Geographical gazetteer of Jefferson county, N.Y. 1684-1890, Part 10

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836- [from old catalog] comp; Horton, William H., [from old catalog] ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., The Syracuse journal company, printers and binders
Number of Pages: 1384

USA > New York > Jefferson County > Geographical gazetteer of Jefferson county, N.Y. 1684-1890 > Part 10

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Alonzo M. Watson, admitted in 1837, was a resident of Watertown. In 1840 he formed a copartnership with John F. Hutchinson in the law busi- ness. Though he had ability and integrity he was not successful. He or- ganized a Fourier association here, located on Cold Creek some two miles east of the village, of which he was president, upon several hundred acres of land, and carried on the business until not only the association, but about every one of its members, became insolvent. He left the law practice, and finally removed to Rochester, and died there soon after, leaving a widow with a large family of enterprising boys. They came back to this county after the father's decease, and settled in Redwood, and one of the boys, Don M., became for a long time a most efficient commissioner of common schools in the third commissioner district of the county.

Westel W. Wager resided in Brownville, flourished as a lawyer, but mostly in the lower courts, for a number of years. He died of consumption many years since, leaving a son who is a successful practitioner in the city of New York.

Frederick W. Hubbard, admitted in 1838, was a son of Judge Noadiah Hubbard, of Champion, and married a daughter of Peleg Burchard. He studied law in the office of Lansing & Sherman, his brothers-in-law, and was a man of strict integrity and high moral character. He formed a copartner- ship with J. H. Dutton, his cousin, under the name of Hubbard & Dutton, for several years, and then with his nephew, Stephen J. Hubbard. He was elected a justice of the Supreme Court, and took his seat upon the bench Jan- uary 1, 1852, for eight years. During these eight years the politics of the county changed, and he was succeeded by Hon. Joseph Mullin. He then resumed the practice of law, doing an extensive business till his death. Some year or two before he died he removed his office to the city of New York.

Hiram Steele was practicing law and resided in Sackets Harbor prior to 1819. He was one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in this county during the years 1821 and 1822.

E. Smith Lee was admitted in 1819, resided in Sackets Harbor, and formed a copartnership with Hiram Steele, under the name of Lee & Steele. An amus-

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ing anecdote is related of this firm, as occurring at one of the circuit courts held in this county. At that time a written calendar of cases to be tried was made up for the use of the court, on which was one, at least, wherein Lee & Steele were the attorneys ; and the clerk, in writing the name of Lee, had neg- lected to loop the e in the name of Lee, and some wag, or mischievous mem- ber of the bar, found an opportunity to dot the first e and put a loop to the second, so as to make the whole list of their causes read " Lie and Steele, attor- neys for the," etc. This was not discovered till the judge was calling the calen- dar and came upon the names, and, in his embarrassment, the judge, looking

through the list, called the attention of the clerk to it. This very soon caused a breeze of mirth through the bar, and an expression of wrath from the attorneys thus libelled, and a continual running fire of interjectional in- vective during the term. This firm, however, for a number of years did a large business, as appears from the record. Their subsequent history or whereabouts is unknown.

Jeduthan Steele resided in Sackets Harbor. He was admitted in 1824, and was a prominent man there as well as in the county. He died in 1838. Nothing further of his history could be learned, as none of his relatives are now living in the county so far as can be ascertained.

Horace How came from Vermont to Sackets Harbor about 1830, and was admitted that year. He married one of the daughters of John M. Canfield. He had good ability, but did not engage extensively in the practice of the law . He left there in 1848, and went to Chicago, where he died.

