, and is general superintendent of the Boonville Fair Association. In 1876 he married Emma Clark, of Whitesboro, N. Y. , by whom he has two children: Norma and Juliet C. Pratt, Charles W., a descendant of an old English family, of whom two brothers, John and William, settled in Connecticut, was born in Lewis county, the only son of Cyrus W. Pratt Cyrus W. Pratt was a tanner by trade, but being a fluent speaker, was more widely known and acknowledged as an orator of the age. He was also an elder and founder of the Presbyterian church of his locality. He married Harriet Coffee, who still survives him, and resides with her son, C. W. Pratt. He first began his successful business career, by dealing in real estate. He entered mercantile life with a general store at Port Leyden ; then to Bradford, Pa. , where he was a prom inent operator in the oil exchange for four years. He also engaged in mining in Colorado and Arizona, but returned in 1885 to Port Leyden and engaged in the lumber business. In 1892 he purchased paper mills at Port Leyden and Fowlersville, which are known as the Gould Paper Co. , of which Mr. Pratt is president. He is now erecting a large mill at Lyons Falls, which is one of the finest water powers in the State. In 1886 he married Julia S. Northam, of Port Leyden, by whom he has one son, C. Walter Pratt. Vollmar, Jacob, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1840. In 1850 his father, Philip Vollmar, came to America, and was a pioneer settler of Oneida county. He built a log house about five miles east of Boonville, and there reared his five children. Jacob Vollmar was educated at the common school in Utica. He was first engaged in the lumber business for George Anderson, of Hawkinsville, where he remained for twelve years. In 1872 he came to Boonville and opened a retail clothing store on i Main street ; a year later he bought out E. P. Thomas, and in 1883 purchased his present place. In 1869 Mr. Vollmar married Sarah Kahl, of Hawkinsville, who is of French descent, by whom he has three children: Eda B., Henry J., and George E. FAMILY SKETCHES. 179 (deceased). Mr. Vollmar is a Democrat, a member of the Board of Education, and also a member of the German Lutheran church. Fisk, J. W. , was born at Boonville, in 1819, and has always resided here. He is the son of James Fisk, who is closely identified with the early settlement of Oneida county, and who came to Boonville from Rhode Island in 1800. J. W. Fisk at the present writing, is the oldest inhabitant of this place. The first thirty-five years of his life was spent in farming, but in 1858 he established a mercantile business oppo site the Hulbert House. He has now been engaged in the grocery business thirty- seven years, and came to his present locality in 1883. In 1846 he married Emily H. Pitcher, of Boonville, by whom he had three children: Ursula, wife of Suott M. Cook, a clergyman of an Episcopal church in New York; Erford E., in grocery busi ness here ; and Roseltha Gertrude, who died in 1894, at forty-five years of age, wife of Daniel Dorn of Ava. He niarried for his second wife, Sarah A. Pitcher, by whom he has one son, Dwight D. Fisk. Kau, Charles D., was bora at Leyden, in 1864, son of Michael Kau, who was born near Hamburg, Germany. Charles D. Kau came to Boonville in 1871, and was educated at Cazenovia, after which he engaged in farming. In 1889 he received an appointment as messenger for five years with G. C. Ward, the well-known surveyor and bridge builder. 'Mr. Kau has by personal effort and concentration of business energies, become a partner of the firm of Kau & Ward, in the grocery business, carrying an extensive stock in groceries, provisions, hay, lumber, cement and boat men's supplies. Mr. Kau has a membership of high rank in the Masonic fraternity. Watson, Mrs. Thomas, is the widow of the late Thomas Watson, who was born in Ireland in 1820. When seventeen years of age he came to America, and became apprenticed to a cabinetmaker, Samuel Bateman, and by his own personal efforts was soon able to enter mercantile life, and conducted a successful furniture business in Boonville for forty-five years. In 1879 he married Violet, daughter of James Frazier of Boonville, by whom he had one daughter, Anna L. Mr. Watson was always an able supporter of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife and daughter are members He was a Republican and popular citizen, and his death, which occurred in 1895, was mourned by the whole community. Austin, Ai, was born at Lansing, Tompkins county, N. Y., April 15, 1863, son of Henry Austin, an instructor of penmanship and drawing, whose rare ability for his work commands the admiration of all educators. Ai Austin came to Boonville in 1884 and established a laundry on Main street, which proved a successful enterprise, and in which he is still engaged. He married Nancy E. Hull, by whom he has one son, Glenn. He is a supporter of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he and his wife are attendants. Lints, Jeremiah, was born at Alder Creek, N. Y. , in 1857, son of Solomon Lints, a farmer, whose family are noted for longevity. The boyhood of Jeremiah Lints was spent on a farm until he was nineteen years of age. He came to Boonville in 1877, where he engaged in the cooper business in the same shop on Post street where he now carries on an extensive work, manufacturing tubs, churns, and other labor-sav ing dairy utensils ; these he ships to Rome, Utica, and other points in Oneida county. In 1883 he married Elizabeth Farley, of Remsen. Mr. Lints is a member of the I. O. O. F. 180 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Utley, Fred W., was born in Boonville, Oneida county, N.Y., in 1855. His father, Isaac Utley, was also born in Boonville in 1816, of and old pioneer family. He mar ried Mrs. Harriet (Crofoot) Ballon, by whom he had three children: Henry, a painter of Boonville; Jerome, deceased; and Fred W. Mr. Utley died in 1889. In 1883 Fred W. married Maggie F., daughter of Alexander Finlayson, by whom he had one daughter, Alice Marion. They reside on a sheep and dairy farm of 115 acres. Ever since the organization of the Boonville Fair, Mr. Utley has been superintendent of the sheep exhibit, being considered an expert on the subject. Barrett, F, A., was born at Turin, Lewis county, in 1852, son of James Barrett, the well-known proprietor of the old Railroad House at Rome. When thirteen years of age F. A. Barrett was thrown on his own resources, and when eighteen years of age went to sea on coastwise fishing boats, and there met all the hardships and ex periences of a sailor's life. He visited the East Indies, and finally returned home and settled in Boonville in 1880, and opened a grocery store, which he has since conducted and has been very successful. In 1880 he married Martha A. , daughter of James Brainard, the well-known pioneer from Massachusetts, who made the per ilous journey here with an ox team and first settled at Leyden. Mr. and Mrs. Bar rett have two children: Nina and Archie. Buckley, Jeremiah, was bom at Boonville, in 1859, son of Patrick Buckley of Irish birth. Patrick Buckley was engaged in mercantile business at Hawkinsville, deal ing in dry goods and groceries, which enterprise he continued later at Boonville. Since 1885 Jeremiah Buckley has conducted a saloon in connection with a' restaurant on Main street, Boonville. In 1894 he purchased the Central Hotel, which he has repaired and remodeled in a creditable manner, and his ready and genial character makes him an efficient landlord. In 1885 he married Mary A. Maguire, daughter of Philip Maguire, of Forestport, by whom he has three sons: Frederic, C. Donald, and Hubert. His personal popularity is evinced by his recent election to the prominent office of village president. Jackson, Walter D., was born in 1829, son of Thomas Jackson, of English and Scotch descent, who was born at Fairfield, N. Y. He is a member of the old pioneer family, whose records can be ascertained as far back as 1747, the date of the birth of his great-great-grandfather, and whose lineage can be traced to the celebrated gen eral by that name. Thomas Jackson withheld himself from political life, and instilled a similar aversion in the minds of his children, of whom he had nine. W. D. Jack son has always resided in Boonville, and been engaged in agricultural pursuits, hav ing a farm of 240 acres, and beautiful buildings ; also a large cheese factory which is conducted on his farm. In 1862 he married Mary Roberts, daughter of Channery Roberts of Leyden, by whom he has two children : Anna, wife of B. A. Capron, the well-known attorney of Boonville, and J. Will Jackson. Lewis, John, was born in Wales, in 1831. He came to this country with his parents when three years of age and settled in the southern part of Boonville, where his father, David J. Lewis, engaged in farming. John Lewis also engaged in farming, and came to his present farm of 300 acres in 1855, and has, by his shrewdness and thrift, achieved a financial success. In 1855 he married Adeline, daughter of Jesse Ballon, by whom he had six children; Addie H.. Ella M., Will J., Edward C, Hurl burt Ballon, and' Mabel A. FAMILY SKETCHES. 181 Jackson, Isaac W., was born in Fairfield in 1815, son of William Jackson and cousin of Andrew Jackson. His boyhood was spent on the large farm of his father's in Fairfield, where he received his education in the common school and academy. Mr. Jackson resides on his 400 acre dairy farm, on Jackson Hill, Boonville, which is adorned with spacious and substantial buildings, including a model dairy barn, wherein the most modern methods are employed, and which was erected in 1879 un der his personal supervision, In 1838 he married Clarrissa Ellis, by whom he had four daughters : Almira C. , Melissa I. , Frances A. , and Sophronia, wife of Webster Billington, of Bridgeport, N. Y., and the only daughter who survives her mother, whose death occurred in 1846. Mr. Jackson afterwards married Phebe A. Smith, by whom he had two sons: Irving and Drew W., both of whom are engaged in farming near Boonville. Mr. Jackson is a staunch Republican, ever since the formation of that party, previously being a Democrat. He voted for Van Buren in 1836, and has voted at every presidential election since, covering a period of sixty years. He is an ardent admirer of nature, and has devoted much time to scientific investigation. Burlingame, J. K., was born in Holland Patent, N. J., in 1845, and is of English and Scotch ancestry. His father, Jeremiah Burlingame, was born in Watertown, where he resided as a farmer, always taking a foremost part in all political move ments, and lending his aid and influence in promoting every good cause. He mar ried Sarah E. Ward of a prominent Holland Patent family. J. K. Burlingame was educated in Watertown, after which his uncle, Joseph Ward, received him as book keeper and cashier in his mill and warehouse at Battle Creek, Mich. Having been reared on a farm, his tastes were more in keeping with farming, and after a resi dence of ten years in Trenton Falls, he purchased a farm of 100 acres in Boonville, which he has devoted to dairy interests. In politics Mr. Burlingame is a Republican. He first married Anna E. Grant, who died in 1879, by whom he had two sons: Walter P. and Roy Grant. He afterwards married Annette Manchester, of an old pioneer family of this section, by whom he has three daughters: Eva S. , Frances L. and Blanche B. Erwin, Cornelius B., was born in Boonville in 1846, son of Silas W. Erwin, and grandson of Peter Erwin, who settled here at the beginning of the century. He is also nephew of the noted philanthropist, Cornelius B. Erwin, of this town, after whom he was named. This uncle's solicitude for the advancement and happiness of those of his community is evinced by the many and welldirectedbenevolences: The Erwin Library and the Park, to each of which he bequeathed a legacy for its main tenance, and the Baptist and Presbyterian churches, together with the Cemetery Association, received bequests. Our subject spent ten years of his life in Wabash, Ind., as carpenter, and several years in Nebraska. He also has a worthy war rec ord, being a participant in the Shenandoah Valley raid, and was with the 21st New York Cavalry at Denver, and on frontier duty one year. In 1870 he married Alfa- retta Scoville, who died in Wabash, Ind., in 1874, and in 1875, he married Mary B. Skinner of Wabash, by whom he has five children. Buckley, Patrick, was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1825, son of John Buckley, and is an able and highly esteemed man. He came to this country in 1847, when twenty-two years of age, having just $5 in his pocket when he landed. His having 182 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. met the obstacles of life so successfully, with naught save a pair of active hands and busy brain, is the real test of his character and ability. He first settled near Boston, but two years later came to Boonville and engaged in farming. He now owns a' farm of 180 acres about four miles south of the village, where he has resided the last thirty years. In 1852 he married Bridget Carrigan of this place, by whom he has had thirteen children, ten of whom are boys. In politics he is a Democrat, and he is also a member of the Roman Catholic church. O' Leary, Jeremiah, was born in Boonville, Oneida county, N. Y., in 1849. His father, Jeremiah O'Leary, was born in County Cork, Ireland, and came to this country when twenty- eight years of age, and settled in Utica where he was a car penter. He came to Boonville in 1843, where he engaged in farming as well as car penter work. He died in 1864. Jeremiah O'Leary', jr., has always resided in Boon ville, with the exception of twelve years spent near Lowville at the nfillwright business. Eight years ago he purchased a farm of 105 acres, and • has since been very successful. In 1871 he married Etta Sweet, of Boonville, by whom he had nine children, six of whom are still living. Joslin,. C. Eli, was born in Boonville in 1847, is a descendant of a family closely identified with the early history of the town. His father, Samuel Joslin, was also born in Boonville. His mother having died when he was but three years old, he was adopted by his grandfather, o'n the maternal side, and to him he owes his early training, and development of those principles which have predominated throughout his life, commanding the respect and esteem of those about him. His first public office was held in 1893, when he was made commissioner of highways. In 1870 he married Elizabeth Moran, by whom he has five children: William N., Elizabeth A., Arthur J., Ellen E., and Albert J Williams, Griffith, was born in the town of Remsen, in 1840, the fourth son of William H. and and Jane Williams, who were natives of Wales and who came to America and settled in Remsen about 1820, where the father was killed by a horse. In 1861 Griffith Williams enlisted in Co. 1, 146th N. Y. Inft. , and participated in many battles, among which were Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Wilderness, where, during a charge on the enemy, he was badly wounded, the ball entering his left cheek, passing through his mouth, and carrying away nearly half of his right lower jaw; he was there taken prisoner and guarded at Orange Court House some six weeks when he, with seven others, made their escape to Washington, where he then lay a month in a hospital and had thirty-two pieces of bone taken from his jaw ; he was soon discharged and returned to Remsen, where he has since resided. Richard J. Thomas was born in the town of Steuben, May 28, 1833. His father, John I. Thomas, was born in Wales, in 1775, one of two brothers who came to America in 1818. He was a mason by trade and settled in the town of Steuben, and worked on the Erie Canal. He married Jane Pritchard, by whom he had ten children, seven of whom grew to maturity. The father died in 1857, and the mother was one of the original eight who organized the first Calvanistic Methodist society in Remsen in 1826 and soon erected a church building, called Pen-y-Graig (Top of the rock). She died when sixty-four years of age. When fifteen years of age Griffith Thomas began life for himself at farm work, later engaged in mason work, and from 1854 to 1862 FAMILY SKETCHES. 183 spent his entire time laying stone walls. In 1861 he bought his present farm of 126 acres. In politics he is a Republican, and while in the town of Steuben he served as constable, commissioner of highways and town clerk ; for the town of Remsen he has served six years as assessor and five years as commissioner of highways. He is also interested Hn educational affairs and has helped many poor children to terms of school. In 1862 he married Margaret Williams, who was born in Remsen, a daugh ter of William and Jane (Hughes) Williams, by whom he has three children: Jane, John R , and William H. Gainsway, Philip A., was bom in the town of Boonville, in 1864, son of Philip Gainsway, who was born in Baden, Germany, in 1835, one of three children born to Joseph Gainsway, who was a carpenter by trade. Philip Gainsway, father of Philip A., was also a carpenter by trade, who came to America in 1855 and plied his trade in Utica for several years, later removed to Boonville, where he became interested in Republican politics, filled several town offices, and was assessor for twelve years. In 1878 he removed to Remsen, where he rented a farm, which his sons conducted while he plied his trade. He married Magdaline Plater, by whom he had seven children: Emma, Joseph, Bertha, Henry H., Philip, Mary, and Prank E. He died in June, 1886, but his wife still survives him and resides in Remsen. Philip A. was educated in the district schools, and after the death of his father took charge of the farm, which he has operated ever since, conducting a large dairy of thirty-five cows. He has interested himself in the political welfare of his town, and has served three years as constable ; in the fall of 1894 he was elected delegate to the Republi can District Convention held in Utica ; he executed the duties of this office so satis factorily that his townsmen saw fit to elect him to the same office in August, 1895, the convention held in Rome. In 1889 he married Sarah A, Pugh, who was born in Remsen, a daughter of Richard and Jane (Jones) Pugh, now prominent in the town of Steuben. Dayton, Clinton L., was born on the farm and in the house he now resides in 1850. Jonah Dayton, his great-grandfather, came from Connecticut and settled in Deerfield, thence to Remsen, where he built a log cabin and cleared the timber from off the land. Solomon Dayton, his grandfather, was born in 1785, and spent nearly all his life in Remsen on the homestead. He married Fannie Smith, of Vermont, by whom he had four children ; Horace, Almira, Sally, and Abbie. He died in May, 1865, and his wife in February, 1869. Horace Dayton, father of Clinton L., was born in 1813, and spent his whole life on the homestead, where he engaged in farm ing. He married Mehitable B. Wolcott, by whom he had two children: Clinton, and Mrs. Abbie Williams, of Remsen. He died in 1887, and his wife in 1873. Clin ton L. Dayton has spent his life thus far on the homestead, which he took charge of in 1881, and has since successfully operated it, dairying being his principal business, having a dairy of twenty cows. In 1880 he married Anna J. Stone, of Lewis county, daughter of Duncan and Abigail (Bouker) Stone. Reed, Dr. David H., was born in the town of Remsen, son of Ebenezer Reed, who was born in Remsen in 1820, one of four sons and six daughters born to Henry Reed, who was a native of Wales, one of ten sons born to John Reed, a Scotch man, who was forty-six years of age when he was married, his wife being but one 184 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. year younger. They reared ten sons, and he died at 100 years of age, his wife dying the same day, aged ninety-nine years. Henry Reed, the grandfather of our subject, was a graduate from Cambridge College, and came to Remsen in 1808, where he en gaged in surveying. In later life he engaged in farming in Remsen, and died when eighty-four years of age. Ebenezer Reed, father of David H. , was a stone cutter in early life, but later engaged in farming. In 1888 he retired to the village of Remsen, where he now resides. He married Martha Jones, who was born in Wales, daughter of David Jones, by whom he had seven children, three of whom grew to maturity. David H. Reed received his early education in the common schools of Remsen and Holland Patent, and in 1882 was graduated from the medical department of the University of Buffalo. He began practicing the same year with Dr. Crane, of Holland Patent, and later in the same year he established himself in Remsen village, where he has since resided, enjoying a wide and lucrative practice. In 1894 he added to his business a drug store, and is physician and surgeon for the Adirondack & St. Lawrence Railroad Company. In 1886 he married Nellie L., daughter of Lewis Francis, of Remsen, by whom he had one child, Francis. Kent, Bion H., was born in the town of Remsen, in 1857. Silas Kent, his great- great-grandfather, was born in Connecticut, of Scotch parentage. John Kent, the great-grandfather, was also born in Connecticut, and came to Remsen in 1791, where he cleared a farm and kept the first public house in the town. He married Grace Root, by whom he had six children. Silas Kent, the grandfather, was born in Connecticut, February, 1787, where he engaged in farming and was fairly prosperous. He died when thirty-five years of age, leaving a wife and seven children. Chester G. Kent, father of Bion H., was born in January, 1802, on the farm now owned by his son. He was the oldest of the family of seven children, and on him depended much of the support of the family ; the following eight years after his father's death the family contracted a store debt of $101. 50, for which he gave his note the year he was eighteen, and paid it in six months' time, making the money by manufacturing potash. He spent his life successfully farming, and at the time of his death had acquired 430 acres of land, all of which he had cleared of the timber. He was twice married: first, to Almira Sheldon, by whom he had three children ; second, to Polly Bly, daughter of William and Isabella Bly, of Norway, Herkimer county, by whom he had three children: Silas, Mary J., and Bion H. He died in January, 1887, and his wife died five days later. Bion H. Kent was educated in the common schools and was graduated from Eastman's Business College of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. After the death of his father he purchased the farm and has been largely interested in the dairy business, having sixty milch cows, and since 1893 has been breeding fine Holstein cattle. In 1891 he erected a fine cheese factory on his farm which he now conducts, and from 1890 to 1894 he conducted a stage route from Honnedaga Station, which is located on his farm, to Honnedaga Lake, for the Adirondack League Club, of which he is a member. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., Trenton Lodge and Knights of Pythias. In politics he is an active Republican, has served his town as assessor, and is now serving his second term on the Board of Supervisors. In 1875 he married Celia A. , daughter of Richard Childs, by whom he had one child, Chester D. His wife died November 7, 1879, and in April, 1893, he married Margaret Humphrey, daughter of William Humphrey, of the town of Steuben, by whom he had one child, Bion H., jr. FAMILY SKETCHES. 185 Nutt, Edwin, was born in Floyd, N. Y., near where he now lives, June 15, 1838, son of Austin and Melinda Nutt. Austin Nutt was a son of Nathan Nutt and in his early life followed boating on the Mohawk River, later engaging in farming. He served as commissioner for many years. He had two children : Clarence and May E., who married William Durkin, deceased. Mr. Nutt is a member of the Rome Grange, was its first master and has continued as such every year but one ; is also a member of the State Pomona Grange. He owns a farm of 246 acres, but has lived retired for six years. Darrow, David E. — David Darrow, grandfather of David E., was born in New Lebanon, Columbia county, N. Y., in 1772, and received the principles of a thorough New England training, which prepared him for a vigorous and self-reliant manhood requisite for the pioneer. In 1808, having married, he removed to West Eaton, N. Y., where for his pure principles and upright character he won the respect of his fellow citizens to such an extent that his counsel and co-operation were deemed essential to the success of any enterprise. His father was a Revolutionary soldier. David Darrow was for several years a justice of the peace in West Eaton. He mar ried Elizabeth Enos and had five sons and four daughters, of whom Joseph E. was next to the oldest. Joseph E. Darrow, born in 1808, inherited in a large degree the sterling qualities of his father a'nd he became a representative business man of sound judgment and firm integrity, whose council and advice were highly prized and often sought by his fellowmen. He died in Utica February 13, 1893. Of him it was truth fully said he lived a spotless life of eighty-five years, an honest man, a true Chris tian. He was school inspector for several years and a captain in the old State mi litia. He married Phcebe, daughter of David Wellington, a very early settler of Nelson, Madison county, longa justice of the peace, and the father of a successful family of four sons and four daughters. Joseph E. Darrow had four children : A. Elizabeth, who died in 1848; David E., of Utica; Attie, wife of George S. Tilling hast, treasurer of Madison county; and Phcebe A., deceased. His son, David E. Darrow, was born in Eaton June 2, 1836, was educated in common school and at Cazenovia Seminary, and in 1859 was united in marriage with Louesa C. Wright of Syracuse, N. Y. He evinced in early life a fondness for business and commercial pursuits, which he successfully followed until 1885, when he became interested with prominent men in the development of real estate in Brooklyn, N. Y., Washington, D. C. , and in the Southern States. He became associated with men of national rep utation, among whom were General John B. Gordon, of Georgia; General Rose- crans, of Washington, D. C. , Hon. John J. Knox, of New York, and others. In 1891" he became associated with Hon. Francis Kernan, Hon. John D. Kernan, N. E. Ker nan and William Kernan, and others of the same family (all of Utica), in the man agement of their large holdings of real estate. Under his successful management East Utica has largely developed, as evidenced by the rapid growth and improve ment in that section of the city since 1891. He is manager of the East Side Park Improvement Company. Mr. Darrow has two daughters : Mrs. A. H. Williams of Utica, N. Y., and Florence A., wife of Eugene F. Pugh, of the Utica Daily Press, both graduates of Cazenovia Seminary. ' Plumb, Henry A., was born in Washington Mills, Oneida county, March 27, 1850. He was educated at Whitestown Seminary, was graduated from the Advanced 186 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. school in Utica, and also attended Fairfield Seminary. In July, 1867, he became a clerk in the drug store of C. H. Williamson of Utica, and after a period of seven years accepted a clerkship in the wholesale drug and grocery establishment of Com stock Brothers, where he remained a little more than two years. In November, 1876, he formed with A. G. Luce the firm of Luce & Plumb, and engaged in the retail drug business at 156 Genesee street. May 1, 1889. the firm moved to 198 Gen esee street and on December 1, 1891, Mr. Plumb became sole proprietor. He is a member of the Utica Curling Club, a vestryman of Calvary Church, and secretary of the Central New York Patent Medicine Dealers' Association. Maxson, Dr. Sands Carr, son of John C. and Harriet A. (Rogers) Maxson, was born in Preston, Chenango county, August 6, 1848. His parents moved to Utica about 1890 and died here — the mother in August, 1893, and the father October 1, 1894. Dr. Maxson was reared on a farm and received a public school education in his native town. He took a course in Oxford Academy in Chenango county, read medicine with Dr. S. F. McFarland, of Oxford, now of Binghamton, and was gradu ated as M. D. from the medical department of the University of the City of New York in 1871. He began the practice of medicine in Leonardsville, Madison county, and except three years spent in De Ruyter continued there successfully for fifteen , years. In 1884-85 he took a post-graduate course in diseases of the eye and ear in the Post-Graduate School in New York city and afterward remained for two sum mers and one winter as instructor, practicing also in the hospitals of 'the city and being clinical assistant in the Manhatten Eye and Ear Hospital and the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. In 1886 he came to Utica, where he has become prominent as a specialist in the treatment of diseases of the eye and ear. As an oculist and aurist he has been eminently successful. Dr. Maxson is a member of the Oneida County Medical Society and at present its delegate to the New York State Medical Society, and a member and the president of the Utica Medical Library Association, and was a member of the Eighth International Ophthalmological Congress held in Edinburgh, Scotland, in August, 1894. He was a member of the staff of St. Luke's Hospital for four years and since 1891 has served as eye and ear surgeon to St. Eliz abeth's Hospital. He is also a member of Faxton Lodge, F. & A. M. In January, 1872, he married Fanny Estella, daughter of William Munger, of Palermo, Oswego county, and their children are Emma P. (who died April 7, 1885, aged thirteen), Hattie Ivaloo, and Ethel Eola. Goodier, Wadsworth S., was born in Utica, August 13, 1858. He is a son of Jona than Goodier, who was born in Litchfield, Herkimer county, N. Y., February 6, 1822, came to Utica in 1850, and has since resided there, most of the time engaged in busi ness as a lumber merchant. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools and academy of Utica, and read law with Burton D. Hurlburt, of Utica, who was for many years resident attorney of A. T. Stewart & Co., of New York, who owned and operated the Utica Steam Woolen Mills, at Utica, and the Washington Mills, in the town of New Hartford, N. Y. He was admitted to the bar at Roches ter, on October 10, 1879, and has since practiced his profession in Utica. In Janu ary, 1881, on the resignation of Mr. Hurlburt as attorney for A. T. Stewart & Co., Mr. Goodier was appointed to the position by Judge Henry Hilton of New York, the executor of A. T. Stewart's will, and still serves in that capacity. He makes a FAMILY SKETCHES. 187 specialty of real estate law. He is a member of Imperial Council, Royal Arcanum. November 26, 1885, he married Lulu V. Long, daughter of James H. Long, of Man- kato, Minn. , and their children are James H. , Virginia and Treadway. James, William M. , M. D. , is a son of David and Clarissa (Tompkins) James, and was born at North Gage in the town of Deerfield, Oneida county, May 30, 1839. David James, farmer and brickmaker, was born in New Jersey. He came when a boy with his mother to this section of the State, and died in January, 1872, aged sixty-four. His wife died in January, 1880. They had seven children: Thomas T., who died in 1892; Dr. William M., of Utica; Spencer C, of Centerville, Iowa; Eme- line (Mrs. Douglas J. Pullman), of Centerville, Iowa; Sarah C. ; Charles A., of North Gage, on the homestead ; and Harriet A. (Mrs. Hugh Jones) of Norway, Herkimer county. Dr. James was educated in the district school and in Whitestown Seminary and prepared for college but abandoned the idea of a collegiate training to read medicine with Dr. Luther Guiteau, of Trenton, N. Y. He attended lectures at Albany Medical College and at the College ot Physicians and Surgeons of New York city, from which he was graduated March 13, 1862. He was a member of the house staff in Bellevue Hospital during the two years following. While there he also per formed the duties of examining surgeon in one of the provost marshal's offices for about one year. In March, 1864, he accepted and entered upon the position of sur geon in Lincoln General Hospital in Washington, where in consequence of poor health, he was compelled to resign and return home. He then became associated with his old preceptor in Trenton and in September, 1864, entered into partnership with him, continuing two years. In 1866 he came to Whitesboro and in 1869 opened his present office at 166 Genesee St., Utica, which he has occupied ever since. While in Bellevue he also took special instruction in the diseases of the eye under Dr. H..B. Noyes of New York. In Boston in 1869 he pursued special courses in diseases of the throat. He also took a special course in the diseases of women under Dr. Horatio R. Storer, the only man then to make a distinct specialty in 'giving instruction on the diseases of women in the United States. Dr. James has probably performed the only operations for the radical cure of tic-douloureux in this section of the State. He has performed almost every operation known to surgical science, many of a difficult and intricate character, and in this respect his hospital experience has proven in estimably valuable. He has made hundreds of post-mortem examinations, and while in Washington was detailed specially for this purpose in the military hospital where he served. He is a member of the Oneida County Medical Society, and has written several articles on medical subjects. He is also a member of Utica Lodge F. & A. M., Oneida Chapter R. A. M., and Utica Commandery, K. T. In April, 1865, he married Sarah F. Beecher, who died in 1867. He married second in May, 1869, her sister, Marion E., daughter of Joel Beecher, of Carthage, N. Y. She died in 1877, leaving three children : Dr. Frederick W. , of New York city ; Sarah R. , of Whitesboro, and Harry B. , of Columbus, O.' In March, 1879, he married for his present wife, Miss Serena Higby, of Whitesboro. Martin, Noble F. , son of Jireh, a native of Massachusetts, was born in Stittville Oneida county, February 17, 1847, and received a public school education in his native town. His father, a contractor, moved into Stittville about 1845, and died there in 1890. At the age of twenty-one Mr. Martin entered the employ of R. V. 188 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Yates & Son, of Utica, with whom he remained nine years. March 12, 1878, he es tablished himself in the clothing business at 32 Genesee street, having as a partner Henry T. Miller. September 19, 1881, the firm of Martin & Miller moved to the cor ner of Genesee and Broad streets, and on April 7, 1888, Mr. Martin purchased his partner's interest and since then has been sole proprietor of one of the leading retail clothing establishments in Utica. He is a member of Utica Lodge, No. 47, F. & A. M., Oneida Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M., Utica Commandery, No. 3, K. T., Ziyara Temple Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and New York City Consistory, 32d degree. He is past commander of the commandery, and for the past seven years has been treasurer of the shrine. Peckham, S. Wilber, son of Andrew J., was born in the town of Madison, Madison county, November 6, 1860, and received his education in the schools of that com munity. In 1883 he accompanied his father to Utica, where he has since resided. The latter returned to Madison county and died there in June, 1893. Mr. Peckham pursued a course in the Utica Business College, engaged in various occupations, and for about two years was assistant bookkeeper and telegraph operator for the Franklin Iron Manufacturing Company. On January 23,1893, he accepted his present posi tion as bookkeeper for John H. Sheehan & Co. Vansize, Hibbard K, isa son of Ebenezer H. Vansize and was born in Utica, June 20, 1865. The family is of Holland Dutch descent, among the colonial settlers of New York (then Manhattan), and originally rendered the name Van Seysen, Seys, Seize, Sice, and Sise. Joseph Van Sice (or Seysen), an armorer and gunsmith, lived in Schenectady in 1735. He married Helena Magdaline, daughter of Jan Vrooman, and from them descended (1) Johannes, born 1726, (2) Simon, born 1765, and Teunis, born January 9, 1792. The latter married, March 22, 1821, Eunice, daughter of Eunice and Ebenezer Hebard, who was born April 20, 1797, and who died Septem ber 5, 1868. She was a granddaughter of Abigail (Huntington) Kimball, whose brother Samuel was a signer of Declaration of Independence, a governor of Connec ticut, and president of Congress. Her father was a Revolutionary soldier. Teunis Vansize came to Utica in 1826 and died June 8, 1859. He was first a school teacher, built and conducted the Oneida brewery, and later had a grocery store on the corner of Genesee and Devereux streets, the firm being T. Vansize &Son. His only child, Ebenezer H. Vansize, was born in Johnstown, N. Y., January 10, 1822, became a part ner and finally the successor of his father in Utica, died April 17, 1893. August 26, 1845, he married Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac S. and Alva (Merwin) Baldwin, of Durham, Conn., and who survives him. They had two children: William Baldwin Vansize, a patent lawyer of New York city, and Hibbard K., of Utica. The latter was educated in the public schools and academy of his native city, and in 1881 entered the Oneida National Bank as a clerk, where he rose by gradation to the position of teller, to which he was appointed in January, 1887. December 8, 1887, he married Cora May, daughter of Edward R. Norton, of Utica, and they have one daughter, Mary Mildred. Scheehl, Jacob, son of Adam and Otilda Scheehl, was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 4, 1848, and came to America with his parents in 1849, settling in Utica, where his father died in November, 1891. He was educated in the public and German FAMILY SKETCHES. 189 parochial schools, was graduated from the Advanced school in 1862, and spent three years each with Remington's old armory and Reynolds Brothers, shoe manufac turers. He was for two years clerk in the canal collector's office under Joseph Faass, and from April, 1871, to October, 1883, was employed in the New York Central freight office. On the opening of the West Shore Railroad in 1883 he was made station agent,' and upon William N. Weaver's death in July, 1887, became joint agent of the two roads. In July, 1891, he resigned, and with William F. Hayes, as Scheehl & Hayes, engaged in the coal business. In 1892 he was elected alderman of the Tenth ward and by re-election still serves in that capacity. In March, 1894, and again in January, 1896, he was chosen president of the common council. He is a Democrat and has been delegate to several political conventions, notably those at Saratoga in 1892 and Syracuse in 1895. He was chairman of the Democratic city committee in 1878. He is a 33d degree Mason and very prominent in Masonic circles. He is a member and past master of Oriental Lodge, No. 224, F. & A. M., for the last fifteen years one of its trustees, and past district deputy grand master of this district ; a member of Oneida Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M., .and for the last ten years its secre tary; a member of Utica Commandery, No. 3, K T. , a member of the Utica Coun cil, No. 28, R. & S. M., a member of Ziyara Temple Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, its chief raben for three years, its acting potentate for one year, and its recorder for the past five years ; a member of Utica Consistory, No. 2, A. A. S. R. , in which rite he received the 33d degree. ' He has been treasurer of the Masonic board of trustees of the several Masonic bodies of Utica for the past twelve years, is a charter member of the Masonic Club, and was very active in securing the Masonic Home for Utica, being district deputy grand master at the time. He is a member and past regent of Fort Schuyler Council, No. 404, R. A. , and its representative to the Grand Lodge of the State for two years. He has also been for the past eight years a trustee of the Homestead Aid Association of Utica. In September, 1878, he married Mary Louise Schrader of Utica, and their children are Emma L., Walter J., and one deceased. Mansbach, Simon, was born in Hesse Castle, Germany, August 21, 1841, received his education in the National school and learned the trade of butcher in his native country, and came to America in 1859. After following his trade in New York city eight months and traveling one year he learned the cigarmakers' trade, but on ac count of ill health gave it up and engaged as traveling salesman for L. Goldsmith, a wholesale miller of Oneonta, Otsego county, living in Unadilla. About 1862, the latter's brother, Simon Goldsmith, opened a millinery store in Utica and Mr. Mans bach was his traveling salesman for seven years. In April, 1870, he established his present wholesale and retail millinery business, the oldest in the city, being located on the corner of Fayette and Washington streets since 1873. He has long been a trustee and was formerly vice-president of the Utica Maennechor, is a member of Friendship Lodge, No. 551, order of Harrigavi, and a member of St. Regis Tribe I. O. of R. M., and the German Reading Society. In 1873 he married Regina, daughter of Mandell Goldsmith, a native of Hesse Castle, Germany. She died October 28, .1892, leaving three daughters: Jannette (Mrs. Leopold Goldsmith), of Oneonta, Otsego county; Minnie (Mrs. Hyman Wineburg), of Utica; and Anna (Mrs. Charles H. Livingston), of Utica. Griffin, Charles A., was born in January 20, 1845, in Florence, Oneida county. 190 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. His great-grandfather, Nathaniel Griffin, came from Connecticut to Clinton, N. Y., in 1785, purchased of Gen. George Washington a farm near College Hill (the deed being now in Albany), and died there. Ransom, son of Nathaniel, was born in Clinton, had four children ; Ira B. , Emily, Parnell, and Jane, and died there in 1829. Ira B. Griffin was born there March 19, 1820, lived after his father's death with his grandfather, and upon his mother's second marriage moved to Florence, where he still resides. He is a farmer and owns about 600 acres of land. In 1864 he enlisted in Co. K, 189th N. Y. Vols., and served until the war closed, being commissary ser geant. He married Mary Bellows, who died in 1882, leaving three children : Ran som and Ella E. (Mrs. Jeremiah Dunn), of Florence, and Charles A., of Utica. Mary Jane, another daughter, married H. C. Bickwell in 1869 and died in 1870. Charles A. Griffin attended the public schools of Florence, the Camden Union School, and Rome Academy, and was graduated from Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie in February, 1865. He then came to Utica and for one year was bookkeeper for D. Owens & Son, bakers and confectioners. For another year he was a clerk and bookkeeper for Wetmore & Curtis, general merchants of Camden, and in 1867 became bookkeeper for John Griffiths, wholesale dealer in teas, coffees, and spices in Fayette street, Utica. January 1, 1871, T. J, Griffiths came in as John Griffiths & Co. , and January 1, 1872, Mr. Griffin and R. W. Jones were admitted partners. In 1876 John Griffiths retired and the other three continued as Griffiths & Co. March 1, 1879, the firm became Griffiths, Griffin & Hoxie, the partners being T. J. Griffiths, Charles A. Griffin, and John C. Hoxie. May 1, 1888, Mr. Griffiths withdrew and the firm has since been Griffin & Hoxie. In 1880 the business was moved to 10 Liberty street, where it was burned out in 1894. It was then estab lished in its present quarters in Catharine street, and now maintains a wholesale grocery trade, covering a radius of 100 miles. In January, 1883, Mr. Griffin was married to Cornelia W. , daughter of Levi Wheaton, of Utica, and they have two children: Wheaton I., and Charles A., jr. Reeder, William S., was born in Kirkland, December 27, 1852, son of Simon and Elizabeth Reeder. Simon Reeder was bora in England, and came to the United States in 1832. He assisted in a stone grist and flouring mill at Oriskany, whence he moved to Constableville. He then moved to Durhamville, then to Kirkland, then to Deansville, then to Vernon Center, from which place he came to Clark Mills, where he and his son William S. bought the property now owned by William S. at Colmans, and at all these' places he conducted flour and grist mills. He died Sep tember 25, 1881. From the death of his father, Simon, till three years ago William S. was in partnership with his brother, Henry C, whom he bought out in 1892, William S. Reeder was educated at the common schools and Vernon Academy, .after which he went to Oriskany Falls aud conducted a mill for two years. He then went to Tonawanda, and from there to Clark Mills, and in connection with his father he bought the property now known as Reeder's Mills, which he has owned and con ducted for twenty-two years. In addition to the mill he conducts a general store, where he carries a large stock of merchandise. Mr. Reeder is a Republican, and takes an active interest in the success of his party. He is postmaster and has rep resented his town in the Board of Supervisors. He married Miss M. J. Tarbox, of Clark Mills, by whom he has three children : Edna Lorine, married to Charles L. FAMILY SKETCHES. 191 Langdon, of Clark Mills; Edgar B.. and Mamie L. Mr. Reeder and family are members of St. Peter's church at Oriskany, which his father assisted to build, and where Mr. Reeder has been vestryman for twelve vears. Allwood, Joseph S., was born in Hecla, township of Westmoreland, Oneida county, December 28, 1852, son of John and Elizabeth Allwood. John Allwood was born in England and came to Westmoreland in 1850, where he engaged in iron work at first, but soon after went to farming, at which he has always continued. He married Eliza Woodard of Saratoga county, by whom he has six children: John S., Laura B., Blanche A., Philip H., Bessie A., and Gertrude M. Thomas, W. J., was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., August 6, 1829, son of Stephen and Lucy (Goodell) Thomas. Stephen Thomas was born in Dutchess county, and Lucy, his wife, was bora in Montgomery county. Stephen Thomas was employed in Utica in his early days, and after that engaged in farming, which he followed to the time of his death at the age of seventy-seven. Mrs. Thomas also died at the age of seventy-seven. W. J. Thomas was educated at the district school at Paris, then assisted his father at farming, until he bought a farm of his own. Mr. Thomas settled in Westmoreland on his present homestead in 1866. He married Sarah Seymour, of Westmoreland, by whom he has three children : Elisha Goodell Thomas, Caroline and Mary Thomas. All the children are members" of the Metho dist church. Kinney, Hon. Thomas E., son of Edmond and Elizabeth Kinney, who settled in Utica in about 1840, was born August 3, 1841, and received his preliminary educa tion in the public schools and Assumption Academy of that city. He was graduated in both academic and law courses from the University of Virginia in 1863, and read law in Utica with Edmunds & Miller, being admitted to the bar at Syracuse general term in 1866. After two and one-half years as managing clerk in the office of U. S. Senator Francis Kernan he was elected in 1867 city attorney of Utica, and by re election served three consecutive terms, being the second man in the history of Utica to fill that office for three successive years. The first was John G. Floyd in 1829 to 1831. During that period Mr. Kinney, without assistance of any kind, did the entire legal business of the corporation. Later he was the Democratic nominee for special county judge of Oneida county, but was defeated along with the rest of the ticket. He was afterward the candidate for county judge against Judge Sutton, who was elected by 800 votes. He was three times nominated for State senator against Hon. Henry J. Coggeshall and each time defeated by reduced majorities, receiving more votes than any candidate who ever opposed that Republican stal wart. In 1885, 1886 and 1887 he was triumphantly elected mayor of the city of Utica, first on the independent ticket by a large majority, second on the regular Democratic ticket by a greatly increased majority, and for the third time without opposition, both parties throwing him their votes in recognition of his ability and honest efforts. His administrations were endorsed by all the citizens, and he enjoys the honor of being the only man to hold the mayoralty for three consecutive terms. While mayor he introduced electricity for lighting, was the first to inaugurate asphalt paving, and led the movement which resulted in adopting improved methods and modem ideas in the municipal government, marking a new era in the prosperity of 192 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the city. He stood for right and justice, attended and presided (as was then the custom) over every council meeting, and did more than any other man to purify the city of gambling and other illegal institutions and of dishonesty in politics. His vetoes, always rendered in the interests of the public welfare, were models of rhetoric and executive skill, and were quoted by the press throughout the country. He has long been active in politics, and in the Cleveland movement was one of the organ izers against the Hill snap convention, organizing himself the counties of Oneida, Herkimer and Lewis. He was made State committeeman and also went as delegate to the National Democratic Convention at Chicago in 1892. He has continuously practiced his profession with success, and has also been active in developing impor tant real estate interests, owning several handsome blocks and building for himself on Rutger place one of the finest dwellings in the city. With the Baker Brothers he also developed the valuable quarries at Higginsville, Oneida county, and alone he built the first building occupied by the Saturday Globe, thus being instrumental in aiding that paper at a critical period of its career. He is a charter member of Fort Schuyler Club and vice-president of the Homoeopathic Hospital of Utica. In August, 1877, he married Fannie, daughter of the late D. V. W. Golden, for many years a leading dry goods merchant of Utica, and their children are David G. , Edward D., Rose an:'! Thornas E., jr. Wilcox, Wallace B., son of Benjamin R., was born in Hopkinton, N. H., August 17, 1852, and came to ITtica with his parents in 1865. His paternal and maternal an cestry are of English descent. His mother belonged to the Rice family of Massa chusetts, who came to New England in the 17th century, and became prominent in high judicial and civil office, and in the Revolutionary war. He finished his educa tion in the public schools of Utica and learned the trade of engraver and jeweler with Selden Collins, with whom he remained about fourteen years. In April, 1885, he purchased his employer's jewelry business and has since successfully continued it. He is a member of Faxton Lodge, F. & A. -M. , and also of the Masonic Club. In June, 1879, he married Alice L., daughter of David Everest, of Utica, and they have one daughter, Bessie E. Munn, John Sherman, was born in Whitestown, March 3, 1839, son of John Burg- hardt and Melinda (Parsons) Munn. John B. Munn was born in Whitestown in 1802, and conducted a farm until his death in 1886. Mrs. Munn was a native of Connecti cut. John Munn, the father of John Burghardt Munn, came from Connecticut, and moved on the farm in Whitestown in 1791. John S., the subject of the present sketch, received a common school education, and graduated from Whitestown Semi nary. He then engaged in farming, conducting his father's place. He is a staunch Republican, and deeply interested in the success of his party. He married Harriet Manktelow, daughter of Jonathan Manktelow of Otsego county, by whom he has two children: John B. and Alice E. Mr. Munn is one of the representative farmers of Westmoreland. Tibbits, Susan, — The late Truman Tibbits was born in Rome, N. Y., son of Jon athan Tibbits, who settled in the town of Rome, coming from Rhode Island. He was engaged in farming, and also kept a hotel, and was of English parentage. He married Judith Niles of West Hampton, Mass., by whom he had twelve children: FAMILY SKETCHES. 193 Mary, Samantha, Sarah, Leife, Hannah, Aylmer, George, Julia, Eliza, Hiram, Cyn thia, and Truman K. October 10, 1837, Truman K. Tibbits married Susan Car penter of Kirkland, N. Y., daughter of William and Eunice (Coe) Carpenter, natives of Massachusetts, who were bora November 5, 1784, and November 1, 1788, re spectively. Warren, Rev. John D. , was born at Hoosick, Rensselaer county, N. Y. December 11, 1845, being the youngest of five children. His father, Dr. John Warren, was a leading physician of that town, who practiced medicine in that place fifty years, hav ing moved from his native place, Ashford, Windham county, Conn., where he be gan his practice one year previous. He was a graduate of Bowdoin College, Maine. He died in 1882, aged seventy-six years. He was the second of three sons, one of whom died at the age of seventy -five and the other at eighty-seven years. His father, Luther Warren, moved from Massachusetts to Connecticut, where he died at eighty years of age. His father's name was John. The traditions of the family are that their ancestor came over in the Mayflower; it seems probable, however, that there is a relationship to Joseph Warren of Bunker Hill fame, as John is a favorite name in all branches of that family. Their ancestor came over with Governor Winthrop, but claims a relationship to the Warren who came in the Mayflower. October 27, 1830, Dr. John Warren married Susan H. Dimick, of Hoosick, N. Y., only child of Otis and Sarah Dimick, and granddaughter of Henry Schneyder, who, about 1762, settled on the south part of his ten thousand acre grant, which is now part of the boundary line between this State and Vermont. John D. Warren received his early education at a district school and village academy, and later was fitted for college at the Newtonville Classical School, Rev. William Arthur, D.D., father of ex- President Arthur, being principal. After attending this school several terms he left with a companion to enlist in the army, but after a brief service was brought home by his father, much to his displeasure, being under age. He labored as salesman for several years for the wholesale clothing firm of J. B. Wilkinson & Co., of Troy, N. Y., and later bought out and run for several years a dry goods store in the same city. Dur ing his residence in Troy he was an active member of the Ninth Presbyterian church, which had then been but recently organized, in a part of the city which has since be come famous as the place where Robert Ross lost his life in defence of a free ballot. At that time the church was surrounded by saloons, to-day it has the largest mem bership of any church of its denomination in the city. Mr. Warren spent much time in evangelistic work in Troy, and felt called to devote his whole time to the work of the gospel ministry. He was taken under care of the Troy Presbytery and took a special course in theological training under guidance of John Tallock, D.D., Thomas Clark, D.D. , and Dr. Beverage. He began immediately to preach under license, and later was ordained at Mechanicsville, April 21, 1885. His charges have been Hoosick, North Gage, Oriskany and Knoxboro; the latter place where he still re sides. "August 3, 1870, he married Harriet J. Haswell, of Hoosick, N. Y. Mr. War ren has a portrait of his maternal great-great-grandmother, whose maiden name was Jane Hunter, whose father was General Hunter, after whom Fort Hunter was named. Cooper, Henry H., son of Samuel and Keziah (Nicol) Cooper and senior member of the wholesale clothing firm of H. H. Cooper & Co., was born in London, England, y 194 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. April 5, 1840, and came with his parents to Quebec, Canada, in 1845. Later the family moved to Oswego, N.Y. , where he completed his education. In 1857 he went to Detroit, Mich., and with Joseph Yates engaged in the clothing business conducted as a branch of the firm of C. A. Yates & Co., of Utica. In 1859 he came to Utica and entered the parent house as a salesman. In 1863 he became bookkeeper and salesman for H. J. Wood & Co., wholesale clothiers, and was admitted to an interest in the business in 1866. In 1871 he organized the firm of which he was the head and which is now continued as H. H. Cooper & Co. This concern employs about 700 hands, manufactures and wholesales clothing, and enjoys a trade extending through out the Northern States. Mr. Cooper is a trustee of the Utica Savings Bank and vice-president of the board of trustees of the Westminster Presbyterian church. Proctor, Thomas Redfield, was born in Proctorsville, Vt. , May 25, 1844, his father being a merchant. His great-grandfather was an officer in the Revolutionary war and the founder of the town of Proctorsville. His mother was Saloma Redfield, sister of one of the chief justices of Vermont, Isaac F. Redfield. Some of his ances tors took part in the Boston tea party, and many of them have been prominent in civil and commercial life. Mr. Proctor was educated in Boston, and in 1862 went into the U. S. Navy as paymaster's clerk on the ship Brandywine of the North At lantic squadron. Later he became admiral's secretary on the Pacific squadron and was aboard the ship Lancaster. He was secretary to Admiral Pierson, saw con siderable service in the. Rebellion, and took part in the capture of confederates on steamer San Salvadore. He was offered the position of paymaster in the regular navy, but declined, and returning to Vermont he took charge of the manufacturing interests left by his father. He first engaged in the hotel business as proprietor of the Tappanzee House in Nyack, N. Y. December 1, 1869, he came to Utica and purchased Bagg's Hotel and in 1879 became proprietor of the Butterfield House in Utica. In 1875 he became he became proprietor of the Spring House at Richfield Springs, which under him has been very successful. He is a director of the First National Bank of Utica and in January, 1896, became its president ; is president of the board of trustees of the House of Good Shepherd, was for several years an officer of the New York Agricultural Association ; a director and the first and only vice- president of the Utica Press Company. He is a trustee of the Savings Bank of Utica ; a trustee of the Utica Steam Cotton Mills; a trustee of the Soldier's Monument As sociation , a director of the Utica and Mohawk Street Railroad ; he is also a member of the Sous of the Revolution and also a member of the Society of Colonial Wars; he is a member of the G. A. R. and of the Loyal Legion. He is a Knight Templar in the Masonic order. April 9, 1891, he married Miss Maria Watson Williams, of Utica. Their, only son died in infancy. Heath, William, was born in Corsham, Wiltshire, England, September 4, 1818, came to America in 1842, and settled in Rome, Oneida county, where he entered the employ of Merrill & Hayden, druggists and grocers. In the spring of 1845 he came to Utica and was employed in the soap and candle establishment of Thorn & May nard. In the fall of 1849 he went to Oswego and engaged in business under the firm name of Heath & Powers, which later became Heath, Powers & Co. They carried on a large soap and candle business which was four years later sold to W. K. Powers. Mr. Heath returned to Utica and joined the firm of Maynard & Wright. Mr. Wright FAMILY SKETCHES. 195 subsequently retired and the firm continued as Maynard, Heath & Co., for four years. He then joined in business with J. Touender & Co. , under the firm name of Heath & Touender, which continued until about 1885, when he retired to private life. He is a director in the Utica City-National Bank and was a ruling elder of the First Presbyterian church and for several years has been one of its trustees. In June, 1851, he married Mary Cornelia Husted, of Clyde, N. Y., who bore him one child, Mary Louisa, wife of Dr. Earl D. Fuller, of Utica. Mrs. Heath died October 20, 1856, and he married second, July 26, 1859, Julia Northrop, daughter of Clark Northrop, of Utica, a descendant of an old New England family of Rhode Island. They have two children: Julia M. (Mrs. John Heath), of Leadville, Col., and Florence ¦ A. of Utica. White Co , N. E., was incorporated in September, 1865, with a capital of $25,000 with T. H. Ferris, president, and N. E. White, secretary, treasurer, and manager. The business was started in 1884 by John Ellis, one of the oldest cheese and butter buyers in Utica, who commenced when cheese was first bought here for the New York and export market. In March, 1892, N. E. White became his successor and successfully continued until September, 1895, when, for the purpose of enlarging the business, the company was organized. The concern are wholesale and commission dealers in grocers' and bakers' sundries, flour, feed, grain, baled hay and straw, and are large shippers of butter, cheese and eggs. McCall, Thomas A , was born in Utica, November 25, 1867, and is a son of Francis B. McCall, one of the oldest clothing dealers in the city. He was graduated from the Utica Academy in 1885 and since then has been associated with his father in business. In April, 1888, he became a member of the firm of McCall & Co. Jones, J. Whitfield, was born in Wales,- England', May 6, 1857, and received a thorough education in his native country, where he also became an expert account ant. In 1881 he came to America and settled in Utica, where he first became accountant for General Sylvester Dering, a wholesale and retail lumber dealer, with whom he remained about five years, since then he has followed his profession on his own account, being often appointed to examine the books of large corporations, the various city offices, etc. He is one of the leading accountants in Utica. . Deecke, Theodore, was born in the "Free City of Luebeck" in North Germany, October 1, 1836, was educated at the Gymnasium or High classical school of that city; later in the " Free City of Bremen," and finally at the University of Berlin from 1854 to 1858. In the latter institution " in the philosophic and medical faculty " pur sued mathematics, natural history, physics, comparative anatomy of the vegetable and animal kingdoms, physiology, chemistry, and took special courses in general medicine, pharmacognosy, medical diagnosis and pathological anatomy, physiology and chemistry. He at the time published essays on anatomy and embryology, 1854-60 of the Acta of the " Halle Society of Naturalists," in the " Halle Botanical Botanical Gazette," the "Acta of the Royal Academy of Sciences" in Berlin, some of which were translated and published in the " British Philosophical Magazine," in the French " Annales des Sciences," etc., besides numerous more or less popular papers in various periodicals. While in New York city from 1866 to 1873 among other publications he composed in 1871-71 the German edition of " Appleton's Illus- 196 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. trated New York." In 1873 he was called to Utica, N. Y., and on the 1st of April appointed special pathologist to the N. Y. State Lunatic Asylum, then under the superin tendency of Dr. John P. Gray. He was associate editor of the "American Journal of Insanity," published at that institution, in the pages of which he laid down the results of most of his scientific researches, and and also reviews from Ger man, French, Italian and Spanish professional literature. He remained in that position for about seventeen years. He was frequently called upon to serve as expert in coroner's and court cases for the people. Among these latter were about two dozen of capital cases in the central counties of the State, of which five occurred in the county of Oneida. He is at present engaged privately, in medical, chemical and technological examinations and analyses and in literary work. In 1890 at the 25th Anniversary of the German "Utica Mannerchor" he was elected chief editor of the " Festzeitung" a paper then published in eight numbers in honor of the event. Besides the editorials and other articles, he published in that paper for the benefit of our German citizens and their guests a " History and Description of the City of Utica." His wife, Mrs. Anna Deecke, was the first who, in 1885, established a "Froebel Kindergarten" in Utica which, as a private institution, still exists and flourishes. Illingworth, Joseph J., was born May 4, 1827, in Blackburn, England, and came to America in 1845, settling in Providence, R. I. Having just completed his appren ticeship as machinist, he entered what is now the Corliss Steam Engine Company's works in that city and remained there in all about ten years setting up engines and running them. In 1854 he entered the employ of the Wamsutta Mills in New Bed ford, Mass., as chief engineer. In 1855 he came to Utica and accepted a similar position in the Utica Steam Cotton Mills. Their engine, made by the Corliss Com pany, had never given satisfaction, but he successfully placed it in operation and continued until the war broke out. In 1862 he built the Burden Iron Works in Troy, N. Y. , then ran the United States steamship Blackstone as chief engineer, re maining until the boat was wrecked near Cape Cod. In 1866 he returned to Utica and resumed charge as chief engineer of the Utica Steam Cotton Mills, with which he has ever since continued. In 1867 he was appointed by Gov. R. E. Fenton in spector of boilers for this revenue district, serving one year. He is a member and ex-president of the National Association of Stationary Engineers, a charter member for eight and one-half years, the first president of the local body of that order, and a member and past master of Oriental Lodge No. 234, F. & A. M. May 18, 1846, he was married in Dover, N. H., to Mary Byrne, and of their six children two are living: John J., associate engineer with his father, and Harry R., chief engineer of the Mohawk Valley Mills. Watkins, Thomas D., was born in Plainfield, Otsego county, September 4, 1870, was graduated from West Winfield Academy in 1889 and in the spring of 1890 won a free scholarship to Cornell University, which he entered in the fall of the same year. He was graduated with high honors and received the degree of LL.B. from that university in 1892. He took a post-graduate course in law at that institu tion in 1893 and received the degree of LL.M. therefrom in June of the same year. In the spring of 1896 the American Temperance University of Tennessee conferred upon him pro merito the degree of Ph. B. He was admitted to the bar at Syracuse FAMILY SKETCHES. 197 in April, 1893, and in the fall of that year he entered into partnership with Josiah Perry, of Utica, N. Y., and began the practice of his profession in that city. On April 1, 1894, he formed with Albert T. Wilkinson the firm of Watkins & Wilkinson, which was dissolved at the end of one year and since then Mr. Watkins has prac ticed alone. In the fall of 1894 he was the Democratic nominee for member of as sembly in his district, but was defeated, although he polled several hundred more votes than his regular party. He was appointed corporation counsel for the city of Utica on January 7, 1896. He is a member of Samuel Read Lodge, K, P., and the Cornell University Chapter of Delta Chi Fraternity. He is especially active in religious and political circles, never missing a chance to say a word in favor of the betterment of humanity and the elevation of citizenship. Baxter, Frank K., was born in Utica, October 13, 1854, has followed civil engi neering since 1871, and has been in charge of a very great variety of important work. He began with his brother as assistant city engineer and for seven years experienced municipal engineering in Utica in its various branches — paving, sewerage, grading, etc. In 1878 he was appointed to a position in the New York State Canal Engineer ing Department, Middle Division, of Syracuse, where he remained until the winter of 1879, when he was promoted and changed to the Western Division with head quarters in Rochester. Here he was assistant engineer under Thomas Evershed, the designer of the Niagara Falls Water Power scheme and an old canal engineer of wide reputation. Mr. Baxter's schooling here was varied and of the best. Return ing to Utica in 1882, owing to change of State politics, he was immediately employed by the villages of Little Falls, Herkimer, and Clinton and the city of Utica until 1889. During these years Mr. Baxter designed and erected the Clinton water works, the Herkimer water works, stone arch bridges for the town of Herkimer, and rail road work for private and public corporations from preliminary work to final construction. In fact he had considerable experience in railroad construction. Be side the above, much important professional work was performed by him in survey ing large and valuable tracts of land in the central part of this State ; estimates, plans, etc., for various corporations, including Richfield Springs, Waterville, Little Falls, Herkimer, Hamilton, Ilion, Mohawk, Syracuse, Rochester .and Buffalo. In 1889 he served with great credit as city engineer of Utica. In 1889 and 1890 he made many very important surveys for towns and counties, surveys of the Masonic Home property, etc. During these years important canal surveys, railroad work, and much of the land outlying Utica was also laid out by Mr. Baxter. Railroad surveys in Syracuse were also made. In 1891 he served again as city engineer of Utica. The\ excellent separate system of sewers in Herkimer, N. Y. , were designed at this time by Mr. Baxter and completed by him in 1893 and 1894. ' In 1893 much of his time was taken up in consultations with various corporations in water and sewerage work. Mr. Baxter has been retained in many important law suits as expert engineer in railroad, water, sewer and municipal work. He was employed by the sewer com missioners of Ilion as consulting engineer in the construction of its system of sewers. In 1893 he was appointed inspector of the State Board of Railroad Commissioners and which office he now holds. All of the railroads in this State are under his supervision as regards the proper maintenance of permanent way and safety to the traveling public. Mr. Baxter has always been a close student ; he graduated from 198 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the public schools of Utica, Williams's Private school and the Utica Business Col lege, and it is no doubt true, as he puts it, that civil engineering necessitates con stant daily study, and close application if success is desired. His knowledge of modern railroad construction and maintenance is considered most excellent in all its various phases. Seldom one meets a civil engineer who has successfully practiced in so many branches of this grand profession. Mr. Baxter is a self-made man and certainly merits the success which his useful life has attained. Aldridge, Willard C, was born in Whitesboro, Oneida county, February 37, 1859, and is the son of Charles Aldridge, who came here from Horsham, England, about 1850. Charles is a tailor by trade. He was village clerk some . fifteen years, town and village collector for several years, and a prominent Odd Fellow.- Willard C. was deputy postmaster at Whitesboro for about ten years, and was appointed postmaster under Cleveland's first administration, being the first appointed under Cleveland in Oneida county and the third in the State. After serving four years he resigned and engaged in manufacturing cigars in Utica, where he has since continued. He resides in Whitesboro, where he was for one year town collector, and where he is now serv ing his second term as exeise commissioner. He is active in Democratic politics and has been delegate to local and State conventions and also county -committeeman. He is a member of Schuyler Lodge, No. 147, I. O. O. F., in which he has held all the chairs, and of which he is now a trustee. He is chairman of the building com mittee of the Odd Fellows Temple in Utica, and is worshipful master of Utica Lodge, No. 47, F. & A. M., and a member of the Scottish Rite bodies, 32d degree. Decem ber 11, 1890, he married Anna M., daughter of Dr. Charles E. Smith, of Whitesboro, and they have one daughter, Theresa. Jones, J. Lewis, born in Orange, N. J., November 19, 1835, is a son of C. F. D. Jones, a shoemaker by trade, who was born in Caldwell, N. J., September 22, 1808. In October, 1838, the family came to Utica, where the father opened a shoe store and also engaged at his trade. In 1844 they moved t6 Middle Settlement in the town of New Hartford, where C. F. D. Jones still resides. He was active in Democratic politics for many years and served as superintendent of thepoor of Oneida county two t terms. He was for ten years agent for the State Board of Commissioners of Immigration with office located at Utica, and has been justice of peace, town excise commissioner, etc. February 26, 1829, he married Elizabeth Hollum, of Orange, N. J. , who was born April 14, 1810 and died October 20 , 1895, having lived as hus band and wife nearly sixty seven years. They had six children : Adelia, who died young; Antoinette, of New Hartford; J. Lewis, of Utica; Clarissa (Mrs. Elias H. Palmer), of New Hartford; C. F. D., jr., deceased; and Martha Elizabeth (Mrs. Stephen B. Latham), of Clinton, -N. Y. J Lewis Jones was educated in the district schools of New Hartford and remained on the farm till about nineteen years of age. He learned the trade of patternmaker in Newark, N. J., and for many years followed it in various capacities. In January, 1882, he started business for himself on Blan dina street and in January, 1893, moved to his present location in Jay street. He is a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 234 of F. & A. M. , and Oneida Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M., and is vice-president of the Cornhill Building and Loan Association of Utica, which he assisted in organizing. May 18, 1864, he married Cornelia G. Black- stone, of New Hartford. They have two children: Frederick B., of Warren, Mass., FAMILY SKETCHES. 199 and Clarence A., of Utica. Mr. Jones came from old New England and Revolution ary stock, his great-grandfather, Joseph Jones, sr. , having been born at Stamford, Conn., June 3, 1750. Stearns, Eugene, born in Utica, August 14, 1830, isva grandson of Dr. Calvin Stearns, from Pittsfield Mass. , one of the earliest settlers of Utica, who died here in 1848. Gordis L. Stearns, son of Dr. Calvin, was born here in 1805, read law here with Thomas E. Clark, was admitted to the bar as attorney about 1826 and very soon afterward as solicitor, and practiced his profession for a time in New York city. He died in Utica in 1835. He was appointed notary public by Governor De Witt Clinton in 1826. He married Agnes, daughter of John B. Langworthy, of Utica, and had two children : Eugene and Emily (Mrs. Herman Koehler) deceased. The ancestor of the family was Lieut. Nathaniel Stearns, who came from England to Massachusetts, in 1649. Eugene Stearns was educated in the Utica public and private schools and academy and taught in the Advanced school about one year. He read law with Spencer & Kernan, with William Tracy, and with Clark & Richardson, and was ad mitted to the bar at Utica iii 1855. He began practice in this city, and spent the years 1860-61 in St. Louis in partnership with Edward R. Bates. He returned to Utica at the breaking out of the war, and resumed the practice of his profession. He was special surrogate of Oneida county from 1867 to 1870, and while performing the duties of that office conceived and later published a table showing the present value of a wife's 'Inchoate Right of Dower," which has met with large success. The work was first published in July, 1888 He was in the law office of Edmunds & Miller about ten years, was president of the Utica Citizens' Corps and for several years its vice-president, and was chief of staff of the Republican Continentals during the political campaigns of 1888 and 1892. In 1877 he was appointed librarian of the Utica Law Association, which position he still holds, being the first and only librarian of that institution. In September, 1853, he married Julia A., daughter of Charles Storrs, of Utica, who bore him two children : Emily E. and Harriet Louise (Mrs. Henry P. Crouse), both of this city. Mrs. Stearns died May 16, 1887, and he married second, Sarah E. Mayo, of New York city, formerly of Utica. White, N. Curtis, was born in Torrington, Conn., September 24, 1822. His ances tor, Elder John White, came from England, sailing June 22, 1632, and arriving in Boston in September, and in 1633 settled with Hooker's congregation in Hartford, Conn. Later the congregation divided and Elder White went with his party in 1659 to Hadley, Mass. His eldest son was Captain Nathaniel White, of Middletown, Conn., and the latter's fifth son was Jacob, whose son Thomas was the father of Silas, of Torrington, Conn. Brainard White, son of Silas, was born in 1786 and died at Winsted, Conn., in 1833. He was the father of N. Curtis White. Mr. White re ceived his education at the Winsted, Conn., common schools and academy. In 1838 he came to Oneida county, and finished his studies at Vernon Academy and Clinton Collegiate Institute, where prepared for college. While studying he taught school, being for a time principal of the old Whitestown Academy. Leaving Clinton Col legiate Institute he entered the law office of Kirkland & Bacon in Utica and was ad mitted to the bar in 1847, being one of the first to be admitted under the new State Constitution. He began practice in the office of his preceptors, and when Judge Kirkland went to New York city he became a partner in the firm of Bacon & White, 200 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. which continued until Mr. Bacon was elected justice of the Supreme Court. The firm then became White & Dana, by the admissiou of William B. Dana, Mr. White's brother-in-law, and continued until Mr. Dana went to New York. Mr. White con tinued in practice mostly alone till 1868, when he went to New York city and en gaged in business pursuits. He returned to Utica in 1883 and has since practiced his profession. Mr. White is an office bearer in Trinity church of Utica ; and is also a member of the Board of Governors of The Oneida Historical Society, of which he is an active member. He has been a member of Oriental Lodge F. & A. M. for over forty years, and is also a member of Utica Chapter R. A. M. May 12, 1858, he married Delia White Dana, daughter of James Dana, of Utica. She died in April, 1883, leaving three children : George Dana, a graduate of Yale College and now a resident of New York city; Edwin Harrison, treasurer and manager of the Daniel Green Company, of Dolgeville, N. Y. ; and William Curtis, a student in Trinity College, Hartford Conn., class of 1897. Bartow, Pierrepont, son of Edgar John and Harriette Constable (Pierrepont) Bar tow, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., May 17, 1842. His father, a resident of Brook- yn, but a leading merchant of New York city, was of the Bartows of Westchester, N. Y. Others of his name had been in these parts before him, notably Andrew A. Bartow, of Bartow Hill, Herkimer county, who was connected with the introduction of the great Erie Canal in New York State. His mother was a daughter of Hezekiah B. Pierrepont and a descendant of an old Connecticut family of New Haven, and his grandmother was a daughter of William Constable, well known in this State as the purchaser of large tracts of land in connection with McCormick, Macomb, Lynch and others. Mr. Constable was in the war of the Revolution and at one time aide to La Fayette. After the peace he settled in New York as a merchant. Pierrepont Bartow received his early education in Brooklyn and finished at the English and Classical, School of Mr. Huntington. In 1862-63 he was employed as draughtsman at the Continental Iron Works, Brooklyn, in preparing the plans for the monitors Passaic, Cakskill, and others, which were being built for the United States Navy. Later he was connected with the School of Mines of Columbia College for several years. In 1867 he received the appointment of draughtsman and designer for the Wood and Mann Steam Engine Company of Utica. In 1887 he was appointed to a position in the Engineer Department of the new aqueduct for New Ydrk city, where he remained several years. He returned to Utica in 1893 and since then has prac ticed his profession as a general mechanical engineer. For a number of years be tween 1870 and 1880 he followed the profession of an artist, and among his princi pal works is a large painting for the Union Ferry Company of Brooklyn, represent ing New York city in 1790 and now in the possession of the Brooklyn Historical Society. February 23, 1886, Mr. Bartow married Mrs. Emma C. (Smith) Sweet, whose ancestors were among the first settlers of Oneida county and engaged in the war of the Revolution. Timothy Smith enlisted and served as a private in Taun ton, Mass., before coming to Oneida county in 1798, when he settled on Smith Hill, His wife was a Pratt, of another Revolutionary familly of Taunton. Mrs. Bartow's grandmother was a Damuth, a family among the earliest settlers of Oneida county, and copspicuous for their bravery in the war of the Revolution. Captain Mark Damuth was a trusty friend of General Herkimer, and his brother George, of Deer- FAMILY SKETCHES. 201 field, was a lieutenant, and John, another brother, a lieutenant in the battle of Oriskany. Frederick, Richard, and other Damuths were also in the struggle. George Damuth, a nephew of Captain Mark, was captured by the Indians when an infant and ever aftewards bore the marks of his captivity in his cut-ears and nose ring, which his grandson and the late David Gray, as boys, well remember. His wife Caty was a Christman, another family who' fought in the struggle against Great Britain for American independence. Mr. Bartow has two sons, William Edgar and Francis Pierrepont. Dykeman, Theodore W., son of Aaron, a commission merchant, was born in Penn Yan, N. Y., April 30, 1863, and was educated at the Penn Yan Academy. While there he lost his right arm in a railroad accident. He then learned telegraphing, which he has since followed, being stationed at various times in the West Shore Railroad dispatcher's office at Syracuse, the W. U. Telegraph offices in Auburn, Syracuse and Skaneateles, and the B. H. T. & W. and D. & H. railroad dispatchers' offices in Mechanicsville, N. Y. , and Albany, N. Y. , also in dispatcher's office of the Troy & Boston R. R. at Troy, acting as night dispatcher for one year. In 1884 he came to Utica as manager of the Postal Telegraph Company, which position he has since held. When he came to Utica in 1884, he did all his work alone and had one messenger; now has ten messengers, one clerk and two operators. He is a member of the Utica Cycling Club and the Utica Maennechor. Bushinger, Eduard, son of Andrew and Christina (Abberle) Bushinger, was born at New York Mills, Oneida county, N. Y., June 1, 1856. He was educated at New York Mills district school and at Utica Business College where he graduated in 1873. He was bookkeeper for the Central New York Copying House of Utica lor two years and a half, clerk for Marcus A. Pillsbury for several years, and bookkeeper in the crockery department of George Dubois & Co. for a year. May 1, 1882, he became bookkeeper and afterward teller in A. D. Mather & Co.'s Bank when it was incorpo rated as a State Bank in November, 1890. Mr. Bushinger's services were duly rec ognized and he was made cashier. Mr. Bushinger, is a member of Faxton Lodge, No. 697, F. & A. M., of Royal Arcanum, Imperial Council No. 70, and of Oneida Chapter, R. A. M. He has been twice married, his first wife being Mary A,. Thom son, of Utica, who died January 26, 1890. December 26, 1894, Mr. Bushinger mar ried M. Adel Roberts, daughter of W, J. Roberts, of Utica. Dagwell, Charles M. , was born in Utica, October 7, 1843, and is a son of Herbert Dagwell, a native of England, who came to America when about two years of age, lived in Little Falls and Oswego county with his parents, and while in his 'teens came to Utica, and was married here to Aurelia S. Tallman. He was both a ma- ¦ chinist and an iron moulder, and worked for a number of years in the foundries of Hart & Dagwell and Philo S. Curtiss. Charles, the subject of this sketch, at the age of fourteen went out to seek his own self support and worked at farming on Stony Island, Lake Ontario, until the fall of 1860, when he returned and went to work for Hart & Dagwell, as core maker, and on April 24, 1861, when only seventeen, enlisted in Co. B, 14th N. Y. Vols., was mustered into the U. S. service at Albany on May 17 ; he served in the army two years, and was mustered out at Utica, May 24, 1863, by reason expiration of service. He then entered the employ of the Reming- 202 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ton Armory Co , on Franklin street, and in August, 1864, he went to New York and enlisted in the U. S. Navy, serving on the U. S. Gunboat Shawmut until the war closed. He came home and went to work for the Remington Agricultural Co., at Ilion, also the American Express Co. at Utica ; was an active member of Hiawatha and Utica^Base Ball Clubs, also a member of the Utica Volunteer Fire Department, and in the spring of 1870 was appointed a patrolman on the Utica police force, served until the fall of 1871, resigned and went into the liquor business with George Miller, at 210 Genesee street, sold out in the fall of 1874 and went to Texas, returned six months later, and on June 1, 1875, was appointed a patrolman on the police force; April 5, 1882, was made assistant chief, and July 1, 1889, chief to succeed Robert McElwaine, who died in June of that year. Mr. Dagwell has since held this position with credit and satisfaction. He is a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 224, F.&A. M. and of the Exempt Firemen's Association ; was foreman of Engine Co. No. 7, Volun teers, and is a charter member of Post McQuade, No. 14, G. A. R. , of which he was commander for three successive terms. Ryan, William F., was born February 11, 1851, in Brooklyn, N. Y., and came with his parents to Utica when one year old. He was educated in the Assumption Academy. He was in the employ of John A. Davies, a furniture dealer, for seven years, and with M. B. De Long for twelve years, following the trade of wood polish ing. In 1884 he formed a partnership with Andrew Steates, as Steates & Ryan, and engaged in the retail furniture business, and in which they still continue. The firm also does wood-polishing, repairing, etc. Mr. Ryan was school commissioner of Utica for two terms, being elected in 1885 and re-elected in 1888. He was a charter member of Utica Lodge, No. 1979, Knights of Honor, and now its presiding officer, and has also been the representative to the Grand Lodge of the State of New York and the Supreme Lodge of the United States. He is a member of the Catholic Benevolent Legion, the Order of United Friends, Utica Maennechor, and Ancient Order of Hibernians. Jones & Shippey, the firm of, was organized in 1883 and consists of John S. Jones and George W. Shippey, both natives of Utica, and they are among the leading con tractors and builders in the city. Among the important contracts may be noted the Skenandoa Yarn Mill, the Mohawk Valley Cotton Mill, and Quackenbush air gun factory of Herkimer, the Folts Institute, the Paragon Knitting Mill, and the Mohawk High School in Herkimer and Mohawk. Mr. Jones is a member of the Masonic order, and was born March 17, 1839. His father William was one of the oldest builders in Utica, and assisted in erecting Grace, the Universalist, Calvary, St. Luke's churches, City Hall, and many residences and prominent buildings, including the J. Watson Williams residence, and the old cotton mill. Mr. Shippey was born August 29, 1843, and is a son of Nathan Shippey, who was a builder and a con tractor of locks on the Black River Canal. Sweeting, Jesse V., was born in Schenectady county, N. , Y., February 6, 1840, son of Alfred and Elizabeth (Van Slyke) Sweeting. Alfred Sweeting was born at the present family homestead at Hecla, as also was his father, Nathaniel Sweeting. He was born September 2, 1809, and his wife was born March 21, 1820. Jesse V. Sweeting was educated in Montgomery county, where he was engaged in farming. FAMILY SKETCHES. 203 He settled on the old homestead in Westmoreland in 1877, and married Mary Rock well, 'of Charlestown, Montgomery county, by whom he had five children: Lucy, Ella, Libbie, Jennie, and Henry. Mrs. Mary Sweeting died June 14, 1892. Mr. Sweeting is married to Martha T. Swan, of Albany, N. Y. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Lowell. Coan, Luke, was bom in Westmoreland, August 4, 1816, son of Ambrose and Anna Coan. Ambrose Coan came from New England and settled in Westmoreland, where he was engaged in the boot and shoe business until his death. Luke Coan has always followed farming, although in his early days he learned the wagonmaker' s trade. He married Eliza A. Townsend, of Westmoreland, who died June 23, 1895. Mr. Coan has one adopted daughter, Anna, who married William H. Lunt, of West Tremont, Me. Arnold, Charles F., was bora at the town of Vernon, N. Y., July 31, 1869. He received a common school and commercial education and has been engaged in a variety of occupations. He was a clerk in the mercantile line for nearly four years, was also in business with his father in -New London, under the firm name of C. F. Arnold & Co. until burned out on October 28, 1895. Mr. Arnold is a member of New London Lodge, No. 420 F. & A. M. and is its secretary. W. Henry Arnold, his father, was born at Augusta Centre, Oneida county, N. Y. , September 5, 1839. He was educated in the district schools and was a farmer and merchant. He mar ried twice, first to Mary C. Waterman, of Illinois, by whom he had three children: Eva J., Charles F., and Sarah A. Mrs. Arnold died January 14, 1892, He then married Mrs. Elmira Smith, born Prime. His father, John, was born in Connecticut in 1807 and came to this State when a young man. He married Sarah Francisco, of Augusta, by whom he had five children. He died in 1884 and his wife ten days later. Charles F. Arnold's sister, Eva J., married J. Gordon Burleigh, formerly of Vienna, and they have one child, Mary E. Mr. Burleigh is a member of Warren Lodge, No. 84, I. O. O. F., New York city. Mrs. Burleigh is a member of Vesta Chapter, No. 115, O. E. S., of New London, N. Y. The family is of English and German descent. Golley, William E., was born in town of Lee, Oneida county, N. Y., June 23, 1865. He was educated in the common schools, and is by occupation a cheesemaker. In 1895 he purchased the Fitch & Bacon Cheese Factory, near Blackman Corners, where he is engaged in the manufacture of cheese. February 28, 1894, he married Alice D. Agans, of the town of Lee. Mr. Golley's father, William Golley, was born at the old homestead in Lee. April 8, 1828. He was educated in the district schools, and is by occupation a farmer. He married Esther Bynam, of the town of Lee, by whom he had four children; Sarah, Charles, William E., as above, and Fred J. Mrs. Gol ley's father, John Agans, was born in Rome, N. Y., in 1830. He was educated in the district schools, and afterward engaged in farming. He married Susan Hogie, of the town of Floyd, by whom he has six children : Willard, Emma, Jennie, Francis, Alice D., as above, and George. The ancestry of the family is Scotch and German. Pelton, A. G., is a native of Richfield, Otsego county, bom in 1850, son of Giles W. Pelton, who is of Scotch and English descent. He received his education at Winfield Academy, and after teaching school for thirteen years, he engaged in farm- 204 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ing. He is an earnest advocate of the Republican party and has been justice of the peace since 1889. His father was an influential farmer before him, and is still a living representative of that sturdy class of men, who were the foundation on which the fame of Oneida county rests. In 1884 A. G. Pelton married Nancy Adams, of Irish birth. Scoville, William, was born in the town of New Hartford in 1831, a grandson of Darius Scoville, an early settler of Paris, N. Y., coming from Watertown, Conn., about 1800 with Seabury Scoville, the father of William Scoville. Seabury Scoville spent nearly ninety-four years of his life here, dying, in 1877, leaving a worthy record as a man and citizen. William Scoville continued in the cultivation of the ancestral acres until his retirement to Washington Mills. , His education was completed at the Sauquoit Academy. In 1863 he married Lois Porter, of New Hartford, by whom he has three children: Luella A., wife of William Nelson; Rufus S. , and Florence C. Rufus S. married Cora H. Foss November 22, 1894. Joerissen, Joseph, was born in Coblenz, Germany, February 16, 1830, spent his early life as a clerk in a counting house, and at the age of seventeen volunteered in the army and served through the revolution of 1848. June 14, 1851, he bade farewell to fatherland and sailed for America, and for a time was employed in New York city and in traveling in the west. In 1854 he came to Utica and engaged in cigar manu facturing on the corner of Varick and Columbia streets. Selling out he entered the employ of Warnick & Brown, cigar manufacturers, and continued till 1859, when he started a cigar manufactory on Third street and also formed a partnership with his father-in-law, John G. Hutten, in the brewery business ; since then he has continued as a cigar manufacturer, being located on the corner of South and Brinkerhoof streets since 1878. He withdrew from the brewery business in 1863, when he opened a restaurant and cigar store on Genesee street. This he soon sold and devoted his time wholly to cigar manufacturing. He' was charity commissioner from 1890 to 1893, and since 1867 has been a member of the Utica Citizens Corps,, becoming an honorary member in June, 1868. He is a charter member of Allamania Lodge I.O.O. F. , and has held all the chairs in that body. He is also a member of the Germania Industrial Association, the Utica Maennechor, and the Utica Turn Verein, and a charter member of Utica Lodge, Knights of Honor. Burritt, A. W., was bora in Paris, N. Y., June 20, 1866, son of William H. and Sallie (Wicks) Burritt. He followed farming until 1889, at which time he commenced the mercantile business, first as clerk, and in 1892 engaged in business for himself as senior member of the firm of Burritt & Henkle. His father, William H. Burritt, served three years in the Rebellion, enlisting August 7, 1862, in the 8th Regiment, N. Y. Vol. Cav., was honorably discharged at Cloud's Mills, Va., June 7, 1865. His grandparents (Wicks) came from Connecticut in 1800 and were among the pioneer settlers of old Paris. Hickox, W. Jerome, the son of J. Wesley and Clarinda Storey Hickox, was born October 24, 1839, in Syracuse, N. Y. , where he lived until twenty years of age. He then removed to New York and engaged in the transportation business, which he continued for fifteen years. In 1873 he entered into real estate business in Oneida, and June 9, 1875 he married Florilla, only daughter of Hon. Timothy and Harriet FAMILY SKETCHES. 205 Tuttle Jenkins. Mr. Jenkins, who is well remembered as one of the most distin guished lawyers and ablest citizens of the State of New York, had long resided in the pretty village of Oneida Castle, and to the spacious old homestead which had for so many years been the center of pleasant hospitality, Mr. Hickox came to live and share his wife's tender care of her widowed mother. Mr. Hickox had large business interests at Oneida, and his public spirit made him prominent in all that concerned the life of the village. He took also a keen interest in politics, unalloyed by any self- seeking, and he was warmly appreciated by his friends for his most genial and gentle nature. Perhaps to his fine physique and perfect health was partly due his rich endowment of cheerfulness, that "sunshine of the heart" which was an irresisti ble charm in social intercourse, He died March 4, 1894, after a very short and sud den illness. Few men have been more affectionately mourned. McDonald, William, was born in 1859, and is an industrious farmer of his native town, Boonville, where he has resided on a 265 acre farm since the death of his father William McDonald, which occurred in 1878, at sixty-one years of age. Will iam McDonald was of Irish birth, emigrating from County Tipperary when nineteen years old, and with no capital settled in Stillwater, Conn. There he found employ ment in a foundry, and by strict economy and shrewd business principles, he pro vided for his family, consisting of a wife and seven children. In 1888 William Mc Donald, jr. , married Julia Hurley, daughter of Cornelius Hurley, of Boonville, by whom he has two children : Mary and Belle. Mr. Hurley belongs to the Democratic party, and is a member of the Roman Catholic church. Wagner, Edward G., was born in Montgomery county, February 11, 1848, the oldest son of Edward and Alida E. (Gray) Wagner. Both of his parents were de scendants of old Mohawk Valley families ; his father was descended from John Peter Wagner in 1709, and whose only son, Lieut.-Col. John Peter Wagner, was a dis tinguished officer in the Revolutionary war; he was in the battle of Oriskany, and after the wdunding of General Herkimer is said to have assumed command of the troops and completed that important victory, which was at the time almost assured; several of his sons were engaged with him, and his son John was the grandfather of Edward Wagner, who was born in Montgomery county in 1819, and died in Whites boro in 1886. Mrs. Wagner died in 1882 ; she was also a descendant of an officer en gaged in the battle of Oriskany. Edward G. Wagner was educated at Whitestown Seminary, and located in Whitestown in 1867, where his father had purchased a large farm, situated near the centre of the village. This he now conducts with his brother Henry, entirely on business methods, and they are recognized as the representative farmers of Whitestown. He has several times been president of the village of Whitesboro, is a staunch Republican and takes an active interest in the success of his party. He married Ida L., daughter of Jonathan Barnes of Fairfield, Herkimer county. