Geographical gazetteer of Jefferson county, N.Y. 1684-1890, Part 11

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 11

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).

John P. Brown was a native of Brownville, and a cousin of Lysander H. Brown, under whom he prepared for college. He graduated at Union Col- lege in 1842, studied law in Judge Mullin's office, and after his admission became a partner, and remained so till his death. He died of congestive fever in February, 1847. He was a young man of more than ordinary ability, and possessed those traits to an eminent degree requisite for a successful lawyer.

James R. A. Perkins was a son of Charles Perkins, the well known and popular proprietor of Perkins Hotel in Watertown. He was admitted in 1844, and opened an office at Three Mile Bay, where he practiced law until 1852. He was elected to the office of surrogate, and removed to Watertown and entered upon the duties of that office January 1, 1852. He was reelected in November, 1855, and held the office until January 1, 1860. His health was poor, and he died of consumption in the summer of 1861.

Joseph Curtis Pattridge, a resident of Watertown, graduated at Union Col- lege, studied law in the office of Sterling & Bronson, was admitted in 1839, and practiced law until 1848. He was for several years master in chancery. In 1848 he was appointed paymaster in the army that went to Mexico, with the rank of major. At the close of the war he returned and went into the milling business for a few years, during which time he purchased a large tract of land in Minnesota, and was about leaving to reside there when he died of a fever supposed to have been contracted in Mexico. He was noted for his literary attainments and great social qualities.

Isaac Van Vleek, * admitted in 1845, resided at Sackets Harbor, where, for a number of years, he practiced law, and was known throughout the county as a prominent Democratic politician, and frequently represented his party as a delegate to county conventions. He subsequently left the county, and his residence since has not been ascertained.

* Van Vleek or Van Vleck (?).

BENCH AND BAR.

Luther J. Dorwin * has been a member of the Jefferson County bar longer than any man living except Judge Wright. He has been in constant active practice 46 years ; and it is no reflection upon the very able men of that bar, to say that he has stood in the front rank of the profession among them. He is an industrious student, as well as an alert and successful practitioner. He loves the law. His trained brain delights to pry into its depths, to cull its golden treasures, and unravel its intricacies. If a question of law pre- sents itself he applies it to foundation principles for solution. Nothing is sound with him till he finds the base on which it rests.

Mr. Dorwin has a birth-right residence in this county. In mind and body he is a sturdy product of the Champion hills, having been born in that town May 13, 1820. Coming through a line of robust, energetic New England ances- try he inherits the powerful physical and intellectual qualities of his progenitors. His father, Hubby Dorwin, was a native of Vermont, and his mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Jones, was born in Champion, her parents hav- ing removed to that town not long previously from New Hampshire. Dor- win has been a prevalent name in Vermont since the early history of the state. Two brothers of that name came from England to the Green Mount- ain region away back in colonial times. One settled there, and hence the name and the race in this country. The other wandered elsewhere, and, it is said, never was heard of afterwards.

Luther J. Dorwin commenced acquiring the rudiments of education while very young at the district school in Champion. In the course of a few years he attended a select school in Denmark, and also one in his native town, until October, 1834, when he entered the Champion Academy, then under charge of Lysander H. Brown as principal. Here his studies were principally the languages and mathematics. He pursued them with remark- able persistence and earnestness, and mastered them thoroughly. When Mr. Brown left the academy, in April, 1838, young Dorwin went to Union Col- lege, entering that grand old seat of learning the same month. Here he maintained the highest grade of scholarship throughout. He graduated in July, 1840, and immediately entered the law office of Lansing & Sherman, in preparation for the practice of the law. In October, however, at the earn- est solicitation of the trustees, he became principal of the academy in which he prepared for college. He was a comparative youth, and the task appeared a severe one; but with that spirit of fearlessness which an un- swerving determination to succeed always begets, he took hold of the work, and made it an encouraging success-profitable to himself and his patrons.

In 1842 he returned to his law studies ; and in January, 1844, he was ad- mitted to the practice of his profession. He was then ready for his life work; and he was not only well read in the law, but he was a most thorough and

* This sketch of Mr. Dorwin was written by Lysander H. Brown, at the request of the publisher.

