USA > New York > Franklin County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 2 > Part 1
USA > New York > Jefferson County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 2 > Part 1
USA > New York > Lewis County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 2 > Part 1
USA > New York > Oswego County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 2 > Part 1
USA > New York > St Lawrence County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 2 > Part 1
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01125 7901
Gc 974.7 L23n v.2 Landon, Harry
The North Country
The North Country
A History, Embracing
Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin Counties, New York
By HARRY F. LANDON
IN THREE VOLUMES
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME TWO
HISTORICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 1932
COPYRIGHT 1982 HARRY F. LANDON WATERTOWN, N. Y.
HON. ROSWELL P. FLOWER
History of the North Country
1128216
Hon. Roswell P. Flower .- One of the most masterly of the brilliant statesmen who have adorned the high office of governor of the State of New York, was native born, his birthplace being Theresa, Jefferson County, Aug. 8, 1835. He died at Eastport, Long Island, May 12, 1899.
He came of an excellent ancestry from which he derived superb physical vigor and sterling principles, and he forged his own character in that white heat of poverty and necessity, which consumes all dross and leaves a perfect metal. He was descended from that Lamrock Flower, who came from England and settled in Hartford, Conn., in 1685.
Roswell Pettibone Flower, the fourth son and sixth child in the family of Nathan M. Flower, was left fatherless at the age of eight years. As a lad he worked at wool picking, in a brickyard, and upon a farm. He attended school and was as diligent in his studies as he was industrious in his labors, and he was graduated from high school at the age of 18 years. He was for some time a teacher in the district school, and made his home with his sister's husband, Silas L. George, a merchant, who boarded him and paid him a monthly wage of five dollars for his services. He was afterwards a clerk in the post office at Watertown. He was economical and in a few years had accumulated a small fortune of $1,000. This he invested in a jewelry and brokerage business, which he success- fully conducted until 1869, in which year he removed to New York City, having been made executor of the estate of his deceased brother-in-law, Henry Keep. In this important trust he displayed the finest executive and financial ability, and the estate quadrupled in value under his manage- ment. In 1871 Mr. Flower became a member of the banking and brokerage firm of R. P. Flower & Company. He was also officially connected with various corporations, and was a trustee and honorary vice president of the Colonial Trust Company, a trustee of the Metropolitan Trust Company, and a director in the Corn Exchange Bank, the National Surety Company, the United States Casualty Company, the Peoples Gas & Coke Company, of gas companies in Chicago, and of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company. He retained a home in his native village, with whose interests he never ceased to be actively and usefully identified.
Governor Flower was during all his active career one of the most potential political figures in the State. A Democrat of the highest stamp
545
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of character and ability, he took an earnest part in support of Seymour and Blair in the presidential campaign of 1868. In 1876 he was foremost as organizer of the initial movement which led to the nomination of Samuel J. Tilden for the presidency. At the succeeding election he was elected to the 47th Congress from the 11th New York District, defeating William Waldorf Astor. In 1882 he was presented as a candidate for the gubernatorial nomination, and in convention received 183 votes as against the same number for Gen. William H. Slocum, and 61 for Grover Cleve- land. At this juncture it became apparent that political necessity de- manded a candidate from outside the city of New York, and Mr. Flower withdrew to make way for Mr. Cleveland, who was made the nominee and thus placed upon the highway which led him to the presidency. In the same year Mr. Flower was made chairman of the Democratic Congres- sional Committee. In 1883 he declined a renomination to Congress, and two years later declined the nomination for the lieutenant governorship. In 1888 he was again elected to Congress, and the same year he was a delegate at large in the Democratic National Convention at St. Louis, which nominated Mr. Cleveland for the presidency, and was chairman of the delegation from the State of New York. In the same year he was strongly urged to become a candidate for the lieutenant governorship, but declined for business reasons. In 1889 he was returned to Congress by a majority of more than 12,000. In 1892 he was prominently mentioned for the presidential nomination. In that year he was elected governor, receiv- ing a majority of nearly 50,000 over Hon. J. Sloat Fassett. This fine tribute was due in large degree to confidence in his integrity, and his unselfish care for public interests as shown in every instance where a trust was committed to him. His administration was broadly practical and sagacious, and his every act was based upon conservative views and an accurate estimate of conditions and necessities. In Congress his con- duct was marked by the same high standards. While an ardent supporter of Democratic principles he would subordinate no public interest to par- tisan ends, and in whatever legislation he advocated or opposed, his sole object was the promotion of the welfare of the country and the people. Once, when congratulated upon the excellence of his congressional record, he remarked that whatever of usefulness he had accomplished was due to his constant endeavor to learn as much as possible, concerning whatever matter was entrusted to a committee of which he was a member.
