USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume II > Part 1
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HISTORY
OF
ONEIDA COUNTY
NEW YORK
From 1700 to the Present Time
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME II
CHICAGO THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY 1912
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY 777654 A , V LSA XAND
TIL EN · DALLUNS L
7
Utram G. Browser
BIOGRAPHICAL
ABRAM GILES BROWER.
The extent and importance of Abram G. Brower's connections in the world of commerce placed him in a leading position among those whose business activities constitute a most forceful factor in the growth and development of the cities in which their labors are expended. To have instituted and con- trolled mammoth business interests in the attainment of notable success entitles one to more than passing notice and the life work of Dr. Brower contains many valuable lessons which may be profitably considered and followed. His life was never self-centered for while he attempted many things and accomplished what he attempted, his success never represented another's losses but resulted from his own efforts intelligently applied. He was born in Schenectady, New York, May 18, 1840, a son of Giles and Helen (Vrooman) Brower. The an- cestry of the family can be traced back in America to Willem Hendrickse Brouwer, who owned property in New Amsterdam, now New York, in 1655. In 1657 he was residing in Beverwyck, now Albany, and in 1662 he and his elder brother, Philip Hendrickse Brouwer, took up land at Schenectady, num- bering among the original patentees of the town. It was in Albany that Willem II. Brouwer was buried on the 3d of August, 1668. His son, Hendrick Brouwer, settled at Schenectady, New York, and was married, March 26, 1692, in Al- bany, New York, to Maria Peterse Borsboom. His will was proved February 16, 1708. Peter Brouwer, of the third generation, was baptized November 10, 1697. He married Helena Fonda, of Schenectady, March 6, 1742, and died June 3, 1758. Giles Brower, who changed the spelling of the name from its original to its present form, was born August 1, 1747, was married December 7, 1770, to Maria Bradt in Schenectady, and died August 14, 1800. Their son, Peter Brower, born March 3, 1780, was married August 25, 1808, to Ann Catherine Stevens at Elizabethtown, (Elizabeth) New Jersey, and died Octo- ber 8, 1852. Giles Brower, the father of Abram G. Brower, was born Novem- ber 5, 1815, was married in Schenectady November 5, 1833, to Helen Vrooman, and died April 23, 1861.
Abram G. Brower prepared for college at the Schenectady Lyceum and at a boarding school near Albany. He afterward entered Union College from which he was graduated with the bachelor of arts degree in 1859. IIe then took up the study of medicine under Dr. Alexander Vedder, of Schenectady, and later in 1859 entered the Albany Medical College from which he was grad- uated with the M. D. degree in 1861. Subsequently he continued his studies in the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city. In
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HISTORY OF ONEIDAA COUNTY
1861 at the opening of the Civil war Dr. Brower passed the examination for army surgeons and volunteered his services to his country but was never called upon for active duty.
He entered upon the practice of medieine in U'tira in the same year but abandoned his profession in 1863 to take up the management of the business interests of his father-in-law, Nicholas F. Vedder. Ile was long a director of the Utica & Black River Railroad Company and its vice president, and for many years was officer and director of the U'tica Gas Company. Ile became largely interested in the Utica Waterworks Company, succeeding Thomas Ilop- per as its president, three of the reservoirs south of the city being built under His administration. Ile was also president of the company when its property was sold to the West Canada Water Company and the present Consolidated Water Company was organized. Dr. Brower remained on the advisory board some time after the sale and his labors were an effective element in securing for the city an adequate supply of pure water. Extending his efforts into other directions he became president of the Utiea Steam Cotton Mills and was elected a member of its executive board. For about twenty years he was a director of the Oneida National Bank of Utica but resigned in 1905 on account of failing health. lle was one of the organizers of the United States Trans- portation Company in 1899 and was vice president from the organization until his death. One of the first boats of the fleet. the A. G. Brower, was named in his honor. Dr. Brower was also president of the Brower & Love Brothers Company, a concern owning cotton mills at Indianapolis, Indiana, remaining as its chief executive officer until his death. Few men more quickly recognized a business opportunity or utilized it to better advantage. He was likewise a large holder of property in the western and southern states, the larg- est of these holdings being Brower plantation, a tract of some ten thousand aeres lying in Grenada and Carroll counties, Mississippi.