Lysander H. Brown .- The life, character, and eminent ability of Lysander H. Brown, a member of the Jefferson County bar, deserve more than a com- monplace tribute. The germ of eloquence seems to have been born in him. It is not the eloquence that entertains without instructing, that is lost and forgotten as soon as it is uttered ; but the eloquence of manner, thought, and diction that leaves a lasting and enobling impression upon the mind. He is the only representative of the bar of this county so largely endowed by nat- ure with this great gift, and he has never failed to use it at the call of the profession. In the History of Jefferson County, published in 1878, by L. H. Everts & Co., is a sketch of the principal events of his life ; but from that sketch but little of the characteristic oratorical ability of Mr. Brown can be learned. It will be the effort here to recall the early events of his life, which tended to develop his peculiar talent, and the growth and maturity of that talent during a long life of exemplary usefulness. He was born in Brown- ville, December 20, 1808. The early part of his life was spent upon a farm, attending, during the winter, the district school. By this occupation he ob- tained vigor of mind and body. In 1828 or 1829 he entered Union Academy at Belleville, where he remained two years. It was here that he had the opportunity of cultivating his special gift. The late Judge Mullin and George F. Comstock, of Syracuse, were students there during the time. The Rev. Jedediah Burchard, the eloquent evangelist, was an officiating clergy-

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man at that place, and taught a class in elocution, of which class Mr. Brown was a most attentive and tractable member. Under the most excellent and masterly tuition of this celebrated clergyman he laid the foundation of that winning and lively oratory for which he was afterwards so distinguished. In 1831 he entered Union College, graduating in July, 1834. During this time the Rev. Dr. Nott, in the full vigor of his life, was the president, and Dr. Alonzo Potter, afterwards bishop of the diocese of Pennsylvania, was the vice-president of that institution, with a large faculty possessing as high a character, and occupying as high a position in public estimation, as any institution of learning in the country.

The very atmosphere he breathed was full of literature, classical and scien- tific ; and he was permitted almost daily to listen to the private and public talk of two of the highest specimens of oratorical genius. Graduating with the highest honors of the college, and with a mind disciplined and exalted under these influences, Mr. Brown, in October, 1834, became the principal of the Champion Academy. Under his direction that academy at once took high standing among the educational institutions of the country. He remained in charge of the academy until March, 1838, and during the time many of his students received that education and mental discipline which afterwards gave them high positions in the business and professional world. It was during this period that the public first became acquainted with his ability as a captivating public speaker. His able and eloquent addresses during this period raised him very high in the estimation of the public. In March, 1838, he left the academy and came to Watertown to complete the study of the profession, with a reputation unsurpassed by any one in the county. It was during this summer that he commenced his political life by public speeches in favor of the election of Isaac H. Bronson for Congress. In October, 1839, he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court. In 1840 he was in the political field in support of Martin Van Buren, but his elo- quence made little impression against the senseless excitement of that log- cabin campaign. His mind was not adapted and could not bend to the details and technicalities of the legal profession ; and yet he has been engaged in the courts, and in business connected with the courts, during large portions of his time. His familiarity with law and lawyers and judges has been exten- sive for 50 years ; not only the professional courtesies but the social ameni- ties have been cordial between them. In 1842 he was appointed to and accepted the office of superintendent of common schools of Jefferson County. This employment was more congenial with his tastes. In this avocation he excelled. During this time he made to Hon. Samuel Young, state super- intendent, the most able report received by him from any of the counties in the state. He held this office three years.

In 1844 occurred the presidential campaign between James K. Polk, the Democractic nominee, and Henry Clay, the Whig candidate. During this campaign Mr. Brown was nominated for the Assembly. The ablest political

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speeches Mr. Brown ever made were during this campaign for the election of the Democratic candidate for President. He was thoroughly posted on every issue involved in the canvass, and he handled them with great elo- quence and power. During this canvass, in the old Agricultural hall, in the rear of the county jail, the Hon. John A. Dix and Mr. Brown, on the same occasion, addressed a crowded house. Both seemed to do their utmost. It was the universal opinion that Mr. Brown, in the clearness of his statements, the logic of his reasoning, and purity of diction, far exceeded that of Mr. Dix. In after years Mr. Brown was often called to speak in company with such men as John Van Buren, Horatio Seymour, Daniel S. Dickinson, and others of equal celebrity, invariably acquitting himself with conspicuous credit. Even as late as the Cleveland and Blaine campaign he spoke with Lieut .- Gov.

