USA > New York > Jefferson County > Genealogical and family history of the county of Jefferson, New York, Volume I > Part 66
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Dr. John Mortimer Crawe was born in Watertown, New York, May 23. 1831. His education was acquired in the public and select schools of the neighborhood, and the Jefferson County Institute. He began the study of medicine under the competent preceptorship of Dr. H. G. P. Spencer, and this was supplemented by the regular course at the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which he was grad- nated in 1859. He at once established an office in Hamilton, Madison county, New York, and practiced his profession there for a number of years, with the exception of a short residence in the town of Cham- pion, this county. Subsequently he located in Watertown, and by the exercise of ability and skill in his professional duties he readily ac- quired an extensive and successful practice. He died October 29. 1901. in Watertown. He was an active and leading member of the County Medical Society, of which he was one of the reorganizers in 1868, and in 1884 was one of the chief organizers and served as first vice-presi- dlent of the New York State Medical Association. Dr. Crawe was appointed pension examiner in 1869. resigning after four years of service, and in 1881 accepted a place on the Jefferson county board of pension examiners, and served as its president four years. He was a Republican in political principle. On October 3, 1860. Dr. Crawe married Mary E. Hecox, who died in 1899. a daughter of Jacob Hecox. of Earlville. New York. Their children are: J. Mortimer, Jr. ; Harriet S. C., wife of Fred H. Moore, of Utica; Frank Frederick, who died in infancy; and Edwin Paddock Crawe, a resident of Boston.
Dr. J. Mortimer Crawe, Jr., was a student in the public schools of Watertown. He then entered the Medical Department of Columbia University, from which he was graduated, and in 1887 graduated
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from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city. He began active practice in his father's office in Watertown, and at once put to a practical test the theoretical knowledge he acquired during his collegiate courses. He has served as president and treasurer of the Jefferson County Medical Association, and is one of the original members and treasurer of the Watertown City Medical Society, the latter organization having been formed at a meeting of physicians held January 28, 1896, in response to a feeling that closer association would be beneficial. During the first five years of his practice Dr. Crawe was associated with his father, and then opened an independent office. Upon the retirement of the senior, due to failing health, six months before his demise, the son returned to the old office, in the Paddock building, which had been occupied by the elder from luis arrival in Watertown. Engaged in a general family practice, he finds his time fully occupied. and gives little attention to political or social questions. He sustains Republican policies by his vote.
WILLIAM HENRY POLLARD. In a list of Watertown's most respected and honored citizens the name of William H. Pollard would stand near the head. He is a son of William Pollard, who was born about 1824, in Devonshire. England, and was brought as a child to the United States. He was engaged in business as a confectioner, both in Albany and Utica. He married Julia Ann Gates, of Utica. who numbered among her ancestors General Horatio Gates, of Revo- lutionary fame. The Gates family is allied to the Stewarts of Ver- mont. Mr. and Mrs. Pollard were the parents of three children, among whom was William H., mentioned at length hereinafter. Mr. Pollard died in 1893. He was an honorable man and a good citizen The death of his wife occurred in 1900.
William H. Pollard, son of William and Julia Ann (Gates) Pol- lard, was born August 6, 1848, in Utica, New York, and received his education in the common schools. At an early age he was placed as an apprentice in the Utica Steam Engine Works in order to learn the machinist's trade. Here he remained for six years, becoming in that time thoroughly familiar with all the details of the business. He then moved to Whitestown in order to accept a position with B. T. Bab- bitt, for whom he worked eight years. In 1878 he removed to Water- town, where he entered the service of the Eames Vacuum Brake Com- pany as a machinist. This company was afterward merged in the
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New York Air Brake Company. Mr. Pollard retained his position during the transition period, and by reason of his faithful attention to business was in the course of time appointed general foreman. From this office lie was advanced to that of assistant superintendent, and in 1893 became general superintendent, in which capacity he is now act- ing. When Mr. Pollard first became connected with the company they employed eighteen men, a force which has since increased to twelve hundred. The highi standing of the company, and the prosperous con- dition of the business are due in no small degree to the untiring indus- try and undisputed ability of the general superintendent. As a citizen Mr. Pollard is no less faithful than as a business man, and is never guilty of neglecting any political duty, although prevented by the imperative demands of his calling from taking an active part in public affairs. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and is a prominent mem- ber of the Lincoln League, which indicates that he is a Republican.