On the 30th of October, 1861. in Utica. New York, Dr. Brower was united in marriage by the Rev. Dr. Fowler. to Miss JJennie Helen Vedder, a daughter of Nicholas F. and Cornelia Blandina (Veeder) Vedder, of Utica. The chil- dren by this marriage were: Jennie Cornelia, who died November 11, 1871; llelena Vedder, who died August 7. 1872: Jennie Florence: Abram Vedder and Egmont Giles.
Dr. Brower was a lifelong republican but never accepted politieal office. He belonged to Utica Lodge, No. 47. F. & A. M., and was prominent in various social organizations including the St. Nicholas Society of New York city, the Holland Society of New York. Fort Schuyler Chapter of the Sons of the Revolution. New York Yacht Club. the Atlantic Yacht Club, the Adirondack League ('Inb. and a charter member of the Fort Schuyler Club of Utiea and the Yahuundahsis Golf Club of Utica. The active and helpful part which he took in church work marked him as a man of high principles and of unfalter- ing devotion to advanced ideals. lle held membership in the Dutch Reformed church at Schenectady and upon removing to Utica placed his membership in the church of the same denomination in this city. He took a most active part in the affairs of the U'tica church and was chairman of the building com- mittee of the trustees when the present house of worship was erected. IIe
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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
died at his cottage at Saranae Lake, New York, November 8, 1907, at the age of sixty-seven years, and thus closed a most honorable and upright career. At all times he manifested a habitual regard for what is best in the exercise of human activities and at all times displayed the confidence and courage that come of conscientious personal ability and the right conception of things. Ilis life was marked by successful achievement in every field of operation and characterized as well by a devotion to duty that recognized every obligation of manhood and of citizenship.
CHAUNCEY LOOMIS ALLEN.
Of resourceful ability and marked initiative spirit Chauncey Loomis Allen has carefully formulated and executed plans that have brought him into promi- nent association with street railway interests throughout New York and he is also vice president and general manager of the Utica & Mohawk Valley Rail- way Company. He was born January 16, 1870, in Syraeuse, New York, his parents being George Richmond and Mary (Brown) Allen. He attended the common schools of Syracuse and the district school of Cicero, Onondaga county, New York, before entering the Alfred University of Allegany county, which he attended from 1886 until June, 1889. He was also a student in Syracuse University during the fall term of 1889 and in June, 1905, Alfred University conferred upon him the honorary degree of Master of Science. After leaving school he became connected with railway engineering and since making his initial step in the business world his progress has been continous, rapid and substantial. For a time he was employed as axeman, chairman, rodman and inspector of masonry for the Norfolk & Western Railway Com- pany from 1890 until April, 1892. On the 15th of the latter month he entered upon the private practice of his profession as a member of the civil engineer- ing firm of Mather & Allen, in Syracuse, the relationship thus continuing until the 15th of April, 1895. On that date he became civil engineer of the Syracuse Street Railway, the Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway Company and the Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway Company, acting in that capacity during the electrification of the horse roads in Syracuse, or until March 1, 1898. He next became assistant general manager of the Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway Company, capably filling that position until the first of October following. He was acting general manager for the company from the 15th of October. 1898, to the 1st of April, 1899, when he was made general manager and so continued until the close of the year. On the 1st of January, 1900, he became general manager of the Lorain Street Railway Company of Lorain, Ohio, serving until the 1st of August, 1901, when he resigned to accept the position of engineer and assistant to the general manager of the Utica & Mohawk Valley Railway Company and its constituent companies, acting in that capacity until the 15thì of April, 1902. It was on that date that he was made general manager for the Utica & Mohawk Valley Railway Company, the Oneida Railway Company and the Rome ('ity Street Railway Company. He is also vice president of these
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
three companies, to which position he was appointed on the 6th of December, 1906, and at the same time was made vice president and general manager of the Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway Company. He is also president of the Syracuse & Suburban Railway Company, to which office he was elected on the 19th of January, 1909; also is vice president of the New York State Rail- ways Company. Ile is financially interested in practically all of these com- panies and more particularly in the Syracuse and Suburban railroad.