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finished scholar in the classical and scientific branches taught in the schools. His mental discipline had been unusually severe; and mental discipline is what makes strong lawyers. In a comparatively short time after his admis- , sion he was largely occupied in conducting important and complicated equity cases. He has also been extensively and successfully engaged through all his practice in real estate contests, being a first-class real estate lawyer, a proficient in the settlement of estates, and an expert and skilled accountant. For a series of years his principal and most formidable oppo- nent in sharp, severe legal contests was the veteran and learned lawyer, John Clarke, in his life time.

Mr. Dorwin's opinions, whether in law or otherwise, are formed after thor- ough investigation ; and when formed they are stoutly and courageously maintained, apparently without the least regard to popular approval. But this notice would not be at all complete without a reference to his peculiar forte in preparing causes for argument, and in the argument. His briefs are profound expositions of the laws applicable to the cases in hand ; and his opponents in the argument are left with no standing in court, unless their po- sitions are impregnable to attack. He has had an extensive practice in this line in the courts of the state, and he has won many notable and decisive triumphs. And in all his work he is a man of dispatch. If he undertakes a task it is not allowed to linger after it should be performed.

Mr. Dorwin is yet industriously engaged in the business of his profession. He is in general good health, and in the full vigor of his intellectual faculties. Profound learning and ample experience render his legal opinions sound and reliable. They are especially so estimated among his professional associates.

Augustus D. B. Goodale was a native of Watertown, son of Joseph Good- ale, a leading druggist of that village, and a brother of Lawrence J. Goodale. He was well educated, and was admitted to the Common Pleas in 1845. After his admission he left this county, and resided for a number of years in some of the Southern states. He finally returned to Watertown, where, with the exception of the " D. B.," he now resides, engaged in his profession, advertising as a conveyancer and loaner of money.

William A. Gilbert resided in Adams; was admitted in 1846. He was elected to Congress from Jefferson County in 1854-55, afterwards became a banker in the village of Adams, and died some years after. He never prac- ticed law to any extent.

Merritt Andrus studied law in the office of Judge Mullin; was admitted in 1846, but never opened an office as an attorney. He went into business with Walter N. Woodruff, and finally alone, and so continues to this day. He is one of the leading merchants and business men of the city of Water- town.

Stephen J. Hubbard, son of Hiram Hubbard, of Champion, studied law in the office of Hubbard & Dutton, and afterwards became a partner of Hon. F. W. Hubbard, his uncle, under the firm name of F. W. & S. J. Hubbard.

BENCH AND BAR.

In a few years thereafter he retired from the practice, and has ever since and now resides in Champion.

Richard Ely was admitted during the same year, but of him nothing has been ascertained.

Silas A. Webb is a native of this county, was admitted in 1846. He soon after located in Three Mile Bay, practiced there for several years, and became well known as a marine lawyer. He knew every part of a ves- sel, and was engaged in the trial of many suits relating to vessels on account of his ability to examine witnesses on such trials. He removed to Oswego, where he now resides.

William A. Ely was a son of William Ely, a merchant, of Brownville. He was well educated, taught private school in Watertown, was admitted in 1846, but never practiced law to much extent. He was afterwards ordained as an Episcopal clergyman. His health was poor, and he finally died of consump- tion.

Samuel B. Starr was a native of Jefferson County, studied law in the office of John Clark, and upon the death of Harlow Emerson was clerk in the office of Nathaniel P. Wardwell, as surrogate ; and after his death was clerk for Calvin Skinner, county judge, acting as surrogate until the election of Lysander H. Brown to that office, with whom he remained about two years, after which he left and resided in some of the Western states. His practice of the law in this county was very limited.

Samuel Wardwell was a son of Daniel Wardwell and resided in Adams. He was admitted in 1847, but never practiced law to any amount. He went to, and now resides in, Rome, Oneida County, and is a banker.

Alexander Wilson was for a time a merchant here, as a partner of Roderick Chittenden, in the boot and shoe business. He studied law with Lansing & Sherman, was admitted in 1847, and for several years remained in their office in charge of their business. He left and went into the lumber business in Canada, where he still resides so far as known.

Albert B. Gilbert resided in Watertown for several years ; was admitted in 1847, but never practiced. He went to Rome and engaged in the ready- made clothing business, and has never since resided in Jefferson County.