Mr. Pollard married, in 1873, Mrs. Mary Barbey, and three chil- dren have been born to them, two of whom are living: Gertrude I. and Charles W., both residents of Watertown, the latter being assist- ant superintendent of the Air Brake Works.
OSBERT S. PRINDLE. One of the worthily self-made men of whom any community may justly be proud is Osbert S. Prindle, of Watertown. His grandfather, Joseph Prindle, was born in England, and settled in this state. The latter's son, Truman Prindle, was a native of Russia, Herkimer county. He was a carpenter and joiner, and married Lucy, daughter of Isaac Shepherd. They were the parents of five children, four of whom are living. Mr. Prindle was an indus- trious and worthy man, and was killed by an accident when his son, Osbert S., was but twelve years of age. Mrs. Prindle died in 1878.
Osbert Shepherd Prindle, son of Truman and Lucy (Shepherd) Prindle, was born December 27, 1833, in Copenhagen, Lewis county, and at the age of seven years went to live in the family of an uncle. He was there employed in manual labor during the summers, and in the winters attended school. In spite of these meagre educational facilities his progress was such that at the age of seventeen he was able to engage in teaching. He spent several winters as a school- master in Jefferson county, and with the money thus earned entered himself as a student in Lowville Academy. After completing his course at this institution he again became a teacher, but at the end
2: 0. Story
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of two years his health failed and he was obliged to relinquish his work and go to Wisconsin in order to recuperate. After two years spent in that bracing climate he went in 1858 to New York, where he was employed for four or five years as a commercial traveler. At the end of that time, feeling a preference for a more settled mode of life he went to Carthage, in this county, and opened a store which he con- ducted for six years, and then returned to the occupation of a com- mercial traveler. For twenty years he was employed in this capacity by the H. H. Babcock Company, and two years ago found himself in circumstances which justified his retirement. Although no longer actively engaged in the business world, Mr. Prindle is largely inter- ested in negotiating transactions in real estate. In all his commercial relations he has earned a high reputation for sterling integrity, no less than for business ability. He is an active member of the First Pres- byterian church.
Mr. Prindle married, in 1859, Orinda J., daughter of Layton Field, and their only child niet an early death. Mrs. Prindle, whose many estimable qualities had won for her the sincere affection and respect of all who knew her, died October 23, 1902.
FREDERICK TIFFANY STORY, who passed away at his home in Watertown, October 8, 1896, was a citizen of the city for more than half a century of his mature and active life. He was an energetic and successfui business man and a public-spirited citizen, but will be longest remembered for his genial and hopeful personality.
His father, William Story, was a native of Norwich, Connecticut. He was married, June 6, 1809, to Eunice Cary, who was born Decem- ber 3, 1789, in Windham, Connecticut. Immediately after the wedding the young couple set out to make a home in Cherry Valley, New York, where Mr. Story engaged in business as a hatter. Later he operated a stage line between Albany and Utica, and conducted taverns along the route. His business was conducted in liberal fashion, and he was well known and popular along the Mohawk Valley. He died October 3, 1837, at Cherry Valley. His wife survived until February 20, 1876, dying at Little Falls, in her eighty-seventh year.
Frederick T. Story was the fourth son and sixth child in a family of six sons and two daughters, and was born November 25, 1824, at Cherry Valley. He was educated in the public schools of the locality, and before the close of his twentieth year he came to Watertown and
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engaged in mercantile business. For seven years he kept a crockery store, and developed an extensive trade, due to his fair dealing and pleasant and courteous manners. In 1851 he constructed the Watertown gas works, and subsequently disposed of the store, giving his entire atten- tion to the lighting plant during the balance of his life, and making it one of the most efficient in the northern counties.