On the 11th of October. 1894, in Syracuse, New York, Mr. Allen was mar- ried to Miss Florence R. Worster, and unto them have been born two children, Alfred George and Mary Brown Allen. Mr. Allen gives his political support to the republican party. He belongs to Central City Lodge, No. 305, F. & A. M .. Central City Chapter, No. 50, R. A. M., the Delta Kappa Epsilon fra- ternity, the Onondaga Golf and Country Club, of Syracuse, New York, and the Automobile Club of Syraense. He is likewise identified with various other social and scientific organizations. including the Technology Club, of Syracuse, and the Century Club of that city, the New York Railroad Club. of New York city, the Fort Schuyler Club, of Utica, New York, the Fort Orange Club, of Albany, New York, the Transportation Club of New York city, the Engineers Club, of New York city, and the American Society of Civil Engineers, and is an associate member of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers. Scientifie attainments and broad experience in the prae- tical field have gained him success and prominence in railway circles. Nature endowed him bountifully and he has wisely and conscientiously utilized the talents which were given him. As the years have passed on he has never been beedless of any opportunities open to him but has seen and utilized all such and has combined with scientific knowledge, keen insight and splendid executive ability, qualifying him for the onerous duties which have devolved upon him in railway management.
GEORGE ALBERT FRISBIE.
George Albert Frisbie, of Utica, who may be designated as a worthy rep- resentative of the modern type of the successful business man and is promi- nently identified with various textile manufacturing concerns, was born at Camden, New York. November 14, 1872. He is a son of Willard James and Emma Stevens Phelpsi Frisbie, both of whom were born at Camden. The father of our subject. an only son of James and Julia A. Frisbie, was born April H. 1944s, his parents being of English descent. IJis father died in 1864 and his mother in 1895. He received his early education at Camden Academy and then entered the banking house of A. Curtiss & Carman at Camden and for seven years filled various positions in that institution. He began business on his own account by associating with William H. Stansfield. as Frisbie & Stansfield, in the dry-goods business at Camden from 1873 to 1884. In the year last named they sold out to C. A. and A. C. Phelps. The firm of Frisbie & Stansfield began the manufacture of knit goods in 1883 and in 1891 Charles
For Fristi
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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
F. Kendall was admitted to partnership and the title of the firm was changed to the Camden Knitting Company, manufacturers of ladies' and children's ribbed underwear. This company became one of the largest of its kind in the country and its trade extended throughout the entire United States. A branch known as the Syracuse Knitting Company was established at Syraense, New York, in 1893. In 1895 the Kendall Knitting Company was incorporated, the officers being: Charles F. Kendall, president; William H. Stansfield, vice president ; George A. Frisbie, secretary; Willard J. Frisbie, treasurer; and Charles A. Byington, resident manager. Mr. Frisbie was one of the originators of the Camden Opera House in 1893 and one of its most liberal supporters, be- ing a generous promoter of all worthy enterprises. Two children, George Al- bert and Ruth, came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frisbie.
George A. Frisbie attended the publie schools and was graduated from the Camden high school in 1887. He entered Colgate University in the class of 1889 and discontinued his college course to enter the mills with which his father was connected. Ile applied himself diligently until he became ae- quainted with every detail of the business and was admitted as a partner in the Camden Knitting Company. He is now treasurer of the Frisbie & Stans- field and several other allied companies, all of which are flourishing concerns. He is also connected with various other manufacturing enterprises of Utiea and elsewhere in the state and is a member of the board of directors of the Utica City National Bank.
On the 14th of October, 1896, Mr. Frisbie was united in marriage to Miss Alice Owen, a daughter of James P. Owen of Syracuse, and two children have blessed this union, Owen Phelps and Helen. Mr. Frisbie is a member of the Arcanum Club, the Yahinundahsis Golf Club, the Fort Schuyler Club, the Utica Automobile Club and the Sadaquada Golf Club. He has been highly energetic and competent in the discharge of many responsibilities and as he possesses good business judgment, his efforts have been rewarded with an abundant measure of success. Starting at the foot of the ladder, he has reached a posi- tion of comparative independence and ranks as one of the prominent factors in the textile manufacturing trade of the country. He is public spirited and progressive and his influence can ever be relied upon to further any movement for the general good.