Laban H. Ainsworth resided in Cape Vincent. After his admission he practiced law there for many years. He finally removed to Watertown, was active in getting up the city charter, and was the first recorder of the city, and was reelected several times. After he left that office he was elected a justice of the peace, which office he held for several years. During the past year he has removed to and now resides in the city of Rochester.

Charles W. Rogers resided at Adams at the time of his admission to the bar. He studied law in Utica, in the office of James Watson Williams, reg- ister in chancery. He came thence to Adams, and was admitted in 1848. He remained in Adams some eight or nine years, then removed to Cape Vincent, in the employ of the Rome & Watertown Railroad ; thence to

JEFFERSON COUNTY.

Toronto, in the same business, and then removed to and now lives in Con- necticut.

William L. Sherman was distantly related to George C. and Wooster Sher- man, and a nephew of John A. Sherman. He had some practice, but was unpopular with the profession, and an attempt was made to debar him, as appears from the record. He finally disappeared from the records of the court.

Albert B. Hawes resided at Belleville. He was a brother of Edward B. Hawes, and was an associate justice of the Sessions, but it is not known of his practicing law to any extent. He died several years since.

Lyman E. Boomer was a graduate of Union College, and a resident and native of Ellisburgh. He studied law in Judge Mullin's office. He was a man of wealth, and it is not now known of his practicing law to any extent in this county. He also died several years since.

George A. Gates was born in Rodman, graduated at Union College in · 1840, studied law in John Clarke's office, and was admitted in 1843. Soon after he was admitted he was afflicted with a peculiar disease, and he visited many eminent physicians for a remedy, but found none. He quietly settled down under his paternal roof, and remained there till he died.

Charles E. Clarke was a native of Saybrook, Conn., was a graduate of Yale College, studied law in Greene County, came to Jefferson County, and was ad- mitted as an attorney in 1815, and resided in Watertown. He at once took a prominent position at the bar. In 1825 his brother, John Clarke, having studied in his office, was admitted, and soon thereafter the two brothers formed a copartnership under the name of C. E. & J. Clarke, and continued until about the year 1848. About 1830, or a little later, he purchased a grist-mill, saw-mill, and distillery at the Great Bend, most, if not all, of which was formerly owned by Angel Potter. His time thereafter was mostly spent there, except during the terms of the courts, when he came to and assisted his brother in the preparation and trial of causes. He took the leading part until after 1840, and in important cases till 1848. He was elected to the Assembly in 1839 and 1840, and in 1848 was elected to Congress. The various attainments of Mr. Clarke, his wit, humor, and eloquence, have left an impression upon the judicial history of this county which will long remain. He was a genius, and taking him all in all he never had his equal in this county, if he had in the state. He died in 1863, at the age of 74 years. His humor was probably inherited, for, it is said, that he and his brother John visited their aged father in Connecticut. The father was then over 80 years of age. As they were about leaving Charles E., in a very pathetic tone, said to his father that they were all growing old, that he and John lived a great way off, and that it was probable they should never meet again. The father replied that he had read a good many papers and accounts of deaths- that he very seldom saw an account of the death of a man of his age.

V. J. Donvin

BENCH AND BAR.

Robert Lansing was a son of Sanders and Catharine Lansing, and was born at Albany, February 2, 1799. He was a member of Union College, but for some reason did not remain there and graduate. In 1817 he came to Watertown and entered the law office of Egbert Ten Eyck, and was ad- mitted in 1820. In June, 1826, he was appointed district attorney for the county of Jefferson, which office he held until February, 1833, when he was succeeded by George C. Sherman. He was elected to the state Senate in November, 1831, and held that office four years from January 1, 1832. He was then succeeded by Micah Sterling. Mr. Lansing was again elected to the state Senate. I don't know the precise year, but he was the immediate successor of Ashley Davenport. He said he was nominated by the Democratic Union. On December 22, 1831, he married Maria Hub- bard, the eldest daughter of Noadiah Hubbard, of Champion. She died in the year 1839, leaving one child surviving, now so well and favor- ably known in the profession as John Lansing. On February 2, 1841, he married Cornelia Hubbard, the second daughter of Noadiah Hubbard. Soon after the expiration of his senatorial term he formed a copartnership with George C. Sherman, under the name of Lansing & Sherman. In February, 1845, he was again appointed district attorney, and held the office for one year, when he resigned. In June, 1847, he was elected county judge under the constitution of 1846, which office he held until January 1, 1852. At the expiration of this office he practically retired from the profession, except to act as referee, which for many years he was afterwards called upon to do. He died October 3, 1878, aged nearly 80 years. He was thoroughly imbued with the principles of the law, unostentatious of his great legal learning, and of scrupulous integrity. He was a fluent speaker, and logical and clear in his arguments. After his partnership with Mr. Sherman he seldom took the lead in the trial or argument of causes ; but the writer has heard him on sev- eral occasions in important cases, and can confirm the traditional reputation of his earlier years.

