Geographical gazetteer of Jefferson county, N.Y. 1684-1890, Part 100

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 100

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Moses Eames was born in Rutland, March 19, 1808. In that period of

670

TOWN OF RUTLAND.

this county's history the pioneers were obliged to educate their children largely in the school of labor, and it was well for them, for early to learn to work is often the foundation stone of a life of usefulness and future compe- tence. Mr. Eames had private school instruction in the summers of 1812 and 1813 ; then he attended the district school, where one teacher had charge of from 80 to 90 children, and he took the few crumbs of knowledge of reading, spelling, writing, and arithmetic, which fell to his share, gladly. He also had the advantages of two winter terms at Lowville Academy, and of the Rutland Farmers' Library, which was organized and established in 1806. Many of the books were historical and biographical works, and these he read thoroughly; he took several newspapers and spent his time profitably in perusing their contents. During his minority he was occupied in the farm work, and at his majority he hired out to his father for $12.50 per month and continued with him until the spring of 1833, when an arrangement was made whereby he should make his home with his parents, and help to provide for their com- fort and happiness during the remainder of their lives.

Mr. Eames married, June 7, 1837, Delia Ann Howk, of Rutland. Their children were Delia Jane, who married Lafayette Beach, of Rochester, and died March 29, 1870: her daughter is Mrs. Daniel B. Ryan, of Albion, who has one child; and Mary Alice (Mrs. James Phelan), of Baltimore, who died October 9, 1876 : she had one son, Arthur B., born June 30, 1870. Mrs. Eames died February 18, 1865.

Mr. Eames early showed a marked aptitude for agriculture and gardening, and was not content to go on in the same manner as past generations. He was quick to see, and had mechanical skill to carry out his ideas. He twice received premiums for the best farmer's garden in the county. He was early a member of the County Agricultural Society, was a director, and aided in securing the purchase of its grounds, and in erecting the buildings. In 1849 he was president of the society, and his addresses evinced his great knowledge of practical agriculture, and his happy faculty of formulating his ideas in words. His suggestions and advice have been freely given, and the society has to-day no more active or useful member than he. From 1837 he engaged largely in cheese dairying, and for 24 years continued to follow and develop this industry. He made many experiments to secure labor saving, and with marked results. In 1848 he discovered and applied the heating of the milk and the scalding of the curd by means of steam introduced into the water under the milk, and in so doing developed the portable steam engine, having the first one ever made built for him in that year. In 1851 he received the State Agricultural Society's first premium of $25 for a model building for a cheese house and apparatus for making cheese by steam. Among other records he has from 1830 made a daily statement of the weather, and the pre cipitation of moisture. Mr. Eames has been the pioneer in Jefferson County of every improvement in agriculture since he attained man's estate. He in- troduced the first drain tile in 1857 ; the first mowing machine in 1852 ; and

671

TOWN OF RUTLAND.

has given much time and money in experiments for the good of the public. He has set examples worthy of emulation in these and other ways, and proven himself fully entitled to the appellation of "public benefactor." The fine watering-trough erected by him on one of the principal roads of the county is a token of his interest in the welfare of dumb animals, and should be du- plicated at proper distances on every highway.

Mr. Eames has always been on the side of the poor and oppressed, a strong anti-slavery man, and, in 1833, he was an active conductor on the " Underground Railroad," a name applied to the movements of an organiza- tion to assist fugitive slaves to escape to Canada. In 1838 he joined the Hunter Lodge, an historic band of the " Patriot war" of Canada. From 1846, when he united with the "Sons of Temperance," he has been actively engaged in temperance work. In 1846 he also joined the "Odd Fellows." In 1854 he became a " Know-Nothing," and was elected to represent the county in the legislature in 1855, and, as chairman of the committee on agri- culture, drafted the bill, passed in April of that year, forming the law under which county agricultural societies are organized. This session was a mem- orable and exciting one from the movements of the up to that time unknown secret political party .- the " Know-Nothing," or Native American,-which destroyed the plans of the regular political leaders. From his freedom of action Mr. Eames was called to explain his course before the state conven- tion of his party held at Syracuse in 1855, and caused a great excitemen there by his maintenance of his action, and his refusal to be bound to pursue a course contrary to his conscience, and from that time he has been a Repub- lican. From Horace Greeley's endorsement, the same year (1855), he identified himself for a time with Fourierism. In 1857 he joined the Con- gregational Church at Rutland, and transferred his connection to the First Presbyterian Church of Watertown when he removed thither in 1861. Since that time he has been active in many and widely-varying enterprises. It has been ever his desire to help anything tending to betterment and progress by personal exertion, and to the extent of his pecuniary resources. He has been a vice-president of the Jefferson County Historical Society since its organi- zation.