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner are both members of the Episcopal church of Whitesboro. Odell, Edgar B., son of Benjamin F., was born in Junius, Seneca county, June 26, 1857, and was educated at Phelps and in Cazenovia Seminary, N. Y. He entered his father's general store in Phelps and remained there until March, 1880, being his partner the last two or three years. He was then in Golden, Denver and Canon 200 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. City, Colorado, as a bookkeeper until September, 1882, when he came to Utica and became bookkeeper for Roberts & Hoag. In February, 1888, Mr. Hoag having re tired, Mr. Odell became a member of the firm of J. A. Roberts & Co., dry goods dealers, aad still continues. He is a member of Faxton Lodge 697 F. & A. M., Oneida Chapter R. A. M., the Royal Arcanum, and the Arcanum Club, and a char ter member of the Masonic Club-of Utica. October, 1884, he married Charlotte J. White, daughter of the late Nicholas A. White, of Utica. They have one son, Frederick Edgar Odell. Evans, John V. , was born in the town of Marcy, Oneida county, January 1, 1838, and he is a son of Evan Evans, who was born in North Wales in March 1808. Evan Evans came to America in 1832 and settled in Marcy where he married Sophia Thomas. In 1839 they came to Utica. He died in Holland Patent January 16, 1895. His wife's death occurred in 1853. He was a carpenter by trade, and for a time had a lumber yard on Columbia street, on the site of the Utica Steam Cotton Mills. He also had a flour and feed business here'. He had five children: John V., Eleanor, Jane A. (Mrs John Roberts), and Mary S. (Mrs. Edward Bice), of Utica, and Evan T. , of Holland Patent. John V. Evans during his youth, followed various occupa tions, being a clerk in a store in Wisconsin, engaged in mining in California, and eight years in stockraising in Nevada. In 1885 he returned to Utica and forming a partnership with John Edwards, as Evans & Edwards, engaged in his present busi ness as dealer in coal and wood on the corner of Court street and Chenango avenue. He is a Republican and in January, 1890, was elected a member of the Board of Charities and was re-elected in 1893, serving two terms of three years each. In January, 1896, he was chosen president of the board. He is a member of Utica Lodge F. & A. M. April 9, 1862, he married Katherine, daughter of Stephen and Hannah Davis, of Schuyler, Herkimer county, and they have had five children: Ernest E., and Cordie P., of Utica, Lena C. , who died April 27, 1895, age twenty- seven ; Dr. J. Corliss, a physician in Cincinnati, Ohio ; and Arthur S. Evans. Elthorp, William, was bora in London, England, in 1837, son of William, who was born in England and was a gas manufacturer and later a railroad conductor in Eng land and France. He became wealthy and at his death owned some 600 acres of land. Mr. Elthorp married Sarah Burt, by whom he had these children : William, Sarah, George, Alice, Lucy, John, and Mary. They came to America in 1848, set tling in Forestport, where Mr. Elthorp devoted his time to farming and lumbering up to the time of his death in 1880. His wife now resides in Forestport, aged eighty- five years. When nineteen years of age William, jr., went to South Carolina and Georgia, where he was engaged in railroad tunneling. He then returned to Forest port and engaged in farming and lumbering, and in 1860 bought his first farm, con taining fifty acres, of his father. He has added to it until he now has 354 acres of land; he is still interested in lumbering. He has served as overseer of the poor, town collector, etc. In 1860 Mr. Elthorp married Anna Eliza, daughter of Josiah and Sarah Getman, born in Manheim, Fulton county, N. Y., who died fourteen months later. In 1863 Mr. Elthorp married his first wife's sister, Mrs. Sarah E. (Getman) Carpenter, and their children are William, Charles, Harriet, wife of James McArthy, of Grey, Herkimer county ; Alice, wife of John Lindsey, also of Grey, Herkimer county ; and Adeline. Mr. Elthorp enjoys the distinction of having been a playmate of Prince Albert when a boy. FAMILY SKETCHES. 207 * Wagner, Louis, was born in Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, in 1836, son of Philip Wagner, who operated a coopering business in his native place, and Christina Wagner. He was one of six children: Mary, Philip Henry, George, Frank, Law rence and Louis. Louis Wagner came to America at thirteen years of age, with his sister. His brothers, Philip and Frank came later, and were soldiers in the war of the Rebellion ; the former dying in Libby Prison, and the latter shortly after his re lease. Louis was a barber, and employed in the finest shops in Newark, N. J. , and also owned and conducted several shops there, where he remained until after the war. In 1866 he removed to Forestport and engaged in lumbering and farming, which he conducted successfully. Later years he has devoted his attention to his 300 acre farm, the best of which he has cleared of timber. He is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity. In 1855 he married Frederica Beig, who was born in Ger many in 1836, and they have one son, Louis, who is a traveling salesman for the Singer Sewing Machine Co., and whose wife died in December, 1892, leaving four children: Aneda, Alonzo, Rena and Frank. Davidson, John, was born in Grayabby, county of Down, Ireland, December 16, 1824. His parents were both natives of Ireland, and grandfather and grandmother on his father's side were from Ayrshire, Scotland. His grandfather, on his mother's side, was Scotch and grandmother English. He came to America with his parents in the year 1833 and shipped from Belfast to New York, being six weeks and three days on the sea, on the vessel "Herald of Newcastle." They resided in New York city two years, after which they moved to Lansingburg, where they also lived two years. They then hired a small farm, three miles west of Albany, where they lived about twenty years, following the occupation of farming and vegetable gardening. Previous to moving to Oneida county the father had purchased the farm on which they lived, but later sold out and was employed by John Townsend of Albany, as foreman and vegetable gardener. Two years later they moved to John Davidson's present home, then a wilderness. On May 16, 1855, the father and son shouldered their axes, and commenced clearing for a house where the father died. March 13, 1865, at the age of sixty-nine years, and the mother died December 22, 1877, at the age of eighty-six years. John Davidson was married in Albany, December 30, 1847, by the Rev. Samuel F. Moran, pastor of the Scotch Presbyterian church, of which he and his wife were both members. They have eight sons living: John, an engi neer on the New York Central railroad; William, a farmer and carpenter of Oneida county; David, a carpenter on the Bennington railroad; George, a farmer and car penter in Oneida county ; Samuel, a farmer in Onondaga county; and Robert and James, both farmers in Oneida county ; also Henry, a carpenter and care taker of Comb's Brook fish hatchery in Herkimer county. One daughter, Mrs. Edward Scanlin, died at the age of thirty six years. Mr. Davidson has been assessor for a number of years, also school trustee, road overseer and has had charge of the State reservoirs at Woodhull and Sand Lake. Fardett, Solomon, was born in Vermont in 1853, son of Francis Fardett, a native of France, who was a sailor in early life and came to Vermont in 1830 where he en gaged in ship building. In 1855 he removed to Port Edward, Washington county, where he conducted a dry dock, and was engaged in building canal boats for twenty years; from there he removed to Saratoga county and later to Forestport. He mar- 208 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. * ried Aurelia, daughter of Emanuel Robarge, a native of Canada, by whom he had nine children: Aurelia, Mary, Julius, Joseph, Josephine, Clementine, John, Solomon and David. Mrs. Fardett died in 1863, and Mrs. Fardette in 1888, at the age of eighty-three. Solomon Fardett at the age of twelve began to work in a saw mill, and went to school winters; at eighteen he engaged in carpenter work with his brother and later as a millwright. In 1873 he came to Forestport and has erected all the saw mills in the town since that time. He was also a contractor and builder, and in 1893 erected the mill for the Forestport Lumber Company. He then engaged as foreman of the mill, which position he now holds. He served as constable for several terms. In 1871 he married Mary, daughter of William Elthorpe of Forest port, by whom he has eight children : Bertha, Frank, Maud, Fred, Sarah, Grace, Cecil and Venetia. Hovey, Mrs. Julietta (Kilmer), was born in Duanesburg, Schenectady count)', N.Y., in 1834, daughter of William H. and Julia S. (Ailing) Kilmer ; the former a native of Schenectady county, born in 1805, and the latter, a native of Milford, Conn., born in 1799. William H. Kilmer was always engaged in carpentry, bridge and pubiic work, and came to Oneida county in 1841, and in 1854 he removed to Forestport, where he now resides with Mrs. Hovey at the age of ninety years. Their children were Gideon A., Philip G. , Julietta D. and Henry C. In January, 1858, Mrs. Hovey married Philip George Hovey, a native of Leyden, N. Y., who was born in 1833, son of George and Sybil S. Hovey. Mr. Hovey spent his entire life in the lumber business, and for years owned canal boats ; he also owned large saw mills and built a number of dwellings in Forestport. He was a man of public spirit and enterprise; had a limited education, but much natural business ability. He filled the office of commissioner of highways, and numerous other offices, and was a prominent mem ber of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. and Mrs. Hovey had three children: Kittie H., wife of F. X. Solzman, of Forestport ; Helen A. , a graduate of the Oswego Normal School, and for several years a teacher in Atlanta, Ga. ; and Georgianna, also a teacher. Mr. Hovey died in August, 1889, and both he and his wife were members of the Episcopal church. Neejer, John H. , was born in Remsen, now a part of Forestport, in 1852, son of John Neejer, who was born in Germany in 1814, one of five sons, Henry and John (twins), George, Michael, and Philip, all of whom came to the United States when young men. John Neejer was a hotelkeeper in Boonville, where he removed in 1885, and there died. At one time he was very prosperous, but lost it all through indors ing notes for others. He married Dorothy Burgman, of Germany, by whom he had these children; Sarah, Lena, John H., and Elizabeth. Mrs. Neejer died in 1866. John H. Neejer was educated in the Boonville Academy, and when twenty years of age began for himself, following various occupations, for a time working at lumber ing winters and in a saw mill summers. In 1885 he engaged in the meat and produce business in Forestport, where he has established and controls a large trade. He also owns 300 acres of land, fifty of which he uses for general farming purposes and the rest for grazing, having about 100 head of sheep. Mr. Neejer is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of which he is secretary. In 1883 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Jones, of Wales. Manahan, Richard J., was born in the town of Paris in 1860, son of Richard Man- FAMILY -SKETCHES. 209 ahan, a native of Ireland, one of two sons and four daughters bom to Edward Man ahan, who was a farmer in Ireland and came to the United States, bringing his family with him, and settled in Utica He died in 1873, .aged ninety-nine years. Richard Manahan, father of Richard J., was a farmer, and lived for a time in Paris, but in 1865 removed to Forestport, where he engaged in farming, and died in 1889, aged seventy-six years. He married Mary Brennan, of Ireland, by whom he had these children : Mary, Simon, Edward, Thomas, Julia, and Richard J. Mrs., Mana han died in 1862. When thirteen years of age Richard J. began working out in Utica, but two years later returned to Forestport and engaged in working in the woods winters and rafting ship timbers and spiles down the canal to Troy summers, which he followed until 1891, when he erected his present hotel (Nehasane House), which he very ably conducts and where many sportsmen make their headquarters ; he also conducts a livery, grocery and feed store. In politics he is a Democrat, and is now serving his second term as highway commissioner. In 1882 he married Ida Christian, who was born in Utica, daughter of James Christian, by whom he has two children : Estella and Winifred. , Mulchi, William, was born in New Hampshire in 1854, son of William Mulchi, a native of Ireland, who was born in 1816. William Mulchi, sr., was a tanner by trade and came to America in 1848, settling at Bellows Falls, Vt. In 1858 he removed to the town of Boonville and two years later to Woodhull, where he died in 1863. His wife was Johannah Danaha, of County Waterford, Ireland, and they had three chil dren: William, Thomas, and Dennis. Mrs. Mulchi died in 1887 at the home of her son, William. At the age of eight years William, jr., became a driver on the canal, which business he followed for fifteen years, being promoted to steersman and later owned and conducted a boat for himself, running from Forestport to Troy and Al bany. He was then engaged in the lumber business and contracting for seven years, and in 1891 he erected his present hotel, known as the Forestport House. He also conducts a farm of 150 acres, making a specialty of garden vegetables. He also runs a stage for the Adirondack League Club. Mr. Mulchi served as excise commis sioner for six years. In 1875 he married Elizabeth, daughter of James and Elizabeth Moran, who was born in Canada. Their children are William and Elizabeth. They are members of the Catholic church, of which Mr. Mulchi is trustee. Solzman, Francis X., was born in the town of Boonville, August 15, 1855, son of Thomas Solzman, who was born in Baden, Germany, in 1820, Thomas Solzman was a lieutenant in the king's army, and during the war of 1848 and 1849 was among those who revolted against the king, and was with the famous General Siegel when in 1849 they cut their way to the sea, where they disbanded. He came to America, settled in Boonville and worked at the millwright trade. He later engaged in farm ing and cleared most of a seventy-three acre farm, where he became very prosper ous, and later lost nearly all through speculating. His wife was Rosina Southeimer of Baden, Germany, by whom he had eight children: Rose, Susan, Sophia, Francis X., Charles Frederick, Joseph, Catherine, and Frederick Charles. He died in 1874, aud his wife in 1885. Francis X. remained at home until the death of his father, when he engaged in the lumber business at Forestport ; but he soon withdrew from that business and engaged in the meat business at Boonville. A year later he re ¦ turned to Forestport and engaged as bookkeeper for a lumber firm, with whom he 210 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. remained several years, and in 1891 he engaged in farming. He served three years as justice, when he resigned to accept the office of supervisor, which office he filled for eight years. In 1886 he married Kittie L. Hovey, a daughter of Philip C. and Julia (Kilmer) Hovey, of Forestport, and they have five children: Rilla L., Marian, Annetta J., Myrtle and George T. Shattuck, Luther, was born in Floyd, N. Y., June 16, 1822, son of Asaph and Mary (Dorrel) Shattuck, who came here from Massachusetts in 1806. He was one of nine children: Laurie, Sylvia, Ezra, Asaph, jr., William, Louisa, Lydia, Calvin, and Luther. Asaph Shattuck was engaged in farming, and was also interested in church work and educational interests. He was trustee of the Floyd Union church and jus tice of the peace for several terms. Luther Shattuck married Cynthia, daughter of Jabes and Margaret Holmes, by whom he has three children: Martin F. , who mar ried Mary Stone; Charles A., who married Carrie Robbins; and Emily C, wife of Charles Johnson. He is engaged in farming, and is also interested in church affairs, and has been trustee of the Floyd and Stittville church. All of the children attended Whitestown Seminary, and Martin has been justice of the peace for several years, and Charles A. , town clerk. Ward, Salmon, was born on the place where he now resides, October 26, 1835, son of Josiah and Roxanna (Currier) Ward. Josiah Ward settled in Floyd when two years of age. He married Roxanna Currier, by whom he had two children : Salmon and Sarah Maria. Mr. Ward died November 2, 1857, aged fifty-eight years, and his wife died January 2, 1869, aged fifty years. Salmon Ward is a farmer by occupa tion. He married Catherine, daughter of Andrew Martin, who died leaving one child, Burton. He then married Jane, daughter of Levi Crill. For his third wife he married Rebecca, daughter of Charles and Harriet (Upton) Cogswell. Mr. Ward is a member of the Grange and Patrons of Industry. Potter, George S. , was born on the farm where he now resides, January 10, 1842, son of Samuel and Mary Potter, whose children were Russell F., Eliza J., George S., and Allen. Samuel Potter was a son of Joseph and Phebe (Adams) Potter, and their children were Lydia J., Dudley, Samuel, Ethan Allen, Joseph, Augustus, Madison and Benjamin E. Samuel Potter spent the early part of his life in teaching school, after which he engaged in farming. He was also active in church and county affairs, and was elected commissioner of deeds. George S. Potter is also engaged in farm ing and owns the homestead of 220 acres, and is interested in town and county affairs. Westcott, Frank D. , son of Stephen S. and Philinda A. (Brown) Westcott, was born in Oneonta, Otsego county, September 7, 1858, and moved with his parents to Clinton in 1866. He was graduated from the Clinton Grammar School in June, 1877, and the following autumn entered Hamilton College as a member of the class of 1881, but two years later came to Utica as a clerk in charge of the mail order de partment of Hugh Glenn & Co., where he remained one year. He was then for two years bookkeeper for Miller & Fincke and later held a similarposition in the whole sale clothing house of Tucker, Calder & Co. for about six years. January 24, 1890, he formed a partnership with Henry F. Miller, as Miller & Westcott, and engaged jn the coal business. Jn 1891 this firm dissolved and with Elmer E. Parker he FAMILY SKETCHES. 211 formed the firm of Westcott & Parker, which continued until July, 1894. Since then Mr. Westcott has conducted the business alone, dealing in coal, wood, flour, and feed. He was one of the organizers and a director of the Cornhill Building and Loan Association of Utica and is secretary and director of the Utica Carriage Com pany. He is a member of Faxton Lodge, F, & A. M. , and in the Royal Arcanum has been very prominent, serving in almost every office. He was regent of Im perial Council No. 70 three years, and elected representative to the Grand Council of the State of New York. At his first session he was chosen grand guide. He has also served as grand orator and grand vice-regent, and was grand regent from April, 1891, to April, 1893. February 21, 1883, he married Libbie A., daughter of James W. Cronkhite, of Little Falls, N. Y. , and they have one son, William Carlton. Fulmer, Edgar J., was born in Iowa, in 1863, son of Robert and Louisa (Schaffer) Williams. His father died in an army hospital, and his mother re turned with him, when he was seven months old, to Steuben, where he was adopted by Henry Fulmer, a native of Herkimer county, who was a son of Jacob C. Fulmer, who came to Steuben about 1826, and settled on 400 acres, which he afterwards cleared. He reared ten children and lived to be sixty years of age, and his wife lived to be eighty-eight. Henry Fulmer spent his whole life in Steuben on the homestead farm. He served as commissioner of highways for twenty years. He married Catherine Harter, by whom he had one child, Jacob Henry, who died in December, 1884, at sixteen years of age. Mr. Fulmer's wife survives him, and now resides with Edgar J. on the homestead. Since his death Edgar J. has operated the farm of 188 acres, and has since bought another farm of fifty acres. He keeps twenty cows, and makes dairying a specialty, and is also in terested in the raising of fine sheep. He has served his town as collector, school clerk and filled other minor offices. In 1887 he married Carrie Wollaber, daughter of George H. and Catherine Witherstine, of Steuben, by whom he has two children: Clarence and Lena Joy. Mr. and Mrs. Fulmer are members of the Methodist Epis copal church, of which Mr. Fulmer is steward and trustee. Wickman, Henry G.,born on Mohawk Hill, Lewis county, N.Y., January 16, 1846, son of Sebastian and Margaret Wickman, who came from Hesse, Germany, in 1830, and were pioneers of Lewis county. He served apprenticeship at the carpenter and millwright trades in Germany. In 1857 he went from Lewis county to Rome. He was a member of the 69th Regt., N. Y. Vols., and was in service one year. He died in 1880 at the age of eighty-five. Mrs. Wickman died in 1881. They were members of the Dutch Reformed church at Rome, N. Y. Henry G was educated at Rome, and learned the wagonmaker's trade, after which he worked in Oneida, Erie, Buf falo, Syracuse, Boonville, and in 1876 bought property in Ava, where he has since carried on a blacksmithing, carriage manufactory and repairing business. In 1867 he married Phoebe Casbaker, of Ava, by whom he had two sons: William, and Fred (deceased). Mrs. Wickman died and Mr. Wickman married for his second wife Maria, daughter of Henry and Magdalene Honsholder, of Westmoreland, N. Y., by whom he has five children living: Charles, born November 23, 1876; Walter, bora February 31, 1886; Fred, born October 14, 1887; Clarence, born October 8, 1888; and Alvin, bom September 38, 1889; also six deceased: Edward, Frank, George, Maud, Russell, and Rena. 212 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Zeigler, George, was bora in Ava, N. Y., April 15, 1835, son of Frar/k and Mar garet (Saddler) Ziegler, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1833, and set tled in Ava. Mr. Ziegler died in Rome, and Mrs. Ziegler died in Ava in 1861. The grandfather, Simeon Zeigler, was a vineyardist and winemaker in Germany, and he spent his last days in Ava. George Zeigler has always been engaged in farming except the time spent in the war. He now has a farm of 115 acres and keeps a dairy of ten cows. In 1865 he married Catherine Ernst of Germany, who came to America with her parents, Jacob and Saloma (Zeigler) Ernst, in 1848, and settled in Ava, and they afterwards went to Cleveland, Ohio, where they died. Mr. and Mrs. Zeigler have had four children : George, Fred (deceased), Lena and Caroline. August 6, 1862, Mr. Zeigler enlisted in Co. H, 3d N. Y. Light Artillery, and served until the close of the war. Morehouse, Henry D., was born in the town of Half Moon, Saratoga county, N. Y., June 21, 1853, son of Nathan and Annie (Travers) Morehouse. Mr. Morehouse was born in Vermont, May 5, 1824, and Mrs. Morehouse was born in Half Moon, N. Y., December 6, 1819. The grandparents were natives of Vermont. Nathan More house came to.Saratoga county, from Vermont about 1849, and then to Ava, where he built and conducted a mill. He now resides with his son, Henry D. Mrs. More house died March 5, 1879. Henry D. Morehouse learned the trade of cheesemaker when a young man. He worked in various places, and in 1886 bought the factory at Ava which he has since conducted. In 1876 he married Ella, daughter of Asa and Sarah (Slavier) Teachout, of Western, N. Y., by whom he has one daughter, Nellie. Mrs. Morehouse was born in Western, N. Y., November 25, 1869. Her mother, Mrs. Teachout, died in 1873. ¦ Hurlbut, Henry, was born in the town of Ava, N. Y., October 1, 1853, son of Sam uel, a native of Boonville, and Minerva (Bardsley) Hurlbut, a native of Ava. Sam uel Hurlbut came from Boonville to Ava and purchased the farm now occupied by Henry Hurlbut, where he engaged in farming, and he spent his last days in Utica, where he died in October, 1881. Mrs. Hurlbut still lives and resides with her son on the homestead. Henry Hurlbut was educated at Rome Academy, and has always been engaged in farming on the homestead farm, except three years in the lumber business in Western. The farm of 330 acres is owned by Mr. Hurlbut and his brother Andrew, who is engaged in the general mercantile business. Mr. Hurlbut has a dairy of thirty-five to forty cows. In 1874 he married Nettie, daughter of Stephen and Esther (Harris) Potter, by whom he has three children : Ettie, Bertie and Mertie. Gookins, Milo, was born in Leyden, Lewis county, N. Y., November 25, 1843, son of Daniel M. and Eliza (Rhodes) Gookins, he a native of Herkimer county and she of Wilna, Jefferson county, N. Y. Daniel M. was a blacksmith by trade and worked in Oneida and Lewis counties and along the Black River Canal during its construc tion. He died at Port Leyden in 1881 ; his wife also died in 1881. Milo Gookins, when young, worked a little at his father's trade, but with the exception of five years in the war, has followed farming. In 1870 he purchased the farm of 230 acres where he now resides, and keeps a dairy of about thirty five cows. In 1869 he married Mary J. Capron, daughter of Oliver and Henrietta Capron, by whom he had seven children: Maud L., Mabel, Mira, Elmer, May, Nellie, and Emery. July 8, 1861, FAMILY SKETCHES. 213 Mr. Gookins enlisted in Co. G, 3d N. Y. Vol. Cav., as private, served all through the war, being honorably discharged as sergeant August 5, 1865. He participated in seventy-five battles and skirmishes, among which we mention Trenton Bridge, Mill Creek, Goldsboro, assault on Petersburg, Chapin's Farm, and Fair Oaks. Mr. Gookins is a Republican in politics, and has been justice eight years. He is a mem ber of the Wheelock Post, No. 97, G. A. R., of Boonville. Beyel Jacob, was born in Ava, Oneida county, N. Y. , June 4, 1844, son of Philip and Elizabeth Beyel Jacob Beyel was reared on a farm and attended West Leyden school, and has since followed farming and carpentering. In 1873 he married Addie C. , daughter of Fred and Adaline Myers, by whom he had two children : Ada, born February 14, 1877; and Permilla, born February 6, 1888. Mr. Beyel purchased the farm where' he now resides in 1873 ; he now owns 163 acres of land and keeps about twenty-five cows. Mr. Beyel attends the Union church at West Leyden, and is a member of the Grange of the same village. Briggs, George, is a native of Floyd, Oneida county, where he was bora March 11, 1822, and is the oldest of five children, born to Cyrus and Mary Ann (Tinker) Briggs. Mr. Cyrus Briggs was born in Vermont in 1803, and Mrs. Briggs was born in Lyme, Conn., in 1806. Mr. Briggs's parents, Ebenezer and Elizabeth Briggs, came from Connecticut and settled in Rome where they were engaged in farming. Mrs. Briggs's parents, Allen and Polly (Maynard) Tinker, came from Connecticut with an ox team, and settled in Floyd about 1818. From there they emigrated to Illinois, where Mr. Tinker died in 1865, and his wife in 1885. Cyrus Briggs was engaged in farming in the town of Rome, and he died in 1838. Mrs. Briggs is still living at the age of eighty-nine, and has resided with her son for the past thirty years. George Briggs was reared on the farm at Rome, and took charge of the family as soon as he was old enough, after the death of his family. He worked on a farm and conducted a hotel at West Branch ; and also ran a stage line for four years. He was in the mercantile business for three years at Point Rock, and in 1877 he came to Ava where he purchased the hotel of which he has since been proprietor. Soon after he bought a farm, and has carried on dairy farming, keeping ten cows. In 1852 he married Catherine, daughter of Conrad and Sallie Mowers, of Weston, N. Y., by whom he has two children: George H., who is married to Annie Houck, and is engaged in farming on the home farm; and Eva, wife of George Anmon, a farmer of West Leyden. Wolf, Philip D., was bora in Deerfield, N. Y., September 5, 1843, son of George and Dorothy (Jacobs) Wolf, who came from Bavaria to Deerfield in the spring of 1830 and bought a farm. Mr. Wolf was engaged in market gardening, and died in 1890 at the age of eighty-three years, and Mrs. Wolf died in 1887 at eighty years of age. The grandfather, Jacob Wolf, came with the family to Deerfield in 1830, and went West, where he engaged in farming, and while there died. Philip D. Wolf has al ways been engaged in farming and market gardening in Deerfield. In 1871 he married Mary Godden, of Madison, by whom he has four children : George, Fannie, Mary and Nellie. Weaver, Charles C, was born in Deerfield, Oneida county, N. Y., July 5, 1851, son of George F. and Margaret A. Weaver. He was educated at the schools of Utica, 2L4 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and has since been engaged in brickmaking, being a partner in the business with his brother, Frederick G. In 1889 he married Elizabeth, daughter of George H. and Jane (Hicks) Crossman, by whom he had two children : Robert C. , born April 15, 1892 ;• and Harriet J. , born in December, 1895. Pittock, William D , was born in Marcy, January 19, 1843, son of William and Margaret (Smallenbergef) Pittock, natives of England and Germany, respectively. His grandparents, William and Sarah Pittock, came from England and settled in Marcy at an early day and engaged in farming. His maternal grandfather, Charles Smallenberger, came from Germany to Marcy. William, sr., is a retired farmer of Deerfield, at eighty years of age ; and Mrs. Pittock is seventy- four years of age. William, jr., learned the carpenter trade when young, which has been his principal occupation. In 1866 he married Rachel Yarky of Deerfield, who died in 1873, leav ing one son, William G., with Dr. Brown in Utica. Mr. Pittock married for his second wife Mary (Sorn) King, widow of Curtin King, and sister of Henry Sorn of Bridgewater. They have one son, George W. Pittock. In 1871 Mr. Pittock built the Washington Hotel, which he conducted twenty years. In 1895 he established the Rheumatic Sanitarium at Deerfield. Kasson, Calvin H., was born in Deerfield, N. Y. , August 17, 1853, son of Henry W. and Julia E. (Green) Kasson, both natives of Deerfield, he born in 1824 and she in 1826. Henry W. Kasson engaged in farming in early life and was the first man in Deerfield to engage in shipping potatoes to New York city. He was then engaged in the general mercantile business until 1883, at which time he engaged in garden ing. He has served as postmaster at Deerfield for many years. The parents of Mrs. Kasson, John and Matilda (Dayton) Green, were natives of Stoddard, N. H., and Connecticut, respectively. Her grandfather, Jonah Dayton, came from Connec ticut to Deerfield, thence to Remsen, where he died. He was a soldier in the Revo lutionary war. John Green came to Deerfield at an early day and engaged in brick- making and farming. He died in 1869 and his wife in 1866. His father came from Germany. Calvin H. Kasson was educated at Utica Commercial College, from which he was graduated in 1871. He was engaged in the mercantile business with his father until his father retired, since which time he has carried on the business in Deerfield alone. He has been postmaster since his father resigned in 1892. October 14, 1875, Mr. Kasson married Harriet B., daughter of Reese and Jane (Jones) Lewis, natives of Wales. Mrs. Kasson died in 1895. Hicks, Nicholas H., was born in Deerfield, Oneida county, N. Y., March- 29, 1834, son of George and Elizabeth (Harter) Hicks. George Hicks was a farmer of Deer field, and died in 1840, and his wife died in 1884. The maternal grandfather, Nicholas Harter, came from Herkimer county, and was a pioneer of Deerfield, settling on the farm now owned by our subject. Nicholas H. Hicks was educated at the schools of Utica, and has since engaged in farming, now owning the home farm of fifty acres, and carries On gardening and truck farming. In 1855 he married Adaline, daughter of Van and Rebecca Sweet, deceased, by whom he had five children : George N. , real estate agent at Omaha, Neb. ; Frances, who died when twenty-eight years of age; Herbert D., stenographer, typewriter and real estate agent at Chicago; Clarence, a farmer of Deerfield ; and Mary, who lives at home. Mr. Hicks is a Democrat in politics, and has been supervisor of his town for seven years. FAMILY SKETCHES. 215 Burton, Thomas M., was born in Deerfield, N. Y,, January 26, 1826, son of Nathan, a native of Connecticut, and Lydia (Manchester) Burton, a native of Rhode Island. Mr. Burton came to Deerfield in 1806, and engaged in farming. He died in 1855, and Mrs. Burton died in 1870, at the age of ninety-two years. They were Univer- salists in religion. Thomas M. was reared on the farm, and excepting nine months in a general store at Frankfort, has been engaged in farming, at which he has been successful. He owns 225 acres of which he works 100 acres, and rents 125 acres. In 1854 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Owen and Ellen Owens of Deerfield, by whom he has three children: Nellie M., wife of Horatio Goodwin, a farmer and milkman in Deerfield; Nathan W., engaged in farming on the home farm; and W. H., also at home. Davis, John L., was born in Deerfield, N. Y., July 11, 1853, son of David and Mary (Thomas) Davis, natives of Wales. His grandparents, Enoch, and Sarah (Owens) Davis, lived and died in Wales, and his maternal grandparents, John and Elizabeth Thomas, came from Wales to Newport, N. Y., in 1841, where Mr. Thomas was en gaged in farming and also as carpenter. David Davis came to America in 1850, and worked in Utica four years, then went to Schuyler where he remained eight years. In 1862 he settled in Deerfield where he has since been engaged in farming and dairying, owning 128 acres of land. J. L. Davis was educated at Whitestown Semi nary, and commencing at nineteen years of age, taught school for six years. He afterward engaged in farming and market gardening. In 1883 he bought a farm of fifty-three acres in Deerfield, where he has since resided and done general farming, also market gardening. He is agent for the Osborn Harvesting machinery and all kinds of farming implements. In 1877 he married Sarah C, daughter of Nathan and Mary Griffith of West Schuyler, by whom he has two sons : Lindsley D. born in 1878; and Arthur N., born .in 1889, both educated in the Utica schools. Mr. Davis is a Republican, and has been highway commissioner and collector. Crossman, George H., was born in Deerfield, March 16, 1816, son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Stewart) Crossman. His grandfather, Nathaniel Crossman, came to Deerfield, when Nathaniel, jr., was only ten years of age, being one of the earliest settlers of the place. He was a carpenter by trade, but was also engaged in farming. Nathaniel, jr., learned the trade of his father, in which he was engaged through life. He was a native of Taunton, Mass. He was a man of excellent memory and a great reader of history, and was a soldier in 1812, at Sackett's Harbor, and was honorably discharged. George H. also learned the carpenter trade, and worked for many years with his father. After his father's death, he worked at the trade until 1865, when he settled on a farm of 136 acres in Deerfield, where he still resides. In 1846 he married Jane A. Hicks, by whom he had six children: George H., Earl S., Eliza beth, Curtis (deceased), Clarence and William S. Mrs. Crossman died in Septem ber, 1892. Mr. Crossman was justice three years, and assessor nine years. Wells, Chester A., was born near where he now resides, February 8, 1825, son of Samuel and Emily (Ward) Wells, who came from Connecticut to Trenton about 1808, and their children were Samuel H. and Chester A. Mr. Wells was engaged in farm ing and served as musician in the war of 1812, and was located at Sackett's Harbor. He died at. seventy-seven years of age. Chester A. married Laurie A. Gitteau, by 216 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. whom he had four children: Laurie E., Julia E., Francis E., and Charles E. His second wife was Harriet M. Mcintosh, by whom he had three children: Francis E., Julia E., and Harriet M. He was engaged in dairy farming and live stock, and has been treasurer of Trenton Grange, of which he is a member. Putnam, Charles S., was born in Schoharie county, November 17, 1823, son of Sewell and Rebecca (Shepard) Putnam, who settled in Oneida county about 1825. Their children were Albert, Louisa, Mandy, Sevina, Henry, Elizabeth, Charles S., George, Alfred, and Ann. In early life Mr. Putnam was engaged in hamessmaking and butchering, but the latter part in farming and dealer of live stock. Charles S. Putnam married Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Col. David Hugh, by whom he has eight children: Alfred E., Charles Frederick, Ellsworth, Elmer, Cora-M., Mary, Harvey R. and Rebecca. Mr. Putnam left home at sixteen years of age, and started as a cabinetmaker. He has traveled extensively in the West, where he has been in terested in mining and farming. In 1872 he returned to Oneida, where he has since lived. He is a member of the Trenton Grange. Wolcott, Julius O. , was born on the farm where he now resides, January 10, 1837, son of Walter and Adaline (Brainerd) Wolcott. Walter Wolcott was a native of Trenton, and his father was one of the pioneers of the town. Mr. Wolcott was born June 6, 1809. He was engaged in farming and was active in church work, being a deacon in the Baptist church. He died May 1, 1881. Mrs. Adeline Wolcott was born June 7, 1814, and died April 29, 1889. Mr. Wolcott was captain in the State militia, and his children were Olive C , wife of Archibald Wells; Julius O., and Henry B. Julius O. married Sarah C, daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Hopkins) Sheldon. He is a member of Trenton Grange. Pittock, Lewis, was born in Deerfield, N. Y., May 18, 1858, son of William and Margaret Pittock. William Pittock was a son of William Pittock, who came from England with his family in 1829. Their children were Mary Walker, Sarah Johnson, and William. William, jr., married Margaret, Smallenberger, by whom he had five children: William D., Charles, Catherine Schrider, Jacob, and Lewis. William, jr., was a farmer, also a mason. Lewis Pittcock married Libbie, a daughter of Jacob and Catherine Mosier, of Trenton, by whom he has two children: Winneford and Clara M. Mr. Pittock is a natural mechanic and carpenter. He and his wife are members of the Holland Patent Grange. Woodbridge, Edward, was bora in the town of Trenton, Oneida county, N. Y., September 23, 1834, son of Edwin aud Sally Woodbridge, whose children were Charles, Harriet, Mary, John, Edward, Nancy, deceased, and Sarah. Edwin Wood- bridge was a son of John, who was killed by a tree in 1804, two years after he settled in the county. John Woodbridge jr., was bora February 12, 1832, and married Lucy A. , daughter of Henry Baker, by whom he has one child, Lulu A. Edward and John both live on the homestead and follow farming. John Woodbridge and daughter are members of Trenton Grange. Perkins, William, was born on the farm where he now resides, March 3, 1833, son of Elam and Annie (Merriam) Perkins. Elam Perkins commenced life as a pioneer and general farmer, and was a natural mechanic and carpenter. He was assessor of Trenton fifteen years and supervisor one term. His children were William, and FAMILY SKETCHES. 217 Louise, wife of George Egert. The grandparents, George and Lucy Perkins, came from Connecticut and settled in Trenton about 1808. Their children were Jabez, Daniel, James, and Ellen. William Perkins married Helen H., daughter of William and Dorcas Broadwell, by whom he has two children: Annie, wife of Beeman Os good ; and Emerette, wife of R. W. Nuthull. Mr. Perkins is very active in town affairs, having been assessor of the town for the past thirty-six years in succession. He owns a farm of 300 acres, and is also owner of Perkins House, a summer resort where many prominent people spend their summers. Owen, John C, was born in the town of Steuben, N. Y., February 21, 1829, son of Owen and Mary Owen, and he settled in this county in 1820. Mrs. Mary Owen was a son of Richard and Susan Jones, who came from Wales and settled in the town of Steuben about 1801, and their children were Richard, John, Mary, and Isaac. Mr. and Mrs. Owens's children were John C. and Charles, who resides on the homestead in Steuben. John C. married Charlotte E., daughter of Wilber Shaw. He is en gaged in farming owning 1,000 acres, and also cheese manufacturing. He was supervisor of Steuben two years and justice of the peace for one term. He was also president of Trenton village four years. He is a member of Remsen F. & A. M. No. 677, also I. O. O. F., and Grange No. 635 of Trenton. Owen's brothers and sisters were Humphrey, Elizabeth, Robinson, John W., Thomas and Kittie Hughes. Nolton, Charles F., was born on the farm where he now resides, September 14, 1847, son of Daniel and Angeline Nolton, who came from Fairfield, Herkimer county, N. Y., about 1834. Daniel Nolton married Catherine Burrill, by whom he had six children: Henry, Mary, Catherine, George, Daniel and Jennie. He married for his second wife, Angeline H. Fox, by whom he had three children: Clara, Julia and Charles F., also one adopted child, Robert C. Mr. Nolton was a public spirited man and contributed liberally to education. He donated the bell on the chapel of Ham ilton College, and was also a worker and liberal supporter of the church. Charles F. married Mary, daughter of John Pattingill, by whom he had two children: Frank P. and Julia. His second wife was Mary, daughter of Christian Nieman. He is a member and trustee of the Holland Patent church, and is also actively interested in educational affairs. His son Frank is now attending Hamilton College, at Clinton, N. Y. Frame, William L., was born in the town of Trenton, N. Y., October 25, 1858, son of Solomon and Olive (Wheeler) Frame. Solomon Wheeler came from Jefferson county about 1838 ; he married a daughter of Schuyler Wheeler, who came from Herkimer county about 1800, by whom he had four children: Schuyler, William L. , and two infants, deceased. He was a farmer and actively interested in town and county affairs and was a member of the M. E. church. William L. Frame married Ella, daughter of James Weston, by whom he had four children: George W., Reba, Ethel, and Genivra. He is also a farmer and is master of Trenton Grange, No. 635, in which he has been very active, having served as lecturer, treasurer, commer cial secretary, etc. Edwards, John E., was born in the town of Remsen, N. Y., May 6, 1848, son of John and Ellen Edwards, who settled in Oneida' county about 1825. He married Susan A., a daughter of Luther G. and Esther Millington, residents of Prospect, by 218 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. whom he had one son, Luther M., who married Julia Sweet, of Oriskany. Mr. Ed wards started for himself at the age of sixteen years as a farmer and school teacher, which he continued for six years, since which time he has been engaged in the man- facture of cheese. He is also interested in farming and insurance. He is a member of Prospect Lodge No. 221, I. O. R.'M., and was its first secretary. He has been justice of the peace in Trenton and town clerk of the town of Russia, Herkimer county, N. Y. Dodge, William P., was born in St. Lawrence county, February 4, 1843, son of Gilbert and Marietta Dodge, who settled in the town of Trenton in 1847, and their children were William P. and Harriet. William P. married Mary (deceased), daugh ter of Evan Owens, of Remsen, by whom he had one son, Frank (deceased). He married for his second wife Jennie F. , daughter of Lorenzo D. Mealus, of Pros pect, N. Y., by whom he has one son, Glenn P. Mr. Dodge 'first started in business with his father in general merchandise business. In 1876 he bought the Union Hotel, which he conducted for five years. In 1881 he was appointed State game protector, and was also appointed postmaster of the Assembly, and financial clerk of the Assembly for five years. In 1894-5 he was financial clerk of the Senate. He belongs to Remsen F. & A. M., Trenton I. O. O. F., and I. O. R. M. of Prospect and was its first sachem, and also the Oneida Chapter of Utica, N. Y. Brown, Charles A., was born in the town of Trenton, N. Y., January 8, 1845, son of Oliver and Almira (daughter of Eli Mitchell of the town .of Ava) Brown. Oliver Brown was born January 24, 1810, in Stonington, Conn., and settled in Trenton about 1830, marrying seven years later. His children were Henry (deceased), Charles A., and- Mary A. He was farmer by occupation. Charles A. married Helen M., a daughter of Ammi and Susan Mallory, who were residents of the town of Trenton. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have one child, Abbie M. Mr. Brown was formerly director and treasurer of Trenton Union Agricultural Society and a mem ber of Holland Patent Grange. Bagg, Asahel S., was born in the town of Trenton, N. Y., May 17, 1849, son of Albert C. and Mary Maria Bagg. His grandfather, Abner Bagg, was an early settler in the town of Trenton, Albert G. was born April 20, 1813, and was engaged in farming. In 1865 he engaged in the manufacture of cheese, and was the first in this section to introduce steam in its manufacture, and also invented machinery for its manufacture. He died December 6, 1875. His children were/Albert G.', jr., Asahel S., Frank P. and John C. Asahel S. married Kate M., daughter of Leonard G. Savage, by whom he has three children: Grace M., J. Curtis, and Albert S. He is a member of the board of the Holland Patent Academy, also of Remsen Lodge F. & A. M., No. 677. When twenty years of age he commenced the manufacture of cheese, in which he has been engaged to the present time with farming. Storm, Arthur C. , born August 30, 1872, in Florence, Oneida county, is a son of William J. Storm, who was born there in 1820. William J. is a retired .merchant, and has served as postmaster, town clerk, etc. He married Sarah McFern, and their children are Andrew J., of Watertown; Lincoln A., of Utica; Lucy (Mrs. H. S. Owens), of Williamstown, Oswego county ; Lina (Mrs. Fred Osborne), of Camden; Lizzie, of Florence; and Arthur C, of Utica. Arthur C. Storm was educated in the FAMILY SKETCHES. 219 public and high schools of Florence and was graduated from the Rochester Business University in 1890. He was bookkeeper and manager for John F. Clark, general merchant of Florence, till the spring of 1893, when he came to Utica and started his present business as a dealer in g, oceries and provisions. In 1896 he built a com modious block on the corner of Bleeker and Milgate streets. He is a member of Skenandoa Lodge, I. O. O. F. Mclncrow, William J., son of Thomas, and grandson of Walter and Catharine Mclncrow, was born in Utica, February 4, 1855. His grandparents came to America from Tipperary, Ireland, about 1825, and very soon afterward settled on afarm in Deer field, Oneida county, where Catherine died in 1829 and Walter in 1839. Thomas Mcln crow came to Utica and died here in 1855. He married Mary Hughes, who with five children still survives. William Mclncrow attended the Christian Brothers school and the Utica Free Academy, from which he was graduated in 1872. He engaged in various occupations, and at the age of twenty years entered the dry goods house of E. T. Manning & Co. In April, 1895, he established his present business as a dealer in all kinds of garments for ladies, including cloaks, suits, furs, etc., and which is known as a " specialty store." Baker, Charles F., was born October 16, 1840, in Marcy, Oneida county, and is a son of Warren and Mary A. (Sheldon) Baker. His grandfather, Elnathan Baker, came to Marcy from Connecticut at a very early day and died about 1855. Warren Baker was born in Marcy in 1809 and died in 1887. He was a farmer. His first wife died in 1854. They had five children: Charles F., of Utica; Silas J., of Stittville, Oneida county; Laura F. (Mrs. William G. Spence) of Stittville; Edgar A., of Utica; and Fred S. of Canastota. He married second, Elizabeth Sheldon, sister of his first wife. Charles F. Baker was educated in the district school of Marcy, and at the age of nineteen engaged in the grocery and produce business in Stittville, first with Daniel Martin and later alone. He continued there successfully for eight years. In 1869 he came to Utica and was a salesman for W. H. Scranton fourteen years. In 1879 he started his present floral business and since 1881 has given it his whole atten tion. He is one of the leading florists and gardeners in the city. In December 7, 1862, he married Delany, daughter of Jireh Martin, of Stittville. She died February 8, 1873, aged thirty-one, leaving three children: Frank J., AngieN., and Mary A. He married, second, September 24, 1874, Helen L. Lent, daughter of Abram Lent and Catherine Brodock, of Utica, and they have one child, Raymond L., born April 24, 1876. Stevens, William C, son of John T. and grandson of Nathan and Agnes (Summerville) Stevens, was bora in Utica January 30, 1844. His father and grand father came here from near Troy about 1818 and were for many years extensive con tractors and builders. Their lineage is traced to an early colonial periodvand down through one of the oldest families of New England. John T. Stevens married Eliza, daughter of William Hackett, of English descent, and both are living in Utica, at which place and in Wisconsin the subject was educated. William C. Stevens enlisted November 11, 1861, in Co. C, 12#th Wisconsin Vol. Inf., was made commis sary sergeant, and was first stationed in Kansas under Gen. James Lane. His regiment joined Grant's army at Columbus, Ky., and participated in all its battles 220 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. till after the siege of Vicksburg. In 1863 it became the Wisconsin Vet. Inf., and soon after Mr. Stevens was commissioned first lieutenant of Co. C. They joined Sherman at Rome, Ga. , and were in all the engagements of the March to the Sea, including Kenesaw Mountain, capture of Atlanta, and Jonesboro, and until Johnston surrendered. Mr. Stevens was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., in July, 1865, and discharged at Madison, Wis., in September. He engaged in the wholesale and retail seed business there, and in 1868 married Jennie Jaquish. In 1872 they moved to New Mexico, where he was connected with the surveyor-general's office for four years. In 1876 he returned to Utica and in 1881, with F. M. Kendrick, engaged in manufacturing cigars and wholesaling tobacco. In 1888 he formed with Robert Lockart the present firm of Stevens & Lockart, which has since conducted a large and successtul cigar and tobacco business. Mr. Stevens is a Republican and a member of Post Bacon G. A. R. , and of Imperial Council, R. A. His children are Jennie Isabelle (Mrs. William H. Carpenter), Mary Eliza, and John William, all of Utica. Owen, William E., was born on a farm near Oswestry, on the border between Wales and England, October 25, 1844, and came to America with his father, Thomas, and brother in 1851. The family settled in Utica, where the father engaged in the lumber business and died in 1855. Mr. Owen first became a clerk in a drug store in New York city and was employed in the pistol factory in Utica during the war. He then spent a year in Great Britain, and in June, 1866, entered the employ of Owen & Griffith, flour, grain, butter, cheese dealers on the corner of Liberty and Seneca streets ; he bought out the interest of Mr. Griffith in 1870, and the firm continued as W. M. Owen & Company, until January 1, 1889, when W. E. Owen became sole owner. In 1871 he married Margaret M. Jones, daughter of Andrew Jones, of York ville, N. Y. She died in July, 1893, leaving three children: Frederick W., Augusta, and Frances G. Drummond, John, was born near Glasgow, Scotland, January 25, 1844, and came to the United States with his parents when a year old, first locating near Gloversville, Fulton county, N. Y., but in 1847 moved to New London, N. Y. He was educated in the district schools. He followed the canal eighteen years, but is now a farmer and horse breeder, Morgan Hunter and Hambletonian strains. He has a stock horse, Foxie Lambert, seven years old, and several colts. March 1, 1866, he married Emily Wilmot, of the town of Vienna, by whom he had four children: Jennie E., John, Chauncey, and William. Jennie E. married Porter B. Tuttle, of the town of Rome. John married Minnie Bates, of this town, and they have three children: Harry, Bertie, and Edith. Mr. Drummond' s father, William Drummond, was born at the old home in Scotland about 1821. He married Lillie Lauther, of his native place, by whom he had five children: James, John L., as above, William, Thomas, and Catherine. They came to the United States in 1845, and Mr. Drummond died in 1893 and his wife in 1889. Mrs. Drummoud's father, Luther Wilniot, was born in the town of Vienna about 1813. He married Caroline Brodock, of his native town, by whom he had six children : Julia, Chauncy, William, Emily, as above, Adeline, and Josephine. Mr. Wilmot died in 1875,* and his wife December 28, 1895. Mr. Drummond's father and two brothers were soldiers in the late war. He also sent a FAMILY SKETCHES. 221 thousand dollar substitute. The ancestry of the family on the paternal side is Scotch, and on the maternal side, New England stock, of English extraction. Newell, George S., was born in the town of New Hartford, N. Y., in 1840, son of Abel Newell, who was born in 1800. Abel Newell died in 1861 in the house built by his grandfather, Theron Newell, long before the beginning of this century, and the family taking an active interest in all local affairs, had much to do with the devel opment of the town. George S. has been engaged in farming, and owns a dairy farm of 130 acres. In 1866 he married Elizabeth Roberts, who died in 1879, leaving two sons: George A. and Charles O. In 1885 he married his present wife, Sarah J. Roberts. Wetherell, Thomas G., was born in Whitestown, N. Y., September 4, 1838, son of Thomas and Mary (Bailey) Wetherell. Thomas Wetherell was born in England, and came to the United States in 1830. He settled in Kirkland, and built the dam for the factory, and then settled in Whitestown, where he died in 1871 aged seventy years. He was a noted Democrat and took an active interest in the success of his party. Thomas G. was educated in the Delany Institute at Westmoreland, and then en gaged in farming at which he still continnes. He has always been identified as one of the representative farmers of the town. He has a fine brick residence, which is considered the finest farm house in the township. He married Amanda A., daugh ter of Edward and Maria Noble, of Rome, by whom he has three children: Carrie J., married to William H. Posthill of Syracuse; M. Nettie, married to James W. Post- hill of Syracuse; and George E., of Whitestown, married Margaret Cunningham of Londonderry. Davies, Morris J., M.D., was born in Plainfield, Otsego county, January 18, 1865, being a son of David and Margaret (Richards) Davies, who in 1879, moved with their family to Paris, Oneida county, whence they removed in 1887 to Waterville, Oneida county, where they still reside. Mr. Davies was educated in the public schools of Plainfield and Cassville and at West Winfield Academy, and was gradu ated from Utica Business College in 1886. At the age of seventeen he began teach ing school and he taught for five years to defray the expenses of his education. In the fall of 1886 he began the study of medicine with Dr. A. A. Moors, of West Win field, N. Y., and later studied under Dr. T. Z. Jones, of Waterville. He was grad uated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons (medical department of Colum bia College) New York city, June 11, 1890, and on August 1 of that year commenced the practice of his profession in Utica. Dr. Davies is a member of the Oneida County Medical Society, and of the Utica Medical Library Association, and a char ter member of the Utica Medical Club, of which he was secretary and treasurer from 1893 to 1895 and president from March, 1895, to March, 1896. Is a member of the staff of physicians to Faxton Hospital. He is a member and past chancellor of Samuel Read Lodge No. 378, K. P., a member of Utica City Division No. 4, Uniform Rank, K.P. , and surgeon on the colonel's staff (2d Regiment) with rank of major. He is also a member of Imperial Council No. 70, R. A. , and a member and court physi cian of Court Fort Schuyler No. 1510, I. O. of F. October 27, 1891, he married Mina M., daughter of William H. Parkhurst, of West Winfield, and they have two children : Margaret Louise and Stanley Parkhurst. 222 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Dodge, Jesse E., son of the late Hiram, was born in Graefenberg, Herkimer county, N. Y., January 4, 1864, and was educated in the public schools of his native town and of Utica and at the Utica Business College. He was for six years in the employ of M. M. Northrup, manufacturer of candies, of Utica, and on February 3, 1885, entered the employ of Newell & Rowe, wholesale and retail dealers in paints, wall paper, window glass, etc. He remained with them and their successors, Newell, Rowe & Rathbun, Newell & Rathbun, and J. W. Rathbun as bookkeeper, until December 1, 1893, when the establishment was destroyed by fire. Mr. Rathbun died goon afterward, and January 1, 1894, Mr. Dodge formed a partnership with E. J. Snyder, under the firm name of Dodge & Snyder, purchased the business, and has since continued with success. Ellinwood, Reuben C, was born on the farm where he now lives, July 20, 1827, son of Capt. Reuben Ellinwood, who was born in Massachusetts and came to the town of Kirkland, then a part of Paris, with his father, Hanania Ellinwood, where they cleared a farm on which Reuben C. now resides. Reuben Ellinwood married Eunice Hart, and Reuben C- is the youngest of fourteen children, and was edu cated in the district schools and the Clinton Liberal Institute, after which he en gaged in farming. He now owns a fine farm of 100 acres. Cleveland, Charles F., son of Daniel was born in Hartford, Washington county, N.Y.; August 4, 1845. His grandfather, Horace Cleveland, of Warren county, N.Y., served in the Revolutionary war and died upwards of ninety years of age. Daniel Cleveland married Alameda Dickinson, whose grandfathers, Thomas Dickinson and Mr. Stockwell, served in the Revolution. She died in Utica July 4, 1893. He is a carpenter and came to Utica in 1855. Charles F. Cleveland was educated in the public schools of Utica, learned the trade of marble cutting at the age of fifteen with R. C. Dodge and remained with him until 1861. On May 3 of that year he enlisted in Co. C, 26th N. Y. Vols!, Col. William H. Christian, and served till May 23, 1863, being honorably discharged in Utica. He was wounded at the battle of Antietam, September 17, 1862, and was in the general hospital, Patterson Park, Baltimore, about two months when he returned to his regiment. He participated in the battles of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862; Rappahannock Station, August, 1862; Thoroughfare Gap, second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Md., Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and numerous skirmishes, and was presented with a handsome medal by Congress for gallantry at Antietam, Md. , September 17, 1862, for volunteering to carry the colors through the fight and saving them. Returning from the war, he resumed his trade and on June 1, 1874, was appointed patrolman on the police force. He was promoted sergeant in May, 1883, detective September 1, 1877, and still holds the latter position. He is a member of Oriental Lodge, F. & A. M., Oneida Chapter R. A. M., and Fort Schuyler Council R. A., anrl is a charter member of Post John F. McQuade, No. 14, G. A. R. He is also a member of the Exempt Firemen's Association and of the 26th Regiment Veterans' Association, and a charter member of the 40 Rounds Veterans' Association. In 1865 he married Cath erine Teresa, daughter of Thomas and Mary Burns, of Utica, and their children are Joseph F., Charles F,, jr., (died in 1872), James V., and Grover. Martin, Asa F., was bora January 14, 1861, in Whitesboro, Oneida county, where FAMILY SKETCHES. 223 his father, Martin Fitch Martin, still resides. The latter came there from Salem, Washington county, about 1850, and for several years was a proprietor of a stage line between Utica and Whitesboro and Westmoreland, and later had a livery stable Mr. Martin was educated in the public schools and seminary of his native village and in Utica, engaged in the livery business with his father, under the firm name of M. F. Martin & Son, from 1888 to 1892, and in the latter year came to Utica and pur chased of his uncle, Pliny F. Martin, the Mansion Stables in Fayette street. P. F. Martin built this establishment about 1877. In October, 1881, Asa F. Martin married Sarah, daughter of James H. Peek, of New York Mills. Brownell, Jonathan, was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., July 29, 1844. He was educated in the district schools, and is a farmer by occupation. August 11, 1862, he enlisted in Co. D, 134th N. Y. Vols., was in Fredericksburg battles, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, where he was wounded in the thigh; taken prisoner and paroled on the field, was then .transferred to the Western army, and was with General Sherman in his march to the sea, also participated at the close of the war in the grand march through Washington. He was honorably discharged June 22. 1865. In 1867 he married Catherine Hawley, who died in 1868, and in 1871 he married for his second wife, Hannah M. Dygert, of Oneida, N. Y., by whom he had five children: John A., Flora E., Edith M., Susie R., George L., William T. S., and Earl J. Flora E. mar ried Harvey Renwick, of Blossville, and they have one daughter, Ethel M. Mr. Brownell's father, Jonathan Brownell, was born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., in 1810, and was educated in the common schools. He married Mary A. Ostrander, by whom he had three children: Nancy, Robert, and Jonathan, as above. Mrs. Brownell died December 5, 1845, and Mr. Brownell in 1894. Mrs. Brownell's father, John Dygert, was born at Fort Plain, Montgomery county, N. Y., in 1815, and came to Oneida, Madison county, with his parents, when three years of age, where his father was killed by the Indians in his own doorway. He married Betsey Phillips, of Oneida, by whom he had five children: Thomas, Eliza, John, Hannah M., as above, and • Alamanzo. He died in 1887, and his wife in 1856. Mrs. Dygert' s grandfather was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Brownell is a member of Joseph H. Warren Post, No. 615, G. A. R. , in which he has filled all of the offices with the exception of chaplain. Nelbach, John, was born May 2, 1826, in Cologne, Germany, and learned the trade of cabinetmaker in his native town. He served as a soldier for several years, both before and after the revolution of 1848, and was promoted corporal. In 1853 he came to America and settled in Utica where he followed his trade until the fall of 1854, when he engaged in business on Genesee street, being one of a corporation of eighteen members called the Union Cabinet Association. He was at various times its secretary, treasurer, and vice-president. Six years later eight of the members retired, and the other eight continued under the same firm name until 1871, when the business was discontinued. This company manufactured and sold furniture and cabinet ware, and also conducted an undertaking establishment. In 1871 Mr. Nelbach and his brother, Peter J., as Nelbach & Co., established a similar business and carried it on until 1876, when the firm dissolved and divided the stock. John Nelbach then started his present business in Fayette street. He manufactures and deals extensively in furniture and also does undertaking. He is a member of 224 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the Germania Industrial Trial Association, and has several times been its president. He is also a member and was formerly president, secretary, treasurer, etc., of the Remmer Catholic Benevolent Society, is president of St. Joseph's Benevolent Society, and is ex-president of the Sovereign Association. He is a Democrat and was super visor of the Sixth ward two years, and was a member of the building committee of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church. He is also a member of St. Bonaventure's Society of St. Mary's church, and a prominent supporter of the foregoing and other institutions. June 11, 1853, he was married in Cologne, Germany, to Barbara Dein- man, and they have four children: Gertrude (Mrs. Inatz Schoeller), John N., Charles B., and Christina (deceased). The two sons are associated with their father. Jenny & Nelbach, manufacturers of and dealers in granite and marble monuments, became a firm in 1885. Francis X. Jenny, -the senior member, was born in Rankweil, Voralberg, Tyrol, Germany, April 18, 1848, learned the trade of marble cutting in his native country, and came to America in February, 1869, settling in Utica. In 1871 he started business for himself in Boohville, but the following year sold out and established the works in Utica which in 1885 passed into the hands of Jenny &Nelbach. January 31, 1872, he married Anna Schreck, of Utica. Their oldest son is. Frank J. Jenny (the well known bicycle rider). Joseph J. Nelbach was bora at Kerpen, near Cologne, Germany, in 1858, and came to America in August, 1872. He married Josephine, daughter of Frank and Anna Schreck, of Utica, and a sister of Mrs. Jenny. The firm of Jenny & Nelbach is among the leading manufacturers of statuary, family vaults, art monuments, and sarcophgi, in Central New York, and has executed work all over the State. Many of their monuments are noteworthy. In Forest Hill cemetery, Utica, are the John Thorn, John Thomas, George F. Weaver, Pritchard, Rutherford, Hughes. McMullen, Colling, Binder, and other artistic specimens. In St. Agnes's are the Costello, Maher, Ladow, Father Daley, and Farrell monuments, and in St. Joseph's maybe mentioned thoseof Weiss and Dehs, George Windheim, Helfert, and Spath, and the cemetery cross. Besides they have set up scores of monuments in Syracuse, Canastota, Higginsville, Auburn, Ithaca, Clayville, West Winfield, Unadilla Forks, Richfield Springs, Cooperstown, Waterville, Geneva, Middleville, Herkimer, Richmondville, Brookfield, Albany, Rochester, Oswego, New York city, and Buffalo, in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and even in Siam, Asia. In fact many of the cemeteries within a radius of 500 miles con tain notable examples of their work. Donnelley, William T. , son of Patrick, a native of Ireland and one of the oldest Irish settlers of Utica, was born in Utica, September 7, 1860, and received a public school education. He followed the trade of baker for seven years and the shoe maker's trade for nine years, during three of which he was foreman of H. J. Hol- brook's shoe factory. In the spring of 1895 he formed with his brother-in-law, John J. Barry, the firm of W. T. Donnelley & Co., and engaged in the gents' furnishing business. He is a member of the A. O, H., and is somewhat active in Democratic politics. Clark, Hiram G., son of Hiram S. (born in Crown Point, N. Y., and moved to Vermont when a young man), and grandson of Elam, was born in Brandon, Rutland county, Vt., August 6, 1843, was educated in the public schools of his native town FAMILY SKETCHES. 225 and in Brandon Seminary, and taught school there for three or four terms. In 1864 he went to Syracuse, N. Y., as bookkeeper for Jacob Pinkerton & Co., and in the fall of 1867 came to Utica, where he engaged in the same employment for Harrison Gil more, a coal dealer. In 1871 he formed a partnership under the firm name of H. G. Clark & Co., which continued until 1890, Mr. Gilmore being an inactive partner. In that year Mr. Clark succeeded to the business and in the spring of 1891 formed a partnership with T. L. German, as Clark & German, consolidating with his own the coal business of Hiram Gilmore & Co., in which Mr. German was interested. This firm still continues and carries on a large coal and wood trade. Mr. Clark was for several years a trustee of the First M. E. church. He is now a trustee of Grace M. E. church and a trustee of the Y. M. C. A. since the erection of the new building in 1888, and for the past four years has served as secretary of the board. Dimbleby, Wesley, was bora September 1, 1838, in Oriskany, Oneida county, is a son of John, who came to America from England and settled on a farm in the town of Marcy at a very early day. Later John Dimbleby moved to Oriskany village, and in 1865 came to Utica, where he died in 1880. He was a local M. E. preacher and a man highly respected. Wesley Dimbleby was educated at Oriskany, and when six teen came to Utica and entered the employ of A. E. Culver's warehouse and canal boat establishment. Later he learned the molder's trade in Hart & Dagwell's (now Hart & Crouse' s) foundry, where he remained until April, 23, 1861, when he enlisted in the Citizen's Corps. At Albany he was transferred to Co. B, 14th N. Y. Vols., was promoted corporal, and served two years in the Rebellion. He was wounded at the battle of Malvern Hill and discharged on account of wounds at Harrison's Landing on July 25, 1863. Returning to Utica he went to work for Hart & Dagwell and remained there till the shop was closed. In 1858 he joined the old volunteer fire department as a member of Washington No. 7, Rough and Ready Hose, of which he was assistant foreman and later foreman. In 1866 he was elected chief engineer and re-elected until 1874, when the present fire department was organized. He was at once appointed chief engineer of the new organization by the board of police and fire commissioners and has ever since held that position to the entire satisfaction of both his associates and the public at large. Mr. Dimbleby is a charter member of Security Lodge Knights of Honor and of Post McQuade, No. 4 G. A. R. He is also a member of the Exempt Firemen's Association and National Fire Chief Engineers, and representative" of the Firemen's Benevolent Association. Childs, William Tapping, was born in Utica July 1, 1862. Lucius Curtiss Childs, his father, was the second child of Parker Morse and Sabina (Robinson) Child, and was born in Exeter, Otsego county, November 24, 1831. His ancestor, Benjamin Child, came to America from England about 1630 and died in Roxbury, Mass., in 1678. A valuable family genealogy, prepared by the late Reverend Elias Child, of Utica, gives the unbroken lineage of his descendants, many of whom were promi nent in civil, commercial and military life. Lucius C. Childs learned the trade of printer and first established himself in business in Boonville, Oneida county, where he was the editor and publisher of the Boonville Herald, a paper devoted to the in terests of the old Whig party. Several years later he sold out and came to Utica, where he started a general book and job printing establishment, which has ever since been successfully continued by the family. After four years he formed a part- 226 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. nership with his brother-in-law, Henry H. Curtiss, and in 1884 the present firm of L. C. Childs & Son was organized. Mr. Childs was a successful business man and a public spirited citizen, and died in Utica July 31, 1895. January 13, 1853, he married Anna Jane, daughter of Isaac and Jane Tapping, of Utica, who survives him. Their children were Charles Parker, born October 10, 1854, died July 30, 1862; Alice Jane, born August 20, 1857; William Tapping, born July 1, 1862; and Carrie Louise, born December 17, 1867. William T. Childs became a member of the firm of L. C. Childs & Son in 1884 and upon his father's death succeeded to the management of the busi ness which consists of general printing, lithographing, and blank book manufactur ing. In July, 1882, he married S. Alice, daughter of John G. Fowler, of Utica, and their children are Lulu C, Mabel L. and Johnson F. Storrs, William Mansfield, was born in Utica and is a son of Shubael Storrs and grandson of Ebenezer, who served as a private in Captain Experience Storrs' s Com pany, Third Connecticut Continental regiment, in the Revolutionary war. Shubael Storrs came "to Utica from Mansfield Conn., in 1803. He died July 29, 1847. Will iam M. Storrs was educated in the Utica Academy, and in 1860 engaged in the fancy goods business, in which he continued eighteen years, at 71 Genesee street. In 1880 he took charge of the office of the American Express Company, a position he has since filled with credit and ability. He has long been a director in the Utica and Binghamton Railroad Company, and has been prominent in many other business enterprises for the last twenty-five years. He was an active member of the Utica Citizens' Corps from 1853 to the time of its entering the N. Y. State Guard, holdirg every office in its gift. ¦ He is a warden of Trinity Episcopal church, and in all mat ters of a public nature takes a lively interest. In 1861 he married Harriet L., daugh ter of John Butterfield, a prominent citizen of Utica, and they have living four children: Henry C. , Mrs. E. W. Haslehurst, E. Virginia and Sophia B. Goodsell, Lawton B., was born in Westmoreland December 24, 1826, son of Sam uel P. and Mercy (Barker) Goodsell. Samuel P. Goodsell was born in Washington county in 1792, and moved to Westmoreland about 1802. His father, Jacob Good- sell, was among the earliest settlers in the,township. Samuel P. Goodsell engaged in the manufacturing business, was a farmer, and was also a soldier in the war of 1812, where he was stationed, part of the time, at Sackett's Harbor. His entire life was passed in the township of Westmoreland, where he died May 8, 1873, at the age of eighty-two. Mrs. Goodsell, his wife, was born in 1879, in Washington county, and removed here with her parents in 1805, where she lived to be ninety years old. Lawton B. Goodsell was educated in Westmoreland, and engaged in farming, which he still continues, He has a fine farm of 140 acres all under a good state of cultiva tion, occupying one of the most eligible locations in the township. Mr. Goodsell is a staunch Republican, and one of the most active supporters.of his party. He has been assessor of the town thirteen years. He married Cordelia Stevens of Lewis county, by whom he had three children: Cornelia M., wife of George Thomas, who died August 8, 1886, aged thirty-one years, Ida M., married to Menzo Corey of Deansboro, N. Y., and Sarah M., married to M. A. Shafer of Utica. Mr. Goodsell and family are members of the Baptist church. Euin, Joseph F., was born in Utica, N. Y., son of the late Joseph Euin, who was FAMILY SKETCHES. 227 born in Ireland, and came to the United States, where he engaged in the boot and shoe business in Utica. He married Ann Daley, of Ireland, by whom he had five children: Mary A., Francis A., Eliza J., Joseph F. and William T. J. F. Euin was educated in the schools of Utica, and was graduated from the Academy in 1862. He was first employed by the Western Union Telegraph Company ; then as clerk in the Utica, Clinton and Binghamton Railroad Company's office, and in 1868 was appointed station and express agent at Clinton, where he has remained up to this time,, notwithstanding all the changes of said road. French, James G., was born in Whitestown (now New Hartford), Oneida county, November 9, 1823, and is a son of John French, whose birth occurred in the same house about 1798. John French, sr. , grandfather of James G. , came here with Judge Jedediah Sanger from New Hampshire, and settled in New Hartford, two and one- half miles south of Utica. John, jr., was for many years a prominent citizen and figures largely in the history of the town and vicinity. He died in 1886. His wife was Almira, daughter of Robert Gilmore, another early pioneer of New Hartford, and of their thirteen children eight are living, viz: Mrs. A. J. Lord, Thomas, Will iam M., Henry C, and Daniel, of New Hartford; James G., of Utica; Francis M., of Morehouseville, New York; and Mrs. Abbie Pendergast, of Norwich, N. Y. An other, John, died in 1894. James G. French came to Utica in July, 1839, and has ever since made this city his home. He read law with Dexter Gilmore, and was admitted to the bar here in 1847, and practiced his profession successfully until about 1864, .when he engaged in the insurance business. In 1866 he accepted a position in the county clerk's office, where he has since remained. Wood, Francis C, son of George W., was bom in Utica March 8, 1837. George W. Wood came to Utica from Vermont about 1834, engaged in the hardware and foundry business, and died while on a trip to New York city in 1854. He was a director in the Bank of Utica and a trustee and. one of the building committee of Westminster church. Francis G. Wood was one of the first graduating class of what is now the Utica Free Academy. He was graduated from Princeton University in 1858, pursued his legal studies at Columbia Law School in New York city under Professor Dwight, and was admitted to practice in 1860. He became managing clerk in the office of Roscoe Conkling and Montgomery H. Throop, and in April, 1861, was made secretary to Admiral Mervine, who was appointed to the command of the Gulf Blockading squadron. In the following autumn Admiral Mervine was recalled and Mr. Wood returned to Utica, formed a law partnership with Thomas R. Walker, and practiced his profession with success for several years. In 1864, with E. A. Wood, he organized the Utica Steam Gauge Company, from which he withdrew in 1882. He had become interested in the organization of the American District Telegraph Company, and later was one of the organizers of the Central New York Telephone and Telegraph Company, of which he became a director and the secre tary and treasurer, which position he still holds. He is president of the board of trustees of, Bethany Presbyterian church and since 1861 (a period of forty years) superintendent of its Sunday school, a trustee and treasurer of the Home for the Homeless, a trustee of the Utica Female Academy and of the Utica Cemetery Asso ciation, and a director in the First National Bank, the Mohawk Valley Cotton Mills, and the Skenandoa Cotton Company. In September, 1864, he married Mary 228 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. H., daughter of E. M. Gilbert, of Utica, and their children living are Sarah G., George W., and Anna G. Douglass, William, was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, October 8, 1831, son of Charles and Catherine Douglass. Charles Douglass died in 1861, and Mrs. Douglass died in 1884. William Douglass was educated partly in Scotland and partly in Canada. He came to New York Mills in 1855, and engaged in dyeing, at which he continues. Mr. Douglass is boss dyer in No. 3 mill, which position he has held a number of years, being one of the oldest employees of the company. He married Mary Agnew, daughter of Alexander Agnew, of Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland, and by whom he has three children : Jennie, Isabel, and W. A. Douglass, who is a lawyer in Utica, N. Y. Hitchcock, Albert, was born at Lebanon Springs, Columbia county, March 9, 1848, son of Julius V. and Delia Hitchcock. Julius Hitchcock was bom in 1807, and was engaged in farming and sheep raising, and he moved to Whitestown in 1850 and con ducted a farm of 125 acres. He was commissioner of highways several terms, and always took an active interest in the success of his party, in which he was a staunch Democrat. Albert Hitchcock was educated in the Whitestown Seminary, from which he was graduated. He was for sixteen years proprietor of the Whites- town and Utica Express. He was for two years conductor on the New York Central Railroad, and is now one of the firm of the Central Coal Company of Whitesboro. Mr. Hitchcock owns the old Wetmore homestead, and this celebrated residence is 110 years old. There is on this property a spring, out of which the Marquis de La Fay ette drank when he was serving in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Hitchcock married Elizabeth Wetmore of Whitestown, by whom he has one son, Clarence W. , a drug gist in Newark, N. J. Mr. Hitchcock is a Democrat, and he and his wife are mem bers of the Baptist church at Whitesboro. Scott, W. J., was bom July 28, 1823, son of Marvin and Julia M. (Ives) Scott, and his grandfather was Amos Scott. His grandfather on his mother's side came to Bridgewater in 1793, and with his cousin, Jesse Ives, were the first settlers in the town. W. J. Scott has been engaged in farming all his life, and is to-day one of the most extensive owners of farm land in Central New York ; his farm aggregating 1,250 acres, 625 of which are on one block surrounding the homestead. The old Masonic lodge erected 100 years ago now stands on his land. Mr. Scott is full of anecdotes and good stories Of the old times, when the now fertile fields were a wilder ness. He is a strong Republican, and very patriotic to his party. In 1865 he estab lished Scott's Bank in Bridgewater, and conducted it successfully for fourteen years, when his health compelled him to relinquish it. In 1847 he married Emeline Munn, by whom he has three children : Anna, now Mrs. S. T. Meservey, of Fort Dodge, la. , Lizzie, now Mrs. Charles G. Wood, of Utica, N. Y. ; and Dayton M. Scott, who is a farmer in Bridgewater, Beebee, Edward B., was born in Bridgewater, N. Y., March 11, 1845, and with his parents removed to Oneida in 1860. His father, Galutia Beebee, was bbrn in Brook field, Madison county, February 18, 1828, and is a sash and blind maker by trade and has continued to reside in Oneida since his removal there in 1860. His wife, Louisa H. Brown, born in Brookfield, July 14, 1826. Edward B. attended the FAMILY SKETCHES. 229 Oneida public schools and afterwards the Oneida Seminary. At the age of seven teen he entered the office of the "Democratic Union" and learned the printer's trade, and has spent the greater part of his time since in connection with that estab lishment, at present acting as foreman. In 1883 he bought a market gardening farm at Oneida Castle, where he has since resided, carrying on that industry in connec tion with bis business in Oneida. Mr. Beebee is an ardent Democrat, and on that ticket has been elected three times president of the village, which office he now holds, and is also a member of the Board of Education. January 27, 1875, he married Mary A. Tefft, an accomplished young lady, who was the daughter of Almon and Ann H. Tefft, formerly of Stockbridge, Madison county, N. Y. Mrs. Beebe has ever been a helpful adviser and an exemplary wife and mother ; her ever kind and cautious advice has had much to do with her husband's success, and her children are living testimonials of her careful and christianlike training She was born January 24, 1858, near Waterville, N. Y., and they have had six children, five of whom are liv ing: Harry E., born May 5, 1878; Francis C, born May 30, 1880; Susie B., born December 7, 1882; A. Louisa, born June 28, 1888; S. Maxon, born November 12, 1889; C. Ray, born September 9, 1894. The family circle has once been broken by the death of the second daughter who was an unusually bright child, whose death occurred at the age of five months. Harry E. , the oldest son, is an ardent student and is preparing himself for a teacher. Mr. Beebee has been prominently connected with the affairs and improvements of the village and energetic in the work of im provement of the public schools under his supervision. He has one sister, Carrie A., who was born April 10, 1868, and is living at home with her parents in Oneida; she is unmarried and is an expert dressmaker, which occupation she is at present engaged in. Lane, A. V., was born in Vienna, N. Y., September 23, 1862, son of William and Salome (Dunton) Lane. His father was a lumber merchant, and Mr. Lane was early .associated with that business. At the age of seventeen he was. a can maker at Cam den, and after working at several different places, including Chicago and St. Louis in the west, and Rome in this county, he came to Sauquoit in J.892, and superin tended the building of the canning factory and warehouse at Sauquoit, and has' been superintendent of the business since. In 1887 he married Emma Mohat, by whom he has two children : Fordyce G. and Catherine. The canning factory turns out 30,000 cases a year, each case containing two dozen packages, and 200 people are employed in the bu%y season. Maine, August, was born June 20, 1848, in Hannover, Germany, and came to America in 1864 settling first in Baltimore, Md., where he remained three years, be ing for a time assistant in the Annapolis Arfny Hospital during the latter part of the Civil war where he obtained his first experience in medicine and surgery. In 1867 after letters patent had been granted to H. and F. Marx, his uncles, for the manu facturing of wood pulp, he associated himself with them, and became their representa tive in various parts of the country, finally settling in Utica in 1871. Here he en gaged in the book business which he successfully continued for about five years. He then read medicine under the late Dr. Joseph D. Kellner, and continued five years longer with the late firm of Dr. W. Sawens & Co. , druggists, and after exami- 230 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. nation started a drug store in Ilion, N. Y., but four years later returned to Utica and started a drug store on Columbia Square, West Utica. which he has since continued. He is a member of Utica Lodge No. 47, F. & A. M., the American and New York State Pharmaceutical Association, the Utica Maennerchor, the German Sick Aid Society, the German Order of Harugarri, the Utica German Rifles and other organ izations. In 1875 he married Anna, daughter of the late Joseph D. Kellner of Utica. Foster, Mrs. Theodosia M. — She married James H. Foster, son of Charles, and they had two sons: Edward Snow, who was educated in the Home School and Hamilton College, and is at present residing upon and managing the home farm ; and James Henry, who was graduated from Hamilton College, class of '95, being first prize debater and first classical scholar, and is now Latin professor in Wabash, Ind. Mr. Foster died a few years after their marriage. Mrs. Foster is the author of several published volumes, and is known to the public as " Faye Huntington." Daniel D. Toll, Mrs. Foster's father, was bora in 1812, and was educated in Whites- town Seminary when it was known as Oneida Institute. He married Ruth H., daughter of Samuel Hills, who settled in the eastern part of the town early in the century. They had four children : Theodosia M. , Eunice H. , Alida S. , and Adeline F. Eunice H. has had remarkable success as a teacher and for several years has been associated with her sister, Mrs. Foster, in the well and favorably known institution, The Home School. For a few years the school was located at New Hartford, but since 1883 in the home of the Toll family. The third daughter married Frank Everett, of Sharon, Conn , and their children were Edward, Ruth, Daisy (deceased), Harriet, Richard F. and Frank W. The oldest son resides in Sharon, Conn. Mr. Everettt is dead and Mrs. Everett resides with her sisters and their father, who is eighty-four years old. His wife died in 1890.. The fourth daughter, Adeline F., married Henry Velie Clark, of Rochester, N. Y. She died in 1892. The family have resided on the homestead since 1815, Simon De Witt Toll being the first to settle here. He was the son of Daniel and Susan (Switz) Toll, and was born in Albany in 1780. He married Susan Conde, a native of Schenectady county, the granddaughter of Adam Conde, a French Huguenot who fled to Holland on account of religious per secution and emigrated to America in the sixteenth century, settling at Schenectady, He was of the family of the "Princes of Conde" and was himself known as the " Chevalier." The Tolls descended from Karl Hansen Toll, who was of Norwegian descent, but came to America from Holland in the latter part of the sixteenth century and settled at Schenectady, the family being for several generations among the most noted for wealth and influence in that region. Of the eleven children of Daniel Toll and Susan Conde only two are living, Daniel D. and Parthenia Ogden, wife of A. C. McDannald, of Central College, Ohio. The first of the Fosters was one Chris topher, on the shipping list as a farmer when he embarked at London, June 17, 1635, in the ship Abigail. The Snows (maternal ancestors of James H. Foster) came in 1622, and the Hopkins whom this Snow ancestor married came in the Mayflower. Beck, Christopher, was born in Baden, Germany, December 18, 1841. He came with his parents to the United States when ten years of age, and located in Coon rod Settlement, near Rome, N. Y., and came to Verona three years later. He was educated in the common schools, and has always been a farmer. March 81, 1880, he FAMILY SKETCHES. 231 married Allie J. Poppleton, of this town, by whom he had two children; Ernina C. and A. Leora. Peter Beck, father of Christopher, was born at the old home in Germany in 1804, was educated there and aftewards engaged in farming. He mar ried Elizabeth White, also of Germany, by whom he had nine children: Jacob J., Elizabeth, Caroline, Mary, Christopher, Catherine, Addie, and two who died in in fancy. Mr. Beck died in 1877, and his wife in 1885. Mrs. Beck's father, Zenas Poppleton, was born in this county in 1837. He was educated in the public schools, and is a farmer by occupation. He married Josephine A. Hess, of this town, by whom he had two children: Allie J., and Archie H. For his second wife Mr. Pop pleton married Pauline Gates, formerly of Germany, by whom he had seven children. Stone, Richard, was bom in the town of Nelson, Madison county, N. Y. , Septem ber 10, 1815. He was educated in the district schools and has since followed a variety of occupations. He followed the canal for thirty years, but is now a farmer. In 1840 he married Olive A. Hardin, of Verona, who was born in Granville, N. Y. They had -four children: Alvin R., who married Emma Boyd, of Western, and has six children; Everitt L., who married Sarah West and has three children ; Frances, L., who married S. E. Burdick, of this town, and has two children; and Agnes A., who died at the age of six years. Mrs. Stone died in 1879. His father, Oliver Stone, was born in Braintree, Vt., in 1761 and came to this State at an early day. He mar ried twice, his second wife being Lydia Mentor, bora in Brattleborough, Vt, by whom he had nine children. He died February 2, 1831, and his wife in 1870. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Richard Stone has $7.50 in Continental currency in his possession. The family is 6"f English, Irish, and Scotch descent. Gilchrist, Florence. — The late Charles W. Gilchrist was born in Otsego county, N. Y., July 7, 1825. He was educated in the public schools, and afterwards engaged in farming. He came to this county when a young man, and June 25, 1874, married Florence Brown, formerly of Herkimer county, by whom he had two children: F. Agnes and Alice B. Mr. Gilchrist died February 19, 1895. The ancestry of Mrs. Gilchrist's family is Scotch, dating back to 1774. Sherrill, L. T., was born in the town of New Hartford in 1840, son of Joseph Allen Sherrill, who is now living in his eighty-fifth year, in the town where he was born, and who is a man of much ability and a great reader. L. T. Sherrill is a representa tive of a family closely identified with the early history of the town of New Hart ford, and his paternal ancestors figured in the growth of the nation, being active participants at the Boston tea party, and in the war of the Revolution. His grand.- f ather, Lewis Sherrill, came here from East Hampton, L. I., before 1800. Mr. Sher rill received his education in New Hartford, and in Utica, and was for several years a salesman in an importer's house at New York; but in 1863 went to the front with . the 23d Brooklyn Regiment, and was in service three months, going out as a private soldier, and returning as lieutenant. Sihce the war he has been a staff officer in Utica. In 1868 he married Adelaide E., daughter of Goodwin P. Soper, a lumber merchant at Oneida, N. Y., by whom he had four children: Cecelia Adelaide, class of '93 Smith College, now in the library at Utica; Arthur Lewis, a student in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at New York ; Grace Munger, an art student of 232 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Smith College, also in the library at Utica; and Goodwin Allen, pursuing studies in Boston, Mass. Mr. Sherrill is a member or the Presbyterian church, of which his father has been elder for fifty-four years. Porter, J. M. was born in the town of New Hartford in 1837, son of Rufus Porter, who was born in Connecticut. He is a direct descendant of Captain John Porter, and a representative of a family identified with the settlement of the town, his grand father, Martin Porter, being one of the first settlers here. Mr. Porter was educated at Whitestown Seminary, and first engaged in farming. In early life he began making cider on his farm, and in 1886 moved into town and built the cider mill here, relinquishing all care of the farm to his son, Eugene C. Porter. He has also, two daughters, Nettie R. and Grace A. ; and one son, Wallace, died at the age of two years. Mr. Porter is a Democrat and has served his party as supervisor and assessor. Griffith, William H., was born in the southern part of Wales, in 1832, and came to New Hartford when ten years of age, where he was educated in the common schools. He has been engaged in farming from boyhood, and owns seventy acres, where his father, John Griffith, settled. John Griffith was born in Wales in 1800, coming to this country in 1842. He first worked the quarry located on the farm, and once did a large business in building stone. His industry and integrity placed him in the front rank of the men of the county, and he died at eighty-two years of age. In 1864 William H. married Amelia Dennig, of Washington Mills, by whom he has four children: Wallace, who is residing at home ; -George, an expert mechanic, and a valued employee of the Ilion typewriter works ; Carrie, wife of Delos Terry, who is station agent on the D., L. & W. R. R. at Washington Mills; and Hettie, who is living at home. Mr. Griffith is an ardent Republican, serving acceptably in the offices of collector and highway commissioner. Barnes, Samuel C. , was born in Russia, Herkimer county, April 21, 1844, son of Samuel and Lydia Barnes. Samuel Barnes was a native of Oneida county, and was engaged in the coopering business. He died in 1871, aged eighty years. Samuel C. was educated in New York Mills, after which he engaged in the mill. In the late civil war he volunteered and went to the front with Co. A, 97th Infantry, and was in the battles of Cedar Mountain, Thoroughfare Gap, Rappahanock River, and Second Bull Run, and although in some of the hottest battles of the war, escaped without a wound and was discharged by reason of disability. Mr. Barnes is second hand mule spinner in Mill No. 1. He married Jennie A. Herron, daughter of James Herron of New York Mills, by whom he has one daughter, Jennie S., married to Frederick Shaw of New York Mills. Mr. Barnes is a member of the F. & A. M., Oriental Lodge No. 224, and also of the A. O. U. W. Mallory, A. P., was born in the town of New Hartford, N. Y., in 1826, as was also ' his father, Samuel Mallory, who was born in 1800. The latter died in 1872, after a long and useful life in which he was engaged in farming. The grandfather came from Connecticut in the latter part of the last century. Mr. A. P. Mallory has been in strumental in opening and developing an extensive quarry of building stone, for which he finds ready market in and about Utica. He is a Republican and has served his party as commissioner of highways. In 1859 he married Margaret Griffith of Welsh parentage, by whom he has four children: James D. ; Mary, wife of F. B. Sev- FAMILY SKETCHES. 233 erance, a Methodist Episcopal minister ; Howard A. ; and Susan, wife of James Davis, of Washington Mills. Ashmore, George, was born in England May 23, 1821, came to America in 1841, and has since resided in Utica, following the trade of carpenter and builder. He has worked on a large number of the finer buildings and is one of the oldest carpenters in the city. May 23, 1854, he married Hester Kimball, of Utica, and they have five children: Thomas George, John E, (a photo-engraver in Syracuse), Wallace E. (a painter in Syracuse), Mary L. and Nellie E. Martin, Chester H., was born in Vienna, Oneida county, in 1859. His father, Stephen J. Martin, was a carpenter and builder, following that occupation through life. He was also born in the town of Vienna, his parents having settled there in the early history of the county. The Martin ancestors came from England at the begin ning of this century. He married Phcebette Gager, a native of Oneonta, N. Y. , who died in 1865, and Mr. Martin is still living in Oneida county. After attending school in Vienna Chester H. Martin made a three years' tour through the western part of the country, visiting nearly all of the States. Upon his return he went to Nashville, Tenn., where he engaged in carpentry and building for ten years. In 1890 he re turned to Oneida county, settling in Oneida Castle, and built a handsome block, the first floor'of which he occupies with a general store. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Odd Fellows. He married Anna Gager, a native of Vienna, who was born in 1862, and by whom he has four children: Lucile M., Etta O., Earn est A. and Stephen J. Van Swall, Pernett, was born near Vernon Center, N. Y., in 1854, being the second in a family of five children. His father, George W. Van Swall, is a leading farmer of the town of Vernon. He was born in the town of Westmoreland, and lived sev eral years in the town of Marshall, previous to locating in Vernon, and his father, John Van Swall, came from Albany, and was one of the early settlers in Oneida county, and the parents of the elder Van Swall were natives of Germany. George W. Van Swall married Delia M. Chesbro, a native of the town of Marshall, who is still living at Vernon Center. Pernett received his education at Vernon Center, after which he worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-three years of age, when he engaged in the meat business at Vernon Center for considerable time ; and finally running' the grist and saw mill at that place, they having come into his possession. He discontinued the meat business, and for the next six years, conducted the two mills mentioned. In 1894 he sold the mill property and rented the hotel at Lowell, N. Y.., taking possession January 1, 1895. He is an active Republican, and has held several town offices. He has one son, Hawiey H. , who was born in 1880. Wight, Lyman L., M. D., was born in Wales, Mass., July 21, 1822, son of Phiny and Anna Fletcher Wight. Lyman L. came to Whitesboro in 1844 and studied medicine with Drs. Thomas and Gardner. From 1847 to 1849 he practiced in New York; then his health failed and he returned to Whitesboro in 1850. In 1863 Dr. Wight in connection with George Williams started a cheese factory in Whitesboro, and later the bought out Mr. Williams's interest and conducted this factory alone. He was interested in five factories located in New Hartford, Walesville, Colman's Mills, Kirkland, and Whitesboro. Dr. Wight was instrumental in forming the dd 234 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Board of Trade in Utica, and of which body he was president for about fifteen years. He was one of the originators of the Farmers' Club in Oneida county. Dr. Wight was the largest cheese manufacturer in Oneida county, and he was also the pioneer manufacturer in turning out a large cheese, making one that weighed 5,233 pounds, which was unheard of at that time. He was a prominent man in politics, and was on the Board of Supervisors two terms, and was chairman of the County Committee. He is also owner of thepipe and water works system of Whitesboro ; this water comes from the springs on the doctor's farm, and is piped by him throughout the village, supplying the houses. Dr. Wight married Mary M., daughter of Julius Watkins, a prominent farmer of Oneida county, and also president of the bank in his place. They have one son, J. W. Wight, of Whitesboro, N. Y. Snell, Ira L., was born October 5, 1841. In 1869 he came from Stockbridge, first settling on a farm about four miles south of Oneida Castle, and two years later he hought the farm at Kenwood, where he has since resided. His father, Frederick Snell, was born in the town of Manheim, Herkimer county, in 1804, and moved to Stockbridge in 1822, where he lived until his death, which occurred August 29, 1873. He became one of the leading as well as the most successful farmers in the county, and his grandfather, with six brothers, was in the famous battle of Oriskany, and it is said that five of them were killed during the engagement. He married Nancy Stam, also of Herkimer county, who was born in 1811, and died in 1881. Ira L. Snell has for a number of years been an active and earnest worker in the Democratic ranks, and has several times represented his assembly district in the State Conven tion. He was one of the organizers and is now a director in the Farmers' .and Mer chants' Bank of Oneida, N. Y He is also one of the trustees of the Oneida Savings Bank. In 1870 he married Ellen J. Eaton, who was born in Stockbridge in 1845, by whom he has two daughters: S. Edith, and Harriet E. Merwin, Hon. Milton H., son of Alanson and Amanda (Kimball) Merwin, was born in the town of Leyden, Lewis county, N. Y., June 16, 1832, and is descended from Miles Merwin, who came from the North of England and settled near Milford, Conn., about 1640. James Merwin, father of Alanson, moved to Leyden from Haddam, Conn., in 1800, and served as a soldier at Sackett's Harbor in the war of 1812. Judge Merwin was educated in the public schools of his native town and in Oneida Confer ence Seminary at Cazenovia, N. Y. , and in 1848 entered Hamilton College, from which he was graduated in 1852. He read law in Watertown, N. Y., with Joseph Mullin, afterward judge of the Supreme Court, and was admitted to the bar at the Watertown general term in July, 1853. He practiced in the office of his preceptor as clerk or partner until the election of Mr. Mullin to the Supreme Court bench in the fall of 1857. Judge Merwin then continued in the practice until October, 1874, when he was appointed by Governor John A. Dix, justice of the Supreme Court in place of Judge Charles H. Doolittle, of Utica, deceased. Meantime Judge Merwin had served a term of four years as surrogate of Jefferson county, and also as a mem ber of the State Constitutional Convention of 1867-68. At the following election in November, 1874, he was elected to the Supreme Court bench for a full term of four teen years, and in the fall of that year took up his residence in Utica. On the expi ration of his term he was re-elected in November, 1888, for another period of four teen years. As a jurist Judge Merwin has officiated with ability, credit and dignity. FAMILY SKETCHES. 235 He is well versed in the science of the law and is universally regarded as an upright, conscientious, and honored member of the bench. He was a member of the General Term of the Supreme Court from January 1, 1889, to January 1, 1896, when he became a member of the Appellate Division of that tribunal. Judge Merwin was married in November, 1858, to Miss Helen E., daughter of Ira Knapp, of Middle Granville, Washington county, N. Y. They have five children. Crouse, John M., senior member of the firm John M. Crouse & Son, wholesale grocers, of Utica, is a son of Daniel Crouse, who joined his brother, John Crouse, in the business as a general store in Canastota, N. Y., in 1827. In 1860 Daniel Crouse moved the concern to Utica and established a wholesale trade, taking the name of Daniel Crouse, Son & Co. In 1871 this was changed to Daniel Crouse & Sons, and in 1881 to J. M. & C. B. Crouse, both sons of Daniel. In 1894 the present firm of John M. Crouse & Son succeeded to the business, C. B. Crouse retiring and Beecher M. Crouse son of John M. being admitted. Daniel Crouse was born in 1805 in Minden, N. Y., settled in Utica in 1863, and died here in September, 1877. In 1833 he married Catherine Jane Beecher, who survives, and of their five children three are living: Daniel N., Charles B., and John M., all of Utica. The firm whose business he founded nearly seventy years age does an extensive wholesale grocery trade, and is one of the oldest and most prosperous cqncerns of the kind in Central New York. Their present store on the corner of Broad and John streets was built by Daniel Crouse and Daniel, N. Crouse in 1871. In 1874 the firm established a large packing and provision business on Catherine street, and still continues it in con nection with the store. John M. Crouse is a director of the Oneida National Bank, the Utica Steam Cotton Mills, the Mohawk Valley Cotton Mills, the Roberts- Wicks Company, and the Mohawk Valley Scotch Cap Factory. Cook, Mathias, M. D., was born in Cologne, Germany, April 26, 1840, and received instruction in the gymnasia there until he attained the age of fourteen, when he came to America with his parents, who settled in Columbus, Ohio There he taught school and music, and by this means earned enough to pay for a thorough medical educa tion at Starling Medical College in Columbus. In 1863 he entered the army as as sistant surgeon of United States volunteers, afterwards serving as a surgeon of the Second Ohio Cavalry until the close of the war. In 1866 he came to Utica, where he has since lived practicing his profession. In 1870-71 he served in the Franco- Prussian war as a volunteer surgeon. The doctor is an enthusiastic member of the G. A. R. , and surgeon of Bacon Post, No. 53, and has also been its commander. At the Syracuse encampment he was chosen delegate to the National Encampment in September, 1888. After Mr. Cleveland was elected the first time for the presi dency ex-Gov. Horatio Seymour urged him to become a candidate for a foreign con sulship, but various posts of the G. A. R. recommended him as an examining surgeon for pensions, which latter appointment he received and held during Mr. Cleveland's first term. In 1889 he was elected by a large majority as bne of the coroners of Oneida county, mostly due to his popularity and the help of his comrades, who again in 1893 recommended him to his former position on the Board of Examining Surgeons for Pensions, of which board he is now the president. Dr. Cook is, with few ex ceptions, the oldest practicing physician in Utica, and always ready to advise, par ticularly a deserving soldier. He takes special interest in microscopical studies. 236 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. He is a member of the Oneida County Medical Society, and for thirty years a mem ber of the Utica Maennechor, of which he has been president. April 30, 1866, Dr. Cook married Josephine Brendle, a native of Paris, France. Capron, C. G., M. D., was born in Utica, N. Y., June 6, 1867, and is a son of John S. Capron, who came here with his parents from Lewis county, and for several years has been a partner in the extensive dry goods firm of J. B. Wells, Son & Co. His grandfather was the Hon. David Gray of Marcy, who died in September, 1895. Dr. Capron was educated in the public and private schools of his native city, at Whites- town Seminary, and in the Utica Advanced School, and prepared for college at Dr. Holbrook's Military Academy in Sing Sing. He read medicine with Dr. Frank F. Laird, one of the leading homceopathists of Utica, and was graduated from Hahne mann Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1890. During the last six months of his course there he was interne in the Children's Homoeopathic Hospital. In May, 1890, he began the practice of his profession in Utica, where he has already acquired success, having offices with his preceptor, Dr. Laird. Dr. Capron is a member of the Oneida County Homoeopathic Medical Society and its president for 1896, and for two years prior to this served as its secretary and treasurer. He is also a member of the American Institute of Homoeopathy and a member and examining surgeon of Imperial Council, No. 70, R. A. June 21, 1893, he married Carolyn M., daughter of James W. Rathbun, of Utica. Olds, Marquis D., was born in the town of Oxford, N. Y., August 27, 1850, son of Ezra and Eliza (Brockway) Olds. He worked at farm work until twenty years of age, beginning at $4 a month. He next conducted a restaurant during one winter. when he took a position on the old Syracuse and Binghamton railroad, to learn operating and the duties of agent. He applied to the old Oswego and Midland rail road for a position, and was appointed agent and operator at New Berlin Junction. He remained there two years, when the Oswego and Midland railroad failed, and he came to Deansville in March, 1875, as agent and operator, a position he has filled with ability and success-, and he has also had charge of the coal department since 1885. Mr. Olds married Carrie F. Root, by whom he has two children: Edna Florence and Howard Root Olds. MacFarland, Mrs. L. W. , is a descendant of one of the oldest and most prominent families of New Hartford. Her father, Hon. Samuel Hicks, came here in 1807 friom East Hampton, L. I. He was the son °f Captain Zacheriah Hicks and Rebecca Conkling-Sherrill, and was born at East Hampton October 7, 1783., Coming to this place at the age of twenty-one, he became the business manager of the New Hart ford Cotton Manufacturing Company. Resigning this position in 1837, he devoted his attention to real estate and other business interests. In politics he was an "Old time Whig," and in 1824 was one of the presidential electors for John Quincy Adams. February 18, 1818, he married Lucinda Huntington, of Walpole, N. H., one of whose ancestors was appointed by Washington major of the first troops that left Connecti cut at the beginning of the Revolution. Another ancestor was one of the four offi cers who originated the Society of The Cincinnati, and another, Samuel Huntington, was the twelfth signer of the Declaration of Independence, and president of the Continental Congress after Hancock resigned. She was also descended from the FAMILY SKETCHES. 237 same ancestor as General Ulysses S. Grant. She died October 8, 1820, leaving two children. The youngest, Lucinda Huntington Hicks, married Luther Wheelock MacFarland of North Adams, Mass. , and resides in the old mansion built by her father in 1826. Mrs. MacFarland's reminiscences of old New Hartford, of the cul tured society, and of the men and women, who, going from here, have become prominent in the country, are delightful to listen to. De Votie, Duane D., is a son of Peter E. De Votie, who was born in Vernon Cen ter in 1807, but lived the greater part of his time on the Seneca road in the town of Vernon. His ancestors came to this country from France in 1743, and the father of Peter E. settled in Vernon Center in 1801, where he followed farming and speculat ing. He married Maria P. Mandeville, who was born March 6, 1839, and is now living on the old homestead. Duane D. is one of a family of eight children, and received his education at Vernon, after which he remained on the farm until 1876, when he traveled through the Western States, spending nearly five years mostly in the employ of the government. In the latter part of 1880 he returned home, and has since had complete charge of the farm. He has devoted much time to politics, and is a Democrat and closely identified with the interest of the party. Gardner, Mrs. O. S. — The late Orson S. Gardner was born in Sauquoit, N. Y. , July 1, 1820, son of Asa and Dorothy Gardner. Orson S. came to New York Mills when sixteen years of age. He worked a short time in Rochester, and then returned to New York Mills, where he was in the employ of the mills for many years, and was one of its most faithful apd esteemed employees. He was an attendant of the Metho dist Episcopal church, and was a Republican in politics. He was also a member of the Oriental Lodge F'. & A. M., Oneida chapter, and Yahnundahsis Lodge. He was a thirty-second degree Mason and was highly respected. He married Eleanor Man ning, who survives him with two children: M. Eleanora and Frederick A. Norton, Samuel D., was born in Vernon, near the place where he now lives, Feb ruary 12, 1843. His grandfather settled in the town in 1807, when Philo Norton, father of Samuel D., was seven years of age. They had immigrated from Connec ticut, and settled near what afterwards became Vernon Center. Philo Norton mar ried Emily Bartholomew, who was born in Vermont in 1804, but who was then a resident of Augusta, and she died at Vernon Center in 1881. Mr. Norto 1 devoted his'life to farming, and in which he was one of the foremost in the town. Samuel D. attended school at Vernon, and at the Whitestown Seminary, and has since been engaged in farming. He has for several years held the office of justice of the peace. He married Mary M. Tracy, a native of Vernon, and daughter of Samuel D. and Emily J. Tracy. She was born September 11, 1849, and received her education at Vernon, and the Home Seminary at Clinton, N. Y. Davis. I. E., was born in Fulton county, February 22, 1852, son of Jacob B.' and Sarah Davis, and learned the trade of joiner with his father, subsequently perfect ing himself at Rockwood. In 1867 he came to Holman City with his father, who started the business, now conducted by I. E. Davis. Mr. Davis has a thoroughly equipped factory for doing all kinds of wood work, such as sawing, planing, scroll sawing, turning, etc. He also makes cisterns, tubs, and tanks, for which he has a good reputation for best work, and also owns a cider mill. In 1879 he married Miss 238 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Ida Hopkins, of Waterville, daughter of Thomas Hopkins (a descendant of Stephen Hopkins). He has two sons, Thomas and Raymond. He is a member of the Odd Fellow Lodge No. 108, at Sauquoit, of which he is secretary. Mr. Davis's family is a branch of the family of which Jeff. Davis was a scion. Kenney, Marcus E., was born in Truxton, Cortland county, April 8, 1848, received his education at Cortland Academy and CazenoviaSeminary, and at the age of nine teen engaged in the hardware business at Trnxton in partnership with his father, Hosea M. , with whom he was thus associated for nineteen years. In 1886 he came to Utica and for two years traveled for Russel Wheeler and for one year for D. H Rowe & Co., of Chicago. Having taken up the studies of an optician, he purchased on December 10, 1890, the optical business of A. J. McCall, and on January 26, 1891, was graduated from the Ophthalmic College and Hospital of Chicago. On May 30, 1893, his son, Arthur M., was graduated from the same institution and has since been his business associate. Mr. Kenney is a member of Faxton Lodge, F. & A. M., Oneida Lodge, I. O. O. F., Imperial Council No. 70, Royal Arcanum, the Com mercial Travelers' Mutual Accident Association of America, and a trustee of the Tabernacle Baptist church. Linsley Harvey, is a native of Middlebury, Vt. , and in 1833, when but one year old. came with his parents to Madison county, settling in the town of Lenox. His father, Hiram Linsley, was a lifelong farmer, and was born in 1796. He married Maria Rugg, a native of Vermont, who died in 1874. Mr. Linsley died in 1876. Harvey Linsley, at the age of nine years, was bound out until he became of age. In the mean time he attended the public school in Klockville, Madison county, and afterwards pursued his farm life. At the age of nineteen, having bought his remain ing time of service, he went to Wampsville, and soon after, in 1862, enlisted in the ' 157th N. Y. Vols., remaining in the service for three years, and while there he re ceived a severe wound from a shot in the left side. He was promoted from private to corporal, then to fifth sergeant, and finally to third sergeant, serving in that official capacity during the rest of the war. Since his return from the army he has been engaged in farming in Madison and Oneida counties, having occupied his present farm residence for a long period of time. He married Lucretia C. Stam, daughter of George D. and Elizabeth Stam, by whom he has one daughter, Blanche, married to George I. Lloyd, who is in business in Syracuse. Ely, Belle, is one of the most notable personages of Oneida county to-day, and as the last representative of her line of the Ely family, she inherits not only a large farm property, but also the ability of her ancestors that accumulated it, and there is no farm in the town better managed than her 300 acre homestead, and she supervises it entirely herself. Her great-grandfather, Thomas Ely, settled on the present home stead when- the country was a wilderness, and his neighbors were a very few white people and mostly Brothertown Indians. He had five sons and one daughter. Her grandfather, Thomas Aden Ely, was the second son of Thomas ; he remained on the homestead, and was the father of one son and one daughter. Francis Alonzo, the son, was the father of Belle. He also spent his life on the homestead, adding to its acres as his ancestors had done and improving the comfort and beauty of the old home. The bounteous orchard now surrounding the horse and the thrifty maples FAMILY SKETCHES. 239 growing along the highway and yard bear testimony to his love of nature ; and the little water-house by the roadside, built by himself with his mother's ancient spinning-wheel on the top, furnishes many cooling draughts for weary beast and thirsty man, and brings to the minds of his many friends his ever-ready joke and pleasant smile. He died October 10, 1890, and his wife, Charlotte (Parmlee) Ely, died July 11, 1867. Miss Ely is a member of the Grange, and is widely noted for her business ability. Mason, Harry, was bora in Huntingdonshire, England, in 1839, where he spent his earlier boyhood days, and at the age of fourteen he went to London, where he en gaged in the care of horses. After five years in this line of employment, he enlisted in the army,- which soon took him to East India, and later to many countries of the world. After being quartered in India eight years, he returned to Colchester and remained three or four years at the various army quarters, and finally in 1868 he purchased of the government a discharge from its service. He then spent a year in Ireland, and in the following year came to America, and connected himself with the Oneida Community Laundry for a period of eleven years, and three years farming, and for the past ten years has been herdsman. His father, Henry Mason, was bora in 1801, and died in 1894; and his mother, Elizabeth (Thurburn) Mason, bora in 1803, is still living In 1870 he married Mary Rowe, a native of Cornwall, England, by whom he has four children. Powell, John N., was born near where he now resides, in Trenton, April 34, 1823, son of Isaac and Lydia (Wood) Powell, who came, from Lanesboro, Mass., with a yoke of oxen, and were among the first settlers in the town of Trenton. They had nine children: Laurie, George, Lydia, Lewis, Leman, David. Ruth, John and Esther, all born on the Powell homestead. He was a pioneer farmer, and a member and active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church. John N. married Lucy Elizabeth Fowler, and is interested in town and county affairs. Rhodes, A. J., was born in Paris, N. Y., March 6, 1845, son of Samuel B. and Elizabeth (Davis) Rhodes. He lived on a farm until seventeen years of age, when he went into the office of S. A. Millard and remained two years. He then engaged in railroading, which he has followed successfully. In 1868 he was appointed agent at Clayville, and has filled that office for twenty-seven years. He has also been in the coal business since 1868, and sold the first coal brought by railroad in Clayville. He is at present president of the village, and was supervisor of the town in 1879-80- 81 and has also filled other offices. In 1869 he married Susan Brown, by whom he has three children: Fred A., Blanche, and Clara V. Small, W. R., was born in the town of Marshall, N.Y., son of David and Susannah (Richards) Small. He received an academical education, and afterwards engaged in farming. In 1891 he married AltaV., daughter of Rockwell B. and Lucinda Brown. Her grandfather was Asbel Brown, and her great grandfather, John Brown, was one of the early settlers in Madison county, and he served seven years as a patriot soldier in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Brown died in March, 1894. Mr. Small is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics is a Republican. Burgess, William A., M.D., was born on a farm in West Winfield, Herkimer county, June 26, 1864, and is a son of Isaac T. and Marion (McKown) Burgess. He 240 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was graduated from West Winfield Academy in 1882, read medicine with Dr. E. S. B. Spencer, of West Winfield, and was graduated from the medical department of the University of the City of New York in 1888. After a few months' practice in Clayville, Oneida county, he came to Utica in 1889, and has since built up a large general and surgical business. In 1889 he was appointed visiting physician to St. Elizabeth's Hospital and in 1892 the visiting surgeon, which post he still holds. He has been a member of the medical and surgical staffs of the Masonic Home since the organization of the Board in 1893 and is attending physician to the Infants' Hospital (opened in 1895). He is also a member of the Utica Medical Library Asso ciation and the Oneida County Medical Society, and a permanent member of the New York State Medical Society. He was a charter member, and one of the organ izers, the first president of the Utica Medical Club, is assistant surgeon of the 28th Separate Co. , N. G. S. N. Y. , a member of Faxton Lodge No. 697, F. & A. M. , and a charter member of the Masonic Club. February 25, 1885, Dr. Burgess married Leila I. Chapman, daughter of P. A. Chapman, of Unadilla Forks,. Otsego county, and they have two children : Isaac Thayer and Evangeline. Donlon, Joseph M., was born August 10, 1852, on a farm in the town of Lewis, Lewis county, N. Y. , and is a son of James Donlon, a native of county West Meath, Ireland, who came to America in 1831 and settled in Lewis county about 1845, where he still lives. Mr. Donlon attended the public schools and remained on the farm until the age of eighteen, when he learned the stone-cutter's trade in Elizabeth, N. J. His health failed, and after two years at home he entered the employ of Proctor & Hill, tanners, of Forestport, Oneida county, and remained five years. In 1882 he came to Utica and engaged in the retail grocery business on the corner of Center and Milgate streets, where he has since continued ; later he added a general line of merchandise and now carries on both a wholesale and retail trade. He was one of the founders and has always been a trustee of St. Agnes Roman Catholic church, organized in 1889, and takes an active interest in public affairs. April 28, 1885, he married Mary A., daughter of Edward Coughlin, of Utica, and they have two children, Katharine and Mary. Kincaid, Frederick W. — In June, 1841, George Kincaid came to Utica from New York city. He was a direct descendant of a family once prominent in Scotland mili tary history, and was one of the pioneers to California in 1849, where he attained prominence in quartz mining. He returned in 1861 and from that time his life was spent in Utica. He was a Mason of high degree, and for many years was an officer of Utica Commandery Knights Templar, and at one time was its eminent com mander. He had four sons and one daughter, all living. He died in 1893. His oldest son, J. C. P. Kincaid, who has spent his life in Utica, was born in 1840 and was for many years a merchant. In 1873 he was appointed United States collector of internal revenue, and served under Presidents Grant, Hayes, and Garfield and a short time under Arthur. He was also for six years a school commissioner of Utica and for four years president of the board. First Lieutenant Frederick W. Kincaid, of the Utica Citizen Corps, Forty-fourth Separate Co., N. G. S. N. Y., his oldest liv ing son, was born in 1867, and has attained a high reputation as an officer in the National Guard. He, with two brothers now deceased, Alrick G. and J. C. P., jr., have with their father been active members of that famous organization. Both FAMILY SKETCHES. 241 great-grandfathers on his mother's side were soldiers of the Revolution and one on his father's side was a veteran of 1812. Hubbell Family. — In December, 1789, there came to old Fort Schuyler, from Lanes- horo, Mass. , Mathew Hubbell, who had served as a soldier in the Revolution and was at the battle of Bennington. He purchased a farm, which included much of what is now known as the Eighth ward of Utica. He died in 1819. Of a large family, the most closely identified with the growth of Utica was his son, the late Hon. Alrick Hubbell, who was born in 1801 and died in 1877. In early years he be- -became colonel of what was then the 211th Regiment of State militia. He was twice mayor of the city and served two terms in the State Senate. From 1816 to 1818 he was clerk for Col. Benjamin Walker, the former aid and confidential friend to Baron Steuben. At the time of his death Mr. Hubbell had lived seventy-six years on the same street and within half a mile of the house where he was bom. Two sons, Henry S. and Alfred S. Hubbell, of Buffalo, and two daughters, Mrs. Albon P. Mann, of New York, and Mrs. J. C. P. Kincaid, of Utica, survive him. The latter, with her two sons, Lieut. Frederick W. Kincaid, and Robert C. , are undoubtedly the only living direct representatives in Utica" of any family who settled here as early as 1789. McLean, Mrs. A. Waters, New Hartford. — Perhaps no one thus far in the history of the church was more faithful to it and more useful in it in various capacities than Elder Charles McLean. His connection with this church dates back to 1834 and almost from the very beginning we find him called to various positions of responsi bility, clerk of the congregation, trustee, treasurer. Business interests calling him to Upper New York Mills he lived there for several years returning here in 1851. And in 1852 he was elected a ruling elder, exercising the office until his death in 1877. Sagacious, firm, benevolent, large-minded, his memory still lingers with this church as a benediction. The house he occupied for so many years is one of the oldest in Central New York, a stately landmark associated with many interesting incidents of by-gone days. It was built as early as 1791 with old-fashioned hip-roof and lantern cupola by Col. Jedediah Sanger, the founder of the town. Prominent in the coun cils of Royal Arch Masonry, his devotion to the order led him to make the entire third story of his own dwelling into one large room, lighted by the cupola, amply and beautifully fitted up for a Masonic lodge, which was constituted there April 6, 1792, as Amicable Lodge No. 25. In formation of the Grand Chapter of the State of New York, March 14, 1798, Jedediah Sanger was chosen to one of the highest offices of that august body in connection with De Witt Clinton. The first magis trates, judges, members of assembly, congressmen, supervisors, veterans of the Revolution and of the war of 1812 met in the early lodge room. To write out their history would fill many a volume. Mr. Sanger possessed ability, great energy, de cision of character, close application to business and strict integrity. He was chosen the first supervisor of the town of Whitestown. In 1894 he was elected to represent Herkimer and Oneida counties in the Assembly of our State. In 1797 he went to the State Senate. In 1798 he was appointed first judge of Court of Common Pleas. Following Judge Sanger are two other judges who have lived in the old house ; Judge Ledyard Talcott of the Supreme Court of New York State and Judge Charles Eraser McLean of the Supreme Court of New York State. The second owner was 242 * OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Mr. Frederick Stanley who purchased it of Judge Sanger in 1807. Samuel Austin Talcott, who was one of the most talented and extraordinary men of the age, mar ried Mary Eliza, the beautiful daughter of Mr. Stanley and resided in the house. Gen. Joseph Kirkland having removed to Utica, Mr. Talcott maintained a law office in New Hartford and also in Utica with his partner and contemporary of his college days, William H. Maynard, until 1821, when at the age of twenty-one he received the appointment of attorney-general of the State of New York. He made his home in Albany during the administration of his office, then he removed to New York city where he practiced law until his death in 1836 in his forty-second year. His two sons spent their early years in New Hartford. John Ledyard, the eldest, studied with Josiah Spencer in Utica and became one of the foremost exponents of law in the State. Thomas Grosvenor, the youngest son, was a lawyer of ability and set tled in Hartford, Conn. Mr. Stanley sold the house in 1824 to Mr. John Lyon who came to New Hartford from New Jersey in 1805. He was a large owner of real estate ; he had the store opposite his dwelling, the grist mill, and paper mill where he is said to have made the first writing paper in the county, perhaps in the State. After Mr. Lyon's death in 1852 Mr. Charles McLean bought the property. Mrs. McLean, who was born in 1810, is still living, bright in mind and perfect in health. The brick stage tavern, long owned and occupied by Noah Porter, is still standing, though now converted into a dwelling. Being at the intersection of the Seneca turn pike — later Genesee — and the Oxford and Chenango turnpike, many four-horse stages stopped on their way from Albany to Buffalo, also covered wagons in which families traveled to homes in the new west. An electric car has replaced the four horse stage coach. The toll gates which exacted tribute every ten miles have disap peared. The store where the early post-office was kept is still standing on land given by Judge Sanger to the First Religious Society of New Hartford, a perpetual lease with the yearly rent of "one wheat corn." The dwelling next south is the, building where the Whitestown Gazette was published in 1794, by William McLean, the beginning of the Utica Morning Herald. The grist mill built by Judge Sanger in 1709 ; the paper mill adjoining ; the large Sanger barn where the First church was formed August 27, 1791 ; and the first court of Oneida county (then Herkimer) was held in October, 1793. Amidst all the changes the house so well built by Judge Sanger more than one hundred years ago remains little changed and is still kept as the home of the McLean family. Stately she stands, her terraced gardens broad Still wander down to Sadequada's flood; Her open door, her welcoming halls and hearth, Still call her children from around the earth. Fuess, Philip, jr., was born in Ann weiler, Bavaria, January 5, 1852. He learned the trade of brewer in the old country, and came to America in 1868, where he en gaged in farming, in which he has been very successful. He has resided in this county twenty-seven years, and has been on his present farm twelve years. He has long been regarded as a leading man in Marshall, and was assessor of the town nine years. He was elected supervisor in the spring of 1894, and is at present filling that office. He purchased his present farm when it was in poor shape, and has improved it until it is now one of the finest places in the town. In 1877 he married Maria Mc Guire,' of New York city, by whom he has a family of four sons and one daughter, FAMILY SKETCHES. 243 Metz, Charles W. , was born in province of Nassau, Germany, March 15, 1836, came to America with his mother in June, 1852, and first settled in Salisbury Center, Herkimer county, N. Y. He afterwards went to Rochester, N. Y. , where he learned the trade of carpenter and builder, and about 1856, located permanently in Utica, where he was for several years under the instruction of A. J. Lathrop and also of Timothy Cronin, two of the leading contractors of the city. In 1861 Mr. Metz began contracting on his own account, and since 1872 has had mostly all the building con tracts let by the Utica State Hospital. Since 1890 he has been permanent master mechanic of that institution, having charge of all the buildings and the workmen thereon. Besides attending to these duties, which now command his entire atten tion, he also erected before 1890 a large addition to the Utica Orphan Asylum and also a number of dwellings and other structures. July 21, 1859, he married Selma Sophie Obst, who died June 14, 1866, leaving three children: Emma (Mrs. Charles S. Spiegelberg), of Waltham, Mass. ; Matilda B. (Mrs. John Lindner), of Carlisle, Pa. ; and Charles H., of Waltham, Mass. September 20, 1866, Mr. Metz married a second time Matilda M. Geinitz, a native of Germany, and has resided at 232 Court street since 1870. Jones, John R. , was bora February 12, 1837, in Wales, England, and is a son of Rees J. and Gwenne Jones, who came with their family to America in 1841 and settled in Utica. The family soon removed to a farm in Marcy, Oneida county, and later to the town of New Hartford, on theold Dr. Paine farm, where Rees J. died in August, 1895, aged eighty-two. His wife died in 1842, and he married, second, Susan Morgan, who survives him. By his first marriage he had two sons and four daughters: John R., of Utica; Margaret, widow of Richard Hughes, of New Hart ford; Henry, of Rome; Winnie (Mrs. William Denbigh), of Port Byron, 111.; and Jane and Laura, both deceased. John R. Jones was educated in the public schools of Marcy and in private schools of Utica, and remained on the farm till eighteen years of age. He then went to Chicago, and about 1859 became the first conductor on the first street car ever run in that city. He continued in street railroading about five years. On May 22, 1862, he was appointed an attendant and super visor of the Utica State Hospital, and from 1871 to 1887 he was clerk and store keeper there. Since January, 1887, he has held the responsible position of steward. He was second and first lieutenant in the 45th Regiment N. G. for seven years, or until the regiment was mustered out, and he commanded his company as acting cap tain when Lincoln's remains passed through Utica. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. March 19, 1863, he married Jennie M., daughter of Evan Lewis, of Utica, and they have two sons: John L. and George H. Jones, Lewis, son of Morgan and Mary (Lumley) Jones, was born in Machyulleth, Montgomeryshire, Wales, October 10, 1810, settled in Utica in 1827, being among the very early Welsh residents, and died here September 2, 1874. He received a collegiate education and was engaged as bookkeeper for several years, becoming an expert. He was clerk in Whiting's crockery store until 1850, when he became pro prietor of China Hall, the largest crockery establishment in the city. Business re verses in 1856 and 1857 compelled him to retire from business, and afterward he was a clerk in the New York Central freight office and for eight years bookkeeper for the Utica Herald until he was stricken with paralysis February 2, 1873. He always 244 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. . took an active interest in municipal affairs and served one year as city treasurer, but declined a re-election on account of his health, though he was urged by citi zens of all political parties to accept it. He was an excellent Welsh scholar, a fluent writer in that language, and at one time a frequent contributor to Welsh magazines. He was an honest, upright man, a loyal and respected citizen, and a kind and sympathetic benefactor. He traveled extensively through the Eastern, Southern, and Western States, and visited Wales and other parts of Europe in 1835, 1840, 1845, and 1851. In October, 1830, he married Eleanor Hughes, who was born December 14, 1807, and died October 7, 1892. Their children were: Morgan A., John H. (deceased), Mary (deceased), Lewis A., Sarah E., Katherine E., Thomas M. Watson, William L., was born in Utica, March 27. 1856, and is a son of Dr. William H. and Sarah Thompson (Carlile) Watson. His father is one of the most eminent physicians and surgeons of that city. Mr. Watson attended the public schools and was a graduate from the Utica Free Academy in 1874. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy at Exeter, N. H., in 1874-75, and entered Harvard Col lege in the class of 1879. He has always lived in Utica and is prominently iden tified with the city, and for the last fifteen years has been extensively interested in real estate operations. He is a member of Fort Schuyler Club, the Royal Arcanum, and the Arcanum Club. He was married, first, October 13, 1887, to Miss Alice G. Parkinson, daughter of E. K. Parkinson of Jamaica Plain, Mass. She died October 4, 1893, leaving one daughter, Alice. Mr. Watson married, second, April 32, 1896, Miss Ellen Swan, daughter of the late John Swan, of Baltimore, Md. Harrer, Karl, was born in Baden, Germany. January 18, 1844, and came to Amer ica with his parents, Mathias and Julia Harrer, in 1852. They settled in Utica, where the mother died about 1884 and the father in 1892. Mathias Harrer was a silk plush weaver by trade. Karl Harrer was educated in the public schools of Utica and learned the trade of shoemaker of his uncle, Captain Frederick Harrer (who was wounded at the battle of Gaines Mills and died in 1862, and from whom Harrer Post G. A. R. was named). Mr. Harrer followed his trade as journeymen until 1872, when he established his present business as shoemaker and dealer in Whitesboro street. In 1894 his son, George M., was admitted to partnership under the firm name of Karl Harrer & Son. Mr. Harrer was two terms supervisor from the Sixth ward, and since the spring of 1893 he has served as alderman. He is a member for many years and a trustee of Utica Lodge No. 242, order of Harugari, is a member and was for merly trustee of Zion's German Lutheran church and president of its parochial school for sixteen years ; and is now a trustee of the Utica Maennerchor, treasurer of the Baden Sick Aid Society, and a member of the. Utica German Literary Society. He was married in November, 1868, to Belinda Knox, of Schenectady, N. Y., and they have four children: Julia (Mrs. Frederick Hammes), George M., Katharine and Frederick, all of Utica. Morehouse, Hon. George C. , was born in Fairfield, Herkimer county, N. Y. , May 14, 1846. His father, James L., a teacher, died in Oswego County in 1860; the death of his mother, Emeline Crane, a teacher of music in the old Fairfield Seminary, occurred in Herkimer county in 1888. Judge Morehouse was educated in the public schools of Brooklyn, where his parents lived several years. He also attended Falley FAMILY SKETCHES. 245 Seminary in Fulton and the State Normal School at Oswego, and was graduated as B. S. from Cornell University in 1873 In 1874 he came to Utica and read law with Hon. William J Bacon and H. P. MacKoon, later with Hon. William B. Sutton, and in 1875 received the degree of LL.B. from Hamilton College, being admitted to the bar at Clinton in May of that year. He began the practice of his profession in Utica as managing clerk for Mr. Sutton, and in 1876 77 became his partner under the firm name of Sutton & Morehouse. This continued until 1885-86, when the partnership was dissolved. Judge Morehouse practiced alone until March, 1892, when he was elected city judge which office he held until April 1, 1896. He then resumed the practice of his profession. He has been an active Republican, and served two years as supervisor of the Eleventh ward. He is a member and past master of Oriental Lodge No. 224, F. & A. M., a member and a trustee of Oneida Chapter No. 57, R. A. M., and a member of Utica Commandery No. 3, K. T., and the Scottish Rite bodies, 32d degree, Northern jurisdiction. He is also a member of Fort Schuyler Couneil, R. A., and Oneida Lodge No. 70, I. O. O. F. In 1877 he married Eugenia M., daughter of Henry Miller, of Trenton, N. Y., who died in 1879. In 1888 he mar ried Mary, daughter of Charles Breen, of Trenton, and they have three sons, Law rence, Merwin and Russell. Cantwell, John A., city clerk of Utica, was born in that city September 14, 1861, son of Roderick J. and Mary (Conlon) Cantwell, and was educated in the public schools of the city. He learned the printing trade in the composing room of the Sunday Tribune, finishing his apprenticeship in 1881. After learning his trade he spent one year in travelling, during which time he worked on most of the leading journals in the west. Returning to Utica he accepted the position of foreman of the composing room in the office in which he served his apprenticeship, holding such position until his appointment as city clerk. During the period in which he was employed in the printing business he issued many creditable periodicals and papers, notably among which was the Illustrated Daily, illustrating the events transpiring on the grounds each day during the last State Fair held in Utica. In 1884 he was elected by the Utica Typographical Union delegate to the International Typographi cal Union Convention then held in Buffalo. He is a Democrat, and has been active in politics since reaching his majority, and for the past six years has been secretary of the Democratic City Committee. Mr. Cantwell is unmarried. He is a member of the Arcanum, and Union Social Clubs, also of the Typographical Union, Trades Assembly, Knights of Honor, C. B. L., and Saturday Globe Benefit Association. Culliton, John, was bora in Montreal, Canada, January, 28, 1849, and came to the United States in 1865 ; after spending one year in Rochester, six years in Canandai gua, two years in Honeoye, N. Y., a short time in Grand Rapids, Mich., and also in Washington Mills, N. Y., he came to Clayville in 1883, and in 1889 he assumed the proprietorship of the Murray House, which has since ranked as a first-class hotel with the traveling public. Mr. Culliton is an influential Democrat, and was post master of Clayville under Cleveland's first administration, and was also collector when in New Hartford. In 1876 he married Ellen Fitzmaurice, of Canandaigua, who died in 1880 leaving one child, Mary Culliton, and his present wife is Emogene Rogers of Washington Mills. 246 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Dobson Family. — Iu 1828 William Noble Dobson came to this country from Eng land with his family, and located in Westmoreland, Oneida county, N. Y. He be gan business as a tallow chandler ; he was also an expert bookkeeper, and at various times took charge of the books of some of the leading business firms of Utica. He died in Syracuse in 1838, leaving a wife and four sons: William B., Charles L.; Fred erick H., and Alfred B. In 1840 the family removed to Utica. Charles L. estab lished himself in the fruit business in a very modest way at the corner of Genesee and Fayette streets, but with industry and perseverance became successful and prosperous. He afterward removed his business to Oneida Square, where he sold out to his brother, Alfred B. He then taught dancing schools, and for thirty-two years was the leading tutor of the gentle art in Central New York. In 1892 he retired from active life and has since devoted himself to the management of his large real estate interests. In 1878 he erected the Dobson block on Oneida Square, and in 1895 built the Dobson flats on Genesee street and Dobson Hall on Oneida street. William B. Dobson removed to Binghamton, where he died in 1858. Frederick H. removed at the same time, enlisted in the Union Army in 1862, and died in the Wind mill Point Hospital, on the Potomac River, in 1863. Alfred B. Dobson sold out his business and retired in 1875. Rowley, Warren C, of the firm of Rowley & Horton, Utica, was born in Trenton, N. Y., September 28, 1841. The pioneer ancestor of the family, Henry Rowley, came to the Plymouth Colony from England in the Ann, in 1632 and was one of the founders of Scituate; he later removed with pastor John Lothrop to Barnstable where he was one of the original proprietors. In 1643 he was one of the Barnstable Committee ; in 1644 and 1650 a representative to the General Court; in 1661 removed to Falmouth where he died 1673. His wife, from whom the subject of this sketch is descended, was Frances, daughter of William Palmer who came to America in the " Fortune," in 1621. Moses Rowley, sr., son of Henry and Frances Rowley, moved with his father from Scituate to Barnstable and later to Falmouth where he held many offices of trust and was representative to the General Court for several terms; he died in 1705 ; his wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Dr. Matthew Fuller, at one time surgeon-general of the colony, and granddaughter of Edward Fuller who came in the Mayflower in 1620. Moses Rowley, jr. , the next in line, was born in Barn stable in 1654, removed to Falmouth and later to East Haddam, Conn., where he died in 1735. His wife Mary died in 1764 aged ninety-seven years. Their son, Ebe nezer, sr., was born in Falmouth in 1695, married in 1719 Mary Church, a grand daughter of Richard Church, "the warrior," who came to New England in 1630. Ebenezer, sr., died in 1757 in East Haddam, Conn., where his son, Ebenezer, jr., was born October 20, 1727. The latter died in February, 1811, having married, Oc tober 18, 1750, Susanna Anable, a great-granddaughter of Anthony Anable, who came to Plymouth 1623. Asher Rowley, son of Ebenezer, jr., was born in Haddam, Conn., in 1766, and died in Winsted, Conn., in 1843, where he had resic'.ed many years. In 1792 he married Mehitabel, daughter of Lieut. Jonathan Dunham, who served as corporal in Capt. Amos Jones's company, Col. Jonathan Latimer's regi ment, under Gates at Saratoga and elsewhere. He was descended from John Dun ham, one of the first settlers in the colony. Warren Dunham Rowley, son of Asher and Mehitabel, and father of Warren C. Rowley, whose name appears at the head FAMILY SKETCHES. 247 of this sketch, was bora in Winsted, Conn., June 20, 1800. He received a good edu cation and devoted several years to teaching in various institutions of learning. In 1835 he removed to Utica and later to Trenton, N. Y. , where he engaged in the mer cantile business. He'was for several terms justice of the peace and commissioner of schools. In politics he was an ardent Whig ; he died September 5, 1854. His wife, Harriet Maria Curry, was born in Trenton on July 4, 1818, and died in Utica February 14, 1889. Her father Maj. Issac Curry, was a lieutenant in Capt. Farn- ham's company, Col. Cleveland's 72d .New York regiment under Brig.-Gen. Oliver Collins, which did service -at Sackett's Harbor in the war of 1812. He was for many years an agent of the Holland Land Company; served several terms as justice .of the peace and supervisor, and in 1847 was elected to the State Legislature ; he died in Trenton in 1854. The father of Maj. Isaac Curry was John Curry, a native of Dumfries, Scotland, who came to this country about 1796 and married Cornelia, sister of John Post, the first merchant of Utica. Warren C. Rowley acquired his education in the schools of his native town of Trenton and completed a course of study at Fairfield Seminary. He first engaged in business for himself as a general merchant in Trenton and in 1866 removed to Utica where with his uncle, Orrin Curry, and his brother, H. Curtis Rowley, he engaged in the paper and stationery trade, the. style of the firm being Curry, Rowley & Co. About one year later Mr. Curry retired from business and George C. Horton was admitted the firm being Rowley Bros. & Co. This partnership continued until 1879 when H. C. Rowley re tired and removed to Springfield, Mass. The firm them adopted its present name, Rowley & Horton. This is the oldest paper house in Utica and has always enjoyed great prosperity. In politics Mr. Rowley is a Republican and he feels a pride in having cast his vote for Abraham Lincoln and also for every succeeding presiden tial nominee of his party. He is a member of various societies and organizations, including the Oneida Historical Society in which he has a special interest and has been its treasurer for several years. He was one of the original organizers of the Plymouth Congregational church in 1883 and has been one of its trustees from the beginning. Mr. Rowley married, August 3, 1870, Julia A. Waite, born in Carthage, N. Y , October 20 1848, daughter of Rev. Hiram H. Waite, who was a direct de scendant from Richard Waite, the marshal of the Plymouth Colony in 1654, also a "Commissary of the Horse" in an expedition against the Narragansett Indians the same year, and a member of the " Ancient and Honorable Artillery," 1638. He was also the grandson of a second Richard Waite, a soldier of the Revolution who served in Lieut. -Colonel Flagg's regiment which marched from Leicester on the alarm of Bennington. Mr. and Mrs. Rowley are the parents of two children, Edith Adelia, born in Utica, March 2, 1873, a graduate of Mrs. Piatt's Seminary, also the Utica Conservatory of Music, and Henry Waite, born March 7, 1879, now (1896) a student at the Utica Academy. Graves, C. H., was bora in Chenango county, N. Y., and has been connected with the railway business since ten years of age. He began as water boy, subsequently learning operating, and worked at North Norwich. He then went to Washington Mills and from there to Fulton. Returning to the D., L. & W. R. R., he worked as extra operator for a time, when he went to the N. Y. , O. & W. , and filled a position at Smyrna; from there he went to Sherburne as assistant, and thence to North Nor- 248 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. wich as agent, which position he filled for eight years, when he was promoted and sent to Waterville in 1891. In 1888 Mr. Graves married Hattie L. Brooks of North Norwich, N. Y. Mr. Graves is a member of the International Association of ticket agents. Quinlan, Patrick F. , son of James, was born in County Waterford, Ireland, March 17, 1848, came to America with his parents in 1851, and settled in Utica, where his father died in 1872. At the age of sixteen he began learning the plumber's trade with John Carton, with whom he continued fourteen years, and following this he was with Edward Martin for eight years. In 1885 he formed a partnership with Edward D. Tuigg and William Foley, as Quinlan, Tuigg & Co., and engaged in the general plumbing, steam and hot "water heating, and steam and gas-fitting business, which thev still continue. He is a member of the Knights of Honor, trustee of the Fire man's Benevolent Association, and chairman of the Board of Plumbing Examiners. In politics he has been an active Democrat, and served four years as alderman of the Fifth ward, four years as police commissioner under Mayors Sherman and Kinney, three years as health commissioner under Mayors Darrow and Goodwin, For fourteen years he was a member of Co. B, Fire Zouaves, N. G. S. N. Y., and for about eight years its first lieutenant. i Hicks, Alpheus, son of Jacob, was born in Wisconsin October 5, 1846, and in 1847 came with his parents to Lee, Oneida county, where his father died in 1850. In 1856 his mother married Ezekiel Van Dresar, and he remained on the farm in Western until he reached the age of eighteen when he entered the employ of his uncle. In 1867 he married Amelia C. Crill, a native of North Steuben, Oneida county, and resided on a farm in Western and Trenton five years each. During the next ten years he was proprietor of Hicks's mills, near Rome, and later was engaged in mill ing in Delta. In August, 1889, he came to Utica, and with Charles S. Davis kept a livery on Hotel street for a year. Mr. Davis then sold out to John B. Whitten and since then the firm has been Hicks & Whitten. Mr. Hicks is a member of the Oriental Lodge F. & A. M., Fort Schuyler Lodge, I. Q. O. F., and the K. P. He has three children: Mabel A., William A., and Edward C. Gibson, William M., M. D., was born in Waterville, Oneida county, May 12, 1856, and is a son of , Rev. William T. Gibson, now of Utica, an Episcopal clergyman in this county since 1854. He attended the Utica Free Academy and in 1875 entered the medical department of the University of the City of New York, from which he was graduated in medicine in 1878. He took a post-graduate course in Bellevue Hospital under the late Dr. Alfred L. Loomis of New York, and in 1879 began the practice of his profession, in Utica with the late Dr. Daniel G. Thomas, and since his death in 1880, has continued alone. He was made attending physician to the Utica Dispensary in 1880, physician in charge in 1881, and a trustee in 1882, and held appointment on the corps of city physicians for the Eleventh ward from 1880 to 1889. He became a member of the Oneida County Medical Society in 1878 and was its pres- dent in 1889 ; was made a member of the Utica Medical Library Association in 1879 and served as its president in 1884 and 1885 ; has been a member of the staff of St. Luke's Hospital since 1883. He waselecteda memberof the American Climatological Society '(a branch of the Congress of American Physicians and Surgeons) in 1892, also FAMILY SKETCHES. 249 to membership in the Medical Society of the State of New York in 1893. In 1894 he was appointed by Governor Flower one of the managers of the Utica State Hospital. He has been a vestryman and warden of St. George's Episcopal church since 1888, and is thoroughly interested in the welfare and prosperity of the city and its institu tions. In June, 1888, he married Mary Louise, eldest daughter of William M. Burr, of Cazenovia, N. Y., and their children are: William Burr, born April 12, 1889; Anna Katharine, bom July 22, 1891; Mary Burr, born May 23, 1893; and Emily Martha, born April 4, 1895. Sparrow, Joseph, was born in Shropshire, England, in 1818. He was educated in their schools, and came with his parents to the United States in 1832, settling in Florence, Oneida county. He finished his education in this country, graduating from Oberlin College in the class of 1851. He was principal of Camden Seminary two years, then went to California where he remained nine years, a portion of the time employed as bank clerk in San Francisco, and the balance in teaching and assisting in organizing the educational system of the State, serving as a member of the committee which selected the site for the University of California, also member of Board of Education of Alameda county for some years. He returned to this locality in 1861, and in 1863 settled on a farm near Oneida, Oneida county. Here he built and operated the Verona Central cheese factory, being a pioneer in this line, his being the third cheese factory 'in operation. June 24, 1862, he married P. Eliza Sanford of Camden, Oneida county, by whom he had one son, T. Sanford, who was born in Camden in 1863. He was educated in the public schools and Oberlin College and afterward taught school, but is now engaged in agricultural pursuits. March 10, 1894, he married Jane Gawm, formerly of the Isle of Man, by whom he had one daughter, Gladys Ethelind. - Mrs. Joseph Sparrow's father, Linus Sanford, was born in Litchfield, Conn., January 16, 1782, and came to Oneida county, N. Y., when a young man. He was for years a successful teacher, afterward engaging in mercan tile business. Was twice married, first to Polly Woods, by whom he had two sons, Samuel T. W., who was a prominent physician and also engaged quite extensively in real estate. William W., the second son, was in mercantile business. Mrs. San ford died May 18, 1818. For his second wife he married Rhoda Alcott of Connecti cut, by whom h.e had five children, four of whom died in infancy, P. Eliza as above. She was a teacher for a number of years in Camden's public and private schools. Mr. Sanford, her father, was repeatedly elected to public offices, and was one whose counsels were often sought and whose name was closely connected with the success of Camden's interests. He was largely instrumental in locating and planning their cemetery. He died May 29, 1842, his wife May 11, 1881. The ancestry of the family is English and Scotch. Wolf. Henry, was born in Bavaria, October 28, 1824, son of Henry and Magdaline (Schmidt) Wolf, both natives of Bavaria where they lived and died. Both father and grandfather were farmers in Germany. Henry Wolf, jr., came to America in August, 1849, and settled in Ava, where he has always resided, commencing as a farm hand. He soon bought 220 acres of land, 120 of which he cleared. In 1852 he married Catherine Traxel, daughter of Jacob Traxel, of Ava, by whom he had five children: Caroline S., Jacob H., Henry J., William C, and Katie, who died in ff 250 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. infancy. Mrs. Wolf died April 28, 1893. In 1891 Mr. Wolf sold the farm to his son, William C. Harris, James, is a native of Prince Edward Island, where he was born in 1838, . son of Thomas Harris. His father's people were from Bath, England, and his mother's people were from Aberdeen, Scotland. See was a descendant of the Ken nedy family. James Harris began his education in Nova Scotia, and continued his studies, in this county into which he came with his parents about the year 1849. In 1862 he engaged in bookkeeping here for Charles McLean ; he also kept books for the firm of McLean, Royce & Co., doing business in Utica. In 1867 he opened up a general store in company with Lafayette Royce at Chadwicks, but after a year sold out to Mr. Royce and engaged in business in Utica with George W. Chadwick, late of Chadwicks, until 1870, when he returned here and took charge of the office work of the New Hartford Cotton Manufacturing Company, then just organized. In the same year he was appointed treasurer of the company and March 15, 1871, he was appointed secretary. October 15, 1874, he was appointed superintendent of the company's business, all of which offices he has continued to hold up to the present. time. He has been chairman of the Board of Trustees of Union Free school, dis trict No. 1, and president of the village. In 1868 he married Phebe Horrocks, of Little Falls, N. Y. , by whom he had four children, one of whom, George Elbert, died when two years and ten months of age. He is a trustee and treasurer of the Butler Memorial Hall, a building erected and given to the town by the late Morgan Butler. Smith, Charles E., M. D., was born in Whitesboro, N. Y., March 22, 1837. He was one of a family of three children, of whom he is the only survivor. His father, Edwin Smith, was born at Plymouth, Conn., in 1805; he came to Whitesboro in 1836, and engaged in an active commercial life, with which he was prominently identified up to a short time before his death, which occurred in 1885. He married Helen A. Burns, of Hagaman's Mills, Montgomery county, N. Y.,, who died in 1889. Dr. Smith received his education at the Whitesboro district school and the Whites- town Seminary, which was for many years one of the leading educational institu tions of the State. After completing his course there he entered the Albany Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1858. He then returned to Whitesboro and entered upon the practice of his profession, which he has since continued. He is not only popular and successful in his profession, but is also successful in business and esteemed by all who know him. He has for many years been an earnest Re publican in politics and has wielded a strong influence in the party's affairs in town and county. He was postmaster at Whitesboro for twenty successive years, an office which he conducted with much satisfaction to the citizens of the town and village. In his professional circle Dr. Smith has been recognized and honored in many ways. He has served as president of the County Medical Society and has been its delegate to the State Medical Society. In 1861 he married Theresa A. Marchisi, of Utica, by whom he had one daughter, Anna M. Mrs. Smith died in 1867, and for his second wife Dr. Smith married Anna L. Malsan, a native of Clyde, N. Y., by whom he had three children: Adrian W.. Claude M., and Bertha B. Mrs. Smith was educated at Miss Butler's private school at Hudson, the Sacred Heart Convent at Albany, and at Miss Hart's school at Farmington, Conn, FAMILY SKETCHES. 251 Cronin, James V., son of Timothy, was born in Utica, February 14, 1861. His father, a carpenter and builder, was born in Ireland, in 1828, came to America in 1829 with his parents, and finally settled in Utica, where he died in 1871. Mr. Cronin was educated in the Christian Brothers' Assumption Academy, and in 1879 enlisted on a man of war in the U. S. navy, serving four years. He then spent four years in mining in Colorado and California, and re-enlisting in the navy served six years more, completing a service of ten years. He was attached at various times to the North Atlantic, North Pacific, South Pacific, and South Atlantic stations, and on the U. S. man of war Alliance participated in the search for the Jeannette expedi tion. Returning to Utica in 1893 he was shipping clerk in a foundry for a short time and then became manager of the Utica Carpet Cleaning Works. ' Norton, Mrs. E. A. , is the widow of the late G. P. Norton, who was born at Che shire, Conn., in 1817, where he was a clockmaker. He came to Leyden in 1840, where he erected a saw mill and cheese box factory. In 1874 he came to Boonville, where he engaged extensively in the manufacture of sashes, doors and blinds. In 1864 he married Mrs. Eliza A. (Roberts) Dowd, widow of James Dowd. She had four chil dren : Ellsworth, born in 1866, and died in 1870 ; Lizzie, born in 1868 ; Roscoe George, born in 1870 ; and John Arthur, born in 1874. Clark, William A., was born in Utica May 13, 1864, and is a son of Benjamin A. Clark, who was bora in Philadelphia, Pa., about 1835, and came to Utica, where he still resides, a banker, real estate dealer, an insurance agent, in 1858. He was edu cated in the Utica public schools and academy, and entered his father's office. In 1883 he entered the pay department of the West Shore railroad and continued about six months, or until the road went into the receiver's hands. In Febru ary, 1884, he entered the office of the Utica Steam Cotton Mills as a clerk and has ever since been connected with that corporation, acting at the present time as assistant secretary and treasurer of both these and the Mohawk Valley Cotton Mills. He is a member of Faxton Lodge No. 697, F. & A. M., of Imperial Council No. 70, R. A. , the Arcanum Club, the Utica Citizens Corps, and the Forty-fourth Separate Company, N. G. S. N. Y. He is a sergeant in the Forty-fourth Separate Company and for eight years served as its clerk. He is also an associate member of the Mili tary Service Institution situated on Governor's Island, and was for two years (1892- 93) secretary of the Board of School Commissioners of Utica. June 18, 1889, he mar ried Ann Elizabeth, daughter of Edwin Peckham, of Utica, and they have five chil dren: Kenyon H., Natalie P., Irving B., and Leonard S. and Lois S. (twins). Zimmerman, Mrs. L. — The late Leonard Zimmerman was born in Germany, April 5, 1839, and came to the United States with his parents when fourteen years of age, locating in the town of Verona. He was educated in the district schools, and was a cooper by occupation. March 5, 1865, he married Mary Hart, of Utica, N. Y., by whom he had six children: Fannie A., Leonard F., Hattie L. , Alva H., Amelia A. and Mary E., who died February 17, 1874. Leonard F. , who is in the employ of the Southern Pacific Railway, married Georgia Lyon, of Illinois, by whom he had two children : Leatha F. and Floi ence E. They now reside in Utah. Amelia A. is a school teacher. Leonard Zimmerman died March 11, 1894. Mrs. Zimmerman's father, John Hart, was born in Germany in 1813, and was educated there. In 1835 252 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. he married Harriet Pratch, of his native place, and they came to the United States in 1842. They were the parents of nine children, seven of whom are living: Fred erick, Harriet C, William, Mary C, as above, George J., Frances E. and Alva G. Mr. Hart died August 19, 1892, and his wife September 1, 1894. The ancestry of this family is German on both sides. Graves, Ferdinand V., was born at Cooperstown, N. Y., where in his boyhood he was an intimate friend of James Fenimore Cooper. He was a tailor by trade, and came to Boonville when twenty-nine years of age. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. D, 146th Regiment, and participated in many important battles. He became first lieu tenant and raised two companies from Boonville. He was also a prominent figure in the nomination of John C. Fremont. Since the war he has resided in Boonville and lived a retired life. He married Phebe M. Brinkerhoff, of a celebrated family of local pioneers, who died soon after celebrating her golden wedding. She left four sons and five daughters, one of the sons being Byron P. Graves, who took care of his father in his declining years and until his death. Mr. Graves was for thirty years a clothing merchant in Boonville, and has been president of the village. Kent, M. J., was born in Limerick, Ireland, November 9, 1844, and came to America with his parents, John and Mary Kent, in June, 1846. His father being overseer of coloring in the woolen mills in Massachusetts, he resided in that State for some time. He next moved to Providence, R. I. , and from there to Bridgeport, Conn., then to Skaneateles, N. Y., from which place he went to Pascoag, R. I., then to Carolina R. I., and from there to Dayville Conn. He worked successively in Auburn, N. Y., Oswego Falls, N. Y., Bennington, Vt., Franklin, N. J., Utica, N. Y., Lisbon Falls, Me., Rockville, Conn., Beacon Falls, Conn, and Skaneateles, N. Y., finally settling in Clayville, Oneida county, N. Y., in 1886. In September, 1893, he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, and has one of the largest and best stocked stores in this part of the country. In 1876 Mr. Kent married Bridget Maher, by whom he has one daughter, Jennie. Mr. Kent takes a great interest in educational matters, and has been trustee of the Clayville Union school for eight years, four years of which he has been president and three years secretary of the Board of Education. Dwyer, Michael, was born in Ireland, August 28, 1845, and came to America in 1852 with his parents, Thomas and Nora (Hickey) Dwyer, who settled and died in Utica. She died in 1880 and he in 1881. He was graduated from Assumption Acad emy in 1859, and became a clerk in a grocery store. In 1862 he learned the butcher's trade, and in 1863 went west, where he remained until 1865, when he returned to Utica and engaged in farming. In 1868 he began railroading and in 1872 established his present business in Bleecker street. He is a member of the Holy Name Society of St. John's Roman Catholic Church, and takes a deep interest in public. affairs. July 23, 1876, he married Mary, daughter of John Lackey, of the town of Annsville, , Oneida county. Their children living are Nora, Thomas, Catherine, John, Margue rite and Agnes ; two died in infancy. Mrs. Dwyer died February 13, 1893. Haley, Hon. Cornelius, was born in Little Falls, N. Y., December 20, 1860, and is a son of John and Mary Haley, natives of Ireland ; Mr. Haley still lives in that village ; Mrs. Haley died June 2, 1896. He received a public school education and at the. age FAMILY SKETCHES. 253 of eleven entered the woolen mills in Little Falls where he remained about five years. The family then moved to near Schuyler's Lake, Otsego county, but two years later returned to Little Falls, where he again entered the woolen mills. He soon went to New Jersey and learned the moulders' trade, which he followed for several years. He came to Utica in 1883. In 1890 he was nominated for member of assembly by the Democrats and the labor organizations of the city and was elected by a handsome majority. He was re-elected in 1891 and again in 1892, and served in all three terms. During his first year in the assembly he was a member of the committee on canals, labor, industries, etc. During the second year he was chairman of the committee on labor and industries, and a member of the committee on excise and canals. During his third term he served as a member of the committee on railroads, elec tricity, gas and w^ter, and others. He introduced and succeeded in passing a bill making ten hours a legal day's work on steam surface railroads, and was prominent in other legislative movements. vMay 27, 1893, he was appointed by Governor Flower and the commissioner of labor T. J. Dowling as chief clerk of the Bureau of Statistics and Labor at Albany, which position he held until April 23, 1896, when he resigned. He is a prominent member of several labor and other organizations of Utica. December 28, 1886, he married Elizabeth, daughter of James and Mary Hannon, of Sharon, Mercer county, Pa., who died October 14, 1892, leaving two children : Mamie Perpetua and James Bernard. Avery J. B. — Billious Avery was born in the town of Salisbury, Herkimer county, N. Y., January 1, 1802, and died in Oneida Castle, N. Y., August 11, 1870. March 21, 1824, he married Levina, daughter of Col. Ichabod Bartlett, of Salisbury. She died August 15, 1833, leaving him three sons: Milton B., Morgan L., and Oscar F. Avery. May 13 1838, he married Melinda Adelaide Norton, daughter of James Norton, of Norway, Herkimer county, N. Y. , who died in New York, January 14, 1880. Their children are Emeline L. and James B. Avery. He filled many offices of trust both in his native town and in the town of his adoption. For several years he represented his town as supervisor, and for nearly thirty consecutive years was justice of the peace of the town in which he lived. In 1854 he represented his party as candidate for member of assembly of his district. In 1857 he removed to Oneida Castle, Oneida county, N. Y. , where he spent the remainder of his life. In politics he was a staunch Republican from the first foundation of that party. James B. Avery son of Billious Avery, was born in Salisbury, Herkimer county, N. Y., November 19, 1844. At the age of twelve he with his parents removed from Salisbury to Oneida Castle, N. Y., where he with his sister occupies the family homestead. At the age of eleven Mr. Avery began the foundation of his subsequent education in the Experi mental School, a training school of the Normal College at Albany, N. Y. He prosecuted his preparatory studies in Oneida and Whitestown Seminaries and entered Hamilton College, Clinton, N. Y., as sophomore in the autumn of 1864, taking his Bachelor degree in 1867 and three years later the degree of Master of Arts. He has served his village acceptably in various capacities, and also the town of Vernon as a justice of the peace. For a number of years he conducted a private classical school at his residence at Oneida Castle, preparing students for various colleges. Peck, Dwight Bristol. — The Peck family is one of the best known and oldest in the 254 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. town of Marshall, being descended from Paul Peck, who came to Hartford, Conn., in 1635 and was a prominent man in the colony ; was ordained deacon in the first church in Hartford under Rev. Thomas . Hooker. Zebulon, of the fifth generation, came to Marshall from Connecticut in 1801 to join his son Isaac, who came in 1797. He was a remarkable man in many ways, and especially noted as a deep thinker and concise writer. Was a member of the Connecticut Legislature for fourteen sessions and a delegate in the Constitutional Convention in 1788. Isaac Peck, his son, was the father ot George Bristol Peck, a substantial and influential citizen, and he was the father of Dwight B. Peck. In February, 1869 Dwight B. Peck married Ada Marie Lewis, by whom he had two sons: Paul, who died in 1885, and Percival D., who lives with his parents at the homestead, which contains many heirlooms and much of historic interest. Mrs. Peck is a writer of ability, contributing to many leading periodicals. The early pedigree and arms of the Pecks may be found in the British Museum under the date of November 20, 1620. Marriages with two heiresses of rank formed the quarterings. The motto is "Probitatem Quam Divitias." Fisher, G. M., M. D., was born in Johnstown, N. Y., April 6, 1868, son of Henry and Lenora (Yager) Fisher, of Newport, where the doctor spent twenty years of his life. His grandfather, Rev. George Fisher, was an Englishman. He was born in 1805, and came to America when an infant. George Fisher, the doctor's grand father, also an Englishman, served under Lord Nelson, and was with him when he was killed. He came to this country and settled in Utica, N. Y. Dr. Fisher was educated at Colgate University, and Albany Medical College, from which institu tion he was graduated in 1892. He then became assistant to K. H. Bissel of Troy for one year ; and in 1893 he came to Clayville. He is a member of the Oneida County Medical Society, and also the Rensselaer County Medical Society. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, Sauquoit Lodge. Green, Adelbert, was born in the town of Paris, on the farm where he now resides, January 29, 1847, son of Daniel and Irene (Hammett) Green. In 1869 he married Mary Jones, daughter of John R. Jones, of Paris, by whom he had three children: Wallace, Ida and Cora; the two latter are teachers. Mr. Green is a Republican in politics, and takes an intelligent and active interest in the welfare of his party, by which he is highly valued. He has frequently been delegate to county conventions and has repeatedly served on committees. Delester, John, was born in France, October 25, 1839, son of Peter and Mary (Lemut) Delester, natives of France, who came to Utica in 1833. Mr. Peter Delester was a blacksmith by trade, and was in the war under Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo. He married at the age of forty, and reared nine children ; and he died in Utica at ninety-five years of age. John Delester came to America with his parents, and in 1855 married Elizabeth, daughter of Charles Smallinberge, a native of Ger many, and an early settler in Marcy. Mr. Delester was engaged in farming in Marcy and'in 1871 engaged in the manufacture of the extract of' witch hazel in connection with his farm work. In 1893 he retired from his farm work and came to Deerfield Corners, and is still engaged in the extract business. Irion, Elias, was born in Germany, in 1835, son of Elias and Maria Irion, also of Germany, where Mrs. Irion died. Elias Irion, sr. , came to America when well FAMILY SKETCHES. 255 advanced in years, and settled in Wisconsin with his children, where he died. Elias Irion, jr., came to America in 1860, and settled in Deerfield, where he has since car ried on market gardening. In 1863 he married Rachel Wolf, sister of George D. Wolf. Evans, Owen J., was born in the town of Floyd, April 3, 1849, son of Owen J. and Rose (Owen) Evans, who settled in Floyd about 1830. Their children were Jane (deceased); John, William (deceased), Owen J., Mary Jane (deceased) and Charles, all natives of Floyd. Owen J. Evans, sr. , was one of the pioneer dairy farmers and was active in educational interests. Owen J., jr., engaged in teaching school at the age of twenty, but is now engaged in farming and civil engineering. He is a gradu ate of Whitestown Seminary. He was elected supervisor in 1886 and is very active in school work. Wynn, John D., was born in the town of Marcy, September 8, 1856, son of George and Jane Wynn, who came from Wales in 1850, where he engaged in farming, and was also active in matters of public interest. John D. Wynn was one of seven chil dren, all natives of this county except the oldest. He married Mary Jane, daughter of Daniel and Martha (Pigott) Smith, by whom he has one child, Rosa M. Mr. Wynn is a farmer by occupation, and was elected constable one year. He is a mem ber of the Patrons of Industry, of which he is treasurer, also a member of Wright Settlement Grange. Smith, Daniel, was born December 34, 1818, son of John and Mary Smith, who settled in the town of Floyd about 1830. John Smith was a pioneer farmer and was active in theM. E. church of Western. Daniel Smith married Martha, daughter of James Pigott, a resident of the town of Rome. They have two children : Mary Jane, wife of John Wynn ; and Emaline, both born in the Smith homestead. Mr. "Smith is a farmer by occupation ; he is a member of the Presbyterian church. Jones, R. K., M. D , was born at Hollyhead, Wales, September 21, 1840, son of the Rev. Richard Jones. He is the eldest of eight children, and settled in this county in 1871, where he has practiced medicine, and also been engaged in farming. He studied medicine in Dublin, and was graduated from the Ledwich School of Medicine and Combe Maternity Hospital. He was assistant surgeon of Union par ish of Hollyhead. He first settled in Pennsylvania, but later pame to Floyd where he has since followed the practice of medicine. He married Ellen T. , daughter of Thomas J. Jones. He was formerly of the Welsh Congregational church, and is active in church and educational interests. He was elected justice of the peace one term, and is now a retired physician. Williams, Thomas H., was born in Comarshire, Wales, January 8, 1833, son of John and Rosemond Williams, who settled in Floyd in 1853 with his family, and have six children now living: David, John, Elizabeth, Thomas H., Edward, Howell and William. John Williams was engaged in farming, and very active in town and county affairs. Thomas H. Williams married Elizabeth, daughter of Joel S. and Margaret (Roberts) Williams, who died leaving nine children : John, Edwin, Rose mond, Prichard, Julia, Walter, Mary, Everett and Thomas. He married fo? his second wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas and Eliza Nichols. He enlisted in 256 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Rome, August, 1862, in Co. H, 117th Regiment N. Y. Volunteers, and served twenty- two months in regimental hospital until mustered out, June, 1865. He is engaged in farming, and is very active in educational interests and town and county affairs, and was commissioner of highways for two terms. Miller, Philip J. , was born January 28, 1833, son of Peter and Margaret Miller, who were natives of Alsace, Germany. Philip settled in Oneida county in 1865, and is engaged in farming. He married Catherine, daughter of Peter Bahrr of Germany, by whom he has three children : Emma, wife of Welcome Van Buskirk ; William, and Clara, who is the wife of Charles Sporie. William Miller married Mary, daugh ter of Robert L. Prichard, by whom he has three children: Clarence, Katie and Rena. William is also engaged in farming, and like his father is interested in both town and county affairs, and takes an active part in the educational interests of his town. He is a member of the S. F. I. Dewey, Rev. Sanger, was born in Turin, Lewis county, N. Y., March 27, 1823, youngest son of Chester Dewey, who was born in Westfield, Mass., in 1787, and came to Leyden, N. Y., in 1801 with his parents, and for several years followed the business of a clothier, but afterwards bought a farm in Turin and spent the rest of his life in that industry. He died in Turin in 1844. He was a descendant of, and the sixth generation from, Thomas Dewey, who came from England in 1633. He married Phebe Wetmore, a native of Connecticut, who died in December, 1845. The Rev. Sanger Dewey became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at thirteen years of age of which his parents had long been honored members. At twenty-one he received exhorter's license, and on March 18, 1848, was licensed to preach. The following June, after spending several years teaching, he was em ployed as junior preacher on the Steuben circuit (which then embraced several towns) with residence in Trenton. The next year he joined the Black River Conference on probation. In 1851 he was received in full connection and ordained deacon, and two years later was ordained elder. He has been pastor in the following charges: Steuben, Oriskany, East Canada Creek, Marcy, Brackett's Bridge (now Dolgeville), Delta and Westernville (two full terms), New London, North Manlius, Jordan, Sack ett's Harbor, Hermon, Rodman, Ogdensburg district, Antwerp, Brownville and Dexter, Martinsburg and Glendale, Taberg, Deansboro, Vernon Center, and in April, 1896, was appointed to Constableville. On November 13, 1851, he married Miss Chloe G. Williams, of Oriskany, by whom he has two daughters. She was born September 28, 1820, and died- in Taberg October 16, 1883. On October 14, 1891, he married Miss Addie R. Crofoot, of Constableville, N. Y., daughter of the late Benjamin P. Crofoot. She was born December 1, 1850, and was educated at Cazenovia Seminary. Grace, John, was bora in Deerfield, N. Y. , in November, 1843, son of John and Ann Grace. John was a native of Deerfield, and was engaged in farming until he died in 1867 in his eighty-third year. John Grace was educated in Deerfield, and came to Whitesboro in 1886, where he has since been engaged in farming. He has a fine farm of eighty-one acres, all under a fine state of cultivation. In politics he is a Democrat. He married Annie, daughter of Charles Ferguson, of Whites boro. FAMILY SKETCHES. 257 Morgan, John S., was born in Wales, March 25, 1866, son of David and Eliza Morgan. The family moved to New York Mills in 1869. David Morgan came here first in 1867, and returned with his family in 1869. David Morgan is employed on mason work of No. 1 Mill. John S. Morgan was educated in New York Mills, after which he learned the machinist trade, and is now in charge as boss machinist of No. 3 Mill. December 36, 1887, he married Harriet Ellen, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Watkins, of , New York .Mills, by whom he has one child, David Watkins Morgan. Mr. Morgan is a member of Samuel Campbell Council, Royal Arcanum, also Oriental Lodge No. 224, F. & A. M. Davis, Eugene, born in Frankfort, Herkimer county, June 18, 1850, is a son of David W. Davis, a shoemaker, who had previously followed trade in Utica for a time. David W. married Lydia Stevens, a native of Herkimer county, who is living in Richfield Springs aged eighty six. Her father was a soldier in the war of 1812. Their children were Charles S., of Utica; Harriet (Mrs. Chauncey Johnson), of Yon kers, N. Y. ; Hiel, of Utica ; Susan (Mrs. James Castler), of Richfield Springs ; and Eugene, of Utica. Eugene Davis was educated in the Frankfort public schools and first engaged in various business occupations, principally in the carting and livery business and hotel keeping in Lexington, Ky., for several years. In 1881 he came to Utica and engaged. in carting, and in 1888 purchased his present livery and sales stable of John Butterfield, He then combined the livery business and carting on an extensive scale and also extended the boarding and sales stable enterprise. . He is a member of Oriental Codge, F. & A. M., Oneida Chapter, R. A. M., Utica Com mandery, K. T, , the Scottish Rite bodies, 320, Fort Schuyler Council, R. A., and Fort Schuyler Club. In February, 188?, he married Nellie McKennan, of Utica, and they have four children: Chauncey W. , Lillian, George A., and Bessie. Crippin, A. E., was born in Decatur, Otsego county, December 13, 1861, son of George and Catherine Crippin. Mr. Crippin was educated in the schools of Otsego and Oneida counties, after which he entered the employ of the New York Mills Man ufacturing Company, and is now overseer of the weaving department of No. 2 mill. Jn 1837 he married Miss Lucy Harington of Kasoag, Oswego county, he is a member of Schuyler Lodge No. 147, 1. O. O. F. , and Samuel Campbell Council No. 1090 Royal Arcanum ; in politics he is a staunch Republican. Thompson, Henry D., was born in New Hartford, N. Y., in 1826, and since his retirement twenty years ago from farming he has been a resident of the village. He is the only ch'ild of Ethan Thompson, who came here from Connecticut when a boy. Ethan Thompson took a lively interest in all that pertained to the welfare of the town ; was a member of the M. E. church and was always engaged in agricultural pursuits. He died in 1881, aged ninety-two years. Henry D. Thompson married Mary J. Webster. Vanderzee, H. B., was born at Schqdack, N. Y.', in 1855, one of three children of Mathias and Katherine (Marble) Vanderzee, and is a descendant of a Dutch family whose lineage is traced to Holland. He received his education in the Troy Business College, and his first business engagement was in the woolen mills at that place. He has been a resident of New Hartford since 1888, and assistant superintendent two years on the Belt Line, having served several years as conductor and also as motor- gg 258 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. man for a time. Fifteen years ago he married Maggie Boyle of Yorkville, by whom he has one son, George, aged eleven years. Mr. Vanderzee is an honorary member of Troy Fire Department. Davies, R. M., was born in Wales in 1827. son of John R. Davies, who came from Wales when' R. M. Davies was five years old and settled in Utica where he always resided. Mr. Davies acquired an education by his own efforts and first engaged in farming ; but in 1843 was employed in a factory at Oriskany where he remained seven years. In 1850 he married Jane Purdy, by whom he had four children : Ella, Henry, Margaret, and George W. , who died at eleven years of age. He spent three years in California and New Mexico, mining and railroading. Mr. Davies has been iden tified with the Republican party from the time of its organization, and was super visor in 1882. Stevens, Franklin, was born in Camden, Oneida county, N. Y., August 18, 1813. He obtained his education in the district schools and has since been engaged in many occupations. He was a merchant in Cleveland, Oswego county, N. Y., dur ing the war. He has had much experience as a hotel man and has conducted the Lake Beach Hotel at Sylvan Beach, N. Y., for the past thirteen years. In 1834 he married Mary R. Potter, of his native place, by whom he had three children : Ellen, who married C. C. Cady, now of Boston, Mass. ; Welthena, who is at home; and one deceased. Mr. Stevens's father, William, was born in Connecticut and came to this State when a young man. He married Marinda Pond, of Camden, N. Y., by whom he had five children: Henry, Menzo, Franklin, Gilbert, and Welthena. Mr. Stevens was town clerk of Cleveland for one year. Buell, Wales, M. D., was born in Walesville, Oneida county, March 31, 1837, son of Alton and Julia Ann (Wales) Buell. Alton Buell was the son of Benjamin Buell of Westmoreland, and Julia Ann Buell was the daughter of Jonathan Wales, who came from Windham, Conn., in 1797, settled in Whitestown and built up the village of Walesville, and in addition to residences, he built the paper mill, hotel and other buildings. The larger portion of the village of Walesville was built by Jonathan Wales and Alton Buell. Mr. Wales died in 1838. Alton Buell built up the village of Walesville from the point where Jonathan Wales left off, and also the stove foundry, which was run as A. Buell & Co. They manufactured the Walesville cook stove, in which wood was used, and it was the greatest stove of its day, known and . sold in every section of the country. Dr. Wales Buell was educated at Whitestown and Fairfield Seminaries, and at the Bellevue Medical College in New York. 'He practiced in Utica six years, and removed to Walesville, where he has since prac ticed. Dr. Buell's family is the oldest in.the county, and have done almost the entire work of building up one of the oldest villages. Parmelee, David E., was born in Kirkland, May 13, 1831, and was one of the ten children of Chester and Haddassah Parmelee. Chester Parmelee came here from Connecticut ninety-five years ago, and was about nineteen years of age when his parents settled here. His father and brother died soon after coming here. David E. Parmelee was educated in the district schools of Kirkland, and engaged in farm ing, which he followed up to a few years ago, when he moved to the village of Clin ton. He is the owner of the old homestead farm of 130 acres. December 8, 1846, he FAMILY SKETCHES. 259 married for his first wife, Amy Pierce, and January 14, 1852, he married Elizabeth Cole, by whom he has two children : Flora R. and Charles W. Mr. Parmelee was for six years town assessor, and for nine years village assessor. Fowler, William H., jr., was born at Trenton, Oneida county, N. Y., June 13, 1830. His father, William H. Fowler, was born at Fairfield, Conn., November 8," 1801, and died at Little Falls, N. Y., April 17, 1896. In 1827 he removed to Trenton', N. Y. In 1832 he moved to Cold Brook, Herkimer county, N. Y., where he carried on a furni ture and undertaking business for fifty years. • In 1829 while in Connecticut he mar ried Mary Ives of New Haven, who was born in 1803, and died in Cold Brook in De cember, 1881. William H., jr., was educated in the common school in Cold Bropk, where he lived until twenty-three years of age ; from which place he went to Poland, Herkimer county, and was manager of the Union store, a position he held for twelve successive years. December 25, 1857, he was married to Mary M. Slocum, daughter of Sidney Slocum of Cold Brook. In 1866 Mr. Fowler moved to Trenton, N. Y., where he became associated with Levi Wheaton, under the firm name of Wheaton & Fowler, dealers in general merchandise, and remained until 1870, when he settled at Oriskany Falls, N. Y., where he has since resided and is now engaged in the general merchandise trade. Mr and Mrs. Fowler have three children: Frank S.. born January 31, 1861; Ruth Ives, born March 30, 1866; and Nettie E., born De cember 3, 1872. Frank S. is engaged with his father in business, and October 15, 1884, he married Anna Louisa Root, of Madison, N. Y. April 19 RuthTves married Clifton C. Newell, pf Oriskany Falls. Mr. Fowler has been identified with the Pro hibition party for the past ten years. Palmer, E. H. , was born in New Hartford, Oneida county, N. Y. , in 1837. His father, Joshua Palmer, was born in Connecticut, and was an early settler of this town, keeping a " half-way house" on the Whitestown road. He married Adaline Sanford, of New Hartford, by whom he had four childrSn, of whom E. H. is the only survivor: Ai, Celia, Elias H., and Esther. Elias H. Palmer has spent his whple life here, and has always been a farmer. In 1860 he married Clara H. Jones, of an old local pioneer family, also of Connecticut, by whom he had one daughter, Belle, now the wife of William Owens, of Whitestown. Munger, Charles, M. D., was born in the town of Fenner, Madison county, N. Y., April 26, 1841, and has been nearly twenty-five years engaged in the practice of medicine at Knoxboro, having at that time just graduated from Bellevue Hospital Medical college at New York city, and his professional work began with his resi dence in Knoxboro. He attended the Cazenovia Seminary, previous to entering upon his medical course, which included one year at Ann Arbor and two years at Bellevue, graduating in 1871. Dr. Munger's father was Chauncey Munger, also a native of the town of Fenner, and a lifelong farmer in that section. Chauncey Munger's father was one of the first three settlers in the township, and a part of the farm upon which he settled in 1793 is still in the possession of the family descend ants. Chauncey Munger married Minerva Hathaway, a native of Massachusetts, who was born in 1803, and died at the homestead in 1868. A noteworthy accom plishment of her early life was the weaving of a bed counterpane when she was six teen years of age, which, although seventy-six years old, is still in use in Dr. Mun- 260 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ger's home. Mr.- Munger died at his son's- home in Knoxboro in 1879.. Mr. Munger married Mary E. Strong, a native of Stockbridge, who was born April 20, 1842, and she died June 1, 1881, leaving two daughters: Jessie Strong, born July 11, 1874; and H. Louise, born September 5, 1876. Dr. Munger married for his second wife, Emma O., daughter of W. G. Strong, of Knoxboro, by whom he has had three, children: Edith. Frances, born November 28, 1886; Margaret Strong, born May 26, 1892, and Robert Strong (deceased), born October 19, 1894. Foster, Burton G., was born May 15, 1838, in Greenville, Greene county; N. Y., and was educated in the public schools and Greenville Academy, coming to this part of the State in 1867, where he conducted a stock farm of choice blooded Ayershire and Jersey cattle.- December 8-, 1869, he married Estelle Silvernail, of Oneida' Valley, N. Y., by whom he had five children: Nellie M., Burton G., jr., Homer B. , Theo dore arid John H. Mr. Foster's father, Theodore Foster, was born in Westerlo, Al bany county, N. Y., December 28, 1797. He' was of New England or Connecticut stock. He was educated in the schools of his day, and was a blacksmith and farmer by occupation, and a member of the Presbyterian church. April 18, 1833, he mar ried Maria Moore, of Rensselaerville, Albany county, by- whom he had three chil dren: Joseph, Benjamin and Burton G., as above. Mr. Foster died in April, 1877, and his wife August 10, 1880. Burton G. Foster's grandfather, Apollos Moore, came from Pittsfield, Mass., and settled near Rensselaerville in 1785, coming on foot while his wife rode a horse that cost five dollars, as stated in an old directory of Albany county, carrying with them all their worldlygoods. Mr. Moore afterwards became jus tice of the peace, supervisor, and was the first judge of Albany county, an office he held until he was nearly seventy years old. He had a store on his farm, also a large flouring mill in the village ; also was a foremost member of the Episcopal church. He was an officer in the Revolutionary war, enlisting when sixteen years of age, and served till the close of the w»r; he also served in the war of 1812, He died in 1840, aged seventy-six years. Mr. Foster's father, John H. Silvernail, was born in Colum bia county, N. Y., September. 30, 1817. He married Helen Johnson, by whom he had eight children : Homer, Estelle, Alfred J. , Bradish, Mary, Henry, John H. and Helen. He died January 13, 1886, and his wife July 18, 1885. The family are of New England stock. Mr. Foster is now a farmer and horse breeder of first-class trotting stock, at his farm, Oneida stock farm, one mile east of Oneida, N. Y. He has a horse of the Electioneer and Wilkes blood of Senator Stanford's California breed. He has been a resident of Verona five years. He is a member of Oneida Lodge No. 270, F. & A. M., and in politics a Republican. Chamberlin, George L., was bora in the town of Verona, N. Y., October 24, 1829. He was educated in the common schools and Vernon Academy and afterwards taught school for five years, but is now engaged in farming. August 11, 1850, he married H. Ellen Fleishman;- of this town, by whom he had three children : Marion F., Rhoda A. and Bayard L. Mr. Chamberlin' s father, Loel Chamberlin, was born in Vermont, February 12, 1793, and came to this State and county with his parents when a boy. He was educated in Clinton common schools, after which he engaged in farming. He married Elizabeth Lanning, of this town, by whom he had nine children: Samuel, Isaac W. Eliza, Meriba, three infants not named, George L., as above, and Rhoda. He was in the war of 1812. He died November 25, 1872, aged . FAMILY SKETCHES. 261 eighty years, and his wife May 20, 1884, aged eighty-eight years. Mrs. Chamber- lin's father,- Augustus Fleishman, was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1823, where he was educated; and was a farmer by occupation. He came to the United States in 1858 and located here. He married Ellen Gladwell, formerly of England, by whom he- had nine children: Frederick, William, Ellen, Emma, Josephine, Julia George; Charles and Evelyn. The ancestry of this family is English -and German. Gerwig, Frederick, was born near New London, in the town, of Verona, November 21, 1843, He was educated in the district schools, and afterward learned the car penter's trade. July 13, 1884, he married Catherine Acgley, of Rome, N. Y.