George C. Sherman was born in Providence, R. I., December 14, 1799, and came to this county at an early day. He worked when a boy for David W. Bucklin, and developing at an early age uncommon ability, Mr. Bucklin took him into his office as a law student. He was admitted to practice in 1823, and formed soon thereafter a partnership with Mr. Bucklin, which con- tinued until the latter left for New York. On January 3, 1828, he married Mary Ann Hubbard, the third daughter of Noadiah Hubbard, of Champion, who now survives him. In 1833 he was appointed district attorney, which office he held till February, 1840. In 1843 he was appointed one of the judges of the Common Pleas, which office he held until July, 1847, when the constitution of 1846 went into effect. He was elected to the state Senate in the fall of 1843, and held the office for two years from the first day of Jan- uary then next. He early speculated in land, buying a large tract at from two to three dollars per acre, and commenced selling immediately at $8.

JEFFERSON COUNTY.

of Thomas C. Chittenden, and was admitted in 1826. He was master in chancery, and held divers other small offices. In April, 1845, he was appointed first judge of the Common Pleas of this county, and held the office till July 1, 1847. He continued the practice there until he died several years since. Mr. Skinner was a sound and learned lawyer. He was not a promi- nent jury advocate. His practice, and where he excelled, was in chancery ; and was somewhat noted for the ingenuity of his questions before an exam- iner, all of which were required to be written. It is not known that he left any descendants or relatives now residing in this county.

Joseph Mullin was born in Ireland in September, 1811, and came to this country with his parents when very young, and resided in Brownville, where he attended the common school for awhile. He worked in a printing office a short time, setting type, with the view of becoming a printer ; but the desire for a higher education prevailed. With the assistance of friends he went to the Union Academy at Belleville, where he prepared for college. He entered the junior class in 1831, and graduated in 1833. He then taught the academy in Belleville and afterwards in Watertown a few years, and studied law in the office of Sterling & Bronson, and was admitted in 1837. At this time Sterling was in the state Senate, and Bronson in Congress. The whole business of the office fell to the charge of Mr. Mullin, the duties of which he discharged with ability. He at once took a prominent position at the bar, the peer of the older members. N. P. Wardwell having married the daughter of Mr. Sterling, the latter took him into partnership and Mr. Mullin opened an office by himself. In 1845 he entered into a partnership with John P. Brown, who had been a student in his office, and so continued until the death of Brown in 1847. In the fall of 1847 he formed a copartnership with Lawrence J. Goodale, which continued five years. After that he entered into partnership with the present Justice Merwin, and so continued until he was elected a justice of the Supreme Court in the fall of 1859. He was reelected in the fall of 1867, and again in the fall of 1875. Having arrived at the age of 70 years, his office, by the constitutional limitation, expired December 31, 188r. He was district attorney for the county from February, 1843, to February, 1845. He was elected to the Thirtieth Congress in 1847 and served to 1849, and held several municipal offices during the time he was at the bar. He died in June, 1882, while temporarily at Saratoga, and his remains were brought to Watertown and interred in Brookside Cem- etery. At a meeting of the bar of Jefferson County, held June 14, 1882, resolutions were introduced by Lysander H. Brown, his school-mate at the district school, his roommate at the academy and in college, accompanied with an address, paying a just and eloquent tribute to his memory. The resolutions and the address were published in the Watertown Times of June 15th, and were ordered to be entered, and are now on record, in the proceed- ings of the court which was then in session. The history of Justice Mullin is a matter of record. The eminent position he attained in the

Levis Brown

BENCH AND BAR.

judiciary sufficiently appears in the state reports, where it will remain for generations to come, a fitting monument to his learning and ability.