In the 51st Congress he made an enviable record in championship of a movement for the holding of the Columbian Exposition in 1893 in New York City. He earnestly opposed the Mckinley Tariff Bill and the "force bill," as he did the attempt of the Farmers' Alliance to establish a system of sub-treasuries for the loaning of public funds on field crops, domestic
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animals, etc. He was a warm advocate of liberal but well guarded soldiers' pension legislation, of the election of postmasters by the people, and of the irrigation of the arid regions of the west.
Governor Flower amassed a large personal fortune, and in its acquisi- tion no taint of wrong doing, either in personal or public life ever attached to him. He was broadly philanthropic, and for many years set apart one- tenth of his income for benevolences, and the sums thus distributed amounted to more than $1,000,000. He built the Flower Surgical Hospital in New York City, and with Mrs. Flower he erected the St. Thomas Parish House in the city at 59th and 60th streets and Second Avenue, for work among the poor. The inspiration for this noble benefaction is told in a memorial tablet bearing the following inscription: "Erected to God by Roswell P. Flower and Sarah M. Flower, in memory of their son, Henry Keep Flower." Mr. Flower also built in conjunction with his brothers and sisters as a memorial to his parents, a Presbyterian church edifice at Theresa, N. Y., and he and his brother, Anson R. Flower, of New York City, erected Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church, at Watertown. His givings to all manner of charitable and benevolent institutions are accounted for in previous references in this history. It may be added that, while governor of New York in 1893, there arose urgent necessity for the purchase of a state quarantine station. There were no available public funds and Governor Flower unhesitatingly advanced the amount needed, $210,000. That he was afterward reimbursed by act of the legis- lature in no way detracts from the merit of his act.
Governor Flower was essentially a self-made man, and in larger de- gree he was self-educated. He was a man of broad knowledge, not alone in the fields of finance and politics, but in literature and the arts. His city residence in Fifth Avenue, New York City, and his summer home at Watertown, were both eloquent in their furnishings and contents of his refined tastes. His library was rich in the choicest of literature, particu- larly of American, and he was the owner of valuable autographic relics of some of the presidents of the United States from Washington down to his own day. In recognition of his high attainments and signally useful public services, Saint Lawrence University in 1893 conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.
The Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library of Watertown, erected by his daughter, Mrs. Emma Flower Taylor, is in his memory, and is one of the most beautiful and complete libraries in the country.
Governor Flower was married in 1859 to Miss Sarah M. Woodruff, the daughter of Norris M. Woodruff, of Watertown. Three children were born to them, of whom a son and daughter are deceased. The surviving daughter is Mrs. Emma Flower Taylor, of Watertown.
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HISTORY OF THE NORTH COUNTRY
Daniel Bailey Schuyler .- Prominent among the bankers of northern New York is Daniel B. Schuyler, since Jan. 12, 1926, president of the Jefferson County National Bank, of Watertown. Mr. Schuyler is one of the leading citizens of Watertown, in the forefront of financial, business and social life, and active in all its civic movements. He is a son of John Lansing and Adele F. (Main) Schuyler, both natives of Three Mile Bay, Jefferson County. The father, a merchant, died in 1897, and the mother still lives at Three Mile Bay. The pioneer of the family in the county was Daniel J. Schuyler, who came to Watertown in 1835 from Charleston, Montgomery County, N. Y.
Daniel B. Schuyler was born at Three Mile Bay, Jefferson County, N. Y., and received his education in the local public schools. He deter- mined to become a banker, and for ten years was connected with the American Exchange National Bank of New York City, afterwards return- ing to Watertown and entering the employ of the Jefferson County Na- tional Bank, with which he has been identified ever since. Until 1915 he served in various clerical capacities, but in that year became cashier, suc- ceeding George V. S. Camp, and held that post until Jan. 13, 1920, when he became vice president, which office he held until January, 1926, when he was elected president to succeed Stuart D. Lansing.