^ by ..whom he had seven children: Edward W.,' Laura M., Bertha A., Frederick B., Martha B., Frank C, and Elmer H. Mr. Gerwig is a' contractor and builder with his brother George. Mr. Gerwig's father, Frederick Gerwig, was born in Alsace, France, in 1.821, and came to the United States with his parents when nine years of age locating in this town, where he was a boat builder by occupation. He married Barbara Ruby, of this town, by whom he had' eleven children : Frederick, as above, Margaret, Elizabeth, Barbara, George, Jacob, Caroline, Amelia, Sarah, Charles, and Benjamin. Mr. Gerwig died in 1877. Mrs. Gerwig's father, Jacob Angley, was born in Germany. He married Margaret Fembel, and came the the United States locating in Rome, N. Y. They had twelve children, three of whom survive. The father and mother are dead. Mr. Gerwig is a member of Romania Lodge, No. 271, A. O. U. W., of Rome, N. Y. The family are of German ancestry on both sides. Leete, Pelatiah W., was born in Guilford, New Haven county, Conn., May'4, 1815, and came to Verona, N. Y., with his parents when three years of age. He was ed ucated in the public schools, and in early life was a boat builder. He is a natural mathematician, and his main businessis that of a civil engineer and surveyor. He has served the town of Vienna as justice of the peace and school commissioner. He has been married twice, first in 1846, to Elizabeth Fuller, and they had one son, Pelatiah W., jr., who is a resident of Sioux City, Iowa. Mrs. Leete died in 1855 and he married for his second wife, Jennie E. Gardner, of the town of A-mboy, Oswego county, in 1870, by whom he had one son, Arthur L. Mrs. Leete is station agent, telegraph operator, and express agent at West Vienna, for the past seven years; on the Ontario and Western Railway. This old family is of New England stock, and dates back -to England to 1639. William Leete was the first of the family in this country ; he became governor of New Haven colony, and when Hartford and New Haven united, was governor of the State of Connecticut which position he held when he died. Mr. Leete is the fifth of the name of Pelatiah, his son the sixth, and his grandson the seventh. ' Gates, Henry L. , son of Nathan Gates and Phebe York was born in Brookfield, Madison county, N. Y., May 12, 1859. His grandfather, David Gates, was the pio neer settler in the Beaver Creek Valley in the town of Brookfield having come there from Putney, Vermont, in April, 1793. The old Gates mansion at Putney where David Gates was born is still standing. Mr. Gates was educated at Brookfield Academy, read law in his native village with S. B. Daboll, now circuit judge in Michigan, and in West Winfield with the late Hon. S. S. Morgan, and was admitted to the bar at Ithaca irr 1882. He first practiced in Brookfield, where he also served 262 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. one year as town clerk. In 1882 Mr. Gates was married to Miss Roxie Waterman of Utica. In 1886 he removed to Utica and was associated in business for two years with the late John G. Jones. Since then he has practied alone. In 1890 and again in 1894 Mr. Gates was elected justice of the peace and still serves in that capacity. ' Although having decided cases numbering into the thousands his decisions have only been appealed from five times and none have ever been reversed. Mr. Gates has been assistant journal clerk of the Assembly of the State of New York since January 1, 1894. For the last five years Mr. Gates has been chairman of the Republican City Committee of the city of Utica. He is a member of Utica Lodge No. 33, B. P. O. Elks, Faxton Lodge F. & A. M., Samuel Read Lodge K. P., the Utica Mannerchor, one of the original Board of Governors of the Masonic Club, a director in the Oneida County Sportsmen's Association, and for many years a vice-president of the New York State Association for the Protection of Fish and Game. Mr. Gates as a lawyer ranks high among the younger members of the bar. , Small, Lewis J., was born October 7, 1852, in Deerfield, Oneida county, and is a son of Gottlieb Small, who came from Germany and died in Deerfield March 10, 1860. He was educated in the district schools and Utica Business College, was reared on a farm, and at the age of twenty engaged as clerk for Weaver & Watkins, general merchants of Deerfield Corners, witn whom he remained for five years. He then became a clerk in Utica for Roberts, Butler & Co., wholesale clothingmanufacturers, spending five years in the stock department and seven years in the office of the manufacturing department as bookkeeper. In 1889 he organized with G. A. Grant as president and the late F. W. Kuhn as vice-president, the Utica Clothing Company, incorporated with a capital of $15,000. Mr. Kuhn retired in 1892 and George E. Vail became vice-president. Mr. Small is secretary and treasurer. November 25, 1891, he married Eleanor J., daughter of the late Robert R Watkins, of Holland Patent, Oneida county. They have one son, Harold Watkins, born August 15, 1893. Quinn, John, born January 6, 1840, in Boonville, Oneida county, is a son of John Quinn, who was born in Ireland in 1802, came to America in 1833, and settled in Quebec, Canada. About 1838 John, sr., went to Boonville, in 1856 moved to Rome, and in 1861 located in Utica, where he died in 1878. John Quinn, jr. , went to Arizona Territory in 1858 and remained there till the war broke out. He then came to Utica and joined the family, and entered the employ of the Gulf Brewery where he remained until 1874. In that year he formed a partnership with John Myres, James O'Toole and Thomas Quinn (his elder brother) and built the Star Brewery on the corner of Mohawk and Jay streets, the firm being J. Myres & Co., which still con tinues. The capacity of this brewery is about 30,000 barrels a year. In 1888 the same men and six others incorporated the Eagle Brewery Company with a capital of $100,000, and built the present Eagle Brewery on the corner of Jay street and Third avenue. Its capacity is 50,000 barrels per year. Mr. Quinn has been president since the incorporation. He has been a member of the Board of Charities since 1879, and was its president in 1895. He is a member of the Knights of Honor and a member. of the C. B. L. May 2, 1864, he married Ann T. Venn, of Utica, who died Decem ber 10, 1881. They had nine children of whom four are living: Frederick J., Rebecca H. (Mrs. Thomas Hobbs), Anna and Margaret E. January 10, 1883, he married FAMILY SKETCHES. 263 second, Mrs. Mary A. (Welch) Kelly, and they have nine children, of whom six are living: Bessie, Thomas, John, Agnes, Mary, and Harry. Sharp, Charles W., was born in Morrisville, Madison county, August 12, 1842, and is a son of Charles H. Sharp, a mechanic, who came with his family to New York Mills in 1853 and died in Wisconsin in 1886. He learned the trade of scythemaker and machinist in the town of Paris, Oneida county. In July, 1862, he enlisted in Co. G, 117th N. Y. Vols., as a musician, and remained with his regiment two years and eleven months, or until the close of the war, being honorably discharged June 6, 1865, at Raleigh, North Carolina, and mustered out at Syracuse on June 17, 1865. In 1877 he came to Utica and engaged in manufacturing and bottling small beer and soda water, which he still continues. He is an active Republican, and was formerly a member of Post Reynolds G. A. R. and its commander nine years. He is now a member of Post Bacon, and active in G. A. R. circles. He was a member of the committee on the chief's staff under Gen. S. S. Burdett, and later one of the State G. A. R. inspectors. He is now a member of the general committee of the G. A. R. , Department State of New York, and was active in securing the annual encampment for Utica in May 1896. He is also a member of the Utica Lodge Knights of Honor. He married first Martha Lloyd, of Clayville, N. Y. , and they had one daughter, Jennie M. (Mrs. Nathaniel Crask) of Utica. In April, 1874, he married, second, Carrie A. Tillson, also of Clayville, Oneida county, and they have one daughter. Grace A. Ball, Emmett J., was born in Marcellus, Onondaga county, N. Y., November 22, 1852, son of Daniel and Esther (Wood) Ball. Daniel Ball was district attorney of Oneida county from 1868 to 1872. Emmett J. was educated in Whitestown Semi nary, and was graduated from Hamilton College in the class of 1875. He received the degree of LL.B. from Hamilton College Law School in 1876, and the same year opened a law office and commenced the practice of his profession in the city of Utica. In 1886 he and his brother, Willard D. , formed a copartnership. Emmett J. held the office of special surrogate of Oneida county for two terms, from 1878 to 1884. He was the candidate for city judge of Utica on the Republiean ticket in 1882, and was defeated by Judge P. F. Bulger. Mr. Ball is unmarried. He is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, a veteran of the Utica Citizen Corps and a member of Royal Arcanum. Barney, Moses, was born in County Wexford, Ireland, December 23, 1833, came to America in 1854, and first settled at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, N. Y. A year later he moved to Holland Patent, Oneida county, and in 18.56 located in Utica. where he has ever since been engaged in the livery business, a period of forty years. He has occupied his present quarters in Elizabeth street since 1872, and is the oldest liveryman in continuous business in the city. He was the first Democratic alderman elected from the Fourth ward and served two years. He is a member of Mohawk Valley Lodge Knights of Honor, and one of the organizers of the Gulf Brewery and Brew ing Company, which he has continuously served as president. He was also one of the originators of the Eagle Brewing Company. Kelly, Patrick E., city treasurer of Utica,. N. Y., was born in that city March 27, 1851, son of Thomas and Ann (Doody) Kelly. He was educated in the public schools; and was graduated from the Assumption Academy. He learned the printer's trade 264 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. in the composing room of the Utica Observer, and was publisher of the Sunday Trib une for eighteen years. Mr. Kelly was excise commissioner of the city for four years, and was appointed city treasurer January 11, 1896. January 33, 1873, he married Ellen M. Carroll, of Utica. Mr. Kelly is a member, of the Elks, .Maenner- chor, Utica Lodge, Knights of Honor, of which, he has been treasurer for many years. He is.a member of the .Grand Lodge, being chairman of the .committee on printing and supplies. He also a member of the Utica Division, Ancient Order of Hibernians. , James, A. Willard, was born June 20, 1863, in Utica, as was-also his father, Arthur M., who was a son of Joseph James, who came here from Welsh Bush, town of Frankfort, and followed his trade of architect and builder, and who was prominent in church work, being for several years an officer in the Tabernacle Baptist^ church. He was educated in the public schools of Utica and became a clerk of Bradstreet's Commercial agency. In 1883 he accepted a position as bookkeeper with Henry Hopson, real 'estate and fire insurance, with whom he has since remained. Mr- James has been an active Republican, and in 1893 was elected city assessor of the Tenth ward for two years, being re-elected in November, 1895, for another term. He has been ward and city committeeman several times and a delegate to several political conventions. He is the official appraiser of real estate for the' Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York and a member and past noble grand of Oneida Lodge, No. 70, I. O. O. F. , and a member and past chief of Tri-M^unt Encampment, No. 24, I. O. O. F. He is also a trustee of the Odd Fellows Union. Bannigan, Michael T., son of Patrick, was born in Utica, November 22, 1868, and was graduated from the Assumption Academy in 1881. His father came from Ireland about 1845, and is the senior member of the firm of Bannigan & Weber, masons and contractors. At the age of fifteen Michael T. entered the employ of J. A. Marrow & Co., coal dealers, with whom he remained two and one-half years, when he became bookkeeper and rodman in the city surveyor's office. After filling these positions for three years he spent one year in the post-office under Postmaster E. Prentiss Bailey, and later four months as city treasurer to examine the books under appointment of the Common Council. In April, 1891, he accepted his present position as cashier for the Warren- Scharf Asphalt Paving Company. Bagg, Egbert, is a great-grandson of Moses Bagg, sr., who came to Utica with his wife and two' sons from Westfield, Mass., m 1794. He was a blacksmith and also kept a log, and later' a frame, tavern on the east side of Bagg's square. His son Moses Bagg, jr., became a merchant and afterward took charge of the tavern, which stood on 'the site of Bagg's hotel of to-day. In 1813-151 he erected the central por tion of the present building and to it he subsequently added on either side. He kept the hotel with brief intermissions until 1836, when it was sold to a company. Egbert Bagg, son of Moses, jr., was born February 3, 1820, was educated at Geneva (now Hobart) College, was engaged on the Erie Canal enlargement, completed a course of law study, and formed a partnership with William Roberts, then foreman of the New York Cotton Mills machine shop, and engaged in machine making in Utica. Later Mr. Bagg gave himself to surveying and in 1853-54 was suryeyqr.of the city. From 1855 to 1861 he resided in Fort Dodge, la. In ,186? he became FAMILY SKETCHES. 265 quartermaster with rank of first lieutenant in the 117th N.-Y. Vols., rose rapidly, and in August, 1864, was made major. He was engaged in thirteen fights, nine of which were pitched battles, and had command of the regiment in several engage ments. At Fort Fisher he distinguished himself, was wounded, and for gallant and meritorious service was brevetted lieutenant-colonel by the United States gov ernment. He was again surveyor of the city from 1866 to 1869 and in 1878, and was both surveyor and superintendent of Forest Hill Cemetery. He died Novem ber 18, 1885, while on a trip to Europe. His wife was Cornelia, daughter of Mont gomery Hunt, and sister of Justice Ward Hunt, of the United States Supreme Court. Their son, Egbert Bagg, was born August 10, 1850, was educated at Hobart College and Cornell -University, and since 1871 has been engaged in the insurance business, first as clerk for Hoyt & Butler, later as clerk for Erastus Clark & Co., subsequently as a member of the last named firm, and since 1884 alone. He was for many years a member of the Utica Citizens' Corps, rising from private to captain. On the death of his father in 1885 he was elected to succeed the latter as a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion. He is also a member of the Society of the Sons of the Revolution, in which struggle Daniel Bagg, father of Moses, sr., participated. He is a member of the Oneida Historical Society and an associate member of the American Ornithologists' Union, and has written numer ous articles on birds for leading magazines and periodicals. In connection with Dr. William L. Ralph he wrote a paper on "Birds of Oneida County," which was read before the Oneida Historical Society and published in the society's proceedings and also in book form, and has since been the authority for Central New York. He married in 1882, Sarah A. , daughter of William Clarke. Barber, 'William F., was born in Westmoreland, Oneida county, N. Y., in 1836. He completed his education at Fort Plain Seminary, after which he engaged in farming for several years. Besides conducting an insurance business, he is at present an egg dealer. In politics Mr. Barber is a Republican ; he served as justice of the peace for four years, and is now serving his third term as assessor. His father, George Barber, was also a farmer, and died in 1843, from injuries received by accidentally jumping on a pitchfork. In 1866 Mr. Barber married Adelaide, daughter of Abner H. Waters, of Westmoreland, by whom he had four children: Estella M., Alice J., and Roy De Forest. Siegman, Frederick,' was born in Rome, March 8, 1849, son of Frederick and Ros anna Siegman, who came from Bavaria, landed in New York, and came by the canal to Rome. In 1846 he first began work in Adams's foundry, then assisted in building the second track of the N. Y. C. R. R. and also assisted on the R., W. & O. R. R. From Rome he went to Taberg, from there he returned to Rome, and about 1857 came to Westmoreland, where he first rented a farm, and subsequently purchased one which he conducted until he retired from active work. He died in May, 1891, aged eighty -four years. Frederick Siegman, jr., was educated at the district school, after which he engaged in farming at which he has since continued. He married Charlotte Herrick, of New London, N. Y., by whom he has four children: Lela, Lydia I., Fred J., and Florence. Lee, Robert, was born in Westmoreland, March 14, 1845, son of Thomas and Lola 266 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. (Candee) Lee. Thomas Lee was born in 1806, and Lola, his wife, was born in 1809. Thomas Lee was a merchant in Berkshire county, Mass., and settled in Westmore land in 1838 and engaged in farming, which he continued till his- death in 1892. Robert Lee was educated in the district school at Westmoreland, and the liberal in stitute at Clinton. He married Irsie Barber, daughter of B. Franklin Barber, of Oneida county, by whom he has had four children: Merritt E., Frank D., who died when sixteen months old, Fred J. and Lola P. Mr. Lee is a member of the Congre gational church at Westmoreland, and is a prominent Republican, highly esteemed, and has contributed efficient efforts in support of his party. He has been collector of the town, and commissioner of highways. Foote, Samuel G., was born in Westmoreland, February 8, 1849, son of John B. and Mary P. Foote. John B. Foote was born in North Adams, Mass.. February 10, 1807, and died January 24, 1870. He was educated at Williams College, Mass., and was a minister prior to his settlement in Westmoreland, where he came in 1839. Mrs.^ Foote was born in 1805 and died July 30, 1888. She came to Westmoreland when she was four years old, and lived here seventy-nine years. Samuel G. Foote was educated in Clinton, and then engaged in farming on the old homestead. His grandfather, Aaron Foote, was the inventor of the original threshing machine, from which the great modern improvements in this line have sprung. Cottman, Joseph S., was born in Philadelphia, Pa., August 9, 1836. He was edu cated in the public schools and afterward learned the plumber's trade, which busi ness he followed about thirty-four years. In December, 1860, he married Frances Mattison, of Rome, N. Y. , who died October 4, 1881. In that year Mr. Cottman sold his business and came to Sylvan Beach, N. Y., where he is proprietor and captain of the steamboat, L. C. Spencer, on Oneida Lake. He also has a shop there, well stocked with machinery for performing skillful jobs in iron and wood work. Mr. Cottman's father, William B. Cottman, was born at the old home in Pennsylvania, July 27, 1793. He was educated there, and was a chair manufacturer by trade. November 26, 1818, he married Maria A. Streiby, of his native place, by whom he had eleven children: F. Louisa, John A., George S., Sally A., William B., Joseph S., who died in infancy, Maria, who also died in infancy, Joseph S., as above, Anna E., Edward S., and Martha J. Mr. Cottman died in 1876, and his wife in 1871, aged seventy-four years. The ancestry of the family is English and German. Groves, Adelbert D., was born in Kirkland, July 18, 1853, son of Allen and Ada- line J. Groves. Allen Groves came from Massachusetts and settled in Kirkland, where he conducted a farm until his death, which occurred June 6, 1878, aged sixty- two years. Mrs. Groves is still living in Westmoreland, and is seventy years of age. Adelbert D. was educated in Westmoreland, and also at Whitestown Seminary, after which he engaged in farming which he followed until his death, in April, 1896. He married Annie Thompson, of Westmoreland, by whom he had three children: Newton B., Irwin A., and Hartley I. Fargo, Orrin S., was born in Chittenango, Madison county, N. Y., in 1847. ' He was educated in the district schools, and has followed the canal all his life in connec tion with farming. September 6, 1869, he married Eliza Cooley, of the town of Ve rona, who was born in Germany, by whom he had one daughter, Laura E. , who FAMILY SKETCHES. 267 married William A. Wright, of New London, N. Y., and they have two children: O. Leroy and Beulah I. Mr. Fargo's father, Simon Fargo, was born in New Hart ford, Conn., in 1814, and came to Madison county when a young man. He married Jerusha Thompson, of Clockville, Madison county, N. Y., by whom he had seven children: Clinton, Maryette, Jerusha, Orrin S., as above, Edward, George, and Alice. Mrs. Fargo died about 1856. .Mrs. Fargo's father, Simon Cooley, was born at the old home in Germany, in 1817. He married Eva D. Manuel, of his native place, by whom he had nine children, all of whom are dead except Mrs. Fargo. The family came to the United States in 1852. Mr. Wright is a member of New London Lodge, No. 430, F. & A. M. The ancestry of the family is of English aud German extraction. Siegman, Leopold, was born September 8, 1858, son of Frederick and Rosanna (Newcomb) Siegman. Frederick was a native of Bavaria, and came to the United States in 1846, settled in Rome, and assisted in building the Rome & Watertown railroad, also in building the second track on the New York Central R. R., then set tled in Westmoreland, where he engaged in farming until 1876, when he retired. He died May 3, 1891. Leopold was educated at the district school at Westmoreland, and then engaged in farming. In addition to farming he also deals largely in butter, eggs, and meat, which he buys throughout the country, and ships to the city mar kets. Mr. Siegman married Helen D. Effenberger of Utica, by whom he has one son, Harold Henry. Ensworth, George W., was born in the town of New Hartford, N. Y., in 1836, the youngest of a large family of Ezra Ensworth, of Connecticut birth, who came here in 1793, when two years of age; his father, Elihu- Ensworth, having died when he was fifteen years of age, a widowed mother and two sisters were left to his care. He bravely met with these adversities of fortune, and at one time peddled home made cheese in Utica, when there were so few buildings that he could visit them all in less than one hour. He died at ninety-three years of age ; his wife, Hannah (Munson) Ensworth, having died previously, January 17, 1876, leaving eight chil dren, of whom only three are now living. George W. has always occupied the old homestead of 200 acres on the site where his father lived for ninety years. His grandfather, Samuel Munson, once kept a hotel, or as it was then called, a half-way house, on the site where the W. S. R. R. now crosses Genesee street. In 1872 Mr. Ensworth married Josephine Wilcox, of Portland, Chautauqua county, by whom he had two children: William E., who is engaged in farming at home; and Libbie E., who died in 1891, at fourteen years of age. Aldrich Reuben M. , was born in Hamilton, Madison county, June 15, 1825, son of Zimri and Sarah (Mills) Aldrich. Zimri was born in Cumberland, R. I., in 1791, and died July 17, 1881. He always followed the occupation of farming. Sarah Aldrich was born in Paris, Oneida county, in 1805, and died March 28, 1891. Reuben M. Aldrich was educated in Westmoreland, where he has lived since he was seven years old. He is one of the best known farmers in the township of Westmoreland. Mr. Aldrich married Mary Goodwin, by whom he had one daughter, Libbie, who mar ried George Teal, son of William Teal, of Westmoreland. Dempsey, Thomas E., was born at College Hill, in the town of Kirkland, July 14, 268 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1857, son of John Dempsey, who was born in Ireland, and came to the United States in 1848, settling in Utica, where he followed his trade as mason ; later he engaged in farming on College Hill. He now lives retired in Clinton village. He married Catherine Lyons, of Ireland, by whom he had eight children. Thomas E. Dempsey was educated in the old Liberal Institute at Clinton. He taught in the village schools for about three years, and in 1881 he engaged in the buying of hops, which business he still follows. He was one of the first members of the school board which organ ized the Union School and Academy and erected one of the finest school buildings in the State He was one of the organizers of the Clinton Burial Case Company, and was its secretary and treasurer for about three years, but resigned upon the transfer to Utica. Sanders, E. E., was born in Columbia, N. Y., March 25, 1862, son of William and Frances Sanders. He learned the trade of cheese maker when quite young, which he followed for twelve years, and then engaged in, farming for five years. In 1891 he purchased the Hibbard House in Bridgewater, which he has since conducted suc cessfully, and is a very popular host. In 1886 he married Bertha M. Eckler, by whom he had one daughter, Hazel. Mr. Sanders is an active and influential Republican, and at present is street commissioner of the village of Bridgewater, and has been delegate to several Republican conventions. Horton, George C, son of James, was born in Sandisfield, Berkshire county, Mass., July 10, 1843, and moved with his parents to Herkimer, N. Y. , in the spring of 1849. There James Horton was for three years the buyer and salesman for the Laflin Brothers Paper Company, manufacturers of writing papers. Leaving them he en gaged in the powder business in Frankfort and continued until his death in 1870. George C. Horton was educated in the public schools of Herkimer and Frankfort, Whitestown Seminary, and at Hamilton College, teaching school in the mean while during part of each year for eight successive years. His school teaching commenced in the fall of 1860. In the spring of 1869 he settled in Utica and became a member of the firm of Rowley Brothers & Co. , which in January, 1879, was changed to Row ley & Horton. This is the oldest paper firm in Utica. Mr. Horton is a member and trustee of the Tabernacle Baptist church, and has been very prominent in the Young Men's Christian Association, serving as one of the trustees since its organization, as treasurer of the board since February, 1895, as its first secretary, and two years as its president. He was one of its founders, and has always taken an active interest in its growth and prosperity. * Bielby, Isaac P., sou of Thomas A., was born March 11, 1847, in Oriskany, Oneida county, in the old house just west of the Presbyterian church, now used as a grocery store. Thomas A. was born near Malton, England, in June, 1800; he came to America and located in the western part of Oneida county in 1827, and in 1828 set tled in Oriskany where he had charge of conveying woolen goods to New York city for Newton S. Dexter & Co. , proprietors of the first woolen factory establishment in the United States for manufacturing supplies for the Federal army in the war of 1812. In 1852 Mr. Bielby settled on a farm two and a half miles southwest of Oris kany, in the town of Whitestown, which Isaac P. now owns. There he died in December, 1873. In politics originally a Whig, and an early Abotitionist, and later FAMILY SKETCHES. 269 a Republican; he was a college bred man, and civil engineer; he held several local offices, and in the military rose through the various grades in the service to lieuten ant-colonel, to which he was appointed by his friend and coworker, Governor Will iam H. Seward. His maternal grandfather was archbishop of Canterbury, and his father a major in the British army who distinguished himself with Wellington in the battle of Waterloo. Mr. Bielby married Christy Ann, daughter of Isaac and Eliza beth Prudens, pioneers of Oriskany. She survives him. Their children were Thomas Picton and John Allison, both deceased ; Isaac Prudens of Utica ; William James, who occupies the homestead; and Elizabeth Ann, who married Bielby Yates and died in 1872. Isaac Prudens, father of Mrs. Bielby, was a deacon and local Methodist preacher, widely known as an earnest Christian, and died in 1870, aged nearly eighty years. His wife died about 1871. Isaac Prudens Bielby attended the district schools of his native town, Misses Cunningham and Grahame's, Whitestown Seminary, and Oberlin College in Ohio. He read law with Johnson & Prescott of Rome, was "admitted to the bar at Buffalo in June, 1875, and began practice in the office of his preceptors. Becoming deeply interested in religion he entered Auburn Theological Seminary to master the Hebrew and Chaldean languages. While there his home was destroyed by fire, and all his property lost in the ruins. He returned to the homestead to settle the estate and lift the encumbrances, and also practice law at Oriskany. January 1, 1876, he entered the sheriff's office as counsel under George Benedict, and has remained there ever since, and has been attorney for the sheriffs in all the courts and before the governors. Mr. Bielby became an active abolitionist from his boyhood and in the Lincoln campaign joined the Republican Wideawakes, now the Utica Continentals, of which he is still a member. In 1861 he was a drum mer in the recruiting service and a member of the Whitestown Seminary cadets. He enlisted in Co. E, second N. Y. Volunteers, but was too young to muster. He afterwards served in the 145th Regiment. In September, 1864, he was mustered into Co. C, 14th N. Y. H. A. and served till his discharge in September, 1865. In the great temperance reform movement of 1877 he was one of the most able and eloquent advocates, being the friend and companion of thelamented John P. French. In the political campaign of 1880 he raised the Lawrence cadets (afterwares recog nized as the Conkling Unconditionals) and of which he was captain. He was a lieutenant-colonel on General Grant's staff of the Boys in Blue, a national veteran organization, which local organization became the Forty Roundel s in the Blaine and Logan campaign of 1884. He was also commander of the Plumed Knights and adjutant-general of the Thirteenth Division (Central New York) of the Boys in Blue, and is now president of the Forty Rounders and the Veterans' Organization of Oneida County. He has been very active in politics and has often been nominated for office, but has declined to run. He was made a Mason in Roman Lodge, and since April, 1876, has been a member of Oriental Lodge, Utica. He is a member of the Veteran Masonic Association, a charter member of the Masonic Club, and for many years active in the I. O. G. T. , holding offices in the Grand and Supreme Grand Lodges. He was also for many years an officer in the Y. M. C. A. He joined the G. A. R. in Illinois in 1866 and ih 1867 became a member of Post Worth, Westmoreland; later he joined Post RoSs, New York Mills, and about 1872 became the first chaplain of Post Skiller of Rome of which he was the organizer and charter member. He is 270 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. now a past commander of Bacon Post, Utica, was president of the old Utica Veteran Zouaves, and formerly chaplain with the rank of captain of the 26th Battalion N. G. January 27, 1886, he married Anna E., daughter of Langford T. and Elizabeth Hewett. Mr. Hewett is an old engineer on the D. L. & W. Railroad and a descend ant of one of the pioneer families of Paris, Oneida county. He is one of the histor ians of Oneida county, and author of a book of patriotic songs, Illustrated History of Utica, Sheriffs of Oneida County, District Attorneys and Surrogates of Oneida County, and other works of the different organizations to which he belongs. He is a member and officer of the Presbyterian church. He has the reputation of being an eloquent advocate, a competent official and faithful public servant. ' Comstock, Ira Morris, was born at Salisbury, N. Y., January 1, 1856, son of Morris W. and Sarah (Rice) Comstock, and grandson of Ira Comstock, moving to Whites- town from Salisbury in April, 1866. With- a preparatory education at Whitestown Seminary and Utica Busines College, he began to read medicine in 1876 at Whites- town under Mm. M. James, M. D. , of that place ; attended three courses of lectures at the University of the City of New York, and was graduated February 18, 1879; also took post-graduate instruction at the same institution in 1880. On May 1, 1880, Dr. Comstock commenced the practice of medicine at New York Mills, andhasmade no change in location since. He is a member of the Oneida County Medical Society. He is visiting physician to Faxton Hospital; assistant surgeon Patriarchs Militant; member of the I. O. O. F. ; Oriental Lodge, No. 234, F. & A. M., Utica, N. Y. ; of the League of American Wheelmen; and of the Order of United Friends and A. O, U. W. ; also medical examiner for several life insurance companies. April 7, 1880, he married Emma L. Bartlett, of Williamstown, by whom he had four children: Morris W., May Asenath, Aletha Emma, and Charles Ward. Hale, Andrew Jerome, was born in the town of Sangerfield, N. Y., April 14, 1825, and died in Waterville, N.Y., May 8, 1896. His grandparents, Minerva Hale and wife, were of the earliest settlers of the town, having come to it in 1793 from Con necticut, and the large farm which they cleared and cultivated was in the possession of their grandson at the time of his death. Their oldest son. Seneca, was the first male child born in Sangerfield ; thus three generations of the family have been in timately connected with the history of the town and have been among its foremost citizens. In early life Mr. Hale engaged in the culture of hops and the wool in dustry, afterwards substituting dairying for the wool business. In 1873 he moved into the village of Waterville, N. Y. , letting his farm on shares. At one time he was engaged with Charles Bacon and W. P. Locke, all of Waterville, in buying hops for brewers. Mr. Hale was a member of the Presbyterian church, and for many years both an elder and trustee. In the Waterville Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, he was an active member and held the post of worthy master for eight years. In politics he was first a Whig and afterwards a staunch Republican, and had served his town as assessor and highway commissioner, and also had been trustee of the village for some time. He was public spirited and always encouraged with substan tial help all enterprises. "When the Utica, Chenango and Susquehanna Valley Rail road was built he took a large block of stock. He generally attended county con ventions of his party and in 1892 he attended the Congressional Convention. Mr. FAMILY SKETCHES. 271 Hale married Maria, daughter .of Horace F. Locke, of the same town. His wife survives him, also a daughter, Mrs. D. H. Livermore, of Atlanta, Ga. Adkins, F. A., was born in Otsego county, June 5, 1851. He followed railroading for twenty years, on the New York Central, holding every position from brakeman to conductor. Six years ago he purchased the Junction House at Richfield Junc tion, and has since conducted it with great success. In 1873 he married Emma Matteson, by whom he has three children: Frank, Linden, and Raymond. Mr. Adkins's father, Emery Adkins, was for years connected with the hotel business in this county, being at one time proprietor of the old Sherman House in Utica. His mother, Anna (Talbot) Adkins, is still living and resides in Chicago. , Mr. Ad- Trins has a model little hotel, admirably conducted and capable of accommodating twenty guests. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 581. Armbrust, John, was born in Ebenezer, Erie county, N. Y. , January 12, 1869, son of John and Charlotte (Landefeld) Armbrust. In 1889 he came to Sauquoit and en gaged in the butter and cheese business and is superintendent of the Sauquoit milk station, where they ship from 100 to 125 cans of milk daily, and make 500 ppunds of high grade butter each week. In 1892 he married Ada E. Cress. Mr. Armbrust is an enterprising and progressive young business man, and the industry he rep resents so ably is an important factor in the business life in this part of the county. Dewing, W. H., M.D., was born in Litchfield, Herkimer county, N. Y., June 4, 1858, and was educated in Whitesboro Seminary and Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1882. In 1885 he settled in Clay ville, where he has since carried on the practice of his profession. Dr. Dewing is a son of George and Mary (Ball) Dewing, and his grandfather came from New Eng land to Litchfield about 100 years ago. Dr. Dewing married Olive E". Van Auken, by whom he has two children : George and Ethel Mary. He is a member of the Oneida County Homoeopathic Medical Society, and has been president of that organization. Costigan, W. H., was born in New Hartford, N. Y., May 24, 1861. He followed farming until 1891, at which time he opened a furniture and undertaking establish ment in Sauquoit, which has steadily increased in volume and popularity from its in ception under his able management. Mr. Costigan' s parents were Daniel and Catherine Costigan, of the town of Paris. Their children are W. HI, Francis I., and Mrs. William McGuirk, of North Bridgewater. Carpenter, W. H., was bora in Oneida county, where he has lived all his life, May 17, 1847, and was engaged in farming until 1880, when he retired, but later went into the saw mill business, and also conducts a wagon shop and a cider mill, his three industries forming a prominent and notable factor in the manufacturing in terests of the Sauquoit Valley. Mr. Carpenter is a thorough and enterprising busi ness man, who not only holds a front place among the business men of this part of the county, but is also highly respected for his integrity and progressive ideas. He possesses a great deal of literary ability inherited from his mother, who was a cultured and literary woman. Mr. Carpenter's parents were Lucas and Alphea (Radford) Carpenter. His great-grandfather Carpenter came from England and was 272 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. one of the early settlers. His grandfather, Oliver Carpenter, was a native of Con necticut, and settled in Oneida county, so that this family has been associated with the growth and progress of Oneida county during its entire history. October 26, 1870, Mr. Carpenter married Mary E. Jones, by whom he has one son, Arthur L., who is associated with his father in the conducting of their various enterprises. He is a popular and talented young man, and is a member of the Clayville Band. McGurk, William, was born in Ireland, June. 14, 1841, and came to America when seven years of age. His parents settled in Clayville, and his home has been in this State all his life. September 6, 1862, he enlisted in Co. G, 146th N. Y. Vols., and served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged in July, 1865. He served in the Fifth Army Corps, and participated in all the battles in which his regiment engaged, including Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Mine Run, Gettys burg, Cold Harbor, all the battles of the Wilderness, and was at Appomattox when Lee surrendered. In the battle of Gettysburg he was shot through the hand with a buck-shot, and was in the hospital one month and twenty days. Mr. McGurk' mar ried for his first wife, Annie Leary, who died leaving eight children: William J., John, Francis, Emma, now Mrs. William Kerwin, Maggie, Florence, and Leo. October 19, 1893, he married his present wife, Mary Costigan, by whom he has one daughter, Grace. He is a member of the G. A. R. Post and of the Patrons of In dustry. Loomis, U. L. , was born in Cassville, July 6, 1856, son of George R. and Clarissa (Maxson) Loomis. He began for himself by first engaging as clerk in the store he now owns ; and has been twenty-seven years in this stand, seventeen of which he has been in business for himself, and in 1888 he purchased the property. He is an active Republican and has been a member of the town committee for five years, and has been justice of the peace for over ten years. In 1778 he married Julia Nichols, by whom he has one daughter, Martha L. Mr. Loomis was postmaster of Cassville under President Harrison. King, A. E., was born in Clayville, January 21, 1855, son of Harmon H. and Hannah King. Mr. King has been connected with the foundry business all his life, and the enterprise which he now conducts was founded in Holman City by his father, and Mr. King has been sole proprietor for nine years. The plant consists of a machine shop and foundry, and with the outlying premises comprises three acres of ground. In 1876 he married Jennie Talcott, by whom he has two daughters: Florence and Dora. Mr. King proposes to move his foundry to Clayville in the near future. Johnson, Charles H., was born in the town of Paris, N. Y., July 11, 1827, son of Lloyd, a native of Connecticut, and Laura (Luce) Johnson, a native of Vermont. His grandfather, Sampson Johnson, was one of the first settlers in the town of Paris, In 1852 he married Kate A., daughter of Eleazer and Fidelia (Eldred) Brace, by whom he has two sons: Bert C. and Fred. The latter is a member of the Patrons of Industry, and is a prominent Odd Fellow, in which he is noble grand. Mrs. Johnson's grandfather was Capt. Asel Brace of Revolutionary fame. Mr. Johnson has been engaged in farming all his life, and has been inspector of elections for nearly forty years in succession. FAMILY SKETCHES. 273 Latus, George F., was born in the town of Bridgewater, N. Y., August? 11, 1852. son of George and Sarah (Stokes) Latus, natives of England. His grandfather! Henry Latus, came to Bridgewater about seventy years ago. After receiving a lib eral public school education, he engaged in farming for about seven years. At the age of twenty-two he went west and engaged in the mercantile business ; and May 1, 1894, he engaged in business in Clayville, Oneida county, and conducts one of the best general stores in the town of Paris. He conducted a store in Chicago for twenty years previous to settling in Clayville, and is a thoroughly experienced and successful business man. He married Mary Ann McDevitt, of Belvedere, 111. by whom he has eight children, four sons and four daughters. Chapman, W. H., was born in New Hartford, N. Y., April 19, 1844, son of Gates W. and Elmira (Robbins) Chapman. In 1861, at the age of seventeen, he enlisted in Co. B, 121st N. Y. Vols. , and served in the Sixth Army Corps, participating in all the' battles in which his regiment was engaged up to Fredericksburg, where he was terribly wounded in seven places by bullets and shell. He was two years in, the hospital, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. In 1891 Messrs. W. H. & E. T. Chapman opened the Cottage Hotel at Clayville, which they have since successfully conducted. January 2, 1867, Mr. Chapman married Mary E. Johnston. He is a member of the G. A. R., Chadwicks Post, and in politics a staunch Repub lican. Biggar, Rev. David I., is a native of Quebec, Canada, but has spent the greater part of his life in the United States. His father, James Biggar, came from Roxboro- shire, Scotland, where he was born in 1790. He engaged in teaching until 1819, when he came into possession of aland grant of several hundred acres from the Brit ish government, and settled upon it at Huntington , where David I. was bora. After settling in Canada he married Janette Murray, also a native of Scotland, but a resi dent of the province of Quebec, who was born in 1800, and died in 1855. Mr. Big gar died in 1851. David I. was one of a family of eleven children, all of whom were born at the original homestead. He attended the Huntington Academy, and pre pared for college at the Burr Seminary, at Manchester, Vt. He then entered Am herst College, from which he was graduated in 1862. After spending three years at Auburn Theological Seminary, he preached a year and a half at Norwich Corners, near Utica, and then acted as pastor for the Presbyterian church at Vernon for ten years. From that place he went to Camillus, where he remained for seven and a half years, and from there he was called to the Owasco church, where he preached for five years. In 1890 the Vernon Center Presbyterian Society called him to the church there, and he is now engaged in building up and strengthening the church society. He married Mary E. Wood, who was born in Litchfield, N. Y., June 27, 1843, by whom he has had four children, three of whom are now living. Butterfield, Charles, was born in the town of Vernon in 1830, and has lived in the town since ; his residence since 1844 being at Skenandoah, a small settlement one mile north of Oneida Castle. He is descended from a family eminent in history as soldiers and generals, from the early English wars down to our late Civil war. His father, Samuel Butterfield, moved there at that time and built up a large industry, \vhich he carried on for more than twenty years. It was there that he started the il 274 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. manufacture of ingrain carpets, this being one of the first in the country. Previous to this he was a partner with S. Newton Dexter in the same line at Oriskany. Mr. Butterfield was the leader and means of Skenandoah becoming an important busi ness point in early times. He was born in England in 1792, and died in 1879. He married Elizabeth Laister, also a native of England, who died in 1863,- leaving a family of seven children. Charles Butterfield is now occupying the old family house at Skenandoah. Since his, father's death and for some time previous he has carried on a large farm. He has always been an active Republican, and has held several important offices, being at the present time justice of the peace. Coon, Luke H., was bora in Fabius, Onondaga county, N. Y., November 13, 1835, son of Samuel Coon, who was born in Cherry Valley, N. Y., in 1805. He was prin cipally engaged in farming, and accumulated considerable property. While in Fa bius he was a hatter, but in 1843 he moved to Homer, Cortland county, and bought the farm upon which he spent all but the last two years of his life, having at that time retired from active labor, and he died in 1892. He married' Sarah Thompson, also a native of Cherry Valley, who was born in 18Q1, and died in Oneida Castle in 1893. Luke H. was the fifth child in a family of nine, and after his school days in Fabius and Homer, he remained at home until he was twenty- one years of age. He then worked for some time on a farm in summer, and attended school in winter. He afterwards learned the painter's trade, and devoted some time to that vocation, mostly in Homer and vicinity. In 1860 he entered into the hotel business in Canada, at the same time speculating in horses. Returning to Lockport, he spent a year in a paper mill, and twenty-one years ago he bought the Sherman House at the Castle, and has been proprietor since, having one burned out and rebuilt. In 1864 he mar ried Perice Conger, who was born in Ovid, N. Y., in 1846, and by whom he has one daughter, Grace A., born May 27, 1878. Cody, Francis A., jr., was born at Vernon Center, N. Y. , June 19, 1853, son of Francis A. Cody, who was also born at Vernon Center in January, 1830. His great grandfather was one of the pioneers of the town, having settled near what is now Vernon Center before the close of the last century, and the family has ever since been identified with the growth and progress of the town. Peter Cody was the first postmaster appointed at the Center.. Francis A. Cody devoted his life to agriculture in Vernon until 1879, when he retired from active business and moved to Oneida Castle, where he is now living. He married Phcebe Faulkner, who was born in the town of Fenner, Madison county, in 1823, and died in Vernon, in January, 1868. Her ancestors were of Scotch descent. Francis A. Cody, jr., attended the Vernon Center school and afterwards took a course at the Whitestown Seminary after which he returned home and engaged in farming, in which he has since been eminently successful. Mr. Cody is a Republican in politics, and for two terms was elected to represent his town on the Board of Supervisors. February 4, 1880, he married Mary - R. Carey, daughter of James A. and Rosetta H. Cary, who was born January 26, 1855, by whom he had two children: James C, born March 7, 1884, and Francis A., born February 26, 1888. Risley, John R., was born in the town of Marshall, Oneida county, June 4, 1856, son of Herman G, Risley, who was engaged in farming in Oneida county until 1866, FAMILY SKETCHES. 275 when he moved to Jefferson county, and is now a resident of Ellisburg, that county. He was a soldier in the army from 1863 till the close of the war. He married Juliette Vanswall, who was bom in the town of Marshall, August 3, 1840, and died July 7, 1862. John R. attended the Deanville Academy, after which he engaged as clerk with Hatheway & Reynolds, merchants at Oriskany Falls, for one year. After this he conducted the Vanswall farm near Oriskany Falls until 1887, at which time he moved to Vernon Center and bought the farm upon which he now resides. January 26, 1887, he married Estella S., daughter of George W. and Harriet E. Klock, who was born in Oneida, March 10, 1860, by whom he has one son, Lawrence G. Mrs. Risley received her education at the Onondaga Valley Academy, and the Oneida public schools. Lewis, Marion P., is a native of Sennett, Cayuga county, N. Y., where he was born February 1, 1851, and his father, Edward J. Lewis, was born in the town of New Hartford, N. Y. , in 1820; and his father, Russell Lewis, came to New Hartford from Connecticut in the latter part of the last century. Edward J. lived in that town till 1840, when he removed to Cayuga county, after which they moved to the town of Vernon in 1859, where they have since resided. Mr, Lewis married Jane Stevenson, who was born in the town of Sennett in 1825, and died in Vernon in June, 1892. Marion P. attended the school in Vernon, subsequently spending some time at the State Normal School at Albany, N. Y., after which he engaged in farming, and still continues. He married Alice D., daughter of Alfred and Mary Mason, who was born in Vernon, in November, 1849, and by whom Mr. Lewis has two children : De Verny, born June 8, 1878 ; and Winifred, born'May 8, 1881. Mr. Lewis was engaged in the meat business in Waterville for about four years, and retired from that to en gage in farming. Olmsted, Henry L., was born in New Hartford, Oneida county, N.Y., May 8, 1811, and spent his early life there, but since 1842 has been a resident of the town of Ver non, living continuously upon the same farm, which is situated near Kenwood sta tion. His father, Gamaliel Olmsted, came from Connecticut, where he was born in 1760. He served four years in the Revolutionary war, and in 1782 emigrated to ' Utica, and a little later settled in what is now New Hartford. He was the first to purchase land in the town, the receipt for payment thereon being now in the possess ion of Henry Olmsted, dated 1788. He finally moved to Willowdale, where he died in 1832. His wife was Elizabeth Downer, a native of Vermont, who died in 1870. In 1835 Henry L. married Samantha Budlong, by whom he had six children, four of whom are living, one in California and three at home. Mr. Olmsted's farm was at one time a part of the Indian lands, he having bought it at auction in 1843. Hamilton, William, was bora in Stockbridge, Madison county, N. Y., in 1814, and received his early education at the district school on Stockbridge Hill. He came from Stockbridge in 1843 and has since resided in the town of Vernon, near Sherrill: His father, Elias Hamilton, was one of the pioneers in Stockbridge, where he came from Massachusetts in 1808. In 1843 he moved into the town of Vernon and lived there until his death in 1844. He was born in 1776, and his wife, Amy Lamb, was also born in Massachusetts in 1777, and died in 1833. Mr. Hamilton has long been one of the leading farmers of Oneida county, now owning three farms in Vernon 276 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. adjacent to Sherrill. He first married Amanda Smith, a native of Vernon, who died in 1858, after which he married his present wife, Helen Garlock, also a native of Vernon, by whom he had four children, one of whom, a daughter, is now living in Sherrill, and was married to Mr. Thurston, now deceased. Watson, James was born in England in 1843, and received his education before coming to this country. He came from England in 1866 and settled at Kenwood, N. Y., in the employ of the Oneida Community. His father, John Watson, was also a native of England, where he was born in 1813, and died in 1895 ; and his wife, Jane Garner, also died in 1895. After coming to this country Mr. Watson engaged for a time on the farm, and then in the dye house in connection with the silk depart ment of the Community ; he there learned the trade, and for the past twenty years has had charge of the dye works of the silk departmeat. He married Eliza Coaks, born and educated in Ramsey, England, ¦ by whom he has four children : Rhoda, Maud, Clarence and Clara. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are members of the Presbyterian society of Oneida Castle. Smith, George W. , was born in the town of Vernon, April 19, 1844, and although a native of the town, he has lived as much outside as within its borders. His father came from Turin, Lewis county, and settled, when a young man, about three miles' south of Vernon village, living there until his death. His wife, Mary A. Leffingwell, is a native of Vernon, and was born in 1815, and she is still living in Vernon. George W. is the second in a family of four children, and finished his education at the Vernon Academy when nineteen years of age, and after which he returned to the farm, remaining three years. He then entered the store of J. Harry Walters in Oneida, as a clerk, where he continued for three years, after which he again re turned to the farm for six years. After" that he was employed for some time as a manager of the bakery of the Oneida Community, and this continued for three years. He was next engaged as proprietor of a bakery in Lyons, N. Y. , and at the end of two years, the Vienna Pressed Yeast Company requested him to act as their travel ing salesman, which position he accepted and continued for ten years. In 1888 he started a bakery, confectionery and lunch room in Oneida, N. Y.„, and by good busi ness management has built up a large wholesale and retail business, having the finest bakery and cafe in Oneida. In 1867 he married Marie Winchell, a native of Gouverneur, N. Y. In addition to his business in Oneida, he also conducts a farm of 315 acres in Vernon. Scott, W. I., was born in Brookfield, Madison county, April 8, 1849, son of Giles Scott, who is a native of Madison county, and Elizabeth G. (Babcock) Scott. He has resided in Oneida county for the past eight years, and has an attractive residence at Bridgewater Center. In 1888 he married Alice R. Robbins, whose parents are na tives of Connecticut. Mr. Scott's grandparents on both his mother's and father's' side, are eastern people. Robinson, Henry, was born in Bridgewater, N. Y., January 2, 1840, son of Henry L. and Mary A. (Maxson) Robinson. At sixteen years of age he engaged as clerk, and followed that occupation for four years, at which time the war broke out, and he enlisted in Co. A, 4th Mich. Infantry, and participated in all the engagements of the regiment, including Bull Run, the battles of the Peninsular Campaign, Chancel- FAMILY SKETCHES. 277 lorsville, Fredericksburg, Antietam, and Gettysburg, where he was 'wounded the second day's battle. - He was then in the hospital for nine months, after which he rejoined his regiment, and served out his three years time. In 1866 he married Sarah A. Brockway, by whom he has two children: Mrs. Burton Bryant of Buffalo, N. Y., and Lynn Robinson. Mrs. Robinson's family came from Connecticut, and her father settled on the land where the Robinsons now live ; and their residence and farm known as Maple Dell, is one of the prettiest places in Oneida county. Mr. Robinson is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and G. A. R. He was postmaster under President Johnson, and has been town clerk, and also supervisor of Bridge- water. Leonard, Franklin, was bora in the town of Smyrna, Chenango county, N. Y., Feb ruary 6, 1837, son of Rufus and Navagal (Green) Leonard. He wss employed in the Springfield armory during the war, and made 60,000 gun barrels for the United States government while there. He was one of ten men selected for special work in the armory, when the English experts struck. After leaving Springfield he was foreman of the Stearns Manufacturing Works in Erie, Pa. , for two years ; and was then with the Otis Forge & Iron Co. of Cleveland, Ohio, for over two years. He next had charge of the smithing department of the city forge and iron works for nine years, then came to Schenectady, N. Y., and had charge of the frame work in the locomotive works for over nine years ; when he took the position of foreman of the forge and blacksmith department of the Rogers Locomotive Works. Leaving there he came to Bridgewater and purchased a farm where he settled down, and he has now one of the finest farms in this part of the State. Mr. Leonard is an inven tor of note, and has taken out eleven different patents. He invented the first time lock for safes ever used, an improved corn harvester, also a link machine, and many other notable devices. Mr. Leonard married Fannie Bates, by whom he has two sons: Cassius, who married Grace Joslyn, and they have one daughter, Jessie; and Rufus, who married Alice Randall, and they have one son, Louis. Burgess, George H., was born in Otsego county, August 23, 183r, son of Hiram and Mahala P. (Morey) Burgess, who was a native of Connecticut. George H. was engaged in farming, and in 1864 he came to Oneida county, settling in the town of Bridgewater. In 1858 he married Larinda A. Loomis, who died leaving one daugh ter, Mrs. Flora E. Crist. He married for his second wife Addie L. Allen, who died January 19, 1895. Mr. Burgess is a successful and highly respected gentleman, and and he has one of the finest farms in the town of Bridgewater. He was justice of the peace for ten years, and has been delegate to county and State Republican con ventions. Luther, Thomas and Mary. — The late John Luther was born in the parish of Dun barton, Scotland, November 14, 1814, and was educated there, coming to the United States in 1849, remaining for a time in New York city and then locating near Philadelphia, Pa., where he resided several years. He was a machinist by trade. In 1852 he purchased the homestead in the town of Rome, and came to reside upon it about the year 1855. July 3, 1860, he married Janet Robertson, of the town of Cam den, by whom he had four children: Mary B., Nettie, John H., and Thomas W. Mary B. is a school teacher, and is now principal of the school in New London, N.Y. 278 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Mr. Lauther died May 30, 1884. Mrs. Lauther's father, John Robertson, was born in Scotland in 1787. He married Mary Lawson, who was born in the same year and place, by whom he had eleven children-. They came to the' United States in 1852, locating in Camden, N. Y. Both father and mother are dead. Thomas, Hugh E., son of Ellis, was born in Utica, October 23, 1860. His father, a blacksmith by trade, came here from Wales, England, in 1853, was foreman of the New York Central Railroad repair shops, and died in 1878, aged fifty- six. Mr. Thomas, after leaving the public schools at the age of fifteen, became a clerk in the clothing store of T. Solomon Griffiths, with whom he formed a partnership in 1883 under the firm name of T. S. Griffiths & Co. In 1891 he succeeded to the business. He is an active Republican, was a delegate to the State Convention at Rochester in 1891, and at Saratoga in 1895, and is now and has been for several years city and county committeeman from the Tenth ward of Utica. Georg, Emil J., was born in Utica, November 9, 1871. His father, Joseph Georg, a native of Alsace, Germany, came to America in 1858, and settled in Utica, where he was first a teamster for a few years. He then started in the wood business on a small scale and in 1877 engaged also in the retail coal trade, in which he successfully continued till his death, May 17, 1892, at the age of fifty-five. In 1890 his son Joseph L. became his partner under the firm name of Joseph Georg & Son. He was a member of the C. M. B. A., the Germania Industrial Association, and other benevolent movements. , He married Frances Hurstell, a native of Alsace, Ger many, who survives him. Their children were Joseph L., and Emma M., both de ceased, and Sophia M. and Emil J. , of Utica. Emil J. Georg was educated in the Utica public schools and Business College, learned the trade of brass turner, and upon his father's death became a partner in the coal and wood business with his brother Joseph L., as Joseph Georg'sSons. His brother died April 25, 1895, and since then he has continued the business alone under the name of Joseph Georg's Son. He is a member of the Utica Maennechor, the Knights of St. George, the Y. M. C. A., the Utica Cycling Club, the Young Men's Sodality of St. Joseph's church, and the Coal Exchange. Lindsley, Smith M., was born in Monticello, N. Y., in 1847. His grandfather, Eliud Lindsley. was a pioneer settler of Sullivan county, and is prominently men tioned in the histories of that county. His father, Rufus B. , was a well known farmer and stock dealer while his mother was a daughter of Smith Weed, of whose family the famous Smith Weed, of Clinton county, is a member. Mr. Lindsley was graduated from the Monticello Academy as valedictorian of his class and completed his studies at the Wyoming Seminary and College in Pennsylvania, and was after wards a member of the faculty of that institution for one year. He then read law in Wilkesbarre, Pa., till 1869, when he came to Utica and entered the office of Hon. Francis Kernan. He was admitted to the bar in 1870 and immediately entered upon his successful professional career in Utica. A Democrat in politics he was elected city attorney by popular vote in 1872 and served two terms. Since then he has declined many political honors and devoted himself assiduously to his extensive law practice. In 1885 he became president of the First National Bank of Chittenango and still holds that position. He is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, and a prominent mem- FAMILY SKETCHES. 279 ber of the Royal Arcanum, having served two years from 1887 as supreme regent of that order. His work in furthering the interests of this latter organization has given him a wide reputation. In 1873 he married Dorlissa, daughter of John W. John ston, a prominent lawyer of Sullivan county. In 1895 he was unanimously nomi nated by his party for justice of the Supreme Court of the State, but he declined to run. Kent, Perry E., son of Ela and Ann E., was born in Greig, Lewis county, July 25. 1855. The family is of English extraction and descends from Enos Kent, who was among the Pilgrim ssettlers of Massachusetts and later one of the founders of Kent, Conn., which took his name. Enos, great-grandfather of Perry E. (brother of James Kent, LL.D., the celebrated jurist, chancellor of N. Y., and once a professor at Co lumbia College), was a Revolutionary soldier, while his son served in the war of 1812. Ela Kent was a captain in the old Lewis county militia and an early school teacher, and married Ann E. Wheeler, of Scotch descent. They had three children: Mrs. J. E. Lewis and Perry E. of Utica, and R. E. H. Kent, of Lee, Oneida county. Perry E. Kent attended the Boonville High School and at the age of eleven entered the then Black River Herald office, which his father had been instrumental in found ing as the Boonville Ledger. In 1869 he entered the office of the Geneva Courier. Later he was assistant foreman of the Illion Citizen and still later assistant instructor at the Cornell University Press. Afterward he was foreman and finally manager of the Phelps Citizen, superintendent of the Geneva Courier, and connected with the job printing office of the Scranton, Pa. , Republican. In the fall of 1879 he came to Utica to accept a position with Curtis & Childs, job printers, and in 1880 he started in busi ness for himself in Seneca Falls. After three years of success in business he returned to Utica, and again entered business which afterwards became the firm of Kent & Fierstein ; selling out his interest there in 1888 he established his present job print • ing office on the corner of Genesee and Bleecker streets. In January, 1893, William E. Davies was admitted to partnership under the firm name of Kent & Davies. Mr. Kent has been an Odd Fellow since 1881, is a past grand, and also a past chief patri arch of the Encampment and a member of Canton Utica, No. 3 P. M. He joined the K. of P. in 1882 and was chancellor commander two terms ; he became a Mason in 1886. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and in 1886 joined the Utica Citi zens' Corps, which was subsequently mustered into the National Guard as the 44th Separate Co. After serving five years he joined the 28th Separate Co., ITtica City Guards, in 1893, and is an exempt fireman. He was a charter member of the Old Fort Schuyler Rifle Association and the Utica Cycling Club, and for several years has been an active member of the Y. M. C. A. and the South Street M. E. church. As a marksman in military circles he has won valuable medals and handsome trophies. During the first year that the expert class was authorized by the State he was the only man outside of New York city to qualify as an " expert" marksman and the seventh in the State at large to receive the decoration for long distance shooting. In 1893 he won a gold medal at the World's Fair. In 1895 he won gold and silver medals at the International Scheutzenbund at Glendale, L. I. In 1878 he married Carrie E. Sheeler, and their children are Lulu Bell, Harold L. , Leslie Mar guerite. Benton, George, was born at Frankfort, Herkimer county, N. Y. , in 1836, son of the late James Benton. He came to Utica in 1839, where he was educated in 280 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Williams's Private School, and began his agricultural pursuits at his present location, a 200 acre dairy farm overlooking Utica, it being the old homestead where his father resided for twenty-five years. The latter was a man of rare ability and a prominent builder of Utica, who died at ninety years of age. He was born at Warwickshire, England, in 1805, and his parents being poor, and he the oldest of the family, he was early thrown on his own resources. After acquiring his trade as a builder, he came to America and settled in Utica, where he was a man of great discrimination and tact, an essential requisite of an employer of many men of whose welfare he was ever mindful. He upheld the principles of the Democratic party, but was elected mayor of Utica in 1878 by the Workingman's party. He married Susan Bradley, of Eng lish birth, who died in 1889, leaving five children. In 1867 George Benton married' Rhoda, daughter of Thomas Wheatley, of New Hartford, by whom he had twelve children, of whom eight are now living. Mr. Benton was elected supervisor in 1890, by the largest majority ever received by a Democrat in New Hartford. Selbach, John H., was born in Utica, N. Y., February 15, 1866, son of John and Mary Selbach. John Selba'ch was born in Germany, and came to America over forty years ago. He was first a merchant in Utica, and later engaged in farming, at which he continued, until he retired in 1892 Mrs. Selbach died in 1872. John H. was edu cated in the public schools of Utica, after which he engaged in farming, and is also a milk dealer, running a route in Utica. He is one of the best known farmers in Whitesboro, and is also school trustee. He married Catherine Miller, of Whitesboro, by whom he has two children: Mary and Fred. Mr. Selbach and his wife are mem bers of St. Paul's church at Whitestown. Gates, William M. , was born in New York Mills, February 18, 1844, son of James and Mary Ann Gates. James Gates came from England in 1832, and was engaged in the manufacture of soap and candles. He died in 1887. William M. Gates spent his early life on a farm, and when he came to Whitesboro, he engaged in the cheese manufacturing business, and in which he was engaged for ten years. He afterwards engaged in building, but of late years has been retired from active business. He married Lizzie Kennedy, of Marcy, by whom he has one daughter, Libbie B. Gates, who is interested in kindergarten work. Mr. Gates is school trustee of Whitesboro, a position he has held for a long time, and he has also been a member of the Village Board. Mr. Gates and family are members of the Presbyterian church of Whites boro. Tyler, Henry H., son of Dr. John Tyler, was born in the town of Lee, Oneida county, N. Y., August 1, 1831. Henry H. Tyler was educated in the schools of Rome, attending the first school term organized ill the Rome Academy. He engaged in mechanical business for a number of years, then turned his attention to farming, at which he has since continued. In politics Mr. Tyler has been 'an independent Re publican. Mr. Tyler is a successful well known farmer in the town of Westmoreland where he resides, and his place is noticeable for its tasteful and attractive appear ance. He married Elizabeth A. Stevens, by whom he had four sons: Bayard H., whbisan artistin Yonkers, N. Y. ; Fred A., who isamemberof the Pease Furnace Co. of Syracuse, N. Y. ; C. Edwin, .connected with the mercantile business in Rome ; and Jesse S. , who is at the homestead farm. Mrs. Elizabeth A. Tyler, his wife, died in FAMILY SKETCHES. 281 * 1886, and he is now married to Mrs. E. F. Terpening of Westmoreland. His father, Dr. John Tyler, was a prominent physician of Rome for many years. He died at the age of sixty-three. Asa P. Tyler, the grandfather of Henry H. Tyler, was born in Massachusetts, and was one of the earlest settlers in Rome, there being but five houses where the city of Utica now stands at the time of his settling in Rome. At a little later date the territory where Rome now stands was sold at auction at Johns town for taxes at |1.00 per acre. Bell, Henry Dwight, was born in Westmoreland, N. Y., September 4, 1840, son of John Morris and Sarah Bell. John Morris Bell was the son of Phineas Bell, a soldier in the American Revolution ; and Mrs. Sarah Bell was the daughter of Anson Smith of Walesville, N. Y. Henry D. was educated at the district school, and at the Whitestown Seminary. He then engaged in farming at which he always continued. In politics he is' a Democrat. Mr. Bell married Helen Rogers of Whitestown, by whom he has three children : Louis W. , Edna and Grace. Miller, Morris S., is a native of the town of Augusta,, where he was born February 10, 1843, son of Morris S. Miller, who was also bora.m the town of Augusta in 1814, and was for many years identified with the agricultural interests of that town. He lived in the town forty years, when he removed to Deansville and resided there for a period of twenty years, after which he returned to Augusta, settling in Oriskany Falls, living there seven or eight years, when he retired and came to Oneida Castle, where he died in 1887 ; his father, Isaac C. Miller, came from Connecticut, settling in the town of Kirkland, and at one time he and his four sons owned a body of land covering a distance of four miles in length. Morris S. Miller, sr. , married Lucinda Wood, of Augusta, who was born in 1817, and died in Oneida Castle in 1891. Morris S. Miller, jr., is one of a family of five children, and received his education at Augusta and Deansville, after which he devoted himself to stock raising, principally that of fine horses. He is an active Republican, and in the years 1885 and 1886 rep resented his town on the Board of Supervisors. He married Jane A. Cody, daughter of F. A. and Phoebe Cody, of Vernon Center, by whom he has had four children, three of whom are now living. Allen, Hiram J., was born in Potsdam, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., November 11, 1831, son of Henry Allen who was a native of Vermont. H. J. Allen was for a num ber of years in the employ of the government, and has gained a great knowledge of traveling, and when quite young, was in California, Mexico and many other places of interest. He learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, which business he fol lowed many years. He was the builder of two of the Hamilton College buildings, also two of the society buildings, and at present conducts the leading plumbing business and hardware store in the village. He is a director in the Mercantile Co operative Co. of Rome, N. Y., and married Adelaide Clough, of Vermont, by whom he has seven children: Walter H., Nellie M., Alice D., Edith V., Herbert, Harold and Leslie H. Mr. Allen is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Cross, John Cleveland, was born in Stirlingville, Jefferson county, N.Y., Septem ber 13, 1833, and was a son of Theodore and Harriet ((Seymour) Cross. Theodore Cross was born in Weare, N. H., November 14, 1804. His ancestors came from Massachusetts, being among the first settlers of Ipswich, Haverhill and Metiruen, i) 282 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. where they held a large colonial and Indian grant of land, a portion of which, the homestead farm with house originally built about 1640, is still in the possession of George L. Cross, the seventh lineal descendant of the original owner. Many mem bers of the family served in the Colonial and Revolutionary wars, and were prom inent in the early history of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, being connected with the Adams, Cleveland, Choate, Eastman and Burbank families of those States. Theodore Cross came ,to the town of Philadelphia in 1818, where he engaged in farming and lumbering till 1856, when he removed to Boonville, N. Y. , carrying on with his son the butter and cheese business He died at Oriskany Falls in 1881. John C. Cross was educated at the Governeur Academy in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., graduating at the age of eighteen, when he entered the employ of W. W. & I. N. Herrick, general merchants in Philadelphia, N. Y. After one year of service there he went to Boonville as clerk in the store of an uncle. John Cross, with whom, after three years, he entered into partnership. Selling out there in 1858, he removed to New York city, engaging in the general produce and commission business. He continued there until 1861, when he removed to Oriskany Falls, N. Y. , and for the next seventeen years was there engaged as a general merchant. He has since been engaged as an extensive farmer and dealer in hops. He is one of the largest hop ¦ growers in the State, having now eighty acres devoted to that product. He was elected the first president of the village of Oriskany Falls upon its incorporation in 1888. December 5, 1855, he married Permelia V. Goodrich, daughter of Hon. Caleb Goodrich, of Boonville, N. Y., by whom he had four children: Theodore La Mont, born February 9, 1858, now a practicing attorney at Utica, N. Y. ; Harriet Louisa, born June 16, 1860, who died August 9, 1894; Kathlenn, born March 25, 1870, now living with her parents; and Wylie C, born May 1, 1861, and died May 7, 1851. Hinman, William, born in Stockbridge, N. Y., August 15, 1832, and moved to Knoxboro with his parents, where he has resided since 1838. His father, Harlow Hinman, was a native of Connecticut, and was one of the early settlers in Stock- bridge. He engaged in farming for a time, and conducted the hotel at the vil lage of Knoxboro. He married Caroline Powers, of Augusta, and she died in Knox boro in 1860, and Mr. Hinman died April 5, 1853. William Hinman was educated at Knoxboro, and when his course was completed, returned to his father's farm. He has conducted it, accumulating and adding to it each year, until he has now one of the finest farm properties in the county. Mr. Hinman has been supervisor for several terms, and is now president of the Oneida Agricultural Society, and has also been school trustee for thirty years. January 1, 1854, he married Abbie Vaughn, of Augusta, who was born October 1, 1833, and by whom he has four children: Charles V., born June 12, 1856; William J., bora July 4, 1858; George G., born September 7, 1864; and Maud E., born November 6, 1872. Nichols, Charles F., M.D., was born in Milton, Sussex county, Del., June 8, 1865, son of Captain Charles and Susan Nichols. Charles is captain in the navy, which he joined about forty years ago. Charles F. was graduated from St. John's College at Brandy wine, Del., in 1881, after which he took a medical course at Baltimore Uni versity, served two years in the University Hospital, and was graduated in 1886. In 1887 he located at Vienna, where he has practiced to the present time. He is wholly a self-made man, public spirited and actively interested in educational affairs. FAMILY SKETCHES. 283 He is a member of Sylvan Beach I. O. 0. F. and encampment at Oneida. In the subordinate lodge, I. O. O. F. , he has held all the offices in the gift of the lodge. Mr. Nichols married Elizabeth, daughter of Albert and Nancy Cook, by whom he had one child, Albert Cook. O'Brien, John, was born in Ireland, September 6, 1839, son of John and Catherine (McCarthy) O'Brien. John O'Brien was educated in Ireland and America. He came to the United States in 1854, and first began at railroading, then engaged in farm ing, and bought the life lease of Joshua Stivers, which he afterwards sold ; then he returned and bought back the lease he formerly owned, where he lived three years. He sold it to George Clark, and moved to M. H. Tenant's farm, which he leased for five years, for $500 per year. He was elected road commissioner of the city of Rome, where he served two years in succession. He then moved on to the Brook farm, in the Second ward in Rome, and lived there one year; from here he moved on to the Phonex Abbe place, known as the Jim Kirkland farm, and lived there three years; he afterwards moved on to a farm known as the Moore, Montgomery and Schneider farm; there he attended an indicating station on the New York Central for two years. He then moved on to the farm known as the William Evans farm, where he lived one year ; then moved on to the John- Fleming farm and lived one year. He then moved on to his present farm, where he has resided for .the past nine years. He married Honora Quinn, of Ireland, by whom he has eight children : Michael J. , William, John T., Annie, Mary, Rosie, Maggie and Fannie. Mr. O'Brien, although a Democrat, was elected for two terms in succession, commissioner of highways in the township of Westmoreland. This town is Republican by a large majority, and Mr. O'Brien is the only Democrat who was ever elected to that office in this town ship. Wasserman, Felix, was born in Germany, in 1826, son of Felix and Barbara Was- serman. Felix Wasserman, jr., came to the United States in 1860, and has since been engaged in farming. He married Darasia Smith, of Germany, by whom he had one son, George Wasserman, who is a farmer of Waterville, N. Y. Hamlin, Edward A., was bora in the town of Floyd, Oneida county, November 28, 1842, son of Joseph S. Hamlin, a native of Connecticut, who was born July 20, 1810, where he lived until six years of age, moving with his parents to Holland Pat ent, N. Y. Joseph S. Hamlin was engaged in farming, and in 1833 married Delia Willard of Fairfield, Herkimer county, who was bora July 25, 1817. Edward A. re ceived his education at the district school where he lived, and afterwards completed a course at the Whitestown Seminary. Leaving school at the age of twenty, he re turned to the farm, and continued at that industry until 1867, living in the mean time at Floyd and Trenton, N. Y. In 1867 he settled at Oriskany Falls, and with James A. Douglass, as Douglass & Hamlin, conducted a lumber business; this partnership continued ten years, after which Mr. Hamlin sold his interest in the business to his partner, and returned to his former occupation, settling on a farm adjacent to the village, and has continued farming, with the exception of two years, to the present time. In June, 1895, he, with C. C. Newell and C. E. Hains, organized the Oriskany Falls Knitting Company, to manufacture sweaters and knit goods. February 12, 1873, Mr. Hamlin married Georgia A. Newell, a native of Oriskany Falls, who was 284 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. born July 23, 1847, by whom he has one son, Preston N. Hamlin, born October 5, 1875. Mrs. Hamlin acquired her education at the Oriskany Falls school and Caze novia Seminary. Rawnsley, William, settled in the town of Lee, Oneida county, in 1838, where he came from Woonsocket, R. I. , with his father, William Rawnsley, who was a native of Bradford, England, and came to the United States when William, jr., was only a few years of age. After a residence of a few years at Woonsocket, they came to the town of Lee. Mr. Rawnsley was a cotton weaver by trade, engaging in that occu pation in England and also at Woonsocket. After settling in Lee,, he bought a farm and devoted the rest of his life to that industry. He died March 11, 1861, being eighty-one years of age. His wife, Mercy (Hodgson) Rawnsley, was also a native of Bradford, England, and died in Lee, one year before her husband. "William, jr. , received his education in Woonsocket, R. I., and was first employed in a cotton fac tory. After a few years at this service, he settled down to farm life with his father ; continued but a short time, however, when he moved to Trenton, N. J., and spent three years as salesman for a book concern. In 1848 he returned to Lee and bought a farm, upon which he lived one year, when he went to the town of Ava; then to West Branch, where he spent some time as clerk in a store ; after this he returned again to Lee and purchased another farm, where he resided for fifteen years. In 1882 he settled at Oriskany falls, where he has resided since. He first married Deborah Peacock, of English birth, who died in 1853 ; after which he married Caro line Sexton, of Lee, an3 she died January 17, 1882. The children were: Elizabeth, born in 1846, and now married to Eri Sherman, of Boonville ; Henry, born at Ava in 1850, and is now living at Oriskany Falls ; William, born in 1852, also living at Oris kany Falls, and Horace, born in 1854, a farmer at West Branch, Oneida county. Wilgus, Elmer T., was born in Bartlett, June 15, 1860, son of Thomas and Martha Wilgus. Thomas Wilgus was a boat owner and farmer, and he died about 1872. Elmer T. Wilgus was educated in Westmoreland, and has always followed farming. He married Anna Scott, of Westmoreland. Snow, Eugene, was born in the village of Vernon, N. Y., May 31, 1851. His father, Zibeon Snow, was born in 1798 and died in 1858. He'was a general merchant and speculator in Vernon, and married Sabrina Larrabee, who was born in Vermont in 1808 and died in Vernon in 1878. Eugene Snow was educated in Binghamton and Aurora, N. Y. , after which he returned to Vernon and purchased the Barber farm, where he lived for fourteen years, but upon on the death of his wife's father in 1881, he took possession of the Dodge homestead, where he is now engaged with his son, G. Percy, in the breeding of trotters, road and carriage horses, in which he has been very successful. He owns and has bred some of the finest horses in the State, for one of which, the leading sire on the farm,- " Mambritonian," purchased from the famous Woodburn farm, Kentncky,. Mr. Snow refused an offer in 1891 of 130,000. Among the many noted horses Mr. Snow has owned and developed are Mambritonian 2: 20^; Tony Klock 2: 18j; Klick Klock 2:14f; Prinsonian 3:20*; Billy Hilton 2:20; Nankeen 2:26£, and others. He has now on the farm about sixty head. In January, 1872, he married Algenia A. Dodge, who was born January 12, 1853, daughter of George W. and Sarah (Hougham) Dodge, by whom he had three chil- FAMILY SKETCHES. 285 dren: George P., born June 30, 1875; Eunice R., born January 23, 1880; and Doro thy D., born April 18, 1894. Warren, Charles K., was born near Newell's Corners, where he still lives, May 3, 1858. His father, Col. William F. Warren, was born at the same place, May 17, 1816, and died there February 33, 1895. Colonel Warren was an active and representative man of the community and left his son a farm of 250 acres. He married Caroline Deck, of Madison, who was born June 6, 1824. The father of Colonel Warren came from Massachusetts and was the second settler in that part of the county, having located on the Warren farm more than a hundred years ago. Charles K. was edu cated in the district schools and at Knoxboro and then returned to the farm, where he has since remained. January 7, 1888, Mr. Warren married Alice E. French, of Norwich, N. Y., who was educated at Norwich and Knoxboro, living for some time in early life in the latter place. The Warren homestead occupies a picturesque site and the house built nearly 100 years ago is still standing. Wasmuth, Fred W., was born in Augusta, N. Y., February 18, 1862. His father was born at Frankfort-on-the-Oder, Prussia, October 22, 1826. He was a shoemaker by trade and came to America in 1859. He married Mary L. Baldwin, who was born at Hamburg i i 1823 and died in Augusta in 1891. Fred W. attended the Augusta Academy and upon leaving school engaged in farming for a time. He then entered into the mercantile business with Wayne C. Russell ,in 1885, in which he continued for one year, then purchased his partner's interest and conducted the business alone until 1890, when he sold out to Franciscoe & Hurty. He has since been engaged in farming, making a specialty of hops and berries. Mr. Wasmuth married Mary E. Dudley, of Augusta, "who was born January 21, 1863, and died June 9, 1892. He has been successively postmaster, deputy sheriff, member of the County Committee, and is now town assessor. Thayer, Emory R., was born in Springfield, Otsego county, September 17, 1853, son of Julius P. Thayer, who was a carpenter and builder, and a lifelong resident of Otsego county, as were his ancestors. He was born in 1826, and died in 1860. His wife, Lucy H. (Bates) Thayer, was born in Dutchess county in 1828, and is now liv ing at Westford, N. Y. Emory R. Thayer received his education at the district school and the Westford Literary Institute. Upon coming to Oneida county he first settled in Rome, where he remained for one year, and from there he went to Vernon, where he was employed on a farm, and worked three years in Madison county, at the end of which time he returned to Oneida county and for the next five years rented a farm. October 13, 1875, he married Emma, daughter of Daniel W. and Elizabeth Eaton of Augusta, by whom he has four children: Robert E., who was born March 9, 1876; Elizabeth E., born January 11, 1879; Maud, who was born March 30, 1883 ; and Lulu, born July 30, 1884. Strong Warren C. , was born October 30, 1833, and has spent his lifetime in his native town, for many years living in the village of Knoxboro, which is his present residence. His father, Solomon Strong, was born March 1, 1784, and came from Union, Tolland county, Conn., in 1810, and was engaged in farming in summer and teaching school in winter. He bought a farm situated about two miles north of Knoxboro, where he settled, and spent the rest of his life in that industry. After 286 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. coming to Augusta he married Filena Horton, also a native of Connecticut, who was born in 1789, and died in 1861. Mr. Strong died April 4, 1876. Warren G. received his education at Augusta district school and academy, finishing at Kellogg's then a ' well known school at Clinton, N. Y. ; after which he returned home and engaged in farming. They acquired an immense area of land, upon which he remained till 1887, long after the death of his father. He married Frances, daughter of Sumner Smith, of Knoxboro, by whom he had five children, all of whom are living. Mr. Strong has held several important political positions. Smith, Myrtalu F. , was Korn in Sherburne, Chenango county, October 36 1834, son of Joseph Smith, who was born in Pitcher, Chenango coounty, in 1793, and who was a large manufacturer and dealer in water lime and sewer pipe, his trade extending over many counties. He finally removed to Bouckville, N. Y., and later to Morris- ville, where he died in 1846. His wife, Martha (Cook) Smith, was born in 1796, and died in Morrisville, in 1850. The grandfather of M. F. Smith was one of the earliest settlers in Chenango county, having migrated from Connecticut about the middle of the eighteenth century. Myrtalu F. Smith received his education at Bouckville and the Morrisville Academy, and after leaving school he worked for a time on a farm, and then went to Wisconsin, where he remained until 1863, when he returned and settled in Knoxboro, his present home. He continued to serve for twelve years as clerk for J. C. Knox & Co. He then purchased a farm adjacent to the village, and in 1885 bought out the Van Evera store, and with his sons has continued the business since under the the firm name of M. F. Smith & Sons. Mr. Smith was for several years assessor, and from 1887 to 1891 was supervisor. In- 1856 he married Sarah Whitely, a native of Utica, by whom he has four children: Fanny C, William M., Robert P. and Edward G. William M. and Edward G. are the partners in the business. Spaulding William P., was born in Stockbridge, N. Y., May 2, 1838, son of Philander Spaulding, who is descended from an English family, and who was born in Stockbridge, N. Y., February 9, 1820 and remained in Stockbridge until 1864, when he moved to Lenox, Madison county, where he has since resided. He has been a farmer and speculator all his life, and is now largely interested in one of the leading banks in Oneida. He married Sarah Marshall, of Stockbridge, who died in 1866. William P. Spaulding attended school in Lenox, Oneida Castle Union school, and Cazenovia Seminary, and at the age of twenty came to Knoxboro to assume the charge of his father's farm. After conducting it successfully for two years he bought it, and has continued to reside there. Mr. Spaulding is a Republican, and in 1886-7 held the office of overseer of the poor, and for three years has been a member of the excise board. He married Ida, daughter of George and Viletta Ballard, of Ilion, who was born October 11, i860. Bellinger, Daniel H., is of German descent, although his father, Daniel P., was born in Herkimer county, N. Y. , in 1820. Daniel P. Bellinger came to Knoxboro in 1856 and purchased the farm upon which he now resides. He married Phoebe Hunt, who was born in Warren, Herkimer county, iirl822 and died in January, 1895. Daniel H. was educated at Knoxboro and the Augusta Academy, after which he was engaged as a clerk in a clothing store for three years. He was then called FAMILY SKETCHES. 287 here on account of sickness and has since continued on the farm, being quite as prosperous and successful as his father, and though but thirty-eight years of age is one of the foremost farmers in Augusta. He married Sarah A. Williams, who was bora in Knoxboro, January, 1863. Kendall, Eugene M. , was born on the homestead where he now lives in Augusta, May 20, 1852, son of Leonard Jarvis Kendall, who is also living at the old homestead, was bora at Augusta Center, July 81, 1810, and whose father came from Massachu setts in 1810, and was pastor for several years of the Congregational church at Au gusta. Leonard J. married Olive J., daughter of Calvin Kendall, January 19, 1835, and she died March 18, 1839. October 1, 1840, he married Sarah R. Spencer, and she died September 30, 1855 ; he then, in 1856, married his present wife. Eugene M. Kendall received his education at Oneida Academy and Plattsville, Wis., where he spent one year, after which he returned home and engaged in farming and still con tinues. January 19, 1881, he married Jennie, daughter of John and Elizabeth Jones of Waterville, N. Y., who was born April 2, 1857, and was educated in the public schools of that place. They have two children : Mary Louise, born April 3, 1885, and Leonard Jarvis, born August 16, 1889. Mr. Kendall is an active Republican, and he and his family are members of the Presbyterian Society at Knoxboro. Nye, Willis C, was born at Galesburg, 111., July 29, 1858, and at the death of his father in 1866 removed with his mother to Oriskany Falls. His father, Richard Nye, was bom in Hubbardsville, Madison county, N. Y., in 1822. He was gradu ated from the Cleveland Medical College, and practiced that profession until his death. In 1855 he married Sarah M. Peebles, of Oriskany Falls, and soon after they removed to Galesburg, and Dr. Nye practiced medicine in Galesburg, Morris and Havana successively up to his death in the latter place. When twenty-one years of age Willis C. Nye went to Chicago and embarked as dealer in sand and gravel, the product of beds owned adjacent to the city. In 1893 he returned to Oriskany Falls and engaged in the lumber business under the firm name of W. C. Nye & Co., and in September, 1894, he entered into co-partnership with C. B. Keith, in the coal business at Oriskany Falls, under the firm name of Keith & Nye. Norton, Peter J., is a native of Schleswig, Germany, where he was born January 26, 1858. His father was also a native of the same place, having been born in 1825, and died in 1870. His mother, also a native of the same plate, was born in 1827, and died in 1866. Peter J. attended the school in his native town until he was four teen years of age, and soon after the death of his father came to America and settled at Oriskany Falls, where for two years he attended the public school. He was then employed on a farm for three years, after which he engaged in the hotel business. In 1855 he built the Madison House at Oriskany Falls and conducted it for seven years; he then sold the hotel and bought a farm adjacent to the village; in the same year he purchased the Sargent House, and now conducts both farm and hotel. April 22, 1885, he married Mary Eustice of Oriskany Falls, by whom he has three children: Lois J., born March 17, 1888; Harry J., born July 31, 1892; and Mary, bora February 15, 1894, Merritt, Rev. George, was born at Barrington, 111., July 15, 1855, son of Mark Merritt, who was born at Hastings-,on-the-Sea, England, July 4, 1810, and at twelve 288 , OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. years of age went to sea as a sailor, which he followed for twenty years; then emi grating to Chicago, where he engaged as first mate on a boat running on Lake Mich igan. After three years he abandoned this and removed to Barrington, 111., where he purchased a farm and devoted some time to agriculture. After ten years he sold the farm and returned to Chicago, where he engaged in the/ manufacture of iron and continued in that until incapacitated for work. He died April 1, 1873. June 21, 1844, he married Ann M. Wynd, of Chicago, 111., who was a native of Scotland, born January 14, 1817, and she died at Chicago, June 14, 1872. George Merritt was grad uated from the public school and high school of Chicago, and then entered the Northwestern University, remaining six years, graduating in 1880 in the classical course, and in 1882 in the theological department. His first charge as minister was at Maple Park near Chicago, 111. , and after six months removed to Minnesota, hav ing pastorates at Jackson, Hester, Ortonville, Adas and Little Falls, successively. In 1867 he was transferred to the Northern New York Conference, and stationed at Oswego Center for one and one-half years. His next charge was at Trenton, N. Y., for two years, and then at Taberg, N. Y., for three years, and finally at Oriskany Falls in 1894. June 13, 1889, he married Mary J. Gormley, of Oswego, a graduate of the Chautauqua University, by whom he has one daughter, Ruth B., bora April 6, 1890. McElhinney, Daniel E., was born in Marshall, Oneida county, N. Y., November 24 1853. His father, William J. McElhinney, was born in Ireland, and came to this country in 1848, settling in Marshall, N. Y. He died in February, 1890, aged seventy-three years. His wife, Margaret, survives him, being now sixty three years of age. In early life Daniel E. followed the occupation of farming with his father in the town where he was born. He was educated in the common schools of that pla.ce, and afterward taught school there and at Sangerfield for four years, engag ing during vacation in clerking and canvassing for the sale of books, etc., continu ing his clerkship for some time. In 1891 he engaged in the mercantile business at Oriskany Falls, conducting^, general store under the firm name of D. E. McElhin ney & Co., which he continued until November, 1893, when he was appointed postmaster. Mr. McElhinney has occupied many important town and village offices, and is now chief of the Oriskany Fire Department, in which he takes a great interest. Thornley, Edward, was born in England, January 23, 1831, son of Charles and Mary Thornley. Edward Thornley came to the United States in 1848, and settled in Westmoreland on his present farm in 1852. He married Eliza Carwardine, daughter of John and Mary Carwardine, of English- extraction. Mr.' Thornley is a staunch Republican in politics, and contributes his best efforts to the support of his party. French, Frank W., was born at Deansville, N. Y., June 5, 1864, son of Abel W. French, who removed in early life from Chenango county to Deansville and lived there about twenty-five years previous to locating permanently in Augusta. Abel W. French was born January 33, 1828, and died August 17, 1881. His wife was Mary J., a daughter of Caleb Burleson, a prominent farmerof Augusta. She was born March 6, 1838, and is now living in Augusta. Frank W. French was educated FAMILY SKETCHES. 289 at Augusta and Knoxboro Union School. He has a large farm, which he conducts during the summer. He has held the office of town clerk and is now one of the justices of the peace in his town. November 28, 1888, Mr. French married Ada M., daughter of Edward Tudman, who was born in Lowell, Oneida county, N.Y., August 9, 1864. Barker, Laurens M., was born in Oriskany, N. Y., October 4, 1828, on the farm where he now resides. His grandfather, Laurens H. , was one of the pioneers in Oneida county, coming from Connecticut in 1797, and settling on what afterwards became known as Barker Hill, when there was not a house within several miles of his own rudely constructed home. Laurens H., father of Laurens M., was born May 9, 1804, and spent his life on the old homestead, where he died October 20, 1869. Laurens M. Barker received his education at the district school in the vicinity of his home, after which he settled down to farm life. January 3, 1872, he married his consin, Phebe Barker, of Oriskany Falls, by whom he had one son, Charles H., born July 13, 1874. Mr. Barker's farm occupies a commanding, picturesque site, upon which they raise large crops of hops. - Jones, William, was born in Wales, May 13, 1837, son of William and Mary Jones. William Jones, jr., came to this country in 1857, and engaged in farming, which he has always followed. He left home when he was eleven years of age, working his way up entirely through his own efforts. He married Jean Mallon, of Irish extrac tion, by whom he has four children: William, Robert, Mary and Margaret. Tyler, Cyrus H., was bora in Lee, Oneida county, March 11, 1830. Asa Pease Tyler, his grandfather, came to Rome, N. Y., and was one of the first settlers. Asa Pease, son of Dr. John Tyler, was born in Rome, and was one of its most early and prominent physicians. His entire life was spent in practicing in Rome, except for a period of several years, where he was noted for his liberal and progressive ideas. Cyrus H. Tyler was educated at Rome attending the select schools until the academy opened, from which he was graduated. Having delicate health, he chose the occu pation of farming at which he has always continued. Mr. Tyler was a staunch Re publican, until he became a Prohibitionist. Mr. Tyler married Martha Smith, of English extraction, by whom he has six children: John R., Henrietta S., William Henry, Katie A., Cyrus W. and Eliza M. John R. Tyler is in the mill and feed busi ness at Waterville ; William Henry Tyler has a large creamery business in Rome ; and Cyrus W. Tyler is running a branch creamery at Westmoreland. Mr. Tyler and his family are members of the Congregational church at Westmoreland, and he is secretary of the Kirkland Creamery Association, and is one of the representative farmers of Westmoreland. Storey, William H., was born in Westmoreland, August 26, 1866, son of Joel and Mary J. Storey. Joel Storey came from Ohio, and settled in Westmoreland, about 1850, where he engaged in farming, and which he has since followed. William H. was educated in Westmoreland, and partly in Rome, and after receiving his educa tion, he engaged in the cheese business with his brother, having a finely appointed factory, where they handle about 10,000 pounds of milk a day, and turn out about 2,000 boxes of cheese a year, which is supplied principally for export. This is one of the standard industries of Westmoreland. Mr. Storey married Jennette Abbe of 290 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Westmoreland, by whom he has three children: Mary J., William H. and Lloyd. Mr. Storey is a member of the Hampton Lodge, No. 347, F. & A. M. Stoddard, Dwight L. , was born in Westmoreland, September 29, 1843, son of Reuben and Mary C. Stoddard. Reuben Stoddard was bora in Sheffield, Berkshire county, Mass, July 18, 1807, and came to Westmoreland in 1838, where he conducted a farm during his lifetime. He died March 10. 