James F. Starbuck was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., September 5, 1815, and at an early day removed with his parents to Niagara County. In the spring of 1839 he came to Watertown and entered the law office of Lansing & Sherman, where he remained until he was admitted to the Common Pleas in 1843. and to the Supreme Court in 1844. In 1845 he opened an office by himself in Watertown. In 1846 he was elected a secretary of the convention that formed the constitution of that year, and in November, 1850, was elected district attorney, and held the office three years from January 1, 1851. He married Sarah Burchard, a daughter of Peleg Burchard, in May, 1855, who died in 1857, leaving a daughter surviving her-now the wife of E. S. Goodale, a merchant in Watertown. In 1861 he married Mrs. Boyer, the widow of Judge Joseph Boyer, who now survives. In 1860 he was a candidate for Congress, but was defeated. In 1876 he was elected to the state Senate, from the district comprising Jefferson and Lewis counties. He died Decem- ber 20, 1880. The political history of Mr. Starbuck may be found in a his- tory of New York with an encyclopedia of biography of prominent men in the state, published by W. J. Comley, in 1877, which also contains his litho- graph. We are here concerned with his professional history, character, and standing only. His election to the office of district attorney enabled him to develop his great ability in the trial of causes, especially before juries, and he at once took a leading position in jury cases in the county, his main com- petitors being John Clarke during his life, and Levi H. Brown thereafter. He was from an early day laborious in his profession. In special cases he was probably one of if not the most powerful advocates before a jury ever in the county. His efforts were not uniform. Only in those special cases adapted to his temperament and his methods of thought did he excel his cotemporaries. His long habit of, and thorough preparation and study in, preparing to argue facts before a jury somewhat disqualified him from excell- ing in the argument of questions of law before the court. But he excelled in that which was the great object and ambition of his early life.

Levi H. Brown was born in the town of Lorraine, March 25, 1818. His father, Aaron Brown, was a wealthy farmer and a prominent citizen of that town. When 19 years of age Levi H. commenced to obtain an education, and prepared for college at the Belleville Academy. He entered Union Col- lege in 1841, and graduated in 1843; studied law in the office of Judge Jones in Schenectady, and in the office of Calvin Skinner at Adams, and was admitted in 1846. He practiced in Adams until June 1, 1852, when he re- moved to Watertown and formed a partnership with Joshua Moore under the name of Moore & Brown. This firm, under the lead of Mr. Moore, did a large business. Mr. Moore died in April, 1854, when Mr. Brown formed a partnership with Allen C. Beach, under the name of Brown & Beach. Upon the death of Mr. Moore the responsibility of a large and important business

JEFFERSON COUNTY.

devolved upon Mr. Brown, and he in all respects proved equal for the occa- sion. This firm did a large and increasing business until 1871, when Mr. Beach was elected lieutenant governor, and the firm dissolved. Mr. Brown has since and now practices alone, except for a short time, when he was in company with Mr. Gipsonnow in Minnesota, and S. S. Trowbridge. He held many local offices-supervisor, mayor, etc. Here we are to record princi- pally his professional life as a prominent member of the bar of Jefferson County for more than 40 years. Of the vast business he has done, and the intense and untiring labor he has performed, much might be written.

His cases were thoroughly prepared, and his arrangement and presenta- tion of the facts and evidence to the jury were unexcelled. He entered upon the trial of case after case at the circuit with strength and vigor. His pre- sentation of his case to the jury was clear and logical. He has a smooth and pleasant voice, and is a fluent speaker, and exercised a great influence over juries. Mr. Brown has been, not only a good jury lawyer, but is equally able in the argument of cases on appeal in the higher courts. After John Clarke the writer has never met a more formidable adversary in the appellate court. Mr. Brown is now at work with apparently all the mental and physical vigor and strength he had 30 years ago, having apparently many years of labor and usefulness still before him. He does little in law business as attorney, but still retains his practice as counselor. His private business occupies nearly all his time and attention.

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Geographical gazetteer of Jefferson county, N.Y. 1684-1890, Part 11

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