Geographical gazetteer of Jefferson county, N.Y. 1684-1890, Part 116

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 116

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).

Harmon Brothers, located at 19 Factory street, was instituted in 1876 as Tyler, Harmon & Co., manufacturers of plows and general machine jobbers, the firm continuing until 1880, when it was changed to A. J. Harmon & Co. In 1881 A. J. Harmon died, when his son, H. E. Harmon, bought his father's interest and the firm of Harmons & Lee was started. This continued until 1886, when, N. H. Lee withdrawing, the present firm of Harmon Brothers (D. C. and H. E. Harmon) was formed. In December, 1888, D. C. Har - mon died, but the firm title has since remained the same. The company employs seven men in the manufacture of plows and a general jobbing busi- ness.

J. Wise & Son, manufacturers of sewing machine and organ locks, etc., located at 43 Huntington street, was started by Joseph Wise about 1872, who manufactured locks, etc., for local trade. In 1877 he received into partnership with him his son James B. The business was conducted under the firm name of J. Wise & Son up to October 14, 1886, when, at the death of the senior member of the firm, his interest was purchased by James B. Wise, who now conducts the same. He employs about 20 men and annually produces about 300,000 organ and sewing machine locks, 1,000,000 ring

784

CITY OF WATERTOWN.

pulls, etc., besides large quantities of other articles used by organ and sewing machine manufacturers.

James C. Wilson's ornamental iron works are located at 29 Arsenal street ; established in 1857 by W. D. Wilson ; employ from four to six men.

Joshua J. Bragger in 1859 started a brass foundry on Hoard street, doing a small business. In 1866 he took in company with him his son Joseph J., and engaged in the plumbing business on Anthony street, where they em- ploy four workmen.

York & Starkweather's shops are located on Black River, at No. 37 Mill street. This enterprise was instituted in 1870 by Anson E. York and E. Dwight Moore, the firm name being York & Moore, which continued until 1881, when Mr. Moore retired and the present firm of York & Starkweather was formed. They are extensive contractors and builders, and manufacturers of doors, sash, blinds, etc. They also deal in lumber, shingles, and lath, and all kinds of house builders' materials. This industry gives employment to an average force of 20 men.

C. I. Van Doren's sash and blind factory is located on Mill street, Beebee's Island. The present proprietor commenced business here in 1875, as a member of the firm of Graves & Van Doren. Mr. Graves withdrew in 1880, and Mr. Van Doren has since conducted the business alone. He employs from eight to 10 men.

E. W. Knapp's sash and blind factory was established in 1867 by L. Case, who continued until 1869, when the firm became L. Case & Son. This firm continued until 1876, and from that time until 1877 the factory was employed in getting out wood work for sewing machines. In 1877 Roblin Brothers bought the shop and ran it one year as a sash and blind factory. Then Moore, Parkinson & Keith bought the plant and continued in posses- sion two years. In 1884 E. W. Knapp bought an interest, and with Joseph Parkinson continued the business four months, when Mr. Parkinson retired .. Norris Winslow recently bought an interest in the business, and the firm of" Knapp & Winslow was formed. The works were removed to the building formerly occupied by the Engine Co. They give employment to 30 work- men.

Valmer R. Harvey's sash and blind factory, No. 8 Mechanic street, was established by Mr. Harvey in 1861. He employs from two to four men in the manufacture of sash, doors, and blinds, and all kinds of carpenter work.

Sloat & Greenleaf's sash and blind factory is located on Front street. The building, which is 45 by 80 feet in dimensions was erected in 1888. The firm employs from 20 to 30 hands.

Edward E. Case's planing and molding-mill, located at 12 and 14 River street, was established by L. Case & Son, in 1872.

Beggs Brothers, manufacturers of bedroom suits and other furniture, are located at No. 18 River street. 'The company was formed October 16, 1888, and now employs from 12 to 15 workmen.

