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 30
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Thompson, J. L .- The subject of this sketch was born Deceniber ist, 1797, at Ame- nia, Dutchess County, N. Y. He can trace his ancestry to Anthony Thompson, of Coven- try, England, who arrived in Boston, on board the ship Hector, in company with Gov. Eaton and the Rev. Mr. Davenport, June 20th, 1637. Anthony Thompson had two children. Then comes John Thompson, three children; Samuel Thompson, who married a daughter of Gov. Bishop of Connecticut, eight children; Samuel Thompson, three children; Ezra Thompson, nine children ; Ezra Thompson, Jr., nine children; John L. Thompson, of Troy, who was married in August, 1829, to Mary P. Thompson, of New London, Ct., and by whom he has had eight children, all living. Mr. John I. Thompson moved to Troy in 1817, and en- tered the drug-store, on the same spot he now is engaged in business, as clerk for Dr. Samuel Gale. Five years later, he became a partner, the firm style changing to Gale & Thompson. Subsequently Mr. Thompson bought Mr. Gale's interest. In 1841, Mr. D. Cowes, formerly a clerk, was admitted to the firm, and in 1855 his sons John I. and Wil.
liam A. became partners, and the firm changed to J. L. Thompson, Sons & Co., the present style. The present head of the firm has pursued seduously his trade, never wavering from the paths of legitimate business, and giving it that attention which insures success. There are some men whose judgment ap- pears almost infallible. The ambition of Mr. Thompson has been to become a thorough business man ; and his well-known and envia- ble reputation is a testimony that he has suc- ceeded in the accomplishment of his wishes ; and though in his eightieth year, he still pur- sues his daily business routine with that zeal and ardor that would characterize the ambi- tion of youth.
Trowbridge, Dr. Josiah, was born in Framingham, Mass., September 28th, 1785. He was a descendant from a highly respected English family, and his American ancestry occupied an elevated position among the early colonists, his direct lineage being Thomas Trowbridge, a gentleman of means, who emigrated to this country in 1636. The father of Dr. Trowbridge was no ordinary man, as the records of his life show. He served in the Revolutionary army, first at the battle of Bunker Hill, and after- ward orderly sergeant with Washington, in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Dr. Trowbridge remained at home, some- what advanced in years, assisting his father on the farm. This proving too laborious, he, in 1799, took the position of clerk with an elder brother, in Boston. Tiring of this, and seized with a desire to see more of the world, he shipped for Holland in 1800. After his return, he undertook a course of preparatory studies, with a view to the adop- tion of the medical profession. During this time, he taught school two winters, the
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first in Southboro', and the next in his native town. He first began to read with Dr. Willard, of Uxbridge, and finished with Dr. Kittridge. His first professional efforts were put forth in Weathersfield, Vermont, where he remained for a brief time. In 1811, in company with a young lawyer, he came to Buffalo on horseback. Buffalo not offering sufficient encouragement, he took up his residence in Fort Erie, and there remained till the declaration of war, when he returned to Buffalo. During his residence in Canada, he formed an attach- ment and was married to Miss Margaret Wintermute, September 22d, 1813. He continued his practice in Buffalo till 1836, when he had accumulated a handsome prop- erty, and retired from his profession and gave his time entirely to the management of his private affairs. In 1837, when the crash came, he was among the unfortunates, los- ing his all.
It was in this year he was elected mayor. In 1839, he was appointed commissioner to represent certain rights possessed by the State of Massachusetts, in the lands owned by the Seneca Indians, and about to be ceded to the Ogden Land Company, by treaty and purchase. In 1838, he resumed his profession with Dr. Winnie and so con- tinued till 1842. He, however, did a large private and consulting practice till 1856, and died on the 27th of September, 1862, deeply mourned by all who knew him, as a man whose like was seldom to be met with.
(See portrait page 365.)