Mr. Story was always a promoter of advancement, and gave his practical and earnest support to any measures that seemed to him right. He was a man of democratic sympathies and altruistic impulses, devoted to home life, and possessed of those attributes of geniality and wit that give to the home its most cheering atmosphere. He was generous, hos- pitable, and kind-hearted to the last degree. A member of Trinity ( Protestant Episcopal) church for many years, he was, during that time, a vestryman for more than twenty-five. As a representative of the church, he was a member of the board that established the City Hospital in 1881. Though not in any sense a politician, he took the intelligent interest in state and national progress which is the part of every good citizen.
Mr. Story was married, in 1853, at Monroe, Michigan, to Miss Harriet Foster Smith, daughter of Major Henry and Elvira (Foster) Smith, the latter a daughter of Judge Jabez Foster, of Watertown. Ma- jor Smith was a graduate of the second class at West Point, and was prominent in military circles. He was a captain in the Black Hawk war, was stationed for some time at Sackets Harbor, and died July 24. 1847, in Vera Cruz, Mexico, of yellow fever. The only child of Frederick T. and Harriet F. Story, Henry Smith by name, died when two years old.
When the hours of business were over the happy atmosphere of his delightful home sufficed for Mr. Story, and he did not affiliate with any social or fraternal organizations. The church received his warm sup- port in every undertaking, and his demise was very appropriately observed by the vestry in the following memorial, adopted at its first meeting and spread upon the records :
"The vestry of Trinity church desire to record a memorial of their late associate and fellow vestryman and friend, Frederick T. Story.
"Mr. Story has served zealously and faithfully and well upon this vestry for a quarter of a century, and his sudden death leaves a vacancy which will not be readily filled.
"His counsel was always as wise and godly as his convictions were
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strong. In no slight degree was the trend of the church's life the result of his influence, and he gave freely to effect what he advised.
"But even more will we miss him as a friend whose warm and gen- erous spirit tempered his robust and manly straightforwardness and turned an official relation into one of affection. The church's loss is also a deep, personal bereavement to each one of the congregation.
"We extend our earnest sympathy to his family."
This article cannot be more appropriately closed than by quoting the tribute of a friend, to whom long association had made known every phase of his character. It is as follows:
"Mr. Story has long been prominent among the business men of . Watertown. Ilis business, domestic and religious characteristics were of the most exalted kind, and commanded the unqualified admiration of all who knew him. The exact date of his location in Watertown I do not at this moment recall, but it is more than fifty years since I knew him as a merchant, and during all these years he has borne the reputa- tion for integrity, for purity, for kindness, for keen perception, for ro- bust honesty and fidelity to right, surpassed by no man in Watertown He was a lovable man, who performed his part in every field of action that came to his hand. His kindness, his tender regard for the rights and feelings, and even the frailty of others, was such as to mark him as one of God's noblemen. The mantle of his charity was of the broad- est, most noble and Christian character. He respected those who pros- pered and was not unmindful of the unfortunate. He not only shunned evil, but was always ready and aggressive to do good. May his memory be cherished, and his noble character be imitated by those who have ob- served his stainless walks and ways before all men. His manly dignity, undimmed by ostentations, he wore like a garment. His generous im- pulses always carried him to the extreme limit of his ability. No tear was ever shed by reason of any shortcomings of his. No thorn was ever planted by him for others' feet, no matter how high or how humble a walk they tread."
