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 24
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Cynthia Tarbell, of Chester, Vermont ; in 1825, moved to Moriah; in 1856, moved to Port Henry ; in 1869, moved to Saratoga Springs; the issue of marriage was six daughters, all of whom are living and mar- ried.
About 1844, Mr. Lee, together with George Sherman and E. Hall, bought the two mines of iron ore now owned and operated by Witherbee, Sherman & Co., from D. E. Sin- ford, for $4500, and began taking about 1000 tons of ore annually, increasing to about 100,000 tons in 1865; in 1862, Mr. Lee sold out his entire interest in this investment, and bought the Fisher mine, which he oper- ated fourteen months; this he sold, and is still one half owner with the Bay State Iron Company, in the Dolleby ore-bed near Port Henry, N. Y. During his active life, he was member of the Legislature. He was one of the organizers of the Whitehall Transporta- tion Company, Moriah Plank Road Com- pany, stockholder in blast furnace in West- port, also in Fort Edward blast furnace, stock- holder in Fisher Iron Company, stockholder in First National Bank of Troy, N. Y., First National Bank of Saratoga Springs. His prin- cipal interests, at present, are in the Union National Bank of Troy, N. Y., and First National Bank of Saratoga Springs. In 1865, Mr. Lee retired from active business life, and in 1869, moved to Saratoga Springs, N. Y., where all of his daughters reside, excepting one, who still lives at Port Henry.
Mr. John A. Lee has passed through many phases of business life without reproach, and now all the elements of happiness are within his reach, and they are of his own creation.
McCammon, William, was born in the city of Albany, Feb. 26th, 1311. He received the greater part of his education at the old
Albany Academy, under Theodore Romeyn Beck, until 1828, when he left school to learn the trade of pattern-making, for the purpose of becoming a practical civil and mechanical engineer, working at it until twenty-one years of age. During this time, he studied mathematics under Prof. Joseph Henry, now Secretary of the Smithsonian In- stitute. While learning his trade and studying with Prof. Henry, he was freely admitted to his experimental rooms, in the Albany Academy. At that time, 1830, Prof. Henry had coils of wire around the room and a machine which vibrated by electricity, and was the incipient electrical telegraph. He heard Prof. Henry often say, that with it communication could be had any distance. In 1855, he was resident engineer on the Erie Canal enlargement. After finishing the trade alluded to, he re- turned to the Albany Academy, continuing his studies with Prof. Henry. In the fall of 1832, he removed with Prof. Henry to Prince- ton College, and there continued the studies of civil and mechanical engineering for six months. He returned to Albany after six months, and took charge of the pattern-shop of Townsend Furnace, where he superintended the building of every description of machin- ery. In one year from this time, he had full charge of the whole establishment. During 1836, he built the first locomotive ever built north of New York City, which was then the largest in the country. In 1838, he built the horizontal low-pressure engine, original de- sign, for the steamship Simeon De Witt, which plied on Cayuga Lake. In 1848, he built a low-pressure beam engine for Smith, Patton & Co.'s flour-mill, at Albany. This piece of machinery is still running, and capable of competing with many of more modern construction. During his connection with Townsend Furnace, he built the Rensselaer
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Iron-Works, in the city of Troy. This was the third mill ever built in the United States for rolling railroad iron. In 1852, Mr. Mc- Cammon was appointed Superintendent of the Albany Water-Works, a position he held two years. He was then called to Chicago, as engineer for the Chicago Water-Works, but soon after left, predicting for the whole works a failure, which ultimately proved true. In 1854, he returned to Albany, and com- menced the manufacture of draining tile, which he continued until 1862, increasing the products of the yard from 250,000 to 1,250,- ooo tile per annum. In 1862, he bought out the piano-forte manufacturing establishment from Boardman, Grey & Co. From that time until now he has continually improved the mechanical construction and tone of his instruments, until they have no superior. He has proved successful in all of his business pursuits from a rare combination of industry and judgment, which has enabled him to un- dertake many enterprises, proving himself suc- cessful under all circumstances. On Jan. ist, 1877, Mr. McCammon virtually retired from active business life, and his business is now conducted by his son Edward.