Urban, George, was born in Alsace, France, August 19th, 1820. His early edu. cation received attention in his native coun- try, and when fifteen years old, he emigrated to this country with his parents, who settled
in the town of Black Rock. The first sever years spent here, he was engaged at various kinds of laborious duties, though in 1842, he received the appointment to a clerkship, which he filled for four years; being indus- trious and ambitious, he confined himself closely to business, and in 1846, started in the flour, feed, grocery, and provision busi- ness for himself, on the same spot he now occupies, at No. 144 Genesce street, Buffalo. Ten years ago, he became purely a flour merchant, which business he still continues in the full tide of success. He was mar- ried August 15th, 1846, to Miss Mary Kern, formerly of Alsace, the issue of which has been two sons and one daughter, his eldest son, George Urban, Jr., being a part- ner with his father in business. Mr. Urban is also one of the Park Commissioners of Buffalo, besides being a director in the Western Savings Bank. Thus we see the biography of such a man as George Urban is fraught not only with readable interest, but has a useful moral effect upon the pres- ent time and posterity. Commencing at the bottom rung, he has steadily progressed till he is ranked with the soundest and most substantial business men of Buffalo. It is such subjects that teach youth what in- dustry and moral worth can achieve, and that they can hope for all things if they make honor their guide and are prompted by honorable emulation.
Vanderbilt, Cornelius, was born on Staten Island, N. Y., May 27th, 1794. His parents emigrated from Holland, and were among the early settlers of New York. He had a meagre education, and at an early age devoted himself to sailing boats in New York Bay. At the age of sixteen, he pur- chased a boat of his own, and ran it as a ferry
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between New York and Staten Island. During the war of IS12, he carried some officers from Fort Richmond during a peril- ous storm, being the only boatman in the harbor who would undertake the task-carry. ing them, as he said, " part way under water." In 1814, he carried government supplies to various posts about New York, and that year he built a small schooner for his increased business; in the year following, he built a larger schooner for the coast trade. In 1817, having accumulated $9000 from his harbor trade, he entered the employ of Thomas Gib- bons, and became captain of a small steam- boat running between New York and New Brunswick, N. J., on the road to Philade !- phia. He also took charge of a hotel at New Brunswick, where the passengers remain- ed over night. He remained with Mr. Gib- bons for twelve years, during which time the line of steamboats had grown to be one of great importance ; at the end of that time, he ie- signed his position and started out for him- self ; he built several small steamboats ; and ran them to points on the Hudson River, and other places near New York. In 1851, he established the route of steamships be- tween New York and California, by way of Nicaragua, which he managed for two years, when he sold out and acted as agent for a short time; subsequently he was chosen president of the company. In May, 1853, having amassed immense wealth, he built the steamship North Star, and taking his family on board, made a tour of Europe in it at his private expense. In April, 1855, he established an independent line of steamships between New York and Havre. In the spring of 1862, he presented the government with the finest steamship, the Vanderbilt, for which Congress passed a resolution of thanks to him. Subsequently, he withdrew his
money from vessels and invested it in rail- roads. He was President of the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad, the Harlem Railroad, and was a Director in the Western Union Telegraph Company. In 1870, he purchased the building known as the Mercer Street Presbyterian Church, in New York City, and presented it to the Rev. Charles Force Deems, pastor of a free and independent church of Jesus Christ, organized in 1868 under the name of the Church of the Strangers, to be used by that society as a place of public worship. On March 27th," 1873, Mr. Vanderbilt presented the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, with $500,000, afterward increasing the amount to about $1,000,000, to be used in founding a univer- sity at Nashville, Tenn., for the education of the youth of the church. The board of trus- tees of the proposed institution voted to call it Vanderbilt University, after its chief founder, and it was opened October 4th, 1875. Mr. Vanderbilt had been twice married, and had thirteen children. He died at New York, January 4th, 1877. Ilis son William Henry, born in New Brunswick, N. J., May 8th, 1821, was in 1873 elected Vice-President of the Hudson River Railroad Company.