Mr. Eames possesses a quick, vivacious, and impulsive, but a well balanced, temperament, with great mental and physical vigor ; and now, at the age of 82 years, is pleasant, cheerful, lively, and industrious as ever. He never wastes a moment. He is constantly at work, and whatever he does is done with his whole heart and soul. He is noted for integrity, unswerving adher- ence to principle, and promptitude in fulfilling engagements. The generous and sympathetic side of his nature is largely developed, and he is liberal to a fault. He is a great admirer of nature and enjoys her solitude and com- munion with his own thoughts, and is very tenacious in his attachments and friendships. His fund of general knowledge is both comprehensive and use- ful. He is one of Watertown's most valuable citizens; enlisting in every

672

TOWN OF RUTLAND.

good work, and laboring with a zeal which does not tire, and an energy rarely surpassed ; and it is to such men as Moses Eames that the rise and prosperity of many towns is largely due.

MARTIN LISK GRAVES.

It is valuable to preserve for coming generations, in connection with the history of events, something of the personality of those who have been rep- resentative men, and have taken part in those occurrences which, when re- corded, become to future generations the history of the past. The perpetuity of American institutions and a republican form of government depends not upon the strength of armies, mighty corporations, or the wealth of million- aires, but upon the steady persistency and industrious labor of those who, by perseverance, economy, long years of toil, both of brain and hands, temperate habits, and a devotion to law and order, have acquired a competency and an honorable position in the community.

Martin Lisk Graves, son of Jonathan and Nancy (Cotes) Graves, was born in Rutland, on the place where he always resided, August 14, 1811. His grandfather, Jonathan Graves, was a native of Massachusetts ; his grand- mother was Elizabeth Lisk, and at the time of Jonathan's birth, May 7, 1777, their home was in Shelburne, Mass. They moved to Oneida County, N. Y., at an early period in its settlement, located in the town of Vienna, and there developed a farm. Many children were born to them, and here, after long lives, they passed on to the hereafter. About 1801 Jonathan, Jr., came to Rut- land in company with John Cotes, and March 24th married Mrs. Nancy (Cotes) Grannis, widow of John Grannis, and sister of Mr. Cotes. Mr. Graves located on great lot number 15, the late home of Martin L. Graves. With no capital but their energy and willing hands they made a home ; the forests were cleared ; the land brought into a state of cultivation ; and from its products the purchase money was paid, their family fed, clothed, and educated. Mr. Graves was a strong, vigorous man in early life, but his hard labors, accompanied by exposure, brought on rheumatism, which made him a cripple in his later years. He was a Democrat in politics; a Univer- salist in his religious views: however he liberally supported the Baptist Church, of which Mrs. Graves was a member. He was interested in progress and improvement. The famous library of the Young Men's Literary Association was established and kept at his house, and an early district school was located near his residence. Mrs. Graves's parents were also among the first settlers of Oneida County, where they died: Mr. Cotes aged about 70 years, and Mrs. Cotes aged 88 years. Mr. and Mrs. Graves were a good type of the best order of pioneers, doing good and not evil all their days, giving to their children examples worthy of emulation. Mr. Graves died April 13, 1849. His wife died October 2, 1866. Their children were Nancy M., Martin L., Elijah, and Hannah T., all deceased.

B-stor

673

TOWN OF RUTLAND.

Martin Lisk Graves received his education at common schools, but supple- mented it largely by extensive and thoughtful reading, and was, for a few winter terms, a successful teacher. He became a "tiller of the soil," and although from his childhood days he had earnestly desired to "go west," the failure of his father's health prevented, and upon him, as the oldest son, rested the care of the home place, and he has ever pursued that oldest and most honorable calling among men, farming, on the paternal acres. On the 19th of March, 1840, Mr. Graves married Matilda E., daughter of Nathan and Polly (Jones) Wood. She was born in Fairfield, Herkimer County, N. Y., March 1, 1821. Her people were pioneer settlers of that county, coming thither from Massachusetts, where they were colonized early, emigrating from England when the Plymouth colony was in its infancy. Both the Jones and Wood families were of the best English and colonial stock, and Mrs. Graves is a true descendant. Their children are M. Adaline (married Ed- ward F. Johnson, M. D., has two children, Martin G. and John Prentice) and Louisa E.