785

CITY OF WATERTOWN.

Union Carriage and Gear Company, located on Newell street, was organ- ized as the Maud S. Gear Company in 1885. and in 1888 the present name was assumed, with a capital of $50,000. The building occupied by this company was built in 1888. It is of brick, 150 by 53 feet, and four stories high. The present officers are W. W. Conde, president ; J. B. Wise, vice- president ; W. O. Ball, secretary and treasurer. The company manufacture finished carriages and cutters, and carriage gears in white.

The H. H. Babcock Buggy Company was founded in 1845, by H. H. Babcock, the president of the present company. For a number of years the energies of the concern were devoted to the manufacture of different articles, but in 1880 the making of fine carriages became its principal mission. The present company was organized in 1881. The manufacturing plant and of- fices are located on Factory Square. The main building is L shaped, and is five floors in height. The frontage on the Square is only 50 feet, but it ex- tends back for over 300, and at the rear is 153 long. In addition there is a five-story blacksmith shop, 175x135 feet in dimensions, a four-story wood working shop of similar proportions, a machine shop of two floors, 75x40 feet, and any amount of sheds and other conveniences for the storage of lumber, etc. Water-power is used for operating the appliances, except under excep- tional circumstances, and then a 150 horse-power steam engine is available. The present officers of the company are H. H. Babcock, president ; R. P. Flower, vice-president ; G. H. Babcock, treasurer ; and F. W. Babcock, secretary. The company has extensive salesrooms on Broome street, in New York city.

IV. W. Burdick & Co's carriage works, located at 18 Franklin street, were established in 1832, by Harlow Scoville. In 1870 Nelson Burdick, in company with M. Horton, bought the shop, and the business was conducted by them, under the firm name of Horton & Burdick, for four years. Mr. Burdick then bought Mr. Horton's interest, and in 1878 W. W. Burdick, son of Nelson, became a member of the firm, the title being W. W. Burdick & Co. Six or seven men are employed in the manufacture of carriages, etc.

H. K. Doolittle's carriage shop, located in the rear of 132 Main street, was built by the present proprietor in 1883. Mr. Doolittle came to this county from Saratoga County in 1857. He enlisted in Co. D, roth N. Y. H. A. Vols., and served one year.

Horton & Adzit's wagon shop, located at 16 Coffeen street, was built by M. Horton in 1874. The first firm was Horton & Dodge, which continued five years, after which Mr. Horton carried on the business alone until 1883. George Adzit then became a partner in the business, and the present firm was formed. Three men are employed.

The Gifford Manufacturing Company was incorporated November 20, 1888, with a capital stock of $20,000. The officers are H. S. Munson, president ; H. D. Waite, vice-president ; J. Gifford, superintendent ; and G. C. Martin, secretary and treasurer. The premises occupied for the business consist of 50*

786

CITY OF WATERTOWN.

a three-story building, 50 by 80 feet in dimensions, three stories high, which is supplied with a full equipment of modern and improved machinery and appli- ances, some of which have been especially designed and constructed for the needs of this establishment. The water-power of Black River has been util- ized to the extent of 50 horse-power capacity to operate the works, and em- ployment is given to from eight to 14 skilled mechanics. The company manufactures churns, shovels, forks, etc.

Watertown woolen-mill, George A. Lance, proprietor, commenced the manufacture of woolen yarns in March, 1882. The mill is located at 40, 42, and 44 Moulton street, gives employment to from six to eight persons, and uses about 40,000 pounds of wool annually.

Thomas D. Bradt, in 1868, commenced the tanning of furs and skins for rugs, etc. The business was small at its inception, but has gradually in- creased until he now tans several hundred skins annually. This industry is located at 41 Meadow street.

Watertown tile works, located at 9 Front street, were established in 1877. William Sampson, the present proprietor, manufactures about 1,000 dozens tiles every year, employing from three to five men.