The Jefferson County National Bank is one of the oldest and soundest banks in the State, having for its motto, "over a century of stability." Its history presents an interesting record running parallel to the growth and progress of the county from the date of 1816, when it was first organized. Previous to that in 1807, a petition had been sent to the legis- lature asking that body to lend the people of the county $150,000 on good security, but as this plan called for making bills of credit, in which the amount was to be lent, legal tender, nothing came of it, since it was uncon- stitutional for the State governments to make anything but gold and silver coins legal tender to debt. Some nine years after this preliminary attempt to found a financial institution in the county, another petition found its way to the legislature, and by an act passed on April 17, 1816, the Jeffer- son County National Bank was incorporated to continue until Jan. 1, 1832, with a capital not to exceed $400,000. As a matter of fact the paid in capital in 1816 was only $25,000 with a total capital of just twice that amount. The founding of the county bank was an event of the keenest interest and occasioned bitter rivalry between Watertown and Brownville, regarding its location, with the result that it was placed in neither of these towns, but in Adams, the Brownville faction combining with other interests to defeat the plan of a Watertown site. The first president, John Paddock, of Brownville, was said to be responsible for its location, which shortly proved to be very unfortunate. By an act of Nov. 19,
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1824, it was removed to Watertown, where it has conducted business ever since.
The hundred years and more of the bank's history have been years of steady development. In 1824, at the time of its removal, its capital was increased to $80,000 and since that time has grown until in 1925 the books showed a capital of $500,000 with surplus and profits of well over $500,000 more. In 1828 it was made one of the safety fund banks in the State, and since 1824 has carried on business on practically the same site. Before 1895 the Jefferson County Savings Bank and the Jefferson County National Bank were in adjoining buildings, but in that year both buildings were taken down and a six story brick building put up, covering both lots on the corner of Washington and Stone streets, and providing a com- modious home for the national bank. Since 1865 it has had a national charter, and now provides all the facilities of a modern bank. Over a million and a half of dividends have been paid in the long history of the institution.
Associated with the bank in the capacity of presidents, cashiers, and directors have been many of the most prominent citizens of Jefferson County, men who were leaders in business and civic enterprise of every sort. The list of presidents since 1816 includes: John Paddock, 1816; Jabez Foster, 1817-19; Ethel Bronson, 1820-26; Perley Keyes, 1826-33; Micah Sterling, 1833-34; Orville Hungerford, 1834-45; Norris M. Wood- ruff, 1845-54; Robert Lansing, 1855-56; Talcott H. Camp, 1857-97; John C. Knowlton, 1897-1904; George B. Massey, 1904-13; Robert J. Buck, 1913-22; Stuart D. Lansing, 1923-26; and Daniel B. Schuyler since that date. Cashiers during the same period have been: James Wood, 1816-20; Orville Hungerford, 1820-33; Orville V. Brainard, 1833-66; Myers Thompson, 1866-71; Smith T. Woolworth, 1871-1905; George V. S. Camp, 1905-15; Daniel B. Schuyler, 1915-25; and Charles A. Dunham since that date. Mr. Stuart D. Lansing served as chairman of the board of direc- tors from 1926 until his death Sept. 3, 1927, and since that time Mr. G. S. Knowlton has held the position as chairman of board of directors.
In addition to his duties at the Jefferson County National Bank, Mr. Schuyler carries heavy business responsibilities, and is associated with a number of concerns. He is president and director of the Jefferson Secur- ities Corporation, vice president and director of the Northern Acceptance Company, vice president and director of the First National Exchange Bank of Clayton, N. Y., and director of the First National Bank, of La- cona, Oswego County, N. Y. Mr. Schuyler is a director of Fauvell & Rhines, Inc., director of Stebbins Engineering & Mfg. Co., trustee of Mercy Hospital. He was the first treasurer of the American Red Cross in Jeffer- son County, and was very closely identified with all the Liberty Loan
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drives, and during the World War period he also served as treasurer of the Jefferson County Preparedness and Efficiency Committee.
Mr. Schuyler is a Republican in politics, and his religious connections are with the First Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Jefferson County Golf Club and Black River Valley Club.