Mr. Graves was identified prominently with public matters. He was a true believer in the Jeffersonian doctrines of politics, and as a Democrat cast his first presidential vote for Andrew Jackson in 1832. On attaining his major- ity he was chosen inspector of common schools, and held that office and commissioner of common schools for a long term of years. He creditably and satisfactorily filled thie principal town offices, and was supervisor three years. In 1845 he was chosen loan commissioner of the county, and continued in office until the fund was consolidated with the United States Deposit Fund in 1850. In 1883 he was appointed by Gov. Grover Cleveland a commissioner of the United States Deposit Fund, which position he held until his death. He was an active participant in politics ; a frequent delegate to town, county, and district conventions ; and one of the valued counselors and advisors of his party. He was often offered the nomination by his party for various po- sitions, but very rarely accepted, his private affairs demanding his attention. In 1874 he was named by the Farmers Alliance as their candidate for member of Congress. This nomination was endorsed by the Democrats. The dis- trict comprised Jefferson, Lewis, and Herkimer counties, -strongly Repub- lican,-but he largely reduced the majority against him, a proof of his personal popularity. The official returns were :--

TWENTY-SECOND DISTRICT.

Demn.

Rep.

Jefferson.

5,608

6,873

Lewis,

3,240

2,744

Herkimer,

4,407

4,774

Total,

13,255

14,391

1872,

13,220

17,337

Majority for George A. Bagley over Martin L. Graves. 1,136. Republican majority in 1872, 4,117.

43*

674

TOWN OF RUTLAND.

He was a member of the Jefferson County Agricultural Society (of which his father was an original member) for many years, and, since 1845, had been connected with Odd Fellowship. He was an Universalist in religion. In 1857 the Jefferson Leather Manufacturing Co. was organized at Felt's Mills. M. L. Graves was one of its stockholders and directors. After a few years the company became financially embarrassed, and he was made its president for the purpose of closing up its affairs, which was done to the satisfaction of all creditors. The business of tanning was successfully carried on for a few years by the firm of M. L. Graves & Co., when the property was sold to other parties. Since that time he gave his exclusive attention to his farm. He also dealt extensively in live stock, and from his youth to nearly three-score years and ro he was a worker, a producer, and not a mere consumer. Under the old military system of the state, when every citizen was a soldier, Mr. Graves filled every station in the crack independent company, to which he belonged, from private to captain with noted excellence. A wise, conserva- tive administrator and counselor in affairs of business or state, an unassum- ing and expemplary citizen, he has done his life's work well, and has gone to his final reward loved and honored by a large circle. He died at his home in Rutland, March 22, 1890, three days after the 50th anniversary of his wedding day.

Elijah Graves, brother of Martin L. Graves, was born in the town of Rut- land, July 16, 1813. His education was mostly acquired in common schools. In the fall of 1827 he attended a course of lectures on grammar and arith- metic given by William Ruger, in an adjoining district, where he was one of the pupils who made the greatest progress in grammar, and he ranked the first in arithmetic, although he was the youngest member of the class. He afterwards attended the academy at Holland Patent, Oneida County, one terni. He commenced teaching in November, 1833, and from that time taught a portion of each year until his death, which occurred December 18, 1882. He probably passed more years in that occupation than any other person in Jefferson County, and always in district and select schools. His labors were confined to this county, and many of its prominent business men and success- ful teachers refer to him as their early instructor. In several instances, dur- ing his later years, he had under his tuition children and grandchildren of some of his earliest pupils. He taught in the villages of Chaumont, Three Mile Bay, Smithville, Evans Mills, Black River, Felt's Mills, Great Bend, West Carthage, Champion, and Rodman, and in many country districts. He had served as town superintendent of common schools, in the towns of Lyme and Rutland, previous to his appointment as school commissioner for the second district of Jefferson County, in June, 1856. In 1858 he failed of an election for a second term, though running far a head of his ticket. Early in life he was clerk in a store for a short time ; afterwards he went into the mer- cantile business, but not for long. His proper sphere was the school-room. The last year of his life he taught in the district where he was born, and where

675

TOWN OF RUTLAND.

his own school days were spent. He was in the midst of a winter term, when he went to stay over Sunday at the old homestead with his brother's family. On Monday morning he was ready to start for the school-house, when he was stricken by death from heart disease. It was truly said of him that " he died in the harness." He was married July 4, 1840. His wife died some years before him. He left one child, a daughter.