Verplanck, J. A., was born in the town of Coeymans, Albany County, N. Y., on the 16th of October, 1812. He received a good academical education. He entered Union College at the age of fourteen, and graduated at the age of twenty-two. In 1831, he moved to Batavia, Genesee County, and began the study of law with Allen & Chand- ler. He was admitted to the bar in 1834, and speedily attained a very respectable posi- tion. Upon the retirement of Mr. Allen, his preceptor and father-in-law, he became a partner of Daniel H. Chandler. He subse-
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quently practised in partnership with John H. Martindale, now of Rochester. During his residence in Batavia, he served two terms as District-Attorney of Genesee County, was a brigadier-general of the militia, and was appointed United States agent to negotiate treaties with the Indians in the Lake Superior country. He came to this city in 1847, and entered into partnership with H. K. Smith; was one of the justices of the Superior Court in 1854. Since then was twice elected to the same office, once without opposition, and occupied the position at the time of his death, which occurred April 15th, 1873. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1867-68. Judge Verplanck was a remarkable man, we scarcely need hesitate to say, a great man. He reached accurate decisions with lightning speed, as if by inspiration. He was a man of great mental resources, an able lawyer, a true-born gentleman and a noble- hearted, generous citizen.
Vick, James, was born in the suburbs of Portsmouth, England, November 23d, 1818. At an early day he exhibited a pas- sion for every thing pertaining to horticul- ture. At the age of fifteen, he came to this country, with his father's family. On his ar- rival, he engaged himself with a printing- house in New York, for the purpose of learn- ing the trade; and for three years he applied himself so thoroughly that he moved to Rochester, and was engaged by various offices as a compositor. But as his taste was in the agricultural line, he was drawn toward the office of the Genesce Farmer, published in this city by Luther Tucker. So much at- traction had floriculture for him that about this time he secured a small garden, culti- vated flowers, and wrote on their beauty and habits.
When the Genesee Farmer passed out of Mr. Tucker's hands, Mr. Vick assumed its publication, though it was owned by others. As a publisher and editor he proved himself a most decided success. By the un- timely death of Andrew J. Downing, Mr. Vick became the owner and publisher of the Horticulturist-he moving it from New York to Rochester, Mr. Patrick Barry being its editor. Mr. Vick published this valuable paper for about four years, when he disposed of it, in order that he might devote his whole time to seed-growing, to which he had always given much of his attention. He, however, found it difficult to give up jour. nalism altogether; and in 1857 he became the horticultural editor of Moore's Rural New Yorker, continuing to give a portion of his time as such till 1862, when his seed business demanded his sole attention.
In the ten years intervening, his business had increased to a surprising extent; so much so, indeed, that his name had become a " household word." His " Floral Guide" had found willing readers all over the land. The number of these books now annually published is about one quarter of a million. The business of which he is the head is one of vast importance, not only in the city in which it is carried on, but over the whole land. The number of hands employed is about one hundred and fifty. As much of his business is done through the mail, he has a post-office in his establishment; so that the mail is ali put up in the bags, and taken directly to the railroad, without going through the city post-office, one of his employés acting as deputy postmaster for the govern- ment. To give the reader an idea of the vastness of this department of the business, it is only necessary to say that the number of letters received and dispatched in a day
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often aggregates 4000, the year's postage amounting nearly to $35,000. In connection with the house is a printing-office, book- bindery, and box-factory. Perfect system prevails in every department, Mr. Vick over- seeing the entire business himself. It is very easy to understand that the control of such an establishment demands no small amount of executive ability. Want of space only compels us to withhold much of interest in connection with the sketch of this gentleman. His knowledge of horticulture has won him an enviable reputation in not only this coun- try, but in all parts of the world. He was for a long time secretary of the American Pomological Society -- a position, though in- volving much labor, at the same time bring- ing him into intimate relations with all the ablest horticulturists in this country. In 1871, he was paid the high compliment of an election as " corresponding member" of the Royal Horticultural Society of England -- a compliment more marked, because rarely tendered any one outside of England or English domain. In all parts of Europe where he has travelled, he has received con- siderate attention and the most hearty wel- come.
We can safely say, in conclusion, that Mr. Vick is one among a thousand, a truly self- made man ; one who has given much of his time and labor for the benefit of his fellow- man. And well may the citizens of Rochester be justly proud in being able to claim him as one of them.