CORNELIUS TIEBOUT SACKET, of Cape Vincent, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, January 22. 1870. His father, General Delos Bennett Sacket, was born at Cape Vincent, New York, on the 14th of April, 1822, a son of Dr. Gideon Shepard Sacket, who was a pioneer of Cape Vincent, fought at the battle of Sacketts Harbor, and was at one time collector of the port of Cape Vincent. His wife was a Bush, of the Lewis county family. They had two sons and a daugh- ter, Delos B. being the eldest. Julia E., the second, is the wife of Bruce Ainsworth, of Cape Vincent. Theophilus Bush, the youngest, resides in Bozeman, Montana. Dr. G. S. Sacket was a native of Westfield,
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Massachusetts. After acquiring his early education near his home, Delos B. Sacket entered the West Point Military Academy on the Ist of July, 1840, and was graduated on the Ist of July, 1845, being a member of the same class to which General W. T. Sherman belonged. He afterward took part in the military occupation of Texas in the war with Mexico, in 1846 holding the rank of lieutenant of cavalry. He took part in the battles of Palo Alto, May 8, 1846; Resaca de la Palma, on the 9th of May; and Monterey, September 21, 23, 1846, and was brevetted first lieutenant May 9 for gallant and meritorious conduct in those engagements. He was afterward engaged in escorting recruits te Fort Gibson, Indian Territory, and Fort Smith, Arkansas, and was second lieutenant of the First Dragoons, June 30, 1846. He was in Arkansas in 1847-8; at Sante Fe, New Mexico, in 1848-9; Dona Ana, Mexico, in 1849; and was made first lieutenant of the First Dragoons, December 27, 1848, and engaged in scouting against the Apache In- dians in 1849. He was on recruiting service in 1850; at the military academy as assistant instructor of cavalry tactics from December 10, 1850, to April 6, 1855 ; and on recruiting service in the garrison at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1855. He was commissioned captain of the First Cavalry, March 3. 1855, and was engaged in removing intruders from the Indian lands in Kansas in 1855 and 1856. He served as a member of the board appointed to revise the army regulations, at Wash- ington, D. C., in 1856-7, and in the latter year was made inspector of horses and mules at Cincinnati, Ohio. He was next engaged in fron- tier duty at Fort Riley, Kansas, quelling the Kansas disturbances of 1857-8. In the latter year he took part in the Utah and Cheyenne expe- dition ; was at Fort Smith, Arkansas in 1858-9; and took part in the Antelope Hill expedition in the Indian Territory in 1859. General Sacket was on leave of absence in Europe in 1859-60, and upon his return to this country was engaged in frontier duty at Fort Arbuckle. He was commissioned major of the First Cavalry January 31, 1861.
Throughout the civil war General Sacket was engaged in active military service of a varied character. He went on the march from the Indian Territory to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, from the 3d to the 27th of May, 1861, as acting lieutenant-colonel of the Second Cavalry ; was acting inspector-general of the department at Washington, D. C., from June 13, to August 18, 1861, and as mustering and disbursing officer in New York city from August 8 to December 12, 1861. On the Ist of October, 1861, he had been made colonel on the staff of the
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inspector-general. He was next inspector-general of the Army of the Potomac from December 13, 1861, to March 10, 1863; in the Virginia peninsular campaign on the staff of Major General Mcclellan from March to August, 1862, being present at the battles of Gaines' Mills, June 27; of Glendale, June 30, and Malverir Hill, July 1, 1862. He was in the Maryland campaign on the staff of the commanding general of the Army of the Potomac in September and November, 1862, being present at the battles of South Mountain, September 14, 1862, and Antietam. September 17, 1862; and in the Rappahannock campaign. was on the staff of Major-General Burnside. He was also present at the battle of Fredericksburg. December 13. 1862. and on the 10th of January following was placed in charge of the inspector-general's office in Washington, where he remained until May 26, 1863, when he was appointed a member of the board to organize the invalid corps, serv- ing until August 10, 1863. He was next made a member of the board for retiring disabled officers, and on the Ist of April, 1864, was ap- pointed on inspection duty in the department of the Tennessee, Cum- berland, Arkansas and New Mexico, serving until August, 1865, when he was sent to New York city to await orders. On the 13th of March, 1865, he was brevetted brigadier-general for faithful and meritorious service during the war of the rebellion. His death occurred in Wash- ington, D. C., March 18, 1885, being inspector-general at the time.
General Sacket married Frances Ann Williams, who was born in New York city, December 2, 1834. Her father was at one time the owner of large property interests there, having a tract extending from Broadway to First avenue between Fourteenth and Twentieth streets. The children of General Delos B. and Frances A. ( Williams) Sacket are: Frank W., born September 15, 1867, and now in Cape Vincent ; Cornelius T .; and Eliza Ross, who was born in April, 1872, and mar- ried Charles Moore De Valin, past assistant surgeon of the United States Navy. They have one child, Frances Sacket De Valin, born in November, 1900.