1887, in his eightieth year. Mary C. Stoddard died January 29, 1892, in her eighty-first year. Dwight L. Stoddard was educated at Whitestown Seminary from which he was graduated, taking his diploma in 1866, after which he engaged in teaching, which he afterward relinquished to give his entire attention to farming. Mr. Stoddard is a staunch Republican, al though his sympathies are largely with Prohibition. Mr. Stoddard is a member of the Congregational church at Westmoreland. Olney, Thomas J., was born in Westmoreland, October 12, 1826, son of James and Phoebe (Smith) Olney. James Olney came from Connecticut. He had a cloth dressing establishment, rope walk, and also carried on farming. He lived in West moreland till his death in 1841. Thomas J. Olney received a district school educa tion ; engaged in farming ; then became owner of the grist mill and saw mill ; went into the coal and feed business; and also bought out the Heckla works, which is now his private property. Mr. Olney has been road commissioner for sixteen years, and is a staunch Republican. He has been supervisor four years ; is a prominent Mason, and has been master of his lodge for four terms. He is also an Odd Fellow. Mr. Olney married Frances Thornly, of English extraction, by whom he has one daugh ter, married to Frank M. Wilson. He also had one son, Charles, who died in his twenty-first year. Mr. Olney is one of the most popular citizens, and energetic busi ness men in the town of Westmoreland, and has always been prominent in all its affairs. Nicholson, William, was born in Westmoreland, N. Y., September 2, 1822, son of John and Elizabeth Nicholson. John Nicholson was born in Cambridge, Washing ton county, July 29, 1788, and came to Westmoreland May 6, 1811, where he was one of the early settlers in the northeast section of the town. He was a surveyor and farmer, and surveyed the roads and a- large part of the adjacent territory. He was assessor of the town, also supervisor, and a man noted for -his high principle and strict integrity. William Nicholson has always been a farmer, owning and conduct ing the farm that was owned by his father, and partly cleared by both father and son. William Nicholson married Mary Julia, daughter of John Green, of Deerfield, by whom he has one daughter, Anna G. John Green's father, also named John, was one of the earliest settlers in Deerfield, and one of the pioneer brickmakers of the county. Kellogg, Hiram Spencer, was born in Westmoreland, May 23, 1843, son of Uriah and Mary E. (Nichols) Kellogg. Uriah Kellogg was born in New Hartford, Oneida county, and came to Westmoreland in 1840, where he conducted a farm until his death in 1890. Mrs. Mary Kellogg, his wife, was born in New Hartford in 1815, and died in Westmoreland in 1884. Hiram Spencer Kellogg was educated at the Will iams Collegiate, Institute. He then went west and engaged in the express business for two years, and then returned to farming. He has always been prominent in FAMILY SKETCHES. 291 politics, and has been successful, although a Democrat, in being elected supervisor in a town that has always given a large Republican majority. This was due to Mr. Kellogg's popularity, and the high personal esteem in which he is held by the mem bers of both parties ; this being a very notable instance in the history of the county. Mr. Kellogg is a member of the Hampton lodge No. 347, and is one of the oldest Ma sons in his lodge. He married Fannie A. Slocum, of Clinton, by whom he has three children: Clara L., Charles S. and Lena M. Clara L. Kellogg is married to Dr. Samuel Gifford, of Whitesboro, Oneida county. Mr. Kellogg was inspector of the middle division of the canals of the State of New York for three years, and was also on the Democratic county committee. Van Slyke, John P. was born in Hrrkimer county, August 29, 1843. His father, Emanual Van Slyke, was born in 1814, and was a farmer. He came to Westmore land from Clinton in 1859. He married Catherine Helmer, by whom he had four sons: Emanual, Gladden, Sidney and John P., who was educated in the district schools of Herkimer and Clinton, and is now one of the best known farmers of 'West moreland Houghton, Thomas, was born in the village of Barton, Leicestershire, England, February 4, 1822, and came to Westmoreland, N. Y., in 1852, where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in March, 1892. He married Hannah Har rison, who was bora in Rathby, Leicestershire, England, and they came to West moreland, with three children who were born in England: Fannie, Mary Ann and Thomas. The children born in this country were George H., born November 6, 1852, a practicing physician in Albany; John, born September 22, 1854; Ira, born March 1, 1856; Edwin, born March 6, 1858; Frederick (deceased) and Seth Albert, born January 12, 1866. Ira Houghton is a farmer in Westmoreland, Edwin^ is in Des Moines, Iowa; and Seth Albert is farming in Westmoreland. Shedd, Philander, was born in Westmoreland, July 27, 1835, son of Dyer and Polly (Bratt) Shedd, natives of Stephentown, Rensselaer county, N. Y. , he born May 30, 1797, and she April 29, 1831. The grandfather, Isaiah Shedd, settled in Westmore land in 1803, on what has since been the family homestead. Philander Shedd was educated in Westmoreland, after which he engaged in farming, and also taught school for a few years. He married Emma Sandford, of Westmoreland, by whom he has four children : Francis, Morris, William and Harriet Reese, O, W., was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., February 1, 1835, son of Moses and Phoebe (Lewis) Reese. Moses Reese was born in Frankfort, Herkimer county, where he was engaged in farming and building, during his lifetime. He died in Rome, 1880, in his seventy-eighth year. Mrs. Reese, his wife, died in the fall of 1884 in her seventy-fourth year. O. W. Reese was educated in Utica, then went to Schuyler, and from there settled in Westmoreland in the spring of 1860. He mar ried Sarah Parks of Herkimer county, by whom he has seven children : Cora A., Mildred E. , Georgiana, Willie O. , James L., Clarence E., and Lottie Reese. Mil dred E. is married and lives in Redfield, Oswego county. Mr. Reese and family are members of the Baptist church of Westmoreland. Hunt, Mrs. A. A., M. D., is the owner and proprietor of the Verona Springs House, and Isadora B. Payne is the conductor and manager. This is a noted sum- 292 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. mer resort, having accommodations for about eighty guests. The celebrated Verona Mineral Springs are located on the hotel grounds; these springs have long been noted for their valuable medical properties. This hotel is, perhaps, one of the old est of its kind in the country, having a reputation that has been increasing for over half a century. It is unsurpassed in location and surroundings, and is one of the pleasantest and best kept summer resorts in Oneida county, in addition to the val uable curative properties of its celebrated mineral springs. Mrs. Dr. Hunt has owned the property for many years. Freinberger, Fred, was born in Germany, February 3, 1844, son of Jacob and Margaret Freinberger. Jacob Freinberger came to Westmoreland in 1865, where he conducted a farm till the time of his death in 1892. Mrs. Freinberger, his wife, died in 1887. Fred Freinberger was educated in Lewis county, and then came to Westmoreland, and engaged in farming, at which he has since continued. He mar ried Mary Holmes, daughter of James Holmes, of Lewis county, by .whom he has three children : William, Harriet and Cora. Harriet is married to Albert Jenkins of Westmoreland. Mr. Freinberger belongs to the Grangers. He has worked his own way in the world, and owns and conducts two fine farms in Westmoreland township. Freinberger, George H. , was born in Germany, in 1844, son of Jacob and Barbara Freinberger. Jacob Freinberger was a tanner by trade, and later engaged in farm ing. He settled in Westmoreland in 1864. George H. Freinberger came to the United States about 1850. He enlisted in Company L, 5th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and participated in the following engagements: Fisher' s"Hill, Harper's Ferry, Mary land Heights, Bolivar Heights, Loudon Heights, Charlestown, and Winchester. He was wounded and received apension. He married Martha J. , daughter of James Holmes, a farmer of New Bremen, Lewis county, by whom he had four children : Ida May, wife of William H. Joy, of Montague, Lewis county, Frank J., George J., and James H. Comstock, Jas. M. — Edgar J. Comstock was born in Kirkland, November 27, 1858, son of James M. and Eliza Comstock. James M. Comstock was born in Kirkland, April 20, 1821, where he was educated, after which he engaged in farming, at which he has always continued, moving to Westmoreland in 1854. Mrs. Comstock died in 1886. Edgar J. Comstock married Ada Lathram, who died in 1891, and he married for his second wife, Mary E. Stebbins, by whom he has two children: Raymond L., and Hazel I. Brush, Charles W., was born in Rome, August 28, 1835, son of Elijah and Laura Brush. Elijah Brush, learned the builders' trade in early life, and followed it perman ently. He was one of the largest builders, in his day, in the entire county; his operations extending all through the county, although the larger part of his work was done in the eastern section of the county. Many of the finest residences in Oneida' county are evidences of his energy and ability as a builder. He also dealt largely in real estate, buying numbers of farms, which he leased. Perhaps there are few men to whose energy and ability, Oneida county owes more, than to the efforts of Elijah Brush. Mr. Brush died at the age of sixty-eight. Charles W. Brush was educated in Oneida county, and is largely interested in farming. He married Helen L. Knox, FAMILY SKETCHES. 293 Rome, by whom he has one son, E. Knox Brush, who is in charge of one of the de partments of the State Hospital at Ogdensburg, N. Y. E. Knox Brush married Annie Cosgrove, of Ottawa Canada. Brill, Fred J., was born in Lowell, township of Westmoreland, Oneida county, July 20, 1850, son of William and Mary O. Brill. William Brill was born in Saratoga c'ounty, April 1, 1823. He kept a store in North Western for three years, coming to Lowell in 1848, where he engaged in farming. He was one of the most prominent men in the township, and was supervisor for a number of years. He died August 7, 1888. Fred J. Brill was educated in Cazenovia, after which he engaged in farming, and is also a large distiller of witch hazel, distilling it from the shrub and shipping the product all over the country. He is also engaged in the manufacture of cheese. He married Mary E., daughter of E. Day, of Verona, by whom he has one son, John, now attending school. Brennan Thomas, was bora in Westmoreland, March 23, 1855, son of Frank and Mary Brennan. Frank Brennan is a farmer and has been conducting a farm in West moreland for twenty-two years. Thomas Brennan was educated in Paris, Kirkland and Westmoreland, and has since been engaged in farming in Westmoreland. He married Mary Riley, of Verona, by whom he has one daughter, Lizzie. Johnson, James, was born in Rome, September 1, 1842, son of Thomas and Han nah Johnson. Thomas came from Yorkshire, England, and settled in Westmore land, N. Y. , where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred February 7, 1882. James Johnson was educated in Rome, then moved to the old homestead, where he has since resided. Mr. Johnson is a staunch Republican, and has always taken an active interest in the success of his party. Marshall, Elmiron C, was bora in Kirkland, Oneida county, August 9, 1847, son of Townsend and Elmira (Comstock) Marshall. Townsend Marshall was born in Perryville, Madison county, N. Y. He was a blacksmith by trade, which business he conducted as long as his health permitted. He moved from Madison county to Kirkland^ where he died in 1892, aged eighty-three years. Mrs. Marshall died August 12, 1847. Elmiron C. was educated at the district schools of Kirkland, and when twenty-one years of age he went to Iowa, then returned to Kirkland, where he remained eleven years, and from there he moved to Westmoreland where he has been for the last eleven years engaged in farming and building. He married Virginia Poston, by whom he had eleven children: Albert E., Burton E., Carrie A., Flora B., Wesley A., Leslie A., Kittie M., Harriet, Elmer, Royal L., and George H. Law, William C, was born in Westmoreland, June 3, 1871, son of William and Sarah (Knapp) Law, also natives of Westmoreland. Consider Law, grandfather of William C Law, was born in Paris, and married Joanah Comstock. William Law, father of William C. Law, was born February 3, 1839. He was a farmer, being one of the most prominent and best known in the township of Westmoreland. He was a staunch Republican, and an active and efficient supporter of his party. Mr. and Mrs. Law had five children: Charles K, who is a practicing physician in Jersey City, N. J. ; and William C, who is engaged in teaching school, and also conducts the family homestead. 294 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Lawes, Richard, was born in London, Eng., December 9, 1857, son of Richard and Mary Ann (Bennett) Lawes. Richard Lawes, jr. , was educated at the Clinton Liberal Institute and the Grammar School, and has since been engaged in farming. He married Josie Lind, of Utica, by whom he had two children : Richard Gordon and Mary Eliza beth. Mr. Lawes is a prominent Republican , standing among the leaders of his party in the township of Westmoreland, and contributing the most efficient services in the aid and support of his party. Kelly, Martin, was born in Ireland, November 1, 1842, son of John and Mary Kelly. John Kelly came to the United States and settled in Westmoreland, and engaged in farming, and where he died February 12, 1865. Martin Kelly was edu cated in Westmoreland, and then engaged in farming, which he has since followed. He married Susie McLaughlin. Freinberger, John J., was born in Lewis county, N. Y., June 10, 1858, son of Jacob and Barbara Freinberger. John J. was educated in Westmoreland, after which he learned the carpenter trade, which business he followed for many years, but is now extensively engaged in farming. He married Cora Crandall, of Brook field, by whom he has one child, May A. Gould, George A. W. , was born in Rhode Island in 1855, son of George S. and Anna A. (Knowles) Gould. George S. Gould has always been a farmer, and is at present living in Rhode Island. The homestead farm originally belonged to Daniel Peckham; his father first moved here, and was among the early settlers of the county. G. A. W. Gould was educated in Rhode Island, and settled in Westmore land in 1879. He married Sarah N. Hunt, of Westmoreland, by whom he has six children: Archer, Alison, Leslie, Ethel, Horace and Harold. Joy, William H., was born in Canada, February 3, 1861, son of Alfred and Betsey (Spencer) Joy. William H. was educated in the town of Montague, Lewis county, and has since been engaged in farming. He married Ida, daughter of George Freinberger, of Westmoreland by whom he had three children;- Lewis T., Levant, and Pearl M. Ball, Chester A., was born in Massachusetts in 1826, and came to Vernon in 1852. His father, Adonijah Ball, was also a native of Massachusetts, born in 1791, and died in 1828. His mother was a native of Massachusetts. Chester A. Ball settled in Vernon and learned the blacksmith trade, which he has since continued successfully in Vernon Center. In 1855 he married Margaretta McLean, who was born in Scot land in 1836, a descendant of the most noted Scotch ancestry. She has taken a prominent place and interest in the historical and church affairs at Vernon Center, and it was at their house that the Presbyterian society of that place was organized, and also the place of the first funeral in the settlement. Mrs. Ball is now postmis tress at Vernon Center. They have had four children: Anna M., born October 1, 1857; Ella S., born September 3, 1859; John C, born November 11, 1861; and Mi riam M. , born November 19, 1864. John C. is a Presbyterian minister, and is now pastor of the Presbyterian church at Pompey Hill, Onondaga county ; Anna M. is the wife of Dr. J. McCullough, of Remsen ; and Ella S. married Lorenzo R. Paxton, of Vernon Center. FAMILY SKETCHES. 295 Groff, Benjamin, was born in 1833, son of Benjamin Groff. He is a treasurer and general manager of the Chadwick Mills, and came to New Hartford with his parents at six years of age, and began work in these mills when only nine years old. He struggled through this hard apprenticeship, attending evening school and a Sunday school to acquire an education. At eighteen years of age he had charge of a room and had been superintendent since 1871. At Mr. Chadwick's death in 1885 a stock company was formed, and Mr. Groff was elected to his present position. He has in his possession an old flintlock musket carried by his grandfather, John Groff, in the war of 1812. He married ' Betsey Wrigley, by whom he had two sons and two daughters ; but only one son and one daughter are now living. RemmeT, Captain Joseph H., bom August 23, 1850, in Utica, is a son of Michael Remmer, who came here from Alsace-Loraine, Germany, about 1840, and died in 1866. Michael was a contractor and builder and aided in the construction of many dwellings and other buildings, and was assessor of the old Sixth ward( for four years until his death. Captain Remmer first engaged in the grocery business in 1875 and continued about three years, when he sold out. Later he was traveling salesman for George Young, baker, for about twelve years, and still later, he engaged in the meat business for twelve years. In March, 1892, he formed a partnership with John Cox, as Cox & Remmer, and purchased the old C. Weiss & Co. furniture establish ment on the corner of Fayette and State streets where they have since continued successfully as wholesale and retail furniture dealers. Captain Remmer joined the 26th Regiment N. G. S. N. Y., September 3, 1868, and has ever since been a promi nent figure in local militia circles. He was successively made corporal, sergeant, and on March 10, 1873, captain of Co. C, of the 26th Regiment, which was mustered out in 1881, the 28th Separate Company being retained, -and formed by the members of the old body of this company ; at its organization he was elected captain, a post he has ever since filled with conspicuous ability. He temporarily commanded a regiment of separate companies at the Washington Centennial Celebration in New York city, April 30, 1889, and commanded troops during the Buffalo railroad riots in 1892. He has also been appointed to command at several State encampments, act ing in the capacity of major. In 1894 he was awarded a valuable gold medal by the State of New York for long and meritorious service in the militia. He is a member of the Knights of Honor and the Royal Arcanum, aud a member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church and one of the prime movers in building its new edifice in 1895. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs, is a prominent Dem ocrat in politics and has been a delegate to various conventions. October 38, 1875, he married Margaret M., daughter of Thomas Nichols, of St. Louis Missouri, and of their five children two are living: Harry T. and Marguerite. Hughes, Robert P., was born in North Wales, Denbeighshire, February 24, 1832, son of Hugh and Elizabeth (Everett) Hughes. Mr. Hugh Hughes with his family came to the United States in 1837, settling first in Western, then in Constableville and then went to Remsen. In these places he conducted flour mills, and he is sup posed to have made-the first oatmeal prepared in this State, adapting his own ma chinery to that purpose. His death occurred when he was within three months of being ninety years of age. He was in the employ of the New York Mills for about forty years. Robert P. Hughes came to New York Mills at thirteen years of age, 296 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and entered the employ of the company, and worked his way through the mills, fill ing various positions, and he is now overseer of two departments, and has been in the employ of the mill over fifty years. He married Marcia Averill, daughter of Alba Crafts of Otsego county. Her grandfather, Joseph Crafts, was a soldier in the Revo lutionary war, attached to the personal staff of Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes had three children : Josephine, married to Frank S. Williams, of Clinton, a lawyer in New York city ; Edward R. and Franklin R. (deceased). Chapman, William Wallace, was born in New Hartford, Oneida county, N. Y., in 1844, son of William H. Chapman, who was also born here, and was of English birth. The grandparents came to America in 1810 and settled in New Hartford. During his lifetime William H. Chapman was a prominent figure in the social and political life of this locality. He was a Democrat in politics, and represented his assembly district in the State Legislature in 1868. He was also a successful business man and conducted a hotel here during the period of the greatest commercial activ ity at Washington Mills. This business was pursued by his son, William W., until the unfortunate loss of his hearing necessitated his retirement to a farm! Roberts, Henry W., was born in the town of Deerfield, Oneida county, December 1, 1858, son of Ellis R. Roberts, who was also born in that town, where he was for a number of years in the mercantile business. His grandfather was born in Wales, and came to the United States in 1818, where he first settled in Utica. Ellis R. Rob erts married Anna Johns, who was born in the town of Trenton, N. Y., by whom he had two children. Henry W. Roberts was a graduate of Clinton Grammar School in 1878, and has been engaged in the mercantile business most of his life. He was for six years clerk in the store of Comstock Brothers, of Utica; and has been in busi ness for himself in Clinton for seven years. He married Anna Clark, of this town, by whom he has one daughter, Gertrude. Mr. Roberts was town clerk for three years, and at present is a member of the Board of Education, serving his second term, and he is also one of the county committee. Burns, Owen J., was born in this village, April 22, 1859, son of Patrick Burns, who was born in Ireland, and came to the United States in 1855. He followed peddling for about twenty years, and then with his son, Owen J. Burns, started in business, and died in about a year, and since the business has been conducted by the son. Owen J. Burns has become one of the leading men ot the town, being for three years in the office of town clerk, and is at present a member of the Board of Education. His education was acquired in the Clinton Institute and Grammar School. He mar ried Mary, daughter of Joseph Coffa, of Kirkland, by whom he has four children: Robert, Alice, Gregory and Leonard. Billingham, Fred G. , was bom in the town of Kirkland, October 30, 1860, son of Richard J. Billingham. Fred G. was reared on his father's farm, where he remained until about three years ago, when he became the proprietor of the Clinton House, in the village of Clinton, where he and his wife, Ella (Griffith) Billingham, are always ready to care for the guests in a manner which proves their ability in this line. Blake, Frank, was born in Clayville, August. 30, 1868, and is of old Irish stock, his father, Peter Blake, being bora in Ireland. Peter Blake kept the Blake House in FAMILY SKETCHES. 297 Clinton for about twenty years, and enlisted in 1862, serving through the entire war. Frank Blake received his education in the schools in Clinton, and was clerk in his father's hotel. He engaged with a Buffalo house, where he formed an idea of the furniture and undertaking business, which he established in 1889 in Clinton. He married Jessie D., daughter of W. L. Hart of Clinton. Mr. Blake is at present town clerk being elected on the Democratic ticket in 1894. Dempsey, J. L., was born in Ireland, April 29, 1848, and came to this country with his parents, John and Catherine (Lyons) Dempsey, when only three months old. He was reared on the farm in Clinton, where he has resided as a respected citizen and business man for years. He was largely instrumental in the organization of the Union school and academy, and was a member of the first Board of Education. He was elected member from the second assembly district of Oneida county in 1889, and was re-elected in 1891. He married Kate Blake, daughter of Michael Blake of Kirk land, by v»hom he has seven children: John A., Francis M., Joseph W. , Elizabeth M. , Katie, Rose and James L. McBride, Thomas, was born in Kirkland, July 5, 1850, son of John and Margaret McBride, who were born in Ireland, and came to the United States in 1847, where they engaged in farming in this county. They were the parents of five children : John E. , Bridget, Ellen, Catherine and Thomas. The latter was educated in the district schools, and early learned the carpenter trade. He soon became one of Clinton's contractors and builders, erecting the Union school and academy, and many other buildings. About a year and a half ago he started the manufacture of step ladders, fruit baskets and crates, which has developed into one of Clinton's most prosperous' enterprises. He married Catherine, daughter of Arthur and Anna O'Neil of New Hartford, Oneida county. Goodfellow, Mrs. C. H. — The late Charles H. Goodfellow was born in Kirkland, December, 1836, son of Charles Goodfellow, who was born in England, and came to Clinton in 1831. Charles Goodfellow was engaged in the storage business, but died at eighty-seven years of age on a farm in this town. He married Christianna Good fellow, by whom he had seven children. Charles H. Goodfellow was educated in the schools of Clinton, and learned the trade of tinsmith, after which he engaged in the hardware business, which he conducted for twenty-eight years prior to his death, December 14, 1894.- He married Jeanette McChesney, daughter of William McChes ney of Richland, Oswego county, by whom he had four children: Katie E,, Anna, William and Jeanette. William Goodfellow now conducts his father's business in Clinton. Everett, Charles M., was born in Clinton, N. Y., April 7, 1843, son of Hiram G. Everett, who was born in Litchfield, Herkimer county, in 1801. He married Eliza beth Blockstone, who was born in the town of New Hartford, her father, Edward Blockstone, being among the early settlers of the town, coming from Connecticut. They had two children: Edward B. and Charles M., the latter the only surviving one. Charles M. Everett graduated from the law department of Hamilton College, and was employed in the office of ex-Judge Williams of Clinton for four years. He then engaged in the wholesale grocery business in Utica and New York city, but for the last fifteen years has been traveling. He has been president of the School board, U 298 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. since the organization of the Union school and academy of Clinton. He married Mary V. , daughter of William Groves, who was one of the two first graduates of the Hamilton College, by whom he has three children : William G. , Edward R. , and John Groves. Mr. Everett is a member of Lodge No. 169, F. & A. M., of Clinton. Evans, jr., Richard, was bora in the town and house where he now resides, June 21, 1848, son of Richard W. Evans, who was born in England in 1812, came to the United States in 1835, and was first employed in New York city, coming to the town of Kirkland in 1844, where he engaged in farming, remaining here a number of years, then moved to Utica where he lived retired. He married Jones,, of England, by whom he had three children : Robert, deceased, who was superintendent of the county house until his death; Ellis J., a farmer in Kansas; and Richard, who is one of the leading farmers of this town, owning one farm of 190 acres, and another of fifty acres, his principal crops being hops, hay and corn. He married Hannah L., daughter of George Comstock, by whom he had two children: George B. and Adelia D. Burrows, Mrs. H. F. — William N. Marsh was bora in September, 1804, and died in the house where he was born in 1884. His father, Nathan Marsh, came from Massa chusetts at an early day, before the Revolutionary war. He cleared a farm of fifty acres, built a log cabin, and through untiring efforts, they now own a fine farm of 100 acres. William N. Marsh married Mary A. Gridley, by whom he had four chil dren: Eliza M., deceased, Helen M., George G. , and Samuel, deceased. He married for his second wife, Eveline Gridley, a sister of his first wife. In the house where Mr. Marsh was born there now lives four generations, something that can seldom be said of any family. Comstock, M. L., was ,born in the town of Kirkland, July 16, 1850, on the farm where he now lives, son of Franklin and Lucy Comstock. Levi Comstock, grand father of M. L. Comstock, came to this town in the year 1792 and clared a farm near where our subject now lives and built a log cabin. M. L. Comstock is one of the five children, three of whom are now living: Melvin, Roselma, and Hecox, and was educated in the public schools of Kirkland and Whitestown Seminary. A fact worthy of notice in Mr. Comstock's life was his untiring efforts in establishing the Chuckery post-office, and in which he was successful. He is engaged in farming, now owning a farm of sixty acres. He married Jewell, daughter of William and Lucy Graham, of New Hartford, by whom he has one son, Wallace G., of the Union school of New Hartford, and who also took a course in the agricultural department of the Cornell University. Mr Comstock is a member of the Grange, and is a Re publican. Harding, L. S., was bom in Massachusetts in October, 1822, son of Stephen Harding, who was born in Worcester county, Mass., and where he died. L. S. Harding came to Madison county when nine years of age ; at that time they came through Albany, where they were testing the engine, which was exhibited at the world's fair in Chicago, it being a duplicate of the first engine in this State. At the age of thirty years L. S. Harding bought the historical place in the town known as the Kirkland homestead,' the Rev. Samuel Kirkland being the minister who Chris tianized the Indians, and this place has the most historical record of any property in FAMILY SKETCHES. 299 • this town or in Oneida county. Stephen Harding married Augusta White, by whom he had five children : Jabus, Lucy, L. S., Samuel and Medina. L. S. Hard ing received his first education in New England States, and finished in Hamilton College. He is engaged in farming, owning a farm of 140 acres. He married Hannah, daughter of Maj. Rutherford Barker, by whom he has three children: Stephen R., who is engaged in farming, and is a stock dealer in Virginia; Henry W.. a lumber dealer in Michigan; and Mary L., wife of William M. Dwight, of Detroit, Mich. Armstrong, Amos P. , was born in Kirkland, October 10, 1838, a son of Sylvester and Olive Armstrong, who were born in Vermont and Kirkland, and whose ancestors were from Connecticut. Sylvester Armstrong married Olive, daughter of Levi Munger, of Kirkland, by whom he had seven children : Ellen K. , Harriet, Betsey, Sarah, Elvira, Lillie and Amos P. Amos P. Armstrong was educated in Kirkland, and Whitestown Seminary, and taught school up to 1862, when he enlisted in the 117th N. Y. Vols., and served up to the close of the war in 1865. He was assessor of the town from 1880 to 1894, when he was elected supervisor, which office he now fills. He married Kittie, daughter of John and Lydia House, of Clinton village, and who died in 1884. Mr. Armstrong is a member of Hinkley Post No. 227, G. A. R., past master of Clinton Grange No. 370, and also member of the Clinton Lodge No. 196, F. & A. M. Pearl, H. D., was born in Hamilton, Madison county, July 13, 1835, son of E. C. Pearl, who was one of the first settlers in Kirkland, where he conducted a large boot and shoe business. He emig. ated from Connecticut in the early days of this county, at that time a wilderness, inhabited by the Indians. E. C. Pearl married Caroline Upham, of Hamilton, Madison county, by whom he had five children. H. D. Pearl was educated in the district school, and is engaged in farming, owning a farm of thirty acres. • He has filled the office of assessor, and also excise commissioner. He first married Harriet, daughter of Andrew Mills, one of the oldest settlers. His present wife is Mrs. Adelaide Pollard, daughter of Chester Jenks, of the town of Marshall. Mr. Pearl is a member of the Clinton Lodge No. 169, F. & A. M. Grannis, Mrs. C. E. — Cyrus Grannis was born in Oneida county, N. Y., in 1815. In early life he learned the carpenter and joiner trade, which he followed for a num ber of years, but later engaged in farming, which he followed until his death in 1885. He married the widow of Theodore Wilcox, who was born in Waterville, Oneida county. She had four children: Libbie, Hattie, Franklin and Goodwin. The sons are both farmers, one in the town of Kirkland on the homestead of his father, Theo dore Wilcox, the other conducts a large farm on Paris Hill, in the town of Paris. Woodin, Julia. — John M. Woodin was born in the town of New Hartford, January 21, 1825. His father, Ephraim Woodin, was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., and came to the town of New Hartford in 1800, where he engaged in farming, which he followed until his death. He married Sarah Cooper, of Dutchess county, by whom he had five children: Mary A., William C, Giles E., Laura, and John M.. who' learned the carpenter trade which he followed in connection with his farming, own ing a farm of sixty-one acres at the time of his death, which occurred in 1894. He married Julia Comstock. who was born in Kirkland, April 28, 1829, by whom he had 300 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. four children: Alice C, born in 1852; Ella C, born in 1854; Ida May, born in 1856; and Charley, born in 1858. Austin, David, was born in the town of Richfield, Oswego county, March 14, 1841, sou of John Austin, who was born in Vermont, and came to this State when a boy with his parents, settling in Oswego county. When David Austin was two years of age, his father came to Oneida county, and settled in the town of Paris, from which they moved to Marshall, where they continued to reside. He married Lydia Galop of Oswego county, her father, Daniel Galop, being one of the pioneers from Connec ticut. David Austin was educated in the district schools of Marshall, and the acad emy of this place. He has been a prosperous farmer in the town of Kirkland for about thirty-seven years, owning a farm of eighty-two acres. He married Mary Crane of Madison county, by whom he has three children: Norman J., Elmer C. and Edith. Mr. Austin was elected road commissioner in 1894, on the Republican ticket, for a period of two years. Barker, John S., was born in the town of Marshall, Oneida county, March 16, 1826, and is one of the descendants of M. W. Barker, who lived for a long time in the vil lage of Clinton, where he died in 1893 at ninety-one years of age. John S. Barker was educated in the district schools after which he engaged in farming. He first married Caroline Barnard, by whom he had three children : Charles H., J. M. and William I. His second marriage was to Ellen E. Barber of Kirkland, by whom he has one son, John E. Kelsey, Mrs. A. P. — Ambrose P. Kelsey was bora in Sauquoit, Oneida county, N. Y./ August 30, 1833. He prepared for the sophomore class in college at the Sau quoit Academy. His preference for the natural sciences was very decided and in his senior year he received the first Underwood prize in chemistry. After graduat ing he taught the natural sciences in Wilson Academy for one year. In 1857 he was appointed principal in the Cincinnatus Academy, which position he held for two years; and was then called to the chair of natural sciences in the State Normrl School at Albany. Two years later he removed to Farmington, Me. , where he suc cessfully established the first normal school in that State, he being the first principal. In 1878 Professor Kelsey was called to Clinton to accept the chair of natural history in Hamilton' College, which position he occupied up to the time of his death. De cember 24, 1862, Professor Kelsey married Ellen V., daughter of Hon. Robert Goodenow, of Farmington, Me., by whom he had three children. Professor Kelsey died, deeply mourned by a wide circle of friends. McAra, William F., was born in the county of Stirling, Scotland, October 24, 1854, son of James and Jessie (Ferguson) McAra, James McAra being forester for Lord Abercrombie at Airthrey, receiving his education in the parish schools of Locherbie and Lochenaben, and was apprenticed as gardener at the country seat of Sir William Jardine, of Locherbie, Scotland, whose extensive ranges of glass were famed for their collection of tropical fruits, flowers and rare plants. Here he remained for five years, removing to Birroughtree Gardens ; thence to the country seat of Sir Richard Musgrave, of Eden Hall, Penrith, England; was foreman at Caldwell House, the summer home of Colonel Mure, M. P. for Renfrewshire ; was appointed head gar dener to Henry Weiss, esq., of Edgbarton, Birmingham, England, and was for four FAMILY SKETCHES. 301 years in a similar capacity with Tipping Lawden at the Uplands, Handsworth, Birmingham ; removing to America in 1882, he received the appointment of head gardener to Charlemagne Tower at his country home in Waterville, where he has resided upwards of thirteen years, and is now overseer for Miss Henrietta Page Tower, at "her summer home in Waterville. He is a past master of Sanger Lodge No. 129, F. & A. M., and also a past secretary and past high priest of Warren Chapter No. 22, R. A. M., and a past regent of Waterville Council No. 398, Royal Arcanum. Miller, Jacob, was born in Alsace, France, in December, 1835, and came to the United States with his parents when three years of age, locating in New London, N. Y. He was educated in the common schools, and is a carpenter and farmer by occupation. August 4, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, 117th N. Y. S. Vols., and was in several general engagements and many skirmishes. November 1, 1864, he was promoted sergeant, and was honorably discharged June 6, 1865. August 10, 1865, he married Anna Sisbrower, by whom he had six children : Jacob, who died at twenty-nine years of age; Francis H., Mary R., Elizabeth C, Clara E., and Charles A. Francis H. married Margaret Hoffman. Mary R. married Charles Rounds, of Green's Corners, and they have two children, Raymond, and a baby not named. Mrs. Miller died February 19, 1881, and January 18, 1863, Mr. Miller married for his second wife Theresa F. Essinger, of Verona. Mrs. Miller's father, William Essinger, was born in Germany, September 22, 1S22. He married Catherine Sees, of his native place, by whom he had nine children: John, Seuly, Frederick, George, Joseph, Theresa F., as above, Catherine, Margaret and Francis. Mr. Essinger died April 25, 1893. Mr. Miller is a member of Skillin Post No. 47, G. A. R., Department of New Y'ork. The ancestry of the family is French and German. Ague, Philip C, was born at Lawton Bridge, in Verona, April 23, 1854. He was educated in the district schools, and has always followed farming. January 24, 1882, he married Caroline Kline, of Verona, by whom he had three children: Walter K., Mary M., and Oscar G. Mr. Ague's father, Jacob, was born in Bavaria in 1820, was educated there, and came to the L~nited States when a young man, locating in Verona. He married Margaret Roth, formerly of Germany, by whom he had five children: Philip C, Francis, Jacob, Daniel, and Catherine; all of whom are now dead, with the exception of our subject, Philip C. Mr. Ague died in 1885. Mrs. Ague's father, Jacob Kline, was born in Alsace, France, in 1812. He was educated there and came to the United States when nineteen years of age, locating in Verona. He married Margaret Wiedrick, formerly of Germany, by whom he had eleven children, nine of whom grew to maturity: George J., Eva M., Elizabeth, Margaret, Caroline, Amelia, Jacob, Alice, and Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. Ague are members of St. Peter's German Lutheran church, of which he is one of the deacons. The ancestry of the family is German on both sides. St John, N. J. , was born in Montreal, Canada, September 7, 1850, and came to this country when eight years of age, and has resided in Waterville for the past thirty- two years. He learned the trade of harness maker and followed it for twelve years, when he engaged in the hotel business. The Central Hotel in Waterville was built by him. He has also been largely interested in farming for years. He first married 302 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Mary Burnett, who died leaving two daughters: Mary Imogean and Carrie. His present wife is Alice Wilson, by whom he has two daughters: Maud and Annie. Mr. St/ John is a prominent Democrat ; he also takes a great interest in horses, and owns some fine stock. Wheeler, E. A. , was born in New Hampshire, and moved to Clayville, with his parents, when four years of age. He enlisted in Co. G, 117th N. Y. Vols, August 4, 1862, and participated in the battles of Petersburg Bluff, Bermuda Hundred, etc. He served until the close of the war, and has been prominently identified with the G. A. R. He was commander of the post four years, and is also a prominent Mason. He is at present trustee of the village of Waterville and water commissioner. In 1865 he married Anna Barker, who died, leaving four children : Mrs. F. A. Gifford, Mrs. Louise M. Case, Lillie, Millie B. and Nellie F. Wheeler. His present wife is Silvina E. Bates, of Cassville, N. Y. Owen, Robert C, was born in Utica, N. Y., December 14, 1828. His father, Richard Owen, was born in Wales and came to the United States when seventeen years of age, and settled in Albany, N. Y. He afterward removed to Oneida county where he married Eleanor Edwards, who was born in Deerfield, N. Y. Later he settled on a farm in the town of Floyd where he remained until his death 'Robert C, the eldest of five children, received a common school education. At' the age of sixteen he engaged as clerk in the store of White Brothers in Alder Creek, N. Y., where he remained several years. He was afterwards employed as clerk in the store of J. Howe & Co. in Remsen, N. Y., and later in the firm of Hill Brothers, Rome, N. Y. In 1857 he started for himself in the mercantile business in Rome, re moving to Clinton, N. Y., in 1860, where has since remained being one of the lead ing men of the town. In 1857 he married Blanche Edwards, of Remsen, N. Y., by whom he has four children: Ida M. , Nellie B., Jennie V., and Milton Edwards. Mr. Owen is a stockholder in the New Hartford Cotton Company, also in the Citizens' Bank and Trust Company, Chattanooga, Tenn., and a director in Texas Loan Agency of Corsicana, Texas. About twenty years ago Mr. Owen was elected ruling elder, trustee and treasurer of the Presbyterian church in Clinton, which offices he still holds. Blake, John, was born in Westchester county, N. Y., in 1844. He was educated in the common schools, and is a farmer and market gardener by occupation. August 6, 1862, he enlisted in Co. G, 113th N. Y. Vols. Nov. 7, 1865, his regiment was con solidated with the 7th Heavy Artillery, of the Second Corps, Army of the Potomac. He was wounded in the leg in the battle of the Wilderness, and on June 19, 1864, in the battle of Petersburg, was wounded in the hand and forearm with rifle bullets, and in the back with a piece of shell, four ounces and a half of which was extracted by the surgeon. He was left "on the field for dead sixty four hours, and yet survives to tell the story. February 12, 1865, he was honorably discharged by surgeon's cer tificate of disability from Finlay Hospital, Washington, D. C. In the fall of 1869 he married Emily E. Dunn, of Verona, by whom he has eight children: Mary M., Julia E., E. Isabel, Adeline E. , John L., Clara L. , Carrie I., and Howard L. Dye, Daniel C, M. D., son of Amasa A. and Caroline (Hutchinson) Dye, was born in Rockwood, Fulton county, June 23, 1860, read medicine with Dr. Nelson Everest FAMILY SKETCHES. 303 of his native village, and was graduated from the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor June 23, 1885, his diploma being endorsed by the faculty of Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York city. In the fall of 1886 he began the active practice of his profession in Utica, where he has since resided. Dr. Dye is a member of the Oneida County Medical Society and on April 14, 1896, was elected its president He is also a member and for four years was secretary of the Utica Medical Library Association and later its delegate to the New York State Medical Society, of which he is a permanent mem ber. He is a charter member of the Utica Medical Club and in March, 1896, was elected its president. He is a member of the Association of Medical Officers of the National Guard and Naval Militia of New York State, first lisutenant and perman ently commissioned (October 1, 1890) assistant surgeon of the 44th Separate Co. N. G. S. N. Y. , ward physician of the Eighth ward, and surgeon on the staff of St. Elizabeth's Hospital, of which he was resident physician three and one-half years. June 33, 1892, he married Jessie M., daughter of Alonzo B. Walling, of Utica, and they have one daughter, Dorothy Jessie. Hewett, C. E., was born in the town of Marshall, March 27, 1830, son of Jedediah and Falley (King) Hewett. He learned the trade of joiner and carpenter, and worked at it for fifteen years, when he engaged in wagon building, which he followed for twenty-six years, retiring in 1895. In 1850 he married Adeline C. Wilmott, by whom he has two daughters, Mrs. Richard Corcoran of Albion, Mich., and Nellie A., born in Appleton, Wis., in 1860. Roberts, Henry W., was born in the town of Deerfield, Oneida county, December 1, 1858, son of Ellis R. Roberts, who was also born in that town, where he was for a number of years in the mercantile business. His grandfather was born in Wales, and came to the United States in 1818, and first settled in Utica. Ellis R. Roberts married Ann Johns, who was born in the town of Trenton, N. Y., by' whom he had two children. Henry W. Roberts was a graduate ot the Clinton grammar school in 1878, and has been engaged in the mercantile business most of his life. He was for six years (1883 to 1889) clerk in the store of Comstock Brothers, of Utica, and since 1889 has been in business for himself in Clinton for seven years. He married Anna Clark, of this town, by whom he has one daughter, Gertrude, and one child deceased, Vincent Ellis Roberts. Mr. Roberts was town clerk for three years, and at present is a member of the Board of Education, serving his second term, and he is also Republican county committeeman for his town, and a stockholder and treasurer of Empire Park Granite and Marble Co., located at Syracuse, N. Y. Barker, Laurens M., was born in Oriskany Falls, N. Y., October 3, 1828, on the farm where he now resides. His grandfather. Munson, and his brother Miles were pioneers in Oneida county, coming from Connecticut in 1797, with an ox team and settling on what after became known as Barker Hill, when there was not a house within several miles of their own rudely constructed homes. Laurens H., father of Laurens M., was born May 9, 1804, and spent his life on the old homestead, where he died October 20, 1869. Laurens M. Barker received his education at the district school in the vicinity of his home, after which he settled down to farm life. January 3 1872, he married Phebe Barker of Oriskany Falls, by whom he has one son, 304 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Charles H., born July 13, 1874. Mr. Barker's farm occupies a commanding pictur esque site, upon which they raise large crops of hops. Dempsey, Hon. James L., son of John and Catharine (Lyons) Dempsey, was born April 29, 1848, in Dublin, Ireland, and came to America with his parents the same year, settling first in New York city. In 1849 the family came to Utica and in 1853 moved thence to a farm in Westmoreland. In 1856 they settled in Kirkland, Oneida county, where his parents still live. John Dempsey is a farmer and mason by oc cupation. He had eight children, all of whom are living: James L., Terrence J.. Thomas E., all of Clinton; John J. of the town of Kirkland ; William, of Clinton; M^ry J. (Mrs. John R. Tierney), of Lairdsville, Oneida county; Anna (Mrs. John Nichols), of Utica; and Nellie (Mrs. Michael Dolan), of Albany, N. Y. James L. Dempsey was educated in the public schools of Kirkland, learned the trade of mason and builder, and for a time carried on a successful contracting business. In 1870 he became proprietor of a hotel in Clinton,' his partner being Peter Blake, his brother- in-law, continuing seven years. In 1869 he commenced dealing in hops and farm produce, and has ever since continued in that business with unusual success. He • has been an extensive operator in this connection, buying, handling, and shipping large quantities of hops, etc. In 1886 he was one of the organizers and first directors of the Clinton Bnrial Case Company, since removed to Utica. He was the prime mover and mainly instrumental in securing the location of the Clinton Canning Company in the village of Clinton, the leading manufacturing industry there. Mr. Dempsey has always taken a deep interest in the welfare and prosperity of the village of Clinton, contributing liberally of both time and means toward every worthy en terprise, and encouraging all movements promising general benefit. Public spirited, progressive, and energetic he is prominently identified with the town, and is active in furthering its moral and material interests. He is a staunch Democrat, and has been for several years an influential member of that party. In 1890 and 1891 he represented his district in the State Legislature, where, as the records show, he looked carefully after the interests of his constituents, and especially after the wel fare of the farming and laboring classes. As member of assembly he was instru mental in starting the movements which resulted in the selling of the old county farm and poor house at Rome for $209,000, which gave to the county the present county house and poor farm and also the Rome State Custodial Asylum, two insti tutions of permanent local as well as general value. He has been a trustee and one of the water commissioners of the village of Clinton since the spring of 1893. He was also a member of the first sewer commission, and as such was instrumental in introducing the present sewerage system, resigning to become village trustee. In all matters of local improvement he has taken a conspicuous part, and has labored assiduously for the benefit of the place. May 19, 1870, he married Catharine, daughter of Michael Blake, of the town of Kirkland, and they have had eight chil dren: John A., Francis M., Joseph W., Elizabeth Maria, James L., jr., Kate, Robert (deceased), and Rose. Foster, William S., president of the Foster Brothers Manufacturing Company of Utica, was born in Durhamville, Oneida county, February 15, 1848, and is the fifth of six sons of Orson, Foster, a native of Litchfield, Conn., bora in June, 1809. Orson Foster lived in Clinton, N.Y., during his youthful life, and about 1835 settled FAMILY SKETCHES. 305 in Durhamville. He was a farmer, millwright, and contractor, prominent in local affairs, and served two terms as supervisor. He died in Utica in February, 1893. He married Dulina A. Smith, of Verona, whose death occurred in 1891. Their chil dren were Albert N., deceased; Oscar S., of Utica; Charles M., deceased; Theo dore, of Utica; William S., of Utica; and Niles H., of St. Louis, Mo. William S. Foster conducted his father's farm for a time. His brother, Oscar S., had become a partner and finally sole owner of the furniture manufacturing business of C. T. Segar & Co., in Utica, which was originally established by Mr. Segar in a building on John street in 1871. In January, 1881, William S. Foster purchased a half inter est in the concern under the firm name of C. S. Foster & Brother, which in 1885 was changed to Foster Brothers. In April, 1892, the establishment was incorporated with a capital of $70,000, and adopted the present style of the Foster Brothers Manuf facturing Company with William S. Foster as president and Oscar S. Foster as secretary and treasurer. January 1, 1888, the concern occupied its present plant on Broad street, and in the fall of 1893 the manufacture of iron beds, brass trimmed, was commenced. Prior to that the business had been confined to the manufacture of springs and spring beds, woven wire cots, cribs, etc. Now all these articles are manufactured on a large scale arid about seventy-five hands are employed, the trade extending throughout the United States. They are also interested in the Foster Brothers Manufacturing Company of Baltimore, Md., of which Oscar S. is presi dent; the Foster Brothers Manufacturing Company of St. Louis, of which Oscar S. is president and Niles H. is secretary and treasurer ; and is also interested in the Rome Metallic Bedstead Company of Rome, N. Y. Jewett, James G., was bom in Whitestown, now a portion of Utica, August 17, 1807, son of Samuel and Sarah Jewett. Samuel Jewett was born in Jeffrey, JN. H., November 17, 1765, and died January 31, 1831. Sarah, his wife, was born April 27, 1769, and died February 12, 1861. James G. Jewett was educated at the Utica Academy, after which he engaged in farming. He married Orissa F. Rhodes, of Paris, Oneida county, N.Y., who died in August? 1870, aged forty-eight years. They had these children : Annette O. ; Sarah E., who married J. J. Taylor, of Forest City, la.; Samuel F., who lives at Elgin, Ills.; Emma E., deceased; James G., jr., who is a Mason, a member of Hampton Lodge No. 347 and Fort Stanwix Chapter No. 153 ; Lillias C. , who married Carl A. Bliesmer, both deceased ; Charles F. , deceased ; Grant R., who is in Circle City, Alaska; Arthur P., in Port Angeles, Wash. ; Grant R., is also a Mason, Hampton Lodge No. 347, and Arthur P. also belongs to the same lodge, No. 347, and Fort Stanwix Chapter No. 153. Glatt, Joseph, was born in Forbach, France, in 1824 and in 1833 came to this country with his father and seven other children, he (Joseph) being the younger of the eight. Joseph Glatt, sr. , was a brick and tile manufacturer by trade, which he followed in France ; but upon coming to this country settled on a farm in Deerfield, remaining there until 1854, when he moved to Utica, where he spent the remainder of his days, living to the ripe old age of ninety-three years. While in France he was ten years in the French revolution and was one of Napoleon's body guard. Joseph, jr., and a sister in Iowa are the only surviving members of the family. In 1851 he married Sarah A. Johnson, of Deerfield, and moved to New Hartford on a farm of 250 acres, where be still resides, In 1858 his wife died, leaving three chil- 306 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. dren: George A., Phebe M., and Ernest J. In 1862 Mr. Glatt married H. Cornelia, daughter of the late Peter and Delia A. Smith, old and much respected citizens of New York Mills. His present wife was for a number of years an experienced teacher in the public schools of that place. They have one son, Albert Smith, born November 28, 1863. Thorneley, Edward, was born in England, January 23, 1831, son of Charles and Mary Thorneley. Edward Thorneley came to the United States in 1848, and settled in Westmoreland on his present farm in 1852. He married Eliza Carwardine, daughter of John and Mary Carwardine, of English extraction. Mr. Thorneley is a staunch Republican in politics, and contributes his best efforts to the support of his party. Bacon, Ezekiel, son of Rev. John Bacon, was born September 1, 1776. His father was pastor of South church, Boston, later a resident of Stockbridge, Mass., a representative to the Massachusetts Legislature and the Congress of the United States, and for several years the presiding judge of the Berkshire Common Pleas. When fourteen Mr. Bacon entered Yale College and was graduated in 1794. He read law with Judge Reeve in Licthfield, Conn. , and with Nathan Dane in Beverly, Mass., and practiced for some years in Berkshire county. He was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature in 1806 and 1807, and represented his county in Congress from 1807 to 1813, serving one year as chairman of the ways and means committee. He was appointed chief justice of the Circuit Court and Common Pleas for the Western district of Massachusetts, and soon after assuming the office was made first comptroller of the treasury by President Madison. On account of ill health he re signed this latter office within two years and came to Utica, where he became a part ner in the mercantile firm of Alexander Seymour & Co. In 1818 he was appointed associate judge of the Court of Common Pleas ; in 1819 he was elected to the Assem bly ; in 1821 he was a member of the State Constitutional Convention. About 1824 he was nominated for Congress but was defeated by Henry R. Storrs by less than 100 votes. In October, 1825, he was selected by the citizens of Utica to do honor to Governor De Witt Clinton in locally celebrating the Erie Canal. He was also at one time chief of a packet boat company. Judge Bacon was for a while the main edi torial writer on the Oneida Whig and Utica Daily Gazette, to both of which he fre quently contributed valuable articles. At his death on October 18, 1870, he was the oldest living graduate of Yale College and the last representative of Madison's ad ministration. In 1799 he married Abby, daughter of Dr. Reuben Smith, of Litch field, Conn., and their children were John H., William J., Francis, Elizabeth (Mrs. Henry Colt), and Fanny (Mrs. Theodore Pomeroy). William Johnson Bacon was born in Williamstown, Mass., February 18, 1803, came with his parents to Utica in 1815, and was graduated from Hamilton College in 1822. He read law with Gen. Joseph Kirkland and his son, Charles P., and also in the law school of Judge Gould, of Litchfield, Conn., and was admitted to the bar in 1824. Soon afterward he be came partner of Samuel D. Dakin in the proprietorship and editing of the Sentinel and Gazette, now the Utica Morning Herald, for about two years. He then resumed his profession and in 1832 formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, Charles P. Kirkland, which continued successfully until Mr. Kirkland's removal to New York in 1851. In 1853 Mr. Bacon was judge of the Supreme Court, and by re-elec- • FAMILY SKETCHES.' 307 tion remained on the bench sixteen years, retiring in 1870. Afterward he acted as counsel and referee. He was a most able jurist, high minded, and dignified. He was city attorney in 1837, elected to the Assembly in 1850, and was sent to Congress as a Republican in 1876. He was for many years a trustee of Hamilton College ; for mor.e than twenty years a director of the Oneida County Bible Society; a director of the Second National Bank; a trustee and president of the Savings Bank of Utica ; a director and vice-president of the Utica Gaslight Company and the Forest Hill Cemetery Association ; a director of the Utica and Black River Railroad, Company, the Utica Water Works Company, and the Utica Steam Cotton Mills ; a trustee of the Home for the Homeless, and consulting manager of the Utica Orphan Asylum ; councilor and vice-president of the Oneida Historical Society ; a trustee of the Saratoga Monument Association ; and president of the Utica Philharmonic Association. He was a profund Bible student and an able writer and speaker. For forty-nine years he was an officer of the Reformed church. He died July 3, 1889. His first wife was Eliza, daughter of Gen. Joseph Kirkland, and their only surviving child is Mrs. Seth W. Crittenden. He married second, Mrs. Susan Sloane Gillett. Tracy, Charles, was born at Vernon Center, in 1851, and spent the early part of his life in that vicinity. The Tracys were among the earliest settlers in Oneida county, and were also the foremost citizens, having been identified with the develop ment and progress of that part of the country. His father, Samuel Dill Tracy, was born at Ridge Mills, Oneida county, N. Y. , October 22, 1813. When a mere boy he went to work for Joshua Hathaway, one of the first merchants in the city of Rome, N. Y., and in 1828 he went to New York city, where he learned the art of piano making, in company with Steinway, Chickering, Hardman, Nunn Bros., and others who were learning the trade at that time. Leaving New York he went to Albany in the latter part of the twenties, and had the honor of stringing and tuning the first piano manufactured in this State (outside of New York city), for George Meecham & Co., of Albany. Leaving Albany he located at Hampton, Oneida county, where he built several pianos; later on he moved to Vernon, N. Y., where William H. Beebe and the late E. D. Buckingham, of Utica, learned the piano trade of him. Mr. Tracy invented the "back catch" and " spring jack " that were first made in square pianos. He was the first American piano tuner in Oneida county, where he prac ticed tuning for over fifty years. He ..married Emily Jane, daughter of Silas and Prudence (Gridley) Crocker, by whom he had these children: James, Henry C, Mary Maria, Charles, Luna Jane, Samuel D., jr., and Edwin C, all of whom are deceased but Mary Maria (Mrs. S. D. Norton), Charles, and Edwin C. , who is post master at Vernon Center. Charles Tracy is connected with Buckingham, Moak & Marklove, piano dealers in Utica. He is a musician of considerable reputation, and one of the most skillful piano tuners in the State. His paternal grandparents, Silas and Prudence (Gridley) Crocker, came from Connecticut and settled in Vernon, N. Y., in 1802. With them came Titus Pettibone, a brother-in-law, who married Cyn thia Gridley. They settled on and cleared up a lot of sixteen acres, which is now owned by Clayton Lewin. Mr. and Mrs. Crocker had these children: Silas, Edwin, Mary and Emily Jane, all of whom are now deceased. Meyer, Otto Angus, was born at Prospect, N. Y., February 1, 1861. His father, 308 OUR qOUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Dr. William Meyer, was a prosperous and much respected physician who had a large practice in that section. The family came to Utica when the subject of this sketch was nine years of age. Mr. Meyer was educated in the public schools and was graduated from the Utica Free Academy. During his school days he worked morn ings, Saturdays, and vacations in the circulation department of the Utica Herald, which department was then in charge of the late William H. Tutton. In this way he early acquired a knowledge of an important branch of the newspaper business which has since stood him in good stead. After leaving the academy he was for a year and a half employed as the business manager of the Sunday Tribune, then owned by P. E. Kelly. He made a marked success of this enterprise, and in charge of both the advertising and circulation departments of that paper rendered valuable service. When in March, 1883, the corporation known as the Utiqa Press Company Was organized, Mr. Meyer was induced to go with the new concern as its secretary and treasurer and its business manager, positions he has since continued in, with credit to himself and profit to all concerned. Two or three years later Mr. Meyer and another secured a controlling interest in the stock of the company, whose busi ness under his direction has shown steady and substantial growth, till the Daily and the Weekly Press-have come to be recognized as among the most prosperous leaders of Central New York journalism. To Mr. Meyer's energy and good business judg ment much of the success of these papers is due. Few have a wider acquaintance or are more popular with those who have business with newspapers. He is a member of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association and has been honored with ap pointments on some of its important committees. For several years he has been a director of the Second National Bank of Utica. He belongs to the Fort Schuyler Club and to the Utica Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Meyer is deservedly regarded as one of the brightest of the city's young business men. Kirkland, George A. , was born in Utica, N. Y. , November 24, 1858, son of Charles and Elizabeth Kirkland. Charles Kirkland was born in England, and came to this country and engaged in the wagon manufacturing business. He entered the gen eral mercantile business in Utica, and then removed to Whitesboro, where he started the mercantile business in the fall of 1868, being the business now 'owned and conducted by his spn, George A. Mr. Kirkland died in March, 1893. George A. was educated at Whitestown Seminary, and started in the mercantile business as clerk for his father, and assisted his father until 1889, when he became sole proprie tor of the business, and it is the oldest and largest mercantile business in the village of Whitesboro. Mr. Kirkland married Gertrude Peck, of New York Mills, by whom he has one son, Charles Kirkland. Crandall, J. Wells, was born in Kirkland, Oneida county, N. Y., December 21, 1826, and when seven years of age removed with his parents to Oswego county, where he was educated in the public schools. He has had. numerous occupations, mostly farming, until he retired in 1883. He came to Fish Creek in 1883 and erected a fine residence, finishing it in January, 1885. In 1851 he married Cynthia Luke, of Amboy, Oswego county, N. Y., who died July 33, 1884. For his second wife he married Mrs. Lurana M. (Potter) Babcock, of West Monroe. She had three children by her first marriage: Willis G. Babcock, a physician, with a drug store and practice in Cleveland, Oswego county ; Alice V. and Gracia R. Babcock, who died at the age FAMILY SKETCHES. 309 of twenty-one years. Mr. Crandall' s father, Daniel Crandall, was born in Brook field, N. Y., was educated there, and was a blacksmith by occupation, conducting a business in Kirkland. He married Martha Wells, by whom he had eight children : Daniel, Pattie, Horace, William, Warren, J. Wells, Charles, and Fannie; only three of them are now living. Mr. Crandall died at the age of sixty-one, and his wife at the age of eighty-one years. The family is of New England stock. Joy, William H., was born in Canada, February 3, 1861, son of Alfred and Betsey (Spencer) Joy. William H. was educated in the town of Montague, Lewis county, and has since been engaged in farming. He married Ida, daughter of George Freiberger, of Westmoreland, by whom he had three children : Louis F. , Lavant, and Paul M. Butterfield, Samuel, was a native of England, born in 1793. His grandfather, John Butterfield, was killed in the battle of Minden in Germany, 1760. His father and three elder brothers died in the English army. Mr. Butterfield came to America in 1827 with two sons by his first wife (William and Samuel). In 1828 he married Elizabeth Laister (a native of England), a sister of Thomas Laister, of New Hart-1 ford. In 1830 he moved to the town of Vernon, remained about two years and went back to New Hartford where he carriend on business until 1838, when he went into partnership with the late S. Newton Dexter, of Whitestown, and manufactured in grain carpets at Oriskany. In 1844 he moved to Sconondoa and carried on the same business with his son William for about twenty years ; they employed about thirty hands. Mr. B., son of Thomas, carried on the business of manufacture and sale of leather. Thomas was supervisor of the town of Vernon several times. About twenty years ago he moved to Buffalo where he died in 1888. Samuel, jr., was a soldier of the Republic during the late war ; he died in 1882. William died in 1891. Mr. Butterfield's three daughters (Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Woodhull, Mrs. Stewart), are still living, also his son Charles, who is one of the justices of the peace of the town of Vernon, and lives with Mr. and Mrs. R. D. Patton, daughter of William, at the old homestead. During the time Mr. Butterfield and his sons were carrying on business, Sconondoa was a lively little hamlet. Whitcher, Rev. Benjamin Williams, was born in Rochester, Vt., December, 8, 1811, his father, Stephen, a native of Haverhill, Mass. , being one of a large family, of which Thomas Whitcher, who came from England to New England in 1638, was the founder. Mr. Whitcher was graduated from Geneva College in 1840 and- after ward continued and completed his theological studies at the General Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal church in New York city. He was ordained by the late Bishop De Lancey in 1844 and settled in Whitestown, Oneida county, where he organized and became the first rector of St. John's church. Afterward he officiated at Saratoga Springs and Oswego, and later had charge of the parishes at Theresa and Redwood, N. Y. During his ministry he was earnest and active in urging people to baptism and the sacraments, and was recognized as a high church man. When the Oxford or " tractarian movement" was at its height he was a student. This movement was a school of thought led by Cardinal Newman and other great minds. In 1850 Mr. Whitcher was received into St. John's church, Utica, by the late Bishop McFarland, and for a score of years thereafter was en- 310 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. gaged in lecturing, becoming widely known in the United States and Canada. His lectures were on subjects connected with the Catholic faith. Although he re nounced the Protestant Episcopal church he never forgot the courtesy of the clergy with whom he had been associated. A mart of commanding presence he possessed a logical manner of reasoning and a singularly conciliating style of address. In 1877 he published a book, "The Story of a Convert," which was favorably com mented upon by the celebrated reviewer, Brownson. In 1847 he married Frances i Miriam Berry, of Whitesboro, who was distinguished as the author of the " Widow Bedott Papers," which have been dramatized and accorded a foremost place among humorous writings. She died in January, 1852, and in the autumn of 1853 he mar ried Martha Letetia Ward, of Jefferson county, who survives him. In 1855 Mrs. M. L. Whitcher collected and arranged the scattered newspaper articles which became the well known " Widow Bedott Papers," printed by James C. Derby m 1856. She also finished a manuscript, " Trials and Changes," which had been begun by Mrs. Frances M. Whitcher and left incomplete by her death. This story with a biograph ical sketch of its author and a story entitled, " The Widow Spriggs," were published in 1867. Mrs. Whitcher is a talented writer, both in prose and poetry, as the follow ing stanzas entitled " In Memory of Nellie," abundantly illustrate: Two years ago, dear child, to-day Thy gentle spirit passed away From earth and pain; All calmly then my grief I hid, And wrote upon thy coffin lid, ' "To die is gain." Two weary, sad and bitter years, Alone in sorrow and in tears — A sad refrain. Yet watching by the low green motind, "Which thy dear dust makes holy ground, I can not weep. Such kindly thoughts of hopeful rest. And peace and joy among the blest, Soft vigils keep; And bid me only " stand and wait " Till He unclose life's sunset gate, Who gave thee sleep. Mr. Whitcher was a cousin of John Greenleaf Whittier, and died December 17, 1891, while the poet was celebrating his eighty-fourth birthday. Besides his wife he left four daughters and two sons: Alice Miriam, wife of William S. Wood, of Muskegon, Mich. ; Mary Lavina, widow of Warren F. Thayer, of Sioux Falls, S. D. ; Frances Margaret ; Caroline E. ; Ward W. , of Rome ; and Charles E. , of Whitesboro. Callahan, W. C, D. D. S., was born in Madison county, July 38, 1870, son of Den nis and Catherine- (Carpenter) Callahan, and the family have lived in Morrisville, Madison county, for fifty years. He was educated at the Morrisville Union School and Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, from which he was graduated in 1893. In that year he came to Waterville, and began the practice of his profession. He was in partnership until January 1, 1895, when he opened an office of his own, where he is meeting with the success his abilities merit. He is especially successful in crown and bridge work, end met with surprising success in reinserting the natural teeth. Dr. Callahan is a member of the Pickwick Club. FAMILY SKETCHES. 311 Young,, Robert Grant, was born in New York Mills, Oneida County, June 36, 1849, the youngest of nine children of William and Jean (Buchanan) Young, who came to America from near Paisley, Scotland, about fifty-five years ago. Attending the common schools until the age of sixteen he began work for the New York Mills Co. , in the weave room, leaving there four years later to take charge of the weaving de partment of the Clark's Mills Co., at Clarks Mills, New York. In January, 1873, he entered the employ of the Utica Cotton Co., at New Hartford and remained there over eight years. In 1880 he left New Hartford to engage in the Manufacturers' Supply business in Utica, but this not proving a success he again accepted his former position with the Utica Cotton Co. in New Hartford. March 15, 1889, he began work for the Utica Belt Line Street Railroad Co. as an engineer. Four months later he was made master mechanic of the company and held that position until October 1, when he assumed charge of the road as superintendent, being also a director, which position he still holds. He is a member of Faxton Lodge, F. & A. M., and of the Masonic Club, and in religion is a Presbyterian. He married, June 4, 1871, Anna Lillian Clark, eldest daughter of De Marcus and Mary E. (Walker) Clark, formerly of Elgin, 111., but at that time residing at Clark's Mills, N. Y. Mrs. Young's ances tors came to this country from England among the first settlers here, and in religious faith are Episcopalians. They have three children living: Virginia May, Harold Clark, and Leslie Bernard. Beers, G. P., was born in the town of Sherburne, Chenango county, September 22, 1859, son of L.; M. and Sarah (Kershaw) Beers. His grandfather was Garry P. Beers, of Connecticut, and his great-great-grandfather Hurd had the management of the postal affairs of the colony of Connecticut, and held his commission from King George. At twenty-one years of age G. P. Beers engaged in the painting and paper hanging business, which he has since followed with marked success. In 1892 the partnership of Bee,rs & Davies was formed. On January 14, 1895, -Mr. Beers married Nellie Simmons of Waterville. Mr. Beers is a noted musician. He has been leader of the Waterville Band since its organization in 1886. He was a good cornet player at the age of ten years ; a member of the Deansville Band at thirteen years, and leader of that band at sixteen. Bardeen, John, was born at Paris Hill, N, Y., December 5, 1863, sou of William and Ellen (Simmons) Bardeen, residents of Oneida county. He was educated in Waterville and learned the trade of harness maker. He has been successfully en gaged in business for himself for seven years, and is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and is also special policeman in the Waterville police force. In 1889 he married Mary Gibbons of Hanover. Fuess, L. P., was born in New York city, February 14, 1858, son of Jacob and Johanna (Woerner) Fuess, natives of Bavaria, Germany. He received an academic education, and read law with E. H. Lamb of Waterville, and at Columbia Law School. He was admitted to the bar in March, 1882, since which time he has practiced law in Waterville. He was town clerk for several years and has been justice of the peace. In October, 1883, he married Helen A. Moore of Syracuse. Goodwin, S. W., was born in Waterville in 1850, son of Daniel B. and Catherine (Bacon) Goodwin, natives of Hartford, Conn., and Oneida county, respectively. He 312 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was educated in the schools of the village, and at the military college in Worcester, Mass., after which he engaged in banking. He was assistant cashier of the Water ville National Bank for ten years, cashier for six years, and has been president one year. He is also treasurer of the village of Waterville, and is the senior member of the firm of Goodwin & Rice, the leading insurance house in this part of the county. Brainard, I. D., was born in Hubbardsville, N. Y., September 27, 1846, son of Ira and Jemima (Beebe) Brainard. He was educated at the Clinton Liberal Institute, after which he engaged in the hop business, and his firm is one of the largest in Central New York. In 1891 the firm of Charles Green, Son & Co., hop merchants and bankers, was formed. The banking house is in Waterville, and is in charge of Mr. Brainard. He has been president of the village two terms, and has been a member of the Board of Education ten years. In 1870 Mr. Brainard married M. Geneva Green, by whom he has one son, Charles Green Brainard. Edwards, L. D., is a native of Wales, and came to America with his parents, David L. and Ann (Roberts) Edwards, when thirteen weeks old, and settled in Oneida cpunty, but afterwards removed to Lewis county, and later they returned to Oneida county. L. D. Edwards was educated in the district schools and Winfield Seminary. He taught school for ten terms in Oneida and Wyoming counties, and studied in Waterville. He was admitted to the bar, January 9, 1880. Mr. Edwards was supervisor of the town of Marshall in 1887 and 1888, and was justice of the peace in 1886. He was supervisor of the town of Sangerfield in 1891, and was elected chairman of the board. He is a Mason, a member of the Chapter and Utica Com mandery. In 1881 he married Margaret A., only daughter of Isaac Jones of Water ville. Jenks, M. S., is a native of Deansville, son of Chester and Emily (Cowan) Jenks, natives of Massachusetts. His father being a farmer, he spent his early life on a farm, and has always been identified with the hop industry, for which this part of the country is celebrated. He has been a hop dealer for forty-three years, and has been supervisor of the town of Manheim. In 1866 he married Mary Browning, by whom he has one daughter, Mrs. D. C. Morgan of Clinton. Jones, T. Z. , M. D., was born in Waterville, June 23, 1860, and after an academic course, took up the study of medicine; entering the Bellevue Hospital Medical col lege, New York, where he was graduated in 1883. He spent thirteen months as a physician in the Insane Asylum on Blackwell's Island, when he accepted a position in Ossawatomie, Kansas ; his failing health forced him to resign this position, and he came to Waterville in 1884, where he built up a large practice. In 1893 he went to London, England, and took a post graduate medical course. Dr. Jones is a member of the Oneida County Medical Society, and of both the Blue Lodge and Chapter in Masonry. His father was Zephaniah Jones, a native of Remsen, this county, and his mother was Margaret Goodwin, a native of Wales. In 1893 Dr. Jones married Clara Allen. Eastman, W. J., was born in the town of Marshall, and educated in Waterville. His father was Virgil S. Eastman of Marshall, and his grandfather, Socrates East man. His mother, Julia (Lincoln) Eastman, was a native of Ionia, Mich., and was the first white child bom in that county. He engaged in the electrical and bicycle FAMILY SKETCHES. 313 business in 1*893, which he has since successfully conducted. Mr. Eastman is a mem ber of the popular Waterville Band. Hilsinger, Myron, was born in Milford, N. Y., son of Samuel and Alvira (Oster- hout) Hilsinger. He has been a horseman all of his life, excepting a short time in the mercantile business. Since the Waterville race track came into his control, it has been noted for its excellent training facilities, and Mr. Hilsinger has a reputa tion second to none for handling horses. He came to Waterville in the spring of 1889. In 1880 he married Ida, daughter of David Baird, one of the greatest horse men of his day, by whom he has two sons and two daughters. Hubbard, George M. , was born in Wayne county, August, 1833, son of Maximus and Zilpha (Sylvester) Hubbard. His grandfather, Simon Hubbard, came to Wayne county in 1790, and George M. Hubbard still owns the land upon which he settled. Mr. Hubbard has been engaged in distilling, brewing and farming, and is now con ducting a coal and mill business. He is married to Myra M. Scott, by whom he has one daughter, Helen, wife of H. M. King, who is in partnership with him. Mr. Hubbard is a prominent Mason, also a Knight Templar, and has belonged to the fraternity for over three years. Bensted, W. H., is a native of England, and came to America when seventeen years of age. He resided one year in Hamilton, two years in Madison, and came to Waterville in 1886, since which time he has conducted the leading meat business of the place. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and chief engineer of the Waterville fire department. In 1889 Mr. Bensted married Mary Jane Maxted, a native of England, and they have one son, Clarence Bensted. Finn, E. L., is a native of Waterville, Oneida county, N. Y., and for five years has successfully conducted a popular meat business, which was established by his father seventeen years ago. Henry Finn, father of E. L. , was a native of England, and he died in 1890. He married Mary Lindsley. E. L. Finn is a member of the Masonic fraternity, both the Blue Lodge and Chapter. He has held several offices in the order. Mason, C. B., was born in Madison county, N. Y., March 29, 1837, and remained there until he was fourteen years of age, when his father moved to Vernon, and, after remaining there a short time, came to Sangerfield. In 1860 Mr. Mason married Emily, daughter of Wanton and Betsey (Croft) Gorton. The Gorton family has been in New York for over a century. Mr. Mason is one of the most extensive and most successful farmers of Oneida county. For the history of the ancestry of C. B. Mason see article on John C. Mason. Mason, John. C. , was born in Madison county, December 4, 1839, son of Edward A. Mason, one of seven brothers, who settled in Madison county. His grandfather, David Mason, came from Connecticut. John C. Mason came to Waterville when thirteen years of age, where he has resided ever since. He is engaged in farming, in which he has been very successful. He is an able financier and thorough business man, and personally looks after the details of his large interests. In 1864 he mar ried Emma M. Jones, of Otsego county, by whom he has three children: William E. , Mrs. B. G. Lawrence and Eva. 314 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Mulverhill, F. C, is a native of Ireland, and came to America in 1848. He learned the trade of carpenter and builder, at which he still continues. In 1858 he enlisted in the regular army, Co. C, 3d U. S. Infantry, and served until 1863, participating in the battles of Gaines Mills. Fort Pickens, Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg, Second Bull Run, Antietam and Gettysburg, and was wounded in the battle of Fredericksburg. He also served in the Indian war against the Mojaves in Arizona. In 1870 he married Elizabeth Gagan, by whom he has five children: Flann C, Thomas E., Daniel Sheridan, Patrick Henry, and Mary Ellen. Mr. Mulverhill has been collector for the town of Marshall, and was elected justice of the peace in 1895. Monroe, C. Wilbur, was born in Sangerfield, June 12, 1870, son of Charles D. and Josephine A. (Eversoh) Monroe. He was educated in the district schools and Water ville Academy, graduating in 1889. He then took a course in the Cornell University, from which institution he was graduated in 1892. He also read law in the office of the late E. H. Lamb, and with Jones & Townsend, and was admitted to the bar November 15, 1894. He opened an office in Waterville, and has been actively en gaged in his profession since that date. He is the present justice of the peace for Waterville, and has held office since March 6, 1894. April 5, 1894, he married Nina Sophia King of Waterville. Putnam, E. B., was born in Waterville, N. Y., and was educated in the public schools and at Columbia College. He was admitted to the bar January 1, 1882. He now resides in Rochester, where he follows the practice of his profession, but has a summer residence near Waterville. He is a member of Kent Club, of Rochester, the Genesee Valley Club, and other social organizations. In 1882 Mr. Putnam mar ried Grace Williams Tower, daughter of Charlemagne Tower, of Philadelphia, now deceased. Mr. Putnam's father, George- Putnam, was one of the leading and most highly respected men of this ,part of the country. He married Sarah M. Bill, daughter of Dr. Earle Bill, in his day a prominent physician in the northern part of the State. Putnam, Frederick W., was born in Waterville, N. Y., in 1861, son of George and Sarah M. (Bill) Putnam. His mother was a daughter of Dr. Bill, a prominent phy sician of his day, and the family came from Connecticut. The Putnam family came from Massachusetts, and George Putnam was one of the most highly respected citizens of this place, where he died in 1891. F. W. Putnam received a liberal- education in both academy and college, and took charge of the business left by his father. Potter, G. R. , was born in the town of Morris, Otsego county, August 17, 1846. He learned the trade of shoemaker and followed it for many years, after which he engaged in the hotel business at Sherburne, then at Oriskany Falls, and finally pur chased the Central Hotel at Waterville in 1887. This he has recently improved and enlarged. September 1, 1866, he married Mary E. Roberts, by whom he has one daughter, Anna D. , wife of C. W. Perry. Mr. Potter is a member of the Red Men, and is held in high esteem by a great many friends. Waldo, Wellington, was born in Bridgewater, where he lived until he was twenty- two years of age, when he came to Waterville. H received a common school and academic education. He first educated himself for the dental profession, which he FAMILY SKETCHES. 315 followed for fifteen years, when he took up surveying, to which he has devoted his attention for the last twelve years. He has done a great deal of farm surveying and possesses a thorough knowledge of the topography of this part of the country. He was for some time interested in milling in Waterville, but has lately disposed of that, business. Although not desiring office, he has been president of the village 'of Waterville during the years 1891-93-93, and was again elected for 1895, which term of office he is now serving. His father, Ephraim Waldo, jr., came from Connecticut with his father, Ephraim Waldo, who was one of the pioneer settlers of Bridgewater. Ephraim Waldo, jr. , died in 1885. Snell, Albert M., was born in Sangerfield in 1843, son of Josiah and Betsey (Fel ton) Snell, natives of New England. He learned the trade of carpenter and builder, in which he is now prominently engaged; he also added lumber and erected a planing mill, thoroughly equipping himself for any kind of contracts. In 1873 he married Harriet Melvin, a native of the town of Marshall. Williams, R. C, was born in Wales and came to America in 1852, when three years of age. He is a son of William Williams, who came to America in 1851, and died in 1883, and Mary (Hughes) Williams. He lived on a farm until twenty-two years of age, when he engaged in the mercantile business which he has since followed successfully. In 1893 he started in business alone and conducts one of the leading stores in Waterville, dealing in dry goods and groceries. In 1892 he married Catherine, daughter of David L. Edwards, of Cassville, and sister of Mr. Edwards, a prominent attorney in Waterville. They have three children: Norman, Raymond, and Mary. Singleton, W. H.; was born in Utica, September 16, 1842, son of Richard Single ton, of Leeds, Yorkshire, England, who came to America in 1837, and Eliza (Booth) Singleton, of Bradford, England. His grandfather, William Singleton, was one of three brothers who conducted' an extensive lumber business in Edingburgh, Scotland. W. H. Singleton moved to Newark, N. J,, with his parents in 1844, where he re ceived his education, and at sixteen years of age he moved to Whitesboro, where he lived ten years. He then went to Clinton for one year, and after traveling for a year through the Western States he returned to Whitesboro and remained eight years, and from there he came to Waterville, where he has since resided, and has been engaged in the furniture and undertaking business all of his business life, as was his father before him. He has one of the finest libraries in this part of the county. Mr. Singleton is a member of the Masonic fraternity, both the Blue Lodge and Chapter, and has held offices in both. He has also been justice of the peace, and has been a trustee of the village for two years. In 1870 he married Mary E. Bagg, of Kirkland, by whom he has two sons: Grove W. and Harry Earl Singleton. Smith, F. A., was born in the town of Clayton, Jefferson county, July 19, 1834. He learned the trade of blacksmith and wagon builder, and after living a while in Herkimer county and Boonville he came to Waterville. He is one of the trustees of the village and was also highway commissioner for four years. He married Kate Vincent, of Herkimer county, by whom he has five children: William J., F. B., Mrs. William G. Stone, K. Maude, and Ethel B. Waters, J. F., is a native of Oriskany Falls, N Y., where he lived until nine years 316 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of age, when he came to Waterville. His father' died when he was but five years of age, and his mother when he was nine years old, leaving him at this early age to support himself. He has been in business for himself nine years, and has a high business reputation. In 1894 Mr. Waters married Maggie Tierman, of Paris Hill, N. Y. McCamus, Lucia C, is a native of Sangerfield, and the only surviving member of the family of Julius Candee. In 1851 she married Mr. McCamus, who died in 1864, and in 1887 she returned to Waterville, and has since resided in the old Candee homestead. Her parents were Julius and Lucia (Osborn) Candee. Julius Candee was born in Connecticut, February 19, 1800, and came to Sangerfield when twenty- one years of age. November, 1826, he married Lucia Osborne, by whom he had four children. He was one of the leading men of his day in Waterville, where he was engaged in business for fifty-one years. He was vice-president of the Water ville Bank for many years, and president for two years. His long life was distin guished for honesty and benevolence, and he was greatly respected by all who knew him. Mr. Candee died July 2, 1880, and his wife in 1887. Mason, Morris, was born in Vernon, N. Y. , July 17, 1853, son of Edward Mason. In 1872 he married Margaret Foster, by whom he has four children : Edward, Frank, Harold and Maud. Mr. Mason is engaged in farming and dealing in stock, and is one of the leading farmers of the county. Marvin, W. Tyler, was born July 2, 1842, son of Alonzo and Mary (Beach) Marvin. He engaged in farming until twenty years of age, when he engaged in the stone business, and followed it until 1892. He laid nearly all of the stone walks and curb ing in Waterville, and did the cut work on the Candee block, and on the crematory. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. E, 114th N. Y. Vols., and served until the end of the war, being honorably discharged June 8, 1865. He served with the Army of the Gulf two years, in the Shenandoah Valley, Port Hudson, etc. He is a member of the G. A. R., and has been secretary of the organization. In 1861 he married Lucretia Bald win, by whom he has one son, Dallas Marvin, who is manager of Irwin's general store. Mr. Marvin has conducted a splendid livery business for the past seven years. McElhinney, N. B., was born in Waterville, May 20, 1865, son of William and Margaret McElhinney, natives of Ireland, who came to America about fifty years ago. N. B. McElhinney has been a resident of this county all of his life, excepting six years.which he spent in Pennsylvania. In 1888 he married Lizzie, daughter of Andrew and Ellen Murray, of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, by whom he has three children: William, John and Margaret. Mr. McElhinney was engaged in liquor business for four years, with Rooch & Foley, but in the spring of 1895 he en gaged in business for himself, and is a popular gentleman, highly esteemed by all who know him. Matthews, Joseph, was born in Montreal, Canada, and came to the United States at the age of seven years. He has lived in Waterville "for twenty-three years, and has been very successful in all of his undertakings. He married Louisa, daughter of Jeremiah Knapp, by whom he has one daughter, Frances. He learned the trade FAMILY SKETCHES. 317 of a shoemaker in Carthage, N. Y. , and followed it for many years, after which he engaged in the liquor business. Mr. Matthews is one of the substantial men of Waterville. Gossin, William A. , was bom in the town of Marcy, Oneida county, October 3, 1845, son of Andrew and Rose (Sheridan) Gossin. He engaged in farming for a time, and took up cheese making, after which he engaged in the liquor business, and the firm of Reed & Gossin existed in Waterville for sixteen years, and in 1887 Mr. Gossin retired. He is a prominent Mason, and a member of both the Blue Lodge and Chapter, and is one of the excise commissioners for Sangerfield, an office which he has held for two terms. In 1873 he married Mary E. Benedict, deceased, and in 1889 he married Carrie L. Berrill. Doolittle, F. C, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., son of Charles and Eliza (Coates) Doolittle. His grandfather was a patriot in the Revolutionary war and came from Connecticut. F. C. Doolittle was educated in Buffalo. He is a bookkeeper, and for the past thirteen years for the Hop Extract Co. , which time he has been a resident of Waterville. In 1870 he married Emma C. Hill, by whom he has two children: Alexander, who is a law student in Utica and graduated from the Columbia College in the class of 1893 ; and Elizabeth Doolittle. Lumbard, H., was born in Waterville, July 16, 1825, and learned the harness busi ness with his father, Philip Lumbard, who' walked from Massachusetts and settled here over eighty years ago. His mother was Abigail Winchester of New Hartford, daughter of Lucretia Pyporn, a French lady. Mr. H. Lumbard followed the harness- business for some years, and was noted for the superior quality of goods he carried. After giving up this business he engaged in farming and is one of the leading farmers of- Sangerfield, and also the leading auctioneer of the southern partof Oneida county. He has also done a great deal of patent right business here and in Ohio and' Michi gan. Huggins, E. H. , was born in England, June 19, 1845, and came to, America with his parents in 1852, when they settled in Waterville. Mr. Huggins learned . the butcher trade, and followed it for several years, after which he engaged in farming. After fifteen years of that occupation he returned to the meat business, as partner of the firm of Huggins & Melvin, October 1, 1895. Mr. Huggins married Margaret Jones, by whom he has three children: George, Clarence and Hattie, now Mrs. Walter Mack. Mr. Huggins is a Republican and a member of the Masonic frater nity. Freiberger, George'H., was born in Germany in 1840, son of Jacob and Barbara Freiberger. He was a tanner by trade and later engaged in farming ; he settled in Westmoreland in 1864. George H. Freiberger came to the United States when six years of age ; he enlisted in Co. L, 5th N. Y. Heavy Artillery and participated in the following engrgements: Fisher's Hill, Harper's Ferry, Maryland Heights, Bailey's Heights, Loudon Heights, Charlestown and Winchester, and for disability receives a pension. He married Martha J., daughter of James Holmes, a farmer of New Bremen, Lewis county, N. Y. Hjs parents came from Connecticut when" the country was new ; there were four children born to them : Ida May, wife of William Joy of Montague, Frank J., George J., and James H. 318 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Evans, Richard J., was born in the town and house where he now resides, June 21, 1848, son of Richard W. Evans, who was born in England in 1812, came to the United States in 1835, and was first employed in New York city, coming to the town of Kirkland in 1844, where he engaged in farming, remaining here a number of years, then moved to Utica, where he lived retired. He married Miss Jones of England, by whom he had three children : Robert, deceased, who was superintendent of the county house until his death; Ellis J., a farmer in Kansas; and Richard, who is one of the leading farmers of this town, owning one farm of 190 acres, and another of fifty acres, his principal crops being hops, hay and corn. He married Hannah L., daughter of George Comstock, by whom he had two children: George R. and Adelia D. Martin M. F., was born in Salem, Washington county, son of Adam and Elmira (Fitch) Martin. Mr. Martin has been connected with the postal service, and has also been connected with a mercantile business in New York, and was proprietor of the stage line running from Hecla to Utica. He sold out that line and went to Utica, where he was engaged in the livery business for over thirty years. Mr. Martin re tired from business in 1889 and is now living in, Whitesboro. He married Irene Parks, by whom he has two children: Asa F. and Pliny F. Asa F. is engaged in business for himself in Utica, and Pliny F. is engaged in the flour, feed and grain business in Whitesboro. Whitten, John B., was born in Marcy, Oneida county, January 2, 1846, son of Daniel and Isabella (Mclntyre) Whitten. Daniel Whitten was bora in Scotland, on- the banks of the Clyde, in 1809, and came to this country when seventeen years of age. He engaged in farming, at which he has always continued, and is still living in good health. Mrs. Whitten died in 1874. John B. Whitten was educated in Marcy, and at Whitestown Seminary. He first engaged as carpenter and builder, and later engaged in the undertaking business in Whitesboro. He married Mary F. Curie of New York Mills, by whom he has three children ; William D., John S., and Jennie F. Mrs. Whitten died February 33, 1890. Mr. Whitten is a member of the Presbyterian church, and one of the most highly esteemed citizens in Whitesboro. Williams, W. B., was born in Rome, N. Y., August 18, 1836, son of Jesse Williams, who was a son of David Williams who was born in 1753. David Williams had five brothers, all of whom served in the American Revolution, one of them being killed in this war. Jesse Williams was born in 1800. He was a farmer, and also a manu facturer of cheese. He was the first man to manufacture cheese in a factory, and the factory built by Jesse Williams in 1851 was the first built in the world for the manufacture of cheese. Prior to this factory the manufacture of cheese had always been a home industry. He was always engaged in farming, and continued the man ufacture of cheese until his death, which occurred in 1864. W. B. Williams was educated in Rome, and then engaged in farming. He was also engaged in the lumber business for about twenty years, after which he engaged in contracting and building, at which he still continues. He has been one of the most active and ener getic men in this township, and has been engaged in various enterprises. He mar ried Mary A. Aucutt, who died in 1870, leaving four children: Nettie F., Edwin W., Dewitt C, and Howard. Mr. Williams is now married to Mary E. MacMorris, of FAMILY SKETCHES. 