Dorsheimer to an audience of over 3,000 at the armory in the city of Water- town ; and his speech was considered on all hands the feature of the occa- sion. Mr. Brown was elected to the Assembly, and took his seat January I, 1845. His acts there are a matter of public record. It was universally conceded that he was the best speaker in the House. In 1846 he was a can- didate for the nomination for Congress, and a majority of the delegates to the nominating convention were elected pledged for him. But that majority was changed by his opponents nominating one of his supporters for sheriff. The result was the defeat of the nominee at the election. All the efforts of Mr. Brown to the contrary could not prevent it. In 1847 he was elected surrogate, the first under the constitution of 1846, and held the office from July 1, 1847, to January 1, 1852. His prominence as a speaker, and his activity in the political field, continued down to 1884.

During the civil war he was frequently called to the forum for the Union cause. At a celebration of the fall of Atlanta, in the city of Watertown, he was the principal speaker. His patriotic sentiments were uttered with that fervid eloquence of imagery and diction that a certain listener, an able critic, remarked that the speech would have been a credit to any of the first ora- tors of the country. His ability in this direction was not confined to politi- cal subjects. It shone forth equally on every subject, and upon every occasion when he was called upon to speak. The farewell address to his students and the patrons of the Champion Academy, at the close of his labors there, will long be remembered by those who heard him. More than 50 years have passed since that address was delivered ; and perhaps a large majority of his hearers have passed away ; yet it is often referred to by those who survive. This is characteristic of his public efforts; they are remem- bered. His various addresses before educational institutions are universally commended for their ability and their eloquence, both in matter and diction.

For nearly half a century he has been an active member of the Masonic fraternity, and for a number of years was master of the lodge. In this ca- pacity he has officiated at scores of Masonic burials. The reading of the service of the grave, a service deeply pathetic in itself, was made doubly so

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by the manner, the emphasis, and depth of feeling with which he delivered it. It was his custom, at the end of the formal ritual, to address his Masonic brethren, and the mourning friends and relatives of the deceased, with senti- ments appropriate to the occasion. These sentiments, so sympathetic in their nature, clothed in chaste and eloquent language, and delivered as though coming from the very depths of his heart, left upon his hearers a pro- found and lasting impression. These efforts have seldom been surpassed. Among the burial services so conducted by him were those of Noadiah Hub- bard, an aged and venerable member of the fraternity, at his grave in Cham- pion ; of Joseph Curtis Pattridge, a personal friend ; and of Frank Nimmocks,. of high standing, not only in the lodge, but in the community at large.

Mr. Brown for many years, and upon almost all occasions, attended the meetings of the Jefferson County bar, and especially those called to pay tribute to the memory of its deceased members. These occasions have been. many during the past 25 years. Among the occasions especially to be noted are those of the late Judge Lansing and Judge Mullin. The address on the occasion of the death of Judge Lansing was delivered without notes, and it is unfortunate that no record of it now remains. That upon the death of Justice Mullin, his classmate at the academy and roommate in college, and a life-long friend and associate, is yet preserved. The writer sincerely and heartily hopes that when his time shall come there may be some one to pay an equally just tribute to his merits and memory. The limits of this article do not permit a record of his family and social connections, or of his editorial life. He has written a great deal. It has been valuable and enter- taining, and much of it profound and bright in thought and classical in language. But of this it is not intended to speak in this notice. They may be found elsewhere. The effort here has been to write of that great and rare gift of oratory for which he is so justly celebrated. The engraving accom- panying this sketch was made from a photograph taken after he was 80 years of age. His most estimable wife died in 1875. He has three married daughters living, whose solicitude for his comfort, and veneration for his pa- rental affection, are praiseworthy. He is now living with one of them, Mrs. George Hall, at Ogdensburg, where he says, in a letter to the writer, " I am treated like a Prince here." That is as it should be. The veteran orator, writer, and scholar deserves to be treated like a prince during what remains of a long life, valuable in worth and achievement to his friends and the com- munity.

Cyrus H. Stone came from Ellisburgh to Sackets Harbor in 1835; was ad- mitted in 1836. He married a daughter of John M. Canfield, in March, 1838, and died in October, 1838. He had fine ability, but poor health. A few months before his death he left the law and went into mercantile busi- ness.

Jasper W. Gilbert was a son of Marenus W. Gilbert, who for years was one of the most prominent and influential men in the county. After his admis-

Lysander, Brown

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sion he removed to Rochester, and practiced law there for a number of years. Then he removed to Brooklyn, where, after a few years, he was elected a judge of the Supreme Court, and was continued in that office until disqual- ified by the constitution.