ARTEMUS BARNARD SHELDON.
Artemus Barnard Sheldon, a member of the firm of Moore, Sheldon & Company, of Utica, was born in this city, October 2, 1880. He is a son of Ar- temus Henry and Mary (Rhodes) Sheldon. The father was born at Burling- ton Flats, New York, August 30, 1836, and came to Utica with his parents in the early part of 1845. Ile and his father, whose name was Ebenezer Sheldon, engaged in the manufacture of harness, trunks and horse furnishings at Utica, a business with which the family has ever since been identified. The grand- father, Ebenezer Sheldon, retired from active labors in 1862 and his son, Ar-
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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
temus, associated with Le Grand Moore in the same line of business under the title of Moore & Sheldon. Mr. Sheldon took an active part in polities and was a staneh adherent of the republican party. Ile served as supervisor and for many years was prominent in business and public affairs in l'tica. He died January 8, 1899. There were three children in the family : Artemus Barnard, of this review; Minnie Moore; and Mabel Rhodes. the latter of whom became the wife of F. R. Merritt, of New Hartford, New York.
Artemus B. Sheldon attended the public schools and was graduated at the Free Academy in 1897. After leaving school he entered his father's store and has ever since been closely connected with the business. Ile is recognized as one of the wide-awake and progressive young men of the city-a man who quickly grasps opportunities and has the ability to profit by them. He is a worthy representative of a family which, for three generations, has been honorably known in the community, its members manfully performing their part in advancing the common good. Mr. Sheldon, by his pleasing manners and high personal character, has attracted a large circle of friends and ac- quaintanees, who prophesy for him many years of increasing prosperity and usefulness.
FRANK D. WESTCOTT.
Frank D. Westcott, meeting with success in the management of the West- cott Laundry, and well known as a representative of some of the leading fra- ternal organizations of Utica, was born in Oneonta, Otsego county, New York, September 7, 1858. His parents were Stephen S. and Philinda (Brown) West- vott, who removed to Clinton, Oneida county, in 1867, so that the subject of this review has spent the greater part of his life in the county which is still his home. At the usual age he entered the public schools and passed through consecutive grades until qualified to enter Hamilton College. He was a member of the class of 1881. After leaving college he came to T'tica in the same year, engaging in the coal business. A considerable period was devoted to that line of activity, but in 1896 he established the Westcott Laundry which he has conducted with profit to the present time. IIe has a well equipped plant and a competent corps of employes and in his work demands a high standard of excellence, ever recognizing the fact that satisfied customers are the best advertisements. Ilis trade has grown along legitimate lines and his success is well deserved.
On the 21st of February, 1882. Mr. Westcott was married to Miss Libbie Cronkhite, a daughter of James W. and Elizabeth Appleton (York) Cronkhite, of Little Falls, New York. Their only child. a son, William Carlton West- cott, was graduated from Hamilton College with the class of 1911. Mr. West- cott has taken an active interest in various fraternities. He belongs to Fax- ton Lodge, No. 697. F. & A. M., and Oneida Lodge, No. 70, I. O. O. F. He is very prominent in the Royal Arcanum, which he has represented as grand treasurer of the state organization for the past fourteen years. He is also a
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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
member of the Arcanum Club of Utica, of which he was the first president. A cordial disposition and attractive social qualities have won him many friends and the secret of his success in business is found in his energy, determination and straightforward dealing.
ROBERT HENRY REID.
Canada has contributed many of her promising sons to the United States and thousands of them have here found home, friends and a competency. Among the number may be named Robert Henry Reid who is prominently con- nected with the manufacturing business of Utica. He was born in Canada August 1, 1854. He received his school education in his native country and believing that more favorable opportunities for young men were presented in the United States than at that time could be found in the British Isles, he came to Rome in 1877 and engaged in the grocery and general store business with his brother. Three years later he arrived in Utica and entered the employ of Moore & Sheldon, manufacturers of harness, trunks and horse furnishings. Ile proved to be thoroughly active and efficient and in 1882 was admitted as a partner to the firm, the title of the house being changed to the Moore-Sheldon Company. The business was established in 1845 by Ebenezer Sheldon and is one of the well conducted concerns which yields handsome returns for the time, money and labor expended. Mr. Reid is also a member of the board of directors of the Capron Knitting Company and the George C. Wood Ice Company.