Davis & Cook, in 1886, formed a copartnership for the manufacture of Cook's patent levels. Their factory is located at 13 High street, and they employ about 20 men and manufacture from 300 to 400 levels per day.

John J. Gormley's nickel plating works, at 26 Newell street, were started in 1885. Mr. Gormley was with the American Nickel Plating Company from 1868 to 1876. In 1878 he came to Watertown and was employed by the Eames Vacuum Brake Company for five years.

Waite Brothers (E. J. and W. A.) are proprietors of the old Mundy malt- house, at 110 Court street, which was built in 1875. The building was leased by the present proprietors in 1885, and they now manufacture here 40,000 bushels of malt annually. The same company also runs a malt-house at Adams, with a capacity of 100,000 bushels. E. J. Waite has charge of the Watertown house, and W. A. that at Adams.

Watertown Boat and Canoe Co., D. J. Freeman, proprietor, was estab- lished in January, 1887, and was purchased by the present proprietor in January, 1888. Mr. Freeman manufactures all kinds of pleasure boats from a 10-pound canoe to a steam yacht. The factory has recently been removed from High street to Factory street.

W. R. Baker Manufacturing Co .- These works were established about 1884 by W. R. Baker. In 1886 his son, Pitt J. Baker, became associated with him, the firm title being W. R. Baker & Son. In March, 1889, the company was reorganized and the W. R. Baker Manufacturing Co. formed. The company manufactures hardware specialties of every kind, at 26, 28, and 30 Newell street.

Watertown city marble works, located at 68 Court street, were estab- lished by George Van Vleck in 1872. Two workmen are employed.

787

CITY OF WATERTOWN.

James G. V'an Epps established a wood turning shop at 23 Mill street in 1887. He does all kinds of wood turning, making a specialty of stair and porch work.

H. F. Ferrin's marble shop, at 37 and 39 Court street, was established in 1840. Two or three workmen are employed.

Woodruff & Lewis's brick yard, located at 224 Main street, was established in 1888. About 50 men are employed, and 5,000,000 pressed and repressed brick are manufactured annually.

D. B. Smith commenced the manufacture of birch beer and soda in 1879. He is located at 13 Anthony street, and employs from three to four workmen. He manufactures a large variety of soft drinks.

City bottling works, at 108 Court street, were started in 1884 by J. F. Allen. Allen & Kepler, the present proprietors, do a business aggregating $15,000 annually.

Zimmerman & Hardiman's furniture factory, on Front street, was started in 1879. They occupy a building 40 by 80 feet in dimensions, and employ 25 workmen in the manufacture of all kinds of furniture.

J. G. & C. E. Emmerich's cigar factory is located at 66} Public Square. It was established in 1887 and produces about 75,000 cigars annually.

The Lupuline Bitters Manufacturing Co. was started in Rome, N. Y., in 1855. C. F. Greene, the present proprietor, located in Watertown in 1885, and in 1887 removed the business here. The leading medicine now being manufactured by this company is Greene's balsam, which is sold in all parts of the United States.

Watertown Lubricating Co., located at 29 Newell street, was organized January 1, 1890. The company is composed of John J. Stock and James W. Wood. Mr. Stock is the originator and patentee of the celebrated lubricating grease and oil manufactured by this company. Eight work- men are employed, and about 4,000 pounds of lubricants are manufactured daily.

MEDICAL.

The Farrington Medical Club of Watertown was organized in November, 1887, comprised of homeopathic physicians of Watertown and Brownville. Meetings are held on the second Wednesdays of each month, at which one member is appointed to read a paper, and that is discussed. Each member has the privilege of bringing a case before the club for advice and consulta- tion. In 1889 each member was required to report at each meeting three chemical verifications. The first officers were: President, S. C. Knicker- bocker ; vice-president, W. J. Laird ; secretary and treasurer, M. M. Adams. The officers for 1888-89 were: W. J. Laird, president ; G. S. Farmer, vice- president ; M. M. Adams, secretary and treasurer. Officers for 1889-90: G. S. Farmer, president ; G. A. Gifford, vice-president ; M. M. Adams, secretary and treasurer.

