USA > New York > Comley's history of the state of New York, embracing a general review of her agricultural and mineralogical resources, her manufacturing industries, trade and commerce, together with a description of her great metropolis, from its settlement by the Dutch, in 1609 > Part 15
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Theodore M. Amsdell was joined in wed- lock 'in 1855, to Miss Ella E. Zeh, also of Albany ; of this marriage five children have been born to them, only one of whom sur- vives. The business capacity of the Ams- dell Brothers is second to none. They have combined judgment that never errs in its cal- culation and an industry that is untiring in its pursuit of business. They commenced in the world without the gifts of fortune or the aid of auspicious patronage, but made their way to wealth and influence by their own efforts, and are indebted to no extraneous
aid for their possessions. They are retiring in disposition, domestic in habits, warm in each other's friendship, and pass life chiefly in giving attention to their business, and in the serene enjoyments which nestle around their family hearthstones. They have also exten- sive and valuable libraries, embracing the standard works on science, history, and let- ters, with all of which they are familiar, and devote much of their leisure time in arduous study to keep pace with the rapid advance made by the intelligent investigations of modern science, which knowledge they have a ready aptitude to apply in the improve- ment of their already excellent product.
Armstrong, E. B .- A man who, from a humble position and by his own efforts, has risen to affluence and social position, and through all the events of a checkered life has preserved his integrity unimpeached, well deserves the pen of the historian and to be held up as a model to posterity. E. B. Armstrong was born in the town of Lee, Oneida County, January roth, 1809. His father, Oliver Armstrong, moved to that locality previous to ISoo. The subject of this sketch attended the school of his native town till eighteen years of age, after which he attended the private school of Oliver C. Grosvener for nearly one year. His educa- tion finished, he entered the store of his brother, General J. Armstrong, as clerk, and after two or three years of strict business training, during which time he proved him- self to be the possessor of excellent business qualities, he became a partner in the business, the firm continuing until his brother's death, which occurred in August, 1852. His brother's place was filled by young members of the family for some time; finally he be- came sole proprietor, remaining so till 1870,
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when he virtually retired from active busi- ness duties. Since that time he has found his time well employed looking after his own private affairs, and in the management of his estate, which is very extensive, and in- cludes large interests in the manufacture of iron. He has been engaged in the manu- facture of pig iron, more or less, for over thirty-five years, and at one time was man- ager of the Talberg Furnace. During the past twelve years, he has been a Director in the Franklin Iron-Works. He is also Vice- President and Director of the Rome Iron- Works, with a capital of $400,000 ; and Presi- dent of the Rome Merchants' Iron Mill, capi- tal $150,000. Mr. Armstrong is also a Di- rector of the Fort Stanwix and Central Na- tional Banks.
He was joined in wedlock in 1837 to a daughter of Henry Tibbets, Esq., an old resident of Rome, by whom he had four children; none of them, however, are living.
Mr. Armstrong has always been thorough- ly identified with the interests of Rome and Oneida County, being a large real estate holder and the owner of many valuable farms in the county. He is to-day, with one or two exceptions, the oldest " Roman of them all," and has gained his position and in- fluence by personal exertion, proving himself to be an indefatigable worker.
A history of Mr. Armstrong's life is useful for its practical instruction. He has amassed a fortune that would content the extravagant requirements of royalty. Yet he has never risked a dollar in the precarious investment of wild speculation, but day by day added to his little commencement. Attending wholly to his own business, he has become honored for his integrity and known as one of the most influential citizens of Oneida County.