McCarthy, Hon. Dennis, was born March 19th, 1814, in the village of Salina, now Syracuse, N. Y. He is of Irish and American descent. His father was born in Ireland, and his mother in Massachusetts. After a few years of common school and academic education, he commenced business for his father, whom he ultimately succeeded as a manufacturer of salt, and merchant, and to-day his partners in the mercantile business comprise his sons, making the third generation conducting the same business, which has now been established over sixty years. Their busi- ness now occupies two immense establish-
ments, devoted to their wholesale and retail business, which in point of size and archi- tecture have no superiors in the interior of New York State. Besides having at all times conducted a large business, the Hon. D. McCarthy was elected Supervisor of the town of Syracuse, in 1842. He, however, entered political life in 1845 as a warm sup- porter of the policy of Silas Wright, A. C. Flagg, and John Van Buren, and was origin- ally a Free-Soil Democrat. He was elected to the State Assembly in 1846, Mayor of Syracuse in 1853, was elected to the 40th and 4ist Congress, and served as a member on the Committee of Ways and Means in the 4ist Congress. In 1875, he was elected to the State Senate, and in these high official positions he has served his constituents without causing one reproach to be cast upon his character which, politically, is spotless. He has also been largely associated with different manufacturing industries, has been trustee of the Syracuse Savings Bank mostly since its organization, is a director in the First National Bank, also president and director in the Syracuse and Chenango Rail- road.
McDonald, William, was born the 29th of February, 1784, in New Milford, Litch- field Co., Ct., a locality which has furnished many of the earlier settlers of the town of Queensbury, among the number being the large and influential families of Pecks and Sanfords. His paternal grandfather emi- grated from Scotland during the old French war. His father was a physician of consider- able eminence, and as a surgeon served in the American army during the Revolutionary struggle. After the war was ended, he re- sumed the practice of his profession, at New Rochelle, Westchester Co., N. Y., where
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he died at the advanced age of eighty-five. His mother's name was Mary, the sister of David Sanford, who removed to the town of Queensbury about the year 1785, and was one of the first settlers at the Ridge, where he established a large and very successful mercantile business. Mr. McDonald first moved to that place when he was only eight years old, but returned to New Milford shortly afterward, where he received what was considered in those days a good educa- tion. In 1799, having become an accom- plished penman and accountant, he re- turned to Queensbury, and immediately received employment from his uncle Sanford as clerk in the management of his extended business. By his assiduity and attention to his employer's interest, he very shortly became the trusted manager of the store, Mr. San- ford's time being engrossed by outside pur- suits. His fair, even, and bold chirography appears on the town records for the years IS02 and 1803, when Mr. Sanford held the office of town clerk. At the time of the institution of the Hamilton Lodge F. and A. M., in 1805, he was made a Mason, a large dele- gation of high officials in that organization, from Albany and vicinity, visiting for the purpose of conferring the degrees. About the same time, he bought out his uncle's interest in the store, and continued the busi- ness until 1808, when he removed to the thriving village of Waterford. Here he em- barked in a large and successful trade, which he continued until the year 1820, when he returned to the Ridge, and resumed the mer- cantile business in the old place.
Three years later, he disposed of his stock and moved to Glen's Falls, where he soon afterward bought the old Wing farm, and enlarged, rebuilt, and completed the half-fin- ished dwelling to a spacious and elegant
mansion, the home he continued to occupy up to the time of his death. Prior to the erection of Warren County, and until after the year 1822, the district embraced by Warren and Washington counties sent from three to six members to the legislature, ac- cording to the ratio of representation. In IS21, Mr. McDonald was placed in nomina- tion for the Assembly, in opposition to Asahel Clark, a Clintonian of distinguished abilities and extended influence. Notwithstanding the numerical ascendency of the Clintonian party, the Bucktail ticket was successful in this district, chiefly through Mr. McDonald's pop- ularity and instrumentality in bringing about one of those political revulsions which, like a whirlwind, triumphantly sweeps away all opposition. It was during this session of the legislature that a survey and appropriation was obtained through his personal efforts, for the construction of the Glen's Falls Feeder. He was re-electedto the Assembly the follow- ing year, and such was his popularity that there were only 17 votes cast against him in town. . He was again elected to the Assembly in 1828. To him, more than any other man, is the credit due for opening up the resources of the place and preparing the way for that healthy development and growth, which makes it to-day one of the great business centres of Northern New York. "As is shown by the record, Mr. McDonald was chosen one of the vestrymen of the Episcopal Church at its first organization. At the formation of the old Commercial Bank, he was elected its president, which position he held with great acceptance for a term of years. From that time forth he kept retired from the toils and cares of public life, devoting his leisure to the management of his estate, and the remainder of his days was passed in serene tranquillity. He died on Sunday, the eleventh of Sep-
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tember, 1870, and his remains were deposited in the new cemetery, where a large and costly monument marks the place of his earthly rest.