788

CITY OF WATERTOWN.

Simeon C. Knickerbocker, M. D., was, at the time of his death, the oldest practitioner, of the homeopathic school, in Jefferson County. He was born in Pavilion, Genesee County, in 1826. He received a good preparatory education, and in 1849 entered Union College, in Schenectady, and graduated with his class in 1852. He then became a teacher, and for four years had charge of the public schools at Sonth Amboy, N. J. In 1856 he became a medical student, having for his tutor and instructor. Dr. H. L. Eddy, of Geneva, N. Y., remaining in his office three years. He then entered the Geneva Medical College and continued his studies; subsequently attended the Cleveland Homeopathic Medical College, graduating in 1861. For a short time he was located in Oswego, and in August, 1861, became a resident of Watertown, where he was in successful practice until his death, which occurred February 10, 1890, aged 65 years. Dr. Knickerbocker was the leading spirit of his school of medicine in Jefferson County. He was one of the organizers of the Farrington CImb, and served as its first presi- dent. He was also elected the first president of the Jefferson County Homeopathic Medical Society, which was organized in 1888, and was also a member of the State Homeopathic Medi- cal Society. Dr. Knickerbocker was a member of the board of education for 12 years, during which time he served as chairman of the visiting committee. His son, Hubert De L., is a medical student of the Homeopathic Medical College of New York.

G. A. Gifford, M. D., is a native of the town of Watertown, where he was born in 1844. His parents, John and Deborah F. (Gotham) Gifford, were natives of Massachusetts and Water- town, respectively. His grandfather Gothan came from Vermont at an early day, and settled abont two miles from the present city of Watertown. He served in the War of 1812, with the rank of colonel. The father of Dr. Gifford was a farmer until his death in 1880. Onr snb- ject was educated in the district and city schools, and in 1862 became a student in the office of Dr. Knickerbocker. He entered the Cleveland (Ohio) Homeopathic Medical College, grad- nating in 1867. After a year's practice in Watertown he removed to Oneida County, where he resided and practiced about 15 years. Since 1882 Dr. Gifford has been an active practitioner in his native city, and is a member of the Homeopathic Medical Society of Jefferson County. He owns a farm of 200 acres in the town.

William T. Laird, M. D., was born in Floyd, Oneida County, in 1846, son to William O. and Sarah (Townsend) Laird. His preliminary education was continued, from the public schools, in Whitestown Seminary. In 1864 he entered Hamilton College, graduating with the class of 1868. Entering the office of Dr. M. M. Gardner, of Utica, he entered upon his med- ical studies, continuing them in the New York Homeopathic Medical College, from which he received a diploma in 1872. The same year he entered upon the practical duties of his chosen profession in Watertown. Dr. Laird was associated with Dr. Daggett a short period, and later, from Jannary, 1873, until June, 1880, in partnership with Dr. Knickerbocker. He then removed to Augusta, Me., and for two years practiced in that city. Returning to Watertown, he has located permanently and established a good practice. Dr. Laird is president of the Farrington Medical Club, a member of the American Institute of Homeopathists, permanent member of the New York State Homeopathic Society, and member of the Jefferson County Homeopathic Society.

G. S. Farmer, A. M., M. D., was born in Fowler, St. Lawrence County, in 1850, son to Francis and Louisa (Homer) Farmer, who were of English and German descent,. Dr. Farmer is a graduate of the St. Lawrence University, class of 1871. He commenced the study of medi- cine with Dr. M. M. Gardner, of Utica, and subsequently entered the New York Homeopathic Medical College, graduating therefrom in 1874. He commenced practice in Gonverneur, where he continued six years, when he removed to Watertown. Dr. Farmer is vice-president of the Farrington Medical Club, and a member of the County Homeopathic Medical Society. He is also vice-president of the Eureka Chemical Company, of Syracuse, and a director of the Singer Fire Alarm Company, of Buffalo.