Joshua Moore came from Plattsburgh, or in that vicinity, and after his ad- mission located in Brownville. He took Judge Mason's place as partner of Ruger, and for sometime kept his office in Brownville and Ruger's in Water- town, and alternated between them. Upon the death of Ruger he removed to Watertown, into Ruger's office. For several years he was comparatively un- known, and had little business ; and when his ability became known, through his management of an important litigation, of which he had charge, his business and his reputation suddenly and rapidly increased. He was the first district attorney elected under the constitution of 1846. He had previously, and in February, 1846, been appointed district attorney. He was succeeded by James F. Starbuck, January 1, 1851. In 1852 he formed a copartner- ship with Levi H. Brown, under the name of Moore & Brown. He died in 1854. It is doubtful whether a more able young lawyer, one of more influ- ence, or who commanded more respect for his legal and social qualities, was ever located in Jefferson County. The writer was a cotemporary of his, well and intimately acquainted with him, and speaks from personal observation.

Randolph Barnes was born and studied law in Lewis County. He came to Watertown and was admitted in 1839. For a time he was a popular and successful lawyer, but he was so constituted that he could not do office work. He was at home only in the excitement of a trial. After a few years he located some where in the West, in farming and cattle business. Failing in this he returned to Watertown for awhile, and then went to New York and commenced the practice of law under the most favorable circumstances. But it was not many years before, his habits being such, that he lost his business, and in abject poverty returned to Watertown, where he soon died.

John Henry Dutton was a son of Rev. Nathaniel Dutton, of Champion. He studied law in the office of Lansing & Sherman, and remained there after his admission until he formed a copartnership with F. W. Hubbard. He was elected justice of the peace, and held the office for a number of years, which, in connection with the insurance business, gave him a competence. He never married. He died finally of consumption, with which he suffered for a long time.

Charles D. Wright was a step-son of Bernard Bagley, and immediately after his admission they went into partnership, and so continued till Wright was elected judge in November, 1859. The business was all done in the name of Charles D. Wright, as attorney. They did a very extensive busi- ness, having often a majority of the causes on the calendar. Mr. Bagley was the trial lawyer, and Wright took charge of the practice. He was prob- ably the best office lawyer and practitioner ever in the county. His industry and long experience, and mental adaptation to that branch of business, gave

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him that reputation at the bar. He held the office of county judge two terms. Since that he has lived in comparative retirement, and is now living in good health and holding a high position in society, and has the respect of the whole community.

George W. Butterfield, admitted the same year, was born in Rodman, studied law in Watertown, and practiced here a short time, and then removed to St. Louis, Mo., subsequently locating in New York, where he died.

Wooster Sherman resided in Watertown, and for years was a successful, banker. He studied law and got admitted, it is said for the sole purpose of suing his own notes. He never practiced any otherwise. He is now liv- ing in Syracuse.

William C. Thompson was in Judge Chittenden's office at Adams, in 1840. He removed to Watertown, and did a fair business ; was elected county judge in the fall of 1851, and held the office four years from January 1, 1852, and was reëlected for another term of four years. He became interested in a purchase of a tract of land in North Watertown, to be laid out for city lots, and was principally engaged in that business during the rest of his life.

George Camp, admitted in 1839, was a son of Elisha Camp, of Sackets Harbor. He practiced the profession very little ; was principally engaged in the vast business of his father. He married a daughter of the late William Smith, of this village, and died, leaving his widow and an interesting family surviving him.

Stephen G. Dodge was a brother of the late Judge Edwin Dodge, of Gouv- erneur. He practiced very little in this county. It is said he now resides in Utica.

Allen Nims was a graduate of Union College; was a great student, of ex- tensive reading, but had not the practicable knowledge or tact to succeed in the legal profession.

Of Joseph Brackett, admitted in 1842, nothing is known.

George R. Fairbanks, admitted in 1843, was a son of Jason Fairbanks, of Watertown. He graduated at Union College in 1839; studied in the office of Joseph Mullin. Soon after he was admitted. He left this county and took up his residence in Florida, where he has resided ever since.