JOHN A. SHERMAN.

John A. Sherman was born in the town of Rutland, June 13, 1809, and died in Watertown, March 25, 1882. He was the oldest son of Alfred Sher- man, and a grandson of Dr. Abel Sherman, a native of Massachusetts, whose ancestors were among the early settlers of New England states, and of Eng- lish descent. Susan Hull, his mother, was an adopted daughter of Roswald Woodruff, who was one of the pioneers of Jefferson County. His grand- father, Dr. Abel Sherman, was a physician, and came from Massachusetts to Oneida County, in this state. His residence in Oneida County was brief, and in 1803 he removed to this county, settling in Rutland, upon 220 acres of timber land, which in time he cleared and made tillable. He was the first sheriff of the county. Alfred Sherman, father of John A., after his father's death, having inherited the farm, actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, and attained a comfortable fortune. During the War of 1812, however, as contractor of the army, he lost the larger portion of his property, and, crip- pled for want of means, he was prevented from giving his children any bet- ter educational advantages than those afforded by the common schools. He died in 1827, leaving John A., then only 17 years of age, to take charge of the farm and support the family, which consisted of his mother, two sisters and three brothers, and himself. Five years after his father's death he wed- ded with Miss Julia Ann Larned, of Rutland, who survives him, at the ad- vanced age of 83 years. Two years later, in 1834, he purchased a dairy of about 20 cows, and thus opened the cheese business for the county. At the close of that year he sent his cheese to New York, packed in salt barrels, the shipment of which, by canal, occupied 21 days. He received six cents per pound for the cheese, and considered it a very good price at that time. His was the first dairy of cheese manufactured in this county, and had much to do in hastening the growth of the dairy interests.

As soon as this interest grew to sufficient proportion to warrant it he engaged in the purchase of butter and cheese for the New York market, con- tinuing in this trade for many years. In 1839, in partnership with Henry Hopkins, of Rutland, he bought largely of cheese during the early fall of that year. With the then facilities for transportation in Jefferson County cheese could not well be shipped until late in the fall, when the weather was cool. At the proper time he visited the city for the purpose of making sale of his cheese, but found the market so depressed that it was impossible to make

676

TOWN OF RUTLAND.

any sales except at a great sacrifice, which resulted in the financial ruin of many dealers. Mr. Sherman asked his creditors for a little time to make sale of his cheese, assuring them that he would carry them through safely. They, having confidence in his wisdom and honesty, granted him the leniency he asked, and he at once shipped his cheese on a vessel to New Orleans, taking passage thereon himself. After a stormy voyage he arrived at his destination with his cargo in good order, which he disposed of to advantage, receiving payment in silver. This he packed in kegs, and on his return voyage deposited it in his stateroom, where he was obliged to closely guard it, with the assistance of a trusted friend, as the conduct of the captain and crew was not such as to inspire confidence. He arrived in New York during the financial troubles of 1839-40, when the banks had suspended specie payment, sold his silver for a large premium, and was enabled to pay his creditors hon- orably, dollar for dollar, and had quite a little profit for himself and partner. We mention this little episode as characteristic of his whole life, and as demonstrating his indomitable industry and perseverance. Always cautious, full of resources, never getting into business enterprises or entanglements from which he could not see his way out. He continued his produce business in New York, purchasing mostly from dairies and factories in Jefferson, St. Lawrence, and Lewis counties, in connection with his farming interests at home, until about 1851, paying for his paternal estate, which was left him badly encumbered, and adding farm to farm until 1856, when he retired from farming and removed to Watertown city. He was a progressive farmer, with practical ideas, and often introduced new farm implements, which tended to speed on the enlighten- ment and prosperity of his neighbors and the section in which he lived. His popularity among the farmers was such that he was almost unanimously elected to the presidency of the Jefferson County Agricultural Society about 1853.

Mr. Sherman was a great but unostentatious philanthropist. He was always opposed to having any of his beneficent gifts made known to the public, and endeavored to make such gifts appear like business transactions, of which he was to reap a pecuniary benefit. His liberality to the Young Men's Chris- tian Association, which has occupied the greater portion of the second floor of Washington Hall block since the society was formed in 1869, at a nominal and sometimes free rental, is a fair example of his munificence. A short time before his death Mr. Sherman donated to the association this valuable property, with the provision that they pay a rent to Mrs. Sherman during her life, and to his daughter, should she survive her mother, during her life.