Dr. Murray M. Adams graduated from the New York Homeopathic Medical College, April 16, 1885. He commenced practice in the dispensary of that institution, remaining nearly one year, then locating in St. Albans, Vt., and seven months later in Watertown, his native city, where he is now in successful practice. He is, by appointment of the trustees, attending phy- sician of the Orphans Home.

789

CITY OF WATERTOWN.

DENTISTS.

S. M. Robinson, senior member of the firm of Robinson & Armstrong, is the oldest dentist in point of practice in Jefferson County. He was born in Vermont in 1818, and was reared upon a farm. He had the advantage of a course of instruction at the Castleton (Vt.) Semi- nary and Medical College, at which latter place he attended a course of lectures on chemistry. In 1843 he began the study of dentistry in Buffalo, in the office of Dr. Reynolds, and in 1844 commenced practice in Livingston County. In 1846 he removed to Watertown, and since 1850 has practiced in the office now occupied by his firm, 21 Paddock arcade. Dr. Robinson is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, having been a member of the choir for 43 consecutive years, and only lately relinquishing the position. In February, 1890, he admitted as a partner Dr. De Lancy Armstrong, who was born in Brookfield, Mo., in 1869. Dr. Arm- strong is a graduate of Watertown High School. In 1887 he began the study of dentistry in the office of Dr. Robinson. He matriculated at the New York College of Dentistry in 1889, and attended a course of lectures at the medical department of the University of New York, and received the degree of D. D. S. in March, 1890.

John D. Huntington was born in Watertown in 1827, and is a son of William and Zina D. (Baker) Huntington. His grandfather, William Huntington, came from Tolland, Conn., in 1804, and settled in Jefferson County, and the hamlet of Huntingtonville was named in his honor. The Baker family also came from Connecticut and were among the earlier pioneers. John D. has had an eventful career. Early in life he learned the trade of wood engraver, in New York city, and the "art preservative " in Quincy, Ill. In 1848 he returned to Jefferson County and was a publisher for several years. He started the first daily paper in Watertown, and also published the Jefferson Farmer, at Sackets Harbor, in 1852-54. Returning to Water- town he made the first directory of the village, numbering the houses for that purpose. The issues of his directories embraced the years from 1854 to 1860, and contained a mapof his own engraving. In 1861 he began the study of dentistry in the office of Holbrook & Butler, subse- quently becoming a member of the firm and later succeeding to the business, which he has conducted in his present location since 1862. His son, J. Fred Huntington, a graduate of the Philadelphia Dental College, is associated with him, and he also employs two other assistants.

Edwin A. Holbrook was born in Madrid, St. Lawrence County, in 1817, a son of David and Minerva (Bartholomew) Holbrook. The Holbrook family is of English extraction and branches of it came to America in 1626. They first located in Massachusetts, and their descendants became pioneers of Connectient and New York. The Bartholomew family also settled in the New England states. The father of Edwin A. was a farmer of St. Lawrence County, and reared a family of seven sons and five daughters, of whom Edwin A. was the second son. His earlier years were occupied upon the farm, and his education was obtained by teaching, attending an academy in the meantime. He also attended the Clinton Liberal Institute, and graduated at the Potsdam Academy. He then began the study of medicine, but did not grad- nate on account of ill health. The following 13 years of his life were passed as a preacher int the Universalist Church, and in the practice of dentistry. He has continued to practice the latter profession since. Dr. Holbrook became a resident of Watertown in 1852. He is a fluent and eloquent speaker, and as an author has published several volumes of poetry of merit, the most noted being Life Thoughts and The Light of Prophesy, or the Religion of the Future. He has always been a prolific newspaper writer and correspondent, and contributes articles upon the leading questions of the day to several papers and magazines. He has four children: Arthur, a prominent dentist in Milwaukee, Wis .; William H., a commercial traveler: Charles E., a job printer, and a member of the Watertown common council; and David M., a practical chemist, now in New York.