Arnot, John, was born in Doune, Scot- land, September 25th, 1793. When he was eight or ten years of age, his family came to this country and settled in Albany, where they resided for a short time, and then moved to Catskill on the Hudson. Subsequently they moved back to Albany, where Mr. Arnot en- gaged in mercantile pursuits on a small scale. In company with Egbert Egbert, Mr. Arnot moved to Elmira, N. Y., and opened his first stock of goods in a store located on Water street. He continued in business at this point ten or eleven years, and was very suc- cessful. In 1824, he was married to Miss Harriet, daughter of Stephen Tuttle. In 1830, Mr. Arnot built the brick block on the corner of Water and Lake streets, which was the first brick store built in Elmira. In 1829, he built the old foundry on the site of the Opera-House block. In 1833, the Chemung Canal Bank was organized, and he became stockholder. In 1842, he became cashier of the bank. In 1843, he became president, and held the position until his death, which occurred November 17th, 1873. In 1854, he took an active part in the construction of the Junction Canal, and became its presi- dent. In 1862, he became largely interested in mining. He was one of the projectors of the Chemung Railroad. He was a man of marvellous business sagacity and persever- ance. For honesty and integrity he had no superior. Mr. Arnot was very benevolent, but it was unaccompanied by ostentation or dis- play. He was universally loved and respect- ed, and mourned by all classes of citizens ; and during his life did more to further the interests of his beautiful town than any other of its citizens.
Astor, John Jacob .- Born at Waldorf, near Heidelberg, in Germany, July 17th,
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1763, emigrated to the United States in 1783. and invested his capital in furs, which he took to London and sold with much profit. He next settled at New York, and engaged ex- tensively in the fur trade. He exported furs to Europe in his own vessels, which returned with cargoes of foreign commodities, and thus rapidly amassed a large fortune. In 18II, he founded Astoria on the western coast of North America, near the mouth of the Columbia, as a depot for the fur trade, for the promotion of which he sent two ex- peditions to the Pacific Ocean. He was re- markable for his sagacity and diligence in business. He purchased in New York a large amount of real estate, the value of which increased enormously. At his death (March 29th, 1848), his fortune was esti- mated at $20,000,000. He left $400,000 to found a public library in New York.
Austin, Stephen Goodwin, was born at Suffield, in the State of Connecticut, on the 28th day of October, A.D. 1791. His father was Joseph Austin, Esq., of Suffield, and his mother was Sarah, daughter of Capt. Good- win, of Goshen, in the same State.
Stephen G. was the youngest of three sons. His studies preparatory to entering college were pursued at the academy in Westfield, Mass. In 1811, he entered as freshman at Yale College, and, completing the full regular course of studies, graduated with honor on the 13th day of September, 1815, under the presidency of Dr. Dwight.
Immediately after graduating, Mr. Austin entered upon the study of the law in the office and under the guidance of Daniel W. Lewis, in Geneva, N. Y., and remained there until fully prepared for practice; and on the 15th of January, A.D. 1819, he received at the hands of Ilon. Ambrose Spencer, at that time : by decisions in point.
Senior Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, his license to practise in that court. He remained in Geneva but a short time after his admission. During the year 1819, he removed to Buffalo, N. Y., and entered upon the practice of his profession.
Ilis license to practise in the Court of Chan- cery for the State of New York is dated February 22d, 1822. Kent, Chancellor.
Mr. Austin established himself at Buffalo at a time when there were great and exciting public questions under consideration and dis- cussion in regard to the welfare of the town, and it became evident to observing men that the then village held in its position all the elements of a great and thriving city. The subject of this notice was not slow to perceive the bearing of these questions and the advan- tages of the location, and never from that time wavered in his determination to make Buffalo, as it ever after was, his home.
He held for a time the office of justice of the peace, the duties of which his studies had fitted him to perform with ability ; but in after- life he steadily declined public office, although often solicited to permit his name to be used in candidacy for high and responsible posi- tions.
On the Ist day of October, 1829, Mr. Austin was married, at Middle Haddam, Ct., to Miss Lavinia, daughter of Jesse Hurd, Esq., of that place.
In 1831, the degree of Master of Arts was received by him from his Alma Mater.
Mr. Austin was a man of quick perception and acute intellect. As a man of business his judgment was sound, and as a lawyer his opin- ions were based on the closest analysis of the principles of law as applicable to the case in hand. He was in no sense a "case lawyer," although not averse to strengthening a cause
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These traits, supplemented by unwavering industry and untiring pertinacity, rendered him a formidable opponent in his profession, and secured for him the rewards of success as a lawyer; and later in life, the same charac- teristics enabled him to conduct his business operations and shape his investments to the best advantage and with ultimate success.