319 Whitesboro, by whom he has three children : Mary A., Stacy H., and Florence L. Nettie F. is married to William S. Thomas ; Edwin W. is superintendent of a large shirt factory at Hoosick Falls ; Dewitt is at Aurora, 111. , and Howard is superintend ent of a shirt factory at Mechanicsville, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are both members of the Baptist church. Symonds, James, was born in Herkimer county, August 1, 1836, son of Francis and Mercy Symonds. Francis Symonds was born in Herkimer county, in 1797, and followed the occupation of merchant to the time of his death in 1861. Mrs. Symonds died in 1849. James Symonds came to Whitesboro in 1836. He was educated in Whitesboro, and then started in business, selling merchandise on the banks of the Erie Canal for forty-eight years. He married Ellen, daughter of Cornelius and Mar garet Clark, of Marcy, by whom he had three sons: Albert A., who died at the age of twenty-four ; Charles H. , who died at the age of twenty-five ; and James T. , who is now living, at the age of twenty-four, and who is in business with his father, and also engaged in the bicycle business in Whitesboro. Mr. Symonds and wife are members of the Baptist church in Whitestown, of which Mr. Symonds is deacon. He is the earliest established merchant now living, engaged in business in the township of Whitestown. Cole, John N., was bora in Floyd, N. Y., March 1, 1850, son of Thomas and Ann Cole. Thomas Cole was a farmer and died in Vernon at the age of seventy-two. John N. was educated in Whitestown, first at the public schools, and then at Whites- town Seminary. He then engaged to work for the Quigley Manufacturing Co., re maining there until 1880, when he started in business for himself, beginning in the furniture business on a small scale. He has built up a large business and carries a stock that is not surpassed in size-by any furniture store in Oneida county, and this is remarkable from the fact that Mr. Cole's warehouse is located in a small village; and people send from the large places to buy his goods, which he ships as far as New England, and all of his furniture is sold to the consumer. This is a unique business differing from all others in the fact that in a small village, the largest stock of goods in the county is carried. Mr. Cole married Ella J. Serlye, who died in 1886, leaving one daughter, Mabel E., and he is now married to Fannie M. Kellogg of Westmore land. Cavana, James, was born in Marcy, N. Y., February 36, 1833, son of Martin and Betsey (Thurston) Cavana. Martin Cavana was born in Utica, when it was first set tled, and what is now Utica, then comprising a few log houses. From Utica he went to Marcy, where he followed the occupation of farming until his death, which occurred November 9, 1860. His wife was born in Whitestown, and died in Marcy, May 11, 1880. James Cavana was educated partly at the Whitestown Academy, and partly at the Delany Institute in Westmoreland, after which he engaged, in farming in Marcy. He was elected town superintendent of the public schools in Marcy for nine years. He was also prominent in politics, and was elected supervisor and jus tice of the peace. During the civil war, he was enrolling officer and assessor in the town of Marcy. He is a staunch Republican, and has always contributed active efforts to the support of his party. He married Sarah Wolcott of Marcy, by whom he had two children: C. J. Cavana, and one who is deceased. Mrs, Cavana died 320 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. April 8, 1883, and Mr. Cavana married his second wife, Mrs. Carrie Hannahs of Richfield Springs, who died March 16, 1893. Mr. Cavana is now married to Jeannette Ranstead, of Chicago, 111. Ackroyd, Joseph, was born at Little Falls, Herkimer county - November 23, 1847, son of Abram and Harriet (Robinson) Ackroyd, natives of England. Abram came to the United States in 1842. He was a dyer and followed this occupation in New York Mills until he retired in 1880, and he died in 1887, aged seventy-seven years, and his wife died in 1882, at seventy-six years of age. , Joseph was educated in the common schools at New York Mills and Whitestown Seminary, then engaged as clerk, remaining until he went in business for himself. Mr. Ackroyd has been very prominent in politics, being a Democrat, and has been elected supervisor of the town, justice of the peace, and member of assembly in a district that is strongly Republican. Mr. Ackroyd is a merchant and undertaker, and is foreman of the fire company. He is president of the Odd Fellows' Union and also of the Anti-Treat Society. He is a member of the Board of Education, and was the first postmaster appointed in Oneida county under Mr. Cleveland's administration. He married Adeline Hoag, daughter of Sylvanus Hoag, an old and respected merchant of York ville, by whom he has two children : Harriet C. and Sylvanus H. Pender, William, was born in Ireland in 1832, and came to the United States in 1853, and first settled in Deerfield. He afterwards went to Marcy and engaged in farming, and then came to Whitestown, where he hired a farm, and later bought his present one. He also assisted Dr. Wight on his farm, and then resumed the culti vation of his own farm, and he has a good farm all under cultivation. He married Sarah J. Metcalf, of Whitestown, by whom he has two children: Charles and Will iam. Charles is engaged in the creamery business, and William assists his father on the farm. Mr. Pender is a member of St. Paul's church at Whitestown. Hall, Henry L., was born in Rome, N. Y., September 29, 1846, son of Luther L. and Patience S. Hall. Luther L. Hall was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., and both grandfathers on his father's and mother's side were in the Revolutionary war. Luther L. first settled in Floyd. He was engaged in farming, and came to Whites- town, N. Y., and bought the family homestead, which has been in possession of the family for forty-seven years. Henry L. was educated at the Whitestown Seminary, and then started in the milk business in Utica, and also in supplying the city with garden vegetables. He has also been engaged in the grocery business. He is a real estate dealer, and owns the principal business block in Yorkville, also several farms in the county, and is interested in the canning factory at Whitesboro. He has always been noted as one of the most active and leading business men of the township. He married Kate L. Russell, of Jersey City, by whom he has two chil dren: Henry Russell, and Bertha Alene. _ Glatt, A. S., was born in New Hartford, November 38, 1863, son of Joseph and Amelia Glatt. Joseph Glatt came from France when he was nine years of age, and his family settled in Deerfield. A. S. Glatt received his education in New Hartford and' Utica, after which he engaged in farming, including gardening and greenhouse business. He raises vegetables and flowers, sending his flowers to Rochester and Buffalo. Mr.' Glatt married Catherine Owens, of Kirkland, by whom he has seven children: La Mott, Edith M., Bertha, Joseph, Ella, Charles, and George. FAMILY SKETCHES. 321 Crisman, William N., was bora in Oriskany, N. Y., April 10, 1837, son of William and Sapry (Kenyon) Crisman. William Crisman was a farmer and also a hotel keeper in Oriskany, and was a man noted for his generosity. His wife, Sapry (Ken yon) Crisman, was born in Lee Center, and died in Oriskany. William N. received his education in Oriskany, after which he engaged in farming and in manufactur ing, making knit and other goods, and in addition to his farming he has been en gaged in manufacturing for over thirty years. He is a staunch Republican and takes an active interest in the success of his party. He married Mary Ann Tier of Oriskany, by whom he has had four children : Sarah, married to H. G. Millington of Waterville ; Emma B. (deceased), Orrin W. and H. Edward. Orrin W. is con ducting the mineral spring at Franklin Iron Works, and H. Edward is assisting his father in the manufacturing business. Bliss, Frederick, was born in Floyd, N. Y., February 5, 1859, son of Jonathan and Maria A. Bliss. Jonathan Bliss was engaged in farming during his lifetime. He was born in 1819 and died in 1887. Frederick was educated in the Whitesboro dis trict school and at business college, after which he engaged in farming and still con tinues. He also conducted the Oriskany Mill, which property' he bought and in stalled steam power in the mill instead of water power ; but after conducting it for three years he sold it, and gave his attention entirely to farming. Mr. Bliss mar ried Lillian M. Champlin of Whitesboro, by whom he has five children : Stuart J. , Henry F., Spencer E., Sarah M. and Ruth F. The family are members of the Pres byterian church, and Mr. Bliss and his father have always been staunch Republi cans. Cooper, Lansing B., was born in Whitestown, N. Y., March 12, 1835, son of Will iam and Zada Cooper; and William was the son of William, sr., who moved to this county in 1827. He was a blacksmith by trade, but engaged in farming up to the time of his death in 1855. William, jr., was also engaged in farming. He was born in Albany, and was apprenticed to a hatter, and after learning that trade, he left Albany and came to Whitestown, where he engaged in farming. He is now retired and living on the old homestead farm at the age of eighty-four; and his wife, Zada Cooper, is also living at the age of eighty-two, and she has a twin sister, Mrs. L. M. Allen of Floyd, who is also living in good health. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper were mar ried sixty-one years, March 4, 1895, and they have eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Lansing B. Cooper was educated at the common schools, after which he engaged in farming on the homestead farm. He married Mary E. Van derhoof, of Floyd, by whom he has one son, William A., who is now assisting his father on the farm. Mr. Cooper and family are members of the Methodist church at New York Mills. He is a staunch Republican and actively interested in the success of his party. His brother, William Henry Cooper, is night boss at the New York Central freight yard at Utica; his brother Albert is in the Wyoming Conference, and his brother John W. is practicing medicine at Granville, Mich. Douglass, A. P., was born in Whitestown, N. Y., February 20, 1826, son of Albert and Anna (Phelps) Douglass. Albert Douglass was also born on this farm in 1805, son of Daniel Douglass, who was born in New London, Conn., February 12, 1768. He settled on the old homestead jn 1794, and resided here until his death in 1832. 322 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. His son Albert was also a farmer, and conducted the old homestead farm until his death in 1841. Arthur P. was educated in the district school, after which he engaged in farming, and still continues. He married Esther, daughter of Asa Hewett, of Sodus, Wayne county, by whom he has three children : Anna Frances, married to William Ashley ; Edna Lucy, married to Prof. M. L. Brown ; and Addison H. , who is living at home. Mr. Douglass is a staunch Republican, and takes an active interest in the success of his party. Mrs. Douglass is a member of the Baptist church at Walesville. Rose, F. W., M. D., was born in Jackson county, Ohio, September 30, 1852, son of Horace P. and Margaret (Stephenson) Rose. Dr. Rose graduated from the Cincin nati College of Medicine and Surgery in June, 1874, and then began the practice of medicine in Greene county, Ohio, where he practiced until 1884. He then removed to Clay county, Nebraska, where he practiced until 1889, and removed to Hastings, Adams county, Neb., where he devised the system of treatment that bears his name. Here he formed a partnership with John Nafe, L. M. Whitney, and William B. Coggeshall, cousin of Senator Coggeshall, and removed from Hastings, to Grand Island, Neb. He left a sanitarium there in charge of Dr. Henry Jackson, and in January, 1892, came to Clinton, N. Y., and entered upon the treatment of alcoholism at the Willard House, where he remained till September 17, 1894, when he opened a sanitarium in Whitesboro in the commodious building in which the cele brated Whitestown Seminary was formerly located. Dr. Rose is medical director in chief of his system, known as the Baker Rose Gold Cure, and under his super vision and direction, physicians are educated, who conduct the system in various parts of the country and the world.- Among the various branches of Dr. Rose's sys tem may be mentioned the following: Cornwall on the Hudson; Albion, N.Y.; Boston, Mass.; South Manchester, Conn.; Dallas, Texas; Guthrie, Oklahama; and Logansport, Ind. The following are some of the branches in Europe : Copenhagen, Denmark ; Stockholm, Sweden ; and Kupie, Finland. Brownell, James B., was born in Madison county, N. Y., son of Nathaniel S. and Abbey L. (Barker) Brownell. Nathaniel S. was born in Little Compton, R. I., and was engaged in the tanning business in Rhode Island, where he still resides, having retired from active business. James B. was educated in Hamilton and then became a commercial traveler. He later engaged in market gardening, in which he is still engaged supplying the Utica and Rome markets. He married Mary Throop, of Hamilton, by whom he had one daughter, Kate. Mrs. Brownell died in 1876, and later Mr. Brownell married Kate Wentworth of Madison, by whom he has one daughter, Mary E. Bardsley, John S. , was born in New York Mills, April 26, 1859, son of Josiah and Mary Bardsley, natives of England, who came to New York Mills, where they have resided about forty years. John S. was educated at the New York Mills public school, and then engaged as clerk in a grocery business. He entered the postal ser vice as deputy in which position he served about eleven years, and then became post master, and during all this period, he was conducting a grocery business, which he sold out in 1895. Mr. Bardsley at the present time owns and conducts the New York Mills and Utica Express, in addition to holding the position of postmaster. He mar- FAMILY SKETCHES. 323 ried Ellen A. Goodrich of Yorkville, and he is a member of Faxton Lodge of F. & A. M., and also belongs to the Royal Arcanum. Herbage, Mrs. William. — The late William Herbage was born in Northampton shire, England, son of James and Martha Herbage. He came to the United States in 1830, first coming to Utica, and from there to New York Mills. He was employed by the New York Mills to do their painting, both of the mills and residence prop erty, and was engaged in this work for almost sixty years. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and was a man highly esteemed in the community in which he lived. He married Janet, daughter of George and Christine Braid of Edinburgh, Scotland, by whom he had four children : Mary ; William, living in Whitehall, N. Y. ; Janet ; and Frances, married to C. J. Barber of Auburn, N. Y. Mr. Herbage died April 19, 1889. Wilson, Charles W., was born in New York Mills, September 18, 1851, son of William and Charlotte Wilson. William came from England and was in the employ of the company about forty years. He was one of the overseers in the mills, and was npted for his success as a financier, and when he died he was one of the princi pal property owners in New York Mills, having laid the foundation of his success in the mills, which was increased by wise investments. Charles W. was educated in the public schools of New York Mills, and in Whitestown Seminary. Mr. Wilson was employed in New York Mills, and then was absent for twelve years. He is now foreman in the carding room. His mother, Charlotte (Babcock) Wilson, was a daughter of William Babcock, one of the early settlers of New York Mills. Mr. Wilson married Bessie E. Smith of Camden, N. Y., by whom he has three children: W. Edward, Florence A. and Maud C. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church at New York Mills, and he is also a member of the F. & A. M. , Faxton Lodge No. 697, Utica, Oneida Chapter No. 57, also Knights of Pythias and Royal Arcanum. Cooper, Robert, was born in New York city, April 12, 1841, son of Peter and Jean- nette (Petrie) Cooper. Peter Cooper was born in the Orkney Islands, Scotland, and engaged in boot and shoe manufacturing, and in farming. He died at the age of seventy-nine years, and his wife also died at the same age. Robert Cooper enlisted in the late civil war, February 5, 1862, and went to the front with the 5th Regt. N. Y. Vols, at Piedmont, W. Va., June 5, 1864. Mr. Cooper was captured by the Con federates and taken to Andersonville, He had two brothers, William L. and David, who were in the same regiment, and captured at the same time. William died at Annapolis May 10, 1865, and David died a Confederate prisoner at Stanton, July 24, 1864. Robert Cooper was in Andersonville prison from July 12, to October 28, 1864, when he was removed to Millen, Ga., and from there to Florence, S. C. He passed almost nine months in Confederate prisons, and was paroled February 25, 1865. He was one of two out of twenty-four that returned from captivity, asall of the others died. Mr. Cooper married Francis Naomi Munn, of Orwell, Oswego county, by whom he had eight children : Flora J. , married to Fred Wooley of New York Mills ; William E. ; John P., married to Ann Bradley; George W. ; Robert L. ;Anna,B. ; Nellie E. ; and Rollo B. Mr. Cooper and wife are members of the Presbyterian church of New York Mills, and he is a member of the G. A. R. 324 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Hepworth, Joseph, was born in England, October 27, 1840, son of William and Judith Hepworth. The family came to this country in 1842, and first settled in Oris kany, where they lived three years, and from there moved to New York Mills about fifty years ago. William Hepworth was in the employ of the New York Mills for over forty years, and died in 1887. Joseph was educated in the public schools of New York Mills, and Whitestown Seminary, after which he entered the employ of the New York Mills. At the outbreak of the Civil war, he volunteered and went to the front with Co. L, 14th New York Artillery, and was engaged in the battles of the ^Vilderness, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania Court House, and Petersburg. He was taken prisoner at Petersburg, June 17, 1864, and was taken direct to Andersonville prison, where he spent four months, and was then removed to Florence, where he spent two months. He was paroled at Florence, and then exchanged after he re turned to tlfe Union lines. He was mustered out by reason of the close of the war. He participated in some of the hottest battles of the war, and was fortunate in escap ing without a wound, but was compelled to endure the horrors of Andersonville prison. Mr. Hepworth is a member of the G. A. R. and has been commander for a number of terms. He married Sarah Ackroyd of New York Mills by whom he has two children: William and Addie. Mr. and Mrs. Hepworth are members of the Methodist church, of which he is trustee and also superintendent of the Sunday school. He has been a merchant in New York Mills about twenty-two years, and carries a large and varied stock of merchandise. His son William is associated with him, the firm now being J. Hepworth & Son. Reilly,, Rev. Thomas W., was born in Plattsburg, N. Y., January 29, 1844, son of Thomas and Catherine (Gibney) Reilly. Thomas W. was educated in the public schools, then in the University of Ottawa, after which he entered the Provincial Seminary at Troy, N. Y. , in 1865, where he was ordained to the priesthood June 6, 1868. His first appointment was as assistant to St Mary's church at Albany, where he re mained one year, when he was given charge of Delaware and Schoharie counties, and also a part of Greene county. These missions consisted of a few people scat tered here and there, but the father, organized them, and formed a parish, in Cobles- kill, where he built St. Paul's church. He established another parish and erected the Church of the Sacred Heart at Stamford, and this was the first church in all the great original diocese of Albany that was dedicated to the Sacred Heart. He then established another parish and church in the village of Hunter in the Catskill Mountains. -Father Reilly continued in this work until 1874, and left in these mis sions, where he began without anything, over $20,000 of property. He then went to Waterville where he assumed charge of St. Bernard's church and St. Joseph's in Oriskany Falls. Father Reilly rebuilt the church which he found in a poor condi tion, graded the cemetery, and established St. Bernard's School, which he main tained for three years at his own expense. He resigned and was appointed to St. John's church of Syracuse, the present cathedral of the new Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, where he assisted the Rev. Joseph Gurdet, who was advanced in years, and unable to continue the active duties of pastor, where he remained twelve years, and in February, 1890, he was appointed to St. Paul's church in Whitesboro, St. John's in New Hartford, and St. Leo's in Holland Patent; and he has also purchased land for a church in Oriskany, and is organizing a new parish at Gang Mills. Dur- FAMILY SKETCHES. 325 ing his present pastorate he has built a fine parsonage in Whitesboro, and also made other improvements. Mackie, William S., was born in New York Mills, N. Y., April 7, 1859, son of William and Maria Mackie. William Mackie came from Scotland to New York Mills in 1852, where he was postmaster for eleven years. He was a merchant of New York Mills, and also conducted a large boarding house. He took a lively interest in politics, and was a staunch Republican. He died May 24, 1895. William S. Mackie was educated in the Whitestown Seminary, after which he read law in the office of S. M. Lindsley, of Utica, and after being admitted to the bar became associated with Mr. Lindsley, and is engaged in the general practice of the profession. He has been justice of the peace in the township of Whitestown for twelve years, and has been school trustee for fifteen years. He married Charlotte C. Cummings, of New York Mills, by whom he has six children: Edith, Mary, Grace, Helen, J. Will iam, and Lottie. Kelly, Edward, was born in Whitesboro, N. Y., December 19, 1858, son of Edward and Mary Kelly, natives of Ireland, who came to the United States and settled in Whitesboro. Mr. Kelly died in 1886. Edward Kelly was educated in Whitesboro, after which he engaged in farming and the creamery business. He is engaged in the manufacture of butter, which he supplies to the trade in his immediate vicinity. He married L. Mina De Long, of Oswego county, by whom he has one son, Edward De Verne Kelly. Mr. Kelly is a member of the Oriskany Lodge No. 799, F. & A. M. Sweet, Herman L. , was bom in Marcy N. Y. , May 10, 1858, son of Levi and Julia (Browning) Sweet. Levi Sweet was born in Milford, Otsego county, and was en gaged in farming during his lifetime. ' He came to Marcy when eight years of age, where he died August 4, 1875. Mrs. Sweet is still living in good health, and her mother is also- living at the age of ninety-two. Herman L. Sweet was educated at Whitestown Seminary, from which he was graduated in 1877, after which he engaged in business for himself as a merchant at Oriskany. The firm is now Sweet & Baer, and consists of H. L. Sweet, George A. Baer and W. A. Baer, and they conduct the largest business in Oriskany. Mr. Sweet married Florence, daughter of Luther G. Williams, of Oriskany, by whom he has three children: Florence Lee, Stuart W. , and Harrison. Mr. Sweet is a member of Oriskany Lodge No. 799,- F. & A. M., and the Schuyler Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Utica. Allison, William E., was born in Illinois, January 9, 1862, son of William and Emeline Allison. William Allison has always been engaged in the commercial business, and he resides in Rome, N. Y. William E. was educated at Clinton Grammar School, after which he engaged in manufacturing, conducting a knitting mill business for five years, then engaged in the grocery business, and later in the electric business, and then organized a knitting mills company in Oriskany. He afterwards sold out and started as a florist, and although he started this business in a small way, he has now a large and constantly increasing business. He raises specialties in plants which he ships to the wholesale trade throughout the entire country. He married Adah, daughter of S. W. Baker, by whom he has one son, Seward W. Allison. Mr. Allison belongs to the Episcopal church, and Mrs. Allison is a member of the Presbyterian church at Oriskany. 326 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. McLean, John, was born in Scotland, January 28, 1827, son of John and Margaret McLean. They came to New Hartford October 1, 1841, and John McLean, sr., then entered the employ of the New York Mills as dyer, and continued in that position until his death, at the age of seventy-five, and' Mrs. McLean died at the age of seventy-nine. John McLean, jr., was educated partly in New Hartford, and also attended night school at New York Mills. He has been in the employ of the mills for fifty-four years, and passed through various grades in the department in which he started to work. He is now overseer in the department, and is one of the oldest employees of the company now living. Mr. McLean married Violetta Bardsley. Mr. and Mrs. McLean are both members of the Wolcott Memorial Presbyterian church at New York Mills, of which Mr. McLean is an elder. Bardsley, Josiah, was born in Lancashire, England, January 1, 1826, son of John and Elizabeth Bardsley. Mrs.~ Bardsley died in "England in 1850. John Bardsley came to the United States in 1851 and settled at New York Mills. Josiah Bardsley worked in the mills in England when a little over eight years of age, and at eighteen years of age had learned the trade of mule spinning, at which he has since continued. When he first came to New York Mills he worked in the dye house for a short time, and then resumed his trade of mule spinning in the mills. He is now boss mule spinner, and has had charge of fhe mule spinning in Mill No. 4 for thirty-seven years. He married Mary, daughter of Joseph Stafford of England, by whom he has seven - children: Sarah Jane, Joseph, Violetta, Ella, John S., Edward, and Lottie. In 1892 he visited England on a three months' vacation. Mr. and Mrs. Bardsley are mem bers of the Methodist church at New York Mills, Corbitt, James, was born in Oriskany, N. Y., January 29, 1855, son of James and Sarah Ann Corbitt. James Corbitt died in 1861. James Corbitt, jr., was educated in Oriskany and was a State officer for over seven years. He began as proprietor of the Park House at Whitesboro in-1890. It was then a frame building, which burned down January 28, 1893, and Mr. Corbitt then constructed a handsome brick hotel on the same site, which was built under his own supervision. It is constructed of brick, and finished principally in hard wood. It overlooks beautiful grounds, and is an ideal summer residence, always full during the summer months with people from Utica and other large cities. Mr. Corbitt is a thorough hotel man, and the house is conducted in a first class manner, in keeping with the building and its surroundings. Crandall, Charles E., was born at Verona Center, Oneida county, N. Y. , Decem ber 1, 1883. He was educated in the district schools, and remained on the farm un til he was sixteen years of age, and then learned the currier's trade, which business he followed until 1859, when he became a manufacturer of boots and shoes. He con tinued this business six years, then added the grocery business, and in 1872 began . conducting a general store, which he still follows with success, taking his son, Will ard L. , into partnership April 1, 1885, under the firm name of C. E. Crandall & Son. October 5, 1853, he married Maria T., daughter of George C- Cadwell, of Verona, by ' whom he has three sons: George C., Willard L. and Charles F. George C. mar ried Minnie Bell, of Glens Falls, and they have one daughter, Florence. Willard L. married Marian Barrett, of Medina, Orleans county, and they have two children, Charles A. and Barrett L. Charles F. resides at home and runs the stage route, FAMILY SKETCHES. 327 carrying the mail. Mrs. Crandall's father, George C. Cadwell, was justice of the peace twenty years. Willard L. Crandall is treasurer of the School Board, also president of the Y. P. S. C. E. The ancestry of the family is of Dutch extraction. Klammer, Charles N., was bora in Syracuse, N. Y., December 6, 1840. He was educated in the public schools, and all his early days were spent as a barber, but since he came to Durhamville has been farming his own land. August 29, 1862, he enlisted in Co. B, 149th N. Y. Vols., serving in the Army of the Potomac and par ticipating in all the engagements with his regiment, with the exception of Gettys burg, being at that time a prisoner of war ; he was captured in the battle of Chan cellorsville, and was confined in Libby and Belle Isle prisons. He was honorably discharged June 12, 1865, and returned to Syracuse. October 8, 1867, he married Mrs. Frances (Archambeault) Morse, of Oneida, formerly of Utica, by whom he had one son, Elmer, a barber by trade, who married Agnes Lampman, by whom he had two children, Harriet J. and Frances E. Mr. Klammer's father, Christian, was born in Alsace, France (now Germany), in 1812. He married Mary Rakel, of his native place, by whom he had five children: Christine, Jane, Charles N., Elizabeth and Joseph. They came to the United States in 1840 and located in Syracuse, where he died in 1879, and his wife in 1846. Mr. Klammer is a member of John R. Stuart Post, No. 176, G. A. R., Department of New York. The ancestry of the family is French and German. Starr, John P., jr. — John P. Starr, sr., was born in this county, and was educated in the common schools. He married Philena Peckham, of Vernon, N. Y., by whom he had four children, the oldest of whom died at twelve years of age: John P., jr., as above, Kate A. and Norman S. Mr. Starr's mother, Helen S., married for her second husband Ezra Mansfield, who was born in New Hampshire, in 1797, and came to this county when a young man, where he engaged in farming. He was a Demo crat in politics, and was assessor of the town over twenty years; also justice of the peace forty -eight years. He died August 35, 1893. Mrs. Mansfield's father, Stephen Parkhurst, was bom in New Hampshire in 1780, and came to Oneida county when two years of age. He married Sarah Gibson, of Great Barrington, Mass , by whom he had nine children: Alice A., Sarah M., Emeline E., Phcebe A., William S., Catherine A., John G., Helen M., as above, and Helen M., No. 1, who died in in- fancv. Mr. Parkhurst died in 1859. The family are of New England stock on both sides. Ferris, V. Seaman, was bom in the town of Flushing, Queens county, N. Y., March 4, 1841. He was partly educated there and afterward in Brooklyn. In early life he was a clerk, then engaged in the lumber business on his father's land in Hamilton county for twelve years, afterwards in Herkimer county for eleven years, and then came to this town. December 38, 1868, he married Alma J. Miller, formerly of Herkimer county, by whom he had two sons: Jesse S., a clerk at Ver ona Station with Hugh H. Miller, a merchant of that place; and Eugene B., a farmer at home. John M. Ferris, father of V. Seaman, was born in Westchester county, N. Y., in 1794. He was educated there, and was a boat owner and a lum berman He married Elizabeth U. Powell, by whom he had five children : Anna, George P., John T., V. Seaman, and Esther P. Mr. Ferris died in 1861, and his wife 328 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. in .1846. Nicholas Miller, father of Mrs. Ferris, was born in Herkimer county, N.Y., in 1809. He was educated there, and was a sawyer by occupation. He married Angeline Barker, of his native place, by whom he had nine children : Peter, Daniel H., John H., Almira, Joseph, Arceolia, Hugh H., and Ellen M. Mr- Miller died in June, 1864. The ancestry of the family is English and Dutch. Bates, Charles E., was born in the town of Westmoreland, Oneida county, N. Y., September 26, 1860. He was educated in the district schools, and is a farmer by occupation. October 8, 1881, he married Estella H. Elmer, of this town, by whom he had four children: Harvey, Elmer N., Bessie M., and Viola E. Mr. Bates's father, Harvey Bates, was born in Oswego, N. Y. , in 1836. He was educated in the schools of that time, and always followed farming until he became an invalid. He married Julia Emory, of the town of Westmoreland-, by whom he had four children : Ida A., Charles E., as above, Alma L., and Mary. Mr. Bates came to this county when a young man. He died March 12, 1893. Mrs. Bates's father, Williath Elmer, was born in Lewis county, N. Y., in 1824, where he was educated. He married Emily Brownell, of that county, by whom he had six children: George L., deceased, Luella, deceased, Jennie S., Louisa M., Estella H., as above, and William H. The family came to this county in 1865. Mr. Elmer died September 30, 1894, and his wife February 26, 1889. The ancestry of the family on the paternal side is Scotch, and on the maternal side, New England stock. Dohn, Frederick, was born near Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, October 13, 1843. He was educated there, and came to the United States in 1866 and first located in New York city, but after a period of ten months went to West Virginia, coming to the town of Verona in 1870. He married Mrs. Margaret Coles, of this town, formerly of Westmoreland, by whom he had five children, four of whom are living: Jennie P. , wife of Mr. Cheesbro, and they have one son, Frederick ; Christina, who is at the head of the housekeeping establishment ; Sarah, a stenographer at Rome, N. Y. ; and Emma, who resides at home. Mrs. Dohn died September 20, 1894. Mr. Dohn is a farmer and proprietor of a cider mill, making about 2,000 barrels annually: he also manufactures vinegar. He is the owner of a canning factory called the "Criterion," putting up about 2,000 cases of tomatoes per year. Mr. Dohn is a member of the A. O. U. W., and Rome Council No. 150, Royal Arcanum. Clark, Roland H., was born in Turin, Lewis county, N.Y., May 10, 1849. He was educated in the public schools, and is by occupation a farmer. September 22, 1874, he married Jennie F. Hills, of his native town, by whom he had one son, Edward D., now a Student in the Union School. The family became residents of Verona, November 22, 1894. Mr. Clark's father, Philo Clark, was born in Granby, Conn., November 17, 1797, and was educated in the schools of his day, coming to Lewis county with his parents when five years of age. April 18, 1827, he married Amy A. Hubbard, formerly of Connecticut, by whom he had seven children, two of whom died in infancy: Lucinda A., Julius L., Milton P., Roland H., as above, and Lorinda. He died March 15, 1890, and his wife November 20, 1882. Mrs. Clark's father, Andrew W. Hills, was born in Turin, Lewis county. N. Y., October 22, 1834, and was educated in the district schools. He married Josephine Gookins, by whom he had four children, two of whom, died in infancy: Jennie F., as above, and Alice, FAMILY SKETCHES. 329 who married Noah Whittlesay, of Greig. Mr. Hills was a soldier in the late war, and died in Andersonville prison, starved to death. His wife died March 20, 1895. Mrs. Clark's grandfather, Cornelius Hills, was born in the town of Lowville, Lewis county, May 12, 1807. He married Harriet Salmond, by whom he had five children. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are members of the M. E. church of Verona, of which he is one of the stewards. He is also collector of the Union School. The family are of New England stock, and of English and Scotch ancestry. Ressegue, James M., was born on the homestead May 8, 1838, and was educated in the common schools. He was a resident of Buffalo twenty-two years, and was captain and part owner of steam tug boats, but is now a farmer in the town of Ve rona. December 5, 1865, he married Frances C. Eads, of Buffalo, and they had these children: Florence, who married Forrest Wilson, of the town of Westmoreland ; Harley H., who is a paper hanger by occupation, and is also a fine elocutionist; and Lyle M. , a student at school. Mr. Ressegue's father, James, was born in 1813, and was educated in the schools of his day. He married Lydia Leet, of Verona, N. Y. , by whom he had these childreen : Maria, Harley, Emily, Caroline, Henry, Mary, Eliza, Ellen, and James M., as above. Mr. Ressegue died in 1851, and his wife in 1864. Mrs. Ressegue's father, Hiram B. Eads, was born in Oneida county, in 1806. He was educated in the schools of his day, and was a farmer by occupation. He married Desire Williams, of his native county, by whom he had nine children: Sarah A., Polly, Nancy Frances C, Fannie, Abigail, William B., Alonzo B., and Benjamin F. Mr. Eads died in 1854, and his wife in 1889. Mr. Ressegue is a mem ber of the Royal Arcanum, No. 150, of Rome, N. Y. Mr. Ressegue's grandfather, David Williams, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The ancestry of the family ' is French and Welsh. Carpenter, Horace M., was born in Herkimer, Herkimer county, N. Y., February 16, 1838. He was educated in the district schools, and came to this county in 1860. He isa general and dairy farmer. November 14, 1878, he married Eliza Rener, of this town, by whom he had two children : Florence and Harry. Mr. Carpenter's father, Samuel Carpenter, was born in Herkimer, in 1810. He was educated in the schools of the day, and was also a farmer. He married Caroline Stevens of that county, by whom he had three children : Horace M., as above, Stephen, and Al mira. He died January 7, 1888, and his wife, April 7, 1892. His grandfather, Stephen Carpenter, was bom in Rhode Island. He married, and in 1788 came to Herkimer county with an ox team, and drove two cows and some sheep. Mrs. Car penter's father, Frederick Rener, was born in Switzerland July 6, 1830, and came to the United States when a young man, locating in this county. He married Susanna Bechthept, of this county, formerly of Germany, by whom he had ten children: Eliza, as above, Philip, Susie, George, Theresa, Louisa, Kate, Minnie, who died in infancy, Frederick, and Charles. Mr. Carpenter's great-grandfather, Frederick Stevens, was killed in the battle of Oriskany. The ancestry of the family is English, Swiss and German. Tafft, Julian E., was bom in Oneida, N. Y., May 3, 1858. He was educated in the public schools and Oneida Seminary and now follows farming., He married Emily S. Frisbie, of Verona, N. Y,, by whorn he has two sons: Charles F. and 330 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. James H. Mr. Tafft's father, James S., was born in Swansea, N. H,, in 1812, where he was educated. James S. Tafft came to this State when twenty-one years of age : he was a carpenter and contractor. He married twice, second to Julia A. Robinson, of Dunstable, Mass., by whom he had five children: Emma, died in infancy, Flor ence, Marian, Julian E., and Murray. He died November 13, 1888. • Julian E. Tafft is a fine musician. The family is of New England and Scotch descent. . Maurer, George H. , was born in the town of Verona, N. Y., June 15, 1854. He was educated in the district schools, and has since been engaged in farming. De cember 15, 1881, he married Caroline Niece, of this town, by whom he had two children: Arthur G., and Esther C. Mr. Maurer' s father, George Maurer, was bora in Germany in 1823. He was educated there and came to the United Spates when a young man and located here. He married Salome Esche, formerly of Alsace, Ger many, by when he had seven children, five of whom are living: Amelia, George H., as above, Henry F. , William and Jacob. Mr. Maurer died in July, 1885. Mrs. Maurer's father, George Niece, was born in Germany, in 1819. He was educated there and came to the United States when a young man, locating in this town. He married Barbara Clau, formerly of Germany, by whom he had six children: Barbara, George, Eve, Salome, Caroline, as above, and Alice M. Mr. Niece died in 1884. The ancestry of the family is German on both sides, Shepard, Luther M., was born in the town of Verona, N Y., m 1832. He was edu cated in the district schools, and has always followed farming. March 23, 1854, he married Barbara Bell, of this town by whom he had three children : Estella B. , Etta A., and Fred L., who married Agnes Hamilton of New York city. Mr. Shepard's father, Luther Shepard, was born in Connecticut, about 1780, and came to this town in 1803, where he engaged in farming. He was married twice, first to Polly Mer riam, by whom he had three children: Sophia, Joseph, and Mary Ann. For his sec ond wife he married Eliza Nichols, of the town of Vienna, by whom he had eight children: Eliza, Juliette, Harriet, Luther M., as above, Sarah J., George A., Delight, and Edward. Mr. Shepard died April 20, 1868, and his wife April 2, 1855. Mrs. Shepard's father, Paul Bell, was born in France, and came to the United States when a young man, and was employed in a New York French importing house. He married Miss Wagner, formerly of France, by whom he had one daughter, Barbara, as 'above. Mr. Bell died when Mrs. Shepard was a little girl, and his wife Febru ary 10, 1893, The ancestry of the Shepard family is of Puritan New England stock, and Mrs. Shepard's people were of French and German origin. , Knittel, Joseph, was bora in Alsace, France, in June, 1833. He was educated there and came to the United States in 1861, locating in the town of Verona. He enlisted twice, first in the' Oneida Cavalry, N. Y. S. Vols., and was honorably dis charged in 1863, when he re-enlisted in the same company and regiment and served until the close of the war. In 1866 he married Mary Goodsell. of Westmoreland, by whom he had ten children : Minnie, Annie, Josephine, William, Caroline (who died in infancy), Caroline, Louisa, Frank (who died in infancy), Frank, and Catharine. Minnie is also dead. Mr. Knittel is a member of Joseph H. Warren Post. No. 615, G. A. R., Department of New York. The family is of French origin. Cagwin, Marenus, was born on the homestead near Verona, July 24, 1838. He was FAMILY SKETCHES. 331 educated in the district and select schools, and is a farmer by occupation. Novem ber 22, 1871, he married Christine Mattice, by whom he had four children: George H. , Frank L. , Mabel G. , who died in infancy, and Pearl M. The oldest son is a stu dent in Utica Business College ; Frank L. is a student in the union school at Verona. Mr. Cagwin's father, Abial Cagwin, was born in Connecticut in 1802, and came to this State with his parents when an infant. He married Desire Chase of Saratoga county, by whom he had five children: Lydia J., Mary E., Marenus, Henry A. and Julia M. Mr. Cagwin died in 1868, and his wife July 20, 1887. Mrs. Cagwin's father, Peter Mattice, was born in Germany, was educated there, and married Mrs. Ger trude (Fisher) Myers, of his native place, by whom he had three children; Christine, George, and Catherine. Mrs. Mattice died when Mrs. Cagwin was six years old. The ancestry of the family is of New England and German nationality. Lorenz, Anton, was born in Baden, Germany, April 8, 1841. He was partly edu cated there, and came to the United States with his parents when ten years of age, locating in the town of Verona, where he finished his education in the district schools, after which he engaged as a farm hand. June 24, 1862, hb enlisted in Co. A, 117th N. Y. Vols., and served in the Army of the James. He was wounded in the hip in the battle of Drury's Bluff, was transferred to Co. E, 24th Veteran Reserves and was honorably discharged June 25, 1865, when he returned to Verona, N. Y. In 1864 he married Barbara Strell, of Rome, N. Y. , by whom he had eight children: Ida B., Frank J., Catherine M., Emma E., Rose I., Mary C, Anton J., and Caroline B. Catherine M. married John Bisenf elder, of Rome, N. Y., and they have three children: Albert F., Pauline I., ,and Margaret E. Mrs. Lorenz's father, Joseph Strell, was born in Austria, and upon his death his wife married for her second hus band, Casper Streabb, and they had five children. The family came here in 1853 and located in Oneida, where they remained five years when they settled in Rome, N. Y. Mr. Lorenz is a member of Joseph H. Warren Post, No. 615, G. A. R., Dept. N. Y. He has been in the employ of the N. Y. C. & H. R. R. Co. twenty-six years, and his son, Frank J., ten years. Reed, Mrs. Laura D. — The late William Reed was born in Lowell, Mass., in 1825, and died July 31, 1866. He was educated in the common schools, and was a farmer by occupation. In 1864 he enlisted in the 2d Artillery, N. Y. Vols. , and was honor ably discharged on account of sickness in 1865. In 1847 he married Laura D. Smith, of the town of Lenox, Madison county, by whom he had two children: Elmer and Flora L. Elmer married Kate Williams, of Wampsville, and they have three children : Ellis, Florence and Raymond. Flora L. married Victor Eddy, and they had two children ; Stewart, who died in infancy; and Glenny C, who married Albert Burton ; they have one daughter, Vera M. Mr. Eddy was born in Madison county in 1849. He was educated in the common schools, and has always been a farmer. His father, George W., was born in Cazenovia about 1814, and was a blacksmith and farmer. He married Louisa Benjamin, and they had seven children. Foster, Nathaniel W., was born on the homstead, near Durhamville, N. Y., May 10, 1832, and was educated in the public schools and Clinton Liberal Institute. He has been a salesman on the road several years, but is now a farmer and horse breeder. December 15, 1863, he married Lucy Clark, of Verona, by whom he had one son, 332 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Frank C. Mrs. Foster died in 1866, and March 18, 1874, he married Rebecca Smith, of Litchfield, Herkimer county. December 32, 1886, Frank C. Foster married Anna M. Currin, by whom he had two daughters: Lucy M., and Evelina M. ' Mr. Foster's father, Franklin Foster, was bora in Herkimer county, N. Y., January 30, 1805, and in October, 1829, he married Maria Segar, of New York Mills, and they came here in January, 1830. They had three children: Nathaniel W., as above, Mary S., and Elnora, who died in infancy. Three of the Foster brothers came here into the primeval forest, where wild beasts were plenty; two of them were contractors (Julius and Orson), and erected the trestle on the N. Y. C. & H. R. R., at Oneida, and were the pioneer contractors on the N. Y., E. & W. Railroad near Elmira. Franklin Foster died in 1878, and his wife in 1876. His grandfather, Nathaniel Foster, was born in 1778, and his great-grandfather, Timothy Foster, in 1749. Jonah, son of Josiah, was born on Long Island, February 7, 1721. Newton, Frank J., was born on the homestead in the town of Verona, N. Y., October 1, 1862, and was educated in the common schools and Cazenovia Seminary. He was bookkeeper and shipping clerk in the glass factory five years, and after wards carried on a meat market in Durhamville five years, but is now a farmer on the old homestead in Dunbarton. December 25, 1884, he married Mira A. Mills, of the town of Lenox, Madison county, by whom he had four children; Harry M., Minnie M. , Howard F. , and Fred W. James K. Newton, father of Frank J , was born in this town, October 9, 1819, and was educated there. He followed the canal for six years, but later engaged in farming. He married Martha Jordan, of Boon ville, N. Y., by whom he had three children: Theresa, Melissa, and Frank J. Mr. Newton died February 6, 1888, and his wife February 20, 1885. Mrs. Newton's father, Nathan Mills, was born in the town of Grafton, Rensselaer county, March 17, 1831. He was educated in the common schools and came to this county when a young man. He married Angeline Manchester, of the tosvn of Lenox, Madison county, and they have five children: Mira A., Minnie L., George E., Hattie A., and S. Emma. Baker, Daniel, was born in Hanover, Germany, August 4, 1832, and came to the United States with his parents when thirteen years of age, and located in Deerfield, where he was educated. He learned the carpenter trade, and has since followed the occupation of contractor and builder. October 27, 1857, he married Eliza Ague, of Syracuse, N. Y., by whom he had seven children, three of whom died in infancy: William, E. Frederick, Henry L. , and Louisa C. Frederick married Myra Collins, and they have one son, Lester H. Frederick Baker, father of Daniel, was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1801. He married Mary Haper, of his native State, by whom he had five children : Daniel, Caroline, Henry, Dorothy, and one who died in infancy. They came to the United States'in 1845, where Mr. Baker died in 1856, and his wife about 1880. Daniel Baker is one of the inspectors on the Erie Canal. The family on both sides are German-American. Yager, Helen. — The late Luther E. Yager was born in the town of Vienna, May 14, . 1849. He was educated in the public schools, and was a farmer by occupation. He was in the late war as drummer boy, and bugler in the cavalry branch of the service, and was honorably discharged from the service. May 7, 1867, he married FAMILY SKETCHES. 333 Helen Suits, of the town of Verona, by whom he had one son, Burton E., who is a farmer on the homestead with his mother. December 7, 1888, he married Alice W. Spavin of this town, by whom he had two children: Luther E. and Flossie P. Mr. Yager died March 2, 1881. Mrs. Yager's father, Christopher Suits, was born in Stone Arabia, Montgomery county, N. Y., October 19, 1812, and came here with his parents when a child. March 19, 1844, he married Barbara Wagner, of this town formerly of France, by whom he had four children: Helen, Christopher, William H. and Mrs. Mary R. Kilts. Mr. Suits died September 6, 1886, and his wife December 12, 1888. The family have resided on this homestead since 1856. Suits, Mrs. Verena C. — The late William H. Suits was born on the homestead in the town of Verona, March 19. 1849. He was educated in the public schools and Oneida Seminary, and was a farmer by occupation. September 29, 1872, he married Verena Cook, of the town of Vienna, by whom he had four children: Jennie M., E. Leroy, Guy A., and Bessie P. Mr. Suits died November 28, 1895. Mrs. Suits's father, Andrew Cook, was born in the town of Palatine, Montgomery county, N. Y., November 11, 1800. He was educated in the common schools, and was a farmer by occupation. He came to the town of Vienna when a young man, and married Jane Covil, of the town of Verona, who was born April 4, 1811, by whom he had seven children : Betsy, John, Charles, George, Casper, Joseph, and Verena. Mr. Cook died in December, 1893, and his wife about 1868. The ancestry of this family is Dutch, Welsh and Swiss. * Wright, George E., was born in the town of Vienna, March 11, 1863, He was edu cated in the district schools and Canastota Academy, and was graduated from East man's Commercial College at Poughkeepsie, after which he taught school three years. He has had numerous occupations, finally engaging in the merchandise business February 1, 1887. February 17, 1895, he married Mary E. Weismouth, of this town. Mr. Wright's father, Reuben B. Wright, was born in the town of Camden, Novem ber 16, 1837, and came to the town of Vienna when eight years of age. He was edu cated in the common schools, and was a cheesemaker by trade. February 12, 1862, he married Mary A. Herder, of the town of Vienna, formerly of Wurtemburg, Ger many, by whom he had two children: George E., and Frances J., now Mrs. Bar low, of New London. Mrs. Mary E. Wright's father, Casper Weismouth, was bora in Germany, in 1881, was educated there and came to the United States with his parents when ten years of age, locating in the town of Verona, He married Eliza beth Miller, of this town, by whom he had nine children: Catherine, Joseph, Nancy, John, Margaret, Mary E., Anna, Caroline, and Bertha. Mr. Wright is a Re publican in politics, and was appointed postmaster in 1887, and continued in office until 1893, and since that time has been acting as deputy. He has also been justice of the peace six years, and is now notary public. Covel, Stephen A., was bora in the town of Vienna, N. Y., April 10, 1830. He was educated in the district schools, after which he followed the canal twenty years, was a shipper in Buffalo six years, a farmer in Wayne county four years, and a mer chant in Niagara county several years. In 1873 he purchased the old homestead, and came to reside in New London in 1883. He has resided in Dakota six years, with the exception of one winter. In 1851 he married Louisa Brown, af his native place, 334 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. by whom he had one son, Albert L., who married Sarah Taber, of Walworth, Wayne county, N. Y., and they have one son, Harry. The family are residents of Glovers- ville, Fulton county, N. Y. Mrs. Covell died in 1892, and Mr. Covell married for his second wife, Mrs. Linda E. (Brown) Chapman, of his native place. Mr. Covell's father, Stephen A., was born in Massachusetts, in 1805, and came to this State with his parents when a child, locating in the town of Vienna. He was educated in the district schools; and was a farmer by occupation, was also, justice of the peace and supervisor. He married Lydia Holden, of the town of Vienna, by whom he had thirteen children: Andrew and Ada, twins, Stephen A., as above, Laura J., Henry and Harriet, twins, Benjamin, deceased, John, Emeline and Emily, twins, Horace, Franklin and Luther. Mr. Covell died in 18,89. and his wife in 1866. Mrs. Covell's father Sanford Brown, was born in New Baltimore, Greene county, N. Y., in 1804. He married Ruth Hicks, of his native place, by whom he had eleven children: George, William T., Marcus, Linda E., as above, Mary, Worthington, Abbie A., Sanford, George 2d, Emma and Steven. Mr. and Mrs. Brown died in 1892. Mr. Covell is a Democrat in politics and has been supervisor of the town of Vienna three years. He is a member of New London Lodge, No. 420, F. & A. M. The ancestry of the family is of New England stock. Collins, Reuben, was born in the town of Verona, N. Y., March 27, 1833. He was educated in the common schools, and has followed the canal all his life in connec tion with farming. In June, 1861; he married Emily Collins, of his native town, by whom he had three children : Orrin D. , Emma L. , who died at the age of nineteen, and Lottie A. April 7, 1890, Orrin D. married Nettie M. Gibbs, of Wayne county, N. Y., and they have had three children: Florence E., Edgar, who died in infancy, and Eva J. Mr. Collins's father, Joel Collins, was born in this county, about 1800. He was educated in the schools of his day, and was a farmer by occupation. He married Esther Ferguson, of this town, by whom he had eight children : Richard, Emeline, William, Mehetable, Caroline, Stephen, Reuben, as above, and Matilda. He died about 1890, and his wife about 1870. Mrs. Collins's father, Job Collins, was bom about 1776. He married Almedia Laning, of the town of Verona, by whom he had nine children : Betsey, Nathan, Sarah, Alfred, Acus, Charles, Keziah, Wash ington and Emily. Mr. Collins died in 1850, and his wife in 1876. Mr. Collins is a member of New London Lodge, No. 420, F. & A. M. Mrs. Collins is a member of Vesta Chapter, No. 115, O. E. S., as is also the daughter, Lottie A. The ancestry of the family is of New England stock, of Scotch extraction. Drummond, Thomas, was born in the town of Verona, near the old homestead, March 26, 1845, and was educated in the district schools. He followed the canal be fore and after the war, but is now a hotel keeper in New London, N. Y. January 7, 1864, he enlisted in Co. A, 3d Heavy Artillery, participated in several heavy en gagements, and was wounded in the left hand and wrist in the battle before Peters burg; on June 16, 1864, he was sent to Grove Hospital, Portsmouth, R. I., was trans ferred to general hospital at Elmira, N. Y., and was honorably discharged by surg eon's "certificate of disability May 35,1865. April 16, 1868, he married Emma G. Guest, of this town, by whom he had three children: Eugene E., Charles T. and Gertrude M. Mrs. Drummoud's father, William Guest, was bom in England about 1810. He married Sarah Forward, of his native place, by whom he had ten chil- FAMILY SKETCHES. 335 dren: Jemima, William, Joseph, Thomas, Henry, Mary, James, Eugene, Emma G. , as above, and Jerome, who died in his fourth year. The family came to the United States after four children were born, and located in the town of Verona. Mr. Guest died in 1879, and his wife in 1880. Mr. Drummond is a member of New Lon don Lodge 430, F. & A. M. The ancestry of this family is Scotch and English. Bacon, Hiram H., was bora in the town of Oppenheim, Fulton county, N. Y., April 3, 1836. He was educated in the district schools and the Little Falls Academy, then engaged in farming. July 4, 1850, he married Sarah J. Barker, of his native place, by whom he had three children: H. Eugenia, David E. and Alice A. H. Eugenia married Jacob Seme, of this town, and they have five children: Harold J., D. Alvin, Sidney G., Jennie M. and Frank H. David E. Bacon married Emma Cagwin, of this town. Alice A. married John W. Owen, of Rome. N.Y., and they have two children, Spencer and Mildred. August 7, 1863, Mr. Bacon enlisted in Co. E, 117th Infy., N. Y. S. Vols., and participated in twelve general engagements and was honorably discharged June 30, 1865. He is a member of x Joseph H. Warren Post No. 615, Verona, N. Y. Jonathan Bacon, his father, was born in Fulton county, N. Y., about 1787. He married Huldah Davies, formerly of Massachusetts, by whom he had seven children : Davis W., Warren A., William S., Harriet, George H., Hiram H. and Eliza A. He died when a young man and his widow died in 1871, aged eighty-two years. Mrs. Bacon's father, David Barker, was born in New Hamp shire, January-5, 1797. He married Lois Heald, of his native State, who was born in December, 1801. They had four children : David, Lois, Mary ahd Sarah J. Mr. Barker died October 13, 1846, and his wife in 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Bacon are mem bers of the M. E. church of New London, N. Y., and he is steward of the church. The family is of English and Scotch descent. Conley, William, was born in the town of Verona, N. Y., July 1, 1830, and was educated in the public schools. He has been foreman of public works, canal, etc., seven years, was keeper of the insane department at the county house seven years, but is now engaged in farming in the town of Verona. In 1856 he married Nancy Hess, formerly of Herkimer county, by whom he had two children, George H., and William D. George H. married Helen Wanzey," of Amityville, Long Island, where they reside. They have one son, William G. William D. married Hattie Marcellus, of New London, N. Y. Mr. Conley's father, Michael Conley, was born in Ireland in 1796, and came to the United States when a young man, locating in this town. He had a contract on the canal when it was first being made at Oriskany. He married Mary McGahn, of the town of Half Moon, Saratoga county, by whom he had twelve children: Edward, Mary Ann, John, James, Jane, William, Henry, Hugh, Michael, Helen, Elizabeth and Margaret, only five of whom are living. Mr. Conley died in 1853. Mrs. Michael Conley died in 1874, and Mrs. William Conley August 16, 1893. Mr. Conley is a member of the M. E. church at New London, of which he is trustee. The ancestry of the family is Irish and Scotch. Darrow, Nicholas N., was born in the town of Schuyler, Herkimer county, N. Y., June 13, 1835. He was educated in the schools of that early day, and has had a variety of occupations, farming, and has also followed the canal several years. He served in the United States Navy three and a half years, on the flag ship Indepen- 336 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. dence, in the Miditerranean Sea. March 18, 1855, he married Margaret Raut, of the town of Vienna, by whom he had one daughter, Mary A., who died at twenty-two years of age. Mr. Darrow has served as assessor several years, and isa member of New London Lodge, No. 30, F. & A. M., in which he holds the office of junior deacon, Mr. Darrow's father, Nicholas N. Darrow, was born in Schenectady county, N. Y. He married Mary Akin, of his native, place, by whom he had six children. Our sub ject is the oldest living member of the family. Mr. Darrow, sr. , was in the " patriot war " in Canada, was tried, and never heard of again. His mother, Mrs. Mary Darrow, died in 1845. Mr. Darrow's grandfather, Daniel Darrow, served under Washington, in the Revolutionary war. The family on both sides are of New Eng land stock, of English and German origin. Weismantle, Casper, was born in Bavaria, Germany, January 6, 1831. He was educated there, and has had a variety of occupations since he came to the United States ; driving stage for others and on his own account, followed the canal for several years, and conducted a general store at Grove Springs several years, but now lives retired. May 15, 1856, he married Elizabeth Miller, of New London, by whom he had nine children : Catherine, Nancy E., Joseph- H., John A., Margaret, Maryette, Annie W„, Carrie R., and Francis B. Mrs. Weismantle's father, Joseph Miller, was born in Alsace, France, and came to the United States when a young man. He married Catherine Seigel, formerly of his native country, by whom he had five children: Catherine, Elizabeth, as above, Joseph, Nancy, and Mary F. Both father and mother are dead. The ancestry of the family on both sides is German. Ague, Charles, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in December, 1846, and came with his parents to the United States when six months of age, locating in this town where he was educated in the district schools. He has followed the canal for thirty years in connection with farming. April 26, 1880, he married Caroline Sipp, of this town, by whom he had one daughter, Bertha A. Mr. Ague's father, Paul Ague, was born at the old home in Germany, where he was educated. He married Elizabeth Schmidt, of his native place, by whom he had two children: Catherine, now Mrs. Martin Snyder, of New London, N. Y. ; and Charles, as above. Paul Ague died in 1848, the result of an accident; For her Second husband Mrs. Ague married Jacob Kropp, of .the town of Verona, and they had six children: Elizabeth, Salome, Amelia L., Edward J., George M., and William H. Elizabeth married William Reiger, of this town, and they had six children: Martin, Camelia, William, Emil, Edwin and Cora. Salome married Michael- Ungerer, of Verona. Amelia died in 1872. Edward J. married Catherine Lanscidel, now of Utica. George married Matilda Borer, of this locality. Mrs. Ague's father, William Sipp, was bora in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and came to the United States when a young man. He married Helen Maherh, of the town of Verona, by whom he had nine children: Caroline, as above, William, Peter, Helen, Amelia, Philipena, John, Lewis and Jacob. Mrs. Sipp died in 1888. Mr. Sipp is a member of the World's Mutual Benefit Association, of Wheeling, W. Va. Wright, George P., was born in Verona, near New London, N. Y., March 1, 1854. He was educated in the district school, followed the canal twenty-five years with success, and kept a hotel three years. November 7, 1876, he married Julia A. Raut, of the town of Verona, by whom he had three children ; Daisy L., Edith A., and FAMILY SKETCHES. 337 George E. Daisy L. married John Link, of Ilion, N. Y. Edith A. died at eleven months of age. George E. is a student at school. Mr. Wright's father, John Wright, was born in Germany, June 3, 1822. He was educated there and came to the United States about 1842 and located in Croghan, Lewis county, N. Y. About 1846 he married Christina Gates, formerly of Germany, by whom he had seven children : Mary, deceased, John, deceased, George P., as above, Louisa, deceased, Amelia, deceased, William and E. Isabel. The family have resided in this county since 1850. Mrs. Wright died Feb. 17, 1892. Mrs. Wright's father, John Raut, was born near Fish Creek, in the town of Vienna in 1836. He was educated in the district schools, and was a boatman and farmer by occupation. About 1858 he married Helen Lar rabee, of the town of Vienna by whom he had seven children: Mary, who died at five years of age; Julia A., as above; Everett, who died at seven years of age; Christopher H., E. Allie, who died at two years of age; John W. and Blanche D. Mr. Wright is a member of New London Lodge, No. 420, F. & A. M., and Mrs. Wright is a member of Vesta Chapter No. 115, O. E. S. , in which she holds the position of associate conductress. The ancestry of this family is German on both sides. Armstrong, George H. , of Armstrong, Baker & Co. , of New Hartford, is the son of the late well-known James Armstrong, who was one of the most worthy and prominent citizens of the place. He occupied many positions of trust and honor, one of which being a seat in the State Legislature. The works of Armstrong & Baker were originally established by him in 1864, and have since grown into one of the most important industries of the place, furnishing employment to about seventy people. The present firm was organized in 1871, as the New Hartford Knitting Mill, and their entire output consists of children's wear of all grades, which 'is handled by commission in New York city. Risley, Orville, was born at Hamilton, N. Y., in 1850. son of Chauncey Risley, who came with his own team to Madison county, from Glastonbury, Conn., in 1833. He is a representative of one of the families to whom the town of New Hartford is indebted for its name; they having emigrated from Hartford, Conn., where Richard Risley settled with its founder, Thomas Hooker, in 1635, after having escaped the religious persecutions in England. Chauncey Risley died in 1894, at the age of seventy-nine years, leaving a widow, who is still living at eighty years of age, having brought up twelve children, of whom eight are now living, the youngest being forty years of age. Orville Risley was educated in Hamilton, and came to this town at seventeen years of age, and engaged in farming, and for sixteen years has been engaged in an extensive creamery business with his brother Fremont A. Risley, located at New York Mills. In 1873 he married Ada Perkins, of Chenango county, by whom he had four children: Fenimore C, an art student in New York; Walter C. ; Floyd F. ; and Lena. Henderson, W. H,, was born at Richland, Oswego county, in 1839. During early life he was engaged in farming in the vicinity of his birthplace, and after a tour of the far west, including four years in Northern Dakota, he purchased the Chapman Hotel property at Washington Mills. In 1861 he married Frances Menter, of Rich land, N. Y. His father, David Henderson, formerly conducted a hotel at Richland, N. Y. 338 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Adams, Charles H., was born in the town of New Hartford, N. Y., in 1826, son of James Adams. His grandfather, James Adams, came from Hartford, Conn., at a very early date, and has been a lifelong resident ot Washington Mills. Charles H. received his education in his native place, and having been reared on a farm, en gaged in that occupation, and at which he still continues, occupying the old home stead. In 1850 he married Elizabeth Thomas, of Utica, by whom he has two chil dren: Celia, wife of John Emery; and Minnie, wife of George Neice. Prescott, D. D., was born in the town of New Hartford in 1856, son of Daniel Morgan Prescott. He is the owner of the farm with which the name of Prescott has been identified over one hundred years, and which descended from father to son for many generations. His great-grandfather came here from Connecticut when his grandfather, Oliver Prescott, was but four years of age. The death of his father, Daniel Morgan Prescott, in 1805, removed from the community a beloved and ven erable citizen ; he held the offices of assessor and collector, and was a member of the Assembly one term, and also held many important positions about the State Capitol — postmaster, sergeant-at-arms, and librarian. He married Lydia M. Bacon, of Litchfield, Herkimer county, by whom he had five sons and one daughter; and she still survives him at the age of sixty-six. D. D. Prescott, following in the foot steps of his father, is a staunch Republican, but not an office holder. He is identi fied with the Presbyterian church. In 1880 he married Stella Schooley, of Litch field, by whom he has four children: Fannie S., Walter D., Arthur A., and Eva E. Kellogg, Henry G., was born in the house where he still lives in 1838, which was erected by his great-grandfather in 1790. This great-grandfather, Webster Kellogg, the first of the family who settled here, came from Hartford, Conn., and first lived in a log house. - This house was built in what is now a suburb of New Hartford, and where is located the fifty acre dairy farm, which has been handed down the paternal line to Henry G. He is a staunch Republican, as was his father Frederic and grand father Webster Frederic before him; and is also an efficient member of the Presby terian church. In 1862 he married Mary E., daughter of John Reed, of New Hart ford, and their daughter Annie E., now wife of S. Maxwell Mclntyre of Philadel phia, is the representative of the fifth generation of the Kellogg family here. Tibbitts, Milton G., one of the leading farmers of New Hartford, came here from Kirkland, where he had beep previously engaged in farming, and located on a 130 acre farm, his present residence. He is a descendant of a family originally from Rhode Island, of English and Scotch ancestry, and son of Truman Tibbitts, a farmer of East Rome, where Milton G. was born in 1841, and from which place he came to Kirkland when six years of age. There he allied himself with a family of national historical interest, by marriage to Susan J. Peck, daughter of Charles P. Peck. She is the representative of the eighth generation of Jean Paul Peck, who came to America in 1636, and settled at Boston, founding the family. Her great-grandfather was a member of the Continental Congress. She is the mother of seven children. Tyler, H. N., was born in Hartford, Oneida county, N. Y., in 1850. He was edu cated at Whitestown Seminary, also studied, medicine, and has practiced to some extent. His father, the late Dr. A. N. Tyler, was born at Rome, N. Y., in 1818, and there began his medical studies. He practiced first at Sauquoit five years, then FAMILY SKETCHES. 339 came to New Hartford. He married Jennie M. Carpenter of a Vermont family. By his untiring devotion to his calling his practice soon became large, extending into adjoining towns, and for forty years this successful practitioner carried on his work, loved and honored for his uprightness of character and kindheartedness. His death in 1889 at seventy-four years of age was mourned by a large circle of friends. Campbell, Roderic, was born in Scotland, in 1846, where he was educated, gradu ating from the Inverness Royal Academy. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Kenneth Campbell, 'as a florist. He came to America in 1867, locating in Brooklyn, where he remained until 1875, when he came here and took charge of the Forest Hill Cemetery. Mr. Campbell is an expert landscape gardener and florist, under whose skillful hands the cemetery has developed into one of the most beauti ful of its kind in Central New York. Mr. Campbell is a member of the Masonic fra ternity. He married Jessie MitcheU'of Brooklyn, by whom he had four children: Douglas Hgnry (deceased), Lyman Forest (deceased), Catherine Finlay and Annie Morrison. Smith, E. C, was bora in Boonville, N. Y./son of Leslie H. Smith. He was for some time clerk at Bagg's Hotel, and was with Mrs. Lynch's jewelry house of New York for four years. He was also clerk at the Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York city. Mr. Smith is the owner and manager of an extensive vineyard of twenty-two acres on the Capron road, which he established and planted in 1885. It is devoted to all choice varieties of grapes and currants, which find a ready market in Utica. He is engaged in an enterprise which with his industry and integrity cannot but place him in the front rank of the young men of the county. He is a member of the Episcopal church. Seaton, J. W., was born at Utica, N. Y., in 1844, son of John Seaton, who was bora at Yorkshire, England, and came to Utica in 1832. Being a tailor by trade, he resumed his work here, and remained at one location on Blandina street for twenty- five years. J. W. Seaton was reared and educated upon the New Hartford farm, where his father died in 1885, -at the age of seventy-six years. He is living in an elegant home on Genesee street, which he erected in 1889 ; but he is still interested in agricultural pursuits, and with his brother owns large and productive farms. In 1864 he married Frances Thickens, of Utica, by whom he has one son, Albert J., born in 1865, who is married and with three children resides with his father, while en gaged in business in Utica. Mr. J. W. Seaton is an ardent Republican and trustee of the village. Van Auken, Myron W., was bora on a farm in the town of Ira, Cayuga county, N. Y., June 6, 1852. He attended district schools, the Union Academy at Red Creek, N. Y., and Fairfield Seminary at Fairfield, N. Y., and then entered Cornell Univer sity, where he took a classical course of four years and received the degree of A. B. Subsequently he was graduated from the Albany Law School, where the degree of LL. B. was conferred upon him. In 1875 he .began the practice of law in Utica, where he has ever since followed his profession. He has twice held the office of cor poration counsel of Utica, and was once the nominee of his party for the office of district attorney of Oneida county. He is the general attorney for many of the cor porations and large business firms of the city. He is a director and an officer or 340 6UR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. member of business corporations, and is active in every movement that tends to the development and prosperity of the city and the welfare of the community. In 1889 he was a member of a committee of nine appointed to select a suitable site for a Home to be established by the Masonic fraternity of the State of New York for indi gent Masons, their wives, widows and orphans. Through his efforts, after an ex citing competition with other cities, and after a prolonged struggle, the site was lo cated in Utica, in which there has since been erected one main building costing |200,000, and a building for children costing $50,000, and numerous other buildings will follow to carry out the noble charity of this beneficent fraternity. Mr. Van Auken is one of the foremost Masons as well as one of the leading lawyers of Utica, and it was mainly through his untiring efforts and personal support that the Masonic Home was secured for that city. Kernan, Nicholas E., is a native of Utica and a son of the late Hon. Francis Ker nan, whose parents, Gen. William and Rose (Stubbs) Kernan, were natives of Ire land and early settlers in Tyrone, Schuyler county. There Hon. Francis Kernan was born January 14, 1816. He was educated at Georgetown College-in Washing ton, D. C, read law in Watkins, N. Y. , with his brother-in-law, Edward Quinn, came to Utica in 1839 and finished his legal studies under Hon. Joshua Spencer, and was admitted to the bar in July, 1840. He became a partner of Mr. Spencer and practiced until 1857, being for three years previously reporter of the Court of Ap peals. He became very active in Democratic politics, and in 1860 was elected to the Assembly. In 1862, and again in 1864, he was elected to Congress over his Repub lican opponent, Hon. Roscoe Conkling, and at the close of his second term resumed the practice of law. He was a delegate to the State Constitutional Convention of 1867-68, and was defeated by General Dix as candidate for governor in 1873. He was State senator from 1875 to 1881. He died September 7, 1893. In 1843 he mar ried Hannah, daughter of Nicholas Devereux, a prominent early resident of Utica, and they had ten children. Nicholas E. Kernan was graduated from Seton Hall College in New Jersey, read law in his father's office, was admitted to the bar and "became a member of the firm of W. & J D. -Kernan, now W. & N. E. Kernan. He is prominent in various business and manufacturing enterprises and is connected with several large corporations. He was one of the founders of the Mohawk Valley Cotton Mills, is vice-president of the Oneida Knitting Mills, president of the Sken andoa Cotton Company, president of the Utica Burial Case Company, treasurer of the Utica Pipe Foundry Company, member of Fort Schuyler Club, and president of the Lotus Club. He married Miss Harriet Jenkins and their children are John A., Isabelle, Margaret, Mary, Florence, Adelaide, Nicholas, Michael, Meredith, Grace and Edith. Searle, Charles H., son of William Nelson and Eliza (Rogers) Searle, was born in Leonardsville., Madison county, June 23, 1842, was educated in the public schools of his native town, at Whitestown Academy and in Cazenovia Seminary, and was graduated from Hamilton College in 1869. He read law in Syracuse with Pratt, Mitchell & Brown, and was admitted to the bar in that city in the fall of 1870. He then opened an office in Leonardsville and practiced his profession- until January 1, 1873, when he came to Utica and formed a partnership with Daniel Ball, which con tinued till the latter's death in the spring of 1875. Since then he has practiced alone FAMILY SKETCHES. 341 except during the year 1883, when he was a member of the firm of Searle, Dunmore & Willis. Mr. Searle was school commissioner of the city of Utica one term, but otherwise has held no public office. In July, 1864, he enlisted in Co. D, 189th N. Y. Vols., as first lieutenant, and remained with his regiment until the close of the war, being in the Fifth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, until Lee surrendered. He is a member and past commander of Bacon Post, No. 53, G. A. R. In 1876 he mar ried Annie Pier, who died in 1879 leaving one son, Homer W. In 1885 he married, second, Alice L. Hotchkiss, of Phelps, N. Y., and they have three daughters: Alice L., Annie P. and Ruth. Crandall, Dr. Charles' S., was born in Leonardsville, Madison county, September 24, 1858, and is the youngest son of Dr. Hiram S. Crandall, whose father, Oliver C, was one of the first settlers in that locality. Oliver C- came from Rhode Island, and died in Leonardsville in 1864 aged nearly ninety-two. The family are lineal de scendants of Lord John Crandall of England. Dr. Hiram S., at the age of seventy- eight, is still practicing medicine in Leonardsville, making a specialty, as he has for many years, of diseases of women. He married Frances A. Sisson, of Plainfield, Otsego county, who died in 1889, aged seventy. They had five children : Stephen H., of Leonardsville; Mary D. (Mrs. Ellis J. Dunn), of New Market, N. J. ; Lucius A., of Frankfort, N. Y. ; L. Adelle, widow of Silas K. Hawkins, of Burlington Flats, N. Y. ; and Dr. Charles S., of Utica. Dr. Charles S. Crandall was educated in the public schools of Leonardsville arid at New Berlin Academy, read medicine with his father, and was graduated from the medical department of the University of New York city in 1883. He took special courses in physical diagnosis in the wards of Bellevue Hospital under the late Dr. Alfred L. Loomis, the celebrated con sumptive specialist; a special course in operative surgery.and bandaging under Prof. J. W. Wright, M. D. ; a special course in physiological labratory work and micros copy under Prof. J. W. S. Arnold, A. M., M. D. ; and a special course in chemistry under Prof. John Draper, M. D., LL. D., and after graduating he practicedin Leonardsville, and in the spring of 1884 went to Sherburne, Chenango county, where he remained five years. In the spring of 1889 he came to Utica, where he has since successfully practiced his profession, making a specialty of diseases of women. December 30, 1886, he married Ada M., daughter of Leander Harwood, of bher- burne, N. Y. They have two children, Lee S. and Frances R. Cassidy, Fred A., was born in Utica, September 33, 1853, and is a son of Patrick Cassidy, who came here from below Albany, N. Y., in 1811, and was the first settler on Steel's Hill. Patrick Cassidy was a farmer and subsequently a foreman in the great stage business that centered in Utica. Later he traveled extensively with Governor Clinton's nephew, and afterward engaged in the restaurant and milling business. He died in Utica in 1881. Fred A. Cassidy after leaving the public schools was in the employ of John H. Douglass, a prominent undertaker in Utica, until the latter's death December 3, 1881, when he purchased the business and has ever since continued it. He is a member of Faxton Lodge, No. 697. F. & A. M. , Utica Chapte'r No. 57, R. A. M., Utica Commandery, No. 3, K. T., the Royal Ar canum, the Citizens' Corps Veterans' Association, and the Oneida County and New York State Undertakers' Associations. 342 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Alsheimer, John G., was born June 10, 1855, in Marcy, Oneida county, and is a son of John G. Alsheimer, sr., who was bom in Germany, came to America about 1853, and finally died in Utica April 39, 1894, aged sixty-two. He was a farmer and con tractor. John G. Alsheimer, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools and the Utica Business College, from which he was graduated. He first en gaged in various employments. In 1877 he started a grocery business, which he successfully continued until May, 1896. He is a member of the C. M. B. A. and of St. Joseph's Benevolent Society. In 1877 he married Mary M., daughter of Andrew J. Muringer, of Utica, and they have had three children: Mary M., William, and one who died in infancy. Marsden, Dr. William Robb, was born June 30, 1853, in Sauquoit. Oneida county, and is a son of Thomas Briggs Marsden, and Jenette Robb. She was born in Glas gow, Scotland, and is living in Utica. Thomas B. Marsden was born in' Darwin, England, in 1834, came to Oneida county, in 1839 with his father, John, and fol lowed farming here, though he was a paper maker by trade. He was drowned acci dentally October 3, in the town of Darling, Ontario, Canada. Dr. Marsden was educated in the public schools of Utica and had eight years private tutelage in Meri- den, Conn., and in Utica. He began reading medicine in this city in February 1877, with Doctors Daniel D. and P. H. Thomas, and was graduated from the medical de partment of the University of the City of New York in 1881. In the spring of 1883 he pursued special studies at that institutiori and the same year, after a tour of the west, began practice in Meriden, Conn. In 1886 he removed to Utica where he has since followed his profession. While in Meriden he was a member of the New Haven Company, the Connecticut State, and the Meriden Medical societies. He is a mem ber of the Oneida County Medical Society, the Utica Medical Library Association, the Utica Medical Club, and the Sons of St. George. He has been for the past three years ward physician of the second ward. Bowes, John A., is a son of John R., who was born in England, in 1827, came to Utica in 1842, and still resides here, having been engaged for over fifty years in the wool business, buying principally for A. T. Stewart & Co., and later for the Globe Woolen Company. He was born in Utica, September 23, 1862, received a public school education, and in 1879 entered the employ of B. Wilson & Co. , wholesale deal ers in paper, with whom he remained about ten years. August 1, 1889, he formed a partnership with his brothers, Henry L. and Charles S., under the firm name of Bowes Brothers, and established their present business as wholesale dealers in paper, twine, stationery, and woodenware. Henry L. Bowes was born March 1, 1861, and for several years prior to June, 1889, was a member of the firm of B. Wil son & Co. Charles S. Bowes was born November !,7, 1866. Ehrsam, George, was born October 10, 1858, in Utica, where his father, John, set tled about 1855, coming here from Germany, John Ehrsam has been for several years actively engaged in the cabinet and furniture business. ¦ George Ehrsam was educated in the the public schools of his native city. He learned and followed the tailor's trade until 1882, when he formed a co-partnership with B. L. Fitch, under the firm name of Ehrsam & Fitch, and engaged in the merchant tailoring business. This is one of the leading custom clothing firms in Utica. FAMILY SKETCHES. 343 Entwistle, John, born in Lancashire, England, May 28, 1840, is a son of Joseph an:: Ann (Pierson) Entwistle and came to America with his parents in 1842. In 1848 the family went to Chicago, where the father died in 1855. In 1856 they came to Utica, where the mother still resides at the age of eighty-three. John Entwistle was educated in the Chicago public schools. Coming to Utica he entered the em ploy of Avery N. Lord, manufacturer of soda water, etc. , and remained with him nine years. He was the first janitor of the Government building, holding the posi tion three years, and since 1865 has been engaged in general merchandise in Bleecker street, building the present block in 1894. In 1860 he married Mary Ann Beard, of New Hartford, Oneida county, and they have five sons: Joseph (foreman of the Skenandoa Mills), James, John, jr., Ralph (engaged in the meat market business in his father's block), and Thomas. Davies, Arthur H., is a son of David J. H. and Sarah A. Davies, natives of Eng land, who came to Utica in 1873. In 1883 David established a steam laundry on Columbia street and conducted it until 1888, when his wife and son, Arthur H., as sumed the management. Fitch, Bordman L., son of James H., was born in Utica, November 12, 1860, and received a good public school education. His father came to Utica from Salem, Washington county, N. Y., and is engaged in the manufacture of shoe specialties. After leaving school Mr. Fitch remained with his father until 1884, when he joined with George Ehrsam in forming the firm of Ehrsam & Fitch, which has since carried on one of the leading merchant- tailoring establishments in the city. Kilbourn, Judson G. M. D., son of Francis S., was born in Plainfield, Otsego county, January 11, 1860, received his preliminary education in the public schools of his native town and at West Winfield Academy, and was graduated from Sauquoit Academy in 1879. He read medicine in West Winfield with Dr. James F. Huntley, and in March, 1884, received his degree of M. D. from the medical department of the University of New York City. In July of that year he commenced active prac tice in Utica, where he has become a leading physician and surgeon. Latterly he has given special attention to surgical work, in which he has acquired eminent suc cess. Dr. Kilbourn is a member and was for five years secretary of the Utica Medical Library Association ; and a member of the New York State Medical Society.' He was physician and surgeon to the City Hospital, house physician and surgeon on the staff of St. Luke's Hospital, and physician to the Utica City Dispensary each four years, and is now surgeon and gynecologist to St. Elizabeth's and Faxton Hos pitals. He is a member of Imperial Council, R. A. , and president of the Oneida County Sportsmen's Association. In 1889 he married Nella E. Armstrong, of Plain- field, N. Y. Brucker, George L., was born on a farm on the town line between Marcy and Trenton, August 7, 1860, and is the son of Jacob Brucker, who came from Alsace, France, in 185.6, and settled in Utica, whence he soon removed to the abovemen- tioned farm. The family went to Englewood, N. J., in 1863, where Jacob died in 1892. George L. Brucker was educated and remained in Englewood until the age of twenty-one, when he began learning the trade of plumber and gas fitter in New York city. He then came to Utica for four and one-half years was with Wicks, 344 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Hughes & Griffiths. In 1887 he established for himself in West street and in 1888 came to his present location in South street, where he carries on a general plumbing and gas and steam fitting business. He is a member of Allamania Lodge, I.O.O.F., the Utica Maennechor and the Germania Industrial Association. December 25, 1883, he married Louisa H. Brucker, his cousin, and they have three children: Clarence William, Laura Savilla, and Leroy Harold. Jones, Edwin E., was born June 30, 1861, in Rome, N, Y., is a son of Owen Jones, who came from Carnaervonshire, Anglesea, North Wales, about 1845, settled in New York city, whence he went to Rome, and thence in 1862 came to Utica, where he died in 1886. He was educated in the Utica public schools and at the age of, seventeen entered the drug store of Williamson & Dunning, with whom he remained about four years. He was then with J. H. Sheehan & Co. about two years, and in 1884 started in the drug business for himself on the corner of South and Miller streets, in a sec tion locally known as "Cornhill," where he still continues. He is a member of Fort Schuyler Council R. A. In January, 1885, he married Almena H. , daughter of John O. Jones, of Utica, and they have three children : Laura Odessa, Catherine Anna and Edna Francis. Knight, Charles B. , was born in Scranton, Pa., October 24, 1864, and was grad uated from the Keystone Seminary at Factoryville, Pa., in 1880, and from Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie in 1881. Following this he had charge of the books of Jermyn & Co., of Scranton, for two years, and in 1883 engaged in the wholesale produce business there. In 1884 his brother, M. S. Knight, became a partner and the firm of M. S. & C. B. Knight continued about two years, when the business was enlarged and another brother, E. W., admitted under the style of Knight Brothers. This firm dissolved in 1889, Charles B. becoming the successor and continuing until 1891, when the business was burned out. He then, through the influence of friends, came to Utica, where Albert C. Parker, his father-in-law and former business partner, settled at the same time, and in March, 1892, the two formed the present firm of Knight & Parker, wholesale dealers in soft coal and retail dealers in hard coal. Mr. Knight is a Mason, a member of the I. O. of F. , and K. P., and captain of the uniform rank of the latter, a member of the Masonic Club, sec retary and trustee of the Cycling Club, and atrnstee of the Universalist Church of the Reconciliation. O'Reilly, Patrick J., was born in Rochester, N. Y., July 5, 1855, attended Mrs. Fox's private school and was graduated from the Christian Brothers Academy in 1874 and spent two years as clerk in a large wholesale and retail crockery store in that city. From 1875 to 1879 he was bookkeeper for John Cunningham, Sons & Co., carriage manufacturers. He then came to Utica and established himself in business as an undertaker and embalmer, located at 230 Bleecker street. He at once insti tuted new ideas and improved methods, being among the first to perfect a treatment for the prevention of decomposition of human bodies. He was treasurer of the Oneida Club during its existence, and is a prominent member of several social and benevo lent organizations. May 17, 1883, he was married in Toronto, Canada, to Theresa M., daughter of John Sheridan, of Rochester, and their children are Edward Patrick, Genevieve Elwood and Charles Raymond (twins), Frank Sheridan, Stella Louise, FAMILY SKETCHES. 345 Lois Theresa, Howard Bernard, and Theresa Lozier (deceased). Mr. Sheridan was an extensive contractor in the construction of the Erie canal, having a contract for excavating that portion between a point in Wayne county and through the Monte zuma marshes. Moshier, William B., was born in Martinsburg, Lewis county, in 1856, and is a son of John G., a farme: . His brother Charles was born in the town of Russia, Herki mer county, July 15, 1853. In 1877 the two started in business selling tea on the road. In January, 1878, they established a general store in Salisbury, Herkimer county, and continued there until 1882, the firm being Moshier Brothers. Thence they came to Utica and formed their present business .which consists of wholesale teas, coffees, spices, and flavoring extracts, and baking powder. Their trade extends through New York and New England and the West.' Mr. Moshier is a 32d degree Mason. Morris, Price, was born August 3, 1853, in Wales England, where he followed the butter and grocery business from a youth. He came to America in 1882 and settled in Utica, where he engaged in his present business as a grocer and provision dealer. He is a member of Skenandoa Lodge I. O. O. F. He was married first in Wales, in April, 1880, to Ellen, daughter of David Morris, who died in 1890. He married second in May, 1895, Ruth, daughter of Evan Davies, of Denbeighshire, Wales. Smith, W. Harvey, born January 23, 1865, at Davenport, Delaware county, N. Y. , is a son of J. Wallace and Susan M. (Montgomery) Smith. In 1866 the family moved to Schenevus, Otsego county, where he was educated in the union school and academy. When fifteen he began learning the trade of baker and confectioner in West Winfield, N. Y. , and continued there three years. He was employed two years in Fort Plain Spring and Axle works, and returning to West Winfield resumed his trade. He married there, in 1885, Ida E. Cole, and in the fall went to Waterville and engaged one year in the bakery and confectionery business, to which in 1886 his father succeeded. In 1891 he came to Utica and entered the employ of A. L. Owens and remained with him about three years. In the spring of 1894 he started his present bakery and confectionery store in Bleecker street. He is a member of Im perial Council No. 70 R. A., the Arcanum Club, Samuel Read Lodge No. 378, K. of P., Utica city Division No. 4 Uniform Rank K. of P. and its present second lieuten ant, and is vice-president of the Boss Bakers' Association of Utica. He has one son, Leo C. Patterson, John H., son of John and Mary (Grierson) Patterson, was born in Dum fries, Scotland, November 8, 1846, and came to America with his parents in 1848, settling in Utica, where his father died in October, 1892, and his mother in May, 1893. John Patterson was a hatter and later a fur maker, being associated with the firm of George Westcott & Co. for many years. The family lived in Kentucky from 1855 to 1861. April 18, 1861, John Patterson enlisted in Co. H, 14th N. Y. Vols., and served two years, participating in the battles of West Point, Va., Hanover Court House, Mechanicsville, Gaines Mills, Savage Station, Malvern Hill, Fred ericksburg, Chancellorsville, and others, being wounded at Malvern Hill, July 1, 1863. In September, 1863, he was made corporal and placed in the color guard, and was honorably discharged at Utica, May 23, 1863. He was a clerk for J. Harter & 346 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Son till November, 1865, when he went to Mexico and enlisted in the Mexican reg ular army under General Cortenuss, serving three years and becoming lieutenant. He was then engaged in the cattle business in Texas until 1873, when he returned to Utica, where he has since carried on carpentering, building, and real estate ope rations. He was a member of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Union of Utica during its existence and is now a member of Bacon Post, No. 5, G. A. R., which he has served as quartermaster and as a delegate to State and National encampments. August 18, 1889, he married Mrs. Mary M. R. Parks, a local writer and public speaker of prominence, who died May 21, 1895. McPherson, Henry A., was born in Utica, June 18, 1863, and is a son of John Mc Pherson, a shoemaker, who came here from Scotland in 1852. After leaving school he was associated with his father in the shoe business until 1885, when he purchased the old Wilkinson laundry, which he still continues. His father still lives in Utica. and has always taken a prominent part in Scotch societies. Elwood, Ernest J., son of William Elwood, a builder, was bora in Stockbridge, Madison county, February 19, 1856, finished his education in the Oneida Union School, and spent five years in the office of the Oneida Union learning the printer's tirade. He was then in Watertown and Syracuse two years and in 1877 came to Utica where he followed his trade in the offices of the Herald and Observer. Later he was proof reader for L. C. Childs & Son, and in March, 1894, established his present job printing business, forming with A. J. Fierstine the firm of Fierstine & Elwood. Mr. Elwood is a member of Skenandoah Lodge, No. 95, I. O. O. F., and was for seven years secretary and treasurer of the Odd Fellows Union. He is also a member of Tri-Mount Encampment, No. 24, I. O. O. F. During the years 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, and 1889, he served as supervisor of the Second ward and in 1886-87 was reading clerk of the board. He is an active Democrat, and in 1893 was candi date for member of assembly for the first district, but was defeated, although he was ahead of his ticket, the district being overwhelmingly Rupublican. Brown, Brayton E., was born in the town of Fowler, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., October 7, 1864, received his education in Spragueville, and remained with his father on a dairy farm until the age of sixteen, when he accepted a clerkship with his uncle, Lester Munson, a general merchant in Sandy Creek. In 1882 he came to Utica and entered the employ of A. L. Owens, a wholesale milk dealer, with whom he re mained four and one-half years. In December, 1886, he established himself in busi ness as a wholesale and retail dealer in general dairy products and as a manufacturer of butter, etc. He is a member of Central City Lodge No. 68, I. O. O. F. Sessions, F. W., engaged in the millinery business in Utica in 1888, and has since built up one of the leading establishments in Central New York. He employs dur ing the busy season about fifty hands, besides several traveling salesmen, has an office in New York city, and enjoys a wholesale and retail trade covering the entire State. The business was first located at 204 Genesee street, whence it was moved February 15, 1891, to its present quarters, where it has nearly tripled its original ca pacity. Reusswig, George A., born in Utica, November 10, 1867, is a son of Ernest H, FAMILY SKETCHES. 