McGraw, John .- Among the most act- ive and useful forces of a nation's life is a large class of the higher ranges of business men, those who originate the enterprises of the period, and direct and control the industries pertaining to them. From these result a nation's prosperity, and the foundation of its growth in wealth, commerce, and the eleva- tion and refinement which accompany them. Eminent among this class of men was the sub- ject of this notice, John McGraw, who died at Ithaca, May 4th, 1877, aged 62 years. Born in Dryden, Tompkins County, in 1815, a period when the country was new, and wealth and its surroundings almost unknown, he was educated to business as a merchant's clerk, and from his early manhood, when he entered business for himself, with the hard- earned savings from a small salary, he began to develop especially those intellectual forces which characterize the man of superior abi !- ity in the management of affairs. When first launching in business for himself, it was in copartnership with his brother Thomas, who died in 1837. The subject of this sketch continued this business alone until 1840, when he moved to New Hudson, Alleghany County, and entered the lumber trade. About the year 1850, he moved to New York, and became largely interested in business, In 1861, he moved to Ithaca, where he resided until his death. Always in feeble health, he was physically unable to attend to the minor details of business, and remitted them wholly to others. He dealt with principles and ideas, boldly grasping the outlines of import- ant projects which commanded his attention, and his judgment, once convinced of their
soundness and utility, followed up with all the force of his character any enterprise once entered upon. As he was ripened by years and experience, the results of his great in- dustry were represented by a large accumula- tion of wealth, no inconsiderable portion of which has been devoted to the benefit of mankind. He was an early and life-long friend of the late Ezra Cornell, and in full sympathy with his ideas in the founding of Cornell University, and was one of its earli- est trustees. His clear, practical head has always been a power in the management of its interests, and his noble gift of the Library Building, at a cost of $150,000, is an endur- ing monument to his generosity and desire to promote the interests of education. In all his relations with men, he was kind, affable, and sympathetic. In his business he com- bined great force and boldness with great cau- tion and sagacity. He was upright, prompt, true, and sensitive to the nicest shade of honor. His friendships were based upon what he deemed deserving qualities, and were not lightly awarded ; but the man who had his confidence always had a friend, warm, true, and if in need, sufficient for any service that friendship could ask or command. He made few professions, few verbal demonstra- tions of his interior life. But his active, prac- tical life was a living exponent of that within which abounded with faith, hope, courage, and fidelity-the qualities which make up and stamp the noble man. With these for his guidance, he has worked faithfully and with rare ability in the sphere wherein God was pleased to place him. Few men, now that his days are ended, have better title to the award -- " Well done, thou good and faithful."
Merrick, Moses, was born November 17th, 1811, in Chenango County, N. Y.,
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where he resided until eleven years old, during which time he received a common-school education. He afterward lived in St. Law- rence County three years, then moved to Jef- ferson County, and for a short time was in the employ of Jesse Smith. While with him he attended Belleville Academy part of the time. His next move was at Clayton, when he commenced clerking for Jesse Smith & Co., his brother, Eldridge G. Merrick, being the company : here he remained several years. In course of time he was admitted a partner to the business, when the firm style changed to E. G. Merrick & Co., and continued until 1867, when it was discontinued. During that period, they established a forwarding and commission house at Cleveland, Ohio, under the firm name of D. N. Barney & Co., where the subject of this sketch spent three years, attending to the business duties of the estab- lishment. In the spring of 1845, Moses Merrick opened another business at Oswego, under the firm name of Merrick, Davis & Co., transacting general forwarding and com- mission business. He also owned one third interest in the Ontario warehouse at Oswego, where he also owns real estate, besides pine lands in Michigan. In 1850, Mr. Davis died, when the firm became M. Merrick & Co., which style still continues.