In 1902 Mr. Schuyler married Miss Grace Eleanor Rogers, of Cape Vincent, Jefferson County, the daughter of Abner and Anna K. (Shuler) Rogers. Mr. and Mrs. Schuyler have three children: Eleanor Rogers, born in 1907, married Robert J. Amos, June 7, 1930, and they reside in Watertown; John Lansing, born in 1909; and Anna Rogers, born in 1915.
Hon. Henry J. Kimball .- As County Judge in Jefferson County, Henry J. Kimball is among the influential and highly esteemed citizens of Water- town. He was born at Rutland, Jefferson County, Nov. 18, 1889, the son of Fred H. and Mary Ann (Jones) Kimball.
Fred H. Kimball and his wife are natives of Rutland. In early life he was interested in general farming but is now identified with Marcy-Buck & Winslow, Inc., Watertown. He is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Kimball have three children: Henry J., the subject of this sketch; Jessie, married David B. Otis; and Fred H. All live in Watertown.
Fred H. Kimball is the son of Henry N. and Caroline (Wadley) Kim- ball, natives of Rutland and Albany, N. Y. respectively. Both are de- ceased and are buried in Brookside Cemetery, Watertown. Mary Ann (Jones) Kimball is the daughter of Joseph H. and Ann (Williams) Jones, the former a native of Oneida County, N. Y., and the latter of Wales. They are deceased.
Henry N. Kimball was the son of Dr. Crafts P. and Mercy (Porter) Kimball. He was born at Cherry Valley, N. Y. and his wife was a native of Connecticut. Doctor Kimball became a prominent pioneer physician of Watertown.
Henry J. Kimball attended the public schools of Watertown and en- tered Cornell University after his graduation in 1907 from Watertown High School. He received the degree of LL. B. in 1912 and after his admission to the bar entered the offices of Cobb & Cosgrove as a clerk. On Jan. 1, 1914, he engaged in private practice in Watertown. Mr. Kim- ball was commissioned a second lieutenant of infantry at the outbreak of the World War, after attending the first officers training school at Madison Barracks, N. Y. In August, 1917, he was commissioned captain of infantry and was sent to Fort Oglethorp, Ga. as an instructor. Later
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he was transferred to Camp Dix, N. J. He was appointed camp judge advocate in June, 1918, and was discharged in December, 1918. Upon his return to Watertown Mr. Kimball became a junior member of the firm of Cobb, Cosgrove & Kimball, and in 1926, he was appointed trust officer of the Northern New York Trust Company.
Mr. Kimball was elected county judge in November, 1930, and as- sumed the duties of office on Jan. 1, 1931. He has always been a Repub- lican, and has been secretary, treasurer and chairman of the county Republican committee. He was a delegate in 1928 to the Republican na- tional convention at Kansas City, as a representative of the 32nd con- gressional district.
Mr. Kimball is president of the Jefferson County Bar Association, and holds membership in the New York State Bar Association. He is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, past commander of the Army and Navy Post, American Legion, and belongs to the Black River Valley Club, Jefferson County Golf Club, and Crescent Yacht Club. He was president and one of the founders of the Kiwanis Club in Watertown, and served as first vice president of the Watertown Chamber of Commerce.
In 1918 Mr. Kimball was united in marriage with Miss Carola Craig, the daughter of Dr. Clark R. and Ella (Spencer) Craig. He was born at Chambersburg, Pa., and for many years was a prominent physician of Philadelphia. His wife was born in Hawaii, of American parentage. They both are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kimball have two children, Clark Craig, and Mary Spencer.
Paul B. Sutton has long been identified with public affairs in the city of Watertown, having been elected to the office of city manager in May, 1930. He had previously held the office of city engineer. Mr. Sutton was born in Watertown, July 23, 1887, the son of Benjamin G. and Ella M. (Mills) Sutton.
Benjamin G. Sutton was born at Louisville Landing, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and his wife was a native of Popes Mills, N. Y. He was interested in the plumbing business for many years in Watertown as a member of the firm of Sutton & Littlefield. Mr. Sutton died April 15, 1905, and his wife died April 8, 1907. Both are buried in Watertown. He was a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sutton: 1. Paul B., the subject of this sketch; 2. Elsie, mar- ried Arthur W. Harrington, lives at Slingersland, N. Y .; 3. Hugh M., lives at Watertown; 4. Clarence G., lives at Yonkers, N. Y.