347 Reusswig, who came to this city from Germany in 1859 and died here in February, 1895. Ernest H. was a merchant tailor in Utica for thirty years, being for seven teen years a member of the firm of Belts & Reusswig, and eleven of Westcott & Reusswig. He was a Scottish Rite Mason, one of the originators of the Germania Industrial Association, and at the time of his death the oldest merchant tailor in Utica. George A. Reusswig, after leaving the public schools, learned the tailor's trade with his father, and for eight years followed it in Buffalo. In September, 1894, he returned to Utica to take charge of his father's business, and upon the latter's death became his successor. He is a member of the Maennechor and the Germania Industrial Association. Taylor, Lorenzo M., son of Job and Polly (Burdick) Taylor, was born in Bergen, Genesee county, July 11, 1819, and moved with his parents to Utica in 1829. Job Taylor was first a cotton manufacturer, but in Utica kept the Farmer's Tavern, com monly called the Bull's Head, where the store of Job Parker's Sons now stands. Later he kept the Cottage Inn on the corner of Broad and Bridge streets, another on the corner of Whitesboro and streets, and a third on the corner of Fayette and Cornelia streets. He died about 1852, and his wife about 1870. Lorenzo M. Taylor completed a thorough education in the Utica public schools and academy in 1838. At the age of nineteen, having studied civil engineering at the academy under Prof. Prentice (later of Geneva College) and William M. Williams, he was appointed city surveyor of Utica and held that office for eleven consecutive years, being the second incumbent under the city charter. He was succeeded by his brother, and deputy, William B. Taylor, who served seven years, who was subsequently State engineer three terms, and who died in February, 1895, aged seventy-one. Since retiring from the city surveyor's office Mr. Taylor has been engaged in civil engineering and the real estate business. He has laid out and sold more than 700 acres of city building lots. Among the tracts he has developed are the Kemble, Schuyler, Seymour, Stocking and Devereux farms. In 1843 he married Susan L., daughter of Luther Rumrill, of Utica, who died March 1, 1889. They had two children: Charles S., a civil engineer and surveyor associated with his father, and Emily (Mrs. Leonard V. Beebe), who died in February, 1889. Remmer, William M. , son of Michael, was born in Utica December 5, 1865, was educated in the public and advanced schools and academy of his native city, and was graduated from the Utica Business College in 1885. He was then a clerk in a shoe store until February, 1887, when he became armorer of the 28th and 44th Separate Cos., N. G. N Y., which position he still holds, and he is also first sergeant of the 28th Separate Co. In 1889 he married Mary E. McCarthy, of Greenbush, N. Y. , and they have two children, William Joseph and Clarence Edward. Remmer, Louis, son of Michael, was born September 18, 1861, in Utica, and re ceived a common school education. At the age of eighteen he learned the shoe maker's trade, which he followed until 1893. He then formed a partnership with John F. Harvey, as Remner- & Harvey, and engaged in manufacturing cigars in Varick street, where he still continues the business successfully. He has been a member of the 28th Separate Company, N. G. N. Y., since 1889. In August, 1895, he married Almira B. French, eldest daughter of Daniel W. French, of New Hart ford, Oneida county. 348 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Salisbury, Albert C, , son of Noyes, was born in Killawog, Broome county, June 20, 1855, and when sixteen years old began life as a telegraph operator at Norwich, N. Y. He was afterward stationed at Waterville, and also at North Brookfield, where he was station agerit. In the spring of 1873 he came to Utica as night train dis patcher for the D., L. & W. Railroad. A year later he went to Waterville as station agent, and after eighteen months returned to Utica as chief train dispatcher, which position he held until 1881, when he was made assistant division superintendent. In 1892 he was promoted to superintendent. His active life has been spent in the em ploy of the D. , L. & W. Railroad Company and he has been identified with that cor poration longer than any other man. He is vice-president of the Extension Car Step Company, which was incorporated in 1894, and is a member of Faxton Lodge F. & A. M., Oneida Chapter R. A. M.. Imperial Council R. A., and Arcanum and Fort Schuyler Clubs. In 1876 he married Sarah A., daughter of Deloss C. Terry of Sangerfield. Kuolt, Joseph, was born August 5, 1845, in Wurtemberg, Germany, was educated and learned the trades of painter, decorator, and stucco worker in his native city and 'followed them until 1866, when he was drafted as a solder and served in Austria- Prussian war. In 1867 he came to America and settled in Utica, where he followed painting until 1869. He then engaged in that business himself and at times em ployed from twelve to fifteen hands. In April, 187'i, he purchased a grocery store of the late George Haenl, at the junction of Varick "treet and Sunset avenue, and con tinued this business for twenty years. In 18CJ he purchased the woolen cloth de partment of the widow of Mr. Haenl, and since 1893 has been a dealer in-woolen cloth and tailors' trimmings exclusively. In 1892 he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, William Rein, under the firm name of the Utica Paper Novelty Co. , and since then has also carried on a large business in Deerfield manufacturing paper novelties, boxes, etc. Mr. Kuolt is president and one of the originators of the West Utica Improvement Association, a trustee and one of the founders of the Homestead Aid Association of Utica; a member of the German Lutheran Church since 1867 and " one of its trustees since 18" 3, and was president of the Common Council about twelve years. April 17, 1873, he married Sophie C, daughter of John Rein, of Wurtem- burg, Germany. They have three children: Eugene J., Oscar W. , and Sophie A, Breitenstein, George Frederick, was born in Rome, N. Y., January 19, 1852, and is a son of Frederick Breitenstein, a native of Germany, who came with his family to Utica in 1854 and died here September 23, 1895, aged sixty-seven. George P. was educated in the public and private schools of Utica and when sixteen engaged in the meat business with his father, with whom he continued until 1874. He then opened a meat market for himself in State street and carried on business four years. In 1878 he was appointed- tillerman of hook and ladder truck number one, Utica fire de partment, with which he has since been connected. He was promoted superintend ent of the police and fire telegraph in May, 1895, and still holds that position. He is a member and was one of the organizers of the Firemen's Relief Association of Utica, and for a time served as one of its first trustees. August 19, 1874, he married Mary, daughter of John Heimberger, of Utica, and they have four children : Cora, Arthur, Grace and Pearl. FAMILY SKETCHES. 349 Tuigg, Edward D., son of David and Julia Tuigg, was bora in Ireland, December 25, 1853, and came to America with his parents in 1855, setting in Utica, where his father died in 1888 and his mother in 1895. He was educated in the Utica public schools and the Christian Brothers Academy, and was employed in the railroad shops in Utica about two years. He then learned the plumber's trade with William H. Kavanagh and later with Edward Martin, remaining with the latter for sixteen years. In 1885 he formed a partnership with William Dwyer and Patrick F. Quin lan. as Dwyer, Quinlan & Co., and established his present business. Mr. Dwyer withdrew in 1886 and William Foley was admitted, and since then the firm has been Quinlan, Tuigg & Co. The firm does a general plumbing and gas and steam fitting business, and among the buildings in which their work appears are the residences of William T. and Thomas F. Baker, the Saturday Globe building, City Hall, Court House, the new State Armony, and many others. Mr. Tuigg is a member of the Knights of Honor. Mason, George C, was born March 30, 1845, in Norwich, Chenango county, and is a son of Hon. William N. Mason, a prominent lawyer, and United States commis sioner, special county judge, etc. He was educated in the Norwich common schools and academy, and first learned the printer's trade, which he followed about three years in the Chenango Union office in Norwich. He then went west and entered the employ of James S. Waterman;-. a prominent banker and dealer in real estate in Sycamore, 111., with whom he remained" about three years. Returning to Norwich he soon accepted a position with Walter M. Conkey, the first treasurer of the Mid land Railroad, and about three years later engaged in mercantile business in Nor wich, continuing till 1874. He then sold out, came to Utica and entered the employ of Owen, Pixley & Co., wholesale clothing manufacturers, and has been with Mr. Pixley in the same capacity ever since, being at present his bookkeeper. Mr. Mason was one of the organizers and is secretary and treasurer of the Kirkland Canning Company, and is a member of Faxton Loage No. 697, F. & A. M., and its master at the time of the laying of the corner stone and dedication of the Masonic Home. He is a member of Oneida Chapter, R, A. M. , and of Fort Schuyler Coun cil, R. A., and is president of the Arcanum Club of Utica. He was married June 26, 1872, to Josephine Bliven, of Norwich, and they have one son, Charles B., a graduate of Cornell University, class of 1894. He won the scholarship in the post graduate course in 1895, and was a prominent athlete, winning the welter weight prize in boxing, and being a member of the 'Varsity foot ball team in 1894-95, play ing in all the noted games of that year. He was also a member of the Glee Club that went to England in 1895, and is now a law ^student with Van Auken & Pitcher in Utica. Maloy, John F., son of Bernard and Mary (Kelley) Maloy, natives of County Fer managh, Ireland, was born in Utica, August 9, 1854. His father, who for about forty years was gardener for Lewis H. Lawrence, died here March 4, 1891. He was educated in the Christian Brothers Academy, and became a clerk for H. J. Holbrook & Co., wholesale manufacturers of ladies' shoes, remaining with them twelve years, or until they went out of business. He then engaged in the grocery trade for two years, and in 1884 started his present restaurant. He is a member of the Knights of Honor and president of the Liquor Dealers' Association of Utica. October 27, 350 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1881, he married Sarah J., daughter of William O'Reilly, of Utica, and their chil dren are Leonard, William, John, Francis, Thomas, and Anna. Nugent, Patrick F., was born in Ireland, March 17, 1845, learned the tailor's trade and came to America in 1863, settling iri Utica. He followed his trade here as a journeyman until March, 1872, when he entered the employ of Griffiths, Roberts & Butler, wholesale clothing manufacturers, and remained with them twelve years, having charge as foreman of the manufactory. April 1, 1893, he accepted his pres ent position as superintendent of the manufactory of Rockwell, Rhodes & Co., wholesale clothiers. In 1875 he married Mary E., daughter of Frank McHugh, of Utica, and they have four children : Agnes, Robert J. , Thomas, and Frank. Swancott, Benjamin L., son of Philip, a native of Wales, England, was born in West Branch, in the town of Ava, Oneida county, August 30, 1848. His father was a tanner and currier, and settled in Ava about 1845, where he had a large tannery for many years. He was educated in the common schools of Morrisvillej Caze novia, and Brookfield, engaged first in farming, and learned and for nine years fol lowed the tanner's trade. In March, 1879, he came to Utica, and finally purchased a livery and boarding stable in Maiden lane, which he continued until the spring of 1894, when he purchased his present livery stable in Washington street of M. M. & P. F. Martin. He is a member of Utica Lodge, F. & A. M. In December, 1867, he married Blendelia L.,. daughter of Charles P. Maxson, of Brookfield, Madison county, and they have two children : Frederick Eugene, who is associeted in busi ness with his father, and Edna Pearl, who died at the age of five years. German, Jerome B., son of Daniel, was born in New Hartford, Oneida county, August 30, 1855. Daniel German, a native of Welsh Pool, North Wales, came to America about 1886 and settled in New Hartford, where he died in 1881. He was an overseer in the cotton mills there for many years He married Jane Jones, who was born in Newtown, Wales, March 22, 1814, and who survives him. Their children were George, of Rochester, N. Y., and David, Salome, Mary J. (Mrs. Wayne E. Gifford), and Jerome B., all residents of New Hartford. Jerome B. German, the youngest, was graduated from the Utica Business College in 1871, and for about one year was bookkeeper for Sylvester Deering, a lumber dealer. He then held a similar position for four years in the knitting factory of exrSenator S. S. Lowery, and dur ing another four years was a clerk in the Utica post-office under Postmasters Clark and Stevens. In the fall of 1884 he engaged in the grocery business in New Hart ford and successfully continued about five years, In 1893 he became a partner of the commission firm of H. H. Hurd & Co., grain, flour, and feed dealers, which was started at the present location, cqrner of Seneca and Liberty streets, about 1865. Mr. German was treasurer of the village of Hartford three years and was chorister of the M. E. church there about twelve years, being also secretary and treasurer of its Sunday school for more than that period. He resides in New Hartford though his business is in Utica. In 1877 he married Sarah R., daughter of Joseph P. Rich ardson, the provost marshal at Utica during the Civil war. They have two sons: Harold Richardson and Jerome Bradbury. Thomas, Frank E., is a son of Thomas R. and the junior member of the wholesale fruit and oyster firm of T. R. Thomas & Co. Thomas R. Thomas was born Septem- FAMILY SKETCHES. 351 ber 23, 1831, in Wales, England,- where his father died, and came to America with his widowed mother in 1841, settling in Remsen, Oneida county. In 1849 he came to Utica and engaged in various employments until 1853, when he established a re tail fruit business. In 1854 he started a wholesale and retail fruit and oyster establishment in Liberty street, and since about 1888 has done wholesaling ex clusively. In 1854 he formed a partnership with David J. Evans, and from 1855 to 1858 he continued alone. He then with T. H. Jones, formed the firm of Thomas & Jones, but was again alone from 1859 to 1881. He then took in his half-brother, Griffith M. Jones, as a partner and continued till April, 1894, when Mr. Jones retired and his son, Frank E. Thomas came in as T. R. Thomas & Co. Mr. Thomas was alderman of the Second ward from 1870 to 1874, was charity commissioner about eight years, is. a director in the City National Bank, a member of Utica Lodge F. & A. M. since 1856 and its trustee for twenty three years, and member of Oneida Chapter R. A. M. and of Utica Commandery K. T. May 4, 1858, he married Mary A. , daughter of John Richards, of Utica, and they have had five children of whom two are living: Clara M. (Mrs. Beriah G. Williams) and Frank E., both of Utica. Gammel, George W., was born in Utica February 33, 1863, and is a son of Robert Gammel, who was born in Germany April 31, 1822, came to Utica in 1853, and died here February 13, 1895. Robert established the present restaurant business of his son in 1860. He had come to America in 1848 because of the German revolution , in which he was an active patriot. He married Emilie Baruschkey, who was born in Ger many January 1, 1823, and of their twelve children four are living, viz: Charles; George W., and Mrs. Will H. Roberts, of Utica, and Robert W., of Cleveland, Ohio. Charles served for two years in the war of the Rebellion as a member of the 11th N. Y. Cav. ' His brother, William, enlisted at the age of fourteen in Co. H, 146th N.Y. Vols., being the youngest man to enlist from Oneida county, and was killed at the battle of White Oak Swamp in 1865, after serving gallantly for two and one-half years. George W. Gammel was reared in his father's business and in 1880 became his partner under the firm name of Robert Gammel & Son. In 1883 the senior mem ber retired and since then he has continued the business alone. He is a member of the Elks, I. O. O. F., Order of Harrugari, the German Literary Society, the Utica Turn Verein, the Maennechor, and the German Mutual Benvolent Association. In 1893 he married Phebe, daughter of John Z. Brown, of Frankfort, N. Y. Kernan, Hon. William, was born September 4, 1831, in the town of Tyrone, Steu ben county, and is a son of William and Rose A. (Stubbs) Kernan. He was edu cated in the public schools of that town and at the academy in Utica, where he set tled in 1850. He read law with his brother, Hon. Francis Kernan, and brother-in- law, George E. Quinn, arid was admitted to the bar in Utica in January, 1857. Be. gan'the practice of his profession as a member of the firm of Kernan, Quinn & Ker nan. Mr. Quinn died in August, 1863, and the firm continued as F. & W. Kernan until 1867 when it became W. & J. D. Kernan. In 1883 J. D. Kernan, having been appointed railroad commissioner, the present firm of W. & N. E. Kernan was organ ized. This is one of the strongest law firms in Central New York. Mr. Kernan was school commissioner of Utica five terms, and is a trustee of the Utica Water Works Company, a member and trustee of St. John's church and a member of Fort Schuyler Club. In September, 1862, he married Frances E. Waraick, daughter of 352 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Leslie A. Warnick, of Utica, and they have seven children: Ellen W., Leslie A., John B., Edward, James, William, jr., and Warnick. Leslie W. Kernan was admit ted to the bar in 1890 and immediately afterward became a member of the firm of W. & N. E. Kernan. Pitcher, Herbert D., son of Dwight C. and Phebe A. Pitcher, was born October 13, 1860, in Boonville, -Oneida county, where his paternal grandfather became a very early settler. He was graduated from Boonville Academy, read law in Utica with Cookinham & Sherman, and was admitted to the bar at Syracuse in 1888, Since then he has been a law partner of Myron W. Van Auken, the firm name being Van Auken & Pitcher. Thomas, Rees E. , was born in Landilof awr, Carmarthenshire, South Wales, June 30, 1857, was graduated from Llandovery College in 1876, read law in his native vil lage with J. Prothero Lewis until December, 1879, and then, came to America, set tling in Utica, where in March, 1880, he entered the law office of W. & J. D. Ker nan. He was admitted to the bar at Utica general term in April, 1886, but contin ued as managing clerk for his preceptors and their successors until January, 1890, a period of nine years, when he opened his present office. He makes a specialty of real estate and title law. In January. 1890, with George D. Frank as a partner, he organized the Central New York Abstract and Title Company, which he has con ducted alone since 1894. He is somewhat active in Democratic political circles and was attorney for the Excise Board of the city in 1891, 1892 a id 1893. He is a mem ber and past master of Faxton Lodge No. 697 F. & A. M., a member and past grand of Oneida lodge No. 70, I. O. O. F. ; a member and past chief patriarch of Tri- Mount Encampment No. 24, I. O. O. F, ; a member of Canton Utica No. 23, 1. O. O. F. ; and past district deputy grand master and past district deputy grand patriarch of the Grand Lodge of the State. He is past regent of Fort Schuyler Council No. 404 R. A., and past district deputy grand regent. He is a member of Oneida Chapter No. 57, R. A. M., past sachem of Teugaga Tribe No. 138, I. O. R. M., past district deputy and past grand representative for the State of New York to the Grand Coun cil of the United States, a charter member and the first and present secretary of the Masonic Club of Utica, a member of Utica Lodge Knights of Honor and Our Coun cil Home Circle, and a member of the Utica Mannerchor. June 23, 1879, he was married in Wales to Mary Anna Williams, and they have five children living: Mabel Anna, Sarah Llewelyn, Herbert Francis, Harold Pryse and Tudor Lloyd. Rogers, J. Frank, one of the most energetic practitioners at the Utica bar, was sworn in as an attorney and counselor at law at Buffalo, N. Y., in June, 1881, and the December following opened an office in the city of Utica, where he has since practiced his profession, early acquiring a large clientage. He is a studious and a painstaking counselor, a keen examiner of witnesses in the trial of a cause, and a forceful speaker to court and jury. Mr. Rogers was born in Ripley, Somerset county, Maine, June 30, 1846, son of John S. and Elizabeth (Grant) Rogers. He ob tained his education at the High School in Springfield, Mass., and afterward learned the watchmaker and jeweler's trade and worked at it steadily for eleven years, being employed during that period at the Howard Watch Factory at Boston, by the Amer ican Watch Company at Waltham, Mass., and the Hampden Watch Company at FAMILY SKETCHES. 353 Springfield, Mass In 1869 he removed to Ilion, N. Y., where he was employed by O. B. Rudd. In 1875 he was elected justice of the peace, which office he held for four years, and has been attorney for the Excise Board of Utica for three years. August 33, 1871, Mr. Rogers married Anna M., daughter of P. A. Skiff, of Frankfort, Herkimer county. She died August 35, 1895. Coupe, James, was born in the town of Frankfort, Herkimer county, about four miles southeast of Utica, and is a son of James Coupe. When he was six years old his father and family removed to the homestead about two miles from Utica, on the Minden turnpike, in the town of New Hartford, where he remained till about twenty-two years of age. His father died when he was thirteen, leaving his mother with five sons and five daughters. He entered the law office of John F. Seymour, of Utica, and there completed his law studies. Having been admitted to the bar, he, with his brother, Henry F., formed the law firm of Henry F. & James Coupe, with offices at 166 Genesee street, where they have since continued. The firm has been engaged in the practice of law in all its branches, except that in the marine courts, both civil and criminal. They have tried many important criminal cases as well as causes of civil action; several cases were for capital crimes. Perhaps the most noted one was the defense of Michael Cafaldo, who was charged with having in the night shot a co-workman in the village of Remsen, Oneida county, and resulted in acquittal of defendant. Another case was that of the People vs. Laaze, a French man, who murdered his wife with an axe some distance west of Rome. The de fense was successful in that the defendant, instead of being found guilty in the first degree, was found guilty in tfie second degree and sentenced to Auburn for life. Still another case was the defense in the People vs. McElwaine, which rose out of the escape of O'Brien in 1895. This was the first of the defendants tried, who were acquitted. During the trial great public interest was taken and much excitement prevailed, and at the time it was said to have been one of the greatest trials ever held in the court house in Utica. They also engaged in the trial of many other im portant criminal cases and a very large number of civil actions in various courts of this county and other counties in the State, in all of which success has followed. Henry F. Coupe, senior member of the firm, was special city judge of Utica and has also served as one of the city school commissioners. During his term the school system of Utica was revised and many changes and improvements made. The old system was entirely abandoned and a course of studies laid out which conformed to the most improved method of education and has since prevailed. James Coupe was corporation counsel one term and is now acting as a member of the police and fire commission of the city. Both are Democrats and have been very active in politics, and have always taken much interest in the public welfare of the city. James Coupe was urged to accept the nomination for mayor on several occasions, but has eschewed public office. Henry F. married Miss Mary Sweeney, of New Hartford, and they have three children. Mclncrow, Richard W. , son of William and Maria A. (Thornbury) Mclncrow, was born in Utica, June 15, 1839. His father came from Cashel, County Tipperary, Ire land, to Deerfield, Oneida county, when ten years of age, and died in Utica, in 1861. Mr. Mclncrow was graduated from the Utica Free Academy in 1857, read law with Kernan, Quinn & Kernan, .and was admitted to the bar at Syracuse in October, I860, 354 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. He practiced in the office of his preceptors until March, 1862, when he formed apart nership with J. Thomas Spriggs, as Spriggs and Mclncrow, which continued until March, 1870. Since then he has practiced alone, and as a lawyer enjoys a wide reputation. He has been in Democratic politics and was city attorney in 1866. His brother, Thomas S. , was clerk of the city of Utica for seventeen years. Boss, Joseph, son of Peter, was born August 23, 1860, in Utica, where his father still resides "coming here from Germany about 1845^ He was for four years in the employ of Sherwood & Hemmens, tobacco dealers, for another four years with the U. S. Express Company, and for eight years with the old baggage express firm of Dunn & Lent, having charge of their business during the last two years. In Janu ary, 1887, he established his present baggage express and livery business. Mr. Boss was married in 1886 to Matilda Briggs, of Mohawk Hill, Lewis county, and they have two children : Joseph John and Helen Mergret. Doolittle, Henry A., was born at Paris, Oneida county, N. Y., May 22, 1857. He went to Utica in 1873 and entered the employ of F. H. & G. W. Shepherd, dry goods dealers, where he remained several years. He studied law in the office of Senator Francis Kernan, and was graduated from the Hamilton College Law School in April, 1878, at which time he was duly admitted to practice. Since his admission to the bar he has practiced his profession at Utica, and is now the senior member of the firm of Doolittle & Hazard. Mr. Doolittle was supervisor of the Eighth ward of the city in 1883. In 1883-84-85 he was the examiner of guardians' accounts, un der Van Dresar & Bliss. He was attorney for the Board of Excise of Utica in 1884 and 1885. Mr. Doolittle is largely interested in real estate and in various business enterprises. He is president of the Utica Fire Extinguisher Company, and treas urer and general manager of the Baker-Rose Gold Cure Company, both of which corporations have their principal place of business at Utica. Chase, Dr. Charles E., was born in Utica, N. Y. , May 6, 1851, the son of Ira and Alma (Hyatt) Chase. He received his education in the public schools of the city and at the New York Homeopathic Medical College, graduating from the latter institution in 1873. He opened an office in Utica that year, where he has since practiced his profession. January 18, 1882, Dr. Chase married Cornelia M. Francis, by whom he had two children : Francis Temple, and Eleanor Gertrude Chase. Dr. Chase is a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy, the State and County Homeo pathic Medical societies, and has been the attending physician of the House of the Good Shepherd, a hospital for children, for many years. He is also a member of the staff of the Home Hospital. Dr. Chase is a member of the Arcanum Club. Davies, John S., was born in Wales, England, March 25, 1851, learned the mer chant tailor's trade in London with the noted firm of Squires & Son in Saville Row, and came to America and settled in Utica in May, 1874. He followed his trade here until 1880, when he established his present merchant tailoring business. He is a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 324, F. & A. M. , Utica Commandery, No. 3, K. T. , and the Mystic Shrine. He has been a member of the choir of Westminster church for several years. Horsey, Dr. George F., son of Edward, was born in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, FAMILY SKETCHES. 355 August 31, 1846, and received his education in the public schools of his native city. His father, a native of England, was a government architect, came to Canada in 1839, and died in Kingston in 1869. Dr. Horsey studied dentistry with Dr. B. W. Day, of Kingston, was graduated from Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, at Toronto, March 5, 1875, and began practice in Chicago. In 1878 he came to Utica and practiced about ten years. He was the first dentist outside of New York city to take up the practice of crown and bridge work, beginning in 1882. In 1887 he went to Mexico and spent a few months instructing dentists in that work, and in 1888 returned to Utica. In May of the same year he went to South America and in structed dentists in Buenos Ayres, Monteviedo, and Rio de Janeiro. He thence went to London and practiced a short time and returned to Utica in Jannary, 1890. In the fall he went to Mexico for his health and remained three years, practicing most of the time. He again returned to Utica in 1893 and since then has followed opera tive dentistry. He is a member of St. John's, Lodge, No. 2, F. & A. M., of Kings ton. June 20, 1878, he married Harriet L. Tuttle, a native of Watertown, N. Y. , and their children are Burton T., George F., jr., Edward Noyes and Julia T. Babcock, Mrs. G. D. , bom Elizabeth Clark, of Poughkeepsie, is the widow of the late George Denison Babcock, whom she married in 1843. They had six children, but only one daughter is living, who is the wife of Frank C. Ogden. Mr. Babcock was a representative of an old Connecticut family, and a son of, Denison Babcock, who settled in New Hartford, where George D. was born in 1818, during the latter part of the last century, being a central figure in the development of the town. Mr. Babcock was a prominent member of the Presbyterian church, to which he was united when twelve years of age, and where he was for many years a faithful teacher in the Sabbath school. His death occurred in 1874. Titus, E. , was born at Forge Hollow in 1856, son of Hosea B. and Harmony (New ton) Titus. Hosea Titus was also a native of Forge Hollow, and was a member of the Central New York Farmers' Club, and also conducts the forge at Forge Hollow, which was established by William Titus, his father, in 1800. Mr. E. Titus married Minerva Buckingham, by whom he had three children: Florence, Anna and Ruth. Melvin, Cutler, was bora in the town of Marshall, N. Y., April 5, 1841, son of James and Harmony Melvin. His grandfather, James Melvin, was a native of England. Mr. Melvin has been engaged in farming all his life and owns a fine farm of 337 acres. He is one of the leading farmers of Marshall. He married Ellen-Snell, by whom he has a family of two sons and two daughters. Porter, N. W., was born in the town of Augusta, N. Y., February 13, 1850, son of Aaron and Paulina (Vaughan) Porter. The family originally came from Connecti cut, and his grandfather, Reuben, was one of the early settlers in this section. Mr. Porter was engaged in farming for twenty years, after which he embarked in the hotel business and is one of the most successful in the county. In 1868 he married Favorite Miller, by whom he had three children : Adelbert, who married Elsie Gard ner, and assists his father in the hotel business in the Hamilton House at Deansboro ; Mrs. Bowner, and Mrs. Hawkins. Davis, Evan J., was bora in Madison county, November 1, 1844, son of Daniel M. 356 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and Mary (Jones) Davis. The family came originally from North Wales in 1840. He learned the trade of carpenter, and subsequently engaged in farming. He is one of the progressive men of Marshall, and has been assessor of the town and commis sioner of highways, and has also been a member of the Republican county com mittee for eight years. In 1865 Mr. Davis married Phoebe Austin, by whom he has two children: Ellis J., married to Minnie Stafford, and Ruth Edna Davis. Clark, O. Arthur, M. D. , was born in the town of Bridgewater, N. Y. , August 13, 1868. He was educated at the Brookfield Academy, and Baltimore Medical College, from which he was graduated April 17, 1894, standing first in a class of ninety-seven graduates, and carried off the honors of his class. He is a son of Orrin A. and Mary A. (Spencer) Clark. May 29, 1894, he married Jessie R., daughter of Richard, and Frances Palmer of Brookfield. Dr. Clark has established a practice in Deansville and stands high in his profession as well as public favor. Young, Thomas P., was born in Orange county, N. Y. , December 18, 1818, son of Shaw and Hannah (Drummond) Young, natives of Norwalk, Conn. Mrs. Young lived to be 102 years of age. His grandfather, William Young, was from Northeast, Conn., and his grandmother was from Cape Cod, and was of old Puritan stock. Thomas P. Young came to the town of Marshall in 1834, and has resided on his pres ent farm for forty-five years. In 1844 he married Mary Ann Millard, by whom he has two daughters: Mrs. Julius Day of Deansboro, and Harriet Young. Sexton, Michael H., son of Patrick and Margaret (Conway) Sexton, natives of County Clare, Ireland, was born in Waterville, Oneida county, May 19, 1859. His parents came to this country when children, and were married in Corning, N. Y. They finally settled permanently in Waterville, where Mrs. Sexton died October 11, 1879. Mr. Sexton is a stone mason by trade, and now resides in Utica. Of their eight children five are living. Michael H. Sexton was educated in Waterville Acad emy, in St. Joseph's College in Otawa, Canada, and spent two years in Will iston Seminary, in Easthampton, Mass. He went from Williston Seminary to Hamilton College, but did not graduate. At the age of sixteen he bought his time from his father, and immediately began the task of obtaining an edu cation. With no capital excepting honesty, and no influence excepting that born of a grim determination, he began his career of self education. He left Hamilton College and taught school at Brothertown, Oneida county, to acquire funds, and for a short time thereafter read law in Waterville with E. H. Lamb, and again went upon the farm, and there continued until the fall of 1883, at which time he came to Utica, and commenced the study of law in the office of R. O. & J. G. Jones, and later fin ished his clerkship with Hon. W. T. Dunmore, and in January, 1887, was admitted to the bar. Notwithstanding the fact that his studies, both literary and legal, were frequently interrupted by work on the farm or in teaching school to supply the needed funds for continued effort, he was admitted an his first examination at the end of his clerkship. After his admission he formed a co-partnership with Judge Dunmore, which continued until 1889, since which time he has practiced alone. Though his family and relatives are Democrats, Mr. Sexton has always been a staunch Republican, and in 1887 was nominated for member of assembly for the Utica district, but was defeated by a very small majority by J. Harry Kent. Since FAMILY SKETCHES. 357 then he has acquired considerable prominence as a stump speaker and campaign orator. He is pre eminently a self-made man, and since coming to Utica a poor boy has accumulated a fair competency. He is of an inventive turn of mind and has se cured letters patent on two or three appliances which promise much success. He is a member of the Elks, and of the I. O. of R. M., and as a gifted writer and a tal ented elocutionist, has won a very good reputation. He is very successful in his chosen profession, and a bright future is predicted for him by his associates at the bar. April 20, 1887, he married Mattie F. Creagan, of Utica, and their children are Marguerite, Warren M. , and Howard P. Churchill, George Clarence, son of Alfred, was born in Utica April 14, 1829. Al fred Churchill, born at Chatham, Conn. . August 39, 1790, removed with his father, Daniel, to the town of Richfield, Otsego county, N. Y., in the year 1795, and came to Utica in 1836, where he died January 10, 1865. He served the city several years as alderman, and for over thirty years was owner and proprietor of Bagg's Hotel. He married Miss Emma, daughter of Matthew Derbyshire of Hartwick, Otsego county, N. Y., who died August 26, 1866. Their children were: Alfred Derbyshire, died December 27, 1853 ; George Clarence, Charlotte D. , died February 26, 1834. George Clarence Churchill was educated at the Utica Academy and in 1851 was graduated from Rutgers Collage, N. J. He then spent three years as a civil engi neer, after which he became a student in the law office of Mann & Edmonds, of Utica. He was admitted to the bar at Watertown, N. Y. , in 1857. He is a director in the Second National Bank, the Utica Steam Cotton Mills, Mohawk Valley Cotton Company and the Utica Water Works Company, and trustee of the Savings 'Bank of Utica, the Utica Female Academy and the Y. M. C. A. In 1861 he married Miss Annie S., daughter of Hervey Brayton, of Rome, N. Y., and they have one daughter living— Annie Churchill, wife of Edward D. Mathews, of Utica. Sink, William W., was born in Utica, N. Y., October 1, 1853, son of William and Sarah Sink. William Sink was educated in Utica, N. Y. He engaged in the rail road business at the age of seventeen, and was employed in Utica eight years, after which he went to Little Falls and then came to Oriskany in 1881, where he has been engaged as station and express agent, also freight and ticket agent. Mr. Sink is school trustee in Oriskany, where he has served on the board for nine years. He married Jennie Thomas of Chittenango, N. Y., by whom he has two children- Sey mour and Anna. Mr. Sink is a member of the I. O. O. F., Schuyler Lodge No. 147 of Utica, and is a vestryman of the Episcopal church at Oriskany, of which his wife is a member. MacGarrity, James H., born in Ogdensburg. N. Y., September 6, 1862, was edu cated and for several years clerked in shoe and dry goods stores in his native city. In 1880 he became the city ticket agent for the R., W. & O. and Utica & Black River Railroads, and about 1881 went to Watertown to accept a position in the general offices of these companies, which at that time pooled their passenger business. In October, 1883, he came to Utica as a clerk for the West Shore Railroad and later held a similar post in the New York Central office. Upon the consolidation of these lines on May 1, 1887, he became the Utica city passenger agent for the D. L. & W. . Railroad Company, which position he still holds. He is a prominent member of the Arcanum Club. 358 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Eynon, Dr. David Slade, son of John, was born in Utica, March 17, 1863. John Eynon was born in Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, South Wales, England, in October, 1816, settled permanently in Utica in 1846, where he died in August, 1886. His wife, Esther E. Williams, born in South Wales in 1835, survives him. Their children were Dr. David S. of Utica; Dr. William G., of New York city; and John S., of Boston, Mass. Dr. David S. Eynon was educated in the Utica public schools and academy. He read medicine with Dr. James Garrettson of Philadelphia, and Dr. Wallace Clark, of Utica, was graduated as M. D. from the Medico-Chirurgical Col lege of Philadelphia in 1886, and spent some time in the Orthopedic Hospital of that city. In 1887 he began practice in Ashland, Wis., and came to Utica in 1890. In 1891, 1892, and 1893 he took post-graduate courses in the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, the New York Ophthalmic and Aural Institute under Dr. Knapp, and the Will's Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, and since 1892 has made a specialty of diseases of the eye and ear. He is secretary of the Oneida County Medical Society, a member and formerly treasurer of the Utica Medical Library Association, a member and ex- president of the Utica Medical Club, a member of Faxton Lodge F. & A. M., and the Masonic Club, and a member of the medical staffs of St. Elizabeth's and Faxton Hospitals and the Masonic Home. August 26, 1887, he married Mary, daughter of Dr. J. G. Parshall, of Cooperstown, N.Y., who died December 8, 1892, leaving one son, Stuart. May 6, 1896, he married, second, Anna J. , daughter of Dr. George Seymour, of Utica. McElhinney, Daniel E., was born in Marshall, Oneida, county, N. Y., November 24, 1853. His father, William J. McElhinney, was born in Ireland, and came to this country in 1848, settling in Marshall, N. Y. He died in February, 1890, aged seventy- three years. His wife, Margaret, survives htm, being now sixty-three years of age. In early life Daniel E. followed the occupation of farming with his grandfather, the late Daniel Shields, in the town where he was born. He was educated at the com mon schools of that place, and afterward taught school there and at Sangerfield for four years, engaging during vacation in clerking and canvassing for the sale of books, continuing his clerkship for some time. In 1891 he engaged in the mercantile business at Oriskany Falls, conducting a general store under the firm name of D. E. McElhinney & Co., which he continued until in November, 1893, when he was appointed postmaster. Mr. McElhinney has occupied many important town and village offices, and is now chief of the Oriskany Fire Department, in which he takes a great interest. Doolittle, Hon. Charles A., was born in Utica September 22, 1849. Hon. Charles H. Doolittle, his father, was a son of Dr. Harvey Doolittle, of Herkimer, and was born in that village February 19, 1816. He was graduated from Amherst College in 1836, read law with Simeon Ford, of Little Falls, and later with Denio & Hunt, of Utica, and was admitted in 1839. He soon became one of the foremost lawyers in Central New York. In ,1869 he was elected a justice of the Supreme Court and ably filled that office until his death, which occurred at sea, May 21, 1874. He was a member of the common council of Utica in 1839, 1844, and 1845, and mayor of the city in 1853. He was also president of the Oneida County National Bank, a manager of the Utica State Hospital, and a vestryman of Grace church. He mar ried Miss Julia T. Shearman, of Rochester, N. Y., and their children living are Hon, FAMILY SKETCHES. 359 Charles A., Mrs. A. Coxe, William S., Julius T., and Miss Isabel, all of Utica. Charles A. Doolittle was graduated with the degree of A. B. from Amherst College in 1872 and received the degree of LL. B. from Hamilton College in 1875, after read ing law in Utica with Adams & Swan. He was admitted to the bar at Syracuse in 1875 and began practice as a member of the firm of Adams, Swan & Doolittle. • He was appointed United States commissioner of jurors by Judge Blatchford, served as mayor of Utica in 1883 and 1884, and as a director in the Oneida County Bank and an original direector of the American District Telegraph Company of Utica, now the Central Telephone Company. He was a vestryman of St. Paul's church, Utica, and is a charter member of Fort Schuyler Club. Keith, Myron, was born in Madison county, January 9, 1825, son of John and Sarah (Mason) Keith. His grandfather, John Keith, came from Connecticut, and was a Revolutionary soldier; and his grandfather, Ezra Mason, was a native of Massachu setts. Mr. Keith engaged in farming in Oneida county for thirty-four years. In 1852 he married Sabra L. Kinney, by whom he has two children Wayne V. Keith, who married a Miss Gruman, and Nettie Keith. Mr. Keith was justice of the peace for sixteen years, a longer period than any other man in Marshall. Yale, J. Palmer, was born in Munnsville, Madison county, October 20, 1852, son of John and Sarah A. Yale. John Yale died October 4 1884, and Sarah A. , his wife, is still living at the advanced age of seventy-eight. J. Palmer Yale studied law for three years from 1876 to 1879 with S. H. Babcock of Utica. He then went to Wisconsin and engaged in farming until 1883, in which year he came to Waterville, and he resides on a farm that has been in the Yale family for seventy-five years. In 1883 ' Mr. Yale married Mary A. Carpenter, by whom he has two children ; Isabelle and Charles. Bartlett, Dr. Howard G., was bom at Lee Center, Oneida county, November 5, 1863, a son of John Bartlett, who was also born at Lee Center, July 26, 1832. The ancestors were from Massachusetts and Connecticut, and came' to this county about 1820. John Bartlett married Dolly N. Hodge, by whom he had two children : Minnie L., wife of James A. Corey; and Howard G., who remained on the farm with his father until he was seventeen years of age, and attended the district schools. He was graduated from the Clinton Grammar school, after which he began the study of medicine, and in 1885 entered Bellevue College, where he remained until 1888. In 1891 he was graduated from Long Island Hospital, and began the practice of his profession at Oriskany, N. Y., where he remained until 1894, since which time he has been located in the village of Clinton. He married Anna Luther, of Cazenovia, N. Y Pratt, Charles T., was born at Clark Mills, N. Y., September 35, 1859, son of Henry and Julia (Carleton) Pratt. He began for himself as a machinist in Clark Mills, and after spending three years there, he was employed as foreman in the shop of the Utica Cotton Mills at New Hartford, N. Y., for five years; after which he had charge of the Hunter & Babcock Mfg. Co.'s mills at Washington Mills, N. Y., for two years. After spending two years at Albany, he went to Nashville, Tenn., tak ing charge of the mechanical department of the Lewis & Babcock Mfg. Co., and in 1890 organized the Pratt Chuck Co., of which he is president. Mr. Pratt designed 360 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLEi all the fine machinery with which the shops are equipped, and has eleven different patents on drill chucks, as well as many on different devices. In 1887 he married Julia Durrenbeck. Hermant, Ernest T., was born in France, February 23, 1840, son of Cassimere and Clementine Hermant, natives of France, who came to Utica in 1856 and thence to Deerfield, where they reside, he at the age of seventy-eight, and she at the age of eighty. He is a wheelwright and blacksmith, and for a number of years carried on the business at Deerfield with his son Edward T. , who still runs the shop, Mr. Her mant having retired a few years ago. Ernest T. was educated in France, and Will iams's private school at Utica. He engaged in farming for three years, selling out in 1873. In 1884 he bought seven acres, to which he has added six acres, and all of which he cultivates as a market garden. He carried on a greenhouse business at Deerfield from 1885 to 1894, when he rented his business to Mr. Soiler. September 11, 1870 he married Mary, daughter of George Pfluger of Deerfield, a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Hermant have four children: Flora, Theodore C, William E., and Leo M. He is a member of Skenandoa Lodge, No. 95, I. O. O. F., and also of the Church of the Redeemer at Utica, N. Y. Davis, George, was born in West Turin, Lewis county, N. Y., July 23, 1828, and came with his parents to this town when thirteen years of age. He was educated in the common schools, and afterwards engaged in farming which he followed until. he retired. December 27, 1857, he married Lavina A. Swan, of Lenox, Madison county. Mr. Davis's father, Jonathan Davis, was born in New Jersey in 1798. He was educated there, and was also a farmer. In 1822 he came to this State and located in Lewis county. He married Mary M. Allen of West Turin, by whom he had two children : George, as above, and Ann S. , now Mrs. Bowers of Whitesboro. Mr. Davis died February 23, 1876, and his wife January 17, 1888. Mrs. Davis was the sixth in descent from Samuel Allen of England. Her father, Ebenezer Allen, was born in Connecticut in 1769, and came with an ox team and cart in company with James Allen, in 1796, through the Mohawk Valley to Utica, which city then had only nineteen log houses. Mrs. Davis's sister, Lavina, married William Guest, of New London, and resides on the Davis homestead with Mr. and Mrs. Davis. Mr. Guest is a member of the Masouic lodge of Canastota, No. 331, F. & A. M. Mr. Davis's grandfather, Samuel Davis, was born in Kentucky in 1768. He married Mary, daughter. of Governor Gordon of that State. Mrs. George Davis's father, Alonzo Swan, was born in Stephentown, .Rensselaer county, N. Y. , June 4, 1803. He married Phoebe Earl, by whom he had eight children, two of whom died in infancy: Alonzo E., Emily B., Mortimer R., Martha E., Lavina A., as above, and John A. Both father and mother are dead. The ancestry of the family is Welsh and Scotch. Cochran, John M. , is a native of Oneida county, where he has resided, and all of his business life has been spent in Oneida village. He was born in Durhamville, N. Y., in 1859, and was educated in Oneida until sixteen years of age. His father, Rev. Andrew Cochran, was born in Chautauqua county in 1817, and was for thirty-five years pastor of the Presbyterian church at Oneida Castle. He was a man whose christian character made him beloved and revered by all who knew him. He built FAMILY SKETCHES. 361 up a flourishing society and in 1884 erected a new church edifice, which was dedi cated the " Cochran Memorial Church." Mr. Cochran prepared for the ministry at the Princeton Theological Seminary, and began his labors when thirty two years of age, his first charge being at Durhamville. His wife, Catherine More, of Durham ville, is now living at Oneida Castle. Rev. Mr. Cochran died in 1886. After receiv ing his education, John M. Cochran engaged as clerk in Oneida with Randall & Barker, dry goods dealers, and remained in that position for a period of twelve years, and at the end of that time he had saved enough to purchase the business from the partners, and which he has since conducted, building up a prosperous trade. He married Marilla, daughter of C. A. and Adelia Wells, by whom he has one son, C. Wells Cochran, born February 11, 1895. Candee, J. W.— The late William Candee was born in Sangerfield, N. Y., May 16, 1831, and was a lawyer by profession. He married Lucia Newberry, of Detroit, Mich., by whom he had four children: Lucia Clark, wife of W. S. Hawkins, Kate Louise, Julius Warner and W. H. Candee (deceased). Mrs. Candee's father, Julius Newberry, was a merchant of Detroit, Mich. The family all belonged to Sanger field but Julius and Oliver, who moved to Detroit, Mich., where Oliver was a cele brated boat builder. He built the Michigan, the largest steamboat at that time on the lakes. He participated in the Black Hawk war and the war of 1812. Walter Loomis Newberry was born in Connecticut in 1804 and was one of the founders of the Young Men's Library of Chicago. Amasa Stoughton Newberry was a well known agriculturist of Sangerfield, and served in the State Assembly. He was also vice-president of the Waterville Bank before it became a national bank, and he died April 15, 1858. Julius Warner Candee, the only representative of the family, is a young man of twenty-two years, who resides with his mother. He was edu cated at the St. John's Military School and at schools at Linwood,1 and is a member of the Pickwick Club and his college societies. William Candee died in March, 1886. Gorton, F. T., M. D., was born in Brookfield, Madison county, N. Y., October 23, 1843, son of Thomas Rogers and Prudence (Treat) Gorton. His great-grandfather, Samuel Gorton, settled in Brookfield in 1776, and was an officer in the Revolutionary War. F. T. Gorton was educated at Whitestown and Cazenovia. He attended medical lectures at the Michigan University and was graduated from the University Medical College of New York City in 1871, after which he commenced practice in Waterville and established a high reputation in medical circles. He is a member of the Oneida County Medical Society, and has been coroner of the county two terms. He has also been village trustee two terms, and was United States pension exam iner from January, 1873, until October 1, 1893. Dr. Gorton married Alida C, daugh ter of C. A. Budlong of Cassville, N. Y. , by whom he has one son and two daugh ters. Maher Brothers. — The six brothers who comprise this enterprising firm are a part of Oneida county, interested in its progress, alive to all its interests, and active in every movement projected for its material advancement. All are natives of Carlow, Ireland — the senior partner, John L. Maher, being born December 1, 1856; William, September 21, 1860; James P., December 31, 1862; Thomas J., June 5, 1865; Edward J., October 20, 1868; and Laurence P., September 29, 1869. The death of are- 362 OUR .COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. spected father in 1870 left eight small children, among whom were two daughters, one being Sister Mary Laurence, now of the Convent of Mercy, Greenbush, N. Y. , the other the wife of Dr. H. E. Brown, of Utica. This presented a difficult task to a devoted mother with moderate means. After a short business training in Dublin John L., in 1874, came to America, where his uncle, the late Edward Maher, well and favorably known to the older residents of Utica, was engaged in the clothing trade. Securing ready employment he steadily forged ahead, and in 1880 formed a copartnership with his uncle under the firm name of E. Maher & Co. In 1878 James P. joined his brother and on the death of their mother in 1881 all the remaining chil dren came to Utica. Soon after the death of Edward Maher in 1866 the six brothers established the present firm of Maher Brothers, first at 44 Genesee street and in 1893 at 56 and 57 Franklin square. Here they have one of the largest and finest clothing establishments between New York and Buffalo, occupying four stories, or an area of more than 20,000 square feet. Their business has grown to very large proportions and covers several branches, including those of manufacturing and jobbing. Other stores are being established by the firm in adjacent cities, leaving the one in Utica as a center. Their business has been conducted from the first along those honorable and progressive lines which insure success and obtain the best practical results, and theirs is to-day one of the representative institutions of the county. But it is as pub lic spirited and enterprising citizens that each member of the firm has acquired a reptuation that is as commendable as it is permanent. Imbued with a laudable patriotism for their adopted country they have on several occasions exemplified that spirit which is dear to the hearts of native-born Americans. Their effort during the recent State encampment of the G. A. R. was noteworthy, and the Utica Daily Herald of May 19, 1896, said: "Probably the finest collection of relics of the war for the Union and the war for Independence ever displayed in this city is that arranged by Maher Brothers at their clothing establishment in Franklin Square. The firm is famous for its patriotic spirit and always takes advantage of opportuni ties to prepare for the people valuable displays on occasions like the encampment. The present exhibition is the best ever prepared by the firm and should be noticed by every one of the thousands who will fill Utica to overflowing to-day." The same day the Observer said: "To the thoughtfulness of Maher Brothers is due the credit for the collection and display of the rarest and most interesting relics of the late Rebellion and of Colonial days ever seen in this part of the State." The Press said: " It is a far larger and better display, in historic value, than the one heretofore made by the same firm. The decorations on the outside of the store are the hand somest in the city." Space will not permit of mention of the numerous historic articles collected and displayed on this and other occasions, but suffice it to say that most of them have a local value and an absorbing interest. Two uncles of the Maher Brothers were in the Union army during the Civil war, one being killed in battle, the other dying of fever contracted in service. Five of the brothers are mar ried and have families, and all enjoy eminent distinction as representative and enter prising citizens. McTiernan, William, was born in Ireland in July, 1847, and came to America in 1870, settling in Utica, where he first engaged in railroading. Two years later he visited his native country for a few months and returning to Utica entered the em- FAMILY SKETCHES. 363 ploy of Wood & Mann, proprietors of a large machine shop. Later he was steward of St. Joseph's Hospital about four years. In 1880 he engaged in business for him self as a dealer in groceries on the corner of Bleecker and Second streets. About three years later he sold out and under the firm of Mooney & McTiernan engaged in the brewing business, which they continued about two years. In 1894 he started his present grocery store on the corner of Bleecker and Wetmore streets. In 1884 he was elected alderman of the Fifth ward and served two years. He was health com missioner under Mayor Goodwin for three years and in 1885 was elected a charity commissioner for three years. In 1880 he married Annie Dempsey, of Utica, and they have four children: Charles, William, John, and Mary. Milgate, Henry E., was born in Utica, September 9, 1853, and is a son of George H. Milgate, a native of England, and a farmer, who died here about 1884. He was educated in the Utica public schools, and about the age of seventeen went to Rome and engaged in the millinery business, which he continued about two years. He then returned to Utica and opened a fish and poultry market with his brothers, Will iam T. and Ellsworth W., under the firm name of Milgate Brothers. They con tinued in business about eight years, or until December, 1895, when they sold out. About 1880 the firm also purchased of the Snyder estate a large gardening and hot house supply business in Steuben street, and of this H. E. Milgate became sole pro prietor in 1895, the firm dissolving. Mr. Milgate was married in 1879 to Wilhelmenia Hienrich, of Utica, and they have two children: Walter H., and Raymond G. Lynch, Anthony V., came from Eaton, Madison county, to Utica in May, 1872, and for a few years was engaged in various business occupations. He was superin tendent in Hon. S. S. Lowery's Knitting Mill from 1878 to 1881, and then started a furnishing goods business, which he still continues, the present firm being Lynch & Kelly. In 1885 he formed a partnership with Charles G. Duffy, under the firm name of Lynch & Duffy, and engaged in the manufacture of Scotch caps, continuing until Mr. Duffy's death in 1887. Since then the business has been successfully continued under the style of the Lynch Scotch Cap Company. They manufacture Scotch caps, tarn o'shanters, toques, etc. Mr. Lynch was one of the original members of branch 63, C. M. B. A., and its first president, and is also a member of the C. B. L., and the A. O. H." In 1885 he married Theresa M. Gaynor, sister of Judge William J. Gaynor, of Brooklyn, and they have one son, A. Vincent Lynch, born August 33, 1887. Jones, Dr. Herbert Gordon, was born in Utica, July 36, 1857 and is a son of John Francis Jones, who came here from Wales, England, with his parents, Cadwallader and Ann Jones, when young, and died here in 1875, aged forty-six years. John F. was a stock raiser and provision dealer, and married Jane, daughter of Herbert Williams, of Steuben, Oneida county, who died in 1873. Of their six children the subject of this sketch was the eldest. Dr. Jones was educated in the Utica public schools and academy and spent two years in Whitestown Seminary. Later he was a pupil in John Williams's privateschool in Utica. He read medicine with Dr. Ed win Hutchinson in Utica and was appointed house surgeon to St. Elizabeth's Hos pital, a position he held two years. The partnership continued until Dr. Hutchin son's death in 1887, since which time Dr. Jones has practiced alone, giving special attention to surgery and to the treatment of diseases of the eye and ear. After two 364 6UR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. years as house surgeon to St. Elizabeth's Hospital he was appointed (in 1883) attend ing surgeon to that institution, which position he held five years," when he resigned to accept the appointment of surgeon to St. Luke's Hospital, and still serves in this capacity. He has been surgeon of the West Shore Railroad since 1884 and medical director of the order of United Friends since 1890. He was elected coronor of Oneida county in 1884 and served two terms. He is a member of the Utica Medical Library Association, a member of the Oneida County Medical Society and its treasurer since 1886, a member of the Medical Society of the State of New York, a member of the National Association of Railway Surgeons, and a member of the New York State Association of Railway Surgeons. He was a delegate from the Oneida County Medical Society and the American Medical Association in 1887 and 1888. In the order of United Friends he has been since 1888 imperial trustee in the Imperial Council, and for four years previous to that was the first representative of the. Grand Council of New York in the Imperial Council of the United States. He was one of the active promoters and organizers of that order in 1881 and has always taken a prominent part in its growth and welfare. Dr. Jones is also a member of the Utica Maennechor and a member of Faxton Lodge No. 697, F. & A. M. , Oneida Chapter No. 57, R. A. M., Utica Commandery, No. 4, K. T.. and the Scottish Rite Bodies, and Central City Consistory of Syracuse, Northern Jurisdiction. He has been one of the surgeons to the Masonic Home in Utica ever since its inception and was very active in securing the location and obtaining subscriptions, being a member of the subscription committee. He has read many valuable papers on surgery and kindred subjects before the Oneida County Medical Society and the Utica Medical Library Association, and several of them have been published in the New York Medical Journal and the Philadelphia Medical Times. June 15, 1883, Dr. Jones married Katherine E. , daughter of Henry D. Perry, of Utica, and they have three children: Harold S., Mildred K., and Stuart G. Howarth, Frederick E., was born in Utica August 13, 1866, and is a son of John Howarth who came from England about 1834 and for several years was engaged in the manufacture of cement pipe. He was educated in the Utica public schools and was graduated from the advanced school in 1881 , and then became a clerk for Howarth & Ballard, druggists, with whom he remained nine years. In 1891 he organized and incorporated the Utica Cabinet, Company, capitalized at $10,000, and has since been its secretary and manager. This company manufactures roll-top desks, office sup plies, and wood novelties, and utilizes the works formerly occupied by the Utica Fur niture company on the corner of Broad and Gilbert streets in East Utica. Mr. Howarth is a member of the Utica Citizen Corps, of Faxton Lodge F- & A. M., and of Imperial Council R. A. He was married September 13, 1894, to Miss Nellie L, daughter of Micajah Pinkney, of St. Paul, Minn. Fuller, Asa O., born August 3, 1836, in Rome, Oneida county, was the youngest of five children of Orrin I. Fuller, a native of New England, who came to Rome at an early day. Orrin I. Fuller was a farmer and deputy sheriff, and was drowned at Albany by the breaking of a drawbridge in 1840. His children were Mrs. Cordelia Bush, of Utica : John T. , who died in California ; David, who died in Utica ; and Mrs. Jane A. Harvey, and Asa O., of Utica. Asa O. Fuller engaged in butchering for about three years, and then learned the trade of silversmith in Utica. Later he eh- FAMILY SKETCHES. 365 tered the employ of the New York Central Railroad and continued in that capacity for several years or until he lost his right arm and left hand. He subsequently be came a contractor on railroads and later engaged in heavy trucking and city express business in Utica, and still continues in both enterprises, carrying on also large con tracting interests. He did~all the excavating for the New Masonic Home, the Sken andoa Cotton Mills, and Mohawk Valley Mills extension, and also put in the machinery of these two establishments. He is an active Republican. July 19, 1871, he married Mrs. Fannie A. Kellogg, daughter of Tracy Wade, of Utica, and they have four children : Cora, Orrin O. , Fannie Amelia, and Lucina. Flume, Frank V., son of George and Mary Flume, was born in Baden, Germany, March 8, 1843, and came to America with his parents in 1849. The family first set tled in Schoharie county, but moved thence to Montgomery county about. 1858. There his father died in 1862. His mother resides in Fort Plain, N. Y. Mr. Flame was educated in the public schools and first engaged in farming and later in a saw mill. In 1878 he removed to Utica and became a clerk in the grocery store of J. Parker's Sons, with whom he remained three and one-half years. He then learned the carpenter's trade, which he has since followed. He was one of the first members of the carpenter's union and served as its secretary for a short time. September 15, 1870, he married Angeline, daughter of Frederick and Naomi (Dunster) Martin, of Tenterdon, county Kent, England. They have one son, Truman Frederick, born August 3, 1871, and now engaged in the insurance business in Rochester, N. Y. Fuller, Charles Y., was born December 25, 1850, in Schenectady, N. Y., and is a son of Charles and Sarah A. (Lewis) Fuller. Charles Fuller, son of Ebenezer, was bora in Schenectady county and was a broom maker by trade, and died in 1857. He was a lineal descendant of Ebenezer Fuller, of the Mayflower. -His wife survives him. Her maternal grandfather, Sanborn Ford, was a Revolutionary soldier and was present at Fort Montgomery and the Siege of Yorktown, and witnessed the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. Charles Y. Fuller came to Utica with his mother in 1857, and received his education in the public schools of the city In 1886 he began learning the stone cutter's trade in Lockport, N. Y., where he remained about seven years. Later he was employed for eleven years on the State capitol at Albany. In 1887 he returned to Utica and in 1888 engaged in cut stone contracting, which he still successfully continues. Among the many buildings he has erected are the Oli vet church on Howard avenue, the Church of the Holy Cross on Bleecker street (1893), and St. Patrick's church on Columbia street in Utica, the Parochial school in Little Falls ; the Hieber building, Walton High School, Second National Bank build ing, Oneida Historical building (Munson Williams Memorial), schools Nos. 20 and 21 and the Albany Street school in Utica. He has also erected many other large build ings in Central New York, including numerous fine residences, blocks, etc. He is an active Republican and has been delegate to several local conventions. He is a member of Oneida Lodge No. 224 F. & A. M., of Samuel Reed Lodge, K. of P., and of the Knights of Honor. April 23, 1887, he married Augusta Blumenthal, of Utica,- but a native of Germany, and they have three children: George L., Albert B., and AdaC. Adams, George W., was born in the town of Marshall, Oneida county, in 1837, and 366 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. spent his boyhood on a farm. Orphaned in early life he was left wholly dependent upon his own resources for his support and education. The eight hour law was not in force in those days, and there was much more opportunity for a boy to work than _ to play or study. In 1852 Mr. Adams went to the Jefferson County Institute at Watertown, N. Y. , preparatory to entering college. After three years of alternate work and study he entered in 1855 the freshman class of Union College. Two years of the college term was spent at Fairfield Seminary. In 1859 he was graduated from old Union, having there won the Blatchford prize for literary and oratorical work. After teaching a private school at Brownville, N. Y., Mr. Adams commenced to study law with Doolittle & Babcock, and in 1863 was admitted to the bar. In 1864 he formed a co-partnership with Senator Richardson, which continued some fifteen years. At one time James F. Mann was a member of the firm. In 1869 Mr. Adams married Laura Crouse, who died in 1889, leaving two sons, Daniel C. and George W., jr. The former was graduated from Yale College in 1895; the latter is now at tending school in Utica. Mr. Adams has always been a Republican and at one time was quite prominent in the councils of his party. Politics was not, however, con genial to his tastes, and in 1867, when Congress passed a national act of bankruptcy, he turned his attention especially to that law, acquired a very extensive practice un der it, and was connected with most of the leading bankruptcy cases in this part of , the State. For some fifteen years he has been a director of the Utica, Clinton and Binghamton Railroad and is now the counsel of that corporation. He is quite a large land holder in the east end of the city and interested in all that pertains to the growth of Utica. He is a charter member of the Fort Schuyler Club, a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Club of New York city, and president of the Utica Art As sociation. While Mr. Adams is a man of pronounced convictions he is liberal minded, and tolerant of the opinions of others. He has enlarged his mind by for eign travel and is a lover of music and paintings, as many specimens of the latter which now adorn the walls of his house will fully testify. He is a devout follower of Isaac Walton, and few men know the North Woods more thoroughly than he. For over a quarter of a century he has been an attendant of the Dutch Reformed church. Brayton, M. Jesse, son of Almond and Caroline (Schermerhorn) Brayton, was born on a farm near the Herkimer-Oneida county line July 20, 1852, attended Fairfield Seminary, and was graduated from the Clinton Liberal Institute. His ancestors were Rhode Islanders. His grandfather, Jesse Brayton, came with several brothers to Newport, Herkimer county, and Deerfield, Oneida county, very early in the pres ent century. In 1860 his parents settled fh Deerfield, where his father died in January, 1886. His mother survives. Mr. Brayton read law in Utica with J. Thomas Spriggs and later with D. C. Porneroy, and was admitted to the bar in in Syracuse in 1876. He began the practice of law in Utica with D. E. Pomeroy, with whom he was associated for about five years. He then practiced alone until January, 1883, when he was appointed deputy county clerk, which position he held until he was elected county clerk in 1885. He served in this capacity from January 1, 1886, to December, 31, 1888. He had become interested in the Utica Electric Light Company and since the close of his term as county clerk has served as its secretary and treasurer, and has also acted in the same capacity for the Utica FAMILY SKETCHES. 367 Manufacturing and Supply Company. Mr. Brayton is a member of Oriental Lodge, F. & A. M., Oneida Chapter, R. A. M., Utica Commandery No. 3, K. T., the Royal Arcanum, and the I. O. O. F. In January, 1885, he married Cora B., of Ilion, daughter of Joseph A. Johnson. Benshterg, Frederick W. , was bora in Utica, May 3, 1852, and is a son of Fred erick W. and Barbara Bensberg, who came from Germany to America and settled in Utica in 1850, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Bensberg, sr., was engaged in the grocery and coal business here until his death. Frederick W., his son, was educated in the public and advanced schools of Utica, graduating in 1862, and when eleven years of age commenced to learn the trade, first in the Herald office, where he was employed from 1863 to 1881, being assistant foreman during the last twelve years. In 1881 he waiS one of the organizers of the Utica Daily Press and has since been its foreman. When the company was incorporated in 1882 he was made a director and a member of the executive committee, which position he still holds. Mr. Bensberg is a staunch Republican, was school commissioner of Utica for three years (1891 , 1892, and 1893). February 29, 1873, he married Miss Georgia A. Perkins. They have had two children: Florence P., and Frederick P. (who died aged two years). Cranwell, Frank J., son of James, is of Irish and English descent and was born in Utica January 20, 1870. His father is one of the oldest contractors and builders in Central New York, and as such is not only well known in this State, but in New Jersey and elsewhere. He has erected many of the more notable buildings in Utica, New York city, and other points, and is still active in his lifelong business. Frank J. Cranwell was graduated from the Assumption Academy in 1889 and later from the Utica Business College. As soon as he could do anything he identified himself with his father's business, which he has always followed. In 1889 he formed a partnership with his brother, Edward H., which was dissolved in May, 1896. His first contract was the construction of the Grimes and Pelton block in Ilion in 1889- 90. Since then he has erected several factory buildings at Dolgeville, the Metro politan Hotel in Little Falls, the Utica Carriage Factory and St. Agnes church on Blandina street in Utica, the Ilion Memorial Public Library building, the Leach building in Utica, the Frankfort High School, the Hotaling building in Ilion, the Johnson stone residence at Palatine Bridge, and many others. In 1895 he married May Anna M. Hermann, of Utica, and they have one daughter, Olive Marguerite. Divine, Fred D., was born July 17, 1856, in Utica, in the house No. 76 State street, in which he has always lived. He is a son of Deloss Divine, who was bora at Hope Factory, Otsego county, came to Utica in 1855, and died here February 14, 1892, aged seventy- six. Deloss Divine was a roll coverer in the Utica Steam Cotton Mills and at the time of his death was the oldest employee in that estalishment. He mar ried Martha J. Higby; of Canoga, Seneca county, who survives him. They had two children: Mrs. Chester M. Smith, of Westfield, N. J., and Fred D. Divine, of Utica. The latter was graduated from the Utica Free Academy in 1876, and engaged in manufacturing hand-made fishing rods, which he still continues. On his father's death he succeeded to the latter's position in the Utica Steam Cotton Mills. He also does electric plating and manufactures boats, camp stools, cots, etc. He is a mem- 368 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ber of Oriental Lodge F. & A. M., Oneida Chapter R. A. M., Utica Commandery No. 3, K. T., and Ziyara Temple Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Masonic and Arcanum Clubs, the Onondaga Fishermen's Association, the Oneida Company Sportsmen's Club, the Michigan Sportsmen's Association, and many other sporting organizations. January 27, 1886, he married Ada C, daughter of William McDuffee, of New York city. Davis, Charles P., was born in Alcester, England, in 1823, learned the trade of glass staining in Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire, and came to America in 1850, settling in Utica, where he spent the remainder of his life and died April 17, 1877. Here he established the stained glass works now conducted by the firm of Charles P. Davis's Sons. He was the first stained glass worker in the city and one of the earliest establishments of the kind west of New York. Being a practical workman, a skillful and artistic designer, he was successful from the start and won a wide and enduring reputation. His first work in Utica was executed on Trinity church. Af terward he designed the windows of many of the finest churches east of the Missis sippi, particularly those of this State, and also executed large contracts on numer ous important buildings. He was a good nauralist and an expert taxidermist, for both of which he had a natural inclination, and at his death he left a fine and valu able collection of birds, insects, etc. He was an active and prominent Democrat, but never sought or held public office. He was one of the original members of St. George's church. He .married in England, Mary Callaway, who died in 1864, leav- ' ing children: Joseph P., William A., Frederick J., and Charles C. Davis, Mrs. Will iam H. Trembly and Mrs. A. H. Richardson and Albert Davis (both deceased). Upon Mr. Davis's death the stained glass business passed to his sons Joseph P., William A., Frederick J.', and Charles C, who formed the present firm of Charles P. Davis's Sons. Later Joseph P. and Charles C. withdrew, leaving the business to the management of the other two brothers. Frederick J. Davis follows his father as naturalist and taxidermist and carries on these professions in connection with the firm's stained glass business. Daily Dennis L., was born in the town of Annsville, Oneida county, January 23, 1847, and is a son of Cornelius Daily, who was born in County Cork, Ireland, in-1804, and died January 26, 1894. Cornelius Daily came to America about 1832, landing in Quebec, Canada. A few months later he became foreman on the construction of the railroad from Boston to Worcester, the first equipped steam railroad in the United States, which position he held for about six years. He then came to Rome, N. Y., by way of the Erie Canal, and settled on an unbroken farm in the north part of Annsville, where he lived and died. He cleared the farm, which comprised 100 acres, and lived to see the country transformed from a wilderness to a fertile section. He was one of the first settlers of that part of the town, and was active in all local affairs, a Democrat in politics, and especially interested in education, serving as school trustee for many years. He was married in Ireland in 1831 to Margaret Mahoney, who died May 26, 1893, in her eighty-third year. Their ' children were Mary, deceased, who married Thomas Murphy, who died in the army during the civil war; Katharine Teresa, of Lynn, Mass.; Margaret Maria, deceased; B. Amelia, of Utica, who married Lieut. Wallace Mott, who died in the army ; Ellen (Mrs. P. T. O'Toole), deceased; Jane of Utica; Dennis L., of Utica; Rose A. (widow of Martin FAMILY SKETCHES. 369 Hinton), of Utica; and George P., who resides on the homestead in Munnsville. Dennis L. Daily was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools of Annsville. He remained on the homestead until 1877, when he entered the employ of theSinger Sewing Machine Company. In the fall of 1880 he came to Utica and in 1885 established his present grocery business in Sunset avenue. In Annsville he took an active part, in local politics and served two terms as town collector and one term as assessor. In Utica he has also taken an active interest in local political affairs. June 7, 1882, he married Katharine M., daughter of Daniel Sullivan, of Utica, and- they have six children : Cornelius Sullivan, Margaret Maria, Ellen Jane, Katharine Teresa, Mary Loretta, and George Vincent. Davis, George A., son of Charies S., was bora in Utica December 4, 1857. Charles S Davis, son of David, was born in the town of Frankfort, Herkimer county, July 1, 1829, married Polly Brockway, a native of New Hartford, Oneida county, and came to Utica about 1856, where he still resides. He was for many years the proprietor of a livery stable and a large trucking business. When seventeen George A. Davis engaged in the manufacture of picture frames and spring beds with F. P. Baldwin but one year later, associated himself with his father in the trucking busi ness, in which he continued four and one-half years. He subsequently formed a copartnership with William N. Weaver, purchased his father's business, and still continues it under the firm name of Davis & Weaver. In March, 1889, Mr. Davis also became proprietor of the Clinton House in Bleecker street and conducted it for six years, changing its name in 1894 to New American. He was also proprietor of the Metropolitan Hotel for three years, and as a landlord in each of these hosteleries attained unusual success. In August, 1894, he formed a partnership with Charles Kilkinney, as Kilkinney & Davis, and purchased the old Wilsey brick yard and manufactory at Deerfield, opposite the New York Central freight depot. They re fitted it, adding the most improved machinery, etc. , and now manufacture about 5,000,000 brick annually. Mr. Davis is a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 224, F. & A. M., Imperial Council R. A., and the Arcanum Club, and in politics is a staunch Republican. November 1, 1884, he married Mary Morgan, of Oneida, N. Y., who died September 25, 1893. He married, second, October 10, 1894, Miss Florence Bliskey, of Oneida, N. Y. Hatfield, Richard E., one of the substantial and influential farmers of this town, has been a resident of the immediate vicinity since 1851, when the family of George H. Hatfield, his father, firstsettled here. They camefrom South Wales, and the elder, now deceased, was noted for his integrity and industry and soon became master of a com petence and position among the most respected people in New Hartford. Richard Hatfield, like his father, tilled the soil with diligence and has become so situated as to enjoy the fruit of his labors. He was born in Wales, December 25, 1836. In 1861 he married Mary Davis, a daughter of the late David Davis, of South Clinton. He has, served his town as assessor and superintendent of the poor. Wheeler, Frank E. , is the only son of Russel Wheeler, who was born in Rome, N. Y. , August 7, 1820, and died in Utica January 5, 1895 George Wheeler, father of Russel, was bom in Glastonbury, Conn., in February, 1791, came to Oneida county with his father, and died on the homestead near Rome September 2, 1882. He had 370 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. one daughter and seven sons, of whom Russel was the third. Russel Wheeler came to Utica in 1838 and entered the hardware store of John Mairs, where he remained four years. In 1842 he became bookkeeper for Joel C. Bailey, who had just pur chased the Chester Dexter foundry on Columbia street. In 1844 he formed a partner ship with Mr. Bailey, as Bailey, Wheeler & Co., which continued until 1855, when Mr. Wheeler bought his senior partner's interest. In 1865 he secured that of S. Alonzo Bailey and in 1887 he took his son, Frank E., into the business ; two years later Fran cis Kernan, jr., became a partner, but on January 1, 1890, the Wheelers again be came sole owners, the firm name being Russel Wheeler & Son. They manufacture stoves, furnaces, heaters, etc., and employ from 150 to 200 men. Mr. Wheeler was alderman in 1849-50, a director in the Oneida National Bank, a trustee of the Savings Bank of Utica, for many years vice-president, of the Utica Steam Cotton Mills, the Globe Woolen Mills, the Utica Willowvale Bleaching Works, and the Utica and Black River Railroad Company. He was also for many years a trustee of Colgate University. He was an extensive traveler, a man of unswerving integrity, and an influential, respected citizen. August 5, 1845, he married Amanda, daughter of Joel C. Bailey, of Utica, who died at Saratoga Springs, ~N. Y.,. August 29, 1884, leaving one son, Frank E., who was born in Utica in 1853. November 10, 1887, Mr. Wheeler married, second, Mrs. Katharine K. Anderson, of New York. Frank Wheeler was graduated from Yale College in 1876, and for several years has managed the business of the firm. In 1878 he married Louise Vanette, daughter of Hon. Cheney Ames, of Oswego, N. Y. White, Charles N., is a son of Nicholas A. White, who was bora in February. 1819, in Thetford, Vermont, and came with his parents, Noah and Frances White, to Oneida county, when he was an infant. In 1827 the family settled in Utica, and when nine years of age Nicholas A. entered the employ of George Brayton and Aaron Kellogg, proprietors of the pottery situated on the site of the present Central New York pottery, on the northwest corner of Whitesboro and Breeze streets, with which he was ever afterward connected. In 1827 Noah White entered the employ of the same firm and later made some ware on shares. He subsequently bought the estab lishment and also leased and finally purchased the pottery on the east side of Breeze street, thus having the only important concerns of the kind in the county. About 1840 he took his sons Nicholas A. and William in as partners, under the firm name of N. White & Sons, which continued until William went west in 1856, when it became N. White & Son. About 1862, a grandson, William N., son of Nicholas A., was ad mitted as N. White, Son & Co. -Noah White died November 4, 1865, and the firm became N. A. White & Son. William N. (the son) died about 1877, when N. A. assumed the sole management. He died August 10, 1886, and since then it has been managed by Charles N. White. Nicholas A. White waS alderman for two terms, member of assembly one year, a member of the I. O. O. F., and during his life a prominent and influential citizen. He married Julia Tucker, of Utica, who survives him. Their children were William N. (deceased), Mrs. Henry Roberts, Dr. Sue: A. White, Mrs. E. B. Odell, Chas. N. White, and Mrs. Luther I. Foster, of Syracuse. Wheeler, Hon. Thomas, son of George, was bora in Utica, October 5, 1845. George Wheeler, a native of Ireland, came to America and settled in Utica with his father, John, when very young, and died here in 1858. He was engaged in the trucking FAMILY SKETCHES. * 371 business. Thomas Wheeler was educated in the public schools, and at the age of fifteen entered the Utica Steam Cotton Mill and later the Woolen Mills. August 30, 1862, he enlisted in Co. A, 146th N. Y. Vols., was promoted second lieutenant, and was mustered out July 25, 1865. He was in the army of the Potomac, participated in most of the battles of his regiment, was wounded March 31, 1865, at White Oak Road, and was confined in the hospital till shortly before his discharge. Returning to Utica he followed various employments until 1870, when he was appointed patrol man on the police force. In 1873 he entered the district attorney's office under D. C. Stoddard and remained there about eight years. He was also chief detective for the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad Company, having charge of their detective department from Albany to Syracuse, and held this position about eleven years. In politics he has been an active Democrat. In 1888 he was nominated and elected county sheriff, and served until his term expired December 31, 1891. -March 1, 1892, he was elected mayor of Utica and served from March 8, 1892 to March 13, 1894. During his term as mayor he conducted the fight against the Warren-Scharf Asphalt Paving Company, and broke the prices for street paving, being the first man in the United States to attempt such a movement. May 1, 1894, the present coal firm of Wheeler, McQuade & Co. , was formed, and on February 19, 1895, Mr. Wheeler was appointed assistant superintendent of public works by State Superintendent Aldridge, and still holds that position. He is a member of Post Bacon G. A. R., the Elks and the Arcanum Club. April 26, 1886, he married Helen Franees, daughter of Lawrence Doyle, of Utica. Smith, Benjamin, was born March 7, 1842, in Sheffield, England, is a son of Charles T. and Sarah Smith, and came to America with his. parents in 1844. The family first settled in Brooklyn, N. Y., but in 1845 came to West Utica, where Charles T. died abo"ut 1878, aged sixty -three. He was an ivory and bone turner by trade, which he followed here for about thirty years. He was also a dealer in real estate and kept a grocery store, and was collector of the Third ward two years. • He was a prominent cricketer, a member of the Utica Cricket Club and its president, and took many prizes in this popular game. He was also a prominent member of St. George's So ciety and held several offices. His wife died in May, 1891. They had ten children of whom five are living, viz. . Mrs. Anna Graham, Mrs. Emma Johnson, Benjamin Smith, and Mrs. Lydia Ann Higgins, all of Utica, and Mrs. Sarah Jane Tompkins of Chatham, N. J. Benjamin Smith was in Utica and first engaged in machinist's trade, which he followed for twenty years. In 1879 he purchased and has since kept the Western Hotel in West Utica. In 1864 Mr. Smith enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served until the close of the war, being on the gunboat Shawmut. He is a member of Post McQuade G. A. R. and the Veteran Firemen's Association, being connected with the volunteer fire department for about five years. In 1861 he mar ried Mary, daughter of Levi Atherton, of Camden, Oneida county, and they have had two children : Benjamin, who died aged four, and Nellie B. (Mrs. Joseph Wilbert), of Utica. Townsend, Walter C, is a son of Homer Townsend, who was born in Grandbor- ough, Warwickshire, England April 17, 1822, came to America in 1831, settled in Utica in 1833, and died here April 20, 1884. Homer Townsend was long a promi nent and influential citizen and held several positions of trust and honor. He was 3"72 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. alderman of the Eighth ward of Utica for eight years a member of the Board of Charity Commissioners for the same length of time, and a member of the Exempt Firemen's Association and of the Seymour Artillery. In all these positions he served with distinction and great credit, He was married in Utica, November 13, 1843, to Miss Emily Hill, and their children were Charles Henry, Grace Louisa, Homer Clemens, William Fall, Henrietta Neeley, John Adams, Mary Louise, George Ar thur, Walter Clarkson, Fanny Camelia and Frank. Sheridan, Simon, son of Thomas and Rose (Burns) Sheridan was born May 31, 1823, in County Meath, Ireland, and came to America in 1847, landing in New York city July 1. He had learned the carpenter trade, and coming immediately to Utica (in July, 1847,) he actively identified himself with that calling. He worked here and in Rome until 1850, and since then has lived in Utica. He followed carpentering and building during his active life, working on the Rome Acad emy and court house and many other noted structures as a journeyman, in which capacity he was with A. J. Lathrop for eight years. He was foreman for William Metcalf about eleven years, and is one of the oldest carpenters and builders in Utica. He is a Democrat, has been quite active in local politics, and has several times been the candidate for his party for office. He joined the 45th Regiment, Emmett Guards, in 1854, and served seven years, becoming sergeant. He was a member of the old St. Vincent de Paul Society for ten years prior to its disbandment. February 9, 1854, he married Sarah A. , daughter of Patrick Donally, of Utica, and they have had six children : Thomas, who died in infancy, Mary (Mrs. Edward Cal lahan), of Utica, Rose and Ann, who died young, and James D. and Simon F., of Utica. Stappenbeck, Henry, was born in Seehausen, Prussia, Germany, December 22, 1850, and came to America in May, 1869. He settled in Utica and learned the busi ness of glue manufacturing, and about 1871 established his present glue and boiled bone manufactory. He was the first in this section to manufacture glue, and has built up a large and successful business. Within recent years he added the manu facture of fertilizers from bone. His establishment is located in the town of Whites boro, just outside the city limits. Mr. Stappenbeck has always taken a keen interest in local affairs and in politics is a Republican. He is a member of Lodge 242, Order of Harugari, and the Utica Maennechor, and for several years was president of Zion German Lutheran church of Utica. He married, first, Wilhelmenia Zimmerman, a native of Germany, who died about 1877, leaving two children, William and Henry. His second wife is Laura Gliffe, of Germany, and they have three children living: Emil, Joseph and Clara. Sauer, G. Adam, born June 1, 1865, in Utica, is a son of George Sauer, a native of Bavaria, Germany, who came to America about 1862 and still lives in Utica. George Sauer has been since about 1870 engaged in the meat business in West Utica. He married Anna M. Weimer, who died July 21, 1893. They had three children: Joseph J., G. Adam, and Mary M. G. Adam Sauer was educated in the Utica pub lic schools and Assumption Academy, and at an early age entered his father's meat market. In July, 1888, he established his present business, first on Kirkland street and in 1892 at his present location on the corner of Plant and Francis streets. Mr. FA MILY ¦ SKETCHES. 373 Sauer is1 president of the Retail Butchers' Mutual Protective Association of Utica, and is an active Democrat. In November, 1895, he was elected alderman of the Eleventh ward. May 7, 1889, he married Anna A. Zimmerman, daughter of the late Edward Zimmerman, of Utica. Risley, Edwin Hills, was born in the town of Madison, Madison county, N. Y., February 5, 1842, and is a son of Chauncey and Sophia (Brewer) Risley, and a descendant of Richard Risley, who emigrated from England to the Plymouth Colony in 1630, settled in Newton, and in 1635 went to Hartford, Conn., with the Hooker party. Mr. Risley's education was limited to the country schools of those times sup plemented with an academic course of about two years. He taught school in the year 1860, and in March, 1861. began the study of law in the office of Edwin H. Lamb, of Waterville, Oneida county.' In July, 1861, he enlisted as a private in the 117th New York State Volunteers and was mustered as first lieutenant of Co. D on August 13, 1862. He served with the regiment and on detached service for one year. ' In September, 1863, he entered the Albany Law School and was admitted to practice at Watertown, N. Y. , at the October term, 1863. He began the practice of law in Sherburne, Chenango county, N. Y. , in the early summer of 1864. While in the Albany Law School he was appointed captain of cavalry in the battalion being raised by Colonel Newberry, of Chicago, and was mustered out of the service on the consolidation of the battalion with other troops. He was appointed captain in the 103d N. Y. State Militia and served with that regiment till it was disbanded. In the fall of 1865 he removed from Sherburne to Hamilton N. Y. , and continued the practice of law in that village until April, 1869; when he settled in Utica, where he has since resided. Mr. Risley has had an extensive practice in the trial courts and in the appellate courts of the State and is considered successful as a lawyer. During the past ten years his practice has been almost exclusively in Federal courts, involv ing patent litigations. In 1884 he spent one year in a large machine shop to perfect his knowledge of mechanical appliances. In 1890 he organized and promoted the National Harrow Company, which controls the entire spring tooth harrow manu facture of the United States, and is at the present time president of the company. In 1892 he promoted and organized the Standard Harrow Company with a view of consolidating into one manufacture all of the spring-tooth harrow business in the United States. He obtained options on all the business, but owing to the financial panic of 1893 only partially carried out the project. At the pres ent time he is one of the managing directors of the Standard Harrow Company, having a large and successful manufactory in Utica. He promoted and organized the Savage Repeating Arms Company, who manufacture hammerless, smokeless- powder sporting rifles, being in this department the pioneer in the world. At present he is treasurer of the company. He organized and was director in the D. B. Smith Company, whose business was absorbed by the Standard Harrow Company. Mr. Risley is president of the New Forest Association of Utica, and for a number of years was a director in the Westmoreland Malleable Iron Company. He possesses first-class mechanical ability, good business judgment, and is interested in all the public enterprises for the benefit of the city. He is a Republican, but a relentless foe of corruption and bossism in politics. He joined the Baptist church in 1865 and has been an active and influentialmember of that denomination ever since. 374 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Maxfield, Rouse B., son of Rufus G. and Mehitable (Bennett) Maxfield, was born . in the town of Ohio, Herkimer county, June 29, 1847, and received his education in the district schools and under the tutelege of his father, who was well versed in the sciences. Oct. 27, 1862, he enlisted in Co. E, 97th N. Y. Vols., joiningthe same com pany in which his brother David E. had been fatally wounded at Antietam. He served until his discharge on June 15, 1865, participatingin the first and second battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, where he was severely wounded in the right arm and taken prisoner. He lay in the enemy's lines during the second and third days' fight and until they retreated, and then remained with his regiment until the close of the war, being present at Hatcher's Run, Petersburg, Five Forks, and Appomattox. Returning home he resumed his studies for one year and then began teaching district school, which he continued winters until 1875. In 1875-77 he taught the Union school at Taberg, N. Y., where he served as justice of the peace. In 1882 he was clerk of the Board of Supervisors of Oneida county, and in 1883 be came a traveling salesman. His old wound broke out at this time and on Dec. 1, 1883, his right arm was amputated, which incapacitated him for two years. In 1885 he was again clerk of the Board of Supervisors and on Jan. 1, 1886, he entered the county clerk's office under M. Jesse Brayton. Here he remained until Jan. 1, 1892, when he became county clerk, having been elected in the preceding November on the Republican ticket. Jan. 1, 1895, he engaged in his present business as pension attorney. He has been a notary public since about 1880, and is a member and past commander-of Post Bacon, No. 53, G. A. R. , and for several years its quarter-mas ter. He is also a member and past grand of Skenandoa Lodge, No. 95, I. O. O. F., a member and chief patriarch of Tri-Mount Encampment, and a member of Utica Lodge K. of H., Excelsior Council, K. P., Imperial Council R. A., and the Arcanum Club. He is an enthusiastic sportsman, a great lover of the rod and gun, and a pub lic spirited citizen. Dec. 25, 1875, he married Ella M., daughter of David Moyer, of Taberg, N. Y.. and they have had two children: Grace M. and Bessie M. (who died aged seven years.) - / Mather, Charles W., son of Westley and Julia Ann (Keyser) Mather, and grandson of Joshua Mather, was born in the town of New Hartford, Oneida county, May 1, 1852. The family descends from Rev. Richard Mather, father of Dr. Increase Mather, oneofthoearlypresidentsof Harvard College. Rev. Richard cam efromLewton, Win- wick parish, England, and settled in Boston, Mass., in 1635. Among his descendants were Cotton and Dr. Samuel Mather. Asaph Mather, of the fifth generation, was born in East Lynn, Conn., in 1753, andfinallysettled in 1792 at Schuyler, Herkimer county, where his son, Joshua, grew to manhood. The latter iu 1810 married Cornelia, daughter of Rev. Joseph Willis, and their children were Lucinda, Wesley, Asaph D. and Joshua, jr. Joshua Mather, jr., came to Utica in 1847 and engaged in the grocery- business with Asaph D. In 1866 the firm of A. D. Mather & Co. founded the present bank of that name. A. D. died in April, 1880, and Joshua associated with himself his nephew, Charles W. Mather, and in November, 1890, the business' was incorpo rated under the name of A. D, Mather & Co.'s Bank, with a capital of 1200,000, and with Joshua Mather as president. He was also president of the Utica Belt Line Street Railroad Company. He died August 18, 1893. Wesley Mather was born January 19, 1819, came to New Hartford in 1847, and died there September 15, 1892. FAMILY SKETCHES. 