At the time of his death Mr. Sherman owned valuable real estate in Jef- ferson County, and was president of the Agricultural and Insurance Com- pany, one of the largest and most successful business corporations in the county, the success of which was largely promoted by his wise counsels and sound advice. He was a director in two banks and two insurance compa- nies in Watertown, and always a sound, practical adviser.

677

TOWN OF RUTLAND.

Mr. Sherman had four brothers, namely : Eli, who died in early childhood, and Hampton, William, and Eli, 2d, who died in early manhood. A sister, Sylvia Orinda, died young. His nearest relatives now living are his wife, his daughter, Mrs. D. S. Marvin, and his two sisters, Mary Sherman and Mrs. Orinda Lewis, of Adrian, Mich.

Having acted a prominent part in the business affairs of the county and city, he will long be remembered by his associates as a genial, pleasant, reliable business companion and courteous gentleman. At the time of his death the many business institutions in which he was interested offered ap- propriate resolutions of respect. His memory is perpetuated by the hun- dreds of kindly actions and noble deeds of his life.

FAMILY SKETCHES.

Ezekiel Andrus, father of Ezekiel Andrus, Jr., and grandfather of Stillman Andrus, im- migrated to this town from Utica, in the year 1800, bringing with him his family, which con- sisted of nine children, his wife having died several years before. He also brought with him a two-wheel cart, a yoke of oxen, and a horse. A bark shanty was built on a tract of 140 acres, lying between the "State " and " middle " roads, and west of the road leading from the "mid- dle " road to the Center. Here the family resided until a more commodious dwelling could be provided. In Joseph Hadcock's pasture, and about half a mile north from his residence, may be seen the stone which served as a jamb to the fireplace in Mr. Andrus's log house, which took the place of the one built of bark. Mr. Andrus was one of the very first settlers in Jef- ferson County, and at the time of his death was the oldest resident in the town, having resided here 77 consecutive years. Of this family, Benjamin. Ezekiel, Jr., and Elisha settled either in Rutland or towns adjoining in this county, Elisha taking the homestead of his father, and Ezekiel, Jr., buying a place on the "south " road in this town. The latter always remained a resident of this town, retaining at the time of his death the farm on which he settled two years after his marriage, and on which his grandson Elon O. now resides. Stillman Andrus, son of Ezekiel, Jr., upon the death of his father, took possession of the farm and here resided until 1883, when he removed to a farm on the " middle " road, which he had purchased in 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Ezekiel Andrus, Jr., had children as follows: Lodema, who died in 1840; Dia- dama (Mrs. Nelson Clark), of Champion; David, who died in 1887; Alcesta (Mrs. Jason John- son), of Champion; Phebe (Mrs. Philo Scott), who died in 1878; and Stillman, of this town.

Henry Andrews, son of William and Mary (Woodruff) Andrews, was born on the farm now owned by Stillman Andrus, March 17, 1819. He attended the district schools of his neigh- borhood until he was 18 years of age, and then the Watertown Institute for several successive terms. After completing his education here he engaged in teaching winters, and worked at the carpenters' trade summers, a vocation which he had selected for his life work, but which, in after years, he relinquished for that of milling, owning and operating the grist-mill at Tylerville for a period of 25 years. In 1854 he married Lauraette A. Payne and settled in Tylerville, having bought the Chapin place previous to his marriage. Mrs. Andrews died January 4, 1862, and in the August following he enlisted in the 10th N. Y. H. A., and went to Sackets Harbor, leaving September 18th with his regiment for Washington, being called in the defense of that city. Leaving Washington in June, 1864, he went into camp near Peters- burg, Va., where he entered the hospital on account of a partial sunstroke which he had sus- tained. In 1864 he returned to duty, and in the following December was again disabled and sent to Campbell Hospital at Washington, from which he received his final discharge May 13, 1865. Three months previous to his discharge from the service he visited his home in Rutland, on a furlough, and was married to Miss Caroline E. Adams, of Rodman. Mrs. Andrews died in January, 1873. March 2, 1874, he married, third, Miss Cecelia M. Payne, a sister of his first wife, by whom he had three children, as follows: Henry M., Grace L., and M. Juliette Payne. Mr. Andrews is now 68 years of age, and is drawing a pension of $30 a month on account

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Geographical gazetteer of Jefferson county, N.Y. 1684-1890, Part 100

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