On the 20th of June, 1882, he was married in this city to Miss Mary Sheldon Moore, a daughter of Le Grand and Amanda Dummock (Sheldon) Moore. Socially Mr. Reid is connected with the Areanum Club. He has made his home in Utica for thirty years and is one of its most valued and useful citizens. As an intelligent and patriotic man he takes an interest in all move- ments aiming to promote the general welfare and to make Utica more popular as a business center and more pleasing as a place of residence.
WALTER GEORGE HOLLINGWORTH, D. V. S.
The practice of veterinary surgery finds a capable and progressive repre- sentative in Dr. Walter George Hollingworth, who ranks as a leader among veterinarians of New York state. He was born at Utiea, August 24, 1861, a son of John Henry and Mary (Lowe) Hollingworth. The father located in Utica from Hackensack, New Jersey, in 1856. He was a veterinary surgeon by profession and became one of the best known practitioners in central New York. He established a veterinary hospital in Utica, which today is one of the largest in New York state. He died in 1899.
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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
Walter George Hollingworth attended the public schools of this city and later matriculated in the veterinary department of New York University. After taking the regular course at that celebrated institution he was graduated with the degree of D. V. S. in ISS4. Ile returned at onee to U'tica and became associated with his father in practice. He succeeded his father in this city and by his energy and the application of up-to-date methods has built up a large and profitable clientage. In 1911 Dr. W. A. Young was admitted to partnership and the title of the firm is now Hollingworth & Young. The services of Dr. Hollingworth have been appreciated by his brethren and he is ex-president of the New York State Veterinary Association, president of the Central New York Veterinary Medical Association and of the Oneida County Veterinary Association ; he is also president of the Stevens-Swan Society, Utica district. lle is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and an honorary member of the Passaie Veterinary Association of Jersey City, New Jersey. Since 1909 he has served as resident lecturer for the veterinary department of Cornell University and in 1911 he established an honorarium at Cornell University for researches in pathology and bacteriology, this be- ing the only one of its kind in the United States.
On the 24th of April. 1893, Dr. Hollingworth was married to Miss Grace M. Butcher, a daughter of William and Helen Butcher, of Utica. One daughter, Hannah M., has come to bless this union. The family resides at No. 24 Sum- mit Place. Possessing every desirable advantage of training for his life work, Dr. Hollingworth started under most favorable circumstances and his labors have redounded to his credit as an individual and to that of his profession. In the practice of veterinary surgery he has found a field of great useful- ness and one that gives promise of many years of continued growth and activity. Being deeply interested in his vocation, he is always found in the advance rank and he does not hesitate to apply new methods as soon as their practicability has been fully demonstrated.
FRANK A. COAKLEY.
A representative of a family well known in Oneida county, Frank A. Coakley has possessed every desirable advantage of education and training and is regarded as one of the highly promising young men of New York state. He was born at Utica August 12, 1887, and is a son of Timothy and Mary (Murphy ) Coakley, the former of whom was born in Ireland in 1848. Mr. Coakley, Sr., came to America in his boyhood and established his home at Utica, New York, where he engaged for a number of years in various lines of business. In 1890 he started coal yards at Conkling avenne on the West Shore Railway, and through the application of energy and special ability built up an extensive patronage. He became one of the leading men in Utica, exercising a large influence for good on the community not only on account of his acknowledged high standing but because of his reputation as a publie-spirited citizen who labored for improvement in every department of activity. He was especially
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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
interested in assisting the unfortunate and was an active worker on the com- mittee of publie charities. Fraternally he was identified with the Knights of Columbus and the Knights of Honor. He died April 24, 1908. There were three children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Coakley, Mary M., Frank A. and Josephine.
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