Cornelius T. Sacket acquired his education in Washington, D. C., in Chicago, Illinois, and in Tivoli-on-the-Hudson, a military school. He is a Republican in politics, and a prominent Mason, belonging to Cape Vincent Lodge, No. 293, F. and A. M .; Cape Vincent Chapter, No. 96, R. A. M .; Watertown Commandery, No. 11, K. T .: Central Consistory, S. P. R. S., at Syracuse, New York ; and Media Temple
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of the Mystic Shrine, at Watertown. He is also connected with the Sons of Veterans, and is a member of the Aztec Club of 1847.
He was married at Cape Vincent, January 17, 1901, to Josephine Saunders, who was educated in the Cape Vincent High school, and is a daughter of Captain Joseph and Harriet (Vincent) Saunders. Cap- tain Saunders is retired from many years' service on the lakes in the merchant marine.
HORACE TRUMAN STOEL, an esteemed retired citizen of Cape Vincent, is a native of this county, born in 1829, in the town of Hounsfield, in the locality known as Stowell's Corners. His family is of ancient American lincage, traced through several worthy ancestors.
(I) Samuel Stoel (Stoyel, Stowel, Stowell) eame to what is now Hingham, Massachusetts, in 1647. As this town was named by its settlers from their native town of Hingham, in Norfolk county, England, he is supposed to have come from there. He was a weaver by trade. In 1649 he married Mary, daughter of John and Frances Farrow, and they had eleven children-Mary, Samuel, John, David, Remember, Benjamin, an infant unnamed. William, Israet (died young), Israel and Elizabeth. Five generations bearing the name of Samuel lived on the old homestead on Fort Hill street, Hingham.
(II) David, third son and fourth child of Samuel and Mary (Farrow) Stoel, went to Cambridge, where he was married April 7, 1695. to Mary Steadman. They settled in Newton, Massachusetts, where she died. He was a weaver, and lived to a great age, being long known as "Old Stoel." His children were: David, Benjamin, Samuel, Ruth, John and Mary.
(III) David (2), eldest child of David (1) and Mary (Stead- man ) Stoel, was also a weaver, and was twice married. The surnames of his wives are unknown. the first being Elizabeth, and the second Patience, to whom he was married in 1716. He lived several years in Watertown, Massachusetts, and died in Newton in 1724. His chil- dren were: David, Isaac, Samuel. Elizabeth ( died young ). Elizabeth, Joshua (or Jerusha) and Ebenezer.
(IV) Samuel, third son and child of David (2) and Elizabeth Stoel, lived some time in Willington, Connecticut, whence he moved to Vermont, in 1774. He had twelve children-Asa, Mary, Abel, Anna, Rebecca, Abigail. Ozni. John, David, Eunice (died young), Eunice and Jeremiah.
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(V) Ozni, third son and seventh child of Samuel Stoel, was born in Vermont, and was a farmer all his active life. His wife belonged to the Wescott family. Mr. Stoel was among the earliest to come into Jefferson county from Vermont. His first visit was short, but after spending some time in Canada he settled here about 1811, and for him Stoel's Corners was named. He was a soldier in the war which began soon after his arrival, and participated in the memorable action at Sacketts Harbor. His children were: William, John, Ozni, Shubael, Polly, Abigail, Freelove, Rebecca and Roxana.
(VI) William, eldest child of Ozni Stoel, born in Vermont, married Hannah, daughter of Verannis and Julia (Ward) Moore, and was a native of Saratoga county, New York. They had the following children: Norman, a resident of Ellisburg; Cordelia; Julia, wife of Benjamin Steadman, who lives near Rochester, Minnesota ; Elizabeth, married John Armstrong: Orrin, died young; William, killed by In- dians in California: Ozni, living in Eugene City, Oregon; and Horace, mentioned at length below. William Stoel and his father kept a road- side inn at Stoel's Corners for many years, and when there was a large amount of teanmig between Watertown and Henderson and lake shore points. William moved to the town of Cape Vincent, where he pur- chased a finely located farm and was prospered. He was a Baptist in religious faith, and a Democrat in politics. He died at the age of eighty-tliree years.