Henry D. Payne is a native of the town of Lyme, where he was born in 1837. His parents were Samuel P. and Juliette (Ball) Payne, the former a native of Madison and the latter of Jefferson County. They were engaged in agricultural pursuits until their deaths, the father dying in 1883 and the mother in 1881. Henry D. learned the trade of a builder, and in 1862 enlisted in Co. A, 10th N. Y. Art., in which he served until the close of the war, being pro- moted from private to second lieutenant. After the war he resumed his trade until 1875, when he commenced the study of dentistry with Dr. J. D. Huntington. Since 1877 he has been in active practice. His son Winthrop B. is a student in his father's office.

790

CITY OF WATERTOWN.

Ernest E. Harrington is a native of Jefferson County, and a son of H. H. and Mary (Cooper) Harrington, who are also natives of the county and represent old families. His father is a farmer of the town of Watertown. Ernest E. graduated at the Pennsylvania Dental College of Dental Surgery, of Philadelphia, in 1881, and after one year's practice in the Quaker city came to Watertown, where he is recognized as an expert and reliable operator. His brother Miles C. graduated at the same college, class of '88, and is now associated with him at 2612 Public Square, the firm name being E. E. & M. C. Harrington.

Charles William lloward, D. D. S., is a native of Watertown and was born in 1863. He is a son of William Howard, a well known business man and merchant of Watertown. Charles W. was educated in the schools of his native city, and graduated at the High School in 1882. He began the study of his profession at Ann Arbor (Mich.) Dental College, where he continued nine months. He subsequently entered the New York College of Dentistry, graduating with the class of 1885, with first honorable mention for first prize. He immediately began his prac- tice at No. 10 Commercial arcade, in this city, and has secured a flattering and promising patronage.

Dr. F. P. Denney was born in this state in 1863. Dr. Denney became a student of den- tistry in 1884 in the office of Dr. L. E. Nearing & Son, Syracuse, and in 1885 entered the New York College of Dentistry, from which institution he graduated in 1887, and immediately com- menced his practice in Watertown. His office is at 22 Paddock arcade.

LAWYERS.

Augustus Goodale was born in Watertown in 1823, and is a son of Joseph and Agnes (Bush) Goodale, the former a native of New Hampshire, and the latter of Connecticut. Joseph Goodale was a merchant in the early days of Watertown; he died in this city in 1859, aged 80 years, and his wife in 1876, aged 93 years. Two children survive: Lawrence J., a well known lawyer and land agent, of Carthage, and Angustus. The latter was a student in the offices of Sterling & Bronson and Sterling & Goodale, and was admitted to practice in 1846. In 1849 he removed to New York, where he was engaged in various business enterprises until 1870, when he removed to the Sonth. In 1875 Mr. Goodale returned to Watertown, and has been engaged as a conveyancer and negotiator of landed securities. His office and home is No. 35 Conrt street.

John Lansing, son of Robert Lansing, was born at Watertown, November 18, 1832. He was educated in schools at Poughkeepsie and Watertown, studied law in the offices of George C. Sher- man and Alexander Wilson, and was admitted to the bar at the January Term, 1854, held at Utica. From 1855 to 1863 he was a member of the firm of Lansing & Sherman, his partner being George H. Sherman, now president of the National Bank and Loan Company. In 1860 Charles A. Sherman was admitted to the firm, and he and Mr. Lansing remained as partners under the same firm name until 1878, when the partnership was dissolved, and from that year until 1889 he practiced alone. He married the only daughter of Judge Edwin Dodge, of St. Lawrence County, in 1864, and has a son and two daughters living, the former now a partner of his father, the firm being known as Lansing & Lansing.

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 116

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