375 His wife died in 1855. Their children were Albert, and Lucinda (Mrs. Joseph D. Monroe), who reside on thejiomestead ; Warren, of New Hartford; and Sarah J. (Mrs. J. F. Turner) and Charles W., of Utica. Charles W. Mather finished his edu cation at the private school of John Williams. In 1871 he became a clerk in the banking house of A. D. Mather & Co., and rose to the post of teller. In 1880 he be came a partner and in 1890 vice-president. On the death of his uncle in 1893 he was elected president. He has been a director and the treasurer of the Utica Belt Line Street Railroad Company since its organization in 1886. He is a member of Faxton Lodge, No. 697, F. & A. M., Oneida Chapter R. A. M.., Utica Commandery, No. 3, K. T., and Ziyara Temple Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and a charter member of the Masonic Club. August 7, 1873, he married Ida F., daughter of David J. Crane (a member of the editorial staff of the New York Tribune at the time of his death). Their children are Cornelia F., William, Maud, Ida A., Katherine A., and Richard. Dempsey, Hon. James L,, son of John and Catherine (Lyons) Dempsey, was born April 29, 1848, in Dublin, Ireland, and came to America with his parents the same year, settling first in New York city. In 1849 the family came to Utica and in* 1853 moved thance to a farm in Westmoreland. In 1857 they settled in Kirkland, Oneida county, where his parents still live. John Dempsey is a farmer and mason by occu pation. He had eight children, all of whom are living: James L., Terrence J., Thomas E., all of Clinton; John J., of the town of Kirkland; William, of Clinton; Mary J. (Mrs. John R. Tierney), of Lairdsville, Oneida county; Anna (Mrs. John Nichols), of Utica; and Nellie (Mrs. Michael Dolan), of Albany, N. Y. James L. Dempsey was educated in the public schools of Kirkland, learned the trade of mason and builder, aud for a time carried on a successful contracting business. In 1870 he became proprietor of a hotel in Clinton, his partner being Peter Blake, his brother- in-law, continuing seven years. In 1869 he commenced dealing in hops and farm produce, and has ever since continued in that business with unusual success. He has been an extensive operator in this connection, buying, handling, and shipping large quantities of hops, etc. In 1886 he was one of the organizers and first directors of the Clinton Burial Case Company, since removed to Utica. He was the prime mover and mainly instrumental in securing the location of the Clinton Canning Company in the village of Clinton, the leading manufacturing industry there. He was in business at different times with Henry McNamara, Peter Pegnim and R. J. Billing ham. Mr. Dempsey has always taken a deep interest in the welfare and prosperity of the village of Clinton, contributing liberally of both time and means toward every worthy enterprise, and encouraging all movements promising general benefit. Public spirited, progressive, and energetic he is prominently identified with the town, and is active in furthering its moral and material interests. He is a staunch Democrat, and has been for several years an influential member of that party. In 1890 and 1891 he represented his district in the State Legislature, where, as the records show, he looked carefully after the interests of his constituents, and especially after the wel fare of the farming and laboring classes. As member of assembly he was instru mental in starting the movements which resulted in the selling of the old county farm and poor house at Rome for $209,000, which gave to the county the present county house and poor farm and also the Rome State Custodial Asylum, two insti tutions of permanent local as well as general value. He has been a trustee and one 376 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of the water commissioners of the village of Clinton since the spring of 1893. He was also a member of the first sewer commission, and as such was instrumental in introducing the present sewerage system, resigning to become village trustee. In all matters of local improvement he has taken a conspicuous part, and has. labored assiduously for the benefit of the place. May 19, 1870, he married Catharine, daughter of Michael Blake, of the town of Kirkland, and they have had eight chil- ¦ dren: John A., Francis M., Joseph W., Elizabeth Maria, James L., jr., Kate, Robert (deceased), and Rose. Daily, Dennis L. , was born in the town of Annsville, Oneida county, January 23, 1847, and is a son of Cornelius Daily, who was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1804, and died January 26, 1894. Cornelius Daily came to America about 1832, landing in Quebec, Canada. A few months later he became foreman on the construction of the railroad from Boston to Worcester, the first equipped steam railroad in the United States, which position he held for about six years. He then came to Rome, N. Y. , by stage, and settled on an unbroken farm in the north part of Annsville, where he lived'and died. , He cleared the farm, which comprised 100 acres, and lived to see the country transformed from a wilderness to a fertile section. He was one of the first settlers of that part of the town, and was active in all local affairs, a Democrat in politics, and especially interested in education, serving as school trustee for many years. He was married in Ireland in 1831 to Margaret Mahoney, who died May 36, 1893, in her eighty-third year. Their children were Mary, deceased, who married Thomas Murphy, who died in the army during the civil war; Katharine Teresa, of Lynn, Mass. ; Margaret Maria, deceased; B. Amelia, of Utica, who married Lieut Wallace Mott, who died in the army ; Ellen (Mrs. P. T. O'Toole), deceased ; Jane of Utica; Dennis L., of Utica; Rose A. (widow of Martin Hinton), of Utica; and George P., who resides on the homestead in Munnsville. Dennis L. Daily was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools of Annsville. He remained on the homestead until 1877, when he entered the employ of the Singer Sewing Machine Company. In the fall of 1880 he came to Utica and in 1885 established his present grocery business in Sunset avenue. In Annsville he took an active part in local pol itics and served two terms as town collector and one term as assessor. In Utica he has also taken an active interest in local political affairs. June 7, 1882, he married Katharine M. Sullivan, of Utica, and they have six children: Cornelius Sullivan, Margaret Maria, Ellen Jane, Katharine Teresa, Mary' Loretta, and George Vincent. Prescott, D. D., was born in the town of New Hartford in 1856, son of Daniel Morgan Prescott. He is the owner of the farm with which the name of Prescott has been identified over one hundred years, and which descended from father to son for many generations. His great-grandfather came here from Connecticut when his grandfather, Oliver Prescott, was but four years of age. The death of his father, Daniel Morgan Prescott, in 1805, removed from the community a beloved and ven erable citizen ; he held the offices of assessor and collector, and was a member of the Assembly one term, and also held many important positions about the State Capitol — postmaster, sergeant,-at-arms, and librarian. He married Lydia M. Bacon, of Litchfield, Herkimer county, by whom he had four sons and two daughters ; and she still survives him at the age of sixty-six. D. D. Prescott, following in the foot steps of his father, is a staunch Republican, but not an office holder. He is identi- FAMILY SKETCHES. 377 fied with the Presbyterian church. In 1880 he married Stella Schooley, of Litch field, by whom he has four children: Fannie S., Walter D., Arthur A., and Eva E. Durfee, W. V., was bora in Madison county, August 6, 1833, son of William and Ursula (Seabura) Durfee, natives of Rhode Island. W. V. Durfee has spent nearly all of bis life in Sangerfield, where he has been engaged in farming. January 1, 1856, he married Maria Bush, who died June 30, 1895. Mr. Durfee is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of the Grange. Weaver, Van Rensselaer, son of George F. and grandson of Henry Van R. Weav er, was born in Deerfield, Oneida county, Jan. 21, 1855, and was reared on his father's farm. The founder of the family in Deerfield was George J. Weaver, who, in 1773, came up the Mohawk with Capt. Mark Damoth and Christan Reall and set tled at the Corners. In 1776 the Indians drove them back and burned their improve ments. Afterward Mr. Weaver was taken prisoner near Herkimer, carried to Que bec and thence to England, and after more than two years exchanged. In 1784 the three men again settled at Deerfield Corners, where Mr. Weaver's grandson, George M. Weaver, jr., was the first white male child born in the town, his birth occurring Jan. 15, 1787, and his death in 1877. Van Rensselaer Weaver was educated in the Deerfield public and Utica advanced schools, and remained on the farm until 1894, maintaining also a milk route in Utica. He is a staunch Republican, has been a delegate to State and other political conventions, and for five successive years from 1880 served as supervisor of the town of Deerfield. He also held this office in 1892 and 1893. In 1894 he waselected sheriff of Onieda county for a term of three years by a majority of about4,300, which was the second largest on the ticket.- For several years he has been a trustee of the Deerfield Baptist church . Febt 20, 1882, he married Laura A., daughter of Owen D. Owens, of Clinton, N. Y., and their children are Van Rensselaer, jr., Ralph O., Harrison, and Clarence W. Wheeler, Russel, was born in Rome, Oneida county, N. Y. , August 7. 1820, upon the farm that was purchased in ' 1810 by his grandfather, Lazarus Wheeler, who came as a pioneer from Glastonbury. Conn., with his eleven children, making the entire journey, and conveying his household goods as well as his family by means of ox teams. Of the eleven children of Lazarus Wheeler, the fourth, George, the father of Russel, was bora in Glastonbury, February 21, 1791, and was thus nine teen years of age when he came to this county. The original farm was afterwards divided into two portions, which were owned respectively by George and a brother Asa; and upon their death was purchased by Russel, the subject of this sketch, who held it the balance of his life, and who bequeathed it to his son, Frank E., who is the present owner. This farm for years has been widely known for the blooded stock, and especially the fine Jersey cattle that have been' raised upon it. Lazarus Wheeler died upon the homestead July 2, 1851, at the age of ninety two, and George Wheeler died September 9, 1882, at the age of ninety-one. Russel' Wheeler, the third son of George Wheeler, came to Utica in 1838, and entered the hardware store of John Mairs, where he remained as clerk for four years. In 1842 he became book keeper for Joel C. Bailey, who had just purchased the Chester Dexter Foundry on Columbia street. In 1844 he, together with a son of Mr. Bailey, S. Alonzo, were taken into partnership, under the 'firm name of Bailey, Wheeler & Co, In 1855 Rus- 378 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. sel Wheeler purchased the interest of Joel C. Bailey, and the firm became Wheeler & Bailey. In 1865 he bought the interest of S. Alonzo Bailey, and continued the business in his own name and without partner for twelve years. In 1877 he took his son, Frank E., into the business, and the firm name became what it is to-day, Rus sel Wheeler & Son. They manufacture warm air furnaces, hot water and steam heaters, ranges and stoves, and employ from 150 to 200 men. Mr. Wheeler occupied many positions of trust and responsibility. He was trustee of Colgate University, and also of the Young Ladies' Seminary of Utica. He was for some years vice- president of the Utica City National Bank', was director of the Oneida National , Bank and trustee of the Savings Bank of Utica. He was for many years a director and member of the Executive Committee of the Utica and Black River Railroad; was a director of the Utica Steam Cotton Mills, the Mohawk Cotton Company, the Willowvale Bleaching Company, and the Globe Woolen Company. He was an ex tensive traveler, both in his own land and abroad. A man of unswerving integrity and exceptional judgment, he was in every way a most influential and respected citizen. August 5, 1845, he married Amanda, the eldest daughter of his partner, Joel C. Bailey, a lady who became interested in many of the charities of Utica, and who combined to a more than usual degree those attributes which make a happy, attract ive home, and which endear one to all who are fortunate enough to be brought under their influence. She died August 29, 1884, at Saratoga Springs. They had but one child, a son, Frank E. Wheeler, who was graduated from Yale College in 1876, and who has succeeded his father in the business, as well as in many of his positions of trust. November 10, 1887, Mr. Wheeler married, second, Mrs. Katharine Kneeland Anderson, of New York, who survives him. He died in Utica, at his home on Gene see street, January 5, 1895. Frank E. Wheeler, the son, married, April 23, 1878, Louise Vanette, daughter of Hon. Cheney Ames of Oswego. Sheehan, John H., was bora in Ireland, March 16, 1838. Having lost his parents by death he came to America when about six years of age with an elder sister and first settled in Troy, N. Y., where he attended the public schools. In 1850 he came to Utica and finished his education in the Advanced school of this city. At the age of fourteen he became an errand boy in the drug store of Uriah H. Kellogg. About four years later Mr. Kellogg was succeeded by Grove & Hamilton, with whom Mr. Sheehan remained for a short time. In 1857 he entered the employ of Dickinson, Comstock & Co. , wholesale druggists and grocers, and in 1865 he was admitted as a partner. He continued in this capacity until 1868, when he formed a copartnership with his father-in-law, Peter Vidvard, who was then in the wholesale wine and spirit business at Nos. 29 and 31 John street. This firm adopted the name of Vidvard& Shee han and continued for ten years, or until 1878. In January, 1879, Mr. Sheehan started in the wholesale and retail drug business on his own accounton the site of the Oneida National Bank building, where he was burned out June 10, 1886. In 1884 he took Charles S. England (then in his employ) and Philip Sweeney as partners under the firm name of John H. Sheehan & Co., which name still continues, although Mr. Sheehan has been for several years the sole proprietor. In the fall of 1886 they es tablished the present store in Genesee street, purchasing the site from one of the heirs of the late John Carton. Mr. Sheehan is a Democrat in politics, a successful business man, and was charity commissioner for one year, being appointed to fill the vacancy FAMILY SKETCHES. 379 caused by the death of Joseph Fass. He is a member of Fort Schuyler Club and takes an active interest in the welfare of the city. September 13, 1865, he married Josephine Francis Schaler, step-daughter of Peter Vidvard, and they have six children: Dr. John P., a physician of Utica; Edward J., of the Sheehan Fruit Syrup Company, of Utica ; Robert S. , who died April 15, 1894, aged twenty-one ; Frederick Paul, a student at Fordham College in New York city ; and Josephine Catherine and Agnes Emily, students in Mrs. Piatt's Ladies' Seminary of Utica. Dygert, George W., is a grandson of Peter Dygert, who came to Utica from Schenectady at an early day and drove stages from several years. James H., son of Peter, was born there in 1839, and has been a life-long restaurateur. His son, George W., was born in Utica, April 17, 1865, followed bookkeeping about ten years, and in the fall of 1891 succeeded his father as the proprietor- of a restaurant and oyster house. He is a member of I. O. of R. M., and a charter member of the old Utica Mandolin Club, the first organization of the kind in the city. He has always taken an active part in important musical entertainments. Pohl, George D., was born in West Leyden, Lewis county, N. Y., December 35, 1855, son of Adam and Francisca (Vogal) Pohl, natives of Darmstadt, Germany, who came to America in 1853, stopping at New York city, from where they came to Lewis county, and finally settled in Ava. Mrs. Pohl died in 1883, and Mr. Pohl is still living at the age of sixty-seven. He is a blacksmith by trade, having learned the trade in Germany, and the shop in which he learned his trade and worked was conducted by his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, being in the family over 200 years. George D. learned the trade of his father. In 1886 he married Jen nie R., daughter of Henry and Mary E. (Hicks) Slone. Mr. Slone was a graduate of the Eclectic Medical College at Philadelphia, and also of the Homeopathic College at Cincinnati. He began his practice at Vienna, and spent his last years m practice at Ava, where he died in 1873. In 1884 Mrs. Slone married Penn Rockwell of Ava. Mr. and Mrs. Pohl have three children: Florence M., Arthur and Harold. Mr. Pohl, with his brother, Valentine, began general blacksmith business at Ava in 1879. In 1883 they patented a curd mill, which they have since manufactured. They have also invented and manufactured an automatic curd agitator, and manufacture gas and gasoline engines, in which business they associated with themselves in 1894, Henry Pokosney, of Vienna, Austria, late of the automatic gas engine works of Philadelphia, Pa. They also conduct a foundry in which Frank Tryon, of Syracuse, is foreman. Mr. Pohl is at present justice of the peace. Crandall Charles E., was born at Vernon Center, in the town of Vernon, Oneida county, N. Y., December 1, 1833. He was educated in the district schools, and re mained on the farm until he was sixteen years of age, and then learned the currier's trade, which business he followed until 1859, when he became a manufacturer of boots' and shoes. He continued this business six years, then added the grocery business, and in 1872 began conducting a general store, which he still follows with success, taking his son, Willard L., into partnership April 1, 1885, under the firm name of C. E. Crandall & Son. January 29, 1881, he was appointed postmaster and served about five years, till there was a change of administration. October 5, 1853, he married Maria T., daughter of George C. Cadwell, of this town, by whom he has 380 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. three sons: George C, Willard L. and Charles F. Mrs. Crandall died June 13, 1896. George C. married Minnie Bell, of Glens Falls, and they have one daughter, Florence. Willard L. married Marian Barrett, of Medina, Orleans county, and they have two children, Charles A. and Barrett L. Charles F. resides at home and runs the stage route, carrying the mail. Mrs. Crandall' s father, George C. Cadwell, was justice of the peace twenty years. C. E. Crandall has held the position of notary continuously for over twenty years and still holds the office. Willard L. Crandall is treasurer of the School Board. The ancestry of the family is of Dutch extraction. Bensberg, Frederick W. , was born in Utica May 21, 1852, and is a son of Frederick W. and Barbara Bensberg, who came from Germany to America and settled in Utica in 1846 where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Bensberg, sr. , was en gaged in the grocery and coal business here until his death in 1883. Frederick W. , his son, was educated in the public and advanced schools of Utica, commenced to learn the trade of printing first in the Herald office, where he was employed from 1863 to 1881, being assistant foreman during the last twelve years. In 1881 he was one of the organizers of the Utica Daily Press and has since been its foreman. When the company was incorporated in 1883 he was made a director and a member of the executive committee, which position he still holds. Mr. Bensberg is a staunch Republican, was school commissioner of Utica for three years (1891, 1892, and 1893). He married Miss Georgia A. Perkins, of Oriskany Falls, Oneida county, and a daughter of John P. Perkins. They have had two children: Florence P. and Fred erick Stafford (who died aged two years). Fuller, Charles Y., was born December 25, 1850, in Schenectady, N. Y., and is a son of Charles and Sarah A. (Lewis) Fuller, Charles Fuller, son of Ebenezer, was born in Schenectady county and was a broom maker by trade, and died in 1857. He was a lineal descendant of Ebenezer Fuller, of the Mayflower. His wife sur vives him. Her maternal grandfather, Sanborn Ford, was a Revolutionary soldier and was present at Fort Montgomery and the Seige of Yorktown and witnessed the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. Charles Y. Fuller came to Utica with his mother in 1857, and received his education in the public schools of the city. In 1878 he began learning the stone cutter's trade in Lockport, N. Y., where he remained about seven years. Later he was employed for eleven years on the State capitol.at Albany. . In 1887 he returned to Utica and 1888 engaged in cut stone contracting (the first to in troduce machinery for cutting stone in Utica or Oneida county), which he still suc cessfully continues. Among the many buildings he has erected are the Olivet church on Howard avenue, the Church of the Holy Cross on Bleecker street (1893), and St. Patrick's church on Columbia street in Utica; the Parochial school in Little Falls ; the Hieber building, Walton High School, Second National Bank building, Oneida Historical building (Munson Williams memorial), schools numbers twenty and twenty-one and the Albany street school in Utica. He has also erected many other large buildings in Central New York, including numerous fine residences, blocks, etc. He is an active Republican and has been delegate to several local con ventions. He is a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 224, F. & A. M., of Samuel Reed Lodge, K. of P., and of the Knights of Honor. April 23, 1877, he married Augusta Blumenthal, of Utica, but a native of Germany, and they have three children: George L., Albert B. and Ada C. FAMILY SKETCHES. 381 Joslyn, William H., was born in Brockport, Monroe county, N. Y., November 23, 1835, and was educated in the public schools of Brockport and Colgate Institute. He has had a variety of occupations, but engaged most of the time in farming. October 18, 1856, he married Loui.sa Brockway, of his native place, by whom he had four children, all of whom are dead. Mrs. Joslyn died October 16, 1874, and in November, 1875, he married for his second wife, Mary Duff, of Sweden, Monroe county, by whom he had five children: Margaret M., W. Henry, Theresa M., Susan M., and Charles E. April 26, 1861, he enlisted in Co. K, 13th N. Y. Vols., in which he was orderly sergeant, was captured at the first battle of Bull Run, and was con fined in Libby Prison, Old Parish Prison, in New Orleans, and Saulsbury Prison, North Carolina,, and was paroled December 3, 1862. October 14, 1863, he was mus tered into the service as first lieutenant of Co. H, of the 21st N. Y. Cavalry. He participated in all the battles of the Shenandoah Valley, and served as provost marshal on the brigade staff through the fatal Lynchburg raid, when 1,500 horses perished in the mountains in one day from hunger. May 12, 1865, he was pro moted captain for brave and meritorious service. He was honorably discharged October 5, 1865. His father, Isaac Joslyn, was born in the town of Verona, March- 15, 1806, and was educated in the schools of his day. He married Maryette Peters, of Genesee county, N. Y. , by whom he had five children: William H. (as above), Charles A., Susan M., Sarah M., and Elias P. Isaac Joslyn died December 28, 1878. His father, Ephraim Joslyn, was born at Leominster, Mass., in 1774, and settled in Verona in 1790, son of Captain Abijah, of the Revolutionary, war. The family are of Norman ancestry. Eaton, Maurice. — Samuel Eaton was born in Newport, Herkimer county, N. Y., and afterward moved to Deerfield, where he engaged in farming. He was a Repub lican in politics, and was assessor of the town of Deerfield for several terms. He married Hannah Tanner, of Schuyler, Herkimer county, by whom he had five chil dren: Morris, a farmer on the homestead, who is a Republican in politics and is at present assessor of Deerfield ; Charles, also a farmer on the homestead, who is a member of Lodge No. 455, F. & A. M., ; Albert, a carpenter of Goshen, Ind. ; Sher man, a farmer in Herkimer county; and Emma, who married Hugh Jones, a farmer, of Deerfield, and who died in 1890. Samuel Eaton died March 16, 1894, and his wife died in November, 1891. Elijah Eaton, father of Samuel, came from Vermont and was a pioneer of Deerfield, where he was a farmer. He married Hannah Good rich, of Whitestown. Gorton, F. T., M.D., was born in Brookfield, Madison county, N. Y., October 22, 1843, son of Thomas Rodgers and Prudence (Treat) Gorton. His great grandfather, Samuel Gorton, settled in Brookfield in 1796 and was an officer in the'Revolutionary war. F. T. Gorton was educated at Whitestown and Cazenovia. He attended one course of medical lectures at Michigan University and was graduated from the Uni versity Medical College of the city of New York in 1871, after which he commenced practice in Waterville, and established a high reputation in medical circles. He is a member of the Oneida County Medical Society and has been coroner of the county two terms. He has also been village trustee two terms, and is a member of the Waterville Board of Education. He held the position of United States Pension examiner from January, 1872 to October, 1893, a period of nearly twenty-two years. 382 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Dr. Gorton married Alida C, daughter of C. A. Budlong of Cassville, N. Y., by whom he has one son and three daughters. Maurer, Deabold, was born in Alsace, France, now Germany, of German ancestry, May 30, 1833, and was educated in the French and German schools of his native country. He was reared on a farm, his parents, Michael and Dora Maurer, being farmers there. In 1853 he came to America and settled first in New London, Oneida county, N. Y., where he remained one year on a farm. He then traveled in the Southern and Western States, engaging in such employment as his tastes and the circumstances permitted. In 1854 he started for California, but was taken ill en route and stopped at Boonville, Mo., -where he remained about five years, being em ployed by an express, company there. In 1859 he joined an expedition to Pike's Peak and engaged in mining, but not meeting with success he cut a quantity of hay in one of the fertile valleys of Colorado, and sold it for $1 a pound to the mountaineers. Later he bought and shipped general merchandise from the States to the miners of Colorado, which proved quite profitable. He also sold goods among, the mining camps of Montana, transporting them 1,600 miles across the plains with ox-teams, and frequently encountering Indians, wild animals, and other adventures common to those pioneer days. He continued this business successfully until 1866, when he made a visit to his native country with the intention of remaining permanently, but local conditions induced him to return to the United States and settle in New Lon don, Oneida county, where he resided until the spring of 1896, when he removed to Syracuse, N. Y. In New London he carried on a general mercantile business for twenty-seven years, and during that period won the respect and confidence of the entire community. He was an active Democrat, and was a deacon of St. Peter's German Lutheran church of Church ville, near New London, and was also president of that church for several years. He was a member of the school board of New London for twenty-six years, a part of the time being its president. He is a mem ber of New London Lodge, No. 430, F. & A. M., and was for five years its trustee. In April, 1867, he was married at West Lyden. Lewis county, to Harriet Triess, and they have five children: Otto G. , of Kansas City, Kan. ; Theodore D. , of Syracuse; Oscar D., of Syracuse; Helen M. , of Syracuse; and Minnie M., of Utica. Mrs. Mauler's father, George Triess, was born in Germany, December 11, 1810,- came to America in 1835, and located in West Leyden, N. Y. He married Catherine Maurer, a native of Alsace, and has four children living: George, Harriet (Mrs. Deabold Maurer), William and Samuel. INDEXES. Abbott, Peter, 377 Acts resulting in the war of 1813, 167 Adgate, Matthew, 126 Aiken, Samuel C, Rev., 329 Alder Creek, 406 Alexander, Caleb, Rev., 268 Alverson, Uriah, 379 William, 76 Ambler; David, 388 Annsville, town of, 373-379 " business interests of, 375-377 churches of, 378, 379 first town officers of. 377 leading farmers of, 378 list of supervisors of, 377 pioneers of, 372-375 schools of, 376 topographv and natural character istics of,' 372 Andrus, David I., 60, 514 Armstrong, Archibald, 61, 62, 137 David, 61 E. B., 410 Jonas W., 61 Nicholas, 375 William C, 61 Arnold's, General, ruse to relieve Fort Stanwix, 48, 49 Arsenal, U. S., at Rome, 176. 177 Augusta, town of, 379-393 churches of, 383, 389, 390 early physicians of, 386 first events in, 388 first officers of, 382 lawyers from, 389 leading farmers of, 388 list of supervisors of, 392 organization of, 382 pioneers of, 380-389 population of, 392 schools of, 383 topography of, 379 town officers of, 393 Center, 384 Ava, town of, 393-396 churches and schools of, 396 first officers of, 394 leading farmers of, 395 list of supervisors of, 396 pioneers of, 393-395 topography of, 393 Corners, 395 Avery, Charles, 273 Clark,' 273 D. A.. 364 Babcock, Asa and Oliver, 411 Hill, 412 Babbitt, John, 594 William. 492 Backus, Azel, Rev., 268 Bacon, Ezekiel, 188, 297, 354 Thomas, 440 William J., 229; sketch of, 239; 286, 324, 353, 364, 365 Bagg, Moses, 281, 290, 301 Moses, Mrs., 348 M. M., Dr., 229 Sophia, Mrs., 342 Bagg's hotel, 290 Bailey, E. Prentiss, 356 Joel C, 370 Baker, Thomas F., 357 William T., 357 Baldwin, Amos G., Rev., 214, 332 Ballou, Benjamin, 280 jr., Benjamin, 339 Jerathmel, 389 Joseph, 280 Theodore P., 289 Bank commissioner, 204 D. G. & J. G. Dorrance' s, 423 First National, Rome, 529 of A. D. Mather & Co., 365 of Boonville, First National, 404 of Rome, 529 of Utica, 362 Utica City, 363 384 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Bank of Utica, First National, 362 of Utica, Savings, 364 of Utica, Second National, 364 of Vernon, 572 Manhattan Branch, 361 Oneida County, 3 3 Oneida County Savings, 530 Oneida National, 362 Rome Savings, 530 S. C. Thompson & Co.'s, 404 Banks and banking, beginning of, in Utica, 291 Banyar, Goldsboro, 102, 107, 117 Bar of Oneida county, list of members of the, 246, 347 Barker, Louisa M., 276, 277 Barnard, Harvey, 310 Harvey and" sons, 304 Barnes, Benjamin and son, 76 jr., Benjamin, 77 Manning, 415 pjgWheeler, 190, 243 Barnum, Ezra S., 297, 310 Barrett, Stephen, 76 William, 349 Bartholomew, Sherman, Dr., 248 Bartlett, 612 Charles, 349 Montgomery R. , 349 Barton, David, 475 Baschard's Location, 124 Bayard, William and Robert. 108 Beach, B. J., account of Bloomfield's trip by, 138 John Newton, 270 Beal, Moses, 93 Beardsley, Arthur M., 355 Samuel, sketch of, 235 Beckwith, Asa and four sons, 76 Beers, Franklin D., 531 Bellinger, John, Maj., 64, 279, 291, 329 Peter, 380 Bench and bar of Oneida county, 229 Benedict, A. G.,276 Bensberg, F. A. 357 Benson, Egbert, 67, 68, 70, 71 Best, I. P., 273 Bierbauer, Charles, 358 Bird's, Colonel, diary, 35 Birdseye, Rufus P., 265 Bishop, Leverett, Dr., 256 Bissell, Daniel P., Dr., 253 Black River Canal, 323 Blackmer, Ephraim, 60 sr. , Joseph, 76 jr., Joseph, 60 Blackstone, Henry, 482 Blaikie, William, 365 Blair, John, 64 Blanchard, Andrew, 56 Bleecker, JohnR., 58, 124, 278, 351 Rutger, 102 Blodgett, Ludlim, 61 Bloodgood, Francis A., 143, 183, 283, 383, 389, 391, 346 Bloomfield, John, 372 John W., 137 Blossvale, 376 Bogue, Horace, 373 Boom, Abraham, 279 Boon, Gerrit, 105, 397, 554 Boonville Agricultural Society, 405 . town of, 396-407 churches of, 406, 407 first events in, 399 first officers of, 399, 400 in the war of 1812, 400 list of supervisors of, 399, 400 newspapers of, 403 pioners of, 397^03 schools of, 404 topography and natural features of, 396 village, 401-405 business interests of, 402-405 Erwin Library at, 405 list of presidents of, 401 Bosworth, Joseph S., 273 Bounties and bounty legislation, 197, 198 Bours, Peter, 295 Boynton, Milton, 303 Brace, Samuel W., Rev., 329, 330, 346 Bradish, John, 296 Bradley, Dan, Rev., 483 Bradstreet, John, Col., 6, 13, 17, 18, 103 Brandegee, John E., 353 Brayton, Edward S., 364 George, 597 Breese, Ann, Mrs., 343 Arthur, 143, 396, 346 Samuel, 293 S. S., 188 Brendle, A., 358 Brewster, Elias, 373 Bridgewater, town of, 407-414 churches of, 413 first town officers of, 410 leading farmers of, 413 list of supervisors of, 410 pioneers of, 408-412 prominent men from, 413 schools of, 409 settlement of, first, disputed, 408 topography of, 407 village, 412 Briggs, Clark, 531 INDEXES. 385 Bristol, Moses, 272 British plans for 1777, 28 Broadhead, Charles C, 183, 284 E. H., 319 Broadwell, Ara, 287 Brodock, Bartholomew, second settler in the county, 24 Bronson, Greene C, sketch of, 234 James, 61, 446 Brothertown Tract, the, 116 Broughton, Jared, extract from reminis cences of, 78 Brown, Enos, 287 Matthew, Dr., 348 Samuel G., Rev., 369 Bryan, John, 416 Buck, Daniel, 394, Buckingham, Edward D., 369 Joseph H.,354 Bullens, John, 61 Burchard, Gurdon, 281 Burgoyne, Augustus, Dr., 389 Burgoyne's expedition, 28 Burke, J. M., 531 Bush, John P., 355 Bushinger, Eduard, 365 Bushnell, Josiah 567 Butler, Comfort, 297 Eli, 483 Horace, 303 John M.,270, 363,497 Nathaniel, 329 Richard, 57 Sylvester, 77 Truman K., 333, 345 Walter N. , capture of, and a body of tories and Indians, 48 Memorial Hall, 488 Butterfield, John, 92, 226, 303 Butts, Gideon, 515 Cadwell, Dan P., 226 Cahill, Thomas D. , 358 Camden, town of, 414-426 canning business in, 421 churches of, 424, 425 early schools and churches of, 515 Knitting Company, 419 Library Association, 422 list of supervisors of, 425 pioneers of, 414-417 population of, 418 topography of, 414 village, banks of, 423 foundries in, 418 , hotels of, 423.433 incorporation, first officers, and list of presidents of, 418 Camden village, manufacturing and busi ness interests of, 418-434 newspapers of, 431 prominent business men of, 422 union free school, 423 waterworks, 424 Camp Abram, 183 John, 296 Talcott, 282, 283, 287, 329, 346 Campaign of 1756, the, 8, 12-14 of 1758 under Abercrombie, 17 of 1759, 21 Campbell, Adam P., 137, 375 John P., 632 Samuel, 629-631 Samuel R., 630, 631 Camroden, 441 Canal appraiser, 204 commissioners, 204 Capron Knitting Company, 489 "Seth, Dr., 488, 628 Carberry, John E., 353 Carnahan, James, Rev., 314 Carpenter, Benjamin, 293 Edward, 293 Carraher, Patrick, Rev., 340 Carrington, Samuel, Dr., 281 Carter,. Joseph, Rev. , 348 Carton Furnace Company, 370 John, 370 Cary, Ira B., 363 Cassety, James, Capt., 61, 143, 380 Thos., Col., 382,446 Cassville, 501, 502 Census, names of male heads of families given by, in 1800, 81-84 of Whitestown in 1790, 80 second U. S., 146 the first United States, in 1790, 79 U. S., of 1810, 159 Central New York Farmers' Club, 213 Homoeopathic Medical Soci ety, 257 pottery, 367 Chadwick, George W., 489 John, 500 Chadwick's Mills, 489 Chamberlain, Ephraim, 326, 365 Chapin, Israel, 89, 90 Chase, Enoch M., 357 Henry W., 360 Philander, Rev., 328 Chenango Canal, 223 Child, Jonathan, 346 Childs, David W., 290, 346 Silas D., 92, 319,342, 369 Chipman, Annie, 277 Chittenden, Jared, 608 386 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Cholera epidemic of 1832, 193 Chrisman, Jacob, 59 Christian, Jacob, 279, Churchill, Alfred, 305 Alfred, Mrs., 342 Civil list, 204-208 Clark, Erastus, 143 ; sketch of, 235 ; 282, 283, 289, 329 Silas, 282 Clarke, Elijah, Dr., 516 George, 95; and family, 96-98 William, 297 Clayville, 495-498 Clinton, Gov. George, 57, 67, 75, 87, 108 James and George, 18 Grammar School, 272 Liberal Institute, 276 village, 456, 457 churches of, 459, 460 Cloher, William H., 489 Clowes, Timothy, Rev., 276 Cochrane, James and Walter L., 302 Coe, Isaac, 287, 289 Colbraith, William, 52, 61, 85, 88 ; advice of, to Judge Starring, 139 Cold summer of 1816, 177 Coleman's Mills, 635 Colling, Thomas, 310, 318, 346 Collins, Oliver, Gen., 61, 481 Colston, Edwin R., 355 Commercial Travelers' Mutual Accident Association, 365 Commissioner of public charities, 205 Comstock, Calvert, 530, 531, David, 272 Edward, 528 Elon, 530, 531 Conant's Sons, F. H., 420 Congressional districts, 295 Conkling, Roscoe, 343 Constitution of 1821, 188 Constitutional conventions, delegates to, 205 Cook, Theodore P., 356 Cooper, Apollos, 182, 381, 391, 329, 346 & Co., H. H., 368 Corbin Cabinet Lock Company, 421 Corev, Thomas and Augustus, 280, 284 Cosb'y's Manor, 100-103 Cottage Seminary, Clinton, 377 Counties, division of the State into, 63 County buildings, 149-153 clerks, 308 clerk's office, 183 Poorhouse and Asylum, 210 seat, struggle for the, 154 treasurers, 208 Court house and jail, 146 Court house, burning of, in 1848, 156 of Appeals, 230 of Common Pleas, earlv, 139, 331 Supreme, 230 Supreme, of Judicature, 229 Courts, Circuit, 230 County, 232 places of holding, under law of 1793, 85 Coventry, Alexander, Dr. , sketch of, 251 ; 282, 429 C. B., Dr., 209, 249, 253 Robert, 429 Cox, Joseph, 430 Coxe family, the, 108 Coye, Jason G., 344 Cozier, Ezra S., 296, 301, 310 Crafts, Willard, 319 Crawford, Clark, 432 Cross, Shubael, 506 Crouse, Clarence B. 367 Daniel, 306 & Brandegee, 368 Crowley, R. M., Mrs., 348 Culver, Abraham, 301 Cunningham, Hugh, 287 John, 59, 279 JbhnH., 355 William, 59, 63 Curran, Edward, 306, 365 Curry, Isaac, 559 Curtenius, Peter, 118, 119 Curtis, Philo C, 367, 368 Philo S., 367 Curtiss, Jesse, 415, 448 Medad, 143 Dakm, Martin, 285 Samuel D., 286,353, 354 Dalliba, James, Major, 173 Daly, Thomas, Rev., 340 Damuth family, the, 63 George, 59, 379 (or Damoot), Mark, 34, 56, 436 Dana, Joseph, 346 Danforth, J. N., Rev., 313 Darling, Henry, Rev. , 369 Dauby, Augustine G., 355, 362 Davis, Henry. Rev., 269 Dawley, Job, 433 Dayton, Elias, Col., 27 Dean, James, 56, 58, 114, 512, 604 John, 475 Philena, 276 Thomas, 476 William, 60 De Angelis, Pascal C. J., 558 Deansville, 477, 478 INDEXES. 387 Deerfield, town of, 426-433 churches of, 431 first officers of, 438 leading farmers of, 430 list of supervisors of, 431 pioneers of, 436-430 topography of, 436 Corners, 430 De Grow, Stephanes, 24 De Lancey, James, 99 Oliver, 103 Delta village, 467 Denio, Hiram, sketch of, 237; 318, 350, 363, 365 Israel, 439, 514 Dering Nicoll H., Dr., 254 Despard, Madame, 349 Development and improvements at the beginning of the century, 166 Devendorf, H. E., 357 Devereux, John C, 285, 286, 339, 342, 364, 365 Nicholas, 209, 286, 319. 339, 343 Thomas B., 344 De Witt, Simeon, 220 Dickinson, A. M., 357 Dimbleby, Wesley, 326 Dimon, George D. , 365 District attorneys, 233 Dix, Charles, and family, 574 Dixon, David R., 346 Documentary History of New York, ex tract from, 140 Documents relating to monopoly of trans portation at the Carrying Place, 25 Dolan, John M., 358 Doolittle, Charles H., 363 George, Gen., 59, 619, 629 Jesse W., 348 Dorchester, Eliasaph, 296, 346, 348, 355 Dorrance, Daniel G., 423, 434 J. G.,423 Douglass, Isaac H., Dr., 255 Downer & Son, Edward F., 368 Dunbar, Joel, 417 Dunham, George E. , 357 Dunmore, Watson T. , 365 Durham, Eber, 584 Durhamville, 584 Durkee, Robert, Benjamin and Joseph, 381 Dutton, James, 307 Dwight, Henry, Rev., 339 Sereno E., Rev., 369 Dyer, Samuel, 439 Eastburn, Robert, narrative of, 11 Eastman, F. A., 357 Easton, Rufus, 143 Eaton, Ezra, 386 Oliver P., 137 ' Ecker, Nicholas, 100, 101 Eddy, Obed, 346 Edmunds, Andrew, 397 Edwards, J. D., 368 Eggleston, Aaron, 381 Election in Whitestown, the first general, 77 Elections and town meetings, 75 Elmore's, Samuel, Col., regiment in the Mohawk valley, 31 Ely, E. S., 354 Empey, sr., Anthony, 433 Empeyville, 436 English activity under the administra tion of Pitt, 17 Ensworth, Nehemiah, 483 Erie Canal, first boat on the, between Rome and Utica, 180 genesis of the, 215, 220 opening ceremonies of beginning work on the, 179 opening of, between Utica and Rome, 185-188 Erwin, Cornelius B. , 405 Eton, Ebenezei,354 Events of the war of 1812, 171-173 Everett, Robert, Rev., 550 Everts, Charles C, 349 Execution of incendiaries in Rome, 182 Expedition against Niagara under Pri deaux and Johnson, 21 bf Belletre in 1757, 15 of Bradstreet via Wood Creek, 6 of Bradstreet in 1758, 17, 18 of Colonels Willett and Van Schaack against the Onondagas, 51 ' of De Lery in 1756, 8 of General Shirley to Oswego, 6, 7 of Sullivan against the Senecas, 51 Explorations and settlements, early, 2 Faas, Joseph, 358 Farman family, the, 386 Famham, Samuel, 274 Farnon. Rev. Mr., 339 Farwell, Joseph, 64 Major, 409 Fauconnier, Peter, 95, 98 Faxton Hospital, the, 344 T. S., 92, 209, 301, 343, 344, 353, 364, 369 Fellows, Roswell, 517 William, 283 Financial crisis of 1837-38, 193 Fish Creek Landing, 594 388 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Fisher, Samuel W., Rev., 269 Fisk, Job, 399 Flandrau, T. M., Dr., 528 Fletcher's, Governor, land grants, 93, 94 Florence, town of, 432-437 churches of, 434, 435 first officers of, 433 list of supervisors of, 436 pioneers of, 433, 434 topography of, 432 village, 435 Floyd, town of, 437-445 churches of, 441 leading farmers of, 442 list of supervisors of, 439 pioneers of, 437-441 topography of, 437 Corners, 441 John G., 356 William, 68, 75, 291, 599 Fonda, Jellis, 25, 109 Foot, Moses, 61, 445 Ford, Stephen, 281 Forestport, town of, 442-455 churches of, 444 first officers of, 443 lumber business of, 444 State dam at, 443 supervisors of, 443 topography of, 442 Forman, Joshua, 221 Fort Bull, 10, 11 Schuyler, establishment of, 20 Stanwix, armament and condition of in August, 1777, 30 building of, 19, 20 called Fort Schuyler, 27 Col. Gansevoort' s letters relating to affairs at, 29 Colonel Willett's account of his sortie at the siege of, 44 destruction of homes at, by Tories and Indians in 1776, 26 discontent at, in 1778, 50 importance of, during the Revo lution, 26 investment of, by Colonel Bird and Brant, 37 location of, 20 murder of two girls at, in 1777, 29 raising of the siege of, through Arnold's ruse, 49 repaired by Colonel Gansevoort, 27 St. Leger's proposal of surrender to, 45 siege of, in 1777, 33-49 Fort Stanwix, troop in occupation of, in 1776 and 1777, 31, 33 Forts at Wood Creek, capture of by De Lery, 9 Foster, Francis, 64 Henry A., 180, 190, 335; sketch of 338 Francis, 279 Thomas, 226 Fox, Henry (Lord Holland), 105 Francis, John J., 306 Franklin, Abraham, 121 and Robinson Tract, the, 121 French, John, 181 power in America, end of, 21 spy, narrative of a, 15 Frisbie, Willard J., 419 Fuller, Russell, Major, 545 Fulmer, John C , 358 Gage, Thomas, Sir, 106 Gale, George W., 273 Gallup, J. C, Dr., 276 Gang Mills, 564 Gansevoort, Peter, Col., 27, 39, 33, 45, 46, 50, 67 Gardner, Benjamin, 441 James S., 374 Gates, Horatio, 17 Geddes, James, 330 Genesee Road, the Great, 89 street, Utica, houses on, in 1786, 58 George, Samuel, 285 Gibbs, Zenas, 80 Gibson, Henry, 293 Henry B., 291, 361 William T., Rev., 360 Gilbert, Elisha M., 306 Nathaniel, 60, 514 Sarah A., Mrs., 330 Globe Woolen Mills, 368 Gold, Theo. S., 302, 354 Thomas R., 143, 182; sketch of, 334; 630 Goodrich, Roswell, 58 Solomon P., 387, 339, 349 Goodsell, Thomas, Dr., 252 Goodwin, Evan R., 333 Governor, etc., 204 Graham, Edmund A., 226, 369 Grannis, Timothy O., 362 Gray, John P., Dr., 254 Great Carrying Place, the, 3-5 destruction of forts at, by Col. Webb, 14 Green, Beriah, Rev., 274, 313 George S. , Mrs. , 344 Griffith, Harry H., 404 INDEXES. 389 Griffiths, C. C, 355 Griffith O., 546 James, Rev., 331 J. C.,359. 360 Owen, Rev., 359 Thomas J., 358,359 Griswold, Chester, 303 Joab, 143 Grosvenor, Francis, 353 Grove, De Witt C, 324, 356 Groves, William, 272 Guernsey, J. J., 531 Guiteau, Calvin, 105, 285, 428 Francis, Dr., 248; sketch of, 253 jr., Francis J., Dr., 285 Luther, Dr., 285, 555 Gurney, Nathan, 534 Hadley, Hiram, 259 Hahn, John, 358 Hale, Minivera, 434 Halleck family, the, 598 H. W., Gen., 77 Hallock, Robert T., 316, 350 William, 428 Halstead, Timothy, 589 Hamilton College, 268-272 Oneida Academy, 266-268 Hamlin, William D., 306, 364 Hammill, E. S., Mrs., 350 Hammond, John, Rev., 282 Handy, JohnJL, 297 Harger, Ebenezer, 393 Harrington, Elisha, 349 Harris, Joseph, 385 Hart, Alexander B., 367 Ephraim, 391, 397, 310, 367, 449 H. Gilbert, 367 Henry R., 313, 367 Martin, 336, 318, 367 Thomas, 449 Harter, Nicholas and Philip, 59, 437 Harder, Isaac S., Rev., 333 Hartwell, Thomas, Dr., 517 Hasbrouck, David, 348, 353, 387 Haselton, J. S., 538 Hastings, Charles, 303 Seth, Dr., 348 Hatch, Jarvis M., 356 Hathaway, Joshua, 143, 179, 180, 240 Haven, S. Z., Dr., 259 Hawkinsville, 405 Hawley, Chester W., Rev., 277 Jesse, 2£0 Hayes, Mary, 373 Head, Harvey, 210 Heath, Hawley E., 324 Heatherington, Isaac, 429 Hecla Works, 611 Heffron, Daniel S., Rev., 274, 347, 351 Hemenway, W. F., Rev., 335 Herbert, Philip, 333 Herkimer county, formed from Mont gomery, 85 jail, 139 George, 61 Han Yost, 61 Nicholas, Gen., 39-43 Herlan, F., Rev., 336 Hicks, Thomas G., 559 Higginsville, 585 Hill, David, £98 Jonathan A., Gen., 444 Hillman, Levi, 399 Hillside (Leila), 600 Hinman, Benjamin, Maj., 383 John E., 393, 297, 301 .Samuel, 283 Hitchcock, Marcus, Dr., 287, 291 Hobby, John, Epenetus, and Elkanah, 281 Holcomb, Roswell, 346, 348 Holland Patent, 562 Hollister, Ephraim, 507 Frederick, 371, 488, 497 Hiel, 287 Holman City, 502 Holmes, Alexander, 381 Home for Aged Men, the, 344 for the Homeless, the, 343 Homestead Aid Association, the, 365 Homoeopathic Medical profession, the, 255-260 Hopkins, Mark, 272 Sewal, Dr., 248 Hopper, James, Capt., 285 Thomas, 319 Hotchkin, Beriah B.. 354 Houghton Seminary, Clinton, 276 House of Good Shepherd, 343 John, 90, 281 Hovty, George, 443 Solomon, 61 Hoyt, John C, 283, 329 Hubbard, Bela, 285 O. P., Dr., statement of, relative to building the Erie Canal, 222 Samuel, 61 Hubbell, Alrick, 303 Matthew, 279, 280 Hull, Amos G., Dr., 248, 252 Humaston, John, 76, 77, 589 Humphrey, Erastus, Dr., 255 G. H., 359 Hunt, Jacob, Dr., 255 Montgomery, 291, 292, 361 390 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Hunt, Ward, 313, 326 Huntington, Benjamin N., 292, 362 George, 143, 223 Henry, 188, 291, 292, 362 William R., 258 Hurd, Elliott, 389 Hurlburt, Augustus, 310 Kellogg, 301, 362 Samuel, Mrs., 395 Hutchinson, Charles W., 211 Edwin, Dr , 255 Holmes, 303 Immigrants of 1789-92, 75 et seq: Immigration, beginning of, 55 inducements to, 75 Ingham, Joseph, Capt., 546 Inman, William, 282, 293 Inspector of State prisons, 304 Internal improvements following 1830, 193, 194, 200 Iroquois, the, 1 Confederacy, the, 73 Ives, Jesse and Joel, 408 Ivison, Henry, 304 Jackson, Asahel, 580 William B., 368 Jail, burning of, in Rome, 182 Jauncey, James, 102 Jenkins, Timothy, 570 Jennings, Joseph, 183 Jervis, John B., 223 Jewell, N. D., 354 Jewett, Benjamin F., 342, 344 Johnson, Aylmer, 285 A. B., 282, 346 A. S., 324 Bryan, '282, 346 B. P., Col., 190 Sir John, and his Orderly Book, 33- 35 Sir William, 6, 21, 102, 104 Jones, Isaac, 60, 608 John B., 353 J. Mather, 353, 459 John W., 358, 359 Joseph, 60 Nehemiah, Capt., 60, 607 Pomroy, 607 Simon, 281 Thomas, 281 William, 297 Judd, Elnathan, Dr., 248 Jonathan, Rev., 332 Justices of the peace, appointment of, 143 Kane, Archibald, 284 Kaselitz, O., Rev., 337 Kasson, Ambrose, 349 Keiner, Andrew, 357 Keiser, Paul, 358 Keith, C. B., 292 Kellogg, Hiram H., Rev., 277 John.L., Dr., 359 , Palmer V., 304, 324 Spencer, 301, 304, 318, 350 Truman and Webster, 481 & Sons Company, 368 Kelly, Dennis T., 357 Jane E., Miss, 344, 350 John, 105, 137 Kent, James, 143 Kernan, Francis, 243, 324, 326, 335, 350, 363 Kessinger, A. C, 531 A. R., 528 Kimball, Nathan, 382 Richard, 283 Kingsley, W. J. P., Dr., 528 Kipp, James S., 281, 291, 292, 362 Kirkland, Joseph, 143 Samuel, Rev., 67, 115, 266-268; and. family, 450 Kirkland, town of, 445-460 churches of, 452 early manufactures of, 453-456 first burglary in, 449 first events in, 448 Indians in, 450 iron industry in, 455 leading farmers of, 456 list of supervisors of, 447 period of famine in, 448 pioneers of, 444-450 schools of, 451 topography of, 445 Kirtland, Orlando, 3-3 Kittle, John F., 355 Kline, William, 24 Klock, J. G. and George, 119 Knox, James, 312 Jotin J.', and family. 385 Koelbel, Fred, 358 Kruempel, Henry, 358 La Fayette, General, 57 La Fayette's visit, 189-192 reception at Utica, newspaper ac count of, 190-192 Laird, Samuel, 64, 608 Lairdsville, 611 L'Amoreux, Andrew, 348 " Land grabbers," trouble with, 66 patents and sales, 141 Lands, rights to, 93 Langley, H. A., 392 INDEXES. 391 Lansing, Antill, 393 ' Barent Bleecker, 397, 301 Gerrit G., Col., 620, 632, 633 John, 75, 143 jr., John, 117, 118 Leavenworth, Lemuel, 57 Lee, Arthur, 57 town of, 460-469 churches of. 468 early mills in, 464 early residents at 60th anniversary of settlement of, 461 first officers of, 465 libraries of, 466 list of supervisors of, 469 post-offices of, 466 proceedings leading to the erection of the town of, 464 review of settlement of, by Hon. A. S. Miller 461-464 schools of, 465 topography of, 460 Center, 467 Legislation affecting the county, 145-153 "Lessees," legislative action concerning the, 66 Leutheuser, Joseph, 358 Lewis, Benjamin F. , 359 Edward Z., Rev., 333 Ladd J., 488 Randall, 61 William, 550 L'Hommedieu, Ezra, 55, 67, 103 " Line of Property," 104 Little Paul at the treaty of 1788, 70-72 Lloyd, David R., 443 Long, William W., 324 Loomis, Nathaniel, 57 Lathrop, John H., 286, 353 Lowell, 612 Lush, Stephen, 117 Lyman, Samuel P., 354 Lynch, Dominick, 91, 100, 146, 157 James, 339 James S., 320 Lyon, Joseph M., 354, 355 McBride, Robert, 296, 310 McCabe, Hugh P., 357 McCall, John, Dr., 253 McConnellsville, 593 McElwaine, John, 310 McGuire, Philip, 444 McHarg, John B„ 177 Mcllvane, Joshua H., Rev., 660 McKesson, John, 126 Mr-Lauren, Samuel, oou McLean, William, 137, 283, 353 , McMillan, Andrew, 351, 352 sr., Andrew, 380 McNeil, Henry, 492 McQuade, James, Gen., 303 Michael, 303 M., Rev,, 339 T. R., 360 Machin, Thomas, 112 . Macomber, George, S85 Mail, first, to Utica, 91 Mainwaring, E. L., 358 Manchester (Kirkland P. O.), 458 Manley, E. W., 276 Mann, Charles A., 310, 319, 363, 369 Manning, Edward T. , 307 Map of Land Patents in Oneida county, facing 93 of Utica in 1806 288 of Utica about 1835, facing 309 Mappa, Adam G. , Col. , 554 Marcy, town of, 469-473 churches of, 471, 472 first officers of, 470 list of supervisors of, 472 pioneers of, 469-471 schools of, 471 topography of, 469 Marklove, John G., 369 Marsh, William C, 365 Marshall, town of, 473^79 Brothertown Indians in, 473^475 churches of, 478 first officers of, 488 leading farmers of, 477 list of supervisors of, 479 pioneers of, 475-477 topography of, 473 Martin, James B., 368 Mather Asaph D., 365 Charles W.. 365 Joshua, 365 Matson, William A., Rev., 360 Matteson, Silas. 513 Maude, John, extract from record of, 90 Maynard, Elisha A., 305, 355 Isaac, 226, 363 William H., 241, 286, 353 Meeker, Moses T., 306 Melvin, James, 476 Members of Assembly, 206-208 Merrill, Andrew, 297, 302 Byron B. . 357 Ira, 286, 353 Metcalf & Dering, 368 Meyer, Otto A., 357 Middleton, Robert, 368 Midlam, Thomas, 304 392 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Military officers from Oneida county in the war of 1812, list of, 174 operations of the war of 1812, 168 Millar, Charles, 226, 370 Millard, David J., 496, 497 Sterling A'., 496 Miller, Addison C, 365 Daniel. 374 Eliakim, 374 Isaac, 475 John B., 356 Morris S., 339 Rutger B.. 310, 367 Valentine, Rev., 338 Mills, Samuel T., Rev., 347 Mix, J. W., 421 Mohawk, measures to improve -the navi gation of, 87 route, the, 4 valley, condition of, after the Revo lution, 162 Valley Cotton Mills, 369 Mompeson, Robert, 95 98 Monroe's, President, visit to Northern New York, 181 Montgomery county, 63 inconvenience arising from great - extent of, 87 Moore, Horatio S. , 352 Morey, Philip, and sons, 64. 279 Morrin, Edward, 356 Morris, Daniel, Rev., 285, 331 Frederick, 103 T. B., 358 William, Dr., 253 Morrison, Roderick, 608 Morton, Benjamin, Jonathan, James and Abraham, 374 Moseley, Elizur, Dr., 91, 143 Moulton, jr., Stephen, 438 Muller, Rembrandt, 121 Tract, the, 121 Munger, Erastus A., Dr., 256 Munson, Alfred, 302, 319, 333, 342, 363, 367, 369 Brothers, 367 Edmund, 367 Myer, Michael, 89 Myers, Thomas, 24 New Hartford, town, of, 479-491 churches of, 482, 490, 492 first officers of, 486 listof names and dates from cemetery of, 484-486 list of supervisors of, 406 newspapers of, 484 topography of, 479 New Hartford village, 486-480 list of presidents of, 488 Cotton Manufacturing Company, 487 New London, 585 New Petersburgh Tract, the, 117 Newell, Jesse, 285 Newspapers of Boonville, 403 of Camden, 421 of Clinton, 456 of New Hartford, 484 of Oriskany Falls, 391 of Rome, 530-531 of Utica, 353-361 of Vernon, 573 the first in the county, 137 " New York Genesee Land Campany," the, 66 Mills, 628-632 State Cheese Manufacturers' As sociation, 212 Neyenhouse, John A., 358 Nichols, James, Rev., 350 Joseph W. , 359 Nock, Thomas G., 528 North Simeon, Rev., 269 S. N. D., 355 Northrup, Beardsley, Rev., 333 Northway, Rufus, 354 North Bay, 592 1 North Bridgewater, 413 North Gage, 431 North Western, 600 Norton, Asahel S., Rev., 214 David, Col., 535 Thomas, 281 Noyes, Josiah, Dr., 268 O'Gorman, Michael, Rev, 339 Old Fort Schuyler, early settlers at, 59 Oneida County Agricultural Society, 313 assessed valuation of, by towns, 303 Bible Society, 314 civil officers from, 304-308 early history of, one of bloodshed, 33 erection of, 143 Farmers' Alliance, 313 first courts of, 143 first settlers of, 23, 33 geology of, 136-131 Historical Society, 311 houses in, in 1787, 69 Homoeopathic Medical Society, 357-359 in the war of 1812, 168, 169 increase in population of, 192, 195 INDEXES. 393 Oneida county, legislation affecting, 145- list of first officers of, 142 Medical Society, 348-351 population of, by towns, 302 second settlement in, 34 since the war, 199-301 , tax ratio and apportionment of, for 1894 and 1895, 304 topography of, 131-133 towns and boundaries of, in, 133 Castle, 570, 571 Community, 576-578 Glass Company, 366 Reservation, 133 Turnpike Road Company, 91 Oothoudt, Henry, 110-113 O'Reilly, Luke G., Rev., 341 Oriskany, 633-634 battle of, 40-43 Falls, and its business interests, 390- 392 newspapers of, 391 Osborn, Amos, 537, 538 . Osborne, M. P., 423 Ostrom, David, 143, 287 John H., 297, 310 Joshua, 92, 296 Oswego, capture of, by Montcalm, 13 Otis, Joseph, 514 O'Toole, Francis, 339, 381 Otsequette, Peter, 125 Owen Brothers, 368 Paddock, Benjamin G., Rev., 334 Paine, Benjamin, 290 John A., 259 Palmer, Chauncey, 306 Cyrus F., 370 Paris, town of, 491-505 churches of, 503-505 first officers of, 492 pioneers of, 492-495 schools of, 498, 501 supervisors of, 503 topography of, 491 Hill, sketch of, by Lorenzo Rouse, 493-495 Parker, Amos, 380 Ezra, 64, 77, 409 Jason, 92, 281 Milton D., 312 Parmalee, Truman, 303 Patent, Adgate's, 126 Banyar, 117 Bayard, or Freemason, 108 Coxe, 108 Curtenius, 118 Patent, Dean's, 114 . Fonda's, 109 Gage's, 106 Holland, 105 Kirkland, 115 Lansing, 117 Lawrence, or Smith, 125 McKesson, 126 Oothoudt, 110 Oriskany, 95-100 Otsequette, 125 Remsenburgh, 119 Sadequahada, 103 Sargeant's, 121 Scriba's, 119 Servis, 104 Steuben, 113 Sumner, 107 Van Epps, 124 Willett, 119 Patents, Bleecker, 124 Machin, 112 Wemple, 123 Patterson, Albert C, Rev., 332 Pease, Harmon, lfi8 Herbert J., 352 Peck, Gates, 361 Peckham, Edwin, 367 Frank, 367 JohnS., 366 Merritt, 367 Peleg B., Dr., 253 Seth, 356 Peirce, Nehemiah N., 411 Penfield, Thomas D., 420 Penney, Joseph, Rev., 269 Penniman, William, 296 Perkins, Elijah, 415 George R., 276 Phelps, Jedediah, 56, 58, 512, 581 Zerah, 534 . Phillips, W. S., 392 Philo, C. H., 488 Phoenix Iron Works, 370 Piatt, J. C, Mrs., 350 Pierce, Joseph, 281 Pike, Benjamin, Capt., 437 Jarvis, 437 Pixley, Henry D., 365 &Son, H. D.,368 Plank road era, the, 194 Plant, Benjamin, 380, 329 Platt, Jonas, 85, 88, 143, 183, 184, 188, 214, 220, 223; sketch of, 234; 296, 619 Zephaniah, 55, 103 Point Rock, 468 Pomeroy, George D., 368 Theodore, Dr., 368 394 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Pomeroy, Thomas F., Dr., 260 Pond, Andrew S., 304, 310, 369 Barnabas, 61 Pool, Simeon, 91 Population and valuation, fable showing the, 153 Porter, Augustus, record left by, 78 Joseph S. , 296 Post, John, 279, 280, 399 Potter, H. C, Dr., 355 Stephen, Capt., 280 'Powell, Watkin, 285 Presidential electors, 205 Preston, Stephen, Dr., 536 Principal of State Normal School, 205 Proctor, Thomas R., 364 Prospect, 563 Prost, Joseph, Rev., 340 Punitory laws, comparison of, 159 Putnam, Charles, 80 Quinn, William, 24 Radford, C. J., 354, 355 Railroad, New York Central, 225 New York and Oswego Midland, 228 New York, West Shore and Buffalo, 238 Rome and Clinton, 228 Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg, 226 Utica and Black River, 226 Utica and Syracuse, 224 Utica, Chenango and Susquehanna Valley, 227 Utica, Clinton and Binghamton, 227 Ramsdell, Francis, 342 Ranney, Abel, 385 Seth, 60 sr., Willett, 60, 69,514 jr., Willett, 60 Rathbone, Justus, 352 Rathbun, Achus, 582 Rathbunville, 585 Rawson, Pelatiah, 64, 273 Reall, Christ Jan, 24, 57, 426 Rebellion, the, 195-198 Recruiting during the Rebellion, 196, 197 Reddy, William, Rev., 334 Reed, David, 285 Regents of the University, 205 Remsen, Henry, 119 Peter, 102 Reminiscence of an overland journey through Westmoreland in 1791, 79 Remsen, town of, 506-511 churches of, 511 Remsen, pioneers of, 506-508 schools of, 509 supervisors of 508 topographv of, 506 village, 509-511 Welsh settlers of, 508 Representatives in Congress, 205 Reusswig, Fred G. , 357 Revolution, closing of the, 52 the summary of, to 1777, 26-32 Reynolds, J., 381 Rhodes, Anthony, Maj., 411 Rice, Captain, 76 C. E., Rev., 339 Richardson, John, 180 Risley, David and Allen, 481 Elijah, 137 Roberts, Ellis H., 324, 354, 355 H. L., 355 J. C, 359 .Robert W., 355 Robinson, Horatio, Dr., 256 William, 121 Rockwell, Thomas, 297 Rogers, Charles B., 362 Jacob, 398 Publius V., 292, 362 Rome, town of, 511-533 banking institutions, 529 churches of, 533-526 city, business interests of, 528-532 city, officers of, 523 " Expense Lot" in, 518, 519 first officers of, 512 manufacturers of, 532 pioneers of 512-520 post-office, 529 press of, 530, 531 schools of, 526-528 supervisors of, 533 village, incorporation of, 523 village, settlers of, 520-522 Roof, John, first settler of the county, 23, 25, 512 Roosevelt, John and Nicholas I., 119 Rose, Elisha, 387 Rowe, Chauncey, 310 Royce, Amaziah, Major, 493 Rudd, John Churchill, Rev., 360 Russ, John A., 310 Russell, David, 309 William, Dr., 354 St. Elizabeth's Hospital and Home, 344 St. John's Female Orphan Asylum, 313 St. Leger's confidence, 36 message, proposing the surren der of Fort Stanwix, 45 INDEXES. $95 St. Leger's retreat from Fort Stanwix, 49 siege of Fort Stanwix, 33-49 St. Luke's Home, 345 St. Vincent Male Orphan Asylum, 443 Salyea, Hendrich, 279 Sampson, Caleb, Dr., 348 Sanborn, Nathaniel, Mrs., extract from reminiscences of, 79 Sang, Frank, 358 Sanger, Jedediah, 64, 85, 90, 103, 137, 143, 146, 480, 481, 536 Richard, 304 Sangerfield, town of, 533-543 churches of, 541-543 first officers of, 534 pioneers of, 534-537 schools of, 541 supervisors of, 543 topography of, 533 Sargeant, John, 131 Sauquoit, 498-501 Sawyer, George C, 348, 353 I. Gilbert, 404 J. T., Rev., 376 Sayles, Welcome, Dr., 348 Sayre, James, 226, 302, 363 Theodore S., 331 Schermerhorn, Jacob H., 429 John F., Rev., 332 School system, establishment of the common, 260-266 Schreiber, John C, 353, 358 Schuyler, Han Yost, the medium of Gen eral Arnold's ruse, 48 Peter, 95, 96, 103 Schultz, Christian, statement of, relative to Utica, 390 Scotch cap factories, 370 Scovill, Isaac, 493 Scriba, George, 130 Selden, jr., Thomas, 515, 516 Senators, State, 306 United States, 305 Seneca Road Company, the, 90 Servis, Peter, 104 Settlers and settlement before 1788, 56-62 Seward, Alexander, 354 Asahel, 286, 353 Nathan, 393, 481 Seymour, Arden, 190 Henry, 303 Horatio, 311, 213, 318, 319, 369 Shaw, B. F., 342 Sheard, Titus, 355 Shearman, Ebenezer B., 285, 346 Toseph, 306, 324 Richard U., 354, 355 Robert, 297 Shearman, W. H, 209, 385 Sheldon, Esek, and sons, 461 Urania, Miss, 350 Shepard, Abraham, 304 Asa, 77 Sheriffs, 233 Sherman, Hazard, 428 John, Rev., 555 Lewis, 61 Watts, 283 Shirley, General, 6, 13, 13 Sicard, Stephen, 363 Siemers, John, 353 Silliman, Horace B. , 269 Simon, Joseph, 296 Simons, Aaron, Adam and Abel, 76, ,77 Six Nations, territory occupied by the, 1, 2 Skenandoa Cotton Company, 369 Skinner, Thomas, 293, 346 Smith, Bill, 514 David, and sons, 461 Eldad, 416 George A., 580 Melancthon, 55, 103, 125 Nathan, 291 Nicholas, 293 Peter, 76, 117, 279, 380 Stephen R., Rev., 276 Timothy, 427 Snow, Jotham, 398 Samuel, Dr., 398 Snyder, Rudolph, 310, 350 Soper, Albert, daring feat of, 156 Alexander C, 269 Arthur W., 269 James P., 369 Sources of settlers' knowledge of Central New York, 53 South Trenton, 563 Sparrow, William, 349 Special judges, 333 Spencer, Hamilton, 158 I. S., 275 Joshua A. , sketch of, 239 L. C, 594 Thomas, friendly half breed Oneida, 30 Spinning, John, 432 Spriggs, T. J., 324 Stafford, Daniel, 287, 296 Stages, 92 Stanford, Jonathan and Samuel, 374 Stansfield, William H., 419 Stanwix, John, Gen., 18, 21 Starr, David, Capt, 546 Starring, Hendrick, 88 396 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Stars and Stripes, the first, unfurled at ¦ Fort Stanwix, 44 State Arsenal at Rome, 157 Hospital at Utica, 209 engineers, 204 superintendent of public instruction, 304 Bridge, 585 Statistics of losses in the Mohawk valley during the Revolution, 53 Stebbins, Joseph, 276 Steere (or Steeve), John, 24 Stephens, Levi, 92 Steuben, Frederick William, Baron, 75, 113, 545 town of, 543-552 churches of, 551 first officers of, 544 pioneers of, 545-551 supervisors of, 552 topography of, 543 Welsh settlements in, account of, by Griffith O. Griffiths, 547-549 Stewart, Samuel W., 256 Stillman, Josiah, 76 Stittville, 564 Stocking, Samuel, 286 Stocks and pillory, 158 Stockwell, Lieutenant, perilous trip of, with Colonel Willett, 46-48 Stoddard, Eliakim, 590 Israel, 415, 416 Stokes, 466 Stone, Benjamin D., 420 W. C, 421 Storrs, Cordial, 61 Shubael, 296 Stryker, Melancthon Woolsey, Rev., 271 Strong, Theodore, 268 Sumner, Hezekiah, 107 Surrogates, 232 Swan, Jonathan, 597 Joseph R., 355, 364 Sweeney, Timothy H., 357 Sylvan Beach, 594 Symonds, Charles S. , 363 Taberg village, 375-377 Taft, Dan, 137, 375 Talcott, Samuel A., 241 Taylor, Othniel, 89 Thomas, Abijah and Anson, 287 Anson, 346 Briggs W., 297 Daniel, 385, 550 Daniel G., Dr., 354 Thomas, 396, 550 Thomson, Nathan, 433 Thorn, John, 226 Thummel, C. B., Rev., 276 Thurston, D. W., Rev., 335 Tiffany, Israel, 303 Tillman, William, 287 Toll, rates of, on the Seneca turnpike, 90 Toomey, John J. , Rev. , 341 Tower family, the, 537 Town meeting in Whitestown, the first, 77 officers of Whitestown, the first, 77 Towns, changes in territory of 144 ' dates of erection of, 148, 149 divisions of, 155, 157 erection of, 1794-97, 140, 145, 192 Townsend, F. W., Rev., 331 Jesse, Rev., 346 John arid Nathan, 76 Nathan, Capt., 440 Nathaniel, 80 Tracy, Gardner, 305 Seymour, 296 William, 312, 354 William G., 91 Treaty of Ghent, 174 of 1788, festivities at, 70-72 with the Indians in 1788, at Fort Stanwix, 67-69 Trenton, town of, 552-566 churches of, 564-566 first officers of, 553 items of early history of, from Cen tennial address, 556-558 pioneers of, 554-559 supervisors of, 566 topography and natural features of, 553 village. 560-561 Falls, 564 Trevvett, Edmund, 365 Troops in Utica in 1812-1814, 169, 170 Tryon county, subdivision of, into dis tricts, 63 Tuttle, Noah, 415 Timothy, 61 Vincent, 558 Ure, James, 385 Utica, abolition excitement in, 313-315 Academy, 346 arrivals in, from 1800 to 1805, 284- 289 banks and banking in, 361-365 beginning of banking and manufac tures in, 391 Board of Charities, 345 Board of Trade, 313 INDEXES. 397 Utica Burial Case Company, 370 charter amendments of 1843, 318 charter amendment proposed, 320, 821 charter amendment concerning city indebtedness, 322 charter amendments, 324, 327 charter, third, of, 267 cholera in, 311, 312 churches of. 328-41 city debt, 320, 321 city hall, 319 City Hospital, 345 Clothing Company, 368 commom council of, first, 310 condition of at close of first decade as a city, 318 contention over police comniission of, 325 description of, in 1816, by Dr. Bagg, 293 development of, since the war, 327, 328 directory of, first, 293 early growth of, 288 early newspaper enterprises in, 286 early travel through and hotels in, 284 English traveler's notes on, an, 292 events in, from 1852-55, 330 Female Academy, 350 financial crash of 1837 in, 315-317 financial panic of 1857 in, 333 fire department of, in 1839, 317 fire department of, trouble in, 326 fire engine, first, in, 292 fire of March 31, 1837, 317 fires in. incendiary, 320 first newspaper in, 283 first religious society in, 287 first settlers on the site of, 379 free school, 348 growth of, from 1815 to 1825, 297- 299 growth in population of, 318 High School, 349 Holland Land Company's purchase in, 284 improvement in water supply of, 326 in the Rebellion, 323 incorporation of the village of, 144, 283 incorporation of the city of, 309 Knitting Company, 370 leased lands in, 284 libraries in, 352 ¦ manufactures of, in 1845, 319 manufactures in, 366-370 Utica, market house, 292, 300, 301 mayors of, list of, 371 municipal business, 1836-37, 315 municipal changes and improve ments in, from 1827-1832, 300-302 officers of, under village charters, 307-309 origin of the name of, 283 Orphan Asylum, 341 period of prosperity in, after the war, 324 Pipe Foundry Company, 370 police commissioners, 334 press of, the, 353-361 private schools, 348 progress of, from opening of Erie Canal to 1837, 299-300 prominent additions to population under the third charter, 303-306 reincorporation of village of, 289 schools of, 346-352 settlers and business men of, from 1805 to 1815, 295-297 settlers of, up to time of village or ganization, 279-283 sidewalks, first provision for, in, 293 site of, 278 State Armory at, 323 Steam Cotton Mills, 369 Steam Guage Company, 370 streets in, opening of, 290 Tool Company, 488 troops from, in 1812, 293 U. S. Government building at, 326 village improvements, 292 Water Works Company, 319 Woman's Christian Association, 346 Young Men's Christian Association of the city of, 312 Utley, David, 597 Vanderberg, Richard, 137 Vanderkemp's journey, description of, 134-137 Van Deusen, E. M., Rev., 345 Van Epps, Abraham, 124, 568, 569 Van Rensselaer, James, 296 Jeremiah, 163, 284, 289, 290, 329, 346 Robert, 300 Van Santi-oerd, Abraham, 292. 295 Van Sice, John, 119 Varick, jr., Abraham, 287 Vaughn, John, 76 Vedder, Nicholas F., 342 Veith, G., Rev., 340 Vernon, town of, 566-579 churches of, 575 early roads in, 569 398 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Vernon, newspapers of, 573 pioneers of, 567-569 topography of, 566 village, 571, 573 Center, 573 Edward, 397 Verona, town of, 579-588 churches of, 586-588 first officers of, 582 pioneers of, 580-582 schools of 582 supervisors of, 582 topography of, 579 village, 583 Springs, 579 Vienna, town of, 588-596 churches of, 595 early hunting experiences in, 590 pioneers of, 589-591 schools of. .591 supervisors of, 596 topography of, 588 village, 592 Volunteers from Oneida county, 196, 197 Wadsworth, William and James, 89 Wager, Daniel E. , sketch of, 244 David, 77, 310 Henry, 76, 597 Wakeman, Thaddeus, 296 Walcott, Benjamin S., 628 jr., Benjamin S., 628, 629 Charles D., 629 Frederick C, 632 William D., 274, 629-631 William Stuart, 630, 631 Waldo, Ephraim and Nathaniel, 76 families, 408, 409 Walesville, 634 Walker, Benjamin, Capt., 90 Benjamin, Col,, 282 Thomas, 91, 286, 291, 292, 346, 354, 362, 364, 365 Thomas R., 368 W. C, 367 Hugh, 103, 107 Walton, Abraham, 285 War meetings, 195 of 1754-56, 5 of 1812, 161, 175 Warner, Jared E., 302, 363 Jonathan, 303, 342 Warren, Benjamin, 380 Lyman, 380 Washington, George, Gen., 75 General and Governor Clinton, tour of, through the Mohawk valley, 52-54 Washington Mills, 488 Wasmer, J. W., 358 Waterville, 536-541 , Watson, Elkanah, journal of, 64-66 Elkanah, extract from journal of, in 1788, 86 Elkanah, extract from diary of, 164 Weaver (or Weber), George J., 24, 56, 426 George M. , 427 Jacob G., 427 Peter, Nicholas and George, 59, 427 William N., 324 Webb, Daniel, Col., 13, 14 Weed, Thurlow 293 Weeks, William R., Rev., 273 Welch, jr., Benjamin, 356 Wells, Alfred and Solomon, 287 L. B., Dr., 257 Samuel, 137 Welles, John, 297 Wemple, Abraham, 123 Wenham, Thomas, 95, 98 West Branch, 468 West Camden, 424 West Vienna, 594 Westcott, John, 182 Western, town of, 596 churches of, 602 first officers of, 596 necrological list of, 601, 602 pioneers of, 597-599 schools of, 600 supervisors of, 597 topography of, 596 Centinel, the, 137 Inland Lock Navigation Company, 216-220 Westernville, 599 Westmoreland, town of, 603-615 churches of, 613, 614 first officers of, 605 pioneers of, 597-609 schools of, 612 statement relative to settlement of Judge Dean in, 605-607 village, 610 topography' of, 603 Wetmore, Amos, 57, 58, 85 E. A., 318, 347, 365 Whaley, Alexander, Dr., 582 Wheeler, Russel, 226 & Son, Russel, 370 Wheelock, Alpheus, Col., 462 Whipple, Bishop, 77 White, Augustus, 343 Canvass, 619 Charles N., 367 INDEXES. 399 White, Daniel C, Col., 619 D. P., 324 F. C, 182 Henry, 346 Hugh, 55. 56, 63, 85, 88, 103, 146, 616-619 »jr., Hugh, 619 Levi, 598 Nicholas A., 367 Noah, 305 Philo, 158, 619 William M., 364 Whiteley, William, 296 Whitesboro Colony, additions to, in, 1785, 57 county buildings at, 624, 625 manufactures of, 627 Whitestown, town of, 615-636 churches of, 623, 635, 636 division of town of, in 1793, 86 early history of, 616 early military spirit in, 622 erection of the town of, 63 first town meeting in, 620, 621 supervisors of, 621 topography of, 615 Gazette, the, 137 Seminary, 273, 274 Whitfield, J. W., Rev., 331 Whittlesee, Samuel, Rev., 350 Wienke, FredH., 355 Wilcox, Reuben, 620 Wilcoxson, Gilbert, 346 Willard, Aaron, 398 Garry A., 403 Willett, Marinus, Col., 17, 27, 32, 33, 35, 42, 43, 44; hazardous journey of, for assistance, 46-48; 75, 119 Willey, Elijah F., Rev., 336 Williams, Abraham, 285 A. J., 226, 344, 363 Comfort, Rev., 272 Williams, David, John and Solomon, 517 Henry, 414 James Watson, 312, 319, 350 James Watson, Mrs., 211, 333 Jesse, 212, 514 John, 310, 349 Nathan, 143, 188; sketch of, 234; 283, 289, 291, 293 R. S., 363 Stalham, 295, 364 William, 286, 293, 301, 353, 354 & Co.,T. A., 370 Williamson, Charles, 90; statement of, concerning the Mohawk valley, 163 Willowvale, 489 Wilmarth, Isaac, 273, 349 Wilson, Charles S., 371 George S., 304, 354 John, 469 Wood, Harriet C, Mrs.. 330 Thomas H., 307 Creek, 4, 7 Woodbridge, William, Rev., 349 Woodhull, Nathaniel, Maj., 17 Woodworth, Amos, 432 Wolcott, Oliver, 57 Samuel, 346 Solomon, Dr., 385, 291 William, 369 Wright, Benjamin, 92, 108, 121, 223 Benjamin H., 220 sr., Ebenezer, 76 Ebenezer, 513 Moses, 105 Thomas, 76, 514 Yates, Abraham, 348 Robert, 103 Yorkville, 628 Young, John G., 293 Ladies' Domestic Seminary, Clinton, 277 PART II, Abeel, James S., Capt, 124 Ablett, Robert, 28 Adams, Silas, 7 Allen, Bion Pemberton, M. D. Anthony, Jesse B. , 173 Babbitt* John L., 161 Bagg, M. M., M. D., 194 Bailey, E. Prentiss, 186 Ballou, Walter, 212 Barrows, Samuel J., 46 Birdseye, Rufus P., 66 Bissell, Gordon N., 130 Booth, Wilbur H., M. D., 178 Boyle, John Wellington. 38 Brewster, Amos F., 205 Brown, Calvin, 11 400 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Butler, John Milton, 151 Butler, Morgan, 176 Capron, Seth, Dr., 136 Chadwick, sr., George W., 170 Chadwick, jr., George W., 172 Chamberlain, Ephraim, 54 Cloher, jr., William H., 166 Coggeshall, Henry J . 198 Comstock, Calvert, 122 Comstock, Edward. 122 Costello, Patrick C, 210 Costello, Patrick H., 209 Coxe, Alfred C. 196 Cromwell, Stephen, 27 Curran, Edward, 71 Darling, Charles W., 132 Devereux, N. E., 202 Dickinson, Albert M., 42 Dorrance, Daniel G., 155 Douglass, James A., 13 Draper, Virgil, 109 Dunham, George E., 186 Dunmore, Watson T , 23 Dwight, Benjamin W., 94 Ethridge, Alfred, 102 Farman, Henry, 9 Faxton, Theodore S. , 40 Flandrau, Thomas Macomb, 117 Frisbie, Willard J. , 95 Graham, Edmund A. , 140 Hagedorn, Henry, 45 Hall, Benjamin, 148 Harvey, Edwin A., 92 Helmer, Robert J., 58 Hieber, John C, 67 Hunt, James D., M.D., 18 Hunt, Myron W., M.U., 157 Huntington, Edw.-rd, 110 Hutchinson, Charles W., 189 Jenkins, Timothy, 37 Jones, Thomas S., 44 Kellogg, Spencer, 182 Kingsley, W. J. P., M.D., 128 Laird, Frank F., M.D., 64 Lamb, Harrison, 93 Lawton, Elon J., M.D., 115 Lee, Arthur D.,59 Lewis, Ladd J. 69 Locke, William P.. 13 Loomis, Jon J., 10 McGuire, Philip 62 Mann, Newton, 100 Middleton, Robert, 48 Millar, Charles, 184 Miller, Addison C, 56 Millspaugh, Edward J., 206 Munson, Alfred, 149 Munson, Edmund, 3 Nicholson, Charles A., 145 Nock, Thomas G. , 125 North, Edward, 5 Osborn, Amos O., 16 Owen, Philip, 201 Penfield, Thomas D., 29 Perry, Josiah, 60 Philo, Charles H., 57 Prescott, Cyrus Dan, 127 Ralph, George, 61 Reid, Christopher C, M.D., 119 Rogers, Publius V., 50 Sanger, Jedediah, 179 Sanger, William Cary, 181 Sayles, Joseph I., 120 Scott, Isaac R., 31 Scripture, William E., 197 Scudder, Samuel O., M.D., 114 Searles, James H., 131 Seaton, Albert P., 159 Smith, J. Arthur, V.S., 36 Soper, Albert, 113 Soper, Arthur W., 113 Spencer, James D., 11 Stoddard, David Curtis, 74 Stryker, John, 150 Studor, George M., 65 Tower, Reuben, 14 Trevvett, Edward, 146 Utley, David, 108 Utley, Squire, 307 Wardwell, Daniel, 97 Warren, David- A., 144 Weaver, Fred G.. 200 Wells, John B., 32 West, M. Calvin, M.D., 104 Whiffen, Isaac, 168 White Family, the, 77 Hugh White, 78 Hugh White, Hon., 81 Canvass White, 82 William Clark Young, 87 Philo White, 88 Fortune C. White, 89 William Mansfield White, 89 Wiley, George H., 213 Willard, Garry A., 193 Williams, Abijah Jewel, 138 Williams, Elliott S., 35 Williams, Robert Stanton, 163 Williams, Othniel S., 154 Wilson, Claude, M.D., 6 Woodruff, Arthur C, 26 Young, William Clark, 87 INDEXES. 401 PART III. Abbott, John W., 3 •Abe1, William P., 3 .Ackerman, Charles, 87 Ackroyd, Joseph. 320 Adams, Charles H., 338 Elbridge R., 128 George W., 365 Justus B., 131 Adkins, F. A., 271 Adsit. Leonard E., 38 Agne, jr., Jacob, 71 Ague, Charles, 336 Philip C, 301 Albot, Charles T., 168 Aldrich, Reuben M., 267 Aldridge, Willard C, 198 Allanson, Thomas B., 166 Allen, FredC, 77 George H., 74 Hiram J., 281 Allison, William E., 325 Allwood, Joseph S., 191 Alsheimer, John G., 342 Alvord, Clarence E., 169 Amann, Ignace L., 149 Magdalen, 58 Anderson, August, 4 Anken, Samuel, 3 Annis, Albert S., 21 Armbrust, John, 271 Armstrong, Amos P., 299 David, 166 George H., 337 William C, 107 Arnold, Charles F., 203 Ashmore, George, 233 Atwood, Willard T., 4 Austin, Ai, 179 David, 300 Samuel 163 Avery, J. B., 253 Joseph S., 81 Aylesworth, David W., Rev., 142 Babcock, E. C, Dr., 37 G. D., Mrs , 355 Henry E., Dr., 82 Bacon, Ezekiel, 306 Hiram H.. 335 Baer, G. A., 147 Bagg, Asahel S., 218 Egbert, 264 Bailey, Myron J., 174 Baker, A. E., 75 Charles F., 219 Daniel, 332 Philip J., 4 Thomas F. , 93 Ball, Chester A., 294. Emmett J., 263 Ballou, Ellis, 102 Walter, 5 Bangs, G. R., 113 Bannigan, Michael T., 364 Barber, William F., 265 Bardeen, John, 311 Bardsley, John S., 322 Josiah, 326 Barker, John S. , 300 Laurens M. , 303 Barnard, Josiah E., 151 Barnes, Samuel C, 232 Barney, Moses, 263 s Barns, Amos, Capt, 126 Henry D., 80 Barnum. D. A., Dr., 114 Barrett, F. A., 180 Barrows, Samuel Jones, 137 Barry, John J., 158 Bartholomew, Edward J., 149 James T. , 115 Bartlett, Howard G., Dr., 359 Barton, D. W.. 115 J. F., 68 Seth E., 5 Bartow, Pierrepont, 200 Bates, Charles E., 328 Baxter, Frank K. , 197 Beach, John J., 77 Beardsley, Backus A., 83 Samuel A., 94 Beck, Christopher, 230 Beebee, Edward B., 228 Beers, G. P., 311 Bell, Henry Dwight, 281 Bellinger, Daniel H., 286 Henry H.. 67 Bemister, Alfred, 47 Bennett, C. H , 70 Bensberg, Frederick W., 380 Bensted, W. H., 313 Bentley, Henry W. , 4 Benton, Eugene C, 61 George, 279 Berical, Anthony, 73 Beyel, Charles, 19 402 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Beyel, Jacob, 213 Biddlecome, William D., 72 , Bielby, Isaac P., 268 Bigelow, H. P., 70 Biggar, David I., Rev., 273 Billingham, Fred G. , 296 Richard J., 82 Birdsey, George L., 6 Blake, Frank, 296 John, 303 Blasier, Irving, 175 Bliss, Frederick, 331 Blue, Malcom A., 51 Boss, Joseph, 354 Bourke, Miles R., 150 Bowen, John, 103 Bowes, John A., 343 Bowman, John, 171 Boyd, Chauncey, 5 Brainard, I. D., 312 Brayton, Frances A., Mrs., 76 M. Jesse, 366 Breitenstein, George Frederick, 348 Brennan, Thomas, 293 Breslauer, Theobald, 160 Brewer, Edward E., 102 Briggs, George, 213 Brill, Fred J., 293 Broadbent, Frank, 89 83 Brockway, William H., Bronson, James C, 134 Brooks, W. A., 113 Brown, Brayton E., 346 Charles A., 218" James, 55 Thomas S., 5 Brownell, James B., 322 Jonathan, 223 Brucker, George L., 343 Brush, Charles W., 292 Bryden, Edward N., 82 Buckley, Jeremiah, 180 Patrick, 181 Buell, C. E., 70 Wales, Dr., 258 Burback, Toseph H., 73 Burdett, Miner E., 74 Burgess, George H. , 277 William A., Dr., 239 Burleson, William Jay, 78 Burlingame, J. K., 181 Burns, Owen J., 296 Burr, Henry A., 76 Burrell, Joseph, 134 Burritt, A. W., 204 Burrows, H. F., Mrs., 298 Burton, Thomas M., 215 Bushinger, Eduard, 201 Bushnell, Monroe, 174 Butler, Marianne H., Mrs., 79 Butterfield, Charles, 273 Samuel, 309 Cady, A. B., 68 Cagwin, Marenus, 330 Calder, Frederick Manwell, 90 Callahan, W C, 310 Campbell, Roderic, 339. Candee, J. W., 361 Canfield, M. T., 127 Cantwell, John A., 245 Capron, C. G., Dr., 236 James H., 109 Carleton, Charles, 51 Carpenter, Horace M. , 339 W. H., 371 Case, A. Pierson, 146 Cassidy, Fred A., 341 Castle, Charles C, 83 Cavana, James, 319 Chapman, O. B., 114 W. H., 373 William Wallace, 296 Chamberlin, George L., 360 Chase, Charles E., Dr., 354 Chassell, George G., 6 Childs, William Tapping, 335 Chrestien, Alfred B., 173 Martin, 60 Theodore, 55 Churchill, George Clarence, 357 Clark, Charles H., 6 Charles W., 77 Hiram G., 324 John F., 56 O. Arthur, Dr., 356 Roland H., 328 William A., 251 Clefford, Daniel B., 53 Cleveland, Charles F., 222 Charles H. 143 Coan, Luke, 203 Cochran, John M., 360 Cody, jr., Francis A., 274 Cogswell, George, 8 Cole, John N., 319 Coleman, George, 91 E. G , 138 Collins, Reuben, 334 Colton, C. W.. 7 Comstock, Gastin E., 36 Ira Morris, 270 James M., 292 M. L., 298 Conger, Daniel, 69 Conley, William, 385 INDEXES. 403 Constable, James, 93 Cook, Albert D., 173 Caspar I. , 41 Mathias, Dr., 235 Cooley, Gary W., 159 Coombs, Orville, 7 Coon, Luke H., 374 Cooper, Henry H., 193 Lansing B., 331 Robert, 333 Corbitt, James, 336 Costigan, W. H., 371 Cottman, Joseph S., 366 Coughlin, John B.,111 Coupe, James, 353 Courtney, Humphrey, 9 Covel, Stephen A., 333 Coventry, Robert, 103 Cox, Truman, 8 Crandall, Charles E., 379 Charles S., Dr., 341 EnosT., 40 J. Wells, 308 Cranwell, Frank J., 367 Crippen, A. E., 357 Crisman, William N., 321 Cronin, James V., 251 Crosby, Anson T., 86 Cross, John Cleveland, 281 Crossman, George H., 215 jr., George H., 7 Crouse, JohnM., 335 Cruikshank, James M.,97 J. Robert, 84 Culliton, John, 345 Cummings, James W., 141 Cunningham, James, 115 John Howard, 92 Curtis, Lyman W., 7 Curtiss, Heman, 6 Hiram L., 49 Cushman, Joseph B., 159 Daggett, A. W., 123 Dagwell, Charles M., 201 Daily, Dennis L., 376 Daly, William Francis, 152 Dana, George W., 176 Dapson, Thomas, 145 Darrow, David E., 185 Nicholas N., 335 Davidson, John, 207 Davies, Arthur H., 343 John S., 354 Morris J., Dr., 221 - R. M., 258 Davis, Charles P., 368 Eugene, 257 Davis, Evan J., 355 George, 360 George A., 369 I. E., 237 John J., 107 John L., 315 Pratt M., 56 Day, Horace E., 144 Julius, 113 Dayton, Clinton L., 183 Deecke, Theodore, 195 Deeley, David, 173 Delester, John, 354 Dempsey, James L. , 375 Thomas E., 367 Denton, Alonzo, 9 De Votie, Duane D., 337 Dewey,, Charles M., 86 Sanger, Rev., 256 Dewhurst, J. C, 154 Dewing, W. H., Dr., 371 Dietche, Henry, 151 Dillenbeck, Douglas E., 167 Dimbleby, Wesley, 325 Divine, Fred D., 367 Dixon, James, 175 Dobson Family, the, 246 Dodge, E. C, 107 Jesse E., 222 William P., 218 Dohn, Frederick, 328 Donlon, Joseph M., 240 Thomas H., 154 Donnelley, William T., 224 Dooley, John J. , 166 Doolittle, Charles A., 358 F. C, 317 Henry A., 354 Dorn, Samuel, 106 Dorrance, jr., Daniel G. , 91 John G., 50 W. H., 56 Douglass, A. P.. 321 J. W., Dr., 177 William, 228 Drummond, James, 156 John, 220 Thomas, 334 Dunham, George Earl, 84 M. Earl, 154 Durfee, W. V., 377 Durr, Charles J., 9 Dwyer, Michael, 252 » Dye, Daniel C, Dr., 302 Dygart, John H., 144 Dygert, George W., 379 Dykeman, Theodore W., 201 404 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Easingwood, Arthur L., 125 Eastman, W. J., 312 Eaton, Elmer E. , 148 Maurice, 381 Edic, Alson A., 47 Henry, 170 Edwards, John E., 217 L. D., 312 Eells, Charles W., 135 Ehrsam, George, 342 Ellinwood, Reuben C, 222 Elliott, John Edward, 136 Ellis, HughM., 10 Thomas T. , 37 Elthorp, William, 206 Elwood, Ernest J., 346 Ely, Belle, 238 Ensworth, George W., 267 Entwistle, John, 343 Erwin, Cornelius B., 181 Euin, Joseph F., 226 Evans, Charles H., 10 John, 45 John V., 206 Owen J., 255 jr., Richard, 298 Richard J., 318 Everett, Charles M., 297 Eynon, David Slade, Dr. . 358 Fardett, Solomon, 207 Fargo, Orrin S., 266 Farley, George R., 11 Farnsworth, Theron A., 49 Ferris, Reynolds, 81 Timothy Harvey, 92 V. Seaman, 327 Finn, E. L., 313 Fisher, G. M., Dr., 254 Fisk, J. W., 179 Fiske, L. W., 11 Fitch, A. L., 141 Bordman L,, 343 Norman, 127 Fitzgerald, Edward, 97 Flanders, Thomas, 50 Flanagan, James Henry, 175 Flint, James H., 98 Flume, Frank V., 365 Foote, John B., 124 Samuel G., 266 Foster, Burton G. , 260 Ellen M„ 145 Nathaniel W., 331 Theodosia M., Mrs., 230 William S., 304 Fowler, jr., William H., 259 Fox, Henry, 10 Fox, Winfield M., 166 Frame, William L., 217 Franklin, James H., 14 Freiberger, George H., 317 Freinberger, Fred, 393 John J., 294 French, Frank W., 288 James G., 227 Frisbie, Charles P., 88 Fuess, L. P., 311 jr., Philip, 242 Fuller, AsaO., 364 Charles Y., 380 Fulmer, Edgar J., 211 Gainsway, Philip A., 183 Gallagher, jr., James, 11 Gamble, Frederick S., 176 Gammel. George W., 351 Gardner, O. S., Mrs., 237 Richard H., 176 Garrett, Edward E., 13 Henry L., 11 Gates, Henry L., 261 William M., 280 Gaus, Fred E., 13 Gaymond, George A., 171 Georg, Emil J. , 278 German, Jerome B., 350 Gerwig, Frederick, 261 Gibson, William M., Dr., 248 Gifford, Hamilton W., 21 Gilchrist, Morence, 231 Glatt, A. S., 320 Joseph, 305 Gleason, Henry N., 122 Gliffe, Henry, 12 Golly, Andrew, 46 Golley, William E., 203 Goodfellow, C. H., Mrs., 297 Goodier, Lewis Edward, 72 Wadsworth S., 186 Goodsell, Lawton B., 236 Goodwin, S. W., 311 Gookins, Milo, 212 Gorton, F. T., Dr., 381 Gossin, William .A., 317 Gould, George A. W., 294 Gouge, Frederick H., 136 Grace, John, S56 Graham, George H., 142 Joseph E.. 137 Grannis, C. E., Mrs., 299 William E., 122 Grant, John H.. 73 Graves, C. H., 247 Ferdinand V., 252 William B., 66 INDEXES. 405 Greeri, Adelbert, 254 Alvin L., 123 Greene, Albert W., Dr., 163 Griffin, Charles A., 189 Griffith, William H., 233 William Penn, 13 Griffiths, Lewis G., 114 Groff, Benjamin, 395 Groves, Adelbert D. , 366 Gue, Jerome V., 13 Gypson, Adelbert G., 141 Hagedorn, Henry, 13 Hainault, Francis J., Rev., 108 Hale, Andrew Jerome, 270 Haley, Cornelius, 353 Hall, Henry L., 330 Halladay, James, 158 Hallenbeck, William A., 84 Halstead, Charles N., 14 Charles N., 43 John, 107 Hamilton, William, 375 Hamlin, Edward A., 283 Edwin S., 125 Joseph Eugene, 37 Fred W., 13 Hanchett, Julian A., 68 Hanna, Nathaniel, Col., 129 Harden, Charles, 174 Frank S., 64 Harding, L. S., 298 Harrer, Karl, 244 Harrig, Albert, 63 Harris, Henry, 14 James, 250 John W., 65 Hart, SethW., 160 Hatfield, Richard E., 369 Hathaway, Gilbert, 164 Haven, A. G., 67 Haviland, L. P., 71 Hawkins, James S , 134 W. S., 123 Hayes, Albert L., 176 Charles R., 96 E. N., 137 Haynes, Archibald M., 165 George H., 116 Heath, William, 194 Hemenway, Henry M. , 104 Henderson, W. H., 337 Hepworth, Joseph, 324 Herbage, William, Mrs., 323 Hermant, Ernest T., 360 Hewett, C. E., 303 Hickox, W. Jerome, 204 Hicks, Alpheus, 248 Hicks, John W., 48 Nicholas H., 214 William Harrison, 59 Hilsinger, Myron, 313 Hinman, William, 282 Hitchcock, Albert, 228 Hooper, John, 164 Horrigan, John, 171 Horsey, George F., Dr., 354 Horton, George C, 268 Houghton, Thomas, 291 Hovey, George I. , 75 Julietta (Kilmer), Mrs. , 208 Howarth, Frederick E., 864 Hubbard, Edward, 75 George M., 313 Hubbell Family, the, 241 Hudson, Joel, 55 Huggins, E. H., 317 Hughes, Edgar, 14 John W., 103 Robert P., 295 Hunt, A. A., Mrs. Dr., 291 Hurlbut, Henry, 212 Illingworth, Joseph J., 196 Irion Elias, 254 Jackson, B. O., 15 Isaac W., 181 JohnT., 130 Walter D., 180 W. H., 38 James, A. Willard, 264 William M., Dr., 187 Jamieson, Robert, 144 Jenks, M. S., 312 Jenny & Nelbach, 224 Jessup, Benjamin T. , 133 Jewett, James G., 305 Joerisson, Joseph, 204 Johnson, Charles H., 272 James, 293 Samuel, 43 Stephen Albert, 54 Jones, Edwin E., 344 Evan W., 116 Even D., 169 Herbert Gordon, Dr., 363 Hugh, 169 James E., Dr., 143 J. Lewis, 198 John R., 108 John R., 243 J. Whitfield, 195 Lewis, 243 Owen E., 55 Richard J„ 15 406 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Jones, Richard R., 65 Robert G., 15 Robert H., 108 R. K, Dr., 255 Seymour, 65 Thomas F., 75 T. Z., Dr., 312 William, 289 William Jay, 53 & Shippey, 202 Joslin, C. Eli, 182 Joslyn, William H., 381 Joy, William H., 309 . Kasson, Calvin I-L, 214 Kau, Charles D., 179 Keeler, Miles L., 108 Keith, Charles B., 146 Myron, 359 Keller, Hugo, 91 Kellogg, Henry G., 338 Hiram Spencer, 290 Kelly, Edward, 325 Martin, 294 Patrick E., 263 Kelsey, A. P., Mrs., 300 Kendall, Eugene M., 287 Kennedy, Michael, 41 Kenney, Marcus E., 238 Kent, Bion H., 184 John S., 39 Justus Vinton, 4-4 M. J., 252 Perry E., 279 Kenyon, O. S., Dr., 21 Kernan, Nicholas E, , 340 William, 351 Kilborn, George L., Dr., 15 Kilbourn, Judson G., Dr., 343 Kilts, Andrew, 37 Jacob, 50 Kincaid, Frederick W., 240 King, A. E., 272 William, 19 Kinne, Eri, 64 Kinney, Thomas E., 191 Kirkland, George A,, 308 Klammer, Charles N., 327 Knighf, Charles B., 344 Knittel, Joseph, 330 Knox, J. Theodore, 182 Krebs, Albert, 100 Kunkel, jr., George M., 169 Kuolt, Joseph, 348 Lane, A. V, 229 Langley, Henry A., 117 Latus, George F., 273 W. W., 117 Law, George C, 116 William C, 293 Lawes, Richard, 394 Lawrence, A. W., 41 Lewis H., 161 Lee, Arthur Delos, 139 Robert, 265 Leete, Pelatiah W., 261 Lehr, Charles M., 50 Leonard, Franklin, 277 Lewis, Elias, 85 John, 180 John M., 16 Marion P., 275 William D.,162 Lindsley, Smith M., 278 Linsley, Harvey, 238 Lints, Jeremiah, 179 Lloyd, David R., 99 Lockwood, Andrew J., 106 Loomis, U. L., 273 Lorenz, Anton, 331 Lowe, Charles, 58 Lumbard, H., 317 Luther, Thomas and Mary, 377 Lyman, Charles Simeon, 135 Lynch, Anthony V., 363 McAra, William F., 300 McBride, Thomas, 297 McCall, Thomas A., 195 McCamus, Lucia C, 316 McClanathan, William, 18 McClements, James; 60 McClusky, Henry, 42 McDonald, William, 205 McElhinney, Daniel E., 358 N. B., 816 McGuire, Mary, Mrs., 17 McGurk, William, 272 Mclncrow, Richard W., 353 William J., 219 McLean, A. Waters, Mrs., 241 John, 326 William Gardner, 152 McPherson, Henry A., 346 John, 147 McTiernan, William, 862. MacFarland, L. W,, Mrs., 236 MacGarrity, James H., 867 Mack, Jonathan, 17 Mackie, William S., 325 Macomber, Jay, 92 Magill, David B., 148 Maher Brothers, 361 Maine, August, 229 Mallory, A. P., 282 Maloy, John F., 849 INDEXES, 407 Manahan, Richard J., 208 Mansbach, Simon, 189 Marsden, William Robb, Dr , 342 Marsh, John, 171 Lyman, 17 Thomas, 36 Marshall, Charles L., 136 Elmiron C, 293 Marson, Edward M., 169 Martin, Asa F., 222 Chester H., 233 Leander, 80 Louis M., 139 M. F., 318 Noble F., 187 Pliny F., 117 Marvin, W. Tyler. 316 Mason, C. B.. 313 George C, 349 Harry, 239 John C, 313 Morris, 316 Mather, Charles W., 374 Matthews, Joseph, 316 Maurer, Deabold, 382 George H., 330 Maxfield, Rouse B., 374 Maxson, Sands Carr, Dr., 186 Mayer, W. G., 70 Mayhew, Mortimer M. , 16 Meavs, John H., 110 Melvin, Cutler, 355 Merna P., 140 Merriman, Emma, Mrs.. 80 Merritt, George, Rev. , 287 Merry, Frederick J. , 145 Gotieib, 87 Merwin, Milton H., 234 Metz, Charles W., 243 Meyer, Otto Angus, 307 Midlam, John W., 18 Milgate, Henry E.-. 363 Miller, Frank P., 155 Frederick Munger, Dr., 101 sr., G. Adam, 18 jr., G. Adam. 18 Jacob, 301 Morris S., 281 Philip, 118 Philip J- ¦ 256 Mills, Andrew W., 81 E. Deloss, 111 Monroe, C. Wilbur, 314 Moore, Maria, 18 Morehouse,- George C, 244 Henry D., 213 Morgan, Albert C, 69 Frank W., 153 Morgan, John S., 257 William A., 95 Morris, Price, 345 Morrow, James E. , 126 Moshier, William B., 345 Mulchi, William. 309 Mullin, Martin H., 19 Mulverhill, F. C. 314 Munger. Charles, Dr., 259 Munn, John Sherman, 193 Neal, Austin D., 142 Morris M., 148 Neaskern, John, 21 Neejer, John H., 208 Nelbach. John, 323 Nelson, William H., Dr., 56 Newell, George S., 221 Newton, Frank J., 332 Nicholas, Henry, Dr.. 22 Nichols, Charles F., Dr., 282 Dexter E., 64 George A. . 82 Henrv, 22 Nicholson, William, 290 Norton, Adelbert E., 125 E. A.. Mrs., 251 OrloB-, lo3 Peter J., 287 Samuel D., 237 William M., 22 Nolton, Charles F.. 217 Nugent. Patrick F., 350 Nutt, Albert, 73 Edwin, 185 Nye, Willis C, 287 O'Brien, John, 283 Odell, Edgar B.. 205 , Olds, Marquis D., 236 O' Leary, Jeremiah, 182 Olmsted, Henrv L., 275 Olney, George B., 49 Thomas J., 290 O'Mara, Daniel, 98 O'Reilly, Patrick J., 344 Osborn, William, 68 O'Toole, Frank W., 113 Overrocker, EnosD., 143 Owen, F. W., 39 John, 23 JohnC. 217 Robert C, 302 William E., 220 Paddock, Daniel, 61 Harvey, 165 Palmer, E. G., 177 408 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Palmer, E. H., 259 Parke, Morgan Adelbert, 152 Parkinson, T. W., 140 Parks, Perry. 44 Parmelee, David E., 25S Parsell, Charles D., 47 Patten, Delford, 111 Pattengill, Lucia G., 147 Patterson, John H., 345 Pearl, H. D., 299 Peck, Dwight Bristol, 353 Peckham, S. Wilber, 1S8 Pelton, A. G., 303 Pender, William, 320 Pepper, Edwin J., 45 Perkins, William, 316 Perry, Gilbert, 100 Phelps, C. A., 44 Pliny, 23 Pillmore, John, 109 Johnson. 24 William F., 23 Pitcher, Herbert D., 353 Pittock, Lewis, 216 William D., 214 Plumb, Henry A., 185 Pohl, George D., 379 Pollard, Grant J., Dr., 140 Porter, Chester Winfield, 39 George L. , 104 J. M., 232 N. W., 355 Potter, Carroll C, 102 G. R., 314 George S., 210 John"H., 24 John W., 106 Powell, Fred R., 170 J. L, 40 John N., 239 Pratt, Charles A., 101 Charles T., 359 Charles W., 178 Prendergast, "E. R., Rev., 43 Prescott, D. D., 376 Preston, Medina, Dr., 69 Proctnr, Thomas Redfield, 194 Putnam, Charles S., 216 E. B., 314 Frederick W., 314 Pugh, William E,, 109 Ouinlan, Patrick F, , 248 Quinn, John, 262 Race, Chester A., 134 Ramsdell, I. J., 162 Rawnsley, William, 284 Rayhill, James W., 163 Reed, David H., Dr., 1S3 John J., 68 Laura D., Mrs., 331 Leonard R., 66 ' Reeder, William S., 190 Rees, John D., 167 Thomas R., 25 Reese, O. W., 291 Reilly, Thomas W., Rev., 324 Remmer, Joseph H., 295 Louis, 347 William M., 347 Ressegue, James M., 329 Reusswig-, George A., 346 Rhodes, A. J., 339 Rice, Charles F., 40 George W., 138 Richards, Edward, 94 Rinkle, David, 25 Rislev, Edwin Hills, 373 John R., 274 Orville, 337 Ritchie, Thomas, 48 Robbins, Albert W., 146 George B., 170 Roberts, Daniel J., 23 Emma J., Mrs., 105 Henrv W., 803 Roberts, John C. , 144 R. Wilson, 69 Thomas D., 25 Robjnson, Henry, 276 Rogers, I. Frank, 352 J. W"., 20 Stephen, 25 Root, Oren, 131 Ronspees, Herman, 75 Rose. F. W., Dr., 322 Roser, Charles, 95 Rowley, Warren C. , 246 Rush, Horace 1., 176 Ryan, William" F., 202 St. John, N. J., 301 Salisburv, Albei t C. , 348 John H., 123 Sanders, E. E., 268 Sanfoid, Helen B., Mrs , 113 Sargent, Foster, 105 Sauer, G. Adam, 372 Sawtelle, Washington Sewell 90 Sayer, James W., 156 Scheehl, Jacob, 188 Schilz, jr., Peter, 62 Scollard, Clinton, 132 Scott, Walter F., 66 /v INDEXES. 40U Scott, W. I., 376 W. J., 228 Scovill, James Van Horn, 161 Scoville, Samuel T. W., 44 William, 304 Seaman, Jerome M., 161 Searle, Charles H., 340 Seaton, J. W., 339 Seiter, George, 128 Selbach, John H., 280 Sessions, F. W., 346 Sexton, Michael H.„ 356 Seymour, Henry A. , 29 Sharp, Charles W., 263 Shattuck, Luther, 310 Shaw, Henry W., 102 Shedd, Philander, 291 Sheehan, John H., 378 Shepard, Luther M., 330 Sheridan, Simon, 372 Sherrill, L. T., 331 Shirley, Thomas A., 110 Shoewalter, Joseph H., 90 Sholes, Herbert C, 158 Siegman, Frederick, 265 Leopold, 367 Simmons, Cyrus C, 39 Singleton, W. H., 315 Sink, William W., 357 Sippell, William D., 38 Sly, Andrew J.. 168 Small, Lewis J., 263 W. R., 239 Smith, Angelia E., Mrs., 157 Benjamin, 371 Charles E., Dr., 350 Clarence D., 57 Daniel, 355 Dewitt Clinton, 172 E. C, 339 F. A., 315 Frank W., 178 George H.. 36 George W., 376 Giles, 73 Giles, 86 Myrtalu F., 386 Samuel G., 153 W. Harvey, 345 Snell, Albert M., 315 Ira L-, 234 Snow, Arch. B., 96 Eugene, 384 Solzman, Francis X., 309 Somers, E. M., Dr., 140 Soule, Germain M., 105 Sparrow, Joseph, 249 Spaulding, William P., 386 Spencer, Lyman C, 89 Reuben J., 89 Sporie, Charles, 26 Spratt, Charles H., 20 Stamburg, William Riley, 39 Stannard, J. R., 52 Stappenbeck, Henry, 373 Starr, jr., John P., 327 Start, S. William, 160 Stearns, Eugene, 199 Steates, Andrew, 71 Stedman, Gilbert R., 167 R. Willett, 28 Stevens, Franklin, 258 Walter T., 27 William C, 319 Stoddard, Dwight L., 390 Stone, Alexander I., 131 John D. F., 157 Richard, 331 Walter C, 28 Storey, William H., 389 Storm, Arthur C, 218 Storrs, William Mansfield, 226 Strewn, George W., 64 Strong, Warren C, 285 Studor, George M., 27 Philip, 63 Sturdevant, Oliver W., 128 Suits, Verena C, Mrs., 333 Suters, William, 121 Swan, Gustavus, 26 Swancott, Benjamin' L., 350 David, 173 Swartwout, Leander, Dr., 105 Sweet, Herman L. , 325 Sweeting, Jesse V., 302 Symonds, James, 319 Syphert, William E., 52 Taft, George H., 79 Rufus, 57 Tafft, Julian E., 329 Tanner, Levi G., 170 W. Ray, 30 Taylor, George, 37 Lorenzo M., 347 Teachout, Asa, 30 Terhune, W. L., 118 Thayer, Emory R., 285 Thomas, Charles H., 150 EvanT., 99 Frank E., 350 Griffith D., 110 Hugh E., 278 Rees E., 352 William E., 168 W. J., 191 410 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Thompson, Henry D., 257 Joseph T., 151 Thorneley, Edward, 306 Tibbits, Susan, 192 Tibbitts, Milton G., 338 Titus, E., 355 Tompkins, C. H,, 155 Townsend, Walter C, 371 Towsley, William Dealton, Dr., 61 Tracy, Charles, 307 Traxel, George E., 140 Tripp, Franklin, 45 George L.,118 Orris B. , 130 Tuigg, Edward D., 349 Tuttle, Frank J. , 135 Lansing, 80 Noah, 31 Rufus, 30 Tyler, Cyrus H., 289 Henry H., 280 H. N., 338 Ulrich, Simon, 46 Underwood, Frederick G., 118 Utley, FredW., 180 Henry T., 70 Van Auken, Myron W., 339 Van Buskirk, Marcus, 60 Vandawalker, Milton, 31 Vanderhoof, Thomas J., 45 Vanderzee, H. B, , 357 Van Dresar, Francis, 32 Steward, 31 Van Evera, Virgil E., 78 Van Hatten, Michael, 48 Van Horne, Nicholas, 32 Vansize, Hibbard K., 188 Van Slyke, John P., 291 Van Swall, Pernett, 233 Van Wagenen, Lewis B., 164 Vary, Gideon, 31 Vollmar, Jacob, 178 Wagner, Edward G. , 205 Louis, 207 Walbran, T. F., 120 Waldo, Wellington, 314 Walker, Aaron C, 76 Henry J., 36 Peter, 34 Wallace, Joseph Franklin, 172 Walters Charles F.. 42 James N., 35 Warcup, Edwin S. , 36 John, 27 Ward, G. C, 34 Ward, John L., 42 Salmon, 210 Warfield, C. H., Prof., 34 Warner, SethH., 124 Warren, Charles K., 285 John D., Rev., 193 Wasmuth, FredW., 285 Theodore, 156 Wasserman, Felix. 283 Waterbury, Nathaniel G., 20 Waterman, Charles, 123 Waters, J. F., 315 Watkins, Thomas D., 196 Watson, James, 276 Thomas, Mrs., 179 William L., 344 Weaver, Abram H., 144 Alfred M., 170 Charles C, 313 Frederick G., 88 Van Rensselaer, 377 Webb, Alvin, 34 Weber. A. H., Ill Weismantle, Casper, 336 Weller, W. H., 122 Wells, Albert B., 67 Chester A., 215 Wendt, Fredericks., 87 West, Joseph, 141 Westcott, Frank D., 210 Wetherell, Thomas G. , 221 Wetmore, Ezra F., Major, 119 Wheeler, E. A., 302 Frank E., 369 Russel, 377 Thomas, 370 William H., 77 Whitcher, Benjamin Williams, Rev. , 309 White, Caroline, 35 Charles M., 98 Charles N., 370 George W.,'47 I. J., 33 N. Curtis, 199 Co., N. E., 195 Whiter, Andrew J., 43 Hiram A., 33 Whitford, H. P., 79 Whitney, S. S., 113 Whittaker, George H., 168 Whitten, John B., 318 Wickman, Henry G., 211 Wickwire, C. M., 80 Wight, Lyman L., Dr., 333 Wilcox, Frederick D., 175 Lucy B., 130 Wallace B., 193 Wilgus, Elmer T., 384 INDEXES. 411 Willard, Garry Allen, 177 Williams, Arnon George, 133 Griffith, 183 R. C, 315 Rees G., 143 Thomas H., 355 W. B-., 318 Willson, Merritt N., 46 Wilmarth, Margaret, Mrs., 95 Wilson, Benjamin F., 99 Charles M., 120 Charles W., 323 Robert, 53 William H., 134 Witherstine, Willard, 67 Wood, A. E., 114 Francis C. , 227 John W., 35 Permelia I., Mrs., 98 Woodard, Henry M., 174 Woodbridge, Edward, 216 Woodin, Julia, 299 Woods, Orson C, 33 Wolcott, Julius O. , 216 Wolf, Henry, 249 Philip D., 213 Wolfe, George, 58 Jacob, 164 Wright, George E., 333 George P., 336 Wyman, Simeon T., 173 Wynn, John D., 355 Yager, Helen, 333 Yale, J. Palmer, 359 Yerdon, James H., 59 Young, George, 121 George A., 139 Israel W., 159 Robert Grant, 311 Thomas P., 356 Zeigler, George, 212 Zimmerman, L., Mrs., 251 YALE UNIVERSITY 0029569 3 7b I Wmm