(VII) Horace T. Stoel devoted his attention to agricultural pur- suits throughout his active career, with the exception of six years, which were spent in California, where he went overland in 1852. He was engaged in mining on Clear Creek and French Gulch, and also worked a claim in partnership with Theodore Steadman, who is now a resident of Minnesota. For two or three years he was engaged in butchering, in partnership with Thomas B. Burrows. He has taken an active in- terest in the improvement and welfare of the village of Cape Vincent ; is a member of the Episcopal church; a member of Cape Vincent Lodge, No. 293, F. and A. M., and he, together with his four sons, casts his vote with the Democratic party. He was noted. during his active career, as a breeder of fine horses, and a sucessful dairy farmer. He reared and drove several superior trotters. For the past five years he has been president of the Cape Vincent Agricultural Society. For six years he served as assessor of his town. In 1859 Mr. Stoel was mar- lied, at Depauville, to Anna Irvine, who was born at Riverview, New
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York, in 1837. Their children are: Eva, Addie, who became the wife of Elmer E. Reynolds, and is the mother of one child. Gladys Rey- nolds: Fred, mentioned hereinafter: Horace T., Jr .. who married Sarah Clark, and resides in Seattle, Washington: Charles, who mar- ried Maggie Empy, and one child has been born to them. Ruth Stowell, July 3, 1897: Thomas B., who was educated at Hungerford Collegiate Institute and Potsdam Normal School, and is principal of the Sacketts Harbor High School.
Fred Stowell attended the common schools of Cape Vincent : Ives Seminary, Antwerp: Cazanovia Seminary, Madison county ; and the Albany Law School, graduating from the latter named institution in 1889, and was admitted to the bar in the spring of the same year. Dur- ing the two years prior to his graduation he read law with Porter & Walts, of Watertown, and in the fall of 1889 began active practice in Pierre, South Dakota, where he remained two years. In June, 1891, he returned to Cape Vincent, New York, and has since continued his practice, which has steadily increased during the passing years as a result of his ability and skill in legal matters and his untiring efforts to serve his clients to the best advantage. The fact of his having been chosen to serve as supervisor of Cape Vincent for six years, from 1896 to 1902, town clerk for two years, and village clerk for three years, attests the esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens. He is an honored member of Cape Vincent Lodge, No. 293. F. and A. M .; Cape Vincent Chapter, No. IT. same order : and Cape Vincent Court of the Independent Order of Foresters.
MORRIS ESSELSTYN LEE, who has been engaged in the prac- tice of law at Cape Vincent since 1859, and has been village clerk and attorney for thirty years, was born here December 23, 1825.
The family is of English lineage, and was founded in America at an early period in the colonization of the new world. Samuel Lee was a resident of Schenectady. New York, during the progress of the Rev- olutionary war. Roswell Taylor Lee, son of Samuel Lee, was born in Connecticut, and at an early date became a resident of Cape Vincent. New York, where he engaged as clerk in the general store of Essel- styn & Ainsworth. This firm not only carried a line of general mer- chandise, but also potash. lumber and other commodities produced in this region. The early business of Cape Vincent was the manufacture of potash from the ashes procured from the clearing of the land, where
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forests-both pine and oak -- were cut down in large quantities, the logs being sent by raft to Quebec, which was the principal market. Cape Vincent at that time was the only rafting station in Jefferson county, and lumber, potash and staves were used as legal tender. Roswell T. Lee subsequently became a partner in the mercantile enterprise, with which he was connected for a number of years, winning a gratifying measure of success thereby. After his retirement from mercantile life he made judicious investments in real estate, and became the owner of considerable land. The Carlton House of Cape Vincent is built upon the site of the old family homestead there. Roswell T. Lee was united in marriage to Miss Delia Esselstyn, and their children are: Morris E., Wilhelmina, James, Frances, William, Delia, Josephine and Albert. Of these Frances, William and Wilhelmina are now deceased, and the others have all removed from Jefferson county with the exception of Morris E. Lee, who for many years has been one of the most prominent and honored citizens of Cape Vincent.