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Paul B. Sutton obtained his education in the public schools of Water- town, being graduated from high school in 1905. He received a degree in civil engineering at Cornell University in 1912, and at that time became identified with the New York State Highway Department as a member of an engineering corps. He was appointed assistant engineer for the city of Watertown in September, 1912, and on Aug. 1, 1917, became project engineer and acting works superintendent for the United States Housing Corporation. Mr. Sutton again served as assistant engineer for the city from Aug. 1, 1918, until April 1, 1920, and from April 1, 1920, until May 1, 1930, as city engineer.
In 1912 Mr. Sutton married Miss Alma K. Byrnes, the daughter of John Albert and Mary (Shollette) Byrnes, who were natives of Redwood, Jefferson County. Both are deceased. Mr. Byrnes held the office of cashier of the H. H. Babcock Company, of Watertown, for many years. There are four children in the Sutton family: Catherine M., John B., Harriet E., and Mary Margaret.
Mr. Sutton has always been a Republican. He belongs to the Kiwanis Club, and City Managers Association.
David Gilbert Gregor, M. D .- One of the younger surgeons of Water- town, and of high rank among his confreres throughout the State, is Dr. David Gilbert Gregor, son of the widely known physician and surgeon, the late Dr. Gilbert David Gregor, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this history.
David Gilbert Gregor was born at Park City, Utah, the son of Dr. Gil- bert David and Elizabeth (Pegan) Gregor. Besides the advantage of a hereditary bent toward medicine and his long association with his father in that capacity, Dr. Gregor was liberally educated. He attended the public schools of Watertown, Gouverneur High School, and Williams Col- lege, being graduated in 1915 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. De- termining then on the profession of medicine, he studied at the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduating in 1919 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He then spent two years as an interne in the sur- gical department of the New York Hospital and seven months as house surgeon in the Lying-In Hospital. Following this he began to practice in Watertown in October, 1921, with offices in the Woolworth Building. He is a member of the Jefferson County and the New York State Medical Societies, the American Medical Association and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Eng'dby Campbei N :
Gilbert N Aragon
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HISTORY OF THE NORTH COUNTRY
Doctor Gregor is a prominent member of the First Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Williams Club of New York, the Omega Club of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, the Black River Valley Club, and the Thousand Island Country Club.
Gilbert David Gregor, M. D .- Upon the death of Doctor Gregor, which occurred March 19, 1931, the city of Watertown lost one of its most out- standing citizens and leading professional men. He had successfully en- gaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in this city for more than 45 years, and his reputation as a diagnostician and technician was excelled by none in New York state. He was long chief of the first surgical divi- sion, No. 1, of the House of the Good Samaritan, then known as the City Hospital, and chief of the surgical division of Mercy Hospital.
Doctor Gregor was born at Hammond, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., Jan. 23, 1859. His father, the late David Murray Gregor, was a farmer, a surveyor in his spare time, and a deputy revenue officer. His mother was the late Margaret Allen Gregor.
Gilbert D. Gregor was educated at the Potsdam State Normal School and at the University Medical College in New York City. He practiced general medicine and surgery ever since he completed his professional training. His early experience was gained at Park City, Utah, where he occupied himself with the general practice of medicine from 1885 until 1898. In the latter year he removed to Watertown, where he devoted him- self exclusively to surgery. His professional affiliations included member- ship in the Jefferson County, New York State, and American Medical As- sociations, and he was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He was also a member of the consulting staff of the St. Lawrence State Hos- pital, at Ogdensburg.
Doctor Gregor was married in 1891 to Miss Elizabeth Pegan, daughter of the late John and Mary A. (McElheny) Pegan. Their children were: Dr. David Gilbert, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history; and Mary Margaret, married Roderick Pirnie, lives at Springfield, Mass. Both were born at Park City, Utah.
Mrs. Gilbert David Gregor died suddenly Sept. 16, 1926. She was known throughout the community as an authority on piano and voice cul- ture, and was a member of the Wednesday Morning Art Class and the Watertown Morning Musicales.
Doctor Gregor was always active in other phases of community life, and was mayor of Park City, Utah, from 1891 until 1893. From 1908 until
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1925 he had a place on the directorate of the City National Bank, of Water- town, now the Watertown National Bank.
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