Vilas, Samuel Flint, was born at Sterling, Lamoille County, Vermont, Janu- ary 9th, 1807.
When in his twentieth year, Mr. Vilas commenced, without means and wholly upon
credit, to wholesale Yankee notions through the northern portion of New York.
To this business in this then very thinly settled country, where dwellings were miles apart, he devoted the first ten years of his business life, enlarging his business with his steadily increasing means.
These early years of patient labor and of close, calculating economy, laid the founda- tion, broad and firm, for that remarkable suc- cess which has attended him in every thing he has undertaken.
The property acquired during this period was not so large; but the business character, principles, and habits which he formed ; the thorough knowledge of mankind which he acquired ; and the extended acquaintance which he made with business men, have been of incalculable advantage to him.
Settling at Plattsburg, N. Y., in 1836, he there commenced and continued for over thirty years the first and only wholesale business carried on in Clinton County. This embraced not only dry goods and Yankee notions, also the manufacture and sale of tinware upon a large scale.
He personally superintended and directed its management for about eleven years, when he gave up its chief care to a partner, and devoted his own time, with characteristic energy, sagacity, and success, to the business of a private banker.
In 1864, he organized " The Vilas Na- tional Bank of Plattsburg," of which he has ever since been the president. So large and prosperous was the business of this bank, that Mr. Vilas in 1868 gave up en- tirely the wholesale business.
He has dealt quite extensively in wool, lumber, iron, and timber lands. Regarding Plattsburg as his permanent home, he has always taken a lively interest in whatever his
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well-balanced judgment assured him would promote its welfare.
The older residents recall with interest how the dulness of the times and the great difficulties of doing business in Plattsburg and Clinton County were relieved by the building of the Saranac River Plank Road. and the P. & M. R.R. ; they also recall the material and efficient aid given to these pub- .. lic enterprises by Mr. Vilas ; indeed, it is no injustice to others to say that he, more than any one individual, was instrumental in organ- izing and prosperously maintaining, during his connection with them, both of these roads.
The existence, high standing, and pros- perity of the Northern New York Insurance Company, which, after paying or securing all its policy-holders, was dissolved a few years since, were chiefly due to his management as its president.
To the churches, academy, and schools of Plattsburg, he has been a liberal supporter, both by his means and his counsel, while a member of their several boards of trustees.
He was joined in wedlock, August 6th, 1836, to Miss Harriet E., daughter of James Hunt, Esq., of Pinckney, Lewis County, N. Y.
By his own personal efforts and by strict application to business, he has reached his present assured condition of prosperity, and he has reason to feel at least satisfied with his life's work and success.
Walker, William H., was born August 20th, 1825, at Utica, N. Y., a son of Stephen and Sally Walker. His father moved from Utica to Buffalo in 1832, and the subject of this sketch was educated at the Buffalo Academy, Silas Kingsley principal, and also at the well-known private school of Mr. Fay and Mr. Chambers. At the age of nineteen,
he entered the boot and shoe store of O. P. Ramsdell, and became his partner in 185 1. In 1853, he went to Albany, studied law, and took the gold medal for the best essay in equity jurisprudence at the close of the term at the Albany Law School. He re- turned to Buffalo in 1854, again became as- sociated with O. P. Ramsdell, and contin- ued in business with him till February Ist 1876, when his present business was estab- lished.
He was married October 2Ist, 1869, to Edith Kimberly, daughter of John L. Kim- berly, Esq., of Buffalo, the issue of which has been two children.
Weaver, George S .- Among the many who have attained prominence through in- dustry and unwearied application, few are entitled to more respect and consideration than George S. Weaver. Reared amid rural opportunities, his early training was un- favorable to the development of his mental powers ; but with the native force of his mind, enriched by reading and observation, he soon overcame the obstacles of early life. Without the advantages of inherited aid or consequence, he worked the problem of his own fortune, and lives to enjoy the fruition of a successful business career.