Having acquired his preliminary education in the common schools of his native village, Morris E. Lee afterward attended the Black River Literary Institute at Watertown for three years, and then entered Hamil- ton College at Clinton, New York. where he was graduated in 1847. This class numbered various members who afterward became distinguished, including General Joseph R. Hawley, now United States senator from Connecticut, and owner of the Hartford Courant; Thomas Hastings, president of the Union Theological Seminary of New York city; John R. Pomeroy, a prominent law writer, whose works are still regarded as authority : Emmons Clark, who was colonel of the Seventh New York Regiment and many years secretary of the board of health of New York city ; and Rev. William Schofield, pastor of a church of the Presbyterian denomination in Washington, D. C. While in college Mr. Lee became a member of the Sigma Phi, a college fraternity founded in 1825, and of which he became a representative in 1844. He pursued a course in law in Hamilton College under Professor Theodore W. Dwight, who was afterward president of Columbia College of New York city. He afterward read law with Laban H. Ainsworth, at Cape Vincent, and following his admission to the bar at Syracuse in the fall of 1859 he entered upon the practice of his profession in his native village, where he has remained to the present time. His clientage has been of a dis- tinctively representative character, and he has long figured as one of the most prominent members of the legal fraternity in his part of the
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state. For thirty years he has served as village attorney and village clerk, having been elected to that position upon the Republican ticket. On attaining his majority hie espoused the cause of the Whig party, with which he affiliated until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new Republican party, and has since marched under its banners.
Mr. Lee was married at Sacketts Harbor, New York, in August, 1860, to Miss Frances Bracy, a daughter of Deacon Bracy, of that place, and when she formed the acquaintance of Mr. Lee she was engaged in teaching at Cape Vincent. Her death occurred March 5, 1901, when she had reached the age of sixty-seven years and three months. Mr. and Mrs. Lee were the parents of two daughters and a son: Delia, who re- sides with her father; William, of Rochester, New York; and Bertha, who is employed as typewriter by the General Electric Company of Schenectady, New York. The daughters were educated at the Pots- dam Normal School at Potsdam, New York, and the son, after attend- ing the public schools at Cape Vincent, began railroading. He had charge of the electric works of Watertown, was afterward in the service of the New York Central Railroad on the Hudson river at Fishkill, but is now connected with the Lehigh Valley Railroad at Rochester, New York.
Mrs. Delia (Esselstyn) Lee, mother of Morris E. Lee, was born at Claverac, Columbia county. New York. a daughter of Richard Morris and Charity ( Van Hoesen) Esselstyn, the latter named being a native of Claverac. While attending school at Claverac, the following letter was written by Mrs. Lee to her parents, who resided at Cape Vincent, where her father served as postmaster. It was directed to Richard M. Esselstyn, Postmaster. St. Lawrence, Cape Vincent, New York. The letter is dated Hudson, N. Y., July 27, 1818:
"My Dear Parents: To you with pleasure, my Dear Parents, I again embrace the offered opportunity of writing a few lines. Through a kind Providence, whose surrounding care watches us at all times, we are all in good health, except Aunt Mary, who is quite unwell. I was out at my uncle's at Claverac last Saturday. They were all in good health, and I also went to church. Saw them partake of the Sacrament. I returned on Monday morning so as to be at school in season. Richard Esselstyn lives in Hudson. He studies at Dr. Whiles. I am glad to hear that mother and father expect to come down the first of September. I am in hopes you will bring Mary with you, for I long to see her and all the rest as much. Give my love to Uncle and Aunt Nash, and to Uncle John's family, and take a great share of it yourselves. Oh, my Mother, how I long to see you; I hope you will not fail of coming down. Uncle Hyat and Aunt Catherine desire to be remembered to thee, and also Uncle and Aunt Mary join with me in love to all. Adieu my Dear Parents. Your dutiful child. DELIA E. ESSELSTYN."
Richard M. Esselstyn was of Dutch ancestry, and was a prominent citizen of Cape Vincent before the war of 1812. In his last days he par- ticipated in a historic event, being a passenger on the initial trip of the first steamboat on the Hudson river or any waters, the invention of Robert Fulton. This was on his way home from a trip to New York, where he went to purchase goods for his store. The journey from this point to Albany was made on horseback. While returning he was stricken with smallpox, and died at Albany, before 1825.
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