Exemplary in his character, conversation, and deportment as a gentleman, faithful to all trusts as a citizen and a patriot, kind and gen- erous in his relations as husband and father, true to his family, his friends, and to society, prompt and practical in all business affairs, of unimpeachable integrity and sound judgment, Mr. Austin lived a laborious, useful, and ear- nest life, and on the 19th of June, A.D. 1872, died a peaceful death at a ripe age, with judg- ment, memory, and all his faculties not only not in the least impaired, but growing more and more perfect.
Cal. Both mother and children survive him. About 1841, he was appointed by Gov- ernor Seward Supreme Court Commissioner, which office he held for several years. In 1842, he was in partnership with Hon. James O. Putnam, the firm name being Babcock & Putnam, and his subsequent partnerships prior to the last were with the late Thomas C. Welch, Esq., and E. C. Sprague, Esq. Al- though not in active practice, his partnership relations for some years past have been with Mark B. Moore, Esq. He was elected Mem- ber of Assembly in 1845; in 1850 he was elected to the State Senate, and in 1852 he was re-elected, serving two terms with dis- tinguished ability. In the winter of 1875-76, he was appointed a member of the Commis- sion whose duties he was giving his attention to when taken with his final illness. He was a member of the First Presbyterian church for forty years, and at the time of his death was the oldest member of the Bar of Erie County.
Babcock, Hon. George R., was born in Gorham, Ontario County, N. Y., We have thus sketched in merest outline the career of one of the most remarkable men Buffalo has ever been able to boast of-a man altogether more remarkable for what the gen- eral public did not know of him than for what was outwardly manifest in his daily life and conversation ; and the sacred duty of present- ing to the world an analysis of his character must remain to some of those who knew him most intimately, and who loved him sincerely for the strength and profundity of his intellect and the depth and beauty of his heart. He was a man of great ability. His mind was not of the brilliant, flashy order, but was broad, serene, and sound to the core. En- dowed with rare common sense, remarkable powers of observation, a prodigious memory, great reasoning powers, and an instinctive on the 20th day of September, 1806; and his education was such only as the common schools afforded him. He taught school for a time, and came to Buf- falo in 1824. Shortly after arriving here, he entered the law office of the late Heman B. Potter, where he prosecuted his studies until admitted to the bar, when he entered into partnership with General Potter. For some time the firm name was Potter & Babcock ; but by the admission of E. G. Spaulding into the firm in 1836, it became and continued for several years the firm of Potter, Babcock & Spaulding. In 1835, Mr. Babcock was married to Miss Mary B., daughter of General Potter, who bore him two children : Emily, the wife of D. R. Alward, of Auburn, and Dr. H. P. Babcock, now residing in Oakland, : idea of the right in all cases, he was always
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thoroughly reliable in counsel, always singu- larly exact in his history of a law case, a per- son, or a locality ; and a wonderfully honest, direct, and accurate thinker. He knew the history of Buffalo better than any other man, and his knowledge of men here and elsewhere in the country was simply astonishing. He was a veritable encyclopædia, with never a hint of pedantry or superior knowledge in his intercourse with men. While severely close in his reasoning and eminently practical in all things, his mind had a most agreeable flexi- bility, and those who were privileged to draw upon his intellectual resources found him well read and wise beyond most men of the age. He was in no sense a superficial man; he must be master of any particular subject with which he assumed to deal, or he would ex- press no opinion about it. He was tempera- mentally the victim of inertia ; he was modest and unobtrusive almost to the last degree. and self-assertion was an attribute entirely foreign to his nature. Apparently stiff and cold in his manner, wanting in ambition, caring only for the appreciation of a few friends, he was not, in the generally accepted sense, a public man, and never would have made a politi- cian ; but he was the idol of those who knew him for the wealth and honesty of his mind and the simplicity and purity of his life. He was a lover of any thing that was genuine, whether it was a man or a book, but he had no sympathy with any thing that wanted honesty. He was a conservative; he believed in the ancient ways; he rode his hobbies, and never gave his assent to any thing that he did not consider right. He was deliberate and methodical, and although he worked slowly, his work was faultlessly complete when it re- ceived the last touch at his hand. An able lawyer, in whose hands for many years large and important trusts have rested, a profound
scholar, a benevolent, undemonstrative gen- tleman, a loyal, self-sacrificing friend, and an honorable citizen departed from among us when George R. Babcock died.