David J. Wager was admitted the same year ; was a son of Joseph Wager, brother of W. W. Wager, of Brownville, and Daniel Wager, of Rome. He resided and practiced law in the village of Philadelphia, where he died, leav- ing a son to take his place in the profession, who is said to be an intelligent and promising young man.

Of Gould T. Curtis, admitted in 1843, nothing has been learned.

Eugene C. Leis studied in the office of Bagley & Wright. He was a Frenchman, and half brother of Edward Leis, who was employed in Le Ray's office. He was a bright, intelligent young man. Soon after his admission he left the country, and it was said that he went to some of the Southern

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states. He remained in this county till after 1845, but did nothing at the practice of the law.

Wellington W. Butterfield was a native of Watertown ; studied law with Lansing & Sherman, and after his admission went to Niagara County, where he resided the last heard from him. He was accurate and methodical in business. George C. Sherman selected him from among his students to take charge of his private books and accounts in an office kept separate from his law office.

John F. Hutchinson had, for several years before his admission, taught a private school in Watertown. He was a very popular and efficient teacher. He was appointed postmaster in 1840, and after the death of Harrison he followed the fortunes of John Tyler. He, in fact, was the " John Tyler " of this section of country. During the time he formed a copartnership with Alonzo M. Watson, wliich continued three or four years, and until Watson became president of a Fourier association, and Hutchinson's term of office ex- pired. He was a large, tall, and powerful man physically, and of considera- ble ability. But under a terrible domestic calamity he lost his nerve, pined away, and died of grief. It is difficult to describe the character of this man. He was a great and somewhat boisterous egotist, always talking of himself ; yet of a kind heart, and charity for all. He will ever be remembered by those who knew him.

Marcus Bickford, admitted in 1840, resided at Carthage. He became a partner of Judge Hiram Carpenter, and was an able and successful practi- tioner. He continued the practice there until the gold excitement in Cali- fornia broke out, when he left, and spent sometime in the gold mines. He returned with a full purse, married, and settled down again to the practice. He was taken with inflammatory rheumatism, which lasted him through life, and interfered with his professional duties. He was justice of the peace for many years, and edited a paper for some time. His constitution finally yielded to his disease, and after much suffering he died.

William A. Forward studied in Lansing & Sherman's office, was admitted in 1840, and went with Isaac H. Bronson as clerk of his court to Florida, and permanently resided there.

Eleazer W. Lewis studied in the office of F. W. Hubbard, and remained there after his admission. He then went to Depauville, or La Fargeville, where he had been a merchant, thence to and resided in Sackets Harbor for some time, and finally removed to some of the Western states.

Lawrence J. Goodale, a resident of Watertown, was admitted in 1840. In 1847 he became a partner of Hon. Joseph Mullin, under the firm name of Mullin & Goodale, and continued five years. On September 20, 1864, he became the land agent of Le Ray and removed to Carthage, where he now resides. See his history in that of the town of Wilna.

Lotus Ingalls studied law in the office of Lansing & Sherman, was admit- ted in 1846, and practiced law in Watertown until 1850, when he left the

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profession and went into the newspaper publishing business, which he has followed ever since. His history belongs to that of the press.

Edwin Clark was a nephew of C. E. & John Clarke, and was born in Say- brook, Conn. When about seven years of age he came to Watertown, lived with his uncle John, and studied in his office. He also attended the law school at Albany, and was admitted in 1844. Sometime afterwards he removed to Ogdensburg, and opened a law office there. He was bright and intelligent, with every prospect of becoming a successful lawyer, but he died before arriving at maturity.

Richard S. Hunt was a native of Watertown, and a printer and editor by trade, until rather late in life. He finally studied law in the office of Ran- dolph Barnes, and was admitted in 1844. He soon thereafter married and removed to Gouverneur, and opened an office there. Not being very success- ful he removed to Texas, where he formerly lived. He was reported to have died many years ago.

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Geographical gazetteer of Jefferson county, N.Y. 1684-1890, Part 10

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836- [from old catalog] comp; Horton, William H., [from old catalog] ed Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., The Syracuse journal company, printers and binders Number of Pages: 1384

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836- [from old catalog] comp; Horton, William H., [from old catalog] ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., The Syracuse journal company, printers and binders
Number of Pages: 1384