The firm bought their present mills, " Co- lumbia," in 1860. These mills have a storage capacity of 200,000 bushels, and are furnished with five run of stone. The firm are also largely interested in the " Genesee" Mills, water-lots, saw-mill and barrel factory, at Fulton, N. Y. During the present firm's existence, they also built the " Seneca" Mills, with fifteen run of stone, which was burned to the ground in 1864. Mr. Merrick stands high in the com- munity as a Christian gentleman, a philan- thropist, and, in every way, beyond the im-
putation of ever designing wrong to any one with whom he has transacted business during long years of a useful life. The writer has known him long; and most truly can it be said he is an honest man, upright and fair in all his dealings and associations in life. He is of sanguine temperament, pleasant, affable address, and is one of the actual pio- neers of Northern New York.
Lockwood, D. N .- This distinguished and promising jurist was born in East Ham- burg, N. Y., June Ist, 1844. In his younger days he received the usual advantages af- forded by the common schools. But at the age of fourteen he came to Buffalo, and at- tended the Central School. At the age of seventeen, he entered Union College, from which institution he graduated with honors, July 27th, 1865, his class being the last that ever did so under the celebrated Dr. Nott. In November, 1865, he commenced reading law with Messrs. Humphrey & Parsons; was admitted to the bar May 19th, 1866, and became a partner with his former preceptor, Mr. Humphrey, taking the place of Mr. Par- sons, who moved to the West. Filled with an honorable emulation, it was not long be- fore he became known as a rising man in his profession. In 1871, he was nominated for district-attorney, and, though defeated, ran 1500 ahead of his ticket. In 1874, he was renominated, and elected by a majority of 1500. In 1876, he received the nomination for Congress, and was elected over a very strong opponent. In the community in which he lives, he enjoys the confidence of all who know him, regardless of party or condition. Being still young. he can enjoy the fruit of the seed he has sown, while his nature is susceptible of enjoyment, and the stamina of life have not weakened and de-
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cayed. He has all the elements of happi- ness within his reach, and they are of his own creation.
Loomis, Hon. Arphaxed, was born April 9th, 1798, at Winchester, Ct. His parents, Thaddeus and Lois Loomis, moved to Salisbury, Herkimer County, N. Y., when the subject of this sketch was only three years old.
He had all the advantages of the good com- mon schools of his adopted home, and became well versed in the common branches, including arithmetic and grammar, and made some prog- ress in Latin. At the age of fifteen years, he commenced to teach school. The next year he entered Fairfield Academy, and continued to teach and study alternately for four years, and acquired a fair classical education. He then commenced the study of law in the office of William 1. Dodge, of Johnstown, Montgom- . ery County, N. Y. Shortly after, he moved to Jefferson County, where he taught a short time, and then pursued his legal studies in several offices, last and mainly with Justin Butterfield, of Sackett's Harbor. He was admitted to the bar in January, 1822, and at once became a partner of his late preceptor, with whom he continued two years, when he moved to Little Falls, where he has since resided. Here he soon acquired a fair and successful practice. He has filled the positions of Surrogate of Herki- mer County, First Judge of the Common Pleas Court, member of Congress 1838-9, member New York Assembly, 1841, 1842, and again in 1853; was a member of the Constitutional Convention, 1846; and was one of the Com- missioners on New York Code of Legal Procedure, 1847-50. In every place he has held, his influence has been marked and use- ful and he has especially left his impress in le-
gislation, in the constitution of 18446, and in the Code of Procedure.