Bacon, Jared G., was born near Fort Ann, Washington County, September 6th, 1805. He first embarked in business with his brother in Buffalo in 1822, where he remained for several years. Subsequently he moved to Albany, and in 1829 to Troy, where he was one of our pioneer collar manufacturers, and notwithstanding the fact that it was before the invention of sewing-machines. At one time he had in his employ a great number of hands : in the manufacture of shirts alone. He was one of the founders of the State National Bank, and was also prominently connected with the old Commercial Bank of this city. In the year 1854, he started in the lumber business with the late Lorenzo D. Baker, and continued in the same up to the time of the great fire in 1854, which destroyed their yard. A short time afterward he engaged in the insurance business, and was one of the first representatives appointed in this country by the Liverpool and London Fire and Life In- surance Company. He remained in the in- surance business up to the time of his death, which occurred December 18th, 1872, and was one of the most successful underwriters in this section of the State. His wife, who was the daughter of Mr. Leavens, a wealthy farmer of Grant's Junction, died a few years ago. He leaves a son, Jared L., who was associated with him, and now conducts the business, to- gether with W. J. Kelly, under the old firm style of J. G. Bacon & Son.
Troy could ill afford to lose such a man as Jared G. Bacon. He was missed both in social circles and in the banking house. He had always taken a decided interest in the
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welfare of their city, and was blessed with what always ennobles its possessor, a gener- ous heart. His absence caused a void which will not soon be filled. His demnise was uni- versally mourned, for he was a man of many friends.
Barnum, Stephen Ostrom, was born at
Utica, Oneida County, N. Y., Jan- uary 14th, 1816, and is a son of Ezra .S. Barnum, formerly of Danbury, Ct., now of Utica, N. Y., and who is about the oldest living inhabitant of that place. He was in the United States army, and present at the taking of Fort Erie in the old war of 1812. The Barnum family in this country, from in- formation given us by Mrs. David Barnum, of Baltimore, Md., sprang from three brothers, who emigrated from England long before the Revolution. One settled in Massachusetts, one in Vermont, and the ancestor of the sub- ject of this sketch settled at Danbury, Ct. The original family in England was named Van Barnum, the Massachusetts branch adopting the name of Varnum.
Mr. S. O. Barnum in his early days entered the Utica post-office as clerk, then afterward accepted the position of discount clerk in the Oneida Bank. This sedentary life not agreeing with his health, he entered into co-partnership with his father in the fancy goods business, and finally struck out for himself, and removed to Buffalo, N. Y., in 1845, and opened a variety store on a very limited scale in a small wooden building on the same spot now owned and occupied by him. He at first met many discouragements from lack of capital and being an entire stranger ; but he had experience and deter- mination, which finally succeeded, and after gradual progress, he can now boast of one of the largest variety stores extant, and his
reputation is as broad as the country. He is still active, attending to his business duties daily, and in the full tide of success.
Bearns, James S., was born in the city of New York, August 28th, 1816. His father, Capt. Henry Bearns, came from Holland in the early part of the present cen- tury, and was for about twenty-five years cap- tain of a merchant-vessel plying mostly be- tween New York port and Ireland.