Mr Weaver was born July 9th, 1826, in Yates County, N. Y., where he received a limited common-school education, working summers upon a farm, and attending school in winter. The benefit derived from man- ual labor was to invigorate and strengthen a constitution naturally frail. At the age of seventeen, he engaged as clerk in a gen- eral store, in which capacity he served until his twentieth year, when he was admitted as junior partner with John H. Lapham, a successful druggist at Penn Yan. It was
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here he acquired habits of industry, econo- my, and perseverance, traits of character peculiarly prominent in Mr. Lapham. His duties in this connection were arduous, working from five o'clock in the morning until eleven at night, it being the custom of Mr. L. to sit in the store evenings until very late. This laborious life proved too much for his slender constitution, and, to his re- luctance and the regret of his partner, he was forced to quit the business he had fair- ly entered with flattering prospects of suc- cess. For three months he struggled against disease, caused by over-work and the un- wholesome atmosphere of the drug store.
Mr. Weaver passed the following winter in a rude lumbering shanty in Pennsylvania with his father and brother, who were en. gaged in manufacturing square timber for the eastern market. By close attention to the laws of health, with plenty of pure air and plain food, he came out of his forest quarters improved in physical condition. What appeared a misfortune at the time he severed his connection with the drug store, turned to his advantage in after life. The knowledge he obtained of the lumbering business, in this effort to regain his health, proved of great value in enabling him to ... extend his business operations. His health restored, he was not long waiting for some- thing to do. With a small capital, and fair credit, he invested with his father in the lumbering business. He also operated with his brother until the year 1861, when a co- partnership was entered into with Elish Mors, of Waterford. The new firm dealt largely in all varieties of lumber. This en- terprise proving successful, the business was afterwards extended to West Troy and Greenbush. The war commencing about this period, found the firm of Mors & Wea- . became one of the firm of A. Weed & Sons.
ver fully able and prepared to enter the field in competition with any company in the country for government work and sup- plies. To them was awarded the contract to furnish timber for the five Monitors built by Messrs. Corning & Griswold, of Albany and Troy. With three large saw mills in operation, and the constant employment of about fifty men in the city of New York, the work was vigorously pushed forward. Time was important, and to the promptness and energy of this firm much credit must be given for meeting the necessities of the hour in a critical period of the rebellion.
Mr. Weaver remained in business with Mr. Mors until the year IS.71, when he re- tired from the co-partnership. Since the dissolution of the firm he has continued to deal extensively in lumber, and for several years furnished all the timber used by the .N. Y. Central and Hudson River Railroads.
He never sought official position, but confined himself exclusively to his legiti- mate pursuits. By industry, sagacity, and good judgment, he has accumulated a sub- stantial fortune. He is endowed with a heart of unstudied and disinterested gen- erosity, of liberal impulses, and of a sympa- thetic nature. In manners he is polished and graceful, with a geniality that makes him agreeable in every circle.
Weed, Jared S .- The subject of this sketch was the eldest son of the late Alsop Weed, one of Troy's oldest and most prom- inent merchants, and was born in the town of Greenfield, Saratoga County, N. Y., May 30, 1808. When five years of age, he moved with his parents to Troy, where he resided until his death, which occurred in IS;6. Having completed his education, he
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With his superior education, and all his keen business talent, he soon .discovered that he could learn much from the practical sagacity of his father, and he doubtless drew from that source much that in after years gave him such a ready and thorough insight into all the various bearings of a great busi- ness enterprise.
In 1835, Mr. Weed was joined in wed- lock to a daughter of the late Sylvanus Nor- ton, long identified with the business inter- ests of Troy. The issue of this marriage was one daughter. Mr. Weed, though not an office-seeker, held several offices of trust and responsibility. From 1842 to 1845 he was a member of the Aldermanic Board ; from 18.46 to 1849 he was Chamberlain of the city. He was the second president of the Troy and Boston R. R. From 1850 to IS70 he was president of the Troy Savings Bank, and for many years an active mem- ber of the Second Street Presbyterian Church. In every position in life he was the same; modest, unassuming, he per- formed all his labors in a dignified, noiseless manner, and those who knew him well know what a vast amount of labor he dis- posed of. Of all his business enterprises, the Troy and Boston R. R. was the most successful, and will live long as a proud monument to his fair name and reputation.
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