Lorillard, Peter .- Mr. Lorillard was a native of New York City and was one of the oldest of her merchants. His father, Peter Lorillard, Senior, who died many years ago, was, with his brothers, one of the many men whose energy and hard labor resulted not only in gaining them wealth, but in pro- moting the prosperity which the metropolis of the United States now enjoys. Descended from an ancient Huguenot family, the three brothers, Jacob, Peter, and George, com- menced life in humble circumstances, but by dint of hard labor amassed a competency which their heirs have greatly added to. The mother of deceased subject of this sketch was a daughter of Nathaniel Griswold, long since dead, but during his lifetime was one of the most prominent merchants. His par- ents being possessed of ample means, Mr. Lorillard received an excellent education, and after leaving school connected himself with his father and uncle, Peter and George, in the tobacco business; possessing uncommon busi- ness capacity, he soon materially aided his firm in its progress to prosperity, and upon the death of his uncle, who was a bachelor, he found himself left the heir to a fortune valued at some $200,000. Upon the death of his father, Mr. Lorillard succeeded to the business, which prospered so well that it brought to its proprietor millions of dollars, and made it, what it now is, one of the largest tobacco houses in this city.
The deceased married many years ago and survived his widow, by whom he had a large family of children. For many years past, he had ceased to concern himself personally in the affairs of his business, these being attended
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to by his sons, who were the virtual proprietors. To the poor of New York and elsewhere, his death was greatly regretted, for they found in him a most liberal and kind-hearted benefactor, and the possession of this charitable disposition he inherited from his father and uncles, who were noted for their unquestioning liberalities and for the prompt manner in which they re- sponded to all demands made upon their be- nevolence.
In the circle in which he moved, deceased was greatly esteemed and respected, as one of the old men of standing in the community and the remains of another and past genera- tion. His departure will be lamented by all who knew him, although his ripe age has rendered his death a looked for event for some time past ..
He died October 6th, 1867.
Newman, E. J., was born May 3d, 1817, at Pompey, Onondaga County, N. Y. His father's name was Amos Newman, who came from Vermont at an carly date, and had to clear the woods away for his farm. Mr. Newman attended school at Pompey Centre till he was nineteen, when he left and com- menced farming; this he continued till he was thirty-six years old. He then moved to Akron, Erie County, N. Y., where he built a flour-mill and cement works, the capacity of the former being fifty barrels of flour per day, and the latter five hundred barrels of cement annually. These same works he continues to operate, in company with his brother, Leroy Newman; W. C. & H. L., sons of the above, being partners. The capacity of the flour-mills has been doubled, and the cement works have facilities for turning out seventy- five thousand barrels per annum ; they find a market for their cenient all over the Western country. Eight years ago. the subject of this
sketchi moved to Buffalo, where he has since resided and proved himself to be a valuable citizen and a sterling business man.
Newman, John, son of Thomas B. New- man, born in Saratoga County, near Ballston, N. Y., October 16th, 1796. When quite young, removed to Oneida County, near Rome. Resided there until twenty-one years of age, when he removed to New York City. Was married January ist, 18?3, to Eliza- beth, daughter of Joseph and Esther Miller, then residing in New York. The birthplace and early residence of Mrs. Newman were at Mamaroneck, Westchester County, N. Y.
After removal to New York, Mr. Newman became early identified with the then new business of constructing machinery for steam- boats. He was at different times connected with most of the larger New York establish- ments in this business at that day.
In IS28, the firm of Hall & Newman (of which he was a member) built the beam- engine and boilers for the steamboat De Witt Clinton, a large Hudson River boat. This was one of the largest, perhaps the largest steamboat engine that had been constructed at that time. The drawings, still preserved in the family, are of interest, showing the prog- ress made at that early day, the arrangement and construction being but little different from that of the engines now in use on the Hudson River and Sound.
In the autumn of 1832, immediately after the first visit of the Asiatic cholera to this country -- by which the business of New York was nearly paralyzed-at the solicitation of Oliver Newberry, of Detroit, Mich., he left the Novelty Works, New York, with which he had been associated since its organization, and spent the winter at Detroit, assisting in the construction of the steamboat Michigan
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