The subject of this sketch received a good academic education in the city of his birth. When seventeen, he engaged himself to Thomas Morrell, wholesale grocer, with whom he remained eleven years. In Jan- uary, 1845, on account of failing health, he was compelled to resign his position and go South. During the long course of his busi- ness connection with Mr. Morrell, he, by his energy and business tact, had so gained the esteem of his employer that the last year of his connection with him he was given an in- terest in the business as a reward for fidelity to his trust. After remaining South several months, he had so far recovered his health that he returned to New York, and, in com- pany with John F. Fisher, commenced the wholesale grocery business, the firm style being James S. Bearns & Co. It continued as such until 1853, at which time Mr. B. bought his partner's interest, and continued alone until 1866. At this time he admitted his nephew, Joseph H. Bearns, into the firm, and it resumed the old style of James S. Bearns & Co. In 1874, Mr. James S. Bearns, determined to retire from the cares of busi- ness life, sold his interest to his nephew, who still continues the business. In 1848. he moved his residence to Brooklyn, N. Y., which he has since made his permanent home, becoming thoroughly identified with
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her interests and institutions. In 1860, on the organization of the Kings County Sav- ings Institution, he became its secretary, a position he filled with credit and ability till March, 1865, when he was elected its president, in which capacity he still serves, having declined any compensation for his ser- vices. On the Ist of June, 1854, Mr. Bearns was joined in wedlock to Miss Elizabeth J., daughter of Thomas Cosgrove, Esq., of New York City, by whom he has had five children, two sons and three daughters, all of whom survive. In his manners he is affa- ble and genial, and his disposition frank and generous. In business matters he has always been prompt and attentive, and has made it a principle through life never to break his word when once given; and to these traits of character, together with unswerving integ- rity and honorable dealings, does he owe his success through life.
was elected Mayor of Syracuse, which must have been very gratifying to him after the little annoyances he was put to by some of the State dignitaries, who attempted to seize liis property, including his palatial mansion, famil- iarly known as the "State House," for his alleged connection with the great Canal Ring frauds, by which the State was swindled out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
In 1853. he was married to Miss Anna Gere, daughter of Robert Gere, of Syracuse.
We intended to present with this sketch a steel portrait of J. J. Belden, and had the promise of a photograph from that gentleman, though something caused him to suddenly change his mind-probably his extreme mod- esty. He holds several prominent positions in Syracuse banks and railroads, and continues to conduct the business of contracting on a large scale.
Benjamin, Simeon, was born in the town of Riverhead, in what was called Upper Aquebogue, Long Island, May 29th, 1792. His father was a plain substantial farmer, highly respected, and an earnest, active Chris- tian.
Belden, J. J .- This subject was born in September, 1825, at Fabius, Onondaga Coun- ty, N. Y., where he resided until eighteen years old, receiving a common school education. In the humble capacity of clerk was his first ex- perience in the affairs and tides of business. Simeon Benjamin was the third son in a family of six sons and two daughters. He was accounted rather of feeble physical con- stitution and was allowed some special ad- vantages for an education, which in those days consisted chiefly of extra time from farm- work for attending district-school, and an early initiation into a clerkship in a plain country store in his native town, which remains and is kept as a store at the present time. At the early age of sixteen, he came to the city of New York, and was a clerk in the store of Mr. Kipp, in Broadway. Being ambitious of distinction and notoriety, which he found impossible to attain in the country home, he in 1853 moved to Syracuse, and boldly entered into the noble calling of contractor, which has made his name so famous in the Empire State. The success that has, in a measure, attended his exertions and shrewd management are apodictical to all; for there are probably few among our readers who do not know this gentleman by reputation and his connection with several large public contracts. Like the famous Murphy, he has been a leading mover in the After about two years of city experience, he temperance cause. In the spring of 1877, he , returned to his native town-Upper Aque-
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bogue, and went into business for himself. This was in 1812, just at the beginning of the war.
This was the beginning of his success as a business man. His favorable location and the favor of a kind Providence centred at his store the trade of an extensive section. It was also greatly in his favor that other portions of Long Island found their trade greatly dis- turbed by the British cruisers, who intercepted the goods on their way from New York. This rendered prices and the demand such that the young merchant soon found himself with a handsome capital, and few men have ever been more intelligently and successfully cau- tious in preventing losses. Like the sea- faring men of his native town, he could not endure a leaky ship, nor would he abide a losing business, even if the loss seemed small. It was a business crime in his eyes to have the income fall short of the expenses and out- lay for a single year.
After a few years, he gathered up his capital and went to the city of New York. With long-practised economy and caution, willing to avoid ostentation, having no taste for hasty, perilous speculation, he steadily and surely added to his wealth and enlarged his business only as fast as actual gains and the soundest credit would allow. In this he was slowly but surely successful.
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